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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 UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said he is ready to play a leading role in ensuring democracy for the country. Mr. Premadasa, speaking during a protest rally organized by the UNP in Colombo last evening, said he was ready to sacrifice his life for democracy. We are ready to play a leading role in ensuring democracy and rule of law in this country. We will do that with the blessing of our party and the working committee of UNP, he said. Some ask me as to whom I am. I would like to state here that I am a person who stands for democracy and decency, he said and added, There is a smear campaign brought against me where false stories about me are sent to the media. Please dont get misled. Dont believe every story circulated through media about me. Only believe the statements I issue with my signature and picture, he said. Mr. Premadasa also challenged the newly appointed government to allow a vote to take place in Parliament to determine whether it has the majority or not. UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam requested the peoples support to take over and safeguard important state institutions if the need arises. UNP Spokesman and MP Harin Fernando again tendered an apology to those present for asking to them to vote for the incumbent President at the last presidential election. (Yohan Perera) Video by Damith By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced calls on Thursday from his coalition partners to hold an early election, a day after the defense minister's resignation left the government with a razor-thin majority. Avigdor Lieberman quit on Wednesday over what he described as the government's too-soft policy on cross-border violence with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. The loss of the five seats of Lieberman's Israel Beitenu faction leaves Netanyahu with control of just 61 of the 120 seats in parliament, raising the prospect that a scheduled November 2019 election would be brought forward. Lieberman's resignation takes effect 48 hours after being handed in, which he did early on Thursday. Each coalition partner will then have the power to bring down the government. To avert a crisis, Netanyahu has been holding talks with ministers in an effort to stabilize the government. Israel's Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who heads the centrist Kulanu party, said he told Netanyahu in their meeting that the responsible step to take would be to establish a new and stable government. "The best thing for Israel's citizens and economy is to hold an election as soon as possible," Kahlon said in a statement. His call was echoed by Interior Minister Aryeh Deri who heads the ultra-Orthodox Shas faction. Adding to the pressure, Israel's Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the far-right Jewish Home party, has demanded the defense brief by given to him. Both Lieberman and Bennett, who compete with Netanyahu's Likud for right-wing voters, have spoken in favor of harsh Israeli military action against Gaza's dominant Hamas Islamists. Israel has fought three wars in Gaza since Hamas took over the enclave in 2007. "I asked the prime minister yesterday to appoint me defense minister to fulfill one goal only - that Israel start winning again," Bennett said at a conference near Tel Aviv. Jewish Home said on Wednesday that without the defense brief, there would be no point in keeping the government together. However Bennett did not repeat this in his remarks on Thursday nor did he render an explicit ultimatum to Netanyahu, with whom he is due to meet on Friday. It was unclear whether Netanyahu would opt for an early election. Netanyahu is under investigation for corruption, and speculation has been rife that he may bring the ballot forward in order to win a renewed mandate before Israel's attorney-general decides whether to indict him. A poll published on Wednesday by Israel's Hadashot television news showed Likud falling by one seat from 30 to 29 after months of surveys that have shown it gaining power. Only 17 percent of respondents were happy with Netanyahu's Gaza policy. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell, Editing by William Maclean) Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria's Court of Appeal on Friday cut the sentences of two former state governors found guilty of multi-million-dollar corruption -- the highest-profile convictions to date in President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-graft campaign. Jolly Nyame, a church pastor described by the judge at his trial as "the most audacious chief executive Nigeria ever had", saw his prison time cut from 14 years to 12. Joshua Dariye, who was accused of "systematic looting and stealing" of state funds, had his sentence reduced from 14 years to 10. Both were among 15 former governors who left office in 2007 and were questioned at the end of their terms by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission anti-corruption agency. Nyame was found guilty of having looted some 1.64 billion naira -- the equivalent at the time of $12.2 million -- during his eight-year tenure as governor of Taraba state. Dariye, who was governor of Plateau state, diverted more than 1.1 billion naira (more than $8.5 million at the time) from the state treasury. Judge Emmanuel Agim, who headed a three-member panel reviewing their cases, said the maximum sentence should not have been imposed on Nyame because he was a first-time offender. But while reducing his sentence, he also imposed a 100-million-naira fine which he said should have been handed down originally. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," state media reported Friday, in an apparent bid to apply pressure on the United States and South Korea. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the U.S. A string of such tests last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. The North hasn't publicly tested any weapons since November 2017, but in recent days Pyongyang reportedly expressed anger at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Diplomacy has stalled since a summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in June, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including U.S. military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Story continues Even if the test was a message for Washington and Seoul, Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test won't completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearization. Asked about the test, the U.S. State Department said that American and North Korean officials are talking about implementing the commitments that Trump and Kim made during their June meeting in Singapore. Eugene Lee, spokeswoman of South Korea's Unification Ministry, declined to comment on Kim's inspection of the weapons test. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done," he said. Pence stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim Jong Un since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. He was described as "so excited to say that another great work was done by the defense scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defense capability of the country." Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. Trump and Kim are both interested in another summit, but it's unclear when it might happen. Pence has said the next meeting would allow the two leaders to put what they discussed in their last summit on paper. __ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, Annabelle Liang in Singapore and Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed to this report. Cannock (United Kingdom) (AFP) - "There is no good Brexit!" insists Greg McDonald, chief executive of Goodfish Group, a UK-based company making plastic components for the country's key car sector. The small company, nestled in the Midlands not far from Birmingham, the UK's second largest city, sells one third of its products to mainland Europe, with weekly shipments to Poland and one every ten days to the Czech Republic. In addition, most of what the group sells in the UK ends up being shipped overseas. To help Brexit-proof the business -- and the whole auto industry is worried about potential disruption at ports -- Goodfish is looking at possibly setting up production facilities in central or eastern Europe. "It's our way of combatting potential loss of business and also (ensuring) future growth," McDonald, 56, told AFP. "If you're a business owner and all your investment and all your wealth is tied up in your business, which is mostly the case (here), you don't wait to be told by the politicians what the final outcome is. "You make plans to address the situation as you see it," said McDonald, who has lived in France, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. - Auto industry Brexit fears - Goodfish is not alone among car-sector companies shaking up manufacturing processes because of fears Brexit will ultimately make trade harder. Industry body, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has blamed Brexit uncertainty for plunging UK investment, warning about the harmful impact of new, post-Brexit customs controls. The Midlands is home to 40 percent of the UK's 186,000 auto sector workers, including Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) which has already taken the plunge into Europe. JLR recently opened a 1.4-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) factory in Nitra, western Slovakia, its first in continental Europe ahead of Britain's planned EU departure on March 29. UK companies' manufacturing processes are complicated by the need to import raw materials, which have become more expensive owing to a sliding pound -- caused in turn by Brexit jitters. Story continues "Of course we're suffering from weak sterling because of the fears of Brexit," McDonald said. UK manufacturers who have survived previous difficult financial cycles "are the exporters", McDonald pointed out. A young company with 125 staff, Goodfish was founded in 2010 and has annual turnover of more than 10 million pounds ($12.8 million, 11.3 million euros). How it builds on its success is likely to depend largely on the final terms of the UK's post-Brexit trade agreements. The draft document agreed with Brussels this week states that during a transition period ending on December 31, 2020, EU law will apply to give businesses time to prepare for new ties. This means the UK will continue to participate in the EU Customs Union and the Single Market. It allows Britain continued market access to the remaining 27 EU countries but it must respect the rules on free movement of goods, capital, services and labour without having any say in EU decision-making. "Of course a customs union gets around most of the problems but having to follow the rules of the EU without actually having any say on what these rules are -- that's definitely a worse position" than now, lamented McDonald. Seoul (AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon", Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, a move seen by analysts as more of a political message than a serious provocation. It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, quoting an unidentified government source, said the weapon could be a long-range cannon that the North has been developing for many years. "Kim Jong Un... visited the test ground of the Academy of Defence Science and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test," said the official Korean Central News Agency. It said the test was successful but did not specify the type of device involved. Pyongyang's suspension of testing for atomic weapons and ballistic missiles has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korea-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met at a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Hours after the KCNA report, the US State Department said it was "confident" the process remained on track. "At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and Chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearisation and creating a brighter future for North Korea," a statement said. "We are talking with the North Koreans about implementing all of those commitments. We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled." Progress since Singapore has stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the document's meaning. A return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. Story continues But analysts all but ruled out the North having broken its promise to suspend nuclear or missile launches while negotiations are underway with the US. There was no immediate indication any such test had been detected by the South. "We don't see it as a military provocation of any significance", a defence ministry official told journalists without saying what the device was. - 'Political message' - Shin Beom-chul, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, said the test was likely aimed at sending "a political message" to Washington about the current stalemate. "Generally, tests of new high-tech weapons are conducted in secret," Shin said. "But North Korea announced it publicly to show its frustration." KCNA released only one photograph to accompany its report, showing uniformed men taking notes as Kim talked. The background gave few clues to what kind of weapon was involved. Kim expressed "great satisfaction" and said the test marked a "decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity" of the North's military, KCNA said. The weapon had been developed over a long period and its "great success serves as another striking demonstration of the validity of the Party policy of prioritising defence science and technology and the rapidly developing defence capability", it added. The news, which came almost a year after Pyongyang's last test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, recalled the repeated announcements of 2017. Those included by far North Korea's most powerful nuclear blast to date and rockets that brought the whole of the US mainland into range. Soon afterwards Kim declared the development of his nuclear arsenal -- which Pyongyang has long said it needs to defend itself against a possible invasion by the US -- complete. The Winter Olympics in the South then triggered a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the peninsula, heralding the Singapore meeting and three summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A second encounter between Kim and Trump is expected in the new year. But Pyongyang is demanding sanctions imposed against it over its weapons programmes are eased and has condemned US demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". Washington insists the measures should stay in place until the North's "final, fully verified" denuclearisation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul told AFP the test was "a signal to the US sent ahead of the high-level talks that its own patience is also wearing thin". The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/GettyThe lone suspect in the SUV attack that killed at least five and injured dozens more at a quaint holiday parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday has been identified as a 39-year-old sex offender who recently posted bail on reckless-endangerment charges.Darrell Brooks is set to be charged with five counts of intentional homicide in connection with the Sunday evening incident involving a red Ford Escape that plowed through barricades and into the crowd, By Jonathan Barrett PORT MORESBY (Reuters) - The governor of Papua New Guinea's Manus Island said on Friday he had not been consulted on a navy base to be built with Australian help, hinting he could obstruct the port which is seen as an Australian bid to protect its Pacific interests. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Nov. 1 Australia would fund development of the base on Manus island, shortly after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water site. Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, has for decades enjoyed largely unrivalled influence in the Pacific until China recently turned its attention to the region. Manus provincial governor Charlie Benjamin told Reuters the development had to benefit Manus residents but he had not been consulted about the plan. "I have my people living on the island and we are the ones affected," Benjamin said. "The government might have the right but if we decide to put our foot down, there will be problems." Communities in sprawling, resources-rich PNG have at times opposed decisions made by the central government. Benjamin, a member of PNG's parliament, has previously sparred with the central government over detention center facilities used on the island as part of Australia's controversial "offshore detention" policy. Manus Island is PNG's smallest province with a population of about 50,000 people. Neither Australian nor PNG have released details of the agreement. Australian and PNG government spokesman were not immediately available for comment on Friday. Morrison has said the agreement to build the base was not a response to China's growing influence in the region, but was part of a longstanding relationship with PNG. PNG's navy is made up largely of patrol boats, mostly donated by Australia, and landing craft. Australia's navy would make visits to the new base, Morrison said. (Reporting by Jonathan Barrett; Editing by Robert Birsel) SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence pressed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi "multiple times" on Wednesday to pardon two Reuters journalists jailed in her country, a senior White House official said. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in Yangon in December 2017. They were found guilty in September of breaching the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison. Pence met Suu Kyi on the sidelines of an Asia summit in Singapore. "He raised the case of two Reuters journalists in particular and raised the request that a pardon could be made," a senior White House official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "They had a very candid exchange of views on that." The White House official said Pence urged Suu Kyi directly to pardon the Reuters journalists "multiple times." The official declined to comment on Suu Kyi's response in the closed-door meeting. Lawyers for the two Reuters reporters have lodged an appeal against their conviction. At the time of their arrest in December, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim villagers during an army crackdown in Rakhine state. (Reporting by John Geddie; writing by Jack Kim; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Noel Randewich SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - PG&E Corp shares soared 37 percent in after-hours trade on Thursday after a report that a California regulatory official told investors that the agency does not want the utility to go into bankruptcy. Bloomberg reported the comment by a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) official on a call hosted by Bank of America Corp , citing a person familiar with the matter. A CPUC spokesman said he could not confirm the remarks and Bank of America declined to comment. PG&E said it would not speculate on stock market moves. Shares sank 31 percent on Thursday, only to then rise in after-hours trading, as investors speculated over the impact of this month's deadly wildfire in northern California on the utility's finances. PG&E warned this week that it could face liability that exceeds its insurance coverage if its equipment caused the Camp Fire that a week ago destroyed the town of Paradise, sending investors scrambling to ascertain the financial cost. PG&E currently has no plans to file for bankruptcy, people close to the company said on Thursday. The wild trading swings on Thursday illustrate the uncertainty investors face in valuing PG&E's stock. The company's market value dropped to a low of $9.2 billion on Thursday from $26 billion just last week. Citigroup Inc analysts on Wednesday estimated the company's potential exposure from the blaze could exceed $15 billion. The Camp Fire, and a second in Southern California, the Woolsey Fire, are still burning, with 56 people confirmed dead and nearly 300 still missing. The fires destroyed nearly 9,000 homes and threatened 15,500 buildings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The causes of the fires, the deadliest in California's history, are still under investigation. Pacific Gas and Electric Co, PG&E's subsidiary, and Edison International's Southern California Edison have both told regulators they experienced equipment problems in areas around the times the fires were first reported. Story continues GRAPHIC - PG&E stock slides on fire fear - https://tmsnrt.rs/2QJvpWH TAPPING CREDIT LINES In a bid to shore up its finances, PG&E said this week it borrowed more than $3 billion under credit lines available to it and Pacific Gas and Electric Co, the maximum available from those sources. Distressed companies often tap their credit lines to boost cash as they work through their financial troubles. Citigroup analysts said PG&E may use the money to pay near-term maturities and in case credit ratings agencies downgrade the utility. "As the company's cash position diminishes, the risk of bankruptcy could increase unless politicians intervene," Mizuho analyst Paul Fremont wrote in a note to clients on Thursday. "For now, we look for signs of additional legislative and regulatory support for PG&E as the company works through the various legal processes with the Cal Fire." Trading in PG&E bonds was mixed after they fell broadly a day earlier. Yields on its nearest maturities remained very elevated, however, and its October 2020 $800 million note <694308GT8=> shot above a 10 percent yield at one point, the first of PG&Es bonds to pierce that threshold. To keep PG&E from going bankrupt, California policymakers will face pressure to extend assistance provided in a bill approved last September allowing utilities to pass on to customers some of the costs related to wildfires, according to Moody's. The bill mitigates liability from fires in 2017 and others starting in 2019, but made no provision for fires this year. (Reporting by Noel Randewich; additional reporting by Dan Burns and Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) The Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera today requested President Maithripala Sirisena to convene Parliament and find a solution to end the current political instability in the country. In a letter, the Thera said he hoped that the President and the Parliament would be able to come up with solutions which are constitutional and ethical. Immediate measures need to be taken to prevent the further collapse of the country, the prelate said in the letter. (Nadeeka Daya Bandara) Police have unveiled their new weapon a speed camera that can film a car 1,000 metres away and is dubbed The Long Ranger. Traffic cops in Gloucester are testing out the kit to tackle motoring offences, such as speeding and drivers using phones. The new camera can produce clear video footage and still photographs of the drivers and other people inside a vehicle. By the time a driver notices the camera, it will have already seen them behind the wheel, spot what they are doing and how fast they are travelling. Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said he hoped that it would catch people using their mobile phones. The project is being used on local roads such as well as the M4 and M5. Watch out: The long-ranger camera (SWNS) Officers said the main aim was to educate people about how to drive more safely, to prevent accidents that can kill or seriously injure people. The operation was launched in a lay-by on the A417 known as Grannys Pumps. It is between Cirencester and the outskirts of both Cheltenham and Gloucester. If the pilot is successful, it could be rolled-out to any road in the county. Mr Surl said: This is one of the countys busiest roads which also has one of the worst accident records due to the way its used. Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road. We now have a chance to test a new model of collaborative road policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere. The camera is being trialled on the M5 (PA) The aim is not just to penalise motorists but to uphold the law by creating a change in peoples behaviour. But the police will enforce the law when necessary. However, concerns have been raised by privacy groups. Police shouldnt be filming innocent people inside their cars, without their knowledge, unless theyre suspected of a crime or driving dangerously, a spokesperson told the Sun. A court filing accidentally revealed that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been hit with criminal charges. The filing is unrelated to Assange; documents in a case pertaining to sex crimes charges against someone named Seitu Sulayman Kokayi were recently unsealed and appeared to accidentally mention Assange. Due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged, wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in the Eastern District of Virginia, said in a statement that the filing was made erroneously. That was not the intended name for this filing, he told The Washington Post. The error seems like prosecutors pasted text into the wrong document and then filed it, the New York Times reported. SCOOP: US Department of Justice "accidentally" reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia. https://t.co/wrjlAbXk5Z pic.twitter.com/4UlB0c1SAX WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) November 16, 2018 The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday that the Justice Department was planning to prosecute Assange, who has been living in the Ecuadorean embassy in London since 2012. The aim to arrest and charge Assange has been on the Justice Department agenda for years but was again raised in April 2017 by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, after WikiLeaks was believed to have played a role in releasing emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta during the 2016 presidential campaign, beginning with a batch taken from the partys servers that was dumped online shortly before its national convention in July 2016. Years prior, WikiLeaks also worked with Chelsea Manning to leak classified documents on Americas military and diplomacy. Story continues I have no idea if he has actually been charged or for what, but the notion that the federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set, said Barry J. Pollack, one of Assanges attorneys, in reaction to the news. Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, also argued that prosecution would be unprecedented and unconstitutional, and would open the door to criminal investigations of other news organizations. Moreover, prosecuting a foreign publisher for violating U.S. secrecy laws would set an especially dangerous precedent for U.S. journalists, who routinely violate foreign secrecy laws to deliver information vital to the publics interest. Related... Giulianis New Stance On Russian Collusion: So What? Its Not Illegal. Justice Department Preparing To Prosecute WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange: WSJ Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Prime Minister Theresa May (PA) Much like the Government itself, Britons cant decide what we need to do next where Brexits concerned. According to the latest YouGov poll on the topic, the most popular option is to stop Brexit and remain in the EU after all but this only won 28 per cent of the vote. Other ideas included rejecting the draft deal and leaving the EU without any deal (19 per cent), and accepting the deal and going ahead with Brexit on those terms (16 per cent). Divided: The results of the latest YouGov poll on Brexit (YouGov) Opinion was similarly divided in all other areas, too. The majority (45 per cent) of Brits think the Brexit deal fails to respect the referendum result, while 28 per cent think otherwise. The issue of a second in/out referendum also divided opinion, with Brits split 56 per cent to 44 per cent in favour of a fresh vote. MORE: Brexit politicians lied to the British people, Frances finance minister claims MORE: Carer caught on camera stealing money out of elderly dementia patients purse And while Theresa May has faced a massive amount of criticism of late, most people (46 per cent) believe that a change in Conservative leadership is unlikely to result in a better deal on Brexit; in fact, just 27 per cent think another Tory could do a better job. 47 per cent of Britons do think that Mrs May should step down as both PM and party leader, however, compared to the 33 per cent who would like her to stay. Research from Survation found that, while a majority (49 per cent) opposed a draft agreement and 50 per cent wanted the PM to resign, theres a distinct shortage of possible replacements. Although 50% of those polled said Theresa May should resign, Theresa May is still preferred as Prime Minster to Boris Johnson pic.twitter.com/8WaemUJSbl Survation. (@Survation) November 16, 2018 Indeed, it seemed to to be a case of better the devil you know when the alternatives were considered. Given the choice between Mrs May and Boris Johnson, the PM polled 46 per cent of the vote against the former Foreign Secretarys 34 per cent. And when the PM went head-to-head with Jacob Rees-Mogg she again came out on top, this time by 43 per cent to 31 per cent. If raccoons could talk, some headline-making animals in West Virginia may be slurring their words. After receiving reports of rabid raccoons in the area, the Milton, West Virginia Police Department apprehended some of the culprits. But, according to the Departments Facebook post, its not rabies that made these animals stumble. We have had calls on suspected rabid raccoons twice over the last two days, the Milton Police Department Facebook post reads. Turns out they appear to be drunk on crabapples. Yes, thats right the raccoons were drunk, not rabid. Some folks on the internet may not be shocked by this revelation of animal alcohol consumption after all, there are a number of YouTube videos documenting the phenomenon. There is also extensive research about how it plays out in the animal kingdom. Despite the police departments near-certain explanation for the raccoons behavior, some animals exhibiting similar symptoms could be sick. If you see a staggering and disoriented raccoon please do not approach it, the Facebook post says. So, if you stumble upon a raccoon who seems to have had one too many vodka sodas, you should probably still call the police. Rebel Wilson (Credit: Yui Mok/PA) Rebel Wilson has lost an appeal to keep the majority of a massive payout in a defamation lawsuit against magazine publisher Bauer Media. The Bridesmaids star sued the companys title Womans Day in 2015 over articles which suggested she had lied about her age, her real name and her upbringing. She was awarded a massive 2.6 million payout, after claiming that the articles cost her movie roles, and also claimed a further 4 million in damages. It was a record sum for a defamation case in the Australian courts, but in June this year, an appeal court ruling in favour of Bauer reduced the sum by 90 percent. The appeal claimed that the amount of money lost by Wilson was not provable, and that Wilson would have to pay back 2.3 million and 80 percent of the publishing companys legal costs. Wilson then appealed against the reduction in her payout, but the court today refused her application. (Credit: EFE) In our opinion there are insufficient prospects that an appeal will succeed, said Justice Virginia Bell at the court in Canberra. Speaking to reporters, Wilson said: This has been a long fight and a long journey in the courts, but the great thing about today is that it brings it to a definitive end. The whole reason for bringing this case is that I wanted to stand up to a bully, which is Bauer Media. Today was just about a small point of special damages and for me it was never about the money, it was about standing up to a bully and Ive done that. Read more Taron Egerton not in next Kingsman film Idris Elba doll looks nothing like Idris Elba Armie Hammer criticised over Stan Lee tweet The global supply of oil might be about to shrink, and prices rise. Saudi Arabias Energy Minister announced on Nov. 11 the kingdom would cut its oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in December. In the same month, the 15 nations that make up OPEC will likely confirm a coordinated move to push prices higher. Add the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Irans oil exports that came into force on Nov. 5, lower production in crisis-plagued Venezuela and the risk that unrest may lower production in places like Libya and Nigeria, and oil could be set for a rebound. Or maybe not. Before we prepare for a significant price surge, lets remember the reasons why oil prices have been sliding in recent weeks. Projections for oil demand are being revised downward for 2019, as the still escalating U.S.-China trade war raises fears of a sharp slowdown in economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region. And the Trump Administration has made it clear that high oil prices that push up gas prices for ordinary Americans are unwelcome. Thats why the White House has exempted several countries from sanctions to allow them to continue to buy Iranian oil for at least another 180 days, easing the pressure on supply. But the Saudi cuts are less about the future of global oil markets than about current anxieties among the Saudi royals. In particular, the cuts reveal the kingdoms fears that the Saudi murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate will continue to poison attitudes of foreign investors toward the kingdom and its leadership. As more information emerges about what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew about the killing, so too does the risk to funding for the Vision 2030 economic reform and diversification plan that is crucial for Saudi modernization. Less investment heightens the need for more oil revenue. The Saudis can influence global oil prices by slowing production. If only it were so easy for the crown prince to repair the damage to his image. Yet there are steps he can take to present himself to the international community as a more responsible actor. He can make clear that he remains committed to the modernization of Saudi society, particularly by creating new opportunities for Saudi women within the kingdoms economy. He can pursue a cease-fire in the war in Yemen, or otherwise move to end the humanitarian crisis there. He can ease the political and economic blockade of Qatar, which he instigated 17 months ago to punish the emirate for its close ties with Iran and the negative media coverage from the Qatar-supported media network al-Jazeera. He can repair and improve relations with Turkey, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has piled pressure on the crown prince over Khashoggis death. He can quiet his aggressive criticism of Iran. Until now, the Saudis may have believed that building solid ties with President Donald Trump after years of frosty relations with his predecessor would allow the young Saudi crown prince to pursue an aggressive foreign policy in harmony with his aggressive bid to become king. The Khashoggi murder and the disastrously inept attempt to cover it up have changed all that. This latest move to cut oil production announces Saudi recognition of Saudi vulnerability. Its a welcome development for the stability of the Middle East, a region shaped by rivalry between Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey. Anything that makes the next Saudi king a bit less aggressive and a lot more circumspect should be considered good news. Le Grand K is sealed under bell jars in a vault near Paris (BIPM) The definition of a kilogram is set to change but this doesnt mean well all be losing weight. Currently, a kilo is defined by the weight of Le Grand K, a mix of 90 per cent platinum and 10 per cent iridium hailed as the perfect kilogram since the late 1800s. Since then, the ingot which is sealed under bell jars in a vault in Sevres, near Paris has deteriorated, causing its weight to change. And today, the international General Conference on Weights and Measures is meeting in Versailles to vote on whether the kilogram will be redefined. Its expected that the vote will be unanimous, and that a scientific formulation will instead be used to define the exact mass of the kilo. Martin Milton, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) director, said: This, if you like, is a moment of celebration because its like the last standard remaining from 1875 that will finally be replaced by new innovation. Everything else has been recycled and replaced and improved. This is the last improvement that dates back to the original conception in 1875. So thats a tribute to what was done in 1875, that its lasted this long. MORE: Police unveil UKs biggest speed camera which can spot drivers from 1,000 metres away MORE: More than 600 missing as wildfire ravages California in worst blaze in state history The metal kilo is set to be replaced by a definition based on Plancks constant, one of the most celebrated equations in physics. This would mean enable scientists to accurately calculate an exact kilo without having to measure replica kilograms against Le Grand K. This is good news for many areas of science where precise measurements are required, according to Milton: The system will be intrinsically correct by reference to the laws of science, the laws of nature. We wont have to depend on just assuming that one particular object never changes. New York (AFP) - Around 100 people on Wednesday protested against Amazon's impending arrival in New York's borough of Queens, condemning $3 billion in tax breaks and incentives, and worried ordinary families will be pushed out by gentrification. The online retail giant announced on Tuesday that it had selected Long Island City and Crystal City, just outside Washington, for two new headquarters that will each hire 25,000 people. While New York's Democratic state governor and mayor are delighted, critics fear it will accelerate gentrification in a city where affordable housing is increasingly rare and have questioned the size of the tax breaks offered to a company headed by the richest man in the world, Jeff Bezos. According to New York officials the combined incentives offered for the Queens site total nearly $3 billion, including both direct grants and tax breaks and commitments to improvements related to the project. In Virginia, the package reaches some $2.5 billion according to The Wall Street Journal. "I am steaming mad," elected Democrat councilor Jimmy Van Bramer told the rally near the prospective Amazon site on the East River overlooking Manhattan. "We at the city council are going to be looking at every aspect of this," he said. "We are going to see how we can reengage in a process that we were deliberately excluded from." New York state senator Mike Gianaris also complained about "secrecy" behind the deal, vowed that opponents would "go to court if we have to" to renegotiate the agreement and demanded a consumer boycott of Amazon. Angela Tamura, a 47-year-old freelance artist who lives in nearby Jackson Heights, said she was "very scared" that Queens will no longer be "affordable" but was skeptical about demands for a boycott. "They have worked themselves into our lives so deeply it's very hard to let go of Amazon," she said. Shawn Dixon, 35, who works at a nearby barber shop, demanded that the city and the governor change the terms of the agreement with Amazon and protect small businesses to stop them being pushed out by rising rents. "I don't know what can happen but that's why we are here today, to properly put pressure on him (Governor Andrew Cuomo) to change it," Dixon said. A student allegedly called police after becoming concerned about Farsi written on the board in a Beginners Persian I class. (Photo: Nikki Kahn/Washington Post via Getty Images) A student attending the George Washington University allegedly became alarmed when he walked into a classroom and saw Farsi, the Persian language, written on the board, so he alerted authorities, however, the universitys spokeswoman says that the police were alerted due to a scheduling conflict. According to the student newspaper, the GW Hatchet, the George Washington University police department allegedly escorted the professor of the Beginners Persian I, Maziar Valamotamed, out of the classroom last week and refused to allow the professor, a lecturer in the Persian language and culture program, to explain the situation. According to Lindsay Hamilton, the universitys spokeswoman, no one was escorted off the premises. Students are demanding an apology from the university following the police being alerted to the classroom. According to 15 students in Valamotameds class, the student who called the police was not taking the course and he alleged that he reserved the Oliver Reading Room in the school library at 4:30 p.m. Beginners Persian I is taught in that room, three times a week, until 4:35 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on the day. According to a sophomore in the class, Nikki Vafai, Valamotamed told the student to report the scheduling mixup to the academic scheduling office. The universitys classroom reservation and rental policies state class bookings take precedence over student bookings. It was such an easy miscommunication that could have been settled right off the bat with this kid, freshman Parisa Akbarpour, a student in the class told the GW Hatchet. Instead, the student left the room and returned with multiple George Washington University police department officers and two women from academic scheduling. Students say that Valamotamed was treated rudely, as if there was some kind of criminal activity going on, and the professor was escorted out by the officers, according to the GW Hatchet. The 15 students sent a letter to four top administrators describing the incident, which they said they believed had discriminatory undertones, and alleged the student called the police when he saw the Persian writing on the board. Story continues I definitely think theres some racial undertones, freshman Daniel Turner, also a member of the Beginners Persian I class, told the GW Hatchet. Even if thats not the primary reason it happened, I think some of the disrespect came from that for sure. Lindsay Hamilton told Yahoo Lifestyle in a statement, GWPD officers responded to a call regarding a classroom scheduling conflict. Ultimately, no one was removed from the room. The university has investigated the incident and is taking steps to prevent a similar issue in the future. Valamotamed did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyles requests for comment. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: New Delhi, (Hindustan Times), 15 November 2018 - The Congress on Thursday stepped up its attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Rafale, accusing him of enhancing the benchmark price for the 36 fighter aircraft by Euro 3 billion (Rs 22,743 crore) and waiving off the sovereign guarantee requirement in the deal. Why did the Prime Minister set a higher benchmark price of Euro 8.2 Billion (Rs 62,166 crore) from Euro 5.2 billion (Rs 39,422 crore)? Why did he waive the sovereign guarantee requirement, asked Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala at a news conference in Delhi. The main opposition party also accused the Prime Minister of compromising national interest on the issue with Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the Rafale cupboard is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. BUT, our PM says theres a letter from the French promising to be faithful. Thats enough to call this a Government to Government deal? he asked on Twitter. Sam Clovis, left, and acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Win McNamee/Getty Images, AP) An obscure conservative podcast recorded by a former Trump administration official last Sunday provided a unique window into acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker and the reasons some have found his appointment alarming. Broadcasting from Hinton, Iowa, a small town in what he called the reddest part of the state, Sam Clovis talked about his very good friend Whitaker. I know Matt very well, I know him well enough that weve chatted on the phone a lot. Weve texted back and forth, Clovis said. In between commercials for superior bull semen and the whistle of a passing train, Clovis said Whitaker has now been given sole responsibility for special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russias role in the 2016 presidential race. Clovis predicted Whitaker would do what is right with respect to the Mueller probe. He has my 100 percent support and I know he will follow the evidence where it goes, but he will also not let these things get out of out of control get outside of the confines of what was intended in the special investigators position here. So, again, I trust Matt Whitaker to do what hes supposed to do, Clovis said. His comments offered an especially dramatic distillation of Democrats worst fears in the wake of Whitakers appointment, which stem from his background, ties to Clovis, and potential plans for Mueller. President Trump has repeatedly called the Mueller probe a witch hunt. He also raged at Jeff Sessions, who stepped down from his position as attorney general earlier this month, for choosing to recuse himself from the investigation and any other matters related to the 2016 presidential campaigns. That decision came from the fact Sessions had an active role on Trumps campaign. The Mueller investigation is looking into whether Trumps campaign team colluded with Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. Sessionss recusal would have prevented him from shutting down or limiting the probe. Story continues Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens as Sam Clovis speaks at a press conference in Dubuque, Iowa. Aug. 25, 2015. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) Clovis, who went from being a top campaign aide to holding a position in the Trump administration, offered his own thoughts on Sessions and hinted at what his idea of doing what is right with the Russia probe would be during his radio show last Sunday. While Clovis said he had a great relationship with Sessions through the transition, he described the former attorney generals recusal as a mistake that angered Trump and messed up everything. I dont know what was in his head when he decided to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, which knocked everything into a cocked hat and left a very bad taste in the mouth of the president, Clovis said of Sessions, adding, He probably could have held up and stood up to the whole thing as best as anyone could. Along with saying he would prefer an attorney general to stand up to the Russia probe, Clovis dismissed the idea of investigations into Trump in general. He predicted the Democrats would probe the president now that they have taken the House and said these efforts amount to a politically motivated and resentment-fueled attack on the president of the United States. I just dont think they can help themselves, Clovis said of the Democrats. They hate this president so much and they hate the people who support this president so much. And by the way, folks, thats you. They hate you. Clovis, who also boasted of his closeness to the president on the broadcast, did not respond to requests to comment on this story. His ties to Whitaker have raised eyebrows in the wake of the acting attorney generals appointment because Muellers prosecutors have taken an interest in Clovis. In October 2017, Clovis was called by Muellers team to testify before the investigating grand jury because of his work on Trumps campaign. During the 2016 presidential race, Clovis supervised a Trump campaign staffer named George Papadopoulos. Emails obtained by the special counsel show Clovis encouraged Papadopouloss interactions with Russian officials, including efforts to arrange a meeting for them with Trump. Sam Clovis arrives at the Capitol to appear before a closed meeting of the House Intelligence Committee, Dec. 12, 2017. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images) Last year, Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his dealings with the Russians. Clovis, who was a co-chairman and policy adviser on the campaign, began working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture after Trumps election. Trump tapped Clovis to be the departments top scientist, but he withdrew his nomination a month after testifying before the grand jury amid controversy over the attention he drew from Muellers team. Clovis eventually left the USDA in May of this year. Cloviss comments echoed statements Whitaker made before being appointed, indicating he would impose limits on Mueller. Those remarks have been seized on by Whitakers critics as a key reason to oppose his leadership of the Department of Justice. In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday, California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein recounted the comments as she suggested Whitaker would try to unfairly thwart the Mueller probe. Mr. Whitaker has been openly hostile to the Mueller investigation. He has said this is a quote that the investigation is going too far and should be limited. He also suggested that President Trump replace Attorney General Sessions with someone who reduces [Muellers] budget to so low that his investigation grinds to almost a halt, said Feinstein. Cloviss expression of support for Whitaker touched on all of the issues surrounding the acting attorney general that have sparked controversy. Democrats have raised concerns that Whitaker poses a threat to Mueller, and has a conflict of interest in the Russia probe due to his friendship with Clovis. They have also expressed fears about Whitakers history as a political attack dog stemming from his time in Iowa. One Democratic congressional aide described indications Whitaker would curb Mueller and his links to Clovis as ironclad reasons he should not be allowed to oversee the Russia probe. The issue of recusal is open and shut, the aide argued. Justice Department conflict of interest rules are designed to ensure impartiality and avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. In addition to openly hostile statements about the Mueller investigation, Whitakers close ties to Sam Clovis a Trump campaign co-chair with an interest in the outcome of the Mueller investigation are disqualifying, the aide said. A Democratic Senate staffer described the prospect of Whitaker running the Justice Department as alarming. I think theres no question that his background demands greater scrutiny, the staffer said. The Iowa Democratic Party has also been pushing for Whitaker to recuse himself from the Mueller probe, as Sessions did. Acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. (Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) Due to his conflicts of interest and ethical failures, acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker needs to recuse himself from supervising Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation, the party said in a statement released on Thursday. The partys statement said Whitakers relationship with Clovis is where serious questions come in to play about his credibility. Both Whitaker and the Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on this story. On the podcast last Sunday, along with his optimism Whitaker would keep the Russia probe from getting out of control, Clovis offered some far more personal praise for the acting attorney general. He is not a shy, retiring violet I will tell you that, Clovis said of Whitaker. Hes big. Hes bigger than life. He is a real stud of a man out there. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump Friday agreed on the need to prevent any cover-up of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a Turkish presidential source said after a phone call between the two leaders. Turkish media claimed Ankara has more evidence, including a second audio tape discrediting Saudi Arabia's version of Khashoggi's killing. Erdogan and Trump "agreed to shed light on the Jamal Khashoggi murder in all its aspects and that any cover-up of the incident should not be allowed," the presidential source said. The phone call came a day after Saudi prosecutors announced charges of ordering and carrying out the murder against five men and said they would be recommending the death penalty. The US placed sanctions on 17 suspected of involvement. The prosecutors also exonerated the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of directing the killing. - Symbolic funeral- Khashoggi's son Salah on Friday received dozens of mourners including Saudi officials and businessmen in the coastal city of Jeddah, an AFP photographer saw, while state media said funeral prayers were offered in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Last month, Salah traveled to Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, where he told CNN that he wanted to bury his father in Medina with the rest of his family. Dozens of people meanwhile paid homage to Khashoggi at a symbolic funeral in Istanbul. In the absence of a body, the crowd gathered at Fatih mosque in front of an empty platform traditionally reserved for the coffin. Supporters from the newly-formed Jamal Khashoggi Friends Association were among the mourners. "We decided to hold the prayers as we are convinced that his body will never be found," Fatih Oke, executive director of the Turkish-Arab Media Association (TAM) of which Khashoggi was a member, told AFP. The ceremony was "a message delivered to the world to say that the murder will not go unpunished and that justice will be served," said Ibrahim Pekdemir, an Istanbul resident who attended. Story continues Yasin Aktay, a close friend of Khashoggi and advisor to Erdogan, strongly criticised the Saudi version of events. "They want us to believe that the killers themselves made the decision to assassinate Jamal Khashoggi, we do not believe in this story," he said after the prayer. "We will continue to ask who are the true contractors" of the murder. Turkey has insisted it was a premeditated killing. - Second audio tape - The Turkish daily Hurriyet reported, meanwhile, that Turkey has more evidence, including a second audio tape of 15 minutes, contradicting the Saudi version of events. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has blamed the murder on a "rogue operation" by individuals who "exceeded their responsibilities". Abdulkadir Selvi, a pro-government columnist in the Hurriyet daily, claimed Friday that the newly-obtained audio tape proved that a 15-member "killer team" waiting in the consulate before Khashoggi's arrival was discussing how to carry out the murder. The tape, recorded shortly before the journalist arrived to obtain paperwork for his forthcoming marriage to a Turkish woman, clearly showed the murder was planned in advance, he said. The first tape allegedly proved that Khashoggi was strangled. Turkey also has evidence that the team made international calls after the murder, said Selvi. Erdogan has said the order to murder Khashoggi came from "the highest levels" of the Riyadh government, but stopped short of pointing the finger at Crown Prince Salman. Saudi prosecutors said Thursday they would seek the death penalty for five accused who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime." But they said the prince had "no knowledge" of Khashoggi's killing. Turkey said the Saudi statement was "insufficient", with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu saying Ankara was not fully satisfied with the Saudi thesis. The US sanctions targeted two top aides of Prince Mohammed as well as Mohammed Alotaibi, who was the consul general in the Istanbul consulate when Khashoggi was murdered. But senior US politicians said Thursday the moves were far from adequate. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Thousands are rallying across Slovakia to condemn police questioning of people who organized recent massive anti-government protests. Slovaks have repeatedly taken to the streets in great numbers in protests triggered by the slaying of an investigative reporter and his fiancee earlier this year. The protests led to the collapse of a coalition government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico. Police say they had to act after receiving an anonymous criminal complaint. Protest organizers say the complaint accused them of attempting to stage a coup and corruption. It also suggested they were paid by U.S. philanthropist George Soros, something that Fico repeatedly alleged. Organizer Karolina Farska told a crowd of more than 10,000 protesters in Bratislava on Friday that, "We won't give up." NEW YORK (AP) Commuters beware: New York and Washington's clogged streets and creaky subway systems are about to feel more pain as 50,000 more people descend on the two metro areas where Amazon will open new headquarters. An expansion of that scope in a city such as New York where the regional subway, bus and commuter lines move more than 8 million people every day sounds like something a transit system should be able to absorb. Not so, some experts say. "Congestion will get worse. Buses will probably get a little bit slower. There are going to be more people traveling at a specific time of day to a specific place," said Eric Guerra, assistant professor of city and regional planning at the University of Pennsylvania. "But at the same time, they will create a lot of jobs where people are." Long Island City, the New York City neighborhood that will be home to one of the new headquarters, sits across the river from the busy world of midtown Manhattan. The growing neighborhood is crisscrossed by subways and buses and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The other headquarters will be in the Washington suburb of Arlington in northern Virginia, a part of the country known for its mind-numbing traffic. Amazon said hiring at the two headquarters will start next year, but it could take a decade or more to build out its offices. Still, the complaining has already begun. Among the sticking points Amazon has won the rights to a helipad at its Long Island City location, allowing some senior executives to get through rush hour in style, though the company had to agree to limit landings to 120 per year. "For the city and state to greenlight a helipad for the wealthiest man in the world and one of the richest corporations in the world is a slap in the face to all New Yorkers, but particularly the people in Queens who have to fight to get on the 7 train in the morning," said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, a Democrat who represents Long Island City. "And furthermore, if there were 25 to 30,000 Amazon employees in Long Island City, that fight to get onto the train is going to get a lot more intense." Story continues Frustration levels already are high among New York City subway riders. More than a quarter of residents spend more than an hour getting to work, and 57 percent ride public transit to commute, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A key subway line that runs through Long Island City has been often criticized for delays, though long-awaited upgrades to allow trains to run more frequently are on track to finish as soon as this month, and a new ferry connection to Manhattan opened in August. Still, Van Bramer insisted the area is not sufficiently well served, and there are complaints about noise pollution from helicopters and sea planes. "The entire city is in a mass transit crisis and nothing that I've seen about this deal makes me think it will help," New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said at a press conference Wednesday. "Western Queens transit infrastructure is already strained and the 7 train in particular is a mess every morning, so this definitely adds to existing transportation concerns." New York City commuters have been clamoring for subway improvements for years, and some on Wednesday tweeted photos of packed subway stations near Amazon's proposed new office and reported having let several overcrowded trains go by before they were finally able to squeeze into one. Some see the dire warnings about New York's transit system as premature. "Even as stressed as our system is right now, an investment in growth of this magnitude doesn't overwhelm the transportation network because it's such a robust and large system," said Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association, an urban research and advocacy organization. Washington, D.C.'s subway system, which will serve Amazon's headquarters in Arlington's Crystal City, is at capacity on many lines and has serious maintenance problems, said Tom Rubin, a transportation consultant based in Oakland, California. Repair work to the subway station closest to Amazon's new office resulted in a disastrous commute last week as people missed flights and stood in long lines for buses that never arrived, said Thomas Cooke, professor of business law at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. In fact, fires have broken out so many times in Washington D.C.'s Metro system that a developer created a Twitter account to automatically tweet suspected fires in stations. "We have an embarrassing metro system here that I hope will benefit by this relocation," Cooke said, adding that taxpayers will be footing the bill for the transit improvements that Virginia agreed to in its deal with Amazon. Development along major highways in Northern Virginia and Washington have led to "unreasonable traffic delays on a daily basis" in the past few years, with drive times that used to take 40 minutes ballooning to up to 90 minutes, Cooke said. In the nation's capital, more than a third of commuters ride public transit and most commuters spend at least a half-hour getting to work, according to the Census Bureau. Commuters in the suburbs surrounding Washington face even longer commute times. Elsewhere, companies use van pools and private buses to entice talented employees who want to live in hipper neighborhoods away from their offices. Google and Yahoo began running private buses from downtown San Francisco and elsewhere to their headquarters in Silicon Valley more than a decade ago. In the Los Angeles area, Disney, Nickelodeon and Warner Bros. run shuttle buses to carry employees from public transit stations to their Burbank studios, said Keith Millhouse, a transportation consultant and principal at Millhouse Strategies. Some hoped Amazon would invest in transit upgrades as part of the deal. But it's hard to imagine Amazon volunteering to chip in for transit improvements when so many cities 238 submitted proposals were competing for the company's second headquarters, Guerra said. "If anything, they're getting benefits out of it," Guerra said. "They're unlikely to be paying for new services." ___ AP Writer Jennifer Peltz in New York and Economics Writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. Follow Cathy Bussewitz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbussewitz Donald Trump (Getty) President Trump has accused people of changing their outfits in a bid to secure multiple votes in the US midterm elections. The controversial comments were made during the chaotic vote recount in the swing state of Florida, which has seen power cuts and broken down machines resulting in missed deadlines. The Senate contest saw Republican candidate Rick Scott come out on top following a machine recount yesterday, but because the margin of his victory was so slight a recount was required. US midterm elections During an interview with the conservative website Daily Caller on Wednesday, before the Florida machine recount totals were announced, Trump said: The Republicans dont win and thats because of potentially illegal votes. When people get in line that have absolutely no right to vote and they go around in circles. Sometimes they go to their car, put on a different hat, put on a different shirt, come in and vote again. Nobody takes anything. Its really a disgrace whats going on. The president also called for mandatory voter photo identification, saying: If you buy a box of cereal you have a voter ID. They try to shame everybody by calling them racist, or calling them something, anything they can think of, when you say you want voter ID. But voter ID is a very important thing. Republican election officials said there was no evidence of any foul play, however. Washington (AFP) - The US Justice Department insisted Wednesday that President Donald Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general was legal, despite Whitaker not having been confirmed by the Senate. Faced with questions from constitutional scholars and a court challenge by the state of Maryland, the department issued a 20-page opinion which argued that conflicting laws gave the president room to appoint an unconfirmed official to the top Justice position. They also argued that previous presidents made similar interim appointments of cabinet-level officials who had not gone through the Senate confirmation process. "Mr. Whitaker's designation is no more constitutionally problematic than countless similar presidential orders dating back over 200 years," said the opinion by the department's Office of Legal Counsel. "Although an attorney general is a principal officer requiring Senate confirmation, someone who temporarily performs his duties is not," it said. Trump named Whitaker to the job on November 7 after firing attorney general Jeff Sessions after 18 months of acrimony related to the ongoing Russia collusion investigation that threatens Trump. Whitaker had been Sessions' chief of staff and liaison to Trump for just over one year. Before that he had a limited career as a federal prosecutor in Iowa and then as a businessman and property developer. After failing in two bids for elected office, he became a television commentator. The legal basis for his holding the acting attorney general job is crucial: if it is found to be unconstitutional, any indictments and court decisions issued while he is in office could theoretically be challenged, according to legal experts. On Tuesday the Maryland state attorney general, in a case pitting the state against the Justice Department, asked a federal court for an injunction, arguing that Whitaker could not legally hold his position. Story continues Whitaker has been under fire on several fronts since Trump named him. Taking the job gives him direct control over the Russia collusion probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, which Whitaker had criticized last year before joining the Justice Department. Top Democrats have demanded he recuse himself, as Sessions had, from the politically explosive investigation. "There are serious ethical considerations that require Mr Whitaker's immediate recusal from any involvement with the Special Counsel investigation," senior Democrats said in a letter to the Justice Department's top ethics official Monday. By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday said he had "very easily" completed his written answers for Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 U.S. election, but had not yet submitted them to Mueller's office. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he wrote the answers to the questions himself. "My lawyers don't write answers. I write answers. I was asked a series of questions. I've answered them very easily," Trump said. The Republican president did not specify when his legal team would give Mueller his written responses, but a person familiar with the matter told Reuters they likely would be submitted next week. Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment. "I'm sure they're tricked-up because, you know, they like to catch people," Trump said, referring to questions that he suggested could be designed to result in perjury charges. "You have to always be careful when you answer, with people that probably have bad intentions. Now, the questions were very routinely answered by me." Mueller is investigating whether members of Trump's campaign conspired with Moscow in the 2016 election and whether Trump has unlawfully sought to obstruct the probe, which has clouded his presidency. Trump and his lawyers had been in negotiations with Mueller's team for months over how the president would be questioned as part of the investigation. Trump's team agreed to have the president submit written answers to questions relating to Russia's role in the election, but it is still possible Mueller may press Trump to answer questions on potential obstruction at some point. Another open question is whether Trump will eventually sit for an interview. Tensions have risen over the probe since Trump last week ousted Jeff Sessions as U.S. attorney general and named Matthew Whitaker as his replacement on an acting basis. That move gave Whitaker, a Trump loyalist who Democrats have called a "political lackey," oversight of the Mueller probe. Mueller already has brought charges against a series of former Trump aides, including his former campaign chairman and his former national security adviser, as well as a number of Russian individuals and entities. A federal judge on Thursday refused to dismiss criminal charges against Concord Management and Consulting LLC, a Russia company accused by Mueller of funding a propaganda operation to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favor. Trump on Friday again called the probe a "witch hunt" and said there was no collusion. Russia has denied any interference. "There should have never been a so-called investigation, which, in theory, it's not an investigation of me. But ... as far as I'm concerned, I like to take everything personally because you do better that way," Trump added. Democrats and a number of Republicans have raised concerns about Whitaker's appointment, with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators renewing a push for legislation to protect the special counsel. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has opposed any such legislation. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has said he would seek to lead the Senate panel overseeing the Justice Department next year, on Thursday met with Whitaker and expressed confidence the Russia probe would continue. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Karen Freifeld; Writing by Susan Heavey and Tim Ahmann; Editing by Will Dunham) A demonstrator wearing a mask of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a protest outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul (Reuters) RIYADH REUTERS Nov 15-Saudi Arabias public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five out of 11 suspects charged in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, his office said on Thursday. Khashoggi, a royal insider turned critic of Saudi policy, was killed in the countrys Istanbul consulate on Oct. 2, by a lethal injection dose, deputy public prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan told reporters. His body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed over to a local co-operator, whose identity has not been confirmed, he added. The whereabouts of Khashoggis remains are unknown. Shalaan said the Washington Post columnist was murdered after negotiations for his return to the kingdom failed and that the killing was ordered by the head of a negotiating team sent to repatriate Khashoggi after he decided it was unfeasible to remove him from the consulate. Shalaan said the order to repatriate Khashoggi had come from former deputy intelligence chief General Ahmed al-Asiri, who was sacked last month following an initial investigation. Asked if Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a role in the murder, he said: He did not have any knowledge. Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish police Friday detained over a dozen people, including academics, with links to an association led by jailed human rights activist Osman Kavala, a state-run news agency reported. Police issued arrest warrants for 20 people as part of an investigation into Anadolu Kultur (Anatolian Culture), whose chairman Kavala has been jailed for more than a year without having been formally charged, Anadolu news agency said. Thirteen were rounded up early Friday in simultaneous raids at various addresses that included Istanbul, Mugla in the southwest, and Adana and Antalya in southern Turkey, it added. Two Istanbul professors -- Betul Tanbay of the prestigious Bogazici University and Turgut Tarhanli, deputy dean of the private Bilgi University -- were among the detainees. The operation also targeted Anadolu Kultur executives, including deputy chairman Yigit Ekmekci, board member Ali Hakan Altinay, coordinator Asena Gunal, and consultants Meltem Aslan and Cigdem Mater, the agency said. Mater is also a journalist. The individuals are suspected of "creating chaos and mayhem" and "seeking to overthrow the government," Anadolu reported. They are alleged to have invited "facilitators and professional activists" to back 2013 anti-government protests, and to have called for a ban on the importation of tear gas to Turkey. Kavala, a philanthropist and co-founder of the Iletisim publishing house, is well-known in intellectual circles in Turkey and abroad. He is accused of "attempting to remove the constitutional order" and "attempting to overthrow the government", but has not been charged with a crime. According to his lawyers, Turkish authorities suspect him of having links to a failed 2016 coup attempt, and of financing anti-government demonstrations during the 2013 protest movement. Kavala was arrested on October 18, 2017, and remanded in custody the following month. - 'Brutal assault'- Story continues Opposition CHP party MP Sezgin Tanrikulu criticised the arrests on Twitter. "Again a Friday, again detentions... Those who expect normalisation from this regime should continue to dream," he said, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Kati Piri, European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur, also blasted the arrests as "another brutal assault on Turkish civil society," while the Council of Europe expressed concern. "EU must strongly condemn!" Piri tweeted. Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary general of the Council of Europe that monitors democracy and human rights, said in a statement he would raise "this alarming development with the Turkish government as a matter of urgency." Amnesty International said the arrests showed "how desperate Turkish authorities are to crack down on any form of dissent." It added in a statement: "This latest wave of detentions of academics and activists, on the basis of absurd allegations, shows that the authorities are intent on continuing their brutal crackdown of independent civil society, and shatters any illusion that Turkey is normalising following the lifting of the state of emergency." Kavala's Anadolu Kultur NGO, which aims to overcome differences within Turkish society through culture and the arts, has sought to reach out to neighbouring Armenia. Ankara has no diplomatic relations with Armenia, partly due to the dispute over the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire which Yerevan considers a genocide. Kavala, who has urged for the killings to be recognised as genocide, is regularly compared by pro-government Turkish media to liberal US billionaire George Soros. Turkish authorities have launched a mass crackdown and arrested more than 50,000 people over alleged links to the plotters of the 2016 coup attempt. By Patricia Zengerle and Stephen Kalin WASHINGTON/RIYADH (Reuters) - The United States imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials on Thursday for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five suspects in the murder. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctions were the first concrete response by the Trump administration to Khashoggi's death in the Saudi consulate in Turkey in October. Among those sanctioned were Saud al-Qahtani, who has been removed from his position as a top aide to the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi Consul General Mohammad al-Otaibi and members of a 15-person team Turkey has identified as being involved. The measure was unusual for Washington, which rarely imposes sanctions on Saudi nationals. The sanctions do not target the Riyadh government, an important U.S. security and economic ally. It also allows the administration to stop short of action that might affect lucrative U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia that President Donald Trump has vowed to preserve. The sanctions limit access to the U.S. financial system and freeze people's assets. They will be implemented under an act which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption. "These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions," Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement. Canada, which had a major diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia this year over human rights, welcomed the U.S. sanctions and said it was weighing similar action. The U.S. government did not impose sanctions on Saudi officials over the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, in which 15 of the 19 hijackers were from the kingdom. A U.S. government commission found no evidence that Saudi Arabia directly funded al Qaeda, which carried out the attacks on New York and Washington. The panel, however, left open whether individual Saudi officials might have. DEATH SENTENCE Khashoggi, a royal insider turned critic of Saudi policy, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. He was a U.S. resident and columnist for The Washington Post and his killing has provoked a political crisis in Saudi Arabia as well as friction with Western allies. Some members of the U.S. Congress said that even with the sanctions the administration has not been tough enough, specifically in regard to the Saudi crown prince. Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said: I remain concerned that the administration is enabling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its effort to protect Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from accountability." Later on Thursday, senators from both U.S. parties introduced legislation that, if it became law, would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia as punishment for Khashoggi's death and for its role in Yemen's devastating civil war. Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, then offered contradictory explanations including that he was killed in a rogue operation. Saudi deputy public prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan said on Thursday Khashoggi died by lethal injection after a struggle. Without naming them, Shalaan said the Saudi prosecutor had requested the death penalty for five people "charged with ordering and committing the crime, and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals". He said 11 of 21 suspects have been indicted and will be referred to court. Shalaan said Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed over to an unidentified "local cooperator." Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said the order for the operation came from the highest level of Saudi leadership but probably not King Salman, putting the spotlight instead on his 33-year-old heir. Turkey wants the 15-man team that it says killed Khashoggi to be tried there. Trump has suggested ultimate responsibility lies with the prince. Shalaan said Khashoggi was murdered after "negotiations" for his return to the kingdom failed. When asked why such a large team capable of poisoning and dismembering a body was used for a supposed extraction, Shalaan said the lead negotiator had surveyed the consulate before Khashoggi entered and decided it was unfeasible to remove him, so instead they killed him. U.S. SANCTIONS TARGETS Among others cited in Thursday's U.S. Treasury announcement are General Maher Mutreb, an aide to Qahtani who has appeared in photographs with Prince Mohammed on official visits this year to the United States and Europe. Absent from the sanctions list were four officials fired last month along with Qahtani: General Ahmed al-Asiri, the deputy head of foreign intelligence, and three other intelligence deputies - General Rashad bin Hamed al-Hamadi, General Abdullah bin Khaleef al-Shaya, and General Mohammed Saleh al-Ramih. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for an explanation of why they were not included. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said there could be further U.S. measures. "Its a step in the right direction. It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken for a full accountability. We will continue to work diligently to ascertain the facts, she told a news briefing. Some details provided by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday again contradicted previous versions, none of which mentioned a drug-induced death and one of which called the killing premeditated based on information provided by Turkey. Turkey says it has recordings related to the killing which it shared with Western allies. One Turkish official told Reuters that officials who heard the recordings, which includeKhashoggi's killing and conversations leading up to the operation, were horrified but their countries had done nothing. (Additional reporting by Maha El Dahan and Asma Al Sharif in Dubai, Marwa Rashad in Riyadh, Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara, David Brunnstrom, Doina Chiacu and Matt Spetalnick in Washington, and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Mary Milliken, James Dalgleish and Sonya Hepinstall) A watch ticked on a dead mans wrist. Another man looking at the body joked, I guess it sure does take a licking but keep on ticking! Humor was critical in the situation. The men and women said at the time that a joke, no matter how bad, helped break the tension of their overwhelming task: the recovery of hundreds of dead U.S. citizens from a sweltering Guyanese jungle. It may seem heartless or ghoulish to joke as hundreds lay dead before you but facing the largest such loss of civilian American lives pre-9/11, humor was just one form of self-preservation. On Nov. 18, 1978 willingly or unwillingly the followers of the charismatic Pentecostal leader Jim Jones drank cyanide-laced fruit punch. Over 300 children were made to drink it, and syringes full of the mixture were emptied into infants mouths. Those who didnt join Jones so-called revolutionary suicide were injected with poison; others tried to run for the surrounding jungle only to be shot by one of Jones armed guards. All told, 918 people died that day. A member of the team sent to Jonestown by the Guyana Government surveys some of the hundreds of bodies of People's Temple followers who died following the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan and newsman on November 18. Authorities said that five, including cult leader Jim Jones, died of gunshot wounds. Most, however, died of cyanide poisoning. The U.S. tried to have the bodies interred on site, offering to foot the bill for the Guyanese government. But the Guyanese government wanted no part in the burial, and families of the dead wanted their loved ones returned. The military was the only organization able to handle mass casualty recovery and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware was assigned receipt of the dead. What happened there in the aftermath would become one of the first records of how deeply first responders can be affected by the trauma to which their jobs expose them. Loaded with waterproof canvas body bags and coffin-like metal transport containers, U.S. military helicopters shuttled the dead and recovery personnel alike between Guyanas capital and Jonestown, isolated deep in the jungle. Recovery workers would later report that the staggering number of children they saw there was the most disturbing thing they encountered. Cant sleep, reported one worker. Cannot get the small children out of my mind. Story continues Societys understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder was limited in 1978 and associated almost exclusively with wartime experiences, falling under the umbrella of what was often thought of as shell shock. Even less was known about the impact a mass casualty recovery mission would have on first responders. A smattering of studies had been done by the military on nurses, for example, but the literature was sparse. Bodies of victims of Jonestown mass suicide are loaded from U.S. military helicopter at Georgetown's international airport. The corpses, in body bags, will be transferred to shipping containers for the flight back to the U.S. Jonestown was different. It involved the deaths of civilians and demanded the involvement of a cross-section of workers, from doctors and pathologists to typists and the yeomen who cleaned the transport containers. When the first C-141 aircraft touched down at Dover on Nov. 23, 1978, it carried the remains of 40 U.S. civilians. The magnitude of the situation was still unknown and grossly underestimated. So was the emotional impact it would have on those left to deal with it. Read more: See TIMEs original report on the massacre Air Force crewmen at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware unload a casket containing the body of the first Jonestown cult mass suicide victim to arrive in the United States. Beyond Imagination Jim Jones had become a popular Pentecostal preacher in the 1960s, using a gospel of social justice and inclusion to attract followers to his San Francisco-based congregation, the Peoples Temple. The hundred or so followers hed brought West from his home in Indiana soon ballooned to a thousand, even as his paranoia likewise grew, fed by his growing dependency on pills. Jones staged fake faith healings to draw more people to his church and consolidate his power with only a small circle of trusted faithful. He began referring to himself as God. But in 1977, with a damning article about abuses within the Temple about to break, Jones and nearly a thousand of his followers fled to land the Temple had previously purchased in Guyana. Less than a year later, most of them would be dead. The bodies that would need to be brought back totaled more than 900. Those bodies were taken to the base mortuary for identification and in some cases autopsy; the remains would eventually be stored on base in Hangar 1301. At the time, Patricia Edwards had worked for seven years as a civilian employee at Dover AFB, where she still is until today. Now working in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, back then Edwards job was to manage logistics. I had to recruit individuals that would work in the mortuary environment and to make sure that there was enough staff and administrators to handle the Jonestown situation, she told me. I found out about Jonestown like everyone else did back then, through the media, she said. It was from those reports that Edwards and her colleagues found out just how much of a job they would have to do, and quickly. What would normally take about two to three weeks had to be done in one, Edwards said. The base needed more people. Not just trained mortuary staff but ancillary support staff. Tents were needed for food-service workers, administrative staff and a legion of typists. Edwards notes that this was before computers, so every request had to be typed up and every person coming onto the base had to be processed and credentialed individually. Basically, she said, a base within the base had to be assembled. An unidentified man a strap onto a stack of aluminum coffins for shipment to the United States, following the more than 900 deaths in the mass suicide staged in Jonestown by members of the People's Temple and their leader, the Reverend Jim Jones, Georgetown, Guyana, Nov. 23, 1978. A group of photographers and police officers stand in the background. Eventually the Air Force did a study on the impact the recovery had on personnel military and civilians alike. The study was simple as there were no analogs to build from and a dearth of information on the emotional impact on recovery workers or secondary disaster victims. Its results, however, offer a glimpse at just how complex the issue is. The findings based on the recover effort at Jonestown and Dover which are now posted on the Defense Technical Information Center website, a searchable database dedicated to aggregating military scientific and technological data live on in articles, disaster recovery textbooks and military training guides. It is difficult to convey to someone, the authors wrote in the preface of the study, What a week in a tropical environment can do to a [dead] human body. The conditions at Jonestown were compounded by rain and staggering humidity. Bodies bloat and change color and are infested by insects. Above all, the authors write, the overpowering and unforgettable odor of just one body [are] beyond imagination. The study asked first basic questions about age, race, marital status and whether military or civilian. Respondents were asked if they had any exposure to human remains: none, saw bodies in containers with no odor, odor only, handled containers, handled body bags or handled human remains directly. The immediate emotional impact was what you would imagine; seeing three or four babies per [body] bag kept workers up nights. Some were angry the military was involved in recovering fanatics bodies at all. Some reported personal growth from the experience, one person realizing as human beings youve got to give a damn. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter With more bodies being found at the Jonestown mass suicide scene in Guyana, the military is being asked to ship more caskets to bring the bodies back to the U.S. Here a volunteer airman uses steam mixed with chemicals to clean and disinfect a metal casket at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, for reuse again in Guyana. Whats Remembered By April of 1979, more than 300 bodies of those followers had been claimed by family members. But at Dover AFB, over 500 remained unclaimed and over 200 were decomposed past the point of identification. Many relatives couldnt afford the militarys transport fees nearly $500 for a family to bring home a loved one for private burial. Even if they could have, no cemetery wanted the remains. Communities didnt want to become pilgrimage sites for Jones remaining U.S. followers, and draw unwanted attention and people to their town. Eventually, a cemetery in Oakland, across the bay from the Temples former home in San Francisco, agreed to inter the remains of hundreds of the Jonestown dead. Forty years on, there is a memorial to the victims of Jonestown in Oakland. Commemorative events are scheduled where survivors and family can gather and mourn. More is understood about the people of Jonestown, that they were overwhelmingly victims. And almost everything has changed at Dover. The only remaining building from the Jonestown time period is Hangar 1301. It is now the Air Mobility and Command Museum, dedicated to the history of airlifts and air refueling the place where old airplanes go if they are lucky. Patricia Edwards is still there, assisting military families through Dovers readiness and resilience program. But Jonestown is never far away, she said. The experience of dealing with the bodies shared by people working at the base, in the mortuary and the tent city created an extended family, and that feeling endures too. One other inescapable thing stays with her. The stench. She says, I will never forget the stench. A pile of paper cups with cyanide-laced fruit punch, and a pile of hypodermic syringes, found at Jonestown by Guyanese officials. Andy Kopsa is a reporter based in New York City. GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has almost closed a funding gap caused by the loss of $300 million in U.S. contributions, its chief said on Tuesday. The Trump administration pulled the bulk of U.S. funding of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in January after a U.N. General Assembly vote rejected Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Since President Donald Trump's move, the EU has become UNRWA's largest single donor, Japan had increased its funding, and four Gulf countries - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates - had contributed $200 million, according to UNRWA chief Pierre Kraehenbuehl. He told reporters that the U.S. funding cut had made 2018 a very difficult year for UNRWA, which runs schools and clinics for 5.4 million Palestinians across the Middle East, including in Gaza and the West Bank. It began 2018 with a shortfall of $146 million in its planned budget of $1.2 billion. That ballooned to $446 million after Trump's cutback, forcing Kraehenbuehl to seek new funds from other countries and private sector donors. "We decided not to sit back and complain but to reach out and launch a global campaign called 'dignity is priceless', and that really mobilized the international community," he said. "We have mobilized until now $382 million of additional funding, which means we brought the shortfall down to $64 million, and we are still in contact with a number of countries; we are hopeful that this shortfall will be brought down further in couple of weeks," said Kraehenbuehl. He added that it was at least good to have a greater geographical spread of donors more representative of the United Nations as a whole. But new donations would have to be stabilized to keep UNRWA funded next year and in future years. "We're not out of the woods (yet)," he said. Trump's endorsement in December of Israel's claim to Jerusalem as its capital drew universal condemnation from Arab leaders and criticism around the world. It broke with decades of U.S. policy that the city's status must be decided in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 Saudi officials on Thursday for their role in the killing last month of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, the first concrete response by the Trump administration to the journalist's death. Among those sanctioned were Saud al-Qahtani, who has been removed from his position as a top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi Consul General Mohammed Alotaibi and members of a 15-person team Turkey has identified as being involved in Khashoggi's death. The announcement was unusual for Washington, which rarely imposes sanctions on Saudi nationals. The sanctions do not target the Riyadh government, an important U.S. security and economic ally. It also allows President Donald Trump's administration to stop short of any action that might affect lucrative U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia that he has vowed to preserve. The sanctions limit access to the U.S. financial system and freeze the individuals' assets. They will be implemented under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption. "These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions," Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement. "The Government of Saudi Arabia must take appropriate steps to end any targeting of political dissidents or journalists," Mnuchin said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Thursday's announcement "an important step" in the response to Khashoggi's killing and said his department would continue to seek facts, consult the U.S. Congress and work with other countries to hold accountable anyone who was involved. TURKEY IDENTIFIED MANY OF THOSE SANCTIONED Among others cited in Thursday's announcement are Maher Mutreb, an aide to Qahtani who has appeared in photographs with Prince Mohammed on official visits this year to the United States and Europe. He and 14 others were members of the team Turkey identified as being responsible for killing Khashoggi. Absent from the sanctions list were four officials fired last month along with Qahtani: General Ahmed Asiri, the deputy head of foreign intelligence, and three other intelligence deputies - General Rashad bin Hamed al-Hamadi, director of the general directorate of security and protection, General Abdullah bin Khaleef al-Shaya, assistant head for human resources, and General Mohammed Saleh al-Ramih, assistant head for intelligence affairs. Treasury did not immediately respond to a request for an explanation of why they were not included. The U.S. sanctions were announced a few hours after Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said the death penalty was being sought for five out of 11 suspects charged in Khashoggi's murder, as the kingdom tries to contain its biggest political crisis in a generation. Khashoggi, a royal insider-turned-critic of Saudi policy, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 after a struggle, by lethal injection, deputy public prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan told reporters. Shalaan said Prince Salman knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed over to an unidentified "local cooperator." In contrast to Thursday's announcement, the U.S. government never imposed sanctions on Saudi officials over the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, in which 15 of the 19 hijackers were from the kingdom. A U.S. government commission found no evidence that Saudi Arabia directly funded al Qaeda, which carried out the attacks on New York and Washington. The panel, however, left open whether individual Saudi officials might have. (Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick in Washington and Stephen Kalin in Riyadh ; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Paul Simao) Kampala (AFP) - Courts across Uganda have begun trying hundreds of stalled sexual violence cases, including many of child rape, in an effort to provide long-overdue justice for victims. Over a month, judges in 13 courts in six towns are aiming to hear 700 cases of sexual violence, crimes that make up over 60 percent of capital offences in Uganda, according to High Court judge Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, who is coordinating the initiative. "Sexual and gender-based violence offences are the most common and prevalent offences committed in Uganda, and from our reports only 10 percent of these cases end up in court," said Wolimbwa. Official records show that over 211,000 sexual violence cases were reported in 2015-16 while a UN children's agency (UNICEF) report in August found that one in three Ugandan girls were subjected to sexual attacks. The special court sessions began on Monday aiming to make a dent in the backlog of more than 6,000 outstanding sexual violence cases. Wolimbwa said he hoped the hearings would prove successful, paving the way for the creation of a dedicated sexual crimes court. "What we are looking at is to have permanent special courts to try these cases," he said. - A range of rapists - At the first hearing in the capital Kampala dozens of male suspects filed into court, chained two-by-two, to appear before Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo. They represented a cross-section of Ugandan society, from unemployed young men to a middle-aged university lecturer. The alleged victims were similarly diverse, including an eight-year-old girl and a wealthy businesswoman. Some of the victims had waited as many as seven years to see their attackers go on trial. Rosemary Kyomugasho, a 38-year-old businesswoman, said her sister was left traumatised after being robbed and gang-raped. "We have been going to court for the last two years but the case is always postponed," she said. In the courtroom, Chris Bakuneeta, a former professor at Uganda's Makerere University, denied assaulting and raping a 22-year-old student who was living in his garage in 2016, before Abodo adjourned his case for a week. Story continues Later, Ivan Sewankambo pleaded guilty to raping an eight-year-old girl, also in 2016, and threatening to strangle her if she told anyone. "You are convicted on your own plea of guilty," Abodo said, before moving swiftly onto the next case. The resolution left the girl's father, 37-year-old Amon Bazale, relieved. "It has been a painful journey since we began the court process in March 2016," she said. "The rape left my daughter shaken. She at times wakes up in the night shouting, 'Dad! Dad! He is here!" "I believe people who defile children must be sentenced to death," Bazale said, using an archaism for child rape that is widely-used in Uganda. - Justice long delayed - While Ugandan law allows for the death penalty for convicted rapists, judges in the special court sessions -- which are backed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) -- will issue maximum life sentences. Some cases had taken so long to see their day in court that the perpetrators had died in the interim. Wolimbwa said that in Uganda "it is difficult to try these offences in normal courts" partly because of the social stigma attached to victims of rape -- especially children -- which discourages them from testifying, and partly because of lack of funds. "We only get 40 percent of the budget we need and from there we decide what to do and that's why we have the backlog," he said. Suspects, too, can become victims under the creaking slowness of Uganda's judicial system. Alice Ssewagudde Nalongo, 56, whose son was accused of rape in 2016 and has been in jail awaiting trial ever since, welcomed the holding of the special sessions. "It is a good thing the court is sitting, yet we are not happy because he was framed and wrongly accused," she claimed. "How can someone spend two years in prison without being tried? If we win the case shall we be compensated?" Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - A British supermarket chain's viral commercial about an orangutan left homeless because of deforestation from palm oil planting was slammed as a cheap publicity stunt by a major industry body on Friday. The Christmas ad -- which features a cartoon orangutan telling a little girl that its jungle home had been destroyed -- has racked up millions of views on social media and sparked the trending hashtag #NoPalmOilChristmas on Twitter. The multi-billion-dollar palm oil industry was not impressed by the Iceland ad, dubbed "Rang-tan", which calls for consumers to be aware of the environmental impact of the world's most widely used vegetable oil. "Banning palm oil is not the solution. Boycotting is not the solution," Darrel Webber, chief executive of the Malaysia-based Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), told AFP on Friday. "Retailers' margins are very small these days. The cheapest way to get publicity is the best way for them," he added. Frozen food specialist Iceland has previously announced it would stop using palm oil, found in everything from margarine and biscuits to soap and shampoo, over concerns that it causes widespread environmental destruction. "We have not removed palm oil from our own label food as 'a marketing gimmick', but to raise public awareness of the continuing destruction of the rainforest," Iceland managing director Richard Walker said in an email to Bloomberg News. "By doing so we hope to apply pressure to the palm oil industry to deliver the genuinely sustainable product that it has long been promising." A petition with almost one million signatures is calling for the ad to be aired on British television after it was blocked for being too political. The supermarket chain is now reportedly planning to release a life-size animatronic orangutan on Britain's streets to draw attention to the issue. Firms in Malaysia and Indonesia, which dominate global palm oil production, have been routinely accused of deforestation and using slash-and-burn forest clearance that destroys the habitats of under-threat species, including orangutans. Port Moresby (AFP) - Asian Pacific leaders fly into the unlikely venue of Port Moresby Saturday for a summit developing into a tug-of-war for regional influence between an assertive China and an increasingly withdrawn United States. Donald Trump is skipping the two-day APEC meeting, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, who is leaving after one day and staying in Australia rather than the dusty and notoriously crime-ridden Papua New Guinea capital. The contrast with China could hardly be more stark. President Xi Jinping arrived two days before the summit for a state visit, and will open a road and school -- both funded by Beijing. Papua New Guinea has rolled out the red carpet for its visitor with Chinese flags fluttering down the length of the new road and images of the Chinese leader beaming down from massive billboards around Port Moresby. In an opinion piece published ahead of the visit, Xi vowed to "lend fresh impetus to our common development" and "expand practical co-operation with Pacific Island countries in trade and investment." Ben Rhodes, former president Barack Obama's top foreign policy advisor, said Trump's absence had "opened up an enormous opportunity for China to expand its influence." Beijing has a "historic opportunity to make inroads across the region during Trump's presidency," Rhodes told AFP. Setting the scene for a potential clash in Port Moresby, a senior US official speaking ahead of the summit accused Beijing in engaging in "dangerous debt diplomacy throughout the region." Several countries in the Asian Pacific region have accepted loans from Beijing for infrastructure financing that are "not transparent," added this official, who declined to be named. The high-profile trade war between the world's two largest economies -- as well as tit-for-tat tariff measures -- will also serve as a backdrop to what could be a tense gathering. Story continues Last-minute wrangling over WTO reform was understood to have delayed efforts to put together a joint foreign ministers' statement, laying bare the divisions between the main players. "We are living in difficult times with rising trade tensions, rising protectionism and that needless to say is reflected in the discussion we're having here in Port Moresby," Donald Campbell, co-chairman of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council think tank told AFP. "It's going to be very difficult to get a ministerial statement for leaders that has consensus in it as a result of that." - 'Raskols' - The official agenda for the talks resolves around greater economic integration for the region and improving digital infrastructure. But the hosting of the summit in Port Moresby, ranked as one of the world's least liveable cities -- has gathered as much attention as the topics under discussion. Violence and petty crime is rife -- including frequent carjackings by street gangs known as "raskols" -- and delegates have been advised against travelling around the city, especially after dark. For safety and to avoid building new hotels that will later lie empty, officials and journalists are staying on three gleaming white cruise ships moored in Port Moresby harbour, with round-the-clock security. Indeed, security throughout the city is tight, with Australia deploying 1,500 military personnel including special forces, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters patrolling the skies and warships stationed a stone's throw away from the cruise ships. And the run-up to the summit became embroiled in scandal when it emerged the Papua New Guinea government had bought 40 Maseratis to ferry leaders around. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill came under fire after splurging $6.4 million on the fleet of luxury cars when half the population of Port Moresby live in squatter settlements. O'Neill bristled when asked about this ahead of the summit, snapping at journalists: "Did you ask the same question in Vietnam when they had the 400 plus Audis?" "I think it is just an overrated discussion. I'm not going to give it the credibility or credit it deserves," he said. "This is an opportunity for business leaders to see what Papua New Guinea's potential is." But while ordinary residents may benefit from the shiny new Chinese-funding roads, there was some doubt on the streets over how the average citizen would gain from the APEC circus. "Will APEC make us rich like other nations?" asked Harriette Jack, 68. "Comparing to other nations, we are not close." British High Commissioner James Dauris today said Sri Lankans have again seen deplorable behaviour by some MPs, unbecoming of them and of the Parliament. Voters across Sri Lanka elected Members of Parliament to do an important job. But Sri Lankans have again seen deplorable behaviour by some MPs, unbecoming of them and of their noble institution. No parliament can perform its role when its own members stop it from doing so, he said in a tweet. N'Djamena (AFP) - The United States on Friday donated military vehicles and boats worth $1.3 million to Chad as part of a campaign against Islamist militancy in the country. Chad is one of several West African states engaged in Western-backed operations against Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State in a region where militants have gained a foothold. US officials donated six boats and six trucks to Chad's military brigade operating in the Lake Chad basin, Richard K. Bell, US embassy charge d'affairs, said. A group of 13 Chadian soldiers are in training in the United States, Bell said at a ceremony in the Chadian capital N'Djamena. "The threat from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa is centred mostly in the waters and rivers of the Chad basin and the northeast of Nigeria," Samantha Reho, a spokeswoman for AFRICOM, the US military's command in Africa. The most recent attack by Boko Haram in Chad was last month when eight soldiers were killed. Chad is a member of the G5 Sahel military group, a French-backed scheme conceived in 2015 to roll back jihadism and lawlessness in five states on the Sahara's southern rim. Bringing together Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, it aims to become a 5,000-man joint force to restore authority in areas grappling with jihadists and brutal gangs. The US donation to Chad marks an improvement in relations after a crisis in 2017 when the Trump administration put Chad on a blacklist of countries failing to share security information. Chad was taken off the list in April after then US State of State Rex Tillerson visited N'Djamena and said the country remained an "important partner" in the fight against jihadists. Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday promised Ukraine to fight the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, saying the project undermined European security. Pompeo said Ukraine had "no greater friend than the United States" in its struggle against "Russian aggression" as he met the embattled country's foreign minister, Pavlo Klimkin, in Washington. "We'll keep working together to stop the Nord Stream II project that undermines Ukraine's economic and strategic security and risks further compromising the sovereignty of European nations that depend on Russian gas," Pompeo told reporters as he stood next to Klimkin. "We do not want our European friends to fall prey to the kind of political and economic manipulation Russia has attempted in Ukraine since it cast off its Soviet shackles," Pompeo said. The pipeline, which has also been criticized by Poland and other former Soviet bloc countries, aims to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream I pipeline by the end of 2019 -- further allowing Russia to bypass Ukraine, its traditional route to supply Europe. Germany, backed by France and Austria, has billed the project led by Russia's Gazprom as a way to ensure stable and lower-cost energy. US lawmakers led by the late senator John McCain passed legislation opening the path to sanctions against investors in the pipeline, although the ultimate decision lies with President Donald Trump. The US leader has sent mixed signals, berating Germany as "totally dependent" on Moscow for energy but also warming to President Vladimir Putin. Trump caused consternation at a July summit in Helsinki where he appeared to accept Putin's denials of interference in the 2016 US election and, ahead of the meeting, sounded open to recognizing Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Pompeo reiterated his post-summit statement of US opposition to the takeover of Crimea, a Black Sea peninsula of Ukraine whose population is largely ethnically Russian. Story continues "The United States will never accept Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea," Pompeo said. "We will continue to impose consequences until Moscow fully implements the Minsk agreements and returns control of Crimea to Ukraine," he said, a week after the United States slapped sanctions on Russians over business dealings on the peninsula. The 2015 Minsk summit laid out a ceasefire and international monitoring in eastern Ukraine. But a pro-Russian insurgency has persisted, with a death toll that has crossed 10,000. Washington (AFP) - The United States is studying Turkey's demands for the extradition of preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup attempt, the State Department said Thursday. But spokeswoman Heather Nauert rejected the allegation in an NBC report that the White House is seeking a way to extradite Gulen -- who reportedly has a US Green Card -- in a bid to reduce Turkish pressure on Saudi Arabia over the murder of a dissident journalist. "We have received multiple requests from the Turkish government... related to Mr Gulen," Nauert said. "We continue to evaluate the material that the Turkish government presents requesting his extradition," she said. But Nauert insisted that "there is no relation" between the Gulen extradition issue and Turkish pressure on Saudi Arabia over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. The White House "has not been involved in any discussions related to the extradition of Fetullah Gulen," she said. NBC, citing four anonymous sources, reported that Trump administration officials had asked law enforcement agencies about "legal ways of removing" Gulen, 77, from the US to persuade Turkey's president "to ease pressure on the Saudi government." Following his disappearance on October 2, Turkish officials kept up a steady stream of leaks on the gory details of Khashoggi's killing even as Saudi Arabia denied involvement. The kingdom eventually branded the murder a "rogue" operation and has requested the death penalty against five people accused of involvement, but the country's public prosecutor absolved the country's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, of having played a role. Turkish officials however have accused Prince Mohammed of orchestrating the killing of the journalist who had been critical of him. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames Gulen -- a cleric he once regarded as an ally -- for the July 15, 2016 coup plot that saw 250 killed, not including the plotters. The issue is a major bone of contention in relations between Turkey and the US, with Ankara voicing impatience over Washington's failure to hand Gulen over. According to a report published by a bipartisan commission, the U.S. has lost its military edge. In late October, after a briefing from senior military leaders, President Trump said, To keep American safe, Americas armed forces must remain the most powerful, lethal and effective fighting force anywhere on Earth. But the report released Wednesday indicates thatll take some work. The National Defense Strategy Commission, which prepared the report, comprises 12 former Democratic and Republican officials chosen by Congress. They were tasked with evaluating the Trump administrations defense strategy, and their findings are anything but encouraging. The report, which is more than 100 pages long including front and back matter, concluded, If the United States had to fight Russia in a Baltic contingency or China in a war over Taiwan, Americans could face a decisive military defeat. It also said that Americas military advantages have diminished, and the countrys margin for error is extremely small. This comes as President Trump cut 5 percent from the Pentagons proposed fiscal 2020 budget. Johnny Michael, a spokesman for the Pentagon, said the report served as a stark reminder of the gravity of these issues, and a call to action. While the U.S. has focused on counterterrorism over the past two decades, the report said, foreign enemies have been studying the entire American military and have found ways to counter American advantages. Recently, Trump faced criticism after he deployed more than 5,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to stop a caravan of Central American migrants heading north. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, speaking to reporters aboard his plane Wednesday, pointed out a historical parallel. Theres nothing new under the sun. I would put this in a little historic[al] context. I think many of you are aware that President Wilson 100 years ago, a little over 100 years ago, deployed the U.S. Army to the southwest border, Mattis said. Story continues Though the migrant caravan is still about 1,000 miles away, Mattis later repeated his defense of Trumps decision while talking to troops who have been deployed in Texas, calling it necessary. No matter how that situation plays out, the strategy commission report questions the U.S. militarys overall, international superiority. The commission recommends that the U.S. increase its defense budget by at least 3 percent to 5 percent to offset its military decline. The commissions co-chairs will testify about their findings before the Senate this month. NEW YORK Locals are being force-fed a Silicon Valley-sized meal, and all they can hope is that they dont get poisoned. This week, Amazon announced its plans for a gigantic corporate campus in the Queens neighborhood of Long Island City. In a matter of 15 years, this waterfront community of 20,000 will absorb a gargantuan development with 8 million square feet of office space the equivalent of three Empire State Buildings, The New York Times points out and tens of thousands of daily workers. Meanwhile, Amazon will receive $1.7 billion in incentives from the state and another $1.3 billion from the city, including a taxpayer-funded helicopter pad, just for moving in. In exchange, the company says it will bring around 25,000 new jobs to the area. At first blush, Amazons promise sounds pretty good there are job-seekers all over the state, including in Long Island City, just across the East River from Manhattan. I cant wait to apply for a job there! squealed Jessica Mercado, 32, an operations manager in Long Island City. I just found out Amazon is coming here, and I was super excited because I already work in the area. I hope that its easy to get in, to get hired there. But the tradeoff is a big pill to swallow for the neighborhood, which has already seen rising housing prices, subway overcrowding and rapid gentrification over the last two decades. Amazons complex stands to add plenty to that congestion. Theyre just packing more and more people in, more and more residents in, and now youre gonna add, what, 25,000 workers every day? I dont see how that works, said Phil Maurigiannakis, 50, outside a construction shop in Long Island City on Wednesday. Amazon is great, he said, just not in his backyard. I think a facility like that needs a much more suburban neighborhood, farther out, where the roads arent crowded, where they can really dedicate the facility to the entire surrounding community. I mean, are they really hiring the local people here? Story continues How many of those Amazon jobs will actually benefit Long Island City or the borough of Queens remains unclear. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio argue that the return on investment is 9 to 1 based on the projected job numbers alone. In a joint press release, the two Democrats said the Amazon complex would benefit Long Island City residents directly, including those at the Queensbridge Houses, the largest housing project in the country. Amazon will create an onsite employment center to connect local residents with jobs and training, and expand tuition-free tech training to Queensbridge Houses, according to the release. But Amazon will draw applicants for many of its open positions from all over the state, and beyond some 1,300 construction jobs, these will be high-end and high-requirement positions, paying an average salary of $150,000, according to a city press release. Not that locals had any say in the matter. Part of Amazons agreement with the city and state will allow it to circumvent City Council and Long Island Citys representative on that council, Jimmy Van Bramer in the decision-making process regarding the use of local land, according to Curbed. Essentially, this city, and especially this community, is about to undergo a big experiment it had no say in. I just dont think its gonna end well, said Priya Pena, 21. Theres just not enough room for that much growth to happen here. Im trying to leave before it happens. Amazons incursion may ruin Penas dream of graduating from college and sticking around in Queens, where she grew up, she said. Im gonna have to leave New York City, which fucking sucks! she said. I love this city so much, but with all these changes, with all the growth thats happening, its awful for the community. A lot of the culture is dying. Video by HuffPost Producers Lindsey Davis, Julie Pinero and Mike Caravella, reporting in New York. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. 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. 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. Astana Declaration 2018 An interview with Dr. Chamath Fernando, Lecturer, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 21 young members from over 2000 applicants from around the world to raise a voice for the youth and advocate for the development of Primary Health Care (PHC). This team included a diverse group of young professionals including general practitioners, primary care nurses, researchers, health economists, academics, policy makers and so on. Dr. Chamath Fernando, a Family Doctor and a Lecturer in Family Medicine employed by the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura has been appointed by WHO to the PHC Young Leaders Network (YLN). He also acts as the coordinator for the National Centre for Primary Care and Allergy Research at the University. Having brought an immense honour to our tiny island representing Sri Lanka as a youth member at the Global Conference on Primary Health Care held in Astana, Kazakhstan in October 2018, Dr. Chamath explains to Daily Mirror this major leap. Another aspect of the Astana Declaration was the potential inputs of digital technologies and how they can be utilized to deliver specialty expertise History The WHO in 1978, came into a pact with all its member states in an aim for equitable healthcare access for the entire world population through Alma Ata Declaration in the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty. The declaration was based on PHC and its salience in attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Whilst recognizing UHC to be a fundamental human right: UHC means that all people and communities can use the promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship (WHO). However, during the past four decades the achievement of the said goals in line with the health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) have been patchy and has not reached the expectations across the globe as of today. A paradigm shift At the Global Conference on PHC which was held in October 2018 in Astana, WHO formulated the Astana Declaration, marking the 40th anniversary of Alma Ata Declaration. Certain barriers that led to unsatisfactory achievements made in UHC were identified and has attempted to mould the standards to meet the resources and needs of the current socio-techno-political milieu, says Dr. Fernando. He further mentioned that, in addition to the promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspects of healthcare that the Alma Ata Declaration looked at, the Astana Declaration has included Palliative Care as a priority area. Considering the advancements made in medical technologies that makes diagnoses and treatment much early and farther efficacious, the numbers of people surviving otherwise lethal diseases into old age, hence needing palliative care are on the rise. Another aspect of the Astana Declaration was the potential inputs of digital technologies and how they can be utilized to deliver specialty expertise in the distance mode to populations living in the peripheries with abundant health resources. The significance of the input from Primary Care physicians and teams has been acknowledged in the document and Electronic Health Records (EHR) have been increasingly encouraged for primary care providers to maintain and to use in turn in the referral and back-referral processes; an area on which YLN has a specific interest. The most highlighted motive here is to create an operational framework for PHC: transforming vision into action. Where does Sri Lanka stand? The WHO carried out Country Case Studies involving 18 countries from around the world that set examples for other nations to develop their framework on. Healthcare professionals of Sri Lanka deserve an applause that the Community-based workforce development for maternal and child health of our country has been presented as one of these 18 case studies. Primary Health Care Systems (PRIMASYS) is also another publication that disseminated the success stories of different countries. Dr. Chamath Fernando also contributed to the development of the Sri Lankan version of this publication in 2016-2017 period in liaison of Emeritus Professor Antoinette Perera who was the Principal Investigator for the project. The Director General Health Services Dr. Anil Jasingherepresented Sri Lanka at the Global Conference on PHC. It was an honour that Dr. Jasinghe presented in a plenary session on how the Sri Lankan health system successfully combatted certain communicable diseases (principally Malaria) thus achieving elimination locally. Future directives Although the quantitative figures demonstrate the best set of health indices in the South Asian region, we lack qualitative studies looking at the quality of care the patients receive and their perspectives in terms of satisfaction. Some parameters that would potentially determine their satisfaction include ease of access to healthcare, costs, holistic solutions to health related problems which are mainly undertaken by a Family Doctor. Sri Lankan Medical Postgraduate Institute produces a multitude of specialists and sub-specialists in varying fields at present. While the successful healthcare systems in the world such as the USA, UK and Australia produces adequate numbers of Family Physicians, Sri Lanka lags behind in this at large where the postgraduate path (13 years in duration) is not encouraging and merely less than 8 Family Physicians being produced per year for a population of 20 million. Better late than never, Astana Declaration highlights that Sri Lanka is to develop key human resources, mainly Family Physicians to deliver primary care and coordinating the patient care at secondary and tertiary levels, thus ensuring UHC at loco-regional levels. The system must be incorporated into the existing public health system of Sri Lanka where all citizens must have access to high-quality healthcare at no cost ideally. The healthcare providers should also be trained on novel approaches to care such as provision of generalist palliative care which is increasingly necessary for the global population. The major paradigm-shift would be to move from disease oriented therapies to patient centred care. A point to ponder is that a Family Doctor is more concerned about the patient who has an illness as opposed to the traditional way of looking at the illness a particular patient has, Dr. Fernando underscored. Zvi Hatkevitz does not remember the voyage from the shores of France to Israel on the illegal immigrant ship Exodus. Nor does he remember the courageous battle fought between the passengers and the British soldiers who refused to allow them to enter the Holy Land. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter He was still in the womb of his mother, a Holocaust survivor who dreamed of going to the Land of Israel. Zvi was born a few months later in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. Today, 71 years after that heroic journey that made the history books, he convinced the State of Israel to recognize the unique contribution of the 120,000 "illegal" immigrants who immigrated to Israel during the British Mandate period. The Exodus (Photo: GPO) "A few months ago, I discovered that there was a 'State Fighter' medal given to the Haganah, Irgun, Lehi, Palmach and Hashomer fighters and organizations that aided the illegal immigration, but not to the immigrants themselves," Hatkevitz says. "I explained to the Defense Ministry that the Exodus passengers should also receive the medal because there was a difficult battle aboard the ship and these immigrants fought for the establishment of the State of Israel." The SS Exodus left Marseilles, France, on July 11, 1947, carrying 4,515 Holocaust survivors. On July 18, a day before it was due to reach the shores of Mandate Palestine, it was attacked by British destroyers. Some 50 British soldiers managed to board the ship using smoke grenades and tear gas, and a serious struggle broke out between the immigrants and the soldiers, leaving three passengers dead and dozens injured. All the passengers were removed from the ship at the Haifa port and sent back to Europe on other vessels. The French government refused the British demand to forcibly remove the passengers from the ship, and eventually the immigrants were returned to the DP camps in British-occupied areas of Germany. After about a year, most of the passengers made their way to the State of Israel. Zvi Hatkevitz Hatkevitz, who was born in a DP camp in Germany on November 29, 1947, the day of the UN vote on the Partition Plan, which facilitated the establishment of the State of Israel, recruited the help of Yitzhak Rosman, the son of Exodus leader Mordechai Rosman, and Daniel Levy, whose parents were also on board. "At the same time, I approached members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Knesset members in the Lobby for the Preservation of the Heritage. I met with the Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Ze'ev Elkin. I presented him with my request and to my delight I managed to persuade him and his ministry's director-general, Ran Yishai, to grant a special medal and certificate to all the brave people who immigrated to Israel in those years," he says. Recently, the Ministry for Jerusalem and Heritage Affairs issued a notice inviting the public to apply for the special medal. Those eligible include those who boarded the illegal immigrant ships between 1934 and 1948, those born in the DP camps in Europe or in the detention camps in Cyprus, and those born on the Exodus or others who were born on the journey to Israel. The application can be filled out online through the ministry's website. "I feel great that I managed to get the government to acknowledge the contribution of those immigrants to the establishment of the State of Israel. I am sure that the moment I receive the medal will be one of the most exciting in my life, I am already crying," says Hatkevitz, who recently attended a memorial ceremony for the passengers of the Exodus held in the port of Marseille. "The most important thing is that we have finally succeeded in ensuring the preservation of the legacy of the clandestine immigration." A Security Cabinet meeting, the prime minister and his ministers have been sitting in this room for hours, having a long and exhausting discussion about a recent security incident. Around the table are only men well, mostly men. Only one woman is allowed to enter the roomJustice Minister Ayelet Shaked. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter At exactly the same time, five mothers gather around their own table, in their own private Security Cabinet meetingthe Cabinet for War Alternatives. Their goal is to initiate and promote the "Political Alternatives First" bill, which they say can prevent the next war. The five of them are all active in the Women Wage Peace movement. They come from all political stripesthe Right, the Left, and the Center. This group of women is convinced that to reach an agreement with our neighbors, we must first reached an internal agreement. Right to left: Yael Admi, Hava Ortman, Liora Hadar,Marie Lyne Smadja and Tami Yakira (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) "The moral ground behind this bill is the unwritten contract between the state and its citizens. We, and our children, will fight on the front lines and on the home front when they call us. But the government should leave no stone unturned in making sure we only go on defensive wars," says attorney Tami Yakira, 40, a mother of two from Tel Aviv, one of the bill's initiators. "Over the years, this contract has been violated by Israeli governmentsfrom the 1973 Yom Kippur War to the 2006 Second Lebanon War and the 2014 Operation Protective Edge." "The idea behind the bill is to build a mechanism that will improve the decision-making process in a three-pronged process. First, the Security Cabinet will routinely discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various policy alternatives," Yakira explains. "The emphasis here is on routine, because it is clear that in times of emergencywhen rockets light up the skythere is not enough time to examine things at length. If, during routine discussions, Security Cabinet members address relevant solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, then during emergencies, there will be an a wide range of solutions from which elected officials can choose, according to their worldview," she goes on to say. "Second, resources will be allocated not only for the next war, but also for the next peace process. One of our friends, whose son is a pilot, says that just as there is a radar that can detect threats in the sky, we should have a radar that can scan various opportunities and solutions that don't include the use of force. The bill instructs the appointment of a deputy national security advisor on diploamtic matters, to strengthen the National Security Council's civilian-diplomatic responsibilities. The deputy will be in charge of finding and initiating alternative policies before presenting it to the Cabinet," she continues. "We want the discussions to be all-encompassing and to include civilian representatives, research institutes and women. In the spirit of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, we demand female representation in peace processes and politics. Diversity is important in order to prevent a decision-making process based on conformity that may lead to an irrational or dysfunctional decision," Yakira emphasizes. Tami Yakira (Photo: Women Wage Peace website) Sounds nice in theory, but how would this be enforced? "This is the third part of the bil proposal, which is intended to ensure that words will not remain on paper. How do we enforce it? By imposing a reporting duty both to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and to the public, which will only be exposed to unclassified reports. This will allow us, as concerned and hard-working citizens, to ensure that things really happen. If they don't, then we need to develop a public debate or even appeal to the High Court of Justice." The bill has already been drafted and now its promoters are collecting signatures from MKs and trying to assemble a broad coalition with various politicians from across the political map. They already met with about 20 ministers, deputy ministers and MKs from the Likud, Shas, Zionist Union, Meretz, and the Joint List parties. So far, they have garnered great support, and the bill has already been submitted to the Knesset. The Women Wage Peace movement was established about four years ago, following Operation Protective Edge. Today the movement has about 40,000 members from all walks of Israeli society: Jewish and Arab, secular and religious, right-wing and left-wing. The movement's declared goal is to promote a political agreement with the Palestinians. Its members are going around the country, listening to various opinions, and holding marches and rallies to promote their cause. They are already well-known in the Knesset. Women Wage Peace rally (Photo: Women Wage Peace website) "When the State Comptroller's report about Operation Protective Edge came out, it felt like we were punched in the gut. The report clearly states that political alternatives to war were not even discussed. The operation could have been prevented," says Yael Admi, a software engineer with a PhD in Philosophy. "It was hard for me to see the bereaved families' pain during a discussion on the report. For 80 days, we stood in front of the Defense Ministry to promote political alternatives. It did not have much effect, but it did generate a public debate," she adds. "At one rally, I spotted an ultra-Orthodox man and started talking to him. 'Don't you think the government is already looking for political alternatives?' he asked. The man was a plumber so I asked him if he was ever asked by a client to check the plumbing system and form a maintenance plan for the next 50 years. He admitted that it only happens when a pipeline explodes," Admi continues. Security Cabinet meeting (Photo: Ariel Harmoni, Ministry of Defense ) "This is how we conduct ourselves as a state, whether the government is right wing or left wing. After 70 years, it is about time we formulate a mechanism of diplomatic planning and thinking. This, of course, is particularly relevant when you consider what is happening at the Cabinet these days," Admi explains. A mother's strength is infinite "Women Wage Peace is different to any other peace movement since it has real diversity. Actress Hava Ortman and I, for example, have very different opinions, but we are both members of Women Wage Peace because we want the conflict to end," says Liora Hadar, 42, an art therapist and parents' instructor from the Alei Zahav settlement. "In this sense, the Political Alternatives First bill fits the spirit of the movement. All of us, Right or Left, want to find a nonviolent solution to the ongoing conflict. There is not one Knesset member who is supposed to oppose the bill. Its concern is the decision-making method, not the nature of the solutionthat will be decided by the leaders," she goes on to explain. To formulate the bill, the women conducted an in-depth study that included talks with 45 experts from every relevant field, including those involved in decision-making, such as the former heads of the National Security Council. "We got their full support. They told us that we're addressing the root cause. Everyone is trying to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but the way in which decisions are made does not leave room for a serious discussion about possible solutions," Admi says. Yael Admi (Photo: Yael Admi's Twitter) "For the past nine months, we have been working on this bill, and its feels like giving birth. This has been a healing process for me," Yakira says. "During Operation Protective Edge, I was desolate. Sirens were sounded in Tel Aviv, and I couldn't be near my children. It was intolerable. My partner and I started thinking about moving. Eventually we realized we can't leave Israel, and I promised myself I would do everything in my power to make a difference." "As a Zionist who immigrated to Israel from France and as a responsible citizen, I tried to help our soldiers during the war as much as I could. But after the war, we had to face the facts. The war lasted 50 days, and no one even considered diplomatic alternatives. Perhaps the Cabinet would have still concluded that there was no choice but to launch a military operation, but we would never know," says Dr. Marie Lyne Smadja, 57, an education lecturer and mother of two. "We, as humans, have a duty to act intelligently. The Women Wage Peace movement was established so we can start taking responsibility for the situation. Do we want to let terrorists decide our fate for us? I don't. I want to be in a proactive place," she proclaims. Do you support talking directly to Hamas? "I don't want to pull an answer out of thin air, but if it is already happening indirectly, I certainly have to consider it," Hadar says. "Today I am much more open to different ideas. Getting to know different women changed me. I live in Judea and Samaria, and I believe it is as much a part of Israel as Haifa or Tel Aviv. Nevertheless, I can understand other political positions. I see the Palestinians who live on the other side of the road. The idea is to open my mind and my heart, and it is mutual." "Peace is not a one-man show; we can't have only one voice on the stage," says actress Hava Ortman. "There were many peace movements that spoke in a single voice and failed." Women Wage Peace at the Knesset (Photo: Women Wage Peace website) What if we learn no one on the other side is willing to make a deal, leaving Israel with no choice but to go to war in Gaza and overthrow Hamas? "We will be there, we will fight because it is our civil duty, but we want to make sure first that the government has done everything it can. My brother was killed in the War of Attrition, I was 12 years old. I promised my parents I would do everything to promote peace. My mother died grief-stricken. She wrote a book of poems for her dead son. For me, it's like a book of Psalms. I always carry it with me. That's what gives me strength," Admi says. "A mother's strength is infinite. It comes from the womb. Sometimes I find it difficult to visit the places I grew up in, since it is there that hopelessness resides. The dream is to raise children who will be able to fill their young minds with hopes and dreams, and not worry about their future army service. The Political Alternatives First bill is our way of paving a different path for our children, it is our duty as concerned citizens and mothers, and as a state," she concludes. An Israeli plan to build a cable car to Jerusalem's historic Old City has united architects and Palestinian activists in opposition to a project they say is both an eyesore and a ploy to entrench Israeli control over the city's contested eastern sector. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Developers say the proposed project is meant to relieve snarling traffic and will ferry some 3,000 tourists an hour from the western sector directly to the Old City, in east Jerusalem. It follows a series of Israeli projects in the volatile city that have enraged the Palestinians. Further complicating matters is the project's association with the Elad Foundation, a group that has settled Jewish nationalists in the heart of Jerusalem's Arab neighborhoods. The final cable car station will be integrated into a future tourist center run by the organization. Illustration of cable car project (Photo: Jerusalem Development Authority) "The cable car will send oblivious tourists flying over the heads of Palestinians and drop them off in the middle of occupied east Jerusalem, the eye of the storm, the .... center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," said Betty Herschman of Ir Amim, an advocacy group that promotes equality in the city. "This cable car is putting new facts on the ground that undermine any possibility for a peace process." Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the limestone-walled Old City, in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, a move never recognized internationally. The Palestinians claim the eastern sector as capital of a future state while Israel considers the entire city its eternal, undivided capital. The conflicting claims to east Jerusalem lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have frequently spilled over into violence. In recent years, Israel has carried out a series of initiatives, billed as development projects, that have infuriated the Palestinians. Israel built a light rail train through both parts of the city, abutting the Old City and snaking through predominantly Arab neighborhoods. The train is popular with Arabs and Jews, but it has also been the target of Palestinian rioters when tensions rise. Another proposed plan involves digging a railway tunnel under Jerusalem's Old City, passing near sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. The proposed line would end at the Western Wall, with a station named after US President Donald Trump , who is cheered in Israel for having recognized Jerusalem as its capital. Illustration of cable car project (Photo: Jerusalem Development Authority) Beyond political opposition, the cable car has faced an outcry from urban planners and architects. "This project is an outrage, an affront to our historic skyline," said Moshe Safdie, a renowned architect who signed a petition against the plan along with 70 Israeli figures from architecture, archaeology and academia. "This will Disneyfy a sacred place. Imagine a huge cable car flying over the Vatican and dumping tourists in front of St. Peter's. It's unprecedented." No image says Jerusalem like the postcard view of its Old Citywith its towering ancient walls, the Western Wall and the glimmering gold-topped Dome of the Rock. The cable car would run 1,400 meters (nearly one mile), launching from the First Station, a popular food and cultural center in west Jerusalem, sailing over the city's ancient valley, stopping at Mount Zion, a hill just outside the Old City walls, and proceeding through the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan before alighting at the tourist center. Aber Zayyad, a Palestinian resident of Silwan and director of its women's community center, said she fears the cable car flying overhead will infringe on residents' privacy and that its construction may harm houses and a local cemetery. "Our tombs will likely be damaged, not to mention our lives," she said. "And of course it will further attempts to make Jerusalem a solely Jewish city." Cable car terminal near Old City walls (Photo: Jerusalem Development Authority) The cable car's destination at the tourist center has sparked concern about the project's potential to serve settler interests by promoting Elad's exclusive Jewish narrative of the city. "We believe that this is an attempt to change the character of the city and its face ... its culture and identity," said Adnan Husseini, the Palestinian minister of Jerusalem Affairs. Israel's Tourism Ministry denies any political motivation. It says the cable car presents an environmentally friendly solution to the crisis of congestion, accessibility and parking at a time of record-breaking tourist visits. The Old City is Israel's No. 1 tourist destination. Israel's National Infrastructure Committee, which fast-tracks transportation projects of national importance, has given approval to the project. A building permit is to come after a 60-day period of public reviewa step that developers believe will be a formality. In May, Israel allocated some $55 million to the project and, barring major complications, cars should be crisscrossing the valley by 2021, the Tourism Ministry said. Amir Halevi, the ministry's director general, said he sympathizes with concerns about the sensitivity of the site but claimed that the rapidly rising tourism rates demand a dramatic response. "There is always the question of how to balance developing and preserving," he said. "But you cannot stop development." Illustration of cable car project (Photo: Jerusalem Development Authority) Halevi added that the Ministry mapped the cable car route carefully to "minimize" the evacuation and demolition of buildings. He stressed the cable car would not enter the Old City or go over its walls, but would stop just outside. "We're doing this to prevent the need to construct more invasive things," he said. Urban planning experts disagree that the cable cars, which hold 10 people per carriage, will resolve the city's daunting transportation problems. Salmah Milson Arad, director of the Jerusalem chapter of the Association of Architects and Urban Planners, estimated the cable cars will relieve only around 30 percent of bus traffic. Other critics have questioned whether the massive undertaking will even appeal to customers. "Israelis come to the (Western) Wall in their cars, the ultra-Orthodox walk, Arabs won't use this, and it's hard to imagine tourists in massive buses going out of their way to get to First Station," said Giora Solar, architect and former director of conservation for Israel's Antiquities Authority. "So who's going to benefit?" Only two days after resigning his position, former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman criticized the governments handling of the situation in Gaza while meeting local officials in southern Israel. We are feeding the beast now and if we do not stop its rearming, Hamas will become like Hezbollah, he said. JERUSALEM - The United States said it would oppose on Friday for the first time an annual resolution at the United Nations calling on Israel to rescind its authority in the occupied Golan Heights, drawing praise from Israeli officials. The Golan Heights form a buffer between Israel and Syria of about 1,200 square km (460 square miles). Israel captured most of it from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. It annexed the territory in 1981, a move not recognised internationally. The United States has abstained in previous years on the annual "Occupied Syrian Golan" resolution, which declares Israel's decision to impose its jurisdiction in the area "null and void", but Washington's UN envoy Nikki Haley said it would vote against the resolution in Friday's vote. "The United States will no longer abstain when the United Nations engages in its useless annual vote on the Golan Heights," she said in a statement on Thursday. "The resolution is plainly biased against Israel. Further, the atrocities the Syrian regime continues to commit prove its lack of fitness to govern anyone." Some 8,000 Gazans came out for the weekly Friday border protests against Israel. The IDF reported that the demonstrators maintained a safe distance from the fence, while burning tires and throwing stones. One of the organizers behind the protests (March of Return), Issam Hamad explained that the Egyptian intelligence delegation requested that they stay back from the fence so as not to endanger the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. WARSAW, Poland -- A prominent Holocaust researcher said Friday he is suing a Polish organization for libel after it waged a public campaign last year accusing him of slandering Poland's good name for his work exploring Polish violence against Jews during World War II. Historian Jan Grabowski, of the University of Ottawa in Canada, told The Associated Press he brought a lawsuit on Thursday against the Polish League Against Defamation, an organization allied with Poland's conservative ruling party. The league didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the case. It accused Grabowski last year of ignoring the Poles who saved Jews during the Holocaust and of exaggerating the number of Poles complicit in Jewish deaths. "During World War II, due to the demoralizing circumstances and German actions, it is true that vile-acting individuals could be found among Poles and Jews alike," the group wrote in a statement about the academic. "Yet, we should remember that the objective of the Germans was also to 'eradicate the Polish nation' and 'completely destroy Poland.'" Who is to prevail finally and which policy is to prevail? sovereignty of people should be delegated from time to time to representatives chosen by the people The Anglo-Saxon Parliamentary system and the American Presidential system are two alternative forms of government. The two cannot be mixed and the hotchpotch that he has presented is not workable NM Nanayakkarapathirage Martin Perera joined the London School of Economics and University of London in 1927 as a student of the legendary Professor Harold Laski. Being awarded his first doctorate for his thesis on The Constitution of the German Weimar Republic, he was invited to read for a second thesis on A further comparative study of the Constitutions of the UK, United States, France and Germany, which won him a DSc. When the current Constitution was established in 1978 by JRJ, NM his contemporary at University College was out of Parliament though, authored, Critical Analysis of the New Constitution of the Sri Lanka [1978] scrutinising the document and revealing the ill effects of it. Addressing a seminar on the proposed JRJ Constitution, NM said, The fact that the President has the authority to assign to himself any topic or function which he desires to take over, he can at will reduce or remove any function already agreed to the PM or to any other minister. In these complicated circumstances, what happens to the left majority in the House supporting a left Prime Minister who is saddled with a President sponsoring an opposite policy in conflict with the declared policy of a majority in the Parliament? How is this conflict to be resolved? Will that President be prepared to swallow his pride and foreswear his convictions adumbrated in his own declared policy when he assumed office? If neither is prepared to give way, there will be a deadlock. The whole governmental machinery will come to a standstill. Writing on the 1978 Constitution, he says, The manner in which this Bill has been rushed through Parliament makes us a little suspicious. What is there so urgent about amending a Constitution? After all, Constitutional Amendments are potent not for a year or two but for all time. He continued, I can think of no country with a written Constitution that enables Constitutional amendments to be carried through in the headlong manner that he has done. Most Constitutional amendments take years to fructify and some countries provide even for a referendum before such an amendment is made effective. There may be many in this country who hold different views on the Presidential system of government. Why should they be deprived of the right to express their different viewpoints to the legislature and to the people of the country and urge that full consideration and weight be given to their views? This statement of the Prime Minister is tantamount to a rejection of Parliamentary government for developing countries. It is necessary to remind him that this is the basis on which most of the newly-independent countries in the continent of Africa have proceeded. Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Zaire, Malawi and so forth have plunged for one party rule. They have emasculated the whole conception of Parliamentary democracy on the ground that developing countries need stable governments to carry out the task of economic development, NM emphasised. The nett result of this one party rule and the stamping out of opposition in terms of political degeneracy, economic mismanagement and downright corruption has to be seen to be believed. Tribal rivalries have rendered this intolerable situation inevitable. Does not J.R. Jayewardene by implication express this sub-conscious preference for a one party dictatorship in Sri Lanka? NM questioned. Probing the history of the Presidential form of government, NM said, The founding fathers of the American Constitution devised a system under which they thought the party system could not take root or flourish. So they hammered out the institutions of government with the deliberate aim of discouraging parties and they fondly believed that the President with executive powers can achieve this objective. They were also misled into accepting the wrongly-conceived Montesquion dictum. Montesquieu, the French philosopher (1689/1755) who campaigned for the separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers according to him, misunderstood the working of the British system and wrongly attributed the success of that system to a separation of the three key powers, and that actually, there was no such separation. The executive was part of the legislature and most of the superior judges were appointed by the executive. NM believed any kind of strict compartmentalising was not conceivable and, proceeding on this wrong theory, founders of the American Constitution separated the legislature and the executive completely. As he enlightened us, neither the President nor the Cabinet were members of the legislature. Except for conveying a memorandum to the congress he had no place in the legislature at all. The assassination of Bandaranaike threw the whole country into a period of uncertainty and bewilderment and instability in 1959, but recovered satisfactorily to give a clear mandate to Sirimavo in July 1960. JRJ ousted her government before its time by dubious scheme; used a few SLFP MPs and engineered a defeat of the government in 1964. Dr. N.M. Perera questioned, In the face of this familiarity, why are we floating merrily to embrace an unfamiliar Constitutional form? The experience of other countries bashed about by the countless snags in the Presidential form, we would be stupid to ignore. Coup detat has followed coups in these countries. And stagnation and poverty have been the hapless heritage of the masses in these states. Are we blindly to get into this doubtful gamble and throw away fifty years of Parliamentary democracy, which with all its flaws have offered a measure of steadiness and progress? We have certainly shunned the violent disorder that other Presidential system practised states, except the US, have witnessed... He said, The President will preside over the meetings of the Cabinet. The PM and the Cabinet are appointed by him. JR has taken the safety measure of stating that he must decide as PM one who he thinks commands a majority in the House. Commenting on JRs idea of creating an Executive Presidency, The Constitution of a country must have checks and balances if it were to function properly taking into account the diversities in the country eventuating in the highest common factor of agreement. There can be fair time lag between the elections for the two establishments. One can, therefore, imagine a situation where two diverse political characters can prevail in the two bodies. A left-of the centre Parliament can well confront a right-inclined President. This can be the beginning of a continuing and unceasing conflict. The President appoints the PM from among the members. He will choose one who he thinks commands a majority in the House. With a left majority in the House, he will be obliged to choose a left Prime Minister. Discussing a future conflict, he said, A two-thirds majority against the President can remove him. This is unlikely in the future if the PR system is brought into existence. If the Parliament is having a majority against the President, it can refuse to pass money to carry out the administration and the President in turn would turn down to endorse as law any actions passed by Parliament. A disillusioned and aggravated population will make short shrift of Parliament. It can well be the preclude to a Fascist government. Is this what we are slowly inching towards? Dr.N.M.continued, If neither party is prepared to yield ground, the Constitution might as well be scrapped. It will be unworkable. The whole country sick of Parliamentary democracy will turn to alternative forms of government such as Fascism. It is a pity that JR has ceased to think of the future. The present Parliament may well shun the kind of deadlock that I have prognosticated but the next Parliament will not. We would be guilty of an unforgivable crime if in fashioning a Constitution for this country we become obsessed by the advantages we can reap by the present concatenation of favourable circumstances. It is wrong to presume that the antagonism between the President and Parliament will spring only from the political complexions of the two bodies diverge. This is not the experience of the United States where the Presidential system continues to function albeit with cracks and groans. The tendency over the years is for the legislature to become suspicious of the power welded by the President and his entourage. Concluding Dr. N.M. Perera asked, Who is to prevail finally and which policy is to prevail? These are unresolvable problems which will end in the discrediting of democracy itself. As I have adverted earlier on this hotchpotch of a Constitution will not work. JR was wrong in his assertion that the Constitution he has introduced does not influence the sovereignty of the people. It is only partially true. This new Constitution will erode into the sovereignty of the people. The sovereignty of the people cannot be distributed through a number of institutions. Section 4 of the 1972 Constitution emphatically states: The sovereignty of the people is exercised through Parliament of elected representatives of the people. The sovereignty of the people should be delegated from time to time to representatives chosen by the people. We can only hope that, wiser counsel will prevail. And Constitutional amendments should be made the subject of more long-drawn-out and profounder deliberations. The writer can be contacted at - kksperera1@gmail.com JERUSALEM - The United States opposed on Friday for the first time an annual draft resolution at the United Nations calling on Israel to rescind its authority in the Golan Heights, drawing praise from Israeli officials. The Golan Heights form a buffer between Israel and Syria of about 1,200 square km (460 square miles). Israel captured most of it from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. It annexed the territory in 1981, a move not recognised internationally. The United States has abstained in previous years on "Occupied Syrian Golan" resolution, which declares Israel's decision to impose its jurisdiction in the area "null and void", but US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Thursday that Washington would vote against the resolution. By RALPH ANSAMI [email protected] BESSEMER A Watersmeet resident told the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners Tuesday that the passage of the ambulance millage has left a bad taste in peoples mouths in the eastern end of the county. At a meeting where an an ambulance authority was appointed by county board chair George Peterson, of Watersmeet, the meeting started with a public appearance by Yvonne Clark, of Watersmeet. A three-year millage that will generate $523,000 the first year was approved by a more than 60 percent vote countywide. Clark criticized the board bec... By RICHARD JENKINS [email protected] BESSEMER An Ironwood Township man who had a standoff with police officers last year pleaded guilty to two felonies in Gogebic County Circuit Court last week. Leonard John Hellier, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon or felonious assault Nov. 6 as part of a plea agreement. The agreement calls for Helliers sentence be limited to probation and the time served since his May 16, 2017, arrest. Hellier was taken into custody after a standoff at his Vanderhagen Road property, north of Airport Road. The rou... UK, (Daily Mail), 16 Nov 2018 - Theresa May vowed to face down Tory Eurosceptics today amid fears Michael Gove the Environment Secretary could deal a hammer blow by quitting to join the revolt. The Prime Minister said she had a good conversation with Mr Gove - but refused to be drawn on whether he had turned down a move to become the new Brexit Secretary. Gove stayed tight lipped about his intentions when he left his London home this morning, as Mrs May launched another defence of the deal she has thrashed out with Brussels. In a phone in on LBC Radio, Mrs May admitted she had concerns about the Irish border backstop - but insisted the overall package was the best thing for the UK. Mrs May also denied claims that the DUP is on the verge of withdrawing support for the government, saying: We are still working with the DUP. She dodged questions about whether she would be able to carry on if Mr Gove walks out, saying: I want all of my colleagues in cabinet to carry on doing the excellent job they are doing. Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight A few clouds. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 76F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Have you been slated for an interview and you are considering what the NABCO interview questions looks like? Or is your concern on where to get some tips on how to pass those questions? If any or both of these questions relate to your need, then this article is just in time for you. On like the fears that many people nurse about the NABCO interview, having a foreknowledge of what the questions are like and the techniques on how to go about answering them is important. This is because the opportunity to appear before the interview board is a rare one that many others out there seek for desperately. As such, you can't afford to miss it. Therefore, in this article, you will discover the step-by-step guide on how to go about answering each question thrown at you. READ ALSO: NABCO - 10 things you should know about Nation Builders Corps NABCO Ghana is a programme that has brought a sigh of relief to many youth in Ghana. It gives graduates the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge as they await better opportunities in the form of permanent employment to come their way. At least, thanks to the government of Ghana for coming up with this initiative to resolve the issue of social imbalance by creating jobs for the youth. After completing the NABCO registration and you have been short-listed for an interview, the next concern is what is likely going to be covered in the interview. So, let us take a look at some of the likely questions to expect. However, it is important to note that when you appear before the NABCO recruitment board, you have to exhibit a high level of confidence. This is very important. Learn to master your fear and let the board get the conviction that you are capable to handle whatever responsibility you are given eventually. Then, you need to be patient before answering any question, no matter how easy or cheap it may appear. You know, some questions can appear very cheap and at the same time technical, this is why you must not jump at any question but answer slowly and confidently. NABCO interview questions Having noted those points, let us look at some of the questions you would meet: 1. Tell us a few things about yourself When you get this kind of question, note that you are not just being asked of your name alone but also a little background information about yourself. So, you could have something like this: I am Donald Kwame, a graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where I studied Computer Science and Programming. I graduated with a Second class Upper division in 2016. Afterwards, I did my National Service with Fidelity bank where I served in the Information Technology department. I enjoy proffering solution to people's problem in my own capacity and I am very passionate about this. 2. How much information do you have about NABCO? Note that when you are answering this, they want to test your knowledge about their organisation wherein you propose to work with. While you should try to be succinct in your answer, you must also be factual and don't guess anything. So, saying something like this won't be a bad idea at all: NABCO means The Nation Builders Corps. The programme is a government initiative aimed at addressing unemployment among graduates of Ghana so as to combat the social imbalance. Specifically, the initiative focuses on solving problems relating to public service delivery in health, education, agriculture, technology, governance and drive revenue mobilization and collection. As such, it is aimed at providing a temporary employment for graduates and improve their employability skills as they transition into their permanent employment. To get more information on what The Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme is all about, you can read more on our website. 3. What makes you think that you are the best candidate? When you hear a question like this, what the recruiters are trying to ask you is that what are your unique skills and professional achievements with which you can add value to the organisation. So, whatever knowledge you may have gathered during your National service programme or other information that you know are relevant to this question, you can add them up while answering. Check this answer out: I have quite some experience in programming. While I was in school, I developed a software for my faculty which they use to track the information of students on campus and the course of study of every student in the faculty. With it, they are able to determine the eligibility of every study for graduation just with a click of the mouse. Apart from that, I was part of the team that worked on the upgrade as well as the maintenance of the software that Fidelity bank uses. That alone exposed me to a lot of practical issues relating to software development and maintenance. In terms of my personal skills, I have a good interpersonal communication skill which has been of immense help in my relationship with people and also in the area of helping them solve their emotional problems. I also pride myself in working with or without any supervision and I am equally able to work with deadlines. NABCO launch day Source: Depositphotos 4. Among various NABCO modules that are available, why did you choose to apply for this one? When you hear a question like this, what they are trying to do is to test your level of passion for the module you have chosen. They want to be sure that you didn't just follow someone's advice or the multitude to pick that. Therefore, when you are answering, clearly state the interest you have in it which motivated you to go for it. A practical way to answer that is this: I have always had the passion for programming and ways I can use it to help solve problems for humanity. I believe that God didn't create us to live a complicated life which is why He gave us brain to think. Programming affects all walks of life and it is needed in every sector that wants to thrive. But as I am not working, achieving that goal has been a major concern to me. I know I have what it takes to simplify job functions or activities in organisations by developing a system that will fit into the organisation's goals and objectives. Based on this, I know I can function well in Digitise Ghana. READ ALSO: NABCO recruitment 2018: terms and conditions 5. What is your job search experience like? Bear in mind that the essence for their asking you this question is to know the personal effort you have also put into getting a job. The recruitment board wants to be sure that you are not part of the lazy graduates who solely depend on the government for their source of sustenance. So, when you are answering, try to be as honest as possible. Tell them exactly the steps you have taken that did not work. You don't need to hide anything from them, you know. 6. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? Don't be surprised if a question like this is thrown at you. The truth is nobody wants to hire a liability; everyone is looking for employees that have foresight and are intelligent enough to know what to do at every point in time. Employers are looking for people who are motivated by a set goals or target. They want to be sure that the people they are bringing onboard will do themselves and their organisation good in the end. They also want to be sure that they are not employing someone who will take up the job and forget about himself. This is why, personally, you should have a target. Have a direction for your life. So, depending on the life goals you have set, you could say something like this: My plan is to work in an organisation that will challenge me to grow, expand my capacity and where I can give my all. Well, five years from now, for example, I must have completed my Masters degree programme and gotten certificates in some short programmes that can enhance my capacity to deliver optimally in whatever organisation I work with. I also hope to have built my entrepreneurial skills so that I am also able to become an employer of labour someday. 7. What are your expectations in this temporary offer in case you get one? You need to let your interviewers know that you are not motivated by the money you would be paid but the experience you want to acquire in the process of working there. Make them understand that having researched about the purpose of the programme on the NABCO website, you were so happy because you found out that one of the reasons for the programme is to expose graduates to practical skills that they need to become employable eventually. Consequently, your answer could go in this way: My motivation for putting in for this programme is not for the money but the practical experience I would get in the process. For me, I believe that whatever experience I get can even arm me with the requisite knowledge that I need to start and run my own business. So, while I know that experience cannot be bought with money, the knowledge I gather, if attached to any organisation eventually, will position me to be a better person in the future. READ ALSO: NABCO has issues to fix - These are the biggest four of them 8. How long do you plan to work with NABCO? A question like this is usually asked to be sure that you do not see the programme as an end in itself but a means to an end. So, you have to be objective enough in your answer. Make the interviewing board know that you don't plan to work there for life but for the time being as you hope to also keep pressing in your application to other organisations for a job. Check out this answer: Well, my plan is to get the experience I need as soon as possible and at the same time, save some money from whatever salary I am being paid to finance my personal project. I have a set time that I have given myself to work for an organisation before I start up my own (you can say this if you actually plan to launch your personal business). More so, while I am working with NABCO, my search for a job will not stop. I will keep looking up to organisations in case there is a vacancy for me to apply. 9. If, at the end of all these processes you have gone through, you are not chosen by NABCO, what will you do? Here comes another sensitive question you must be careful in answering. What you just need to do is to make the recruitment panel understand that you won't feel so bad about it. Let them know you will see it as a challenge to work more on yourself, sharpen your skills and prepare yourself better for any other opportunity that may come your way. You can say something like this: The truth is I may not be too happy about it, but then, I understand that it is not the end of life. What I will count it as is a challenge to brush my skills some more and prepare harder for other opportunities that may come my way. However, that I have made it to this interview is a sign that something good holds for me in life. The experience I have gathered in this interview session, at least, gives me a clue as to what a job interview looks like. With this, all I have to do is to appraise myself and see where I didn't perform well so that next time, I won't make the same mistakes again. NABCO latest news update From the time you began your processing up till when you are called up or scheduled for an interview, it is very important that you watch out for the NABCO news either locally or online so as to get the latest information. By this, you will be able to know when and how to check if you are one of the shortlisted candidates or not. Interestingly, NABCO updates their official website as often as possible so as to keep members of the public abreast of the latest information they may need. So, by visiting their official website, you can get reliable information on everything you want to know about the NABCO postings. If you are able to follow the tips shared in this article on how to answer NABCO interview questions, you should not have any problem no matter the kind of questions thrown at you. All the best in your next scheduled interview. READ ALSO: NABCO registration in Ghana 2018 Source: Yen Ghana As part of the saving privileges that youth enjoy in Ghana, the NABCO recruitment has been a major frontier. The programme remains one of the government's initiatives that graduates are so grateful for. This is based on the fact that it has really been of help in combating the menace of unemployment in the country. NABCO which stands for the Nation Builders Corps is a platform that the government aims at employing 100,000 graduates. These people, in turn, would work in helping to solve major challenges in service delivery in the public sectors such as agriculture, education, and health. Others include governance, revenue collection and mobilization and technology in the country. So, in this article, we look at various facts that you need to know about the programme as well as the latest news on it based on the last recruitment updates. READ ALSO: NABCO - 10 things you should know about Nation Builders Corps The establishment of NABCO is part of the government's effort in combating unemployment among graduates in the country. The major objectives of the initiative are enumerated below: To provide temporal employment opportunities to most of the unemployed university graduates; Create a platform where graduates can improve their skills so as to become employable while they transition into permanent employment; A medium to help in bettering public service delivery and develop government revenue mobilization; It serves to provide the needed infrastructure to improve access to basic public services. NABCO latest news roundup Having made the eligibility list after all the NABCO recruitment exercise that the applicants went through, the NABCO team set the 1st of November 2018 as the official date when the trainees would resume work. Based on the news update posted on the official NABCO website, it was stated that the Secretariat, on Friday 26th October, 2018, began the process of placing trainees to various modules. NABCO modules are about different institutions and agencies where the short-listed candidates for the programme are expected to work. From a total of 44,366 candidates that were placed across the country, 29,407 were attached with the Ghana Education Service while 6,574 were sent to the Ministry of Health. More so, a total of 1,487 went to GIFEC, 484 to the National Identification Authority while 5,813 were sent to work at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Out of the remaining successful candidates, 78 of them were attached to the Inter Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining while the remaining 439 were posted to the NABCO offices across the country as Research and Training Corp. Sequel to this, as published on the NABCO news page on their official website, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is confident in the achievement of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) progamme. He did this while he was declaring the one hundred thousand young men and women recruited for work on Wednesday, 17th October, 2018 during an event at the Black Star Square, Accra. The president gladly said that the seeds for Ghanas growth and future have been planted in the National Builders Corps programme. Furthermore, the president went on to assure us that the NABCO trainees would get engaged in a work and learning programme environment that is well structured. By implication, out of every four weeks, the trainees would have a week dedicated to acquiring soft, future employability, and work readiness skills. With this, the trainees would acquire 36 weeks of solid training and value addition within the time-frame of their work with NABCO. At least, this step will help them to transition effectively into their permanent work. READ ALSO: You have to work hard to earn your GH700 - Akufo-Addo tells NaBCo recruits However, he stressed the need for the newly recruited trainees to always bear in mind the need to do their best in imparting their community and the country as a whole. Then, he told them that "your monthly GH700 is not free money and you must earn every pesewa of it which Im confident youll do". This is really a call to work and not a matter of fun on the part of the trainees. Facts to note about NABCO recruitment 2018 While adoption into the NABCO programme is not automatic, the short-listed candidates followed a set of processes that were outlined by the NABCO team for the 2018 recruitment exercise. Some of which are discussed below: 1. NABCO registration criteria As much as the government would have love to absorb every graduate in the country, there are limited resources to cater for the needs of everyone. Every candidate that merited the NABCO list were expected to produce a number of documents and also possess certain things. Although, any citizen of Ghana who has successfully completed their degree and diploma courses at Ghanaian accredited tertiary institutions stood a chance to be chosen for the NABCO Ghana. These criteria were part of the yardsticks that were used to short-list candidates for the programme, and they include the following: Having a valid Email address; A passport sized photo; PDF scanned copy of highest academic certificate; GPS address in Ghana District residence; National Service Scheme (NSS) Pin; License number and pin for heath module applicants; National Identification document which could be in the form of an official passport, a NHIS card, National ID card or voters card; SSNIT number; E-zwich card number. 2. Follow the NABCO application process The fact remains that the above-mentioned criteria are core and were met by those who eventually applied to the NABCO programme. After all of those had been gotten, the prospective candidates were expected to follow the application process. This process involved them logging in to the official website of NABCO, filling in their basic information and at the same time complete the Google Captcha. After these, they were expected to key in their contact details in case of information dissemination as well as their employment details. Once they have confirmed that all the information is correct, they were to submit and print the receipt which they would keep in case they are called up for the NABCO interview. 3. Choose within NABCO modules While prospective candidates were given the sole privilege to choose their module, NABCO expected that any module of choice must be within the seven categories which they have highlighted. These categories include Civic Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Educate Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Heal Ghana and Feed Ghana modules of the programme. Based on these, short-listed candidates were given the opportunity to work with various institutions and sectors. These are based on their candidates' selected choice of module and as deemed fit by the recruitment team. 4. Meet the requirements of the module of choice As spelt out on their official website, the NABCO management board expected that applicants must have obtained a post-secondary education with a diploma or degree relevant to their preferred module. Specifically, they expected the following: Those applying for Educate Ghana must major in education, science, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Candidates applying for Heal Ghana should be graduates with healthcare training. Consequently, they encouraged trained nurses, midwives, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians and others within that health category to apply. Then, anyone interested in Feed Ghana should be a graduate with a certificate, diploma or degree in agricultural disciplines and food sciences. Those who would apply for Civic Ghana can be graduates with a discipline in any of the accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana. More so, anyone who is interested in applying for Revenue Ghana should also be a graduate of any discipline from a recognised and accredited tertiary institutions in the country. Applicants putting in for Digitize Ghana can as well be a graduate of any discipline. The only thing is they strongly encourage that such must possess an ICT background. The Enterprise Ghana is also open to all graduates of any discipline within accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana. READ ALSO: Three reasons why NPP would win the 2020 elections 5. Pass the NABCO interview questions Even after prospective candidates have applied for the NABCO programme, one of the standards set is that short-listed candidates would be scheduled for an interview. While the interview is part of the prerequisites for selection, candidates were expected to do their best in terms of preparation to pass it. During the interview session, a host of questions were asked and some of the likely ones include a little information about the applicants and their areas of strength. They could also be asked questions including why they think they should be selected, the plans or goals the applicants have for themselves and many others. 6. NABCO update Every information required about NABCO postings and other activities were expected to be gotten on their official website. They required that prospective applicants should constantly visit their website and pay attention to the news so as to stay update on issues relating to their application and short-listing as the case may be. Without doubt, the NABCO programme has really been effective. It has also recorded a huge success based on the objectives for which the initiative is set up. The number of short-listed trainees that have been posted to different public sectors and the plans by the government to invest in building their capacity is a major success worth commending. However, while some graduates hope that the set number of candidates chosen per exercise would be increased, the short-listed trainees should not see the programme as an end in itself also. They should value the opportunity it provides them to sharpen their employability skill while they make effort and watch out for other employment opportunities in different organisations in the country. READ ALSO: Jobs created by government from January 2017 to September 2018 Source: Yen Is your concern about dual citizenship Ghana procedure? And do you need information on how to apply for it in the country? Then this article is for you. Dual citizenship is not bad, in fact, its application is possible and can be applied for by anyone. The important thing is just that you need to understand how to go about the process. When you become a citizen of the country, it invariably means that you have an equal right and enjoy the same benefits that other citizens enjoy irrespective of where you are coming from. While qualifying for dual citizenship does not necessarily have to be by birth, marriage or adoption alone, this article looks into another procedure that can be followed to acquire the right. But then, we try to explain dual citizenship definition among other things. Simply read on to discover more. Bear in mind that dual citizenship countries defers based on the policy that each country operates with. While the process can be tasking in some countries, in another, the process involved can be very easy. For instance, there are some countries that assume that once a person from another country marries a citizen of their country, that person automatically becomes a citizen of their country. This means that if a Togolese marries a Ghanaian, for example, the Togolese can claim to be a citizen of Ghana following certain steps. There are some countries that also do not deter their citizens from becoming citizens of another country through a process known as naturalisation. What they only forbid is the person giving up citizenship of their original country. READ ALSO: Ghanaians hail Donald Trump for planning to end birthright citizenship Dual citizenship meaning When we talk about dual citizenship, it simply means that while one is duly recognised as the citizen of a country, enjoying the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any other citizen, it is possible to also be recognised as the citizen of another country. In other words, dual citizenship means the status that an individual assumes so that he or she is recognised and also becomes a citizen of two or more nations. By implication, when a person is referred to as a dual citizen, it means such a person is a citizen of two countries or more at the same time. Based on this, it connotes that such a person has legal rights and obligations in connection with the two countries that they claim or represent. So, whatever programs that the government of each country has for their citizens, such a person is entitled to them. There is also the opportunity to easily reside in more than a country of choice. There are other benefits of dual citizenship which we will discuss later on in this article. But for now, let us consider what it means to a dual citizen in Ghana. Dual citizenship Ghana Just as it operates in other countries, dual citizenship in Ghana is also possible. In fact, according to the constitution of the country, there is provision for anyone to become a citizen not necessarily minding the citizen of whatever country they belong to before. As spelt out in chapter three of the 1992 constitution, Article 6 clause (1), it explains that Every person who, on the coming into force of this Constitution, is a citizen of Ghana by law shall continue to be a citizen of Ghana. More so, in Clause (2), it is also stated that Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a person born in or outside Ghana after the coming into force of this Constitution, shall become a citizen of Ghana at the date of his birth if either of his parents or grandparents is or was a citizen of Ghana. And then, Clause (3) explains that A child of not more than seven years of age found in Ghana whose parents are not known shall be presumed to be a citizen of Ghana by birth. From all that have been explained in the Ghanaian constitution, it is evident that there up to four ways in which one can claim be a citizen. Consequently, anyone can claim to be a citizen of Ghana as a result of birth, registration by marriage, by naturalisation process or adoption. 1. Citizenship by birth According to the law of the country, before anyone can claim to be a citizen because they were born there, the date and year that such was born would be put into consideration. According to Section 3 of the CITIZENSHIP ACT, 2000 (ACT 591), it is stated that A person born before 6th March 1957 is a citizen of Ghana by birth if (a) he was born in Ghana and at least one of his parents or grandparents was born in Ghana, or (b) he was born outside Ghana and one of his parents was born in Ghana. Then, Section 4 of the same Act also states that A person born on or after 6th March 1957 and before 22nd August 1969 is a citizen of Ghana by birth if; (a) he was born in or outside Ghana and either of his parents and also one at least of his grandparents or great-grandparents, was born in Ghana; or (b) in the case of a person born in Ghana neither of whose parents was born in Ghana, at least one of his grandparents was born in Ghana". 2. Citizenship by registration and marriage Under this, when the citizen of any country marries a Ghanaian, such a one can register following the proper application to become a Ghana citizen. Even after the marriage is dissolved, the citizenship right is not terminated except they renounce it. Upon registration, such is given a certificate of registration. The other way is after someone has resided in Ghana for a minimum of five years, then that person can apply for the citizenship right. READ ALSO: Photos of African Spidermen eyeing EU citizenship 3. Citizenship by naturalisation Before anyone can become a citizen of Ghana by naturalisation, it is expected that they must have applied to the Minister of Interior and also gotten the approval of the President of Ghana. After going through all the processes involving in the application, Section 13 of the Citizenship Act 2000 (ACT 591) states that The Minister may with the approval of the President grant a certificate of naturalisation to a person of age and capacity who satisfies the Minister that he is qualified under section 14 of this Act for naturalisation". More so, in clause (2), it is stated that A person to whom a certificate of naturalisation is granted under subsection (1) shall take the oath of allegiance and become a citizen by naturalisation from the date on which the oath of allegiance is taken. This then means that upon completing the process, a person becomes a dual citizen after receiving the certificate of naturalisation and sworn to the oath of allegiance. 4. Citizenship by adoption In simple terms, anyone that is less than sixteen years of age and adopted by parents who are Ghanaians, such a person automatically assumes the right of a citizen of Ghana. Dual citizenship application The Citizenship Act (Act 591 of 2000), among other things, explains that, "A citizen of Ghana who acquires the citizenship of another country in addition to his Ghanaian citizenship shall notify in writing the acquisition of the additional citizenship to the Minister in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed." As such, there are certain requirements that anyone applying for a dual citizenship either as a Ghanaian or non-Ghanaian, must meet. The Ghana High Commission explains the following as the requirements that must be met. a. Citizen of Ghana who holds citizenship of another country Anyone in this category must, in addition their citizenship, provide the following: Evidence of Ghanaian nationality i.e current Ghanaian Passport and photocopy; Evidence of citizenship of other country which are the current passport and photocopy or the certificate of naturalisation (where applicable) and photocopy; Four (4) photographs (the applicant's name must be clearly written behind the photographs). b. Citizen of other country who also qualifies for Ghanaian citizenship If the person applying qualifies for Ghanaian citizenship by descent, then such should provide the following: Evidence of descent such as a current passport of their Ghanaian parent and photocopy; Evidence of citizenship of the other country which includes Birth Certificate, and current passport and its photocopy; Four (4) photographs. While submitting, the person's name must be clearly written behind the photographs. READ ALSO: Kweku Adoboli finally deported to Ghana c. Submitting your application After all the requirements mentioned above have been made available, it is expected that the person applying for dual citizenship would submit the application in person. While doing this, they must go with other supporting documents and photocopies so that they can be examined and also endorsed. The original receipt collected must not be detached from the application forms but submitted together. What is only expected is that a copy of the receipt and the application forms may be made for personal record purpose. While submitting these, the applicant is expected to submit the names, postal addresses and telephone numbers of two (2) close relatives that reside in Ghana. These are people that can be contacted for further information. Remember that the dual citizenship applications are usually processed by the Ministry of Interior. Therefore, upon the completion of the whole process, a dual citizenship certificate as well as a dual citizenship ID card are usually issued to the applicants. But the process can take up to six months. Dual citizenship benefits Even though there are little contentions about the benefits attached to dual citizenship policy, yet it has been arguably said that one of the benefits is that it provides an individual the right to obtain passports from any of the country where such is a citizen. Moreover, dual citizenship benefits so well in that a person with the right does not have to struggle when he or she chooses to revisit former homelands for a long periods of time. Then, there is the opportunity to pursue employment opportunities in any of the countries where the person is a citizen. Other benefits can include an entitlement of transferring the nationality rights to one's descendants and it improves their right to social benefits available in both countries. However, a few of the concerns about dual citizenship are that more responsibilities can be reposed on dual citizens such as through national service and/or taxation expected by their former countries. It can also possibly complicate some domestic legal issues like custody disputes, and no matter what, allegiance to more than a country becomes impossible. From all that have been discussed so far, it is evident that there is provision for dual citizenship Ghana and that anyone who wants to apply for it must go through the Ministry of Interior. Then we saw that, according to the constitution of Ghana, while citizenship can be by birth, it can also be by registration and marriage, naturalisation and also by adoption. READ ALSO: Use Voter IDs for Ghana Card registration - Kufuor backs NDC Source: Yen With intolerance and a lack of respect for the principle of unity in diversity causing an unprecedented political and Constitutional crisis in Sri Lanka, the United Nations yesterday marked the International Day for Tolerance. In a statement, the UN says it is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and people. This imperative lies at the core of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is more important than ever in this era of rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life. Indeed, when reflecting on this, most Sri Lankans must be wondering what on earth is going on in this country and where we go from here while in Parliament expected to be an august assembly representing the sovereign people we saw during the past three days a large number of MPs behaving in a disgraceful if not disgusting manner. On Thursday, President Maithripala Sirisena had requested party leaders to make some changes in the motion of no-confidence against Mahinda Rajapaksa, and take it up for a vote by name yesterday afternoon. But instead pandemonium broke out again and the Speaker who came to his table under heavy police escort, said sittings would be held again on Monday, November 19. Hopes of a just, peaceful and all-inclusive society the vision of the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera appear to be dim but we need to continue to hope that when the darkness is over and the tempest is done, there will be a better tomorrow. In 1996, the UN General Assembly by a resolution urged UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16. This action followed up on the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 at the initiative of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as outlined in the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year. The UN has launched a new campaign to promote tolerance, respect and dignity across the world. Together is a global campaign that aims to reduce negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants, and to strengthen the social contract among host countries, communities, refugees and migrants. The UN Department of Public Information said that to mark the day it would yesterday stage an event, which would feature the 2018 YouTube Creators for Change programme. It said the event would include a screening of international short films from inspirational creators who use YouTubes global reach to change conversations around tough issues and make a truly positive impact on the world. Selected students would also present projects linked to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. In 1995, to mark the UN Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO created a prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence. The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh prize rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The prize is awarded every two years. The prize may be awarded to institutions, organisations or persons, who have contributed in a particularly meritorious and effective manner to tolerance and non-violence. On the day of its fiftieth anniversary, November 16, 1995, UNESCOs Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. Among other things, the declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our worlds cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognises the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe, UNESCO said. The declaration qualifies tolerance not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and legal requirement for individuals, groups and States. It places tolerance in relation to the international human rights instruments drawn up over the past fifty years and emphasises that States should draft new legislation when necessary to ensure equality of treatment and of opportunity for all groups and individuals in society. We hope Sri Lanka will also do so despite the current crisis which was caused not only by intolerance but also selfishness and self-centredness among some politicians. The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, during the reading of the 2019 budget on November 15, patted the Akufo-Addo-led government on the back for easing the hardship of Ghanaians within the short period it took over power. The 2019 budget was themed: A stronger Economy for Jobs and Prosperity, saw the government official lauding the NPP government for their work so far but was quick to add that more work had to be done. In his prelude to the 2019 budget and financial statement of government on Thursday November 15, 2018, the minister appeared content with the direction the country is heading to in terms of solving problems faced by the average Ghanaian. Finance minister Ken Ofori Atta. Credit: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: 2019 Budget: Special prosecutors office allocated GHC180m We are not proud that there is still hardship in the country, Mr Ofori Atta noted. We are not there yet, we still have a long way to go, he acknowledged as he assured the nation of governments commitment to make things better for Ghanaians. The Finance Minister stressed that the financial assistance the government entered with the International Monetary Fund, thus the Extended Credit Facility which Ghana benefited from US$955.2 million will come to an end this year. READ ALSO: Photo: Popular journalist Selassie Aku Lodonu dead Briefly touching on some achievements of the government in less than two years, he said the countrys micro economy has been moved from instability to stability, decline in GDP ratio as well as creation of jobs. The government also allocated a total sum of GH180 million to the Special Prosecutors Office (SPO) to be used to resource the office in strengthen it to fight corruption. The finance minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, made this announcement and added that the government was also prepared and ready to provide additional resources during the course of 2019 to enable the Special Prosecutors Office to carry out its mandate. Meanwhile, in an earlier report by YEN.com.gh, the government has said it will be spending a total of GH73.4bn as total budget in 2019. Goods and services, according to the finance minister, will consume GH6.3 billion while some GH18.6 billion will be spent on interest payments of public debt. READ ALSO: Bawumia causes stir on social media over NHIS debt statement Watch: Nuru Deen Story - The Miraculous Xylophone Manufacturer: Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen The Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete Nyampong, has revealed that a huge number of Presbyterian ministers want to divorce their wives. According to him, most of the ministers say they are frustrated with their marriages and want it terminated. He said most of them have already written letters to the Presbyterian Council seeking permission to dissolve their marriages due to unbearable circumstances. Huge number of Presbyterian Ministers seeking divorce - Clerk. Source: Myjoyonline.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Patching of Tema Motorway begins Rev. Ayete made the disclosure while speaking at the 155th Anniversary celebration of the Ebenezer Congregation - Kyebi, Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He said Christians generally need to repent and be far away from anything that could lead them into sin. He said Christians are supposed to emulate the life of Christ, but many people have so far not lived up to that. In his view, the corruption and other issues facing the country are reflections of the unchristian and corrupt conducts of the followers of Christ. According to him, such acts not only ruin marriages and homes but also wrecks nations. "I presented a report to the general assembly on the number of letters that come to my table from ministers requesting to be allowed to divorce their wives, they are frustrated...this calls for repentance, Rev. Ayete said. READ ALSO: Journalist Selassie Aku Lodonu of Otec FM dead He said there are Christians who in public show themselves to love one another but they bear grudges in the various homes. Such behaviours, he said, must be halted immediately. Nuru Deen Story - The Miraculous Xylophone Manufacturer: Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Ranking of 20 most credible banks in Ghana revealed Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YEN's official Facebook page. Source: Yen The former UBS trader Kweku Adoboli has safely arrived in Ghana after he was deported from the United Kingdom on Wednesday. Adoboli, who was convicted of fraud after arriving in Ghana on Thursday was welcomed by his family in Accra. At his family house, Adoboli was welcomed with beer and some local dish (akple and fetridetsi.). Kweku Adoboli finally arrives in Ghana after his deportation from UK Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Bawumia causes stir on social media over NHIS debt statement Adoboli, aged 38 and who has lived in the UK for 26 years, was said to be in a distressed state before he left Adoboli's local MP, Hannah Bardell in an interview with BBC expressed his disappointment over Adobolis deportation. "No one is saying he hasn't committed a crime, but he has been rehabilitated and is being punished twice." READ ALSO: 2019 Budget: special prosecutors office allocated GHC180m Nick Hopewell-Smith, one of the lawyers acting on behalf of Adoboli also said: "We are deeply upset about the manner in which he was whisked away, because there was no chance to say goodbye. "He added that Adobolis friends and supporters will keep on the fight to bring back to the UK. Adoboli was sentenced to seven-years for 1.4bn fraud but he served only four years as he was released in 2015. Kweku Adoboli finally arrives in Ghana after his deportation from UK Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Haruna Iddrisu spotted watching Arsenal vs Wolves game over the weekend He was born in Ghana but has lived in the UK when he was 12 years-old. He is leaving behind his partner Alice, with whom he had been living in Livingston, West Lothian. Ghana News Today: Adenta on Fire as Angry Residents Protest Over Frequent Deaths| #Yencomgh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YEN's official Facebook page. Source: Yen The opportunity given to graduates to make their choice from the seven NABCO modules available while applying is worth commending. The reason is that these different modules break monotony and they make it possible to accommodate several graduates from different disciplines to apply. In fact, there is virtually no graduate with whatever discipline that is not given the privilege to apply for the programme. However, the challenge is that while some graduates want to apply, a number of them do not know what category they fit in based on their discipline. The understanding of this plight is the essence of this article. It aims at giving you a detailed information and a breakdown of each of the modules so that, while applying, you are able to make the right choice without struggle eventually. Launching ceremony of NABCO Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: NABCO - 10 things you should know about Nation Builders Corps NABCO is a vital programme set up by the government of Ghana to help graduates out in terms of unemployment. Fully known as the Nation Builders Corps, the initiative is a platform which the government has set up to employ 100,000 graduates who would work in helping to solve major challenges in service delivery in the public sectors. The sectors where they would be useful include agriculture, education, health, governance, revenue collection and mobilization as well as in the area of technology in the country. While these graduates are given temporal employment opportunities, the government also hopes that it would serve to: Create a platform where the graduates can improve their skills so as to become employable while they transition into permanent employment; Improve on public service delivery and develop government revenue mobilization; Provide the needed infrastructure to improve access to basic public services. Based on all these objectives, the government was able to come up with seven major NABCO modules which are Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitise Ghana, Civic Ghana, and Enterprise Ghana. While working on their NABCO registration, it is expected that prospective applicants would choose anyone of choice from that category. Breakdown of NABCO modules Having explained all of that, it is worth having an ample knowledge of what each of the modules is all about. Consequently, in this section, not only will you know about each of the modules, you will also be able to determine which one of them you are eligible to apply for. 1. Educate Ghana From the title of the module, at least, you will have an idea that the module deals with education. If that was your thought, then you thought right. The focal aim of "Educate Ghana" is to raise graduate teachers who would work in government schools across the country. While the short-listed candidates would be posted to primary and secondary schools, they are expected to impart the right knowledge into the students. This is one reason why the process of selection is a bit strict as the government does not want a group of people who would misinform the students, thereby misleading them. There are four major areas of focus of the programme. It forms an acronym called "STEM". STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. However, this is not to mean or say that other subject areas would be overlooked. No. While other relevant subjects are expected to be taught, those four key areas would be taken with all forms of seriousness. For instance, in the aspect of technology, the government expects that the NABCO employed graduates would apply their skills in major areas including library and archival. These peopele are also expected to function well in nonformal education programmes, digital and mobile libraries programme. Moreover, as published on their official website, it is expected that based on "the expansion of early childhood facilities and its mainstreaming with basic education, skills upgrading of NABCO trainees could offer possible permanent jobs in kindergartens and preschool settings." Even though the Ministry of Education has decided to engage more than 10,000 NABCO trainees based on their review, graduates who would be applying for the module are expected to major in education, science, computer science, engineering, and Mathematics. 2. Revenue Ghana The government needs hands in the mobilization of revenue and collection of such in the country so that everyone liable to pay tax is made to perform that civic right. This is a reason for this module. At least, when there is enough revenue, an effective delivery of national development becomes possible. Graduates recruited for this task would provide a workforce and minimal technology solution so that they can generate the required revenue needed to develop Ghana. On like some other modules with specialised discipline, all that is required is that any graduate applying for this should come from a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in the country. By implication, registration for this module is open to graduates from all disciplines. 3. Heal Ghana This module is specially designed for those graduates in the healthcare line. Then, the main objective that the programme aims at achieving is that the graduates who are eventually absorbed into this module would provide healthcare delivery to those who seem to be deprived of quality healthcare services. Apart from this, some of them would be posted to work in rural communities all over Ghana. At least, with this, the government will be able to bring quality healthcare services to those who seem to be sidelined. More so, by applying technology within health delivery, the government hopes that the graduate trainees under the NABCO Ghana programme would be very effective in the actualisation of that. In the execution of this module, it is expected that the trainees would be able to cater for those who are vulnerable and those with various forms of disabilities, especially in public institutions. Therefore, while trained nurses and other healthcare workers would be engaged in this module, some of them will be asked to work in critical sectors like emergency medicine. Some others will work in ambulance services and first aid care. To this end, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health ensure that they give the necessary assistance to the scheme in terms of the required knowledge. This will be in areas within health delivery that require intensive workforce needs. Because of the sensitivity of this module, those applying for it are expected to be graduates with healthcare training. These set of people include trained nurses, midwives, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians and others within that health category. READ ALSO: NABCO recruitment latest news and facts 2018 4. Feed Ghana You will agree to the fact that agriculture is a core area in the transformation agenda of Ghana. This is one reason why graduate trainees in NABCO programme are essential and empowered to deliver crucial services that will increase the level of productivity in the country. Once trained, they would provide major supports to farmers. Also, the short-listed graduates would be useful for e-agriculture agenda and for the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Considering other areas like the District Centres for Agricultural Transformation, seed and fertilizer programmes, mechanization centres, and District Warehouse and logistical management are some more reasons for their need. Because of these major needs, more than 20,000 trainees are needed with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. However, anyone interested in applying for this module is expected to be a graduate with a certificate, diploma or degree in agricultural disciplines and food sciences. 5. Digitise Ghana In this technologically advanced generation, any nation who does not follow the trend will be left out. We see nations achieving great things by the simple application of technology. And as a result, doing business becomes easier with improved efficiency. Earnings improve and productivity increase while costs are cut. This is a reason for this module. The government hopes that with it, there would be an opportunity to deliver a number of flagship initiatives. Some of these include National Identification scheme, Digital Addresses for every location in Ghana, and Land Title and Land Administration. Hopes are also high in the area of Health and Safety monitoring solutions, Birth and Death Registry, Passport application, monitoring and evaluation hubs within Development Authorities to assist in recording and tracking progress of both the user sectors and projects, and so on. Even though graduates with any discipline are permitted to apply for this programme, yet, they encourage those with ICT background to do. 6. Civic Ghana The focal point of this module is to make available some resource base at both the District and Constituency levels. Consequently, short-listed candidates here would be trained so that they can render some assistance within the constituency and district level. Just as Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as government for the people and by the people, the government of Ghana hopes to bring government to the citizens in the best simplified and collaborative way possible using this module. The good thing also about "Civic Ghana" is that any graduate with whatever discipline can apply. What is important is that such a person must have graduated from a well-recognised and accredited tertiary institution in the country. 7. Enterprise Ghana The fact is there are quite a number of areas in different parts of the country that are not yet industrialised. This is one of the bases for the design of this module. With the policy initiative of having a district industrial drive in the "One District One Factory initiative" and stimulating existing industries, it expected that private sectors will recruit some more graduates from this platform. Given the enabling environment, the module expects that once the short-listed graduates have gone through the necessary training, existing and new industries can absorb them. To this end, any graduate from a recognised and accredited university in the country is permitted to apply for this module irrespective of their discipline. READ ALSO: NABCO interview questions and answers NABCO recruitment process It is usually encouraged to visit the NABCO website to stay informed on the recruitment exercise. Under the NABCO news session, prospective applicants can always get updated information on their activities. However, the recruitment process follows a formalised approach that is made known to the public. This process involves announcing to the general public the date of commencement for registration which is also published on their official website. They also announce when the NABCO interview dates would be. Once all the requirements have been met and an interview session have been scheduled with a candidate, such is expected to appear on that day on time. Even though some people get scared, but the truth is that the NABCO interview questions are not difficult; once you know how to answer interview questions, then you should be good to go. Also, every information required about NABCO postings and other NABCO latest news can be gotten on their official website. From all that have been discussed so far, one thing is sure: NABCO modules are rich and the purposes for which they are created are tilted towards the development of the country. Even though the programme serves to help graduates solve the problem of unemployment, it is very much certain that anyone enlisted in the programme will benefit so much from this. This is apart from the fact that it will serve as a platform for them to contribute their quota towards the development of the nation. While NABCO updates their website from time to time, for any news information that you may need, you are strongly advised to visit it from time to time. And on a final note, remember to share your views in the Comments section below. READ ALSO: NABCO recruitment 2018: terms and conditions Source: Yen Newspaper - The MP for Ketu South, Fiifi Kwetey, has described the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta as stupid and stubborn - His comment was in respect of a reduction of a category of personal income tax from 35% to 30% - Those with incomes GHC20,000 and above will now pay a personal income tax of 30% The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, Fiifi Kwetey, has lashed out at the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, after the reading of the 2019 budget statement in parliament on Thursday, November 16, 2018. According to him, it is tragic that even after persistent warnings, the government initially implemented a 35% income tax of incomes ranging from GHC10,000 and above. Reading the 2018 mid-year budget review, Ofori-Atta revealed that the measure was intended to raise more revenue for the government to meet its revenue target for the 2018 fiscal year. Fiifi Kwetey, MP for Ketu South Source: UDP Ghana Source: UGC READ ALSO: Another popular journalist dies a few days after her birthday Presenting the 2019 budget on the floor of parliament, Ofori-Atta however indicated that upon further deliberations, the government has decided to reduce income tax for persons earning GHC20,000 and above to 30%. Kwetey however said that there is nothing praiseworthy about the budget, as a measure that was not needed has simply been eliminated. Its a tragedy for this country that you have a finance minister who actually has been warned by people in government and therefore knows better and refused to listen, stubbornly refused to listen, its like you are going the wrong direction and we tell you where you are going is wrong, until you go and your car crashes then you come and turn around and you want us to applaud you? Applaud you for that stupidity and stubbornness, no, thats nothing to be applauded for, he said. In his opinion, a listening government should not wait to change decisions only after enough harm has been done. READ ALSO: We have eased the hardships on Ghanaians - Finance minister Nuru Deen Story - The Miraculous Xylophone Manufacturer: Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos Source: Yen The economy of Ghana is experiencing hardship and investors, businesses and Ghanaian citizens are hoping for a 2019 budget that will offer some form of relief and make life better. Presenting the Ghana budget 2019, finance minister Ken Ofori-Ata said that the budget theme is a stronger economy, for job and prosperity. In his speech, he was quick to point out that the economy of Ghana has been experiencing hardships since 2006. However, some people believe that the last two budget years have made progress in easing the impacts of hardships that Ghanaians are facing. So what are the highlights of the 2019 budget Ghana and what kind of relief can you expect? Ghana budget 2019: Highlights Unlike the 2018 budget Ghana which was popularly referred to as Adwua budget and the 2017 Asempa budget (meaning the Good news budget); the 2019 Ghana budget focuses on six strategic pillars. These pillars are entrepreneurship, infrastructure, industrialization, social intervention, agricultural modernization and improving efficiency in revenue mobilization. The following is a simple breakdown of the 2019 budget. Ghana resource mobilization for 2019 From his speech, the finance minister explained that the total revenue and grants for 2019 is expected to be GH 58.9 billion from the projected GH 46.8 billion in 2018 budget Ghana. Domestic revenue is estimated at GH 57.8 billion while non-oil tax revenue is estimated at GH 42.9 billion. Financial operations for 2019 According to the finance minister, the total expenditure for 2019 is estimated to reach GH 73.4 billion from which wages and salaries will be GH 19.4 billion. Expenditure on goods and services is estimated to be at GH 6.3 billion while interest payment of public debt is expected to reach GH 18.6 billion. The 2019 fiscal operation will have a budget deficit of GH 14.5 billion based on the total expenditure and total revenue and grants. To reduce the deficit, the government will have to borrow from both foreign and domestic sources. To help the government track its financial performance, the Ghana budget will integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. This will make the 2019 budget Ghana the first in Africa and second in the world to embrace the SDGs framework. To boost the financial sector a bill will be submitted to ensure that the fiscal deficit is capped at 5% of GDP. Fuel prices 2019 Fuel prices have been a major concerns for Ghanaians and investors. According to the 2019 budget statement of Ghana, the crude oil price has been projected at 66.76 US dollars per barrel while the gas price is estimated at $3.99 per MMBtu. The finance minister has proposed to exclude gas revenues of up to $181.80 million from the projected petroleum revenues for 2019. If accepted, the petroleum revenue for 2019 will reach $1.1 billion. Tax reliefs 2019 Before a working person can calculate tax, they have to first understand what is a budget and the types of budget they need to be concerned about. When it comes to what's a budget meaning, it is all about presenting the revenues and spending for that particular financial year. The government budget can also be referred to as the annual fiscal statement of a country. Based on the revenues and expenses, there are three types of budgets: balanced budget, deficit budget and surplus budget. Revenues usually come from the tax collected by the government. However, when it comes to the budget most people need to be concerned with tax reliefs and income tax rates. Ghanaians will be happy to know that there are various tax reliefs proposed for 2019 this include for minimum wage, and income tax. The income tax which was introduced mid this year offers relief to all Ghanaians as those who earn a salary of below GH 10,000 will be exempted from paying personal tax. However, those who earn an income of GH 20,000 will part with a tax rate of 30%. Minimum wage earners are also exempted from paying income tax. However, the finance minister proposed a Tax reform bill that will change tax exemptions such as import duty and import VAT. 2019 tax changes and improvements The government will also put in place measure to simplify the collection of withholding tax for tax authorities and small-scale mining operators. For both of these parties, the point of tax collection will be at the point of export. Additionally, to help mobilize revenue that will be used to finance improvements that will benefit the lives of Ghanaians, change will be made to the Ghana Revenue Authority. In 2019, the government will also make use of third-party data for tax administration in both the public and private sectors. This will help catch big tax defaulters, and the retrieved money will go to tax debt recovery. The government will also partner with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to boost the revenues collected at the local government level. Fighting corruption Corruption is a thorn for most African countries and Ghana is no exception. One of the aspects that the finance minister touched on was corruption. To help fight corruption GH 180 million has been allocated from the 2019 budget to the special prosecutors office. Infrastructure While presenting the 2019 budget Ghana, finance minister Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta explained that a bill would soon be submitted to set up the Ghana Asset Management Corporation. The corporation will aid in the management of the infrastructure. The minister went on to say that in 2019, the government will invest massively in the development of road and infrastructure in various regions of Ghana. Ongoing projects like Nswam-Apedwa Road and Bridge on the Volta River at Volivo will also receive financing. In 2019, the government wills also partner with the private sector to complete various highways projects including Accra-Tokaradi highway dualization. Rehabilitation of the railway gauge line will also be completed by the end of 2019. 2019 sovereign bond issuance From the 2019 Ghana budget speech, the government of Ghana intends to issue sovereign bonds of up to $3 billion. Ultra-long-term bond will enable the government to finance massive economic transformation plans next year. Ghana will issue sovereign bonds of longer tenor either as green bonds or Eurobonds on the international capital markets and also structure a Sovereign Century Fund for bilateral investor partners. Ghana debt repayment plan 2019 On debt repayment, Ghana will spend over GH 16 billion of revenue to pay the interest on the GH 120 billion debt. According to the minister, the ultra-long-term bonds will help improve the debt sustainability path hence reduce the inherited debt. Social policies that protect the poor For the 2019 social intervention, the finance minister explained that the current government would expand the social security to cover the informal sector. By collaborating with the government, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) will come up with a policy framework that will be launched by 2019 to ensure that the informal sector workers get a voluntary fully funded pension scheme. Agricultural modernization The Ghana budget 2019 brings good news to the farmers. In 2019, the government plans to expand the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJs) programme to cover 1 million Ghana farmers. The government also plans on launching the Rearing for Food and Jobs project to help increase livestock and poultry production. These projects will help reduce the amount of food import because currently, Ghana spends more than $2 billion every year importing food. An increase in food production will require a larger warehouse storage capacity. As a result, in 2019 the government plans to increase warehouse storage capacity by 80,000 metric tons. Construction of the 570 dams and dugouts will also continue next year. Government is establishing the Ghana Incentive Base Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL). GH 400 million has been included in the 2019 budget. And additional funding of $14 million from the AFDB will be used to ensure that in 2019 GIRSAL operates smoothly and efficiently. Improved health facilities In 2019, work will commence on the building of the 3 rd phase of the 37 military hospital project based in Accra. The new 500-bed military hospital at Afari is expected to be complete by 2019. To improve the health care in Ghana, the government has obtained a $50 million loan to complete University of Ghana Medical School. Mortgages and housing plans The Saglemi Housing Project that will contain 5,000 homes will be completed by 2019. To scale up the mortgage and housing finance ecosystem, the government has also included in the 2019 budget, GH 1 billion which will go to the mortgage and housing finance fund. Starting 2019 the building of around 200,000 housing units will also commence in all the regional capitals. The second phase of the SSNIT Housing Projects will also begin next year What Ghana 2019 budget says about communication? The Ghana budget 2019 will cover the construction of an additional 600 telephony sites to provide and boost voice signals to more than 1,800 communities that experience limited coverage. The development of the ICT Technology Park will also be completed in 2019. Rural electrification done using cables and electrical conductors from local manufacturing companies will also continue in 2019. Education According to the 2019 budget read by the finance minister ken Ofori-Atta, a proposal to secure $1.5 billion for GETFUND was presented to parliament. The proposal if approved will be used to build various secondary and tertiary institutions infrastructure. In 2019, the government will upgrade 10 technical universities and 13 technical institutes. Ghana budget 2019 on tourism The finance minister touched on the government intentions of commemorating the 400 years of slavery, calling 2019 the year of return; a strategy of promoting tourism. As from September African Diaspora from various countries including the UK, Caribbean and USA will be allowed to Ghana on pilgrimage. Home-based airline will also be constructed to promote tourism and provide smooth movement of goods and services. The yet to be established National Film Authority will act as a regulatory body that will help nurture the film industry. The functions of the film body includes marketing, regulation, distribution, and exhibition of films. The 2019 Ghana budget promises to improve debt management by putting measures that will manage the countrys economy. Presenting the Ghana budget 2019 to parliament, the finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta said that the budget will continue to fund programmes that began in 2018 and implement others in 2019. By partnering with the private sector and embarking on the various projects and programs that will transform the economy, the government will better the lives of Ghanaians. READ ALSO: Budget 2019: Government to spend GHC73.4bn in 2019 Government cannot sustain Free SHS programme Prof. Aryeetey MP blasts finance minister after 2019 budget statement Source: Yen The rate at which young people are dying these days is alarming, raising much concern in the public. Recently, YEN.com.gh reported the different stories of two young girls who were described as slay queens losing their lives suddenly. Though the Bible has made it clear that it is appointed onto man to die, the increased death rate of young people is sad rather than comforting. READ ALSO: Fella Makafui and Medikal put their bedroom skills on display sharing wild kisses It is in the vein that a mortuary worker who claims to be experienced in his line of job, as revealed what is killing young people lately. According to the mortuary man who wants to remain anonymous for now, young people are brought to the mortuary on a daily basis and of these, boys are the majority. He added that these young boys are aged between 15 and above mostly teenagers. In a report sighted by YEN.com.gh in Mynewgh.com, the mortuary man said he felt pathetic anytime he had to prepare such young dead people for preservation. READ ALSO: Former Miss Malaika Hamamat Montia spotted selling food on the streets Revealing what is causing this death, the mortuary man said the get rich quick attitude of young people these days is a leading factor. Another reason, he gave, was that some of these boys go after other mens wives, what is popularly called sugar mummies, and end up being killed mysteriously. The mortuary man added that most of these young people also lead promiscuous lifestyles, together with so many unhealthy habits. READ ALSO: Two fire service directors fight over transfers; one bites the other He was quoted to have said: The young ones die a lot these days especially the young boys. Those from age 15 and above mostly teenagers. I become traumatized preparing such teenagers for preservation. It is a very pathetic situation to see someone who is just about to start life die prematurely. The kind of lifestyles of these youth is the cause of these deaths. Some of them in their quest to get rich fast, others as a result of promiscuous lifestyles, snatching of peoples wives and so many unhealthy habits cause these deaths. According to him, some of the dead bodies, before they are embalmed, are seen wearing smiling faces while others frown; adding that he has never seen any dead body wake up from the morgue. READ ALSO: I know I dont look good, but I am sexy Stephen Appiah consoles himself with latest photo He revealed that he had never seen what people call ghost before having worked many years as a mortuary man. Therefore, he sleeps at the morgue comfortably, knowing that when someone is dead the person is indeed lifeless, as the Bible rightly teaches. Once someone is dead he/she is dead. I sleep comfortably here almost all the time and I have never seen a ghost. I wake up occasionally if I am called to receive a dead body or they are taking one away for burial. Those who come to bath and prepare the bodies for burial sometimes spend much of their time here and nothing happens. I am experienced in this business and nowhere have I seen a dead body wake up so I am not scared at all, he explained. READ ALSO: Kweku Adoboli finally arrives in Ghana after his deportation from UK (Photos) Ghana News Today: Mortuary Workers to Strike / Madina-Adenta Footbridge Demo | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: You and your 111 ministers will be shamed in 2020 - Ghanaians warn Akufo-Addo Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: Yen.com.gh - Some market women have expressed disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government - They have complained of severe hardship despite the beautiful promises the president made before the 2016 elections which made them vote for him - The market women have threatened to vote against Akufo-Addo and his government in 2020 YEN.com.gh is in possession of a sad video which has at least two market women expressing their disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government. In a survey conducted by YEN on what these market women would want to tell the president if they got the chance to meet him, both women said they would tell him in plain language that: Nana you have deceived us. One of them revealed that she had regretted voting for Akufo-Addo due to the hardship she is facing now. READ ALSO: Get rich quick, wife snatching killing young people Mortuary man reveals I would tell him that he has not done well. He has brought us so much hardship. He has deceived us; what he told us he would do when he wins is not what he is doing now, he is deceiving us. I sell fried yam, and was buying a gallon of oil for 107 cedis under Mahama, but now I buy at 150, one of the women lamented speaking on top of her voice in the Twi language. Another market woman who said she sold provisions said things have become so expensive now and stifling her survival on the market. She also said she would without haste tell the president that he was deceiving Ghanaians if she should meet him. READ ALSO: Former Miss Malaika winner Hamamat Montia spotted selling food on the streets According to her, she had never voted before, however, with the kind of promises Akufo-Addo made into the 2016 elections, decided to vote for him. She added that the presidents campaign messages made her understand that the former president john Mahama was killing them, therefore, had to vote for Nana. However, her desire of living comfortably under Nanas government has not seen the light of the day because she was now suffering more than she did under Mahama. READ ALSO: I know I dont look good, but I am sexy Stephen Appiah consoles himself with latest photo Meanwhile, some other Ghanaians have sworn to have Akufo-Addo and his 111 ministers put to shame in 2020. This follows a statement by the president that so far, no serious evidence of corruption has been brought against his appointees. But these Ghanaians said they are disappointed in the president for not being truthful to them, and for that matter, would not vote for him in the 2020 elections. READ ALSO: Fella Makafui and Medikal put their bedroom skills on display sharing wild kisses Ghana News Today: Mortuary Workers to Strike / Madina-Adenta Footbridge Demo | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Two fire service directors fight over transfers; one bites the other 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 - Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has hinted of the arrest of Nana Appiah Mensah, the president of Menzgold Ghana Limited - He added that he however has information that Mensah, also known as NAM1 is currently out of the country - According to him, greed compelled some people to invest with Menzgold The minister of finance, Ken Ofori Atta, has revealed plans to ensure that the president of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, is questioned about the Menzgold saga. According to him, his latest checks reveal that Mensah, better known as NAM1, is out of the country. He however indicated that the national security apparatus are closely monitoring his movements and will soon get in touch with him. READ ALSO: Osafo Maafo reveals how his two sons 'grabbed' top government jobs Menzgold has been in the news in recent times as a result of the nature of its business, and issues with some regulatory agencies. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) have warned Ghanaians not to trade with Menzgold, revealing that it is unlicensed and its shady business needs the urgent attention of the regulators. The firm allegedly assured its clients of a 10% interest on their gold collectibles invested with them. NAM1 recently assured the customers that the company will protect and pay up their dividends. He also asked the regulators to correct them as they are ready to cooperate with SEC to put things right. Ofori-Atta noted that Menzgolds customers were spurred on by greed, and therefore ignored all signs which pointed out that the gold firms transactions were absurd. In his opinion, the customers should have known better and with a little hesitation, would have saved their monies. READ ALSO: Tarkwa residents cause massive traffic; block roads and burn tyres (Photos) Ghana News Today: Madina-Adenta Footbridge Demo | Yen.com.gh 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 - A fake doctor, Clinton Osei Kwame Sarfo, has been arrested by the Medical and Dental Association - He has been treating people with his nursing training experience obtained in the 1970s - 74 year old Sarfo was however not able to provide certification for training obtained from nursing his nursing background The police service, in collaboration with the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), have arrested yet another fake doctor practicing without certificates. 74-year-old, Clinton Osei Kwame Sarfo was arrested yesterday, November 15, 2018 for operating a hospital at Kisseman with nursing training experience obtained from the 37 Military Hospital in the 1970s. Sarfo claimed to have worked with 37 Military Hospital and the Tema Oil refinery (TOR) before his retirement more than 10 years ago. Clinton Osei Kwame Sarfo Source: Graphic.com.gh Source: UGC READ ALSO: MP blasts finance minister after 2019 budget statement Information available to Yen.com.gh, indicates that the suspect converted his three-bedroom into a consulting room where he attends to innocent patients. Commenting on his arrest, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr Eli Kwasi Atikpui, said the council received information about the activities of an individual who was practicing as a medical doctor in his residence at Kisseman in Accra. Further checks by the GMDC investigation team upon visiting his residence revealed that Sarfo uses an inner room as his dispensary treatment and injection room, while his living room was used as an out-patient department. READ ALSO: Tarkwa residents block road and burn tyres after man loses his life (Photos) Sarfo however had no nurses, laboratory technicians or any other auxiliary staff assisting him to perpetuate the crime. The suspect however admitted to treating people in his residence on humanitarian grounds, as that was his way of assisting people in his community. He showed a certificate from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) issued in 1972, but could not provide evidence to show he was in good standing with the NMC Sarfo said he charged between GH5 and GH15 for his services and that he had plans of quitting at the end of this year. READ ALSO: 2019 Budget: special prosecutors office allocated GHC180m Watch: Nuru Deen Story - The Miraculous Xylophone Manufacturer: Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh Two suspects were arrested with heroin valued at Rs.23.3 million by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) today at Mulleriyawa. Police said the suspects were arrested while they were transporting the drug in a three-wheeler at the Galewela junction following a tip-off. During the raid, officers found heroin weighing 1.947 kg in the three-wheeler. The suspects, 61 and 51 years old, are residents of Wellapitiya area. The three-wheeler and two scales used for weighting the drug were taken into custody. The suspects are to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate today and the PNB is seeking a detention order for seven days for further inquiries, officials said. (Darshana Sanjeewa) - MP for Assin Central, has referred to IMANI president, Franklin Cudjoe, as a zombie economist - According to him, Cudjoe should focus more on educating Ghanaians on issues, instead of attacking MPs - He passed the comment in the wake of remarks by Cudjoe concerning the creation of new districts The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has described the president of Imani Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, as a zombie economist. Speaking on Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, Agyapong stated that it will better if Cudjoe educates Ghanaians on issues instead of bashing MPs. This was after Cudjoe had called for more transparency in the creation of new districts. Franklin Cudjoe, IMANI president Source: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: BNI will soon grab NAM1 for the Menzgold saga - Finance Minister He argued that the elevation of districts that had grown beyond their required threshold to the municipality and metropolitan statuses was the best way to go, instead of splitting them. He added that the creation of regions was not the antidote to widespread poverty. but allocation and prudent use of resources were the best ways to go. Cudjoe went on to say that the move is also an avenue for politicians, especially MPs to cause financial loss to the state. This did not go down well with Agyapong, who described him as a zombie economist who uses his position to deceive people for selfish gains. Franklin is a zombie economist who is only using his NGO to take money from people from abroad. How well do you even know these MPs that you speak badly about? If you have an NGO, do us a favour by using that means to educate Ghanaians instead of bashing parliamentarians, he said. He also indicated that he would haunt Cudjoe by exposing his sources of income. READ ALSO: Man's death causes massive traffic as residents block road and burn tyres (Photos) Street Quiz Ghana: What Would Be Your Message to the President Should You Meet Him? | Yen.com.gh Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: Yen Ghana - The Ghana AIDS Commission said a total of 19,101 Ghanaians tested positive for AIDS in 2017 - The majority of this number were youths - The commission has urged all to check their HIV/AIDS status and take the necessary precautions The Ghana AIDS Commission has revealed that over 19,000 Ghanaians tested positive for HIV/AIDS in 2017. This, the commission has described as worrying, adding that the majority of this number are youths. The Commission said a total of 19,101 persons tested positive for the virus. READ ALSO: Commercial sex workers release prices ahead of AWCON 2018 Also, the national prevalence rate stands at 1.67 with 19,101 new infections in 2017 with about 700 deaths. This was revealed by the Volta Regional HIV Manager, Courage Botchway, who was reportedly speaking at the launch of the 2018 World AIDS Day in Ho. Among the general population, the national prevalence is 1.67. It is estimated that in 2017 new infections were 19,101, Mr. Botchway reportedly said. READ ALSO: Get rich quick, wife snatching killing young people Mortuary man reveals He said all is not lost for persons with the HIV virus because there are medications specially designed for such people. Botchway further urged the public to check their HIV statuses, adding that all hope is not lost when one gets the disease. Once you test positive, you are put on ARVs, previously, there were certain criteria that you had to meet before you were put on the medication but from 2017 anybody who is HIV positive has the right to be put on medication once the person is willing, he added. READ ALSO: Akufo-Addo has deceived us Market women weep in latest sad video Meanwhile, the acting director of the AIDS Commission, Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, has disclosed that more of the youth are getting infected with HIV/AIDS. He said this is as a result of high-risk sex which is on the increase among the youths. Explaining further, Dr Atuahene he said high-risk sex is the situation whereby one engages in sex with a multiple partners without using protection. The statistics are not different [from two years ago]. What is different is that we are seeing more and more infections among young people. And we need to tackle that, he said. There are more and more young people who engage in multiple concurrent partnerships. And some are also involved in serial monogamy they switch partners over time and in quick succession and that exposes them HIV infections, Dr. Atuahene added. READ ALSO: 34-yr-old Deborah Vanessa finally reveals why she accepted 26-yr-old Medikals proposal Ghana News Today: Mortuary Workers to Strike / Madina-Adenta Footbridge Demo | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Fella Makafui and Medikal put their bedroom skills on display sharing wild kisses 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 Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono, U.S. special representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and U.S. ambassador to Japan William Hagerty attend their meeting in Tokyo on September 14 Reuters - The United States is the most open major economy in the world, Ambassador William Hagerty told reporters at the Japan National Press Club. Japan and other countries have benefited greatly from that openness. So I want to make sure that we dont mistake our efforts to achieve reciprocity for protectionism. U.S. President Donald Trump has roiled Washingtons trade relations around the world notably with China as well as traditional allies in Europe and North America. And he has voiced displeasure with Japans US$69 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2017 - almost two-thirds of that from auto exports - and wants a bilateral agreement to address it. Trump has asserted that Japans treats the United States unfairly by shipping millions of autos to North America while blocking imports of U.S. autos and farm products. But Japan says its markets for manufactured goods are open, though it does protect politically sensitive farm products. I think there are opportunities to open Japans market in a way that will be good for Japanese consumers, that will also be good for American businesses, Hagerty said. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in September to begin talks for an accord, and discussions are expected to kick off in early 2019. Hagerty declined to address whether the United States would seek to cap imports of Japanese autos, saying Trade Representative Robert Lighthizers team was still setting its goals for the talks during a 90-day congressional mandated period. But he promoted opportunities for Japanese manufacturers to invest in the United States, pointing to an improved business climate and the advantage of producing in a dollar-based economy. The more you can produce in the market where you sell, the closer you are to your customer, and the more you de-risk your business model by taking significant currency risk off the table, Hagerty said. Abe said after his September meeting with Trump that the Japanese auto sector had announced US$20 billion in new investments in the United States since Trump took office. Japans Foreign Minister Taro Kono, U.S. special representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and U.S. ambassador to Japan William Hagerty attend their meeting in Tokyo on September 14 Alumnae Association of University of Peradeniya (AAUP) and AAUP Colombo Chapter (AAUPCC) A successful career guidance one day workshop onPositive Thinking and Personality Developmentfor the final year undergraduates in the Science Faculty at the Chemistry auditorium was held on 21st October at the University of Peradeniya. The chairperson of the Student Welfare Committee of the Alumnae Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter Mrs. Sujatha Karunarathne said this was jointly organised by the AAUP and the AAUP Colombo Chapter . Prof A.D.L. Chandani Perera delivered her welcome speech. Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya Prof. S.H.P.P. Karunarathne and the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Saluka Kodithuwakku who were present at the inauguration, highlighted the importance of career guidance workshops of this nature to improve soft skills of students and thanked both the AAUP and AAUPCC for organizing it. Members of the AAUP, the General Secretary Mr. Priyath Cabral and Treasurer Mr. Akemana of the AAUPCC participated. According to the feedback and comments it was understood that the training programme was considered by the audience as an useful contribution and of immense value for future job prospects The two resource personnel Mr. Nivantha Kanuwana and Mr. V. Abeysinghe were introduced to the participants on behalf of AAUP and AAUPCC. The topics, how to brand yourself in the job market, interview facing skills, dining etiquette, innovation, creative thinking and stress management with music therapy were included in their presentation. According to the feedback and comments it was understood that the training programme was considered by the audience as an useful contribution and of immense value for future job prospects. The participants were awarded certificates. The programme was organized by the chairperson of the Student Welfare AAUPCC Mrs. Sujatha Karunarathne and coordinated by Prof. Chandani Perera of AAUP. 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. FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA Australia Picks Reaper MALE Drones 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. Operators of the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds have sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering NeverAgainCA to stop making defamatory statements about the firearms festival and its owners. NeverAgainCA formed in Del Mar as part of the national Never Again movement to stop gun violence after the Parkland, Fla., shootings that killed 17 high school students and staff members in February. The letter will not change anything we do, said Rose Ann Sharp, the local groups founder, when asked about it by email Nov. 15. We have been very careful to be factual and accurate in everything we write and say. Members of the nonprofit have repeatedly called for the end of the Del Mar gun shows and demonstrated outside events at the state-owned fairgrounds this year. Their efforts contributed to a decision in September by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which overseas the fairgrounds, to suspend the gun shows next year. A website for the Long Beach-based law firm Michel & Associates P.C. that represents the gun show owners states that its clients include the National Rifle Association, firearms manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, shooting ranges and related interests. You have made and continue to make defamatory, disparaging and false statements about our clients, states the Oct. 24 letter to NeverAgainCA from Tiffany D. Cheuvront, an attorney at Michel & Associates. The letter refers to an article in The San Diego Union-Tribune, an opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle and information posted on the NeverAgainCA website. The materials generally cite the past felony firearms convictions of gun show owner Bob Templeton and his son Jeff Templeton that would prevent them from operating the shows. Cheuvront states that Bob and Jeff Templeton are no longer officers in the corporation, B&L Productions, that owns the gun show, and that makes the shows legal. Bob Templetons daughter, Tracy Olcott, who has no convictions, is the president and general manager of the company. A call to Olcotts phone Thursday, Nov. 15, was answered by a message stating her voice mail was full. There are no officers of the corporation that have federal firearms convictions, states Cheuvronts letter. These comments paint the corporation in a false light in that it infers that the corporation has convicted felons running the guns shows. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties is backing NeverAgainCA. Your letter is a baseless attempt to intimidate Never Again from exercising rights protected by the First Amendment, states a response written this week by ACLU Legal Director David Loy. Any litigation you initiate based on the claims made in your letter would expose Crossroads to a special motion to strike under the anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute and payment of costs and attorney fees incurred in litigating such a motion, Loy states. Please refrain from filing any such meritless action, Loy states. Earlier this year, the 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors asked the state Department of Justice to investigate the Templetons based on their past convictions and Bob Templetons continued involvement with the show. The Department of Justice has declined repeated requests to acknowledge or comment on any investigation. The fairgrounds will host one final Crossroads show in December under a contract signed early in the year. Thousands of people attend each gun show. Members of the San Diego County Gun Owners, a political action committee, have lobbied hard for the fairgrounds to continue the show. The fairgrounds directors have asked employees to develop a policy that would allow informational gun shows but prohibit the sales or presence of firearms or ammunition at the fairgrounds. So far, the fairgrounds has received no similar letter from Crossroads, fairgrounds communications officer Annie Pierce said Thursday. Crossroads has held the weekend gun show five times annually for almost 30 years at Del Mar. It also holds the shows in other cities throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. -- Phil Diehl is a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune. Solana Beach, one of the first cities in the state to ban single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers, has some new targets. Disposable plastic straws, stirrers, spoons, forks and knives would be prohibited at restaurants, coffee shops and other vendors, under a proposal discussed Nov. 13 by the Solana Beach City Council. Also, single-use plastic beverage bottles such as the ubiquitous 16-ounce clear polyethylene water container would be off limits at all city events and on city properties where fountains and other hydration sources are available. The city has long been the leader in environmental stewardship, Assistant City Manager Dan King said in a presentation to the council, which directed the city staff to investigate further ways to accomplish the ban and get residents on board. The proposal from the citys Climate Action Commission, which was formed in 2015, would take that stewardship to a higher level. Research shows only about 9 percent of the worlds plastic is recycled, commission member Jane Yang told the council. About 12 percent is incinerated, and the rest accumulates in landfills and elsewhere in the environment. Islands of plastic trash float in the oceans. Plastic is not biogradable. It eventually breaks into small particles known as microplastics that work their way into the food chain. Also, the production of plastic bottles consumes large amounts of energy and oil, creating greenhouse gases and other negative environmental effects. An increasing variety of low-cost alternatives made of wood and other biodegradable materials are available in stores and online. Plastic is a worldwide problem, said James Wang, a member of the Encinitas Environmental Commission. By setting a precedent, you are doing the right thing and letting other cities know what is the right thing to do, Wang said, adding that he hopes his own city of Encinitas will follow suit. Solana Beach is a leader in a state known as the front-runner in environmental responsibility. Assembly Bill 1884, passed in September and effective in 2019, prohibits restaurants from providing customers with single-use plastic straws except upon request. Another bill introduced this year, Senate Bill 1335, prohibits non-recyclable and non-compostable take-out food packaging at state parks, beaches, colleges and fairgrounds. Solana Beach council members agreed their city should take the restrictions further. An update and possibly a draft ordinance prepared by the city staff could be ready for consideration early next year. We do have to be part of the solution, said Councilwoman Lesa Heebner. Its really scary whats happening to this planet. Residents and businesses such as grocery stores need to be part of the process, she said, so that they are fully informed of the changes ahead. Outreach is important, said Councilman Peter Zahn, a member of the citys Climate Action Commission. Solana Beach was the first city in San Diego County to ban single-use plastic bags in 2012. It was first to ban polystyrene take-out food containers in 2015. This year, it also became the first city in the county to adopt a community choice energy program, which allows residents to purchase a higher percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. --Phil Diehl is a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune Fire crews made quick work of two small brush fires that erupted Wednesday evening, Nov. 14, a few hundred yards apart from each other in Sorrento Valley and Carmel Valley, fire officials said. The first blaze, which investigators believe was sparked by pieces of a catalytic converter, was reported about 5:10 p.m. at Calle Cristobal and Camino Sante Fe near Sorrento Valley Boulevard, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman Monica Munoz said. The area is about 1.5 miles east of Interstate 5, just north of the northbound merge with Interstate 805. A helicopter responded to fight the blaze and reported multiple small spot fires along the side of the road, Munoz said. One of the engine crews that was at the scene reported a similar small fire that started near the same location and around the same time on Tuesday, Nov. 13, Munoz said. Investigators believe that blaze was also likely sparked by pieces of a catalytic converter. Wednesdays small cluster of fires was at least 50 yards away from any homes, and the helicopter extinguished the flames from the air, Munoz said. About 20 minutes after the first report of flames, firefighters discovered a second small blaze at Carmel Mountain Road and Canter Heights Drive in Carmel Valley, just a few hundred yards across a brush-filled canyon from the initial flames, Munoz said. Its also a vegetation fire and a crew just arrived and reported that there are structures threatened, Munoz said in an initial statement. Its heavy fuel with a slow rate of spread at this time. Around 5:55 p.m., crews reported that theyd stopped the progress of the second fire and held it to about one acre, Munoz said. The structures that were initially threatened were not damaged. The cause of the second fire was not known Wednesday night. By about 6:15 p.m., both incidents were under control and crews had entered the mop-up stage, according to a tweet from the Fire Department. It was not clear how large the first cluster of fires was. The blazes erupted just minutes after the National Weather Services red flag warning signaling critical fire danger had expired at 5 p.m. Throughout the period of heightened fire danger, which began over the weekend, the Department had staffed extra brush engines in preparation for the warm temperatures, low humidity levels and strong Santa Ana winds. 16 November 2018 (CBS) The number of people missing in Californias wildfires has soared to over 600, and the death toll has risen to 66. In the Camp Fire in Northern California, 631 people were unaccounted for after officials on Thursday added more than 500 names of people reported missing.Hundreds of others are living in tent cities with no idea when theyll be able to return home. Members of the Paradise community held a town hall meeting Thursday night to begin the long road to recovery with many signing up for FEMA relief.The town suffered some of the worst damage from the Camp Fire the deadliest in the states history. In Southern California, evacuation orders have been lifted in Malibu, where firefighters were still working to contain the Woolsey Fire.I lost everything that I received from my mom, from my grandparents from the baby grand piano to china, Ilene Mickens told CBS Los Angeles. I lost my wedding album. I lost my childrens baby albums. [] Subscriber content preview NEW YORK (AP) U.S. health officials say the workers with the highest suicide rates have construction, mining and drilling jobs. That was the finding of a report correcting an earlier study that mistakenly said farmers, lumberjacks and fishermen killed themselves most often. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a corrected study Thursday. CDC officials said the 2016 study s mistakes included the misclassification of some workers as farmers instead of managers. . . . Subscriber content preview By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer International air travel has become remarkably safe in recent years, with deadly accidents like last month's Lion Air crash in Indonesia becoming rarer. Statistics aside, the accident is making travelers wary of flying in some countries or on certain foreign airlines. The safety of Indonesia's airlines had been questioned long before the Lion Air accident. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The Mosaic on Greenwood apartments, at 13543 Greenwood Ave. N., have sold for just over $9 million, according to King County records. The seller was an LLC related to Pacific Urban Residential, which acquired the property in 2017 for $5.5 million. . . . The JNU Students Union staged a protest at the University's School of Social Sciences (SSS), seeking the resignation of its Dean Pradipta K Chaudhury, who had allegedly verbally abused and manhandled a faculty during the Teachers' Orientation programme last month. In a video that went viral among the students and faculty of JNU a few weeks ago, Chaudhury is heard calling a participant in the lecture 'Badtameez' (which translates to disrespectful). When a few others raised their voice against it, Chaudhury is seen trying to physically evict one of them from the lecture hall. Watch the entire video here: Chaudhury's appointment as the Dean of the School of Social Sciences earlier last year was met with criticism from a section of the faculty and students, as he was only the sixth in line in terms of seniority. "Chaudhury was appointed surpassing five seniors. The faculty and the students were always against this," says Deepali Aparajita, a PhD Scholar in the SSS and Secretary of the SFI's JNU Unit "He is not coming to the office at all even after several complaints. Despite his unavailability, there is no response from the administration," she alleges. Chaudhury is an alumnus of Ravenshaw University and JNU itself. He worked with the University of Hyderabad till 1993 before taking up an Associate Professor's position at JNU. His profile states that his major areas of research include: Political Economy of Caste in India, Interactions between Economic, Political and Social Processes in India since 1870. Deepali also alleges that since the Dean is unavailable most of the time, there has been a delay in academic processes in the school. "A dean must look into all issues in a particular school. But that is not the case here. We've had an acute water crisis for weeks and the Dean didn't care about this. Also, a lot of fellowship applications have been pending for months," she says. The students were also unhappy about a circular that Chaudhury had recently issued, which prohibited them from using the reading room over the weekend. The protesting students add that the dean who is mandated to conduct two Board of Studies meeting in an academic year conducted only one. This meeting was held during the summer vacations, to the inconvenience of the other members. We also reached out to Atul Sood, President, JNUTA, who also raised concerns about the issue. "More than 50 members have submitted a letter raising a large number of issues to be discussed in the Board of Studies meeting. There is an anguish expressed by nearly 2/3rd of the members, since it affects the academic activity. But these are not listed on the agenda and we have an issue with it," he says. He also says that since the required number of meetings were not held there was a delay in a lot of academic processes. "Many new courses have not been approved. The manner in which the vivas and entrance examinations are conducted is also not discussed," says Sood, who also adds that the JNUTA is questioning the functioning of the Dean's office and that they want the arbitrariness of decision making to be stopped and the centrality of centres to the functioning of the school to be restored. The student protesters also demand the rejection of online MCQ Exam for JNUEE, installation of scanning machines in all three buildings of SSS, functioning reading rooms in all centres of SSS and an immediate release of funds for the SSS Journal. Calls made to Chaudhury and a mail soliciting a response from him went unanswered. 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from Aqib Ilyas steered Oman through a tense chase before the tail tookpast with three balls to spare , the win securing promotion to WCL Division Two in Namibia next April. Coming into the match, USA had won all three matches after being sent in while Oman had won every match chasing. When Oman sent USA in, only one trend would remain intact by the end of the day and Kaleemullah vindicated the decision to bowl first with a sensational opening spell that knocked over USA's top three. The 6'5" quick troubled USA with his height from his very first over as a rash charge from Jaskaran Malhotra resulted in the first edge behind. Monank Patel played out two consecutive maidens in the sixth and eighth to Kaleemullah before chasing after a wide ball to edge him behind in the 10th before Steven Taylor edged a full ball behind to start the 12th leaving USA reeling at 29 for 3. USA's scoring rate did not get past three per over again until the 40th over as Timil Patel transitioned into block mode to stretch out the innings. At one point he was on 14 off 66 balls, having played out 21 straight dots during a scoreless stretch beginning in the 24th over that didn't end until the 33rd. It took the arrival of the former Pakistan Under-19 allrounder Jannisar Khan in the 29th over to rouse Timil back into scoring mode. The pair added 79 across 15 overs as Timil ended on 54 off 104 balls while Jannisar's 53 took just 55 balls as he expertly manipulated the field against Oman's spinners with a series of sweeps and reverse sweeps among his seven boundaries as USA eventually ended on 213. Oman's bench though was confident at the toss of chasing anything under 230 and so it proved thanks to the brilliance of Aqib. Having taken Man-of-the-Match honors when the two sides clashed at the last WCL Division Three in Uganda with a fiery fifty, Aqib was once again the difference with the bat for Oman. Coming to the crease in the seventh over after the fall of Twinkal Bhandari, Aqib torched USA with his back-foot game, routinely using the depth of the crease on anything short against the spinners in particular to flick paddles and pulls behind square. Jatinder Singh gave him great support with his 42 during a 94-run stand. But USA's overly defensive field settings cost them badly as leading strike bowler Timil induced edges through the vacant slip region to both batsmen, including Aqib on 57. When Aqib fell to Ali Khan, Oman needed 13 off 16 balls and then 9 off 12 with two overs left. USA's fielding let them down badly in the final moments as Ali's relay from deep square leg to Malhotra for a simple run-out was fluffed while Monank Patel dropped a chance at midwicket off Hayden Walsh's bowling and an extra run was taken off each missed chance. Instead of eight runs to get with two wickets in hand, it meant Oman entered the last over needing six runs with four wickets remaining. Nestor Dhamba's sliced drive over backward point brought it down to two off five before two more singles clinched Oman's place in Namibia next year. Peter Della Penna Singapore's tail could wag no more in a 12-run win for Kenya. But Singapore's fearless pursuit of the target of 325 has kept them in with a serious shot at promotion heading into the final day of the tournament despite a 2-2 record. high-scoring thriller on the adjacent oval at the Oman Cricket Academy went down to the wire before's tail could wag no more in a 12-run win for. But Singapore's fearless pursuit of the target of 325 has kept them in with a serious shot at promotion heading into the final day of the tournament despite a 2-2 record. Kenya chose to bat first on a flat deck as Narendra Kalyan raced to a half-century inside of nine overs to take Kenya to 80 for 1. Legspinner Anantha Krishna eventually claimed him in the 15th for 68 and then struck again trapping Irfan Karim leg before in his next over to rein back Kenya's scoring rate. Janak Prakash made the next breakthrough taking a return catch in the 29th over to dismiss Dhiren Gondaria for 42. It brought Nelson Odhiambo to the crease and the eventual Man of the Match picked up the scoring rate once again with 80 off 58 balls. Singapore paid for a blown run-out chance early in his innings after a mix-up with Rakep Patel , who made 52 off 70 balls. With Oman in control against USA next door for much of the match, Singapore could not afford a lopsided loss with the net-run-rate tiebreaker still very much in play. Instead of just mitigating the damage, they very nearly pulled off a dramatic victory. Aritra Dutta and Arjun Mutreja matched Kenya's hot Powerplay almost stride for stride with 25 and 36 respectively both at better than a run a ball. Kenya continued attacking for wickets with most fielders packed into the ring and the lack of boundary protection was exposed badly in a 100-run stand by Rezza Gaznavi and Anish Paraam . When it ended with Gaznavi's wicket for 48, Singapore had a very manageable target of 150 off the final 22 overs. Paraam finally fell for 85 with just over 12.2 overs to go but sharp bursts from Manpreet Singh and Janak Prakash kept Singapore in the hunt and with two overs to go, the target was down to 20. But Prakash fell off the first ball of the 49th for 32. Amjad Mahboob turned down singles trying to prevent last man Aahan Achar from having to do any of the heavy lifting and it almost worked as he took another seven runs before he was bowled trying to slog Lucas Oluoch three balls into the final over. Transparency International Netherlands is hosting a half-day seminar and webinar called Blowing the Whistle Pride, Prejudice & Protection. The seminar will focus on the reputation of whistleblowers and address questions like: How can outside legislation better protect whistleblowers? How can we see whistleblowers as positive forces in our society? What contributes to the imaging of blowing the whistle? How can we influence this? When: November 29, 2018 from 2:00pm 7:00pm Where: Jaarbeursboulevard 300, Utrecht, Netherlands Speakers include: Teun Gautier Founder of PubLeaks Paul Tijnagel Risk & Compliance Officer Wendy Addison CEO of SpeakOut SpeakUp and whistleblower Richard Bistrong CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery LLC Prof. dr. Michaela Schippers Endowed Professor of Behaviour and Performance Management Click here for the full agenda and here to register for the conference. Cant attend physically but want to join the event? A live webinar option is also available here. _____ Transparency International is committed to the worldwide protection of whistleblowers and journalists sources. Many recent scandals would have never been revealed without the reporting of these courageous people. LuxLeaks, the Panama Papers, the car makers dieselgate fraud, and the abuse of data by Cambridge Analytica are just a few examples. In each case, an individual blew the whistle, putting their own reputation and career at stake. _____ Lotte Rooijendijk is the Communications & Project Officer at Transparency International Netherlands, where she is involved in international projects in the areas of anti-corruption, transparency, whistleblower protection, good governance and human rights. She is the publisher and editor-in-chief of www.transparency.nl, the online platform of the anti-corruption organization Transparency International Netherlands. Valuable housing measures hidden away for borrowers, investors, developers and the housing market Chancellor Phillip Hammond came up with help for those finding it tough getting onto the property ladder and ways of tackling the housing shortage in the UK. After all, its reckoned that 200,000 homes need to be built each year. The Chancellor unveiled a series of housing measures meant to demonstrate that austerity has ended: Improving and extending the Help to Buy scheme First announced five years ago, the Help to Buy scheme was created to specifically to assist people to become first time buyers, as well as helping those with little equity in their home to move up the property ladder. Although the Help to Buy scheme was due to finish by April 2021, its now been extended to end in April 2023 giving it an extra two years. Presently, in order to be approved for the Help to Buy scheme, you need to be purchasing a home with a maximum price of 250,000 outside of the London area. The newly tweaked price cap understands that there are vast regional house price variations. So, for example, the new maximum price you can pay and still be accepted for the scheme in the South East for home is 437,600, but in the North East its now 186,100. This measure also has the added benefit of giving house builders a significant amount of certainty over their planning over the longer-term. The Chancellors hope is that this will spur builders on to build a lot more homes, which should ease the housing stock shortage at lease a little. Further help for first time buyers In the previous Autumn, the UK government ended stamp duty for the UKs hard-pressed first time buyers for homes at up to 300,000, a move that is estimated to have assisted 120,000 buyers. Now, the Chancellor has axed stamp duty for first time buyers if purchasing a shared ownership property priced up to 500,000 when purchasing 25% to 75% of a property and then paying rent on the rest. This measure is backdated so anyone can benefit who purchased a shared ownership home in the UK between now and last years budget. The Housing Infrastructure Fund gets a further 500 million Local councils are able to use this fund if they require financial help with building homes in their area. The extra cash is predicted to help build a further 650,000 properties. 1 billion guaranteed for smaller home building companies The UK government has created a Home Building Fund worth 3 billion. This is made up from 1 billion of loans for smaller house building companies to help them build 25,000 properties before 2020 and 2 billion for long-term funding for infrastructure. This is designed to help a further 200,000 homes be built on brownfield sites. Help for housing associations 653 million was earmarked for nine housing associations, a move anticipated to see a further 13,000 properties being put up across England. 1.5 Billion to transform high streets Part of this money is to be used by local councils to turn empty commercial buildings into housing. There will also be an easing of planning permission rules around this, which should see up to 400,000 new homes come onto the market. With all these housing measures within the recent Budget, nows the time to purchase your first home or move up the property ladder. So, why not see how an expert mortgage broker, such as Loan.co.uk, can help you make the most of it. South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Beijing-Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute (BTIRDI) to jointly establish a Hydrogen Energy Fund. The Hydrogen Energy Fund will be jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and Yield Capital, BTIRDIs investment firm, with a goal to raise a total of $100m. The fund, which aims to attract investments from leading venture capital firms based in China, Europe, and the U.S., plans to foster growth of startups that possess various hydrogen-related infrastructures and leadership in core hydrogen technologies. The vehicles contributions will also involve active and systematic support based on each members incubating programs and corporate venture capital (CVC) strategies. BTIRDI is an industrial R&D institute established in 1998 by the Beijing municipal government and Tsinghua University. Focused on driving innovation and supporting the university in developing scientific and technological breakthroughs, the institute serves as a high-tech incubating center as well as a technology consultant for the government. Yield Capital, an investment firm founded in 2014 by BTIRDI, has made a number of investments in the hydrogen industry and value chain, including companies that produce and store hydrogen, as well as fuel cell stack and fuel cell system developers. FinSMEs 16/11/2018 The worlds largest sovereign wealth fund is currently located in Norway. The Government Pension Fund was established back in the 90s when the country was enjoying large amounts of profit from its oil and gas exports almost all around the world. It is currently valued at $1 trillion. The proposal It has recently come into light that the opposition party of the country does not condone that the fund is currently a stake owner on a number of online and offline gambling operators. The biggest players the fund has invested in is MGM Resorts International and the online gambling operator from beloved neighboring Sweden, Betsson. The proposal was made by the two opposition parties within Norway, the Labour Party, and the Christian Democrats. As it has been noted, the proposal was met with quite a lot of enthusiasm, but still requires backing from other parties like the Socialists Left and Center parties (more on this here). History repeats itself This is not the first time that Norway had to put out restrictions of the funds investing activities. At this moment, The Government Pension Fund is restricted from investing in tobacco product manufacturing companies, Nuclear weapons, and landmines. Although all of these industries seem quite random, there is a similar pattern to be seen. It looks like Norway does not want its biggest fund to be associated with any controversial investments. Including health issues, weapons and most recently, peoples livelihoods. Perfect time The legislature comes at a perfect time as the country is starting to toughen up its regulations about the illegal gambling operators within its borders. It is now believed that this could be one of the moves to hasten up the whole process. However, the proposal still needs considerable amounts of support from politicians of other parties, which could prove hard to get. The ruling party has interests in retaining the investments as it has 2 state-run legal gambling service providers in the country racking in a substantial amount of tax revenue. Still, the importance of filtering the gambling operations taking place in the country could outweigh the governments interest in additional tax. Only time will tell. 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 . , . , . . . ... Dr. Filippo Milano, associate director of the Cord Blood Program at the Hutch, was awarded the $1 million grant for the trial from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. For gravely ill leukemia patients, a transplant may be their best hope. However, Milano said that because blood cancer patients with HIV are deemed to have active infections that put them at a higher risk of complications, they have difficulty qualifying at many centers for conventional bone marrow or blood stem cell transplants. Milanos pioneering cord blood program at Fred Hutch is accustomed to finding options for blood cancer patients who cannot find a suitable donor for a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant. Cord blood, which contains immature blood cells less likely to attack the patients own tissues, could turn out to be an alternative for HIV-positive leukemia patients. We are not conducting this trial to cure HIV, Milano said. We are doing it to cure patients with hematological malignancies and concomitant HIV infection. Mutation seals a molecular doorway to HIV Yet this trial also offers a tantalizing bonus: The researchers plan to offer these patients cord blood from roughly one in 100 donors who are naturally resistant to HIV. In effect, these leukemia patients will emerge with the immune system of a person who would not be susceptible to the virus. The hope is that this HIV-resistant immune system will eventually scrub out the remaining pockets of HIV, which can roar back without an uninterrupted course of antiretroviral drugs. To date, there is only one person in the world generally recognized to be cured of HIV: Seattle-born Timothy Ray Brown. While living in Germany in 2007, Brown whose HIV was controlled by antiviral drugs received the first of two bone marrow transplants for leukemia. On a hunch, his doctor used cells from donors who carried an HIV-resistance mutation in a gene that affects a protein called CCR5. In most people, CCR5 operates as a kind of molecular doorway. HIV can pry this doorway open and enter an immune cell. But 0.8 percent of the world population inherits from both their mother and father a genetic mutation that effectively seals this doorway, and these lucky few are naturally resistant to HIV. It was from such donors that Brown received his new immune system, and 11 years later, he still has no trace of HIV and his leukemia remains in remission. To date, no other patient receiving such a transplant has successfully remained HIV negative. Milanos trial will try to replicate Browns experience using cord blood. Experimental cord blood product is key to trial In this trial, patients will receive only one unit of cord blood, which has a very small number of immature blood cells. However, each patient will also receive a dose of a still-experimental product, dilanubicel, from Nohla Therapeutics. The Seattle company was founded by Fred Hutch researcher Dr. Colleen Delaney, holder of the Madeline Dabney Adams Endowed Chair in AML Research and director of the Hutch's Cord Blood Program. Derived from cord blood cells that are multiplied in the lab, the experimental drug is administered with the transplant cells to protect the patient from infection until the transplanted cord blood cells have time to set up shop as a functioning immune system. The number of stem cells in cord blood is very limited, especially for adults, because they come from a babys umbilical cord, Milano said. Colleens product buys time for the cord blood to engraft and protect the patient. By including the Nohla drug in the trial, cells from only one donated umbilical cord are needed instead of the two ordinarily required in cord blood transplants. As a result, it is necessary to find only one donor carrying the mutation, improving the odds of meeting the needs of a patient seeking an HIV-blocking mutation in the transplant. Milano calculates that there are roughly 6,500 such units stored in cord blood banks throughout the world. The hope is to find several dozen units, stored at the Cleveland Cord Blood Center, that might be perfect fits for this trial. The plan calls for patients to be treated at one of five U.S. cancer centers that also have expertise in HIV care. We will have world-class cancer doctors working with world-class HIV experts, Milano said. Participating hospitals working with the Hutch include UW Medicine and Seattle Childrens Hospital; Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Childrens Research Institute / Childrens National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; and the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Rumors are circulating that Microsoft is working on a version of its current-gen console that lacks a disc drive, a move that reportedly seeks to shave as much as $100 off of the Xbox Ones current price tag of $299. This rumored digital-only variant of the Xbox One is planned as a 2019 release according to the tech site Thurrotts conversations with people familiar with Microsoft's plans. As an additional cost-cutting measure, a cheaper (but still disc-friendly) Xbox One is rumored to be in the works as well, with a late-2019 release planned. On top of all of that, the site reports that Microsoft is planning to kick off a "disc-to-digital" program to help smooth the transition that will let people trade Xbox One discs for digital game codes to be used on the new disc-less console at permitted retailers. The sites sources also say that Microsoft hasnt decided if its next-generation hardware will feature a disc drive quite yet. Those next-gen systems, according to reports from Thurrott from earlier this year, are being developed under the code name Scarlett and are expected to launch in 2020. Traditional business in Bonn to close down : Last Advent exhibition at Kemps antique shop Bonn The Advent exhibition in the antique shop Kemp in Herwarthstrae has a long tradition. This year it will happen for the last time. Daughter Tina Beutter has to close the shop. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken It is almost exactly one year since Martina Kemp (71) and her daughter Tina (38) fetched the countless boxes and boxes of antique Christmas tree decorations from the warehouse of her antique shop on Herwarthstrae. As always, they wanted to decorate the rooms at Christmas time with the precious items, made of glass and cardboard, tin and gold. Valuable Christmas tree balls and figures from days long gone. Tree decorations painted with gelatine or aniline colours, sometimes sprinkled with Venetian dew made of the finest glass beads or covered with glass fairy hair. Collectors and lovers of historical Christmas tree decorations are waiting for the tree decorations, often made at the beginning of the 17th century in Lauscha in Thuringia or Globenz in Bohemia, to transform Kemps antique shop into a small Christmas wonderland. Since Martina Kemp unexpectedly had to take over the business of her father Fred in 1970, who had died suddenly, collecting and restoring historical nativity figures and Christmas decorations has become one of her passions. Martina Kemp's business soon became part of Bonn's history. Since the summer of this year, the 71-year-old, who suffers from sudden onset severe dementia, has been living in a nursing home near Fulda. "Homes in Bonn and the surrounding area are simply not affordable," says her daughter Tina Beutter angrily, who after a long and painful search had to decide on the home just 300 kilometers away. Now she will invite the customers to one last Advent exhibition in her parents shop and say goodbye with a special sale. Perhaps some stories will be told then: For example, how the dentist Fred Kemp came to the shop long ago. At the end of the 1930s he could only have continued to practice if he had become a member of the National Socialist NSDAP. Kemp refused and decided to trade in figures of saints and household goods instead of being a dentist. He must have taken great pleasure in sitting between golden picture frames, antique furniture and - as he called it - "all kinds of frippery". "Art and kitsch," he explained to his art-loving visitors, "were very close together". The heyday of the antiques trade is over His business experienced the golden years of the antique trade. Even in the 1970s and 1980s the antique trade was still booming. Tina remembers the times when the family was always looking for something special and beautiful. Whether in England, France or southern Germany: The Kemp-Beutters found the treasures everywhere, which made their shop in Herwarthstrae the target of collectors and lovers. These days are over," Tina concludes today. As an interior designer, she knows that today no one burdens themselves with heavy furniture anymore. "You want to stay mobile," she says, "neither the artistic glasses, the hand-painted porcelain nor the silver cutlery are suitable for the dishwasher. Hardly anyone still attaches importance to furniture from the style epochs of Baroque, Classicism or Biedermeier. Prices for antiques have been falling for years. If anything, according to Tina Beutter, "crossover" is still in demand today. Combine unique pieces with modern design. Her shop still has enough ideas for this. The Advent exhibition with a special sale, takes place on Friday, 16 November from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday, 17 November from 10am to 8pm, Antiques Martina Kemp, Herwarthstrae 10. English Latvian Riga, 2018-11-16 20:47 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CORRECTION: The previously announced convocation place of the extraordinary shareholders' meeting is changed. Board of Directors of AS HansaMatrix (reg.No.40003454390, legal address: Akmenu iela 72, Ogre, LV-5001, Latvia) informs that it convenes an extraordinary shareholders meeting on November 30, 2018 at 10.00 a.m., at AS HansaMatrix legal adress Akmenu iela 72, Ogre, LV-5001, Latvia. CORRECTION: The first item of the agenda amended and the agenda has been supplemented with the second item on the agenda. Agenda: 1.On the issuance of warrants and on the conditional share capital increase; 2.On amendments to the Articles of Association of the Company. Shareholders and their representatives that represent at least 5% of shares can submit draft decisions regarding the issues of the agenda or additional issues to be discussed on the shareholders meeting until November 07, 2018 at AS HansaMatrix head office located at Ziedleju iela 1, Marupe, LV-2167, Latvia every working day from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Draft resolutions on the issues of the agenda to be discussed on the shareholders meeting will be published on November 16, 2018. Draft resolutions will be available also on companys webpage www.HansaMatrix.com, as well as at AS HansaMatrix head office located at Ziedleju iela 1, Marupe, LV2167, Latvia every working day from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Total number of shares with a right to vote amounts to 1,829,381 (one million eight hundred twenty nine thousand three hundred eighty one). Shareholders can participate personally or delegate a representative. Only persons or entities which are shareholders on the date of record will be entitled to participate in the shareholders meeting. The date of record is end of the day of November 22, 2018. Registration of participants will take place at the venue on the day of the shareholders meeting on November 30, 2018 from 9.30 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. Shareholders at the registration have to present passport or other identification document. Representatives of shareholders at the registration have to show a power of attorney witnessed by a notary or a power of attorney legally equal to that and passport or other verifying document. The template of the power of attorney is attached to this notification and also available on companys webpage www.HansaMatrix.com. The Board of AS HansaMatrix. Investor and media contact: Maris Macijevskis, CFA Management Board Member, Finance director Phone: (+371) 6780 0002 E-mail: invest@hansamatrix.com http://www.hansamatrix.com About JSC HansaMatrix HansaMatrix is a fast-growing, high-technology company offering product design, industrialization and complete manufacturing services in data networking, Internet of Things, industrial segments and other services to high added value business segments. In addition to complete manufacturing services of OEM products, the company offers an ODM business model to both start-up and established companies that seek product development partnerships. Baltimore is suffering from a contradiction of sorts. On the one hand, the city is known for tough cops and citywide camera surveillance. On the other hand, it can seem at times like there are hardly any police around at all.On a recent stay in Baltimore, I often saw people openly litter and urinate in such downtown tourist hot spots as Lexington Market and Shot Tower Park. At major intersections, there has been a return of so-called squeegee boys, who surround your car, clean your windows without permission and demand money. But beyond these popular neighborhoods, there are indeed large swaths of Baltimore that are still as dangerous as anything depicted in the TV series The Wire. Residents have complained that street prostitution and open-air drug deals go seemingly unchecked by police. Last year, Baltimore saw 343 homicides, a new city record for killings per capita. Only Chicago, a considerably larger city, had more.How is it then that a place can seem both over-policed and under-policed?The answer lies with the Baltimore Police Department itself and its overall dysfunction. Youve got corruption, excessive force and domestic surveillance, says Jeffrey Ian Ross, a criminologist at the University of Baltimore. These combine to create the citys policing paradox.On the surveillance front, the department, along with the aforementioned cameras, uses stingray devices to track cellphones and monitor calls. This ledmagazine in 2016 to label Baltimore Americas laboratory for spy tech.Cases of excessive force are rampant. In the four years leading up to the 2015 Freddie Gray riots, more than 100 people, who suffered broken bones, head trauma and even death in altercations with the police, won settlements costing taxpayers $11.5 million. The problems continue today, including in August when an officer was caught on camera repeatedly punching a passive Dashawn McGrier.But the biggest problem is corruption. The Baltimore Police Department was recently mired in an overtime scandal, where some cops were paid for days they didnt work. The department spent nearly three times its $16 million overtime budget. Officers also have a history of planting drugs and guns on suspects. And this February, eight members of the Gun Trace Task Force -- an elite special unit meant to find illegal guns -- were indicted by the Drug Enforcement Agency for effectively operating like bandits in uniforms, robbing homes, harassing residents, reselling the guns and drugs they confiscated, and more.The larger question is how such a dysfunctional department can be reformed. One Maryland state delegate, Bilal Ali, suggested disbanding it, an unlikely move. Even reforms that would bring more civilian oversight and accountability are difficult, since the department is state-controlled and union-backed. The best hope, says the University of Baltimores Ross, will likely come from the federal consent decree, which the city entered in 2017.Perhaps a more organic reform is the gradual reduction of the department in size and relevance. The Baltimore Police Department employed about 41 officers for every 10,000 residents in 2016 . Thats the fourth highest rate of any department with at least 500 officers, according to FBI data. Still, it has consistently seen attrition since 2002, and Baltimores wealthier neighborhoods are pursuing private security options. Johns Hopkins University recently tried to field its own force.But the poorer neighborhoods that need public safety the most must continue relying on the police. It is a relationship wrought with tension, aggression and surveillance -- and at street level, it seems, little actual policing. Governments around the nation are working to design the best vaccine policies that keep both their employees and their residents safe. Although the latest data shows a variety of polarizing perspectives, there are clear emerging best practices that leading governments are following to put trust first: creating policies that are flexible and provide a range of options, and being in tune with the needs and sentiments of their employees so that they are able to be dynamic and accommodate the rapidly changing situation. The Texas State Board of Education backed a motion Tuesday evening to reinsert Hillary Clinton into the state's 11th-grade U.S. history standards, two months after voting to remove the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee from the state's curriculum. In a separate action Tuesday, the board backed restoring disability rights advocate Helen Keller to the state's third-grade social studies curriculum standards.The action spilled over to Wednesday, when the board voted to keep Moses in high school U.S. history standards.The state board is meeting this week to finalize the changes to social studies curriculum, part of a streamlining effort that began 10 months ago in response to teacher feedback that the standards included too much material to cover in a school year. Work groups made up of teachers, historians and curriculum experts were tasked with cutting repetitive and unnecessary requirements out of the social studies standards. The board took preliminary votes on the changes Tuesday and Wednesday and will take final votes on Friday.Board member Erika Beltran, D-Fort Worth, successfully moved Tuesday to reinsert Clinton into the standards, with the support of some conservative colleagues.Board member Marty Rowley, R-Amarillo, referenced tons of public comment that hed received before Tuesday's meeting. I dont agree, obviously, with her politics, he said. I just think she qualifies as significant.But Beltran failed Wednesday at persuading the board to remove Moses, a move she and other Democrats said would make the standards more accurate.Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio, and other conservative members of the board argued loudly for keeping Moses in as an influence on the countrys founding fathers in developing law and government. They cited Gov. Greg Abbott, who had weighed in on the matter on Twitter in September, saying, Eliminating Moses as one of our law-givers is contrary to factual history and to #SCOTUS precedent.Governor Abbott and the Supreme Court are not our founding fathers, Beltran retorted, arguing no proof exists that founding fathers were influenced by Moses.After hours of public testimony Tuesday, the board approved amendments restoring references to Keller and the importance of Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, in World War II.Gabrielle Caldwell, a 17-year-old deaf-blind student, testified before the board with her mother, Robbie, urging board members to reconsider striking Helen Kellers name from the standards.Without broad academic knowledge of Helen Keller, deaf-blind students like my daughter cease to exist, said Robbie Caldwell, a member of the Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas, a disability rights advocacy group for parents of disabled children.After the Caldwells testimony, board chair Donna Bahorich was visibly emotional as she thanked them for their presence at the board meeting.Even ahead of the vote to restore Keller to the curriculum, board members were expressing a willingness to reconsider her removal.Ive lost a lot of sleep about that, Pat Hardy, a Fort Worth Republican who represents SBOE District 11, told the Tribune earlier Tuesday. Helens back in.Jane OBrien, who described herself as the parent of a child with a learning difference, called Keller an important reminder for teachers to not underestimate their students. Texas has a problematic history with regard to disability rights, said OBrien, referencing the states current legal battle with the U.S. Department of Education for decreasing special education funding.People forget about it, said Paul Daley, whose daughter is deaf-blind and nonverbal and is also a member of the Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas, described the disability community as the only one that you can join, any day. He urged the board to put Keller back into the curriculum standards.Her story makes my own life a little bit easier, he said.Defenders of the cuts to the policy have stressed that removing important historical figures from the states requirements did not prevent individual schools from teaching them.It should be noted that curriculum standards are merely a floor for instruction, not a ceiling, Bahorich wrote in an op-ed in September that originally ran in The Washington Post. Allowing time for teacher flexibility encourages the inclusion of topics and figures relevant to students.The board also heard testimony Tuesday on how the state's high school curriculum currently handles the Israel-Palestine conflict, which includes asking students to explain how Arab rejection of the State of Israel has led to ongoing conflict. After critics argued that the language inaccurately placed the onus of the conflict exclusively on Palestinians, the board approved an alternative from member Tom Maynard, R-Florence: Discuss factors contributing to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the rejection of the existence of the state of Israel by the Arab League and a majority of Arab nations. But it wasnt good enough for Georgina Perez, D-El Paso, who exclaimed, Oh God, no, this is horrible, as the motion passed. Getting the Full Count A Better Way? More than a week after Election Day, much remains murky in Georgia and Florida. But one thing is clear: Provisional ballots, often forgotten and minimized, will determine the results.Provisional ballots are a proven fail-safe for voters across the country, but their role in the political dramas playing out this week illustrates how the little-understood tool can fall prey to political manipulation.When candidates inaccurately attack provisional ballots as perpetuating voter fraud, they take advantage of a complicated process many Americans dont understand. And when states decline to count all the provisional ballots or discard some on questionable grounds, then the system doesnt work for all voters.Created by a federal law in 2002, provisional ballots are supposed to be a protection against administrative and technical errors that prevent registered voters from casting a normal ballot on Election Day. In other circumstances, voters cast a provisional ballot if they go to the wrong polling place or, in some states, forget their photo ID.Local officials add each one to the tally only after they confirm that it was cast by a registered voter.Regardless of how close a race is, officials are supposed to verify and count every provisional ballot.Myrna Perez, the deputy director of the democracy program at Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, said state and local election officials need to make sure provisional ballot protections are utilized to the fullest.They are supposed to be a fail-safe, Perez told Stateline. But if provisional ballots are just placebos, theyre not doing their intended purpose, and theyre just an administrative drain.The number of provisional ballots was unusually high in Georgia, testified Michael McDonald, an associate professor at the University of Florida, in a court case decided Monday.In its lawsuit against the state, Common Cause Georgia, a voting rights group, said the states insecure voter registration database may have led to many voters arriving at their polling places to find they were not on the rolls.Or, the group said, it might just be an issue of competently maintaining databases.Civil rights activists and Democratic politicians have filed lawsuits in Florida and Georgia seeking to ensure that those states verify and count every ballot provisional or otherwise before officials certify results.Perez, who was the lead lawyer in the successful case against Georgia, said it was inappropriate for then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp to declare himself the winner in the gubernatorial race with Democrat Stacey Abrams without trying to verify all 21,000 statewide provisional ballots. (Kemp declared victory in the gubernatorial race and stepped down from the secretary of state position.)This is an important case because it lays bare the challenges and gross needs in how we use provisional ballots in Georgia, she said.In Florida, too, a large amount of provisional ballots factored into tightening the states elections for governor and U.S. Senate, triggering a statewide recount. But thousands more may not have been counted because of a signature mismatch with official state registration records.Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, seeking re-election, filed a lawsuit to count thousands of absentee and provisional ballots in his race that were not counted because voters signatures did not match state records.Provisional ballots may end up making a difference in these races.From 2006 to 2016, 79 percent of midterm provisional ballots and 69 percent of presidential provisional ballots were counted, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. In 2016 alone, U.S. voters cast 2.4 million provisional ballots, the commission found.Hans von Spakovsky, a manager in the Election Law Reform Initiative at the right-leaning think tank Heritage Foundation, helped congressional staffers create the provisional ballot protection in his role at the Justice Department in 2002.The purpose of the provisional ballot, von Spakovsky said, was to make sure that people didnt lose their right to vote because of a mistake made by election officials.Sixteen years later, said Thessalia Merivaki, an assistant professor of American politics at Mississippi State University, the primary reason voters cast a provisional ballot is that there is no record of the voters registration in poll books. This may be caused by administrative error. Counties and states need to do a better job, she said, of maintaining and modernizing registration databases.That may include encouraging more states to join the Election Registration Information Center, a nonprofit that identifies people who may need to update their registration information because they either moved or are considered inactive voters.We have a lot of evidence provisional ballots are working as a fail-safe, Merivaki said. But proactive states maintain clear and accurate registration rolls.Local officials, while verifying each individual provisional ballot, can check county databases or reach out to voters for more information, like proof of residence from a utility bill. In some states, voters may be required to verify their registration in person after the election.Verification can take anywhere from hours to 21 days after polls close, depending on the state, as local election administrators compare the provisional ballot to registration databases, drivers license records or social security information, Merivaki said. Some states allow voters to correct any wrong information that may have forced them to cast a provisional ballot.Provisional ballots are most often rejected because the voter isnt actually registered, the election assistance panel has found. In some states, casting a provisional ballot in an incorrect precinct, lacking a signature on a ballot or illegible handwriting may prompt officials to reject a provisional ballot.These policies, however, vary by state. Idaho, Minnesota and New Hampshire, which all have same-day voter registration, are exempt by federal law from issuing provisional ballots. And in nearly 20 states, provisional ballots cast in incorrect jurisdictions are partially counted for statewide and countywide races.Provisional ballots may help protect certain voters who have been disenfranchised by strict voting laws.Minorities vote using provisional ballots more often in some places around the country, a 2014 report from the left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress found. In 16 states, the report found, counties with high rates of minority voters used provisional ballots more often than predominantly white counties.Restrictive voting laws, difficult voting procedures and poorly maintained registration lists all contribute to the heavy use of provisional ballots, according to the report.The authors of the report also said, noting that around a quarter of provisional ballots are rejected, that the prospect of minority voices being silenced in the electoral process is deeply troubling.Beyond that, provisional ballots can slow down the voting process.In a 2013 review of election procedures ordered by President Barack Obama, long lines at polling places were partially blamed on a high volume of provisional ballots. Stricter voting laws, like registration purges and voter ID, can lead to more voters using provisional ballots and slow the process, the study found.To reduce the number of provisional ballots cast every election, some elections observers have suggested changes to registration procedures. In its 2014 report, the Center for American Progress recommended states modernize voter registration databases, implement same-day registration, provide online voter registration and expand early voting.The left-leaning think tank Demos, which is based in New York, agrees that same-day registration can help cut down on provisional ballots. However, its analysts also recommend states partially count ballots that were cast in the wrong precinct. This would allow registered voters to participate in a state or federal contest for which they were qualified to vote had they gone to the correct precinct.A partial count, though, was never the intention of the provisional ballot protection when it was created, said von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation.Provisional ballots remain an important aspect of elections, Mississippi States Merivaki said, and those votes are just as valuable as ones from regular ballots. Its something she wants officials in Florida, Georgia and around the country to understand.If counting the provisional ballots stopped, they would deny the right to vote, Merivaki said. Flat out. Police officers and other local law enforcement officials in New York are prohibited by law from arresting undocumented immigrants on behalf of federal authorities, a Brooklyn appeals court ruled Wednesday a decision advocates touted as a critical deterrent to the Trump deportation machine."The ruling issued by the state Supreme Courts second appellate division was based on the case of Susai Francis, an immigrant from India who was arrested on Long Island in June 2017 for driving drunk.Francis pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge, but when a judge ordered his release, he was taken back into custody by Suffolk County sheriffs who had received a detainer order from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.Francis entered the country on a visitors visa in 1996 but never left and ICE was now looking to deport him. Francis, whos the father of a U.S. citizen and had lived on Long Island for over two decades, was subsequently transferred to a federal detention facility in New Jersey pending his deportation. A new report points to a troubling lack of quality data about missing and murdered indigenous women, underscoring long-running concerns about institutional racism and poor relationships between police and Native communities that have created gaps in understanding the scope of violence against Native-American women.The report, published by the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), identifies 506 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women and girls since 1943. The numbers reflect information from records requests and research of 71 U.S. cities, and it is likely an undercount, the researchers say.The report was released as political attention and media interest grow over the issue. The Canadian government launched an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in 2016. The Washington State legislature passed a bill in June that requires the Washington State Patrol to compile data and analysis of missing Native American women in the state by June 2019. In a 2010 survey, 94 percent of women who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native living in Seattle reported they had been raped or were coerced into sex at least once in their lives.The just-released report identified 45 cases in Seattle, the most of any city studied.Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, and Annita Lucchesi, a doctoral student, spent about a year requesting documents and information from police across the country. Flanked by five U.S. senators, the two held a news conference about their report Wednesday morning and called for more research."It shows we need to be collecting more and better data," Echo-Hawk told The Seattle Times late last month before the report was published. "Because information was collected in an incorrect and nonstandard way, we can't get a full indication of what's happening."Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and Rep. Derek Kilmer, all Democrats from Washington state, attended the news conference."This report is the evidence that we need ... the problem is more than real -- it's horrifying. And we need action," Cantwell said in a news release. "We can no longer sweep these statistics under the rug."Echo-Hawk said that the data they have compiled is likely an undercount of cases and that the records are likely incomplete. The researchers requested data from cities that have urban American Indian health centers, a significant population of urban American Indians or Alaska Natives, or were previously identified in previous surveys as having a large number of cases. They requested data for cases beginning in 1900 to present day, although most agencies only provided recent records.Of the local police agencies, 40 provided some data in response, though 10 only confirmed cases provided by the researchers or gave partial data, according to the report. Fourteen agencies did not provide data. Eighteen records requests are still pending.The researchers documented numerous challenges with public-disclosure requests in their report. Many records were not provided in a timely manner, the report says. Agencies sometimes provided confusing or incomplete records. Some agencies charged fees that the institute did not have the budget to pay. Sometimes records seemed to include people who were not Native."Racial misclassification is a huge problem," Lucchesi said. "Multiple agencies gave us both American Indian and Indian American names," referring to Southeast Asia.The researchers counted 45 missing and murdered women in Seattle, according to the report. Most of the cases were identified through an October 2017 public-disclosure request to the Seattle Police Department (SPD). The researchers identified additional cases by using social media, through discussion with members of American Indian communities or searching missing-persons databases.The researchers did not provide The Seattle Times with the underlying data from the report out of concern for family members who had shared sensitive information about missing or murdered loved ones, Echo-Hawk said. She said she feared further marginalization by police if their names were made public, and she would need families' consent."The data is sacred," Lucchesi said. "It isn't something for voyeuristic folks to trawl through."In reviewing the record requests and correspondence between the SPD and the researchers, gaps in data and communication were clear.In response to Lucchesi's record request, SPD provided the researchers two spreadsheets of names of women and girls, with case numbers, dates, times and addresses. The Seattle Times obtained the spreadsheets through a separate public-disclosure request.The first list the SPD sent to the researchers contained 26 names. The other contained 33 names, most of which had appeared on the first list. The records dated back to the 1960s.In correspondence between the SPD public-disclosure staff and Lucchesi, the department acknowledged possible issues of racial misclassification in older records and wrote that the homicide unit found the letter "N" had been used to describe victim race as both Native American and "Negro" in records into the early '80s."It doesn't make sense to me, either. That's kind of the point," Lucchesi said of the two spreadsheets and follow-up communications with the police department. "This should be really basic. This should be really easy for law enforcement to pull. For some reason it's a confusing mess even when you ask for clarification."SPD spokesman Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said a homicide detective searched case files by hand to find the records. Only homicide records were included, he said."We believe the accurate number of homicides, according to our records we were able to retrieve, is 33," Whitcomb said. "The ones provided, I'm confident, are accurate. It is possible some were missed."Whitcomb said police have upgraded from paper to digital records and improved how information is coded. Data on homicides and uses of force are published online, he noted. "The system of classification was a product of its era," he said. "The system we use now is the modern and national standard and ... some would say still flawed."He acknowledged that "in previous decades, institutional racism influenced government systems, including police," said vulnerable populations and people of color were given "less service than they deserved" and said the new report was a "call to action" for government and police to do better."I'm certain there are families still wondering what happened to their loved ones," Whitcomb said. "In 2018, the best we can do is issue a heartfelt apology and a commitment that the case that was investigated in 1973 is much different than the case investigated in 2013."The researchers identified about 11 recent cases that were not in the records provided by the SPD. It's not clear why the cases were missing. Although the researchers did not share their data, they did mention several women by name in the report who did not appear in the SPD data.The report included information about Eveona Cortez, who was killed earlier this year in Burien, according to The Seattle Times archives. The King County Sheriff's Office investigated that case. The report also mentioned Nicole Westbrook, a member of the Navajo Nation who was shot and killed in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood in 2012, according to the archives."I'm familiar with that case ... heartbreaking case," Whitcomb said of Westbrook. "It was near First and Yesler and coming home from a date with her boyfriend and shot and killed on the steps of her apartment."Still on the phone, he pulled up the case in the SPD computer system."She's listed here as white," he said. "There's a contemporary example of misclassification." Description GIS 16 November 2018: A total of 91 Housing Units of 39 m2 each, in Residence Opale at Sebastopol, were inaugurated yesterday during a ceremony organised by the National Housing Development Co Ltd (NHDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Lands. The Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Purmanund Jhugroo, the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Dharmendar Sesungkur and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NHDC Ltd, Mr Gilles LEntete, were present. In his address, Minister Jhugroo highlighted that the mission and purpose of this housing allocation is to facilitate access to a variety of affordable houses to cater for the evolving needs of present and future generations. To promote the strengthening of social and cultural integration through the provision of appropriate social and recreational facilities, he underlined that the housing project is enhanced with appropriate landscaped features, a childrens playground and a petanque court for the residents and nearby community. Mr Jhugroo emphasised that the housing units are constructed on a plot of land of around 204m2, with the possibility to be further extended to a total floor area of 98m2 as t he Scheme also encourages self-help construction by families at the lower rung of the ladder. Each housing unit, he pointed out, is designed with a ground floor consisting of two bedrooms, a living and dining room, a kitchen, a toilet and a bathroom. Minister Bholah outlined that Residence Opale has been designed in an integrated manner so as to accommodate some basic social and recreational amenities to strengthen social and cultural integration. A dherance to the parameters and standards listed in the housing specifications was the gist of the message by Minister Sesungkur who urged beneficiaries to abide by the rules namely compliance to loan repayment conditions, prohibition of selling the dwellings/lots, respect of the local environment and provided infrastructure and amenities. For his part, the CEO of NHDC Ltd, Mr Gilles LEntete, underlined that the R esidence Opale comprises of 5.5m and 6.0m wide internal roads, kerbs and 1.5m wide pedestrian pavement, complete on-site water supply and water reticulation network inclusive of connection to the CWA mains supply. He added that each house is being provided with water supply with appropriate fixtures as well as electricity with electrical fittings. Individual on-site sewage disposal system consisting of a septic tank and an absorption pit is also included. To ensure security of the residents during heavy rainfall and other calamities, storm water drains have been constructed in between the houses, he said. The CEO of NHDC Ltd appealed to the beneficiaries to keep the Residence clean and safe. He pointed out that Government has already planned the construction of some 6 600 housing units and is targeting the construction of 10 000 housing units in the coming years, in line with its mission to eradicate poverty by providing a decent house to socially and economically disadvantaged families. Description GIS 16 November 2018: Some sixteen beneficiaries of the Social Register of Mauritius, of the region of Olivia who followed a bee-keeping training, were awarded a certificate and offered a start-up kit, yesterday, during a ceremony held at the Community Centre of Olivia, in presence of the Minister of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, Mr. Alain Wong, and other personalities. In his address, Minister Wong highlighted that in line with Governments endeavour to usher the country in a new social paradigm to lay the foundation for an inclusive and equitable society, several activities are being conducted in the context of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2018. These, he said, aim at eradicating poverty in all its forms by providing the poor and vulnerable with the necessary assistance to uplift their living conditions, improve their life chances and enable their economic empowerment. Moreover, the Minister emphasised that Government is providing the necessary support to the needy through the provision of training for the acquisition of skills and knowledge for them to undertake income earning activities in order to achieve financial stability and independence. He elaborated on the benefits of the bee-keeping training that will enable the participants to engage in honey production, hence providing a sustainable income source requiring only low-cost investment. As regards, the childrens playground which was inaugurated on that occasion, Minister Wong indicated that the project which is an initiative of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) is geared towards promoting the development and welfare of children in a safe and conducive environment. In addition, the Minister spoke about the drug scourge and prevalence of delinquency which, he said, requires parents to act as role models to inculcate good values to their children so that they do not engage in such illegal activities. Bee-Keeping Training The training has been provided by the Ministry of of Agro-Industry and Food Security and has been conducted for three and a half days with one session of practical performed on the field. The start-up kit was provided to the beneficiaries by the NEF which includes the overall protective jacket with hat and veil and basic beekeeping equipment such as bee hive tool, bee hive smoker, bee brush, colony and beehives. Description GIS 16 November 2018: Domestic violence is a serious social evil, affecting all spheres of the society and cuts across race, religion and ethnicity. There should be a collective effort on the part of the population, the public and private sectors, and the NGOs to combat this social evil and help in reducing the prevailing rate of domestic violence in the country. The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Outer Islands, Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo made this statement, yesterday, in the context of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November, at a press conference held at Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Port Louis. She pointed that the issue of domestic violence should be of national concern given that the rate of domestic violence is increasing alarmingly. She underlined that among the victims of domestic violence, 90% are women adding that for the year 2017 some 316 persons received protection orders, and from January 2018 to date the number is estimated at 176. Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo urged all victims of domestic violence to come forward and speak out. She also stressed that the victims should not feel ashamed but on the other hand, it is the offenders and perpetrators who should be remorseful of their actions. Government, she stated, has put in place several programmes to provide victims of domestic violence with a comprehensive and integrated service. They include: Womens Economic Empowerment, Victim Empowerment and Abuser Rehabilitation Policy, Premarital Counselling and Marriage Enrichment Programme, Integrated Support Service, and Perpetrators Rehabilitation Programme. The Hotline 139 which is toll free and operational on a 24-hour basis has also been put in place so that the public could report cases of domestic violence, she added. Moreover, the Vice-Prime Minister announced that Government will soon set up an Integrated Support Centre, which will allow victims of domestic violence to benefit from an immediate, consistent, coordinated and timely support and counselling as well as provide them with opportunities to become economically independent and self-sufficient. Furthermore, she spoke of the role of families and the need for families to bring about a change in mindset by giving the same equal treatment, education and facilities to both the female and male child. She made an appeal to every family to inculcate the right values, namely tolerance, respect, perseverance and humility in their children from childhood itself so as to help address the issue of gender equality. Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo also called on men to actively participate in these programmes and to help combat domestic violence, while highlighting that the Man as Caring Partners Programme was launched in October 2017 as a way to reach out to them and help them to better understand responsibilities in the family. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2018 The United Nations theme for this year is Orange the World: #HearMeToo . A series of activities will be organised by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2018. They include an official ceremony on the 25 November at Octave Wiehe, Reduit; the launching of pamphlets on pre-marital counselling and Marriage Enrichment programme; talks and media campaigns; and sensitisation campaigns in the different Social Centres across the island. (TNS) "Having girls in STEM will make the world a better place," Amanda Bastoni, director of Nashua Technology Center North, said Tuesday as she addressed a crowd of nearly 100 girls in eighth and ninth grades from various city schools."If you want to change the world, we need you," she added.Bastoni and others on-hand Tuesday discussed careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. She introduced the students to members of the New Hampshire High Tech Council's Tech Women's Ambassador Program. These officials visited Nashua High School North to talk with girls and encourage them to look into careers that might take them out of their comfort zones."You may be one of two females in a class, but what's important to know is we want you here. We are here to support you; we want you to be successful," Bastoni told the students.Sarah Bee and Jenna Loranger addressed the students in the auditorium to start the day. "Women are very underrepresented in the STEM field," Bee said.Loranger followed Bee's lead."Maybe women think that these jobs are more easily given to men, or that these jobs are for men, but I am here to tell you that is not the case," Loranger said. "We live in a time where employers are fighting for the very best talent they can find, no matter who you are. They are fighting for us and the ball is in our court."Loranger, who works at iRobot in Bedford, Massachusetts as a technical account, said as a woman in the technology industry, encouraging young women to get involved in STEM programs is dear to her heart. Loranger attended the University of New Hampshire, where she began noticing her business classes typically consisted of mainly men, while her while her liberal arts classes typically consisted of mainly women.Loranger said women are drifting away from STEM careers."One of the biggest challenges we face in the tech space is getting women involved. We need a diverse set of minds to come up with the innovative ideas needed to solve the world's problems," Loranger told students. "Bringing women into these jobs will stimulate innovation and ultimately lead to greater results."Loranger continued, "Women, by their very nature, have what it takes to lead. For example, generally women have what they consider the skills of the future, which are empathy, emotional intelligence, collaboration ...these leadership traits are crucial to successful and growing businesses."Once Loranger finished, Nashua Technology Director South Mike McQuilkin discussed women in STEM classes."As Ms. Bastoni said, it takes a collaboration between men and women from companies to survive, and women may never achieve equity in the workplace if they are the only gender working toward it. Men need to be part of the solution and that's something near and dear to me, and that's why I am here today," he said.Students then moved to the cafeteria to conduct discussions in small groups. Hannah Benson, human resources manager at SilverTech Inc., told the girls it was OK not to know what careers they want, but to always keep open minds. She discussed what it was like being one of the only girls in some of her classes. Benson said she often felt like the smallest one in the room, but she eventually overcame this limitation.Shannon Herrmann, recruiting manager for Alexander Technology Group, asked if anyone was worried if STEM jobs are boring."They are not," Herrmann said. "There are so many different jobs in technology."Virmarie Rodriguez Santos, AVP Audit Supervisor at Bank of America, urged the girls to learn more about technology and think about how technology will impact their futures. (TNS) Technology and digital literacy has become an integral part of education in the classroom, and keeping up with the changes can be challenging for schools.To make things easier, six school districts have joined forces to from the Ottawa Area Information Technology Consortium, which helps the partner districts acquire and maintain learning technology, enabling school staff to continue to focus on teaching students.The partnership consists of five Ottawa ISD districts Hamilton Community Schools, Holland Public Schools, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Saugatuck Public Schools and Spring Lake Public Schools and Oakridge Public Schools in Muskegon County.By working together, these districts leverage buying power and share best practices and problem solving techniques. Dave Tebo, superintendent for Hamilton Community Schools, said being a part of the consortium gives them the ability to move technology maintenance concerns into the background and allows them to focus on teaching and learning."The OAITC has allowed Holland Public Schools to advance our goal of integrating technology into every school and every classroom to enhance student learning," Holland Superintendent Brian Davis said. "We simply did not have the capacity to build and sustain the infrastructure of supports and personnel necessary to do this prior to the OAITC."Each district in the consortium is able to choose the technology that is best for them, and every district receives the same level of service regardless of size. Though partner districts vary in size from 850 students to nearly 3,500, every district has an equal voice.The partnership also includes a staff over 30 highly trained information technologists. That way, if an information technology employee gets sick or leaves, the consortium districts have someone to fill in so everything can keep running smoothly."There is an intense spirit of cooperation between districts," Saugatuck Superintendent Tim Travis said. "Through this shared knowledge and discussion we are better able to use taxpayer's money to positively impact student learning and internet safety. These regional best practices have helped the Saugatuck tech committee better plan for future needs when thinking about how the district uses technology and the types of technology they should consider."2018 Holland Sentinel, Mich.Visit Holland Sentinel, Mich. at www.hollandsentinel.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Montana has been a pretty red state. In 2016, Trump clobbered Hillary there 56.5% to 35.9%. Hillary won only 6 of the states 56 counties. Democrats had plenty to worry about for their senator, Jon Tester. When he was first elected in 2006, he barely beat Republican incumbent, Conrad Burns 199,845 (49.2%) to 196,283 (48.3%). With less than 50% of the vote, senators know theyre going to have a tough reelection fight. And sure enough in 2012, Tester was forced into a battle with Denny Rehberg, a sitting congressman. The result was another squeaker 236,123 (48.6%) to 218,051 (44.9%). This cycle he knew another tough race was coming, as he faced off against State Auditor Matt Rosendale. Billionaire-funded Republican SuperPACs poured $16,993,026 into a non-stop smear campaign against Tester that blanketed the airwaves from Carter county in the southwest to Lincoln County in the northwest, but especially in the population centers of Cascade County, Flathead County, Gallatin County, Lewis and Clark County, Missoula County, Ravalli County and Yellowstone County. And yet Tester celebrated his first win over 50%! With immense turnout on both sides, he beat Rosendale 246,291 (50.1%) to 230,974 (47%). And he won Cascade, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark and Missoula counties as well as some of the rural parts of the state where Trump had trounced Hillary. Wall Street Journal last week, that Trump had focused heavily on Montana this year, holding four rallies there since the summer. His visits, and the publicity they generated, likely are a central reason for high turnout. Vote tallies exceeded 2016 presidential levels in 15 of the states 56 counties. The problem was that the controversial Trump circus inspired voters on both sides of the aisle. Trump, they wrote, appeared to have an effect on both parties. In 10 of the counties where vote tallies topped 2016 totals, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester received a similar or greater share of the vote than he did in his last election, and he won more than 50% of the vote statewide. As Aaron Zitner and Dante Chinni reported for thelast week, that Trump had focused heavily on Montana this year, holding four rallies there since the summer. His visits, and the publicity they generated, likely are a central reason for high turnout. Vote tallies exceeded 2016 presidential levels in 15 of the states 56 counties. The problem was that the controversial Trump circus inspired voters onsides of the aisle. Trump, they wrote, appeared to have an effect on both parties. In 10 of the counties where vote tallies topped 2016 totals, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester received a similar or greater share of the vote than he did in his last election, and he won more than 50% of the vote statewide. Trumps first hate rally for Rosendale, from Great Falls on July 5, was broadcast nationally. Pence campaigned for him 19 days later. On September 6 Trump was back, this time in Billings. Three weeks later, Trumpanzee, Jr. held an in-state fundraiser for GOP fat cats. On October 2, Pence campaigned with Rosendale in Bozeman. A week later the candidates had their first debate and Tester wiped the floor with Rosendale, prompting Trump to rush out to Missoula a few days later to try to salvage the wreckage. Tester surged in the polling and Trump tried one more timep November 3 in Bozeman. It wasnt enough. This ad, from McConnells smear machine linked Tester with Bernie and Medicare-for-All, shooting himself in the foot and driving up Testers polling numbers. Remember, McConnell is the most hated politician in America. Bernie is the most popular. In fact, in the 2016 primaries Bernie beat Hillary by 7 points, won most of the counties and beat Trump in some of them. These were the results in rural Glacier County: Bernie- 1,074 Hillary- 928 Trumpanzee- 357 Cruz- 38 And these were the results in more urban and suburban Missoula county: Bernie- 13,271 Hillary- 8,115 Trumpanzee- 7,23 Cruz- 1,026 Linking Tester to Bernie might have been smart for a closed GOP primary, where only Fox brainwashed zombies are allowed to vote, but in a general election just a couple of weeks away: really dumb. (TNS) - Its an iconic if horrifying shot of the Camp fire pulverizing Paradise a large ball of grayish-black smoke with fire radiating on the right, taken less than two hours after the Northern California inferno started a week ago.The photo ran on the websites of the New York Times, Washington Post and Time magazine. It was taken on an iPhone from the roof of the Chico Enterprise-Records office by the papers editor, David Little.The responsibility fell to the Chico native because the newspapers only photographer is on medical leave. The image also ran prominently in the Enterprise-Records Friday print edition.It was just the first photo we posted on our website that morning and stayed there till (the) afternoon, Little said. Until we got some real photographers in town.Little has run the small paper and several others, which are part of the Digital First Media Group, for almost 20 years. The Enterprise-Records staff was 45 when he started; now its 10 with four part-timers pitching in. Journalists from their sister papers in the San Francisco Bay Area were dispatched to assist with coverage.The last week has been like nothing else the 40-year-newspaper veteran has experienced. Like the community theyre trying to keep informed, members of Littles staff have been displaced and are worried about missing friends and lost loved ones.For several days after the fire started, two employees were missing. Both were found alive and well. Throughout it all, Littles staff continued to perform at the highest of levels. Informing the community in times of crisis is why many of them got into the business after all.We have had a lot of help from a lot of people, Little said in an interview, his tired voice hoarse from the smoke.Everyone has been dealing with evacuations, sheltering family and friends, and yet theyre down here working hard all the time. Thats why people are doing this, because they know people depend on it. It gives you hope that people appreciate newspapers in a time like this.The boxes of free pizza sent by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Redding Record-Searchlight tasted pretty good too.Little also manages the Oroville newspaper, which covered last years dam spillway failure that led to the evacuation of about 180,000 people.That experience, he said, prepared his staff for the last week.They came to understand what, with their limited resources, they should be focusing on and thats getting out facts as fast as possible. With a bigger staff a lot more is possible, and for Little, his focus has been on maximizing what they with the help of photographers and reporters from the East Bay Times and Mercury News can do.The beautiful, heart-wrenching stories are fun to tell, but they take longer, whereas the nuts-and-bolts information is whats essential.No one can get back into Paradise. So, the paper posted an interactive map Wednesday that allows readers to search by address to see whats been destroyed in the small town and its surrounding environs.The twice-weekly Paradise Post also falls under his supervision, and its staff of two has been in overdrive, he said. They work in the Chico office, and the paper is printed there as well along with a dozen other dailies and six weekly and semiweekly papers from Monterey to Eureka. The challenge, though, has been where to deliver the Paradise Post.How do you distribute a newspaper to a town thats not there?So they have been taking the full press run to evacuation centers while updating the website constantly. Little said he hasnt paid too close attention to readership numbers but was told theyre receiving record traffic.The 55-year-old has also found time to write as well. His regular Sunday column was about his heartbreaking return to his grandmothers home in Butte Creek Canyon. The house survived, but the surrounding area didnt fare well.I only cried three times. I thought I did pretty well, he wrote.The other was a searing unsigned editorial about President Trumps baseless tweet from the weekend concerning the states gross mismanagement of the forests. He pulled this together with longtime staffers Steve Schoonover and Laura Urseny. (Steve was supposed to retire this week but agreed to stay on to help out.)Their response to the leader of the free world? Zip it.One thing we will always do is stand up for our area, Little said. If some outsiders want to try to run roughshod over our area, were always going to fight back.2018 Los Angeles TimesVisit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) The towns emergency services radio system needs a root-to-branch upgrade, Police Chief Dennis Woessner told the Town Council this week.Emergency radio coverage in East Hampton is sub-standard, Woessner said in delivering a stark report to the council.Our radio system is failing and its only going to get worse, Woessner said.This is a glaring issue. A functioning radio system is not a luxury, its a necessity, Woessner said.As much as 20 to 25 percent of the town lies in dead zones where police officers are left without the ability to reliably communicate with headquarters, he said.The acceptable standard is 95 percent coverage 95 percent of the time, Woessner said.Whats more, there is no backup system, meaning if our radios fail, were done, the chief said.The radio systems for fire, emergency medical service and the towns public works department are also plagued by some of the same problems.This is probably one of the more important projects were going to be talking about in the next year the safety of our police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel, Town Manager Michael Maniscalco said.Much of the cause of the problem is a familiar one, Woessner said: the failure of town officials over the years to invest in infrastructure upgrades.However, the problem is acerbated by the size of the town and its geology of hills and valleys that can interrupt or prevent reliable radio communication.Further complicating the situation: much of the radio equipment dates from the 1960s, he said.An analysis of the radio system, which was begun by then-Chief Sean D. Cox, concluded it is past time to upgrade the entire system.Woessner said he has spoken with two radio system suppliers who estimated such an upgrade could cost in the range of $700,000 to $800,000.Its expensive, he acknowledged. But, its a necessity.Woessner received support for his request from Officer Hardie Burgin, the president of the police union.Law enforcement is an inherently dangerous profession, Burgin told the council. Every day our department hits the streets it is in the face of absolute adversity.However, That adversity is not caused by crime but from the very town we swore to service and protect.In his nearly 10-year career with the department, Burgin said he worked with Cox, acting chief Thomas Davoren and now Woessner to correct the glaring issues with the towns department.As we have tackled problem after problem, a growing concern and an on-going issue has been the towns radio system, he said. A radio system is the life line of your first responders. It is how we communicate not only between officers but to our dispatch and to other first responders.A functioning radio system is not a luxury, but a necessity for the safety of my brother officers and other first responders, he said.And yet, over the past decade, the radio system has worsened dramatically, Burgin said.I can say with certainty that at one point or another every officer at this department has been in need of back up or other first responder assistance and has clicked their radio to call for help only to hear silence or static, he said. The need to correct this issue is immediate. Studies have been done, and tests have been completed. It is time for action and to stop putting the lives and safety or my brother officers unnecessarily at risk.Burgins comments carry added weight because in 2016, he was severely injured when he was struck by an SUV while doing traffic control duty at a utility construction site on Route 66.Maniscalco told the council he hopes, and expects, funding for the upgrade will be included in the capital expenditures portion of the 2019-20 budget.This is a major project that we need to have it done, Maniscalco told the council.A recent inspection of the two repeater stations found varmints had taken up residence in the repeater stations.Rodent messes were found atop equipment, indicating some animals were nesting there to keep warm in cold weather.The repeater stations rely on air conditioning units to control the climate inside the buildings, Woessner said.But failures of the units have meant temperatures rise to levels that hurt communications.Efforts have since been undertaken to seal the repeater stations and upgrade the buildings in which the equipment is located, the chief said.Reporter Jeff Mill covers East Hampton, Cromwell and Portland for the Middletown Press. Contact him at jeff.mill@hearstmediact.com.2018 The Middletown Press, Conn.Visit The Middletown Press, Conn. at www.middletownpress.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) Sinclair Community College has joined a group of seven Ohio cities and the Miami Valley Communications Council to fund a regional fiber optics ring that advocates say will save money, help solve crimes, benefit schools and invite business growth.MVCC Executive Director Brian Humphress said the fiber optics ring will allow participating cities to have unique speeds and capabilities for their high-speed internet.Kettering and Centerville school districts were initial partners in this project, but they have since left as Sinclair joined the project.Sinclair College is partnering with us, and their contribution is funded through a state grant, Humphress said. With that contribution, the seven member cities share will be $1,140,000.Sinclair spokeswoman Deena John said the college got involved at the invitation of stakeholders in the various communities.Sinclair Community Colleges involvement in this project came at the direct request of the communities that are connected with this project, she said. We were happy to facilitate state capital to this project, which will help these communities stay safer and more connected.The network is designed to allow MVCC members the opportunity to take advantage of lower internet costs, shared software expenses and shared programming costs. Seven cities are participating in the first phase: Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton. Other cities may join when it is decided to expand the ring.Humphress said the project is unique and the budget will allow participating cities a good option for internet service.The actual budget for this project is $1,265,000 and each participating city will have the option of going up to 1 GB for internet service, with similar backup, he said. While other individual cities have completed similar projects, this is one of the first multi-jurisdictional fiber networks built in the United States.The fiber optics ring will allow the cities to share cutting-edge technology such as crime-mapping and GIS software files, such as video from crime scenes and voice-over-internet-protocol telephony that will save each city time and money.Construction is expected to be underway before the end of November, and the ring should be operational by the end of June 2019, according to the MVCC. (TNS) Are you ready for the latest in court technology?Meet CORA, a court robot greeter being tested at the Michigan's Ottawa County courthouse in Grand Haven and billed as the first court robot greeter in the country.The robot moves and can direct visitors to different locations in the courthouse, answer "frequently asked questions," show court dockets and provide information about judges and referees. The robot speaks in both English and Spanish.CORA is short for court-operated robotic assistant. Cora also is the name of the first Ottawa County probate judge, Cora VandeWater, and courthouse employees voted to name the robot in her honor. She served from 1933 to 1948.A company called Advanced Robot Solutions designed the robot and has made robots for other uses, such as airports, trade shows and hospitals.CORA will be at the Grand Haven courthouse through Friday.In a description posted to Facebook, Ottawa County officials wrote the following:"Along with her utility, CORA can also entertain you with a dance or take a selfie." (TNS) The ACLU of Massachusetts is suing the Boston Police Department for access to its gang database.Lawyers for the ACLU say police are too secretive about how they track believed gang members, a practice that can have "catastrophic consequences for a young person's life," according to the suit filed in Suffolk Superior Court Thursday.Boston Police Commissioner William Gross is named as a defendant in the suit, which alleges the Boston Police Department is misusing public records exemption, in an attempt to keep key information about the tracking system private."Being labeled as a gang member can have catastrophic consequences for a young person's life, including being targeted for surveillance and police stops, facing harsher outcomes in the criminal justice system, and for noncitizen youth-being detained and deported," lawyers wrote in the suit. "Yet, under BPD rules, police can place children in its 'Gang Assessment Database' and label them as "active" gang members based on nothing more than the clothing they are seen in and the classmates they are seen with."In particular, the data is being used increasingly in immigration court, according to the ACLU lawyers.Lawyers say police use a point system to determine whether or not to add a person to the database. People added to the database are not notified, according to ACLU lawyers.Ten points place a person in the database as a gang member, while people with six to nine points are labeled as a gang associate.People can be allotted four points for wearing a Chicago Bulls hat (identified as gang paraphernalia) and two points for appearing in a photograph with a gang member, even if that person is a classmate or family member.Being the victim of a gang-related act of violence earns a person 8 points, according to the suit.The suit focuses on three young immigrants affected by their placement on the database: Martin, a Salvadoran teenager who fled gang violence and lives with family in East Boston; Lucas, a Central American boy in the process of becoming a legal citizen; and Victor, who came to the United States from Central America seeking protection from violence and parental neglect in 2012. The names used for the young men are pseudonyms, according to the suit.Martin ended up on the gang database because he was a victim of an assault at school and was seen with two other young people who are alleged to be gang members, according to lawyers for the ACLU. He is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and his attorney's request to review the database records have been denied, according to the suit.Though Lucas has never been charged with a crime, he was detained by ICE solely based on the Field Interrogation/Observation/Encounter reports, or FIOEs, that help Boston and school police report potential affiliations. He had a valid petition for permanent status in the United States pending, but now faces likely deportation, lawyers said.Victor was about to be awarded his green card in 2018 when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services found that five years earlier, a school officer alleged he was a gang member."The government has threatened to revoke its previous approval of his status and deport him based on that allegation," according to the suit.The ACLU, along with other community organizations, submitted a public records request in May seeking access to the police data.Boston Police declined to provide certain information including the number of people in the system.The ACLU is asking the court to issue a declaratory judgment that the records the plaintiffs have requested are public record and to enter a permanent injunction requiring Boston police to disclose all of the records requested.Boston police could not immediately be reached for comment. Fernando Alonso's plight shows that F1 is "sick". That is the claim of Force India driver Sergio Perez, referring to double world champion Alonso's decision to retire from F1 and race instead at Le Mans and the Indy 500 next year. "What happens now is not the formula one that made me want to be a racing driver," Alonso is quoted by Speed Week. "I quit F1 because I think we're a weak show. We talk more about what happens next to the track. We talk about polemics and radio messages. "I could write down the first 15 positions for the result of the next race, perhaps with a few changes of places. I find it hard to accept how predictable it has become. "I suppose I find more pleasure in other racing series," he said. Indeed, the 37-year-old headed straight from Brazil to Shanghai, where this weekend he will continue his push to be world endurance champion with Toyota. He said he landed in China "somewhat tired" but "super happy" to push for victory. Like many, Perez thinks it's "a pity" that F1 is losing Alonso. "It shows how sick F1 is," said the Mexican. "We have one of the best drivers in the world, he loves racing to the last fibre in his body, and he tortures himself in the midfield weekend after weekend. "If we put him in another car, he would fight for victory and be world champion again. That's our formula one and we lose him. And we are all in this boat," Perez added. (GMM) Belgian grand prix boss Andre Maes doubts the Netherlands can quickly put together an F1 project. After 35 years promoting the iconic race at Spa-Francorchamps, promoter Maes is stepping down. Formule 1, a Dutch publication, said his replacement is not known. But the Spa race's future is at least secure, after Maes inked a new three-year deal with Liberty Media earlier this year. However, reports that promoters at former F1 circuit Zandvoort are in talks with Liberty could endanger nearby Spa's medium-term prospects on the calendar. Maes says competition is not a problem. "It is only natural that we constantly have to fight for our place," he said. "We do not veto a race in the Netherlands, but we have asked if there are plans. If there is a Dutch grand prix, they will need at least three years to prepare everything." (GMM) Robert Kubica looks certain to secure the second race seat at Williams for 2019. At an event in northern Poland, the British team's reserve driver declared: "I have made my decision." Pole Kubica, who has not raced in F1 since almost severing his forearm in a 2011 rally crash, was reportedly tossing up between the Williams race seat and a Ferrari test role. He is believed to have put together enough funds to secure the Williams seat, including millions from Polish oil company PKN Orlen. Sport.pl quotes Kubica as saying: "Will I be in Williams next year? I hope. "There are only two teams that officially have places next year, and I will definitely not go to Toro Rosso." However, 33-year-old Kubica suggests it has not been a simple period of negotiations. "The period is very tense with many things happening," he said. "It is not like me or other people are having fun and do not want to announce what is decided. "Everyone has to make their decisions. I openly said that I was approaching my decisions with a deadline, and I have already taken it. "I will not say it so as not to create strange consequences, but I think that now we should find out very quickly what happens next with me. "As of today, not everything depends on me, but I can also say that not everything depends on Williams," Kubica added. It could be that Williams is waiting for Force India to announce that Lance Stroll is heading to the Silverstone based team for 2019. (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen says he is not worrying about his step back to the Sauber team for 2019. The Finn and 2007 world champion is being replaced at Ferrari by Charles Leclerc, with Raikkonen accepting a step backwards to Sauber, the small Swiss team with whom he made his F1 debut 17 years ago. But Raikkonen, 39, says he is happy about that. "I still like to drive, and that's the only reason why I will continue to drive next year," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "At Sauber I can focus more on what I love -- driving," Raikkonen added. Sauber has never won a race, but with new ownership, a Ferrari alliance in the form of Alfa Romeo backing, and the solid management of Frederic Vasseur, Raikkonen is hopeful. "Why should I worry about going to Sauber?" he said. "My goal is to try to help them to succeed and to have fun. "When I came back to formula one for Lotus, people said that I had made a mistake and could not do anything, but instead things went differently. It could happen again," Raikkonen added. (GMM) Photo: baocongthuong.vn In Argentina, Mendoza is considered the largest grape region with over 200,000 hectares, being favourable condition for the country to develop over 800 wine producers and traders. According to Noris Rivarola, a coordinator of the Medoza provinces investment promotion agency, the provinces wine is competitive, and has been exported mainly to Latin America, America, the UK and Europe. Talking about Vietnamese market, she said that it is a potential market for Argentinas goods, including wine as the demand for wine in Vietnam increases by 10% per year. She also expressed her hope that a representative office for Argentina wine will be promptly set up in Vietnam for promoting businesses with Vietnamese entrepreneurs. The Vietnam - Argentina trade relation has developed actively, with the two-way turnover of over USD3 billion last year. Vietnam exports mainly computers, footwear, textile and garment products to Argentina and imports animal food and materials from this country./. Sport Snigur stuns Wang on opening day at 24th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge Former runner-up Daria Snigur caused the biggest upset by knocking off third seed Xinyu Wang 6-0, 6-7 (5), 6-1, to be joined by three more seeded players in the next round on the opening day of the 24th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge. Thousands Who Fled Violence, Voluntarily Returning To Yei River State Thousands of South Sudanese refugees who fled Yei River State into Uganda and DR Congo are making a voluntary return back home after the recent signed revitalized peace agreement. An IDP camp in Wau [File photo] By Daniel Friday Martin YEI, 16 November 2018 [Gurtong]-The returning host communities said they are in dire need of clean drinking water, education, health facilities, housing infrastructure in order to re-start their lives. During the civil war that erupted in July 2016, Yei became the frontline of conflict in which tens of thousands fled their homes for safety to refugee camps and hundreds of thousands were displaced or stranded in Yei due to the intense fighting between the SPLA and SPLA-IO forces. The communities around Yei faced tremendous insecurity, gruesome human rights violations and acute shortages of food and fuel, with many international NGOs forced to cease local operations due to safety concerns. Speaking to Gurtong in an interview, Medina Rose a returnee who arrived Yei town from Uganda one week ago said I am very happy that I finally reached home after a long struggle and suffering in the camp due to this conflict. I pray that our leaders will now stand for peace so that the suffering of many other people is brought to an end she said. Medina said she lost all her belongings as a result of the conflict but, said she has forgiven the looters as she is ready to re-start a new life. What we are going through with other people now is insufficient food, high market prices, in ability to access to better health services, education and clean drinking water points. I am sorry to say that all our facilities have been broken down and the government is not able to fix them right she said. Another Internally displaced person, Morris Amule who returned from Otogo County into Yei River County said most of the social facilities in the village have been destroyed by forces during the conflict. If you go to my village, you will see that bridges have been broken, our bore holes which were drilled some years back have been broken down, schools, churches, and primary health centers. All roofing materials including iron sheets have been removed and our village is just empty said Amule. Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, Elias Taban, the Arch Bishop of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Sudan issued a broad-based appeal to support peace, reconciliation and sustainable access to basic social services for the returning population in Yei and other parts of South Sudan to stabilize and reconcile communities ravaged by conflict. As a church together with partners we are committed to ending the suffering of those displaced and in refugee camps, in 2017, we had a grassroots peace movement with the support of His Voice Global, we mediated the negotiation of a peace accord for Yei River State, which called for permanent ceasefire, an assembly area for armed rebels to ensure their security, a planned national dialogue and the securing and opening of roads to and out of Yei. Over fifteen months, over 600 opposition soldiers have been integrated into SPLA forces and provided uniforms, training and basic services: food, household supplies and essential medicine. In addition, EPC and His Voice Global held talks in Gogrial, Western Lakes, Maridi, Torit, Terekeka, Jubek and Kapoeta, which resulted in more than 3,000 civilians in Gogrial laying down their armsthe statement reads in parts. Arbishop Elias Taban said much as the church focuses on peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, he sees real suffering in the eyes of South Sudanese when it comes to access to basic services such as health, education, clean drinking water which he thinks are fundamental human rights and dividends to promoting peace and unity among South Sudanese communities. For almost thirty years, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (EPC) has been dedicated to peace, stability, health and prosperity in South Sudan, establishing a primary health clinic, clean water operation, primary school, orphanage and womens empowerment ministry in Yei it added. Arch Bishop Elias Taban made a repeated call for all religious leaders and other actors to take a lead in promoting peace and restore confidence in the people. With displaced families starting to return to Yei and a peace agreement in place between the government and opposition, efforts now shift to reconciliation and strengthening ties at the local level.What we need now is for civil society, secular and religious organizations of all faiths, the South Sudanese diaspora and the broader international community to stand with this and to feel the hope that we feel and to believe that peace will prevail. Said Elias Taban. As the recent crisis descended and deepened in Yei, Bishop Elias made a commitment to serve all and ensure the protection and well-being of the civilian population. He looked to friends and partners who share his commitment to peace, health and prosperity in South Sudan to extend the reach, capacity and voice of the community beyond national borders and execute a comprehensive crisis response, including B.A.S.I.C. Ministries, His Voice Global, Impact AO Foundation and Water is Basic to health the people around Yei and beyond. Steve Roese, president of Water is Basic USA who is on a visit to Yei River State said he is very happy that the revitalized peace agreement is yielding. He said he saw many people are moving in the streets of Yei, shops opening and local supplies are now available in the area. He also said Water is Basic is working hard to provide clean drinking water to help the needy population in Yei River State and other parts of South Sudan. Over the past ten years, the EPC / Water is Basic partnership has provided clean drinking water to over 800 communities, reaching over 10% of the population of South Sudan. The EPC / Water is Basic operations team remained intact throughout the conflict and continues to provide critical maintenance services to the community. Steve also appealed to friends of South Sudan in the diaspora to continue mobilizing resources to help the people of South Sudan who are in dire need of basic social services. What we have discovered now is that peace is becoming real, roads are opening, shops opening and people are returning home and now we have discovered that the demand for clean water is needed now and yesterday we met a mother of seven children who left Rhino Camp because life in the camp was not comfortable and what I want to say to friends around the world is that peace is real in South Sudan, dont give up, the people need food, seeds and clean drinking water now said Steve. Amber Curry Gracia, a senior official working for a USA based charity health organization-Impact AO who is also on a visit to Yei River State area said her organization has been supporting the people of Yei River State on essential medical supplies to help all classes of people in South Sudan. EPC Clinic has delivered essential and affordable primary health care to thousands living in Yei and surrounding areas. Dedicated to preventing illness and improving quality of life for all in the community, the clinic provides general medical and laboratory services to people of all tribes, faiths, political affiliations and socioeconomic circumstances. Said Gracia. During the crisis, EPC Clinic sustained operations as one of the only health facilities operating in the area, in partnership with Impact AO Foundation and through generous donations from US-based Direct Relief and Blessings International, EPC ensured that essential medicines remained available. The commitment of EPC and its international partners remains strong; but more support is needed to re-establish households, address the physical and emotional health of returnees, stabilize the local economy and begin the hard work of reconciliation. The most intense need will persist through August 2019, including household supplies, food relief and medical relief according to Gracia. Gracia said Impact AO said it has a consignment of drugs on transit from Entebbe to help the people of Yei. Gracia said women and children in Yei have been badly affected by the effects of the conflict in the State. We are convinced that people are returning home and right now we have another shipment of medicines in Entebbe to be quickly moved to Yei in a couple of days to save the needs of the communities. By us working together as one family because what pains the other affects the other she concluded. While on a visit to Yei town about two weeks ago, South Sudans Vice President, James Wani Igga said the government and the opposition forces are committed to implementing peace agreement and restore stability in the whole country. I want to tell those doubting like Thomas that the peace agreement is real and I want to assure you that the government and the opposition forces will work hard to implement the peace agreement to prove those doubting like Thomas wrong Igga told a crowd in Yei town. Igga said the government is working hard in ensuring that favorable conditions are created all over so that IDPs and returnees return to their original areas of settlement so that partners together with the government can deliver basic social services to the suffering South Sudanese population across the country. Over the last two weeks, senior military representatives both in the government and opposition security sector are embarking on meetings, to create confidence in the civil population as well as to operationalize the security arrangements matrix, implementation modalities, which calls for free access for humanitarian assistance, free movement and protection of civilians and their properties. JeJu Airline announces its strategy in Vietnam. (Photo: baodautu.vn) Its strategy should help all Korean large cities residents find it easy to travel to Vietnamese key destinations. Accordingly, it will open a 4.5 hour flight from Koreans Deagu city to Da Nang city on December 22nd, increasing the number of fixed routes to 7, the number of flights to Da Nang to 7 per week, and the total number of flights to 63 per week. Yang Sung-jin, JeJu Airline PR Director, said that the airline had operated a route from Incheon to Hanoi in 2014. Since then, 6 routes to Vietnams 4 cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang and Da Nang, have been developed. Our movement is due to the fact that more and more Korean people need to go to Vietnam for tourism or work over the past recent years, he said. As of this August, the number of Koreans to Da Nang city was 36,000, an increase of five times compared to 2017. Statistics from the Korea Tourism Organization showed that in 2016, nearly 1.6 million Koreans came to Vietnam. The figure increased to over 2.4 million in 2017 and over 2.5 million in the first 9 months of this year. Vietnam has become the 3rd country that Korean tourists want to come to, after Japan and China. Meanwhile, according to the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the two-way trade turnover was reported at USD45 billion in 2016 and USD63.9 billion in 2017; and is expected to hit USD100 billion by 2020./. (HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today brought additional charges against a Long Island, New York-based boiler room previously sued for defrauding elderly and unsophisticated investors. The latest charges allege that First Choice Healthcare Solutions Inc. CEO Christian Romandetti, the boiler room, and four others, manipulated the companys shares generating more than $3.3 million of illegal profits and more than $560,000 in kickbacks for Romandetti. The SECs complaint alleges that Romandetti and the other defendants duped more than 100 victims in a scheme that inflated First Choices stock price from less than $1 per share to $3.40 per share. According to the complaint, from at least September 2013 until about June 2016, the defendants used multiple accounts in an attempt to disguise their trading, engaged in manipulative trading practices, and hired Elite Stock Research, a boiler room run by defendant Anthony Vassallo, to promote First Choice to vulnerable investors, some of who invested retirement savings. Microcap fraud continues to be a pervasive source of harm to retail investors, said Carolyn M. Welshhans, Associate Director of the Division of Enforcement. Investors should be on the lookout for individuals employing methods like the ones we allege in our complaintsuch as using unsolicited calls and high-pressure sales tactics. In a related action in July 2017, the SEC originally charged boiler room Elite Stock Research, as well as another Long Island boiler room and 13 individuals, with bilking victims out of more than $10 million through high-pressure sales tactics and lies about penny stocks. Seven of those individuals have pleaded guilty to parallel criminal charges brought by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York. The SECs litigation against the 13 individuals is continuing. Todays SEC action, filed in federal district court in Central Islip, New York, charges Romandetti, Vassallo, Mark Burnett, Jeffrey Miller, Frank Sarro and Elite Stock Research with fraud and Burnett, Miller, Sarro, and Vassallo with market manipulation. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, return of allegedly ill-gotten gains with interest, civil penalties, penny stock bars, and officer-and-director bars against Romandetti and Burnett. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York announced parallel criminal charges against Romandetti, Burnett, Miller, and Sarro. The SEC encourages investors to check the backgrounds of people selling them investments by using the SECs Investor.gov website to quickly identify whether they are registered professionals. Hanna-Marilla Zidan, one of the two sponsors of the initiative, reveals that the initiative will not be submitted for parliamentary consideration until after the next elections, due to lack of support in the current Parliament. A citizens initiative demanding that non-consensual sex be recognised as rape has received the 50,000 statements of support required for presenting it to the Finnish Parliament. There was not enough support for updating the definition of rape in the current Parliament. The elections will luckily offer us an opportunity to elect next-generation decision makers to the Parliament who consider it obvious that the right to determine the limits of ones own body is a fundamental human right, she states. This is what we will campaign for next spring, she adds. Now if ever is the time to rectify a law that has become alienated from reality and recognise that rape in itself invariably entails violence. The objective of the initiative is to re-define rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse. The Finnish criminal code currently defines rape as sexual intercourse that includes the use or threat of violence against the victim, or as sexual intercourse with a person who is unable to defend himself or herself due to unconsciousness, illness, disability, state of fear or other state of helplessness. The law should be clarified so that sexual intercourse that takes place without the consent of the other party invariably constitutes a rape, the initiative reads. Sweden on 1 July overhauled its criminal legislation to re-define rape as sex without consent, even when it does includes no threats or force. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi At the reception (Photo: thanhuytphcm.vn) According to Mr. Phong, the visit to Hungary in September by Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong is evidence for the fact that Vietnam considers Hungary one of its leading partners in Eastern Europe, creating a foundation for multilateral relationship in the region, especially in economics and investment. He added that the relationship between Ho Chi Minh city and Hungary has continuously developed. However, the two-way trade turnover of USD40 million and 6 investment projects worth USD3.7 million to the city do not fill the potential, he said. As the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will go into effect in 2019, Chairman Phong pledged to help Hungarian businesses have access to and cooperate with the Asia - Pacific market, welcoming foreign businesses, including Hungarian ones, to invest in the city, and expecting Hungary to make favourable conditions for Ho Chi Minh citys investors to enter Hungary, thus coming to the Central - Eastern Europe market. Informing about the results of working meetings with Vietnamese agencies and the 8th meeting of the Vietnam - Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation, Mr. Csaba Balogh said that the results aim to turn the determination of two countries leaders into specific achievements of the comprehensive partnership. He confirmed that Vietnam is Hungarys most important partner in Southeast Asia, expressing his hope that Ho Chi Minh city will become a more and more important partner in southern Vietnam and in Southeast Asia. He also said he believed that the EVFTA will create impetus for the two sides businesses to boost cooperation. Hungary wants to increase investment and cooperation with Vietnam in production, breeding, food, healthcare and water, he added./. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting in Singapore, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed a more robust multilateral cooperation to ensure stability in the Asian financial sector, as he met with leaders of Southeast Asian nations, Japan and South Korea here on Thursday. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other East Asian countries should take measures to strengthen regional financial security in order to enhance risk management and bailout mechanisms, Li said at the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting. Li called on all sides to improve upon the Chiang Mai Initiative, a multi-country currency swap agreement created in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Regional countries should back the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office's (AMRO) efforts to improve its monitoring capabilities of the economy, he added. AMRO is the research and monitoring unit of the Chiang Mai Initiative. The 10+3 grouping, consisting of the ten ASEAN members plus China, Japan and South Korea, should steadfastly uphold multilateralism and free trade against protectionist headwinds, as they did in addressing past world and Asian financial crises, Li said. In the meeting, Li also proposed to speed up talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between China, Japan and South Korea. Talks on the RCEP have reached the final stage. "We must build on the momentum and unleash a strong finishing kick, striving to complete the deal within 2019," Li said Wednesday at the 2nd leaders' meeting on the RCEP in Singapore. The RCEP is being negotiated among the ten ASEAN countries plus Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. It is expected to be one of the world's largest trading blocs, accounting for nearly half of the world's population and around a third of global GDP. At the 10+3 meeting, Li also proposed a series of mechanisms to promote regional economic integration and deepen cooperation in culture, innovation and development among the 10+3 countries. Li, who arrived in Singapore on Monday, is scheduled to attend the 21st China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting and the 13th East Asia Summit during the five-day trip. It is the first official visit to Singapore by a Chinese premier in 11 years. 3 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Prudential Committee members Ed Briggs and Ed McGowan participate in a meeting of the three-member panel. If voters Tuesday say OK, the committee could expand to five members. Williamstown Fire District Special Meeting to Look at Expanding Committee WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The special district meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Williamstown Elementary School to consider a couple of changes to the district's charter. Chief among them is an expansion of the committee from its current three-member composition to five members. The move is part of a response to criticism the committee has heard over the years about not fully representing or hearing all points of view in the community. The Prudential Committee itself seeks to address that concern by increasing the body by 67 percent. If the move is approved by the district's voters, the proposal moves to Boston, where the district will ask state Rep. John Barrett III to introduce the change as a home rule petition to the Legislature. "The other pieces are that voters will be asked to allow for the treasurer and clerk to become appointed positions because of the technical expertise required," firefighter Corydon Thurston said. Thurston, who has served as the district's clerk/treasurer in the past, said that if the expansion of the committee goes through, the two "new" seats initially will be elected for a one- and two-year term. After those terms expire, the newly created seats will be three-year terms like the rest of the committee. In addition, the charter change proposed makes the district's moderator position a three-year term instead of its current one-year term. That means that in subsequent years after the proposed expansion, the district each spring would have two positions on the ballot: either two Prudential Committee seats (in two years out of three) or a Prudential Committee seat and the moderator (in the third year out of the three-year cycle). Thurston said the hope is that the charter amendments if approved on Tuesday can be OK'd in Boston in time for the May 2019 election cycle. But the district has no control over that timetable. "It's possible it can be done in time," Thurston said. "The amendment calls for it to be effective immediately upon passage. Either way, the Prudential Committee will not wait until spring 2020 to expand its numbers. "If we miss the election cycle for the new people, it would be at the convenience of the committee to call a special district election to elect two new people," he said. The Williamstown Fire District is a separate taxing authority apart from town government which sets its own tax rate and approves its budget at an annual district meeting in May. As a matter of convenience, taxpayers in the district receive one tax bill that includes assessments for both the town and district. The event offered an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues related to their trade and investment cooperation, as well as their efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations in order to maximise the benefits from regional and international integration in the new context. Speaking at the forum, Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), Nguyen Dinh Cung, said that Vietnam and Japan should take joint actions in accordance with the new context around the globe and throughout the region. According to Head of CIEM's Macroeconomic Policy, Nguyen Anh Duong, Japan is listed among the top two investors in Vietnam, focusing on the processing and manufacturing industries, agriculture and services. At the forum, delegates focused on important contents: the current status and issues in Vietnam-Japan trade relations since 2008; Vietnam - Japan economic partnership agreement in terms of economy and politics; efforts to boost investment cooperation between the two countries since 2008; initiatives and measures to enhance the two sides trade and investment relations. In a press conference with Gov. Dan McKee Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott of the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that the state of Rhode Island has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all adults over the age of 18. Citing rising case numbers in the state, Alexander Scott and state officials are hoping to encourage residents of the state to get the booster shots ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and winter months. Are you planning on getting a COVID-19 booster shot? Why or why not? Let us know below. You voted: When Indianapolis Public Schools underwent a dramatic transformation by closing three of its high schools following the 2017-18 school year, there were hundreds of students who had to find a new school to attend. That meant rethinking schedules, interrogating academic interests and learning how to get along with new peers and teachers. IPS shut down three of its high schools Northwest High School, Arlington High School and Broad Ripple High School amid shrinking enrollment. That left high schoolers with four to choose from: Arsenal Tech High School, George Washington High School, Crispus Attucks High School and Shortridge High School. For some students, there wasnt much more than a new bus route to stress over. But others had a more difficult time grappling with the transition from one school their home school to another. I was upset, said Shortridge senior Jenna Cantrell, who previously went to Broad Ripple. [Broad Ripple] was my home base. I connected with everyone there. It was such a small school. We all knew each other well. Coming here, it felt like we were all breaking apart, so it was very hard. Cantrell wasnt sure she wanted to stay in the district, but landed on Shortridge because she wanted a good challenge for her senior year. Cantrell said she wants to go to Purdue University to study chemical engineering. About 75 percent of Broad Ripple students who werent graduating enrolled at Shortridge, according to data provided by IPS. Overall, about 35 percent of displaced district students chose Shortridge. Arsenal Tech attracted the most transfers, with nearly 40 percent. Ten percent chose George Washington, and 17 percent chose Crispus Attucks. Cantrell said she and other transfers are feeling better with time about their new school, but her feelings about leaving something familiar are common. At first I was mad because I was a junior and I was like, I wanted to be a senior at Northwest, George Washington senior Sarafina Clay said. I already knew everyone. But Like Cantrell, Clay said she is adjusting to the move. Clay said she struggles with some of her classes and goes to the Future Center, a new addition to high schools this year. Along with academic support, these centers prepare students for whatever they choose to do after high school. Its where Clay received help applying to Ivy Tech, which she said accepted her. Clay said she wanted to go to Crispus Attucks with her twin sister and older brother, but they didnt get in. Then her siblings were sent to Arsenal Tech, and she ended up at George Washington. Finding out their high school was closing made for a less difficult transition for other students. I shrugged my shoulders and said, Lets try another school and see how it goes, Arsenal Tech senior Christian Edwards said. Edwards went to Arlington for one year before having to move to Arsenal Tech. He moved to the district from Florida. The Arsenal Tech campus is much larger than most high schools, but Edwards said his challenges thus far havent extended far beyond the natural tests like finding the right room number that come with a new school. Edwards chose Arsenal Tech because of the Law and Public Policy Program. Hes now part of the Student Advisory Council, a group of students who gather input from parents, teachers and other students about the district. Arsenal Tech is arguably the school that has undergone the most dramatic transformation, since so many students transferred there. That left Principal Corye Franklin, in his first year at Arsenal Tech, to deal with a changing student body. We have to provide very clear and consistent boundaries and expectations for kids, Franklin said. There have been some kids who are still adjusting, but we make sure we support them as best we can. Franklin said enrollment at Arsenal Tech is up to around 2,600 this school year. Enrollment for the 2017-18 school year was 1,965, according to data from the Indiana Department of Education. Clarence Jones, a senior at Crispus Attucks, also said his transition has been smooth. Jones said he struggled academically while at Northwest but has found the teachers at Crispus Attucks to be especially helpful for students like him who transferred in. Jones is part of the Teaching, Learning and Leading Academy, which lets students travel to other schools and learn about education as a profession. Though all has gone well to this point, Jones added theres one thing about Crispus Attucks he isnt very passionate about. I aint too big on wearing uniforms every day, Jones joked. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853 and follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. An IPS student studies in a classroom. (Photo provided by IPS) It would be hard to list Indianapolis historic sites without mentioning the Madam Walker Legacy Center. The nearly 100-year-old building was a project of Americas first self-made female millionaire, hair product mogul Madam CJ Walker. Currently, the building is undergoing renovations. Among the plethora of physical updates, one of the most excited changes is the center will have a new a full-time director, Judith B Thomas. Thomas was director of convention services at Visit Indy, where she worked for 13 years, before accepting the top spot at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. During her time at Visit Indy, Thomas got to know the important venues, restaurants and services but also, more importantly, the people behind those businesses. She also honed her skills in and networking. All of which are relevant skills to her new position. As director of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, Thomas will plan events, work with many different parties at once and be familiar with the centers inner workings. Thomas applied to the position because of her admiration for both Madam Walker and the organization that shares her name. She particularly appreciates Madam Walkers success as both a social activist and an entrepreneur. As for the building and organization itself, Thomas notes how it is a good extension of Madam Walkers legacy. Its the entrepreneurial spirit of one woman who overcame obstacles, and her story tells us that all of us can do the same if we work hard enough, Thomas said. Over the short term, Thomas looks forward to immersing herself in her new work environment and learning what makes the Madam Walker Center tick. Im looking forward to that because Im one who likes to study a little bit, Thomas said. By fall 2019, renovations will be finished, and the Madam Walker Center will begin a new round of events under its new leadership. Kristian Little Stricklen, Madam Walker Legacy Center board member, notes how the renovation allows time to make the change of leadership smooth. The goal is when the building opens back up the programing that shell (Thomas) have the time to start develop will kick off when we walk back in, Stricklen said. For the long term, Thomas wants to follow the model of the Smithsonians African-American History Museum and reach out to everyday people for stories and artifacts. Thomas also hopes the center will continue reminding community members of the past while keeping them excited for the future. They were drawn to the Walker because of that historic pull, that feel, the sentiment of nostalgia [and] the way things used to be, but now its about going to happen and what can be, Thomas said. Meanwhile, the board is equally excited to work with Thomas. We had over 100 candidates apply, and she absolutely by far was the best option, Stricklen said. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar Judith B Thomas By Claudia Grisales November 15, 2018 "Information Clearing House" - WASHINGTON The price for Americas longest wars has surpassed more than $5.9 trillion and at least 480,000 lost lives, according to a new study released by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University. The figures highlight the toll of U.S. war operations around the world since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the study projects the numbers could rise. Its important for the American people to understand the true costs of war, both the moral and monetary costs, said Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who helped introduce the report Wednesday at a meeting on Capitol Hill. Our nation continues to finance wars and military operations through borrowing, rather than asking people to contribute to the national defense directly, and the result is a serious fiscal drag that were not really accounting for or factoring into deliberations about fiscal policy or military policy. The studys death estimates include nearly 7,000 U.S. service members, nearly 8,000 U.S. contractors, more than 100,0000 military and police members from other countries, more than 244,000 civilians and more than 100,000 opposition fighters. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The $5.9 trillion U.S. cost includes Pentagon spending through fiscal year 2019, such as direct and indirect spending as well as future war-related costs for post-9/11 war veterans. It represents U.S. spending in the war zones of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other locations designated as overseas contingency operations. It also includes war-related spending by other agencies, such as the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, costs of veterans care as well as debt used to pay for the wars. Veterans benefits and disability spending, and the cost of interest on borrowing to pay for the wars, will comprise an increasingly large share of the costs, said Neta Crawford, a political science professor at the institute, who authored the study. The institutes Costs of War project, with 35 scholars, legal experts, human rights practitioners and physicians, began tracking the costs of the post-9/11 wars in 2011 and continues to release updated reports. The group, which does its work through Brown University, said it uses research and public data to facilitate greater transparency of the actual toll of the wars. Even if the wars were to end by 2023, the United States is on track to spend an additional $808 billion, bringing the overall tally to at least $6.7 trillion, according to the study. That doesnt include future interest payments on the spending. War appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan are funded by deficit spending and borrowing, and not new taxes or war bonds, the study notes. This adds to interest costs, it concludes. Those interest payments could shift with the winds of the economy and other factors, with some pundits estimating those fees alone could total trillions. The U.S. continues to fund the wars by borrowing, so this is a conservative estimate of the consequences of funding the war as if on a credit card, in which we are only paying interest even as we continue to spend, Crawford said. Tracking an overall cost for the post-9/11 wars is challenging because different departments take part in the spending. In March 2018, the Defense Department estimated it had spent $1.5 trillion in war-related appropriations, but that only includes a portion of all war spending, the study argued. With no single number for the budgetary costs of the wars, it makes assessing costs, risks and benefits difficult, Crawford said. Because taxpayers tend to focus on direct military spending, it discounts the larger budgetary costs of the wars and underestimates its greater significance, she added. In sum, high costs in war and war-related spending pose a national security concern because they are unsustainable, Crawford said. The public would be better served by increased transparency and by the development of a comprehensive strategy to end the wars and deal with other urgent national security priorities. The study also tallied the number of soldiers and sailors injured in the wars. Since 2001, more than 53,700 U.S. servicemembers have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of those injuries, 62 percent were hurt in Iraq, while 38 percent were injured in Afghanistan. Though the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq has been less intense than in recent years, the toll of civilians killed in Afghanistan in 2018 is on track to be one of the highest death tolls of the war, Crawford said in her study. Most of these war deaths in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria have been caused by militants, but some of them are at the hands of the United States and its coalition partners, Crawford said. Yet, the tally remains incomplete, and there are efforts by the United Nations to track and identify perpetrators of those deaths and injuries, she noted. Other organizations, such as the Congressional Research Service and the news media, are also attempting to track these figures. Indeed, we may never know the total direct death toll in these wars, she said. In addition, this tally does not include indirect deaths people harmed as a result of long-term damage left in the war zones, such as lost access to food and water. This update just scratches the surface of the human consequences of 17 years of war, Crawford said. There are a number of areas the number of civilians killed and injured, and the number of U.S. military and veteran suicides, for instance where greater transparency would lead to greater accountability and could lead to better policy. grisales.claudia@stripes.com - Twitter: @cgrisales BY THE NUMBERS A Brown University study has found the human and financial costs of the post-9/11 wars continue to rise. These are some statistics highlighted in the report: The U.S. government is conducting counterterrorism activities in 76 countries More than 244,000 civilians have been killed as a result of the fighting More than 480,000 have died due to direct war violence, and several times as many indirectly The wars have created 10.1 million refugees and displaced persons The U.S. cost for the post-9/11 wars is more than $5.9 trillion Source: Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Trumps Afghanistan troop increase adds to $1 trillion in war costs U.S. Veterans arent getting their GI Bill payments because VAs 50-year-old computer system broke Hidden toll of US drone attacks on Yemen: Nearly a third of deaths are civilians, not al-Qaida The Pentagon Spent Millions to Prevent Suicides. But the Suicide Rate Went Up Instead.: The US Department of Defense employs nearly three million people, but only nine of them are responsible for developing a suicide prevention strategy across the armed forces. Pentagon Fails Audit as Official Admits 'We Never Thought We Were Going to Pass': The Pentagon, successfully resisted undergoing an audit for almost 30 years. Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy November 15, 2018 "Information Clearing House" - The United States' so-called War on Terror has killed about half a million people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, according to a new estimate from the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson Institute. "This new body count signals that, far from diminishing, the war is only intensifying," Stephanie Savell, co-director of the project, pointed out in a piece for Axios. The overall death toll "is an increase of 113,000 over the last count, issued just two years ago." The new report (pdf) estimates that since 2001, between 480,000 and 507,000 people have been killed because of war violence in those three nationsa tally that does not include "the more than 500,000 deaths from the war in Syria, raging since 2011, which the U.S. joined in August 2014," and "indirect deaths," or those killed by war's impact on public health, such as limiting access to food, water, hospitals, and electricity. Over 480,000 have died due to direct war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, but the number of indirect deaths - because, for example, of war-related disease -- is several times larger. See our paper at https://t.co/Q8RuLYE3br The Costs of War (@CostsOfWar) November 8, 2018 The "direct deaths" accounted for in the estimate include U.S. military, contractors, and Defense Department employees; national military and police as well as other allied troops; opposition fighters; civilians; journalists; and aid workers. About half of those killed were civiliansbetween 244,000 and 266,000 across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Up to 204,000 of them were Iraqis. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter While the U.S. government has repeatedly underestimated the costs of waging war, since the project launched in 2011, its team has aimed to provide a full account of the "human, economic, and political costs" of post-9/11 U.S. military action in the Middle East, "and to foster better informed public policies." This latest report comes on the heels of the U.S. midterm elections in which Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Looking forward, Savell suggested that "House Democrats will try to advance a national security strategy emphasizing restraint and accountability for the costs of the War on Terror." Outlining some expressed goals from a handful of House Democrats, Savell wrote for Axios: Research shows that governments become more careful when civilian deaths from "collateral damage" are reported on. A wave of Democrats now in control of the House plan to push for just that. Representative Ro Khanna says he wants to hold as many as three days of hearings with Trump's national security team to "justify, for the American people, what our mission is, what the costs are, what the risks are, and why we're there." Representative Adam Smith, poised to become chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, plans to increase oversight of the military, and others led by Representative Barbara Lee hope to end the war in Afghanistan. Regardless of how Democrats in the House proceed, Neta C. Crawford, a Boston University political science professor who co-directs the Costs of War Project, argued in the report's conclusion that there is a need to keep the public more informed about the consequences of the seemingly endless wars in the Middle East in order to drive demands for improving U.S. foreign policy. "This update just scratches the surface of the human consequences of 17 years of war," Crawford wrote. "Too often, legislators, NGOs, and the news media that try to track the consequences of the wars are inhibited by governments determined to paint a rosy picture of perfect execution and progress." "The U.S. has made some effort to increase transparency," she acknowledged, "but there are a number of areasthe number of civilians killed and injured, and the number of U.S. military and veteran suicides, for instancewhere greater transparency would lead to greater accountability and could lead to better policy." Day by day, the casualties grow, largely unnoticed by the American public and our lawmakers. This is why we need to #EndEndlessWar. https://t.co/RchhjTTjfW Win Without War (@WinWithoutWar) November 8, 2018 Responding to the report's findings, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif drew attention to the human and financial consequences, tweeting: "Cost to U.S. taxpayers: 7K dead Americans + $5.6 trillion. Cost to MidEast: Unfathomable." US' so-called 'War on Terror' has cost 500K+ lives. 110K+ dead just since 2016. Debacle has caused destruction in Iraq, Syria, Libya & Yemen. It has spawned ISIS & multiple Al Qaeda affiliates. Cost to US taxpayers: 7K dead Americans + $5.6 trillion. Cost to MidEast: Unfathomable pic.twitter.com/Ef8dCc32qT Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 9, 2018 This article was originally published by " Common Dreams " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Home Search ICH Clapper Admits Gross Intelligence Failure on Iraq WMDs But Still Escapes Justice By Ray McGovern November 15, 2018 "Information Clearing House" - Former National Intelligence Director James Clappers key role in helping the Cheney/Bush administration justify war on Iraq with fraudulent intelligence was exposed on Tuesday at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington. His own words were quoted back to him from his memoir Facts and Fears: Hard Truths From a Life in Intelligence. Hard truths, indeed. Clapper was appointed Director of National Intelligence by President Barack Obama in June 2010, almost certainly at the prompting of Obamas intelligence confidant and Clapper friend John Brennan, later director of the CIA. Despite Clappers performance on Iraq, he was confirmed unanimously by the Senate. Obama even allowed Clapper to keep his job for three and a half more years after he admitted that he had lied under oath to that same Senate about the extent of eavesdropping on Americans by the National Security Agency (NSA). He is now a security analyst for CNN. In his book, Clapper finally places the blame for the consequential fraud (he calls it the failure) to find the (non-existent) WMD where it belongs squarely on the shoulders of the administration members who were pushing a narrative of a rogue WMD program in Iraq and on the intelligence officers, including me, who were so eager to help that we found what wasnt really there. (emphasis added) . So at the event on Tuesday I stood up and asked him about that. It was easy, given the background Clapper himself provides in his book, such as: The White House aimed to justify why an invasion of and regime change in Iraq were necessary, with a public narrative that condemned its continued development of weapons of mass destruction [and] its support to al-Qaida (for which the Intelligence Community had no evidence). What Clapper chokes on and avoids saying is that U.S. intelligence had no evidence of WMD either. Indeed, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had put him in charge of the agency responsible for analyzing imagery of all kinds photographic, radar, infrared, and multispectral precisely so that the absence of evidence from our multi-billion-dollar intelligence collection satellites could be hidden, in order not to impede the planned attack on Iraq. Thats why, as Clapper now admits, he had to find what wasnt really there. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Members of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) who have employed Clapper under contract, or otherwise known his work, caution that he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. So, to be fair, there is an outside chance that Rumsfeld persuaded him to be guided by the (in)famous Rumsfeld dictum: The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. But the consequences are the same: a war of aggression with millions dead and wounded; continuing bedlam in the area; and no one high or low held accountable. Hold your breath and add Joe Biden awarding the Liberty Medal to George W. Bush on Veterans Day. Shocked Clapper writes: we heard that Vice President Cheney was pushing the Pentagon for intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and then the order came down to NIMA [the National Imagery and Mapping Agency] to find (emphasis in original) the WMD sites. We set to work, analyzing imagery to eventually identify, with varying degrees of confidence, more than 950 sites where we assessed there might be WMDs or a WMD connection. We drew on all of NIMAs skill sets and it was all wrong. To support his [Secretary of State Colin Powells February 5, 2003] speech, NIMA (which Clapper headed) had gone through the difficult process of declassifying satellite images of trucks arriving at WMD sites just ahead of the weapons inspectors to move materials before they could be found, and my team also produced computer-generated images of trucks fitted out as mobile production facilities used to make biological agents. Those images, possibly more than any other substantiation he presented, carried the day with the international community and Americans alike. [For] the invasion of Iraq on March 20, six weeks after Powells speech, NIMA prepared a prioritized list of our suspect [WMD] sites with specific locations. Using this information, they [the fourteen-hundred-member international Iraq Survey Group] went from site to site but found almost nothing. We were shocked. The trucks we had identified as mobile production facilities for biological agents were in fact used to pasteurize and transport milk. As for those mischievous trucks allegedly used to move materials before they could be found, as Scott Ritter, former chief UN weapons inspector for Iraq, has pointed out, they were clearly decontamination vehicles. UN inspectors had visited the site in question. It was an ammunition bunker, and the decontamination vehicle was a water truck used to keep the dust levels down because of the sensitive fuses located in the bunker. These were known facts but Clapper chose to ignore them. Nor did he give up easily, before he could resist no longer and admit, as he writes, that it was all wrong. In late October 2003, Clapper briefed Washington media on his latest guesses as to what really happened to the (notional) WMD. The Washington Timess Bill Getz wrote a long article replete with detailed quotes from Clapper, starting with: Iraqi military officers destroyed or hid chemical, biological and nuclear weapons goods in the weeks before the war, the nations top satellite spy director said yesterday. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, head of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, said vehicle traffic photographed by U.S. spy satellites indicated that material and documents related to the arms programs were shipped to Syria. In his book, Clapper refers to that briefing and says he conceded wed made some assumptions we shouldnt have and admitted that I was still baffled that no WMD sites had been discovered. I mentioned that in the days before the invasion started, we saw a lot of cars and trucks fleeing the country into Syria. I probably should have clarified what a stretch it would be to suggest the WMD had been transported to Syria. Well, yes, that would have prevented further embarrassment. During the Q and A I was sorely tempted to quote Hans Blix, the then head of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, who on June 23, 2003 quipped to the Council on Foreign Relations, Its sort of puzzling that you can have 100 percent confidence about WMD existence, but zero certainty about where they are. But that would have brought loud boos from the docile audience at Carnegie, and gotten me off on the wrong foot. Instead, I cited to Clapper his most grievous offense against the profession of intelligence analysis his inordinate eagerness to please whatever superiors he was working for at the time, and give them the information they lusted after to justify things like war. I observed that exactly two years ago, the Obamas and Clintons were desperate to blame Trumps victory on Russian interference. And so, I asked, was this a repeat performance? Had Clapper snapped to and again found what really wasnt there? This, I emphasized, was the conclusion of VIPS, including two former Technical Directors at NSA. From WMD to Russian Hacking I noted that after Clapper had briefed President Obama on January 5, 2017 on the evidence-impoverished Intelligence Community Assessment alleging that Russian President Putin had personally ordered the Russian hacking, Obama seems not to have been persuaded. I asked Clapper why the President told a press conference on January 18, 2017 that the conclusions of the intelligence community regarding how Russian hacking of Democratic National Committee emails had gotten to WikiLeaks were inconclusive. Clapper said he could not explain why the President said that. Travel tip for Clapper: do not travel abroad to any country bold enough to invoke the principle of universal jurisdiction which includes the duty to arrest those suspected of war crimes when their home country fails to do so. Your mentor Donald Rumsfeld had a close brush with this international form of Lady Justice in October 2007, when he abruptly fled Paris upon learning that the Paris Prosecutor had been served a formal complaint against him for authorizing torture. The complaint noted that authorities in the U.S. and Iraq had failed to launch any independent investigation into Rumsfelds responsibility, and also noted that the U.S. had refused to join the International Criminal Court, which might have had more routine jurisdiction. Former President George W. Bush, too, had a close call in February 2011. When Bush heard that criminal complaints had been lodged against him in Switzerland, he decided not to take any chances and abruptly nixed longstanding plans to address a Jewish charity dinner in Geneva. Thus, both Rumsfeld and Bush were spared the humiliation that befell Gen. Augusto Pinochet, who had been head of Chiles military dictatorship from 1973 to 1990. While on a trip to the United Kingdom in 1998, Pinochet was arrested on a Spanish judicial warrant and was held under house arrest until 2000. Ray McGovern works with Tell the Word, a publishing arm of the ecumenical Church of the Saviour in inner-city Washington. Among his duties as a CIA analyst was chairing National Intelligence Estimates and preparing/briefing the Presidents Daily Brief. He is a member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS). This article was originally published by " Consortium News " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. U.S., Al-Sauds Fight Over MbS Advisor - White House Willing To Appease Erdogan By Moon Of Alabama November 15, 2018 "Information Clearing House" - The chief prosecutor of Saudi Arabia cleared his boss, clown prince Muhammad bin Salman, of involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. A number of easily replaceable people were indicted. In a coordinated move the U.S. Treasury sanctioned a number of the people who played a role in the Khashoggi case. There is an interesting difference between the Saudi and the U.S. list of the involved people. Meanwhile the White House is looking for ways to induce Turkey to finally settle the case. The Saudi prosecutor indicted eleven people and demands the death penalty for five of them. It is not yet known under which article of Saudi law the people were indicted. Death penalties under some articles often end with pardons. Ten other persons are still under investigation. The story told in the briefing of the Saudi investigation results gives a new version of the events. (No names are given in the briefing. They were added below based on earlier reports.) The briefing says: The former Deputy President of the General Intelligence Presidency (GIP), Major General Ahmed al-Asiri, issued an order to the mission leader Maher Mutreb to bring Kashoggi back to Saudi Arabia by means of persuasion or by force. The leader of the mission formed a 15-member team that consisted of three groups (negotiations/ intelligence/ logistics) to persuade and return the victim. Mutreb consulted with the now fired advisor to MbS, Saud al-Qahtani, because Qahtani knew Khashoggi. A forensic expert was included in the team "for the purpose of removing evidence from the scene in the case force had to be used to return the victim." The mission leader contacted a collaborator in Turkey "to secure a safe location in case force had to be used return the victim." "After surveying the Consulate, the head of the negotiation team concluded that it would not be possible to transfer the victim by force to the safe location in case the negotiations with him to return failed. The head of the negotiation team decided to murder the victim if the negotiations failed." if the negotiations failed." The investigation concluded that the crime was carried out after a physical altercation with the victim where he was forcibly restrained and injected with a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose that led to his death. The bod was dismembered. Five people carried the parts out of the consulate and one of them later handed them over to a collaborator. One member of the mission put on Khashoggi's clothes, walked outside for a while and disposed them in a trash can. The leader of the mission agreed with the leader of the negotiation team to write a false report which claimed that that Khashoggi had left the consulate. So far the story the Saudi investigation tries to sell. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter It effectively absolve the clown prince. It absolves his media advisor Saud al-Qahtani and MG Ahmed al-Asiri. The leader of mission will probably be sentenced for falsifying his report, while the head of the negotiation team and some of his helpers will take the brunt of the penalties. They are commoners, three or four levels below the top, and of no further value. The story is of course not believable. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. No low level employee would dare to decided to kill a person of higher interests when the order says to bring the person back alive. Neither the mission leader nor the negotiation team leader would take such a step without consulting with Riyadh. The murder was clearly planned at a higher level and well before the team landed in Istanbul. One does not bring a person that looks like the victim to make it look like the victim walked out 'just in case' something bad happens. If an abduction is planned one does not bring a 'forensic expert' -who in reality is a well known doctor specialized in autopsies- to 'cleanup' the scene. The Saudi release was coordinated with the White House. Shortly after the Saudi prosecutor went public, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned several persons under the Global Magnitzky Act over the case: Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Saud al-Qahtani, his subordinate Maher Mutreb, Saudi Consul General Mohammed Alotaibi, and 14 other members of an operations team for having a role in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. The inclusion of al-Qahtani, who was the closed advisor to MbS, is quite interesting. The Saudi investigation tale does not give a him role besides consulting with the mission leader. It even tries to exculpate him by explaining his patriotic motive: The former advisor met with the leader of the mission and the negotiation team; to share with them information relevant to the mission based on his specialization in media. The former advisor expressed his belief that the victim was coopted by organizations and states hostile to the Kingdom and that the victims presence outside of Saudi Arabia represents a threat to national security and he encouraged the team to persuade the victim to return, noting that his return represents a significant achievement of the mission. The Treasury designation gives him a way more active role: Saud Al-Qahtani is a senior official of the Government of Saudi Arabia who was part of the planning and execution of the operation that led to the killing of Mr. Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2018. This operation was coordinated and executed by his subordinate Maher Mutreb, and involved participation of at least 14 other Saudi government officials: ... The sanction designation describes Maher Mutreb as "subordinate" of Qahtani. The Saudi report does not mention any such relation. This is of interest as one of the tapes the Turks have is of a phone call by mission leader Maher Mutreb with an unnamed person in Riyadh. In the call Mutrab says: "Tell your boss the deed is done": While the prince was not mentioned by name, American intelligence officials believe your boss was a reference to Prince Mohammed. Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, one of 15 Saudis dispatched to Istanbul to confront Mr. Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate there, made the phone call and spoke in Arabic, the people said. The killer team was set up by Ahmed al-Asiri, but al-Asiri is not mentioned in the Treasury designation, while al-Qahtani is. The U.S. seems to believe that it was al-Qahtani who actually directed the operation and who sent his subordinate Maher Mutreb to lead the mission. Qahtani's one and only boss is clown prince MbS. Saud al-Qahtani with Mohammad bin Salman - bigger MbS probably wants Qahtani back in his role as a personal and political advisor. The Saudi investigation puts him in a positive light while the Treasury gives him a leading role. The U.S. seem willing to let MbS stay in his job but it wants to remove Qahtani from his inner circle. The Trump administration is also actively looking for ways to appease the Turkish President Recep Erdogan. One price Erdogan has long demanded is the head of the Gulen movement, the Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan claims that Gulen was behind the failed 2016 coup attempt against him. In the late 1990s Gulen was settled in Pennsylvania with a green card the CIA's Graham E. Fuller organized for him. Trump seem to be willing to hand Gulen over to Erdogan: The White House is looking for ways to remove an enemy of Turkish President Recep Erdogan from the U.S. in order to placate Turkey over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two senior U.S. officials and two other people briefed on the requests. Trump administration officials last month asked federal law enforcement agencies to examine legal ways of removing exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen in an attempt to persuade Erdogan to ease pressure on the Saudi government, the four sources said. The effort includes directives to the Justice Department and FBI that officials reopen Turkey's case for his extradition, as well as a request to the Homeland Security Department for information about his legal status, the four people said. The four sources talking to NBC are likely from the CIA out to sabotage Trump's plan. Gulen and his network of schools in Turkey, now closed, and in Central Asia are a major deep state asset. Erdogan has milked the Khashoggi case as well as he could. He still has not published the tapes taken within the Consulate and the recordings of the various phone calls. He will try to use these to get more benefits from the case. Trump will not be able to hand Gulen to him. The deep state will do its best to prevent that. Another demand Erdogan has is the removal of U.S. support from their Kurdish proxies in Syria. Without U.S. protection for the Kurds he could pursue his plan for annexing the whole northern border region of Syria from the Mediterranean to Iraq. Would Trump willing, and able, to deliver that? This article was originally published by " Moon Of Alabama " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== The cover-up continues: Saudi regime indicts 11, seeks death penalty for 5, in Jamal Khashoggi's murder U.S. regime announces sanctions against 17 Saudis over Khashoggi's death Saudi squad involved in Khashoggi murder must be tried in Turkey: FM Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Senator Ben Murray Bruce has urged Nigerians to choose wisely in the forthcoming 2019 presidential elections. The senator, who is a strong member of the campaign of Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that as long as there will be free and fair elections, Nigerians must decide their destiny. The lawmaker, who noted that the people deserve the kind of leaders they have, and as such should be in charge of their destiny come 2019. In a tweet on Friday, the senator advised Nigerians to choose a leader based on competence and not only tribe and religion. He wrote: A people deserve the type of leaders they have. As long as there is a free and fair election on February 16, 2019, we will be in charge of our destiny. What type of destiny we choose is entirely up to us. We must choose based on competence, not on issues like tribe and religion. The lawmaker used the analogy of a sick man to describe the state of the country presently. He said that the sick, doesnt bother about the colour, tribe or religion of his doctor, but what matters to him, is for him to get well. Addressing the opening ceremony, Huynh Van Hanh, Vice President of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA) of Ho Chi Minh City, said that the event promises to become a playground for wood industry startups - enterprises in the field of consulting and design of furniture and architecture, to exchange and cooperate, and approach customers directly. Being held for the 8th year, VIFA Home 2018 has attracted the participation of foreign businesses from Croatia and China. Especially, the event gathers nearly 20 famous exporters of Vietnam in the world market such as Scansia Pacific, Duc Loi, Nguyen Thanh, Royal Furniture, Square Home, Woac, and Furniture Maker. The brands have been conquering difficult markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Vifa Home 2018 is expected to be a bridge between the processing enterprises, furniture production, and interior decoration from main economic areas such as Ho Chi Minh City - Binh Duong - Dong Nai province and nationwide. Former governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko has shelved his presidential ambition, according to latest reports. The former Governor,who was the presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has now decided to go to senate. Mimiko, would now replace Gboye Adegbenro, who was a commission during his term as governor, and had won the senatorial ticket for ZLP and was listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate in the election. Senator Shehu Sani, was one of those to hail he former governor for the move, saying he(Mimiko) saved himself from so many things. Lai Mohammed, Nigerias minister of Information, in a viral video, stated that the government spends N3.5m monthly on the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), El-Zakzakys feeding A claim, which earned Mr Mohammed, a serious backlash from Nigerians. However, Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, in a recent interview, cleared he air around the purported N3,5m spent on El+Zakzaky monthly. The governor noted that Mohammed didnt lie about the claim but only failed to break down, how the money was being spent. El-Rufai, while playing host to the management of a media outfit in Kaduna said, the N3.5 million isnt mainly for feeding El-Zakzaky alone also covered all that pertains to his protective custody. In his words: The N3.5 million monthly feeding on El-Zakzaky is not only about his food, but other expenses on security men attached to him. The security men are permanently stationed with him, they surrounded where he is kept. The governor also revealed that the Islamic Movement has been banned, being that it isnt a registered organization. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is set to substantially increase its support to agribusiness, its value chain and growth of the Nigerian economy after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI). The memorandum outlines a framework to deepen agency banking, financial inclusion and savings culture in the informal and agribusiness sectors. As part of the terms of the partnership, in addition to the stated areas of support, WSBI will provide technical oversight supervision on a regular basis to ensure the achievement of mutually agreed goals set by both institutions. According to the memorandum, the project involves FCMB rolling out an integrated savings account named Kampe Account to offer financial services under phase one of its plan to 150,000 unbanked and under-banked farmers across five states through agricultural agents operating under the banks agency banking proposition. The first set of states to benefit in this first phase are Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Ogun and Oyo. The plan is to reach 2 million farmers across the entire nation by year 2023. In addition to the financial support to farmers, FCMB plans to deploy its state-of-the art technology and mobile banking solutions to drive the project mainly in the rural and sub-urban farm settlements where most farmers are based. The bank will also organize capacity-building programmes for farmers aimed at facilitating their understanding of the sector and promote innovative ideas that would make the sector attractive, ultimately facilitating job creation that would in turn, impact on productivity and income. Commenting on the grant from WSBI and the initiative, FCMBs Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Adam Nuru noted the development will revolutionize agribusiness one of the various empowerment strategies adopted by the bank that is appreciated by stakeholders within and outside Nigeria. Adam Nuru said: Partnering with WSBI and harnessing the business model we have developed to drive it, under our Kampe Account, is built on a sustainable approach which ensures farmers can gain better access to finance and other resources needed to help them build successful businesses. Nigerian smallholder farmers have been at a disadvantage due to several factors including land fragmentation, inadequate farming equipment, broken value chains, poor access to finance and inadequate cash flow. Over the years, they have suffered from lack of essential services such as access to good markets to create low economies of scale, challenges in the promotion of agricultural productivity, hurdles in their bid to achieve increase in food security to improve rural livelihoods for engendering systematic growth out of poverty. FCMB and WSBI are optimistic that these challenges will be addressed. Mr. Nuru added: Farmers who benefit from this effort can and should make the best use of the opportunity. FCMB will continue to partner with WSBI to create opportunities that would ensure the realization of the personal and business needs of customers. WSBI Managing Director Chris De Noose concluded: The Kampe Savings Project is yet another example of the innovative ways rural communities can flourish through mobile savings and beyond. Expanding banking access and agricultural services through the provision of mobile services to the farming community, which increasingly includes more women, can help knock out any doubt about the payoff that farming can bring. About FCMB First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail banking and wealth management led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself through innovation and the delivery of exceptional services. About WSBI The World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), founded in 1924, represents the interests of 6,000 savings and retail banks globally, with total assets of $15 trillion and serves approximately 1.3 billion customers in nearly 80 countries (as of 2016). The Institute focuses on international regulatory issues that affect the savings and retail banking industry. It supports the achievement of sustainable, inclusive, balanced growth and job creation, in industrialized and less developed countries. A 35-year-old taxi man, identified as Brown was rescued by the police in Narok, Kenya. According to reports, Brown is set to be have been exhibiting childish behaviors, eliciting suspicions among his colleagues. We recently got a tip-off from one of his close friends that he was not circumcised. Ironically, he has been insulting people by referring to them as kihii (uncircumcised). We laid an ambush on him and when we stripped him we confirmed that he was indeed uncircumcised said Joseph karuiki, a boda boda operator. Sh7,000 was raised for the circumcision fee before taking him down to Enkare-Narok River, where they washed him in readiness to make him face the cut. Law enforcers had to shoot bullets in the air to rescue him from the charged crowd who vowed not to allow Brown into the community until his circumcision process was concluded. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the resignation of Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for funding President Muhammadu Buharis reelection campaign with state resources. The opposition party asked that the All Progressives Congress( APC) chieftain and former governor of Rivers state be made to resign, by Buhari to give his much talked about integrity, a boost. PDP also said that Amaechi has no right to compare President Buhari with its partys presidential candidate, whom they claim has been generally accepted by Nigerians. The PDP in their statement entitled Using Aso Rock to Fund Muhammadu Buhari Campaign on Friday evening, via their twitter account, said thus: We challenge President Muhammadu Buhari to demand the immediate resignation of Rotimi Amaechi as the Minister of Transportation to demonstrate his (Buhari) touted integrity. This action of Amaechi demonstrates the height of corruption both in Buhari administration and the person of his campaign DG. We wonder how Amaechi will compare the failed and discredited President Buhari to the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who has been generally accepted. How can Amaechi compare Atiku, a known and tested nationalist, who has become the rallying point for national rejuvenation and reawakening to President Buhari, who has sunk the nation deeper into the sea of nepotism, divisiveness, dissentions and agonizing despondency? An audio has emerged of Senate President Bukola Saraki explaining to his people, why he left the ruling All Progressives Congress( APC). Saraki, who was in his home recently, to mark his father, Olusola Sarakis anniversary, in a mind blowing revelation, regalled his kinsmen, the reason behind his exit from APC. In the audio which was shared online by strong social media supporter of Buhari, Kayode Ogundamisi, Saraki is heard speaking Yoruba language, as he bares his mind, on what prompted the move to oppose the President. Read below All that you have complained about tonight is on point, I can not find anything you have said that is not on point, you complained about empowerment Let us agree that the last 3 and a half years, things have not been easy at all, I agree and accept things have not been easy at all, particularly in the area of empowerment When you all are complaining and you give example of Gegele and co and you compare it to what is happening now, I am sure you are asking yourself, what is happening? how come all of you struggling with me are not rewarded, it is unacceptable Before 2015 I have always tried to empower the youth and get you involved in appointments, but this time around as a result of what I call human factor, things have not been the same, I believe it is the will of God What is the point of putting everything into the emergence of a government and we could not benefit anything from the government, you are asking yourself, what have you benefited If you have not benefited personally in the last 3 and a half years, how do you go to market us, wont people ask you what you have benefited for yourself? It got to a stage that people will be making fund of you and asking you what you have benefited, but what is happening from Abuja, use me as an example, in 2015 I carried APC on my head around Nigeria Hardly any state in Nigeria that I did not campaign forMuhammadu Buhari, up to the time of the election in 2015, out of 36 states I paid for the election of 30 states Out of 36 states in Nigeria I funded Buhari campaign in 30 States, some states I paid 200 Million Naira, some 300 Million, some 400 Million, the only states I did not fund are South West States Many times I will be calling my Banks to send money to fund elections across Nigeria for Buhari my thinking was that when we get elected, the next thing is that we will get majority of our people appointments In fact I had already promised some of you here that you will either be MD of Federal agencies, either road maintenance, NIPDA (inaudible) even Nigerian Ports Authority, SUBEB and so on and so forth I know if I put someone amongst you from Kwara even in the smallest Federal agencies, the contract you will sign out, 1Million, 2 Million, but for the first time that I have been in politics even speaker cant appoint a cleaner I as President of Senate I could not even appoint a cleaner not to talk of Board appointment, if you look at Executive positions I have nothing even after spending Billions for 3 and a half years, I am as angry as you are I am fighting Buhari because of you, if it because of me I wont fight, it is not easy to fight the federal government, the sufferings you are all going trough is because they did not fulfil our agenda In 2018 I told you all I wont be going with APC but in the last one or 2 months that I left I have been doing a lot for you people, my politics is for all of you, I am just here to empower you all, dont mind the one who just bought form for 33M It was not my plan not to appoint you, when when David Mark was Senate President, every confirmation he made for the President came with something, if they really love us now you will be empowered In the past we they have a cut for Senate President and Speaker but not anymore, so we are no longer going with APC as soon as we joined PDP they called me National Leader when I lost election Atiku came to me immediately Now we have seen the sign that if Atiku becomes President things will come to us, he told me I am the only one that can run his campaign, I know it is not easy for you all, but let me assure you things will be better God see my aniyan (Arabic word) now in PDP they have brought us closer, how many people in Kwara did APC bring together in Kwara, now we will soon have power, today in APC they want us to go to Asiwaju Tinubu in Lagos If I am the only one in PDP I will fight alone, my Father made Kwara and took Kwara to the top 10 in Nigeria and I also took Kwara to between number 1 to 3 in Nigerian politics and they now want us to bow to Lagos In the coming election we will put Youth into power in Kwara, let us take Atunwa as he his, he will take care of you all, all those who contested against him are loyal but Atunwa will.. inaudible (applause) When I was Governor I gave a lot of young people contract, they buy land etc and then empower others, I want to return you to the days of when I was Governor when you were all enjoying, Atiku will open things when we win election You know as a leader I see things that followers dont see, when we followed Buhari we felt after spending money, we saw that he failed to reward us, so we said this Baba is not coming back, no money, no patronage all over Nigeria Even with all the problem we have with Buhari the little cut I get I always send to Kwara but I can tell you that we had to design a method to make the little we have, they did not involve us in slot The only agenda APC have for Kwara is to fight Bukola Saraki , they favour Osun State with empowerment, for the remaining time of Buhari, we will still get some things, we gave them list for FIIRS for 3 years they did not employ our list Thank you for listening to me Someone declares Bukola Saraki gave us 3 Million Naira *Applause Listen to audio here https://youtu.be/h38mM0lcdXs Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen speaks to the board about the new and different things Iowa State has begun to implement to make the school function better and more economically during the Board of Regents meeting Feb. 22. The seminar was jointly held by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Department of the Middle East and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). In his opening remarks, VASS President, Nguyen Quang Thuan, stated that, as Africa and the Middle East are looking towards Asia, it is necessary for Vietnamese policymakers and businesses to keep updated on their policies in order to maximise the benefits in cooperating with the regions. For her part, MOFA Deputy Minister, Nguyen Phuong Nga, noted that Vietnam and the countries in Africa and the Middle East have many advantages that could supplement each other, adding that Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN. Speaking at the seminar, South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro underlined the shared colonial past as the basis for cooperation between Vietnam and Africa. He stated that Vietnamese investors should start looking at Africa as an investment destination, adding that the potential for trade between the two sides is in abundance and what are required is political and business will. Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Akif Ayhan stated that the bilateral investment volume between Vietnam and Turkey is below its potential and the Turkish government is encouraging businesses to tap into the alluring Vietnamese market. The two countries have agreed to raise their trade volume from the current US$3 billion to US$4 billion by 2020. In the past three years, two-way trade between Vietnam and Africa and the Middle East has been growing strongly from US$16.25 billion in 2016 to US$18.65 billion in 2017, of which Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of US$5 billion. Vietnam has maintained a bilateral trade value of more than US$1 billion with six economies in the region, namely the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Israel, South Africa and Ivory Coast. At the seminar, diplomats and experts discuss the policy trends and markets of the countries in Africa and the Middle East, as well as the opportunities for Vietnam and suggestions to boost cooperation between the two sides. The opioid crisis has become a very well known or at least heard phrase and prevention and rehabilitation for the addiction is slowly being talked about more and more. According to research, the crisis has not reached Iowa but it seems to be a matter of time. CPPA Islamabad Jobs 2018 for IT Managers & Consultants Latest Central Power Purchasing Agency CPPA Computer Posts Islamabad 2021 Central Power Purchasing Agency CPPA Islamabad, Pakistan required candidates to fill the posts of Consultant Energy, Assistant Manager IT, Graphics Designer, Assistant Database Administrator, Software Engineer, Net Developer, Oracle Developer, Java Developer, Systems Engineer, Networks Engineer and Assistant Systems Engineer. Download applications form through PTS website. Skills Required Java Oracle C# Programming How to Apply on Central Power Purchasing Agency CPPA 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: 3rd Floor, Adeel Plaza, Fazl e Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad Telephone: 051-111-111-787 Official Website: www.cppa.gov.pk 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. FBR Pakistan Jobs 2018 for Director & Economist M&E Latest Federal Board of Revenue FBR Finance Posts Islamabad 2021 Federal Board of Revenue FBR Islamabad, Pakistan are required candidates for the posts of Director Marketing, Director Evaluation, Economist Marketing, Director Tax, Tax Economist, Sector Specialist. How to Apply on Federal Board of Revenue FBR 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: Federal Board of Revenue FBR Room# 142, 1st Floor FBR House Sector G-5 Shahrah Jamhoriyat Islamabad Telephone: 051-9202999 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. Frontier Corps Balochistan Join Junior Commissioned Officer Latest Frontier Corps Security Posts Quetta 2021 Frontier Corps Balochistan, Pakistan Army, Government of Pakistan required applications from Pakistanis National candidates for the posts of Education Join Junior Commissioned Officer, Naib Khateeb. How to Apply on Frontier Corps Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Telephone: 081-9201542 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. Pakistan Ordnance Factories POF Wah Jobs November 2018 Latest Pakistan Ordnance Factories POF Engineering Posts Wah Cantt 2021 Pakistan Ordnance Factories POF Wah Cantt, Pakistan Army, Government of Pakistan required applications from energetic candidates to fill the positions of Male and Female Artisan. How to Apply on Pakistan Ordnance Factories POF 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: Admin Block, University of Wah, Wah Cantt Telephone: 051-905524301 Official Website: www.pof.gov.pk 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. At a reception for Belarusian Defence Minister Ravkov Andrei Alekseevich in Hanoi on November 15, Vice President Thinh said Vietnam always attaches importance to its partnership with Belarus. Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge for Belarus to enhance collaboration with ASEAN nations, she said, asking the European country to support Vietnams bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. Appreciating the fruitful defence cooperation between the two countries over the past time, especially in training, military technique, political education for soldiers and people, and information and communications, the Vice President held that the two sides see great potential for collaboration in various fields. She said she supports orientations and measures agreed by the two defence ministers during this visit to make defence ties, particularly cooperation in military technique, a highlight in the Vietnam-Belarus relations. Vice President Thinh urged Belarus to ensure the progress and quality of signed military commercial contracts, prioritise collaboration in technological transfer and production of weapons and technical equipment following Vietnams demand. She also wished that Belarus will continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese citizens to live, study and work in the country, as well as supporting the two countries businesses in boosting trade exchanges. For his part, Minister Ravkov Andrei Alekseevich informed his host that he discussed and agreed on a wide range of military cooperation issues with his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich. The two sides signed an agreement on cooperation in military science and a plan on delegation exchange in 2019, he said. Hailing Vietnam as a sincere friend and reliable partner of Belarus, the guest said Belarus always supports Vietnam at international forums. He also vowed to do his utmost to contribute to fostering the bilateral relations between the two countries. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Dellen Millard, rear left to right, Justice Maureen Forestell, Crown Jill Cameron, Crown Ken Lockhart are shown in court as Linda Babcock, front left, and Janet Campbell, front right, look on during a sentencing hearing in Toronto on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. A man convicted of three separate murders would not be eligible for parole for at least 75 years if prosecutors get their way. Dellen Millard was found guilty in September of murdering his father, Wayne Millard, whose death was initially ruled a suicide. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alexandra Newbould This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vietnams APEC membership; therefore, the country will continue to work together with other members to build an Asia-Pacific community of peace, stability, dynamism, inclusion, connectivity, and prosperity, he said. Over the past nearly three decades, APEC has proven its strong vitality, especially during difficult periods, the deputy PM said, adding that in 2017, APEC affirmed its core values in free and open trade and investment, as well as its strong commitments to multilateral trade. It has made marked progress in economic linkage, regional connectivity, quality and inclusive growth, and human resources development, the official noted. Given the increased connectivity of the digital era, he underlined the need for APEC to carry forward its locomotive role in spurring sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth, as well as economic connectivity in the region. Deputy PM Minh also highlighted APECs role in trade and investment connectivity and liberalisation and in the settlement of global challenges. APEC should take the lead in coordinating regional multi-layered economic connectivity mechanisms towards the formation of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and promoting an open and transparent multilateral trading system based on the law, balance, and inclusion with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) playing the central role, he said. He urged APEC to continue performing its role as a pioneer in structural reform, setting up central networks and innovative incubators, and promoting the business and startup spirit in order to turn the Asia-Pacific into the worlds leading centre of technology and education. APEC also needs to take decisive steps towards implementing the action plan on inclusive growth and enhance the capacity for its members to access digital technology, adapt to and cope with changes and risks, and harness cooperation and connectivity. Deputy PM and FM Minh called for joint efforts within APEC to build a strategic and ambitious Post-2020 Vision which aims to serve the benefits of people and businesses. An overview of the 30th APEC Ministerial Meeting. (Photo: VNA) In his opening remarks, Papua New Guineas Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Rimbing Pato said that with the theme Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future, the 30th APEC Ministerial Meeting is of great significance as it will review the APECs realisation of commitments over the past years and set forth measures to bolster regional economic connectivity and growth, and maintain the Asia-Pacifics role as momentum of global growth and economic connectivity. The participating ministers agreed on the need for APEC to maintain its economic cooperation and pace of connectivity, as well as deploy open and free trade and investment, complete Bogor goals in 2020 and gearing towards the formation of the FTAAP. They committed to realising the APEC Connectivity Blueprint, focusing on infrastructure and supply chain connectivity, institutions, and people, among others. The ministers consented to accelerate the implementation of the Cross-Border E-commerce Facilitation Framework and the Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap adopted in 2017, while handling non-tariff barriers and helping micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises improve their competitiveness and access the digital economy. They concurred to continue their support for the law-based open and transparent trading system, and improve the function and operational efficiency of the WTO. The ministers also highly valued the role and contributions of APEC to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They welcomed the establishment of the APEC Vision Group in 2018 and reiterated their commitments to building a strategic, long-term, and ambitious APEC Post-2020 Vision for the benefits of people and businesses. * On the same day, Deputy PM Minh had separate meetings with New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Meeting New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker, Deputy PM Minh handed Vietnams document ratifying the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to him, affirming that it reflects Vietnams determination to continue with comprehensive reform and widespread global integration, as well as active efforts to shape regional economic connectivity frameworks. Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh (second from left) hands over Vietnams document ratifying the CPTPP to New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker. (Photo: VNA) He asked both sides to work closely together to fully and effectively tap interests brought about by the CPTPP, thus deepening the Vietnam-New Zealand comprehensive partnership. Speaking highly of Vietnams role in and active contributions to the formation of the CPTPP, Parker expressed his belief that the deal will make it easier for both sides to lift two-way trade. He affirmed that New Zealand is willing to share its experience and assist Vietnam in improving its law enforcement capacity to effectively tap into opportunities created by the pact. In a dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, Deputy PM Minh asked Japan to make it easier for Vietnamese farm produce to enter the country and receive more Vietnamese trainees for work. Kono expressed his wish to step up practical and effective ties with Vietnam in diverse areas, adding that the Japanese Government is considering a new law on labour and expects to welcome more young foreign workers, including those from Vietnam. He asked for joint efforts to prevent the legal violations of Vietnamese people in Japan. Deputy PM Minh and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed their delight at the strong development of bilateral ties over the past years, especially since the upgrade of ties to a strategic partnership in March 2018. They were satisfied with the outcomes of the strategic dialogue between Vietnamese and Australian foreign and defence ministers held in Hanoi on October 10, as well as the first ministerial defence dialogue held in Sydney on November 6-9. Sharing views on challenges facing the region, both sides highlighted the need to strive further to help maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Hailing mutual support between the two governments in regional forums, especially in mechanisms in which ASEAN plays a central role, Deputy PM Minh asked both sides to realise the outcomes reached during the APEC Year 2017, especially initiatives on inclusive economic, financial, and social development as well as the APEC Vision beyond 2020. Payne, for her part, wished that the two sides would foster bilateral ties in an effective, practical and comprehensive way, with priority given to building an action plan to realise the bilateral strategic partnership in the near future, considering ties with Vietnam a model of Australias external relations. At the event, they discussed several issues related to an international conference on improving Vietnams peacekeeping capacity co-chaired by Vietnam and the UNDP on November 23. Joining the UN peacekeeping force is a long-term strategy of Vietnam, Vinh affirmed, stressing that the conference will help Vietnam outline its rational policy in participating in the force in the coming time. The Ministry of National Defence will continue close coordination with the UNDP in Vietnam in the fields of official training and post-war consequence recovery. Kamal Malhotra, for his part, congratulated Vietnam on its successful implementation of the first level-2 field hospital in South Sudan, while lauding the countrys meticulous preparations for the international conference. Vietnam has previously sent many individuals to join global peacekeeping efforts who were later complimented by leaders of UN Missions in South Sudan and Central Africa for their professional and prompt response to urgent situations. The hospital is the first-ever independent unit of Vietnam to join the UN peacekeeping operation. On October 1, the first hospital delegation with 32 members set off for South Sudan. The second group, with 31 doctors, left Ho Chi Minh City for the mission in the African country on October 15. In commemorating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam's joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), Vietnam has reviewed the past journey, thus striving to further contribute to the common future of the Asia-Pacific community for peace, stability, dynamism, creativity, cohesion and prosperity. Vietnams strategic vision of international economic integration Vietnams achievements in economic development and international integration in the past 20 years have confirmed that the policy of joining APEC was correct and timely, showing the strategic vision of the Party and State. It is the leading economic cooperation mechanism in Asia and the Pacific, where major economic, trade and technology centers around the world converge, accounting for 39% of the population, contributing 59% of GDP, and over 49% of world trade. APEC has brought many benefits in terms of strategy, economics, trade and investment, contributing to the overall development of the country. First of all, APEC is a forum gathering 14 of 28 strategic partners, comprehensive partners and the most important economic and trade partners of Vietnam, which account for 75% of export turnover, 78% of total direct investment and 79% of international tourists in Vietnam. In addition, 14 out of 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed or is negotiating, concerns 17 APEC members. These figures clearly demonstrate the importance of APEC for the socio-economic development and international integration of Vietnam. Secondly, APEC membership has significantly enhanced Vietnams position in the international arena. As an APEC member, Vietnam has an equal voice with many leading global economies in the building and formation of regional economic and commercial rules and regulations. This is important for Vietnam in implementing proactive policies, actively integrating into international integration and raising the level of multilateral foreign relations. Thirdly, the APEC forum is an important channel for Vietnam to promote bilateral ties, helping deepen ties with partners, and consolidating the peaceful environment for national development. Notably, the success of historic bilateral visits and dozens of bilateral meetings, and bilateral talks under the framework of the 2017 APEC Summit continue to lay the groundwork for lifting Vietnams bilateral relationship with many partners in the region. Fourthly, joining APEC and carrying out commitments on door opening for trade and investment and business facilitation has helped push reform and the completion of institutions and policies in the country towards meeting international commitments. It also creates the prerequisite for Vietnam to participate in larger playing fields with higher-level commitments, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and FTAs, including new-generation FTAs with high standards. The implementation of international commitment also gives the country the leverage to realise its resolve to build a facilitating and action-oriented government of integrity in order to serve the people and businesses. Fifthly, as an APEC member, Vietnam has received help to enhance its capacity in international integration. The implementation of its commitments, synchronisation of policies, and APECs support projects have helped improve the international integration capacity for Vietnam. Cooperation programmes on enhancing student exchanges, promoting tourism and exchanging people have brought great opportunities for people, especially the younger generation. Lastly, APEC brings great potential and opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises in accessing markets and advanced technology, in addition to favourable investment and business environments, convenient transport, and in seeking strategic partners. Finally, unlike many other mechanisms, APEC offers huge potential and opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. APEC supports enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in approaching markets, enjoying a favorable investment environment, business conditions and travel conditions, seeking strategic investors and approaching advanced technology and management standards. Vietnams imprints Over the past 20 years, Vietnam deployed many activities and made proactive contributions to the APEC Forum, contributing to peace, stability, co-operation and regional economic links, and maintaining the APECs role as the leading economic linkage mechanism in Asia-Pacific. Vietnam is among the few APC members to have hosted APEC summits twice, in 2006 and 2017. At the High-level Week in November, 2006, in Hanoi, for the first time, APEC leaders identified the formation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). This was an important decision, laying the foundations for a strategic vision of economic connectivity across the region. Results of the 2016 APEC in the spirit of "Towards a Dynamic Community for Sustainable Development and Prosperity" have contributed to boosting APEC cooperation in the direction of becoming more efficient and dynamic. After 11 years, Vietnam was selected to host APEC for the second time. Hosting APEC brought Vietnam both opportunities and challenges, especially in the context of 2017, which was considered one of the most difficult times for the Forum, with the emergence of protectionism, populism, and anti-globalisation as well as the challenges of climate change, social inequality, and population ageing. In the context of difficulties, with wisdom, determination and a consensus, Vietnam successfully organised the 2017 APEC year with nearly 250 events, especially the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang. Vietnam's role and contribution were particularly highlighted when Vietnam chaired the discussion on developing a new vision for the APEC Forum after 2020. In addition, Vietnams imprint was reflected through the success of the first informal dialogue between APEC and ASEAN leaders and Vietnams active contributions to the formation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on the occasion of the APEC High-level Week in Da Nang. It can be said that the success and imprints of the two times of hosting the APEC summits affirmed the active and responsible contributions of Vietnam in fostering regional economic integration, maintaining the role of Asia-Pacific as a driving force of global economic growth. Secondly, Vietnam is also among the most active members in proposing ideas and projects, authoring more than 100 projects in various fields. Many initiatives of Vietnam have been judged to be practical and responsive to common concerns. Thirdly, Vietnam has made significant contributions to the management of APEC's operations through holding many positions in APEC committees and working groups, such as Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat (2005-2006), Chairman / Vice-Chairpersons of various committees and many main working groups. Fourthly, the role of Vietnamese enterprises in APEC cooperation has been increasingly enhanced. The Vietnamese business community also actively participates in and makes many recommendations to APEC leaders and ministers. APEC Forum to improve multilateral foreign affairs In a super-connected world, Asia-Pacific continues to be leading dynamic development centre of the world, with its important geo-economic location and important geopolitical strategy, it continue to be the driving force of global economic growth and connection, and a major political centre of the world. As the leading economic linkage mechanism in Asia-Pacific, APEC continues to proactively promote trade, investment, connectivity, promote leadership in global economic governance, implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and respond to the common challenges. In the fourth decade of development, in the face of rapid and profound changes of the world and region, under the strong influence of the forth industrial revolution, APEC is changing vigorously, increasingly expanding its scope of cooperation in a more practical way, for the benefit of the people and businesses. After more than 30 years of renovation and international integration, Vietnam has entered a stage of strategic development with its new position and stature, continuing to innovate comprehensively, and integrate deeply into the international arena and raise the level of multilateral foreign relations. Asia-Pacific and APEC are continuing to be one of the main points in implementing the country's foreign policy in the new period. With a 20 year membership in APEC, Vietnam will continue to improve its contribution to the Forum. Vietnam will work with other members to promote the implementation of long-term commitments and strategies for the completion of the Bogor Goals by 2020, growth strategies, and overall connectivity, in addition to promoting the realisation of the results of the 2017 APEC Summit. As Vice Chairperson of the APEC Vision Group, Vietnam will actively contribute to the realisation of Vietnams initiative in 2017 - Shaping the APEC Vision for the post 2020 period. Implementing the guidelines of 12th National Party Congress on active international integration, contribute to the shaping of multilateral institutions and the Directive of the Secretariat on promoting and uplifting multilateral diplomacy, Vietnam will continue to accompany APEC in the next development period, join hands in building a strategic vision on an Asian-Pacific community of peace, stability, dynamism, innovation, and prosperity. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Sunny skies. High 62F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 43F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. In his remarks, Le Thanh Liem, Permanent Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said Poland is a genuine friend who has accompanied Vietnam since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 1950. He highlighted Polands wholehearted support to Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and liberation, as well as in present national construction and development. According to Liem, the 40,000-strong Vietnamese community in Poland and thousands of others who used to study in the country have served as a bridge linking the two countries, and a resource in development for each side. The city leader highlighted remarkable events in the relations between HCM City and Poland, such as Polish President Andrzei Dudas visit to HCM City, the inauguration of the office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency and the visa centre for Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the Vietnam-Poland Business Forum in the city last year. Such events have helped both sides to better tap potential for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, training and other spheres, he said. HCM City will continue to closely coordinate with the Polish Embassy and other competent agencies to elevate the bilateral cooperative ties to new heights, matching the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Poland, he promised. Polish Ambassador Wojciech Gerwel said that, despite geographical distance, Vietnam and Poland are close to each other as they share similarities in the struggle for national independence. The close relationship has been nurtured by generations of Vietnamese students in Poland and the Vietnamese community, he said. Poland highly appreciates HCM City a busy commercial centre which plays an increasingly important role. It is the reason why the Polish Investment and Trade Agency has selected the city as one of its first destinations in which to open a representative office, he noted. The ambassador expressed his hope that more Polish companies can seek business partners in HCM City, contributing to promoting the bilateral ties in the years to come. Trading giant faces allegations related to BioLogics' accounting fraud By Park Hyong-ki Samsung C&T / Yonhap Obama read 10 letters daily from constituents By Jin Yu-young From the years 2009 to 2017, the United States of America was led by one of the most revolutionary presidents in its history, Barack Obama. He was unprecedented in his ideals, forward action, and deep compassion for his country. In an effort to establish an intimate connection with the people of the nation, Obama vowed to read ten letters a night out of the ten thousand letters sent daily to the Office of Presidential Correspondence (OPC), which is responsible for dealing with all of the incoming mail addressed to the president of the United States. He was the first president to devote himself to such a practice. In a comprehensive and deep look into both the OPC and the letter writers themselves, Jeanne Marie Laskas has compiled the stories of the American people and the OPC staff in her newly released "To Obama: With Love, Joy, Hate, and Despair," published by Bloomsbury Publishing. Jeanne Marie Laskas, author of "To Obama: With Love, Joy, Hate, and Despair"/ Courtesy of Scott Goldsmith The book has received critical acclaim, with The Telegraph describing it as "[A] startling, delicate and immensely readable story Another poignant reminder of what once was," and Elle claiming that "[t]he heartbreaking, hope-inducing letters tell the story of a nation." The book follows the chronological timeline of the Obama presidency and includes samples of the letters sent throughout his two terms. By including both letters that praise and condemn the president, Laskas gives an unbiased opinion of the American people toward their leader. Written by children from the age of six to members of the elderly community who have witnessed multiple presidencies, the letters are equally as diverse and touch upon all aspects of society from immigration policies to the mental health of war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the letters, people inscribe their triumphs and difficulties of life as an American citizen of the Obama administration. The "10 Letters a Day" (10LADs) were hand-selected by the OPC, which was directed by Fiona Reeves and comprised 50 staff members, 36 interns, and 300 volunteers. The team tirelessly read and categorized 10,000 letters each day and whittled them down to the top ten. Reeves had the final say in finalizing the daily selection and shared with Laskas her experiences as well as some of the letters that had reached the hands of the president. An 18-year-old wrote to Obama on his first voting experience: he had fought over the matter with his father and had, against his father's wishes, voted for the Democratic Party. He expresses his hopes that his vote will not have been cast in vain and how through defying his father he has taken a step closer to becoming an independent man. In another letter, a gay military spouse thanks Obama for repealing the Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) policy in the U.S. Military that banned members of the LGBTQ community who were serving from coming out. Many more letters followed suit in expressing gratitude towards the president for his various efforts including the legalization of same-sex marriage, the implementation of Obamacare, and the development of stem cell research. "With Love, Joy, Hate and Despair" published by Bloomsbury Publishing Self-caricature illustrated by Soo Shin-ji By Jung Hae-myoung Awareness and discourse about feminism could continue to spread with the help of several fictional characters and some skillful storytelling. With an Instagram account called "min4rin," Soo Shin-ji, the creator of webcomic "Myeoneuragi" shows feminism through everyday scenes related to society, school and work amid the patriarchal family system in Korea. "Myeoneuragi" ran from May 2017 to January this year through the "min4rin" Instagram account. This fictional but incredibly relatable story earned over 410,000 followers, and was published as a book with more than 20,000 copies sold. According to Soo's definition, Myeoneuragi is a period during which a married woman feels a certain "aura" or pressure to become a good daughter-in-law. It can last several months, years or forever, depending on the person. In the series, Min is a recently married woman who used to be a clever and responsible student representative in college. After she marries Moo Goo-young, Min finds herself naturally working in the kitchen at her parents-in-law's house, and Moo thanks her for being a good daughter-in-law. Min realizes she has been volunteering to become a worker in the house and Moo starts to understand her. To those who doubt "That wouldn't happen in my family, would it?" the comics respond, "Don't even ask." On Nov. 9, Soo published a commentary book titled "No, Thank You," containing interviews with her mother, husband and mother-in-law. Soo has been working as a professional illustrator over 10 years, but this work was especially meaningful because she really felt like she reached out to the public. "Illustrating can be a one-way communication sometimes, but when I uploaded the comics on Instagram, I got feedback instantly," Soo said. "I had no bridging editors or publishers, and it was fun to communicate directly with the readers." The book cover for Myeoneuragi series / Courtesy of Soo Shin-ji A United Nations committee on Thursday adopted a resolution calling for accountability for gross human rights violations in North Korea. The U.N. Third Committee, which oversees humanitarian issues, passed the document by consensus without a vote. It is expected to pass the U.N. General Assembly next month for the 14th consecutive year. The South Korean government said it joined the consensus-based decision in accordance with a policy to work together with the international community for a "substantive improvement" in the human rights of North Korean people. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this year's resolution, while largely maintaining the content of previous versions, welcomes ongoing diplomatic efforts on Pyongyang and takes note of the importance of dialogue and engagement to address the human rights and humanitarian situations there. It was co-sponsored by 61 member states. The resolution "condemns the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in and by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea." In particular it cites abuses the U.N. Commission of Inquiry said in 2014 could amount to crimes against humanity -- and the continuing impunity for such violations -- including torture, rape, public executions and the use of the death penalty for political and religious reasons. The commission "encourages" the U.N. Security Council to "take appropriate action to ensure accountability," such as by considering referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court. It also calls on the council to consider further sanctions to "target effectively those who appear to be most responsible for human rights violations," an apparent reference to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The U.N. has repeatedly called for such action in its resolutions since 2014. The commission "strongly urges" the North Korean government to take a series of measures to respect human rights. They include "immediately" closing political prison camps and releasing all political prisoners "unconditionally and without any delay," ensuring those responsible for the crimes are brought to justice before an independent judiciary, and ensuring that North Korean defectors are able to return "in safety and dignity" without punishment. This year's resolution also contains reference to December's U.N. Security Council resolution in which all U.N. member states are required to repatriate North Korean workers within two years. The workers are thought to be a source of income for the North Korean government to continue development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. The resolution also welcomes "the ongoing diplomatic efforts," a likely reference to this year's historic summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in as well as U.S. President Donald Trump. It notes the importance of dialogue and engagements for the improvement of the human rights situation. And on the issue of South and North Korean families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, the resolution welcomes the resumption of reunions in August, and the commitments made at the September inter-Korean summit to fundamentally resolve the issue. The text was jointly penned by the European Union and Japan, with contributions from other member states, including South Korea. The U.N. has adopted a North Korean human rights resolution every year since 2005. (Yonhap) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, speaks to military officials at an unspecified national defense institute in this photo that appeared in the North's state newspaper Rodong Sinmun 's Friday edition. / Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of ''a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon,'' the nation's state media reported Friday, though it didn't describe what sort of weapon it was. It didn't appear to be a nuclear or missile-related test, a string of which last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy early this year. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of currently stalled diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang that's meant to rid the North of its nuclear weapons. The North hasn't publicly tested any weapons since November of last year, but in recent days Pyongyang reportedly expressed anger at South Korea's resumption of small-scale military drills with the United States, and Friday's announcement could be in response to those drills. Even if the test was a message for Washington and Seoul, Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. It was the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim Jong Un since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his ''passionate joy'' at the success of the test. He was described as ''so excited to say that another great work was done by the defense scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defense capability of the country.'' The North said this new, unspecified weapon has been under development for a long time and will help strengthen the combat power of its army. Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. Diplomacy has stalled since a June summit between President Donald Trump and Kim in Singapore, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War. Trump and Kim are both interested in another summit, but it's unclear when it might happen. (AP) A captured image of Rodong Sinmun's article about Kim's inspection of a state weapon-developing center. By Yi Whan-woo South Korea's backing of a resolution adopted by a U.N. General Assembly committee on North Korea's dire human rights records, Thursday, was in accordance with a policy to pursue "substantive improvement, according to the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. said. The U.N. Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural affairs, passed the resolution calling for the Kim regime's accountability for human rights violations. The decision came as South Korea is trying to speed up reconciliation with the North while maintaining U.N. policies that are at odds with Kim Jong-un's regime. The regime has been denying U.N. accusations of crimes against humanity, while at the same time calling for sanctions against it to be eased. By Ko Dong-hwan One of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's key staffers has collapsed with an apparent brain bleed while the president and state executives were in Singapore for this year's annual ASEAN Summit. Moon broke the news on Facebook Friday. He said Kim Eun-young, the director-general of the South Asia and Pacific Foreign Affairs Bureau, was found unconscious in her hotel suite the same day. Moon said she seemed to have suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. "She has been arranging many meetings related to ASEAN and APEC and she must have worked too hard," Moon said, expressing sorrow. "She was hospitalized in a local hospital and I visited her. She was believed to have high intracranial pressure and remains in a critical condition. She needs to be observed for a day to confirm her condition." Moon said his personal doctor was left with Kim while he and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha left for Papua New Guinea for the APEC Summit. He said Kim's family, including her husband who also works for the ministry, have been notified. Kim, 48, a graduate of the country's prestigious Seoul National University, in March became Korea's first woman elected a regional director-general. Embassy gathers firms operating in Korea By Yi Whan-woo The Japanese Embassy in Korea had a closed-door meeting with 80 people from 70 Japanese firms operating in Korea, Thursday, to discuss "countering" a recent Supreme Court ruling here on forced labor during Japan's occupation of the peninsula, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday. The meeting came amid diplomatic tension between the two countries over the ruling last month. The court ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp, a Japanese steelmaker, to compensate four Koreans who were forced to work for the firm during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rules. This has sparked concerns in Tokyo that more Japanese companies may be asked to pay compensation, if they have a record of using Korean slave workers. During the meeting, Kohei Maruyama, an embassy official, is said to have underscored Tokyo's priority to protect Japanese firms' legitimate economic activities and to come up with unwavering countermeasures." "We are aware of the fact that Japan held a meeting intended for its own business people," a foreign ministry official said on condition of anonymity. "We've watching the case closely." The official said the government's view "should be understood in a broader context" when asked whether the ministry will take any action. Korea has been asking Japan to cope with the court's ruling wisely and not to hamper the future-oriented development of bilateral relations. In a statement issued earlier Thursday, ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk said the government "can't contain its disappointment." This response came after Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono criticized the verdict, saying it upends "the legal foundation of relations between the two nations from the root." Kono also warned that ties will be "very thorny" unless Seoul deals with the matter in an appropriate manner. Noh responded that the Japanese government's conduct "was of no help at all in resolving the problem." Meanwhile, some analysts said the embassy's closed-door meeting was intended to encourage Japanese firms to ignore the ruling and to keep up with Tokyo's Korea policy. Japan claims that all compensation stemming from colonial rule was settled in 1965 when Seoul and Tokyo normalized diplomatic relations. "What was said to be discussed at the closed-door meeting is nothing. But the meeting itself is meaningful considering it was held in the heart of the Korean capital," said Ha Jong-moon, a professor of Japanese Studies at Hanshin University. "I'd say Japan is trying to press Korea while bringing together relevant groups including businessmen." Lee Won-duk, a Kookmin University professor, warned the meeting could worsen bilateral relations although it might facilitate communication between the Japanese government and enterprises. Deputy PM Dung underlined that the friendly relations and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan are growing finely, strongly and pragmatically across various spheres, with political trust between the two sides senior leaders increasingly strengthened, while economic, trade and investment cooperation has become a crucial pillar in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Vietnam attaches significant importance to boosting locality-to-locality collaboration with Japan, considering it as a practical and effective channel to enhance economic, trade and labour cooperation, as well as to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, he said. The deputy PM asked the Governor to encourage Kanagawa firms to invest further in Vietnamese localities with potential, suggesting that both sides strengthen their cooperation in human resource training, tourism and culture, in addition to facilitating people-to-people exchanges. For his part, Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa stated that his visit aims to organise the inaugural Kanagawa Festival in Hanoi, which seeks to advertise the image of the prefecture and explore opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of new areas, such as healthcare and human resource development. * Receiving the Japanese guests, Vice President Thinh touched on the finely growing substantial relations between the two countries, emphasising that Vietnam always sees Japan as a leading economic partner. Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (left) and Governor Yuji Kuroiwa of Kanagawa prefecture. (Photo: VNA) She congratulated Yuji Kuroiwa on his being presented with the Friendship Order from the Vietnamese State, which recognises his special contributions to accelerating the Vietnam-Japan ties. The Vice President urged Japan and Kanagawa prefecture in particular to facilitate investment, economic, agricultural and education-training cooperation between the two countries businesses, while creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, studying and working in Japan, thus contributing to Japans development. Governor Kuroiwa affirmed that the Kanagawa authorities will create favourable conditions for Vietnamese labourers to work in the prefecture and provide support for its businesses, which are eyeing investment in Vietnam. The guest expressed his strong support for Vietnam-Japan cooperation, pledging his utmost efforts to further accelerate the fine relations between the two countries. The late Father Dr. John Lee. Photo provided to Hankook Ilbo By Ko Dong-hwan Lee about two months before his death in January 2010 from colorectal cancer. Photo provided to Hankook Ilbo The South Sudan education ministry is publishing new school textbooks that highlight late Korean priest Father Dr. John Lee's heroic achievements as a doctor and missionary for people in Tonj. The African authority will distribute them to students beginning next February, the country's media outlet Juba Monitor said on Nov. 14. Those for elementary schools reportedly have three pages about Lee, whose Korean first name is Tae-seok, and those for high schools two. Juba said Lee was the first foreigner to feature in a national textbook for their volunteering activities. One of the textbooks referred to him as "a South Korean missionary and doctor who served as a priest, medical doctor, mathematician and music teacher in the small village of Tonj." It explained he was motivated by Belgian missionary Fr. Damien, who helped lepers in Molokai until his death in 1889. Lee left for Africa after being ordained in Seoul in 2001. South Sudan's new school textbooks introduce the late Lee's life over a few pages. Photo provided by a South Sudan Korean community Jung Jin-gwan, the head of the cyber safety division at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Station, presents the results of an investigation into IT company head Yang Jin-ho and a spycam porn cartel, at a police station in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Friday. / Yonhap By Lee Suh-yoon After a months-long investigation into Yang Jin-ho, the owner of the nation's two biggest file sharing sites, police have confirmed the existence of a million-dollar cartel for the production and distribution of spycam porn videos. Apart from owning WeDisk and Filenori, file sharing platforms where spycam clips and revenge porn were circulated, police found Yang had a hand in virtually every stage of the profitable operation. "Through this investigation, we found Yang was the de-facto owner of not only the two online file sharing platforms but also a monitoring company supposed to filter out spycam content. It is also a digital undertaker agency that removes such content upon a request from victims, confirming the reality of a spycam porn cartel," Jung Jin-gwan, head of the cyber safety division at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, said in a press briefing, Friday. Mureka, a company supposed to filter spycam porn content from the file sharing sites, was actually bought by WeDisk in 2008. Police said the operators intentionally refrained from using effective filtering methods, allowing the file sharing platforms to become a breeding ground for spycam porn. According to officers, Yang made 7 billion won ($6.2 million) by distributing 52,000 porn clips about 100 of them were spycam clips and 230 pieces of copyrighted material. WeDisk and Filenori, together made over 55 billion won in sales from September last year to August. Yang also allegedly encouraged and colluded with heavy uploaders of spycam porn content on his file sharing sites. He shared parts of the profits with those who had the most paid for downloads for their content. Through such an incentive system, heavy uploaders earned between 37 million and 210 million won annually. Yang also helped them avoid the authorities, warning them to change their IDs in advance whenever their activity was detected by the Korea Communications Standards Commission. Around 80 other members of the cartel, including the heads of digital undertaker companies and 60 heavy uploaders, are being questioned by police. Nearly 60 more will be questioned as the investigation expands. Shortly before the police announcement of their interim results, Yang was taken to the Seongnam branch of Suwon District Prosecutors' Office after his case was referred to it. He refused to answer reporters' questions as he boarded a van outside the police station where he had been detained for a week. Yang Jin-ho, CEO of WeDisk and Filenori, is escorted to a police van outside Suwon Nambu Police Station, Friday. / Yonhap President Moon Jae-in will head to Papua New Guinea on Friday for this year's summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and bilateral meetings on its sidelines, including one with Chinese President Xi Jinping. North Korea's denuclearization process is expected to dominate the meeting with Xi set for Saturday. It will be their fourth meeting since Moon took office last year. They last met in December when Moon made a state visit to China. While in Singapore for annual regional summits, Moon also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. North Korea was a key topic for both meetings. The trip to Singapore and Papua New Guinea came as the North's denuclearization process has made little headway in recent weeks, with the planned high-level talks between the U.S. and the North having been called off at the last minute last week. During the APEC summit, Moon plans to outline his vision for an innovative and inclusive nation and propose creating a joint fund, the APEC Digital Innovation Fund, aimed at improving the region's digital capabilities. On Saturday, Moon is also scheduled to meet bilaterally with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. He also plans to attend a meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council. Moon is scheduled to return home on Sunday. (Yonhap) By Lee Min-hyung President Moon Jae-in and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will hold a summit Saturday in Papua New Guinea, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday. During the meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the two leaders are expected to discuss easing sanctions on North Korea, and ways to revitalize the stalled denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Moon is expected to ask for the Chinese leader to play a more active role in the denuclearization of the North and help bring lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula. In particular, Moon is likely to underline the need for China to help get the heavy sanctions imposed on the reclusive regime eased. On a recent European tour, President Moon asked for European leaders to facilitate the North's denuclearization by lifting sanctions, as the North had in recent months taken concrete steps to fulfill its pledge for denuclearization. The Moon-Xi meeting comes at a critical time as Washington and Pyongyang discuss holding a second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump early next year. At a recent inter-Korean summit, Kim promised to visit South Korea sometime this year. Expectations are that such diplomatic events will serve to end the ongoing stalled denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Numb. That's the only word for it. California awoke to reports of another mass shooting, this time in Thousand Oaks, a suburban community that prides itself on being among the safest cities in America. More than 100 people, many of them college kids, were in the Borderline Bar & Grill country dance bar when a man dressed in black walked in with some sort of smoke-generating device and opened fire with a .45-caliber Glock handgun, killing 11 people inside and Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, one of the first law-enforcement officers to arrive, before dying of a gunshot himself. Motive? Too soon to say. Was the gun bought legally? Again, that's the kind of detail that will filter out in the coming hours and days. Preventable? That answer ranges from apparently not to who the hell knows? Numb. The Gun Violence Archive reports that gunmen have shot and killed 1,096 people, including the Thousand Oaks victims, in California since the first of the year. In the same period, gunmen nationwide have taken the lives of 114 people in 18 mass killings, defined as incidents in which at least four people are killed excluding the shooter. No place seems safe. In recent years Americans have been gunned down en masse in schools and houses of worship, music venues and in their own homes. The shooters have been motivated by racism, by rage over politics, by mental illness; in some cases, their reasons remain inscrutable. And the president would have us tremble in fear of immigrants. It is impossible to imagine the grief of the families of the victims. A tragic irony is that a few of the people in the dance bar had also been in the crowd 13 months ago when a gunman opened fire from a sniper's nest in the Mandalay Bay hotel on the Route 91 Harvest festival across the street, killing 58 people and wounding 413 more. On that occasion, an additional 454 people suffered injuries in the mad scramble to find cover or escape the open-air venue. On the latest one, more than a dozen people similarly suffered injuries as they scrambled for safety, including crawling through windows shattered with bar furniture. This is just one more episode in our endless rolling tragedy of gun violence. About two weeks ago an anti-Semitic gunman ranting about immigration killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Eight weeks ago six people died when a gunman moved through Bakersfield firing in anger over a broken relationship. Twelve weeks ago a distraught father in the Northern California city of Clearlake shot his four children, killing three of them before killing himself. And on goes the body count. In recent years these killings have happened in every corner of the country, from an Oregon community college to a San Bernardino holiday party to a Florida high school to a Connecticut elementary school. As the sharp pain of grief subsides to a persistent ache, calls for stricter gun control laws are shushed by the gun lobby, which accuses those who try to fix this scourge of not showing appropriate respect for the dead, of politicizing tragedy. But this country would be much better off showing more respect for the living by limiting easy access to guns, thereby reducing these grotesque levels of violence. There are far, far too many guns floating around the U.S., both legally and illegally owned. Time was, people bought guns to go hunting, or to practice target shooting. In recent years gun owners have told poll-takers that their guns are for personal safety. Yet they are far more often used to threaten, intimidate or kill family members, or in suicides. Less often, but with more notice taken, they are used to mow down mass numbers of people, as occurred this month here in California, which has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation. Is this a fixable problem? There has long been a lack of political will to take on the powerful National Rifle Association, but at some point, that apparent lack of political will by default becomes the political will: We decide through inaction that the status quo is acceptable. Is that what Americans want? Are we willing to let the bodies stack up on the principle that we all need our own personal arsenals to fight the bogeyman of tyranny? Have we been outgunned by a heartless adversary that cares more about cold steel than warm, beating hearts? For the sake of the future victims, we hope not. The above editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Times. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. US, NK should swiftly resume nuclear talks President Moon Jae-in met with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits in Singapore. The meeting came amid rising skepticism about North Korea's sincerity in regards to denuclearization, particularly after U.S. news reports of finding various "hidden" missile bases in North Korea, including the Sakkanmol base for short-range ballistic missiles located only 135 kilometers from Seoul. On Friday, media reports highlighted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed the testing of a new "ultramodern tactical weapon." This is the first time the North has publicly mentioned a weapon testing event attended by Kim since the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in late November 2017. Although it was not known exactly what kind of a weapon it was, any mention of weapon testing could negatively affect the ongoing U.S.-North Korea nuclear negotiations. To quell the mounting skepticism over Pyongyang's denuclearization, both the U.S. and North Korea need to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. A meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Kim Yong-chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the North's ruling Workers' Party, had been scheduled for earlier this month in New York before the U.S. midterm elections but was scrapped at the last minute. Since then, there has not been much headway in resuming bilateral talks to narrow their differences in nuclear negotiations. Washington has maintained a firm stance on maintaining sanctions against North Korea, but Pyongyang has stressed the importance of "corresponding steps" from the U.S., such as an end of war declaration and easing of sanctions. Amid the protracted deadlock in U.S.-North Korea talks, it was timely for Moon to get together with Pence and discuss how to proceed with efforts to accomplish the two countries' mutual aim of Pyongyang's denuclearization. The meeting came amid rising concerns about a rift in the Korea-U.S. alliance due to Seoul's rush for economic cooperation with Pyongyang. Moon has also reiterated the need to ease sanctions on North Korea in various diplomatic settings recently. In a statement after the meeting, the White House said that the two countries noted the "importance of close coordination on North Korea-related matters, including on implementing sanctions and inter-Korean cooperation." Pence asked for the South to play a bigger role as a mediator in nuclear negotiations. For this, it is important for Moon to adjust the pace of the economic projects with North Korea and maintain the priority on denuclearization. The Moon-Pence meeting was also useful in that it showed the continued momentum for more talks between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea. After the talks with Moon, Pence mentioned the possibility of a second meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim sometime after Jan. 1, 2019. Trump also showed his optimism on North Korea in his latest Twitter message where he said the U.S. was fully aware about the missile sites that had emerged in some media reports and brushed it off as "fake news." The U.S. and North Korea should resume high-level talks at an early date and set the right conditions for the second Trump-Kim meeting where the two countries should take firm steps to ensure North Korea's denuclearization. By Oh Young-jin BTS has apologized for wearing a T-shirt bearing the photo of an atomic bomb exploding in Japan and sporting a wardrobe resembling Nazi symbols. The global K-pop sensation said it was not its intention to cause distress among the victims but nonetheless offered apologies for those who suffered. In moral and business terms, it is a sensible decision for the band that has a worldwide following to get these controversies behind it quickly. But one thing remains perplexing how Japan, more specifically its ultra-nationalistic elements, and Jews, more exactly their advocacy organization, are embracing each other. Emperor Hirohito's Japan was a member of the World War II Axis that included Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy. German Nazis slaughtered Jews by the millions. Koreans had been under Japanese colonial rule for 36 years until Allied forces defeated Japan. So it would look more natural for Jews to embrace Koreans over Japan, an aggressor that teamed up with Germany, the perpetrator of the Holocaust. Was it due to ignorance of history or aspirations of the victims to identify with the victors? Now, it is expected that an unrepentant Japan would make an issue of the T-shirt, which resulted in the cancelation of BTS appearances on TV Asahi and other channels. The backlash came days after Korea's Supreme Court ruling that allowed Koreans to seek damages from Japan over their forced labor during the colonial period. It angered Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ultra-conservative friends, who also fear that hallyu, or the Korean cultural wave, will take over their country. So a big fuss was made over the photo of the T-shirt taken more than a year ago. But it is one thing to apologize to the victims of the bombs, who also included many Koreans, but it carries the risk of enabling imperial Japan to feign as victim. Japan did invade Korea, China and other Asian countries, killed a lot of people and mobilized human resources for its war effort against the United States. The U.S. atomized Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force Japan to surrender. If Japan blames anybody, it should be U.S. President Barack Obama did not make any apology when he visited Hiroshima in May 2016. Japan has offered apologies for its misdeeds against Korea only to have Abe withdraw them. Japan still absurdly claims that "comfort women" Korean and Chinese women who served at Japan's army brothels were volunteers. The scheme appears to be a calculated race against the dwindling number of survivors who are succumbing to old age and sickness after years of living in disgrace and ostracism. To Koreans, the whole episode is like Japan screaming bloody murder on Korea, its victim, in an irrational reversal of roles. A rabbi filled the critical missing gap in Japan's leap of logic by linking the two unlikely allies when he accused BTS of "mocking the past." "Wearing a T-shirt in Japan mocking the victims of the Nagasaki A-bomb is just the latest incident of this band mocking the past," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and director at the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center, Sunday. Can't this rabbi see it is Japan that is mocking the past? Japan argues that its colonial victims, such as Korea, should thank it for industrialization. The rabbi said: "The result is that young generations in Korea and around the world are more likely to identify bigotry and intolerance as being 'cool' and help erase the lessons of history." Can this rabbi see that he is helping Japan erase the bigger lessons of history? Abe says Japan would stop apologizing to the victims because the country has paid damages. It is as if it sees its crimes against humanity settled with a fistful of dollars and that Japan should move on, turning away from the truth that a future without reflections of past mistakes would be a ticket to recidivism. We Koreans laud Jews for their persistence in chasing Nazi perpetrators to the last one and bringing them to justice, and Germans for trying to repent over the horrible deeds against Jews so as not to repeat them. We are trying to apply the Jewish formula in settling history issues with Japan. But the rabbi has singlehandedly put the wisdom of the Jewish example into doubt because his words basically tell us that its rule applies only to their chosen case. Does he represent the whole Jewish attitude? Or is it an isolated case? If the first were the case, it would surely be a great disappointment. Quo vadis? , foolsdie5@koreatimes.co.kr) is the digital managing editor of The Korea Times. Oh Young-jin ( foolsdie@gmail.com By Jun Ji-hye SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus are rushing to find new sources of income in the areas of media, real estate, finance and security, to offset the largely-saturated, highly-competitive wireless telecommunication businesses, company officials said Monday. Mobile carriers here have been struggling with worsening profitability due to the Moon Jae-in administration's push to reduce households' telecom expenditures. According to the third-quarter earnings reports announced by SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus, their operating profit was 901.7 billion won ($807 million), an 8.3 percent decrease from a year ago. The profit has remained below 1 trillion won for five consecutive quarters since the figure was tallied at 1.08 trillion won in the second quarter of last year. Their average revenue per user (ARPU), a representative profitability figure, has continued to drop as well. On the other hand, their media and content business based on their internet protocol televisions (IPTV) has appeared to have grown gradually, becoming a new revenue source. The results were attributed to telecom firms' efforts to enhance content and services to better respond to individual customer's tastes. SK Broadband, the internet and television service arm of the nation's top mobile carrier, introduced customized home screens for the firm's IPTV in August, which reflect patterns of use and viewing history information of each customer. KT has consistently upgraded services for children on its IPTV, releasing Kids' Land 2.0, an improved version of Kids' Land 1.0 launched in May. Kids' Land 2.0, unveiled last month, features enhanced content for parents who have difficulty in infant care as well as content helping children to improve their TV viewing habits . LG Uplus has also taken a series of aggressive strategies for its IPTV business. In September, the firm installed Google's AI voice assistant, dubbed Google Assistant, in the U+tv UHD set-top box, and is moving to introduce online streaming TV service Netflix on its IPTV in a bid to differentiate its content from competitors. Besides media and content, the companies expect new other areas to bring them hopes. SK Telecom is currently nurturing security business as its new growth engine through the acquisition of security platform provider ADT Caps. The mobile carrier plans to create synergy by applying its advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and internet of things (IoT) to the security business. KT is seeking to raise its profitability in K bank, the country's first internet-only bank launched last year, and real estate business led by its subsidiary KT estate. KT chief financial officer (CFO) Yoon Kyung-keun said in a conference call after the third-quarter earnings announcement, Friday that the company would try to increase its stake in K bank to a maximum limit of 34 percent when a new law governing internet banks takes effect in January next year. "We plan to expand our stake to the maximum limit, but detailed scale or timing has yet to be finalized," he said. The firm also aims to achieve some 700 billion won in sales by the end of 2020 in the real estate business. In its latest move, KT opened the Novotel Ambassador Hotel and Residence in July, built at the site of its former Euljiro office in Jung-gu. The firm said the hotel was the first-ever "AI hotel" in the nation. KT plans to open three more hotels with advanced technologies in Seoul by 2022, including a hotel brand under Hyatt near Apgujeong Station, scheduled to open next year. For its part, LG Uplus is moving to take over CJ Hello, the nation's largest cable television operator, in a bid to expand its share in the subscription TV market. Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho enters the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office in Yangcheon-gu Sept. 20 to answer questions on alleged embezzlement. / Korea Times photo by Shin Sang-soon Home-grown activist fund vows to oust Chairman Cho Yang-ho By Nam Hyun-woo Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho is facing challenges from a home-grown activist fund which aims to take managerial control of the country's largest aviation group away from him. Grace Holdings, the second-largest shareholder in Hanjin's holding firm, Hanjin KAL, publicly threatened to oust Cho from the firm's board of directors in a shareholders' meeting in March. Analysts say Cho could lose managerial control of Hanjin Group as the National Pension Fund (NPS) and other stakeholders may join hands with the activist fund at the next shareholders' meeting. In addition, a series of legal troubles have engulfed the chairman and his family members over the past few years, which have created unfavorable public sentiment toward them, may encourage shareholders to vote against the current management, they said. Grace Holdings said Thursday it has acquired a 9 percent stake in Hanjin KAL, which controls Korean Air, Jin Air and other affiliates, after purchasing a 4.03 percent stake a day earlier. The fund has become the No. 2 shareholder after Cho's 17.8 percent. The fund is a special purpose company created by a private equity fund organized by Korea Corporate Governance Improvement (KCGI), which styles itself as an activist fund and goes after companies with weak governance structures. In its regulatory filing, Grace Holdings said: "In the event of any future events related to the company's operations, multiple activities will be considered in accordance with the scope and methods allowed by the related laws." It said those activities include the appointment or dismissal of executives, suspension of duties, merger and demerger, dividend policy and other major issues. Analysts expect KCGI will attempt to control the board through a ballot battle against Cho and stakeholders friendly to him. "Three out of seven Hanjin KAL board members will see their tenure expire March 31 next year, and KCGI will likely try to control the board in the March shareholders meeting," Daishin Securities analyst Yang Ji-hwan said. "It will be about how much of a stake KCGI and Cho can secure, and it depends on minor shareholders who have a combined 40.36 percent. Given Hanjin Group has stirred national controversy with the owner's family's misbehavior, minor shareholders may delegate their rights to KCGI." Yang added that KCGI is expected to sell Hanjin KAL's loss making assets, such as hotel and real estate properties, and exercise influence in managing Hanjin affiliates if it wins control of the board. KB Securities analyst Kang Seong-jin expects any vote to hinge on the NPS and Credit Suisse Group, which hold an 8.4 percent stake and a 5 percent stake, respectively, as of Sept. 30. Both have announced their intention to not exercise any influence on the company's management. Another factor threatening Cho's control is his trial for alleged embezzlement and breach of trust scheduled later this month. The current rules ban a person from being an airline executive if they violated aviation related acts. However, the government earlier this week announced stronger rules expanding the scope to criminal laws, which include the charges raised against Cho. The new rules, which will take effect from next year, will prohibit those who violated tax and customs laws from leading an air carrier. Cho is also under Korea Customs Service investigation over alleged trafficking and tax dodging. "Depending on the ruling, Cho may lose his grip on Korean Air and other Hanjin affiliates," an industry official said. Giang noted that defence cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand over the past years has grown strongly with practical outcomes, especially in delegation exchange, personnel training, air and naval defence cooperation. The close defence partnership has helped reinforce and strengthen the friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the people and armies of the two countries, he said. Giang also lauded the cooperation results between Vietnams Air Force-Air Defence and the Royal Thai Air Force, expressing his hope that the two forces will continue promoting their collaboration. He affirmed that Vietnam backs Thailand in performing the role of ASEAN Chair in 2019 and expects to receive support from Thailand in 2020 when Vietnam assumes the same role. For his part, Chaiyapruk said that his working visit aims to further foster cooperation between the air forces of Thailand and Vietnam. He held that the cooperation between Vietnams Air Force-Air Defence and the Royal Thai Air Force has been deepened, especially through the exchange of experiences in aviation safety, rescue, training, and connectivity among young officers. The cooperative ties between the armies of Thailand and Vietnam has also contributed to strengthening the ASEAN Political-Security Community, one of the three key pillars of the ASEAN Community. 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 A new UCLA study suggests turnout among Latino voters jumped in this month's midterm election. So are we seeing a reversal in low turnout among Latinos? The researchers say that in nearly 40 percent of the precincts where Latinos make up most of the registered voters, the number of ballots cast jumped at least 70 percent. That's in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties and compared to the last midterms four years ago. So what drew out these voters? For 19-year-old college student Fernando Villanueva, a first-time voter, it was immigration. "How is it possible that young kids are being separated [from] families? That is one major issue that really had to be stopped," he said, referring to President Trump's "zero tolerance" policies that removed children from parents who crossed the southern border earlier this year. Anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House also helped drive Luis Vega, a first-time voter and new citizen, to the polls. "The president is acting very disrespectful to immigrants," said Vega, 31, of Buena Park, "but also to people of color and to women. So to me, it was very important to actually vote." Villanueva and Vega were not alone; immigration was a key issue for Latino voters, according to exit polling conducted by Latino Decisions, a firm that researches Latino politics. The exit polling also showed economy and health care were important topics to Latino voters this year. Latinos' better showing this election could be a tipping point for a demographic group that previously logged low voter turnout compared to the electorate as a whole. Latinos voting in this year's election heavily favored certain candidates, including Los Angeles County Sheriff candidate Alex Villanueva, said Sonja Diaz, executive director of UCLA's Latino Policy and Politics Initiative. Villanueva is leading incumbent sheriff Jim McDonnell with many ballots still being counted. "When they turn out, they can really make a meaningful impact in close-neck races," Diaz said. "I think that the Latino electorate has the capacity to out-perform even themselves in this election as we move forward into 2020." But while more Latinos appear to have voted, their share of the early vote statewide only reached about 14 percent, even though they make up a quarter of registered voters, said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc., a bipartisan research company. Researchers like Mitchell examine trends in early voting -- votes cast by mail or drop-off or in person ahead of the election -- to get a sense of how voters performed before final turnout data becomes available. "Latinos continue to essentially underperform their rate of registration," Mitchell said. "But it has less to do with them being Latino and more to do with them being young." He said the average Latino voter in California is a millennial and more likely to be a renter. Millenials and renters turn out in lower numbers than older homeowners. Still, in California, Mitchell's preliminary numbers suggest a 75 percent jump in early votes cast by Latinos in California this year, compared to 2014. That's in line with early-voter estimates from the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, whose numbers suggest early voting by Latinos jumped 73 percent in California and more than doubled nationwide as compared with the last midterm. Mitchell said more Latinos received mail-in ballots this year than in the previous midterm, which may have helped boost early-vote participation. As for those millennials, news reports suggest more of them voted this year, too, and so did the electorate as a whole. Nearly half the nation's eligible voters are estimated to have cast ballots last week, the highest participation for a midterm in decades. 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 Democrats appear poised to take over all of Orange County's traditionally GOP House seats. Democrat Katie Porter pulled ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters by more than 6,000 votes in the 45th Congressional District in the latest count Thursday. The Associated Press has called the race in Porter's favor, though Orange County estimates more than 156,000 ballots remain to count. "Thank you. I can't wait to get to work for all of OC," Porter wrote in a Facebook post that included a video of her standing in the rain in Washington D.C. The 45th district includes Irvine, Mission Viejo, Tustin and Laguna Hills. Just north in the 39th Congressional District, Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of his Republican opponent, Young Kim. Cisneros now leads by 941 votes after being down by 122 votes in the previous count. The 39th district straddles Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties and includes parts of Buena Park, La Habra, Fullerton and Yorba Linda. You can read an in-depth breakdown of these tight races here. 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 Updated Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. As part of a citywide initiative to alleviate Los Angeles' homeless crisis, City Councilman David Ryu proposed the city look into a potential emergency shelter at 5161 Sepulveda Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, on land owned by the U.S. Army. Ryu, who represents L.A.'s District 4, said in September that city staff planned to visit the property soon to conduct a feasibility study. But nearly five months after the site was first proposed, no study has begun. No city employees have even set foot on the land. That's because the city is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Army, which owns and manages the land. And working with the federal government is a slower process than coordinating at the state or local level, said Mark Pampanin, spokesman for Councilman Ryu's office. "It takes a little longer to get through that red tape, but we're working on it," he said. An Army Corps of Engineers spokeswoman clarified that the Army Reserve operates on the land. A request for comment from the division stationed there has not yet been answered. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's office has also been reaching out to the Army to schedule a visit, along with staff from Mayor Eric Garcetti's office. In a letter written to Army Col. Victor R. Green in October and obtained by LAist, Feinstein urges the colonel to allow city staff to visit the "underutilized federal property," noting that he denied city staff a visit until an unspecified time in 2019 and has no plans to discuss the issue further with L.A. officials. Feinstein acknowledges an apparent concern from the Army officer that the shelter could conflict with "Anti-Terrorism Force Proctection" rules, put in place to protect military personnel. But she pointed to rampant homelessness in the city, saying "every level of government needs to devote more resources" to address the "humanitarian crisis." "We must, and can, do better," Feinstein wrote. The site was first proposed in early August as part of the mayor's A Bridge Home initiative, which allocates $20 million from the city budget, split evenly among the 15 council districts, "to construct emergency bridge housing city-wide." Another site, Councilman Ryu's office had been eyeing for permanent affordable housing at 15314 Dickens St. was also listed on the proposal. "Sherman Oaks just showed the city how it's done," Ryu said at the time. Since then, Ryu's plans to address homelessness in his district been met with heavy resistance from some outspoken Sherman Oaks residents. In a planned protest at the councilman's open house event in September, residents drowned out what was meant to be a conversation about homelessness in the neighborhood with boos and chants. There were even threats of a recall directed at Ryu. Speaking with LAist in the aftermath of the meeting, Ryu characterized the raucous response directed at him as residents who were "passionate about solving homelessness." A petition against proposed housing plans in the neighborhood has more than 2,500 signatures. MAP: Where LA's Emergency Homeless Shelters Have Been Proposed, Approved And Opened David Ryu and other city officials broke ground Thursday, Nov. 15, on a new bridge housing center for women in Hollywood. The project predates Mayor Eric Garcetti's emergency shelter initiative and is receiving Prop HHH funds. (Courtesy office of Councilman David Ryu) Depsite that show of force from NIMBYs in some parts of his district, Ryu has had an easier time in Hollywood, where city officials broke ground Thursday on a new bridge housing center for women at a long-shuttered library. The site, located at 1403 N. Gardner St., will have 30 beds and provide women "with a temporary home, counseling and services, and a pathway to more permanent housing and stability," according to the project's website. The project was approved for funding in May 2018 under Proposition HHH, which voters passed in 2016. The Gardner project is the second project to break ground in Hollywood. The LGBT Center's Anita May Rosenstein Campus is set to open in 2019 and will include 98 units of affordable housing for seniors, 25 units for youth, and 100 beds for homeless youth, according to Ryu's office. Meanwhile, the plans for the Dickens Street project were dropped. The property is owned by Caltrans and leased to LADOT, which uses it as a parking lot. City Administrative Officer Richard H. Llewellyn, Jr. sent a letter to Ryu on Nov. 13, saying his office "does not recommend that the City proceed with further evaluation of the site for use as permanent affordable housing because the City does not own the property, and housing is not an allowed use under the lease." Councilman David Ryu's office has dropped plans for a site his staff had been eyeing for permanent affordable housing at 15314 Dickens St. in Sherman Oaks. The property is owned by Caltrans and leased to LADOT, which uses it as a parking lot. (Courtesy office of Councilman David Ryu) Pampanin said Ryu and his staff are "not slowing down," though, explaining that they continue to discuss homeless solutions all over the district, including with partners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake and the Mid-City area. "We're not leaving any stone unturned," he said. UPDATES: Monday, Dec. 24: This article was updated with information from a letter written by Sen. Dianne Feinstein regarding the proposed shelter site on Army land. 10:45 a.m.: This article was updated to clarify that the Army Reserve operates on the land at 5161 Sepulveda Blvd. This article was originally published at 10:20 a.m. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe California's law enforcement agencies scanned license plates more than 1.1 billion times in 2016 and 2017, compiling massive databases of people's movement across the state while rarely detecting the cars on police watchlists, according to analysis conducted by a non-profit group that advocates for privacy. The details come from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which requested documents on license plate readers from police departments across the country. In all, the group obtained records from more than 200 agencies nationwide and counted more than 2.5 billion scans. Among them were dozens in California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the nation's largest sheriff's department, scanned 234.4 million plates during 2016 and 2017. That was the highest figure of the 200 agencies tracked by the EFF. Other Southern California agencies also ran millions and millions of scans including: San Bernardino County Sheriff (162.7 million) Downey Police Dept. (64 million) Beverly Hills Police Department (54.9 million). License plate readers can be mounted on squad cars or traffic lights, and capture images of license plates that pass by, typically recording the time and location. The plate numbers are checked against department "hot lists" that include cars seen at crime scenes or connected to outstanding warrants. A billion scans would be enough to scan every registered vehicle in the state 32 times. The true number of scans is likely much higher, since the report does not include many large California agencies, including the LAPD. Police agencies argue that the license plate readers help them work faster and more efficiently. "If you're driving around in a patrol car, you have one set of eyes," Darren Wyatt of the Anaheim Police Department told KPCC in 2016. "The cameras are around the entire vehicle." They say the devices are vital tools in solving stolen car and missing persons cases. TABLE: Look up license plate scans at California agencies in 2016 and 2017 Data from law enforcement agencies via Electronic Frontier Foundation, for 20016-2017. Not all California agencies available. The technology has raised alarms about government surveillance. The data police compile enable them to track Californians' movements at a granular level, so authorities can use your driving patterns to determine where you worship, or if you visited an immigration clinic, protest or gun store. So are we living in an Orwellian nightmare? "I would say that we're getting close," said Dave Maass, one of the authors of the report. "License plate readers are indiscriminate forms of mass surveillance. That means they collect information on everyone, regardless of whether you're suspected of being part of the crime." The overwhelming number of scans -- hundreds of millions -- fail to turn up plates of interest to police. Many departments report that roughly one in five hundred scans produces a "hit" that matches a plate of interest. The rate can go even lower. At the Beverly Hills PD, just 0.02 percent of scans matched a plate on the agency's "hot list". The report also sheds light on the widespread sharing of the data within law enforcement. Many local departments share their data with police agencies thousands of miles away. For example, if your license plate is scanned in Cathedral City, police there share it not just with nearby cities, but with police in Springfield, Illinois and Miami, Florida. In all, Cathedral City shares data with 732 outside agencies. Many agencies also share their data with contractor Vigilant Solutions' National Vehicle Location Service, whose details are shielded from to the public. That widespread dissemination concerns the EFF's Masss. "Every time you add a different agency to who you share with, that is another vector for abuse or unauthorized access or hacking." EFF officials said it's possible incorrect data is included in the files released to them, noting that "the law enforcement agencies we surveyed sometimes appeared not to fully understand how their systems worked." The group said any inconsistencies will be corrected once identified. They also called on the vendor, Vigilant Solutions, to publish its data, which they argued would "not only save our time, but also the time of every law enforcement agency staff member who must process our public records request." A previous EFF report showed that the Long Beach PD had allowed ICE and CBP officers to search its license plate database. Two months later, the Long Beach City Council voted to adopt a "sanctuary ordinance". While the report pins down the scope of license plate reader use at dozens of agencies, less is known about precisely how police use the technology. Maass called that "an intentional obfuscation by law enforcement and the company Vigilant Solutions," pointing to the restrictive agreements the company asks police to sign. The issues connected to license plate readers are likely here to stay. The next frontier in police surveillence technology is facial recognition software, already in use at agencies around the country. 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 typical parade queen rocks a crown and a gown, the queen of the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade has a different set of priorities. The Doo Dah Parade bills itself as the Rose Parade's twisted sister. Think sword swallowers and men in kilts instead of flower-covered floats and stately equine teams. Like any proper parade queen, Jennipha-Lauren Nielsen is aware of her responsibilities and devoted to her public. But her perparations don't revolve around practicing her wave or learning to demurely cross and uncross her legs. Nielsen is the CEO and co-founder of the One World Project, which keeps her busy addressing social problems on a global level -- but not too busy for some irreverent fun. "Doo Dah means it's going to be hilarious, slightly off-color and you're going to feel good," Nielsen says. "You're going to laugh." STARTING THE DAY Nielsen begins each day with a regimen of listening to a news report from the United Nations. Then she checks in on the Pasadena Politics -- Moderated Facebook page to see what's happening locally. When she heads out, each day bringing something different. This week, she was trying to set up a "hack for human rights," which brings people together to solve human rights problems with technology. "My every day job is just to give an example of how you can affect change," Nielsen says. On a day-to-day basis, she uses mobile technology to help link people in need with human rights solutions. "There's more telephones than toilets in the world," she says. "And there's solutions available, but often they don't connect to the person in need." Another recent project included putting together suitcases of supplies for victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico, which she flew there to bring. Now she's distributing more of those suitcases to people affected by Southern California's wildfires. She also does a lot of work for the United Nations to support their programs overseas. SUPPORTING HER COMMUNITY Right now, Nielsen is spending a year at home, trying to engage her neighbors in civics. "That's hard because a lot of people think it's fast-food democracy, and no -- it's a slow-cooked pot," Nielsen said. She's a spokesperson for gender equality and disability rights, and a block captain for her neighborhood watch. She's also a political activist. As the Doo Dah Parade queen, she has invited groups ranging from local chapters of the Sierra Club to liberal group Indivisible to participate in this year's parade. In a year, she's planning to head back to Asia to continue her work with international development but for now, she's enjoying her time in Pasadena. OH YEAH, ALSO, HAVING FUN Through all of her activities, Nielsen tries to maintain a positive attitude. "No matter what I fight for in the world, if we don't have a place to live, we've got no alternative," Nielsen said. "But I also make sure I have a really good time. So I do the Doo Dah because I've got to remember what I'm fighting for." This isn't the first time Nielsen has served as royalty. In 2011, she was crowned Miss California World on a platform of funding higher learning for women and minorities, especially in the STEM fields. Nielsen had seen the Doo Dah Parade before. When she saw ads on social media for Doo Dah queen tryouts, which were set for the Tuesday before the midterm elections, she thought, "We just had a lot of bad stuff happen in the national news. People were fatigued -- getting out the vote, knocking on doors. And I thought, 'All my friends are suffering from burnout. We need to do something awesome.'" She invited her friends to watch her act crazy, throwing on her grandmother's evening gown and singing a Scottish drinking song for her audition. "I'm from Missoula, Montana, where people are encouraged to let your freak flag fly," Nielsen says. That spirit earned her the queenship. WHAT THE DOO DAH MEANS You can catch Nielsen performing her courtly duties this Sunday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m., when the Doo Dah Parade rolls through the streets of East Pasadena. Her pro tip: bring lawn chairs or step stools. She'll be joined by grand marshal Jamie Woolner, an Altadena pizza shop owner who made news earlier this week after taking a boat to rescue his grandparents from the Woolsey Fire. Nielsen and Woolner are also hosting a pre-Doo Dah Parade party on Friday night at Woolner's Pizza of Venice in Altadena, also serving as a fundraiser for the Red Cross. Part of what Nielsen loves about the Doo Dah Parade are the STEM skills that go into making the floats. "[The Doo Dah is] where science and creativity come together," Nielsen says. "Because that's the kind of stuff that allows people to think out of the box. That's what gets people to the moon." Look out for the royal float. Nielsen says it won't disappoint although it isn't motorized. "I'm bringing a little Montana to Pasadena," she says. Nielsen also promises, "It is the most Instagram-worthy event you're going to see all year." You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. 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 A month after the Los Angeles Times named Peter Meehan as its new food editor, the paper has announced who will fill the shoes of late restaurant critic Jonathan Gold. It's gonna take two people because those are some big shoes to fill. Bill Addison, Eater's national critic, and Patricia Escarcega, formerly the food critic for the Phoenix New Times, will become the new restaurant critics at the L.A. Times. The paper also hired Lucas Peterson, former host of Eater's Dining on a Dime and the Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times, to host a new video series and contribute to the food and travel sections. The three new hires all start in December. They join Meehan, acting food editor Jenn Harris, test kitchen director Noelle Carter and writers Andrea Chang and Amy Scattergood to round out what is, once again, a robust food section. In fact, this is probably the most robust food section the L.A. Times has had in more than a decade. Addison has been the national critic at Eater, wher he compiled many of the site's best-of restaurant lists. He previously reviewed restaurants for Atlanta magazine, the Dallas Morning News and the San Francisco Chronicle. An assortment of tacos: two wild boar tacos with roasted Anaheim chiles and two fried egg tacos with fava beans, fresh pigeon peas, sunburst tomatoes, pickled onions, chile del valle and chives. (Photo by T.Tseng/Flickr Creative Commons) Addison tells Take Two he has always been impressed by L.A.'s food scene. "I have been saying for years that Los Angeles is absolutely the most exciting food city in America. Two things that I have noticed in my frequent travels to Los Angeles: Number one is the dining public is incredibly engaged. I don't really think that a dining landscape, a city's food ecology, becomes excellent without diners of all kinds really willing to support restaurants of all kinds. Also, I find the chefs here have a really nimble approach to both tradition and innovation in any cuisine that they choose." Escarcega, who was born and raised in Riverside, is a food writer at the Arizona Republic and was the restaurant reviewer at the Phoenix New Times for three years. "I'm hardly the first one to say this, but Los Angeles is home to the richest, most diverse food scene in the country," she says via email. "Its mosaic of cultures and its proximity to some of the top agricultural valleys in the world are unparalleled. It's a city that's thriving on its diversity, on its abundance of quality products and on the determination of entry-level self-starters. It's an energetic city full of invention and possibility. It's been my favorite food city for many years, and I'd like to think that's not just because I have local ties to the area." Escarcega hopes her writing will lead readers to think deeper about what they're eating, especially in the age of Yelp, when everyone's a critic. "I'm interested in food criticism as an engaging and ongoing conversation. Eating is a basic human enterprise that cuts across all borders and sociological labels, so it's an accessible way to talk about what's happening in the culture at large. It's such a useful lens for talking about all kinds of things. My aim is to file reviews that help spark discussion about what's happening in Los Angeles, and what that means for the city and beyond," she says. Addison also believes the job of a restaurant reviewer goes beyond a thumbs up/thumbs down approach. "Good food critics offer context, they offer a narrative, they offer cultural parameters... how this restaurant, how this chef plays into the landscape, what neighborhood is he in. That's always the real work of a restaurant review. Peterson, in addition to hosting Dining on a Dime, is a Jeopardy champion and former actor. He speaks multiple languages including Mandarin, Spanish and German. The press release also said the Times is "currently developing additional platforms to produce and share coverage and building a new state-of-the-art test kitchen." A burrito in Los Angeles, circa 2011. (Photo by JOH_2189/Flickr Creative Commons) (JOHN JOH) You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now. Delivering the report, Vuong said after Vietnams accession to the convention, the Ministry of Public Security was charged with chairing and coordinating with sectors and localities to develop the first national report on the measures taken by Vietnam to fulfil the membership obligations. The report provides an overview into Vietnams implementation of the convention, its efforts and results in the implementation of legislative, executive and judicial measures and other measures to prevent and punish acts related to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also identifies shortcomings and challenges facing Vietnam while carrying out the convention and provides plans for effective implementation, Vuong stated. He went on to say that along with the improvement of the political system, the legal framework ensuring human rights and the right not to be tortured, and the prevention of torture-related acts, Vietnam has paid attention to increasing the awareness of officials and people of human rights and the fight against torture. The report also lists several cases involving torture and the use of inhuman treatment which have been investigated and prosecuted recently, he noted, adding the results of the cases show the severity of the law in punishing those involved in torture. The report shows Vietnam's dedication to implementing its commitments to human rights and the Convention against Torture in particular. Vietnam is one of the six member countries of the UN Convention against Torture to present its report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture during its 65th session, held from November 12 to December 7. The Committee against Torture brings together 10 independent experts to oversee the implementation of the convention by member states. The convention (also known as Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment) is one of the nine fundamental UN conventions on human rights. It was adopted on December 10, 1984 and became effective on June 26, 1987. Vietnam signed the convention on November 7, 2013 and ratified it on November 28, 2014. On March 17, 2015, it entered into force in the country. Sri Lanka and other developing countries consider the work of UNCTAD critically important for capacity building and other forms of technical assistance in all areas of trade interest impacting the achievement of 2030 SDG Agenda, stated Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, the Chairperson of the UNCTAD Trade and Development Commission concluding its 10th Session. Highlighting the importance of UNCTAD as a forum that advances a multi-pronged strategy addressing trade and development concerns and priorities of developing nations with the cooperation and support of developed countries, Sri Lankas Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva called for further strengthening of UNCTAD and its varied programmes. The Trade and Development Commission which commenced its deliberations on 12th November 2018 at its 10th session, ended on a confident note under Sri Lankas stewardship, adopting a set of Agreed Conclusions for its future focus, at a time when the multilateral trading system is under increasing strain. A number of international and regional groups including the Group of 77, the European Union, JUSCANZ (Japan, US, Canada and New Zealand Group), and the African Union contributed to the Commissions deliberations. Agreed Conclusions UNCTAD Press Release Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka Geneva 16th November 2018 In March 2010, as Eula Biss threaded her way through applause onto a stage at the New School in Manhattan, I sat next to the book critic for the Seattle Times. We watched Biss accept a National Book Critics Circle Award in criticism for Notes From No Mans Land. I will never see telephone poles the same way, Mary Ann Gwinn said, sotto voce. I nodded my assent, reminded of how economically Biss had transformed that mundane object into something sinister. Now Graywolf Press has reissued Biss penetrating essay collection a wise and welcome decision. In a moment when geography seems to have a stranglehold on political sensibilities, Notes From No Mans Land delivers nuanced regional dispatches from New York, California and the Midwest. And for both editions, a telephone pole stands sentinel on the cover. Time and Distance Overcome, the introductory piece, takes its title from an early advertisement for the telephone. (Americans have a long history of embracing tech as salvation see Jill Lepores marvelous new book These Truths.) Advertisement Rutherford B. Hayes called the installation of a White House phone one of the greatest events since creation. But other citizens angrily chopped down telephone poles as intrusions. In Oshkosh, Wis., the mayor ordered the police chief and fire department to dismantle them. In other spots Belleville, Ill.; Pine Bluff, Ark.; Purcell, Okla.; Springfield, Ohio the new structures were adopted for lynching. Mobs and murderers lynched black men from telephone poles in all but four states. The poles, of course, were not to blame, Biss writes. It was only coincidence that they became convenient as gallows, because they were tall and straight, with a crossbar, and because they stood in public places. A reader of Biss or Isabel Wilkerson or Ibram X. Kendi is better equipped to ponder news of violence against black bodies, less likely to respond with an incredulous this is not our country. Looking back less than a decade, some of Biss words can seem prescient. Eula Biss (Graywolf Press) In the title essay, Biss describes her mixed-race cousin traveling in South Africa and passing for white. She was not prepared to be reminded at every possible opportunity, that she was not safe and that she must be afraid, Biss reports. And she was not prepared for how seductive that fear would become, how omnipresent it would be, so she spent most of her time there in taxis, and in hotels and in safe places where she was surrounded by white people. When she returned home she told me, I realized this is what white people do to each other they cultivate each others fear. Its very violent. Rereading that passage puts one in mind now of Steve Bannon, and the title Bob Woodward gave for his book on the current president. Biss best known for her excellent 2014 book On Immunity: An Inoculation, which explores the mythic, scientific and cultural soup around vaccinations is a 41-year-old professor at Northwestern University. A child of a poet and a doctor, young Eula grew up in rural upstate New York. Both parents seem to undergird her clear eye, crisp wording and unpretentious sentences. No Mans Land samples remarks from neighbors and husband, sprinkled with a bit of Herman Melville, Marilynne Robinson and Toni Morrison. But mostly, Biss is worth quoting. Perhaps the best essay is Back to Buxton. It centers on a place that is now just a stack of bricks and a small flock of gravestones in a farmers field, but was once an unincorporated mining camp of five thousand, an integrated town with a majority-black population in the mostly white state of Iowa during the Jim Crow era. Buxtons 20 years of flourishing before the mine gave out is an astonishing reckoning with a recovered history, worth the price of the book. (The chapter is excerpted online at Lithub.) Other entries and Biss serious jones for Joan Didions versions of California and New York are less successful, although her unvarnished frankness on the loneliness of New York City remains a standout of its ilk. In a vulnerable spot, a Manhattan plumber lends Biss a hand, giving rise to my sickening realization that Sal was helping me because I was white. He made me aware of this face with a barrage of racial slurs that I failed to respond to with anything but silence. Silence because I needed his help and I suddenly understood the contract. White women, as a demographic cohort, tipped the election to Donald Trump. Biss is an unusual one for having spent decades pondering her whiteness, a preoccupation she doesnt like to attribute to her multiracial family. Families, inspected across time and marriages, are ipso facto multiracial. When a youthful Biss first moved to San Diego, the apartment she could afford was 10 blocks from the bus stop but nestled among four liquor stores. She took work as a reporter with the African American newspaper, the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint. She reported on a riveting custody case, but quit before it resolved. In the notes, she states she wont be contacting her protagonist, a grandmother, for the sole purpose of satisfying my curiosity, or yours. Biss probably made the right choice in leaving journalism. And yet this is a writer whose unorthodox approach awakens fresh delight. There is nothing of the scold in her; her insights are startling and sly, even if we long to argue some of her points. Only something that continues to hurt stays in the memory, Frederick Nietzsche wrote in his book On the Genealogy of Morality. Biss seems to want our national pain to hurt more productively. Perhaps Notes From No Mans Land will be a lasting contribution to the cause. Karen R. Long is the manager of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, part of the Cleveland Foundation. Notes From No Mans Land by Eula Biss (Graywolf) Notes From No Mans Land: American Essays Eula Biss Graywolf Press: 256 pp., $16 paper * The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)s leader Kim Jong-un visited the test site of a new tactical weapon in his first such public inspection since last year, hailing it as a "display of our rapidly-growing defence capabilities," state media said on November 16. * Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi discussed bilateral ties in Singapore on November 15 and vowed to boost the cooperation between the two countries. * Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US special envoy on Iran, Brian Hook, on November 15 in Jerusalem to discuss moves against the Islamic republic. * An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck east of a provincial capital in the Solomon Islands on November 16, the United States Geological Survey said. * New Zealand police and customs officials said on November 16 they seized 190 kg (420,000 pounds) of cocaine with a street value of up to NZ$36 million (US$25 million) that arrived in Auckland in a shipment of bananas, the country's largest-ever drug bust. * US Vice President Mike Pence said on November 15 President Donald Trump plans to meet DPRKs leader Kim Jong-un in 2019 and will push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyang's moves to end its arms programs. * The Saudi Public Prosecution (SPP) on November 15 revealed the details about the murder of Khashoggi, saying he was murdered with the injection of a drug with his body dismembered, after his altercation with a group of Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. * About 81 illegal immigrants rescued off Libya's western coast have refused to leave the rescue ship in the coastal city of Misurata, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on November 15. * The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials marked on Thursday (November 15) 30 years for Palestinian declaration of independence, calling for the world's endorsement of Palestinian statehood despite continuation of Israeli occupation. * Pressures were mounting Thursday on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call for early elections amidst turmoil sparked by defense minister's resignation following an agreed cease-fire with Gaza. * Jordan and Iraq on November 15 agreed to further boost cooperation, especially in the economic fields. In talks in capital Amman, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Iraqi President Barham Salih discussed bilateral cooperation in areas of investment, transport and commerce. Critics have been praising the songwriting of Jeff Tweedy for nearly 30 years, from his early days with country-punk band Uncle Tupelo to his most recent group, Wilco, which debuted in 1994. Tweedy chronicles his journey through the music scene in his new book, Lets Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording With Wilco, Etc. In his book, he candidly discusses the breakup of Uncle Tupelo; his life with his wife, Susie, and their sons, Spencer and Sammy; and his much-publicized struggle with an addiction to painkillers. Hes got a debut solo album, Warm, coming out Nov. 30, but the memoir hit shelves Tuesday. Tweedy spoke to The Times via telephone from Chicago, where he lives. This interview has been condensed and edited. People sometimes have an impression of you as being kind of a private person, but this book is deeply personal. How do you feel about that? Advertisement I dont know. I dont really feel like an overly private person, and I feel like theres so much stuff out there already about me. Maybe Im naive, but I just dont get a strong sense that I should be worried about something coming down the pike. I generally try to be pretty open and honest when I get asked questions in interviews, and I just tried to do that in the book, and answer questions that I dont get asked very often, questions Ive never been asked. I guess there might be, if I was told to sit and think about what might be embarrassing, I might feel exposed. I guess I could think of a few things that I shared that would feel, depending on whos reading it, maybe a little bit like oversharing. I erred on the size of oversharing, I think. Jeff Tweedy, with Nels Cline, left, playing with Wilco at the Ace Hotel in 2016 (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) You write about some difficult times in your life in the book. Did you find that therapeutic? No. Ive done enough therapy that I didnt need to write a book for any kind of icing on the cake. [Laughs] Most of the things I wrote about were pretty well publicized, things Ive gone through. And so it was just a chance to maybe color in the contours of the stories a little bit more from a perspective where I get to control the narrative, you know? It didnt feel therapeutic as much as it felt like a better telling of the story than the general narrative. You write in the memoir that books are your companions. Can you talk about some of the authors who you admire, and how theyve influenced your music or your writing? The author David Markson, starting with Wittgensteins Mistress the guy must know more about sentence structure and grammar than any person alive. I dont know how hes really able to put so much into single sentences, but Ive read a lot of his work and I tend to walk around thinking in his short paragraphs and sentences after I read his stuff, or at least my approximations of it. I think its an influence, although I cant point to any specific place where it would be evident. I think the way art influences me is it gives you a target to aim for, not necessarily that you want your art to be like that, but that you want your art to be that good, or to do for someone else what that art has done for you. Jeff Tweedy plays with Wilco at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012 (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) George Saunders wrote the liner notes for your upcoming album, Warm. How did that come about? George is one of those people I was just talking about. He sets the bar for me all the time. I love him so much, and Ive gotten to be friends with him over the years. Were pretty good pals. I send him stuff all the time. I sent him Warm months and months ago, so I knew that he had it already. We started talking about including like old-style liner notes when we were talking about putting the record together. So I reached out to him and asked him if hed be interested in doing it. He whipped up like 3,000 words, and we had to pare it down to 1,000 or so. Hes such an inspiring writer and an even better person, so I feel very fortunate. To be honest, its a little embarrassing, its like I wrote it myself in some fever dream of ego. And you mention William H. Gass in the book, and that he maybe had an influence on songs like A Shot in the Arm. Yeah, William H. Gass, maybe almost to a fault, is able to use simile and metaphor in this extraordinary way that it becomes, over the course of a novel, too dense and can be a little bit unnerving to unravel all of those metaphors all of the time. But in smaller doses, for me, hes been a constant companion. Im always carrying around some of his work, it seems like. Youre one of the voices on the audiobook version of Saunders Lincoln in the Bardo, werent you? Yes, and so were Spencer and Sammy. It went by pretty fast, since there are so many characters in that book. Have you ever considered writing fiction yourself? Nah, not really. I dont think so. Im just happy I got over my fear of writing prose, so Im taking smaller steps. [Laughs] Do you feel like the new album and this book have similar themes? Its your first solo record, so Im wondering if the albums a little more personal for you. It is more direct, and I was kind of teaching myself how to be more confident as a prose writer and get the story on the page to read clearly, and unclutter things and not be so vague, trying to be a little bit more precise and economical. I think that forced me to stay in that mind-set when I finished the lyrics for the record, so I think some of that comes through. And certainly some of the things I was thinking about in writing the memoir ended up in the lyrics. Do you still write poetry? You published your collection Adult Head in 2004. I write poetry, but really only in an effort to have raw material to cannibalize for my songs. I do it as a preliminary exercise that I enjoy, trying to make language do things that are exciting to me. But Im kind of at the point in my life where I just feel like I prefer writing lyrics, sharing lyrics with the world through songs. So I just kind of cannibalize poems for lyrics. Uncle Tupelo, from left: Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy and Mike Heidorn. The band broke up in 1994. (Mark Katzman / Associated Press) Have you been reading anything interesting lately? Ive been doing so many interviews and talking so much, Im kind of over language when I get home. [Laughs] I guess theres a book by John Corbett called Vinyl Freak that came to my mind. Its about all these crazy, rare, out-of-print, pre-jazz records and stuff like that. Its just got a lot of enthusiasm for a topic that generally gets kind of treated with a certain amount of snobbery. There are these conversations in the book between you and your family. Did you reach out to anyone else you mention in the book while you were writing it? Not in the same way. I felt like Spencer, Sammy and Susie all needed to have a heads-up on what the book was going to reveal about things that are family matters. I checked in with my sister a little bit, because were pretty close, and I just wanted to get her blessing on being as honest as I can be about my other siblings. Is there any part of you that hopes or thinks that the book will help some of your fans who maybe are struggling with substance use or depression? Ive been told by a lot of people in the past 15 years since Ive been in recovery that Ive helped them, or that they found some inspiration to get better through my music, or through reading interviews. Thats always felt very touching, and its such a lovely thing to feel like youve played some small part in someones positive step in their life. So, yeah, I definitely hope that the memoir provides more of that if its needed somewhere. Schaub is a writer in Texas. As a chapter in the lesson plan instructing you to be careful what you wish for, let us consider the case of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and the ever-increasing possibility that he soon will be ousted over ethics concerns. Last week, President Trump said that Zinkes job was safe for the moment. But his tenure at Interior plainly is perched on a knife edge. His departure would remove from the Cabinet a member devoted to environmentally dubious oil drilling, to wasteful and foolish water projects and to feathering his own nest. That prospect warrants taking a close look at his likeliest successor, Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt. And to the possibility that, compared with Zinke, Bernhardt will be much, much worse. (Deputy Secretary Bernhardt) acts in accord with his ethics agreement ... not the opinion of rabid advocates whose primary purpose is character assassination. Interior Department spokeswoman Faith Vander Voort Advertisement Zinkes departure isnt a done deal, and theres been no indication that if hes ousted, Bernhardt will necessarily be his successor. But its proper to keep Bernhardts career in perspective as an example of the Washington revolving door made flesh. Bernhardt was a lawyer at the firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, which represented companies in the oil, gas, mining and agriculture industries, when he was first appointed to the Interior Department by President George W. Bush in 2001. When the Obama administration took office in 2009, Bernhardt returned to the Brownstein firm. There his client roster included pantloads of entities with current or potential cases within Interiors jurisdiction. As my colleague Bettina Boxall reported, Brownstein Hyatt sued Interior four times on behalf of Californias Westlands Water District, the nations largest irrigation district. And Bernhardt personally argued one case challenging endangered species protections for California salmon. Despite these potential conflicts or perhaps in recognition of them President Trump named Bernhardt deputy Interior secretary in late 2016. He was confirmed in July 2017, and promptly filed a disclosure letter listing 22 firms or individuals on whose cases he would have to recuse himself at least until mid-2019, according to executive branch policy. He also filed a financial disclosure revealing that he had collected $953,085 as a partnership distribution upon leaving the Brownstein firm to take up his government post. Since then, however, questions have persisted over whether Bernhardt really has kept his nose out of issues dear to the hearts of his former clients. One problem is that the connections between agency policies, Bernhardts role and the benefits to his former clients arent always direct or crystal clear. In August, for instance, Bernhardt produced an op-ed for the Washington Post that amounted to a broadside against the Endangered Species Act, the law over which he had sued Interior on behalf of Westlands. Bernhardts advocacy of a rollback of the law, as we observed at the time, would sit very warmly within the hearts of Westlands and other former clients. An Interior spokeswoman responded furiously to my question about whether the op-ed bespoke a conflict of interest for Bernhardt. This question is outrageous, Deputy Press Secretary Faith Vander Voort emailed me. She said Bernhardt is completely compliant with his ethics agreement and he takes it very seriously. The Administrations interest in improving the Endangered Species Act is significant and it is irresponsible to insinuate that it was driven by the Deputy Secretarys prior employment. Environmental and progressive land-use groups have kept a weather eye on Bernhardts activities and the fortunes of his former clients. What theyve seen isnt comforting. According to the Western Values Project, a progressive-funded Montana organization that has sought records relating to Bernhardts activities through Freedom of Information requests to the Interior Department (and says its received the cold shoulder in return) alleges in a lawsuit filed last month that many of Bernhardts former clients began receiving sudden and dramatic windfalls only months since his swearing in. One is Cadiz Inc., the developer of a putative water storage project in the Mojave Desert that paid the Brownstein firm $2.75 million in lobbying fees and 200,000 shares of stock while Bernhardt was at the firm; Scott Slater, a Brownstein attorney, currently serves as the Cadiz CEO. Within months of Bernhardts confirmation, Interior withdrew legal rulings adverse to Cadiz, giving the water project a new lease on life despite years of findings that its essentially useless and environmentally damaging. Cadiz is on Bernhardts recusal list. The Independent Petroleum Assn. of America, another outfit on Bernhardts list, benefited when Interior took steps to revise government agreements protecting the sage grouse. Did Bernhardt have a hand in this action? The IPAA certainly seems to think so. In March it joined nine other oil and gas industry groups to thank Bernhardt personally. The Western Values Project also notes that Bernhardt has led policy on development of the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge even though he had been the lead attorney for the state of Alaska in a 2016 lawsuit seeking an exploration permit for ANWR. As the lawsuit observes, Bernhardt has pushed for streamlined government reviews of exploration permit requests, describing the drawn out process for considering them as just nuts. Interior spokeswoman Vander Voort responded to the projects assertions in the same tone as her earlier statement: Deputy Secretary Bernhardt, she told me by email, takes his ethical responsibility very seriously, acts in accord with his ethics agreement and the advice he seeks and receives from ethics officials, not the opinion of rabid advocates whose primary purpose is character assassination. But thats not the end of Bernhardts potential conflicts. The Trump administration has been pushing hard for an enlargement of Shasta Dam in Northern California, despite the opposition of state officials and state law prohibiting the project. The expansion would come under the jurisdiction of the federal Bureau of Reclamation, which is part of Interior and therefore within Bernhardts authority. Who would this project benefit? Big water districts, notably Bernhardts former client, Westlands. According to the murky traditions governing Washington ethics violations, Zinkes error isnt that he may be dishonest, but that hes obvious his fingerprints on alleged conflicts of interest are too easy to detect. Bernhardts putative conflicts all have the virtue of deniability. At least one or two steps separate Interior actions from benefits flowing to his former clients, so who can say that hes violating his explicit promises to recuse himself? But that deniability could make an Interior Secretary Bernhardt much more dangerous than the hapless Secretary Zinke. 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. CNN has won the first round of its legal battle to get correspondent Jim Acosta back in the White House, delivering an embarrassing setback to President Trump and escalating his longstanding feud with the news media. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly granted the cable news networks request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Friday that restored Acostas White House press credential. Kelly ordered that Acosta be reinstated immediately. He did not rule on CNNs claim that the revocation of the journalists pass violated his rights under the 1st Amendment. But he said the White House did not provide Acosta with due process to legally remove his pass. Whatever process occurred within the government is still so shrouded in mystery that the government could not tell me at oral argument who made the initial decision to revoke Mr. Acostas press pass, Kelly said in his ruling. Advertisement The ruling followed a hearing held Wednesday in Washington, where lawyers for CNN and the White House faced off over the issue of press access. CNN had the broad support of other news organizations that believed the White Houses actions posed a challenge to press freedom. We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days, a CNN representative said in a statement. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press. The White House said it would abide by Kellys ruling which he read from the bench, but indicated it would create guidelines for reporters decorum. Today, the court made clear there is no absolute right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporters hard pass, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum in the White House. Acostas credential was revoked by the White House on Nov. 7 after a testy exchange with President Trump at a news conference. At one point, Acosta refused to relinquish the microphone to a White House aide who tried to retrieve it from him. It was the latest in a series of public confrontations between Acosta and Trump, who has repeatedly characterized CNNs critical coverage of him as fake news since the 2016 presidential campaign. CNNs suit filed Tuesday says the suspension of Acostas credential violates the 1st Amendments protection of free speech. It also says the way the administration revoked the pass, with no direct notice to Acosta or a written explanation detailing the decision, violated the 5th Amendments protection of due process and the federal Administrative Procedure Act. This severe and unprecedented punishment is the culmination of years of hostility by President Trump against CNN and Acosta based on the contents of their reporting an unabashed attempt to censor the press and exclude reporters from the White House who challenge and dispute the presidents point of view, the suit says. Responding to the CNN suit, lawyers for the White House said the Trump administration had broad discretion to regulate access to journalists and other members of the public. If the president wants to exclude all reporters from the White House grounds, he has the authority to do that, Deputy Assistant Atty. Gen. James Burnham said during the hearing. Theres no 1st Amendment right. The White House argued that Acostas behavior, which it described as rude and aggressive, was the reason for revoking his credential. When Trump was asked for his reaction to the judgment during remarks to reporters in the Oval Office, he reiterated the White Houses argument that decorum is necessary at press events and asserted that he and his aides will walk out on them if rules are not followed in the future. People have to behave, Trump said. If they dont listen to the rules and regulations well end up back in court and well win. But more importantly, well just leave. And then you wont be very happy because we do get good ratings. Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University and a former network news executive, praised the judges decision, which he said was not a surprise. The White House has lots of other ways to deal with the behavior of reporters, if thats their concern, but closing the gate to a news organization is not one of these ways, and its important that the court stood up and said that, Lukasiewicz said. Its not the first time a reporter has behaved in a way that a president doesnt like. Lukasiewicz said he thought CNN would reach a compromise with the White House rather than engage in a prolonged court battle. The law and the Constitution is very clear here, he said. Kelly did not issue a broad ruling on whether CNNs 1st Amendment rights were violated by the White Houses actions. CNN lawyers told the network that more hearings are likely to take place on the matter in the coming weeks. But legal precedent is on CNNs side. The networks lawsuit cites a 1977 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia involving the White Houses years-long denial of a request for a hard pass by Robert Sherrill, the Washington correspondent for the Nation magazine, a left-leaning publication. The ruling in Sherrill vs. Knight said that the protection afforded newsgathering under the 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of the press requires that this access not be denied arbitrarily or for less than compelling reasons. The court said a reporter denied a hard pass must be given notice of the factual bases for denial, an opportunity to respond to these, and a final written statement of the reasons for denial. CNNs suit received the support of more than a dozen news organizations including Fox News, where commentators have often echoed President Trumps criticisms of CNNs coverage. Rival news organizations came to the defense of Fox News in 2009 when the Obama administration attempted to exclude its reporters from interviews with officials that were offered to all other outlets. Fox News commentators were President Obamas harshest critics during his eight years in office, and he often complained about it in public and private. But the press credentials for the conservative-leaning network were never revoked. Fox News, the Washington Post, NBC News, the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times are among the entities that have said they will file amicus briefs on behalf of CNN. stephen.battaglio@latimes.com Twitter: @SteveBattaglio UPDATES: 3:10 p.m.: This article was updated with more background. 11:15 a.m.: This article was updated to include excerpts from the judges ruling. 9:25 a.m.: This article was updated with details on Judge Kellys ruling and comment from CNN and the White House. This article was originally published at 7:10 a.m. Boeings popular 737 MAX aircraft and one of its flight control systems are now in the spotlight after the aircraft suddenly plunged into the sea last month, killing all 189 people aboard the Lion Air flight. Investigators are still trying to figure out why the Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane crashed just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, but Indonesian authorities have pointed to a safety flight control feature designed to prevent pilots from losing control of the aircraft, according to Bloomberg. Read on to find out more about the plane, the system and whether Boeing could face liability for the crash. What is the Boeing 737 MAX? Advertisement The 737 MAX is the latest model of Boeings popular single-aisle, twin-engine jet. The plane first flew in 2016 and is a direct competitor to Airbuss A320 narrow-body jet. Compared to prior versions of the 737, the MAXs main selling point is fuel efficiency, said Richard Aboulafia, aviation analyst for Teal Group, an aerospace market research firm based in Fairfax, Va. Southwest Airlines said the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was expected to significantly reduce fuel use compared to the rest of its fleet, according to the airlines annual report, filed in February. The 737 MAXs advertised range is more than 4,430 miles, according to Boeing. Norwegian currently uses its 737 MAX aircraft to fly transatlantic routes from the Britain and Ireland to New York and Providence, R.I. Which U.S. airlines fly the 737 MAX? Southwest Airlines (operates 26), American Airlines (16) and United Airlines (eight). What is the system added to the 737 MAX that was reportedly involved in the Lion Air crash? The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, also known as MCAS, is intended to assist pilots by automatically pulling the nose of the aircraft downward so the plane does not stall, said Bjorn Fehrm, an analyst with Leeham Co., an aerospace consulting and market analysis firm based in Washington. The system was designed to kick in only during extreme situations when the plane is pushing past normal flight limits, he said. Fatal crashes have occurred when stall warnings werent heeded. In 2009, an Air France plane flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris plunged into the Atlantic Ocean after one of the pilots pushed the planes nose up, despite repeated stall warnings. The plane fell into the ocean after about four minutes. Its implemented to help the pilot when hes really in deep trouble, Fehrm said. Pilots do not receive an alert when the MCAS system activates, said Capt. Dennis Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Assn., which represents American Airlines pilots. Why was it added? The MCAS system was added to make it easier for pilots to control the aircraft in extreme scenarios and prevent it from pitching up and stalling, Fehrm said. The 737 MAX is the only Boeing plane with this system. To get more fuel efficiency, the 737 MAXs engines needed a bigger diameter. That means the outer casing of the engine, known as the nacelles, is also larger, Fehrm said. Because of that, the nacelles on the 737 MAX are located further forward on the wing than on previous versions of the 737. But those new engines now sit ahead of the aircrafts center of gravity and that creates more lift for the plane, which could pitch the aircraft up, Fehrm said. What was the reported problem with the system? Investigators believe a sensor that indicates the demand on and performance of the wing sent erroneously high data about the angle of oncoming air and the aircrafts wing to the MCAS flight system, which sent the plane into a dive. The Federal Aviation Administration sent an emergency notice last week to owners and operators of the 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 warning that incorrect data from that sensor could lead to repeated nose-down commands of the planes horizontal stabilizer. If not addressed, the condition could make it difficult for the flight crew to control the plane, leading to significant altitude loss and possible impact with terrain, the notice said. What has Boeing said about the plane? The company said it is taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this incident and is continuing to work with investigators and regulators. Boeing also said it has provided two updates for aircraft operators that re-emphasize existing procedures for these situations. We are confident in the safety of the 737 MAX, the company said in a statement. A Boeing official told the Wall Street Journal this week that the company decided not to give flight crews more details about the MCAS system so it would not overload pilots with too much information and technical data. What have pilots said about the plane? Tajer of the Allied Pilots Assn. said flight manuals for the 737 MAX aircraft did not have an explanation of the MCAS system. A union representing Southwest pilots told Bloomberg their manuals also did not include a description of the system. Its not uncommon to have a system on an airplane that assists you when things are going astray, said Tajer, who has flown the 737 MAX several times and flown 737 aircraft for 10 years. But its very uncommon, unprecedented, for pilots to be not made aware of, and airlines that fly the planes to not be shown this in some manual. Could Boeing be liable for the crash? Its too soon to say, says Ahmed Abdelghany, professor of operations management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universitys College of Business. Many more factors need to be investigated, such as reports that the angle of attack sensor was replaced before the crash and what kinds of maintenance procedures were followed, he said. All of that has to be investigated, Abdelghany said. I would say its too early to just blame Boeing. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga The fires that tore through California in the past week have reduced homes to ash, upending lives and leaving thousands in sudden need of shelter. But beyond the immediate challenges of finding a place to live in a state with a perpetual shortage of housing, property owners could face a number of challenges in trying to rebuild. Construction workers are in short supply. The costs of some materials are rising, thanks in part to President Trumps trade war. For the record: An earlier version of this story said that a recent survey found that those who lost their homes in last years fires reported being under-insured by an average of $317,000. The survey found that two-thirds of fire victims reported being under-insured, and those people were under-insured by an average of $317,000. The individual homeowner just has a nightmare ahead, said John Mulville, Southern California regional director for real estate research firm Metrostudy. In all, the still-burning fires in Northern and Southern California have destroyed more than 12,800 structures, swelling shelters and raising questions about whether its smart to rebuild in areas prone to wildfires. Advertisement In Butte County, flames wiped out 9,800 homes as of Friday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In the devastated town of Paradise, entire blocks have been pulverized and a tent city has cropped up in a vacant lot next to Walmart in nearby Chico. As classes at Oaks Christian School are canceled until after the Thanksgiving holiday, teachers help Seminole Springs mobile home park resident and homeowners association President Paulette Koenig sift through the remains of her home for a treasured The Woolsey fire, which torched Malibu and Thousand Oaks, has been less severe but still destroyed more than 600 structures. Any loss of housing is a hit in a state thats seen the cost of living soar. By some estimates, developers need to double the amount of homes they build each year just to stabilize housing costs. Experts say victims of the most recent fires could very well face hurdles similar to those experienced by survivors of last years horrific blazes in Northern California. There, flames destroyed more than 8,000 structures, including 3,000 homes in Santa Rosa. A Zillow analysis found that in the aftermath of those October fires, asking rent for vacant homes in Sonoma and Napa counties rose more quickly than areas nearby that were largely unaffected. If someone has homeowners or rental insurance, their policy may cover rent on a new home for around two years. But part of the problem in Santa Rosa was simply finding a place. Jeff Okrepkie, whose rental home in the Coffey Park neighborhood was destroyed, said he made frequent calls to landlords only to find there were no vacancies or that he needed to make a decision within a day. Okrepkie, his wife and kids lived with family for two months before they finally found a rental through a friend. We were calling in every favor, the 39-year-old commercial insurance specialist said. We got a little lucky. Others had it worse, and reports surfaced of illegal rent gouging amid the desperation. Today, rent growth has slowed in Sonoma and Napa counties to around 10% and 6%, respectively a reduction of about two percentage points from the peak after the fires. Out of 3,000 homes destroyed in Santa Rosa, 55 have been fully rebuilt and 788 are under construction, said David Guhin, the citys planning director. Guhin said labor and material shortages delayed work, as did fights with insurance companies. In the beginning, some builders poached workers off other job sites. Today, the problem is finding concrete. We are hearing five- to six- to seven-week backlogs to get concrete poured, he said. How to deal with an insurer after your home is burned down In some cases, people didnt have insurance or their policies didnt cover the entire cost to rebuild. According to a recent survey from United Policyholders, two-thirds of the victims from last years fires reported being under-insured, and those people were under-insured by an average of $317,000. Guhin said some individuals even shelled out for architectural work, only to show plans to a builder and discover their insurance wouldnt foot the bill to finish. They walked away, he said. Still, Guhin and others said the rebuilding effort was made easier by Santa Rosas actions to expedite permits and preapprove models from some builders so victims wouldnt have to go the custom-home route. Instead, they could turn to larger companies that typically get the job done sooner. Malibu is also setting up a center to expedite permits. But regardless of city actions, those who lost homes in flat areas of Point Dume may have an easier time rebuilding than those who lived on hillsides. Building on the flats, its just a lot easier, said John Allen, vice president of Santa Rosa-based APM Homes, which has opened a design center next to Coffey Park. The foundations can go in lickety-split. Even before the fires, builders were competing for a limited supply of construction workers. The industry blames a prolonged reduction in immigrant labor and the lingering impact of the financial crash. The cratering of construction jobs sent skilled workers fleeing to other industries, and many havent returned. In recent years, as the economy recovered, demand for new homes increased. The result has been good news for workers: In the first nine months of this year, average hourly wages for non-supervisory employees in residential construction rose an average of 6.1% over a year earlier, compared with just 2.7% for all employees. Material costs have also been on the rise, though. Thats partly because demand increased as global economies improved. The Trump administrations tariffs on steel and lumber also played a role. It helps that lumber prices have plummeted from recent highs and are now below year-ago levels as some supply bottlenecks in Canada have been resolved. Thats slowed the growth in building costs, said Kenneth Simonson of the Associated General Contractors of America. Still, prices for overall residential construction material and services jumped 6% in October from a year earlier. And Simonson said new tariffs on Chinese goods are likely to increase costs further. Not all insurance policies cover such increases. Because the housing stock is smaller in a rural community such as Butte County, the squeeze on supply and resources will be worse than in hard-hit areas closer to Los Angeles, such as Malibu and Thousand Oaks, experts said. There are also fewer architects, plumbers and carpenters that can be called upon. When Chris Morano, 59, lost his home in Coffey Park in Santa Rosa last year, he and his husband, Eric, had to turn to a contractor hundreds of miles away in Tulare County to get their four-bedroom house rebuilt like they wanted, at a price their insurance would pay. The contractor even had to bring in workers from Southern California. Today, the couple are living in Oregon as workers finish their home. But even when its done, theyre not certain to return. Morano worries that if he comes back, he wont be able to sleep without fearing hell once again awaken to flames licking his neighborhood. Times staff writers Matt Hamilton, Nicole Santa Cruz and Benjamin Oreskes contributed to this report. andrew.khouri@latimes.com Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter For Earl Banning, getting behind the wheel of a Tesla meant spending more than he ever had on a car. The 43-year-old Air Force neuropsychologist from Dayton, Ohio, ponied up $54,000 for a Model 3, figuring he would save on gas and keep the car for a long time. It was almost double what he had previously paid for a fully loaded Honda Accord. I call it the Tesla Stretch everyone Ive met who owns a Model 3 is willing to spend more to get into a Model 3, he said. When Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk first revealed the Model 3 at a late-night party in March 2016, the vehicle was expected to compete in the premium sedan market against the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. Instead, owners of mass market cars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Prius are opening their wallets for the sedan, signaling that the vehicle is pushing Tesla beyond its luxury niche and more into the mainstream. Advertisement The Model 3 is the key to Musks goal of bringing profitability to the 15-year-old company, which has struggled with production issues and self-inflicted controversies. The car is particularly popular with younger buyers, and Musk has pointed to the fact that customers are paying up for it as evidence that the Tesla brand still has strong pull with consumers. Tesla has captured lightning in a bottle, said Jeremy Acevedo, manager of industry analysis at researcher Edmunds, in a phone interview. Its hard to even benchmark the Model 3 against other cars because its broken the mold in so many ways. Tesla recently said that more than half the trade-ins for the Model 3 were from vehicles priced below $35,000. And there are signs that the sedans popularity is adding to pressure on rival carmakers who already are reeling from Americans move toward trucks and sport utility vehicles. In October, sales of cars such as the Accord and Prius continued to slip as deliveries of the Model 3 ramped up. Banning, the Air Force psychologist, got $16,000 from Tesla to trade in his Prius, an offer that was slightly above the Kelley Blue Book value. The cheapest Model 3 available right now starts at $46,000 before any tax credits, and features like the $5,000 Enhanced Autopilot can drive up the cost. For Eric Snapat, a 36-year-old from Burleson, Texas, it was a little scary to spend almost $60,000 on a Tesla. He used to drive a Nissan Altima, but is now carrying a six-year loan on a Model 3, an expense he says he can justify because he and his wife dont have kids. Other drivers are finding ways to offset the cost. Turo, a car-sharing marketplace, has more than 4,000 Tesla vehicles, including roughly 1,000 Model 3s, listed on the platform. In 2014, there were just 67 Teslas offered. Robert Preston, 26, bought a Model 3 in late July for $56,000 and charges renters $155 a day to use the vehicle. Its popular with city residents going on road trips, travelers and potential customers who want an extended test drive. Every weekend I have someone renting it, Preston said. From the outset, the Model 3 was supposed to be more affordable. Musk originally said it would cost $35,000 before options or incentives. But that version is not expected to enter production until next year, and the polarizing chief executive has made it clear that Tesla has to focus on selling higher-end versions first for the company to survive. I think they will still make a $35,000 version, but theyll configure it in such a way that no one will want it, said Gene Munster, an analyst at Loup Ventures. There are also questions about whether the demand for the car will be as strong once a federal tax credit for electric vehicles is cut in half next year to $3,750. Still, some potential customers are holding out hope for the cheaper model. Ray Nash got up at 2:30 a.m. to be among the first in line to place a reservation for a Model 3 at Teslas store in Santa Monica. That was back in March 2016, and hes still waiting. Im holding onto Elons promise, Nash said. Its really bittersweet seeing all the Model 3s driving around town when I was one of the first to place a deposit. But I still love what the company is doing, and I fully support the mission. On the gritty side of town, where charlatans, grifters and the unfortunate gather, there is a cranky guy in a suit with a wad of cash who knows, more intimately than your wife, the sins and excuses that put you in cuffs and made you utter those three despairing words: I need bail. The bail bondsman and the bounty hunter have been mythologized in film and television for years. They are confessors and opportunists, the mirrors that reveal how far from virtue we have slipped. Offering cash or chasing rewards, they play between absolution and penance, tracking fugitives and philosophizing in taverns and around campfires on the dark heart of human nature. Some, like Max Cherry (Robert Forster) in Jackie Brown have a tenderness that makes them susceptible to women at the center of trouble. Max may have a soft spot for a coy smile, but he is no fool. Hes written 15,000 bonds, wears a smart hairpiece, drinks his coffee black when the milk goes sour and knows as soon as Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson) strolls into his office that things are going to veer violent and complicated. You want me to know what a slick guy you are, he tells Ordell. You got stewardesses bringing you 50 grand. Now, you want me to speculate on what you do. Id say youre in the drug business, except the money is moving in the wrong direction. Ordell is an exasperating sort, menace draped in a chair. This isnt a bar, Cherry snaps. You dont have a tab. Advertisement Ordell has his own take on Cherry and his ilk: You know your bail bondsman dontcha? he asks accomplice Louis Gara (Robert De Niro) while the two are sitting in a van on a ragged Los Angeles street. You know all them is as crooked as a barrel of snakes, dontcha? You know your bail bondsman dontcha? Robert Forster in a scene from 1997s Jackie Brown. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images) That brand of underworld charm may be endangered on the big screen. A new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown will eliminate the practice of a defendant posting cash as a condition for release from prison ahead of trial. It will shut down bail bond offices across California, which accounts for roughly a quarter of the nations $2-billion bail industry. The law takes effect next year and bail companies have been collecting signatures in an effort to block the law and bring it to a referendum on the November 2020 ballot. The posting of bail began centuries ago in Anglo-Saxon England. The Heritage Foundation notes that the origin of the American bail bondsman is difficult to pin down, but most trace its lineage to late-19th-century San Francisco when brothers Peter and Thomas McDonough investigated by a grand jury for running a crime syndicate that included bribery and prostitution opened a bail bond firm out of their fathers saloon. Many countries have outlawed the practice of private bail, and states such as New Jersey, Kentucky and Illinois are either reforming or phasing out a system many view as unfair to minority and poor communities. I always tell people the bail business is disgusting and wonderful, Miles Soto, a former bail consultant and private investigator in Southern California, recently told The Times. Some bail agents are of the worst caliber. But when used correctly, bail can be used to help people in a wonderful way. Giovanni Ribisi as Marius/Pete, who hides out with a family running a bail bond business in the Amazon series Sneaky Pete. (Eric Liebowitz / Amazon Prime Video) The bail bondsman has been a fixture on Hollywood screens since at least 1933, when George Bancroft played corrupt Bill Bailey, a cigar-smoking raconteur and pool shark with a taste for socialites in Blood Money. Bailey has a matter-of-fact take on how the world works: The only difference between a liberal and a conservative man is that a liberal recognizes the existence of vice and controls it, while a conservative just turns his back and pretends it doesnt exist. Bounty hunter Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison) with his son/clone Boba Fett (Daniel Logan) in a viewing area at the Geonosis arena in 2002s Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. (Lucasfilm LTD) Cinematic bondsmen and bounty hunters have since galloped across the Old West (Henry Fonda in The Tin Star), wrestled with L.A. gangsters (George Raft in A Dangerous Profession), careened through space (father-son clones Jango and Boba Fett in Star Wars) or blasted their way, bound in black leather and drenched in makeup, through Americas Second Civil War (Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire). Bounty hunters and bondsmen tend to be more figures of action than verbosity. Help me, says a shot man to Jeff Bridges fugitive-searching marshal Rooster Cogburn in Joel and Ethan Coens True Grit remake from 2010. I can do nothing for you, son, says Cogburn, who raises his six-shooter and finishes him off. Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. (Wilson Webb / Paramount Pictures) John Waynes Cogburn was no more sentimental in the 1969 original: You cant serve papers on a rat, baby sister, he said after shooting a cornmeal-stealing saloon crook hed verbally served with a rat writ, writ for a rat. You gotta kill him or let him be. Steve McQueen spent his early career playing an Old West bounty hunter on the TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive and in his final film, The Hunter, he played the real-life, modern-day bounty hunter Ralph Papa Thorson (1980). John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn in 1969s True Grit for which he won an Oscar as best actor. (AFP/Getty Images) Crimes account keepers Etched into our history and folklore, bounty hunters and bondsmen are most often crimes supporting players, much like the pawn shop owner who often shares the same street of whispers and broken neon. They live between bad and good, crisscrossing through morality, vengeance and justice. They navigate the gray area where so much life unfolds, the place where men and women make accounts and factor in whether redemption is necessary if a soul can make one last score and slip away like a ghost through a keyhole. Giovanni Ribisis Marius, just out of prison in the Amazon series Sneaky Pete, was hoping to skate away from his troubles when he assumed the identity of his former cellmate Pete and joined his new familys bail bond business as a skip tracer a criminal trying to outsmart other criminals. One of the most memorable bondsman was Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano) in Midnight Run. A screamer in cheap shirts, he worries hell lose the bail hes posted if bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) doesnt get Jonathan The Duke Mardukas (Charles Grodin), an accountant who embezzled from the mob, out of New York and back to authorities in Los Angeles. In one scene, you can feel Moscones pain when Walsh calls him for more travel money. What do you need with $500 on a bus? asks Moscone. Why the ... arent you on a plane? Clint Eastwoods poncho-draped gunslinger and bounty hunter in Sergio Leones films For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly W rides a dusty, scoured land of beady-eyed smoking men, outlaws, rewards, whiskey and corpses. The 1960s spaghetti westerns, part of Leones Dollars trilogy, set the template for the restless, solitary and violent men that would shape Eastwoods career. He twirls six-shooters, fronts a perpetual cigar and has the squinted gaze of someone sizing you up for a coffin. Like the best bounty hunters, hes plainspoken about his intentions. Well [theres] such a big reward offered on you gentlemen that I thought I just might tag along on your next robbery, he says in For a Few Dollars More. Might just turn you in to the law. ALSO An Appreciation: Burt Reynolds ran through my youth as a charmer and a spinner of wiles This wrestling villain praises Hillary and invokes Obamacare. Meet the Progressive Liberal, whos body-slamming his way through Trump country Immigration. Technology. Trump. A lot has changed in small-town America. One Iowa town drew the line at its movie theater Paul Schrader wrestles with the sacred and profane in his new First Reformed From Sling Blade to Goliath: Billy Bob Thornton finds his peace See the most-read stories this hour Twitter: @JeffreyLAT jeffrey.fleishman@latimes.com Chinese Premier Li Keqiang poses for a group photo with leaders attending the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called on countries in the region to enhance equality-based consultation and mutual openness so as to maintain peace and prosperity in East Asia. Li made the remarks at the 13th East Asia Summit held Thursday afternoon in Singapore, which gathered leaders of the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States. Li said the East Asia Summit, launched 13 years ago, has become a major platform for dialogue and cooperation in East Asia and played an important role in boosting mutual understanding, maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting development and prosperity. He stressed that against the backdrop of rising instability and uncertainty on the global horizon, there is a need to uphold the concept of living together in harmony and win-win cooperation, enhance consultation on an equal footing and promote mutual openness so as to maintain peace and prosperity in East Asia. The Chinese premier made a five-point proposal for further increasing regional cooperation. Firstly, countries should adhere to multilateralism. China advocates the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, Li said, adding that China stands ready to work with all sides to safeguard the rules-based international order. Secondly, countries should safeguard free trade. Li called for concerted efforts to build an open world economy, support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at the core, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Thirdly, countries should make efforts to expedite regional economic integration. With regional free trade arrangements picking up steam, all sides should show political decisiveness to work toward an early conclusion of the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and advance openness, cooperation and inclusive development at a higher level, Li said. Fourthly, countries should boost regional cooperation on sustainable development. All sides should further promote cooperation in the key areas of energy and environment, education, finance, public health, disaster management as well as ASEAN connectivity, Li said. He said China will continue to hold seminars on new energy and maritime management, advocate joint research on earth science and promote inclusive development. Fifthly, countries need to conduct political and security dialogue and cooperation. Stressing that China advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, Li said China is willing to conduct cooperation with other countries in such areas as anti-terrorism, climate change and cyber security and hold a joint exercise on anti-terrorism in 2019. On the South China Sea issue, Li said a peaceful South China Sea is the common aspiration of all parties and in line with the interests of all countries in the region. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, he said. China is committed to pushing forward Code of Conduct (COC) consultations with ASEAN countries, and the two sides have worked out a single negotiating text this year, Li said. At the China-ASEAN summit on Wednesday, China and ASEAN members agreed to complete the first reading of the draft within 2019, Li said, adding that China also proposed to conclude COC consultations in three years, so as to allow countries in the region to safeguard with rules the peace, stability, free trade as well as freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea. China, said the premier, hopes for countries outside the region to respect and support the efforts in this regard made by their counterparts in the region. Leaders attending the summit agreed that the East Asia Summit has produced remarkable progress since its launch in 2005 and become a major part of the ASEAN-led regional open framework. All parties hailed the fruitful results produced in areas such as environment, energy, disaster control, connectivity, trade and maritime cooperation within the past year, and called for joint efforts to better synergize development strategies and enhance cooperation on sustainable development, connectivity and blue economy. The leaders agreed that countries also need to jointly address global challenges such as cyber security, terrorism and climate change and resolve regional hotspot issues via diplomatic means. They also pledged to speed up RCEP negotiations and enhance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in the region. The summit adopted several outcome documents including a statement on ASEAN smart cities. Ben Stiller, director and star of Zoolander, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Tropic Thunder, has turned to directing series television with a smart, watchable, elegantly made fact-based drama, Escape at Dannemora, beginning Sunday on Showtime. In eight hours it recreates the 2015 incident in which two convicts broke out of an upstate New York prison with the help of a prison employee with whom each was said to have carried on an affair. Patricia Arquette, shaping her body to the person she portrays, plays Joyce Tilly Mitchell, who supervises the tailor shop at the Clinton Correctional Facility, where convicted murderers Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano) work. As the series begins, she and Sweat, who knows his way around a sewing machine, are already having sex in the shop storeroom. Matt is a big man on the cell block, cool and quiet with an artistic streak; Del Toro gives him a kind of only half-calculated courtliness. It is a quiet performance, until events require something less quiet. He trades paintings with guard Gene Palmer (David Morse) for various favors that help maintain his position; they are as friendly, in their way, as any two people here. During one unexpected spot check, Palmer hustles Matt and his contraband painting materials through a locked door into a space that contains a catwalk that runs behind the cells. In that minute an escape plan is hatched, including Sweat, who occupies the cell next door, and Mitchell, who is sold her own dream of liberation for the price of some smuggled-in hacksaw blades. Patricia Arquette plays Tilly Mitchell, a prison employee aiding a breakout in Showtimes Escape at Dannemora. (Christopher Saunders / Showtime) Advertisement One watches the characters successes and failures, the creation and deterioration of their partnerships, with what might be called semi-detached but real interest. Though Dano, who memorably played Brian Wilson in the film Love & Mercy, has a sweetness that draws you to Sweat. Although the details of their crimes are held back to keep Matt and Sweat more or less relatable, they are not escaping from a prison more than ordinarily awful, a place so bad that it somehow minimizes their own crimes. The traditional sadistic warden is nowhere in sight though there is one difficult guard in order to create obstacles and put an antagonist into a story that is otherwise all (anti-heroic) protagonists. Not every prison getaway story needs to be as long as Dannemora The Great Escape got away in just under three hours but it works here, capturing both the regulated tedium of life behind bars and the sense that breaking out of Clinton was not something that happened quickly, even magically, but was the incremental labor of months, of resources slowly cultivated and barriers chipped away. At times, for contrast, the action proceeds in quick, cross-cutting montages, set to pop music, before shifting back into low gear. (The investigation and manhunt, which lasted three weeks, is compressed into the final, 90-minute episode; that too is the right dramatic choice and comes with the bonus of Bonnie Hunt as New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott, as she repeatedly introduces herself, and Michael Imperioli as Gov. Andrew Cuomo. We are watching a movie, always. Its pleasures are deeply cinematic. That it all happened, something like this, with people somewhat like this, feels almost beside the point. Measured but never dull, Escape from Dannemora works on its own terms, with no need of the factual justification upon which so many docudramas and biopics lean. (You do get the customary end titles, describing the characters subsequent fates.) Both the writing, by series creators Brett Johnson (Mad Men) and Michael Tolkin (The Player), and Stillers direction forego humor almost completely. With their crooked teeth, bad haircuts, doughy bodies and heavy regional accents, Tilly and her husband, Lyle (Eric Lange), who also works at the prison and can seem something less than perceptive, sometimes verge on comical. (That we regard them as such perhaps says more about us than about them.) But the acting stays clear of caricature; and Arquette, evoking something close to pathos in a self-justifying person who spends a lot of time feeling sorry for herself, is remarkable throughout. Tillys aspirations are unequal to her circumstances. The widescreen production is at times reminiscent of films of the late 1960s and 70s, a golden age of caper and true-crime films naturalistic and detailed but very much constructed. Some songs on the soundtrack reach back to the period, while Edward Shearmurs score, in the earlier episodes at least, brings in some of its signature sounds harpsichord, jazz flute, electric piano, funk guitar and conga. Stiller and cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagne make extensive use of traveling shots one that follows Sweat as he rehearses the complicated escape route through the bowels of the prison is particularly impressive to convey a sense of space and uninterrupted real time. You may feel you know these places pretty well before they let you out. Escape at Dannemora Where: Showtime When: 10 p.m. Sunday Rated: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under 17) ALSO: Ben Stiller uncovers his serious side with Escape at Dannemora, Showtimes latest auteur TV series Ben Stiller draws from his experiences as both a father and a son in two new character-driven films Patricia Arquette puts a spotlight on how Californias new equal-pay law will affect Hollywood robert.lloyd@latimes.com Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Hairdresser and Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness, known for his long, dark hair, handlebar mustache, scruffy beard and penchant for non-binary gender dressing, is adding stand-up comic to his increasingly diverse career. The perky Van Ness, who has more than 2.7 million Instagram followers, has been a pivotal part of this years Netflix reboot of former Bravo stalwart Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. And in September and October, he hit the road for a 10-night comedy tour that was filmed for a documentary-style, behind-the-scenes web series. Episodes of 10 Nights With Jonathan Van Ness began dropping this month on the YouTube page of Hotels.com, which sponsored his road shows. Van Ness, 31, said hes been honing his comedy skills his entire life. He cut his teeth on Funny or Dies Gay of Thrones, a recap parody focused on HBOs Game of Thrones, and has a longstanding podcast, Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness. Advertisement I feel like I was bitten by the stand-up comedy bug, Van Ness said recently. When I first met Margaret Cho in 2014 through Gay of Thrones, she said, Girl, you are so funny you really should be doing stand-up. Van Ness has had a busy year personally as well. He has been photographed on vacation in Hawaii, at the Emmys and just out and about with his new hunky, bearded beau, rugby player Wilco Froneman. The two have also been documenting their time together on Instagram. Hes great, Van Ness said. Hes really such a good guy. I havent had a man for a long time. So, yay me. When I first met him I thought we had sister energy. I did friend-zone him and then I was like, Oh, my God wait. The Queer Eye star has also fallen hard for fashion. For his eye-catching outfits, he has worked with stylist Alison Brooks (I didnt know I was a clothing addict until I met her, he said), and he often wears an array of looks that he says are just him exploring what he likes regardless of traditional gender roles assigned to clothing. Jonathan Van Ness at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 9 at the Microsoft Theater. (Paul Archuleta / FilmMagic) At the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards in September, Van Ness strolled the red carpet in a Maison Margiela mesh and sequin high-slit dress with Pierre Hardy platform booties on his feet, a Prada clutch in one hand and a tuxedo-wearing Froneman on his arm. Van Ness look sent the internet aflutter, as did his outfit a week later for the Primetime Emmys a flare-leg white suit by Stella McCartney, see-through high-neck blouse by Prada and a purple silk purse by the Row. He described his look in an Instagram post as, She came to slay, henny, before tagging his style team. I like to have fun with it. Im kind of like that with grooming too, he said, adding that his advice for bearded men is to skip having a chin strap and allow facial hair to go from the face down the front of the neck. I like to play. I like to explore. I dont like to be put into boxes. Queer Eye stars Jonathan Van Ness, from left, Bobby Berk, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Karamo Brown attend the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on Sept 17. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images) Thanks to making more money and being on social media, Van Ness said he has become a bit of a shopper. If your budget is Payless or if its Yves Saint Laurent, there is a way to inhabit your truth, he said about the importance of people being able to explore themselves through clothes. As for his fashion-spending habits, he said jokingly, I think I will end up in my moms basement no matter what no matter how successful I am. My mom is great. I think shed be such a fun roommate. Jonathan Van Ness (Beatrice de Gea / For The Times) Fans of the Queer Eye reboot its tear-jerker television for some binge watchers know the show picked up three Emmys in September, including structured reality program and casting for a reality program. And this month the Queer Eye cast was named Out magazines entertainers of the year; they also have a new self-help book, Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life (Clarkson Potter, $29.99) out now. From the Fab Five, I learned oh, my God, I think I could cry they are four of my best friends, Van Ness said. They are just really, really good people, and weve all learned how to celebrate each other. Jonathan Van Ness in a scene from Netflixs Queer Eye reboot. The series won three Emmy Awards in September. (Netflix) Co-host Tan France, Van Ness said, also taught him about creating healthful boundaries in life. And after shooting Queer Eye in Atlanta and Kansas City, Mo., he has learned a big lesson about humanity: that despite differences in politics and beliefs, people have similar wants and desires. More unites us than divides us, but what divides us gets more [online] clicks, he said. Drama sells more. As for his exploration into comedy, Van Ness was able to fulfill one of his dreams through the tour, which included a Los Angeles stop billed as Jonathan Van Ness & Friends. (The tour recently wrapped up in Washington, D.C.) Jonathan Van Ness at the Nov. 5 premiere of the web series Hotels.comedy Presents: 10 Nights With Jonathan Van Ness, a behind-the-scenes look at his national comedy tour. (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Hotels.com) Late on a Sunday night in October, just hours before hed return to shooting Season 3 of Queer Eye, Van Ness hit the stage at the Hollywood Improv on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles before a packed audience. He spent the evening introducing the nights other comedy acts, telling colorful stories jokes and sharing fanboy moments about one of his childhood and adulthood obsessions gymnastics. (He owns a massive VHS collection of gymnastics meets and can rattle off facts about gymnasts as if he were on Jeopardy!) For the occasion, Van Ness wore joggers and a light-colored cropped sweatshirt with reflective elements that appeared to send beams of light into the audience from the stage lighting. A camera crew was there to capture all of the action. Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos and Jonathan Van Ness attend Sarandos 2018 Netflix Emmy nominee toast on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for Netflix) I was really feeling like impostor syndrome before I even did it, he said the next day over a burger and carrot juice lunch at the London West Hollywood hotel. For the occasion, he wore a blue turtleneck sweater dress and brown knee-high boots. There are so many people I look up to and Im a fan of [Cho] and Joan Rivers and Lisa Lampanelli and Kathy Griffin and all of these women, said Van Ness, who grew up watching Will & Grace and Queer as Folk and is a fan of Ellen DeGeneres and Janeane Garofalo. People who have been stand-up comedians have been giving their entire professional life to this, and I have been in a salon and on my feet doing hair this whole time. When Queer Eye was about to come out in February it was between November of last year and February I was like, Let me just try. Ill just see. I did a little storytelling thing here and I did a little five-minute [comedy] set here. I went around L.A. and tried a little bit, and by the second time, I was like, Oh, no. I have a new obsession. But which is he into more comedy or hair? Jonathan Van Ness with a guest at the premiere event for the new web series Hotels.comedy Presents: 10 Nights With Jonathan Van Ness on Nov. 5 in New York. (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Hotels.com) I definitely want to keep doing comedy and keep doing stand-up, said Van Ness, who runs L.A.-based MoJo Hair with business partner Monique Northrop. Im a firm believer in the law of abundance. I think theres enough Jonathan to do both. I was a pretty busy hairdresser before this happened. The only reason I got to this point in my career or in my life is because Ive been willing to be myself in public. He paused to take a bite of his burger. And then it happened. A piece of the sandwich broke free, falling in what seemed like a slow-motion Hollywood tumble. Noooo, Van Ness said. Missed it. Thank God. Not on this dress. Laughter filled the room. marques.harper@latimes.com Follow me at @marquesharper on Twitter. The Los Angeles Times has hired two critics to bring weekly restaurant criticism back to the pages of the paper after a months-long void following the death of Jonathan Gold. Bill Addison, the national food critic at Eater, and Patricia Escarcega, a food writer at the Arizona Republic and former restaurant critic at the Phoenix New Times, have been named to the positions. They will split duties, filing reviews on restaurants throughout Southern California (and occasionally beyond) with neither one limited to a geographic area or type of cuisine. Both will review anonymously. Their hires mark a return to the paper having two restaurant critics: Gold and S. Irene Virbila shared the role from 2012 to 2015. Advertisement In addition to the new critics, The Times also announced Friday that it has hired Lucas Peterson to launch and appear on a number of new food video series; he will write food and travel articles for the paper as well. Peterson has been the Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times for nearly three years and producer and host of Eaters longest-running video series, Dining on a Dime, since 2015. The hires are the latest in a major expansion for the Food staff, which has been rebuilding after Gold died in July of pancreatic cancer. The team has grown to eight people from three, and is ramping up its coverage of food, restaurants and cooking across multiple platforms. Play our holiday gift guide game and find presents for everyone This new group of talent an A-list of diverse journalists with varied backgrounds represents a step forward in The Times commitment under Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiongs ownership to create comprehensive, engaged and world-class coverage of the citys food scene, said Peter Meehan, who joined the papers Food section as contributing editor in October. Executive Editor Norman Pearlstine said that the paper, from its vantage point in L.A., is uniquely able to tell the story of California food, cooking and dining. Todays announcements demonstrate our continuing commitment to expand our coverage and our ability to attract some of the worlds best food writers and critics, he said. Addison has been the national critic and restaurant editor at Eater since 2014, and previously reviewed restaurants for Atlanta magazine, the Dallas Morning News and the San Francisco Chronicle. In the last year, he traveled for 34 weeks and ate nearly 600 meals in 36 cities around the country. His premier annual list, Americas 38 Essential Restaurants, was released Tuesday and included four L.A. picks: Mariscos Jalisco, Parks BBQ, Heres Looking at You and n/naka. A separate post revealed the three restaurants that almost made the coveted 38; Taco Maria in Orange County was one of them. I can think of no other city Id rather call home than Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is the capital of American food in the 21st century, Addison said. Its where so much is happening that steers the conversation around food today. Its incredible multiculturalism reflects who we are and how we relate to one another through dining. Gift wrapping ideas, tree lightings and where to shop for the holidays Im not a stranger to this city, he added. I dont know it intimately yet, but I know it well enough to know how and where to jump in. The job will be a homecoming of sorts for Escarcega, who was born and raised in Riverside. Even though I didnt get to eat out much growing up, food was a huge part of my childhood, she said. My brother and I were definitely not raised on tasting menus. It was a lot of great home cooking. She recalls eating caldo de res on Sundays at her grandmothers house nearby and childhood trips to downtown L.A. with her family to get lunch on Olvera Street. Escarcega has ties to a local piece of Mexican American food history: Her grandmothers aunt, Lucia Rodriguez, founded Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino in the 1930s. The restaurants crispy tacos dorados are said to have inspired Glen Bell to open Taco Bell, which popularized hard-shell tacos. Escarcega was the restaurant critic at the Phoenix New Times, an alt weekly, for three years. In Los Angeles, she said she will look for restaurants that reflect where Los Angeles is at the moment. Its an embarrassment of riches in Los Angeles, and getting to write about that scene is a huge honor, she said. Jonathan Gold was a longtime writing hero of mine, and what I enjoyed was how deeply omnivorous and egalitarian he was. He would eat anything and anywhere, and I really admired the way he acknowledged that no one food is better than another. Thats pretty much my ethos. Peterson is a Jeopardy champion and former actor who speaks several languages including Mandarin, Spanish and Dutch and has traveled extensively around the world for his Frugal Traveler column and Dining on a Dime. He has lived in L.A. for 12 years and has also written for GQ, Lucky Peach and the New York Times Magazine. Peterson said he was excited to be joining the Food team during a renaissance of sorts for this beloved institution. I am truly looking forward to helping improve the already outstanding coverage of L.A.s incredible food scene and bring some new dimensions to our coverage, including different video and multimedia projects, he said. All three will begin at The Times in December; reviews will appear in the new year. andrea.chang@latimes.com Twitter: @byandreachang Instagram: @byandreachang 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 They were sleepy places: Paradise, Magalia, tiny Concow (population 710 at the last Census count). When flames swept through them last Thursday morning, many escaped down the narrow, winding roads that kept them tucked away, a little off the beaten track. Others were home sick in bed, listening for updates on the radio. They were frantic to save their pets, put necessities in their cars and drive off. At last count, though the number climbs daily, 63 people had lost their lives in the Camp fire, already the deadliest in Californias recorded history. Advertisement With 631 more people listed as missing, the dismal search in the smoldering rubble continued. For a number of those who died, these small, woodsy spots tucked in the Sierra foothills were a refuge from the world. John Digby, a 78-year-old Air Force veteran, had come to Paradise to retire. Ernest Foss, a 63-year-old rock n roll musician, moved there after he was priced out of San Francisco. Debbe Morningstar, years ago, had followed her sister, who eventually lured much of the family up from their homes in Downey and Corona. LIVE UPDATES: The latest on the California fires Morningstar decided to not evacuate, said her niece Alison Holguin, 38. She lived alone with her cats and, during previous fires, had been through both the packing and the unpacking several times. Holguin said her family had held out hope until they received a phone call Monday morning from the Butte County Sheriffs Office. They were told her aunt had not survived. Morningstar, 65, had lived in Paradise more than 30 years. Her sister Becki Nelson lived just five minutes away. Their family get-togethers always were full of music and laughter, Holguin said. Morningstar was funny and sarcastic. She would play the piano while her sisters sang in harmony. They had a soft spot for John Denver and loved Billy Joels The Longest Time. There was always this joyful noise in our home when we would gather, Holguin said. Foss, who moved to Paradise eight years ago, knew how to play guitar, bass guitar, drums and saxophone. He used to perform with bands around San Francisco. Foss was only 20 when he became a father. Then he found himself a single parent. He eventually gave up his band life to take care of his three children. He raised them in a small Bay Area cottage, equipped with a recording studio. He taught music lessons from there and also helped his daughter Angela Loo learn to play her violin. He had a beautiful voice, Loo said. He had a crazy wild life and then he had kids and then he did his best to do right by us. Paradise vows to rebuild even as death toll and number of missing rises For 10 years, Foss had been struggling with a condition called lymphedema fluid retention, which left his arms and legs badly swollen and kept him pretty much bedridden. He told Loo that if something ever happened to him, she should go through his extensive vinyl collection, which he planned to give to a friend. I hid stuff for you in the dust jackets, he told her. Authorities told Loo that her fathers body had been found outside his home near his minivan, next to the remains of Bernice, his service dog. His stepson and caretaker, Andrew Burt, had yet to be found. When the fire began, John Digby, a soft-spoken man, was in bed, feeling sick and on the phone with his son, Roman, who lives in Minnesota. While he was still on the phone, a neighbor knocked on his door. Digby ignored the sound, unaware of the messengers warning to evacuate. Neither father nor son understood that a fire was raging outside. Hours later, Roman called his father again, but all he got on the other end was static. He Googled Paradise and Google told him that fire had engulfed the town. Carl Wiley, 77, lived in nearby Magalia. He was a veteran whose whose family was from much farther north, Alaska. Hed lived for decades in Butte County, where he refurbished tires, his son James Wiley told CBS in Sacramento. After the blaze came to Concow, family and friends of Jesus Fernandez, 48, who was known as Zeus, started searching for him and his German shepherd. Myrna Pascua, a family friend, said in a written statement that Fernandez was a loving father who would be sorely missed. He was a tireless provider, a dependable and loyal friend, she said. Back in Paradise, people who escaped the fire wonder if their town will live on. The blaze destroyed thousands of their homes, as well as their churches, restaurants and schools. So many residents were retirees on fixed incomes. Their peace of mind came being home, in the comfort of everyday routine. Phyllis and Christopher Salazar had a place on Sawmill Road. They had raised a big family: one biological son, five adopted children and three foster children. There were so many of us that it was like a party at the house every day, said foster daughter Anita Razo, 58. Dad, a retired postal worker, was kind and understanding. Mom, who stayed home with her brood and lent a hand as a church accountant, was caring and often strict. The whole family went to church every Sunday. At Christmas, the couple used to take the kids camping in the Ventura County mountains, but theyd be back in time for a big Christmas dinner. Once the kids were out of the house, life slowed down for Phyllis, 72, and Chris, 76. Phyllis used to go around town, taking the elderly to doctors appointments. When Chris health worsened and he needed a motorized scooter to get around, she cared for him and refused to consider a nursing home. This week, Razo found comfort in knowing that her mom and dad had each other until the end. She remembered his words, the ones hed always tell his kids in times of trouble: Dont fret too much. Things have a way of working out. Along those lines, she said of her parents, it probably would have been their wish to go together. sonali.kohli@latimes.com | Twitter: @Sonali_Kohli andrea.castillo@latimes.com | Twitter: @andreamcastillo colleen.shalby@latimes.com | Twitter: @CShalby esmeralda.bermudez@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATBermudez Education Secretary Betsy DeVos unveiled sweeping changes Friday to campus sexual misconduct rules that would bolster the rights of the accused and give colleges more flexibility in how they handle Title IX cases. The long-awaited rules make key changes to former guidelines from the Obama administration, including a tighter definition of sexual misconduct, reduced responsibility for colleges to investigate complaints, and the right for advisors on all sides to cross-examine those involved. DeVos said her aim was to restore fairness and rebalance the rights of the accuser and accused in the increasingly contentious arena of campus sexual assault. As more victims step forward to report cases, emboldened by a more supportive national environment, hundreds of alleged offenders across the nation have fought back with lawsuits saying that colleges violated their due process rights by rushing to unfair judgments. Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment, DeVos said in a statement. That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on. Advertisement Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined, she said. We can, and must, condemn sexual violence and punish those who perpetrate it, while ensuring a fair grievance process. Those are not mutually exclusive ideas. They are the very essence of how Americans understand justice to function. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in education by schools that receive federal funding. It is mainly relevant to higher education but also covers K-12 schools, although DeVos made distinctions between them in her proposed rules. The rules drew immediate, sharply divided reaction. Some hailed the changes as long overdue. Others condemned them as a rollback of protections that would make it more difficult for students to report sexual assault and easier for colleges to ignore them. Jess Davidson, interim executive director of End Rape on Campus, said the proposed rules were worse than we thought. It will return schools to a time where rape, assault and harassment were swept under the rug, Davidson said in a statement. Sen. Dianne Feinstein expressed fears that the rules would silence victims and endanger students. We refuse to let this administration drown out the voices of victims in favor of their accusers, the California Democrat said in a statement. Suzanne Taylor, the University of Californias interim systemwide Title IX coordinator, said in a statement that the proposed changes will reverse decades of well-established, hard-won progress toward equity in our nations schools, unravel critical protections for individuals who experience sexual harassment, and undermine the very procedures designed to ensure fairness and justice. Supporters said the rules would better ensure fairness in proceedings they believe have become too skewed against the accused. Finally theyre issuing rules to reinforce the rights that already are well established and should be uniformly applied, said Mark Hathaway, a Los Angeles attorney who has represented more than 150 students accused of sexual misconduct. Its been a long time coming. The proposed new federal rules would for the first time require colleges and universities to allow cross-examination during mandatory live hearings in misconduct cases, though parties would not question each other directly. Both sides would have equal opportunity to present witnesses and access evidence. And the person who makes the ultimate finding could not be the same person who investigated the complaint, addressing widespread criticism that Title IX coordinators often act as prosecutor, judge and jury. Hathaway said California courts already have begun ordering colleges to restore due process rights to accused students. In recent cases against Claremont McKenna College and UC Santa Barbara, he said, the state Court of Appeal found that respondents had the right to question their accusers. Taylor, however, said in an interview that the prospect of cross-examination, probably by an attorney, would intimidate victims and witnesses and discourage them from stepping forward. The new rules also would adopt the U.S. Supreme Courts definition of sexual harassment, which requires conduct to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the schools education program or activity. Obama-era guidelines defined sexual harassment only as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that was so severe or pervasive that it denied or limited access to education. They did not require the conduct to be objectively offensive or deny access. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, which promotes free speech on campuses, welcomed the narrower definition. It would eliminate the confusion that has led institutions nationwide to adopt overly broad definitions of sexual harassment that threaten student and faculty speech, said Samantha Harris, a foundation vice president. But Taylor said the change would sharply reduce victims ability to win justice. She said she also was concerned that the regulations reduce the responsibility of colleges to respond to complaints, requiring it only if authorities had actual knowledge of misconduct that occurred within their own programs or activities. Currently, colleges are held responsible for investigating misconduct they know or should know about even if it occurs off campus if the assault affects the victims education. Colleges also would have the option under the rules to choose to adopt a higher burden of proof clear and convincing evidence to reach a finding of sexual misconduct. They could continue to use the current lower standard of a preponderance of evidence only if they also used it in other campus misconduct cases. The 10-campus UC system will continue to use the current standard, Taylor said. The rules encourage schools to offer support for victims of sexual assault, such as counseling, dorm room reassignments, academic course adjustments and orders that alleged perpetrators not contact their accusers. Last year, DeVos rescinded the Obama administrations controversial Title IX guidelines that imposed stricter requirements on colleges to investigate sexual assault cases. DeVos called those rules coercive and unjust and said they were peremptorily issued without any public airing. Her rules will be published in the Federal Register and subject to public comment for 60 days before being finalized. They represent the first time the federal government has proposed regulations rather than guidance about how to interpret and apply Title IX. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com Twitter: @TeresaWatanabe UPDATES: 4 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Suzanne Taylor. Some of the text also was rearranged for clarity. 2:05 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details of the proposed rules and reaction. This article was originally published at 8:45 a.m. University of California regents on Thursday approved a $9.3-billion budget that will add 2,500 more California undergraduates and increase support for struggling students without raising tuition in the next academic year. The spending plan marks the first step in a four-year blueprint to boost enrollment, improve student success and reinvest in faculty and research. UC leaders say their hope is to reignite the California Dream for the next generation. Regents, who ended a two-day meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, are hopeful that the political and financial uncertainties of the last several years are behind them, giving them breathing room to reimagine the future of the nations preeminent public research university system. The efforts mark an important shift in how we talk about what it is that we do, why its important to the state and why it deserves to be funded, said Regent John A. Perez. Advertisement UC has laid out a long-term goal of producing 200,000 more bachelors degrees by 2030, which would help close the states projected shortfall by that year of 1.1 million college graduates UCLA and UC Berkeley have just about reached their on-campus capacity, enrolling between 40,000 and 45,000 students each. Other campuses particularly UC Merced and UC Riverside have more capacity to grow, but it will take more investments in housing, classrooms, labs and offices, according to a briefing paper from UC President Janet Napolitanos office. In addition to enrolling more students, officials say, UC must step up efforts to help them graduate. About two-thirds of students graduate within four years; the hope is to get that to 76% by 2030. Overall, nine of 10 UC students eventually graduate. Getting students through more quickly will help them launch their careers earlier and will open up room on campuses for others. UC graduates earn $260,000 more during the first 10 years after graduation than undergraduates who drop out, the briefing paper says. UC plans to lobby for legislation to allow low-income students to use Cal Grants for summer courses, which would help them graduate sooner. The university also wants to better support faculty, lowering class sizes and helping them maintain the systems national leadership in landing federal research dollars. UCs budget plan requests $277.6 million in additional state funding including $63.8 million to avoid increases in tuition and student fees. Officials also are asking for $100 million in one-time funding to repair aging facilities. The university expects to raise $106 million more in tuition revenue from expanded enrollment and higher fees on nonresident students, and $70.4 million more from investments, philanthropy and cost savings, than it did in the current year budget. All told, the increased revenue would pay for enrollment growth ($86.3 million), enhanced academic support ($60 million), faculty and staff raises ($137 million), building maintenance ($115 million) and health benefits, retirement and other mandatory costs ($119.8 million). Some regents pushed for more funding after chancellors from UC Davis and UC Berkeley described their pressing need to repair leaking roofs, update electrical systems and retrofit aging buildings that could collapse in an earthquake. Regent Sherry Lansing urged UC to pursue a statewide construction bond to raise money for seismic retrofitting. I get very, very scared about endangering the students and structures, she said. Student Regent Devon Graves asked for money to help struggling students with food, shelter and other basic needs. Robert May, chairman of the UC Academic Senate, endorsed Graves suggestion and said faculty members have seen how hunger and housing instability directly affect academic performance. Napolitano said her staff could add as much as $7.5 million for such basic needs to the budget, which regents will review in January after Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom releases his first spending plan. Regents also approved a proposal by Graves and board Chairman George Kieffer to form a special regents committee on basic needs. The committee will spend two years visiting campuses and examining how the university can better support students. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com Twitter: @TeresaWatanabe A man convicted of three California murders and long suspected in numerous other deaths now claims he was involved in about 90 killings nationwide spanning nearly four decades, and investigators already have corroborated about a third of those, a Texas prosecutor said Thursday. Ector County Dist. Atty. Bobby Bland said 78-year-old Samuel Little was booked into jail this week following his indictment in the 1994 death of a Texas woman. Investigations are ongoing, but Little has provided details in more than 90 deaths dating to about 1970, Bland said. Little was brought to Texas in September, and investigators with law enforcement agencies in several states traveled to speak with him about unsolved homicides. Theyre able to match up over 30 cases, Bland said. So far, we dont have any false information coming from him. Advertisement If the number of killings Little claims to have committed proves true, it would make him one of the most prolific killers in U.S. history. Ted Bundy confessed to 30 homicides from about 1974 to 1978. John Wayne Gacy killed at least 33 boys and young men in the 1970s. Arguably one of the deadliest globally was an English general practitioner named Harold Shipman, who an investigative panel determined was responsible for the deaths of 250. He was convicted in 2000 in the deaths of 15. During his 2014 trial in Los Angeles, prosecutors said Little was likely responsible for at least 40 killings since 1980. Authorities at the time were looking for possible links to deaths in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Bland said Little recently provided details to Texas Ranger James Holland that showed Little was in Odessa, Texas, when Denise Christie Brothers was last seen in 1994. Her body was found about a month later in a vacant lot. Holland eventually elicited a confession from Little and admissions to dozens of other killings from about 1970 to 2005, Bland said. The rangers are an elite team of investigators within the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Texas organization did not respond to requests Thursday to speak with Holland. Little was being held without bond Thursday in the Ector County jail on a murder charge relating to Brothers death. Jail records dont indicate whether he has an attorney. He has a court appearance scheduled for Nov. 26. Little was brought to Texas for questioning in the case from California, where he was convicted in 2014 in the deaths years earlier of the three women in Los Angeles County. DNA evidence collected from old crime scenes was used to match samples of his stored in a criminal database. Los Angeles cold-case detectives at the time suspected Little, a transient and former boxer, was a serial killer who traveled the country preying on drug addicts, troubled women and others. His criminal history includes offenses committed in 24 states spread over 56 years mostly assault, burglary, armed robbery, shoplifting and drug violations. Those detectives determined that Little often delivered a knockout punch to women and then proceeded to strangle them while masturbating, dumping the bodies and soon after leaving town. Little, who often went by the name Samuel McDowell, grew up with his grandmother in Lorain, Ohio. His criminal history shows his first arrest came at age 16 on burglary charges. For years, he had denied to investigators in different states that he was responsible for any killings. Bland speculates that he finally confessed after the appeals to his life sentence in California were ultimately rejected and he no longer had any reason to hide his role. People for years have been trying to get a confession out of him, and James Holland is the one who finally got him to give that information, Bland said. An army of searchers moved through the rubble of Paradise in a desperate search Friday to find more victims of Californias worst fire on record as the number of people missing skyrocketed. The death toll from the devastating Camp fire rose to 71 Friday, while the number of people reported missing jumped to more than 1,000, authorities said. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told reporters at a Thursday afternoon news conference that search crews had recovered eight more bodies in the burn area. The number of people unaccounted for rose to 1,011, up from 631 on Thursday evening, after authorities combed through additional 911 calls, emails and other reports generated at the peak of the chaotic evacuation. Advertisement Honea said that number may include some people who are counted twice or others who may not know they were reported missing. LIVE UPDATES: The latest on the California fires The staggering toll was announced as President Trump made plans to visit California to meet with people affected by the wildfires. It would mark his second trip as president to the nations most populous state. The Camp fire is by far the worst wildfire in recorded California history. By Thursday evening, the blaze had chewed through 141,000 acres and 11,862 structures, destroying an entire town in hours. Officials said it could take weeks to complete the search for victims. Thousands of survivors are without homes, living in shelters and tent cities. Mandatory evacuation orders were lifted in some areas and reduced to warnings as fire crews on the front lines boosted containment to 40%. What that means is, if conditions change and fire begins to threaten that area, you have to be ready to go, Honea said. The fire is also causing a major public health problem as smoke choked huge swaths of Northern California, including Sacramento and the Bay Area. Dozens of schools across the region canceled classes as authorities urged residents to remain indoors. At a town hall meeting in Chico late Thursday, Denise Davis showed up to reconnect with her community. There, the 53-year-old Paradise resident saw a neighbor whom she last saw in a driveway carrying someone elses dog during evacuations. This community, she said, is why shes coming back. Thats why were going to rebuild, she said. 1 / 37 Silence hangs over Paradise,Calif., after the explosive Camp fire burned through Butte County and claimed 23 lives. Residents have not been allowed back. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 37 President Donald Trump meets California Gov. Jerry Brown and Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom at Beale Air Force Base on Saturday. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) 3 / 37 US President Donald Trump views damage from wildfires with Paradise Mayor Jody Jones in Paradise, Calif. (SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images) 4 / 37 President Donald Trump walks with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., left and FEMA Administrator Brock Long, right, as he visits a neighborhood impacted by the wildfires in Paradise, Calif. (Evan Vucci / AP) 5 / 37 President Donald Trump tours the Woolsey Fire ravaged neighborhood on Dume Drive in Malibu on Saturday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles TImes) 6 / 37 President Donald Trump, second from left, tours the Woolsey Fire ravaged neighborhood on Dume Drive in Malibu. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles TImes) 7 / 37 From left, Johnny Hardin, 15, Madeline Hardin, 13, Donita Hardin and Erik Hardin, 15 months old, get ready to sleep in their car after getting displaced by the Camp fire, at the Walmart parking lot in Chico, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 37 Alexandria Wilson, 21, kisses her dog Harley, after they both escaped the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 37 Search and rescue teams inspect the grounds of a house burned by the Camp Fire along Boquest Boulevard in Oroville, Calif. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 37 Volunteers hand out supplies to fire evacuees near a Walmart in Chico, Calif. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 37 People go through donated clothes at a Walmart in Chico, Calif. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 37 A sign warns looters at the site of burned-down properties in Paradise, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 37 A search and rescue team combs through the debris for possible human remains Friday at Paradise Gardens, in Paradise, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 37 Alexandria Wilson, 21, consoles her boyfriend, Jacob Golden, 25, as they recount their harrowing escape from the Camp Fire at a relatives house in Applegate, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 37 A vanished neighborhood in Paradise. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 37 A forensic team investigates the site of a Paradise home where remains were found. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 37 Michael John Ramirez hugs his wife, Charlie Ramirez, after they found her keepsake bracelet while sifting through the remains of their home in Paradise. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 37 Religious figurines sit atop a burned vehicle in Paradise. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 37 Authorities recover the remains of a fire victim from an overturned car alongside Pearson Road in Paradise. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 37 David Neeley hugs his ex-wife, Jeanne Neely, and their daughter, Faith Neeley, 10, in a parking lot in Oroville, where they are staying amid the Camp fire. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 37 Megan Butler, 26, and her daughter Aurora, 2, are homeless after their house burned down in Concow in the Camp fire. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 37 Yolo County Animal Services Officer Stephanie Amato holds a chicken she helped rescue in Paradise. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 37 Smoke fills the sky as the Camp fire continues to burn along the North Fork of the Feather River. It has already burned more than 200,000 square miles. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 37 A sign in Paradise offers a warning for would-be looters. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 37 A man rests at a shelter at the Church of the Nazarene in Oroville, Calif. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 37 Outside of Pulga, Calif., on the North Fork of the Feather River, the Camp fire continues to burn. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 37 Outside of Pulga, Calif., on the North Fork of the Feather River, where the Camp fire may have started, helicopters do airdrops while ground crews try to keep the fire from spreading. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 37 Firefighter Brian Carter of Weed, Calif., keeps an eye on the flames along the North Fork of the Feather River. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 37 Many people dont want to stay in shelters because they cant take their dogs inside. This dog waits for his human companion in a parking lot in Oroville. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 37 Residents of Paradise, Calif., try to get through a roadblock to check on their home but are turned away. People havent been allowed to return to the town. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 37 The Camp fire burns along a ridgetop near Big Bend, Calif., on Saturday. (Noah Berger / AP) 32 / 37 Yuba County sheriffs officials carry a body away from a burned residence in Paradise. (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images) 33 / 37 A crew from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection walks through the rubble of a home while putting out hot spots in Paradise, Calif. (Mason Trinca / For The Times) 34 / 37 Flames and embers, pushed by strong dry winds, set the town of Paradise, Calif., ablaze. Thousands of buildings were destroyed. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 37 Brad Weldon, 63, waits for help along Skyway in Paradise, Calif. Weldon was among the residents who stayed and battled the wildfire. (Mason Trinca / For The Times) 36 / 37 Fire crews put out hot spots in Paradise, Calif. (Mason Trinca / For The Times) 37 / 37 Firefighters walk through the rubble of a home in Paradise, Calif. (Mason Trinca / For The Times) RELATED: Heres where the Camp fire destroyed homes in California Jim Broshears, the towns emergency operations center coordinator, told the audience of more than 100 that the town will rebuild. Were determined to start rebuilding the community from you, up, he said. You are the foundation of the community. But Mark Brown, the deputy incident commander for the fire, said the breadth of the devastation was like nothing hed ever seen. Its at the scale of unprecedented magnitude, he said. In Southern California, fire officials were optimistic Thursday that improved weather might help them get the upper hand against the devastating Woolsey fire. The blaze has charred 98,362 acres and claimed three lives in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since it broke out last week. More than 500 structures have been destroyed. Firefighters stopped the fires expansion and increased containment to 62% by Thursday evening. The gains came as strong winds that battered the region for three days finally diminished a welcome development for those on the front lines. I think were all hoping today will be a turning point for us in this fight, said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Chris Anthony. But were not ramping down. This is a huge fire, and theres still a lot of containment that needs to be done. Authorities are urging residents to stay cautious as the rainy season approaches and to prepare for potential mudflows in burned-out areas. Rain could arrive in the Los Angeles area late next week, according to extended weather forecasts. But meteorologists with the National Weather Service said its too soon to tell how much if any rain to expect. Across Northern California on Friday, people were dealing with unhealthy air quality from the fire. Unrelenting smoke smothers everything in Chico. The acidic and sour haze hangs on hair, skin and clothes. Some evacuees dont have access to showers and clean towels, and the smoke from the deadly Camp fire feels impossible to escape. Hair is like a sponge and absorbs the smoke, said Holly Little, owner of Bleached Salon. The small salon on Manzanita Avenue is one of several offering free hair washes, blowouts and more to evacuees. At the nail counter, Paradise resident Laina Floraday was getting a free manicure Friday after finding out about the service from a friend. Floraday fled the Camp fire with her two young children, including one who has special needs, and her three dogs. Her house, her childhood home that she bought, was destroyed. Her husband spent four hours trapped near Pentz Road Market and eventually got out. It was traumatizing, Floraday said. She swapped stories about the fire and its aftermath with Megan Killingsworth, another Bleached Salon owner. Killingsworth said the salon started offering the services because she and Little felt helpless. We dont have money to give people, she said. Her phone buzzed with texts from displaced people seeking to book appointments. Before leaving, Floraday took a free dry hairwash sample and an air mask from the salon. At JCPenneys hair salon at the Chico Mall, an elderly woman an evacuee from the fire was getting her hair washed Friday in one of the salons black chairs. Her head was back, her eyes were closed. A few hundred people, men and women, have come in for the salons free hair services since the fire broke out, assistant manager Michelle Alconero said. She said it wasnt a corporate decision stylists decided to offer the services to evacuees. Its a moment to be normal, Alconero said. Theres a lot of stress. Santa Cruz reported from Chico, Tchekmedyian and Panzar from Los Angeles. Times staff writers Joseph Serna, Melissa Etehad, Hannah Fry and Sarah Parvini contributed to this report. Made homeless by flames, Camp fire evacuees face hardship, disease and desperation alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com | Twitter: @AleneTchek nicole.santacruz@latimes.com | Twitter: @nicolesantacruz javier.panzar@latimes.com | Twitter: @jpanzar UPDATES: 6:35 p.m.: This article was updated with revised numbers on the dead and missing. 5 p.m.: This article was updated with scene from Chico. 10:55 a.m.: This article was updated with new details. This article was originally posted at 5 a.m. A 1,000-tonne steel beam is lifted to be installed at the construction site of the Yangsigang Bridge across the Yangtze River in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Nov. 15, 2018. Construction of a double-deck suspension bridge with the longest span in the world is expected to be completed in October 2019, said an engineer working on the project. The bridge, with a 1,700-meter-long main span across the Yangtze River in Wuhan, saw the first steal beam installed for the bridge deck Thursday. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) WUHAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Construction of a double-deck suspension bridge with the longest span in the world is expected to be completed in October 2019, said an engineer working on the project. The bridge, with a 1,700-meter-long main span across the Yangtze River in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, saw the first steal beam installed for the bridge deck Thursday. The main structure of the bridge deck consists of 49 steel beams that are each 36 meters long, 32.5 meters wide and 10 meters tall. Each beam weighs around 1,000 tonnes, the weight of about 200 adult elephants. Liang Xianwei, an engineer with the project, said the project is expected to be finished in October next year. After completion, the bridge will have two decks of six-lane roads and is expected to ease traffic, Liang said. A Hawthorne man who authorities say intentionally drove his family off the side of a wharf at the Port of Los Angeles in 2015, killing two of his sons in a scheme to collect insurance money, is being held without bail on federal charges. Ali Elmezayen, 44, who was arrested last week, is facing mail fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in connection with the crash. If convicted of all counts, he could spend the rest of his life in prison, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Passersby standing on a commercial pier in San Pedro told federal investigators they heard tires screech as a Honda sedan hurtled into the murky water at the Port of Los Angeles on April 9, 2015, according to an affidavit filed in court. Rabab Diab, Elmezayens domestic partner, sat beside him screaming for him to stop the car. The couples 13- and 8-year-old sons, who both had autism, were strapped into the back seat. Diab told investigators Elmezayen said nothing as the car flew off the edge of the wharf, crashed into the water and sank. Advertisement Elmezayen was the first to emerge from the water after he swam out of the open drivers-side window to a ladder on the dock. Diab, who did not know how to swim, was saved when a fisherman threw her an inner tube. Their two children drowned after the car sank 30 feet, the affidavit said. Elmezayen, an Egyptian national, told investigators it was a tragic accident. He told them that he wasnt sure how the car ended up in the water, but that he may have accidentally pressed the gas pedal or that evil was inside him that caused him to lose his mind, according to court documents. The Los Angeles County district attorney declined to file charges against Elmezayen in 2017, citing a lack of evidence pointing to his intentionally driving off the dock. An LAPD mechanic told prosecutors that the brakes on the car appeared to be malfunctioning after it was pulled from the water. It isnt clear whether the problem with the brakes happened before the crash or was a result of salt water damage, according to a charge evaluation document. But federal authorities say Elmezayen intentionally drove his family into the ocean to collect on accidental-death insurance policies he had taken out. According to the affidavit, Elmezayen purchased several insurance policies providing more than $6 million in coverage on himself, Diab and all three of his children. His oldest son was on a school trip during the crash. Authorities allege Elmezayen spent nearly $6,000 a year on the policies, despite the fact he earned less than $30,000 annually. He also called at least two of the insurance companies to confirm they would not investigate claims made two years after the policies were purchased. During some of these calls, authorities say, Elmezayen pretended to be Diab. Insurance companies typically will investigate claims filed less than two years after the date the policy was bought to protect against fraud. The familys car plunged into the water two years and 12 days after the last of the insurance policies was purchased, investigators said. After his sons deaths, Elmezayen collected more than $260,000 in insurance proceeds from American General Life Insurance and Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance, despite telling investigators that he didnt have any life insurance on his sons, according to the affidavit. Authorities seized about $80,000 from his bank account and said he had wired the majority of the remaining funds to Egypt. This case alleges a calculated and cold-hearted scheme to profit off the deaths of two helpless children, U.S. Atty. Nick Hanna said. The alleged conduct shocks the conscience, and we will use every tool available to us to ensure that justice is done. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry An alleged member of a Southern California white supremacist group who participated in a violent political rally in Orange County is expected to plead guilty to a federal charge next week. Tyler Laube, 22, signed a plea agreement Tuesday in which he agreed to plead guilty to a count of conspiracy, according to court documents. He is expected to formally enter his plea in Los Angeles federal court court next week. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, according to court documents. Tyler Laube in a 2015 mugshot. (Redondo Beach Police Department) Advertisement In the agreement, Laube admitted to associating with members of the so-called Rise Above Movement from January 2017 to April 2017. At rallies across California and last year in Charlottesville, Va., the organization showed up trained and ready to fight its political enemies. Laube also admitted to attending a combat training event in San Clemente on March 15, 2017, and to assaulting people at a Huntington Beach rally later that month. At the rally at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, RAM members confronted counter-protesters and attacked two journalists covering the event, according to an FBI affidavit. As one reporter stumbled backward, Laube grabbed his shoulder and punched him three times in the face. Laube was one of four people indicted this month on federal charges of planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California and out of state, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The other defendants are Robert Rundo, 28, of Huntington Beach, who authorities say is a founding member of the Rise Above Movement; Robert Boman, 25, of Torrance; and Aaron Eason, 38, of Anza. The trial for the other defendants is scheduled for Dec. 18. Federal authorities have been working to dismantle the organization, last month arresting Benjamin Daley, Thomas Walter Gillen, Michael Paul Miselis and Cole Evan White for their role in the violence. brittny.mejia@latimes.com Twitter: @Brittny_Mejia The Santa Monica employee accused of molesting four boys while volunteering for a city youth group more 20 years ago was found dead in his apartment Thursday morning, city officials said. Eric Uller, a technology analyst with the citys information technology department, had been arrested at his workplace in October and charged with three counts of lewd acts on a child, two counts of oral copulation of a minor and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Uller had been scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning. The court and Santa Monica officials were notified of his death, which appeared to have been a suicide, city officials said in a statement. The city was shocked to receive this news, the statement said, and remains committed to seeing this investigation through. Advertisement Santa Monica had launched an independent investigation into allegations that city employees knew about accusations against Uller when he was a volunteer with the Police Activities League. Santa Monica police began investigating Uller over the summer after receiving an anonymous tip about the abuse allegations. After police identified one accuser, they passed the information to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, officials said. In addition to the four boys initially identified as potential victims, six additional people came forward to accuse Uller of sexual abuse, according to the Sheriffs Department. Altogether, the investigation covered allegations of abuse that spanned from 1986 to 2010. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra Members of a watchdog group signaled on Thursday they want the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department to take more powerful steps to distance itself from the work of federal immigration enforcement agents. A series of preliminary recommendations by the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission called for the department to bar jail access to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and stop honoring ICEs requests to detain inmates, except when required by law. Last year, 1,223 inmates released from the Los Angeles County jail system were transferred to ICE custody, according to the sheriffs inspector general. The department spends an estimated $1.4 million a year on administrative expenses to evaluate ICE detainer requests, an amount that could instead be diverted to other projects, some members of the panel argued. The recommendations, if adopted, would represent a hard-line stance against immigration enforcement in the spirit of sanctuary policies that gained momentum as a reaction against the immigration crackdown under the Trump administration. Advertisement The Sheriffs Department has been allowing ICE to use office space inside the jails and gives ICE access to inmates who have been convicted of serious or violent crimes, as allowed by Senate Bill 54, Californias sanctuary state law. Sheriff Jim McDonnell has said that shutting out ICE could prompt the immigration agents to wait in the lobby, which could have a chilling effect on people and their families. Deputies are prohibited from asking people about their immigration status and do not participate in immigration raids, McDonnell has said. Nicole Nishida, a department spokeswoman, did not immediately provide a response to the commissions proposals Thursday evening. Some members of the oversight commission want the access given to ICE, which is voluntary, to stop. When the 18,000 men and women from the Sheriffs Department come into work, the people should know that theyre working for them only, and not for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said commissioner Hernan Vera, a business litigator, who added he was speaking for himself and not the group. But one member expressed concerns that the proposals could undermine public safety. The reality is we are putting people that have been convicted of robbery, burglary, and so forth, who are illegally in the United States, back in these communities. Whats the impact there? said commissioner Robert Bonner, a former federal judge. Bonner said if the department doesnt comply with ICE detainers, it may leave immigration agents with no choice but to conduct more enforcement in places where people live and work, subjecting officers and residents to greater risk. Vera dismissed those arguments as scare tactics, saying theres little evidence ICE would continue to pursue all of the people they request to detain in jail. Phal Sok, a member of the Youth Justice Coalition, a group that advocates for prison and police reform, said targeting felons who are in the country illegally is unjust since those people have already served their time. Sok, a Cambodian refugee who served 15 years in prison for armed robbery but was recently pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown, said hes been picked up by ICE before. He now works as an educator and criminal justice reform advocate. People like me, out here doing great things, shouldnt be expendable, he said. The debate over the Sheriffs Departments relationship to ICE has been a feature in the still-undecided sheriffs election, with McDonnells challenger, Alex Villanueva, garnering support for promising to kick immigration agents out of the jails. Villanueva, a retired sheriffs lieutenant who is ahead of McDonnell by 22,000 votes, has also said he would march [inmates] out ... and give them to ICE in a courtyard adjacent to the jail. Some have interpreted that stance as signaling a closer cooperation with ICE. The oversight commissions proposals are not final and will be revisited at the January meeting. maya.lau@latimes.com Twitter: @mayalau With the clock ticking on Britains scheduled March 29 withdrawal from the European Union the messy breakup universally known as Brexit a draft agreement emerged this week on the terms of the split. But British Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposed deal with the EU ignited a political firestorm, with the bitterest criticism coming from those who want to see a clean break with Europe and are frustrated by the draft accords call to leave many ties in place at least for now. Brexit proponents say the draft agreement, approved by a divided Cabinet on Wednesday, leaves Britain under the thumb of the EUs bureaucrats and legal institutions such as the European Court of Justice. Advertisement Opponents, though, believe the draft accord doesnt leave Britain with close enough ties to the EU, a bedrock organization created after World War II to stave off future conflict in part by intertwining Europes economies, arguing, in effect, that Mays government is giving up a valuable seat at the European table with very little to show for it. Now the prime ministers job is in jeopardy as key ministers have fled her government, and the plans prospects for winning parliamentary approval are uncertain. Mays argument has been that its not a perfect deal, but that rejecting it would put Britain on a path of deep and grave uncertainty. Here are some key points about the Brexit draft agreement. How is the draft deal structured? The withdrawal agreement, which would be legally binding if approved, runs nearly 600 pages. Then theres a much shorter and less specific political declaration, which lays down broad guidelines governing future ties between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations. When would Britain leave the EU? Britains withdrawal date would stay the same: March 29, 2019. Then there would be a 21-month transition period, until December 2020, for British and EU negotiators to try to reach an accord on a permanent new trade relationship. Is there any wriggle room on that? If the transition period isnt long enough for a lasting agreement to be struck, both parties could agree to extend it. Theyd have to do that by July 2020 under terms of the accord. Its not spelled out yet how long such an extension could last. What are the trade terms? The long-term trade arrangement wouldnt be known for more than two years. The draft accord envisions Britain staying in the blocs so-called single market until the end of 2020, which would allow time to work out a permanent new trade relationship. But in the meantime, Britain would be bound by EU rules. Supporters of Brexit say that flies in the face of one of the June 2016 referendums main underpinnings: freeing Britain from what critics describe as burdensome EU regulations. What will this divorce cost Britain? Under the draft withdrawal deal, Britain would pay 39 billion pounds, or around $50 billion at current exchange rates, to settle its outstanding obligations to the EU. Britain will have to keep covering its contributions to various European Union programs until 2020. And it will have to pay for staff pensions linked to them. But both sides acknowledge that larger and longer-term economic effects of the deal are impossible to predict at this point. What does it mean for expatriate Britons on the continent, and European nationals who live in Britain? Anti-immigrant sentiment was a big driver of the divisive referendum vote, but its proving nearly impossible for negotiators to scrap free movement within the bloc without also disrupting the lives of those who have built lives and careers outside their home countries. Under the draft plan, both British nationals and citizens of EU countries would be allowed to stay where they currently live. But it leaves families and individuals in limbo as to whether they will be able to work in the long term. Thats already forced many to make hard choices about whether to uproot rather than wait for a potential bad outcome. Is the Ireland question settled? From the beginning, this has been one of the thorniest questions. The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union and will remain so. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Britain and the European Union agreed nearly a year ago that there should be no hard border, with customs posts and other physical infrastructure, between Northern Ireland and Ireland, but working out the legality of that arrangement has been challenging, to say the least. Both sides fear that a hard border would revive the ghosts of The Troubles, Northern Irelands devastating three-decade sectarian strife that killed more than 3,500 people, pitting Catholic Irish nationalists against Protestant loyalists who wanted to remain under British rule. The draft deal sets out a backstop solution that avoids a hard border by keeping the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, in a customs arrangement with the EU, but only until new trade arrangements are made. What does the political declaration say? That part of the draft plan, which runs only seven pages, is fairly vague more an expression of broad principles than any specific commitments. It says the two parties will try to agree on a free-trade area with deep cooperation on regulatory and customs affairs. Goals include visa-free travel for Britons and EU residents for short-term visits, cooperation on law enforcement and judicial matters and smooth transport links, by air, land and sea. What about Londons lucrative financial services sector? While Britain has been part of the EU, banks and insurers have had unfettered access to customers across the bloc in all financial activities. The draft plan envisions ambitious, comprehensive and balanced arrangements going forward, but gives no details on what that would entail. If the draft withdrawal is ratified, cross-border access for financial services will be extended to December 2020 as part of the transition process. But most big financial institutions, including global banks, are already making plans to move some operations to the continent. What else remains up in the air? Another example of non-agreement in the draft agreement is fishing both access for European vessels to British waters and British fish producers ability to sell to European markets. The draft accord simply says the two sides will try their hardest use their best endeavors, in the language of the document to reach an accord. What now? May has been trying hard to avoid a hard Brexit, crashing out of the EU with no agreement in place, which could trigger a damaging recession. Leaders of the remaining 27 members of the EU are expected to vote on the draft agreement on Nov. 25. But the prime minister has been warned by British lawmakers that she doesnt have the votes to get the plan through Parliament, which is expected to take up the matter in early December. laura.king@latimes.com @laurakingLAT WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged under seal, prosecutors inadvertently revealed in a recently unsealed court filing a development that could significantly advance the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and have major implications for those who publish government secrets. The disclosure came in a filing in a case unrelated to Assange. Assistant U.S. Atty. Kellen Dwyer, urging a judge to keep the matter sealed, wrote due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. Later, Dwyer wrote the charges would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested. Dwyer is also assigned to the WikiLeaks case. People familiar with the matter said what Dwyer was disclosing was true, but unintentional. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, said, The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing. Advertisement An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia have long been investigating Assange, and in the Trump administration had begun taking a second look at whether to charge members of the WikiLeaks organization for the 2010 leak of diplomatic cables and military documents which the anti-secrecy group published. Investigators also had explored whether WikiLeaks could face criminal liability for the more recent revelation of sensitive CIA cyber-tools. Special counsel Robert Mueller III has also exploring the publication by WikiLeaks of emails from the Democratic National Committee and the account of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. Officials have alleged the emails were hacked by Russian spies and transferred to WikiLeaks. Mueller has also been exploring, among other things, communications between the group and associates of President Trump, including political operative Roger Stone and commentator and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi. In July, his office charged 12 Russian military spies with conspiring to hack DNC computers, steal the organizations data and publish the files in an effort to disrupt the election and referred in an indictment to WikiLeaks, described only as Organization 1, as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment. It was not immediately clear what charges Assange would face. In the past, prosecutors had contemplated pursuing a case involving conspiracy, theft of government property or violating the Espionage Act. But whether to charge the WikiLeaks founder was hardly a foregone conclusion. In the Obama administration, the Justice Department had concluded that pursuing Assange would be akin to prosecuting a news organization. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, though, had taken a more aggressive stance and vowed to crack down on all government leaks. Barry Pollack, one of Assanges attorneys, said, The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange. Obviously, I have no idea if he has actually been charged or for what, but the notion that the federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set. The filing in the Eastern District of Virginia came Aug. 22, in a case that combines national security and sex trafficking. Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, 29, was charged with enticing a 15-year-old girl to have sex with him and send him pornographic images of herself. But he was detained in part, according to the court filing, because he has a substantial interest in terrorist acts. His father-in-law, according to the filing, has been convicted of terrorist acts. The case involves previously classified information, according to government filings, and prosecutors plan to use information obtained under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Kokayi was indicted last week and is set to be arraigned Friday morning. The case had been sealed until early September, though by itself it attracted little notice. On Thursday evening, Seamus Hughes, the deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University who is known for scrubbing court filings, joked about the apparent error on Twitter which first brought it to the attention of reporters. Even if he is charged, Assanges coming to the United States to face trial is no sure thing. Since June 2012, Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy, afraid that if he steps outside he will be arrested. When he first sought asylum in the embassy, he was facing possible extradition to Sweden in a sex crimes case. He has argued that case was a pretext for what he predicted would be his arrest and extradition to the United States. In the years since, the Swedish case has been closed, but Assange has said he cannot risk leaving the embassy because the U.S. would attempt to have him arrested and extradited for disclosures of U.S. government secrets. Throughout that time, the U.S. has refused to say whether there are any sealed charges against Assange. If Assange were to leave the embassy and be arrested by British authorities, he would likely still fight extradition in the British courts. Zapotosky and Barrett write for the Washington Post. The Posts Rachel Weiner and Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday defended the Brexit agreement she reached with the European Union as a decisive breakthrough. A more honest description would be making the best of a bad job, the bad job being the disastrous decision by 52% of voters in 2016 to withdraw the United Kingdom from the EU. No one is particularly happy with the deal Mays government has cut, but if Brexit is going to go through, the agreement deserves to be approved by the British Parliament. That would allow the U.K. to leave the EU without an abrupt rupture in its trade with Europe and without jeopardy to the hard-won peace process in Northern Ireland. May shouldnt be deterred by defections from her Cabinet or the possibility of a challenge to her leadership from dissidents in the Conservative Party. Like many Europeans and, indeed, many U.K. residents, wed like to see the whole Brexit deal undone in a national referendum or otherwise. But that seems increasingly unlikely. The 585-page agreement reached by British and EU negotiators doesnt permanently define future trade relations between the two parties. But it does provide for a gradual transition and contains complicated procedures to ensure that goods and people can travel freely between the Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K., and the independent Republic of Ireland, which will remain part of the EU. Advertisement Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion The fact that both the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland were members of the EU contributed significantly to the Protestant-Catholic peace process in Northern Ireland. Thats why preventing the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is essential. To that end, the agreement contains provisions that, under some circumstances, could allow EU rules to be imposed on Northern Ireland that dont apply to the rest of the U.K. Different treatment for Northern Ireland is anathema to some of Mays critics, including members of the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland, which has formed a governing arrangement with Mays Conservatives. One DUP member of Parliament warned that the deal would lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom. But successive governments in London have recognized that Northern Ireland is a special case and that connections between the northern and southern parts of that island are important. For example, in 1993, Prime Minister John Major declared that the British government had no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland and would accept the decision of the majority of the people of Northern Ireland about whether they wanted to remain part of the U.K. The British government reaffirmed that position in the 1998 Good Friday agreement. Brexit is a bad idea beyond its consequences for Ireland. It will hamper British businesses and deny the U.K. a voice in the political deliberations of the EU; it is a giant step backward for the post-World War II project of European integration. Sadly, there seems to be little chance that the voters will be offered an opportunity to reconsider their decision. That means the goal should be a separation that causes the least disruption and disorder. That is what May is proposing. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook The Rohingya Muslims have endured more than a year of savagery at the hands of the Myanmar military, which has burned their villages, killed and raped their people, and driven about 700,000 of them out of the country in what amounts to a campaign of ethnic cleansing. What refuge they could find has been in Bangladesh, in crowded camps near the seaside city of Coxs Bazar. Eager to move them out, Bangladeshi officials had planned with the Myanmar government to begin repatriating some Rohingya on Thursday, despite the strenuous objections of human rights groups that warned it wouldnt be safe. Those plans were put on hold when, not surprisingly, officials could find no one who wanted to return to the country where they had just been persecuted and tortured and had their homes destroyed. The repatriation efforts should not simply be paused; they should be abandoned until the Myanmar government, which has a shameful history of discrimination and violence against the Rohingya, reins in the military and provides for the Rohingyas safe return to their villages. And that does not include simply shuffling them from one miserable refugee camp in Bangladesh to another in Myanmar, where thousands of Rohingya already are forced to live in camps. According to reports from observers in Myanmar also known as Burma the government has been readying transit camps for Rohingya who return from Bangladesh. Thats just wrong. People should be allowed to go back to their villages and housing should be rebuilt for them there. And they need the protection of United Nations or humanitarian-group monitors onsite. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement All this is part of an appalling humanitarian crisis that has long afflicted the stateless Rohingya, who have been denied citizenship in a country with a Buddhist majority population that resents their presence and considers them illegal immigrants. A deadly attack on several Myanmar government security posts by Rohingya rebels in August of 2017 set off the last epic round of violence. But the governments scorched earth response was orders of magnitude more brutal than the initial violence. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyis continued refusal to condemn the militarys campaign of violence and to safeguard the Rohingya is unconscionable and appalling to all who have revered the Nobel Peace Prize winner. When Vice President Mike Pence told Suu Kyi at a summit of Southeast Asian nations that the violence that drove the Rohingya out of Myanmar was without excuse, Suu Kyi gave a bristly response. Amnesty International recently stripped her of its highest award, saying that she no longer was a courageous defender of human rights. She needs to show the world that she remembers how to be one. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Forty years ago, an American preacher and madman named Jim Jones orchestrated the largest mass murder in recorded history when he forced more than 900 men, women and children to drink a cyanide-laced punch at his eponymous settlement in Guyana. Early news reports referred to Jonestown as a cult of death and spread the idea that residents calmly lined up on Nov. 18, 1978, to offer cups of poison to their children before drinking it themselves. Reporters lustily relayed what sensational details they had, but also filled in the gaps with outrageous claims. They welcomed their own destruction, declared one San Francisco newscaster. That became the official take on the tragedy: A bunch of Californian lunatics had killed themselves at the behest of a sick demagogue. This caricature of the Jonestown victims was much easier to digest and dismiss than the true story, which was one of betrayed ideals, terrifying helplessness and unfathomable heartbreak. Even as the news media prompted public scorn for Jones victims, their bodies lay in the searing equatorial sun for four days while the United States and Guyana squabbled over what to do with them. The U.S. pressured Guyana to bulldoze the dead into a mass grave but Guyana refused to clean up what it saw as an American mess. By the time U.S. soldiers bagged the bodies and flew them to Dover Air Force base in Delaware, they were so badly decomposed that forensic examiners could identify only 69% of the victims. Of these, roughly half were buried by their relatives; other families were so ashamed of their link to the suicidal cult that they refused to accept the remains of their loved ones. Several cemeteries refused to accept the remaining 409 bodies because of the stigma of Jonestown and vociferous objections from neighbors before Evergreen Cemetery in East Oakland agreed to bury them. Advertisement Jones victims dreamed of a better, more equitable world a dream many of us share today. Surviving members of Jones church, Peoples Temple, were also vilified. Angry crowds gathered outside the building on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, shouting, Baby killers! Those returning from Guyana penniless and distraught were turned away from welfare and food stamp offices; employers wanted nothing to do with them. They were deemed monsters, deserving of their fate. Today, the horrific mass murder at Jonestown has been reduced to a banality. Dont Drink the Kool-Aid is a glib warning against groupthink or blind loyalty to a charismatic leader or institution. (For the record, it wasnt poisoned Kool-Aid served on that long-ago night, it was poisoned Flavor Aid.) In recent years, the pervading view of Jonestown has begun to change. A number of survivors have published first-person accounts about their experiences in the jungle community. And a lawsuit compelled the FBI to release some 50,000 pages of documents and nearly 1,000 audiotapes collected from Jonestown after the massacre. Collectively, this new information deepens our understanding of the tragedy and starkly contradicts the narrative of blame imposed on Jones victims. Jones sold his town to his followers most of whom were African American as a utopia where they could live free of Americas racism, sexism and elitism. Instead, the nearly 1,000 Americans who participated in this bold social experiment over a four-year period found themselves trapped in a dystopian nightmare. Residents believed they could return home at any time if Jonestown wasnt to their liking. But it was a two-day river journey from the capital of Georgetown to Port Kaituma, the closest village to Jonestown. No roads connected the capital to the hinterlands still the case today. Jones confiscated everyones passports and money and told them that if they didnt like it, they could swim home. Despite promising families that they would live together in private homes, he separated husbands and wives, parents and children. Despite boasts of bumper crops, the thin jungle soil couldnt produce enough food to feed the increasingly hungry residents. But the most chilling aspect for immigrating Temple members was the change in their leader. After sequestering his followers in the jungle, Jones dropped the facade of caring pastor and became a vulgar, drug-addled tyrant who banned any criticism of his town. Even mentioning the heat was considered counter-revolutionary. He forbade residents from leaving the isolated settlement, telling them the wilderness that surrounded them was infested with poisonous snakes, big cats and shadowy mercenaries who wanted to destroy their community. He censored incoming and outgoing mail to make the world believe Jonestown was a happy success. It was in Guyana that Jones first held a vote on his idea of revolutionary suicide. Although hed discussed the notion in California with his inner circle an equally nihilistic coterie that ultimately helped him bring his macabre plan to fruition the regular members of Peoples Temple moved to Jonestown seeking a better life for themselves and their children. When he brought up the prospect at an assembly in September 1977, residents were stunned and objected vociferously. They hadnt come to the promised land to die they came to thrive. But night after night, he ground them down, refusing to let anyone go to bed until everyone raised their hands in ostensible support of their own deaths. According to one survivor, the constant talk of revolutionary suicide became boring and people raised their hands just so they could go sleep. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion On Nov. 18, 1978, a deadly chain of events was set in motion. Congressman Leo Ryan (D-San Mateo) whod flown down to investigate claims that residents were being held against their will was leaving Jonestown with a group of unhappy residents when they were ambushed by Jones henchmen. The congressman, three reporters and a fleeing resident were killed. Before the news of Jonestowns failure became public, Jones ordered the death of his people. Surrounded by armed guards, residents were given a choice: They could die by bullet or they could die by poison. Life was never an option. Jones recorded the event for posterity, in whats known as the Death Tape. Its a harrowing, heart-rending listen, easily found online. Jones stopped and started the recording more than 30 times, editing out protestations. His final sentence is a grotesque lie: We didnt commit suicide, we committed an act of revolutionary suicide protesting the conditions of an inhumane world. The screams in the background tell the real story. Jones victims dreamed of a better, more equitable world a dream many of us share today. But instead of being remembered for their ideals, they are derided as freaks. These people who harbored such hope and were so cruelly betrayed deserve better. It wasnt until 2011 32 years after they were murdered that Jones victims were finally honored with a plaque listing their names at the mass grave in Evergreen Cemetery. Its a small step toward restoring their humanity. Julia Scheeres is the author of A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Jonestown. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: Kudos for covering the mixed message from the Vatican, which wants to prevent sexual abuse by predator priests and bishops but delays action until all the bishops throughout the world can address the issue. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wanted to take care of their own backyard and address this urgent issue, but the Vatican advocated delay. Its too bad that some archbishop from Rome felt offended because the church leaders in the U.S. wanted to create a commission of laypeople to review complaints against bishops. This archbishops attitude is a reflection of what Pope Francis denounced last month as the scourge of clericalism. Francis stated that clericalism arises from an elitist and exclusivist vision of vocation, that interprets the ministry received as a power to be exercised rather than as a free and generous service to be given. Now is the time for the Vatican to practice what it preaches by establishing a lay commission to review complaints against bishops, because a church that does not listen cannot be credible. Advertisement Tom Kaminski, Manhattan Beach .. To the editor: You criticize the Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for delaying action on abuse that you say is overdue. As a harsh critic of the church on these matters and others, I think the L.A. Times has failed to see that these problems are not exclusively American ones, but also world problems. Pope Francis has called for a world bishops conference in three months to resolve this cancer within our holy church. This conference will consider the U.S. bishops proposal as well as opinions of bishops and laypeople around the world as it should. George Dufresne, La Habra Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe met with Indian Defense Secretary Sanjay Mitra and State Secretary of the Mongolin Ministry of Defense Khalzankhuu Batbileg in Beijing Thursday. State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe [File photo: mod.gov.cn] While meeting with Mitra, Wei said China and India see far more common interests than divergencies between each other, stressing that the two countries should boost military exchanges, improve mutual trust in the security field and properly manage and control any disparities. India's relationship with China is one of its most important bilateral ties, said Mitra, who hopes the two sides will further develop relations between the two countries and two militaries. China highly values its relations with Mongolia and hopes to upgrade development of China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, Wei said while meeting with Batbileg. Batbileg said Mongolia hopes the two countries cooperate on issues including peacekeeping and disaster prevention while further promoting their military relations. To the editor: Andrew Coan is right: Matthew Whitaker is simply unqualified to be the United States acting attorney general. That said, Coans piece did not mention one of Whitakers most glaring ethical failures: his work with the defunct business World Patent Marketing. He served as an advisory board member for the company, which had to pay a $26-million settlement to the federal government for scamming veterans and others. As Coan notes, Trump makes appointments based on cable news appearances and personal connections. Yet again, personal greed is valued more than the public good in the Trump administration. Ben LaZebnik, Studio City Advertisement .. To the editor: The L.A. Times is getting so outrageous and venomous in its anti-Trump hysteria that I cant even get past the headlines. Harriet Miers was selected by President George W. Bush for a position that required the advice and consent of the Senate a lifetime seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Whitaker is a temporary, place-holding, acting attorney general who, ultimately, serves at the pleasure of the president. How dare you compare the two and mislead readers. Stephany Yablow, North Hollywood .. To the editor: Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that the president shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States. Whitaker was not vetted or approved by the Senate and is therefore ineligible to serve as attorney general, temporary or not. The already Senate-approved deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, should be the acting attorney general until the president nominates and the Senate confirms a permanent replacement. Whitaker should do more than recuse himself from the Russia investigation; he should resign. John Gallogly, Los Angeles Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook For a party in free fall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit. After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) The GOP wont even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Its dead, Mike Madrid, a former political director of the California Republican Party, said of the state GOP. It exists in small regional pockets, where there are enough white, non-college-educated working-class communities for there to be a Republican Party. But thats not much. Advertisement Other states tilt lopsidedly in favor of one party or the other. But never before has a state with Californias huge populace and enormous import socially, culturally, economically been so dominated by a single political party. The implications will take years to fully comprehend. Californias not goofy, its really big. Thats why counting the vote takes so long Jim Brulte, chairman of the California GOP, professed not to worry. He said the party has legislative leaders whose job it is to give voice to Republicans in the state capital. Also, he went on, substantial numbers in the U.S. House and Senate, where the GOP holds the majority, will speak for Republicans in Washington as well. The leader of House Republicans, Kevin McCarthy, hails from Bakersfield and enjoys a strong relationship with President Trump, which should help the state in its dealings with the administration. (If, as expected, San Franciscos Nancy Pelosi is elected speaker, she would also be well positioned to protect Californias interests.) Still, many observers not all of them dispirited Republicans expressed concern about the effects of such thorough Democratic domination, both in terms of policy and, more broadly, faith in the states political system. A large part of the voting population doesnt have a spokesman, didnt have a candidate running for U.S. Senate, didnt have a high-profile candidate really running for any of the constitutional offices, and now doesnt have a strong voice in the legislative process, said Mark Baldassare, head of the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Its never a good thing for people to feel as though their voices arent being heard. Although a distinct minority of Californias registered voters just 24% are Republican that still amounts to more than 4.7 million residents who identify as members of the GOP. Millions more embrace the partys values and beliefs, even if they choose not to formally join. Al Derlighter is one of them. An independent who lives in the Saugus area of Santa Clarita, he paused outside the Old Town Newhall public library shortly before election day to vent his frustration. A supporter of Trump and GOP Rep. Steve Knight, who ended up losing to Democrat Katie Hill, Derlighter said he used to be a Democrat but left the party when it drifted too leftward for his taste. Im a prisoner in a blue state, said the retired 57-year-old electrical mechanic supervisor. Very underrepresented. Al Derlighter, a conservative-leaning independent, feels he has no voice in overwhelmingly Democratic California. (Michael Finnegan / Los Angeles Times) But even with overwhelming control, Democratic uniformity doesnt necessarily mean Democratic unanimity. Conflict within the party is inevitable, pitting, for instance, coastal lawmakers against those from inland California, business-friendly Democrats against those advocating stiffer taxes and regulation, and lawmakers from affluent quarters against those representing more economically hard-pressed neighborhoods. Political supremacy doesnt mean that everybody is in lockstep or singing kumbaya, said Garry South, who spoke from firsthand experience, having been a strategist for former Gov. Gray Davis when he wrestled with fellow Democrats. The basic nature of human beings is to compete and fight and have conflict and that doesnt go away just because you have one-party control. Still, fratricidal feuding is not the same as a robust debate between parties, or the imperative to compromise with an empowered opposition. Degrees within a partisan tent isnt quite like having another party with a contrasting philosophy, said Roger Niello, a former GOP assemblyman from Sacramento who worked with Democrats to pass a 2009 budget-balancing tax hike under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. You need contrary views. If there is some solace for Republicans, its the notion that nothing lasts forever. Whether its overreach, complacency or internal division, single-party rule inevitably sows its own destructive seeds; eventually, the California GOP or some entity promulgating its low-tax, limited-government philosophy will claw its way back to power. It can take time, as happened in Texas, where decades of Democratic hegemony gave way to decades of Republican rule, which, beginning in cities and now spreading to the suburbs, is showing signs of weakening. Or it can happen all at once, the way Schwarzenegger seized power from Davis in a lightning-strike recall catalyzed by anger over taxes and rolling electrical brownouts. Theres a point where theres going to be pushback, said Don Sipple, a media strategist who helped elect Schwarzenegger as well as his successor, Gov. Jerry Brown. It may take the form of a center-right party, whether its Republican or something else. But the pendulum swings both ways. Its never a good thing for people to feel as though their voices arent being heard. Mark Baldassare, of the Public Policy Institute of California, on Republicans living in an overwhelming Democratic state. In the meantime, Republicans are casting about for solutions, in a familiar pattern of finger-pointing and recrimination. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer jokes about the partys sorrowful state: Folks can go to the San Diego Zoo to see the endangered pandas and then visit San Diego City Hall to see one of the last California Republicans. Turning serious, he suggested that the way forward for the state GOP is an utter transformation into a party focused on practicality and problem-solving, shedding its anti-immigrant rhetoric, recognizing climate change as a serious threat and defining the Republican Party as something other than a rubber stamp for Trump. Thats the style of leadership weve done here in San Diego, and it works, Faulconer said in an interview. But within just a few hours, Travis Allen, a Huntington Beach assemblyman, announced his candidacy for state Republican Party chairman, on a stay-the-course platform firmly rooted in the moment, saying California deserves a strong Republican Party that supports our values, ideals and our Republican president. Democrats, for their part, have already begun eyeing the GOPs few remaining California House seats, sensing opportunity for further gains in 2020. mark.barabak@latimes.com @markzbarabak michael.finnegan@latimes.com @finneganLAT UPDATES: 6:15 a.m. Nov. 18: This article was updated to reflect Gil Cisneros victory over Young Kim in Orange County. This article was originally published at 3:09 p.m. on Nov. 16. In another blow to California Republicans reeling from defeats in the Nov. 6 election, Democrat Katie Porter has ousted GOP Rep. Mimi Walters in an upscale Orange County congressional district that was a longtime conservative bastion. At the same time, the updated vote count Thursday by the Orange County registrar of voters had Democratic House candidate Gil Cisneros pulling 941 votes ahead of Republican Young Kim in an adjacent congressional district. (Priya Krishnakumar / Los Angeles Times) The Associated Press projected Porters unseating of Walters in the 45th Congressional District contest after Orange Countys tally found that the two-term incumbent had dropped 6,203 votes behind her challenger. Advertisement It is the fifth House seat in California that Republicans lost in last weeks election. Democrats will control at least 44 of the states 53 seats in the House. Its a new low point for a state GOP sorely damaged over the last two decades by the kind of hard-line immigration politics championed by President Trump. In an essay Thursday in the Washington Examiner, former California GOP Chairman Shawn Steel bemoaned the partys near-collapse, saying Republicans were completely outmatched in fundraising and grass-roots organizing. California Republicans, long in the wilderness, have now reached the point of desperation, he wrote. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor, joins a broad field of incoming House Democrats, many of them women, who capitalized on Trumps unpopularity in suburbs with big populations of college-educated voters. The district includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. A single mother of three, Porter, 44, is a protege of liberal Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. She campaigned as a consumer attorney who had taken on big banks and would stand up to leaders of both parties. She and her Democratic allies pounded Walters for backing Trump in her House votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act and pass a tax overhaul that raised income taxes for many of the districts residents. As your representative, Porter said after the Associated Press called the race, I will work to bring accountability back to Washington to fight to protect our healthcare, for a clean and safe environment for our communities, and for fair taxation so that everyone pays their fair share. Walters, 56, tried to win credit for tax cuts that were also in the Trump plan. But her overall support for Trumps agenda in Congress was too heavy a burden to overcome. Walters campaign spokesmen did not respond Thursday to requests for comment. Republicans Walters and Kim adopt Trump tactic of charging vote fraud with no evidence of wrongdoing A former stockbroker, Walters served on the Laguna Niguel City Council and in the state Legislature before winning her House seat in 2014. She and her husband own a business that provided medical staffers to California prisons. She lives outside the district in Laguna Beach. In a year when female voters turned strongly against Trump and his fellow Republicans in Congress, Walters touted her bill establishing rights for sexual assault survivors in federal criminal cases. Also bounced from Congress last week were Republican Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista. New: in #CA39, Gil Cisneros (D) has *taken the lead* over Young Kim (R), by 941 votes. He's on track to complete Dems' wipeout of GOP in Orange County. Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) November 16, 2018 While the last undecided race appears to be close, Cisneros, like other Democrats, has been gaining votes faster than his Republican opponent. With rare exceptions in California, the votes counted on election night favor Republicans and the ballots counted later, many of them provisional, skew Democratic. Times staff writer Maya Sweedler contributed to this report. michael.finnegan@latimes.com Twitter: @finnerganLAT UPDATES: 7:40 p.m.: The story was updated to add that the Walters campaign did not respond to requests for comment. 7:05 p.m.: The story was updated with comments from Katie Porter and Shawn Steel. The story was originally published at 5:50 p.m. Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for adult film actress Stormy Daniels, lost a last-ditch appeal Friday to block the eviction of his law practice from its Newport Beach offices. In a brief hearing at Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, Judge Robert J. Moss affirmed his Oct. 22nd order that Avenatti and his staff vacate their ocean-view suite in a building across from the Fashion Island mall. He ordered them to leave by Monday. Avenattis longtime law firm, Eagan Avenatti, skipped $213,254 in rent payments due over four months, leading the landlord, the Irvine Co., to sue for eviction. After the landlord won the case last month at a one-hour trial that Avenatti skipped, the Orange County Sheriffs Office posted a notice at the law office ordering the firm to vacate the premises by 6 a.m. on Nov. 1. Advertisement Avenatti requested a reprieve that won him a delay until Fridays hearing, which he also did not attend. Moss asked Mark Kompa, the landlords attorney, if he had heard from Avenatti. Kompa said he spoke to the celebrity lawyer on Tuesday. There were other events that transpired so I havent heard from him since then, Kompa said. Avenatti was arrested Wednesday in Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic violence, according to police. He was released after posting $50,000 bond and has denied the allegations. Asked about the eviction order in an email, Avenatti responded, It does not matter as Eagan Avenatti, my former firm, was already in the process of moving. A non-event. On Oct. 31, Avenatti asked the court to stop the eviction, saying Avenatti & Associates, another entity that he owns, had an oral rental agreement with the landlord that must be honored. The landlord denied there was any such agreement. Avenatti says the two businesses are distinct firms, but they function as the same law practice with the same lawyers and support staff in the same Newport Beach office suite. After Eagan Avenatti sought federal bankruptcy protection from its creditors last year, Avenatti identified himself in court proceedings as the sole owner of Avenatti & Associates, which in turn owned 75% of Eagan Avenatti. He later told a judge that Avenatti & Associates had bought out the firms minority partner Michael Eagan of San Francisco and become 100% owner of Eagan Avenatti. After the firm was hit with a $10-million judgment in a dispute with a lawyer who used to work there, Avenatti said that Avenatti & Associates no longer held any ownership stake in Eagan Avenatti, but declined to name the new owner. It was the great microchip heist a stunning Chinese-backed effort that pilfered as much as $8.75 billion in patented American technology. U.S. officials say the theft took a year to pull off and involved commercial spies, a Chinese-backed company, a Taiwanese chipmaker and employees affiliated with Micron Technology, a U.S.-based microchip behemoth. Yet what Micron called one of the boldest schemes of commercial espionage in recent times is most notable because its not unusual. Beijing over the last two years has significantly ramped up its swiping of commercial technology and intellectual property, from jet engines to genetically modified rice, as U.S. relations with China have grown more acrimonious under President Trump, according to U.S. officials and security experts. Advertisement They want technology by hook or by crook. They want it now. The spy game has always been a gentlemans game, but China has taken the gloves off, said John Bennett, the special agent in charge of the FBIs San Francisco office, which battles economic spies targeting Silicon Valley. They dont care if they get caught or if people go to jail. As long as it justifies their ends, they are not going to stop. The Trump administration has toughened its rhetoric against China and announced several dramatic arrests as the threats and the costs have soared. In a harshly worded speech last month, Vice President Mike Pence accused Chinese security agencies of masterminding the wholesale theft of American technology. China long has prioritized stealing U.S. intellectual property to boost its domestic industries and its rise as a global power, according to federal law enforcement officials. They say Beijing relies on an army of domestic computer hackers, traditional spies overseas and corrupt corporate insiders in U.S. and other companies. The surge in economic espionage comes as Trump has lobbed broadsides at China over trade, security and other issues. He has railed against what he calls Chinas unfair trade policies, and has imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods. Beijing has counterpunched, imposing duties on $110 billion in U.S. goods. Efforts to resolve the expensive trade war have been bogged down for months. Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Argentina this month. U.S. officials say Chinese thefts of U.S. commercial software and technology are relentless, growing and hitting on multiple fronts with hackers penetrating corporate and government email and digital networks, and Chinese operatives recruiting U.S. executives and engineers to spill juicy secrets. The spike in hacking is taking place after a marked lull in such activity during the last two years of the Obama administration. After a spate of digital attacks on U.S. defense contractors, telecommunications and other companies traced back to China, President Obama confronted Xi during an informal summit at Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage in June 2013. Obama said he expressed deep concerns about Chinas theft of intellectual property and hacks of private and government computer networks, warning of uncharted waters in global cybersecurity. When Xi returned in September 2015 for a state visit to the White House, he and Obama finalized a series of tough cybersecurity measures. Among them, according to a White House fact sheet, neither government would conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, including trade secrets or other confidential business information, with the intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or commercial sectors. U.S. officials say China probably entered the accord to avoid threatened sanctions and stepped-up legal pressure, including the 2014 indictment of five Chinese military hackers on economic espionage charges. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity technology company based in Sunnyvale, Calif., assessed that Chinese commercial hacks plummeted as much as 90% in the months after the agreement was reached. That trend has since reversed itself, U.S. officials and cyber experts say. Over the last two years, Beijing has dramatically increased its hacking of U.S. industry, growing far more aggressive in its economic espionage, said Dmitri Alperovitch, CrowdStrikes cofounder and chief technology officer. It is being done at a high pace, Alperovitch said in a telephone interview. Is it exactly at the same level as before the accord? That is harder to tell. But the threat is definitely back and has increased since 2016. Alperovitch and U.S. officials also have noticed a shift in who is behind the attacks. Chinas military is no longer directing the bulk of the hacks. It appears Chinas chief civilian intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security, has taken the lead instead. The trend is troubling because the spy service employs more sophisticated and seasoned hackers than the military, making it harder to catch and attribute the digital sabotage or thefts. Their tradecraft is much better, Alperovitch said. It took federal prosecutors in San Diego years, for example, to finally bring criminal charges in October against two Chinese intelligence officers and five alleged hackers. They are accused of conspiring from 2011 through 2015 to steal aviation and technology data from a slew of private companies in the U.S. and overseas. China has also boosted its efforts, U.S. officials say, to recruit corporate insiders to provide trade secrets. The Justice Department disclosed in October that the FBI had arrested a Chinese intelligence operative in Belgium in a sting operation. Yanjun Xu, a senior officer with the Ministry of State Security, was charged with attempting to commit economic espionage and steal trade secrets from multiple U.S. aerospace companies, including GE Aviation, by paying employees to steal secrets for him. He was flown to the United States and arraigned in a federal court in Cincinnati, where GE Aviation has spent decades developing jet engines and fan blades. The case drew headlines as the first known extradition of a Chinese spy to face U.S. charges. He has pleaded not guilty. Several other major economic espionage cases have emerged in recent months. In September, federal prosecutors charged a Chicago man with giving Beijing detailed information on engineers and scientists who might make good recruits. In August, a former scientist at GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical giant, pleaded guilty in Philadelphia to federal charges of stealing data and research on bio-pharmaceutical products. The scientist, working with two friends, had established a firm in China, with financial backing from Beijing, to develop anti-cancer drugs, court records show. The Justice Department also charged two Chinese researchers with conspiring to steal rice seeds designed for use in medicine. The problem here is the scale and scope of the threat, said John Demers, the Justice Departments assistant attorney general for national security. It is both impressive and frightening. The Chinese are methodical, persistent and well-resourced. Its a concerted effort to steal and gather the know-how to produce technology. A representative of the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to emails seeking comment. China in the past has denied state support for corporate espionage and has said it is often the victim of U.S. spying. The Chinese theft from Idaho-based Micron shows how a major U.S. technology company was targeted and systematically rifled of trade secrets, according to a federal indictment unsealed last month in San Francisco. Among Microns most successful products are dynamic random-access memory microchips. So-called DRAM semiconductor chips help power most of the worlds electronic gadgets, including smartphones, computers, cars and TVs. Micron controls about 20% of the worlds DRAM market, and the chips account for about 70% of the companys annual $30 billion in revenue. China announced in 2016 that producing its own DRAM chips was a national security priority. That same year, according to U.S. officials, the Chinese government provided more than $5 billion to create Fujian Jinhua Circuit Co. to produce the chips at a factory in Jinjiang, an industrial center on Chinas coast. But Fujian Jinhua didnt have the chips or the knowledge to make them. So it entered into an agreement with a Taiwanese company, United Microelectronics Corp., or UMC, to provide the technology, according to court papers filed by U.S. and Taiwanese prosecutors. To obtain the know-how, prosecutors allege, one of UMCs vice presidents, Chen Zhengkun who also used the name Stephen Chen turned to employees at a subsidiary of Micron for help. Chen had worked for the subsidiary, Micron Memory Taiwan Co., or MMT, and he recruited several co-workers to join him at UMC. One engineer brought with him trade secrets pertaining to the prior, current and future generations of Microns DRAM technology, federal prosecutors alleged. Another recruit, a manager, downloaded and brought to Chens company 900 confidential and proprietary files with Micron data, the U.S. indictment alleges. Prosecutors estimate the information was worth between $400 million and $8.75 billion. Chen and the UMC employees charged in the federal indictment could not be reached for comment. An attorney representing Fujian Jinhua and UMC declined comment, but UMC said in a statement that it had developed technology fundamentally different than Microns. In a statement in Chinese on its website, Fujian Jinhua said it places great importance on the protection of intellectual property rights and it does not steal other companies technology. U.S. officials announced the indictment as Fujian Jinhuas massive factory is nearing completion and moved to hinder its ability to export DRAM chips. The Justice Department has sued to block the companies from exporting DRAM products to the United States, or from giving the stolen Micron technology to others. The Commerce Department issued a separate order prohibiting Fujian Jinhua from obtaining U.S. components needed to manufacture microchips. Despite the activity, it may be too late to halt the damage from the Micron theft. One of Chens recruits, Micron alleged in its own lawsuit, spent his last days at MMT in a frenzied dash to pillage as much of Microns confidential data as possible.... The trade secrets [he] stole covered the gamut of technologies necessary for Chens company to deliver the DRAM technology to Fujian Jinhua where Chen later became president and was put in charge of the DRAM production facility. del.wilber@latimes.com Twitter: @DelWilber Republicans on Capitol Hill are going to try one last time to deliver President Trump funding for his border wall as part of a key government spending bill that needs to pass within three weeks. Newly emboldened Democrats, who are slated to take over the House in January, are largely opposed to the effort, setting up the potential of a messy fight and a partial government shutdown. The border wall is the most controversial item on Congress year-end to-do list. Lawmakers will return to Washington after Thanksgiving with hopes of enacting the spending bill, as well as a farm subsidy bill and perhaps tackling bipartisan, sweeping legislation to reform prison sentences for drug offenses. Funding to address the California wildfires and controversial legislation to protect special counsel Robert S. Mueller III from being fired could also be worked into the spending bill. Advertisement Washington lawmakers will have just three weeks remaining in their lame-duck session the period between election day and the start of the new Congress in January. In some years, the party controlling the White House or Congress uses these weeks to push through big or controversial pieces of legislation because lawmakers wont face voters for another two years and some have just lost their seats altogether, making them more willing to make difficult votes. But that appears unlikely this year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says a government shutdown wont happen, but its fate likely rests with Trump. The president will have to decide how aggressively Republicans should push to deliver on the wall, a key competent of his 2016 campaign. The spending bill, which needs to pass by Dec. 7, will most likely be Trumps last chance to get wall funding before Democrats take control of the House. I think this gets down to what the president is willing to accept, said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). Youre not going to get Republicans in the House to put anything on his desk that he doesnt want to sign. Our guys will just [pass a stop-gap bill] and move out and then the Democrats and the president can fight over it next year if we cant come to an agreement. A House bill would fund $5 billion for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and national security, while the Senate wants to fund $1.6 billion. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) has introduced a bill to fully fund the wall at $23.4 billion. Republicans are floating the idea of pairing border wall funding with something Democrats want: protections for young adults who arrived illegally in the United States as children, known as Dreamers. But Democrats say there are no active negotiations and dismissed the idea of giving Trump his wall just weeks after the midterm elections in which they made major gains in the House. Theres probably an opportunity to boost border security in general, but theres no way, nobody here is going to vote for a wall, said Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) Twenty-five billion dollars for a wall? No way, that aint happening. Five billion, who knows, possibly. The funding bill covers the Department of Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service, the National Park Service and other agencies. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed legislation to fund most of the rest of the government, except for these agencies. If Republicans and Democrats cant find a deal before funding needs to be renewed on Dec. 7, they could pass a short-term plan to continue funding at current levels or risk shutting down a portion of the government. Homeland Security would remain operating without a budget. Other priorities could get tucked into the spending bill, including aid for California wildfire recovery, although it is unclear whether the money would be included in this bill or in an emergency spending bill in early 2019. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) also wants to include in the spending bill protections for Mueller, who is leading the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, whether Trumps campaign participated in that effort and whether Trump tried to interfere with the subsequent probe. But most Republicans dont like the idea. McConnell and others say it is not needed. Its unconstitutional, Im not for it and its a dangerous place to be, said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), adding that the Supreme Court ruled in the early 1900s that the Senate couldnt dictate executive branch decisions about firing employees. Somebody has to be in charge of the executive branch and its not us. Separately, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is hoping to push through a criminal justice reform package before Congress leaves for the year. The criminal justice bill would change the way the federal government treats drug-related offenses. It would increase access to services and reduce some sentences for people currently serving prison terms and create exemptions from mandatory minimums that critics say are far too harsh. The bills supporters both Republicans and Democrats say it is a first step toward reversing mandatory sentences enacted in the 1990s that have led to prison overcrowding and skewed sentences for African Americans, such as treating different kinds of cocaine offenses dramatically differently. Trump has endorsed the package, support that could spur the legislation to advance quickly. But some on Capitol Hill are skeptical it could move fast enough. Three weeks is not a significant amount of time in Congress, especially in the Senate, where one lawmaker can easily tie up the floor for days. Im a little skeptical of our ability to do that in the lame duck, absent consent from all 100 senators, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the No. 2 Republican in the Senate. I am a little hesitant to say were going to get it done in a lame duck because nothing happens quickly around here. Another item on Congresss to-do list is the farm bill, which would fund farm subsidies and the nations food assistance program for the needy. House Republicans want to add new work requirements for some people who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps. The Senate did not add them. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) said the final version will be a compromise between the two policies. The final priority for Congress is finalizing plans to overhaul the sexual harassment reporting policies and systems on Capitol Hill. A version of the bill passed the House and the Senate version has languished for months. This week, former and current Capitol Hill staff urged Congress to move the bill before the year ends, when their efforts would have to begin again from scratch. The latest from Washington jennifer.haberkorn@latimes.com @jenhab The Supreme Court granted an unusual appeal from lawyers for the Trump administration Friday and said it would weigh the politically charged question of whether the 2020 census will ask residents about their citizenship. The justices in a brief order indicated they were ready to skip over the lower courts, but it was not clear exactly what they will consider. They could decide to limit the scope of the legal battle currently working its way through lower courts over the census, or they may go further and decide themselves the larger question of whether to uphold the Trump administrations plan. The outcome could have a political and financial impact that stretches over a decade. Advertisement Census data are used not only to divide up political power, but to drive the distribution of a huge amount of federal funds. California and 17 other states have joined lawsuits contending that a new question on citizenship will deter some people from responding. That in turn will result in an undercount of the population in areas with large number of immigrants, they said. The lawsuits say that a flawed census count could deprive the states, municipalities and school districts from receiving their fair share of federal funds. The suits also point out the 14th Amendment to the Constitution says representatives in Congress shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state. In the past, government lawyers had argued this reference to persons meant the census should count all residents, not just citizens. The latest from Washington But last year, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced he had decided to add a citizenship question to the household survey for the first time since 1950. Since then, the government had collected citizenship data with a sample of the population. Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union alleged Ross had given shifting answers as to why he added the question. He initially said the Justice Department had urged him to add the question, but he later conceded his office had in fact urged the Justice Departments intervention. Last month, administration lawyers filed an emergency appeal that asked the high court to bar a district judge in New York from probing the mental processes of the Commerce secretary, including whether he had a political motive for adding the citizenship question. All parties agree that finalizing the census questionnaire is time-sensitive, they added in urging the high court to intervene early in the legal battle. The justices issued a tentative order that shielded Ross from answering questions under oath, but the New York trial was allowed to proceed. Within days, U.S. Solicitor Gen. Noel Francisco filed an updated appeal, urging the justices to intervene further. That appeal was granted Friday. The case to be heard before the high court arises from New Yorks lawsuit, not the separate suit in California. Reacting to Fridays order, Dale Ho, director of the ACLUs Voting Rights Project, said the Trump administration is terrified of having to explain on the record why it added a census citizenship question. All relevant evidence should be considered. The record is clear that the administration added the citizenship question to intimidate immigrant communities, not to enforce the Voting Rights Act. david.savage@latimes.com Twitter: DavidGSavage When Florida last had a high-profile, disputed election, vote counters confronted a near-hopeless task, staring at punch cards without clear rules to decide how to figure out a voters intent. Both the rules and technology have improved. Although problems clearly remain, the state no longer has hanging chads to worry about. The rhetoric and the political climate, however? Thats gotten worse. Sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter Advertisement LONG COUNT MEETS TRUMPS SHORT FUSE Unlike the disputed presidential election of 2000, this years midterm election has actually been pretty routine. Every election cycle features a few races that come down to the wire, decided by the final count of absentee or provisional ballots. Haggling over which votes qualify happens all the time. Nothing this year has compared to the epic Minnesota Senate recount of 2008, in which former Sen. Al Franken prevailed by 312 votes after a final ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court which didnt come until late June of 2009. Or the contest in New Hampshire after the 1974 election which ended with a deadlocked Senate ordering a new election in 1975, won by the late Sen. John Durkin. The Florida recount has highlighted continued big problems counting machines that overheated, poor ballot design that may have led thousands of voters to inadvertently skip the Senate election. But in sharp contrast to 2000, this time, the public quickly found out who really won the most votes. The hand recount moved quickly Friday morning in Broward County, the main place where Democrats hoped to catch up in the Senate race. By lunchtime, it was clear they werent winning. Whats not normal? The political rhetoric. All week, President Trump has denounced the vote counting in Florida and elsewhere, flinging allegations of fraud with no evidence to back up his charges. Most oddly, hes leveled his accusations even though in Florida, his partys candidates, Gov. Rick Scott and Rep. Ron DeSantis, are winning. As Eli Stokols wrote, Trumps charges gave a taste of what he threatened to do had he lost in 2016 and what he may yet do in 2020. Perhaps not surprisingly, given Trumps rhetoric and the actual election results, Republican voters are much less happy about the election outcome than are Democrats, our USC-LA Times post-election poll showed. WHY NON-VOTERS DONT VOTE The USC-L.A. Times poll also asked non-voters why they didnt turn out this year. By far the most-cited reason? About half said they didnt know enough about the candidates to make an informed decision. Roughly one-third said they were too busy. Only about 1 in 10 cited efforts to suppress the vote as a factor. About 1 in 5 said they simply had lost track of when the election or the registration deadline was. ORANGE COUNTY GOES BLUE Weve chronicled this shift throughout the election season, but its still a stunner: Orange County, once the epicenter of Sunbelt conservatism, is on track to send nothing but Democrats to the House. Thursday night, as county officials continued their vote tally, Democrat Katie Porter established an insurmountable lead over incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters in the 45th Congressional District, giving Democrats another victory. Porters win marked the fifth Republican-held district in California that Democrats have flipped in this election. Earlier in the week, Rep. Jeff Denham lost his reelection race in the Central Valley. Democrats already had beaten Republican Reps. Dana Rohrabacher in Orange County and Steve Knight in northern Los Angeles County and picked up the open seat in San Diego vacated by Rep. Darrell Issas retirement. A sixth pickup is only a matter of time Democratic Gil Cisneros leads Republican Young Kim in the 39th District, which straddles the Orange County-L.A. County line. Theres a strong chance Cisneros will be declared the winner after Los Angeles officials report the countys next updated vote count this evening. Even Rep. David Valadao, who has repeatedly won in a district that covers a big swath of the Central Valley, is in a much closer race than expected. TALLYING THE TOTALS The midterm election had the highest turnout of any non-presidential election in more than a century, just over 49% of eligible voters. The last time the turnout was that big, a much smaller share of the population was eligible to vote only men in most states and only whites in much of the country. Given that, one can fairly say this was the largest turnout since the U.S. adopted universal suffrage. Democrats have flipped at least 36 seats that were held by Republicans. Theyll likely end up with between 38 and 40. In either case, its the largest pickup for their party since the post-Watergate election of 1974 and one of the three largest for either party since 1948. With Rep. Bruce Poliquins apparent defeat in Maine, Republicans wont hold a single congressional seat in all of New England, completing a political transition that parallels the flip of the South from solidly Democratic to mostly Republican. Democrats won just about 54% of the total vote for Congress and will end up with just about 54% of the seats in the House. Republican gerrymanders continued to hinder Democrats at the state level in some places, including North Carolina, Wisconsin and Texas, but, overall, gerrymandering had significantly less impact in this election. Theres a good chance that gerrymandering will also have less impact over the next decade than it has since 2010. Neither party seems likely to have as much control over the process of drawing district lines after the 2020 Census as Republicans had after the 2010 count. BEYOND THE ELECTION, A ROUGH WEEK FOR TRUMP Its hard to have a bad time in Paris, but Trump seemed to. As Noah Bierman wrote, not only did he take criticism for failing to attend a memorial to U.S. soldiers killed in World War I, his weekend visit highlighted his isolation from other Western leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, who spent much of last year trying to be friendly to Trump, delivered a speech sharply denouncing nationalism. Trump sat through it sullenly. Missing the cemetery visit in Paris established a pattern, Stokols wrote. Trump also skipped going to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. Aides say hes been in a dark mood, lashing out at staff, obsessing about the Russia investigation and retreating from traditional presidential duties. Trump also skipped a visit to the border to visit the troops he sent, ostensibly to guard against illegal immigrants. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis did go, and, as David Cloud wrote, told the service members that their mission is somewhat to be determined. Trump does plan to visit California on Saturday to look at the impact of the wildfires. Hes been sharply critical of the state, blaming the fires on poor forest management even though some of them are nowhere near forests. Trump also endorsed a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill. The proposal, as Bierman reported, would reduce mandatory sentences and provide relief for thousands of people currently serving long sentences for convictions involving crack cocaine. Former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions opposed the bill, while Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has pushed it. The proposal still faces opposition from conservatives in the Senate and a crowded calendar in the lame-duck congressional session. THE NEW CONGRESS TAKES SHAPE Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield easily won his race to be House Minority Leader, defeating Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a leader of the GOP right wing, Sarah Wire reported. If Rep. Nancy Pelosi regains her old job as House speaker, then both parties leaders will be from California that would be the first time in history one state had both leaders. But as Jennifer Haberkorn reported, Pelosi is still fighting to nail down the votes she needs. A significant number of newly elected Democrats promised voters that they wouldnt support Pelosi, and a lot of incumbent Democrats believe the party needs a fresh face. On the other hand, Pelosis critics dont have a candidate to oppose her. Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank is getting ready to regain his chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee. Schiff tells Chris Megerian he wants to restore comity after two years of partisan fights. That wont be easy. And as Wire reported, the newly elected members of Congress are a diverse lot, much more reflective of the mix of the U.S. population. ONE ELECTION DONE, ANOTHER STARTS The 2020 presidential election campaign has already begun. Although no big-name Democrats have yet formally declared their intentions to run, more than a dozen have plans in the works. As Evan Halper reported, the clock is already ticking. With a very large field of candidates expected, experienced campaign aides and proven fundraisers will get snapped up quickly. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown won his reelection the only statewide Democrat to win in that important swing state. His victory immediately sparked talk about a presidential bid, and in an interview, he did nothing to discourage such talk. LOGISTICS That wraps up this week. Well be off next Friday for Thanksgiving. So 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 Nebraska state Sen. Adam Morfeld, like healthcare advocates in many conservative states, was beginning to lose hope last year that his poorest constituents would ever get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. After seven years of losing in the Legislature, it was apparent that passing Medicaid expansion just wasnt politically feasible here, he recalled. Today, Morfeld and advocates in Idaho and Utah are celebrating the unthinkable: Voters in these three deeply red states backed ballot measures last week to expand Medicaid eligibility through the 2010 healthcare law, often called Obamacare. The victories which bring to 36 the number of states that have elected to expand Medicaid coverage were the product of a model of political action that may become increasingly common across the country in coming years, particularly in traditionally Republican states. Advertisement The model relies on state ballot measures to circumvent state legislatures and governors offices dominated in many states by the most conservative wing of the GOP. It taps into popular support for traditionally liberal ideas such as extending health coverage to the poor and raising the minimum wage. And the model brings together local activism with funding and strategic guidance from a national organization called the Fairness Project, a nonprofit advocacy group founded three years ago by a California labor union. Ballot initiatives allow us to put questions of economic fairness directly to the people, said Dave Regan, president of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, who has called on organized labor to support broader political campaigns to support workers, even if they are not union members. We are showing that people in Utah and Idaho and Nebraska want the same thing as people in California. Since 2016, the Fairness Project has backed 17 campaigns across the country, and won in 16. In addition to this years Medicaid measures, the project helped lead successful passage in 2017 of a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in Maine. It has backed successful minimum wage campaigns in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine Missouri, Washington, the District of Columbia and Massachusetts. In California and Massachusetts, lawmakers acted facing the prospect of a ballot campaign. A successful 2018 measure will restrict payday lending in Colorado. And initiative campaigns or the threat of them have expanded paid family leave in Arizona, Michigan, Washington and the city of San Antonio. The only setback was in Montana this year, where a flood of tobacco industry money helped defeat a measure to extend a Medicaid expansion set to sunset in 2019. In Nebraska, Morfeld first heard of the Fairness Project last year while reading news reports about the passage of the Maine Medicaid measure. He immediately emailed the group asking for help. Morfeld and others in the state, including healthcare groups and the liberal advocacy organization Nebraska Appleseed, had been arguing for years that expanding Medicaid would help working families who couldnt afford health coverage. The Affordable Care Act makes hundreds of billions of federal dollars available to states to extend Medicaid coverage to poor adults, a population that had been largely excluded. Medicaid eligibility was historically limited to vulnerable populations, such as low-income children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. I come from the perspective that people can work hard but still need assistance, said Morfeld, who was raised by a single mother who at times relied on government assistance to support her family. That message never resonated in the state Capitol, where conservative state lawmakers and the governor said Nebraska couldnt afford the expansion and shouldnt provide government coverage for Nebraskans who could work. But when the Fairness Project came to Nebraska shortly after Morfelds email and fielded a statewide poll, advocates discovered that state residents, in fact, were very sympathetic to the idea of helping their neighbors get coverage. It was the same in Idaho and Utah, where broad public support for Medicaid convinced advocates that an initiative campaign could work. In Nebraska, there was some precedent for this strategy. State voters had backed a minimum wage measure in 2014. But in Utah, ballot measures had rarely been used, in part because collecting enough signatures was extremely expensive. It just wasnt something that was done, said RyLee Curtis, campaign manager for Utah Decides, that states Medicaid campaign. With funding from the Fairness Project, however, advocates in Nebraska, Idaho and Utah were able to fan out across their states and collect more than enough signatures. They also honed a message that spotlighted the working people who would benefit, and they drew voters attention to the tax money the states were sending to Washington and not getting back. That was particularly important for voters in the conservative states, said Maria Weeg, the general consultant to the Idaho campaign. You have to root a campaign to the place where you are running, she explained. Equally important, the three Medicaid campaigns worked to ensure that Medicaid expansion was not seen as a Democratic Party issue. That also proved critical. Surveys by Fairness Project shortly before election day showed solid support for the measures by Republican voters. In Nebraska, GOP women supported it by 13 points, according to the polling. At the same time, support for the Medicaid measure did not mean that Republican voters were willing to back Democratic candidates, as the GOP retained a strong hold on elected offices in all three states. In the end, the three measures passed comfortably, with the Idaho initiative getting nearly 61% and the measures in Utah and Nebraska measure netting 53% . Today the Fairness Project is already eyeing possible Medicaid expansion campaigns in other non-expansion states that allow ballot initiatives, including Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming. Our premise has been that people care more about the struggles of working families than their politicians do, said Jonathan Schleifer, head of the Fairness Project. By using ballot initiatives, we will continue to cut politicians out of the picture. Obamacare 101: A primer on key issues in the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. The latest from Washington More stories from Noam N. Levey noam.levey@latimes.com @noamlevey President Trump said Friday that hes finishing written answers to questions posed by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III in the Russia probe, a potential milestone in the long-running investigation that Trump has repeatedly denounced. Trumps responses, once submitted to Muellers team, would represent the presidents first official comment to prosecutors in an investigation that has drawn guilty pleas from several of his former top aides and cast a shadow over the White House. Im working on them, Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about Muellers questions. A person familiar with the process, who declined to speak publicly about the closed-door preparation, said Trump was close to completing his answers. The president said he was handling the issue cautiously because you always have to be careful answering questions for people who have bad intentions. Advertisement Trump has repeatedly blasted the Russia investigation as a witch hunt, and on Thursday he renewed his attacks, slamming the probe on Twitter as a witch hunt like no other in American history. The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess, he tweeted. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. Although the president has met with his legal team this week, he told reporters hes handling the answers himself. My lawyers arent working on it, he said. Im working on it. My lawyers dont write the answers. The specific questions posed by Muellers team have not been made public. Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York who is representing the president, told the Washington Post on Thursday that all the questions involve events before the 2016 election. If thats the case, the queries dont involve Muellers related examination of whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to influence the outcome of the investigation with the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey or other actions. Although Trump bragged on Friday that hes handling the questions very easily, Giuliani suggested that some create more issues for us legally than others and were possible traps. Mueller began seeking an interview with Trump months ago, eventually agreeing to submit some queries in writing. Theres a precedent in 1987, President Reagan answered written questions during the investigation into illegal funding of Nicaraguan rebels with profits from the covert sale of missiles to Iran, which became known as the Iran-Contra scandal. Its not known if Mueller will continue to push for an in-person interview with Trump, or even issue a subpoena to force his testimony, after getting the written answers. Independent counsel Ken Starr brought President Clinton before a grand jury in 1998, questioning him about his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Special counsel Robert Mueller III, pictured here testifying on Capitol Hill in 2013 when he was FBI director, is awaiting President Trumps written answers to questions in the Russia investigation. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Trump has denied any conspiracy with a Russian-backed intelligence operation that hacked Democratic Party emails and spread disinformation on social media to boost his campaign against Hillary Clinton in 2016. The presidents answers come as oversight of Muellers investigation is shifting. After the Nov. 6 midterm election, the president forced out Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and installed Sessions chief of staff, Matt Whitaker, as his temporary replacement. Until now, Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein had been supervising the special counsels office because Sessions recused himself. However, Whitaker will assume that responsibility, according to the Justice Department, which alarms critics because Whitaker was a vocal critic of Muellers work before he joined the Justice Department last year. Whitaker disagreed with the decision to appoint a special counsel last year, and he insisted there was no conspiracy between Trumps team and the Russians, dismissing a key question the investigation has sought to answer. Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington Trumps decision to name Whitaker as acting attorney general renewed a push on Capitol Hill for proposed legislation that could shield Mueller from being improperly fired. Mueller has been accused repeatedly and without basis in fact of conducting a witch hunt ... by none other than the president of the United States, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said on the Senate floor on this week. The bipartisan legislation would allow the courts to determine whether a special counsel was being fired for good cause, then block the ouster if appropriate. This bill is designed to do one thing protect the integrity of the special counsels investigation, Flake said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has opposed the measure. Even if it passed the Senate, it would be unlikely to survive in the House, which is controlled by Republicans until the new Democratic majority assumes power in January when the next congressional session begins. I dont see any reason to tell the president we dont trust him on this, and youre not going to get very many Republicans voting for that, at least not in the House, said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). Although Trump has insisted he has the power to fire anyone he wants at the Justice Department, Cole said he doesnt believe the president would move against Mueller. If he wanted to end the investigation I know he doesnt like it but his calculations always been to allow it to move to a conclusion, Cole said. Mueller has indicted or secured guilty pleas from four former Trump advisors, 25 Russians, three Russian companies, one California man and a former London-based lawyer. Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, also pleaded guilty in New York in a separate criminal case arising from the Russia investigation. Although no Americans have been charged with conspiring with Moscow to influence the election, more charges could be coming. Jerome Corsi, a far-right political commentator and conspiracy theorist, said this week that he has met with Muellers prosecutors over the last two months and expects to be indicted for allegedly lying to them. I was doing my best to cooperate, Corsi said in a YouTube broadcast Monday. Evidently it wasnt good enough. Corsi, 72, is an associate of Roger Stone, a longtime Trump advisor who has faced scrutiny for alleged ties to WikiLeaks, which released hacked Democratic Party emails in 2016. Corsi and Stone have denied any wrongdoing. The founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, is apparently already facing a possible prosecution, although its unclear if the case is connected to the Russia investigation. The existence of sealed charges was accidentally revealed in a court filing in an unrelated case in Virginia. Staff writers Del Wilber and Jennifer Haberkorn contributed to this report. chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian UPDATES: 1:20 p.m.: This story was updated with additional details. 12:05 a.m.: This story was updated with additional details about the Mueller investigation. This story was published at 9:30 a.m. WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX launched a Qatar satellite on Thursday with its Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the U.S. space agency NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the state of Florida. The Es' hail-2 satellite was lifted off at 3:46 p.m. EST and the communication satellite was deployed to a geostationary transfer orbit about 32 minutes after liftoff. "Successful deployment of Es' hail-2 to geostationary transfer orbit confirmed," according to SpaceX's official Twitter account. This launch marked Falcon 9's 18th successful launch this year, equalizing the record the private rocket launch company made last year. SpaceX may have four additional flights before the end of December. Falcon 9's first stage for the mission, once supporting the Telstar 19 VANTAGE mission in July 2018, was recovered about eight minutes after the launch on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket capable of re-flight. The rocket reusability is a breakthrough needed to reduce the cost of access to space and enable people to live on other planets, according to SpaceX. The Es' hail-2 satellite is based on the Mitsubishi Electric DS 2000 satellite bus. It will provide business and government sectors with secure communications across the Middle East and North Africa region. Its multi-mission architecture will enable the satellite to respond to demand for the fastest growing applications in the Middle East and North Africa, including content transfer, broadcast distribution, enterprise communications, and government services, according to SpaceX. Two plays in an inaugural playwriting contest are receiving full-stage productions at a local theater, and both deal with contemporary issues. The finalists in the the Moss Hart and Kitty Carlisle New Play Initiative are directed by the namesakes son, Christopher Hart, and presented at the Grove Theater Center, 1111 W. Olive Ave., Burbank. The word went out [about the contest] at the end of last year, Hart said. It was just word of mouth and a couple of places on the Internet. Organizers had expected a couple hundred scripts would be submitted, but wound up receiving about 1,300 submissions. One of the reasons was likely the prize two finalist plays getting full productions in Los Angeles and then the final winner received a full Off-Broadway production at 59E59 Theaters in March in New York City, where Hart calls home. In addition, the top four plays got readings at 59E59 Theaters in New York City. All four top plays were written by women. It was an interesting coincidence, Hart said. There were criteria for the contest no musicals were allowed, and the plays submitted could have only about half a dozen characters. Hart grew up in New York City with his famous parents and came out to Los Angeles as producer for a TV series called You Cant Take it With you, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by his father. He stayed in L.A. for several years working on TV productions, and he ran a theater company called the Malibu Stage Co. until he and his family moved back to New York City to be closer to his mother during her final years. Both these plays are [about] very contemporary subjects, Hart said. Confederates is about politics and journalism as a reporter grapples with a controversial photo of a female friend and the dilemma he faces about whether to cover it because her father, a senator, is running for president. The other finalist, Exit Wounds, is about a school shooting, but its not told from the viewpoint of the victims families. It centers on the lives of the family of the shooter 25 years after the incident and how the tragic incident has impacted them. They have to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives, he said. We see whats become of them and how theyre still struggling with it. In Confederates, Melissa R. Randel, co-chair of theater arts at Glendale Community College, plays a reporter who is more seasoned than her fellow journalist who is embroiled in the controversy. Shes performed in productions throughout the L.A. area in smaller theaters as well as in pieces with the Hollywood Fringe Festival. At GCC, she has directed several shows including Sarah Ruhls Eurydice and an original work called We Are Stardust. While shes done her share of acting and directing, dancing is her first love. In fact, shes danced and sang on Broadway, originating the character Judy Turner in the inaugural Broadway production of A Chorus Line. I love her fearlessness, she said of her character in Confederates. I love her completely unapologetic pursuit of the truth, as she sees it I see her as heroic for the truth. She really wants the truth to come out, and she loves this candidate when she first hears him speak at the debate and then she gets this information and it changes her opinion of him, she said, adding that the character still continues to pursue more information about the controversial issue Its a moral dilemma of whether you protect the person or tell the story, she said. Playwright Suzanne Bradbeer, who has had her plays produced in New York City and across the country for several years, said she got the idea for Confederates when she was back in her home town of Charlottesville, Va., and she saw a statue of an unnamed young confederate soldier and, in front of it, was a stone carving of a confederate flag. I was thinking about that, too, because even though I grew up in Virginia, I mean, Charlottesville is a university town, it wasnt that often that I saw a confederate flag. I saw that and I thought, wow, Ive never even noticed this statue, she said Then, on the other side of the statue was the phrase, as Bradbeer paraphrased, Fought in the battle for states rights. A short time later, she saw a statue of Robert E. Lee and then a statue of Stonewall Jackson. That experience led her to reflect on the community where she was raised. And that led to the first scene she wrote in Confederates, which is the fourth scene in the final play, where the senators daughter shows her longtime friend, the reporter, a compromising photo of her that involves a Confederate flag, thus fueling the dilemma for the reporter. While both plays tackle serious subjects, Hart said there is still humor in both of them, referencing plays by Anton Chekhov that are very serious. But he called them comedies, Hart said with a chuckle. For more information about Confederates and Exit Wounds, which are being presented in rotation through Dec. 16, visit hartnpi.org. mark.kellam@latimes.com Twitter: @LAMarkKellam Samara Fitzgerald is recruiting Santas helpers. No experience is needed only a desire to make Christmas brighter for underserved children, who might otherwise not get many or any presents. Through her Letters to Santa program, Fitzgerald, a junior at Chapman University, handles requests written by local elementary school children to the Jolly Old Elf himself. The letters get turned in, and then Fitzgerald and her volunteers do their best to purchase the presents and fulfill the requests of every child. Last year was the first time Fitzgerald organized the campaign at Chapman. College President Daniele C. Struppa played the role of the big guy in the red suit and delivered the gifts directly to schoolchildren. The Letters to Santa program falls under the umbrella of Direct Effect Charities, a Chicago-based nonprofit run by her mother, Michele DiGiacomo. Fitzgerald, who is also from Chicago, was in fifth-grade when she started helping her mother answer letters. She has been spreading good cheer to needy youngsters every year since. Santa was ruined for me from an early age, Fitzgerald said jokingly, referring the countless hours shes spent with the Letters to Santa campaign for about the past 10 years. One letter that stands out came in 2014 from a 13-year-old boy living in a crime-ridden neighborhood whose only request was for Santa to keep him safe. The letter wound up on the desk of then-President Obama, who replied to the boy. Donated presents came in from everywhere and were delivered to the boys home. Letters to Santa, " is a Christmas Card project that answers thousands of letters written by underprivileged children to Santa Clause. (Photo by Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer) Fitzgerald decided to launch the program locally during her freshman year at Chapman after seeing underserved neighborhoods within a few miles of the university. When I got here, I just noticed that people have so much to give, and were surrounded by so many areas that need what we have, Fitzgerald said. I felt like I wanted to channel this into something that can help people. And the fact that the people are so close to us, it just seemed like the right thing to do. It just seemed so clear to me. Fitzgerald and her volunteers read letters and provided presents to 1,200 children from Madison Elementary School in Santa Ana. Since last years campaign went so well, Fitzgerald added two more schools this year, Martin Elementary in Santa Ana and Melrose Elementary in Placentia. Thats 3,000 letters, which translates to at least 3,000 presents. Needless to say, Fitzgerald needs some help. Belonging to Chapmans Pi Beta Phi sorority this year is proving to be an ideal way to recruit donors, Fitzgerald said, since word spread quickly through the other sororities and fraternities that donors were needed. Social networking, campus-wide emails and word of mouth have also been helpful. On a recent afternoon, Fitzgerald and a few sorority sisters set up a table in the Attallah Piazza in the middle of campus and a steady stream of students came by to pick up a letter. Senior Leron Nehemia took two letters. I think its a really good cause, Nehemia said. If I can help any kids who want [presents] and cant get them, then Ill get involved and help out and buy gifts. Just being able to help and make them happy on Christmas is rewarding. Junior Maecey Malone also took two letters, both written by boys, because she was touched by what they wrote. Both of them described how they liked helping out their families at home, and they described friends and family, Malone said. One asked for Hot Wheels and a remote-control car, and the other kid asked for Pokemon Teddy Bears. Fitzgeralds goal is to have all the presents turned in by Nov. 29. Gifts will be stored on campus until it comes time to call on Santa to deliver the presents to each school. Fitzgerald said there are still piles of letters that need to be read, and shes reaching out to anyone who wants to help. For information, visit directeffectcharities.org, call (312) 296-5311 or e-mail directeffect@ameritech.net Lou Ponsi is a contributor to Times Community News. Its been said that music is food for the soul. Members of the Dover Quartet, however, have taken that saying to a whole different level: they insist on feeding peoples stomachs as well. Music is about people coming together, and you hear a lot of talk about music improving peoples lives, but we sometimes dont make that obvious, said Camden Shaw, cellist of the Dover Quartet, which performs at the Samueli Theatre of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Nov. 25. We try to remember that, through music, we can help someone in physical ways as well, Shaw said. So what we do is donate our fees for one or two concerts a season to go to a hunger charity organization to distribute food to those in need. The Dover Quartet is active in Music for Food, an initiative where musicians raise awareness of hunger. For this show, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, which is presenting the quartet at Segerstrom as part of its Laguna Chamber Music Series, will hold a food drive in collaboration with Second Harvest, a local food bank, as a nod toward the Dover Quartets humanitarian efforts and Thanksgiving weekend. Patrons at the Samueli will be asked to donate what they can during this drive. The quartet Shaw; violinists Joel Link and Bryan Lee; and violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt was founded in 2008 in Philadelphia, where it is still based. They are all alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and theyre named after Dover Beach, a musical setting of Matthew Arnolds lyric poem by Samuel Barber, himself a Curtis alum. Although each of the members are also pursuing solo careers, together they perform more than 100 concerts a season worldwide, often in collaboration with other artists, such as pianists Emanuel Ax and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, bassist Edgar Meyer and the Escher String Quartet. Inspired by their former teachers, the legendary Guarneri String Quartet, the Dover Quartet made its first recording an all-Mozart affair. It was released in 2016, some 50 years after the Guarneris first album, which was also all-Mozart. Guarneri founding violist Michael Tree, who died in April, joined the Dover Quartet on that recording, making the linkage complete. The Dover Quartets third album is set for release next year, and members say they will start recording their fourth CD soon. For the Samueli concert, the Dover Quartet will perform From Amber Frozen, a modern work by Grammy-nominated American composer Mason Bates. This will be sandwiched by a pair of last quartets: the rarely performed No. 3 in E-flat minor, Op. 30, of Peter Tchaikovsky, and the virtuosic No. 14 in A-flat Major, Op. 105, by Antonin Leopold Dvorak. We just love playing together, Shaw said. It takes every fiber of our being to keep it going at this intensity level so that we create a product thats very unified and very committed to our vision of what a quartet should sound like: that every person is unique and individual, that the inner voices the second violin and the viola are just as important as the outer voices and should sound just as strong. This creates an almost organ-like thickness in sound. Its really a nimble balance between blending extremely well, like one instrument, and being individual, like the four instruments we are. And every musical situation calls for a different color in that balance. Michael Rydzynski is a contributor to Times Community News. IF YOU GO What: The Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents the Dover Quartet, part of the Laguna Chamber Music Series When: 3 p.m. Nov. 25 Where: Samueli Theatre, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa Cost: Tickets start at $28 Information: (714) 556-2787; scfta.org Newport Beach Brewing Co. has closed its doors after 23 years in business. The brewery, which opened on the Balboa Peninsula in 1995 and closed Nov. 4, was Newport Beachs first. The brewerys owners, Mario Marovic and Andrew Gabriel, plan to extensively remodel the business and reopen under a new concept, potentially by next summer, a company representative said. Some beer may continue to be brewed under the Newport Beach Brewing Co. name, though the focus will be on the new concept, the company said. Marovic and Gabriel also own Dory Deli, Stag Bar + Kitchen and Malarkys Irish Pub in Newport Beach, as well as the Country Club restaurant and bar and Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa. South Coast Collection announces changes South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa has added five new design showrooms, a series of pop-up retailers and kombucha drink company Rich Elixirs. The showrooms are Hay, a Danish furnishings brand; Rejuvenation, an Oregon-based lighting store; Ligne Roset, a French contemporary furnishings store; Scavolini, an Italian kitchen brand; and Roomscapes, an interior design studio that specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, millwork and whole-house remodeling. Rich Elixirs also will sell cold brew coffee, ginger beer and bone broth, according to a news release. Its grand opening is scheduled for Dec. 7. This month, SoCo is hosting pop-up shops for Fifi Venezia, a slipper company, and oil boutique Campo Beauty. In December, pop-up space will be occupied by Ulloo 42, which sells furnishings and other handmade products. The center also announced that the Cheese Shop is under new ownership. Changes include new breakfast offerings, catering and an expanded sandwich menu. Newport developer wins award for Irvine hotel Newport Beach-based R.D. Olson Development has received the Hotel Opening of the Year award for the 271-room Marriott Irvine Spectrum, which began operations in December. The award was given during the Marriott International North America and Full Service Owners Conference in October in Washington, D.C. This recognition speaks to the strong partnership we have built, and continue to build, with Marriott International, R.D. Olson Chief Executive Robert Olson said in a statement. We are proud of our work and look forward to partnering with Marriott on future projects that will continue to provide guests with exceptional lodging experiences. Costa Mesa students beamed Wednesday as law enforcement officers handed them weighty turkeys and hard-earned pumpkin pies as rewards for their improved academic performance and classroom behavior. Fifteen students at Wilson Elementary School received holiday meals to share with their families as part of a Thanksgiving challenge sponsored by the Orange County Gang Reduction & Intervention Partnership, an initiative between law enforcement agencies and schools intended to reduce young peoples susceptibility to gang influence. Students identified by school faculty were recognized for making strides in attendance, behavior and grades. Wilson Elementary Principal Mia King highlighted each students hard work and improvements that led to the recognition. Kindergartner Angel Contreras, 6, wore a huge smile in photos showcasing his turkey dinner with his mother, Veronica Aguilera, Costa Mesa police school resource officer Jose Torres and several other law enforcement members. Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott offered Angel a fist bump when he claimed his pumpkin pie. Police Chief Rob Sharpnack, who helped hand out meals to students, said he was exceptionally proud of the program, adding that it aligns with the departments community policing philosophy. The program aims to direct children toward a successful path, Sharpnack said. Angel walked out of the school gym with bags filled with mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy and sides, along with a pie meant to feed 10. He said the award made him proud and that he will work toward the opportunity again next year. Aguilera encouraged him with a big smile, saying in Spanish, Youre going to keep giving it your all. Second-grader Karime Cortez, 7, was recognized for making strides in Accelerated Reading. Karimes mom, Erika Aguilera, said her daughter previously was a little bit behind in reading but that she encouraged her to improve by reading aloud at home. This was the first time the Aguileras had heard of the holiday-inspired challenge, and they said they felt good about the positive influence and encouragement it gave students. It left their kids feeling proud of their work, they said. Nicole Nicholson, an Orange County assistant district attorney who oversees GRIP within the district attorneys office, said a goal is for students to have positive interactions with law enforcement. One effect of police and probation officers celebrating students success is we show them law enforcement is good, Nicholson said. Kids and parents warmly greeted Torres by name as students waited giddily outside the gym after school to take home their tasty rewards. The GRIP program is in its second year at Wilson Elementary. It also will distribute meals at Costa Mesas Rea Elementary School this year. GRIP plans to distribute a total of 950 meals to 57 schools across the county. The food and supplies were donated by Ralphs and Food 4 Less, and Lake Forest-based Saddleback Church facilitated packing and distribution. The program aims to build not only students performance in the classroom but also their confidence in themselves and their academic potential. The programs three pillars are academics, attendance and attitude. When kids slip behind in those areas, their confidence is reduced and [they] are susceptible to making bad choices, Nicholson said. Second-grader Lizeth Ambrosio, 7, said the recognition in the challenge made her happy as she walked out with her parents and siblings, an accompanying adult capturing the event in a cellphone video. She said she read a lot and especially liked the book series Pinkalicious. It was great motivation, her mother, Cristina Esteban, said in Spanish. It got us really excited. The family plans to save the turkey meal to share on Thanksgiving. julia.sclafani@latimes.com Ten Years Ago Local schools and other area agencies participated in the 2008 Great Southern California ShakeOut earthquake drill, the first of its kind. It was fantastic, said Dr. Lucy Jones, chief scientist for the Multi Hazards Demonstration Project of the Southern California U.S. Geological Survey who was then a La Canada resident. The drill, which involved 5.3 million participants, simulated the region being struck by a 7.8 earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. Twenty Years Ago A $250,000 grant from Los Angeles County was being sought by the city of La Canada Flintridge to assist in the purchase of Rockridge Terrace, an open space in the southwestern portion of town abutting a Montrose neighborhood. The citys stated goal was to preserve the acreage in its natural state. Thirty Years Ago The La Canada Flintridge Planning Commission in November 1988 voted 4-1 to approve the environmental impact report and conditional use permit that paved the way for Lanterman House on Encinas Drive to become a museum, civic-cultural center and organ recital hall. (In 1991, the 34-ton, late 1920s Wurlitzer Fox Theater organ that had been installed at the house by Frank Lanterman was, prior to the museums opening, sold to the city of Glendale, which in turn sold it to Buena Vista Pictures for installation in the El Capitan theater.) Forty Years Ago Four tellers were forced at gunpoint to turn over $11,851 to a very nervous masked bandit on Nov. 16, 1978, at the Crocker Bank then located at 2200 Foothill Blvd. The robbery took place about 20 minutes before the banks regular closing time. Fifty Years Ago A U.S. Army helicopter was shot down over South Vietnam in the fall of 1968, taking the life of pilot Loren Engstrom, the 23-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Engstrom of Lombardy Drive. It was La Canadas second fatal casualty in the Vietnam War. In the fall of 1967, Roger Rose of Flintridge lost his life in a similar incident. Sixty Years Ago La Canadas coldest night to date in 1958 came on Nov. 17, when the mercury dropped to 28 degrees Fahrenheit overnight and some snowflakes fell in area communities. Just a week earlier the Crescenta-Canada Valley had been experiencing balmy weather, with overnight lows in the 60s. Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci. Icelands natural beauty has helped it earn a spot as one of the worlds hottest destinations, no easy feat for a country so cold. Explore the island on a Hurtigruten cruise that circumnavigates the country, offering a look at some of its most popular sights. The company is offering free international airfare with its May and June cruises if booked by Nov. 30. The 12-day voyage visits more than a dozen ports, with opportunities to see the Godafoss waterfall, swim in natural hot springs and hike through lava fields. The trip departs from Reykjavik and visits the city of Stykkisholmur in western Iceland, known for its lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. The cruise also visits the Vatnajokull lagoon and glacier, one of the largest in Europe. Advertisement Dates: May and June departures Price: From $7,466 per person, double occupancy. Includes international airfare, accommodations, meals, small-boat landings and activities onboard and ashore. Info: Hurtigruten, (888) 645-6875 ALSO Princess adds more round-trip cruises from Los Angeles to Alaska Dumb and dumber: Do these things on a cruise and you could be in a world of trouble Carnival to transform one last ship as $2-billion upgrade of its fleet nears end travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Two for the price of one. This fare to Delhi lets you see this old, historic city along with New Delhi, the capital since 1947. Together they have about 20 million people. Now, theres a sale fare that allows you to fly to India for less than $500. Fare: $461 round trip, including all taxes and fees, from LAX to Delhi, India, on China Southern. Restrictions: The fare is subject to availability and is for travel Feb. 27-March 6. Travel must be completed by March 27. Flights connect through Guangzhou, China. Advertisement Info: China Southern, (888) 338-8988 Source: Airfarewatchdog travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The Israeli government teetered on the verge of collapse Friday after a second key right-wing minister called for early elections in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the long-running crisis with Hamas, the Islamist militia that governs the Gaza Strip. Education Minister Naftali Bennett echoed Defense Minister Avigdor Liebermans demand two days earlier, made when he resigned to protest a cease-fire with Hamas. With Netanyahus parliamentary majority down to a single vote, there are few signs that the disarray in his coalition will resolve itself. After meeting with Netanyahu on Friday, the first day of the Israeli weekend, Bennett stopped short of resigning but said that the only way forward is to go to elections as soon as possible with no possibility of continuing the current government. Bennett had demanded the coveted ministry from which Lieberman resigned, saying he would abandon the government if he were denied the post. Advertisement But people close to the prime minister have said he intends to take on the responsibilities himself. He was left with little choice after one of the few Cabinet moderates, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, told Netanyahu that he would withdraw from the government if Bennett were awarded the defense portfolio. While Bennett declared that the date for a snap election would be decided Sunday, Netanyahu raced to hold a series of last-ditch calls with his remaining ministers, contending, according to a statement from his office, that there is no reason to go to elections and that he would make every effort to preserve the right-wing government. Even if successful, Netanyahu appeared to be postponing the inevitable. The departure of Yisrael Beiteinu, Liebermans hard-line nationalist party, and Jewish Home, Bennetts hard-line pro-settlement party, leave Netanyahu exposed to increasingly loud complaints that he has lost the claim to his longtime nickname, Mr. Security. Fridays political tumult concluded a week that began with a botched Israeli army special operations raid into Gaza that prompted Netanyahu to quickly return to Israel from a summit meeting in Paris. The operation, which resulted in the death of a senior Israeli military officer, sparked a two-day military confrontation between Israel and Hamas that ended with an inconclusive truce that has proved to be massively unpopular among Israelis. The notion that Netanyahu capitulated to terrorism by agreeing to the cease-fire, as Lieberman accused in his harsh resignation announcement, has been echoed in growing public protests. Residents of Israels south, notably from Sderot, a city that has long been a bastion of Netanyahus conservative Likud party, have burned tires and blocked major highways to protest a humiliating deal they believe has not materially improved their exposure to Hamas rockets and missiles that have been launched from Gaza at their communities for years. The political and social revolt could not have erupted at a more challenging time for Netanyahu, who faces a likely indictment resulting from three criminal investigations in which police have recommended he be charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, blaming the criminal inquiries on a left-wing conspiracy. On Friday, Netanyahu described the endurance of his government in stark, existential terms, pleading with his Cabinet ministers not to repeat the historical mistake of 1992 when the right-wing government was toppled, the left came into power and brought the Oslo disaster to the state of Israel, an allusion to the 1993 Oslo peace accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization. But after Kahlon told Netanyahu he would quit the government if Bennett were chosen to lead the Defense Ministry, the prime minister was left with nowhere to turn for support. In an interview with Israeli television, Hanan Kristal, a political analyst, dismissed the prime ministers warnings about the grim outcome that would follow overthrowing a right-wing government as only a Netanyahu gimmick. Its every man for himself now, Kristal said. Predicting elections will come in March, Kristal said, Netanyahu wants to push the date back as far as possible and run as a full-time prime minister, not some lame duck. Most Israeli observers believe negotiations over the date for elections, currently scheduled for November 2019, will begin in earnest Sunday. Recent municipal elections, in which several long-term mayors were overthrown, augur a tumultuous electoral campaign ahead. Israelis want change and are going to vote for change, political analyst Ronit Vered predicted Friday, despite relatively cheery snap polls that showed a comfortable cushion of support for Netanyahu. The issue in the coming election will be democracy and clean government, she said. Tarnopolsky is a special correspondent. UPDATES: 3:10 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with Los Angeles Times reporting. CHONGQING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A new China-Europe freight train carrying commercial vehicles, the first of its kind, arrived Thursday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The train, carrying 112 Mercedes-Benz cars, started its trip in Bremen, Germany on Oct. 29, and traveled 14,000 km across Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and arrived in Chongqing via the Horgos Port, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The one-way trip took 16 days and 16 hours, reducing transportation time by more than two-thirds compared with by sea. Compared with shipping containers, train carriages are larger and less restricted by seasonal changes. According to the China Railway Special Cargo Services CO., Ltd., the new train will attract more car companies in China and the Belt and Road countries to utilize it, adding an import and export of 50,000 to 100,000 commercial cars via railway every year. Shadi Shahdeh, a motorcycle mechanic, was working in his shop here when he heard that a missile had struck his neighborhood along the Orontes River. He rushed home and found his 83-year-old mother dead, slumped in the doorway. Gone too was his 8-year-old daughter, her stomach torn open by shrapnel. A few yards up the street were the mangled remains of the rest: his 33-year-old wife and their 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. This missile got them all, said Shahdeh, 42. They were shredded. Advertisement The attack on the city, which supports Syrian President Bashar Assad in the countrys civil war, came the same day the government and its ally Russia agreed to postpone an offensive to crush what remained of the various rebel groups that had been fighting to topple him for seven years. The rebels were confined to the neighboring province of Idlib, the final redoubt of the opposition. The attack, which killed 13 people, was a parting shot. Weeks later, in mid-October, house gates were still adorned with pictures of the dead and the walls spotted with blood. Only reluctantly had Mhardeh, a predominantly Christian city of 23,000 people, sided with the government in the war. But it was a choice that put the once-sleepy suburban city on the front lines and isolated it from its neighbors predominantly Sunni Muslims, who make up the majority in Syria. Now, as the prospects of peace in the country improve, residents here are grappling with how they can again share a future with those who had become enemies on the battlefield. Before the war, many residents of Mhardeh worked in the provincial capital, Hama, enjoying easy friendships and professional relationships with Sunnis. Those connections came into play when the uprisings calling for Assads ouster spread across Syria in 2011. Protesters reached out to minority communities, including religious ones, in the hope of building a broad coalition against the government, said Maen Bitar, the pastor of Mhardehs Presbyterian church. They wanted to lure the Christian community to their protests. They went to the Ismailis, they tried to include the Alawites, Bitar recalled. He and Simon Wakil, a contractor and fellow Christian who had often employed Sunni workers, went to meet protest leaders. We tried to tell them, Be careful, dont be hasty. You cannot fight the army, said Bitar, who refused to join the demonstrations because the activists did not tell him what reforms they espoused. Meanwhile, the protesters, who had already clashed with security personnel and were facing a crackdown, needed access to Mhardeh: The city was the nexus of two major highways linking Hama to Syrias coastal areas. It also had good hospitals and shops, and an electricity substation. Bitar didnt refuse the activists access, but he insisted they should remain peaceful. I said Im with you but dont carry weapons, he recalled. They confirmed that there was no intent to carry arms. But that soon changed. Who bore responsibility for the violent turn has been the subject of bitter debate: The government and its supporters insist the uprising was armed from the beginning as part of a conspiratorial plot by Syrias enemies. The opposition says it armed itself only to repel a savage crackdown by a government that didnt hesitate to kill its own citizens. In any case, as more guns crept into the uprising, peaceful protests became street battles. Residents said men with Kalashnikovs robbed a bank in the city, attacked policemen, vandalized shops and carried out kidnappings for ransom. Security personnel, fearing a large attack by armed protesters, handed their weapons to residents and fled their barracks. In response, Wakil and others created all-volunteer armed neighborhood watch groups known as popular committees to run checkpoints at city entrances and stop the nascent opposition from entering. Not all residents of Mhardeh agreed with the decision to take a stand against the protesters and the surrounding Sunni communities that backed them. Some people said we shouldnt go against our neighbors, Bitar said. Others said the state would fall and we dont want to antagonize the other side. But as violence escalated and Islamist groups such as the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra Front gained power, the revolution came to be seen here not as a movement to liberate Syria from Assads harsh rule but as a violent, Islamist plan to destroy the country and subjugate its different minorities. Residents sided with the government because they believed the alternative was worse. In 2012, when the army turned to the popular committees to bolster its exhausted troops and use Mhardeh as a base of operations, Wakil and others quickly agreed. He became commander of the Mhardeh Defense Force, an auxiliary grouping of about 200 fighters. Bitar said that feelings hardened against the rebels, and eventually most people shared his view that the men of Mhardeh should be baptized in blood. They were. Over the last seven years,19 members of his force were killed, along with 96 civilians, as thousands of rebel mortar attacks rained down on the city. Wakil was wounded nine times and survived a car bomb assassination attempt. Mhardeh, meanwhile, became part of a defensive line fighting against rebels who were becoming increasingly radicalized, vowing to knock the crosses off the citys four churches, expel its Christians and create an Islamic government in Syria. Today, the city bears the scars of the fight. Wakil weaves through the streets in his pickup pointing out craters from rockets or mortar shells. But Mhardeh unlike Aleppo, Ghouta, Dara and other opposition enclaves never fell under rebel control. Which meant that when Russia entered the war in 2015 and began helping the Syrian government take back those cities, Mhardeh was already on the winning side. Across Syria, militants who refused to surrender were given safe passage to Idlib, where Al Qaeda-affiliated jihadis held sway, along with Islamist factions backed by Turkey and, to a lesser extent, the West. With preparations underway for a government charge into Idlib, the United Nations and world powers moved to avoid what they said would be a bloodbath and brokered an agreement in which the government put its offensive on hold and the rebels disarmed and retreated behind a so-called de-confliction line. The hope is that the agreement can serve as a prelude to a more comprehensive peace plan. Mhardeh is now calm, with families coming out in their Sunday finery to attend church. At night, cafes and other hangout spots are packed. There are occasional explosions in the distance, but nobody pays them much attention. The September agreement theoretically meant the job of the Mhardeh Defense Force was over. But Wakils cadres still man cannons near Shaizar castle, an ancient fortress built on a mountaintop at Mhardehs northern tip. They intend to remain active until the rebels in Idlib surrender. But what then? Would Wakil demobilize and become a contractor once again? Could he restore relationships with residents of neighboring towns he had fought in battle? The soldier goes home, but we stay, he said. I cant go back to civilian life. He said he was willing to forgive but worried that the other side would always see me as a killer. There was blood, he said. That means there will be vengeance. nabih.bulos@latimes.com Twitter: @nabihbulos Waste levy should be deferred Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has released a statement calling for the State Government to push back the date of the planned introduction of its new waste levy to 1 July 2019. The Association said this would allow local councils to be better prepared to reduce the impact of the new levy on Queensland households. LGAQ has warned that some councils will simply not be able to build or properly fund the new infrastructure required to administer the levy if the Government presses on with its proposed levy start date of 4 March 2019. Chief executive, Greg Hallam, said the Government gave no warning that it would introduce the levy mid financial year, meaning that many councils had not factored its impact into their budgets. Stock Market News RBS Shares - RBS share price: Morgan Stanley banker pulls out of race for top finance job 16-11-2018 01:00 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk thumb The Managing IP Corporate Strategy Summit took place on September 12 in London and covered a broad range of issues, including AI, the automotive sector and IP as a cost centre or revenue stream. Strategies to minimise IP risk The keynote address, delivered by Neal Rubin, senior vice-president of operations at RPX, focused on how to minimise IP risk. One of the first points made by Rubin is that the best IP lawyers always understand the fact that IP risk is married to PR risk. When companies embark on litigation, they need to be mindful of how the case will be reported in the press and the ramifications of this reporting on the company's reputation. Another consideration Rubin mentioned is that the way "companies take on risk and resolve risk is based, at least in part, on accounting principles." He went on to say that when assessing the financial impact of a patent infringement claim, a company has to ask whether the expense will come out of the overall accounting of the treasury or whether it will come out of the particular department accused of taking the risk. If the expense is going to be assigned to one particular business unit, it is important to have conversations with the manager of the area, who might ask you to explain the situation to their CEO. Rubin noted that this approach often "drives results". A particular area of focus in Rubin's address was how companies can use data to make decisions about IP. By assessing data from previous years relating to the number of litigations and costs, in-house lawyers can reach a verdict on whether the company's risk is manageable and whether they need to seek insurance or not. Rubin noted that if companies "scrupulously keep all data, they can build an actuarial model around it." He also observed that, by analysing data, companies can obtain a sense of how litigation is likely to play out. He stated that, while figures concerning litigation were previously more shrouded in China, there is now available data from the jurisdiction. Managing business risk The first panel discussion was about the management of business risk. Panel member Mario Bitter, head of IP at Siemens, asserted that installing risk and control systems can help manage IP risk. He also noted that in a big organisation it is essential that everyone in the company knows about the IP department. He stressed that it is imperative that all IP questions end up with the correct people and that all the relevant parties are aware of the rules and procedures that have been set up for managing risk. The panellists mostly worked for companies where IP insurance had not been taken out from external companies, though a few members of the panel stated that their organisations had discussions about this topic and reviewed the issue at intervals. Another point raised during the conversation was ensuring that when engaging with suppliers, designers and other parties, it is clear who owns IP. Prioritising policy and regulation updates The final panel discussion before the morning coffee break was about prioritising policy and regulation updates for the management of your business. Emma Stopford, trade mark counsel, legal and external affairs, at British American Tobacco, commented on the widespread changes affecting branding in the tobacco field. However, she noted that similar rules could start applying to other areas, saying: "The health agenda is making its way into other fields which will have an effect on IP." Some of these potential areas are sugar and alcohol and she therefore commented that those concerned about how these changes could affect IP rights should become involved in lobbying. Adam Williams, director at the International Policy Directorate, UK Intellectual Property Office, shared some tips for practitioners on how to affect the direction and shape of policy and regulation. One key point he made is that "economic evidence plays an important role when it comes to policy." He added that politicians and policy makers take such evidence very seriously. Some of the advice he shared included the following: Ensure you know your counterparts in government in this case, the relevant minister and their team. Think about the best people to do the lobbying. Use senior people when necessary so that they are taken seriously/can give a strategic view. He imparted particular advice for SMEs, encouraging them to use industry associations to help them convey their message and access industry associations' government relations contacts. What are the likely sources of disruption in the markets that you operate in? Dispute resolution, M&A and due diligence After the break, a panel discussed dispute resolution, M&A and due diligence. Mark Hodgin, chief counsel, trade marks at Mondelez International, mentioned the importance during transactions of the IP team being aligned with the deal team. In acquisitions, IP lawyers can play a vital role in a number of different ways. For example, they need to consider the value drivers. Hodgin noted the importance of analysing the strength of brands and their enforceability as well as what activity the company has been taking to protect assets and the prosecution history of the brands. This is an effort to assess the value of the brand before it is acquired. He also observed that in divestitures, companies need to understand how their IP rights are used across brands and products to fully manage the sale process. Richard Vary from Bird & Bird discussed litigation, offering some tips. These included: When companies sue large organisations for patent infringement, they have to make sure that their assertion stands out and will capture the attention of the company. Vary also said: "For every four or five patents you assert you are going to lose on most of them." In order to increase success, he suggested being exceptionally careful on the patents chosen in a patent litigation. He advised counsel to ask patent agents to conduct prior art searches. He also recommended checking that all the formalities for rights have been fulfilled. Counsel should limit patents upfront rather than later on, during proceedings. Companies should select the court carefully according to what they want, for example, to reach trial before your counterparty if they are likely to sue you in response. Choose external counsel wisely and then trust them to run the case in the best way for their local court. Do not assume your way of presenting a case will work in a foreign court. Ensure that multiple press releases are prepared for the possible different outcomes of litigation. Cost centre or revenue stream? The following session debated whether IP is a cost centre or revenue stream. Josue Ortiz, director of ClearViewIP, noted that even if IP is a cost centre, it does not necessarily mean it is a burden for an organisation because some cost centres are indispensable and valuable to companies. Mairi Gibbs, head of operations at Oxford University Innovation, observed that licensing commercialises a university's protected intellectual property. She said that IP transactions are a mechanism to enable university research outputs to have a greater societal impact and have the capacity in some cases to generate significant financial returns. Furthermore, the university is able to use the money from IP transactions as it wishes. She also noted that IP commercialisation can enhance the university's reputation and thus help to attract worldwide talent. The panellists also talked about formal valuation of IP. Charles Clark, director of intellectual property at Centrica, said that valuing IP is very difficult as it changes with business sectors and with time. However, he has been involved in the valuation of IP during the course of his career. He mentioned methods for valuing IP: "If we didn't own the patents that we do own and they belonged to somebody else, how much is that going to cost us to license that technology that's one way of doing it, but there are so many other ways. There needs to be a consistent way of valuing intangibles but at the moment I can't see it." Other panellists were not convinced that formal IP valuation was effective. Impact of artificial intelligence on IP strategy The talk after lunch was about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on IP strategy. Steve Harris, CTO at Aistemos, talked about how AI can help in the IP world. He said: "AI is particularly suited to making very complex but not strategic decisions." As a result, it can provide answers about, for example, what patents relate to. Erich Spangenberg CEO of IPwe, said that AI tools can reveal who owns a patent, regardless of the name of the subsidiary on the cover of the patent. He stated that prices will fall and everyone will be using this technology in the next few years. He added that this will "massively increase productivity" and informed the audience that the result will be that "people other than IP experts will begin asking about metrics". He later observed that AI will lead to transparency as there will be "so much information sitting on the cover of a patent". Nigel Swycher, CEO of Aistemos, who was moderating the panel stressed the importance of transparency. He said it was essential that the wider world understood this asset class. He also suggested that members of the audience read a paper published by WIPO encompassing the views of various national offices about what AI could do for them. Aistemos recently published an IP Strategy Report, which offered insights into factors that could disrupt IP in a range of industry sectors. Its survey asked about technologies that will cause disruption, with a broad range of technologies given. AI (75.8%) leads, then the Internet of Things (IoT) (44.2%), closely followed by blockchain (42.4%). The report explained: "What is reinforced by the sector studies is how universally applicable these technologies will be. Using AI and machine learning as an example, it has a broad application. For example in fintech, it is being deployed in the back-office (risk assessment) and on the front line interacting with customers. Both automotive and A&D are investing in AI for autonomy on land, air and sea. Other sectors embracing AI include healthcare (the primary focus for IBM Watson), retail (recommendation engine) and social media (face recognition)." New ways to exploit your IP assets The talk before the final coffee break was about new ways to exploit IP assets. Gibbs of Oxford University Innovation noted that establishing new companies is an important strategy for the university, in situations where perhaps such a method is the best opportunity to take a technology to many different marketplaces. She said that such companies operate as licensees and their financial performance is monitored as licensees. Kate Reid, design and engineering legal team head at BBC, talked about the challenges faced by the organisation, such as the ownership of IP in supplier agreements for digital services. IP, IoT and the automotive sector The penultimate panel discussion covered IP, IoT and the automotive sector. Matt Hervey, director of Gowling, raised some interesting points. He observed that it is not only automotive companies that are players in the automotive field. There are a number of new entrants, such as tech companies. He also noted that there is a growing emphasis on copyright in this sphere, which can protect computer programs and AI. Trade secrets are another way to shield AI and have already been litigated in the US. He mentioned the importance of designs and branding in this sector and talked about IP in the context of commercial realities, noting that interoperability is a consideration. He used the example of Tesla, which allowed anyone to use its patents because it wanted to grow the infrastructure of charging stations. He referred to the fact that litigation in the automotive space is expected to rise. Building the IP department of the future The day ended with a panel conversation about building the IP department of the future. One issue raised by the panel was recruitment. Lucy Wojcik from Ocado Group observed that recruitment is a challenge. Calum Smyth, global head of intellectual property at Barclays, commented that upcoming generations are facing a world where they may not earn as much as their parents and so it is possible they feel forced to take a pragmatic view, perhaps considering remuneration a higher priority than before. If true, it will be a continuing challenge for in-house IP counsel to both recruit and retain talent in such an environment. Wojcik stressed the importance of having an integrated culture, where IP is not partitioned off from the rest of the business. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article This is Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, where the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting is to be held. Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, more and more Chinese businesses and investments have entered the Pacific island country, helping it with its infrastructure development, boosting local economy and providing employment opportunities. Workers at a construction site of China Railway Construction Corporation in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (Photo: Liu Qing/People's Daily Online) Kochi : The Kerala High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Rehana Fathima, an activist who attempted to visit Sabarimala temple, after the Supreme Court verdict allowed the entry of women of all ages to the temple. According to the reports, the HC instructed the police to go ahead with necessary action against the activist. On October 22, the Pattanamthitta police filed a case against the activist for putting up social media post, that are allegedly communally divisive in nature. A case was registered under IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) against her. Nedubasserry : If the reports are to be believed, Bhumatha Brigade leader Trupti Desai will move High Court demanding police protection to visit Sabarimala shrine. The move came after the Maharashtra based activist faced huge protest at the Nedumbasserry airport where she had been waiting for more than 10 hours. Trupti and her team, who reached Nedumbasserry airport on Friday 5 am, was not bale out get of the terminal due to the protests of various Hindu outfits including BJP and RSS. Meanwhile, the CIAL authorities have also contacted the police officials to resolve the matter soon, since the airport operations are being affected. Ambikapur : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dared the Congress to make someone outside the Gandhi family the party president for at least five years. Modi said if Congress makes someone who is not from the (Gandhi) family as party president for at least five years, then he will believe that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru really created a truly democratic system there. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections scheduled on November 20, Modi said, "I want to challenge them. Let some good leader of Congress outside of the family become the party president for five years, then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic system there". Four generations of Congress ruled the nation and they should give an account of what they have done for the country, Modi said. "People have disproved that it was the "right of only one family" to speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi," he said.PTI How APEC Can Boost Free Trade in Asia Pacific Amid trade wars, the outcome of the APEC meeting matters. As globalization is at crossroads, trade in Asia today will shape world trade tomorrow. As the 21 member countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet during the weekend in Papua New Guinea, there is an elevated international concern about the future of global trade amid the tide of nationalism and protectionism. APEC member economies represent some 40% of global population, the regions combined GDP is more than 60% of global GDP and it accounts for almost 50% of global trade in goods and services. What APEC leaders decide matters. The paths to global trade There are three possible (but two probable) paths to free trade in Asia Pacific. The mini-TPP. Founded in the early 2000s by a few smaller regional countries, the initial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was more economic, open and inclusive by nature. Former President Obamas pivot to Asia opted for a more exclusive, geopolitical and secretive TPP, which aspired to a gold standard that would remove tariffs between its members that represented 40% of global economy. But TPP also deemed provisions on labor rights, environmental protection and state-owned enterprises. These high standards made it impossible for China and India to join the TPP, while boosting the role of US multinationals in Asia Pacific trade. On his first day in office, President Trump killed the TPP. He is considering rejoining a revised TPP, but only if the US is granted a better deal. Without US participation, other TPP members have agreed on a mini-deal (that is, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, CPTPP), which may be progressive, but it cannot be comprehensive without China, India - and the US. ASEAN-led RCEP. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is fueled by the 10 ASEAN members. Since 2012, the goal has been to harmonize free trade agreements among ASEAN countries, advanced economies (Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand), and China and India. The US has stayed on the sidelines. Seeking to exploit its economic clout, it prioritizes bilateral talks and seeks to defuse ASEANs bargaining power. As a trade pact, the RCEP is not as exclusive, broad and deep as the Obama TPP. But it is more multilateral, realistic, and inclusive and could materialize in 2019. America First Asia Pacific. Trump and his trade hawks are pushing a new Asia Pacific alignment, which strategically seeks to cement America's Indo-Pacific Vision to contain China's rise. Economically, it aspires to neutralize China's One Road One Belt initiative. Militarily, it is exploiting the freedom of navigation doctrine to dominate the South China Sea as 60% of U.S. naval fleet will be transferred into the region by 2020. However, any geopolitical sphere-of-interest plan would split the region and thus derail the much anticipated Asian Century. Unsurprisingly, even America's allies - Japan and South Korea - feel unsettled about new US protectionism. And that leaves only one solution. Toward the FTAAP Within the APEC economies, the idea of regional free trade has been around since 1966 when Japanese economist Kiyoshi Kojima advocated a Pacific Free Trade agreement. Three decades later, APEC leaders opted for free and open trade and investment in the Asia Pacific. In 2006, C. Fred Bergsten, then chief of an influential US think-tank, advocated the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). If the FTAAP could be achieved, he argued, it would represent the largest single liberalization in history. The TPP-11 is dominated by advanced high-income economies but excludes upper- and lower-middle income regional engines. In contrast, RCEP includes these regional engines and a few high-income economies as well. Yet, the final pact must be able to include the interests of both advanced and emerging economies. Ultimately, only the FTAAP has potential to cover the interests of the RCEP, the TPP-11, the U.S. (when Trump or the next White House accepts a more inclusive deal), Russia, and other potential members (Figure). Thats the FTAAP goal that APEC put forward in 2006 and Asian economies support, including China. Ultimately, the TPP-11 and RCEP must agree on harmonization that will facilitate trade and cooperation among regional members and can form a joint path to the FTAAP. It is very much in the long-term interest also of the US to accept the idea that all nations, including those in Asia Pacific, have interests of their own. Neither the US nor any other country can have a unipolar primacy in world trade; but all countries do have a critical stake in multilateral world trade. A tentative draft suggests that APEC leaders acknowledge the importance of APECs regional economic integration agenda, including how to advance, in a comprehensive and systematic manner, the process toward the eventual realization of a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. A timely roadmap for the effective implementation of this agreement would be the right start for the region and the world. Dr Steinbock is the founder of the Difference Group and has served as the research director at the India, China, and America Institute (USA) and a visiting fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more information, see http://www.differencegroup.net/ 2018 Copyright Dan Steinbock - 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. Dan Steinbock Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. On 27 October, Robert Gregory Bowers, a far-right activist, gunned down 11 people at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh while yelling "All Jews must die!" This was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in US history. A few days before the Pittsburgh attack, pipe bombs were mailed to prominent critics of US president Donald Trump, including Hillary Clinton, George Soros and members of CNNs New York bureau. While these events are shocking, they should not surprise anyone. This is just the most recent on a growing list of atrocities committed by the far-right over the past few years. The double standard There is a glaring double standard with regards to cases of mass shootings committed by individuals associated with the far right. Hypocritically, the mainstream media once again refrained from referring to the Pittsburgh shooting as a terrorist attack. This in spite of the fact that this was clearly a premeditated attack motivated by Bowers Nazi views, which he openly spoke of online. Before committing the mass shooting, Bowers posted on the social media network GAB: Screw Your Optics, I'm Going In. Unsurprisingly, vice-president Mike Pence rejected claims that these attacks had anything to do with Trumps rhetoric, claiming that, I just don't think you can connect it to threats or acts of violence and I don't think the American people connect it." Residents of Pittsburgh apparently had a different opinion, with over 80,000 people signing a petition stating that Trump is not welcome in Pittsburgh until he "fully denounces white nationalism, and demanded that he Stop targeting and endangering all minorities. The idea that the antisemitic mass shooting in Pittsburgh had nothing to do with Trump's election and rhetoric, and that it wasn't a terrorist attack, is sheer nonsense / Image: fair use The claims that such violence has nothing to do with Trump are completely ridiculous. Bowers entire justification for the attack was that a Jewish organisation, HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) likes to bring invaders that kill our people. Just a couple of weeks prior to the attacks, Trump called the migrant caravan traveling up from Central America through Mexico an invasion and deployed 5,000 troops to the southern US border, with orders to shoot if met with any resistance. This is well over twice the number of US troops in Syria fighting ISIS. Emboldened by the actions of the government, anti-immigrant militia groups have also headed to the border to take matters into their own hands. The Pittsburgh shooting was similar to the attack carried out at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City. On 29 January 2017, Alexandre Bissonnette stormed into a mosque, killing six and injuring a further 19. Just two days before this, Trump had signed an executive order banning travel from seven Muslim countries. An investigation found that Bissonnette was an avid supporter of Donald Trump and the French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, and had been reading obsessively about Trumps Muslim travel ban. During the interrogation, Bissonnette claimed that he carried out the attack because he was afraid that Muslims would come and kill his family. Once again, Bissonnette was not tried on charges of terrorism. The so-called danger of left-wing violence Just two months before the Pittsburgh shooting, Trump was raising the spectre of left-wing violence if the Republicans lost the midterm elections. The mainstream media and right-wing politicians have been constantly raising a hue and cry over the supposed problem of left-wing violence, equating anti-fascists with the fascists. This is a continuation of the attempts of the US government and the mass media to downplay the threat from fascist groups and shift the blame onto those who are fighting this threat. In 2017, the far-right rallied in Charlottesville, culminating with one activist slamming his car into a counter-protest, killing Heather Heyer. In response, Trump condemned violence "on many sides. / Image: Flickr, Rodney Dunning Just last year, the far-right rallied in Charlottesville, terrorising the town for the entire weekend. The rally culminated with one far-right activist taking matters into his own hands, slamming his car into a counter-protest, killing left-wing activist Heather Heyer and injuring dozens of others. Once again, this attack was not labeled a terrorist attack by the government or the media. In response, Trump stated that, We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides. In other words, he believed it was somehow possible to stake out a middle ground between fascism and those protesting fascism. In 2017, the FBI and Homeland Security warned of more attacks from anti-fascists, classifying Antifa as domestic terrorists. The hypocrisy of labeling people fighting fascists as domestic terrorists, while doing nothing about far-right individuals who are literally killing people, is clear for all to see. The state complicit The majority of Americas extremist killings in 2017 were carried out by individuals associated with the far-right. In the past 10 years, 71 percent of domestic extremist killings were carried out by right-wingers. In spite of this, the state does not seem too concerned with the far-right and instead focuses the bulk of its resources on Islamic terrorism and increasingly on monitoring left-wing groups like Black Lives Matter and anti-fascist groups. In a recent report conducted by the Stimson Centre, it was revealed that the total amount spent on counter-terrorism in the United States since 9/11 was a staggering $2.8 trillion. These expenses amount to approximately 1/6th of the countrys annual discretionary budget. Almost none of this has gone towards addressing the obvious threat coming from homegrown far-right terrorists. Unsurprisingly, Trump has deepened counter-terrorism funding, revamping a government anti-extremism program focused solely on Islamic extremism. That is not to say that the US government is unaware of the rise of far-right extremism. It has simply been ignored and swept under the rug. The department of Homeland Security released a report in 2009, which argued that the main terrorist threats to come would be from the domestic far-right. This report was subsequently dismissed and later ignored. There is also a disturbing trend of the police turning a blind eye to or even protecting far-right and fascist groups. There was even one instance in 2017 where a police officer at a rally in Portland Oregon was aided by a far-right militiaman in cuffing a left-winger who had been tackled by a Proud Boy. The founder of the Proud Boys, Gavin McInnes, admitted to this conscious collaboration when he stated, Beating the shit out of these people. I think its our job to do it, and the cops to turn a blind eye. McInnes has also claimed to have a significant number of supporters in the NYPD, which explains why the Proud Boys were so bold in their attacks on left-wing protesters at a Republican event at their Manhattan headquarters in mid-October. At this event, McInnes reenacted the 1960 assassination of Japanese socialist leader Inejiro Asanuma by ultra-nationalist Otoya Yamaguchi before a group of around 200 Republicans. Outside the event, McInnes brandished a sword while being protected by police who not surprisingly turned a blind eye. Only after these events transpired and public pressure mounted did the NYPD actually arrest any Proud Boys. This isnt the first time the Proud Boys have done this either. This proto-fascist gang has made headlines attacking left-wing protesters, advocating violence and even killings. In the words of McInnes, We will kill you. Thats the Proud Boys in a nutshell. He also said: Can you call for violence generally? Cause I am. Fighting solves everything. We need more violence from the Trump people. Get a fuckin gun. Get ready to blow someones fuckin head off. Revolution and counter revolution The capitalist system is in crisis and its effects are being felt in all countries and by all classes. This has caused massive polarisation as people search for a way out. The molecular process of socialist revolution is met with its opposite process in the rise of the far right and their violent fascist adjuncts. Revolution and counter-revolution develop together in times of crisis. But Marxists arent the only ones who are aware of this process. Some sectors of the bourgeoisie see what is going on and are consciously countering the rise of socialism with their own brand of right-wing populism. These respectable ladies and gentlemen dont trust the fascist gangs, but they will happily stoke the fires of racism and xenophobia to hold onto power. This was clearly demonstrated in Toronto on 2 November at a recent debate between establishment conservative David Frum, and the architect of Trumps rise to power and far-right ideologue, Steve Bannon. At $100 a pop, the audience was by-and-large a well off, establishment crowd. In the debate, Bannon addressed the economic crisis of 2008, the subsequent bailouts, the Euro crisis, mass immigration, successive failed wars etc. He explained that this was all the product of a disconnected, entrenched group of elites who are fundamentally opposed to the interests of normal people. He warned that society was on the verge of a revolution. Bannon has appealed to the capitalist class to find new ways of ruling because liberal democracy will not be able to defend against the socialist revolution / Image: Flickr, Gage Skidmore Bannon, clearly addressing himself to the establishment, summed up his argument by stating, Its not a question of whether populism is on the rise and whether populism is going to be the political future. The only question before us: Is it going to be populist nationalism or populist socialism? What Bannons arguments show is that some on the right have come to similar conclusions as the Marxists but from the opposite class perspective. They can see the failures of capitalism, they can see the polarisation it is causing in society and they can see the writing on the wall. The resurgence in popularity for socialism among young people, in the United States in particular, is very concerning for the capitalists. Bannons argument essentially boils down to an appeal to the capitalist class to find new ways of ruling because liberal democracy will not be able to defend against the socialist revolution. This idea was expressed by none other than ex-prime minister of Canada, Stephen Harper in a recent interview with Global News, where he stated that, The Donald Trumps of the world, the Nigel Farages of the world, one can disagree with them but they are at least trying to fix what they see ails democratic capitalist market-oriented societies. My fear is that if they dont have success or that if conservatives do not adapt to the political pressures that are driving these movements, my concern is that we will have the left-wing version of that. Which will be anti-market, which will be for socialist or for Marxist economics. He then went on to say that, The Bernie Sanders of the world, the Jeremy Corbyns in Britain are the ones that really, really frighten me. Fight the right with socialist revolution The inherent violence of capitalist society manifests itself in the most acute form in a period of crisis. From the never-ending wars, to the almost daily police killings of unarmed black youth to the mobilising of the military to attack a caravan of migrants seeking refuge, to the increasing problem of mass shootings perpetrated by the far-right, capitalism is, as Lenin once said, horror without end. Added to this is the daily social murder of capitalism, reflected in a denial of access to healthcare, decent housing and food to eat for hundreds of millions. The far-right channels the anger at this situation in a nationalist direction, against immigrants and minorities. We must counter them and the capitalist system with a radical movement from the left / Image: Flickr, Susan Melkisethian The far-right channels the anger at this situation and directs it in a nationalist direction, against immigrants and religious minorities. The rise of violent fascist elements that take these ideas to their logical conclusion is inevitable in this situation. We cannot meet this challenge by denying the problem and by clinging to a tired, worn out capitalist status quo which has nothing to offer workers, youth and oppressed people who are struggling just to get by. This is the approach of people like Hillary Clinton and Justin Trudeau, and it has failed miserably. Our response to the movement of the far right must be to create a movement of our own, one which unites all layers of the working class in a joint struggle against the bosses who are the ones who are really to blame for our woes. The solution is not, as the far-right suggests, to kick out the immigrants, but to kick out the capitalist robbers who are making lavish profits on the backs of all workers. With this perspective, we can build a movement which will not only defeat the far-right, but which can topple the rotten system which breeds this evil in the first place. China and the United States have restarted high-level talks on trade and other economic matters after a phone call between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on Nov 1, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. The teams from both sides are working together closely to carry out the consensus reached between the two heads of state, ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a regular news conference. That is an encouraging sign for the world's economic recovery, and, more importantly, offers confidence to companies in China and the US, said Xue Rongjiu, deputy director of the China Society for WTO Studies. "Many of them have already borne the financial burden caused by tariffs, which have dramatically affected not only trade but also the global value chain and financial stability," he said. The two presidents agreed in a phone call to meet during the G20 summit in Argentina. Experts and business leaders called it the most important bilateral meeting during the G20, which is from Nov 30 to Dec 1. Robert Aspell, president for Asia-Pacific of US agricultural conglomerate Cargill Inc, said the best way to solve trade issues is to talk to each other. "With strong complementarity, it can be both profitable and promising for two countries to resume closer economic and trade cooperation to benefit their consumers and businesses," he said. In another development, Gao said negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have made substantial progress this year and may be concluded next year. The pact will be "modern, comprehensive, high-quality and reciprocal". The RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement between the 10 ASEAN member states and six of their FTA partnersChina, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Indiais expected to be one of the world's largest trading blocs, accounting for 45 percent of the world population, 40 percent of global trade and one-third of the world's GDP. Gao said a total of 24 rounds of negotiations have been held on the RCEP since the end of 2012. With many parts of the world still confronting protectionism and unilateralism, the conclusion of the RCEP negotiations will send a strong and clear signal about many economies' commitment to multilateral trade, said Li Gang, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. "It is the time to iterate the importance of China-US cooperation on economic matters, trade and investment," said Li. "It will be practical for both nations and should be further embraced." Matt Tsien, president of General Motors China, said open trade and globalization are an unstoppable trend. Many industries, including the automobile sector, are fairly reliant on global integration so that globalization provides ultimately the best benefits for everyone. Who We Are At Inspired Classroom http://www.inspiredclassroom.com were experts at building, delivering and facilitating exceptional content. We connect people through our unique delivery solutions and interactive distance learning. At IC connecting is learning and the world becomes your classroom. Our Solutions IC Challenge The IC Challenge is a problem-based learning experience delivered through an interactive cloud-based platform that is easily managed and fully supported. It brings participants to the table to solve problems and think critically in collaboration with experts as they work through problem solving steps and develop action plans. The IC Challenge is a manageable way to bring voices to the table to tussle with the worlds pressing issues. Customer/End User K-12 Educators and Students Organizations with Educational Outreach Goals Government or Civic Organizations Colleges/Universities *** Reciprocal eLearning Reciprocal eLearning is Inspired Classrooms unique solution for Interactive Distance Learning (IDL). We connect content, experts and learners during dynamic virtual events. Clients personalize their collaborative experiences with live IDL event on location, green screen studio events and interactive webinars. Customer/End User K-12 Educators and Students IC Challenge Participants Inspired Corporate Classroom Participants Colleges/Universities *** Inspired Corporate Classroom Inspired Corporate Classroom is a suite of customized content delivery solutions that include on-demand videos, hosted LMS, face to face trainings, train the trainer programs, and training manuals. Our team produces high-end video modules and interactive webinars to create a new content delivery experience for businesses, organizations, and educational institutions. Customer/End User Educators Businesses Non-Profit Organizations Government An eastern European country about the size of Idaho is turning to Montana for renewable energy solutions. A delegation from Belarus is in central Montana looking at alternative energy sources and renewable energy. The country is currently heavily reliant on imported natural gas from Russia. They met with a panel at the Montana Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Great Falls on Monday to discuss responsible renewable energy development. 2018-11-27 09:15:00 Online Contact: A conversation with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and New Belgium founder Kim Jordan November 27, 2018 9:15 AM 10:30 AM Mountain Time Improving regulatory processes can be a powerful and cost-effective economic development strategy for states. According to research by The Pew Charitable Trusts, two reforms have the strongest potential to boost state economies: First, states can make it less costly and time-consuming for businesses to comply with regulations. And second, they can partner with businesses to increase compliance and create economic opportunities. In Colorado, Governor John Hickenlooper has demonstrated the value of these strategies. He has implemented a statewide effort to set and achieve annual goals for reducing compliance costs for businesses while protecting public health and the environment. In 2017, Colorado agencies reported saving businesses 2.3 million hours, largely by eliminating unnecessary administrative tasks and making the experience more user-friendly. The businesses can now put those hours to better use. Register: https://www.cvent.com/c/express/289fcf8f-e175-4da6-9c0f-c41a9c8c789a?utm_campaign=INVT%20-%20SFH%20-%20Colorado%2011%2027%2018%20-%20WEB%20-%20First&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Pew A Montana State University council recently awarded seed grants to seven projects that promote outreach and engagement between the university and the community through pilot projects, research, service learning and education. The grants are for projects that build the STEM workforce, support the caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimers disease, increase the retention rate of American Indian college students and other projects that address community needs and foster mutually beneficial partnerships. This is the fourth round of funding by MSUs Outreach and Engagement Council http://www.montana.edu/outreachengagementcouncil/ since the council began its seed grant program in 2015. The program is designed to bring MSU faculty, staff and students together with local and regional partners to address the needs of Montanas communities. http://www.montana.edu/news/18185 Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting in Singapore, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed a more robust multilateral cooperation to ensure stability in the Asian financial sector, as he met with leaders of Southeast Asian nations, Japan and South Korea here on Thursday. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other East Asian countries should take measures to strengthen regional financial security in order to enhance risk management and bailout mechanisms, Li said at the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting. Li called on all sides to improve upon the Chiang Mai Initiative, a multi-country currency swap agreement created in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Regional countries should back the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office's (AMRO) efforts to improve its monitoring capabilities of the economy, he added. AMRO is the research and monitoring unit of the Chiang Mai Initiative. The 10+3 grouping, consisting of the ten ASEAN members plus China, Japan and South Korea, should steadfastly uphold multilateralism and free trade against protectionist headwinds, as they did in addressing past world and Asian financial crises, Li said. In the meeting, Li also proposed to speed up talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between China, Japan and South Korea. Talks on the RCEP have reached the final stage. "We must build on the momentum and unleash a strong finishing kick, striving to complete the deal within 2019," Li said Wednesday at the 2nd leaders' meeting on the RCEP in Singapore. The RCEP is being negotiated among the ten ASEAN countries plus Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. It is expected to be one of the world's largest trading blocs, accounting for nearly half of the world's population and around a third of global GDP. At the 10+3 meeting, Li also proposed a series of mechanisms to promote regional economic integration and deepen cooperation in culture, innovation and development among the 10+3 countries. Li, who arrived in Singapore on Monday, is scheduled to attend the 21st China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting and the 13th East Asia Summit during the five-day trip. It is the first official visit to Singapore by a Chinese premier in 11 years. Xis visit to Brunei, the Philippines is of milestone significance: official Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visits to Brunei and the Philippines were of milestone significance to upgrade Chinas ties with the two countries in the new era, a senior official told a press briefing hosted by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. His trip this time, lasting from Nov. 18 to 21, was not only Xis first visit to the two countries, but also the first visit to the two countries by a Chinese President in 13 years, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said. Xis upcoming state visit to Brunei was a realization of historic mutual visits between the two heads of state in a short time span, Kong said, adding that this year marked the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic cooperative partnership between the pair of friendly neighbors. During the visit, the two leaders would make an overall planning on where bilateral relations would go in the next step, he said. Kong added that both sides were expected to publish a joint statement to intensify their joint construction of the Belt and Road as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China and the Philippines were now increasingly uplifting their mutual political trust and moving in full swing to recover their cooperation, said Kong, stressing that the Philippines was a friendly neighbor and important partner of China. The two countries will continue to deal with the South China Sea issue through dialogue and consultation and support each other on regional and multilateral occasions, according to the vice minister. Leaders of the two countries would draw out new strategic plans on future bilateral relationship, comprehensively bolster pragmatic cooperation in all fields, and exchange in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern, he added. A joint statement is going to be announced as the two sides are preparing cooperation documents on trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges, according to Kong. 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. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, November 10, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Papua New Guinea is of great significance to Chinas relations with the country, its ties with Pacific island countries as well as unity and cooperation among the developing countries, a senior official told a press briefing hosted by Chinas Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. During Xis state visit to Papua New Guinea from Nov. 15 to 16, he will meet with leaders from eight Pacific island countries which have established diplomatic ties with Chinain its capital city of Port Moresby, according to Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang. The countries include Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Niue. It will be the first time for a Chinese President to visit Papua New Guinea, and also Xis another meeting with leaders of the Pacific island countries after four years, Zheng added. The trip is expected to deepen Chinas friendly cooperation with Papua New Guinea, Zheng said, explaining that Xi will, together with leaders of Papua New Guinea, exchange in-depth views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common interest, and also witness the signing of multiple cooperation agreements. The visit will elevate Chinas relationship with Pacific island countries, the vice minister said, adding that Xi's upcoming meetings with leaders of these countries will be held bilaterally and collectively. A photo exhibition features 100 pictures on China and Papua New Guinea's landscapes, cultures and society, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, November 12, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua) Xi will deliver a keynote speech to expound on China's policies toward the Pacific island countries based on the approach of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests and the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. He will also announce major cooperation measures to support the island countries' development, and draw the development blueprint for bilateral ties in the new era, Zheng stressed. The unity and cooperation among developing countries will be cemented by the visit as well, according to the vice minister. Noting that the Pacific island countries are all developing countries, Zheng said Xi's visit will consolidate the friendship and cooperation between China and developing countries and inject strong impetus into the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. A Chinese engineer at a construction site of China Railway Construction Corp in Port Moresby on Tuesday. Photo: Huang Ge/GT China will encourage the active participation of Pacific island countries in the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) in line with their own national conditions, strengths and development strategies, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a bylined article published in Papua New Guinea's newspapers on Wednesday. "I am convinced that the BRI will open up new pathways for Pacific island countries to enhance business ties and connectivity with China, among themselves and with the rest of the world, and for the island countries to take a greater part in economic globalization," Xi noted. Xi is scheduled to arrive in Papua New Guinea's (PNG) capital city of Port Moresby on Thursday and will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting there from Saturday to Sunday. As the largest and most populous Pacific island country and endowed with abundant natural resources, Papua New Guinea has enormous potential for development and is truly a land of great promise, Xi noted in the article. Chinese business owners and entrepreneurs working in the country told the Global Times that more pragmatic cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea will be reached through the BRI, which has already injected new impetus into the economic and social growth of the Pacific island country. China State Construction Engineering Corp (CSCEC) entered the Papua New Guinea market in 2014 and has been involved in the construction of apartments, roads and a school, Ma Shuai, managing director of CSCEC Steel, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Papua New Guinea's landmass is about 462,800 square kilometers and it has rich resources, including minerals, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Ma noted. It also has great potential as a tourist destination, he said. Papua New Guinea's underdeveloped infrastructure in sectors like power, telecommunications, education, transportation and medical care need improving, Ma told the Global Times. Under the BRI, the government of Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province signed a Memorandum of Friendly Exchange and Cooperation with Port Moresby in May 2016. Batuka Academy, also a PNG and China Friendship School (the schools built by China in the country), which was built by CSCEC, was the first project under the memorandum and will soon be unveiled. An overview of the Batuka Academy Photo: Liu Qing/en.people.cn Equipped with facilities that are above the average standard in China, Batuka Academy can accommodate about 3,000 students ranging from pre-school to secondary school. "I'm grateful because my two-year-old daughter can go to the school when she grows up," a local resident who lives nearby and prefers to be anonymous told the Global Times on Wednesday. "It can really help solve problems with the education system in my country," she said. More cooperation welcomed "The BRI has brought many opportunities to Papua New Guinea and we look forward to embracing more," a local engineer surnamed Uliando told the Global Times on Tuesday. He is working on the construction of a hotel supported by China Railway Construction Corp (CRCC) in Port Moresby. In the first half of this year, Papua New Guinea officially joined the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and became the first Pacific island state to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on BRI cooperation, according to the Xinhua News Agency. "Despite some past doubts, local firms and people have come to know more about us as an increasing number of Chinese firms are starting to expand in PNG," Zhou Wenjiang, general manager of the CRCC's branch in PNG, told the Global Times. "They expect the BRI to bring greater development opportunities to their country," Zhou noted. The local investment environment still requires solutions to a number of problems such as a lack of administrative efficiency and public security, which pose challenges to Chinese companies in the country, Chinese business owners in Port Moresby said. Tang Qiaoliang, general manager of China Harbor Engineering, told the Global Times on Wednesday that as the BRI expands, more tie-ups between the two countries will help spur Papua New Guinea's social and economic growth. Bilateral trade between the two nations was up 24.4 percent year-on-year to $2.84 billion in 2017, and China's investment in the country reached $3.04 billion as of October, International Business Daily, a newspaper run by China's Ministry of Commerce, reported on Monday. The Ukrainian Churchs drive to gain independent status (autocephaly) is a political move, pushed by President Petro Poroshenko who seeks to fix his crumbling popularity before the next election, historian Alexander Dvorkin says. Im not sure that Ukraine is really determined to get autocephaly. Mr. Poroshenko definitely wanted that very much, because his popularity is very low, the polls show very low figures, and hes very anxious to get re-elected, Professor of Church History at St. Tikhons Orthodox University Alexander Dvorkin told RT. So, he needs to do something, at least something to raise his popularity. And he believes that [the] announcement of autocephaly of [the] Ukrainian Church will be the thing that will do it. Read more Another benefactor of the autocephaly drive is the so-called Patriarch Filaret, who was excommunicated by [the] Russian Orthodox Church for political reasons and for very grave moral transgressions. Patriarch Filaret leads the so-called Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev Patriarchate, which is not recognized by other Orthodox churches, yet is openly courted by the Ukrainian authorities. The only canonical Orthodox church in the country is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is a constituent part of the Russian Orthodox Church. One person who greatly contributed to the ongoing Church crisis Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew also benefits from it to a certain extent, Dvorkin believes. While the Constantinople Patriarch was once the most respected hierarch in the Orthodox world long ago, he now only leads a small Greek community of Istanbul, and struggles to show his influence. The Ukrainian church has also experienced impact from Washington, the historian says. The US State Department meddles very much in world church affairs and especially with Ukraine, in violation of the first amendment of the US Constitution. Dvorkin explained that Washington thinks autocephaly would weaken Russia. The Constantinople Patriarchy has recently moved towards recognition of the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, deciding to send its exarchs to Kiev and engaging into a row with the Moscow Patriarchate as a result. The drive for autocephaly, however, will bring nothing but more chaos to Ukraine, the historian warns, yet those who push for it seem to be irrational and peddle blind nationalism. It will weaken Ukraine even more and it will increase the chaos. Im not sure that even Poroshenko will win in the end, he stated. It will be terrible. It will increase also all the tensions in the society, it will increase all the divisions in the society, it will increase all the disagreements in the society, and it will harm Ukraine. Patriarch Filaret will also hardly benefit from the whole affair, as no one will recognize a new independent Ukrainian church if it ever emerges as a Patriarchate. There will be no Kiev Patriarchate, and Patriarch Bartholomew will never allow Kiev Patriarchate to exist. Whatever this new church will be, it will be not the Kiev Patriarchate, Dvorkin said. It will be headed by a metropolitan or archbishop or whatever. And I still have my doubts that it will be fully independent, fully autocephalous. READ MORE: A global conspiracy undermines Orthodox world head of Russian Church The unification council, which is supposed to bring together various Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, might actually become a division council, Dvorkin said, as the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church has firmly refused to take part in it. Open division among the hierarchs might result in no new church actually emerging and no religious organization receiving autocephaly from Bartholomew, he added. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said Beijing is ready to further develop economic ties with Russia, increasing bilateral trade and facilitating mutual access to each others markets. China is ready to boost energy, innovation, finance and trade cooperation with Russia, Li Keqiang said during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ASEAN Summit in Singapore. He noted that 2018 marks an important stage in high-level relations between China and Russia. Read more According to Chinas PM, the sides have a lot of opportunities for developing business cooperation. Beijing is interested in expanding the two countries access to each others markets, Keqiang added. READ MORE: Russia & China gradually ditching US dollar in favor of domestic currencies as trade booms China is Russias largest trading partner, accounting for 15 percent of Russian international trade in 2017. The volume of trade between the countries has been rapidly growing and is expected to reach $100 billion this year, according to the Russian president. Putin said earlier that Moscow seeks to double the figure in the next six years. Moscow and Beijing are also promoting settlements in rubles and yuan, bypassing the US dollar and other Western currencies. Last year, nine percent of payments for supplies from Russia to China were made in rubles; Russian companies paid for 15 percent of Chinese imports in yuan. READ MORE: Russia to become Chinas top supplier of gas soon Russia is also Chinas top energy supplier, surpassing Saudi Arabia in oil exports to the country. Demand for Russian gas supplies is also on the rise in China, and by 2035 could reach 80 100 billion cubic meters a year. The sides have almost finished the construction of the Power of Siberia pipeline. One of the worlds longest gas pipelines, it will deliver natural gas from Russia to China. Supplies are expected to start by the end of next year. Initial volumes will stand at 5 billion cubic meters; reaching 38 billion cubic meters per year by 2024.The sides are now getting ready to ink a contract on another major pipeline. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Veterans Day program at Pennridge North Middle School thanks those who served Pennsylvania Horticulture Societys Harvest program ends season with almost 19,000 pounds of produce donated and $30K raised to fight food insecurity By By: Dr. Francis R. Souder, 85, formerly of Telford, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 in the skilled nursing unit of Peter Becker Community, Franconia Township. He and his wife Marion R. (Parker) Souder celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July. Born in Souderton, he was a son of the late Elvin B. and Mary (Rittenhouse) Souder. A 1938 graduate of Souderton High School, he received his undergraduate degree in 1941 from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Souder went on to receive his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in 1944 and completed his internship at Hahnemann Hospital from Oct. 1944 July, 1945. He served with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps for 30 months in San Diego and Long Beach, Calif. during WW II and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant prior to his discharge. He entered his second tour of duty during the Korean War where he served in Panama City, Fla. as the medical officer for the Panama City Naval Air Station and the Tyndal Air Force Base. Dr. Souder owned and operated his family practice on Main Street in Telford from 1947-1989. He served on the staff of Grand View Hospital, and as its president, and taught at the Grand View Hospital Nursing School. He was a member of the Pa. Medical Society, the Bucks County Medical Society, Diplomat American Academy of Family Practices, and served on the board of trustees at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Telford, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the MacCalla Lodge #596 in Souderton, the Raja Shrine, and Lehigh Consistory. In addition to his widow, he is survived by a son, Dr. Ronald L. Souder, and his wife Susan L. of Green Lane; a daughter, Susan J. Souder, and her husband Stephan Russo of New York, N.Y.; five grandchildren: Jennifer A. Souder of Philadelphia; Emily E. Souder of Philadelphia; Kathryn A. Souder of Washington, D.C.; Noah Russo of New York, N.Y., and Rebekah Russo of New York, N.Y., and two brothers: Attorney Elvin B. Souder of Souderton and Dr. Lawrence Souder of Souderton. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. in Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 S. Main St., Telford, with calling hours following the service. Interment will be private in Trinity UCC Cemetery Telford. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand View Hospital, 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, Pa. 18960. Arrangements are by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home, Telford. Russian companies have inked deals worth billions of dollars with Chinese partners during China's First International Import Expo (CIIE) that concluded in Shanghai last week. The figure disclosed by the responsible official of Russias exhibition hall also indicates the promising potential of China-Russia economic and trade cooperation. As a guest country of honor as well as one of the biggest participators at the expo, Russia sent a delegation constituting of nearly 800 members led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Their companies occupied a booth area of 2,000 square meters. Our goal is to further raise our popularity in the Chinese market and let Chinese consumers know the diversified Russian products with fine quality and advanced technology, said Andrey Slepnev, general director of the Russian Export Center (REC), a government-owned institute in charge of exports. According to the REC statistics, in the first half of 2018, Russia's exports to China grew 43 percent from last year to $25.9 billion, making up over 50 percent in Russias total exports to Asia. China also contributed 63 percent to the total increase rate. In the same period, Russia exported $5.8 billion non-raw materials and non-energy products to China, up 19 percent from the same period of last year. The complementary economies endow China and Russia with generous cooperating opportunities in timber, petrochemical technology, food, paper making, nonferrous metal, precious metals and some other fronts. The REC had discussed with China on simplifying procedures, eliminating trade barriers, finding new logistics routes and other agendas to expand Russias exports to China, Slepnev disclosed. Russia also eyed for the great cooperation potential in city management like software on parking space management and traffic flow monitoring, said the director, who is also optimistic on the promising future of Russias aviation, pharmacy, high-tech building material industries in Chinese market. The steadily growing trade of agricultural products had become the biggest new driver of their two-way trade, as Russia-produced soybeans, vegetable oil, candies, seafood, flour, rapeseed and flaxseed had been put on the dining table of Chinese consumers. Russia and China reached consensus on trade of dairy products, said Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Agriculture of Russia, adding that the first batch of dairy products would arrive in China within this year after the expo. The China International Import Expo has provided us with precious opportunities, noted Slepnev, explaining that the grand event, which was hosted by China based on a spirit of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, allowed Russian businesses to show themselves in front of many importers, get close to Chinas market environment, make acquaintance with firms from third-party countries and expand business together. He said that the expo injected strong impetus into the sustained development of Russia-China economic and trade cooperation, and Russian companies were optimistic about the prospects of bilateral cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea upon invitation from November 17 to 18. The meeting receives high attention from all parties as it is held when international economy is going through profound changes, when multilateralism and multilateral trading system are threatened, and when Asia-Pacific economic cooperation is coming to a key stage. The APEC region has been an important engine driving global economic growth thanks to its members commitment to free trade and pursuit for open economy. For decades, the regions trade growth has outrun economic growth, and percentage of trade in GDP has surpassed global average. It is hoped that the meeting in Port Moresby this time will keep holding high the banner of trade liberalization and investment facilitation, clearly support multilateral trading system and oppose protectionism, so that the Asia-Pacific region will move ahead along an open, inclusive track of win-win cooperation in a sustained and stable manner. To build the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is a premise for higher-level economic integration of the Asia-Pacific region, and it conforms to the long-term interests of each party. It is hoped that more concrete actions can be taken at the 26th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to accelerate the building of the FTAAP. Under the theme Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future, this years APEC meeting is expected to deepen pragmatic cooperation in digital economy, promote the establishment of an all-round and compound network of interconnectivity, and facilitate inclusive growth, so as to bring more welfare to people in the Asia-Pacific region. China firmly supports, participates in, and contributes to the Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. The 2014 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Beijing presided over by President Xi has made a series of historic achievements in the promotion of the FTAAP, connectivity, economic reform, innovation-driven development and urbanization, injecting new energy into the development of APEC and the Asia-Pacific region. By actively implementing the results of each previous APEC meeting, including the 2014 APEC summit in Beijing, and advancing Asia-Pacific economic cooperation with practical solutions, China has played a leading role in the promotion of APEC and Asia-Pacific development. China commits itself to shaping the future through an Asia-Pacific partnership that is built on mutual respect and trust, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. The country also advocates for the fostering of an open economy in the Asia-Pacific featuring innovative development, interconnected growth and converging interests. China firmly opposes trade protectionism and resolutely supports the establishment of an open global economy. Such major proposition adds Chinese wisdom and solution to deepen Asia-Pacific partnership and solve the problems hindering development. In todays world, China has highly integrated its economy into the Asia-Pacific. Chinas trade with APEC members has accounted for 59 percent of its total foreign trade, and China is the largest trading partner of 16 APEC members. China is accelerating reform and innovation of institutions and mechanisms, and striving for an international business environment established on market principles and the rule of law. This year, China has moved up 32 places in the World Banks Doing Business Rankings in comparison to its performance last year. China, being more open and prosperous, will create more opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region, and its development will also benefit the people of the Asia-Pacific region. Connectivity is of vital importance for Asia-Pacific regions synergetic development. China actively promotes and implements the APEC connectivity blueprint, and endeavors to align the regions connectivity cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative. In addition, China has established a fund to boost interconnectivity under the framework of APEC, and provided support for related projects, injecting strong momentum for the long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region. By extensively participating in APEC pragmatic cooperation, as well as carrying out economic and technological cooperation and capacity building projects, China is helping other developing members of the APEC to improve independent development, so as to ensure that no one is left behind by the tide of economic globalization. (Zhang Jun is Chinas Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs) Social Media Analyst Talkwalker Expands to Singapore Social media monitoring and analytics platform Talkwalker has opened an office in Singapore, adding to existing locations in Luxembourg, New York, San Francisco and Frankfurt. Acquired by Marlin Equity Partners in January, Talkwalker's platform monitors and analyzes online conversations in real-time across social media networks, news web sites, blogs and forums in 187 languages. The firm recently launched an 'AI Engine', further automating the analytics process. The new office in Singapore will be led by former Gartner exec Ben Soubies, Head of Sales, Asia Pacific, and will support clients across the region. CEO Robert Glaesener (pictured) comments: 'The new office forms part of our long-term strategy of helping global businesses develop their data maturity. This involves providing brands with wider data sources, powerful analytical tools, and the support of a local expert customer support team, to turn that data into actionable insights, and optimize the impact of their communication efforts'. Web site: www.talkwalker.com . We will not support the electronic ... Chinese President Xi Jinping is about to pay state visits to Papua New Guinea, Brunei, and the Philippines from Nov. 15 to 21, and will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting from Nov. 17 to 18 at Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea . During Xi's stay in Papua New Guinea, he will also meet with leaders from the Pacific Island countries which have diplomatic ties with China. The world expects China to continue playing a constructive role in promoting an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and inject more positive energy into Asia-Pacific cooperation and global economic growth, which are facing rising complexities and uncertainties. This year marks the 6th year in a row for the Chinese leader to attend the APEC leaders' meeting. His proposals, from working together for a better Asia-Pacific region, to fulfilling an Asia-Pacific dream, and then to building a community with a shared future for mankind, all conform to the trend of the times, win the hearts of many and are widely echoed. This years week-long meeting is held under the theme of "Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future." The proposal of the post-2020 vision places new opportunities for Asia-Pacific economic development. China takes concrete actions to implement the spirit of Asia-Pacific partnership and uphold the right direction of developing an open economy. Its efforts are helpful to build a more open, inclusive, reciprocal and balanced Asian-Pacific economy so that its development can benefit all. Pacific Island countries are important partners of China. In 2014, President Xi met with leaders of eight Pacific Island countries that have established diplomatic ties with China in Fiji, and announced to establish a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development with them. It opened a new era for China's relations with the island countries. In recent years, China helped build more than 100 complete projects for Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries, including international convention centers, ports, roads, office buildings, schools and hospitals. The country also funded more than 1,300 students from the island countries to study in China and trained about 4,000 specialized talents, which strongly boosted national development of the island countries and improved peoples lives. This year, the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation, also marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The cooperation between China and ASEAN members has become the most successful and dynamic model in the Asia-Pacific region over the past 15 years. China has been the largest trading partner of ASEAN for nine consecutive years and ASEAN has been the third largest trade partner of China for seven years in a row. Brunei and the Philippines are also willing to, together with China, deepen cooperation on Belt and Road, infuse new vitality into the construction of the ASEAN community and ASEAN integration, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. Xis upcoming visit will also elevate Chinas relations with the two countries to a new level. This year, China announced a series of measures to further open up. The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded successfully. Next year, China will host the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. China, which is continuously opening itself to the world, will make greater contributions to global economic growth as well as prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region. Xis visit will enhance Chinas relations with regional countries, and inject new power for cooperation and development into the vibrant region, so that the regional countries could realize the Asia-Pacific dream and together embrace a brighter future of a community of shared future. (Zhong Sheng, a homonym in Chinese for voice of China, is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy.) SOUTHINGTON Nearly 900 solar panels on the roof of Sign Pros building are designed to totally power the building with energy to spare. The panels went live on Nov. 10 and company officials celebrated with state and town leaders Wednesday. The construction of the new building on Westfield Drive in 2015, complete with a 30-year roof designed for solar panels, was an opportunity for company owner Peter Rappoccio to consider renewable energy. We felt this was a significant decision of being a leader in our industry, he said. Every organization needs to take part in energy conservation. The array can generate 293 kilowatts, enough to power operations with a 30 percent excess margin, allowing for expansion in the future, according to Rappoccio. The Plantsville business designs and prints signs, displays and vehicle wraps in addition to custom work such as building the Southington Drive-In marquee. State representatives and senators representing Southington were present at Wednesdays celebration. They praised the company for its commitment to Connecticut and renewable energy. Rappoccio touted the environmental and financial benefits of solar. He estimates the panels will save more than $470,000 per year. Sign Pro used the states C-PACE program with the Connecticut Green Bank and was financed by Greenworks, a Darien company. Greenworks marketing manager Adam Moskowitz described C-PACE, run by the Connecticut Green Bank, as a state program with private capital. For zero money up front, Sign Pro was able to get the solar system. The cost is repaid by the company over 15 years as a special tax assessment on the project. Green energy loans are only granted if the savings exceeds the tax assessment payments each year. Moskowitz said the arrangement also creates jobs for solar panel installers. He hopes other companies will take advantage of the program. This really does work, Moskowitz said. jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ International Myanmar detains Rohingyas fleeing to Malaysia Rohingya Muslims are escorted by polices upon arrival at a community hall after being detained in Kyauktan township, Myanmar, Friday. (AP) Kyauktan (Myanmar), Nov 16 (IANS) | Publish Date: 11/16/2018 12:15:38 PM IST Dozens of Rohingyas were detained by the Myanmar police on Friday after they came ashore in the countrys Kyauktan region. Over 100 members of the mostly Muslim minority were arrested and put into trucks by the police after their boat, bound for Malaysia, lost its way and washed up near Kyautktan, about 30 km south of Yangon, Efe news reported. Some of the occupants said that they left Sittwe, the capital of the state of Rakhine, on October 25 due to food shortages in their camp. They said their boat went adrift and lost its way while sailing in the sea. One of the passengers onboard the boat died of starvation, a 45-year-old man said. He said his own three children were starving in the camp, forcing them to seek refuge in Malaysia. The survivors were in the custody of the police, the report said. Myanmar considers the Rohingyas, a minority Muslim community, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. They are denied citizenship and subjected to a number of restrictions, including limits on their freedom of movement. Some 723,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape a violent military crackdown in Rahkhine state in August 2017, according to the UN. Those who didnt flee are not allowed to move out of their camps without the police authorization. Some 12,000 people live in these camps or in towns under surveillance. In 2015, thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants were stranded in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea after Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia denied them entry. Thai authorities that year busted a ring of illegal trafficking of Rohingyas through the dangerous sea route in rickety boats. Myanmar officials have said they are ready to welcome the Rohingya back in the country from Bangladesh. But the voluntary repatriation process that was due to take place from Thursday as per an agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar failed as none of the refugees was ready to return as they feared for their safety. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Days ahead of a crucial Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Board meeting scheduled for November 19, S Gurumurthy, auditor, editor and also a director on the Board of RBI insisted that the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) Act, which restricts government borrowing should be amended, and that bank capital, NPA (non-performing asset) norms should be at the Basel level and no more than that. The government had given up its right to print money when the FRBM law was passed in 2002, and that has robbed its ability to provide liquidity to segments when needed, Gurumurthy said. Further, replying to a query, he said, The government can only take Ways and Means Advances (WMA), the question of borrowing from RBI is not an option for the government. So, the standoff between RBI and government is not a good thing at all, he said. S Gurumurthy Gurumurthy also questioned the 9 per cent capital prescription for Indian banks while even Basel (Basel III) norms are at 8 per cent. I dont know where the 9 per cent was thought of by the regulator, he said.This has been a contentious issue and the RBI deputy governor had in a recent speech argued strongly on the need for higher capital detailing risks. There are only four internationally active banks in India, why have a 9 per cent capital norm for all the banks, Gurumurthy went on to ask, and said this has left the banks with less money to lend. He pointed out how the MSME sector had taken the hit from demonetisation and GST and the sector needs credit. If government says this (credit for MSME), media says government is disturbing independence of RBI, Gurumurthy said. The revision in the Prompt Corrective Action norms is an area of dispute between RBI and the government and if the issue is resolved, the trouble borrowers have with the banks would be resolved, he said. He also came down heavily on the sudden and high provisioning for NPAs by the banks as per RBI norms. Provisioning at one go has created the banking stress. Any policy that lacks gradualism produces shock, he said. Commenting on the issue of the RBIs reserves, Gurumurthy observed that the government is only asking for a formulation of a policy on how much the RBI must have with it, and said most central banks do not have this kind of a reserve. By Online Desk Citing the need to be self-sufficient, the HRD ministry has decided to stop additional funding of the six newly-established Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) which have recently got autonomy tag. According to a report by Economic Times, the HRD minister has decided to do so to IIM Rohtak, Tiruchirappali, Raipur, Kashipur, Udaipur and Ranchi which were set up during the UPA regime in 2008-2009. Most of the above insitutes, except IIM Ranchi, require additional capital as they are in the last leg of constuction of permanent campuses. The Centre had allloted Rs 333 crore to these institutes in 2009 for construciton of campuses. However, the actual construction work started in 2014. Unlike the older IIMs, which generate revenue from the fees charged for management and executive programmes, the new institutes cannot do so as they are yet to command brand value. ALSO READ | IIM Calcutta ranks 3rd in Asia, 2nd in India in global survey The HRD department had been preparing a cabinet note seeking funding of almost Rs 300 crores to each IIMs to help them dide over cost overruns, but then took a U turn. The IIMs have overrun their costs because of change in infrastrucrure plans and will now have to cope with the extra cost themselves. They can increase the fees for course, consultancy projects or borrows, said people associated with the matter. According to ET, as a last leg of help, the government will only release amounts which are pending to the other IIMs: Rs 263 crore to IIM Ranchi, Rs 50 crore to IIM Raipur, Rs 46 crore to IIM Rohtak and Rs 27 crore to IIM Kashipur. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: India saw its exports rise by 17.86 per cent in October even as its trade deficit widened, according to data released by the Commerce and Industries Ministry. According to analysts, the high export growth is driven partly by a low base recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. Numbers released by the ministry put exports at $26.98 billion and imports at $44.11 billion, up by 17.62 per cent. The countrys trade deficit, the difference between imports and exports, also grew $17.13 billion compared to $14.61 billion in October 2017. The countrys exports in October however, have contracted sequentially from $27.95 billion in September. The widening trade deficit comes even as the month saw a steep decline of 42.9 per cent in gold imports to $1.68 billion. Commenting on the trade figures, export organisations like the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisations (FIEO) and the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) pointed out that the double digit export growth recorded during the month under review were due to a favourable base effect, as the foreign shipments in the comparable month of the previous fiscal were quite low at $22.89 billion. FIEO President Ganesh Gupta also made demands for the augmenting of the flow of credit as the sharp decline did not augur well for the sector. According to the ministrys figures, sectors which recorded healthy growth in October include petroleum (49.3 per cent), engineering (8.87 per cent), chemicals (34 per cent), pharma (13 per cent), and gems and jewellery sector (5.5 per cent). A Chinese and a Papua New Guinean work together at a construction site of the CRCC PNG branch. Photo by Li Feng, Peoples Daily Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an important cooperation partner of China among the Pacific island countries. It is also the first country in the region to sign the memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation. China and PNG have witnessed continuously expanded cooperation in trade, investment, capacity and education in recent years, which will contribute to the sustainable development of PNG and also the common development of the Pacific island countries. A 25-year-old man from PNG surnamed Paul has worked for a Chinese construction company for 6 years. He has a strong sentiment toward the Chinese engineering contractor the PNG branch of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), the first Chinese company of this kind to enter the PNG market. During this work, I learnt a lot from my Chinese colleagues who patiently taught me the techniques, said Paul, adding that this was an important reason for him to stay in the company. According to Zhou Wenjiang, deputy general manager of CRCCs international division, the company has employed a total of nearly 6,000 local workers since it entered the PNG market in 2008. Many of the local workers working at the construction sites in PNGs capital Port Moresby have worked for the CRCC, Zhou added. These workers not only earned stable income, but also learnt professional skills at the CRRC which allow them a living security. The CRCC has contracted 22 construction projects over the last decade in PNG, including the countrys largest general supermarket, the largest winery, the landmark office building in Port Moresby, as well as a hydro power station in Lae. These projects covered a total area of nearly 150,000 square meters with a contract value of over 1.5 billion yuan ($216 million). China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) recently renovated a 9-kilometer boulevard linking the Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport and the APEC Haus, the venue for APEC meetings. After renovation, the boulevard has taken on a new look, largely reducing time of commuting between the airport and the downtown. General manager Wang Yanyu of CHEC (PNG) Ltd. told Peoples Daily that the company has completed a series of projects including ports, roads, bridges, airports and housing, improving PNGs infrastructure and promoting the countrys social development. In addition, the company also actively takes social responsibility and conducts public service activities, doing what it can to help local groups in need, Wang noted. Chinese people are good brothers who offer us practical assistance, a police officer surnamed Samuel told Peoples Daily. He said that Chinese enterprises have implemented a number of innovative construction projects, and people in PNG can feel the sincerity of the Chinese to help improve their livelihood. PNG, located in tropical area, is a victim of malaria. The disease has brought huge damage to local people both mentally and physically, as the underdeveloped health care capability, as well as the shortage of medical personnel and drugs in the country are unable to meet the medical need. Fortunately, a demonstration project to help local people eradicate malaria was jointly carried out in the Kiriwina Island of Milne Bay Province by a medical team from Chinas Guangdong province and PNGs National Department of Health after a year of discussion. A local medical team of anti-malaria was also established thanks to the project. The Kiriwina Island covers an area of 450 square kilometers. We ran through every village there to send our medicines just to ensure the effectiveness of the project, said Deng Changsheng, coordinator of the anti-malaria project at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Deng told Peoples Daily that the average infection rate of malaria on the island dropped to 3 percent from 40 percent four months after the project was implemented. Besides, the Chinese side has trained 300 local anti-malaria personnel and carried out health education on the prevention of the disease, Deng added. This project received huge support from PNGs health departments and people. An official from a local health department said that Thank you China, and we can deeply feel the profound friendship of the Chinese. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Public sector banks mired in bad loans may have got a new lifeline to resolve large NPAs. A bankers panel headed by Punjab National Bank chairman Sunil Mehta on Thursday announced that an asset management company (AMC) called Sashakt India Asset Management has been incorporated for the purpose of resolving bad loans above Rs 500 crore. There are an estimated 200 large NPA accounts in various PSU banks with a total exposure of `3 lakh crore. We are in touch with many domestic and global investors (to fund the AMC). There is great interest in the stressed assets in the Indian market. Quality of assets is exceptional, he said, adding the AMC doesnt need more than Rs 30-40 crore investment. The government in July proposed a five-pronged strategy under Project Sashakt to tackle stress in the banking sector. For dud loans under Rs 500 crore, Project Sashakt has inter creditor agreement (ICA) for which 33 banks have signed up so far. ICA is a platform for banks and financial institutions to come together and take concerted efforts towards resolving low-value bad loans. According to the project, NPAs up to Rs 50 crore will be managed at bank level, with a deadline of 90 days. Dud loans of Rs 51-500 crore will either take the ICA route with a deadline of 180 days, or be referred to NCLT. The AMC will take care of NPA accounts above Rs 500 crore.The Mehta committee comprises representatives of all major banks, including SBI. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Central Crime Branch sleuths have issued a notice to self-styled godman Paramahamsa Nithyananda after his recent speech about marijuana in a viral video on local news channels on Wednesday. It is said that CCB officials received a complaint from the public that Nithyananda is promoting the use of marijuana by saying that it helps in meditation. People demanded that CCB take action. A senior police officer said, CCB has asked the Bidadi police to look into the matter as the ashram falls under Bidadi police station limits and once they submit a report we will take further action. Meanwhile, an officer from Bidadi police station said, Nithyananda has been out of the state for four months on account of Chaturmasa. Recently, CID officials had come to his ashram to talk to him about a case but they were not able to contact him. We are not aware of his speech and are yet to receive any instructions from the CCB. How addictions work In his speech How Addictions Work Nithyananda said, Actually, alcohol only becomes an addiction. Marijuana never becomes an addiction because it is a herb. In my life, I have not seen an addiction pattern developed by marijuana. Let me say, I am not supporting marijuana, let me be clear. I have not taken and I am not saying that all of you should use marijuana. Rapper gets rapped It may be recalled that in August this year, Kannada rapper Chandan Shetty was in the dock after CCB officials had issued a notice to him accusing him of promoting marijuana in his new song and he had written an apology letter to CCB after appearing before them. Shettys new song, was launched in July and went viral on social media. He was asked to appear before the police but he did not reply to the first notice. However, a day later he came to the CCB office and clarified by writing an apology letter. As marijuana is a banned drug and Shetty has a huge fan base, it amounts to violations of NDPS Act. By Express News Service CHENNAI: A college student riding a motorcycle accidentally fell into a pit dug for construction of stormwater drain at East Tambaram and drowned in the water on Sunday. The incident was brought to light only on Thursday by the local activists who were concerned over lack of safety measures around the spot. Police said R Brite Durai (20), a native of Kanniyakumari and V Jothi (21), a native of Vellore, were studying in the Bharat Institute of Higher Education and Research at Selaiyur. They were studying third-year B.Sc. Visual Communication. Around 11.30 on Sunday night, the duo were returning to the hostel when the accident happened, said a police officer. Jothi was riding the bike with Brite on the pillion. The state Highways department had dug a huge pit as a preparation for the storm. Sand was raised on both sides of the pits and the boys, who must have driven their vehicle at speed, ran over the sand heap and fell into the pit, said a police officer. When they were on the Agaram main road near Rajendran Timber Traders, the bike hit the sand pit and Brite who was riding pillion flew and fell inside the pit. Meanwhile, Jothi fell over the sand heap with his bike crushed completely. Passers-by who noticed the accident alerted the police and Jothi who was unconscious was taken to a nearby private hospital. Nobody knew about Brite since the pit was filled with water and he was not noticed, said a traffic investigation police officer. By PTI NEW DELHI: The ABVP said on Thursday DUSU president Ankiv Baisoya has resigned from his post after it asked him to do so, and has also been suspended from the students outfit till an inquiry into allegations that he gained admission to the Delhi University on the basis of a fake degree. While the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of Delhi University students, who voted for him. Attempts to contact Baisoya over phone did not yield result, but the ABVP said he has tendered his resignation to the university's vice-chancellor. READ | DUSU President Ankiv Baisoya not our student, says Thiruvalluvar University The ABVP, in a statement, said it asked Baisoya to step down as DUSU president and also relieved him of all responsibilities in ABVP till the Delhi University completes the verification process. It alleged that the NSUI and other student organisations started raising questions on Baisoya's degree "the moment ABVP won three of four posts in the DUSU elections". "The NSUI has been indulging in this propaganda ever since Ankiv Baisoya was elected the president of DUSU. "The ABVP has, time and again, reiterated its stand that the Delhi University has all the rights to verify documents to put an end to the rumours. The ABVP has always put students' welfare first and does not support fraudulent behaviour," it said. The RSS-affiliated student outfit's Delhi State Secretary Bharat Khatana said, "The ABVP believes in complete transparency and hence requests DU administration to complete the verification process and produce the result in public domain." "We urge the Delhi University to expedite the process and put all rumours to rest at the earliest. If Ankiv Baisoya is found guilty, he must face all legal consequences that would ensue." In a Facebook post, Baisoya said, "I was recently chosen as the DUSU president with my supporters' love and blessings. Immediately after my victory, the NSUI and other opposition parties hatched a conspiracy to tarnish my name by raising questions about my admission to the Delhi University. I am tendering resignation because I respect the mandate of the Delhi University students who voted for me and the responsibility of the DUSU president's post. READ | Students' Union president Ankiv Baisoya submitted fake documents to get admission in Delhi University: NSUI "I request the varsity administration to probe the allegations against me so that the issue is sorted soon. I assure everyone that I will prove all the charges against me are wrong. I hope you will support me in my fight ahead," the Facebook post read. But the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) said this was a "face-saving attempt" by the ABVP. "We welcome the much-delayed decision by the ABVP to ask Ankiv Baisoya to step down as DUSU president. "This is clearly a decision under pressure and not on principle given the inordinate delay by the ABVP and in light of the upcoming HC order on the November 20, when it is near certain that Ankiv would have been disqualified anyway. This is a sorry face-saving attempt by the ABVP," AICC Joint Secretary and NSUI in-charge, Ruchi Gupta said. She said the ABVP "ably supported by a supine DU administration" waited for two months in an attempt to retain the DUSU presidentship with ABVP, instead of asking him to step down when the matter came to light. Gupta also said the ABVP did not set up any enquiry committee of its own at the time. The Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA) said the suspension comes very late, after the 60 days' time period for re-election is over. "Even if Ankiv Baisoya resigns, ABVP will still retain the president's post as Shakti Singh, current DUSU VP, who has been known to unleash violence on students of Zakir Hussain College, will take the position," the AISA said. The Delhi High Court on Monday gave the university time till November 20 to verify the authenticity of Baisoya's bachelors degree from a university in Tamil Nadu. The two-month period, within which a re-election could be held, ended on November 13. Baisoya was elected DUSU president in September. The NSUI and AISA have accused the Delhi University administration of deliberately delaying an investigation of the alleged fake degree of Baisoya. The high court is hearing the case on a plea of NSUI student leader Sunny Chillar, who has sought from the court that Baisoya's election be set aside after news reports said the registrar of Thiruvalluvar University had "unambiguously and unequivocally" declared Baisoya's certificate "fake and forged". Chillar has also alleged that the DU was "deliberately delaying" the verification process as no fresh polls would be held for DUSU presidency in case Baisoya's election is set aside over the fake degree issue after expiry of the two-month period. According to Lyngdoh Committee guidelines on university elections, if a post fell vacant within two months of declaration of results, fresh polls would be held, his plea has said. By Online Desk NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union Friday accused the varsity administration of cutting down library funds from Rs 8 crore to Rs 1.7 crore. In a statement to the press, they also alleged that the JNU VC wants the library to be shut at nights. In an "extraordinary" and "surprising move", the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, through Rector and Librarian, have provided a detailed chart for privatisation of Dr B R Ambedkar Library through massive fund cuts - from Rs 8 crore to Rs 1.7 crore, the JNUSU said in a statement. "When members of the library and JNUSU representatives raised questions on such drastic cuts and asked why was the university not taking measures to ensure funds, Financial Officer Hiraman Tiwari said they did not have the authority to do so as the budgeting format had been changed by the UGC, and inter transfer of funds from one head to another is not possible," it said. An Edexlive.com report quoted N Sai Balaji, the newly elected president of JNUSU as saying: "We have been told that the UGC is not giving the money to the university. But our Vice-Chancellor Dr M Jagadesh Kumar is a member of the UGC. So, what is stopping him from to release more funds? They don't have funds to renew the subscriptions or to buy books but they have the money to call Sri Sri Ravishankar, Sadhguru and to buy new cars." The president told Edex: They said that I'm the only one rejecting the decision. Why will I not reject it? It's a scam that's happening here. If libraries don't have books, what are they going to do there? The statement says that the JNU admin has given the students an option between having outside books in two of the reading rooms (which was fought for by the previous JNUSU) or allow them to close the library between 12 pm to 6 am. The reason quoted by the varsity admin is allegedly due to fire security threats in the two reading halls. "JNUSU is amazed how did the library hall permitted to constructed without exit for fire emergency. Rather than bringing to table an alternative plan to solve the issue and punishing the officials for the over lapse who were responsible in designing and constructing the hall. Closing the hall and restricting entry of outside books at a time when JNU doesnt have money to buy books is nothing short of farce and only shows the true intention of JNU i.e. to close down library facility." The student body said: "JNUSU warns the administration and Modi government that if public funded universities are privatised and destroyed this way, the students and youth of this country are not going to keep quiet." JNUSU said that due to the fund cut, auto renewal of e-journals, e-subscriptions like JSTOR, Sage Publications and others would not be renewed, signalling closure of research in the varsity from January. Rather than finding ways to keep these subscriptions alive, Rector, Librarian and others have openly asked the officials to communicate the same to the publishers, it said. "JNUSU is appalled and condemns the massive fund cuts and has told the committee that all stakeholders of the university should write to the Prime Minister and Vice Chancellor of JNU, who himself is a member of UGC, which has decided to stop the funds for the library, about the matter," the statement said. The JNU administration did not respond to calls or messages. (With PTI inputs) By Express News Service KOCHI: As promised by the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in its 2018 winter schedule, Indigo Airlines on Thursday started service to four new destinations. The direct flights to Mali, Guwahati, Jaipur and Nagpur from Nedumbassery was inaugurated by CIAL Managing Director V J Kurian in the presence of Airport director A C K Nair. According to CIAL, the flight to Mali will depart at 6.20 am. The flight to Guwahati and Jaipur will leave at 5.40 am and 3.10 pm, respectively, with the Nagpur flight scheduled for 9 pm. As per the earlier plan, new services to Goa will be operated by Indigo and GoAir while new Indigo flights will connect Kochi to Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Lucknow, Jaipur and Guwahati. GoAir commenced its direct flight to Goa on Friday. While the Indigo flight will depart at 9.40 pm, the GoAir flight leaves at 3.20 am. The Bhubaneswar service will be airborne at 5.35 am. The service to Vishakapatnam on Tuesdays will be at 1.40 pm and on other days at 2.10 pm. The Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam flights will start on December 1 while the service to Nagpur commenced at 9 pm on Friday. The service to Lucknow will be at 9.20 pm on all days except Tuesdays. The Guwahati service will be at 5.40 am. Both the services will start on December 9. GoAir has already started operations to Jaipur via Ahmedabad. By Express News Service KOCHI: Israels Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is planning to increase its services in Kerala to woo more tourists from the state to the Jewish state. Hassan Madah, IMOT - India and Philippines- Director was here on Thursday as part of the roadshow to promote Israels tourism here. Hassan said Tel Avivs Arkia Israeli Airlines has evinced interest in operating regular direct flights from South Indian cities, including Kochi, to Israel. Similarly, Israel will open a visa centre in Kochi if the number of tourists from Kerala visiting Israel increases in the future. The tourism industry has seen the emergence of Tier II cities like Kochi contributing significantly to outbound bookings, especially international destinations. Over the years, we have noticed a growing interest in the leisure segment, besides the popular pilgrimage travel from the city. This trend is exciting for us and we foresee an increase in experiential travel from Kochi. With our maiden endeavour in this city, we are happy to have successfully introduced the varied tourism offerings of Israel to the travel trade here and help them build new connections, he said. There has been a 58 per cent growth - 48,800 - in the number of Indian travellers to Israel during the January-September 2018 period compared to the 30,800 Indian visitors during the same period in 2016. We are expecting around 80,000 tourists from India to visit Israel by the time the year draws to a close. Next year, we expect over one lakh tourist arrivals from India, he said. Israel has undertaken several steps to ease visa procedure for Indian nationals. These include Fast Track visa processing and relaxation in the documentation for persons who have travelled to any of the Schengen countries - the US, Canada, Australia and Israel. A further reduction in visa fee to Rs 1,100 will see more people choosing Israel as a holiday destination. Currently, the visa centres are operating in Kolkatta, New Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. Shevlin Sebastian By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Anita Dube, the curator of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, said that she was inspired by a sculpture of the late Malayali artist KP Krishnakumar (1958-89). It is about a young boy who is listening to the stones, flowers and earth, says Anita, at a Meet The Curator function held in Kochi a few days ago. I chose this work because it is a boy who has not yet acquired a masculinity that all men aspire to be. He is in a nebulous state. I am working against that type of toxic masculinity that has been the norm in our social life. So, not surprisingly, more than half of the 89 artists who will be taking part in the Biennale, (December 12, 2018 - March 29, 2019), are women. They do not get as many opportunities as the men, says the first woman curator of the Biennale. So I wanted to correct that. The theme, incidentally, is titled Possibilities of a non-alienated life. And Anita came to it through prolonged thinking and reflection. The first question I asked myself was who is my primary audience? she says. Is it the one per cent that goes to Venice, Sharjah and the Kochi Biennales? Or is it the six lakh spectators who came to the last edition with no stake in culture except for a thirst for aesthetic knowledge? She realised the need to showcase accessible artworks for the majority. Also, she wanted the visitors to be participants. So, apart from the exhibition area, Anita is setting up a pavilion where anybody could come and speak, show a film clip, or talk about a lecture. You could even sing a Malayalam song, she says. I am hoping conversations could develop, and arguments could be had. Interestingly, Anita, in her travels to over 30 countries to select artists, decided to focus on those from Latin America, and Africa apart from many countries in South-East Asia, like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. I want to give a chance to those who are on the margins of international art, she says. Earlier, Bose Krishnamachari, one of the founders of the Biennale stated that after the floods devastated Kerala a few months ago, he called up Anish Kapoor, one of the worlds leading artists. He told him that they had set up an Art Rises For Kerala initiative and were planning an auction of works. Anish replied, Anytime for Kerala and the Kochi Biennale Foundation. And Anish has already contributed a work. The other notables who will contribute include Dayanita Singh and Subodh Gupta. About 40 national and international artists will take part in the auction that will take place in Kochi on January 18, 2019, says Bose. The proceeds, which I hope will reach Rs 5 crore, will be given to the Chief Ministers Fund. Another notable plan is to re-use the materials which will be used to set up the pavilion at the Cabral Yard to build houses for the downtrodden. We will Recycle, Reuse and Rebuild, says Bose. Malayali artists Annu Palakunnathu Mathew Mochu P R Satheesh Vinu V V Vipin Dhanurdharan Aryakrishnan Ramakrishnan K P Krishnakumar (deceased) Santha K V Oorali Other activities These include the Students Biennale, the Lets Talk lecture series, Music of Muziris concerts, Artists Cinema film screenings, Art By Children, Pepper House Residency Programme, Master Practice Studios, Art and Medicine therapeutic concert series, and Video Lab for archiving, experimentation and research on contemporary arts. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Protests broke out in Rajasthan on Thursday after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its second list of candidates for the December 7 Assembly polls on Wednesday. The ruling party has released two lists so far naming 162 candidates. It has denied tickets to 43 MLAs, including four ministers. Supporters of several of these leaders protested outside the residence of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. One of the ministers denied a ticket, Surendra Goyal, also announced his resignation from the saffron party and said he would contest independently. A total of 92 sitting MLAs have been fielded again. The BJP won 163 seats in the last 2013 elections, while the Congress could get just 21. Traditionally, these two parties have ruled one after another. So far, the saffron party has given tickets to 19 women candidates. Four leaders who joined the BJP from other parties also got tickets. These include Abhinesh Mehrishi, who will contest from the Ratangarh seat after quitting the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former Congress leaders Ashok Sharma and Mahesh Pratap Singh and two-time Independent legislator Gurdeep Shahpini (Sangaria seat). Those denied tickets include Gyandeo Ahuja, sitting MLA from Ramgarh, and ministers Babulal Verma, Dhan Singh Rawat and Rajkumar Rinwa, along with Goyal. The saffron party has not given tickets to any Muslim candidate so far. The party is silent on the candidature of CMRajes close aide Yunus Khan. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Neither the nation nor the democracy, Chandrababu Naidu is only saving his thick skin at the moment, claimed AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday. In a freewheeling conversation with the team of The New Indian Express, the Hyderabad MP slammed the Andhra chief minister for his opportunism in uniting an anti-BJP front after he helped them rise to power. Owaisi further said that it will not come as a surprise if Naidu were to return to BJP in the future if it suits his political ambitions. Why didnt Naidu withdraw support for the BJP after the Gujarat massacre? The carnage could have stopped right then. Or when mob lynchings and love jihad spread across the country, why not then but now? asked Owaisi. The rising communalism and hatred for minorities grew incredibly in the last four years of BJP in the Centre and Naidu helped them come to power, replied Owaisi when asked if he would join Naidus anti-BJP front. Hamare yahan ek sher hai, Sau choohe kha ke billi haj ko chali, (There goes a saying that after killing a hundred mice, the cat is up for penance) remarked Owaisi in a direct attack on Naidus political opportunisim. Naidu is afraid of losing the Andhra seat to YSRCPs Jagan Mohan Reddy, who happens to be a good friend of mine, observed Owaisi as the real reason for Naidu gathering support at the moment. How can you trust a man who ditched his own father-in-law? asked Owaisi referring to the AP CM. Clarifying his stand on joining the anti-BJP front, Owaisi said that Naidu was acting like US President George Bush saying everyone is either with him or against him. Such an approach in politics, he contrasted, is the cause for disorder in the middle-east and a similar situation is now in India. Sau choohe kha ke billi haj ko chali? Owaisi used this proverb to describe what, in his opinion, is the hypocrisy of Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu in raising Save Nation, Save Democracy slogan against BJP after helping them rise to power in the first place Pope and Assyrian Patriarch Condemn Persecution of Christians Pope Francis and Mar Gewargis III, the Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, sign the Common Statement condemning Christian persecution. ( Vatican Media) 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." PORT MORESBY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill attended the hand-over ceremony of the China-assisted Independence Boulevard here on Friday. The road project has linked the national parliament house and the PNG capital's trunk roads, providing more convenient and efficient transportation conditions for the locals. The Independence Boulevard connects the profound friendship between the Chinese people and the PNG people and bears the good wishes of the Chinese people to the PNG people, Xi said while addressing the ceremony. Noting that Chinese construction companies have completed the road project with the highest standard and the fastest speed, Xi said he believes that the Independence Boulevard will bring about more convenience and prosperity to the local people. China is willing to enhance mutual trust, expand communication and boost cooperation with PNG, and together build a road of prosperity, openness and friendship, he said. PNG will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is a grand event for PNG and all the Pacific island countries, Xi said. As PNG's good friend and good partner, China has provided support and assistance within its capacity to PNG in hosting the event, he added. For his part, O'Neill said he is delighted to jointly attend the hand-over ceremony with Xi and thanked China for its long-term assistance to his country. The Independence Boulevard project is a symbol of PNG-China friendship and of China's important support to PNG, the prime minister said. Today is another key moment in PNG-China relations, as the inauguration of the boulevard will be a milestone in bilateral ties, O'Neill said. Calling China a good friend of PNG, O'Neill said his country, which shoulders heavy task of national development, is willing to maintain strong partnership with China. Xi arrived here Thursday to pay a state visit to PNG and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: While communalism and hatred against minorities has been on the rise in rest of the country, Telangana did not see any communal riots in the last four and a half years, says AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi. Reiterating his friendship with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that he hoped the people of Telangana will bring its supremo Chandrashekar Rao back to power in the upcoming polls. Though there have not been any communal riots in the state, people do get affected by what is happening in the rest of the country. Mob lynchings, changing names of cities, have a lasting impact on people, he said and added that such incidents adversely impacts the Muslim, Dalit community and such people who believe in Indias pluralism. If a boy and girl walk together they are not stopped and questioned about their relationship in Telangana. We dont have that atmosphere here, he said. However, he ruled out the possibility of this friendship with KCR extending into that between their parties. On the ground, there is no such thing as a friendly election, no matter how hard anyone tries. There is an individual aspiration, ambition and ego. It is a contest. ALSO READ: 'Doubt Old Citys development? File RTI' Indian Muslims are not radicalised This, however, has not been able to radicalise the Muslims in India, opined Owaisi. Commenting on the Indians who reportedly wanted to join ISIS and were caught, he said that nearly 70 per cent of them lived abroad where they were radicalised. He is also of a view that the number of such youngsters pegged at 24 was an inflated figure. Yes some people wanted to join the organisation but the manner in which police arrested them is not highlighted. The truth is that arrests were made after parents of the youngsters approached the police. In the incident where three boys from Nagpur wanted to go to Syria, it was the parents who alerted CCS, he said. He further supported the statement by union home minister, Rajnath Singh when he said Muslims in India have not been radicalised and this needs to be taken into consideration. ALSO READ: 'AIMIM is not a descendant of Razakars' Best friends forever? Setting the record straight, after his brother Akbaruddin expressed a desire to become the CM of Telangana like HD Kumarasamy did in Karnataka, Owaisi said his party or its leaders were not interested in the CM chair. Akbaruddins statement had set tongues wagging, causing a friction between TRS and AIMIM. However, Owaisi made it clear that there will be no friendly contest. AIMIM leaders booked for using drone The Chaderghat police on Thursday registered cases against AIMIM members for use of drone cameras in capturing the procession of ex-MLA Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala as he made his way to file nominations for the upcoming polls. According to police, members were booked cases under section 188 disobedience to order by public servant) of IPC. Congress, TDP like rahu-ketu Congress and Telugu Desam Party alliance as part of the is like the duo of Raahu and Ketu, Owaisi had said at Rajendranagar. Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets, which are the most malefic planets in astrology. He recounted how TDP was founded on a core of the anti-Congress platform. But Naidu and Congress Rahul Gandhi announced their alliance. By ANI With Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh completing their two-day nuptials in a location overlooking the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, Ranveer's Mumbai residence has been decked up with serial lights and flowers to welcome the newlyweds. While the entrance of the house was covered in a string of golden lights, branches of trees in the area were also seen lit up to celebrate the occasion. B-Town's power couple tied the knot in Lake Como in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14, while a Sindhi wedding was organised on November 15, both of which were attended by close-knit relatives of the two actors. Reel-life Bajirao and Mastani had announced their wedding dates on October 21 on social media after dating for over 6 years. The couple, who is expected to return to India later this week, will reportedly host two grand receptions for their relatives and friends- one in Bengaluru and the other in Mumbai. The Bhavnani residence. (Photo | ANI) The Bhavnani residence. (Photo | ANI) Here's what their friends and co-worker have tweeted: Karan Johar: Love and happiness forever... These are such a full of 'pyaar wala' (love) pictures! For those of us who don't have a life partner it's a very "hai" wala (aww) feeling. Love and happiness forever.....these are such a full of pyaar wala pictures! For those of us who dont have a life partner its a very haiiiiiiiii wala feeling! https://t.co/h1dtYel2be Karan Johar (@karanjohar) November 15, 2018 Rajkummar Rao: Congratulations, my favourite couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and togetherness. Arjun Kapoor: 'Jashn-E-Ishqa'. Sonam Kapoor: Congratulations to both of you! May you always find joy together Ranveer Singh. Anushka Sharma: Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love and respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club Ranveer and Deepika. Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love & respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 15, 2018 VIEW GALLERY: Reel life couples who became real life couples Parineeti Chopra: Lots of love and congratulations my RV and Dips! Ranveer and Deepika. Genelia D'Souza: Congratulations to the most beautiful couple Deepika and Ranveer. Wishing you loads of love and happiness as you guys step into your new phase of life. Poonam Dhillon: Congratulations to a gorgeous couple! This is just the beginning, may the years to follow be better, better and the best! You truly make a fabulous lovable pair! Love and happiness always! Vicky Kaushal: Many congratulations and God bless! Ranveer, Deepika. Sonu Sood: Mubarak ho mere bhai (Congratulations my brother). Both of you look so lovely together have a rocking life ahead. VIEW GALLERY: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's epic love story in pictures Bhumi Pednekar: Lots and lots of love and tons of wishes as you both embark upon this beautiful journey Ranveer and Deepika. May this new chapter be full of happiness, good health and love. Congratulations. Arjun Rampal: Smile and laugh through this union, so beautiful you both look. God bless you both. Stay blessed. Love and a big hug to you both. Congratulations. Bipasha Basu: Love a great love story. So happy to see this beautiful couple... Together forever... Congratulations. Sushmita Sen: Beautiful Couple! Congratulations Deepika and Ranveer May your journey of togetherness be blessed with divine grace, respect, love, happiness and a solid friendship! Cheers. Beautiful Couple!!!!Congratulations @deepikapadukone & @RanveerOfficial May your journey of togetherness be blessed with divine grace, respect, love, happiness & a solid friendship!! Dugga Dugga!! Cheers!!!! pic.twitter.com/pu8ReTTyon sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) November 15, 2018 Badshah: May you love and live like this forever and ever. Huma Qureshi: Mubarak (congratulations)! My dear darlingest Deepika and Ranveer. May you both always smile laugh be together and have the best the world has to offer !! Neil Nitin Mukesh: Congratulations my dearest Deepika and Ranveer. God bless you both with all the happiness always. (With inputs from IANS) By Online Desk Thousands of Ayyappa devotees thronged the Sabarimala temple, which was reopened at 5 pm on Friday evening for the two-month-long Madala-Makkarvilakku puja on Saturday. Earlier, the Travancore Devaswom Board held an emergency meeting and decided to move a plea in the Supreme Court to seek more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. While announcing this, Board chief A Padmakumar urged the people to cooperate with the temple management body for a smooth and peaceful management of the pilgrim season. Meanwhile, Kerala cops said they can only provide security to activist Trupti Desai, but she must arrange her own mode of transport and accommodation. Trupti Desai, who reached the Cochin International Airport in the early hours of Friday to visit the Sabarimala temple was not able to come out of the domestic terminal, following protest by devotees opposing the entry of menstrual women into the Lord Ayyappa temple. Police have registered a case suo motu against 200 people who staged a protest at the Cochin airport to block the exit of Trupti Desai. The all-party meeting on Thursday failed to end the deadlock over the Supreme Court verdict that lifted the ban on entry for women of menstrual age to Sabarimala temple on the eve of its opening for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Friday adjourned to December 3 the hearing on the Maharashtra government's plea challenging the Bombay High Court order by which the extension of time granted to the state police to conclude probe in the Bhima Koregaon violence case was set aside. ALSO READ | Maoists were conspiring to kill PM Modi: Pune Police in Bhima Koregaon violence case charge sheet A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph deferred the matter to enable the counsel for the Maharashtra government to file a rejoinder affidavit in the case. The apex court on October 29 had granted time till December 1 to the Maharashtra Police to file the charge sheet in Bhima Koregaon violence case. A Pune special court, on the expiry of the 90-day deadline for filing of the charge sheet on September 2, had extended the time by another 90 days for filing the probe report in the case by taking note of the state police's plea. The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson in June for their alleged links with Maoists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court decision was set aside by the Bombay High Court leading the state government to approach the apex court. The top court stayed the Bombay High Court order, which had set aside the lower court's verdict allowing extension of time to police to file the probe report against the rights activists arrested in the case. The bench had issued a notice to the rights activists on a plea of the Maharashtra government, seeking their replies within two weeks, and stayed the operation of the high court order. The bench stayed the order, paving the way for the extension of time to file the charge sheet in the case. It had also issued notice on another plea of the Maharashtra Police challenging the Delhi High Court's order quashing the transit remand in the case of activist Gautam Navlakha. ALSO READ | Prakash Ambedkar seeks to summon CM Fadnavis before judicial panel Earlier, the apex court had refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case and declined to appoint a special investigation team (SIT) for a probe into their arrest. The arrests had followed raids at their residences and offices in connection with the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31 last year, which the police had claimed had led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. In the present case, the Pune Sessions Court had granted the police the additional 90 days, following an application from the investigating officer (IO) and written submissions made by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP). Gadling had challenged this, saying the report and the submissions came from the police, not the prosecutor. Under the UAPA, the report should be filed by the prosecutor, he had said. The Maharashtra government's petition filed in the apex court had said the IO had filed an application in the trial court under his signature, giving reasons for an extension of time, on August 30. "On the very same day, the public prosecutor submitted her report/application, carving out the grounds for extension of time. The public prosecutor, by way of abundant precaution, took the signature of the investigating officer. "But the high court was carried away by the signature of the investigating officer and arrived at a conclusion that the report/application was not by the public prosecutor," the plea had said. It had also said the high court should not have been carried away by the mentioning of names of the parties in detail. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday took cognisance of a criminal defamation complaint against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged scorpion remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The complaint, filed by Delhi BJP leader Rajeev Babbar, alleges that Tharoor made the remark with mala fide intention, which not only is an abuse of the Hindu deity but also defamatory. He claimed in the complaint that as the vice-president of the BJPs Delhi unit, he was identified as a worker/supporter of Narendra Modi and BJP and the Congress leaders statement hurt his religious sentiments. He also said in his complaint that the remark was intolerable abuse and absolute vilification of peoples faith. Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal scheduled the recording of Babbars statement on December 22. While speaking at the Bangalore Literature Festival last month, Tharoor sparked a controversy when he claimed that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. Tharoor said: "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shiv-ling. You cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a 'chappal' (slipper) either." Tharoor has quoted it recalling what an RSS member had told a journalist in 2012. By Express News Service MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: If you are someone who loves the iconic Jawa and Yezdi and treasures the experience of riding it, heres a fresh opportunity to do so all over again. For, on Thursday, the motorcycle brand made its comeback in India, with not one, but three bikes. All three models are priced in the premium range, with the sporty 293 cc Jawa Forty Two priced at Rs 1.55 lakh and the 334 cc Jawa Perak, the costliest of the three, at Rs 1.89 lakh. The Jawa, a 293 cc retro-cruiser with which the company seeks to tap into the glory days of the classic Jawa line, will be priced at Rs1.64 lakh. Despite having a better build, a six-speed gearbox and a more powerful engine, the design of the Jawa is sure to remind one of the glorious bikes of old complete with its horn below a round headlamp. Jawa first entered the Indian market in 1961 as a joint venture with Jawa Ltd, based in Czechoslovakia. The Yezdi came in from the same stable much later. Generations of bikers who grew up on that low-maintenance vehicle get nostalgic recounting their experiences. Pre-bookings for the new bikes opened on Thursday, at Rs 5,000, with deliveries expected to begin by February next year. Test rides will be on offer by early December, and the company plans to propel sales through 105 dealers and 64 dealerships across most major cities. The Jawas re-entry is sure to make the fight for Indias premium motorcycle market more interesting, with the line placing itself in direct competition with the current dominant market leader: Royal Enfield. Resurrected by Classic Legends, a Mahindra & Mahindra-owned firm, the Jawa line is expected to play an important role in the companys two-wheeler fortunes. Its rare to get an opportunity to resurrect a legend, M&M chairman Anand Mahindra said. Jawa is a never-ending story. We want to make the journey as comfortable as it gets. Mahindra also said the company was not placing too much importance on volumes, with the line not intended for the mass segment. Jawa 293cc, Rs 1.64 lakh 27bhp max power 28Nm max torque Jawa Forty Two 293cc, Rs 1.55 lakh 27bhp max power 28Nm max torque Jawa Perak 334cc, Rs 1.89 lakh 30bhp max power 31Nm max torque By IANS NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a week-long visit to Vietnam and Australia beginning Sunday. Starting his trip from the Vietnamese coastal city Da Nang, Kovind will head to the capital Hanoi where he will hold talks with the political leadership and also address the National Assembly of Vietnam. ALSO READ | Rooting out corruption must create a new India: President Ram Nath Kovind According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kovind, in his maiden visit to an Asean country, will hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Heading to Australia on November 21, Kovind, the first Indian President to visit the country, will meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison and they will together unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation. He will visit Sydney and Melbourne and hold discussions with the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove. The President will also address the Australia Financial Review Business event and attend dinner at the Australia-India Business Council. He is also slated to meet Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and address students at the Melbourne University. By ANI GURDASPUR: The Punjab Police have released wanted posters of Zakir Moosa, the chief of Jammu and Kashmir based Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind terror outfit with reported links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The latest development comes after intelligence agencies informed the police about his movements near Amritsar. Speaking on the issue, Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh said, "We had inputs about his (Moosa's) movements near Amritsar. So we have released wanted posters of him to make public aware and have requested them to tell us if they have any information." The Punjab Police are on their toes after the intelligence agencies had issued a letter stating that seven members of the terror outfit JeM were believed to be sighted in Ferozepur. Following the development, the state has been put on high alert. "We had inputs that some JeM terrorists have infiltrated in Punjab through Ferozepur, so we have taken precautionary measures. Extra forces have been deployed along the border. Checking of vehicles is underway," the SSP further said. On November 5, the Punjab Police arrested two students associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, in connection with Maqsudan Police Station hand-grenade blasts case of September 14. The outfit is headed by Musa, also known as Zakir Rashid Bhatt, who masterminded and guided the attack, involving Shahid Qayoom and Fazil Bashir, who were students of ST Soldier College of Engineering and Technology in Jalandhar. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Opposition on Thursday slammed the Centre over the Rafale jet deal, with Rahul Gandhi targeting PM Narendra Modi over the lack of a sovereign guarantee by France in the deal, and the CPI-M demanding a probe monitored by the Supreme Court. "The latest skeleton to tumble out of the RAFALE cupboard: NO Guarantee by the French Govt. backing the deal. BUT, our PM says there's a letter from the French promising to be faithful! That's enough to call this a "Govt to Govt" deal," Rahul tweeted. ALSO READ | Mr Modi personally increased benchmark price of Rafale jets by 3 billion euros: Rahul Gandhi The response came amid charges and counter-charges by the Congress party and jet manufacturer, Dassault. Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the law ministry had flagged the lack of sovereign guarantee on December 9, 2015, but the PM waived off the condition and instead accepted the letter of comfort from the French government on August 24, 2016 in the CCS meeting in violation of the defence procurement procedure. Surjewala also accused the PM of increasing the benchmark price of the aircraft by Euro 3 billion or Rs 22,743 crore. "PM Modi in the CCS accepted the higher 'Benchmark Price' of Rs 8.2 Billion instead of Rs 5.2 Billion. Why did PM Modi compromise National Interests by waiving the 'Bank Guarantee/French Government's Sovereign Guarantee' in violation of Defence Procurement Procedure," said Surjewala. Questions, charges CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury says money going to Ambani firm is coming back to the ruling party through electoral bonds. Congress has questioned the role of NSA Ajit Doval, wondering who authorized him to negotiate the deal. The 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be held from Nov. 17-18 in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guina (PNG). National flags of both China and Papua New Guinea have been placed on each side of the Chinese-constructed Independence Boulevard. As part of the Chinese government's international aid program, the 300-meter corridor cost around 12 million U.S. dollars and will feature a six-lane road, two five meter-wide footpaths, street lights, path lights, three traffic lights and five nature parks all running from Waigani to Parliament House. By PTI KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday ridiculed the scheduled 'rath yatra' of the BJP as 'ravan yatra' and called for cleansing of areas through which the saffron party's chariots would pass. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo also urged people to "ignore the event as just another political gimmick". ALSO READ | NDA destroying institutions like CBI, RBI; BJP will be reduced to a statue after 2019 polls: Mamata Banerjee "I have asked my party workers to conduct 'purification and unity yatra' to cleanse the areas through which the chariots pass. I wonder what sort of yatra it would be with chariots equipped with five-star facilities. It is 'ravan yatra', not 'rath yatra'," she quipped. The state BJP leadership was quick to hit back, claiming that Banerjee was suffering from "fear psychosis" as it dreads losing to the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls. "It seems Mamata Banerjee and the TMC is suffering from fear psychosis. They are feeling threatened by the 'rath yatra' as it is aimed at restoring democracy in the state," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. ALSO READ | Center refuses to rename West Bengal as Bangla, CM Mamata Banerjee retaliates Amit Shah, the national president of the saffron party, is set to kick off three 'rath yatras' - which will cover all 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bengal - on December 5, 7 and 9. At the conclusion of the 'yatra', the party plans to hold a massive rally in Kolkata, likely to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Buoyed by its performance in the last panchayat polls in Bengal, Shah has set a target of winning at least 22 parliamentary seats in the state. Reacting to the row over political 'yatras', senior CPI(M) leader and former MP Samik Lahiri said the TMC-led government should cancel permission for the rally instead of making "tall claims". "The state government should decline permission for the rally. But the fact is it won't do such a thing. Both the parties are engaged in competitive communalism in the state," he added. By PTI KOLKATA: The West Bengal government Friday withdrew the 'general consent' accorded to the CBI to conduct probe and raids in the state, a top official said. The decision was taken late Friday evening, close on the heels of a similar step initiated by the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government. The TDP has been accusing the Centre of trying to intimidate its leaders by using central agencies ever since the party walked out of the NDA. The general consent, accorded to the CBI by the then Left Front government in 1989, enabled the central agency to conduct any investigation without taking separate permission from the state government. Andhra Pradesh Government has withdrawn the General Consent given to the members of Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers & jurisdiction in the state. In the absence of this permission, CBI can't interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of AP pic.twitter.com/bUgvB3hgBD ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 With this decision, the CBI would henceforth require permission from the West Bengal government to carry out any sort of investigation except those ordered by the courts, the official at the state secretariat said. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. During a party meeting earlier in the day here, the Trinamool Congress supremo extended her support to Naidu over the issue. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," Banerjee said there. In the emerging situation, the officials believe that the ongoing investigations in the Saradha, Narada and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases would not be affected since those probes were being conducted according to court orders. However, in other cases, where there were no court orders, the central agency would require consent of the state government to carry out its investigations. Incidentally, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister is likely to visit Kolkata to meet Banerjee on Monday. Both the leaders are expected to hold talks at the state secretariat here ahead of the opposition conclave in New Delhi next week. (With online desk inputs) By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Railway minister Piyush Goyal was heckled by agitated railway employees who breached his security at an event here on Friday evening. Goyal, who had been in the state capital to take part in an event organised by Northern Railway Men's Union (NRMU) on the occasion of their 70th Annual General meeting at Railway stadium, said something controversial which agitated the union members.As per the sources, while addressing the gathering of railway employees, Goyal said the Union was misguiding the employees and that it was leading the youth on the wrong path. This statement by the minister apparently stirred the atmosphere and the railway employees started sloganeering against Goel. Subsequently, the situation went out of control as the employees proceeded towards the minister for his gherao. In the melee, someone from the employees' crowd threw a flower pot towards the railway minister and it reportedly injured a guard of his security fleet. While the minister was forced to leave the venue in the protection of Railway Protection Force (RPF) from the back side of the stage but was chased to his car by the agitated employees. The police tried to pacify the employees but to no avail. As the minister's cavalcade started to leave, the protesting employees tried to stop it. They also reportedly smashed windows of some the cars of the cavalcade. V Sudhish Pai By The extensive and expansive use of judicial review and constitutional adjudication as an instrument of what is perceived to be reform arouses profound controversy. Today no admirer of the court and the rule of law can avoid worrying that progressive politicisation and hyper-activism are endangering their historic role. Judgments have become verbose. Often it is journalese without sound legal reasoning. Intellectual showmanship has overtaken judicial statesmanship. The judgment of the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala temple case is a typical instance of the court overstepping its domainthis time in the fragile area of religious reformand of unawareness of Hindu cosmology, faith and traditions and determination to hoist the judges views as the only view of the Constitution and constitutionalism. The aspirations voiced by the court, particularly in social and religious matters, must be those that the people are willing to avow and live by. The legitimacy of the courts decisions stems to a great degree from the accuracy of the courts perception of such common will and its ability, by expressing that perception, to strike a responsive chord equivalent to the consent of the people. To go beyond and to impose the courts choice, even if it be better or wiser, smacks of judicial despotism which is anathema to democracy and the rule of law. Article 32 and judicial review, by promiscuous misuse, to borrow the language of Krishna Iyer, have given the impression of being the haven of busybodies and interlopers. It is a wise tradition that courts do not adjudge except when it involves the legal rights of the litigants. Significantly the exclusion of some women from visiting Sabarimala was not challenged by any woman or believer, but by busybodies who did not claim to be believers of Lord Ayyappa. The locus is not just technical. Those who approached the court were not those who wanted to worship but those who were keen to defy tradition without any faith in religion. Basing the petitioners claim on their belief is an essential prerequisite to maintain a challenge, as PILs in religious matters would open the floodgates to interlopers and non-believers to question religious beliefs and practices. The standards by which matters of faith have to be tested are those of the community of believers, not of the others or of the court. The limited exercise of judicial power in this area is only to find out whether a particular belief or custom exists. It is immaterial whether the court thinks it to be rational or justified. The courts role is to afford protection to what is regarded by the devotees as essential or integral to religion. The court is ill-equipped to deal with and pronounce on matters of faith. Judicial interference with religious beliefs and practices, unless they are social evils, can seriously damage the constitutional fabric. The court must be aware of its own remoteness and lack of familiarity with such issues. The needs and difficulties of the community are constituted out of facts and opinions beyond the easy ken of the courts. Life is larger than law. Grounding the judgments in the right to equality and constitutional morality is treading on ice. Religious beliefs cannot be tested on the touchstone of Art. 14 or rationality. The right to equality in religious matters has to be adjudged amongst worshippers. To recognise marked differences that exist in fact is living law, to disregard practical differences and concentrate on some abstract identities is lifeless logic. Like manifest arbitrariness, constitutional morality is totally subjective and would itself be arbitrary. In one sense it is simply the courts propensity to intervene. Art. 25(2) permits legislation, not judicial intervention. All fundamental rights are equal. That the fundamental right to practise religion as claimed by the worshippers should yield to the right of women is specious. The fundamental right to practise religion is as ordained and accepted by faith and tradition and not as the court would like it to be. What is required is the balancing of all rights to ensure that the religious beliefs of none are undermined. The observation that by reserving to itself the authority to determine which religious practices are essential or not, the court assumed a reformatory role which would allow it to cleanse religion of practices which were derogatory to individual dignity is couched in a style that is as pretentious as its content is egotistic. The practice of excluding certain sections of women from entering the temple has nothing to do with untouchability. It is crucial that the Constituent Assembly consciously rejected the inclusion of temples and places of worship in Art. 15 that prohibits denial of access to certain public places. To contend the Sabarimala temple would be included in places of public resort is outrageous. It is a moot question that if the court is to decide what religious beliefs and practices are or should be, then anyone else other than the court may decide what the law is.The lone dissent commends itself as constitutionally correct and judicially statesmanlike. A dissent, sometimes, is a call to and grounding in traditions reared by experience and discernment and resisting the temptation of being lured by the seemingly attractive. The majority judges have converted their view of religion into constitutional law. Institutional prestige and credibility have suffered a serious dent. Some judgments, instead of settling disputes, ignite unrest. An awareness of the contours, nuances and limits of judicial power and, according to the US judge Learned Hand, wisdom is what contributes to judicial statesmanship and the making of great judges. It is heartening that the court will hear the review petitions. Keeping the judgment in abeyance would have been wiser. Propriety and wisdom should dictate a change of view. That will retrieve some lost prestige and lend credibility.All our problems may be summed up thus: Where is the life we have lost in living?/ Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?/ Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? If implemented as planned, it would become the worlds largest trading bloc, catering to almost 50 per cent of the worlds population, with a combined GDP of almost $ 50 trillion. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership envisages an FTA to open the markets of the 10 ASEAN nations, along with the three largest Asian economiesChina, India and Japanas well as Australia, South Korea and New Zealand, into a mega regional trading bloc. PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that the combined GDP of the RCEP member states is likely to reach nearly $250 trillion by 2050, with the total GDPs of China and India making up more than 75 per cent of the amount. First mooted at the 19th ASEAN Summit held in November 2011, the idea gained traction, with some 24 rounds of talks and negotiations so far. Yet plans to finalise the contours of the pact by the end of the year fell through at the summit in Singapore Wednesday, which was attended by leaders from all prospective member states, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though the leaders put up a brave front, saying that the process was now irrevocable and it was just a matter of working out a few remaining issues, the fact remains that India and a few other nations have legitimate concerns over opening up their markets to China, a move that could put their domestic markets at risk. Realising that it could not afford to be excluded from regional trade chains, particularly when it is actively pursuing its Act East policy, India joined this initiative to ramp up its trade integration with the region. But Indian industry is deeply concerned over tariff concessions, and the lack of access for its services sector. Then, the fact remains that India already has trade deficits with 10 of the RCEP countries, particularly China with whom it has a whopping $63 billion trade imbalance. Unless these issues are addressed first, joining the RCEP will mean drooling over short or medium-term benefits while ignoring the long-term peril. The exit of co-founder and CEO of Flipkart, Binny Bansal, is the latest in a long list of senior corporate and media personalities forced out on sexual misdemeanour charges. The broad contours of the probe, ordered by Walmart, the new owner of Flipkart, reveal that Bansal was in a consensual relationship with a former employee. But things fell apart sometime in mid-June. Besides issues of sexual misconduct, which Bansal denies, there is admission of having handled things badly. Walmart also seems to be upset about having been kept in the dark about laffaire Binny Bansal when it took over management in August. Bansals stepping down raises more questions than answers, as these cases do since the time of Phaneesh Murthys exit from Infosys in 2002. Should penalties be levied when a consensual relationship goes sour? Are internal committees equipped to probe the thin line between consensus and forced consent? As workplaces are roiledfrom Google in the US to the government in Indiaon charges against men sexually exploiting women subordinates, we can see the legal system has few answers. Companies are struggling to put norms in place, but are facing speed bumps as in many cases it is the men at the top, setting the norms, who are accused of preying on their fellow employees. In this case, it seems the timing of the disclosure by Walmart took Bansal by surprise. Was a real case of inappropriate sexual behaviour leveraged to settle unrelated issues? If it was, it is again not the first. A very recent disclosure by a hotel executive seemed to point at a very large corporate using charges against a CEO-level person to settle internal battles. Further, when ownership changes, the management should also change to reflect the new philosophy. In this case Walmart, a company based on thrift, bought an e-tailing platform based on a cash-burn revenue model. By retaining the old guard, it ran the risk of embarrassing accidents as we just saw. It can be avoided. By Express News Service VISHAKHAPATNAM: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that Intelligent Global Hub for digital pedagogies will be set up in Vishakhapatnam with the knowledge partnership of UNESCO MGIEP. Speaking after inaugurating the second edition of a three-day TECH-2018 here on Thursday, the Chief Minister said 50 acres of land would be allotted for the gaming university. The hub will have global research centre for science learning, global certification bureau of learning, resource school, skill development, gaming and digital learning centres and teachers training academy. The project will create around 5,000 jobs. Technology will bring accountability, transparency and speed in governance. All the government departments in the State are online. Very soon, people need not go to any government office and a smart phone is enough to get all government services done, Naidu claimed. He said a content corporation would be set up to facilitate outsourcing of content and market the content prepared by experts. Stating that the State achieved 10.5 per cent growth, the CM said the State government was eying to achieve 15 per cent growth, by using technology in the education sector effectively. Classroom learning will put students under stress. Nowadays, learning is fun due to virtual and digital learning methods. Every citizen should be a digital literate and every home should have a entrepreneur, he asserted. UNESCO MGIEP director Anantha Duaippah said education must nurture not just intellectual capacity but also the emotional quotient of the child. He said social and emotional learning enhances a childs ability to be resilient during the times of crisis. HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said the conference focuses on digital pedagogies for transformative learning experiences. He said the Chief Minister gave top priority to the development of education for making the State as knowledge and educational hub. Over 1,000 global experts, including ministers of education, scientists, AI experts, data experts, legal experts, design and story telling experts from more than 60 countries are participating in the conference. He said Vizag declaration at TECH 2018 will help establish Andhra Pradesh as the skill capital of India. Earlier in a video message, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said CBSE was working to cut down school syllabus by 50 per cent within two years. Vice-Minister of Higher Education Egypt, Yasser Refaat Abdel Fattah Mohamed, deputy minister in charge of general education Ghana Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former president of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbuyeva, were present. CM all praise for Vizag Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is all praise for the city. In his opening remarks at the TECH-2018 here on Thursday, the chief minister said Visakhapatnam is a beautiful city and topper in cleanliness.He said that the city has excellent beaches and beautiful hills. There is greenery everywhere. The city is known for its delicious food, particularly seafood. Chandrababu Naidu said that delegates could enjoy their stay in Vizag. The City of Destiny hosted a number of conventions and very recently it hosted Fintech conference. The first TECH conference held in the city last year was a great success in terms of participation. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: The ongoing seat sharing controversy in Telangana TDP shifted to Andhra Pradesh with the ticket aspirants reaching Amaravati to hold negotiations with party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday. Kukatpally Assembly seat, for which two TDP leaders were aspiring, was finally given to Nandamuri Suhasini, daughter of Harikrishna, who was recently killed in a road accident in Nalgonda district, after hectic parleys. An official announcement to this effect was made on Thursday night. Similarly, the partys Ibrahimpatnam candidate Sama Rangareddy came with a plea that he be given ticket for LB Nagar Assembly constituency rather than Ibrahimpatnam. As part of seat sharing among the Maha Kutami constituents, the TDP is contesting Kukatpally constituency, a seat which it won in 2014 elections. The winning TDP candidate Madhavaram Krishna Rao, however, shifted loyalties to TRS subsequently. The TDP initially thought of fielding its senior leader E Peddi Reddy from Kukatpally but the partys lone victorious corporator in the GHMC elections Mandadi Srinivasa Rao (KPHB Colony) too joined the aspirants list and even started campaigning in the constituency. However, the TDP brought into picture Suhasini creating a confusion among the party leaders. Following the death of Harikrishna in a road accident, the TDP is of the view that fielding his daughter would give it an advantage of winning the seat as the family members of Nandamuri will join the poll campaign to ensure the victory of Suhasini. Nandamuri family members too reportedly approached the TDP leadership to give Suhasini a chance, sources said. The TDP leadership is said to have asked the party leaders from Kukatpally to reach Amaravati by Thursday morning and held discussions with it over extending their support to Suhasini, who is a new entrant to politics. Suhasini, meanwhile, met Naidu in Visakhapatnam and held discussions. In the night, after Naidu reached Vijayawada, the party leaders held discussions and sources said Suhasini was picked for the seat. Naidu reportedly told Srinivasa Rao that he was compelled to give the ticket to Suhasini following a request from Nandamuri family and asked him to cooperate and work for the victory of the party nominee and assured to do justice to him. Suhasini is likely to file her nomination on Saturday. The entry of Suhasini into politics has come at a time when there were reports that the party wanted to field Harikrishnas son and actor Nandamuri Kalyan Ram from Kukatpally constituency and also induct another son Junior NTR into the TDP politburo to replace the vacancy caused by the death of Harikrishna. In the morning, Rangareddy, whose name was announced as the candidate from Ibrahimpatnam Assembly seat, which was allotted to TDP as part of seat sharing agreement of the Maha Kutami, arrived at Undavalli (residence of Naidu) and met Naidu with a demand that he should be considered for LB Nagar seat rather than Ibrahimpatnam. Both Ibrahimpatnam and LB Nagar seats were won by TDP in 2014 elections. With BC leader and LB Nagar MLA R Krishnaiah not in the fray, Rangareddy, who had a good hold on the constituency, aspired for the seat. However, the LB Nagar seat went to the Congress. Rangareddy contended that he would not get the support of Congress rank and file in Ibrahimpatnam as former MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy is an aspirant from there from the Congress. He also made a mention that the Congress does not have a strong base in LB Nagar constituency and wanted swapping of seats among the poll partners. Naidu, however, said that the seat sharing adjustment was already over and assured that he will get the support of the poll partners. Not contend with this, the supporters of Rangareddy staged a protest outside the residence and the party leadership had to rope in its senior leader Nama Nageswara Rao to pacify the agitating leaders. K Shiva Kumar By Express News Service MYSURU: For the first time in 34 years, the Kabini reservoir has fetched 176.28 tmc ft of water for Tamil Nadu. Though the Cauvery issue has been a thorny matter for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades, the heavy rainfall in Kerala and in Cauvery catchment area in Kodagu district seems to have eased the situation this year. Karnataka has so far released 330 tmc ft to the neighbouring state, including 176 tmc ft from Kabini and 163 tmc ft from the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, marking an increase of about three times the quantity given over the last few years. Last year, the state released less than 140 tmc ft to Tamil Nadu from both the reservoirs combined. This was also the first time that the outflow was more than 80,000 cusecs for over two weeks. The discharge used to be over 200 tmc ft in the early 1980s from Kabini, according to sources. On the other hand, the discharge from KRS during this year was 1.31 lakh cusecs for more than a week due to heavy downpour in Kodagu district. Tamil Nadu, which is entitled to 404.25 tmc of Cauvery water, including the underground water table, has so far received 330 tmc of water from Karnataka. The storage capacity of Mettur Reservoir in Tamil Nadu is 93.47 tmc ft. With TN releasing surplus water to sea, Karnataka has prevailed upon the Centre to clear the proposal for balancing reservoir at Mekedatu. No water scarcity There will no water scarcity in Bengaluru, Mysuru and other towns, sources in the irrigation department said. Kabini has a gross capacity of 16.76 tmc ft as against the maximum capacity of 17.45 tmc ft with live storage of 6.95 tmc ft. This is enough for fulfilling irrigation in Kabini achukat, and drinking water needs, as the region is likely to receive pre-monsoon showers. Chetana Belagere By Express News Service BENGALURU: Environmentalists in Mysore are seeing red over the proposal of the JDS-Congress coalition governments proposal to build a 125 ft statue of Cauvery Mata expected to cost Rs 1,200 crore at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district. While Mysoreans call it a project which is disturbing the heritage of the area, Twitterati have called it a shameful waste of money and cheap politics played in the name of the Cauvery. ALSO READ | Mother Cauvery statue project can't be compared to Sardar Patel statue: DKS This entire project at the cost of heritage is unnecessary. KRS is not just a tourism site but it also has a heritage value, something like Disney land to overshadow this is unacceptable, said Sudhir CS, an advocate from Mysore. Supporting the advocate, wildlife warden Rajkumar D in Mysuru expressed concern over any kind of construction projects around dams that could damage the ecology and said that it needs to be checked if that kind of permission could be granted. Others like environmental engineer Dr K S Lokesh said the move was a good one if executed scientifically and with a sustainable plan in place. However, he said that he had his doubts if this would be the case. Twitterati mostly expressed displeasure over this project with some of them terming it a political game. Though Karnataka Minister D K Shivakumar, clarified that the statue of mother Cauvery will not be built from the government funds but through a private-public partnership model, social media was sceptical. My Favorite Quotes Recent Quotes Portfolio Summary Your most recently viewed tickers will automatically show up here if you type a ticker in the Get Quotes box on the top of the page. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though consensus eluded the all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the state government perfectly stage managed to come up with a formula to solve the embroilment over the Sabarimala issue by keeping the warring political parties at bay. The first among them was the suggestion of introducing an arrangement for designating some special days for women who applied for darshan online. In the morning, the all-party meeting failed to cut much ice with the spectrum of political party leaders present at the meeting as they refused to budge from their positions. Further, a section of leaders, including Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, walked out of the meeting at the fag-end, airing their disappointment over the government decision to implement the court order in letter and spirit. ALSO READ | Sabarimala row: Writer Sunil P Elayidom receives threat, Kerala CM assures action While stating the state government is not ready to water down the Supreme Court order allowing entry for women in all ages to worship in the temple, Pinarayi, however, hinted in the post-meeting press meet the state government is exploring the possibility of bringing in some arrangements like designating some special days for allowing women, who applied for darshan online, to enter the temple. This would be finalised in consultation with various stakeholders involved in the issue, including Devaswom, he said. There were also some allegations raised by both Opposition parties and the ruling dispensation. Stating the government was obstinate and prejudiced on its stance, Chennithala and Pillai termed the all-party meeting an eyewash. Whereas, the Chief Minister snubbed their allegations saying both parties have the same stance on the issue. In reply to a question, he stated the state government has no plans to approach the Supreme Court with a plea seeking time to implement the court order. Instead, the state government is mulling to introduce some arrangements. Similarly, all the faithful who come for darshan will be provided full proof security in Sabarimala and the state will not allow any untoward incident or tension in the temple, he said, seeking the cooperation of people. ALSO READ | Sabarimala issue: Half of Congress has become RSS, alleges Pinarayi Vijayan While clarifying the government is moving head with the decision as there was no option left before the government, he said the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, including the right to worship, has to be ensured which is the duty of the state government. By Online Desk Activist Trupti Desai who landed in Cochin airport to proceed to Sabarimala for a darshan of Lord Ayyappa has called off her plan. She is planning to return to Pune as advised by police officials because of the deteriorating law and order situation there. The police have registered a suo motu case against 200 people who staged a protest at the airport to block her exit. Desai is expected to leave the airport at 9:50 pm on Friday, reported Mathrubhumi.com. Protestors threatened taxi drivers from providing us services.Hotel staff was threatened of damage to hotels if rooms were given to us. It saddens me to see that ppl who call themselves Ayyappa devotees are abusing&threatening us: Trupti Desai at Kochi airport. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/Q9CZrJZsPc ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 However, Trupti said, she would return to Kerala later during the ongoing mandala season, the report said. ALSO READ | Cochin International Airport authorities reviewing situation as protest continues Amid an over 12-hour stand-off with devotees and BJP workers at the airport vowing not to let her proceed to the Sabarimala shrine, Trupti Desai said police have asked her to return to Pune. The development comes even as the doors to the Lord Ayyappa temple opened for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja. The activist, who reached here around 4.40 am along with six young women en route to the hill temple, has been unable to come out of the airport, with the protesters saying her group would not be allowed to proceed to the Sabarimala temple. Desai said police officers held a meeting with her. "Police have requested me to return to Pune," she told reporters. ALSO READ | Don't put curbs on media, Kerala HC tells government Protesting local BJP leaders at the airport had said the devotees, including women, would not let Desai and her colleagues to come out of the airport and proceed to Sabarimala temple. They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. Talking to the media over the phone, Desai had earlier said she would not go back without darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. (With PTI inputs) By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR/ANGUL : In a major jolt to the State Government, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has put on hold the ambitious tiger relocation project between Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, Indias first inter-state big cat relocation programme, after Mahavir, the male tiger shifted to Satkosia Tiger Reserve from Kanha Tiger Reserve, was found dead on Wednesday. The relocation programme was under cloud from the beginning of November after tigress Sundari was tranquillised and brought back to Raigoda enclosure following protest from the locals after she killed two villagers.Member Secretary of NTCA Dr Anup Kumar Nayak told this paper that a two-member team including IG Amit Malik and K Ramesh will head for Satkosia on Friday to take stock of the situation under which Mahavir or MB2 died. It will also review the condition of Sundari. The team will review the community engagement, protection mechanism and monitoring capacity of the existing staff at Satkosia. Only after they review and complete the investigation, a final call on the relocation project will be taken the NTCA chief said.The Forest Department conducted the post-mortem of Mahavir as per NTCA protocol. NTCA nominee Biswajit Mohanty, STR Field Director Sudarshan Panda, DFO Rama Samy and Athgarh DFO Susmita Lenka besides an NGO worker were present during the procedure for transparency. Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment department Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said the post-mortem report failed to cite the exact reason of the wound in his dorsal neck. Porcupine quills were found in his stomach while the post-mortem revealed that the big cat had hunted a wild boar five days back. The wound appeared six to eight days old. We have sent the sample to forensic lab to ascertain the exact cause of the death, he said. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: India has expressed concern over the regional disparity in the UN Secretariat staff and peacekeeping positions, calling for proactively addressing the issue of equitable geographical representation. First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said Thursday at a Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) meeting in the General Assembly on 'Human Resources Management' that while the UN Charter puts equitable geographical representation at the heart of human resources management, challenges continue to persist. He said out of a total UN Secretariat staff of 38,000, less than 10 per cent are covered by the system of desirable ranges. Even for these 3,600 posts, 64 countries are listed as un-represented or under-represented and 50 of these 64 are developing countries. Further, the number of member states in the category of un-represented or under-represented continues to increase since 2014. In addition, nearly 60 more developing countries are close to the lower level of their desirable range of representation and remain at risk of slipping into the under-represented category, he said. "These numbers paint a very stark picture of the current inequitable representation," he said. Kumar also pointed out that currently, a member state's assessed rate of contribution to the UN's regular budget has an overwhelming influence on determining the desirable range for staff representation. "This inherently puts developing economies at a serious disadvantage. These formulae may need to be re-visited," he said. With Secretary General Antonio Guterres presenting several options to reform the UN system, Kumar said the suggestion regarding the inclusion of troops and police contribution for UN peacekeeping needs to be looked at seriously. Kumar added that increasing regional diversity of all the UN Secretariat international staff has been identified as one of the strategic actions by the Secretary-General in his global human resources strategy. Looking at the staff composition of all the UN departments and offices, the Asia Pacific Group with 53 member states - 27 per cent of total, and more than half of global population constitute only around 17 per cent of the UN Secretariat international staff. Kumar said the reasons for this need to be looked into carefully and ameliorative measures must be considered in order to address this disparity. "Regional disparity remains especially stark at senior level positions," he said adding that in peacekeeping positions also, the regional disparity is glaring. Nearly half of the Force commanders - six out of fourteen - are from Western European and Others Group, comprising only 14% of total member states. "The regional disparity indicators point to a issue of serious concern. An effective solution to all these concerns is possible only through reforming the current system of desirable ranges and to proactively addressing the issue of equitable geographical representation," he said. Welcoming the Secretary General's global human resources strategy presented in continuation of his management reform proposals, Kumar hoped that the strategy will be able to address a range of persisting challenges, including the long elusive goal of equitable geographical representation. Other delegates at the Fifth Committee meeting urged the Secretariat to ensure the United Nations staff reflects the diversity of Member States as more women and young people are hired to shape a dynamic Organization with a mobile and multitalented workforce. Egypt's delegate, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said the Organisation's international character hinges on equitable geographic representation, including the workers coming from troop and police contributing countries. Its ability to acquire fresh talent from different regions of the world is being limited by the sustained upward trend in the age of Secretariat staff and the fall in the number of entry level professional positions, he said. PTI YAS NSA NSA 11160940 NNNN By AFP PARIS: French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Friday that Brexit advocates must choose between accepting the deal negotiated by London and Brussels for leaving the EU or risk "economic disaster". "The choice now faced by British political leaders who have advocated Brexit is to renounce their absurd political promise or face economic disaster, with the British people the main victims," Le Maire said at a Paris forum on reforming the World Trade Organization. READ | Brexit backfires: British PM Theresa May battles for survival as a string of ministers quit "What does Brexit demonstrate? It shows that leaving the common European market has an exorbitant economic cost," he said. "There are a number of lying and irresponsible politicians in Britain who told the British people that Brexit would turn out to be a golden tomorrow," he added. Le Maire's comments came as British Prime Minister Theresa May battles to salvage her draft Brexit deal and her own political future. After a tumultuous Thursday in which several ministers resigned and members of her own conservative party plotted to oust her, May said in a radio interview Friday that she believed with "every fibre of my being" in the Brexit course. Members of parliament on all sides have warned her there is no way the plan can win their approval, but she has dismissed calls to quit, saying: "Am I going to see this through? Yes!". Critics of the deal say May has conceded too much to Brussels, while EU supporters are calling for a new vote on whether to leave the union. By PTI BEIJING: India will pursue its own interests in navigating through the geo-strategic rivalry between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, India's envoy here has said. The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. The US has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the disputed South China Sea, triggering protests from Beijing over what it says is infringement of sovereignty. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, while Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan are also claimants. READ | ASEAN summit: US, China rivalry challenging entwined Asia-Pacific region In an interview to the Chinese state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday, Indian Ambassador Gautam Bambawale spoke candidly on a host of issues including unresolved India-China boundary question and how India would leverage its strategic position in the geo-strategic rivalry between US and China, specially the Indo-Pacific region. To a question about whether India would take any sides in the Indo-pacific power politics, Bambawale said India will pursue its interests. "The only side India is on, is India's own side. In other words our foreign policy and all our policies are geared towards meeting India's interests and India's national interests," he said. In the post-Cold War period India has worked very closely with all countries across the globe. "We have improved our relations with big countries and small countries because we believe that we can obtain and gain from each of these countries," of what is required for India's national development, especially investments and technology. ALSO READ | India, US, Australia, Japan discuss regional and global issues of common interest in Indo-Pacific region "We try to obtain it from any country which is willing to help us," he said. "So, we have managed to keep excellent relations not only with China and Russia and Japan but also completely changed our relationship with the United States. We will do whatever in India's best interests", he said. Answering a question about India procuring weapons from both the US and Russia, he said defence industry is an important component of India's efforts to increase manufacturing sector under the 'Make in India' campaign. "We are very happy to move with anyone, whether the US, Russia or any other country, he said, adding that India is "not leaving China completely out". By AFP WASHINGTON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged in the United States, the organization said, in a development that could have implications for Robert Mueller's probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US presidential election. Prosecutors inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case, WikiLeaks said Thursday. The exact nature of the charges against Assange was not immediately known. "SCOOP: US Department of Justice 'accidentally' reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia," Wikileaks wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: Julian Assange would surrender to Britain if no US extradition The still-unsealed charges against Assange were revealed by Assistant US Attorney Kellen Dwyer as he made a filing in the unrelated case and urged a judge to keep that filing sealed. Dwyer wrote: "Due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged," according to The Washington Post. The charges would "need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested," Dwyer wrote. Federal prosecutors have been investigating Assange over WikiLeaks' 2010 publication of a trove of US diplomatic cables that proved an acute embarrassment to Washington. Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, is known for leaking classified US military documents in 2010, and recently for releasing controversial emails from Hillary Clinton's inbox during the 2016 US elections. He was also charged by the Sweden government in a rape case in 2010. Assange has been on the run since then. (Photo | AP) But the charging of Assange in the US could have implications for special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into whether Donald Trump's election campaign team colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential vote, and whether Trump tried to obstruct the probe into that. In July, Mueller charged 12 Russian spies with conspiring to hack Democratic National Committee computers, stealing data from the organization and publishing those files in an effort to sway the election. One of the indictments referred to WikiLeaks, described as "Organization 1," as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. 'Made in error' US media were alerted late Thursday to the inadvertent disclosure, thanks to a tweet from Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. He is known to follow court filings closely. "The court filing was made in error," said Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the US Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, US media reported. "That was not the intended name for this filing." The 47-year-old Assange has been holed up at Ecuador's embassy in London since 2012, where he took refuge over fears of being extradited to the US over the 2010 WikiLeaks cable dump. He was originally wanted in London after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to face allegations of sexual assault in Sweden. The Swedish case has since been dropped, but Britain still wants him to face justice over breaching his bail conditions following his arrest on the sexual assault allegations. Barry J. Pollack, one of Assanges attorneys, said, "The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange," the Post said. Pollack said he did not know if Assange has been charged. By AFP ISTANBUL: Turkey has more evidence contradicting the Saudi version of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi including a second audio recording, a Turkish newspaper reported on Friday. The second voice recording -- said to be 15 minutes -- clearly reveals that the murder of the Washington Post columnist had been premeditated, the Hurriyet newspaper said. That would contradict the statement of the Saudi prosecutor who said on Thursday that five Saudi officials faced the death penalty on charges of killing Khashoggi but exonerated the country's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of involvement in the murder. READ | Saudi investigation reveals Jamal Khashoggi murdered with 'overdose' Khashoggi, 59, a critic of the crown prince, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a close acquaintance with Saudi's crown prince. Khashoggi suddenly went on a self-imposed exile in 2017, and began writing against the Saudi Prince in Washingon Post. (Photo | AP) Turkey has said the murder was carried out by a team of Saudis who travelled to Istanbul for that purpose. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order came from "the highest levels" of the Riyadh government, but stopped short of pointing the finger of blame at the crown prince. ALSO READ | Khashoggi murder: Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman exonerated, 5 others may get death penalty Abdulkadir Selvi, pro-government columnist in the Hurriyet daily, said key findings in the Saudi prosecutor's statement did not overlap with the evidence in the hands of Turkey including two voice recordings. He claimed that the first seven-minute voice recording proves that Khashoggi was strangled but the second tape recorded shortly before the journalist stepped into the consulate clearly shows the murder was planned in advance. The second tape proves the 15-member "killer team" seated inside the consulate before Khashoggi's arrival was discussing how to carry out the murder, he said. Turkey has also evidence that the team made international calls after the murder, he added. Saudi prosecutors on Thursday announced indictments against 11 people and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing. It said execution would be recommended for five of them who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime." Turkey however said the Saudi statement was "insufficient", with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisting that the killing was "premeditated." By AFP BRUSSELS: The European Union has published the 585-page draft Brexit deal aimed at ensuring a smooth divorce next March and outlining a transition period for both sides to adjust to the break. Key provisions aim to avoid a hard border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, protect citizens' rights and settle Britain's last bill. The Irish issue proved to be the main hurdle in 17 months of intense and bitter negotiations amid fears the return to a hard border could endanger the peace process. READ | Brexit backfires: British PM Theresa May battles for survival as a string of ministers quit Following are the deal's main points: Irish 'backstop' The deal outlines a "backstop" arrangement to prevent the return of border checks between Northern Ireland and Ireland if the sides fail to agree to a free trade pact after a 21-month transition period. In a bid to allay British concerns that Northern Ireland would be split from the rest of Britain, the two sides agreed to an EU-UK single customs territory. Northern Ireland would follow EU single market rules on the movement of all products, including agricultural goods. With the UK applying the EU's Customs Code in Northern Ireland, Northern Irish businesses would bring goods into the single market without restrictions. The draft also stipulates that the Northern Irish economy retain unfettered access to the rest of the UK. At London's request, Northern Ireland will apply all the rules of the single market for electricity. In the single EU-UK customs territory, UK goods will enjoy tariff and quota free access to the remaining 27 EU countries. To ensure competition is fair for manufactured goods, there are provisions on state aid, competition, taxation, social and environmental standards. EU diplomats had expressed fears British companies could manufacture products more cheaply if they dropped EU standards. Both sides have given themselves until July 1, 2020 to outline a deal to replace the backstop. If one is not ready by then, they could extend the transition period. At any point after the transition period, either side can rule that the arrangement is no longer necessary, but they must take the decision together. Transition period During a transition period ending on December 31, 2020, EU law will apply to give national administrations and businesses time to prepare for new ties. This means the UK will continue to participate in the EU Customs Union and the Single Market. It allows Britain continued market access to the remaining 27 EU countries but it must respect the rules on free movement of goods, capital, services and labour. The British government will lose the right to vote on any decisions taken by the 27 other member states, the European Commission and the European Parliament. 'Citizens rights' The draft deal preserves the rights of the more than three million EU citizens living in Britain and the one million British citizens living in the EU. EU and UK citizens, as well as their family members, can continue to live, work or study enjoying equal treatment to host nationals under the respective laws. It covers all such citizens who arrive before the transition period ends. They will maintain their right to healthcare, pensions and other social security benefits. Brexit bill Covering Britain's outstanding financial obligations to the bloc, it calls for a fair settlement for UK taxpayers that the British government estimates to be up to 39 billion (44 billion euros, $51 billion). Dispute resolution Disputes between businesses or other entities will be consulted on in a joint committee and, if no mutually agreed solution can be found, it will be resolved by an independent arbitration panel. Gibraltar With longstanding Spanish claims to Britain's neighbouring Mediterranean outcrop of Gibraltar, all sides sought to defuse any future tensions. The deal provides for Spanish-British cooperation on citizens' rights, tobacco and other products, environment, police and customs matters. It sets the basis for administrative cooperation for achieving full transparency in tax matters, fighting fraud, smuggling and money laundering. British bases in Cyprus The deal aims to ensure no disruption or loss of rights for the 11,000 Cypriot civilians living and working in the areas of the British sovereign military bases. It aims to ensure that EU law will continue to apply in the base areas, including on taxation, goods, agriculture, fisheries and veterinary and phytosanitary rules. Other points It oversees the UK's withdrawal from Euratom, the EU treaty on nuclear energy, protects intellectual property, including trademarks as well as more than 3,000 EU geographical indications. The latter cover regional brands such as Welsh lamb, Parma ham, Champagne, Bayerisches bier, Feta cheese, Tokaj wine, Pastel de Tentugal, Vinagre de Jerez. Future ties Separate from the divorce agreement, the two sides still have to negotiate their future relationship, particularly on trade. By PTI HARARE: At least 42 passengers were killed, Zimbabwe police said Friday, after a suspected gas cylinder exploded on a bus, with pictures showing the burnt-out wreckage of the vehicle. "At the moment we know that more than 42 people died," police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told AFP after the accident late on Thursday, with state media reporting that a cooking gas cylinder belonging to a passenger was believed to have exploded igniting a fire. "Our police officers are at the scene," Charamba added. The state-owned Herald newspaper said on its Twitter feed that "it is suspected a gas tank belonging to one of the passengers caused the inferno in the bus. Red Cross volunteers have been responding to a fatal bus accident in #Zimbabwe en route to South Africa since midnight last night. 24 people have been taken to hospital. Our thoughts are with the families of those injured and others who have lost loved ones. pic.twitter.com/4uCWiGhRks IFRC Africa (@IFRCAfrica) November 16, 2018 "Dozens have been confirmed dead and several others injured through burns." The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation published photographs showing the destroyed vehicle on a highway between the South African border and the second city Bulawayo. ZBC reported that injured survivors being treated at Gwanda town hospital alleged that a gas smell engulfed the bus after dark before the conductor switched on the lights and the bus caught fire. It said about 30 people were injured, adding the vehicle was travelling from Zvishavane to the Beitbridge crossing via the town of Filabusi when the explosion happened. Last week, 50 people were killed when two buses collided on a road between the capital Harare and the eastern town of Rusape. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said road safety had to be improved after that crash. Traffic accidents are common in Zimbabwe, where roads are riddled with potholes due to years of underfunding and neglect, and driving standards can be poor. In June last year, 43 people were killed in a bus crash in the north, along the highway leading to neighbouring Zambia. After five months of stumbling diplomacy rival Libyan factions have agreed a roadmap that offers hope to the war-torn country This weeks major international conference in Palermo managed to nudge forward the UN-sponsored working plan for Libya which has been stymied in disputes since it was announced in September 2017. Attended by key figures from eastern and western Libya and senior international representatives, the conference addressed security arrangements in Tripoli, economic reform and efforts by the UN special envoy for Libya, Ghassan Salame, to convene a nationwide national reconciliation conference in preparation for parliamentary elections to be held in the summer of 2019. On the sidelines of the conference Italys premier, Giuseppe Conte, hosted a high-level summit. He said it was intended to help end the armed conflicts and help Libya stabilise. The summit was attended by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, who had arrived in Italy a day earlier for bilateral talks. According to Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi, the president said that proposals to resolve the Libyan crisis have to be in compliance with the Libyan political accord and the UN envoys plan. Stressing that Egypt does not side with any of the rivalling parties, Al-Sisi explained that Egypt has worked to unify the army in Libya, as it believes that any political settlement would need a security infrastructure that would enable the Libyan authorities to secure all the countrys territories and fight terrorism. According to Radi, the president said that Egypt has reached an agreement with most of the Libyan factions about regulating the Libyan armed forces, expressing hopes that these negotiations will soon reach an agreement. Al-Sisi further added that any proposal to resolve the Libyan crisis must consider the political, security and economic aspects given the crisis complicated nature. The president also stated that no international or regional party involved in supporting terrorism in Libya should be treated as part of the solution to the countrys crisis. Also attending the summit were Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini. Italy has been eager to play a bigger role in Libyan diplomacy, competing with France which held a conference in May that produced a commitment to hold elections in December 2018. That plan has now been shelved. France has been courting Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army which controls most of the east of Libya, while Italy has backed Fayez Al-Sarraj, prime minister of the UN-backed government in Tripoli, based in the countrys west. After initially refusing to attend Haftar, the general commander of the Libyan National Army, arrived late for the conference. Reuters reported that a draft communique agreed by the Libyan delegations committed them to respecting the results of elections now slated for spring 2019. An Italian diplomat said Haftar now backs Al-Sarraj remaining in office until elections can be held. You dont change the horse until you cross the river, the diplomat quoted Haftar as saying. There is no military solution for Libya. There is only a political solution which you, yourselves, need to find. Everyday this is delayed is not good for your country, Salame told participants at the conference. He pointed out that there is a problem concerning legitimacy and mutual accusations in this regard. The solution is to turn to the will of the people. Official sources in Rome told Italian news agency Aki on Tuesday that the agreement reached in Palermo exceeded the expectations of the Italian government. Aki reported that Conte, in his meeting with Al-Sarraj and Haftar, had succeeded in brokering a strong and very binding agreement that constituted a major step. On his official Twitter account Conte posted that Italy had brought together the key players in the Mediterranean region and re-launched a dialogue for the sake of Libya. The international conference in Palermo is the latest episode in an ongoing international drive to support the UN working plan for Libya which now has its sights set on a comprehensive national reconciliation convention in January 2019. The hope is that this event will end the three-year-long stagnation of the political process and pave the way for parliamentary elections which Salame now envisions in June. But for all this to occur the Libyan factions still need to bridge their outstanding differences and it remains to be seen whether this weeks Palermo conference is a concrete step in that direction. As well as bringing together Libyas duelling factions, the conference examined the economic situation in Libya and the implementation of a new package of measures to bolster the economic reforms introduced in September. Security issues, and new arrangements for the Libyan capital Tripoli, were also addressed. On security the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Deputy Chief Stephanie Williams lauded recent steps taken by Fathi Bashagha, interior minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord. These steps send a strong signal that change is coming, Williams said. She did, however, warn that more needs to be done to boost logistical support and generate regular forces ready to assume security responsibilities in the capital. Success will depend on the unequivocal and sustained support on the part of the Libyan authorities and the international community alike. During the economic session the House of Representatives delegation presented a set of demands: to introduce a programme to compensate the victims of the war against terrorism in Benghazi, Derna, the petroleum crescent and other areas, with particular attention to compensating the families of fallen members of the Libyan Armed Forces; the equitable distribution of oil revenues across the country and greater clarity over the mechanisms in place to monitor frozen Libyan assets abroad. The latter was a reference to a recent Belgian report on the disappearance of large sums of money accrued from the interest on frozen Libyan accounts in Belgian banks. The High Council of State (HCS) delegation complained of the difficulties it has encountered with the House of Representatives over the process of institutional reunification. The delegation also urged the Presidency Council and Central Bank to accelerate the implementation of outstanding economic reform measures. HCS members called for the creation of an administrative body in the south to oversee the creation of a truly national police force and other service-providing agencies, in coordination with the executive authority. In addition, they warned of the dangers of migration as southerners move north in an attempt to flee the violence, and of the consequences of any major demographic upheaval. They stressed that the unification of the political establishment was a prerequisite for the unification of the security forces and, above all, the armed forces, arguing that the failure to implement the security provisions of the Skhirat accord underlay the ongoing insecurity in the country, and in the capital in particular. *A version of this article appears in print in the 15 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Awaiting spring in Libya Search Keywords: Short link: By Associated Press SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," state media reported Friday, in an apparent bid to apply pressure on the United States and South Korea. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the U.S. A string of such tests last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. The North hasn't publicly tested any weapons since November 2017, but in recent days Pyongyang reportedly expressed anger at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, listens to a military official as he inspects a weapon testing at the Academy of National Defense Science, North Korea. Kim observed the successful test of a "newly developed high-tech tactical" weapon, the nation's state media reported Friday, Nov. 16 (Photo | AP) Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Diplomacy has stalled since a summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in June, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including U.S. military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Even if the test was a message for Washington and Seoul, Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test won't completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearization. Caption Asked about the test, the U.S. State Department said that American and North Korean officials are talking about implementing the commitments that Trump and Kim made during their June meeting in Singapore. Eugene Lee, the spokesperson of South Korea's Unification Ministry, declined to comment on Kim's inspection of the weapons test. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done," he said. Pence stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim Jong Un since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. He was described as "so excited to say that another great work was done by the defense scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defense capability of the country." Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. Trump and Kim are both interested in another summit, but it's unclear when it might happen. Pence has said the next meeting would allow the two leaders to put what they discussed in their last summit on paper. By IANS WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused on Twitter that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team was "threatening" people to cooperate in the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US elections. "The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts," Trump tweeted early Thursday morning. "They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want." the president continued, without details or evidence. "These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They won't even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side." Trump said in another tweet. Mueller served under both Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama. "The only 'collusion' is that of the Democrats with Russia and many others," the President went on. Trump's remarks came one day after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked a bipartisan bill to protect Mueller's probe from any interference by Trump, insisting that the president isn't likely to fire Mueller or meddle in the probe. A Fox News report said Trump's legal team is believed to be finalizing written answers to Mueller, concerning questions about whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 campaign. Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions and named Sessions' chief of staff Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general on November 7. Whitaker, known to be skeptical about Mueller's probe, is expected to take charge of oversight over Mueller's Russia probe including approval of budget decisions and subpoenas. A group of 18 US state attorneys general last week urged Whitaker to recuse himself from the Russia probe in a cosigned letter, saying the Mueller's probe "must proceed free from interference." By PTI UNITED NATION: UN committee on human rights approved a resolution Thursday urging Iran to stop its widespread use of arbitrary detention and expressing serious concern at its "alarmingly high" use of the death penalty. The General Assembly's Human Rights Committee adopted the resolution by a vote of 85-30, with 68 abstentions. It is virtually certain to be approved by the 193-member world body next month. The resolution "strongly urges" Iran to eliminate discrimination against women in law and practice and expresses "serious concern about ongoing severe limitations and restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. "It singles out violations including harassment, intimidation and persecution against religious minorities including Christians, Gonabadi Dervishes, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Yarsanis, Zoroastrians and members of the Baha'i faith and urges the release of religious practitioners including Baha'i leaders. The resolution, sponsored by Canada, also calls on Iran to end "widespread and serious restrictions" including on freedom of assembly of political opponents, human rights defenders, labour leaders, environmentalists, academics, filmmakers, journalists, bloggers, social media users and others. While the resolution welcomes the elimination of the death penalty for some drug-related offences, it expresses serious concern at the "alarmingly high frequency" of Iran's use of the death penalty, including against minors. Iran's deputy UN ambassador, Eshagh Al Habib, dismissed the resolution as a "political charade," saying promoting the human rights of Iranians "is not simply a legal and moral responsibility, but a paramount requirement of national security." Alluding to the resolution's sponsor and more than 30 co-sponsors, including the United States, Al Habib said that threatening cuts in financial and development funds to get votes "further exposes the dishonesty of these self-assured champions of human rights." Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi of Saudi Arabia, a regional rival of Iran, said, "The Iranian people continue to suffer under a regime that does not respect human rights, that denies freedoms, that persecutes religious and racial minorities." Egypt's Minister of Environment Yasmin Fouad has announced the intention to adopt resolutions on biodiversity that were reached during the second day of high level meetings held on the sidelines of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Sharm El-Sheikh. Participating ministers and delegates stressed the importance of biodiversity for the functioning of the ecosystem and on human health and wellbeing, as well as achieving economic growth and sustainable development. They also stressed that involving the health, energy, mining, infrastructure and manufacturing fields in expanding biodiversity is essential to achieving the targets of the Brazil Aichi convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), noting the need for involvement from communities, women, youth, civil society, governments, local authorities, academics and businessmen as well. The UN Biodiversity Conference will officially kick off in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday, four days after African ministerial meetings discussed the continent's biodiversity priorities and future work plans. Amid reports of an alarming decline in the variety of plant and wildlife, the conference aims to send a clear message that preserving biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem is fundamental to life on earth. World biodiversity has declined by almost one third in the past 35 years, mainly due to the loss of habitat and the wildlife trade, according to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Fund also said last month that worldwide vertebrate populations are set to decline by 60 percent by 2020 from their 1970 levels. Search Keywords: Short link: 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). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Sunny. High near 45F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 34F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued directives on providing 100 new military training scholarships to African countries in 2019, he said during a meeting on Thursday morning with Guinean Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and National Defence Mohamed Diane. He also said that Egypt is committed to supporting cooperatives relations with the Republic of Guinea in various fields, voicing Cairos keenness that security and stability be maintained in Conakry. Diane conveyed the greetings of Guineas President Alpha Conde to El-Sisi, highlighting friendly relations binding both countries, El-Sisis spokesman Bassam Rady said. Diane praised Egypts success in achieving security and stability and pushing forward its economic development process, Rady added. El-Sisi hailed the unique historical ties binding both countries, stressing Egypts keenness on consolidating bilateral relations in various fields, Rady noted. The president asked Diane to deliver his greetings to his Guinean counterpart, affirming his keenness that coordination and consultations between both sides be maintained, Rady stated. Both sides discussed a number of bilateral files, according to Rady. Diane gave El-Sisi a message from his Guinean counterpart on means of boosting cooperation, after a protocol of cooperation was signed between both countries on military support. The meeting touched on several issues connected with the African continent and means of promoting joint African action. El-Sisi asserted that Egypts support to the African countries is a top priority of Egypt's foreign policy with the aim of achieving the common interest of African countries. Search Keywords: Short link: Yesterday the CANarchy collective announced a major new innovative project worthy of national news called the Canarchy Collaboratory, a brewery coming to Asheville, North Carolina. This is especially interesting since the CANarchy collective is perhaps the largest independently owned craft brewery group in the United States. The group has been consistently growing and now includes such heavy hitters as Oskar Blues Brewery, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer, and Wasatch Brewery. The Canarchy Collaboratory is a brand new brewery fronted by the entire group that will focus on brewing strictly collaborations, with Cigar City Brewing's well known brewmaster Wayne Wambles at the helm.Right now the Canarchy Collective is mostly a Midwest thing that's expanding on the east coast. Oskar Blues has its own startup chain of burger joints, as well as its own coffee roastery with multiple locations, and more projects in the works. One wonders how long until we see west coast outlets opening or if it will become something of a regional favorite.More from the press release:The new restaurant and brewpub, dubbed The CANarchy Collaboratory, will celebrate experimentation and collaboration in beer, food and culture. The concept will land in the Lexington Avenue Brewery (aka LAB) space in March 2019. As the name implies, The Collaboratory will specialize in cutting-edge flavors and brewing methods; as well as creating limited-edition, small-batch collab beers from leading craft breweries both in Asheville and throughout the country. The space will also feature projects between top chefs, artists and musicians across the Asheville community. CANarchy plans to invest in significant renovations to the current layout that will allow for increased seating and brewing capacity. The owner of Lexington Avenue Brewery, Mike Healy said, After nine years at LAB and with a new baby at home, Im looking for a change. I believe Im leaving LAB in good hands with CANarchy they have experience running successful brewpubs; plus, theyll put time and resources into creating exciting new brews and experiences for craft beer drinkers in Asheville. Matt Fraser, President of CANarchy, said, We feel that collaboration and innovation are essential to the future of the craft movement. CANarchy was founded as a collaboration between like-minded brewers dedicated to bringing high-quality, innovative flavors to drinkers in the name of craft beer. So collaboration is very much in our DNA. CANarchy is currently comprised of seven leading craft breweries, including Oskar Blues Brewery, Cigar City Brewing, Perrin Brewing Company, Squatters Craft Beers, Wasatch Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing Company and Three Weavers Brewing Company. Its gonna be f*cking rad, said Oskar Blues founder Dale Katechis. We opened our Brevard brewery back in 2012 and were immediately embraced by the great people of Western North Carolina. We look forward to planting more roots in this beautiful place and giving back by further servicing the local community. From a brewing perspective, The Collaboratory will be led by Wayne Wambles of Cigar City Brewing. Known and respected as one of the most progressive brewers in the world, Wambles looks forward to The Collaboratory as the next challenge in his esteemed career."Having brewed well over one hundred and fifty collaborations in my career, I know the value that those projects bring to both drinkers and brewers. It's a mutual exploration of culture, raw materials and process that exceeds the act of simply breaking bread with friends and colleagues. The Collaboratory will be a platform for innovation through collaboration, whether local, national or international; plus, it will allow us to innovate with our own in-house brands and projects among breweries within CANarchy," said Wambles. But he doesnt expect it to be easy. "It's one thing to create one-off collaborations in your free time between day-to-day brewing operations; but to do so frequently, constantly offering new creations through collaboration and in-house innovation, will be a rewarding challenge. As brewers, we live for the opportunity to push the boundaries and discover progressive approaches to beer that we hope will excite today's beer enthusiasts." The Collaboratory will open in March 2019. Opportunities for employment will be announced as they become available after the new year. Questions can be addressed to Doug Hofeling atdoug@canarchy.beer. If Mr Reza maintains the position as lead prosecutor, he may well not act towards the accused with the fairness and impartiality that the administration of criminal justice demands. The application, therefore, for removal of Mr Reza as the lead prosecutor be and is hereby granted. War Veterans in Mashonaland East Province have joined their Mashonaland West counterparts quest to recall Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa on allegations of sowing divisions and undermining their patron, President Mnangagwa. Cde Mutsvangwa also stands accused of alienating himself from the membership of the association after being appointed President Mnangagwas special advisor, a post he no longer holds. War veterans in Bulawayo said the decision required a national executive meeting, while Midlands chairperson Cde Virginia Mpaso said their executive would meet on Monday to discuss the issue. ZNLWVA Mashonaland East provincial chairman Cde Daniel Sigauke last night said their membership was disturbed by the allegations being levelled against their national chairman and were going to meet over him. He said it was unfortunate that Cde Mutsvangwa was sowing divisions at a time when the President was working towards reviving the economy. He said it was unfair that Cde Mutsvangwa would say negative things about President Mnangagwa who was only four months in office. As Mashonaland East, we are saying it is unfortunate at this hour; the transitional period where we are working to stabilise things that Cde Mutsvangwa says bad things. It is unfortunate that Cde Mutsvangwa says that Cde Mugabe was better after all what we as war veterans went through. We were victimised. As a province, we rally behind President Mnangagwa and his policies, mostly because there is opposition and land barons who do not want to expose corruption. He (Cde Mutsvangwa) is derailing development. We have called for an emergency meeting and among other issues, we will discuss Cde Mutsvangwas issue, he said. Cde Sigauke said if Cde Mutsvangwa said the things being attributed to him, then they consider that as his personal, but unacceptable opinion. The President has done a lot to realign the economy and it will be asking for too much to start complaining at this early stage, he said. Cde Mpaso said they were yet to decide on the matter. As Midlands, we have not yet met. We are meeting on Monday and we will also discuss this issue, she said. This is a national issue and we cannot handle it as a provincial thing because there is a constitution that has to be followed, he said. All I can say is that the national executive will take a position. Masvingo chairman Cde Ignatius Murindi confirmed that they would meet today (Friday) and a position would have been made by afternoon. Harare chairman, Cde Hoyini Bhila said while the province had not yet called for a meeting, the general feeling was that most members were siding with Mashonaland West for recalling Cde Mutsvangwa. He said Cde Mutsvangwa had deserted his fellow comrades and only became vocal when he would have been affected personally instead of fighting for the interests of the war veterans. Personally, I totally support Mashonaland West stance. If they (Mashonaland West) made observations, they have a right to recall him. Their observations are genuine and not allegations. Its unfortunate that when things were bad for the war veterans, Cde Mutsvangwa was busy travelling out of the country. He has not been attending meetings. He is someone who always comes out when personally affected. He is ego-centric and always raises issues that have nothing to do the welfare of the war veterans, he said. Efforts to get comments from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Cdes Sonny Mguni and Section Ncube respectively were fruitless as their phones were not available. The war veterans provincial leadership comprising the executive, national members from the province and district chairpersons met in Chinhoyi on Tuesday where the resolution was passed. Responding to news of the Mashonaland West provincial executive decision to recall Cde Mutsvangwa, ZNLWVA national spokesperson Cde Douglas Mahiya said the resolution remains a desire until the national executive sat and ratified it. If it is their desire to recall the national chairman Cde Chris Mutsvangwa, their decision can only be respected if all the other provinces agree. It would have been wiser if they had consulted other provinces. Their desire can only be ratified by a full national executive meeting which the national chairman (Cde Mutsvangwa), who is the only one mandated by our constitution to call for meetings, calls for such. It is the prerogative of the national chairman to call for national executive meetings other than those that are already scheduled. As it is now, the Mashonaland West resolution remains wishful thinking. Bear in mind, Cde Mutsvangwa has a High Court order declaring him the chairman of the ZNLWVA until our national congress in 2022 or 2023, said Cde Mahiya.Herald The Butterfly 'Apocalypse' May Not Be Upon Us After All (Newser) A 78-year-old man already serving three life sentences for murder may be one of the most prolific serial killers ever in the US. Samuel Little, convicted in 2014 of slaying three women in California in the late 1980s, has provided authorities from across the nation with information about more than 90 murders committed over some 30 years, NBC reports. A grand jury in Ector County, Texas, indicted Little, also known as Samuel McDowell, in the 1994 cold case murder of Denise Christie Brothers in Odessa, the Odessa American reports. Little was extradited from California to Texas and, while in custody there, he has cooperated with federal, state, and local law enforcement from around the country in cold cases, Ector County DA Bobby Bland said in a statement. story continues below Investigators from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, and South Carolina have met with Little, who has reportedly provided information about murders that occurred between 1970 and 2005. He was cooperative, a Wise County Texas sheriffs deputy tells the Wise County Messenger. "He didnt have trouble explaining his role in all of those cases. Little, being held in the Wise County jail, was suspected of a cold case murder in that county as well but denied involvement. As for the other cold cases possibly connected to Little, By the time we get done, it very well may be confirmed that he is the most prolific serial killer in American history, Bland says, per CBS7. (This serial killer killed himself after getting a third death sentence.) (Newser) Four members of the US armed forces are facing a slew of charges in connection with the 2017 death of an Army Green Beret in the African nation of Mali. Among the charges leveled against Petty Officer Anthony E. DeDolph and Chief Petty Officer Adam C. Matthews, both members of SEAL Team Six, and two unnamed Marine Raiders are felony murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, burglary, hazing, and involuntary manslaughter, the Daily Beast reports. Officials say the SEALs and Marines broke into the room of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar at embassy housing in Bamako in June 2017, restrained him with duct tape, and put him in a chokehold, strangling him while perpetuating a burglary, NBC reports. The SEALs reportedly tried to resuscitate the 34-year-old Melgar and also tried to open an airway by opening a hole in his throat. story continues below According to the Daily Beast, which has reported extensively on the case, there was an ongoing disagreement," between Melgar, who was part of a six-person intelligence team, and the SEALs "over the SEALs professionalism. Sources say the SEALs would bring prostitutes to the house and were stealing cash meant to recruit local informants. The place ran like a frat house, a source told the site. The SEALs and Marines hatched the plot to haze Melgar on June 4, 2017, and attacked him around 5am. They ultimately took Melgar to a medical facility, where he was declared dead. Later, the four engaged in a cover-up, per the Military Times, including sharing information about what they told investigators, withholding information from investigators, and getting rid of alcohol kept in the room. (Read more Navy SEALs stories.) Egypts Minister of Defence and Military Production Mohamed Zaki discussed with his Guinean counterpart Mohamed Diane the latest regional and international developments as well military cooperation between the two countries in a meeting on Thursday. The two sides also probed the possibility of coordinating efforts to face mutual challenges and establish pillars of regional security and stability. They signed a protocol on military cooperation, with a view to exchanging experiences in a number of areas. Diane, who is on an official visit to Cairo, said his country is keen on boosting military cooperation with Egypt, as the cornerstone of stability in the region. The meeting was attended by a host of military officials, as well as the Guinean ambassador to Egypt. Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) A nurse's decision to donate a kidney to a patient triggered a series of events that led to three people getting new organs at two Kansas City-area hospitals, the AP reports. Christa Jordan, a nurse at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., wanted to donate to her friend and patient, Dayshanae Hosman, who has a genetic condition called Alagille syndrome and went on dialysis in April. Jordan was a transplant match for Hosman, but the University of Kansas Hospital had an even better one for her: 25-year-old Ky Kanaman from Baldwin City, Kansas. Kanaman was an "altruistic donor," meaning he was willing to donate a kidney without knowing the potential recipient. The university hospital told Jordan she was also a better match for a person on the transplant list whom she didn't know, Lauro Zuniga. story continues below Jordan agreed to give her kidney to Zuniga if Kanaman donated his to Hosman, starting the kidney donation chain. Zuniga's mom, Carolina Perez, wasn't a match for her son. But when Jordan agreed to give her kidney to Zuniga, Perez then found out she could give one of her kidneys to a stranger on the university hospital's list, Matt Lewis. Donation chains are rare because they require extensive planning by hospitals, starting from when a donor wants to give to a person that they aren't a good match with. The hospital then can find the donor a recipient that they match with but don't know, sparking conversations to find donor-recipient matches that make the best fit. Six surgeries were conducted at the two hospitals on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. The three donors and three recipients got together at Children's Mercy on Wednesday, with many meeting for the first time. (Read more uplifting news stories.) (Newser) The list of people unaccounted for in the Camp Fire rose dramatically from 297 to 631 Thursdayand while many of them may be people who failed to contact loved ones after evacuating, authorities fear the death toll is also going to jump. "The level of chaos we were dealing with was extraordinary," says Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, whose office released the list of names. Another seven bodies were found Thursday, bringing the death toll in California's deadliest-ever wildfire to 63, the Los Angeles Times reports. Authorities say the search for bodies in Paradise and other towns could take weeks. The fire is already the deadliest in the US since the Cloquet Fire hit Minnesota a century ago. story continues below The fire is now 40% contained, but tens of thousand of evacuees don't know when it will be safe to return to what remains of their homes. Authorities say power lines are still down and firefighters are still putting out embers. "I just want to go home," Suzanne Kaksonen, an evacuee camping in a Walmart parking lot in Chico, tells the AP. "I don't even care if there's no home. I just want to go back to my dirt, you know, and put a trailer up and clean it up and get going," she says. "I don't want to wait six months. That petrifies me." The Sacramento Bee reports that President Trump is expected to visit the area Saturday to meet people impacted by the wildfires. (FEMA says Paradise will require a "total rebuild.") (Newser) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," state media reported Friday, in an apparent bid to apply pressure on the US and South Korea. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim Jong Un since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, per South Korea's Unification Ministry. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the US, per the AP. A string of such tests last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the US and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. story continues below The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. Analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone, or another high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea, including US military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Asked about the test, the US State Department said that US and North Korean officials are talking about implementing the commitments that Trump and Kim made during their June meeting in Singapore. (The White House made a fake movie trailer for Kim at the summit.) (Newser) North Korea said Friday that it will deport an American citizen it detained one month ago for illegally entering the country. The announcement suggests that North Korea still wants to maintain the mood for dialogue with the United States despite stalled nuclear diplomacy, the AP reports. In the past, North Korea often held American citizens it arrested for similar charges for an extended period before high-profile US figures traveled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said the US citizen was detained on Oct. 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said the US citizen told investigators that he was under the direction of the Central Intelligence Agency. story continues below The KCNA report, which named the American as Bruce Byron Lance, said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks before leader Kim Jong Un's summit with President Trump in Singapore in June. The three Americans returned home on a flight with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Their release was a striking contrast to the fate of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died last year days after he was released from North Korea in a coma after 17 months in captivity. (Analysts say they have located at least 13 hidden missile bases in North Korea.) (Newser) A man who lost his life in the area of the Camp Fire succumbed not to flames but to bullet wounds. An "armed and dangerous wanted parolee" led police on a high-speed chase Thursday and was ultimately shot and killed, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey says, per the Washington Post. An officer responding to a report of a car parked for three days in a store lot in Butte County's evacuation zone had called for backup after finding the vehicle registered to the 48-year-old felon asleep in the driver's seat. Described as a suspect in a 2014 double homicide, the man was sentenced in 2016 to seven years in prison after police found a pipe bomb on his property. Paroled this past May, he stopped reporting to his parole officer after two months. story continues below "You guys should have left me alone. I'm not going back," the man said after officers woke him, according to Ramsey. He then sped off down Highway 70 at 90mph before officers stopped his vehicle with spike strips. As a police dog was released, Ramsey says the man pulled a metallic object from his pocket and pointed it at officers, six of whom opened fire. The subjectwhose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kindied of gunshot wounds to the head and torso, per the San Francisco Chronicle. The Redding Record Searchlight reports he was actually unarmed; it isn't clear what item was in his hand. The police K9 and a pit bull that had emerged from the subject's car to attack the dog were also killed. (More than 600 people are unaccounted for in the region, where police have also been hit hard.) (Newser) A mother's optimism was for naught: Patrick Braxton-Andrew, the North Carolina teacher who vanished in Mexico on Oct. 28, was killed that day by "a criminal organization" in Chihuahua state, his family writes in a Facebook post, citing information provided by state authorities. "The search continues to recover his body so we can bring him back home," the family adds. No arrests have been made, but Chihuahua governor Javier Corral identifies the suspect as Jose Noriel Portilo Gil or "El Chueco," a drug trafficker linked to the Sinaloa cartel in the region of Urique, per the Washington Post. Braxton-Andrew, 34, had traveled solo to Urique to see a series of canyons. "It was a cowardly and brutal assassination of a person who was totally innocent, a clean man whose misfortune was to cross paths with this criminal," says Corral. story continues below The tutor and part-time teacher at Woodlawn School in Mooresville, who failed to join his brother in Mexico City on Oct. 30, is known to have hiked on Oct. 28 before reaching an Internet cafe, signing off around 3:30pm. He briefly returned to his hotel, departing around 4pm with only a few items. Though Chihuahua has been home to cartel-related violence, the guidebook Braxton-Andrew used stressed that most violence wasn't targeted at tourists and an American couple who met him in the area said they never felt in danger, mother Jean Braxton told the Charlotte Observer on Wednesday, before the revelation. A fluent Spanish speaker who'd traveled extensively through Latin America, including on a 13-month backpacking trip, "Patrick died doing what he lovedtraveling and meeting people," the family now writes. (Read more on the Sinaloa cartel here.) (Newser) As Amazon prepares to branch out with new headquarters sites in two cities, some employees are concerned what this expansion, and the company's size overall, could ultimately mean for the retailing giant. Their CEO's words on the matter may not be entirely reassuring. "I predict one day Amazon will fail," Bezos said at an "all-hands" employee meeting on Nov. 8, per a recording heard by CNBC. "Amazon will go bankrupt. If you look at large companies, their life spans tend to be 30-plus years, not a hundred-plus years." Indeed, several Amazon employees confided to CNBC they were worried the company is getting so enormous that antitrust violations, as well as the possibility of government regulation, could be a concern. story continues below But despite his dire-sounding prognostication, Bezos isn't suggesting throwing in the towel. Instead, he told workers, their task is to put off the company's demise as long as possible, specifically by making sure to "obsess over customers." "If we start to focus on ourselves, instead of focusing on our customers, that will be the beginning of the end," he noted. "We have to try and delay that day for as long as possible." Half-jokingly (we think), Bezos did touch upon a product with the power to save companies from a premature death: beer. "Most of the companies that are multi-hundred-year-old companies are breweries," he noted. "I'm not sure what that says about society." (Thousands of Saudis are calling for an Amazon ban.) (Newser) A young boy who's picked up parts of at least 12 languages and dialects while selling souvenirs to tourists at Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex is about to get a change of sceneryand a free education. Thaksin first won hearts around the world in a viral video showing him speaking fluent Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Thai. (You can get an idea from this video via the South China Morning Post, with translations.) In another video, the boywho reportedly also speaks English, French, Spanish, Korean, Malay, Filipino and Hainanesementions a desire to study language in China. "I can only speak Mandarin, but I don't know how to write it. I want to go to university in Beijing," Thaksin says, per the SCMP. story continues below Apparently too young for university yet (NextShark gives his age as 14, the Morning Post as 9), the boy will at least get to visit Beijing. Impressed by his version of a popular Chinese song, in which he changes the line "we are here waiting for you" to "we are here selling things for you," a Beijing TV station will cover the cost to fly Thaksin and his family to the city for an interview. Inkstone News reports the visit will last three days. After that comes something even better: The Cambodian Red Cross has offered to pay for schooling for Thaksin and his siblings. (Improve your own foreign vocabulary.) (Newser) A couple thought they'd be adopting in the fall the baby Christina Bay was carrying, and they signed a contract in the spring and handed over nearly $15,000 to pay for the Florida woman's living arrangements in Daytona Beach during her pregnancy. The problem was, police say, that the 33-year-old Bay had also promised a second couple her unborn child as welland now she's been arrested and charged with adoption deception and organized fraud, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Brian Kelly, an adoption attorney for the first couple, told police he'd helped them set up an escrow account to pay for six months' worth of Bay's living expenses after they'd all signed off on the adoption; she'd withdrawn $14,254. story continues below Last month, however, Kelly said he discovered Bay had, through a different lawyer, taken out nearly $4,000 from a different escrow account, in an adoption deal with a completely different couple, per the Orlando Sentinel. "We had started prepping the nursery," one of the potential dads tells WFLA about finding out they'd been had. "It was really starting to feel real for us, it was kind of like the rug was pulled from under us." ClickOrlando.com reports this isn't Bay's first brush with the law, with charges reaching back to 2002, at least 10 of them felonies. Bay's baby is set to arrive Nov. 22; it's not clear what's going to happen to the newborn. Bay, meanwhile, is being held without bail, though it's reported she was taken to a local hospital with a medical issue. (A happier story in which a firefighter delivered a babythen adopted her.) Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued a decree on Friday establishing a higher committee on human rights, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported. According to Al-Ahram, the new committee's members include representatives from the defence, justice, social solidarity, interior and parliamentary affairs ministries. The committee will be headed either by the foreign minister or by someone the delegates. It will also include representatives from Egypt's General Intelligence Service, the Administrative Control Authority, the National Council for Women, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, the public prosecution, the State Information Service, and the National Council for Disability Affairs. The council also has the right to get help from outside experts in the human rights field. The new committee will be tasked to deal with human rights issues and respond to allegations made against Egypt in that regard. The committee will be responsible for outlining a national strategy for human rights and plans to implement them. It will also draw up a unified vision to be promoted in international and regional forums. The new body will also compile the national report from Egypt, which is submitted to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, and follow up on the implementation of the recommendations that Egypt accepts. It will be also assigned to follow up on the implementation of Egypt's existing international obligations in respect to human rights. Search Keywords: Short link: Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) took off to a flying start on an action-packed day one at the Sakhir Air Base with the signing of deals worth more than $700 million as day 2 also followed with major deals. We expect to see more during the show, said Kamal Ahmed, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, extending his congratulations to His Majesty the King on the launch of the fifth edition of the Airshow. The minister said that 11 of the top 15 global aerospace businesses are participating in this edition of the show where a number of announcements and high-level meetings with international civil and military delegations were conducted. Most significantly of these was Bahrain Airport Companys signings with three companies, the minister added. Officially inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, the fifth edition of the show witnessed attendance from 187 companies. The first signing was for the design and renovation of the Civil Aviation Affairs building with Gulf Engineering House which will transform it into a private aviation terminal to cater to VIPs and business leaders. The new, state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed by 2020 and will offer various services to meet the needs of private jet owners and users travelling through Bahrain International Airport (BIA). The second signing was the award of a catering contract for all four of its lounges to Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), and the third was for the operation of the new Passenger Terminal Buildings airport clinic which was awarded to Bahrain Specialist Hospital that will allow for healthcare professionals to be on hand 24/7 to provide various medical services to passengers and airport staff at the new facility. Gulf Air and Etihad Airways also signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU which covers a scope to introduce joint codeshare operations between Abu Dhabi and Manama. Additionally, Saudi Aramco announced its agreement at the value of 700 million dollars for the provision of 26 helicopters. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications also signed Air Service Agreements with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brunei, and Brazil. The minister also met with Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport Nusrat Ghani, who praised the strong bilateral relations between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The show also highlighted developments for the Bahrain space sector. As the responsible Minister for the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications signed an MOU with the UAE Space Agency and Khalifa University that would see the organisations working together on a two-year study programme to develop nano-satellites. The Egyptian consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it had sent an envoy to the city of Jizan to understand the circumstances behind the murder of an Egyptian pharmacist on Thursday. Ahmed Taha Hassan, 29, was killed while working at a pharmacy in the Saudi Arabian city. The Saudi authorities are investigating the case. According to the short statement issued on Friday, the consulate followed up on procedures to transfer Hassans body back to Egypt. The consulate also asked the Egyptian community in Saudi Arabia not to heed or share any rumours that could impede the official investigations into the incident. Search Keywords: Short link: Former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State, Uche Nwosu, on Friday said the fact that the majority of All Progressives Congress members were unhappy with the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, over the alleged manner with which he handled the party primaries across the zone, would not affect their support for Buharis reelection.He said that the APC would not lose sleep over the endorsement of Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Atiku ABubakar, by some Igbo leaders.He added that Igbo will vote against former vice president Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential elections.Nwosu spoke to newsmen in Owerri, the state capital, on Friday.Nwosu, who dismissed Atikus reported endorsement by a section of Igbo leaders, said that the South East was a no-go area for Atiku.He described the endorsement as a ploy to create erroneous impression that the Igbo would vote the PDP.He said, We are not losing sleep over the recent endorsement of Atiku by some Igbo leaders.The action will not change the reality on ground. The Southeast will deliver Buhari in 2019 because it is our best option.We cannot be distracted with the PDPs Greek gift of Vice President. Our focus as a people should be Igbo presidency in 2023.One important question we should be asking ourselves as Ndigbo is, what did we benefit from the PDP for the 16 years it was in power to warrant the endorsement of its candidate, as against what we have recorded within the three years that President Buhari is in power?Most of the political decisions of some of our leaders are self-serving and not in the overall interest of the Igbo; but this time, we are committed to pursuing the best political option for the Igbo, which is supporting President Buharis second term.The fact that the majority of our party members are not happy with the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, over the manner he handled the party primaries across the zone, does not affect our support for President Buhari.In fact, it is beyond personal considerations. It is about the interest of Ndigbo and we will deliver President Buhari in 2019.The support for President Buhari is borne out of his unequaled integrity and uprightness, which is what the country needs most now. The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on members of the party across the country to shun bickering and rally support for Mr Adams Oshiomhole, the partys National Chairman, ahead of the 2019 general elections.Mr Ade Omole, leader of the chapter, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, saying that the current bickering within the partys rank was not in its interest, especially as elections draw closer.Omole particularly appealed to party leaders and members, including those that were aggrieved following the outcome of the partys primaries, to close ranks and support the party in the forthcoming general elections.Coming together and staying together is good, but working together toward 2019 General elections is essential to winning in 2019, he said.Omole reminded members of the party to always realise that the party should be seen to be supreme at all times.The leader, who is presently in Nigeria, said he had closed-door meetings with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Mr Lanre Onilu, the APC National Publicity Secretary, and its other stakeholders to strategise ahead of the electioneering campaigns.He assured the partys leadership that members of the APC in the Diaspora were already working to ensure the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.Omole reiterated that President Buhari remained the darling of Nigerians because he had delivered on APCs 2015 major campaign promises.According to him, the president deserved a second term to consolidate on his achievements.He maintained that the President still commanded the electorates goodwill, despite several fake news and half-truths making the rounds on social media.Omole said that there was, however, need for a total change in attitude and political orientation of some of the partys stakeholders ahead of the 2019 general elections. President Muhammadu Buhari has been conferred with the Polio Champion Award in recognition of his commitment and leadership in the polio e... President Muhammadu Buhari has been conferred with the Polio Champion Award in recognition of his commitment and leadership in the polio eradication programme in Nigeria. Rotary International President, Mr Barry Rassin, who is on a four-day official visit to Nigeria, presented the award to President Buhari, Thursday, at State House, Abuja. The Polio Champion Award was instituted by Rotary International in 1995 to recognize and appreciate Heads of Governments and organisations that have played a key role in polio eradication around the world The last recipient of the Award was Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada. Other past recipients include Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Receiving the award, the Nigerian leader, while thanking Rotary International for the honour, lauded their commitment to humanitarian work across the globe. Rotary International is well known to my generation. Your work is really humanitarian; no amount of materialism can pay you for what you have been doing and we thank you very much. I am pleased with the efforts of Rotary International, you are champions of the weak, and I pray that God will abundantly pay you for your humanitarian services. I am also pleased that I have a competent Health Minister, who supervises the work, the President said. Earlier in his remarks, Mr Rassin, while commending the President for providing significant leadership in the efforts to eradicate polio in Nigeria, advocated for increased political and financial commitments at all levels for routine immunization and primary health care strengthening. He also commended President Buhari for his commitment to Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) by expanding the presidential task force on polio to include state governors shortly after he took office in 2015. You are an inspiration to your country, the Rotary president, who was accompanied by his wife, Esther, and other senior Rotarians in Nigeria, told President Buhari. He said Rotary has contributed $1.7 billion to the global effort to eradicate polio, of which $270m was expended in Nigeria. We have come a long way from 1985 when polio was crippling 350,000 children annually in 125 countries of the world to 27 cases in two countries. Nigerias President, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he had ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to ensure that... Nigerias President, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he had ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to ensure that monies recovered from looters do not find their way back to the looters. He also said fighting corruption took longer time, especially with the need to adhere to the rule of law. Buhari spoke when he received members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, at the State House in Abuja. The President disclosed what he told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to do with monies recovered from alleged looters in the country. It is on record that some cases initiated by the anti-graft bodies since 2003 are yet to be concluded, he said, adding, We will, however, not be discouraged. Where monies have been recovered, such monies will not find their way back to the looters as I have directed EFCC to account for every money it has recovered and put them in a dedicated account. President Buhari said his vision and objectives for Nigeria were very clear and that he was already on course to achieve them. He also stressed that he was doing his best to fulfil his electoral promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and resuscitating the economy. Responding to the request of CAN for an overhaul of the intelligence gathering system, the President said the burden of intelligence gathering involves everyone. According to him, those directly involved include district heads, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and religious leaders who are very close to the grassroots. President Buhari, who decried that the bandits operating in various communities live among the people, urged the leaders of thought in various communities to avail security agencies with information about the criminals. On the general elections in 2019, he told the Christian leaders that he had assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the polls would be free and fair, noting that he has been a victim of fraudulent elections and beneficiary of a free and fair election in the past. When I decided to put on this Agbada to see what the people are seeing in it, I tried three times, 2003, 2007 and 2011, but the fourth time, in 2015, I succeeded, he was quoted as saying in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina. We thank God and technology in the form of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and card reader because what they used to do was to look at constituencies, award the votes and then they will say whoever didnt agree should go to court. When people are looking for what to eat, where do they have the money to go to court to pay the SANs? President Buhari wondered. The National Identity Management Commission has urged government and non-governmental agencies to accept the National Identification Number slip as a means of identification for Nigerians.The Director-General, NIMC, Mr Aliyu Aziz told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview on Friday that the process of issuance of the NIN slip was digitally secured.There is always a misconception by many enrollees that the general multipurpose card is what entails identification of an individual.Government and non-governmental agencies, as well as service providers, should recognise and accept the NIN slip as means of identification in the absence of the card.Aziz commend the public for the acceptance of the National Identity Management Systems Project, as NIMC currently had about 33 million records in its database.He said there would be an exceptional increase of enrolment when the Digital Identity Ecosystem commenced in January 2019. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Friday, says it has not adopted any candidate for the upcoming 2019 presid... The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Friday, says it has not adopted any candidate for the upcoming 2019 presidential election in the country. This followed the endorsement of the Presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Atiku Abubakar, in Enugu during the gathering of Igbo leaders on Wednesday. The group said it was yet to meet and decide who to support in the forthcoming presidential election. Ohanaeze, in a statement issued by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chuks Ibegbu, on Friday, dismissed the report that the gathering of the Igbo leaders in Enugu, and the endorsement of Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, were facilitated by the group. The apex Igbo body, although admitted that the President General, Chief John Nwodo attended the Enugu meeting, said that was not the position of Ohanaeze. The statement reads, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not yet adopted any Presidential candidate as some media houses recently reported. The visit of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to some Igbo leaders in Enugu was not facilitated by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, though the President General and some chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were present. It was a town hall meeting organised by some friends and associates of Al.h Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, his Vice Presidential candidate and Ohanaeze leadership was invited . Of course, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is non-partisan but we cannot shirk our responsibility to ensure that the right people are in power for the benefit of Ndigbo and all Nigerians. We are elated, however, by the promise of Atku Abubakar to restructure Nigeria and address the visible marginalisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria. Egypt is the first Arab and African country to host the gathering, held under the theme of Investing in biodiversity for people and planet The UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 14) will officially kick off in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday, four days after African ministerial meetings discussed the continent's biodiversity priorities and future work plans. Amid reports of an alarming decline in the variety of plant and wildlife, the conference aims to send a clear message that preserving biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem is fundamental to life on earth. World biodiversity has declined by almost one third in the past 35 years, mainly due to the loss of habitat and the wildlife trade, according to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Fund also said last month that worldwide vertebrate populations are set to decline by 60 percent by 2020 from their 1970 levels. The conference, held every two years, is expected to discuss key measures to speed up actions to advance the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and review progress made towards its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets, a set of agreed objectives on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use to be reached by 2020. The gathering, which runs from 17 to 29 November, also aims to develop a post 2020 global framework on biodiversity to be adopted in Beijing, China, where the next round of the conference will be held. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is expected to attend the opening on Saturday. Egypt is the first Arab and African country to host the gathering, held under the theme of Investing in biodiversity for people and planet. The conference will also feature meetings on the UNs 2003 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety meant to help regulate trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the 2010 Nagoya Protocol on genetic resources. In the lead-up to the conference, an African ministerial meeting was held on Tuesday, and a two-day ministerial high level segment opened by Egyptian PM Mostafa Mabouly was held afterwards to discuss the mainstreaming of biodiversity into the major sectors of energy and mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and processing, and health. This round of the conference marks the 25th anniversary since the entry into force of the UN Convention on Biodiversity and will highlight progress made in the achievement of its objectives. The conference will also see the announcement of the Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration, which introduces measures to minimise impacts on biodiversity and streamline biodiversity across all sectors. It is the 14th gathering of its kind held by the Conference of Parties (COP), the body governing the UN convention. The 13th meeting was held in Cancun, Mexico in 2016. Search Keywords: Short link: The intervention of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has defused the political crisis in Tunisia for the time being, but this may not last for long Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi took steps to defuse the crisis overtaking the country resulting from a dispute between the governing Nidaa Tounes Coalition and the Islamist Ennahda Movement this week by saying he was ready to swear in new cabinet ministers appointed by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed if parliament approved certain legal amendments. I have no problem with the prime minister, but I am disappointed at the methods used to appoint the new ministers, which were impolite and unusual, Essebsi told a news conference at the Carthage Presidential Palace in Tunis. Chahed announced early last week a cabinet reshuffle including 13 ministers and five ministers of state after months of bickering between the Islamist Ennahda Movement and the Tunisian General Workers Union. The reshuffle includes former diplomat Kamal Murjan, the last foreign minister under former president Zine Al-Abidine bin Ali before he was overthrown in the countrys 2011 Revolution, who is now minister of public services. The new cabinet also includes a Jewish minister for the first time since Tunisias independence from France in 1956 in the shape of businessman Roni Trabelsi as minister of tourism. Trabelsi is the son of Peres Trabelsi, head of the Jewish synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba where religious celebrations attract thousands of Jews from around the world even though the Jewish community in Tunisia counts only some 2,500 people. The cabinet reshuffle also included Sayeda Al-Wanisi, a leading member of Ennahda and the youngest minister at the age of 31. Earlier, Essebsi had rejected the new ministers before eventually agreeing that they should be sworn in, according to presidential spokeswoman Saeeda Qarash. She said the cabinet reshuffle had been hasty and had aimed to impose a fait accompli without consulting the president. Chahed had only informed Essebsi of his intention to reshuffle the government shortly before officially announcing it. The current crisis in Tunisia, complicated by the countrys serious economic troubles, began when the powerful Tunisian General Workers Union demanded that Chahed step aside in protest at what it said was his failure to manage the economy. The union is a member of the Tunisian Quartet that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, along with the Tunisian Bar Association and the Tunisian Association for Human Rights, all of which have worked since 2013 to consolidate the gains of the 2011 Revolution. Tunisias General Workers Union is based on socialist ideas, and its rival, Ennahda Movement, is rooted in Islamist ideology. The union represents millions of Tunisian workers who suffer from difficult living conditions, especially as a result of the current round of economic reforms and austerity measures. Chahed is also facing a conflict within his own party Nidaa Tounes against Hafez Essebsi, the presidents son, with the president wanting to see both men leave politics. Tunisia would not lose anything if they both exited [the scene], he said. Ennahda has stood by Chahed in the current crisis, and there have even been rumours that he could be their candidate in the 2019 presidential race. Ennahda previously supported former president Moncef Marzouki in the first presidential elections after Bin Ali was deposed in 2011, even though he was not an Islamist. Marzoukis defeat in the 2014 elections despite Ennahdas support and the loss of many of the movements seats in parliament undermined its ability to mobilise in a country that has clear secularist trends. Ali Kamaluddin, a political commentator, said that social legislation proposed by Essebsi may have weakened Ennahda further, resulting in his suspending the understandings which had created the coalition government led by Chahed. Essebsi had proposed controversial draft legislation, most notably regarding the equality of inheritance between men and women. This had been opposed by Ennahda, but the protests led by the movement were unsuccessful in defeating the new law. Tunisias parliament also approved legislation on anti-discrimination, the first of its kind in the Arab world, with this being opposed by Islamist movements since it dictates equality of treatment of Muslims and members of religious minorities. In a report to the president in June, Tunisias Committee on Individual Rights also proposed decriminalising homosexuality and ending capital punishment, ideas opposed by Ennahda. The latter has been criticised during protests against the return to the country of Tunisian terrorists who had joined Islamic State (IS) and other groups, Kamaluddin said. With the victory of the trend rejecting the return of members of IS and other terrorist groups, the radical wing of Ennahda and its Salafi supporters are in crisis, he added. This weakness could benefit the more moderate wing of the movement and make it easier for the civic current in the country. Former Tunisian president Habib Bourguiba, in power from 1956 to 1987, passed laws prohibiting polygamy and giving women extensive rights in education, work and marriage. The economic reconciliation laws with businessmen associated with the former Bin Ali regime and the administrative reconciliation laws that have included senior officials in the deposed regime have also resulted in Ennahda losing many of its supporters, according to Kamaluddin. Nidaa Tounes includes several members of the former regime, and it would be expected for them to support amnesty laws. However, Ennahda had often called for their prosecution, so its decision to vote for the laws was unexpected, Kamaluddin said, adding that both Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda were expected to take a hit in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. * A version of this article appears in print in the 15 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Temporary calm in Tunisia Search Keywords: Short link: Humanitarian crimes taking place in Yemen can be stopped if the world takes serious action to end the war No words can describe the horror and tragedies the Yemenis have been enduring for more than three years. Isnt it time for the people of Yemen to be freed from the Houthis hands tampering with their fate, drowning them in poverty and nescience? Will we see in the near future the Houthis fleeing Sanaa? Or will calm prevail to pave the way for UN-backed peace talks? Famine and drought are killing the people of Yemen. All Yemeni social strata, especially the poor, have been suffering endlessly the repercussions of war. The Houthis are a poisonous thorn in the side of Yemen. Western calls to stop the war have been renewed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo invited warring parties in Yemen to cease the violence and negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict with UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths. Griffiths had promised in late October the war in Yemen would end within 30 days. His promise lacked any serious initiative. In addition, it was found this week that humanitarian food aid packages were mixed with arms at Hodeida Port. Violence intensified after a relative calm. People are rising up against Houthi torture, bulling for money, selling food aid packages and kidnapping youth and children to force them to fight. Today, the Houthis are suffering deep divisions within their ranks after a number of senior officials and ministries no longer stand on the Houthis side when they realised the end was probably near. Yemeni sources in Sanaa reported Houthi militias have intensified their security measures, tightening control on a number of figures after Information Minister in the Houthi government Abdul-Salam Gaber and Deputy Education Minister Abdullah Al-Hamdi fled Sanaa to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sources added the Yemenis have had it with the Houthis methods of starvation and backwardness. When Yemenis refused to attend a sermon by strongman Abdul-Malek Al-Houthi, the speech was broadcast through loud speakers in mosques in a show of disregard. The Houthis arbitrary measures resulted in the militias killing of a Yemeni vendor who was selling qat (or khat, a leaf that is chewed) to feed his children. The vendors tribal relatives headed to the checkpoint where he was killed, kidnapped five Houthi militiamen and led them to an unknown place. The Houthis violations against civilians and travellers at checkpoints erected between governorates and directorates under Houthi control are despicable. But the world is finally waking up to the catastrophe engulfing Yemen. Last week, US newspapers wrote about the death of Yemeni children as a result of famine. The Guardians 11 November editorial opened by saying, the suffering of civilians in Yemen is not only the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. It is a crime. The newspaper continued: Half of the countrys 22 million inhabitants are on the brink of starvation; 1.8 million children are severely malnourished. For many it is already too late. The United Nations predicts this could become the worst famine for a century. There were warnings of famine before the war broke out almost four years ago; even then, Yemen imported almost all of its foods. Conditions have since deteriorated unimaginably. The Guardian added: The World Health Organisation warned last month that reports of cholera were running at 10,000 cases a week. Other estimates put the figure at five-fold that number. Violence has intensified since the unexpected US call for a ceasefire last month. With fighting flaring in the critical port of Hodeida this week, the UN envoy delayed planned talks until the end of the year, the newspaper continued. UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to work towards ending the war in Yemen. His office said Monday that Hunt has urged action on the part of the UN Security Council to stop the bloodshed, famine and disease. The human cost of war in Yemen is incalculable: with millions displaced, famine and disease rife and years of bloodshed, the only solution now is a political decision to set aside arms and pursue peace, said Hunt. Yemens army forces liberated new positions from the Houthi militia in the city of Hodeida, west of country, last week. On Monday, chief of operations of the Second Brigade Al-Amalikah, Ahmed Al-Jaheli, told September Net news site that army forces engaged in fierce battles with the Houthis in Rabsa neighbourhood, succeeding in taking hold of Al-Nagah School and nearby buildings. Al-Jaheli stressed the army was still advancing in the depths of Rabsa. Sunday morning witnessed heavy artillery shelling and Apache helicopters belonging to the coalition led by Saudi Arabia raided the Houthis that attempted to attack army locations. Yemeni sources report the country is engulfed in entire chaos. Amid the military escalation in Hodeida and US and European calls to stop the war and end the humanitarian crisis, with US President Donald Trump describing Yemen as the worst place in the world, will the bloodshed continue? Will peace talks ensue to end the suffering of millions of Yemenis? This countrys crisis threatens to stretch its roots to the region and the rest of the world. Who is holding the cards of war and peace to end the suffering of Yemenis? Has the UN presented a roadmap to end the war, or is it releasing void statements? Will dividing Yemen to autonomously controlled areas provide the solution? Will the Yemenis agree to this to achieve peace? The worlds worst humanitarian crisis may end with national rapprochement or military intervention. Either way, within the coming month the deteriorating conditions of a nation living in the shadow of death have to stop. * A version of this article appears in print in the 15 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Yemen in the shadow of death Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Friday denied a report he had agreed to call early elections following the resignation of a key partner in his ruling coalition. A party spokesman said Netanyahu, who was left with a knife-edge majority in parliament after the resignation, held a crunch meeting with Education Minister Naftali Bennett. "The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct," the spokesman said in a statement. "Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised the importance of making every effort to preserve the right-wing government". The statement was issued shortly after a source close to Bennett told AFP the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition. "They will set a date for elections when they meet with the (other) coalition partners on Sunday," the source said. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman quit Wednesday over a ceasefire deal for Gaza, taking the rest of his hawkish Yisrael Beitenu party with him and leaving the coalition with a single seat majority in parliament. Bennett, Netanyahu's other main right-wing rival and head of the religious nationalist Jewish Home party, has threatened to quit unless he is given Lieberman's job. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli army shot and wounded 14 Palestinians protesters with live bullets on the 34th Friday of demonstrations for the Right of Return on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. A number of protesters suffered other injuries from Israeli rubber bullets as well as smoke inhalation from tear gas. Palestinian health officials said one of the wounded Palestinians remains in critical condition. Search Keywords: Short link: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will likely meet again after New Year, the US vice president said, but insisted his government would not repeat past mistakes where "promises are broken." The US president and the North's leader held a historic summit in Singapore earlier this year, signing a vaguely worded deal on denuclearisation. North Korea has taken some steps since then -- forgoing nuclear and missile tests, dismantling a missile test site and promising to also break up the country's main nuclear complex if the US makes concessions. But progress has generally been slow, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement. Trump has said he hopes to have a second meeting with Kim early next year, but talks between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a top North Korean official planned for last week, partly to prepare for the meeting, were cancelled. The US said the North axed the talks because they weren't ready, and Trump insisted he was in "no rush". Speaking in Singapore, US Vice President Mike Pence insisted plans for the second meeting were still "ongoing". "We believe that the summit will likely occur after the 1st of the year but the when and the where of that is still being worked out," he told reporters. "We don't want to repeat the mistakes of prior administrations -- frankly both political parties have made over the last several decades -- where promises are made, sanctions are lifted and economic support comes and then promises are broken." His comments came after a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of a summit attended by world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. - Maximum pressure - Pence urged other countries at the meeting to keep up sanctions pressure on the North amid signs that Pyongyang's traditional trading partners, China and Russia, have eased enforcement. Seoul has also said it is mulling lifting its own measures against Pyongyang. US officials insist on the complete, verified and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula before sanctions are lifted. The North has rejected demands for what it calls "unilateral" disarmament, and has instead sought unspecified reciprocal US measures in a gradual process. It has also called for sanctions to be eased as a reward for coming to the table, warning Washington's stance is undermining confidence. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe piled on the pressure in a meeting with members of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), insisting sanctions should be fully enforced. "He urged ASEAN countries to collaborate on concrete measures such as ship to ship transfer of prohibited materials, including fuel," said foreign ministry spokesman Takeshi Osuga. Trump has skipped this week's Singapore summit, the biggest annual meeting organised by ASEAN, raising new questions about US commitment to Asia. Taking his place, Pence insisted America's commitment to the region was "steadfast and enduring". "In all that we do the United States seeks collaboration not control," he said at the meeting with Southeast Asian leaders. He also took a swipe at Beijing, whose growing assertiveness in the South China Sea has long been a source of friction with rival claimants in Southeast Asia and the United States. "Empire and aggression have no place in the Indo-Pacific," Pence said. "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you for freedom of navigation and our determination to ensure your nations are secure in their sovereign borders, on land and at sea." Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, even areas approaching the coastlines of other countries, and has been establishing military installations on disputed outcrops. After Singapore, Pence is heading to Papua New Guinea for a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Search Keywords: Short link: Schools and tourist attractions across the San Francisco Bay Area were shut Friday as smoke from California's deadliest ever wildfire a three hour drive away produced air quality levels worse than in polluted megacities in South Asia. The closures came as the number of people missing from the giant Camp Fire, which has devoured an area roughly the size of Chicago since it broke out last week, soared to more than 600, with 63 confirmed dead. President Donald Trump is set to visit the tinder-dry state on Saturday to meet victims of the inferno, which has laid waste to the town of Paradise at the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, destroying around 10,000 homes. Some 180 miles (290 kilometers) to the southwest, San Francisco ordered all public schools shut and its iconic cable cars returned to their stations as the Air Quality Index soared to 213, comparable to Dhaka, Bangladesh and worse than Kolkata, India. "San Francisco's air quality has moved from red or 'unhealthy' to purple or 'very unhealthy' due to local wildfires and weather patterns," the SFMTA transport authority said on its website. "The Department of Public Health highly recommends that everyone stay indoors and avoid exposure to the outside air." Mayor London Breed announced that public buses would be free for the day in order to ensure people have access to enclosed transportation. Photos posted on social media showed the famous Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in thick smog. - Missing toll jumps - On Thursday, authorities raised the number of missing people from 300 to 631 as investigators went back and reviewed emergency calls made when the Camp Fire erupted on November 8. "I want you to understand that the chaos we were dealing with was extraordinary" Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told journalists of the early days of the fire, explaining the alarming increase. Much of the rescue work is now focused on Paradise, a community that is home to many retirees who found themselves unable to get out in time. A total of 461 rescuers, assisted by 22 sniffer dogs, were going from house to house, as authorities called on relatives of the missing to provide DNA samples to help with identification of the dead. "I'm still going to keep on looking and hope for the best," Jhonathan Clark, who was hunting for his brother, sister-in-law and nephew, told AFP. "My dad is starting to lose hope a little bit," he added. The remains of seven additional victims discovered by rescuers Thursday brought to 63 the number of people who have died in the Camp Fire, which remained only 45 percent contained Friday morning. Three other people have died in southern California in another blaze dubbed the Woolsey Fire, which engulfed parts of Malibu, destroying the homes of several celebrities. That inferno, which is about two-thirds the size of the Camp Fire, was close to 70 percent contained by Friday, as authorities predicted they would have it under control by Monday. While the cause of the Camp Fire is still under investigation, a lawsuit has been filed against the local power company, PG&E, by fire victims claiming negligence by the utility. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi ratified Egypts new consumer protection law some months ago, but the law can only go into effect once its executive regulations are published, a process which can take three months from ratification. In the meantime, a seminar organised by the Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies (ECES), an NGO, brought together experts to voice their opinions on what the executive regulations should look for. According to a paper prepared by the ECES, what distinguishes the new law is the higher penalties for those violating its stipulations. These can run from LE50,000 to LE2 million in fines, or twice the value of the consumer product concerned, whichever is the larger. The new law regulates the relationship between buyers of real estate and real-estate developers, among other things. It says that developers should not advertise units until legal requirements are met and that they do not have the right to collect commissions or fees from the resale of units, as is currently the case. The new law also requires suppliers to provide maintenance for imported products, setting a minimum of two years guarantee for durable goods. It also reinforces the right of consumers to return products within 14 days of purchase without having to provide a reason. The law also introduces new regulations on e-commerce that are designed to protect consumers. According to Hisham Ragab, a member of the Higher Committee for Legislative Reform speaking at the ECES seminar, explained that the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) is under the supervision of the cabinet and it is the cabinet that will issue the executive charter. According to the ECES, in order to fulfill its supervisory role the authority should be independent of any executive body. Ragab said the state should assist the authority in performing its role and should focus on training its inspectors to help them resolve different kinds of complaints. However, at present the authority only has 150 employees. However, he praised the raising of fines and the regulation of real-estate transactions under the new law.The developer is not a partner in any loss when the value of the property goes down, so why should he take a part of any profit, he asked. The ECES also lamented the fact that the new law does not specifically cover imported cars, since Egypt has become a major importer of Chinese cars, and these should be regulated to ensure they meet consumer safety and environmental standards. Although the new law tackles the real-estate sector, it does not address the issue of the timely delivery of units, participants at the seminar said. Hamdi Abdel-Aziz, former member of the board of directors of the CPA, said there should be greater technical expertise available to the authority to deal with complaints from consumers. He supported the idea that the authority should be under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Industry rather than the Ministry of Supply. Other drawbacks, according to the seminar participants, include the fact that the authority received 25 per cent of fines handed down in cases of violation, possibly causing conflicts of interest. Ahmed Eid, an executive at Promomedia, a media and advertising company, said there was a need to deal with misleading advertising without affecting advertising revenues, adding that in the case of TV advertising this should be discussed with the Supreme Media Council. He stressed the need to set up an observatory in cooperation with various regulatory bodies to deal with consumer problems in the service sectors and said there was a need to cooperate more with civil society associations, thus easing the need to recruit additional human resources. Abla Abdel-Latif, research director at the ECES, backed the idea of the CPA cooperating more with civil society. The authoritys responsibilities were greater than its current size, she said, and it would need to cooperate with civil society and other state agencies to carry out its job. She called for a review of the executive regulations of the new law after they have been issued in order to ensure that they conform to international best practices and implementation on the ground. Abdel-Latif said that while the new law represented a major leap forward for consumer protection in Egypt, one of the challenges facing its implementation was the ability of the CPA to implement the law. The government needs to support the CPA and provide it with the necessary means to do its job and implement the new law, she said, adding that the main risk to consumer protection at present came from the informal sector, which represents a large proportion of the Egyptian economy. * A version of this article appears in print in the 15 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Reinventing consumer rights? Search Keywords: Short link: 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. The talented comedy actor is remembered for his strong supporting roles as 'the best friend'. Ahram Online remembers the actor, who was born in December 1927 and died in November 1986 Abdel-Moneim Ibrahims status as one of the most exceptionally talented comedic actors from Egyptian cinemas golden age is indisputable, even though he did not receive the limelight and fame enjoyed by other actors of his time like Ismail Yassin and Fouad Al-Mohandes. Until his very last day 17 November 1987 Ibrahim was keen to continue working, spending his days in rehearsals for a play titled Five Stars. He died at the age of 63. Abdel-Moneim Ibrahim El-Dughbishy was born on 24 December 1924 in Beni Sweif, Upper Egypt. After his father moved to Cairo, Ibrahim enrolled in a school in the Abdeen neighbourhood. He learned to play the piano and was good at speech and acting, and participated in all scholastic activities available at the time. Upon returning to his home village during summer vacations, he would gather his friends and form an acting group. He was encouraged by his father, who would regularly take him to see films as well as plays by Naguib Al-Rihani and Ali El-Kassar when Ibrahim was just 11 years old. Ibrahim went on to study at the Mechanical Industries School, where he joined an acting group headed by Adly Kasseb, who went on to become a well-known actor. Afterwards, Ibrahim became acquainted with actor Abdel-Moneim Madbouly and formed an amateur acting group, which Kasseb later joined, and they performed at Al-Azbakeyah Theatre in Cairo. This group of actors appeared in the film The Workshop (1940, Stephan Rosti). In 1945, Ibrahim enrolled at the Higher Institute of Cinema alongside Faten Hamama and Samiha Ayoub. When Zaki Tuleimat, the institutes head, formed the Modern Theatre Company, Ibrahim became one of its members. Despite the noticeable success Ibrahim achieved in the play Gohas Nail by Ali Ahmed Bakatheer, he was ignored by Anwar Wagdi when he decided to adapt the play to film, instead choosing Ismail Yassin to play the role, which drove the young actor into despair. However, this short-lived experience led director Ibrahim Ezzeddine to pick Ibrahim to play a small role in The Advent of Islam (1951), adapted from 'A Promise Fulfilled' by Taha Hussein. He remained away from the silver screen for two years before he was chosen to play a role in My Life Partner (1953, Elhamy Hassan) and in Buthainas Love (1953, Galal Mostafa). The size of his roles grew and their impact became more noticeable, until director Hassan El-Imam chose him in 1956 to act in Farewell at Dawn with Kamal El-Shennawi, Shadia and Yehia Shahin. This time, his success was so evident that Ibrahim's films jumped from only three in 1956 to 10 the following year, and 14 in 1959. What was most significant was that Farewell at Dawn set the template for what would become Ibrahim's most common role; the leading mans best friend. In almost all of Ibrahim's 173 films, he portrayed the leading mans best friend or the loyal companion. The character was considered an integral part of the commercial formula, the friend who is a source of comedy in a weepy melodrama, a soft romance, or even a musical. As such, demand increased for any who could perform this role. When Ibrahims name shone in 1957, there was no competing actor in the field besides Abdel-Salam El-Nabulsi, after Ismail Yassin stopped playing these roles in the early 1950s and moved on to leading parts. Ibrahim surpassed El-Nabulsi on several fronts. First was the age factor, as El-Nabulsi was almost 60 years old when Ibrahim was 33, and as such could play the young leading mans best friend. The two actors also had different styles, with El-Nabulsi displaying an air of snobbery, nervousness and aristocracy, and was therefore limited in his ability to portray characters in a wide range of genres. Ibrahim, however, was able to convincingly portray a character from a low class milieu in I love You Hassan (1958, Hussein Fawzi), a collegiate in The Abandoned Pillow (1957, Salah Abu-Seif), a ruralite in Bahiyya (1960, Ramses Naguib), an aristocrat in Wife Number 13 (1962, Fateen Abdel-Wahab) a simple civil servant in The Female Fugitive (1958, Hassan Ramzy), and a broad-minded journalist in Cairo 30 (1966, Salah Abu-Seif). In the early 1960s, El-Nabulsi left Egypt and settled in Lebanon, while Fouad El-Mohandes moved on to leading roles in 1963. So, the arena was empty and Ibrahim became the only one who played this character type, which he embodied in around 25 films between 1962 and 1964. Although the range of his screen personas was limited, Ibrahim was keen to diversify his performances, and successfully liberated himself from the constraints of playing a single type of character. He even played cross-dressing roles in Sokkar Hanem (1960, Al-Sayed Bedeir) and City Lights (1972, Fateen Abdel-Wahab). He also played a very memorable mad man in Ismail Yassin in the Madhouse (1958, Essa Karama). Ibrahim also made good use of his proficiency in speaking classical Arabic, as in his role of the Arabic language teacher who only speaks in classical Arabic in Ismail Yassin in the Navy (1957, Fateen Abdel Wahab), as well as in other films such as Ambassador Aziza (1961, Tolba Radwan) and The Mirror (1970, Ahmed Diaa-Eddine). One would also be remiss in not mentioning his impeccable performance as Yassin in Naguib Mahfouzs The Cairo Trilogy. The role of the leading mans best friend does not often leave room for deep character exploration, and Ibrahim was keen to make up for this by giving fully-charged emotional performances, making his characters resonate more with audiences than those of his contemporaries. Relying on this human dimension in performance, Ibrahim was able to perform successfully after passing the stage of youth. Those following his roles since the 70s and beyond such as in Barefoot on a Golden Bridge (1976, Atef Salem), The Return of a Citizen (1986, Mohamed Khan) and A Way to go (1987, Bashir El-Deek) will see why this brilliant actor left this indelible impact with his human roles. This was particularly true of his roles in TV series; Zeinab and the Throne (1979, Yehia El-Alamy) and Adams Sons (1986, Galal Ghoneim). 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: Each year, attendees from around the world gather to celebrate the Guggeinheim International Gala at the historic Upper East Side gallery. This year the museum also hosted a glamorous pre-party, bringing out the city's chicest. Dior's creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, stood out from the crowd alongside a gaggle of Dior-outfitted models, actresses and socialites, including Karen Wazen Bakhazi, Winnie Harlow, Olivia Palermo, Jaime King, Zosia Mamet and Princess Olympia of Greece. Jorja Smith performed at the party, which also welcomed a set by Australia creative and DJ Amrit. Below, check out PAPER's intimate photo diary capturing Amrit getting ready for and performing at the big event: Photography by Johnny De Guzman Banning Imprisoned Iranian Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh From Seeing Her Children is Cruel and Unlawful 11/15/18 Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran Prominent Rights Defender Illegally Denied Family Visits For Alleged "Improper Hijab" November 15, 2018 - Imprisoned defense attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh has sued Iranian authorities for banning her from seeing her children and other family in Evin Prison for the past two months under the pretext of her alleged "improper hijab." "First the Iranian authorities imprisoned Sotoudeh for defending human rights and now they're harassing her in jail by taking away the few rights she has left, including visits with her children," said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). "The Iranian judiciary should put an end to the cruel and inhumane act of banning political prisoners from seeing their families and immediately release Sotoudeh," said Ghaemi. According to Iran's State Prisons Procedures, weekly visits with family members are a right to which all prisoners are entitled, not a privilege. But CHRI has documented multiple instances wherein political prisoners, including the mothers of small children, have been banned from seeing their families or talking to them on the phone. In 2016, prominent human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who remains in Evin Prison, went on a debilitating hunger strike to compel the authorities to allow her to speak to her children on the phone. Fellow political prisoner Maryam Akbari-Monfared has also been repeatedly threatened with being banned from visits with her children, a tactic used to intimidate prisoners into keeping silent about their cases and prison conditions. Denying Sotoudeh visits with her son and daughter (12 and 18-years-old) is particularly cruel given that her husband, Reza Khandan, has also been detained in Evin Prison since October 2018 after he posted several updates about her case on Facebook, effectively leaving their children orphaned. According to one of Sotoudeh's lawyers, the Court for Government Employees (where her lawsuit was initially filed) agreed to consider her complaint against the prison's warden, Ali Chaharmahali, and its judicial representative, Hamid Hamidi-Rad, for imposing the ban. The case has now been referred to Branch 1 of the Bureau of Investigations. On September 17, 2018, Chaharmahali sent a letter to the head of Evin Prison's Women's Ward stating, "Based on a judicial order issued by the Tehran Prosecutor [Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi], Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh should be notified that she is required to follow the prison's internal rules, notably in relation to observing the hijab. Therefore, if she follows the rules, she can have family visits. Otherwise, she will be denied." A copy of the letter was obtained by CHRI. Sharia law does not require women to cover themselves in the presence of other women, raising questions about why Sotoudeh is being punished for allegedly not observing the hijab in the female-only ward of Evin Prison. "It is evident that the order to ban someone from visitation is a form of punishment that is seriously questionable," said Sotoudeh's lawsuit, parts of which were posted on Instagram by her lawyer, Payam Derafshan. "There are no regulations banning prison visits between mothers and their children because it is essentially inhuman." "Such a ban is not only extremely harmful psychologically, it also seriously undermines the reputation of the country's judicial system in the eyes of the world," it added. The lawsuit argues Chaharmahali and Hamidi-Rad violated articles 570 and 579 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code by stripping Sotoudeh of her right to see her two children. Article 570 states: "Any official and agent associated with state agencies and institutions who unlawfully strips members of the public of their personal freedom or deprives them of their rights provided in the IRI Constitution shall be sentenced to two months to three years' imprisonment, in addition to dismissal from the service and prohibition of employment in state offices for one to five years." And according to Article 579: "If a civil servant punishes a convicted person harsher than what was ordered in the verdict or punishes him to what is not ordered in the verdict, he shall be sentenced to six months to three years' imprisonment; and if the act is carried out pursuant to someone else's order, only the person who has issued the order shall be sentenced to the prescribed punishment." Sotoudeh has been detained since June 13, 2018, after security agents unexpectedly appeared at her home and took her to Evin Prison in Tehran. Once inside the prison, Sotoudeh learned she would be serving a five-year prison sentence issued to her in absentia by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh in 2015 and that she was facing multiple other charges. In October 2018, Sotoudeh sued Moghiseh for unlawfully sentencing her. One of Iran's most prominent human rights defenders, Sotoudeh is facing two national security charges for legally representing women who have been charged for peacefully protesting Iran's compulsory hijab law by removing their headscarves in public. From 2010-13, she served three years in Evin Prison for peacefully practicing her legal profession. In September 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Ludovic Trarieux Human Rights Prize for her commitment to human rights and the independence of the legal profession. Sotoudeh was also awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2012. In July 2018, the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei calling for Sotoudeh's immediate release. She is among at least six human rights attorneys who are currently behind bars in Iran. "Sotoudeh is simply defending the rule of law in a political climate where citizens' rights are trampled by the judiciary and security agencies," said Ghaemi. "Iran's ongoing imprisonment and harassment of defense attorneys and their clients is outrageous and unlawful and should be forcefully condemned by the international community," he added. 5500-year-old human skeleton on display in Neyshabur, Iran 11/16/18 Source: Tehran Times A human skeleton, which dates from some 5,500 years ago, has been put on show at the museum of archaeology in the city of Neyshabur, northeast Iran. A team of archaeologist discovered the skeleton in 2004 while surveying a trench in Tapeh Borj, an archaeological site, near Neyshabur, IRNA reported. Tapeh Borj has yielded remains and artifacts dated from the 4th millennium BC to Parthian era (247 BC-224 CE), the report added. Neyshabur, situated 74 km west of Mashhad, has shifted its position repeatedly in historical times. American excavations in 1934-40 disclosed rich remains of both the Seljuq and pre-Seljuq periods in the locality. The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, has disclosed that the country spends billions of dollars on food imports every year. He revealed during his 2019 budget presentation in Parliament on Thursday that the country has spent over $2 billion every year importing food. Providing details, the Minister said Ghana imports over a billion dollars of rice, $320 million of sugar, and $374 million of poultry. The volume of imports currently means, more jobs are being created in foreign countries from where these foods are imported. Most of these we could produce here; creating jobs and saving foreign exchange, the Minister told Parliament. Relished by the number of jobs that could be created through local food production and consumption, the Minister revealed plans by government to replace a significant fraction of these imports in the medium term. Since 2009, the agriculture sectors contribution has been on a steady decline, with its share of national economic output, measured by gross domestic product (GDP), dropping from 31.8% to 18.3% in 2017. Its annual growth rate has also been wobbly. From 7.2% in 2009, growth in the sector declined to 0.8% in 2011 before inching up to 2.3% in 2012. In 2016, the sector grew by 3% but rebounded to 8.4% in 2017 on the back of strong growth in the cocoa and fishing subsectors. To enable the sector to perform better in 2019 and beyond, the Minister disclosed that government will be launching the livestock model of the Planting for Food and Jobs prgoramme called Rearing for Food and Jobs (RJF). The sole objective of this programme is to help increase the production of selected livestock, especially poultry. In the case of rice, the strategy is to increase volumes through increased yields of rice by expanding production areas in irrigated schemes, valleys and low lands around the country, the Minister said. He added that the strategy will be underpinned by making available to farmers, improved and certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers, enhanced access to mechanized harvesters to reduce post-harvest losses due to traditional labour intensive threshing, and encourage private sector investment in milling facilities. This is will ensure that the quality of locally processed rice will be at par with imported rice. In the case of poultry, about 70 percent of the cost of production comes from feed, which in turn is primarily determined by the cost and availability of maize and soya bean. So, in order to bring down the cost of feed and make poultry production in the country competitive, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is working on a programme to sustainably boost soya bean production in the country through the provision of improved and certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers and harvest equipment to reduce field losses. 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 Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed that a new national airline will commence operations in the country next year. Presenting the 2019 budget statement to Parliament on Thursday, Ken Ofori-Atta said the government has approved the establishment of a home-based airline which will involve the participation of the private sector. This, according to him, will complement the various transport systems currently running in the country to ferry both humans and goods through international and regional routes. Mr Speaker, Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a home-based airline with private sector participation to provide regional and inter-continental services for the efficient movement of people, goods and services as well as promote tourism. Strategic investors will be engaged, and the airline is expected to commence operations in 2019, he said. To complement the multi-modal transport system and support the movement of people and goods, the Ministry of Transportation commenced work on the Kumasi Airport Phase II Project to upgrade it to international airport standards. The works include the extension of the runway from the current 1,981 metres to 2,300 metres, construction of a new terminal building to handle 1 million passengers per year and other ancillary works. The project is expected to be 30 percent complete by the end of 2018. According to the Minister, work on Tamale Airport Phase II has received regulatory approvals for the construction of a new Terminal building and will serve the Sahelian region, and in 2019, the contract agreement will be finalised, and construction works will begin. The Finance Minister also announced that the government will be investing massively in road, railways and air transport, from a variety of funding sources. Mr. Speaker, infrastructure, both hard and soft, is the backbone of economic development and growth, as well as a source of jobs and wealth for a majority of people. In a rapidly changing global marketplace, traditional infrastructure like electricity and power, transport and logistics, water and sanitation, roads, highways, and railways have combined with new, mostly soft infrastructure like digitization of government services to enable emerging economies like ours leapfrog the development path to prosperity Mr. Speaker, this Government, is committed to embarking on an integrated infrastructural development programme across the country that will move goods, food items and people from one location to another that will create jobs and prosperity and ensure value for money for Ghana as well as position Ghana as the transportation, energy and logistics hub in the region. Source: modernghana.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 French President Emmanuel Macrons desire to form a unified European army may not receive the support of his partners in NATO or the European Union Once the continent that contained the global superpowers, in the aftermath of World War II Europe moved from devastating wars and murderous conflicts towards a new stability that was reinforced by the fall of the former Soviet Union in 1991 and the consolidation of the European Union. For perhaps the first time since the Roman Empire, which at its height controlled most of Europe and much of the old world, Europe is now enjoying a condition of general peace, its first Pax Europaea since the second century CE. Only the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s have supervened to disrupt the sense of overall peace in the old continent. Yet, French President Emmanuel Macron said on 7 November that he wanted to see the formation of a unified and independent European army to protect the continent from threats from China, Russia, and, more surprisingly, the United States. The call has sparked major controversies about its meaning and timing. It was announced just before last weekend when France, like many other European countries, was celebrating the centennial of the end of World War I in November 1918. Before a celebration held in Paris attended by many world leaders, US President Donald Trump described Macrons statement as very insulting and called upon France and other NATO members to pay their fair share in supporting the work of the Atlantic alliance. France is a major proponent of European unity, and as a founding father along with Germany of what is now the European Union it has always been concerned to expand the unity between Europeans and not to keep it only on the economic level. Macrons call for a unified European army stems from his fears of challenges and potential threats against the old continent, especially in the wake of the American announcement that the US is considering withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987 with the former Soviet Union that has been seen as a cornerstone of European security for decades. Other challenges include a possible showdown with Russia or China. In a meeting with Trump that took place during the centennial celebrations in Paris at the weekend, Macron attempted to soften his earlier statements by saying that the proposed European army would function within the framework of NATO and would share the cost of funding the alliance with the United States. He was attempting to defuse US criticisms that the European countries do not pay their fair share of the growing expenses of NATO, though this did not change the fact that Macron remains a believer in Europes capability to forge its own independent security measures. An independent European army remains part of his agenda. However, Macron may have spoken too early about his project, since he does not appear to have consulted other European leaders who may not be as enthusiastic as he is about such an arrangement. He is likely to have an uphill battle ahead in convincing other European countries of the need to establish the proposed army. These challenges can be summarised in several points, starting by the expenses which are likely to be borne by the Europeans alone and not shared with the United States, which currently pays most of the expenses of NATO. Another challenge is the overall readiness of the European Union to raise a standing army of a size that can match those of Russia, China or the United States. This is questionable, though it is not impossible. Most of the European countries likely to join such a defence force have abolished conscription and replaced it with the training of professional soldiers. Any reversal of this decision would likely lead to a spike in military expenses across the continent. Even Germany, the potential main partner of France in such a unified army, abolished conscription in 2011 and has been reducing the overall size of its armed forces since then. With the Chinese and Russians drafting hundreds of thousands of recruits every year, it will not be an easy task for the Europeans to match such enormous resources in terms of manpower. Moreover, the decision by Britain to exit the European Union leaves France as the only European country with a nuclear capability in such a proposed common army. Most initiatives involving European security have up to now been limited to coordination and peace-keeping missions based on the continents Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) protocol. Over recent decades the Europeans have avoided any escalation of defence expenses in this way, and today only four countries in the European Union meet the minimum two per cent of GDP spending target on defence set by NATO. Ironically, these countries do not include France. The fact remains that the reliance on NATO has rendered the formation of a separate European army an irrelevance for most Europeans. What was considered at the time to be a possible seed for a common European army, the European Rapid Operational Force (EUROFOR) established in 1995 and comprising forces from Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, did not last after 2012 when it was dissolved amidst a wave of spending cuts. Despite the growing challenges adverted to by the French president, the growing economic problems of the European Union and the European reliance on NATO over the past seven decades mean that most European countries are likely to want to keep the status quo as they will not want to spend a significant portion of their GDP paying for a separate European army. The tide may change should the Europeans feel the need for further security measures in the case of a US withdrawal from INF or further Russian threats on their eastern borders, however. For the moment, the Europeans are content to rely on the US as a friendly superpower should there be a conflict with the Russians or possibly the Chinese. As a result, the French presidents call for a common European army is likely to remain wishful thinking despite the massive economic and overall military strength of the European Union. * The writer is a political analyst and author of Egypts Arab Spring and the Winding Road to Democracy. * A version of this article appears in print in the 15 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Macrons European army Search Keywords: Short link: The Ghana Export-Import (GEXIM) Bank, governments principal export Finance institution in the country has unveiled its 3 year strategic aimed at revamping the private sector, by using an inclusive approach for the creation of 100,000 sustainable jobs and improvement of livelihoods, particularly women in the informal sector as well as strengthening high potential value-chains to advance horizontal and vertical export diversification and support local aggregation for improved food distribution in the country. The Banks strategy is aligned to the governments 10 point Agenda for Industrial Transformation and also focuses on developing specific sectors such as: Garment and Apparel Manufacturing, Raw Material Base Development for Avocado, Cashew, Oil Palm, Cassava among others. Ultimately, the Ghana EXIM Bank seeks to support the private sector with a view to improving the countrys economic fortunes and therefore, in choosing enterprises it would support, Ghana EXIM Bank considers three key benchmarks which are derived from development instead of commercial objectives. These are employment creation, value addition through production efficiency and foreign exchange revenue potential. Crucially however, the bank has in place a strict risk management framework together with efficient monitoring strategies to ensure minimal impairment levels. Its lending rate is the lowest in the industry at 8% per annum to support export and strategic importation. Each sector the Bank finances is selected based on the potential competitiveness in the West African Sub-region and indeed Africa as whole. The Bank is focused primarily on raw material base development because it identifies this strategy as the key to sustain agro-processing. From 2019-2021, the Exim bank plans to give credit support to 100 Small Medium Enterprises with less than or equal to GHC1million each to the SMEs with a demand driven out grower support investment portfolio per each scheme at US$1million. The bank has set investment priorities to reflect a healthy balance between financial return and impact, facilitate by investing with acceptable discount in impact-first and blended-return-focused business models within our focus area and attract private capital investment for impact focused projects. It gives out 60% capital, 20% technology and 20% market access to SMEs in the country. GEXIM was established by The Ghana Export-Import Bank Act 2016 (Act 911). The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) was launched to bolster the governments quest for a feasible and sustainable export-led economy. Ghana EXIM Bank as a development Bank offers seven (7) main products and services which are Traditional export finance typical of export credit agencies across the world and; Financing of export oriented units (export capacity building), which is non-traditional for export credit agencies. With its 3 year development plan, the bank is poised to promote foreign trade and investment opportunities and value creation for Ghanaian exporters over a long-term period, which includes; Agricultural Finance, Asset Finance, Working Capital Finance, Performance Guarantee, Retention Bond, Project Finance, Advance Payment Guarantee etc. For the agriculture finance, the bank would give credit support to, Crop and fish farming, Post harvest management, Processing, Branding and packaging Research and Development, Aggregation and Distribution (distribution networks, transport and logistics) and Export facilitation Local farm/processing equipment R&D, manufacturing, assembly and leasing industry. In the Creative sector, Exim Bank is ready to give credit support in areas such as Woodwork, Textiles, Ceramics, and Leatherwork and is expected to generate 1000 jobs. Within the agriculture crop sector, it is expected to create 40,000 jobs with a total production volume of 40,000 acres from 8 crops in all the regions, while the fish, livestock and the poultry sector is expected to generate 5000 each with the main beneficiaries been rural and urban women. That no withstanding, the Auto-Engineering & Metal Works, the crafts sector and the small equipment manufacture, credit and leasing are expected to create 15,000, 6000 and 1,200 jobs respectively. But these credit supports would not come quite easily, however, management and monitoring will be undertaken with the setup of a Technical Assistance Fund (TAF). Specifically the TAF will be used for Sourcing for private capital investment; Monitoring and evaluating by independent impact-focused consultants; Business Advisory; Skills development and training; and Investor matching for when impact-first project require growth capital. Exim bank has expressed its readiness to work through with associations like the Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters; Citrus Farmers Association; Ghana Roots Crops and Tubers Exporters Association; Cereal and Legumes Growers Association; Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association; Mango Growers Association; Poultry farmers Association; Livestock Farmers Association etc to make this happen. For the three year strategic plan, the Exim Banks agriculture commodity reference include Sweet Potato, Onion & Vegetables, Sorghum, Maize, Rice, Avocado, Mangoes, Watermelon Soya beans, Plantain, Yam, Peanut etc. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has hinted that the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) will soon apprehend the President of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah over the Menzgold saga. Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly called NAM 1, who founded the gold firm to trade in gold collectibles by awarding 10 percent of interest to the companys customers investing their golds in the firm. The Bank of Ghana and the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) have warned Ghanaians not to trade with Menzgold, revealing that it is unlicensed and the business is shady which needs urgent attention of the regulators. Recently, Nana Appiah Mensah in an interview with Zylofon FM, assured the customers that the company will protect and pay up their dividends. He also asked the regulators to correct them as they are ready to cooperate with SEC to put things right. Speaking in an exclusive interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FMs Kokrokoo Friday morning on the 2019 Budget statement, Ken Ofori-Atta did not sapre customers of Menzgold saying they were spurred on by greed, therefore ignored all signs which pointed out that the gold firm transactions were ridiculous. Our own greed led us to it. If you take a critical look at the international gold prices which go up by 1 or 2 percent a year and somebody says he will give you 10% and its also unlicensed; its difficult to understand. But its not only illiterate people who invested but the elite too, people from the Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance and the Police among others. Sometimes, you wonder how all these many Christians in the country would make such decisions to invest their money in this shoddy business, he stated. To him, the customers should have known better and with a little hesitation would have saved their monies. However, all hope is not yet lost as the Finance Minister disclosed that they will ensure Nana Appiah Mensah grabbed faces prosecution. The last time I checked, he had a certain plane and is off to Italy but we'll make sure we grab him. So, the National Security is working on it. 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 Kojo Nfum, aka Agya Koo, a fuel seller, told an Accra High Court on Wednesday that the late Major Maxwell Mahama pleaded for mercy when some residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region attacked him. The fourth prosecution witness said he saw blood oozing from the head of the late Mahama who later became motionless. The witness, who was led to give his evidence-in-chief by Evelyn Keelson, a Senior State Attorney, stated that a police van later conveyed the body of the late Major Mahama. The witness, who gave his testimony in Twi through an interpreter, said he went to sell his fuel at a nearby village and when he got to Nkwantanan upon his return, the residents told him there was a thief in Denkyira-Obuasi. He said he rode the motorbike to the village to assess the situation and on his way he saw two men chasing Major Mahama. The witness said they were carrying guns and firing at the late Major Mahama. When I met him (Maj. Mahama) he asked me to carry him on his motorbike but initially one Kwame Adjei, a witness in the case, had wanted to pick him on his motorbike but one Amankwah threatened to shoot him. The witness said the late Major Mahama jumped onto his motorbike and as they were going, they hit a bump and both of them fell off the motorbike. He said the deceased jumped onto a moving timber truck. He said it was at this juncture that Amankwah and one Akwasi Boah asked him to get down but he refused. They fired a shot but the bullet hit the windscreen of the truck. He said one Akwasi Boah went for the gun from Amankwah and when the late Major Mahama fell into a pit, one Akwasi Asante fired a bullet into the head and hand of late Major Mahama. I also saw Kofi Nyarko, aka Abortion, using stick and concrete block to hit him, he added. Mr. Nfum, who is a motor rider, said Bernard Asamoah, alias Daddy and another boy, also hit the head of Major with sticks and concrete blocks. During cross-examination, George Bernard Shaw, counsel for William Baah, Bernard Asamoah, Akwasi Boah, Bismarck Donkor, Akwasi Asante and Emmanuel Badu, put it to the witness that he fled the area to Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region. He said on the streets of Techiman, he was making phone call but unknowingly, a police detective was eavesdropping on him. The witness said he was subsequently arrested and transported to the Police Headquarters and kept at hotel for two months and two weeks. Asked whether he had decided to implicate others to enable him to gain his freedom, the witness answered in the negative. Defence Counsel suggested to the witness that he ran away from his hometown to escape arrest. But Mr Nfum said, My Lord everyone in the village was running for our dear lives. The court, presided over by Justice Mariama Owusu, adjourned to Monday, November, 19 for further cross-examination of the witness. Fourteen persons are standing trial at the Accra High Court for the murder of the late Major Mahama, an Officer of the 5th Infantry Battalion at the Burma Camp, who was on duty at Denkyira-Obuasi. On May 29 some residents, who allegedly mistook him for an armed robber, lynched him. The mob allegedly ignored his persistent pleas that he was an officer of the Ghana Army. 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 South Africans leading railway and ports company, Transnet International Holdings has put on hold its initial agreement to bring to Ghana thirty [30] South African railway engineers to work on the rehabilitation works on the country's eastern Line. Chief Engineering Manager of Transet, Livhu Netshilavulu said its company is much pleased with works done so far by the Ghanaian engineers from the Ghana Railways Company Limited on the Achimota-Nsawam rails. According to him, the Ghanaian engineers are at their senior level in terms of professionalism and will only need assistance from Transnet experts on how to execute the work. Five topnotch Ghanaian engineers from the Ghana Railways Company Limited [GRCL] who were trained in South Africa rail and Logistics Company will be supported by a local workforce of 700 and supervised Transnet engineers. The five member team includes Akorfa Addy- Area Civil Engineer, Noel Ofori Attah- Technical Engineer, Michael Oluwa Femi Duodu- Civil Engineer, Seidu Mohammed- Technical Engineer, and Jonathan Tsatsa Numo- Assistant Civil Engineer - the team will be led by Akorfa Addy [Area Civil Engineer]. The rehabilitation works are expected to be completed by December this year. Officials from Transnet led by Livhu Netshilavulu met officials of the Ministry of Railway Development, the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) and Adasa Keteke Company Limited, the local partners of Transnet to discuss Ghana' technical requirement. In an interview with Peacefmonline.com Livhu Netshilavulu noted that by next month, we can start running trains on the eastern line. Maintenance On maintenance, he said the partnership would provide extensive training for the GRCL staff to make them take over operations of the lines. "One of our commitments to this programme is to ensure that we do extensive training and skills development. As part of the partnership, we will make sure that we execute a number of programmes that are geared towards developing Ghanaian skills in different aspects of rail operations and maintenance, he said The local engineers will be trained so that when we leave, they will be able to operate the equipment and they will be able to do maintenance themselves. In three months time, we will be here [in Ghana] to access how things are going, he added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ambassador of Mexico to Ghana Her Excellency Mrs. Maria de Los Angeles Arriola Aguirre has indicated that her country is ready to enhance political and economic relations with Ghana. Ambassador Aguirre made this known when she paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on Friday, November 9, 2018.She indicated that so far only one Mexican company is investing in Ghana and revealed that more companies were ready to invest in the country in the areas of agriculture, oil and gas and the auto parts industry. She also indicated that both countries have a lot to learn from each other. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in her remarks congratulated the people of Mexico for a successful election. She recalled the good relations between Ghana and Mexico and called for further strengthening of the relations. She urged that both countries cooperate more economically and encouraged Mexico to support her companies which want to invest in Ghana. She added that investment in agriculture and agribusiness would help create jobs. Hon. Botchwey expressed her appreciation to Mexico for awarding scholarships to Ghanaian students. 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 Ambassador of Cuba to Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Pedro Luis Despaigne Gonzalez has assured of his country's continuous commitment to enhance bilateral relations with Ghana. Ambassador Despaigne Gonzalez made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on Friday, November 9, 2018. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in her remarks, recalled the long standing bilateral relations between Cuba and Ghana and called for further cooperation between the two countries. She also used the occasion to express her appreciation to Ambassador Gonzalez for facilitating her working visit to Cuba this year. Ambassador Pedro Luis Despaign Gonzalez for his part, said the bilateral relations between Ghana and Cuba which has been in existence for 60 years has been very fruitful. He indicated that about three thousand (3,000) Ghanaians have over the years studied in Cuba and some of the names had been complied in a book which he presented to the Minister. He assured that his country would continue to cooperate with Ghana in the health sector and added that some doctors in the Cuban Medical Brigade would soon arrive in Ghana to provide medical services in some parts of the country. He also assured of his countrys support for Ghanas industrialization agenda. 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 Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, is unhappy with the trend that seems to point the involvement of Christians in corrupt and negative acts. Speaking at the climax of the 60th anniversary of the Church of Christ Spiritual Movement in Cape Coast, the Chairman of the Peace Council said the development is unfortunate and urged Christians to change in order for the country to develop. 70 percent of the people in Ghana claim to be Christians but in spite of this fact, the police have a very hard time. 70% of the countrys problems are Christian problems because we pay lip service. Thats why we are where we are, he averred. He is worried about the crime rate and related corrupt activities in the country but is certain that once Christians change their ways, things will improve. Most Rev. Prof. Asante was, however, full of praise for the Church of Christ Spiritual Movement in the achievement of their 60th-anniversary milestone. The National Peace Council Chairman also admonished Christians to be wary of pastors who preach about themselves. Source: The Publisher 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 MUNICIPAL Chief Executive (MCE) of Asokwa, Akwannuasa Gyimah, is brimming with rage over indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area. He observed that those who operate tricycles, known as Aboboyaa in the local parlance, are fond of discharging waste at unapproved places in the municipality. The MCE said the unpleasant development poses health threats to the thousands of people in the area as the garbage can cause an outbreak of diseases. Akwannuasa Gyimah has consequently declared war on arbitrary dumping of waste in the Asokwa Municipality with immediate effect. He made the declaration recently during an interaction with tricycle operators in the Asokwa Municipality as part of his meetings with recognized groups in the area. He warned that anyone caught would be dragged to the Sanitation Court in the municipality to face the full rigours of the law. According to him, the dumping of refuse at unapproved places was rapidly becoming the order of the day in the newly created Asokwa Municipality. He said unscrupulous people are taking advantage of the Oti Landfill Site, the only dumping ground in Kumasi which is situated at the Asokwa Municipality to throw rubbish around. The MCE observed that some of the Aboboyaa riders, who collect peoples refuse for a fee, never get to the Oti Landfill Site to dump them. These Aboboyaa riders whilst on their way to the landfill site usually act as if their tricycle had developed a fault so they would park by the roadside. And when they realize that people are not watching them, they would just throw the garbage at unapproved places in the municipality and leave, he revealed. Mr. Gyimah disclosed that the environmental taskforce in the municipality had been tasked to intensify operations and arrest offenders to face the law. According to him, anybody that would be found throwing refuse at unapproved areas in the municipality would live to regret his or her actions for many years. He said aside from the health threats, the dumping of refuse at unapproved areas also has the tendency of making the municipality look dirty, which is not good. 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 A 41-year-old Ghanaian is languishing in a Moroccan prison; his brother, Yakubu Abubakar, who works with an Accra radio station, has told DAILY GUIDE. According to his brother, Ibrahim Abubakar is serving a four-year-old jail term after he was accused of having prohibited drugs in his luggage in Casablanca on his return trip to Accra from Brazil. Continuing, he said his brother was coming home to have a local treatment for some health challenges when some Ghanaian residents asked him to bring some parcels for delivery to their relations. Having checked the items and made sure there was nothing illicit in them, he agreed to carry the items. Upon arrival at Casablanca and going through the airports immigration checkpoint, he passed his hand luggage through the scanner as he awaited the main luggage. He was called from the information desk to report himself and when he turned up, he was told that cocaine was found in his luggage, he narrated. He asked to see the stuff they claimed was in his luggage but that was declined and he was rather beaten up, his brother narrated, adding that he was taken to court the next day but the case was not heard. He was told to just accept the charge upon the next court date but he insisted that it did not belong to him and when he sought to talk to somebody from the Ghanaian embassy, this was also declined, he disclosed. According to somebody who called to tell the family, his condition is very bad, he added. The family in Accra is appealing to the Foreign Affairs embassy to intervene in the matter to save the life of their brother. 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 convicted former UBS trader Kweku Adoboli was welcomed on arrival in Ghana by his family after he was deported from the United Kingdom on Wednesday. According to a tweet by #KeepKweku, the campaign to prevent his deportation, he was guarded by five United Kingdom Marshals and greeted by his family on his safe arrival at the Kotoko International Airport. However, the campaign has vowed not to give up the fight to prevent reverse his deportation. Adoboli was deported on a flight from Heathrow airport on Wednesday afternoon after a lengthy legal battle with the British government to stay in the country despite his fraud conviction. Adoboli was born in Ghana but left when he turned four and has lived in the UK since he was 12. The former trader at the Swiss bank UBS was sentenced to seven years in prison in fraud charges. His unauthorised trading cost the bank 1.3bn, with an even greater hit to its share values, but he insists he never personally benefited financially from his crime. Mr Adoboli was released in 2014 after serving half his sentence and has been fighting deportation ever since. Tweet below- Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Deported former UBS rogue trader Kweku Adoboli got a rousing welcome from his family when he arrived home on Ghanaian soil after spending 26 of his 38-year life in the UK. He was showered with white powder all over and served an array of Ghanaian food by his family here in Ghana. Adoboli was deported on a flight from Heathrow airport on Wednesday afternoon after a lengthy legal battle with the British government to stay in the country despite his fraud conviction. Adoboli was born in Ghana but left when he turned four and has lived in the UK since he was 12. The former trader at the Swiss bank UBS was sentenced to seven years in prison in fraud charges. His unauthorised trading cost the bank 1.3bn, with an even greater hit to its share values, but he insists he never personally benefited financially from his crime. Mr Adoboli was released in 2014 after serving half his sentence and has been fighting deportation ever since. Background Adoboli joined UBS's London office as a graduate trainee in September 2006. After working for two years as a trading analyst in the bank's back office, he was promoted to a Delta One trading desk. In 2008, he became a director on the ETF desk, and by 2010, he was promoted to director, with a total annual salary of almost 200,000. Beginning in 2008, Adoboli started using the bank's money for unauthorised trades. He entered false information into UBS's computers to hide the risky trades he was making. He exceeded the bank's per-employee daily trading limit of US$100 million and failed to hedge his trades against risk. He also used his personal funds on two spread betting accounts, IG Index and City Index, where he lost around 100,000. In mid-2011, UBS launched an internal investigation into Adoboli's trades. On September 14, 2011, Adoboli wrote an e-mail to his manager admitting to booking false trades. His trades cost the bank $2 billion (1.3 billion) and wiped off $4.5 billion (2.7 billion) from its share price. The trading losses he incurred while trading for his bank were the largest unauthorised trading losses in British history. Charges and conviction On September 15, 2011, Adoboli was arrested by City of London Police. He was charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position and four counts of false accounting. He was in prison on remand until 8 June 2012, when he was granted bail subject to being electronically tagged and placed under curfew at a friends house. On the morning of 20 November 2012, a jury at Southwark Crown Court unanimously found Adoboli guilty on one count of fraud. Later the same day, after receiving an instruction allowing for a majority decision with a single vote against, the jury found him guilty of a second count of fraud. The jury also found him not guilty on the four false accounting charges.[7][8] He was sentenced to seven years in prison. The City of London Police said: "This was the UK's biggest fraud, committed by one of the most sophisticated fraudsters the City of London Police has ever come across." Adoboli was incarcerated at Verne Prison in Dorset, Ford Prison in West Sussex and Maidstone Prison in Kent. He was released in June 2015. He arrived back in Ghana on Thursday, 15 November. Source: classfmonline.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 Assorted unauthorised body enhancement cosmetic creams and drugs being sold to the unsuspecting public have been seized in Kumasi by the Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA). One person has also been arrested for selling some of the products at the Kumasi Central Market. The products included drugs said to be used for the enlargement of the breasts, hips and buttocks as well as the penis. They have been labelled as breast lifting fast cream, soft curve booty hip cream, yodi cream and capsule, penis enlargement capsule, bazooka syrup and 3D hip up capsule. Others were lady killer, viamax, black king kong, virgin cream, charm sex and max man. These products, according to the Ashanti Regional Directorate of FDA, have not been approved for sale to the public in the country. Regional director of FDA, Nora Narkie Terlabie, at a news conference said preliminary investigations have revealed that the products are brought into Ghana from neighbouring countries including Nigeria. The labels of these products do not have any information as required by the Ghana Labelling Regulation(LI 1541), no country of origin, no list of active ingredients and no manufacturers address or contact details. It difficult to determine what chemicals are used to formulate these products. some of these chemicals may be harmful, she noted. Mrs. Terlabie warned the use of these products put a lot of pressure on ones internal organs such as the liver and kidney and urged the public to avoid their use. She said they have gathered information suggesting most users [of the products] are young people in our secondary and tertiary institutions. Meanwhile she said the FDA is working assiduously together with the Police to identity the importers and peddlers of these products to bring them to book. She advised the general public to buy medicines from approved identified outlets such as hospitals, pharmacies and Licensed chemical shops. The director cautioned importers, manufacturers, retail proprietors and consumers to desist from patronizing unregistered products, unlabelled products, as well as products that are expired, especially as Christmas approaches. 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 The National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku has declared his unflinching support for Joshua Akamba for the National Organizer position of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to Mr. Awuku, he is rooting for Mr. Akamba because he believes he will make his work easier in the 2020 general elections ensuring that the ruling NPP retains power. Akamba is the best bait for National Organiser position. I am rooting for Akamba,he stressed. Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", the NPP Organizer stated emphatically he is hopeful the NDC will lose the 2020 elections but he preferred Mr. Akamba to win the NDC National Organizer bid to make the path smooth for the NPP. "I dont wish NDC success but I wish them luck because no matter what, NPP is always creative whether in power or opposition", he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. Sammy Awuku urged the NDC delegates not to look elsewhere but vote massively for Joshua Akamba. 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 The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party has found it absurd, a decision by the minority members in Parliament, to describe the 2019 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Akufo-Addo-led government as Made-in-China. Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako explained that with a population of 1.3 billion, China, recently became the world's second-largest economy; contributing 39% to world growth in 2016, according to the IMF. For this reason, he noted that it wasnt wrong for a nation like Ghana to seek help from China. The NPP scribe better known as Chairman Wontumi in a sleek way noted that the joke is now on the minority NDC MPs after they used the wrong phrase to describe the budget statement which was presented by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta. The minority members in Parliament are a bunch of jokers. If a made-in-China budget has increased the enrollment of students in Senior High Schools and put our economy back on track, then it is a good thing, he said. NDCs made-in-Togo budget He went on to lash out at the NDC MPs noting that under former President Mahama, then Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, presented made-in-Togo budget statements; making the NPPs made-in-China budget superior to theirs. Chairman Wontumi indicated that even your made-in-Togo budget statements which killed businesses through dumsor and allowed corruption to become the norm of the day was given a nod by the incompetent former President Mahama and his economic team. He established that anytime former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, presented the made-in-Togo budget, it gave a clearer indication that the NDC had looted state money meant for development. Tells us the development any of your budget statement brought to Ghanaians. NDC members had looted state money under Mahama and that is what we remember you for. I dare the minority NDC MPs to tell us what their inferior made-in Togo budget statement did to bring development in Ghana, he charged. Ofori Attas praise Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako further explained that after listening to the budget statement read by Ken Ofori Atta, he has come to understand that the GDP rebasing exercise completed in September, 2018, makes Ghanas economy 24.5% larger. He added that the rebasing resulted in a number of changes in the following economic indicators: . Per capita GDP rose from GHS 7,110 to GHS 8,863 . The 2017 GDP growth rate of 8.5% was revised down to 8.1%, which is still the highest in recent years. He went on to state that the Bank of Ghana monetary policy rate currently at 17% is the largest 18 month reduction in the monetary policy rate since 2001. This he said, has upgraded Ghanas Sovereign Credit rating from B- to B by S&P. He ended by noting that under the NPPs made-in-China budget statement, the Zongo Development Fund, has given way for five Astro turfs (with spectator stands and dressing rooms) to be constructed at Madina, Kyebi and Walewale. In addition to that, the NPP scribe stated that five recreational parks, were completed for use at Bolgatanga, Salaga, Yeji, Tafo-Kumasi and Akim Oda. He therefore warned the NDC to put respect on the China brand and realize that they had grown to be a global powerhouse countries like 'Togo' look up to. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John Dramani Mahama has told supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region that he is a unifier in a bid to garner wide support from party members. He claimed Ghanaians needed a tried and tested leader like him to be able to entrust their votes with, and asserted that he was the best bet for the NDC to win back political power. Speaking to NDC supporters in Obuasi, Mr. Mahama stated categorically that he is a marketed candidate and would bring honour to the party in the next general elections if elected presidential candidate. He, therefore, appealed to the branch and constituency executives to give him the mandate as the partys presidential candidate in the upcoming primaries for a victory in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections. We need a unifier as a flagbearer who can get us power, a marketable candidate with tested and proven records. Ghanaians need a tried and tested leader and I am the one to be chosen among all those who have filed to contest the flagbearership, he emphasized. So far, 12 people have submitted their names to be candidates of the NDC presidential primary election, but former President Mahama believes the NDC will have a brighter chance to win with him as the leader of the party. Vote for Mahama because the signs are there that God will give us victory in the next general elections. There is fire in the new branch and constituency executives elected to work assiduously for the party to come back to power, and we will bring back comfort to Ghanaians, he stated. He accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for delaying the reconstruction of the Obuasi-Anwiankwanta road which he claimed to have given to contract before the NDC exited power on January 7, 2017. According to him, the road was awarded to Siemens Construction and mobilization was done in addition, but the NPP government suspended it for reasons best known to them. We constructed the Praso-Anwiankwanta road. We were about to start the Anwiankwanta when we exited power. We need this road and therefore it should be re-awarded if the government does not want our contractor, he submitted. 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 Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Special Development Initiatives, on Tuesday, responded to some queries raised by former President Mahama on the whereabouts of the One Village, One Dam initiative. The minister said her doors were open to assist the former president to the dam sites, saying I have told him if he wants to know where the dams are, he should contact me or call me and I will take him there. The construction of small dams and dugouts across communities in the northern part of Ghana is the main project under the One Village, One Dam initiative. A total of 570 dams are being constructed in the three northern regions to provide all-year availability of water for small-holder farmers to boost food security. The minister announced that the ministry would, next week, post the locations and other relevant information about the 2,623 poverty eradication and infrastructural projects on its website. Additionally, the projects would be linked to the Ghana Post digital address system for easy verification. Ms Hawa Koomson responded to former President Mahamas enquiries when she took her turn at the Meet-the-Press series in Accra. The minister said there are 1,151 projects ongoing in the northern belt comprising the three northern regions, 781 in the middle belt made up of the Brong Ahafo, Ashanti and Eastern regions and 691 in the southern belt, comprising the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta regions. Some of the projects include small dams and dugouts (one village-one dam), 1000-metric tonnes fabricated warehouses, water and sanitation for all, 10-seater water closet institutional toilets with mechanised boreholes, community-based mechanised solar-powered system and one ambulance per constituency. The media encounter afforded the sector minister the opportunity to inform the public about the ministrys activities and successes chalked up over the past 20 months. Besides, it enabled journalists and media practitioners to ask her questions of public interest for clarification. On the 275 ambulances promised by the government for each constituency, the minister said, the tender document for the procurement of the ambulances were ready, saying that it had already gone through the procurement processes. She said the government was just waiting for the suppliers who would win the contract and gave the assurance that the ambulances would arrive in Ghana by May or June next year. Regarding the whereabouts of the One Million Dollar per Constituency allocated to the ministry in the 2017 Budget, the minister said the money expired with the budget at the end of 2017 because the ministry was putting the necessary structures in place for a smooth take-off since it was newly established under President Akufo-Addos administration. She said, it couldnt utilise the funds for the intended purpose, hence the funds were returned to government chest. 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 NPP National Organizer, Sammy Awuku has blamed management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for the recent chaos in the school which resulted in the damage of private and public properties by some agitated students. According to Sammy Awuku, it is wrong for the University administration to impose rules that infringe upon the rights of the students. Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", Mr. Awuku stressed that University authorities cannot absolve themselves because they intensified the problems confronting the students as a result bad decision-making. "Government got involved in the KNUST saga...to restore peace and order. There is nowhere in todays world you will tell a University student to sleep at 10 pm and will obey without retaliatingprovided there is a group assignment and group work they have to do and here is the case the student has to sleep at 10 pm, its very frustratingHow do you treat students in modern day Ghana as if they are kindergarten students? It was also believed that the SRC has no access to the students' account be it faculty dues or department duesIt was centralized in the University account only. How do u run a modern day university like this?, he questioned. "It frowns on democracy. It frowns on human right. You cannot also micro-manage the University as if they are kindergarten students", he stressed. He urged the student body to be bold and express their grievances to the Committee set up to resolve the conflict. 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 Personal preferences and favouritism in the media and the music industry has as a result, mislead the medias focus on gospel musicians. Many gospel musicians from Ghana are really doing well internationally with their music but are yet to be recognised by the media due to lack of research. They are selling Ghana gospel music internationally and doing so well with their music. Bro Philemon, a Ghanaian gospel musician has been making major impacts both on the local and international scene. Through that he has won many credible honours and awards. If I were to ask you to list out your top 5 gospel artistes, I am very such he would be mentioned. He has been around for quite a long time now, blessing God with his talent. According to him, He really took time to promote himself and the Ghana gospel music abroad whiles he was also recording other songs which really lead to his silence from the scene for some time. But he has promised he is now back for good and will soon begin his regional music tour in Ghana, whiles his doors are open to any event bookings. Below is a music from Bro Philemon Sweetest Name and he featured Amy Newman Source: Sadick Assah/ EMAIL: [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 Officers with the Laredo (TX) Police Department responded to calls of a man wielding an ax in a threatening manner, arriving at the scene to find a man fitting that description. Police said that 60-year-old Eric John Hale refused to comply with officers' commands. A hostage negotiating team was then called in to help deescalate the situation, according to LMTonline.com. Following two unsuccessful attempts to end the threat by deploying TASERs, three officers were forced to fire their guns, striking the individual at least twice, LPD said. Hale was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. The Madison Village (OH) Police Department issued a somber statement on Facebook, saying that it is with "great sadness that we announce the death of Madison Village Patrol Officer Michael A. Huffman. Officer Huffman passed away from apparent natural causes during his patrol shift in the early morning hours of November 14, 2018." The department said, "Officer Huffman joined the Madison Village Police Department in 1999 and proudly served his community for over 19 years. He was a dedicated officer and will be greatly missed by the men and women of the department. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family during this difficult time." Huffman was 52 years old. The Dearborn Public School district is continuing to grow. With that growth, administrators are looking for alternative ways to help students learn and excel in their classes. This school year, the district is piloting a new grading method called standards-based grading at Dearborn, Edsel Ford and Fordson high schools. Daniel Patterson, director of assessment, research, and evaluation, talked about the grading system during a presentation at the Nov. 12 school board meeting. He said about 20 percent of the districts high school teachers are using the new method. Teachers, administrators and counselors, along with Patterson, are meeting regularly to evaluate how well the grading system works with teachers and students. If the trial year is successful, it would take at least two more years until standards-based grading is fully implemented in all the schools. Its a very complicated topic, Patterson said. Grading has looked traditionally the same way for several decades in public schools, so looking at an alternate way of doing it is something that definitely takes a little bit of time. And its a philosophical kind of deep process as well because it gets to the root of what are the purposes of assigning grades. While traditional grading uses an A to E scale, the SBG scale consists of numbers one through four, with four being the highest score a student can achieve. The grade is accompanied by a rubric, which specifically outlines the concepts learned in the course and how well the student was able to master the material. SBG classrooms have students begin the school year at the lowest grade, one, instead of starting with an A like in a traditional classroom. They can then work their way up to a higher score by completing assignments that grow more complex as students better comprehend the coursework. In addition, Patterson said, the grading system will allow students to have multiple chances to receive a high score, as they will be able to redo assignments until they become proficient enough in the subject to move to the next level. This aspect also will make it easier for students to become successful if they received low marks in the beginning of the year. Trustee Fadwa Hammoud had concerns regarding students being graded differently for subjects where teachers are using SBG and for those who are not. You could take Teacher A for example, who doesnt use standard-based grading and take the same class with Teacher B and youre being graded differently, she said. Much of the grading is subjective as to the teacher and how that teacher views proficiency. And sometimes that does worry me because different factors play into what I view as subjective as opposed to what somebody else views as subjective. Patterson said there should be some level of consistency, as a team of teachers in the same subject or the same grade level are using SBG. He hopes to eventually raise consistency levels throughout the high schools, and ultimately the district. Board Vice President Mary Petlichkoff also had questions about the grading system, asking Patterson if teachers had to change the type of coursework and tests they usually assign in order to utilize SBG. The assessments are essentially the same material, but often they need to be reworked slightly to fit into this type of grading policy, he said. For example, if you gave an end of the unit quiz that might have typically had 20 questions and you graded it on how many percent correct students got, you could use that same assessment, but you would really need to look at the level of each item on that test and say that if there were perhaps five really simple questions, that might be more aligned to a students minimal understanding of the standard. There could have been more intermediate questions and then there could have been a group of more rigorous questions that would really show their thorough understanding and application. In other news Another item discussed at the board meeting was STEM Middle School receiving the 2018 National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. The school was recognized, as Principal Winifred Green, Assistant Principal Oussama Beydoun, Lead Teacher Jennifer Fryzel and Dearborn school Supt. Glenn Maleyko recently returned from attending the National Blue Ribbon Schools Recognition Ceremony in Washington D.C. Receiving the award last month, STEM Middle School was selected out of 349 schools nationwide and is one of 13 schools to win the National Blue Ribbon in Michigan this year. This also is the second time Dearborn Public Schools has been recognized, with Becker Elementary School receiving the award last year. In the short time that the STEM Middle School has been in existence, it was evident it would be a quick study in being a high-performing school, Green said. With that being said, we are extremely proud of our students, parents and our entire Dearborn learning community. We as a staff are truly appreciative of the support of the school board that allows us to provide this unique, challenging and rigorous learning experience to the students and families we serve. The National Blue Ribbon Program recognizes high-performing schools based on graduation rates and top scores in math and English on state assessment exams. According to the Detroit Free Press, STEM Middle School was ranked 12th in the state in 2017. For this years M-Step reading assessment, more than 95 percent of students passed the test, with 63 percent of them placed as advanced readers, Fryzel said. The 2018 PSAT results also demonstrated that students are already prepared to take the SAT in high school, meeting the benchmarks for language arts and math by 100 and 98 percent respectively. Opening its doors in 2014, STEM Middle School houses the highest performing sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the district. Located on the Dearborn Heights campus, the small school has 160 students and 10 staff members. Other items on the agenda included: *Maleyko was awarded the 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of School Administrators. The organization stated Maleyko was chosen based on his passion for improving student success, increasing graduation rates, and growing the districts social media presence. *Executive Director of Student Achievement Fatme Faraj announced Dearborn Schools received a five-year accreditation from AdvancED, a nonprofit that accredits primary and secondary schools worldwide. *After the vendor that supplies Dearborn Schools with substitute teachers, Professional Educational Services Group, abruptly shut its doors last month, Maleyko announced the district will be distributing the outstanding three weeks pay to over 120 former employees beginning Nov. 16. MUMBAI, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer Centricity World, an annual event organised by Hansa Cequity will be held on 23rd November, 2018 at St. Regis, Mumbai Customer Centricity World 2018 aims to bring together business leaders, academics, marketing practitioners, data scientists and Martech specialists to discuss how customer-centricity matters in all aspects of an organisation and the growing need for businesses to follow a customer-centric approach to create positive customer experiences. An annual event organised by Hansa Cequity, Customer Centricity World strives to spur more conversations on evolving consumer dynamics, demands and expectations and the need for organisations to build a more customer-centric culture. The exponential growth of technology is influencing consumer behaviour and changing the way they engage with companies. In addition, vast amount of data, technology platforms and social media are providing unprecedented access to information, giving rise to more informed and demanding customers. Today, for brands to influence acquisition, support retention and improve engagement with existing customers, it is vital to recognise the value of enhancing customer relationships - from every customer touch point and over customers' life time. Customer Centricity World 2018, which will bring together distinguished industry experts, promises to open more dialogues on the rise of the power of connected marketing and how organisations can harness and leverage data, analytics, technology, Martech tools and digital platforms to become more customer-focused. At Customer Centricity World 2018, industry leaders will share their views on the core principles for redefining customer relationships and applying data analytics to enhance loyalty. Speaking about the summit, S Swaminathan, CEO, Hansa Cequity stated, "Today, brands will have to keep pace with changing market and consumer dynamics to meet customer expectations. By utilising data and technology, organisations can gain better customer insights, generate customer engagement across their life cycle and most importantly start to build a culture that puts the customer at the centre and align business processes to develop a culture of innovation. At CCW 2018, renowned thought leaders and proven business experts will lead sessions on driving improved customer value, loyalty, advocacy and successfully executing customer-centric strategies to deepen customer experiences." The roster for CCW 2018 includes guest keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions and themed networking. Attendees will learn from experienced practitioners and strategists on the need to continually evolve data driven strategies to meet changing needs and expectations, improve usage of technology and to navigate the challenges in redesigning business functions to create value in a customer-centric way. Register Here to attend Customer Centricity World 2018. About Hansa Cequity A leading data driven marketing company in India, Hansa Cequity helps businesses leverage customer strategy, data, technology, analytics, marketing automation, digital to deliver adaptive and more personalised customer experiences. Offering solutions that personalises marketing efforts and drives greater operational flexibility, Hansa Cequity helps small, mid-sized to large enterprises explore a suite of marketing and analytics tools to gain deeper insights, create meaningful omnichannel experiences, understand and engage one customer at a time, at scale. Media Contact: Neeraj Pratap Singh [email protected] +91-9840261183 Senior Vice President Hansa Cequity SOURCE Hansa Cequity Crypto Market Panic: Bitcoin Crashes Below $6000 It seems like the time fo relative stability is now over for the global market of crypto currencies. Today's market behavior is making international investor really worried about their crypto investments. In particular, Bitcoin has recently been suffering from considerable market moves, which started earlier yesterday. The day before, Bitcoin used to cost over $6300. Now it is trading around $5600, which is a considerable decline over the past 24 hours. It used to be even lower - at $5350. At this point, it's still unclear why the world's first and biggest digital currency made such a big move down to set new local lows. For now, some representatives of the international expert community assume that this market crash may well have to do with the fact that Binance (a major crypto exchange) is facing major technical problems again. Others say that the CBOE's recent news release may well have affected the BTC exchange rate. So, the downtrend is now confirmed. The bulls used to defend the $6000 threshold for a couple of weeks. THis is why a break below this psychological price level resulted in an even stronger sellout. As for Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), the damage happens to be even more considerable. They've lost over 13% of their value over the last couple of days. From the technical standpoint, the bigger picture indicates that another major level of support may well be $3500, which once used to be the level for consolidating. Some experts start saying that this is the ned of cryptocurrencies. They assume that international traders and investors have been really disappointed with the true prospects of those assets and have been reducing their exposer to them, which has been triggering further sellouts, followed by a steadly downtrend in the market of crypto currencies. This is happening amid crypto futures getting increasingly popular worldwide. CBOE Global Markets offers BTC futures. Not so long ago, some of those futures expired, thereby adding some fuel to the fire. In the meantime, there is another major reason why the SEC has been pressing the market. Moreover, they say that the SEC's potential actions against cryptocurrencies may have affected the situation and triggered the downtrend. If that's really the case, the market is yet to see a further move down to new major lows, FxPro experts report. FxPro is a major Forex broker headquartered in the UK. Apart from trading currencies, you can trade CFDs, stocks, futures and some other financial assets as an FxPro client. By the way, FxPro is recommended by Masterforex-V Academy as one of the most trusted FX brokers out there. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Rantoul, IL (61866) Today Mainly sunny. High 43F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 33F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Suspended sentence upheld for former vice-president of Royal Bank of Scotland RIA Novosti, Sergey Kuznetsov 11:34 16/11/2018 MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) The Moscow Regional Court has upheld a 4-year suspended sentence given to the former vice-president and ex-chief of security of the Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) Russian subsidiary Vsevolod Glukhovtsev for attempted fraud, lawyer Sergey Kardashev has told RAPSI. According to the attorney, prosecutors and he are dissatisfied with the ruling. Kardashev is going to appeal it. Earlier, prosecutors sought 6 years in prison for ex-banker. Initially Kardashev was a lawyer of victims in another case against Glukhovtsev resulted in a 5-year prison term for the defendant in 2015. The former bank official was found guilty in defrauding investors of more than 300 million rubles (about $4.5 million). In this case Kardashev has been recognized as an aggrieved party. According to investigators, the former RBS top manager has acted upon a corporate raiding scheme involving the Federal Bailiff Service officers, who had enforced non-existent debts fabricated by Glukhovtsev from victims. Sentence of ex-regional CEO of Defense Ministrys contractor takes effect RIA Novosti, Anton Denisov 16:35 16/11/2018 ST. PETERSBURG, November 16 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov) The sentence of ex-CEO of Slavyanka utility companys office in Russias Kronstadt Stanislav Kolomiyets had taken effect, the press-service of the St. Petersburg City Court told RAPSI on Friday. This May, Kolomiyets was given 4.5 years in a penal colony for embezzling 11 million rubles ($176,200) and fined 500,000 rubles ($8,000). The other defendant in the case, businessman Damir Askarov, received 5.5 years and was fined 500,000 rubles as well. The court also granted a civil lawsuit and ruled to recover 9.3 million rubles ($149,000) in favor of Slavyanka, which is related to Russias Defense Ministry. According to investigators, in 2012, the defendants signed papers on completion of repair contract concerning the Defense Ministrys houses in Kronstadt. Investigators claim that documents contained false data that led Slavyanka to transfer 11 million rubles ($176,200) to bank accounts of St. Petersburg Boring Company and Nevsky Holding firm, both owned by Askarov. Later, the assets were cashed out and embezzled. During the preliminary investigation, Askarov voluntarily compensated 1.8 million rubles ($28,800) of damage. In 2016, Moscows Tverskoy District Court found Alexander Yelkin, ex-CEO of Slavyanka, guilty of embezzling funds allocated for renovation of the Defense Ministrys facilities. The court also determined guilt of two other defendants in the case, Konstantin Lapshin and Yulia Rotanova. Embezzlement in the company came to light in relation to the 2012 investigation into Oboronservis, which revealed fraudulent activities carried out in the course of deals involving real estate, land and shares in Oboronservis. Totally, five criminal cases over damages exceeding 3 billion rubles ($48 million) were initiated as concerned this Defense Ministry company. No key figures of these cases have pleaded guilty. Al Jazeera, October 11, 2018 Afghan civilians continue to be killed in record numbers by anti-government armed groups this year, the United Nations said, noting that the deaths have been the highest since 2014. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that from January to September 2018, an estimated 2,798 civilians have been killed and 5,252 others injured in attacks across the country. An Afghan man carries a wounded girl at the side of a suicide attack that killed civilians and a policeman in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, March 16, 2015. (Photo: AP) An Afghan man carries a wounded girl at the side of a suicide attack that killed civilians and a policeman in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, March 16, 2015. (Photo: AP) The casualties were blamed on suicide bombings and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by "anti-government elements". The report released on Wednesday said the use of IEDs increased in frequency and in lethality, causing record high civilian casualty levels in the first three quarters of 2018. Ground engagements, targeted killings, aerial operations and unexploded mines were also blamed for the deaths. Of "grave concern", the report noted, that anti-government elements increasingly directed attacks against civilians from ethnic and religious minorities. Afghan security forces have struggled to battle the Taliban and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) since the US and NATO formally concluded their combat mission in the country in 2014 and shifted their focus to a "support and counterterrorism" role. Among the latest attacks in Afghanistan were the suicide bombing in eastern Nangarhar province, that left at least 68 people dead, and a suicide explosion in Kabul in August, targeting a Shia neighbourhood, that killed 34 students. Election-related violence targeting voter registration centres also killed 126 civilians and caused 240 injuries, the report found. "As there can be no military solution to the fighting in Afghanistan, the United Nations renews its call for an immediate and peaceful settlement to the conflict to end the suffering of the Afghan people," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, head of the UN agency, said. "All parties can and should do their utmost to protect civilians from harm, including by making concrete progress toward peace." Long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections are scheduled for October 20 this year. 'Deliberate targeting' The latest UN findings said Nangarhar, Kabul, Helmand, Ghazni and Faryab were the provinces most impacted by the conflict. For the first time, Nangarhar surpassed Kabul as the province with the most civilian casualties in the first nine months of 2018, more than double the number recorded during the same period in 2017. "Every civilian death leaves a family devastated, grieving and struggling to come to terms with the loss, and each civilian injured or maimed causes untold suffering," Danielle Bell, head of UNAMA's human rights official, said. "The worrying rise in civilian casualties in Nangarhar reflects an unacceptable trend that is indicative of how Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of this ongoing conflict." The UN called on anti-government groups to cease immediately the "deliberate targeting" of civilians, particularly with the use of illegal and indiscriminate IEDs. All parties to the conflict must also protect civilians from harm, and adhere to their international humanitarian law obligations. The Daily Caller, October 30, 2018 By Will Racke About half of all Afghans live in a district outside the full control of the government in Kabul, according to an analysis of Afghanistans population data, yet another metric pointing to the inability of U.S.-backed Afghan security forces to roll back the Taliban insurgency. The assessment comes in a report published Monday by the Long War Journal, a news and analysis website associated with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Using the U.S. militarys Afghan population figures, authors Bill Roggio and Alexandra Gutowski determined that 41 percent of Afghans reside in a district contested by the Taliban, while about 9 percent live in Taliban-controlled district. In an image released by a Taliban spokesman on Twitter, militants display their flag at the center of Kunduz, Afghanistan, when they briefly captured the city in the fall of 2015. In an image released by a Taliban spokesman on Twitter, militants display their flag at the center of Kunduz, Afghanistan, when they briefly captured the city in the fall of 2015. The Long War Journal analysis describes Afghan provincial districts in one of three ways: government-controlled, contested and Taliban-controlled. According to this classification scheme, 13.4 million Afghans are living in contested areas where they have varying levels of contact with Taliban insurgents. Another 3 million live where the Taliban exercises control over local governance. The Pentagon uses more categories to describe the status of Afghan districts, which leads to a slightly different picture of how much of the Afghan population is under threat from the Taliban insurgency. Notably, the military distinguishes between contested districts and areas under government influence. That distinction allows it to assert that just 24 percent of the population lives in a contested district, well below the Long War Journals assessment. By either definition, the latest population data points to a lack of progress in reaching the U.S.-led coalitions goal of bringing most of Afghanistans population under government control. Then-commander of Operation Resolute Support Gen. John Nicholson said in November 2017 that over the next two years the Afghan Security Forces will expand their control of the population to 80 percent. Since then, Afghan security forces have in fact lost ground to the Taliban in terms of the number of Afghans living under each sides control, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Since SIGAR began receiving population-control data in August 2016, the overall trend has been a decrease in the percentage of the Afghan population living in areas under government control or influence (by about four percentage points), fluctuation in the population living in contested areas (from roughly 23 percent to 29 percent), and an increase in percentage living in areas under insurgent control or influence (by about three points), the agency wrote in its latest quarterly report in July. The growing number of Afghans living in contested or Taliban-controlled districts comes amid a particularly bloody year for Afghan security forces and civilians alike. Taliban fighters completely destroyed several Afghan army units and nearly managed to wrest control of a key provincial capital away from the government during the summer fighting season. By mid year, about 1,700 civilians had been killed in the fighting, putting 2018 on pace for the deadliest year for noncombatants in Afghanistan since 2009. The Taliban has benefited from the coalitions strategy of ceding rural territory to insurgents while consolidating forces in more densely populated areas, according to Roggio and Gutowski. Even if the Afghan government could secure more of the population, territorial control remains a key source of the Talibans resilience, they wrote, adding that the Taliban uses rural areas to recruit fighters, operate training camps, tax the residents, spread its radical ideology, and launch attacks on more populous areas under government control. The New York Times, November 6, 2018 By Fahim Abed and Rod Nordland KABUL, Afghanistan Dozens of soldiers and police officers were killed or captured in nine Taliban attacks that overran security bases and outposts in different parts of Afghanistan during a 24-hour period that ended on Tuesday, officials said. In perhaps the most severe blow, insurgents captured battalion headquarters of the Afghan Border Force in Farah Province, in western Afghanistan, killing or taking prisoner nearly the entire contingent of officers, with as many as 20 dead. In Kandahar Province, in the south, three separate attacks killed a total of 17 police officers. And in Ghazni, a central province, a joint military and police outpost fell only two days after it had been set up, with all 16 security officials there killed or wounded. The attack on the headquarters in Farah, close to the Iranian border, destroyed the first battalions base in the district of Poshti Koh. Sgt. Gholam Mohammad, the senior noncommissioned officer, said from a clinic where he had been taken with a minor head wound that, in addition to the 20 border force officers killed, 25 had been taken captive by the Taliban. Three others escaped. The Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for the capture of the headquarters in posts on Twitter that purported to show weapons seized at the base. In all, 59 police officers or soldiers were confirmed killed in the nine attacks on Monday and Tuesday, which took place in seven provinces. By comparison, in the week that ended on Thursday, 18 Afghan security officials were killed, according to a tally by The New York Times. The Afghan Border Force falls under the control of the Ministry of Defense, although it was part of the police until last year. Sergeant Mohammad was in charge of logistics at the Farah base. The Taliban first captured our radio officer and our contact with other units was cut off, he said by telephone. Then they intensified their attack. The assault started at 11 p.m. Monday and continued into the early hours Tuesday, he added, by which time the defenders ran out of ammunition and the insurgents took control of the base. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Ghafoor Ahmad Jawed, said that reinforcements were being sent to try to recapture the base, and that the authorities were unsure of the number of casualties. Other Afghan officials gave divergent tallies. Abdul Hakim, the district governor of Poshti Koh, said 18 officers had been killed and 23 others taken prisoner. There were 48 officers in the battalion. In another attack on Monday, the Taliban targeted a security outpost in the district of Khogyani, in Ghazni Province, killing at least 13 members of the Afghan security forces and wounding three others, according to Mohammad Arif Noori, the governors spokesman. Six police officers and seven soldiers were among those killed, he said. It was a joint outpost of army and police which was built two days ago. Six Taliban fighters were also killed in the assault, and 10 others were wounded, he added. Farah Province has been the scene of heavy fighting this year, with insurgents briefly overrunning its capital in May. Ghazni, too, has seen heavy fighting, with its capital nearly captured by the Taliban in August. In Kandahar Province, 12 police officers were killed in a Taliban attack before dawn Monday on a police outpost in the district of Khakrez, according to Malim Mir Hamza, the district governor. Insurgents captured the outpost and seized all of the weapons and equipment there, he said. In two other attacks in Kandahar on Monday, a total of five police officers were killed and seven others wounded when insurgents attacked security outposts in the districts of Maruf and Arghistan, according to Zia Durrani, the spokesman for the Afghan police in the province. Kandahar, once a stronghold of the Taliban and the organizations base, has been relatively quiet over the past year. But the insurgents killed the provinces powerful police chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, in an insider attack last month. In four smaller assaults on Monday, a total of at least nine members of the security forces were killed in the provinces of Zabul, in the south; Faryab and Sar-i-Pul in the north; and Badghis, in the northwest, local officials said. Reuters, November 7, 2018 KABUL: Every two months, Mohammaddin visits a tax collector in Chardara district, in northern Afghanistan, and is given receipts to show he has paid his tax and utility bills. The service is professional, he says, though the paperwork he receives does not bear the name of state-owned power company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, which provides the electricity, but instead carries the printed logo of the Taliban. Given the strictness of Taliban regarding implementation of their rules and regulations, I think they raise more from tax collection than the Afghan government, said Mohammaddin, a resident of the district outside Kunduz city, which is largely under Taliban control despite repeated operations by government forces to try to push the insurgents back. They have proper tax collection and people cannot disobey them in areas they control. How much of Afghanistan is under effective Taliban control is disputed, but there is little doubt it has been growing and the insurgents are increasing their presence in the everyday lives of millions of ordinary Afghans such as Mohammaddin. According to data from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission published last week, the government of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has control or influence over 65 per cent of the population but only 55.5 per cent of Afghanistans 407 districts, less than at any time since the Taliban was driven from power in 2001. The Taliban says it controls 70 per cent of the country. As the insurgents have won ground, levies on land and day-to-day economic activities have added to funds raised from illegal mining and the drug trade, allowing the Taliban to bolster its credentials as a government-in-waiting. The Taliban have the power to just easily extort however much they want but thats not quite what they do. They try to look and behave like a state, said Ashley Jackson, author of Life Under the Taliban Shadow Government, a study published this year by the British-based Overseas Development Institute. The Taliban has tended to take over two traditional Islamic levies: zakat, an obligation on Muslims to donate 2.5 per cent of their income to the poor; and ushur, a 10 per cent tax on harvests or produce taken to market. In addition, electricity and mobile phone bills, which the insurgents collect in return for leaving power pylons and phone masts alone, and small levies on businesses selling daily necessities such as bakeries or flour mills, weave Taliban authority firmly into everyday life. Wahid Tawhidi, a spokesperson for Breshna Sherkat said the group estimated it lost around 5 million afghani a year from payments diverted to the Taliban, particularly in the provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Helmand and Kandahar. But it considered itself a national power provider that had a duty to ensure equal service to all parts of the country, he said. Ahmad, 37, who lives in the Taliban-controlled district of Dasht-e Archi, outside Kunduz, but owns a grocery shop in the city, which is under government control, says he pays 5 afghani per box of items in his shop, a total of around 600-700 afghani a month. I dont know what they call it, but I pay, he said. Alongside courts, which even many people in government-controlled areas consider more reliable and fair than the official justice system, taxation is at the heart of Taliban efforts to build a state-in-waiting. The Taliban have a proper system of government, said Islamuddin, a truck driver from Nawzad district in Helmand, the volatile southern province on the other side of the country from Kunduz, who was stopping in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah. Just as the government collects taxes here in Lashkar Gah, the Taliban do it in areas they control in Nawzad. In exchange, the insurgents seek to portray themselves as effective guarantors of justice and security in areas where Islamic State, also known as Daesh, or loosely pro-government militias can ravage unprotected villages. We have mobile custom teams that normally get assigned in specific locations on large highways close to the borders to collect the tax, especially from large trucks importing or exporting goods, said Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. In most areas, based on agreement with the traders, we provide them security and they pay us 2 per cent of the value of their goods. In the eastern province of Nangarhar, where Islamic State militants have struck repeatedly against schools, teachers have been forced to arm themselves and in many cases have turned to the Taliban for help. When the government failed to protect schools after a number of attacks by Daesh, the elders had to ask the Taliban to help protect schools, said Hasibullah Shinwari, director of education in Nangarhar, who regularly carries a weapon to work. For many in the growing number of Taliban-controlled areas of Afghanistan, where 40 years of war have eroded the states ability to provide basic services, the twin approach of taxes and protection has resulted in an increasing acceptance of Taliban government as a normal state of affairs. For people living in Taliban-controlled areas, its normal to pay taxes to the Taliban, because the Taliban are trying to properly govern the areas under their control, said Abdul, a 42-year-old from Aqtash district in Kunduz, who like others did not want his full name to be quoted for fear of reprisals. TOLOnews.com, November 9, 2018 The US-led war on terrorism has killed about 507,000 people in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan post 9/11 attacks and is showing a 22 percent increase in deaths in the past two years, a study by a US institute says. The study by Brown University, titled Costs of War, released on Thursday, shows that the death toll includes civilians as well as US and allied troops in the war zones, local military and police forces, as well as militants, who have died from war violence. The report says 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. The report says 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 says that war-related violence had killed 65,000 people in Pakistan, including 90 American contractors, almost 9,000 local security personnel and more than 23,000 civilians. The rest of the casualties were anti-government fighters, the report said. According to the report, the rest of the deaths, between 268,000 and 295,000, occurred in Iraq, where the US-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. The report shows that the US wars have displaced millions of people in the three countries with the highest number in Afghanistan. The report indicates that 2.61 million people were displaced during the war in Afghanistan. It says that about half of the 2.6 million refugees from the war in Afghanistan are found in Pakistan (1.3 million people). More than 900,000 Afghans are living in Iran. Most refugees from the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria have been hosted in Turkey nearly 3.5 million people. Iran is also hosting nearly a million Syrians and Iraqis. In Europe, some countries, most notably Turkey, have accepted many refugees; others, for instance Italy, have criminalized refugees and those who assist them. Even when the wars end and the refugees and internally displaced persons return to their homes, there will be a lasting legacy, the report says. This update just scratches the surface of the human consequences of 17 years of war, the report said in its conclusion. TOLOnews.com, November 14, 2018 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that the situation in Jaghori and Malistan in Ghazni province is chaotic and that thousands of families are fleeing the area due to ongoing clashes. In a news brief on the situation in the two provinces, OCHA said that heavy fighting broke out between the Taliban, supported by some local Pashtun communities, against pro-government Hazara militias in Khas Uruzgan district in Uruzgan province in early November. (Photo: TOLOnews.com) (Photo: TOLOnews.com) OCHA said the tension was initially centered on the villages of Hussaini, Karez and Kondala, but that then the fighting spread to the districts of Jaghori and Malistan in neighboring Ghazni province. Clashes have escalated since Saturday, November 10, after reinforcement troops and air support were sent in. OCHA reports that the affected districts are chaotic and that families have been moving repeatedly in search of safety. The organization reports that displaced people are fleeing to Bamiyan and Maidan Wardak provinces and to Kabul. According to their report, civilian casualty numbers cannot yet be determined accurately but local sources have told them at least 15 civilians were killed in Malistan alone on Sunday, November 11. OCHA said: The total number of civilian casualties is likely to be higher. The organization also said reports have been received of violations of the International Humanitarian Law, with private houses burnt and civilian vehicles stolen or confiscated. They said roads connecting Jaghori and Malistan to Ghazni city have reportedly been blocked, which is preventing safe passage for civilians attempting to leave the area, and leaving people in siege-like conditions with no access to health facilities and limited availability to food, fuel, and medicine. Families abandoning their homes are exposed to harsh winter conditions and in need of shelter and warmth, they said. In Ghazni City, Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority and the department of refugees and returnees registered 1,000 internally displaced families on 11 and 12 November. The IDPs are living in schools, mosques and homes of local families, OCHA reported. In Bamiyan Center, officials report that 400 displaced families have arrived but that there are reportedly up to 4,000 families headed towards Ghazni City and Kabul. OCHA states however that no humanitarian response has been carried out in Jaghori and Malistan as partner organizations have not been able to access the affected population due to the fighting. They also stated that in Ghazni city, provincial disaster management officials met on Monday and together with NGOs are now leading efforts to assess the situation and identify the needs of the displaced people. In Bamiyan, organizations have already started to provide non-food items, including warm clothing, to displaced families. Task Team Established To Probe Uruzgan Situation On November 4, the Presidential Palace (ARG) said a team had been appointed to visit and review the Uruzgan problem a week after clashes broke out in Khas Uruzgan. Since then however, conflicting reports have continued to emerge about who is involved in the fighting. At the time local media published documents in which the Presidential Palace stated the clashes were being carried out between ethnic groups. But at the same time, the interior ministry said Uruzgan clashes were Taliban related and had been brought under control. The ministrys deputy spokesman, Nusrat Rahimi, was quoted at the time as saying: Police forces carried out operations in Malistan district (in Ghazni) and killed eight Taliban. The war in Khas Uruzgan district has been stopped. But then already MPs from Uruzgan said the clashes were not ethnic related. Taliban somehow have control over Khas Uruzgan and some other districts and for a few years they have been trying to create chaos in those areas, Ali Alizada, an MP said. A Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) member Amanullah Azimi meanwhile warned at the time of a possible ethnic-related problem arising. I am afraid that a problem may be on the rise there between the Hazara and Pashtuns, Azimi said. Prior to this Second Vice President Sarwar Danish had criticized security departments for not doing anything about the clashes in Khas Uruzgan district. Danish in turn asked the people to stand up against the insurgents and defend their lives and areas. This past weekend, things took a turn for the worse as heavy clashes broke out in Malistan and Jaghori. The ongoing situation also led to Mondays mass demonstration in Kabul city which saw hundreds of residents march to the Presidential Palace in protest against the crisis. Protesters only called off their demonstration once Ghani gave assurances that troops and air support would be sent in to tackle the problem. High ranking security officials, including the Army Chief of Staff Sharif Yaftali also deployed to the area to help launch an operation to resolve the issue. Meanwhile the ministries of defense and interior said on Wednesday that the threat level continues to remain very high in these areas but rejected claims that the conflict could be ethnic related. Jackson, MS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/16/2018 --"Characters in children's books are almost always white, and it's a big problem." Washington Post, 2014. The problem is not new. In 1965 Nancy Larrick's article in the Saturday Review, "The All-White World of Children's Books" documented that just 0.8 percent of the children's books told contemporary stories about African-Americans. Things aren't much better today. When the Matt Maxx team asked minority children who their favorite black book characters were, they didn't have an answer. Why is this a problem? When children can relate to the characters, they are motivated to read. This is not a hard problem to address with a solution-minded team of educators, authors, illustrators, and parents. Matt Maxx is a team of educators, kids, writers, parents, and illustrators developing the Big Monty chapter book series. Alison Buehler was a published author, but she knew this was not her story to tell. "I couldn't put black characters in my books and give them authentic voices and experiences." It wasn't until she reconnected with a college friend, Lenora Winn, that a solution emerged. Lenora is a fantastic storyteller. The two women combined their skills to create the series and then added illustrator Chris Miller to bring the stories to life. Then, the entire community took on the project to make it a reality through a Kickstarter campaign which has already raised $19,000 called, "Where are the Books that Look Like Me?" Big Monty and the Lunatic Lunch Lady, the first story in the chapter book series, is a book that children ages 7-11 love, according to field tests in public school settings. The team is distributing 1000 copies of Big Monty to schools, libraries, and Boys & Girls Clubs all over Mississippi. This project wants to give all children heroes and role models that inspire them to read. These laugh-out-loud adventures feature fifth-grader Merlin Montgomery, a sensitive kid who navigates between his love of the great astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and his desire to be accepted by A'lo Jenkins, the school champion of yo' mama jokes. Merlin hates his name and tries unsuccessfully to get everyone to adopt his self-given nickname, Big Monty. Vivendi SA (VIV.L,VIVEF.PK) reported that its revenues for third quarter of 2018 rose 5.5 percent to 3.384 billion euros from last year's 3.207 billion euros, while it was up 5.6% at constant currency and perimeter. For the third quarter of 2018, Universal Music Group's (UMG) revenues amounted to 1.495 billion euros, up 13.5% at constant currency and perimeter compared to the third quarter of 2017. It was up 13.3% on an actual basis. For the third quarter of 2018, Canal+ Group's revenues amounted to 1.247 billion euros, almost stable compared to the same period of 2017. It was down 0.2% at constant currency and perimeter. Vivendi said, "Following the preliminary work carried out by the Management Board, about fifteen banks were chosen for the bank selection process. The banks could help Vivendi identify one or more strategic partners for its subsidiary Universal Music Group." Vivendi said it will hold working sessions with these banks before the end of fall to determine their qualifications and discuss the potential terms of engagement and fees. Vivendi noted that it entered into a share purchase agreement with Grupo Planeta for 100% of the share capital of Editis, the second largest French publishing group, following the exclusive negotiations that began on July 30. The enterprise value retained is 900 million euros. Editis encompasses around fifty publishing houses (e.g., Nathan, Bordas, Robert Laffont, Presses de la Cite, Julliard, XO, Plon, Perrin, Pocket, Belfond or Le Cherche Midi) and many successful authors (e.g., Marc Levy, Michel Bussi or Raphaelle Giordano). In 2017, Editis recorded revenues of approximately 750 million euros and a recurring EBIT of approximately 60 million euros. The transaction must now be authorized by the French Competition Authority. The closing of the transaction is expected in late 2018 or early 2019. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS announced that Barron, Wis. establishment Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC is recalling approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products that may be associated with an illness outbreak of Salmonella Reading. FSIS, and its public partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Department of Health Services, have been conducting traceback activities for a sample of Jennie-O brand ground turkey in an intact, unopened package from a case-patient's home. The patient tested positive for Salmonella Reading and the sample from the ground turkey matches the outbreak strain. Based on the continuing investigation, additional product from other companies may also be recalled. As of November 5, 2018, 164 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading have been reported from 35 states. The products subject to recall were produced on September 11, 2018 and bear establishment number "P-190" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide. The products subject to recall, include, 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 93% LEAN | 7% FAT" with "Use by" dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018; 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O TACO SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018; 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 85% LEAN | 15% FAT" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018; and 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. Salmonella contamination can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil rose on Friday, although the commodity remained on course for a weekly loss of about 4 percent, marking its sixth weekly loss. Global benchmark Brent crude climbed 1.6 percent to $67.67 a barrel, helped by a decline in U.S. fuel stockpiles and talk of OPEC-led production cuts next year. U.S. crude futures were up 1.4 percent at $57.24 a barrel. Prices were mainly supported by expectations that supply cuts will be agreed at OPEC's meeting on December 6. OPEC's de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, wants the cartel to cut output by about 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), around 1.5 percent of global supply, media reports suggested earlier this week. Meanwhile, Russia - which has been raising production since June to offset Iranian losses - is not interested in joining the output cuts, Reuters reported, quoting two high-ranking Russian sources. The Energy Information Administration on Thursday reported a huge crude oil inventory build for the week to November 9 of 10.3 million barrels, while gasoline inventories and distillate fuel inventories declined. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned taxpayers in the country about sophisticated tax scams, particularly the increasing trend of scammers demanding payment through Bitcoin ATMs. This warning is more pertinent at a time when the November 21 due date for paying tax bills draws near. While most taxpayers received a tax refund this year, the ATO is asking around one million Australian taxpayers who will need to make a tax payment to the ATO, to be on high alert. Assistant Commissioner Kath Anderson said scammers are growing increasingly sophisticated and could exploit vulnerable people, often using aggressive tactics to swindle people out of their money or personal information. She asked taxpayers to be wary if someone contacting them demanding payment of tax you didn't know you owed. Scammers have been known to impersonate tax agents. Australians have reported more than 28,000 scam attempts to the ATO, and paid almost $1 million to scammers since July 1, 2018. Meanwhile, scammers demanding payments through Bitcoin ATMs have now overtaken iTunes vouchers as the most common method of scam payment reported to the ATO. Anderson noted that the ATO will never ask the taxpayer to make a payment into an ATM or via gift or pre-paid cards such as iTunes and Visa cards, or direct credit to a personal bank account. It will also not use aggressive or rude behavior, or threaten taxpayers with arrest for tax non-payment. She also expressed concern about the near 6,000 taxpayers, since July 1, who are seen to have given away their personal or financial information to scammers through things like phishing scams. Identifying information like tax file numbers (TFNs), bank account numbers or date of birth can be used by scammers. The ATO advises taxpayers to set up a payment plan through their myGov account for a tax bill of less than $100,000. It also has an online payment estimator that will help the taxpayer to work out regular payment amounts and how much interest the taxpayer could be charged. The ATO is among the Tax enforcement authorities of five nations that have in July established a joint operational alliance to fight international tax crime and money laundering, including cybercrimes facilitated through cryptocurrencies. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Eight people have reportedly been arrested in Tokyo for running a cryptocurrency pyramid scheme that collected 7.8 billion yen ($68.42 million) from thousands of investors in Japan. They are suspected to have violated Japan's Financial Instruments and Exchange Law by not registering their operations with the authorities, the Asahi Shimbun quoted Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department as saying. The suspects touted a bogus investment firm called "Sener," which they claimed to be based in the U.S. About 500 million yen ($4.41 million) were collected in cash, and the rest in Bitcoin, from about 6,000 people in 44 prefectures. Police believe that the suspects tried to avoid prosecution by making transactions in cryptocurrencies, which does not fall under the country's financial exchange law. Six of the suspects admitted to the allegations. The investors were promised monthly returns of up to 20 percent, and additional returns and payments if they added new customers. The scheme operated between February and May 2017. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News This much we know. The attack on Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi in Brisbane on Wednesday night was unacceptable (see story). It was a cowardly act and regardless of what reasons or motives that might have triggered it, whoever is responsible should be ashamed. Even worse is the idea that the people behind the attack are Samoans. We say this is a very sad day for our people because this sort of behaviour does not reflect well on all of us. It only makes us the laughing stock of the world. As a people, as a nation and as a family of Christians, we are better than that. Which is why we want to remind today that this is Samoa where our problems are not resolved through wanton acts of violence, throwing pigs as weapons, confrontation and fists. We use dialogue, mutual respect, compassion, patience, love and the respect for the rule of law. Thats how peace and political stability have been preserved by our ancestors over the years. All of us are duty bound to do the same. We owe our forebears that much. Now of course Tuilaepa is not an angel. A lot of people might be upset with what he has been saying, calling people many colourful names including stinking pigs, dogs, fools and the like. Some people willand have already arguedthat what goes around comes around and that Tuilaepa had this coming. They have a point. But is that the best way to solve our problems? We dont think so. As a nation of Christians, we must exercise restraint. We believe in a God of truth and justice who sees and deals with each person in his own time. We know there will come a time when that will happen. Folks, even Prime Minister Tuilaepa will face the music, just like each and every one of us. No one is indispensible regardless of how powerful you think you are. Besides two wrongs dont make a right. Attempting to embarrass the Prime Minister of a sovereign country for the world to see is not only wrong, it is disrespectful, spineless and unnecessary. Today, wed like to think that we exist in a civilised world where we sort out our differences like grown ups. If the perpetrators, whoever they are, feel strongly against the Prime Minister, there are simple ways they could have expressed their views. They could have approached him after his speech in Brisbane and asked him for 10 minutes of his time. Tuilaepa is one of the most approachable leaders there is in the world. If not, they could have booked an appointment to see him. There is also the opportunity to write a letter to the editor, which will eventually be read by the Prime Minister. Trust me, he loves this newspaper that much, which is why he simply cannot leave us alone. That said, we truly hope whoever was responsible for the attack are caught and held accountable for their actions. This is for the simple reason that whether we love or loathe Tuilaepa, the man is the Prime Minister of Samoa. For 20 years, he has been the leader of this nation where he has come to earn our respect. We have our disagreements but thats life. In a democracy, there are several ways where people can express their disapproval of their leaders. One of the avenues is coming up in two years time. It is called the General Election folks. If Samoans who are attacking the Prime Minister and the Government on social media and all other forms of media dont like him that much, we strongly suggest they start making plans to come to Samoa, spend some time here and vote them out. Thats the best way to show how they feel, not thug-like behaviour which only makes Samoa the laughing stock of the worldas it has happened today. What do you think? Have a peaceful Friday Samoa, God bless! The Queensland Police has launched an investigation into an attempt to attack Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, in Brisbane, Australia. The attack took place during the official launching of Samoa Airways Faleolo to Brisbane flights at the Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Parish, Logan City, marking the airlines first birthday, on Wednesday night. A member of the media, Taulealea Sioeli Alofaifo of TV1, who was among the audience in Brisbane told the Samoa Observer there were two men who turned up with their faces covered in ninja like style. One of the men threw an uncooked pigs head at the Prime Minister, which fell well short of the target. They also allegedly attempted to throw rocks and eggs at the Prime Minister, the Samoa Observer was told. Last night, the Governments Press Secretariat issued a statement assuring that Prime Minister Tuilaepa was unharmed. This media statement is to assure the public that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was unharmed following an incident that occurred yesterday evening in Brisbane, Australia at a community event to commemorate direct Samoa Airways flights between Brisbane and Apia, the statement reads. The public is advised that the Prime Minister and his delegation are safe, in good spirits and will continue on to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (A.P.E.C.) Meeting in Papua New Guinea which will take place from 17-18 November. The Office of the Australian High Commission in Samoa also acknowledged the incident in a statement. The Australian High Commission is aware of an incident overnight involving Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa in Australia, the statement reads. The Australian Government deeply regrets that this incident happened while the Prime Minister was a guest in Australia. The incident is being investigated by the Queensland Police. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa led a strong delegation from Samoa including the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti and the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell among other senior Government officials for the inaugural flight. The video shows Tuilaepa addressing the Samoan community who had gathered for the event when a man called out his name and started hurling a verbal barrage in Samoan at the Prime Minister. What he said was not clear from the video. Two men entered the building; one threw a pigs head and swore at the Prime Minister, Taulealea said. The men immediately fled the scene, the Samoa Observer was told. The video shows that officials immediately reacted with some of them moving closer to the Prime Minister to protect him. Tuilaepa remained calm and continued to speak over the commotion. He did not say anything about what was happening before him. The President of the Samoa Nurses Association Solialofi Papalii Pisimaka yesterday said they will take on board criticisms by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi. Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Solialofi said the comments by the Prime Minister have been taken on board and they continue to strive to improve their services. We do not disregard the Prime Ministers remarks, instead it has encouraged our administration to develop in areas needing improvement. But no patient has come to the administration to complain concerning nurses services, she said. Samoas nurses go about doing their jobs based on their competencies and nursing standards, though Solialofi says her members are often subject to verbal as well as serious physical abuse from patients and people. Speaking of her own experience in the field, she said the work of the nurses are always guided by policies, standards and ethics. Nurses work according to the policies, ethics, nursing standards and skills to do their job. Not only that but they have regulations as to conduct, performance, attitude and quality service they must abide by. The Prime Minister was also critical of what he claims were attempts by nurses to overtake the role of doctors in the hospitals. But Solialofi yesterday said patient care was at the center of a nurses responsibility and nurses and doctorswhile coming from different medical training backgroundmust work together to save the life of a patient. Solialofi said if there was a situation where a patients life was in dangerand there were no doctors around to respondthe nurse present has to attend to the patient or they will be held accountable. When asked to respond to public complaints of the long hours they have to wait for medical services and giving priority to the elite, she said nurses have an obligation to respond to the person needing immediate attention. Nurses in Samoa currently work on average 18 hours a day at the various clinics, outpatients and hospitals with Solialofi indicating that they are short-numbered, overworked and underpaid. We have so many responsibilities but we never give up. They call us dogs and pigs. Nurses are abused by patients, getting yelled at and slapped by patients. Not only that we are abused by the public verbally, talking hazards and swearing. But we follow ethics the patient is always right, that we remain calm and patient, she added. If there are any cases relating to nurses conduct which should be brought to their attention, Solialofi said the matter should be reported and addressed so it does not reoccur. Malietoa Faamausili Moli has been charged with unregistered firearm and discharged of an unregistered firearm. This is in connection to an incident that occurred at his residence at Fagalii last month, where a gun was allegedly discharged. Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration Assistant C.E.O., Veatauia Faatasi Puleiata, confirmed the charge in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. Hes released out on his own recognisance and is scheduled to appear in Court for criminal mention in the District Court on 4 December, 2018, he said and added that he could not comment further in relation to the matter. In the meantime, Malietoa Faamausili is also facing contempt of court charges. Court documents allege that the defendant defied an order by the Court not to proceed with the bestowal of the Malietoa title, held at Malie. The police affidavit dated August 17, 2018 stated that the defendants of Malie by an unlawful act, namely conducting the ceremony for the title bestowal of Malietoa Faamausili Moli, defying the Court order directed to the Village Council of Malie not to proceed with the ceremony. (In doing so) disobeyed the Interim Order issued by the Registrar of the Land and Titles Court on 16 August 2018, committing the crime of contempt of court. The Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly has given members of the public a sneak peak inside the new Maota Fono. Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly issued a photo of what it looks like inside, while the construction work is continuing. The multi-million-tala project is being funded by Australia. The construction though has not at all been one-way one way traffic. The following is a statement about community engagement with the project. It reads: As construction of Samoas new Maota Fono approaches completion, it is worth reflecting upon the various means by which the community has been engaged in the project for the benefit of all Samoans. Community engagement commenced with the building design. The new Maota Fono includes a large public gallery for observing Parliamentary sessions. Visitors will be supported through the provision of hearing support and translation assistance during proceedings. In addition, media broadcasting capabilities will ensure outreach of the Parliamentary sessionsto the whole country via televisionmedia and live radio coverage. During the building design process, the National Advocacy Organisation of People with Disabilities -Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA), was consulted to review and provide input to ensure everyone can access the Maoto Fono without difficulties. The intention is to re-engage with NOLA upon completion of the Maota Fono and ensure that there is ease of access across the entire Parliamentary complex at Mulinuu. The Australia Pacific Technical Coalition (A.P.T.C.) in Apia has benefitted from and supported construction of the Maoto Fono. Students from the College have undertaken a number of site visits to view construction process and utilise this experience to support their studies. Some students have gone further and secured employment with the projects main contractor Craig Construction Limited. A.P.T.C. have also supported the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly (OCLA) through sourcing an Australian training provider to deliver Facilities Management training for the maintenance staff of OCLA. The training was delivered at the APTC campus in Apia earlier this year in February2018. There was a public design consultation taking in the cultural aspect of the building and beautiful surroundings. An opportunity was presented locally for a number of various Samoan artisans to contribute selected cultural items that will be key features in the Maota Fono. Economically, the project is providing important benefits to the country. The project is built by Samoans for Samoans, and much of the funding for construction of the project is directly injected into the Samoan economy through local suppliers, sub-contractors and consultants. In turn, this enhances Samoas overall economic activity and provides employment opportunities for the local community, both directly and indirectly. There has been significant documentation of the construction, whereas O.C.L.A. have released a series of media updates and features to keep the community informed of the status of the project, and also some of the key aspects included in the building design(e.g. environmental considerations) and construction process (e.g. work health and safety performance). The new Maoto Fono promises to set a new benchmark for buildings in Samoa. We hope it is a facility the whole country can be proud of. A simple act of kindness 15 years ago has brought a Swedish tourist to the shores of Samoa. Tomas Nilsson told Dear Tourist yesterday that it was his first visit to the country. But he would not have travelled to the Pacific from Europe, if it was not for an incident 15 years ago when he was working in Sweden. He went to the assistance of a man in his office and later found out that he was from Samoa. When I helped this man at work, I found out he was from Samoa so I thought to myself, where is Samoa at? So I searched for Samoa on the Internet and always thought since then that I should go there, if ever I have the right time. And now here I am in Samoa, enjoying around the warm weather, he said. Samoas warm and humid temperature has been a revelation for the Swedish man, but it is not just the climate that Tomas is interested in. Sweden is also Christian but Samoa is more Christian than Sweden where Im from and its the first thing Ive learnt about Samoan culture, he said. Tomas said he loves the fact that Samoa has a very strong religious culture. Having no family back home in Sweden, he said he is in Samoa on a five-day vacation and intends to make the best of his short stay. I want to go to the beaches and learn about all those Samoan activities, and every other thing about Samoa like going to the museum and all those stuff. Tomas also plans to travel to the south-eastern side of Upolu to check out the beaches, sleep in a beach fale and discover new things. And being used to travelling alone on vacations, he said this has enabled him to meet and converse with different people, as well as meet a few Samoans who have been friendly and easy to talk to. Think a minuteAn army general was asked what kind of good-luck charms he carries when he goes to war. The general answered: I dont carry a lucky charm on my body. I carry it in my heart. In other words, he was saying it is not luck but his character, choices and true beliefs in his heart that guide and protect him. We talked yesterday about the principles for building our success and satisfaction that lasts. The second secret of successful people is that they learn to control their feelings of fear, insecurity, pride, anger, envy, greed, etc. Controlling our unhealthy, destructive emotions gives us greater confidence, and makes us more positive and peaceful with other people. We must learn to master our moods, or they will master us and ruin our life and relationships. The third secret of successful people is they know that they cannot change their life by sitting at home. You have to get out with people and start living with enthusiasm and a passion to grow better and bigger in your heart and way of living. Be ready and open to new people and opportunities. Also be prepared to make mistakes. That is the only way we can learn new skills and get more out of life. Some of our greatest opportunities for success will come from our mistakes that in the end can become surprise blessings, if we choose to learn from them. The fourth secret of successful people is that they do not compare their life with the lives of others, because they know there will always be people who have certain abilities and experiences that they do not. Even though you must stay focused on your own lifes purpose and goals, you can learn from other peoples successes and mistakes. The final secret of successful people is they choose to see the good in their life and be thankful for it, even when bad things happen to them. Karen Minahan, the woman we talked about yesterday who was hit by a car and lost her leg, says she kept a diary. Every day she wrote down five good things that happened to her that day. She explains that this habit reminded her of how blessed she always was. She says: I decided to meet and forgive the driver whose car hit me. I had to let go of my painful past so I could move forward to reach my life of success and happiness. We all have past wrongs for which we need to ask Jesus to forgive us. Then, if you ask Him to lead and rule your heart so you start living His way, you can know that God Himself is on your side. Jesus will be working in you every day to make your life the successful, satisfying one He created you to have. Just think a minute Google apec papua new guinea and you will get over 3 million entries in seconds, confirming how the 2018 APEC Leaders Summit now underway in Port Moresby has put the Pacific Islands largest nation in the global spotlight. The leaders of the groupings 21 member economies are making their way to Port Moresby for the November 17-18 international conference. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 to create prosperity for the people of the region through the promotion of balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration. And for the first time, in the history of APEC, Pacific Island leaders have been invited to observe the summit proceedings. They will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the conference. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is among leaders from eight Pacific Island states, which recognise Beijing diplomatically, and have flown to Port Moresby. The others are P.N.G, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Niue. The Pacific leaders will meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the regional economic summit in Port Moresby, where he is expected to make major announcements to advance China-Pacific relations. Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press briefing recently that the President will deliver a keynote address during his meeting with the Pacific leaders. President Xi will deliver a keynote speech to expound on Chinas policies toward the Pacific island countries based on the approach of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests and the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and announce major cooperation measures to support the island countries development, he said. With the increasing geopolitical significance of the Pacific regionsomewhat forced by Chinas increasing influence and growing development cooperation with Pacific Island nationsthere appears to be renewed interest in the region by traditional partners Australia and the U.S. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announced the establishment of a $2 billion infrastructure development fund, which would offer Pacific Island nations funding for infrastructure projects. Last month U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a bill to create a $60 billion International Development Finance Corporation, which would oversee strategic investments in developing countries including the Asia Pacific region. Commentators have welcomed the renewed interest in the region by Canberra and the Washington D.C., but warned of the impact of the dollar diplomacy. P.N.G, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Niueare in the box seat to benefit from any expansion in Chinas development cooperation and assistancein part due to their strict adherence to the One China Policy. Increasing concerns at Pacific Island nations getting into debt-trapscourtesy of loans from Chinawere recently challenged by Samoas Ambassador to China, Tapusalaia Terry Toomata. I understand what you have asked is about some peoples anxiety with Chinas presence in the Pacific and in Samoa. But China has been in the Pacific since the mid-1970s, when it first started developing relations with Samoa and Fiji in 1975. So, it is not new, and its not that China appeared there last year or the year before. China has been around for quite a while. So, this anxiety among other countries is unfounded. Chinas infrastructure projects are normally visible to many people. Chinas development advantage and strength is infrastructure that some of our donors dont have. Some of them focus on areas like IT, HR, health and education but the strength of Chinese assistance is in infrastructure. And normally, some of our donors cannot undertake these projects, he said, in an interview with Chinese publication Global Times. The proposition being put forward by Samoas Ambassador to China will be embraced by the other Pacific Island nation governments. Today a lot more Pacific governments are doing business with the Chinese because often there are no strings attached to the development assistance. However, the arrival of the Australians in this spacethrough its $2 billion infrastructure development fund as promised by its Prime Ministerintroduces a new dynamic into these relationships. Will Samoa and other Pacific Island governments embrace this opportunity that awaits them? What are the opportunity costs that would come with signing up to this new Canberra-authored foreign policy? Will this new multi billion-dollar fund redefine the parameters of the Australia-Samoa bilateral relationship? What about the U.S. and where will it sit with its $60 billion International Development Finance Corporation? It is definitely interesting times for the Pacific and we can only hope that our leaders Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and his colleaguesget the best deal for their citizens from an international economic talkfest, that at most times only benefits nations with larger economies. Even PNG is yet to maximise the benefits to grow its economy since it became a member of the regional economic grouping 25 years ago. What do you think? Any way its Saturday and the end of another week. Have a blessed weekend Samoa! Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has arrived in Port Moresby, P.N.G with other Pacific Island leaders to observe the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Summit. He is among leaders of eight Pacific Island states that recognise Beijing diplomatically, and will meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the regional economic summit in Port Moresby. These countries include P.N.G, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Niue. On the agenda will be discussions for further cooperation between China and the Pacific Island states, including Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative which some countries including Samoa and PNG have already signed up to. Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang reportedly said the meetings between President Xi and the eight Pacific leaders will be held bilaterally and collectively. It is the first time for leaders from Pacific Island states to be invited to observe an APEC Leaders Summitwhose 21-member economies account for 60 per cent of global gross domestic product and 47 per cent of global trade. PNGs hosting of the international economic conference also marks a first for a Pacific Islands nation. Speaking to Australias SBS Television on Thursday before flying to Port Moresby, Tuilaepa said Samoa and other Pacific nationsby virtue of their location in the regionshould be full members of the 21-member economic grouping. It is my great hope that we will be full members, because it is that great market in Asia that would become the biggest destination for what we produce, and Asia would become the biggest source market for tourism which fuels most of our economies, he said. In response to growing concerns at Chinas growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia and its ally the U.S. are expected to make major announcements through Prime Minister Scott Morrison and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. Mr. Morrison recently announced the establishment of a development fund that would offer Pacific Island nations over $2 billion for infrastructure projects on top of bolstering military cooperation, while U.S. President Donald Trump last month signed into law a bill to create a $60 billion International Development Finance Corporation, which would oversee strategic investments in developing countries including the Asia Pacific region. The official program of the 2018 APEC Leaders Summit in Port Moresby ends tomorrow. A man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for stealing $30,000 worth of construction and engineering equipment from his employer. The stolen items include a .22 rifle and a 12-gauge gun. Appearing before Justice Vui Clarence Nelson in the Supreme Court yesterday, Taeao Luteru of Gataivai Savaii and Pesega pleaded guilty to burglary and theft as a servant. According to the Police summary of facts, Luteru hired a Dyna truck and broke into the complainants residence, where he proceeded to load the stolen property onto the truck. He stole over $28,000 worth of materials mostly construction and engineering equipment but also including a .22 rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun. What the defendant did not factor in was the complainants neighbour witnessed his activities and identified the defendant as the thief. It is clear from what the defendant did that his intention was to steal many of the complainants properties and cause him substantial loss, stated the Police summary of facts. The Court heard that the defendant told the probation office that he committed the crime as he was not satisfied with his working conditions and his employer did not sort out his National Provident Fund savings. But Justice Vui noted that the defendant is a grown man and this was not his first job. Even if I believe what he says, he knows far better than to steal as a remedy for his issues. Burglary and theft as a servant are age-old problems in this country, and is why the Court has said on many previous occasions, especially in relation to theft as a servant that the normal penalty will be prisonhere there has been a significant breach of trust. Justice Vui noted that the defendant grossly abused that trust by committing the crime. There has also been premeditation in the offending, in that the defendant knew when the employer and his wife would be absent from the property, for a period of time. He hired a truck beforehand to carry out his purposes. This is a case of planned and calculated stealing. All of the stolen property have been recovered and returned to the complainants. On the charge of theft as a servant, the Judge said the defendant is convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. For the charge of burglary, following a similar process convicted and sentenced to two years, but the terms are to be served concurrently. The Apia Rotary Club has donated four wheelchairs and four walkers to the Samoa Cancer Society. Apia Rotary Club member, Christine Hurley, said the donated items will give patients more mobility and enable them to see family and friends. It is a special moment for me to have an opportunity to hand over this equipment to the cancer society which are doing wonderful information campaigns that are leading most recently on breast cancer and right now on prostate cancer. I know it will be put to very good use as part of the cancer societys continuing support for cancer patients in palliative care. It gives those patients more mobility and makes it easier for them to see family and friends, as well as to visit the hospital, she said. The wheelchairs will be returned to the Society when they are no longer needed, to enable others living or having a disability to use them. The donation is from Rotary Australia World Community Services. The CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, Shelley Burich, said the wheelchairs and walkers are a welcome addition to their small inventory of mobility devices to help cancer patients. In fact, A.R.C. donated these earlier devices late last year for our support services and we are delighted to be a recipient of more. We often take the ability to move around freely in our home and out in the community for granted, but for a cancer patient, this freedom can be taken away from them during late stages of the disease. Giving cancer patients access to loaning a wheelchair or walker when it is needed is how we can play a small part towards ensuring these patients are mobile and gain the right to a quality of life, she said. Shelley also stated that this year the Society assisted four cancer patients with the loaning of wheelchairs at home and with this new addition, it will be able to extend its assistance to more patients in need. Former Member of Parliament Aveau Niko Palamo and ex-bureaucrat Velda Collins have condemned attempts in Brisbane to attack Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi. The P.M., who flew to Australia early in the week on the inaugural Samoa Airways Faleolo to Brisbane service, was speaking at the official launching of the service when two unidentified men walked in and threw an uncooked pigs head in his direction. They also tried to throw rocks and eggs before they fled the scene. The Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the incident. But Government officials in Apia including the Ministry of Police and Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet were tightlipped on the Prime Ministers security detail, as Tuilaepa was on his way to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the 2018 APEC Leaders Summitwhen he stopped over in the Australian city of Brisbane to officiate at the commissioning of Samoa Airways new service. Aveau expressed disappointment saying Samoans living in Brisbane should have caught the two perpetrators and handed them over to the police. We all have issues with our Government but when someone threatens our P.M. then we Samoans should defend him and make sure his Honorable is safe, especially in a foreign country. Samoans in Brisbane should have caught these cowardly people and turn them into the police. He is our leader and he was there to promote Samoa. It is any Samoan's responsibility to make sure he is safe. And these actions by showoffs who havent been to Samoa and this is what I call a coward, he said. Velda, a former Assistant C.E.O. for Samoa Social Welfare Fesoasoani Trust, said the actions of the unidentified men were unacceptable. Watching the news of the awful, disgusting and disrespectful manner showcased by some uncivilized youths in Brisbane who attempted to attack our Prime Minister is just repulsive, he added. The Samoa Police Service has appealed to the public for assistance in locating a young girl. Roite Tinei of Toamua-Uta, 15, was last seen on Thursday and left her family home around 4.00 pm and is yet to return. The Police said she was last seen wearing a black and white stripes t-shirt with black shorts and was carrying a grey-colored school backpack. If anyone has any information that might lead to her location or whereabouts, the Police have asked that they contact the nearest police station or call the number 22222. The Nuanua O Le Alofa organisation has received a donation of $2000 from My Girls Club. The organisation is the peak advocacy body for persons living with disabilities and continues to be the recipient of support from the club. This is the fourth time the club has come to the aid of the organisation in four consecutive years. My Girls Club president, Gustav Sua, said that their donation was from various fundraising initiatives and hope to continue their support into the future. The inspiration behind the contribution was all due to the fact that we always conduct fundraisings and so we decided that we wanted to offer support for those that need it like the Home of the Elderly at Mapuifagalele. But we chose N.O.L.A. because we believed that they are the main headquarter where persons with disabilities seek assistance because in all honesty they are often the most vulnerable in terms of their voices and rights not being heard. We support the work done by N.O.L.A. in ensuring that Samoa is barrier free and rights based society for persons with disabilities, Gustav said. Nuanua O Le Alofa president, Milovale Lama, thanked the club for the donation and said their support demonstrates their love for persons living with disabilities. We know that you are all busy with other activities and yet you have not forgotten your help to our organization annually. We applaud your love and care for helping persons with disabilities and we pray that God continue to bless your club, due for your generous hearts. The donation will be used in various awareness programmes and for developing platforms for persons with disabilities, he added. Nuanua O Le Alofa was established in 2001 to advocate and promote the rights and abilities of persons with disabilities in Samoa. The My Girls club was established in 2009 under the umbrella of the Samoa Faafafine Association Incorporated. There are currently 23 members comprised of 20 local members and three from abroad. The Samoa Victim Support Group Juniors recently launched a book drive in a bid to build a library at Foailuga. Communication officer for Group, Marieta Ilalio, said the book drive is an opportunity for members of the public donating books to help create a library in Foailuga, Savaii. We have urged members of the public to donate any books to assist us in constructing a library at Foailuga at the Assembly of God church in Savaii. The residence of the pastor for A.O.G. will have an allocated space to be used as the location for the small library. All the books will be provided, not only locally but also abroad from members of the public, she said. Marieta said their determination to create equal opportunities for children in town and rural areas, gave rise to the decision to kick start the book drive. Our main focus right now is Savaii and with this new library, books will be free of access for kids from all surrounding villages. It is an ongoing project that we plan to work on in boosting the literacy rate amongst the young children at rural areas which is the areas we are mainly focusing on. The library will be set-up after the deadline which is 30th November. And also we are planning to converse with the people of Foailuga in collecting data based on whether children are interested in the project or not for further improvements, she said. She added that a challenge they face is financial backing, due to their organisation being a non-governmental. We are thankful that the public are keen to support and some have already started donating books. I love to help others by making a difference that is what I believe and also the motto of SVSG Juniors, she added. SVSG Juniors was established under the umbrella of SVSG main in 2013 but revived last year. The members are compiled of registered various church youths, village youths and also members from abroad as far as America, Australia, and New Zealand. Attempts by two unidentified men, who tried to attack Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday night has shocked the nation and triggered condemnation from various fronts. Our reporter Yolanda Lavatai speaks to the public to get their views on the issue. Aotoa Peter, Papaloloa, 33 They should be ashamed. If those men are from Samoa, then they should be deported back. However, if they are not, they better never think of stepping foot on this Island. Posina Palemia, Vailele, 20 When I had heard from the media what happened to the Prime Minister I just felt embarrassed. We are all Samoan and when someone steps out like that and acts irrationally, the world generalizes all Samoans to act and think the same way. Its not appealing in anyway. Pita Ah Leong, Siusega, 43 I love and am affected by what happened to the Prime Minister. He is our representative and we must protect our own. We should make sure that these men face the judge for what they did. Whether they are Samoans or not they must face the consequences for their actions. Ola. Faanama, Leauvaa, 21 I just found out today what had happened to the Prime Minster. I think those men had no conscience in doing what they did. It was uncalled for and quite frankly very bad looking. Lina Tofaino, Nuufou, 45 For those two men who acted out terribly, making a scene does not settle well with me. That is what you call thinking irresponsibly. Also what they did has confirmed to the world that they do not support our leader. Carol Roger, Vaitele Uta, 20 It is sad what has happened to our leader. I know the Prime Minster has said and done things that everyone dislikes but I think that is just how he is. But when people purposely treat him like that, they might as well be treating my father the same way. At his age we learn to cope with him. However, the incident was wrong by all means and from now on the Government should not think casually about the Prime Ministers safety. Figoa Mailata, Vaitele Fou, 45 It is obvious that no one here would attack him that is why he feels comfortable without body guards. But this is Brisbane, they should know better than to have him unprotected. Furthermore, the two men who attacked him have put Samoa down for what they did. Everyone probably thinks this is how Samoans act-inconsiderate and disrespectful. Fortunately, the Prime Minister was not harmed. Maliko Sagote, Faleula, 40 I heard on the radio on the way to work about the attack in Brisbane. I feel sorry for the Prime Minster. He has provided so much help to the country that has blessed lives. Though I personally believe people who have any complaints make them known to the authorities the right way than go and attack the Prime Minister in front of the public. Fiumalosi Fereti, Vaitele Uta, 40 When government officials from off island come to Samoa we provide the best service to ensure their safety. Now when the Prime Minister arrived in Brisbane he was attacked because no one was protecting him. If this is the case in how our leaders off island are treated, we should not go their anymore. Atonio Sua, Leulumoega, 32 The Bible says that if our parents are wrong we do not judge. So when our leaders are wrong we should do the same and refrain from judgment. Right now just be patient with our leaders, till it is your turn. If I were there, I would have hit the person in the head. San Diego Gas & Electric crews spent Thursday inspecting power lines and repairing others damaged as Santa Ana winds blew through parts of the county earlier this week. Thursday morning began with 4,500 customers without power; by 5 p.m., the number dropped to 1,411. By the end of the day, SDG&E officials hoped to restore power to all affected circuits in their service territory. At the height of the Red Flag Warning issued earlier this week by the National Weather Service, about 31,000 customers Tuesday had no electricity. Some of the outages were unplanned but most customers especially in backcountry and parts of East County had circuits de-energized by SDG&E to minimize the chance of power lines throwing off sparks that could start the kind of wildfires that have caused death and destruction seen in other parts of the state. Advertisement Crews have been inspecting about 12,000 miles of power lines to make sure they are safe and clear of debris in the wake of the blustery conditions. SDG&E officials said crews found four locations that needed repair before they could restore power. Each location is expected to take about three hours to complete. Some efforts Wednesday were hampered due to windy conditions that lingered in the mountains that needed to be inspected by helicopters. Wind speeds need to taper off to less than 35 mph for the choppers to take off. We want to thank customers who have been without power for their patience as this severe Santa Ana weather event winds down, SDG&E said in a statement. But in a number of emails to the Union-Tribune, some rural and backcountry customers criticized the shutoffs. Complaints ranged from the number of days some residents had to go without electricity to what some customers considered as the arbitrary nature of some of the shutoffs. In a letter sent Wednesday to the California Public Utilities Commission, San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said, it is my firm belief that proactive de-energization shouldnt be an option for SDG&E. Residents in rural areas who own livestock often rely on wells that run on electricity for their animals water. We dont take the decision to turn off power lightly and we thank customers for their patience, SDG&E spokesman Joe Britton said. If conditions like the weather we have seen this week threaten the integrity of our system, we need to turn off the power for public safety. Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski UPDATES: 5:19 p.m.: This story has been updated to mention the number of SDG&E customers without power as of 5 p.m. Thursday. Selling fancy grocery bags was supposed to be a side project. Now, with orders streaming in from hundreds of stores, Jen and Farzan Dehmoubed are set to make millions selling a reusable bag to shoppers. The Carlsbad couple, both 39, are co-founders of Lotus Trolley Bag, a company that makes a popular set of four heavy-duty grocery sacks that hang like accordion files in a shopping cart. Before and after use, they can be folded up into a 2-pound over-the-shoulder carrier that resembles a yoga mat. The couple designed the shopping bags with pockets for things like eggs and wine, and a cooler bag for frozen items. Founded just last year, the product is going gangbusters, selling in 500 stores, including retailers such as Ralphs, Vons, Jimbos and Albertsons. This is their first venture, and the couple is still reeling from success. After designing the bags, they placed an order for 5,000 units, hoping to sell that many in three months. Instead, the bags sold out in two weeks. The response has been overwhelming, said Farzan. Advertisement The ban on plastic bags in California fueled the companys success, they said, helping to put reusable bags on the minds of consumers. We found many people were just getting thicker and bulkier bags that would also be forgotten at home, Farzan said. Thats when we decided we needed a system so people remembered their bags. Profitable from the very start, the company will surpass $1.2 million in sales during 2018, selling over 30,000 units. Now, the company has expanded to offer an extra big set to fit the jumbo-sized carts in Costco and Sams Club. They also added on resusable produce bags. With the new products and some expanding territory, Lotus Trolley Bags expects to rake in $3 million to $5 million in sales next year, rolling out to 1,500 stores worldwide. The set sits like an accordion in a shopping cart, making bagging easy and organized for shoppers. (Courtesy/ Lotus Trolley Bag) Farzan said these bags also take advantage of a new trend in grocery stores: cashierless shopping. Popularized by Amazon Go, grocery stores nationwide are debuting a new technology called Scan, Bag, and Go. These stores have an option for shoppers to pick up a handheld scanning device when they walk in. As they shop, customers scan barcodes of items before placing them in their cart. When done shopping, they go straight to a cashierless kiosk to pay and leave. The experience allows shoppers to keep a running tab of their bill, and skip the process of unloading carts at checkout. Jen said the Lotus Trolley Bag makes this high-tech shopping experience even more convenient. This bypasses the need to unload your grocery cart, because youve been organizing items into your bag as you shop, Jen said. Grocery and retail expert Burt Flickinger III said he stumbled across the Lotus Trolley Bag the last time he did business in San Diego and was impressed by the concept. The shoppers love them, the stores love them; theyre well done, Flickinger said, adding that the product fills a critical need of making grocery shopping as convenient as possible. He places a high value on buying food in supermarkets rather than restaurants especially for budget-conscious families. In the last couple of quarters, prices at restaurants have gotten out of control, Flickinger said. Shopping at grocery stores can cut a familys total food spend by 25 to 30 percent. The Lotus Trolley Bag sells for $29.99 in stores or $34.95 online. Theyre available on the companys website, Amazon and supermarkets throughout San Diego. Besides the two founders, Lotus Trolley Bag has hired five additional staffers and plans to hire two more before the years end. Business brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling Apple aims to tap into the wireless chip design talent pool in San Diego amid its ongoing legal war with Qualcomm. The Cupertino company has listed 10 job openings on its website for wireless hardware and software engineers in San Diego so far this month. The openings were first reported by Bloomberg News. While Apple operates retail stores in San Diego, it does not currently have a satellite engineering office in the region. The move comes as Qualcomm laid off more than 1,400 workers locally this year as part of a pledge to shareholders to shave $1 billion in costs. Qualcomm made the cuts in an effort to boost its stock price and fend off a hostile takeover from rival chip maker Broadcom. Advertisement Apple did not respond to an email seeking comment, and Qualcomm declined to comment. But according to several sources, rumors have been circulating in the local commercial real estate community that Apple has been exploring the market, particularly around the University City area. Apple also owns two companies with offices in San Diego that could house a small hardware engineering team, according to Bloomberg. In September, Apple acquired app developer Shazam, which is based in the United Kingdom but has a San Diego satellite operation. Apple also owns Emotient, a local artificial intelligence firm. Analysts have speculated for years that Apple intends to design its own cellular modem the chip that powers high-speed wireless links between smartphones and cellular towers in the boarder mobile network. I am not surprised that Apple has job openings in San Diego, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst with Tirias Research. He believes Apple has been working on modem technology for some time. Apple also has a track record of building its own chips. It designs the applications processors inside iPhones, tailoring the hardware to get the most out of its software. Cellular modems are more complex. From 2011 to 2016, Qualcomm supplied cellular modems for iPhones. The following year Apple split modem orders between Qualcomm and Intel. This year, Apple ditched Qualcomm as a supplier as the two tech giants fight a heated legal war over how much Qualcomm charges to licenses its portfolio of 130,000 patents. There are no signs that the companies are close to settling their differences anytime soon. San Diego is known as a hotbed for cellular engineering talent. In 2014, MediaTek, a Taiwan company that makes cellular modem chips, opened an engineering center in San Diego in hopes of poaching wireless expertise from Qualcomm, said McGregor. The regions technology talent pool also led Google to lease a 60,000 square foot satellite office here in 2016, and Amazon opened a 107,000 square foot campus last year. In addition, data analytics firm Teradata relocated its headquarters from Ohio to San Diego in October. Apples hardware engineering openings in San Diego include a design verification engineer, senior wireless embedded software engineer and radio frequency design engineer. Several jobs require advanced degrees and experience in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G and LTE modem signal processing technologies. Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 Four popular startup investors in San Diego are producing a local TV program called VCs in a Van to show viewers what its like to sit on the other side of the pitching table. Among the shows cast is Taner Halicioglu, one of Facebooks earliest employees and one of San Diegos most active angel investors in tech through his fund Keshif Ventures. Halicioglu has a long history serving in lead engineering roles at successful tech companies, including stints at eBay and Blizzard. He currently lectures at UC San Diego, where he recently donated $75 million for the universitys new institute for data science. Taner Halicioglu a software engineer and lecturer at UC San Diego, is an active angel investor in San Diego tech. (Erik Jepsen / San Diego Union-Tribune) The show also features Neil Senturia, a longtime venture capitalist and contributing columnist at The San Diego Union-Tribune. Joining Senturia and Halicioglu are Tom Tullie and Mark Bowles, two former executives from one of San Diegos most successful startups ecoATM. Advertisement In the program, the VCs take their van to visit compelling startups in the region to see if theyre worthy of investment. Unlike the popular startup show Shark Tank, this program is shot documentary-style. We want the audience to see what really happens when a business pitches a venture capitalist or angel investor for funding, Tullie said in a statement. Its not just a startup CEO standing in front of a room for eight minutes, its a behind-the-scenes look at the discussions the VC team has among themselves, as they travel to and from the business, poking holes and asking the tough questions. The show, which starts Dec. 2, will air Sundays at 6 p.m., Mondays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. on Cox Channel 4/YurView California 1004 (formerly known as Channel 4 San Diego) and on Spectrum. The show will also be available online. Check out the trailer here. Business brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling Whether wed like to admit it or not, we are aging in a digitalized world. Technology makes our lives simpler, more organized, and can allow us to do many things we may not have thought possible a decade ago. Its great to be able to access information at our fingertips, but technology cant do everything. It cant tell us when our parents, siblings, or even friends may be reaching an age where additional assistance may be a necessary step to ensuring they and their assets are safe. This is where a professional fiduciary can help, and not just as business manager, decision-maker or guardian. A fiduciary also can support a clients mental and emotional well-being, and reduce the stress of changing circumstances or unexpected events for the whole family. Donna Verna, a private professional fiduciary and member of Professional Fiduciary Association of California, says, its crucial to find someone that you trust with your life. If you dont like what they are saying find someone else, someone who has your best interest at heart. To find a fiduciary in California, click here. So, what are the warning signs Mom or Dad needs help? When should we ask for help? There is no app for deciding whether mom can still sort out her medications or if dad remembers how to call a Lyft. In her practice located in Los Altos, Verna has nearly two decades of experience working with families experiencing the same challenges we all face with aging parents and she highlighted a few warning signs to pay attention to when deciding if the time is right to hire a professional fiduciary. Advertisement Bills arent getting paid Verna says that a telltale sign of needing help is noticing uncashed checks or unpaid bills on the table when you visit your parents, or if they are failing to file income taxes. It may be easy to set up auto-pay for your parents you may even do this remotely on their behalf with your phone. But who is watching the money that comes in and out of the bank accounts? Its important to make sure all accounts are monitored and secured in case of scammers or fraud. Medications are not in order Have you checked the expiration dates on medication bottles lately? Sometimes our aging loved ones may no longer pay attention to expiration dates on medications, or they may be forgetful about the timing or dosage of their daily medications. If they have reminder alarms on their phones thats great. But it is crucial to ensure the doses and dates are in top shape. Have you checked the expiration dates on medication bottles lately? (Getty Images) Theyve made suspicious new friends If mom is hanging out with a strange young man who convinces her to buy him things, red flags may start appearing. If relationships suddenly change or if you feel something is wrong, take notice. Its important to pay attention to new friends that come around and begin making big decisions on behalf of your family they may not have their best interest in mind. They are having more falls Are your loved ones slipping, falling, or otherwise having more clumsy injuries than they used to? It may be time to consider finding a caregiver or to make plans to make their home safer. They may be easily convinced or persuaded Internet scammers are becoming clever, and sometimes even the best of us cant tell a legitimate email from a scam artist attempting to steal our personal information. But these types of criminals target elderly people by pretending to be a the IRS or a bill collector. And once their money is sent, it is extremely difficult (or impossible) to get it back. By hiring someone to keep an eye out for suspicious scenarios such as these, you and your loved ones can be at ease. Internet scammers target elderly people by pretending to be the IRS or a bill collector. (Getty Images) Confusion with calendar dates If your parents are forgetting important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or calendar appointments, maybe its time to start thinking about setting up a shared family calendar. Forgetting appointments can be detrimental to their safety and perhaps its time to take action to ensure someone (such as a caregiver) is available to keep them on track. When trying to decide if your parents (or friends) are going through any of these worrisome behaviors, its easy to ignore the warning signs and be in denial. Verna says one of the challenges in her job is helping families cope with what is the case instead of what they wish was the case. She has seen families torn apart from fighting over estates and wills, but she says it does not have to be this way. And living in the heart of a digital landscape, Verna says many kids think its easy to set up a webcam to monitor moms house, and to summon Lyft rides for them from a distance. Technology is great, Verna says, but it cannot replace the human touch or connection we have with our loved ones. PFAC is a non-profit membership organization with a mission of advancing excellence in professional fiduciary standards and practices. Operators of the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds have sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering NeverAgainCA to stop making defamatory statements about the firearms festival and its owners. NeverAgainCA formed in Del Mar as part of the national Never Again movement to stop gun violence after the Parkland, Fla., shootings that killed 17 high school students and staff members in February. The letter will not change anything we do, said Rose Ann Sharp, the local groups founder, when asked about it by email Thursday. We have been very careful to be factual and accurate in everything we write and say. Members of the nonprofit have repeatedly called for the end of the Del Mar gun shows and demonstrated outside events at the state-owned fairgrounds this year. Their efforts contributed to a decision in September by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which overseas the fairgrounds, to suspend the gun shows next year. Advertisement A website for the Long Beach-based law firm Michel & Associates P.C. that represents the gun show owners states that its clients include the National Rifle Association, firearms manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, shooting ranges and related interests. You have made and continue to make defamatory, disparaging and false statements about our clients, states the Oct. 24 letter to NeverAgainCA from Tiffany D. Cheuvront, an attorney at Michel & Associates. The letter refers to an article in The San Diego Union-Tribune, an opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle and information posted on the NeverAgainCA website. The materials generally cite the past felony firearms convictions of gun show owner Bob Templeton and his son Jeff Templeton that would prevent them from operating the shows. Cheuvront states that Bob and Jeff Templeton are no longer officers in the corporation, B&L Productions, that owns the gun show, and that makes the shows legal. Bob Templetons daughter, Tracy Olcott, who has no convictions, is the president and general manager of the company. A call to Olcotts phone Thursday was answered by a message stating her voice mail was full. There are no officers of the corporation that have federal firearms convictions, states Cheuvronts letter. These comments paint the corporation in a false light in that it infers that the corporation has convicted felons running the guns shows. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties is backing NeverAgainCA. Your letter is a baseless attempt to intimidate Never Again from exercising rights protected by the First Amendment, states a response written this week by ACLU Legal Director David Loy. Any litigation you initiate based on the claims made in your letter would expose Crossroads to a special motion to strike under the anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute and payment of costs and attorney fees incurred in litigating such a motion, Loy states. Please refrain from filing any such meritless action, Loy states. Earlier this year, the 22nd District Agricultural Association board of directors asked the state Department of Justice to investigate the Templetons based on their past convictions and Bob Templetons continued involvement with the show. The Department of Justice has declined repeated requests to acknowledge or comment on any investigation. The fairgrounds will host one final Crossroads show in December under a contract signed early in the year. Thousands of people attend each gun show. Members of the San Diego County Gun Owners, a political action committee, have lobbied hard for the fairgrounds to continue the show. The fairgrounds directors have asked employees to develop a policy that would allow informational gun shows but prohibit the sales or presence of firearms or ammunition at the fairgrounds. So far, the fairgrounds has received no similar letter from Crossroads, fairgrounds communications officer Annie Pierce said Thursday. Crossroads has held the weekend gun show five times annually for almost 30 years at Del Mar. It also holds the shows in other cities throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl As Chicago prepares for its 27th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, of which Mickey and Minnie Mouse are the grand marshals, one Naperville resident is getting a unique Disney fix of her own. Patrice Jenkins was selected by Good Morning America to travel to six Disney resorts in seven days. In honor of Mickey Mouses 90th birthday, ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee traveled with Jenkins across four countries to enjoy parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Hong Kong Disneyland, Californias Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Zee, a former meteorologist at NBC-5, surprised Jenkins, an associate vice principal and fourth-grade teacher at Hinsdale Adventist Academy, in her classroom with news of the adventure last week. Jenkins was selected from a pool of entries. Advertisement This week, the pair have been sharing their trip with Good Morning America viewers. We caught up with the self-proclaimed Disney super fan by phone, prior to her arriving stateside to end the trip at Walt Disney World in Orlando on Friday. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What is it about Disney you love so much? A: As a child, my parents allowed my brother and I to watch Disney cartoons and movies, which inspired me to learn a lot of Disney songs, thus creating an everlasting element of magic that only grew in time as I experienced movies like Fantasia which happens to be my favorite Mickey Mouse movie. I can remember watching the Mouseketeers and wanting to join the other kids on the TV screen. I fell in love first with the Snow White movie at age 7 when my aunt took me to the theater to watch it. As I grew older, those memories stuck with me, and when I finally had the opportunity to visit the Disney World park in Orlando, all my dreams as a child came back to me and still shape who I am today. Q: And what makes you a Disney super fan vs. a regular fan? A: In my mind, I demonstrate the desire to creatively incorporate (Disney) in specific areas of my life. Most people I know will tell you its a part of my personality to sing my favorite Disney songs and wear Disneybounding outfits in public (not just in my classroom). I love matching outfits with my husband since hes a fan too. I have Mickey accessories: Mickey ears phone cases, Mickey ears for my classroom Echo Dot, Mickey Apple Watch accessory, custom-made Disney dresses and shoes. I got married and honeymooned at Disney Orlando. If possible Id visit a park every year! Patrice Jenkins, left, and Ginger Zee at Disneyland in California during Jenkins weeklong trip. (ABC) Q: You also incorporate Disney into your school curriculum. How? A: During independent work time, I allow my students to listen to Disney classical music. I conduct morning meetings each day, and the students and I recite a Disney quote of the day which are displayed throughout my room. I wear custom-made Disney-themed outfits to incorporate into lessons I may be teaching about Mickeys upcoming birthday. Students read Mickey Mouse math activity sheets, physics lessons on the operation of Disney theme-park roller coasters and book club studies on Walt Disneys life and legacy. Q: How much Disney memorabilia do you own? A: I think half of my bedroom closet is Disney-themed, whether its stuffed animals, watches, clothing, shoes, pins or hats. The list keeps growing! Thank goodness my husband doesnt mind! Character dim sum!!! So many special parts of the @Disney park we are at today. Youll see our journey coming up on @GMA - we landed and had 90 min to do as much as we could at this park! @AskPattyPepper is holding up on this around the world trip! pic.twitter.com/y6etDRWm3g Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) November 13, 2018 Q: Who is your favorite Disney character? A: Cinderella. When I was a little girl, Id watch that movie and envision myself in her place. Finding true love, having the animals as your best friend, living in a cute cottage and once her prince found her, she lived happily ever after. That was my fantasy for so long that my husband and I had our Cinderella-themed wedding at the Orlando park. Q: After this experience, whats your favorite Disney resort? A: Shanghai Disney its such a beautiful attraction. My socks were blown off when I walked onto the property, but when I went into their castle, I just couldnt believe it! Q: And your favorite ride at Disney? A: Tron and Pirates of the Caribbean. Jenkins will continue her Disney fun with a cruise this weekend. drockett@chicagotribune.com Twitter @DarcelTribune Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: If you go Disney princess Kristen Bell worries about what movies teach girls about consent Which Disney movie is Illinois favorite? Here are the favorite Disney movies of every U.S. state North Korea on Friday said it would deport an American citizen it detained on suspicion of illegally entering the country, an apparent concession to the United States that came even as it announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified ultramodern weapon that Washington will view as a pressuring tactic. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying the U.S., suggest that Pyongyang wants to keep alive dialogue with Washington as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile U.S. figures traveled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the official Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct. 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the manipulation of the CIA. It was not clear whether North Koreas spelling of the mans name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. Advertisement A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. The decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious U.S. response, had some fearing war on the Korean peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Uns June summit with President Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed U.S. soldiers killed during the Korean War. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees were imprisoned for a variety of purported crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. The latest detained American is probably a man that South Korea deported last year, according to South Korean police. In November 2017, a 58-year-old man from Louisiana was caught in South Korea after spending two nights in the woods in a civilian-restricted area near the border with North Korea. The name written in his passport was Lowrance Bruce Byron, said police officers at Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency. Before his deportation, the man told interrogators that he knows lots of people in the Trump administration so that he wants to work as a bridge between the United States and North Korea to help improve their ties [that were] worsened by Warmbiers death, said one of the police officers who investigated the man. He requested anonymity, citing department rules. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon, though it didnt describe what the weapon was. It didnt appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed relations on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding Pyongyang of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was probably an expression of anger by North Korea at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. Its the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile last November, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry. Its North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying, If you dont listen to us, you will face political burdens, said analyst Shin Beomchul of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. Earlier this month, North Koreas Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesnt receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an antiaircraft gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a tactical weapon in North Korea refers to a weapon aimed at striking South Korea, including U.S. military bases there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple-rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and North Korea insisting that the U.S. first lift sanctions and approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War. But Fridays report from Pyongyang was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didnt focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test wont completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the government is about its commitment to denuclearization. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the great progress made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan, and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region, Pence said. Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress, but theres more work to be done. Pence stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced. North Korea said that the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldnt suppress his passionate joy at its success. He was described as so excited to say that another great work was done by the defense scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defense capability of the country. Last years series of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put North Korea on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that could target anywhere in the mainland United States. UPDATES: 2:40 a.m.: Updated with South Korean police saying the American is likely a man they deported last year. This article was first published at 11:40 p.m. Look at all the snow geese, commented my non-birding companion as we rounded the curve coming down East Grade of Palomar Mountain and getting a first view of Lake Henshaw. On the far side of the lake was a flotilla of white birds floating leisurely with the slow current. Those are not geese, I said. That is a flock of American white pelicans. Similar in size and coloration, it would be easy from a distance to confuse these pelicans with snow geese, especially when in flight. Advertisement The American white pelican is also a winter visitor to San Diego, and in the past few years their numbers seem to be increasing. Scientists believe this could be a result of declining fish numbers at Salton Sea which has historically been a major wintering location for these migratory pelicans. This change in migration patterns, however, means we see more of these interesting birds here. Historically the white pelican spent winters in coastal lagoons and bays, but numbers have now expanded to inland waters such as Lake Henshaw, Santee Lakes and lakes Hodges, Wohlford, Lindo, Otay and Sweetwater in addition to San Diego and Mission bays, and coastal lagoons. A small flock of white pelicans at Lake Hodges. (Ernie Cowan) This year, migrating white pelicans were first recorded arriving at Lake Henshaw in early August, and this fall as many as 260 were recorded there. The numbers at other local waters are fewer, but the migration patterns have been similar, with populations peaking in October. This is a great time to get out and look for the white pelican. They will be here until they begin their northern migration in February, with a few stragglers hanging on until early May. A few will even spend the summer here; as many as 50 have been recorded at Lake Henshaw, but there are no recent records of the species nesting here. Breeding and nesting of the white pelican occurs during summer months in the eastern plains of North America, Montana, North Dakota and as far north as the Yukon Territory of Canada. The American white pelican is one of the largest birds in North America, even larger than bald eagles, with a wingspan of 8 to 9 feet and reaching a weight of over 20 pounds. In flight, these are graceful birds with slow, effortless wingbeats, and, despite their weight, they have the ability to soar long distances. This is no doubt a way for them to save energy when covering many miles during migration. This pelican is snowy white in color, with large yellow-orange bills and legs. They have black feathers at the tips of their wings, but this coloration is only visible while the birds are in flight or the wings are spread. (In the photo accompanying this story, you can see the black feathers hidden beneath the wings.) Unlike the brown pelican, which is frequently seen along San Diegos coastline, the white pelican is not a plunging bird. You will not see them diving into the water, but instead this pelican is a dabbler, often thrusting its large bill into the water to scoop up fish and small aquatic morsels. One of their successful feeding behaviors is when the flock moves together to herd fish into shallow water where it is easier to feed. This is the best time of the year to find white pelicans in San Diego County. Make it an adventure to add this huge white bird to your life list. Pack a picnic and take off to visit some of the lakes listed above. Fall is an interesting time when many species are arriving to winter here. While out looking for white pelicans you might even spot a few more interesting birds while enjoying San Diegos backcountry. Bird count Information about the annual Christmas Bird Count at six locations in San Diego County is now available at sandiegoaudubon.org. Click on the birding tab for details. The annual count takes place in San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Lake Henshaw, Rancho Santa Fe, Lake Henshaw and Escondido between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5. Volunteers are always needed. Each count location encompasses a 15-mile circle. Participants spread out to count bird species within these circles during a one-day period. Joining the count is a great way for new birders to learn from veterans. Cowan is a freelance writer based in Escondido. Email him at BirdandErnie@gmail.com or follow him at erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com. A 200-bed temporary homeless shelter opened Thursday in Santa Ana as part of an ongoing legal dispute launched by homeless advocates against several Orange County cities. The Link will house homeless men, women and families and provide various support services to connect them with permanent housing. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter has praised the city for the shelter and called it a role model for the county. Carter is overseeing the lawsuit, which was filed in response to the removal of a tent city near Angel Stadium. Advertisement Judge Carter wants to get things done, and I think we have strengthened his hand, Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido said at the shelters opening event. Other cities cant say they cant do it because we did it. With the addition of The Link, Santa Ana now accounts for 781, or about 70%, of the shelter beds in the county. The fact is a rallying cry for the city. A major contributor to the ongoing lawsuit has been the inaction of south county cities. Its unfortunate when other cities in the county dont take on the issue, Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides said at the event. I am asking respectfully for all other cities in the county to follow. The shelter located in a building in a commercial area on Red Hill Avenue was completed in 28 days following the projects announcement in late October. The nonprofit Mercy House will run the facility. The Santa Ana-based organization also operates the Bridges at Kraemer Place shelter in Anaheim. The Link shelter has four dormitories, bathrooms and a large dining area. There are 90 beds for men, 60 for women, 40 for families and a room for up to five couples. There are also accommodations for pets. A few large murals adorn the walls of the building, including one of Carter with the words, The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. Brazil writes for Times Community News. ben.brazil@latimes.com Maybe you missed his five-day run at the La Jolla Playhouse earlier this year. Perhaps you will also be missing his current debut appearance on Broadway, where his one-man show The New One just opened at the Cort Theatre. But thanks to the stand-up specials airing on Netflix and clips available on YouTube, you do not have to miss the mood-altering miracle that is stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia. He may be currently wowing happy audiences on the other side of the country, but he is also waiting for you inside your nearest screen. Sort of like an emergency fire-extinguisher, except with life-sustaining laughs where the fire-retardant would be. With his friendly, Everyguy face, pre-wrinkled Dad wardrobe and air of perpetual bemused bafflement, the Boston-raised comedian does not look or act like the kind of stand-up hero who is going to save you from post-election exhaustion, pre-Thanksgiving anxiety or Netflix-browsing overload. Advertisement But bless his nerdy soul, he is. Because like the Everyguy himself, Birbiglias deceptively comfy observations about families and relationships and why you should never go on a ride called The Scrambler after youve eaten popcorn, peanuts, ice cream and candy pack a sharp gut punch. You will laugh until you cry, because you have a pretty good idea about where his stories are going and you are painfully familiar with the uncomfortable place theyre going to end up. Because you have been there. We have all been there. I think he recognizes the comic absurdity in how we live our lives in a day-to-day fashion, said Gabriel Greene, director of artistic development for the La Jolla Playhouse, which hosted a touring version of The New One in January. Its sort of akin to observational comedy, the idea of, What is the deal with airplane food? But whereas a joke like that is generic, Mike has the capacity to strip himself bare in a way that we recognize because he is sharing something we never dare admit about ourselves to ourselves. He is honest to a cringe-inducing level and he is disarmingly funny. My family and I stumbled upon Birbiglias stand-up comedy the way most Netflix subscribers stumble upon most things by accident, and in a way we could not replicate again if we tried. Maybe it was through a Jim Gaffigan special or a Friends binge. Or maybe it was Saturday night and my husband had been clicking through the queue for 20 fruitless minutes and I finally said, Oh for Gods sake, just stop there. But by some magic, there he was. Mike Birbiglia, comedy savior. Our lucky find was My Girlfriends Boyfriend, the 2013 Netflix special taken from his off-Broadway show of the same name. Like other Birbiglia stand-up shows 2008s What I Should Have Said Was Nothing, 2017s Thank God for Jokes this one centers on a long-ish story about something that doesnt scream, This is going to be hilarious! The story involves a car accident. One that is so serious, it gives Birbiglia the chance to explain what a T-bone accident is. Then he doubles back to the night he met Jenny, the woman who became the girlfriend hed been fighting with right before he and his car were T-boned. Their first sort-of date does not go well in a quietly excruciating way that you will recognize if you have ever been on the wrong end of a kissing-related disaster. Which reminds Birbiglia of his first kissing-related disaster, which requires a journey back to junior high and the aforementioned adventure on The Scrambler. It does not go well for young Mike or for his hopes of losing his kissing virginity. But thanks to Birbiglias klutzy yet perfect physical re-enactment of the ride and its Technicolor climax, the experience will go very well for you. Unless you have also just eaten popcorn, peanuts, ice cream and candy. In which case, have Kleenex handy. And maybe a pail. So yes. Hes really funny. But as My Girlfriends Boyfriend eventually winds its way back to the accident and its Jenny-related aftermath, it leads you to the heart of what makes Mike Birbiglia your comedy savior. It is the fact that he is not a joke-teller, but storyteller. It is also the fact that we, the audience, are part of the story because it is also our story. Seeing a show of Mikes is like catching up with an old friend over drinks and who sometimes gets painfully honest in their catching up, Greene said. A lot of the idea behind it is that you are cringing because he is exposing something that is very embarrassing, but it is something we recognize in ourselves. Whether it is the risk you take when you fall in love or the leap into the void that is parenthood, the truth at the heart of Mike Birbiglias comedy is that life is a Scrambler, and we are all riding it together. The ride may be messy and scary, but it gives us a great excuse to laugh and cry and hang on to the person next to us. And thats what makes it so darned fun. Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com A former Wells Fargo personal banker was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday on accusations of participating in an international drug money laundering conspiracy, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Thursday. Luis Fernando Figueroa, 30, of Tijuana, is the latest to be implicated in the ring, which authorities say laundered more than $19 million in drug proceeds from 2014 to 2016. Seven alleged leaders were arrested earlier this year, with five pleading guilty thus far. The organization, which operated primarily out of San Diego, recruited people to act as funnel account holders by opening personal accounts at Wells Fargo and other banks, authorities said. Advertisement Couriers then traveled across the country, including to San Diego, Los Angeles and cities along the East Coast, where they picked up large amounts of cash sometimes as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time and then deposited the money into the bank accounts. The funds were then wire transferred to a series of Mexico-based shell companies and into the hands of Sinaloa cartel operatives, authorities said. Authorities did not release details as to Figueroas role, including the location of his Wells Fargo branch. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis A man who knifed his friend and walked off last year in North Park, leaving him to die later in a hospital, was sentenced Friday to 14 years in state prison. A San Diego judge considered a more lenient sentence for Brandon Kyle Cooper, but decided the defendant had been given plenty of chances to get off drugs, reform and quit committing crimes. His record is significant, and bad, Superior Court Judge Charles Rogers said. Property crimes, drug crimes one with great violence on another person. Supervising officers made every effort to get this man to address his drug addiction. The system has done everything it could. Advertisement A jury in August convicted Cooper, 38, of voluntary manslaughter and an allegation that he used a knife to kill Spencer Thompson, 38. Jurors rejected a charge of second-degree murder. Rogers imposed an 11-year prison term for the manslaughter, with consecutive sentences of one year for using the knife and one year each for having two prior prison sentences. Cooper testified during his trial that he was walking down University Avenue on May 29, 2017 with Thompson, who told him to watch his back and other statements that sounded threatening. Cooper, who was homeless at the time, had been visiting at Thompsons apartment. He said they had been friends since high school. In court, Cooper denied stabbing Thompson. Thompson was still alive when a San Diego police officer found him. With the officers body-worn camera recording, Thompson named Cooper as the person who had stabbed him. He did not mention having any argument with Cooper before the assault. Thompson suffered a single knife wound that damaged his liver and two arteries. He died after surgery. Nearby business security camera footage showed Cooper and Thompson walking together before the stabbing and Cooper later walking by himself. Deputy District Attorney Oscar Hagstrom asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence on Cooper, saying the defendant left Thompson for dead, lied repeatedly to investigators and didnt seem to care when they told him his friend had died. The prosecutor said Cooper went to prison for the first time in 2006 and since then has never gone a year without being back into custody. Two of his victims suffered permanent injuries from attacks by Cooper, Hagstrom said. Hagstrom said Coopers methamphetamine addiction was no doubt linked to his criminal behavior, and that previous judges have given Cooper breaks in hopes he would kick his habit. Deputy Public Defender Tress Huber asked the judge for a mid-term sentence of six years, saying Cooper was remorseful and plans to get help for his addiction while in custody. He has plans for the future, Huber said. If he abstains from drug use, he can be a productive member of society. Rogers disagreed, noting that Cooper had been on mandatory supervision the strictest level of supervision imposed on a convict short of incarceration when he stabbed Thompson. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard A U.S. citizen who lived in Tijuana pleaded guilty Thursday to importing more than 20,000 fentanyl pills a haul that was discovered at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and is believed to be the largest seizure of its kind along the U.S.-Mexico border, prosecutors said. Fernando Jesus Peraza, 39, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 while trying to enter the U.S. from Tijuana at the San Ysidro border crossing, prosecutors said. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer noted anomalies after passing a density reading device over his Audi TT Quattro. The fentanyl pills, disguised as oxycodone, were found hidden in the passenger rear quarter panel of the Audi TT Quattro crossing the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Aug. 8, 2018. The haul of more than 20,000 pills is believed to be the largest such seizure on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Courtesy of U.S. Attorneys Office) Authorities uncovered four packages hidden in the passenger rear quarter panel of the car, according to the complaint. Inside were more than 20,000 pills that at first glance resembled blue oxycodone M30s, but tested positive for fentanyl, an extremely potent and deadly synthetic heroin. Advertisement This is the biggest fentanyl pill seizure weve seen along the Southwest Border, and its likely a national record, U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said at the time of Perazas arrest. The massive seizure came just a week after agents at the same border crossing discovered nearly 11,500 fentanyl pills in a teenagers car. That seizure was briefly considered the largest fentanyl haul discovered along the U.S.-Mexico border until it was eclipsed by Perazas load. At the time of his arrest, Peraza worked for a trash-collection service in San Diego County, prosecutors said. He told investigators that he smuggled the drugs because his family had been threatened, and that he was to be paid $1,000 for the job. As part of his plea in the case, Peraza admitted to smuggling roughly 20,000 fentanyl pills; he also conceded that he was aware that quantities of the powerful and often deadly narcotic or some other controlled substance were hidden in his Audi. Braverman, the U.S. attorney, said counterfeit pills that look like other drugs are especially dangerous because users often dont know they are ingesting fentanyl. Peraza faces 10 years to life in federal prison when hes sentenced next year by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel. City News Service contributed to this report. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com It took a North County jury less than two hours Thursday to find an Oceanside man guilty of second-degree murder for throwing a 93-year-old woman to the ground two years ago. Margaret Marge Wood whose family said she was known as Granny died nearly two months later. At trial, there was no dispute that the defendant, William Sutton, had injured Wood in the April 16, 2016 incident. Much of it was caught on camera, and his attorney told the jury that his client was 100 percent guilty of elder abuse. In dispute was whether her injuries at the hands of Sutton caused her death, or if she died from too much morphine administered in her final hours and days, as the defense argued. Advertisement When the guilty verdict was read, Woods grandchildren hugged and cried in the courtroom of Vista Superior Court Judge Blaine Bowman. Its the best possible outcome we could have hoped for, granddaughter Laura Beecher said of Wood, who had spent much of her adult life living in the San Diego County region. Wood was a spry 4-foot-11-inch woman who took daily walks and was very loving and fierce and loyal and brave and courageous and funny, Beecher said. In addition to second-degree murder, the jury also found Sutton guilty of elder abuse, with allegations that included great bodily injury. Sutton, 68, faces 15 years to life in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 17. Authorities said Wood was trying to visit a friend, and trying to retrieve her left-behind sunglasses when Sutton threw her out. Sutton was the caretaker for Woods friend. Wood suffered serious head injuries in the incident, which was caught on the surveillance camera of a neighbor in the senior community off Lake Boulevard. Sutton was arrested the following day and initially charged with attempted murder and elder abuse. After she died, prosecutors changed the charge to murder. On Thursday, during closing arguments in Suttons trial, Deputy District Attorney Garret Wong argued that Wood died from injuries received when Sutton launched her out of the door head first onto a concrete porch. Wong said Woods doctor told the family that her injuries were a death sentence. After a hospital stay, Woods was placed in hospice care, and died less than two months later. Its a testament to how vibrant and healthy she was at 93 years old that she didnt die immediately, Wong said. In his closing argument, Suttons attorney, Matt Roberts, told the jury that his client was 100 percent guilty of elder abuse. But, he said, the incident happened in an instant, and murder was not on Suttons mind. He is absolutely responsible for losing his temper but he did not have the intent to kill, Roberts said. Roberts said Wood had been recovering from her injuries. He pointed to illnesses including pneumonia and infections she had suffered during her recovery, as well as to what he said was a lethal amount of morphine given to her. Wong countered that there was no evidence of neglect or medical malpractice, and rhetorically asked the jury why Wood was in hospice care in the first place. Suttons trial had started in Vista Superior Court last week. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A charter school advocacy group on Wednesday called for the closure of Valiant Academy, an online school and home school authorized in east San Diego County, based on its analysis of public school academic performance statewide. That analysis by the California Charter Schools Association also found that a higher percentage of San Diego County district schools were meeting its academic standards than charter schools. Every year, the charter association evaluates schools statewide and recommends the closure of certain charter schools that do not live up to its standards. The association evaluates schools by determining if schools meet certain academic performance criteria, then attempting a deeper analysis of charter schools that dont meet those criteria. The charter group is calling for the non-renewal, or closure, of seven charter schools in California. The only one in San Diego County is Valiant Academy of Southern California, which is authorized by the Dehesa Elementary School District and is part of a chain with schools in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Advertisement State data show that the school enrolled 726 students as of last fall. About 40 percent of those students were low-income, while only 2 percent were English learners and 3 percent were students with disabilities. Before last year, the school only enrolled between 29 and 43 students each year, according to state data. About one-third of Valiants students met state standards in English language arts and about 17 percent of students met state standards in math, according to 2018 test scores. Valiant officials did not respond to a request for comment. This year is the first time that the association also evaluated district schools in addition to charter schools. The charter group found that 94 percent of 575 district schools in San Diego County met its initial academic criteria, while 90 percent of 103 charter schools met the criteria. San Diego Countys public schools fared better in the charter groups analysis than California overall. Countywide, 94 percent of public schools met the criteria, while 86 percent of schools statewide did. The charter group says that, statewide, charter schools do better than district schools: 88 percent of charter schools met the criteria compared to 86 percent of district schools. While California Charter Schools Association evaluates all public schools, it only calls for the closure of charter schools that are up for renewal in the current year. Charter schools, which are independently-run public schools, must be renewed every five years in California to continue existing, a process that charter schools agree to in exchange for more freedom and flexibility. Local, county and state school boards decide whether to renew them based on their academic performance. California Charter Schools Association has been evaluating charter schools and issuing calls for non-renewal since 2011. It started doing so in order to prove that charter schools are being held accountable and because low-performing charter schools worsen the image of charter schools. CCSA felt that we had a quality problem, that there were a relatively small number of under-performing charter schools that werent being held accountable, and ultimately that was a problem for the movement, said Elizabeth Robitaille, senior vice president for school performance, development and support at the charter school association. We wanted to show that CCSA was an organization that believes very firmly in quality and it really could only take a small number of under-performing charter schools to really threaten the legislative and policy environment for everyone. The association says it started including district schools in its analysis this year because it believes they are not held accountable enough. Currently, school districts that are found to be under-performing on the California School Dashboard are offered support to improve. There really is no accountability for traditional public schools in a similar way, Robitaille said. Traditional public schools can continue to languish year after year in under-performance and there is really no accountability, no assurance for the kids who are languishing in those schools year after year that performance will really improve. You can see the California Charter Schools Associations analyses by school here. Kristen Taketa Email: kristen.taketa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @Kristen_Taketa UC San Diego is experiencing a surge in the use of electric scooters on campus, further adding to the traffic on the schools already crowded byways. The surge led campus officials on Thursday to e-mail students a cautionary note about proper use of the scooters. The note reads: In recent months, use of motorized scooters, motorized skateboards and other small, motorized mobility devices has increased on campus. We want to remind the campus community that UC San Diego has established guidelines for the proper use of bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar wheeled devices; also, the UC San Diego Police Department is enforcing regulations related to their use. Motorized mobility devices may be used in designated bike lanes as well as on curbed streets. Riders of any motorized devices should always yield to pedestrians and slower traffic in all locations. Advertisement As technology and mobility options continue to evolve, the university will seek to update policies and facilities to encourage the safe circulation of people throughout campus. Existing policies are currently under review. We will be developing outreach and education efforts over the next several months and will provide opportunities to share ideas and information. Five Scripps Health nurses headed for Northern California Thursday to help with the Camp Fire recovery effort. Scripps received word from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority Wednesday that its medical response team has been activated for a one-week deployment at a Chico evacuation center. The team is led by Debra McQuillen from Scripps Mercy Hospital with Steve Miller from Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Anna Coons from Scripps Mercy, Scott Parish from company headquarters and Debra Wood from Scripps Coastal Medical Group. Chris Van Gorder, the organizations chief executive, said Thursday afternoon that he will meet up with team members in Chico on Monday. A trained emergency medical technician and volunteer deputy sheriff with extensive search and rescue experience, Van Gorder said he and everyone on the team is prepared to sleep in tents and help out under the oversight of the state EMS authority. Advertisement Its far from the units first mission. Devastating earthquakes sent the team to Nepal in 2015 and Haiti in 2010 with a deployment to help the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in 2005. Scripps also activated the unit during recent San Diego County wildfires. While its difficult to know exactly what evacuees will need when volunteers arrive, Van Gorder said past experiences have taught him that emotional support for victims will be just as important as medical attention. We saw that with Katrina in a very big way, Van Gorder said. In Chico, I would imagine we are going to have a lot of survivors, many of whom lost somebody in the fire or they dont know where a loved one is. Team members volunteered with the knowledge they will miss Thanksgiving dinner at home with their families, but Van Gorder said he plans to do what he can to provide a second shot at turkey and gravy. We will find a way for them to repeat their Thanksgiving when they get back, Van Gorder said. The Scripps deployment is folded into a much larger effort that draws volunteers with medical skills from throughout the state. Jennifer Lim, a spokesperson for the state EMS authority, said that four- or five-person teams are generally assembled on site based on each individuals skill set once they arrive where theyre needed. She said she was aware of one such volunteer from Escondido in addition to the Scripps team members, but a full list of local participants was not immediately available. 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 Calling it a remarkable piece of work, a San Diego federal judge on Thursday officially approved a settlement agreement that allows hundreds of migrant families who had been separated under a government policy a second chance to seek asylum. The final OK was more procedural than anything, as U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw had already given the agreement high praise so much so that last month he ordered the federal government not to delay and to begin making asylum determinations for certain migrant families who are in immigration detention. All sides have been anxious to get the asylum determinations moving, with unrest growing in some of the family detention centers in Texas as the litigation has dragged on, The need for additional bed space has intensified as potentially thousands of migrants traveling through Mexico in caravans have begun to show up at the San Ysidro Port of Entry with their own asylum claims. The settlement approval process calls for a period that allows potential class members to object, and while a handful of objections were filed in this case, they were not true criticisms of the agreement but rather requests from migrants who wanted to be part of the settlement. There were also requests for clarity in the agreement language. Advertisement Sabraw on Thursday noted that some of the objectors had good, principled positions that he hoped would be worked out between the parties in side negotiations, but they would not derail the settlement agreement. The agreement has become one of the centerpieces defining a collection of related litigation filed across the country in response to the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy, which called for the criminal prosecution of all illegal entry arrests at the border and the subsequent separating of children from adults who were sent to criminal custody. Before zero tolerance, criminal prosecution was typically reserved for cases involving multiple illegal entries, dangerous smuggling methods, or unauthorized immigrants with criminal records. After the children were forcibly separated from their parents, the trauma made it difficult for the parents to adequately communicate during their interviews with asylum officers, in which they are asked if they have credible fear of persecution if they were to return to their homeland, according to attorneys representing the migrants. Many of the families who were separated were fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. Most of the children, who were either sent to government shelters or to live with sponsors, did not get their own credible fear interviews. As some 2,000 children have since been reunited with their parents under orders by Sabraw, the settlement seeks to undo some of the damage wrought by the separation by giving them another chance to argue for asylum. The agreement grants new interviews to reunited families still in the U.S., whether they are in detention or released to the community. The entire family unit will be allowed to remain in the U.S. until every family member has completed the process, even if one or more members fail early on. In October, Sabraw ordered the government to begin with families in immigration custody. In a joint report filed by the government and migrant attorneys last week, 137 parents and children had been given legal orientations explaining the asylum process, and 120 of them were then interviewed. The report does not state how many passed the initial credible fear threshold in order to move forward with their claims. Class members who are not in custody but remain in the U.S. are also being notified about their opportunities, with interviews to follow. The agreement does not grant the same second chance to the some 400 parents who were previously deported without their children. A massive effort to locate those parents in foreign countries and fly children from the U.S. to reunite with their families at home remains ongoing. As of last week, 99 of those parents decided, after receiving legal counsel, not to reunite and to let their children stay in the U.S. to seek asylum and try to find a sponsor. Many other children have either already been reunited in their home country or are set to. But Sabraw has ruled that he does not see it fit to return those deported parents back to the U.S. for new credible fear interviews. Its not perfect, Sabraw said Thursday of the settlement. We are dealing with a situation far from perfect caused by the governments separation policy. At least 30 children have been denied reunification because the government found their parents to be unfit or dangerous after reviews of criminal history or other red flags, according to the most recent report. One of the main objections to the settlement was whether it included legal guardians not just biological or adopted parents. One objector, seeking asylum from Honduras, is the 30-year-old legal guardian of her 15-year-old biological sister. Attorney Martin McNerney, based in Washington, D.C., argued that the term parent is not defined in the agreement, and that his clients have suffered the same trauma as other separated families. The attorneys who hammered out the agreement argued and Sabraw agreed that legal guardianship was not covered and rather opened up a host of separate legal issues that should be decided at another time. Another objection related to the precarious situation of at least seven children who signed voluntary departure orders perhaps without fully understanding the magnitude of what they were signing and would like to be included in the settlement agreement. If they dont leave the country by the date ordered, they face severe consequences, including fines and the inability to seek legal immigration status in the future, their attorney argued. Again, Sabraw ruled the issue was distinct, and he ordered the government and the childrens attorneys to see if they could reach a resolution separately. We are willing to hear these individuals circumstances and deal with them, said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Scott Stewart. Sabraw concluded the hearing by saying he was optimistic these matters would be addressed successfully in short order. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis One SUV passenger suffered major injuries and three other people were hurt in a collision in Carmel Mountain Thursday evening, San Diego police said. Police said the driver of a Hyundai Vera Cruz ran a red light at the intersection of Highland Ranch Road and Ted Williams Parkway about 7:30 p.m. The SUV was headed west on the parkway and blew through the light, hitting an eastbound Toyota Corolla that was making a left turn on a green arrow light onto Highland Ranch Road, police Officer Robert Heims said. A 55-year-old passenger in the Hyundai suffered major internal injuries, Heims said. A second passenger suffered cuts and a third passenger was unhurt. Advertisement Heims had no information about the Hyundai driver. The Corolla driver, a 27-year-old man, complained of pain and his passenger suffered a broken arm, Heims said. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard A gunman opened fire on a group of people gathered around a sidewalk barbecue Thursday night in City Heights, wounding two men in what police believed was a gang-related shooting, officers said. The gunfire erupted just before 8:10 p.m. on Dawson Avenue near the corner of El Cajon Boulevard, where there is a supermarket, several restaurants and an auto repair shop, San Diego police Officer Robert Heims said. The gunman was standing on a street corner near the gathering when he fired toward the group, striking a 42-year-old man in the leg and a 28-year-old man in the abdomen, Heims said. Both were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Advertisement The gunman and a companion were last seen running east on El Cajon Boulevard for a block, and then south on 53rd Street. Detectives from the San Diego Police Departments gang unit were assigned to investigate the shooting. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com The final quarter of 2021 is on its way and theres so much positivity about the rapid growth of the... A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of punching a hunter last week in the mountains southwest of Julian, and sheriffs deputies were investigating whether the suspect might also be tied to a months-long series of thefts targeting outdoorsmen in the same area, officials said Thursday. The alleged attack, which the victim said knocked him unconscious, happened the evening of Nov. 5 along a stretch of the rural, mountainous Eagle Peak Road in the Cleveland National Forest, San Diego County sheriffs Deputy Craig Rembold said. The hunter told deputies he was on National Forest land when he was confronted by a man claiming the hunter had trespassed on his private property, Rembold said. During the subsequent conversation, the (man claiming to be) the land owner punched the hunter in the face, Rembold said in a statement. The hunter suffered significant injuries as a result of the blow. Advertisement Deputies a day later used the hunters GPS to track the route he walked the night of the attack and determined he never crossed onto private property, Rembold said. An investigation identified Frank Martinez, 54, as the suspect. On Wednesday, deputies pulled Martinezs vehicle over on state Route 78 near Santa Ysabel, northwest of Julian, and arrested him on suspicion of battery resulting in serious injury, Rembold said. While taking him into custody, deputies discovered Martinez was armed with a loaded handgun. They added firearm violations to the battery charge when he was booked into jail. Martinez was no longer listed as an inmate Thursday evening, according to jail records. The alleged battery on the hunter happened along a stretch of Eagle Peak Road where a series of thefts began in August, Rembold said. The victims of these crimes were outdoorsmen enjoying activities in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest, Rembold said. It is currently undetermined if Martinez was involved in the original theft series. Anyone who has had similar experiences with Martinez, has been the victim of a theft in the area or who has information about the alleged assault was asked to contact Rembold at (760) 787-2243. Tipsters can also call San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477, and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com A 52-year-old photographer has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Carlsbad on Tuesday, and police are concerned he may have had other victims. Police believe Robert Koester, who photographs models, victimized the girl during a photo shoot at a home on Carlsbad Boulevard near Carlsbad Village Drive on Monday. The victim left the shoot early and reported the incident to her father. The two contacted police the next day, police said. Officers located Koester at the Carlsbad Boulevard home and arrested him. He was booked into jail on suspicion of battery with great bodily injury, sexual battery, possession of child pornography and providing harmful material to a minor, but later bailed out, police said. Advertisement Officers also obtained a warrant to search the residence and recovered evidence related to the crime, police said. Koester is an Oregon resident, but traveled to the North County city for work. Its unclear if the Carlsbad Boulevard location was the only one where he had stayed. Koester had been subcontracting with Frank, a Carlsbad-based model management agency. Police believe he worked with many clients and went by two aliases: Rhake Winter and Bert Kay. The modeling agency is working closely with investigators, police said. Were pretty sure there are other victims out there, but we hope that its not widespread, said Carlsbad Lt. Greg Koran. We hope the brave victim who came forward was able to help cut this off as quickly as possible. Investigators asked anyone with information about additional victims or witnesses to contact police at (760) 931-3819 or at tipline@carlsbadca.gov. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com A 29-year-old mother was arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of driving drunk and causing a head-on crash that gravely injured her unrestrained 9-month-old daughter in Rancho Bernardo this week, police said. Mayra Alejandra Gonzalez was arrested in the hospital room where she is being treated at Palomar Medical Center about 2:20 p.m., San Diego police Sgt. Victoria Houseman said. She faces charges that include felony DUI, felony child endangerment and driving on the wrong side of the road. Police said Gonzalez was in a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, headed east in the westbound lanes of Camino del Norte, when she smashed into a Jeep Liberty near Paseo Montanoso about 4:30 a.m. Monday. Gonzalez and the Jeep driver, a 57-year-old man, suffered broken bones. The mothers 8-year-old daughter also broke a bone. Her 2-year-old daughter suffered facial injuries. Advertisement The baby suffered life-threatening injuries including a fractured skull and a brain bleed and was being treated at Rady Childrens Hospital, police said. Her injuries are considered life-threatening. Police said Thursday they were continuing to investigate the collision, and anyone with information was asked to call police at (619) 531-2000, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (888) 580-8477. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com As hordes of volunteers and attorneys plowed through ballots, and protesters and politicians caviled from the sidelines, Floridas hand recount of its Senate race got underway Friday morning and almost immediately appeared to be a bust for Democrats. The process hasnt been so great for democracy, either. The quirks and imperfections that the states vote count has highlighted standard in many election systems were exploited over the last 10 days by lawmakers and by a president who doesnt seem to worry about accurately describing the fundamentals of ballot counting. The comments by President Trump and other Republicans, alleging vote fraud without presenting any evidence, seem likely to shake voter confidence in the election system. Those doubts could endure into the next national election, elevating worries about what could happen if the 2020 presidential contest comes down to the wire. Advertisement Republicans had been in a near panic about the possibility of a hotly contested Senate seat slipping away here. But their worries faded as the hand recount sped along in Broward County, just north of Miami. It was there that nearly 31,000 ballots in the race between incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, and Republican Gov. Rick Scott seemed to have the potential to erase Scotts very narrow lead. But as vote counters examined those ballots one by one, the vast majority were not disputable. In all but a few hundred of them, voters had just left the Senate race blank. The count went so fast that election officials sent volunteers home before lunch. This is all but over folks, Michael McDonald, an elections expert at the University of Florida, wrote in a tweet. Scott leads the Senate race by about 12,600 votes out of more than 8.1 million cast. Experts say the failure of so many Broward County voters to weigh in on a top-of-the-ticket race probably was a result of a poorly designed ballot. But theres nothing Democrats can do about that now; both campaigns signed off on the ballot design. Although Nelsons lawyers still have some arguments to make in court, Democrats have said all along that their chances of winning depended heavily on uncovering a problem in Broward that would result in more votes for them. All counties have a Sunday deadline to finish their hand counts of ballots that appeared blank or otherwise problematic in the machine count. The election results are scheduled to be certified Tuesday. Even before Fridays hand count began, the Florida recount had become a spectacle a mini-version of the chaos in the state in 2000 when the outcome of the presidential race between Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush hinged on the infamous hanging chads on punch-card ballots not pushed all the way through. The heated political rhetoric around this recount and the blizzard of lawsuits that accompanied it obscure the fact that many inadequacies of Floridas elections system have been addressed in the intervening decades. Hanging chads are long gone as punch cards have been replaced with less problem-plagued optical-scan ballots. The rules on which ballots should count and how to tally them have become much clearer, as evidenced by the speed with which Broward compiled its hand count. All voting systems are imperfect, however, and more so in Florida than some other places. The recount process has allowed Americans another look under the hood at how the votes are counted. Some of it is unsettling. What is going on in Florida is disconcerting, said Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UC Irvine. It would be different, I think, in a lot of places. You have machines breaking down; you have some incompetent election officials, he said. A lot of what we saw go wrong in 2000 is back in parallel fashion. Before hand counting got under way in Broward, a machine recount sputtered when election officials in the county failed to load the results into a state database in time. Things were worse in Palm Beach County, another center of dysfunction and confusion during the Bush vs. Gore standoff. Machines there overheated and had to be shut down during the recount process. The county came nowhere close to meeting its deadline for the machine recount. Floridas tradition of having elections run by partisans doesnt help. Broward County elections chief Brenda Snipes, a Democrat, made an easy villain for Republicans spinning conspiracy theories. Snipes has made many calls over the years that have bewildered election watchers. After Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, appointed her in 2003 to replace a predecessor accused of misdeeds in the office, the county has seen noteworthy mishaps involving mail ballots not delivered and uncounted ballots suddenly appearing. Trump has characteristically offered a darker explanation for her actions, declaring to the conservative Daily Caller that Snipes is not incompetent, but very competent, but in a bad way. The presidents attacks spread far beyond Snipes. With no evidence, he has warned of fraudsters casting multiple ballots at the same polling places pausing only to change their outfits between votes to throw poll workers off their trail. Floridas top elected officials joined in with charges of their own. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio accused Democrats of trying to steal the election. Scott accused Nelson of trying to commit fraud to win this election, even as his own administration found no evidence of such fraud. The heated language drew a rebuke from the federal judge overseeing a series of election-related lawsuits. Scott has engaged in campaign-trail rhetoric [that] is increasingly bombastic, imprudent, and not necessarily rooted in objective facts, District Judge Mark E. Walker wrote Friday as he ruled in the governors favor on several issues. Scott has toed the line between imprudent campaign-trail rhetoric and problematic state action. But he has not crossed the line, Walker wrote. The attacks on the election system here seem to have emboldened Republicans elsewhere to make similar charges. In California, Rep. Mimi Walters and candidate Young Kim, both Orange County Republicans, made accusations of election fraud when their election-night leads evaporated amid the tabulation of mail-in ballots. Walters conceded her race Friday. Any time you use the word fraud, you better have the evidence to back it up, said David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research. We used to all understand that sometimes our chosen candidates lose elections. It doesnt mean there is fraud. It doesnt mean the system is rigged. The message voters are hearing from these charges is their votes dont matter, Becker said. The president of the United States is fanning these flames, with zero evidence. Friday morning, outside the massive, brightly lit warehouse in Lauderhill where election workers and monitors were crammed around collapsible banquet tables, sorting through tens of thousands of Broward County ballots, the state GOP set up a mini-inflatable bounce house and labeled it Brendas Ballot Box, after Snipes. Your ballot matters until we tell you it doesnt, read one of the rules posted alongside the contraption. Proper protocol and rules dont apply to Democrats, said another. But by noontime, as the swift pace of the recount suggested Scott was no longer in danger, the tone of the protests had mellowed considerably. Activists on the left had stopped protesting. And those on the right, representing such groups as Bikers for Trump and Blacks for Trump, were offering up high-minded talking points about protecting democracy for Americans of all ideologies. The presidents conspiracy theories had faded into the background, as ill fitting a narrative in which Republicans come out on top. evan.halper@latimes.com Twitter: @evanhalper UPDATES: 1:35 p.m.: This article was updated with Judge Walkers ruling and additional background and context. 9:10 a.m.: This article was updated with Broward Countys results from the hand recount. This article was originally published at 8:30 a.m. Only one of 42 public school districts in San Diego County enjoys a positive balance sheet, Spencer Valley Elementary in Santa Ysibel. The balance sheets of the other 41 districts are dipped in red ink, some substantially. The scoring comes from my recent report, Financial Soundness Rankings for Californias Public School Districts, Colleges & Universities. It reviewed the financial soundness of all 944 California public school districts. The rankings derive from each districts latest Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which you should be able to find on their respective websites. In each CAFR, look for the Basic Financial Statements, starting with the page titled Statement of Net Position. Look at the top row for Government Activities. Then look down the column to where it says, first Net Position, then Unrestricted. Advertisement Thats the number you want: the Unrestricted Net Position, or UNP. The number will either be positive or, with parentheses around it, negative. I also divide the UNP by the districts population to get a per-capita UNP. If negative, thats the amount each person in the district is in hock for, whether or not your children attend school. Citizens should be concerned about the trajectory of these negative balances, commonly attributed to unfunded pension liabilities. If the negative number runs too high too long, it will mean cuts in teachers, equipment, band and sports, and ultimately calls for parcel taxes and more statewide tax increases like Proposition 30. In the worst cases, takeover by the state is not out of the question. Spencer Valley ran up a positive UNP per capita of $8,007, the 11th best in California. Great. Unfortunately, after that every district ran negative UNPs per capita. The second best in San Diego County was Julian Union Elementary at -$147, 153rd best in the state. Following were San Marcos Unified, in third place in the county at -$150, and 156th best in the state; and Warner Unified, in fourth place in the county at -$201, ranking 172nd best in the state. Half of San Diego Countys districts scored in the top half of the states 944 districts. That at least is a better performance than for districts in the nearby counties of Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside. Whats of greatest concern is the bottom of the list. In 42nd and last place for the county was Cardiff Elementary, at -$2,139, 912th among the 944 state districts. In 41st place for the county was Valley Center-Pauma Unified, in Valley Center, at -$1,756, ranking 894th in the state. Of special concern is the most populous district: San Diego Unifieds UNP per capita is -$1,381, fifth-worst in the county. But heres the sticker shock: The UNP itself is -$1.5 billion. The only district even deeper in the red in California is Los Angeles Unified, at -$10.9 billion. I also have scored the balance sheets of the states 58 counties and 482 cities. San Diego city bleeds -$1.6 billion in red ink, -$1,122 per capita. The county bleeds -$1.2 billion in red ink, -$347 per capita. Add up SDUSD, the city and the county, and the geyser of red ink amounts to $4.3 billion, or -$2,850 per capita. For a family of four, thats -$11,400! The per capita UNPs for the 10 best districts, the best on top: Spencer Valley Elementary $8,007 Julian Union Elementary -$147 San Marcos Unified -$150 Warner Unified -$201 South Bay Union -$247 San Dieguito Union High -$312 Solana Beach Elementary -$361 San Ysidro Elementary -$370 Lemon Grove SD -$385 Rancho Santa Fe Elementary -$401 The per capita UNPs for the 10 worst districts, the worst on top: 42. Cardiff Elementary -$2,139 41. Valley Center-Pauma Unified -$1,756 40. Jamul-Dulzura Union Elem -$1,659 39. Mountain Empire Unified -$1,652 38. San Diego Unified -$1,381 37. Oceanside Unified -$1,290 36. Vista Unified -$1,215 35. Poway Unified -$1,090 34. Bonsall Unified -$1,006 33. San Pasqual Union Elementary -$969 Next year, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board for the first time will require that balance sheets include unfunded retiree medical care liabilities, which will show even more city and school districts in critical condition. Its time for school district leaders to develop 10-year strategic financial plans that are well communicated to their constituents. You need to know how your district plans to move up its position in the objective ranking. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, represents the 37th District in the state Senate. A CPA, he was Orange Countys treasurer-tax collector. Postpone the Beerpocalypse. While many U.S. craft brewers have been fretting about slowing sales, some even predicting that a craft beer bubble is ready to burst, San Diegos brew crew is bubbling with optimism. Thats one take-away from a study released last week by California State University, San Marcos. By almost every measure, the locals are outpacing the nation. In 2017, for instance, U.S. craft beer sales rose 8%; in San Diego County, the increase was about 26%. And while craft beer production in the U.S. climbed a respectable 5% in 2017, it jumped 22% locally. In fact, four out of every 100 barrels of American craft beer rolls out of San Diego County. As the accompanying chart shows, 28% of all local breweries last year enjoyed increased production of more than 30%. If this is a bubble, it seems to be a durable one. Read more from Brewery Rowe here. Two people were seriously injured when an SUV ran a red light and collided with a car at an intersection in the Carmel Mountain Ranch area, police said Friday. It happened about 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Highland Ranch Road and Ted Williams Parkway, San Diego police Officer Robert Heims said. A 27-year-old man with a passenger in a 2018 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on Ted Williams Parkway when the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Highland Ranch Road and was struck by a 2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUV that ran a red light traveling westbound on Ted Williams Parkway, Heims said. A 55-year-old passenger in the Hyundai was transported to a hospital with major internal injuries, Heims said. The gender of the victim was not immediately disclosed. The driver of the Toyota complained of pain and his passenger suffered a broken arm, Heims said. One other passenger in the Hyundai suffered cuts and a third passenger was uninjured, Heims said. Traffic division officers were investigating the crash. UPDATES: 4:30 p.m. The San Diego Union Tribune version of the story indicates that four persons were injured, one seriously. 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. China's aircraft carrier-based helicopter pilots are well-trained for search and rescue missions during both day and night in case a fighter jet fails to land properly on the flight deck, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) newspaper reported on Wednesday, as a Chinese military expert said that supportive roles like this indicate the Chinese aircraft carrier's increasing capability. The aircraft carrier Liaoning-based helicopter regiment has recently explored performing both day and night operations, which is a key breakthrough in the Chinese aircraft carrier's search and rescue capability and makes it the first helicopter regiment in the PLA capable of undertaking such missions, the PLA Daily reported on Wednesday. This is also the first time the regiment is being introduced to the public since its establishment in October 2017, the report said. The flight deck on the Liaoning is only about one-tenth of the length of a land-based airstrip and is constantly moving, the newspaper said, noting that a fighter jet must land between the four arresting cables on the deck - a mere 36-meter-long target - or the landing may end in accident. To save the pilot in case the fighter jet crashes into the sea, a search and rescue mission by helicopter is the last resort, the report said, dubbing the helicopter as "the fifth arresting cable." Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that the helicopter's operations bring strong support to the aircraft carrier's combat effectiveness by minimizing accident-related losses. Combat missions should be based on the safety of the vessel itself, Li said, noting that search and rescue must go in tandem with naval operations. In September, the PLA announced that the J-15 aircraft carrier-based fighter jet is now capable of takeoff and landing at night. Military experts said it is even more dangerous for fighter jets to land on an aircraft carrier at night because of the dim runway lights. Aircraft carrier-based helicopters must follow up in case of an accident at night despite facing difficulties such as the lack of object of reference, the PLA Daily said, calling the task a worldwide challenge. Li said "It can be dangerous at night because it is difficult to tell where the sky ends and where the sea begins." The naked eyes cannot do too much on the sea at night, so rescuers must rely on technology, Li noted. The regiment has successfully created a practical operation method through innovation and trials, the PLA Daily reported. New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/15/2018 -- The latest market intelligence study on ATFMSK market applies the best of both primary and secondary research techniques to bring to light the growth rate of the ATFMSK market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025. The comprehensive study covers hard to find facts about the market landscape as well as its growth prospects in the years to come. Most importantly, the research report includes vital statistics about the major vendors occupying a strong foothold in this industry. Besides this, in order to calculate the market share, the study takes a closer look at the selling price of the product across different regions. Request for Sample Copy of ATFMSK Market Report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/23118 Scope of the Report: The researcher assessing the ATFMSK market dive deep to unearth intangible facts related to the key restraints, opportunities, and threats expected to shape the progress of the industry during the forecast period, 2018 - 2025. Significant evaluation of other factors such as demand and supply status, import and export, distribution channel, consumption volume, and production capability play a vital role in offering business owners, stakeholders and field marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the same space. All important data are presented in self-explanatory charts, tables and graphic images that can be incorporated into any business presentation. Understanding the market size The size of the ATFMSK market is viewed in terms of the Share of Market, Total Available Market as well as Served Available Market. Not only does the study present the combined revenue for a particular market but also the market size for a specific geographic region. Analysis of percentage or the size of the Total Available Market based on the type of product, technology, regional constraints and others form an important part of the ATFMSK report. Market Segment on the basis of manufacturers, the report covers: - Central Glass - Solvay - Time Chemical - 718th Research Institute of CSIC - Russia Aecc Market Segment On the basis of product, Report covers: - 0.995 - 0.999 - Other Buy ATFMSK Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/23118 Market Segment On the basis of Application, Report covers: - Chemical Industry - Pharmaceutical Industry - Electronics Industry - Other The study explores in details about the recent trend fast gaining momentum in the ATFMSK industry due to factors including but not limited to growing customer preference and a sudden rise in their spending capacity. Aspects attributed to the gross margin, profit, supply chain management and product value and their considerable impact on the development of the ATFMSK market during the forecast period, 2018 - 2025 is carefully scrutinized during the research. The research provides answers to the following key questions: - What is the estimated size of the ATFMSK market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025? What will be the growth rate of the industry during the estimated period? - What are the prominent driving forces likely to impact the progress of the industry across different regions? - Who are the major market players occupying a strong foothold in the ATFMSK market? What are the winning strategies adopted by them to stay ahead in the competition? - What are the potential opportunities for the ATFMSK market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025? There are 14 Chapters to deeply display the global ATFMSK market. Chapter 1 covers the ATFMSK Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2 talks about the top manufacturers and analyses their sales, revenue and pricing decisions for the duration 2018 and 2025; Chapter 3 displays the competitive nature of the market by discussing the competition among the top manufacturers. It dissects the market using sales, revenue and market share data for 2018 and 2025; Chapter 4, shows the global market by regions and the proportionate size of each market region based on sales, revenue and market share of ATFMSK, for the period 2018- 2025; Continue Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/atfmsk-market Key Stakeholders - ATFMSK Manufacturers - ATFMSK Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers - ATFMSK Subcomponent Manufacturers - Industry Association - Downstream Vendors - Available Customizations About MarketExpertz Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges. Contact Us: John 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 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2018 -- The global roofing market was valued at US$ 92,430.94 Mn in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2018 to 2026, according to a new report titled 'Roofing Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20182026,' published by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The global roofing market is driven by expansion in the global construction industry. Asia Pacific accounts for major share of the global roofing market, led by the increase in construction activities and rise in awareness about sustainable construction materials in the region. Expansion in Global Construction Industry to Drive Market The construction industry is a significant end-user of roofing materials. It is expanding steadily in developing countries and sub-regions such as India, China, ASEAN, GCC, and Africa. The rate of urbanization is on the rise in these countries and sub-regions due to the improvement in standard of living. The roofing market is expanding rapidly with industrialization and growth in residential and commercial developments. Significant expansion in the construction sector in developing countries and technological advancements have boosted the adoption of quality roofing systems. The construction industry in India and the Middle East has expanded at a rapid pace in the last few years. This trend is expected to continue in the near future. Robust expansion in the construction industry in the UAE and Qatar due to the increase in government expenditure on commercial and industrial projects is anticipated to drive the roofing market in these countries. This is estimated to create significant opportunities for roofing manufacturers, primarily in the industrial sector. Increase in re-roofing activities for existing buildings, typically in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, is estimated to boost the demand for roofing materials during the forecast period. Additionally, increase in reconstruction activities in Asia Pacific in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, and Sri Lanka is also projected to drive the market during the forecast period. Rise in Demand for Metal Roofing Likely to Offer Attractive Growth Opportunities Metal roofing, especially steel roofing with galvanized iron or ZN-Al coating, has been gaining momentum in commercial and industrial applications of the roofing market since the last few years. It is also becoming increasingly popular in residential projects including multi-story apartments, complexes, and single-family homes. Currently, metal roofs have become a rapidly developing innovation in the home remodeling applications, they are durable and offer exceptional protection and high longevity. These roofing materials are recyclable and are available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and finishes. Metal roofing is proving attractive to many homeowners as it is designed to last for 50 years. Metal roofing can accommodate green technologies such as solar harvesting panels and water harvesting systems. For instance, the Government of India is planning to introduce tax benefits for house owners who install metal roofs. Rise in demand for energy-efficient metal roofs with built-in solar panels is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to roofing manufacturers. Volatility in Raw Material Prices Anticipated to Hamper Roofing Market The global roofing market is prone to fluctuations in prices of raw materials such as acrylic acid. Constant volatility in prices of raw materials is adversely affecting the roofing market. Bitumen or asphalt is the major raw material used in the manufacture of bituminous roofing materials, which is the leading product segment of the roofing market. Quality and availability of asphalt is a challenge for manufacturers of roofing materials. Gasoline is a key raw material for bitumen. Demand for gasoline is still declining. This has adversely affected the supply of bitumen and asphalt. Furthermore, high cost of manufacturing techniques such as the oxidation process have raised the production cost of bituminous roofing. Additionally, high prices of polymer and fiber cement are estimated to hamper the roofing market during the forecast period. Bituminous Segment to Dominate Global Roofing Market The global roofing market has been segmented based on product, application, and region. Based on product, the market can be divided into bituminous, metal, elastomeric, tiles, and others. Bituminous is the dominant segment of the roofing market. Bitumen roofing can be applied for hot as well as cold applications. It provides superior waterproofing protection to buildings and is highly durable. It possesses high tensile strength and is unlikely to form cracks compared to its counterparts. Rise in demand for modified bitumen roofing systems is driving the demand for bituminous roofing. Asia Pacific Dominates Global Roofing Market In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounted for major share of the global roofing market in 2017. Countries such as India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are expected to provide lucrative opportunities to manufacturers of roofing owing to the increase in disposable income, growth in population, expansion in construction industry, and rise in demand for residential complexes and industrial warehouses. Demand for retrofitting of residential complexes is significantly high in the U.S. and Europe. This is estimated to boost the roofing market in these regions during the forecast period. Middle East & Africa is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to the roofing market during the forecast period due to the rising investment in the construction sector, which consists of commercial establishments, public infrastructure, and utilities, in the region. Increase in government expenditure on commercial and industrial projects typically in the UAE and Qatar due to government efforts to reduce its reliance on oil revenues is expected to drive the market in these countries. These factors are driving the global roofing market. Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=48603 High Degree of Competition among Established Players Key players profiled in the report are Owens Corning, CertainTeed Corporation, GAF Materials Corporation, TAMKO Building Products, Inc., Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Atlas Roofing Corporation, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Firestone Building Products Company, LLC, Sika AG, Monier Building Group, and IKO Industries Ltd. The top five players Owens Corning, Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Braas Monier Building Group Services S.A., Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Johns Manville), and CertainTeed Corporation cumulatively accounted for more than 10% share of the market in 2017. These companies consistently develop new global strategies to expand their capacity and product portfolios of roofing products through joint ventures and research & development activities. For instance, in 2017, Tamco Building Products Inc. launched a new series Heritage Designer Ridge asphalt shingle for western, southwest, and central U.S. These products are manufactured by using SBS modified bitumen technology. About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2018 -- Indonesia, second largest producer of natural rubber globally is having surfeit of the supply of rubber. The sprouting level of tire manufacturing has bolstered the demand of rubber globally by 3.9% per annum in 2019. Indonesia exports two essential varieties of rubbernatural rubber which is obtained from latex of various plants; and synthetic rubber which is the human-made product made from the amalgamation of natural rubber with petroleum. This research report titled "Indonesias Rubber Industry Analysis 2018 Report" has been included in the exhaustive research repository of Market Research Hub (MRH). Indonesia which produces more than 51 million tires per annum exports about three quarters of tire production to Middle East and North America. Sumatra and Java contribute the largest to the booming tire market which is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 13% during the period 2015-2020. Sumatra is the principal producing area of natural rubber comprising of around 60% of the rubber latex collected followed by Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Java. Besides, 85% of the producers of rubber who are smallholders account for 81% of the Indonesia's output. Request For Sample Report: https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1929767 The rapid development in the rubber industry along with the favorable government's support have propelled the Indonesian rubber market. Regionally, Asia Pacific region is set to outdo the global demand and augment at 4.8% through 2019. The soaring demand in the Asia Pacific region has pushed the market further. In addition, the market has been fueled by the expansion of automotive industry. However, Indonesia banks upon imports of processed rubber products as it has the shortage of developed manufacturing industry and domestic processing facilities. The surfeit of the supply of rubber have slowed down the demand from China, the largest buyer of rubber globally. Indonesia which was once world's largest glove producer have been hit hard by the plunge in the rubber manufacturers' base to half a dozen firms from 45 firms in the late 1980s. Indonesia's Rubber Industry Analysis: Report Overview The report on Indonesia's rubber industry provides a thorough analysis on the aspects of rubber industry. Meanwhile, the dynamics of Indonesia's rubber industry has also been discussed along with the opportunities, restraints, challenges and threats. The report also incorporates present market condition and the prospect of the rubber industry. Furthermore, the report provides an in-depth analysis and comprehensive view with respect to production, value and consumption of rubber along with the exports of the product. Browse Full Report with TOC- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/indonesias-rubber-industry-analysis-2018-report.html The report delineates product life cycle and perception of competitors' initiatives. Besides, prominent players in the marketMichelin, Bridgestone Corp, Goodyear, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., Continental AG, to name a few have also been analyzed. The report also includes regional analysis, research methodology, stakeholders' opinions and delivery time. Moreover, the report also gives an overview on Indonesia's rubber glove industry. The report starts with the executive summary which highlights market size in terms of revenue and production. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape illustrates profiles of major players in the global market space. Moreover, the report also puts focus on the strategic moves, areas of interest, and developments undertaken by major players in the market. Enquire about this Report- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1929767 About Market Research Hub Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRH's expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps. MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients. Contact Us 90 State Street, Albany, NY 12207, United States Toll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada) Email : press@marketresearchhub.com Website : https://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Read Industry News at - https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2018 -- The trade war between US and China has been increasing. In the initial two rounds of tariffs, the US has imposed duties on a total of US$50 billion worth of Chinese goods, including semiconductor ICs, car parts, machinery, and equipment. The third round of tariffs has brought the total value to US$250 billion. However, Trump has no intention to back down as he has threatened to impose tariffs totaling $500 billion on 90% of Chinese imported goods. Smartphones are likely to be on the list. As Apple has heavily relied on Taiwanese manufacturers for its iPhones, the new tariffs are likely to have a major impact on Apple iPhone's supply chain. To evaluate various trends and factors that are influencing growth of iPhone import demand from China, Market Research Hub (MRH) has included a report titled "The US-China Trade War and Its Impact on iPhones Imported From China" to its repository. Request Free Sample Report: https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1929779 iPhone Import Demand from China: Highlights Various factors that are influencing growth of IPhone import demand from China market have been analyzed in this report. Analysis of factors influencing growth, have been carried out in this report on the basis of various regions that were considered. Macro- and microeconomic factors such as drivers, trends, restraints and other factors that are influencing growth have been analyzed in this report as well. Opportunities available for new entrants, as well as leading players have been propounded in the report. The information included in the report make it most-creditable and go-to forecast of IPhone import demand from China market. Proper segmentation of the report ranging from executive summary to competitive landscape have been carried out to deliver readers with most insightful information. This is likely to deliver readers, clients and buyers of the report with unified understanding of performance of the IPhone import demand from China market. Analysis of each segment of the market on the basis of various regions and different aspects of the market have been included in the report. The competitive landscape in the IPhone import demand from China market have been included in the final section of the report. Prominent players operating in the IPhone import demand from China market have been profiled in this section along with their strategies to remain forefront in the China market. Browse Full Report with TOC- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/the-uschina-trade-war-and-its-impact-on-iphones-imported-from-china-report.html iPhone Import Demand from China: Competitive Landscape Information related to the leading players operating in the IPhone import demand from China market have been propounded in the report. Future prospects of several factors such as product innovations, developments and merger & acquisition have been included in the report. Strategies followed by prominent players and innovations and developments offered by them have been included in the report. Future vision of leading players operating in the iPhone import demand from China market have been inked in this section. This is likely to be beneficial for new entrants to understand future competitiveness of these leading players so as to remain at pole position. Further this is beneficial for the readers of the report to leverage unbiased actionable intelligence propounded in the report. Enquire about this Report- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1929779 About Market Research Hub Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRH's expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps. MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients. Contact Us 90 State Street, Albany, NY 12207, United States Toll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada) Email : press@marketresearchhub.com Website : https://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Read Industry News at - https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Filr photo: A J-20 stealth fighter jet attached to the PLA Air Force executes aerobatic maneuver during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south Chinas Guangdong Province, on November 11, 2018. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/photo by Wang Weidong) By Li Qiang The Chinese Air Force intends to expand its presence into space as part of its plan to become a world-class force. This is how The US Stars and Stripes military news website interpreted a statement made by a senior Chinese Air Force official during a press conference held in Zhuhai, south Chinas Guangdong Province, last Sunday, on its website on November 13. However, an investigation by reporters found that this is a misunderstanding of the PLA Air Forces strategy of building integrated air and space capability and having balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations. The strategy has long been established by the PLA Air Force. The press conference did not develop this concept, and the Chinese military official did not express any intention to expand Chinese military presence into space at the conference. Foreign media misread the concept of building integrated air and space capability. The US Stars and Stripes issued a report titled Top military officer confirms Chinese Air Force plan to 'extend reach into space' on its website, claiming that a senior Chinese Air Force official said that the branch spares no efforts in handling all threats, and is gearing up to extend its reach beyond the clouds and into space at a press conference held in Zhuhai, in south Chinas Guangdong Province, last Sunday. After reviewing reports of Chinese official media, we found that the original quotes of the PLA Air Force officer were to cope with the threats of air and space, to adapt to the profound changes in the military field, and to accelerate the transformation of the PLA Air Force from aviation to aerospace. The US media report can thus be misleading. An article taken from the US medium quoted a multiphase road map for building a strong, modern air force described by another senior officer of the Chinese PLA Air Force at a press conference. The first step, he said, would be the establishment of a strategic force by 2020 that "will have integrated air and space capability and balanced strength in both defensive and offensive operations. The concept of building integrated air and space capability is nothing new. Through investigation, we found that the concept of building integrated air and space capability and having balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations has already been put forward many years ago, so it neither was a novel idea proposed nor the theme of this press conference. According to China Air Force Encyclopedia, the PLA Air Force has established the air force strategy of building integrated air and space capability and having balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations in 2004 according to the military strategy of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in the new era, and the core content of the Chinese PLA Air Force strategy was clarified further... As such, the concept of building integrated air and space capability has been first proposed within the Chinese Air Force 14 years ago. It is the Chinese PLA Air Force's strategy of building integrated air and space capability and having balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations that guides the development and construction of the Air Force in various fields. On April 14, 2014, when visiting the PLA Air Force, Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the air force to speed up its transformation into a strong power with an integrated air and space capability and requested it to have balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations, which has clarified this concept further. Given Chinese media reports, there was neither new interpretation or expansion, nor specific explanation, of the concept of building integrated air and space capability at the press conference. Some analysts believe that if the Chinese Air Force develops into an air-space integrated air force, it must be supported by air-space integrated equipment, and take the air-space integrated battlefield as its activity space to implement air-space integrated defense and offense operations. However, in the context of the limited scale and low level of attack and defense weapons in space, aerospace integrated operations in the future will mainly refer to airborne offensive operations and air defense and anti-missile operations supported by space-based platforms. Nevertheless, some other analysts believe that the Chinese PLA Air Force has expanded its military coverage to the near space, which seems an achievable goal at present. Is the US just hyping up this issue to justify its establishment of a Space Force? The concept of building air-space capabilities has long been proposed in the world. After the Soviet Union and the US launched their first artificial satellites respectively in succession, the two sides began to compete for outer space. In 1959, aviation power was replaced by aerospace power for the first time in the US Air Force doctrine, and the entire space above the earths surface was referred to as aerospace space and regarded as the US Air Forces operational environment. Since then, almost all basic rules and theories of the US Air Force have employed the term aerospace. The United States Air Force Doctrine for Space Operations promulgated in 1998 states that there is no absolute boundary between atmosphere and space. From a technical point of view, aircraft and spacecraft are basically the same, and their force structures, facilities, control, maneuver, and personnel training are interconnected. At present, the US Air Force is still responsible for the launch, management and operation of its space assets. In addition, Russia is also taking the path of air and space integration. At present, the Russian Aerospace Forces cover the functions of the Russian Air Force, the Russian Space Forces and the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces. Experts said that the US is trying to hype the Chinese PLA Air Force intension to expand its presence into space through media reports, and it seems likely to seek to generate public support for the US establishment of a Space Force. Earlier this year, the administration of US President Donald Trump proposed the creation of a Space Force, with Vice President Mike Pence in August announcing a plan that would see its establishment by 2020. The US media stressed that the Chinese PLA Air Force intends to expand its military presence into outer space, which obviously smack of overhyping. Disclaimer: The author is Li Qiang with the Global Times. The article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article are those of the author from the Global Times and do not reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Chinamil.com.cn does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. If the article carries photographs or images, we do not vouch for their authenticity. By Ma Yichong and Zhang Kang KHARTOUM,Nov.15 (ChinaMil) -- All 225 peacekeepers of the 14th Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Darfur in Sudan were awarded the UN Peace Medals in a medal-awarding ceremony held on Thursday at a Chinese camp in El Fasher, Darfur, Sudan. More than 300 people, including Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), commanders of other troop-contributing countries and representatives of local overseas Chinese attended the medal-awarding ceremony on the morning of the same day. During the ceremony, the UNAMID Welfare Officer read the order of commendation, In view of the remarkable missions accomplished by the Chinese peacekeepers during the one-year period, the UNAMID decided to award the United Nations Peace Medals to the 225 peacekeepers of Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment. Mr. Mamabolo said in the speech, Over the past year, Chinese engineers have made great contributions to the peaceful construction and humanitarian assistance in Darfur. The UNAMID is proud of your outstanding performance. After the rotation deployment at the end of last December, the 14th Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Darfur in Sudan has been deployed to several sites in three camps to perform long-term construction and support tasks. Chinese peacekeeping engineers have traveled throughout Darfur and completed many cross-theater operations. According to Captain of Detachment Bi Xianbo, as of today, the detachment has successfully completed more than 200 engineering tasks, and carried out various humanitarian aids during the mission intervals, such as making donations to support refugees to access free education and offering them heartfelt condolences. Chinese peacekeeping troops have won high praise from the UN Headquarters, the UNAMID, the government of Sudan and the local people, Captain of Detachment Bi Xianbo added. By Stacey Makortoff Amparo Viridiana Marquez may come from a small town in Mexico, but she has big ambitions in pursuing her PhD in biomedical physiology and kinesiology (BPK) at Simon Fraser University with financial help from the Government of Mexico. Marquez is a recipient of a three-year science and technology scholarship, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Technolgia (CONACYT), and also holds SFUs Provost International Prize funding for as long as she maintains the CONACYT funding. Before she began her doctoral studies, she was a clinical neuropsychologist in her hometown, working with children who had neurodevelopmental disorders. Because it was a small town, she soon realized there were not enough resources, or even access to the correct resources, to accommodate the needs of residents. Marquez thought, What if I could work on a tool that could help others in similar circumstances that could be used remotely, or digitally? This led to Marquez's research and work in SFU's Autism Research Centre at the Behaviour and Cognitive Neuroscience Institute. What I love about SFU is that the institution is willing to work on something thats different, explains Marquez. Im part of an exciting research project that could have big impact on a lot of people. Working with professors Sam Doesburg in the BPK department and Sylvain Moreno in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Marquez is developing a tool that can help indicate if a child is on the autism spectrum, and even help to diagnose the potential severity of symptoms. Together the researchers are comparing the brain neuroimages of children and young adults who have autism spectrum disorder with those considered to be neurotypical. Understanding how differences in brain processing relate to symptoms will help us to diagnose earlier and be more successful in intervention," says Marquez. Right now, were looking for research participants. We have a video weve prepared for both the parents as well as the children to help them better understand what to expect if theyre participating." Marquez is embracing all that SFU, Vancouver and her research have to offer. Being here at SFU has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. I love that I have the option to work in a clinical environment or the academy, but Im also discovering the potential of working with industry as well. If you would like you and/or your child to participate in this research, please contact Amparo Marquez: amarquez@sfu.ca The New Zealand Shareholders Association is suggesting that The Warehouses deputy chair Keith Smith may have passed his use-by date. Smith has been advising The Warehouse since it was founded in 1982 and chaired the company between 1995 and 2011. As we noted last year, while Mr Smith has made a longstanding contribution to the company, particularly on its audit committee and is not up for re-election we would hope that he and the board carefully consider whether he should stand down before his current term expires in order to allow for renewal and refreshment, the association says. It notes that the other seven directors were all appointed between 2012 and 2018. Three have an executive background in the industry, two have experience in the digital and IT field, one in accounting and finance, and the other in media. We consider the skill sets of the board to be appropriate to the company, the association says. When assessing boards' strength, we consider the backgrounds of the directors to ensure there is a diversity of thinking around the board table, the core competencies and skills to ensure these are balanced and relevant to the business and the length of service of each member to ensure there is a process of renewal and refreshment and a continuing matching of skill sets to changes in the business. Smith has also chaired Goodman New Zealand for the past 14 years, been a director of Mercury NZ since 2009 and is a director of several private companies. He also sits on Westland Milk Products' board. The association says it will vote its undirected proxies in favour of all four resolutions to be put at The Warehouse annual shareholders meeting, including the election of independent director Will Easton, appointed to the board last month and who has worked with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Coca Cola during the past 20 years. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. 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Related News: Rua Bioscience Limited (NZX: RUA) Awarded Callaghan Innovation Funding Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) Reports Steady First Half Progress 23rd November 2021 Morning Report Argosy Property Limited (NZX: ARG) FY22 Interim Result market release SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) REOPENING OF SKYCITY AUCKLAND PROPERTY 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 "I think it will be absolutely imperative in this next summit that we come away with a plan for identifying all of the weapons in question, identifying all the development sites, allowing for inspections of the sites and the plan for dismantling nuclear weapons," Pence said. In an interview with NBC News, Pence said the second Trump-Kim summit, tentatively scheduled for sometime early next year, will be where a "verifiable plan" to disclose the nuclear sites must be reached. The proposed second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un must result in a detailed list of North Korean nuclear weapons sites, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday. "Now we need to see results," Pence added. But he said the U.S. will not demand that Pyongyang hand over such a list before the summit. Such a list is widely seen as the first step North Korea could take to show it is serious about giving up its nuclear arsenal. Pence's statement is perhaps the most specific public demand that the Trump administration has made of North Korea since Trump and Kim held a historic first summit in Singapore in June. At that summit both sides agreed to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and to improve ties between Washington and Pyongyang. Nuclear talks have stalled since then. Most recently, a planned meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was canceled, with no reason given. But Trump has remained publicly optimistic, declaring shortly after the Singapore summit that "there is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea." Last week Trump said he is "very happy" with how the negotiations are going. "We think it's going fine. We're in no rush. We're in no hurry," Trump said. British Prime Minister Theresa May is promising to fight for approval of the draft agreement for Britain to withdraw from the European Union, saying a rejection would put Britain on "a path of deep and grave uncertainty." May's already tough task of convincing parliament to approve the deal suffered a setback earlier Thursday when her Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and pensions minister Esther McVey resigned. Their resignations came just more than 12 hours after May announced her Cabinet had agreed to terms of the deal, leaving her with the task of convincing a majority in parliament to approve the agreement. May told reporters she understood Raab's and McVey's unhappiness with her agreement, but said it was the "best deal for the United Kingdom." Raab specifically objected to a key provision setting up a customs union that would eliminate the need for a hard border between Britain's Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland while Britain and the EU work on a new trade deal. He said not having a firm end date for such an arrangement would leave Britain without democratic control over laws governing its territory, and would "severely prejudice" the future trade talks. McVey said in a letter that it is "no good trying to pretend to (voters) that this deal honors the result of the referendum when it is obvious to everyone that it doesn't." 'Cold War' in US-Chinese trade risks heating up, says France Paris, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday urged an end to the "Cold War in trade" between the United States and China, warning the world was just a step away from a globally destructive, full-blown trade conflict. "Today we are in a Cold War in trade between the United States and China which is dangerous for our economy, our growth and our jobs. We must get out of it," Le Maire told a conference in Paris on reforming the global trading system. The minister said tit-for-tat tariff increases threatened to turn the standoff into "a full-blown trade war" with "economic suicide for the whole world". "There would only be losers in an economic war," he added, calling for a reform of the World Trade Organization. EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom appealed to China to join efforts to reform the WTO. "China has won a lot from the WTO system," she said, urging Beijing "to engage with us to reform and to update the system, to create a level playing field. Otherwise, the US will create a level playing field outside the system." WTO reforms are expected to feature prominently in talks among leaders of the G20 biggest developed and emerging economies meeting in Argentina at the end of November. US President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs on Chinese imports and European auto parts -- which drew retaliatory measures -- have unsettled trade relations and added urgency to the discussions. Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the WTO if it does not "shape up". Genres : Drama : Drama Running Time : 105 min. : 105 min. Directed by : No Kyu-yeob : No Kyu-yeob Starring : Lee Beom-soo, Yeon Woo-jin Synopsis : In 1986, a Korean professor of Marxian economics in Berlin decides to travel to North Korea where his achievements will be acknowledged. He travels there with his family, but, once in North Korea, he realizes he made a mistake and tries to escape with his family. Trump says China wants trade deal, more tariffs may not be needed Washington, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 President Donald Trump said Friday that China was ready to make a deal to defuse trade tensions, so he might not have to hit the country with more import tariffs. Trump already has imposed steep tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, and has threatened to hit another $267 billion, which would be all US imports from the world's number two economy. US companies and farmers have been complaining about the lost business and rising prices for key components as a result of the trade friction. "China wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "They sent a list of things that they are willing to do." While the offer is not acceptable yet, he said he was optimistic for an agreement to get "reciprocal" trade. "I think a deal will be made and we will find out very soon." Beijing's list included 142 items and includes "a lot of the things we asked for. Some things were left off. We will probably get them, too," he said. The statements seemed to contradict comments Trump's Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who just hours earlier had said a deal with Beijing was "impossible" before the end of the year. Trump is due to meet with China's President Xi Jinping late this month in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the Group of 20 leaders summit. However, Ross said those talks would serve as a framework to resolving the dispute. "We certainly won't have a full formal deal by January. Impossible," he said, according to Bloomberg. The January date is key since the 10 percent tariffs in place on $200 billion in annual imports from China is due to increase to 25 percent. US stocks jumped following Trump's remarks but had pared some of those gains toward 1830 GMT. This has caused some alarm since a no-fly zone in the area could make it difficult to defend the northwesternmost islands as well as the Seoul metropolitan area. "The current no-fly zone was set up across the military demarcation line," a ministry spokesperson said Thursday. "We're going to discuss with North Korea whether to expand it to the NLL in the East and West Seas and the Han River estuary." The Defense Ministry is seeking to expand a no-fly zone over the demilitarized zone to the estuary to the Han River and the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime border between the two Koreas. The plan is part of an inter-Korean military agreement signed during the inter-Korean summit in September. The North continues to develop multiple rocket launchers, which pose a direct threat to Seoul and nearby areas. North Korea is also staging military drills even as South Korea is seeking to ease military tension, while criticizing the South for staging its own military exercises and joint small-scale marine drills with the U.S. But a military officer here dismissed the North Korean drills as "a routine activity." The previous day, an official with the National Intelligence Service dismissed reports that North Korea has at least a dozen secret missile sites. "We already knew about it," the official said. The two Koreas did not designate a no-fly zone over the East and West Seas in their military agreement because there is no agreed baseline delineated there. The North does not recognize the NLL, which was drawn up by the U.S. and its allies after the Korean War, despite President Moon Jae-in's statement that the North consistently expressed "its recognition of the NLL" at both inter-Korean summits in April and September. "The two sides will have to reach agreement on a baseline in the area near the NLL in the West Sea," the ministry spokesperson said. Currently, military aircraft are banned from flying over a 9-km-wide zone from the NLL in the East and West Seas. Once the no-fly zone is expanded, their reconnaissance activities will be restricted further. The military has had a contingency plan to respond with ground, naval and air forces to any surprise attacks from the North since it shelled Yeonpyeong Island in 2010, and that plan will also need revising. Some experts fear that this could compromise the safety of civilian aircraft flying over the area, as well as Incheon International Airport. But the spokesperson said the no-fly zone does not apply to civilian aircraft. President Moon Jae-in mentioned the possibility of easing sanctions on North Korea during his tour of Europe last month and when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit, but leaders of the EU and ASEAN reiterated that it is important to implement the sanctions strictly until North Korea denuclearizes. The South Korea-ASEAN summit in Singapore on Wednesday adopted a statement calling for the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea and full implementation of sanctions against the North. Meanwhile, Moon met with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for 35 minutes there on Thursday. Moon told Pence that it was the strong alliance between South Korea and the U.S. that eventually led to North Korea coming to the dialogue table. The meeting began 50 minutes later than originally planned because Pence's meetings with other ASEAN leaders overran, so Moon had to wait. The knock-on effect was that Moon was late for the ASEAN+3 summit, which includes South Korea, China and Japan, and his keynote speech was read by Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha instead. After the meeting, Pence told reporters that a North Korea-U.S. summit is still on the cards after Jan. 1 next year and the time and venue are being negotiated. The comment came amid growing skepticism in the U.S. whether another summit can achieve much. Record-breaking Alps postcard sends message against climate change Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 A massive collage of 125,000 drawings and messages from children around the world about climate change was rolled out on a shrinking Swiss glacier Friday, smashing the world record for giant postcards. The mosaic of postcards, measuring 2,500 square metres (26,910 square feet), was laid out in the snow on the Aletsch glacier in the Swiss Alps, at an altitude of 3,400 metres (11,200 feet). The event aims to "boost a global youth climate movement ahead of the next global climate conference (COP24) in Poland", next month, said the WAVE foundation, which organised the event in cooperation with Swiss authorities. The display easily set the Guinness world record for the number of postcards strung together in a single image, beating the last record held by a collage of 16,000 individual postcards, WAVE said. The individual postcards feature children's drawings in different colours and hues of white, which together spell out the messages: "STOP GLOBAL WARMING", "WE ARE THE FUTURE GIVE US A CHANCE" and "#1.5C". The last message refers to the maximum level of global warming that scientists say should be aimed for if the planet is to remain liveable. However, a UN climate report last month warned that drastic action was needed to prevent Earth from hurtling towards a far sharper rise in temperature. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) said the globe's surface has already warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial levels -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and without action is on track toward an unbearable 3C or 4C rise. "Children and young people have a key role to play if (the 1.5C) goal is to be achieved, both as generations that will suffer from the consequences of climate change for a long time and as a force for concrete action," the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) said in a statement. To commemorate the Guinness world record, "a postcard will be designed and printed to dispatch the young people's words to the four corners of the globe," SDC said. It said some of the postcards would be sent from the world's highest postbox on the Jungfraujoch peak, which overlooks the Aletsch glacier, to participants in the COP24. Facebook's Sandberg vows 'thorough' review of lobby efforts Washington, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg on Friday pledged a "thorough" review of its use of a conservative consulting firm accused of using "black ops" style techniques to deflect criticism from the social networking giant. Sandberg dismissed a suggestion reported by NBC News that Definers Public Affairs acted as a "fake news" operation to help Facebook deal with a public relations crisis over its handling of Russian misinformation. "We absolutely did not pay anyone to create fake news. That, they have assured me, was not happening," Sandberg told CBS This Morning. "And again, we're doing a thorough look into what happened but they have assured me that we were not paying anyone to either write or promote anything that was false. And that's very important." She said she was unaware Facebook was working with Definers. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday he too was in the dark about the firm, which according to a New York Times investigation sought to link Facebook critics to liberal financier George Soros. The Hungarian-born US financier and philanthropist is a favorite target of nationalists and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists. Sandberg said Facebook was no longer working with Definers but added that "at the time, they were trying to show that some of the activity against us that appeared to be grassroots also had major organizations behind them." "I did not know we hired them or about the work they were doing, but I should have," she in a post on her Facebook page. "I have great respect for George Soros -- and the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories against him are abhorrent." - 'Black ops' methods - Soros is a founder of the Open Society Institute, whose president Patrick Gaspard stepped up criticism of Facebook in an interview Thursday. "There are broad questions about the role that Facebook is playing in the integrity of our elections, our democracy," Gaspard told National Public Radio. "And frankly now that we know that they ran this black ops operation, there are questions about why they're following the model of people like Vladimir Putin. This is profoundly dangerous and disturbing." NBC News reported that a former employee of Definers, who asked not to be identified, described a website operated by the consulting group as an "in-house fake news shop" that sought to push stories into mainstream media. A letter to Zuckerberg signed by four Democratic senators expressed concern over the latest revelations and raised the prospect of tough regulation of social media. "We are gravely concerned by recent reports indicating that your company used contractors to retaliate against or spread intentionally inflammatory information about your critics," said the letter from Senators Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, Chris Coons and Richard Blumenthal. "In addition, the staggering amount of data that Facebook has collected on both its users and people who have not subscribed to or consented to use of the platform, raises concern that the company could improperly or illegally use its vast financial and data resources against government officials and critics seeking to protect the public and our democracy." Definers said in a statement Friday it did "basic media monitoring and public relations around public policy issues" for Facebook, as it does for many clients, and that it "was not hired by Facebook as an opposition research firm." "A fraction of our work with Facebook included providing research and background information about critics -- both on the left and the right," the consulting group said on its website. "This practice, standard across many industries, is based on researching public records and databases available to anyone." bur-rl/ft Dutch government to challenge court's greenhouse gas ruling The Hague, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 The Dutch government on Friday said it would go to the Supreme Court over an appeals court ruling that it must slash greenhouse gases by at least 25 percent by 2020. The government had appealed a landmark 2015 ruling that it should make the national reductions. But the Hague appeals court last month ruled against the government, upholding the earlier court victory by environmental rights group Urgenda. "Up until now the state has done too little to prevent dangerous climate change, and is not doing enough to make up lost ground," head judge Marie-Anne Tan-de Sonnaville had said last month. "There is a real threat of danger against which measures must be taken." The economic affairs and climate ministry said on Friday that it would now ask the Supreme Court to rule on a question of principle, namely whether the courts could make rulings on "the political choices of the government". It added, however, that the legal proceedings would have no effect on its commitment to reduce emissions and that it would continue to work towards the target. Urgenda brought the case against the government in April 2015 on behalf of some 900 Dutch citizens. Major business groups are seeing their profitability dwindle drastically. If booming semiconductor makers are excluded, the operating profits of major business groups in the first nine months of this year fell around 10 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the Korea Exchange and the Korea Listed Companies Association on Thursday, the combined operating profits of 534 listed companies that close their books in December totaled W130.7 trillion in the first three quarters, up 7.88 percent on-year (US$1=W1,130). But when semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are excluded, their combined operating profit dropped to W65.6 trillion, down 9.94 percent. Samsung's operating profit totaled W48.1 trillion and SK's W16.4 trillion, putting the two first and second and accounting for 49.6 percent of the total achieved by all listed companies. The proportion was 39.61 percent in the same period last year. The combined net profit of the listed companies in the period totaled W96.5 trillion, up 1.92 percent on-year, but it fell 15.45 percent when Samsung and SK are excluded. Sales rose 5.47 percent to W1,403 trillion and 4.62 percent without Samsung and SK. The problem is that there are hardly any factors down the road that could improve matters, and now dark clouds are forming over the semiconductor market as well. Analysts worry that falling chip prices could hurt earnings across the board. According to the Bank of Korea, the export price of DRAM in October fell 4.9 percent from the previous month, down for the third month in a row and the biggest decline since April 2016, when it fell 10.8 percent. Major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu on Friday have covered various issues from political, sociocultural and economic sectors on their front pages. The white paper issued by the countrys national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, has received the top priority on most of the newspapers. Likewise, the Cabinet decisions made public by the government on Thursday have also received significant attention. The most highlighted among them is the nomination of Anjan Shakya, a relative of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as newspapers have apparently criticised the decision as an example of nepotism. The ministerial consultation of Colombo Process has also been covered on the front pages of some newspapers. Naya Patrika in its lead story has published a follow-up report about misuse of the governments self-employment fund. Important NAC seeks govt support to avoid bankruptcy Nagarik, Annapurna Post, Karobar, Abhiyan, The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times and Republica have reported that the NAC has called on the support to extend support to the Corporation claiming it is in a grave financial crisis. The monthly loss of the Corporation currently stands at Rs 310 million, according to a two column story in Karobar. The Corporation has cited recently purchased two wide body aircraft as the major reason of the possible bankruptcy, Annapurna Post reports, adding the purchase itself has been dragged into controversy of late and huge irregularities have been suspected. PMs relative gets ambassadorial job Recalling incumbent Niranjan Thapa from its Tel Aviv mission, the government has nominated former journalist Anjan Shakya to take over the position, according to newspaper reports. The decision has sparked a controversy as Shakya is known as a relative of Prime Minister Oli than a former journalist or a foreign affairs expert. Meanwhile, Republica writes, Sources within the government say this is just the beginning of the recall of ambassadors appointed by the erstwhile government. Communications Minister challenges journalists right to information While the government is under fire for its bid to hide decisions of the Cabinet meeting until they become mature, the government spokesperson and Communications Minister Gokul Prasad Bankota on Thursday challenged journalists to finding out the decisions through their investigations, reports Kantipur. Meanwhile, The Himalayan Times adds that the Prime Minister has warned his Cabinet colleagues not to reveal the decisions until the government spokesperson did so. Ignored Govt fails to execute good conduct policy under INGO pressure Nagarik reports in a brief box story that the government has decided to put the implementation of a good conduct policy on hold now owing to the pressure from INGOs working here. The policy was envisaged to ensure discipline of lawmakers, government staff, businesses, international diplomats, national and international NGOs and foreigners living in Nepal. However, the Office of the Prime Minister has claimed it is still committed to implementing the policy. Nepal expels 163 foreigners in four months Nepal expelled 163 foreign citizens accusing them of various offences in past four months, Rajdhani reports in its anchor story. Officials of the Department of Immigration have said some of these people were involved in illegal businesses whereas some were found to be forcing Nepali nationals for religious conversion. Total 622 foreigners were expelled from Nepal in the last fiscal year. Annapurna Post has also published a brief story about foreigners involvement in forced religious conversion. Niramala Pants parents taken ill Nepal Samacharpatra reports in a snippet that parents of Nirmala Pant, who have begun an indefinite sit-in demanding the action against rapist and murderer of their daughter some days, have been taken ill and some health workers provided treatment to them at the demonstration site on Thursday. Kartik Nach suffers resource crunch The Kathmandu Post reports in its anchor story that locals of Patan have suffered a serious resource crunch to continue the centuries-old tradition of Kartik Nach. Around 100 personnel are needed to conduct the 12 day annual dance festival, but the local government, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, gave them just Rs 200,000 this year, according to the report. Interesting World Bank investing in Nepal hydropower after 23 years Karobar reports in its lead story that the World Bank is making an investment in Upper Arun Hydropower Project and it will be the first investment of the Bank since it pulled out of the Arun III project due to political reasons after around 23 years ago. The report informs that the Bank recently accepted the investment request floated by Nepal Electricity Authority. Abe visits Australia's Darwin, 75 years after Japanese bombing Darwin, Australia, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a historic visit to Darwin on Friday, some 75 years after Japan bombed the northern Australian city, as the two countries cement ties in the face of emergent China. Trade and closer defence ties will be the centrepieces of Abe's two-day visit and meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, before the two leaders travel to PNG for the weekend APEC summit. Abe will be the first Japanese leader to visit the northern Australia port city, where more than 250 people were killed during multiple Japanese bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst foreign attacks ever on the country. Abe and Morrison are scheduled to pay their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. The Japanese leader will also attend a ceremony marking the opening of the US$34 billion Ichthys LNG pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator and which began shipping natural gas to Japan last month. It is Japan's largest overseas investment and will reinforce Australia's position as that country's main energy supplier. The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. Australian officials said Friday's discussions would include ongoing efforts to reach agreement on enhanced defence cooperation, including regular joint military exercises. That effort reflects the desire of both countries to expand their involvement across the Pacific to counter increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. Japan and Australia played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition will be on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. dm/grk/jah North Korea tests new 'ultramodern tactical weapon': KCNA Seoul, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon", Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, in a move that will raise the temperature over denuclearisation talks. It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. "Kim Jong Un... visited the test ground of the Academy of Defence Science and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test," said the official Korean Central News Agency. It said the test was successful but did not specify the type of device involved. Pyongyang's suspension of testing for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korean-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met at a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Hours after the KCNA report, the US State Department said it was "confident" the process remained on track. "At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and Chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearisation and creating a brighter future for North Korea," a statement said. "We are talking with the North Koreans about implementing all of those commitments. We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled." Progress since Singapore has stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document, and a return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. The use of the word "tactical" in the KCNA report suggests that no long-range ballistic rocket or nuclear device was involved, and there was no immediate indication any such test had been detected by the South. "By referring to it as a 'tactical weapon', it is sending a message that (the test) is not an armed provocation," an official at Seoul's defence ministry told reporters. "It's not appropriate for our military to view it as a provocation when North Korea has confirmed it is a high-tech tactical weapon test," he added. Citing an unnamed government source, Yonhap news agency reported that the weapon tested was likely to be new long-range artillery developed under Kim's father and predecessor Kim Jong Il. - 'Political message' - KCNA released only one photograph to accompany its report, showing uniformed men taking notes as Kim talked. The background gave few clues to what kind of weapon was involved. Kim expressed "great satisfaction" and said the test marked a "decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity" of the North's military, KCNA said. The weapon had been developed over a long period and its "great success serves as another striking demonstration of the validity of the Party policy of prioritising defence science and technology and the rapidly developing defence capability", it added. Shin Beom-chul, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, said the test was likely aimed at sending "a political message" to Washington about the current stalemate. "Generally, tests of new high-tech weapons are conducted in secret," Shin said. "But North Korea announced it publicly to show its frustration." The news, which came almost a year after Pyongyang's last test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, recalled the repeated announcements of 2017. Those included by far North Korea's most powerful nuclear blast to date and rockets that brought the whole of the US mainland into range. Soon afterwards Kim declared the development of his nuclear arsenal -- which Pyongyang has long said it needs to defend itself against a possible invasion by the US -- complete. The Winter Olympics in the South then triggered a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the peninsula, heralding the Singapore meeting and three summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A second encounter between Kim and Trump is expected in the new year. But Pyongyang is demanding sanctions imposed against it over its weapons programmes are eased and has condemned US demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". Washington insists the measures should stay in place until the North's "final, fully verified" denuclearisation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul told AFP the test was "a signal to the US sent ahead of the high-level talks that its own patience is also wearing thin". Japan PM visits Australia's Darwin, 75 years after WWII bombing Darwin, Australia, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to Darwin on Friday, some 75 years after Japan bombed the northern Australian city, as the two countries cement ties in the face of an emergent China. Trade and closer defence relations are the centrepieces of Abe's two-day visit and meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, before the pair travel to Papua New Guinea for a weekend APEC summit. Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where more than 250 people were killed during multiple bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst-ever foreign attacks on the country. Abe and Morrison paid their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving. "To see the Japanese prime minister here actually laying a wreath on our war memorial, it is a quite emotional thing. It is amazing that in 70 or so years we've come this far," one veteran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On Saturday, Abe will also remember Japanese casualties when he visits a cenotaph for navy personnel who died when the I-124 was sunk by HMAS Deloraine in January 1942 -- the first Japanese submarine to be sunk by an Australian ship. - Close economic ties - Abe later Friday will attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator. The Ichthys LNG project -- Japan's largest overseas investment -- began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australia's position as the country's main energy supplier. The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. The leaders also met for talks that Australian officials said would include ongoing efforts to reach agreement on enhanced defence cooperation, including regular joint military exercises. That effort reflects the desire of both countries to expand their involvement across the Pacific to counter increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. Japan and Australia played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition will be on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. dm-grk/kaf France, Germany 'jumping the gun' on EU army: Dutch PM The Hague, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 France and Germany are jumping the gun with calls for a European army, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Friday, asserting that the continent's safety could be guaranteed only through NATO. "The idea of a European army is going way too far for the Netherlands," Rutte said at his weekly post-cabinet press conference. "France and Germany are really jumping the gun. As far as the Netherlands is concerned, NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence policy," he told journalists. French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy last week with his proposal for a "European army" to "protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States". He said he wanted to reduce Europe's dependence on the US and US weapons for its own security. Macron's call reflected a desire among several European countries to more autonomously handle their own collective defence, after US President Donald Trump's criticised Europe for what he sees as inadequate contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defence alliance. Trump called Macron's idea "very insulting", tweeting that Europe should "first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidises greatly". German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seconded Macron's proposal. During a European parliament session, she emphasised the need for Europe to bolster its self-defence capabilities, and said that a European army could run parallel to NATO. "Europe must take our fate into our own hands if we want to protect our community," she said. But Rutte insisted NATO remained the primary guardian of Europe's safety. "As far as I am concerned, it is an illusion to think that the European Union without NATO can guarantee her safety," Rutte said. "NATO, and the United States within the organsation, remains a crucial partner for peace and security in Europe and we will continue to point that out to our partners in our discussions," he said. Home Just In Nepali Congress mahasamiti: Panel to collect suggestions from provinces for political report Kathmandu, November 16 The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has decided to collect suggestions from its leaders and cadres in all seven provinces of the country as it is preparing a political report for the partys upcoming mahasamiti meeting. The party has called the meeting of the powerful body in mid-December that is expected to amend the party statute and reform the organisation into the new federal model. A meeting of the partys Political Committee made the decision to collect suggestions from coming Sunday to Thursday. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba will also attend four of the programmes to be organised for collection the opinions. In particular, the party will collect its leaders and cadres opinions on federalism, secularism, inclusiveness, the incumbent governments performance and other political parties. Based on the suggestions, the panel will begin writing the report from next week Friday. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. The Brewing Storm Chaos Erupts in London Over Brexit Deal Some 874 days after the Brexit referendum, Theresa May has reached a deal with the European Union to prevent a hard exit from the bloc. But events of recent days make clear that months of drama in Brussels pales in comparison to the one unfolding in London now. The best way to solve the Constitutional Crisis in Sri Lanka Editorial ( November 16, 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) We are passing the dark days of our nation by risking longstanding democratic values that are being disturbed by the Executive Power. President Maithripala Sirisena must apologize before the people and nation for creating this putrid mess to gain personal political advantages. He is hammering and burying all principles of the democratic governing system and intimidating the reputation of the sovereign nation while putting the public in danger. It is sad to witness the absence of President Sirisena on the second consequent day during this troublesome time in the parliament session even though he himself declared that the Parliament would be reconvened on November 14, 2018. Since it is not compulsory he may be enjoying the impunity vested upon him. But what does that say about his sense of responsibility and courage as a leader? Some of the critiques have named this episode as the constitutional coup. Whatever you name it, what President Sirisena is doing is completely unacceptable in any civilised society. He doesnt get the mandate to kidnap and take hostage the civil liberties of the nation and demanding that his wishes be taken as the command of the parliament and that due processes be set aside. As many understand, the situation is worsening in Sri Lanka. One of the despicable events was just reported in the house shortly after the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed the house. A group of men representing Rajapaksa faction attempted to assault the Speaker by rigorously abusing him verbally. The entire world kept its eyes how those gentlemen were acting in the house where they have membership in the name of Sri Lankan democracy. Rajapaksa as the appointed Prime Minister of the de facto government has lost his majority in a no-confidence motion passed by the parliament with majority yesterday. But he was in the Parliament today to deliver the special message. It is amusing how a person who has defected to a new party which has even not contested the election so far go into the House and address the nation as the Prime Minister. If they are really concerned about democracy, why arent they understanding the core value of democracy and group representation? Rajapaksa has resigned from the party that gave him a shoulder to rise-up in politics and joined the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna as the founding member. Does he and those who joined the new party have the legitimacy to join the present parliamentary session until they are elected through general election? Why cant President who is trying to teach the Speaker as well as the public in general about constitutional laws, parliament tradition and its standing orders stop this blatant violation? Notwithstanding, there is no doubt that not only Sirisena but also Rajapaksa are deliberately ignoring to accept this crystal clear truth. It is unbelievable that as one of the most senior politicians in the country who ruled the nation in one of the most difficult times, Rajapaksa is deliberately distorting the truth with fragile and fake arguments. In this situation, neither Sirisena nor Rajapaksa is realizing their wrongdoings. Power with impunity driving them towards absurdity while the nation is shrinking into an abyss. What would be the solution? The power of the powerless will be the last refugee to solve the crisis. In other words, it is the people with have rights to vote have the duty to guard and salvage the nation. Lets go for the elections, many interested parties including Sirisena, Rajapaksa and others are demanding. Yes, thats a good idea to solve this manmade crisis, but not the way what they want. It should be the way the People, in General, are demanding. Sirisenas gazette notification for General Election is suspended by the Supreme Court. In this situation calling for General Election is too far from reality. But, President has authority to call for Presidential Election. We believe that is the best option to check the power of the architect behind the prevailing constitutional crisis in Sri Lanka. As per the Constitution President Sirsiena must contest the election as he is the incumbent if he is calling for early Presidential Election. We believe people will decide whether President Sirisena is suitable to have his second term or the country need the new president through the election. As the Rajapaksas faction is eagerly waiting for the election, why the other political parties to enhance with them and demand for a Presidential election. Then the people in the country will decide what need to be done while the Supreme Court and other authorities find the solution to the prevailing constitutional crisis manufactured by President Maithripala Sirisena. Let people decide the fate of the country. by Lankan Patriotic ( November 16, 2018, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) The political gridlock in Sri Lanka is getting nastiest day by day. It tarnishes a good name and reputation of Sri Lanka locally and internationally. Sri Lanka has been protecting its democratic traditions for more than 70 years now and yet, this political infight between two different political camps has taken this country into brink of political collapse. Political leaders find it hard to come to term with any formidable solution. It has been more than two weeks now and yet, we have not got any meaningful solution for this political crisis yet. Apparently, this is created with the political greed of Maithri. He wants to secure the second term and Mahinda wants to hold his grip on power. This is nothing but a man-made miscalculation and misjudgement in politics. Maithri thought with his executive power he could fool opposition, not knowingly his power has been dramatically reduced, not knowingly that opposition is well placed in all governmental apparatus, not knowingly, UNP controls all public administrations and departments. It would not be easy for President to sack PM and his cabinet at this juncture. Moreover, PM enjoys support of the majority in parliament and international community. More importantly support of India and western countries. Without studying these ground realities, Maithri abruptly sacked PMs in his own way but he did not materialise rather it backfired. In fact, a political coup misfired. Now, he and his cohort do not know what to do and how to handle this political crisis. It has been reported that Mahinda and his cohort have been fooled by Maithri in this case. Maithri wanted to secure his second term at any cost, for that reason, he put the country under immense political turmoil. For the last three-weeks, Sri Lankan politics is in standstill. To be honest, many governmental departments are malfunctioning these three weeks. Governmental decisions are not being taken for the last three weeks. It could hugely damage Sri Lankan economy and good will. Sri Lanka soon descend into lawless country, if political leaders and community leaders do not act swiftly at this crucial movement in Sri Lanka. The more this problem prolongs the more damage it will incur to Sri Lankan economy and good will. Today morning, there was a fighting in Parliament. The speaker of the house was attacked with water bottles and other items. Sri Lankan parliament today looks like a battlefield. MPs behaved like children fighting for petty things. MPS do not have skills to debate, they do not have political arguments to present so, they fight like children in Parliament. They know well their behaviours are lively telecast locally and internationally. These MPs tarnish a good name of Sri Lanka by these behaviours. I hope that public will teach them a lesson in next coming general election. MPs must have some moral codes and protocols to respect parliamentary traditions and procedure. These MPs who attacked the Speaker with bottles should be identified and punished. They must be banned from attending parliament for sometimes. At least for three sessions. They must be named and shamed so that public would not vote for them next time. Sri Lankan political parties and election commission must set some preconditions and prerequisites for those who contest election in Sri Lanka. The candidates must have some qualifications in this 21th century. They must have some ethical and moral codes, they must have some skills, and talents to represent people locally and internationally. Unfortunately, Sri Lankan political parties failed produce some young talents in politics. Today, to do politics you need to have good people with many skills. Im sorry to say except JVP we do not have any plan to produce new dynamic political leaders in Sri Lanka. JVP is the only political party that invests time, energy and resources to train young people. They do not select candidates as UNP and SLEF do. They select most educated, most honest and most hardworking people. They have earned a good will and reputation locally and internationally for their good behaviours and manners. It is a matte of some time that JVP will dominate in Sri Lankan politics. I think like Imran Khan, AKD could bring a political storm into Sri Lankan soil if these political parties fail to deliver. Look for instance, how do JVP MPs behave in Parliament? They talk with logics and wisdom. They debate logically and rationally. They argue with substantial evidence and statistics. They do not talk with none-sense. They set some good examples in politics. They do not resort to violence or fighting. We are living in a modern civilised world today. Parliament is the most sacred public institution in the country. If they do not know how to behave in the Parliament what can we expect from them in public life? It is totally unacceptable from any MPs to behave like that. For me it is not important who rule the country but what is important for me is how the country is ruled today. I do not care if UNP or SLFP or JVP rule the country. But all what I care is how this beautiful country is ruled today. Im sorry to say all these trouble makers have lost their common sense in politics in Sri Lanka today. Most of them do not deserve to be in parliament. Public must teach these trouble makers a lesson in the next election. Do we need to send these trouble makers to parliament? After all, they are paid and funded by public money. We are at an historical juncture right now, countries around us are speeding up their development programs. Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Vietnam and all other countries around us are following some radical development programmes to compete international market in this competitive world of economic and educational development. If we fail to demonstrate our political stability to the world, Im afraid we will harm our country greatly and we will pay the price for many decades to come. I hope the political wisdom and common sense prevail in Sri Lanka. In the interest of the next generations of Sri Lankans and interest of this country, politicians must act with some more wisdom and logics away from emotional party politics attachment. To meet the challenges posed to foreign carriers by the ASEAN Open Skies Agreement, a key consideration for Sri Lankan would be to align its aviation policy and approach towards global trends. by Dr Ruwantissa Abeyratne Sir, ( November 16, 2017, Nassau The Bahamas, Sri Lanka Guardian) This is neither strategic advice nor a strategic plan on how to run Sri Lankan Airlines. Presumably, you were chosen for your proven ability to do just that with the assistance of your Board and your CEO. Besides, I am no expert on running a successful business venture, which your airline ought to be. Neither am I an expert on debt servicing, which I understand is the primary concern for your airline now. I just thought of offering my perspective of where the world is headed over the next 20 years generally, and what is going on in key places in the air transport world your airline flies to, which could affect the success of your mission as Chairman. Debt servicing aside, you will no doubt start with focusing on whether the route structure of your airline, the appropriate fleet, and the pricing factor of your service are in place. These three would be profoundly impacted by whats going on in the world. Firstly, there are the megatrends large, transformative, global forces that affect everyone in the world which are emerging as compelling drivers of our existential world, affecting, among many other human endeavours, the development of air transport. To begin with, global balance of power as a megatrend is the first to be addressed in the context of aviation. More importantly, one must consider the shift of the global economy from the West to the East. Climate change and the scarcity of resources; hyper-connectivity; accommodating growing individuality and individual empowerment; harnessing technology; the exponential rise of the middle class; social mobility and decreasing inequality; big data analysis and privacy; digitization; globalized public demand for better services; technological innovation; medical advances; artificial intelligence and super computers; and game changers are other megatrends that would affect aviation. Secondly, and in particular in the context of the aviation industry (and the world) would be that by 2020 the global middle class will number 3 billion people, and we (including the aviation industry) will be able to connect with them all through the smart devices in their pockets. By 2020, 21 billion network devices will be in use up from two billion just a decade ago. Mobile technology, cloud computing, data analytics, biotech and genomics, and artificial intelligence are all advancing rapidly. Consequently, one could expect growth opportunities related to aircraft digitization and new high-performance materials, as well as for hybrid engines and 3-D printing. All this is second nature to your closest neighbour and soon to be the largest air transport market in the world India. Air transport in India is at the cusp of an unstoppable forward march towards reaching eminence in the aviation industry in the years to come. Aviation in India supports 8 million jobs and provides an overall output of US $ 8 billion. More importantly, to recognize that India is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to air transport policy and regulation is a reality one cannot deny. Available data show that in the first quarter of 2017, international traffic flowing to and from India grew by 7.5% and domestic traffic increased by a phenomenal 21.77% during the period 2016/2017. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognizes that India would become the third largest aviation market in 2026 next to the United States and China. You will have to figure out how your airline could adapt to this looming phenomenon and survive while being juxtaposed to this giant. Then there is China. China and India neighbours separated by borders are the two most populous countries in the world with China having 1.379 billion people while India has 1.34 billion. Both countries have an emerging class of business entrepreneurs focusing on high technology with a global outlook. Both countries together are responsible for 40% of the worlds trade. Both countries have taken the path of liberalization. Although China lags behind India in terms of passenger carriage, its airlines are progressing fast and will be a threat to airlines worldwide, once they build a viable and competitive route network. Against this backdrop it is noteworthy that China and India have maintained strong trade ties with each other. In 2004-2005, China was the third largest importer of Indias goods next to the US and United Arab Emirates. Both countries have shown a proclivity to regional agreements rather than multilateral agreements. Fourth on your list would be the ASEAN Region. As you are aware, The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is comprised of ten countries which came under an Open Skies Policy (OSP) under the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) in 2015. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) , which has as one of its aims the creation of a region fully integrated into the global economy, and which in turn is reflective of an economic integration plan in the region, considers air transport as a critical and significant thread in the transport fabric of the region. The implementation of ASAM would hinge heavily upon the disparity of the political and economic nature of ASEAN member States. One of the key factors in this equation is the differing priorities accorded by each State to air transport. To meet the challenges posed to foreign carriers by the ASEAN Open Skies Agreement, a key consideration for Sri Lankan would be to align its aviation policy and approach towards global trends. The first step would be to embrace competition and the way forward towards connectivity on competitive terms. Then there is The United Arab Emirates and the rest of the Middle East. Here, the lesson would be in the philosophy of the three most successful carriers: Emirates; Etihad and Qatar Airways. The lesson they give is that that governments in the UAE understand that connectivity in air transport can be key drivers of their economies and in pursuance of this approach they have created a business-friendly environment for air transport with low taxes and superior infrastructure. Finally, on your watch will come a United Kingdom detached from the European Union. As you are aware, After March 2019, The UK will be independent of the EUs common aviation market. This would mean that the UK would be negotiating bilateral air services with all countries it has air transport relations with, including with Sri Lanka. We must bear in mind that Brexit would present the air transport industry of the UK with an opportunity vis a vis the market outside the EU. Aviation authorities in the UK could well capitalize on emerging markets by forging bilateral air services agreements advantageous to the UK with other States without being shackled by restrictive EU laws and rules which bound the UK as an EU member. In conclusion, the success of Sri Lankan Airlines would vastly depend on the priority the Government accords to air transport an engine of growth and the support it gives the airline. Without this support, and the mindset that the economic success of the airline is the economic success of the country, the airline would surely plod along. For this objective to be achieved, there has to be a stringent focus on connectivity, and the ability of the airline to connect people across key strategic routes. With every good wish for success. The author is former Head of International Relations and Insurance, Air Lanka and former Senior Legal Officer at the International Civil Aviation Organization. Currently, he is Senior Associate, Air Law and Policy, Aviation Strategies International. This article was written while on an ICAO mission as Legal Consultant to The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority. Published: 16 November 2018 Cost of an hour worked EUR 34.1 for an employer in 2016 Corrected on 8 January 2019. The corrected numbers are indicated in red Heading revised. Was previously: Cost of an hour worked EUR 34.2 for an employer in 2016 According to Statistics Finland's Labour Cost Survey, labour costs were, on average, EUR 34.1 per hour worked in 2016. The hourly costs were EUR 34.7 in the private sector, EUR 31.4 in the local government sector, and EUR 38.6 in the central government sector. Wage and salary costs formed, on average, 76.0 per cent, social security costs 21.5 per cent, and other costs 2.5 per cent of total labour costs in the sectors. Cost of an hour worked and the cost per staff-year by employer sector in 2016 Sector / industry Labour cost, per hour worked, EUR Labour cost per staff-year, EUR Sectors total 34.1 55 331 Private sector total 34.7 57 368 Manufacturing, total (B-E) 37.2 62 401 Construction (F) 34.0 59 302 Service Industry (G-S) 33.9 55 394 Consumer and business services (G-N) 33.3 55 126 Welfare services (O-S) 35.6 56 054 Local government sector 31.4 48 740 Central government 38,6 59 296 In the private sector, the cost of an hour worked was highest in the manufacturing industries (B-E) and lowest in consumer and business services (G-N). Examined by sector, the central government sector had the highest cost of an hour worked, EUR 38.6 , while cost of an hour worked was lowest in the local government sector, EUR 31.4. In the central government sector, the high cost level is explained by the personnel focusing on expert professions that, on average, have a high pay level. The central government sector also has longer holiday periods than the private sector, which decreases the number of hours worked compared with the private sector. Due to longer holiday periods, the cost of an hour worked in the central government sector is higher than in manufacturing, even though the cost per staff-year is lower than in manufacturing. The number of hours worked by sector is presented in Table 1 in addition to cost of an hour worked and cost per staff-year. In the local government sector, the labour cost is lowest among the sectors both per an hour worked and per staff-year. Even though the number of hours worked is lower in the local government sector than in the private sector due to holidays and the social costs are higher than in other sectors, the wage and salary costs of the local government sector are clearly lower than in the other sectors. Labour costs are derived when the compensations for costs received by the employer (reimbursement of pay for periods of sickness, compensations from occupational health care, and employment subsidy) have been deducted from the employer's wage and salary costs, social security costs, and other labour costs. The hours worked have been calculated by deducting the absences, like annual leaves and sick leaves, from the sum of regular working time and overtime hours. In manufacturing, the cost of an hour worked grows by the size of the enterprise In the private sector, the cost per an hour worked in manufacturing industries (B-E) was EUR 31.6 in the smallest enterprises with 10 to 49 wage and salary earners, while the average cost per an hour worked was EUR 42.4 in the largest enterprises. The cost grows by the size of the enterprise. The largest cost difference is between the mid-size categories, i.e. when moving from enterprises with 50 to 249 wage and salary earners to those with 250 to 499 wage and salary earners. In welfare services (O-S), the cost of an hour worked also grows the larger the enterprise is measured by the number of personnel. In construction, in enterprises with 50 to 249 wage and salary earners, the cost of an hour worked is higher than in enterprises with 250 to 499 wage and salary earners, but otherwise the cost rises as the size of the enterprise grows. Cost of an hour worked in the private sector by industry and size of enterprise in 2016 Smaller enterprises (10 to 49 wage and salary earners) in welfare services (O-S) have the lowest cost per hour. In consumer and business services (G-N) the cost is largest in the two middle size categories. There are low-pay dominated enterprises among the large enterprises in consumer and business services, for example, in the industries of property maintenance and trade, as well as labour rental. This largely explains the lower cost level in larger enterprises. The variation by industry in the cost of an hour worked is small when comparing smaller enterprises with 10 to 49 wage and salary earners. In these enterprises, the average cost per hour varies by good EUR two, from EUR 30.1 in welfare services (O-S) to EUR 32.4 in consumer and business services (G-N). The larger the enterprise size category, the clearer the difference in hourly costs between industries become. The industry-specific hourly costs in the largest enterprises with over 500 wage and salary earners vary from EUR 32.4 in consumer and business services (G-N) to EUR 42.4 in manufacturing (B-E). The differences in hourly costs in enterprises of different sizes are mainly explained by wage and salary costs that are the higher the larger the enterprise is. Part of the social insurance contributions are also higher the larger the enterprise in question is. In manufacturing, the largest enterprises also pay on average more performance-based bonuses and other one-off items than smaller enterprises. Enterprises with fewer than ten employees are not included in the Labour Cost Survey. Other than wage and salary costs form 23.6 per cent of labour costs in the private sector Other than wage and salary costs, that is, social security costs and other labour costs, represent 23.6 per cent of total labour costs in the private sector. The share of other than wage and salary costs is highest in the local government sector, where social security costs and other labour costs account for 26.4 per cent of total costs. The corresponding share in the central government sector is 20.2 per cent. The wage and salary cost consists of direct earnings and other wages and salary costs such as one-off pay items and remuneration for days off. In the statistics, social security costs include actual social security costs, that is statutory, agreement-based and voluntary social insurance contributions, pay during sick leave, pay related to child birth and child care, and occupational health care costs. Structure of labour costs in the private sector, the central government sector and local government sector in 2016, per cent of total labour costs Other labour cost items include benefits in kind, costs of in-service training, costs for industrial and protective clothing, recruitment costs, and the costs of personnel funds. The share of these cost items is highest in the private sector, 3.0 per cent, while it is 1.1 per cent in the local government sector and 1.2 per cent in the central government sector. The larger share of other labour costs in the private sector compared with the central and local government sectors is primarily the result of the higher portion of benefits in kind in the private sector. Source: Labour cost survey 2016 Statistics Finland Inquiries: Pekka Haapala 029 551 3460, Olli Ruuska 029 551 3274, tvk@stat.fi Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko Publication in pdf-format (262.6 kB) Updated 16.11.2018 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Labour cost survey [e-publication]. ISSN=1799-3288. 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 23.11.2021]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tvtutk/2016/tvtutk_2016_2018-11-16_tie_001_en.html Home Just In Niranjan Thapa was recalled without reason, protests RPP Kathmandu, November 16 Rastriya Prajatantra Party has objected to the government decision to recall Nepals Ambassador to Israel Niranjan Thapa without letting him complete the term. Thapa is also a leader of the RPP. During his weekly press briefing on Thursday, the government spokesperson and Communications Minister Gokul Prasad Banskota had informed that Thapa had been given three weeks to return home. The government has already nominated Anjan Shakya to replace Thapa. A day after the announcement, the party issued a statement, claiming, The government has not clarified that reason why Thapa, who has a long political and diplomatic experience, was recalled. The partys publicity department chief Mohan Shrestha says such decisions without valid reasons would result in diplomatic imbalance. The government has also decided to recall Nepals Ambassador to South Africa, Arjun Bahadur Rai, as well. But, the party has not spoken a word about him. During a recent trip to the West Bank, Kedar Bell and other Washington University students traveled to Ramallah to meet with a Palestinian Authority official. He was being very hospitable, Bell, a sophomore, recalls. I dont know if that was to win us over; Im not going to say that. Walid Assaf, the Palestinian Authoritys Chairman of the Commission Against the Wall and Settlements, showed the 24 students a video of Israel Defense Forces soldiers apparently interfering with Palestinians as they were building a school in the West Bank. It had subtitles so the students could understand what people in the video were supposedly saying. That in itself didnt seem like propaganda to me, but the tour guide afterwards was telling us how the [P.A.] often translates the text to not actually show the full context of what is being said, recalls Bell, a computer science major and member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Another student pointed to the dramatic background music and said he thought the video was sensationalized. Rabbi Jordan Gerson, sitting next to the students last week at the Hillel at Wash U., explains that the military interfered because the building of the school was not done with any permits and they were unsure if it was safe. Bell was raised Christian but traveled to Israel in August on a Hillel-sponsored trip, Campus Leaders Israel Experience. The Jewish group organized the trip hoping to show Bell and other non-Jewish students a different perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than they might otherwise get on campus. It included visits to the West Bank, a settlers home and a Palestinian refugee camp, which are not typically included on a Birthright trip itinerary. We wanted to make sure that our student leaders were able to see the reality on the ground, said Gerson. We think its important that they engage with the facts and not just whats being fed to them by news outlets and posts on Facebook. The local Wash U. Hillel chapter is one among more than 40 around the country that in the last four years has organized trips to Israel for non-Jewish students. The trips are funded by the Maccabee Task Force, an initiative from conservative, pro-Israel billionaire philanthropist Sheldon Adelson aimed at combating the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The effort comes amidst concerns in the Jewish community about increasing anti-Israel sentiment among college students in the United States. In 2010, 81 percent of U.S. college students viewed Israel favorably, according to the Brand Israel Group, a collection of former advertising professionals that aims to promote Israel in America. In 2016, the number had dropped to 54 percent. At Wash U., Hillel staff said they have noticed that students who support the BDS movement have changed tactics. Students for Justice in Palestine has changed its name to Washington University Students Against Israeli Apartheid and for the first time earlier this year protested Jewish students promoting Birthright trips, according to Gerson. Previously, the group had focused on protesting pro-Israel speakers and writing op-eds in the student newspaper, he said. I think that signals a desire to be more in the face of the students who are engaging in Israel education on campus and pro-Israel work, he said. Still, the organization had more applicants than they had room for, Hillel staff said. Staff tried to ensure that they were taking students who after the trip would have a wide enough network to share their experiences and influence people, and two, have an open mind and come into this experience being able to really grapple with challenging questions and issues, said Jackie Levey, Hillel executive director. Bell said he first heard about the free trip on a group chat among black Wash U. students. He was interested in going because he felt Israel was very prevalent in American politics and not a lot of people know whats going on there. My opinions on Israel werent fully formed. On the trip, the group Hillel staff, 19 non-Jewish students and five Jewish students made some of the common stops to places like the Western Wall and Masada, but they also went into the West Bank, which is territory that is disputed between Israelis and Palestinians. We cant provide a nuanced picture of the complexity of the conflict by ignoring half the conversation, said Levey. Sahil Mehta, vice president of Wash U College Republicans, said he had previously heard mostly pro-Israel stances from Jewish friends. Of the meeting with the Palestinian Authority official, Mehta said he felt like it was definitely a lot of propaganda, but it was rewarding to actually hear the perspective from him. He came away from the meeting thinking that in the near future that this conflict doesnt really have a solution. There is so much that needs to be worked out, said Mehta, who grew up in a Hindu family in Dallas. He also was moved by a visit to a town along the border with Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, a terrorist organization, filled with concrete buildings and bomb shelters. About two hours after we left, there were 100 rockets fired into town and it kind of scared me and made the conflict feel really real, said Mehta. There were also lighter moments on the trip. Tyrin Truong, a sophomore, fell in love with shawarma and went looking for it each day Visiting Jerusalem was the most impactful part for me, said Truong, a member of the Wash U. Student Union. You go on the trip to learn more about the conflict, but its just nice to get away from the conflict for a while and see everyone living in unity the Muslim quarters, the Jewish quarters, the Christian quarters. As a Christian, he said visiting the Church of Holy Sepulchre and notable biblical sites made him think about how my grandparents would have loved to have been there. Asheley Ashittey, a junior studying political science and African American studies, said she concluded that many people in the conflict were just trying to live as normal a life as possible, which I found both amazing and also disturbing because you see a bunch of bomb shelters but also people going about their days. At the refugee camp, Ashittey, who is from New Jersey, saw Palestinians with keys to their parents or grandparents former homes in Israel. She felt that they were being somewhat misled by the Palestinian government and that there wont be any residences for them to return to. I just wonder what will happen to them in the long term, she said. Since returning to campus, Mehta said he has been to a number of events featuring speakers discussing Israel and the conflict. He adds that he pays closer attention to the anti-Israel stickers he sees on other students laptops. Its really opened my eyes to the hate against Israel, Mehta said. Truong said the trip made him more committed to fight against anti-Semitism. As a black guy, I know how it feels for people to hate you just for existing, he said. Ashittey said she has friends on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its now easier to engage in dialogue about Israel. 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. Rajan Bhattarai, one among four members of the Nepali side of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations, has recently been appointed the Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The Prime Minister appointed him the advisor after Bhattarai reportedly rejected the offer of appointment as Nepali Ambassador to India, citing he wanted to stay in the country so that he could prepare for next parliamentary elections in his constituency, where he was defeated by popular youth leader Gagan Thapa of Nepali Congress least year. Onlinekhabar has recently talked to Bhattarai about recent developments in Nepals diplomacy including Indias reluctance to accept the EPG report and recent ambassadorial appointments. Excerpts: Lets begin the conversation with your appointment as the Prime Ministers advisor. Some leaders of your party have posted their dissatisfaction over your selection on social media? I do not have anything to say about the comments of my friends. I do not think that they did not understand my background including my involvement in democratic movements. I think my friends have not questioned my capacity of fulfilling the responsibility assigned by the party. They cannot. Individuals have expertise in different fields and different responsibilities are given to suit their field of knowledge. I think I cannot comment anything more than this. But they have also suggested that the PM acted as if there was no one else qualified in the party. For example, he picked Nilamber Acharya, an outsider, for the Ambassador to India? We are seeking result-oriented performance from the current government. Rather than checking if the person belongs to our party or not, we want to make sure that the country can take advantages from qualifications and capacities of qualified people. I have received positive responses about Acharyas nomination. The Prime Minister had consulted top leaders in the party about the decision. Our party has sufficient people who qualify to become ambassadors. But, Acharya is a mature and intellectual personality with patriotic feelings. He is an appropriate candidate for the the position. But, there are many challenges in the bilateral relations. India apparently backtracked from its decision to provide additional air routes to Nepal. Do you think it was an answer to Nepals decision of withdrawing from the BIMSTEC joint military exercise? This is not a right explanation of the situation. Overall, Nepals foreign relations are good and our international image is improving. Our officials are visiting other countries, and we can expect Nepal visit by other government and state heads in the near future. Our ties with India are on the right track. However, some problems may occur in the relations with such a close neighbour, with whom we share a multidimensional relationship. But, we will sit with them and settle the issues. The issue of air routes is not political, but technical. I think they will understand what we have already agreed once. But why do you think Modi is not accepting the EPG report? We have not reached the conclusion that Modi did not agree to receive the report. He just wanted to find a right time for the submission. Bilateral talks are ongoing over the issue. It is true that we are late, but it is not true that he did not agree. The report serves interests of both the countries. As the Prime Ministers foreign affairs advisor, how do you deal with recent controversies about visits of chief ministers? It has been said that the government allowed Province 1 CM to fly abroad, but blocked Province 2 CM? This is the result of our transition to the new system. However, the visits of Province 2 CM and Province 1 CM were different by nature. Province 2 CM wanted to go on a formal trip. The other visit was private, and it did not need a formal consent from the federal government. Now, we need to formulate a policy that directs us in dealing with private and official visits. The policy will be drafted soon. Wrapping up the conversation, tell the readers why you rejected the offer of ambassadors position? Why are you crazy about the next parliamentary elections? When I contested the parliamentary elections in Kathmandu-4, I had made some promises in front of the people. I had told them that I would help them as an elected lawmaker if I won, but I had also told them that I would work with them for infrastructural development of the constituency if if I would lost the polls. Thats why I needed to make myself present in the constituency. Stratford-on-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi. Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi has given his backing to the Prime Minister and her draft Brexit deal, but admitted some parts of the agreement will be uncomfortable for both sides. Speaking to the Herald today, Mr Zahawi suggested that party colleagues considering submitting letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister would have to search their consciences about whether such action was in the national interest. Mr Zahawi said: I believe this deal will ensure an orderly withdrawal from the EU, there are some areas which will be uncomfortable for both sides, both for us and the EU, but it is the right thing to do. I wasnt sure the Prime Minister would be able to get an agreement on services included, but that is in there which is very pleasing to see. Having no deal would be harmful to businesses and I support the Prime Minister in getting this deal agreed. I believe it is wrong to go down an extreme path, on the one side some are calling for a second referendum, which would be a betrayal of our democracy while on the other side we have those who would have us leave with a no deal, which I believe would be hugely damaging. Some of my colleagues might think that if they force the Prime Minister out they will get a no deal Brexit, but I believe that would be deeply harmful and something that I think my party would find it hard to recover from. They need to search their consciences about it. We need an orderly Brexit and this deal delivers on that. When asked whether he thought Theresa May would still be Prime Minister in a weeks time, Mr Zahawi said: I think she will be here, I think shes done a great job, shes been calm and resolute throughout. #married women 1 in 6 S. Korean women quit their jobs after marriage More than 1 in 6 South Korean married women suffered a career break this year as they quit their jobs due to child rearing and getting married, data showed Tuesday. The number o... The British-born designer of the likes of the iPod, iMac, MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad has teamed up with acclaimed industrial designer, Marc Newson, to create the glittering trinket event to raise funds to eradicate HIV/AIDS in Africa. Said to be inspired by the unibody design of the MacBook, the premium diamond ring is cut out of a single diamond block with some of its facets measuring as small as several hundred micrometres. The interior portion of the ring is cut and smoothened using a micrometer thick water jet with a laser beam and will showcase between 2000-3000 facets. The ring will be sold at an upcoming Sotheby's auction and will be custom made to fit the buyer up to a size 5. It is not the first time Ive and Newson have collaborated. Previously they have created several pieces together such as an aluminium clad work desk, a retro-looking Leica camera and a one-of-a-kind MacBook Pro in red, each of which were sold for millions of dollars. As for this new diamond ring, it is expected to fetch anywhere between $150,000 to $250,000 at the Sothebys Auction on 8 December. We arrive in Malaga during a monsoon. As I hurry, crouched and swearing from the bus station to our meeting point, people take shelter anywhere they can, caught off-guard by the heavy rain. Soon, the central nerve of Alameda Principal is a miniature river. This is my inauspicious start to a day of cooking and conviviality in an old country farmhouse - treats promised by luxury tour operator Toma & Coe (T&C) as part of its "Malaga Cooking Experience". Respite from the downpour is eventually provided by Malaga's Atarazanas food market, housed in a cavernous structure built as a shipyard in the 14th century. Led by T&C cooking guru Mayte Fernandez, the small group I'm joining is taken shopping for ingredients. We're to cook arroz caldoso: literally meaning "brothy rice", it's a rustic dish that can be made with fish or seafood, but today we're doing it with chicken - free-range and wonderfully golden in colour. Vivacious and attractive, Malaga-born Mayte worked as a flight attendant before starting to teach cooking. She became involved with T&C five years ago, when she met its English founder Manni Coe through a mutual a friend. As well as now running the company's "Malaga Cooking Experience", Mayte has her own culinary school, A Cooking Day, which also introduces clients to Andalusian cuisine and customs. She says that her home, as well as a passion for food, influenced her switch from flight stewardess to cooking teacher. You can see why. After stocking up on goodies in Atarazanas, we're driven to the enormous 17th century farmhouse that's been part of Mayte's family since 1941. The key from Harry Potter Although just fifteen minutes out of the city, it's surrounded by olive groves and hills, now lush from the Biblical rain. We walk through the heavy front door - opened by a key clearly poached from the set of a Harry Potter film - into the room where Mayte holds her classes. It's a stunning blend of traditional Andalusian and contemporary chic, filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Beyond them are the olive, almond, fig and pomegranate trees from which the family have reaped fruit for almost eighty years. After drying our soaked feet, we're given our individual prep stations and assigned tasks. Straight away, it feels as we're in the house of a Spanish friend and their family - precisely the kind of behind-the-scenes experience that T&C specialises in. "From the first moments", explains Mayte, "[our] clients enter a real family home and say 'hello' to my mother or maybe my father or uncle, who might also be around". T&C founder Manni, who also joins us, explains that the cortijo and Mayte's family are key to the Malaga Cooking Day: "We've designed this tour to be fully immersive, so guests can roll up their sleeves and spend the day shopping, prepping, preparing and finally enjoying their culinary creations in a family home." Teresa, Mayte's 74-year-old mother, soon makes an appearance, checking on the cooking and chatting with the group. She tells us that parts of the vast cortijo are without electricity owing to the morning's ferocious weather. But now the sun is appearing, burning off the sulky clouds and bathing the fruit trees in a watery light. Each step of the cooking process is carefully explained to us. The chicken chunks are seasoned and browned in olive oil, after which a blend of fried-off garlic, onion and green pepper and grated tomatoes is added to the pot. Cue rich aromas and delightful sizzling. White wine, rice and water follow. Finally, a pinch of smoked paprika and a whisp of saffron are thrown in. The rapid-fire Spanish of Mayte and Teresa provides a soundtrack to all this happy culinary activity. It's a dynamic that you wouldn't normally experience unless immersed in family of Spaniards - and even if you were, you'd be lucky to get as involved as we are in the cooking process. In Spain, the kitchen is a madre's (mother's) closely-guarded fortress, a room of culinary secrets that's often inaccessible to outsiders. At about 3pm, we sit down to the final stage of a process that started that morning, in a rain-swept Malaga. It turns out that the arroz caldoso con pollo was worth getting soaked for. The ricey broth, laced with saffron and paprika, is as moreish as it is satisfying and the chicken, left on the bone for extra flavour, falls apart to the touch. We wash the hearty stew down with red wine from young, Malaga-based bodega Sedella. After a lunch to remember, in so many ways, we say goodbye to Mayte's Mum and lock the door behind us with the Harry Potter key. As the taxi takes us back to Malaga, now drying off in pale sunlight, I think about cooking the caldoso myself, at home in Granada. But I doubt it'd be the same without a beautiful farmhouse overlooking olive groves, or a Spanish mother and daughter there to enthusiastically correct my mistakes. "We are trying to create a new form of transport which will change the way in which people are connected and travel: our whole way of life, in other words," says Ryan Kelly, who is the Global Marketing and Communication Director for the Virgin Hyperloop One company. Kelly, who lives in Los Angeles, USA, is also a professor of digital marketing and has been with the company since September 2016. We caught up with him recently in Madrid, when he was attending the South Summit 18 conference. How much still needs to be done before Hyperloop becomes a reality as a means of transport? We have been carrying out tests in the Nevada desert for the past year, with a 'pod' (as the cabin is called), and with real infrastructure, so I suppose we could say that Hyperloop is already a means of transport. It's truly exciting: four years ago we were in a garage and now we are working with the Railway Authority in the Spanish parliament. Probably the greatest challenge we face at present is the regulatory scenario. More than two-thirds of the Hyperloop systems conform with existing standards: in the aerospace, railway and automotive sectors. For the other third, we will need a new standard. We have started the first stages of the certification process and we hope to continue our work with the regulators, to comply with existing legislation when appropriate and collaborate on creating new regulations where necessary. It is important for people to know that the G-force (the level of resistance which passengers' bodies will notice during the journey) is the same as that of a high-speed train. When will we see it in commercial service for the first time? We calculate that it will be in the middle of the next decade. Where will that be? We are working with organisations all over the world to study potential routes, and we are having continual conversations with governments and governmental organisations to advance the first projects. So far, our company is focusing on the highest levels of participation and involvement by governments such as the USA, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and India. We are also working with and meeting numerous government organisations in Europe. (During his presentation in Madrid, Ryan Kelly said the first line is expected to be finished in India in 2026). What will the development of the Hyperloop mean for the laboratory in Bobadilla, in Malaga? That new centre will enable us to continue advancing our project at the fastest speed. It's where they will develop, test and certify components and sub-systems which need to be ready when the Hyperloop comes into service in the mid 2020s. The capacities of the laboratory will help us to work with the regulators to certify systems. In the end, they will allow us to fulfil our first commercial agreements and scale up production so we can satisfy future demand. That centre will act as an R+D hub in Europe, a region which is very important for us because of its own importance at global level in terms of innovation in the transport sector, and for the work in that sense which can be carried out with the authorities in the European Union. How many engineers will be working there? We estimate that there will be about 250 to 300 highly qualified engineers. Why did you decide to set up in Malaga, with all the other options available to you round the world? There were several reasons. Spain is a leader in the transport sector, so it is an ideal place for an R+D centre like this one. It operates the second biggest high-speed rail infrastructure in the world; it is the second biggest car manufacturer and has the fifth largest aerospace sector in Europe. Also, the region of Andalucia has an excellent ecosystem and an extensive base of highly qualified talent. With more than 9,000 transport and logistics companies, the second biggest aerospace cluster in Spain and 20,000 employees in R+D, Andalucia is becoming a hub for the transport and aerospace sectors at a global level. Antequera is situated in the geographical centre of Andalucia, and is also a hub for the transport sector. When could the laboratory in Bobadilla start operating? We're working on completing the facilities by the end of 2019, and then we'll be able to start carrying out the first contracts. What will be the role of the Railway Technology Centre, on the PTA in Malaga? Right now we are considering all options, but nothing has yet been decided. The financial assistance for which you have applied, where will that be coming from? The government, the Junta de Andalucia, the EU, or a combination? We are having discussions at the very highest level with all these institutions. Do you have guarantees that you will be able to access this public funding? We want to be respectful of the whole negotiating process. Although there are no guarantees, we are convinced that the benefits of this type of investment in Malaga province, and Andalucia and Spain by extension, will far outweigh the costs involved. If you didn't obtain this funding, would you cancel the project in Malaga? As we said when we announced the agreement, the total investment is contingent upon us obtaining 126 million euros in public funding. However, we are convinced that we will obtain it because, as I said, the benefits of this project are much greater than the costs in terms of the creation of wealth, employment, the driving force on the local economy, etc. The airport in Malaga is preparing for further growth and Terminal 2, which was built in 1991, is to be completely renovated so that its design matches that of the most modern area, Terminal 3. The Aena airports authority is planning to invest nearly 50 million euros in the airport during the rest of this year and in 2019. The aim is to adapt the facilities to comply with new regulations, increase capacity and improve the transit of passengers, for whom the airport is the first and last thing they see, impacting the image of the destination for tourists. The director of the airport, Salvador Merino, with Aena's new director of Communication, Maria Gomez, explained this week that part of the works will be carried out during low season for the airlines, between now and March, to reduce the impact on travellers and flights. The objective is for the airport to be prepared to handle 27 million passengers easily in 2021, although Salvador Merino pointed out that the maximum capacity at present is already 29.5 million travellers. Malaga airport ended 2017 with a record figure of 18.6 million passengers, after increasing the number by almost four million in the two previous years. Merino didn't want to confirm whether 2018 will be the year in which the number rises to 19 million, but he did say that the growth has stabilised and there was an increase of 1.2 per cent between January and September. "Most of the works are to do with improvements to benefit passengers and airlines, rather than capacity. Many will aim to reduce the stress of having to wait in a queue and worrying about missing the plane," he explains. "In the past two years we have grown a great deal and there have been long queues, so we are increasing the security facilities and making transit through the airport easier. In 2007 the airport had a record 13.6 million travellers and in 2017 we had 18.6 million, which is an average growth of 3.6 per cent over the decade. We are still nearly 11 million below our maximum capacity, so there is plenty of room," he said. With regard to the investment, he explained that Aena plans to spend 21.3 million euros this year and another 17.4 million in 2019. In addition there will be money spent on improving the commercial area, such as the parking and car hire zones, and other reforms which will boost the total spend to 27.3 million euros this year and 21.9 next year. At the moment, modernisation works are being carried out at Terminal 2, which has now been completely closed, and at night, for the six hours when there are practically no flights, the older runway is being closed from Mondays to Thursdays, so the beacons can be replaced. The second runway is used during this time, instead. This part of the works will cost 8.3 million euros. Some eight years after the project was first mooted and after eight months of activity, construction on Malaga Club de Futbol's new academy complex in Arraijanal, close to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, has practically stopped. Besides technical difficulties that must still be overcome, the primary obstacle is finance. Ever since the team's relegation to the second division at the end of last season, the club has been working on different formulas which could stagger the payments given the fall in revenues. The construction company Bilba has been accommodating in this respect, but a payment of 4.5 million euros is still owed. This sum is still tied up in a plot of land at El Viso which the club had agreed to sell to the University of Malaga (UMA). The sale was not permitted, however, until the club had resolved its financial issues. Though the club's books are now in order, the administrative process is still ongoing and the Malaga Foundation still do not have access to the funds necessary to see works restart. Campaigning for the election of Andalucia's regional parliament on Sunday 2 December kicked off at midnight last night (Thursday) as an opinion poll showed the PSOE Socialist party in the lead. Today, Friday 16 November, is the first full day of official electioneering and during the campaign national political leaders are expected to descend on Malaga province to support their regional candidates. Malaga and the Costa de Sol are seen as a key battleground in the election of the Seville-based chamber for another four years. The voting-intention survey this week was published by central-government-controlled official pollsters, CIS. It placed the PSOE, led by current president of the Junta de Andalucia regional government, Susana Diaz, on 37.41% of the vote. This would translate into 45-47 seats in the 155-seat regional parliament. The figure is broadly the same as the last election in 2015 and still not enough for an absolute majority. Ciudadanos' vote may grow Centrist Ciudadanos, whose decision not to keep supporting the minority PSOE forced Diaz to dissolve parliament and bring forward the election by three months, would see a big support increase, with 18.55% and 20-22 seats, more than double the nine it had in 2015. The conservative PP party would just be ahead on 18.55%, the poll said, falling back from 33 to 20-22 seats. At this election, the left-wing parties, Podemos and Izquierda Unida (IU), will campaign on a joint platform called Adelante Andalucia along with other small parties, and could come in second place on 19.34%. The poll also highlighted the prospect of far-right newcomer, Vox, taking one seat. Similar picture in Malaga In Malaga province, which returns 17 of the 155 regional MPs to Seville, based on proportional representation, the party split could be very similar to 2015, with some fall-off in support for the PP to Ciudadanos. The regional parliament oversees the Junta de Andalucia government, including large-spending departments such as health, education and social care under Spain's devolved regional system. The PSOE party has been in control for forty years since the regional parliament and government were first set up in 1978. Sheikh Al-Thani is no longer involved in La Bajadilla marina. The Supreme Court has decided not to admit the proceedings filed by Nas Marbella, the joint company headed by Al-Thani, against the refusal by the Andalusian High Court of Justice (TSJA) to allow an appeal against the decision to annul the concession for the management and extension to the port, which was approved in 2011. The Supreme Court had declared the appeal inadmissible in a sentence dictated in Madrid last September, which this newspaper has now seen. This was the last possibility for Al-Thani to continue legal action and remain linked in some way to La Bajadilla port, because this decision by the Supreme Court means that the High Court sentence is final. On 28 September last year the Andalusian court decided that Al-Thani did not fulfill the necessary technical and financial solvency requirements and therefore the temporary joint company of which he is the head should not have been permitted to bid for the contract for the expansion of the port. The court decided that at the time of presenting the bid, the company failed to meet the requirements because it could not show a minimum threshold of turnover during the three previous years as it was a newly formed company, and it had no experience in managing marinas. For that reason it annulled the decision adopted in 2011 by the Andalusian Public Ports Agency (APPA), which is part of the regional government, when it accepted a bid from Nas Marbella, the joint company formed by a company belonging to Sheikh Al-Thani (Nasir Bin Abdullah & Sons SL), the Marbella Leisure Port and the town council. The sentence, which is now definitive, annuls the original decision by the contracting committee more than six years previously and all later ones, including granting the concession to the company headed by the sheikh for the expansion and management of the port. Although the APPA, which a year earlier had already cancelled the adjudication and recovered the concession due to continual breaches by Al-Thani, decided not to appeal, the sheikh did so without the backing of his partners, Marbella council and its municipal company Puerto Deportivo de Marbella. He appealed first to the TSJA and then, when that was unsuccessful, tried the Supreme Court, which also rejected the case. Another temporary joint company, formed by local businessmen who wanted to manage the port but whose application was turned down in favour of the sheikh, also took action against the APPA over its decision to allow Marbella council to be a partner in the joint company with Al-Thani and Marbella Leisure Port, claiming that the sheikh could turn to the town hall for financing in order to make the company look solvent. Chefs often endeavour to tell a story through their menus, and dinner at Guernsey's best hotel was no exception. The dishes were inspired by the novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; each a creative reminder of a remarkable piece of history from World War II with which few are familiar, the invasion of the Channel Islands. This was the only time when British territory was occupied by the Nazis. Island inspiration For the past decade Mary Ann Shaffer's novel (completed by her niece Anne Barrows) has drawn visitors to Guernsey, the island that inspired this compelling and romantic story, told through letters between islanders and an English author and journalist. It has been a bestseller on every continent and sold over seven and half million copies. Most recently it has been made into a film, starring Lily James, and directed by Mike Newell (of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame). I found the film to charming, romantic and fascinating. So, I was happy to accept an invitation to visit Guernsey and its neighbour Alderney for a weekend of discovery, taking in the history, nature and, of course, the food of the island. A highlight was a themed dinner in the elegant surroundings of The Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey's capital of St Peter Port. It's a building that really resonates history. Understandable really, as from 1796 to 1842 it was the former official Governor's residence for the Bailiwick of Guernsey (the archipelago of islands that includes Herm, Sark and Alderney). It has hosted not only royalty but was requisitioned by the occupying German forces and used as a 'Soldatenheim', a place where officers came to meet, relax, eat and drink. Artisan food The chef's pre-starter of Soldatenheim broth, simply served in an espresso cup, was the first dish to be served. It was reminiscent of the homespun recipes during the war years. When the Germans invaded and occupied the islands in June 1940, they took control of food production, leaving islanders with little to eat. All animals were sent to feed the Nazi troops. Now the islands of Guernsey and Alderney are foodie destinations, recognised for slow food; menus inspired by foraged ingredients; and artisan food producers from pig breeders, dairy farmers, cider makers and gin distillers. Channel Island dairy is of course world renowned. Guernsey dairy cows, with their distinctive coats of reddish-brown and white patches are said to be among the best in the world. From the artisan butter on the breakfast table, to after dinner cheeses, expect amazing dairy products during a stay on the island. I particularly liked Fort Grey, a soft blue cheese, handmade from full-cream Guernsey milk by artisan cheese maker Fenella Maddison. It's named after the Martello tower fortification found close to her Torteval cheese workshop. While on the coast, I also recommend enjoying a homemade ice-cream; so simple yet so creamy and tasty. Island hopping Dinner continues with a starter of Guernsey crab, served with ruby grapefruit and a scoop of refreshing cucumber sorbet. Seafood is abundant here, and with the coast never more than a few kilometres away, it's always fresh-from-the-sea. Whether posh fish and chips, a hearty fish pie of pollack and prawn, or crabs, lobsters and juicy scallops, you can expect to eat well on the islands. A trip here of course is all about the sea and the coast. Guernsey boasts 27 beaches, and together with the rest of the Bailiwick, there are 50 unspoilt beaches to discover. Guernsey, easily accessible thanks to a short flight from London Gatwick, makes for a good base for island hopping. Sark, with only about six hundred residents and no vehicles, is an island of peace and tranquillity. It was the first island in the world to gain 'Dark Sky' status, perfect for star gazers. Alderney, to the north east of Guernsey is also the place for 'star parties', with island astronomer Michael Maunder organising events throughout the year. Many come to Alderney though for the wildlife. Species include the unique blond hedgehog, rare butterflies and, of course, plenty of sea birds including puffins and gannets. Our host for dinner, Andrew Chantrell, general manager of The Old Government House Hotel continues with tales and anecdotes from the island. He recounts how many of the island's families were separated for years as thousands of people, including most of Guernsey's children, were evacuated at very short notice, just before the German invasion. Those left behind had food strictly rationed. Our main dish of roasted pork tenderloin is served with a portion of potato peel pie. Although this restaurant dish is a sophisticated interpretation (where even the potato peel pie is now gourmet, made with Guernsey cream and bacon) it remains a poignant reminder of the food scarcity during the occupation. Residents were forced to eat little more than vegetables and they improvised dishes like the simple potato pie. As depicted in the Guernsey film, a few islanders managed to secretly rear a pig, but such a luxury as pork would have been extremely unusual. However, today rare breeds like the Oxford Sandy and Black pigs are once more being slow-reared on Guernsey. Passing through the narrow country lanes, chances are you will see some wallowing or sunbathing in an adjacent field. The physical reminders of the German occupation remain across the islands. Under direct orders from Hilter, Guernsey and Alderney became the most fortified places along the Atlantic Wall. The bunkers and observation towers were so numerous and so strongly built that it was not feasible to destroy them after the islands' liberation on 9 May 1945. So they remain as stark and compelling reminders of the era; many are open to explore. On a tour of Alderney, I saw bunkers marked with the edelweiss insignia of German alpine forces. It felt extraordinary to see this on British territory. Channel Islands I should mention that the Channel Islands are independent and not part of the United Kingdom. Although geographically closer to France than the English coast, the islands are Crown Dependences of the UK, which is responsible for their defence and international relations. Island residents are British citizens. The islands include the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which comprises Alderney, Sark, and the tiny islands of Herm and Lihou. Both Crown Dependences have been independently run since the 13th century (when the King of France surrendered claim to the islands, as Henry III of England gave up his claim to the Duchy of Normandy). The Bailiwicks have their own laws, elections and parliaments, but are in a currency union with the UK, so they issue their own Sterling pounds. The islands are not members of the Commonwealth of Nations, nor of the European Union. Island spirit The meal continues, and the palette cleanser is a granita made from local Blue Bottle Gin. Gin distilling has really thrived in recent years with artisan producers endeavouring to capture the spirit of the island in more ways than one. Unit 6 is the latest small-batch gin from Guernsey, but Blue Bottle Gin is among the best known and uses local gorse flowers as one of its botanicals. Wheadon's Gin, created by distiller Luke Wheadon, uses rock samphire among its botanicals, a flavour of the island, foraged from the coast. This themed meal illustrates how Bailiwick of Guernsey tourist bosses are anticipating a further boost to visitor numbers thanks to the Guernsey movie. If you plan to make a trip, bear in mind that most visitor events like festivals, are from April to October each year, and this is when small group and bespoke tours also typically operate. However, the islands are an all-year destination and plenty of festive events are scheduled for this year, and you can expect local venues to be beautifully decorated for the holidays. As I tucked into my local bread and butter pudding, with a distinct French twist, I learnt that The Old Government House Hotel is also about to get into the Christmas spirit as it prepares to transform its terrace into a festive Alpine lodge. While snuggled in blankets on sofas in front of the fire, guests can enjoy schnapps, gin, mulled wine, and hot spiced local cider. Yes, folks it's that time of year soon. BIMCO addresses biofouling and other issues With mounting pressure for biofouling management, BIMCO is launching a survey to gain insight into how shipowners are dealing with this issue. BIMCO said that biofouling management is important for several reasons. For example, fouling on a ship's hull significantly reduces hydrodynamic performance and increases fuel consumption. Furthermore, biofouling impacts ships emissions and potentially transfers invasive species. Local and regional regulations that mandates the use of a biofouling management plan was recently introduced in several countries. One example is New Zealand, where all ships arriving in the country from 1st May, 2018, are required to have a clean hull in accordance with the Craft Risk Management Standard for Biofouling (CRMS). Australia and the US have also announced their own regulations covering biofouling management. Internationally, IMO is currently working on how to address biofouling management and, to advise the organisation on how shipowners are currently managing biofouling, BIMCO is launching a survey and strongly encourages its members to participate by using this link - BIMCO's Biofouling Survey 2018. In addition, BIMCO and a group of industry partners are setting up an internationally recognised standard on underwater hull and propeller cleaning. The group consists of eight different organisations, including paint manufacturers, shipowners and cleaning companies, who will take a holistic approach to establish an international standard that will work in practice. This standard is expected to be finalised in the autumn of 2019 and will ensure that the result of the cleaning is in accordance with a set of specifications, that the environmental impact of of the process and coating damage is controlled and that the cleaning process is planned, safe and effective. BIMCO has also produced a Hull Fouling Clause for Time Charter Parties, which sets out the physical circumstances and at which point the responsibility for hull fouling passes from the owners to the charterers when an extended period of idleness is due to charterers orders. The organisation has also introduced two charterparty clauses addressing bunker fuel liabilities in the run up to 1st January, 2020 (see November/December issue of Tanker Operator Magazine). In addition, BIMCO has revised and updated its two standard shiprepair contracts: REPAIRCON, which is for major work at a repair yard; and MINREPCON, which is for minor repair work that can be done by contractors when a ship is in port. In another move, the Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) has joined BIMCO as an associate member. Declining TCE revenues hit OSGs bottom line Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) reported a shipping revenue fall of 13.7% to $80.5 mill in the third quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2017. TCE revenues for 3Q18 were $72.1 mill, a decrease of $12.8 mill, or 15.1%, compared with 3Q17. OSG said that several factors contributed to the decrease in revenues including: (a) 52 day increase in scheduled drydocking, (b) 89 unplanned repair days, including one vessel that was hit by another ship, (c) one less Government of Israel voyage during 3Q18, compared to the same period in 2017, (d) one less vessel in operation in the third quarter, compared to 2017, and (e) seasonal slow-down manifested by fewer spot market opportunities. The new term charters secured during 3Q18 will increase OSGs forward revenue day coverage for 2019 to around 65%, the company said. In the future, the company said that it expected revenues from long-term time charters to increase and revenues from spot market charters to fall, which should result in less exposure to fluctuations in spot market rates. The 3Q18 operating loss was $4.1 mill, compared to an operating income of $0.6 mill in 3Q17. Net income for the third quarter was $11.9 mill, compared with a net loss of $6.3 mill, for 3Q17. Adjusted EBITDA was $9.2 mill for the third quarter, a decrease of $13.4 mill, compared with 3Q17, driven primarily by the decline in TCE revenues. Sam Norton, president and CEO, said, The third quarter saw OSG make meaningful progress in executing on its business plan, notwithstanding our short-term financial results. Highlights for the quarter are that we secured multiple new term-charter fixtures, extended our contract of affreightment with the Government of Israel through the end of 2020, and announced contracts for the construction of two new tankers and one new barge. We are well along the path to refinance and fully pay off our term debt, which matures in August, 2019 using a combination of cash and new debt. We have in hand commitments exceeding $325 mill from a syndicate of lenders for a new term loan, as well as a second loan with another lender of $27.5 mill, both of which we anticipate closing in the coming weeks. We expect these financings to add longer-term stability to our balance sheet, clearing the path for the pursuit of expansion opportunities. We are confident that the trajectory and mix of our revenue streams position the company well to benefit from the continuing arc of improving fundamentals, he said. InterManager asks crew to help find enclosed space solutions InterManager has launched a campaign to encourage seafarers to think about safety issues when working in enclosed spaces and to identify measures, which they believe would reduce risks. Announcing the campaign during last weeks Crew Connect event in Manila, Capt Kuba Szymanski, InterManager, secretary general, said: The shipping industry has produced a wealth of rules, procedures, guidelines, leaflets, etc concerned with the risks of working in enclosed spaces on board vessels and yet seafarers are still dying while engaged in these activities. We want to hear from the seafarers themselves to find out why fatal mistakes are still being made? Are we missing a trick here? Is there something we havent taken into consideration? he asked. InterManager aims to eradicate or minimise unnecessary risks to life by seeking opinions from the people working in enclosed spaces. Capt Szymanski explained: Often seafarers are considered to be part of the problem. We are encouraging them to be part of the solution by sharing their experiences and points of view. We want to know what approach those facing these risks think should be taken. Please tell us what you think is the best solution? Is there a simple, user friendly procedure, change or technology gadget, which would be universally beneficial for colleagues working in enclosed spaces? InterManager has established a committee to consider seafarers responses with a view to producing industry guidelines and sharing best practice. Committee members include several shipping industry professionals with experience in dealing with HSEQ matters. Capt Szymanski added: This campaign puts seafarers in the driving seat and allows them to take charge of this risk to their lives. Encouraging seafarers to share their views, he said: We want to know what you believe is the best response to take when working in enclosed spaces the approach you feel will make a real difference. Requesting ship operators to encourage their crew members to take part, he said: Please ask your team for their ideas, comments or suggestions. It is important for us that as many crew members as possible participate. So maybe float this idea during on board safety meetings or during one of the smokeos. In return for their assistance, seafarers could earn a Macbook Air as a prize for the best response and $2,000 for their vessels welfare fund. Responses should be received by 1st January, 2019. ITF welcomes fair treatment of seafarers statement International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) general secretary, Stephen Cotton, and a delegation of ITF unions, was at a regional meeting in Manila involving Asias leading seafaring nations that agreed the first Manila statement on the fair treatment of seafarers. Speaking at the meeting, Cotton said: The ITF, representing over 20 mill transport workers, is totally committed to working with the people here today to ensure that this statement is a success, and results in better working conditions for all seafarers. We commend everyone involved in working towards producing this statement, particularly Seafarers Rights International, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment, all the contributing national governments, the shipowners and seafarers unions. Now the hard work begins, we must create an implementation plan to roll out the statement to ensure that every seafarer feels the benefits of what has been agreed here today; that they receive fair treatment. Finally, I want to congratulate the Asian countries for leading the fight for the fair treatment of seafarers. Other regions should follow suit and the ITF is ready to work with them, he concluded. JUST IN: A federal judge sides with CNN, ordering the White House to reinstate chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass. The ruling was an initial victory for CNN in its lawsuit against President Trump and several top aides. https://t.co/LQPVez7whc CNN (@CNN) 16 de noviembre de 2018 La Casa Blanca debera devolver las credenciales al periodista de la CNN maltratado por Trump. VER VIDEO Un juez federal ordeno hoy a la Casa Blanca que restablezca al menos de manera temporal el pase de prensa del corresponsal en jefe de la Casa Blanca, Jim Acosta, reportero de la CNN.El fallo es considerado una victoria inicial para la cadena CNN en su demanda contra el presidente Donald Trump y varios de sus asesores principales."Le ordene (al gobierno) que restablezca el pase", dijo el juez Timothy J. Kelly, citado por la agencia de noticias Ansa.La decision del juez Kelly es temporal y se espera que se realicen mas audiencias en las proximas semanas para determinar si se ha eliminado o no la credencial de CNN y los derechos de la Primera y Quinta Enmienda de Acosta. 11 killed as Cyclone Gaja ravages Indian coast Chennai, India, Nov 16 (AFP) Nov 16, 2018 At least 11 people were reported dead Friday as a powerful cyclone battered India's eastern coast, authorities said. Thousands of trees were felled by winds that destroyed homes and vehicles as hundreds of thousands fled to shelter homes. Cyclone Gaja packed winds of up to 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour as it barrelled into Tamil Nadu state after hitting the coast near Nagapattinam early Friday bringing heavy rains, India's weather office said. The ruling party in the prosperous state said on Twitter that 11 people were killed in the powerful storm that has flooded several low-lying areas along the coastline on the Bay of Bengal. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party provided no further details about the victims. The government has announced compensation of one million rupees ($14,000) to victims' families as hundreds of emergency workers were trying to restore roads and electricity. The storm was predicted to move westwards and gradually weaken before heading into the Arabian Sea, the India Meteorological Department said. Torrential rain caused waterlogging and threatened landslides. There were widespread power outages in the region. Authorities closed schools and colleges and thousands of emergency workers were on standby along with two naval ships with divers, helicopters and inflatable boats. Authorities had warned fishermen since Sunday not to risk going out to sea. Gaja is the second major storm to hit India's east coast in recent weeks. Cyclone Titli battered Odisha state in October, killing at least two people. Storms regularly hit southern India between April and December. Last year, Cyclone Ockhi left nearly 250 people dead in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 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 Stop what you're doing. An exhilarating new short film produced especially for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is about to grab your heart and make you stand up and cheer. To commemorate World AIDS Day 2018, the Sero Project has released Sing Your Song, a short film illustrating the life-changing value of PLHIV networks. It turns the typically solemn World AIDS Day on its head by showing the thrilling potential of living, breathing people living with HIV and why creating networks is a crucial tool. "PLHIV networks are as important today as they were in the earliest days of the epidemic," said Robert Suttle, Sero's Assistant Director. "Networks are where we can ask questions of our peers, learn how and find the strength to disclose our HIV status when appropriate and build the self-empowerment critical to our survival." Sero and other PLHIV networks are urging AIDS service organizations, policy leaders and others to highlight the important role of PLHIV networks during his year's World AIDS Day commemorations. The film was shot this fall at the "We, the Positive" summit in Jackson, Mississippi, produced by the Mississippi Positive Network and My Brother's Keeper (an HIV and healthcare service provider). Gina Brown, RSW, Community Engagement Manager at the Southern AIDS Coalition said, "The themes of belonging and community are universal, but some people might be surprised by the sheer level of strength and resilience among people living with HIV in the Mississippi delta area. Many people with HIV in the region live in poverty, have limited access to healthcare and suffer from profound stigma. Yet by working together they not only survive, but thrive, inspiring and motivating other people living with HIV, including me." The Sero Project fights HIV-related stigma, discrimination and criminalization and works to support the strengthening and creation of PLHIV networks across the U.S. and in Mexico. Sing Your Song is a project that grew out of Sero's Network Empowerment Project, which provides a toolkit to PLHIV who are involved with networks or interested in starting a network. To access the toolkit, or to find a PLHIV network in your area, go to Network Empowerment Project. Meanwhile, grab a Kleenex and take a look. And then share this video with your own support network or with someone living with HIV who needs a lift. Mark (I was privileged to serve as producer of this project and make a cameo -- singing terribly, no less -- and the film was shot and edited by Christopher King of Endless Echo. It was a labor of love. Kudos to the inspiring people living with HIV in Mississippi whom I will simply never forget.) [Note from TheBody: This article was originally published by Mark S. King on Nov. 16, 2018. We have cross-posted it with his permission.] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 08:42 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c63cc5 1 Editorial #Editorial,Indonesia,Jokowi,Moon-Jae-In,kim-jong-un,South-Korea,North-Korea,politics,Nuclear,ASEAN-Summit,denuclearization Free Advice from President Joko Jokowi Widodo for South Korean President Moon Jae-in to invite North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the 30th commemorative ASEAN-South Korea summit next year represents auspicious encouragement for Moons tireless efforts to end the decades-long nuclear tension on the peninsula. Moon has promised to follow up on Jokowis decent proposal. Jokowi believes that Kims encounters with the leaders of the 10-member regional grouping would convince him that ending North Koreas self-isolation is the only recipe for the countrys and his regimes survival. Very few in the world would trust in Kims sincerity over ending his nuclear weapon program, knowing his unpredictable record. Nevertheless, there is hope, albeit little, of seeing a different Kim. Kim met with United States President Donald Trump in Singapore last June and promised complete denuclearization, while Trump pledged to reward him with the lifting of the United Nations economic embargo against the North. Until today, however, Washington is reluctant to soften the sanctions, saying Pyongyang has not done enough to honor its words. Jokowi raised his idea during the ASEAN-South Korea summit in Singapore on Wednesday. The ASEAN leaders also met with other dialogue partners China, Japan, Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand during the annual gathering. Hopefully, with this meeting [with Kim], North Koreas commitment to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula will grow stronger. In the future, God willing, we will see ASEAN and the two Koreas as important pillars in the regional architecture of peace and partnership to maintain stability, security and prosperity together, Jokowi said, as quoted by Antara. Moon said he had taken the advice into consideration. As the Korean Peninsula situation moves toward peace, we will actively consider inviting Chairman Kim. We will consult closely with ASEAN nations in advance, Moon said as quoted by the Yonhap news agency. President Moon has made ASEAN a top priority under his governments southward policy. In the ASEAN chairmans statement issued after the summit on Monday, ASEAN leaders praised North Koreas commitment to complete denuclearization and its pledge to refrain from further nuclear and missile tests. The work for ASEAN to do after the summit is to actively assure the North Korean leader that his presence in the next ASEAN-South Korea summit would benefit both him and his country. For Indonesia, Korean Peninsula diplomacy would require Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to negotiate with Seoul and Pyongyang. Indonesia is among the few countries in the world that have maintained diplomatic relations with the communist state. Jakarta-Pyongyang ties date back to the era of founding president Sukarno in the early 1960s. Jokowis initiative needs implementing. Kims attendance at the next ASEAN-South Korea commemorative summit can be a game changer in the global efforts to end the Korean nuclear crisis and to help North Korea rebuild a normal life and the world achieve a lasting peace. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Asmiati Malik and Scott Edwards (The Jakarta Post) Birmingham Fri, November 16, 2018 16:50 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7b8f7 3 Opinion Saudi-Arabia,Indonesia,Southeast-Asia,The-Conversation,Malaysia,Islam,terrorism Free The revelation of Jamal Khashoggis murder inside the Saudi Arabia embassy in Turkey is harming Saudi Arabias international relations, including with Muslim majority Southeast Asian countries Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad closed the Saudi-backed King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP). Malaysia is also withdrawing troops from Saudi Arabia. In Indonesia, in addition to uneasiness about Khashoggis fate, people are protesting against the Saudi execution of Indonesian domestic worker Tuti Tursilawati without warning Indonesian authorities. But, despite signs of change, the influence of Saudi money and ideology may be too big to dismantle in these countries. Saudi influence in Southeast Asia Islam in Malaysia and Indonesia shares similar values and was constructed and merged with ancient Melayus culture in 625c. Initially spread through arts such as music and wayang (theatre), it emphasises not only moderation and compassion, but also respect for local customs. After increasing influence from Saudi scholars throughout the past two decades, however, there has been a change in how both countries interpret Islamic studies. Saudi influence gained massive publicity due to the extravagant donation of US$680 million to Mahathirs predecessor, Najib Razak, despite the fact it is increasingly evident it did not come from the kingdoms royal family as claimed, but instead from corruption surrounding the 1MDB development fund. In Malaysia, Saudi Arabia also donates to schools and universities to spread their conservative views. Scholarships are given to male scholars to study at Saudi universities such as the Islamic University of Madinah, famous for Salafism ideology. The Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) receives generous funding from the Saudis. Similarly, in the Philippines, Saudi money has been traceable to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which allegedly had strong ties with al Qaeda. The Saudis recently have been on a charm offensive in Malaysia. Their foreign minister visited in October, discussing matters such as Haj pilgrimage quotas. The Saudies have also tried to reassure the new government that their support for Najib was not malevolent. When Saudi King Salman bin Abdl Aziz visited Jakarta in 2017, he allocated a $13 billion budget for business, education and religion in Indonesia. In Indonesia, Saudi money is traceable back to the 1980s. They made contributions to the Institute for the Study of Islam and Arabic (LIPIA). The institution, founded on Saudi money, is famously known for ultra-orthodox Islamic views. For instance, male students are urged to grow their beard and wear ankle-length linen pants. Women are encouraged to wear a burqa. The students study philosophical thoughts of Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, a founding father of Saudi Wahhabism. LIPIA has strong links to Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. Its strictly monitored by the Saudi embassy, essentially making it a branch of Saud Islamic University in Indonesia. Khalid bin Muhammad Al-Deham, a Saudi national, leads the LIPIA management. There have been 11,535 alumni from 1982-2013. The number of graduates increases each year. In 2017 750 graduated. The alumni include Liberal Islam Network (JIL) coordinator Ulil Abshar Abdalla, former house of representatives deputy speaker and Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) leader Anis Matta and former governor of West Java Ahmad Heryawan. Other notable alumni include Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Syihab, Aman Abdurrahman, the ideologue behind the 2016 Jakarta bombing that killed seven victims, and Jafar Umar Thalib, a founder of the militant and radical Islamic organisation Laskar Jihad. Saudi Arabia also funds scholars from Indonesia to pursue Islamic studies at the Islamic University of Madinah. Among them are PKS politician Hidayat Nur Wahid, chair of the National Movement to Safeguard the Fatwas of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (GNPF-MUI) Bahtiar Nasir, and Syafiq Riza Basalamah, a famous Islamic preacher on YouTube. Syafiq is also head of the Islamic University of Imam Syafi'i in Jember, which adapts its curriculum from the Islamic University of Medinah. Spread of Saudi ideology There is a clear line between LIPIA in Jakarta, USIM in Malaysia, King Saud University in Riyadh and Islamic University of Madinah, which assists in the spread of Saudi ideology funded by Saudi money. Not all their graduates support extreme views, of course. But there is a rise in extreme Islamic views triggering polarisation and conflict. Some are concerned that an increasing Arabisation of Malaysia and Indonesia has led to growing intolerance and division, even between Islamic adherents creating a dichotomy of liberal and orthodox views. This has a stronger impact when Saudi Arabia not only exports its Wahabism view, but then encourages people to enter politics. In Malaysia, proselytisation via Saudi-funded mosques has been followed by a growing role of Saudi-trained Islamic scholars being recruited into the governmental bureaucracy. Wahabi and Salafi politicians are gaining stronger influence in Indonesian and Malaysian politics. This not only furthers the spread of Wahabism, but also embeds Saudi influence into these very structures. The generosity of Saudi money in Southeast Asia allows the embedding of this influence, as well as their ideology. Economic linkages such as funding and oil deals with Indonesia and Malaysia increase the support of the Saudi Kingdom. As such, while there are current disruptions and attempts to transform the relationship with Saudi Arabia, their ideological and economic influences make this extremely difficult. *** Asmiati Malik, Doctoral Researcher in Political Economy, University of Birmingham dan Scott Edwards, Doctoral Researcher in International Relations, University of Birmingham This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. 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 Bhayu Purnomo and Dedy Sunaryo (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 16:33 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7a2ef 3 Opinion policy-makers,policy,knowledge,research Free In the Indonesian public sector, policy knowledge has been rapidly growing in the last decade. More and more experts, academics, researches, including multilateral institutions are joining the policy-making discussion whether structurally in government agencies or as external consultants in diverse stages of government. The idea of adding and sharing more knowledge to policymakers are believed to be productive for prudent policy development. With this level of knowledge stream in the policy-making business, however, what interesting is the other way around. How this plethora of policy knowledge in the public sector can be used in a more practical way in the private sector. In another word, is there any market for policy knowledge? More and more companies, even start-ups, have now placed significant effort in maintaining productive relationships with policymakers. Traditionally related to tax regulation-related issues, private sector relation in public policy is now expanding in the policy development area. This involvement is further fueled with the strong support of the current administration in the public-private investment relation. This article, however, will avoid discussing a destructive knowledge relation between public and private sectors such as corruption and collusion. The idea of knowledge relation raised in this article will focus on the knowledge of economic analysis. The knowledge of economic analysis and trends is surely an attractive one to develop in Indonesia. The openness of our national budget has made private sector increased their focus on understanding fiscal policy as a measure for future economic performance. For high-income business, developing an in-house economic analysis division will not pose a high-cost burden. For medium and small businesses, however, the knowledge often rely on the third-party source, whether through a free or a paid service. Interestingly, although economic indicator relations are already broadly mentioned in the textbook and scientific articles, not many businesses have mastered it profitably. The owner of the pool of knowledge related to economic issues is now, arguably, leaning more on policymakers. Additionally, the increasing involvement of international partners has also flourished the capacity of the public sectors. The vastly growing pool of knowledge supply in the public sector, however, faced with challenges. Knowledge management in the public sector is often specific and for internal purposes. Additionally, similar to how financial market highly regulates insider trading, government policymakers are also often highly cautious in disseminating its knowledge. Avoiding promising gesture and sharing unfinished policy act as the main control factors in government communication, often called as official stance rule. This often led to a limitation of knowledge sharing by policymakers. This selection might be relevant for the security-related issue and future unannounced fiscal policy plan (taxation, spending, financing). Nevertheless, for economic issues, this approach might be less suitable. The analysis of recent economic condition, including budget realization, for example, should lie on a public domain. We are not neglecting that there have been several channels available for policy discussion (press conference, policy forums, and official social media). Nevertheless, this type of channels is often in a top-down management with less incentive for an openly engaging conversation, especially for young policymakers. Regarding young policymakers, in conventional policy-making business, they are regularly not considered as one of the sources of idea and innovation. They are confined to understand administrative and bureaucratic requirements in their stage of career, neglecting how this type of policymakers are the ones who have the best absorption and learning capabilities. Their involvement, however, is relatively noteworthy in terms of social media engagement. It is easier for the younger generation of policymakers to share their view through their personal social media as it helps pass through the limitation of the official stance rule. Additionally, after office hour discussion groups are also among the popular media for many young economists to share and develop their policy knowledge. Nevertheless, these types of engagements would only match for those who have personal incentive to be socially active. The idea of a policy knowledge market where public and private sector can easily enter and exit will surely be helpful in creating synergy. In a digitalized world, more information could encourage greater accountability for the public sector and more reference for the private sector. This involvement, however, is hard to achieve as people are generally not altruistic. People will respond to incentives, including to share their knowledge. For some, the incentive could come from an official assignment or being recognized as socially active. Yet for some the incentive that they looked might be in terms of financial gain. With this article, we aim to provide a starting idea to develop a leaner incentive policy related to knowledge transfer between public and private sector. In his book titled Originals: How Non-Conformist Move The World, Adam Grant mentioned an idea called Vuja de, looking at something similar in a fresh perspective. There are surely pros and cons in the issue incentivizing public policy knowledge sharing. Nevertheless, in a common goal of creating a more prosperous Indonesia, maybe we all need to induce our own Vuja de of managing public knowledge. *** The writers work as analysts at the Fiscal Policy Agency, Indonesias Finance Ministry. The views expressed in this article are personal. 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 News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Madrid, Spain | Fri, November 16, 2018 07:04 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c62d5b 2 Health Spain,alternative-medicine,medicine,law Free The Spanish government declared war on alternative medicine like acupuncture or homeopathy Wednesday, announcing it plans to eliminate from health centers what it considers a health risk. The plan, unveiled by the science and health ministers, aims to avoid the "potential harmful effects" of these practices "when they are used as an alternative or a complement to treatment" which itself is based on "proof and scientific rigor," the government said in a statement. It did not detail what it included as alternative medicine, but gave the examples of acupuncture and homeopathy. "Many people still believe that some treatments work despite there being no scientific proof available," it read. According to a 2016 poll, "59.8 percent believe that acupuncture is of therapeutic use and 52.7 percent think that homeopathic products work," the plan read. The government said it wants to "eliminate" alternative medicine from health centers where all treatment must be given by "recognized" professionals. Read also: Modern medicine infected by the virus of mistrust The plan also wants to avoid alternative medicine being taught in Spanish universities by developing alliances with deans, chancellors or Spanish regional authorities to not give out diplomas linked to these practices. Madrid also wants to modify legislation to fight "false advertising" with regard to alternative medicine online. The issue has taken center stage in Spain recently, with health and science professionals pressuring the health ministry to take action after several high-profile deaths. One such case, as reported by Spain's Association to Protect Patients against Pseudo-scientific Therapies, involved 21-year-old Mario Rodriguez who died after dropping his hospital treatment for leukemia in favor of a supposed naturopath who said he could cure cancer with vitamins. "Dad, I made a mistake," his father Julian Rodriguez quoted him as saying on his deathbed. The association has a long list of treatment it considers alternative medicine, which includes aromatherapy, acupuncture -- in use in China for centuries -- and even psychoanalysis as created by Sigmund Freud. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 20:39 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c85ea1 1 Art & Culture stilt-house,architecture,UI,University-of-Indonesia,exhibition,Bangka-Belitung Free An architecture exhibition featuring the documentation of traditional Malay rumah panggung kayu (wooden stilt houses) in Muntok city in West Bangka regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, is being held at the University of Indonesia (UI). The exhibition took place at UIs School of Engineering in Depok, West Java, on Nov. 12 to 15 and will continue at UI's Central Library on Nov. 16 to 17. A public lecture will also be held on Nov. 17. Held by a research team from the architecture department of UIs School of Engineering, the Bangka Vernadoc and A Tectonic Exploration exhibition was curated by Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, who also acts as chairman of all the event's activities. Read also: Meanings behind architecture of traditional Betawi houses The event consists of two parts, namely the zone of presentation of Malay rumah panggung architecture drawn by the Vernadoc method and the architecture through the tectonic approach review zone. The exhibition aims to build awareness on the local wisdom of traditional architectures importance. It is also a means of education and promotion of rumah panggungscultural richness. (iru/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Copenhagen, Denmark Fri, November 16, 2018 18:06 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c8056e 2 Health denmark,AntibioticResistance,antibiotics,health,disease,research,drugs Free Denmark said Thursday it would create an international research center focused on the fight against resistance to antibiotics, a scourge affecting almost half a million people worldwide. Danish Health Minister Ellen Trane Norby signed a memorandum of understanding in Seattle, in the United States, with the international network of research centers CGIAR, to establish the centre, her office told AFP. Denmark aims to lead "future global work on finding new solutions for the serious challenges with antimicrobial resistance we are facing today," Norby said in a statement. The International Centre for Interdisciplinary Solutions on AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance), financed by Denmark and private investors, will open in 2019 and is expected to employ up to 500 people. In 2016, 490,000 people developed a resistance to antibiotics, according to figures from the World Health Organisation. The growing problem causes 33,000 deaths in Europe each year, a recent study by the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said. Read also: WHO maps dangerous misuse of antibiotics "The burden of these infections is comparable to that of influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined," the ECDC said. Discovered in the 1920s, antibiotics have saved tens of millions of lives by defeating bacterial diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and meningitis. But over the decades, bacteria have learned to fight back, building resistance to the same drugs that once reliably vanquished them. The WHO has repeatedly warned the world is running out of effective antibiotics, and last year urged governments and big pharma companies to create a new generation of drugs to fight ultra-resistant supergerms. Bacteria can become resistant when patients use antibiotics they do not need, or do not finish a course of treatment, giving the half-defeated bug a chance to recover and build immunity. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stanley Widianto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 09:28 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c668e3 4 Entertainment Fantastic-Beasts-The-Crimes-of-Grindelwald,Fantastic-Beasts,fantasy,Harry-Potter,jk-rowling,#moviereview,#movies,movie-review Free The Harry Potter universe that writer JK Rowling has created, by the virtue of her beautiful, labyrinthine mind, is huge and enveloping. Intricacy is key: Snapes arc with Harry that runs through seven of the books, Hogwarts curriculum, the sorting of the Houses. Each character probably has a family tree; they are given the stature of a character, they are not mere plot devices. It is no wonder that the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, with Rowling returning as screenwriter, feels like a mega-expansion on an already well-structured, intricate universe. Now extricated from the burden of establishing a sub-universe, populated by the Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), the Auror Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), No-Maj/muggle Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and more, The Crimes of Grindelwald finds Rowling and director David Yates, in his sixth turn as director in this franchise, throwing ideas at the wall, trying to see which ones stick and deciding that yes, they all stick. But the ideas do not stick. At least not all of them. Ideas are cluttered while the overarching theme of the movie connecting the Fantastic Beasts to Harry Potter feels lighter than it should. Of course, nobody but Rowling could create this kind of mess, which still holds an allure unto itself, it is still a coherent universe that springs out of her mind and is handled with care. The Crimes of Grindelwald concerns Scamander who is given a task by none other than Albus Dumbledore, with his younger version portrayed by Jude Law. He needs to go to Paris, to bring him the tortured man Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) because he is a key element in neutralizing the terror that the wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) brings. He wants to rule over the wizarding world and the muggle world, where civilians like you and me live. In his path, Scamander runs into Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz) and her brother, Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner). Lestrange, sharing the surname with Bellatrix, the villain from the Harry Potter books, is given a plot for herself in which she keeps questioning her conscience. Scamander, meanwhile, tries to awkwardly woo back Tina Goldstein. Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol) are star-crossed lovers who try to defy the law that prohibits an American wizard from marrying a muggle. It is a lot. The Crimes of Grindelwald, as a result, feels awkward, especially since this is only the second film from the planned five-film universe. Nonetheless, the crux of the film lies in the eponymous Grindelwald, whose diabolical masterminding Depp does not sell memorably. He is a manipulative, skilled wizard, but that is it. Hopefully more of his threatening aura might come to the fore in the next films. Speaking of the acting, all of the actors in the movie are competent. Redmayne does his awkward, compulsive thing with the same nuance as before, Waterston is as stern as ever. Sudol and Fogler, while again relegated into supporting acts, pull them off turning a very human plight and folding it into the wizarding world pretty well. But The Crimes of Grindelwald may very well function as just another setup; it is devoid of anything that makes it stand out. Of course, the beasts that Scamander keeps are still here and they all work, theyre cute, useful. Which brings us to Hogwarts, the beloved school that is featured in The Crimes of Grindelwald. Concerning the storyline between Grindelwald and Dumbledore Rowling once suggested that Dumbledore harbored a romantic love for Grindelwald Rowling deftly handles this unraveling pretty well. But it never fails to warm my heart each time I see Hogwarts, hear the mention of the polyjuice (the juice that turns you into another person) or the many spells. I feel like theres an urge in studio franchises these days when they try to tap into our nostalgia by way of a reboot or a remake. The Crimes of Grindelwald is neither of those things, but it is still an entry that is a part of the universe that Rowling helms. Suffice to say that we are in good hands but we will see. ___________ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (134 minutes; Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films) Director: David Yates Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Jacob Kowalski, Zoe Kravitz, Ezra Miller, Jude Law, Johnny Depp Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Olga Nedbaeva (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Fri, November 16, 2018 14:09 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c710b3 2 Lifestyle fashion,Kenzo,Japan,France,interview Free Kenzo Takada, the Franco-Japanese designer who retired at the height of his colorful career nearly 20 years ago, wants to show the world how he came up with the pathbreaking designs that helped catapult a wave of Japanese creators onto the Paris stage. After years of taking time for himself, "I again needed to do something, to work," he told AFP. "I am very happy, but at times I feel nostalgic." The result is a new book tracing his trajectory since arriving in France as a young man with dreams of bringing his designs to life in the fashion world's beating heart. Kenzo Takada, released Wednesday, delves into his French adventure with more than 40 years of sketches, photos and memories, up to his final runway show at Paris' Zenith concert hall. The highlight is undoubtedly a previously unreleased photo essay taking readers through the creation of an exquisite wedding gown from his fall and winter collection of 1982-83. His fans get an intimate glimpse of a master at work: A notebook of drawings, Kenzo in his workshop with longtime assistant Atsuko Kondo, a ballet slipper being painted red because time was too tight to scout out the right shoe. "We started just two days before the show!" Kenzo said in an interview in Paris. "The theme of this collection was flowers. This wedding dress, draped in garlands of flowers, was the very image of the collection, a sort of symbol," he said. To perfect the composition, Kenzo dug into a vast collection of ribbons -- old and new, plain or embroidered -- accumulated over the years. Read also: Kenzo designer Humberto Leon to direct fashion film The Everything - Paris 'seemed so sad' - The trademark vibrancy and bold colors of Japan's most famous designer are in many ways the exact opposite of what he found upon his arrival in the French capital. "I arrived at the Gare de Lyon the evening of January 1, 1965. It was dark and the station was old, dirty, black," he recalled. "I took a taxi and my first impression of Paris was that it was dismal and bleak. It was Paris, the capital of fashion, the city I had dreamed of, and it seemed so sad," he said. "But then the taxi went by Notre Dame... it was magnificent." In letters to his mother he describes bread so good he eats too much and bathing just once a week because the public baths are too expensive. But he also describes the overwhelming beauty of the flower shops, which were plentiful in Paris but a rarity in Tokyo at the time. After managing to sell some of his drawings to magazines including Elle, he opened his first shop in the elegant Vivienne Gallery in 1969, decorating it with jungle motifs and calling his brand "Jungle Jap". "At the time, synthetic fabrics were in fashion in Paris, and the clothes were quite somber. During a visit to Japan I bought colored fabrics in cotton," he said. He also borrowed from the meticulous craftings of kimonos, adding audacious colors while injecting new energy into shows with models who would skip, hop and dance their way down the runway. With flowing designs that broke with the rigorous lines which dominated couture, he also gave new licence for women's bodies to breathe and move freely. After pursuing his vision throughout the 1970s and 80s, Kenzo eventually sold his brand to French fashion giant LVMH in 1993, which now focuses on perfumes, skincare and ready-to-wear fashions. "I think I brought liberty to fashion, in how clothes are worn, how they are moved in, the colors," he said. "The Kenzo woman is a free woman, beautiful and dynamic." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Milan, Italy Fri, November 16, 2018 20:02 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c8579f 2 Art & Culture La-Scala,Opera,composer,Hungary,Italy,music,Milan,Gyorgy-Kurtag Free Milan's famous La Scala on Thursday hosts the world premiere of the first opera by 92-year-old Gyorgy Kurtag, considered one of the greatest living classical composers. More than seven years in the making, Endgame is based on Irish writer Samuel Beckett's play of the same name, regarded as a seminal work of absurdist theater. Italian music critic Enrico Girardi hailed the modern opera as a "masterpiece destined to rewrite the history of contemporary music". Kurtag said he had been profoundly marked by the one-act play about blind paraplegic Hamm, his legless parents who live in a bin, and his servant Clov who is unable to sit down. "I was lucky enough to have seen (Endgame) several months after its world premiere. It was my first big encounter with Beckett," he told journalists at a recent news conference. "The impact was enormous. I told myself that if I ever wrote an opera, this masterpiece would be my inspiration," Kurtag said in another interview with an Italian newspaper. Born in 1926 in Romania to Hungarian parents, Kurtag started playing the piano as a young boy. Read also: Top US opera company reaches deal with striking musicians Over the decades, the award-winning musician became famous for composing short yet highly complex pieces. Like Beckett, who lived and died in Paris, Kurtag also has a passion for the French language. He had never tried his hand at operas -- until La Scala's tenacious artistic director Alexander Pereira eventually convinced him to do so. It took Kurtag more than seven years to create the first operatic interpretation of Endgame -- from understanding Beckett's text in its most minute details and deciding which parts of the play to keep, to finally writing the partition. "I wanted to stay 100 percent faithful to Beckett," Kurtag told the press conference. Thursday's opening night in Milan will be attended by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Kurtag and his wife will not attend the two-hour premiere because of their advanced age, but will instead listen to it live on the radio. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Beatty (Agence France-Presse) Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Sat, November 17, 2018 03:03 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c88600 2 Art & Culture Papua-New-Guinea,language,culture Free If you are traveling to Papua New Guinea, you don't need to pack a phrasebook, you need to bring an entire library. With 841 living tongues and a colorful creole lingua franca, this Pacific nation is the undisputed world champion of linguistic diversity. From Pii in the mist-cloaked highlands to Toaripi on the shores of the gleaming Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea is a linguist's paradise with one in 10 of the world's languages found here. The number of speakers of individual languages can range from a handful of people in the jungle -- not much more than an extended family -- to millions spread across provinces and terrains. Experts point to the country's relatively weak central government, deep valleys, almost impenetrable vegetation and roughly 600 islands to explain why a country of eight million people and smaller than Spain has such a bounty of languages, when 46 million Spaniards -- for all practical purposes -- make do with a dozen or so. Many of these diverse tongues have developed undisturbed over tens of thousands of years, making Papua New Guinea something of a linguistic Galapagos. To get by day-to-day, Papua New Guineans typically speak three to five languages, and understand many more dialects. But ironically they can sometimes struggle to render a simple sentence in one language into their mother tongue -- particularly when discussing numbers over 10 or when rural-based languages are deployed to describe life in the big city. When asked to say "there are more than 800 languages in Papua New Guinea" in Vula'a -- which has a couple of thousand speakers in the central province -- Port Moresby office worker Sonia Pegi has to call her dad just to make sure she has it right. Read also: Taking action to preserve Javanese language - 'Pidgin English' - The country's most widely spoken language is pidgin English or Tok Pisin, although this being Papua New Guinea, Tok Pisin only claimed its lingua franca status after beating out a pretender in the form of semi-creole Austronesian language Hiri Motu. Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu and English are the country's three official languages. "Tok Pisin is derived 80-85 percent from English," said Jenny Homerang who is starting a pidgin language course at the Australian National University in Canberra. "But you also have bits of German and bits of Portuguese." In fact, Tok Pisin is something of a linguistic sponge, soaking up words from languages as distant as Taiwanese and Zulu, which dominates the southeastern corner of Africa. Suspected sorcerers -- who in Papua New Guinea can often be the victims of extreme violence -- are referred to as "sangoma", a word familiar to anyone living in Johannesburg or Durban. Tok Pisin is also a deeply expressive language: you can 'bagarap' your car in an accident, or relieve yourself in the 'sithaus'. But sometimes things get lost in translation. 'Ol' means 'they', not 'all', which can confuse a first-time visitor. Similarly, 'lukim yu bihan' is not an instruction to turn around, but a way of saying 'goodbye'. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rina Chandran (Reuters) Bangkok, Thailand Fri, November 16, 2018 12:09 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c6c72e 2 Entertainment Luke-Duggleby,Thailand,Canada,music,activist,Britain,Frank-Horvat Free Photographs of dead and missing Thai rights activists have spurred a Canadian composer to create a music album and invite string quartets around the world to perform to draw attention to the violence campaigners face. More than 59 land and environmental activists have been killed or have disappeared in Thailand over the last 20 years, according to advocacy group Protection International. British photographer Luke Duggleby visited their families to collect their portraits, then took pictures of those photographs in the place where the activists were last seen. His photo exhibit of 37 activists has been shown across Europe and in Thailand over the last two years. Frank Horvat, who read about the exhibit in 2016, said he was so moved, that in just a month he composed "The Thailand HRDs", comprising a two-minute movement for each photograph, using musical pitches or letters from the name of each victim. "This music is not intended to be purely melancholic but have a tinge of defiance so that these deaths do not mark an end, but a continuation of the fight for justice," Horvat said. New York City-based Mivos Quartet performed Horvat's composition in August in Toronto and the album is due to be released on Friday. It will "hopefully spur listeners to find their inner activist and fight for what they feel is important in this world," he said in a statement on Thursday. Read also: Thai rappers cause stir with anti-junta lyrics A global campaign entitled "Music for Human Rights Defenders" or #music4HRDs, invites string quartets to videotape themselves playing a movement from the album and posting it on social media. The aim is to bring the classical music community together to support activists, and raise awareness of an issue that has received little attention in the West, said Horvat. In Thailand, evictions of villagers and indigenous people from forests and farm land have risen to make way for mines, power plants and national parks. Laws governing forest management and land acquisition do not offer adequate protection for the poor, leaving them vulnerable to violence while defending their homes and land, said Pranom Somwong at Protection International in Thailand. Among those featured in the photographs are Charoen Wat-aksorn, who led a campaign against a coal-powered plant. He was shot dead in 2004 after testifying to a parliamentary committee. "Very few perpetrators have been held accountable for these and other killings and disappearances," Pranom told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "If we don't hold them accountable, it will keep happening." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Kathmandu, Nepal Fri, November 16, 2018 15:04 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7420b 2 Science & Tech Nepal,robot,robot-waiter,technology Free "Please enjoy your meal," says Nepal's first robot waiter, Ginger, as she delivers a plate of steaming dumplings to a table of hungry customers. The poor Himalayan nation is better known for its soaring mountain peaks than technological prowess, but a group of self-taught young innovators are seeking to change that. Local start-up Paaila Technology built Ginger, a 1.5 meter tall robot, from scratch and programmed her to understand both English and Nepali. The bilingual humanoid robot -- named Ginger after a common ingredient in Nepali cuisine -- can even crack jokes like Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa. Three 'Gingers' work at Naulo restaurant in the dusty capital Kathmandu, where pot-holed roads and crumbling buildings still bear the scars of a powerful earthquake that hit more than three years ago. "This is our testing ground. We are fine tuning it with responses from our customers," Binay Raut, CEO of the company, told AFP. The team of 25 young engineers -- Raut is the oldest at 27 -- worked for months to build the robot, welding and molding the prototype by hand in their tiny three-roomed office. What Nepal lacks in tech infrastructure the engineers made up for in ingenuity -- Ginger's sleek-looking plastic body was painted in a neighborhood car workshop. Naulo opened its doors four months ago and their robot waiters have been a big draw, attracting curious customers of all ages. Read also: Chip labor: Robots replace waiters in China restaurant Ginger, who is able to sense movement and obstacles, deftly navigates the crowded restaurant carrying trays laden with food. Customers order via a touch screen menu fitted into the tables, and Ginger is called to the kitchen when dishes are ready. "It was a completely new experience," said 73-year-old Shalikram Sharma, who was born before televisions were available in Nepal. Ginger has become quite a selfie-star and is often distracted from her work by children keen to get a photo with the sleek robot. "They look so good. I could not believe they were made in Nepal," said Neelam Kumar Bimali, a diner enjoying an evening meal with his family. With its eyes on the global market, Paila Technology is in the process of patenting its design to sell at home and abroad. The World Economic Forum recently predicted that by 2025 more than half of all jobs will be performed by robots -- almost twice as many as today. That is a trend Ginger's creators are banking on. At present, a few human waiters help Ginger but an upgrade is in the works that should make Naulo entirely robot-run. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Muthi Achadiat Kautsar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 14:40 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c72a80 1 Lifestyle Raden-Saleh,Hermes-bags,Christies-HongKong-autumn-auctions,Christies,auction Free Jakarta has seen the latest preview of Christies autumn auctions, set to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Nov. 23-28. The preview, which took place in late October at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Jakarta, displayed precious lots including luxury handbags, accessories and watches, magnificent jewels and artworks from different categories. Among the artwork categories were Asian 20th century and contemporary masterpieces and Chinese masterpieces from classical to contemporary. A number of works of Indonesian artists are being offered as part of the Asian 20th century and contemporary masterpieces lot. One highlight, for instance, is Mail Station at the Bottom of Mount Megamendung, created by the legendary Raden Saleh Sarief Bustaman in 1871. Werner Kraus, author of Raden Saleh: The Beginning of Modern Indonesian Painting, was also flown in to Jakarta by Christies, to meet visitors to the preview. Kraus, who describes himself as having a lifelong interest in Raden Saleh, said that he would keep conducting research on the late artist, looking into his life until his own last breath. Some people call me Raden Salah, he jokingly said during the media walk-through, (salah translates into wrong in the Indonesian language, while Raden is a Javanese royal title) Regarding the Raden Saleh painting to be auctioned, Kraus said that it was a real work of the artist, the true Javanese Raden Saleh who was in love with nature. Raden Saleh, for a long time, he was regarded as a kind of anak Belanda [a Dutch child], not a real Indonesian. People, especially the first nationalists believed that he was a member of the colonial elite. But this is not true. If you remember his painting, The Arrest of Pangeran Diponegoro, is very critical toward colonialism, and this painting [Mail Station at the Bottom of Mount Megamendung], if you look closer and if you think about it, what do you see? You see a number of Sundanese people [natives of West Java], and you see a number of Dutch people. Who is walking, who is riding a horse and who is sitting in a carriage? Its very clear, Kraus told the media. He went on to say that the Sundanese people in the painting were walking and carrying things, while the Dutch were riding the horse or sitting in the carriage. This is a very subtle criticism of the colonial situation, said Kraus. Later he points out that what he sees in the painting is the beginning of the destruction of nature, and that the important part of the painting for him is the big tree in the middle, which is strong, beautiful and growing, while there is another tree on the left side, already dying. He [Raden Saleh] expresses that already in this painting, in 1871, almost 150 years ago, he already had some idea about how the environment is threatened by human beings, he said. Furthermore, Kraus understands that Raden Saleh is not yet acknowledged as an Indonesian national hero, but for him the painter is one of the first modern Indonesian men, speaking Malay, Dutch, German, French and English. A totally educated person, said Dr. Kraus. - The most important things about Chinese painting - Christies two-day autumn auction preview also shines an insightful light on Chinese painting. Sophia Zhou, associate specialist in Chinese painting, Chinese ceramics and works of art, explained that Chinese painting was usually done with ink on paper, as opposed to oil painting, which is known for its heavy colors. This is [done] on paper, with a brush, so the only one thing you have to know is you cant make any mistake. You have to be really good and strong with your technique, she said. Chinese paintings showcased at the Jakarta preview of Christie's autumn auctions (JP/Muthi Kautsar) Popular as a subject matter in Chinese paintings is the lotus flower, known in the language as lian hua, which is considered as auspicious as it rhymes with the same character that describes togetherness. A Chinese painting depicting lotus flowers is therefore said to be a great thing to have at home, or a great gift for someone we admire. Another significant part of a Chinese painting is the inscription that usually cites the name of the artist, the person to whom the artist dedicates the work, the date of the painting and finally a red seal underneath the signature. The easiest way of storing a Chinese painting is to roll it up, to avoid damage by sunlight and mold. But these paintings are actually meant to be opened only on very special occasions. To make sure the paintings stay in prime condition, collectors are advised to store them away from sunlight, in a place where humidity is consistent, after rolling them up. Some issues [regarding condition of Chinese paintings] are changing temperatures, changing humidity, and thats how you get that sort of wavy paper, [but] ink will stay for thousands of years, said Sophia. Read also: Hermes keeps firm grip on China luxury market as sales soar - Auction pieces you can wear or carry around - Apart from catering to collectors who aim at gracing their homes or galleries with art masterpieces, Christies also caters to those who fancy wearing or carrying around auction pieces, a different level of discerning fashion enthusiast. Alongside magnificent jewels and watches, luxury handbags and accessories stood out in the autumn auction preview. Winsy Tsang, head of sale of handbags and accessories shared an insight on whether a Hermes bag offered for auction is custom made or limited edition. Look at the symbol, [and] you will find out whether this is custom made or just a limited edition. If you see the horse shoe stamp [on the left side of the front-facing Hermes logo], the bag is custom made. And sometimes you will see some interesting custom pieces in the auction, but you will never be able to see the same bag, because the color combination is not the same, because it has been tailor-made for a certain client, said Winsy. Among the custom, one-of-a-kind, pieces is a shiny braise and rose Scheherazade Birkin size 25 crafted from Niloticus crocodile skin, with brushed gold hardware. Winsy also explained that the bags to be auctioned were graded according to condition. The highest is grade 1, meaning that the item shows no signs of use or wear, with its original packaging still available. A catalog she presented showed that the auction pieces are of grades 1, 1.5 and 2. A shiny blueu electrique alligator sellier Kelly 25 with gold hardware (JP/Handout/Christie's) Following the custom-made pieces, the handbag specialist moved on to iconic limited editions, with an example being the So Black collection. The entire bag is in black, including the accessories, the lock, the box, including the dust bag, everything for this bag is fully black in color, and it is designed by a very well-known designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier, said Winsy. Gaultier, she went on to say, was the creative director of Hermes around the year 2009, and the two So Black bags were designed in 2010. Jean Paul Gaultier no longer works for Hermes, so this is like a very iconic limited edition, Winsy told the media. There is a So Black Birkin in size 30, that was handmade and offered for around HK$ 1.1 million (US$ 140,467). Jakartas fury over the multi trillion rupiah in garbage disposal fees sought by its neighbor Bekasi should serve as a hard lesson to expedite the capital citys overdue effort to reform its primitive, costly waste management system, which relies on a single landfill. Our reporters Vela Andapita and Safrin La Batu analyze the prospect of the modern waste treatment facilities Jakarta is soon to build. by Vela Andapita & Safrin La Batu Unless we reach an agreement, the visibly angry Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Pepen Effendi said, the road blockade will continue. Never mind stopping their garbage trucks, I can shut the landfill down. Pepen made the incendiary statement at the height of his war of words with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan last month over the unsettled annual bills the Jakarta ad-ministration was supposed to pay in order to continue dumping its 7,000 tons of garbage a day in the Bantar Gebang site in Bekasi. On another occasion, he scoffed that Anies had no knowledge about the history of partnership between Jakarta and its satellite cities. Dramatically reinforcing his demand that Jakarta soon settle the overdue Rp 2 trillion (US$136.23 million) it owed to Bekasi, Pepen blocked a road and held up 51 garbage trucks heading for the Bantar Gebang landfil... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 14:14 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c718e6 1 City Bekasi,murder,family,suspect,arrest Free The Jakarta Police have hinted that HS, the sole suspect named in a mass murder case in Bekasi, West Java, had been motivated by revenge when he killed the family of four. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Friday that anger was a possible motive, as [the suspect] was often scolded [by the family], adding that HS was related to one of the victims, Maya Boru Ambarita. Argo said that the suspect frequently stayed at the familys house and the boarding house they managed. He also confirmed that, for the time being, HS was the only suspect named in the case. [HS] has been declared a suspect and we arrested him last night, said Argo. On Thursday night, the police tracked down the familys Nissan X-Trail that was last seen parked in front of their house, which led them to HS. Argo said that HS had stolen the car and fled to Garut, West Java. There, the police found HS resting in a hiking area, apprehended him and confiscated the keys to the Nissan, a cellphone and Rp 4 million in cash from him. He said that the police were still looking for the murder weapon, a crowbar, which HS said he had thrown into the Kalimalang River in a signed confession. Diperum Nainggolan, 38, his wife Maya, 37, and their two children Sarah Boru Nainggolan, 9, and Arya Nainggolan, 7, were found dead in their home on Tuesday. The family's funeral was held on Wednesday in Samosir, North Sumatra. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Fri, November 16 2018 President Joko Jokowi Widodo called for the enhancement of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) mechanism as it is still relevant amid global economic uncertainties. The current uncertain economic situation might impact our region. Hence, the mechanism should be enhanced and refined to make it stronger, Jokowi said at the 21st ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Singapore on Thursday as quoted by the Foreign Ministrys director general for ASEAN cooperation, Jose Tavares. The APT groups ASEAN member states with their partners China, Japan and South Korea 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 Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16 2018 The government has said clean energy is not an option for Indonesia today, as social and economic disparity has slowed down the development of renewable energy across the country. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said the government did believe that clean energy was the future for any country, but it was not the perfect option for Indonesia at the moment. Many regions of Indonesia have yet to enjoy the benefits of electricity as such, but here we are already debating about the use of renewable energy, Jonan said Thursday at the opening of the Indonesia Energy Transition Dialogue Forum (ICEF) initiated by local energy think tank Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) in Jakarta. 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 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 23:05 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c8702c 2 National LGBT,Depok-administration,Depok Free The administration of Depok in West Java says it is committed to preparing a regulation to curb a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement that the administration believes is becoming more rampant in the area. [We will make it] to overcome these social deviancy. This mayoral regulation will be an effective regulatory step to block the LGBT [community], Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris said on Friday, as quoted by antaranews.com. However, he said drafting such a regulation required a legal basis from the government. Once the government has issued a clear regulation on the LGBT community, the Depok administration will immediately issue its mayoral regulation. It will be pointless challenging our regulation if there is already a government regulation on it. At least there should be a presidential regulation that can be the legal basis for the regional regulation of LGBT, he said. He had asked relevant institutions in his administration to collect data about the deviancy, however, they only had data about people with HIV/AIDS but not about LGBT issues. (hol) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 12:46 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c6d671 1 City theft,mosque,South-Tangerang Free South Tangerang Police have arrested four people for stealing money and electronic devices on Oct. 21 and Nov. 5 at Imanudin Mosque in Bintaro, South Tangerang. The police's crime division head, Adj. Comr. Alexander Yurikho, said the perpetrators had been identified as MR, 18, SN, 19, FI, 19, and DA, 20. They are all friends, One of the perpetrators, MR, is the son of marbot [the mosque keeper], Alexander said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com. Alexander said MR had secretly duplicated the mosque secretary's office key that his father had been keeping as a marbot. On Oct. 21, MR was said to have persuaded the other three perpetrators to steal goods inside the mosques secretary office using the duplicate key. They are alleged to have stolen a television, Wi-Fi modem, loudspeaker, printer, camera and two laptops. On Nov. 5, the perpetrators reportedly committed a second theft. They are suspected of stealing money from a donation box. When committing the crime, the perpetrators covered their faces and wore gloves, jackets and backpacks. The police are searching for another perpetrator who reportedly sold the stolen goods. The crime was revealed after the police checked a CCTV recording. Alexander said eyewitnesses told the police that one of the perpetrators behavior was similar to that of MR. The police then arrested MR. Another three perpetrators were arrested at their respective houses after MR admitted they were friends. (sau) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 16:58 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7e0e3 1 City luxury-car,tax,penalty,vehicle-tax,amnesty Free The owners of 140 luxury cars in West Jakarta, each worth above Rp 1 billion (US$ 68,824), have not paid their vehicle taxes but will be able to avail of the tax amnesty implemented from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. The head of West Jakarta vehicle taxes (PKB) and vehicle ownership transfer fees (BBNKB) management unit, Elling Hartono, said most of the taxes were only overdue by a matter of days, but there were also taxes due since 2017. Among the luxury cars are a Roll Royce Phantom Coupe worth Rp 8.8 billion, a Ferrari F 12 worth Rp 7.8 billion and a Bentley worth Rp 3.6 billion. I will hunt them down even though most of them are only late in paying by several days. We want to remind them to pay, Elling said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com. He added that West Jakarta Vehicle Document Registration Center (Samsat) employees visited the luxury car owners home twice every month to ask them to pay the tax. The Jakarta administration has implemented an amnesty for unpaid PKB, BBNKB and urban and rural land and building taxes (PBB-P2) for a month starting on Nov. 15 in a bid to boost tax revenue. The amnesty applies to taxes that were due within the period from 2013 to 2017. The program has been put into effect by Decree No. 2315/2018 issued by the head of the Jakarta Tax and Levy Agency (BPRD). (cal) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 16:55 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7d584 1 Business renewable-energy,developer,Lists,PLN Free State electricity company PLN has reportedly issued the list of qualified renewable energy developers that PLN will choose from as operators of new projects. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's diversified new and renewable energy director Harris confirmed the report. That is what Ive heard, he confirmed in a text message on Thursday. He said the issuance of the list was expected to accelerate the governments target to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the national electricity capacity. The issuance of the list was based on Ministerial Regulation No. 50/2017 on the utilization of renewable energy for electricity. Only independent power producers (IPP) on the list are eligible to bid on renewable energy projects in the country. The qualified developers are eligible to apply for 30 power purchase agreement (PPA) projects offered in 2017 that failed to be realized by IPPs appointed to handle the projects as a result of difficulties obtaining funding. PLN will terminate the agreement for the projects that failed to be realized and PLN will offer the projects to all existing IPPs, he added. Previously, the European Business Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (EuroCham) criticized PLNs sluggish process in issuing the list, as the chamber said it had waited for one year. Fabby Tumiwa, executive director of energy watchdog Essential Services Reform (IESR), said the requirement for new developers to get on the list was too hard as PLN only picked experienced developers with a global rating. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 08:11 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c62f0f 1 Business infrastructure,project,France,Transportation,water-supply,road-construction,seaport Free Head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro said on Thursday the government had offered a number of infrastructure projects to the French government and investors through government-to-business (G2B) schemes. He expressed the hope that French businesspeople would be interested in investing, particularly in the transportation sector because that country had long experience in developing transportation infrastructure in large cities like Paris. We have admitted that we lag far behind by Thailand, most of its people rely on public transportation, said Bambang in Jakarta as quoted by kontan.co.id when revealing the offered projects. Therefore, the government wants to accelerate the construction of more transportation infrastructure, particularly, rail-based infrastructure like the light rail transit (LRT) project in Medan, North Sumatra, and a conventional railway project from Makassar to Pare-Pare in South Sulawesi. Bambang also revealed several seaport projects that would be offered, including Petimban seaport in West Java, Baubau seaport in Southeast Sulawesi and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara. For the road projects, the government is offering the Yogyakarta-Bawen toll road, Jakarta-Cikampek, southern toll road, Probolinggo-Banyuwangi toll road and Semarang-Demak toll road, while non-toll road projects include the trans-Papua highway and road construction in Riau and North Sumatra, he added. In water supply, Bappenas is offering at least four projects in Bandar Lampung, Lampung; Jatiluhur, West Java; West Semarang, Central Java; and Pekanbaru in Riau. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anuj Chopra with Paul Handley in Washington (Agence France-Presse) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Fri, November 16, 2018 09:09 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c65a23 2 World #ArabSaudi,#MurderCase,Crown-Prince-Mohammed-bin-Salman,killing,journalist Free The Saudi government exonerated the country's powerful crown prince of involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Thursday as death-penalty charges were announced against five men and the US placed sanctions on 17 suspected of involvement. Riyadh prosecutors announced indictments against 11 people and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, which outraged Saudi allies and placed massive pressure on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to come clean about the murder. The Saudi prosecutor said execution would be recommended for five principals who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime." But prosecutor spokesman Shaalan al-Shaalan rejected allegations that Prince Mohammed, whose father is King Salman, directed the murder. The prince had "no knowledge" of Khashoggi's killing, Shaalan said. And Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told journalists in Riyadh that the prince was not involved. "Absolutely. The crown prince has nothing to do with this issue," Jubeir said. - Prince's aides blacklisted - Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post and other international media, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2. The murder was carried out by a team of Saudis who travelled to Istanbul for that purpose, according to Turkish and US assessments, and was allegedly directed and led by close aides of the prince. The Saudi prosecutor, in the country's newest account of what happened, said agents were dispatched to Istanbul to bring Khashoggi home "by means of persuasion" but ended up killing him with "a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose." The Saudi prosecutor did not name any of those indicted in the murder. But the US sanctions announced Thursday included two top aides of Prince Mohammed, Saud Al-Qahtani and Maher Mutreb, and Mohammed Alotaibi, who was the consul general in the Istanbul consulate when Khashoggi was murdered. The US Treasury said Qahtani, Prince Mohammed's long-time right-hand man, "was part of the planning and execution of the operation" to kill Khashoggi. The US statement made no mention of the crown prince. Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said that her country "welcomes the US action" and that Ottawa "is actively considering" following suit. - Crisis for crown prince - Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. The criticism has shaken the 33-year-old Prince Mohammed, who has moved with brash confidence since becoming heir to the throne in June 2017 in a shakeup undertaken by King Salman to secure power for his wing of the sprawling Saudi royal family. The country's allies and critics alike are pushing for an independent investigation into Khashoggi's murder, with Turkey at their helm pointing a finger directly at Prince Mohammed, widely known as "MBS". But Jubeir Thursday dismissed the calls for an international probe. "This is now a legal case and is thus in the hands of Saudi Arabia's judiciary," he said. On Thursday, the Saudi prosecutor's office said the kingdom had requested that Turkey sign a "special cooperation mechanism" on a probe. But Turkey said the Saudi response fell short and insisted the murder had been "premeditated." "We find all those steps positive, but insufficient," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. In Washington State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called the Saudi announcement a "good first step," while denying there was any link with the Treasury announcement of sanctions just two hours later. "We regard the announcement that they made as a good first step, it's a step in the right direction," Nauert told reporters. "It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken toward full accountability." - US legislators: sanctions not enough - But senior US politicians and the Washington Post said the moves Thursday were far from adequate. "In announcing actions against 'those responsible' for Jamal Khashoggi's murder, the Saudi and US governments are asking the world to take their word for it that this settles the matter," said Post publisher and chief executive Fred Ryan. "From the start, the Saudi 'investigation' has been an effort to shield those ultimately responsible for this heinous crime when there is every reason to believe that it was authorized at the highest levels of the Saudi government." "The US government should be demanding an independent investigation that gets to the truth about the murder of an innocent journalist." Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the US sanctions on the 17 Saudis were not enough. "Everyone who had a hand in Khashoggi's brutal murder should be subject to strict sanctions, and, as I review this list, it's clear that it is not comprehensive," she said in a statement. "There must be further sanctions on Saudi leadership who ordered this assassination. We must send a clear message that the United States stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 13:46 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c6fc5e 4 Business Merpati-Nusantara-Airlines,privatization,SOEs,ministry Free The State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry has not a made decision on the fate of state-owned airline PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines, following a decision by the Surabaya Commercial Court that gave the airline room to seek a peaceful solution with its creditors. We will study the decision first, said the SOEs Ministry's business restructuring and development undersecretary, Aloysius Kiik Ro, in Jakarta on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com, in response to a question on the ministrys stance on the issue. The court agreed on Wednesday to let Merit seek a peaceful solution with its creditors, as the judge underlined the entry of new investors to the airline, which has total debts of Rp 10.95 trillion (US$720.73 million). The court stressed that the airline had to pay its debt to creditors before carrying out further corporate action. Aloysius said the ministry needed to assure that the courts decision provided a path for the airlines privatization that was proposed by the ministry two years ago. He said the privatization could not be implemented because of the absence of investors at that time. The official said the SOEs Ministry would coordinate with the Finance Ministry and Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister on the privatization proposal. Previously, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati stressed the need for the entry of credible investors if the airline was to be privatized. Anyone who wants to enter Merpati should not only take the name, but they also take its expertise, technology and money, the minister said. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 12:45 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c6d076 4 Business spending,state-budget,2018,October,Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati Free Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Thursday that state budget spending had reached Rp 1.72 quadrillion (US$117.90 billion) in the first 10 months of 2018, double the spending in the corresponding period, last year. The amount is 77.5 percent of the total spending targeted in the 2018 state budget. She explained that the central government had spent Rp 1.07 quadrillion. Ari Mulyani said Rp 511.46 trillion was spent by ministries and non-ministerial institutions. The spending acceleration was particularly attributed to the increased subsidy spending, said Sri Mulyani as quoted by kontan.co.id. Meanwhile, the spending for regional transfers and village fund program reached Rp 646.4 trillion. The minister said the realization of regional transfers and village funds had grown 1.2 percent, compared to the spending in the first 10 months of 2017. The ministrys financial balance director general, Astera Primanto, Bhakti expressed his optimism that the full-year spending target would be reached by the end of 2018. We, along with the Treasury Directorate General and regional administrations are coordinating on village fund spending. The regional administrations have assisted the villages on [how to spend] the funds, he added. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Fri, November 16 2018 Maria Katarina Sumarsih participates in a weekly Thursday rally known as Kamisan in front of the Presidential Palace, Central Jakarta, to pressure the government to deliver justice over human rights abuses. This year marks 20 years since the Semanggi Tragedy, when student protesters were shot dead during riots following the fall of Soeharto. Sumarsihs son BR Norma Irmawan was among the student protesters who were killed.(JP/Seto Wardhana) 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 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 18:10 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c809ca 1 National Jokowi,Papua,Avengers Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has once again thrown out a blockbuster reference, this time while inaugurating the Time Capsule Monument, which represents Indonesias seven dreams, in Merauke, in the far east of Papua, during a work visit on Friday. In his speech, Jokowi noted that social media users had praised the Time Capsule Monuments futuristic design, comparing it to the headquarters of Marvels superheroes the Avengers. The President said that the monument embodied the spirit of the Avengers, who not only dreamed of great visions, but also fought to protect people, especially the weak. Through this monument, we not only express our dreams of becoming a great nation, we will show we can work hard together to realize our great visions, Jokowi said on Friday. The time capsule, which contains expressions of the nations hopes and dreams for the next 70 years, was transported across 187 cities and 34 provinces before being buried by Jokowi in 2015. The capsule will be opened in 2085. The nations seven dreams for 2015 to 2085 include for Indonesia to become free of corruption, for Indonesia to be the most influential country in the Asia Pacific region and to be the worlds center of education, technology and civilization. These hopes and dreams could be achieved by 2085 if all elements of the nation were willing to participate in efforts toward development, Jokowi said. If we want to unite with optimism and determination, we will become a great country, a superpower, a country with dignity respected by other countries in the world, he said. (afr/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 10:29 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c68af1 1 Business ignasius-jonan,oil-and-gas,imports,comments Free Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said on Thursday that the large amount of oil and gas imported in October was needed for manufacturing industries to produce more export-oriented products. [The problem], I think, is that we exported less, especially from the non-oil-and-gas sector, he said on Thursday in response data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) showing a trade deficit in October. BPS announced on Thursday that, nominally, oil and gas imports rose 31.78 percent in October to US$2.91 billion compared to the same period last year. However, in volume, oil and gas imports declined 4.47 percent on October to 4.29 million tons from 4.49 million tons in the same month last year. Jonan explained that other countries were different. Do you know that Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and China have higher imports of oil and gas in volume than us? But their exports are much greater than ours. That kind of achievement is what we must take as an example, he added. The deficit was $1.82 billion in October, the second-highest deficit this year after a five-year high deficit of $2.03 billion in July. With the latest data, Indonesias year-to-date trade deficit in 2018 amounted to $5.51 billion, with surpluses only seen in March, June and September. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin John Coyne (The Jakarta Post) Canberra Sat, November 17 2018 This week, Vientiane played host to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) High Level Conference on Transnational Organized Crime in Laos Peoples Democratic Republic (PDR) and the Mekong Region. The UNODC brought together senior Lao PDR officials, international partners and select experts from neighboring Mekong countries. The conference agenda was focused on improving the collective understanding of the vulnerabilities of Lao PDR to transnational organized crime challenges. While various organized crime problems were discussed, the focus of the event was undoubtedly the increasing challenge of methamphetamine production in the Mekong sub region. Mekong governments are no strangers to the social and security ramifications of illicit drug production in the Golden Triangle. Indeed, all of the Mekong region states have been locked in a war against drugs, especially heroin, for decades. But even for these countries the scale of previous illicit drug challenges is already being overshadowed by the regions rapidly evolving methamphetamine crisis. 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 Peter Stebbings (Agence France-Presse) Shanghai, China Fri, November 16, 2018 09:03 1103 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c64a86 2 News China,Hotel,luxury-hotel,travel,Shanghai Free A hotel development sunk into a disused quarry in China opened its doors Thursday to deep-pocketed clientele. Preventing the 88-meter-deep pit from flooding was among the chief challenges for engineers working on the swanky 336-room InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland -- part of a $288 million development that also includes a theme park. The hotel, which is one of a growing number of bold architectural designs springing up in China, hugs one side of the pit wall, with a waterfall cascading down the opposite face. The subterranean 17-floor hotel is about an hour's drive from the center of Shanghai, with room charges starting at 3,394 yuan ($490) a night. There is a floor of suites below the water level, but don't expect to gaze directly into the depths of Shenkeng Quarry -- the windows are instead buffered by large fish tanks. "Why do we say there is nothing in the world that compares to the quarry hotel project?" Chen Xiaoxiang, chief engineer with the real estate giant, Shimao Property, said to AFP. "Its a project that's completely new, a project we have never encountered before. "There were no references, cases or experience we could learn from to solve all the difficulties," he said. That meant engineers were met with unexpected problems. Before construction started in 2013, for example, heavy rainfall caused a nearby river to overflow into the quarry, filling half of it. "If something like that had happened after construction was complete, it would have been a devastating blow," Chen said. Designers built an embankment around the edge of the pit to prevent that happening in future, when hundreds of well-heeled guests are sipping cocktails on the deck far below. A pump house is used to help regulate water levels. Read also: Ireland castle chosen as this years best luxury hotel - 'Totally unique' - The waterfall is one of the development's most eye-catching features. Adventurous guests can also indulge in rock climbing. The project's masterminds talk up its environmental bona fides, saying abandoned quarries often become landfills. "This was a totally unique idea, to really do something special with a site that was forgotten and nobody knew what to do with, and to give it new life," said Martin Jochman, a British architect with the project since it started 12 years ago. "I never lost my belief that it would be done one day, but it is here now, and I am really excited and amazed by the whole thing," he said. China's rapid economic growth has been accompanied by a construction boom that often throws up outlandish designs. The Beijing headquarters of state broadcaster China Central Television has been nicknamed "The Big Underpants" because it resembles a giant pelvis. A skyscraper built this year in southwestern China features a 108-meter waterfall tumbling down one side. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 18:35 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c82b0c 1 News EVA-Air,Airlines,rating,AirlineRatings,travel Free EVA Air was recently recognized as the Best Long-Haul Airline in Asia by airline safety and product rating website airlineratings.com. The Taiwanese carrier also ranked eighth among the World's Top-10 Airlines 2019 list released by the website that regularly evaluates more than 435 airlines and assesses them with a seven-star rating system, based on analyses of comfort, innovation, value and safety across first, business, premium economy and economy class products and services. EVAs innovation has resulted in exceptional performance in market position, customer service, financial performance and operational safety, said airlineratings.com editor-in-chief and publisher Geoffrey Thomas in a statement on Tuesday. In early 2018, the website also ranked EVA among the Worlds Top-20 Safest Airlines. The Star Alliance member also won five TripAdvisor awards, including fifth place in the Top-10 Worlds Best Airlines and ranking among the Top-10 Major Airlines in Asia. Read also: EVA Air makes top 10, sweeps 2018 Skytrax awards This kind of recognition and support inspires us to continually innovate, improve and upgrade our services and products," said EVA president Clay Sun. "In this spirit, we are beginning to add Boeing 787 Dreamliners this year and we are elevating services with each new aircraft deployment. We want all of our passengers to be pleased with their EVA flight experiences," he added. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 16, 2018 17:37 1102 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877c7f713 1 News New-Zealand,Tiaki-promise,travel Free The Tiaki Promise is a document through which visitors pledge to help protect the environment during their trip to New Zealand. Tiaki means to guard in the Maori language, and the document advises the indigenous peoples principle of taking care of the land. CEO of Tourism New Zealand Stephen England-Hall noted that the promise isn't a list of "do this" and "don't do that" guidelines. Rather it is a way to put traveler in a certain mindset when they arrive in the country. The idea of tourism in New Zealand is bigger than the border process, he said to CNN Travel. He went on to say that visitors are welcome to experience the landscape of New Zealand, but they need to be mindful of the fact that it's a really important place. Read also: Wellington concert to highlight Indonesia-New Zealand friendship Travelers can learn about the Tiaki Promise in advance by checking out the Tourism New Zealand's website or the Tiaki website. The Tiaki video is also displayed by the countrys national flag carrier Air New Zealand on international flights. New Zealand is the eighth-happiest country in the world, according to the United Nations World Happiness Record 2018. Easy access to nature is said to be one of the key factors in the ranking. (iru/mut) Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) is a quirky British comedy about a suicidal young man who hires a hitman to take him out. Read our review here. We spoke with first time director Tom Edmunds about tackling the topic with humour, and the best of British film. How did you initially come up with such a unique idea? My producers and I were looking for an idea for a feature film and I started playing with an idea about an assassin who was also a really nice guy - he was killing people but he was actually doing them a favour. I got a phrase stuck in my head - Im a one-man euthanasia clinic. I told my producer Nick about it and he said oh thats funny because Ive been thinking about someone who is suicidal but isnt brave enough to do himself so he needs someone else to do it for him. We realised that these two things were looking at the same themes from different angles and could work in the same story. I like neat ideas and concepts so that elevator pitch of A young man outsources his suicide to an assassin appealed to me. Was there ever a worry about making light of such a serious issue being received badly? Absolutely! You tell people that the main character is suicidal but its a comedy and there is plenty of worry! I was careful to do a lot of research and we consulted with The Samaritans about the project, which was enormously helpful. I was always confident in the story I wanted to tell and was clear that I wasnt making light of Williams situation. For me, the film isnt about suicide, in fact its about totally the opposite - its about people discovering purpose in their lives. I have quite dark ideas, but ultimately Im an optimistic person. I wanted the film to be hopeful and uplifting. I wanted to make a film that was funny and entertaining, but was ultimately about something. Suicide particularly is a very taboo subject, but it really shouldnt be. Its the biggest killer of men under 40. We have to start talking about that if we want that statistic to change. I think comedy is a fantastic way of breaking the taboo. Nothing should be off limits, its just about finding the right way of looking at something. Comedy is a matter of perspective. What was the casting process like? Extremely painful. When you are a small film, made by a first-timer, there is very little incentive for actors (or more likely agents!) to get excited. You are just another script and you can sit on an actors desk for months! But every time you make an approach, no matter how ridiculously unlikely, you are daring yourself to dream. Somehow you have to validate yourself in some way so that agents take you seriously. For us that was two-fold, firstly we got Gina Carter to Executive Produce the film through Sprout Pictures, her company with Stephen Fry, and then we managed to bring the wonderful Toby Whale on board as our Casting Director. Those two things were game-changing for us. Toby had just done the UK casting for Dunkirk and is extremely well-respected in the industry. If Toby sends an agent a script then it comes with a massive stamp of approval. I cant underestimate how important Toby was - Tom Wilkinson came on board straight after Toby started with us. And Gina was like our fairy godmother, she knows everyone in the industry and was able to put in a good word for us. What was it like working with legends like Tom Wilkinson and Christopher Eccleston? The overwhelming feeling is excitement! Id been wanting to direct a film for so long, and had been working so hard to make Dead in a Week happen, that getting onto set with such fantastic actors as Tom and Christopher was a dream come true. Sure, its a little daunting but I was confident I knew what I wanted and how to give them what they needed. The truth is that they are both so intelligent and skilful that they didnt need a huge amount! Christopher was a total joy from the moment he stepped on to the set. He was brilliant with me. Hes a great actor and a fantastic, generous person. Tom can be quite intimidating. He questions your decisions all the time so you need to be well-prepared, but luckily I was. He is beyond anything I couldve hoped for in the film. I think he is wonderful in it. And he mustve thought it was an alright experience, he came to our wrap party! He shook my hand, told me that it was the first wrap party hed been to in 25 years and then told me not to fuck it up in the edit! What were some of the challenges you faced in making your first feature? Where do I start? To be honest the challenge is less in making the film than in all the time you not making the film. The landscape for independent film in the UK is brutal at the moment and I dont see it getting easier unfortunately. While we were making the film I said that I was so pleased I got to do this now because I wasnt sure how much longer it would be possible. I dont think I realised how true that was! The key thing is getting the validation, especially as a first-timer. Everyone is so risk-averse that no one is prepared to stick their neck out until you look like a sure-fire hit, so you have do what you can to make yourself appear successful before you actually are successful. I keep coming back to two things - the classic William Goldman quote Nobody knows anything, and something that my boss and mentor, Anthony Minghella said Youve got to remember, no one actually wants to make a movie." What are some of your favourite British films that may have influences Dead in a Week? Im a huge fan of the classic Ealing comedies and Ladykillers is a definite influence - especially in the threat and violence juxtaposed with twee suburbia! A Matter of Life & Death is one of my favourite films and I was definitely aspiring to make a film that was funny but also thoughtful (even philosophical) about death and the meaning of existence. Not at all ambitious then! I also love Mike Leigh. Another Year was a reference for the relationship between Leslie and his wife Penny. I was so thrilled with Marion Bailey came on board to play Penny because not only is she a brilliant actor but is also a Mike Leigh stalwart! Similarly, being linked to a film like Shallow Grave through Christopher Eccleston was a definite thrill. Obviously you dont make a modern British comedy without Edgar Wrights Cornetto Trilogy being an influence. Then Im also a huge fan of Martin and Jon Michael McDonagh. If youve seen Dead in a Week Im sure it wont surprise you to hear that In Bruges is one of my favourites! What is it do you think that makes British films unique? Americans would probably say how grim they are! They have a phrase for it - Brit grit! I think those films have an incredible, unyielding, truth to them which is fantastic. Its different in a comedy like Dead in a Week. In that case I would say its the tone that makes them unique - its riskier but there is also a wry charm that makes them warm. We do irony well and were very good at puncturing anything that takes itself too seriously! Can you tease any upcoming projects? The trouble with filmmaking is that these things are never straight roads! Actually everyone tells you to have 3 or 4 things on the go in the hope that one happens! So thats what Im trying to do. Ive got a family Christmas film in development that I love - I really think it could be great. Then Ive got a horror comedy, which is an unadulterated B movie joy. But the one that I think is the most likely is a midlife-crisis character comedy about a man who for the past 30 years has been the German voice of Tom Cruise. Its called Ich Bin Tom Cruise. Its such a weird but incredibly funny world! Unfortunately it has to be in German, which doesnt make things any easier! Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) is in cinemas now. which That number doesnt even make sense to me. The world (yes the world) has gone above and beyond. It really shows what people can do together! pic.twitter.com/KeBFQfogDJ Kate McClure (@getjohnnyahome) December 6, 2017 Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina (Seth Wenig/AP) A Facebook post from Bobbit, posted six years ago (Facebook) Kate McClure, Mark DAmico and homeless ex-marine Johnny Bobbitt are being charged with theft by deception and conspiracy after an investigation into the fundraiser, which went viral last year. In a story the prosecution say was staged, the campaign on fundraising site GoFundMe claimed Bobbitt had spent his last $20 helping McClure, 28, after her car broke down on Interstate 95, a major highway, in October 2017.Bobbitt, who had been homeless several years, was said to have told McClure to lock her cars doors while he went to get a canister of petrol for her vehicle. Along with her boyfriend DAmico, 39, McClure called for donations to help her repay her debt to Bobbitt. A hugely successful campaign, accompanied by social media posts from Bobbitt, saw more than 14,000 people donate, smashing their initial $10,000 (7,800) goal, and the story covered by media outlets worldwide.The couple claimed the money would go to two financial trusts for Bobbitt and a lawyer to help him manage the money, but in August the former marine tried to sue McClure and DAmico, accusing them of taking more than their fair share of the money. The lawsuit revealed new information about the case and prosecutors from Burlington County, New Jersey, now say Bobbitt was also complicit and all three face potential prison sentences of five to 10 years. Prosecutor Scott Coffina said the story behind the fundraiser might seem too good to be true, adding: Unfortunately, it was. The entire campaign was predicated on a lie, Mr. Coffina alleged. They conspired to pass off a fake feel-good story that would compel donors to contribute to their cause; it worked in a very big way but it was fictitious and illegal.Authorities pored over more than 60,000 of McClure and DAmicos text messages and found the former admitting the story was not true. OK, so wait, the gas part is completely made up but the guy isnt, read the text message. I had to make something up so people will feel bad. It is believed the three met a month before the claimed date of their story at an underpass in Philadelphia where Bobbitt spent his time, near to a casino DAmico and McClure frequented. It was also found Bobbitt had posted a similar story to his Facebook page in 2012, in which he claimed to have spent his food money to help a woman, but the story did not gain the same traction.According to Mr. Coffina, all of the money raised has been spent, with $89,000 (69,400) withdrawn in or around casinos and over $20,000 (15,600) spent directly in casinos. GoFundMe has said in a statement that they will refund all donors to the campaign. Mr. Coffina added the case could damage the psyche of the public. I urge you not to let that happen. Use caution and common sense when donating, he said. Bobbitt was arrested on Wednesday night by in Philadelphia and remains in custody. DAmico and McClure surrendered to authorities on Wednesday night and were released. All were charged with theft by deception. Julianne K. Viola, University of Oxford When it comes to being politically active, young people typically have a bad reputation. In democracies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, young voters tend to have low turnout rates but there are early signs that this is changing. views, Excluded and unheard politics, Online to opine organising organised organise Learning tolerance online Working against an overarching unity is Rallss decision to invite a different female vocalist to lend her voice to each track. The cringe-worthy lyrics of the album opener War Zone, which are placed directly at the front of the song, are a real turnoff and sadly underneath there is little to compensate for the lacklustre vocals in the form of a pleasant, but rather outdated, instrumental derivative of the Massive Attack of two decades ago.Her masculine delivery is then juxtaposed with the girlish exclamation of Lets go! at the start of Riot at 45 whose posh annunciation of Americanisms would be easier to swallow if it were possible to believe them ironic. Part of the listener revels in the novelty of hearing sounds thought long consigned to history revived in the early Incubus-like distorted guitar work combined with pop production so evocative of a certain era. However, again, the lyrics are inconsequential, and the track just sort of lazily peters out, cutting abruptly to the third song Fire Down.Fire Down is perhaps the most interesting texturally of Fight Us Alls offerings, featuring a spicy mix of Bollywood sitar and moody electronics. What is a subtle and intelligent blend is then disrupted by a brashly overdriven guitar long since outmoded and even more jarring in this otherwise evocative atmospheric context. This track showcases Koto Kills potential in production, which is unfortunately wasted on an uncritical pastiche of the idiosyncrasies of the 90s. Down panning From the comparative chill of Firewe are thrust into Sugar Rush with its filthy bass synth a la Justice. The production here lets the song breathe for at least the first 30 seconds with a punchy drum pattern that suggests a nod to Prince, however, we are soon back in overblown, sonically saturated territory of rock with a capital R. Lyrically, it pushes over the boundary of tastefulness and instead of passion, we're left with undisciplined vocal technique. Hot Waters showcases the Turkish saz, although its driven by a synth pop bassline reminiscent of Depeche Mode. Here the vocals, while pretty, seem rather incidental and safe, and the whole thing, though cool, has a thrown-together quality abundant in hours-long bedroom pop compilations to be found on YouTube. This really feels more like a jam than a proper tune and that's only then backed up by the messy piano outro serving as a weak conclusion. Fight Us All ends with Vagabonds, similarly lacking in direction. There is no chorus here, only an endless build-up and uncompelling vocals. Perhaps the only point of interest here is some interesting audio engineering in thearound the three-minute mark, but that hardly saves the mini album from a confused send-off. Occupying that awkward space between an EP and a full-length LP, Koto Kill has decided to release a mini album that succeeds neither in capturing the formers appetite-whetting succinctness nor the latters artistic cohesion. This is a project that wears its influences on its sleeve but does little to transcend them. As far as instrumentals are concerned, the album cannot speak for itself because it is too saturated in the tropes of its obvious inspirations. Mary, a South Korean studying in Canterbury was walking down Oxford Street when a group of youths started throwing rubbish at her.When she asked them to stop, a black girl who was part of the group allegedly commented "Oh, you speak English?" and continued to throw the rubbish. Mary then decided to throw the rubbish back, the black girl allegedly pushed her to the ground and the group began to punch and kick her. The student and her friend were unable to stop the attack, but two strangers intervened. The group pretended to leave but followed the victim and her friend and continued their assault. Yeon Jeong, who is 5 feet 2 inches tall by her own description, described a "white guy" around 6 feet tall punching her in the head, nearly causing her to lose consciousness. The attackers eventually fled and the attack was subsequently reported to the police. According to Mary, the police allegedly did not arrive at the scene and later sent her a letter advising that she see a therapist. Mary claims in a statement that the South Korean Embassy was unable to assist her as "stepping into 'civil affairs' would be out of their jurisdiction" and getting permission to view the CCTV footage from nearby shops would take months. According to her statement, the attack left her with bumps on her head, a swollen chin, panic attacks and vomiting. She ended up in A&E.She has now startedcalling on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to raise awareness of the hate crime that occurred in Oxford Street and for police to arrive on time and catch the perpetrators of the incident.The petition already has nearly 15,000 signatures. A spokesperson for the NUS confirmed that the incident had taken place, saying: "The student has reported to the police, their university and [their student union]. "It has been confirmed that the Advice & Support team at [their university] are also in contact with the student in relation to the incident." NUS International Students Officer Yinbo Yu said: Nobody should have to experience harassment and hate crime anywhere in our society. International students travel to the UK to study, experience everything the UK has to offer and contribute enormously back to our communities economically and socially. It is utterly appalling that Mary has been physically attacked and made to feel unsafe in this way. Sadly racist incidents are not uncommon and students of colour across the country are faced with abuse either on their campuses or in their communities. There is much to be done to make our institutions, towns and cities truly inclusive and welcoming spaces. We must take this opportunity to ensure more students unions become third party hate crime reporting centres and increase our efforts to bring about the change that is so desperately required. The President of Mary's student union also responded to the incident, saying: I was saddened and disturbed to hear of the racist violence one of our students, Mary, was victim to earlier this week. We are offering the student practical support at this time, and also want to express solidarity with this student and any other person who is subjected to oppressive violence. "This incident is an alarming example of the dangers that face people of colour in Britain today - I hope that Mary's petition for greater awareness of hate crime in London gains even wider support than it already has, and helps to make change that is so urgently needed. The university has been made aware of the assault. *Names have been changed to protect the victim's identity By Charun Upara uparacha@grinnell.edu As the holiday season approaches, the Chamber of Commerce is refashioning Central Park with engaging decorations meant to make the park a delightful winter attraction, just in time for Jingle Bell Holiday. The event is free and open to the public and will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. We held a couple of meetings back in August inviting community members to come and join us and really start to brainstorm what something might look like. Weve been meeting as a group of volunteers and starting to pull together some of the details in Central Park, said Rachael Kinnick, director of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce and one of the organizers of the decorations. Historically, the park has not been the center of the citys annual holiday celebrations. The effort to redecorate the park this year marks a shift in focus to Central Park as the hub for festivals. Kinnick hopes that the overhaul this year will open up the opportunity for community members to enjoy and be engaged in organizing bigger and better celebrations in the future. The organizers wanted Central Park to be a space that residents and visitors to Grinnell could enjoy all year long. One of the things with parks in Iowa is that theyre really well-used from about March to October, when the weather is nice, so this is really an opportunity for us to get people back in that space in the less desirable weather and condition, Kinnick said. The new decorations divide the park into seven zones. Youll see different lighted displays. Well have a candy cane village area with different candy canes and different photo ops. Well have the gazebo decorated [with a] traditional Christmas theme. Weve got a North Pole area. The shelter house will be hosting Santa the four Saturdays in December, Kinnick said. Apart from Central Park, other parts of the city are also getting new decorations. Most notably, the nearly 30-year-old wreaths on the light poles that are usually seen downtown in the winter will be replaced with new banners and lighted snowflakes. Those are kind of two separate projects; they just happen to be taking place at the same time, Kinnick said. Its meant to bring people downtown just to enjoy the space here. With about 155 light poles in the downtown area, the project is currently in the fundraising stages to fund displays for about 125 of those pole decorations. The organizers plan to debut the new layout and decorations of Central Park at the annual Jingle Bell Holiday event on Friday, Nov. 16. This years celebration features more than 30 shops, activities and performances for the community to enjoy as the cold settles in. Highlights include a meet-and-greet with Santa at 5:00 p.m., the Tree Lighting in Central Park at 5:15 p.m. and the Grinnell Childrens Choirs performance 5:30 p.m. The Grinnell Farmers Market is also making a return at the event, with various local crafts and baked goods vendors at the former St. Marys Education Center on Broad Street. And new this year at Jingle Bell Holiday is Handmade for the Holidays, a pop-up store south of Bikes to You that will feature handmade crafts. As Thanksgiving approaches, The S&Bs Sarach Licht 22 and photographer Liz Paik 22 spoke to community members and students over a seasonal cup of coffee at Saints Rest to ask the question, What are you thankful for? By Andy Pavey paveyand@grinnell.edu At the corner of Fifth Avenue and Park Street, Grinnell United Methodist Church dominates the skyline as it boasts a stone exterior adorned with hundred-year-old stained glass windows. But onlookers may notice something out of the ordinary about this local landmark: a small black marquee with eye-catching messages. I have seen the truth and it does not make sense, What if doing the hokey pokey is what its all about? Hate corny church signs? Amen. these are just a few of the messages released by the church over the last year and a half. The procedure for choosing each weeks message is a little more intense and time-consuming than you might imagine. When asked if they were the ones responsible for changing the sign each week, pastoral assistant Zach Bey said, Responsible? [Maybe]. Irresponsible? Yes. Inside a small conference room lined with theological texts, church staff munch on snacks and pitch message ideas to one another like big-shot comedians writing for Saturday Night Live. Their ideas often lead to fits of uproarious laughter. It usually takes us about an hour. Or two. Depends on how much fun were having, Bey said. And not everything leaves the writers room; Bey noted that there are some things we get great enjoyment from here that we know will never make it to the curb. We start out with the theme of Sunday, explained Ashley Risting, the Youth Educator at the church. She laughed and corrected herself, saying We start out with what the Sunday message is going to focus on, but from there we find other stuff thats just funny or has to do with life thats more interesting to put out there. But thats where it starts, and it just branches out from there. Its a pretty haphazard process, said Pastor David Crow. Why go through all this trouble for a simple church sign? Crow said, The purpose of the sign is to generate interest, and from interest possibly curiosity about what this place is about, and also to invite folk to follow up on that curiosity. And if it ties in with the Sunday [message], great. If it doesnt, well, the latter is the higher priority. The churchs decision to feature witty, self-deprecating messages tinged with Christian undertones instead of relying on quotes derived directly from scripture is a deliberate one. I think [the sign] brings some normalcy and [us] down-to-earth into this big, imposing structure, Risting said. We are just people. Crow added, If whats up there catches their attention, people are bright enough to build their own bridges to where they need to be. Although the staff claims their main audience is prospective churchgoers, one only has to sit in on a hectic brainstorming session to know that in some small part, theyre playing to one another, too. The sign has been in place for just over a year, but its something the Church staff intend to continue well into the future. We do this because its fun Its cool that people pay attention and look at it every week, Risting said. Some people even stand outside and watch me change it and wait until Im done. And Im like, You can help! Its cold out here! Just a few hours after The S&Bs interview, the words on the little black marquee had been changed to read, When something goes wrong in your life, just yell, plot twist! and move on. By Charun Upara uparacha@grinnell.edu While the midterm elections recently took place and captured the nations attention, a large subset of the College population was not able to participate in the process: international students, who comprise about a fifth of the student body at Grinnell. However, a number of them still make the effort to participate and stay informed about American politics, while simultaneously following public affairs from their home countries. Its hard to keep up with both worlds, said Anais Levin 19, an international student from Brazil. Usually, I dont keep up with politics as much as I should, but Ive been really trying this year to be more active, because I never really was back home, and now Im feeling kind of bad about it. I shouldve been when I had the opportunity to. Levin tried to cast an absentee ballot in the Brazilian General Election, which happened in October. However, the process for voting while abroad proved to be extremely complicated and time-consuming. I couldnt vote, because you have to get a complicated permit to justify your absence, and you have to go to Chicago, Levin said. She also noted that other Brazilian students at Grinnell had the same issues, and therefore were not granted a chance to cast their vote. Kosuke Yo 20, from Japan, faced a similar problem when he attempted to vote in elections back home. Similarly to Levin, Yo felt caught between two realities. He felt like he generally struggles to have a say in issues, since he cannot fully participate in either countries politics. I feel disconnected from both American and Japanese politics because I cant vote [in America], and I spend most of my time in America, Yo said. Yo also pointed out that countries such as the U.S. and Japan maintain diplomatic relationships. Therefore, a countrys political decisions will ultimately affect the country on the other end of the relationship, making it important to be informed of the current affairs of both countries circumstances. Though voting is one way of participating in American politics, international students have found other ways to make their voices heard. Several are involved with local and national politics by joining on-campus activist groups, volunteering and engaging in conversations about issues that affect everyone, whether they are American citizens or not. I try to encourage all my friends to vote in this [midterm] election, and I try to stay tuned to the news and try my best to know whats happening in the U.S, Levin said, stressing the importance of participation in the political process while being an international student. If they have an opportunity to have their voice[s] heard, [they should] take it. International students might not be able to officially have a say in the direction that the country is heading towards, but they still have the capacity to engage in other ways and make effective change. What we [international students] should do is try to engage with the political process here. Even though we cant vote, I think we can still do a lot, like talk about the issues. And its super important that we do that, Levin said. Julia Anderson anderson8@grinnell.edu In the upcoming spring semester, Visiting Professor Ally Christmas, art, will teach a special topic course, Contemporary Photography. The studio art department has not offered a photography course in recent history, but Christmas arrival to the College this fall as an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow has provided opportunities for students to explore visual and digital arts. This semester, Christmas taught Digital Image and Video Production, which will be offered again next fall. Contemporary Photography will be open to all students regardless of prior experience, with registration priority given to studio art and art history majors. The course, which counts towards the studio art major, delves into many aspects of photography and editing, as well as photographys interdisciplinary abilities and potential. Really, a large part of the class is hopefully focused on sort of breaking apart students preconceived notions of what photography is and can do today. I think that maybe photography has a bad rap sometimes of its limitations, but theres some really incredible and groundbreaking work being done in contemporary photography today, said Christmas. The beginning of the course will focus on learning the basics of technical skills involved in photography, such as using a camera. Students will also work with basic Adobe editing software including Bridge for file management and workflow, Camera Raw, Lightroom and Photoshop. These skills from the first part of the class will carry on through the entire semester in students photography work. From there, students will focus on developing a body of work through a series of images and learn to present work both digitally and in print form. They will discuss and practice documentary and straight photography before moving on to the constructed image and photo as illusion. Christmas highlights the importance of storytelling through images that students will create and those that they will analyze. The semester will end by delving into performance for the camera before students create a final portfolio of their best work. A crucial aspect of the course involves developing the ability to analyze images, beyond simply making them. Knowing how to read and interpret an image critically, I think is so vital today, even when were just scrolling through social media or looking at the news. Picking up on different visual cues and photographs and being able to understand what they mean is really important, and thats something Ill be emphasizing in the class, Christmas said. The course will also highlight the interdisciplinary potential of photography with other mediums of art, such as papermaking and sculpture. This will provide students with expanded room for creativity by bridging their work in photography with other artistic interests. Christmas also acknowledges the capacity for photography to portray deeper messages. Overall I want students to know that photography is a critical medium. I think not just as makers, as artists, but also just as humans who have to interact with other humans in society. I think it can be used to talk about a lot of really important issues like politics or identity or representation, she said. The course will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 until 3:50 p.m. The S&B sent photographer Sofia Mendez 19 to photograph the performances at this semesters drag show. All proceeds from the show go toward Transformative Healing, an Iowa City-based organization that provides resources to LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence in the state of Iowa. A wide variety of acts took the stage, and this years performances did not disappoint. By Esther Hwang hwangest@grinnell.edu As students prepare to make the trip home for Thanksgiving break, many others prepare to spend the holiday on campus. Whether due to long and expensive travel arrangements or poor relationships with family members, going home presents difficulty for many at the College. Fortunately, many organizations around Grinnell are thinking of these students and want to include them in their holiday celebrations. Three events in particular promise companionship and fresh meals for those who find themselves alone on Thanksgiving: Hotel Grinnells Thanksgiving dinner, the BCC Thanksgiving, and Local Foods Thanksgiving. First on the list is Hotel Grinnells free Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner is on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd from 4-8pm and is free for students. Non-students are welcome to join for $28. To RSVP, all guests must text Dinner to 641-352-6288. While Hotel Grinnell offered a dinner last Thanksgiving, the meal came with a fee. This year, owners Angela Harrington and her partner Steve Holtze 67 aimed to make the event more financially accessible for students. They care deeply about creating a pseudo-family in the town for students who are not able to spend time with loved ones over the holiday. As of now, they have received 140 RSVPs and are open to several more. They hope that this event will open up the hotel as a community space for students. I want students to be comfortable to use the hotels lobby, the Periodic Table, the lounge, and the event center, said Harrington. Another strong motivation to make the event free and support students this year was because the most frequent guests of Hotel Grinnell are families coming to visit their children. Therefore, a free Thanksgiving meal is a way to express their gratitude. Another option for those seeking company on Thanksgiving day is dinner at the Black Cultural Center on campus from 4-8pm. This dinner caters to students of the black diaspora in the dishes theyll be serving. Those who would like to help shop and cook for the dinner can email Rayyon Robinson 19 at robinson5@grinnell.edu. However, those lacking culinary skills are welcome to eat regardless. If you want to help and you are aware of how to cook, obviously then we want those people. But also if you say your seasonings are salt and pepper, then stay at home and come to eat later, said Selah Mystic 19. Those seeking a slightly less traditional option might consider the Local Foods Thanksgiving, which will occur on Sunday, November 18th at Main Quad. The dinner is at 6:00pm, and it is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. It is free and but attendees must RSVP at brunetch@grinnell.edu or sign up at their table in front of the dining hall. Since it is not on Thanksgiving Day, it is an opportunity to have a festive dinner with friends before break comes to an end. Local Foods Thanksgiving is student led, with Josh Jensen, Nathaniel Crail and Christopher Brunet, all 19 as the co-leaders. The group anticipates 150-200 people at the event. This particular event runs on student volunteers and community power. In addition to the students leading the program, Kamal Hammouda from Relish will cook the turkeys. All of the vegetables and meat are from Grinnell Heritage Farm, Middleway Farm, and Olson farms in Iowa. Local Foods Thanksgiving will have an optional donation jar for Mid-Iowa Community Action, a nonprofit that helps families with food insecurity. The student leaders promise several vegan options, including kale, stuffing, roasted vegetables, bread, and apple crisps. While Thanksgiving is traditionally a family holiday, multiple organizations around Grinnell will attempt to bring people together through food to create a new kind of fellowship. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. High 0C. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low near -7C. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Sanlurfa, in Upper Mesopotamia, is one of the oldest centres of the civilisation offers you a magnificent experience: the Museum, the biggest museum complex of Turkey, the Mosaic Museum, the Castle, the City Museum, the UNESCO site of Gobeklitepe, Halfeti, Birecik, Harran and the Tek Tek Nat. Park, all make you feel the history to your marrow. Sanlurfa is the centre for many faiths: from monotheistic to polytheistic. Traces of our prehistoric ancestors are in Gobeklitepe; polytheistic Harranis worshipping the celestial bodies lived in Harran and Sogmatar. Abraham, the Father of monotheism, was born in Sanlurfa. The Cave of Prophet Eyyup symbol of patience- is in Sanlurfa. King Abgar who exchanged letters with Prophet Jesus, was from Sanlurfa. For 14 centuries, Islamic culture has prevailed on these lands. The belief is as strong as it is visible: Sanlurfa is known as theCity of Prophets. The Fish Lake, covered bazaars, Sanlurfa streets, magnificent houses take you to a journey in history: this is walking in Sanlurfa old centre! With its inhabitants wearing colourful clothing, the City of Sanlurfa shows herself like a movie set. The movie will end with a Sra night accompanied by music and folk songs and delicious food in the courtyard of a traditional old stone house. Fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Harran, Halfeti and Birecik areas, watered by the Euphrates river, sheep grazing on the steppes, turn into delicious meals prepared by the chefs of Sanlurfa. Soups, salads, pastries, fruit dishes, desserts and naturally kebabs, are a variety of tastes for every season. Many wild animals and plant species, are endemic to Sanlurfa steppes along the Euphrates river. Birecik: the only place on earth where the last protected colony of 250 bald ibis can be seen: this endangered species, returns here every year for reproduction. Halfeti, the only place in Turkey where you can sail on the Euphrates river www.visiturfa.com CLICK HERE MBABANE Guard Alert stands to be granted a tender worth over E900 000 for the provision of security services at EWSC. In tender results issued by the Swaziland Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (SPPRA), it was disclosed that the Guard Alert emerged as the best evaluated tenderer. The company scored 80 per cent during the evaluation exercise undertaken in accordance with the Public Procurement Act of 2011. It was disclosed that VIP, who scored 85 per cent, had to be disqualified for submitting an invalid tax compliance certificate. The results issued by SPPRA also reflected that Phoenix Security was disqualified because it did not submit a tender bond. Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) clarified that; The tender award decision does not constitute a contract. Granted The contract will be granted soon after the lapse of a 10 working days period, to allow for the submission of any application for review in terms of the Procurement Act. The Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) is a body corporate duly established under the Water Services Corporation Act No.12 of 1992 as the sole provider of water services in the urban areas (water supply, and sewage treatment and disposal), and to control the abstraction of raw water from boreholes in those areas for which it is responsible. Category EWSC is a category A Public Enterprise in terms of the Public Enterprise (Control and Monitoring) Act No.8 of 1989 and therefore, it is wholly owned by government. The Eswatini Water Services Corporation has an obligation to reduce the number of people without access to clean water and proper sanitation, irrespective of its commercial objective. Obligation It also has an economic obligation to provide water and sewer services to stimulate economic development where there are socio-economic benefits, irrespective of business or financial viability. With regard to access to good quality water, Vision 2022 envisages a 100 per cent coverage for the country. MBABANE SWAPROP total revenue increase by E1.6 million. In financial results for the year ended June 30, 2018, it was explained that Swaziland Property Investments (SWAPROP) groups occupancy levels were high and rental income before straight lining of leases adjustment had increased from E16.6 million to E17.4 million. It was also explained that the group expenditure decreased as a result of lower doubtful debts expenses, depreciation charges and cleaning costs. Explained The institution explained that against this backdrop, the distribution of E10.0 million for the year was on a par with that declared last year of E10.0 million. The entity also disclosed that the directors re-valued the property portfolio during the prior year. In terms of outlook, it was stated that in the forthcoming financial year, management would strive to optimise occupancy in all properties and increase rental incomes while containing costs. In terms of profitability, the company recorded E12.5 million profit, which was an increase from E10.6 million in 2017. Audited The financial statements were audited by KPMG. On corporate governance, the directors and management of Swaziland Property Investments Limited confirm their commitment to the principles of openness, integrity and accountability, as advocated by sound principles of Corporate Governance contained in the King Reports. In the distribution declaration, a final distribution (number 41) of 30.14 cents per linked unit was declared on November 8, 2018, payable to unit-holders registered in the books of the company at the close of business on November 30, 2018. Closed The transfer books and register of members will be closed on November 29, 2018 (one day) for the purpose of identifying those unit holders to whom the distribution will be made. The above mentioned final distribution will be paid out of current earnings. A notice was given that the annual general meeting of members of the company will be held at the SWAKI offices in Ezulwini on December 11, 2018 at 10am. MBABANE Oops! Not today minister. Minister of Public Service Christian Ntshanganes tour of the Hilton Hotel was cut short yesterday as the lifts at the hotel were not working. The minister was touring the establishment owned by the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) in the company of the Board of Trustees and senior management of the organisation. He had first toured the PSPF building, where he admired the opulence of the structure. Ntshangase, in jest, said he was feeling out of place at the building, but appreciated that it would be his home for the duration of his tenure as the minister of public service. The tour of the eight-floor structure was concluded with a brief orientation for the politician to familiarise himself with the work done by the entity. Fairly Mabuza, who is the acting Chief Executive Officer, led the orientation of the minister, as he informed him of the investments done by the organisation and its business stakes. This was noted on a list of major local investments that were presented to the minister of Public Service yesterday. In a narration that was punctuated with humour, the acting CEO informed the minister that the PSPF had 43 300 active members, 8 700 pensioners who were already paid monthly and 16 500 beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are spouses and children of deceased members. In jest, Mabuza said: We own half of Mbabane. Board To this, Ntshangase was appreciative of the great work done by the PSPF and also the narration by Mabuza, which he termed a ghastly presentation punctuated with humour. Ntshangase informed the Board members that most of the faces that were in the room were not new to him, as he had been working with them in his previous place of employment. Just before noon, Ntshangase was then led to view the Hilton Hotel, where his tour ended on the first floor. He was first shown the lobby and the reception area of the hotel. There, he appreciated the opulence despite that final touches were still being made. He was also shown the lobby on the first floor, which is in the east facing the capital city, which allows guests of the hotel to have a great view of the city centre. Means to take the minister to the seventh floor, where a room was prepared for him, hit a snag as the elevators were out of order. One of the people who were working within the floor noted that the elevators were working before but had malfunctioned just before the start of the tour. The minister was informed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sandile Ceko, that another tour of the hotel would be organised for him. His response was: I can never have enough of being invited to such a hotel. This then forced the minister to abandon his tour. Meanwhile, civil servants are now represented in the Board of Trustees of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF). Celumusa Tembe, who is the Secretary General of the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), represents the civil service and said he was ordered to join the Board on Tuesday. MBABANE The 32 per cent increment enjoyed by the 10th Parliament will haunt government as it has to pay E13.5 million in relocation and settlement allowance. This is double what was paid to the politicians who formed the 10th parliament. In 2013, government paid E6 018 348.45 for relocation allowance to 101 politicians. However, this year, despite the fiscal challenges that have seen different unions representing civil servants filling up the streets in protest of lack of basic amenities in hospitals and the failure to offer them 6.5 per cent cost-of- living-adjustment (CoLA), government will pay E13 488 704.48. This money is a once off settling in allowance, which will be paid to the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku, and to presiding officers and their deputies. Also, ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators will benefit from the allowance which is equal to 15 per cent of the respective parliamentarians annual basic salary. receive It is paid upfront. The premier will receive E138 955.50 while his deputy will receive E125 058.60 as well as Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini and Speaker Petros Mavimbela will each get E97 835.16. The ministers will each receive E111 164.26 while the Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli and Deputy Speaker Phila Buthelezi will each get E83 160. Also, the MPs and senators will each receive E83 372.40. Further parliamentarians were paid a constituency allowance of 12.5 per cent of their monthly salary. The salary was E46 318.00 per legislator and this allowance was paid to both the Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators. This translates to E5 789.75 per month. allowance There are 69 MPs and 30 senators. In addition each minister this month will get housing allowance of E15 439.48. This is 25 per cent of a Cabinet ministers salary. This translates to E277 910.64 for the 18 ministers. Meanwhile, MPs will each get 10 per cent of their monthly basic salary for their housing allowance which is E4 631.80 each. For the MPs and senators, government will pay E347 385 for the month. These are some of the allowances that will be received by the politicians this month courtesy of Finance Circular No.2 of 2013. To this, government Press Secretary Percy Simelane, said this money was budgeted for when the financials for 2018/2019 were prepared by the ministry of finance. remunerate Simelane said as long as there was no circular brought to the fore, Finance Circular No.2 of 2013 was the only instrument available to remunerate politicians. He said: The 10th Parliament was first paid on Finance Circular No.1 of 2010 and when Finance Circular No.2 of 2013 was adopted, they had their pay altered into the new circular. The press secretary said as much as some of the ministers were willing to take pay cuts, it could not yet be adopted as it was not passed as a circular. He said the Royal Commission would forward a new circular that would deal with what has been perceived as exorbitant spending by some. SITEKI Its good news for Tinkhundla centre suppliers! Payment for goods supplied to or services rendered to Tinkhundla centres will now be processed expeditiously. However, for this to be a reality, Tinkhundla centres would have to file invoices from suppliers with the treasury within 30 days from date of delivery of goods/services. This was said by Principal Accountant Robinson Mkhaliphi, during an induction workshop for Lubombo politicians held at Siteki Hotel yesterday. Any invoice that would be submitted after 30 days would be rejected by the treasury, Mkhaliphi warned the politicians. He later explained to this reporter that the decision to fast track payment of suppliers was aimed at ensuring that companies which supply Tinkhundla centres were not killed by huge debts. These companies are greatly inconvenienced when they are not paid on time. Some have loans with creditors which they have to pay back and the delays profoundly affect their sustainability, he stated. invoices He further explained that the late submission of invoices by Tinkhundla centres created challenges for the treasury department when it verified the authenticity of the invoices. He said previously, some invoices would be submitted by Tinkhundla centres after six months from the date of delivery of goods/services. As such, he said it would be difficult to verify the authenticity of the invoices and to also ascertain if the goods were delivered. Asked when government had instructed the treasury to process invoices submitted only within 30 days, Mkhaliphi responded as follows: We were told recently about this. On another note, Mkhaliphi implored Tinkhundla centres to have procurement plans. He also urged Tinkhundla secretaries to always draft minutes of resolutions and any other decision taken by Tinkhundla committees with regard to purchasing. He said this would help the Tinkhundla centres during audits. When goods are delivered, please sign and confirm receipt of the goods. And if the goods are not enough, return them to the supplier. Do not accept goods that you did not order, further warned Mkhaliphi. Meanwhile, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David Cruiser Ngcamphalala urged politicians from the Lubombo region to work together towards developing their constituencies. developed You are to serve and treat equally all communities within your constituencies. You are also urged to ensure that all communities are developed, leaving no one behind, stated the minister. He further urged the politicians to be always available and willing to meet the developmental demands of their communities. The minister explained to the politicians that the significance of the workshop was to clarify their roles and responsibilities, as they officially begin their term in office. During the workshop, there were different speakers who made various presentations but which all touched on development and the role of each of the politicians in driving development in their constituencies. Linfirmerie monegasque ne desemplit pas, bien au contraire. Kevin NDoram (22 ans) sest blesse au genou, ce vendredi. Dapres le site officiel de lASM, le milieu de terrain souffre dune entorse interne du genou gauche . La duree de son indisponibilite na pour linstant pas ete communiquee. Elle pourrait etre de plusieurs semaines. Fifteen statues made by the Chinese artist Xu Hongfei will decorate Pier I of Thessaloniki port in northern Greece between December 17 and December 24, as part of Culture Week and a worldwide tour of the artist's sculpture exhibition, which will begin in Thessaloniki, ANA reports. The initiative for organising Culture Week was undertaken by the Union of Chinese Traders in Greece. The artist, along with the mayor of Guangzhou city - the second largest city in the planet with a population exceeding 26.5 million residents - will visit Thessaloniki during that period. Xu Hongfei is the head of the sculpture academy in Guangzhou. He has exhibited his works, among others, in Australia, the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey, Peru and Colombia, while the most representative element of his work is his exploration of the female figure. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: flickr.com Greece will be able to meet its fiscal target for a primary surplus of 3.5% of GDP even without the pension cuts The Euro Working Group has given the green light over the Greek governments decision to not slash pensions, according to sources cited by protothema.gr The same sources noted that there was no objection to the recommendation that Greece will be able to meet its fiscal target for a primary surplus of 3.5% of GDP even without the pension cuts. According to media reports by the Athens News Agency, the Eurozone finance ministry officials were overall positive to the current Euro Working Group over the Greek budget and the European Commissions suggestion that Greece will achieve the primary surplus of 3.5% in 2019, without the need to cut pensions. According to the well-informed source, the positive measures included in the Greek budget are in their nature growth-oriented. According to the same source, the ultimate decision will be taken at the December Eurogroup, where all the budgets of the Eurozone member states will be discussed together with the official recommendations of the Commission scheduled to be published on November 21st. 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: User:Verdy p License: CC-BY-SA Piraeus Bank is the only bank in Greece with an ISO 9001:2015 certification on the management of community farm support to producers Piraeus Bank won an international tender for the management and financing of the Agricultural Products Guarantee Special Account of the Agricultural Development and Food ministry, according to ANA. In an announcement, the bank cited this strategic agreement that confirmed Piraeus Bank's active support to the primary sector of the economy and the farm community of the country. The project is related with financing worth up to 2.5 billion euros annually by 2022 and its goal is the timely payment of agricultural support envisaged in the Common Agricultural Policy. 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: Erud License: CC-BY-SA During his stay in Athens, Hollande will meet with Greek President Prokopios Pavlopoulos and will visit the refugee hosting facility in Eleonas accompanied by Migration Policy Minister Dimitrris Vitsas "I am coming to Greece to congratulate Greece for its success after so many years of austerity," former French President Francois Hollande, stressed in an interview with "Ta Nea" newspaper on Thursday, according to ANA. I want to reaffirm my and France's commitment to the Greek people. 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: Unknown License: CC-BY-SA Instead of using lamb, he prepares the classic Greek dish with grouse, a pricey game bird native to Scotland and North America, which he describes as delicious Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has unveiled his favourite meal is his own special version of the popular Greek dish, Moussaka, which he has named Groussaka, greekcitytimes.com reports. Instead of using lamb, he prepares the classic Greek dish with grouse, a pricey game bird native to Scotland and North America, which he describes as delicious. The heir to the throne made the statement in the latest edition of the Peoples Publication, Country Life, which he edited to celebrate his milestone 70th birthday. I invented a grouse one recently, coq au vin with grouse, as well as moussaka with grouse. It doesnt always have to be lamb in other words, Groussaka! the Prince noted. The exact recipe was not revealed in the publication, nevertheless, it would be similar to the technique of the Greek traditional Moussaka, with one ingredient swapped. Grouse is not a meat to be found in the supermarket, as shooting the wild birds could cost around 10,000 per shot. Charles also revealed his second favourite meal which is a dessert - the pheasant crumble pie. Royal fans have taken to Twitter to express their reactions of the intriguing dish and word, with one follower saying they they think, we should have a referendum on whether the word Groussaka should be officially included in the English language and another commenting, Prince Charles food taste is so out of reach of ordinary folk that even Google search cant predict moussaka with grouse when youve typed the entire search term #groussaka. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report The 17th Ministerial Conference on the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program was held in Ashgabat. The meeting brought together representatives of the Central Asian countries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the IMF, the CAREC Institute and the European Union. The Conference noted the improvement in the economic and trade sphere in the CAREC region as a whole, the dynamics of which, according to the ADB forecasts, will continue. Speakers also stressed that the economies of the CAREC countries adequately responded to the external challenges, having demonstrated resilience. They noted that strengthening of relations between the countries of the region and creation of a favorable environment for enhanced economic cooperation would open up new prospects for development of trade in the region. The conference participants witnessed the signing of two documents, such as the Agreement on strengthening the national power supply network of Turkmenistan and the Agreement on connecting Tajikistan to the Central Asian energy system. The implementation of these agreements will be funded by the Asian Development Bank. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 This month countries from around the world gather in Egypt for the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP-14) under the UN Biodiversity Convention. While important success stories have emerged over the years in sustaining biodiversity and the communities that rely on ecosystems for their livelihoods, the big picture remains a troubling one. Signs indicate that we have entered the sixth mass extinction in the Earths history, triggered by humanitys ever-expanding footprint on forests, wetlands, rivers, oceans and other critical ecosystems. COP14 will focus on ways to accelerate results under the Biodiversity Convention and to synergize with broader challenges of poverty eradication, gender equality, sustainable growth and other priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the first biodiversity COP to be hosted in the Middle East, an equally critical issue will be the role of biodiversity and ecosystems in countries affected by crisis and displacement. This will be a central part of the debate at the 2018 Arab Sustainable Development Week, being convened in Egypt by the League of Arab States in parallel to COP14. A key question in focus - how can solutions for biodiversity and ecosystems resilience also help achieve crisis prevention and recovery goals? Growing fragility of land, water and other ecosystems is deepening social vulnerability across the region, in some cases exacerbating local conflict and internal displacement. Meanwhile, communities seeking to recover from conflict face ecosystems and natural resources that have become degraded from the toxic impacts of war. To help communities and ecosystems recover, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expanded its cooperation across the region. This builds on UNDPs role as the United Nations largest provider of grant assistance for climate change, energy and the environment in the region, with over $500 million of ongoing grant projects in the region today, of which $200 million directed at areas impacted by conflict and displacement. As expressed in a new UNDP report launched during COP14, SDG Achievement in Crisis Contexts: Climate Change, Energy and Nature-Based Solutions in the Arab Region, expanding green solutions under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is seen not as an end in itself, but as an enabler of crisis prevention and recovery. In Somalia for example, acacia ecosystems have been a basis for fodder and livelihoods in pastoral communities for many years, with drought-tolerant species of trees helping to moderate impact of extreme climate events. Unfortunately, these ecosystems have become decimated owing to the conversion of acacia into charcoal for export, a trade which has been an important source of finance for the Al Shabab terrorist group. Security Council Resolution 2036 (2012) was issued to ban the Somali charcoal trade, but few results have been seen to date. To promote resilience of both nomadic communities and acacia ecosystems, UNDP, UN Environment and the Food and Agriculture Organization are undertaking a Programme for Sustainable Charcoal Reduction and Alternative Livelihoods to halt loss of livelihoods and biodiversity, generate alternative sources of energy, increase food insecurity and reforest degraded areas. In Jordan, local communities host over one million Syrian refugees, accounting for about 20% of the countrys population and generating new strains on the economy. This also has implications on critical watersheds and groundwater systems, many of which are in proximity to refugee camps and host communities. To help address the challenge and others, the Jordan Response Plan (2017-2019) was enacted in cooperation with the UN and other development partners. Within the overall framework, the work supports design of a dedicated pillar on the environment, with over $10 million of activities planned by the Government to mainstream ecosystem resilience and conservation into the management of refugee host communities, and to use strategic environmental assessment tools to identify and manage ecosystem risks. Neighbouring Lebanon has likewise been hosting over one million Syrian refugees, accounting for about 25% of the national population. Communities in the northern Bekaa Valley of Lebanon have hosted a large number of Syrian refugees in recent years. Within the valley, pressures have been identified in the Qaraoun catchment area, which serves as a critical source of water for food production, ecosystem services, and as a home for endangered species. The ability of the catchment to sustain these functions is increasingly at risk owing to accelerating land degradation resulting from the crisis. To help address these issues, UNDP implements a Sustainable Land Management programme to address the main causes of land degradation such as deforestation, excessive firewood collection and overgrazing. The programme helps develop the capacity of partners for sustainable use of forest and rangeland areas, and multi-sector platforms to mainstream ecological sustainability within local development plans and investments, and the use of strategic environmental assessments to inform preventive action. As countries move forward on the outcomes of the biodiversity COP14 conference, local communities face growing levels of complexity, with converging risks from ecological change, conflict and displacement. Taking action on biodiversity requires a shift beyond sectoral, linear solutions, towards integrated approaches that engage the multi-dimensional nature of development today. Through our expanding cooperation across the Arab region, UNDP helps partners design ecologically resilience approaches to crisis prevention and recovery, with benefits for both people and planet. This post was orignally published on the UNDP Arab States Region Newborns Deena and Hayam take a nap at a collective centre for multiple displaced Yemeni families on the outskirts of Sana'a, after being displaced from their home by fighting, April 2018. UNHCR/Shabia Mantoo UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, echoes the calls, made by the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen and the Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator this week, for parties to the conflict to show continued restraint in Yemen and for the implementation of a cessation of hostilities. UNHCR remains particularly concerned for civilians in Yemen and continues to urge all parties to do their utmost to protect civilians, including those displaced and fleeing for safety. UNHCR is very saddened by reports of the deaths of nine civilians in Al Garrahi district in Al Hudaydah governorate earlier this week, who were trying to flee for safety. The conflict in Yemen has taken a disproportionate toll on the civilian population and we continue to urge all parties to the conflict to ensure adherence to the obligations enshrined under International Humanitarian Law. UNHCR also continues to appeal for the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need and the protection of humanitarian infrastructure. With almost four years of war resulting in the worlds largest humanitarian crisis, UNHCR reiterates that only a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen can halt further suffering. For more information on this topic, please contact: The city of Boa Vista in northern Brazil, near the border with Venezuela, was different from what 18-year-old Jefferson* expected after leaving his home country due to the lack of food and job opportunities. Since 2015, 2.3 million people have left Venezuela. Over 150,000 Venezuelans have entered Brazil through the remote northern state of Roraima, and more than 65,000 requested asylum thus far. In Boa Vista there were no stable jobs and the shelter was crowded, Jefferson says. Two months later, thanks to a government-led voluntary relocation programme that operates with the support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and other UN entities, he landed in Sao Paulo. Since April 2018, the Brazilian government has transferred some 3,000 Venezuelans from strained border areas in the north to other cities offering better opportunities for integration, such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia. Jefferson had heard all kinds of stories about how huge and dangerous Sao Paulo was. Instead, the city turned out to be very welcoming to him and to hundreds of other Venezuelans on the move. All Venezuelans want is an opportunity to work, to show their potential. Jefferson is now living in better conditions at the temporary shelter of Sao Mateus, a public shelter exclusively hosting Venezuelans managed by the municipality. In less than three months, after learning some Portuguese and attending a vocational course from the municipality, Jefferson got hired at McDonalds and is now able to send money back to his family in Venezuela. Very soon, he will leave the shelter for a longer-term residence. He is thankful to Brazil: All Venezuelans want is an opportunity to work, to show their potential. See also: UNHCR chief calls for regional response to Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis Jeffersons manager at the restaurant, Jorge Luis da Silva, has had a very positive experience adding Venezuelans to his team. He decided to hire Jefferson and other three Venezuelans because they work well, are dedicated and inspire the team. They serve as an incentive for other workers to be dedicated, they are an example, says the manager. Innovative initiatives set up in Brazil by the public sector involving the federal government, state and municipalities in collaboration with private companies, UNHCR and local partners are promoting access to the labour market for Venezuelan refugees and migrants in diverse economic activities, such as industry, services, retail, construction and farming. Asylum-seeker Rolando, 25, from Venezuela works as general services assistant at Petshop Cia da Terra in Brasilia, Brazil. UNHCR/Victoria Hugueney Jefferson, 18, (right) from Venezuela at the McDonald's where he now works in Sao Paulo, Brazil. UNHCR/Miguel Pachioni Francis, from Venezuela, working at an interactive kiosk called "I Am Refugee," during the Sao Paulo Biennial of Arts. UNHCR / Miguel Pachioni Francis* has only been in Sao Paulo for two months after relocating with the help of the federal government and she already has a job. She assists at an interactive kiosk called I Am Refugee, where visitors of the Sao Paulo Biennial of Arts learn about refugees living in Brazil. Francis children Jorge, 10, and Emily, 2 stayed in Venezuela with their grandparents. She dreams about the possibility of bringing the family to Sao Paulo so that her parents can age with dignity and her children can enjoy better schooling opportunities like art classes. "A refugee is someone who wants an opportunity to rebuild his life and Brazil is a beautiful land where we hope to repay everything we have received, Francis says. They serve as an incentive for other workers to be dedicated, they are an example. General Motors values diversity in its workforce and knows that hiring refugees and migrants is good for business. We have noticed that the arrival of refugees and migrants has brought about a different dynamic in the departments they work for, says GM human resources manager Priscilla Barros. People have been supporting each other more and are working with enthusiasm. When people work in an environment where they feel welcome, they bring better results to the company. Angel* is one of GMs new hires. In Venezuela, he used to be a chef. Since August, he has been working as tinsmith in the car assembly line. Now that he has a stable job, Angel hopes to bring his two sons to Sao Paulo. Maybe even have one of them work at the same company, he says. His oldest son, Daniel, 21, was studying electrical engineering in Venezuela, but he had to quit because of the lack of teachers and transportation options. Angel has just moved from the Sao Mateus public shelter to an apartment with other three Venezuelans who are now able to afford rent and hope to bring their families to Brazil soon. Angel misses his home country. He is grateful that other countries in the region, like Brazil, are hosting Venezuelans. What is happening there could happen in any other country of the world, he says. It's great to feel that they accept us and to see that we can be part of the future of the country. Through the relocation programme, Rolando* and his family wife and two daughters settled in Brazils capital, Brasilia, in July 2018. In Venezuela, Rolando was a mechanic technician in port operations. When he first arrived in Boa Vista, in northern Brazil, he worked as a bricklayer and a car washer. Job opportunities expanded when he got to Brasilia. By participating in an employment programme supported by UNHCR and its local partners, Rolando received three job offers and decided to work at Cia da Terra, a pet shop chain. "I already see Brazil as my second home, he says. It's great to feel that they accept us and to see that we can be part of the future of the country. The pet shop owner, Priscilla Davis, was moved when she saw on TV that so many Venezuelans were arriving in Brasilia. See also: Vulnerable Venezuelans find help in Colombia We know that Brazil is far from perfect, but I figured that if these people were leaving their homes, families and everything else behind, then the situation in their country must be really unsustainable, she says. Its clear that they would need jobs to be able to carry on. Priscilla was planning on hiring two people as general service assistants in her pet shop. She was delighted with the proactivity, commitment and joy all Venezuelans showed during the job interviews. At the end of the selection process, she ended up hiring three Venezuelans. "We are a team, Priscilla adds. When a new person arrives with willpower, expressing joy for being there, in a different country, that touches everyone in company it ends up motivating everyone. I'm undoubtedly coming out of here much more motivated than when I arrived. For Rolando, his main motivation is his children: I already did what I had to do. I studied and achieved many good things in Venezuela. Now, my dreams are the dreams of my children. *Surnames removed for protection reasons. Syrian teenager Odai* holds up a pair of spectacles held together by sticky tape. They belong to his friend Farshid*, who is leaving Athens in a few days to reunite with his family in Austria. My teachers said maybe I can help fix them, the 14-year-old tells UNHCR. He says he will try to make a new arm for his compatriots glasses on a machine he has helped to build. This is no ordinary contraption, and his teachers include highly skilled technicians working at one of the worlds leading universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. Behind Odai, on a table full of laptops, others are completing work on the device, made up of electronics components, plastic filament, a ceramic platform and a metal frame. Moments later the machine, a 3D printer, comes to life and starts to create its first three-dimensional object, a disc with logo. It is quite an achievement for children who knew almost nothing about electronics, computers or design before attending the Digital Design Fabrication Workshop, but even more remarkable is how this two-week project backed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, galvanized and transformed those taking part. More than 20 asylum-seeker children from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, aged from nine to 17, took part in the intensive course, organized by the MIT D-Lab and a local NGO, Faros, a UNHCR partner. It included vulnerable unaccompanied children such as Odai and Farshid. You can see how creative they are. Dan Biswas, co-founder of Faros, says most had been starved of an education because of conflict and, after a slow start, they were hooked by the classes and the idea of creating something that they could be proud of. Most attended every session, morning and afternoon, hungry for knowledge. Lunch was an interruption. With a little bit of push and nurturing, we see that they can really flourish and recognize their own worth and potential, says Biswas, who hosted the training in a spacious renovated building in the run-down Exarcheia district, a hive of creativity. Faros also runs a shelter for unaccompanied children nearby, where many of those taking part lived. Others came from accommodation sites. A three-dimensional model made during the digital design workshop for unaccompanied minors given by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's D-Lab and organised by the Greek NGO Faros with the support of UNHCR. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Dan Biswas (left), co-founder of the NGO Faros, trainer Roy Ombatti (centre) and Heewon Lee from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's D-Lab discuss plans for the 3D workshop. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis An unaccompanied minor uses a 3D printer during the Digital Design Fabrication Workshop. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Teenaged asylum-seekers attend the 3D building workshop. Most attended every session, morning and afternoon, hungry for knowledge. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Fourteen year-old Odai*, who fled war-torn Syria, attends the 3D printing workshop in Athens organised by the NGO Faros with the support of UNHCR. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Hopefully they will continue these programmes. You can see how creative they are, says Heewon Lee, a designer at MIT D-Lab. The course also taught basic computer skills, programming and software as well as how to use hand tools such as soldering irons, screwdrivers, wire cutters and files. They made something cool." Roy Ombatti, trainer and founder of African Born 3D, an affiliate of the D-Lab, was also impressed. Its a mindset change for them. Its very empowering. We broke down something that seems so complex. The boys taking part built friendships with the tutors as well as with their fellow students, despite different origins and languages. They opened up and were telling us about their stories, Heewon says. They didnt want to go home at the end of the day. Its a very good feeling, and you share this with your friends. The project is based on a three-step approach bring them in, keep them in (with projects like the 3D printer) and, eventually, send them out to school, internships, employment and the like. Using this formula, Faros also runs popular carpentry and tailoring courses. The 3D printer is a manufacturing tool that can be used to create anything, according to the tutors. For boys who have lost so much, it is a topic of endless discussion. A few days earlier, they had never heard of such a machine, which takes a design created on a computer then, using plastic or organic material, builds layers to create an object. The applications are as wide as the imagination and the technology is being used in areas ranging from manufacturing, health care and chemistry to architecture, art and design. Some companies even use 3D printers to create more 3D printers. Odai, who fled violence in Damascus, feels much more confident after this experience. Its a very good feeling, and you share this with your friends, says the teenager. In the end, Odai did not have enough time to make an arm for Farshids glasses, but he had made friends and acquired a thirst for knowledge that could help him in the future. His ambitions have also grown. Maybe I can become a teacher and build something much bigger, he says. * Names have been changed for protection reasons. Assanges lawyer suggests Ecuador may be planning extradition under deal with UK, US Quito, Nov 16 (Sputnik) Carlos Poveda, the lawyer of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, told Sputnik that Ecuador might extradite his client, suggesting Quito might have reached an agreement for this with London and Washington. "There has been a rapprochement between the United Kingdom, the United States and Ecuador. I believe that [Washington, London and Quito] have reached some agreement and that is exactly why the special protocol [on home rules] was introduced, which is to justify Julians withdrawal [from the embassy], to accelerate the process of ending his asylum and hand him over to the UK authorities," Poveda said on Thursday. The lawyer suggested that Washington planned to impose a 'grave' charge on Assange. Australia moves WTO against India over subsidy to sugar industry Sydney, Nov 16 (UNI) Australia has moved the World Trade Organisation against India over its sugar subsidy scheme. Australia has submitted a "counter-notification" to the WTO which will be discussed by the Committee on Agriculture on November 26 in Geneva. If that fails, the next step would be a formal dispute action. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said despite efforts to negotiate with his Indian counterpart Suresh Prabhu, he was left with no option but to resort to the World Trade Organisation when Indias Trade Minister Suresh Prabhu refused to budge, reports Farm Online. East Africa bloc hails lifting of sanctions on Eritrea NAIROBI, Nov 16 (Xinhua) East African bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on Friday welcomed the decision by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to lift the arms embargo and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea nine years ago. IGAD executive secretary Mahboub Maalim also lauded regional leaders in general, and Eritrea in particular for all the efforts that helped UNSC to lift the sanctions. Maalim said the historic normalization of the relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea is going to have a very positive ramification in the region in terms of cooperation and also towards peace, security and stability. New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) A two-day Energy Summit that began here in the national capital on Tuesday, focused on reduction of carbon dioxide emission and cleaner uses of coal, a crucial domestic fossil fuel, if used intelligently, could help secure energy security. As we plan to bring in more alternative power in the Indian energy mix, it demands a need to create a balance in energy production through efficient but cleaner conventional power sources such as hydro and gas which are traditionally cleaner sources of energy, said Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla. However, these needed a push as they currently did not meet the required capacity requirements, he added. Thus coal based plants, which is a cheaper source of energy, continued to be in the power mix and this balance was being maintained by supplying the incremental power through alternative source of cleaner energy such as solar, he said. The 12th India Energy Summit 2018, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), provided a platform to the participants from the Energy industry to deliberate and exchange ideas on affordable and accessible power as well as smart integration of renewable energy, development of gas based transportation systems, pipeline grid and city gas distribution system. Speaking at the summit, Anil Razdan, Former Power Secretary, and Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee on Energy said, The Energy Summit is being held in the backdrop of India well on track to meet its green house gas (GHG) emissions intensity to GDP international commitment at Paris, and also in respect of non fossil fuel generating capacity, particularly in Solar PV. However, domestic manufacture of solar equipment is meeting a stiff challenge from imports." He said there was a strong commitment and action to meet the almost two decade old resolve to achieve 100 per cent electrification of villages and households. The health of the electricity distribution sector at the state level continues to be a cause of major concern. The conference was also addressed by Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NTPC. The conference saw participation from major states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. UNI JAL-DJK SHK1854 TMC candidate of Tripura civic poll faces gun attack 23 Nov 2021 | 12:17 PM Agartala, Nov 23 (UNI) A few hours after the assurance of no more violence by Union Home Minister Amit Saha to Trinamool congress parliamentarians, a group of miscreants attacked the house of TMC candidate of Ward No-1 of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Gouri Majumder last night and allegedly the attackers shot bullet on her but she escaped narrowly. see more.. Five members of a family killed as car falls from bridge in Dhanbad 23 Nov 2021 | 11:30 AM Dhanbad, Nov 23 (UNI) Five members of a family including two women and a child lost their lives as a car in which they were travelling fell from a bridge located on NH-2 under Govindpur Police Station area of this district on Tuesday morning. see more.. Arunachals active COVID-19 caseload reduce to 34 23 Nov 2021 | 10:43 AM Itanagar, Nov 23 (UNI) Persisting its diminishing trend, Arunachal Pradesh continues to see the single-day COVID-19 recoveries exceeding the daily fresh cases. see more.. Sikkim reports two fresh Covid cases 23 Nov 2021 | 9:58 AM Gangtok, Nov 23 (UNI) Sikkim has recorded two new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 32171, a Health Department official said on Tuesday. see more.. Lebanon's speaker proposes solution to break cabinet's deadlock BEIRUT, Nov 16 (Xinhua) Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Friday that he has proposed a solution to break the deadlock of government formation caused by a rift among political factions over representation. "I have proposed a solution to the crisis but I hope that they take it into account," he told Al Joumhouria, a local newspaper, in an interview, expressing hope that communications between various political parties would lead to positive results. Sunni lawmakers from outside Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's Future Movement have been demanding to be represented by at least one seat in the government but Hariri, backed by President Michel Aoun, refused the demand saying that the six Sunni lawmakers did not have the right of representation because they were not part of a unified parliamentary block. Kolkata, Nov 16 (UNI) Ambassador of Kenya to India Willy K. Bett has said Kenya offers excellent investment opportunities for Indian investors and his country is looking forward to cooperation from India in agriculture, food processing, healthcare, manufacturing and low-cost housing. Speaking at an interactive session at the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce here on Thursday, Mr Bett said Kenya had political stability and investors could take advantage of the underserved Kenyan market that had demand for Indian products and services which were of high quality but priced affordably. He said the spirit of cooperation fostered by the Prime Ministers of the two countries as well as the Indian diaspora in Kenya which is integrated in the economic and political streams of the country paved a bright future for the relationship of the two countries. Mr Bett said the Kenyan government was seeking investment in agriculture as its primary focus was ensuring food security for its people. In order to achieve this, it needed equipment to boost the yield of small farm holdings, and Indian companies had plenty of scope in the sector. Kenya welcomed investment opportunities both in the primary production of food and food processing, he added. Kenya is seeking funds for its healthcare system to offer medical facilities to a large number of people below poverty line. Therefore, Kenya wanted to emulate Indian model in order to reduce the cost of healthcare, he revealed. Mr Bett said that Kenya was grappling with unemployment and wanted to increase its manufacturing capacity, which was a very small fraction of its GDP. He invited the real estate developers with expertise in low-cost housing as Kenya needed one million homes. With its abundant wildlife, tourism is a premium product of the country, he added and urged Indian tourists to explore the huge tourism potential of Kenya. India is the third largest source of inbound tourists to Kenya. Over 60,000 Indian tourists visited Kenya in 2017. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched a marketing campaign in major Indian cities to increase tourist arrivals from India. Many Kenyans visit India for medical treatment. India was Kenyas largest trading partner in 2014-15 with bilateral trade of US $4.235 billion. However, for year 2016-17, bilateral trade was US $2.30 billion and for 2017-18, bilateral trade was US $2.05 billion. India was Kenyas largest trade partner, but the top position is now occupied by China. While India - Kenyan business takes place on B2B basis, China and Kenya operate also on a government to government basis, apart from following the B2B model. The balance of trade between the two countries is heavily tilted in Indias favour. India and Kenya have discussed ways to reduce the Kenyan trade deficit to make economic relations more comprehensive. Pulses are a high potential export item from Kenya to India. Lines of credit are available to support trade and more lines of credit are being opened. The Treasury of Kenya and EXIM Bank of India are cooperating in this regard, Mr Bett said. Main Indian exports to Kenya include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, yarn, vehicles, and power transmission equipment. Kenyan exports to India mainly include soda ash, vegetables, tea, leather and metal scrap. According to the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), India is the second largest investor in Kenya. Over 60 major Indian companies have invested in various sectors including manufacturing, real estate, pharmaceuticals, telecom, IT and ITES, banking and agro-based industries. UNI AND SJC BM New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) Minister for Public Service and Good Governance, Law and Justice in the Tanzania Government (Zanzibar), Haroun Ali Suleiman called on Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh here on Thursday and discussed Indias experience with good practices in governance as well as possibilities of exchange programmes at academic level with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and other Indian institutions, a release by the Ministry of personnel said on Friday.. Extending a warm welcome to Mr Haroun Suleiman and his delegation, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that India shared a traditionally friendly relationship with Tanzania right from the time of President Mr Julius Nyerere. He said that because of these common linkages of legacy, it is far much easier to expect a successful engagement between the two countries. Dr Singh referred to the visit to Tanzania by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July, 2016 and pointed out the special emphasis given by the Government to the relations with the African countries. During the half-an-hour interaction, Mr Suleiman expressed keenness for further and deeper engagement with India in the fields of civil services and governance. He proposed to Dr Singh the desirability of arranging visits by civil servants from Tanzania to India, so that they could enrich themselves from the vast experience of the Indian Administrative Service. Dr Singh informed his Tanzanian counterpart that the Union Ministry of Personnel is already engaged in such exchange programmes with several countries . In response to Mr Suleiman's request for the visits of Indian faculty to his country, Dr Singh said, a group of officers can be assigned to work out this arrangement. For this purpose, he said, the representatives from Ministry of External Affairs will also be involved. UNI AR ADG 1923 UN sees rare victory for humanitarian diplomacy in Syria United Nations, Nov 16 (UNI) Following successful delivery of lifesaving aid to tens of thousands of displaced Syrians in the desolate area around Rukban camp last week, the United Nations is working urgently to send another convoy of supplies by mid-December, Jan Egeland, Senior Advisor to the UN Special Envoy on Yemen said. Mr Egeland painted a harrowing picture of the situation in the desert region, where the UN has been trying to reach 40,000 to 50,000 since early this year. Calling it one of the most 'desolate places on earth', he said that between 3 and 8 November, 78 trucks were able to navigate through 'some of the most dangerous areas of Syria,' to deliver food, health and sanitary items, and water purification for all the population for at least a month, United Nations news said. At the same time, he said "despite some rare moments of feeling that we achieved, through humanitarian diplomacy, what we have so many times before failed to," he had learned of the 'horrific protection challenges' people living inside the camp close to the border with Jordan, faced during a meeting of the UN-backed Humanitarian Task Force in Geneva. Reports: International Students Contribute to Wyoming Economy UW graduate student Dilnoza Khasilova, of Uzbekistan, takes part in the universitys annual UW international student fashion and talent show. (UW Photo) International students enrolled at the University of Wyoming and the states community colleges contributed an estimated $25.8 million to Wyomings economy during the past year, according to new national reports. The reports from the Institute of International Education (IIE) and NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, show 1,105 international students studying or gaining practical experience in Wyoming, supporting 224 jobs. The economic contributions of international students are in addition to the immeasurable academic and cultural value these students bring to our campuses and local communities, IIE says. Some 904 international students and scholars attended UW, contributing an estimated $21.4 million to the states economy and supporting 203 jobs, according to the report. Next was Northwest College in Powell, with 67 international students contributing $1.5 million to the state economy and supporting seven jobs. The states other community colleges also enrolled international students. UWs strategic plan, Breaking Through: 2017-2022, calls for the university to increase its enrollment of international students to 1,050 by 2022. Thats part of the strategy to boost UWs overall enrollment to 13,500 from 12,450 this fall. While welcoming international students here at UW certainly has economic value, the presence of the worlds best and brightest students here in Wyoming enriches our community by bringing new perspectives and experiences that add immeasurable value to us all, says Tony Ogden, UWs new associate vice provost for global engagement. NAFSA conducts an annual state-by-state and congressional district analysis of the economic contributions of international students and their families to the U.S. economy. The latest analysis finds that the total number of international students in the U.S. increased by 1.5 percent to 1.094 million in 2017-18, while the number of first-time international students decreased by 6.6 percent. The total economic contribution of international students was $39 billion, supporting 455,622 jobs. By comparison, the number of international students in Wyoming decreased by 4.3 percent from the year before. The number of international students choosing to study in Wyoming has been decreasing for some time, Ogden says. We are taking some major steps here at UW to boost our international student outreach. Meanwhile, the number of Wyoming and U.S. students studying abroad continues to increase. Some 470 UW students participated in education abroad in the past academic year, up from 395 the year before, a 16 percent increase. Nationally, the number of students studying abroad grew by 2.3 percent in 2016-17, the latest reporting year, to 332,727. National figures show that 11 percent of all undergraduates study abroad during their degree programs, and nearly 65 percent participate in short-term programs. UWs strategic plan calls for the university to have 600 students involved in education abroad by 2022. It is essential that we graduate students who have experience in the world and understand the international dimensions of their chosen disciplines, Ogden says. This will support their future study, career readiness and engagement as global citizens. UW Breaks Ground for Science Initiative Facility Gov. Matt Mead, center, with former Gov. Dave Freudenthal at his left, listen during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UW Science Initiative facility. (UW Photo) University of Wyoming and state elected officials broke ground today (Friday) for a new facility that will enable world-class research and education in pillars of Wyomings present and future economy. The Science Initiative facility will contain a 200-seat active-learning classroom, along with state-of-the-art research and laboratory space to support scientific imaging, biological and greenhouse research. The initiative emphasizes collaboration among multiple disciplines by assembling researchers into a single complex with shared instrumentation, technical support and collaboration spaces. This is a great day for Wyoming and the university, said state Senate President Eli Bebout, one of the speakers during the groundbreaking ceremony, who described the project as something we can all be proud of. He and other speakers noted that the Science Initiative and the new facility are products of years of effort by UW faculty members, university leaders and state officials to lift UW scientific research and education. Gov. Matt Mead, who in 2014 appointed the Wyoming Governors Top-Tier Science Programs and Facilities Task Force -- which developed the Science Initiative plan along with a team of UW science faculty members -- credited the enthusiasm and collaboration of UW faculty members for making the building project happen. This will be a world-class place to learn science a place second to none, said the governor, who noted the Science Initiatives efforts to change the way science is taught in the state through active learning and mentoring. Former Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who co-chaired the Wyoming Governors Top-Tier Science Programs and Facilities Task Force, said the Science Initiative and the new facility will open the door to new technologies and businesses that will allow more of Wyomings young people to stay in the state for their careers. This will make a difference, Freudenthal said. The idea is that whatever careers our children and grandchildren choose, theyll have the opportunity do it here. Vice President for Research and Economic Development Ed Synakowski said the new facility will help attract the best and brightest students and faculty members to UW. UW and state leaders turn ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt for the new Science Initiative facility. (UW Photo) This will create a hub of activity that is unsurpassed, he said. It will be a true research and education engine for all of Wyoming. UW President Laurie Nichols described the new facility as an anchor for the universitys growing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) corridor for research and education. It will launch a new generation of research in life and data science and a new era for science education in Wyoming, she said. Among the others who turned the ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt were Board of Trustees President Dave True; Carol Brewer, co-chair of the Wyoming Governors Top-Tier Science Programs and Facilities Task Force; Trustee John McKinley; UW Vice President for Finance and Administration Neil Theobald; and botany Professor Greg Brown, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The $100 million project -- $85 million from state appropriations, $15 million from UW reserves -- is scheduled for completion in early 2021. Through life and data sciences research that impacts areas including mineral extraction, agriculture, tourism, resource management and high technology, the Science Initiative will have direct economic impact through efficient translation of ideas to the marketplace. Combined with the Tier-1 Engineering Initiative, the Science Initiatives multidisciplinary research will propel UW into national prominence as a center for economically driven, research-based education in science, engineering, technology and mathematics. UW Invests Further in Wind River Reservation Research, Economic Development The great-great grandson of the great Eastern Shoshone Chief Washakie has been selected to facilitate research partnerships between the University of Wyoming and the tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation. James Trosper, whose family roots also run deep within the Northern Arapaho tribe, is the new full-time director of UWs High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI). Trosper notes that Chief Washakie is quoted as saying, "I fought to keep our land, our water and our hunting grounds -- today, education is the weapon my people need to protect them." This is an exciting time to reflect on Chief Washakie's words, which serve as a reminder of the power education can bring to a people, Trosper says. Tribal lands can be protected and understood through education. HPAIRI is doing its part to ensure words become action. HPAIRI was established with the support of Wyoming's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in 2012 to facilitate a reciprocal relationship between the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone people of the Wind River Indian Reservation and UW. Today, HPAIRI serves as an information and research repository, and a facilitator for researchers interested in working on the reservation. It maintains a catalog of resources and research completed on the Wind River reservation and provides a campus voice for the tribes' interests. Additionally, HPAIRI has a physical presence at the university in UWs Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center. HPAIRI consults with researchers to clarify how working on tribal lands means conducting research in a manner reflective of tribal tradition and sovereignty. HPAIRI coordinates meetings with tribal elders and tribal leadership to approve proposed research; helps navigate data collection and dissemination in an appropriate manner; and works with tribes and researchers to address intellectual property rights and informed consent. The creation of a full-time director job and operating budget for HPAIRI positions the institute to grow and facilitate larger goals for the tribes and university, actively enabling research sovereignty on tribal lands for the benefit of Native peoples. UW Vice President for Research and Economic Development Ed Synakowski says the universitys investment in HPAIRI's sustainability is one more example of UWs commitment to research and economic development on the Wind River reservation. Research partnership between the Wind River reservation and the University of Wyoming has already been seen to enlarge and deepen our mutual understanding in areas ranging from natural science to matters of great cultural significance. It also can create a productive platform for increased economic development, Synakowski says. I am privileged and pleased to be engaged with HPAIRI as we continue to learn how to best work together, using research as a platform for education of all of our students and citizens. While Trosper is a direct descendant of Chief Washakie on his mothers side, he also is a descendant, on his fathers side, of Chief Friday, who was the leader of a band of Arapaho in the northern Colorado area. As a child, Friday was separated from his tribe, and he was taken to St. Louis to be educated. Upon reuniting with his tribe, he became a leader and was valued because of his ability to speak English and negotiate on behalf of the Arapaho. This ancestry positions Trosper well to advocate for education and facilitate research and economic development for both tribes on the Wind River reservation. He hopes to see the tribes, over time, reach out to HPAIRI and advocate for research needs on the reservation. Tribes benefit from a voice at the university. There is a growing priority to co-create research and education strategies on tribal lands, Trosper says. There is a strong correlation between community health and economic outcomes. Research is a tool that will enable tribes to become healthier and will help tribes reach their economic development potential. For more information, call Trosper at (307) 766-8967 or email jtrosper@uwyo.edu. The city of Marysville has added two privately owned pieces of property to its five-year recreation plan: The site of the demolished DTE Energy plant on the St. Clair River and the land parallel to the parking lot on River Road across from the Junction Buoy restaurant, which is adjacent to Marysville Park. The goals and objectives of the plan were modified to include acquiring the former DTE Energy site and the River Road property and to pay for the purchases through a combination of its shares of the St. Clair County park millage, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants and donations. It doesnt mean were going to turn them into parks, said Stefanie DeNardin, the citys recreation coordinator, addressing the city council at its regular meeting Nov. 12. We have plenty of parks. But this is a good thing to have in our back pockets. Mayor Dan Damman concurred. There is not a drawing of ladders and merry-go-rounds for the DTE site, Damman said. He explained that if either or both of the properties came up for sale, one method of purchasing them might involve a land conservancy stepping in and buying the land. The conservancy would then hold the land until the city or a private developer could raise the money necessary to purchase it. The city could seek the grants necessary to purchase it, Damman said, or let the conservancy hold it in trust for someone else. If it is not in the recreation plan, the city could not finance it that way, he said. The DTE site is 30 acres on the river owned by the Commercial Development Corporation out of St. Louis, Missouri, said City Manager Randy Fernandez. The River Road parcel is 3.5 acres and owned by the Winkle family, Fernandez said. No one spoke at the public hearing on the matter that took place Nov. 12. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Hayman made the motion to amend the recreation plan to include the acquisition of the two parcels, supported by council member Paul Wessel. Excellent job being visionary, said Hayman. You dont know whats going to happen out there. The city council voted unanimously to add the two parcels to the recreation plan. Jim Bloch is a freelance writer. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com. With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to update the House on our negotiations to leave the European Union. First, I want to pay tribute to my Rt Hon Friends the Members for Esher and Walton and Tatton. Delivering Brexit involves difficult choices for all of us. We do not agree on all of those choices but I respect their views and thank them sincerely for all that they have done. Mr Speaker, yesterday we agreed the provisional terms of our exit from the European Union, set out in the Draft Withdrawal Agreement. We also agreed the broad terms of our future relationship, in an Outline Political Declaration. President Juncker has now written to the President of the European Council to recommend that decisive progress has been made in the negotiations. And a special European Council will be called for Sunday 25th November. This puts us close to a Brexit deal. Mr Speaker, what we agreed yesterday was not the final deal. It is a draft treaty that means we will leave the EU in a smooth and orderly way on 29 March 2019 and which sets the framework for a future relationship that delivers in our national interest. It takes back control of our borders, laws and money. It protects jobs, security and the integrity of the United Kingdom. And it delivers in ways that many said could simply not be done. We were told that we had a binary choice between the model of Norway or the model of Canada. That we could not have a bespoke deal. But the Outline Political Declaration sets out an arrangement that is better for our country than both of these - a more ambitious free trade agreement than the EU has with any other country. And we were told we would be treated like any other third country on security co-operation. But the Outline Political Declaration sets out a breadth and depth of co-operation beyond anything the EU has agreed with any other country. So let me take the House through the details. First, on the Withdrawal Agreement, the full legal text has now been agreed in principle. It sets out the terms on which the UK will leave the EU in 134 days time on 29th March 2019. We have secured the rights of the more than three million EU citizens living in the UK, and around one million UK nationals living in the EU. We have agreed a time-limited implementation period that ensures businesses only have to plan for one set of changes. We have agreed Protocols to ensure Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. And we have agreed a fair financial settlement - far lower than the figures many mentioned at the start of this process. Mr Speaker, since the start of this process I have been committed to ensuring that our exit from the EU deals with the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. I believe this issue can best be solved through our future relationship with the EU. But the withdrawal agreement sets out an insurance policy should that new relationship not be ready in time at the end of the implementation period. I do not pretend that this has been a comfortable process or that either we or the EU are entirely happy with all of the arrangements that have been included within it. Of course this is the case this is an arrangement that we have both said we never want to have to use. But while some people might pretend otherwise, there is no deal which delivers the Brexit the British people voted for which does not involve this insurance policy. Not Canada +++. Not Norway for Now. Not our own White Paper. The EU will not negotiate any future partnership without it. As the House knows, the original proposal from the EU was not acceptable as it would have meant creating a customs border down the Irish Sea and breaking up the integrity of our United Kingdom. So last month, I set out for the House the four steps we needed to take. This is what we have now done and it has seen the EU make a number of concessions towards our position. First, the EU proposal for a Northern-Ireland only customs solution has been dropped and replaced by a new UK-wide temporary customs arrangement that protects the integrity of our precious Union. Second, we have created an option for a single time-limited extension of the Implementation Period as an alternative to bringing in the backstop. As I have said many times, I do not want to extend the Implementation Period and I do not believe we will need to do so. This is about an insurance policy. But if it happens that at the end of 2020 our future relationship is not quite ready - the UK will be able to make a choice between the UK-wide temporary customs arrangement or a short extension of the Implementation Period. Third, the Withdrawal Agreement commits both parties to use best endeavours to ensure this insurance policy is never used. And in the unlikely event that it is needed, if we choose the backstop, the Withdrawal Agreement is explicit that it is temporary and that the Article 50 legal base cannot provide for a permanent relationship. And there is also a mechanism by which the backstop can be terminated. Finally, we have ensured full continued access for Northern Irelands businesses to the whole of the UK internal market. Mr Speaker, the Brexit talks are about acting in the national interest - and that means making what I believe to be the right choices, not the easy ones. I know there are some who have said I should simply rip-up the UKs commitment to a backstop. But this would have been an entirely irresponsible course of action. It would have meant reneging on a promise made to the people of Northern Ireland during the Referendum campaign and afterwards that under no circumstances would Brexit lead to a return to the borders of the past. And it would have made it impossible to deliver a Withdrawal Agreement. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I have a responsibility to people in every part of our country and I intend to honour that promise. Mr Speaker, by resolving this issue, we are now able to move on to finalising the details of an ambitious future partnership. The Outline Political Declaration we have agreed sets out the basis for these negotiations and we will negotiate intensively ahead of the European Council to turn this into a full future framework. The Declaration will end free movement once and for all. Instead we will have our own new, skills-based, immigration system - based not on the country people come from, but on what they can contribute to the UK. The Declaration agrees the creation of a free trade area for goods, with zero tariffs, no fees, charges or quantitative restrictions across all goods sectors. No other major advanced economy has such an arrangement with the EU. And at the same time, we will also be free to strike new trade deals with other partners around the world. We have also reached common ground on a close relationship on services and investment, including financial services which go well beyond WTO commitments. The Declaration ensures we will be leaving the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. So we will decide how best to sustain and support our farms and our environment, and the UK will become an independent coastal state once again. We have also reached agreement on key elements of our future security partnership to keep our people safe. This includes swift and effective extradition arrangements as well as arrangements for effective data exchange on Passenger Name Records, DNA, fingerprints and vehicle registration data. And we have agreed a close and flexible partnership on foreign, security and defence policy. Mr Speaker, when I first became Prime Minister in 2016 there was no ready-made blueprint for Brexit. Many people said it could simply not be done. I have never accepted that. I have been committed day and night to delivering on the result of the referendum and ensuring the UK leaves the EU absolutely and on time. But I also said at the very start that withdrawing from EU membership after 40 years, and establishing a wholly new relationship that will endure for decades to come, would be complex and require hard work. I know its been a frustrating process it has forced us to confront some very difficult issues. But a good Brexit. A Brexit which is in the national interest is possible. We have persevered and have made a decisive breakthrough. Once a final deal is agreed, I will bring it to Parliament and I will ask MPs to consider the national interest and give it their backing. Voting against a deal would take us all back to square one. It would mean more uncertainty, more division, and a failure to deliver on the decision of the British people that we should leave the EU. If we get behind a deal, we can bring our country back together and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Mr Speaker, the British people want us to get this done. And to get on with addressing the other issues they care about. Creating more good jobs in every part of the UK and doing more to help families with the cost of living. Helping our NHS to provide first class care and our schools to give every child a great start in life. And focusing every ounce of our energy on building a brighter future for our country. So Mr Speaker, the choice is clear. We can choose to leave with no deal. We can risk no Brexit at all. Or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated. This deal. A deal that ends free movement takes back control of our borders, laws and money delivers a free trade area for goods with zero tariffs leaves the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy delivers an independent foreign and defence policy, while retaining the continued security co-operation to keep our people safe maintains shared commitments to high standards protects jobs honours the integrity of our United Kingdom and delivers the Brexit the British people voted for. I choose to deliver for the British people. I choose to do what is in our national interest. And I commend this Statement to the House. The Cabinet has just had a long, detailed and impassioned debate on the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the Outline Political Declaration on our future relationship with the European Union. These documents were the result of thousands of hours of hard negotiation by UK officials, and many, many meetings, which I and other ministers held with our EU counterparts. I firmly believe that the draft Withdrawal Agreement was the best that could be negotiated, and it was for the Cabinet to decide whether to move on in the talks. The choices before us were difficult, particularly in relation to the Northern Ireland backstop. But the collective decision of Cabinet was that the Government should agree the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the Outline Political Declaration this is a decisive step which enables us to move on and finalise the deal in the days ahead. These decisions were not taken lightly - but I believe it is a decision that is firmly in the national interest. When you strip away the detail, the choice before us is clear. This deal which delivers on the vote of the referendum, which brings back control of our money, laws and borders; ends free movement; protects jobs, security and our union; or leave with no deal; or no Brexit at all. I know that there will be difficult days ahead. This is a decision which will come under intense scrutiny and that is entirely as it should be and entirely understandable. But the choice was this deal, which enables us to take back control and to build a brighter future for our country, or going back to square one with more division, more uncertainty and a failure to deliver on the referendum. It is my job as Prime Minister to explain the decisions that the Government has taken and I stand ready to do that beginning tomorrow with a statement in Parliament. If I may end by just saying this. I believe that what I owe to this country is to take decisions that are in the national interest, and I firmly believe with my head and my heart that this is a decision which is in the best interests of our entire United Kingdom. A regional workshop on transit, held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 13 to 15 November 2018, gathered transit experts from Member Customs Administrations from East and South-East Europe, Central Asia and four Members of the Asia-Pacific region China, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan. A representative of the European Commission also attended the workshop and contributed to the discussions. The event was organized with the financial support of the Chinese Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF China) and was hosted by the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Regional Office for Capacity Building of the World Customs Organization (WCO). The workshop agenda covered all sections of the WCO Transit Guidelines launched in July 2017. A dedicated workshop session discussed transit by rail and the WCO initiatives in the area of Customs-Railways cooperation. In each workshop session, the WCO set the scene by presenting the guiding principles for the establishment of efficient and effective transit regimes as outlined in the various sections of the WCO Transit Guidelines and the participants shared and discussed good practices, challenges and measures for further improvement of the various aspects of transit. Highly informative presentations were delivered by the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank in its capacity as the Secretariat of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program and the Customs administrations of Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. The transit workshop for selected Members of the WCO Europe and Asia-Pacific regions was the fourth in a series of regional events organized by the WCO with the objective of promoting the implementation of the WCO Transit Guidelines and the establishment by Members of efficient and effective transit regimes in their territories. At the invitation of Trinidad and Tobagos Acting Comptroller of Customs, Ms. Kathy-Ann Matthews, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya visited Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 13 and 14 November 2018. This visit followed discussions on the Small Island Economies initiative at last weeks WCO Permanent Technical Committee meeting, and a presentation given by Dr. Mikuriya on the same topic on 6 November at the ACP Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, during a session chaired by H. E. Mr. Colin Connelly, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Mikuriyas visit to Port of Spain preceded the CARICOM Meeting of Ministers of Trade scheduled for 15 November. Secretary General Mikuriya met with Trinidad and Tobagos Customs management team to identify the current challenges faced by Small Island Economies, such as geographical difficulties in border management, insufficient infrastructure, focussing on revenue rather than on the multiplicity of Customs functions (protection of society, security, trade facilitation), as well as human resource challenges relating to training/capacity building, and the logistical difficulties of attending WCO meetings. The meeting explored possible solutions and opportunities to address these challenges, including accession to the Harmonized System (HS) Convention. Dr. Mikuriya also visited the port to view Customs operations, including the use of scanners, container examination and maritime operations. WCO Secretary General also met with Mr. Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and senior government officials including Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Industry, and National Security, as well as the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit. They all reaffirmed the important role played by Customs in facilitating and securing trade, and the need to enhance its capacity by resource allocation and a collaborative approach, with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, to intelligence-based risk management at borders. Dr. Mikuriya welcomed the Governments heightened awareness of, and support for Customs. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit 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. By Bill Hughes Nov. 15, 2018 | 07:12 PM | PADUCAH Retired McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden has found a new job - at the McCracken County Sheriff's Department. However, he will also be a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.Hayden retired June 30, and Detective Matt Carter was sworn in as the new sheriff. Carter ran unopposed and won his first term in office last week. Carter's move to sheriff had created an opening in the department, and his goal since day one has been to continue or increase vigorous drug enforcement in the county, so he needed a third drug detective.Prior to that, Carter and Hayden had both participated in meetings with Greg Bunch of the DEA, since the agency was opening a post of duty office in Paducah. When the DEA offered Carter the opportunity to have a Task Force Officer, he was excited about it, and the conversation turned to the possibility of Hayden coming out of retirement to take the job. At first, they both laughed about the idea, thinking it wouldn't happen, but then they began seriously considering it. So, Carter called Hayden and asked him about it.Carter said, "At first, he was a little skeptical on coming back, just because he was concerned about public perception. I assured him that that wasn't a concern of mine, because I felt like my duty and responsibility was to hire the most qualified person, and you know, I felt he had that, hands down."Carter said Hayden eventually accepted the offer and McCracken Fiscal Court unanimously hired Hayden as a detective.Carter said, "He was hired back, technically, as a detective with the sheriff's department in our drug division, but once all his clearance and paperwork is approved, he will be a TFO with DEA out of the sheriff's office."Hayden said he worked about 12 years in drug enforcement and led that unit before he became sheriff, so he's very familiar with the work."It's always been a problem for our area, and continues to be, so I think I'll be an asset. I certainly hope that I will, and I'll work hard at it," he added.Hayden said he'll be an employee of the sheriff's department but will also take direction from the local DEA office, depending on the specific investigation.Carter said TFOs are common at law enforcement agencies. The sheriff's department already has two detectives who are also TFOs for the U.S. Marshals Service.The presence of a TFO gives the county an employee with federal credentials, which can streamline investigations that cross jurisdictional lines.Hayden said, "Adding another full-time person concentrating on the drug problem, coupled with the fact that we're gonna be working directly with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency - the intelligence sharing, the resources that they have - it's a big boost for our efforts."Carter said the hire will actually save the county some money. Since Hayden is already trained, he has immediately started work, rather than a new recruit who has to be paid while attending the training academy. Plus, Hayden already has retiree benefits, so the county won't have to pay into a pension or insurance plan.The partnership with the DEA also provides, "just shy of $20,000 annually towards overtime," Carter said, which will offset that payroll expense.Carter and Hayden both said the notion that Hayden is, "double-dipping," is false. As a retiree, he cannot receive another pension with the department, and is able to work anywhere he wants. Carter said discussions with the DEA led to this position becoming available, and it just happened to be a great fit for Hayden.They both also mentioned that increased drug enforcement will affect everyone's safety, since many crimes they investigate are tied to illegal drugs.Hayden said he came back to work as a drug detective on November 6. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2018 | 05:48 PM | PADUCAH A McCracken County jury convicted a man last week on a terroristic threatening charge, but acquitted him on burglary and murder charges in a case where another man pulled the trigger. According to McCracken County Commonwealth's Attorney Dan Boaz, whose office prosecuted the case, twelve jurors deliberated for several hours last Friday, November 9 in the case of Robert Ingram. He was indicted on April 7 by a grand jury after he was released from a hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound. The charges stem from a home invasion incident on January 7. McCracken County Sheriff's detectives say Ingram contacted Eric Howard and threatened to assault him, then came to Howard's home with Toby Reed. Police say they kicked in the door of the home, but were shot by Howard. Reed died from his wounds, but Ingram recovered. Kentucky law (KRS 507.020) states that Ingram could be charged with murder if he, "wantonly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to another person and thereby causes the death of another person." Howard was not indicted by the grand jury in April because the sheriff's department indicated he was acting in self-defense. Testimony in the trial revealed that Ingram had lived at Howard's home at some point, and Boaz said that may have affected the verdict on the burglary charge. As for the acquittal, Boaz said the jurors had a wealth of information as they deliberated. Boaz said, "They know that case better than anybody. The people who were there, Eric Howard and Chris Ingram and Toby Reed, they know it too, but as far as the outsiders are concerned, those fourteen people (two were alternates) sat there and took notes and were engaged throughout the thirty-five hours of arguments and evidence. That's what it's all about, and that's another bedrock of our society, the jury trial." The recommended sentence for the terroristic threatening conviction is 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Ingram's sentencing is set for 9:00 am on January 7, 2019. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2018 | 04:09 PM | PADUCAH The Paducah Power System headquarters on Broadway will soon see major upgrades to the lobby. Andrea Underwood, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Paducah Power, told West Kentucky Star that the improvements will serve to increase security and make much needed updates. The result will be a safer environment for both customers and employees, as well as improving customer service. Underwood explained that while the current headquarters building has served Paducah Power well, they moved into the building in 1993, and times have changed, thus creating the need for the upgrades. She expects the work to begin on the project shortly after January 1st. During the construction, all customer service activity will be moved across the street to 1555 Broadway. The expected completion date is estimated to be in April of 2019. WKCTC ranked in top two for best associate degree colleges in Kentucky By The Associated Press Nov. 15, 2018 | 07:25 PM | FRANKFORT The Kentucky Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans labor unions from collecting mandatory dues from workers. Federal law requires labor unions to represent all workers in a bargaining unit, even workers who do not join the union. Most union contracts require all workers to pay a fee to help the union enforce the contract. But at least 28 states have passed laws exempting workers from these fees. None of those laws have been struck down by the courts. Kentucky's law went into effect in January 2017. Labor unions argued it violated the state's Constitutional ban on laws that unfairly target a specific group of people. But the court ruled the law is not discriminatory because it applies to all employers and employees, with a few exceptions. The rise of an international recovery advocacy movement is, country by country, expanding the physical, psychological, social, and political space in which long-term personal and family recovery can flourish. Earlier posts have highlighted such efforts in Canada, the UK, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and East Africa. Today, we explore recovery advocacy in the Republic of Ghana in West Africa. The Republic of Ghana, a nation of more than 25 million people and more than 40 languages, is located on West Africas Gulf of Guinea. Like countries around the world, Ghana has experienced significant alcohol and other drug problems. Rising from these problems has been a new generation of recovery activists addressing the needs of people seeking and in recovery from addiction. Leading this effort organizationally has been Recovery Africa, Inc., founded in 2014 after years of groundwork and support from the Hopeful Way Foundation and the sustained collaboration of people in recovery and professionals in the U.S. and Ghana. The Mission of Recovery Africa is to assist Ghana and other African countries in developing organizations that effectively address addiction to alcohol and other drugs across the arenas of prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Recovery Africa has supported the development of a residential treatment center (The House of St. Francis), a medical detox facility, four Oxford Houses (including one for women), and the expansion of recovery support groups, including AA and NA groups and approaches that draw more directly on African traditions. Recovery Africa has also helped create the Recovery Ghana Consortium, provided addiction-related training to medical and service professionals, and sponsored educational exchange visits to Ghana by students in recovery from other countries. Efforts are underway to encourage development of employee assistance programs within Ghanas growing commercial sector by linking businesses and recovery community organizations. All of these efforts have garnered support from the Government of Ghana. Support from the U.S. has been provided through relationships with Oxford House Inc., Faces and Voices of Recovery, Dot and John Mooney Foundation, and Healing Transitions as well as through visits by prominent U.S. recovery advocates. Recovery Africa sponsors an annual recovery walk each year to celebrate recovery, stir hope among those still suffering from addiction, reduce stigma, and offer living proof that recovery is real! All proceeds from the walk support Recovery Africas continued efforts in peer-to-peer recovery support, recovery-focused public education, and recovery advocacy. Ghanas first recovery walk was held in 2015, and more than 350 people participated in the 2018 walk held this past September in Accra with the theme United Against Stigma of SUDs (Substance Use Disorders). Included in the Recovery Walk were representatives from the Ghana Prison Service, Narcotics Control Board, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, National Commission for Civic Education, other Ghanaian non-profit organizations, and rehab centers that provide treatment and recovery services for the local recovery community as well as local schools, youth groups, and churches. Also participating was Recovery Africas primary partner Hopeful Way Foundation and a number of representatives from the American recovery advocacy movement. Videos of the 2018 Recovery March can be viewed by clicking HERE. If you would like to make a personal contribution to Recovery Africa to support the recovery advocacy work in Ghana, you may do so by clicking HERE. Even the smallest of donations will help expand needed recovery support resources. The images below convey the spirit of that event and some of the messages conveyed to those observing the walk or seen through quite extensive media coverage of the event. Acknowledgement: Thanks to Recovery Africa, Inc. Board Member Kristen Harper for providing photos from the 2018 Recovery Walk and to Dan OLaughlin for sharing information on Recovery Africa and the Hopeful Way Foundation. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Missing woman found safe and well This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 16th, 2018 Update: Police have said this evening Hayley Williamson has been found safe and well. Thank you. Original information below A police appeal has been launched today to trace a missing woman from Wrexham. North Wales Police say they are are becoming concerned for Hayley Williamson, aged 37. Hayley has not been seen since 10.30am today. Anyone with further information or sightings are asked to call North Wales Police via 101, or via its online webchat system quoting reference iTrace 23361. Local MP welcomes major Welsh Government investment for Ruabon Station This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 16th, 2018 Campaigners are celebrating after it was confirmed major Welsh Government investment in Ruabon Station will include funding for step-free access to both platforms. Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones and local councillor Dana Davies recently renewed calls for investment at Ruabon and urged the Welsh Government to step in to address the chronic lack of investment that they attribute to UK Government in Westminster. This week it was announced that part of a 15m programme of improvements to disabled access at Welsh stations will include investment at Ruabon. Ms Jones said: Last year I presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the fantastic Friends of Ruabon Station which was supported by a very large number of local residents. This called for action from the UK Government, but sadly, they did not act. I am absolutely delighted that the Welsh Labour Government has now stepped in and announced this funding for Ruabon. Cllr Dana Davies added: This funding is on top of the deep clean of Ruabon Station and upgrades the Welsh Government has already promised. Im thrilled that the Welsh Labour Government are addressing the chronic lack of investment in Ruabon by the Tory Government. This is huge. Figures indicate 600,000 was spent on stations in the last 15 years of the Arriva franchise, with it claimed the next 15 years almost 200m will be spent improving every Welsh station including the 15m on accessibility improvements. As well as the investment in Ruabon, Chirk will be upgraded and Wrexham General is in line for a 2.4m makeover. KeolisAmey has been contracted to operate the Wales and Borders rail service for the next 15 years, taking over from Arriva Trains Wales in October working with the new Transport for Wales entity. Other plans include doubling the delivery of a North East Wales Metro with increased frequency to two trains per hour on the Wrexham to Bidston line from December 2021. Future plans also include: Frequency of Wrexham to Bidston service doubled by 2022 Extra services from Wrexham to Cardiff and Liverpool by 2023 Investment at Wrexham General Shotton stations by 2024 Extra services from Wrexham to Cardiff and Liverpool by 2023 Two arrested after police pursuit through town ends with car rammed near Lidl This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 16th, 2018 Update: Police have said two people have been arrested following an incident last night that ended up with a car being rammed by police. North Wales Polices PC Hough said: Two currently in custody for the incident on Salop Road and investigation on-going, thank you to the public for their assistance and patience whilst we dealt with the incident. Two arrested for burglary and aggravated vehicle taking. The added that the driver was arrested for dangerous driving as well. The pursuit is believed to have started outside of the town centre, with various eyewitnesses reporting tyres being punctured via spike strips deployed by police. Others reported dangerous driving with the car being driven towards oncoming traffic, at one point with no head lights on. Original information below Salop Road is partially closed this evening due to a police incident. The road is closed from close to the St Giles turning / Lidl supermarket, up to the old Green Dragon public house. PC Hough has said: Road is closed due to RTC and on-going investigation, officers at scene adding Please avoid the area. Due to on-going investigation may be closed for some time. The person who took the above picture, said police rammed the vehicle, later confirmed by this picture via Steven: Eyewitnesses have said the black vehicle was driving into oncoming traffic on St Giles way just prior to being stopped by Lidl. Earlier there had been reports of a police pursuit at another area of town, and as yet is unknown if the two incident are linked, with the vehicle involved ignoring the temporary traffic lights in Llay. Car overtaking madly and at speed on the hill down from the Holly Bush on the way towards Alyn Waters almost hit us on the wrong side of the road. Being chased by at least three police cars then. Carolyn O'Leary (@carolynao) November 15, 2018 Thanks to Milan for the top image. Time change for key Full Council Local Development Plan meeting now starts at 2pm on Thursday This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 16th, 2018 A key meeting of the Full Council has been moved forward by two hours to ensure the debate is held in a proper manner. An Extraordinary Meeting of councillors will be held on Thursday at 2pm where all those present will vote to decide whether to deposit the Local Development Plan (LDP) with Welsh Government and Planning Inspectorate Wales for independent Examination in public. On Tuesday a debate took place for several hours on the topic, much of which is likely to be revisited at what is likely to be a lengthy Full Council meeting. We are told the numbers exist to ensure a recorded vote will take place, where names of councillors are read out and they indicate for/against/abstain rather than a more normal hand-raising. The LDP has been described as one of the most important pieces of work the council produces as the overall strategy document could shape the area for years to come. Many councillors have spoken out against areas of the LDP due to specific ward issues, and as a result the free vote on Thursday could be very close. The meeting was due to start at 4pm, roughly when the Christmas Lights switch on party is due to start directly outside on Queens Square. As below we have sat in similar meetings where the noise from events have affected business. Wrexham Council told us: To allow adequate time for business to take place in a proper manner this Thursdays Extraordinary Council meeting will start at the revised time of 2pm in the Guildhall. Last year we attended a scrutiny meeting which started being audio-blasted by the warm up from the lights switch on event, meaning some councillors were interrupted as they tried to make their point. In the Guildhall for a Councillor pay debate as they decide what to tell the Independent Panel who want to give them a payrise. Could be amusing as the stage from the Xmas Lights is dead loud plus Santas bell ringing away Wrexham.com (@wrexham) 23 November 2017 Civility restored to the background of a DJ Snake banger (xmas lights reminder) as the digital working report recommendations are voted on and passed. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) 23 November 2017 Zara Larsson/Clean Bandit more audible now than what the Clrs are saying about training. Got to be honest, the party is outside, not in here Wrexham.com (@wrexham) 23 November 2017 This is one of the better council meetings we have been in due to the sound track blasting into the guildhall, currently Snap! Rhythm is a dancer pic.twitter.com/rwazGOSoHH Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 23, 2017 At the end of last weeks Executive Board meeting we predicted similar for the forthcoming meeting that was then due to start at 4pm. LDP passes Exec Board vote so moves to Full Council next Thurs! Expect fireworks, bit of panto and an Ibiza loving lad giving some cheeky antics outside the Guildhall as it is the Christmas Lights switch on the same evening! Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 13, 2018 If the length of the meeting earlier this week is any guide there is likely to be some crossover, however the main debate should clear before the full christmas lights event starts in earnest. Members of the public can watch online, or attend the meeting in the Guildhall from 2pm on Thursday, and after watching the fireworks in the chamber you can walk around the corner for the pyrotechnics at the lights switch on. UKs first foundation degree dedicated to offender management launches at Coleg Cambria This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 16th, 2018 Coleg Cambria has launched the UKs first foundation degree dedicated to Offender Management. In partnership with the University of Chesters Institute of Policing, the two-year qualification could lead to careers in the criminal justice arena, including the prison service. Successful students are also given the opportunity to progress onto a third year to obtain a degree in Policing, Law and Investigation at the University. Modules include Restorative Justice, Effective Decision Making, Investigative Interviewing, Community Engagement and Partnership Working, Leading and Managing People, and Accountability, Value and Ethics. Yvette Jackson Monk, programme leader and lecturer in Public Services, said the unique programme offers flexibility to those already in employment and has already proven popular with people looking for a career in the sector. At present those working as prison officers or police have no requirement to have a formal degree or relevant qualification, but that is set to change, said Yvette, who served for 30 years with North Wales Police. This foundation degree gives them a valuable insight and hands-on experience which will give them the best chance of going on to secure a job in their chosen field. We are working alongside partners across North Wales, including HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, and forming new relationships that will lead to further opportunities for students to work in the sector. This is the first course of its kind in the country and we are excited to see how it develops over the course of the year, in line with the increasing demand for qualified staff in the criminal justice arena. Among the range of careers open to those graduating from the foundation degree are roles within the UK Border Force, the Probation Service and private sector investigative services. Course materials are to be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, interactive tutorials, role play and workshops, and visiting speakers will add to the variety of presentation. Modules are assessed through a combination of reports, essay projects, assessed role play and observed presentations. Coleg Cambria has unveiled a raft of new higher education programmes having almost doubled its HE intake from 230 students in 2016/17, to 400 in 2018/19. New Director of HE Jackie Doodson says key partnerships with universities including Chester, Aberystwyth, Wrexham Glyndwr and Swansea have attracted cohorts to a portfolio of 21 degree-level programmes, including Offender Management, and Criminal and Social Justice. Not everyone is able to go away to university. Coleg Cambria offers the chance to study for a University degree whilst staying in this region, with all the financial benefits that brings, said Mrs Doodson. The courses we deliver meet local employment demand, they are all vocational and tailored to meet industry and employer needs, which gives our students the best chance of a career in their chosen field on graduating. All of the courses have a work placement element and some of the students are already employed, so the flexibility of studying at Cambria is a big plus for them. More information can be found on the Coleg Cambria website. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - More than half of veterans struggle to find work in their desired field after leaving the military according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veteran unemployment hit a record low in 2017. CareerSource Capital Region is offering their 6th annual Paychecks for Patriots event and they hope to add even more veterans to Florida's workforce. "It's a wonderful program for veterans to look into a try to be a part of," said veteran Willie Earlbanks. Paychecks for Patriots is connecting hundreds of people with these 40 employers who are looking to hire veterans. After finding a job that works for you, you fill out an application and leave here with one interview, or even several. It's all part of a statewide initiative in honor of November as hire a vet month. Organizers say there are 26 other job fairs happening in Florida this month. "Events like these really change the lives of the individuals that are in our community, especially veterans. Knowing employers care that much to be here to spend the first half of their day interviewing them and providing them with employment opportunities," said Kara Smith, Senior Director of CareerSource Capital Region. Organizers estimate there were nearly 200 people at Thursday's job fair. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The weather is cooling down and thats a good indication we're closing in on the holidays. WTXL'sJada Williams was live Friday morning to tell how one organization is helping everyone get a jumpstart on decorating for the holiday season. Friday and Saturday the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity is hosting their annual Festival of the Trees. The festival is a fundraiser for the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity. Goodwood Museum will be packed with artificial trees and wreaths all up for sale. And all of the proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the organization's mission of building affordable homes for residents of Leon and Gadsden counties. Things kick off Friday at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. with a preview party that includes food, drinks and live music. The fun at Goodwood continues into Saturday with family fun events including an early visit from Santa. He'll be around from 10 until 12. The festival ends at 5 p.m. There's a lot of fancy one of a kind trees being offered. Habit for Humanity receives the trees as donations from creative minds in our community. Habit for Humanity even has a team that inspects the trees and wreaths for safety before putting them out on the floor for sale. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Veterans Foundation gathered Thursday to celebrate their 10 year anniversary and kick off to their new initiative "No Florida Veteran Left Behind." Vets from all over the area packed the Double Tree by Hilton to celebrate the work of the Florida Veterans Foundation. The foundation kicked off the night with dinner, then discussed its new initiative, which includes registering 1,000 veterans for health and other benefits, funding Suicide Prevention Services and supporting opiod addiction programs. The program consultant expressed how important the night is to educate vets about different resources they have access to. Ken Franklin, a Florida Veterans Foundation program consultant: "They signed that ticket for our freedom as a county... and many veterans have stepped away or are not aware of the benefits they are entitled to because of their service on behalf of our county." The Florida Veterans Foundation also launched their fundraising goal to raise $100,000 in 100 days. To donate or learn more about the program, visit floridaveteransfoundation.org/. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Leon County Sheriff's Office is investigating an inmate death at the Leon County Detention Facility. LCSO said on Thursday morning, corrections deputies at the Leon County Detention Facility found 52-year-old Emanuell Gallaway unresponsive in his cell. Gallaway was taken to the medical unit where he regained consciousness. LCSO stated staff called an ambulance to take Gallaway to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital. Per agency policy, LCSO said investigation into Gallaways death was turned over to detectives from the Leon County Sheriffs Office Violent Crimes Unit. LCSO said there are no signs of foul play. Gallaway has been at the Leon County Detention Facility since Sept. 27, 2018. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) A Tallahassee man has been arrested after police say he broke into a woman's home, bit her, and held her at gunpoint while he robbed her. Julian Hartley, 28, is facing a series of charges including armed burglary and aggravated assault with firearm. According to court documents, on Nov. 7, deputies responded to a burglary on Rushwood Lane. When deputies arrived on the scene, they immediately noticed several injuries on the victim including bite marks on her shoulder. According to deputies, the victim said she woke up to Hartley on top of her. Documents say Hartley hit the victim in the head with a spotlight, then bit her a few times on her back and continued to hit her with another unknown object. At one point, Hartley stopped hitting the victim and she was able to call someone through Facebook messenger. While the victim was on the phone, Hartley took a gun out of his backpack and pointed the gun at her, stating I will kill you b****. According to documents, Hartley heard that the person on the phone was calling law enforcement, so he grabbed his backpack, took the victims American Express and food stamp cards before running away. After he left, the victim ran to her front door and locked it. Hartley returned to the front porch of the home and again tried to break in through the bedroom window. Hartley couldnt break in, so he left the home. Documents say the victim told deputies Hartley was with another person, who stayed in the car during the burglary. The victim said both Harley and the other person left together in a silver Toyota sedan. Hartley was taken into custody and as of Wednesday, he remains in the Leon County Detention Facility. (WTXL) - Raw ground turkey products are being recalled nationwide by Jennie-O Store Sales because of their association with an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened more than 160 people in 35 states. The Barron, Wis., company is recalling 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products shipped to retail locations nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a news release Thursday. The raw ground turkey products subject to recall were produced on Sept. 11, 2018: 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 93% LEAN | 7% FAT" with "Use by" dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018. 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O TACO SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 85% LEAN | 15% FAT" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. The products have establishment number P-190 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Images of labels of the recalled products are available here. The USDA says more turkey products from other companies may also be recalled. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, as of Nov. 5, 2018, 164 people in 35 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of salmonella in these raw turkey products. #Recall: Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC Recalls Raw Ground Turkey Products due to Possible Salmonella Reading C... https://t.co/OI94xANKRB USDA Food Safety (@USDAFoodSafety) November 16, 2018 Health officials determined that Jennie-O brand ground turkey from a case-patients home had salmonella and matches the outbreak strain. Patients have reported eating different types and brands of turkey products bought from many different stores, handling raw turkey pet food and/or raw turkey, or working with live turkeys or living with someone who handled live turkeys. Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. Most people recover without treatment. Older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Health officials are concerned that some products may be frozen and in consumers freezers. Consumers are urged to discard these products or to get refunds from the places of purchase. Jennie-O can be reached at 1 (800) 621-3505 from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. CT Monday Friday and 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. CAIRO, Ga. (WTXL) - There are concerns in Cairo over the water quality at schools. This was as students headed back to class on Thursday, one day after they were sent home due to a water pipe break. Water quality has not been approved by the city although water pressure is back after a water pipe broke Wednesday. According to Grady County Schools, the district has provided students with water bottles and told parents and their children that water is not safe to drink from water fountains, but restrooms are up to full working capacity. Tilda Brimm, Assistant Superintendent of Grady County Schools, said parents shouldn't be worried and the school district is watching the students carefully. "We know that our students are monitored and that we will be checking and double checking to make sure that students are not allowed to drink any of the water," said Brimm. Brimm expressed to us that student safety is the number one concern and that the district follows a specific plan to make sure students are safe to go back to school. WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office is continuing to search for a 51-year-old man missing since August. The search for Christopher Miller, 51, is active and ongoing, Lt. Chris Savary said Friday. Savary said he was unable to release more information while the investigation continues. A person who identified as a family member asked that Miller's picture be reposted. "We are heartbroken and miss him very much," the person said in an email Friday. "We would like to know if he is dead or alive!" People with information about Miller should contact the sheriff's office at (850) 745-7100. Wakulla County deputies looking for missing 51-year-old man WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office is looking for a 51-year-old man who has been missing for two weeks. Christopher Miller was last seen by his family on Aug. 27. WCSO says he was last known to be in the area of Captain James Street in Crawfordville. Deputies state he may be driving a 2012 red Scion XD, with a Florida tag HNAV01. Anyone with information about the location of Miller is asked to call WCSO at 850-745-7100. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-15 21:29:00|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) is warmly welcomed by senior Papua New Guinea (PNG) officials and locals upon his arrival at the airport in Port Moresby, PNG, on Nov. 15, 2018. Xi arrived here Thursday to pay a state visit to PNG, meet with leaders of the Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China and attend the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) PORT MORESBY, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Thursday to pay a state visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Xi was warmly welcomed by senior PNG officials and locals at the airport. He extended sincere greetings and good wishes to the PNG government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people. Noting that PNG is a Pacific island country with significant influence, Xi said that China and PNG have been conducting their relations based on principles of mutual trust, equality and win-win cooperation. The two countries have achieved historic growth in the bilateral ties, which not only brought tangible benefits to both countries and peoples, but also served as an example of friendly relations between developing countries, Xi said. China's development has brought about historic opportunities for Pacific island nations including PNG, said the Chinese president. Xi said he expects to work with PNG to chart the course for further development of bilateral ties to reach a greater height through this visit. During the visit, Xi will discuss cooperation plans in the new era with leaders of the Pacific island nations which have diplomatic ties with China. China supports PNG in hosting the 26th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the president said, adding that China is willing to work with all participating sides for the success of the meeting and inject fresh momentum into and make new contributions to the development of Asia-Pacific and world economy. Xi's visit is the first by a Chinese head of state to the Pacific island nation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976. During his stay in the PNG capital of Port Moresby, Xi is also scheduled to meet with leaders of eight Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China. PNG is the first stop of Xi's ongoing Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Brunei and the Philippines. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-15 23:59:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia will take part in the adoption of the UN Global Compact for Migration in Marrakesh, Morocco, in December, Foreign Minister Miro Cerar announced after a cabinet session on Thursday. Cerar said, according to the national media Slovenian Press Agency STA, the compact was a political document which enabled each country to preserve full sovereignty. Slovenian Defense Minister Karl Erjavec, who also talked to reporters after the session discussing the issue, said that the Slovenian government continued to support the agreement and that the country would join the deal without reservations. The government discussed the position on the matter even though Slovenia had already supported the deal under the previous cabinet led by Cerar. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration sets out 23 goals. It is the first international agreement to cover all dimensions of international migration in a comprehensive manner. Several countries, including the United States, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, have rejected the pact. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 00:19:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LUSAKA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zambia will for the first time conduct a Census of Population and Housing electronically. Acting Director of Census and Statistics Goodson Sinyenga said the 2020 Census will be conducted on August 16, 2020. He said this during a stakeholders and Cooperating Partners' meeting on the 2020 Census on Thursday in Lusaka. Vice President Inonge Wina said that the 2020 Census will be useful in the evaluation of the country's Seventh National Development Plan and Vision 2030, which is the benchmark to turn the country into the prosperous middle-income country. Wina noted that the 2020 Census will enable the country to conduct accurate voters' registration ahead of the 2021 General Elections. Speaking at the same event, United Nations Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan said the 2020 Census will avail Zambia chance to monitor its progress towards meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Rogan pointed out that statistics are instrumental in monitoring national development and assured the Zambian government of the UN's commitment to providing technical support towards the exercise. Ministry of National Development Planning recently announced that government would use electronic data collection and Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing methods in the 2020 population census to improve data collection. Permanent Secretary Chola Chabala said a paper and pencil approach to the 2020 census was neither sustainable nor cost-effective. Zambia conducts a Census of Population and Housing every one decade. The last census was conducted in 2010. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 00:49:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MANAMA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain government on Thursday backed the Saudi stance towards measures taken in the case of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "Bahrain strongly reiterates its supportive stance towards Saudi Arabia and all the measures it takes regarding the case of the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi," said a statement by Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry. "These steps reflect Saudi Arabia's keenness to hold accountable and punish all those involved in this case and its full commitment to achieve justice with integrity and transparency," the statement said. Furthermore, the ministry stressed that Bahrain "categorically rejects all attempts to politicize or exploit this case with the aim of harming the interests of Saudi Arabia and violating its sovereignty, security and stability." Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecutor on Thursday said they were seeking the death penalty for five out of 11 suspects charged in the murder of journalist . Khashoggi disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to obtain documents for his marriage. On Oct. 20, preliminary results of the investigations showed that Khashoggi died in the consulate. Saudi authorities had vowed to investigate the case with several Saudi nationals arrested and restructuring of the country's intelligence. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 04:15:41|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 15, 2018 shows the United Nations Security Council voting on a resolution to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), at the UN headquarters in New York. The UN Security Council on Thursday decided to reduce the troops of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and increase its police presence. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday decided to reduce the troops of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and increase its police presence. Sudan and South Sudan are disputing the oil-rich Abyei, an area inhabited mainly by Sudan's Arab Mesiria tribe and South Sudan's Dinka Ngok tribe. The 2005 peace deal that led to South Sudan's independence from Sudan six years later required the two sides to solve the issue but they have so far failed to do so. In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation council renewed the mandate of the mission until May 15, 2019, and decided to reduce the authorized troop ceiling of the mission from 4,500 to 4,140, while increasing the authorized police ceiling from 50 to 345 police personnel, including 185 individual police officers and one formed police unit. The troop ceiling will be further reduced by 295 troops following the deployment of increased police personnel, according to the resolution. The council called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to provide full support to the United Nations, including by promptly issuing entry visas to military, police, civilian and humanitarian personnel. UNISFA was approved by the Security Council in June 2011 after a flareup in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 04:30:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 8th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on partnerships for prevention and sustaining peace will be held at the UN headquarters in New York on Nov. 19-20. Noting that all previous seven forums were hosted by host countries and it is the first time that UNAOC is organizing and holding the forum at the UN headquarters, Nihal Saad, spokesperson for UNAOC high representative, told reporters Thursday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attaches great importance to the event and will be present on both days of the forum. "UNAOC will bring together more than 1,000 participants to share knowledge and explore innovative ways of promoting inclusive approaches to conflict prevention as a pathway for sustaining peace," she said. The forum, with the theme "#Commit2Dialogue: Partnerships for Prevention and Sustaining Peace," will also "serve as a catalyst for building meaningful partnerships that will help achieve that goal," she added. The forum will place special focus on youth, recognizing that the complex and evolving nature of conflict prevention and peacebuilding requires policy-makers to harness the potential and creativity of young people, according to a press release. As such, the theme and sub-themes of the forum intend to support the secretary-general's vision on prevention with its emphasis on the complementarity between sustaining peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including Goal 16 on the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, the press release said. The forum will include two plenary sessions with one on "Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue: A Tool for Conflict Prevention and Post Conflict Peacebuilding" and the second one on "Words Matter: The Role and Responsibility of the Media in Shaping Public Perceptions about Migrants and in Promoting Inclusive Societies." There are also six breakout sessions on a number of topics, including digital diplomacy, strengthening leadership, global citizenship education and the Silk Road. UNAOC was launched in 2005 as the political initiative of Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the co-sponsorship of the governments of Spain and Turkey. On July 6, 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus Resolution 69/312 "United Nations Alliance of Civilizations." The milestone resolution provided UNAOC with the institutional status and the political guidance necessary to pursue its work in promoting intercultural dialogue, greater understanding and respect among civilizations, cultures, religions and beliefs. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 05:46:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Thursday demanded "significant additional efforts" from France toward the regular renewal of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Security Council on Thursday had to approve a technical roll-over for one month to allow time for more negotiations on a French draft resolution that would renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the CAR, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, for a year. After weeks of consultations among Security Council members, France's draft resolution for a regular renewal failed to get the approval of Russia, a Security Council member that has veto power. Initially, the United States was concerned about possible increases in costs from the proposed new task of supporting newly trained CAR troops in their deployment throughout the war-torn country. The French-U.S. difference was solved through agreement that there should be no additional costs for the new task while Russia's dissatisfaction remains. The fact that France addressed the U.S. concern inspires optimism, said Russia's First Deputy Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy on Thursday after the Security Council vote on the technical roll-over. "Since you heard their views, kindly listen to ours as well." Russia wants its presence and peace efforts in the CAR to be recognized in the French draft, which insists on an African Union-led political process in the CAR. France does not see Russia's efforts in the African country, including Moscow's brokering of a preliminary agreement between CAR armed groups signed at the end of August in Khartoum, as helpful, according to its Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly. Russia is also providing weapons to the CAR and has trainers in the country. Before the vote on Thursday, French ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre remained adamant. "There must not be any ambiguity vis-a-vis the centrality of the African Union initiative," Delattre told the Security Council. "We have tirelessly, through in-depth consultations, sought to strike a delicate balance among the various positions that have been put forward. We, I believe, have struck this balance," he said, referring to the draft resolution for a regular renewal. Polyanskiy of Russia indicated that France, the former colonial power in the CAR, should "set aside historical complexes, egotism, parochial national interests" over the issue. "Those who have approached this with good intention should have no hidden agendas, no malign competitive interests," he told the Security Council. The Russian ambassador argued that the CAR should not be an area for competition between powers, but rather a platform for concerted action for peace. "We are proactively helping the CAR knowingly with the support of the people in the country and we would like our efforts to be duly reflected in the French draft," said Polyanskiy. "We stand ready to continue to work on your draft in a spirit of mutual respect so that in one month it will not be necessary for you to jeopardize such an important unity of the council on the issue discussed today -- unity important for us and our friends in the CAR." The CAR has been in civil war since 2012, which is being fought along religious and ethnic lines. The CAR government, which controls only a fifth of the country's territory, wants MINUSCA to take up more security responsibilities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 06:01:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Jordan and Iraq agreed on Thursday to form a team to develope a roadmap for exploring and intensifying cooperation. At a meeting in the capital Amman, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Ali al-Hakim agreed to boost cooperation between the two countries in line with specific programs and timeframes. Safadi highlighted Jordan's support for Iraq and its efforts to restore stability. On the Palestinian issue, they both underlined the need for achieving the two-state solution to create an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. On Syria, the two ministers called for a political solution to end the crisis in the country and ensure its unity. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 06:06:19|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street to speak to the British Parliament on the draft Brexit deal in London, Britain, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung) by Xinhua writer Gu Zhenqiu LONDON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday vowed to press ahead with her Brexit plan on the basis of a draft agreement between London and Brussels, despite a political crisis looming large over the hard-won deal, including ministerial resignations within hours earlier in the day. The prime minister has been fighting in the parliament and at press conference, not to mention her efforts behind the scenes, to save the Tuesday agreement which, if ratified by British and European Union parliaments, sets terms on Britain's departure from the European Union on March 29, 2019. The massive resignations came as May was giving a fighting statement in the parliament in a bid to rally support to her deal.Her series of public remarks were intended to send a message: The draft deal on the table is the only best choice for Britain to leave the trading bloc, and she is the most suitable leader to deliver the Brexit as mandated by the 2016 referendum. "The choice is clear. We can choose to leave with no deal," she told the lower parliament house. "We can risk no Brexit at all. Or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated: This deal." Hours later, she told the news conference in her Downing Street residence that "the course I have set out is the right one." Furthermore, she added: "I believe with every fibre of my being -- the approach is right." "I am going to do my job," said May, who repeated in public that she will work very hard to deliver Brexit, ruling out her own possible resignation. However, her statements were not effective at this moment in helping her win over those who publicly opposed her Brexit plan, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Words even began to spread in the London political and media circles that Johnson was among several hopefuls within her Conservative Party to succeed her in coming weeks, according to the media reports here. Hostile attitude has been on the rise among government and opposition parliament members as time went by after her public speeches, raising the risk that the deal would be killed in the parliament. A new round of political fighting kicked off on Tuesday at the news that Britain and the European Union just reached the draft agreement. And the political crisis will be further deepened with the more powerful push by the prime minister to go ahead with her Brexit plan despite strong opposition inside her own political party and parliament. To deliver Brexit in the light of her plan, the prime minister needs to get green lights from both the British parliament and the remaining 27 European Union member states. Therefore, a question crops up at this juncture: can the prime minister be still lucky enough to survive the coming crises before the Brexit deadline? May survived the political crisis one after another since she came to office in 2016, including the loss of two Brexit secretaries. Earlier Thursday, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and British Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned to withdraw their support for the draft agreement. The resignation of Raab, a rising star who was brought in to keep Tory Brexiteers on board, was seen as the biggest blow to the prime minister. Worse still, the massive resignations were followed by eurosceptics in May's Conservative Party, who, led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, sought a non-confidence vote in the prime minister. The draft deal was "worse than anticipated," Rees-Mogg said, adding that he had formally requested the non-confidence vote in May. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 06:16:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PRAGUE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Senate declared on Thursday that it is unacceptable that Prime Minister Andrej Babis would stay in the government till the Capi hnizdo case, in which he is prosecuted and fully investigated over new suspicions for EU subsidy fraud. "The Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic considers the participation of Andrej Babis in the government until the end of the investigation into a suspicion of a subsidy fraud in the case of the Capi hnizdo company unacceptable," the Senate said in a resolution. The senators also claimed that Babis, as the head of the National Security Council with a direct impact on the General Inspection of Security Corps (GIBS), may be influencing the investigation. The Senate took this position after Babis did not attend its session to explain the information about the alleged kidnapping of his adult son to Crimea over the Capi hnizdo case. Babis' son, Andrej Babis Junior is also accused along with his father. Babis excused himself from Thursday's Senate session and did not offer another date. According to the report of Czech media Seznam Zpravy, Babis's son Andrej Babis Junior told reporters that he had been taken to Crimea against his will. According to Babis Junior, his father wanted him to disappear from the Czech Republic because of the investigation into a suspected EU subsidy fraud in the Capi hnizdo farm case. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 07:06:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Finnish authorities are continuing to investigate the GPS signal disruption that occurred in northern Finland during a recent NATO military maneuver in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs said that Finland is "discussing the issue with Russia through diplomatic channels". The ministry said that Finland's view is that "such measures" must not endanger air traffic, for example. Following statements by leading Finnish politicians about alleged Russian role in the GPS problem, Russia on Monday issued a denial. "We know nothing about Russia's possible involvement in such GPS failures," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by news agency TASS as saying. "There is a trend to blame all mortal sins on Russia," he said. In its statement on Thursday, the Finnish ministry said it would not be appropriate to release details on the matter to the public. It added that Finland considers Norway's findings on the signal disruption to be reliable. The Finnish parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee has been given a report on the issue. Matti Vanhanen, chairman of the committee, told media earlier the committee wanted an explanation. Vanhanen had also equaled such disturbances to border violations that under current Finnish policies are given immediate publicity. The ministry's public statement on Thursday was scantier than what is the usual practice in reports about border violations by the Frontier Guards. While no hazards to air traffic have been reported in Finland on account of the GPS problem, reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland area told Yle on Thursday they had difficulty in locating their animals. The reindeer have GPS-based gadgets attached to them and following the disruption wrong locations were transmitted. A reindeer herder who appeared on the Sami language news of the Finnish public TV played down the incident though and said the routes the reindeer follow at this time of the year are traditional knowledge. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 07:43:06|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Ioannis Tsailianis (L), technical manager of Paradox Kinetics, demonstrates his product at the Athens Innovation Festival in Athens, Greece, Nov. 14, 2018. Athens Innovation Festival has lowered its curtain on Thursday after three days of interactive discussions, workshops, parallel presentations focusing on innovation ideas and entrepreneurship. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Congolese men push their makeshift bicycle past peacekeepers from India serving, in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as they ride on patrol in the town of Kiwanja, Oct. 19, 2018. (REUTERS Photo) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned the killing of at least 20 soldiers during operations against insurgents in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a press statement, the council members expressed condolences to the families of the killed, including seven Malawian and one Tanzanian UN peacekeepers and at least 12 DRC soldiers, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The soldiers were killed Wednesday during joint operations of the UN peacekeeping mission known as MONUSCO and the Armed Forces of the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group in DRC and Uganda, in Beni territory of North Kivu. The council members conveyed their support to the Malawian and Tanzanian contingents, "which continue to operate in an exceptionally difficult environment to protect local populations against the attacks of the ADF and other armed groups." The members underlined deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, and called on the DRC authorities to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. The east of the DRC has been plagued by insurgency for over 20 years. The past year has seen a surge in violence around North Kivu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 08:06:52|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Huang Ping (C), new Chinese consul-general in New York, speaks at a press briefing upon his arrival at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, the United States, on Nov. 15, 2018. The Chinese Consulate-General in New York will continue to be dedicated to promoting China-U.S. ties through boosting regional cooperation, the newly-arrived Chinese consul-general said here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Rui) NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Consulate-General in New York will continue to be dedicated to promoting China-U.S. ties through boosting regional cooperation, the newly-arrived Chinese consul-general said here on Thursday. "Currently China-U.S. relations face critical challenges and opportunities," said Huang Ping upon his arrival at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in the afternoon. "I feel myself shouldering a glorious mission and grave responsibilities." The 55-year-old Huang, former Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, told a small greeting crowd of a dozen representatives from the local Chinese community that he believes local cooperation is an important part of China-U.S. relations. The 10 states in the eastern parts of the United States "have a sound foundation to further deepen exchange and cooperation with China," thus contributing to the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties, the diplomat noted. The 10 states for which the Chinese consulate-general in New York provides consular services include Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island. Huang also promised that he will spare no effort in serving overseas Chinese living and Chinese enterprises operating within the consular district, and urged the local Chinese community to also help boost China-U.S. ties. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 11:12:20|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SYDNEY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australia's iron ore company Fortescue Metals Group Chief Executive Elizabeth Gaines has confirmed the Aussie miner will begin producing a new higher grade iron ore product in response to demand from China. Gaines made the announcement at the company's annual meeting on Thursday, stating that production will commence next month. Gaines said the new 60 percent iron product would comprise a blend of ore from Fortescue's Firetail mine and newly developed areas to the west of its Cloudbreak mine in the Pilbara. The company intends to ship the new product at a rate of between 10 and 20 million tonnes a year, ramping up to 40 million tonnes by the end of 2020. A crackdown on pollution in China has led to discounts on much of Fortescue's standard 58 percent iron output, with steel mills pursuing a higher grade, less polluting product. Recent high steel mill profitability has also allowed producers to afford steep premiums for higher grade ores, leading to an even greater difference in price across varying grades. Gaines told media on Thursday that while environmental reforms played a part in determining price, the profitability of steel mills was still the main factor. At 11:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, Fortescue's shares were up 0.085 points or 2.14 percent to 2.95 U.S. dollars per share. Workers are making Juncao tubes at the Goroka Juncao & Dry-land Rice Technology Demonstration Base in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). (Xinhua/Mo Huaying) by Mo Huaying, Zhang Ning PORT MORESBY, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- At the Goroka Juncao & Dry-land Rice Technology Demonstration Base in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province (EHP), a unique type of grass called "Juncao" stands as giants in the vast fields. With the help of agricultural specialists from southeast China's Fujian province, locals are trying to grow rice and mushrooms out of the special wild grass, similar to some fungi grown from tree matter. The grass Juncao, also called "China Grass" by natives, can also be used to feed livestock. When Xinhua reporters arrived at the base in the morning, villagers had already been awaiting. Lin Yingxing, director of the base and a Chinese expert in Juncao & dry-land rice technologies, who came to the airport of Goroka to fetch the reporters, got off the jeep promptly. "Welcome, everyone!" said Lin with a big smile in English to the villagers. "Today, I'm going to show you around and help you guys to get an idea on how to grow Juncao and rice on your own land." After a quick greeting with the crowd, Lin soon started his lecture with the help of local young men who can speak English. Lin Yingxing, a Chinese expert, shows villagers how to plant Juncao at the Goroka Juncao & Dry-land Rice Technology Demonstration Base in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). (Xinhua/Mo Huaying) Standing in the strong sunlight and bathed in sweat, he attentively explained to the curious crowd on how to plant Juncao, how to smash the giant-sugarcane-like tall grass with a machine, and how to cultivate mushrooms using tubes filled with Juncao powder. While listening to Lin's introduction, some villagers took notes carefully, some raised questions, and Lin was ready to explain. Occasionally, the crowd burst into laughter and applauded when amused by Lin's humorous answers. Chares Motuno, a 54-year-old farmer living in Henganofi district, told Xinhua that he took a truck with some fellows early in the morning and spent one hour on the bumpy road before arriving at the base. "I grow coffee, cassava and sweet potato to make a living, and my wife does some sewing. Though we work hard, our income is still low. Farm products such as cassava are hard to sell as the market is small. I hope I can learn how to cultivate mushrooms with Juncao technologies. People here like mushrooms, and the price is good," Chares said. Among the group of visitors were some indigenous women. Priscilla Tonny from Kosionte village of Henganofi district was one of them. The 34-year-old housewife has two sons and one daughter. "I understand that Juncao can be cut into pieces to feed chicken and goats, and I'm sure that I can master the technology using Juncao tubes to cultivate mushrooms," she said. Lin told Xinhua that villagers were always welcome to exchange Juncao tubes from the base with fresh Juncao that they grow. Timothy Ukii, 48, works as a project official at the Eco-enterprise Division of Natural Resources under EHP Administration (EHPA). "By this way, the Juncao technology can be spread and the program would be sustainable. And the Chinese are helping us to build more technology bases," said UKii. Amazingly, Juncao, which is also called by local villagers in EHP as "Lin Grass", can easily grow to about five meters high in EHP, much higher than those in other places. Lin said the gifted fertile soil and good weather condition here might be the key. Juncao technology was first introduced into PNG from China in 1997. In 1998, the inventor of Juncao & dry-land rice Technology, Professor Lin Zhanxi from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, led a team to visit EHP and afterwards established the first pilot base in Lufa District of EHP. Kopi Manove received Lin in 1998. It was at his backyard that Lin planted dry-land rice for the first time to see if it was suitable to grow in PNG. The results were cheerful. "Later, the dry-land rice of Gold Mountain No. 1 even had a record production of as high as 8.5 tons per hectare," 65-year-old Manove recalled excitedly. Kopi's daughter Prisilla planned to grow more rice on her father's farmland and build a shed to grow mushrooms. "People in EHP do need rice as a stable food. But so far our country depends highly on imports. If we grow rice by ourselves, what a fortune we can save? " she said. According to Lin Yingxing, the Chinese government listed the Juncao technology program in EHP as an aid program in 1998. EHP became the sister province of Fujian in 2000. Since then, the Chinese side kept sending experts to PNG to passing on the technologies. Peter Gare, manager for Policy Planning and Monitoring of EHPA, said they would invest more in promoting the application of Juncao & dry-land rice technologies with more financial support hopefully. "Poverty is a common enemy and the biggest enemy to mankind. Lots of people in EHP are plagued by it. So please, transfer all successful technologies and experiences you have in fighting against poverty!" he told Xinhua. Closely surrounded by the villagers, Lin Yingxing is busy to showing them how to dig holes and sow seeds, explaining details and answering questions. Lin Yingxing, a Chinese expert, demonstrates how to grow dry-land rice at the Goroka Juncao & Dry-land Rice Technology Demonstration Base in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). (Xinhua/Mo Huaying) "We've been knowing each other for many years and treating each other as brothers," said Frank Wangapi, an adviser of the Division of Natural Resources under EHPA. "Juncao & dry-land technologies are applicable in EHP. Definitely we need Chinese experts like Lin to come and help us." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 11:22:21|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close PORT MORESBY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Port Moresby, capital and the largest city of Papua New Guinea (PNG), has been hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week on Nov. 12-18. PNG lies in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand, and the capital city is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua with an estimated population of 500,000. PNG gained full independence from Australia and became an independent country with Port Moresby as its capital city in September 1975. Port Moresby has a tropical savanna climate, with relatively constant temperatures throughout the year. Port Moresby's average yearly rainfall is just over 1,000 mm, making it one of the driest place in the country. The capital city is served by Jackson's International Airport, the biggest international airport of the Pacific island nation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 11:32:22|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the speech by visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the welcome dinner hosted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) on Tuesday. Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China At the Welcome Dinner Hosted by the Singapore Business Federation and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Singapore, 13 November 2018 Chairman Teo Siong Seng, President Roland Ng San Tiong, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to join Singaporean business leaders tonight. I would like to thank all of you for the warm hospitality accorded to me and my delegation, which made us feel very much at home. I would also like to pay high tribute to all Singaporean friends who have shown interest in and support for China's reform, opening-up and modernization and made consistent efforts to promote the cause of friendship between our two countries. The past four decades of reform and opening-up in China has seen transformative changes in my country and made China the world's second largest economy. With more than 700 million people lifted out of poverty, the once poor nation has been moving toward moderate prosperity. Singapore on its part has also scored numerous achievements and turned itself into a country of advanced economy, beautiful environment, harmonious society, and cutting-edge competitiveness in many fields. What you have accomplished is nothing short of a "Singapore miracle". Over these 40 years, Singapore's development has provided valuable experience to draw from for China, while China's development has brought important opportunities for Singapore. By tapping into each other's strengths, our two countries have achieved common development through win-win collaboration, setting an example of cooperation between nations. During President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to Singapore in 2015, our two countries established an all-round cooperative partnership progressing with the times, ushering in a new era for bilateral ties. It is in the spirit of progressing with the times that I have been working with Singaporean colleagues during this visit to review past experience, expand consensus and deepen cooperation in order to elevate our relationship to new heights. Yesterday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and I held productive talks, which achieved important consensus and desired outcomes in wide-ranging areas. The two sides signed cooperation agreements in many areas and will issue a joint statement between our governments. Earlier today, I delivered the 44th Singapore Lecture organized by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in collaboration with Business China. My interactions with people of various sectors here have left me deeply impressed with the special bond of friendship and cooperation between our countries, which stands out with three features. First, "amity". In the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty about 400 years ago, many Chinese from China's southeastern seaboard areas moved to Southeast Asia to make a living, sowing the seeds of friendship between our two countries. In modern times, our peoples stood together through thick and thin and supported each other in times of need and difficulties. Since China's reform and opening-up, the two sides have been bonded even more closely by intensified exchanges and cooperation. Second, "real result". For the past five years, China has been Singapore's largest trading partner, and Singapore China's largest source of FDI growth. From culture, education, science and technology, to environmental protection and personnel training, cooperation between us has been booming in many fields. And third, "innovativeness". Our pioneering and innovative cooperation is showcased by such projects as the Suzhou Industrial Park, a magnet for attracting investment, and the Tianjin Eco-City, a demonstration of green and environmentally friendly urban life. A more recent flagship project has been the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, which focuses on enhancing connectivity and services for economic development. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are now facing a complicated situation on the global economic front with increasing destabilizing factors and uncertainties. Our two countries need to further enhance political mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and broaden, deepen and upgrade cooperation. By so doing, we will inject strong impetus into the development and prosperity of our region and beyond. China is ready to work with Singapore to expand cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Lying at an intersection between two oceans and between land and sea, Singapore is a natural partner of the BRI. In May last year, the two sides signed the MOU on Belt and Road cooperation. We are now working vigorously to build the three cooperation platforms of connectivity, financial support, and third party cooperation. The New Land-Sea Corridor connecting our two countries has made better-than-expected progress. The Guangzhou Knowledge City has been elevated to a national-level project between the two sides. Third party cooperation is another promising area. We encourage our businesses to actively explore possibilities of cooperation in infrastructure, petrochemicals, shipping and logistics, industrial parks, e-commerce and other sectors on the basis of market principles and in line with the wishes of host countries. China is ready to work with Singapore to upgrade economic and trade cooperation. During this visit, a protocol was signed to upgrade the China-Singapore FTA. We need to speed up its implementation to deliver early benefits to our companies and the general public. Singaporean businesses are welcome to expand investment in China, especially in the central and western region and the northeast, which hold out great potentials for growth, to reap more fruits of win-win cooperation. We also need to enhance exchanges and cooperation between our innovative companies and innovators to make innovation a new growth area for bilateral cooperation. China is ready to work with Singapore to deepen financial cooperation. The scale of currency swaps between us has reached RMB300 billion (US$43 billion). The two sides are positively considering renewing our currency swap agreement to encourage local currency settlement in investment and trade. Singapore is a major international financial center with mature regulatory models and rich financial resources. China supports dialogue and exchanges between our financial regulators and encourages our financial institutions to develop business cooperation in accordance with commercial rules. We can also explore the setting-up of a comprehensive and all-dimensional financial support platform. The fintech agreement we just signed should be well implemented to promote the sound and orderly financial cooperation in e-payment and other emerging areas. China is ready to work with Singapore to move regional cooperation to a higher level. Given Singapore's important influence in ASEAN, we need to work together to enhance and upgrade China-ASEAN cooperation, work toward an East Asia Economic Community, and strive for the early conclusion of the RCEP negotiations. Together, we need to send a positive message of firmly upholding rules-based multilateralism and free trade. Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me now turn to China's economy, which I assume is a topic of much interest to many of you. In the first three quarters of this year, the Chinese economy has maintained a steady performance and operated within a proper range. The level of major macro indicators is consistent with our expectations, with GDP growing by 6.7% year-on-year, total electricity consumption 8.9%, and freight volume 7%, all in tandem with overall growth. Employment, our top priority, performed better than expected with more than 11 million new urban jobs created, higher than the same period last year. The surveyed urban unemployment rate in September stood at a fairly low level of 4.9%. CPI registered a moderate increase. International payments were basically balanced. China is seeing continued improvement in its economic structure and fast emergence of new growth drivers. That is evidenced by higher contribution to growth from final consumption and services and faster expansion of high-tech and equipment manufacturing industries than general industries. A record 18,000 new businesses are being registered on an average day on top of more than 100 million existing market entities. New drivers are playing a stronger role in underpinning steady growth, job creation and structure adjustment. This is where the hope of China's future development lies. Having said that, impacted by notable changes in the global environment, the Chinese economy is indeed confronted with certain downward pressure. This has been well within our expectations. We have tackled the situation with concrete measures and will continue to do so. Being the largest developing country, China has the most promising market and distinct advantages of a fairly complete industrial system, well-developed infrastructure and strong human resources and talent. With vast potential, great resilience, broad space for maneuver and adaptiveness to changes, we are well-positioned to cope with all kinds of risks and challenges. China's economic fundamentals underpinning long-term growth will remain sound, promising even brighter prospects for China's development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. We will work harder to take forward reform and opening-up with more targeted measures and at a faster pace. We will unswervingly promote high-quality development and keep macro policies consistent and stable by fine-tuning the proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy rather than resorting to a massive stimulus. Taxes and fees are expected to be cut by RMB1.3 trillion this year, and will be cut on an even larger scale going forward. We will try to better align with international economic and trade rules, further streamline administrative approval procedures, exercise fair and impartial regulation, and fully protect all types of property rights to create a business environment in which all companies, be they Chinese and foreign-owned, are treated as equals and compete on a level-playing field. We will deepen reforms in key areas such as fiscal policy and taxation, the financial sector, state assets and SOEs, and implement and improve supporting policies for the private sector. At the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo, President Xi Jinping announced new measures of further opening-up, which will be implemented expeditiously. To develop a high-quality open economy, China will further reduce tariffs to increase import, steadily widen the openness of the financial sector, speed up the opening of telecommunications, education, medical care and cultural sectors. China will also support its pilot free trade zones in deepening reform and innovation, and explore the development of free trade ports in light of China's conditions. Many transnational companies have decided or are planning on a new round of investment in China. Companies of Singapore and other countries are welcome to get a head-start in exploiting the above opportunities. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Singapore Business Federation and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as two influential bodies in the Singapore business community, have over the years played a unique role in promoting the economic development of Singapore and China-Singapore exchanges and cooperation. I hope you will continue to leverage your rich pool of talent and extensive business networks to encourage more Singaporean companies to go to China for business opportunities and cooperation. I count on you to make new contributions to China-Singapore relations. To conclude, please join me in a toast, to the prosperity of China and Singapore, to the growth of our all-round cooperative partnership progressing with the times, and to the health and success of all friends present. : - - : , ? : , . , -, -, - . - . . - - - - 11 . - . : ? : 13 500 , 24- , . , . : , , -? : , . , , , 5 - 10 - 20 , , - , . - , . 12 . -, , . : ? : . : , ? : , , , -, . , , -, , . - , . : ? : , . , , . : ? : , . , , , - . . . , . . : , , , , . ? : , . , . , , , . , , , , , . , , , , . , . - , , , . , , , . , . : , ? : , , , , , , -, . , . . . : . : 2006 , , , . , - , . Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 11:42:24|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 13th East Asia Summit on Thursday in Singapore. Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China At the 13th East Asia Summit Singapore, 15 November 2018 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to join you in the Lion City. I wish to thank the Singapore Government for its thoughtful arrangements for our Summit. Singapore, one of the most developed countries in Asia, stands as a fine example of mutual cultural convergence between the East and the West by retaining its rich traditional heritage of the East and embracing advanced Western ideas and technologies at the same time. The spirit of openness and inclusiveness that Singapore espouses is also an important feature of the East Asia Summit (EAS), which, over the past 13 years, has become a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation and played a substantial role in enhancing understanding and trust among participating countries and promoting development and prosperity in the region. The international political and economic landscape has been undergoing profound adjustments. Uncertainties and destabilizing factors have been on the increase, from weak global growth, rising unilateralism and protectionism, backlash against economic globalization, to regional hotspots coupled with terrorism and other non-traditional security threats. The pursuit of peace and development remains a daunting task. In such a global context, East Asia has kept overall stability and remained a most robustly growing region and a most attractive investment destination. This has been the result of both the perseverance and enterprise of countries in the region and their joint endeavors to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and seek common ground while shelving differences. Such hard-won accomplishments need to be cherished. With a renewed commitment to amicable co-existence and win-win cooperation, we will step up consultation and dialogue and pursue greater opening-up and progress in East Asia. Together, we will strive to be a vigorous facilitator of peace and stability in East Asia, leading contributor to economic prosperity, and powerful locomotive for regional cooperation. East Asian cooperation has come a long way in recent years. We have seen ASEAN Communities being established, frameworks such ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three and Lancang-Mekong cooperation producing fruitful results, and growing momentum of trade and investment and integrated development in the region. EAS participating countries need to seize such precious opportunities to advance cooperation in priority areas and inject fresh impetus to East Asian cooperation. We should maintain the nature of EAS as a "leaders-led strategic forum" focusing on East Asia and on development, uphold ASEAN centrality, and advance economic development and political and security cooperation in parallel as the two wheels driving EAS forward. In this connection, I wish to make the following points. First, we need to uphold multilateralism. In today's world where the interests and future of countries are interconnected, only by committing to multilateralism, mutual respect and consultations on an equal footing, playing by the rules and working with one another can we effectively tackle global challenges and promote common development in the region. It was the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance that helped us overcome the Asian and international financial crises. This same spirit of multilateralism will again be vital to our efforts to prevail over the daunting challenges today. As an advocate for upholding the international order and multilateralism, China calls for the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation and a community with a shared future for mankind. China will work with other countries to safeguard the rules-based international order, unswervingly pursue friendship and cooperation with our East Asian neighbors, and promote security based on rules and development through cooperation. This way, we will do our part for peace and prosperity in the region. Second, we need to promote free trade. Free trade is a vital pillar of the modern economy and bedrock for national development and prosperity. As the global industrial, supply and value chains continue to develop, countries around the world are seeing their economies mutually interlinked and integrated. In such an interdependent relationship, any attempt to close doors and raise barriers will only backfire. Greater market openness and collaboration through division of labor is the right way to achieve win-win results. We need to focus our efforts on building an open world economy, supporting the multilateral trading system centered around the WTO, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and promote steady growth of the world economy. In making necessary adjustments to improve the existing WTO rules, parties should adhere to the general direction of free trade, and see to it that the adjustments will fully accommodate the interests and concerns of all players and help narrow the North-South gap. Third, we need to accelerate regional economic integration. Over the past 70 years and more since the end of the Second World War, Asia has achieved progress and prosperity thanks to economic globalization and opening-up and cooperation among countries in the region. For East Asia to keep its role as a main engine for global growth and realize a higher level of development, economic integration would be a natural choice. Regional free trade arrangements have picked up pace. ASEAN has established the AEC. China, Japan and the ROK have all established free trade areas with ASEAN. China and ASEAN have completed negotiations to upgrade their FTA. Positive steps have been taken in developing an East Asia Economic Community. The RCEP is the biggest free trade agreement in East Asia that meets the development needs of its extensive membership. At this crucial moment, what is needed is political resolve to conclude the negotiations as quickly as possible to deliver early benefits to people and businesses in the region. China holds an open attitude toward the CPTPP and hopes that when effective, it will be conducive to East Asian cooperation and inclusive development. Fourth, we need to advance regional cooperation for sustainable development. Development remains the top priority of East Asian countries, many of whom are developing countries in need of sustained attention to and greater investment in people's wellbeing. This year, China has implemented cooperation projects in such areas as environment and resource management, clean energy, tumor prevention and control and special food. Continued efforts are needed to follow through on the Manila Plan of Action, advance cooperation in the six priority areas, namely, energy, education, finance, public health, environmental protection and disaster management, and ASEAN connectivity. Exchanges and cooperation on food security and poverty reduction need to be stepped up. The Statement on ASEAN Smart Cities co-sponsored by Singapore and China will facilitate innovation cooperation among countries in the region. China will host a new energy forum and a seminar on maritime management next year, and continue to hold the clean energy forum and the seminar on natural resources and information sharing. China further calls for joint studies on geosciences to promote balanced and inclusive development of the region. Fifth, we need to conduct dialogue and cooperation in political and security areas. A safe and stable environment is a prerequisite for development and prosperity in the region. Parties need to increase communication on development strategies and policies to dispel misgivings, reduce misjudgment and enhance political trust. China advocates the vision on common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, supports discussions on regional security outlook and architecture that suits this region, and advocates peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation. China will carry out non-traditional security cooperation with parties on counter-terrorism, climate change and cyber security. China supports the statement sponsored by Russia on fighting terrorism and will hold joint counter-terrorism exercises next year to promote peace and tranquility in the region. Colleagues, Major positive changes have taken place on the Korean Peninsula with improved North-South relations and advancement in the dialogue process between the DPRK and the United States. Parties need to seize the opportunities to step up dialogue and consultation, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns, and convert political commitment into concrete actions in order to move toward the goal of complete denuclearization and a peace mechanism and achieve early, lasting peace on the Peninsula. Tranquility in the South China Sea is the aspiration of all parties and serves the interests of countries in this region. China is the biggest littoral state with over 60% of its seaborne trade in goods passing through the South China Sea. China firmly supports the freedom of navigation and overflight pursuant to international law. China is probably more keen than any other country to see peace and stability in the South China Sea. In his seven voyages to Southeast Asia and onward over 600 years ago, the Chinese navigator Zheng He laid the foundations for a tradition of benevolence, neighborliness and peaceful coexistence among Asian countries. Today, the Chinese economy has deeply integrated into the world economy and China and its neighbors live in a closely-knit community with a shared future. China will steadfastly pursue a foreign policy of building friendships and partnerships with its neighbors. We are ready to properly manage the South China Sea issue with countries in this region to turn the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. China is committed to working with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the DOC, carry out practical maritime cooperation and actively advance COC consultations. China is sincerely committed to take forward COC consultations. At the China-ASEAN Summit yesterday, all parties agreed to complete the first reading of the single draft negotiating text within 2019. And China and some ASEAN countries put forward a vision of concluding COC consultations in three years' time through the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries. By working together, we are confident that China and ASEAN countries will reach a COC that reflects the realities of our region, serves our peoples, and anchors peace, stability and enduring tranquility in the South China Sea. We also hope that non-regional states will respect and support these efforts by regional countries. Colleagues, This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Over the past four decades, China has made remarkable achievements and contributed its share to the development and progress in East Asia and the world beyond. The just-concluded inaugural China International Import Expo fully demonstrated China's sincere desire and voluntary steps to open up its market and share development opportunity with other countries. China will deepen reform comprehensively, advance a new round of high-standard opening-up, and move toward high-quality development. All this will only bring more opportunities to the world. As a Chinese saying goes, "A single drop of water cannot make an ocean, nor can a single tree form a forest". China will enhance solidarity and mutual trust and deepen dialogue and cooperation with all countries. Together, let us sustain the sound momentum of prosperity and stability in our region, and build an even brighter future of peace and development for East Asia. Thank you. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 12:17:29|Editor: ZD Video Player Close YANGON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Union Parliament has ratified the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Agreemnt on e-commerce, Myanmar News Agency reported Friday. The approval was made on Thursday at the 10th session of the Union Parliament in Nay Pyi Taw. The ASEAN economic ministers signed the ASEAN Agreement on e-commerce Wednesday on the sidelines of the summit of the ASEAN and related meetings in Singapore. The agreement seeks to facilitate cross-border e-commerce transactions and create an environment of trust and confidence in the use of e-commerce. The new deal encourages cooperation among ASEAN member states to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, overcome obstacles and take advantage of electronic commerce. The agreement entails cooperation on policies regarding information and communication technology infrastructure, education and technology, online consumer protection, e-commerce frameworks, electronic security, electronic payments and settlements, and trade facilitation. It aims to deepen cooperation among member states to further develop and intensify the use of e-commerce to drive economic growth and social development in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 12:57:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close People wave flags to welcome Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Nov. 15, 2018. China's naval hospital ship Peace Ark sailed into Ecuador's western port of Guayaquil on Thursday for an eight-day stay to provide free medical service to locals. (Xinhua/Hao Yunfu) QUITO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's naval hospital ship Peace Ark sailed into Ecuador's western port of Guayaquil on Thursday for an eight-day stay to provide free medical service to locals. At the port, the ship's 380 crew members and medical staff were given a warm reception co-hosted by Ecuadorian Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrin and Chinese Ambassador to Ecuador Wang Yulin, which featured a naval band performance by the two sides and a traditional Chinese lion dancing. On a multinational humanitarian mission dubbed Harmony 2018, the Chinese hospital ship has previously visited the Dominican Republic and other countries. Guan Bailin, head of the mission, said, "Ecuador is the 42nd country visited by the Peace Ark hospital ship" since its launch in 2008, which has provided medical service to more than 220,000 people. The 178-meter-long floating hospital features eight operating rooms and a 120-strong medical staff with expertise in 21 different fields, including neurology, gastroenterology, physiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, infectious diseases, reconstructive surgery and burns. Peace Ark's doctors are expected to treat some 4,000 selected cases and perform some 70 surgeries during its stay in Ecuador, according to the Chinese embassy. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 13:02:39|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's government and business sector on Thursday offered thousands of temporary jobs to migrants of caravans heading for the United States. The jobs, targeting caravans of Central American migrants heading for the United States, are provided in Mexico's border maquiladoras, or assembly plants, whose products are mainly destined for the U.S. market. "Today there are job vacancies available for both Mexicans and the foreigners who have entered the country in the past month, as long as they regularize their immigration situation," Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete told a press conference. Most of migrants are traveling with no documents. The current arrangement entails formal jobs with benefits and training, he said. According to him, interested migrants can attend job fairs being organized as of Thursday in cities along the caravans' route. Mobile information booths will be set up wherever migrants gather. "These booths will be manned by personnel from the National Immigration Institute so migrants who want to apply for these jobs can begin the process of regularizing their status," said the minister. Juan Pablo Castanon, president of the Economic Coordinating Council (CCE), Mexico's largest business confederation, said the council is coordinating some 7,000 to 10,000 job offers in the border region and central Mexico. Thousands of migrants, mainly from Honduras, but also Guatemala and El Salvador, are part of at least three caravans that entered Mexico in mid-October in a bid to reach the U.S. border. The United States has put enormous pressure on Mexico to stem the tide of migrants, and beefed up the border security with army troops. This week, the first migrant caravan arrived in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, while the members of a second caravan took rest in Mexico City. More than 2,000 migrants have decided to apply for asylum in Mexico and several hundred migrants agreed to be deported back to their countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 13:47:45|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HANOI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Police in Vietnam's northern Son La province have detained a local man for smuggling heroin and meths. Song A Thao, aged 49, was caught when transporting 12 cakes of heroin and 36,000 pills of meths in the province, local daily Nhan Dan (People) reported on Friday. According to the Vietnamese law, those convicted of smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine are punishable by death. Making or trading 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal drugs also faces death penalty. File photo taken on Aug. 13, 2013 shows a beautiful scenery of Kumgang-san resort region in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). (Xinhua/Du Baiyu) SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun will visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) later this week to mark the 20th anniversary of the currently suspended tour program to Mount Kumgang in the DPRK's southeast region. An unnamed unification ministry official of South Korea told local reporters on Thursday that the ministry approved the visit by more than 100 South Koreans, including Hyun, to the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang on Nov. 18-19. The visit was approved to allow about 30 Hyundai officials as well as former South Korean unification ministers and lawmakers to attend the ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of the tourism program, one of symbols for inter-Korean economic cooperation and reconciliation. The tour to Mount Kumgang was launched in November 1998 by Hyundai founder Chung Ju-yung, the late father-in-law of the current Hyundai chairwoman. It has been suspended since July 2008 when a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a DPRK soldier after allegedly venturing into an off-limit area. After the Pyongyang summit in September, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to resume the Mount Kumgang tour and the inter-Korean industrial complex in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong when "conditions are met." The unification ministry official was quoted as saying that the visit had nothing to do with the resumption of the tourism program. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 15:13:05|Editor: mmm Video Player Close SYDNEY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A spectacular hole in one has seen South Korea's An Byeong Hun reclaim his lead on day two of the Australian Open on Friday. An teed off for the afternoon session after watching American Matt Kuchar and Australian amateur David Micheluzzi take a joint lead, both playing seven under par in the morning wave. However an ace at the 197-meter, par-3 15th hole, rocketed the former U.S. amateur champion back to the top of the leaderboard with a finishing score of eight under. At 29th in the world rankings, Kuchar is the top ranked player at the tournament, living up to that mantle when he took the lead in the morning session, however he will have to settle for second place at the end of day two. Joining him in second position is 22-year-old Micheluzzi who is bidding to become the first amateur to win the Stonehaven Cup since Aaron Baddeley in 1999. Last week's New South Wales Open winner jake McLeod also finished with seven under in the afternoon session, joining a triple shared second place. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 15:13:06|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Papua New Guinea (PNG) Governor-General Bob Dadae holds a grand welcome ceremony in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping in front of the PNG national parliament house prior to their meeting in Port Moresby, PNG, on Nov. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) PORT MORESBY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Friday that he hopes his ongoing visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) would help boost relations between the two countries. During the meeting with PNG Governor-General Bob Dadae, Xi pointed out that this is not only his first visit to PNG, but also the first-ever state visit by a Chinese president. Thanking the PNG government and people for the warm reception, Xi said interactions between China and PNG go a long way back. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976, cooperation between China and PNG in various areas has witnessed fast expansion, which laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations, he said. Xi said the Chinese side has attached great importance to relations with PNG, and that he hopes his ongoing visit would help boost bilateral relations, expand all-dimensional exchanges between the two countries, promote friendly communication between the peoples, and push for fruitful results in practical cooperation in a broad range of areas. The Chinese side is staunchly committed to strengthening solidarity and cooperation with Pacific island countries including PNG, Xi said. Extending warm welcome to the Chinese president, Dadae called the visit a rare and grand event for his country in years. PNG and China enjoy profound friendship, he said, noting that there were Chinese traveling to and settling down in PNG more than a century ago. PNG established diplomatic relations with China the year after its independence, he said, adding that the visit by Xi is a milestone event for bilateral relations. The governor-general thanked the Chinese side for its precious assistance to PNG in areas concerning national development and people's livelihood such as infrastructure construction, education and health. He also thanked China for its great support for PNG in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting. PNG is ready to join efforts with China to lift the two countries' relations to a higher level, he said. Prior to the meeting, Dadae held a grand welcome ceremony in Xi's honor in front of the national parliament house, featuring a 21-gun salute and folk dances. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:13:15|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed to continue talks on aviation cooperation after holding the first-ever dialogue on cooperation in the aviation sector Friday, local media reported, citing Seoul's transport ministry. The first-ever working-level talks on the inter-Korean aviation cooperation was held at the joint inter-Korean liaison office at the DPRK's border town of Kaesong. The five-member South Korean delegation was headed by Son Myung-soo, a senior official of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The DPRK delegation was led by Ri Yong Son, deputy director-general of the General Administration of Civil Aviation. During the talks, the DPRK side proposed connecting air routes along the eastern and western waters of the Korean Peninsula, according to the Seoul ministry. The South Korean side said, in response, that the two sides would continue to discuss the issue through further dialogues in the future. The Seoul ministry did not provide details on what was discussed. The two sides also agreed to continue to discuss the overall inter-Korean aviation cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:13:15|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said here Thursday that the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should have more patience and dialogue to build trust. "It is important to have patience and to continue dialogue so that the U.S. and the DPRK can increase mutual understanding and build trust," Cho said at a forum in Washington. Cho said that the skepticism held by some experts was reasonable given the past failures of negotiation, but "past failures offer great lessons that can lead to future success." Cho said that South Korea, the United States, and the DPRK should abide by the agreements reached by their leaders and implement those agreements to achieve a complete denuclearization and establish a peace regime. South Korea would continue to support the denuclearization process by communicating with both the United States and the DPRK to keep the process on the right track, he said. Cho also reiterated that inter-Korean relations should be improved at the same pace as the denuclearization. He expected that senior-level talks between the DPRK and the United States could be rescheduled soon to make some progress on practical actions. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a visiting DPRK senior official was originally scheduled to meet last week in New York, but the meeting was postponed to an unspecified date. The first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit was held in Singapore on June 12. According to a joint statement signed by the leaders of the two countries, the United States would provide security guarantee to the DPRK in return for Pyongyang's commitment to denuclearization. Following the leaders' meeting, the U.S.-DPRK talks were once stuck in an impasse due to differences over the scale of denuclearization, U.S. sanctions, and whether to issue a war-ending declaration. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:18:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing of UN peacekeepers on operations in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his spokesperson said Thursday. At least 20 soldiers were killed, including seven Malawian and one Tanzanian UN peacekeepers and 12 people from the DRC, according to latest report. The peacekeepers were killed Wednesday during joint operations in North Kivu province near the Ugandan border with the Armed Forces of the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group in both the DRC and Uganda. "The secretary-general expresses his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families of the killed peacekeepers and the governments and people of the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania," the spokesperson said in a statement. Guterres conveyed his support to the Malawian and Tanzanian contingents, "which continue to operate in an exceptionally difficult environment to protect local populations against the attacks of the ADF and other armed groups," it added. The UN chief called on all armed groups to stop their destabilizing activities, and encourages the DRC authorities to continue taking the necessary measures to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against civilians, national security forces and peacekeepers, the statement said. The east of the DRC has been plagued by insurgency for over 20 years. The past year has seen a surge in violence around North Kivu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:23:18|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close OTTAWA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Canada is considering sanctions over the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday. She made these remarks after the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Thursday announced Magnitsky Act sanction on 17 Saudi individuals over their alleged roles in the killing of Khashoggi. "Canada welcomes the U.S. action. When it comes to Canada, we also do have Magnitsky legislation in place and that is a tool that we have found very useful in our foreign policy. And that is certainly something which in the coming days Canada is actively considering," said Freeland in Port Colborne, Ontario Thursday for a media availability to discuss the new North America trade deal. Khashoggi disappeared on Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Days later, Turkey alleged that Khashoggi had been tortured, killed and dismembered at the consulate. The Saudi government admitted he died at the consulate. The United States' Magnitsky Act was passed in 2012 under former President Barack Obama. It was named after Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who died in a Moscow prison after he was arrested over an alleged tax fraud. The law allows the U.S. government to sanction offenders abroad, seize their assets and ban them from entering the United States. Canada's own version of the Magnitsky Act was passed last year, giving the federal government powers to freeze assets owned by individuals if the government believes them to be involved in corruption, money laundering and human rights abuses in their own countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:23:19|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close MANILA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 300-million-U.S. dollar loan to promote sustainable agriculture systems and protect the ecology in the upper and middle reaches of China's Yangtze River. "ADB's assistance - which benefits the provinces of Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, and Yunnan, as well as the Municipality of Chongqing - supports the Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Plan. The plan prioritizes ecological protection and the promotion of green development in the longest and one of the most important rivers in the country," ADB said in a statement released on Friday. "Pollution from industry and poor farming practices has degraded the land and water quality in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, causing about 37 billion U.S. dollars per year in agricultural productivity losses," said ADB Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist Suzanne Robertson. "ADB's assistance will help address these issues, improving livelihoods of the people in the project areas and the overall ecological health of the Yangtze River Basin," she added. According to ADB, The Yangtze River Green Ecological Corridor Comprehensive Agriculture Development Project will finance the construction and provision of modern farming systems in the project areas. For instance, 1,326 kilometers of irrigation and drainage infrastructure, which can service 32,900 hectares of farmland, will be constructed along with 3,535 water storage ponds. It will also provide equipment and materials to implement sustainable and modern farming practices, including farm machinery and greenhouses. In addition, the project will improve waste and environment management systems such as promoting collection of plastics, building biogas plants to deal with animal waste, and promoting the use of organic fertilizers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 16:48:34|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- In front of a wall decorated with phonograph records and cassettes in the National Museum of China, 63-year-old Sai Zongming recounts his personal history of listening to music with his family members. Never having had the chance to own a gramophone -- since it was a luxury for the rich -- Sai used to try every way to listen to his favorite Peking Opera. First, it was TV sets in other people's houses, then it was a radio. It was only a few years ago that he replaced his radio and cassettes with a speaker that can play thousands of songs using a USB. Sai, a veteran-turned-farmer from eastern China's Shandong Province, was on a trip to Beijing when he heard about an exhibition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up at the country's top museum in central Beijing. The exhibition has attracted many visitors since it opened on Tuesday. Many people also brought along their children, and it is expected that even more people will attend over the weekend. "I came here to see the changes that have taken place in the past 40 years, for me as well as for our motherland," he said. Sai is only one of the hundreds of millions of Chinese whose lives have been changed in the course of four decades of reform and opening-up. A chart of national economic figures between 1978 and 2017 posted in the exhibition tells it all: gross domestic product has grown from 370 billion yuan (about 53 billion U.S. dollars) to 82.7 trillion yuan, fiscal revenue rising from 110 billion yuan to 17 trillion yuan and the urbanization rate up from 17.92 percent to 58.52 percent. At the museum, historical photos, texts, videos, miniature models and interactive activities epitomize the changes. Among the exhibits is an agreement paper signed by 18 farmers in Xiaogang Village to de-collectivize farmland, a business license issued to China's first privately-owned business and the pen used by a Chinese government representative upon China's entry in the World Trade Organization in 2001. A fashion show was even held inside the museum on Wednesday with models hitting the catwalk with signature dresses from each of the generations over the past four decades, including styles such as an army overcoat and bell-bottomed pants to Western business suits and designer clothes. Though not everyone was lucky enough to catch the fashion show, they are certain to be awed by the exhibits showing the achievements of the nation and their fellow countrymen in just four decades. Pride and joy are in the air. The most popular items are hi-tech models demonstrating the country's strength in science. Visitors take a lot of selfies in front of the Tiangong-2 space lab, the deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) and the Long March series of carrier rockets. A visitor surnamed Long said she was stunned after seeing the mock-ups of Jiaolong and Tiangong-2. As a member of Miao ethnic minority, Long said she is proud to see China's great transformation while Miao people's lives improve. Long runs a tea-leaf business in her hometown in central China. While they had to deal with the muddy road whenever it rained, they now can easily transport agricultural products with small vans running on asphalt roads. Jiang Shan, a 19-year-old undergraduate in space research from Beihang University, said he was more aware of his responsibility after seeing the exhibition. "I'm looking forward to China's next step in deep-space exploration now that we have FAST and other related capabilities," said Jiang as he took a picture of the Long March rockets. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 17:03:38|Editor: mmm Video Player Close Song Jiongming, vice president of the documentary's producer Shanghai Media Group (SMG), speaks at the screening ceremony in Washington, the United States, on Nov. 15, 2018. A three-episode documentary providing rare footage of the Tokyo war crime trials after the Second World War was aired at the U.S. National Archives in central Washington D.C. on Thursday night. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A three-episode documentary providing rare footage of the Tokyo war crime trials after the Second World War was aired at the U.S. National Archives in central Washington D.C. on Thursday night. It has also coincided with the U.S. premiere of the documentary's third season. The screening of the "The Tokyo Trials" series was in observance of the 70th anniversary of the trial's adjournment in 1948, said the National Archives on its website. The Allied Forces tried Japanese war criminals at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East in Tokyo after WWII. The proceedings, lasting more than two and a half years, played an important part in shaping the postwar Asia-Pacific order. "This documentary series have reconstructed a vivid picture of the historic event," said Mei Xiaokan, daughter of Chinese Justice Mei Ru'ao who participated in the Tokyo Trials, at the screening ceremony. "Although the Tokyo Trials had the largest number of participating countries as well as the longest court time, and left the most voluminous files and documents in human history, related research and filming are not enough," said Song Jiongming, vice president of the documentary's producer Shanghai Media Group (SMG), explaining why the documentary series were produced. Song also thanked the U.S. National Archives for its "strong support" during the filming. "The archives provided many precious files, some of them going public for the first time in the filming," Song told the audience at the ceremony. Xiang Longwan, son of Chinese Prosecutor Hsiang Che-chun of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, recalled his numerous visits to the U.S. National Archives to explore original materials of the Tokyo Trials, including texts, pictures and documentaries. Based on this experience, Xiang said, he could "deeply feel that China and the United States were in an alliance for the anti-fascist war," and the two countries cooperated to defend peace and justice at the time. "I deeply hope that this spirit of cooperation can be passed down from generation to generation," said Xiang, a maths professor, who is now also the honorary director of the Center for the Tokyo Trial Studies of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During the four-year filming, the SMG sent crews to the United States, Germany, Japan and some other countries for exclusive video records and interviews with scholars. The documentary has won several awards including the Best Documentary Series at the 21st Asian Television Awards in December, 2016. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 17:08:39|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Friday detained at least 12 people, including academics, in Istanbul over their suspected links to a group believed to be behind a failed coup in 2016. The state-run Anadolu Agency said Betul Tanbay, a mathematician at Bogazici University, and Turgut Tarhanli, a renowned law professor at Bilgi University, were among the detainees caught in simultaneous operations launched across the city. The other detainees were members of the Anadolu Kultur, a cultural association, whose director was in custody over charges of trying to overthrow the government during the failed coup in July 2016 and attempting to abolish the constitutional order, said Anadolu. Police are hunting eight other suspects, according to the agency. Ankara accuses the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen and his group of masterminding the coup attempt that left 250 people dead. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 18:49:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's parliament on Friday passed a no-confidence motion on the government as Speaker Karu Jayasuriya took a vote under heavy police presence. The speaker, for the first time in Sri Lanka's history, entered the floor of the House, well protected by hundreds of police personnel. The parliament session which had been expected to start at 1:30 p.m. local time, was delayed for over 30 minutes as legislators had begun a protest surrounding the speaker's desk. Legislators in the protest called for the immediate arrest of two legislators from the United National Party, for bringing knives into the parliament a day earlier. Following a tense situation, Speaker Jayasuriya entered the floor of the House and hurriedly called for a vote of no-confidence. He initially called for a "vote by name," but due to severe chaos and violence which had erupted, he concluded the vote with a "voice vote." Speaker Jayasuriya then announced that the motion had been passed, and the parliament was adjourned till Nov. 19. President Maithripala Sirisena, issuing a statement on his official Twitter account after the parliamentary session, said he urged all parliamentarians to uphold the principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times. He also said he would not prorogue parliament under any circumstances. Government Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella told journalists in a media briefing soon after the incident that the government would not accept the vote as it was conducted in an "illegal" manner. Ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking to reporters, condemned the incident by legislators earlier Friday and said the government had been defeated. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 18:49:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 militants loyal to the hardliner Islamic State (IS) were killed following a government forces operation in the country's eastern Nangarhar province, said a statement of provincial government released here Friday. "Personnel of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) launched an operation, late on Thursday night, killing up to 20 fighters, including some of their local commanders leaders, in Achin district," the statement said. Five of the militants' training and equipment centers were also destroyed during the operation, the statement said, adding the militants were planned to launch subversive activities in Achin district and provincial capital Jalalabad city, but the operations have foiled their vicious designs. According to the statement, no civilian or government troop were killed or injured in the operation, the statement said. The IS militants fighting government forces in the region have not commented on the event. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 19:24:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANAMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain government on Friday welcomed a decision of the U.S. Senate that rejected block on an arms sale worth around 300 million U.S. dollars to the kingdom. The Bahraini Foreign Affairs Ministry said the U.S. Senate's decision reflects the strong ties between the two nations. The ministry said the historical and strong relations will continue to "establish security and peace regionally and internationally." U.S. Senator Rand Paul managed to secure a vote to proceed with a resolution to block the sale of weapons to Bahrain, which is a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthis in Yemen. However, on Thursday, the White House issued a veto threat against the Bahrain resolution, saying the sales of 120 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System pods and 110 Army Tactical Missile System pods are intended to defend Bahrain. Bahrain, is home to the Fifth Fleet that has over 7,800 U.S. navy personnel. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 19:24:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistani government official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) went missing from the capital city of Islamabad, local media and officials said on Friday. Muhammad Ayaz, deputy director of CDA, went missing from the G6 sector of the federal capital Islamabad on Thursday, said CDA officials, adding that Ayaz left his office at 2:30 p.m. (local time) and has been missing since then. "CDA is inquiring into the whereabouts of the deputy director and all security institutions have been informed that he is missing," the officials added. The disappearance of the government official came days after a senior Pakistani police officer went missing from Islamabad on Oct. 26 and his body was later found in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on Tuesday. On Thursday, Afghan officials handed over the dead body of the police officer Tahir Khan Dawar to Pakistani authorities at the Torkham border, a key border crossing with Afghanistan, according to local media reports. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 19:44:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- High-profile officials, experts and potential investors gathered here on Friday at the #ConnectCambodia forum to discuss the potential for e-commerce and cross-border trade. Organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) here, the forum linked-up with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in an effort to showcase how regional integration, technologies and innovations have created new development opportunities to advance cross-border trade in Cambodia, the UNDP said in a press release. "Through the Belt and Road Initiative, e-commerce and e-trade could support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of small and medium enterprises," said Pauline Tamesis, UNDP resident representative to Cambodia. While there are several hurdles to overcome -moving products faster and logistical challenges - the #ConnectCambodia forum aimed to find solutions that would make it possible to overcome bottlenecks and streamline efficiency. "The Cambodian government is committed to fostering an investor friendly ecosystem," said Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol. "This is demonstrated by the recent creation of the National Logistics Council which is designed to look holistically at the logistical impediments and to tackle the high costs of the kingdom's logistics sector to promote the efficient flow of exports," he said. The overall goal of the forum was to inform the preparation of a partnership between the government, leading logistics providers, e-commerce platforms and development partners. "Cambodia is open for business," said Nick Beresford, UNDP country director for Cambodia. "The Cambodian government has made great strides in improving its cross-border procedures. UNDP is ready and willing to support the government's ongoing efforts to bring further investment into the country." Steven Li, senior vice president of Shenzhen 4PX Express Co., Ltd, under the Alibaba Cainiao Logistics Group, said the BRI has provided opportunities for all countries along the route. "I think Cambodia is now connected to the Belt and Road Initiative, but in terms of the logistic infrastructure, they're still not ready," he said. "So, I think in this way, if Cambodia can do the same way as European countries, it will be easier for China to send e-commerce products from China to Cambodia, south-east countries. And also, we can import a lot from these countries," he added. E-commerce has boomed in Cambodia in recent years although a law governing the sector is not yet in place. According to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, about 75 percent of the kingdom's 16 million people have access to the Internet, mostly by their smartphones. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 19:59:19|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Oxford Dictionaries announced that it has chosen "toxic" as its annual "Word of the Year", British media reported Friday. Defining the word as "poisonous", Oxford said it had become a "descriptor for the year's most talked about topics", citing the adjective's use to describe everything from the debate around Brexit to the environment and masculinity. The dictionary pointed to a 45 percent rise in the number of times the word has been looked up on its website, and said it best captured "the ethos, mood, or preoccupations" of 2018, thanks to "the sheer scope" of its application. "Toxic" has defeated other shortlisted words, such as "big dick energy" and the derogatory term "gammon", to become the word of the year, according to the dictionary. Oxford Dictionaries said that the "Me Too" movement has "put the spotlight on toxic masculinity" whereas in politics more broadly "the word has been applied to the rhetoric, policies, agendas and legacies of leaders and governments around the globe". Oxford's word of the year is intended to "reflect the passing year in language". In 2017, its Word of the Year was "youthquake", defined as "a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people". Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 20:14:21|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in Port Moresby, PNG, on Nov. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) PORT MORESBY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill agreed on Friday to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries, featuring mutual respect and common development. The decision was made during a meeting between Xi and O'Neill, where they spoke positively of the traditional friendship between China and PNG and charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. Expressing gratitude to the PNG government and people for the warm reception, Xi said it was an epitome of the profound friendship the PNG people have for the Chinese people and a reflection of the development of bilateral relations and the achievements in bilateral cooperation in years. Xi pointed out that the two countries have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful results in practical cooperation in recent years. China firmly supports PNG in choosing a development path in line with its own national conditions and highly appreciates the PNG government for staunchly adhering to the one-China policy, he said. The two sides agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development to strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, he said. Xi said the development embodied the traditional friendship between China and PNG while injecting strong impetus into the advancement of bilateral exchanges and cooperation. China is ready to work with PNG to increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation and foster friendship to lift the comprehensive strategic partnership to higher levels, he added. Xi stressed that both sides should increase strategic mutual trust under the guidance of high-level exchanges. He called on the two sides to keep promoting personnel exchanges at various levels and in various fields and strengthening communication between parties, parliaments, at local levels and among peoples. The two sides, Xi said, should achieve win-win and mutually beneficial results underpinned by practical cooperation. Noting that PNG, located on the natural extension of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was the first among Pacific island countries to sign a cooperation agreement on the Belt and Road construction with China, Xi called on the two sides to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies within the Belt and Road framework. He also called on the two sides to reach a consensus as soon as possible to start negotiations on a free trade agreement, and actively promote the mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as production capacity, trade and economy, investment and financing. The two sides should consolidate friendship between the two peoples based on cultural exchanges, Xi said, adding that they should also advance cooperation in the fields of the facilitation of personnel exchanges, human resources development, education, health and tourism. China and PNG should enrich the content of their cooperation with multilateral coordination as a platform, Xi said. He said that China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with PNG within the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum, the Pacific Islands Forum and other multilateral frameworks. China supports PNG in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and wishes the event a success, the Chinese president added. For his part, noting that it is the first-ever state visit by the Chinese president to PNG, O'Neill said the visit is an important historic moment for his country. PNG and China have enjoyed strong momentum in developing the bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties, he said, adding that PNG will staunchly adhere to the one-China policy. PNG thanked China for its long-term and precious support in the country's economic and social development, the Chinese medical team for its help in malaria control and prevention in remote areas, and the Chinese side for its assistance in disaster relief and reconstruction after a recent earthquake, O'Neill said. The country also thanked China for its support in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. The Belt and Road Initiative is conducive to strengthening connectivity and infrastructure construction in the Pacific islands region, he said. Pledging to actively participate in building the Belt and Road, the prime minister said PNG is willing to beef up communication and cooperation with China in areas including trade and economy, production capacity, tourism, infrastructure construction, education and cooperation among local governments, and start negotiations on a free trade agreement at an early date. The PNG side speaks highly of China's adherence to rule-based international order in global affairs, supports multilateral institutions, and appreciates and supports China's active leading role, he said. The PNG side is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side, supports Pacific island countries and China in deepening dialogue and strengthening cooperation in areas such as fishery, tourism and climate change, he said. The two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperative documents following the meeting. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 20:19:21|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JAKARTA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Parents of a killed passenger in Indonesia's Lion Air plane crash had lodged a lawsuit against plane maker Boeing, citing lack of instructions in its flight manuals on significant changes in the new plane, the lawyer of the family said in a statement. The lawsuit was lodged in Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the United State on Nov. 14, a lawyer at Colson Hicks Eidson & BartlettChen LLC Law Firm Curtis Miner said in the statement released on Thursday. "The lawsuit was filed in on behalf of our client H. Irianto, father of Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama who died when the Boeing 737 Max 8 plummeted into the sea," Miner said in the statement. Pratama took the doomed Lion Air JT 610 flight to fly back to Pangkalpinang after attending a conference in Jakarta. The young doctor was supposed to get married on Nov. 11. The Boeing 737 Max 8 plane serving Lion Air JT 610 crashed 13 minutes after take off from international airport of Soekarno-Hatta on Oct. 29, killing all 189 people onboard. The U. S. aviation supervisory agency, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has issued order to review Boeing aircraft's safety procedures, including information conveyed to airlines operating Boeing 737 Max 8 related to the new flight control system applied in the aircraft. The automated flight control system was not found in the previous models of Boeing 737. The new flight control system in Boeing 737 Max 8 was intended to help pilots in dealing with air stream anomalies in the sky that may risk the flight. The system would push the plane's nose down to regain control on the plane as automatic response to such anomalies. The anomalies were allegedly prompted by glitch in the plane's air stream censor of Angle of Attack (AOA) that led the system to push the nose down, which eventually could not be controlled by the pilots. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 20:24:22|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), vehemently rejected accusations on Friday that she was personally responsible for any misconduct in a campaign finance scandal which has engulfed her party. Speaking to the press, Weidel said that all allegations against her were "devoid of any foundation and represented an attempt to discredit me personally and politically." The former Goldman Sachs analyst described reports that the AfD branch in her own electoral district received illicit campaign funds from Switzerland as "incorrect in key areas, incomplete and biased." Weidel was unwilling to comment on any details of the affair until an assessment by her attorney and a statement prepared by them to the relevant German authorities on her behalf. According to research by the public broadcasters WDR and NDR and the newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), the local AfD branch in Weidel's own electoral district received around 130,000 euros (147,200 U.S. dollars) of suspicious Swiss funding in the run-up to the last federal elections. The funds were transferred from a Zuerich-based pharma company in multiple installments and were referenced as "Election campaign donation Alice Weidel". Confronted with the accusations, Weidel said earlier that she first learned about the "unwanted" donation in September 2017. Although the AfD had "concerns about the legality" of the donation, the money was only returned in April 2018. At that time, the AfD had already entered the German parliament for the first time and received a boost to its finances as a result of the federal election. Together with AfD co-leaders Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, Weidel is a key figure in the AfD and has become known for her frequent incendiary language in speeches about migrants. Weidel is officially registered as a Swiss taxpayer. File photo shows that local artists perform during the national celebration of mountain gorilla conservation in Kampala, capital of Uganda, Sept. 26, 2009. (Xinhua/Chen Jing) KAMPALA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Uganda, the host of the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world, has called for continued efforts to conserve the primates despite their population going up. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state conservation agency, in a statement to Xinhua on Thursday said more efforts are needed to conserve the giant apes if their number is to continue growing. "We don't have to be complacent, more is still needed, we have to ensure the population of mountain gorillas continue to increase, this will happen if we put poaching to zero levels and ensuring they don't contract diseases that can kill them," the statement said. The statement follows a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which announced that mountain gorillas had been struck off their Red List of Threatened Species. The body said on Thursday that mountain gorillas among others were no longer a threatened species since their world population had surpassed the 1,000 mark. The increase in the number is attributed to the conservation efforts by the three host countries, Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. UWA said it will intensify its anti poaching campaigns and do day and night patrols to protect the gorillas. Mountain gorillas, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, were a highly endangered sub-species of primate. They live in forests that have suffered from considerable human impact in the form of timber extraction and other human activity. The primates are also a major source of tourism revenue to countries that host them. According to UWA, tourists who come to see the gorillas contribute a considerable percentage to Uganda's tourism revenue. Uganda earns over 1.4 billion U.S. dollars from the tourism sector annually. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 20:49:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIRUT, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Friday that he has proposed a solution to break the deadlock of government formation caused by a rift among political factions over representation. "I have proposed a solution to the crisis but I hope that they take it into account," he told Al Joumhouria, a local newspaper, in an interview, expressing hope that communications between various political parties would lead to positive results. Sunni lawmakers from outside Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's Future Movement have been demanding to be represented by at least one seat in the government but Hariri, backed by President Michel Aoun, refused the demand saying that the six Sunni lawmakers did not have the right of representation because they were not part of a unified parliamentary block. Hezbollah, a Shiite Islamic political party in Lebanon, has strongly backed the independent Sunni lawmakers' demand. The issue of the Sunni representation in the government has been the latest obstacle facing the cabinet formation. A Chinese businessman is showcasing his products during the China-Kenya Industrial Capacity Cooperation Exposition in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Allan Mutiso) NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Abdi Nassir started his entrepreneur journey after graduating from a mid-level college in Kenya's capital Nairobi thanks to inspiration and mentorship from close relatives who followed a similar path and was rewarded handsomely. The 28-year-old businessman was in buoyant mood on Wednesday afternoon as he strolled along the elegantly decorated pavilion where the China-Kenya Industrial Capacity Cooperation Exposition took place. Abdi and a group of young entrepreneurs huddled together at the exhibition stand belonging to China's Hebei Pingle Group where they learnt about the inner workings of modern flour and wheat milling machines. "Am impressed by the cutting edge industrial machines being showcased in this expo particularly the ones dealing with food processing because that is the line I have invested in the recent past," said Abdi. He has been processing fruits for domestic and export markets but has lately toyed with the idea of venturing into flour milling given the huge profit margins that are guaranteed. "So far, am convinced that the flour milling machines from Pingle group are of high standards and am negotiating for a discounted price to enable me plunge into a business that is lucrative since maize flour is a staple in the country," said Abdi. The Hebei Pingle Flour Machinery Group was among dozens of Chinese companies that are showcasing their products at the four-day expo taking place in Nairobi. Candy Ren, marketing manager of Pingle group, said the expo has provided a platform for Chinese companies to explore the Kenyan market and forge long-term linkages with local clients. "Kenya is a potential market for industrial machines and we have already established a strong presence in the country. We have an office and a spare parts storage facility as we gear up for huge business opportunities," said Ren. She revealed that budding entrepreneurs who were impressed by the quality and user-friendliness of Pingle group's flour milling machines, promised to place an order in the near future. Kenyans from all walks of life trooped to the expo that showcased China's prowess in advanced manufacturing, which Kenya has been aiming for to accelerate economic growth. Ken Ng'ang'a, a middle-aged entrepreneur, visited Qingdao Foxxon Rubber and Tires Co., Ltd, where he inquired about the cost and durability of vehicle and motorcycle tyres on display. "The most impressive thing about this expo is that companies that have an international reach are participating. I have faith in tyres manufactured in China and have been stocking them in my hardware shops spread across Nairobi and nearby towns," said Ng'ang'a. He disclosed that he has visited Chinese manufacturing hubs like Guangzhou in search of quality but cheaper tyres for domestic and regional market. "I have been importing tyres from China and this expo came at the opportune time as I look forward to fruitful partnership with manufacturers who are participating," said Ng'ang'a. Henry Ren, general manager of Qingdao Foxxon Rubber and Tires Co., Ltd, said that participating at the expo was a milestone in his business career. "We are shopping for a local agent to facilitate our entrance into the wider eastern African region. In the meantime, Kenya remains our key target market given its robust economy and close trade partnership with China," said Henry. He disclosed that many Kenyans were keen to sample his company's tyres after discovering their quality was above board yet their cost was modest. "Our goal is to sustain quality of our products as we cement business relationship with Kenyans and hope to identify a local agent to help grow our footprint in this market," said Henry. The expo was a showcase of heavy industrial machinery, motor vehicle parts, electronic goods and solar lighting systems manufactured from the Asian country. Richard Tapatayia, an entrepreneur in transport business said that attending the expo was an eye opener since it exposed him to China's competitive edge in the manufacture of vehicle spare parts and industrial machinery. "It was exciting to learn that China is also advanced in motor vehicle assembly and came across exhibition stands where high quality vehicle parts were displayed," said Tapatayia. He expressed a desire to source for vehicle spare parts from China having been convinced that they meet the threshold in terms of quality and durability. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:24:32|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TOKYO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Japan Airlines Co. and All Nippon Airways Co., following recent instances of their flight crew being inebriated, announced Friday they will implement stricter alcohol tests for their pilots. Following JAL co-pilot Katsutoshi Jitsukawa being arrested by British police after a drinking session the night before a London-Tokyo flight on Oct. 28, which left him 10 times over the legal limit under British aviation law, JAL has provisionally banned its pilots from drinking within 24 hours of a flight. JAL's previous rules had banned pilots and copilots from drinking with 12 hours of a flight, but following the scandal, which led to a court hearing for Jitsukawa in Britain in which he pleaded guilty, Japan's flagship carrier said the 24-hour no drinking rule will stay in place until a permanent rule is agreed upon. The new rule on drinking may also be applied to other employees, including JAL's ground staff, the carrier said. JAL, in a report submitted to the government, also said it will upgrade its breathalyzer equipment at airports overseas this month and punish pilots who fail the tests. JAL previously said its pilot, who was arrested in London, had cheated the pre-flight alcohol test. It also said that one of the two accompanying captains on the flight had failed to monitor the breath test properly. "We feel deeply responsible for allowing an incident that should never happen," JAL President Yuji Akasaka was quoted as telling a news conference Friday. Akasaka said that to show his managerial responsibility he will cut his executive salary by 20 percent. ANA has also come under fire recently, following one of its pilots being unable to fly due to becoming sick after a drinking session in Okinawa. Delays were caused to five flights on Oct. 25, due to the pilot being unable to fly after drinking, and as a result the pilot resigned as per his company's instructions. Along with setting more accurate guidelines on alcohol consumption, ANA said it will introduce new and more accurate breathalyzers. ANA also said that portable breathalyzers will also be distributed to all of its flight crew. "It is important to make preventive measures work effectively," ANA President Yuji Hirako, for his part, was quoted as saying Friday at a separate news conference. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:24:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that the ongoing crackdown on corruption and human rights abuse will continue by bringing perpetrators to justice. Ahmed's remarks came Thursday amid an ongoing arrest of senior military figures, high-level intelligence personnel and their associates over alleged large-scale corruption cases and years of human rights abuse against dissidents and rebels. "The government will exert its utmost efforts to bring human rights abusers, corrupted individuals, as well as those who orchestrated the bomb explosion on June 23 before justice," Ahmed said in a statement. Ahmed also stressed that, by bringing perpetrators to justice, his government is undertaking its "legal obligations to protect its citizens" and respond to their grievances. On Tuesday, Ethiopian security forces arrested the ex-chief of the military-linked business conglomerate Metal Engineering Corporation (MeTEC), Kinfe Dagnew on corruption charges. Dagnew, who resigned from MeTEC in April amid allegations of widespread corrupt practices, is one of the many senior Ethiopian military and intelligence officials who were detained by the Ethiopian police during the past few days. Police also on Thursday disclosed the arrest of Yared Zerihun, the former deputy chief of the Ethiopia National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). Zerihun, who had been on the run for several days, was arrested from an undisclosed location on Wednesday evening. NISS has in recent years been accused of torturing and killing dissidents and rebels. Police also on Thursday arrested Gudeta Olana, Head of Security Division at Ethiopia Telecom, for an alleged intimidation and obstruction of investigators who were probing alleged corrupt practices at the MeTEC, which was the most powerful conglomerate in the East African country under the Ethiopian military. Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopia's Attorney General, on Monday disclosed that 63 intelligence and army officers have been arrested over accusations of corruption and human rights abuses during a span of six years from 2011 to 2017. "Some of the suspects have already appeared before court, while we are currently searching for other fugitive suspects," Tsegaye told reporters on Monday. He said some of the fugitive suspects are believed to be hiding inside the country, while others are suspected to have escaped to foreign countries. The arrest of the suspects, as part of a major crack-down on high level corruption and human rights abuse scandal, is said to be part of the promise the new administration of PM Ahmed made to the public following his appointment in April this year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:29:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PYONGYANG, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has decided to deport a U.S. citizen detained for illegally entering the country, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday. The U.S. citizen, named Bruce Byron Lowrance, was detained on Oct. 16 in the DPRK, the KCNA report said. During the investigation, Lowrance confessed that he made the entry under the direction of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, according to the KCNA report. The report did not say when Lowrance would be deported. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:34:36|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's rapid deployment of new technologies and desire to develop artificial intelligence (AI) will help lead the smart city development, said experts Thursday. Senior information technology experts and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley shared their opinions on China's smart city development and application at a seminar held by the U.S.-Asia Technology Management Center and Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. China started implementing smart cities many years ago and it has developed very quickly, because Chinese people are enthusiastic about adopting new technologies, said Wenli Yu, a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive of technology companies in Silicon Valley. In China, sensors were installed almost everywhere, such as street sensors for traffic tracking and control, and garage sensors for guiding drivers to find the nearest empty parking space, he said. China started piloting national smart city development in 2012 to encourage the use of new technologies, such as AI and Internet-of-Things (IoT), to help traffic flows, improve law enforcement and make public buildings more energy efficient. "Almost every city's mayor is talking about smart city, big data, AI and cloud computing," said Li Yangming, a senior IT expert at China National Petroleum Corporation and a visiting fellow at the Stanford Asia-Pacific Research Center. "Currently, there are about 10 Alibaba City Brain projects operating by using AI algorithms to monitor and control traffic signals and street cameras," he said. The United States and China are the world's leaders in developing AI and smart city technologies. While the United States leads in technological innovation, China enjoys advantages in data collection, investment in infrastructure and government support, Yu said. "Massive data is collected for analytics and AI apps in China," he said. "Subway systems are being built at a rapid speed in almost every major city, and low-cost mobile services are offered by three major telecoms carriers in China." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:39:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Eusebio Leal, the city's historian, speaks during the celebration marking the 499th anniversary of Havana's founding in Havana, Cuba, Nov. 16, 2018. Considered a city with a long history and tradition and great charm in Latin America and the Caribbean, Havana celebrated on Friday its 499th anniversary of founding with the sights set on its half-millennium in 2019. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez) by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Considered a city with a long history and tradition and great charm in Latin America and the Caribbean, Havana celebrated on Friday its 499th anniversary of founding with the sights set on its half-millennium in 2019. The Cuban capital, a city that for many seems stuck in time, is today a place featuring major restoration of its emblematic colonial buildings and the opening of new social facilities for thousands to enjoy. To kick off the celebrations, shortly after midnight on Friday, a group of children accompanied the city's historian, Eusebio Leal, from the Palace of the General Captains, the former seat of government, to the founding site known as "El Templete." There, in 1519, the first mass and council took place, in the shade of a "ceiba," a blossoming tree whose mystical symbolism transcends time and is a unique place to visit for thousands of Cubans. Despite the passing of centuries, Havana residents maintain one of the oldest traditions -- walking around the tree three times and requesting three wishes. "Keeping up with this tradition is valuable and it has passed from generation to generation," Cristobal Gonzalez, a local resident told Xinhua. This Cuban feels greater pride as his birthday coincides with the anniversary of the city, which "has an extremely important and valuable meaning" for him. In 2018, he turned 70 years old, an age which he is thankful for while walking around the famous "ceiba." Just as the city's 500th anniversary of founding draws near, Havana's historian said this commemoration is a "starting point" to continue working on the complex problems the city currently faces. "This is a city that does not have to be ashamed of its past, but on the contrary take pride in its history. We don't see the 500th anniversary as a goal to achieve, but rather a starting point for continuing to work for the people," Leal said. Leal, architect of the restoration of Havana's Old Town, said that the Cuban capital is not only a city of traditions and legends, but also values its people. "Everything we have been able to do has been done in difficult years, but I am convinced that there is always much more to be done for Havana," he added. Hundreds of residents of the Cuban capital listened attentively to Leal from the outskirts of the historical site where they stood since the afternoon to attend the traditional "ceiba" ceremony. "I come here to ask for the health of my family, for the peace and tranquility of our country and the world, in addition to celebrating the 499th anniversary of this city of San Cristobal de La Habana," Caridad Segura, a state worker, told Xinhua. Despite fatigue, many Cubans decided not to miss the tradition which is a manifest part of national culture. "Today is a day of joy for all Havana residents as we must keep our traditions. I am happy to come once again to go around the 'ceiba' along with the Cuban people," Juana Perez, a retired Cuban, told Xinhua. In recent weeks, as part of the celebrations for the city's founding anniversary, numerous social facilities have been inaugurated and several cultural events will be held until November 2019. The restoration and improvement of several historical buildings and museums, libraries, schools and a housing program that will benefit 700 residents of the historic center are some of the actions that will be implemented during the next year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 21:39:40|Editor: mmm Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli will hold early elections, which was decided after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett concluded their meeting on Friday, Israeli media reported. Reports said that the heads of the Israeli coalition will agree on a date to hold elections. The meeting between Netanyahu and Bennett, who is the head of the far-right Habayit Hayehudi party, was held amid the government's calls to avoid snap elections. Pressures were mounting on Netanyahu to call for early elections amid turmoil sparked by defense minister's resignation following an agreed cease-fire with Gaza. On Thursday, leaders of some of the key coalition partners said Netanyahu should dissolve the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and call for early elections. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:09:44|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RIGA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson arrived in Riga on a state visit on Friday to meet with top Latvian officials and join the celebrations of the centenary of the Republic of Latvia, local media reported. After meeting with the Icelandic leader in Riga Castle, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis released a statement in which he thanked Iceland for being the first country in the world to recognize Latvia's regained independence in 1991. Everyone in Latvia remembers the significant role Iceland played in the restoration of Latvia's independence at that time, Vejonis stressed. Iceland's courageous action was a vivid example proving that even small countries' decisions can influence international processes at crucial moments. Although Latvia and Iceland are far apart geographically, both countries are united by coexistence and cooperation in various Baltic-Nordic formats as both countries are partners in NATO and the European Economic Area, the Latvian president said. Johannesson is not only making a state visit to Latvia but as a guest of honor, who will take part in the celebrations of the centenary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia this Sunday. Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, who also welcomed the Icelandic president's visit to Latvia, called on investors from Iceland to keep promoting business contacts between the two countries, especially stressing cooperation in innovation and technology. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:09:44|Editor: mmm Video Player Close NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- East African bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on Friday welcomed the decision by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to lift the arms embargo and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea nine years ago. IGAD executive secretary Mahboub Maalim also lauded regional leaders in general, and Eritrea in particular for all the efforts that helped UNSC to lift the sanctions. Maalim said the historic normalization of the relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea is going to have a very positive ramification in the region in terms of cooperation and also towards peace, security and stability. "The cooperation agreement between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia and the initiatives to finalize the pending issues between Eritrea and Djibouti are the key achievements marking genuine political commitment for regional integration," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi. Maalim expressed the bloc's commitment to implement its member states' decisions to further strengthen the implementation of jointly agreed policies, strategies and programs. The UN Security Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to lift sanctions against Eritrea following its good relations with Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. The UN Security Council imposed sanctions against Eritrea in 2009 for an alleged tie with Somali extremist group al-Shabab, which Eritrea has repeatedly denied. A UN investigation team issued a report in June 2016 declaring there was no conclusive evidence to punish Eritrea for alleged ties with Somalia's al-Shabab militants. The sanctions were primarily economic and included a travel ban and asset freeze on certain people and entities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:14:46|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli will hold early elections, which was decided after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett concluded their meeting on Friday, Israeli media reported. Reports said that the heads of the Israeli coalition will agree on a date to hold elections. The meeting on Friday afternoon between Netanyahu and Bennett, who is the head of the far-right Habayit Hayehudi party (Jewish Home), was held amid the government's calls to avoid snap elections. The decision came after Netanyahu rejected Bennett's demand to be made defense minister at the meeting. The Jewish Home is reportedly to leave the coalition, bringing down government and forcing new elections, Israeli media quoted senior party sources as saying. According to the Israeli law, early elections can be held 90 days after the day when the government is dissolved, likely placing the elections some time between March and May, if elections will indeed be held early, Israeli media reported. Pressures were mounting on Netanyahu to call for early elections amid turmoil sparked by defense minister's resignation following an agreed cease-fire with Gaza. On Thursday, leaders of some of the key coalition partners said Netanyahu should dissolve the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and call for early elections. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:14:46|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's anti-narcotics police said on Friday they have confiscated heroin and methamphetamine (meth) worth millions of shillings concealed in wood carvings. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit said the drugs which were concealed in wood carvings, rolls of thread and atlas were destined for Greece and China. The detectives said the drugs were found at Nairobi's general post office and seized after staff got suspicious of the cargo and alerted the police. "Detectives from the DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit today morning confiscated heroin and methamphetamine weighing almost a kilogram and worth millions of shillings at the GPO Nairobi. The drugs were concealed in wood carvings, rolls of thread & Atlas and destined for Greece and China," said the DCI. No arrest was immediately made after the seizure but police said they are looking for the owners of the cargo. This is the latest case of seizure of heroin in the city in the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and consumption. Police have mounted operations against drug trafficking and consumption in the past months in efforts to address the menace. According to police, seizures and arrest statistics show that more Africans are becoming involved in drug trafficking. File Photo: A UN peacekeeper patrols near the border crossing point between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Goma Aug. 29, 2013. (Xinhua/REUTERS) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing of UN peacekeepers on operations in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his spokesperson said Thursday. At least 20 soldiers were killed, including seven Malawian and one Tanzanian UN peacekeepers and 12 people from the DRC, according to latest report. The peacekeepers were killed Wednesday during joint operations in North Kivu province near the Ugandan border with the Armed Forces of the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group in both the DRC and Uganda. "The secretary-general expresses his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families of the killed peacekeepers and the governments and people of the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania," the spokesperson said in a statement. Guterres conveyed his support to the Malawian and Tanzanian contingents, "which continue to operate in an exceptionally difficult environment to protect local populations against the attacks of the ADF and other armed groups," it added. The UN chief called on all armed groups to stop their destabilizing activities, and encourages the DRC authorities to continue taking the necessary measures to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against civilians, national security forces and peacekeepers, the statement said. The east of the DRC has been plagued by insurgency for over 20 years. The past year has seen a surge in violence around North Kivu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:24:50|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Afghan farmers prepare pine nut for sale in Khost city, eastern Afghanistan, on Nov. 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Zaman Nazari) by Abdul Haleem KABUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Pine nut trees grow wild in Afghanistan, mostly in the mountainous provinces of the conflict-battered and economically impoverished country. Local businessman hope to export the homegrown pine nuts with Afghanistan branding to China with the opening of the China-Afghanistan air corridor on Nov. 6. Farmers and traders of the pine nuts in the Loya Paktia region said their product has been exported to several countries with a Pakistani label in the past. Zakim Khan said happily that Afghan pine nuts have found their way to China after President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani inaugurated the China-Afghanistan air corridor, with the first flight containing 20 tons of pine nuts leaving Kabul for China on the same day. Up to 23,000 tons of pine nuts are produced each year in Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace, the country will export between 700 million to 800 million U.S. dollars worth of pine nuts to China annually through this air corridor. To encourage pine nut farming and related businesses in Afghanistan, President Ghani announced Nov. 6 as National Pine Nut Day and said that Afghans would celebrate the day each year. Nearly 90 percent of Afghan pine nuts, according to local traders, were exported to Pakistan in the past and from there to other countries with a Pakistani brand. However, the opening of the China-Afghanistan air corridor has raised hope among Afghan businesspeople of exporting their pine nuts to China, the world's second-largest economy. "Producing, processing and exporting them to China and other countries would benefit Afghanistan and its people and eventually bring great changes to their living conditions," Khost governor Hakam Khan Habibi told Xinhua. Welcoming the step as a good omen for finding a new market, the head of Khost's Pine Nuts Traders Union, Shahzada, told Xinhua with confidence that "exporting pine nuts to China would earn fame for Afghanistan and its valuable seeds" and help them to find their way to many more countries. The official also opined that investing in promoting pine nuts and their processing would also create job opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people at home in addition to improving the country's impoverished economy. According to Musafir Quqandi, the spokesman for the Commerce Ministry, Afghanistan displayed its pine nuts alongside many more local products in the recently concluded China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Afghanistan will achieve more fame and benefits from selling its high-quality dried fruits, particularly pine nuts, if properly invested in, said Afghan Acting Finance Minister Hamayoun Qayumi at an economic council here recently. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:34:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Zhang Yiyi and Jiang Cheng GUIYANG, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Pingtang Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province has capped all of its main towers, boasting the highest concrete bridge tower in the world, making the once landlocked province leap at the chance of transportation development. Located in Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qiannan, the bridge, a colossal cable-supported viaduct with a span of 2,135 meters, will serve as a major connection on the Pingtang-Luodian Expressway above the Caodu River Canyon. "With a height of 332 meters, the diamond-shaped main tower in front of us features the world's tallest reinforced concrete bridge tower," said Liu Hao, an engineer with the Guizhou Bridge Construction Group, while pointing to the just-finished towers. According to Liu, the bridge will be completed and open to traffic by the end of 2019. "We are looking forward to yet another world-class bridge," said Liu. As the only province without plains in China, Guizhou has achieved many world records by building over 20,000 bridges among its karst mountains. The province now has 46 of the world's 100 tallest bridges and is known as "the museum of world bridges" due to the vast numbers, various types and complex technologies of the bridges built over the decades. For Liu, the 35-year-old engineer, bridge building has been a family tradition as both his father and grandfather worked on bridge projects. "I clearly remember when I was the first grader and the teacher asked the class about our future dream jobs. My classmates were saying soldier, scientist and so on. I was the only one who wanted to be a bridge engineer," Liu told Xinhua, addressing his admiration for bridge builders since early childhood. As a child, Liu spent nearly every summer and winter vacation at the construction site where his father worked. "I visited the Wujiang River Bridge in Zunyi, which was then under construction, with my father when I was in sixth grade. I dreamt of taking part in a magnificent project like that," said Liu. In 2005, Liu returned to Guizhou after finishing college and the start of his career as a bridge constructor was the 370-meter-high Baling River Bridge, one of the world's highest bridges, with a suspension span of 1,088 meters. To build a bridge spanning the mountainous Baling River Valley which is over 1,000 meters long and over 300 meters high was no easy task. However, Liu and his team overcame countless technical challenges using several ground-breaking techniques, and the bridge was opened to the public in 2009. "Bridges in Guizhou have been growing 'taller' and 'faster'," said Liu. "In the past, bridges over 40 meters tall were rarely seen, but now bridges hundreds of meters tall are quite common here." From Liu's perspective, bridge construction in Guizhou has witnessed multiple changes over the past decades, including a larger variety of bridge types, shorter construction periods and improved technologies. Liu recalled that his father and grandfather seldom went back home during a bridge project, as construction in the mountains in the past could take five years or more. Nowadays, a gigantic project like Pingtang Bridge takes about three years to complete, and many smaller ones only take several months. Now, almost every type of bridge can be found in Guizhou, and bridge-building technologies are becoming more efficient with standard processes instead of exploration from scratch, said Liu. Through bridge building, mountainous Guizhou is becoming deeply integrated with the nation's transportation network with local residents seeing an improved quality of life. Pingtang Bridge, for instance, is expected to cut the travel time between the canyon by at least an hour. "Deep gorges are becoming thoroughfares," said Liu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:39:52|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 16, 2018 shows pottery jars exhibited in Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- As Brunei and China have enhanced trade and investment cooperation in recent years, more and more Chinese come to visit the country that has a long history of business and cultural exchanges with China. In Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, close to Brunei's ancient capital Kota Batu, a 500-year-old shipwreck witnessed the history of ancient maritime silk road linking China, Brunei and rest of Southeast Asia. "The history of communication and exchange between Brunei and China can date back to 1,500 years ago and we have many relics and sites, but the Brunei shipwreck is the biggest one," said Dr. Karim Osman, an archaeologist and former director of Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum. The shipwreck was discovered in 1997 during a geophysical survey, 32 nautical miles off the coast at 62 meters deep. The excavations uncovered 13,261 artifacts, of which the majority were ceramics from China, Thailand and Vietnam. Based on the ceramics found, the shipwreck is dated to late 15th to early 16th century. It is believed that the ship originated from China or Southeast Asia and have sunk due to foul weather or overloading. The Brunei shipwreck marks the most important discovery in Brunei's maritime archaeological history. This discovery revealed crucial information on the role of Brunei in maritime trade in the late 15th to early 16th century. Karim said the most important artifacts found in the shipwreck are 4,565 blue-and-white porcelains from Jingdezhen of China's Jiangxi Province, accounting for one third of all the artifacts. All those porcelains are displayed behind the glass shield, but visitors can still see the details of blue and white decorative pattern, and vivid birds and flowers. Many of them are covered with remains of maritime creatures, but a few are as clean as newly made in modern times. "This porcelains were transported by river from Jingdezhen to Quanzhou, a major port in China's coastal Fujian Province, and then shipped out to Southeast Asia, including Brunei," the archaeologist said. "We also found a tomb of Chinese official named Pu Gong, who lived during the Song Dynasty (9601279) and died in Brunei. It means the trade and communication between the two countries started over 1,000 years ago," he added. Outside the museum entrance, visitors can easily find the Brunei River flowing northeast to the Brunei Bay in the South China Sea. "When the tide ebbs in the river, we can even see some porcelains glittering under the river channel. The ancient Brunei capital Kota Batu had a port along the river and a lot of ships had run between China and Brunei. The shipwreck is not the only one, I believe many still remain undiscovered under the sea," he said. Karim pointed to a hill behind the museum and said that near the Kota Batu historic site, even now people can still find porcelain pieces, as the ancient people in the capital used many Chinese porcelain in their daily life. "It is widely known in Brunei that one of our ancient sultans, the Abdul Majid Hassan was buried in Nanjing of China after he passed away during his visit to the Ming Dynasty in 1408 with a son and two daughters," he said. "The Ming emperor sent his son back to Brunei with a tablet moaning the Brunei sultan, but the tablet was lost and should be buried near this hill," he said, marveling the long history of ties between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:49:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has amassed around 1,700 fighters over the past 24 hours as part of the preparation for another wave of attack on Islamic State (IS) positions in eastern Syria, a war monitor reported Friday. Big military reinforcement was brought in by the Kurdish-led SDF to the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour province, as the group is preparing to launch the second wave of attack to dislodge IS from its last pocket on the eastern bank of Euphrates River, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based watchdog group said that the new offensive against IS' last pocket in eastern Syria could start soon. The U.S.-led warplanes have also been paving the way for the ground troops near the IS pocket in the eastern Euphrates by striking the villages under IS control. A day earlier, the observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on the ground, said that as many as 105 people had been killed over the past seven days as a result of U.S.-led airstrikes on IS-held areas. Eighty children and women were among those killed in the relentless airstrikes, it said. Airstrikes on the last IS-held pocket on the eastern bank of Euphrates River have recently intensified as the U.S.-backed Kurdish militias were planning a second wave of attacks on the IS after a failed attempt on Sept. 10. On Saturday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry renewed in a statement its call on the UN to form "an independent international mechanism" to investigate the "crimes of the Washington coalition" and punish the perpetrators. The Syrian government has long questioned the intention of the U.S.-led operations in this oil-rich area inside Syria. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:49:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will host a forum next week on innovative strategies to achieve the country's development blue print on food security, organizers said on Friday. The forum, hosted by the ministry of agriculture in conjunction with the country's investors lobby, will be attended by participants from seven African countries. The organizers said policymakers, industry executives, representatives of multilateral lenders will attend the Nov. 19-20 forum to explore new ways to revitalize the food and nutrition security agenda in the east Africa's largest economy. "The conference themed stimulating agricultural productivity in order to boost food and nutrition security will broadly discuss Big Four's food security agenda and investment prospects, and what needs to be done to boost economic growth," organizers said. President Uhuru Kenyatta has identified food security as part of his Big Four agenda aimed at transforming the country before the expiry of his second and final term in office in 2022. Kenyatta has appealed to local and foreign investors to support the food security agenda by channeling capital to high impact interventions like irrigated farming and agro-processing. "Delegates will share their experiences, present research results, explore collaborations and spark new ideas with the aim of developing new projects and exploiting new technology for food security," said the organizers. According to the agriculture ministry, business leaders, state officials, economists and academicians will deliver keynote speeches and engage in panel discussions as they explore models that can be adopted to help the country overcome endemic hunger, malnutrition and stunting. "The conference will therefore examine what needs to be done to build a more dynamic economy in which agriculture drives the manufacturing agenda which in turn can ensure enough and affordable food," said the organizers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:49:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police killed seven suspected armed robbers on Friday in Mwanza city on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. Jonathan Shanna, Mwanza regional police commander, said the gangsters were killed during a fierce exchange of fire at Kishiri ward in Nyamagana district. Shanna said one police officer was injured during the fire exchange, adding that the officer was rushed to hospital for treatment. Shanna added that the police also seized two firearms and 77 rounds of ammunition used by the armed suspects. He said the gangsters were involved in armed robberies in areas including Bukombe, Chato, Geita and Bunda in northwestern Tanzania, wreaking havoc to residents in the area. John Mongella, the Mwanza regional commissioner and chairman of the region's defense and security committee, praised the police for their action to confront the suspects. The regional commissioner also urged people to work closely with the police in unearthing criminals across the nation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:54:56|Editor: mmm Video Player Close PORT MORESBY, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- While meeting with youth delegates to APEC Voices of the Future from other countries and regions, Yao Xuanyu felt nervous but excited. Port Moresby is the first destination outside Sichuan province in southwest China, where the 16-year-old middle school student travelled to. "Everything is new to me," said the girl from Mianning Middle School, flushing. Yao is among the youth delegates to the APEC Voices of the Future, which is a key platform at the annual APEC Summit for the young people from the participating economies to have dialogues. A Youth Declaration will be drafted after their three-day exchanges from Tuesday to Thursday, which will be reviewed by APECBusiness Advisory Council and the APEC leaders, said Zhongli Junren, head of the Chinese youth delegates. Fan Yingjie, 26, is one of two Chinese youth delegates involved in the procedure of declaration drafting. He told Xinhua that he sometimes travelled to the impoverished areas in China. "So my proposal to include in the declaration is broader distribution of the benefit of digital development," he said. Another delegate Jia Zijian is a 23-year-old student in Tsinghua University, majoring in public policy. "What I am interested in is how to achieve common prosperity with the help of technology and education," he said. Ankush Ajay Wagle with the Institute of South Asian Studies is from Singapore. The 26-year-old researcher believes that the dialogues will change the way they think and the way they do things. "When in a small place, we all do the same thing," he said. "Then I come to events like this, it is very different. You meet a lot of different people and you will look things in different way," he said. An example he gave was about a car sharing app in Singapore, with which people going to the same destination could share a car instead of taking public transportation. "The delegates from PNG keep asking me and say it is a kind of thing that they could try," he said. "It is such an interesting thing. You inspire each other." His view was shared by Momori Hirabayashi from the University of Tokyo. "It is an incredible experience," said the 24-year-old girl. "One of the great things of the youth is we are open-minded. In Japan we talk about gender equality, mental health and working hierarchy. It is great to see the problems shared and we work together for a solution," she said. She said she was going to propose for an alumni association. "I think we should be in touch after the meeting and offer our experiences to the next delegation," she said. Antonio I. Basilio, director of the APEC Business Advisory Council, said he was impressed by the performance of youth delegates. "They know what is going on in the world, they love their country and do what they can to help it," he said. Yao Xuanyu, a Chinese middle school student, said she was going to share her experience with her friends after she returns to China. "It is very difficult for young people like me who, from an impoverished region, come to such a big platform," she said. "The APEC Voices of the Future broadened our horizon, and encouraged us to fight for a better future." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 22:54:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close File photo taken on April 25, 2018 shows Lin Zhanxi (front L), professor with the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), poses for photos with local famers as they celebrate rice harvest in Papua New Guinea. (Xinhua) by Xinhua writers Fang Ning, Gu Qianjiang, He Fei PORT MORESBY/FUZHOU, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Small is the new big. A group of wild grass is China's contribution to the world's sustainable development, and its multiple uses are shared with 105 countries to help tackle food issues and desertification. China on Friday signed an aid project with Papua New Guinea using the grass technology, one day ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting scheduled to be held in the Pacific island country. It is also China's 12th international aid program in poverty relief using the grass. Known in China as Juncao (meaning "the herbal plant for growing edible mushrooms"), the grass has worked miracles for Chinese scientists who are cultivating it as a substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushroom or forage for livestock, as well as using it as green barrier to stop sand dunes from moving. The grass is not new to Papua New Guinea. China introduced the grass and its cultivation technology to the country over 20 years ago to help local farmers raise livestock and grow edible mushrooms. In 2017, the yield of the grass in Papua New Guinea set a world record of 854 tonnes per hectare. The grass grows up to 8 meters tall and is harvested three to six times a year. It contains 11 percent to 17 percent crude protein. The per-hectare harvest of the grass can feed 400-500 sheep or grow 100 tonnes of fresh fungi. "We hope the newly inked agreement will help double the agricultural production capacity and farmers' incomes in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea," said Lin Zhanxi, a 76-year-old professor with the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) and the chief scientist for grass development. The aid program is expected to help lift 30,000 people out of poverty in the province by 2023. Thirty-two years ago, Lin selected the grass species to replace timber as a substrate for growing fungi, a local cash cow, in east China's Fujian Province, and this has saved a vast coverage of natural forest there. Through the years, Lin has developed 45 varieties of Juncao, which can be used to cultivate 55 mushroom species. The agricultural technology has been widely promoted at home through China's poverty alleviate projects in western areas including Xinjiang Uygur, Tibet and Ningxia Hui autonomous regions since 1991. The grass was also planted to fight desertification. On the banks of the Yellow River, China's second-longest river, a mass planting of Juncao grass has been underway, aiming to build a 1,000-km long green barrier by 2021 to treat the heavily eroded land and protect it from sand invasion. The project, initiated by Lin and several Chinese academicians, was sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources. The Juncao technology won the Geneva State Prize at the 20th International Invention Exhibition in 1992 and the Prize of French Ministry of Interior and Land Planning in the 85th Paris International Invention Exhibition. In 1994, the technology was listed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as one of China's Priority Projects for Cooperation with Other Developing Countries. Since 1992, China has shared the technology with 105 countries by opening training classes and conducting on-site demonstrations. FAFU alone has provided training to some 7,000 foreigners. Among them, 15 students from eight countries have obtained the university's graduate and doctorate degrees in the research of Juncao technology. Despite his age, Lin has often traveled afar to help people in developing countries learn about the benefits of this agricultural technology. "The first time I went to Papua New Guinea in 1997, I realized how people there were struggling with the extreme poverty," said Lin. At that time, a tribe chief knelt down before Lin to thank him for bringing the technique to save them from starvation. To his astonishment, the tribe people made an all-night long revelry. Members of the team were so touched that they decided to stay and help the people shake off poverty. In a land without electricity or modern devices, the team members worked there for eight years to teach locals how to cultivate and use the grass. Lin's daughter Lin Dongmei, also his assistant, has been overseeing the Juncao technology overseas projects. "Every time I arrive in a new place to share Juncao tech, I study the local government's policies and collaborate with them for optimizing the agricultural planning," she said. In Africa, many countries do not have the tradition of eating mushrooms. Lin's team shows them how to cook with mushrooms. With the team's incessant efforts, the Sino-Lesotho Juncao Technology Demonstration Base has been built in the capital city of Maseru, Lesotho, covering an area of 10,000 square meters with around 4,000 square meters of fields of Juncao grass. The base has trained more than 2,500 local officials, farmers, teachers and students. Local farmers started harvesting mushroom 7 to 10 days after planting. Managing a 10-square-meter mushroom trench, a household can harvest 1,200 kg of fresh mushrooms per year and earn 40,000 Maloti (about 2,840 U.S. dollars) -- three times the annual income of a local worker. "Since I started planting mushrooms, my life has changed," said Kekeletso Seoehla. "I was able to get nice furniture and give my child a better life and education." Growing the grass has evolved into a bio-agriculture that involves growing mushrooms, raising livestock, water and soil conservation, livestock feed processing, food processing and biomass energy generation. Richard Yankey from Ghana is a doctoral student in microbiology at FAFU. Yankey said he believes the Juncao grass is a possible solution to treat environmental problems in Ghana, from barren soil to pollution resulted from mining. The former university teacher said he would teach more students in Ghana how to use Juncao for desertification control and mushroom planting. Lawandi Ibrahim Datti from Nigeria attended an international training course on the Juncao technology in Fuzhou eight years ago, and now he is back. He has initiated the establishment of the Juncao Technology Demonstration Center in Nigeria. "I have gone so far in transferring the technology and the knowledge to my country, in an effort not only to improve the life of farmers and women and the environment, but also to alleviate poverty and promote productive employment," Datti said. Enrolled in the Ph.D. program on Juncao technology at FAFU, Datti also suggested to his wife that she should also complete the same master's program he had. (Xinhua reporters Bai Xu and Mi Yingting contributed to the story.) (Video reporters: Mi Yingting, Chen Wang, Wang Chao, He Fei; Video editor: Zhang Xinyi) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:05:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih will visit Iran on Saturday as part of a regional tour that would also include Saudi Arabia to boost ties with the two countries, said his office in a statement Friday. The statement said that Salih "is scheduled to meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani and other Iranian top officials to discuss bilateral ties and cooperation, as well as the development in the region." Salih will lead a delegation of ministers and advisors in his tour to the two countries, the statement said. Salih's visits to Tehran and Riyadh are part of visits starting on Nov. 11 to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, aimed at boosting Iraq's relations with the countries of the Middle East region. The series of Salih's official regional visits are his first regional visits since he took office on Oct. 2, when the Iraqi parliament elected him as the president of Iraq. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:05:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SARAJEVO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic's denial of genocide in Srebrenica sparked criticism by international and domestic authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on Friday. In an interview with Deutsche Welle on Thursday, Brnabic said that the Srebrenica massacre in 1995 was "a hideous crime, it was a war crime", disputing the term genocide applied to Srebrenica. "Genocide is when you are ... killing the entire population, the women, children and this was not that case," Brnabic said. In his statement for BiH's local media on Friday, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Bruce G. Berton, said that judgments of international courts regarding genocide in Srebrenica must be respected. "The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Court of Justice were very clear after hearing all the arguments. Genocide happened in Srebrenica," Berton said, adding that every negation of this fact is an attempt to change the history. "Negation of genocide complicates the process of reconciliation and causes unnecessary tensions between neighboring countries. No one benefits from it," Berton concluded. BiH's Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic in his statement said that "truth must always be sought in real facts", emphasizing that the ICTY in a number of court cases that were legally finalized found that in July 1995 genocide was committed against the Bosniak population in Srebrenica. "Historical facts can never be erased. Truth is just one and it says that genocide was committed in Srebrenica," Zvizdic stated. Zvizdic emphasized that "it is shocking that, by uncivilized denial of genocide, Serbia tries to relativize the planned killings of over 8,000 innocent civilians", adding that by the negation of genocide, Serbia is denying the international law and ICTY's judgments. "Historical facts will never again be interpreted according to the order or wishes of Belgrade, nor will the project of denying genocide, revision of historical facts or equalization of victims and criminals succeed," Zvizdic said. He ended the statement by saying that the genocide committed should be a reason to think about past mistakes and that it is not possible to build a modern and prosperous Serbia without facing the past. Srebrenica, a city located in eastern BiH, was a UN-protected Muslim enclave when it was overrun in July, 1995 by Bosnian Serb forces. Some 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed there. So far, 6,610 victims were buried at the Memorial Center in Srebrenica. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:05:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ferid Belhaj, World Bank Group's vice president for Middle East and North Africa, said Friday that the World Bank is always ready to support Lebanon on all levels and in all areas, the Lebanon's presidential website reported. "The priority for Lebanon today goes, of course, to the reforms that have been promised at CEDRE conference which are essential and necessary at this stage," he said. Belhaj's remarks came during his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Baabda Palace to discuss cooperation potential between Lebanon and the World Bank. Belhaj praised the laws passed lately by Lebanon's parliament which are in preparation for CEDRE conference. Lebanon secured 11 billion U.S. dollars in loans and grants from international donors at CEDRE, an international conference in support of Lebanon's development and reforms, to revamp its ailing infrastructure and bolster its economy. To qualify for the loans, Lebanon must form a government and start with necessary reforms. Aoun said the new government will work on increasing the role of the judiciary system while focusing on "continuing the process of combating corruption and the necessary reform measures." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:10:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The anti-Iran resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly's Human Rights Committee is based on a biased and politically-motivated approach, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The UN resolution was adopted Thursday during the 73rd session of the Third Committee of the General Assembly with the support of governments "which are themselves among the biggest violators of human rights in their own countries and in other states," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said in a statement. "The resolution has been drafted and adopted without considering the facts on the ground in Iran, and based on a selective, biased, and discriminatory approach, and with political intentions," the statement said. "Iran strongly condemns the instrumental use of human rights, human rights resolutions, and international mechanisms by certain Western countries," it said. Iran believes such a trend would undermine the international community's trust in international mechanisms and their efficacy, it added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:15:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TIRANA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Durres port in Albania will become a strategic point of freight transport for Albania and the whole region, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Damian Gjiknuri declared on Friday. Gjiknuri attended a meeting on the presentation of the "Maritime Sector Development" Project organized by the Norwegian Embassy in Tirana on Maritime Marina. "The Albanian government is making important interventions in port infrastructure. Vlora port is being reconstructed, and Durres port is deepening. The government got a grant from the European Union (EU), and soon we will have important investments in the port of Durres. This will make processing capacities grow," stated Gjiknuri during the presentation. According to Gjuknuri, the Norwegian Government will support Albania with a 1.4 million euro (about 1.6 million U.S. dollars) fund to provide technical assistance to harmonize the maritime sector legislation with that of the EU, and to support the Naval Marine Corps Department of Vlora University, southwest Albania to supply this sector with human resources. "This support from the Norwegian government will enable the reform of this sector, by giving support to the University of Vlora, namely for the development of the Navy, by preparing people who will deal with this sector," underlined Gjiknuri. Meanwhile the Ambassador of Norway to Albania and Kosovo, Per Strand Sjaastad declared that the maritime industries can be a new sector of development in Albania. "Norway being one of the leading naval states, during the first phase will focus on the capabilities and capacity building of the public maritime authorities, education and study programs, as well as the collection of marine data, such as the basis of economic development," added Sjaastad. The "Maritime Sector Development" Project presented in Tirana will be funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Albania's Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. The project aims to increase the integration of Albanian Naval Standards in line with EU criteria through the creation of a maritime policy framework. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:30:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The ultra-radical rebel groups attacked Syrian military positions in the planned demilitarized zone in northern Syria on Friday, killing nine soldiers, a war monitor group reported. The rebels attacked the Syrian positions in the al-Ghab Plains in the northern countryside of Hama near Idlib province, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Five of the rebels were killed in the Friday showdown, which is the latest breach to the Russian-Turkish demilitarized zone deal which went into force in September to ease the situation in Idlib and surrounding rebel-held areas as Idlib is the last major rebel stronghold in Syria. The Britain-based watchdog group said 31 Syrian soldiers and allied forces have been killed since the demilitarized zone deal went into effect in September. While the deal is entering its third month, the observatory said the situation is heated in the demilitarized zone as the ultra-radical rebels and the government forces are preparing for an "unclear future." The violations are being reported in the zone on a daily basis, said the Observatory, adding that the rebels are amassing forces to protect its positions amid fears of an imminent military showdown. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, is also consolidating positions and fortifying its areas while opening the doors for volunteers to join the ranks of its fighters in Idlib. The planned demilitarized zone includes areas in Idlib, which is the last major rebel stronghold in northwestern Syria, as well as adjacent countryside areas of the provinces of Hama, Latakia, and Aleppo. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is considered as the most powerful among the rebel groups in Idlib province. The deal for imposing a demilitarized zone was reached in September between the leaders of Turkey and Russia, aiming at averting Idlib province from a wide-scale offensive by the Syrian army. Turkey's task in the deal is to persuade the rebel groups in Idlib to abide by the plan as Ankara enjoys sway over the militants there. However, the Observatory said in its report Friday that the Turkish intelligence has yet to persuade the ultra-radical rebels to evacuate the demilitarized zone as planned. Instead, the rebels remained in their areas amid reports that heavy weapons had been either hidden or pulled out of the zone in accordance with the Turkish-Russian deal. It is worth noting that the ultra-radical rebels control 70 percent of the buffer zone. The Syrian government has initially welcomed the deal but noted that it was only temporary. But with the latest violations, the government officials said that Idlib will inevitably return under the government control, warning that the situation cannot drag on like this. Throughout the crisis, Idlib has emerged as the major destination and stronghold of the Syrian rebels fleeing other parts of the country after deals or surrender. Idlib is now in a state of severe lawlessness characterized by assassinations, explosions and infighting. Idlib is also of strategic significance as it shares a border area with Turkey in the north and neighbors the coastal province of Latakia, the hometown of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Notably, the namesake capital city of Idlib lies close to the international road linking the capital Damascus with the northern province of Aleppo. Idlib is home to around 3.5 million people, including those who evacuated after the surrender of rebels in other Syrian areas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:30:09|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, presides over the 12th chairman and vice chairpersons' meeting of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, will convene the fourth meeting of its standing committee on November 28-29 in Beijing. The decision was announced Friday at a chairman and vice chairpersons' meeting of the top advisory body which studied recent instructions made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on improving the work of the CPPCC. Presiding over Friday's meeting, Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said studying and implementing the spirit of Xi's instructions is a major political task for political advisory bodies at all levels and will be a key part of the upcoming meeting. The meeting should build consensus around the results of a recent study seminar on Xi's instructions and work out measures to advance the advisory body's work, Wang said. Friday's meeting reviewed and approved in principle several documents, including a draft plan to implement the major tasks of improving political consultation, a draft revision to the rules on making proposals, a set of revised rules regulating political advisors' inspection, and drafts on personnel issues. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-16 23:50:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- German Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer questioned a court decision on diesel bans for two German cities on Friday. Scheuer told newspaper Bild that he is "not entitled to criticize the judiciary" but considers it "disproportionate if a judge orders a ban on the use of diesel vehicles on a highway". The minister said such court decisions would endanger the mobility of hundreds of thousands of citizens. On Thursday, the administrative court of Gelsenkirchen ordered a driving ban zone for old diesel vehicles in the cities of Essen and Gelsenkirchen, which also hits the busy highway A40. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in which both cities are located, intends to appeal the court's decision. The chamber of crafts in the German city of Duesseldorf also reacted "with complete incomprehension" to the verdict of the Gelsenkirchen judges. According to the chamber, the driving ban would have an impact on more than 25,000 companies in the area. "The economy and the people need more time and cannot be held liable for the failures of politicians and manufacturers," Andreas Ehlert, president of the Duesseldorf chamber of crafts, told press. The German government declared at the beginning of October not to impose driving bans for diesel cars in cities where the threshold value for nitrogen oxides set by the EU was exceeded by a relatively small amount. The EU threshold value is 40 micrograms of nitrogen dioxide per cubic meter of air. According to the German government, driving bans should not be ordered in cities with maximum values of up to 50 micrograms. The German Respiratory Society (DGP) criticized that there were good reasons for the low EU limit of 40 micrograms of nitrogen oxides per cubic meter of air. DGP President Klaus Rabe told the newspaper NOZ that "if people with respiratory problems and previous lung diseases regularly inhale increased concentrations of harmful substances, a health risk arises. This is proven by available data". Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:05:15|Editor: mmm Video Player Close ZAGREB, Nov 16 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian government said here on Friday that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is acceptable to Croatia and that the Interior Minister will represent the country at the next month's conference in Marrakech, a city in western Morocco. The co-called Marrakech agreement, signed by 124 nations on April 15, 1994, brings a series of migration proposals that are addressing the issue of "regular" migration in the world. Countries representatives should accept it at the meeting on Dec. 10-11 in Morocco. Although it is a kind of document that doesn't need the parliament's approval, the Croatian government decided to send it to the parliament anyway and it is expected to be confirmed at one of the following sessions. The government's decision to accept the GCM is in contrary to Croatian president's position on the issue. President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic at first accepted the invitation from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to come to Marrakech, only to change her mind last week when she decided not to go. She told reporters that she neither approves nor disapproves the GCM, but that she is not going because there is no global consensus on migrant issues. The Croatian government estimates that this is not an international treaty, rather a non-binding document. They claim that each country can apply only those issues from the document that are acceptable for the country's migration policy. "The content of this document has been embedded in the foundations of the Croatian migration policy, and in the area of illegal migration," Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said at the government's session on Friday. The Croatian government has assessed that this document also represents the wish of the international community to find a global solution for legitimate migration. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:10:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Beijing's tech hub Zhongguancun, dubbed China's Silicon Valley, will offer grants up to 100 million yuan (around 14.4 million U.S. dollars) for projects with potential for "disruptive innovation", local authorities said Friday. The management committee of Zhongguancun will provide financial support to companies and teams that are registered within the demonstration zone and whose innovation can "lead to major revolutions in product manufacturing, organizational or commercial models, and potentially change the industry landscape," according to a guideline released Friday. This marks Zhongguancun's latest move to stay competitive in the fast-changing high-tech sector. Zhongguancun has more than 20,000 high-tech businesses, with 300 of them listed. The hub just opened a new park for integrated circuits, to draw more companies in the niche that is increasingly important in China's AI push. Companies in the park enjoy strong talent support thanks to its proximity to some of China's most prestigious universities, as well as its favorable policies for foreign experts. They also benefit from a wide range of tax breaks and funding offered by the government. The new funds will be offered on a yearly basis over five years, ranging from 2 million yuan to 10 million yuan per year to the projects selected in the program. Projects with major breakthroughs or those that can be put into industrial production can apply for financial support under another program that can offer up to 30 million yuan per year. A project can receive up to 100 million yuan, according to the guideline. The management committee will also introduce an investment fund and venture capital for the selected projects as they proceed to the second or third year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:30:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has issued an arrest warrant for fugitive ex-spy chief, Getachew Assefa over alleged human rights abuses, state media outlet Ethiopia News Agency reported on Friday. Assefa had served as chief of the Ethiopia National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) until June. NISS has in recent years been accused of torturing and killing dissidents and rebels. Assefa is accused along with his former deputy Yared Zerihun of committing human rights abuses including unlawful detention of individuals, detaining individuals in secret locations without charges and torturing detainees. Zerihun was arrested on Wednesday after several days on the run and was brought before court for preliminary criminal hearings on Friday. The issuing of arrest warrant for Assefa and arrest of Zerihun is part of a crackdown by the Ethiopian government targeting security officials accused of mass corruption and human rights abuses. On Monday, Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopia's Attorney General said 63 intelligence and army officers have been arrested over accusations of corruption and human rights abuses during a six year period from 2011 to 2017. "Some of the suspects have already been presented before court, while we are currently searching for other fugitive suspects," said Tsegaye. He said some of the fugitive suspects are believed to be hiding inside the country, while others are suspected to have escaped to foreign countries. The arrest of the suspects is part of the promise the new administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed which assumed office in April made to the public to restore law and order and crack down on high level corruption. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:35:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called on the Kenyan government and business community to take concrete measures to create a safer and more convenient environment to lure more Chinese investments. Li Xuhang, Charge'd Affaires at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, told journalists in Nairobi that Beijing is ready to help increase the value and competitiveness of Kenyan products and expand imports from Kenya. "The future of our bilateral cooperation is very bright," Li said, calling for efforts to seize the prime opportunity to work harder for more Kenyan products to enter Chinese market, for more Chinese investment to come to Kenya, and most importantly for more tangible benefits to the lives of Kenyans and Chinese. Li made the remarks during a reception for Kenyan business community who participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) that run from Nov. 5 to 10. The Chinese diplomat said that Kenyan exhibitors had achieved remarkable results during the expo, given that their products including tea, coffee beans, honey, grains, attracted attention of Chinese buyers. Ababu Namwamba, chief administrative secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs, said the CIIE with its focus on imports is an open and cooperative platform for countries and regions to showcase their achievements and development as well as conduct international trade. Namwamba said that the expo will promote the Belt and Road Initiative, economic globalization, inclusive growth and reciprocal development. He added that Kenya is fully committed to strengthening bilateral trade with China in order for the citizens of both countries to fully realize benefits of the cooperation. He stressed that there is great potential to grow the current volume of Kenyan exports given the size of the Chinese market. Namwamba said that Chinese investments in Kenya are on the rise and currently over 400 companies are operating in the country, employing some 55,000 Kenyans. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:40:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Thomas Haldenwang, the new president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has warned delegates in Germany's federal parliament against the radicalization of individuals through social media on Friday. "Social media plays a special role in the development of extremism", Haldenwang told the parliamentary committee for the control of intelligence services (PKGr). He highlighted that online networks encouraged a "climate of disinhibition" and frequently functioned as a "form of accelerant for subsequent physical violence." Social media was routinely abused as an "instrument for opinion-formation, manipulation and mobilization" in this context. "We must acknowledge that it was never as easy to celebrate hatred and fantasies of violence while remaining anonymous", Haldenwang said. He urged the operators of social media platforms to assume more responsibility for the issue and cooperate better with state authorities. Haldenwang was formally promoted from vice-president to president of the BfV intelligence service this week. His predecessor Hans-Georg Maassen had himself sparked a heated public controversy with comments concerning far-right demonstrations in Chemnitz which ultimately culminated in his provisional retirement by the interior ministry. While Haldenwang considered Islamist terrorism to "still be the biggest threat to security in Germany", his agency registered an increased threat level in all areas. Haldenwang referred to a high propensity to violence in right-wing extremism where "more than one in two" of the 24,000 extremists are regarded as violence-oriented by his agency. In order to alleviate the situation, Haldenwang called for policymakers to endow the BfV with more capabilities to monitor communications. Security authorities were currently confronted with a "massive loss of insight" as a result of encryption- and anonymization software and needed to be endowed with the legal means to operate in a way which reflected modern technology. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 00:45:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NICOSIA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus announced on Friday that an ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum consortium had started a natural gas drill in the island's exclusive economic zone in the face of continuous oppositions by Turkey. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis after a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Frank R. Fannon, during which they discussed Cyprus' energy program and the expansion of energy cooperation between the two countries. "I can confirm that drilling at the Delphine target of block 10 has begun," Lakkotrypis said, adding that the drill started on Wednesday. After finishing with the current target, Delphine, the rig will move to one of two predefined targets, depending, in part, on the findings of the first drilling. Fannon, who will also visit Israel and Egypt, two countries Cyprus is in close energy cooperation, said he was pleased with the involvement of a U.S. company in Cyprus' hydrocarbon exploration program. He added that energy could prove "a catalyst for cooperation, economic development and benefit of all the people of the region." The statement was made a few hours after Turkey's Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Thursday that Ankara will proceed with declaring illegal all natural gas exploration licensing issued by Cyprus if the Cyprus problem is not solved soon. Turkey, which does not recognize Cyprus as a state, and does not accept the validity of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, claims that Cyprus has neither an exclusive economic zone nor a continental shelf. Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus in 1974 in reaction to a coup by the military rulers of Greece. File Photo: A technician shows the monitoring equipment of self-driving buses in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's rapid deployment of new technologies and desire to develop artificial intelligence (AI) will help lead the smart city development, said experts Thursday. Senior information technology experts and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley shared their opinions on China's smart city development and application at a seminar held by the U.S.-Asia Technology Management Center and Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. China started implementing smart cities many years ago and it has developed very quickly, because Chinese people are enthusiastic about adopting new technologies, said Wenli Yu, a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive of technology companies in Silicon Valley. In China, sensors were installed almost everywhere, such as street sensors for traffic tracking and control, and garage sensors for guiding drivers to find the nearest empty parking space, he said. China started piloting national smart city development in 2012 to encourage the use of new technologies, such as AI and Internet-of-Things (IoT), to help traffic flows, improve law enforcement and make public buildings more energy efficient. "Almost every city's mayor is talking about smart city, big data, AI and cloud computing," said Li Yangming, a senior IT expert at China National Petroleum Corporation and a visiting fellow at the Stanford Asia-Pacific Research Center. "Currently, there are about 10 Alibaba City Brain projects operating by using AI algorithms to monitor and control traffic signals and street cameras," he said. The United States and China are the world's leaders in developing AI and smart city technologies. While the United States leads in technological innovation, China enjoys advantages in data collection, investment in infrastructure and government support, Yu said. "Massive data is collected for analytics and AI apps in China," he said. "Subway systems are being built at a rapid speed in almost every major city, and low-cost mobile services are offered by three major telecoms carriers in China." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 01:25:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN peacekeeping chief cautioned Friday that the new peace deal in South Sudan remains fragile. "There can be no viable or sustainable peace unless the parties adhere to a permanent cease-fire, silence the guns, disengage forces, and include women as key players," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations. He was briefing the Security Council on a joint African Union/United Nations high-level visit to South Sudan on Oct. 7-9, shortly after the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The signing of the agreement is only the first step in a process that still has many challenges ahead, he said. "The pre-transitional period is critical and will require the South Sudanese leaders to assume their responsibilities and pave the way for the full implementation of the agreement." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 01:30:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Stephen Barclay was appointed new British Brexit secretary on Friday to replace Dominic Raab, who resigned on Thursday over the draft Brexit agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). Barclay, a health minister, was appointed by British Prime Minister Theresa May as she also re-appointed Amber Rudd to the British cabinet in a bid to shore up her creaking premiership. Barclay, the 46-year old former banking executive, backed Leave in the 2016 referendum and has never rebelled against the Tory whip during his eight years in the parliament. Rudd, who was former home secretary, returns as the work and pensions secretary, a post held by Esther McVey, who stepped down Thursday in protest against the UK-EU draft deal. The two appointments were announced as 23 Tory members of the parliament were reported to have submitted letters for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. May vowed to press ahead with her Brexit plan on the basis of the draft agreement after days of political turmoil in the country. Leading Brexiteers in the cabinet have rallied behind May amid attempts to unseat her by Tory members of the parliament. Michael Gove, the British environment secretary, said he "absolutely" had confidence in the prime minister as he confirmed he would not be following several other ministers out of the door. And Liam Fox, the British secretary for international trade, urged members of the parliament to support May's draft Brexit agreement, saying a "deal was better than no deal." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 01:55:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close VILNIUS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Ministry of Justice is working on a project which, if fully implemented, should contribute to reducing the number of prisoners in the country by one fifth, Lithuanian Justice Minister Elvinas Jankevicius said on Friday. "We are working hard in this direction as we see that execution of a full sentence in prisons or correctional facilities does not necessarily contribute to a successful improvement of a person," Jankevicius told in an interview with local website 15min.lt. According to the ministry's plan, the most efficient way is to re-socialize the prisoner who is afterwards in freedom supervised by probation officers, he said. "A higher percentage of such convicts don't return to prison later," the minister underlined. The minister's comments followed an outbreak of prisoners' protests against introduced new internal prison rules this week. According to Lithuania's Prison Department, nearly 400 of inmates in the country's three imprisonment institutions have posted a hunger strike by Friday. The protests started earlier this week in Pravieniskes correctional facility after 50 prisoners were relocated to new premises in order to reduce practices of illegal prison subculture.Inmates of Alytus and Marijampole prisons later in the week joined the protests. Jankevicius said on Friday the situation was "under control". "We have always said that we would not tolerate the mess and would not allow the prisoners to do intolerable things," Jankevicius was quoted as saying by 15min.lt. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 02:40:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish court on Friday sentenced six people to aggravated life imprisonment over their involvement in a terror attack on Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport in 2016. The Istanbul 13th Heavy Penal Court found the suspects guilty of "violating the constitution and deliberately killing 45 people," the state-run Anadolu Agency said. The court handed down 46-time-aggravated life terms for each defendant and sentenced them to a total of 2,604 years in prison for attempting to kill 142 people and damaging property, according to Anadolu. On June 28, 2016, three suicide bombers blew themselves up after storming the Ataturk airport with automatic weapons, killing 45 people and injuring 163 others. Turkey blamed the Islamic State for the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 02:51:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ACCRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Friday that his government had begun the process of retooling and equipping the police service to enable them to maintain law and order and protect lives and property. Akufo-Addo said the government would continue to ensure that police personnel were properly trained, equipped and provided with incentives to enable them to professionally discharge their duties and obligations without interference from any quarter. He was speaking at the graduation parade of the 48th officer cadet course of the Ghana Police Academy in Accra. The Ghanaian leader said his administration was developing a comprehensive policy to enhance the professional competence and capacity of the police to assist them in dealing with cyber-crimes and cyber security related issues. Additionally, the Marine Unit of the Service will be resourced and tasked with working in tandem with the Ghana Navy to deal effectively with threats to maritime boundaries and resources. He urged the newly graduating class to work toward enhancing the police's reputation which is currently suffering low public image than it should have, as per the 2017 Afrobarometer Report, which said 92 percent of respondents believed that "some, most or all" police officers were involved in corruption. "The citizenry can only have confidence in the Police Service when they are seen to be honest, and prepared to enforce the law without fear or favor. I am comforted by the fact that the current leadership of the Police Service is determined to buck this trend, and you, our newly graduating class, should assist in this endeavor," he added. The government has so far handed over 308 vehicles to the Ghana Police Service as part of its effort to resource it. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 02:51:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN Women chief Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on Friday asked South Sudanese parties to honor their women inclusion commitment in the country's political process. Despite the guarantees that 35 percent of the transitional government members would be women, parties are not honoring their commitment under the newly signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, said Mlambo-Ngcuka. None of the currently formed institutions meet the 35 percent quota, she said in a briefing to the Security Council on a joint African Union/United Nations high-level visit to South Sudan on Oct. 7-9, shortly after the signing of the new peace deal. The National Pre-Transitional Committee has one woman out of 10 members; the National Constitution Amendment Committee has 2 out of 15; no women in the Independent Boundaries Commission and the Technical Boundaries Commission or the Joint Transitional Security Committee, she noted. The Cease-fire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring, Verification Mechanism is expected to have 31 percent of women, she said. South Sudanese women believe implementing the 35 percent affirmative action is critical, at all levels and within all arms of government, and not just at the national executive level, said Mlambo-Ngcuka. Women further want to ensure that the constitutional review process includes them so that their needs and their concerns are considered right from the start, she said. They also asked to be included in security sector reforms and security institutions so that those institutions properly fulfill their role to protect all the people of South Sudan, including women and girls. They outlined the importance of including women in leadership roles in those institutions to ensure that the security institutions are reconstituted in a manner that is gender-sensitive and focuses on protection of civilians from gender-based violence, she said. The inclusion of women is also essential for reorganized security forces to change the face of the security forces and curb negative masculinities, she said. Mlambo-Ngcuka asked the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development -- the key guarantors of the South Sudanese peace agreement -- to insist that the parties honor this commitment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 03:06:03|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Plants can offer protection against terrorist attacks in cities, a study published on Friday by the Bundeswehr University Munich, a higher education institution of the German Armed Forces, found. According to the study, certain types of plants were found to significantly reduce the force of pressure waves created in explosions. The researchers argued that large squares in cities could be used to protect against terrorism more effectively in this fashion, for example by planting trees and bushes. The findings were based on systemic explosion tests at a site near Berlin in September in which a range of different plants were placed a distance of five meters to five kilograms of TNT. Yew trees offered the most comprehensive protection against the blast, weakening the pressure thereof by as much as 45 percent. A statement on the website of the Bundeswehr University Munich noted that research into the protective effect of plants in explosions was still at an early stage. Some tests have suggested that Thuja trees could result in an even greater reduction in blast pressure by around 60 percent. "They are enormously important as elements of landscape architecture, as well as the design of urban spaces and make a valuable contribution to the urban ecology. If plants can also serve the purpose of explosive protection beyond this, we will have made a big step on the path to protection systems which meet the demands of a modern society for transparent and open architecture," the statement read. The university's tests were commissioned by Germany's Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BKK) as part of a broader effort to explore security concepts for city centers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 03:16:04|Editor: mmm Video Player Close MAPUTO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Business people from China and Mozambique met Friday in Maputo to intensify trade cooperation between the two countries, particularly in engineering, construction and agriculture. The Chinese delegation of entrepreneurs, headed by the deputy governor of Anhui Province Zhou Xi'an, came to Maputo under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) mechanism to strengthen relations in various sectors together with local business people and the government. According to the Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Su Jian, the visit of the delegation is one of the follow-up actions of President Filipe Nyusi's visit to China. "Anhui Province is an important base of the manufacturing industry, agricultural production, energy, raw materials, vehicle manufacturing and professional training," Su said. Mozambican Transport and Communications Minister Carlos Mesquita said in his speech that from 2013 to 2018, 148 projects valued at 751 million U.S. dollars were approved with direct Chinese investment, making China the largest investor and economic partner of the country. "The Mozambican government is implementing institutional law reforms aimed at improving the business environment, reducing bureaucracy and simplifying procedures to create a stable, durable and transparent business environment," said the minister. Mesquita said that facilitation measures to obtain licenses among other aspects aimed at boosting commercial activity are ongoing. "Chinese companies are invited to offer their full support, especially in things that Mozambicans do not do effectively and profitably," he said. Chinese investment in Mozambique has created 20,000 jobs over five years, Mesquita said, adding that investment projects are underway for the production of soybeans, and production and export of sesame and bird feather to China. File Photo: Children collect raindrops at a refugee camp set by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Juba, South Sudan, Aug. 19, 2011. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN peacekeeping chief cautioned Friday that the new peace deal in South Sudan remains fragile. "There can be no viable or sustainable peace unless the parties adhere to a permanent cease-fire, silence the guns, disengage forces, and include women as key players," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations. He was briefing the Security Council on a joint African Union/United Nations high-level visit to South Sudan on Oct. 7-9, shortly after the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The signing of the agreement is only the first step in a process that still has many challenges ahead, he said. "The pre-transitional period is critical and will require the South Sudanese leaders to assume their responsibilities and pave the way for the full implementation of the agreement." Lacroix noted that the parties are taking initial steps toward the implementation of the new peace agreement. Since the October visit, the Transitional National Legislature ratified the new peace agreement, paving the way for its incorporation into the Transitional Constitution. On Oct. 21, the National Pre-Transitional Committee held its first meeting to begin coordinating activities for the pre-transitional period. The participation of Riek Machar and other opposition leaders in the Oct. 31 peace celebrations in Juba, President Salva Kiir's apology to the people of South Sudan for the immense suffering exacted by the conflict, and the release of political prisoners, including two high-profile opposition political detainees, are all positive gestures toward confidence-building and reconciliation, said Lacroix. During the peace celebrations, President Kiir and Machar had a face-to-face meeting, which served as a confidence-building event in itself, he said. However, he said, there are still continued reports of fighting between government troops and opposition forces, and between Machar's SPLA-IO and various breakaway factions of the opposition groups in Central Equatoria. Sporadic clashes have also occurred between government troops and SPLA-IO in various areas of Southern Unity, and road ambushes and attacks between the two groups have continued in the Baggari area of Western Bahr el Ghazal, he said. These incidents, together with continuing inter-communal violence in certain parts of the country, continue to take a toll on civilians and exacerbate displacement and humanitarian needs, he said. Reports of recruitment, including children, by the parties in several parts of the country also betray confidence in the parties to implement the agreement in full, said Lacroix. He emphasized that the country's leaders and the parties will have to demonstrate their genuine commitment to making difficult decisions and compromises for the effective implementation of the new peace deal. "Consolidating this hard-won peace will be our foremost challenge in the weeks and months ahead and time will be our greatest enemy. We are all too familiar with the consequences of delayed implementation timelines or realization of peace dividends to the people of South Sudan who have suffered for far too long," said Lacroix. The United Nations stands ready as a continued partner of peace in supporting South Sudan. Its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan will continue to support, performing tasks within the bounds of its mandate. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 04:21:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ABUJA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Five people, including four children, have been confirmed dead following an early Friday fire incident in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kebbi, a local official said. A mother and her three children, as well as another child in the bungalow, were killed in the blaze, according to local authorities. Sani Dododo, head of the State Emergency Management Agency, told reporters that the fire was thought to be ignited by an electric heater. Dododo said state authorities had launched an investigation to further determine the cause of the fire outbreak. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 04:26:22|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close A man visits the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 16, 2018. The Prado Museum in Madrid on Friday began a series of activities to celebrate its 200th anniversary (1819-2019) in which it aims to attract more Chinese visitors. (Xinhua/Guo Qiuda) MADRID, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Prado Museum in Madrid on Friday began a series of activities to celebrate its 200th anniversary (1819-2019) in which it aims to attract more Chinese visitors. "It is a totally unique experience and we are seeing more Chinese visitors all of the time," Museum Director Miguel Falomir told Xinhua in an exclusive interview, adding that the Chinese visitors are the group growing the most. Over 2 million people viewed the variety of the works housed in the Prado museum in 2017 and 57,000 of those visitors were Chinese. The museum director believed even more people should visit the building in the Spanish capital. "It is filled with passion and totally unique. It is the home of the artists; a place where painters are in paradise and in one way or another visitors share the same experience," he highlighted. But the Prado museum's importance is more than just the works it houses. "We are celebrating our bicentenary. The Prado is one of the best museums in the world and it is the most important institution of Spanish culture. In some ways it reflects the essence of Spain. Everything that Spain has been in history is seen in the Prado and its collections," said Falomir. The coming 12 months will see an enormous number of activities to celebrate the anniversary and highlight key moments in art history. "We want to show special attention to the works of the great Spanish artist, Diego Velazquez, to the Italian Quattrocento, to the Flemish School which is exemplified by Rembrandt, the work of female artists and our own history as a museum," explained the Director. There will be many "open doors" events in the coming year, while many famous paintings from the Prado museum will be put on display in cities throughout Spain. Meanwhile, art lovers will be able to enjoy many innovative projects, such as a "projection mapping" on the museum's facade on November 24. This Friday saw the opening of the special "1819-2019: a Place of Memory" exhibition which focuses on the 200-year history of the Prado museum. "We can see the Prado's history divided into eight periods which are organized in chronological order, with special attention given to showing how the link between the museum and society has grown," the exhibition curator Javier Portus explained to Xinhua. Portus believed that Spain sees the Prado Museum as a key part of the country's culture. "What we have here is an authentic treasure," he concluded. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 04:46:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States appreciates the release of an American citizen by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). In a statement issued by the State Department, Pompeo said, "The United States appreciates the cooperation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the embassy of Sweden in facilitating the release of an American citizen." The DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported earlier on Friday that the country had decided to deport a U.S. citizen detained for illegally entering the country. The U.S. citizen, named Bruce Byron Lowrance, was detained on Oct. 16 in the DPRK, the KCNA said, adding that during the investigation, Lowrance confessed he made the entry under the direction of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The report did not say when Lowrance would be deported. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 05:11:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Finnish population will start declining in 2035. This is the conclusion in a population prognosis released by Statistics Finland on Friday. Year 2018 will be the third year on succession of more deaths than births. Specialist Markus Rapo at Statistics Finland told national broadcaster Yle that immigration has a key positive role in the predictions. Without the calculated 15,000-person-increase annually through immigration, the prediction would be much more negative. Net immigration would keep Finnish population increasing until a 2035 peak of 5.62 million. In 2050 there will be fewer residents than today, Rapo said. In their economic repercussions, the envisaged low birthrates will initially slow down the worsening of the "dependency rate". At the end of last year there were 60 minors or seniors for each 100 working age residents. "With fewer children expected, there will be fewer young dependents to be taken care of than expected. But when smaller cohorts of children reach working age, the dependency rate will weaken dramatically, Rapo said. The dependency rate will be 62 to 100 in 2020 and 81 to 100 in 2070. Birth rate in Finland has declined by a fifth in seven years. In 2010 the rate was 1.87. Last year it was 1.49 and the prediction for 2018 is 1.43. Commenting on the population figures, Prime Minister Juha Sipila said on Friday that he was surprised with the prediction. Sipila said the low birthrates must be the sum of several factors. He mentioned the small flats and high cost of them in the Helsinki area as one reason. Sipila told reporters in parliament the next government should be able to enact a family support reform. The current coalition gave up plans for a reform that would have improved the employment of mothers through sharing the family leave equally between mothers and fathers. Anneli Miettinen, the leading population researcher at Kela, the Finnish National Institute for Welfare, raised the labor market situation of women as the main reason for the decline in birthrate. "The employment of women affects decisions on having children," Miettinen told Yle. "The temporary job of a woman is a greater obstacle to giving birth," she said. "The situation is difficult if re-entry to the labor market is uncertain." Under Finnish law, a woman with a permanent job cannot be denied a return to her work after maternity leave, but there is no requirement to again hire a woman whose contract has expired during the legal maternity leave. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 05:41:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RABAT, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in Casablanca on Friday night to edge closer to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. After a balanced first half at Mohammed V Complex, the Moroccan team pressed more on the Cameroonians and succeeded to score two goals through Ajax Amsterdam's star Hakim Ziyach. Ziyach converted a penalty kick in the 54th minute before adding his second goal through a shot from outside the box in the 65th. This was Morocco's first ever win against Cameroon in their 11 previous encounters. After their win, Morocco move to the top of Group B with 10 points, two points more than Cameroon, while Malawi remain on four points followed by Comoros with one point. With still a game to play, Morocco could officially qualify as of tomorrow if Malawi do not win against Comoros. Cameroon automatically qualified for the Nations Cup as hosts. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 06:06:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street to speak to the British Parliament on the draft Brexit deal in London, Britain, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung) by Larry Neild LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- As British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed replacements Friday for the two front-bench ministers who quit this week, a leading expert in politics predicted she only stood a 50-50 chance of winning a challenge to her leadership. Professor Philip Cowley from Queen Mary University of London said those odds of success for her reign at 10 Downing Street are not such a good position for her to be in. As political commentators and parliamentary correspondents in London eagerly waited to see if a challenge to May emerges, the prime minster was busy at Number 10 hiring two new ministers to take over from Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Works and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey who quit this week from their government roles. Both said they could not support the Brexit agreement agreed this week by the majority of May's cabinet. Amber Rudd, who served as Home Secretary, essentially Britain's top interior minister, was brought back into the cabinet to succeed McVey. Raab, who only took over the Brexit hot seat in July after the first holder of the post, David Davis, resigned, was succeeded by a politician relatively known outside the so-called Westminster bubble. Health Minister Stephen Barclay was appointed to what political commentator described as the government job no politician wanted. Former banker Barclay, who supported Britain leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum, was appointed to the House of Commons in 2010, representing a constituency on Cambridgeshire. The main attention remained focused firmly on May with reports that the number of names needed to trigger a vote of no confidence in her had reached the minimum 48 required. In what is a highly secretive procedure, an announcement of a vote will be made at some stage, and result in a vote among the more than 300 Conservative MPs. Professor Cowley believes a no-confidence move could even give May a boost if she wins the vote among Conservative MPs who sit in the House of Commons. "Even if she wins by one vote it would mean she could not be challenged again for a year," he said. Cowley, a political scientist, who has co-authored a new book, The British General Election of 2017, said if May lost the vote, or decided to step down if she won only by an insignificant margin, there would have to be a leadership contest to elect a new leader and prime minister, causing a delay of several weeks to the Brexit roller-coaster. May, he said, could be strengthened by the party's own rules which would prevent a second challenge for at least a year. "It would immediately mean that attack would disappear. At the moment May is facing a battle on two flanks, one in parliament and the other within her own Conservative Party. "If she won the vote of confidence by a big enough margin to carry on, and there has been talk of her winning by around 100, she would be at least able not to have to worry about another challenge from her own MPs." Cowley said one problem for May could be Conservative MPs who had not wanted a challenge in the first place, but who had doubts about her leadership, deciding that this would be their one chance to seek a new party leader. "My own hunch is that this would be a 50-50 chance of her winning this, and that is not a good position for a prime minister to be in." But Cowley said May, or a successor, would have to steer the Brexit measures through the British Parliament with one possible outcome a confidence vote. That, said Cowley, could see the Conservative government collapsing with a general election early in 2019 -- possibly around January or February. Such an election could, he said, see Labour's Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister of a minority government, bidding to negotiate a Brexit deal or an extension to the Article 50 process that started the ball rolling in the first place to end Britain's EU membership. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 06:11:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN peacekeeping chief said Friday that the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take "proactive action" to contain armed groups after the deaths of at least seven peacekeepers in the country. "We have determined more have to be done after careful preparation and coordination with the AFRDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo)," UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the press in response to the loss of the peacekeepers' lives. MONUSCO -- the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC -- will take proactive action to weaken the ability of the armed groups, particularly Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), to harm population as well as to disturb Ebola related efforts, he added. The UN under chief confirmed the deaths of six Malawian and one Tanzanian peacekeepers and 15 AFRDC members, as well as the injuring of another 12 peacekeepers and 45 AFRDC members. They were killed Wednesday in Beni territory of North Kivu during joint operations against the ADF, which is active in both the DRC and Uganda. Lacroix said the armed groups have been committing brutal crimes against the population for many years in North Kivu, recalling MONUSCO's loss of 17 Tanzanian peacekeepers as a result of an ADF attack in 2017. Moreover, in the recent couple of months, North Kivu has seen increased armed group activities, which he said constitutes an obstacle to fight the Ebola epidemic plaguing the area. Leila Zerrougui, the secretary-general's special representative for the DRC, told the press that local authorities have informed MONUSCO that the armed groups are preparing a mass attack on different places in Beni. Though MONUSCO has its strongest concentration in North Kivu, Lacroix warned some of the armed groups, particularly the ADF, "has a level of strength, equipment and sophistication, which requires adequate response from our side." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 06:16:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- British Culture Minister Michael Ellis placed an export bar Friday on a unique watercolor painting depicting a traditional musical performance in mid-18th century Northern India. The move will prevent the painting, considered of significant cultural interest, from being sent abroad to enable a British gallery or buyer to match the asking price of 550,000 pounds. "Trumpeters" by Nainsukh of Guler (1710-1778) is a delicate miniature work, described by experts as of a rarely found caliber. It shows seven village musicians on a terrace, striking differing poses and faces, while energetically blowing the exceptionally long Pahari horns called Turhi in the hill region of northern India. "It is a fine example of Nainsukh of Guler's trademark gift of detailed observation and complex directional composition," said the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The artist is considered to be one of the most acclaimed of the Pahari (Hills) movement, which were a major and popular genre of Indian miniature painting during the period. Some of his works are exhibited in public collections in Britain, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. The miniature is an example of the color and light of India which inspired its first owner, the renowned artist Winifred Nicholson whose works have been exhibited in world leading galleries including the Tate. Ellis said: "Nainsukh's artistic influence has been felt around the world for generations and this piece demonstrates the outstanding aesthetic importance of his work. I hope that this piece can be kept in the UK, not only for its beauty, but to help further the study of Indian art and history." A young UN peacekeeper keeps watch out of a patrol vehicle as it drives through the Djugu area of Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on March 27, 2018. (AFP Photo) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN peacekeeping chief said Friday that the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take "proactive action" to contain armed groups after the deaths of at least seven peacekeepers in the country. "We have determined more have to be done after careful preparation and coordination with the AFRDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo)," UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the press in response to the loss of the peacekeepers' lives. MONUSCO -- the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC -- will take proactive action to weaken the ability of the armed groups, particularly Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), to harm population as well as to disturb Ebola related efforts, he added. The UN under chief confirmed the deaths of six Malawian and one Tanzanian peacekeepers and 15 AFRDC members, as well as the injuring of another 12 peacekeepers and 45 AFRDC members. They were killed Wednesday in Beni territory of North Kivu during joint operations against the ADF, which is active in both the DRC and Uganda. Lacroix said the armed groups have been committing brutal crimes against the population for many years in North Kivu, recalling MONUSCO's loss of 17 Tanzanian peacekeepers as a result of an ADF attack in 2017. Moreover, in the recent couple of months, North Kivu has seen increased armed group activities, which he said constitutes an obstacle to fight the Ebola epidemic plaguing the area. Leila Zerrougui, the secretary-general's special representative for the DRC, told the press that local authorities have informed MONUSCO that the armed groups are preparing a mass attack on different places in Beni. Though MONUSCO has its strongest concentration in North Kivu, Lacroix warned some of the armed groups, particularly the ADF, "has a level of strength, equipment and sophistication, which requires adequate response from our side." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 06:41:52|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix (L) speaks during a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 16, 2018. The UN peacekeeping chief said Friday that the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take "proactive action" to contain armed groups after the deaths of at least seven peacekeepers in the country. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN peacekeeping chief said Friday that the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take "proactive action" to contain armed groups after the deaths of at least seven peacekeepers in the country. "We have determined more have to be done after careful preparation and coordination with the AFRDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo)," UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the press in response to the loss of the peacekeepers' lives. MONUSCO -- the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC -- will take proactive action to weaken the ability of the armed groups, particularly Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), to harm population as well as to disturb Ebola related efforts, he added. The UN under chief confirmed the deaths of six Malawian and one Tanzanian peacekeepers and 15 AFRDC members, as well as the injuring of another 12 peacekeepers and 45 AFRDC members. They were killed Wednesday in Beni territory of North Kivu during joint operations against the ADF, which is active in both the DRC and Uganda. Lacroix said the armed groups have been committing brutal crimes against the population for many years in North Kivu, recalling MONUSCO's loss of 17 Tanzanian peacekeepers as a result of an ADF attack in 2017. Moreover, in the recent couple of months, North Kivu has seen increased armed group activities, which he said constitutes an obstacle to fight the Ebola epidemic plaguing the area. Leila Zerrougui, the secretary-general's special representative for the DRC, told the press that local authorities have informed MONUSCO that the armed groups are preparing a mass attack on different places in Beni. Though MONUSCO has its strongest concentration in North Kivu, Lacroix warned some of the armed groups, particularly the ADF, "has a level of strength, equipment and sophistication, which requires adequate response from our side." On Thursday, both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council condemned the killing of UN peacekeepers in the DRC. The UN chief called on all armed groups to stop their destabilizing activities, and encourages the DRC authorities to continue taking the necessary measures to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against civilians, national security forces and peacekeepers, his spokesperson said. The members of the Security Council, for their part, underlined deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, and also called for swift investigation into this attack. The east of the DRC has been plagued by insurgency for over 20 years. The past year has seen a surge in violence around North Kivu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-17 06:41:52|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close by Mahmoud Fouly, Emad al-Azrak CAIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The bilateral relations between Egypt and China are expected to take a quantum leap in the coming few years under the support of the political leaderships of both sides, said an Egyptian trade expert. Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of Cairo-based Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the bilateral ties have been steadily growing over the past few years. "The Egyptian-Chinese ties will take a quantum leap in the near future thanks to the political will of the leaderships of both sides," he added. Helmy's remarks came while Cairo is hosting the second Egypt-China Investment and Trade Expo and the "Belt and Road" China-Egypt Cooperation Forum which kicked off on Thursday with participation of over 300 large and medium-sized Chinese enterprises and organizations. "The development of the relations between Egypt and China is not restricted to commercial and economic fields but also includes cultural field, which is very important for the two countries," Helmy said, describing China as "a very important friend." The past years have witnessed frequent high-level visits and interaction between Chinese and Egyptian leaders, which led both sides to elevate their bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership. Helmy added that China's foreign policies are based on common internets, win-win partnerships, mutual respect and non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs. "The Chinese foreign policy is far away from blackmailing, hegemony and monopoly of other countries," he said, stressing that Egypt and China share similar principles and positions and they have two of oldest civilizations in the world. The volume of trade exchange between Egypt and China hit 11 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, mostly represented in Chinese exports to Egypt. "China has expressed a desire to improve the balance of trade with developing states and achieve real development and welfare for all its trade partners, so the ball is now in our court as we should invest this Chinese desire and work on attracting further Chinese investments to Egypt," Helmy told Xinhua. He added that China has recently been paying great attention to investment in Egypt, "which is very important to the Egyptian economy." In Ain Sokhna district of Suez province in east of Cairo, Chinese industrial developer Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) is currently developing a total area of 7.23 square km in Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). Many tenants and enterprises were attracted to the SCZone, including China's fiberglass giant manufacturer Jushi, which has helped Egypt become one of the largest fiberglass producers and exporters in the world over the past couple of years. Chinese large corporations are currently working on a number of energy mega projects in Egypt, including Sinohydro, Dongfang Electric, Shanghai Electric, State Grid Corporation of China, Huawei and others. "China ranks second worldwide in terms of its advanced technology in new and renewable energy ... there should be a rich area of cooperation with China," said Helmy. He also expected growth in Chinese investments in several industries in Egypt, including automobiles, electronics, pharmaceutical manufacture and infrastructure. Helmy considered the ongoing Egyptian-Chinese trade expo as "a communication bridge" between Egyptian and Chinese companies and businessmen. It is one of the means of boosting economic cooperation between the two sides. "It is a chance for Chinese corporations to get acquainted with the investment opportunities available in Egypt that could lead to joint projects fruitful for both nations," he said. On the other hand, Helmy urged cooperation between Egypt and China in tourism sector, noting that more than 100 million Chinese citizens go abroad for tourism every year but only 300,000 of them come to Egypt. According to Helmy, although the number is considered small, Egypt's position as a tourist destination and its close ties with China makes it reasonable to expect further inflow of Chinese tourists to Egypt next year. The Venice Commission is assessing a law on Hungarys migration tax, a government official said on Thursday, because the countrys migration policy is at odds with the majority of related policies in Europe. Representatives of the Prime Ministers Office and the Justice Ministry met on Thursday with a delegation of the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe, in Hungary to assess the law on the special migration tax, state secretary at the Prime Ministers Office Balazs Orban noted. In line with the law in force since August 25, organisations involved in assisting illegal migration are expected to pay 25 % special tax on any funding they receive, Orban said. The Venice Commission is assessing this law despite the Hungarian governments understanding that it is a taxation matter and there is no connection between basic rights and the special tax, he added. Every state has the right to impose taxes on activities that result in costs to society but do not serve societys common aims, he said. The migration wave has resulted in serious costs in Hungary which have been paid by Hungarian taxpayers, totalling nearly 1 billion euros, he added. Orban said the meeting with the Venice Commission delegation had confirmed a difference in opinion between the organisation and Hungary regarding the attitude to migration. Hungary has been put in the corner in international political and legal forums because its migration policy is different from the majority in Europe, he added. Hungary will stand by its position even if the majority of international institutions do not like this, he said, insisting that the state has the right to impose taxes on activities that support migration, he said. No matter what the Venice Commissions final assessment is, the Hungarian government and parliament have the right to hold a different opinion, he said. The final assessment is expected to be approved at the Venice Commission meeting on December 14-15, he added. At the last Sunday of November WAMP will treat design passionates with an exciting special fair in cooperation with the International Visegrad Fund. Beyond Hungarian exhibitors this time almost forty designers of the Visegrad Countries (V4) from the Central-European region will introduce their brands to the local audience. Colours, shapes and details customized specially for you. The brand bosis has been creating unique garments since 2010 which make your everydays a bit more fun and comfy. Each piece of their seasonal collections is made with care and passion in their own studio, and they also create custom-made pieces based on your own ideas, which will surely not come across the street. Stories, tales, secrets and dreams. Mellow (pictured on top) is a Slovak brand that creates printed pillows and other textile accessories. The illustrations of graphic designer Adrian Macho turn these pieces into real unique items which are still functional and fun to use as well. Viaplant is a newly developed, versatile plant-based material with patent licence, that can be used for making various design objects. This innovative material revives the use of urban flora with recycled techniques. The brand uses plant parts, leaves and blossoms with a renewal cycle of one year or shorter than that. Due to the special procedure the plants preserve their original colour and natural character. The careful selection of the plants results in a unique and creative covering material which combines nature and design. The audio-technical products of LSTN Hungary are made of genuine timber, aluminium and vegan leather. Their items are not only consumer electronics but also work as fashion accessories. LSTN also aids charity work with each of their sold items worldwide by supporting hearing impaired people together with Starkey Hearing Trust. The Designer of the Month in November is Kontur Fashion Reka Kontur graduated at the Hungarian University of Art and Design. She creates leather bag- and accessories collections. Her seasonal ethno-inspired collections are made with special leather artist techniques. Her fine leather accessories are characterised by two different lines: the handmade leather products- bags, neckpieces, armbands and earrings - decorated with the variations of the same motif, and a clear, rather minimalistic spin and shredded jewellery and bag collection. Date and time: 25 November, 10 am 6 pm Tickets: Entry is 500 HUF which can be used as a voucher for shopping. Venue: Millenaris Hall B 1024 Budapest, Kis Rokus u. 16-20. 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... Emblema de Onoare acordata de Raed Arafat Potrivit unui anunt publicat pe pagina de Facebook a lui Raed Arafat, seful Departamentului pentru Situatii de Urgenta (DSU), cu ocazia deplasarii la Atena, pentru a participa la seminarul organizat de Comisia Europeana, acesta a inmanat Emblema de Onoare a DSU unui vechi prieten, respectiv dr. Christos Stelyanithis. [citeste mai departe] The situation is, as they say, fluid. But for now it looks as if the quiet archbishop has gotten his way, over the prophet-loud prosecutor, in the fight over how best to proclaim justice with church cash. Three months after the thousand-page report on priestly rapes, child molestation, and cover-ups in six Pennsylvania Catholic dioceses by state Attorney General Joshua Shapiro and his grand jury, six of the state's eight dioceses have followed their New York and Boston counterparts in setting up victims' compensation funds, run by the people who distributed the 9/11 victim payments and other outsiders, to hear and pay hundreds of old claims against priests. Shapiro's report was accepted, even by the bishops and Pope Francis, like the prophet Jonah's Godly threat against Nineveh: with self-disgust and professions of deep contrition. (Though it also provoked state-capital skepticism: "He wants to be governor, and nothing sells tickets like child abuse," a Democrat in Gov. Wolf's administration told me the day after the report went public.) But that wasn't all. Shapiro acknowledged most of the accused were dead or beyond criminal prosecution. Bishops and Shapiro's predecessors had failed to bring them to justice. But his report also recommended going after their successors, by changing state law to allow victims' plaintiff lawyers to sue dioceses for damages, years after the fact. The church opposed that, state Senate leaders wouldn't act, and the dioceses are now handling claims their way. In states like Delaware that "opened the window" to late claims, the result was a few ugly lawsuits in which victims won millions, then bankruptcy, years of costly litigation by plaintiff and defense lawyers, ending with across-the-board settlements splitting church assets to pay claims. In the Delaware case, the liquidation of $50 million in church foundation money accompanied the shutdown of marginal Catholic schools, parishes, and social-services programs in rundown neighborhoods; some kids transferred to taxpayer-funded schools, socializing costs to the public. Millions more were paid by insurers, who also pass the expense to the public, as rate hikes and reinsurance. (But elite Catholic schools that actually faced abuse claims, like Joe Biden's old prep, went on to thrive, raising cash from tuition and wealthy donors.) So if the bishops' funds work as advertised, maybe it's better if Shapiro failed in this attempt to get the law changed. The victims will get paid. Only the lawyers lost out. And yet the perpetrators got away. We should all want to see rapists put where they can't hurt more people, and bishops and other authorities who knew but let them get away with it fired, at least. And victims deserve compensation. But who pays? Shapiro's approach after the bad son runs off, sue the family is a popular response to social evils long ignored. Democrats are not the jail-em party, they are the sue-em party. The campaign on the church in its decline recalls other attempts to use civil lawsuits to collect, from people who didn't commit the offenses, after the perpetrators walked away. It's like what President Barack Obama's Justice Department and regulators did with the banks that blew up the economy in 2008: they fined their remaining shareholders billions after the individuals responsible for making and selling bad loans and foreclosures and lying about them had left, often to join private investment funds and build new fortunes. It's like what cities do when the police we all depend on wrongfully shoot civilians: They pay out millions, at taxpayers' and insurers' expense while the officers tend to keep working, and get their pensions. It's like what Shapiro's attorney-general peers in other states want to do to the drug industry. Twenty years after drug companies spread lethal addiction by promoting opioid painkillers despite known dangers, the people's advocates are suing drug-makers and distributors, and demanding fat civil settlements not from the executives, marketers, and consultants who boosted opioid availability but from today's shareholders, America's pension funds and mutual funds. An exception: the billionaire Sacklers, old-fashioned private owners who controlled Purdue Pharma in OxyContin's heyday and who remain in charge, have lately been sued by citizens and governments trying to hold them personally responsible for epidemic abuse of their products. But at Purdue's corporate rivals, senior staff who steered America back toward mass opioid use are safely out of range. Carol Ammon, who led Endo Pharmaceuticals onto the road that made Endo's Opana one of OxyContin's most popular and most abused rivals, left the company with $200 million in stock options in 2006, and became a philanthropist: Her family name now adorns facilities at Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University and Wilmington's Christiana Care Health System; she is on the board of the state-supported University of Delaware. Maybe these institutions will at least inherit a share of Ammon's millions. (When I called her to talk about this, she had Endo send me a statement noting she hadn't worked there lately and had no comment.) Better act late than never, right? At least sue someone, as a warning to others? Church governance still needs fixing. Too bad American bishops, and the pope, don't agree on what to do. Liberals want a reformed priesthood and lay oversight. Conservatives blame liberal tolerance, and say rigidly enforced celibacy will fix all. While they bicker, schools and other institutions built by St. John Neumann and Cardinal Dougherty that Americanized millions of immigrants, helped some toward heaven, and saved taxpayers billions, continue in decline. We should know what these men did and failed to do. But as prosecutors look for old wrongs to right in civil court, what new and ongoing evils are we ignoring? Who will be called to pay, after today's predators escape? FAO Schwarz toy soldiers dressed in uniforms designed by model Gigi Hadid pose for a photo during a media preview of the new FAO Schwarz store at Rockefeller Center in New York. Read more NEW YORK Three years after it closed its beloved toy store on Fifth Avenue, FAO Schwarz is making a return to New York. A new FAO opened Friday in Rockefeller Center, about 10 blocks from its former home near Central Park. For more than 150 years, FAO Schwarz was known in New York City for its classy and sometimes extravagantly expensive toys. The fantasyland store it opened on Fifth Avenue in 1986 was a tourist attraction, replete with its own theme song, doormen who looked like palace guards, and a musical clock tower. Financial problems at the parent company and rising rents closed that store in 2015, but FAO is now pulling back from the worst financial precipice since it was founded in 1862. In recent weeks at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, workers drilled, hammered, and sawed 24 hours a day to get the new store ready. Employees filled shelves with hundreds of plush animals that have long defined the brand bears, bunnies, elephants, chicks, and more. The big entrance clock tower has returned. And on the second level of the 20,000-square-foot space is a giant piano keyboard mat like the one on which Tom Hanks danced to "Heart and Soul" in the 1988 film Big. The 20-foot-long instrument with 60 keys is reflected on the ceiling for people in the plaza below to see. Replicas for sale cost $128. There is also a toy grocery store where children can shop among artificial produce, complete with small carts, a checkout counter, and kitchen supplies. For $75, another interactive station allows kids to adopt baby dolls, while a "nurse" gives lessons on how to care for them. Live magic shows will be staged nearby, next to a spot for assembling custom remote-control cars. A 27-foot-tall rocket ship teems with stuffed bear astronauts. "We are about experiences. That's what's different from other toy stores," said David Niggli, FAO's chief merchandising officer. In a global marketing push, pop-up FAO shops are also opening for the holidays in England, Spain, and Australia. A March rollout is planned for a permanent store at a mall in Beijing in addition to smaller retail locations in airports and elsewhere across the United States and Canada. FAO has gone through multiple corporate takeovers in recent years as retailers struggled to adapt to online sales. It was purchased in 2002 by Right Start Inc., which filed for bankruptcy twice. Toys R Us was the next owner. It sold the FAO name to the California-based ThreeSixty Group in 2016 before recently declaring bankruptcy itself. FAO was founded in 1862 by German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz, specializing in high-end toys, some imported from Europe. By the 20th century, in stores across the country, fancy items included a $1,500 jeweled Etch-A-Sketch and a Barbie-themed, hot pink foosball table for $25,000. There are a few extravagant items to be had in the new store but plenty of modestly priced items, too. "We have beautiful artisan pieces here, like rocking horses, but we also have items that are $10," Niggli said. "There's always going to be some of those over-the-top items. I think that's part of what you come to FAO to see. It's part of the magic." The most luxurious item on sale could be a child-size, drivable Mercedes-Benz encrusted with 44,000 Swarovski crystals. Base price: $25,000. "That's the core of FAO. It's the classics plus the 'Oh, wow' things you've never seen before," Niggli said. The more than 14,000 people who were duped into donating to Johnny Bobbitt Jr.'s GoFundMe campaign will get a full refund, but the alleged scam detailed by prosecutors Thursday is a "perfect example" of the risks in donating through crowdfunding websites, a charity watchdog group said. GoFundMe will process refunds in the coming days for the more than $400,000 in contributions to Bobbitt's campaign, a company spokesperson said. In doing so, GoFundMe is waiving part of its refund policy that typically limits refunds of up to $1,000 for those who submit claims within 30 days of donating. The campaign ostensibly benefiting Bobbitt began accepting donations a year ago. "While this type of behavior by an individual is extremely rare, it's unacceptable and clearly it has consequences," GoFundMe said in a statement. The California-based crowdfunding platform, which says it has helped raise more than $5 billion from more than 50 million donors, said fraudulent campaigns make up less than a tenth of a percent of all campaigns on its website. Stephanie Kalivas, an analyst for Charity Watch, said there's no way of guaranteeing crowdfunding campaigns are legitimate or will use donated funds for stated purposes. Unlike nonprofit charities, online fund-raisers are not subject to financial reporting requirements or other regulations, she said. "Most of the time donors are not going to know if they've been taken advantage of," she said, noting that the Bobbitt campaign was unusual in receiving national media attention. "It's just not a smart way to donate, because it's just too easy for scammers to take advantage of people on this website." Kalivas said donors should contribute only to online campaigns run by people they know or by public charities. Burlington County prosecutors said Thursday that the heartwarming story behind the Bobbitt campaign that the homeless veteran gave his last $20 to help a stranded motorist buy gas was a "completely made up" scam. GoFundMe's terms and conditions make plain that the platform doesn't guarantee that campaign organizers using its website are honest. "All donations are at your own risk," the user agreement states. "We do not and cannot verify the information that campaign organizers supply, nor do we guarantee that the donations will be used in accordance with any fundraising purpose prescribed by a campaign organizer or charity." Bobby Whithorne, a GoFundMe spokesperson, said the company does have a "dedicated team" that contacts campaign organizers or beneficiaries to ensure money goes to the right place. For example, Whithorne said GoFundMe contacted the organizer of another campaign for a homeless man who was mocked for shaving on an NJ Transit train. That effort raised $42,000. Whithorne called the Bobbitt campaign "unique" because funds usually go directly to the beneficiary, not the individuals who started the campaign. The couple who organized the Bobbitt fund-raiser, Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico, spent the money on a BMW, a New Year's trip to Las Vegas, and high-end handbags, authorities said. Asked if GoFundMe has changed any of its internal policies in light of the Bobbitt fiasco, Whithorne said that "we always take steps to improve our security measures," including a trust and safety team monitoring the platform round the clock. There are typically other limitations in GoFundMe's guarantee policy. Rather than offer refunds, GoFundMe may redirect donations to the intended beneficiary, or provide refunds in the form of credits redeemable for donations to other campaigns, according to the policy. Launched in 2010, GoFundMe allows users to raise money to pay for a variety of causes, from medical bills to college tuition. Users create campaign web pages that include personal stories, photos, and fund-raising goals. The campaign pages can be shared on social media and donors can make contributions on GoFundMe's website. Campaign organizers can then withdraw donations by wire transfer or check. GoFundMe charges a 2.9 percent payment processing fee plus 30 cents per donation to cover "the cost of third-party card processors and the safe and secure transfer of funds," Whithorne said. The University of Pennsylvania Health System announced Friday that it had cut hospital readmissions by one-quarter in the first year of its new-style contract with Independence Blue Cross, surprising both parties. "This not only exceeds our expectations," said Independence chief executive Daniel J. Hilferty, it also sets the stage for similar efforts with other health systems, "as we work to improve our members' experience and drive down costs." Under the five-year contract, which took effect July 1, 2017, Independence no longer has to pay Penn when patients return to the hospital within a month of being discharged. Hilferty said in April that the change was expected to save the insurer $19 million to $20 million annually. Independence is the region's largest health insurer, while Penn is the area's largest health system by revenue. "Whenever you implement something new like we did in this program, you expect to learn a lot during the first year, but it usually takes more time to see results like this," said Ralph W. Muller, chief executive of Penn's health system. "Through close attention to what our data told us about the patients we needed to focus on, and a dedicated and creative push by teams at both Penn and Independence, we've set a new high mark for reducing readmissions in a far shorter time frame than anyone expected," he said. Penn did not provide the specific number of readmissions that were prevented by the collaboration with Independence, but Kate Flynn, president of the Health Care Improvement Foundation in Philadelphia, said she found the results impressive. "Things like remote monitoring, the very intensive case management, the coordination with home care, those are not typical things. Many hospitals have done pieces of that," Flynn said. Flynn said that when Medicare first instituted readmissions penalties in the 2011-12 time frame, hospitals quickly captured much of the "low-hanging fruit," but then progress stalled because certain chronic conditions are so hard to manage. Penn attacked the problem by identifying patients at high risk of readmission, including many with cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal conditions, and sepsis. High-risk patients returned to the hospital 16 percent of the time, Penn found, while low-risk patients were readmitted less than 1 percent of the time. The contract covered 15,000 inpatients in the year ended June 30 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Chester County Hospital. Under the new model, before Penn discharges patients with a high risk of readmission, a scheduler calls them to set up all their follow-up outpatient appointments typically combining them on the same day. Penn developed dashboards to track follow-up visits at seven and 14 days after discharge to ensure patients stay on track. Most patients now also leave the hospital with all their prescriptions in hand to avoid any delays in taking medications. The contract motivated Penn to add a new service after it found that many cancer patients were being readmitted through emergency departments. The response was an outpatient oncology evaluation unit, where patients can be seen as outpatients and effectively treated for common issues like dehydration. It crackles. It pops. It radiates heat and sounds like a bubbly white cracker that's come to life. It's um what is it again? If you live in a food city as rich and diverse and heartily explored as Philadelphia, there are precious few moments like the Chicharron Moment at Sarvida in Fishtown when savvy diners can encounter a dish that's as novel as this, or as delightful, despite what it's really made of: flash-fried beef tendons. Don't let that little anatomy detail hamstring you from trying something new. Tendon is way underrated. Pho aficionados already know that the slow-stewed beef tendons are the bonus bite when ordering a bowl of Vietnamese soup with all the offal works. But it translates to other cultures, too. And when those tenderized tendons are then dehydrated and deep-fried, as they are on Sarvida's menu of modern Filipino creations, they are positively irresistible, like the ultimate savory cracker scattered with crunchy scallions and tangy crumbles of kesong puti cheese made in house from goat's milk (rather than the usual water buffalo) separated by calamansi citrus and palm sugar. Yes, the chicharron are the definition of exotic around here, even if I've had them in other cities. But in truth, they're also fairly accessible and eminently likable if you give them a chance. The same could be said for Sarvida and its chef-owner, Lou Boquila, who's on a mission to expose Philadelphians to the bold, unique Southeast Asian flavors of his native Philippines. This BYOB is act two in that process, following Perla, the BYOB named for his mother that he opened off East Passyunk Avenue in 2016, where the eat-with-your hands Kamayan weekend feasts remain a draw. Locally, Filipino food was sorely underrepresented back then, and still is in the big picture. But there has been a welcome surge of new projects beginning to fill that void. The new LALO food stand is one of the most exciting food options at the recently renovated Bourse food hall, serving grilled inihaw skewers, homemade garlicky longanisa sausages and, my favorite, the crispy open-ended spring rolls known as lumpia Shanghai stuffed with lemongrass sausage that pay a compelling, handcrafted homage to Pinoy street foods. Don't miss the garlic rice. Essential. Meanwhile, Boquila who hasn't returned to the islands since he moved to Olney when he was 8, and who learned to cook in the mainstream kitchens at Twenty Manning and Audrey Claire has always pursued a contemporary version of his family food memories, which are often updated with a personalized approach somewhat removed from traditional presentations. His take on ukoy fritters, for example, is less a dense sweet potato pancake embedded with shrimp than a wiry, free-form nest of sweet potato threads, at once crispy and chewy, that comes with tiny whole shrimp tangled up into the brambles. Drizzle a pinch with spoonfuls of tangy palm vinegar and it's a magnetic communal nibble. Sarvida, however, which was his mother's middle name, tackles his vision of homier, more rustic dishes than Perla's, with a bolder embrace of pungent Pinoy flavors like the bagoong seafood paste that adds a ka-boom of secret funk to the long hot chili sauce that comes beneath a pile of deep-fried pig tails (binagoongan) and shredded green mangoes. Of all the dishes on Sarvida's menu, this one is perhaps the most challenging for newcomers to Filipino cuisine, as learning to love pig tails, more flavorful fat and slippery bone than actual meat, can take some practice. Most of this menu, though, is as approachable as roast chicken. And the whole Jersey-bred bird that Boquila brines with lemongrass and kaffir limes, then roasts to a fragrant crisp is already a star, served alongside padron peppers and hunks of calamansi to squeeze on extra citrus. It's a beautiful, flavorful bird that has easy crossover appeal as long as diners don't flinch too much at the $35 price for the whole chicken. It is, in fact, a fair price for a three-pound natural chicken intended as a sharing entree. But I do wonder whether Sarvida's somewhat limited menu and relatively upscale prices, hovering in the high $20s to low $30s for larger plates, will scare off what is still a budget-conscious Fishtown. But the seemingly endless work to repair a broken water main on East Girard Avenue right in front of Sarvida is more likely to blame for the nearly empty dining rooms I witnessed during my visits. In retrospect, I'll be glad I missed the crowds that can turn this small but sleek corner space with the open kitchen and oddly design-y angled ceiling into the noise box that was a feature in the former Girard Brasserie, too. Charming as they may be, Sarvida's well-informed and personable staff (not to mention its customers) will find it challenging to talk over that din. Some of the food on this menu, though, is worth seeking out, especially for its window into how a skilled chef can weave local ingredients and seasons into international flavors channeled through a unique personal frame of reference. The lumpiang ubod, for example, is a modern mash-up of multiple international ideas, with a gorgeous medley of fresh veggies shaved zucchini ribbons, black radish, hearts of palm, and pickled onions set over a puree of red mung bean hummus turned sweet with hoisin-peanut sauce beside a steamy hot puff of deep-fried poori bread, instead of the usual crepe. Manila meets Zahav by way of Mumbai and Philly produce. That's a lot of detours for one plate, but it's simply good. Tortang talong is a hybrid of two dishes that brings a tomato salad with a salty brined egg over pureed eggplant, and warm, soft-scrambled eggs. Another cameo for bagoong adds punch to a pinakbet vegetable stew of fairy tale eggplants, okra and spicy strands of garlic scape with chunks of pork belly. I would have loved the lamb shank mechado if the tender, tomato-stewed joint of meat had been larger. For $31, a meatier hind shank would have been more reasonable than the fore shank presented here. One thing Sarvida doesn't skimp on, however, is the pork. And the crispy pig knuckle called pata is not to be missed. It's essentially a Pinoy version of German schweinshaxe, a ginger-braised shank of flesh turned to a shattering cracklin' crisp in the deep-fryer that arrived over a mound of spicy-sweet leeks creamed in coconut milk and chilies. The whole fried red snapper topped escabeche-style beneath a tangy mop of ginger, onions, and long hot peppers soaked in sweet and sour palm vinegar was another worthy sharing centerpiece. As memorable as those dishes were, the surprise winner on this menu for me was Boquila's seasonal vegetarian offering, a roast of hollowed-out delicata squash canoes set over toothy little mung beans and snappy beech mushroom stems sauced in a creamy kaffir lime-coconut stew. With crunchy lotus root pinwheels poised on top the whole dish brought a perfect balance of textures, richness, exotic spice, and seasonal produce. That delicata squash "ginataan," a name that refers to dishes stewed in coconut milk, may not be the most adventurous dish on Sarvida's menu, which Boquila promises will someday soon also feature the Philippines' famous blood stew, dinuguan, "to open some palates." But it was in perfect harmony, and hit a perfect middle place to broaden this meat-centric restaurant's millennial appeal, which will remain essential if Sarvida hopes to survive in a Fishtown that's becoming more competitive by the day. I do wonder whether there's still another side of Filipino cuisine yet to be presented in Philly a more straightforward representation of traditional dishes at a sit-down restaurant that falls somewhere between LALO's artisan-made street food bites and Sarvida's upscale contemporary spins that would fill an essential missing link in our Pinoy food education. The answer, given by Sarvida's fairly straight-ahead take on halo-halo for dessert, is a resounding "Oo!" (That's "yes!" in Tagalog, pronounced sort of like "aw-aw!") Shaved ice is all the fashion in Philly these days, even at modern American BYOBs like Cadence just a little farther west down Girard, where it's made with ices made from oat milk and other creative liquids. At Sarvida, Boquila shaves a plain block of ice to order in the open kitchen, and then layers it with colors and textures all kinds of treats like mung beans poached with star anise, jellied chunks of young coconut, sweet drizzles of condensed milk and on top a shiny dark toupee of whipped purple sweet potato that gives this whole snow drift in a glass a special richness when you mix it together: "Halo-halo means 'mix-mix,' " Boquila says. Then, when you get to the bottom of the glass, you'll find yet another surprise: a silky flan that's like the rich reward at the end of this adventure. Sarvida has already the mix-mix part down pat, along with the crackle and pop of exotic surprise. But it's that essential element of good flavor at the root of every dish that will ultimately help Boquila's latest passion project thrive. Sarvida 300 E. Girard Ave., 267-273-1234; sarvidaphilly.com Chef Lou Boquila has opened a second showcase in his quest to present Philadelphians an updated vision of Filipino cuisine with this sleek Fishtown corner BYOB. This follow-up to his first restaurant off East Passyunk, Perla, offers slightly edgier bagoong-powered flavors with more rustic, home-style inspirations that are then inevitably upscaled. This is fascinating, thought-provoking food with a story, and much of it is delicious. Relatively high prices and a limited menu, though, might prevent some from discovering the magic crunch that is a puffed beef tendon chicharron. MENU HIGHLIGHTS Chicharron crispy beef tendons; lumpiagubod (salad with poori bread); tortang talong (scrambled egg with eggplant); ukoy (sweet potato-shrimp nest); escabeche fried whole snapper; lechon manok whole chicken; crispy pata (pig knuckle); ginataan (delicata squash); halo-halo. BYOB San Miguel lager and Coke are two of the most traditional accompaniments to Filipino food, and tempranillo-based wines work with flavors that have some roots in Spanish influence on the cuisine. The food typically blends mild spice with vinegar-based braises, so off-dry Rieslings are also a good bet. WEEKEND NOISE Sustained road work has kept crowds on the light, but this small corner room with an oddly angled ceiling historically has been terribly noisy. IF YOU GO Dinner Wednesday through Thursday, and Sunday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, until 11 p.m. Dinner entrees, $23-$35. All major cards. Reservations suggested. Wheelchair accessible. Street parking only. With the holidays looming, I wasn't exactly in the mood to read about a New Jersey beach, even one as historic as Atlantic City's renowned Chicken Bone Beach. But then I started thumbing through Cheryl Woodruff-Brooks' new book about the once racially segregated Missouri Avenue Beach, and I found myself gazing at all of the beautiful black and brown faces in the photos. The beachgoers all look so happy. They're smiling and enjoying themselves in the surf. Mind you, until 1964, black folks couldn't dine in most Atlantic City restaurants because of the color of their skin. Back then, African Americans were still being systematically denied most of the perks of American citizenship, such as voting and full access to most public accommodations. Yet there they were, happily posing for the camera as if they didn't have a care in the world. To me, the photos are a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and of how even during the most oppressive of times, people still manage to find joy. I was really struck by that, as was Woodruff-Brooks. "I think that's what brought so much joy to this project. In my entire schooling, never in one social studies class did I ever see our people just held in such high regard in images," she told me. "Everything I saw, we were downtrodden, beaten, lynched. It was just a breath of fresh air." After happening across a collection of photos of Chicken Bone Beach taken by the late Philly-based photographer John W. Mosley, Woodruff-Brooks wound up on a circuitous path that eventually led to her writing Chicken Bone Beach: A Pictorial History of Atlantic City's Missouri Avenue Beach (Sunbury Press, $9.99). Woodruff-Brooks, 53, a legislative assistant with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, will be in Philadelphia for a book signing and reading at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Art Sanctuary, 628 S. 16th St. The area along A.C.'s Missouri Avenue became the unofficial black beach during the 1930s. after whites complained about black people's presence in other areas. "They didn't want them in front of the hotels," explained Henrietta Shelton, president of the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation in Atlantic City. Since black people weren't permitted to dine in many restaurants, they brought fried chicken because it held up well in the hot sun, and afterward they would bury the bones in the sand. Seagulls would unearth them looking for forgotten morsels. Cleanup crews would then have the task of removing the bones, and they began referring to the area as Chicken Bone Beach. It initially was considered an insult, but it stuck. During the beach's heyday, from the 1930s until 1964, when civil rights legislation struck down Jim Crow-style segregation, Chicken Bone Beach was the place to go. Woodruff-Brooks' book includes a rare photo of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the beach. I did a double-take at the sight of King dressed in a pair of shorts and wearing what looks like a captain's cap. "It was like a black Hollywood in its heyday," Woodruff-Brooks said. "You could be walking down the street, you could be in a club on Kentucky Avenue and see one famous black entertainer after the other. I'm talking Nina Simone and Ray Charles the list just goes on." Former Philly resident Beverly Wilburn, 75, whose teenage image appears on the cover of the book, has no memory of posing on all fours in the sand with a group of friends. Nor does she recall the names of those in the photo with her. But Wilburn, now of New York, still remembers the good times she had hanging out on Chicken Bone Beach, and how back then, "nobody even thought to go anywhere else." FILE In this Nov. 9, 2017, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping participate in a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Xi had an "extremely positive" phone conversation with Trump about trade and other issues, the foreign ministry said Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The two leaders agreed to "strengthen economic exchanges," said a ministry spokesman, Lu Kang. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Read more The queue of Chinese tourists eager to visit Mao Zedong's mausoleum in the center of Beijing's Tiananmen Square starts building at 7 a.m. and the wait can be three hours. The tourist shops along one side of the square are filled with glossy pendants that feature Mao on one side and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the other. Those pendants are fixed in my mind on my return from my latest trip to China, as the clock ticks down to a critical meeting between Xi and President Trump at the G-20 summit in Argentina at the end of November. The outcome of that meeting will reveal whether there is a chance of avoiding an all-out trade war between Washington and Beijing and whether Trump or Xi has the will to head off a U.S.-China cold war. Much will depend on whether Trump's mistaken belief he is "winning" the trade battle has convinced him that tariffs alone will force Chinese submission. But much will also depend on whether Xi's concentration of power in his own hands, in imitation of "leader for life" Mao, convinces him he is strong enough to resist real compromise with Washington. What I heard from Chinese officials, think tanks, and academics and from U.S. businessmen in China made me pessimistic about the road ahead. The atmosphere was clearly more repressive than on past trips, with the internet more tightly controlled, and a handful of once daring news outlets muzzled. Gone was the fluid environment of my first visit, in 1986, in the era of Deng Xiaoping's "opening," when strangers on the street talked to me about their suffering under Mao's Cultural Revolution. Gone was the political ferment of the mid- and late 1990s, when midlevel officials told me village and town elections might lead to greater democracy. Gone was the hopefulness of the 2000s, when I met with NGO activists, and students of public-interest law who were teaching peasants about their legal rights to compensation when developers seized their lands. Nongovernmental organizations have been curbed, while student activists are now arrested. Chinese officials and think-tankers repeated almost identical talking points (a reflection, I was told, of Xi's efforts to strengthen the Communist Party line). Almost all refused to be quoted on the record, even when they hewed to official lingo. They flatly refused to admit that China has become a global superpower or a competitor to the United States, or that Beijing has stolen technology. They insisted that Beijing plays by the international rule book. Meantime, academics downplayed U.S.-Chinese tensions. "I disagree that the United States and China are locked in a Thucydides Trap," said Zha Daojiong, a professor of international relations at prestigious Peking University, referring to the thesis that a rising power must inevitably clash with a declining hegemon. "That is lazy thinking," Zha continued. "Why should we gear for total war? There are a large group of Chinese who promote the same argument, with comparable rhetoric. But the U.S. and China are separated by an ocean. We should just relax." Yet other academics admitted they were far from relaxed. They privately worried about Xi's open declaration of intent to outstrip America in technology by 2025 and displace its influence in Asia and beyond. They expressed concern that decades of academic cooperation and student exchanges with U.S. universities could be jeopardized. Most stunning was the anger I heard from U.S. businesspeople. On previous trips, I heard predictions that the Chinese government would finally play by World Trade Organization rules and provide U.S. companies with the open access that Chinese companies are granted in the USA. There was still hope that China would cease forcing U.S. companies to share technology and halt unfair government subsidies to Chinese competitors. Those hopes have vanished. Despite concern that Trump's tariffs might boomerang, I heard repeated (off the record) cheers that Washington was finally talking tough to Beijing. Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, long an open-trade champion, echoed these sentiments in a speech this month in Singapore, saying: "How can it be that those who know China best, work there, do business there, make money there, and have advocated for productive relations in the past, are among those now arguing for more confrontation?" His answer: because China has refused to open its economy. "American business doesn't want a tariff war," Paulson said, "but it does want a more aggressive approach from our government." Which brings us back to the Trump-Xi meeting in Buenos Aires. The stonewalling by Beijing offers little prospect of real progress on trade, but Trump's fixation on tariffs won't advance the ball either. China experts widely agree that Beijing can withstand the tariffs. What would make a stronger impact would be a U.S.-led coalition of Asian nations that pressured China in unison on its economic (and military) predation. Instead, Trump failed to attend two key Asian summits last week, leaving the impression that he intends to tackle China solo. Those two-sided Mao-Xi medallions should serve as a warning: A one-on-one confrontation with Mao-wannabe Xi isn't likely to work. Charter school supporters gathered at City Hall earlier this year to demand representation on the new school board. Read more The Philadelphia school board will consider three applications to open charter schools this year, all affiliated with at least one school already operating in the city. The applications were due Thursday and made public Friday. They are from String Theory Schools, which is seeking to open a K-8 school in West Philadelphia; the People for People community development corporation, which is applying for a high school in Francisville; and American Paradigm Schools, which is proposing another K-8 school in Tacony. If approved, the three proposed charter schools would add 2,300 students to the city's charter enrollment. How the new board will address charter schools, which serve 70,000 pupils, or one-third of students in the district, has been an open question. Opponents of the schools, which are publicly funded but independently run, have accused them of siphoning valuable dollars from a cash-strapped district while not meeting standards. Supporters, meanwhile, say that demand for charter schools has not yet been met, that many district-run schools are also falling short, and that parents and students deserve options. The district had received eight letters of intent from applicants proposing new charter schools, including two from Aspira Inc. of Pennsylvania, a Latino community organization that manages four Philadelphia charter schools and a cyber-charter school. Two of those Philadelphia schools are facing nonrenewal, and the state auditor general earlier this year blasted Aspira's financial management. Aspira did not submit an application and neither did other groups that had expressed interest in opening new charter schools in the city. The applications from String Theory, People for People, and American Paradigm will be the first considered by the new board, appointed this year by Mayor Kenney as the city took back its schools from the state-controlled School Reform Commission. Last year, the SRC approved three new charter schools while denying four others. At the time, the district and many charter schools were at odds over new regulations. String Theory's proposed Joan Myers Brown Academy named for the founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company would feature a dance and creative arts program and be modeled after String Theory's Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School. The K-12 school has three campuses in South Philadelphia and Center City, an expansion funded with the help of a $55 million bond. It has an authorized enrollment of 2,525 students and 5,000 students on its waiting list, according to its application. String Theory also manages the Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Sciences at H.R. Edmunds, a former district-run school. People for People is seeking to open the Frederick Douglass Charter High School, which it proposes to locate at Broad Street and Fairmount Avenue. The application describes a "trauma-sensitive" high school that would offer college-level classes and teach entrepreneurial and business skills. A nonprofit in the Francisville section of the city, People for People runs a K-12 charter school that shares the organization's name. The school is approved to serve 540 and is located one block north of the proposed Frederick Douglass site. The third proposed charter school, Tacony Academy Charter School at St. Vincent's, would be a K-8 school run by American Paradigm. The education-management organization operates four schools in North and Northeast Philadelphia, including Tacony Academy Charter School. The proposed Tacony Academy would be a replication of the original, which "has 2,835 student applications for fewer than 200 available seats," according to its application. One of American Paradigm's schools, Memphis Street Academy in Kensington, was recommended by the district for nonrenewal last year but was ultimately renewed by the SRC before it disbanded this year. Public hearings on the charter applications are expected to begin in December, Christina Grant, interim head of the district's Charter Schools Office, said at a recent school board meeting. The office hopes to evaluate the applications and present recommendations to the board by February. This article contains a correction regarding the number of charters the school board approved last year. Rush Revolution, Madness, and Benjamin Rush, the Visionary Doctor Who Became a Founding Father By Stephen Fried Crown. 608 pp. $30 Dr. Benjamin Rush The Founding Father Who Healed a Wounded Nation By Harlow Giles Unger Da Capo. 300 pp. $28 Reviewed by Scott Manning Buried in Christ Church Cemetery is Philadelphia's homegrown Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745-1813), a figure whose credentials will baffle anyone unfamiliar with his legacy. A short resume would include signer of the Declaration of Independence, founder of Dickinson College, and treasurer of the U.S. Mint. He was a proponent of abolitionism, voting rights for women and blacks, and treating mental illness humanely all causes for which he left reams of letters, pamphlets, books, and speeches. Rush served as board member and president of numerous societies and organizations that were influential and crucial in the young country's history. He survived the yellow fever epidemic of the 1790s while providing free treatment to Philadelphians, and he served as counsel to Lewis and Clark before their expedition. His references would include Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson. Yet, though the late I. Bernard Cohen candidly admitted that Rush "never achieved true greatness," two new books demonstrate the doctor was always in the ear of early America's most prominent figures. Journalist and biographer Stephen Fried and prolific historian Harlow Giles Unger both pull from similar sources, some newly accessible. Fried's massive tome reads like a true biography, chronologically tracing every bit of detail related to what could have influenced Rush and, in turn, where he had influence. The book serves as a superb primer on the Revolutionary and early federal periods of America. Broken up into two parts, the 42 chapters are merely numbered and sometimes end for no reason seemingly other than length. Conversely, Unger's shorter work provides thematic chapters focusing on episodes in Rush's life. What Fried describes in a few chapters, Unger may mention in a paragraph, if at all. No anecdote seems too trite for Fried. For example, he covers fruitless romantic flings in detail, whereas Unger never mentions them. Fried spreads the courting and pursuit of Rush's eventual wife, Julia, over several chapters; Unger covers their first encounter and marriage in less than a page. Fried seems to strain to place Rush near important names and events, as when he points out a clerical error on the 1790 census where "Rush's name can be seen crossed out and Hamilton's written in." At other times, Fried's passion for detail is more than warranted. He dedicates two and a half chapters to the buildup, battle, and aftermath of Brandywine, whereas Unger spends less than a page on it. Rush was there treating casualties, and his experiences in the makeshift hospitals of both the Americans and British dramatically influenced his views. Similarly, Fried provides extensive details on Rush's encounters with mentally ill patients, starting with his earliest. At first, the uninitiated may not realize the importance of an encounter that led to no new conclusion or cure, but as the experiences add up, we see the development of an empathetic Rush who strove to improve the care and treatment of the mentally ill through revolutionary concepts such as hygiene, heat, privacy, windows, and forgoing unnecessary restraints. Both authors demonstrate how Rush seemed equally ahead of and behind his times in medical and social issues. Among his many unique arguments for abolition, he made the case that slave owners suffered medical issues by forgoing physical activities while their slaves did the labor that used to keep their masters fit. Quite simply, owning slaves was bad for your health, not just morally wrong. This fits nicely with Rush's advocacy for black voting rights and his fund-raising for the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Philadelphia's first black church. Yet elsewhere, he theorized that the color and facial features of blacks was due to a form of leprosy in their family tree. Fried blasts this as "perhaps the most spectacularly wrong-headed address of Rush's career, as both a doctor and an abolitionist." Persistently "wrong-headed" could have been Rush's motto as he continued bloodletting in the face of peers, public criticism, and even satirical newspaper articles. Thus, among some of Rush's most remarkable achievements are asterisks. Unger describes Rush's book Medical Inquires and Observations as "the broadest, most modern, and most forward-looking work on health and medical care ever seen," which "except for its obsessive advocacy of bloodletting influenced and advanced the world of medicine and science for the next century and more." Fried more sympathetically dismisses the bloodletting with "he was thinking more and more about the primacy of pulse and blood." Sometimes Fried's inexperience with the period can show. One captioned painting reads "The young Marquis de Lafayette and one of his servants," but the so-called servant was James Armistead a slave who spied against Benedict Arnold and Lord Cornwallis, and who did not gain his freedom until 1787. Still, the nature of Fried's work provides a more sympathetic view of Rush as a brilliant man of positive intent, sometimes hobbled by lack of scientific discovery (e.g., no one knew yellow fever was transmitted by mosquitoes). Revolution buffs may prefer Unger's succinct approach, but both works are enjoyable reads and successfully present a man who never quit, even in the face of failure or public humiliation. His last achievement was to reconcile the feud between Adams and Jefferson, a task seemingly possible only by this Philadelphian Founding Father. Scott Manning (@warpath) has a master's and a bachelor's in history, and he serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Popular and American Culture Association. Earlier this year Chappaquiddick a dramatization of Ted Kennedy's involvement in Mary Jo Kopechne's death gave us an account of political elites working the levers of power to manage a news cycle and control coverage of a scandal. The Front Runner argues that two decades later, the media landscape had changed, and a scandal-fed news cycle was managing the elites. The film revisits the 1988 presidential bid of Sen. Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), a promising Democratic candidate, who led in early polls against presumptive Republican nominee George H.W. Bush after he announced his candidacy. Hart has an above-it-all air about him (he holds his campaign announcement at 10,000 feet, in his home state of Colorado), and the movie more or less sides with him holding him up as a visionary with ahead-of-his-time views on the environment and technology. Hart's views on the perks of being a handsome alpha male in the D.C. seat of power were somewhat more traditional Hart was often described as Kennedy-esque, and in his case the reference included speculation about affairs. Reporters vetting his character wondered about frequent separations from his wife (Vera Farmiga), and when the candidate brushed off such speculation by suggesting that reporters who followed him would be bored, he tempted fate. As we see in The Front Runner, some Miami Herald reporters did follow him, after being tipped off that Hart had met a young woman named Donna Rice in Florida aboard a boat called the Monkey Business, and that she was visiting the candidate in Washington. A stake-out revealed that she was indeed spending a great deal of time there. Were they having an affair? The movie doesn't answer the question, and therefore seems to align itself with Hart, who declared it to be immaterial to presidential qualifications. Ari Graynor turns up as a Washington Post reporter who argues the opposite, giving voice to #MeToo movement concerns, but you can feel director Jason Reitman's affinity for Hart's position that a candidate's policy positions are vastly more important than personal peccadilloes. The Front Runner notes (as did last year's The Post) that the national press corps had traditionally looked the other way on extramarital activity, and wonders what might have happened had Hart's dalliance with Rice been ignored. Hart might well have won, changing the course of history (in the movie's view) for the better. Hart's inevitability is debatable he's the same guy who lost a primary fight some years earlier to the hardly charismatic or visionary Walter Mondale. But the movie is correct to suggest that the Hart fiasco was fueled by a new media configuration, with new priorities the advent of the 24-hour news cycle and its snowballing, self-feeding news frenzies. The Front Runner shows print reporters elbow-to-elbow with tabloid TV correspondents who are commandeering the tone of coverage. In one scene, a Herald scribe withdraws from the fray, clearly alarmed by the spectacle his story has helped create. Hart, though, is a disconcertingly off-putting figure in The Front Runner. As played by Jackman, he's imperious, self-righteous, and humorless, and it's hard to imagine such a figure capturing the imagination of the public, policy acumen notwithstanding. The movie is better at showing Rice (Sara Paxton) as a woman trampled by the press stampede ditto Hart's wife Lee, played elegantly by Farmiga. MOVIES The Front Runner Gillian Flynn, who cowrote Widows, specializes in dramas (Gone Girl, TV's Sharp Objects) that assert gender equality by suggesting it's sexist to regard women as less capable of anything including deviousness or depravity. So right in Flynn's wheelhouse is Widows (adapted from a British TV series), the story of a Chicago woman Veronica (Viola Davis) who loses her criminal mastermind husband (Liam Neeson) then finds out he owes a large sum of money to gangsters who want it back. Veronica didn't know much about her husband's violent world, but she's willing to adapt, and so she recruits the other widowed members of her husband's crew (including Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki) to make good on the debt that has the three of them marked for death. At Veronica's urging and direction, they decide to pull of the heist her husband had been planning, which sure beats a bake sale. The premise is a borderline gimmick, but director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) invests the movie with enough grit it's set in the world of hardboiled Chicago politics to draw us in. Part of the plot revolves around a politician (Colin Farrell) who has inherited the crooked political machine of his father (Robert Duvall), but who finds his once safe position in the ward is being challenged by tough rival (Brian Tyree Henry), who happens to be the gangster demanding money from Veronica. Early scenes established the ruthlessness of key players (Daniel Kaluuya from Get Out is Manning's murderous lieutenant), so we feel the stakes when Veronica and her amateur gang start plotting the robbery. For a genre piece, the movie has an unusually good cast, led by Davis, who has no trouble supplying her character with requisite grit and authority. Debicki has a sharply drawn, sympathetic role as an abused woman who learns to stand up for herself (which takes some doing, as Debicki looks to be about 7 feet tall). The plot has some twists, and they're guessable, but the movie's biggest surprise is the way it keeps exposing us to new layers of cynicism without eroding our interest in the characters. It helps that the "widows" register strongly as underdog rooting interests British actress Cynthia Erivo joins the team late, as tough as any of the original members, so you actually feel sorry for the men they're up against. MOVIES Widows John Lennon famously told an interviewer in 1966 that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." More than 50 years later, baby boomer acts of the 1960s are still treated with a reverence that no subsequent generation has been accorded. And among icons of the era, none created a body of work considered so sacrosanct as that of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. That's partly because, for the Fab Four, it all happened so quickly. The entirety of the band's recorded output all 13 studio albums was released in only seven years. By 1970, the dream was over and the concentrated brilliance of the band's output was sealed off, like a perfect, incorruptible time capsule. Contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones lived beyond the heightened cultural moment and were able to prove themselves all too fallible, as were the individual Beatles themselves. And when Lennon was gunned down in 1980, any hoped-for reunion of the greatest pop band ever became impossible. What's been remarkable about the band's afterlife is how their creative output has been continually embraced over the decades. The band's greatest-hits package, 1's, was the biggest selling-album of the '00s. When the band first made their music available on streaming services in 2015, it was treated as a cultural event, a key development for the new music-delivery system. And throughout this decade, the golden anniversaries of the watershed moments of their career have been celebrated with loving reexaminations of their accomplishments. So if this is 2018, that means it's time for The Beatles (Capitol ****), known to all as the White Album, whose minimalist packaging was created by British pop art painter Richard Hamilton. There's a super-deluxe version that includes six CDs, plus a Blu Ray and hardback book. But there's also a cheaper three-disc package with the remastered album plus the Esher sessions. And all the 100-plus tracks on the big box are available on streaming music services. The original White Album, a two-LP set, arrived at a pivotal point in the history of the '60s, and of the band. 1968 was the year the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, and American athletes John Carlos and Tommy Smith raised their fists in black power protest at the Olympics in Mexico City. It was the year of the Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" and James Brown's "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)." And, from the most popular band on earth, an album released the same month Richard Nixon was elected president. The White Album was also the beginning of the end for the Beatles. It was their first album recorded after the death of manager Brian Epstein. Fissures were opening up among the members, and although songs were still credited to Lennon-McCartney, the two were pretty much done collaborating. "Back in the U.S.S.R.," "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?" and "Blackbird" were Paul songs; "Glass Onion," "Julia," and "I'm So Tired" belonged to John. George Harrison stepped up with "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and Ringo sang "Don't Pass Me By," the first Beatles song he ever wrote. But the White Album was also a throwback to the band's beginnings. It followed on the heels of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, long touted as the band's supreme masterwork, until many recent reconsiderers came to the correct conclusion that Rubber Soul, Revolver, and, yes, the White Album, are actually superior collections of songs. With its layered recording approach, Sgt. Pepper is the zenith of the Beatles' use of the studio as a creative asset. But the White Album was a more rawboned reaction against that, with the band playing live in the studio. Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George Martin, who remastered both last year's Pepper reissue and the White Album, says: "Sgt. Pepper was trying to paint pictures with sound. The White Album is a much more visceral blank canvas of the band." The 2018 White Album is well worth hearing for Martin's fresh mixes, which bring new clarity to the recordings without losing punch. But what makes it an exemplary model of what fans seek in reissue treatments are the 27 cuts known as the Esher Demos. It's a rich season for in-depth, previously unheard explorations of beloved artists. Besides the Beatles, there's Bob Dylan's More Blood, More Tracks, Tom Petty's American Treasure, and Prince's Piano & a Microphone 1983. (Another long sought-after gem is the Aretha Franklin 1972 gospel concert film Amazing Grace, finally being screened this month.) As fans, we obsess over such unearthed treasures to get a little closer to the artists who speak to us, hoping there are personal details or creative could-have-beens to be found in material locked up a vault for decades. The Esher Demos satisfy that craving. Most of the White Album was written when the Beatles were studying transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahest Yogi in Rishikesh, India, in spring 1968. Lennon got the most songs out of the experience. His tunes included "Dear Prudence," written for Prudence Farrow, who was with her sister Mia on the trip; and "Sexy Sadie," whose original title was "Maharishi" and whose lyrics ("Look what you've done / You've made a fool of everyone") reflected his skepticism about the endeavor. (That song and McCartney's raucous proto-metal "Helter Skelter" were to be taken to heart by California killer Charles Manson, who believed the latter was about the apocalyptic race war he hoped to bring about.) When the Beatles got back to England, they took an unusual step. Before going into Abbey Road Studios, they gathered at Harrison's house in the London suburb of Esher to rehearse and record rough versions of their songs. A few of these loosey-goosey recordings were released on the Beatles Anthology series in the 1980s, but I was unaware of them until this White Album reissue. Sometimes it pays not to be too obsessive. That way, you can still be surprised. Heard here in their entirety, the Esher Demos impress friends by pronouncing it correctly: It's EESH-er are delightful. Things would get frustrating and exhausting for the band during the five-month recording of White Album sessions to come, during which Lennon brought his new lover, Yoko Ono, to work with him, upsetting the gang-of-boys balance of the band. But in the rehearsals, the Beatles sound like a true communal enterprise, hearing one another's new songs for the first time, and having a great time doing it. McCartney's "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" turned out just fine in its finished version, but it took 47 takes for it to meet the band's demanding standards. The Esher version is carefree and joyous, with a casual charm akin to the music Dylan was making with the Band around the same time that would be released as The Basement Tapes. In addition to songs that made it onto the White Album as finished versions, there are gems that would show up on future solo albums, including McCartney's sweetly melodic "Junk," Harrison's philosophic "Circles," and Lennon's "Child of Nature," which would be vastly improved, with new lyrics, as "Jealous Guy." The White Album is the most all-over-the-place Beatles release, ranging from the howl of pain in Lennon's "Yer Blues" to the acoustic whimsy of McCartney's "Rocky Raccoon" to the elegiac beauty of Harrison's "Guitar" not to mention the experimental noise collage of "Revolution 9." But somehow, it holds together in its essential Beatles-ness, even as it captures a band beginning to fall apart. In the reissue notes, McCartney sums it up like this: "The tension in the world around us and in our own world had their effect on the music. But the moment we sat down to play, all that vanished, and the magic circle in the square that was the Beatles was created." Whether a child is struggling academically or facing a bullying situation, a school psychologist can be a helpful resource to help resolve the issue along with parents and teachers. We asked Jessica Glass Kendorski PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, an associate professor in Department of Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and member of the Inquirer Advisory Panel to tell us more about their role in schools. What does a school psychologist do? A school psychologist supports the cognitive, academic, social, and emotional needs of students. School psychologists also support school systems such as global policies related to curriculum and discipline, and help create safe and effective learning environments for children.The day-to-day responsibilities of a school psychologist can include varying level of support from individual support to a child following an incident of bullying to providing a cognitive standardized test to a student suspected of having a learning disability. Additionally, school psychologists also work with teachers, guidance counselors and other school staff to help support the success and overall well being of all students and to provide additional assessment and interventions to help students achieve their maximum potential. How common is it for schools to have a school psychologist? Most school districts will have a school psychologist, however, there may not be one present at an individual school. For example, some private or charter schools may not have a school psychologist on staff but may use contractors from another provider. Some school psychologists will work with multiple schools, but others may be assigned to one school in the district based on need. When should I consult with my school psychologist about my child's behavior? Anytime you suspect that there is something that is impeding the social, emotional or academic functioning of your child. These types of concerns can include difficulty making friends to problems with attention and concentration. Every child has the right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. If you believe your child has a concern that is impeding their success and access to this education, then it is the school's responsibility to test your child and provide intervention if needed. The school psychologist, in conjunction with other school staff, can make the determination on whether a child is eligible for special education or an individualized education plan. What if my school doesn't have a school psychologist and my child needs mental health support? With the unfortunate recent increase in school violence, schools have become more aware and more invested in the mental health of their students. In addition to the school psychologist, school social workers or counselors can also help support the mental health needs of children. Because children spend the majority of their day at school, it is the best environment in which to identify a child's mental health issues and plan an intervention. That said, communication between the parent and the schools essential for proper support. Parents must communicate their concerns to the school, and schools must promote positive collaboration to ease parental communication. However, If a parent feels they are not receiving the support they need from the school, or the school is not able to provide needed services such as intensive family therapy, then there are varying community mental health centers that are also available. The most important thing to remember is to communicate any concerns to the school early and often if needed. As a parent, if you see something, say something. Visit the National Association of School Psychologists for more information. The coastline of Downpatrick Head, in County Mayo, Ireland, where the writer's parents wanted their ashes scattered together. Read more Ireland is a proudly haunted island, its landscape defined by ancient cairns and standing stones, by ruined abbeys, castles, and cottages. The spectral comes in many famous forms: the ladies the White Lady of Kinsale (who threw herself from Charles Fort after her husband was shot); the Waiting Lady of Ardgillan Castle (on a vigil for her drowned husband); the Faceless Lady of Belvelly Castle (survived a siege but went insane upon discovering she was no longer beautiful) the incarcerated (Cork District Lunatic Asylum, the Wicklow Jail); and the casualties of war (the Jacobites of the Battle of Aughrim, and King James II, who is said to haunt Athcarne Castle six miles from where he died in the Battle of the Boyne). So if you are looking, there are plenty of ghosts to be found in Ireland. Or you can do what we did and just bring them with you. My family and I traveled to Ireland in June 2017 to scatter my parents' ashes at Downpatrick Head in County Mayo. We knew the exact spot because Mom and Dad, who spent many of their post-retirement summers in the land of our ancestors, had taken us there almost two decades before. Downpatrick Head, about 170 miles mostly west of Dublin, is one of the world's dramatic edges, where the wildflower-studded grass runs in sweet green benevolence until it hits the wild wind and a 140-foot drop onto black rocks and white foam. We have pictures of my then-1-year-old son Danny sitting in the grass, picking daisies while my parents showed my brother, Jay, where they wanted their ashes to go: right in view of the towering sea stack called Dun Briste (Broken Fort) and a few yards from a blowhole where, my father informed us, English soldiers had thrown local villagers during the 1798 Irish Rebellion. So not, you know, Forest Lawn. For a time, Downpatrick Head was something of a family joke. We would not make that crazy drive to that crazy cliff, but if we did, we would pitch the ashes down the blowhole. Then far too soon, it wasn't. My dad died four years after that trip. When we offered to take Mom and the ashes to Ireland, she said she wanted to wait and be scattered with him. When she died a few years later, neither my brother nor I had the heart to make the journey. For years. After that once-upon-a-time 1-year-old went away to college, my brother and I realized we had to get moving, busy schedules and mixed feelings be damned. My family husband Richard, Danny, and sisters Fiona and Darby, and I flew to Dublin, followed a few days later by Jay and his husband, Franco. After what I can only hope is our last argument to end with, "Well, you're the oldest," Jay persuaded me to carry the cremains. Jay decided we needed to stay in a castle. He showed me a few, and we both loved Turin Castle, a glorious restored keep in County Mayo near the towns of Ballinrobe and Cong (where The Quiet Man was filmed). It slept 12, with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. We were seven, so for once there were no arguments about bedrooms and no waiting for a bathroom. Turin Castle rose square and solid from bright green fields at the end of a drive that was easy to miss. It has been gorgeously restored, which is not to say renovated. The amenities were modern (and flawless), but the layout was true to history. All the rooms were accessed by a stone spiral staircase that began on the ground floor, where the doorways were small enough to make male invaders stoop so that residents could cut off their heads. Along a series of landings were other bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen, which was connected to a breathtaking great room with a fireplace you could stand in. Jay and Franco arrived at the castle several hours after we did, through the mist at dusk, and Franco immediately informed the kids he felt a definite "atmosphere." "It better have atmosphere," my jet-lagged brother grumbled, "it's an Irish castle." Because Ireland is full of places where a ghostly child or a cowled figure would make perfect sense, I wasn't surprised when the "this castle is haunted" stories began. Franco felt a hand tug his shirt as he got ready for bed. Jay felt fingers tousling his hair. Danny, brushing his teeth one night, heard someone hiss "psst" at him. Fiona heard rustling in the kitchen, and, annoyed when no one answered her, walked in from the great room to find the kitchen empty. I laughed until one day when, after spending a quiet half-hour with Fiona and Darby, I went to find Richard, who asked, "What are those two fighting about now?" I told him the girls weren't fighting, hadn't made a sound. "But I heard one of them crying," Richard said. "Crying and crying." I kept an eye, and ear, out after that, but it was all hard to believe. Turin Castle was not at all like a house that felt disturbed or scarred. Those who felt the spirit thought it was mischievous, not malicious. I began to feel snubbed. The day of the great ash scattering came, and we made our way north to Downpatrick Head with an obligatory, and expensive, stop at Foxford Woollen Mills, where my parents had, years ago, purchased the approximately 387 tweed caps and wool sweaters we were still parceling out to family members. We finally arrived at the tip of Mayo, about three miles north of Ballycastle, population 219, where the wild Atlantic has carved cliffs and sea stacks. The geography had not changed in 20 years, but a few things had. There was a parking lot, and there was a viewing area around the blowhole, which we learned is called Poll na Seantine (Hole of the Ancient Fire). When my parents took us there, I told them their ashes would not be scattered anywhere if there was any chance they would blow all over me. Dumped, not scattered. I had repeated this several times as we prepared for the trip. So it was a good sign that the wind was at our backs, albeit cold and steady, as we faced the sea, so strong that it molded our coats against us. We went to the spot our parents showed us and got as close to the edge of the cliff as our spouses would allow. Jay took Dad and I took Mom; we said a prayer and on the count of three, shook their ashes onto Downpatrick Head. Dad flew out in a great cloud and marked the grass up to cliff's edge. Mom flew out and then, after hanging in the air for a second or two, proceeded to defy the laws of aerodynamics and nature by flying against the wind and all over me. Into my hair, into my eyes, into my mouth. All over my glasses and coat, into my purse. I was furious, my brother wide-eyed and my kids doubled over with laughter. "She heard you," said Fiona. "She heard what you said." I spat a few times and we walked around a bit, talking about that long-ago day and how much my parents had loved this country. Then we drove to Ballycastle to have lunch at Mary's Cottage Kitchen, where we had eaten with my parents all those years before. The sun came out on the drive back, and the castle was bathed in golden light when we got there. We stayed four more days, and though the wind sighed loudly and the fire threw shadows on the floor, there were no more hints of haunting. Our family's spirits were sinking into the Irish grass and settling beneath the Irish sea. Jamie Shanker and Rick Passero October 20, 2018, in Philadelphia Hello there Jamie was returning to her Franklin & Marshall dorm room after brushing her teeth late one night in 2004 when a jovial group of fraternity brothers persuaded her to join them on their trip to Waffle House. The ones she knew introduced her to the one she didn't: Rick. Over breakfast food, and over the next few weeks, Rick and Jamie became friends. Rick was soon smitten. When Jamie came down with mono and strep throat, he kept her company, gave her medicine, and rubbed her back as needed. She found him as cute as he was caring and might have smooched him were it not for her contagion. The school year soon ended, and Jamie spent the next one studying in Chile. Her absence did little to quell Rick's interest. "She has this special something, this way about her that I was very drawn to," he said. He wrote love poems on her Facebook wall. That fall, when both returned to Lancaster, they kissed. Jamie enjoyed every moment spent with Rick. "He was so, so loving," she said. But she didn't think their relationship would last forever. Jamie hesitates when asked why, but Rick jumps in: "I was a stereotypical frat boy," he said. "I drank a lot. I didn't go to class a lot." Jamie, who grew up in Queens, graduated with a degree in a major she fashioned for herself social justice in the Americas and went to work for a nonprofit law office in New York. Rick, originally from Fairfield County, Connecticut, nearly earned his philosophy degree but left without the paper when he was offered an IT position, also in New York. They had been a couple for more than two years when Jamie began applying to law schools. In hindsight, she realizes she had some maturing to do herself and should have consulted Rick about school options. He felt hurt and disregarded when she left for Philadelphia and Temple University's Beasley School of Law, and for the first time since they met, his attentiveness waned. Jamie broke up with him. Both dated others, yet there were reunions of various lengths when they were simultaneously single. It was during one such on-again that Rick built the website for Jamie's food tourism company, Philly Food Adventures, which offers private culinary tours of Chinatown. A mutual friend feared their boomeranging was destructive for them both. Knowing Rick wouldn't stop seeing Jamie for his own sake, she convinced him that he was holding her back from a future with someone else. Jamie didn't know their friend had done so, but when she found out, she agreed it was for the best especially for Rick. They had not communicated in two years when, in 2016, Jamie sent Rick a text: Could he meet her at a post-Thanksgiving party at her sister's apartment in Queens? In the hallway outside the apartment, Jamie shared very difficult news with him. Because she carries the BRCA gene mutation, she had started mammograms and other screenings early, and had them more frequently than most women. Something had shown up, and a biopsy confirmed she had early stage, highly aggressive cancer. She needed a double mastectomy, then chemotherapy. Rick held her the whole time she spoke. She was in a new relationship with someone kind and wonderful. Yet when faced with crises, she wanted Rick, and before long she ended things with the other man. Late that December, Rick visited Jamie, who was recovering from surgery at her parents' house. He helped with her care, physical and emotional. "It is indescribable where my mind was at that time," Jamie said. "I was soon starting chemo, which was terrifying. I had just had this really brutal surgery that drastically impacted my femininity at such a young age. I still had drainage tubes coming out." To Rick, "She was beautiful as ever." Jamie knew he really loved her. She had matured so much since they were last together, she thought. Maybe he had, too? "Maybe you should write up a husband contract for me," the lawyer said, half-kidding. Rick, who had asked her to marry him many times, put his heart into the series of promises he wrote, and, reading them, Jamie knew he was exactly right for her. They were soon a couple again, and have been ever since. Before their reunion, Jamie had signed a contract for egg retrieval and storage to preserve her fertility. In January, they decided she should also freeze embryos they made together. Rick, who is now 32, is a solutions architect for New York IT consulting company IPM. In addition to her food tourism company, Jamie, now 33, is associate director of the Temple University Small Business Development Center. In August 2017, Rick joined Jamie in Philadelphia, at a home in Graduate Hospital they have since bought. Genetics mean Jamie must stay vigilant for the rest of her life, but she is now cancer-free, healthy, and strong. The proposal The couple agreed to spend Thanksgiving 2017 apart, at the homes of their respective parents. Rick knew it was his only chance to catch Jamie off-guard. He took her father, David, to dinner a few weeks before, and made secret plans with her mom, Fran, and the rest of her immediate family. And so it was that Rick was stuffed into a tiny bathroom at Joe's Shanghai in Queens, waiting to make his surprise appearance one delayed by nearly an hour when a Black Friday beauty product sale lured Jamie off course. Finally, she joined her family. The in-on-things waiter brought her a tray bearing a small silver box inscribed with "Come What May," hidden beneath a cabbage leaf. Jamie, who had pulled pranks on sister Lauren all day, was certain the tray bore her comeuppance. She would not touch that leaf. The waiter did it for her, and Rick sneaked up behind her chair. He praised her beauty, her brilliance, and her sass. "I promise to devote the rest of my life to the pursuit of your happiness," he said. "Will you marry me?" Jamie said yes, and the restaurant burst into applause. It was so them As Jamie walked down the aisle at the Courtyard Marriott, Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am," played and Rick's best man, Ege, marked the beat of her feet with a hapi drum. Jamie and Rick wrote their own ketubah the Jewish marriage contract. They did not write their vows, because they didn't think they'd be able to get through them. That turned out to be a very good call. "We basically cried the whole time," Jamie said. They were vaguely aware of other people crying along with them, but, as Rick put it: "As far as I was concerned, it was just Jamie, and me, and the rabbi. I was pretty oblivious to the rest of the world." Their 130 guests were welcomed to the Reading Terminal Market with glasses of champagne and bacon on sticks. Then came cheesesteak-stuffed pretzels from Miller's Twist and made-to-order hot and hand-pulled mozzarella appetizers. Dinner included roast pork sandwiches from DiNic's, pasta from By George! and filet mignon from Hershel's East Side Deli. There were cake and cannoli from Termini Bros. Bakery and Beiler's Donuts for dessert. Everyone ate and then danced around Filbert the Pig, batting around a three-foot LOVE balloon. Awestruck Jamie was running late with hair and makeup, increasing Rick's anticipation even more. It was so worth it. "When I turned around and saw her, that's kind of when it hit me this is really real," he said. "Look at this incredibly beautiful woman I'm about to marry!" "Finally being under the chuppah and holding his hand, I was so focused on him and what we were about to do," Jamie remembered. "It was just very, very intense." Discretionary spending Best bargain: A multicourse, family style rehearsal dinner at Ocean Harmony in Chinatown. The splurge: Lessons at Society Hill Dance Academy. "I've been to some weddings where the grooms look like idiots, and I didn't want that to be me," Rick said. It was not cheap, the couple says, but it was really fun. Honeymooning A spring trip is planned. Behind the scenes Officiant: Rabbi Joshua Bolton, Penn Hillel, Philadelphia. Ceremony venue: Courtyard by Marriott, Philadelphia, with the assistance of Kelly Rogers. Reception venue: Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia. Photography: Samantha Marie Photography, Philadelphia. Videography: Benjamin MacMaster, Philadelphia. Music: Pianist Jeremy Sweet and DJ Shane Petrelis, EBE Talent, Philadelphia. Flowers: Marianna Coppola, Creations by Coppola, Philadelphia. Hair: PreNup by Salon Fiber, Phoenixville. Makeup: JKo Beauty, Philadelphia. Planner: Christina Hentrich, All About Events, Philadelphia. Robert Dean Caesar, 56, of Chester County, faces charges in several criminal cases involving child sex assault and pornorgraphy. Read more A 56-year-old Chester County man already facing state child-sex charges was indicted Thursday in federal court in Philadelphia with making child pornography. In March, Pennsylvania state police made a public plea for any alleged victims of Robert Dean Caesar to contact authorities as part of a widening investigation. Caesar, who is originally from Philadelphia, has also lived in Western Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Florida. The state police said they received an online tip in January that Caesar was purchasing used boys' underwear and bathing suits through eBay. Soon afterward, an allegation was made that Caesar sexually abused two boys in the Oxford area from 2015 to 2017, state police said. Caesar was arrested and charged with sexual assault. A third boy surfaced with an allegation of sexual assault in 2016, and Caesar was again arrested and charged. Authorities executed a search warrant on his electronic devices and found approximately 100,000 images and videos of child pornography, state police said. In May, state charges were filed in Western Pennsylvania against Caesar, alleging he sexually assaulted two boys in 2005, when he lived in Cranberry Township. The criminal complaint said the two boys, ages 9 and 14, told officials that Caesar had sexually assaulted them, the Cranberry Eagle reported. One of the boys said that he mowed Caesar's lawn, and that Caesar invited him into his basement and asked the boy to model underwear and bathing suits so he could take digital images "to see how they fit," the Eagle reported. Police searched Caesar's home and found 76 pairs of boys' underwear. In the federal case filed Thursday, Caesar faces a maximum of 100 years and a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. Federal prosecutors offered no specifics except for dates of offenses. On Sept. 17 and Dec. 30, 2017, Caesar allegedly manufactured child pornography. On Dec. 20, 2017, Caesar allegedly received child pornography. And on Jan. 18, he allegedly possessed child pornography. Antonio Woods allegedly smuggled drugs to inmates while he worked as a correctional officer in Delaware County. Read more A former correctional officer in Delaware County was charged Wednesday with attempting to sell drugs to an inmate, authorities said. Antonio Woods, 32, of Collingdale, was busted in an undercover operation while he worked at George W. Hill Correctional Facility, said Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland. Woods allegedly charged a $1,000 fee to smuggle in drugs provided by a relative or acquaintance of an inmate. He sometimes offered a $100 discount, Copeland said. Woods was unable to post 10 percent of the $500,000 bail set by District Judge Gregory J. Loftus during an arraignment Wednesday. A preliminary hearing date was set for Nov. 29. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has withdrawn his office from Pennsylvania's largest prosecutors' association, saying the advocacy group has supported regressive or overly punitive policies and represented "the voice of the past." Krasner, whose first 11 months in office have attracted national attention for his reform-driven agenda, said Friday that he believed that the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association was at least partly responsible for an explosion in the state's prison population over several decades, and that it continues to back ideas that would make the problem worse. "They have been claiming that Philadelphia supports this absolute nonsense, this throwback set of policies, and we do not," Krasner said during a speech at an "Innovation in Prosecution" conference at the University of Pennsylvania. He later added: "The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association will not claim legitimacy of its most important criminal justice jurisdiction and try to take us back 40 years. No." Richard W. Long, the association's executive director, said in an email that he was "disappointed, but not surprised" by Krasner's remarks, which he called "a troubling misrepresentation of our organization and the dedicated prosecutors who protect our communities." The organization, whose 1,200 members include top prosecutors and assistant district attorneys from across the state, offers training sessions, holds several annual meetings, and lobbies for criminal justice-related legislation. Long said Krasner "has made it very clear that he would rather use the PDAA as a political straw man than engage Pennsylvania's 66 other district attorneys of both parties in a productive conversation." He added: "Reasonable prosecutors can and do disagree on how to approach this mission. But the level of vitriol Mr. Krasner is directing at our members and how they go about their business is divisive and unproductive." Long said Krasner's withdrawal marked the first time since at least 2010 that one of the state's 67 county prosecutors had renounced an office's membership in the group. Krasner's decision and explanation represent his latest attempt to shake up a criminal justice system that he has frequently and fiercely criticized. Since taking office, the former defense attorney has not shied away from the impassioned rhetoric he used on the campaign trail, describing a need to recalibrate the culture of the office and rethink how it prosecutes defendants. In turning his eyes toward the statewide association, Krasner expanded the scope of his broadsides to include other prosecutors' offices and legislative leaders. During his speech, titled "The Urgency of Now," Krasner said, among other things, that he believed some rural leaders were eager to accept if not encourage the imprisonment of city residents as a way to create jobs at prisons and help receive other types of government funding. "We have a motivated bunch of rural counties motivated who want to have our Philadelphians, often black and brown Philadelphians, in their jails, because it gives them power, it gives them money," Krasner said. Efforts to reach prosecutors in Luzerne, Centre, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties each of which has two state prisons were unsuccessful Friday. But Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan criticized Krasner's speech in a Facebook post Friday evening. "To the counties outside of Philadelphia, do not let this blight spread, unless you want to end up like today's Philadelphia, riddled with violence and lawlessness," Hogan wrote. Ben Waxman, a spokesperson for Krasner, said in a text message that Hogan was "welcome to come to Philadelphia anytime and debate Larry in a public forum assuming he's not too scared to come to our horrible city." As for the association, Krasner said its members were largely white, male, or conservative. He said they had contributed to the state's increased prison population and its world-leading population of juvenile lifers. And he said it supported legislation or policies such as increasing penalties for fentanyl, or seeking to restore some mandatory minimum sentences that would impede efforts to reform the criminal justice system. "We have a Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association that would have you believe that the war on drugs all over again is a good idea for their own incumbency, for their own ambition, for the economies of their own counties," Krasner said. Raymond J. Tonkin, the association's vice president and Pike County district attorney, said Krasner's decision to leave the association was "unfortunate," adding: "We welcome all voices at our table." Krasner, for his part, said he hoped to be able to work with the association again in the future, and that he believed self-described reformers winning prosecutorial elections in other states was a sign that more reform-oriented voices were emerging. "Those of us who seek a future that looks like criminal justice reform, we are all becoming the Goliath," he said. During his first six months in office, Philadelphia Larry Krasner has appeared on a panel with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (top), spoken an MSNBC town hall (bottom left) and been trailed at times by a documentary crew (bottom right). His bold actions have earned him praise from some liberal reform advocates across the country. Read more In promoting Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's speaking engagement at Harvard Law School in March, several advocacy groups described him as "the most progressive DA in the country." A candidate for district attorney in Durham, N.C., said Krasner inspired her run for office, and admitted to nearly plagiarizing language from his campaign website. And last month, supporters in states including Ohio, Texas, and California many aligned with a super PAC that holds Krasner as a role model dropped off copies of his signature policy document to their local prosecutors' offices. Six months into his first term, Krasner has made waves locally by dismissing and shaking up staff, enacting bold new policies, and making headline-grabbing decisions in several high-profile cases. But Krasner's actions which have not passed without controversy also have resonated beyond city lines, winning admiration from far-flung criminal justice reform advocates, some of whom cite Philadelphia as an example for how to scale back, or even reverse, the tough-on-crime policies of recent decades. "What Philadelphia has done is [start] to make the country aware of what solutions might look like in practice," said Becky Bond, cofounder of the Real Justice PAC, which backs change-oriented prosecutorial candidates. Krasner is not the only participant in Philadelphia's reform efforts. A MacArthur Foundation grant awarded to the city two years ago to decrease its jail population has led to a 36 percent reduction since July 2015, according to city statistics. Julie Wertheimer, senior director of the city's criminal justice reform efforts, credited "all the system actors working together" for those results, including the court system, the Defender Association, and the Police Department, which have participated in implementing programs aimed at diverting people from jail or the criminal justice system. Krasner is also just one of several prosecutors across the country promising reform. Some peers, including those in Houston, Chicago, and Orlando, Fla., also received a campaign boost from political organizations tied to billionaire George Soros, whose super PAC contributed $1.5 million to Krasner's candidacy in 2017. Miriam Krinsky, executive director of Fair and Just Prosecution, a nationwide advocacy group, said: "What's happening in Philadelphia is reflective of a broader national change." And Krasner rejects the notion that he is a poster child for such a shift. "I see this as a movement that is fundamentally grassroots," he said in an interview Tuesday. "I don't really consider myself a role model for much of anything." But the former career defense attorney holds a special place in the eyes of many left-leaning admirers. Last month he recorded a podcast with former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who said Philadelphia was part of a nationwide push "to bring about significant reform of our system." Krasner later appeared on an MSNBC town hall, the publication Slate described him as "the real deal," and the Intercept characterized him as a "transformational" leader. "He stands out because he's just doing more than the other folks have so far," said Rebecca Bernhardt, a policy analyst in Austin, Texas, who delivered Krasner's main policy memo to her local prosecutor's office last month. "Everybody's just like, 'Wow.' Every week it's just like, 'Wow,' " said Bond, of the Real Justice PAC. "The country is really watching." A Krasner-inspired candidate in N.C. One of those watching was Satana Deberry. A North Carolina lawyer with only brief experience in criminal law, Deberry was executive director of an affordable-housing organization when she decided last year to run for district attorney in Durham County. In an interview last week, she said that although she had not met Krasner beforehand, he was "a big part of inspiring my decision to run," due in part to his campaign habit of criticizing the very office he was seeking to lead. "It showed to me that you didn't have to have a history of a prosecutor to run," Deberry said. "In fact, that you could kind of be critical of prosecutorial practices and win." Krasner has maintained some of his critical nature while in office, saying previous administrations had turned the office into "a Grade-B District Attorney's Office" and seemed to live in the "land before time." A legal motion filed by his office also included extraordinary language critical of previous prosecutors. Richard Sax, one of those former prosecutors, has been among Krasner's most vocal critics, and he said last week that his impression from former colleagues is that office morale has "never been worse." Two anonymous Twitter users whose account names are a spoof of office spokesman Ben Waxman have frequently criticized Krasner's rhetoric and actions, seeming to channel the frustration of some staffers who privately question the office's direction. Since January, 65 prosecutors have resigned, retired, or been dismissed, according to Waxman about 20 percent of the office's lawyers. But Waxman said 29 new prosecutors have been hired and an additional 33 have accepted offers to begin in the next several months. Krasner said he believes office morale is good and "about to get better" due to "an adjustment in compensation" to be announced to prosecutors next week. He also said that he accepts some criticism "as being the honest opinions of good people," but that other critiques have come from "certain individuals whose fingerprints are all over outrageous misconduct while they were in a position to carry it out." "There are times when people know that their actions and their conduct is going to come under scrutiny and they figure the best way to defend that is by attacking the source of what's about to come out," Krasner said. Sax said his criticisms predated Krasner's primary victory last year well before Sax might have tried to kick up dust to preemptively defend his reputation. Krasner, he said, appeared to prefer maligning his critics instead of honestly grappling with their critiques. In North Carolina, Deberry's candidacy hit a speed bump in March, when she was accused of plagiarizing pieces of Krasner's campaign website. She has since added language to the site crediting Krasner for inspiration, and said last week that she regularly credits Krasner in speeches with influencing some of her core positions. "I'm a bit of a policy nerd, and so for me, somebody like him who has good policy and stuff that looks operational, that's going to be the kind of stuff I'm really attracted to," Deberry said. Last month, Deberry won the Democratic primary in a race with no Republican candidate, all but ensuring that she will become Durham County's district attorney in January. She has since met Krasner in person, and said he advised her to "hit the ground running." Memo delivery Few of Krasner's initiatives this year seemed to generate as much excitement in criminal justice circles as his unveiling of a policy instructing prosecutors to seek shorter sentences and take into account the cost of keeping someone incarcerated, among other guidelines. Last month, reform advocates in 33 counties spanning 21 states delivered the memo to local prosecutors' offices as part of an effort led by Real Justice PAC, said Bond, the group's executive director. Clark Slagle, 53, a psychologist in Chapel Hill, N.C., was one of them. He said it was hard to believe that other prosecutors had not previously spelled out similar goals in writing. "If you think about the justice system as being just, these guidelines are just kind of the basics of how to have justice within our system," said Slagle. Bernhardt, the Texas policy analyst, said the memo "really looked like it would make a difference in terms of how many people are going to prison and jail." Slagle said his local district attorney, Jim Woodall, has agreed to meet with activists to discuss the issues in the memo, something Slagle hopes may be the start of helping Krasner's impact spread even more. "Change happens with relationships and, if [Woodall] doesn't know anything about Larry Krasner and the memo, he's going to learn about that," Slagle said. Krasner said other prosecutors around the country have told him that the first year is often the most difficult, in part because other participants in the criminal justice system pushed back against attempted reforms. But Krasner said he intends to keep up the fight. "It really is a movement that got sworn in in Philadelphia," Krasner said. "And it really is a movement around the country that is doing what it can to change America's approach to criminal justice." Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam leaving City Hall on November 13, 2018, two days after being involved in a fight outside a casino nightclub. (Amy Rosenberg/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) Read more ATLANTIC CITY When Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver took control of Atlantic City under a state takeover, it's likely she did not anticipate overseeing a mayor and councilman caught up in a 2:30 a.m. brawl in a valet area outside a casino nightclub. Atlantic City, it must be said, always delivers. And so Oliver found herself gracefully moving through the annual League of Municipalities Convention held in Atlantic City last week being grilled by television reporters about an altercation involving host Mayor Frank Gilliam and Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II, late-night accusations involving assault and harassment inside and outside the Haven nightclub, with lots of lingering questions. Such as: Was Gilliam using his city-issued vehicle (reports from the video appeared to show that) and if so, was an officer assigned to his 24/7 detail driving the car when they left the valet area? Was Gilliam the aggressor (one report had him "swinging and missing")? He seems to have taken punches he reported to City Hall on Tuesday for two meetings with Oliver with bruising under both his eyes, obscured by thick-rimmed glasses. On a possibly related note, why did the left rear of the SUV appear scraped as it sat outside the ribbon-cutting of the South Jersey Gas building Wednesday, an event that allowed Gilliam to amiably hobnob with Gov. Murphy and other bigwigs, as if all were cool? And maybe it was. As none other than former Gov. Chris Christie pointed out, the mayor has almost no power anyway under the terms of the takeover that just entered its third year, its legal bills surpassing $5.8 million, its inner working no more transparent under Gov. Murphy than they were under Christie. "The good news is they're not in a position to make any major decisions anymore," Christie said of the city's top elected official and his predecessor, Don Guardian, who battled Christie and called the takeover, which gives the state control over city assets, payroll, and operations, "fascist." Putting lipstick on it Under Christie, who took the reins in November 2016 after the Legislature passed the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act, decisions were made in a West Orange law firm helmed by longtime Christie ally Jeffrey Chiesa, whose law firm, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi, billed expansively from top ($400 per hour) to paralegal ($90 an hour). Under Murphy, who took office Jan. 16, special counsel Jim Johnson is getting paid peanuts for taking over the job ("I have another 25 to 30 cents to earn," he quipped last Tuesday outside City Hall, where the second closed-door meeting of the Atlantic City Executive Council had just been held). The proceedings were under lockdown, with agendas shown furtively to reporters, and "official" photos posted by government employees. And while Murphy gave a speech later in the week touting his collaborative approach to a takeover he promised to end during his campaign (derisively described by Christie as "putting lipstick on it"), the state was ordering the termination of the city's longtime financial guru, Michael Stinson, who kept the city just this side of fiscal calamity in scrounging for change pre-takeover days. Murphy, meanwhile, established a second "executive" council, the Atlantic City Coordinating Council, composed of state agencies who might assist Atlantic City. Against the backdrop of another mayoral misstep in a city with a history of them, the long arm of the state's current takeover became obvious as state officials, advisers, and stakeholders moved through the city last week with their "flood the zone" play-calling. Oliver said she had not spoken about the Haven incident with Gilliam, nor would she. "I will not muddy up the waters," she said. "What I can tell you about this city is there are a strong, diverse group of stakeholders who are working with the state and our administration to improve the quality of life for everyone here. " Unlike under Christie, whose high-priced lawyers slashed police and fire union staffing and pay, negotiated big deals with casinos over tax debts, and flirted with an attempt to privatize the city's coveted Municipal Utilities Authority, the takeover approach under Murphy and Oliver is focused on issues affecting the city's residents, particularly the 37 percent who live in poverty. Asked about the public safety unions, Johnson said: "That's not been part of my remit. I can't help you on that." The Chiesa law firm is still being used to fight the police union in court, he said, but he said its billings have tapered. A recent batch of invoices, obtained by the Inquirer and Daily News under the state's Open Public Records Act and mostly submitted in 2018, after Murphy became governor, showed an additional $1,078,974 in billings, bringing the law firm's take for its Atlantic City work to more than $5.8 million. And while the Christie takeover bore the influence of South Jersey power broker George Norcross, who famously met with lawmakers at the governor's Drumthwacket mansion to pitch the intervention, the takeover under Murphy and Oliver, who is a product of Essex County politics, not Camden, seems, of late, to be light on Norcross. "Sheila Oliver has brought a new dynamic," said Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, who praised the state's recent efforts. "They've really blotted out the sun." (Asked about Norcross' current involvement in the takeover, spokesperson Dan Fee said via email: "None, although he continues to support it.") Johnson's focus is improving conditions for residents, including social services, public health, youth, economic and employment opportunities, and police relations. The city is creating a civilian review board, he said, and wants a full-service supermarket. Shabazz, who attended the closed-door meeting, said the police would be opening a substation near Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, which have become overrun with the homeless and addicted who converge on Atlantic City. Parents of kids at Head Start Shabazz wants to open the meetings of the council, whose members include local leaders like AtlantiCare president Lori Herndon and well-traveled consultants like George Hampton, former executive at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, whose focus is achieving collaboration among a city's anchor institutions. "If people heard about it, they would be encouraged," Shabazz said. "We're talking about public safety, education, focus on infant mortality." Johnson said he would look at the transparency issue, acknowledging a need to counter less flattering news about the occupant of City Hall's seventh-floor mayor's office with information from the state's do-gooders also gathered on City Hall's seventh floor. "We need to get the word out," he said. He said the difference under Murphy was the emphasis on the Atlantic City community, not the high-wire finances, which are improving. "I'm speaking to parents of kids at Head Start and people always at casinos," he said. He likened the relationship with the city as "sort of a senior and junior partner." "As a matter of law, the state is responsible for many of the operations that go on in the city," he said. "It's the way you exercise those interactions." City Council President Marty Small said the influx of people to City Hall was welcome. "We're going to try to tap into resources we previously didn't have available," he said. State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, meanwhile, also in town for the league convention, ordered the mayoral fistfight case transferred to the Cape May County prosecutor, and spoke the obvious if unfortunate punch line when asked about the city's reputation. "It certainly is a black eye," he said. He then spoke of New Jersey's history of official bad behavior, which he noted has left few municipalities untouched. Gilliam had agreed to stay away, which left the traditional "host city welcome," with no one from Atlantic City there to offer it. Capt. Mark Burgmann of the Special Victims Unit speaks at a news conference Friday in Philadelphia. Read more Philadelphia police rereleased video footage Friday, hoping to find someone who might recognize two people allegedly involved in the abduction and robbery of a 21-year-old man two months ago in Tacony. Police said the victim was abducted at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14 on the 6700 block of Ditman Street by two people who threatened him with a gun, forced him into a white Chrysler, blindfolded him, and bound his hands. According to Capt. Mark Burgmann of the Special Victims Unit, the suspects assaulted the man, stole items from his backpack, and forced him to give them the PIN number for his debit card. They drove to multiple locations with the man for more than an hour before dropping him off near his home, Burgmann said. Police now believe that four people were involved in the crime, only two of whom a man and a woman were caught on surveillance video. Detective Thomas Price said he believes the suspects knew the victim and may live in the area. The suspects, if apprehended, could face charges of robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and theft, Burgmann said during a news conference at the Special Victims Unit at 3900 Lancaster Ave., Powelton. The surveillance video was retrieved from a Wawa in the 7700 block of Frankford Avenue in Holmesburg, where the suspects allegedly withdrew $500 from an ATM. It shows a man and a woman and two vehicles a white Chrysler 300 and a white Jeep Renegade. A license plate seen in the video is likely a temporary plate, Price said. Tipsters should call the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3266 or -3261. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canacol Energy Ltd. (Canacol or the Corporation) (TSX:CNE) (OTCQX:CNNEF) (BVC:CNEC) is pleased to announce that it has made the necessary filings, and received the necessary approvals to conduct a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or the following alternative markets, if eligible: CHI-X Canada, Alpha ATS, MATCH Now (Triact Canada), Omega ATS and Pure Trading. The TSX has accepted the Corporations notice to conduct the NCIB to purchase outstanding common shares on the open market, in accordance with the rules of the TSX. As approved by the TSX, the Corporation is authorized to purchase up to 14,086,746 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float of Canacol, being 140,867,465 common shares as of November 9, 2018. As of November 9, 2018, there were 177,672,213 common shares outstanding. The maximum number of common shares that Canacol may purchase on any given day is 31,126 common shares, which is 25% of the Corporations average daily trading volume on the TSX for the six months ended October 31, 2018. Canacol may also make one weekly block repurchase which exceeds the daily limit subject to prescribed rules. All common shares acquired under the NCIB will be cancelled. The Corporation is authorized to make purchases during the period from November 20, 2018 to November 19, 2019, or until such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of the Corporation. Any common shares the Corporation purchases under the NCIB will be purchased on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative trading systems, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction. The Corporation has appointed Eight Capital as its broker to conduct the NCIB transactions. The Corporation believes that from time to time the market price of its common shares may not reflect their underlying value and that, at such times, the purchase of common shares for cancellation will increase the proportionate interest of, and be advantageous to, all remaining shareholders. In addition, the purchases by Canacol under the NCIB may increase liquidity to shareholders wishing to sell their common shares. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities, nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, in any jurisdiction. All sales will be made through registered securities dealers in jurisdictions where the offering has been qualified for distribution. The securities offered are not, and will not be, registered under the securities laws of the United States of America, nor any state thereof and may not be sold in the United States of America absent registration in the United States or the availability of an exemption from such registration. About Canacol Canacol is an exploration and production company with operations focused in Colombia. The Corporation's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the OTCQX in the United States of America, and the Colombia Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CNE, CNNEF, and CNE.C, respectively. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect current expectations of the management of Canacol regarding future events or Canacol's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release may be forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking information and statements herein include, but are not limited to, the NCIB. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Canacol believes that 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 are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Canacol assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to Canacol and its securities can be found in the disclosure documents filed by Canacol with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com. Could Gov. Wolf (left) and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey be a vice presidential pick for a 2020 Democratic nominee? Read more With the midterms (mostly) over, Clout turns to the 2020 presidential election, just 718 short days from today. And who better to light that spark than former Vice President Joe Biden? The Delaware Democrat headlined a fundraiser in Philadelphia Tuesday for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, where he preached about shared American values while knocking President Trump as lacking them. Biden's trademark scattershot rhetorical style mentioned pre-World War II anti-Semitism, a recent New York Times column about civility, and cancer rates in China, among other topics. It was a private affair. So, naturally, we had spies everywhere. The crowd, thick with Democratic ward leaders, local politicians, and labor officials in a riverfront union hall, cheered when Brady introduced Biden by asking, "Do you think he should run?" Biden denounced Trump for saying there "were very fine people on both sides" of a deadly 2017 clash between neo-Nazis and counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Va. "No president, Democrat or Republican, has ever said that since the Civil War," Biden said. Still, Biden cautioned that Republicans "are not our enemies" outside of rough-and-tumble campaigns. Biden, who was born in Scranton, came back to Northeast Pennsylvania this year to stump for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, just elected to a third term. He also campaigned for Gov. Wolf. Speaking of Casey and Wolf, we can't help but wonder: Would those Democrats ever consider running for president? And, more plausibly, could one emerge as a 2020 pick for vice president? They both won reelection in a battleground state by double digits, and carried counties that Trump won in 2016. Wolf's spokespeople did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Must mean he's not ruling it out. Casey neither dodged nor embraced our question, saying simply, "I've got a lot of Senate work to do." But he was eager to prognosticate. By Casey's math, the best way for a Democrat to retake the White House is to win Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Counting on Florida is folly, he said. What Casey noticed from last week's election significant upticks in voter turnout in Philadelphia, its surrounding suburbs, and Allegheny County should "be alarming" to Trump, he said. "If those numbers are anything approaching that in 2020, the president will not only lose Pennsylvania, he'll lose by a lot," Casey said. "It won't even be close." After GOP losses, is a shakeup coming for suburban Republican leaders? Nov. 6 was a bad day for Republicans in the Philly suburbs. Really bad. Democrats flipped several seats in Congress and the state legislature, and statewide GOP candidates were crushed in the 'burbs. So Clout wasn't surprised at rumors that the area's GOP might shake up its leadership. In addition to leading Pennsylvania's Republican Party, Val DiGiorgio still heads the Chester County GOP. One high-placed Republican official told us he "has no support in the county." DiGiorgio, for his part, said he has long wanted to find a successor in Chesco who can focus on the job full-time: "It's overdue. I would have liked to do it sooner." He dismissed the notion that he has lost allies, saying, "There will always be naysayers." Chester County Recorder of Deeds Rick Loughery, local Republican Party Executive Vice Chair Steven Sansone, and Uwchlan Township Industrial Development Authority pPresident Joe Toner are some of the names being floated to become the county party's next boss. Changes might be in store for the Delaware County GOP, too. A source close to that area's Republican Party leader, Andy Reilly, said he has had his eye on another position for months: chairman of the Southeast caucus in the state party. If Reilly wins election at a meeting this month, the source said, he'd step down as Delco party leader. Phillys inspector general takes credit for investigation she didnt conduct A top aide to former Democratic Mayor Michael Nutter was charged this week with six felony counts for allegedly stealing and misusing public money. Desiree Peterkin Bell's questionable spending had been previously chronicled by ex-City Controller Alan Butkovitz as well as the Inquirer and Daily News. One watchdog, though, did not look into her "slush fund": Amy Kurland, Philadelphia's inspector general, charged with rooting out corruption in City Hall. So Clout was surprised when Kurland bragged on Twitter about her role in the indictment. "Grateful to all of the staff and investigators whose hard work is helping keep our City honest! Read more about @PhillyOIG's work on the case," @AmyLKurland tweeted with a hand emoji pointing to an article on Peterkin Bell's arrest. We called Kurland to learn more about her office's supposed involvement in the case. Did we somehow miss an investigation? "We did not investigate that case," Kurland told us. Huh? Wha? What about the tweet? "That's strange," she said, blaming the social media coordinator in her office. Kurland said she doesn't manage her own account. While we had her on the phone, we had to ask: Why didn't she investigate Peterkin Bell? "She was already on her way out the door" when a tip came into the City Controller's Office about her, Kurland said. "Those allegations became known when Nutter had already left." Bell's alleged misuse of money, however, had long been a source of gossip in City Hall. Surely her office had heard about it before then? "No," Kurland said. Minutes later, Kurland's tweet was deleted. Colin and Debbie McLaughlin at the site where their new lumber mill will be, in Hammonton, New Jersey, November 7, 2018. Read more MULLICA TOWNSHIP, N.J. When Colin McLaughlin cut white cedar deep in New Jersey's Pine Barrens, he'd truck it down to a North Carolina sawmill, losing money every mile the timber rolled south. So McLaughlin, 47, of Pittsgrove, Salem County, doubled-down on a career gamble he took 12 years ago. First, he left a lucrative job as a union ironworker, trading skyrises in Philadelphia and Manhattan for a life of cutting trees in swamps and bogs and shipping them off to buyers. Now, McLaughlin and his wife, Debbie, are opening a sawmill of their own in South Jersey. There are others in the state, but the McLaughlins' mill may be the first to open in perhaps 80 years. "We've studied everything to make sure this is going to work," Colin McLaughlin said. "It's a chance, but I think it's definitely worth it." The couple purchased the former Abbott Cedar Mill in Mullica Township, Atlantic County, just a few miles from the heart of the Pinelands. Forests cover about 45 percent of New Jersey, the nation's most densely populated state, and the Pinelands make up 1.1 million acres. Although McLaughlin will also make pine and maple products, the Atlantic white cedar is New Jersey's most valuable tree, hailed for its resistance to both rot and insects. Many of the trees he harvests were felled by storms, and when the mill is operational next year, he plans to market cedar siding and decking, cooking planks, shingles, even large logs for duck decoys, all under the banner of McLaughlin's Forest Products. One of his largest clients is Williamsburg, Va., where cedar is used to repair the historic Colonial buildings. New Jersey is not often thought of as a timber-producing state, but according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 88 percent of its forest is considered timberland. The Pinelands Protection Act of 1978 keeps landowners from cutting cut down large swaths of forest, however, without seeking permission first, and it slowed business. The previous owners of McLaughlin's mill transitioned into vinyl fencing in recent years. Bob Williams, a longtime, private forester in the Pinelands, is a believer in forest management, which calls for thinning out dense undergrowth and conducting controlled burns to ward off larger fires. He believes a mill can encourage landowners to thin their forests by giving them a market. "You can't have stewardship without the economic aspect," Williams said at McLaughlin's mill recently. Williams was quoted heavily in a 2016 Rolling Stone article titled "Will America's Worst Wildfire Disaster Happen in New Jersey?" That article said fires in the West "dominate the headlines," and that's true again now, as the Camp Fire in Northern California has become the state's deadliest. Williams said President Trump's tweet about "poor" forest management in California isn't wrong, but ignores other issues that made the state such a tinderbox in recent years, including climate change. "Those lands are certainly drier and warmer, but nonetheless, we need better management," Williams said. "If we're solving the atmospheric carbon dioxide problem, we're talking about a very long-term solution. In the meantime, the fires are exacerbating the situation." A 1963 fire in the Pine Barrens burned 190,000 acres and killed seven people. Today, the New Jersey Fire Service has a mitigation plan that includes controlled burns. An average of 1,500 fires burn in the state each year, most caused by humans, and the fire service would like to reduce that number to 1,400. The fire service is often seeking federal grants to help with thinning efforts. The number of sawmills operating across the country is a "constantly moving target mainly because of log supply conditions and lumber market conditions," said Roy Anderson, a spokesman for Forest Products Planning & Consulting Services, an industry group in Oregon. Charles D. Ray, a professor of wood and forest science at Penn State, said a Pennsylvania survey 15 years ago estimated that there were 1,000 sawmills in the state. "I would guess there are certainly fewer than 500, possibly fewer than 300," he said of the current number. No figure was available in New Jersey, but Williams found maps at Princeton University from 1828 that show hundreds of them, many in the Pinelands. One of the oldest operating mills in the state belongs to Spike Wells, whose third-generation business in Shamong, Burlington County, sits beside a bar famous for buffalo wings. Wells, 67, is a true "Piney" who works on his own time. "I'm out in the middle of the woods right now tracking a deer," Wells said Tuesday afternoon. "Can I call you back?" Later, after Wells found the deer, he talked about his grandfather making cedar crates and scoops for cranberries in the pines. "We always done it," Wells said. "I got all 10 fingers. Figure I might go another 10 years. There's nothing like it. You don't hear nothing but the birds in the woods. It's peaceful." The McLaughlins have spent plenty of time with Wells, but they've also traveled all over the country and Canada to study sawmills. On this November morning, they were heading up to Vermont to see another one. They visited the Abbott Mill so many times before making the purchase in August that, they said, the former owner grew tired of seeing them. "Nothing was given to us. We started this business ourselves, so we really wanted to do our homework," Debbie McLaughlin said. "Every time we worked it out, it fit." The McLaughlins' mill, admittedly, looks a bit shabby at the moment, but they've been doing major overhauls, piling up old vinyl fencing and stacks of unused cedar. Some of the buildings have dents from trucks crashing into them; others contain machines that are likely antiques. "We just got a big horizontal grinder, so even our waste wood won't be waste," Colin McLaughlin said. Soon, he will be able to stop thinking about studying sawmills, and start thinking about wood, hoping he'll still have time to get out to the forest, among the picturesque and pole-straight cedars. "To be out in a cedar swamp, there's nothing like it," he said. "If you want to solve the world's problems, spend some time in a cedar swamp." Johnny Bobbitt Jr., left, Kate McClure, right, and Mark D'Amico pose at a Citgo station were they claimed Bobbitt purchased gas for McClure's stranded car. Read more A chronology of the GoFundMe campaign set up by Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico for Johnny Bobbitt Jr., based on the indictment by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and contemporary news reports. 2017 Oct. 16: Kate McClure, 27, texts boyfriend Mark D'Amico about Johnny Bobbitt Jr., a homeless man they had known for at least a month from frequent trips to SugarHouse Casino. "IDK why but that homeless guy by sugarhouse keeps popping in my damn head today." D'Amico responds: "Dude I just thought about him!!" The exchange continues with them both wanting to help Bobbitt by providing him with food, clothes, the possibility of a job, and perhaps a house. McClure is a New Jersey Transportation Department receptionist who earned $37,548 in 2016. D'Amico is a carpenter who last filed state taxes for 2015, listing income of $15,417. Nov. 10: At 5:42 p.m., D'Amico takes a photo of McClure and Bobbitt in front of the Girard Avenue off ramp of I-95. By 6:35, McClure and D'Amico use the photo as the face of a "Paying It Forward" GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 to help Bobbitt. The campaign is based on a false narrative: that McClure ran out of gas on the highway and was saved by Bobbitt, who used his last $20 to buy her gas. At 7:25, McClure texts her best friend, admitting that the "gas story" is a fabrication. "Okay so wait the gas part is completely made up But the guy isn't I had to make something up to make people feel bad So, shush about the made up part." Nov. 13: McClure and D'Amico text each other about McClure's mother's being suspicious about the "gas story," which they admit is not true. D'Amico describes it as just "a little lie." Nov. 15: The Burlington County Times publishes a story on the GoFundMe drive. McClure's best friend texts her, " This gas story is gonna backfire lmfao" The friend tells McClure that Bobbitt would be interviewed about the incident, "But you need to tell him first. Make sure he knows" Later that evening, McClure and D'Amico meet Bobbitt in Philadelphia, near where Bobbitt was living. They record a video of Bobbitt's reaction to the newspaper story. Bobbitt says the money would "change his life." McClure publishes the video to YouTube, where it goes viral. Nov. 24: By the day after Thanksgiving, the fund has raised more than $300,000 from 11,000 donors. Nov. 26: Bobbitt and McClure appear together on Good Morning America. Dec. 4: McClure purchases a trailer for Bobbitt for $18,350 with funds from the GoFundMe campaign, but titles the trailer in her name. Bobbitt moves into the trailer, which is parked at McClure's and D'Amico's residence in Florence Township. Late November through early December: McClure and D'Amico pay off family debts: $900 to a member of McClure's family, and $8,900 to members of D'Amico's family. The combined total of $9,800 is near the original $10,000 GoFundMe goal. Dec. 8: The fund surpasses $400,000 and no more donations are accepted. Dec. 9: McClure and D'Amico have conversations with a literary agent about a book and movie deal. Dec. 12: McClure receives the last of the net payouts from GoFundMe, which total $367,108.81. Dec. 27: Bobbitt opens a bank account with a $25,000 deposit from McClure's primary bank account. A total of $31,622.87 is deposited in this account through March 2018. Bobbitt makes cash withdrawals of $23,644.85 within approximately three months, all in the same Philadelphia neighborhood where he was living while homeless. 2018 Feb. 21: McClure purchases a 2015 BMW for $24,432. March 9: McClure texts D'Amico: "I can't believe we have less than 10K left. I'm so upset now" D'Amico tells McClure not to worry, referring to eventually receiving money from the book deal. March 19: During a lengthy text exchange, D'Amico asks McClure whether they should cancel the warranty on the BMW, because, "We're gonna need all money we can get for now." McClure texts D'Amico: "All you need to do is start working. At your real job. Once you do that, we'll be fine." D'Amico acknowledges not doing any home-improvement work since November. April 13: The Inquirer and Daily News report that Bobbitt is still struggling with an addiction to opioids and is in his second recent stint in rehab. He is jobless, and a truck he bought with money from the fund is idle and in need of repair. June 11: McClure sells the trailer for $10,000 and Bobbitt moves out. Aug. 10: Bobbitt tells D'Amico on Facebook messenger: "We should really talk about things. There has been a lot of people asking questions and i really don't know what to say. We [Bobbitt and his brother] really should get out of here before things go public." Aug. 15-23: Numerous electronic messages are exchanged among McClure, D'Amico, and Bobbitt. They discuss a reporter questioning the GoFundMe campaign, since Bobbitt was panhandling again. McClure messages others about her anxiety over the situation, and her plans with D'Amico to get Bobbitt out of the Philadelphia area. Aug. 23: The Inquirer and Daily News report that Bobbitt is homeless again and cut off from the fund. McClure and D'Amico say they've spent or given him more than half of the money. Bobbitt says he fears that the couple squandered much of the money on such things as a BMW and vacations to California, Florida, and Nevada. Aug. 27: McClure and D'Amico are interviewed on Megyn Kelly Today. D'Amico says "well over" $150,000 was still available for Bobbitt, but the couple would not give him the money directly because of his drug use. Aug. 28: A law firm representing Bobbitt pro bono goes to court in Burlington County against McClure and D'Amico, seeking an injunction and monetary relief. Aug. 30: Superior Court Judge Paula T. Dow gives McClure and D'Amico 24 hours to transfer the money into an escrow account and 10 days to hire a forensic accountant to review the financial records. The deadline passes without any funds being transferred. Aug. 31: In a television interview, Bobbitt says, "I wish it didn't come to this," and calls D'Amico "a self-described gambling addict." Sept. 2: McClure records a conversation with DAmico in which she says she feels as if she is going to take the fall because her name was on everything, and is concerned about going to jail. DAmico replies: You dont go to jail for lying on TV. The conversation turns to the expenditures they made. DAmico says, Twenty thousand, BMW. Five thousand, Disney. Ten thousand in bags. We both went to Vegas, right? Huh? How much did you spend in Cali? Twenty-five hundred? Probably broke even on that one getting thirty-seven hundred. So just right there is forty thousand. Now you wanna talk about everything else? Like you act like you didnt spend a dollar. Sept. 4: Chris Fallon, a lawyer for Bobbitt, says he learned the money is missing during a conference call with lawyers for McClure and D'Amico. Sept. 6: The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office obtains and executes a search warrant at the home shared by McClure and D'Amico in Florence Township. Hours later, GoFundMe announces it will pay Bobbitt any money he did not receive from the original $400,000. Sept. 18: At a court appearance for minor traffic offenses, D'Amico says he looks forward to explaining what happened to the money, saying it would become "crystal clear" how the funds were spent. Nov. 15: Bobbitt, McClure, and D'Amico are arrested and charged with second-degree theft by deception and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft by deception. "The entire campaign was predicated on a lie," says Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina. 2019 March 6: Bobbitt pleads guilty in U.S. District Court in Camden to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering. McClure pleads guilty to wire fraud. Compiled by John Duchneskie and Joseph A. Gambardello A GoFundMe-Fueled Spending Spree Some of the expenditures made by McClure and D'Amico included: VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Age Brands Inc. (CSE:NF) (OTC:NWGFF) (FSE:ONF) (New Age Brands or the Company) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Drink Fresh Water, LLC (Drink Fresh Water), has entered into an agreement with the worlds first cannabis museum Cannabition which is located on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cannabition is the worlds only immersive Cannabis museum where tourists can learn about the history of cannabis, while enjoying some of their attractions, including the worlds largest bong. Visitors are not allowed to consume Cannabis while on-site, however they can purchase various amount of CBD products, including Fresh Water, our Hemp derived CBD nano amplified alkaline water. With the legalization of Cannabis in Nevada, USA, tourists from around the world are coming to see this museum, said Josh Bartch, CEO of the Company. We are thrilled that Drink Fresh Water has the exclusive right to sell our Fresh Water in the museum, which will help to increase the growth and brand awareness of Drink Fresh Water. About New Age Brands New Age Brands is an agricultural services company offering unique turnkey growing infrastructure and services for licensed growers and processors of luxury marijuana crops at its agri-campuses in Washington State. In November 2012, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) passed Initiative 502 (I-502). I-502 authorized the WSLCB to regulate and tax recreational marijuana products for persons over twenty-one years of age and thereby created a new industry for the growing, processing and selling of Washington State-regulated recreational marijuana products. New Age Brands provides innovative solutions for growers and processors in this burgeoning industry. About We Are Kured, LLC Kured is a wholly owned subsidiary of New Age Brands, acquired in December 2017. Kured is building an innovative online CBD and lifestyle company. Kured has partnered with best in class hemp cultivators, edible manufacturers, cutting edge product formulators to develop, market and distribute multiple lines of CBD products including, but not limited to, CBD vaporizer pens, topicals, gel capsules and more. All of Kureds products are 100% THC free and will be available for purchase internationally. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary active ingredient in cannabis. For further information about New Age Brands, please consult the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or visit the Companys website at www.NABrandsInc.com . For further information about We Are Kured, please visit their website at www.wearekured.com . On Behalf of the Board of Directors For Further Information Contact Joshua Bartch Corporate Communications Chief Executive Officer corpcom@newagefarminc.com info@newagefarminc.com 888-871-3936 We Are Kured Contact: Ben Martch Founder & CEO www.wearekured.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to completion of planned improvements at both the Canadian and US sites on schedule and on budget, the availability of financing needed to complete the Companys planned improvements on commercially reasonable terms, planned occupancy by the tenant-growers, commencement of operations, differences in yield on expected harvests, delays in obtaining statutory approval for marijuana production plans, issues that may arise throughout the grow period, outdoor crops affected by weather, the ability to mitigate the risk of loss through appropriate insurance policies, and the risks presented by federal statutes that may contradict local and state legislation respecting legalized marijuana. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under 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 a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon. Jaipur: The Congress has released its first list for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly polls. The list of 152 candidates was out late on Thursday night. The list was announced by party's central election committee General Secretary Mukul Wasnik. INC COMMUNIQUE Announcement of the candidates for the ensuing elections to the Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan. @INCRajasthan pic.twitter.com/AFZz3mkQIM INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) November 15, 2018 Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat. Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader C P Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. The 200-member Assembly polls are scheduled to be held on December 7 in Rajasthan. The counting will be held on December 11. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Wednesday announced its second list of candidates for 31 Assembly constituencies In 2013, the party under Vasundhara Raje had won a whopping 163 of the 200 assembly seats in the state. However, in the last two decades, the state has witnessed the incumbent party losing the assembly polls. (With inputs from agencies) BJP MLA Pramila Singh on Friday joined Congress party after she was denied ticket in Madhya Pradesh ahead of Assembly elections in the state. Singh, who was BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh's Jaisingh Nagar, said that the party did not give her the ticket even when she has been a part of BJP for five years. Singh further added that the BJP boasts of women empowerment but the did not consider giving a ticket to a woman who served people, news agency ANI reported. "Government talks about empowering women but they haven't given a ticket to the woman who served people and BJP for 5 years. I have joined Congress now. I dont want to do politics but work for the welfare of people, Singh said. BJP had on November 9 released its fourth list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has fielded Prahlad Lodhi for its constituency in Pawai, Prem Shankar Verma from Seoni-Malwa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan from Mahidpur and Devilal Dhakar from the Garoth constituency. The BJP has also fielded Brijendra Singh from Panna replacing Kusum Mehdele, who represents the constituency at present. Earlier on Friday, former mayor of Jaipur, Jyoti Khandelwal resigned from Rajasthan PCC after she was denied ticket from Congress. On November 12, Former Chhattisgarh Congress vice president Ghanaram Sahu had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of party chief Amit Shah. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol ahead of the Assembly elections. Modi said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday addressed a gathering in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Speaking at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar, Gandhi slammed the BJP and said that the policies implemented for the people is not a gift but it belonged to people only. Rahul accused the Modi government of stealing the policies from people and assured that Congress will implement and give back what belongs to the people of the state. Adding further, Rahul also claimed that Modi will now waive the remaining debts worth Rs 12 lakh crore of select industrialists after the prime minister earlier wrote off loans worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore. Addressing a rally in Deori town in Sagar district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, he also termed demonetisation as the "biggest ever scam" of the country. "I met Modi ji and asked him about waiving farmers' loans. But he did not speak a word... He wrote off loans worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore of select industrialists and will slowly waive their remaining loan to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore," Gandhi said. "Modi let (Vijay) Mallya, Nirav (Modi), (Mehul) Choksi flee the country with public money, leaving the countrymen behind in bank queues (during demonetisation)," he said. "But have you seen any big persons like Ambani in queues after demonetisation," he asked. On November 8, which marked the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday had defended the note ban drive, saying "prophets of doom" have been proven wrong as hard data of two years shows 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. Gandhi also targetted Modi over his promise of providing two crore jobs, saying despite programmes like Make in India and Startup India, the NDA government was able to provide only 450 jobs in 24 hours, whereas China created 50,000 jobs in the same time. The Congress chief also accused the prime minister of not talking about (eradicating) corruption anymore. "Narendra Modi used to talk about corruption earlier but not so these days. He used to talk about 56-inch (chest) and would request people to make him chowkidar (watchman) to check corruption. "But, he is not talking about (eradicating) corruption these days," Gandhi said. He also accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government of ruining the healthcare and education systems in the state by handing them over to the rich people. Calling Vyapam as the "scam of the century", he alleged that the entire state knew that Chouhan and his family were involved in the irregularities. Gandhi promised to waive farm loans within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh just like his party-led governments did in Punjab and Karnataka. If the chief minister of the Congress government fails to waive farm loans within 10 days, the party would change the chief minister, he added. Gandhi also promised to set up food processing units near the farmlands so that farmers get a good price for their produce and for employment generation. While addressing another rally at Seoni, he said, black money was converted into white through back-door channels post-demonetisation, which he described as the "biggest scam of independent India". "If the aim was to eradicate black money through note ban, why didn't you find any black marketeer or rich person in the queue outside banks. These people went inside the banks through backdoor and converted their black money into white". "Farmers, labourers, ordinary citizens were in the bank queues and women had to lose their life-long savings kept at home," he said. He said people made Modi the chowkidar in 2014, but instead of doing chowkidari of farmers, workers, poor, small and medium businesses, he became a chowkidar of handful of rich. When people hear the promises made in 2014, they laugh, Gandhi claimed. "The UPA's flagship scheme MNERGA's total budget was Rs 35,000 crore which gave employment to poor in rural areas," he said. "More than 10 percent of this amount was taken away from you and given to few rich people," he alleged. Gandhi said unemployment had doubled in Madhya Pradesh in the last 15 years of the BJP rule. "The education system has been destroyed due to the Vyapam scam which has seen 50 deaths," he said. On the Rafale deal, he said, "UPA's deal was to get the aircraft manufactured in India by HAL, wherein youth would get employment. However, Modi scrapped the deal and decided to purchase 36 aircraft from France and gave the contract to Anil Ambani, who is under Rs 45,000 crore debt." (with PTI Inputs) Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday threw an open challenge to the Congress and asked the party to have someone outside of the Gandhi family as its president for five years. Leading BJP's campaign in Chhattisgarh ahead of the second phase of elections here - scheduled for November 20, PM Modi said that Congress cannot see anyone outside of the Gandhi family in a position of power. "I want to challenge them, let some good leader of Congress but outside of the (Gandhi) family become the party president for five years," he said at a rally here. "Then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic party." Lashing out at remarks made previously by Congress leaders against him, PM Modi also said that the party has been unable to come to accept its long list of electoral defeats and that he is the PM. "These people still have not come to terms that I am the PM, it has been nearly four and a half years. They are still crying, how can a 'Chaiwala' become PM?" Urging voters in the state to once again shun Congress, PM Modi took the opportunity to congratulate voters in the first phase for coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. "Despite the fear of violence, people in the first phase came out in big numbers. Even in Bastar, locals exercised their democratic right and it is here as well as across Chhattisgarh that the spirit of democracy truly thrives. I urge you to continue with the spirit and ensure those who are against development and only play divisive politics are kept at bay," he said. BJP is looking to ensure that CM Raman Singh gets a fourth term in office even though political analysts have said anti-incumbency could be an important factor in these elections. The Congress, on the other hand, has not declared a CM candidate yet and its hopes of combining with BSP to fight the elections were dashed when Mayawati teamed up with former state CM Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh. New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi hurried back to Delhi on Friday, leaving his ongoing Madhya Pradesh election campaigning midway, to resolve a crisis in the party's Rajasthan unit regarding seats. The Congress, which released its first list candidates of 152 constituents late Thursday night, is yet to decide on the candidates for the remaining 48 seats. After cancelling his public rally in MP's Shahdol, the Congress president called for a meeting to resolve the differences in the Rajasthan unit at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Friday evening. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state party chief Sachin Pilot, screening committee chairperson Kumari Shailja, leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Rameshwar Lal Dudi, senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, party secretaries and four members from Rajasthan screening committee will be a part of this crucial meeting. Gehlot, Pilot and Dudi are reportedly at loggerheads over 12 of the 48 remaining seats. These seats also have the highest list of candidature. According to party sources, Rahul wants to resolve the internal issues and decide on the final list soon. However, party cadres have accused him of neglecting his promise of offering tickets to ground workers, women and youth. Cadres are also angry over tickets being offered to new entrants and children or relatives of existing Congress leaders. Harish Chandra Meena and Habibur Rahman, former BJP members who joined Congress earlier this week, were offered Vidhan Sabha election tickets. Both Meena and Rahman are rumoured to be supporters of Manavendra Singh, rebel BJP lawmaker and son of Jaswant Singh, who joined Congress in October 2018. Anticipating further tussles over these 48 seats, the Congress president rushed to Delhi. The party released its first list of 152 candidates on Thursday after hectic deliberations with senior state leaders and the party leadership. Gehlot has been fielded from Sardarpura and Pilot is contesting from Tonk seat. Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader CP Joshi will be the party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat. Dudi, is the Congress candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Meena has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. The state is going to polls on December 7. The counting will be held on December 11. Film: Mohalla Assi Starring: Sunny Deol, Sakshi Tanwar, Ravi Kishan and Saurabh Shukla Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi Rating: ***1/2 There is a lot to be said about Varanasi, the holy city at the riverbank of the Ganga where culture and religion are the twin lifesavers. Everything including Gangaajal is for sale in Varanasi. Based on Hindi litterateur Kashi Nath Singh`s "Kashi Ka Assi", a scathing indictment of merchandised religiosity in Varanasi, Dwivedi`s freewheeling adaptation doesn`t shy away from letting the narrative hang loose to accommodate characters from different strata and owing allegiance to polarised political interests which seem to have a meeting point in the dhaba, an adda of ideas where political opinions are fired fearlessly. Some of the thoughts expressed on the communal conundrum of this great nation of ours are so steeped in relevance and immediacy that we have to remind ourselves that the film is set during the years just before the demolition of the Babri Masjid. So it isn`t surprising really, that one elderly wise man asks, "How can the Ram temple in Ayodhya be built brick by brick? Have you ever heard of a temple built of bricks?" This atmosphere of free speech allows renowned actors to come together for a pow-wow that is layered in sarcasm. At one point, Sunny Deol playing an impoverished semi-redundant Brahmin priest, tells his screen wife Sakshi Tanwar that he must leave for Ayodhya to support the construction of the Ram temple. "Why do you need to go to Ayodhya to encounter Ram? Just stay here and chant His name," the wife snorts from her meal-time thali. While the first half of the film picks out characters with all their quirks of radicalism and scatters them everywhere, it is the second half that comes to grips with the crux of the theme. When all is said and done, "Mohalla Assi" is not a film about the politic of rhetorics. It is an intimate portrait of a social fabric falling into a cultural abyss. It is the story of a Hindu priest Pandey (Deol) perched on the precipice of penury. As Pandey and his wife stare at a life of hopelessness for their children (they have to go to a neighbour`s home to watch television) all around them, their neighbours bloom and blossom by selling their souls and renting their rooms to tourists. Dwivedi`s narration steers us into Pandey`s fear of losing his relevance to a society that has left Sanskrit far behind and is now chasing the English language. Deol and Tanwar are in fine form as the priest and his supportive yet discontented wife. Their scenes together are brimming with unstated emotions. Tanwar seems more comfortable as Deol`s better half than she did as Aamir Khan`s wife in "Dangal". In the way Deol is coerced into compromising his cultural and religious purity, I was reminded of his father Dharmendra in Hrishikesh Mukherjee`s "Satyakam". This is easily Deol`s most emotionally unalloyed performance. There are other actors contributing pitch-perfect performances that give a swivelling spin to this saga of a downward spiralling social structure. Ravi is fabulous as a slimy tourist guide who knows which buttons to press to get the right currency out of the dharmic vending machine. And Faisal Rashid as a barber-turned-baba is a telling comment on the cancerous spread of consumerism. But my favourite sequences are between Sakshi Tanwar and Seema Azmi, the latter playing a socially inferior neighbour who comes into affluence after her husband brings home a firangi tourist. The two ladies nudge the wackiness of Varanasi`s cultural schizophrenia and the rampancy of adulterous sex in the holy city, into a state of awakened bitchiness. They could be allies in a beauty parlour if they were parlour-worthy. "Mohalla Assi" may seem a bit scattered in its characterisation. But eventually, it proves as portentous and pungent as the city that its brilliant cameraman (Vijay Arora) captures in rolling waves of gossiping mobocracy. New Delhi: Amidst reports that debt-laden Jet Airways is nearing a rescue deal with Indian conglomerate Tata Sons Ltd, sources have told Zee media that the PMO is nudging the Tatas to bail out the second largest Indian airlines by market share. Sources said that the PMO is trying to ensure that the uncertainty in the aviation market is reduced to a certain extent by asking the Tata group to explore buying the struggling airline. Sources also added that the PMO is trying to pave way for a deal which may include the lenders and other stakeholders of the cricis-laden airline taking a haircut. Furthermore, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) may also forgo its liability towards the struggling airline. Naresh Goyal along with his family owns 51 per cent stake in the company, Gulf carrier Etihad Airways owns 24 per cent in the cash-strapped airline. Earlier this week, Jet reported Rs 1,261 crore in losses for the July-September quarter against a profit of Rs 71 crore year on year, making it the third straight quarters of heavy losses. This had the airline also putting as many as six of its Boeing 777s on sale to part-fund liquidity. Jet shares, which had fallen 69 percent this year, rose as much as 30 percent before ending almost 25 percent higher at 320.9 rupees on record volumes on Thursday. That was their best closing level since late August and their best performance in percentage terms since listing in 2005. The financial crunch in the company has resulted in delayed payments to its vendors and salaries to a section of its over 16,000 employees. Mumbai: The board of Tata Sons is likely to meet here Friday to vet a proposal to buy out the cash- strapped Jet Airways, which sent its share prices soaring over 26 percent, according to people familiar with the development. Airline's deputy chief executive and chief financial officer Amit Agarwal earlier this week had admitted that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion as well as selling six of its Boeing 777 planes along with a stake in its loyalty progarmme Jet Privilege. "Tata Sons board is meeting tomorrow (Friday) to consider the proposal to bid for Jet Airways," people in the know of the development told PTI. While a spokesperson of Tata Sons, which already runs two airlines--the full-service carrier Vistara in a JV with Singapore Airlines, and the low-cost carrier AirAsia India in JV with Air Asia of Malaysia, refused to comment on the "speculation", Jet Airways did not respond to the queries on the same from PTI. "We do not comment on speculation," a spokesperson at Tata Sons, which originally owned the present national carrier Air India, said when asked for confirmation. However, the news made it big on the marekt with the Jet Airways counter soaring. The rumour of the rescue deal by the Tatas sent Jet shares zooming 26.41 percent on the NSE to settle at Rs 326. In the past four trading sessions the stock gained over 32 per cent. Meanwhile, amidst talks about government nudging the Tatas to bail out the struggling airline in the social media, an aviation ministry official denied that government is brokering a deal which may include the lenders and other stakeholders of the Naresh Goyal-run airline taking a haircut. Stating that the ministry is not "involved" in any such process at this stage, aviation secretary RN Choubey told PTI that "the aviation ministry is not involved in this process so far. Hence any question of haircut (by banks and other stakeholders) etc does not arise." Besides Goyal, who along with his family owns 51 percent stake in the company, Gulf carrier Etihad Airways owns 24 percent in the cash-strapped airline which earlier this week reported Rs 1,261 crore in losses for the September quarter against a profit of Rs 71 crore y-o-y, making it the third straight quarters of heavy losses. This had the airline also putting as many as six of its Boeing 777s on sale to part-fund liquidity. Media reports suggest that the parent company of Vistara, Tata-Singapore Airlines, is looking at all-stock merger with Jet Airways as part of the Tata group's plans to board Goyal's full service carrier. In an exchange filing, Jet Airways described the media reports as speculative. "...The subject news is speculative in nature and that there is no discussion or decision in the board which would require a disclosure...," the airline informed BSE. According to the media report, the two sides are inching towards a two-step transaction that would first see Jet merging with Tata-SIA that runs Vistara through a share swap to form a new JV, which will have the Goyal family, Etihad, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as partners. "We are currently at various stages of discussions with multiple interested parties for both part stake sale in Jet Privilege and fresh equity infusion," Agarwal had told analysts during the post-earnings concall Tuesday. He had also said the company hired investment bankers and consulting firms to carry out these tasks. The cash crunch in the second largest airline by market share has resulted in delayed payments to its vendors and salaries to a section of its over 16,000 employees. New Delhi: India's exports rose by 17.86 percent to USD 26.98 billion in October mainly due to the low base effect even as trade deficit widened to USD 17.13 billion, according to the commerce ministry data. The exports on monthly basis were down compared to USD 27.95 billion in September. Imports during October also rose by 17.62 percent to USD 44.11 billion, leading to widening of trade deficit to USD 17.13 billion. The deficit widened despite a steep decline of 42.9 percent in gold imports to USD 1.68 billion during the month under review. The trade gap was USD 14.61 billion in October 2017. Exporters attributed close to 18 percent growth in exports in October to a favourable base effect, as the foreign shipments in the comparable month of the previous fiscal were quite low at USD 22.89 billion. The Federation of India Export Organisations (FIEO) said that exports in October last year were even lower than that of September this year. Base effect is responsible for the high growth in October, it said. Sharing similar views, Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) said that high growth in October has come about on the back of a favourable base effect. FIEO President Ganesh Gupta demanded for augmenting the flow of credit as the sharp decline does not augur well for the sector. The sectors which recorded healthy growth in October includes petroleum (49.3 percent), engineering (8.87 percent), chemicals (34 percent), pharma (13 percent), and gems and jewellery sector (5.5 percent). On the other hand, exports of several agri commodities recorded negative growth and that includes coffee, rice, tobacco, cashew and oil seeds. During the April-October period of the current fiscal, exports grew by 13.27 percent to USD 191 billion. Imports were up by 16.37 percent to USD 302.47 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 111.46 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal. It was USD 91.28 billion in April-October 2017-18. Oil imports in October increased by 52.64 percent to USD 14.21 billion. The non-oil imports rose by 6 percent to USD 29.9 billion in the month. Oil imports during April-October this fiscal increased by 50.48 percent to USD 83.94 billion. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday spoke on the occasion of National Press Day and said that it is impossible to censor news due to the technology available today. Inaugurating the National Press Day celebrations in Delhi, Jaitley said that due to the availability of highly competitive electronic, print and digital platforms, there is no room for pressure and censorship in the media. "You have multiple forums and because of technology, censorship is impossible. Any kind of pressure is impossible," Jaitley said. Earlier on Thursday, Press Council of India Chairman CK Prasad had said that winners of the award - National Awards for Excellence in Journalism - will be honored on National Press Day. National Press Day which is celebrated on November 16 every year, symbolises free and responsible press in India. The Press Council of India started working as a watchdog on this day. Jaitley said the "greatest challenge" to the media in a free society is how does it retain its own credibility so that it continues to become a maker of public opinion. Media's credibility will be its own maker and if misused, it can also be its own breaker, he said. At the event, Jaitley gave away the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, presented by the Press Council of India (PCI). Veteran journalist and Hindu publishing group chairman N Ram was presented with the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution to journalism. Awards in other categories were also presented. In his address, Jaitley said every political viewpoint is able to find space in some section of the media or the other. "With multiple (media) forums now available, nobody can seriously complain my speech is in danger. Neither the viewer or the reader, nor the one who wants to convey. You have alternatives available," he said. He, however, cautioned that the alternatives are sometimes grossly abused, for personalised grounds, collateral purposes, political purposes, or for lobbying. "I think the worst that can happen to free speech is that if a doubt in the mind of a reader or a viewer is created with regard to the integrity of the news or the opinion that he is seeing," the finance minister. In his remarks, Jaitley also recalled that in the 1950s an amendment was brought in by the Jawaharlal Nehru Government restricting free speech if it adversely affected the country's relations with a foreign country. He claimed that it was brought in because Nehru-Liaquat Ali pact became a subject matter of political debate and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee decided to lead a campaign against it. "We have grown out of that 1950-1952 phase... I don't think that is capable of happening today," he said. "If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, because it is fashionable to say it is another Emergency. If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, it would collapse for the simple reason that one of the strengths of the Emergency was press censorship. And technology does not permit press censorship. "You suddenly get access to information through various instruments that technology has provided," Jaitley said. The finance minister said he has not been able to understand the criticism of those "who criticise the maximum". "Well your speech can't be in danger if you are criticising seven days a week," he said. Noting that some describe the PCI as a "paper tiger" or a "toothless tiger", chairperson Justice C K Prasad said there was a need to revisit the laws and strengthen the institution. Earlier on Thursday, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig BD Mishra (Retd) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended their warm greetings to the media fraternity. The governor expressed hope that the occasion will reinforce the commitment of the people towards freedom of the press. PUNE, India, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global pure cashmere market is driven by several factors such as it is very light weight and very warm in use. Cashmere clothing has become more popular because of its classic styling and durability, which is one of the major factor driving the growth of the market. Moreover, it is extremely soft and comfortable which is propelling the growth of the market. One of the important factor boosting the growth of the market is, it is easily adaptable to the temperature due to the high moisture content of the wool. However, pure cashmere are more costly and are available in limited quantity are some of the restraining factors hampering the growth of the market. View Detail Information@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/pure-cashmere-market Market Classification and Overview The global pure cashmere market is segmented into type, application, and region On the basis of type, the market is segmented into white cashmere, cyan cashmere, purple cashmere, and others. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into cashmere clothing, cashmere, accessory, cashmere home textiles, and others. Regional Overview Geographically, the global pure cashmere market is bifurcated into four regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Latin America, Middle East & Africa (LAMEA). Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the growth of the market owing to the increasing demand for the pure cashmere. The increasing manufacturers of cashmere specially in China is expected to boost the market growth in this region. North America is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period 2018-2026, owing to the changing lifestyle and increasing demand for the market. The well economic condition and financial growth in this region is driving the market. Europe is expected to hold the major share during the forecast period 2018-2026, owing to the presence of large number of industries. It is estimated that Europe market imports pure cashmere mainly from China, which is further expected to propel the growth of the market in this region. Additionally, LAMEA is expecting a steady growth owing to the poor economic condition. Download Sample Copy of this report@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/842 Market Participants The pure cashmere market comprises of some of the major players such as Gobi Cashmere Holding Erdos Group Tianshan Wool Ningxia St.Edenweiss International Enterprises Group Viction Cashmere Dongrong Group Sor Cashmere Kingdeer GOYO Market Segmentation Market By Type White Cashmere Cyan Cashmere Purple Cashmere Others Market By Application Cashmere Clothing Cashmere Accessory Cashmere Home Textiles Others Market By Geography North America US Canada Mexico Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest of MEA Table of Content CHAPTER 1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 1.1. Definition and Scope 1.1.1. Definition of Pure Cashmere 1.1.2. Market Segmentation 1.1.3. List of Abbreviations 1.2. Summary 1.2.1. Market Snapshot 1.2.2. Pure Cashmere Market By Type 1.2.2.1. Global Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate Comparison By Type (2015-2026) 1.2.2.2. Global Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share By Type in 2017 1.2.2.3. White Cashmere 1.2.2.4. Cyan Cashmere 1.2.2.5. Purple Cashmere 1.2.2.6. Others 1.2.3. Pure Cashmere Market By Application 1.2.3.1. Global Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate Comparison By Application (2015-2026) 1.2.3.2. Global Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share By Application in 2017 1.2.3.3. Cashmere Clothing 1.2.3.4. Cashmere Accessory 1.2.3.5. Cashmere Home Textiles 1.2.3.6. Others 1.2.4. Pure Cashmere Market by Geography 1.2.4.1. Global Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate Comparison by Geography (2015-2026) 1.2.4.2. North America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2026) 1.2.4.3. Europe Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2026) 1.2.4.4. Asia-Pacific Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2026) 1.2.4.5. Latin America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2026) 1.2.4.6. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2026) CHAPTER 2. MARKET DYNAMICS AND COMPETITION ANALYSIS 2.1. Market Drivers 2.2. Restraints and Challenges 2.3. Growth Opportunities 2.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis 2.4.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 2.4.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers 2.4.3. Threat of Substitute 2.4.4. Threat of New Entrants 2.4.5. Degree of Competition 2.5. Value Chain Analysis 2.6. Cost Structure Analysis 2.6.1. Raw Material and Suppliers 2.6.2. Manufacturing Process Analysis 2.7. Regulatory Compliance 2.8. Competitive Landscape, 2017 2.8.1. Player Positioning Analysis 2.8.2. Key Strategies Adopted By Leading Players CHAPTER 3. MANUFACTURING PLANTS ANALYSIS 3.1. Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Pure Cashmere Major Manufacturers in 2017 3.2. Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Pure Cashmere Major Manufacturers in 2017 3.3. R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Pure Cashmere Major Manufacturers in 2017 3.4. Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Pure Cashmere Major Manufacturers in 2017 CHAPTER 4. PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY TYPE 4.1. Global Pure Cashmere Revenue By Type 4.2. White Cashmere 4.2.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.2.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.3. Cyan Cashmere 4.3.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.4. Purple Cashmere 4.4.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.5. Others 4.5.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 4.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 5. PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY APPLICATION 5.1. Global Pure Cashmere Revenue By Application 5.2. Cashmere Clothing 5.2.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.2.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.3. Cashmere Accessory 5.3.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.4. Cashmere Home Textiles 5.4.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.5. Others 5.5.1. Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 5.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, By Region, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 6. NORTH AMERICA PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 6.1. North America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.2. North America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 6.3. U.S. 6.3.1. U.S. Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.4. Canada 6.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.5. Mexico 6.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 6.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 7. EUROPE PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 7.1. Europe Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.2. Europe Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 7.3. UK 7.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.4. Germany 7.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.5. France 7.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.6. Spain 7.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.7. Rest of Europe 7.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 7.7.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 8. ASIA-PACIFIC PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 8.1. Asia-Pacific Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.2. Asia-Pacific Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 8.3. China 8.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.4. Japan 8.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.5. India 8.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.6. Australia 8.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.7. South Korea 8.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.7.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.8. Rest of Asia-Pacific 8.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 8.8.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 9. LATIN AMERICA PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 9.1. Latin America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.2. Latin America Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 9.3. Brazil 9.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.4. Argentina 9.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.5. Rest of Latin America 9.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 9.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 10. MIDDLE EAST PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 10.1. Middle East Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.2. Middle East Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 10.3. Saudi Arabia 10.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.4. UAE 10.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.5. Rest of Middle East 10.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 10.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 11. AFRICA PURE CASHMERE MARKET BY COUNTRY 11.1. Africa Pure Cashmere Market Revenue and Growth Rate, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.2. Africa Pure Cashmere Market Revenue Share Comparison, 2015 & 2026 (%) 11.3. South Africa 11.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.4. Egypt 11.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.5. Rest of Africa 11.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast By Type, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) 11.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast By Application, 2015 - 2026 ($Million) CHAPTER 12. COMPANY PROFILE 12.1. Gobi 12.1.1. Company Snapshot 12.1.2. Overview 12.1.3. Financial Overview 12.1.4. Product Portfolio 12.1.5. Key Developments 12.1.6. Strategies 12.2. Cashmere Holding 12.2.1. Company Snapshot 12.2.2. Overview 12.2.3. Financial Overview 12.2.4. Product Portfolio 12.2.5. Key Developments 12.2.6. Strategies 12.3. Erdos Group 12.3.1. Company Snapshot 12.3.2. Overview 12.3.3. Financial Overview 12.3.4. Product Portfolio 12.3.5. Key Developments 12.3.6. Strategies 12.4. Tianshan Wool 12.4.1. Company Snapshot 12.4.2. Overview 12.4.3. Financial Overview 12.4.4. Product Portfolio 12.4.5. Key Developments 12.4.6. Strategies 12.5. Ningxia St.Edenweiss International Enterprises Group 12.5.1. Company Snapshot 12.5.2. Overview 12.5.3. Financial Overview 12.5.4. Product Portfolio 12.5.5. Key Developments 12.5.6. Strategies 12.6. Viction Cashmere 12.6.1. Company Snapshot 12.6.2. Overview 12.6.3. Financial Overview 12.6.4. Product Portfolio 12.6.5. Key Developments 12.6.6. Strategies 12.7. Dongrong Group 12.7.1. Company Snapshot 12.7.2. Overview 12.7.3. Financial Overview 12.7.4. Product Portfolio 12.7.5. Key Developments 12.7.6. Strategies 12.8. Sor Cashmere 12.8.1. Company Snapshot 12.8.2. Overview 12.8.3. Financial Overview 12.8.4. Product Portfolio 12.8.5. Key Developments 12.8.6. Strategies 12.9. Kingdeer 12.9.1. Company Snapshot 12.9.2. Overview 12.9.3. Financial Overview 12.9.4. Product Portfolio 12.9.5. Key Developments 12.9.6. Strategies 12.10. GOYO 12.10.1. Company Snapshot 12.10.2. Overview 12.10.3. Financial Overview 12.10.4. Product Portfolio 12.10.5. Key Developments 12.10.6. Strategies 12.11. Others 12.11.1. Company Snapshot 12.11.2. Overview 12.11.3. Financial Overview 12.11.4. Product Portfolio 12.11.5. Key Developments 12.11.6. Strategies CHAPTER 13. RESEARCH APPROACH 13.1. Research Methodology 13.1.1. Initial Data Search 13.1.2. Secondary Research 13.1.3. Primary Research 13.2. Assumptions and Scope Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/inquiry-before-buying/842 Buy this premium research report @ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/buy-now/0/842 About Us Acumen Research and Consulting (ARC) is a global provider of market intelligence and consulting services to information technology, investment, telecommunication, manufacturing, and consumer technology markets. ARC helps investment communities, IT professionals, and business executives to make fact based decisions on technology purchases and develop firm growth strategies to sustain market competition. With the team size of 100+ Analysts and collective industry experience of more than 200 years, Acumen Research and Consulting assures to deliver a combination of industry knowledge along with global and country level expertise. Contact Frank Wilson Sales Manager | Acumen Research and Consulting Email: frank@acumenresearchandconsulting.com Ph - USA +1 716-2400-831 Chennai: Severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which crossed the Tamil Nadu coast with a wind speed gusting up to 120 kmph, claimed lives of 11people on Friday. Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that relief work will be taken up on a war-footing and that the work was already underway. "The government has received information that so far 11 persons have died," he said. The cyclone crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranniyam bringing with it heavy rain, and causing severe damage to communication and power infrastructure, mainly in Nagapattinam district. Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF) for the families of the victims. Those with severe injuries will be provided with Rs one lakh each while people who had sustained simple injuries will get Rs 25,000 as a relief, he added. The damage caused by Gaja, including to the fishing sector, was being assessed, he said. Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he has spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister regarding the situation in cyclone-affected areas of the state. "Assured all possible assistance from Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to the cyclone," he added. Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam early Friday, bringing with it heavy rains in coastal regions. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. Other districts like Cuddalore and Puthukottai also bore the brunt of the cyclone. Four teams each of National Disaster Response Force personnel have already been deployed in Nagapattinam district while two teams of the state disaster response force in Cuddalore district. The state disaster management authority had released an animated video aimed at creating awareness on the do's and don'ts during cyclone. The government has announced helpline numbers 1070 (state-level) and 1077 (districts) for those who may need assistance. (With inputs from agencies) Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday took cognisance on criminal defamation complaint against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'scorpion' remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to news agency ANI, BJP leader Rajeev Babbar will be recording his statement in this regard on December 22 in the national capital. Tharoor had earlier on October 28 used a metaphor 'scorpion' for PM Modi. Tharoor had spoken at his book launch event in Bengaluru Literature Festival. He had said, "There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, - Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you can't remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either." Tharoor was referring to a quote by an RSS member mentioned in a story on Narendra Modi in 2012 in the Caravan magazine. The 7-page story titled The Emperor Uncrowned ended with this quote from a local RSS leader. The BJP had earlier said that Tharoor has abused the sanctity of Shivling and Lord Shiva and Rahul should apologise for the same. "While Rahul Gandhi claims himself to be a Shiv bhakt, one of his small leaders has almost abused the sanctity of Shiv Linga and Lord Mahadev by referring to chappal attack through named sources," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. "Rahul Gandhi you claim yourself be to a Shiv Bhakt please reply to this very horrific denunciation of Lord Mahadev by giving apology to what Tharoor has done," the Union Minister added. Tharoor has recently published his book "The Paradoxical Prime Minister" which is critical of the dispensation under Narendra Modi. "If Narendra Modi can be stopped in the next elections then India should still be able to protect its pluralist way of life and the longer he continues as Prime Minister, the greater the danger that the extent of India`s "Modi-fication" will be irreversible," the Congress MP had recently said. In his book, Tharoor has written about his vision for the new India. "The New India I want is a country where you won't get lynched for the food you eat, marginalised for the faith you hold dear, criminalised for the person you love and imprisoned for making use of fundamental rights guaranteed by your own Constitution," the book states. Not just the Congress, the BJP too is digging skeletons from the past, this election season. BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday trained guns at the former Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government by recalling a faux pas that took place on a world platform in 2011. He recalled the incident in 2011 when the then external affairs minister SM Krishna inadvertently read out a Portuguese Minister's speech at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York. New Delhi: A Delhi Police head constable on Friday morning allegedly committed suicide on duty by shooting himself with his service revolver in the VIP parking lot of Delhi Secretariat. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Head Constable Sohanveer. Police said that a PCR call was received at 5.53 am. They further informed that a suicide note has been recovered which indicated domestic discord as the prima facie reason of the suicide. Delhi: Head constable Sohanveer allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service revolver in the VIP parking lot of Delhi Secretariat, this morning. pic.twitter.com/uN0OHXGxuh ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 "A PCR call was received at 5:53 am. Head Constable Sohanveer, aged 35 yrs, committed suicide, on duty at Secretariat, by his service pistol. A suicide note has been recovered, indicating domestic discord as prima facie reason of the suicide. Further Enquiry is on," said Delhi Police. A case in this regard has been registered under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. The head of Department of Buddhist Studies of the Delhi University on Friday wrote to the varsity registrar informing him about the cancellation of DUSU president and their student Ankiv Baisoya's admission following his fake degree row. Professor KTS Sarao, the head of the registardepartment of Buddhist Studies wrote to the registrar office after they received confirmation from Thiruvalluvar Univerisity that Baisoya was never a student of the varsity. "He has written a letter to registrar informing about the cancellation of admission. A copy of this has been given to SHO (Maurice Nagar). We have written registrar. If any communication is made by any authority, we may take legal action," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harendra Kumar Singh said. Baisoya, who was elected the DUSU president in September, resigned from his post on Thursday after the ABVP asked him to do so. He has also been suspended from the students' outfit till an inquiry is complete into the allegations. While the ABVP said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the DUSU, the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of the Delhi University students, who voted for him. Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) leader Sunny Chillar has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking to set aside Baisoya's election, alleging that according to news reports the registrar of Thiruvalluvar University "unambiguously and unequivocally" declared Baisoya's certificate to be "fake and forged". ABVP had on Thursday suspended Baisoya from all the responsibilities of the RSS-affiliated student organisation until the inquiry over his fake degree is over. On their part, Delhi University officials had said they will hold a meeting to decide action in the matter. The National Students' Association Of India also demanded an apology from BJP president Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for "cheating" the university administration and students. The party also demanded their candidate Sunny Chillar, to be declared as the students' union president and also repolling on ballot paper. "The admission of the ABVP Candidate Ankiv Baisoya should be canceled from the DU on the ground of forgery. All those who were involved in fake admission racket be arrested including the university administration, the candidate himself for cheating the varsity and all those from the ABVP who backed the candidate," the NSUI said. The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala was re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season amid tight security in the backdrop of the standoff over the entry of women in menstrual age. As the shrine opened at 5 pm in the presence of head priest Kandararu Rajeevaru, the large number of devotees present there chanted "Swamiyae Ayyappa". Two new melsanthis (priests) M L Vasudevan Namboodiri (Ayyappa temple) and M N Narayanan Namboodiri (Malikapapuram) assumed charge. The 41-day mandalam festival will conclude on December 27 after Mandala pooja, when the shrine will close after the 'Athazhapuja' in the evening. It would reopen for the Makaravilakku festival on December 30. The Makaravilakku festival would be celebrated on January 14 after which the shrine will close on January 20, marking the culmination of the pilgrim season, when laksh of devotees are expected to throng the shrine. Earlier in the day, high drama was witnessed at the Kochi airport as activist Trupti Desai and six other women flew to Kochi to pray at the shrine but were forced to remain in the airport for hours as hundreds of BJP and Hindu activists blocked their exit. The airport turned into a noisy protest site as Desai and her group arrived from Pune at around 4.45 am, with some 100 protesters shouting slogans and preventing her from leaving the complex despite police presence. As the hours passed, the number of demonstrators, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists, swelled. They virtually took charge of every entry and exit gates both inside and outside the airport. Kerala BJP leaders joined the protest. BJP spokesperson Shoba Surendran said, "We will not allow her to leave the airport. Desai has got all the support from atheists like our Chief Minister who is determined to see that a lady gets to visit the temple. She is nothing but an activist who has scant respect for the tradition of Sabarimala. So it`s best that (Pinarayi) Vijayan sees that she is packed off from here at the earliest." BJP demanded that Desai and her colleagues be sent back to Pune. Justifying the agitation being held at the domestic terminal of the airport, BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai said the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were expressing their anguish over the move of the activists to enter the temple. "Desai is challenging the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. This should not be done. The government should send her back considering the mounting protest in the state against her visit," he told reporters. Protesting outside the Kochi airport, activist Rahul Easwar asked Trupti Desai to go back. "She will have to step on our chests and walk over us if she wants to enter Sabarimala Temple," said the activist. Despite pleas from the police officers, Desai said she would not return without visiting the shrine. She had already spent nearly 10 hours at the airport. Meanwhile, speaking to the media from the Nilackal base camp near the Ayyappa shrine, state Minister for Devasoms (which looks after temples) Kadakampally Surendran said Desai arrived in Kochi after writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Maharashtra. Surendran termed as "uncivilised" the BJP "orchestrated protest" preventing free movement of a citizen. Taking a dig at the Congress and the BJP, Surendran alleged that the activist was closely associated with these two parties and she would return if leaders of BJP and Congress make such a demand. Prior to her arrival, the activist wrote to Pinarayi Vijayan seeking police protection from the time she steps out of her plane at Kochi till she takes her return flight out of the state. Unprecedented security arrangements have been made at the shrine which is opening for the third time since the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to offer prayers, a move being opposed by devotees and others. Police, who were present in large numbers, later in the day registered a case against around 200 devotees who can be identified for preventing the free movement of the activists, but did not make any attempt to remove them so far. They have been charged under various sections of the IPC including unlawful assembly, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant and criminal intimidation, police said. Talking to the media over phone, Desai said she would not go back without darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple. Taxi drivers at the airport said they would not take Desai and her colleagues outside the airport. Desai, who spearheaded the campaign for women to be allowed into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah, the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, had sent an email to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security, saying she fears threat to her life. "We will not return to Maharashtra without darshan at the Sabarimala temple.We have faith in the government that it will provide security for us," she had said, citing the Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups since the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. The apex court this week refused to stay its earlier verdict. Hours after a youth was killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based Army's 15 corps Lieutenant General AK Bhatt on Friday confirmed that it was a terrorist attack, as reported by news agency ANI. Bhatt slammed the terrorists saying they neither have a religion nor any values. Speaking to ANI, Bhatt said, "These terrorists have no religion, no values. They have killed a young boy. The reason of the terrorist attack is still unknown. But definitely, its a terrorist attack. We condemn it." Terrorists had on Thursday night abducted and later killed the youth. The victim identifid as Nadeem Manzoor was a resident of Safanagri area Shopian district of south Kashmir. "Manzoor's bullet-riddled body was retrieved by police from Niklora Pulwama," PTI quoted an official as saying. Police have registered a case and an investigation has been initiated. The body was recovered in a village in Pulwama on Friday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that her party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), will be contesting in four more states apart from West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The states where TMC will be contesting are Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura. Mamata on Friday also distributed the responsibility of a few states to senior leaders in her party. Firhad Hakim was assigned with organisational responsibility for Assam and Tripura. Derek o Brien will be looking after Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Arjun Singh and Subhendu Adhikary have been given the responsibility of Bihar. Jharkhand will be looked after by Arup Biswas along with some other leaders. Orissa will be looked after by Subrata Bakshi and Subhendu Adhikary. Mamata directed all leaders to work from grassroots in these states and declared that she will be contesting in four states. Mamata will also be targetting Delhi. West Bengal has 42 Loksabha constituency and the West Bengal Chief Minister aims to get the maximum number of seats from home turf. Meanwhile, TMC will try to gain public support in Assam as there is 28 percent Bengali population there. Therefore Assam has been given to important minister Firhad Hakim.TMC has twice sent their delegation in Assam. Mamata said "People should unitedly do the movement in Assam and we will give full support. All Hindus, Muslims, Bengalis should unite in Assam. People who are residing there are from 60 years." In Manipur, TMC had a considerable presence a few years back. In Tripura, some Congress MLAs joined TMC but left the party after few days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured all possible help from the Centre to the people of Tamil Nadu after Cyclone Gaja claimed 13 lives and left a trail of destruction in the coastal districts in its wake. The PM said that he spoke to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the state. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, PM Modi expressed grief at the lives lost due to the cyclone and offered prayers for the injured. He said that officials are working towards providing all possible assistance. "Spoke to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the situation arising due to cyclone conditions in the state. Assured all possible help from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu," tweeted the PM. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to cyclonic conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu. I pray for the quick recovery of those injured. Officials are working towards providing all possible assistance in the wake of the cyclone," said the PM. Cyclone Gaja ripped through Nagapattinam early on Friday uprooting trees and snapping power lines leaving a trail of destruction in coastal districts besides claiming 13 lives and flooding standing crops. The cyclonic storm crossed Tamil Nadu's coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam early hours Friday, bringing in heavy rains in the coastal regions, according to a weather bulletin. Winds gusting up to 120 kmph uprooted trees, snapped electric cables and blew off roofing-sheets. According to officials, ten men and three women died and 28 head of cattle perished in cyclone-related incidents despite authorities evacuating as many as 81,948 people to 471 relief centres in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Tiruvarur districts. The storm caused heavy damage to the 16th-century Shrine Basilica at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district. Due to gusty winds, the rood cross on top of the church broke and fell, Church authorities said. The church is built in accordance with Gothic architecture. Authorities said the 75-ft tall stone statue of Jesus erected in front of the 'Morning Star Church' in the town, sustained structural damage. According to church officials, the hands of the statue have suffered damage. The roof of the Museum of Offerings in the town has also been damaged. Expressing grief over the deaths, chief minister Palaniswami sanctioned a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of those who died and Rs 25,000-Rs one lakh for the injured. The chief minister said he has ordered officials to immediately determine the extent of loss and damage in respect of crops, fishing boats, houses, and cattle due to the cyclone. "I have ordered relief efforts on a war-footing in the affected districts," he said, adding minsters were carrying out work in districts assigned to them. Besides the loss of lives, 1471 huts were partially damaged and 216 fully destroyed. A total of 4987 trees got uprooted in these districts. Farmers' leader P R Pandian told PTI lakhs of coconut trees, plantain and acres of paddy crop have been seriously affected due to the gusty winds." He demanded adequate compensation for the farmers. State-owned Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation's field assets including 13,025 electricity poles, 13 local distribution transformers, and 1,000 cables were damaged in rain-related incidents. The heavy rain in districts, including Tiruvarur and Thanjavur and widespread rain in other parts, has come as a boon to the state which was staring at a rainfall deficit during the monsoon season which commenced October 1. "Now the deficit stands at 23 per cent. The rainfall ranged between the lowest of 1 cm in several towns to the highest of 17 cm in Tiruvarur district followed by 16 cm in Thanjavur," a Met official said. According to weather office sources, six cm rain was reported in Nagapattinam district which bore the brunt of the storm, while Cuddalore district reported rainfall between nine-12 cm. "The system has now become a depression and has entered the land area of neighbouring Kerala through Dindigul and Theni districts," the sources said. The chief minister said 216 medical camps have been organised to check the spread of epidemics in storm-hit regions. As many as 7,000 electricity poles had been dispatched to vulnerable districts in advance for replacement, he said, adding steps have been taken on a war-footing to restore power supply. Adequate precautionary measures were taken by authorities to tackle the situation, he said. The power supply has been suspended since Thursday evening in Nagapattinam district. Traffic remains disrupted in most parts of Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. A holiday has been declared for educational institutions in regions including Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts. Revenue Minister R B Udaya Kumar told reporters that the government has tackled the cyclone situation successfully. "This was a challenging task...We are confident that we have faced it safely 100 per cent," he said, adding all post-cyclone tasks like cleaning up storm-affected areas has begun. In a rare gesture, DMK president and opposition leader M K Stalin lauded the State Disaster Management Authority for its efforts to tackle the severe cyclonic storm. Heavy rains and strong winds lashed neighbouring Puducherry as well and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy reviewed the situation. Narayanasamy told reporters at Karaikal that the territorial government would soon submit a detailed report to the Centre on the losses suffered due to the storm. Puducherry District Collector Vijay Abhijit Choudhury said a 70-year-old woman in Vanrapet village in town limits sustained head injuries when the wall of a house collapsed last night under the impact of the rain. The collector said reports of trees being uprooted under the impact of the storm were received from different areas. The government had opened 190 relief centres. All schools and colleges including private institutions remained closed Friday for the second day. Karaikal Collector R Kesavan said over 6,000 people from 11 coastal hamlets in the district were staying in relief camps in the district. Cops across Punjab are on high alert after receiving inputs that Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists as well as Al-Qaeda commander Zakir Moosa, may be hiding here. Posters of Moosa, the Kashmir unit chief of Al-Qaeda, were put up in several places in the state on Friday after inputs that he and several JeM terrorists may have entered the state through Ferozepur. "We had inputs that some Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists have infiltrated in Punjab through Ferozpur. So, we have taken precautionary measures and extra forces have been deployed. Checking is underway," Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Swarandeep added that there have been specific inputs about Moosa's movements near Amritsar. "We have released wanted posters of him to make public aware and have requested the public to tell us if they have any information," he said. Moosa heads the terrorist outfit Ansar Gazwat ul Hind and is responsible for sending recruits to J&K and has previously been suspected of planning fidayeen attacks. He had reportedly joined Al-Qaeda after having a fallout with Hizbul Mujahideen. He is one of the most wanted terrorists in J&K. Company finalizes option exercise to acquire remaining 26% interest in Powerband MONTREAL, and SARASOTA, Fla. and DAMAN, India, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (TSX:ITP) (IPG) today announced it has closed on its previously exercised call option to acquire the outstanding 26% interest in Powerband Industries Private Limited (Powerband) for $9.9 million. The Company held the option under a shareholders agreement with the minority shareholders of Powerband. IPG now owns all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Powerband after this transaction which is subject to regulatory approval in India. IPG had already transitioned all management responsibilities to an IPG-appointed management team earlier this year so this transaction will not have any impact on day-to-day operations. All amounts in this press release are denominated in US dollars. By exercising our option, we have simplified the governance structure of the Powerband subsidiary. Most importantly, the transaction provides us with a 100% interest in the cash flows from the business, said Greg Yull, President and CEO of IPG. Acquiring a controlling interest in Powerband in 2016 provided us with additional capacity for acrylic carton-sealing tapes in a low-cost manufacturing region with the goal of exporting these competitively-priced tape products to North America and Europe. Since that time, having this overseas asset has enabled us to expand our market share in North America and negotiate better terms on raw materials for our US production of similar packaging tapes. Subsequent to acquiring a controlling interest in Powerband in 2016, IPG announced an expansion plan for Powerband which consisted primarily of the construction of a new greenfield facility in Dahej, India, for a total expected investment of $18 to $20 million. The objective of this project is to produce another type of carton-sealing tape to complement the bundle of tapes that Powerband can export at competitive prices primarily to North America and Europe. The facility is in the final phase of construction with completion expected in the first half of 2019. About Powerband Powerband has one operating facility in Daman, India and one facility under construction in Dahej, India. Powerband has approximately 200 full-time employees and is a leading manufacturer of packaging tapes. From its ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified facility, Powerband services the Indian market and exports packaging product to more than 19 countries. For more information, visit www.powerband.in. About Intertape Polymer Group Inc. Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper- and film-based pressure sensitive and water-activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, protective packaging, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec and Sarasota, Florida, IPG employs approximately 3,400 employees with operations in 27 locations, including 20 manufacturing facilities in North America, two in Asia and one in Europe. For more information about IPG, visit www.itape.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which are made in reliance upon the protections provided by such legislation for forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements regarding the regulatory approval in India of the transaction and the investment amount, timing of completion, and objective of construction for the Dahej, India greenfield facility, may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections made by IPGs management. Words such as "may," "will," should, "expect," "continue," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "foresee," "believe" or "seek" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although IPG believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements are also subject to assumptions concerning, among other things: business conditions and growth or declines in IPGs industry, IPGs customers industries and the general economy; the anticipated benefits from IPGs capital expenditures; anticipated cash flows from IPGs operations; and IPGs ability to continue to control costs. IPG can give no assurance that these estimates and expectations will prove to have been correct. Actual outcomes and results may, and often do, differ from what is expressed, implied or projected in such forward-looking statements, and such differences may be material. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. For additional information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements, you are encouraged to read "Item 3 Key Information - Risk Factors", Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects (Managements Discussion & Analysis) and statements located elsewhere in IPGs annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the other statements and factors contained in IPGs filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of these forward-looking statements speaks only as of the date of this press release. IPG will not update these statements unless applicable securities laws require it to do so. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will have to consult the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) before taking a policy decision on granting reservation to the Maratha community, according to a law passed by Parliament earlier this year. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) Thursday submitted its report on the social and economic conditions of the Marathas, with a government source saying the panel has "favoured" grant of quota to the community. Section 338B, sub-clause 9 the 102nd constitutional amendment bill passed in both the houses of Parliament in August this year states, "(9) The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission (National Commission for Backward Classes, NCBC) on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes". This means the state government will have to consult the NCBC before it goes ahead with granting reservation to the Maratha community based on their social and educational backwardness. An official from the state law and judiciary department said the government is unsure about the NCBC accepting the government decision to grant quota to the community in jobs and education. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had Thursday said all statutory formalities over the quota issue will be completed in the next 15 days and that the Maratha community should get ready to celebrate on December 1. A senior BJP Cabinet minister has said the MSBCC report is likely to be tabled before the pre-winter session meeting of the state cabinet on November 18. The NCBC has now been granted constitutional status on par with the National Commission for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. New Delhi: Amitabh Bachchan-Rishi Kapoor's "102 Not Out" will release in China on November 30, marking Sony Pictures Entertainment India's foray into the China market. Based on a stage play by Saumya Joshi and directed by Umesh Shukla, "102 Not Out" features Amitabh as a boisterous 102-year-old father to his conventional 76-year-old son played by Rishi. The film revolves around the father's aim of breaking the record for being the world's oldest person, a title held by a Chinese man. "At Sony Pictures India, we are excited to foray into China market with '102 Not Out'," Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment India, said in a statement. "Indian films with a strong emotional core have done extremely well in the region and have resonated with the audiences there. '102 Not Out' received much love from the audiences in India and across the world - and we are excited to now take this heartwarming tale of a father and son to the Chinese audiences," he added. Produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment Films India, Treetop Entertainment and Shukla's Benchmark Pictures, the film released in India on May 4. New Delhi: Actor cum columnist Suhel Seth, who was accused of sexual harassment by several women, got engaged to a 37-year-old model Lakshmi Menon. According to a Pinkvilla report, Suhel and Lakshmi exchanged rings a couple of weeks ago at his house in Gurgaon. A Mumbai Mirror report has even claimed that the couple will get hitched at Suhel's home in Gurgaon where they got engaged on December 25, 2018. They have asked their friends to make themselves free on this date. Their engagement ceremony was attended by Suhel's family and a few other close friends of the couple. As the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, a film director and creative producer shared a number of screenshots of a lengthy WhatsApp message sent to socialite and marketing consultant Suhel Seth recalling an experience she had 'buried deeply'. The woman alleged that despite her persistent declining, Seth asked her to join him for an ice cream in Janpath. New Delhi: The increasing popularity of the #MeToo movement has led more and more women to come up with incidents of sexual harassment that they have faced so far, some of which even involving several renowned personalities. As the #MeToo movement gains momentum in India, a film director and creative producer shared a number of screenshots of a lengthy WhatsApp message sent to socialite and marketing consultant Suhel Seth recalling an experience she had 'buried deeply'. The woman alleged that despite her persistent declining, Seth asked her to join him for an ice cream in Janpath. "You used your power to take me home instead. You then threw yourself at me although I was clearly uncomfortable. You shoved your tongue in my throat even when I resisted - I whacked your head and said 'behave yourself'. You put your hand into my kurta and grabbed my breast," she alleged. She further wrote that she somehow managed to stop him and went to the washroom. "Thank you for not raping me that night. Thank you for sending your driver to drop me home Over time, I've learnt to manage you. But no woman should ever have to manage' the misuse of power and manage' being sexually assaulted," she wrote. "You have abused your power for years on end. With what I've seen at a close range, if every woman you've ever laid hands on starts to speak up, I assure you, there will be at least 1,000 women who will say Suhel Seth? Yes. #MeToo. It ends here," she added. She maintained that she had come out and spoken up not for want of publicity or money, but because she wanted a 'closure'. The screenshots were of a message sent directly to Seth in which the woman recalled her harrowing experience. The #MeeToo movement first began in 2017 in Hollywood just a few days after The New York Times and The New Yorker published scores of stories about decades-long predation of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. This movement gained momentum in India after a number of women from different fields of work revealed their stories of harassment and leveled an allegation against many known personalities. It started with Tanushree Dutta accusing veteran actor Nana Patekar of harassment on the sets of a movie. Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta, on September 26, alleged that she was harassed by veteran actor Nana Patekar while shooting for a special dance number in a 2008 film. The former beauty queen also accused dance choreographer Ganesh Acharya of teaming up against her. She alleged that she and her family were attacked by members of a political party after she refused to perform the intimate step. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: After keeping their wedding under tight wraps, newlyweds Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh released the first pictures as husband and wife on Thursday. The beloved couple tied the knot in a two-day ceremony at Italy's Lake Como which was attended by their close friends and family members. While many of the Bollywood A-list celebrities were not physically present for the wedding, thanks to social media, the B town showered the couple with all the love and blessings as soon as they shared some dreamy pictures from their wedding ceremony. Karan Johar has 'haiiii wala' feeling after seeing the pictures of the lovely couple, as he took to his official Twitter account to wish them, "Love and happiness forever.....these are such a full of pyaar wala pictures! For those of us who don't have a life partner it`s a very "haiiiiiiiii" wala feeling!" Love and happiness forever.....these are such a full of pyaar wala pictures! For those of us who don't have a life partner it's a very "haiiiiiiiii" wala feeling! https://t.co/h1dtYel2be Karan Johar (@karanjohar) November 15, 2018 Priyanka Chopra too commented on the bride's post, writing, "Insanely beautiful!". Bollywood diva Alia Bhatt expressed her happiness, commenting on Deepika's post, "uff" with heart emojis. Katrina Kaif commented, "@Deepikapadukone, congratulations to the both of you." Sonam Kapoor tweeted: Congratulations to both of you! May you always find joy together @RanveerOfficial Congratulations to both of you! May you always find joy together ______ @RanveerOfficial https://t.co/mg1B2bUPgp Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) November 15, 2018 Shilpa Shetty also extended her warm wishes to the couple commenting, "Congratulations!! You both look gorgeous.Nazar na lage." Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma took to her official Twitter account to congratulate the couple on their union, writing, "Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love & respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone." Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love & respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club ___@RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 15, 2018 While, Abhishek Bachchan, commented, "Congratulations guys" with a hug emoji. Farah Khan Kunder blessed the newlyweds, writing, "Never seen 2 people So happy to get married, god bless u." Sonakshi Sinha wrote, "Mubaraaaakk" with heart emojis expressing her happiness. Hrithik Roshan too extended heartiest congratulations to the lovebirds, "Huge congratulations." The two-day wedding ceremony that started on Wednesday, ended today. After maintaining a lot of secrecy around their marriage, the couple finally treated their fans with some candid pictures from their special day. Bollywood`s 'Bajirao' and 'Mastani' have been inseparable since they appeared together in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela' in 2013. After dating for almost six years, the duo shared the big news with their fans on the social media with a traditional card. New Delhi: Google celebrated the 44th anniversary of the Arecibo Message with an interesting Doodle. In 1974, scientists sent mankinds first, three-minute long interstellar radio message - the Arecibo Message. The message was sent from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Their three-minute radio messagea series of exactly 1,679 binary digits (a multiple of two prime numbers) which could be arranged in a grid 73 rows by 23 columnswas aimed at a cluster of stars 25,000 light years away from earth, Google wrote. The message was broadcast into space a single time via frequency modulated radio waves. Astronomer and astrophysicist Frank Drake from Cornell University wrote the message with the help from American astronomer Carl Sagan, among others. Since the Arecibo Message will take roughly 25,000 years to reach its intended destination (a group of 300,000 stars in the constellation Hercules known as M13), humankind will have to wait a long time for an answer. In the 44 years since it was first transmitted, the message has traveled only 259 trillion miles, only a tiny fraction of the 146,965,638,531,210,240 or so miles to its final destination, Google wrote. Beijing: China supports the Myanmar government`s efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country`s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington`s strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar`s treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country`s army was "without excuse". Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China`s Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. "The Chinese side supports Myanmar`s efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying. China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar`s Rakhine state, U.N. agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on Oct. 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The U.N. refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns". China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. China`s statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. It is infamous for being Cambodia's version of Nazi extermination policy against Jews during World War II with the notorious Khmer Rouge - officially called Communist Party of Kampuchea - responsible for the killing of millions during the late 1970s. Forty years since, two of its most senior leaders still alive have been declared guilty of genocide and handed out life sentences. According to The Guardian, 92-year-old Nuon Chea - deputy to Khmer Rouge head Pol Pot, and 87-year-old Khieu Samphan - former head of state - were found guilty of having presided over mass killings between 1977 and 1979, on Friday. Both have already been serving life sentences but have now been held responsible for the mass genocide which shocked the world almost as much as the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. Local media reports that many families of the 1.7 million victims of Khmer Rouge's atrocities had gathered for the verdict and that there were scenes of jubilation afterwards. Many called it a historic judgement which ensured leaders of Khmer Rouge are punished despite their age. Both Chea and Samphan reportedly did not deny that they were key leaders of Khmer Rouge in the 1970s but said they had no role to play in the genocide which wiped off 25% of the country's population at the time. The subsequent fall of Khmer Rouge, after Vietnamese armed forces and fighters from Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation captured the capital of Phnom Penh, led to the establishment of tribunals to investigate crimes against humanity. Families of victims say it has been a long and tough battle for justice but many feel punishing leaders of the regime still alive would be a deterrent against any similar regime which may crop up here or anywhere else. 13th Prime Minister of Ukraine; 7th Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy. In 2009, Yatsenyuk noted that Yulia Tymoshenko's Bloc and Yanukovych's Party of Regions were "almost a single whole," while in 2012, he competed under the "umbrella" of Tymoshenko's party. Yatsenyuk headed this election list because Batkivshchyna leader Yulia Tymoshenko was imprisoned. In December 2012, Yatsenyuk was elected leader of Batkivshchyna parliamentary faction. In 2013, his Front for Change party merged into Batkivshchyna. 46 days before the 2014 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Yatsenyuk became a founding member of National Front party. Ukraines former Prime Minister and leader of the National Front party Arseniy Yatsenyuk began an active campaign after a long pause. In addition, billboards with slogans of his fellow party members appeared along the highways. Media began to write about Yatsenyuks possible participation in the election campaign. In mid-April 2016, after long negotiations with the Presidential Administration, Arseniy Yatsenyuk resigned from the post of prime minister. Then, his rating was at the level of 1-2%. Yatsenyuk had gone into hiding, occasionally appearing at major political events; he invariably participated in the meetings of the strategic nine in the Presidential Administration, negotiations on a possible union of Bloc of Petro Poroshenko and the National Front before the elections of 2019 (the matter remained stalemated though). At the end of 2017, Yatsenyuks party held a congress and announced about its participation in the presidential elections. The former prime minister believed that time heals, and his rating, allegedly becoming a victim of a media paid-for campaign, will rise sooner or later. However, as time went on, Yatsenyuk and his party remained all the same unpopular. According to a recent sociological study published by the Rating group, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology and the Razumkov Center, the National Front could still count on the support of just under 1% of the voters. However, despite this, Yatsenyuk decided to come out of the shadows and start a campaign. Billboards with the slogan Im acting, Ukrainian language, cinema, song appeared (maybe, he is trolling the billboards of the president?). Open source Indeed, the leader of the National Front has become more active in public space. So, in mid-October, he took part in events to take an oath by graduates of the Academy of Patrol Police, went on a campaign trip to his native Chernivtsi, and even planted trees with the Minister of Ecology Ostap Semerak. What does the ex-premier count on when starting a campaign? According to 112.ua sources in the National Front faction, first of all, the Yatsenyuks team wants to remind that such political force exists at all. It is not a secret that against the background of the fall of National Fronts rating and the bleak prospects of their re-election to the Rada, some deputies of this faction have begun negotiations on the return to Tymoshenkos Batkivshchyna. Our interlocutors note that Yatsenyuk still believes in the possibility of bringing his party the parliament of the next convocation, which is why he began to act. "The campaign will be small, and at the stage before the presidential election, it would not be very resourceful. One of the main tasks is to increase awareness. The main stake, of course, is on the parliamentary elections of 2019. The traditional elements of the election campaign are planned: trips to the regions, distribution of the campaign products," the interlocutors say. According to them, National Front expects to get the support of 7-8% of voters at the parliamentary elections in 2019. The interlocutors pointed to the result of the previous parliamentary campaign; then nobody expected them to win, and they took the first place. Despite the low personal rating, Yatsenyuks participation in the presidential election has not been removed from the agenda. According to our sources among the coalition factions, the former prime minister is negotiating his own participation in the presidential election with the leader of the electoral race former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and current head of state Petro Poroshenko. According to some media reports, Yatsenyuk has already announced that he will take part in the presidential elections. Yatsenyuk believes that his 2% might not be enough to bring Poroshenko to the second round, and, accordingly, they have something to talk about, our sources among parliamentary National Front members explain. According to a sociological survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, the Rating group, and the Razumkov Center, a tough struggle for the second place and access to the second round is unfolding. Sources of 112.ua in Batkivshchyna note that the Tymoshenko team would have won from Yatsenyuks campaign during the presidential election. Our (electoral, - Ed.) fields do not intersect with Yatsenyuks ones. But if he takes part (in the elections Ed.), then Poroshenko will lose a few percent, the interlocutors say. So far, the final decision on this issue has not been made, which is not surprising. According to the unofficial information, some of the National Front tops, in particular, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, are negotiating with former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, while the NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov, despite on the refusal to head the Poroshenkos headquarters, remains in office and in the presidents team. In addition, National Anti-Corruption Bureaus (NABU) has recently opened a case against Yatsenyuk and his associate, Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko. The uncertainty regarding the participation of the National Front candidate in the presidential elections was also confirmed by the leader of their parliamentary faction Maksym Burbak. He called Yatsenyuks campaign party report form. He added that the final decision on the participation of the National Front in the presidential election to be made at a January congress. Read the original text at 112.ua. 82 and 120 mines hit the area; the Ukrainian forces did not return fire to avoid casualties among the civilians On November 15, Russian occupant forces opened fire in Donbas combat area eight times. During the attacks, they destroyed two living houses in the town of Pivdenne, Donetsk region. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that the enemy used Minsk-banned weapons in four cases. In the night time, occupants fired 82 and 120 mm mortars in Shumy and Pivdenne. 'No casualties were among the Joint Forces and the civilians during these attacks; however, two living houses in Pivdenne were completely destroyed. As usual, the occupants placed their firing positions among the residential quarters in Horlivka. The Joint Forces did not return fire on the inhabited localities, but the use of banned weapons under the cover of civilians was duly documented; all case materials were handed over to the international organizations, which conduct the judicial activities concerning the war crimes', reads the message on the Facebook page. The enemy twice opened fire from RPGs, heavy machineguns, IFV guns, and small arms. 82 mm mortars were used, too. Russian mercenaries also attacked Stanytsia Luhanska, Malynove, and Avdiivka. One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in action over the mentioned period. DORADO, Puerto Rico, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GSRX Industries Inc. (OTCQB: GSRX) (GSRX or, the Company), announced today that the Companys network of Green Spirit RX medicinal cannabis dispensaries in Puerto Rico has been named one of Puerto Ricos best by Cannabis News Update. In the November 14 feature entitled Puerto Ricos 8 Best Dispensaries, Cannabis News Update reports that Probably the most well-known cannabis brand in Puerto Rico is Green Spirit RX. With five different locations across the island, a Green Spirit dispensary is never out of reach. The complete article can be viewed at Cannabis News Update . GSRX currently operates Green Spirit RX dispensaries in Dorado, Carolina, Andalucia and Hato Rey, with the Companys fifth dispensary opening soon in Fajardo. About GSRX Industries Inc. GSRX Industries Inc. (OTCQB: GSRX), through its subsidiaries, is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating retail cannabis dispensaries, and is in the process of expanding its business to include the cultivation, extraction, manufacture and delivery of cannabis and cannabinoid products. Currently, GSRX operates five cannabis dispensaries in California and Puerto Rico, and has five additional pre-qualified locations in Puerto Rico, all of which are in various phases of development and construction. Websites: Green Spirit RX https://www.greenspiritrx.com/ Spirulinex https://www.spirulinex.com Instagram: Spirulinex https://www.instagram.com/spirulinex/ The Green Room https://www.instagram.com/greenroommendo/ Facebook: Green Spirit RX (Puerto Rico) https://www.facebook.com/Green-Spirit-Rx-746194692378429/ Spirulinex https://www.facebook.com/spirulinex/ The Green Room https://www.facebook.com/greenroommendo/ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except where applicable law requires us to update these statements. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. As of 8.30 a.m, the Joint Forces Operation HQ did not mention the deceased fighter in the report On November 15, Ukrainian troops in Donbas took casualties; the reports are somehow different. According to the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in combat. On the other hand, the 56th Detached Motorized Brigade from Mariupol specifies that one of their fighters was killed in action. His name was Oleksandr Lukyanets; he served as the Warrant Officer of the 3rd Motorized Company of the 21st Detached Motorized Battalion. 'He served with the battalion since 2016, proving himself as a responsible serviceman', the brigade reported. Over the past 24 hours, the Russian mercenaries attacked Ukrainian positions 16 times; on eight occasions, they used the Minsk-banned weapons. During the attacks, they destroyed two living houses in the town of Pivdenne, Donetsk region. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that the enemy used Minsk-banned weapons in four cases. In the night time, occupants fired 82 and 120 mm mortars in Shumy and Pivdenne. 'No casualties were allowed among the Joint Forces and the civilians during these attacks; however, two living houses in Pivdenne were completely destroyed. As usual, the occupants placed their firing positions among the residential quarters in Horlivka. The Joint Forces did not return fire on the inhabited localities, but the use of banned weapons under the cover of civilians was duly documented; all case materials were handed over to the international organizations, which conduct the judicial activities concerning the war crimes', reads the message on the Facebook page. Oleksandr Lukyanets sergeant major of the third mechanized infantry company of the 21st battalion of Sarmat territorial defence in Kherson region lost his life in combat with the militants On November 15, Oleksandr Lukyanets, the sergeant major of the third mechanized infantry company of the 21st battalion of Sarmat territorial defense in Kherson region, died in Donbas combat zone, as it was reported on the Facebook page of Mariupol 56th Detached Motorized Brigade. We had tragic news. Today, sergeant Oleksandr Lukyanets, sergeant major of the third mechanized infantry company of the 21st battalion of Sarmat territorial defense in Kherson region, passed away. He served in the battalion since 2016, proved to be a responsible soldier, the message says. Earlier, we reported that on November 15, Ukrainian troops in Donbas took casualties. According to the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in combat. Besides, it was reported that on November 9, a 230year-old veteran of the Anti-terrorist operation, born in Kamianka-Buzka, Lviv region. The man was treated for oncology, his funeral will take place at home, on November 16. Timetable for the introduction of e-payment until the middle of 2020 was published Open source The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine prepared a draft decree of the Cabinet of Ministers with a new timetable of switching all enterprises in the trade realm to cashless payments. At the same time, simplification of procedures and possibility to use new payment services was provided. FinClub reports. The existing schedule of switching the trade area to POS-machines became irrelevant in 2011. It was based on a timetable relied on the size of a settlement (up to 25,000; from 25,000 up to 100,000, over 100,000). It is noted that the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade published a new version of the draft. Now, the Ministry offers to establish new compulsory schedule beginning from the summer of 2019 and to link the steps of the schedule to the type of activity of an enterprise engaged in the trade of goods and services. The list of payment methods is expanding. Businesses, which sell goods, including goods sold on a distance, are obligated to implement non-cash payment methods for the goods they sell via electronic means of payment using payment devices or electronic payment services, reads the draft decree. Until July 1, 2019, cashless payments have to be available in companies, which sell equipment subjected to warranty repair, excisable goods, jewelry, medicines, also companies providing housing and communal services, medical and dental equipment, travel agencies, restaurants, hotels. Until January 1, 2020, cashless payments will be introduced in segments of car and motorcycle sales, including spare parts for them and their repair, rent of vehicles, postal and carrier services, all types of passenger and freight transportation, fitness centers, in the sphere of culture, health, insurance, reinsurance and private pensions. All payments over $1,800 have to be carried out precisely via cashless payment. The price of goods for cash or non-cash has to have any differences. Businessmen will able to rent one POS-machine for several places only if each of the subjects of businesses will provide a separate record of their operations. Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine will check the validity of the growth of bank charges. Open source The 12th air show (2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition) opened November 6 in Zhuhai. A test plane of a J-10B Chinese-made vector-controlled fighter was shown for the first time. Chengdu twin-jet J-10B multirole fighter demonstrated the Shenyang Aircraft Corporations WS-10G thrust-vectoring turbofan engine with an aerobatics demonstration that included the Pugachevs Cobra maneuver. The new thrust-vectoring engine increases the J-10Bs agility and could give the fighter an edge when engaging hostile aircraft. Foreign-made engines presented at the exhibition deserve attention as well. The Beijing-based Tianjiao Aircraft Building Company, Chongqing Aircraft Engine Company owned by Tianjiao, as well as the famous Ukrainian Motor Sich JSC took part in the air show once again. A separate pavilion (#6) was allotted for them, in which four aircraft engines developed by Motor Sich JSC were represented, including AI-25TLK engines with a small bypass ratio, TV3-117VMA-SBM1V helicopter engines, D-436-148FM turbofan engine, as well as MS-500V-S turboprop engines. The scope of aircraft engines is very extensive, so China needs to cooperate with foreign companies. In recent years, China has achieved some success in it, but this is still not enough to catch up with the level of other countries. Motor Sich JSC is a large company in the field of aircraft engine manufacturing, which has inherited Soviet technologies. Given the experience gained by this company, China has a lot to learn from it. Turbofan engine D-436-148FM Speaking about the four models of aircraft engines submitted by Motor Sich, many might have noticed that the AI-322 engine could be installed in an advanced jet trainer (AJT) L-15, and the TV3-117VMA-SBM1V engine can be used in Mi-8/17 and Ka-28/31 helicopters, widely used by People's Liberation Army. However, this articles author is sure that the most significant among these engines is the unremarkable D-436-148FM turbofan engine used in civil aircraft. Unlike aircraft engines, which China has been producing until now, the D-436 engine has a triple-spool compressor. The difference between an engine with a triple-spool compressor and a turbofan engine with a two- spool compressor is not that the fan system is attached directly to the low-pressure stage rotor, but that another special rotor is added to the turbine, which drives the fan in the act. In other words, three coaxial rotors are installed in a triple-spool engine: a low-pressure central turbine that rotates at low speed and drives a fan; a high-pressure turbine that rotates at high speed and drives a high-pressure compressor is installed outside. Unlike a turbofan engine with a two-spool compressor, the three rotors can operate separately at optimum speed, which reduces the number of rotors, blades, and adjustable blades. Due to the decrease in the number of rotors, their length is reduced, the hardness increases and the wear rate decreases. All this effectively reduces fuel consumption, and, consequently, increases the operational features of this engine. When speaking about a triple- spool compressor engine, many would remember Al-Bi211 (RB211) and Rolls-Royce Trent (Rolls-Royce Trent) engines developed by the British Rolls-Royce. However, not only the UK successfully produced three-stage turbofan engines; the Soviet Union was also producing these engines. Three development laboratories were engaged in elaborating turbofan three-shaft engines in the Soviet Union. PJSC Kuznetsov is located on the territory of modern Russia; its symbol was the turbojet engine with NK-321 afterburner chamber, applied in Tu-160 strategic bomber. Ukraine is the second place, where these engines are produced. Now it is part of Motor Sich JSC, Zaporizhia Machine-Building Design Bureau Progress State Enterprise named after A.G. Ivchenko, where D-36 engine, the D-436, the predecessor was developed. In the early 1970s, Progress State Enterprise named after A.G. Ivchenko was instructed to design the engine unit for the An-124 heavy transport aircraft, which was was being developed. After some thought, chief engineer of the bureau Volodymyr Lotarev concluded that the task could be completed only under the condition of using a three-shaft engine. In order to acquire the production technology of a three-shaft turbofan engine, Lotarev decided to start with the development of a small D-36 engine, the full output of which was 6,500 kilograms. This engine is successfully used in Yak-42, An-72, An-74, and others aircraft. Having harnessed the relevant technologies, the design bureau started the production of the D-18 engine based on the D-36, which had a greater burden. Due to this, the An-124, and later the An-225 aircraft, obtained a reliable propulsion system. In the early 1980s, Progress State Enterprise named after A.G. Ivchenko began designing the D-436, a new version of the D-36 turbofan engine. This engine was first tested in 1985, and in 1987, it was finally approved. The D-36 was much improved; a new compressor, a fan system, and an electronic digital engine control system were installed. Today, this medium-thrust turbofan engine has replaced the D-36 in Yak-42, An-72, An-74 aircraft, and is also widely used in Tu-134, Tu-334, An-148 passenger aircraft, and in the Be-200 multipurpose amphibious aircraft. Whats the benefit from harnessing these technologies? Acquiring technologies related to the D-436 engine can bring the Chinese aviation industry a lot of advantages. Firstly, despite the outstanding characteristics of three-shaft turbofan engines, from the point of view of structural dynamics, all three shafts rotate with a high speed and power. Speaking about the control coordination, there is vibration, resonance, and critical speed of the three shafts, which brings a lot of difficulties. These technologies represent a challenge for the aviation industry and also indicate a certain level of technological development. In the US, no engine development of this type has been conducted to date, which proves what was said above. Accordingly, if China succeeds in harnessing the technology of the D-436 turbofan engine, we can assume that along with this, China will gain knowledge regarding three-shaft engines that have been accumulated in the Soviet Union for decades. And it will be an undoubted advantage for the aviation engine industry. Secondly, the D-436 engine is an excellent example of a turbofan engine with medium thrust and high bypass ratio. Based on its characteristics, we can assure that it is fully capable of replacing the American CF34-10A, produced by General Electric, in the Chinese regional passenger ARJ-21 aircraft. Thus, the ARJ-21 will receive another reliable engine. If it happens that for some reason, the supply of CF34-10A engines to China stops or they can no longer be used, for example, in the development of a military model, then China has no better alternative than the D-436. It goes in parallel with CF34-10A and D-436. Obviously, the D-436 is significantly bigger, consumes more fuel, and has a stronger thrust-to-weight ratio. Thirdly, during the development of the D-436 engine, Motor Sich company applied technologies involved in other engines. As already mentioned, the predecessor of the D-436 was the D-36 engine, the enhanced version of which, namely the D-18, was used in An-124 and An-225 aircraft. Therefore, if we build upon D-436 and modify it like D-18 engine (out of D-36), then we will get an updated version of the D-18 turbofan engine with a large load. Two such engines would be enough to improve Y-20 aircraft. This engine can be an alternative power plant for wide-body passenger aircraft CR929, jointly developed by Russia and China. However, more important is the fact that when creating the D-436, Motor Sich embodied the key design ideas, and if we build upon D-436 engine, we get the turbo-charged D-136 used in the famous heavy Mi-26 helicopter and in An-70 military transport aircraft (D-27 is a three-shaft propfan engine). Thus, when mastering the production technology of the D-436, China gets knowledge of four modern engines. According to Tianjiao representative, four presented engines might be produced in China. It is hoped that this will be the same good opportunity for the production of aircraft engines, as the introduction of the Ukrainian GTD 25000 gas turbine engine, which will fill the gaps in the production of three-shaft, heavy turboshaft and fan motors and contribute to the rapid development of this industry. Read the original text at guancha.cn. The Chairman of Qualification Chamber of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine thinks that the attack on Serhii Koziakov is connected with his reform position Perpetrators attacked Chairman of the High Qualification Commission of Judges Serhii Koziakov when he was leaving Hilton hotel in Kyiv on November 16. The press office of the National Police of Kyiv reported. The incident took place on Tarasa Shevchenko Boulevard. Kyiv Police received a message that two men doused the Chairman of High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine with brilliant green antiseptic, the law enforcement officers claimed. An investigation group headed out to the scene. The victim was provided with medical aid right there. The law enforcement officers focused on detecting the location of the perpetrators and detaining them. The Investigation Division of Shevchenko Police Department initiated a criminal proceeding for threat or violence against a state or public figure. At the same time, Stanislav Shchotka, Secretary of Qualification Chamber of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine claimed in a commentary to 112 Ukraine that the condition of Serhii Koziakov is positive. His condition is satisfactory, he is a tough man and cant be broken so easily. Although what has happened is something from the Middle Ages, savage actions in relation to the head. I strongly connect this with his working and with his reform position, Shchotka claimed. Earlier, the Ukrainian Parliament issued a decree on creating of temporary investigation commission for the investigation of data about the attack on Kateryna Handzuik and other public activists. Head of the local regional group of the Witnesses Syvash Serhy Filatov was detained during the search Officers of Russian Federal Security Service Open source The FSB of Russia came and searched Jehovah's Witnesses in annexed Crimea as journalist Anton Naumlyuk reported on Facebook. The officers of the FSB hold the large-scale operation in Crimea: the searches and detentions take place at a few dozens of addresses of the suspected in the participation at Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization in Dzhankoy. Head of the local regional group of the Witnesses Syvash Serhy Filatov was detained, the message said. It is noted that the criminal proceeding is opened against Filatov and all these people, possibly, connected somehow with the Ukrainian special services, at least, they were coordinated from Kharkiv center of Jehovah's Witnesses. However, the Ukrainian administrative center of the Witnesses was situated and still can be found in Briukhovychi, Lviv region. On November 8, Russian law enforcers held the search at the house of Khalil Ablyamitov, which is located in the urban-type settlement of Azovske, Dzhankoy district of the Russian-occupied Crimea. After the search of at the apartment of the son of the house owner, Ablyalim Ablyamitov and his wife Aidzhan were taken to an unknown destination by the law enforcers. The diplomat was informed that his government needs to cease any activities, which negatively affect the development of the bilateral relations Open source Istvan Ijgyarto, the Hungarian Ambassador to Ukraine was summoned to the Foreign Ministry due to the recent statement of Prime Minister Viktor Orban; as we reported, Orban had claimed there was 'no dialogue' with the Ukrainian authorities. The press office of the institution reported that on Friday. The message says that the Hungarian diplomat was informed that his government needs to cease any activities, which negatively affect the development of the bilateral relations On November 16, 2018, the newly appointed Hungarian Ambassador to Ukraine Istvan Ijgyarto was invited to the Foreign Ministry, who received protest concerning the latter statements of the Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Vice-Prime-Minister on national policy Zsolt Semjen about Ukraine, the message reads. Earlier, Orban stated that the agreements with the current authority of Ukraine are not possible for Budapest. He said that Ukraine did not have any prospective of NATO and EU integration. According to him, Ukraine still have a chance to return to the friendship and strategic partnership path with Hungary. The Hungarian leader said that this is the only way Kyiv can move toward NATO and EU. As we reported, Hungary has changed the name of the minister for Zakarpattia. The decision was published by the Hungarian Justice Ministry on October 29. Earlier, Ukrinform agency published a video where a few Ukrainians receive the Hungarian passports and owe allegiance to Hungary in the Consulate in Berehove, Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine. The Hungarian diplomat recommended not to inform the Ukrainian authorities about receiving the new documents. Yuriy Lutsenko, Prosecutor General, claimed that Ukraine's Security Service investigates this case; however, the service denied this. Tamas Menczer, Hungarys Foreign Minister Spokesperson, later reported that Hungary would not withdraw its consul from Berehove due to the scandalous video about the issuance of Hungarian passports to the Ukrainians. Ukraines Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Kurt Volker, the U.S. Special Representative to Ukraine, in the U.S., November 15, 2018 Social media Ukraines Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin met with Kurt Volker, the U.S. Special Representative to Ukraine, during his working visit to the U.S. The parties have discussed the further steps towards countering Russian aggression, as Kateryna Zelenko, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, reported on Twitter. According to her, Klimkins visit to the U.S. began with his meeting with Volker. The steps on the international platforms for countering Russias attempts to legitimize the occupation have been agreed. The political pressure has to be enhanced, Zelenko wrote. Earlier, Volker said that instead of meeting the Minsk Agreements, Russian Federation and moving towards peace in Ukraine, Russian Federation is subsidizing corrupted leaders of the militants and conducts sham elections in Donbas. The personnel of Security Service of Ukraine detained the individual who attempted on one of the public activists in Kherson. The contractor of the attempt and number of other terrorist attacks on the territory of Ukraine is Russias FSB, reports the press office of the Ukrainian intelligence services. Detectives of SBU established that the intelligence of the country aggressor planned to commit a number of terrorist acts on the territory of Ukraine aimed at all known public activists to destabilize the social-political situation in Ukraine. To do so, they recruited the citizen of Ukraine who agreed to commit misdemeanors for reward. In may 2018, Ukrainian law enforcement officers managed to prevent the murder of one of the heads of a regional political organization in Kherson. Ukrainian law enforcement bodies monitored the next steps of the perpetrator within the framework of an investigation experiment, in order to confirm the involvement of the Russian Federation, reads the message of SBU. The investigation established that the offender received another mission right after the attempt. Another victim had to be the leader of Kherson public organization. As a result of the special operation, the law enforcement officers detained the attacker in Kyiv during preparation for an offense. Currently, the detainee is suspected of having committed offenses provided by part 2 of Art 15, part 2 of Art 258, part 1 of Art 14 and part 1 of Art 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and a preventive measure in the view of detention for two months was elected for him, SBU reported. The Russian President did not predict whether the situation in Ukraine would change after the elections Open source Russia will be cooperating with any new Ukraines authority to solve the conflict in Donbas peacefully, as the Russian President Putin said, TASS reported. Nevertheless, we think that there is no other way, and we will have to agree on something. I hope, that people who will head the state in the future, whoever it is will come to the conclusion that there is no other way, except the peaceful one, and it is important to implement Minsk Agreements, he said. At the same time, Putin did not predict whether the situation in Ukraine would change after the elections. He spoke against the meetings in Normandy format during the pre-election campaign in Ukraine calling them pointless. Besides, the President of Russia accused Ukraine of non-fulfillment of Minsk Agreements, which became a tradition. Earlier, Heiko Maas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, stated that all the efforts of the participants of the Normandy format are taken to develop UN peacekeeping mission project in Donbas. Presidential elections in Ukraine are scheduled for spring 2019, and parliamentary elections to be held in autumn. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTCQB:RQHTF) (Reliq or the Company), a technology company that develops innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for the Community-Based Healthcare market, announces that Aman Thindal will be resigning from the Board of Directors as well as from his position as Chief Financial Officer to pursue other opportunities, effective November 30, 2018. The Company will be appointing an Interim CFO for a brief transition period while it conducts a search for a permanent CFO in the Greater Toronto Area, in line with the Companys stated intent to consolidate operations to the Toronto area. Aman Thindal has held the position of CFO at the Company since its going public transaction in Vancouver in 2015. Aman has been instrumental to the development of the Company, and he will be missed. We support his decision to remain in the Vancouver area and pursue new opportunities there. We wish him every success in his future endeavors, said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health. In addition, the Company wishes to inform shareholders that Reliq Health and Sophic Capital have agreed to mutually disengage on amicable terms due to the overwhelming number of retail investor calls and emails that Sophic has received since taking on this mandate. We recognize that the sheer volume of calls and emails Sophic received from our investors was simply unsustainable for their business. We would like to thank the Sophic Capital team for their tireless efforts on our behalf, said Dr. Crossley. Going forward the Company will be posting an FAQ on the investor section of the Reliq website to address the most common shareholder questions, and will update this section on a regular basis as new questions relating to material disclosable information arise. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dr. Lisa Crossley CEO and Director ABOUT RELIQ HEALTH Reliq Health Technologies is a healthcare technology company that specializes in developing innovative software solutions for the Community Care market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based healthcare. The iUGO Care platform integrates wearables, sensors, voice technology and intuitive mobile apps and desktop user interfaces for patients, clinicians and healthcare administrators. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT and on the OTCQB as RQHTF. For further information contact: Investor Relations at Reliq Health at IR@reliqhealth.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. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements". We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. Earlier, Russia's officials stated that Azov Sea might be shut down for the Ukrainian vessels Open source Iryna Lutsenko, the Presidents Representative to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian people's deputy, stated that if Russia blocks Azov Sea, Ukraines reaction will be vigorous, as she said at the briefing in Kyiv, Ukrinform reported. Ukraines reaction will be vigorous, we have a few lawsuits on Russias violation of the International Convention of the Law of the Sea. Azov Sea is an inland sea, so the fact that no agreement on the mutual use was signed means that we have to apply to this international convention Besides, the lawsuits, of Ukraines Security Service and border guards will also respond to this, she noted. She stated that if the Sea of Azov is blocked, criminal proceedings against Russian officials will be opened. In addition, the Presidents Representative said that Russias provocations in the area means that Putin does not intend to stop, he wants to activate, especially during the pre-election period. Ukraines South hinges on the usage of Azov Sea. Putins activation means only that he wants to create an unstable atmosphere in Ukraine in 2019, Lutsenko said. Previously, Ukraine arrested 15 ships that entered ports of the annexed Crimea. This is due to the Ukrainian law that claims the ports of Crimea (Yevpatoria, Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosiya, Yalta) closed. The respective legislative acts were approved in April and June 2014. Thus, any vessel that enters the closed seaports and terminals in the occupied Crimea breach the Ukrainian and the international law. Such action is considered an undermining of Ukraine's sovereignty and results in responsibility for the vessel's owner, operator and the crew. The car with EU license plates was seized, and the driver managed to escape An incident occurred in Zakarpattya region, westernmost Ukraine, where a car driver ran over an employee of the State Border Guard. Oleg Slobodyan, the spokesman of the agency wrote this on Facebook. In the small hours of Friday, the servicemen of the State Border Guard and their Romanian colleagues detained two smugglers and ten packages of tobacco products on the Romanian side of the border. 'Soon after that, the border guards detained a man in the diving suit - in the Dilove border section, not far from Tysa river. He carried no documents, but he had a lot of money that he supposedly got for making the illegal deal. During primary investigative actions, another unknown perpetrator ran over the head of the Border Guard unit. The Border Guard officer sustained heavy injuries. The ambulance car took the serviceman to the intensive care unit. The border guard's condition is extremely grave', Slobodyan said, specifying that the man was in a coma. Later, Slobodyan added that the doctors are very careful in their assessments and forecasts; there's still a grave threat to the man's life. The car with EU license plates was seized, and the driver managed to escape. Donbas conflict, Donbas elections, snow in Ukraine, Ukrainian political prisoners, Crimea, Hungary - the whole week on one page About Donbas conflict Donbas conflict Russian mercenaries continued to fire Minsk-banned weapons Donbas. During the attacks, they destroyed two living houses in the town of Pivdenne, Donetsk region. A Slovakian citizen was charged with the participation in the combat actions in Donbas at the side of the illegal armed formations. A Russian citizen was judged for the same reason, too; he is sentenced to ten years behind the bars. The Ukrainian army received seventy units of armored vehicles and a number of weapons. The list includes restored tanks and armored personnel carriers, missile launchers, mortars and armored cars; some of the vehicles will go to Donbas combat area. *** About heating season in Ukraine A state of emergency was announced in Smila, Cherkasy region on November 12. Similar issues were observed in some other cities and towns, particularly in Kherson, Kryvyi Rih, Kamyanka and Pavlohrad, in various regions of Ukraine. On November 15, the government allocated funds to supply the gas to the heating system. Moreover, the Cabinet forbade the energy companies to plug the living houses and infrastructure objects off the system in conditions of low temperatures. On Thursday evening, it was reported that the gas supplies resumed. *** About sanctions for Donbas elections As we reported, on November 11, the so-called elections were held in occupied Donbas. Igor Prokopchuk, permanent representative of Ukraine to the international organizations in Vienna, urged to prosecute Russia for this at the special session of the OSCE Permanent Council. On November 12, Parliaments Vice-Speaker Iryna Gerashchenko said that it was important to prevent the 'Russian scenario' during the elections in Donbas. Later, the Secretary of National Security and Defense Council claimed new sanctions against the individuals involved in the elections on the occupied territories of Donbas and the Ukrainian companies that cooperate with Russia. *** About bill on censorship in Ukraine On November 14, the Verkhovna Rada was proposed to introduce media censorship under the disguise of fighting Russian aggression. Vasyl Smetan, the lawyer of 112 Ukraine TV channel claimed that the bill On the defense of the information space is another step to close the opposition TV channels. 112 Ukraine TV channel itself thinks that the Ukrainian authority is trying to create conditions for introduction of political censorship and pressure on media during the elections by this bill. National Security Secretary stated that the mass media can cover the violations of the militants, but it is a crime to informationally support the aggressor state. *** About Hungary and Ukraine Hungary will continue to give passports to the citizens of Ukraine's Zakarpattia, but on its territory. Passports will be issued in Hungarian city Kisvarda, situated near the border. It was also reported that member of Hungarian party Jobbik was an observer at illegal Donbas elections. The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban said Hungary could not negotiate with current Ukrainian government. At the same time, the new Hungarian Ambassador to Ukraine Istvan Ijgyarto presented the copies of the credentials to Vasyl Bondar, Deputy Head of Foreign Ministry. After that, one of the leader of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, the deputy of the Regional Council, the rector of the Hungarian Institute in Berehove Ildiko Oros, was summoned to Ukraines Security Service over her statement about infringement of Hungarians in Ukraine by fascist ways. *** About Crimea On November 13, the leader of Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev turned 75. The President of Ukraine Poroshenko awarded him with the Order of Liberty for Dzhemilevs significant role in returning of Crimea and releasing the Kremlins prisoners. David Stulik, the Spokesperson of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, said that the delegation monitors the situation in annexed Crimea. On November 15, Borys Babin, the Permanent Representative of Ukraines President in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, reported on a problem - hundreds of coffins with the dead are illegally transported through the border with the annexed peninsula annually. The FSB of Russia came and searched Jehovah's Witnesses in annexed Crimea on November 16, that is why the third Committee of the UN General Assembly responsible for the social, cultural and humanitarian issues has adopted the resolution on the abuse of the human rights in Crimea occupied by Russia. Russia threatened to shut down Sea of Azov for Ukrainian vessels, Ukraine, in its turn, promised to react vigorously. *** About Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia The lawyer will visit Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov at the end of November as the Ukrainian ombudswoman reported. Besides, Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Gryb, charged with abetting terrorism, refused to testify at the trial in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Ildiko Oros delivered a speech on October 23 in Budapest, when she stated that the Hungarians are being infringed in fascist ways in Ukraine Ildiko Oros, the rector of the Hungarian Institute in Berehove, delivers a speech in Budapest on October 23, 2018 Mukachevo.net One of the leader of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, the deputy of the Regional Council, the rector of the Hungarian Institute in Berehove Ildiko Oros, was summoned to Ukraines Security Service for her statement about infringement of Hungarians in Ukraine in fascist ways, as Mukachevo.net reported referring to Oros. She delivered a speech on October 23 in Budapest, when she stated that the Hungarians are being infringed in fascist ways in Ukraine, because of what she was summoned. According to the news agency, the Security Service has conducted a conversation with the rector concerning this speech. As Mukachevo.net reported, Ildiko Oros comments on this situation were published on some Hungarian websites. In general, she provided an explanation, that she was guided by her thoughts. She went to Budapest by invitation, to honor the victims of the Hungarian revolution in 1956, the message says. As we reported, Hungary has changed the name of the minister for Zakarpattia. The decision was published by the Hungarian Justice Ministry on October 29. Earlier, Ukrinform agency published a video where a few Ukrainians receive the Hungarian passports and owe allegiance to Hungary in the Consulate in Berehove, Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine. The Hungarian diplomat recommended not to inform the Ukrainian authorities about receiving the new documents. Yuriy Lutsenko, Prosecutor General, claimed that Ukraine's Security Service investigates this case; however, the service denied this. Tamas Menczer, Hungarys Foreign Minister Spokesperson, later reported that Hungary would not withdraw its consul from Berehove due to the scandalous video about the issuance of Hungarian passports to the Ukrainians. In its turn, Ukraine claimed that in case the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary does not withdraw their consul from Berehove, the Ukrainian side will offer him to abandon the territory. The bills propose to introduce the concept of animal abuse, injury of animals, preparing dogs to hunting, to introduce administrative and criminal liability for abuse, to ban begging with animals, provision of photo services with them, to exclude possibility of shooting at stray dogs, cats, crows, gun dog training Open source Ukrainians are paying more and more attention to the issue of animal abuse, in particular, they are concerned about the situation in the field of breeding of hunting dogs and in hunting in general, culling of stray dogs. The representatives of the NGO were hunting the swans on the territory of the nature reserve. In late October, 54 out of 300 sheep died in Odesa region they spent more than two weeks in a closed truck in the port. Media are revealing the baiting stations of Ukraine, where wild animals are being treated. The activists publish the pictures of the animals in the caves. There are two animal protection bills registered in the Parliament No. 6598 on amending some Ukraines laws (concerning the implementation of provisions of some international agreements and EU directives in protection of animals and plants) and No. 8256 on amending some laws of Ukraine (concerning the regulation of the relations connected to preparing of dog for hunting). The first bill is about the moderation of the relations in the protection of animals sector from cruelty in compliance with the International European Convention on the protection of animals, which Ukraine ratified in 2013. The norms of this convention ban leaving animals at home unsupervised, harm animals and so on, yet, they have not been implemented in the Ukrainian legislation. The second one, raises the question of prohibition of baiting, setting on a live bait and the way the dogs are being prepared to hunting, which should be performed in a humanitarian way. The bills propose to introduce the concept of animal abuse, injury of animals, preparing dogs to hunting, to introduce administrative and criminal liability for abuse, to ban begging with animals, provision of photo services with them, to exclude possibility of shooting at stray dogs, cats, crows, gun dog training. Open source Rally in support of bill No. 6598 against animal abuse, 2018 Open source Rally in support of bill No. 6598 against animal abuse, 2018 Open source Rally for animals rights, 2017 The bill No.6598 ha been agreed in the committees, it is ready for the consideration. This week, the Council had to consider it, yet, there were not enough votes. The bill No.8256 is waiting for consideration. The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly responsible for the social, cultural and humanitarian issues has adopted the resolution on the abuse of the human rights in Crimea occupied by Russia as Interfax reported. The resolution State in human rights sphere in Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, Ukraine prepared by the Ukrainian side was supported by 67 countries this year, 26 countries stood against it and 82 abstained from the voting. Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Venezuela, Armenia, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sudan, Tadzhikistan, Syria, Uganda and Uzbekistan. The document provides that since 2014, the Russian occupation authorities use tortures to get the false confessions during the politically motivated processes. The document also emphasized the necessity for the urgent release of the Ukrainian citizens who were illegally detained or convicted as well as those who were transferred or deported through internationally recognized borders from Crimea to the Russian Federation. Particularly, the cases of the Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, activist Volodymyr Balukh and Crimean Tatar Emir-Usein Kuku were mentioned. The resolution also urges all international organization to use the formulation Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol city, Ukraine, temporarily occupied by Russian Federation at the mention of Crimea in its official documents, messages and publications and recommends to do the same to all state and other international organizations. The document contains the urges to Russia to create and maintain the safe conditions for the journalists and mass media workers, human right activists and defense lawyers; to stop the practice of the coercion of the Crimean citizens to serve in the armed or supplementary forces of Russia; to stop the deportation of the Ukrainian citizens from Crimea for the refusal from the Russian citizenship and discrimination against Crimean citizens. Moreover, the committee urges Russia to assume all necessary measures to promptly stop the violations and abuse of the human rights against Crimean citizens and respect the laws acting in Ukraine and abolish the laws introduced in Crimea by Russia, which allow to carry out the forcible deportation and confiscation of the private property in Crimea in the violation of the norms of the international law. According to the resolution, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly also condemns the illegal establishment of the Russian laws, legislation and governance in occupied Crimea and demands from Russia to observe the commitments in the international right toward the respect of the rules acted in crime before the occupation. In addition, it is necessary to promptly abolish the decision on the declaration of Mejlis of Crimean Tatars as the extremist organization and ban of its activity and provide the access to the education in Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages. The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly strongly urges the Russian Federation to provide proper and unhindered access of the international missions to Crimea, including all places where the imprisoned persons can be held, recognizing that the international presence in crime has the primary importance for the prevention of the further deterioration of the situation. On November 14, David Stulik, the spokesperson of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine stated that the delegation monitors the developments in annexed Crimea. Related video: 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. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) English French BONDUELLE A French SCA (Partnership Limited by Shares) with a capital of 56,491,956.50 Euros Head Office: La Woestyne, 59173 Renescure, France. Registered under number: 447 250 044 (Dunkerque Commercial and Companies Register) COMBINED SHAREHOLDER'S MEETING OF THE 6th OF DECEMBER 2018 Villeneuve d'Ascq, on the 16th of November 2018 Press Release AVAILABILITY OF PREPARATORY DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE COMBINED SHAREHOLDER'S MEETING The shareholders of the company are invited to attend the Combined Shareholder's Meeting that will take place on Thursday the 6th of December 2018 at 5.00 pm at the company's administrative head office located at: rue Nicolas Appert in VILLENEUVE ASCQ. The preliminary notice of meeting, including the agenda and draft resolutions, was published in French Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) dated of 29.10.2018 and the convening notice will be published in the BALO as well as in a newspaper authorized to carry legal advertisements - La Voix du Nord - on the 19.11.2018. The preparatory documents for the forthcoming Combined Shareholder's Meeting as set out in Article R. 225-73-1 of the French Code of Commerce are available on the website of the company: http://www.bonduelle.com/fr/investisseurs/assemblee-generale.html. In accordance with article R. 225-89 of the French Code of Commerce, it is specified that the full text of the documents to be presented to the Shareholder's Meeting according to articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the French Code of Commerce will be made available at the company's administrative head office, located at: rue Nicolas Appert, BP 30173 - 59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex as from the publication of the Shareholder's Meeting convening notice, i.e. 19.11.2018. In accordance with article R. 225-88 of the French Code of Commerce, any shareholder holding registered shares may, up to and including the fifth day before the Shareholder's Meeting, request the company to send him the information mentioned in articles R. 225- 81 and R. 225-83 of the French Code of Commerce. For holders of bearer shares, the exercise of this right is subject to the submission of a shareholding certificate in the bearer share accounts held by a financial authorized intermediary. This document is a free translation into English and has no other value than an informative one. Should there be any difference between the French and the English version, only the French-language version shall be deemed authentic and considered as expressing the exact information published by Bonduelle. HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Contango Oil & Gas Company (NYSE American: MCF) (Contango or the Company) today announced that it has priced a public offering of 7,500,000 shares of its common stock for total gross proceeds (before the underwriting discount and estimated expenses) of $30 million. The underwriters have an option for 30 days to purchase up to an additional 1,125,000 shares of common stock from the Company. Proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to reduce borrowings under the Companys revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including funding future potential acquisitions. Cowen and Intrepid Partners are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. The offering is expected to close on November 20, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, copies of which may be obtained on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the underwriters will arrange to send you the prospectus supplement and related base prospectus if you request them by contacting Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY, 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, or by email at PostSaleManualRequests@broadridge.com. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities will be offered and sold pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contango Oil & Gas Company is a Houston, Texas based, independent energy company whose business is to maximize production from its shallow offshore Gulf of Mexico properties and onshore properties in Texas and Wyoming, and to use that cash flow to explore, develop, exploit, produce and acquire crude oil and natural gas properties in the Texas and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. Information on Contangos website is not part of this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on Contangos current expectations and includes statements regarding the proposed offering and use of proceeds, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance. Words and phrases used to identify forward-looking statements include terms such as expects, projects, anticipates, plans, estimates, potential, possible, probable, or intends, or words and phrases stating that certain actions, events or results may, will, should, or could be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: market conditions, industry conditions and factors which could affect Contango's operations or financial results are included in Contango's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or managements estimates or opinions change. Contango Oil & Gas Company E. Joseph Grady, 713-236-7400 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer or Sergio Castro, 713-236-7400 Vice President and Treasurer Source: Contango Oil & Gas Company Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Market by Type, Method, Application - Global Forecast to 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The carbon nanotubes market is estimated to grow from USD 4.55 billion in 2018 to USD 9.84 billion by 2023, at a CAGR 16.7%. The demand for carbon nanotubes has been increasing rapidly in applications such as field emission displays, integrated circuits, hydrogen storage, lithium batteries, solar PV cells, fuel cells, and drug delivery. Increasing commercialization; ramping up of installed capacities; and technological advancements to bring down prices, improve quality, and develop more advanced products are the trends in the carbon nanotubes market. Currently, R&D is being undertaken for capturing new applications, including food materials, glass ceramic, structural steel, agriculture, and hair color. The constant increase in the feasibility of potential applications for carbon nanotubes will keep the demand ticking upward during the forecast period. The carbon nanotubes market is segmented on the basis of on multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The multi-walled carbon nanotube segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR in terms of value during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. MWCNTs are used in applications such as electrical conductivity, conductive transparent electrodes, conductive heating films, conductive nano inks, nanodevices, displays, chemical sensors, super batteries, supercapacitors, energy storages, solar industries, and thermal interface material. They are highly conductive when properly integrated into a composite structure. Only the outer walls of MWNTs are conductive, not the inner ones. The carbon nanotubes market is segmented based on method into chemical vapor deposition (CVD), catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD), and high-pressure carbon monoxide reaction (HiPCO), among others. The CVD segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. It is the largest and fastest-growing method segment globally. CVD of hydrocarbons over a metal catalyst is a classical method that has been used by various manufacturers to produce carbon nanotube. It is also the cheaper method, and it is expected that the price will further go down globally. The carbon nanotubes market is segmented based on application into electronics & semiconductor, advanced materials, chemical & polymers, batteries & capacitors, energy, aerospace & defense, medical, and others. The electronics & semiconductor segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Carbon nanotubes offer unique electrical properties for building electronic devices such as field effect transistors and diodes. These are also used to form a p-n junction diode by polymer coating and chemical doping. Furthermore, carbon nanotube-based diodes can potentially disperse heat out of the computer chips due to their unique thermal transmission properties. The APAC carbon nanotubes market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, which can be attributed to the rising demand for carbon nanotubes from India, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. The robust demand in the region is the major driving factor for the global carbon nanotubes market. China will lead the demand for carbon nanotubes due to its increased industrial production. It is also among the largest consumers of carbon nanotubes at the global level. Aerospace & Defense Due to the risks involved in flying, aircraft manufacturers are striving to make the aerospace components stronger, tougher, and longer lasting. The industry is also seeking to reduce weight in an on-going bid to reduce fuel consumption and, by extension, operating costs. Nanomaterials are utilized in the aerospace industry for improved (or tailored) properties that improve their functional performance (e.g., mechanical or electrical properties) or that deliver multi-functional properties (e.g., lightweight conductive nanocomposites). The bulk of R&D into aerospace applications of nanomaterials at present focuses on structural reinforcement of composite materials. Electronics & Semiconductors The recent surge in the electronics industry, particularly in semiconductors and printed circuit boards (PCBs), has resulted in the increased use of carbon nanotubes, globally. The outlook of the electronics & semiconductors industry is positive in the near future with high potential for product innovation. Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical and electronic properties, thereby making them extremely attractive for new generation electronics applications. Chemical & Polymers The growing demand for coating resins from the building and construction industry is one of the key factors anticipated to fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific coating resins market in the next few years. Some of the coating manufacturers include Akzo Nobel Coatings N.V. (Netherland), PPG Industries Inc. (US), Sherwin-Williams Co. (US), and DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies Group (US). The filter manufacturers include International Business Machines Corporation (US), Eastman Kodak Company (US), Samsung Electronics (South Korea), and Panasonic Corporation (South Korea). Batteries & Capacitors Carbon-nanotubes, with distinct 1D-tubular structure, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, mechanical flexibility, and significantly large surface-area, are considered best nanomaterials to enhance lithium batteries performance. Lithium batteries are expected to have the highest market share during the forecast period. The demand for lithium-ion batteries is rapidly increasing in vehicles that require lightweight and high-energy density solutions. These batteries provide the highest energy density per weight and also used in cellular phones, notebook computers, and hybrid automobiles. OEMs have to adopt batteries which have high capacities and are also light in weight that provides them with the leanest production process and also reduces CO2 emissions. Restraints Increasing concerns over the environmental impact of carbon nanotubes have led to stringent regulatory constraints for carbon nanotubes manufacturers. High risk is identified for human beings and the environment from carbon nanotubes agglomerates. The toxicity of carbon nanotubes may affect human health, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Carbon nanotubes are fibrous in nature and may cause some health problems if inhaled. The general public faces exposure to nanoparticles and nanomaterials from a number of products containing nanoparticles available in the market, such as paints and varnishes, cosmetics, advanced textiles, fuel catalysts, specialist automotive and aerospace components such as airframe, body parts, and combat jackets. As manufacturers of nanomaterials are increasing production capacities, more nanoparticles are released into the environment. Hence, exposure of the general public to nanomaterials is rapidly increasing. Key Topics Covered 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives of the Study 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Market Scope 1.3.1 Years Considered for the Study 1.4 Currency 1.5 Unit Considered 1.6 Stakeholders 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Research Data 2.1.1 Secondary Data 2.1.1.1 Key Data From Secondary Sources 2.1.2 Primary Data 2.1.2.1 Key Data From Primary Sources 2.1.2.2 Key Industry Insights 2.1.2.3 Breakdown of Primary Interviews 2.2 Market Size Estimation 2.3 Data Triangulation 2.4 Assumptions 2.5 Limitations 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Carbon Nanotubes Market 4.2 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Type 4.3 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Method 4.4 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Application 4.5 Carbon Nanotubes Market, Developed vs Developing Countries 4.6 APAC Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Country and Application 4.7 Global Carbon Nanotubes Market Size, By Country, 2017 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Overview of the Factors Governing the Carbon Nanotubes Market 5.2.2 Drivers 5.2.2.1 Emerging Demand From the APAC Region 5.2.2.2 High Growth of End-Use Industries Such as Electrical & Electronics and Automotive 5.2.2.3 Increasing Demand for Lightweight and Low Carbon Emitting Vehicles 5.2.2.4 Technological Advancements and Decreasing Production Cost 5.2.3 Restraints 5.2.3.1 Environmental Concern and Health & Safety Issues 5.2.4 Opportunities 5.2.4.1 Growth in Emerging Applications 5.2.5 Challenges 5.2.5.1 Maintaining Quality and Reducing Processing Cost 5.2.5.2 Stringent and Time-Consuming Regulatory Policies 5.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3.1 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 5.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 5.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.3.4 Threat of Substitutes 5.3.5 Threat of New Entrants 6 Macroeconomic Indicators 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Trends and Forecast of GDP 6.3 Trends in the Automotive Industry 6.4 Construction Industry Spending Worldwide, 2017-2025 6.5 Estimated Growth Rate of Electrical & Electronics Industry, By Region 6.6 Trends of the Solar Power Industry 7 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Method 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 Physical Process 7.1.2 Chemical Process 7.1.3 Miscellaneous Processes 7.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition 7.2.1 Chemical Vapor Deposition Segment Was the Largest Method Used in the Manufacturing of Carbon Nanotubes, Globally 7.3 Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) 7.3.1 Flexibility and Efficiency of Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition has Driven the Market 7.4 High-Pressure Carbon Monoxide Reaction 7.4.1 Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes are More Suitable in This Method With High-Pressure Carbon Monoxide Reaction 7.5 Others 7.5.1 Arc Discharge and Laser Ablation 7.5.1.1 Arc Discharge and Laser Ablation Method has Potential to Manufacture High Grades of Carbon Nanotubes 7.5.2 Flame Synthesis 7.5.3 Electrolysis 7.5.4 Comocat 8 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Type 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 Multi-Walled Segment is Expected to Drive Carbon Nanotubes Market 8.2 Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) 8.2.1 China is Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market in APAC 8.3 Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) 8.3.1 Electrical & Electronics Application to Drive the Global Carbon Nanotubes Market 9 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Application 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 Aerospace & Defense Application is Expected to Drive the Global Carbon Nanotubes Market 9.2 Electronics & Semiconductors 9.2.1 Integrated Circuits is Expected to Drive the Global Electronics & Semiconductors Market 9.3 Chemicals & Polymers 9.3.1 Coatings Application is Expected to Drive the Global Chemicals & Polymers Market 9.4 Batteries & Capacitors 9.4.1 Lithium Batteries Application is Expected to Drive the Global Batteries & Capacitors Market 9.5 Energy 9.5.1 Fuel Cells Application is Expected to Drive the Global Energy Market 9.6 Medical 9.6.1 Drug Delivery Application is Expected to Drive the Global Medical Market 9.7 Advanced Materials 9.7.1 Construction Application is Expected to Drive the Global Advanced Materials Market 9.8 Aerospace & Defense 9.8.1 Bulletproof Vests, Combat Jackets & Explosion Protection Blankets to Drive the Global Aerospace & Defense Market 9.9 Others 9.9.1 Space Elevator, Cosmetics, FMCG Goods, and Technical Textiles to Drive the Global Aerospace & Defense Market 10 Carbon Nanotubes Market, By Region 10.1 Introduction 10.2 APAC 10.2.1 China 10.2.1.1 China Accounted for the Largest Market Size of Carbon Nanotubes in APAC 10.2.2 Japan 10.2.2.1 Electronics & Semiconductors is the Largest Application in the Carbon Nanotubes Market in Japan 10.2.3 South Korea 10.2.3.1 Automotive and Electronics & Semiconductors Applications Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market in South Korea 10.2.4 Malaysia 10.2.4.1 Automotive and Building & Construction Applications Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market in Malaysia 10.2.5 India 10.2.5.1 Nanotechnology for the Energy Industry has Boosted the Indian Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.2.6 Taiwan 10.2.6.1 Electrical & Semiconductors Industry Was the Largest Consumer of Carbon Nanotubes in Taiwan 10.2.7 Vietnam 10.2.7.1 Increasing Demand for Electronics & Electrical and Polymers Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market in Vietnam 10.2.8 Indonesia 10.2.8.1 Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Accounted for the Largest Type in the Country 10.2.9 Rest of APAC 10.2.9.1 Electronics Industry, Coating Requirements, Increase in Population, and Improving Economic Conditions, Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market in the Rest of APAC 10.3 North America 10.3.1 US 10.3.1.1 Growth in the Residential and Commercial Housing Sectors to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market in the Country 10.3.2 Canada 10.3.2.1 Growth in the Economy and Automotive Industry Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market in the Country 10.3.3 Mexico 10.3.3.1 Strong Rebound in Exports and Improved Business Confidence to Strengthen the Mexican Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4 Europe 10.4.1 Germany 10.4.1.1 German Automotive Industry Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.2 France 10.4.2.1 Aerospace & Defense and Automotive Industries Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.3 UK 10.4.3.1 Building & Construction and Automotive Industries Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.4 Netherlands 10.4.4.1 Transport/Logistics, Trading, and Service Sectors Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.5 Belgium 10.4.5.1 Automotive Industry is Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.6 Russia 10.4.6.1 Aerospace & Defense Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.7 Turkey 10.4.7.1 Building & Construction and Automotive Industries Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.8 Poland 10.4.8.1 Growth in the Chemical Manufacturing Industry Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.4.9 Rest of Europe 10.4.9.1 Commercial & Residential Construction Sectors Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.5 South America 10.5.1 Brazil 10.5.1.1 Aerospace & Defense, Construction, and Automotive Industries Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.5.2 Argentina 10.5.2.1 Increase in the Vehicle Production By Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Psa Peugeot-Citroen, Renault, Scania, Toyota, and Volkswagen Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market in the Country 10.5.3 Rest of South America 10.5.3.1 Rise in the Building & Construction Activities has Increased the Consumption of Carbon Nanotubes in the Rest of South America 10.6 Middle East & Africa 10.6.1 Saudi Arabia 10.6.1.1 Rising Demand From the Automotive, Electronics, Aerospace, Energy, and Construction Industries Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.6.2 South Africa 10.6.2.1 Low Production Costs and Access to New Markets Facilitated By Trade Agreements With the EU and Southern African Development Community Have Driven the Carbon Nanotubes Market 10.6.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa 10.6.3.1 Automotive, Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, and Building & Construction Industries are Expected to Drive the Carbon Nanotubes Market in the Region 11 Competitive Landscape 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Competitive Scenario 11.2.1 Contract/Agreement & Partnership/Joint Venture 11.2.2 New Product Launch 11.2.3 Investment & Expansion 12 Company Profiles 12.1 Nanocyl SA 12.2 Arkema SA 12.3 Cheap Tubes, Inc. 12.4 Showa Denko K.K. 12.5 Toray International Group Limited 12.6 Arry International Group Limited 12.7 Hanwha Corporation 12.8 Cnt Co., Ltd. 12.9 Carbon Solutions, Inc. 12.10 Cnano Technology Ltd. 12.11 Ocsial 12.12 Other Key Companies 12.12.1 Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. 12.12.2 Grafen Chemical Industries (Grafen Co.) 12.12.3 Chengdu Organic Chemicals Co. Ltd. 12.12.4 Klean Commodities 12.12.5 Thomas Swan & Co. Limited 12.12.6 Raymor 12.12.7 Nanolab Inc. 12.12.8 Nanoshel LLC 12.12.9 Advanced Nanopower Inc. 12.12.10 Chasm Advanced Materials, Inc. 12.12.11 Nanothinx S.A. 12.12.12 Nano-C Inc. 12.12.13 Xinnano Materials, Inc. 12.12.14 Reinste Nano Ventures For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hg68ll/global_carbon?w=12 Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Heavy-duty Automotive Aftermarket Analysis Report By Vehicle Type, By Replacement Part (Tires, Brake Parts, Turbochargers), By Service Channel (DIFM, DIY), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global heavy-duty automotive aftermarket size is anticipated to reach USD 155.8 billion by 2025, exhibiting a 4.5% CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing presence of older, more outdated trucks is leading to rise in demand for replacement parts, which in turn, drives the heavy-duty automotive aftermarket. Other factors expected to drive the market include greater wear and tear of vehicles due to frequent use, growth in number of vehicles, and durability of components. Connected trucks are embedded with IoT sensors that enable fleet management companies to obtain real-time data on the condition of replacement parts in trucks. Thus, digitalization and IoT have helped drivers gain insights on the health of the vehicle and to schedule preventive maintenance checks. Subsequently, with more real-time data made available about the vehicles, automotive parts can be replaced periodically. This, in turn, is expected to boost demand for heavy-duty automotive aftermarket components over the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest market share in 2017, followed by Europe. Increasing number of old trucks in regions such as North America and Europe is expected to fuel demand for replacement parts on account of increased wear and tear of these vehicles. South America is poised to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to rising sale of trucks in developing countries such as Brazil. The heavy-duty automotive aftermarket is expected to grow at a higher rate in nations such as South Africa and Brazil owing to poor road infrastructure, which triggers the need for frequent maintenance of transportation fleets. Further key findings from the report suggest: Demand for heavy-duty aftermarket components is expected to grow owing to rising penetration of e-commerce in distribution and sale of automotive components The DIY segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period Rising awareness about emission standards and stringent laws laid down by various governments to limit emissions by heavy-duty vehicles is expected to positively impact the market 3M Company; ATC Technology Corp; Continental AG; Denso Corporation; Detroit Diesel Corporation; Dorian Drake International Inc.; Dorman Products; Federal-Mogul LLC; Instrument Sales & Service, Inc.; Remy International Inc.; and UCI International Inc. are some of the key players in the heavy-duty automotive aftermarket. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope 1.1 Research Methodology 1.2 Research Scope & Assumptions 1.3 List of Data Sources Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket - Industry Snapshot & Key Buying Criteria, 2014 - 2025 2.2 Industry Trends 2.2.1 Vehicle type 2.2.2 Replacement part 2.2.3 Service channel 2.2.4 Region Chapter 3 Industry Outlook 3.1 Market segmentation & scope 3.2 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket Growth Prospects, 2025 3.3 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket - Value Chain 3.4 Market Dynamics 3.4.1 Market driver analysis 3.4.1.1 Improvements in technologies such as connected trucks and hybrid trucks 3.4.1.2 Growth in fleet management services and the number of heavy - duty vehicles 3.4.1.3 Country - wise heavy - duty vehicle statistics 2016 and 2017 3.4.1.4 Rising penetration of e - commerce and online services in automotive aftersales services 3.4.2 Market challenge analysis 3.4.2.1 Need for skilled technicians 3.5 Key Opportunities - Prioritized, 2025 3.6 Company Analysis 3.6.1 Key company analysis, 2017 3.7 Industry Analysis - Porter's 3.8 Heavy duty automotive aftermarket - PEST Analysis Chapter 4 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Replacement Parts Estimates and Trend Analysis 4.1 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Replacement Parts Movement Analysis 4.1.1 Tires 4.1.2 Batteries 4.1.3 Brake parts 4.1.4 Filters 4.1.5 Body parts 4.1.6 Lighting & electronic components 4.1.7 Wheels 4.1.8 Exhaust components 4.1.9 Turbochargers 4.1.10 Others Chapter 5 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Vehicle Type Estimates and Trend Analysis 5.1 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Vehicle Type Movement Analysis 5.1.1 Class 4 to Class 6 5.1.2 Class 7 & Class 8 Chapter 6 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Service Channel Estimates and Trend Analysis 6.1 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Service Channel Movement Analysis 6.1.1 Do It Yourself (DIY) 6.1.2 Original Equipment (OE) seller 6.1.3 Do It For Me (DIFM) Chapter 7 Heavy - Duty Automotive Aftermarket: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape 3M Company ATC Technology Corp Continental AG Denso Corporation Detroit Diesel Corporation Dorian Drake International Inc Dorman Products Federal - Mogul LLC Instrument Sales & Service, Inc. Remy International Inc. UCI International Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mnlswn/global_heavyduty?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. TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle Treatment Centers Network , a leader in comprehensive substance use services, today announced the opening of a new treatment center in Toledo. The center will be the networks 26th location in Ohio. Pinnacle Treatment Centers is dedicated to helping those struggling with substance use and addiction recovery, and will continue to do so, at the new Toledo Treatment Services facility, located at 115 S Reynolds Road in West Toledo. The new facility opens as part of a major statewide expansion of residential and outpatient treatment centers. It plans to accept most major insurance policies and Medicaid. Toledo Treatment Services will employ a flexible, but rigorous, program providing a range of evidence-based treatment options including: individual and group counseling, educational classes, and support groups. The center is also equipped with methadone and buprenorphine to provide effective medication-assisted treatment. We understand how challenging it is for those suffering from addiction to overcome it, said Christine Lechman, Director of Toledo Treatment Services. We want them to know theyre not alone. Our team is committed to being an active part of the recovery community, and we will continue to provide high-caliber treatment to those in need. In 2016, a National Institute on Drug Abuse report recorded 3,613 opioid-related overdose deaths at a rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 people in Ohio, almost twice the national average. To counter these staggering numbers, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is expanding coverage to critically affected areas. Broadening our reach throughout Ohio has allowed us to drive our mission into communities that have been impacted by the opioid crisis. Opening a center in Toledo was the next logical step, and we hope that those in need of our services seek our support, said Joe Pritchard, CEO of Pinnacle Treatment Centers. The Pinnacle Treatment Centers Network provides substance abuse recovery services to thousands of individuals across six states. If you or a loved one need help with addiction recovery, call 419-725-6631. About Pinnacle Treatment Centers Inc. Pinnacle Treatment Centers Network treats 13,000 individuals daily across six states. This includes Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Pinnacle Treatment Center Network provides a full continuum of care that includes outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, medical detoxification, and transitional living programs. The organizations Outpatient Treatment Services recently opened six new locations (Akron, Chillicothe, Youngstown, Cincinnati, Dayton and Zanesville) with other new locations planned as well. The organization focuses on the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being of the individual and provides medication assisted treatment (MAT), individual counseling, group counseling and recommends attendance at twelve-step meetings. TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An action will be held at the PC convention in protest of the Progressive Conservative Partys continuing actions to reduce workers rights in Ontario. Since taking office, Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party have made cuts to social assistance, cancelled important health curriculum, and are planning to take away basic workplace rights that workers won in the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act of 2017, including the upcoming increase to a $15 minimum wage, by passing Bill 47. This action is being organized by the Durham teachers local of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Labour and community groups across Ontario. Educators and allies will be in solidarity to protect two paid sick days and a $15 minimum wage for students and parents across Ontario, rights that 77% of Ontarians support. As education professionals we see the harsh impact poverty has on children when families live paycheque to paycheque. ETFO adds its voice to the majority of what Ontarians already support and with the WE the People Action, we are sending a message to this government to withdraw Bill 47 and invest in public services, said ETFO President Sam Hammond. The attack on paid sick days and a $15 minimum wage is unjust, its unfair and quite honestly, its a petty way to punish workers for an illness or sick kids. I teach in the Durham region. I see kids coming to class sick because their parents are precariously employed and they cant stay home to get better. I see how families are struggling to make ends meet and it hurts the students and it hurts their ability to learn, said Angie Inglis, elementary teacher in Whitby, Ontario. The Ford government needs to withdraw Bill 47 for the sake of the people of Ontario. The labour movement across Ontario is here for this action at the PC Convention to send the message the government of Ontario must ensure decent work laws and the January 1, 2019 increase to a $15 minimum wage, said Ontario Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer Patty Coates. We know that low wages and precarious work has a negative effect on students learning, hurts the health of Ontarians, and pushes people into poverty. This government must withdraw Bill 47. Action information: Place: Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road (Meet on the grass between Dixon Road and City View Lane) Time: November 16, 2018 5:30 7:00 p.m. Speakers to include: Patty Coates Secretary Treasurer, Ontario Federation of Labour Natalie Mehra Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition Navneet (Navi) Ajula Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign, former temporary agency worker For further information, please contact: Meagan Perry Director of Communications, Ontario Federation of Labour mperry@ofl.ca l 416-894-3456 cope343 Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Polyols, Solubilizers & Surfactants/Emulsifiers, Carbohydrates, Specialty Excipients) And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Asia Pacific biopharma excipients market size is poised to reach USD 791.4 million by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.63% during the forecast period. Patent expiry of blockbuster biologics such as Erbitux, Rituxan, Herceptin, Avastin, Aranesp, and Enbrel by 2030 is encouraging investments in biosimilars R&D by biopharma players. Soaring need for novel additives for development of biologics such as those enhancing lyophilization performance to improve stability of biologics is anticipated to boost the demand for excipients. As per drug sales record of 2016, eight out of ten top-selling drugs are biologics. Upcoming patent expiry of biologics is leading to increased R&D for biosimilar formulations. Biopharma players in the market are adopting price reduction strategies in order to promote their products. This is triggering the need for consideration of pricing strategy among excipient manufacturers. Presence of challenges in development of a stable form of biotherapeutic is urging manufacturers to develop novel excipients. Processing and storage of biomolecules are complicated as these products undergo degradation after a slight change in environmental conditions. Rising demand for chemicals that are compatible with these biomolecules and serve additional functions such as binding, bulking, and efficient delivery is stimulating the growth of the market. Technological advancements, such as implementation of nanotechnology in the development of novel compounds to enhance drug delivery, are likely to drive the market. For instance, an Australian provider of microencapsulation for drug delivery, Ceramisphere, expanded its operations for production of nanoparticles with extended-release capacity. Furthermore, Asian countries such as India & China serve as major markets for biogenerics. Key pharmaceutical players in the market are increasing their R&D activities on follow-on-biologic. Biologics R&D is outsourced to CROs in the region as a consequence of cost efficiency provided by them, which is consequently boosting the demand for excipients. Further key findings from the report suggest: Carbohydrates accounted the largest revenue share due to substantial product penetration in the market owing to higher availability of raw materials as well as easy molecular processing characteristics In terms of revenue, the polyols segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.90% during the forecast period Japan dominated the market in terms of revenue. However, in terms of sale volume, the Japanese economy was not on the top as a consequence of high product pricing In February 2014, International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council of India (IPEC) was launched. Leading international pharmaceutical companies are founder members of this council, which includes Dow Chemicals, Lubrizol, BASF, SPI Pharma, Colorcon, Indchem International. It is estimated to assist the government of India in evolving direction, standards, and development of the excipient industry in the country, thus working in favor of the market In August 2016, China FDA announced to review excipients as a part of new drug application. The former system considered separate review approvals for a drug, its excipient, and its active ingredient. Some key companies present in the market are Roquette, DFE Pharma, Pharmonix, Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp., IMCD, Clariant, Signet Chemical Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd., ABITEC, Colorcon, Meggle AG, SPI Pharma, and BASF SE. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Executive Summary Chapter 2 Research Methodology Chapter 3 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market Variables, Trends& Scope 3.1 Market Segmentation & Scope 3.1.1 Market driver analysis 3.1.1.1 Need for novel excipients in biologics/biosimilars development 3.1.1.2 Increasing focus of pharma players on biogeneric market 3.1.1.3 Cost-efficiency and competency of manufacturers 3.1.1.4 Patent expiry of biological actives 3.1.2 Market restraint analysis 3.1.2.1 Challenges in development of excipients for biologics 3.1.2.2 Problems in supply chain 3.1.2.3 Patent challenges and disputes over biosimilars 3.2 Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping for Products, 2017 3.3 Biopharma Excipients Market-SWOT Analysis, By Factor (Political & Legal, Economic And Technological) 3.4 Industry Analysis - Porter's Chapter 4 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market Categorization: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market: Product Movement Analysis 4.2 Solubilizers & Surfactants/Emulsifiers 4.2.1 Asia Pacific solubilizers & surfactants/emulsifiers market, by revenue 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.2.2 Asia Pacific solubilizers & surfactants/emulsifiers market, by volume 2014 - 2025 (Tons) 4.2.3 Triglycerides 4.2.4 Esters 4.2.5 Other solubilizer 4.3 Polyols 4.3.1 Asia Pacific polyols market, by revenue 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.3.2 Asia Pacific polyols market, by volume 2014 - 2025 (Tons) 4.3.3 Mannitol 4.3.4 Sorbitol 4.3.5 Other polyols 4.4 Carbohydrates 4.4.1 Asia Pacific carbohydrates market, by revenue 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.4.2 Asia Pacific carbohydrates market, by volume 2014 - 2025 (Tons) 4.4.3 Dextrose 4.4.4 Sucrose 4.4.5 Starch 4.4.6 Others 4.5 Specialty Biopharma Excipients/Others Chapter 5 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market Categorization: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excipients Market: Regional Movement Analysis 5.2 Japan 5.3 China 5.4 India 5.5 Malaysia 5.6 South Korea 5.7 Philippines 5.8 New Zealand 5.9 Australia 5.10 Singapore 5.11 Indonesia Chapter 6 Competitive Landscape 6.1 Strategy Framework 6.2 Market Participation Categorization 6.3 Company Profiles Merck KGaA Signet Chemical Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd. ABITEC Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp. Roquette IMCD Pharmonix Clariant DFE Pharma Colorcon SPI Pharma JRS PHARMA BASF SE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dkl97g/asia_pacific?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. Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electric Scooters Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Standing /Self-Balancing, Folding, Retro), By Battery (Sealed Lead Acid, Li-Ion), By Voltage, And Segment Forecasts 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global electric scooter market size is expected to reach USD 28.56 billion by 2025 at a 7.3% CAGR during the forecast period. Growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles over shorter distances, rising carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and government initiatives encouraging adoption of green vehicles are expected to drive the electric scooters market. Favorable demographic conditions and ease of transportation have also fueled demand for electric scooters across the globe. Increasing fuel prices are the most impactful factor driving consumers to find alternative modes of transport. This, combined with the announcement of The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to curb oil output, has favored the adoption of green transportation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), escalating fuel and oil prices are underpinning economic conditions for alternatives such as electric vehicles and biofuels. Moreover, electric scooter sales are supported by government subsidies in European and Asian regions. These policies are expected to become more resilient with soaring fuel prices. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period owing to increasing investments in vehicle charging infrastructure. Moreover, countries such as China and Taiwan are emerging as manufacturing hubs for electric scooters. In 2017, China accounted for around 87% share in the Asia Pacific electric scooter market. North America is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The goal of reaching 1.5 million zero emission vehicles by the governor of California by 2025 is contributing to regional demand. The market for electric scooters is however, witnessing some challenges owing to new traffic laws being framed by regulatory bodies in lieu of public safety. Further key findings from the study suggest: By product, the retro segment is expected to dominate the market owing to significant demand among youth and elderly population for electric scooters fitted with seats Based on battery, the sealed lead acid segment dominated the market. However, stringent laws to reduce lead released into the environment are compelling manufacturers to incorporate NiMH and Li-Ion batteries Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest regional market over the forecast period due to massive investments in vehicle charging infrastructure Prominent industry participants include Gogoro, Inc.; Terra Motors Corporation; Mahindra GenZe; Vmoto Limited; Xinri Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd.; and BMW Motorrad International Key Topics Covered Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Definitions Chapter 4 Industry Outlook Chapter 5 Electric Scooters Market: Product Segment Analysis 5.1 Retro 5.2 Standing/Self-Balancing 5.3 Folding Chapter 6 Electric Scooters Market: Battery Segment Analysis 6.1 Sealed Lead Acid 6.2 Nimh 6.3 Li-Ion Chapter 7 Electric Scooters Market: System Segment Analysis 7.1 24V 7.2 36V 7.3 48V 7.4 Greater Than 48V Chapter 8 Electric Scooters Market: Regional Outlook 8.1 North America 8.2 Europe 8.3 Asia Pacific 8.4 Latin America 8.5 Middle East & Africa Chapter 9 Company Profiles 9.1 AllCell Technologies LLC 9.2 BMW Motorrad International 9.3 BOXX Corporation 9.4 Brammo Inc. 9.5 Gogoro Inc. 9.6 Green Energy Motors Corp. 9.7 Greenwit Technologies Inc. 9.8 Honda Motor Co. Ltd. 9.9 Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Co. Ltd. 9.10 KTM AG 9.11 Mahindra GenZe 9.12 Peugeot Scooters 9.13 Suzuki Motor Corporation 9.14 Terra Motors Corporation 9.15 Vmoto Limited 9.16 Yadea Technology Group Co. Ltd. 9.17 Yamaha Motor Company Limited 9.18 Zero Motorcycles Inc. Chapter 10 KOL Commentary Chapter 11 Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/smvvkm/electric?w=12 LAS VEGAS, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Las Vegas Marriott provides guests easy access to the Las Vegas Convention Center, as the iconic venue undergoes a brand new expansion. Located within walking distance of the Las Vegas Convention Center hotel , the convention center is set to finish its expansion in time for CES 2021. The LVCCD expansion is set to add 1.4 million square feet to the facility, including 600,000 square feet of new exhibit space. The expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center will take our ability to bring business to the destination to a new level by allowing us to welcome more shows, more exhibitors and more delegates, said Lawrence Weekly, chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Clark County Commissioner. Situated within walking distance of the convention center, the Las Vegas Hotel offers large, suite-style rooms with a host of amenities and modern comforts for guests, especially long-term stay travelers in town for expos and conventions. The hotels location also puts guests conveniently close to the strip and all that Las Vegas has to offer. The third phase of the expansion project will see the completion of a renovation of the existing 3.2 million-square-foot facility, to be completed by 2023. The project is set to allow the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to pursue new business opportunities, bringing guests of the Las Vegas Marriott instant access to the growing venue in the city as it expands. The expansion and renovation will help create nearly 14,000 construction jobs and more than 7,800 full-time jobs, as well as generate $2.1 billion for the local economy. The project is set to have a huge impact on the economic growth and expansion of meetings in Las Vegas . For more information, or to plan a stay at the hotel, call +1 702-650-2000. About Las Vegas Marriott Las Vegas Marriott invites you to experience stylish accommodations, thoughtful amenities and excellent service. You'll find the hotel just a short walk from the Las Vegas Convention Center; the legendary Strip is close by, as is the monorail station, which provides easy access all over town. Stretch out in your comfortable, suite-like room and enjoy perks like pillowtop bedding, a mini-fridge, high-speed internet access and a marble bathroom. Elsewhere at the hotel, you can enjoy a meal at Cafe 325 or The Garage or cool off in our shimmering outdoor pool. If you're hosting an event, you'll be thrilled with our light-filled event venues - including the 17th-floor foyer, which boasts impressive views. The best of the area is within your reach as well; in addition to being walking distance from the LVCC, we're a quick drive from the University of Nevada. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/638b3875-b5f1-42fa-a981-59eeddeca97e CONTACT: Las Vegas Marriott 325 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 USA +1 702-650-2000 https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasst-las-vegas-marriott/ Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Gene Expression Analysis Market by Product and Services (Consumables (Reagents, DNA chips), Instruments (PCR, NGS), Services (Gene Expression Profiling)), End User (Pharma and Biotech Companies, Research Centers) - Global Forecasts to 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market for gene expression analysis market is expected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2018 to USD 4.9 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8% during the forecast period. Growth in the market is primarily driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of cancer, growing application areas of genomics, and the availability of gene expression databases. By product and services, the consumables segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period The increasing volume of genetic tests in drug discovery, biomarker discovery, and pharmacogenomics applications are driving the growth of the consumables market. The increasing installation of NGS and PCR equipment worldwide will significantly boost the demand for consumables. By end user, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are expected to be the largest contributor to the gene expression analysis market Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies utilize gene expression analysis products and services to achieve their clinical research goals, such as drug discovery and development and biotech research. Biopharmaceutical companies focus on developing targeted therapies, especially for the treatment of cancer, complex diseases, and rare genetic disorders. CROs offer a number of gene expression analysis services, including gene expression profiling services such as NGS. This is increasing the demand for gene expression analysis services offered by CROs. North America is expected to hold a significant share in the gene expression analysis market during the forecast period Factors such as the development of gene therapy, focus on gene expression studies, government initiatives, and the availability of funding for NGS research are driving the growth of the market in North America. The major vendors in the global market are Illumina, Inc. (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), and Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US). Other players involved in this market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), GE Healthcare (UK), Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (US), BGI (China), PerkinElmer (US), Agilent Technologies Inc. (US), QIAGEN N. V. (Netherlands), Oxford Gene Technologies, Ltd. (UK), and Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg). Market Developments Biorad acquired of RainDance Technologies, a droplet-based PCR systems manufacturer. RainDance Technologies has a more focused portfolio, primarily known for its droplet-based technologies for digital PCR (dPCR). Thermo Fisher Scientific completes acquisition of Affymetrix, a leading provider of cellular and genetic analysis products. Key Topics Covered 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives of the Study 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Market Scope 1.3.1 Markets Covered 1.3.2 Years Considered for the Study 1.4 Currency 1.5 Limitations 1.6 Stakeholders 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Research Methodology Steps 2.1.1 Secondary and Primary Research Methodology 2.1.2 Secondary Research 2.1.2.1 Secondary Sources 2.1.2.2 Primary Research 2.1.2.3 Primary Sources 2.1.2.4 Key Insights From Primary Sources 2.1.3 Market Size Estimation Methodology 2.1.4 Market Data Estimation and Triangulation 2.2 Assumptions 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Gene Expression Analysis Market Overview 4.2 Geographic Analysis: European Market, By Product & Services 4.3 Market, By Product and Services, 2018 vs 2023 4.4 Market, By End User, 2018 vs 2023 4.5 Geographic Snapshot of the Gene Expression Analysis Market 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Decreasing Cost of Sequencing 5.2.1.2 Technological Advancements 5.2.1.3 Rising Prevalence of Cancer 5.2.1.4 Availability of Government Funding 5.2.1.5 Novel Technologies to Aid Gene Expression Studies 5.2.1.6 Growing Application Areas of Gene Expression 5.2.1.7 Availability of Gene Expression Databases 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 High Cost of Instruments 5.2.2.2 Shortage of Trained Professionals 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Emerging Countries to Provide Growth Opportunities 5.2.3.2 Growing Use of Gene Expression Analysis in Precision Medicine 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Currency Devaluation 6 Market, By Product & Service 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Consumables 6.2.1 The Market for Consumables is Estimated to Account for A Share of 62.0% of the Total Market in 2018. the Consumables Segment is Further Divided Into Reagents and Microarray/DNA Chips. 6.3 Reagents 6.3.1 Growing Number of Sequencing Service Centers to Aid the Growth of the Reagents Market 6.4 DNA Chips 6.4.1 Declining Use of DNA Microarray Technology Expected to Result in Sluggish Growth 6.5 Instruments 6.6 PCR Instruments 6.6.1 Advent of Enhanced Ddpcr to Aid the PCR Market for Gene Expression 6.7 Next-Generation Sequencing Instruments 6.7.1 NGS to Overtake Microarrays Market in the Coming Years 6.8 DNA Microarrays 6.8.1 Despite Sluggish Growth Rate, DNA Microarrays Will Witness Sustained Use in the Coming Years 6.9 Other Instruments 6.9.1 Growing Focus on Cancer Therapeutics, Genetics Will Support the Market for Sage 6.10 Services 6.11 Gene Expression Profiling Services 6.12 Sequencing Services 6.12.1 Reduction in Sequencing Costs, Technological Advancements Will Drive the Market for Sequencing Services 6.13 Other Services 6.13.1 Wide Application Areas of QPCR Services to Aid in the Growth of This Market Segment 6.13.2 Bioinformatics Solutions 7 Market, By End User 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies 7.2.1 Increasing Clinical Research on Drug Discovery and Biomarker Development to Support the Growth of This End-User Segment 7.3 Academic Institutes and Research Centers 7.3.1 Growing Government Funding to Drive the Adoption of Gene Expression Analysis Techniques in Academic Institutes and Research Centers 7.4 Other End Users 7.4.1 This Segment Includes Non-Profit Organizations (NPOS), Agri-Genomics Organizations, Reference Laboratories, and Consumer Genomics Companies 8 Market, By Region 8.1 Introduction 8.2 North America 8.2.1 US 8.2.2 Canada 8.3 Europe 8.3.1 UK 8.3.2 Germany 8.3.3 Spain 8.3.4 France 8.3.5 Italy 8.3.5.1 Government Funding for Life Science Research to Aid the Italian Market 8.3.6 Rest of Europe 8.4 Asia Pacific 8.4.1 China 8.4.1.1 Domestic Manufacturing of Sequencing Systems to Drive Market Growth in China 8.4.2 Japan 8.4.2.1 Increasing Government Focus on Cancer Research to Drive the Market Growth in Japan 8.4.3 Australia 8.4.3.1 Increasing Research Activities in the Fields of Genetics and Genomics to Aid Market Growth in Australia 8.4.4 India 8.4.4.1 Decreasing Sequencing Cost and Growing Prevalence of Target Diseases to Support Market Growth in India 8.4.5 Rest of Asia Pacific (RoAPAC) 8.5 Rest of the World (RoW) 8.5.1 Greater Adoption of Genetic Testing and Genomic Analysis to Drive Market Growth in This Region 9 Competitive Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Market Ranking of Players, 2017 9.3 Competitive Scenario 9.3.1 Product Launches & Approvals 9.3.2 Acquisitions 9.3.3 Partnerships, Agreements, & Collaborations 10 Company Profiles 10.1 Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. 10.1.1 Business Overview 10.1.2 Products Offered 10.1.3 Recent Developments 10.2 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 10.3 Illumina, Inc. 10.4 Agilent Technologies 10.5 F. Hoffmann-La Roche 10.6 GE Healthcare 10.7 Perkinelmer, Inc. 10.8 Qiagen N.V. 10.9 Oxford Gene Technology 10.10 Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. 10.11 BGI 10.12 Eurofins Scientific For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6tgkgt/gene_expression?w=12 New York, NY, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Weyland Tech Inc. (WEYL) ("Weyland " or the "Company"), a provider of mobile business applications, today updates shareholders on its Q3 results and business outlook. The quarter ended September 30, 2018 was both affirming and transitional for Weyland, stated Brent Suen, CEO, continuing, Our core business, CreateApp, a Platform as a Service (PaaS) do-it-yourself tool-kit for small businesses to create mobile applications that facilitate mobile commerce, experienced significant revenue growth and an enriching evolution of its financial and operational relationship with white label partners. Service Revenue has increased 220% year over year reaching $8,436,412 from $3,826,718 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase was initiated by release of the 3rd generation of the PaaS platform. Our net loss expanded from $102,239 to $1,997,735, from factors related to maintaining our strong growth trajectory; and the costs related to a near completed special dividend of the equity in an unconsolidated subsidiary, AtoZPay. The Company had made substantial investment in opening new markets, but is currently considering reducing this expense and focusing on the better than expected opportunities in its core markets, primarily Indonesia. Incurring substantial costs related to AtoZPay without the benefit of consolidating its over $1 million per month in revenue, adversely affected earnings for the quarter. Weyland shareholders of record on October 12, 2018, will receive their pro-rata equity in the form of shares of 49% of AtoZPay later this quarter. Weyland maintains a nominally priced option to acquire 31% of AtoZPay which management believes holds significant value and expects monetization in the form of a public offering or trade sale as soon as calendar 2019. For more information on AtoZPay please contact AtoZPays investor relations representative at: ir@atozpay.co.id Dilution from the issuance of approximately 5.373 million shares for consultancy services provided cash-conserving, goal-aligning, motivational compensation of 19 individuals at the core of Weylands operations. Most of these shares are under a lock-up of at least two years allowing the market for shares to mature and were issued in lieu of market-rate salaries and directors fees. Our goal is to align our stakeholders, including partners, consumers, staff, management and investors as shareholders, commented Suen. Weyland has validated both its product offering and strategy this quarter with significant, scalable revenue growth. Management also sees continued pricing power on existing offerings and substantial opportunity to profit from what is becoming an integral part of business infrastructure in some of the fastest growing economies globally with both existing and intended telecom partners. About Weyland Tech Inc. Weyland Tech is a global provider of mobile business applications. Its CreateApp platform offers a mobile presence to businesses in emerging markets, with partnerships on 3 continents and growing. This DIY mobile application platform, offered in 14 languages with over 35 integrated modules, enables small and medium sized businesses ("SMB's") to create native mobile applications ("apps") for Apple's iOS and Google Android without technical knowledge or background, empowering SMB's to increase sales, reach more customers and promote their products and services in an easy, affordable and efficient manner. In May 2018, the Company expanded its portfolio to fintech applications with the launch of its AtozPay mobile payments platform. The mobile wallet launched in the worlds 4th most populous country, Indonesia, and is already experiencing rapid growth in transactions taking place on the platform. Follow Weyland Tech online at: Weyland Tech Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/weylandtech ) Weyland Tech Twitter Feed ( https://twitter.com/weylandtechinc ) Weyland Tech LinkedIn Page ( https://linkedin.com/company/weylandtech ) Brent Suen, CEO Public Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/BrentSuenWEYL ) Brent Suen, CEO Public Twitter Feed ( https://www.twitter.com/BrentSuenWEYL ) Safe Harbor Statement This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the continued growth of the e-commerce segment and the ability of the Company to continue its expansion into that segment; the ability of the Company to attract customers and partners and generate revenues; the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plan; the business strategy, plans, and objectives of the Company; and any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website ( http://www.sec.gov) . All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume any duty to update these forward-looking statements. Latvian English Riga, Latvia, 16 November 2018. Mogo Finance and its group companies (the Group), specialized in used car financing, announce the settlement and listing of the EUR 25 million tap on its existing 9.50% corporate bond 2018/2022 (XS1831877755) effective today in the Open Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The announced listing of the bonds on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange will follow soon, subject to the expected approval of the prospectus by the CSSF in Luxembourg. For more information, please contact: Mogo Finance (CFO) Email: maris.kreics@mogofinance.com Maris Kreics +371 66 900 900 Aalto Capital Email: sven.pauly@aaltocapital.com Sven Pauly +49 89 898 67 77 0 Notes to Editors: Mogo Finance is one of largest and fastest growing secured used car financing companies in Europe. Recognizing the niche in used car financing underserved by traditional lenders, Mogo Finance has expanded its operations to 12 countries issuing over EUR 320 million up to date and running a net loan portfolio over EUR 130 million. Mogo offers secured loans up to EUR 15,000 with maximum tenor of 84 months making used car financing process convenient, both for its customers and partners. Wide geographical presence makes Mogo unique over its rivals and diversifies revenue streams. Mogo Finance operates through its own branch network, more than 1,500 partner locations and strong online presence. Physical footprint makes Mogo Finance top of mind brand in used car financing. Established in 2012, headquartered in Riga, Latvia and operates in: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Georgia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Albania, Belarus, Armenia and Ukraine. www.mogofinance.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions. None of Mogo Finance, KNG Securities LLP, ABG Sundal Collier AB, Bankhaus Scheich Wertpapierspezialist AG, BlueOrange Bank AS, Gottex Brokers SA and STX Fixed Income B.V. or their respective representatives accept any legal responsibility for any violation by any person, whether or not the persons contemplating investing in or divesting Mogos securities, including the bonds, are aware of such restrictions. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This announcement constitutes advertising material and is meant as preliminary information about an upcoming securities offering by the Issuer for sounding general investor interest. This document in particular does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the Prospectus Directive) and does not constitute a public offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (the EEA). This announcement does not constitute an offer of bonds to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the bonds. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as Relevant Persons). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the bonds do not constitute packaged products and will be offered to eligible counterparties and professional clients only. HERNDON, Va., Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sean Kelley, a senior executive, public speaker and radio personality with over 20 years of IT experience in the federal and private sector, has joined Unissant as the Executive Vice President, IT/Dev Operations. Were very excited to have Sean join us, says Unissant President Ken Bonner. His experience in information technology, cybersecurity and developing strategic relationships to achieve business goals is going to further fuel the growth at Unissant. He is going to be a valuable addition to our executive management and will fit in tremendously well with the rest of the executive team. Prior to joining the Federal Government in 2012 where he served as a member of the Senior Executives Services as Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Veteran Affairs and Chief Information Security Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, Sean held positions as an Independent Consultant with numerous Healthcare IT companies. Sean served in a variety of key IT positions within Navy Medicine, including the CIO for the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Comfort during Disaster Relief for the Haitian Earthquake, the CIO for Navy Medicine Corporate Headquarters, the Director for the Navy Medicine Enterprise IT Program Management Office and as an IT Manager for the Attending Physician to Congress (OAP), before retiring in 2011. Mr. Kelley has taught cybersecurity at the Masters and Bachelors Degree levels and was an SANS Institute On-Demand Instructor and course author. He was also President of the Government Information Technology Executive Council (GITEC). CapEx Investments in GITEC Platforms and infrastructure and aggressive sale goals resulted in 130% increase in revenue during his tenure. Mr. Kelley has a B.S. in Healthcare Management, an M.A. in Computer Resource and Information Management, and an M.S. in Information Technology Management with a focus in networking and information assurance. He studied at the Naval Postgraduate Schools Center for Information Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR) and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). In addition to being a contributing author for the Computer Security Handbook in Security Policy and the VAs Cybersecurity Strategy White Paper for the White House and Congress, he is also the host of Cyber Chat on federalnewsradio.com and is a 2018 FedHealthIT 100 awardee. About Unissant Inc. Unissant is an advanced data analytics and business transformation services provider with expertise in healthcare and health IT, finance, national security, and energy. The company delivers innovative solutions to assist government agencies and private sector businesses in tackling their biggest challenges. Founded in 2006, Unissant is a prime contractor on various government vehicles such as CIO-SP3, GSA PSS, GSA HealthIT SIN, and GSA 8(a) STARS II and is a CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001 & 27001 certified company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia with a satellite office in San Antonio, Texas. In March 2017, Unissant received the Government Project of the Year award by Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum (SECAF). LONDON and CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM/TSX-V: MKA) (the "Company" or "Mkango") announces the exercise of warrants over 50,000 common shares without par value in the share capital of the Company ("New Shares") at an exercise price of 6.6 pence each, for an aggregate consideration of 3,300. The New Shares will rank pari passu with the existing shares and application has been made for the New Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Admission"). It is expected that Admission will become effective and dealings in the New Shares will commence at 8:00a.m. on or around 21st November 2018. The New Shares will also trade on the Toronto Venture Exchange. In accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR 5.6.1R) the Company hereby notifies the market that immediately following Admission, its issued share capital will consist of 111,102,218 shares. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury. Shareholders may use this figure as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. Mkango also announces that its registered office address has changed to 550 Burrard Street, Suite 2900, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3, Canada. Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure Certain information contained in this announcement may have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement. About Mkango Resources Limited Mkango's primary business is exploration for rare earth elements and associated minerals in the Republic of Malawi, a country whose hospitable people have earned it a reputation as the Warm Heart of Africa. The Company holds interests in three exclusive prospecting licenses in Malawi, the Phalombe licence, the Thambani licence and the Chimimbe Hill licence. For more information, please visit www.mkango.ca . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of that term under applicable securities laws) with respect to Mkango, its business and the Project. Generally, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or is expected, scheduled, estimates intends, anticipates, believes, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results can, may, could, would, should, might or will, occur or be achieved, or the negative connotations thereof. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the global market for products using the rare earth metals the Company is exploring for, completion of the feasibility study and of the transactions contemplated in the agreement with Talaxis, as well as the use of proceeds from the investments into the Company by Talaxis and the timing of such expenditures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, market demand for the metals and associated downstream products for which Mkango is exploring, researching and developing, the positive results of a feasibility study on the Project, delays in obtaining financing or governmental or stock exchange approvals. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. For further information on Mkango, please contact: Mkango Resources Limited William Dawes Chief Executive Officer will@mkango.ca UK: +44 207 3722 744 Canada: +1 403 444 5979 www.mkango.ca @MkangoResources Alexander Lemon President alex@mkango.ca Blytheweigh Financial Public Relations Tim Blythe, Camilla Horsfall, Julia Tilley UK: +44 207 138 3204 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker Jeff Keating, Caroline Rowe UK: +44 20 3470 0470 Alternative Resource Capital Joint Broker Alex Wood, Rob Collins UK: +44 20 7186 9004; +44 20 7186 9001 The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) and may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. Attributes 327% Percent Revenue Growth to Focus on Excellence and Driving Efficiency and Productivity HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onit, Inc. a leading provider of enterprise legal management, contract management and business process automation solutions, today announced it ranked 264 on Deloittes Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Onit grew 327% percent during this period. Securing a placement on Deloittes Technology Fast 500 in 2018 is a real honor for Onit, as well as for me personally, commented Onit CEO Eric M. Elfman. This offers tangible confirmation that our challenge to the prevailing process management model has been working well. Our solution-based approach to legal operations management breaks up workflow processes into individual task-based solutions and processes and has been enthusiastically received by companies globally. I attribute Onits remarkable 327% revenue growth to that successful challenge and our never-ending quest for excellence in helping clients reach their goals of efficiency and productivity. Deloittes Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth. Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics, said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloittes audit and assurance practice. This years ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. Click here to see the complete Technology Fast 500 ranking list. About Onit Onit is a leading provider of Enterprise Legal Management (ELM) solutions for the 21st century. Brought to you by the same team that created Spend Management a generation ago, Onit is transforming the way legal departments drive operational and process improvements. By focusing on process, Onits solutions help customers drive tremendous gains in efficiency, accelerate transaction velocity and reduce costs. For more information, visit www.onit.com or contact 1-800-281-1330. ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cadence Aerospace, a provider of highly complex aerospace components and assemblies to commercial and defense customers, announces today the appointment of Darren Waltier as Director, Business Development, Cadence AerospaceAerostructures. With Centers of Excellence based in the U.S. and Mexico, Cadence Aerospace serves the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft, aerostructures, aeroequipment and other defense platforms. Mr. Waltier brings an expansive portfolio of skills to his new role of building new business for Cadence while helping to enhance and deepen relationships with existing customers. He reports to Robert Saia, Senior Vice President, Business Development for Cadence Aerospace, and joins the Companys growing and continuously strengthening Business Development team. Darren is a transformational leader with more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace and aviation industry, and I am pleased and excited to welcome him to the Cadence Aerospace team, said Tom Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of Cadence Aerospace. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and implemented strategies for sales, marketing, business development, customer service and contract development, offering demonstrated leadership and influence across functions, geographies and customers. Darren already has begun applying these proficiencies at Cadence, and we believe his contributions will be instrumental at our Company. Most recently, Mr. Waltier served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Commercial Airline division of International Water-Guard, where he was responsible for all marketing and sales activities while positioning and presenting new products and technologies to the 737/MAX commercial airline market and operators. During his tenure at International Water-Guard, he also founded Pacific Aero Partners, LLC, an aviation and aerospace consultancy providing advisory services to the airline industry and the Boeing/OEM sectors of the aerospace industry. From 1999 to 2016, Mr. Waltier served as Director of Sales and Contracts, among other roles, for Aviation Partners Boeing. While there, he managed international customer relationships, influencing customer decision makers, tailoring value propositions to customer interests and needs, and negotiating, executing and closing sales contracts. Prior to joining Aviation Partners Boeing, Mr. Waltier was a Contracts Manager for Hexcel Structures and was responsible for customer service, program management and overseeing special projects. Prior to that, he served as a Contracts and Program Manager for AIM Aviation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Waltier also held various sales and buying positions with companies in the aviation and aerospace industry including Swagelok, Seattle Valve & Fitting and Heath Tecna Aerospace Company. He began his career as a buyer for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, purchasing complex machined parts, major assemblies, and other components supporting Boeing production aircraft. Mr. Waltier holds a Bachelor of Science in Business AdministrationMarketing Concentration from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. About Cadence Aerospace Cadence Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners, is a leading aerospace and defense industry supplier committed to achieving success with its business partners through active engagement, aligned manufacturing and sourcing strategies, and industry-leading capabilities. The Companys Centers of Excellence, based in the U.S. and Mexico, produce machined parts, subassemblies, assemblies and repair and overhaul services for the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft, aerostructures, aeroequipment and other defense platforms. With clearly defined products and services, complementary capabilities, positions on programs offering long-term growth, a balanced and global aerospace, commercial and defense portfolio, Cadence Aerospace offers outstanding quality and delivery at cost-competitive prices to aerospace and defense companies globally. About Arlington Capital Partners Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-area private equity firm that has managed $2.2 billion of committed capital via four investment funds, including Arlington's fourth and most recent $700 million fund. Arlington is focused on middle market investment opportunities in growth industries, including: aerospace/defense, government services and technology, healthcare, and business services and software. The firm's professionals and network have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enables Arlington to be a value-added investor. Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their Company's position as leading competitors in their field. Media Contacts: Peter Manos pmanos@arlingtoncap.com Bilal Noor bnoor@arlingtoncap.com Arlington Capital Partners 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Phone: +1.202.337.7500 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cab1de10-1b22-464a-927f-a455da71d89b TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States PIMCO Canada Corp. (PIMCO Canada) today announced the November 2018 cash distributions for the ETF series (ETF Series) of the PIMCO Canada mutual funds that distribute monthly (Funds). Unitholders of record of the ETF Series, at the close of business on November 23, 2018, will receive per-unit cash distribution payable on November 30, 2018. Details of the per-unit cash distribution amount are as follows: Fund Name Ticker Cash Distribution per Unit PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) PMIF $0.05095 PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Fund (Canada) IGCF $0.05370 PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) US$ PMIF.U US$0.05184 The Manager, PIMCO Canada administers and manages the PIMCO Canada ETFs, and retains Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC, (PIMCO), to provide sub-advisory services to the Funds. About PIMCO PIMCO is one of the worlds premier fixed income investment managers. With our launch in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. In the 45+ years since, we have continued to bring innovation and expertise to our partnership with clients seeking the best investment solutions. Today we have offices across the globe and 2,150+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions expect, intend, will and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Funds. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Funds, PIMCO Canadas and/or PIMCOs current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, market factors. Although the Funds, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Funds, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in the ETF Series Units. Please read the prospectus and ETF Facts carefully before investing. The ETF Series Units are not guaranteed, their value may change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. For a summary of the risks of an investment in the fund, please see the specific risks of mutual funds section of the prospectus. Units of ETF Series trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase risk of loss. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/or elimination. The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose. PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO LLC as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser. Contact: Agnes Crane PIMCO Media Relations Phone: +212 597.1054 Email: agnes.crane@pimco.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Edison International (NYSE: EIX) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws. To obtain additional information, go to: https://www.zlk.com/pslra-1/edison-international-loss-form or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firms attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. English French TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, the Ontario government cancelled plans to open the provinces first French-language university in southern Ontario, set to open in 2020, despite having made promises not to do so during the election campaign and after taking office. In the same announcement, Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli indicated that the province will be eliminating the positions of three independent officers the French Language Services Commissioner, the Environmental Commissioner and Ontario Child Advocate and rolling their responsibilities into the offices of the auditor general and the provincial ombudsman. Both of these announcements were made as part of the governments cost-cutting plan For the People to reduce the provincial budget. This unexpected news has been met with harsh criticism and disappointment among Francophone students, faculty and community groups across Ontario. Creating this French-language university was necessary to improve the quality of education for the 600,000 Francophones living across this province, said Nour Alideeb, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. French-speaking students in Ontario pay some of the highest tuition fees in the country, yet face all sorts of challenges when attending college or university due to a historic lack of resources and programming for French-language learners. In their short-sighted attempt to save money, Fords government has essentially wasted decades of funding and consultations that had been building towards this project. The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario had lobbied the provincial government for increased funding for French-language education and to ensure that the funding for the new French-language university did not take away from existing Francophone institutions. The cancellation of the French-language university comes only a few weeks after the sudden cancellation of three additional new campus projects in Milton, Brampton and Markham. These actions amount to a significant funding cut for the post-secondary sector. Now by eliminating the position of the French Language Services Commissioner, who was responsible for protecting the rights and interests of Franco-Ontarians, it will be harder for people to advocate for themselves when the services they need are not being provided, said Alideeb. When looked at side-by-side, these two cancellations amount to a huge step backwards when it comes to improving the social, economic and political life of the Francophone community in this province. The French Language Services Commissioner was responsible for receiving complaints about French-language government services and exercising its powers of investigation to make recommendations with respect to the delivery of these services. The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario represents 350,000 students in Ontario, including the majority of Francophone post-secondary students in the province. For more information contact: Ian McRae, Government Relations & Policy Coordinator: 416-925-3825 or 306-852-0128 (cell) Nour Alideeb, Chairperson: 416-925-3825 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. ???| Participacion peruana en la 30 Reunion Ministerial de #APEC2018 en Papua Nueva Guinea.#Peru20AnosAPEC ?https://t.co/GpTvMucMTQ pic.twitter.com/OToTZOqz22 Within this framework, the magistrate affirmed there is serious suspicion that Figari and Herz may have participated in alleged money laundering offenses. In both cases, there is evidence of their alleged involvement in the criminal organization ingrained within Fuerza 2011 (now Fuerza Popular) , and in the acquisition of illegal resources that were then deposited in the party's bank accounts through fake donors. According to the judge, this criminal organization might have created impunity networks, thus taking over diverse State institutions, as a protected witness has pointed out. Furthermore, Fuerza Popular's Telegram chats have shown Pier Figari had been coordinating with the party's Congress members methods to discredit Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez. Ana Herz has worked closely with Keiko Fujimori since 1995, when Fujimori served as First Lady of Peru. They met at Lima-based Hospital del Nino, and Herz helped Fujimori create the Cardio Child Foundation. In 2009, Herz appeared as Fuerza Popular's secretary and alongside Figari was in charge of selecting Congress candidates for the 2016 elections. On the other hand, Figari lawyer by profession had been responsible for Fuerza Popular's presidential campaign in 2011, as well as a member of the party's National Executive Committee until 2017. Montesinos was the long-standing head of Peru's intelligence service (SIN) under former President Alberto Fujimori , Keiko's father. In 2000, secret videos which he had recorded were televised that showed him bribing an elected congressman to leave the opposition and join the Fujimorist side of Congress. After having fled to Japan and traveled to Chile from where he was extradited to Peru the Fujimori patriarch was sentenced for crimes against human rights and corruption committed during his term in office. In 2017, he was pardoned by ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski , who later stepped down amid a political scandal. ?????? El tejido multicolor mide 288.55 metros y fue elaborado con 250 kilos de fibra de oveja y segun Gloria Choquepata, artesana y propulsora del telar, la obra fue por los 101 anos de la provincia de Espinar https://t.co/giqwJXWpNB (Video: Percy Hurtado) pic.twitter.com/j2VefjkTfW En el marco de la #26CumbreGT, el presidente @MartinVizcarraC se reunio con el mandatario de Panama, @JC_Varela, para reforzar la relacion bilateral y cooperacion de ambos paises en temas de lucha contra el trafico ilicito de drogas, turismo e industria naval. pic.twitter.com/tU4lyqBp6w #SomosIberoamerica El presidente @MartinVizcarraC y jefes de Estado y de Gobierno se reunen en Guatemala para estrechar los vinculos de amistad y cooperacion entre los paises iberoamericanos. #26CumbreGT ?? Foto oficial pic.twitter.com/DITSEuV7Yf English French Technical expertise and innovative approaches to safety recognized at annual awards ceremony CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canadas premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it celebrated the outstanding achievements of its employees last week during the 2018 CNL Awards of Excellence. Held at the Normandy Officers Mess at Garrison Petawawa, the annual employee recognition ceremony celebrates individuals and teams whose hard work, determination and accomplishments help CNL deliver its science and technology initiatives and ongoing major projects. Through their work, employees help CNL provide nuclear science and technology products and services to both federal and commercial customers, while safely addressing Canadas nuclear liabilities. One of the unique strengths of CNL is our integrated nature. Challenges and projects at CNL are met head on, and overcome, not by individuals but by teams of people with diverse backgrounds, skill sets and capabilities, commented Mark Lesinski, President and CEO of CNL. Our campuses draw together some of the worlds brightest minds in nuclear, but also highly skilled technicians, tradespeople, engineers, and project leaders. The teams which are being recognized this year truly reflect this integration. CNLs Awards of Excellence are organized into two categories. The first, known as the D.F. Torgeson Discovery Award, is named after CNLs former Executive Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Dave Torgeson, which recognizes employees for the generation of new or innovative ideas and solutions, significant research or technical achievements, and new business initiatives. This year, the Discovery Award was given to Bruce Addicott, Michael Banks, Robert Bowden, Matthew Dickerson, Paul Feenstra, Vinson Gauthier, John Jackson, Victor Janzen, Anne McLellan, Jim Patrick, Muhammad Saleem, Teguewinde Sawadogo, Bruce Smith, and Lan Qin Yuan recognizing the successful conclusion of a difficult series of experiments related to vibration and ultimately premature wear on steam generator tubes within nuclear power reactors. Intense international interest in this mechanism was created when a replacement steam generator in the United States experienced this phenomena during its first operating cycle. The work of this team will help improve the operating lifetimes of existing reactors and the reliability of new reactor and steam generator designs, and has put CNL at the forefront of international research into flow-induced vibration of steam generator and heat exchanger tube arrays. The Distinguished Merit Award, is given to employees who have made exceptional contributions in productivity improvements, achievements of increased revenue, decreased operating costs, safety innovation or environmental initiatives, development or strengthening of new or existing partnerships, and the exploitation of these results. This year awards were presented to 13 employees from two groups: Andrew Buyers, Kris Dunn, Tim OMeara, James Valliant, and Lori Walters developed an innovative approach to undertake mechanical testing on irradiated materials. Due to the small size of the specimens, conventional tensile testing would not provide mechanical properties with sufficient accuracy. As a result, they successfully developed a highly accurate method of mechanical testing, based on Digital Image Correlation (DIC), the first time that the technique was applied on highly active specimens within a shielded facility. Mitch Boileau, Ian Castillo, Luc Chartrand, Shaun Holder, Jim Hutton, Nathan Hyde, Megan Moore, and Toban Verdun were recognized for improving the quality of radiological survey records at the Chalk River Laboratories with Visual Survey Database Software (VSDS). This project required a tremendous integrated effort with several organizations working together, including Radiation Protection, Facilities Decommissioning, Research & Development, and Information Technology. These new tools and techniques will allow radiation protection surveyors to access and implement data while in the field, helping make the organization more efficient, while still ensuring a safe work environment. On behalf of the entire team at CNL I want to thank this years winners for their efforts and congratulate them on their very significant contributions to the success of our organization, adds Lesinski. For more information on the 2018 Awards of Excellence, including profiles of this years winners, please visit www.cnl.ca/awards . About CNL Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is a world leader in nuclear science and technology offering unique capabilities and solutions across a wide range of industries. Actively involved with industry-driven research and development in nuclear, transportation, clean technology, energy, defence, security and life sciences, we provide solutions to keep these sectors competitive internationally. With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is well positioned for the future. A new performance standard reinforced with a strong safety culture underscores every activity. For more information on the complete range of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories services, please visit www.cnl.ca or contact communications@cnl.ca . Contact: Patrick Quinn Director, Corporate Communications CNL, 1-866-886-2325 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d687d70a-3a41-4862-859d-a4729adb9560 El presidente @MartinVizcarraC sostuvo un encuentro con el vicepresidente de Guatemala, @drjafethcabrera, en la que destacaron la excelente relacion bilateral y se reitero la posicion del Peru para el perfeccionamiento del TLC con ese pais. pic.twitter.com/CIGImSGjud Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: La lucha contra la corrupcion es una de las prioridades del Peru. Por tal motivo, venimos implementando el Plan Nacional de Integridad y Lucha contra la Corrupcion 2018-2021 y la creacion de la Secretaria de Integridad Publica. pic.twitter.com/X1Q5spCRyC YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The session of the four-day sitting kicked off in the Parliament of Armenia on November 16, reports Armenpress. The lawmakers are expected to vote, as well as will debate several bills. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Distributing bribes ahead of the upcoming early parliamentary elections will be impermissible for the leadership, therefore, for all political forces. Yelk faction MP Alen Simonyan says the elections will fix the results of the revolution and will reject the Republican Party. The lawmaker gave an interview to ARMENPRESS talking about the upcoming elections. -Mr. Simonyan, you are going to participate in the elections with an alliance with the Mission party. Why with the Mission party? -There is no surprise in this regard, we also participated in the Yerevan City Council elections with this party. This is a result of approaches and negotiations. -You stated that your pre-election list will have no surprises, the list is already announced, and in fact it includes journalists, athletes. Do you think this was not a surprise for the public? -There are no odious faces. There were rumors that there will be persons in the list from the Republicans, even [actor] Hovhannes Azoyan, but there is no surprise in this regard. There are only three journalists in the list. I think we cannot say that this candidate was a surprise. There were really no major surprises. -Arsen Julfalayans [athlete] candidacy was a real surprise, he has never been engaged in politics. -I am confident he can. -Mr. Simonyan, the Republican Party faction lawmakers state that these elections are elections to form an opposition, rather than parliament or power. Do you agree with this opinion? -No, these parliamentary elections are going to fix the results of the revolution and reject the Republican Party. -In one of the interviews Vigen Sargsyan, who heads the list of the Republican Party, said they are the only force that can counterbalance the PMs political force. Do you consider them a counterbalance force to you? -No, I think that the Republican Party should stand away from the political field in the coming ten years. Maybe in such case the citizen of Armenia can forget, forgive and later vote for their proposals. They have nothing to do with the opposition as they dont know the people and are unaware of their problems. There are many political figures, parties in the field which will be a very good opposition and will criticize us if this is the Republicans criteria for opposition. They made one more mistake when they stated that the Civil Contract party has just 7% of votes, and they are the power in Armenia, but we saw what happened. In my opinion, they should stand away from the political field for some time in order to restore the connection with the reality. -In other words, you rule out that the RPA will be elected to the Parliament? -The citizens must decide, but I think there is low possibility for them to be elected to the Parliament. -In one of his interviews MP Edmon Marukyan said the Im Kayl (My Step) alliance has an obvious supremacy in the elections and will be elected to the Parliament in the first place, and they will try to fight for the second place. Do you have that confidence that you have an obvious supremacy? -If I say that there is no such an opinion, it wont be honest, I hope that it will be so. But the election is of the people, they may decide not to vote for us, but to vote in favor of Edmon Marukyan. But I think that at this stage we should deliver the revolution to its end together with the people. Therefore, I hope that the people will continue the cooperation with us. -Mr. Simonyan, will there be equal conditions for all factions during the upcoming elections? -Undoubtedly, no one will face any problem with the data and organization. I am confident that any fraud attempt will be reacted by the law enforcement agencies, and we all will witness it. I think that nothing can be said for sure, but I dont see the candidates for which one can take risks and I dont see the political situation and the political outcome for which one can take risks. There is no need for many figures to appear in the Parliament in order to have a roof. They need to understand this. Full version of the interview is available in Armenian. Interview by Anna Grigoryan Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The death toll from the Camp Fire in Northern California has grown to 63 people and a list of people unaccounted for has 631 names on it, Butte County Sheriff and Coroner Kory Honea said Thursday evening, according to CNN. Seven sets of remains were discovered Thursday, he said. At least two other people have been killed in another major wildfire in Southern California. The overall death toll climbed to 66. Hundreds of people arrived Wednesday to the Northern California communities ravaged by the deadly Camp Fire, searching for human remains while authorities tried to track down 130 people who are unaccounted for after the blaze, CNN reports. The death toll in the wildfires yesterday was 58. Most of the people on the partial list of the missing posted earlier Wednesday on the Butte County website are senior citizens. The majority of the missing live in Paradise, which is a town of 27,000 residents, many of them retirees. About 461 people and 22 cadaver dogs are searching the town and other communities, Butte County Sheriff and Coroner Kory Honea said. "We're moving as fast as we can. It will take as long as it takes," Honea said when asked about a timeline for the search. "It's an important thing that we get right. And I understand the issue (of residents wanting to return to their properties), and I'm balancing the competing interests." The sheriff's department will begin taking DNA samples from people who are missing a family member on Thursday, he said. The Camp Fire is one of two major blazes burning in California that have left at least 58 people dead. The other is the Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, which has killed at least two people and destroyed nearly 500 homes. Camp Fire: The Camp Fire has destroyed 8,650 homes and scorched 138,000 acres in Northern California. As of Wednesday, the inferno was 35% contained. More than 10,000 structures have burned down, officials said. Woolsey Fire: This Southern California blaze has torched 98,362 acres and destroyed at least 504 structures. As of Wednesday, the inferno was 52% contained. Hill Fire: A second Southern California blaze has burned 4,531 acres and was 96% contained as of Wednesday morning. Death toll: There have been 58 deaths statewide. Earlier on November 13, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California. Earlier on Monday he praised the emergency personnel by tweeting : The California Fire Fighters, FEMA and First Responders are amazing and very brave. Thank you and God Bless you all! Hundreds of thousands had to evacuate their homes amid the raging fires. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. United States prosecutors have obtained a sealed indictment against fugitive Wikileaks founder Julian Assang, a U.S. federal court document showed on Thursday. The document, which prosecutors say was filed by mistake, asks a judge to seal documents in a criminal case unrelated to Assange, and carries markings indicating it was originally filed in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia in August, Reuters reports. A source familiar with the matter said the document was initially sealed but unsealed this week for reasons that are unclear at the moment. Wikileaks tweeted it was an apparent cut-and-paste error. U.S. officials had no comment on the disclosure in the document about a sealed indictment of Assange. It is unclear what charges Assange faces. But Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the prosecutors office which filed the document that was unsealed, told Reuters, The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing. Prosecutors sought to keep the charges confidential until after Assanges arrest, the document shows, saying the move was essential to ensure he did not evade or avoid arrest and extradition in the case. Any procedure short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant, and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged, the document reads. Since June 2012, Assange has been living in the Ecuadoran Embassy in London, afraid that if he steps outside he will be arrested. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Prosecutor General has ordered a task force to be set up in order to increase the efficiency of prosecutor supervision for all media reports, individual reports or calls regarding possible electoral fraud or other violations that might occur during the upcoming December 9 early general election. Prosecutor General Arthur Davtyans deputy Hayk Aslanyan has been appointed to lead the task force. The group will study all violation-related reports, if any, will support departments and prosecutors in supervising the possible subsequent criminal proceedings and preparations of materials. Its functions also include ensuring public accessibility of all works with duly and operative coverage. The task group will cooperate with the Central Electoral Commission, monitoring and other stakeholder organizations, law enforcement agencies and news media covering the election. 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 16, ARMENPRESS. A number of bills were rejected today by parliament, including the bill authored by MP Samvel Farmanyan and MP Mihran Hakobyan on banning bookmaking in Armenia. Ahead of the vote, Yelk and Tsarukyan factions announced they will not vote. Farmanyan even suggested withdrawing the bill from voting. A bill on amending the law on advertising was also rejected, as well as the bill on amending the law on casinos, gambling and online gambling. The bill of Yelk MP Edmon Marukyan on amending the Criminal Code was also rejected. Under the proposed changes, 1 day of pre-trial detention wouldve been calculated as 1,5 days if found guilty and convicts would serve lesser time in prisons because the sentence calculates the period beginning from the moment of pre-trial detention. Only one bill was approved technical amendments to the law on road traffic safety. The bill on amending the freedom of assembly law was also rejected. Earlier, Tsarukyan faction Member of Parliament Naira Zohrabyan argued that the bill of HHK lawmakers Samvel Farmanyan and Mihran Hakobyan on banning bookmaking in Armenia will not solve the task it pursues. Zohrabyan proposed to withdraw the bill from voting. The idea at the basis of the initiative is important, she said. She reminded that they, together with MP Alen Simonyan, had previously presented a similar bill. I can confidently say that our bill was regulating in a more literate way the problem that is raised. Tsarukyan bloc will not take part in the voting of the bill, she said. She said they have reasonable concerns that the authors of the bill dont realize the chaos that will be caused in the event of adopting it. Armenian lawmakers Samvel Farmanyan and Mihran Hakobyan introduced a legislative initiative proposing to prohibit bookmaking and online gambling in Armenia. Farmanyan presented yesterday the bill on amending the law on gambling in parliament. The bill refers to banning the activities of bookmakers in Armenia, he said. The activities of both local and international bookmaking companies should be banned by law. Both their office presence and online presence must be banned, Farmanyan said. He argues that 99,9% of the society in Armenia agree that bookmaking must be banned. He even proposed the ruling party to raise this issue in one of its campaigning rallies. The prime minister, on various occasions, has also noted that gambling is harmful not only from the perspective of economic development, but also inflicts irreversible losses to the moral description of our people, he said. Farmanyan said he has worked on the bill for more than five years. Different governments have brought different arguments on why banning the existence of these bookmakers would be wrong in Armenia. I believe that the parliament can make this important step, for which all of us can sleep calmly, knowing that we are saving people from a potential sinkhole, he said, adding that bookmaking offices exist in almost all regions of the country. He added that upon his recommendation the minimum required age for betting was raised from 18 to 21 previously. The freedom of assembly law concerned Members of Parliament Galust Sahakyan, Mihran Hakobyan and Karine Atchemyans legislative initiative suggesting to ban holding assemblies (rallies) in the territories of the Armenian Apostolic Church, if the church hasnt authorized it. Co-author of the bill Mihran Hakobyan presented the initiative on amending the law on freedom of assembly to lawmakers yesterday. He said that assemblies must take place within a safe distance from the Presidents Office, the Parliament Seat, government offices, courthouses or correctional facilities not to threaten the normal functioning of the abovementioned institutions. Assemblies must also be banned in the territories belonging or leased by the Armenian Apostolic Church, if the churchs consent is absent. The church has its exclusive role in the preservation of our national identity. The 2011 law on freedom of assembly doesnt anyhow regulate this issue, Hakobyan said. In case of adopting the bill, the threats aimed at disrupting public order in these territories and threats on forming an atmosphere of intolerance based on religious grounds will be eliminated, the lawmaker said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. A woman from Vagharshapat (Ejmiatsin) reported to the local police station on November 15 that her brother-in-law has battered her, her husband and their 8-months old baby. She claims the man was drunk. Police told ARMENPRESS that officers have validated the report. Authorities did not disclose the identity of the perpetrator. Police said the man turned himself in to police and testified. Materials are being prepared, police said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has met with executives of ANCE - ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE COSTRUTTORI EDILI - the national association of constructors, on November 15 in Rome, Sarkissians Office said. The meeting focused on possibilities of ANCEs activities in Armenia. Sarkissian recommended considering the possibilities of renovating the old buildings of Gyumri, Armenias second largest city. ANCE said its representatives will soon visit Armenia to study the business and investment climate, as well as partnership opportunities. Founded in 1946, ANCE encompasses nearly 20,000 private companies engaged in commercial, industrial real estate construction, infrastructure development, re-construction and environmental protection. ANCE operates in 92 countries worldwide. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan DINUBA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Joaquin Valley Homes (SJV Homes) and Presidio Residential Capital recently closed on 40 acres north of Nebraska Avenue and east of Viscaya Parkway in Dinuba and plan to build Vista Robles, a new neighborhood with 138 single-story detached homes. The partners plan to break ground this month and begin model construction in February 2019. The retail value of this project when its complete will exceed $38 million. We are honored to be able to offer families in Dinuba quality homes, said Danny Garcia, vice president of sales at SJV Homes. We cant wait to start showing off this beautiful community. Vista Robles will offer single-story homes ranging from 1,443 to 2,100 square feet with Mediterranean, Tuscan and Craftsman exteriors. The three-to four-bedroom homes offer extra-large homesites and spacious floorplans with two- and three-car garages. Prices are expected to start in the $260,000s. The community is surrounded by agricultural land and rural residential development. Located approximately 12 miles from Highway 99, the main regional transportation corridor, Vista Robles is about 30 miles southeast of Fresno and 37 miles northwest of Visalia. It is close to shopping and major employers including Ruiz Food Products, Dinuba Unified School District and Family Tree Farms. This is SJV Homes 23rd joint venture project with Presidio Residential Capital, a San Diego-based real estate investment company that funds 100 percent of the projects and operations of SJV Homes. According to the National Association of Home Builders formula to determine the local impact of single-family housing in typical metro areas, adding 138 single-family homes will generate $39.6 million in local income, $5 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments and 544 local jobs. About SJV Homes San Joaquin Valley Homes (SJV Homes) is a local homebuilder with deep roots in and a strong commitment to the Central Valley. Founders Joe Leal, Jim Robinson and Randy Merrill share a vision to build quality new homes in carefully planned neighborhoods for people who love the Valley and want lasting value. In 2013, SJV Homes combined forces with Presidio Residential Capital, a real estate investment firm in San Diego. It has since closed almost 1,500 homes and is now one of the busiest homebuilders in the San Joaquin Valley. For more information, please visit www.sjvhomes.com . About Presidio Residential Capital Presidio Residential Capital is a real estate investment company focused on the residential housing sector. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the firm provides capital in the form of joint ventures for the entitlement, development and build-out of for-sale residential projects throughout the Western United States. Presidio has infused more than $1 billion into the economy to capitalize the housing industry. The firms goal is to invest in excess of $100 million in capital for home-building projects in the Western United States in the next 12 months. It currently has investments in Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, Washington and Idaho with current committed capital of $500 million focused on 90+/- projects. The firm is affiliated with a privately held registered investment advisor specializing in alternative investment strategies who has a long history of investing in the home-building sector. Current assets under management total more than $2.5 billion. Online and social media: www.presidioresidential.com , Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn . Media Contacts: Anton Communications Vanessa Showalter vshowalter@antonpr.com Genevieve Anton ganton@antonpr.com YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited a military base of the Armenian defense ministrys N military unit and followed the special tactical offensive military drills, his Office told Armenpress. Pashinyan was accompanied by acting defense minister Davit Tonoyan and first deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Major-General Onik Gasparyan. Nikol Pashinyan got acquainted with the current situation in the frontline. Thereafter, he was reported on the engineering and fortification works, the new technologies for conducting a reliable defense, the works aimed at increasing the security of the staff in the positions and the technical equipment. Pashinyan talked to the soldiers and commanders, thanked them for the dedicated service. He encouraged the soldiers and wished them health and peaceful service. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting deputy prime minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received Veronika Nikishina, Member of the Board - Minister for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), the Armenian government told Armenpress. During the meeting the officials discussed the process of integration at the Eurasian space and the talks over privileged trade relations with the third countries, as well as the existing issues. They specifically touched upon the organizational works for the upcoming talks between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt. The Armenian side will be the main coordinator during the talks. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Chief of Staff-Secretary General of the Parliament of Armenia Ara Saghatelyan took part in the International Conference organized by GIZ in Kyiv on November 13-15, the Armenian Parliament told Armenpress. It was dedicated to Strengthening Parliaments Oversight Function in Eastern Partnership Countries. During the conference the participants discussed the current challenges in reforming parliamentary administrations in Eastern Partnership (EAP) countries, the importance of the scientific research-analytical centres for further Parliaments reform, as well as the challenges for a stronger cooperation between supreme audit institutions (SAI) and parliaments in EAP countries. Ara Saghatelyan delivered remarks at the Conference, which runs as follows: Dear colleagues and friends, I thank GIZ for the invitation and giving us the opportunity to have interesting discussion. Such meetings are indeed of great value and importance from the perspective of moving forward the reforms of parliament administrations, exchange of experience and getting to know new and interesting approaches in this field of public service. The practical application of the new ideas discerned from the evolving discussions in such platforms is very important in order to boost the analytical and research capacities in the parliaments, to deepen interagency cooperation and improve the overall efficiency of our work. In Armenia these questions are more than of just current interest, since as you know in 2018 our country transformed from semi-presidential into a parliamentary form of governance and at the moment we are in the stage of adapting to the new system. This new form of government presumes a re-evaluation of the parliaments role in the decision-making and in formulating the domestic political agenda, as well as certain improvement of the capacities of responding to new challenges. In the meantime, the transition to parliamentary system yielded to increased burden of responsibility on the National Assembly. Therefore, large scale reforms, including in the Administration, became more important and inevitable. Dear colleagues, The reform process in the parliamentary administrations requires continuity since we always have to provide for synchronization between the functions of the entire parliamentary infrastructure and the daily needs and expectations of the members of parliament. The administration also has to serve as guarantor for the full and appropriate legislative, representative, oversight (inter alia on budgeting) and other functions. The purpose of the ongoing reforms in the National Assembly of Armenia is to create most fertile grounds for the MPs to carry out their constitutional authority and functions. By favorable conditions I imply the creation of such systematized and effective means for the National Assembly Administration to serve the needs of the parliament and its various bodies the Parliament Speaker, deputy speakers, MPs, standing committees and factions. Unfortunately, the reforms process is not very smooth and homogeneous, often times we face various problems and challenges which slow down our pace. I am convinced that in the early stages of these reforms the biggest challenges are the optimization of the structure of the NA Administration and its synchronization with the changing political needs and socio-economic conditions, as well as the expectations of the parliamentarians and the public. At this stage, as a general rule, we encounter some internal resistance between those implementing the reforms and those staffers who are hesitant to leave their comfort zone and experience difficulties in terms of acquiring new knowledge and skills. Its here that certain technical hardships pop up, including for the reasons of absence of full coordination in the Administration, duplication of functions among other issues which is the laundry list to address in the course of the reforms. The next challenge is to ensure relevant competency of the staffers and engage high quality experts for the needs of the parliament. Noting the budgetary restrictions, its close to impossible to compete with the private sector. The professionals, as a rule, prefer to work in the private sector as a good expert expects a reasonable pay. Budgetary restrictions also impede carrying out exchange programs, or limit the scope and frequency of those. Therefore, I think, the inability to ensure continuous flow of exchange programs and trainings to learn best practices overseas is the Achilles heel of all parliamentary Administrations. My own analysis shows, that the next issue to address, perhaps, is the lack of proper and full understanding of the role and purpose of the parliament either in the other branches of power or the public. This perhaps is a result of the lack of relevant political culture. The other segment of issues refers to the financial support of the Administration and its financial independence. Meantime, its highly important to streamline and simplify the processes of validating the expenses with relevant fiscal agencies. From this perspective, as a challenge we must highlight the importance of readiness of the government to establish a proper level of dialogue and develop certain standards of communication, including within the frameworks of due processes of parliamentary oversight. The lack of institutional collaboration with the expert community is yet another issue to address. I will save this for our next discussion today. Dear colleagues, Perhaps, I would not be too wrong to conclude that the issues listed so far more or less reflect the challenges we all struggle within our administrations. But there is one other problem, or rather a challenge, that is knocking on our doors. Thats the challenge of time. The modern, technologically advanced internet society, that is easy- going, instantly informed, fast to change mood and as much fast to submit demands on one hand, and our more institutional, serious and comprehensively reflective structures on the other are vividly moving farther from each other day by day. If we can be fully honest about it, we all observe this. Our Administrations, even those most established, are like a well taken care of, seriously looking traditional Rolls Royce luxury cars, that is reflective of every turn it makes, drives without violating the traffic rules. They used to tackle issues of public behavior by affecting popular thinking and demands with its solid look alone. Today we have a qualitatively different situation. Now our Rolls Royce cars must serve a new society that is shaped by figuratively speaking, a skater sliding between cars, by tweets, comments on Facebook walls, selfies and copy-pastes from Wikipedia. I mean the speedy, easy-going, not too deep, simple and most importantly the inclusive is new reality, when the object of politics now by all means wants to also become the implementer. That is our new reality. Now the question is whether our more traditional structures are ready to face this. I think the answer is not entirely. Today an MP expects our technical assistance in helping them to come online on Facebook for live broadcast in the first place, and not necessarily in assisting to put together a two-day international conference. Of course, I hereby bring only surface-level examples but that is only to make sure my points are illustrative enough. Yet my point is simple. We have to be able to save the traditional, the institutional, the Rolls Royce, but we ought to ensure that we catch up the skater who doesnt go too far away in between cars and through crossroads. Otherwise we are going to miss the connection between us, which is not desirable at all. I am sure we will have opportunities to seriously discuss this in many occasions. In conclusion, once again let me express my gratitude to the organizers and all colleagues for this timely, highly useful and productive discussion. I thank you for your attention and look forward to exchanging views on the above. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian addressed a message to the participants of the international scientific conference titled Hidden Treasures Unearthed: Armenian Arts and Culture of Eastern Europe which is being held in Los Angeles on November 16-18, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The President said Armenia attaches great importance to the works and events aimed at the preservation, study and presentation of the Armenian cultural heritage across the world. The Armenian cultural heritage, especially in the European space, is part of the common values we share together today. This heritage also enriches the identity of the bearers of these values making an individual more developed spiritually, perceptive and ready to listen to and respect others. Thanks to the experience, skills and knowledge of living in a multicultural environment, Armenians contributed to the development and progress of their countries of residence, became an indispensable factor of the international trade and commodity exchange, and this factor left a trace in the thinking, psychology and behavior of Armenians, as well as affected Armenias political fate. Today, when Armenia has reaffirmed the independence acquired 100 years ago in a small part of its historical lands, the revelation and study of the civilized past of the Armenian people, the completion of its history receives an importance from the perspective of the formation and future of contemporary Armenian society. I hope it will help us, the contemporary Armenians, inside or outside, to better understand who we are, where we come from and where we move on, the President said and thanked the organizers, wishing productive work to the conference participants. The conference has been organized by the Narekatsi Chair in Armenian Studies at UCLA in cooperation with the Paul Getty Museum. The coordinator of the conference is famous expert on Armenian studies Peter Cowe. The conference is attended by specialists of the field from over a dozen countries, including Armenia. YEREVAN, 16 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 16 November, USD exchange rate down by 1.55 drams to 485.72 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.02 drams to 550.71 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 7.35 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.44 drams to 621.53 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 74.33 drams to 18924.56 drams. Silver price up by 1.80 drams to 220.66 drams. Platinum price down by 72.85 drams to 13008.34 drams. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Experts from the US State Department and Treasury visited Yerevan, Armenia November 15-16 to examine the policy of sanctions against Iran together with Armenian government and business representatives, the US embassy in Armenia said in a statement. It said that through similar visits the American policy in terms of the sanctions against Iran are specified and clarified for different countries of the world. According to the statement, the American delegation had meetings with the caretaker ministers of foreign affairs, energy, economic development and investments, as well as officials from the government staff, the foreign ministry, the ministry of economic development and the ministry of transportation, the cenbank vice-president, analysts, representatives of private banks that are members of the Armenian-American Chamber of Commerce, and others. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Arms race in this region is a highly dangerous practice, Armenias caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told TASS in an interview. Our country is located in a very delicate region where an unresolved conflict exists, and reaching peace and stability, as well as the development of an atmosphere contributing to the establishment of peace, are highly important issues for us. In this conditions arms race is a highly dangerous [thing], Mnatsakanyan said. He emphasized that when Armenia is expressing concern to its partners over arms supplies to Azerbaijan, it stresses the fact that Armenia cannot treat the supplies simply as a usual deal. These are weapons that take the lives of our countrymen, our soldiers and civilians, he said. Therefore, in this type of conditions arms race is very dangerous in our region. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict first of all relates to people, it is about the physical security of 150,000 people, and we will do everything possible to ensure their security, Mnatsakanyan said. He noted that no one can question the resolve and combat-ability of the Armenian side in being the guarantor of security of Artsakhs people. At the same time I once again emphasize Armenias commitment for the exclusively peaceful solution of the conflict, he said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Russia have firm collegial relations that are built on equal rights, mutual trust and respect, caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told TASS in an interview. Mnatsakanyan said that the two countries are successfully cooperating within the framework of both the EEU and the CSTO, as well as other multilateral arenas. You know very well how busy and dynamic the bilateral Armenian-Russian relations agenda is, which includes the economic, energy, transportation, military-technical, as well as scientific, cultural and educational branches. Cooperation formats exist that enable to specify new directions for deepening our partnership relations, he said. Speaking about his relations with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, Mnatsakanyan spoke highly about his Russian counterparts experience. The relations that are established between us are in conformity with the strategic nature of the relations of our two countries, Mnatsakanyan said, expressing certainty that he will soon have new opportunities for official contacts with Lavrov. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. A UN human rights expert has praised this years peaceful transition of power in Armenia, and urged the countrys new leadership to stay the course in pursuing a strengthened democratic system based on human rights, a culture of dialogue and strong independent institutions, the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner said on its website. The Armenian people are reshaping their own future one that is moving towards a more inclusive society based on the rule of law in which every individual enjoys all fundamental freedoms, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, said at the end of a 10-day official visit. I have high hopes for sincere change in Armenia, and that the driving force behind the velvet revolution the desire for equality and freedom will prevail. Voule said the snap parliamentary election on 9 December would be another key moment for the Armenian people. I call for free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections that will contribute in creating a favourable atmosphere to the required reforms and transformation, he said. The expert welcomed the initial steps that the Government has taken during the transition, and reminded the authorities that the pathway to development and progress depends on the extent to which the consolidation of the rule of law, a culture of respect of human rights for all and diversity is deeply anchored in the society. The Special Rapporteur visited the country at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and met with Government authorities, including the Deputy Prime Minister and representatives of independent institutions. He also held meetings with various actors of civil society and representatives of UN agencies and the diplomatic community. The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur will be presented during the 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2019. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his spouse Anna Hakobyan have visited the Fatherland Defenders Rehabilitation Center a military clinic to take part in the celebration of 2016 April War fallen soldier Robert Abajyans birthday. Junior Sergeant Robert Abajyan was 19 years old when he was killed during the April Four Day War of Artsakh in 2016. After fierce and heavy battles during the April 1-2 combat, Abajyan sacrificed himself by detonating a hand grenade as enemy troops infiltrated his position and saved the lives of the backup forces. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Artsakh, the highest state award of the country, and the Golden Eagle Order. Abajyans parents and grandparents were also in attendance of the birthday event. The war heros brothers-in-arms, as well as other patients of the clinic, prepared barbeque together outside in the clinics yard, and later celebrated their friends birthday around a dinner table with Nikol Pashinyan, Anna Hakobyan and the family and friends of the soldier. Today is the birthday of our beloved Robert Abajyan, a Hero of Artsakh. I propose to drink a toast in honor of Robert with this glass, a toast to his heroism and a toast to all our fallen and living heroes. Lets drink that we, with our lives and actions, be worthy to their heroism, their sacrifices, that they have done for their fatherland, for the Armenian people, for all of us. I hope that we will be able and will manage to live worthily to this action, regardless what it is that we are doing, Pashinyan said, thanking Abajyans parents for their son. Patients of the clinic chatted with Pashinyan and spoke about their successes and activities after treatment. The Armenian caretaker PM then toured the facility and viewed the new building of the clinic that is under development. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan English French TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From November 17 to 24, YMCA Peace Week celebrates the presence of peace in our communities, and reflects on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA. YMCA Peace Week offers activities that help children, youth and adults explore peace from personal, community and global perspectives. Collectively, YMCAs in Canada ask people to: Build community. Act for peace. More than the absence of violence and conflict, peace is the ongoing work of building and maintaining conditions of fairness, inclusion, empathy, security, and respect for diversity. Peace-building is core to the YMCAs commitment to strengthening the foundation of healthy communities. The YMCA works every day to build a culture of peace. By sharing this message we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions, says Brenda Flaherty, Chair, YMCA Canada Board of Directors. Everyone can play a part in creating peaceful communities where people feel like they belong. Peaceful actions can be small, everyday gestures but they have a big impact on those around us, says Peter Dinsdale, President and CEO, YMCA Canada. YMCAs across the country hold a variety of events and celebrations so check your local YMCA location for more information about how to get involved: ymca.ca/peaceweek For more information please contact: Angela de Burger Manager, External Communications and Marketing YMCA Canada Email: angela.deburger@ymca.ca Phone: 905-510-8431 About YMCA Canada The YMCA is a powerful association of people joined together by a shared passion to foster a sense of belonging for all. In an age of complex social challenges, the YMCA is steadfastly dedicated to building healthy communities by inviting and encouraging Canadians to join in, to give back, and to gain the connections, skills, and confidence they need to thrive. YMCA Canada is a charity and the national office of the Canadian YMCA Federation providing support to 46 YMCA Member Associations. For more than a century weve been at the heart of communities across the country, serving evolving needs and providing vital community services. For more information please visit ymca.ca YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan is startled at the fact that President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told about the details of the behind-doors session of the CSTO Collective Security Council to the Ambassador of Azerbaijan. Our foreign ministry has already raised concerns. Now imagine that I invite an ambassador of a country that is not a CSTO member state and tell him about the behind-doors session. Thats a closed-door session of a military-political bloc, where the heads of member states hold discussions. If the session is behind doors, it means that its a closed conversation between the allies. And I am startled that a person that has been head of state for about 30 years behaves like that. Of course, I have to demand explanations from the President of Belarus, and not only from the President of Belarus, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan told the reporters. He noted that President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has also made announcement contradicting their agreements, who announced after the behind-doors session of the CSTO summit that the representative of Belarus will be appointed CSTO Secretary-General. No one had the right to make such an announcement, since CSTOs decisions are based on consensus, and we have clearly expressed our position. As long as there is no decision based on consensus, no one has the right to make such an announcement, Nikol Pashinyan said. The acting Prime Minister noted that he raised these issues during his telephone conversation with the Russian President on November 16. To the question if its possible that Armenia agrees to a consensus over the candidate of Belarus for CSTO Secretary-Generals post, Nikol Pashinyan answered, We work in an atmosphere of partnership and we preserve respect and political correctness towards our partners and hope and demand that they act the same way. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Its 2012 and in early April the University Council attempts to terminate Dr Albert Schram, the newly-appointed vice-chancellor. Students and staff associations protest to prevent this occurring. An interim management team is installed to assist the vice-chancellor. My account seeks to portray the truth as one of those who fought to bring change for the betterment of the university. My discussion will be blunt because the face of truth should not be twisted to deviate from the essence of what occurred. Some people will feel disturbed but the truth will always remain the truth. It began in 2012 and ended earlier this year and is referred to either as a crisis or just a fight depending on which side the speaker stands. LAE The PNG University of Technology (Unitech) experience of a new expatriate vice-chancellor seeking to introduce needed reforms to an important institution lasted for six years. Dr Albert Schram returns in triumph to Unitech in 2014 after being kept out of the country by the PNG government on grounds never disclosed Obviously Dr Schrams first year is disrupted by the failed attempt to remove him. The government establishes the Sevua Enquiry to investigate all allegations and finds no anomalies with his appointment. The Sevua Report is produced as a document towards clearing the mess in the university. Even though there is an atmosphere of uncertainty, the academic year is completed successfully. Then at the start of 2013, Dr Schram is blocked from re-entering the country when returning from holidays. Students protest but the matter drags on. During this period, an acting management team headed by Dr Pumwa, who had been interim deputy vice-chancellor, manage the university. The academic year is completed successfully but the outstanding issue remains: the legitimate vice-chancellor is being blocked and cant travel into the country from Australia. Again a year ends under clouds of uncertainty. 2014 arrives and at the start of the academic year in February, students and staff associations protest for the return of Dr Schram. The students boycott classes for five weeks. He finally is granted a visa and returns at the beginning of April. A new university council is installed along with the appointment of Sir Nagora Bogan as chancellor. The new council formally reappoints Dr Schram as vice-chancellor establishing the the legality of the appointment. Later on in the year the substantive management team is appointed to work with Dr Schram. For the first time after three years of uncertainty the university has a full management team. In the three years from 2015 to 2017, Dr Schram and his management team run the university, a period of normalcy that has been three years coming. Then in early 2018, on Friday 16 February, Dr Schram is terminated by the university council which alleges irregularities in his conduct. Having rolled out the main events, Ill now describe them in more detail to provide a true representation of their nature and their effect. Attempts to get rid of a new vice-chancellor Prior to Dr Albert Schrams selection as vice-chancellor in 2011, stakeholders had been concerned for some years about the management and governance of Unitech. There were allegations of malpractice and corruption which prompted the professional association of the national academic staff (NASA) to protest in 2006 and 2007. As a consequence, executives of the association were arrested and locked up for their actions. This was a sad first in the history of the university and it brought fear to members of the academic community and suppressed any move against the ruling regime. In this climate, everyone was hoping for a radical change and removal of a regime widely labelled as corrupt. Hence, when the vice-chancellors position was vacated in 2011, the community hoped for a neutral candidate to be appointed; someone competent and able to lead the university from the mess that had been created. Immediately after the appointment of Dr Schram and prior to his arrival in 2012.the corrupt council suddenly re-established the redundant position of deputy vice chancellor. This happened during the Christmas-New Year break when the university was closed. The position had become obsolete in the early 1990s when the university expanded and three new pro-vice-chancellor positions were created. The justification for the reinstated position was to provide an assistant for the new vice-chancellor as he was a foreigner. The move was viewed as suspicious by the university community. Thus when the point was reached when the university council attempted to terminate the new vice-chancellor, the community decided to fight against the move. It was a position overwhelmingly supported by the majority of students and staff for the betterment of the university. Dr Schram fitted all the criteria everyone was hoping for. He was impartial and competent. Then, in April 2012, as he was beginning the reform of the university, an attempt was made to terminate him. It was averted because of a strong protest by the community and, after much acrimony, the Sevua Enquiry was set up by the national government to investigate alleged corruption and also the question of Dr Schrams PhD qualification. The enquiry established no issue with the Schram appointment but did identify irregularities in the universitys management in previous years. It was a disrupted year and the new vice-chancellor was not allowed a fair go to do what he knew needed to be done. Although the year ended successfully, there was a heavy sense of fragility and that something bad would happen. Entry blocked deportation by another means Upon returning from a holiday in Australia just before the academic year began in 2013, Dr Schram was shockingly prevented from re-entering Papua New Guinea and put on a flight back to Australia. As they returned to the campus, students began protests. There was a sense in which this had been anticipated after the fight against the attempted 2012 termination. Now the communitys suspicion was confirmed that there was some sort of alliance between the former corrupt regime and the PNG government. The students eventually agreed to return to class after assurances by the authorities. An interim team then took responsibility to manage the university. These were Schram loyalists and comprised the acting vice-chancellor, acting registrar, acting bursar and the academic pro-vice-chancellor. They appointed an acting pro-vice-chancellor administration. This was the team the community viewed as Dr Schrams team. As the year proceeded, however, the community sensed that the acting team was giving up its pursuit to fight for Dr Schrams return and were concerned more about their own offices. They impressed upon the community that they had a university to run and Dr Schrams deportation was a separate issue which would take its own course. Their actions aligned them with those behind Dr Schrams deportation and put them in a compromising position akin to a mutiny. So 2013 concluded as had 2012, with a strong sense of fragility. As the university went on holiday, the serious issue of the deportation of its legitimate vice-chancellor was unresolved. The return of Dr Schram as legitimate vice-chancellor In February 2014, about three weeks into lectures, students resolved to boycott classes over the outstanding Schram deportation issue and to apply pressure on the government to respond to a petition. By the third week of the boycott, a high profile government team, including then attorney-general Kerenga Kua, arrived to address students. The team promised a positive response to the students petition which mitigated the tension but the students remained firm in their pursuit for the return of their legitimate vice-chancellor. Then on the Friday of the following week, the fourth week of the boycott, members of the legitimate council arrived on campus to appoint the new chancellor, Sir Nagora Bogan. The council proceeded to re-appoint Dr Schram to the vice-chancellors position which would facilitate issuing a work visa for his return. The formalities were done and the developments announced to the community outside the Duncanson Hall. Dr Schram returned on Thursday 4 April, the following week and the fifth week of boycott. The university resumed official business the next day. Dr Schrams return led to the installation of a second loyal team to work with him. Sadly the previous interim team had been branded by the community as disloyal and it was sacked and replaced with new faces, except for the acting registrar who was retained. This seemed rather awkward. The new interim team comprised Dr Renagi as acting deputy vice-chancellor, Dr Moshi as acting pro-vice-chancellor academic; and Dr Gena as acting pro-vice-chancellor administration. The team provided support to the vice-chancellor to regain control of the university after all the turmoil. Later, in October 2014, the full legitimate university management team was appointed to work with the Dr Schram. All members of the interim team were retained to occupy their respective offices. While the registrars office remained a concern the university was now in a state of full management and governance after nearly three years of disruption, 2012-14. Note that my consideration is that these were disruptions, not a crisis. 201518: Years of progress, conflict and a departure The full management team wasted no time providing the leadership desperately needed by the university since the days of the corrupt regime. They had a mammoth task before them as they embarked with their theme, Make Unitech Fly. The community felt it was a fitting theme as the university was perceived to be crumbled and surely required inspiration to rise up again. After Dr Schram arrived in 2012, the campus roads were resealed and a huge housing project was planned and delivered in 2013. The chaotic and unbudgeted exercise of accommodating students off campus was effectively resolved and students accommodated on campus saving nearly K3 million a year. When the vice-chancellor returned in 2014, better financial management began to clear the way for donor funding. This was finally achieved in 2017, setting a bright future for the university. The Schram vision included launching a grand revenue project called Uni City which was to be delivered using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) procurement system. This involved the engagement of a consortium of developers to invest in the project packages: get the project constructed, operate to recover their costs and profit, and then transfer the facility to the owner. This was a great way for Unitech to address ongoing cash flow problem caused by government cuts. The project was to provide long-term revenue generation for the university - an unprecedented move. In 2016, student protests against political corruption in Papua New Guinea spread to Unitech and inflicted chaos on the campus. The students dining hall was burned down along with two other buildings, threatening the university to close for the year. Dr Schrams management team was tasked with implementing emergency plans to address the chaos and returning normalcy to the academic program. This was achieved and the year was saved. In addition, despite these difficulties, a much needed internet facility for the university was consolidated with the installation of O3B and campus wifi. The management team also embarked on energetic networking both domestically and internationally. This involved Dr Schram making some trips overseas which some people argued were too costly and too frequent. The leadership was also addressing irregularities in staffing but there were still complaints about some promotions and appointments. Then early in 2018, while Dr Schram was on one of his overseas trip, this time to India, the university council summoned him to return and explain allegations against him. It was determined by the council that the vice-chancellor has breached his employment contract and that he had failed to produce an authorised copy of his PhD qualification. On 16 February 2018, the council announced to the Unitech community that it had terminated Dr Schram. Next The impact of conflict and turmoil crisis on the Unitech community In recent years, thanks to the leadership of prime minister Peter ONeill, the great work of the government, and the industrious and enterprising people of the country, PNG has thrived in national development, and its society has taken on a new look, said President Xi. The National newspaper reports that President Xi said Papua New Guinea was truly a land of promise, endowed with abundant natural resources. With the US and Russian Presidents skipping the event, President Xi is in a strategic position to strengthen ties with both the host nation and other participants. AUCKLAND - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby on Thursday night to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit and is poised to steal a march on rival world leaders. This is the first state visit of President Xi where he reiterated his goal to fortify mutual trust and to take bilateral ties to next level. I look forward to working with your leaders to cement mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and increase people-to-people exchanges in order to take our bilateral ties to a new level, he said. Only one of Chinas many gifts to PNG. President Xi said the rapid growth of the China-PNG relations was an epitome of Chinas overall relations with Pacific Islands countries. The Chinese often say: Distance cannot separate true friends who remain close even when thousands of miles apart. The vast Pacific Ocean is indeed a bond between China and Pacific Islands countries, he said. President Xi said China would stand firm with Pacific Islands countries and all other developing countries. The Post-Courier reported that early this year president Xi met with prime minister ONeill in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as part of a trip that saw the Pacific nation signing on to the One Belt One Road initiative. This was an initiative seen by the US as a threat, and it had injected US$113 million in Asian investment. _________ Meanwhile, The Diplomat website reports that the first visit to PNG by a Chinese head of state has already turned out to be fortuitous for Beijing. In January, Australias then Minister for International Development, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, made headlines when she accused China of constructing and funding useless buildings and roads to nowhere in Pacific Island countries. That comment sparked forceful pushback both from China and from Pacific Island leaders, who found the implications insulting (in the words of Samoas prime minister). This visit gives Xi a prime chance to hit back at accusations that China is pursuing debt trap diplomacy. In an article for the Post Courier, published just ahead of his arrival, Xi highlighted Chinas commitment to treating Pacific nations with mutual respect. China believes that all countries are equal, regardless of their size, Xi declared, repeating a common refrain in Chinese diplomacy. But in an oblique nod to the criticisms, Xi also wrote that China and the Pacific Islands need to bring our strategic trust to a higher level. As part of that, Xi pledged that China will enhance solidarity and cooperation with Pacific island countries, support their development, and help narrow down the development gap between the North and the South. On the sidelines of the APEC summit, Xi has met with leaders from PNG, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Its no coincidence that all eight countries have either already joined or are strongly considering joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Theres another motivation for the lavish Belt and Road diplomacy going on this week China will be hoping to prove to all the Pacific Island states the value of cooperating with Beijing, rather than Taipei. Where we have received precious funds, these have not been managed well, he said, saying that the report found that the government and the public service consistently fail to adhere to legislation and that corruption has at times taken hold. The report demonstrates that the ABG has been chronically underfunded over the life of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Dr Momis was responding to findings from the second joint autonomy review in a statement to the Bougainville House of Representatives. BUKA - While Bougainville has a modern system of laws and effective model of representative government and democracy, corruption is still rampant within the autonomous government, Bougainville president John Momis has said. This is why I continue to speak so forcefully on the need to ensure that our leaders are held to account, Dr Momis said. I am heartened by advice that the fraud squad will soon be deployed to Bougainville to investigate allegations of fraud. Nobody is above the law. Everyone must be held to account. The report noted slow progress in advancing the drawdown of powers to the ABG, a result of poor funding from the national government. There was also a lack of commitment and engagement at national government level. How can we harness the benefits of autonomy when we cant exercise the powers and functions that autonomy provides? Dr Momis asked. All we do is maintain a system of dependency, a system that relies on a dysfunctional national government bureaucracy and where policy paralysis prevails. It is up to both governments to do more, he said. The review noted a significant failure of government departments to address compliance issues and administer the law. We must harness the legal powers available to us. We have excellent laws, but we fail to administer them, Dr Momis said. The Bougainville Peace Agreement is often hailed as a world best practice document but implementation has been poor. These are issues that must also be addressed jointly with the national government, he said. A boatload of more than 100 Rohingya Muslims who fled a camp in Myanmar were found off the country's south coast Friday after spending 15 days at sea in a failed attempt to reach Malaysia. The group of 106 people were discovered floating in a wooden boat on the Andaman Sea just off the shore of Kyauktan township an hour south of Myanmar's commercial capital of Yangon, police told AFP. The Rohingya said their group included 23 children and that a girl had died "about nine days ago". "One girl died at sea... she had not eaten and had drank seawater," said Eilia, 35, who added the boat had run out of petrol. Others in the mostly male group said they were from various Rohingya camps in Sittwe, Rakhine state's capital. "We left 15 days ago and are going to Malaysia," said a young Rohingya man, who was immediately barred from speaking to reporters by police. The group was escorted by local Red Cross members and immigration officers to Kyauktan township in eight vans, with four armed police officers in each vehicle. Once in Kyauktan they were given shelter in a community hall. - Brutal crackdown - The stateless minority face widespread persecution in Myanmar, and more than 120,000 are forced to live in camps in Rakhine state after intercommunal violence erupted between them and ethnic Rakhine in 2012. Housed under grim conditions, the Rohingya -- who have been denied citizenship in Myanmar -- have no freedom of movement and a lack of access to education and healthcare. Eilia said they had left their camps because of the lack of food. "The food rations they give us are not enough," he said. "We were told we would get jobs and be able to eat if we went (to Malaysia)." A camp leader from Sittwe confirmed that the group had departed two weeks earlier. "They left 15 days ago trying to get to Malaysia," Kyaw Tin told AFP. "They left secretly... We only found out when they had a problem, about three days ago." More than 720,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine state for Bangladesh after a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military in August 2017. Those who fled to overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh brought with them accounts of rape, extrajudicial murders and arson perpetrated by the military. The two governments signed a repatriation pact last year, which was due to begin on Thursday. Myanmar said they were ready to receive more than 2,200 Rohingya back to resettlement camps. But none have taken up the offer, with many citing fears without guarantees of safety and citizenship. UNHCR spokesperson Aoife McDonnell said "concrete progress" was needed for the stateless community to enjoy basic rights in Rakhine state. "With the prospect of boat movements increasing following the end of the monsoon season, it is increasingly urgent for the authorities to take measures to address the root causes of displacement," McDonnell said. UN investigators have urged the International Criminal Court to open a case against Myanmar's military for "genocide" against the Rohingya -- a damning charge the army and government denies, insisting that the security clearances were justified to tamp down Rohingya terrorists. burs-dhc/je More than 100 Rohingya Muslims were on board this boat which was found floating with no petrol off the south coast of Myanmar The 106 Rohingya found floating off southern Myanmar said their group included 23 children and that they had spent 15 days at sea The Rohingya were loaded into vans and taken to the Kyauktan township an hour south of Myanmar's commercial capital of Yangon Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to Darwin on Friday, some 75 years after Japan bombed the northern Australian city, as the two countries cement ties in the face of an emergent China. Trade and closer defence relations are the centrepieces of Abe's two-day visit and meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, before the pair travel to Papua New Guinea for a weekend APEC summit. Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where more than 250 people were killed during multiple bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst-ever foreign attacks on the country. Abe and Morrison paid their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving. "To see the Japanese prime minister here actually laying a wreath on our war memorial, it is a quite emotional thing. It is amazing that in 70 or so years we've come this far," one veteran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On Saturday, Abe will also remember Japanese casualties when he visits a cenotaph for navy personnel who died when the I-124 was sunk by HMAS Deloraine in January 1942 -- the first Japanese submarine to be sunk by an Australian ship. - Close economic ties - Abe later Friday will attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator. The Ichthys LNG project -- Japan's largest overseas investment -- began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australia's position as the country's main energy supplier. The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. The leaders also met for talks that Australian officials said would include ongoing efforts to reach agreement on enhanced defence cooperation, including regular joint military exercises. That effort reflects the desire of both countries to expand their involvement across the Pacific to counter increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. Japan and Australia played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition will be on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) paid their respects at memorials to the war dead at the Darwin Cenotaph Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving and emotional Abe later Friday will attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project Canberra and Tokyo both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative Long retired from her job as a Saint Petersburg trolley driver, 80-year-old Galina Yakovleva still spends her days behind the wheel, but now in a mini-van distributing food to needy pensioners. "I do it because I like to help people and I like to drive," she laughs during one of her daily rounds. "With this I can do both at the same time." A decade ago Yakovleva created the charity "Dobrota" -- or "Kindness" -- a one-woman operation where she works as director, manager and driver. Pensioners across Russia are struggling to make ends meet and deeply unpopular government plans to raise the retirement age have brought the issue into the spotlight. President Vladimir Putin in October signed a bill that will lift the retirement age for men to 65 from 60, and for women from 55 to 60, in the first hike for almost 90 years. The move has sparked rare street protests in a country where the elderly often have to keep working to bolster their meagre aid from the state. "Here she is, our guardian angel!" shouts Nina, Yakovleva's 84-year-old neighbour as they meet in the courtyard of the complex where they live. Yakovleva takes a box of cakes out of the back of her van and hands it over. "Come on, there's a crate of apples to get from a friend and then I've got three visits to do," she says as she turns on the ignition. The average monthly pension in Saint Petersburg is 12,300 rubles ($180), while the official poverty line is set at 7,000 rubles. "Pensioners still have to pay their bills and for their medicines, which can be expensive," Yakovleva explains. "So my help is always useful." Independent restaurants, corner shops and bakers, along with friends and acquaintances, supply the food, clothes and other essential items that she distributes. "Sometimes I have to use my charm," to get businesses to cooperate, says the diminutive octogenarian, dressed in trousers and a black leather jacket, her hair immaculately styled. - Stopped by police - Handing over the apples, her friend Elena Varakushina confirms it's with her "character and charm" that the energetic pensioner convinces small businesses to donate. Despite her previous work on the trolleys, Yakovleva says she is still sometimes stopped by police when they see her behind the wheel of a mini-van. "They're friendly, it's just because they're curious. It's rare to see a woman of my age driving in Russia!" "Most of my 'charges' are pensioners, but there are also disabled people and some large families," she says. The recent pension reforms caused a backlash that saw several Kremlin-backed candidates defeated in regional elections across the country. But Yakovleva steers clear of politics, preferring to focus on the "joy" she is able to bring with her deliveries. "Where do I find them?" she asks of the people she helps. "Everywhere. Sometimes on the street but most of the time through friends or acquaintances." Nina Savelyeva, a 94-year-old retired engineer, says Yakovleva's help is essential for her survival, as she welcomes her into her flat during the morning round. "I don't understand how people can be so uninterested (in us) nowadays," she says. "Today people just think of themselves. But that's not true with Galina. I admire her kindness, and if I tell you the truth, I couldn't do what she does." A decade ago Galina Yakovleva created the charity "Dobrota" -- or "Kindness" -- a one-woman operation where she works as director, manager and driver for needy pensions in Saint Petersburg Independent restaurants, corner shops and bakers, along with friends and acquaintances, supply the food, clothes and other essential items that the charity distributes 'Pensioners still have to pay their bills and for their medicines, which can be expensive,' Galina says.'So my help is always useful' Galina steers clear of Russian politics, preferring to focus on the "joy" she is able to bring with her deliveries Nina Savelyeva, a 94-year-old retired engineer, says Galina's help is essential for her survival, as she welcomes her into her flat during the morning round The leader of Papua New Guinea, host of this year's APEC summit, Friday urged respect for international trade rules by "countries large and small" as spats between the US and China threatened to overshadow the gathering. As leaders from Asian Pacific nations prepared to fly in to Port Moresby for their annual meeting, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill appeared to call his guests to order on damaging trade rows. "Smaller economies, countries like Papua New Guinea, place considerable reliance on international trade and especially the international trade rules," stressed O'Neill. "We suffer when rules are broken or ignored and we benefit when rules are followed by all countries, large and small," he added. The world's top two economies have been engaged in a spiralling trade conflict that economists have warned could be catastrophic for the global economy. Washington and Beijing have slapped tit-for-tat tariffs worth billions of dollars on each other's goods and both sides have threatened to escalate the conflict if needed. China is pushing a trade deal with other Asian powers like Japan and India -- a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) -- after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the rival Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is still alive even without Washington -- and will come into effect in December -- but RCEP, if realised, will be the world's biggest trade deal. Beijing had hoped to have the meat of the deal done by the end of this year, but the timetable has now slipped to 2019. Foreign ministers meeting ahead of the APEC summit, which kicks off on Saturday, failed to agree immediately on a joint statement amid disagreements over language on reforming the World Trade Organization. The United States is thought to be pushing for tough language criticising the WTO and urging root-and-branch reform but appears to have run into opposition. O'Neill seemed to come to the WTO's defence, saying that Papua New Guinea was "playing an increasing role, like everyone else, in international forums such as the WTO". "We must continue that. We must continue to benefit from such arrangements," said the prime minister. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, host of this year's APEC summit, said countries such as his suffered when international trade rules were broken Prime Minister hit by wave of resignations on turbulent day Dominic Raab and Esther McVey most high-profile ministers to go Jacob Rees-Mogg among at least a dozen MPs to issue letter of no-confidence in PM Defiant May tells Commons her Brexit plan is the only viable option Jeremy Corbyn condemns PMs half-baked deal as halfway house Odds of Theresa Mays exit tumble in wake of resignations A defiant Theresa May has stared down Brexiteer attempts to oust her and called for the country to unite as she fights for her political life in the face of increasingly unlikely odds. The PM has been hit by a wave of resignations and open rebellion among senior Tory MPs today, leaving her administration on the brink of imploding and her plan to leave the EU in tatters. In a tense speech from inside Downing Street given after numerous letters of no-confidence in her were submitted Mrs May said: I believe with every fibre of my being that the course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people. Theresa May has vowed to see Brexit plan through on day of turmoil (AP) From the very beginning I have known what I wanted to deliver for the British people to honour their vote in the referendum. The PMs resilience in the face of widespread condemnation was marked, with her voice quivering as she began to speak. Serving in high office is an honour and privilege. It is also a heavy responsibility that is true at any time but especially when the stakes are so high. Her comments came after a chaotic day that had looked set to end more decidedly than it has. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey both Brexiteers resigned on Thursday morning just hours after Mrs May secured Cabinet backing for her Brexit deal in a fiery meeting. Two junior ministers have also quit today along with two ministerial aides and the partys vice-chairman Rehman Chishti. Significantly, the first concrete moves designed to topple the PM have also got under way as Jacob Rees-Mogg became one of many Tory MPs to submit a letter of no-confidence, bringing the prospect of a leadership challenge within touching distance. Forty-eight letters are needed to trigger a contest. Story continues WATCH | Fantastic statement just now by @Jacob_Rees_Mogg: "The negotiations have given away on all the key points. Leaving the EU is the most fantastic opportunity for the United Kingdom. It's being thrown away! This is a failure of government policy, it needs to be rejected!" pic.twitter.com/ty5e0Ss7qA Leave.EU (@LeaveEUOfficial) November 15, 2018 Mr Rees-Mogg said the country could have a new leader within weeks. Asked about possible successors, he named Boris Johnson, David Davis, Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and Penny Mordaunt. During a defiant address to MPs on Thursday morning in the face of increasing adversity Mrs May said her draft deal was the only viable option, saying it was this deal, no deal, or no Brexit at all. But by then her plans had already begun to unravel dramatically with Mr Raab becoming the first high-profile Cabinet minister to quit. READ THE LATEST BREXIT NEWS FROM TODAY EUs Tusk says bloc is prepared for Brexit to be cancelled Pound plunges after Brexit minister resigns This insane chart shows just how much theres still to do on Brexit Irish government criticised for self-congratulations on Brexit deal Ms McVey resigned at 10am, saying I cannot defend this, and I cannot vote for this deal. Brexit minister Suella Braverman and Northern Ireland minister Shailesh Vara have also gone. Theresa May put in a stubborn performance in the House of Commons. (PA) Esther McVey became the second high-profile resignation (Getty) One bookmaker has now stopped taking bets on Theresa Mays exit date. A BetFred spokesperson said: We see her position as untenable and a wave of support for her to leave this year has forced us to close the market. Of those still in position, Penny Mordaunt and Michael Gove are those most likely to make a move next. Mr Gove has reportedly been offered the role of Brexit Secretary but is thought to have said he will only accept it if he can scrap Mrs Mays current draft deal. Mays uphill battle The Prime Minister came under fire from all angles during tense exchanges with MPs from all parties in the House of Commons. There was widespread laughter as she said that it would allow the UK to leave in a smooth and orderly way on March 29. It takes back control of our borders, laws and money. It protects jobs, security and the integrity of the United Kingdom, and it delivers in ways that many said could simply not be done, she said. However, when pressed whether she would put a second referendum back on the table, Mrs May said that wasnt an option. She also insisted that Article 50 will not be extended. Jacob Rees-Moog tore into Mrs Mays Brexit plan in the Commons, listing the broken promises contained within the agreement. He threatened to write to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 committee, who received the letters of no confidence in the PM. Jeremy Corbyn condemned her half-baked deal. The Government is in chaos. Their deal risks leaving the country in an indefinite halfway house without a real say, he said. Notwithstanding the ministerial resignations that have already taken place, Mrs May faces a battle to get it through Parliament as pro-Leave Conservative MPs and some Remainers have lined up to condemn the plan. Prominent Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg wrote to all Tory MPs urging them to vote against the deal (Getty) Chief Whip Julian Smith has said he is confident the Government will get the support of Parliament for the deal. But with the DUP whose 10 MPs prop up Mrs May in the Commons voicing their unhappiness at the agreement, and the prospect of a significant Tory backbench revolt it is hard to see how ministers can make the numbers add up. The DUPs deputy leader Nigel Dodds tore into Mrs May. He told MPs: I could today stand here and take the Prime Minister through the list of promises and pledges she made to this house and to us, privately, about the future of Northern Ireland in the future relationship with the EU. But I fear it would be a waste of time since she clearly doesnt listen. Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the draft Brexit agreement is a miserable failure of negotiation and that Labour will vote against it. He said: This is now an incredibly serious situation. The Prime Ministers Brexit deal has fallen at the first hurdle. Brussels reacts As Tory MPs began their maneouvres in London, in Brussels the EU fought against British critics of the draft Brexit deal, insisting it is the best deal anyone can offer. Senior figures from the European Commission and parliament weighed in behind the PMs efforts to sell the deal to sceptics from both sides of the Brexit debate. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, left, European Council President Donald Tusk. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) European Council president Donald Tusk also appeared to express the hope that Brexit could still be averted. The EU is prepared for a final deal with the United Kingdom in November, he told a news conference in Brussels. We are also prepared for a no-deal scenario but of course we are best prepared for a no-Brexit scenario. Raab and McVey lead the pack Tweeting his letter of resignation, Mr Raab said Mrs Mays deal posed a threat to the integrity of the UK. He wrote: The regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom. Dominic Raab was the first high-profile minister to go. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit. No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement. Today, I have resigned as Brexit Secretary. I cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU. Here is my letter to the PM explaining my reasons, and my enduring respect for her. pic.twitter.com/tf5CUZnnUz Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) November 15, 2018 Explaining his resignation Mr Raab said he believed Mrs May should stay on as Prime Minister but change course over Brexit. I have been fighting for a good Brexit deal but the terms proposed to the Cabinet yesterday had two major and fatal flaws, he said. The first is that the terms being offered by the EU threaten the integrity of the UK. The second is that they would lead to an indefinite, if not permanent, situation where we are locked into a regime with no say over the rules and the laws being applied, with no exit mechanism. Ms McVey said in her resignation letter: The British people have always been ahead of politicians on this issue, and it will be no good trying to pretend to them that this deal honours the result of the referendum when it is obvious to everyone that it doesnt. We have gone from no deal is better than a bad deal, to any deal is better than no deal. Earlier this morning I informed the Prime Minister I was resigning from her Cabinet pic.twitter.com/ZeBkL5n2xH Esther McVey (@EstherMcVey1) November 15, 2018 COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT LATEST ANALYSIS FROM YAHOO UK Where do Theresa Mays ministers stand on Brexit? Post-Brexit trip to Europe? Try these non-EU alternatives Bank of England governor confident about UK banks Brexit readiness Dont be fooled the biggest battle over Brexit starts now Hard Brexit could cripple UK science warn Nobel Prize winners NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Edison International (Edison or the Company) (NYSE: EIX) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Central District of California, and indexed under 18-cv-09690, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Edison securities between February 23, 2016 through November 12, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased Edison securities between February 23, 2016, and November 12, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until January 15, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] Edison International was founded in 1886 and is based in Rosemead, California. Edison International is the parent holding company of Southern California Edison Company (SCE). SCE is an investor-owned public utility primarily engaged in the business of supplying and delivering electricity to an approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California. The Company supplies electricity primarily to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other customers, as well as public authorities through transmission and distribution networks. Its transmission facilities consist of lines ranging from 33 kV to 500 kV and substations; and its distribution system comprises approximately 53,000-line miles of overhead lines, 38,000-line miles of underground lines, and 800 substations located in California. The Company serves approximately 5 million customers. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company failed to maintain electricity transmission and distribution networks in compliance with safety requirements and regulations promulgated under state law; (ii) consequently, the Company was in violation of state law and regulations; (iii) the Companys noncompliant electricity networks created a significantly heightened risk of wildfires in California; and (iv) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On November 8, 2018, two wildfires started in Southern California, designated the Hill Fire and the Woolsey Fire. The Hill Fire, which broke out in Ventura County, subsequently grew to 4,531 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Stretching from Los Angeles County to Ventura County, the Woolsey Fire burned 93,662 acres, including 83 percent of all National Parks Service land in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, according to Cal Fire. On November 12, 2018, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) launched an investigation into Edisons subsidiary SCE, in order to assess the compliance of electrical facilities with applicable rules and regulations in fire-impacted areas. According to CPUC, electrical infrastructure may have suffered malfunctions near ground zero of the blazes. Specifically, it was reported that on the day the fires began SCE issued an alert to the CPUC that a substation circuit near the Woolsey Fire origin "relayed," or sensed a disturbance on the circuit, just two minutes before Cal Fire said that the devastating fire began. Following CPUCs announcement, Edison Internationals stock price fell $7.44 per share, or more than 12%, to close at $53.56 per share on November 12, 2018. Over the following days, as the Hill and Woolsey Fires continued to burn, Edison Internationals stock price continued to fall, closing at $47.19 on November 15, 2018, a total drop of 32% from its price prior to CPUCs announcement. 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 Bulgaria's nationalist vice premier Valery Simeonov resigned on Friday after weeks of street protests by insulted mothers of children with disabilities who pressed for him to go. "I tabled my resignation as vice premier in Bulgaria's coalition government," Simeonov told journalists Friday evening. The government press service said it had been accepted by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Mothers of children with disabilities rallied in downtown Sofia every evening for the past 26 days demanding Simeonov's resignation over a statement in mid-October in which he described them as "a bunch of shrill women who... manipulate society by taking out in heat and rain these supposedly ill children... for purely material gain". His comments came after mothers brought their disabled children outside parliament to press for better social services and increased allowances for the disabled. Daycare centres are scarce and most mothers of disabled children cannot take up employment. Simeonov, 63, is a co-leader of the nationalist United Patriots (UP) formation, the junior party in Borisov's governing coalition. Simenov has already attracted controversy for his scathing verbal attacks on Roma and migrants and had only half-heartedly apologised for his latest statement under pressure from Borisov and his UP partners. But this failed to appease the mothers as tensions rose further in recent weeks on a number of other social issues, such as high fuel prices and low living standards in the European Union's poorest country. Nationwide road blockades paralysed traffic in the country over the past two weekends and were expected to continue. Borisov had said that sacking Simeonov would topple his coalition which has a slight majority in parliament thanks to the UP. Street rallies and a wave of self-immolations had already brought down Borisov's first cabinet in 2013. Simeonov said on Friday that his words had been taken out of context and slammed "the media campaign that undermines the image and approval ratings of the government. "This I cannot allow. (...) I cannot allow to become a prerequisite for more protests," he said. Mothers of children with disabilities rallied in downtown Sofia every evening for 26 days demanding Simeonov's (pictured April 2017) resignation over a statement in which he described them as "shrill women" who use their children for material gain Italian former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is to go on trial for allegedly paying a witness to give false testimony about his notoriously hedonistic parties. A judge in southern city Bari on Friday set the first hearing in the witness tampering trial for February 4, 2019. The case dates back to 2008-2009 when young and ambitious businessman Giampolo Tarantini brought escort girls to parties at Berlusconi's residences in Rome and Sardinia. Tarantini is currently appealing an eight-year sentence for procuring prostitutes for Berlusconi. The billionaire former premier is accused of having paid Tarantini to keep quiet about the more salacious details of his parties. Prosecutors say that Berlusconi provided Tarantini with "hundreds of thousands of euros, legal assistance and a job" so that he would lie in court. Berlusconi is already being investigated or prosecuted for witness tampering in Milan, Sienna, Rome and Turin, each time for allegedly paying people to keep quiet about his so-called bunga-bunga parties. The media magnate has never denied making the payments, but said they were to help "somebody or a family with children that was in serious financial difficulty". "We are confident that after the trial opens Mr Berlusconi will quickly be acquitted," Berlusconi's lawyer Nicolo Ghedini was quoted as telling the Repubblica newspaper. Berlusconi was ousted in November 2011 following a parliamentary revolt against his increasingly scandal-tainted rule and a wave of panic on the financial markets that pushed Italy to the brink of default. Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is accused of having paid an ambitious young businessman to keep quiet about the more salacious details of his 'bunga-bunga' parties When a six-year-old boy wasnt keen to go trick-or-treating on Halloween, his parents knew something wasnt quite right they just didnt know dire the situation would become. Mikah Arvidson was playing with his brothers fidget toy when he accidentally swallowed the small object that contains 14 magnets. For three days, the magnets travelled through the Utah childs digestive system causing major damage and perforating his bowels. When Mikah started to vomit and develop a piercing pain in his stomach, his parents Blake and Aubrey rushed him to the Primary Childrens Medical Centre where X-rays revealed the cause of his suffering. X-rays revealed 14 magnets lodged inside the six-year-old. Image: Facebook/Aubrey Hoopiiaina Arvidson Mikah went in for emergency surgery to remove the magnets and remove a section of damaged intestine. He had his appendix removed as well, his family revealed in a GoFundMe page. But one week on, doctors couldnt understand why his fever had not reduced. Unfortunately, his bowels were still leaking bile which eventually led to a second lifesaving surgery, the GoFundMe page read. It is truly a miracle this little boy survived. Mikah had to undergo three bouts of emergency surgery after swallowing the magnets. Image: Facebook/Aubrey Hoopiiaina Arvidson Now out of surgery, Mikah warned other children not to put small toys near their mouths. Image: Facebook/Aubrey Hoopiiaina Arvidson Out of surgery but still under close medical supervision, Mikah issued a warning to other children from his hospital bed. I want you guys to be safe, he said, through the Deseret News. If you swallow some magnets, you might feel bad and come here or come somewhere else. But if you come here, youll be here for a long time. El Salvador has earned a grim distinction: it is the country with the highest rate of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2017, with more than 10 killings for every 100,000 women. Across the region, at least 2,795 women aged 15 and older were murdered last year due to their gender, the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Thursday. In absolute terms, Brazil had the most murders of women with 1,133, but given El Salvador's much smaller population, its rate easily outpaced that seen in other countries. Femicide "has a scope in El Salvador that is seen nowhere else in the region," the organization said as it released the report from its Gender Equality Observatory. Even though 18 Latin American countries -- including Brazil and El Salvador -- have changed their laws to make killing women a crime, the situation continues unabated. "Femicide is the most extreme expression of violence against women," said ECLAC's executive secretary, Alicia Barcena. "Neither the criminal classification of this offense nor the efforts to make it statistically visible have been enough to eradicate this scourge that alarms and horrifies us on a daily basis." Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia have also seen high rates of murders of women of at least two per 100,000. In the region, only Panama, Peru and Venezuela had rates under one murder for every 100,000 women. ECLAC called on leaders to "consider women's diversity and the varied ways in which violence against them is manifested," as crimes against women also usually have economic, age, racial and cultural components. Demonstraters protest against violence against women during a march in El Salvador in 2010 -- last year, the country topped all others in the region for the highest rate of murders of women A gang of men rampage through a burning village in Central African Republic, rifles and machetes swinging, the bodies of their victims slain on the ground. But then a voice shouts "cut, cut!" and the fighters lower their weapons and the corpses get up. It is a scene from upcoming film "Camille", based on the life of French photojournalist Camille Lepage who was killed aged 26 working in CAR in 2014. "The casting director was looking for someone who looked like her," says Nina Meurisse, who plays Camille. With her long brown hair tied back, sunglasses perched on her head and a camera slung over her shoulder, Meurisse certainly resembles photographs of Lepage working in the country. "When I saw the picture I thought, look, it's funny, we do have something in common," Meurisse says. Lepage was killed during a firefight between rival militia in the restive country, where she had been covering sectarian bloodletting and its impact on civilians. According to a source close to the case at the time, she died on May 12, 2014 after being shot in the head near Bouar in the west of the country. "We had to live up to what Camille experienced, her courage," says producer Bruno Nahon, explaining the film team felt they had to shoot on location in CAR. "We know that reality is more powerful... than fiction." The French-CAR crew have set up in the capital Bangui and surrounding areas to make the film, which is supported by Alliance Francaise, Canal-Plus, Pyramide and the National Centre for French Cinema (CNC). "I always thought, and people thought it was crazy, that it would be easier (to shoot) in Central Africa" ??than anywhere else, smiles director Boris Lojkine. - Attacks on media - Lojkine has focused on recreating the details of Lepage's life on screen, cutting in archive shots from the time with the film's footage. The emphasis on realism has seen former militia members cast in some roles and a photographer, Michael Zumstein, who was in Bangui at the same time as Lepage, will also play himself. As well as focusing on Lepage's life and career, the film reflects on the violence that has ravaged CAR in recent years. Militias have been battling in CAR since the 2013 overthrow of long-time leader Francois Bozize, a Christian, by a majority-Muslim coalition of militias called the Seleka. Thousands of people have died, 700,000 have been internally displaced and another 570,000 have fled abroad. The other main militia is the Christian-dominated Antibalaka. More than four years after Lepage's death, being a journalist in CAR remains risky. "Attacks against the media are continuing and the safety of journalists caught between the various warring factions is far from secure," according to the NGO Reporters Without Borders. Lojkine says CAR authorities helped ensure the crew's safety during filming. He also insisted the film would handle Lepage's last moments with dignity and sensitivity. "The scene where Camille is killed will not be shown," says Lojkine. French actress Nina Meurisse plays the part of Camille Lepage in the film "Camille" Directed by Boris Lodjkine, the film "Camille" retraces the Central African journey of photojournalist Camille Lepage, who died at the age of 26 on May 12, 2014 The Saudi government exonerated the country's powerful crown prince of involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Thursday as death-penalty charges were announced against five men and the US placed sanctions on 17 suspected of involvement. Riyadh prosecutors announced indictments against 11 people and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, which outraged Saudi allies and placed massive pressure on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to come clean about the murder. The Saudi prosecutor said execution would be recommended for five principals who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime." But prosecutor spokesman Shaalan al-Shaalan rejected allegations that Prince Mohammed, whose father is King Salman, directed the murder. The prince had "no knowledge" of Khashoggi's killing, Shaalan said. And Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told journalists in Riyadh that the prince was not involved. "Absolutely. The crown prince has nothing to do with this issue," Jubeir said. - Prince's aides blacklisted - Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post and other international media, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2. The murder was carried out by a team of Saudis who travelled to Istanbul for that purpose, according to Turkish and US assessments, and was allegedly directed and led by close aides of the prince. The Saudi prosecutor, in the country's newest account of what happened, said agents were dispatched to Istanbul to bring Khashoggi home "by means of persuasion" but ended up killing him with "a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose." The Saudi prosecutor did not name any of those indicted in the murder. But the US sanctions announced Thursday included two top aides of Prince Mohammed, Saud Al-Qahtani and Maher Mutreb, and Mohammed Alotaibi, who was the consul general in the Istanbul consulate when Khashoggi was murdered. The US Treasury said Qahtani, Prince Mohammed's long-time right-hand man, "was part of the planning and execution of the operation" to kill Khashoggi. The US statement made no mention of the crown prince. Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said that her country "welcomes the US action" and that Ottawa "is actively considering" following suit. - Crisis for crown prince - Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. The criticism has shaken the 33-year-old Prince Mohammed, who has moved with brash confidence since becoming heir to the throne in June 2017 in a shakeup undertaken by King Salman to secure power for his wing of the sprawling Saudi royal family. The country's allies and critics alike are pushing for an independent investigation into Khashoggi's murder, with Turkey at their helm pointing a finger directly at Prince Mohammed, widely known as "MBS". But Jubeir Thursday dismissed the calls for an international probe. "This is now a legal case and is thus in the hands of Saudi Arabia's judiciary," he said. On Thursday, the Saudi prosecutor's office said the kingdom had requested that Turkey sign a "special cooperation mechanism" on a probe. But Turkey said the Saudi response fell short and insisted the murder had been "premeditated." "We find all those steps positive, but insufficient," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. In Washington State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called the Saudi announcement a "good first step," while denying there was any link with the Treasury announcement of sanctions just two hours later. "We regard the announcement that they made as a good first step, it's a step in the right direction," Nauert told reporters. "It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken toward full accountability." - US legislators: sanctions not enough - But senior US politicians and the Washington Post said the moves Thursday were far from adequate. "In announcing actions against 'those responsible' for Jamal Khashoggi's murder, the Saudi and US governments are asking the world to take their word for it that this settles the matter," said Post publisher and chief executive Fred Ryan. "From the start, the Saudi 'investigation' has been an effort to shield those ultimately responsible for this heinous crime when there is every reason to believe that it was authorized at the highest levels of the Saudi government." "The US government should be demanding an independent investigation that gets to the truth about the murder of an innocent journalist." Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the US sanctions on the 17 Saudis were not enough. "Everyone who had a hand in Khashoggi's brutal murder should be subject to strict sanctions, and, as I review this list, it's clear that it is not comprehensive," she said in a statement. "There must be further sanctions on Saudi leadership who ordered this assassination. We must send a clear message that the United States stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values." burr-pmh/ec In his final column for The Washington Post, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi perhaps presciently pleaded for greater freedom of expression in the Middle East The Saudi government exonerated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- seen here at an investment forum in October 2018 -- over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir speaks during a news conference about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi France and Germany are jumping the gun with calls for a European army, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Friday, asserting that the continent's safety could be guaranteed only through NATO. "The idea of a European army is going way too far for the Netherlands," Rutte said at his weekly post-cabinet press conference. "France and Germany are really jumping the gun. As far as the Netherlands is concerned, NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence policy," he told journalists. French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy last week with his proposal for a "European army" to "protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States". He said he wanted to reduce Europe's dependence on the US and US weapons for its own security. Macron's call reflected a desire among several European countries to more autonomously handle their own collective defence, after US President Donald Trump's criticised Europe for what he sees as inadequate contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defence alliance. Trump called Macron's idea "very insulting", tweeting that Europe should "first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidises greatly". German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seconded Macron's proposal. During a European parliament session, she emphasised the need for Europe to bolster its self-defence capabilities, and said that a European army could run parallel to NATO. "Europe must take our fate into our own hands if we want to protect our community," she said. But Rutte insisted NATO remained the primary guardian of Europe's safety. "As far as I am concerned, it is an illusion to think that the European Union without NATO can guarantee her safety," Rutte said. "NATO, and the United States within the organsation, remains a crucial partner for peace and security in Europe and we will continue to point that out to our partners in our discussions," he said. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, pictured October 2018, says the concept of a European army is "going way too far" for the Netherlands, and insists that NATO remain the primary guardian of Europe's safety Hong Kong's powerful bar association, a group of the city's top lawyers, has upped pressure on the government to explain the blacklisting of a British journalist in what was widely seen as an unprecedented attack on press freedom. Victor Mallet, a senior journalist with the Financial Times, was refused a work visa extension and then barred from entering the city as a tourist after he chaired a talk by an independence activist at the city's press club. The government has refused to explain the decision despite calls from the public and rights groups, and criticism from foreign governments including Britain and the United States. The effective blacklisting of Mallet comes as concern grows that Hong Kong's cherished freedoms are disappearing as Beijing tightens its grip on the semi-autonomous city. In a statement late Thursday the bar association said the rights enshrined in Hong Kong's mini-constitution, including freedom of expression, should be respected "whether one agrees with the information or ideas or not". "The HKBA considers that the public, both domestically and internationally, is justifiably concerned whether the decisions (over Mallet's visa and entry to Hong Kong) constitute undue interferences with the right to freedom of expression," it added. It urged the government to explain the decisions "so that the public can see if good reasons exist for them". 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. A report from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission this week said there had been a "steady erosion" of Hong Kong's autonomy under President Xi Jinping and cited Mallet's visa denial as an example of challenges to freedom of speech. "Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's political system, rule of law and freedom of expression is moving the territory closer to becoming more like any other Chinese city," the report said. USCC, a congressional body that monitors national security and trade issues between the US and China, also called on the US Department of Commerce to publish assessments of the safety of exporting sensitive technology to Hong Kong. City leader Carrie Lam denied the accusations in the report, saying it saw the relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing with "coloured glasses", an expression meaning to view something with prejudice. Senior Financial Times journalist Victor Mallet was refused a work visa extension and then barred from entering Hong Kong as a tourist after he chaired a talk by an independence activist at the city's press club Indian police mounted a major security operation Friday to prevent hardliners blocking women from entering one of Hinduism's holiest shrines despite a court order. In September India's top court ruled that women of all ages could pray at the Sabarimala temple in the southern state of Kerala, the latest in a series of defeats for traditionalists. But when Sabarimala, perched on top of a hill, re-opened for a few days twice in mid-October, hardliners prevented women from getting anywhere near, clashing with police and assaulting female journalists. Police in riot gear had escorted two out of a handful of women wanting access to within 500 metres (yards) of the temple but were forced to turn around. Some 2,000 people were later arrested. The temple, reached via a long trek through a tiger reserve up a long mud path that devotees are meant to walk barefoot, opened again late Friday a day ahead of a two-month Hindu festive period. Among the several hundred thousand devotees who have registered online to visit between now and mid-January are 700 women. This time Kerala's communist government is determined to ensure there is no repeat of October's ugly scenes. More than 3,400 police, many in riot gear, lined routes to the temple on Friday. "We will deploy over 15,200 police around the temple for the entire season up to January 15," Kerala police spokesman Pramod Kumar told AFP. Press reports said the police were even considering using helicopters to take women to the site. Activists say that the ban at Sabarimala reflects an old view that connects menstruation with impurity. The traditionalists argue that women are allowed in most Hindu temples and the practice at Sabarimala is part of their tradition, and not anti-women. - Airport agitators - On Friday wet weather was making it hard to reach the site, and among those that did few were in favour of women being allowed. One exception was N.S Prakash Rao, from Vishakhapattanam in Andhra Pradesh. "I am coming here for seventh or eighth time and I am OK with women being allowed. Times have changed and so should we," he told AFP. "But I don't think activists -- who only come here to create noise -- should be allowed." One such activist is Trupti Desai. She flew into Kochi airport, four hours from Sabarimala, on Friday morning but was prevented from leaving by a 500-strong crowd of protestors clapping and chanting. "We tried to hire taxis several times but the agitators are not allowing them to take us. They have threatened violence if they do," Desai told Indian television. "A while back they tried to take us out from a back door but the protesters spotted us and attacked the cars," she said. The state government had called a meeting of all political parties in a bid to reach an agreement on letting women into the temple on certain days. But the talks ended late Thursday in an acrimonious failure. "We are at a standstill and now the situation is becoming even worse," said Sasikumar Varma, a top representative of the Pandalam royal family that has been traditionally involved in the temple's management. "The government stuck to its stance of allowing women's entry and we are opposed to it." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not spoken about the standoff, but members of his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party oppose the Supreme Court decision. "The communists (in Kerala's government) are atheists and want to destroy the Sabarimala temple culture," the head of the BJP in the state, P.S Sreedharan Pillai, told AFP. Hardliners have prevented women from entering the Sabarimala temple in defiance of a court ruling The family of an Indonesian man killed in a Lion Air jet crash is suing Boeing, alleging that the accident may have been caused by a problem with the flight-control system in its newest 737 plane. The father of Rio Nanda Pratama filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the US state of Illinois, where the plane manufacturer is headquartered, over the death of the young doctor who was to have married his high-school sweetheart this week. Pratama's fiance Intan Syari, 26, has made headlines after she posed alone for photos in a wedding gown that she was to have worn at the couple's nuptials in Indonesia. Syari said her husband-to-be had asked in jest that she carry on with the photo shoot if he did not return from what turned out to be a fatal trip. The 26-year-old man was among the 189 people killed when the Boeing 737-MAX plunged into the Java Sea on October 29, less than 20 minutes after leaving Jakarta on a routine flight to Pangkal Pinang city. There were no survivors. The 737-MAX in question had only begun service for budget carrier Lion Air in August. Questions have swirled about Boeing's alleged failure to tell airlines and pilots about changes to an anti-stall system that is being investigated for its possible links to the crash. The jet's engines are heavier than those installed on prior versions, meaning the plane can stall under different conditions. Boeing made modifications to the anti-stall system without informing air carriers and their crews, according to the Allied Pilots Association. "The government investigators typically will not make a determination of who is at fault, and just compensation to these families will not be provided by the governmental investigations," Curtis Miner from US-based firm Colson Hicks Eidson, which filed the lawsuit, said in a statement. "That is the critical role of private lawsuits in a tragedy like this." There is still no answer to what caused one of the world's newest and most advanced commercial passenger planes to crash. A preliminary report is expected at the end of the month. Pratama's family could not be immediately reached. Investigators are trying to determine what caused the Lion Air Boeing 737-MAX to crash shortly after takeoff from Jakarta ALICE, Texas, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forbes Energy Services, Ltd. (OTCQX: FLSS) (Forbes), announced today that it has acquired Cretic Energy Services, LLC (Cretic or the Company) from Catapult Energy Services Group, LLC, an NGP and NGP Energy Technology Partners portfolio company. Cretic, headquartered in Montgomery, Texas, provides large-diameter, extended-reach, coiled tubing services to oil and gas producers predominantly in the Permian Basin. The Company has been an early mover in bringing high capacity coiled tubing units to the market and one of the fastest growing providers to address specific demands associated with completing long lateral wells. The acquisition is expected to position Forbes as a leading completions service provider by adding seven large-diameter coiled tubing spreads, engineered fluids, nitrogen pumping, thru-tubing, and other completion support services to its existing coiled tubing business. The combined company will have one of the largest fleets of large-diameter, high-capacity coiled tubing units, and an established footprint in the Permian Basin and South Texas, as well as a presence in niche markets in East Texas, Oklahoma and other states surrounding Texas. This acquisition is a sizeable opportunity to accelerate growth for Forbes, said John Crisp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Forbes. The Cretic team has built a company that is best in class, and dovetails directly with our current offering of completion and production-related services. We share a common goal in continuing to build out an operation based on safe, reliable, consistent and efficient execution. Cretic was co-founded by Joe Michetti, its President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding Cretic, Michetti co-founded Infinistar Energy Services, which he sold to Weatherford International in 2009, maintaining a managerial position within Weatherfords Global Coiled Tubing product line. He also has held various managerial and engineering positions for El Paso Production, Burlington Resources and Pan Canadian Petroleum. Michetti will become President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Forbes, and brings with him an experienced and professional team of managers, technical support staff, and operators, each of whom will continue in their current roles under Cretic. Our operation at Cretic has proven to the market that we can deliver results faster, safer, and more efficiently than before, said Michetti. We are eager to become a part of Forbes, which will expand our infrastructure, enable us to reach more markets with our quality approach, and diversify our product offerings to include well servicing and fluid logistics services. We are pleased to have partnered with and supported the Cretic team in introducing large-diameter, extended reach coiled tubing to the market, said Gregory Laake, Managing Partner of Catapult Energy Services Group. Joe and his team have established Cretic as a specialized, innovative completions business with a solid blue-chip customer base. We wish them continued success under Forbes. In order to fund the Cretic acquisition, Forbes (i) entered into a new $35 million ABL facility with Regions Bank and (ii) amended and upsized its existing first lien term loan to receive an additional $60 million of term loan proceeds. Following the Cretic acquisition, the short term portion of Forbes term loan, in the amount of $50 million, is expected to be repaid with proceeds from a planned offering of rights to purchase unsecured subordinated convertible debt securities to its existing shareholders on a pro rata basis. Forbes two largest shareholders have committed to purchase the debt securities underlying any rights that are not exercised by other shareholders. In the event Forbes does not consummate the planned rights offering within twelve months following the Cretic transaction, the short term portion of the term loan will automatically convert to unsecured subordinated convertible debt securities. Forbes was advised by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., in connection with the acquisition. Catapult was advised by Simmons Energy | A Division of Piper Jaffray. About Catapult Energy Services Group Founded in 2013, Catapult uses an innovative approach to establish, invest in and support start-up oilfield products and services companies. Led by experienced industry professionals, Catapult is funded by NGP and NGP Energy Technology Partners. http://www.catapultservices.net. About Cretic Energy Services LLC Cretic Energy Services was founded in 2013 to provide oil and gas producers with the coiled tubing services, equipment, and experience needed to safely and efficiently service horizontal, extended reach wells. The company operates throughout Texas, and in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah. http://www.cretic.net About Forbes Energy Services LLC Forbes Energy Services is an independent oilfield services contractor that provides a broad range of completions-related and production-related services to oil and natural gas companies, primarily onshore in Texas and Pennsylvania. http://www.forbesenergyservices.com . This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), that involve many risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to Forbes expectations for future events and time periods. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future financial performance and growth targets or expectations; market and industry trends and developments, including the current decline in oil and natural gas prices; and the potential benefits of Forbes completed and any future merger, acquisition, disposition, restructuring, and financing transactions, including the planned rights offering. You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, might, will, should, would, could, potential, future, continue, ongoing, forecast, project, target or similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. 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You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Forbes does not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise, after the date hereof. Senior Khmer Rouge leaders Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan on Friday were sentenced to life in prison on charges of genocide, a landmark verdict since the UN-backed tribunal launched in 2006. Friday's sentencing is the first time the charge of genocide was ever levied against any senior leader of the ultra-Maoist regime, which left an estimated two million Cambodians dead during its four-year reign of terror. Here is a look back at some key moments in the historic trial. - Referred to court - After years of preparation and investigation, on January 13, 2011 four senior leaders are referred to the war crimes tribunal set up on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, formally called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). They are "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, rumoured to be the second-in-command to Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot; head of state Khieu Samphan; foreign minister Ieng Sary; and his wife, Ieng Thirith, who was the social affairs minister during the regime. She is released the following year, suffering from dementia, while Ieng Sary dies in detention in 2013 at the age of 87. The trial begins on June 27, 2011 but facing criticism that it would take too long, the judges decide three months later to split the proceedings into two: a first "mini-trial" which will focus on "crimes against humanity"; and the second on charges of "genocide". - 'Not bad people' - The end of 2011 is marked by memorable testimony by the two defendants. Khieu Samphan in November hits back at the prosecution for telling "fairy tales" about the Khmer Rouge, insisting that most Cambodians supported the brutal regime. A month later, Nuon Chea -- regarded as the chief ideologue for the movement -- says the Khmer Rouge were not "bad people" or criminals. "I don't want the next generations to misunderstand history," he tells the court on December 5, 2011. "Nothing is true about that." - Life imprisonment - Nuon Chea on May 30, 2013 shows the first signs of remorse when he admits he must "take responsibility for the damage" done to Cambodia and expresses his "deepest condolences". Yet the truculent defendant stops short of admitting guilt to the charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, denying any knowledge when it came to the regime's worst atrocities. Earlier that month Khieu Samphan offered a "sincere apology" but attempted to distance himself from the regime's actions, saying he was unaware of his fellow Cambodians' suffering. The following year on August 8, 2014, the two are found "guilty of crimes against humanity or extermination ... political persecution and other inhumane acts" and jailed for life -- a sentence that causes survivors to burst into applause as they weep after a 35-year wait for justice. - Genocide - The second "mini-trial" begins July 30, 2014, examining the charges of genocide of ethnic Vietnamese and Muslim Cham minorities. Controversially, these charges do not cover the mass killings of Khmers by Khmers, as the United Nations does not consider that to be genocide. In September 2016, witnesses testify to how Cham Muslims were mistreated, forced to eat pork and banned from speaking their language while copies of the Koran were burned by Khmer Rouge cadres. It is estimated that 100,000 to 500,000 Cham Muslims and 20,000 Vietnamese were murdered under the regime. After almost 300 days of trial of this second "mini" case, June 23, 2017 is the last day of hearing. Over three years, more than 100 witnesses took the stand to denounce the regime's practice of forced marriages, rape, and mass killings. On November 16, 2018, the two are sentenced to life in prison on charges of genocide. The tribunal issues a landmark verdict stating that Nuon Chea is guilty for all crimes perpetrated during the Khmer Rouge regime, given his senior role as second-in-command to Pol Pot. Khieu Samphan is found guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese, but not of Cham Muslims. An estimated two million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge's four-year reign of terror The Khmer Rouge's 'Killing Fields' execution site outside Phnom Penh is now a memorial to victims of the atrocities 'Brother Number Two' Nuon Chea (shown in a file photo taken during the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 rule) had denied any knowledge of the worst atrocities committed by the regime A young Khmer Rouge fighter patrols the streets of Phnom Penh as they took control of the capital on April 17, 1975, ushering in a four-year reign of terror Two top leaders of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime were found guilty of genocide on Friday, in a landmark ruling almost 40 years after the fall of a brutal regime that presided over the deaths of a quarter of the population. The Khmer Rouge's former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87, and "Brother Number 2" Nuon Chea, 92, are the two most senior living members of the ultra-Maoist group that seized control of Cambodia from 1975-1979. The reign of terror led by "Brother Number 1" Pol Pot left some two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions but Friday's ruling was the first to acknowledge a genocide. The defendants were previously handed life sentences in 2014 over the violent and forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975. But the judgement at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) also found Nuon Chea guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minority group, among a litany of other crimes. "The chamber finds that Nuon Chea exercised ultimate decision-making power with Pol Pot and... therefore finds Nuon Chea is responsible as a superior for all the crimes," presiding judge Nil Nonn said. "This includes the crime of genocide by killing members of Cham ethnic and religious group." Khieu Samphan was also found guilty of genocide against ethnic Vietnamese, though not against the Cham, he added. Both parties were sentenced to "life in prison", merging the two sentences into a single term, Nil Nonn said. Hundreds of people, including dozens of Cham Muslims and Buddhist monks, were bussed to the tribunal located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh to attend the hearing. - Cambodia's 'Nuremberg' - The events covered by the verdict span the four years of the Pol Pot regime and include extensive crimes against humanity. "The verdict is essentially the Nuremberg judgement for the ECCC and thus carries very significant weight for Cambodia, international criminal justice, and the annals of history," said David Scheffer, who served as the UN secretary general's special expert on the Khmer Rouge trials from 2012 until last month. The revolutionaries who tried to recreate Buddhist-majority Cambodia in line with their vision of an agrarian Marxist utopia attempted to abolish class and religious distinctions by force. The verdict read out by Nil Nonn presented a society where minorities were targeted and killed, Buddhist monks forcibly defrocked and groups of people executed, while men and women were coerced into marriages and forced to have sex to produce children for the regime. The atrocities fell under the additional list of charges, which the two men were found guilty of as well. Lawyers for Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan said they were planning to appeal. "Khieu Samphan did not have power to make any decision, so the verdict to me is very confusing," said his lawyer Kong Sam Onn. Los Sat, a 72-year-old Cham Muslim who attended the verdict hearing with his wife, said he had lost "too many" family members under the regime. "I am really satisfied with the sentences," he said, beaming as he left the court. "They brought suffering to my relatives." Youk Chhang, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia -- a research organisation that provided the court with evidence -- said the verdict will "affirm the collective humanity of the victims and give recognition to the horrible suffering". "It can provide a sense of closure to a horrible chapter in Cambodian history," he said. But the verdict is also "bitter justice", said Amnesty International. "Decades after the crimes and 13 years after it was established, the ECCC should have achieved much more," said regional director Nicholas Bequelin. The hybrid court, which uses a mix of Cambodian and international law, was created with UN backing in 2006 to try senior Khmer Rouge leaders. It has convicted only three people so far and cost more than $300 million. Former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife died without facing justice, while Pol Pot passed away in 1998. Many believe Friday's decision will be the last for the tribunal, which has been marred by allegations of political interference. Prime Minister Hun Sen -- himself a former Khmer Rouge cadre -- has repeatedly warned he would not allow more investigations to proceed, citing vague threats to stability. The court has launched investigations into four more Khmer Rouge cadres, though one was dismissed in February 2017, highlighting the difficulties of bringing lower level members of the brutal regime to justice. Human Rights Watch's Phil Robertson on Friday blasted Hun Sen for "truncating the judicial process". But Craig Etcheson, who previously served as an investigator in the tribunal, said all international tribunals are mired in "a complex web of political interests," and despite the "expensive, slow" process of the court, the ECCC has provided some form of symbolic justice to the victims. "It is not enough, perhaps, but some justice is better than no justice," he said. The judgement found Nuon Chea, 92, guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minority group, among a litany of other crimes The reign of terror led by Pol Pot left some two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions but Friday's ruling was the first to acknowledge a genocide Khieu Samphan, 87, is the Khmer Rouge's former head of state The nearly four-year reign of terror by the Khmer Rouge left around two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions Beleaguered at home, belittled abroad, Emmanuel Macron of France and Germany's Angela Merkel will use a Berlin meeting on Sunday to bolster their alliance as champions of a united Europe fraught with resurgent nationalism. After weeks of stalemate on issues such as eurozone reforms and how to get internet giants to pay more tax, the French president and German chancellor have recently gone out of their way to demonstrate unity and common purpose. Macron gave Merkel pride of place last weekend during commemorations marking the end of World War I where he spoke out against nationalism -- a message he is likely to hammer home again Sunday when addressing Germany's parliament as part of ceremonies to commemorate victims of war. French presidential aides said Macron will also renew his call for a European army to reduce the EU's military dependence on the United States, despite being taken to task by US President Donald Trump who termed the proposal "very insulting". In a series of tweets after returning home from the armistice commemorations in Paris the US president mocked Macron, saying that without US military intervention in World War II the French would today be speaking German. His tweets, in which he also sneered at Macron's low poll ratings at home, coincided with a speech by Merkel at the European Parliament, in which she too called for a European army. Macron and Merkel are displaying "the will to speak with one voice", said Helene Miard-Delacroix, a Germany expert at the Paris-Sorbonne University. "They share a common interest in bolstering one another. Alone President Macron cannot rally the Europeans, and neither can the politically-weakened chancellor act alone", she said. Strongly backing Macron on an issue such as closer European defence integration "is a way for her to say 'I'm still here, I'm in control'", Miard-Delacroix said. Once dubbed the world's most powerful woman, Merkel has seen her party hemorrhage votes to the far-right AfD party in recent elections. Last month, she announced she would step down as chancellor when her current term expires in 2021. But by also renouncing, as of December, the leadership of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) she has opened herself up to a possible party coup which could see her deposed as government leader before the hour of her choosing. Macron, whose ratings have plummeted in recent months, is also facing increasing criticism at home, notably over taxation, just as he seeks to bolster his European credentials in the run-up to May's European parliamentary elections. Merkel's support is "of great service to Emmanuel Macron" in a European Union showing growing hostility to its previously-held common values, former prime minister Dominique de Villepin told France Inter radio this week. - 'New inspiration' - Germany's parliamentary speaker and veteran CDU heavyweight, Wolfgang Schaeuble, said on a visit Wednesday to Paris that boosting Franco-German cooperation would help "give new inspiration to Europe". The two countries have agreed to set up a new joint parliamentary assembly, consisting of about 50 MPs from each side, which would meet at least twice a year. But deeper issues remain unresolved, with Germany notably suspicious of Macron's rushed bid to reform the eurozone, including giving it a common budget. "There's questioning of Emmanuel Macron in Germany because he wants to go very fast in dealing with European issues when in fact time is needed," said Hans Stark, an expert at the French Institute of International Relations. And Merkel is treading a thin line. "She can't back French projects 100 percent, but doesn't want to speak out against them either," he added. Merkel "has very clearly shown how closely she shares Macron's views" on Europe, but "it's not just statements that count but how they are implemented," a French presidential aide said for his part. Both leaders remain determined however to stand fast in the face of rising nationalism in eastern Europe and the march of populism in countries such as Italy, one of Europe's founding members. Addressing a peace forum in Paris last weekend Merkel warned against isolationism. Remarking that it "wasn't the right solution more than 100 years ago," she asked: "How can it be the right solution today?" French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shakes hands after unveiling a plaque in a French-German ceremony in the clearing of Rethondes (the Glade of the Armistice) in Compiegne, northern France, on November 10, 2018 as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the 11 November 1918 armistice, ending World War I. Once dubbed the world's most powerful woman, Merkel has seen her party hemorrhage votes to the far-right AfD party in recent elections In a series of tweets, the US president recently mocked Macron and sneered at the French leader's low poll ratings at home Madagascan police on Friday called for candidates to exercise restraint as near-complete results were tallied from a first-round presidential election last week, with two former leaders looking set to go through to the run-off. With 96 percent of all polling stations counted, Andry Rajoelina was on 39.38 percent and Marc Ravalomanana on 34.19 percent -- pointing towards a close race for the presidency in the head-to-head second round. Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina came in third place with about nine percent. Thirty-six candidates participated in the first-round election. The second-round duel between the two top vote winners -- required if no candidate scores above 50 percent in the first round -- is to take place on December 19. The three leading candidates have all raised allegations of fraud and malpractice by election authorities. "The electoral process is at a delicate moment, sensitive to any tensions and rivalries, so all stakeholders are urged to protect the best interests of the nation and to guarantee order," the police said in a statement. Both Ravalomanana and Rajoelina -- fierce rivals -- were banned from contesting the last election in 2013 under international pressure to avoid a repeat of political violence that engulfed the island in 2009. Ravalomanana ruled from 2002 to 2009 until he was ousted in a military-backed coup that installed Rajoelina, who held power until 2014. Rajaonarimampianina succeeded him, ruling until earlier this year. Former Madagascan president Marc Ravalomanana is likely to contest a December 19 run-off against another ex-president, Andry Rajoelina Transcendental meditation -- the practice of effortless thinking -- may be as effective at treating PTSD in conflict veterans as traditional therapy, US researchers said Friday, in findings that could help tens of thousands deal with their trauma. Post traumatic stress disorder, a debilitating condition that can lead to psychosis, bipolar disorder or suicidal and homicidal thoughts, affects an estimated 14 percent of US veterans who serve in Iraq or Afghanistan. The most common treatment for PTSD is a process known as prolonged exposure psychotherapy, which forces sufferers to re-experience traumatic events by confronting their memories of the conflict. Researchers from three US universities decided to look into whether more everyday techniques, which help civilians lower their stress levels and increase focus and productivity, would work on traumatised veterans. They trialed 203 former servicemen and women with PTSD, most of whom were receiving medication for their symptoms, and randomly assigned them courses of transcendental meditation, prolonged exposure therapy or a specialised PTSD health education class. They found that 60 percent of veterans who did 20 minutes of quiet meditation every day showed significant improvement in their symptoms, and more completed the study than those given exposure therapy. "Over the past 50 years, PTSD has expanded to become a significant public health problem," Sanford Nidich, of the Maharishi University of Management Research Institute, told AFP. "Due to the increasing need to address the PTSD public health care problem in the US, UK and worldwide, there is a compelling need to implement governmental policy to include alternative therapies such as transcendental meditation as an option for treating veterans with PTSD." Transcendental meditation involves effortlessly thinking of an idea or mantra to produce a settled, calmer state of mind -- scientists call it "restful alertness". Unlike exposure therapy, meditation can be practised at home, takes up relatively little time, and researchers say it would be significantly cheaper than current treatment techniques. It also avoids forcing combat veterans to relive their trauma in a bid to get better. "Transcendental meditation is self-empowering, and can be practised just about anywhere at any time, without the need for specialised equipment or ongoing personnel support," said Nidich, who was the lead author of the study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal. - 'Gave me my life back' - The main problem with existing PTSD treatment, according to Nidich, is that forcing veterans to relive their trauma means many never finish the courses. Exposure therapy, although officially approved as a treatment by the US Veterans' Association, is ineffective in up to 50 percent of patients and drop-out rates range from 30-45 percent. "New treatments, including options not involving exposure to the traumatic experience, are needed for veterans who do not respond to treatment or drop-out due to discomfort," said Nidich. One study participant, a 32-year-old navy veteran whom authors identified only as Ms. K, said learning the meditation technique had "given me my life back." After being diagnosed as having suffered sexual trauma while on military service, her symptoms worsened until she drank to excess every night and sought to avoid human interaction. After the transcendental meditation course, "I began to come out of my nightmares and face the battle I had ahead," she said. She added she had since applied for a job in a hospital. Researchers said further studies were needed to see if meditation could be a long-term aid for PTSD sufferers. An estimated 14 percent of US veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD Dozens of migrants and refugees aboard a merchant vessel at a Libyan port are refusing to disembark for fear of "detention and torture", rights watchdog Amnesty International said on Friday. It said in a report that the group of at least 79 refugees and migrants, including several children, have been aboard the boat in the western Libyan port of Misrata for a week. The UN's refugee agency UNHCR said the boat had arrived in Misrata on November 10 with 95 refugees and migrants from Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia. Since then, 14 have left the vessel. The others, Amnesty said, should not be "forced to disembark to be taken to a Libyan detention centre where they could face torture and other abuse". Their boat was intercepted in the Mediterranean on its way to Europe and was brought to Libya by a Panamanian flagged merchant vessel "in clear breach of international law", Amnesty said. It urged Libyan, European and Panamanian authorities to ensure the safety of those on board. "Libya cannot be considered a safe place to disembark," Amnesty said. "The protest on board the ship now docked in Misrata gives a clear indication of the horrifying conditions refugees and migrants face in Libya's detention centres where they are routinely exposed to torture, rape, beatings, extortion and other abuse," said Heba Morayef, Middle East and North Africa director for Amnesty International. "Under international law, no one should be sent to a place where their life is at risk." There was no immediate comment from Libyan authorities. Amnesty urged Libyan authorities "to expedite the opening of a long-awaited processing centre that will house up to 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers allowing them to relocate out of detention centres". Plunged into chaos following the fall and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising, Libya has become a prime transit point for sub-Saharan African migrants making dangerous clandestine bids to reach Europe. People smugglers have taken advantage of the turmoil, putting African migrants seeking to reach Europe at greater risk. Many migrants, intercepted or rescued at sea, find themselves detained in detention centres where they face dire conditions. UNHCR estimated that some 679,000 registered migrants were living in Libya as of June 2018, though the actual number could be closer to a million. The situation in Libya's detention centres "continues to deterioriate" because of food shortages and the spread of diseases including tuberculosis, UNHCR warned Wednesday. A picture taken on December 11, 2017 shows African migrants sitting in a detention centre on outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli A French court on Friday sentenced a woman who kept her baby hidden in the maggot-infested boot of her car to two years in jail for negligence causing mental disability. Rosa Maria Da Cruz, a mother of four originally from Portugal, kept her daughter Serena hidden away until she was nearly two. Her lawyers said she had never accepted falling pregnant again. In 2013, a mechanic discovered the infant in the filthy boot of Da Cruz's car when she took it to be repaired. Hearing a noise, he opened the trunk to discover the baby in a car seat, naked, filthy and dehydrated. She was surrounded by maggots and excrement. The infant was also kept in an unused room at the family home in the Correze region of central France. After a week-long jury trial a court in town of Tulle sentenced Da Cruz to a five-year jail term, three years of which were suspended, and ordered that she be monitored by social services for five years and receive psychiatric treatment. She was jailed on Friday evening in a prison in the central city of Limoges but was given leave to apply for early parole. The case of the "baby in the boot" caused horror in France. Serena, who turns seven next week and is in foster care, suffers from severe mental impairments, including irreversible autism, which medical experts have linked to sensory deprivation during her early months. On Friday Da Cruz, who had faced up to 20 years imprisonment, asked her daughter's forgiveness. "I realise I hurt her a lot and that I will never again see my little girl," she said. Da Cruz's partner Domingos Sampaio Alves, an unemployed bricklayer, insisted he had no idea his partner had given birth to another child. - 'A good mother' - "I don't know why she did this," he told the court, describing her as "a good mother" to their other children, who are aged nine, 14 and 15. She and Alves were allowed to keep their three older children, whom a paediatrician described in court as having been "perfectly raised". "You could see she had been a good mother, and we could not understand why Serena had not received the same quality of care at home," the doctor said. Da Cruz's lawyers had argued that she was in denial of her pregnancy and, later, of Serena's existence, and asked the court not to jail "a woman who is suffering". During the trial it emerged that she had had initially hidden the pregnancies of two of her other children from her partner, not wanting to face reality. The prosecution had insisted the case was one of wilful neglect, saying Da Cruz's elaborate cover-up deprived Serena of adequate care and food, as well as contact with the outside world and childhood stimulation. Judge Gilles Fonrouge said that while the child was now in good physical health, she was "closed off to interactions around her". Rosa Maria Da Cruz, the mother of Serena, looks on during her trial, at the Assize Court of Tulle, central France, on November 12, 2018.Serena was found in October 2013 in the trunk of her mother's vehicle by employees of a garage in Terrasson, allegedly being kept in the truck of the vehicle for the past three years. The child was discovered in a car seat, naked, filthy and dehydrated. She was surrounded by maggots and excrement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party denied Friday that he had decided to call a snap election, as he battled to keep the government afloat after his defence minister quit over a Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu's ruling coalition was left with a single seat majority in parliament after the walkout on Wednesday by Avigdor Lieberman and his hawkish Yisrael Beitenu party. Netanyahu held crunch talks on Friday with his other main right-wing rival, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, whose religious nationalist Jewish Home party has threatened also to quit unless he is given Lieberman's job. But there were conflicting reports of their discussion, with a source close to Bennett telling AFP the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition. "They will set a date for elections when they meet with the (other) coalition partners on Sunday," the source said. Within minutes, a statement from Likud said that was incorrect. "The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct," the statement said. It added that early next week the premier would consult leaders of the coalition parties. "He trusts the ministers' sense of responsibility to keep them from making the historic error of bringing down a right-wing government," it said. The Gaza ceasefire, which ended the worst flare-up between Israel and the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas since a 2014 war, faced its first major test on Friday, the day of the week when Palestinian border protests have typically peaked. Thousands of demonstrators turned out at Gaza's frontier with Israel, an AFP reporter said, but most kept some distance from the border fence rather than seeking to damage or breach it as has been the case in the past. Gaza's health ministry said that 14 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli army fire, two of them seriously. The ceasefire announced Tuesday has drawn heavy criticism in Israeli communities near the border that faced barrages of rockets earlier this week. Hundreds of people joined a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Thursday despite a promise from Netanyahu of more public money for emergency services. They called for tougher action against Hamas which has portrayed the ceasefire and Lieberman's resignation as a victory. - 'Speeding train' - Pro-Netanyahu freesheet Yisrael Hayom daily predicted that the prime minister would do all he could to avoid a general election while his hard-won security credentials were at issue. "Holding elections with the fiasco in Gaza in the background cracks the image of the ultimate leader that he has built over the course of years," it said. "The chances of stopping this speeding train appear impossible, but Netanyahu is still trying." The eight lawmakers of Bennett's far-right Jewish Home party are not the only threat to Netanyahu's razor-thin parliamentary majority. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party hold 10 seats, has reportedly told Netanyahu that a snap election is necessary to provide a stable government to keep the economy on track. But Yisrael Hayom said Bennett was key to efforts to avoid an early election and could yet prove Netanyahu's political salvation. "Naftali Bennett as defence minister and Netanyahu as prime minister could together project stability and embark on a coordinated offensive against anyone who gets in the way," it said. In a speech on Thursday, Bennett did not reiterate the resignation threat but made his case for why he should get the defence post. "The most dangerous thing for the state of Israel is that we begin to think that there is no solution to terrorism, to terrorists, to missiles," he said. "There is a solution. When Israel wants to win, we will win." - Graft troubles - Netanyahu -- flanked by Kahlon, Interior Minister Arie Deri and army top brass -- met with the leaders of Israeli border communities Thursday and discussed a 500 million shekel ($139 million, 119 million euro) two-year package to improve emergency medical and social services, a government statement said. With a major domestic political battle on his hands, Netanyahu cancelled a planned two-day visit to Austria next week for a conference on anti-semitism and anti-Zionism. There has long been speculation that Netanyahu would call a general election before its scheduled date of November 2019. Police have recommended he be charged in two separate corruption cases and the attorney general is expected to announce in the coming months whether to put him on trial. Analysts say the prime minister would be better positioned to fight any charges with a fresh mandate from the voters. But he would not have chosen to go the polls with voters' attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire and his rivals' efforts to outbid his security credentials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is plotting his next moves after his defence minister resigned over a controversial Gaza ceasefire, throwing his coalition into crisis and raising the possibility of early elections The composition of the Israeli parliament after Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned and his party quit the governing coalition. A Palestinian man runs as he holds a flag during a protest, east of Gaza City near the Israeli border on November 16, 2018 Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main right-wing rivals, gives a speech in Ramat Gan on November 15, 2018 A young Israeli wears a national flag as fellow Israelis protest against a recent cease fire with the Hamas movement, in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on November 15, 2018 The incoming head of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee warned Thursday of election-related sanctions against Russia and vowed oversight of Donald Trump's diplomacy, which he said had made Americans "laughingstocks." Representative Eliot Engel, who is the presumptive next chairman of the committee after Democrats triumphed in November 6 elections, vowed the new Congress would question the executive branch, a constitutional role he said the Republicans neglected for fear of irritating Trump. In an interview with AFP in his House office, decorated with pictures of him meeting leaders from Nelson Mandela to the Dalai Lama and namecards of himself in myriad alphabets, the 30-year congressional veteran from New York said he remained outraged at Russia's actions in the 2016 elections. Engel said the Democratic-led House is ready to punish Russia if it is determined that the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow, an allegation being probed by special counsel Robert Mueller. "I think if we find out that for sure that we were compromised in our elections, I think there should be, absolutely, sanctions," Engel said. "I think this is a whole new ballgame because the Congress that we're leaving was under a lot of pressure with the Republican majority to try to leave the president alone -- not to question, not to ask. And my attitude is that my country is more important than my party," he said. The Trump administration has taken a number of actions against Russia including expelling 60 officials over the attempted assassination with a chemical agent of a Russian double agent in Britain. But Trump has repeatedly denounced the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and sought warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including at a summit in July in Helsinki where the US leader's tepid public appearance triggered wide rebuke. Trump later backtracked by saying he had made a grammatical error and had not meant to accept Putin's denials of electoral interference. - Turning US into 'laughingstocks' - Engel, who will enjoy the power to call witnesses from the administration, said he would seek answers on what happened behind closed doors in Helsinki and during other diplomatic meetings by the Trump administration. "The United States must continue to be the leaders of the free world and be a country that people look up to. Right now they're not looking up to us," he said. "We're kind of the laughingstocks. We're here, we're there, we're all over the place," he said. Alluding to Trump's recent Twitter barrage against French President Emmanuel Macron, Engel said: "Putin becomes our friend and the UK and Germany and France become adversaries. Canada becomes an adversary. Mexico, all we care about is building a wall. All these foolish things that sort of turn everything on its side. We need to change that." He promised to press for a "more humane immigration policy," voicing outrage at the Trump administration's policy of separating children from immigrants who cross into the United States without authorization. "The president's almost obsession with Latin American people coming to this country is just beyond belief," Engel said. - Resisting aid cuts - Engel, who recently met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, made clear he would fight back if Trump again proposes sweeping reductions to the State Department and US assistance budgets, noting that even the Republican Congress disagreed with the cuts. He said he would also use his power to explore the "all-time low" in morale at the State Department, voicing alarm that long-term employees have felt compelled to leave. In contrast to many Democrats, Engel -- a staunch supporter of Israel -- opposed the nuclear deal with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama. But Engel criticized Trump's withdrawal from the accord still backed by Europeans, saying the move isolated the United States rather than Iran. He voiced fear that Trump was turning US foreign policy into a "hodgepodge" without continuity. If a country has "gone along with an agreement with us, and the next president comes in and just upends it, what countries will continue to sign these things with us? Because there is no security for them." Representative Eliot Engel, the presumptive next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee after Democrats triumphed in midterm elections, vowed that the incoming Congress would question the executive branch VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada Carbon Inc. (the Company) (TSX-V:CCB), (FF:U7N1) announces that this morning, the Company presented its motion to the Superior court to obtain the authorization to carry out a quick debate to split the Judicial review into two components: 1) debate on the graphite mine project, based on the fact that Section 246 of the Planning Act protects mining projects that are carried out under the Quebec Mining Act and 2) debate on the marble quarry. The Municipality requested the postponement of the motion in order to allow the CPTAQ to familiarize itself with the motion and decide if it wants to make representations. The Companys motion to split will be presented on Friday November 23rd, 2018. The attorneys for both parties declared to the Court that the Companys motion will proceed at that date, whether the CPTAQ decides to participate in this debate or not. It is important to remember that the graphite mine project and the marble quarry project are not subject to the same conditions: the mine project is protected by section 246 of the Planning Act and it does not require that the Company obtain an attestation of conformity from GSLR, as the municipalitys regulations do not permit the opposition to a mining project. As for the marble project, the said attestation of conformity is required, and it has been obtained but is contested by the current municipal council for GSLR. R. Bruce Duncan, CEO and Director of Canada Carbon Inc. stated, This motion is an important step in our strategy to reactivate our graphite mine project as soon as possible. CANADA CARBON INC. R. Bruce Duncan CEO and Director Contact Information E-mail inquiries: info@canadacarbon.com P: (604) 685-6375 F: (604) 909-1163 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, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com ). Suite 605 1166 Alberni Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3Z3 P: (604) 685-6375 F: (604) 909-1163 Email: info@canadacarbon.com Web: www.canadacarbon.com North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon", Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, a move seen by analysts as more of a political message than a serious provocation. It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, quoting an unidentified government source, said the weapon could be a long-range cannon that the North has been developing for many years. "Kim Jong Un... visited the test ground of the Academy of Defence Science and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test," said the official Korean Central News Agency. It said the test was successful but did not specify the type of device involved. Pyongyang's suspension of testing for atomic weapons and ballistic missiles has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korea-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met at a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Hours after the KCNA report, the US State Department said it was "confident" the process remained on track. "At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and Chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearisation and creating a brighter future for North Korea," a statement said. "We are talking with the North Koreans about implementing all of those commitments. We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled." Progress since Singapore has stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the document's meaning. A return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. But analysts all but ruled out the North having broken its promise to suspend nuclear or missile launches while negotiations are underway with the US. There was no immediate indication any such test had been detected by the South. "We don't see it as a military provocation of any significance", a defence ministry official told journalists without saying what the device was. - 'Political message' - Shin Beom-chul, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, said the test was likely aimed at sending "a political message" to Washington about the current stalemate. "Generally, tests of new high-tech weapons are conducted in secret," Shin said. "But North Korea announced it publicly to show its frustration." KCNA released only one photograph to accompany its report, showing uniformed men taking notes as Kim talked. The background gave few clues to what kind of weapon was involved. Kim expressed "great satisfaction" and said the test marked a "decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity" of the North's military, KCNA said. The weapon had been developed over a long period and its "great success serves as another striking demonstration of the validity of the Party policy of prioritising defence science and technology and the rapidly developing defence capability", it added. The news, which came almost a year after Pyongyang's last test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, recalled the repeated announcements of 2017. Those included by far North Korea's most powerful nuclear blast to date and rockets that brought the whole of the US mainland into range. Soon afterwards Kim declared the development of his nuclear arsenal -- which Pyongyang has long said it needs to defend itself against a possible invasion by the US -- complete. The Winter Olympics in the South then triggered a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the peninsula, heralding the Singapore meeting and three summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A second encounter between Kim and Trump is expected in the new year. But Pyongyang is demanding sanctions imposed against it over its weapons programmes are eased and has condemned US demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". Washington insists the measures should stay in place until the North's "final, fully verified" denuclearisation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul told AFP the test was "a signal to the US sent ahead of the high-level talks that its own patience is also wearing thin". North Korea's official news agency released only one picture to accompany its report on the weapons test, one that gave few clues as to what kind of device was involved Kim Jong Un says the latest 'tactical weapon' test marks a 'decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity' of North Korea's military Estimated range of missiles tested by North Korea in 2017 Trump and Kim met in a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula Sporting parrot feathers, possum pelts and seashell necklaces, dozens of people from various tribes in Papua New Guinea serenaded China's president on Friday as he opened a new Chinese-funded road in the poor Pacific Island nation. Xi Jinping unveiled a plaque marking the new "Independence Boulevard" outside Papua New Guinea's parliament, a symbolic show of the Asian giant's growing influence in the region. On the first state visit by a Chinese leader, Papua New Guinea rolled out the red carpet welcome, with a military guard of honour, beats from wooden drums and a royal gun salute. "I feel so excited about him coming and he will see new things (here). We feel proud that our country is going to develop this year," said Veldar Keiron, a 20-year-old student who was among those in parliament to welcome Xi. Papua New Guinea has already signed up to Beijing's trillion-dollar "Belt and Road Initiative" that seeks to enhance sea and land trade routes between the Middle Kingdom and Eurasia. Xi's state visit comes ahead of a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders this weekend in Port Moresby -- a meeting US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have skipped. Critics say Trump's absence has left the door ajar for China to bolster its regional influence and Xi has been the star of the show so far. "I would really like to shake his hand," a local official said as he jostled for position. However some critics have dubbed the boulevard the "road to nowhere", saying the project could have better benefited people in far-flung rural areas. "This Independence Boulevard carries the deep friendship between the peoples of our two countries. It is a token of China's best wishes for you," Xi told a crowd including Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. The Papua New Guinean leader responded calling China a "very good friend" of his country. Xi will hold talks later Friday with Pacific Island nations and will almost certainly boost Chinese aid to the region. While observers have expressed concern about China flexing its political and diplomatic muscle, residents said they valued the aid in a nation where social services are lacking. "We are so happy that China has provided us with a school for our children, for their education," said Nesom Rambe, 40. China's President Xi Jinping travels in a motorcade along the newly-dedicated Independence Drive Boulevard Xi Jinping unveiled a plaque marking the new "Independence Boulevard" outside Papua New Guinea's parliament Residents said they valued Chinese aid in a nation where social services are lacking Xi's state visit comes ahead of a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders this weekend in Port Moresby, which Donald Trump won't attend Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson on Friday said she was proud to "stand up to a bully" despite losing a bid to reinstate a multi-million-dollar defamation payout from an Australian publisher. The "Pitch Perfect" star was awarded Aus$4.5 million (US$3.3 million) in damages against Bauer Media last year over articles claiming she lied about her age and background to further her career. It was the largest defamation penalty in Australian legal history and drew criticism from across the country's publishing industry, which said it set a dangerous precedent. Bauer appealed the award and a court earlier this year ordered Wilson to return Aus$4.1 million of the damages. Wilson, who said she had missed out on lucrative roles as a result of the Bauer articles, applied to the High Court to appeal the decision. The application was rejected by the court at Friday's hearing in Canberra as Wilson watched from the public gallery. Outside the court, the Australian star told reporters "the whole reason for bringing this case is that I really wanted to stand up to a bully, which was Bauer Media". "And I'm so proud of myself that I did that, and saw it out right to the bitter end." Wilson said she had missed out on lucrative roles as a result of the Bauer articles President Donald Trump expressed sadness Saturday at the devastation caused by fires in a California town, but persisted in his controversial claim that forest mismanagement was responsible for the tragedy, which has killed 76 and left more than 1,200 listed as missing. "This is very sad," Trump said after surveying the remains of Paradise, where nearly the only people out on the road were emergency services workers, surrounded by the twisted remains of a community incinerated by the flames. "They're telling me this is not as bad as some areas; some areas are even beyond this, they're just charred," he added after looking at a street lined with melted cars, tree stumps and the foundations of wrecked houses. The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, the so-called Camp Fire, has now claimed 76 lives after authorities on Saturday confirmed five more victims. The blaze has devoured an area roughly the size of Chicago, destroying nearly 10,000 homes and more than 2,500 other buildings. In Chico, near Paradise, Trump met with firefighters and other first responders at a makeshift headquarters. Senior fire officials recounted how quickly the blaze spread, complicating evacuation efforts, as Trump studied a huge map spread across a table showing where fires continue to burn. Reviving an earlier controversy, Trump repeated his claim that California had mismanaged its forests and was largely to blame for the fires. "I'm committed to make sure that we get all of this cleaned out and protected, (we've) got to take care of the forest, it's very important," Trump said in Paradise. Days ago Trump threatened to cut federal funding to California over its alleged "gross mismanagement" of forests. - Fire haze - Brian Rice, president of California Professional Firefighters, called Trump's earlier remarks "ill-informed", noting the federal government had cut spending on forest management. Asked if he believed climate change had played any role in the fires, Trump again pointed to the forest "management factor" and insisted that his "strong opinion" remained unchanged. Trump has long been skeptical of man's role in global warming despite mounting scientific evidence that the burning of fossil fuels is heating the planet and leading to more extreme weather. The inferno erupted November 8, laying waste to Paradise in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and sending thousands fleeing. The Camp Fire and another huge blaze have created a serious smoke problem across vast areas of the country's largest state. When Trump stepped out of Air Force One at Beale Air Force Base north of capital city Sacramento, the sun struggled to cut through haze so dense it covered the base like a fog. More than 1,200 people were listed as missing from the Camp Fire, according to a list issued Saturday by the Butte County Sheriff. Sheriff Kory Honea has said there could be duplicate names and some people who had escaped could be unaware they were listed as unaccounted for. More than 300 people recorded as missing have already been found. The Republican president was accompanied on his visit by son-in-law Jared Kushner and chief of staff John Kelly. - Living in tents - They were met on the tarmac by Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom, both of them Democrats in a state that leans strongly that way. As they drove through the state, several signs thanked Trump for coming but one called him a "moron". Roslyn Roberts, 73, who fled from her home in Paradise, said she voted for Trump but disagreed with his views about forest management. "I would tell him that this fire has nothing to do with forest mismanagement. Thousands and thousands of homes got destroyed with no trees around," she said at a shelter set up by the American Red Cross in a church. In Chico, volunteers had erected a tented encampment for evacuees. The Camp Fire has burned 149,000 acres (60,000 hectares) and was 55-percent contained late Saturday, California's fire service said. Authorities said 47,200 people had been evacuated because of the fire and nearly 1,200 were living in shelters. Much of the work is now focused on Paradise, where many retirees were unable to get out in time. Rescuers with sniffer dogs have been conducting house-to-house searches. Three other people have died in southern California in a blaze dubbed the Woolsey Fire, which engulfed parts of Malibu and destroyed the homes of several celebrities. That inferno, about two thirds the size of the Camp Fire, was 84 percent contained Saturday as Trump surveyed the damage at well-to-do homes there. California's tragedy touched the heart of Pope Francis in Rome, where on Sunday he sent out "a special prayer... to those affected by the fires that are ravaging California." burs-sms-oh/it/jj US President Donald Trump (C) hugged Paradise Mayor Jody Jones (2R) while surveying the remains of the California town of Paradise Rob Lowe (L) sighs while searching through donated clothing at an encampment for fire evacuees at a Walmart parking lot in Chico, California Fire evacuees sift through a surplus of donated items at a parking lot in Chico, California Diesel, a French bulldog puppy, looks on from a shopping cart at an encampment for fire evacuees in Chico, California In new research studying how genetic factors determine taste, scientists now believe they know why some humans prefer coffee while others opt for tea. A paper published this week in the journal Nature Scientific Reports found that people who are genetically predisposed to like more bitter tastes typically choose coffee due to its higher content of tart caffeine. But, importantly for tea drinkers everywhere, that doesn't make them right. As humans evolved we developed the capacity to detect bitterness as a natural warning system to protect the body from harmful substances. Evolutionarily speaking, we should want to spit that Americano straight down the sink. But participants in the trial who were more genetically sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine were more likely to prefer coffee to tea, and more likely to drink more of it. "You'd expect that people who are particularly sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine would drink less coffee," said Marilyn Cornelis, assistant professor of preventative medicine at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. "The opposite results of our study suggest coffee consumers acquire a taste or an ability to detect caffeine due to the learned positive reinforcement elicited by caffeine." So individuals genetically pre-programmed to like coffee's bitterness learn to associate "good things with it," said Cornelis. In the study on more than 400,000 men and women in the United Kingdom, researchers also found that people sensitive to the bitter flavours of quinine and a taste related to vegetable compounds were more likely to eschew coffee in favour of its sweeter counterpart, tea. Liang-Dar Hwang from the University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, who co-wrote the study, told AFP that the fact that some people prefer coffee showed how everyday experiences can override genetic tendencies when it comes to taste. "Bitter taste perception is shaped by not only genetics but also environmental factors," he said. "Even though humans naturally dislike bitterness, we can learn to like or enjoy bitter-tasting food after being exposed to environmental factors." Although coffee-lovers are essentially defying evolution, there is another possible benefit to liking your latte. Hwang said coffee drinkers were genetically less sensitive to bitterness than tea drinkers, making them "less likely to hate other bitter-tasting foods" such as green vegetables. The study found people with greater genetic sensitivity to bitter tastes typically opted for coffee over tea AUBURN A Seneca Falls man was sentenced to five years of probation for stealing about $175,000 from his Auburn relatives. From June 2015 to May 2016, Raymond Tortorello Jr., 30, used his grandfather's identity to take out more than $130,000 worth of cash and loans. He also used his grandmother's identity to get a $30,000 car loan. He also withdrew additional cash. Police: Man used Auburn relatives' identities to steal over $175K A Seneca County man has been charged with eight felonies for using false identities to withd Tortorello pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree identity theft, class D felonies, last August. At that time, Tortorello's defense attorney, David Elkovitch, said Tortorello faced and pleaded guilty to similar charges in Ohio and Pennsylvania. "It's kinda like he went on a spree in different states all at the same time," Elkovitch said in Cayuga County Court Thursday. "I take full responsibility for my actions, it was wrong ... I shouldn't have done it," said Tortorello, who resides at 312 Gravel Road, Seneca Falls, on Thursday. Man admits using Auburn relatives' identities to steal around $175k AUBURN In June 2015, Raymond Tortorello Jr. went to the bank to obtain a loan, but he took Cayuga County District Attorney Jon E. Budelmann said Tortorello's grandparents said in a victim impact statement that they "suffered a broken heart" due to the crime. "Identity theft in any form is really a tragic crime," Judge Thomas Leone said, adding that taking advantage of one's own grandparents was "despicable." Tortorello was sentenced to the agreed-upon sentence of 5 years probation and ordered to pay about $1,500 in restitution, which may be subject to change within the next 60 days. Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 15 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. NEW YORK The Statue of Liberty's original torch, which has been housed in the base of the statue since a replica replaced it in the 1980s, was moved across Liberty Island on Thursday to its new home in a museum that will open next year. Visitors watched as the base and the detached flame of the 3,600-pound torch were trucked slowly and carefully to the museum construction site about 100 yards from the statue. Officials with the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation said the torch was removed in 1984 because it was too badly damaged to restore. "Taking it down was very frightening," said Stephen Briganti, president and CEO of the foundation. "We had the largest freestanding scaffolding that at that point had ever been built." Thursday's brief trip to the museum site was the latest chapter for an icon that "has crossed many miles in its lifetime," Briganti said. The torch left France in 1876 for the United States, where it was exhibited at the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia and then in New York City's Madison Square Park. The trip was intended to raise funds to pay for the statue's pedestal, Briganti said. It went back to Paris in 1882, then returned to the New York Harbor along with other crated pieces of the statue in 1885. The torch was held high by Lady Liberty from 1886 to 1984, but modifications to the flame changed its original design over the years. The flame resembled a stained-glass sculpture lying on its specially designed flatbed truck. That's because the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who also designed Mount Rushmore, "put all the holes in it with amber glass" during a 1916 redesign, park Superintendent John Piltzecker said. "It led to the flame's deterioration." The torch was further weakened in July of that year by the Black Tom explosion, an act of German sabotage at a munitions plant nearby in Jersey City. The 1980s gilt flame that the statue is holding now restores sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi's original design, officials said. The old torch, meanwhile, made another fundraising trip at the end of 1984, traveling to Pasadena, where it starred in the Rose Parade. A trench was dug under the statue so that the 16-foot original torch could be moved into the pedestal when it returned to New York. It couldn't depart the pedestal that way Thursday, Piltzecker said. "It had to come out in two pieces." Joining the torch's two pieces was a full-scale copper replica of the statue's face. The torch and the face will be highlights of the new $100 million museum, which is scheduled to open in May 2019. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 HIT: To the opening of the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. The project first came to light in 2016, and months of planning by state and local officials later, the $10 million facility was ready for construction. With a focus on human rights and civil rights, the visitor center highlights the works of people such as Harriet Tubman and William Seward, and showcases local and regional attractions that visitors might want to check out. We hope the center gets a lot of use and does what it is intended to do educate people about the wealth of history that Auburn and the surrounding areas have to explore. MISS: To a threat to New York's ecosystem. A Tennessee nursery has been fined by the state Department of Environmental Conservation for shipping hemlock tree seedlings infested with a destructive invasive species to customers in Oswego and Schenectady counties. The seedling trees were infested with hemlock woolly adelgid, an insect that has killed tens of millions of hemlock trees as it has spread into the Northeast. It arrived in New York in the 1980s and has since been found in 43 of the state's 62 counties. HIT: To helping teachers focus on teaching. When Auburn High School senior Kaylei Gleason learned that many teachers end up spending their own money on school supplies, she decided to help. Kaylei began making plans, collecting donations and purchasing supplies over the summer, with help from other members of her Girl Scout troop, and eventually delivered 40 "teacher relief boxes" to area teachers. The amount of work involved and the number of hours worked turned into a perfect match to become Kaylei's special project to earn the Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. The Citizen editorial board includes publisher Rob Forcey, executive editor Jeremy Boyer and managing editor Mike Dowd. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 SAN FRANCISCODirector Tony Dimarcos new Falcon Studios film A Taste of Brazil was released earlier today, and it promises to transport viewers to a land filled with sun-kissed studs. The new release is now available on DVD and downloads from the Falcon Studios Group Store. The A-list cast of A Taste of Brazil is headlined by Falcon Exclusives Alam Wernik, Skyy Knox, Johnny V and Woody Fox, as well as fan faves Alexander Muller, Joaquim Cruze, Remy Cruze and Danny Montero. Falcon Studios invites fans of gay content to savor A Taste of Brazil; to satisfy their appetite for sexual fantasies as steamy and hot as a summer day in Rio de Janeiro. Featuring eight of the sexiest men in gay porn today, including a few Brazilians and multiple newcomers, A Taste of Brazil aims to thrill and delight. Uncut Aussie stud Woody Fox invades Danny Monteros reading and sunbathing time. Joaquim Cruze is enjoying a dip in the pool when hes invited up to Skyy Knoxs room. Remy Cruze wakes up a sleeping Johnny V, to pound him in multiple positions until theyre both panting. Danny Montero and Joaquim never make it past the staircase before they swap head and unload. Brazilian muscle hunk Alexander Muller dominates fellow Brazilian and Exclusive Alam Wernik all over the bed. So Falcon Studios invites fans to head south and catch A Taste of Brazil, filled full with ripped, sun-soaked hunks. I've always admired Brazil, and its sex appeal is the ultimate fantasy, said director Tony Dimarco. A Taste of Brazil is all about fun, love, sex and passion. Everything that makes Brazilian culture alive and vibrant is what we aimed to capture in this filmwith the added bonus of hunky studs fucking. I really love this movie, said Falcon Studios Group President Tim Valenti. The Brazilian men featured in this release really bring the entire film together. From the sensuality, the sexual freedom, the gorgeous men, their accents, amazing bodies, and of course, the big dicks, A Taste of Brazil is guaranteed to make you hot. 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. HORSHAM, PAThree of Xgen Products' best-known brands, Bodywand , The Rabbit Company and Fredericks of Hollywood Toys , will be on full display as sponsors of the Careers in Sexuality Conference , taking place today at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. Xgen Products , one of the leading adult products and novelties manufacturers, is lending its support to students at the University by donating products from three of its brands. To learn more about Xgen, its lines, and initiatives, click here . The day-long conference allows attendees to explore various career options and network with a diverse group of individuals, from those with an interest in entering the field of human sexuality to those with established professional careers in the field. Each year Wideners Center for Human Sexuality Studies does an amazing job presenting this event and we are thrilled to have Bodywand, The Rabbit Company and Fredericks of Hollywood Toys sponsor it, said a representative for Xgen Products. This is the third year in a row that we are providing support for this wonderful event that brings together industry professionals with talented professionals of the future. As sponsors, Bodywand, The Rabbit Company and Fredericks of Hollywood Toys will provide products as raffle prizes as well as signage and marketing and advertising materials. ARL Cash has announced the launch of LaceyStarr.com, with the company aiming to make it the premier online destination for upscale granny porn. Lacey Starr, owner of Lacey Starr Productions, for which she's shot most of her adult fare, takes the helm of her own site following several awards, most notably from UKAP, consolidating her notoriety as the adult industrys "GILF of the Year." "Its going to be the first site ever to feature all of my work as produced by Lacey Starr Productions, Lacey explained. Itll have regular weekly updates, tons of new and exclusive videos and photos as well as every single one of my DVDs spanning my entire back catalogue. Itll feature lots of behind-the scenes footage, and all-new trailers and pics in the tour. It really will be the definitive Lacey Starr site, and the one place where my fans can see my new content months before its released elsewhere." Each week, Lacey will be posting a new high-def scene, and with Lacey's sexual appetites, it's always a surprise what she gets up to. Girls, guys, trans, swinging, gangbangs, interracialit's all on the menu at LaceyStarr.com. Lacey Starr charted her rise in the porn industry via a rather unconventional path. She began getting roles in 2013 at the tender age of 54, having already established a career as a teacher and a certified therapist. Since then, Ms. Starr has released dozens of DVDs under her own production company Lacey Starr Productions, and she has never looked back. Lacey has done well at the UK awards shows, winning the prize for top GILF from the UKAPs and Paul Raymond Awards two years running. Shes also received multiple awards for her DVD series and performances. Founded by industry veterans, ARL Cash is an affiliate program built on niche content and maximized payouts. ARL Cash has a wealth of sites and promotional materials that are proven to convert. Sites managed by ARL include Pascal's Sub Sluts, Ed Powers, 3AM.xxx, Sexy Momma, Latex Pussycats and Bruce Seven Films. ARL Cashs knowledgeable staff can also customize promotional materials and payout plans to suit the needs of its affiliates, providing exactly what they need to cash in big. Those interested may sign up at ARLCash.com. Pidy has named the eight finalists of its Revamp the Vol-au-vent student challenge. Entries were paper-judged by a panel, and the eight finalists will now compete in the live cook-off final on Friday 7 December at the Claire Clark Academy at Milton Keynes College. Finalists will have one hour to demonstrate their culinary skills using one of the three best-selling Pidy vol-au-vents. The dish has to be a canape, a starter, a main course or a dessert with a street food theme. The creations will be judged by an expert panel, including Claire Clark and last years winner, Marian Tandy from the University of West London. Robert Whittle, general manager at Pidy UK, said he has been impressed with the standard of entries this year and is looking forward to the live final. Its great to see the momentum continue to grow this year and we were really impressed by every entry received, which made narrowing down eight finalists extremely challenging, Whittle said. The students have really taken the brief on board and pushed their creative and culinary abilities to the max. Im looking forward to the final and seeing first-hand how the students create their innovative street food inspired vol-au-vents! The 2018 finalists are: All of Western Oregon Under Air Alerts - Including Coast Published 11/15/2018 at 5:29 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Portland, Oregon) The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), together with the National Weather Service (NWS), have issued one kind of air alert or another for all of western Oregon, including the southern and the northern Oregon coast. (Above: hazy conditions today at dusk in Cannon Beach, north Oregon coast - courtesy Tolovana Inn sky cam). The most serious is an air quality advisory due to smoke from California wildfires, in effect until midnight on Friday for Portland, the entire upper half of the Oregon coast, and for inland / I-5 corridor towns such as Eugene, Corvallis and Salem. Smoke from local wood stoves and other sources have combined to create unhealthy air quality in many parts of the region, DEQ said in a press release. Stagnant air is also another large factor. The NWS said it expects winds to start clearing smoke from the Willamette Valley on Friday evening, but areas south of Eugene will continue to have air quality issues through the weekend. Local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on fire activity and weather factors including wind direction. View current air quality conditions at DEQ`s Air Quality Index https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map or by downloading the OregonAir app on smartphones. The Oregon coast will not be nearly as bad as inland areas. Beach towns such as Cannon Beach, Tillamook, Lincoln City and Yachats are reporting hazy skies, however. Some are indicating they can smell the smoke. There are no DEQ sensors on the coastline, however, so there is no official report for air quality index in those areas. Along the Oregon coast, the air advisory is in effect for Lane, Lincoln, Tillamook and Clatsop counties. Metro-area counties have some of the worst issues, along with Eugene. Multnomah, Washington and Lane counties also have restrictions on wood-burning stoves. Those who rely solely on wood stoves are exempt. The NWS and DEQ advise certain segments of the population should stay indoors while smoke levels are high, including those with heart or lung problems and young children. Meanwhile, there is a stagnant air alert through at least Saturday morning for the southern Oregon coast and much of southern Oregon. See Oregon Coast Weather. Oregon Coast Lodgings in this area - 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 Amazons expansion into Queens and the location [pdf] of its proposed new headquarters in Long Island City make it eligible for a lucrative new federal tax break included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed by President Trump in December 2017. The tax incentive was intended to bring economic development and jobs to selected low-income communities across the country, called Opportunity Zones. The waterfront site known as Anable Basin in Long Island City, where Amazons new headquarters are to be built, is one of 306 census tracts in New York City recommended by Governor Andrew Cuomo in April and then certified as Opportunity Zones by the Treasury Department. Yet the median income in Anable Basin is $138,000, and a study by the Urban Institute rates it as one of the most rapidly gentrifying areas in the country. This hardly seems like an area that is in need of federal incentives to grow economically, Brett Theodos, senior researcher at the Urban Institute and one of the authors of the study said. Less than a mile away is the countrys largest public housing project, the Queensbridge Houses, which has a median income of just over $15,000 and a poverty rate of nearly 50 percent. The Opportunity Zone program required states to select a quarter of eligible low-income areas, but also gave them the flexibility to choose up to 5 percent [pdf] of their recommendations from wealthier areas that are contiguous to a low-income community. The site of Amazons proposed new headquarters is one of 14 contiguous tracts selected in the city. The list of eligible Opportunity Zones across the state was developed by Empire State Development Corporation earlier this year, in consultation with city and state agencies responsible for economic development and affordable housing. The ESDC did not respond to queries about the criteria for selecting this particular area as an opportunity zone, but in September Eric Clement, senior vice president at NYCs Economic Development Corporation, said it recommended areas based on an assessment of both need and growth potential, adding that the agency was very pleased with the final zone designations. The idea behind creating these tax-advantaged zones, promoted by Silicon Valley billionaire and Napster founder Sean Parker, is to incentivize wealthy Americans who have substantial capital gains to invest some of those profits in poor communities. In return, they can defer paying taxes until 2026 and even get a reduction on the taxes they owe. If they hold that investment for at least ten years, any profits from selling an opportunity zone investment will be entirely-tax free. The deal bringing Amazon to Queens has already been met with widespread criticism from New Yorkers, primarily for the cost to local taxpayers. Together, the city and state have offered nearly $3 billion in tax incentives to lure the worlds third-largest company to New York, according to figures announced by Cuomo at a joint press conference Tuesday with Mayor Bill de Blasio. But these numbers do not include the potential federal benefits that Amazon could reap from locating its secondary headquarters in an Opportunity Zone. Its hard to quantify how much Amazon could save from being in one of these zones, but as the company builds its new headquarters (estimated at four million square feet, according to the Memorandum of Understanding with New York state and city officials), tax lawyers say they could access significantly cheaper financing by setting up an Opportunity Fund for the project. Amazon could, for example, invite investors to put their capital gains into the fund to finance the new project, similar to what several real estate developers are already doing for dozens of other Opportunity Zone projects. It would be kind of silly not to take advantage of being in an opportunity zone, said one tax attorney, who declined to be named because the details of how Amazon might structure its financing are yet to be finalized. If Amazon were to use its own capital gains in the fund, it could defer paying taxes on those gains until 2026. As for using investors, they could theoretically be anyone with capital gains, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who could get a significant tax break if he invests in the new headquarters using his personal gains, which might simply involve selling some of his Amazon stock. Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. This resource is no longer available This resource is no longer available. Return to previous page. By Cherie Shepard, Director of Packaging, Material Handling & Food Processing, Direct Recruiters Inc. Dependent upon your perspective, the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) invokes one of two opinions: One, eventually the machines will rule the world. Or two, you appreciate the benefits of modern technology. But either way, one thing is certain: The human workforce relinquishes a bit of responsibility with each technological advancement. The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking assumed technology would eventually cause our demise. He theorized that it could spell the end of the human race. Without a doubt, artificial intelligence coupled with the Internet of things (IoT) devices will impact not just the manufacturing sector, but every industry within the job market. These technologies, once considered science fiction, are integrated into many aspects of our daily lives. Modern manufacturing is programmed to rely on software and smart devices. And smart phones have been an integral part of industrial engineering for over a decade. Modern technologies are changing the way we work and live. Notions aside, we can agree that AI and IoT will transform every sector. Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Before we go any further into our discussion, lets define these two terms: Artificial intelligence and internet of things. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been defined as the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. As pointed out by Bernard Marr earlier this year, AI is traditionally utilized for one of three purposes: To build systems that think exactly like humans do (strong AI) To allow systems to work without figuring out how human reasoning works (weak AI) To use human reasoning as a model but not necessarily the end goal Companies such as Apple, Amazon, and Facebook utilize machine learning to improve customer experience. We see technologies such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Maps, seamlessly interwoven into our daily lives to provide a more efficient lifestyle. On the other hand, manufacturing plants are utilizing robots and machine learning to optimize their operations on the factory floor. Definition of Internet of Things (IoT) In the past few years theres been increasing buzz about the Internet of Things (IoT) along with some confusion. Jacob Morgan provides a concise definition: Simply put, this is the concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). With the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi, connecting devices to an Internet connection has become quite simple. And now, practical appliances such as your television, coffee maker, and refrigerator can all be a part of the IoT. However, the practical implication of IoT technology goes far beyond the home. Within the next two years, its projected there will be 4 IoT devices for every human beingthats more than 24 billion IoT devices across the globe. The appeal of AI and IoT The President of the Future of Life Institute, Max Tegmark, once said, Everything we love about civilization is a product of intelligence, so amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence has the potential of helping civilization flourish like never beforeas long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial. As AI and IoT technologies are adopted, theres a responsibility to ensure they remain beneficial to enterprise and humanity as a whole. So far, the result has led to efficient manufacturing processes. Were able to accomplish more in less time and with fewer resources. And in general, todays workforce has benefited from these efficiencies. Now employees have instant access to needed information. Connected networks have provided automated manufacturing processes that were previously slow and even dangerous to the human workforce. But at the same time, machine learning could result in a negative impact on employment as a whole. Several years ago, in an article titled Will Robots Steal Your Job? Farhad Manjoo imagined this potential. At this moment, there's someone training for your job. He may not be as smart as you arein fact, he could be quite stupidbut what he lacks in intelligence he makes up for in drive, reliability, consistency, and price. He's willing to work for longer hours, and he's capable of doing better work, at a much lower wage. He doesn't ask for health or retirement benefits, he doesn't take sick days, and he doesn't goof off when he's on the clock. The ramifications of AI and IoT The long-term implications of these technologies are still uncertain. Whether the impact is positive or negative, manufacturing is sure to feel the result. Workers are no longer competing solely with a human workforce. Even some of the most skilled workers could potentially lose their jobs to a machine. Every day computers are becoming more efficient with processing human problem-solving skills. As a result, machine learning is set to disrupt nearly every role. Additional security measures need to be considered. As we become more connected within the workplace, employees are exposed to new threats. Data breaches impact the organization and the employees within. Software that serves to help the company personnel can also provide opportunities to malicious threats. Increasing wages are one of the most obvious economic benefits to employees. However, increasing wages have led to the development of automation. Were already seeing workers being replaced by machines . So far, many of the affected jobs have been low-paying ones that require little experience or education. However, machine learning will allow technology to replace even technical jobs. Further into his 2011 article , Farhad Manjoo noted that even attorneys could be susceptible to AIs impact. However, nearly in the same breath, Manjoo notes that technology sometimes replaces workers in the short run. Then, over time, technological improvements lead to economic growth. We can all agree with him when he says, Economic growth improves prospects for workers across a range of industries. In spite of economic growth, theres a cautionary tale we should be aware of. When we become dependent on technology, we often lose the skills that technology has replaced. Were already seeing the impact smart phones have had on simple memorization. Science proves that an unused muscles leads to atrophy. Few of us can recount a phone number without relying on the use of our phone. Working alongside AI and IoT To a certain degree, we all fear the unknown. Despite the growing optimism, theres a certain amount of skepticism that follows. What function will be automated? What position will be replaced by a machine? These are legitimate concerns within the manufacturing industry. Research on the impact of AI within the workforce presents two polarizing viewpoints. Its seen as extremely beneficial in efficiency. But at the same time its believed to be the biggest employment disruption since the last Industrial Revolution. Recently Georgios Petropoulos , an industrial organization researcher, outlined what roles he believes to be most directly impacted. He argues that mid-level jobs requiring routine manual skills are at risk. In the long run, initial labor displacement effects of jobs with routinized manual or cognitive skills, as in previous industrial revolutions, will be compensated for by the growth in non-routine jobs at the high and low end of the economy. But rather than worrying about the what-ifs, manufacturers should embrace the positive implications that AI and IoT can provide. Working alongside AI and IoT will lead to the following: First, manufacturing stands to benefit from a productivity perspective. Artificial intelligence will be able to reduce, and eventually eliminate, customary data collection. This will free up employees to engage in the more rewarding aspects of their jobs. Rather than viewing AI as an employment threat, it should be seen as an opportunity for more efficient manufacturing. Artificial intelligence will be able to reduce, and eventually eliminate, customary data collection. This will free up employees to engage in the more rewarding aspects of their jobs. Rather than viewing AI as an employment threat, it should be seen as an opportunity for more efficient manufacturing. Second, working alongside these technological advancements will demand new security and data-collection protocols. As IoT devices are further adopted, there will be more opportunities for outside threats. The idea may sound silly, but an integrated smart home could potentially be hacked through television providing access to someones personal records. In todays interconnected world, companies need to provide trust alongside innovation. Within manufacturing, AI and IoT will continue to expedite processes, create efficiencies, and eliminate the potential for human error. But without the appropriate security protocols, employees could be exposed to identity theft or other harmful data collection. Implementing these technologies will demand an employer protect customer and personnel information. If employed effectively, manufacturers can gain faster insights, improve decision-making, and develop more efficient processes while avoiding the negative consequences. As IoT devices are further adopted, there will be more opportunities for outside threats. The idea may sound silly, but an integrated smart home could potentially be hacked through television providing access to someones personal records. In todays interconnected world, companies need to provide trust alongside innovation. Within manufacturing, AI and IoT will continue to expedite processes, create efficiencies, and eliminate the potential for human error. But without the appropriate security protocols, employees could be exposed to identity theft or other harmful data collection. Implementing these technologies will demand an employer protect customer and personnel information. If employed effectively, manufacturers can gain faster insights, improve decision-making, and develop more efficient processes while avoiding the negative consequences. Third, the adoption of AI and IoT will require the employee to evolve. A robot may not replace you, but the reality is that these technologies will disrupt current roles. Just as we saw with the previous Industrial Revolution, new technology results in a labor market shift. These trends have caused some to worry, but as one economist stated : Since the dawn of the industrial age, a recurrent fear has been that technological change will spawn mass unemployment. Neoclassical economists predicted that this would not happen, because people would find other jobs, albeit possibly after a long period of painful adjustment. By and large, that prediction has proven to be correct. Within manufacturing, and across the board, these technologies call for change. Employees must be willing to adapt and further develop their skills. It could even require learning new skills. The rise of technology demands that education become an ongoing process. No matter how advanced technology becomes, there will always be a human element. AI still has a long way to go when it comes to assessing human emotion. And industry relies on human connection. In this rapidly changing environment, employees must never overlook the importance of maintaining personal connectionsthose traits that separate us from the machines. In summary The full magnitude of these technologies impact on the labor market is still to be determined. The Digital Revolution will require ongoing reliance on AI and IoT technologies. The inevitable impact of automation on all industries is certain. But with these modern advancements comes the potential for efficient manufacturing. Organizations and employees must be willing to embrace these technologies to ensure progress into the future. Cherie Shepard is director of packaging, material handling & processing for Direct Recruiters. For over 10 years she has helped identify exceptional sales, sales management, and engineering candidates and bring them together with her clients assisting both to navigate complex hiring needs. Cherie is committed to performance, quality, and positive results. To stay current with industry news and trends, she routinely travels to trade shows and networking opportunities to meet with industry leaders. Instagram influencers are easy marks for phishers: they are unlikely to be security-savvy, are easily taken-in by marketing patter, have huge easily-grifted audiences, and Instagram won't even give them their accounts back afterward. Taylor Lorenz: For young influencers with no direct contacts at Instagram or Facebook, it can be nearly impossible to retrieve a stolen account. Hackers will change the contact email address and phone number and reset the username so the account is impossible to find. Then, they'll run ads on it until they can sell the whole page off for a large price, sometimes more than a hundred thousand dollars. Faisal Shafique, a college student who Instagrams under the handle @Fact, said that he earns roughly $300,000 a year from posting sponsored content for brands like TikTok and Fashion Nova. When Brooks seized control of his account several weeks ago, it put those brand deals in jeopardy, potentially costing him his livelihood. Shafique was able to retrieve his account back before it was sold off, but he estimates he would have lost a half-a-million-dollar property if he hadn't. Philip Alston, the UN rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, has followed up his scorching condemnation of US poverty with an even more damning report on poverty in the UK, which he calls a "political choice" brought on by a decade of austerity at the hands of the Conservative Party. Alston characterised the findings from his two-week fact-finding tour as "a disgracea social calamity and an economic disaster." He described the country's policies as so bad for women that "if you got a group of misogynists in a room and said how can we make this system work for men and not for women they would not have come up with too many ideas that are not already in place." He predicted further declines in the lives of middle class people, who will "find themselves living in an increasingly hostile and unwelcoming society because community roots are being broken." He condemned homelessness, child poverty, the rise of food banks, the sell-off of public assets, the closure of youth centres, the rise of sex-work and gang affiliation among the most vulnerable people, and said that the sole bright spot communities pitching in to help their neighbours "resembled the sort of activity you might expect for a natural disaster or health epidemic." Conservative politicians insisted that Alston didn't understand how austerity worked and that everyone was much better off due to a decade of cuts. After visiting towns and cities including London, Oxford, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast, Alston said that "obvious to anyone who opens their eyes to see the immense growth in food banks and the queues waiting outside them, the people sleeping rough in the streets, the growth of homelessness, the sense of deep despair that leads even the government to appoint a minister for suicide prevention and civil society to report in depth on unheard-of levels of loneliness and isolation." He called for the elimination of the five-week delay in receiving benefits under the universal credit system, which has plunged many into destitution. Flaws in its design and implementation harmed claimants' mental health, finances and work prospects, and benefits sanctions were "harsh and arbitrary". Vulnerable claimants "struggled to survive", he said. The ministers he met including Esther McVey, who was the work and pensions secretary until Thursday, when she resigned over the Brexit deal were almost entirely dismissive of criticisms of welfare changes and universal credit, he said. Instead they described critics as political saboteurs, or said they failed to understand how it worked. UK austerity has inflicted 'great misery' on citizens, UN says [Robert Booth and Patrick Butler/The Guardian] (Image: Garry Knight, CC-BY) China's increasing inequality and rocky transition to market capitalism has created a rising tide of wildcat strikes from independent trade unions, who have found powerful allies in national student communist movements whose members were made to study Marxism in an effort to purge the country's intelligentsia of "bourgeois" ideologies of liberalism and democracy. The students who call themselves "Marxists" and "Maoists" took the message to heart and mobilized in solidarity with the striking workers, in defiance of the Chinese state. Now the state has struck back: Chinese communist student activists and leaders have gone missing, often after public kidnappings at the hands of presumed state enforcers who drive up in black, unmarked cars and force the students inside. Some of these students have not been heard from since. The disappearances have created a wave of terror among the activists and their friends, who say that the retaliation is arbitrary and untargeted, sometimes aimed at prominent leaders and sometimes at young people who were essentially just bystanders during meetings and strikes. But as public attention grew, the government quickly tightened the net around the young protesters. On August 11, one of the main organizers, Shen Mengyu, a graduate of Sun Yat-sen University, another elite school in southern China, was detained by a group of unidentified men. Yue disappeared on August 24, along with a number of her fellow students. No official arrest reports have been announced yet by police and neither Shen or Yue have been seen since. Following their disappearance, a group of alumni and students at Peking University set up the "Finding Yue Movement" to lobby for the graduates' release. One of the organizers, Zhang, was among those who disappeared in the past week. "There is a pervasive sense of fear particularly after what happened in Peking University a few nights ago (Zhang's) crime was essentially to draw attention to the fact that another student had disappeared," Friedman, the American professor, told CNN. Young Marxists are going missing in China after protesting for workers [Ben Westcott and Yong Xiong/CNN] - Alexis Sanchez is said to be eyeing an exit from Manchester United after frustrating times at the club - The Chilean joined the Old Trafford in January in a sensational move that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move to Arsenal - The 29-year-old's form at United has dipped leading to his relegation to the bench PAY ATTENTION: Click "See first" under the "Following" tab to see Briefly News on your newsfeed! Manchester United star, Alexis Sanchez, is reportedly eyeing a surprise summer exit from the club just months after joining the club from Arsenal. The Chilean forward moved to Old Trafford in a sensational swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan sign for Arsenal. Sanchez's agent is said to be in contact with La Liga side, Real Madrid, over a potential deal that could have the winger move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Briefly.co.za gathered. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app The 29-year-old's form has dipped and has struggled to make an impact with the Manchester outfit, scoring just four goals in 29 appearances. His lacklustre performances have since forced United boss, Jose Mourinho, to relegate Sanchez to the bench, playing Anthony Martial in his place. READ ALSO: Limpopo woman claims her parents stole her The move has left Sanchez furious, thereby pushing for an exit from Old Trafford, despite being the highest paid Premier League player. Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain, are some of the top European clubs currently monitoring Sanchez's situation at United. READ ALSO: Jessica Nkosi wishes her late father could have met her daughter However, the star forward is now understood to have instructed his agent, Fernando Felicevich, to find him a different club, with Real Madrid in the frame. Madrid would be open to signing Sanchez as they look to bolster their attacking options following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit in the summer. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Tuko.co.ke Source: Briefly.co.za News / Africa by Staff Reporter Over 180000 Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa have applied for official documentation to allow them to stay work study and conduct businesses legally in the country the department of home affairs said on Thursday.The opening of applications for the ZEP was announced in September 2017 following the expiry of the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP)."The ZEP is meant to regularise the stay of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa for work study or legal business" said Makgola.Of the 180000 applications 108485 permits were processed and had been collected said Makgola.Meanwhile 39089 were in the process of being collected or sent to the various collection offices he added.The department has urged 1932 applicants who had expired passports to contact the Zimbabwean consulate as their application could not be processed.While this may be a relief for many it still denies Zimbabweans permanent residency in South Africa.The department said it had met with the Zimbabwean Consulate which had undertaken to expedite the passport applications of those who did apply.The ZEP came into effect in January 2018 and it will expire in December 2021. As the weather heats up and the city becomes one giant pile of slush, New Yorkers are beginning to look for answers about why six inches of snow caused the city to grind to a halt after yesterdays freak November snow storm. Their questions include why the citys buses did not have snow chains on their wheels, why salt spreaders were unable to reach large portions of the city, and how a rush hour storm was able to generate gridlock that cascaded from the George Washington Bridge all the way to southern Brooklyn. We got 6 to 7 inches of snow, which was a record, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson told reporters at a press conference in front of a fallen tree branch in Chelsea this afternoon. But it was still only six inches of snow. Were New York City, we get blizzards. Twelve inches fourteen inches two feet of snow! We should have been prepared to deal with six inches of snow even if it was a record. Traffic expert Sam Schwartz said Thursdays storm created one of the worst traffic jams in New York City history. Yesterday wasnt just a city breakdown it was a breakdown of the entire region. In fact Id say this is going to make it into my list of top 10 gridlock days Ive seen, he told WNYC / Gothamist. Schwartz compared the citys paralysis as comparable to a snow storm in Atlanta in 2014 that left motorists stranded and freezing on highways. He also believes the optics are as bad for Mayor Bill de Blasio as they were for Mayor John Lindsay in 1969, whose own mayoralty was left permanently stained by an ineffective response to a noreaster that left 42 people dead. Schwartz said he suspects the city wont botch it again quite like this. Every few years we have a snowstorm that cripples the city, theres a post mortem, and we get it right next time. Believe me the next time theres a hit of a dusting, a single snowflake, everything will be activated, he said. There were reports and videos of MTA buses stuck in the snow, sliding around, without chains on the wheels, which buses are usually equipped with during snow storms. A spokesman for the MTA said the agency follows the forecast and on Wednesday night, with just one to two inches predicted, it wasnt enough to put chains on all the tires. And once the snow began falling, it was too late to put on the chains because all the buses were already out on the streets. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which controls the George Washington Bridge, denies it was caught off guard. The day before the storm we had an agency wide meeting with all general managers at all facilities detailing preparations and what they planned to do, any thought we were blindsided or not prepared is false, PANYNJ spokesman Steve Coleman, told us. Coleman said the George Washington Bridge was salted and sanded before the storm. But that didnt prevent a 25-car pile up from snarling traffic on the upper level. Coleman blames New York City and New Jersey officials for not plowing the entrances to the bridge. Mayor Bill de Blasio blames the traffic on the George Washington Bridge creating a domino effect that led to Thursday night ranking in the top 10 most congested days in the city. At his press conference in Chelsea, Johnson, who has no direct responsibility for the citys response to weather events, apologized anyway, saying it was his job to oversee the agencies whose responses went so awry. I apologize, Johnson said, and while he refused to join in on the finger-pointing, he appealed to politicians and officials to at least show some contrition. Its okay to say youre sorry. Twenty-seven members of the City Council released a letter on Friday afternoon calling for a five-agency oversight hearing into the botched response to the storm. While the City is still assessing the emergency conditions and chaos caused by yesterdays storm, there is very little doubt that despite forecasts and advance warnings of an approaching storm, the various City departments and agencies meant to protect New Yorkers did not perform their basic responsible and duties, the letter reads. Several City Council members spent hours trapped in their cars commuting home on Thursday, including Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, who says she spent nine hours stuck in her car. Johnson pledged to use the oversight powers of the City Council to get answers, but cautioned that might take a few weeks. We need a full operational review and its why the Council is going to use its full oversight authority because I think in less than twenty-four hours were not going to have answers to these millions of questions, Johnson told reporters. In the meantime, New Yorkers are just left with the harrowing memories of a devastatingly bad commute. News / National by Staff reporter The National Assembly was adjourned prematurely yesterday after Zanu-PF parliamentarians objected to MDC-Alliance chief whip Mr Prosper Mutseyami insinuating that his party's leader Mr Nelson Chamisa had won the July 30 presidential elections.Mr Mutseyami made the insinuation while moving his motion on Government to address the plight of vendors.During his debate, Mr Mutseyami indicated that Mr Chamisa had got "more than two million votes," while President Mnangagwa had got "more than one million votes".This prompted Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi to raise a point of order, arguing that Mr Mutseyami was trying to mislead the House on the election results.Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi then directed Mr Mutseyami to withdraw his statement as it would mislead the House. Mr Mutseyami refused to withdraw the statement, resulting in parliamentarians from across the political divide breaking into song and chanting party slogans.The singing went on for over five minutes, prompting Gezi to adjourn the House. President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF won the July 30 harmonised elections, with the President garnering over 2,46 million votes compared to Mr Chamisa's 2,15 million.The President's total votes amounted to 50,8 percent of the vote. The Constitutional Court endorsed President Mnangagwa's victory after Mr Chamisa failed to prove his rigging claims in his court challenge. The results of the harmonised elections have been widely endorsed across the world by various Governments and institutions. News / National by Staff reporter STATE-OWNED telecoms operator, TelOne, has been threatened with service disruption by critical foreign suppliers, who include West Indian Ocean Cable Company (Wiocc) and China-EximBank, among others, over an $18 million debt.According to a report from the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Charlton Hwende, TelOne owes four critical foreign suppliers about $18 million."TelOne has been threatened with service disruption from critical foreign suppliers, who include Wiocc, TDM Mozambique, TCF and China-EximBank, who are owed $18 million," the report said.TelOne owes China-EximBank $500 000 in interest and repayment on the $98 million loan facility which funded the phase 1 National Broadband Project (NBBP)."This arrear obligation is affecting plans for phase 2 of the National Broadband Project, which is set to expand and upgrade TelOne's network," Hwende said."Any disruptions of internet service by TelOne will have a catastrophic impact on government business and the economy at large. Such a disruption will have a damning effect on the country's communications systems, national security, TelOne's reputation and the effect on the economy at large cannot be overemphasised," he said.Hwende said if the challenges are not addressed, there would be lost revenue of more than $20 million, as there would be no materials to complete connections.The committee recommended government to prioritise foreign currency allocations to the telecoms sector and TelOne, in particular, being the national carrier.Hwende said TelOne's balance sheet was in a technical insolvency position due to legacy loans of $380 million, which were inherited from the Post and Telecommunications Corporation era."The legacy loans are affecting the partial privatisation programme as the company may fail to attract investors due to the legacy loans and the resultant technically insolvent balance sheet. Company profitability continues to be eroded by exchange losses and loan interest arising on these loans," he said."The company balance sheet is unattractive to investors as a result of these loans and this may have an impact on the company's partial privatisation plans. Profitability will continue to be eroded by the legacy loan interest and exchange differences."Hwende said government debtors of $98 million contribute 58% of the company net debtors' book. Government owes TelOne $73 million, while parastatals owe $25 million."This is leading to crippling liquidity problems for TelOne, as the company is now failing to service local creditors such as Zimra [Zimbabwe Revenue Authority], Potraz [Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe], interconnect partners and pension fund. Business operations are being seriously threatened as a result of resultant liquidity problems," he said.Hwende said TelOne has been charged $10,9 million in penalties and interest by Zimra despite government owing TelOne more."Company profitability is compromised. TelOne would approach breaking even without these costs," he said. News / National by Staff reporter MIDLANDS State University (MSU) students have raised concern after the institution's administration halted the Students Representative Council (SRC) elections and postponed them indefinitely.The university claimed its server had been hacked to interfere with the elections that were being carried out electronically.The elections were scheduled to be held from November 9-15 but on the first day of voting, MSU registrar Erasmus Mupfiga posted an announcement on the institution's website that the elections had been postponed indefinitely."This communication serves to inform you that the SRC elections that had been scheduled for Thursday 9 November and Thursday 15 November have been postponed until further notice. The postponement has been as a result of a serious and massive security breach that has been detected by our information and technology department," read part of the notice.MSU spokesperson, Mirirai Mawere, confirmed the developments."Yes I can confirm that they have been postponed until further notice. The postponement is as a result of a serious and massive security breach which has been detected by our information and technology experts. The university has a duty to ensure that the SRC elections are conducted in a credible, professional and transparent manner so that the results thereof truly reflect the will of all the students," she told Southern Eye.Zimbabwe National Students Union Midlands chairman Tinashe Chiriga, however, slammed the university's decision and accused the administration of seeking to protect a candidate from the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu), which he said was headed for defeat.When the polls were halted, Jacob Lawrence Sedze (Zinasu) was leading the race for the SRC presidency with 248 votes ahead of Elsie Moyo (Zicosu) at 102 and Richard Sweto (Independent) who had polled 71."The biggest challenge we have is that no official communication was made to the candidates. Just a message to the students on the public e-voting platform was circulated by the registrar," Chiriga said, adding that the development had raised anxiety among students. News / National by Staff reporter TWO police officers stationed at Binga Criminal Investigations Department were recently arrested at Cross Dete in Matabeleland North after they were found in possession of nearly four tonnes of fertiliser which was distributed in the province under the Presidential inputs scheme.Police documents leaked to Southern Eye reveal that on November 7 this year at around 11pm at Kariyangwe turn-off along Cross Dete-Binga Road, Detective Constable Sasanhira and Detective Constable Manyumbudzo stationed at Binga CID post, were arrested for possession of 75x 50kg bags of fertilisers from the Presidential inputs scheme."Circumstances are that on the day in question at about 5pm the two accused persons hired a Mercedes Benz Iveco truck and filled it with diesel fuel.The truck was being driven by Wellington Tsvakwi of 5 Howard St, Zengeza 3, Chitungwiza and Charles Makuwa of Glen Norah A, Harare who is the truck mechanic," the police documents reveal."Whilst on the way to Tinde and at Siachilaba business centre they picked Kingford Mudimba of Siachilaba, Sebungwe Mouth and Noah Munkuli of Siamuloba village 4, Binga and went to Tinde through the tarred road where they loaded 75x50kg fertiliser bags."The documents state that on November 7 at about 8pm, a Chief Inspector Mukahanana, the officer-in-charge at ZRP Binga was tipped by an informer of the smuggling plot and that the truck would use Kariangwe-Muchesu Road to Sebungwe Mouth.Sebungwe Mouth is located along Lake Kariba shores at Simatelele, Binga which forms the border with Zambia."The fertiliser was to be smuggled to Zambia, according to the statement from the driver of the truck," the statement read.Reacting to the information, Mukahanana mobilised a team of police officers who laid an ambush at Kariangwe turn-off, resulting in the arrest of the two policemen. They were taken to Binga Police Station and are detained there while the truck is being held at ZRP Binga until the matter is finalised.Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Sipiwe Makonese said she had not yet received the report."I have not yet heard about the matter, if I get the information, I will inform you," she said. News / National by Staff reporter POLICE say they are still clueless as to the identity of people who shot and killed six unarmed civilians in post-election violence on August 1, but warned they would soon arrest MDC leader Nelson Chamisa for allegedly inciting his supporters and ordinary Zimbabweans to protest.Appearing before the Commission of inquiry into the August 1 violence, acting officer commanding (crime) Harare, Detective Chief Inspector Edmore Runganga said the police thus far did not have any suspects or leads on who shot and killed the six."We have not made any arrests in relation to the death of the six people. We have not yet established what caused their death although we now have post-mortem reports which indicate that the deaths were caused by projectiles from firearms. We don't know the exact place of shootings because there are no witnesses," he said.Pressed by Commissioner Lovemore Madhuku to explain if they had any suspects or leads on who had shot dead the six, Runganga said they had only questioned MDC activists arrested in connection with the demonstrations and had no other suspects."We only asked those MDC guys who we had arrested on charges of public violence if they knew anything on the shootings, and they did not know anything. But so far, we don't have other suspects in connection with the shootings," he said.Runganga said despite not having any suspects and leads on the shootings, they had now elevated their three-month long investigation to a full-scale murder investigation."Now that we have the post-mortem reports, we are now treating it as a murder case," he said.The police suspected the dead could also have been shot by business people or the military wing of the MDC, who they suspected to hold small arms.Runganga was left clutching at straws when Commissioner Rodney Dixon challenged him to explain how small arms could have caused the death of the six when post-mortem results show the bullets were from high velocity weapons, in the nature of rifles.Reporting on the progress of investigations, Runganga, who blamed the MDC for the post-election violence, said they had managed to arrest 41 opposition party activists, who have since appeared before the courts."So far, we have investigated the assault on people who reported. We also investigated the malicious damage to property involving various vehicles and shops that had been damaged. We are also investigating the incident in which six people died," he said."The 41 who we arrested were demonstrators who committed the crimes we are talking about. The majority belonged to the political party, for example, Tendai Biti. He is a leader of a political party, Jim Kunaka is linked to a political party. So we concluded that they belong to MDC Alliance."On Chamisa, who is accused of having incited violence prior to and after the elections, Runganga said the police were looking to arrest him soon after investigations were completed."We have not made any arrests of people who were inciting violence prior to the elections because we are investigating to try and have concrete evidence on how they incited the violence. Once the investigations are complete, they will definitely be charged for inciting violence, as defined by section 187, as read with section 36 and 37 of the Code," he said.Earlier, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba blamed Chamisa for inciting his supporters to be violent and placed the blame of the August 1 shootings on his shoulders.She said the actions of Chamisa were appalling and had been reported to the police, who were yet to take action.Chigumba, however, condemned the army for using live ammunition against unarmed civilians. She said live ammunition could only have been used as a last resort.The army has, however, denied shooting anyone during the operation where they deployed 62 soldiers as part of the National Reaction Force led by Brigadier-General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, to quell the protests which had allegedly turned violent.The soldiers, armed with whips, AK 47 assault rifles and baton sticks managed to restore order in the central business district within just 90 minutes. News / National by Staff reporter His Excellency is officiating at the ZRP Presidential Graduation Parade. This year's pass-out is unique in that, these are graduands of the new curriculum. The training took a year in order to impart new modern policing techniques, making the ZRP fit for the New Dispensation pic.twitter.com/zHgxCsd38w Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) November 15, 2018 A reformed police service needs to be capaciated with resources. The 1st batch of operational vehicles for the police is being commissioned today pic.twitter.com/jgNVJgwVqm Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) November 15, 2018 In his speech, President @edmnangagwa says graduation comes at a time when the new dispensation has set a new thrust in the nation. He calls upon @PoliceZimbabwe to constantly review training programs so that...1/9 pic.twitter.com/g7XHUSZiKW Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) November 15, 2018 In the new dispensation @PoliceZimbabwe must recruit officers from all districts in the country. Each officer is expected to know some of the languages and cultures of community he/she serves.We are 1 people united by 1 flag and 1 national anthem 3/9 pic.twitter.com/iUrQudQZX5 Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) November 15, 2018 President Emmerson Mnangagwa is officiating at the 2018 Zimbabwe Republic Police Presidential Graduation Parade at Morris Depot in Harare today.This year's pass-out is unique in that, these are graduands of the new curriculum. The training took a year in order to impart new modern policing techniques, making the ZRP fit for the New Dispensation.More details to follow.... News / National by Mandla Ndlovu The Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo Tinashe Kambarami has proved to be a councillor par excellence after being the first City father in the current council to do meaningful development to his ward.Kambarami through consultations with residents of Ward 3 in Bulawayo has launched a project of installing street lights in his ward to protect residents from being mugged by robbers at night.Currently the street lights have been erected in Woodville suburb as the project is spreading to all other areas under his jurisdiction.Speaking to Bulawayo24 on Thursday Deputy Mayor Kambarami said, "Woodville is one of the old residential area that needs our attention. We have secured 50 street lights for the suburb and today we installed some in Drayton road which is the feeder road (main road).""Regardless of the economic meltdown, we will not stop making progress. It is time for change and we will use all our energy, time and brains to make sure that our city is a smart city." He added. "This project is part of our ward retention fund which is 3% of what residents have paid over a certain period."Kambarami has posed himself as a visionary who is in a crusade of bringing good fortunes to the City of Bulawayo.In an interview with state media recently he said he was working together with the mayor, Clr Solomon Mguni and the rest of the councillors towards establishing a City bank, which was not only going to boost investor confidence but was to also create employment in the city."We want to set up a Municipal Bank that will help us build trust among our investors. This will be one of our biggest projects as I think we will be one of the only cities in the world to have such a bank."In this bank we will be managing our investors money, we will nott have any stories that the money has been diverted for other projects, we are going to manage our resources within this bank," said Clr Kambarami.He said not only will the bank be entrusted with investors funds but will also have other income generating schemes meant to create revenue inflows to the local authority which will then be directed to service delivery."The bank will have facilities like pension schemes for our employees, medical aid facilities, insurance schemes both for vehicles and in the long term for houses and buildings, which is one of the core functions of the local authority."We will employ professional people to run this bank and this will be an upside because we will be creating employment to our people, which is also critical considering the state of unemployment in our city," said the deputy mayor. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Attached herewith is @TrevorNcube's tweet at 22:35hrs on 15 November 2017 that went viral. God is not partisan but is for us all whatever our sins. God always extends his grace & protection to everyone. Praise be to the Lord. It shall be well. Good night everyone & God bless you! https://t.co/Uv5rhciuZJ Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) November 15, 2018 Exiled former G40 Kingpin Professor Jonathan Moyo has exposed how Alpha Media Holding Boss Trevor Ncube misled the nation in November 2017 claiming that Prof Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere were arrested by the military and taken to the then KGVI army headquarters.Posting on Twitter Prof Moyo said, "Attached herewith is Trevor Ncube s tweet at 22:35hrs on 15 November 2017 that went viral. God is not partisan but is for us all whatever our sins. God always extends his grace & protection to everyone. Praise be to the Lord. It shall be well. Good night everyone & God bless you!"On the fateful night Ncube had tweeted that, "I can now confirm that Cabinet Ministers Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere have been picked up from President Mugabe s Blue Roof residence to KGV1 Military Barracks."In the following day on 16 November 2017, Ncubes Newsday paper carried an article amplifying Ncube's words."ZANU PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere and Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo the brains behind the G40 faction in the ruling party were yesterday fished out from President Robert Mugabe's Borrowdale mansion where they had sought sanctuary and handed over to the military," NewsDay alleged."It is understood that the two Cabinet ministers were holed up at Mugabe's mansion as they evaded late night military arrests early yesterday morning."NewsDay also claimed that that Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commission chairman Mariyawandah Nzuwah was sent by ZDF Commander General Constantino Chiwenga to fetch the two whom he warned on Monday that he would fish them out of Zanu PF to ensure stability in the former guerilla movement. Nzuwah is also chairman of the Civil Service Commission.Prof Moyo recently tweeted that he is working on a memoir called Letters to my father which will be a tell all for everything that happened during the bloody coup that ended 37 years of Robert Mugabe's repressive rule. News / National by Staff reporter Government will soon remove all prosecutors seconded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from State security agencies with no law degrees, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi has told the National Assembly.He made the disclosure after Zengeza West MDC MP Job Sikhala asked what was the government doing to deal with the problem of under-qualified people in the Judiciary.This comes amid concern that over 50 percent of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) personnel mostly seconded from the police, Air Force, army and prisons are unqualified for their job, thereby compromising the justice delivery system."We now have an overwhelming number of qualified legal practitioners from our own local institutions like Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe and also a supplement of other qualified legal practitioners from South African universities," Sikhala said."What is the government policy over the phasing out of under qualified personnel who have been seconded to work in the Judicial Services Commission and also in the National Prosecuting Authority where we have under qualified soldiers and police officers who are working as prosecutors in our courts?"What is the ministry's policy over the issue of phasing out police officers and soldiers from our courts?"Ziyambi said government would soon be demilitarising the NPA."I want to thank Sikhala for the question and indeed he is very correct. The NPA Act stipulates that all our law officers must have a degree and we are in the process of ensuring that we comply with that requirement of the NPA Act and very soon we will phase out all those who are under qualified from our establishment," he said.Sikhala demanded to know when government was going to fire the under qualified prosecutors. This comes amid disquiet over huge salary disparities between demoralised permanent prosecutors and those seconded from various security services including the army, Air Force, prisons and police who are on higher remuneration.Ziyambi said he is waiting for the Finance minister to unfreeze recruitment of government staff before removing the seconded staff."We do not want to disturb the justice system. What we are doing is that we applied to Treasury so that we can be allocated posts and I am very happy that this year we got some posts that were allocated for prosecutors," he said referring to the August recruitment of 106 new prosecutors to fill in gaps created by mass resignations over the years as a result of plummeting morale among staff and poor working conditions caused by lack of resources."So, progressively, as we fill in the posts, we will request that those that have been seconded should go back."We do not want to create a shortage when we have not been given posts. I acknowledge that we need to get rid of them. We have even encouraged those that are under qualified to go and upgrade their qualifications and join the Prosecution Unit since they are already there."So, for me to give a time frame, it is not dependent on me alone but it is also dependent on Treasury when they give us a full complement of the staff that we require." Opinion / Columnist Our heartfelt apologies go out to the relatives and families of the deceased whose lives were lost in an accident involving one of our Brooklyn express buses along the Bulawayo, Beitbridge highway. We would like to also extend our sincere apologies to Zimbabwe as a whole and we stand in prayer with the bereaved families, praying for strength while we all try to come to terms with what has happened.To those who were injured, we wish you a speedy recovery.On Thursday 16 November 2018, one of the Brooklyn Buses from our fleet which was enroute to Messina, was involved in a tragic accident where it is suspected a gas cannister smuggled by a passenger exploded in the luggage cabin. Upon sensing something was amiss, the bus driver pulled over to check and when he switched on the lights there was an explosion inside the bus. The accident occurred in West Nicholson along the Bulawayo, Beitbridge road at 11pm.The accident resulted in the death of 31 people, as well as resulting in serious injuries to many other people.Brooklyn Express is a small to medium business with over ten years of experience plying the Bulawayo, South Africa route. The business grew as a result of people who entrusted their safety in the hands of its trained bus drivers.The CEO, Management and Staff of Brooklyn Express are remorseful, deeply shaken and stand with the nation in mourning the loss of life for such a huge number of its customers and fellow citizens.As a law abiding business, we will wait for the official report regarding the accident from the investigating team and are cooperating with the relevant authorities.We have also communicated with our insurers and are working on assisting the victims while conscious of the fact that lives cannot be replaced.To the stakeholders in our industry; the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the medical teams and everyone who attended the scene of the accident, we say thank you.We remain a small business trying to play a role in growing Zimbabwe. Travelling with gas cannisters is prohibited on our buses and therefore, it is our humble plea with the Zimbabwean community to desist from smuggling cannisters onto public transport as this has far-reaching consequences.In our operations, this accident will serve as a startling reminder to continue to abide and exercise our commitment to high safety standards while trying our best to decrease the scourge of people smuggling gas cannisters onto the bus.Mr. N NdlovuManaging Director As yet another wave of Trump-induced panic ripples through immigrant communities, some New Yorkers are opting out of food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, and other public benefits to which theyre legally entitled, out of fear that taking advantage of them will negatively impact their immigration status or that of a family member. After months of rumors and leaked drafts, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a proposed policy change last month that would allow the government to consider the use of certain public benefits, as well as factors such as age, income, and employment history, in determining whether someone seeking to become a legal permanent resident is considered likely to become a public charge, or burden. That designation--currently limited to people who need to be institutionalized long-term or receive cash assistance--can lead to a green card or visa application being denied. If the rule were adopted, the city estimates it would directly affect 475,000 New Yorkers and cost the city some $420 million annually in public benefits support and economic activity. But Bitta Mostofi, commissioner of the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, told City Council members at a public hearing on the rule Thursday that her office and other city agencies arent yet preparing for the new policies to take effect. The most important thing is to fight back to ensure that there isnt a final rule that ever goes into effect that would inflict this harm on our communities, she said. We know that the chilling effect is already real and well underway, Mostofi added. The focus is really on that campaign to ensure communities know that this is not a final rule and there are resources available to them to know what their individual impact might look like and to work with agencies to monitor what the impact is on the ground in terms of benefits utilization. The city is trying to make clear the rule would not take effect retroactively. It would also only explicitly take into account whether someone uses certain benefits: SNAP, Medicaid, subsidies for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D, and public housing or rental assistance. The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers directly impacted by the rule (about 400,000 of the 475,000) would be people who are not eligible for such benefits to begin with; rather they could be deemed public charges because of their age, pre-existing medical conditions, employment history, or income. Still, its complicated. There are reports of people avoiding medical care for conditions like HIV in order to ensure they arent deemed public charges, and of families that include U.S. citizens dropping Medicaid or food stamps because one family member is still seeking a green card and they dont want the use of those benefits to count against them. Some of the people expressing concern about the public charge rule already have legal permanent status and wouldnt be affected. In its campaign to combat misinformation and try to get people to keep accessing health care and benefits, the city has set up community forums and held a two-day phone bank in early October during which it answered about 800 calls about the public charge rule. It has issued fliers in 30 languages directing people with questions about the rule to a hotline that has interpreters on hand. Meanwhile, NYC Health + Hospitals has sought to inform staff about the policy so they can provide accurate information to patients. But with rumors flying and mistrust of the government rampant in immigrant communities under the Trump administration, the city faces an uphill battle. Many immigrant service providers who testified at the City Council hearing said more still needs to be done to minimize the proposals potentially far-reaching public health consequences. The proposed public charge rule doesnt have to ever be finalized in order to have its intended effect, which is to drive immigrant families into the shadows and systematically deprive them of resources, said Carlyn Cowen, chief policy and public affairs officer at the Chinese-American Planning Council, a nonprofit based in Lower Manhattan. She noted that while the citys one-page fliers may be in available in multiple languages, the detailed online FAQ on the public charge rule is still only available in English. Like others who spoke, Cowen said her organization has seen anecdotal evidence of a chilling effect on benefits enrollment since leaked drafts of the new public charge rule began circulating early this year. Community members have declined applying to Section 8 vouchers and ask to remove themselves from affordable housing waitlists theyve been on for years, said Cowen. They have declined enrolling their children in early childhood education subsidies and asked if they should stop taking prescription medications so they can apply for their green card. Cowen said enrollment in food stamps has been hit particularly hard. Seniors have been coming in asking to de-enroll from SNAP benefits that they rely on to put food on the table. The city cannot yet confirm any public charge-related impact on SNAP enrollment, Grace Bonilla, administrator of the citys Human Resources Administration, said at the hearing. But other city organizations have also observed a decline. We have a list running of families and the date theyve come and the benefits they have either chosen to disenroll from or not enroll in because of fear of this proposed policy, said Hannah Scott, a social services counselor and SNAP enroller at the Westside Campaign Against Hunger, a food pantry. It doesnt matter what I say or my colleagues say. They will not enroll. Scott was among those who said organizations may need direct funds to offset their clients loss of government benefits. These people are going to continue to rely on the emergency food system that were a part of and we need supplemental funding to ease that, Scott said. Public comments on the rule are open until December 10 and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson is seeking to file a comment on behalf of the City Council. He and others who spoke Thursday also urged people to file their own individual comments opposing the rule. New Study Finds Driverless Cars Will Be Used To Sell Sex Trending News: Driverless Cars Will Lead To More Car Sex, Says Study History has shown that whenever big innovations come to the public, people find a way to use it for sex. See: the internet (porn), virtual reality (also porn) and FaceTime (cyber sex). And that's expected to continue with driverless cars. Related: The Evolution Of Sex Over The Years Look Honey, No Hands With your hands liberated from the steering wheel, tech companies have long considered how people will spend their time in their cars. Some will read, some will play games on an iPad, others will blast the Marvin Gaye and get it on, according to a new study in the Annals of Tourism Research Its only a natural conclusion that sex in autonomous vehicles will become a phenomenon, study Scott Cohen, a tourism professor at the University of Surrey, told The Washington Post. Love Motels On Wheels Cohen said driverless cars will end up looking like love motels you'd find in Japan or South America where you pay per the hour to use the services, or even to hire a sex worker. It is just a small leap to imagine Amsterdams Red Light District on the move," the authors write in the study. Of course, if sex work is illegal in the specific place where the self-driving cars are, this could end up being a tricky situation for law enforcement. Riding Dirty Getting it on in a moving vehicle inherently comes with risks, even if a machine is driving for you. Nobody wants to break a bone when they're humping in the back of their vehicle, so driverless cars will need to come with unique safety features to prevent such a catastrophe. Volvo has already released models with sleeping pods, so I don't reckon that'll be too difficult. Coming Soon? If you still think driverless cars are still a far-flung future, don't. Analysts estimating that they'll be available to the public in less than a decade, The Post reports. I say bring on the decked out in-car bachelor pads. After all, need something to end this sexless epidemic we're going through. You Might Also Dig Canadas licensed producers are working hard to make an impact in Europe and beyond. Four of Canadas largest cannabis companies reported earnings this week. While many investors anxiously awaited managements outlook for the newly-legal recreational market at home, executives clearly wanted to talk up ambitions abroad. Its not hard to see why. Projections for fully legal cannabis in Europe, for example, dwarf comparable North American estimates. The third edition of the European Cannabis Report forecasts a market worth 115.7 billion euros (US$130.33 billion) by 2028. Meanwhile, legal cannabis in the United States could amount to just $75 billion by 2030, according to a recent estimate by Cowan. Europe is undergoing a fast-paced wave of regulatory and legislative changes. A legal version of Moores law is at play, i.e., the number of countries that have legalized medical cannabis programs is doubling every two years, wrote the authors of the European report. If the commentary following the latest crop of cannabis earnings is any indication, Canadas licensed producers are working hard to make an impact in Europe and beyond. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB.TO) kicked off the week with pre-market earnings on Monday. The Edmonton-headquartered company is currently active in 10 countries outside of Canada. (Australia, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Malta, Poland, and South Africa.) Aurora said it established a pan-European company in August. Aurora Europe will oversee national divisions on the continent, including Aurora Deutschland GmbH, Europes largest distributor of cannabis according to the company, as well as Aurora Italia, Aurora Malta and Aurora Denmark. The Aurora Nordic 1 facility in Odense, Denmark is expected to harvest its first crop this fall as construction continues on nearby Aurora Nordic 2. That facility, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020, will be Auroras second largest by capacity once Aurora Sun in Medicine Hat, Alberta comes online that same year, the company said. Story continues The EU I think its going to be very, a very rich market for us, chief corporate officer Cam Battley told analysts on the companys first-quarter earnings call. Were going to be able to move more products we believe in Denmark then were able to move in Canada, chief executive officer Terry Booth added. Aurora also bolstered its plans in South America, entering into a definitive agreement in September to acquire ICC Labs Inc. for $290 million. Cronos Group Inc. (CRON.TO) reported its third-quarter earnings before the opening bells on Tuesday. The notoriously science-driven Toronto-based company is building up capacity outside of Canada in Israel, Australia and Colombia. Cronos is working on expanding its global reach through several joint venture agreements. The company has a presence on five continents, including production and sales in the highly sought-after German medical market, and plans for expansion into Poland and Australia. We see Germany as extremely important for our global reach and to plan to continue to grow and open this channel through our Peace Naturals branded medical products, chief executive officer Michael Gorenstein told analysts on a conference call Tuesday morning. The growth opportunities for Cronos are vast, and extend across the globe as markets open. Tilray Inc. (TLRY) CEO Brendan Kennedy said his company now has the ability to import and distribute its products throughout Latin America, and will use its Portugal campus as a base of operations for European Union markets. Tilray Portugal will focus on supplying the global medical market, primarily in the EU. Tilray Germany and Tilray Australia and New Zealand are similar in that they focus on importing products and on sales and marketing, Kennedy told analysts on a conference call following the release of third-quarter financial results. Nanaimo, B.C.-based Tilray has said it was the first to legally export medical cannabis from North America to the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Were now at a point where 35 countries have legalized medical cannabis and its really clear to me how we get from 35 to 40 to 50 to 60 countries that have legalized medical cannabis in a relatively short amount of time, two or three years I think thats where well be, Kennedy said. Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED.TO) capped the week of cannabis earnings on Wednesday. The company has secured agreements to export cannabis to Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany and Spain. Canopy has previously announced plans to spend more than 100 million euros (about $150 million) to expand production in the European Union over the next two years. I think Europe is actually the most, or almost the most, exciting activity going on. So weve been busy in Germany, chief executive Bruce Linton told analysts on the companys second-quarter conference call. I think weve had about 1,000 pharmacies in Germany move our product and were now in the process of seeking approval for upgraded formats of the product. We have plants in the ground in a couple of countries in Europe already in greenhouses. Linton also expressed excitement about Jamaica, and the opportunity to capitalize on the countrys steady flow of tourists. I think Jamaica is going to do a great job of not exporting cannabis but importing more tourists and Tweed Jamaica is going to be something when youre on vacation, you may become officially ill and have access to that product and it will make your vacation more enjoyable, he said. The credibility we have in Jamaica has caused us to have an opportunity to export to another Caribbean island, which we havent named, but we think is the dominoes tipping over to that region. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. The righteous shock continues. Sheryl Sandberg broke her silence Thursday evening about the New York Times' report on Facebook executives' actions dealing with Russian manipulation, hate speech, and other crises on the platform. The report specifically detailed Sandberg's role as a political operative within Facebook, seeking to shield the company from scrutiny and legislation in multiple instances. SEE ALSO: Facebook held back on Trump and Russia so Republicans wouldn't get angry In a Facebook post, Sandberg denied the Times' report, and said that she never interfered with taking action on the Russian investigation, nor did she empower others to do so. "On a number of issues including spotting and understanding the Russian interference we saw in the 2016 election Mark and I have said many times we were too slow," Sandberg wrote. "But to suggest that we werent interested in knowing the truth, or we wanted to hide what we knew, or that we tried to prevent investigations, is simply untrue. The allegations saying I personally stood in the way are also just plain wrong." In particular, Sandberg says that investigating Russian manipulation of Facebook was extremely important to her. She denies knowing about the work of Definers, the PR term which the Times said used opposition-research tactics to boost Facebook's reputation while disparaging its competitors, and that Facebook fired Thursday. And she showed her support for George Soros, whom Definers reportedly attempted to tie to an anti-Facebook activist group to undermine it with anti-semitic conspiracy theories. But here's the thing: Sandberg doesn't really address most of what the Times article exposed about her role at Facebook over the last three crisis-ridden years. Which was how Sandberg sought to mitigate public relations damage, court politicians, and stymie potential regulations, through lobbying and the hiring of a team of political operatives empowered to represent Facebook in Washington. Story continues Sandberg, who is a former Clinton administration official, reportedly brought on the Bush White House alum Joel Kaplan to lead corporate public policy. When thorny issues like, oh, Trump's racist statements about Muslims, turned up, Sandberg turned to Kaplan for counsel, and Kaplan reportedly had a significant impact. After Trump won the presidential election, Sandberg reportedly expanded Kaplan's role, and he hired a team of Washington players to review policy and lobby on Facebook's behalf. As a result, at multiple turns, Facebook took political optics into account when making major policy decisions including how to apply its Community Standards, with regard to Trump, and how much to divulge about the Russian connection to social media manipulation. Sandberg says she did not "stand in the way" of investigations into Russia's use of Facebook, but she certainly empowered a team whose job it was to lessen the blow of Facebook's actions in Washington, which did impact policy decisions. Sandberg too says she is dedicated to "stamp out abuse in our system." But the Times reports that along the way, she has sought to undertake this goal apparently without government oversight and regulation. Sandberg reportedly took trips to Washington to meet with lawmakers and sent hand-written thank you notes. She asked Senator Amy Klobuchar to back off her Facebook regulation (she did not). The Times reports that "Ms Sandberg's subordinates took a similar approach in Washington": keeping in contact with lawmakers to downplay Russia's role on the platform. And Kaplan's team reportedly expanded its reach to reviewing Facebook policy and communications for "words or phrases that might rile conservatives." In her note, Sandberg repeated Facebook's phrase that "we were too slow" to investigate Russian manipulation. But she also denies delaying or downplaying any investigation. So what, in fact, does "too slow" mean, if not managing the company's findings for the most favorable public relations and political responses? As COO and the apparent boss of political teams like Kaplan's, Sandberg was doing her job just as any other corporate executive would: yes, investigating threats, but trying to do so without blowing up her company's public and political standing. The problem with acknowledging this reality is that Facebook continually tries to portray itself as the benevolent managers of a positive "community." That narrative is inconsistent with icky but pervasive and mundane things like lobbying and PR campaigns the domain over which Sheryl Sandberg apparently has control. Denying that politics had an impact on Facebook's response to Russia's role on the platform is frankly unbelievable. So Sheryl, forgive us if we're "too slow" to forgive you. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spent his final morning in Singapore on Friday at a hawker's market. But as he jetted off from one Southeast Asian summit to his next the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) talks in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea he seemed like the guy with something to sell. Trudeau's spin around the food stalls, buying his morning juice and chatting up local families, felt like a campaign stop but people there can't vote for him. He came to Singapore looking for different kinds of support. And it's not clear Canada has been invited into Southeast Asia's inner circle of influence just yet. "In terms of areas that are particularly important and exciting, there's no question that the Asia-Pacific is, for me, one of the big places we need to be," Trudeau told about 400 students and guests at the National University of Singapore on Thursday. But if the East Asia Summit (EAS) was where Canada needed to be, that didn't work out. Canada wasn't invited to the 18-country regional forum this year. "Membership of the East Asian Summit is a determination to be made by members of the summit," Trudeau told reporters. Never mind meetings on the sidelines of a summit. On Thursday, as the key EAS talks were held with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, Trudeau wasn't even in the stands. He had his own itinerary of trade promotion meetings and speaking engagements elsewhere. Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press That's not to say Canada's lobbying to prove its priorities align with the EAS didn't continue, particularly at the Wednesday evening ASEAN gala that key EAS players attended. Trudeau spoke directly with New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern, said to be a kindred spirit on his progressive agenda. The EAS released five statements on Thursday. One, on fighting marine plastics pollution, lined up with a statement Canada and China released after Trudeau met Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday. Story continues Two other statements, on cybersecurity and smart cities, mirrored the topics of the memoranda of understanding officials exchanged as Trudeau posed for photos with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday. The EAS also issued statements on countering terrorism and safeguarding nuclear materials. New markets, tough decisions As a small-market trading nation, Canada's pursuing economic growth by hooking on to this region of rapid infrastructure development and emerging middle-class consumers. Business leaders teed up to speak with Canadian reporters mentioned the importance of personal relationship building in Asia. Trudeau's familial link to the founder of Singapore may have helped break the ice for the parade of potential investors, students and entrepreneurs the prime minister met over the past four days. The Liberal government's trade agenda has two mantras: diversification and progressive change. As Trudeau's news conference Thursday revealed, sometimes one conflicts with the other. Journalists had questions about whether Canadians should still be doing business with Saudi Arabia after the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. They wanted more details on not only Canada's trade push with China there's not much of a difference between what's happening now and what would be happening if the two countries were in formal trade talks, the PM said but the diplomatic push it's mounting in support of China's Uighur minority, something that's now prompted a public rebuke from Beijing. And reporters wanted to know whether Canada would do more to help the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, an ASEAN member in the hot seat for failing to protect human rights and keep minorities safe from violence. When Trudeau told ASEAN members at a working lunch Wednesday that he was hoping to move from exploratory discussions to full-fledged trade negotiations by next spring, progressive trade proponents may have felt a little twitchy. No 1-on-1 with China's president? Not that the prime minister denies the incompatibility of progressive values with the way some Asian countries do business. At these same summits last year, raising extrajudicial killings in the Philippines scratched a valuable helicopter contract for Canada. "Do we engage with people who don't agree with our values? Do we wait for them to clean up their act?" Trudeau said when a student asked him about this. "Or do you say, through engaging in careful ways, we will have the capacity to have those conversations?" Trudeau's portrayal of his one-on-one with Chinese Premier Li was all about balancing rights advocacy and trade. But it's not clear he'll have a chance to continue the conversation with China's president at APEC: Trudeau said he doesn't have any confirmed one-on-one time with Xi Jingping. Mast Irham/Reuters In this region, those willing to have a more narrow conversation, specifically about goods trade, are getting closer to a regional trade bloc. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership would bind the huge Chinese market to the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, which is holding out at the moment. Reports on the state of RCEP talks in Singapore this week described "tremendous progress" and a push to conclude talks in 2019, assuming India's famously protectionist farm, steel and textile sectors come around to the idea of lowering barriers with archrival China. The RCEP could someday include about 40 per cent of the world's GDP, carving global trade into three dominant blocks: RCEP in Asia. The European Union's common market. The reworked NAFTA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA). The deal meant to bridge across this, had the U.S. remained on board, was the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership. Edgar Su/Reuters During the ASEAN summit, Vietnam ratified the reworked deal that remains, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), bringing to seven the number of countries Canada and Japan included that start dropping tariffs and embracing common standards as of Dec. 30. "CPTPP is something we worked really hard on," Trudeau told another student. Amid tense finish-line gamesmanship at APEC last year, it wasn't a sure thing that Canada would sign on. "We got improvements over the deal negotiated by our predecessors because we wanted it to be the right deal for Canadians," Trudeau said. What's next at APEC? Trudeau said Canada's pursuit of win-win trade deals is a "contrast to others who have a more negative approach to trade." "Others" meaning: America? One presumes. Pence is attending both summits, and so far Trudeau has spoken to him once briefly, at a gala event Wednesday night. (He raised, again, Canada's objections to the persistence of steel tariffs now that NAFTA talks are over.) Yong Teck Lim/Reuters Canada put itself closer to the centre of conversations about reforming the World Trade Organization by hosting an early meeting of 13 like-minded nations in Ottawa last month. WTO reform has been mentioned by not only Trudeau, but other leaders as a key agenda item at APEC, where unlike at the Ottawa meeting, China and the U.S. will be around the table. Japan, a key ally in the WTO reform process, has agreed to a bilateral meeting with Canada at APEC, Trudeau's revised itinerary now shows. He's also set for face time with his counterpart from Malaysia (which still needs some persuading to ratify the CPTPP) and Australia (which may need more fence-mending to ensure no hard feelings remain from last year's APEC unpleasantness.) Trudeau's expected to talk about climate change when he meets with Pacific Islands leaders on Saturday afternoon, an on-brand topic for his Liberal government and an easier conversation to have in Papua New Guinea than back in Canada, where conservatives are lining up to fight his carbon pricing. But Trudeau's focus at APEC? More salesmanship, it appears. "We will be continuing to talk about trade ties," he told reporters. "APEC is an economic summit." 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. OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday welcomed U.S. Treasury sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing last month of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and said Canada was weighing similar action. "Canada welcomes the U.S. action," Freeland told reporters after touring a factory in Port Colborne, Ontario, adding that Canada will be "actively considering" similar sanctions in coming days. Khashoggi was murdered at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, and the U.S. Treasury on Thursday announced sanctions targeting Saudi nationals, not the Riyadh government. The sanctions limit access to the U.S. financial system and freeze the individuals' assets. Freeland said Canada is considering the same kind of targeted sanctions implemented under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised there would be "consequences" for the murder, and he has said Ottawa is reviewing export permits to Saudi Arabia. Opposition critics and human rights groups say that if Trudeau is serious about standing up for human rights, he should cancel a $13 billion (10.1 billion) contract for armoured vehicles built in Canada by U.S.-based General Dynamics . (Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by David Gregorio and James Dalgleish) COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark, Tanzania's second-biggest donor, said it would withhold $10 million worth of aid money due to concerns over human rights abuses and what it called unacceptable homophobic comments made by a government official. The decision came on the same day that the World Bank said it had scrapped a plan to loan Tanzania $300 million after the country reaffirmed its policy of banning pregnant girls from school and made it a crime to question official statistics. In the last few weeks, President John Magufuli's government has been criticized by rights groups and foreign governments for what they say is growing intolerance and rising attacks on human rights. The government rejects the criticism. Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tornaes told Reuters on Thursday that her government is also considering diverting 40 million Danish crowns ($6.06 million) to NGOs and other partners instead of giving it to the Tanzanian government directly. "Currently, about half of our cooperation goes through the government. I will look at changing that, so we dont work directly with a government leading a politic that goes in the wrong direction on human rights issues," she said. "I am worried about the development weve seen in Tanzania in the last three years, which has culminated in the recent homophobic comments." Tornaes said that she has postponed a trip to Tanzania scheduled for this month because of the latest developments. Denmark will now withhold 65 million Danish crowns ($9.88 million) in aid to Tanzania, Tornaes said on Twitter on Wednesday. The European nation provided 349 million crowns in foreign aid last year. The comments in question were made by administrative chief of the capital Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda, who this month announced an anti-gay crackdown in the city, a spokeswoman for the Danish minister said. Reuters was not able to reach Tanzanian government officials for immediate comment. The foreign ministry has previously said Makonda's anti-gay campaign represented his own views and not the official government position. However, Magufuli's government has also 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. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen and George Obulutsa in Nairobi; Additional reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Jason Neely and Raissa Kasolowsky) The family of Brandon Maurice is suing Surete du Quebec and two police officers for $1 million for the teen's death in 2015. The family said the police who were involved in the high speed chase that led to Maurice's death in Messines, Que., north of Gatineau, were criminally negligent. The 17-year-old died after being shot by a police officer after the chase. Quebec's Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions cleared the officer who fired the bullet, Frederic Fortier, and his partner David Constantin, saying they committed no criminal offence. Earlier this year, the coroner held an inquest into Maurice's death, which the family said showed the officers did not act properly and used excessive force. The report of the inquest is expected early next year. Maurice's mother Dominique Bernier said she vowed at her son's funeral to keep fighting for him. "Our son should not have died this way," said Dominique Bernier in a French interview. "We shouldn't have had to live with this kind of grief and be abandoned by the system," Facebook Bernier said she is uneasy about going to civil court, but the money from the civil suit may help the family and others. "For three years, we have been fighting to survive," she said. "I don't want other children to pass the way my child did or for other families to live what we've lived." In the notice of a lawsuit provided to Radio-Canada, Maurice's mother, father and grandmother are claiming compensation for psychological and moral damages related to the loss of a child, lost income from work and court costs. "As the employer, you are solely responsible for the damages caused by the mistakes made by the officers in the course of their duties," the notice addressed to the provincial police says in French. In a statement Wednesday, Surete du Quebec said it will not comment on the case "out of respect for the court process." By Karishma Luthria SYDNEY (Reuters) - Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was set to win re-election on Thursday, with a provisional count showing his Fiji First party holding a comfortable lead, although some voting has been delayed due to bad weather in the South Pacific nation. Bainimarama has held power in the island nation since 2006 when as military chief he led a bloodless coup. In 2014, he resigned from the military and became prime minister in a landslide victory at the first poll since his coup. Results posted on the government's twitter account on Thursday morning showed Bainimarama's Fiji First party leading with nearly 52 percent of the 367,350 votes counted. Over 500,000 Fijians were eligible to vote, according to the Fiji Elections Office (FEO) website. Bainimarama's main opponent is also a former coup leader and long-serving prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, who now leads the Social Democratic Liberal Party of Fiji (SODELPA). He was coming second, with 38 percent support. Torrential rain and flooding on Wednesday forced voting in some centers to be rescheduled. Authorities said around 8,000 voters were affected. A campaign blackout period was extended because of the delayed voting, but media were allowed to report the preliminary results, Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Chairperson Ashwin Raj said on Wednesday. Fiji was isolated diplomatically after the 2006 coup, but its return to democracy has seen it welcomed back into the international community, with Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Megan, visiting in October. Jonathan Pryke of the Lowy Institute in Sydney said before the poll that the Bainimarama government had surpassed critics' expectations with the economy growing and standards of living rising steadily. Polling booths where voting was delayed have been rescheduled to the 17th of November, the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem also announced on Thursday. (Reporting by Karishma Luthria; Editing by Michael Perry) Years of neglect and underfunding have left New York Citys public housing in a state of deep disrepair. Things have gotten so bad that in June, federal prosecutors excoriated the city for endangering residents by exposing them to mold and lead paint. On Wednesday, a federal judge rejected a settlement that would have installed a monitor to oversee the authority, believing it just didnt go far enough. The city estimates it needs $32 billion to bring its 178,000 apartments to a state of good repair. Now, according to the NY Times, City Hall is strongly considering an Obama-era federal housing program that allows Public Housing Authorities to turn public housing over to private landlords and convert them into Section 8 Housing. The Rental Assistance Demonstration (known as "RAD"), which has been fervently embraced and expanded by the Ben Carson-led Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), allows private developers to use Section 8 funding to make desperately-needed repairs to public housing stock while being able to tap into private financing to fund it. This solution for public housing repairs shifts the funding burden for these apartments from an ever-dwindling amount of money to Public Housing Authorities set aside by the federal government to long-term Section 8 housing, which, by law, must be renewed whenever it expires. Section 8 limits rent to 30 percent of a tenants income. Section 8 housing is still funded by the federal government, Kathie Soroka, who was senior counsel to the general counsel at HUD during the Obama administration and was highly involved in the creation of the RAD program, told Gothamist. Soroka is currently a counsel at Nixon Peabody in their Affordable Housing and Real Estate practice. The rationale behind the program was the inability of the current structure of the public housing program to address the capital needs. If you were looking at the overall public housing stock and the patterns of congressional funding for the public housing program, we saw a loss of about 10,000 to 15,000 public housing programs every year because the capital funding over time was not able to keep up with the capital needs. Other cities that have struggled to maintain their public housing, including Chicago and San Francisco, have used RAD, where tenants no longer directly interact or pay their rent to a city agency but rather a third party developer. The developers would also be responsible to provide services and maintenance for the tenants. According to the Times, the plan would cover 62,000 apartments, just over a third of the citys public housing stock. Section 8 is one of the most successful programs providing thousands of people with housing across the city, Councilman Ritchie Torres told the Times. Developments that have been starved of resources for decades will have new roofs and new boilers. While this represents a massive expansion of the program, this isnt the citys first experience with RAD. In 2017, the city converted 1,397 units of the Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway to Section 8 housing, which is now under the management of the private developer Wavecrest Management. The conversion drummed up $560 million in repairs to the complex. The planned expansion would generate at least $15 billion in renovations to public housing across the city, according to the Times. In other cities where RAD has been implemented, tenants have complained about the level of oversight from HUD, and questioned whether developers are holding up their end of the bargain. ProPublica and The Southern Illinoisan just published an investigation today showing that HUD routinely gives passing grades to complexes that are infested with mold and vermin, and quotes a former HUD official under the Clinton and Obama administrations who says the oversight program is "pretty much a failure." The plan also places more financial risk on public housing the repairs would be partially paid for by mortgages taken out by dozens of different development companies. The very recent past paints an alarming picture of what happens when mortgages go bad in a hurry. But Soroka believes that the risk to public housing is minimized by a series of protections built into the program which gives HUD final say over who would take over the property in the case of a foreclosure and designates its use for public housing, no matter what a developer decides to do. If there is a bust or foreclosure that underlying land still belongs to the housing authority, Soroka told Gothamist. They still have a seat at the table in terms of any kind of refinancing or workouts of that property. A German tourist who was shot while visiting Alberta to celebrate his 60th birthday still requires 24/7 care and likely will never work again, says the German Consulate in Calgary. Horst Stewin, 60, was randomly shot in the head on an Alberta highway this summer. "He is still very limited when it comes to communications, so he cannot speak and he can't walk which has a huge impact of course on his life and of everyone else, his family," consul Hubertus Liebrecht told CBC News in a phone interview, his first time speaking to media since the shooting. While driving from Banff to Calgary with his wife, his son and his son's girlfriend on Aug. 2, another vehicle pulled up beside their vehicle on Highway 1A. Stewin was shot in the head near the Morley rodeo grounds, about 55 kilometres west of Calgary. He was flown back to Germany and had the bullet removed. The trip was his 60th birthday present, Liebrecht said. The 16-year-old accused of shooting him is out on bail and court-ordered to live with his grandmother as a condition of his release. The details discussed during the bail hearing in the Provincial Court of Alberta are protected by a publication ban. The Youth Criminal Justice Act protects the teen's identity. The teen faces 14 charges including attempted murder and eight gun-related offences. Liebrecht raised $13,435 for the family through a GoFundMe to help pay for expenses in Alberta and to get back home. "Canadians contributed in a really impressive way," he said. "Especially the comments were very touching in many ways and I forwarded them all to the family." Never work again But Liebrecht said the family still has major financial challenges ahead. Stewin was a 50 per cent shareholder in his company, and his business partner had a stroke last year. "So, now the company is in a difficult position as well, which creates financial stress," Liebrecht said. "It's very difficult to really make a reliable forecast at this point but he will never be able to work again, that seems to be sure." Story continues Liebrecht said he's been contacted by many tourism agencies in Germany since the incident, inquiring about safety in Alberta. He said he feels the shooting was a one-time incident, but noted all parties involved will be carefully watching what happens now in the court proceedings. With files from Elizabeth Snaddon By James Pomfret HONG KONG (Reuters) - Nine leaders of Hong Kong's 2014 civil disobedience "Occupy Central" movement go on trial on Monday at a time when the Chinese-ruled financial hub's civil liberties are coming under increasing strain. The nine leaders include law professor Benny Tai, 54, sociologist Chan Kin-man, 59, and Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, 74, who face three charges related to public nuisance, including conspiracy and incitement, during street protests which brought much of the former British colony's Central business district to a halt. This case could be the most consequential against the pro-democracy movement, with repercussions for hundreds of other protesters who were arrested in 2014 and are not sure if they will face trial. The nine defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty, face a maximum seven years in jail on each charge. "We will be given an opportunity to retell the story (of the Occupy movement), hoping that people will see the real spirit and relate it to what's really happening now, and think what they can do," said Tai, a professor at the University of Hong Kong. "We want to reboot the spirit of the people." Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy and freedoms denied citizens in mainland China, including freedom of speech and the right to protest. Critics say, however, that the guarantee is ringing increasingly hollow, with perceived meddling by Communist Party rulers in the territory's affairs. The 2014 "Umbrella Movement" blocked major roads for 79 days in a push for full democracy, presenting Beijing with one of its biggest political challenges in decades. The protest tents were eventually cleared away by police with no democratic concessions. Since then, authorities have pursued more than 40 criminal cases against more than 100 protesters, including two dozen or so pro-democracy leaders. Critics say these moves have scuppered the momentum of Hong Kong's youth-driven democracy movement, and substantially raised the stakes for future protests. Last year, Hong Kong's highest court freed three younger protest leaders, Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow, reversing a decision by a lower court to jail them for unlawful assembly. "NO POLITICAL INFLUENCE" For the trial beginning on Monday, the defendants said they had initially expected to face unauthorized assembly charges, but were charged with the graver offences of conspiracy and public nuisance. One charge, "incitement to incite public nuisance", has rarely been used before. Hong Kong's Solicitor General, Wesley Wong, said in a statement in July that the case was so large in terms of evidence and people involved that "substantial" time was needed to prepare for it. He also said prosecutors would not be influenced by "political" considerations. Authorities have banned a political party advocating Hong Kong independence, barred democracy activists from contesting local elections and disqualified six opposition lawmakers from the legislature. Last week, a senior Financial Times journalist, Victor Mallet, was barred from the city after he helped host an independence activist at the Foreign Correspondents' Club, in what critics said was an attack on freedom of speech. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has repeatedly stressed Hong Kong respects media and other freedoms, but has so far refused to give an explanation for Mallet's de facto expulsion. "The crackdown by the regime is more than I expected in that it's so brazen, so shameless," said Chan, who will take early retirement from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to avoid the risk of being fired should he be jailed. "It's a very frustrating, difficult moment for Hong Kong ... They (the Hong Kong government) want to become another Singapore," he added, referring to the city state's tight grip on civil society and political discourse. Many of the moves were made after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech in July last year, marking the 20th anniversary of the handover, that any attempt to undermine China's sovereignty was a "red line" that wouldn't be tolerated. Some senior Western diplomats have privately expressed concerns Hong Kong's liberal latitude will continue to shrink, despite objections from the international and business communities. (Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Nick Macfie) PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday two long-time allies like France and America should treat each other with respect and that France was a U.S. ally but not a vassal state, after U.S. President Donald Trump attacked him on Twitter. In five posts sent on Tuesday after his visit to France, Trump blasted the key U.S. ally over its near defeat to Germany in two world wars, its wine industry and Macron's approval ratings. "At every moment of our history, we were allies, so between allies, respect is due," Macron said, citing French support for America's war of independence and U.S. support during the two world wars. "I don't think the French expect me to respond to tweets but to continue this important history," he told TF1 in an interview on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Trump was only playing to a domestic audience, he added. "I think he's playing politics, and I let him play politics." Asked about his suggestion to build an European army, which Trump criticized in tweets last week, Macron said: "The United States are our historic ally and will continue to be. It's the ally with which we take all the risks, with which we carry out the most complicated operations. But being an ally doesn't mean being a vassal state," Macron said. (Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Leigh Thomas) By Joseph Sipalan and Liz Lee KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia on Thursday accused Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, on charges of soliciting and receiving bribes involving a sum of 189 million ringgit ($45.12 million) to help a company secure a government project. Najib and his wife, who has faced criticism for her extravagant lifestyle, are at the center of a wide-ranging graft investigation launched by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was returned to power by a stunning election victory in May. Since his defeat, Najib has been charged with 38 counts of graft, mostly over a multi-billion-dollar corruption scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Rosmah was charged with 17 money laundering offences last month. Najib and Rosmah have pleaded not guilty to all charges. On Thursday, Rosmah was charged with two additional counts of corruption. Prosecutors said Rosmah sought a bribe of 187.5 million ringgit ($45 million) in 2016 from an executive of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd to help it win a solar project worth 1.25 billion ringgit ($298 million) in schools in the eastern state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. The second charge involves a bribe of 1.5 million ringgit ($358,000) that she received from the same company official in 2017, prosecutors said. Rosmah pleaded not guilty to both the charges, which carry a jail sentence of up to 20 years each and a fine of at least five times the amount. Jepak Holdings said last year it won the solar contract from the education ministry. A spokeswoman for Jepak Holdings declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Following Mahathir's election victory, Najib and Rosmah, 66, were barred from leaving the country, and properties linked to them have been raided. Malaysians have been outraged by the seizure of around $275 million worth of cash and goods, such as expensive handbags, jewelry and watches, from such properties. OTHERS CHARGED Other officials close to the couple have also been arrested and charged since May. Rizal Mansor, a former aide, was charged on Thursday with soliciting and receiving bribes for himself and on behalf of Rosmah over the solar project. In court, he pleaded not guilty. Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, a former minister in Najib's cabinet, was charged with corruption involving a sum of 3 million ringgit. He also pleaded not guilty. Last month, Malaysia charged its former treasury chief with criminal breach of trust over the 1MDB investigation. The 1MDB scandal was one of the major reasons for Najib's election defeat. The fund is the subject of corruption and money-laundering investigations in at least six countries. U.S. authorities say $4.5 billion was siphoned from 1MDB and about $700 million was diverted into Najib's personal bank accounts. He has denied any wrongdoing. (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan and Liz Lee; Writing by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) It was a feel-good story for the ages a homeless military veterans random act of kindness and a New Jersey couple intent on helping him get back on his feet during the holidays that inspired people to donate more than $400,000 in an online fundraiser when it went viral last fall. But prosecutors say Mark DAmico, Kate McClure and Johnny Bobbitt Jr. fabricated the story in an effort to raise money for themselves. The paying it forward story that drove this fundraiser might seem too good to be true, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said at a press briefing in Mount Holly, N.J., on Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately it was. The entire campaign was predicated on a lie. The three were each charged with second-degree conspiracy and theft by deception. If convicted on all charges, DAmico, McClure and Bobbitt would each face 10 to 20 years in prison. McClure and DAmico surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and were released pending a Dec. 24 court date, Coffina said. Bobbitt Jr. was taken into custody on Wednesday in Philadelphia, where he is awaiting an extradition hearing. Coffina said that less than an hour after the couples online campaign went live, McClure texted a friend to say the story of Bobbitt assisting her was fake. OK so wait, the gas part is completely made up, but the guy isnt, McClure wrote, according to prosecutors. I had to make something up to make people feel bad. Ernest Badway, the attorney representing McClure and DAmico, declined to comment. An attorney for Bobbitt did not immediately return a request seeking comment. In a statement to Yahoo News, GoFundMe spokesman Bobby Whithorne said that all donors who contributed to the couples campaign will receive a full refund. The company said it will process all refunds in the coming days. We have a zero tolerance policy for fraudulent behavior, Whithorne said. One fraudulent campaign is one too many, but when it does take place, we take action to protect donors. Story continues Johnny Bobbitt Jr., Mark DAmico and Kate McClure pose at a Citgo station in Philadelphia last November. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) The tale of the homeless good Samaritan and his would-be benefactors began in the middle of night last October, when McClure said she ran out of gas on a freeway ramp in Philadelphia. According to McClure, Bobbitt approached her car, told her it wasnt safe and went to purchase her gas with his last $20. Johnny did not ask me for a dollar, and I couldnt repay him at that moment because I didnt have any cash, but I have been stopping by his spot for the past few weeks, McClure, a staffer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, explained in her initial GoFundMe post. I repaid him for the gas, gave him a jacket, gloves, a hat, and warm socks, and I give him a few dollars every time I see him. Inspired by Bobbitts selflessness, McClure and DAmico launched a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising $10,000 to get him an apartment and a reliable vehicle and to cover four to six months of expenses. The story went viral, and the campaign raised more than $400,000 from over 14,000 donations. He will never have to worry about a roof over his head again! the couple wrote in a subsequent post. She did not run out of gas on an off ramp, and he did not spend his last $20 to help her, Coffina told reporters Thursday. Rather DAmico, McClure and Bobbitt conspired to pass off a fake feel-good story that would compel donors to contribute to their cause. The net proceeds generated by their campaign amounted to more than $367,000, which was electronically deposited into accounts controlled by McClure. Months later, their pay it forward story began to unravel over control of their haul. In August, Bobbitt filed suit against the couple, alleging they were using the money for themselves and had failed to pay him nearly $300,000. The civil case caught the attention of Coffinas office, and a criminal investigation was launched. In an appearance on NBCs Megyn Kelly Live, McClure and DAmico denied Bobbitts allegations, saying they withheld some of the money out of fear Bobbitt would spend it on drugs. Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina speaks during a news conference in Mt. Holly, N.J., on Thursday. (Photo: Seth Wenig/AP) He wanted his fair share of the take, Coffina said. But the money was long gone. According to prosecutors, DAmico and McClure spent the vast majority of the money raised by mid-March, buying a car, going on trips and hitting the casinos hard. About $20,000 was spent on gambling, Coffina said, and nearly $90,000 was withdrawn at ATM locations near casinos. In September, police raided the couples south Jersey home, but they were not charged at the time. That month, GoFundMe announced that it would pay Bobbitt the rest of the money owed to him. Its unclear if the company did so, or whether it would seek to reclaim the funds. Coffina said it appears the couple met Bobbitt, a homeless Marine veteran, near an underpass during a trip to a casino at least a month before launching their campaign. Bobbitts arrest came after a stint in rehab. He deserves our appreciation for his willingness to serve our country as a United States Marine, Coffina said. And he has our sympathy and concern for the homelessness hes experienced as well as his publicized struggle with addiction. But it is imperative to keep in mind that he was fully complicit with this scheme. This type of case can damage the psyche of the public, Coffina added. A case like this can make generous people skeptical and hesitant to help someone else in need. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Only 'a matter of time' before Lyme disease-carrying ticks spill into Sask., says scientist An Ottawa man who says he's living with the pain and other debilitating symptoms of Lyme disease is suing two doctors who he claims failed to diagnose or treat his illness. Frank Papineau, 55, is seeking general damages of $350,000 and additional compensation for loss of income and future cost of care. The case is scheduled to be heard in an Ottawa courtroom beginning Nov. 26. The doctors he's accusing of "negligence and malpractice" are Johnny Brisebois, an emergency department physician at the Kemptville District Hospital, and Pablo Romero-Sierra, the plaintiff's family doctor, who works at the Main Street Family Medical Centre in Stittsville. In the statement of claim filed in August 2013, Papineau said he was a healthy, successful businessman who spent a lot of time outdoors. His quality of life changed after he was bitten by a tick in April 2010, he said. Doctor prescribed antibiotics According to the statement of claim, shortly after Papineau was bitten he went to the Kemptville District Hospital where Brisebois prescribed him a 10-day course of antibiotics. Papineau's claims his health declined following the treatment and he experienced heart, urological and psychological problems. Papineau claims that over the next two years he repeatedly asked his family doctor whether there was a possibility that he had contracted Lyme disease. In May 2012, Romero-Sierra told Papineau he'd tested negative for Lyme disease. Tested in U.S. In their joint statement of defence, Brisebois and Romero-Sierra claim Papineau underwent another test for Lyme disease two months later at a clinic in the United States. That test, the doctors said, is approved neither in Canada, nor by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nor by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both doctors deny the allegations of negligence, adding the treatment they provided Papineau "was carried out in a careful, appropriate and diligent manner in accordance with the accepted and approved standards of medical care." Story continues Brisebois said he saw no evidence that a tick had burrowed into Papineau's arm when he arrived at the hospital 36 hours after the alleged bite. Brisebois said he prescribed antibiotics for a swollen rash which was more consistent with cellulitis, a painful bacterial skin infection. 'Justice will be done' Romero-Sierra said he referred Papineau to specialists and sent his patient for imaging and diagnostic tests in a timely manner. Gowling WLG, the law firm representing both doctors, told CBC in an email that it's prohibited from speaking about the details of the case outside court under the provisions of the Personal Health Information Protection Act. "We are confident justice will be done," the firm wrote. Lawyers for the plaintiff would not agree to an interview with CBC. Construction will begin within six months on a new $36-million cargo handling facility to ease the freight bottleneck at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport another sign of the growing volume and importance of fresh seafood exports from Nova Scotia, especially lobster to China. The project was announced Thursday in Halifax by federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau. "Whatever seafoods are sent to places like China and Europe, you have to do it fast and efficiently and I think this air cargo logistics park is exactly what is required," Garneau said. The money and the project The federal government will spend $18 million through the national trade corridors fund, while the Halifax International Airport Authority will contribute $13 million. The province has pledged $5 million. The project will include a new cargo building, new taxiways and an expansion of de-icing facilities on 10 hectares of forest land adjacent to the existing Gateway cargo facility. Why it's needed Lobster exporters have complained for years about the bottleneck of moving product out of Stanfield. The result of cargo planes tending to arrive at the same time at night and not enough storage space. Airport CEO Joyce Carter said the expansion will address the problem. "The additional facilities will allow us to receive more product in advance of the flights coming in, to be able to store the product on site until they arrive, and the infrastructure to get them loaded and back into the air as quickly as possible," Carter told CBC News. "This is a huge announcement." Halifax airport gets a second chance The airport expansion project was initially rejected for funding under the national trade corridors fund in April. Carter said the airport was later debriefed by Transport Canada and made an unsolicited second bid, which was accepted. "We learned from that debrief things we could have done differently," she said, adding the changes in the second bid were relatively small. Story continues Still to be decided Carter said the size of expanded refrigeration capacity has not been determined. The airport currently has 7,000 square feet of refrigeration. The new cargo building will be larger and tenants will compete for longer term leases. In 2017, 10,000 tonnes of seafood worth $220 million was flown out of the airport, accounting for half the value of all export flights. Halifax Port shut out While Thursday's announcement was a happy ending for the airport, the Port of Halifax remains shut out of funding from the 11-year, $2-billion program, which has so far doled out $800 million. The port's application for federal funding toward a $400-million expansion was rejected while more than $300 million has gone to rival ports like Montreal and Vancouver. Garneau said projects were approved based on merit and the Port of Halifax is free to apply for funding under the second round. He declined to say why Halifax was rejected. Garneau did say the 350 applications received in the first round were assessed based on how a project would address bottlenecks, how it would make trade corridors more fluid and whether co-funding was lined up. "Those are the factors we look at," he said. Six inches of snow and sleet didnt deter hundreds of tenants from across New York City and state from marching up Wall Street Thursday night demanding stronger protections for low-income tenants. Im here to tell you whats going on upstate! yelled Barbara Rivera, a 30-year-old seamstress from Rochester, who drove six hours with fifteen of her neighbors to march and address the crowd. The ceiling in my building fell on my daughter. By the grace of god she was not hurt. Other tenants are living with mold we have rats, you name it. And when we brought it to the attention of our property manager, he said, If you don't like it, get out." Thursdays rally was organized by the Upstate Downstate Housing Alliance, a coalition of thirteen tenant and homeless advocacy groups. Their goal is to cast the housing crisis as a statewide issue and pressure Governor Andrew Cuomo to bolster and expand rent protections, despite his long-standing record of accepting money from powerful real-estate interests. Currently, counties outside of New York City and neighboring Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau cannot legally opt in to rent stabilization; tenants dont have the right to a lease renewal, or incremental rent increases, or housing court. The alliance hopes to expand these rights statewide in addition to eliminating loopholes, including vacancy decontrol, that have contributed to the siphoning of hundreds of thousands of New York Citys stabilized apartments since the mid-1990s. Josefina Ventura, a rent-stabilized tenant from Washington Heights, told Gothamist that shes met with many upstate tenants recently. "It's horrible, I tell you, she said. Because at least here we can go to housing court and fight to keep a home. But in different cities they can't go nowhere. Strategically scheduled eight months to the day before the states rent-stabilization laws are set to expire, Thursdays march gained new significance this week after Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio jointly announced their closed-door negotiations with Amazon. Many fear the corporate behemoth, wooed to the city with billions of dollars in incentives, will drive up rents and increase speculation and displacement, further exacerbate the citys existing housing crisis. "What happens with Amazon is they bring a huge workforce. They completely transformed a part of Seattle that hadn't been developed, said Patrick Ayers, 39, a march attendee who moved to New York from Seattle three years ago. Right before I left Seattle my former landlord had a divorce and when they started to bring people around to look at the house it was investment bankers. Whether New Yorks new Democratically-controlled State Senate will prioritize expanding rent stabilization remains to be seen. Governor Cuomo has stated as recently as this summer that he is open to a conversation with all stakeholders about the details of rent control statewide. However, the Real Estate Board of New York is reportedly shifting its lobbying efforts from Republicans towards more moderate Democrats. Julia Salazar, who attended the march, is a newly-elected state senator from North Brooklyn and a member of Democratic Socialists of America. She ran on a platform of universal rent control, alongside Zellnor Myrie, another freshman Senator from Brooklyn. But Senator Michael Gianaris of Queens, one of the more senior legislators in attendance Thursday and a vocal critic of how the Amazon deal was brokered, demurred on expanding rental protections statewide, focusing instead on existing rent-stabilized tenants. I am working hard to eliminate [major capital improvements], preferential rent and problems associated with vacancy decontrol, he said. I dont think it guarantees anything, said 24-year-old Sean Riley, a DSA member from Brooklyn, of the new Democratic State Senate majority. I mean, we had Nancy Pelosi calling for bipartisanship with Trump last week. We have a possibility of winning stronger rent laws now, but the Democrats aren't going to do it themselves. We have to keep up the pressure. Chanting 1-2-3-4, tax the rich and house the poor! marchers wound their way north from Bowling Green, some clearing snow from the road with their gloved hands. They finished at the headquarters of the Rent Stabilization Association, a statewide trade organization that lobbies for the interests of landlords. Afterwards, Rivera and her neighbors planned to drive home to Rochester through the storm. "As soon as we leave out of here we're going to go home, and I can't wait to brag about all of this beautifulness, Rivera said, smiling. I can show my friends and family what they can do with power in numbers. I'm moved by everything here. Outrage in Ireland after teenage girl's underwear used as evidence in rape trial Women's rights campaigners in Ireland and beyond are outraged and organizing protests after a man was acquitted of raping a 17-year-old in a trial where the defence lawyer used the woman's laced thong underwear as evidence. In her closing argument following the rape trial in Cork, Ireland, earlier this month, defence lawyer Elizabeth O'Connell urged the jury to take into account the underwear the teenager was wearing on the night she said she was raped in a laneway. "Does the evidence out rule the possibility that she was attracted to the defendant and was open to meeting someone and being with someone?" the defence lawyer asked. "You have to look at the way she was dressed," O'Connell said, according to a report in the Irish Examiner newspaper. "She was wearing a thong with a lace front." A 27-year-old man, who maintained the encounter was consensual, was found not guilty of rape by a jury of eight men and four women who deliberated for 90 minutes last week. Angry protests Almost 400 people rallied in Cork on Wednesday against the verdict, the Irish Independent reported, while the social media campaign #ThisisNotConsent gained traction globally. "Consent cannot come from articles of clothing. Our underwear is no ones business," Orlagh O'Connor, a Dublin City resident, said on Twitter. "Our underwear does not give consent. We do." At the protest, women carried placards with pictures of underwear and signs reading "There is no party in my pants unless you are invited" and "Thongs can't talk." Ruth Coppinger, an Irish lawmaker, held up a pair of blue underwear in the country's Parliament on Tuesday to call attention to the case and what she called a culture of victim-blaming. "It might seem embarrassing to show a pair of thongs here," Coppinger said. "How do you think a rape victim or a woman feels at the incongruous setting of her underwear being shown in court?" Coppinger, the member of Parliament from Dublin-West, said politicians haven't taken the issues of sexual assault and harassment seriously enough. "The women of this country are getting a little weary at the routine victim-blaming that is going in Irish courts, and the failure of lawmakers in this House do anything about it," she added, the Irish Independent reported Wednesday. This adorable puppy found itself in an unlikely scrape after trying to play with a snake which wrapped itself around its body. The two-month-old dog was heard whimpering in the grounds of a Buddhist temple in Songkhla province, southern Thailand on November 14. The harmless golden tree snake - which normally feeds on lizards, bats, and small rodents - had tried to bite off something far bigger than it could chew and coiled itself around the curious puppy, which was trying to play with it. Luckily, a temple visitor Panida Kanwong, 32, heard the puppy's cries for help and went over to look. She filmed the scene while using a steel girder to prod the green snake away. It slithered away under a building. The little dog then lay on the ground crestfallen - and a little shaken - as it recovered from the ordeal. Panida said: ''I had heard the dog crying for about half an hour. But there are often dogs making noises so I didn't think anything was wrong. ''When it kept crying I thought I better go to look. That's when I found the snake around it. It looked like they were playing, but the snake wouldn't let go. The puppy also couldn't escape. ''I think the puppy had been curious and tried to play with the snake. He looked so cute. Then he was so sad afterwards. I had to laugh a little bit, it was a situation I have never seen before.'' The puppy, which lives at the Buddhist temple, was unhurt in the incident. Golden tree snakes have small teeth and are mildly venomous. On Thursday afternoon, Mike DeGagne was looking forward to leaving the city and the country for a 10-day vacation in the British Isles with his girlfriend. "Yesterday was my birthday, so we decided, what better idea than to fly to Ireland out of Newark?" DeGagne told Gothamist. Instead, the couple took three cars and three trains over a period of 19 hours for what amounted to a bar crawl of two of New Jersey's finest train-station-adjacent pubs, thanks to the puny snowstorm that brought the tri-state region to its knees. With their flight set to depart at 7:30 p.m., the two set off for Newark in a car at 4 p.m., but a crash quickly rerouted them away from the Verrazano Bridge and into Manhattan via the BrooklynBattery Tunnel. "Once we came out of the tunnel we had been in the Uber for two hours," DeGagne said. With only 90 minutes til their international flight, the couple made a decision to get out and take the PATH at World Trade Center. "The Uber pulls up to the corner, and my girlfriend Amber walked out into five inches of pure grey slush." The PATH train was crowded but somehow still punctual. "Everyones pushing, no one is being nice, I was dripping in sweat, but we made to Newark Penn Stationthis is probably around 6:20 p.m." DeGagne described Newark Penn as "pandemonium." "The buses weren't running, people were pushing each other and crawling under metal grates to get to trains faster. The police were asking people on the platform to raise their hands if they were planning on getting on those trains, which were running every 30 minutes." (NJ.com described Newark as "gridlocked for hours.") Their flight delayed until 8:30 p.m., "we decided, come hell or high water, were getting to that airport." DeGagne posted a desperate status update on Facebook and waited in Bellows Bar. "We ended up making friends with a bunch of people who were stranded, and our flight was delayed til 11, so we were feeling pretty good." (Screenshot) At 8 p.m., a friend from high school called DeGagne and said that his friend could pick him up for $100. So they waited, and waited. "Around 10, the flight was just straight up cancelled. Were still at a bar in Newark, Penn Station, and the guy is still probably a mile away." The couple attempted to get back into the City (DeGagne said he Venmo'd their would-be savior $100 for his trouble) and made it as far as Secaucus, which DeGagne described as "a post-apocalyptic scene, probably 100 people strewn throughout the place, most were sitting near plugs." They familiarized themselves with another bar, and waited. LIVE on #Periscope: Newark Penn Station mayhem https://t.co/IsbxgesI5q Steve Bracco (@OneEyedWonder) November 15, 2018 Reader Theresa told Gothamist that her bus commute from 59th Street in Manhattan to the Bronx took six hours. "Sat on that bus for 3 hours before we got to 125th St. Made it to the Bruckner. Driver gets on the Sheridan [Expressway] which was one big fucking parking lot," Theresa wrote in an email. "Sat there for 1 hour before people got pissed and decided they wanted to get off the bus. That required me calling the Eastchester Bus Depot and telling the dispatcher that after 4 hours of sitting on a bus some of us wanted to get off it." Eventually, she and the other passengers were allowed off. "Walked 1.5 miles on the Sheridan through parked cars and trucks only to exit the Sheridan to one big clusterfuck of cars, trucks and buses - NOTHING moving. Turned onto Tremont Avenue and found some FDNY guys who said that in addition to the 20 car pile up on the GW, there was a 7 car pile up on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx," Theresa added. 1900 car crashes in 12 hours yesterday during the flash snow-ice storm. GWB shut down. FDR shut down. Both for hours. https://t.co/3irBoCjQ9C Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) November 16, 2018 Jim, who declined to give his last name, told WNYC / Gothamist, I was in Inwood for three hours on Dyckman Street in a post-apocalyptic hellscape, in which there wasn't a public safety officer to be seen, not a plow to be seen and the fabric of society had frayed to the point where it was total anarchy." Jim added, "I thought to myself, this is how it ends, Im going to die in my car? Back in Secaucus, DeGagne and his girlfriend eventually caught a train to the Brick Church stop in Orange, where a friend picked them up took them to their home for the night. "It was just after midnight, because I remember thinking, my birthday's over," DeGagne said. He had just turned 35. They ended up taking a car back to Brooklyn this morning, and have rescheduled their trip for February. "We've been dating for around two years, and held it together, we didn't get into a fightthat is the most remarkable thing," DeGagne said, assessing the evening. "It was a testament to how we were able to work together as a team." Additional reporting by Stephen Nessen. THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- A specific class of diabetes medication appears to double the risk of losing a leg or foot to amputation, a new study reports. People on sodium-glucose co-transporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were twice as likely to require a lower limb amputation as people taking another type of diabetes medication, Scandinavian researchers found. Patients also had a doubled risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication in which acids called ketones build up in the bloodstream. "Patients at high risk of amputation, for example those with peripheral artery disease or foot ulcers, might be monitored more closely if SGLT2 inhibitors are used, and the risk of this adverse event may be considered when deciding on which drugs to use," said lead researcher Dr. Peter Ueda, a postdoctoral researcher with Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. SGLT2 inhibitors include dapagliflozin (Farxiga), empagliflozin (Jardiance) and canagliflozin (Invokana and Invokamet). "The way this class of medications works is if you have higher blood sugars in you, it actually causes an increase in urination because that's how your body will dispose of the extra sugar," explained Dr. David Lam. He's an assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2017 that two large clinical trials had linked canagliflozin to an increased risk of leg and foot amputations. However, other clinical trials have revealed no such amputation risk in either dapagliflozin or empagliflozin, said Dr. Kevin Pantalone, an endocrinologist with the Cleveland Clinic. In this new observational study, 61 percent of patients were using dapagliflozin, 38 percent were on empagliflozin and just 1 percent on canagliflozin. "They're reporting an increased risk that hasn't been observed in prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, and that's the gold standard," Pantalone said. "Yes, it's interesting they find this observation in patients who are on SGLT2 inhibitors, but only 1 percent of the patients were on the drug that is really concerning for harm." Ueda agreed that the clinical trial data on record for dapagliflozin or empagliflozin does not jibe with the results. For this study, Ueda and his colleagues analyzed national health data from Sweden and Denmark for 17,213 patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors and 17,213 patients taking GLP1 receptor agonists between July 2003 and December 2016. Use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a twofold increased risk of lower limb amputation compared to people on GLP1 receptor agonists. Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis also was doubled. Researchers tried to control for a large number of other factors that could otherwise explain this association, such as disease history, other medications, and social and economic conditions for the patients. But the study did not prove that these drugs caused amputation risk to rise. "Although we used a strict study design and accounted for a large number of patient-related variables in our analyses, the results could be affected by unmeasured differences in the characteristics of the patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors vs. the comparator drug," Ueda said. "This is always the case with observational studies and the reason why findings from such studies should be considered with caution." Pantalone and Lam said one potential way that SGLT2 inhibitors might increase amputation risk is due to the way they work in the body. Many people who are diabetic have poor circulation in their legs and feet, and these drugs cause people to excrete more urine to lower their blood sugar, the doctors said. "You could potentially get more dehydrated if your blood sugars are very elevated," Lam said. "Because of the decrease in blood volume, it's decreasing overall blood flow and that might be compromising someone who's already at risk for having poor blood circulation to their lower extremities. It could be making an existing problem worse." The conflicting results between this observational study and previous clinical trials means doctors will have to take a patient-by-patient approach, Pantalone and Lam said. Not every patient taking the drugs needs to stop. "When I have patients come in and they've been on it for three years and they're doing great, they have no history of peripheral vascular disease and no problems, I don't just take everybody off it," Pantalone said. On the other hand, there clearly are patients who might want to avoid SGLT2 inhibitors. "You just need to think twice," Lam said. "If this patient has circulatory problems or an active foot ulcer, maybe we should think about a different agent for them." "If I have somebody sitting in front of me who already has a history of amputation, this is probably a drug I'm going to avoid," Pantalone said. "Or if there's somebody who does have established peripheral vascular disease, maybe this is someone I'm going to avoid prescribing this medication." The findings were published Nov. 14 in the journal BMJ. More information The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about SGLT2 inhibitors. THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Aerosol products are found in every household but can be potential killers, doctors warn. Highlighting the dangers posed by "huffing," Dutch physicians outline the tragic case of a 19-year-old who died after inhaling spray deodorant to get high. The teenager, who'd been in a residential drug rehabilitation program, died of cardiac arrest soon after, according to a new report on the case. Such inhalant abuse -- also often called "sniffing" -- is nothing new. In fact, it has disappeared from the spotlight in more recent years, as rates dipped after the 1990s and the opioid epidemic increasingly captured headlines. However, inhalant abuse remains common: A U.S. survey found that in 2017, close to 9 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds had ever tried to get high from common products such as cleaners, spray paint, glue, felt-tip markers or lighter fluid. "Inhalant abuse has fallen off the radar a bit, but it's still common," said Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist with the nonprofit National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C. It's particularly appealing to kids because they can easily get their hands on household products, noted Johnson-Arbor, who was not involved in the new case report. Beyond that, she said, kids may assume the seemingly benign products can't hurt them. But this teenager's death illustrates just how misguided those perceptions are, Johnson-Arbor said. The report, published Nov. 15 in the journal BMJ Case Reports, centers on a 19-year-old Dutch man who was in a rehab center for ketamine and marijuana abuse. Without any drugs available, he reached for a personal care product -- spray deodorant -- in a quest to get high. He initially became hyper, "jumping up and down," according to the report, before collapsing. Nurses at the center performed basic life support, and when paramedics arrived they discovered the man was in cardiac arrest. That means the heart has stopped and is no longer pumping blood to the rest of the body. Paramedics used a portable defibrillator to try to "shock" his heart back into a normal rhythm, but could not revive him. When the patient was taken to the hospital, doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. But when his condition failed to improve after more than a week, further treatment was deemed futile. He was taken off life support and died shortly after. Like many aerosol products, spray deodorant typically contains butane as a gas propellant, according to Dr. Kelvin Harvey Kramp, one of the doctors on the case. Butane and similar substances are readily absorbed into fat tissue, including nervous system tissue. That action can produce the "high" inhalant abusers are looking for -- but it can also have severe consequences for the heart and other vital organs, according to Kramp. At this point, there have been many reports on inhalant-linked deaths, said Kramp, of Maastad Hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. But, he said, one hope with this report is to raise awareness that people in drug rehab may be especially vulnerable to this type of substance abuse. Another, Kramp said, is to warn young people about the dangers of inhalants in general. There are immediate risks other than cardiac arrest, Johnson-Arbor noted: For one, the intoxication can lead to serious or fatal accidents. According to Kramp, some deaths have been blamed on suffocation, when victims used a plastic bag to inhale the chemical fumes. Chronic inhalant abuse can also have lasting consequences, Johnson-Arbor said. Over time, it may damage the brain or peripheral nerves in the limbs, for example. It can be tough for parents to spot inhalant abuse, according to Johnson-Arbor. Even if your child swipes your spray deodorant, she noted, he or she may simply be using it as intended. That said, Johnson-Arbor pointed to some potential red flags parents can look for: a rash around the mouth where the chemical has irritated the skin; chemical smells from a child's clothes or breath; or large amounts of household products gone missing. Johnson-Arbor suggested that parents try to head off any experimentation by talking to their kids about the dangers of huffing. "If you don't discuss this with them, they'll hear about it at school or at summer camp," she said. "It's better to arm your child with knowledge." More information The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more on inhalant abuse. FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Milk allergy affects more than half of American infants who have food allergies in their first year of life, a new study finds. However, study lead author Christopher Warren said, "Our findings suggest that while milk allergy is relatively common during infancy, many children are likely to outgrow their milk allergies. "We observed that while an estimated 53 percent of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a milk allergy, the number drops to 41 percent of 1- to 2-year-olds, 34 percent of 3- to 5-year-olds and 15 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds," Warren said in a news release from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Warren is a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. For the study, the researchers surveyed more than 53,000 parents nationwide. The investigators found that more than 2 percent of all children under age 5 have a cow's milk allergy, and 53 percent of food-allergic infants under age 1 have this type of allergy. Study co-author Dr. Ruchi Gupta pointed out that confusion exists over what a real milk allergy looks like. She is a professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern Medicine, in Chicago. "A child may have a milk intolerance that his parents mistake for a milk allergy," Gupta said. "It's important that any child suspected of having a milk allergy have the allergy confirmed with an allergist." A food allergy of any kind can have a big effect on a household, including food costs and quality of life, she noted. "A child with a milk allergy should receive counseling on how to avoid milk, but also on what it means to unnecessarily cut out foods. You don't want to get rid of necessary nutrients," Gupta said. The study also found that only 26 percent of milk-allergic children in the United States have a current epinephrine auto-injector prescription. An "EpiPen" can save a child's life if a serious allergic reaction occurs. "Parents need to make sure they have an epinephrine auto-injector available and should talk to their child's allergist if they have any questions," Gupta said. The study was scheduled for presentation Friday at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, in Seattle. Research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. More information Food Allergy Research and Education has more on milk allergy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram President John Magufuli 1 Barack Obama Drive 11400, Kivukoni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Dear President John Magufuli, I am writing from the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent, nonprofit press freedom organization, to express my grave concern about the treatment of two members of our Africa program team who were detained by Tanzanian officials on November 7. Angela Quintal, who leads CPJs Africa program, and Muthoki Mumo, CPJs sub-Saharan Africa representative, traveled to Tanzania on October 31 with the intention of staying until November 10. Their goal was to visit Tanzanian journalists and civil society organizations to better understand press freedom in your country. They were invited by the Media Council of Tanzania and, before traveling, spoke to representatives of your government who informed them that visas were not required because they were planning only private meetings. Quintal, a South African citizen, and Mumo, a Kenyan, declared their intentions at customs in Dar es Salaam, were admitted without incident, and operated openly. Unfortunately, their visit was cut short by a disturbing encounter with officials of your government. On the evening on November 7, agents in plain clothes who identified themselves as Tanzanian immigration officials arrived at Quintal and Mumos hotel rooms, searched their belongings, and demanded they be taken for questioning. The CPJ team was bundled into a van with the windows covered, driven to a house at an undisclosed location, and interrogated. At no point were Quintal and Mumo questioned about their visas. On the contrary, the agents claimed they had been tracking our team for days and asked repeated questions about the content of their meetings. The officers targeted Mumo with physical and psychological violence. They slapped and shoved her. They accused her of betraying black people. They threatened further violence. One agent said if it were up to him, he would kill them. The officers also seized the CPJ teams passports and electronic devices, and forced Quintal and Mumo to share their passwords so that officers could attempt to access their information. During their detention, officers accessed Quintals personal Twitter account and falsely sent a tweet claiming that that the CPJ team had been released. We recognize that your government, like all governments, has the legal authority to control access to your country and to regulate visas. However, the detention of Quintal and Mumo is about something much more fundamental, namely the willingness of your government to uphold press freedom and to allow international organizations like CPJ access to carry out an independent assessment. If Quintal and Mumo were given incorrect visa information by your government representatives, they could have been denied entry or even deported. But there is absolutely no justification for the treatment they received at the hands of Tanzanian government agents, whom we believe were not immigration officials at all, but rather members of the intelligence services. We hope that you, like us, are dismayed by this unprofessional, abusive behavior, and that you will order an investigation and hold accountable those responsible. We are also gravely concerned that journalists with whom our team met have been subject to pressure and intimidation. We urge you to ensure that Tanzanian journalists are not targeted for their work. Tanzanias reputation as a country that respects press freedom and international visitors and is a responsible member of the international community has been damaged by the mistreatment of CPJs team. But this damage can be repaired if your government takes swift and appropriate action. We request your public assurance that a CPJ delegation will be allowed to visit Tanzania in the near future; that CPJ delegation members be granted the appropriate visas without delay; that they be allowed to carry out their work without interference; and that Tanzanian journalists can meet with our delegation without fear of reprisal. Please keep us informed of your governments response. We will follow up with your diplomatic representatives. Sincerely, Joel Simon Executive Director CC Augustine Mahiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania Wilson Mutagaywa Kajumula Masilingi, Ambassador to the U.S., Tanzania Modest Mero, Ambassador to the U.N., Tanzania Thami Mseleku, High Commissioner in Tanzania, South Africa Pindi Channa, Ambassador to Kenya, Tanzania Monica Juma, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kenya Dan Kazungu, High Commissioner in Tanzania, Kenya Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa Koleta Anita Mqulwana, Ambassador to Kenya, South Africa Antonio Guterres, Secretary General, United Nations David Kaye, Special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, United Nations Moussa Faki, Chairperson, African Union Lawrence Mute, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, African Union Kathleen Carroll, Board chair, CPJ Via globo.com G1: Cuban embassy advises municipal health councils doctors will leave Brazil at year's end. Excerpt from the Google translation, and then a comment: The National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries (Conasems) reported on Thursday (15) that it has been advised by the Cuban embassy that all Cuban doctors will leave Brazil by the end of the year. On Wednesday (14), President-elect Jair Bolsonaro reported that the Cuban government has decided to leave the More Doctors program in a disagreement about qualification tests. The Cuban Ministry of Public Health, however, reported having taken the decision because of "threatening and derogatory statements" from Bolsonaro. In August, while still campaigning, Bolsonaro declared that he would "expel" Cuban doctors from Brazil, for example. Cuba has sent professionals to Brazil since 2013. In the More Doctors program, just over half of the professionals - 8,470 of the more than 16,000 professionals - come from Cuba, according to data obtained by the G1. 28 million will be affected According to the National Confederation of Municipalities, the departure of Cuban doctors will affect more than 28 million people who live in municipalities where they are the only doctors in the country. "The value of the More Doctors Program, echoed in the various corners of Brazil, has proven to be one of the main achievements of the municipalist movement in the face of the difficulty of delivering primary care and placing medical professionals in regions where there is a shortage or absence of these professionals," the CNM said in a statement. A murderer who claimed his flatmate died when he accidentally ran into a knife used to chop potatoes will spend at least 16 years in jail.Ronny Padilla, 23, stabbed and slashed his friend, 'excellent student' Sabri Chibani, 19, with a six-inch kitchen knife moments before the victim's brother walked in on the attack.The killer, from Ecuador, then claimed it was a 'horrific accident', but was found guilty of murder on November 13 after a trial at the Old Bailey.Sentencing him today, Judge Rebecca Poulet QC said Mr Chibani's family may never know the reason why Padilla carried out the murder.She told Padilla: 'Very regrettably this court and Sabri's family will never know the truth about why you killed him.'From first to last you have persisted in a totally fabricated account of what happened.'The murder happened after Padilla had visited his mother on the afternoon of February 11.He launched the brutal attack just minutes after returning to their flat, in Streatham, south London.Judge Poulet said: 'In my judgment something must have occurred between you and Sabri earlier in the afternoon that had made you very angry.'You entered the flat and within two minutes you had stabbed Sabri through the heart.'Mr Chibani also suffered slash wounds to his head and 'defensive' cuts to his hand during the attack.His brother heard his 'screams of pain' and ran into a shared area of the flat to find Padilla over Mr Chibani, still holding the blade.The judge said: 'You had a knife in your hand and you were still attacking him. You had already inflicted the four-inch stab wound which resulted in his death.'The neighbours too heard Sabri's, and this is their word, 'blood curdling' screams of pain.'Padilla then went out to the front of the house as police arrived and tried in vain to save Mr Chibani's life.He 'looked up and nodded' when a neighbour asked if he was responsible for the attack, Judge Poulet said.She added: '24 hours later you gave the police your account of what happened.'You told the police that this terrible event occurred by accident. Your account was that on your return home you picked up a large kitchen knife and went to prepare some potatoes for your supper.'Padilla claimed he went to his room to take the potatoes from a cupboard, then Mr Chibani accidentally walked into the knife when they crossed paths in a hallway.The judge said: 'In effect you then said he impaled himself on the knife. It was an account which was full of holes and discrepancies.'Despite the request of this court following your conviction and the deep frustration expressed by Sabri's father, you have never told the court what really happened.'The pair shared the flat with Mr Chibani's brother, Sadok, and Ecuadorian Pablo Chavez.Mr Chibani and his brother moved into the flat in November 2017, the judge said.She said: 'They had shared the flat with you for just three months at the time. From everything I have read about Sabri, he was amiable, hardworking and an excellent student.'He was supporting himself with work as a waiter.'Sadok and you have described that the two of you, that's Sabri and you Mr Padilla, got on well.'Padilla was told he will serve at least 16 years of a life sentence in prison before he can be considered for release. Pakistan: Whistle monitoring system likely to prevent fishermen entry into Indian internal waters November 16,2018 | Source: Pakistan Today Sindh government on Tuesday decided to introduce the whistle-monitoring system with the technical help of Pakistan Navy (PN) and Maritimes Security (MS) in order to help fisherman at deep sea. This was said by the Provincial Minister for livestock and Fisheries Abdul Bari Pitafi in a meeting where he distributed cheques amongst the families of fisherman detained by the Indian authorities. The provincial minister further stated that the government is committed to making sure safe return of every fisherman from Indian Jails and had already raised the issue with federal government and other concerned departments. Livestock and Fisheries Secretary Aijaz Ahmed Mahesar, Fisheries DG Dr Alahhdad Talour and other officers also attended the meeting. The minister said that various fisherman lost their way at deep sea and are being arrested by the Indian Navy. We will introduce a whistle monitoring system to save the fisherman, said the provincial minister. He further stated that with the help of this new system, the fishermen will only be allowed to a certain and approved area of sea. Abdul Bari Pitafi also stated that PN and MS will provide technical assistance in this regard. Myanmar: Acehnese fishermen captured in Myanmar`s waters did not steal fish by M. Haris Setiady Agus November 16,2018 | Source: Antara News Iskandar Usman Alfarlaky, a legislator, who is also member of the Aceh House of Representatives, stressed that East Aceh fishermen captured in Myanmar were not stealing fish in the country`s waters. "They were washed away because the ship they were travelling had engine trouble. So they entered the waters of Myanmar, and not to steal fish," Alfarlaky stated in Banda Aceh on Tuesday. Previously, 16 fishermen, who sailed on KM Bintang Jasa from Kuala Idi, East Aceh, were arrested and detained at the Kawthaung police station, Tanintharyi Province, Myanmar, on Tuesday (Nov 6). The 16 arrested East Aceh fishermen were Jamaluddin, Nurdin, Samidan, Efendi, Rahmat, Saifuddin, Nazaruddin, Syukri, Darman, Safrizal, Umar, M Aris, Jamaluddin, Sulaiman, M Akbar, and Paiturrahman. The East Aceh electoral Party politician noted that dozens of fishermen were captured by the Myanmar Navy. They were arrested in Myanmar waters bordering Thailand. "From the information we received, the fate of the 16 fishermen was uncertain. There must be a permit from the Myanmar Minister of Internal Affairs to meet them," he remarked. Regarding photos that are circulating, showing a group of people tied up and herded to mention that they were Acehnese fishermen, Alfarlaky urged the Aceh Government to check the credibility of the photo. "If it is true that those in the photos are Acehnese fishermen, we are very sorry. They are bound and herded, as if they were terrorists. In fact, they were swept away and entered Myanmar waters," he explained. Therefore, Alfarlaky urged the Aceh Government to try to repatriate the fishermen. Moreover, their families would also enquire about their situation because they had sailed last September. "They must be rescued and sent back to Aceh immediately. I, along with the Aceh DPR members in the East Aceh constituency, will continue to guard and advocate for their return," Alfarlaky pointed out. Colombo: Rival Sri Lankan lawmakers threw chilli powder and furniture at each other and disrupted the proceedings of Parliament for a second day on Friday, forcing Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to summon police inside the House and adjourn the session until Monday. The brawl occurred a day after the Speaker announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Friday's proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. President Maithripala Sirisena, who installed Rajapaksa as prime minister last month in a controversial move, had agreed for a floor test with the leaders of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's coalition during crisis talks last night. The MPs supporting Rajapaksa took over the seat of the Speaker, delaying the proceedings, officials said. They shouted slogans against Jayasuriya broke furniture. Some Rajapakse loyalists were also seen throwing chilli powder at rival legislators and police, Colombo Gazette reported. The Speaker summoned police inside Parliament chamber after 45 minutes of disruption. One of the rioting MPs Arundika Fernando occupied the seat of the Speaker with more MPs surrounding it. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a senior parliamentarian, was injured in the melee. The rioting United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) members demanded the arrest of two legislators of the Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP). They charged that two UNP legislators, Palitha Thewarapperuma and Ranjan Ramanayake were carrying knives during the brawl which took place yesterday. UPFA MP Dilum Amunugama was injured in clashes inside the chamber on Thursday. Police on Friday protected Jayasuriya from the rioting MPs as he called the Tamil National Alliance lawmaker MA Sumanthiran to propose the suspension of the standing orders. Jayasuriya on the basis of a voice vote announced that the motion against Rajapaksa was defeated as physical voting could not take place due to the brawl. The rioting MPs threw books at the police. Jayasuriya immediately suspended the sittings until November 19 and left the House surrounded by police. President Sirisena said that he would not 'prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances.' "I urge all Parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy parliamentary traditions at all times. I will not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances," the president tweeted. The trouble erupted in Parliament on Thursday when the Speaker agreed to a request from ousted premier Wickremesinghe's UNP that a vote be taken on a statement made by Rajapaksa demanding fresh polls. Jayasuriya allowed Rajapaksa to make a statement as a lawmaker after stating that he does not recognise the claim of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader who lost a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Rajapaksa's side has disputed the no-trust motion, saying proper procedure was not followed and accused Jayasuriya of bias towards his own party. Parliament on Wednesday passed the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa after the Supreme Court overturned the presidential decree to dissolve the House and hold snap polls on January 5. Amid raucous scenes, Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when Sirisena sacked premier Wickremesinghe, installed Rajapaksa in his place and suspended the House, plunging the island nation into an unprecedented Constitutional crisis. The vote of no confidence against Rajapaksa has further complicated the political crisis. It is not yet clear whether Rajapaksa will resign or whether the ousted Wickremesinghe, who has the support of 122 lawmakers in the 225-member House, will return to power. Bamboo Airways, Vietnam's newest airline, is expected to make its maiden flight on Dec. 29, its founder said Friday. The first routes of the countrys fifth carrier would connect Hanoi and HCMC, and from Hanoi and HCMC to central Quy Nhon City, said Trinh Van Quyet, chairman of Vietnamese private firm FLC, the airlines founder. Dang Tat Thang, Bamboo Airways general director, said the carrier has basically got itself ready for the first flight, and aircraft that it is hiring is due to arrive in Vietnam on Dec. 12. "It is possible that flight tickets will be on sale a month before the initial takeoff," he said. Bamboo Airways finally got its long-awaited aviation license early this week. It is allowed to operate 10 aircraft on both domestic and international routes and to carry passengers and cargo. The airline plans to fly on 100 routes, connecting Vietnam's major cities with popular domestic and international tourist destinations. After licensing, it needs to obtain an aircraft operator certificate and obtain permission for parking and selling tickets, which are expected to take 30-45 days from the date of license issuance. Bamboo Airways was founded in mid-2017 with a charter capital of VND700 billion ($30 million), which it increased to VND1.3 trillion ($55.68 million) recently. The airline has signed deals to buy 24 Airbus A320neo and 20 Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft worth a total of about $8.6 billion. The other four carriers in Vietnam currently are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific and VASCO. A survey has found full service restaurants outshining the quick service segment in Vietnam since 2017s third quarter. Full service restaurants (FSR) or sit down eateries where food is served directly to the customers' table, have been far better patronized than quick service restaurants (QSR), where table service is minimal and the typical fare is fast food. In fact, the QSR segment has been dropping quarter after quarter, according to a report released this week by the HCMC-based market research firm Decision Lab. It found that the growth of full service restaurants has been fueled mostly by women, and consumers above 35 years of age. The FSRs and QSR are the two most important channels for manufacturers of various product categories, with the other five channels being street food, bars, convenience stores, hotels, and canteens. Together, they currently account for the majority of out-of-home visits by consumers across all demographic groups in Vietnam. The falling of QSR Quick service outlets have been suffering from declining visits from all consumer groups, male and female of all ages from 15 upwards in all the three major cities, the report said. Among various types of quick service outlets, cafes, bakeries and juice, smoothie shops are those that have witnessed the biggest drop in visits, by 29 percent, 22 percent and 30 percent respectively. They have switched to other channels to consume these daily products likes street food, full service restaurants and convenience stores. But this does not mean Vietnamese are cutting down on these products. Vietnamese consumption of coffee, juice and smoothies actually increased in the past year. Since April 2016, Decision Lab had tracked the out-of-home eating and drinking market in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Vietnams three biggest cities of Vietnam. It tracked all food and drink consumed out of home on a daily basis with an annual sample size of 15,000 completed interviews. The respondents were Vietnamese consumers aged above 15, who also reported on consumption by children (under 15 years) present when eating out. Nghiem Vu Huong Linh, head of Foodservice at Decision Lab, said the findings suggest that consumers have become very selective in their choice of outlets to visit and that not all outlets can benefit from the increasing demand without making significant efforts to become attractive and worth trying. If foreigners do not plan to retire in Vietnam, does the policy of making social insurance compulsory for them make sense? This is the question on many expat lips, as also that of their employers. As an expatriate working in Hanoi with a full-time contract, Oliver is worried about several aspects of the new compulsory social insurance policy introduced by the Vietnamese government. The 33-year-old Estonian teacher is concerned that he will have to spend part of his monthly income on social insurance premiums and will have less chance of securing a pay rise as his employer will also have to pay insurance contributions for him. Like many other expatriates, he already has adequate medical coverage from his company. He also has no plans to retire in Vietnam and is not thinking about pensions here. Thus, he sees no sense in asking him to pay the insurance. "I havent made the decision to stay in Vietnam until my retirement," said Oliver, who asked to be identified only by his first name. Under a decree on compulsory social insurance for foreigners working in the country issued by the government last month, all foreign workers with labor contracts of one year or more will be subject to compulsory social insurance. The decree, which will come into effect on Dec. 1, 2018, regulates that employees would, from 2022, pay a monthly insurance premium of 8 percent of their income, which would go to their retirement fund and death benefit. Impractical rule A representative from the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam commented that expats often work in Vietnam for short periods of time. They neither want nor are eligible for pensions, so the new regulation is impractical. Philip Carlson has been working for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Vietnam for several years. He plans to leave for Thailand in a few months, one of several destinations on his itinerary before returning to his native country, Belgium, where he will spend his retirement. As much as he loves Vietnam, the country has never been on his mind as the final place for him to enjoy the last days of his life. "Im not sure if Ill go back to Vietnam. I dont think Ill benefit at all from the pension," he said. The decree has also been opposed by foreign enterprises, which say it would increase their costs. The new decree requires employers to contribute three percent of an employee's monthly salary to the sickness and maternity fund, and 0.5 percent to the occupational diseases and accidents fund, from Dec. 1, 2018. They will have to pay 14 percent to the retirement fund and death benefit from 2022 onwards. Some companies have said they cant implement the new policy without clarity and guidance from the authorities. Pham Thi Thu, a human resource manager at a dental equipment company in central Da Nang City, which has many South Korean employees, said that her enterprise has not been directly informed about the new regulation. "Usually local authorities will send us instructions concerning changes in the law, but we havent got anything," she said. Although Thus company is willing to pay the insurance, she is not sure how beneficial it will be for her foreign staff, as they are only sent here by the parent company in South Korea for a few years. Such employees already get social insurance coverage in their home country. "How will the pension benefit them if they have no plans to retire in Vietnam?" Thu asked. At a recent forum hosted by insurance and labor authorities to clarify the decree, hundreds of businesses complained that they are not in a position to implement the policy in its current form. Representatives of many companies said they have received no guidance from the authorities on the new policy. They said that foreign employees will have trouble getting medical care because of the language barrier. Expats will face challenges in getting medical support at public hospitals, since the decree doesnt make clear whether international hospitals will be covered. Dao Viet Anh, deputy director of Vietnam Social Security, said at the forum that the new decree is a work in progress. He said that Vietnam is working to sign bilateral agreements with other countries to avoid double insurance and ensure the entitlements of employees. But while authorities are thinking long-term, expats are only committing themselves for the short-term. Oliver has only been signing one-year contracts with his employer in order to have the freedom to leave Vietnam whenever he wants to. "I wouldnt want to pay my money to the government for nothing." Imported luxurious furniture is the choice of many wealthy people in Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress Foreign home interior brands and designers are present in force and dominating the increasingly affluent Vietnamese market. Brands like Cassina, Badari Lighting, Cantori, Diemme Cucine, Formitalia, and Versace Home have entered the high-end interior market in recent years. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), some 80 percent of luxury woodwork and interior decoration items is imported from Europe, with local players making up the small remaining portion. The market is valued at $2.5 billion. Ly Qui Trung, general director of AKA Furniture Group, said the expansion of the "middle and affluent class" has boosted demand for luxury interior items. "It is no wonder that many high-end international interior brands have started rushing into the Vietnamese market." The middle and affluent class, categorized as those earning $714 a month or more, would double to 33 million, about a third of the population, between 2014 and 2020, the Nikkei Asian Review reported recently citing a study by the Boston Consulting Group. Market research firm Nielsen estimates the number of middle and affluent class Vietnamese to reach 44 million by 2020 and 95 million by 2030. Paolo Lemma, Italian trade commissioner to Vietnam, believes there will be higher demand for interior design items in future due to the booming real estate market. According to the HCMC Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA), woodwork furniture consumption last year was estimated at over $3.2 billion and that number is expected to reach $4 billion this year. Huynh Van Hanh, vice chairman of HAWA, said the industrys average growth rate has been 8 percent in the last seven years, and his association encouraged domestic manufactures to enter this growing market. Trung said his company would seek to tap the growing high-end segment in future, and expected fierce competition between domestic and foreign brands. Last year Vietnam exported $8 billion worth of wood and forestry products and has a target of $9 billion this year. A woman in Ben Tre has given up a bear she kept confined for years, and it has been moved to an animal conservation center. When Vo Thi Kim Tuyen voluntarily confessed to having a bear captive for 16 years, the Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Center immediately came around to the southern province to rescue the animal. The Asian black bear is being checked by vets. Photo by VnExpress/ An Nam The animal weighing nearly 140 kilograms (308 lbs) has been transferred to a bear conservation facility in Ninh Binh Province in northern Vietnam, two hours south of Hanoi. According to Ngo Thi Mai Huong, director of the center, nearly 800 bears are held captive across the country. Ben Tre Province, after Tuyens familys revelation, has become only the 23rd locality in the country to be free of captive bears. "The rescue center is willing to take in and take care of the bears and ensure they have a life close to nature," Huong said. In August, Animals Asia Organization freed five individual Asian black bears confined on a private farm in Tien Giang Province, half an hour north of Ben Tre, for over 20 years. The Asian black bear, or moon bear, is the most affected by bile demand and most exploited for traditional Asian medicine, and are being trapped and poached relentlessly, according to Animals Asia. Its ability to stand on its legs also causes it to be exploited by circuses in Vietnam and China, as fighting bears in Pakistan and dancing bears in India. Loss of habitat and scattered population also pose major threats to its long-term survival. Three Vietnamese have been arrested for committing robberies in Muar, Malaysia. Photo by Shutterstock/shahphoto Malaysian police fired gunshots as they chased four Vietnamese men involved in two robberies in Johor Tuesday. One gang member managed to escape and the other three were caught. A manhunt has been launched to find the fourth robber, and the police have called on the public to help with any information they have. The Vietnamese gang, wearing masks and carrying machetes, are said to have broken into two grocery stores in the southern state of Johor earlier this week, drilling safe boxes and stealing more than RM70,000 ($16,701). On Monday, the gang broke into a Green Apple grocery branch in Muar district and robbed more than RM60,000 ($14,312) in cash from a safety box, the Sin Chew Daily reported. The robbers were caught red-handed at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday as they were robbing another Green Apple store in Bukit Pasir town. They fled with RM10,000 ($2,385) as the police gave chase. As the police fired two warning shots and asked the gang members to put their weapons down and surrender, one of the robbers tried to attack police with a machete so that his accomplices could get away. Later, after the four men moved towards a wooded area, police officers managed to capture three of them. The captured men are Vietnamese men aged between 23 and 32. Apart from the robber charges, the Vietnamese men, whose names have not been revealed, will also be accused of attempted murder of the officers, Malaysian police said. Last August, four Vietnamese men believed to be part of a notorious gang that robbed stores and other outlets open late at night were shot dead by Malaysian police. Chang Yu Jui, 28, is being held at a police station in District 1 for vandalizing walls in Saigon with graffiti. Photo courtesy of HCMC Police A Taiwanese man has been fined VND1.5 million ($65) for painting graffiti on the walls on Saigons streets. A Thursday morning police patrol of the Bui Vien Street in District 1 caught Chang Yu Jui, 28, red handed painting graffiti on a houses wall. Police also seized 10 paint sprayers in his bag and found in his smartphone dozens of images of graffiti that hes believed to have painted on the walls of several different streets in Saigon. Graffiti on a wall in Bui Vien Street. Photo by VnExpress/Que Bien Jui, a resident of District 4, admitted his work to the police and promised to restore the vandalized walls to their previous status. HCMC police say that graffiti work has been rampant in the city of late, but the street artists do their work very late in the night or early hours of the morning, making it difficult to catch them red-handed. Graffiti has posed problems in other cities too. Authorities in the ancient town of Hoi An, a major tourist destination in the country, have blamed foreign tourists for vandalizing its iconic yellow walls with graffiti. Le Quang Trung, the town chairman, said drunk tourists buy paint and spray on the walls. HCMC's deputy Party head committed "very serious violations" in a 2014 public land sale, Vietnams top watchdog has concluded. The Party's Central Inspection Committee said Thursday that Tat Thanh Cang, 47, had made decisions outside his authority and violated state regulations on managing and using assets of state-owned companies. The committee reached this conclusion in its Monday-Wednesday meeting in Hanoi, and will next decide on the punishment that Cang will receive. He had violated regulations in transfering land belong to the Party unit, causing huge losses, and in approving a million-dollar property investment at the new urban area Thu Thiem. "Cang's violations were very serious. They have caused frustration among the public and adversely affected the prestige of the Party unit," the committee said in a statement. Top leaders of the citys Party unit had already agreed in June on disciplinary actions against Cang for the alleged violations. In May last year, the citys inspectors had announced the results of their investigation into Cangs decision to let HCMC Party unit's Tan Thuan Investment and Construction Company sell a 32-hectare (80-acre) riverside plot of public land in Nha Be District for just VND419 billion ($18.4 million). Inspectors said that it was not within Cangs authority to approve the sale, so the approval itself violated regulations. By not reporting the deal to the Party unit's standing committee before approving the sale, he also risked causing huge losses to the unit. The Tan Thuan Company first signed a contract to transfer the land in Nha Be District on the banks of the Saigon River, to property firm Quoc Cuong Gia Lai in June 2017. Concerns that the transaction was not transparent arose when it came to light that the land was sold at the unusually low price. Its market price was estimated at VND2 trillion. The Party unit's leaders last December ordered the transfer to be suspended for renegotiation pending a reevaluation of the land by the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment. In its reevaluation, the department put the land's value at over VND574 billion and concluded that the signed deal would mean a loss of at least VND155 billion to the state exchequer. The contract was ordered to be terminated last April. Thu Thiem investment Investigations also found that while serving as the city's Director of Transport Department, Cang had in 2013 approved a VND12.2 trillion ($524 million) investment by property giant Dai Quang Minh to build four main roads in the Thu Thiem area, designated to be HCMC's new trade center. In exchange for the funds it agreed to commit, the company was granted 79 hectares to develop commercial and residential projects in the area. But Cang had no power to approve investments of that scale. Regulations at the time only allowed municipal administrations to approve projects worth up to VND1.5 trillion. Former minister in hot seat During the same meeting, the Party's Central Inspection Committee also proposed disciplinary action against Bui Quang Vinh, former Minister of Planning and Investment. Bui Quang Vinh, former Minister of Planning and Investment. According to the committee, Vinh has to be held responsible for violations in the acquisition of TV firm Audio Visual Global JSC, better known as AVG, by state-run telecom firm MobiFone back in 2016. The Government Inspectorate detailed violations of his ministry in March, saying it had failed to instruct the information ministry to conduct the deal properly and failed to promtly intervene when the procedure violated the laws. MobiFone, the country's third largest telco, announced to acquire 95 percent stake in AVG in 2016. But the Government Inspectorate concluded the deal, which had not been approved by the prime minister, had violated investment laws and caused an estimated loss of around VND7 trillion ($307 million) to the government. In August 2016, the Vietnamese government ordered an across-the-board inspection into the acquisition. MobiFone in May this year said it had been refunded in full by AVG after the deal between the companies fell through. For their responsibility in the acquisition, former Minister of Information and Communication Nguyen Bac Son has been restropectively fired from his post for the term 2011-2016 and Truong Minh Tuan, then deputy minister, also lost his post as minister last July. MobiFone's former gereral director and a deputy were arrested on Wednesday facing charges of mismanagement. South China Sea remains a bone of contention and needs to be resolved to create public trust, analyst tells conference. "Trust is a very important issue as the public still does not fully understand the cooperation between Vietnam and China in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," Nguyen Xuan Cuong, head of the China Research Institute at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said. He was speaking at the second "Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam-China Cooperation" conference in Hanoi Wednesday organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Chinese embassy and attended by over 50 government officials, business executives and others from the two countries. The BRI is a development strategy proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 as the union of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road. A man walks past the podium at the Belt and Road summit in Hong Kong, May 18, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Bobby Yip According to the Chinese government, it is aimed at enhancing regional connectivity by developing infrastructure projects that create land and sea networks connecting Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Cuong highlighted the Maritime Silk Road as a point of trust concern since it passed through the South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea. Since the sea plays an important role in Vietnam's security and development, as well as peace and stability in the region, he said Vietnam and China must resolve their disputes in these waters to improve people's trust in the initiative. In many other Southeast Asian countries too, people are concerned about BRI projects, partly due to worries about rising debt to China, he pointed out. Hanoi's Cat Linh-Ha Dong elevated project, using loans from China, makes a trial run in September 2018. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh Xiong Bo, the newly appointed Chinese ambassador to Vietnam, said the BRI seeks to establish equal and mutually beneficial partnerships, and the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding on promoting connectivity between the "Two corridors, one economic belt" initiative and the BRI during Xi's visit to Vietnam last November. The "Two Corridors, One Belt" initiative was proposed in 2004 to promote cooperation between the two countries in many fields such as commerce, industry, agriculture, and tourism. "Since the beginning of the year top leaders of Vietnam and China have been emphasizing cooperation in connection, and in the coming time this needs to be implemented well." Vietnam-China relations are developing well and the two countries' leaders should help to direct and further increase economic and trade cooperation, he said. He called for China and the Mekong River downstream countries, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, to cooperate closely on Mekong issues since the river was a key link in the BRI. He said ASEAN was an important partner for China, as demonstrated by President Xi visiting Vietnam and Laos immediately after the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress in October last year, and called for countries to avoid the "traps" and "western conspiracy theories" on the BRI. In the last five years many organizations, politicians and researchers in the U.S. and Europe have been claiming that countries participating in the BRI could become economically and politically dependent on China since they would become Beijing's debtors, even lose natural resources and be spied upon by China. Xi however announced last April that over 80 countries and organizations had joined the BRI and pledged to invest $126 billion in the initiative. China's President Xi Xinping (L) and Vietnam's Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong walk in Hanoi during Xi's visit to Vietnam in November 2017. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy In response to concerns raised by the Vietnamese side at the conference, Hu Zhengyue, vice president of China Public Diplomacy Association and a former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Beijing understands ASEAN member states' concerns and suggested that China and Vietnam should have more exchanges to resolve the remaining issues. Commenting on the effect of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war on the BRI, Wang Wen, head of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, said the trade war had caused damage to both sides but was still within control. The two sides had held five rounds of negotiations and Xi would meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina later this month, he said. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Van Thao said Vietnam supports economic cooperation and connections within the framework of the BRI that foster peace, development and prosperity for all countries based on the principles of international law, mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The two countries had identified five fields of cooperation in the MoU signed last year - policy, infrastructure, finance, commerce, and human resources - he said. "[We] hope the BRI cooperation would contribute to the development of both countries." Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby two days before the summit for a state visit, and to open a road and school, both funded by Beijing. Photo by AFP/Richard Carter The summit in Port Moresby is developing into a tug-of-war for regional influence between an assertive China and an increasingly withdrawn United States. Donald Trump is skipping the two-day APEC meeting, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, who is leaving after one day and staying in Australia rather than the dusty and notoriously crime-ridden Papua New Guinea capital. The contrast with China could hardly be more stark. President Xi Jinping arrived two days before the summit for a state visit, and will open a road and school, both funded by Beijing. Papua New Guinea has rolled out the red carpet for its visitor with Chinese flags fluttering down the length of the new road and images of the Chinese leader beaming down from massive billboards around Port Moresby. In an opinion piece published ahead of the visit, Xi vowed to "lend fresh impetus to our common development" and "expand practical co-operation with Pacific Island countries in trade and investment." Ben Rhodes, former president Barack Obama's top foreign policy advisor, said Trump's absence had "opened up an enormous opportunity for China to expand its influence." Beijing has a "historic opportunity to make inroads across the region during Trump's presidency," Rhodes told AFP. Setting the scene for a potential clash in Port Moresby, a senior U.S. official speaking ahead of the summit accused Beijing in engaging in "dangerous debt diplomacy throughout the region." Several countries in the Asian Pacific region have accepted loans from Beijing for infrastructure financing that are "not transparent," added this official, who declined to be named. The high-profile trade war between the world's two largest economies, as well as tit-for-tat tariff measures will also serve as a backdrop to what could be a tense gathering. Last-minute wrangling over WTO reform was understood to have delayed efforts to put together a joint foreign ministers' statement, laying bare the divisions between the main players. "We are living in difficult times with rising trade tensions, rising protectionism and that needless to say is reflected in the discussion we're having here in Port Moresby," Donald Campbell, co-chairman of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council think tank told AFP. "It's going to be very difficult to get a ministerial statement for leaders that has consensus in it as a result of that." 'Raskols' The official agenda for the talks resolves around greater economic integration for the region and improving digital infrastructure. But the hosting of the summit in Port Moresby, ranked as one of the world's least liveable cities, has gathered as much attention as the topics under discussion. Violence and petty crime is rife, including frequent carjackings by street gangs known as "raskols," and delegates have been advised against travelling around the city, especially after dark. For safety and to avoid building new hotels that will later lie empty, officials and journalists are staying on three gleaming white cruise ships moored in Port Moresby harbour, with round-the-clock security. Indeed, security throughout the city is tight, with Australia deploying 1,500 military personnel including special forces, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters patrolling the skies and warships stationed a stone's throw away from the cruise ships. And the run-up to the summit became embroiled in scandal when it emerged the Papua New Guinea government had bought 40 Maseratis to ferry leaders around. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill came under fire after splurging $6.4 million on the fleet of luxury cars when half the population of Port Moresby live in squatter settlements. O'Neill bristled when asked about this ahead of the summit, snapping at journalists: "Did you ask the same question in Vietnam when they had the 400 plus Audis?" "I think it is just an overrated discussion. I'm not going to give it the credibility or credit it deserves," he said. "This is an opportunity for business leaders to see what Papua New Guinea's potential is." But while ordinary residents may benefit from the shiny new Chinese-funding roads, there was some doubt on the streets over how the average citizen would gain from the APEC circus. "Will APEC make us rich like other nations?" asked Harriette Jack, 68. "Comparing to other nations, we are not close." Groysman said a proposal to change how companies are taxed on withdrawn capital, rather than profits had been dropped from the budget because of the IMF's concerns. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman expects to get new loans from the International Monetary Fund as early as December, once parliament passes a budget of stability that refrains from making pre-election populist moves, he said Thursday. Securing IMF assistance will also unlock loans from the World Bank and the European Union. Groysman also said Ukraine was in negotiations with Washington for a new loan guarantee for sovereign debt, Voice of America (VOA) reported. Groysman negotiated a new deal with the IMF last month aimed at keeping finances on an even keel during a choppy election period next year. The new loans are contingent on his steering an IMF-compliant budget through parliament. "This budget is a budget of stability and continuation of reforms," Groysman said in an interview with Reuters. "This is fully consistent with our IMF program." "Yes. We are counting on a tranche in December," he added, when asked about when IMF loans were expected, though he did not elaborate on the possible size of the loan. Read alsoIMF expects Ukrainian authorities will increase heating tariffs Ukraine's government approved a draft budget in September but it will typically undergo a slew of amendments before parliament finally approves it. Groysman said a proposal to change how companies are taxed on withdrawn capital, rather than profits had been dropped from the budget because of the IMF's concerns. He also said he would not bow to opposition parties' demands to reverse a recent increase in household gas tariffs, a step that his government reluctantly took to qualify for more IMF assistance. Russian economist calculates Kremlin's losses caused by sanctions The aggressive foreign policy the Kremlin has been vigorously pursuing since 2008 was one of the important factors of a sharp decline in Russia's economic growth. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Infrastructure minister vows US$3 bln investment in Ukrainian sea ports over 5 years Sea ports will be the first facilities to face concession, the minister said. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine to buy liquefied gas, coal until it covers shortage with own resources PM Groysman The Cabinet has set as its goal to achieve the country's complete energy independence with regard to all types of fuel, but this takes time. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Poroshenko enacts agreement on EUR 1 bln macro-financial assistance from EU The funds are to be channeled into the country's national budget. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter British Prime Minister Theresa May. POOL (REUTERS) The moment of truth has come for Brexit, the UKs withdrawal from the European Union (EU). And the process has dramatic overtones. Almost anything could happen. The draft agreement between continental negotiators and the government of Theresa May regarding the text that must organize this withdrawal has triggered a wave of protests more political than social on the island. This is the moment of truth because it ends the semblance of an EU-UK negotiation There has been a second set of resignations among the more radical Euroskeptics in her Cabinet (following those of Boris Johnson and David Davis). These include the official in charge of Brexit negotiations, Dominic Raab, whose decision to quit had been expected but is no less symbolic for it. To them, Mays agreement makes the UK a vassal of Europe, with more obligations than rights. Meanwhile, the Europhiles have launched another barrage of criticism over the draft deal, and insisted on the need for a second referendum to correct the errors of the past. To this group, any agreement at all means fewer benefits than full membership in the EU club. This is the moment of truth because it ends the semblance of an EU-UK negotiation, and displays what the process was really concealing all along: a domestic dialogue with no way out; an internal, tribal confrontation between the British themselves. From now on they will no longer be able to shield themselves behind impossible demands, or blame Brussels bureaucracy for problems. From now on, UK leaders must make their own decisions: either support a soft Brexit, which May seems resigned to and which would make up for so many tribulations, or have parliament deny her a confidence vote, which would trigger early elections. This could result in a victory by the indecisive and ambiguous Labour Party, which has pledged to its own regret to call a second referendum. If this were to happen, it would not be improbable to see a moderate, though possibly not massive, support for a return to the European project, which would bring the country back to square one. The speed and forcefulness of the reactions to the draft deal contrast with the painstaking detail contained in the 585 pages of the agreement, which deserves a more serene attitude in order to accurately analyze all of its parts; this applies particularly to the people who are most affected by it, namely the British. If the UK slides into chaos, nobody will be able to blame Europe for seeking rupture But it has not been so. To put it succinctly, EU negotiators have firmly stood by all the requirements that the 27 member states made on different occasions. This has not prevented them from showing enough flexibility to make a few concessions. At first glance, it looks like these concessions have more to do with calendar dates and procedural matters than with substantial issues. That is why, from a European perspective, the general direction of the draft agreement matters just as much as the details, or as the impact it has already had. If May manages to consolidate her teetering leadership, the mostly cosmetic concessions should pave the way for a Brexit that will always be negative in itself, but will at least no longer lead to surprising or detrimental situations. No deal would be disruptive, and thus always a worse option that any deal at all, even a mediocre one. If, instead, the UK slides into chaos, nobody will be able to blame Europe for seeking rupture, or to use it as a scapegoat for their own mistakes. The EU has already shown a willingness to sign an agreement that it is not thrilled about. English version by Susana Urra. Ukrainian authorities seized and sold a 40% stake in PJSC YUZHNIIGIPROGAZ Institute (Donetsk) belonged to Russia's Gazprom, the company has said in new financial statements on Wednesday. On August 22, the forced sale of the shares in PJSC YUZHNIIGIPROGAZ Institute belonged to Gazprom took place at an auction, the Russian company said. The report also reflects the removal of the asset from the balance sheet of PJSC Gazprom. As reported, the Antimonopoly Committee in January 2016 decided to fine Gazprom UAH 85 billion for abuse of its monopoly of the Ukrainian market for transit shipments of natural gas. This decision was upheld on several occasions by Ukrainian courts. In April 2017, the sum of the fine had grown to UAH 172 billion (about $6.4 billion) with penalties for nonpayment. Gazprom's attempts to challenge the decision in Ukrainian courts were a failure. In October 2018, Gazprom, in accordance with UNCITRAL arbitration rules, initiated an arbitration settlement against Ukraine with the goal of safeguarding its interest on its territory in connection with Ukraine, in the form of the Antimonopoly Committee, has groundlessly and unjustly levied a fine against Gazprom amounting to more than $6 billion (including penalties) for supposedly abusing its monopoly position on the Ukrainian gas transit market. Milkiland, a dairy group with assets in Ukraine, Russia and Poland, in January-September 2018 saw EUR 13.42 million of net loss compared with EUR 4.55 million of net profit a year ago. According to an unaudited report of the group posted on the website of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), revenue over the period fell by 6.6%, to EUR 98.8 million, and gross profit by 24.4%, to EUR 15.92 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 1.8-fold, to EUR 4.38 million. Milkiland in January-September 2018 saw EUR 3.41 million of operating loss compared with EUR 3.01 million of operating profit a year ago. The loan portfolio of the group was EUR 86.2 million as of September 30, 2018 compared with EUR 86.6 million as of late 2017, mainly thanks to repayment of the indebtedness under the restructuring agreements with Ukrainian and Polish banks. Net debt of the group declined by 1%, to EUR 85.7 million as of September 30, 2018. The Russian market provided for EUR 59.53 million of the group's revenue, the Ukrainian market EUR 28.93 million and the Polish market EUR 10.47 million. Cheese & butter segment contributed approximately 38% to the group's total revenue. Segment's revenue increased by 19% to EUR 37.34 million, the whole-milk dairy segment EUR 47.33 million (48% of total revenue) and the ingredients segment EUR 14.26 million (14%). "In 9M 2018 Milkiland Ukraine focused on the development of sales of high value-added products, including innovative lactose-free cheese and whole milk products, primarily in the key accounts channel. The Company also paid an attention to production and export sales of Kosher dry milk products and butter under the contract with key client from Israel," the company said. In 9M 2018 Milkiland put additional efforts aimed at the entering to new and development of the sales at the existing export markets. In line with these efforts, Milkiland Intermarket continued a development of the distribution network of the group's dry milk products and butter in China. Additional volumes of cheese-like products were sold to the traditional market of the group in Kazakhstan, as well as other Central-Asian countries. The company also continued a fulfillment of the Kosher goods supply contract with the key client in Israel. JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia plans to build a solar power plant with a capacity of 3.078 MW in Andriyivka (Kharkiv region) where the Shebelynka gas refinery is located, according to a report in the ProZorro e-procurement system. The expected cost of the construction project is UAH 82.324 million. The tender documents could be submitted before December 6, 2018. Ukrgazvydobuvannia, fully owned by Naftogaz Ukrainy, is Ukraine's largest gas producer, which provides about 75% of the total gas output in the country. As reported, early 2018, another company of Naftogaz Ukrainy Ukrtransgaz launched a solar power plant with a capacity of 0.3 MW. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has noted the puppet nature of "power" in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions not controlled by Ukrainian government following the illegitimate sham elections held there on November 11. He said it is unacceptable to negotiate with them, the official website of the NSDC says. "Putin's [Russia President Vladimir Putin] has said Ukraine should to negotiate with Kremlin puppets appointed to "govern" the quasi-republics. It is his obsessive and obscurantist view, which he has been trying to push forward ineffectively since 2014 and which our state and the entire civilized world will never accept," Turchynov said. According to him, "Moscow is trying hardly to hide the occupation of the Ukrainian Donbas region by organized fake elections." "There is only one way to implement the Minsk agreements, which Putin constantly mentions: to cease military aggression and liberate the Ukrainian territory from the occupation forces and Russian weapons," Turchynov said. Putin on Thursday said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko "has not shown willingness and readiness for the implementation of the Minsk agreements." Putin added that Ukrainian authorities would have to negotiate with the newly-elected authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. "We believe that there is no other way, and that agreements will still have to be reached," Putin said, adding that persons who will come to power in Ukraine "will come to the conclusion that there is no alternative to the peaceful way and that the Minsk Agreements need to be implemented." On Monday, November 19, at 10.00, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Victory of Public Council under Temporary Occupied Territories Ministry: Housing Substitution Program for IDPs is Now Available in All Ukrainian Cities." Participants include Deputy Minister for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Heorhiy Tuka, Deputy Head of the Public Council under the Ministry for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Oleksandr Kulikovsky, Co-founder of All-Ukrainian Platform of Donbas Natalia Tselovalnychenko, Chairperson of the NGO "Union of IDPs. The world in the palm of your hand" Iryna Hladka (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. A petition against U.S. sanctions posted on social media November 9 by a group of Iranian celebrities and cultural figures has elicited a mostly critical reaction among Persian language social media users. The petition, named Voices Against Sanctions" was originally signed by Iranian academy award laureate Asghar Farhadi, prominent filmmaker Rakhshan Banietemad, and several other artists, as well as prominent lawyer Bahman Keshavarz. Reactions on social media as of November 15 were mostly critical of the signatories, who called on the people of the world to denounce the sanctions reimposed by the U.S. after it withdrew from the nuclear agreement in May. The petition says the sanctions are unjust, as it is average Iranians who suffer most under sanctions. Radio Farda has taken notice that there is also an email campaign addressed to known Iranians urging them to sign the petition. Anonymous emails are being received by some in the Diaspora to join the campaign. Prominent journalist Faraj Sarkohi tweeted: Cant the people of the world you have addressed ask to what extent the Islamic Republic is to be blamed for the quagmire that has engulfed the country? How have the artists reacted to that?" One response in favor of the petition came from former cleric Hassan Yousefi Eshkevari, who described the sanctions as "inhumane" and "oppressive." A user with the profile name Kiyan Jamali told the artists to stand against corruption in Iran rather than trying to please Irans rulers. Another user with the profile name Korosha asked the celebrities, "Why don't you campaign against IRGCs (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) intervention in other countries' affairs and writing slogans against other countries on missiles? These were the acts that resulted in reinstating the sanctions. Radio Farda could not independently confirm the authenticity of the unverified social media accounts. "Once again, the United States has imposed sanctions against Iran the petition reads. Such measures have never brought to the people of Iran what politicians proclaim they will: human rights, freedom, and a better life. Every Iranian will personally pay the price for these sanctions." The petition was accompanied by a sensationalized video purporting to show the effects of sanctions on average Iranians. The video drew criticism from the public and was characterized by some as fake. Speaking to Radio Farda's Babak Ghafouri Azar, two Iranian filmmakers expressed conflicting views on the campaign. "Artists' participation in a campaign against sanctions is part of their social responsibility. Those who criticize this action should live and work in Iran to be able to pass judgement on this matter, said Khosrw Sinai, a filmmaker who lives in Iran. Reza Allamehzadeh, a foreign-based Iranian filmmaker, applauded the artists support for the people, but asked why didnt the signatories of this petition ever launch a campaign against what [already] takes place against the people in Iran?" The Iranian film industry is strictly controlled by the state, which must approve the screenplay before filming and the final product before screening. The government decides which films will receive state subsidies and support throughout the production and screening stages. Many teachers have been arrested or summoned to courts, the Coordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates in Iran (CCTSI) said in a statement on Thursday, November 15. "At least thirty teachers' rights activists have been summoned and interrogated and more than fifty others have received threatening text messages, so far," CCTSI disclosed, adding, "At least twelve teachers have been detained since last Tuesday, the second day of a new round of sit-ins by teachers across the country to protest hardship, low-quality education, and privatization of the schools. "The aim of the sit-ins is to force Irans rulers to respect their duties defined by the country's constitution and provide free, fair, and high-quality education for all, as well as a respectable livelihood for the teachers, the Coordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates in Iran (CCTSI) said in a statement. Some students have reportedly joined their teachers in the strike, telling local websites they cannot afford the high tuition fees demanded by their schools. Meanwhile, for the first time, women played a pivotal role in organizing the sit-in protests. Although the sit-ins were peaceful, many teachers' rights activists were detained or summoned to the courts. Currently, several teachers' rights activists, including Esmaeil Abdi, Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi, Mohammad Habibi, Rouhollah Mardani, and Abdor-Reza Qanbari are behind bars for alleged "security crimes. Furthermore, Hashem Khastar, a prominent teachers rights activist in Iran's second largest city, Mashhad, in northeast Iran, was recently abducted by plainclothesmen. Days later his family discovered that he was shackled to a bed at a psychiatric hospital. Hashem Khastar, a former teacher at the Agriculture Technical High School in Mashhad and an agricultural engineer, is the Head of the Mashhad Teachers Union. Khastar has been detained several times for defending teachers' rights, most recently having served a term from 2009 to 2011 in Mashhad's notorious prison, Vakilabad. He has also publicly criticized the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in online forums and called him a "dictator" in a January 2018 commentary published by Iran Kargar. Following the first round of the two-day teachers' strike, Khastar, who was released under national and international pressure, offered his gratitude to the striking teachers and criticized the Iranian regime in an open letter published on social media. "We don't have guns. Our guns are our pens and our words and our gatherings and our sit-ins," Khastar wrote, asserting, "The guns are in the hands of those who protect lawless, tyrannical, cruel rulers instead of defending the rule of law. They defend those who steal millions and arrest petty thieves and cut off their hands and legs." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 15 ordered an investigation into the death of a high-ranking police officer whose body was found dead in eastern Afghanistan. The body of Tahir Dawar was found by locals in Dur Baba district of Nangarhar Province near the Pakistani border on November 13, Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry quoted Afghan authorities as saying. Dawar, 50, disappeared on October 27 in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. He had been serving as head of the Peshawar polices rural circle. Khan said he had ordered authorities to carry out "an inquiry immediately," while the Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had twice summoned the Afghan charge d'affaires in Islamabad to "seek clarity."Dawars abduction, move to [Afghanistan], murder, and follow up behavior of [Afghan] authorities raise questions which indicate involvement or resources more than a terrorist organization in Afghanistan," Pakistani military spokesman Major General Asif Ghrafoor tweeted. Afghan officials were not immediately available for comment. Dawars body was delivered to tribal elders near the Pakistani border on November 15 before being taken to Peshawar. Pictures circulated on social media on November 13 appeared to show his badly tortured body with a hand-written Pashto letter placed on his chest, purportedly written by Wilayat Khorasan, a name used by the militant Islamic State affiliate that operates in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pakistani Senate discussed the apparent murder in its session in Islamabad on November 14-15. Opposition parties criticized the federal government for failing to protect the police official and claimed authorities did not investigate the case properly. Meanwhile, supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) protested in several Pakistani cities to denounce Dawars apparent killing. The demonstrators also chanted slogans against the Pakistani army, which the group accuses of conducting heavy-handed operations in the militancy-hit tribal regions. With reporting by Reuters Enraged workers of Haft Tapeh sugar cane factory in Shush, southwest Iran, occupied the Friday prayer site of the city on Friday, November 16, chanting slogans to protest overdue wages. The infuriated workers have been on intermittent strikes since November 4. Footages circulated in the social media show angry workers chanting, "A huge army is here, for the love of the labor". In 2018, the venues for Friday Prayer have become focal points for people protesting a myriad of issues, including a lack of potable water and water mismanagement, overdue wages and unemployment. Protesters say they have lost hope and decided to present their complaints at the weekly gatherings hosted by Friday Prayer leaders, who are chosen under the direct supervision of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Angry farmers, protesting a controversial water distribution project in Isfahan, on March 16 turned their backs to the prayer leader, as they chanted, Turning away from the enemy, eying the motherland. On April 13, the prayer leader chided the protesters, saying repeated protests and their slogans show that the protesters are after unrest and sedition. Invading Friday Prayers site repeated on April 20 in the city of Kazeroun, southern Iran. Protesters chanted angry slogans against the citys MP as well as the state-run radio and TV, which aired developments in Gaza instead of covering their protests. Kazerooni protestors, assembled in front of the city's Friday Prayer site, turned the four-decades-old Islamic Republic slogan Death to America on its head by chanting Our enemys right here; they lie saying its America! In the most recent case, the workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Factory symbolically carried the "dead body" of their plant at the Friday Prayer site and across the city of Shush (ancient Susa) in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan. According to the Free Trade Union of Iranian Workers, Haft Tapeh employees have not been paid for months, while struggling with "endless problems". Nevertheless, the angry workers of the plant insist that they have reached an unbearable situation created by the new owner of the industrial complex. Earlier reports suggested the companys largest shareholder and director general had either fled Iran or detained by the authorities for violating the new strict regulations on foreign exchange transactions. Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic's authorities have preferred to avoid making comments on the case. On October 23, Tehran's Prosecutor-General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi in an enigmatic remark announced, "An individual in Khuzestan has bought a company and received $800 million [at subsidized rate] during 2015-2017, without respecting his commitments. And currently, he is on the run." Channels on Telegram messaging app affiliated with Haft Tapeh workers have maintained that the company and its fugitive director mentioned by Dolatabadi are indeed the sugar plant and its managing director. Our investigation and collected documents show that Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Factory is on the list of companies that received subsidized dollars without respecting their commitments over it, the Channels reported, adding, "Reportedly, the managing director of the factory is currently detained under the order of the Prosecutor-General." The Justice Department has not yet reacted to the allegation. The Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Mill is the only factory of its kind in Iran. It was built nearly half a century ago during the reign of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The agro-industrial complex was always lucrative until the Islamic Republic decided to sell it to the private sector in a murky transaction in 2015. The complex, built on a 2-hectare area, was sold to the private sector for a down payment of roughly two million dollars. It is not clear if any further payments have been made. It wasnt long before the privatized company had accrued large debts (over $90 million in 2017), mostly owed to public utilities and tax authorities. To address the problem, the private owners of the complex decided to withhold salaries, wages, and pensions. This decision triggered strikes, making sugar production increasingly unreliable, to the extent that the Iranian government poured imported sugar into the local markets. Meanwhile, the private owners of the complex complain that the government has stopped buying the mill's products, forcing it into a deeper crisis. Nevertheless, The Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has repeatedly said he believes the unrest among the Iranian labor force is a "foreign plot" to overthrow the regime. One of the major activities of our enemies [US] has been to create a recession and obstacles in our factories and among our labor groups -- particularly the big ones -- so they can provoke the workers, Khamenei said in a gathering on February 5. The health of an Iranian-American dual national held in Tehran is rapidly deteriorating, his family and attorney warned Thursday as they appealed to Iranian authorities to allow him to leave for medical treatment. Im here today to beg the Iranian government, said Babak Namazi, the son of 81-year-old Baquer Namazi who has been held in Iran for over two years. The younger Namazi called on the Iranian government to show mercy and give his father permission to leave for medical treatment. Baquer Namazi has been diagnosed with epilepsy in addition to battling a heart condition in prison. Since his detention his health has deteriorated sharply. Earlier this year he was initially allowed a medical furlough from prison for surgery to install a pacemaker after suffering low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. In March he was again granted a short-term medical furlough that has been extended a number of times on a discretionary basis. Babak Namazi and the familys attorney Jared Genser spoke to journalists in Washington D.C. after meeting with officials from the White House and State Department. Direct engagement between the U.S. and Iranian government is critically important to secure the release of the elder Namazi, Genser said and he emphasized that time was running out. At the end of the day we want something positive to happen here and we need it urgently, he said. A son of Baquer Namazi is also being held in Iran. Siamak Namazi, also a dual national, has been held for over three years after he was convicted of collaborating with a hostile power in a closed-door trial in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Baquer Namazi was convicted of the same charge and is also serving a 10-year sentence. Baquer Namazi is a former UNICEF representative who served as governor of Irans oil-rich Khuzestan province. Siamak Namazi is a businessman who promoted closer ties between Iran and the West. By RFE/RL Tajik Service DUSHANBE -Tajikistan is scheduled to launch a new hydroelectric station on November 16 that had been vehemently opposed for years by the late leader of neighboring Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. The Roghun power plant's first of six turbines will officially be switched on in the Central Asian nation's south. President Emomali Rahmon is due to attend the ceremony along with other Tajik officials and foreign guests, including Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Manlio di Stefano. Dushanbe hopes the $3.9 billion project built on the Vakhsh river will not only make the country energy self-sufficient, but plans to export some of its output to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. The project was launched in the late 1970s but halted after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. Construction restarted in late October 2016, less than two months after the announced death of Karimov, the long-term president of neighboring Uzbekistan. Karimov opposed the project, saying the dam would reduce water flows to Uzbekistan's cotton fields. Last year, Tajikistan raised $500 million from an inaugural international bond offering to help finance the construction, which is being carried out by an Italian company, Salini Impregilo. Dushanbe hopes to generate money to finance further construction at the plant after its starts producing energy. Filippo Menga, a lecturer on human geography at Britain's University of Reading told RFE/RL on November 15 that the inauguration of the dams first turbine is "only a first step of a construction process that will still take several years." "And indeed, it is still unclear how the dam is going to be paid and if construction works will ever come to an end, and this is something that with Roghun is always going to be an issue, given the turbulent story of the project and the many interruptions of construction works that it experienced in the past. The road is still long before the dam is going to generate vast amount of hydroelectricity and thus generate a profit," Menga said in an email response. In 2014, Human Rights Watch criticized the project, saying that many families residing in the Roghun dam area would be resettled as a result. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) has commented on the reports that a plane en route from Moscow's Domodedovo Airport to Russias Penza city nearly collided with a plane, owned by AZAL, flying from Baku to Russias Vnukovo International Airport. There was no threat to the AZAL aircraft in this situation, the airline told Trend Nov. 16. The aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, which was following the instructions of air traffic control specialists at flight level 260, started descending for landing only at the command of a dispatcher at the Vnukovo International Airport, AZAL said in a message. At this time, another aircraft en route to Penza, which kept flight level 250, started to gain altitude at the command as well. Since the flight vectors of both planes showed that they were moving in opposite directions, the dispatcher went on issuing the commands, the message said. The traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) of our aircraft indicated no threat to flight safety in this situation. The airline stressed that such moments occur periodically at different airports in the world due to the high density of traffic. Earlier, the Russian media reported that a plane en route from Moscow's Domodedovo Airport to Penza almost collided with a plane flying from Baku to the Vnukovo International Airport. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.16 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The France visit of the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, is unacceptable, Jean-Francois Mancel, President of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France, told Trend. He was commenting on the illegal visit of Bako Sahakyan to France. The Association has always demanded from the French government to prevent any links between the French local authority and representatives of the illegal regime created on Azerbaijan's occupied territories, said Mancel. Sahakyans entry to France even with Armenian passport is unacceptable. He pointed out that the Association expects the French government to reaffirm its position which has always been perfectly clear so far. Earlier, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country. Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level, the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. 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: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Samir Ali - Trend: Illegal visits by some European MPs to the occupied Azerbaijani territories are not a personal initiative, Aydin Guliyev, political expert and editor-in-chief of the Baki Khabar newspaper, told Trend. New facts prove that these visits are an integral part of an international criminal network, he said. The facts show that some well-known members of the PACE and the European Parliament carry out a mission to support separatist tendencies in various countries by all means, they encourage activities aimed at violating the territorial integrity of states and carry out this crime under the direct instruction of the Armenian mafia, he noted. This was once again confirmed by Albanias including Cypriot MEP Eleni Theocharous in the list of undesirable persons for criminal activities against the constitutional norms of that country, he said. Earlier, Theocharous was included in the list of undesirable persons for constant unlawful visits to Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenia and a criminal case was initiated against her. The biography of this person includes facts of legal prosecution by Ukraine for supporting ethnic separatism. The expert said all this testifies that Theocharous receives all possible support from the Armenian mafia. The close cooperation between Theocharous and Kaspar Karampetyan, a Greek by origin, who is an active lobbyist of the Armenian separatism against Azerbaijan, gives reason to draw very serious conclusions, the expert noted. Karampetyans financing illegal visits of all European MPs, including Theocharous, to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, brings clarity to many issues," the expert said. In this context, the investigation materials of the German special services in connection with the Armenian mafia in that country are of particular interest, he noted. These materials provide interesting information on the close cooperation of the Armenian mafia with the MPs of the German Bundestag, who made an illegal visit to Nagorno-Karabakh, with Albert Weiler, the founder of the German-Armenian Forum, as well as with Armenias envoy in Germany. Guliyev said that the Armenian mafia supports all centers of separatism in Europe and organizes visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region. The worst thing is that this symbiosis of political mafia, behind which Armenia stands, is already getting roots in such international structures as PACE and the European Parliament, he noted. The illegal visits to Nagorno-Karabakh by some representatives of Europe and their attempts to recognize the separatist regime created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories can be explained only by the above-mentioned ties. He noted that it is time to investigate the fact that European political entities have fallen under the influence of the Karampetyan-Theocharous group. This is an important issue from the point of view of universal peace, security and well-being in Europe, Guliyev added. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: The Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan issued a statement regarding the illegal visit by Bako Sahakyan, head of the separatist regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, to France. The statement notes that the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan strongly condemns Sahakyan's visit to France as a representative of the illegal regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories. Despite that this is contrary to France's obligations as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, nothing was done to prevent this visit, reads the statement. The passive attitude of the French government to such repeated illegal actions and non-application of effective measures are unacceptable. France doesnt give permission to individuals to enter the country from South Ossetia, Abkhazia, the Crimea and Transnistria, but shows a special sympathy for representatives of the separatist regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories. "Despite that the French government is well aware that the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan was subject to an ethnic cleansing and fundamental rights of its members were grossly violated, France ignores such unilateral and separatist steps, violates the principles of inalienability of human rights and equality," the statement reads. This illegal visit not only hinders the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also serves to encourage the separatist regime created in Azerbaijans occupied territories, the statement reads. The French side must finally understand that such biased actions severely harm Frances authority in the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh and in the general Azerbaijani public. The statement reads that if France really intends to contribute to resolving the conflict, it should ensure its impartiality as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, seek to achieve the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories, invite Armenian and Azerbaijani communities to Paris and support ethnic reconciliation and dialogue between these two communities based on equality. The French side should understand that ensuring a sustainable and fair peace in the region is possible only if Azerbaijanis, who were subject to an ethnic cleansing and who were expelled from their native lands, return to their homeland, the statement said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.16 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Paris should prevent illegal visits from Azerbaijans occupied territories to France, Nathalie Goulet, French senator and vice-chair of the Senates Foreign Affairs Committee, told Trend Nov.16. She was commenting on the visit of the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, to France. France does not recognize the illegal regime created in Azerbaijans occupied lands, she said, adding that as one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, France should be very careful. Goulet said that France needs a warning to follow the international regulations, especially regarding illegal visits from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as illegal visits of French MPs and officials to Nagorno-Karabakh. The senator pointed out that the unfair attitude of France towards Azerbaijan is due to the strong Armenian lobby in the country. She also noted that the recent cancellation of French presidents visit to Azerbaijan was a very unbalanced decision. I am deeply sorry, but I agree with the decision of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry to review cooperation with my country. There is no love, there is proof of love. Azerbaijan gave so many proofs of love to France. And its time for reciprocity, she concluded. Earlier, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country. Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level, the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 17 Trend: Today Azerbaijan marks National Revival Day. On the first days of 1988, Armenia started its evident aggression against Azerbaijan. Seeing Moscow and particularly the head of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev's indifferent attitude towards these events, the Armenians started mass deportation of the Azerbaijanis from their native lands in Armenia under the instructions of the Armenian government. More than 200,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from their homes, killed by the Armenians. Gorbachev and the rest of the USSR leadership had no reaction to the Armenian vandalism. In early February 1988, Armenians carried out revolts in Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and even raised the issue of joining those lands with Armenia. Azerbaijani people expressed protest to the government. Slogans, portraits and flags carried by the Azerbaijani citizens proved their belief to Moscow and local authorities at that time. But getting no serious answer from Moscow and the then government, people from every corner of the republic moved to Baku and gathered on Azadlig Square (Lenin Square at that time), held meetings and evidently expressed their protest. Azerbaijani people started indefinite rally on Azadlig Square against the anti-Azerbaijani policy of the USSR on Nov.17, 1988. It was a real national liberation movement. The Soviet troops dispersed the nationwide rally in early December. These events are regarded in Azerbaijan as the start of the national liberation movement and the main factor in gaining independence. November 17 has been marked as the Day of National Revival since 1992. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. According to the message, the minister will attend the 9th Sir Bani Yas Forum. The forum, organized by the Foreign Ministry of the UAE, traditionally gathers foreign ministers of the Middle Eastern countries and other countries. The participants of the event discuss topical issues related to the region. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of a non-ferrous metals and foundry plant owned by Baku Non Ferrous and Foundry Company LLC in Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. Chairman of the supervisory board of Baku Non Ferrous and Foundry Company LLC Rasim Mammadov informed President Aliyev of the third phase of the project that will see the construction of a plant manufacturing products used in mechanical engineering, agriculture and mining industry. The non-ferrous metals and foundry plant will have the annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of ferrosilicon and 72,000 tons of ferrosilicomanganese. For the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, this plant will produce ferrosilicon, ferrosilicomanganese and ferrochrome. The plant, which cost $51 million, will create 230 jobs. President Aliyev launched the plant. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: As part of his visit to Sumgayit, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of Railway Station Complex in the city. The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the complex. Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways Closed Joint Stock Company Javid Gurbanov informed the President of the construction of Sumgayit railway station, Baku ring railroad, Laki-Gabala, Astara-Astara railway lines, as well as the work to be carried out under these projects. The three-story Sumgayit Railway Station occupies an area of 5.5 square kilometers. The building has a waiting hall, ticket offices, an information desk, a server, and baggage rooms. President Ilham Aliyev then arrived in Baku by Sumgayit-Baku passenger train. At Baku Railway Station, President Ilham Aliyev viewed new passenger trains, locomotives, and several railway vehicles purchased since 2016. Details added (first version posted on 15:26) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. According to the message, the minister will attend the 9th Sir Bani Yas Forum. The forum, organized by the Foreign Ministry of the UAE, traditionally gathers foreign ministers of the Middle Eastern countries and other countries. The participants of the event discuss topical issues related to the region. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Focused on the improvement of media representatives professional skills, building international relations and facilitation of their easy access to the sources in English, Azercell Telecom LLC is starting the next round of free English language courses for journalists. Following the application review process, 50 journalists working in print, electronic and broadcast media were qualified for the course. The participants will be divided into groups of 5, each consisting of 10 members. The lessons will be conducted twice a week by qualified English language instructors for 6 months. During this period, media representatives will have an opportunity to strengthen their English language skills in grammar, speaking, listening and writing. Notably, over 80 journalists applied for the courses. The selection was conducted by teachers following the English language knowledge assessment. It should be noted that hundreds of media representatives took part in specialized English language courses organized by Azercell during the past 10 years. Azercell has provided support towards the initiatives of the media outlets from the first day of its activity. In order to introduce innovations and trends in media field to its representatives, as well as to share experiences and opinions, seminars and training on interesting topics have been conducted by well-known trainers invited by Azercell from abroad to get acquainted with international journalism school and have an exchange of experiences. The leader of the mobile communication industry, the largest taxpayer and the biggest investor of the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48 percent share of Azerbaijans mobile telecom market Azercells network covers 80 percent of the territory (excluding 20 percent of the occupied territories) and 99.8 percent of population of the country. Currently, 4.5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, mobile internet services, Metro coverage, 24/7 call centre service, 7 day/week Front Office service, M2M services, one-stop-shopping approach Azercell Express offices, mobile customer services, Online Customer Care and Social Media Customer Care services, mobile e-signature service ASAN Imza etc. Azercell deployed first 4G LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality and wireless coverage mapping surveys by international systems, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan. Azercell is the only company in Azerbaijan and CIS region which has been awarded Gold Certificate of International Investors in People Standard. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: Switzerland has made investments worth $851.9 million IN Azerbaijan for 22 years, Azerbaijani Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Khanim Ibrahimova said in an interview with the Swiss swissinfo.ch. Ibrahimova said that the amount of investments from Azerbaijan to Switzerland reached $1.1 million. She stressed that 67 Swiss companies are operating in service sector, trade, construction, industry, transport, banking and insurance in Azerbaijan. Speaking about the economic relations between the two countries, Ibrahimova stressed that a meeting of the joint economic commission is planned to be held in Bern in early 2019, as well as a business forum with the participation of entrepreneurs from both countries. The countries closely cooperate in the financial sphere, the ambassador added. For example, Azerbaijan is a member of the WB and IMF Election Group, led by Switzerland. Ibrahimova stressed that as a result of recent success in the economic sphere, Azerbaijan has turned from a country receiving investments into an investing country. "Several years ago, the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR entered the Swiss energy market by purchasing Esso filling stations owned by Exxon Mobil company in this country," she said, adding that presently, 172 filling stations under SOCAR brand are successfully operating in Switzerland thanks to big investments. Speaking about the investments of Azerbaijani businessmen in Switzerland, the ambassador stressed that at the initial stage, the goal is to supply the products made in Azerbaijan to the Swiss market. "Our businessmen must be more active to enter the Swiss market, she added. Ibrahimova added that in 2017 export of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to Switzerland amounted to $143 million, so Switzerland is the third biggest importer of non-oil products from Azerbaijan after Turkey and Russia. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Switzerland amounted to $520.92 million in January-October 2018. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.16 Trend: The Regional Director of the Islamic Development Bank Group Regional Hub Turkey, Saleh Jelassi, will pay a working visit to Baku on December 10-11, IDB told Trend. Withing the framework of his visit, two projects - National Water Supply and Sanitation and Integrated Rural Development - currently being imlemented in Azerbaijan, will be discussed. Other issues and prospects for future cooperation will also be considered. The IsDB's supervision mission to Azerbaijan will take place on December 3-11. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is one of the world's largest multilateral development banks that has been working for over 40 years to improve the lives of the communities that it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57-Member Countries across four continents touching the lives of 1 in every 5 of the worlds population. Rated AAA by the three major rating agencies of the world, the IsDB maintains an annual volume of operations above $10 billion and a subscribed capital of $70 billion. With its headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Bank also runs major regional hubs in Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Senegal, and Nigeria. The mission of the Islamic Development Bank is to equip people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, putting the infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential. The IsDB builds collaborative partnerships among communities and nations, and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by harnessing the power of science, technology and innovation and fostering ethical and sustainable solutions to the worlds greatest development challenges. Over the years, the Islamic Development Bank has evolved from a single entity into a group (IsDB Group) comprising five entities: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Matanat Nasibova Trend: The enhancement of export potential in the sphere of womens business is expected in the forthcoming years, the Chairwoman of Board of Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan Sakina Babayeva told Trend, mentioning that this is one of the priority areas of activity for the organization. "We think that along with expansion of production capacity in the sphere of womens business it is also necessary to think about export, especially when the business is developed in agrarian and trade sphere. Of course, this requires much time and resources, nevertheless, this must be an ultimate goal for all women who conduct business in the sphere of trade and agriculture. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop programs of stimulation of crediting of entities of small and medium business who implement projects in priority areas," Babayeva said. The chairwoman of the association noted that the state pays serious attention to development of agrarian sphere and as a result of this, the share of exports in this segment of economy is the highest one. "We believe that in the future, the womens business should grab its niche in the structure of export of the agrarian products and for this purpose, we will use all tools and the existing mechanisms at the level of public governance. The fact that the womens business enjoys great support from the government strongly motivates our women entrepreneurs engaged in activities in the sphere of small and medium business, and contributes to strengthening of output - input ratio," Babayeva said. According to the statistics, today, more than 143,000 women are engaged in activities in the sphere of business in Azerbaijan. The Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan was established with support of State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and was incorporated in October 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: Azerbaijani companies reached an agreement on the export of wine and other alcoholic beverages to China, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy said in a message. According to the message, the agreements were reached as part of the ProWine China International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits in Chinas Shanghai city. A delegation of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs participated in the exhibition by using a single stand with the support of the Ministry of Economy and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO). The Azeri Sharab company signed an agreement on the supply of alcoholic beverages worth $3 million to Shanghai at the exhibition. Such companies as A + Co, Jalilabad Sharab-2, Tovuz Baltiya, Merit-Brand, Sharg Ulduzu, Aspi-Agro, Ganja Sharab-2 and Fireland reached primary agreements on the supply of their products to China. The Shirvan company also reached an agreement on the supply of its products to Japanese and Chinese companies. Over 120 kinds of wines and other alcoholic beverages of Azerbaijani producers were showcased at the exhibition. Tehran, Iran, Nov.16 Trend: The sanctions on banks of Iran complicate transfers of assets earned from exports, Bisotun Steel Co. CEO Jahandar Shokri said in an interview with Trend. According to Shokri, steel industry is one of the forex-based export sectors in Iran which can face numerous challenges as a result of sanctions, regarding transfers of assets made from exports. He further spoke about the impact of sanctions on Iran' steel industry. Steel provides a large portion of foreign exchange income, so our biggest challenge and problem under the present circumstances is the transfer of this money. Restrictions imposed on banks due to sanctions exacerbate these complications, he said. Shokri further said that exporting companies have gained their target markets through hard work and huge investments; so, Iran is not willing to lose these markets easily; supply will be affected nonetheless. "Under the present circumstances, the government is setting barriers in front of exporters, while it should be providing them with pragmatic solutions. One of these decisions is signing forward exchange contracts, though unfortunately the government is reluctant to admit the real free market rate and obligates exporters to deliver their earnings to the NIMA platform, he explained. Shokri believes that government should give exporters the opportunity to use every possible path and channel for doing their business as the yielded foreign funds will enter the countrys economic cycle. "So, if the state is not giving solutions, the least it can do is not to make problems so that the private sector may help the economy just like it did in the previous round of sanctions," he said. We have always been objecting to the overnight acts ratified by the former administration, though the current one has done the exact same thing. In the past, we experienced three counts of forward exchange contracts each of which failed. So, the government should allow the private sector to go on with its business as their independence was proven through time, Shokri said. While exporting companies are obliged to use the forex rate determined by NIMA platform when supplying goods to the market, importers receive the same rate and provide goods with the free market rate, just like the exported spare parts of are provided, he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: Depreciation of the US dollar in Iran is due to political issues, Majid Reza Hariri, a member of the Staff of Representatives at the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview with ISNA. Economic parameters dont have so much impact on the rise or decline of the currency value, he added. He said the rise or decline of the US dollar value testifies to instability in the countrys economy. Hariri added that the Central Bank should control depreciation of the US dollar, and also should prevent the rise of its value. "Currently, a process of slow depreciation in the foreign currency is observed, because small entrepreneurs have been forced to put their foreign currencies for sale in the market," he noted. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: In January-October 2018, the number of Turkish citizens who visited Israel through the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR) for the purpose of employment, decreased by 69.44 percent compared to the same period in 2017, the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR) told Trend Nov. 16. ISKUR noted that during the reporting period 33 Turkish citizens arrived in Israel through the Agency, which is 75 people less compared to the same period in 2017. The Agency also noted that in October 2018, 15 Turkish citizens left for Israel via ISKUR. In October 2018, a total of 3,373 Turkish citizens went abroad searching work via ISKUR. According to the Agency, in January-October 2018, 20,155 Turkish citizens left the country via ISKUR, which is 18.23 percent more compared to the same period in 2017. In October 2018, 123,870 Turkish citizens were provided with work in Turkey, which is 9.2 percent more compared to the same month 2017. In Turkey, in October, among those provided with jobs, 65 percent accounted for men, while the number of women accounted for 35 percent. Among those employed in October 2018, 99.2 percent accounted for the private sector. In January-October 2018, as a whole, 991,407 people were provided with jobs in Turkey. A total of 3.215 million people were registered as unemployed in Turkey in October 2018. Fifty-two percent of them are women and 48 percent are men. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: The issues of development of Karakalpakstan economy have been discussed at the meeting held in Nukus under chairmanship of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the press-service of the head of state reported, Podrobno.uz conveyed. The share of industry in gross regional product of Karakalpakstan has increased from 36 to 41 percent, the message says. And thanks to the measures taken for comprehensive support of craftsmen, their number has increased from 460 in the beginning of the year to 1,480 currently. Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave instructions for creation of even greater number of jobs, establishment of new and expansion of the functioning enterprises. Meanwhile, it has been envisaged to implement 1,018 investment projects for development of industry, the sphere of services and agriculture in 2019-2020. It has been planned to allocate for these purposes 11 trillion soums including $895 million of direct foreign investments. For instance, the construction of cement plant with capacity of 3.4 million tons per year will begin in the next year, in Karauzak district together with South Korea. The enterprises for fish canning will be established in Muynak, and the enterprises for processing of corn and production of paper will be established in Takhiatash district. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: In January-October 2018, the number of Turkish citizens arrived in Russia through the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR) in search of work fell by 7.79 percent compared to the same period in 2017, ISKUR told Trend on Nov. 16. In January-October 2018, 2,534 Turkish citizens arrived in Russia through ISKUR, which is 214 citizens less compared to the same period in 2017. In October 2018, 407 Turkish citizens visited Russia through the Turkish Employment Agency. In October 2018, via ISKUR, a total of 3,373 Turkish citizens went abroad searching for work. According to the agency, in January-October 2018, 20,155 Turkish citizens left the country via ISKUR, which is 18.23 percent more compared to the same period in 2017. In October 2018, 123,870 Turkish citizens were provided with work in Turkey, which is 9.2 percent more compared to the same month 2017. In Turkey, in October, among those provided with jobs, 65 percent accounted for men, while the number of women accounted for 35 percent. Among those employed in October 2018, 99.2 percent accounted for the private sector. In January-October 2018, as a whole, 991,407 people were provided with jobs in Turkey. A total of 3.215 million people were registered as unemployed in Turkey in October 2018. Fifty-two percent of them are women and 48 percent are men. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The Turkmen gas, which is to be delivered via the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, will reach Pakistan in two years, the Turkmengas State Concern said in a message quoting CEO of the TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. Consortium Muhammetmyrat Amanov. He was speaking at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) underway in the UAE. Amanov also noted that the total cost of the TAPI pipeline is about $7 billion. "We plan to make a final investment decision in the first half of next year, and then to gradually complete construction in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India," he noted. The construction of the pipeline began in December 2015. As the leader of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, Turkmengas State Concern, which has a controlling stake, is the main financier and project manager. The consortium also includes the Afghanistan Gas Corporation, Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited and Indian GAIL. The total length of the pipeline, with a capacity of 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year will be 1,840 kilometers. The gas will be supplied from the Galkynysh field in Turkmenistan, the second largest in the world. This energy bridge will pass through the Afghan cities of Herat and Kandahar (816 kilometers), through the cities of Quetta and Multan across Pakistani territory (819 kilometers), and reach the settlement of Fazilka in India. Tehran, Iran, Nov.16 Trend: A member of Iranian Parliament Abolfazl Musavi Biuki believes that under the present circumstances, with Japan exempted from Washingtons oil sanctions, Iran can easily benefit from this situation, by purchasing planes in exchange for oil, and renew its aviation fleet, ICANA reported. Musavi Biuki said that government is currently focused on buying new airliners, no longer planning to consider used ones. The parliament member added that as per Iran Civil Aviation Organizations new approach toward renewal of the air transport fleet, certainly all countries and airliner producers will be taken into consideration when making the call to properly equip and renew the fleet. He pointed to the fact that at the moment most of the fleet is old and in bad shape, so government and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development should reequip both passenger and cargo airliner fleets. He mentioned the governments planning and negotiations to purchase airliners from foreign companies such as the Chinese ARJ, Japanese Mitsubishi, and even the Russian Sukhoi. "The airliner fleet has up until now provided supplies from the Eastern Bloc; however, Russian planes failed to yield favorable results, leaving unpleasant memories of used Tupolevs in peoples and officials minds," said Musavi Biuki. The main criterion for buying planes is their quality; therefore, officials should take all conditions and priorities into account when negotiating with other countries, he concluded. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: In January-September 2018, Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR exported over 1.265 million tons of oil and oil products to the Czech Republic worth $668.2 million, the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan told Trend. During the same period of 2017, SOCAR delivered 923,190 tons of oil and oil products to the Czech Republic worth $343.87 million. In 2017, Azerbaijan exported over 1.406 million tons of oil and oil products to the Czech Republic worth $551.6 million. The Czech Republic accounts for about 6 percent of Azerbaijan's oil exports. At the same time, Azerbaijan meets about a third of the Czech Republic's need for oil. In January-September 2018, Azerbaijan exported 21.95 million tons of oil and oil products worth a total of $11.59 million. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey is resuming oil import from the territory of the Kurdish autonomy in the north of Iraq via the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline, Turkish media reported Nov. 16. The report said that 50-100,000 barrels of oil will be daily shipped from Iraq to Turkey via this pipeline. Earlier, a source in the Turkish government told Trend that Turkey may resume oil import from the territory of the Kurdish autonomy in the north of Iraq via the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline. The source said this decision was made after the US sanctions against Iran entered into force. The source noted that Turkey suspended the purchase of oil through the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline after September 25, 2017, when the Kurdish autonomy of Iraq held the so-called referendum on independence, which was not recognized by the international community. On November 5, the US sanctions against Iran entered into force. The sanctions cover the sphere of oil exports. Washington has set out to bring the export of Iranian oil to zero, calling on all its buyers to refuse such purchases. The US President Donald Trump announced in May that Washington was withdrawing from an agreement on nuclear program with Iran. The US president also announced the restoration of all sanctions against Iran, including secondary ones, that is, against other countries doing business with Iran. On August 7, the US re-enacted part of the sanctions against Iran. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Turkmenistan signed a $500 million loan to strengthen Turkmenistans transmission network, improve the reliability of the countrys power supply, and increase electricity exports to neighbouring countries. The signing was witnessed by ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers (Economy and Finance) Mr. Gochmyrat Myradovon at the sidelines of the 17th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, ADB said in a message. The National Power Grid Strengthening Project is the first project by any international financial institution in the power sector in Turkmenistan. It will cover four of the countrys five regions and help establish an interconnected national transmission grid to improve reliability and energy efficiency of the network. It will also boost Turkmenistans capacity to trade electricity with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and increase the volume of current electricity exports to Afghanistan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: The delegation of State Services Agency of Uzbekistan visited the famous German company for production of professional equipment for digitization of documents Microbox GmbH, Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan said in a statement. The purpose of the travel was to discuss the prospects of interaction of competent agencies of the two countries in the sphere digitization of the sector of public services, to learn ways of operation of up-to-date scanning devices, as well as to generate proposals for intensification of process of digitization of archive data. In addition, special attention was paid to consideration of issues of supply of the advanced scanning equipment to Uzbekistan. Professional solutions offered by Microbox GmbH company are considered one of the best solutions in the world. According to appraisals of the specialists, the equipment is able to perform almost any task on creation of digital archives. The State Services Agency has introduced the position of archivist in the system of Centers of public services thanks to which it is planned to stop using manual search of archive documents of agencies of Civil Acts Registration Bureau (registry offices). Furthermore, it is planned to develop a Unified electronic archive of Civil Acts Registration Bureau until January 1, 2022. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The plane of the Tashkent-Mumbai flight of Uzbekistan Airways carried out emergency landing in Samarkand because one of the passengers had a heart attack, the national airline said in its Telegram channel. According to the information, the plane of the HY-427 Tashkent-Mumbai flight took off from Tashkent airport at 00:05. Soon after the takeoff, when the aircraft was already over the territory of Afghanistan, the passenger felt ill. After assessing the condition of the passenger, the crew decided to urgently land the plane and deliver the passenger to the airport of the nearest large city. Samarkand was the best option because of its proximity and the presence of large medical institutions capable of receiving passengers. After the hospitalization of the passenger with a heart attack, the plane continued the flight and arrived in Mumbai with a small delay at 06:15. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Manlio Di Stefano, has arrived in Dushanbe to attend an official launch of the first unit of the Roghun hydroelectric power plant (HPP) into operation that took place today, news.tj reports. Yesterday, Mr. Manlio Di Stefano met here with Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan. According to the press center of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT), the parties discussed trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Italy. They, in particular, discussed issues related to attracting foreign investment, expanding cooperation between Tajikistan and Italy in the fields of agriculture, industry, energy and tourism. On the same day, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister held talks with Sirojiddin Muhiddin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan. The two discussed a broad range of issues related political, trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Italy, according to the Tajik MFA information department. They also exchanged views on humanitarian and security cooperation between the two countries. Tehran, Iran, Nov.16 Trend: Iran's Bazargan custom officers have detained three Turkish trucks that tried to smuggle some 2,000 liters of fuel destined for Turkey. The officers at the Bazargan custom checkpoint at West Azerbaijan province, discovered additional fuel in the truck's containers through an X-Ray machine, and prevented the fuel being smuggled out of the country, Mehr News Agency reported. Current economic situation alongside drop of currency rate have led to rise of fuel smuggling outside Iran. More than one billion liters (roughly 265,000 gallons) of gasoline have been smuggled out of Iran in the past few months, Reuters quoted Iran's anti-smuggling police chief IRGC Briadier-General Ali Moayyedi saying on October 10. Russia's State Duma on Thursday unanimously endorsed an agreement on establishment of a free trade zone between Iran the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), irna.ir reports In its Thursday's open session, the members of the State Duma with the majority of votes approved the agreement on the establishment of the free trade zone, signed in the Kazakhstan capital city of Astana on May 17. The volume of trade between Iran and EAEU member states in 2017 stood at 2.7 billion dollars. Earlier, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Mehdi Sanaei told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that negotiations on the free trade agreement started two years ago and both sides have finally agreed on a list of commodities that are subject to reduction or omission of tariffs after lengthy discussions. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU, or unofficially EEU, sometimes known informally as the Eurasian Union (EAU), is a political and economic union of states located in central and northern Eurasia. The treaty aiming for the establishment of the EAEU was signed on 29 May 2014 by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, and came into force on 1 January 2015. The Eurasian Economic Union has an integrated single market of 183 million people and a gross domestic product of over 4 trillion U.S. dollars. The EAEU introduces the free movement of goods, capital, services and people and provides for common policies in the macroeconomic sphere, transport, industry and agriculture, energy, foreign trade and investment, customs, technical regulation, competition and antitrust regulation. Iran's Ambassador to Vienna Ebadollah Moulaei and Director of the Austrian National Library Johanna Rachinger also discussed holding a seminar on the sidelines of the cultural exhibition in Tehran, irna.ir reports. A representative from National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) is to visit Austria to follow up preliminary works for holding such an event. The two sides also discussed the latest developments and outlooks for cultural interactions between the two countries. The Austrian National Library has one of the richest, valuable and unique works of the Persian manuscript in Europe. As a matter of fact, the library substituted Royal Library of Austrian Empire. Its building dates as back as 1723 and was developed then. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: The statements made in Armenia about the need to sign a military agreement between the country and the puppet separatist regime in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region are populist in nature and are intended for internal audience, Elkhan Alasgarov, PhD, well-known Azerbaijani political analyst, head of the Expert Council of the Baku Network, told Trend. Alasgarov was commenting on Armenias recent statements. Armenia cannot sign military treaties without the agreement with the CSTO, where it is a member, he added. Yerevan is unable to draw the right conclusions from any situation and strives to make one mistake after another, Alasgarov said. As a CSTO member, Armenia has already made a gross mistake due to the response of CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov, thereby putting this structure in an awkward position. Armenia intends to sign a military treaty supposedly aimed at ensuring the security of illegal formation in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, which is also absurd, he added. I believe that such statements are groundless and cast doubt on Armenia's membership in the organization. At the same time, they violate the contractual basis with all CSTO member-states." Alasgarov stressed that all such statements are exclusively propaganda. "To sign such a document, Armenia must leave CSTO, so all these conversations are irrelevant, he added. I think that even when trying to sign such a document, Armenia will face another crisis in relations with the CSTO member-states and will threaten once again authority of the Eurasian structure." 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. http://bakunetwork.com Join us in Twitter and on Facebook https://twitter.com/BakuNetwork https://www.facebook.com/BakuNetwork Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp5ic7mhc6rZF6w0TQWqtmg Baku, Azerbaijan, November 16 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Crude and condensate production in Kazakhstan in January-October 2018 amounted to 74.5 million tons, Minister of energy Kanat Bozumbayev said on Tuesday. Compared to the same period of last year, the growth made 4.8 percent, he said at a government meeting in Astana, Interfax Kazakhstan reported. Of this volume, crude output amounted to about 63.9 million tons, which is 6.2 percent more than in the same period of 2017, while condensate production exceeded 10.6 million tons, according to data from statistical Committee of the Ministry of national economy of Kazakhstan. The increase in production is mainly due to large oil fields Kashagan, Tengiz and Karachaganak. According to the minister, oil production at three major facilities amounted to 44.3 million tons, including 10.7 million tons from Kashagan, 23.4 million tons from Tengiz and 10.1 million tons from the Karachaganak field. Exports of crude and condensate for the mentioned period amounted to about 60 million tons or 80 percent of the total production. All three major fields are currently in the process of optimization and expansion of capacity. Tengiz oil and gas field expansion project with a budget of $37 billion, which includes construction of the third oil purification plant and the wellhead pressure management project, is at its peak, General Manager for public relations Rzabek Artygaliyev said, adding that the number of people employed in the project reaches 100 thousand people, he said. In addition, North East Ring Project with a budget of $5 billion is expected to be launched at the field. It contains drilling of 66 new wells. After completion of the project, production at the Tengiz field will increase by about 12 million tons, reaching 39-40 million per year. Also, recently the project of expansion of Karachaganak field with a budget of at least $5 billion has been launched. Next year, the Kashagan field is expected to increase production. According to North Caspian operating company (NCOC), the operator of the North Caspian project, during the Phase 1 of the project it is planned to increase the level of production to 13 million tons of oil per year. Deputy Energy Minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev said that oil production from the field may exceed 12 million tons in 2018. Now production is about 330,000-340,000 barrels per day, but optimization work is underway, he said. Mirzagaliyev added that by 2021 Kashagan is expected to reach the production level of 420,000 barrels per day. These forecasts are confirmed also by OPEC. "For 2018, Kazakhstans average annual output is expected to grow by 90,000 barrels per day to reach 1.82 million barrels per day, revised up by 6,000 barrels per day from the previous month," OPEC said in its Monthly Oil Market Report. OPEC forecasts the countrys oil supply to grow by 50,000 barrels per day in 2019 to reach 1.87 million barrels per day, due to the ongoing Kashagan field ramp-up. Reaching full operational capacity at the Kashagan field is one of the priority goals for Kazakhstans oil and gas industry as it would yield multibillion government revenues. Therefore, Kazakhstan intends to achieve an exception in oil production for the Kashagan field if the participants in the OPEC+ Vienna deal decide to reduce oil production again, Mirzagaliyev said. He reminded that in 2017 the possibility to increase production in the framework of the agreement was stipulated for Kashagan. Another crucial goal for Kazakhstan is to synchronize production and transportation of oil, as imbalance between them can lead to financial losses. Kazakhstan plans to join the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline from 2019, Minister of energy Kanat Bozumbayev said at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Astana last week, Kazakh media reported. Intention to use alternative transportation route through BTC is one more sign of that the government is confident the oil production in Kazakhstan will grow next year. Transportation of Kazakhstans crude from the port of Aktau transited through Azerbaijan by the BTC pipeline has been halted since the second half of 2015 due to the expansion of the system of the Caspian pipeline consortium an export pipeline running through the territory of Russia. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Matanat Nasibova Trend: The fact that Paris doesnt prevent illegal visits to France by the leaders of the separatist regime, created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, and doesnt prevent French MPs' visits to Nagorno-Karabakh is contrary to the norms and principles of international law, as well as makes question France's membership as an international mediator in the OSCE Minsk Group, Sirin Ali, an independent Turkish expert, told Trend. She was commenting on the illegal visit to France by Bako Sahakyan, head of the separatist regime created in Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region. She said the mission of France as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group is to support the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means; however, the inadequate actions of Paris show that France isnt much interested in this. For many years, this international structure has been demonstrating lack of initiative in the Karabakh conflict's settlement, and the fact that the problem still persists is the result of the idleness of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, she said. However, unlike France, Russia and the US try not to violate diplomatic etiquette. Every time, when visiting the region, high-ranking officials of the US administration and the Russian government pay visits to both Armenia and Azerbaijan. This fact was recently confirmed by the visit of the US National Security Adviser John Bolton to the region, during which he visited Baku and Yerevan. She added that Russia also demonstrates similar actions. Sirin Ali noted that the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Yerevan to participate in the Francophonie Summit showed unequivocal support of that European country for the occupation policy of Armenia. Considering the elementary ethics, the fact that France is represented in the OSCE MG as an international mediator, President Macron had to pay a visit to neighboring Azerbaijan as well, but he demonstrated an open pro-Armenian position of France, she added. She said the inadequate actions of the French president cast doubt on the participation of France as an international mediator in the OSCE Minsk Group, and also testify to the policy of double standards in relation to Azerbaijan. On Nov. 15, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said that Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country. "Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level," the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. 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: @MatanatNasibova EU has expressed its deep concern about the the continuous deterioration of the human rights situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in a statement on the Secretary Generals 18th consolidated report which touched the conflict in Georgia, agenda.ge reports. The European Union Delegation to the Council of Europe has issued the local statement in agreement with the EU Heads of mission to the Council of Europe. The EU remains particularly concerned about: obstacles to the freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions, a continued discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, a deepening of the documentation gap for ethnic Georgians in the Gali district of Abkhazia, restrictions on access to education in ones native language in both entities, and a violation of property rights, reads the report. The EU is also concerned over the ongoing erection of new illegal barbed wire fences along the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line aimed at fortifying the line and further isolating the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia from the rest of Georgia. Herewith, the EU reiterates its calls for a proper investigation into the tragic death of Archil Tatunashvili in February 2018 and for justice to be applied following the killing of Giga Otkhozoria in May 2016. On the other hand, the EU is deeply concerned by the current suspension of meetings of the de facto authorities to participate in the meetings of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs). The EU strongly supports the calls by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions to respect the established practice on the agenda of the IPRMs and to resume the regular meetings without delay, reads the statement adding that the EU strongly supports all ongoing and planned confidence-building activities of the CoE. The report also says that the EU remains highly committed to support peace building and conflict resolution in Georgia, including through its co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and the EU Monitoring mission (EUMM) on the ground. The EU also reiterates its concern about the continuing Russian illegal military presence, increased military exercises and infrastructure reinforcements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and calls on the Russian Federation to fully implement the agreement of 12 August 2008 and provide the EU Monitoring mission with access to the regions. The EU also pledges to continue to support a wide range of humanitarian and human rights protection, development and other cooperation actions in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The United States welcomed the details of Saudi Arabias investigation into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi as a good first step on Thursday, arabnews.com reports. The comments came as a host of countries responded positively to a briefing from the Kingdoms public prosecution that said it had identified 21 suspects in the killing of the Saudi journalist at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. The prosecution on Thursday called for five people to receive the death penalty as it revealed the details of the investigation so far. We regard the announcement that they made as a good first step, it's a step in the right direction, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken toward full accountability. The French Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the referral of the accused in the killing of Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi to the judiciary is a step in the right direction, Al Arabiya reports. The comments which were reported by Al Arabiya news channels correspondent in Paris, come on the heels of the press conference held this afternoon by Saudi Arabias Public Prosecutionon the investigation into the Khashoggi killing and call for the death penalty against those involved. Also, US State Department confirmed on Thursday that the Saudi investigation into the case of Jamal Khashoggi was an important step on the right track. Also, Friday morning, Pakistan foreign ministry noted in an official statement with appreciation the announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to initiate the process of indictment of those responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The statement added that the commencement of this process demonstrates the resolve and commitment of the Saudi authorities to hold the culprits and their associates to account and fulfill the imperatives of justice, as has been mutually reaffirmed by both Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Saudi Arabias foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir held a press conference on Thursday evening in the Saudi capital Riyadh to discuss the findings and judicial rulings issued by the Saudi Public Prosecution in relation to the Khashoggi killing. The Chinese authorities express hope for intensifying cooperation with Russia against the backdrop of closer contacts between the two countries leadership, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday when asked to comment on a recent meeting between Premier of Chinas State Council Li Keqiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin, TASS reports. "As for the meeting between Li Keqiang and Vladimir Putin in Singapore, we believe that Russian-Chinese relations are currently at an unprecedentedly high level. The two countries leaders constantly use all favorable opportunities to maintain close bilateral contacts and resolve important regional and global issues," she told reporters at a regular press briefing. "We highly appreciate relations between our two counties and hope that China and Russia will use every opportunity to further strengthen cooperation." According to the diplomat, contacts between Moscow and Beijing are important to ensure universal peace and global development. The meeting between Putin and Li Keqiang was held on November 15 during the East Asia Summit in Singapore. During the meeting, the Chinese side expressed willingness to intensify cooperation with Russia in a number of key areas of bilateral cooperation, including the energy sector, trade and innovative technologies. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a decision on the fate of Israel's next general election is inching closer, The Jerusalem Post reports. The meeting is expected to revolve mainly around the defense minister post which soon-to-be-former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman resigned from this week, taking his Yisrael Beytenu party with him, thereby leaving the coalition with a fragile majority. Liberman's resignation came a day after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire following the heaviest barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip Israel has ever seen. On the same day, Bayit Yehudi chairman Bennett announced that if he would not be appointed defense minister in place of Liberman, his party would leave the coalition as well, which would automatically trigger early elections. Netanyahu signaled that he might be willing to give in to Bennett's demand, but whether he would do so became seemingly irrelevant on Thursday, after Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon objected to the idea of Bennett becoming defense minister, instead calling for early elections. In the current situation, the right thing for the citizens of Israel and the Israeli economy is to go to an election as soon as possible, Kahlon said in a meeting with Netanyahu. The stability necessary at this time is unattainable as long as there is political uncertainty, according to Kahlon, and going to an election in order to form a new, strong and stable government would be the most responsible thing to do. Interior Minister Arye Deri also said on Thursday that elections are the preferable outcome following Libermans resignation. Nearly all of the Likuds coalition partners have called to go to an early election as soon as possible, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly continued to express hope that it wont happen on Friday afternoon, The Jerusalem Post reports. Netanyahu met with Education Minister Naftali Bennett to discuss the governments future. A source with knowledge of the meeting said that Netanyahu said there was no way for the coalition to function with only a one-seat majority, which with it was left after Avigdor Liberman resigned from the defense ministry. However, following the meeting, Netanyahus spokesman claimed the prime minister said the rumors that a decision has been made to go to an early election are not correct. The statement also said Netanyahu will retain the defense portfolio, which automatically reverted to him after Liberman resigned. Bennetts ultimatum for his Bayit Yehudi party to remain in the coalition was for him to become defense minister. The prime minister also warned of repeating the precedent of 1992, in which a right-wing party left the coalition, Labor won the subsequent election, and then-prime minister Yitzhak Rabin signed the Oslo Accords. Netanyahu spoke with coalition party leaders on the phone Friday afternoon, saying there is no reason to go to an election and we must make every effort not torepeat the historic mistake of 1992 when the right-wing government was brought down, the Left took power and the disaster of Oslo was brought upon the State of Israel. The prime minister plans to meet with party leaders in the beginning of next week. However, nearly all the other partners in the coalition said they had gone too far down the road towards an early election to turn around. After Liberman resigned on Wednesday in protest over a ceasefire with Hamas, and took his Yisrael Beytenu party with him, the coalition was left with a one-seat majority. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Interior Minister Arye Deri both called for an early election the following day. Bennett made his ultimatum, but following Fridays meeting with Netanyahu, sources close to the Bayit Yehudi leader made statements similar to the other coalition party leaders, that it was clear that it was not possible for the current government to continue functioning. The Bayit Yehudi sources said this was a result of Kahlons resolute position on the matter perhaps in an attempt to avoid the accusation Netanyahu and others in the Likud were making of repeating the mistakes of 1992. Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism has yet to put out any kind of statement about an early election, but their seven seats are not enough to save Netanyahus government. Netanyahus meetings with party leaders next week will likely be focused on reaching an agreed-upon date for the election. Kahlon, Deri and Bennett all called for the vote to take place as soon as possible. Legally assuming the Knesset can be dispersed in the coming week that would be February 19. However, Kahlon is aiming for a March date. March 12 or 26 would be the likely dates, because the Purim holiday falls on March 21. Netanyahu prefers to wait until May. May 21 or 28 are the only likely dates because Remembrance Day, Independence Day and the Eurovision song competition are earlier that month. North Korea has decided to deport a U.S. citizen detained since October, Reuters reports referring to the state news agency KCNA. The American, whom the agency identified as Bruce Byron Lowrance, illegally entered North Korea from China and told his captors he was under the control of the CIA, it said. A Michigan man of the same name was deported from South Korea in November 2017 after being found wandering near the heavily fortified border with North Korea, but there was no immediate confirmation of his identity. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey and EU will hold political consultations during the visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to Ankara on Nov. 22, the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Trend on Nov. 16. "Mogherini will hold a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the ministry said. The Turkey-EU relations, the fight against terrorism will be discussed during the meeting." Earlier, Cavusoglu said that Ankara intends to develop relations with EU. An association agreement between the EU and Turkey was signed in 1963. Ankara filed an application for membership in the EU in 1987, but accession negotiations were launched in 2005. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Some 188 servicemen have been detained in Ankara in framework of fight against terrorist movement FETO (movement of Fethullah Gulen), the Turkish press wrote Nov. 16. The operation was held in Air Forces of Turkey. Among the detainees, there are also officers and high-ranking military men, the message says. It was determined during the investigation that the detainees had contacts with the terrorist movement FETO, the message says. Earlier, 103 military men accused of contacts with Gulen movement were detained in Istanbul. 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. 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 Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 17 Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Turkish media reports Nov. 17. According to the reports, along with bilateral relations, the leaders discussed the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as the Syrian issue. Erdogan also expressed his condolences in connection with those killed during forest fires in California. On Oct. 20, the Saudi authorities reported that Khashoggi was killed as a result of a conflict in the consulate general. Prosecutor General of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Saud al-Mujib said 18 nationals of the country are under investigation, whose identities have not been revealed. Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the murderers of Khashoggi must be convicted in Turkey. "Although Khashoggi was killed in the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia, the crime was committed in Turkey, which makes Ankara pay more attention to this," he said. Considering that Khashoggi was brutally murdered, Saudi Arabia must do everything possible to find and punish the criminals." The authorities of Saudi Arabia claim that the body of the killed reporter was handed over to someone in Turkey, Erdogan noted. If Saudi Arabia claims that the body of Khashoggi was handed over to someone, that persons name should be revealed, Erdogan said. Authorities say that 631 people are still unaccounted for after last weeks deadly wildfire in Northern California, Associated Press reported. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said he believes there are people on the list who fled the blaze and dont realize they were reported missing. He said authorities were making the list public so people could see if theyre on it, and let authorities know they are safe. Honea announced the increased count at a news conference Thursday, after having said a day earlier that 130 people were unaccounted for. He said the first figure was a partial count, and after authorities went back through all 911 calls and other reports of missing persons from the past week they came up with the new number. The Nov. 8 fire killed 63 people, destroyed 9,700 homes and displaced 52,000 people in the town of Paradise and nearby towns. The White House has not taken any steps with respect to extraditing US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen amid the developments in the case of murdered Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi, US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press briefing, Sputnik reported. NBC News reported on Thursday President Donald Trump is looking for ways to remove Gulen from the United States to appease Turkey and ease pressure on the government of Saudi Arabia. "The White House has not been involved in any discussions [with Turkish authorities] related to the extradition of Fethullah Gulen," Nauert said on Thursday. Nauert added Washington is continuing to evaluate the materials that the Turkish government's request for Gulen's removal. Nauert said the Gulen and Khashoggi cases are not related and added that the two issues stay separated. Earlier on Thursday, the United States sanctioned 17 individuals involved in the murder Khashoggi. Nauert said there may be additional actions taken against Saudi Arabia as the investigation into the Khashoggi murder is ongoing. More than 6,000 militants of the Maghawir al-Thawra group controlled by the US are currently in the Rukban refugee camp along with 50,000 refugees, Yuri Tarasov, the Russian Defense Ministry's Envoy to the Ceasefire and Humanitarian Task Forces in Geneva, said at a meeting of the Russian and Syrian headquarters for refugees return on Friday, TASS reports. "One of the most pressing issues today is the situation in the Rukban refugee camp, where a dire humanitarian situation has emerged. It is noteworthy that the total number of temporarily displaced individuals there is around 50,000. Of these, about 6,000 are militants from the US-controlled Maghawir al-Thawra group," he said. According to Tarasov, weekly meetings of the Ceasefire and Humanitarian Task Forces are held in Geneva as part of the International Syria Support Group, which comprises representatives of 23 countries and four international organizations. "Participants in these meetings discuss issues related to compliance with the cessation of hostilities and provision of assistance to Syrias population," Tarasov added. U.S. criminal investigators have requested information from Deutsche Bank, Bank of America and JPMorgan about transactions they handled for Danske Banks Estonia branch, which is at the center of a money laundering scandal, Reuters reports referring Bloomberg. Danske Bank said last month it faced a U.S. criminal investigation into as much as 200 billion euro (230 billion dollars) of suspicious transactions at its Estonian branch between 2007 and 2015. The scandal has rocked investor faith in Denmarks biggest lender and forced its chief executive and chairman to quit. The Bloomberg report said that there were no signs that Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), Bank of America (BAC.N) and JPMorgan (JPM.N), which were correspondent banks for Danskes Estonian branch, were themselves targets for the investigation. It said the examination of whether the three banks gave appropriate scrutiny to the Estonia transactions was part of the broader investigation of Danske led by the U.S. Justice Department and prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Treasury Department are also investigating the Danske Bank transactions through the global banks, Bloomberg said. Deutsche Bank, Bank of America and JPMorgan declined to comment when asked about the Bloomberg report by Reuters. The Texas A&M University Department of Computer Science and Engineering supported student travel to the 2018 Tapia Conference in September in Orlando, Florida. The Tapia Conference fosters opportunities that are distinct from most other computer science conferences as it acknowledges, promotes and celebrates diversity in computing. The conference brings together many individuals from underrepresented communities with research-oriented discussions regarding accessibility and socially-aware computing. According to Seth Polsley, a Texas A&M computer science student and attendee, students were able to interact with graduate students researching technology based on their first-hand experiences with a disability, see a presentation given in sign language by a speaker who was deaf (through an interpreter), attend a career fair and connect with undergraduate and high school students from underrepresented communities about their plans and goals. South Sudan: UN Report Urges Release Of Hundreds Of Abducted Civilians A UN report has documented the immense suffering of civilians in the Western Equatoria region of South Sudan where 900 people were abducted and 24,000 forced to flee their homes during a surge in violence between April and August. GENEVA / JUBA, 18 October 2018[Gurtong] In April 2018, after several months of relative calm, the pro-Riek Machar Sudan Peoples Liberation Army in-Opposition (SPLA-IO (RM)) intensified attacks against villages and targeted civilians in Gbudue and Tambura. The Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA)s offensives to dislodge SPLA-IO (RM) forces also resulted in harm to civilians, as these operations failed to distinguish between civilians and combatants, the report by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Human Rights Office says. Corroborated victim and witness accounts indicate that women and girls as young as 12, abducted by opposition forces, were paraded and lined up for commanders to choose as wives. Those who were not chosen were left for other fighters who subjected them to repeated rapes. Abducted young men and boys were forced to be fighters or used as porters. Most of the abducted civilians are, as far as we know, still being held captive. The SPLA-IO (RM) must immediately release them, first and foremost the children, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. As part of the revitalised peace process, it is also essential that the Government of South Sudan acts to hold the perpetrators of the abuses and violations detailed in this report to account. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, David Shearer, said it was disappointing that the spike in violence took place while warring parties were negotiating a new peace agreement and despite positive reconciliation efforts in the affected community at the time. A new peace agreement has been signed which puts the onus and responsibility on the warring parties to ensure that no atrocities are committed in future. UNMISS will be closely monitoring any potential violations and abuses, said David Shearer. The report documented SPLA-IO (RM) attacks on at least 28 villages, a settlement of internally displaced persons and a refugee camp, in Gbudue and Tambura. Serious abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law occurred during these attacks, including unlawful killings, abduction, rape, sexual slavery, forced recruitment, and destruction of property. UNMISS Human Rights Division has identified three SPLA-IO (RM) commanders who allegedly had effective command and control of the forces committing these abuses, which may amount to war crimes. SPLA forces also carried out military operations that were characterized by serious violations, including unlawful killings and destruction of civilian property, particularly around Nagero in May 2018. Among its recommendations, the report calls for accountability and for the reinforcement of existing recovery and resilience programmes to re-establish access to basic services, particularly medical and psychosocial support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and for the provision of economic alternatives for young fighters. KYODO NEWS - Nov 17, 2018 - 05:21 | All, World Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked North Korea and Sweden Friday for working to secure the release of a U.S. citizen who was detained after entering the North illegally last month from China. "The United States appreciates the cooperation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the embassy of Sweden in facilitating the release of an American citizen," the top U.S. diplomat said in a statement, referring to North Korea by its formal name. North Korea's state media reported earlier in the day that the country has decided to deport the U.S. citizen, identified as Bruce Byron Lowrance, who was detained as he entered North Korea through its land border with China on Oct. 16. "During the investigation, Lowrance stated that he illegally entered the DPRK under the manipulation of the CIA," the Korean Central News Agency said. While the authorities assert CIA involvement, the deportation of the man just a month after his capture indicates that consideration may have been given to the effect of his continued detention on nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. The water level in the reservoir at 8.00 AM had reached 141.40 feet. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh wedding photos are breaking the internet. The duo began their romance, six years ago, when they met on the sets of film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013). For years,they had not spoke about their relationship but finally they made wedding announcement in October 2018, that put DeepVeer fans in a state of bliss. The fans were waiting for the first official photo of DeepVeer from their wedding and finally, after teasing us for hours, the pair took to their social media handles to share two photos from their Konkani and Sindhi wedding ceremonies. Now, that the couple tied knot, everyone in India is waiting for the couple to return to country. According to source, the couple is returning to Mumbai on November 18, 2018, and will then be heading to Bengaluru. which is Deepika's hometown. The first wedding reception will take place in Bengaluru on November 21, 2018, while the second wedding reception will take place in Mumbai on November 28, 2018. A star-studded party for their Bollywood friends is being planned by couple and will be hosted on December 1, 2018. Now, fans cantt wait to see the newly wed couple in the country in which couple rules the million of hearts. The battle against poaching continues without much success VietNamNet Bridge - To obtain wild animals to sell to restaurants, poachers venture into forests and natural reserves, willing to fire on forest rangers. One month after being shot by poachers, Ngo Duc Lien, a legal officer at the Chu Yang Sin National Park in Krong Bong district of Dak Lak province, still had to struggle with pain because bullets had not been removed from his body. Lien was shot with tens of bullets when he and 22 forest rangers were patrolling the forest with 4 AK rifles and supporting tools. On September 12, the patrolling team discovered four subjects bearing self-modified rifles and three hunting dogs and asked them to put down the weapons. The poachers ran away, leaving one rifle and a bag of bullets. To obtain wild animals to sell to restaurants, poachers venture into forests and natural reserves, willing to fire on forest rangers. At 12 pm the same day, when the team was on the way home, they were attacked by the poacher, and Lien, who led the team, received tens of bullets. Forest rangers had to travel a long distance to carry Lien to the road where they could hail a car to hospital. Prior to that, in January, the national park also sent a team to the site after receiving information from locals that tens of men went to the forests to hunt animals. According to Do Van Lam, a forest ranger of Chu YangSin, the team met with 20 poachers who were in ambush. The poachers fired the forest rangers from above. Ta Ngoc Trong, a member of the team, received a shot wound on his right hand which crushed his bone. He was carried to Cho Ray Hospital in HCMC and underwent surgery to heal broken bone. Local newspapers recently quoted experts as reporting that poachers are willing to fire on forest rangers and policemen. In previous years, trapping was the major hunting method of poachers. However, now, as the number of wild animals has dropped, poachers usually hunt with dogs and rifles. Loc Xuan Nghia, director of Chu Yang Sin National Park, confirmed that forest protection teams are equipped with military goods, but it is still difficult to catch poachers. Forest rangers have many times met poachers recently, but poachers ran away after shooting the rangers. If forest rangers fire and hit dangerous parts of poachers bodies or backs, they will face legal accusations. Poachers are very aggressive, and more and more forest rangers have been wounded recently. This has discouraged them, Nghia said. The Ea So Natural Reserve is the only area in the large northwestern part of Dak Lak province where wild animals still live. RELATED NEWS The workers who rescue and save wildlife The largest vault of wildlife skulls and horns in Hanoi Mai Lan Researchers have developed a new technique to analyse cell membrane proteins in situ which could revolutionise the way in which we study diseases, such as cancer, metabolic and heart diseases. The discovery was made as part of an international research collaboration, led by Oxford University, alongside peers including Imperial College London. The technique could dramatically affect our understanding of both how cell membrane complexes work, and in the process, our approach to healthcare research. Membranes protect all of our cells and the organelles inside them, including the mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cell. These membranes are studded with biological machinery made of proteins that enable molecular cargo to pass in and out. This research, published in Science, will enable the development of mass spectrometry (a tool used to analyse the make-up of matter) in biology to be taken to a new level, enabling new discoveries that would not have been possible before. Studying these membrane-embedded machines in their native state is crucial to understanding mechanisms of disease and providing new goals for treatments. However, current methods for studying them involve removing them from the membrane, which can alter their structure and functional properties. Lead researcher Professor Dame Carol Robinson, Professor of Physical Chemistry at Oxford's Department of Chemistry, said: 'For decades, scientists have had to extract these proteins from their membranes for their studies. But imagine what you might discover if you could get proteins straight from the membrane into a mass spectrometer? 'I wasn't sure this would ever work; I thought the membrane environment would be just too complicated and we wouldn't be able to understand the results. I am delighted that it has because it has given us a whole new view of an important class of drug targets.' The technique involves vibrating the sample at ultrasonic frequencies so that the cell begins to fall apart. Electrical currents then applied an electric field to eject the protein machines out of the membrane and directly into a mass spectrometer - an instrument that can detect a molecule's chemical 'signature', based on its mass. Not only did the membrane protein machines survive the ejection; the analysis also revealed how they communicate with each other, are guided to their final location and transport their molecular cargo into the cell. Professor Steve Matthews, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: 'With the development of this method, the application of mass spectrometry in biology will be taken to a new level, using it to make discoveries that would not have been possible before.' Dr Sarah Rouse, also from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: 'A longstanding question on the structure of one membrane machine from mitochondria has now been solved using this technique. Mitochondria are particularly interesting because there are several diseases that target them specifically, that we may now be able to design new therapies for.' Of the study's potential impact Professor Dame Robinson added: "The results are particularly exciting for mitochondrial membranes--we managed to catch a translocator in action--passing metabolites. Because mitochondrial therapeutics target a wide range of debilitating diseases, we now have a new way of assessing their effects.' ### Notes to editors The full paper citation is: Protein assemblies ejected directly from native membranes yield complexes for mass spectrometry Dror S. Chorev1 , Lindsay A. Baker2 , Di Wu1 , Victoria Beilsten-Edmands1 , Sarah L. Rouse3 , Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai2 *, Chimari Jiko4 , Firdaus Samsudin5 , Christoph Gerle6,7, Syma Khalid5 , Alastair G. Stewart8,9, Stephen J. Matthews3 , Kay Grunewald2,10, Carol V. Robinson1 Link to the paper: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/362/6416/829.full.pdf For further information please contact Lanisha Butterfield, Media Relations Manager on 01865 280531 or email lanisha.butterfield@admin.ox.ac.uk Researchers from the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country are seeking the best bivalves in the Nicaraguan mangroves for the purpose of monitoring pollution The Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) research group at the Plentzia Marine Station and the UPV/EHU's Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology has broad expertise in detecting the changes taking place in the health of ecosystems by measuring chemical variables and other sets of parameters in the cells and tissue of mussels, bivalves and fish. "These variables are like our temperature or pulse; the fact that they change in some way indicates that something is going on," explained Ionan Marigomez, director of the Plentzia Marine Station and professor of cell biology in the CBET group. In collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, the UPV/EHU's research group tackled the study of bivalves that could act as indicators of the environmental status of the Nicaraguan mangroves, both on the Caribbean and the Pacific. When considering the environmental status of tropical areas, "there is much awareness about the deterioration of the coral reefs, whereas focussing on the health status of the mangroves is less widespread. But the mangroves protect the reefs, they regulate sedimentation and the nutrients that come from the land, and are the hatcheries of many reef species", explained Marigomez. In the specific case of Nicaragua, "pollution is not very high, but there are various risk factors: the mangroves receive, among other things, the pesticides of all the crops, or mercury that is discharged in gold mines. What is more, there is no water treatment", he went on. Different species for the Caribbean and the Pacific One of the best candidates for monitoring mangrove ecosystems is the Crassostrea rhizophorae oyster. Yet, as Marigomez explained, "they are only found in the mangroves on the Caribbean coast, not in those of the Pacific; so we wanted to find substitute species for the sentinel work. And we also found it necessary to look for another additional species for the mangroves on the Caribbean side. Each species has a different sensitivity when faced with pollutants, so conducting the biomonitoring with more than one species at the same time is advisable". For the research they selected three bivalve species: for the Atlantic coast, a clam species known as Polymesoda arctata to complement the oyster that they were already familiar with, and for the Pacific coast, two cockle species: Anadara tuberculosa and Larkinia grandis. In each species they identified the appropriate health parameters, such as the level of pollutants accumulated in their tissue, the biometric variables for characterising growth and health status, the levels of histopathological lesions and parasites they displayed, abnormalities in reproduction, so that they would be able to deduce the health status of the ecosystems of the mangroves where these animals live. Despite having broad expertise in tasks of this nature, Marigomez remarked that in Nicaragua they were unable to use the usual techniques and methods. "It is another world, and they have very strict rules; for example, to get to the sampling locations we had to use light aircraft or motor launches. What is more, the use of liquid nitrogen and dry ice is expressly forbidden, and our working methodology is mainly based on cryotechniques; we are obliged to transport the samples in a frozen state. So in terms of logistics, adapting our working methodology to that reality posed a major challenge for us." "The work done was a lovely starting point, and it has encouraged us to set up another piece of research later on. For the monitoring we found a very suitable large cockle, L. grandis, which in Central America is known as casco de burro (donkey's hoof). It has a long life, so it would correctly reflect the evolution of the location where it lives and, what is more, has a very interesting biogeographical distribution: from Baja California to Ecuador. It would be nice to do this if we could secure long-term funding, and set up a network to monitor the whole biogeographical region." The ultimate aim of the monitoring is to be able to manage and protect the environment. "In Europe the wellbeing and use of ecosystems is governed by two directives, one on water and the other on marine strategy, and both stipulate the need to monitor the ecosystems to find out what state they are in at all times. Yet in other regions of the world, including Latin America, the legislation on environmental protection is not so developed. But in its capacity as the creator and member of the Iberoamerican Society of Contamination and Environmental Toxicology, our group has contacts with various Latin American centres of research and universities, and our aim is to gradually overcome the existing technical problems so that the monitoring can be something global". ### Additional information The UPV/EHU and the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua have been able to conduct this research thanks to a grant from the AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation). The research group belonging to the UPV/EHU is a member of the Centre for Research into Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, known as the Plentzia Marine Station; specifically, it is part of the Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) group of the Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology and the IBEA group of the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Bibliographical reference Javier R. Aguirre-Rubi, Maren Ortiz-Zarragoitia, Urtzi Izagirre, Nestor Etxebarria, Felix Espinoza, Ionan Marigomez. Prospective biomonitor and sentinel bivalve species for pollution monitoring and ecosystem health disturbance assessment in mangrove-lined Nicaraguan coasts Science of the Total Environment (2018) DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.269 Oltenita. Here, before 1989, over 7000 people worked on the two major industrial platforms of the city: the Turol Cast Iron Foundry and the Shipyard. Galati. Until the Revolution, approximately 31,000 people were working in Sidex, being the largest siderugic plant in Central and Eastern Europe. The three industrial platforms have crossed the transition somewhat similarly: a constant downturn. In the middle of 2000, both cities were targeted by two Indian investors, Lakshmi Nivas Mittal and the Gupta family, both of whom declared ambitious metallurgic investments. The Sidex has become Arcellor Mittal and still works with 6,500 employees, but what happens in Oltenita is a comedy of absurd. We return in 2005. Then came for the first time in Oltenita the representatives of the Gupta family to claim that they want to invest in a metallurgical plant that will create 500 jobs. The amount they promised has left their local authorities with their mouths open. "They said they wanted to invest 150 million euros in that factory. You realize that we were immediately attracted to that, being a city where almost nothing is happening, "recalls Florian Cercel, former vice mayor of the city. At first the Indians seemed determined. In 2007 they bought the CTZ Oltenita, the former thermal power station in the area, and, from AVAS, the industrial platform TUROL. In 2008 they bought 14 hectares of land from the local town hall, followed in 2011 by another 14 hectares. In 2012, the Gupta family purchased from AVAS also the shipyard in Oltenita, which was no longer operational, through Evergreen. They have thus reached almost 40 hectares of land on the Danube shore with the declared intent of building a metallurgical plant. Oltenita, nothing to be envied We are in 2018 and Oltenita at lunchtime seems an aging city. In the center of the city, the retirees sit in groups of 3-4 gossiping and small talking and it seems almost nobody is in a hurry to do something. Statistics show us the impression is correct. "Now there are about 3300 people in the city, most of them in services," explains Petre Tone, mayor of the city. We learn that out of the city's employees nearly 1,000 work at state institutions. Oltenita has a population of almost 24,000 people. What happens to the rest of the people? "Bucharest is just 50 kilometers away and people are commuting there", explains the city's chief. Soon we are touching Transdanube issue, the company under which the Gupta family has promised to build a metallurgical platform. What's going on with the project? "We still hope. They seemed serious and have started working on those lands", the mayor says optimisticly. We are surprised. We would find out if the construction of the plant started. Logically, the question arises: what investments have they made? "For two years they have planted lavender and goji. They started to build a small factory of lavender oil, too. In the port they also built a grain platform. They have built some very beautiful offices in the port", explains the mayor. We do not know if he's serious or not, so we go to the Oltenita port area. The discrepancy between a metallurgical fabric and a lavender plantation seems very great to us. From an investment of 200 million euros to goji and lavender At the exit from Oltenita to the Danube we find the proof. The Indians unequivocally grow lavender and goji. A few locals are in the field and work. In the background, there are remnants of the former CTZ and the TUROL platform. It is a desolate image, detached from an absurd scenery. On the Danube, we also have proof that we are on the property of the Gupta family. On a barracks, at the entrance to the harbor and in the area of the agri- cultural plantations, it is cheaply written: Transdanube Industries. These are those who in 2005 promised to Oltenita City Hall an investment of 150 million euros, which in the meantime increased to 200 million. For example, in the document entitled "Development Strategy for Calarasi County for 2014-2020", Transdanube Industries is ranked with the largest investment in the area. We also reach the famous offices of the Gupta family. No one is on the ground floor of the building. We walk unhurried through the hallway. After about one quarter of an hour there is a woman who asks us what we want. We find out that the employees are in the first floor offices. After a few minutes a young woman appears, she is a horticultural engineer. She tells us that for two years there is a growing organic farming business, but that nowadays they have not sold anything from lavender produced. We are a little puzzled: it was about building a metallurgical factory. "There are metalworkers in the offices here. So I suppose the idea did not end. More I do not know. I am employed from last year for these lavender and goji plantations, "says Alina Popescu. If we want more details, you must send your questions by mail. What mail? Transdanube does not have a functional site anymore. So the young woman leaves us her job mail, and she will send questions to her bosses. One of the questions is simple: how can you do organic farming on the decommissioned land of a former thermal plant where all kinds of fuel have been stored? We're still waiting for the answers. The situation is absurd: I sent a mail to a horticultural engineer to ask if the metallurgical engineers working in the same building are still planning to build the factory they promised. Project to destroy Romanian metallurgic industry? At Oltenita, the atmosphere is gray, but it is not tragic. Why? "Our industry died slowly but surely. We have gone into poverty and we have become accustomed to it. The promises of the Indians seemed incredible to us, and in the situation we were, we said we had nothing to lose. So we tried, "says Florian Cercel, former vice mayor of the city. But the problem arises when it comes to Galati: "I saw in the press that the same Indian wants to buy the former Sidex Galati. And he makes promises just like we received. But what happens if he does there the same as here? There are still thousands of people employed there and it will be a drama if hes as serious as he was here. I find it very strange that no one intervenes. I'm beginning to think that the project is to destroy the Romanian metallurgy. Well, that's what he did to us in the city, nobody knows, neither the prosecutors, nor the SRI, no one. And now the same man comes to buy in Galati. There is something unclean in the middle", concludes the former local elected, now retired. How did the deal between ArcelorMittal and the Gupta family came to life? ArcelorMittal has been forced by the European Commission to sell six factories in Europe to receive approval from the European Union competition authorities to acquire Italy's Ilva factory. Among the six factories is the former Sidex. In addition to the various authorities subordinated to the European Commission, the transaction must also be approved by the CSAT. Since it is the largest steel plant at the eastern border of NATO, they must convert production to the benefit of army in the event of a military conflict. That is why we need to ensure the buyer's seriousness with regard to the economic health of the plant. What the European Commissioner for Competition says In other terms, because it is still a private transaction, the seller chooses the buyer and suggests it to the European and Romanian bodies to validate it according to criteria. These were clearly stated by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who has recently declared that it will ensure that the future buyer fulfills a number of predefined criteria designed to ensure they have adequate incentives to continue the operation of the plant. The buyer will have to demonstrate to the Commission that it has the capacity and incentives to exploit the plant on the long- term. In other words, selling the plant to a buyer who would consider closing it would not be an acceptable solution", said Vestager. We are looking at the transaction with respect to the buyer's seriousness because there are 6,500 jobs at stake as well as the economic well-being of a city for which this plant, that had 31,000 employees in 1999, is vital. How the Galati investor explains the situation in Oltenita Bold statements by Gupta's representative regarding the investments of more than 300 million in the modernization of this plant, are strickingly similar with Oltenita case, which compels us to try and understand the seriousness and reputation of the buyer, its financial soundness, management experience, intentions regarding the future of the factory to guarantee the jobs. Asked in the press conference about the swindle in Oltenita, Mr. Gupta passes all responsibility to his brother: "(Oltenita n.a.) was my brother's business. I'm not very familiar with this business Actually, tonight I'll meet my brother after 10 years. " This hilarious yet shocking statement, coming from a person that wants to be perceived as a strategic investor, was covered by Nicoleta Rogojina in the online edition of the Galati Monitor on Thursday November 8, 2018, and it says quite a lot about the seriousness of this family. Consternation comes from reports of local and international media, where the activity of various firms belonging to Gupta family, is inseparably linked to the listing of the three brothers Sanjeev, Alok and Raj. For example, Ziarul Financiar wrote in 2010 "Transdanube Industries, a company that is owned by the Cobrom Investments Limited offshore, registered in Cyprus by the Indian family Gupta (brothers Raj, Sanjeev and Alok)", an information found in other dozens of articles in the press. Has Sanjeev forgotten hes brother is a partner in the business? Company website: nothing more about the financial situation We tried to remind Mr. Gupta of family ties by searching information about his group on the company's website. Unfortunately, on www.gfgalliance.com, we have mostly found advertising for the family and almost nothing related to annual financial reports or details of stock holdings. The lack of corporate transparency may not please the European Commission, which has a saying in choosing the buyer. Thrown into a shopping frenzy on 4 continents, in the last few years, the GFG Alliance has grown much, of course, on debt, and the media and financial world are starting to ask if Gupta wasnt too ambitious. "I should be welcomed with open arms, not with questions. I do not take money from anyone. " And yet It is the kind of man who tries to dominate, to hypnotize and to impose through mere presence, without having to prove anything. It is exactly the profile of the successful sales person who comes and saves the situation. His words in an interview for an English publication in India: "The point is that we should be welcomed with open arms, not with questions. I do not get money from anyone. I use the family money. Where are you from? Where do you get the money from? What sorts of questions are those? ". Promises the money of others And yet the reality is that they are legitimate questions, and the latest developments show Gupta uses the money of others rather than those of their own family. And how he got funding starts to raise serious suspicions in the western world. The 2.8 billion dollars borrowed come from the Swiss GAM investment fund, which recently makes virtually the first steps toward liquidation, to the overwhelming surprise of many. But the International Financial Times edition reports theat will be pretty hard for GAM to close those positions. If it was easy for him to sell certain "good" bonds, it would probably be very difficult for him to get rid of the remaining ones. Because we talk about debts of some obscure businesses, even bonds that have only promises and projects behind. Promises and projects. Do you remember? Just like in Oltenita. And the comparison is not shifted because most of these hard or impossible titles were generated by the Gupta group. The crisis was triggered by an anonymous employee who announced leadership and capital market control bodies that the practices of investment manager Tim Haywood are not in line with the regulations. GAM's internal investigation pointed out that Haywood did not have enough diligence in checking certain investments, signed contracts alone, even when he needed two signatures, had not shared internally important analysis papers, violated the gift policy and protocol because he did not ask for prior approvals, he used his personal email for work and more. Harmful practices As Evening Standard notes on Sept. 25, 2018, "these harmful practices are linked to private debt, very difficult to sell, issued by a company called the GFG Alliance, controlled by the steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, according to Bloomberg." The concern is also supported by the Financial Times, which notes a few days ago on November 9, 2018 that "there are questions how (Gupta n.a.) has managed to fund its shopping spree. One of the sources of funding, according to public documents, was GAM, which held a significant share of at least $ 2.8 billion in funding for Mr. Gupta's companies. " Due to this situation, GAM shares have collapsed by more than 66% and black clouds are announced on the horizon as long as the bad news of the ongoing investigation runs. For us, the question remains: if this relatively "friendly" funding source has evaporated, how will the classical financiers treat them? For a company with a debt ratio of more than 10 times, access to finance becomes rather tedious. The alternative is to head to less classical sources, where you have to accept prohibitive interest, which negatively affects the good state of the companies and automatically leads to lack of financing for investments, for capital expenditures, which leads to layoffs, downsizing activity. ~Are promises made in Galati for real? How can authorities be assured that Gupta is a serious buyer? For answers, we have addressed the European Commission, which we have sent some common sense questions that have emerged as concerns in our journalistic analysis and investigation. Questions to European Commissioners Given the history of Oltenita, where the Gupta family has not honored its grandiose public promises to invest 200 million euros and create 500 jobs in the construction of "the most modern metallurgical compound", how can the European Commission ensure that the promises in Galati are real this time? We have attempted to corroborate Gupta's statements of intentions with financial reality, but we have not found any financial report and no organizational chart of the group from direct sources. Is it possible for European bodies to force the buyer to corporate transparency, given the strategic importance of this acquisition? How can the European Commission safeguard the soundness of the investment, considering that the Gupta Group has a very high level of indebtedness and access to finance seems problematic? How can the European Commission guarantee the buyer's ability to ensure uninterrupted production in case of deteriorating market conditions? Given the recent acquisitions, does the European Commission considers that the Gupta Group is sufficiently assembled as financial strength, human and logistic resources to carry out a large-scale investment in Galati? Can the European Commission validate Gupta's ability to deliver the investment plan to increase production by 50% and restart a furnace? If this plan is not successful, will the plant close? Residents of the two cities where Amazon has chosen to put its new headquarters may not be too happy with how the e-commerce giants presence may affect their rents. New York and D.C. are already among the countrys most costly housing and rental markets, but according to online real estate site Zillow, rents in each city will rise even faster once Amazon moves in. Even before the first reports that Amazon was considering both locations for its new headquarters surfaced, Zillow said it saw searches increase for accommodations in each city. As of Nov. 11, searches for Long Island City increased by 300 percent when compared with Oct. 1 and were 60 percent higher in the days leading up to the first report. For Arlington, traffic rose 74 percent in the days before the rumors were announced. Heres what residents should expect: New York While the average U.S. renter pays about $1,440 annually, the average New York metro-area renter pays $2,370. The Amazon-effect will boost rent prices in the area by another 1.6 percent, Zillow forecasts. Washington, D.C. In the Washington Metro area, average rent prices hover near $2,130 in Arlington, those prices are even higher at $2,746. Washington-area residents can expect a more muted price increase thanks to Amazon, at 0.6 percent higher than the 0.5 percent that was already anticipated. Seattle The home of Amazons main headquarters Seattle is still grappling with the effects of rising housing costs, thanks in part to the 40,000 workers employed in the city by the company. However, the effects on renters in the two new cities is expected to be less pronounced, particularly because the new workers will be split. Also, according to Zillow, New York and D.C. are better equipped for build outs than Seattle was. Tight inventory in the near-term, however, could still pose challenges. "Unfortunately, housing supply is tightly constrained by zoning regulations, so local cities wont easily be able to meet the housing needs of new workers, and housing prices are likely to continue climbing further out of reach," Vanessa Brown Calder, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute, told FOX Business. Related Articles By Susan Taylor and Zandi Shabalala TORONTO/LONDON (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp, soon to become the world's largest bullion miner, is interested in adding more copper assets as long as the red metal is accompanied by bullion, executives said on Friday. Barrick, which expects to complete its $6.1 billion takeover of Randgold Resources Jan. 1, outlined plans for exploration, expansion, streamlining and asset sales at an investor presentation in London. Structured under regions in North America, South America and Africa and the Middle East, Barrick spent the last four days focusing on where to take the merged company, said Randgold Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow, who will be Barrick's new CEO. Barrick is open to copper assets "as long as that copper is a component or co-product to the gold," said Rod Quick, who heads Randgold's projects and evaluation and will do the same in the merged company. "Or, unless that copper project will enhance our strategic partner network." In Africa, Barrick is open to exploiting its "substantial footprint" in the Democratic Republic of Congo to acquire world-class deposits, said Willem Jacobs, who heads Randgold's operations in central and east Africa and becomes Chief Operating Officer of Barrick's Africa and Middle East region. In Zambia, Barrick aims to lower costs at its "relatively low-grade" Lumwana copper mine, he added, noting the country's new mining code stands to materially affect margins. Barrick said it is keen on exploration outside its operating base, flagging South America's Guyana Shield, which crosses Suriname, Guyana and French Guyana. It also wants more exposure in Canada. Rob Krcmarov, executive vice president of exploration, said Barrick is interested in "copper opportunities" within its operating regions that meet investment criteria. To approve projects with potential for more than 5 million ounces of gold, Barrick will require a 15-percent rate of return, based on a $1,000 gold price, said Quick. Projects with more than 3 million ounces of gold, need a 20-percent return. Barrick expects stronger operating cash flows, non-core asset sales and lower overhead and interest costs will help it increase future dividends, said Randgold Chief Financial Officer Graham Shuttleworth, who takes the same role at Barrick. Talks are underway to sell Barrick's Lagunas Norte mine, said Mark Hill, COO of Latin America. Barrick said in August the Peru mine was an example of the non-core mines it would look at selling. Reuters reported last year that Barrick was exploring options, including the sale of all or part of, Lagunas Norte. (Reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto and Zandi Shabalala in London; Editing by Richard Chang and Grant McCool) BancorpSouth (BXS) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. Canada Goose (GOOS) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.19 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.23 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 84.21%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this high-end coat maker would post a loss of $0.18 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.12, delivering a surprise of 33.33%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times. Canada Goose, which belongs to the Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, posted revenues of $176.22 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.81%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $137.49 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Canada Goose shares have added about 85.6% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 1.8%. What's Next for Canada Goose? While Canada Goose has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Canada Goose was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.65 on $262.15 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.86 on $567.02 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Retail - Apparel and Shoes is currently in the top 25% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. This article has been revised to reflect updated data and information. The previous version, originally published November 14, 2018, should not be relied upon. 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 Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (GOOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Canada Goose Holdings Inc (NYSE: GOOS) posted a big second-quarter sales beat Wednesday, and shares of the Canadian apparel company are now up over 100 percent year-to-date. BofA: 'Plenty Of Room To Grow' Bank of America analyst Robert Ohmes reiterated a Buy rating on Canada Goose and raised the price target from $90 to $93. Canada Goose is one of the most attractive names in the firm's coverage universe, Ohmes said, naming five opportunities for the apparel maker to exceed revenue and EBITDA forecasts: Early stage growth in China, the world's largest luxury market. Expansion into new categories including footwear. Continued expansion opportunities in North America. Continued gross margin expansion driven by an accelerated shift to direct-to-consumer. A favorable response to new lightweight and knitwear styles. "We estimate GOOS sold less than 1 million units globally in 2018 and still has plenty of room to grow in North America and internationally," the analyst said. Baird Cautious In Volatile Market Baird analyst Jonathan Komp reiterated a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $80 to $90. The analyst said he is staying disciplined near-term amid volatile market conditions. "Despite our positive fundamental outlook, near-term valuation metrics are the highest in our coverage, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in the event near-term group sentiment moderates from current highs." Komp said he can't justify an Outperform rating but could revisit the stance if Canada Goose can sustain the level of sales and earnings outperformance it demonstrated in 2017 and 2018. DA Davidson Highlights Baffin Purchase D.A. Davidson analyst John Morris reaffirmed a Buy rating on Canada Goose with a $74 price target. The impressive quarterly results originated from Canada Goose's off-season store productivity, the buildout of its Greater China business and wholesale channel growth, the analyst said. The company could reach over $1.5 billion in revenue in five years, Morris said. Story continues Canada Goose's acquisition of the shoe company Baffin offers category expansion opportunities and brand value through versatility and fashion, the analyst said. View more earnings on GOOS Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss called the purchase a dream acquisition on the company's earnings call. This is a dream acquisition for me as Ive been watching and admiring Baffin for many years and I know them very well, Reiss said. I believe this is the right move for us to be able to start exploring the category look to ultimately launch Canada Goose footwear. Wells Fargo Lifts Price Target By $13 Wells Fargo analyst Ike Boruchow reiterated an Outperform rating on Canada Goose and raised the price target from $85 to $98. "We continue to view GOOS as one of the most compelling growth stories in the space today, with valuation being the only real investor debate," the analyst said. "In such a challenging retail space, we believe that GOOS is a standout growth story given the demand for their brand and their controlled expansion strategy. " The Price Action Canada Goose shares were up 5.85 percent at $68.22 at the close Thursday. Related Links: Baird Says Canada Goose Sell-Off Is Unwarranted, Upgrades To Outperform Cramer Likes Retail Stocks, Says Canada Goose Is The 'Best Of The Bunch' Photo by Gaelen Marsden/Wikimedia. Latest Ratings for GOOS Nov 2018 Barclays Maintains Overweight Overweight Sep 2018 DA Davidson Initiates Coverage On Buy Aug 2018 Baird Downgrades Outperform Neutral View More Analyst Ratings for GOOS View the Latest Analyst Ratings See more from Benzinga 2018 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The reserve banks of Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom have singled out central bank digital currencies as being one of the solutions that can be implemented in order to solve the challenges encountered when making cross-border payments. The report by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Bank of England and Bank of Canada notes that CBDCs, which can either be retail CBDCs or Wholesale-CBDCs (W-CBDCs), offer various advantages including 24-hour availability, anonymity and eliminating counterparty credit risk for participants. The report, which also received input from commercial banks such as United Overseas Bank, HSBC, Toronto-Dominion Bank and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, outlines three models of W-CBDCs that can be implemented with the categorization being based on the geographical reach or acceptability. Three Models The first W-CBDC model is currency-specific and can thus only be transmitted and exchanged within the home country but not to other jurisdictions. Consequently, this model would see central banks offering wallets for the W-CBDC in the local currency. Commercial banks would thus be required to open wallets with the various central banks issuing the currencies they wish to hold. In the second model, the three central banks propose a currency-specific W-CBDC which would be transmittable and exchangeable beyond the domestic jurisdictions. Under this model, each central bank would be required to offer support to multiple W-CBDC tokens. Commercial banks would thus be in a position of holding with their local central bank multiple W-CBDC wallets The third model involves one universal W-CBDC which is backed by multiple currencies and can thus be transmitted and exchanged in all the participating jurisdictions. The report, however, says this model has drawbacks: because it requires backing by a basket of currencies, the W-CBDC in this model is subject to volatility, potential manipulation and investment activity. Additionally, our analysis indicates that the pace of adoption could be hampered by the complexity of adding new currencies into the basket backing the W-CBDC. Story continues Efficiency and Convenience Overall, the report notes that switching from the use of the current correspondent banking channels in making cross-border payments into new rails will assist in overcoming problems such as poor availability, fragmented standards and having to go through multiple intermediaries. This comes at a time when the global value of both retail and corporate cross-border payments is projected to grow by 5.5% annually to reach a figure of US$30 trillion in 2022 up from US$22 trillion in 2016, as noted by the report. The joint report titled Cross-border interbank payments and settlements: Emerging opportunities for digital transformation, drew heavily from the CBDC initiatives that the Bank of Canada and the Monetary Authority of Singapore have carried out with Project Jasper and Project Ubin respectively. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Central Banks of Canada, Singapore and UK Propose CBDCs for Cross-Border Payments appeared first on CCN. By Julia Symmes Cobb BOGOTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Private oil producers in Colombia said on Friday they are optimistic about promises by President Ivan Duque to improve security and bolster the sector. Duque, who has been in office for 101 days, pledged during his campaign to lower taxes on businesses and improve security for crude producers in the country, where leftist rebels regularly bomb pipelines and community protests sometimes stymie output. "We're seeing progress - we have all the confidence in the world in the administration," said Occidental Petroleum chief executive Vicki Hollub, on the sidelines of an oil and gas conference in Bogota. Occidental operates the Cano Limon field in eastern Arauca province. The Cano Limon pipeline, run by state oil company Ecopetrol, has been offline for most of the year because of attacks by the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels. Production and exports from the field have remained normal despite the bombings because Ecopetrol is able to use the smaller Bicentenario pipeline for transport. Though the pipeline is currently shut, it was attacked repeatedly last weekend. Hollub, who said Occidental hopes to more than double its 30,000 barrels per day net output in the coming years, was optimistic about the security situation. "The military is incredible here." Oil companies may be among those who benefit from a proposed tax cut to corporations that is wending its way through Congress. The government wants to reduce duties on businesses to 30 percent over the next four years, down from 35 percent. Other private producers were more cautious. "It's still early but all the signs are positive," said Frontera Energy chief executive Richard Herbert. "What we need now is security in prospective, less developed areas," he said, adding that blocks won by Frontera back in 2010 in southern Caqueta and Putumayo provinces have not been developed because of ongoing security worries. Herbert said he hoped there would be a new bidding round in 2019 so further oil areas could be opened to exploration. Story continues Colombia has repeatedly delayed its deadline to receive offers for 15 onshore areas at its Sinu-San Jacinto auction. The round would be the first since 2014. Frontera estimates its average production will end 2018 at 66,000 bpd, some 57,000 of which comes from fields in Colombia. Speaking at the close of the conference, mines and energy minister Maria Fernanda Suarez said she was confident the oil sector would continue to contribute to the countrys development and its bid to become energy self-sufficient. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb Editing by Phil Berlowitz) By Jeff Mason and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China has delivered a written response to U.S. demands for wide-ranging trade reforms, three U.S. government sources said on Wednesday, a move that could trigger more formal negotiations to resolve a withering trade war between the world's top economies. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports to force concessions from Beijing on the list of demands that would change the terms of trade between the two countries. China has responded with import tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina at the end of November and in early December. The U.S. president has repeatedly railed against Beijing over intellectual property theft, industrial subsidies, Chinese entry barriers to American businesses and the U.S. trade deficit with China. Three U.S. government sources told Reuters on Wednesday that China had sent a response to U.S. demands on those and other issues, but gave no further details on its contents. It was unclear if the response contained concessions that would satisfy Trump's demands for change. While two industry sources familiar with the contents of the response said it was largely a restatement of previous Chinese commitments, it was seen as a necessary starting point for continued negotiations. The two sides have been far apart during their months-long tariff dispute. One of the sources briefed on China's response said it reiterated pledges Xi has made in recent speeches, and demanded that the United States lift tariffs, including those set by the Section 232 investigation into steel and aluminum imports. "They are not close to a favorable deal on trade. Not in the same universe," the Washington-based source said. A U.S. team led by Treasury Under Secretary David Malpass discussed trade issues with a Chinese team via videoconference on Tuesday, a U.S. Treasury spokesperson said on Wednesday. Story continues JANUARY TARIFF TRIGGER The United States had said it would not start formal negotiations on trade until it saw concrete proposals from China to address its concerns. Earlier this month, after a phone conversation with Xi, Trump said he thought the United States would make a deal with China on trade but stood ready to levy more tariffs on Chinese goods if no progress is made. Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng, asked on Thursday about the Chinese response, said that "high-level" contact had resumed since Trump and Xi spoke by phone. "Working teams are maintaining close contact to earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two leaders by telephone," he told a regular weekly briefing. The tariff rate on $200 billion in Chinese goods is set to increase to 25 percent from 10 percent on Jan. 1. Trump has also threatened to impose tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports, about $267 billion worth, if Beijing fails to address U.S. demands. Future trade talks could hinge on whether or not tariffs rise on Jan. 1. One scenario suggested by analysts is that Trump and Xi could agree to a ceasefire in Argentina that would prevent further tariffs from taking effect while negotiations continued. U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen told Reuters last week that he thought it was likely China would withdraw from any process set at the G20 if the Trump administration went forward with raising the tariff rate. The two countries resumed talks after the call between the two leaders, ending a three month hiatus that saw relations deteriorate as the United States accused China of interfering in U.S. domestic politics and seeking to undermine Trump. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that Beijing needed to change its behavior to avoid a new cold war with the United States. China must offer concessions on intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, restricted access to Chinese markets and respect for international rules and norms, among other issues, he said. Responding to Pence's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had always been a "model student" when it came to respecting international rules and norms. "China respects U.S. sovereignty, security, and development interests," she told a daily news briefing in Beijing. "The U.S. side should also respect China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and respect the development path chosen by the Chinese people in line with its own national conditions." In comments made before the Chinese response, Wu Baiyi, the director of the Institute of American Studies at the state-run Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that a Jan. 1 tariff increase would imperil efforts to reverse trade tensions. "This is one of the major goals that they (Chinese officials) are working hard on to prevent those tariffs from coming into force early next year. But it will depend on both sides." (Additional reporting by Steve Holland and David Lawder in WASHINGTON and Michael Martina, Stella Qiu, Christian Shepherd and Se Young Lee in BEIJING; Writing by Simon Webb; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Cynthia Osterman & Simon Cameron-Moore) TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / FIRST BITCOIN CAPITAL LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Bitcoin Capital Corp. (OTC:BITCF) signed of a Joint Venture Agreement with DigiCrypts Blockchain Solutions Inc., which also does business as DIGIMAX GLOBAL SOLUTIONS. The purpose of the Joint Venture is to facilitate the funding of Security Token Offerings (STO's) for clients of both First Bitcoin Capital and DigiCrypts, primarily as consultants providing non-registered advice and, when registered, as a Registered Broker Dealer in the Jurisdiction of the Western United States (west of the Mississippi River), including Alaska and Hawaii. The primary Terms of the Agreement involve a Phase 1 collaboration between - to advice companies domiciled in the JV Jurisdiction with respect to business plans and proposed capital structuring that wish to raise capital through the issuance of an STO. The Joint Venture would also help the client company select a primary Broker/Dealer who would ensure the STO is 100% regulatory complaint by working with knowledgeable and experienced securities lawyers in the Jurisdiction, properly registered KYC/AML (know-your-client/anti money laundering) agents in the Jurisdiction of listing, properly registered Broker/Dealers if more than the primary Dealer was involved, and in some cases properly registered Security Salespersons from around the globe. For these services, the JV will charge the client a fixed fee but shall not receive a commission. Phase 2 of the Agreement will occur during the first 12 months whereby a new corporation will be formed in the Jurisdiction ("NewCo") that will be owned 51% by DigiMax who will maintain control for accounting and consolidation purposes, and 49% by First Bitcoin Capital who will act as operator. Immediately following incorporation, an application will be made for NewCo to become a Registered Broker Dealer in the Jurisdiction. Greg Rubin, CEO of First Bitcoin Capital stated, "Security Token Offerings are a fantastic method of raising capital for companies from both the Issuer's perspective and the Investor's perspective. We are excited to join forces with the global network that DigiCrypts has created to provide a world-leading service back to our clientele. STO's work equally well for startups as they do for mature companies, and they also work well for high-tech blockchain companies and for conventional brick-and-mortar companies. It really is a great new way of raising capital when in a 100% regulatory-compliant manner." Story continues "This Joint Venture creates an opportunity for both DigiMax and First Bitcoin Capital to become a leader in the Western USA in assisting companies to successfully issue Security Tokens on a 100% Regulatory Compliant basis, first as a consultant to these companies in helping them find the proper registered service providers, and in the longer term to provide such registered services through the JV" said DigiMax CEO Chris Carl. "This Joint Venture creates a global marketplace opportunity for any Western USA company who joins our team," he said. Shareholder Updates Dividend: First Bitcoin Capital continues to segregate out 15,000,000 TeslaCoilCoin (COIN:TESLA) for pro rata distribution to our shareholders in 2019. Once we complete the development of the compliant protocols and procedures for distributing crypto dividends, we intend to utilize our prolific inventory of unique utility tokens as additional quarterly dividends to our shareholders. We believe that with the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) reporting that a new, blockchain-powered version of its Trade Information Warehouse (TIW) platform has entered testing stage that soon the securities industry participants and regulators will embrace the benefits of the distributed ledger technology and they will finally cooperate with companies that wish to distribute crypto dividends to their shareholders. Listing: Now that First Bitcoin Capital Corp. has achieved PCAOB audited financials we plan to list our shares on Canadian, European exchanges as well as resume trading on a higher level of the OTC Markets since we have pushed these plans to the forefront of BITCF's priorities so that listings and a higher OTC trading market may be accomplished before year end. 420Wifi.com: First Bitcoin Capital has launched this new WIFI proximity marketing services for legal marijuana dispensaries nationwide, related business which is fully functional now. 420WIFI platform and technology is built to reward dispensary customers with crypto rewards or loyalty points. The Company will utilize $WEED coin as reward token for our loyalty programs. We invite our shareholders and potential cannabis dispensaries customers to visit www.420wifi.com About First Bitcoin Capital Corp First Bitcoin Capital Corp (BITCF) (BITCF) (BITCF) began developing digital currencies, proprietary Blockchain technologies, and the digital currency exchange - www.CoinQX.com (in Beta) in early 2014. We saw this step as a tremendous opportunity to create further shareholder value by leveraging management's experience in developing and managing complex Blockchain technologies and in developing new types of digital assets. Being the first publicly-traded cryptocurrency and BlockChain-centered Company, we provide our shareholders with diversified exposure to digital cryptocurrencies and BlockChain technologies. About DigiMax DigiMax is a Toronto, Canada based company designed to become a world leader in advising companies issuing Security Token Offerings on a 100% Regulatory Compliant basis, in any country around the world. DigiMax has built a global network of Industry Advisors, Securities Lawyers and Auditors, Registered Broker-Dealers, Registered KYC/AML agents, and Registered Salespeople. This network is capable of assisting companies with a broad range of services that can include all, or part of: Preparing a Business Plan to support the raising of capital through an STO Developing the appropriate STO structure and "tokenomics" to be competitive among other companies raising capital through STOs Creating a global syndicate of professional, Registered service providers to complete the due-diligence, and sale of tokens through a global network of investors, including where required, Accredited Investors Providing long-term post-STO support for both Issuers and Investors Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as may be disclosed in company's filings. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the Company's website and filings, which are also on file at www.OTCMarkets.com. Contact us via: info@firstbitcoin.io or visit http://www.firstbitcoin.io SOURCE: First Bitcoin Capital Corp. ATLANTA (AP) As the candidates in the disputed race for Georgia governor retreated further into their corners, counties across the state on Thursday began a court-ordered process of reviewing absentee ballots and counting those previously rejected for missing or incorrect dates of birth. Georgia Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden issued guidance to counties to review the absentee ballots, count those rejected for missing or incorrect dates of birth and recertify results if the counts change. She set a deadline of 5 p.m. Friday. The campaign of Democrat Stacey Abrams has ratcheted up its attacks on Republican Brian Kemp, while Kemp continues to claim that results certified by county election officials confirm he has an "insurmountable lead." At a news conference Wednesday, Georgia Democrats cast doubt on the legitimacy of any election count that ends with former secretary of state Kemp being certified as the winner of a fiercely fought election against Abrams, who's seeking to become the first black woman elected governor in the U.S. "We believe that Brian Kemp mismanaged this election to sway it in his favor," said Abrams' campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo, surrounded by Democratic lawmakers at the Georgia Capitol. Democrats beyond Georgia have started to echo the notion that a Kemp victory would be illegitimate. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said Wednesday that if Abrams loses it's because Republicans stole the election. "If Stacey Abrams doesn't win in Georgia, they stole it. I say that publicly, it's clear," Brown, speaking at a briefing for the National Action Network, said, without presenting any evidence. Kemp's campaign, which has repeatedly called on Abrams to concede, repeated that call Wednesday, saying Abrams and her supporters have used "fake vote totals," ''desperate press conferences" and "dangerous lawsuits" to try to steal the election. Story continues "After all of the theatrics, the math remains the same," Kemp campaign spokesman Cody Hall said in an email. "Abrams lost and Brian Kemp won. This election is over." Since he declared himself governor last week and resigned as secretary of state, Kemp's lead has narrowed as counties have tabulated more ballots. And the numbers could change again as federal courts issue new guidance on counting certain provisional and absentee ballots. Groh-Wargo said Tuesday that the Abrams campaign believes she needs a net gain of 17,759 votes to pull Kemp below a majority threshold and force a Dec. 4 runoff. Kemp's campaign said even if every vote that Abrams' campaign is arguing for is granted by the courts and counted for her, she cannot overcome his lead or force a runoff. The Associated Press said Thursday that it would not declare a winner in the race until state officials certified the results. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones ruled that the secretary of state must not certify the state election results without confirming that each county's vote tally includes absentee ballots on which the voter's date of birth is missing or incorrect. The order stems from a request in a lawsuit filed Sunday by the Abrams campaign. But Jones also rejected the campaign's other requests. He declined to extend the period during which evidence could be submitted to prove the eligibility of voters who cast provisional ballots. He also declined to order that provisional ballots cast by voters who went to a precinct in the wrong county be counted. The lawsuit was one of several election-related complaints filed before multiple federal judges. U.S. District Judge Leigh May ordered Gwinnett County election officials Tuesday not to reject absentee ballots just because the voter's birth year is missing or wrong. She also ordered the county to delay certification of its election results until those ballots have been counted. Jones' ruling effectively extended May's order to the other 158 counties in Georgia. U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg late Monday ordered state officials not to do their final certification of election results before 5 p.m. Friday. State law sets a Nov. 20 deadline, but secretary of state's office elections director Chris Harvey testified last week that the state had planned to certify the election results Wednesday, a day after the deadline for counties to certify their results. He said that would allow preparations to begin for any runoff contests, including those already projected in the races for secretary of state and a Public Service Commission seat. Totenberg's order left untouched the county certification deadline. Candice Broce, a spokeswoman for secretary of state's office, said Wednesday that all counties but Gwinnett have certified their totals. Totenberg ordered the secretary of state's office to establish and publicize a hotline or website enabling voters to check whether their provisional ballots were counted and, if not, why not. And she ordered the secretary of state's office to review or have county election authorities review the eligibility of voters who had to cast provisional ballots because of registration issues. ___ Associated Press writers Russ Bynum and Ben Nadler in Atlanta and Juana Summers in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Barrow and Brumback on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAP and https://twitter.com/katebrumback . The much-hyped Nutella Cafe opened Wednesday at noon E.T. in New York City. Ferrero, the private Italian confectionery brand, opened the first-ever Nutella Cafe in Chicago last May. The company used it as a test case prior to opening in New York. Nutella Cafe opening on November 14, 2018 (Photo by Jill Harding/Yahoo Finance) The cafe is permanent, unlike many other fleeting, experiential pop-ups like The Egg House and the Museum of Pizza. Its pretty much a normal eatery with a Nutella-centric menu, including everything from hazelnut blondies, grilled banana bread, chia and hemp seed pudding, frozen ice pops everything with Nutella, of course. You can get extra Nutella for one dollar more. We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Nutella Cafe New York in one of the greatest culinary cities in the world, said Rick Fossali, vice president of operations, Nutella Cafe. The response to our first Nutella Cafe in Chicago has been outstanding, and we cannot wait to treat New Yorkers and tourists alike to a wonderfully delicious Nutella experience showcasing the uniqueness and versatility of this beloved product. With over 100 people in line prior to the grand opening, the cafe was filled with exuberant bloggers capturing their crepe content for social media. But the location is likely more than just a fleeting fad. It looks like it may have legs in New York City, as its situated at University Place and 13th Street, a prime location to attract trend-chasing college students. NYU is right around the corner. Nutella was created in 1964 in Alba, Italy, and has gained a cult following, even sparking riots in France when they went on sale. In addition to Nutella, Ferrero owns its namesake Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello, Tic Tac, and Kinder brands. Melody Hahm is a senior writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology, and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm. READ MORE: FILE PHOTO: Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio speaks at the 5-Star Movement party's open-air rally at Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy, October 21, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo ROME (Reuters) - Italy's government is looking to avoid European sanctions over its 2019 budget, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Thursday while stressing he did not want Italians to have to foot the bill. "When they ask us to respect all the rules, they are asking us for a blood and tears budget," Di Maio said. On Wednesday, Italy re-submitted its draft 2019 budget to the EU Commission with the same growth and deficit assumptions as a draft previously rejected for breaching EU rules, stepping up its showdown with Brussels. The EU sent back Italy's previous draft last month because its growth assumptions were too high, the deficit too large and debt not low enough. It now has the option of starting disciplinary steps against Rome, which could eventually end in fines for Italy, although this option has never been used so far. "We are working to avoid any (disciplinary) procedure," Di Maio said. His words were echoed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte who said on Thursday he would be sitting down with the Commission "not to ask how to modulate the procedure but to invite them to consider not launching it all." Earlier on Thursday two Italian dailies reported Conte was trying to convince Brussels any sanctions imposed on Rome over the budget should be for breaching EU fiscal rules on excessive deficit rather than debt. Separately, Economy Minister Tria said that Italy intended to continue its dialogue with the Commission as well as "work effectively to make measures designed to support our strategy effective". Tria admitted that Italy's budget offered "a different answer from (those) of the past, but not less solid or less credible." He then criticised Europe for appearing to be unable to coordinate policies to tackle the general economic slowdown in the area. Economic growth in the eurozone slowed down in the third quarter of the year as the German economy contracted. That has raised concern the area's five-year expansion may be coming to an end just as the European Central Bank prepares to dial back stimulus measures. (Reporting by Angelo Amante in Rome, Riccardo Bastianello in Padua, writing by Stephen Jewkes and Giulia Segreti; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Should iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF (JKI) Be on Your Investing Radar? Style Box ETF report for JKI Kimco Realty Corporations KIM Pentagon Centre Signature Series redevelopment is well poised to gain following Amazon.com Inc.'s AMZN selection of National Landing in Arlington, VA, as one of its second headquarters. Notably, the mixed-use redevelopment is located diagonally across Amazons proposed headquarter, and Phase I will be completed just in time to meet the oncoming demand anticipated in Northern Virginia and its neighborhood. In fact, Pentagon Centres 26-story residential tower, housing 440 luxury units, will likely enjoy favorable demand when leasing begins early 2019. The multi-phase redevelopment will allow for additional residential, retail, office and hotel space to the existing 329,000-square-foot retail center. In fact, Phase I of the centers redevelopment is nearly 70% funded, and will offer 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, along with the residential tower. Furthermore, Phase II will include an additional 253-unit residential tower and around 16,000 square feet of new retail space. The company has also secured additional entitlements for future expansion that could result in a developed site, enclosing 346,000 square feet of retail and 705,000 square feet of office space, along with a 200-room hotel and 693 residential units. With this, the project will likely span nearly two million square feet of area. Along with its proximity to the proposed Amazon headquarter, the property has easy accessibility to the Pentagon City Metro Station, The Pentagon, Downtown DC, and Reagan National Airport. The project is a joint-venture initiative, with Kimco owning 55% stake. Per management, the companys sizable portfolio in the New York metropolitan statistical area (MSA) also stands to gain from the online giants choice of Long Island City, NY, as one of its second headquarters. Notably, the MSA accounts for 13.2% of the companys annualized base rent. In fact, it owns 64 sites in the region spanning approximately 7.3 million square feet. Story continues Kimco currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the past six months, the stock has rallied 15.5% compared with the industry's 1.7% growth. Stocks to Consider A few better-ranked stocks from the REIT space are Iron Mountain Incorporated IRM and Boston Properties, Inc. BXP. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Iron Mountains funds from operations (FFO) per share estimates for 2018 remained unchanged at $2.13 in 30 days time. The stock has gained 3.3% in a months time. Boston Properties Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 FFO per share has been revised upward marginally to $6.38 in the last month. Its shares have rallied 7.6% over the past month. 3 Medical Stocks to Buy Now The greatest discovery in this century of biology is now at the flashpoint between theory and realization. Billions of dollars in research have poured into it. Companies are already generating revenue, and cures for a variety of deadly diseases are in the pipeline. So are big potential profits for early investors. Zacks has released an updated Special Report that explains this breakthrough and names the best 3 stocks to ride it. See them today for free >> 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 Iron Mountain Incorporated (IRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kimco Realty Corporation (KIM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Boston Properties, Inc. (BXP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Michael Avenattis two ex-wives have publicly defended him following the Los Angeles lawyers arrest Wednesday afternoon for alleged domestic violence. Michael has ALWAYS been a kind loving father to our two daughters and husband to me, tweeted his first wife, Christine Avenatti Carlin. He has NEVER been abusive to me or anyone else. He is a good man. Carlin was married to Avenatti for 13 years. His second wife, Lisa Storie-Avenatti, was initially reported by TMZ to be the woman injured in the alleged incident Wednesday. In a phone interview with a CNN reporter, she denied the report, adding that she wasnt at Avenattis apartment that afternoon. I havent see Michael in months. Its a complete fabrication, Storie-Avenatti told CNN. Bruises on my face? It is insanity. He wouldnt hit anybody. Especially a woman. Hes got two daughters. Avenatti and Storie-Avenatti have a young son together. The two divorced last year. Avenattian outspoken critic of President Donald Trump whos considering a presidential run in 2020became well known when he began representing Stormy Daniels, the porn star who was paid in 2016 to keep silent about an alleged affair with Trump. In a statement to NBC News, Daniels (whose real name is Stephanie Clifford) said she will reserve judgment on the serious and obviously very troubling allegations against Avenatti until the investigation is complete, adding that if they prove true she will find a different lawyer. Avenatti was released Wednesday after posting $50,000 bail. He adamantly denied the charges, tweeting later that night, I DID NOT commit domestic violence nor have I ever committed domestic violence. I did not strike any woman nor have I ever I am a decent man & I look forward to being exonerated. I want to be clear: I DID NOT commit domestic violence nor have I ever committed domestic violence. I did not strike any woman nor have I ever. I did not strike my ex-wife in the face nor did I hit anyone else in the face. I am a decent man & I look forward to being exonerated. Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) November 15, 2018 Avenattis first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 5 in Los Angeles Superior Court, CNBC reports. To access the newsletter, click on the link: http://share.thomsonreuters.com/assets/newsletters/morning_News_Call/MNCGeneric_CA_11162018.pdf You can read Morning News Call Canada via TOPNEWS Canada page. If you would like to receive this newsletter through your email, please register at: https://forms.thomsonreuters.com/MorningNewsCall/ ECONOMIC EVENTS 0830 Manufacturing sales mm for Sep: Expected 0.3 pct; Prior -0.4 pct 0830 Securities Canadians: Prior -C$0.19 bln 0830 Securities foreign: Prior C$2.82 bln COMPANIES REPORTING RESULTS November 16 & 19: No major companies are scheduled to report for the days. CORPORATE EVENTS No major events are scheduled for the day. EX-DIVIDENDS Pan American Silver Corp (PAAS). Amount $0.03 For Morning News Call U.S. -- a preview of market-moving news for the trading day: - type US/MNC in a news browser if you are an Eikon user, or type RT/US/MNC in a news browser if you are a Thomson One user For The Day Ahead -- a recap of the day's events and preview of the next trading day: - type DAY/US in a news browser if you are an Eikon user or type RT/DAY/US in a news browser if you are a Thomson One user For an index of our newsletters click on * Long-awaited expansion to help double LNG exports from nation * Negotiations over revenue sharing need more work -prime minister * Papua New Guinea is hosting APEC forum By Jonathan Barrett and Sonali Paul PORT MORESBY/MELBOURNE, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea on Friday agreed to set financial terms in early 2019 for a long-awaited gas project led by France's Total SA that will help double liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the Pacific island nation. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said in the country's capital of Port Moresby on Friday that "physical terms" had been agreed. He said negotiations over how revenue would be shared in the community and provincial governments required more work. "I'd say we are almost 50 to 60 percent through already about our understanding of revenue sharing," O'Neill said, in response to questions from Reuters. Disagreements over land-owner rights and revenue-sharing agreements have been an almost constant feature of resource development in PNG. The non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) is basically a commitment by the government to finalise a gas agreement in early 2019, which would lead to the development of Papua LNG, run by Total. Held on the sidelines of the PNG-hosted Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Total Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne said he hoped to make progress on the agreement quickly. "There is still some work to be done, but we are ambitious and I'd love to come back not in two years but in 10 months or before," Pouyanne said. Papua LNG will supply gas from the Elk-Antelope fields for two new processing units, called trains, at Exxon Mobil's PNG LNG plant. At the same time, Exxon Mobil plans to develop gas at the P'nyang field to help fill a third new train at the plant. All together the projects will double the plant's output to around 16 million tonnes a year. Exxon representatives attended the MOU signing, but the company was not immediately available for comment. Story continues The companies want to make a final investment decision on the expansion in 2019, racing to start exporting from the new trains by 2024, when the LNG market is expected to need new supply to meet rapidly growing demand in Asia. Analysts expect the expansion to cost around $13 billion, well below the $19.5 billion cost of the original project, which involved building a wide range of infrastructure from scratch, including a 700-km (435 mile) pipeline through the nation's rugged highlands down to the coast and underwater to the plant site near Port Moresby. The government is aiming to strike better fiscal terms for the country than it did with Exxon Mobil's PNG LNG project in 2009, when it was looking secure the biggest foreign investment in the country amid the global financial crisis. (Reporting by Jonathan Barrett in PORT MORESBY and Sonali Paul in MELBOURNE; Editing by Joseph Radford) Responding to rising demand for top-tier financial services and solutions, ProbusFX joins Squared Financial Group LIMASSOL, CYPRUS / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / ProbusFX, a Limassol, Cyprus based financial services provider that was founded in 2017, announces that they have now changed their tradename to SquaredDirect. This name change is part of their recent pairing up with sister company Squared Financial Services Limited, now trading as SquaredPro, to form the Squared Financial Group. Both companies are now in synergy to be able to respond to the rising demand for Top-Tier financial services and access to institutional-grade liquidity. Youssef Barakat, CEO of ProbusFX, said,"While operating as ProbusFX for the past year, we have been experiencing an exponential rise in the demand for Top-Tier financial services and solutions. Remaining focused on the needs of our clients, we have decided to pair up with our sister company to be better able to offer services of unparalleled quality and supply the rising demand. Any of our clients can now be provided with services and conditions that were once reserved for trading insiders and high net-worth individuals or corporations." ProbusFX, now SquaredDirect, has successfully launched its new website which can be accessed at https://www.squareddirect.com/. The website has been designed and streamlined for ease of access, user friendliness and dynamic functionality. It also includes a comprehensive Learning Centre for traders of all levels of experience. Wanting to maintain a consistent brand identity with the other member companies of its group, the company has also adopted a new logo which better expresses the group of companies it belongs to. The rebranding was planned and developed in-house by the SquaredDirect Marketing team in collaboration with the IT department. The new design of the brand unites all companies under the same Squared identity. About SquaredDirect: SquaredDirect is a True DMA/STP Brokerage firm prioritizing its business on individual traders, offering Direct Access to the financial markets at super-fast speeds with no dealing desk involved and no conflict of interest between the company and the client. The company offers three different account types to cover the needs of almost any type of trader and can provide advanced FIX 4.4 API cross-connectivity to deep liquidity providers. Additionally, the company is partnered with other service providers offering access to Social Trading tools and Automated Trading upon request. For more information, please visit https://www.squareddirect.com/. Story continues Contact: Dora Christofi info@squareddirect.com + 357 25260333 SOURCE: SquaredDirect Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Schwans Co, the Minnesota-based food distributor, is selling a $1.8 billion stake to South Koreans largest food manufacturer, according to the Associated Press. CJ CheilJedang is spending over a billion dollars on an 80% stake in Schwans, known for its iconic yellow-gold home delivery trucks. The Seoul-based CJCJ will operate Schwans grocery and restaurant fulfillment operations and plans to leverage Schwans distribution system to bring more Korean food products into U.S. restaurants and supermarkets. The deal is expected to close next year, with Schwans chief executive Dimitrios Smyrnios remaining in charge, and Schwans offices in the Minnesota cities of Bloomington and Marshall continuing to operate as before. We are not expecting any change, Paul Schwan, Schwans board member and son of Schwans founder Martin Schwan, told the AP. Schwans is an interesting company that, due to diversification of its products and a commitment to its signature home delivery program, has stayed solvent and even competitive in the era of meal delivery kits. Founded in 1952, the company has about $3 billion in sales annually and employs around 12,000 people. Schwans makes, among other recognizable ready-made and frozen food brands, Red Baron frozen pizza and Mrs. Smiths pies. In 2015, the company announced that within two years, it would remove artificial and unhealthy ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup and trans fats, from its frozen foods. MADRID, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Spain has set up contingency plans in case there is no final deal on Brexit, junior EU affairs minister Luis Marco Aguiriano said on Thursday. Aguiriano also added: "If the United Kingdom leaves without a deal, so does Gibraltar ... what we want is an orderly exit." The peninsula, a British territory since 1713 and known to its 30,000 residents as "the Rock", is a major point of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations. Spain has long claimed sovereignty over the territory. (Reporting by Jesus Aguado and Blanca Rodriguez Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Paul Day) Terreno Realty Corporation TRNO recently shelled out approximately $6.4 million for the purchase of an industrial property in Santa Fe Springs, CA. This acquisition comes as part of the companys concerted efforts to capitalize on robust fundamentals of the industrial real estate sector through purchase of potential properties in core markets. The buyout comprises 2.3-acre improved land parcel which is conveniently located at 10918-10936 Shoemaker Avenue, and is east of the intersection of I-5 and I-605. It is currently fully leased to two tenants. Further, its stabilized cap rate has been estimated at 5.4%, which highlights decent earning potential of the property. Apart from the latest acquisition, the company recently added an industrial distribution building containing around 60,000 square feet on 2.8 acres in Compton, CA for approximately $11.1 million, to its portfolio. In addition, during third-quarter 2018, Terreno Realty acquired three industrial properties, comprising eight buildings and encompassing roughly 407,000 square feet of space, for approximately $67.8 million. With such efforts, Terreno Realty looks poised to benefit from robust market fundamentals in the industrial real estate segment. Notably, high-consumer spending, e-commerce boom, as well as healthy manufacturing environment amid recovering economy and job market are spurring demand for the industrial real estate category. This elevated demand is expected to significantly drive performance of Terreno Realty, as well as other industrial REITs like Duke Realty Corp. DRE, Prologis PLD and Liberty Property Trust LPT. Particularly, Terreno Realty is aimed at boosting shareholders value through opportunistic acquisition. It targets functional buildings at in-fill locations which enjoy high-population densities and are situated near high volume-distribution points. In fact, the company is focused on fortifying its portfolio in six major port cities Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C. that display solid demographic trends and experience healthy demand for industrial real estates. Additionally, the companys shares have gained 2.4% in the past three months, as against the industrys decline of 2.1%. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 Prologis, Inc. (PLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Duke Realty Corporation (DRE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Liberty Property Trust (LPT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Terreno Realty Corporation (TRNO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Recasts; adds details on search for missing, numbers in shelters, governor and governor-elect to join Trump on Saturday visit to fire zones) By Terray Sylvester PARADISE, Calif., Nov 16 (Reuters) - Recovery workers with cadaver dogs pressed on with their search for more victims in a flame-ravaged northern California town on Friday as authorities sought clues to the fate of more than 600 people reported missing in the deadliest wildfire in state history. Remains of at least 63 people have been recovered so far in and around the Sierra foothills hamlet of Paradise, which was home to nearly 27,000 residents before the town was largely incinerated by the deadly Camp Fire on the night of Nov. 8. More than a week later, firefighters have managed to carve containment lines around 45 percent of the blaze's perimeter, up from 35 percent a day earlier, even as the burned landscape grew slightly to 142,000 acres (57,000 hectares). Besides the staggering toll on human life, property losses from the blaze make it California's most the destructive on record, posing a challenge of providing long-term shelter for many thousands of displaced residents. With nearly 12,000 homes and buildings up in smoke, many refugees from the fire have taken up temporary residence with friends and family, while others have pitched tents or were camping out of their vehicles. More than 11,000 evacuees were being housed in 14 emergency shelters set up in churches, schools and community centers around the region, American Red Cross spokeswoman Greta Gustafson said. Search teams, meanwhile, combed through charred, rubble-strewn expanses of burned-out neighborhoods looking for bodies - or anything else that might carry human DNA for identification purposes. SHIFTING TALLIES On Thursday night, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the official roster of people reported unaccounted for by loved ones had grown to 630, more than double the number counted as missing earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the remains of seven more people were found, bringing the death toll to 63, he said. Sheriff's spokeswoman Miranda Bowersox said the missing-persons list would likely fluctuate greatly. Story continues "The overall number will go down, but in the short term we expect we will see new reports of people missing," she said. Some of those still unaccounted for have likely survived but not yet notified family or authorities that they are alive, either because they lack telephone service or are unaware anyone is looking for them. On the other hand, there may be some people who perished but whose relatives have yet to report them missing. Communication disruptions after the fire have added to the confusion. The disaster already ranks among the deadliest wildfires in the United States since the turn of the last century. Authorities attribute the death toll partly to the speed with which flames raced through the town with little advance warning, driven by howling winds and fueled by drought-desiccated scrub and trees. Weather conditions have since turned more favorable to the firefighting effort, Nick Pimlott, a Cal Fire engineer, told KRCR-TV. He said winds had died down, allowing crews around Lake Oroville to the southeast of Paradise to extend and shore up containment lines around the blaze. Many on the missing-persons list are over the age of 65, in keeping with the town's recent history as a haven for retirees. 'WHY AM I HERE?' Family of retired U.S. Navy veteran David Marbury, 66, have not heard from him since the wildfire erupted. On Thursday, Marburys landlord confirmed to relatives that his Paradise duplex had burned down. His car was still in the garage. "I really hope hes still alive and were going to be able to see him," Marburys niece, Sadia Quint, 30, told Reuters by phone. Some said they were experiencing survivors' guilt. "You're like, 'Why am I here?'" Sam Walker, a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Paradise, told WBUR radio. "'Why is my family all here? Why are our churches still standing?' I don't know. My house is gone, like so many others. More than 300 California National Guard troops have been deployed to the fire zone to help search for victims, and to fill logistical, medical and administrative roles. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Angle said seven soldiers from his battalion lost their homes in the fire, including one woman who asked to help with the recovery effort because it was better for her piece of mind to be part of it. The Camp Fire coincided with a series of smaller blazes in Southern California, most notably the Woolsey Fire, which is linked to three fatalities and has destroyed at least 500 structures near the Malibu coast west of Los Angeles. It was 57 percent contained on Friday. Scientists have said the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California and elsewhere across the West are largely attributable to prolonged drought that is symptomatic of climate change. U.S. President Donald Trump is due to visit the fire zones on Saturday to meet displaced residents. Critics say Trump, a Republican, has politicized the fires by blaming them, without supporting evidence, on forest mismanagement by California. Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, planned to join Trump on his tour. "Now is a time to pull together for the people of California," Brown and Newsom said in a joint statement. Smoke from the Camp Fire has spread broadly. Public schools in Sacramento 90 miles (150 km) to the south, and as far away as San Francisco and Oakland, canceled classes for Friday because of poor air quality. (Reporting by Terray Sylvester; additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Jonathan Allen in New York; Suzannah Gonzales in Chicago Writing by Nick Carey, Bill Trott and Steve Gorman; editing by Bernadette Baum, Steve Orlofsky and Grant McCool) New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 72F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. Low 53F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. The mountain paths leading out of Jaghori, a district in the remote highlands of central Afghanistan, teem with trucks and cars crammed with men, women, and children. Despite freezing conditions, others make the journey by foot, trudging alongside the hastily formed convoys with their meager possessions slung over their shoulders. They are escaping the Taliban, which launched a major attack last week to seize control of Jaghori and Malistan, districts in Afghanistan's central Ghazni Province heavily populated with members of the country's beleaguered Hazara minority. Those who successfully make the hazardous journey -- many head to the provincial capital, Ghazni city, others all the way to Kabul -- find little solace in their new surroundings. No Food, Medicine Arrivals to Ghazni city, where Taliban fighters are clashing with government forces on the outskirts of town, say the government has failed to provide them with basic necessities. "We have gone from one grave to another," says Abdullah, a resident of Jaghori who fled to Ghazni city on November 13 with his family of nine. "We don't have any food or blankets. Two of my children are sick from the cold, and there's no medicine." "We left in the middle of the night in a crowded truck," adds Abdullah, who only goes by one name. "People left any way they could." Abdul Khaleq Ahmadi, the head of the provincial department for refugees, says that more than 1,000 families from Jaghori and Malistan have escaped to Ghazni city in the past week. Most families are living in schools, mosques, and hostels in the city, while others are staying with relatives. The government and aid agencies are scrambling to set up temporary accommodation for the displaced and supply them with basic provisions. Many of the new arrivals say the response has been slow. "I came here with my wife and children," says Mohammad Ali, whose family found shelter in a mosque in Ghazni city on November 11 after leaving their home in Sang-e Masha, the main town in Jaghori district. "There's no food. People are getting sick." Taliban Threat The Taliban still pose a threat to many who have fled to Ghazni city, which itself was briefly overrun by the militants following a massive offensive in August. Hundreds of people were killed in the ensuing fighting that destroyed parts of the city. While the militants were beaten back, they have continued to attack government forces on the outskirts of the city. The militants are estimated to control more territory than any time since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 that ousted the Taliban regime. The Afghan government this week sent air and ground reinforcements to help Afghan special forces and Hazara militiamen fighting the Taliban in Jaghori and Malistan. The ongoing clashes have killed hundreds on both sides. Many people have expressed anger and frustration over the government's slow response in sending reinforcements. The fighting prompted demonstrations in Kabul and Ghazni city by Hazara, who have complained of official neglect after their community was targeted in a string of militant attacks. A suicide attack close to where demonstrators had been gathering in Kabul killed at least six people on November 12. The Taliban terrorized Hazara during its oppressive 1996-2001 rule, when the militants seized control of central Afghanistan through brute force and a campaign of targeted killings. The current fighting in Ghazni between the mostly Pashtun Sunni Taliban and Shi'ite Hazara has heightened fears of ethnic and sectarian violence, even as the Taliban has denied it is specifically targeting Hazara. 'We Don't Have Anything' While many have sought refuge in Ghazni city, others have made the hazardous road journey through Taliban-controlled areas to the capital, Kabul. "We travelled for three days and nights by truck until we finally arrived in Kabul," says Fatima, a resident of the town of Anguri in the Jaghori district, adding that they used back roads to avoid Taliban checkpoints in the region. "There was fierce fighting in our area," adds Fatima, who only goes by one name. She says she fled after the Taliban overran her town. She arrived in the capital on November 12 with several other families from the same town. She says she left with only a few pieces of extra clothing. "We're staying here with relatives, but we don't have anything," she says. "We don't have any money." Nesar Ahmad arrived in Kabul on November 13 with more than 20 family members and relatives. He is staying with relatives in Dasht-e Barchi, a predominately Hazara area that has been hit by a series of deadly suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Ahmad acknowledges the threat of staying in Dasht-e Barchi, but he says staying in Jaghori was not an option. "Everyone fled in every direction to stay alive," says Ahmad, who adds that people escaped to Bamiyan and Dai Kundi, Hazara-majority regions that neighbor Ghazni. "The government should know its responsibility," says Ahmad with a sigh of frustration. "There are hundreds of people here like me that need help. We don't have money or food. The government needs to clear out the Taliban so we can go back to our homes." For nearly 18 years, Afghanistans hard-line Islamist Taliban movement largely refrained from attacking the countrys predominately Shiite Hazara minority. But the Taliban recently began targeting Hazara-inhabited regions in the central provinces of Uruzgan and Ghazni. Hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced by the fighting, which began in late October. The fighting was apparently provoked by the breakdown of a longstanding agreement between the two, according to former Taliban members and Ghazni locals. Hazara leaders, for their part, deny they had engaged in any written or verbal understanding with the insurgents. The Taliban regime is accused of harshly persecuting the beleaguered minority during its stint in power in the 1990s. Nazar Muhammad Mutmaeen, a Kabul-based former Taliban official, says both the Taliban and Hazara community -- which is spread over several provinces in central Afghanistan -- largely respected an understanding that required them to keep out of each others affairs. The understanding was that the Taliban will not be harmed by the Hazaras while members of Hazara militias, too, will refrain from traveling to regions controlled by the Taliban, Mutmaeen told Radio Free Afghanistan. He says an increase in the number of rural territories controlled by the Taliban has prompted authorities across the country to engage in secret local deals. The Hazaras concluded the most deals, he said. He says this agreement collapsed after fighting broke out between Hazara commander Abdul Hakim Shujae and the Taliban in Uruzgan Province in October. Shujae had gone into the areas the Taliban had banned him from traveling to. This is why the Taliban first attacked Shujae and then extended their fighting into Malistan and Jaghori districts in [neighboring Ghazni Province], he said. The fighting is tinged by ethnic tensions as many Taliban leaders and cadres are ethnic Pashtuns. Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, comprising nearly half of the countrys estimated 30 million people, while Hazaras make up some 10 percent of the population and have been persecuted historically. In the past, Shujaee, a former commander in the U.S.-funded Afghan Local Police, was accused of grave rights violations and faced arrest orders from the central government for the atrocities he committed. But in an interview with Voice Of America, Shujaee denied the abuses and participating in an ethnic war against Pashtuns but maintained that he defended himself and his community against the Taliban. I am fighting against the Taliban and those attacking our civilians, he said. I will never surrender. Mohammad Amin, a resident of Ghazni, agrees with Mutmaeen and says the fighting was prompted by the breakdown of the unwritten truce. Amin says that as a mark of the Talibans anger, the insurgents first burned the house of a local commander he identified as Bashi. This man, he said, was the main contact between Hazaras and the insurgents in Jaghori. For people living here, it is clear there was an understanding between Hazaras and the Taliban for the past 17 years, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. They largely avoided interfering in each others affairs during all these years. Interviews with several Ghazni residents established that under such an understanding the Taliban allowed schools, other government institutions, services, and projects to function unhindered in Hazara communities while preventing them from operating in Pashtun-populated regions. But Hazara lawmaker Arif Rahmani, a representative of Ghazni in the Afghan Parliament, rejected the claim that his community had ever concluded a deal with the Taliban. There has never been any written or unwritten agreement or understanding between the Taliban and the Hazaras, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. The Hazaras living here [in Ghazni] have no problem with their neighboring communities. But the Taliban fighters active here come from various regions and ethnic groups of Afghanistan. Many are even foreigners and not Afghan. As the Taliban gained large swathes of rural territories in recent years, they have postured as a national movement capable of replacing the current Afghan government. To support their claims, the Taliban have recruited disgruntled ethnic Tajiks and Uzbeks. The insurgents have also taken visible steps to ease Hazara fears that the hard-line Islamist movement has an anti-Shiite agenda. In 2015, Taliban militants killed dissident Taliban commander Mansoor Dadullah. He was sheltering Uzbek militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS). A Taliban report at the time said the IS militants were killed because they were attempting to foment an ethnic war by targeting Hazaras. "They particularly targeted the Hazaras and repeatedly kidnapped them. The victims also included women," the report said. The Taliban referred to the IS militants as Uzbekistanis to distinguish them from Uzbeks in Afghanistan. "The repeated kidnapping of Hazara women prompted them [the Hazaras] to kidnap 14 Pashtun women and children from Gazey village in the Khak-e Afghan district [of Zabul Province]," the report said. "They [IS] were attempting to pave the way for an ethnic war between Afghan ethnic groups, which prompted the Taliban to intervene." Mutmaeen says the episode generated some goodwill between the Taliban and the Hazaras. In some cases, the Hazaras even militarily supported the Taliban, but they faced Taliban attacks after they backtracked from such agreements, he said. In the capital, Kabul, Hazaras have suffered repeated violence. Hundreds have died in the attacks, which have targeted Hazara protests, Shiite mosques, and shrines. IS has invariably claimed such attacks in an apparent retaliation for the participation of thousands of Hazaras in Iran-backed militias in Syria. At least six people were killed and scores more injured after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vest near a Hazara protest demonstration in Kabul on November 12. The mostly young protesters were demanding the government do more to protect Hazara civilians in Ghazni. Afghan authorities say the recent fighting has forced more than 1,000 Hazara families to seek shelter in the city of Ghazni, the capital of the province with the same name. Abubakar Siddique wrote this based on reporting by Radio Free Afghanistan correspondent Asmatullah Sarwan. Pakistan on November 15 said its security forces safely recovered five of the 12 Iranian guards abducted near the countries' shared border a month ago. The extremist group Jaish al-Adl had claimed responsibility for the abduction of Iranian security personnel, which included member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). "With concerted efforts of Pakistani law enforcement agencies and armed forces, five abducted Iranian guards have been safely recovered," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said. The Iranians, including intelligence officers, were abducted near Lulakdan, a village 150 kilometers southeast of Zahedan, the capital of Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province. Faisal said the rescued guards "are in good health, being handed over to Iranian authorities." He added efforts were being made "to recover the other guards." Iranian media quoted IRGC Chief General Mohammad Ali Jafari as confirming the return of five of the guards. Pakistan briefed Tehran about "active efforts" to locate the abducted guards during two visits by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Islamabad in the past month. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi blamed the kidnapping on "our common enemies unhappy with the existing close, friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran." Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province has long been a flashpoint, with Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and militants carrying out regular cross-border raids against Iran. The province has a large, mainly Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchi community which straddles the border. Jaish al-Adl, formed in 2012, is a successor to the Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God), which has carried out a spate of attacks on Iranian security forces in recent years in Sistan-Baluchistan. Based on reporting by AP and AFP With four urns in the cold ground, the Pikes Peak National Cemetery held its somber opening Thursday as the planned final resting place for generations of veterans. These are hallowed grounds, the Rev. Bob Kwiatkowski said before the cremated remains of a Marine, sailor, airman and soldier were laid to rest. The cemetery, off Drennan Road east of the Colorado Springs Airport, will open to the public starting Friday from dawn to dusk. To inaugurate the cemetery for the opening, someone had to be first in the community of white headstones. Leaders wanted to make sure that no service had sole claim to the honor. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Charles Joyner, Army Pfc. James Grant, Navy Seaman Joseph Romero and Marine Corps Master Sgt. Kurt Krause went in together. They would have been joined by a Coast Guard representative, but in land-locked Colorado Springs, none were ready to join the honored dead. Grant waited the longest for his place. A Vietnam veteran, he died in 2007 and his family waited to put his urn in the veterans cemetery even as Congress argued over its future. Assigned to Fort Carson after a tour in Vietnam, Grant had a vibrant personality and managed to pack a lot in his 59 years by moving at light speed. We met and married in a week, June Grant said of her late husband. He was just an amazing guy. Romero died in 2013, just shy of his 63rd birthday. His family says he would have liked the gathering. Romero, a San Luis Valley rancher, was fond of parties. His son, Joseph Romero Jr., said the family waited to put their father to rest in the company of heroes. Hes finally resting in peace, he said. Melanie Joyner said the family kept her fathers ashes at her home after his death in 2014 at the age of 78. They wanted someplace special for a man whose generosity was matched by his good humor. When the Department of Veterans Affairs offered Joyner the chance to be one of the first honored at the new cemetery, the family jumped at the chance. Melanie Joyner said it will be a place to put flowers and remember the happy times, while acknowledging her fathers 26 years of service to his nation. Were honored to take part, she said. Krause, a loving father and grandfather, took great pride in being a Marine. He was the best Marine there ever was, his wife, Charlotte Krause, said. Krause died at 74 in January 2017. The family says he had boundless hugs and smiles he was the life of the party. But the precision of the military service, which included a pair of rigid Marines in the honor guard would have pleased Krause. It is a grand closing, Charlotte Krause said. Cemetery director Paul LaGrange said 300 cases of veterans who want to claim their right to be buried there are in process. An additional 100 families have asked for the remains of veterans to be moved from the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver to the new location in Colorado Springs. Any veteran who served honorably can be buried in the National Cemetery as the final installment of their VA benefits. Getting a cemetery for El Paso Countys more than 80,000 veterans took decades. A group spearheaded by retired Army Col. Victor Fernandez got help from lawmakers including Colorado Springs Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn to get it approved. There were times that I wasnt sure I would see this day, Fernandez said Thursday. The first phase opened Thursday and is part of a development that could house up to 13,000 veterans graves. The 374-acre cemetery is planned to meet the final needs of veterans in the region for the next century. A lot went into this day, LaGrange said. Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederx Tempers flared at a Colorado Springs town hall Thursday night amid concerns that the city isnt addressing homelessness fast enough particularly when it comes to helping families. Roughly 100 people packed the third of six meetings planned to gather input on the citys latest eight-point action plan to address homelessness announced in October. Several people experiencing homelessness begged Colorado Springs officials at the town hall to create more affordable housing and increase services for families living in their cars, motels or on the streets Since the plans release, criticism has mounted that it ignores families experiencing homelessness in favor of helping another large, more visible demographic: Men and women without children who sleep outside on sidewalks or in creekside camps. One woman broke into tears while describing the difficulty she had finding a place for her and her four children to live in Colorado Springs after fleeing domestic violence in another state. I fled for my life, and the safety of my children, and I have no place to go because I decided to flee, said the woman, who is staying in a hotel. Im calling shelters. Im calling places. Im calling, and they have nothing. City Council President Richard Skorman lamented that the issue of homelessness is too complex to be solved overnight, adding the city is doing all it can. Andrew Phelps, the citys homelessness prevention and response coordinator, voiced empathy for people living outside. A former outreach caseworker focused on housing military veterans, Phelps said nonprofits across the city are working on the issue. It was tough to hear. Theres a lot of anger in our community about not only just the impact of homelessness on our environment but theres a lot of people in our community who are struggling, and theyre upset, Phelps said. And Im upset right there with them, and Im concerned right there with them. I understand the anxiety and the impatience on how we cant get this stuff done soon enough. I agree, but were trying the best we can. The citys plan calls for creating a detailed affordable housing strategy next year. It also aims to create 370 more low barrier shelter beds, where admission is based on behavior, not sobriety. Much of that extra shelter space opened on Nov. 1, and dozens of beds have gone unused in recent weeks. The plans other steps include expanded use of the citys HelpCOS.org website, the creation of a homeless court that would offer alternatives to fines or jail for many municipal offenses, and the hiring of more code enforcement officers to clean up illegal camps. The city also plans to help create a fund to house homeless military veterans, and create HelpCOS Ambassador Teams to do outreach, as well as helping tourists downtown and in Old Colorado City. The deadline for completing those initiatives is Dec. 31, 2019. Phelps and Skorman were often yelled at during the meeting, and at least one person was asked by Skorman to leave, though she was ultimately allowed to stay. The residents overarching plea: Do more to create additional affordable housing, which remains a tough find in the Pikes Peak regions white-hot rental market. Some people urged the city to offer more tax incentives for developers to build such units. Several people criticized tax rebates sought by local leaders and granted by state officials for the creation of the downtown U.S. Olympic Museum, while housing remained such a critical need. They also criticized what they saw as too much talking, and not enough action, on the part of city officials when it came to creating more housing. We will have a museum built before the discussions are done, said Walter Palmer, 68, a Colorado Springs retiree. Multiple Colorado Springs nonprofits have applied for low-income housing tax credits through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and more than 100 apartments are slated for construction that will specifically cater to people experiencing homelessness. An additional 65 apartments are planned for people earning between one-third and one-half of El Paso Countys area median income. Still, many people said thats hardly enough. Thomas Villarreal, 57, applauded the city for creating more shelter beds. But he said those shelters would be a revolving door thats never going to end without more affordable housing. He said his landlord recently increased his rent from $540 to $800 a figure far closer to the going market rate, but also far beyond his means. His Social Security check, for example, totals $800. We need to put a rush on adding affordable housing, Villarreal said. Two men were arrested Thursday in the July slaying of a man in what appeared to be a robbery at a suspected illegal marijuana grow in eastern El Paso County, the Sheriffs Office said. Terrell Hall, 20, and Colin Matthew Kellet, 26, are accused of first-degree murder and third-degree burglary, the Sheriffs Office said. Gustavo Del Sol Sanchez, 46, was killed and a man was wounded the morning of July 22 in the 12000 block of Colorado 94, authorities said previously. The second man drove himself to a hospital. A third suspect in the fatal shooting, William Bacorn, 18, died later that day in a shootout with SWAT officers. Sheriffs spokeswoman Natalie Sosa confirmed Thursday that investigators still believe Bacorn was involved in the killing. Deputies got into a shootout with Bacorn when they went to a home in the 19000 block of Loop Road after reports that a heavily armed man had been seen there. Sheriff Bill Elder said Bacorn was armed with a shotgun and exchanged fire with SWAT officers. Deputy Jeremy Juhl was hit in the side by a pellet or shrapnel in the gunbattle. He was treated and released for the minor wound. Authorities have not said who shot either Juhl or Bacorn. The home on Loop Road, as well as the first shooting location on Colorado 94, had been known to the Sheriffs Office as illegal marijuana grow sites, Elder said. Investigating the case as a homicide, detectives from the Sheriffs Office have worked diligently over the past four months to determine who was responsible for Mr. Del Sol Sanchezs death, a Thursday news release says. Those efforts have resulted in two arrests. The cost of fighting a federal lawsuit against Colorado Springs over stormwater permit violations has surpassed the $3 million mark and is sure to increase. U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch ruled last week that Colorado Springs violated federal stormwater regulations at three development sites, leaving the city liable for what some councilmen have said could be hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties. Additional claims against the city are pending, but the city and plaintiffs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, could seek an out-of-court settlement. Since the EPA and the state health department filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court two years ago, the city has spent more than $3.3 million on outside attorneys, said a spokeswoman for Charae McDaniel, the citys chief financial officer. That doesnt include time the citys staff attorneys have spent on the case, which is included in the annual budget, McDaniel said. The millions spent on outside attorneys comes from the citys general fund. Breaking down the cost, McDaniel said the city spent $838,838 on outside attorneys in 2016, $1.6 million in 2017 and $881,719 so far this year. Councilman Bill Murray noted that this years total doesnt include the plaintiffs attorneys fees, which the city could be ordered to pay now that Matsch ruled in their favor in a partial judgment. The EPA and the state health department were joined later in the lawsuit by Pueblo County and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, and their costs could also be added in, he said. The city could also be charged as much as $57,570 per day for each violation since Nov. 2, 2015, the lawsuit says. For violations before that date the fine could be $37,500 per day, although the amount drops further for violations before Jan. 12, 2009. Rather than continuing the costly legal battle, CDPHE officials have said they and the other plaintiffs are negotiating with the city to curtail violations and ensure future compliance with the stormwater permit and the federal Clean Water Act. Council President Richard Skorman has said hes hoping a settlement can be reached or Matsch does not levy an inordinate amount of civil fines against the city, which he says would be counterproductive. The higher the citys lawsuit costs go, the more its stormwater programs and other services might suffer, he said. conrad.swanson@gazette.com @conrad_swanson The generosity of Gazette readers is helping Eric Knapp, a Gazette newspaper deliverer for more than 40 years, buy another motorhome to live in. As detailed in an article in Thursdays Gazette, the Gulf Stream RV in which Knapp and his girlfriend, Debbie Myers, were living caught fire last week and was destroyed, leaving the couple homeless. An online fundraiser started by Myers family jumped from $675 in donations on Wednesday to more than $3,800 on Thursday, after the article appeared. The goal is to raise $5,500. Knapp said he is humbled by the outpouring of community support. Donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/2QKgxXV. Or, checks can be made out to Eric Knapp and mailed to The Gazette, Attn: Circulation Department (to benefit Eric Knapp), 30 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Colorados unaffiliated voters turned out for last weeks election in record numbers but turned their backs on Republicans by wide margins, a survey conducted by a GOP polling firm shows. Whats more, President Donald Trumps low approval rating among unaffiliated voters who outnumber Colorados registered Democrats and Republicans appears to have dragged down Republican candidates, who suffered historic losses up and down the ballot. Pollster David Flaherty, whose Louisville-based Magellan Strategies surveyed unaffiliated voters after the election, said the polls findings and the election results can only be described as extraordinary because in the past 20 years, never has one political party been so overwhelmingly rejected at every level of representative government by the electorate. The scale of the Democrats win in Colorado is hard to overstate: For the first time since 1938, the party will control every statewide elected office and both chambers of the General Assembly. Democrat Jared Polis won the governors race by 10 percentage points his victory fueled in part by overwhelming support from unaffiliated voters, with 59 percent voting for Polis compared with 25 percent going for Republican Walker Stapleton, the poll found. Unaffiliated women gave Polis a 45 percentage point margin, while unaffiliated men preferred the Democrat by 24 percentage points. One-third of unaffiliated voters said they were less likely to vote for Republicans because of Trump, who declared the midterms were a referendum on his presidency and campaigned throughout the country in the months before the election. Just 12 percent of unaffiliated voters said Trumps influence made them more likely to vote for Republican candidates. The telephone poll of 500 unaffiliated voters was conducted Nov. 7-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percent. The Democratic Party is viewed favorably by 45 percent of Colorados unaffiliated voters and unfavorably by 31 percent, the poll found. Only 25 percent of respondents view the GOP favorably, however, and 53 percent view the party unfavorably. Asked which party they typically support, 51 percent of respondents said Democrats, while 24 percent said Republicans. Among voters age 18-44, the gap was even wider, with 55 percent naming the Democrats and just 18 percent saying they tended to vote for Republicans. Not only did the states unaffiliated voters lean toward Democrats, but they voted in unprecedented numbers, Flaherty noted. For the first time in a Colorado midterm election, unaffiliated voters cast more ballots than either Democrats or Republicans, flipping historic turnout models on their head. Time will tell if the 2018 election was an acceleration of the Republican Partys waning ability to win statewide elections in Colorado, or a sobering period of clarity that sparked a new direction for the GOP, Flaherty said. Education and health care were the top two issues unaffiliated voters said had influenced their vote for governor and legislative candidates, the pollsters found. Asked why they supported Polis, respondents brought up his positions on education, health care and the environment. Some said they liked his business background and considered him more competent and qualified than Stapleton. Those who opposed the Democrat said they worried he would raise taxes, increase government spending and threaten the oil and gas industry. A handful said they didnt vote for Polis because he is gay. Unaffiliated voters who supported Stapleton said they liked his fiscally conservative positions on taxes and the state budget, and a few pointed to the his position on sanctuary cities and support for Trump. Many more unaffiliated voters who opposed Stapleton, however, cited his support for Trump and the administrations policies. Others said in transcribed, open-ended responses that they considered Stapleton a liar, dishonest and untrustworthy, with some bringing up his campaigns attacks against Polis. Flaherty characterized Trumps upside-down job approval rating with unaffiliated voters as toxic, with 31 percent approving of his performance and 62 percent disapproving. Asked whether they would support Trump or a Democratic candidate for president in 2020, 55 percent picked an unnamed Democrat, and 23 percent went with Trump. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trevali Mining Corporation (Trevali or the Company) (TSX: TV; BVL: TV; OTCQX: TREVF; Frankfurt: 4TI) announces that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted its notice to implement a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase, for cancellation, up to 40,000,000 common shares representing approximately 6.5% of Trevalis public float of common shares (calculated in accordance with the rules of the TSX), having a maximum aggregate purchase price of C$20 million, over a twelve month period commencing on November 19, 2018. The NCIB will expire no later than November 18, 2019. All purchases made pursuant to the NCIB will be made through the facilities of the TSX or alternative Canadian trading systems, in open market transactions or by such other means as may be permitted under applicable securities laws. The price that Trevali will pay for common shares in open market transactions will be the market price at the time of purchase. In accordance with TSX rules, any daily purchases (other than pursuant to a block purchase exemption) on the TSX under the NCIB are limited to a maximum of 547,457 common shares, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the six months ended October 31, 2018. As of November 14, 2018, the Company has 831,196,085 common shares outstanding. Trevali has appointed BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. to conduct the NCIB on its behalf. Trevali may enter into an automatic purchase plan with its broker to allow for the repurchase of shares during internal trading blackout periods. Any such plan entered into with Trevalis broker will be adopted in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and would be subject to prior approval of the TSX. Trevali believes that initiating the NCIB at the current time represents an attractive use of cash, with now an opportune time to return cash to shareholders. The actual number of common shares that will be repurchased under the NCIB, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by Trevali based on market conditions, Trevalis share price, alternative uses of cash and other factors. There cannot be any assurances as to how many common shares, if any, will ultimately be acquired by Trevali under the NCIB. ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals company with four mines: the 90% owned Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso, the 90% owned Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia, the wholly-owned Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick in Canada, and the wholly-owned Santander mine in Peru. The shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Companys website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of TREVALI MINING CORPORATION Mark D. Cruise (signed) Mark D. Cruise, President Contact Information: Steve Stakiw, Vice President - Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Email: sstakiw@trevali.com Phone: (604) 488-1661 / Direct: (604) 638-5623 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Companys plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements as to the Companys intentions regarding the normal course issuer bid, and the number of common shares that might be purchased by the Company under the normal course issuer bid and the terms and conditions of any such purchases. These statements reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. If any assumptions are untrue, it could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including commodity prices, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the Companys actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the ability to acquire common shares in the market through the normal course issuer bid and in compliance with regulatory requirements; share price volatility; availability of funds to purchase shares under the normal course issuer bid, as well as other risks as more fully described in the Companys annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is available on the Companys website ( www.trevali.com ) and filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Source: Trevali Mining Corporation TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forsys Metals Corp. (TSX: FSY) (FSE: F2T) (NSX: FSY) (Forsys or the Company) wishes to advise that it has appointed Mark Frewin as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Miles Nagamatsu as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following the resignation of former CEO, Marcel Hilmer and former CFO, Dale Hanna. Mr. Frewin is currently a director of Forsys and previously held the office of Vice President, Legal Affairs of the Company. Mr. Nagamatsu is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant with 30 years experience and is a former CFO of the Company, holding that position from 2004 through 2008. The Company would like to thank Mr. Hilmer for his valuable contribution over many years and wishes him well in his future endeavours as he pursues other opportunities. Forsys also thanks Mr. Hanna for his efforts and contributions during his tenure with the Company. About Forsys Metals Corp. Forsys Metals Corp. is an emerging uranium producer with 100% ownership of the Norasa project that comprises the fully permitted Valencia uranium project and the Namibplaas uranium project in Namibia, Africa, a politically stable and mining friendly jurisdiction. Information regarding current National Instrument 43-101 compliant Resource and Reserves at Valencia and Namibplaas are available on the Company website. Shares outstanding: 156.9m For additional information please contact: Jorge Estepa, Corporate Secretary Telephone: (416) 818-4035 www.forsysmetals.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains projections and forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. The following are important factors that could cause Forsys actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: fluctuations in uranium prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology; continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; recovery rates, production estimates and estimated economic return; general market conditions; the uncertainty of future profitability; and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Full description of these risks can be found in Forsys Annual Information Form available on the Companys profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and the Companys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressed qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstance or managements estimates or opinions change. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. WDLs premium protein product, ProTyton, complements ethanol production LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Invest Nebraska added to its growing portfolio of high-growth companies with an investment in White Dog Labs, a business focused on producing feed for the aquaculture industry. "We conducted due diligence on WDLs technology, products and plans and are extremely optimistic about the companys potential, said Dan Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska. WDLs entrepreneurship, technology, products, markets and emphasis on sustainability, fit nicely with our profile of high potential companies, and we are excited that they have selected Nebraska for their first plant. Invest Nebraska, the states public-private venture development organization, was joined by existing WDL investors in this investment. WDL has developed and scaled up ProTyton, a Single Cell Protein ingredient that exhibits upwards of 85wt% crude protein and over 40wt% essential amino acids. ProTyton fermentation, similar to that of ethanol, is a simple anaerobic process, thus allowing co-location with ethanol plants. First ProTyton production plant is to be co-located with Midwest Renewable Energy ethanol plant in Sutherland, NE. Shortages of energy and protein are two key concerns for the ever-growing global population, said Joe Fox, Director, Business Development Division, Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED). Nebraska is a large corn and ethanol producing state and we are delighted to have the first plant that will complement ethanol production with a premium protein product made from corn. We are certainly pleased with the investment, said Bryan Tracy, WDLs CEO, But even more importantly, we are delighted to be in such a supportive, action-oriented state starting with NDED, extending to state agencies involved in permitting, to the USDA Nebraska office, and concluding with Invest Nebraska. He added, We are looking forward to ProTytons production start-up in the Sutherland plant in Q4 2019. ProTyton is trademark of WDL Dublin, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Travel and Tourism: Travel Agencies, Tour Operators and Related Services in South Africa 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was R136.1bn, or 2.9% in 2017. Including indirect benefits, its contribution was 8.9%. Travel and tourism investment in South Africa amounted to R71bn, or 8.2% of total investment in the country, while foreign visitor spending and international tourism receipts generated around R126.7bn. Identified as one of the main drivers of employment and economic growth, the industry provided over 4.4% of South Africa's total workforce in 2016. In recent years, the industry has experienced disruption with the growth of internet travel portals offering consumers direct bookings. The industry continues to be disrupted by social buying networks that offer substantially discounted rates, as well as platforms such as Airbnb. The industry is highly exposed to domestic and external macroeconomic, political, geopolitical, social and climatic factors. Crime, natural disasters and exchange rate volatility also affect travel and tourism. The severe water crisis in the Western Cape, devastating fires around Knysna and the outbreak of Listeriosis affected travel in 2017. Contentious visa regulations which had a significant negative effect on tourism, were amended, easing some of the challenges ravellers to South Africa experienced. Report Coverage: The report focuses on travel agencies, tour operators and related services and investigates current conditions, recent developments and factors influencing the success of the sector. The report profiles 39 companies including Tourvest, a leading player in the sector, which manages over 50% of South Africa's corporate travel arrangements and has a portfolio of around 60 brands. It also profiles HRG Rennies Travel, a subsidiary of the Bidvest Group, one of the leading travel management companies in Africa, Cullinan Holdings, which includes Thompsons Holidays, and Protea Hotels, City Lodge and Tsogo Sun, the top-selling accommodation brands in the domestic segment. Profiles include Travellingcheapskates, which specialises in custom-made travel packages for people on tight budgets and Lebo's Soweto, and Siviwe Tours, which offer tours of Soweto in Johannesbug and Langa in Cape Town. Key Topics Covered: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 2.1. Industry Value Chain 2.2. Geographic Position 3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 4.1. Local 4.1.1. Corporate Actions 4.1.2. Regulations and Government Policies 4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 4.2. Continental 4.3. International 5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 5.1. Government Interventions 5.2. Economic Environment 5.3. Rising Operating Costs 5.4. Cyclicity 5.5. Crime and Security 5.6. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 5.7. Labour 5.8. Environmental Concerns 5.9. Marketing 6. COMPETITION 6.1. Barriers to Entry 7. SWOT ANALYSIS 8. OUTLOOK 9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 10. REFERENCES 10.1. Publications 10.2. Websites APPENDIX 1 Summary of Major Players APPENDIX 2 Segments of the Travel Industry APPENDIX 3 2017 Global Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Rankings COMPANY PROFILES Abercrombie and Kent Safaris (Pty) Ltd African Eagle Cape Town Day Tours (Pty) Ltd African Eagle of Southern African Territories (Pty) Ltd African Impact Safari Operator CC Akilanga (Pty) Ltd And Beyond South Africa (Pty) Ltd Austria Connection CC Beachcomber Marketing (Pty) Ltd Club Travel SA (Pty) Ltd Coega Development Corporation (Pty) Ltd Comair Retail Travel Services (Pty) Ltd Concorde Travel (Pty) Ltd Connex Travel (Pty) Ltd Cullinan Holdings Ltd Egoli Tours (Pty) Ltd ERM Tours (Pty) Ltd Flame of Africa CC Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd Flightsite (Pty) Ltd Harvey World Travel Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd ITT Inspirations Travel and Tours (Pty) Ltd Jetstar Travel (Pty) Ltd Lebo's Backpackers CC Overseas Visitors Club (Pty) Ltd Rennies Travel (Pty) Ltd Seeza Destination Network Serendipity Tours CC Siviwe Tours (Pty) Ltd Songhai Travel (Pty) Ltd Soul Traveller Tourism SA (Pty) Ltd South African Airways City Center (SOC) Ltd STA Travel (Pty) Ltd Sure Travel (Pty) Ltd Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd Trafalgar Tours (Pty) Ltd Travel Vision (Pty) Ltd Travelingcheapskates (Pty) Ltd Travelstart Online Travel Operations (Pty) Ltd Wilderness Holdings Ltd For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sgmksq/south_africa?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. English Lithuanian Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB (hereinafter the Company), identification code 304151376, registered office placed at Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. The total number of registered ordinary shares issued by company is 894 630 333; ISIN code LT0000130023. The National Commission for Energy Control and Prices on November 16 announced the prices approved by the Board of the Company on 12 November. The decision has approved new electricity network service prices, which will be in force in 2019. For corporate customers, who receive electricity from medium voltage networks, Company proposed 8,0 % lower network service price (including public service obligation). For corporate customers, who receive electricity from the low voltage networks 3,5 %, for private customers 0,2 %. The cost of the electricity network service may vary for specific customers. Representative for Public Relations Tomas Kavaliauskas tomas.kavaliauskas@eso.lt tel. +370 61751616 Bunuel wrote: If x is a positive integer, what is the value of x ? (1) \(x^2=\sqrt{x}\) (2) \(\frac{n}{x} = n\) and \(n eq 0\) Another approach for those that they are quite confident with exponents:1)Squaring both sides of X^2 = sqrt(X) you get X^4 = X. Now divide both sides with X and you get X^3 = 1 (You can divide by x as x>0). Now the tricky thing comes in...you have to raise both sides to 1/3 power in order to get(X^3) ^ 1/3 = 1^(1/3) which give X = 1^(1/3). The positive 1 is equal to 1 if is raised to any positive power which is the case. Hence Sufficient.2) VERY StraightforwardMultiply both sides by X so you can get n = x*n and then divide both sides by n in order to get n/n = (n*x) / n which will give x =1. Hence Sufficient.I am not sure why I went one step further with statement (1). I am quite suprised that all of you did the x(x^3-1) = 0 ... Can you please explain why you stopped there? Akela wrote: University president: Our pool of applicants has been shrinking over the past few years. One possible explanation of this unwelcome phenomenon is that we charge too little for tuition and fees. Prospective students and their parents conclude that the quality of education they would receive at this institution is not as high as that offered by institutions with higher tuition. So, if we want to increase the size of our applicant pool, we need to raise our tuition and fees. The university presidents argument requires the assumption that (A) the proposed explanation for the decline in applications applies in this case (B) the quality of a university education is dependent on the amount of tuition charged by the university (C) an increase in tuition and fees at the university would guarantee a larger applicant pool (D) there is no additional explanation for the universitys shrinking applicant pool (E) the amount charged by the university for tuition has not increased in recent years Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor Learn more about how Veritas Prep can help you achieve a great GMAT score by checking out their KarishmaVeritas Prep GMAT InstructorLearn more about how Veritas Prep can help you achieve a great GMAT score by checking out their GMAT Prep Options > Signature Read More Premises:Pool of applicants is declining.One possible explanation is too little feesParents and students conclude that quality of education will be lower than that at higher fees schoolsConclusion: if we want to increase the size of our applicant pool, we need to raise our tuition and fees.The president concludes that to increase the pool size, fees NEEDS to increase.His conclusion is based on the assumption that the possible explanation he discusses is the actual explanation. That is why he concludes that fees needs to increase.(A) the proposed explanation for the decline in applications applies in this caseThis is correct. He is assuming that the explanation he has provided is what applies here. Hence he concludes that to increase pool, he needs to raise fees (so that parents and students outlook changes toward this school)(B) the quality of a university education is dependent on the amount of tuition charged by the universityThis is not true. He talks about the perspective of the parents and students. He does not assume that this is actually true. Just raising the tuition would not automatically raise the quality of the education. The president says that the parents and students conclude that low fees means low quality of education. This does not actually need to be true for the president's logic of raising fees.(C) an increase in tuition and fees at the university would guarantee a larger applicant poolNo. The president only talks about increasing fees being necessary. He does not say that it is sufficient to increase fees.(D) there is no additional explanation for the universitys shrinking applicant poolAgain, this is not implied. He talks about one possible explanation. Also, he talks about the NEED to increase fees. He does not imply that no other factor is playing any role.(E) the amount charged by the university for tuition has not increased in recent yearsNote that the comparison is between this school fees and other schools' fees. The fees could be rising but the fees of all schools could be rising. So comparatively, this school could be charging less than other schools all across the many years.Say this schools charged $20k while other schools charged $50k 5 years ago. Even if all schools are raising their fees by 10% every year, this school will continue to charge less than all other schools.Answer (A)_________________ I just got home from Kansas City, Mo., where I attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference. I spent four days collaborating with over 800 students and numerous individuals who are leaders at companies and organizations such as Pepsi Co., Land OLakes, USDA, and more. The conference also invited over 130 companies to an opportunity fair, many of which were looking for interns and future employees. Multiple students that I visited with lined up internships and a few were asked to take full-time positions after they graduated. I enjoyed meeting people my age from around the country and interacting with industry people. But my favorite part of the conference was a session where about 20 upper level management people (a couple of them being CEOs) from different agricultural companies and organizations sat with small groups of about ten of us and shared their life and work experiences. Personally, I gained insights on different leadership qualities, how to encourage diversity, and how to adapt to change more efficiently. I got to experience this great learning opportunity because I applied for a scholarship on the Hoards Dairyman youth scholarship page. Click the link, or find the scholarships in the youth tab. Seriously, check them out! The AFA scholarship along with many others are updated and posted on this page. A lot of these opportunities also come with added bonuses like the conference I just recently attended and connections with people in the agricultural community. My advice to all the college students out there is to apply for as many of these awards as you can. Every year, I print this list off and organize the due dates so I do not miss any. They are agricultural and dairy specific, and for you, that means a better chance of being chosen. Christy Achen was the 2018 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern. She grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Kansas. Achen is currently a senior at Utah State University studying agricultural communications and journalism. 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 In January, the Iranian authorities detained eight members of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, with one, Iranian-Canadian university professor Kavous Seyed Emami, dying under suspicious circumstances in prison in February. Shortly after his death, another environmentalist was picked up. The letter, signed by 1,124 people and posted on Monday to a a Telegram channel dedicated to Emami, asked Sadeq Larijani to transparently resolve the cases ambiguities in a way that respects the detainees dignity, but does not explicitly call for their release in the way that many others have. The signatories, who include environmentalists, artists, current and former government officials, and other civil society activists, wrote that the detainees have not engaged in unlawful activity, which implies that they should be released, and are renowned for their work in protecting Irans wildlife. Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, an Iranian lawyer who has sought to represent the detainees, said in October that the judiciary changed its charges against five of the accused from espionage to sowing corruption on earth, which carries the death penalty. On October 24, during a news conference to announce the revised charges, Tehrans chief prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, accused the detainees of seeking proximity to military sites under the cover of environmental projects and obtaining military information from those sites. This came after an Iranian Parliament committee, including Irans environmental department and intelligence ministry, examined the case in May and found no evidence of spying, suggesting that the Iranian Regime is just throwing any charges at detainees in the hope that they stick. The Iranian state-run news agency IRNA referenced the committees findings in a report on Monday about the civil society activists letter to Larijani and quoted Iranian Vice President Isa Kalantari, who heads the environmental department, as saying that the powerful Iranian judiciary has blocked him and other officials from taking further action in the case. Last month, Hadi Ghaemi, the head of New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, said that nothing could justify the continued detainment of the environmentalists, let alone their execution. He said: One detainee has already lost his life during this travesty of justice. Iran should immediately release the remaining detainees to prevent further loss of innocent life. It was also concerned about ongoing severe limitations and restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, particularly with regards to political opponents, rights activists, academics, and the press. The resolution, co-sponsored by 30 other countries, singles out violations against religious minorities, including Christians, Gonabadi Dervishes, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Yarsanis, Zoroastrians and members of the Bahai faith, and urges that those imprisoned for their faith be released. The General Assemblys Human Rights Committee adopted the resolution by a vote of 85-30, with 68 abstentions. It is expected to be approved by the 193-member world body in December. This would be the 65th UN resolution condemning human rights abuses in Iran. Reactions Irans deputy UN ambassador, Eshagh Al Habib, dismissed the resolution as a political charade and said that the rest of the world should not lecture Iran on human rights, although he did admit that some deficiencies do exist in Iran. While Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, said: The Iranian people continue to suffer under a regime that does not respect human rights, that denies freedoms, that persecutes religious and racial minorities. He also called on Iran not to give shelter to terrorists. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said: Condemning the systematic and gross violations of human rights by the theocratic regime ruling Iran, the UN resolution once again confirmed that the regime blatantly tramples upon the Iranian peoples most fundamental rights in all political, social and economic spheres. The Iranian regime is in no way congruous with the 21st century and must be isolated by the world community. #Irans ruling theocracy must be isolated by the world community, its dossiers referred to the UN Security Council, and its leaders face justice for crimes against humanity#HumanRightshttps://t.co/xGRy961SWp pic.twitter.com/sSEZ2Rt9nQ Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) November 15, 2018 The Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran wrote: Considering the regimes other crimes and repressive policies which the resolution fails to enumerate, including systematically assassinating opponents abroad, and depriving the people of Iran of their rights to decide their countrys fate, to enjoy the rule of law, to have access to fair trials, to have free access to information, and to form independent syndicates and unions for workers, students and government employees, it is safe to say that the Iranian regime is the most ruthless, aggressive violator of human rights in the world today. They advised referring the Regimes dossier of crimes to the UN Security Council. Thats why we wanted to dedicate this article to discovering who the MEK are, what they stand for, and why they have the support of the Iranian people and Giuliani. Who are the MEK? The MEK is the oldest, longest running, best organised, and largest anti-fascist resistance group in the Middle East. They formed in 1965 and have spent the past 53 years fighting the regimes of the Shah and the mullahs in order to bring freedom and democracy to Iran. They are currently lead by Maryam Rajavi, who Giuliani hails as the leader that [the Regime] fears the most. What do the MEK stand for? The MEK believes in freedom, equality, and democracy; something enshrined in their 10-point plan for a Free Iran. 1. Democratic leadership 2. Respect for individual freedoms 3. Abolition of death penalty 4. Separation of Church and State 5. Complete gender equality 6. Reform of the justice system 7. Respect for human rights 8. Equal opportunity for all in employment 9. Peaceful Foreign Policy 10. A non-nuclear Iran Why does the MEK enjoy such support? The Iranian people recognise that the MEK is the only force capable of helping them overthrow the mullahs regime; something evident from the successful peoples protests in 2018 that have been largely directed by the MEK. The Iranian people want the mullahs gone and see that the MEK will not only achieve that, but will also institute the kind of government that the Iranian people want. Many foreign dignitaries, including Giuliani, feel the same way. They know that Iranians deserve a free and democratic country and the only way to achieve that is with the MEK; a group that already has working relations with the rest of the world. How does the Regime view the MEK? The Iranian Regime view the MEK as the biggest threat to their continued rule, which is why they spend so much time, money, and effort to eliminate the MEK. Not only does the Regime ban MEK membership in Iran, which has involved executing 30,000 MEK members en-masse in the summer of 1988 and imprisoning hundreds of thousands more, but they also target the MEK outside of Iran through propaganda campaigns and terrorist plots. Earlier this year, the Regime has launched three separate terrorist attacks against the MEK, which were thankfully foiled by law enforcement in the US and Europe. In March, they tried to attack the MEK at their Albania headquarters during Iranian New Year celebrations and in August, two Iranian agents were arrested in the US for spying on the MEK. In June, the Regime had its agents attempt to drive a car bomb into an MEK rally attended by 100,000 people. The Regime often tries to portray the MEK as a fringe group, but why would the Regime pt so much effort into attacking an unimportant group? - Actor Arjo Atayde finally released some words about his present status - He was asked about it during his contract signing with ABS-CBN - Arjo also expressed how it feels to be working with the cast of Jack Em Poy: Puliscredibles PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Kapamilya actor Arjo Atayde kept his answer short and simple when asked about his current status in the midst of speculations that he is in love with Maine Mendoza. KAMI learned that the two promising celebrities are rumored to be in a special relationship since some photos and videos of them together circulated online. During the ABS-CBN contract signing, Arjo initially shared how it feels to be working with Maine, Vic Sotto, and the other cast of Jack Em Poy: Puliscredibles. He expressed that the movie is his first for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) that is why he is excited to be seen on the big screen again. "Working with them was fun naman. It was interesting and exciting. So I'm ready and pumped for December 25, the actor quipped. Tsaka first MMFF ko din. But I did a cameo nga sa last ni Coco pero this time full-length naman. So excited to be back on the big screen this time naman po, he 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! Although he did not mention about his leaked photos with Maine, the former Ang Probinsyano antagonist gave short and cryptic message with regards to his current status. Arjo said, "Masaya po. Masaya ako." In a previous article by , the actors sister Ria Atayde released few words about him and Maine that netizens described as a hint to the real score between the two celebrities. Arjo, or Juan Carlos Ocampo Atayde in real life, was born on November 5, 1990. He is a Filipino actor who is also the son of multi-awarded actress Sylvia Sanchez. He will be part of the upcoming drama series entitled, The General's Daughter with Angel Locsin. 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 - FPJ's Ang Probinsyano faces controversies after PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde complained about the cops' portrayal on the show - Edu Manzano defended the show and said it doesn't only focus on the problems of the police in the Philippines -For him, Filipino viewers are aware of the difference between reality and FPJAPs fictional story PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Edu Manzano finally gave his views about the PNP's complaint against the show 'FPJ's Ang Probinsyano' starring Coco Martin. Edu is known to be the villain in the action-drama series that's why his opinion towards the issue is highly anticipated. As reported by PEP.ph, Edu believes that FPJAP doesn't only focus on the Philippine's current problems particularly the dilemmas among some policemen. "How the police authorities are portrayed in the teleserye is not exclusive to the Philippines," Edu stated. "The depictions are a product of the vivid imagination of the writers, and actual events that are woven together to present a colorful and interesting story for the televiewers," he added. He said that Filipino viewers are wise enough to identify the difference between reality and a fictional plot. "I trust the Filipino [audience] can tell the difference between fact and fiction," Edu said. 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! Eduardo Barrios Manzano or Edu Manzano is an actor, comedian, and politician. He portrays the role 'Lucas Cabrera' in Probinsyano who is a villain. Luis Manzano, Addi, and Enzo are Edu's children. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Filipinos Street Quiz: Philippines tricky questions - can you answer these tricky questions? Today we are going to ask the Philippines strangers some very funny Tagalog tricky questions! These individuals from the Philippines have their answers on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph Rep. Bass Statement of Concern Regarding the Appointment of Lana Marks as Unites States Ambassador to South Africa Today, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), top Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement after the appointment of Lana Marks at United States Ambassador to South Africa. Im encouraged that the Trump administration and the State Department are expressing interest in staffing important U.S. diplomatic posts in African countries. This is absolutely essential to bettering our relationship with the countries on the continent and the economic opportunities they offer. In order for our country to fully take advantage of these opportunities, it is imperative that people with strong backgrounds relevant to the countries they will serve are appointed to be ambassadors, especially to sensitive countries such as South Africa, where less than 70 years ago, the United States refused to stand with the rest of the world in opposing the Apartheid regime established there. South Africa is a key strategic partner and a key ally on the continent and I look forward to continuing our work to build capacity there. ADVERTISEMENT Under Anderson-Burdick, a court considering a challenge to a state election law must weigh the character and magnitude of the asserted injury to the rights protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments that the plaintiff seeks to vindicate against the precise interests put forward by the State as justifications for the burden imposed by its rule, taking into consideration the extent to which those interests make it necessary to burden the plaintiffs rights. Burdick. When an election law imposes only reasonable, nondiscriminatory restrictions upon the constitutional rights of voters, the states important regulatory interests are generally sufficient to justify the restrictions. Id. But, [h]owever slight the burden may appear . . . it must be justified by relevant and legitimate state interests sufficiently weighty to justify the limitations. Common Cause/Ga. v. Billups, 554 F.3d 1340, 1352 (11th Cir. 2009). This is not a litmus test, rather the court must balance these factors and make hard judgments. Crawford v. Marion Cty. Election Bd., 553 U.S. 181, 190 (2008). Finally, Anderson/Burdick balancing . . . should not be divorced from reality, and [] both the burden and legitimate regulatory interest should be evaluated in context. [some citations omitted] Judge Walker found that the "injury is the deprivation of the right to vote based on a standardless determination made by laypeople that the signature on a voters vote-by-mail or provisional ballot does not match the signature on file with the supervisor of elections." The judge noted that there are "dozens of reasons a signature mismatch may occur, even when the individual signing is in fact the voter," and concluded that disenfranchisement of "approximately 5,000 voters based on signature mismatch is a substantial burden." While Judge Walker found that Florida's interests "to prevent fraud, to efficiently and quickly report election results, and to promote faith and certainty in election results" were compelling, the "use of signature matching is not reasonable and may lead to unconstitutional disenfranchisement." Judge Walker extended the period for voters to address a potential signature mismatch by noting that the previous opportunity to cure has "proved illusory." Provisional ballot voters are provided no opportunity to cure under the law. Without this Courts intervention, these potential voters have no remedy. Rather, they are simply out of luck and deprived of the right to vote. What is shocking about Florida law is that even though a voter cannot challenge a vote rejected as illegal, any voter or candidate could challenge a vote accepted as legal. The burden on the right to vote, in this case, outweighs the states reasons for the practice. Thus, under Anderson-Burdick, this scheme unconstitutionally burdens the fundamental right of Florida citizens to vote and have their votes counted. Additionally, Judge Walker noted that although the plaintiffs' claims rested on the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, he was also troubled by the lack of procedural due process, citing the Georgia mismatch decision in Martin v. Kemp. Judge Walker's 34 page opinion did not cite Bush v. Gore (2000). The Florida recount, like the Georgia recount continues, more than a week after election day. Thursday, November 15, 2018 The Florida Supreme Court has resolved a district court of appeal split on the disqualification implications of a lawyer-judge Facebook friendship In this case, we consider an issue regarding the legal sufficiency of a motion to disqualify a trial court judge on the basis of a Facebook friendship. This Court granted jurisdiction to review the decision of the Third District Court of Appeal in Law Offices of Herssein & Herssein, P.A. v. United Services Automobile Assn, 229 So. 3d 408 (Fla. 3d DCA 2017), which held that the existence of a Facebook friendship was not a sufficient basis for disqualification and which expressly and directly conflicts with the decision of the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Domville v. State, 103 So. 3d 184 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012). We have jurisdiction. See art. V, 3(b)(3), Fla. Const. We hold that an allegation that a trial judge is a Facebook friend with an attorney appearing before the judge, standing alone, does not constitute a legally sufficient basis for disqualification. We therefore approve the decision of the Third District in Herssein and disapprove the decision of the Fourth District in Domville on the conflict issue. Chief Justice Canady authored the majority opinion We now come to the crux of the matter: what is the nature of Facebook friendship? The word friend on Facebook is a term of art. Chace, 170 So. 3d at 803. In its most basic sense, a Facebook friend is a person digitally connected to another person by virtue of their Facebook friendship. See, e.g., Power Ventures, 844 F.3d at 1063; Ehling, 961 F. Supp. 2d at 662. A Facebook friend may or may not be a friend in the traditional sense of the word. But Facebook friendship is notas a categorical matterthe functional equivalent of traditional friendship. The establishment of a Facebook friendship does not objectively signal the existence of the affection and esteem involved in a traditional friendship. Today it is commonly understood that Facebook friendship exists on an even broader spectrum than traditional friendship. Traditional friendship varies in degree from greatest intimacy to casual acquaintance; Facebook friendship varies in degree from greatest intimacy to virtual stranger or complete stranger. Bottom line In some circumstances, the relationship between a judge and a litigant, lawyer, or other person involved in a case will be a basis for disqualification of the judge. Particular friendship relationships may present such circumstances requiring disqualification. But our case law clearly establishes that not every relationship characterized as a friendship provides a basis for disqualification. And there is no reason that Facebook friendshipswhich regularly involve strangersshould be singled out and subjected to a per se rule of disqualification. LABARGA, J., concurring. I concur with the majority opinion. However, I write to strongly urge judges not to participate in Facebook. For newly elected or appointed judges who have existing Facebook accounts, I encourage deactivation of those accounts. As explained by the majority, friendship on Facebook, without more, does not create a legally sufficient basis for disqualification. Rather, the unique facts and circumstances of each case, in addition to the base fact of friendship, are what will determine whether disqualification is required. Nevertheless, as noted by the dissent, participation in Facebook by members of the judiciary is fraught with risk that could undermine confidence in the judges ability to be a neutral arbiter. Dissenting op. at 24. This is deeply concerning because judges are to decide cases solely upon the facts presented to them and the law. The public and the parties expect nothing less. Therefore, judges must avoid situations that could suggest or imply that a ruling is based upon anything else. Facebook friendships fall across a broad spectrum, from virtual stranger to close, personal friend. Because the relationships between judges and attorneys can fall anywhere on that spectrum, judges who elect to maintain Facebook friendships with attorneys who have any potential to appear before them are, quite simply, inviting problems. Justice Pariente, J., dissented joined by two colleagues. She quoted the 2012 lower court decision in Domville Judges do not have the unfettered social freedom of teenagers. Central to the publics confidence in the courts is the belief that fair decisions are rendered by an impartial tribunal. Maintenance of the appearance of impartiality requires the avoidance of entanglements and relationships that compromise that appearance. Unlike face to face social interaction, an electronic blip on a social media site can become eternal in the electronic ether of the internet. Posts on a Facebook page might be of a type that a judge should not consider in given case. The existence of a judges Facebook page might exert pressure on lawyers or litigants to take direct or indirect action to curry favor with the judge. As we recognized in the panel opinion, a person who accepts the responsibility of being a judge must also accept limitations on personal freedom. And "wholeheartedly agree[s]" While Facebook and other social media sites have become more sophisticated, recent history has shown that a judges involvement with social media is fraught with risk that could undermine confidence in the judges ability to be a neutral arbiter. For these reasons, I would adopt a strict rule requiring judges to recuse themselves whenever an attorney with whom they are Facebook friends appears before them. This rule does little to limit the judges personal liberty, while advancing the integrity of the judicial branch as the one branch of government that is above politics... The premise of the majority opinion is that Facebook friendships and traditional friendships are analogous. But, equating friendships in the real world with friendships in cyberspace is a false equivalency. The existence of a Facebook friendship may reveal far more information regarding the intimacy and the closeness of the relationship than the majority would assign it. For example, as the majority explains, once a person becomes friends with another Facebook user, that person gains access to all of the personal information on the users profile pageincluding photographs, status updates, likes, dislikes, work information, school history, digital images, videos, content from other websites, and a host of other informationeven when the user opts to make all of his or her information private to the general public. [cites omitted] Additionally, the ease of access to the friends information allows Facebook friends to be privy to considerably more information, including potentially personal information, on an almost daily basis. The bottom line The bottom line is that because of their indeterminate nature and the real possibility of impropriety, social media friendships between judges and lawyers who appear in the judges courtroom should not be permitted. Under this rule, the opposing litigant would not be required to delve into how close the Facebook friendship may be, the judge avoids any appearance of impropriety, and Floridas courts are spared from any unnecessary questions regarding the integrity of our judiciary. Regardless, in this case, the judge was required to recuse herself because of binding precedent. Thus, I would quash the Third District Court of Appeals decision in Law Offices of Herssein & Herssein, P.A. v. United Services Automobile Assn, 229 So. 3d 408 (Fla. 3d DCA 2017), and approve the Fourth Districts decision in Domville. Accordingly, I dissent. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2018/11/the-florida-supreme-court-in-this-case-we-consider-an-issue-regarding-the-legal-sufficiency-of-a-motion-to-disqualify-a-tri.html Friday, November 16, 2018 WLWT5 (Nov. 15, 2018): 'Heartbeat bill,' which puts limits on abortions, passes through Ohio House: On Thursday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a "fetal heartbeat" bill which would ban abortions as soon a fetal heartbeat is detected which can be as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy. The bill now moves on to the Ohio Senate. The Ohio legislature passed a similar bill in 2016. However, former Republican Gov. John Kasich vetoed the bill because it is unconstitutional. Ohio governor-elect Mike DeWine has said that he will sign the bill if passed. https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/reproductive_rights/2018/11/ohio-house-of-representatives-passes-6-week-abortion-ban.html The Vietnamese blogger known as Mother Mushroom will be honored with an International Press Freedom Award on November 20 in New York City. Others who will receive awards are Amal Khalifa Idris Habbani of Sudan, Venezualas Luz Mely Reyes, and Anastasiya Stanko of Ukraine. The Committee to Protect Journalists announced the award winners last June. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh wrote under the name Me Nam, or Mother Mushroom. She was serving a 10-year sentence for propaganda against the state when, in 2017, she received an International Women of Courage Award from American first lady Melania Trump. Quynh was suddenly released from prison in October. She then left Vietnam and went to Houston, in the American state of Texas. The blogger told VOA that it was difficult to accept the offer of her prison release from the Vietnamese government. She said the offer was made on the condition that she leave Vietnam. She thought of her young children whom she had not seen for more than two years. Quynh was reunited with her two children on the flight from Vietnam. Quynh told VOA she began blogging in 2006 while she was pregnant with her daughter. She said, When I went to a hospital for a check-up, I started to notice that a lot of people around me - who were poor - did not get the same quality of service from medical professionals. And I asked myself, How could I not have seen the unfairness that was happening around me like that? On her blog, she wrote about social injustice, environmental issues and the territorial dispute between China and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands. She also helped form the Network of Vietnamese Bloggers, a group of independent journalists who support press freedom in Vietnam. Quynh was first detained in 2009 for writing about the Vietnamese government land confiscation to support a Chinese mining project. She said, They were afraid that the bilateral government relation could be affected when people like me speak out against the projects. At first, Quynh did not consider herself to be a member of the press. She said, I was just exercising my rights to speak for myself, but then they arrested me, and they tried to stop me from blogging, and that was when I realized that I am now an activist for freedom of expression and freedom of the press. In her first few weeks of freedom, Quynh has spent time with her two children and her mother. But she plans to start writing again soon. She said, I want to continue my blogging and I want to take back my Facebook account [that was blocked in Vietnam] so that I can continue sharing with other people my thoughts and what I aspire to do. I'm Anna Matteo. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with additional materials from VOA's Tra Mi and Ten Soksreinith. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story confiscation - n. the act of taking something away from someone to enforce a rule or law bilateral - adj. involving two groups or two countries Saudi Arabia charged 11 men Thursday in the killing of Saudi reporter Jamal Khashoggi at Saudi diplomatic offices in Istanbul, Turkey, last month. Saudi government lawyer Shalaan Bin Shalaan said officials will seek death sentences for five of the suspects charged with ordering and carrying out the crime. Shalaan told reporters in Riyadh that Khashoggi's "presence abroad represented a threat to the Saudi kingdom." He said deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al Assiri formed a team to travel to Istanbul to try to persuade the reporter to return home. Shalaan said Assiri chose a 15-member team, made up of three groups: a negotiating team, an intelligence team and a planning team. He says the head of the negotiating team knew Khashoggi and ordered the reporter be taken to a secure place. But, Shalaan said, Khashoggi was killed in the process. He said Khashoggi fought with the team and was given a calming drug and tied up. The lawyer said five members of the team admitted to killing him, cutting up his body and removing the pieces from the building. The government lawyer also suggested that a top advisor to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman had been barred from leaving Saudi Arabia. The advisor, Saud Qahtani, was removed as head of Bin Salman's communications team after Khashoggi's death. Shalaan said that the crown prince "did not have knowledge about the operation. News media, including The New York Times, have reported about a sound recording of a discussion between the Saudi team and people in the kingdom on the day of the killing. The reports said the discussion included the message "to tell your boss." Some reports said that the boss spoken of is the crown prince. VOA has not heard the recording. Hilal Kashan teaches political science at the American University of Beirut. Kashan told VOA that the official Saudi version is, in his words, "difficult to believe." Khashoggi lived near Washington D.C. and wrote for the Washington Post newspaper. Thursday, the American government ordered its first punishment in connection with his killing. The Treasury Department ordered restrictions on 17 Saudis for their reported links to the act. These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement. The individuals Mnuchin noted include Saud Qahtani. Im Caty Weaver. VOA News reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story brutally adv. with extreme cruelty or harshness reside v. to live in a place consequences n. things that happen as a result of an action or condition Catherine J. Iorns Magallanes (Victoria University of Wellington - Faculty of Law) has posted From Rights to Responsibilities using Legal Personhood and Guardianship for Rivers (in ResponsAbility: Law and Governance for Living Well with the Earth, B Martin, L Te Aho, M Humphries-Kil (eds) (Routledge, London & New York, 2019), pp 216-239) on SSRN. Here is the abstract: This chapter surveys a range of examples whereby rivers have been given legal personality or similar rights, seemingly in an effort to uphold human responsibility to better protect them from degradation. The examples are first drawn from the United States of America, where nature has been given a range of rights, in order to illustrate key rights of nature arguments. Then four examples of rivers in different countries are addressed: the Vilcabamba River in Ecuador, the Whanganui River in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ganges River in India, and the Atrato River in Columbia. Two of these examples emphasise the rights of the rivers and two emphasise duties and responsibilities, while three of them create a separate legal personality for the river. The tools used to protect each of these rivers are slightly different from each other and they illustrate interesting comparisons and likely lessons, even though they are still very new. A key lesson from this difference is that rights including rights for nature are useful tools, but also, that collective responsibility may be even more useful. All of the examples in this paper can help our societies and their legal systems evolve to protect nature more effectively and engender a greater appreciation of its importance. But explicit frameworks and tools of collective responsibility may provide a clearer path to the paradigm shift that is necessary to better respect humans role within nature and ecosystems within which we live. Any framework or tool chosen needs to support a paradigm of collective responsibility and should be carefully designed and worded so as not to obscure or distract from that. The rivalry between the U.S. and China in the Asia-Pacific is proving awkward for Southeast Asian nations that do not want to have to choose between their friends, Singapores prime minister said yesterday as he wrapped up a regional summit. Its easiest not to take sides when everybody else is on the same side. But if you are friends with two countries which are on different sides, then sometimes it is possible to get along with both, sometimes its more awkward if you try to get along with both, Lee Hsien Loong said when asked about the competition between the U.S. and China in the region at a news conference. Lee, who hosted the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said countries whose economies and strategic interests are deeply entwined with both powers would prefer not to have to decide, but the circumstances may come where ASEAN may have to choose one or the other. I hope it does not happen soon. The comments appeared intended to send a message to the U.S., represented this week by Vice President Mike Pence in place of President Donald Trump, and to China, whose growing influence across the region is abundantly clear at such international gatherings. Trade tensions between the U.S. and China over Beijings technology policy and other market access issues have added to strains within the region, especially since Trump took office in early 2017. The two sides have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars of each others products in a standoff that has shown no sign of easing. Lee also remarked on Trumps America First deal-oriented diplomacy, saying it was a departure from the past, when they were generous, they opened their markets, they made investments, they provided regional security, and in the indirect benefits of a prospering region, the U.S. prospered along. But now they say no, thats not good enough. I want every deal to come, and that will mean a different kind of relationship and we will have to get used to it if the U.S. decides that this is the direction which they would go in the long term, Lee said. In comments to the gathering earlier in the day, Pence stressed the American commitment to the region, where he said there was no room for empire or aggression. In a veiled swipe at Chinas growing influence and military expansion in the South China Sea, he said that Our vision for the Indo-Pacific excludes no nation. It only requires that every nation treat their neighbors with respect, they respect the sovereignty of all nations and the international rules of order. The ASEAN meetings focus on enhanced trade and security in a region of more than 630 million people. They ended with commitments to work toward a regional free trade agreement and enhance cybersecurity, counter-terrorism efforts, e-commerce, disaster preparedness and environment protection. Many of the same leaders will head to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Papua New Guinea, where many of the same issues will be on the agenda. While in Singapore, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sought to reassure Chinas neighbors over its expanding reach, both economic and military, across the region and urged fellow Asian leaders to help reassure world markets roiled by trade tensions. Southeast Asian countries and others in the region share Chinas consternation over the Trump administrations rejection of multilateral trade regimes and the global trade system that have helped them modernize and enrich their economies. Many of the leaders attending the meetings in Singapore have emphasized the need to fight protectionism and safeguard the rules that help govern global trade. The region needs to take concrete action to uphold the rules-based free trade regime and to send a message a positive message to the market to provide stable, predictable and law-based conditions for the market, Li said. Security issues, in particular managing conflict in the South China Sea, were another major focus of the meetings. The sea is a potential flashpoint, and a huge concern for the U.S. and other countries that rely on the right of passage for shipping. China is pitted against its smaller neighbors in multiple disputes in the sea over coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves. ASEAN leaders said they discussed the need for restraint in the area. We all agreed on ways and means not to increase tensions in the South China Sea. And that means not bringing in warships and allowing for freedom of navigation, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed told reporters. Small patrol boats are needed to deal with piracy, mainly, but big warships may cause incidents and that will lead to tension. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has relaxed his countrys stance on Chinese claims to islands also claimed by Manila, said it also was crucial that the countries involved finish work on a code of conduct to help prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict. China is there. That is the reality, he told reporters before joining the days meetings. Strong military activity will prompt a response from China. I do not mind everybody going to war, but except that the Philippines is just beside those islands. If there is shooting there my country will be the first to suffer. The sessions yesterday followed scores of bilateral meetings among the leaders. While the gathering was typically focused on cooperation and goodwill, concerns over Myanmars treatment of its ethnic Rohingya Muslims flared with unusually sharp, public comments both by Pence and Mahathir to the countrys leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from western Myanmars Rakhine state to escape killings and destruction of their homes by the countrys military and vigilantes, drawing widespread condemnation and international accusations of genocide against Myanmar. Asked if Suu Kyi had agreed to his direct request that she pardon two Reuters journalists imprisoned in Myanmar, Pence replied, We did not get a clear answer on that. He said Suu Kyi had given some details on the appeals process and judicial handling of their cases. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Its annual summit includes meetings with various other nations. Next years summit is planned in Thailand, whose capital Bangkok was the site of the 1967 meeting that created ASEAN. Annabelle Liang & Elaine Kurtenbach, Singapore, AP Chinese President Xi Jinping didnt arrive in Papua New Guinea until late yesterday, but his presence has been felt there for some time. China has been pouring money into the Pacific Island nation, injecting at least USD5.9 billion of infrastructure spending since 2011 into an economy smaller than any U.S. state. The investment has highlighted the regions growing status as a strategic battleground between China and U.S. allies ahead of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summits, which are bringing Xi, Russias Vladimir Putin and Vice President Mike Pence there this week. APEC attendees arrived in the capital Port Moresby aboard shuttles donated by China. A banner advertising the state-owned China Railway Group flew over a construction site near cruise ships being used to house delegations. Other Chinese firms, including CreditEase Corp., Beijing Rogrand E-Commerce Co. and Jian Nan Chun, a signature maker of baijiu alcohol, are featured on the events sponsors list. With President Donald Trumps absence fueling doubts over his administrations commitment to Asia, Xi making the first such visit by a Chinese president is seizing the opportunity to assert his countrys influence. Xi is hosting Pacific Island leaders at a special summit, a show of strength in a resource-rich region eager to benefit from his signature Belt and Road trade and infrastructure initiative. Prime Minister Peter ONeill said before the summit that Papua New Guinea is not interested in geopolitics and was very much interested in doing business with everyone. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing last month the support had been provided during the APEC meetings at Papua New Guineas request and that Beijing would attach no political strings and never impose our own will on others. Still, Xi highlighted more permanent support in editorials published in local newspapers yesterday. Our relationship has stood the test of changing international circumstances and stayed as strong as ever, Xi wrote ahead of his arrival in the crime-stricken capital, where the conference begins Saturday. Hydropower stations, hospitals and school dormitories financed by Chinese loans have become landmarks across the country, Xi said, adding that Chinese companies have helped construct roads, bridges, airports and docks. In his article, Xi expressed appreciation for diplomatic allies in the South Pacific for their valuable support of China on issues involving Chinas core interests and major concerns a veiled reference to Taiwan. The democratically run island which China considers a province maintains diplomatic relations with six Pacific Island countries, crucial allies amid Beijings recent efforts to lure away those who remain. PNG is the first stop of Xis Asia-Pacific tour he will also visit Brunei and the Philippines. One of Chinas major goals is to win friends in a competition with Taiwan, said Yu Changsen, executive director of Chinas National Center for Oceania Studies at Sun Yat-sen University. The two have had a diplomatic battle in this region for a long time. Bloomberg For the fifth consecutive year, MGM has invited athletes with intellectual disabilities or additional needs to meet with the Grand Prix Motorcycle Team sponsored by MGM. This community program consists of an art workshop and a meet-and-greet with the motorcycle racers, as well as the opportunity to watch the races from the grandstand and paddock, said the gaming operator in a statement. About 100 athletes with intellectual disabilities collaborated on designs for a BMW motorbike, race suits and helmets, as well as a wall banner for the Motorcycle Team at the paddock. On November 11, Grand Prix motorcycle racers Michael Rutter and Danny Webb greeted the athletes from both the Association of the Parents of the People with Intellectual Disabilities and the Macau IC2 Association at Tap Seac Square. Rutter said, I started racing in the Macau Grand Prix in 1994 and I have always considered Macau as one of my homes. I am glad that MGM gave us the opportunity to bring joy to these athletes and take part in promoting social inclusion in Macau. Well Link Bank to provide a rebate of 8pct on CEM bills Well Link Bank, which recently opened a branch in NAPE, has announced a cashback program which provides a rebate of 8 percent on CEM monthly electricity bills, up to a bill amount not exceeding MOP1,100. To qualify for this rebate, participants must use the banks CEM Autopay service and keep a balance of at least MOP50,000 in a savings account. The Bank also guarantees that the 8 percent rebate will be maintained for a period of at least two years. Well Link Bank said in a press release that it would continue to make a range of financial products available through various distribution channels, including mobile banking, and a personalized service to its customers. The second adventure of fabled comic book hero Michel Vaillant in Macau officially kicked off yesterday with a special edition book launch at the Grand Lapa hotel in NAPE district. It follows a 35-year gap since Vaillants previous visit to gambling enclave in the 1980s, in Rendez-vous in Macao. Titled simply Macau, the 66-page comic book is filled with recognizable and realistically depicted locations across the Macau peninsula, including shots of the Grand Lisboa, the Ruins of St. Pauls and, of course, the Guia Circuit. The book is written by Philippe Graton, the son of series founder Jean Graton, and Denis Lapiere, while the illustrations are the work of Benjamin Beneteau and Marc Bourgne. The special edition launched yesterday features a unique cover design with the Grand Lapa hotel facade in the background. It also includes a foreword by local racing driver, Andre Couto, who found success at the Macau Grand Prix in 2000, and who attributes his drift into the world of motor racing to the influence of earlier Michel Vaillant epics. Yesterdays book launch invited Philippe Graton and Benjamin Beneteau, as well as racing drivers Andre Couto and Sacha Fenestraz, the latter of whom is featured in the story as a character. I am very proud to have Sacha Fenestraz as the guest star for this album, Graton told the crowd at the book launch. Sacha, who will be racing [in the Macau Grand Prix] this weekend, last year made his debut in Macau. He did something outstanding; he started in 11th and finished seventh. When you know what this race is about and what its like to do it for the first time thats really an achievement. I am also [thankful] that Sacha accepted to have his car [painted] like the Vaillant car. This morning in the pits, I didnt know if I am in reality or in the comic strips, he added. I have to thank Philippe Graton for this amazing opportunity, said Fenestraz in reply. When I saw the book for the first time I was over the moon. I was [astonished] with how close it is to real life even now as I am jumping in the car, it feels like I am in the comic. Its a real pleasure being a part of the Michel Vaillant family. The idea of bringing Michel Vaillant back to Macau was planted while Philippe Graton attended The Script Road Macau Literary Festival last year to present an exhibition of some of his fathers work. In order to prepare for Vaillants return, the production team extensively toured the MSAR last year, scoping out possible locations and taking thousands of pictures. It was really a unique experience for me [to work on this project], said illustrator Beneteau. I took like 4,000 photos last year to make the album, so it was nice to visit the city again today and rediscover the city after drawing it. [] This is a really beautiful city and I have fallen in love with it. Vaillants second adventure in Macau is the seventh comic book since the series was relaunched by Philippe Graton with a more updated, 21st century touch. An Indonesian woman whose fiance died on a Lion Air flight that plunged into the sea was photographed in her wedding dress and professed her love for him on the day they were to have been married. Intan Syaris fiance, Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama, was among 189 people who were killed when the Boeing 737 crashed Oct. 29 shortly after taking off from Jakarta. Syari and Pratama, both 26, had planned to get married Sunday. Pratama, who had attended a seminar in Jakarta, was on his way home to Pangkal Pinang for the wedding. Syari said Pratama had joked before leaving that if he was late in returning, Syari should take photos in her wedding gown and send them to him. We were just joking at that time, Syari told The Associated Press on Wednesday. He asked me to still wear my wedding gown that he chose for me on our wedding day, put on beautiful makeup and hold a white rose bouquet, take good photos and send them to him. She said Pratama was her first love and they started dating 13 years ago. On Sunday, she went ahead and took photos in the white wedding gown with a white satin head covering and a white rose bouquet in her hand, surrounded by relatives and friends. Although I actually feel grief that I cannot describe, I have to smile for you, Syari wrote on Instagram. I should not be sad, I have to stay strong as you always say to me, I love you, Rio Nanda Pratama. Investigators say sensors that help prevent planes from stalling were replaced on the Lion Air plane the day before its fatal flight and may have compounded other problems with the aircraft. Body parts are still being recovered and searchers are continuing to hunt for the cockpit voice recorder. Lion Air is one of Indonesias youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. AP The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) organized an integrity seminar this week. Over 60 IPIM staff members participated in the event, including the acting president Irene Lau, and executive directors Sam Lei and Agostinho Vong, departmental heads, front-line services personnel and new recruits. A CCAC representative was also invited to speak at the seminar. IPIMs Acting President Irene Lau said that the seminar further enhanced staff members understanding and awareness of probity, particularly in upholding the principle of being decent and law-abiding in their positions. During the seminar, the representative from CCAC talked about the major roles of CCAC, as well as integrity-building. Detailed information was also provided on areas such as common duty-related crimes applicable to civil servants, the Ombudsmans role, and conflict of interests. According to a statement issued by IPIM, cases were cited to explain and analyze unlawful acts which may constitute a breach of honesty and integrity while acting in an official capacity; this was in order to appeal to the participants to exercise vigilance and uphold high standards of integrity and probity. Late last month, CCAC announced that the president of the IPIM, Jackson Chang, was under criminal investigation for alleged irregularities regarding the granting of residency status through an investment scheme. The probe involved two other high-ranking officials at IPIM. In a statement issued yesterday by IPIM, it was stated that the institution attaches great importance to the integrity, law-abiding awareness and professional ethics of all of its staff. On the sidelines of the Policy Address, lawmaker Pereira Coutinho said that he is disappointed with Chui Sai Ons last policy address. This is the last government policy address of this Chief Executive. We understand that the government tries to leave a good impression of these governors, because that implies that everything is fine, but we have seen a lot of problems with this governments services. For example, there seems to have been a big scandal in the trade office [Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute]. It seems that its always the small potato that is going to pay the bill. So, we have been asking quite a long time that the government hold officials, especially the secretaries, accountable, Pereira Coutinho told the Times. Last year, they promised us that they would revise the law, so there would be some penalties for them. But it seems that they missed them this year, so we will follow up in the next few days with the Secretary for Administration and Justice, said Pereira Coutinho. What she is thinking about the future, and who should be held accountable for the mistakes, he listed as possible topics for discussion. There is not a single word about democracy. As many are aware, we feel that the AL is totally controlled by the establishment and the plutocracy. If you dont have the majority of the legislators elected democratically, and if you have the CE elected by only 400 persons in Macau, then there is no legitimacy, and [the AL] cannot be accountable to all the people of Macau, said Pereira Coutinho. We regret that these policies have not said anything about [democracy], Pereira Coutinho expressed. In 2019, the annual cash handout from the government will increase to MOP10,000 and MOP6,000 for permanent and non-permanent residents respectively, the Chief Executive (CE) announced yesterday. Chui was at the Legislative Assembly yesterday to disclose the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2019, entitled Seize Opportunities for Balance Development [sic]. In a presentation which did not contain news of significant changes to the current policies, Chui announced several measures to strengthen the social security network. The Minimum Subsistence Allowance would be increased to MOP4,230 from January, while other existing welfare measures will be extended, maintained or increased. Regarding benefits for the elderly, pensions will remain at MOP9,000 while Old Age Allowances will increase to MOP3,630. In 2019, the Ordinary Disability Gratuity and Special Disability Gratuity will increase to MOP9,000 and MOP18,000 per year, respectively. The government will continue to distribute the Textbook Allowance. The allowances per academic year will increase to MOP2,500 for each kindergarten pupil or primary school student, and MOP3,250 for each secondary school student, and the meal allowance will increase to MOP3,800 for each student per year. The allowance provided to each student pursuing tertiary education or postgraduate studies will increase to MOP3,300. Other welfare measures such as the Continuing Education Program, healthcare vouchers, electricity bill subsidies, tap water tariff subsidies and bus fare concessions would continue. It is estimated that all the above-mentioned subsidies, allowances and wealth sharing programs will cost the public coffers some MOP18.7 billion. Next year, the government will finish compiling the preliminary draft of the Macau Master Plan as well as complete the overall urban preliminary plan. Continuing with a monotone voice, Chui expressed the intention to implement the post-19,000 units public housing construction, to achieve the target of completing 28,000 housing units in four phases in the New Urban Zone Area A, with the first phase to provide 7,000 housing units on seven pieces of land. The areas of land on Avenida Wai Long, the western stretch of Avenida dos Jogos da Asia Oriental in Taipa, and the original site of the power station, would be used to provide 6,500, 2,000 and 1,500 housing units respectively. The government will also reopen applications for affordable housing units, providing approximately 4,000 units (Av. Wai Long or New Urban Zone Area A). Also next year, the ten-year plan for disaster prevention and mitigation (2019-2028) will start to be enforced. At September of this year, the government issued 73 orders to annul land grants involving a total land area of more than 530,000 square meters. The construction of the third interconnection between the local power grid and Guangdong, and the construction of the fourth water supply channel between Macau and Guangdong, will be completed in 2019. Chui also said that next year will mark the beginning of the construction of the fourth Macau-Taipa cross-harbor bridge. Authorities will also conduct specific research and preliminary design for the fifth cross-harbor channel and studies to develop new maritime routes. Regarding transportation, in order to satisfy the demand for taxi services, an additional 150 special taxis will be put out for public tender, which will bring the citys total number of taxis to 2,050. A total of 200 electrical car charging stations are also planned to become available in 2019. The LRT Taipa section will start operations next year, Chui announced. The government will also accelerate the examination of the LRT connection to the Taipa Ferry Terminal, to the New Urban Zone A, and to the Border Gate. In the environmental field, next year should see the completion of the legislation of single-use plastic bag restrictions. For waste landfill, the government will use a 15,000 square meter area for paper, plastic and metal waste management, and a 30,000 square meter area for domestic waste management. Chui also stressed that the government would fully respect and protect the unique culture, traditions, customs and legal rights of the Macanese and Portuguese residents in Macau, and support them to join forces with all citizens for the building of a better Macau. Rival lawmakers exchanged blows in Sri Lankas Parliament yesterday as disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. The fighting in the chamber came a day after it passed a no-confidence vote against Rajapaksas government. When Parliament re-convened, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said the country had no government and there was no prime minister either Rajapaksa or his rival whose ousting in late October by the president started a political crisis. Rajapaksa disagreed, saying a vote should have been taken. Such important motions should not be passed by a voice vote. He added that Jayasuriya has no power to remove or appoint the prime minister and Cabinet members. He accused the speaker of being partial and representing the position of his party, the United National Party, led by ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa also called for fresh elections, suggesting that it was the best way to resolve the crisis. The brawl erupted after the opposition asked for a vote on Rajapaksas statement, with lawmakers supporting him gathering in the middle of the house while some ran toward the speaker shouting slogans condemning his behavior. More than 50 lawmakers in the 225-member house fought, and some who fell on the floor were kicked by rivals. Some of the lawmakers supporting Rajapaksa threw water bottles, books and trash cans at the speaker. Those opposed to Rajapaksa surrounded Jayasuriya to protect him. Dilum Amunugama, an ally of Rajapaksa, was taken to a hospital with injuries to his hand incurred while trying to pull out a microphone from the speakers table. The commotion went on for about half an hour before Jayasuriya adjourned the house. The speaker was under complete siege, he came very close to being physically assaulted by MPs supporting Rajapaksa, said Chandani Kirinde, a senior correspondent of the Sunday Times, a weekly paper in Sri Lanka. While clashes have happened in the house, this is probably the first time the speaker came under so much intimidation and abuse. On Wednesday, Jayasuriya said debate on the no-confidence motion was not possible after the chamber descended into chaos and he had no choice but to take an oral vote. In January, lawmakers also exchanged blows during a debate over alleged corruption that marred the reputation of Wickremesinghes government, which was elected on a platform of good governance. Sri Lanka has been in a crisis since Oct. 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly fired Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa, a former president, is considered a hero by some in the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending a long civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil Tiger rebels. However, his time in power was marred by allegations of wartime atrocities, corruption and nepotism. Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe and another Cabinet member of plotting to assassinate him, a charge Wickremesinghe has repeatedly denied. Sirisena had also suspended Parliament, apparently to allow Rajapaksa time to gather support among lawmakers. But Wickremesinghe insisted his firing was unconstitutional. He refused to vacate his official residence and demanded that Parliament be summoned to prove he still has support. Bharatha Mallawarachi, Colombo, AP Chinese consumers will remain the driving force for luxury goods market, according to a new study by Bain consultancy released yesterday that shows they will fuel nearly half of global high-end sales by 2025. Chinese shoppers will account for 46 percent of global luxury sales of an estimated 365 billion euros (USD412 billion) in just six years, Bain said in the study, which was prepared for Italys Altagamma association of high-end producers. Thats up from one third of all sales of luxury apparel, accessories and cosmetics last year. Bain partner Claudia DArpizio says half of those purchases will be made in China, as price differences between countries fade and brands improve the customer experience in China. Bain said luxury sales this year are forecast to grow 2 percent to 260 billion euros, in figures restated to exclude luxury art, design and decor. Taking into account both luxury goods and experiences, the market is expected to grow by 5 percent to 1.2 trillion euros globally. Luxury goods sales in China this year are forecast to be up 18 percent to 23 billion euros. Europe and the Americas, still the two largest markets, remain flat due to strong currencies, totaling 84 billion euros and 80 billion euros, respectively. DArpizio said that Bain identifies five different generations of luxury goods consumers in the current market, from those born before 1945 whose spending focuses more on experiences than hard luxury, to current teenagers who favor casual wear like expensive sneakers. This is an opportunity for brands to cherry-pick the customer. Loro Piana and Balenciaga have different customer bases, while Gucci or Louis Vuitton can be relevant for teen-agers or older customers, she said. That is why we are very positive on the market going forward, she said, with annual growth of 3 percent to 5 percent. AP Officials in Taiwan hoping that international monitors will this week upgrade its rating for anti-money laundering may have to thank one of its worst corporate scandals of the past decade for the achievement. Taipei-based Mega International Commercial Bank Co., the islands third-biggest bank by assets, was in 2016 fined a record USD180 million by authorities in New York, who described its anti-money-laundering compliance program as a hollow shell. The comments and punishment sent a shock wave through Taiwans official circles just as legislators were considering new regulations to combat such financial crimes. It really was a blessing in disguise, Yu Li-chen, executive secretary of the governments Anti-Money Laundering Office, said in an interview. During deliberations in the legislature, everyone was asking if there was another Mega Bank out there. I told them that if they passed the revised law as it stood then, I couldnt guarantee something like this wouldnt happen again. Fear of a similar scandal pushed lawmakers to pass a stronger framework that was implemented in June 2017, strengthened further this month, and which is currently being evaluated by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering. The government is hoping that a favorable assessment by APG will guarantee Taiwans status as one of the best jurisdictions for anti-money-laundering rules, alongside Macau and Indonesia. APG last year, in a previous round of reviews, raised the islands ranking from one of the worst. Over the course of the two-week appraisal, APGs evaluators interviewed around 16 representatives, chosen from among Taiwans financial institutions, as well as lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, financial regulators and the coast guard. The result will be announced today. If you get listed as a non-compliant country, then sanctions are leveled against you, former deputy justice minister Tsai Pi-chung, who led the governments efforts to tighten the regulations over the past two years, said in an interview in September. And if you get sanctioned, your country crashes. Getting bad marks on the evaluation is a serious issue. Formally recognized as a country by just 17 nations around the world, Taiwan has few opportunities to actively participate in international organizations. But the island was a founding member of the APG in 1997, even though it was once among the organizations lowest-ranked countries. Lack of regulations that clearly ban terrorist financing was one area of particular concern in the APGs evaluation report in 2007. Wellington Koo, chairman of Taiwans Financial Supervisory Commission, said in an interview earlier this year that Taiwans financial companies and officials had fallen into box-checking culture until the Mega Bank fine provided a wake-up call. Evidence of being shaken out of the stupor is the 256-fold increase in fines leveled against banks, insurers and securities firms that year for money-laundering violations, according to FSC data. Banks have chafed against some of the changes. The toughened know-your-customer rules meant firms had to cut ties with long-standing clients unwilling or unable to comply with the new regime. The stricter procedures have also affected banking customers. It now takes two forms of identification and a specified purpose to open a personal bank account. Corporate accounts require the companys registration documents and shareholding structure. The FSC is in the process of mandating checks on all transactions of over NTD500,000 (USD16,000). Politicians have also had to reckon with more paperwork when dealing with their own banking. In a recent legislative hearing, lawmaker Liu Jian-guo from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party complained to Koo about the additional burdens. Whatever grade the APG ends up giving Taiwan, no one is under any illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. PwC Taiwan partner Liang Hung-lieh, who helped institutions prepare for the evaluation, said it could take two to three years to build up the necessary data to establish usable customer risk profiles. In the meantime the APGs assessment, along with last years new law, created work for those under scrutiny, such as Tsai Chao-chen, an accountant at Tianxia Certified Public Bookkeeping, who underwent an APG evaluation this week. This process has forced us to get to grips with these new rules faster and in more detail than some others, he said. Some business peers have canceled plans to travel overseas for this period and they dont even know if they will be called upon. Miaojung Lin & Samson Ellis, Bloomberg Seven men who took part in an 8m bank robbery have received jail terms totalling nearly 100 years. The raid at the Bank of America in Mayfair, London, last year is believed to be the worlds biggest. Passing sentence, Judge Alan King-Hamilton said he was determined the thieves would not enjoy the fruits of their haul, only 500,000 of which has been recovered. What has been concealed will remain salted away so far as you are concerned for a great many years. Whatever has happened to it, it will not be used for your benefit, Judge King-Hamilton said. Key evidence in the trial came from Stuart Buckley, the inside man who turned police informant. Buckley, who worked at the bank as an electrician, told officers the raid was the gangs second attempt. They had previously tried unsuccessfully to drill through the bank vaults lock. Buckley finally obtained the combination by hiding in the roof space above the vault door and peering through a hole in the ceiling as officials opened it. Judge King-Hamilton passed the longest sentences on those considered to be the ringleaders. Safe-cracker Leonard Wilde was sent to jail for 23 years and Peter Colson, 32, a used car dealer, for 21 years. The judge also ordered criminal bankruptcy orders for 500,000 against both men. Others in the gang were sentenced to periods ran-ging from 18 years for robbery to three years for re-ceiving stolen goods. However, the man said to have masterminded the crime appears to have escaped justice. Frank Maple left Britain shortly after the robbery and is now believed to be in the African state of Mo-rocco which has no extradition treaty with the UK. Courtesy BBC News In context Stuart Buckley, who was sentenced separately, received seven years for his part in the raid. The Bank of America theft was small compared to a robbery in January the same year at the British Bank of the Middle East in Lebanon. The thieves escaped with safe deposit boxes whose contents were valued at up to 22m (USD31m). British Prime Minister Theresa May was battling yesterday to save both her Brexit deal and her job, as ministers quit her government and a growing list of lawmakers demanded her ouster over the divorce agreement struck between Britain and the European Union. Less than a day after May won her Cabinets grudging backing for the deal, two Cabinet ministers and a handful of junior government members resigned, and a leading pro-Brexit lawmaker from Mays Conservative Party called for a no-confidence vote in the prime minister. The hard-won agreement has infuriated pro-Brexit members of her divided party. They say the agreement, which calls for close trade ties between the U.K. and the bloc, would leave Britain a vassal state, bound to European Union rules it has no say in making. A defiant May insisted that Brexit meant making the right choices, not the easy ones and urged lawmakers to support the deal in the national interest. She said the deal was best for business as it would help maintain easy trade with Europe and would reduce uncertainty. But she has been weakened by the resignation of two senior Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab. Hours after he sat in the meeting that approved the deal, Raab said he cannot in good conscience support it. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey followed Raab out the door. She said in a letter that it is no good trying to pretend to (voters) that this deal honors the result of the referendum when it is obvious to everyone that it doesnt. In another blow to May, leading pro-Brexit lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg called for a vote of no-confidence in May, saying the Brexit deal was worse than anticipated. Standing outside Parliament Rees-Mogg said the deal agreed is not Brexit because it would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU, potentially for an indefinite period. Under Conservative rules, a confidence vote in the leader is triggered if 15 percent of Conservative lawmakers currently 48 write a letter to the partys 1922 Committee of backbenchers, which oversees leadership votes. Only committee chairman Graham Brady knows for sure how many missives have been sent, but Rees-Moggs letter is likely to spur others to do the same. Rees-Mogg denied he was calling for a party coup. A coup is when you use illegitimate processes, he said. This is working through the procedures of the Conservative Party. He called for May to be replaced by a more firmly pro-Brexit politician, naming ex-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, former Brexit Secretary David Davis and Raab as potential successors. If a confidence vote is held and May loses, it would trigger a party leadership contest in which any Conservative lawmaker can run. The winner would become prime minister without the need for a national election. The turmoil prompted a big fall in the value of the pound, which was trading 1.5 percent lower at $1.2797 as investors fretted that Britain could potentially crash out of the EU next March, a development that could see tariffs placed on British exports, border checks reinstalled, and restrictions imposed travelers and workers a potentially toxic combination for businesses. A growing worry as Brexit day approaches is that companies will enact contingency plans that could include cutting jobs, stockpiling goods, and relocating production overseas. May and her supporters say the alternatives to her deal leaving the trading bloc without a deal or a second vote on Brexit are not realistic options. The choice is clear, May told lawmakers. We can choose to leave with no deal. We can risk no Brexit at all. Or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated this deal. News that a deal had been struck after a year and a half of negotiations was welcomed in Brussels and EU chief Donald Tusk called for a summit of leaders on Nov. 25 so they can rubber-stamp the agreement. Tusk said it was not for me to comment on the latest developments in London. All I can say is that the EU is prepared for a final deal with the U.K. in November, he said. We are also prepared for a no deal scenario but of course we are best prepared for a no-Brexit scenario. The deal needs approval from Britains Parliament before the U.K. leaves the bloc on March 29 and even if May survives as leader, the chances of that appear to be shrinking. Her Conservative government doesnt have enough lawmakers of its own to get a majority, and relies on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party from Northern Ireland, which says it will not back the deal. The DUP leader in Parliament, Nigel Dodds, said the choice was clear. We stand up for the United Kingdom, the whole of the United Kingdom, the integrity of the United Kingdom, or we vote for a vassal state with the breakup of the United Kingdom, that is the choice. Opposition parties also signaled they would vote against the agreement. Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said May should withdraw the half-baked Brexit deal and that Parliament cannot and will not accept a false choice between this deal and no deal. Ian Blackford, who heads the Scottish National Party in Parliament, said the deal was dead on arrival and urged May to stop the clock and go back to Brussels. An EU official cautioned that Britain was unlikely to get a better deal. Speaking on condition of anonymity because the process is still ongoing, the official said both sides exhausted our margin of maneuver under our respective mandates. The deal requires the consent of the European Parliament as well. Its chief Brexit official, Guy Verhofstadt, welcomed the draft deal as the best agreement we could obtain. Verhofstadt predicted the EU Parliament could approve the deal at the start of next year, well in time for Brexit day. AP President Donald Trumps administration is trying to fend off a legal challenge from CNN and other outlets over the revocation of journalist Jim Acostas White House press credentials. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly heard arguments Wednesday afternoon from lawyers representing CNN and the Justice Department. The news network is seeking an immediate restraining order that would force the White House to return Acostas credentials which grant reporters as-needed access to the 18-acre complex. Acosta has repeatedly clashed with Trump and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in briefings over the last two years. But the dynamic devolved into a near-shouting match during a combative press conference last week following midterm elections in which Republicans lost control of the House. Acosta refused to give up a microphone when the president said he didnt want to hear anything more from him. Trump called Acosta a rude, terrible person. The White House quickly announced that Acostas White House access would be revoked. The CNN lawsuit calls the revocation an unabashed attempt to censor the press and exclude reporters from the White House who challenge and dispute the Presidents point of view. The Associated Press joined with a group of 12 other news organizations, including Fox News, in filing an amicus brief Wednesday in support of CNN. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized, said a statement by Fox News President Jay Wallace. While we dont condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people. On Wednesday, Justice Department lawyer James Burnham argued that Acosta was guilty of inappropriate grandstanding and deserved to lose his access over his refusal to comply with the general standards of a press conference. Burnham also pointed out that CNN has dozens of other staffers with White House credentials, so excluding Acosta would not harm the networks coverage. The networks lawyer, Theodore Boutrous, contended that Acosta was being singled out for his coverage of the White House, not his alleged rudeness during a press conference. The White House has made very clear that they dont like the content of the reporting by CNN and Jim Acosta, Boutrous said. Rudeness really is a code word for I dont like you being an aggressive reporter.' Prior to Wednesdays hearing, the White House had maintained that it has broad discretion to regulate press access to the White House. Trump himself, in an interview published Wednesday, was uncertain how the court fight would end, saying: Well see how the court rules. Is it freedom of the press when somebody comes in and starts screaming questions and wont sit down? Trump told The Daily Caller that guys like Acosta were bad for the country. [] Hes just an average guy whos a grandstander whos got the guts to stand up and shout. The White Houses explanations for why it seized Acostas credentials have shifted over the last week. Sanders initially explained the decision by accusing Acosta of making improper physical contact with the intern seeking to grab the microphone. But that rationale disappeared after witnesses backed Acostas account that he was just trying to keep the mic, and Sanders distributed a doctored video that made it appear Acosta was more aggressive than he actually was. AP In colitis, an infiltration of activated T cells (shown in red on the left) is clearly visible in the colon. By blocking the BH4 pathway (shown at right), the researchers were able to deeply suppress T cell function. Credit: Woolf Lab/Boston Childrens Hospital/IMBA In 2013, renowned Boston Children's Hospital pain researcher Clifford Woolf, MB, BCh, Ph.D., and chemist Kai Johnsson, Ph.D., his fellow co-founder at Quartet Medicine, believed they held the key to non-narcotic pain relief. Woolf had shown that tetrahydrobioptrina protein also known as BH4is a primary natural modulator of neuropathic and inflammatory pain sensitivity. Quartet was founded on the premise that inhibiting BH4 production could prevent the progression of acute pain to chronic pain in millions of patients, without threat of addiction or tolerance. With solid human genetic data and chemical biology, plus $17 million in series A funding, Quartet looked primed for success. But in the summer of 2017, toxicology studies of the company's lead candidate revealed neurologic side effects. Hope for the promising pain drug cratered, taking Quartet with it. Now, however, a surprising discovery about BH4 will likely rekindle interest in the once-promising pathway and could have profound implications for treating autoimmunity and cancer. In today's Nature, Woolf and his team at Boston Children's Hospital, together with immunologists from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) in Vienna report that BH4 also functions as a kind of immunological thermostat in the body, raising and lowering the activity levels of T cells. In animal models of autoimmune disease and human cell lines, the researchers were able to inhibit T cell proliferation by blockading the BH4 pathway pharmacologically. In models of cancer, they were able to enhance T cell responses by elevating BH4 levels. "By targeting BH4, we are able to suppress T cell activity in inflammatory conditions and increase their activity in the case of cancer," says Woolf, director of the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Boston Children's, who co-led the study. "The ability to target the same pathway in opposite directions is significant and represents a whole new therapeutic approach." An immunological thermostat Specifically, the researchers found that BH4 regulates the balance of available iron for mitochondria. To transition to an activated state, T cells need higher levels of mitochondrial energy; to produce it, mitochondria need higher levels of iron. When T cells are under pressure, the body produces more BH4, increasing the supply of available iron, allowing the cells to divide and activate. When BH4 levels are low, mitochondria can't get the iron they need and T cell activity is suppressed. In the case of cancer, the study revealed that a metabolite produced by tumors works to block BH4, inhibiting T cell activation and cancer surveillance. It also showed that this response could be countered by augmenting BH4. "The beauty of it is that the effect is upstream of specific types of T cell function," says Woolf. "Most drugs being developed now to treat autoimmune conditions are targeting specific kinds of T cells. This covers them all." The team found that the BH4 pathway is only active in cases of infection or when proliferation needs to occurand is not required for the normal formation of T cells. Finally, the paper reports the development of a highly potent small molecule, QM385, that inhibits the BH4 pathway, blocking T cell proliferation and autoimmunity. Hiding in plain sight Shane Cronin, a post-doc researcher from Ireland, arrived in the Woolf lab in 2006. He had trained in Vienna with noted immunologist Josef Penninger, MD, Ph.D. at IMBA, and now planned to shift his focus to the neurobiology of pain. "I wanted to leave immunology behind," says Cronin, lead author of the study. "Fat chance." Woolf's team had just had its first major BH4 publication, which characterized the pathway as a key modulator of pain. To identify compounds that inhibit the expression of BH4, Woolf devised a drug screen using GFP fluorescent mice and asked Cronin to oversee the project. The screen yielded plenty of hitsand for Cronin, an odd sense of deja vu. The results pointed to the same compounds Cronin had used in his previous immunology lab to regulate T cell function. "First I thought, okay, this is a bit of a quip, but it became very specific very quickly and I knew what I was seeing," says Cronin. But just to be sure, he reviewed existing literature on BH4, and used reagents and technology from a neighboring immunology lab to confirm his initial finding. Woolf was intrigued and encouraged Cronin to keep exploring. But Cronin had a problem: at the time, Woolf's lab lacked the tools and equipment for studying T cells. When an opportunity to move back to Vienna presented itself, Cronin saw his chance. Penninger agreed to accept Cronin back into his lab at IMBA and threw his full support and knowledge behind the project. Cronin now had access to the resources and experience of one of Europe's leading immunology labs. "And like that, it just worked out," says Cronin. 'Binary' therapeutic potential Together, Penninger, Woolf, Cronin and the other members of the BH4 group, spent the next eight years extending their finding into models of immune-related diseasescontact dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, colitisand finally cancer. "There was no magic momentjust eight years of collaborative effort, putting together a puzzle, taking it apart, starting again," says Cronin. "But I guess that's the beauty of sciencestarting with a 'that's odd' moment and finding something incredible." Working with Penninger, who co-led the study with Woolf, Cronin probed the binary therapeutic potential of BH4. If T cells proliferated in immune-related diseases, he wondered, what about cancer, where the same cells are often suppressed? Penninger and Cronin were able to boost BH4 levels in several mouse models of cancer, and the effect was immediate. Tumors shrank and the metastatic spread all but ceased. "As a trained immunologist who was involved in defining some of the paradigmatic T cell activation pathways, I had this idea that I basically knew it all and what was left to discover would only be details," says Penninger, who now leads the Life Sciences Institute of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. "It was like opening an entirely new door in T cell biologya door we can now rationally close to treat autoimmunity or keep open for T cells to kill cancer." Which brings us back to Quartet. Building on a 'successful failure' In August of 2017, as the company neared completion of its initial IND, leadership received some troubling news. A preclinical study revealed that although the BH4-inhibiting pain drug was "on target," it was also crossing the blood brain barrier at higher than expected levels. Because BH4 also plays an essential role in the production of key neurotransmitters, the team worried that that BH4 inhibition would reduce or prevent certain nerve signals. Ultimately, the decision was made to bring Quartet to a close. In a blog post, Quartet chairman and founding investor Bruce Booth eulogized the company, hailing it as a "successful failure." The company's three-year investment had characterized the BH4 pathway in vivo in various pain models, developed and tested more than 1,500 potential BH4 inhibitors and produced a vast amount of data. Those data can now be used to advance the new discovery toward the clinic. Woolf believes that clinical testing for immune-related diseases could begin in as early as 18 months. "It's unusual to start out with lots of chemistry, lots of knowledge. Normally, you've just got interesting biology and you have to build a startup from there," Woolf says. "Because of the fruits of Quartet's chemistry and data, we're nearly ready to go." Keeping an open mind Initial targets of interest for this BH4 inhibitor could include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. On the oncology side, the team is starting more or less from scratch. "We're seeing great biological effect in terms of tumor suppression, but we still need to identify an effective pharmacological way to achieve this and address the full safety issues," says Woolf. The team is exploring compounds to augment BH4 in cancer patients, with the hope they could one day be used either alone or in combination with other therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although it's still early, Woolf and Penninger are excited about the potential applicability of the technique, and a bit in awe of how it all came together. "It's just strange," says Woolf. "I'm a neurobiologistI never expected to be working in immunology. But these days, I guess we all try to avoid locking ourselves into silos." "There are many interesting discoveries to be made at the intersections and borders of fields if one keeps an open mind and is willing to follow what nature tells us," says Penninger. Explore further Novel discovery could lead to new cancer, autoimmune disease therapy More information: Shane J. F. Cronin et al, The metabolite BH4 controls T cell proliferation in autoimmunity and cancer, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature Shane J. F. Cronin et al, The metabolite BH4 controls T cell proliferation in autoimmunity and cancer,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0701-2 Credit: CC0 Public Domain About 140 Baltimore-area doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners are among the first in the country to receive new training aimed at conveying the latest care standards for diabetes. Primary care providers gathered Tues., Nov. 13 at the Sheppard Pratt Conference Center in Towson for "Diabetes is Primary," a sold-out conference by the American Diabetes Association that will touch on the latest treatments and technologies for diabetes. About 11 percent of Marylanders have diabetes, and the majority rely on primary care providers to manage the condition rather than seeing specialists, said David McShea, executive director of the American Diabetes Association's Maryland chapter. "The need is there to educate these doctors and nurses," he said. Baltimore is one of a handful of cities and states where the association is piloting the program. Others include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Orlando, Fla., Shawnee, Kan., Illinois and Wisconsin. The association plans to expand the program to other cities in 2019, and McShea hopes to make the training session an annual event in Baltimore. The conference covers topics including the best practices for preventing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk and treatment options, and managing obesity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. "Things are advancing at such a quick rate when it comes to diabetes treatment, when it comes to medical technology, and the ADA is constantly updating their recommendations when it comes to them," McShea said. Dr. Rita R. Kalyani, an endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, chaired the clinical guidelines committee last year for the American Diabetes Association, which updates its "Standards of Medical Care for Diabetes" each year to provide the most up-to-date clinical recommendations based on recent diabetes research. Kalyani's discussions include the major changes made for 2018, including revised suggestions for tracking blood glucose levels in some patients, new cost information for insulin and other medications, recommendations for glucose-lowering agents that also have cardiovascular benefits, and details for managing diabetes in children. Kalyani, who also serves as board president for the American Diabetes Association's Maryland chapter, said her team spent hours developing new clinical guidelines last year. But ultimately those guidelines can't be effective unless they're implemented. "What we hope is that through this conference that primary care providers will be up to date on the latest recommendations for what is considered the optimal standard of care," she said. Although those points are published online and printed annually, it can be tough for doctors and nurses to stay up to date on the latest standards. "From a provider's viewpoint, it's very complex to keep up with all these guidelines," said Lois Kemple, a nurse practitioner at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. "Going to these types of conferences is the easiest way to do it." Kemple specializes in palliative medicine and advanced care management, and she said about 90 percent of her patients have diabetes. She hopes to understand how to help her patients better manage their diabetes at the ends of their lives in the midst of other complications. "If you can empower your providers to understand the tools that are available to help their patients, that's a benefit right there," Kemple said. Explore further Abridged standards of care for diabetes developed for PCPs 2018 The Baltimore Sun Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: CC0 Public Domain People who quit smoking see their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) immediately begin to drop, but it may take up to 16 years for their health to reach the level of someone who has never smoked, according to a new Vanderbilt study. Previous studies have shown the association between quitting and reduced CVD risk, but have placed the time it takes for health to return to the level of a non-smoker much earlierbetween five and 10 years, said lead author Meredith Duncan, MA, a database administrator for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Epidemiology at Vanderbilt University. She emphasized that smokers still have a great incentive to quit. "There is a really steep drop immediately in your risk compared to a current smoker," she said. "You're still reducing your risk by 38 percent even within five years of quitting." The research used data from the Framingham Heart Study, a longitudinal study of men and women from Framingham, Massachusetts, which began enrollment of the Original cohort in 1948 and now includes their children (Offspring cohort) and grandchildren (Generation 3 cohort) as well as multiethnic cohorts (Omni cohorts). The study used prospective data from 1954 through 2014 from 3,757 participants of the Original cohort and 4,930 members of the Offspring cohort to determine the effect of lifetime smoking and smoking cessation on the risk of CVD. CVD includes myocardial infarction, stroke, CVD death and heart failure. The Original cohort was examined every two years and the Offspring cohort every four years, and the study continues to this day with up to 28 assessments of smoking on Original cohort members and nine assessments on Offspring cohort members included in this investigation. "The Framingham Heart Study provides a source of data that is richer than some other sources when it comes to smoking," Duncan said. "We wanted to use that data to determine how long it takes former smokers to reduce their risk relative to continuing smokers and how long a former smoker would have to be quit until their CVD risk normalizes to that of a never-smoker." Duncan presented the work during the American Heart Association conference in Chicago from Nov. 10 to 12. The research merited an Early Career Poster Award in the Population Science division at the 2018 AHA Scientific Sessions and the Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award, recognizing it as the highest-ranked abstract from the United States. Other authors of the study were Matthew S. Freiberg, MD, MSc; Robert Greevy, Ph.D.; Suman Kundu, DSc, MSc; Ramachandran S. Vasan, MD; and Hilary A. Tindle, MD, MPH. Tindle, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Tobacco Addiction and Lifestyle (ViTAL) and senior author of the study, urges smokers to act on these study results by putting out their cigarettes. "The cardiovascular system begins to heal relatively quickly after quitting smoking, even for people who have smoked heavily over decades," she said. "Full recovery can take several years, so now is a great time to quit smoking." Explore further If you smoke, now is a very good time to quit More information: Hilary A Tindle et al. Lifetime Smoking History and Risk of Lung Cancer: Results From the Framingham Heart Study, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2018). Hilary A Tindle et al. Lifetime Smoking History and Risk of Lung Cancer: Results From the Framingham Heart Study,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djy041 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Here's to your health. Screening and counseling for unhealthy alcohol use could become part of a standard doctor's visit, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The organization, funded and staffed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published its recommendation in the medical journal JAMA. The United States Preventive Services Task Force "recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings in adults 18 years or older, including pregnant women, and providing persons engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use," according to the report. The organization didn't conclude such a screening was necessary for underage drinkers. According to the abstract at the start of the report, an estimated 88,000 alcohol-attributed deaths occurred annually between 2006 and 2010 in the U.S. That number includes "acute conditions" such as car accidents and "chronic conditions" such as liver disease. The report cites statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to define "risky use" of alcohol as exceeding the recommended limits of four drinks per day or 14 drinks per week for healthy adult men aged 21 to 64. For women, "risky" drinking is defined as three drinks per day or seven drinks per week. That standard also applied to men 65 or older. A standard drink, according to the study, is defined as a 12-ounce beer (5 percent alcohol), a 5-ounce wine (12 percent alcohol) or 1.5 ounces of liquor (40 percent alcohol). Explore further USPSTF recommends screening adults for unhealthy alcohol use 2018 New York Daily News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (HealthDay)Coverage for adult obesity care improved substantially in Medicaid and state employee insurance programs between 2009 and 2017, according to a study published online Nov. 14 in Obesity to coincide with the annual meeting of The Obesity Society (ObesityWeek), held from Nov. 11 to 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. Nichole Jannah, from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues examined changes in coverage for adult obesity treatment services in Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs between 2009 and 2017 for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The authors focused on indications of coverage and payment policies specific to evidence-based treatment modalities for adults (21 years of age) with obesity, including nutritional counseling, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. The researchers found that during the study period, the proportion of state employee programs indicating coverage increased by 75 percent for nutritional counseling (from 24 to 42 states), 64 percent for pharmacotherapy (from 14 to 23 states), and 23 percent for bariatric surgery (from 35 to 43 states). For Medicaid programs, the proportion indicating coverage increased by 133 percent for nutritional counseling (from 9 to 21 states) and 9 percent for bariatric surgery (from 45 to 49 states), but there was no increase for pharmacotherapy (16 states in both plan years). "Where coverage has expanded, educating providers and beneficiaries on the availability and proper use of evidence-based obesity treatments may improve health outcomes," the authors write. Explore further Coverage of hormonal breast cancer therapies increased in states that expanded Medicaid Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Nabila and Asher Ahmed. Credit: Newcastle University For the first time scientists have identified how to halt kidney disease in a life-limiting genetic condition, which may pave the way for personalised treatment in the future. Experts at Newcastle University, UK, have shown in a cell model and in a mouse model that gene editing could be used for Joubert syndrome to stop kidney damage in patients who have the CEP290 faulty gene. Joubert syndrome is a brain disorder, causing varying degrees of physical, mental and sometimes visual impairments. The condition affects approximately one in 80,000 newborns, and one third also get kidney failure. Not all patients with Joubert syndrome carry the CEP290 gene, but those who do will develop kidney disease during their lifetime and may require a transplant or dialysis. Significant breakthrough The study, which was funded by Kidney Research UK, has found it is possible to use a strand of engineered DNA to trick the cells' own editing machinery to bypass the CEP290 mutation that causes kidney damagea technique known as 'exon-skipping'. Professor John Sayer, from the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, led the research that is published online today (Friday, November 16) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). He said: "This is the first time that gene editing within the kidney has been performed, even in a mouse model, as the design and delivery of the gene editing to the kidney has previously been thought to be too difficult. "Our research is a major step forwards as we now know how we may be able to offer a therapy that corrects the gene mistake within kidney cells and prevent the development of genetic kidney disease. "This work paves the way towards personalised genetic therapies in patients with the inherited kidney disease." The European study used kidney cells from patients with Joubert syndrome and a mouse model to progress the research. Experts used urine samples to grow kidney cells in the laboratory to see how the cells responded to gene editing. They also performed gene editing to halt kidney disease in a mouse that had Joubert syndrome and rodents suffering from kidney cysts and kidney failure. Challenging disease Professor Sayer, a Consultant Nephrologist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The treatment of genetic kidney disease is challenging, as this requires both the correction of the underlying gene defect and the delivery of the treatment. "We have shown that the kidney disease in a mouse can be dramatically improved using this exon-skipping gene editing technology. "This will mean that we can edit out genetic mistakes that are leading to inherited kidney diseases such as Joubert syndrome and we are testing this technology in other mouse models before we move into patient studies. "We expect that we will start to test treatment of patients with exon-skipping within the next three years." Scientists are now looking to work with a drug manufacturing company to bring the exon-skipping technology into patients' clinics. Patient's story Teenager Asher Ahmed has Joubert syndrome and is likely to need a kidney transplant in the future. Asher, of Fenham, Newcastle, was diagnosed with kidney damage five years ago and is on a number of drugs to keep him well. The 19-year-old has a range of medical issues due to his Joubert syndrome, including visual impairment, communication problems and difficulties with balance and coordination. The teenager has been instrumental in helping further the research as he has provided many samples over the years, allowing the Newcastle scientists to grow kidney cellswithout these the research would not have been possible. Asher's mother, Nabila, a Civil Servant, says she welcomes the findings of the Newcastle University-led study as it will help give patients a better quality of life in the future. Mrs Ahmed said: "It is very important that research is done into Joubert syndrome and the linked kidney damage as this will hopefully prevent patients in the future needing a kidney transplant. "All throughout Asher's life, he has lived with the effects of Joubert syndrome and five years ago he was diagnosed with kidney disease as he has the CEP290 gene. "Asher is on a number of tablets to keep him well and this is an added complication to an already difficult condition. We know he will likely need a transplant in the future and this is a worry. "We were happy for Asher to provide samples for the study as anything that helps further understanding into the condition is well worth doing, so it's great to see the study's positive results." Explore further First step towards treating rare childhood disease More information: Simon A. Ramsbottom el al., "Targeted exon skipping of a CEP290 mutation rescues Joubert syndrome phenotypes in vitro and in a murine model," PNAS (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Simon A. Ramsbottom el al., "Targeted exon skipping of a CEP290 mutation rescues Joubert syndrome phenotypes in vitro and in a murine model,"(2018). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1809432115 Credit: CC0 Public Domain When mental illness hijacks Margaret Rodgers' mind, she acts out. Rodgers, 35, lives with depression and bipolar disorder. When left unchecked, the conditions drive the Alabama woman to excessive spending, crying and mania. Last autumn, Rodgers felt her mind unraveling. Living in Birmingham, she was uninsured, unable to afford treatment and in the throes of a divorce. Although Rodgers traveled south to her brother's house in Foley, Ala., for respite, she couldn't escape thoughts of suicide, which one day led her to his gun. "I hit bottom," she recalled. But she didn't pull the trigger. Rodgers told her brother about the close call. News of the incident reached her mother, who then alerted authorities to Rodgers' near attempt. Within days, Rodgers was handcuffed and hauled in front of a judge who ordered her to undergo mental health treatmentbut not a hospital commitment. Instead, the judge mandated six months of care that included weekly therapy sessions and medication, all while Rodgers continued living with her family. Rodgers entered assisted outpatient treatment, also known as involuntary outpatient commitment. Since its inception, the court-ordered intervention has generated controversy. Proponents say it secures the comprehensive care that people with severe mental illnesses might not recognize they need. Yet other health experts question the effectiveness of the intervention and suggest it represents a quick fix in a mental health system that is not adequately serving patients. "It's a stopgap measure that works in the short term," said Dr. Annette Hanson, director of the University of Maryland Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, who co-authored a book on the intervention. "But it's not a good long-term solution because you still have lots of people who need voluntary care who can't get" it. Assisted outpatient treatment requires a judge's order. While the eligibility requirements and compliance standards vary by state, participants typically have a history of arrests and multiple hospitalizations. They stay in their communities while undergoing treatment. The American Psychiatric Association endorsed its use in 2015, saying assisted outpatient treatment has generally shown positive outcomes under certain circumstances. To effectively treat patients, the position paper said, the APA recommends that the intervention be well-planned, "linked to intensive outpatient services" and last for at least 180 days. A key advantage to assisted outpatient treatment, supporters say, is that it provides care for people who might not recognize the severity of their illness. A court's involvement also increases the likelihood of a participant complying with the program, a phenomenon called the "black robe effect," they add. "That is really what we've found to be the secret sauce" for success, said John Snook, executive director of the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center. But many areas do not have the necessary community mental health services to provide assisted outpatient treatment effectively, said Ira Burnim, legal director for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. He also said the law already provides options for hospital treatment for people considered a danger to themselves or others. Any person recommended for assisted outpatient treatment for these reasons should be in a hospital receiving intensive inpatient care, Burnim said, not in the community. "You know, when people don't take their medication," he said, "that's a clinical problem, not a legal problem." Assisted outpatient treatment gained popularity after Andrew Goldstein, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia but wasn't taking his medication, pushed Kendra Webdale in front of an oncoming train in New York City in 1999, killing her. Webdale's family fought for a change in the law after learning that Goldstein had repeatedly refused treatment while living on his own. Today, 47 states and the District of Columbia have laws allowing localities to set up assisted outpatient treatment, according to the Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit group that strongly supports assisted outpatient treatment. Yet, there is no tally of the number of programs or the number of people involuntarily placed in one, said David DeVoursney, chief of the Community Support Programs Branch at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. There is also little research on its effectiveness. Two randomized studies produced contradictory results about the intervention's effect on hospitalization rates and the number of arrests afterward. However, other analyses have shown improved outcomes, particularly among participants in New York. Despite the ambiguity, Congress created grants in 2014 that made up to $60 million available over four years to new assisted outpatient treatment programs. Additionally, the 21st Century Cures Act, passed in 2016 to accelerate drug development, allowed some Department of Justice funding for the intervention. Experts acknowledge that the scarcity of mental health providers and treatment options causes many patients to go without care. Instead of doctors' offices, many people with mental illnesses end up in jailan estimated 2 million every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "What we say very often is basically we have a system that allows people to have heart attacks over and over again," Snook said. "And then once they have that heart attack, we take them to jail. And then we wonder why the system isn't working." One recipient of federal funding is AltaPointe Health Systems Inc., a community health center that provides services to residentsincluding Rodgersin two Alabama counties. The program has received nearly $1.1 million in federal funding, according to Cindy Gipson, assistant director of intensive services. She said the center applied for the federal grant to reduce the number of hospitalizations among residents living with severe mental illnesses. "We were having a lot of people who would go to the hospital, then be discharged," she said. "And they'd do well for a couple of weeksmaybe even a month. Then, they'd go right back in." The program, which began in 2017, has served 71 patients, Gipson said. On average, patients stay about 150 days. And roughly 60 percent of referrals come from family members, she said. The majority of people entering have a history of multiple hospitalizations and arrests. Rodgers said she had never been in handcuffs before the day the Alabama police officer came to her brother's home and awakened her around 7 a.m. The sheriff gave her five minutes to change and brush her teeth. He then cuffed her wrists, placed her in the back of his car and drove her straight to court. After she was asked a few questions about how she was doing, Rodgers said, she sat down in front of a judge and learned about assisted outpatient treatment for the first time. Despite how she entered care, Rodgers said the mandated treatment has brought her stability. She sees a therapist once a week, and once a month a nurse at the community health center administers a shot of the antipsychotic drug Abilify. She now is working part time cleaning condos and lives with her mother. She said she has learned strategies to not dwell on the past. After her first six months of treatment, Rodgers and her care team decided to continue care through the rest of the year. She plans to return to Birmingham and find a better job after completing the program. Right now, she said, "staying positive is the main thing I want." Explore further Requiring some patients to get mental health treatment saves money 2018 Kaiser Health News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Jon Tyson (Unsplash) Our brains begin to form in the womb but continue to take shape into adolescence. In a series of articles, we look at how the latest research could help us support children's development, helping them overcome learning disorders and build resilience against future mental health problems. 1. The glue that builds a strong child. Could the early moments of a newborn baby be a crucial window for helping prevent problems in later life? Most animals are born relatively complete: a newborn gazelle, for example, is running within a couple of hours of birth. Not so for humans: for us, birth is very much just the beginning. "In a newborn baby's brain, many cells haven't gotten where they need to go," explains Professor David Rowitch, Head of Cambridge's Department of Paediatrics. "We think this 'commuting' process is vulnerable to adverse events. A lack of oxygen or infection, for example, might block cell movement and derail the schedule of brain circuit formation." He and colleagues have shown that neurons travel extensively in the brain as part of this schedule which makes this a vulnerable time for developing infants. Take a preterm infant born after six, rather than nine, months in the womb. It will spend its early life in a neonatal intensive care unit and has a higher risk of having medical and neurological complications. Such an infant, says Rowitch, is also at risk of mental health problems in later life. "Because these are not kids who are genetically predisposed to mental health conditions, something must have happened to them early in their life that made them at high risk that's an important clue." What that 'something' is may relate to Rowitch's own research on the preterm brain and particularly its 'building blocks', cells known as neurons and glia. 'Glia' literally means 'glue', a rather nondescript term an indication, he says, of how their importance has been overlooked by neuroscientists. Yet it's becoming increasingly clear that glia are essential to brain development, in assembling neural circuits and in helping brain centres communicate with each other and the body. Crucially, glia provide myelin to insulate the nerve tracts during development. Rowitch, whose work is supported by the Wellcome Trust, European Research Council, National Institute for Health Research and National Institutes of Health (USA), believes that abnormal glial function plays an important role in the development of neurological, cognitive and mental health problems later in life. He explains that if these circuits need to balance each other, and there is an adverse event like preterm birth, then suddenly there will be an imbalance in the brain. "Migration of neurons is a relatively late process in the human brain, so problems that affect the newborn may be sufficient to explain long-term problems such as cerebral palsy and cognitive and mental health problems. It could also provide clues to disorders like autism." But bridging the diagnosis and treatment of physical changes in the developing brain to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders faces a challenge, he says. "While the majority of mental health problems manifest in children, teens and young adults, the norm for healthcare is that physical and mental health are treated separately, usually at entirely different clinics." This seems particularly disjointed when one considers children with eating disorders or those with chronic diseases, who are particularly vulnerable to depression. While there is increasing evidence that genetic factors can increase a child's vulnerability to mental health conditions, this is clearly not the whole story. Rowitch and NHS colleagues believe the time is now to bridge the divide between physical and mental health. A vision being developed for a new Children's Hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus integrates both facets and develops a holistic approach to healthcare. This would mean that a child with an eating disorder, for example, would be seen by both psychiatric and medical specialists, and a child with a chronic disease would see a psychiatrist, providing early detection and intervention for mental health. "We need to move away from silos," Rowitch says. "And this is where Cambridge, with strengths across the board from genomics to complex medical care, child and adolescent psychiatry, is perfectly positioned to lead by example. "It has been said that it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men," he adds, quoting the words of 19th-century American abolitionist and ex-slave Frederick Douglass. "If our vision can be realised, then Cambridge could help ensure there are fewer 'broken' men and women to repair in future." 2. Struggling with labels. Labels help us make sense of the world but only to a limit. The latest techniques are helping scientists develop a more nuanced understanding of learning disorders and identify new ways of supporting those who struggle at school. The education system is awash with labels: pupils are dyslexic, have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or have a particular 'learning style'. Sometimes, like these latter labels - visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners they have found common currency and yet are based on no credible evidence. These styles are "nonsense", says Dr Duncan Astle from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge. "Children will tell you they have a preferred learning style, but they're no better in their preferred style. In fact, there are probably some dangers to telling a child that they're a kinaesthetic learner or whatever, because then when you try teaching them in a different format, they think 'What's the point in paying attention? This isn't in my preferred style.'" Other labels, particularly those based on clinical diagnoses dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, for example can be helpful in ensuring a child receives specialist support. But diagnosis is a "thorny issue", Astle says. These conditions are complex, their causes poorly understood, and children will often meet the diagnostic criteria for multiple disorders. This makes studying them, and hence developing effective interventions, challenging: one child's ADHD may be very different from another's. As Astle says: "The labels don't fully characterise what the child struggles with." Together with colleagues Susan Gathercole and Joni Holmes at the Centre for Attention Learning and Memory, Astle sees hundreds of children who have been referred by health and education professionals for problems in attention, memory, language or poor school progress. Rather than grouping them together according to a clinical diagnosis, the team applied machine learning to identify children with common cognitive problems. They found that the children could be split into four broad cognitive profiles: children with verbal cognition problems (or 'phonological difficulties'), those with working memory problems, those with more severe problems across the board, and those who do not appear to have any cognitive problems but still struggle at school. These cognitive profiles may allow for more effective ways of supporting the children, says Astle. He gives the example of a typical problem that might confront a child with working memory problems. "If you spend time in a primary school, you soon learn that if you can't follow a list of instructions, you're stuffed. 'Hang your coat up, go to the table, pick up a card and a green pen, and come and sit in front of me.' Even copying things down from the board will be very slow and error prone if you can only hold one or two letters in mind at a time." Problems with working memory can soon spill over to other aspects of learning, so if a teacher can limit the number of instructions or the amount of copying from the board, for example, then this could benefit the child's overall learning and development. Astle's team has been looking at whether 'brain training' could help these children. The researchers showed that just 40 minutes of training per day focused on working memory led to improvements and to changes in brain connectivity although the benefits were limited. "They get better at the thing they're training on and closely adjacent skills, but the kids who undergo this kind of training don't spontaneously get better at maths or start experiencing fewer symptoms of ADHD," he says. Brain training is becoming an increasingly popular way to help children overcome their learning difficulties. Professor Usha Goswami from the Centre for Neuroscience in Education is working on a game that could help children with dyslexia, for example. Surprisingly and possibly as a result of the heterogeneity of learning disorders opinion is still divided over what the condition actually is. Dyslexia literally means 'difficult reading', implying that it is a visual condition. Not so, says Goswami, who argues that dyslexia is about how we process speech. Speech is transmitted as a sound wave. It's interpreted by brain cells that vibrate at several different frequencies, for example delta (13 Hz) and theta (48 Hz). The delta frequency relates to the perception of stress patterns in speech, theta to syllable segmentation. When a speech signal comes into the brain, it acts as a 'reset button' to these cell assemblies, which then align their vibrations to the rhythm of the speech: when they are accurately aligned, speech becomes intelligible. When Goswami analysed the speech patterns of parents talking to infants for example using nursery rhymes and exaggerated baby speech she found that they emphasise the delta frequencies. "My work suggests that this delta frequency, which helps you perceive the stress patterns used in all languages to convey meaning, is the foundation of language. Once you've got that skeleton, you can start adding things, like the syllables, the single speech sounds, the phonemes." Crucially, she showed that, for children with dyslexia, their delta networks were out of phase with the speech patterns. It appeared that they were missing the initial 'reset' command. It isn't clear yet why this should translate into problems with spelling and reading, but, says Goswami, "there's something about reflecting on sound as an abstract pattern that you need for learning a system of spelling. Even if you're learning a straightforward language like Italian or Spanish, if you have these phonological and acoustic processing problems, it's still a very hard task for your brain." If you can intervene before a child is faced with learning to read, you may have a better chance of limiting the impact of the disorder. Goswami has developed a music and poetry activity to encourage pre-schoolers to learn speech rhythm patterns and develop phonological awareness "things that used to be ubiquitous in the playground, like clapping games, matching beats to syllable beats in language, marching games, drumming, even poetry out loud." She is also working with a team at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland on a children's 'brain training' app that will help reinforce these skills the English language version has recently been licensed by Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University. The app, GraphoGame, has been shown to be as effective as one-to-one teacher support but any number of children can be playing at the same time. Credit: University of Cambridge Goswami is particularly enthused by the idea that, in future, infants at risk of dyslexia for example if they have a parent with the condition may be able to use a device that hooks over the ear and helps to amplify the elements of speech that are not processed correctly. She has received funding from the MRC and the Fondation Botnar to develop a proof of principle. "It could eliminate dyslexia," she says, excitedly. One way of getting to the root cause of learning disorders could be to identify infants at greatest risk and to see how their brains develop in the first few months or even days after birth. This is not without its challenges, as Professor Mark Johnson, Head of Psychology, knows too well. Johnson joined Cambridge recently from Birkbeck, University of London, where he pioneered research into infants' and toddlers' brains at the world-renowned Babylab. He is now turning his attention to an even earlier stage, the period from immediately before birth to the first few months after. "Most people will agree that the biggest change in environment that the brain has in its lifetime is birth," he says, "going from being a baby in the womb to being outside within a couple of hours, in a world with human beings, lights and everything. It's clearly a very dramatic event for the brain." In collaboration with Professor Topun Austin at the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge, and building on earlier work by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the Autism Research Centre, Johnson plans to use the latest prenatal MRI and ultrasound techniques to study the behaviour of the baby in the womb. It's been clear for a while that the fetus has a "behavioural repertoire", he says. A recent study, for example, showed that a fetus will follow a light source shone onto the mother's abdomen. Once the babies have been born, he hopes to observe their brain development over their first few days in the outside world. Babies' skulls are relatively thin and translucent. By shining infrared light on a newborn's head, it's possible to observe subtle changes in the colour of the blood, which becomes bluer as activity (and hence oxygen) levels in a brain region fall, and redder when they increase. Using this technique, known as near-infrared spectroscopy, Johnson wants to validate initial data that suggests there are dramatic changes in brain function over the first few days. His research has already shown how certain brain regions 'tune up' during infancy, such as the area that in adults has been shown to process faces. "In infants, those same regions respond to faces, but they also respond to other complex objects," he says. "Over time, they become selectively interested in faces. This could be one of the processes that goes awry in autism, where the part of the brain that responds to social stimuli has not been properly tuned." This is unlikely to be the whole story, however. Johnson points out that there are also other, more generalised problems in autism, such as subtle motor delays and problems with visual and auditory perception, which then manifest in social challenges later in life. Johnson believes that these later manifestations may arise from the autistic child's inability to process complex information. "If you're a 12-month-old, the most complex aspect of the external world is other human beings. They're unpredictable, they're dynamic, they make sounds, they smell. It's a massive challenge to understand the social world, which might explain why autistic children prefer stimuli that are repetitive or more predictable." He agrees with Astle that understanding and measuring brain function is better than applying labels. When trialling interventions to help ameliorate some of the traits of these conditions, brain measures are better than clinical tools at predicting outcome. This move away from broad labels and towards a more nuanced approach is reflected in the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which has moved towards 'dimensions' of symptoms of autism rather than categories (the term 'Asperger's' is now classified within the Autism Spectrum, for example). "In the past, we've been overly reliant on biomedical models," Johnson says. "People tend to think of autism and ADHD as diseases, when they in fact describe a series of behaviours. It's not right to think of them in the same way as, say, the flu." As humans, we like labels: they help us categorise and simplify the world around us. We may not be able to dispense with labels like autism and dyslexia anytime soon, but if science is teaching us anything, it's to look beyond the label and remember that behind it lies a unique and complex individual. 3. It's not easy being teen. By understanding how the adolescent brain wires and rewires, scientists are helping to pinpoint why teenagers are especially vulnerable to mental health problems and why some are resilient. When James Downs was at secondary school, he was bullied for standing out. He developed OCD and a fixation with his appearance, which then led to an eating disorder. Now recovered, he describes his treatment as being "like an experimental DIY project rather than something with clear oversight and a plan". James's story is not uncommon. When Charly Cox was diagnosed in her teenage years with depression and other mental health disorders, what lay ahead for her was "a long and painful ordeal of trial and error, guesswork and delay. I felt loss and frustration more times than I was ever gifted hope, knowledge or effective treatment." Flo Sharman, who suffered from mental illness from the age of eight, says: "I lost my childhood to the stigma surrounding mental health." One in four of us experience the debilitating, isolating and traumatic effects of mental health disorders. Around 75 percent of adult mental health problems begin before the age of 18, disrupting education and social interactions, affecting relationships with family and friends and future job opportunities, and in some cases, costing lives. Charly, Flo and James are among those who have lent their support and their stories to the mental health charity MQ to help work towards a future in which adolescents no longer face the life-altering challenge of living with these disorders. Dr Anne-Laura van Harmelen from Cambridge's Department of Psychiatry leads a project funded by MQ, called HOPES, and shares this vision: "Our brains undergo complex neural development during the teenage years to prepare us to take care of ourselves. However, some of these changes may be linked to a vulnerability to mental health disorders. If we can better understand what these vulnerabilities are, we can identify those at risk and treat them early, before the disorders emerge." But, until recently, remarkably little has been known about what's going on inside a teenager's head. Unravelling some of the complexity has required the combined input of psychiatrists, neuroscientists, psychologists, social scientists, computational biologists and statisticians and the brains of hundreds of healthy teenage volunteers. The teenagers were scanned as part of the NeuroScience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN), set up in 2012 by Professor Ian Goodyer from the Department of Psychiatry with funding from the Wellcome Trust. So far, 2,300 healthy volunteers aged 14 to 24 years have been recruited by the University of Cambridge and University College London for analysis through behavioural questionnaires, cognitive tests, and medical and socio-economic history. Some 300 adolescents have also had their brain anatomy and activity scanned millimetre by millimetre using MRI, a method that can reveal connections between brain activity centres. The result is one of the most comprehensive 'circuit diagrams' of the teenage brain ever attempted. "The project has been a big step forward in looking inside the black box of the teenage brain," explains Professor Ed Bullmore, who leads the NSPN. "We found that there were distinctive patterns of developmental change in brain structure and function during adolescence that could help to explain why mental health disorders often arise during late adolescence." For instance, Bullmore's colleagues Dr Kirstie Whitaker and Dr Petra Vertes discovered that the outer region of the brain, known as cortical grey matter, shrinks, becoming thinner during adolescence. As this happens, the levels of myelin the sheath that 'insulates' nerve fibres, allowing the fibres to communicate efficiently in the white matter increase. In a separate study, Dr Frantisek Vasa designed a method to combine all of the scans of the structural changes in the brain through a 'sliding window' as if viewing the changes in the brain network of an 'average' adolescent as they mature from 14 to 24 years of age. It sounds simple enough but this innovation was so complex that it took several years of statistical and computational analysis to perfect. "We saw that the changes are greatest in the most connected 'hub' parts of the brain. Our interpretation is that when the brain develops it builds too many connections; then, during the teenage years, those that are used frequently are strengthened and others are 'pruned'," says Vasa, whose PhD studies were funded by the Gates Cambridge Trust. What makes this especially interesting is that Vertes and Whitaker also discovered that the brain areas undergoing the greatest structural changes during adolescence are those in which genes linked to risk of mental health disorders are most strongly expressed. One of the disorders is schizophrenia, which affects 1 percent of the population and often starts in adolescence or early adult life. Vertes has recently been funded by MQ to search for unique patterns of brain connectivity among those who develop symptoms of schizophrenia, and to cross-reference them with patterns of gene expression across the brain. "Not only is this knowledge important for identifying new treatments that are more effective for a greater number of patients at an earlier stage, but it could also help in predicting those who are at risk," she explains. Another area where there has been little improvement in predicting behaviours is that of suicide the second leading cause of death among the young. "Around 16 percent of teens think about suicide and 8 percent report making an attempt, yet there has been little improvement in our ability to predict suicidal behaviours in 50 years," says van Harmelen, who is a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin fellow. The HOPES project she leads aims to develop a model to predict who is at risk of suicide by analysing brain scans and data on suicidal behaviour of young people from across the world to identify specific, universal risk factors. "These risk factors may be connected with traumatic and stressful events early in their lives," she adds. "In fact, we know that about a third of all mental health problems are attributable to events such as bullying, abuse and neglect. Much of my work has been to understand the impact of these factors on the developing brain." She discovered that childhood adversity is related to an altering of the structure and function of parts of the brain, and that this increases vulnerability to mental health problems. Intriguingly, some adolescents with traumatic early life experiences fared a lot better than would be predicted. This 'resilience' was enhanced by receiving the right kind of support at the right time. She calls this 'social buffering' and finds that for 14-year-olds it most often comes from family members, and for 19-year-olds from friendships. With funding from the Royal Society, she is now starting to look for biological factors that underpin resilient functioning for instance, how does the immune system interact with the brain during periods of psychosocial stress in resilient adolescents? Are there biomarkers that can be used to predict resilience after childhood adversity? "We are diving deeper into the factors and mechanisms that might help," says van Harmelen. "We know there are lots of social, emotional and behavioural factors that help to build resilience, and that these factors are amenable to intervention by therapists but which are the most important, or is it a specific combination of these factors? "If you speak to anyone who has had a mental health problem, you will know the effect it's had on them and their families," she adds. "Even a minor contribution to lowering this effect through early diagnosis and treatment is worth a lot of effort." Explore further Scientists use AI to develop better predictions of why children struggle at school Credit: CC0 Public Domain A newborn baby's brain responds to being touched on the face, according to new research co-led by UCL. Babies use this sense of touchfacial somatosensationto find and latch onto their mother's nipple, and should have this ability from birth. Premature babies often have difficulty feeding, and underdevelopment of their facial sensitivity may be one of the main causes. Researchers from UCL, Imperial College London, UCLH and Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma developed a new method to study this sense of touch in babies and how their brains reacted using electroencephalography (EEG). Current methods of evoking brain activity in response to touch aren't suitable for a newborn's face, so academics have developed a devicebased on a transducerworn on the fingertip, covered by a clinical glove. The baby can be lightly tapped on the cheek, and then brain responses are measured as well as the force of the tapping. The report, 'A novel sensor design for accurate measurement of facial somatosensation in pre-term infants', is published in the journal PLOS ONE. Dr. Lorenzo Fabrizi (UCL Biosciences) said: "This research provides a way of understanding how pre-term babies process touch information, and could help medical professionals to make informed decisions relating to their development. "We've proved that we can record the sense of touch from the face. This means that for premature babies, it is possible to study how they process the tactile information that they receive from the face, how this changes as they mature and whether disruption of this process might lead to longer-term feeding problems." Babies' brains develop quicker than at any other point in life. Facial somatosensation is necessary for breastfeeding; for example if a newborn baby's right cheek is lying on their mother's breast, the baby uses this information to turn its head to the right in order to feed (rooting). Therefore finding a way to measure brain responses to facial touch is important for understanding brain development in newborns. Professor Etienne Burdet (Imperial College London) said: "We had to develop a stimulating system that was safe to use on the delicate face of the babies and acceptable to their parents. We used an iterative design approach to develop a seamless wearable device that can measure a natural finger tap to the skin. "After we found that conventional sensors were not practical, we developed a dedicated sensor and packaging using 3-D printing." The study looked at seven babies who were on average seven days old at UCLH's postnatal and neonatal wards, each one having been born prematurely (before 37 weeks). The research was supported by the UK Medical Research Council, European Commission grants, and a UK EPSRC MOTION grant. The force transducer was developed at Imperial College London and the trial was carried out at UCL and the UCLH Elizabeth Garrett Anderson wing. Ethical approval was obtained from the NHS Research Ethics Committee along with informed parental consent for each baby. Eugene Bell Foundation Chairman Stephen Linton speaks during a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. The U.S.-based nonprofit group called for South Korea to take stronger steps to fight a tuberculosis crisis in North Korea it says has worsened under strengthened U.S.-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile program. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) The withdrawal of a major international aid organization threatens to leave tens of thousands of tuberculosis patients in North Korea without the medication they need and could spiral into a severe crisis if it is not addressed soon, according to health experts familiar with the situation in the North. The dwindling stockpile of crucial medications follows the abrupt departure of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an international aid organization whose grants to North Korea supported the treatment of 120,000 TB patients last year. Its support officially ended in June despite an outcry among health officials in North Korea and in the international community that it could spark a major epidemic. Neurosurgeon Kee Park, of the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change at Harvard Medical School, said in an email to The Associated Press that the situation is extremely dire and likely to get dramatically worse in the years ahead if it is not properly dealt with. The U.S.-based nonprofit Eugene Bell Foundation, which works on the ground treating tuberculosis in North Korea, said Friday that the crisis is being compounded by U.S.-led sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korea has one of the world's highest rates of tuberculosis, a highly infectious disease that, while treatable, globally causes more than 1 million deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization, about 107,000 cases of tuberculosis were reported in North Korea in 2017. Making matters worse, North Korea has estimated that 6-7 percent of its tuberculosis population has the drug-resistant variety, known as MDR-TB, which is far more difficult and costly to cure. "As a result of the loss of the Global Fund grants for the DPRK, we expect a 50-75 percent reduction in treatment capacity for non-MDR-TB patients," Park said. "Consequently, our model predicts between 155,000 to 210,000 more people will die from TB-related causes within five years. To be clear, these are new deaths that are expected on top of the current mortality rates. We have assumed that the treatment of MDR-TB will continue at current levels." Drug-resistant tuberculosis generally results from patients not taking the proper amount or combination of medications to completely cure them of the disease, or by coming into contact with someone who has been infected with it already. Eugene Bell Foundation Chairman Stephen Linton speaks during a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. The U.S.-based nonprofit group called for South Korea to take stronger steps to fight a tuberculosis crisis in North Korea it says has worsened under strengthened U.S.-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile program. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) It is often found among populations that have had some exposure to TB medications, such as cities or other places with populations that are relatively more affluentor at least affluent enough to have paid for some form of TB medication already. Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, is believed to have a particularly high incidence of the drug-resistant TB strain. Global Fund announced in February that it was ending its grants to North Korea, effectively ending the largest outside public health assistance program ever for the North, because of a lack of transparency and difficult operating conditions. It has said its stockpile would last for a year, which is longer than the average 6- to 9-month course of treatment for a TB patient. But the concern is over what will happen after that, how any new cases can be treated if no one else steps in to fill the gap and whether the limited pool of medications would be "rationed" in an ill-advised effort to spread out what medications are left. "Time is ticking," Park said. "I have heard from people who have been inside recently that the rationing has already started." The problem is especially acute because North Korea has a fragile public health system that could easily be overwhelmed by a large outbreak, sending North Koreans streaming across the country's border with China, making the epidemic a bigger, regional issue. Concerns over such a calamity prompted the North to essentially close its borders during the Ebola scare in 2015 and during the SARS outbreak in 2003 in China, though neither seemed to present much of a threat to the isolated North. Eugene Bell Foundation Chairman Stephen Linton speaks during a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. The U.S.-based nonprofit group called for South Korea to take stronger steps to fight a tuberculosis crisis in North Korea it says has worsened under strengthened U.S.-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile program. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Stephen Linton, chairman of the Eugene Bell Foundation, told reporters in Seoul that South Korea lacks the sense of urgency to help groups like his gain sanctions exemptions so that they can deliver supplies to treat patients in North Korea. He likened the problem to having the house next door on fire, and said North Korea's tuberculosis problem could potentially have health consequences for South Korea. Linton said he believes Global Fund's decision was at least partially connected to sanctions-related pressure. The U.S. government, which pledged $1.4 billion this year, is one of the biggest donors to Global Fund. He noted that it has also gotten harder for American aid workers to get permission to travel to the North since President Donald Trump announced his travel ban for U.S. citizens more than a year ago. Choi Seemoon, a Eugene Bell director, said that while Eugene Bell and Global Fund have provided MDR-TB medications to about 2,000 patients this year, that's less than 30 percent of the estimated 8,000 North Koreans with the condition. Global Fund's stock of regular tuberculosis medicine will run out in early 2020, she warned, while its stock of MDR-TB medicine can only cover patients registered by the autumn of this year. "There needs to be a quick purchase of medicine and supplies to overcome the void left by Global Fund," Choi said. "Whether the issue is resolved through inter-Korean talks or through international bodies and non-governmental channels, there should be a quick delivery of tuberculosis medicine to North Korea regardless of what channel it takes." 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. A new study funded by Cancer Research UK and led by the University of Birmingham has found that the standard chemotherapy used to treat a specific type of throat cancer remains the most effective. The findings of the trial, which aimed to compare for the first time the outcomes of using two different kinds of treatment for patients with Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive throat cancer, are published today (November 15th) in The Lancet. Throat cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in Western countries. In the UK, incidence was unchanged between 1970 and 1995, then doubled between 1996 and 2006, and doubled again between 2006 and 2010. The rise has been attributed to HPV, which is often a sexually transmitted infection. Most throat cancers were previously caused by smoking and alcohol and affected 65 to 70 year old working class men. Today, HPV is the main cause of throat cancer and patients are middle class, working, have young children and are aged around 55. HPV-positive throat cancer responds well to a combination of cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and patients can survive for 30 to 40 years, but the treatment causes lifelong side effects including dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste. The De-ESCALaTE HPV study, which was sponsored by the University of Warwick, compared the side effects and survival of 164 patients who were treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin, and 162 who were given radiotherapy and cetuximab. The patients were enrolled between 2012 and 2016 at 32 centres in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Patients were randomly allocated to be treated with radiotherapy and either cisplatin or cetuximab. Eight in ten patients were male and the average age was 57 years. Importantly, the results found that there was very little difference between the two drugs in terms of toxicity in patients and side effects such as dry mouth, however, there was a significant difference in the survival rates and recurrences of cancer in patients taking part in the trial. They found that the patients who received the current standard chemotherapy cisplatin had a significantly higher two-year overall survival rate (97.5%) than those on cetuximab (89.4%). During the six-year study, there were 29 recurrences and 20 deaths with cetuximab, compared to 10 recurrences of cancer and six deaths in patients who were treated with the current standard chemotherapy cisplatin. And cancer was three times more likely to recur in two years following treatment with cetuximab compared to cisplatin, with recurrence rates of 16.1 per cent versus six per cent, respectively. Study lead Professor Hisham Mehanna, Director of the University of Birmingham's Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, said: "Many patients have been receiving cetuximab with radiotherapy on the assumption that it was as effective as cisplatin chemotherapy with radiotherapy and caused fewer side effects but there has been no head-to-head comparison of the two treatments. "Cetuximab did not cause less toxicity and resulted in worse overall survival and more cancer recurrence than cisplatin. "This was a surprisewe thought it would lead to the same survival rates but better toxicity. Patients with throat cancer who are HPV positive should be given cisplatin, and not cetuximab, where possible." Dr. Emma King, Cancer Research UK Associate Professor in head and neck surgery at the University of Southampton, said: "Studies like this are essential for us to optimise treatments for patients. We now know that for HPV-positive throat cancer, the standard chemotherapy treatment remains the most effective option. "However, we must keep testing new alternatives to ensure patients always have access to cutting-edge and kinder treatments. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can leave head and neck cancer patients with long term pain and difficulties swallowing, so we should always strive to minimise side effects." Professor Janet Dunn from the University of Warwick, whose team ran the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial, said: "In the current trend for de-escalation of treatment, the results of the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial are very important as they were not as we expected. They do highlight the need for academic clinical trials and are an acknowledgement of the key role played by Warwick Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Warwick as the co-ordination and analysis centre for this important international trial." The patients on the De-ESCALaTE trial Steering Committee endorsed the importance of research findings. Malcom Babb, who is also President of the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs, said: "From a patient perspective, De-ESCALaTE has been a success by providing definitive information about the comparative effectiveness of treatment choices." Explore further Patients with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer should receive chemoradiation More information: Mehanna et al (2018). 'Radiation with cisplatin or cetuximab in Human papillomavirus-related low risk oropharyngeal cancer - the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial'. The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/ S0140-6736(18)32752-1 Journal information: The Lancet Mehanna et al (2018). 'Radiation with cisplatin or cetuximab in Human papillomavirus-related low risk oropharyngeal cancer - the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial'.. DOI: 10.1016/ S0140-6736(18)32752-1 NOTICE: TO BE CLEAR: WE HAVE OUTLINED UNDER OUR RECORD MAINTENANCE POLICY WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. SIMPLY PUT: IF THE COURT SAW FIT TO EXPUNGE YOUR RECORD,SO WILL WE, FREE OF CHARGE. ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT AND CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE MERELY ACCUSATIONS,EVERYONE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW AND CONVICTED. FCRA DISCLAIMER: MUGSHOTS.COM DOES NOT PROVIDE CONSUMER REPORTS AND IS NOT A CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY. OUR DATABASE CANNOT BE USED TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT CONSUMER CREDIT, EMPLOYMENT, INSURANCE, TENANT SCREENING, OR ANY OTHER PURPOSES THAT WOULD REQUIRE FCRA COMPLIANCE. MUGSHOTS.COM PARTICIPATES IN AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WITH VARIOUS COMPANIES. WE MAY EARN A COMMISSION WHEN YOU CLICK ON OR MAKE PURCHASES VIA LINKS. MUGSHOTS.COM IS AN AGGREGATOR OF THE TODAYS CRIME NEWS. IN EACH FRONT-PAGE POST, THE HYPERLINK TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE IS SPECIFIED. 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MOST OF, IF NOT ALL MUGSHOT LAWS WERE CRAFTED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FEES FOR REMOVAL OF ONLINE MUGSHOTS AND TO FURTHER PROTECT THE PRESS FROM THOSE VERY SAME "MUGSHOT LAWS".WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR REMOVAL OF ARREST INFORMATION AND/OR BOOKING PHOTOGRAPHS. MORE... Facebook has released its Transparency Report for the first half of 2018, detailing the nature and extent of government requests it received over this period. The company noted that government requests for user account data increased by 26% globally compared to the second half of 2017, increasing from 82,341 to 103,815 requests. Requests from the US government increased by 30%, with 56% of those requests including a non-disclosure order preventing Facebook from notifying affected users. Maintaining transparency around the nature and extent of the government requests we receive for user data, and how we make decisions about what content stays up or what comes down on Facebook, is really important to us, Facebook said. Each half we issue a Transparency Report to share what weve seen in these areas and believe that this kind of transparency helps hold governments and Facebook accountable. The Transparency Report includes information on government requests across all countries in which Facebook operates. We have inspected the requests made by the South African government over the period from January June 2018 below. South African requests During the first half of 2018, the South African government made a total of nine requests for user information from Facebook. The company said that it produced at least some data for 78% of these requests. Two legal process requests were filed along with seven emergency requests, with the South African government requesting information on a total of 12 user accounts. This number of requests is slightly higher than the eight requests filed in the second half of 2017, and is the highest number filed by the South African government since the first half of 2013. The government made 14 requests for Facebook data in the first half of 2013, although Facebook did not produce any user account data in any of these cases. The company said that every request it receives is carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency and it may reject requests which are overly broad or vague. Facebooks stance on government requests Facebook stated in its Transparency Report that it carefully inspects each government request it receives to ensure they are legally valid. If a request appears to be deficient or overly broad, we push back, and will fight in court, if necessary, Facebook said. In June, for example, a criminal court in Brazil ordered Facebook Brazil to wiretap all Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger accounts from a specific location and timeframe and threatened a penalty if we didnt deliver the information. Facebook appealed this order, stating that it violated users privacy rights, and the court of appeals found in favour of the social media platform, suspending the order. The company said it has seen a slight increase in the percentage of content restricted based on local law, and identified 48 disruptions of Facebook services in eight countries. Facebook said it is deeply concerned by these Internet disruptions, as they prevent users from communicating and threaten the growth of small businesses. Now read: New Facebook privacy flaw discovered Dear Len and Rosie, My husband and I have a living trust, which includes a family limited partnership for rental houses and my one-person business corporation. I am having concerns that things might not have been completed. For example, the living trust has a Schedule A with our assets listed, but Ive heard that my corporate stock needs to be assigned to the living trust and that the properties need to be deeded. Is this true? How do I do this? Karen Dear Karen, Think of your trust as a large wicker basket. Everything in the basket avoids probate. Everything outside of the basket is subject to probate on your death unless it avoids probate by other means, such as joint tenancy or pay-on-death beneficiary designations. You and your husband need to fill the basket by transferring the title of your assets to yourselves as trustees. If the title to your home says Bob and Karen, as Trustees of the Bob and Karen Revocable Trust dated January 1, 2014, then your home is in the trust. Otherwise, its outside of the trust and may be subject to probate upon your deaths. Its possible to avoid probate if your trust is not funded. Assets found on a schedule of trust assets attached to your trust can sometimes be transferred into the trust by means of a court order. Its faster and easier than probate, but should not be considered as a substitute for funding your trust. It requires going to court. And depending on the circumstances and the exact language within your trust document, it may not work. When you and your husband created your trust, you each should have executed pour-over wills. These wills are very simple and do little more than nominate an executor and leave the estate to the successor trustees of your trust. What they really say is this: Dear Judge, Im a big dummy because I didnt fund my expensive trust before I died. Please pay outrageous probate fees to a lawyer selected by my children. Leave whats left to my trust so my estate plan wont be messed up any more than it is already. Review your wills to make sure they leave your estate to the trust. Pour-over wills are a safety net to protect your estate plan if you mess it up. Most estate planning lawyers prepare deeds to fund their clients real properties into the trust when the trust is created. If your home is not in the trust, you need to have a lawyer or a title company prepare a deed conveying the property into your trust. You should also reissue your corporations stock to the trustees of the trust. However, the rental properties you own within your family limited partnership should not be in the trust. Instead, these properties should be titled in the name of the partnership. Your interest in the partnership can be transferred to the trust, so that the partnership will avoid probate upon your death, but that also requires a review of your partnership agreement. If you are still confused, you should review your trust with a trust and estates attorney. Creating a trust is only half the job. You need to finish it by properly funding your trust. Len and Rosie Len Tillem and Rosie McNichol are elder law attorneys. Contact them at 846 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, by phone at 707-996-4505. St. Helena Challenger Geoff Ellsworth still leads Mayor Alan Galbraith by 20 votes in the latest vote tally, which contained no new St. Helena ballots, released Friday afternoon. With ballots still being counted, Ellsworth has 910 votes (50.56 percent) and Galbraith has 890 votes (49.44 percent). Galbraith led by 16 votes in the preliminary election night tally, but Ellsworth took a 20-vote lead in Wednesday's count. According to the Election Division's website, Friday's report represents 80 percent of the ballots cast, and there are approximately 12,000 ballots still to process and count. Updated District 3 results -- including St. Helena and Calistoga -- will be released at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. The outcome might not be certain until the election is certified the week of Nov. 26. Measure E, which would raise St. Helenas hotel taxes by 1 percent to raise money for housing, has 1,448 votes in favor (79.96 percent) and 363 votes against (20.04 percent). In order to pass, it needs a two-thirds supermajority, or 66.6 percent. Anna Chouteau and incumbent City Councilmember Paul Dohring are running unopposed for two council seats. Chouteau has 1,204 votes and Dohring has 1,142. American Canyon Measure H, American Canyon's proposal to raise the hotel tax to fund workforce housing, is nearing the threshold for passing after falling short on election night. With each update from the Napa County Election Division, Measure H has steadily gained votes towards reaching 66.6 percent approval, the two-thirds requirement for new tax measures. As of Friday's vote count, Measure H stood at 66.01 percent in favor and 33.99 percent opposed. That still leaves it shy of 66.6 percent, but it is noticeably more than on election night when Measure H had only 62.90 percent in favor. Measure H has gained over 3 percentage points since Nov. 6, with still more votes to be counted by election officials. The proposal would raise the transient occupancy tax from 12 percent to 13 percent to provide more funding for workforce housing in American Canyon. Friday's election update also showed Councilmember David Oro continuing to pull away from challenger Pierre Washington for the second of two council seats. Oro now leads Washington by 294 votes. On election night, his lead was only seven votes. The other incumbent, Mark Joseph, is still leading all candidates with 2,371 votes, 524 votes ahead of Oro. AMERICAN CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH Worship at 10 a.m. Programs for children and youth during worship service. 2 Andrew Road, American Canyon. ARBOR ALLIANCE Join us Sundays at 5 p.m. Why 5 p.m. worship? It is a good time for busy people and young families. Kids church and nursery available. 721 Trancas St., Napa. thearborchurch.org; 530-304-4704. BEIT ABBA Messianic Jewish ministry of The Fathers House is held the first and third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Child care provided for ages infant to 7 years old. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org/beitabba. CARMELITE MONASTERY Mass times: Sunday, 9 a.m.; Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. Confession Days for English and Spanish: Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon; 3-5 p.m.; 8-9 p.m. First Saturdays: Confessions at 10 a.m. followed by Mass at 11 a.m. 944-2454. oakvillecarmelites.org. CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. with Teen Group at 10 a.m. and Youth Program at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Jay's topic is "Awaken to Awe." Spanish Meditation Monday from 7-8 p.m. Course in Miracles Tuesdays from 6:15-8:15 p.m. Open Meditation Wednesdays from 6:30-7 p.m. Interfaith Meal at Crosswalk Community Church Saturday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. Community Thanksgiving Potluck on Wednesday Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. 1249 Coombs; 252-4847. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH Sunday service and Sunday school for youths up to age 20 at 10 a.m. The Wednesday evening service is at 7:30. Child care provided at all services. New hours for the Reading Room, located in our church building, open to the public weekdays except Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. All current Christian Science literature, including the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the renowned Christian Science Monitor, are available to all to read or purchase. 2210 Second St., Napa, 255-5255. christiansciencenapa.com. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, NAPA SECOND WARD Sacrament meeting is each Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 11:15 and Priesthood and Relief Society at 12:10 p.m. Young mens and young womens programs are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Corner of Trower Avenue and Dry Creek Road, Napa. 224-6496. CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM Congregation Beth Shalom Shabbath Worship services on Friday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. will be led by Rabbi Niles Goldstein and the 5th and 6th grade students. Oneg Shabbat to follow at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, Rabbi Goldstein will lead Torah Study. Sunday, Nov. 18, Religious school at 9:30 a.m., Shorashim at 10 a.m. For information about Congregation Beth Shalom, contact us at our website: cbsnapa.org, 1455 Elm Street, Napa; phone (707) 253-7305. CORNERSTONE MINISTRIES Sunday service is at 10:15 a.m. Spanish Church begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday school and childcare are available at both services. Our midweek service is at 6:30 on Wednesday nights. There is childcare and childrens activities at this service. Middle school and high school study meets on Wednesday nights, as well, at 6:30 in the Youth Room. 3305 Linda Vista Ave., Napa; 252-2909. cmnv.org. COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH As we begin this week of Thanksgiving were reminded of the generosity of our congregation and community, and our hearts go out to all of those suffering from loss right now. Rev. Jesse B Larson and Liturgist, Kathryn Tiberend, take a look at the text from Jonah 2:1-10, a good lesson for all of us. Ted Lassagne will lead our hymns and well open worship with We Gather Together, one of our favorites. Our doors open wide for all at 10:30 a.m., and after church, stick around for our annual Thanksgiving dinner where we will feast, unite in thankfulness, and gather in love. CPC is in north Napa at 1226 Salvador Ave. (707) 255-9426, cpcnapa.org. CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH Weekly worship service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Services and attire are casual with a blend of fellowship, music and teaching. Child care and childrens church offered during service. 1050 Hagen Road, Napa. CreeksideChurchNapa.org. 255-7266. CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH CrossWalk Community Church invites you to worship with us on Sunday. Service times are 8:30 and 10 a.m. with children's programs available during the 10 a.m. service. Our new teaching series led by Dr. Peter R. Shaw, Senior Pastor is "Me. Free." You are invited to join Pastor Pete for Praxis -- Integrating deep faith into real life -- on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. (light dinner served). 2590 First St., 226-1812, crosswalknapa.org. FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH You are invited every Sunday morning to worship through song, meet someone new, hear a Bible-based message and be inspired! The current sermon series theme is Friend-ology: The study of friendship. The Sunday service is at 10 a.m. and Kids Ministry has a great time planned for your kids (babies through 5th graders). Students@First for Middle and High Schoolers is at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. 2659 First Street www.fccnapa.org. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Start your week in the best possible way by joining us. Visitors from near and far are always welcome. Pastor David will be preaching this week and his sermon title is Thanksgiving Changes Your Life, with a scripture references of Psalm 130. We will sing hymns of thanksgiving at 9 and we have praise music at 10:30. There is an ADA elevator lift inside to assist with the stairs. Look for our greeters near the front doors to answer any questions. Childcare for newborn to age 4 is available each week. Our weekly Sunday School programs are: The Path Sunday School for kids at 10:30; The Friendship Class at 10; The Adult Bible Study meets at 10:30. We have treats and coffee after both worship times. 1333 Third St., 707-224-8693, fpcnapa.org, facebook.com/fpcnapa, look for us on Givelify. GRACE CHURCH OF NAPA VALLEY Worship service at 9 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Adult Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. Childrens service at 9 and 10:40 a.m. Nursery and preschool care available. Junior high ministry meets Tuesday at 7 p.m.; high school meets Thursday at 7 p.m. at 3765 Solano Ave., Napa. 255-4033, GraceNapa.org. HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP If youre a regular church attendee, never been or maybe its just been awhile, we invite you to come join us this Sunday and start the adventure with us at 10:30 a.m. Spanish speaking service on Sunday evenings at 6:30. Alcoholics Anonymous group meets weekly on Monday and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. 970 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga. HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH We meet at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 100 Anderson Road, Napa. 255-3036. hccnapa.com. HOLY FAMILY PARISH Holy Mass is celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sundays and in the traditional Tridentine Latin (Extraordinary) form of the Roman Rite, according to the 1962 Missal, at noon. Before Low Masses, there is a recitation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 11:30 a.m. Confession is available after every Low Mass. Holy Family Parish is a Catholic mission-parish of St. Joan of Arc in Yountville. 1241 Niebaum Lane, Rutherford. 944-2461. HOLY GROUND CHRISTIAN CENTER Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m., and Bible study is Wednesday at 7 p.m. 3860 Broadway, Suite 111, American Canyon. 373-2015. LIVING VINE CHURCH We meet every Sunday morning at 10. 3305 Linda Vista Avenue, Napa. 226-5551. MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT VETERANS HOME OF CALIFORNIA, YOUNTVILLE Sunday worship service 10:15 a.m. Coffee fellowship one hour before service. Bible study on Wednesday at 1 p.m., Fellowship Room, with refreshments served; prayer meetings Thursday at 1 p.m. The memorial chapel is on the Veterans Home at Yountville campus on California Drive, across from the administration building. 944-4840. The public is welcome. MONT LA SALLE CHAPEL Roman Catholic liturgical services are open to all in this chapel of the De la Salle Christian Brothers at 4401 Redwood Road, Napa. Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. NAPA COMMUNITY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Please join us on Saturday at 10 a.m. for Sabbath School and Connection Classes. Stay for the worship service at 11:15 a.m. Our Community Services is open on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 2110 Seminary St., 252-8552, Napacomm.com, 1105 G St., Napa, 252-2444. NAPA METHODIST CHURCH Napa Methodist is a progressive, open-door church where all people are welcome. This Sunday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.m., hear "Gratitude: The Bridge to Joy," a conversation between Dave Whitmer and Pastor Marylee Sheffer. Or, attend the ultra-casual alternative Fusion Experience at 11 a.m. Both services at 625 Randolph Street in downtown Napa, not far from the public library. NAPA FRIENDS MEETING (QUAKERS) Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Silent meeting in the custom of Friends. Meet at the VOICES Youth Center, 780 Lincoln Ave., Napa. Enter at parking lot on left side of building, using door at end of wheelchair ramp. Quaker signs will be posted on Sunday mornings. We welcome visiting friends or those who are new to Quaker practice. Childrens program available with advance notice. nvquaker@gmail.com; 253-1505. NAPA VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Study for all ages, 10:30 a.m. for worship service and a fun, interactive and energetic childrens program for preschool through fifth grade. Nursery provided for all Sunday services. 2303 Trower Ave., Napa. napavalleybaptist.org; 252-2100. NAPA VALLEY BIBLE CHAPEL Pushpan Pappu, who evangelizes and ministers to Indians around the world, will speak at our 11 a.m. service, Sunday, Nov. 18. He recently returned from trips to India and Europe. We start Sunday services by remembering the Lords death, burial and resurrection during a time of worship and thanksgiving at 9:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship and coffee time starting at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., we enjoy a time of Bible teaching. The regular Wednesday evening meeting will not be held on Nov. 21. 1559 Second St., Napa. napavalleybiblechapel.com. NAPA VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH Join us at 10 a.m. for our morning worship service. What do you understand about the providence of God? How does the knowledge of Gods creation and providence benefit us? We will look at many of the multiple scripture verses that encourage us of our Gods almighty and ever present power in our lives. What a hope we have, and a confidence in our good and faithful Father God! Sunday school for children is immediately after the service, along with our Open Forum conversation. Napa Valley Community Church is a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. napavalleychurch.org. NAPA VALLEY LUTHERAN Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Includes Children's Time. Fellowship time follows. All are welcome. Church is located at Jefferson and Elm. 226-8166, napavalleylutheran.org NAPA VALLEY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS A 9:30 a.m. service will be lead by Maggie Ingalls and Margaret Kelso. The topic is "The Collective Good (What We Choose: Ethics for UU's #3)." Whereas a rules-based ethical system focuses on the individual's adherence to a set of prescribed principles, a utilitarian ethical system focuses on outcomes, especially the ultimate communal welfare. How do we evaluate our options to determine which actions will truly benefit the largest number of people? Who "counts" in such a schema? How do we define "benefit?" 11 a.m. traditional service is "Memories of Home, with Rev. Mary McKinnon Ganz and Sunday Service Assistant, Jeff Leles. Why do people stay home? Why do they leave? What does "home" mean, anyway? What do we long for, when we long for home? And why is that longing so strong, this time of year? Infant care, child care, and religious education provided. 1625 Salvador Ave., Napa; www.nvuu.org; 707.226.9220 NEW LIFE TABERNACLE Sunday school at 10 a.m., followed by worship service at 11. Sunday evening service the first Sunday of every month. Bible study on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 2625 First St., Napa. 255-1062; NewLifeNapa.com. ST. APOLLINARIS CATHOLIC CHURCH All masses are in English. Visitors are welcome. Sunday Mass times: 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, and 5:30 p.m., Saturday Evening (Vigil for Sunday) 4:30 p.m. Daily mass times: Monday-Friday: 7 and 8:45 a.m.; Saturday: 8:45 a.m . Confession: Saturdays: 3:30-4:15 p.m., Monday-Friday: 6:30-6:50 a.m., Monday-Saturday: 8:15-8:35 a.m. 3700 Lassen St., Napa. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST St. John the Baptist Church holds daily masses in English at 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Weekend masses are Saturday at 5 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish) and Sunday 8 a.m. (Spanish), 10 a.m. (English), noon (Spanish), and 5 p.m. (English). Wednesday evening mass at 7 (Spanish). Corner of Caymus and Yajome streets in downtown Napa. ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday services are at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. The early service makes use of traditional Lutheran liturgy and hymns, with the singing led by the organ. The 10:15 service is more informal with the singing led by the band. Childrens church is offered during the 10:15 service for preschool through 4th grade. ST. MARYS EPISCOPAL CHURCH Worship on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. or Sundays at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. (organ and choir). Childrens Chapel (Sunday school) is at 9:50 a.m. Sunday. Nursery care is provided during the 10 a.m. service. Coffee hour follows the worship services on Sunday. 1917 Third St., Napa. 255-0991; StMarysNapa.org. ST. STEPHENS ANGLICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., sung using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Refreshments and social time after the 10:30 service. 1250 Oakville Grade, Oakville. 944-8915; ststephensoakville.org. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH Mass times are Saturday at 4 p.m. (English), Sunday at 8 a.m. (English), 11 a.m. (English) and 1:30 p.m. (Spanish). Daily mass is at 9 a.m., except on the first Friday, which is at noon and in English. 2725 Elm St., Napa. 255-2949; stthomasaquinasnapa.com. SALVATION ARMY Join us for services Sundays at 10 a.m. 590 Franklin St., Napa. napasalarmy.org. THE FATHERS HOUSE Service times are Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Child care and Kids Church are available (ages infant through sixth grade). Youth ministry Encounter meets every Wednesday night at 7. Celebrate Recovery meets on Monday nights at 6:30. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org. *UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER IN NAPA VALLEY At the Sunday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. service, Unity will welcome, Rev. Kathryn Brenson. Her message is titled, Gratitude Is More Than An Attitude, her theme, "In addition to being a positive, transforming attitude, gratitude creates an energy field that is highly magnetic to the things and experiences we choose to have". This Sunday, we will explore some ways to live in the energy of gratitude! Please join us for this extraordinary message. Our Sunday Service music will be performed this week by our musical director, Lon Eakes at 11:40 a.m. No Forum. The forum will be replaced this week by our annual Thanksgiving potluck. Please bring something delicious to help us celebrate the upcoming holiday! Sunday Service and Forum are held at the historic Grange Hall, 3275 Hagan Road (1 mile east of the Silverado Trail), Napa. Parking next to the building. www.Facebook.com/USCNV www.UnitySpiritualCenterNapa.org 255-6881. YOUNTVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH This Sunday Nov. 18, at 10 a.m., we will have our weekly service. The main church building is under repairs and we are meeting in our Sunday School classrooms on the North side of the church. Come join us for coffee, doughnuts, and learn about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sunday School is for all ages. We have an Adult Bible class, Youth Group (fifth-eight grades and high school students,) and Children's classes "Jesus and Me," (Birth-Kindergarten) and first through fifth grades are offered. Church office hours, Tuesday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wednesday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 6619 Yount Street, Yountville, 944-2179. Want to have your church included in Worship Notes? Need to update your congregations information? Contact editor Kelly Doren at kdoren@napanews.com or 256-2263. ST. HELENA For eight months in 2004, Elle Snow was trafficked throughout the Bay Area against her will as a prostitute. She worked in a brothel in Walnut Creek, where every half-hour there was another man, willing to pay for sex. Three women were lined up and the man would pick one of them, Snow said during a St. Helena presentation. The pimp told Snow that prostitution was just what she was made for, that she was oversexualized and thats why her uncle sexually abused her when she was young. After that first day in the brothel, Snow said, I believed him. And then the pimp broke her in, just like a horse, Snow added. Eventually, she escaped the brothel and contacted law enforcement. She testified against the pimp in 2014 and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He served four years and was released earlier this year. She didnt realize it at the time, but the pimp targeted her, romanced her and then, on a three-day vacation turned her into a prostitute. She was physically and mentally abused. Soroptimist International of St. Helena and St. Helena Sunrise sponsored a panel on human trafficking a week ago at the St. Helena High School Performing Art Center. It included a panel discussion, How to Keep Napa Valley Safe, with Lt. Gary Pitkin with the Napa Special Investigations Bureau and Laurel Botsford, founder and president of Wisdom International; an update of Congressional action by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena; and Snow as the keynote speaker. Today Snow is a survivor and is fighting sex trafficking through her nonprofit, Game Over, whose mission is to provide education on how to prevent, identify and assist those who have been sex trafficked. She provides training to youth groups, community members, service providers, social workers, foster parents, medical staff and law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. Takeaways include: - The federal Violence Against Women Act that Congress authorized in 1994 is temporarily funded until Dec. 8. Earlier this fall, the U.S. Senate extended the VAWA with a continuing resolution with the same level of funding as is in 2018. Thompson said more funding is needed. We need to make sure to adapt to the needs of the issue and provide the adequate funding to ensure these victims get the help they need, he said. - Congress recently passed and the president signed a bill, Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017, Thompson said. The bill allows states and survivors to sue websites for anything they do to facilitate sex trafficking. As you know, the best ways to get to an issue is through the pocketbook, Thompson said. So hopefully, that will bear some fruit. - Sex trafficking is definitely here, Botsford said. With all the bridges it is really easy to transport victims to other areas, from Napa to Bay Area cities. Pitkin agreed, saying that Napa County victims are being transported to the Bay Area and out-of-county pimps are coming to Napa County. Modern-day kidnapping is happening through the internet. - The Napa Special Investigations Bureau was formed in 1976 and over the years, it morphed into a drug task force, Pitkin said. At the end of 2016, its members started to hear about human trafficking and commercial sex workers. We started sending our folks to training, Pitkin said, and found out the sex workers use the internet for advertising. We were blown away by the commercial sex workers offering services in Napa County, he said. In the North Bay, hundreds of people were advertising their services. Recently, NSIB detectives posted a fake ad telling of their services online and within hours, 185 people texted and another 100 people called, Pitkin said. - Trainers were sent to a briefing of night-shift patrol officers, who didnt believe sex trafficking was happening in Napa County. They received training for 15 to 20 minutes and about four hours later, at midnight, Pitkin said the patrol officers got a report of a pimp and a victim. They rescued her, put the pimp in jail, then went to the victims best friend, rescued her and arrested the pimp, Pitkin said. - Of the cases the NSIB detectives have prosecuted, every one of the pimps has pleaded guilty and were sentenced to three years, six years or 20 years in state prison, Pitkin said. - In April, the Justice Department announced the seizure of Backpage.com, the Internets leading forum for prostitution ads, and seven people were charged in a 93-count federal indictment. Snow, who works for Erik Bauer, the lawyer who helped shut down Backpage.com, said the site made half a billion dollars in 10 years. Trafficking will not stop, she predicts, but will move overseas, back into the streets, in brothels and deeper into the web. - Snow is co-creator and one of the playwrights for Jane Doe in Wonderland, Theater Against Sex Trafficking. She is a two-time Soroptimist Ruby Award winner and has been recognized by Congress and the Senate for her work in the anti-trafficking movement. 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. Why don't they just put the damn power lines underground? In fire-scarred California communities, that question is being posed, often angrily, as evidence mounts that the state's traditional overhead electrical power grid is at times a liability, culpable for starting some of the state's biggest blazes. Cal Fire investigators this summer said they believe at least 17 major wildfires in Northern California last year were caused by problems with power lines. Southern California Edison officials acknowledged last month their equipment helped spark the Thomas Fire that raged through Ventura County in December, destroying 1,000 buildings and leading to a landslide that killed 22 people. In Butte County this week, some fingers are pointing at a malfunctioning Pacific Gas & Electric line as the possible launch pad for the worst fire in state history, the Camp Fire, which wiped out the town of Paradise, killing at least 63 people and destroying more than 9,700 homes. The cause of that fire has not yet been determined, and investigators are pursuing several leads, including more than one ignition point. State regulators point out that overall, only about 10 percent or less of the state's wildfires are triggered by power line issues. But they acknowledge the state's 176,000-mile system of overhead electrified lines has played a role in igniting some of the biggest and most destructive fires in recent years. So why not bury the problem? One California utility company plans to do that. San Diego Gas & Electric officials said next year they will begin converting 20 miles of overhead wires to underground in a high fire-risk area around Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and the town of Campo, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol has a station. The San Diego utility also is exploring a dozen other areas for potential future undergrounding of wires, with fire safety as the main reason, a spokesman said. Officials at PG&E, which serves much of Northern California, said they are working on a test project that would put power lines underground along the Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County where thousands live among densely wooded hillsides. Utilities often now put power underground in newer urban developments, but that is typically for esthetics and traffic movement, not explicitly for fire safety. The state's top electricity safety regulatory official, Elizaveta Malashenko of the California Public Utilities Commission, said running power lines underground is far from a panacea. And, in most cases, it's simply not worth the cost, she said. "Underground is about 10 times more expensive than overhead," said Malashenko, who is the PUC safety and enforcement division director. "If we were to underground (throughout) California, all our rates would go up ten times." Malashenko, utility officials and even utility critics point out that there are other good reasons not to go underground: California is prime earthquake country and seismic activity is more likely to disrupt underground wires than overhead wires. Underground wires also are susceptible to flood damage, and are more difficult to perform maintenance on because often they are buried under roads. Underground utilities also are trickier to troubleshoot when issues, such as outages, occur. But Malashenko and others acknowledge the cost of undergrounding in some areas may be viewed more favorably if the financial and human costs of fires continue to mount in California. Already, analysts said, fire liability costs are putting PG&E in financial peril. Those concerns led the president of the California Public Utilities Commission Thursday to say he would expand an ongoing PUC review of PG&E's operations investigation into the utility's operations. "I will open a new phase examining the corporate governance, structure and operation of PG&E, including in light of the recent wildfires, to determine the best path forward for Northern Californians to receive safe electrical and gas service in the future," Michael Picker said in a press statement. Picker earlier had told The San Francisco Chronicle it would not be good business to let PG&E go bankrupt. PG&E is looking for access to more borrowing power, anticipating having to make further potential fire-related lawsuit payouts. "We agree with CPUC President Picker's statement that an essential component of providing safe electrical service is long-term financial stability," spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said in an emailed statement. "Access to affordable capital is critical to carrying out safety measures and meeting California's bold clean energy goals. "Recently passed legislation recognized the importance of financially healthy utilities to California electric customers and implementing it quickly is important to achieve that goal." The question of what steps utility companies should take to protect the public from fire, and what the state should do to assist PG&E financially in the face of fire-related liabilities, has been a hot topic this year at the state Capitol. It's prompted by what Gov. Jerry Brown recently called the "new abnormal" caused by changing weather patterns -- longer dry spells, temperature extremes and high winds. Utility companies previously only had to worry about high fire risk from August through October. Now, the state's so-called "fire season" starts earlier and ends later. The Thomas fire hit bone-dry Ventura in December and burned through Christmas and New Year's Day. This week's Camp Fire in Paradise struck after what officials said were 210 straight days without rain. The state PUC came out with tougher controls earlier this year, and the state Legislature passed a controversial bill that includes financial assistance for utilities, but also requirements for more maintenance and system upgrades. The new law, SB901, is wide-ranging. Starting in 2019, it will require utility companies' fire mitigation plans to include vegetation clearing around power lines, electrical equipment inspections and protocols for cutting power in weather that could trigger fires. It also requires the state commission that regulates utilities to work with the state's firefighting agency to prevent fires and doubles maximum penalties when utilities don't comply with safety regulations. SB901 notably calls for utilities to consider several safety measures as part of their plans to avoid fires, including moving power lines underground, as well as putting insulation around wires and replacing poles. Leaders in the Legislature say they don't have specific plans yet for any further wildfire-related legislation in the upcoming session. But devastation in Butte County from the Camp Fire -- and the ongoing threat of more deadly fires -- makes it likely lawmakers will take up the issue. "We need to make our communities safer; support rebuilding our ravaged communities and better support our emergency response and alert systems to help us prepare for the next fire," Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins said in a statement. Atkins spokeswoman Lizelda Lopez said the San Diego Democrat needs to confer with her colleagues to develop specific plans. One Sacramento critic, state Sen. Jerry Hill, a San Mateo Democrat, said the state should consider a more radical approach: Reform the massive utility companies and take away their profit motive. "PG&E, I've found, is more concerned about Wall Street than they ever have been with safety," Hill said. "We can't go on this way. We can't have our state destroyed every year." Utility companies, meanwhile, say they are ensuring more safety by taking steps to "harden" the grid, including the tree abatement, synthetic coating of wires, and replacement of wood with steel poles being pushed by the Legislature. They also are employing a controversial new tool PG&E calls a "public safety power shutoff program." It involves temporarily cutting power to areas when weather and wind reports indicate high fire danger. San Diego Gas & Electric pioneered the concept in 2013, and has used it about a dozen times since, officials there estimated. That includes this week, when it shut off power for several days to 24,000 customers due to 86-mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. The agency then sent out foot patrols and inspectors in helicopters Wednesday to check lines before turning the power back on. "This has been a very significant Santa Ana (winds), we've been taking this very seriously," San Diego utility spokesman Joe Britton said. After being stung by costly lawsuits from fires in 2003 and 2007, the San Diego utility has installed 177 weather stations in high-wind areas, along with smoke detectors, and hi-definition and infrared cameras for night viewing. PG&E instituted its power shutoff program this year. Spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said the utility realizes higher fire risk from new weather patterns require "a much more bold and aggressive response." The shut-downs present a safety risk as well, cutting power for refrigerators, medical devices and cell phone charging. PG&E has set up a text, email, phone call and at times door-knocking warning system, and asks customers in vulnerable areas to sign up online for alerts. The company has shut power off purposely as a preemptive measure only once, in October to 60,000 users. Paulo said the agency considers that a step of last resort. PG&E had planned to shut off some power distribution lines last week in nine counties, including Butte, in expectation of winds and dry conditions, but choose not to because the adverse conditions did not meet shut-off criteria. That criteria includes a red flag fire-risk warning declaration by the National Weather Service, humidity levels below 20 percent, forecast sustained winds over 25 miles per hour with 45 mph gusts, fuel dryness levels, and on the ground PG&E crew observations of local conditions. Paulo said PG&E has begun talking with some communities about the possibility of undergrounding lines for fire protection, but she said that is not a focus. "Undergrounding isn't a solution to deal with (the) immediate wildfire threat. It can take years to complete." PUC's lead safety official Malashenko as well said the state recognizes the need to do more right now to mitigate overhead wire issues. "We are facing unprecedented conditions in California," she said. "We are facing a crisis at the state that has not been faced before. "The solutions exist, but they are not obvious." SANTA ROSA Santa Rosa Junior College announced Thursday it is considering the possibility of building student housing on the Santa Rosa campus by the fall semester in 2022. A housing workshop group that included students, staff, faculty and administrators has been discussing affordable housing options for students since August 2017. When many SRJC students and employees lost their homes in the October 2017 wildfires, the housing workgroup decided to expedite the project. Scion, a leading advisory expert in campus housing, did a feasibility study on the issue. The study showed 7 percent of students surveyed said they planned to leave SRJC and 30 percent were considering leaving because of the cost of housing. At a special meeting of SRJCs Board of Trustees in October, Scion officials said there is sufficient demand to provide approximately 350 beds for students on the Santa Rosa campus. Scion also recommended using a public-private partnership financing model known as P3 that would not financially burden the college or community. Under the P3 model, SRJC would collaborate with a development firm to build and manage housing on school district-owned land. On Dec. 11, the Board of Trustees will be asked to consider approving the release of a Request for Qualifications to select a P3 vendor. Potential partners could bid on a full request for proposals in spring 2019. SRJC President Frank Chong said the college could be a leader in providing affordable housing in Sonoma County. Students cant focus on their studies when they dont know how to afford their rent. My hope is to provide students with affordable housing options so they can achieve their educational goals, Chong said. Napa City Fire Captain Ty Becerras gut told him the Camp Fire would be bad when he arrived at a staging area on the Butte College campus, home to a respected firefighter academy that he trained at 22 years ago. Becerra was one of about 20 Napa Valley firefighters who headed to the scene of Butte Countys Camp Fire hours after it began at 6:30 a.m. Thursday. They arrived later that day in off-road vehicles and a pickup truck, soon joined by an army of more than 5,500 firefighters from around the state and as far away as Texas. Becerra said he looked in the sky and saw a smoke plume as dark as midnight hovering close to the ground over Paradise instead of sticking straight up. The town was being devastated by what has become the deadliest fire in California history. Peoples lives were changing in that instant, Becerra said. Just the amount of destruction that was taking place right when we were pulling in. More than 8,700 homes and 260 businesses have been destroyed by the Camp Fire as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire. Firefighters have been working 24-hour shifts every other day, except for the first couple of days when they battled flames during strong, erratic winds for about 48 hours straight and took naps when they could, Becerra said. They sleep in a mobile trailer that holds 40 or 50 beds stacked three high, Becerra said. Theyre given four- to five-pound lunches filled with high-calorie snacks to last throughout the day. Napa Fire Captain Mike Dombrowski, whos been fighting fires for nearly 30 years, has been in Paradise since Friday morning. Firefighters are there to do a job, but being confronted by so much destruction weighs on them after a while, he said. Ive never seen devastation like this, he said. I mean, you go for blocks and blocks and blocks and you will not see one house or business standing. On Wednesday, Dombrowski was stationed at a supply distribution center for residents displaced by the fires. He got off of his shift at 7 a.m. and would return to fight the fire the next morning. Until then, Dombrowski handed out gift cards on behalf of the Napa firefighters union. Its in situations like this that hes heard from residents who were caught off-guard by the fast-moving fire and lucky to leave their neighborhoods alive. The gift cards can bring tears to the eyes of people who lost everything, but it pains Dombrowski that he couldnt have helped more. We had our fire last year, he said. I think its kind of our responsibility to pay it forward and do whatever we can to help and support the people who are going through it this year. Matt Gonsalves, a Napa firefighter and paramedic, struggles to articulate how he feels about serving on the Camp Fire site. Hes excited and proud to be able to help the community. One woman who lost her home hugged him for what felt like a full minute, he said. He was somber when he first realized the scope of the Camp Fire. It was pitch black when they arrived at 4 p.m. on Thursday. It brought back memories of the fires that rattled Napa and other parts of the North Bay and beyond a year ago. Cal Fire has repeatedly called Californias devastating wildfires and year-round fire seasons a new normal. I dont like that this is the new normal, said Gonsalves. It seems like every fire Ive been on in the past two years has set a record of some sort its just terrible. 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 recent crackdown on Californias Type 75 brewpub-restaurant licenses by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) resulted in seven Napa Valley restaurants temporarily losing their right to sell spirits, limiting their liquor menu options to beer and wine. ABC wanted to be sure that the restaurants were living up to the requirements of their special license that allowed them to sell spirits if they brewed a minimum amount of beer. The ABC put five local restaurants on probation for three years with the continued right to sell spirits: Morimoto Napa, Acacia House, Forge Pizza, Blue Note Napa and The Runway by Patrick. ABC said investigations were pending against Golden Harvest and Goose and Gander in St. Helena. On Nov. 15, an employee at Golden Harvest in St. Helena who asked not to be named said the restaurant had opted to forfeit its Type 75 license and sell only beer and wine in the future. It was just too much of a pain in the ass and we didnt make any money off of it anyways. So were just getting rid of it, the employee said. Allen Mochwart, manager of Forge Pizza, said Thursday that his restaurant brews and sells 10 barrels a month at its south Napa location. The restaurant was put on probation for want of documentation of its beer production and sales, he said. Forge took a financial hit during the week that ABC suspended spirit sales, but this ability has been restored, Mochwart said. I think we just got kind of caught in the whole thing, Mochwart said. Some of these other restaurants apparently are not making beer or not making an effort to make beer. However, that was not the case with us. For some, the crackdown has prompted a deeper embrace of their brewing identity. An ABC inspection of The Runway by Patrick at the Napa County Airport brought a suspension for the restaurants license during the early weeks of October. Before the suspension, the restaurant brewed only the Runway pale ale, said manager Kim Wilkinson, and not enough to satisfy their license. After working with them, we quickly became compliant, Wilkinson said. And we will remain compliant from here on out. More than that, the restaurant is doubling down on its brews, adding to the pale ale a blonde, a stout and a pending fourth beer. The suspension has made me realize that we need to really start producing the house brews, Wilkinson said. Calls seeking comment from the other four restaurants investigated by the ABC were not returned Thursday afternoon. Why restaurants sell alcohol According to restaurant statistics, the average full-service restaurant serving alcohol makes about a 6 percent profit margin. As much as 50 percent (or more) of the profit can come from alcohol sales. For a restaurant to sell alcohol it must first obtain a special license to do so. The most comprehensive license (Type 47) allows a food-service operation to sell wine and spirits. Were in the business to service our customers and offer them what they want, and many like to enjoy a cocktail at some point during their dining experience, said Michael Dunsford, co-owner of Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery. A Type 75 liquor license allowed restaurants who brewed their own beer to also sell spirits, he said. But what has happened over the years was that some restaurants saw it as a way to get around getting what is often a much more expensive and limited permit (a Type 47) to sell all types of liquor beer, wine and spirits. Another reason to include spirits is because alcohols such as gin, whiskey and vodka can often provide higher profit margins when compared to wine and beer. The challenge is that there are only a limited number of Type 47 licenses available through the state each year and the ones that sell on the open market often go for $400,000 or more within the Napa Valley. The Type 75 loophole that just closed Restaurants not able to obtain a Type 47 have had another option. A Type 75 license allowed the sale of distilled spirits so long as they brewed at least 100 barrels of beer onsite. The license was created more than 20 years ago to help encourage and support what, at the time, was a nascent craft-beer-brewing industry. The license was intended for legitimate small brewers, but it quickly became a way for fledgling restaurants to gain the ability to pay roughly $14,000 for the license, brew a little beer on the side (some of which could be donated to charity or theoretically just poured down the drain) and meet the letter of the law although perhaps not its intent. The loophole was closed in September when new language was added to the law. The major changes include an increase from 100 barrels to 200 barrels of beer made onsite each year, a requirement to sell said beer on the premises and keep accurate records of production and sales, and the stipulation that any of the beer donated to charity does not count toward the yearly volume calculation. Increasing the minimum annual production requirement from 100 to 200 barrels will help to ensure that those who have a Type 75 license are indeed committed to producing a quality beer product the 100 barrel threshold was too low to achieve this, said Tom McCormick, executive director of California Craft Brewers Association. Some Type 75 licenses were making beer as easily, cheaply and quickly as possible just to meet the minimum production requirement, knowing that they could sell 100 barrels of even a poor-quality beer. This led to license abuse, where the Type 75 was often being used as an inexpensive alternative to a Type 47 license. The impact According to the ABCs website, within the Napa Valley there are 29 restaurants that have Type 75 licenses, with only a few having the word brewpub or brewery on their street signs. Some of these dining establishments are making and selling beer onsite, and although they will need to increase production, that should not represent an insurmountable challenge. However, those restaurants that have not been following the intent of the law will find it costly, time-intensive and a possible blow to their short-term bottom line as well as their brand image. Californias craft-beer industry is a national leader, and brewpubs are an important part of that, said ABC Director Jacob Appelsmith. This statewide investigation makes it clear that the ABC is committed to protecting the integrity of the craft-beer industry and expects licensees to be compliant with the law in order to sustain a fair and healthy marketplace. The department prefers increased compliance through education but will use enforcement tools to ensure compliance. According to the ABC, there are approximately 150 Type 75 brewpub-licensed premises in California, and a recent investigation found that nearly a third of those locations were not operating legitimately. Some math One barrel of beer fills 248 pint glasses. If the 29 restaurants that currently hold a Type 75 license in the Napa Valley each make 200 barrels of beer a year, that would total 1,438,400 pints of beer they will need to sell. The Napa Valley had about 3.5 million visitors in 2016, and one-third of those stayed overnight, according to Visit Napa Valley data. According to a Gallup poll, 63 percent of the U.S. population drinks alcohol. Of those, roughly 40 percent say they prefer beer. Sixty-three percent of 3.5 million equals 2,205,000 who drink, with 882,000 saying they prefer beer. Thus, every single one of these beer-liking visitors would need to drink nearly two pints from one of these 29 restaurants to deplete their inventory. Of course, there are plenty of locals who enjoy beer, too. The population of the valleys city and towns is at just over 140,000. Using similar math as above, and making the assumption that residents go out to eat and drink once a week, we come up with 1,834,560 potential pints consumed per year by locals. But these 29 restaurants are only a fraction of the total outlets/restaurants/wineries that serve beer. Add that to the beer that is already hitting the streets with an influx of new breweries in the valley (Stone Brewing, St. Clair Brown, Mad Fritz, Lincoln Street Brewers, for example) and that makes for a lot of beer and might spell trouble for some of these restaurants that find inventories hard to push through at a fast enough rate to maintain quality. Unlike wine, most beers do not improve with time. A frothy future The authors of these changes to the law intended to close a widely abused loophole. For consumers who enjoy beer this, along with a recent increase of local-craft breweries will lead to increased choices, improved quality and lower prices. For example, The Acacia House, which has a Type 75 license, had its license suspended for nearly two weeks until the case was adjudicated. For now, customers there can now enjoy $3 pints of beer and $9 burgers during happy hour, apparently in an effort to both move inventory and showcase their brews. These changes might cause restaurants that never intended to become beer producers and used Type 75 as a means to sell spirits to fold up shop. It will cost me $60,000 a year to make that much beer, and Id never be able to sell it, said one such restaurant owner, who asked that his name not be used. And, yet, without the ability to sell distilled alcohol this same person tells me that theyd be unable to stay afloat. We may see a few places go under, but I hope not, Dunsford said. My hope is that this change to the law results in both more compliance and better-quality beer. Register reporter Henry Lutz contributed to this story. SPOKANE, Wash. Three years ago, David Moskowitz saw a mountain caribou for the first time. He was high in the Monashee Mountains in British Columbia. He'd spent a month tracking and trying to photograph the elusive ungulates. And then one morning he woke to fresh caribou tracks crossing the snow in front of his tent. "It was amazing," he said. "I was hooked." Moskowitz is a biologist, photographer, author and outdoor educator. He's spent much of his life tracking and photographing elusive animals. Most recently, he has focused on caribou. Despite his commitment to the animals, Moskowitz wasn't surprised when Canadian officials announced last week plans to relocate the six surviving caribou that still occasionally enter the United States farther into Canada. The species has been in decline for decades. This spring, aerial surveys found only three animals left in the South Selkirk herd. "What's going on with the South Selkirk herd is very predictable," Moskowitz said. "This is not the consequence of choices made last week or last year. These are the consequences of decades of choices." The fate of the mountain caribou highlights the myriad ways in which habitat degradation affects the natural world. It also illustrates the unsavory choices conservationists often make about which species live and which die. "Caribou are a great case study for how difficult conservation is," said Mark Hebblewhite, a wildlife biologist at the University of Montana who has studied caribou for 20 years. "The notion that we can save everything and have a fully healthy, vibrant and continually growing economy is just being challenged. We have more species on the endangered species list all the time." Caribou are an ancient species, one that once roamed widely across North America. But their numbers have declined precipitously as logging and human development destroyed their native habitat. Mountain caribou, unlike tundra caribou, use their wide feet to walk on top of deep snowpack. That allows them to reach lichen growing high on old-growth trees. "Caribou are really like a gigantic spotted owl," Hebblewhite said. "They need lots of big, connected, intact patches of old-growth forest." Much of that old-growth forest has been logged in the United States and is in the process of being logged in Canada. The declining population is not a surprise to biologists. "Scientists knew caribou were in decline all over their range everywhere in the 1980s, and governments did very little to stem that tide," said Joe Scott, Conservation Northwest's international programs director. "All of those industries have been very powerful. Governments have supported them, and caribou have paid the price for that." But the South Selkirk caribou herd has not starved to death, Scott said. Despite increased protection of winter caribou habitat, the numbers continued to decline. One reason why? Predation. When an area is logged, smaller, younger plants flourish. "When you cut down an old-growth forest, you get a whole bunch of productive food," Hebblewhite said. That food attracts elk and deer, and with them come cougars and wolves. That's a problem for caribou, whose primary defense against predation is staying far away from predators. "It's an animal that goes higher in the wintertime," Scott said. "They are uniquely suited to those habitats and it served them well for a long time." That's no longer the case. That's where things become more complicated. Logging and habitat loss are undoubtedly the ultimate cause of the animals' decline, Hebblewhite said. But the more immediate cause is predation by wolves and cougars. Wolf predation is "amongst the most important, if not the most important proximal cause, of adult female caribou" death, Hebblewhite said. One short-term solution? Killing wolves. Suddenly, conservation-oriented people find themselves at loggerheads. Wolves are a federally protected endangered species in the United States. So are caribou. "This is where we get a bit murky," Hebblewhite said. "Is it OK to kill one species to save another one? We do it all the time." For example, should sea lions be killed to protect salmon in Washington? The same question has been raised in California and Oregon. "We're basically going to be inadvertently or advertently picking winners and losers," Hebblewhite said. That's what's happened with the South Selkirk herd. In 2009, the herd had 46 animals and was growing. But wolves started to filter back onto the landscape after being reintroduced in Yellowstone. Attracted by the elk and deer, wolves started killing caribou. In response, Canada started killing wolves in 2014. The backlash was swift. Celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, condemned the killings, drumming up outrage. That's despite the fact that, in the short term, predator control works, Hebblewhite said. For example: There are five caribou populations in Alberta and British Columbia that wouldn't exist if the Canadian government hadn't killed wolves, he said. Predator control in the South Selkirk herd was "too little, too late." "If society decides that we like wolves more than caribou, then fine," he said. "But that means caribou won't persist. "21st-century conservation is about these kinds of awkward, really challenging decisions." Still, the only reason the caribou population is so susceptible to predation is because of the degradation of their natural habitat and the herds' small numbers. Even when the South Selkirk herd numbered near 50 animals, that wasn't a sustainable population. Instead, herds need to number in the hundreds to have long-term viability, Hebblewhite said. For any population that small, one or two deaths can have profound impacts. For example, an avalanche wiped out the few surviving members of the caribou herd that called Banff National Park home. "Bad things happen to good caribou," Hebblewhite said. That's why efforts to relocate the surviving South Selkirk herd and breed them in captivity are doomed to fail unless the underlying cause of the species' decline is addressed. "What we've learned about translocations is that they are expensive, and unless you fix the underlying habitat and predator prey imbalance it's only shoveling sand," Hebblewhite said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrote its first recovery plan for mountain caribou in the early 1980s and reworked it in 1994. Working with Canadian agencies and First Nations, caribou from other regions were trapped and released in the area with some positive results. But that didn't last. "There was a lot of money spent on the South Selkirk herd," Hebblewhite said. "They tried everything except letting the trees grow back." Which isn't to say there isn't hope. Moskowitz believes that there is a growing understanding and belief that development needs to be done differently. He points to towns such as Ione and Metaline Falls in Washington state as examples of how all-out industrial extraction of resources doesn't, in the long run, benefit humans or animals. "There are better ways to use those resources that will keep more resources in the community," he said. In Moskowitz's view, it's more than an ecological issue. It's an issue of justice. Much of the caribou's habitat lies on lands that belong to native tribes. "The majority of the habitat for caribou is unceded indigenous peoples' land," he said. Tribes in the United States have led recovery efforts even as state and federal agencies have backed off. But in the end, perhaps the most compelling argument for saving caribou is the most selfish one. "Caribou are a canary in the coal mine for an ecosystem that is on the verge of collapse," Moskowitz said. "If you want to have a happy future for your children, then you will care about the plight of caribou." Californians already know about the wildfire crisis thats been afflicting this state for the last few years, highlighted by a rash of huge blazes and the evacuations of at least 250,000 persons. Its caused by a combination of climate change, forestry practices and the seemingly endless human drive to build more and more houses in increasingly remote and fire-prone areas. But many may not realize that a fire insurance crisis is also almost upon us. Sure, state legislators led by incoming state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara worked much of the year to protect victims of the huge 2017 fires that hit the wine country, Ventura County and parts of San Diego County. Homeowners burned out in this years firestorms in Shasta, Butte, Ventura, Los Angeles and rural parts of Mendocino, Lake, Orange and Riverside counties, could also benefit from what theyve done essentially expanding from one year to two the time when insurance companies cannot cancel fire coverage in burned-out areas or their nearby peripheries. The clock starts running on that time when the governor declares a state of emergency in a fire area. But theres nothing to prevent insurance companies from lowering their risks by canceling policies on homes and other buildings in fire-prone areas that have not yet burned. Theres little doubt insurance companies want to minimize their risks. They were the leading lobbyists against a legislative bill letting big utility companies off the hook for damages caused by fires their equipment starts. That could have upped liabilities by hundreds of millions of dollars for insurers, who would then raise premiums everywhere, not just in wildfire-prone areas. A fall-back bill that eventually passed could end up causing those very things. Insurance lobbyists also fought a bill requiring living expense insurance to include all reasonable costs of fire victims seeking to maintain their pre-conflagration living standards. These were among the biggest battles of the last legislative year, and they are not yet settled, with a special commission now attempting to hash out solutions designed to keep the utilities out of bankruptcy without dunning the average homeowner large new sums. With utilities already facing liabilities in the billions of dollars, it may be hard to find such a formula, especially in a state increasingly fed up with large corporations fobbing the costs of their mistakes and negligence onto their customers. That means that what outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown said last year about wildfires and climate change All hell is breaking loose applies now to more than the actual fires. Things always get more contentious as monetary stakes rise. But the threat to fire insurance isnt completely new. Outgoing state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones saw it coming a year ago. The companies must renew policies for a time on homes in fire disaster areas, he said then. But they dont have to renew policies in non-disaster areas when they expire and they dont have to renew homes in disaster areas beyond the time limits. So crisis is here. But it wont be like what happened after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, when property insurance companies refused to renew most policies and stopped writing new home and business property coverage anywhere in California. That impasse it amounted to blackmail ended in 1996 with creation of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and elimination of an old rule forcing companies that write property insurance also to offer quake insurance. The state-run CEA now writes the vast majority of earthquake policies. Thats because there is a safety net of sorts for homeowners whose coverage is not renewed. Its called the Fair Plan, roughly equivalent to the CEA in that it must insure anyone who applies. But Fair Plan rates are much higher than other fire policies, although by law prices cannot be excessive, whatever that means. Before last years blazes, the number of Fair Plan policies was rising by about 1,000 per year. The figure was up in 2017 and likely will climb substantially over the next two years. So the fire insurance crisis will be less about scarce insurance than it is about money. That wont make it any less painful for those who are forced to foot much higher bills than ever before. 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. Another legend passes as an era nears its end. George Linton was not a household name in the Napa Valley, but in his way he was as important as Andre Tchelistcheff, Barney Rhodes, Joe Heitz, or the other legends of his day. George was neither a vintner nor a grapegrower, but he stood above those on whom the vintners and grapegrowers depend the collectors and consumers of fine wine. He smoked cigars with Tchelistcheff, drank premium wines with Rhodes and helped Heitz make wine. George passed away in August at age 97, closing another chapter in the storied history of Napa wine from the 1940s to the 2000s. Before George sold all of his pre-1985 collection at auction in 2007, he was the leading collector of California wine and one of the leading collectors of French wine. The auction, conducted at Zachys in New York, featured extraordinary quantities of Andre Tschelistcheffs masterpieces, Reserve Cabernets from Beaulieus two greatest vintages1951 (32 bottles) and 1958 (over nine cases); 20 examples of Cabernets and Pinots from the golden era of Inglenook (1943-1961); 1951 and 1958 Cabernets from Charles Krug and Louis Martini; early Robert Mondavi Cabernets (1966-1974); and two and a half cases of Heitz Marthas Vineyard 1974, often cited as among the greatest California wines ever made. Born in Hungary in 1921, George helped his father, a wine merchant, deliver barrels of wine to local pubs. His family sent him to England at age 10, ahead of the Holocaust. Antisemitism was already rampant in Hungary. He attended college there and in Scotland, getting a veterinary degree in 1944. There were no jobs in England, so he came to the U.S. after the war, at first teaching at the University of Illinois. 1952 saw him teaching at UC Davis where he started a wine group with each member chipping in $1 to buy the four California collectible wines of that timeInglenook, Beaulieu, Martini and Charles Krug. The group met in the Quonset hut that served as the faculty lunch room. They would often taste the California wines against the classified-grown Bordeaux such as Lafite, Mouton and Latour. The California wines cost $1-$2 per bottle; the French cost $5. As a member of the UC Davis faculty, George got employee prices at Beaulieu and bought in quantity. He bought more than 20 cases of the great 1951 vintage including experimental Cabernet that had been egg-fined instead of BVs customary gelatin fining. So large was his collection, he ultimately sold some of his BV back to BV for their library. In 2007, he still had hundreds of bottles of BV from 1946 to 1982 including the 1946 BV Pinot Noir which Tchelistcheff said was the finest wine he ever made. One of Georges early veterinary clients was Joe Heitz, who was working for Tchelistcheff at BV. They became life-long friends. George befriended Inglenook winemaker George Deuer and collected Deuers rare cask bottlings from the late 1950s such as the 1958 F-10. According to Linton, when Inglenook was sold to investors, Deuer was so enraged he destroyed the cellar books so that no one would ever know just how he had made those wines. Linton was always conducting his own Judgment of Paris, comparing California Cabernet and French Bordeaux. In 1959, he founded Connoisseur Wine Imports, with the help of one of the great wine shippers and writers of the time, Alexis Lichine. In a 2017 interview, Linton said he bought the great 1945 Lafite for $6.50 per case and sold it for $10. By 1960, he was also an agent for the Napa big four, BV, Inglenook, Charles Krug and Martini. Linton sold Connoisseur in 1972 and opened a smaller wine shop called Winetaster Imports. It had very limited retail hours three every Saturday. Yet he sold all he could get his hands on. Along the way, he made many, many wine friends including Robert Knudsen, Bob Adamson, Narsai David, Barney Rhodes, wine auctioneer Dennis Foley, food importer Darrell Corti, Dr. Jack Tupper, restaurateurs Jeremiah Tower and Alice Waters, San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Stan Sesser and others. He acquired property in the Napa Valley at Zinfandel Lane and Highway 29. When he sold it to Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto, he celebrated at Chez Panisse enjoying the 1952 and 53 Haut Brion. Originally, Linton operated out of his veterinary clinic in El Cerrito. But by 1982, he had moved Winetaster Imports to Berkeley in the sub-basement of an old post office. Thats when he and I first met. The winter of 1982-83 was very wet. The Berkeley sewer system overloaded and backed up into Georges cellar through (as we later learned) a valve that had frozen open due to tree roots. I was a young Oakland lawyer who had just opened his own office and George was looking for someone eager to take his case against the landlord and city. I had a budding wine interest and agreed. He was my mentor. I needed to learn about Cabernet, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Sauternes. I was his eager pupil. We ultimately settled the case and bought back most of the wine from the insurance company. George was one of the most unprepossessing people when it came to his love of wine. In 2017, he would say, quite honestly, Im an average taster, but Ive drunk an awful lot. No matter how rare or costly the wine we were tasting, he always wanted to know your opinion. You need not be a Master of Wine or sommelier for him to be interested in which wines you preferred. He was also incredibly generous with his wine. In Jeremiah Towers 2010 book, California Dish: What I Saw (and Cooked) at the American Culinary Revolution, Tower describes George as a brilliant eccentric who could always be relied upon for a couple of nice bottles to fill out a special dinner. The 2000 Napa Valley Wine Auction offered a special lota Cabernet tasting hosted by Warren Winiarski of Stags Leap. George donated a 46 Inglenook, the egg and gelatin-fined 51 BVs along with 58 and 70, and five vintages of Heitz Marthas Vineyard (67, 68, 69, 74 and 75) among other rarities. (L. Carson, Tasting shows aging potential of Cabernet Napa Valley Register (April 12, 2001).) I, too, was a beneficiary of his largess. Born in 1947, I was privileged to share with him the BV (Cabernet and Pinot Noir), Martini, Cheval Blanc, Calon Segur and the Latour a Pomerol from the year of my birth on more than one occasion, and as recently as 2012. He had acquired them all on release or as futures. There may not be another collector with Georges love of wine, his knowledge, and depth of cellar with the generosity and humor to share it freely. A chapter has closed in Napas storied wine history. A. Charles DellArio is an attorney living in Napa. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Need to get away? Start exploring magnificent places with our weekly travel newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Maximilian Riedel, 11th generation of the European glass-making family and now president and CEO of Riedel, was in Napa in October to preside over a tasting that introduced their newest line of wine glasses, Performance. As he did this, he shared the history of his family company, which began with Johann Cristoph, born in 1673 in Bohemia. According to the Riedel website, this first glass-maker, journeyed all over Europe trading glass. The earnings from the business justified the long, arduous and dangerous travels, but in 1723 he was tragically murdered, leaving his wife and three sons. Despite this dramatic beginning, family business grew and prospered, enduring the ups and downs of European history, but after World War II, the Riedels had lost everything, according to Georg Riedel (10th generation, born in 1949) and needed once again to rebuild from the ground up. His father, Claus Josef Riedel (ninth generation, 1925-2004) studied the way a glass affects perceptions of alcoholic beverages most importantly, of course, wine and changed the design of stemware from traditional colored and cut glasses to plain, thin-blown, long-stemmed wine glasses. In 1973, he introduced the Sommeliers stemware line, based on the character of wine. The timing couldnt have been better, at least for selling wine glasses in the U.S., considering the explosion in interest in wine that was coming. Georg Riedel carried on the research, which led to varietal-specific wine glasses no more just red, white and Champagne. His Vinum crystal glassware series, introduced in 1986, was not only varietal specific, but machine-made, bringing fine crystal into an affordable range. Today, Riedel glasses are used worldwide, and its hard to imagine going to a tasting where they do not use Riedel glasses. If it is some other kind, no one announces this. Riedel representatives travel the world, holding educational tastings for some 40,000 people each year using wines from every region, where we demonstrate how the right glass enhances the experience of wine drinking, Georg Riedel says. Maximilian Riedel described how the innovations continue at Riedel, now based in Kufstein, Austria. He is the principal designer of the striking Riedel decanters he showed one that looked like a cobra, but has a technical reason to look that way. He is also the designer behind the O stemless glasses, the company brought out in 2004. Demand continues to come in for even more precisely designed varietal-specific wine glasses, he said. Riedel has been asked to design, for example, a glass for Oregon Pinot Noir as compared to Burgundian. But back to Performance, the reason for this tasting. These new glasses were developed with winemakers, sommeliers and other wine experts. The bowls of these new glasses have subtle vertical ripples, which are not only extremely pretty, but, according to Maximilian, accelerate the in-glass aeration, enhancing the aroma and flavors. He put it to a testing, pouring Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, in both the Perfomance models as well as two other Riedel glasses (including the one that they designed for restaurants that is more durable, shorter-stemmed and harder for customers to break.) Now the question is: is the power of suggestion or did each of the four wines taste different in the Performance glasses? It was not that the wines didnt taste just fine in the other glasses, but was it only my suggestible imagination the wine was tastier, truer, and more aromatic in the newest glasses? Was one merely hypnotized by the good stories and the glasses, or did swirling wine over those lovely ripples make that much of a difference? I tend to hold with our esteemed wine columnist Dan Bergers view. In writing about things, he does not worry about in drinking wine, he has noted, Nor do I fret over the stemware being used. Ill drink wine out of a Dixie cup if the alternative is no wine at all. Nonetheless, trying Performance glasses is an experiment worth undertaking. 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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 ServiceTitan Inc. is the newest startup unicorn out of the Los Angeles area, proving that even plumbing can be a billion-dollar technology business, Bloomberg reported. The company, which makes software for plumbers, electricians and other home-services companies, plans to announce that it was valued at $1.65 billion in a new venture capital infusion. Index Ventures led the funding round, which totaled $165 million. ServiceTitan aims to be a backbone for basic, back-office functions. Co-founder Ara Mahdessian said ServiceTitan will increase headcount in Glendale, California, where most of its 600 employees are based, and in Atlanta, but has no plans to open an office in Silicon Valley. Mahdessian started ServiceTitan with Vahe Kuzoyan in 2012. They initially bonded in college over their shared Armenian heritage and how they were both building software for their fathers companies. Kuzoyans dad, a plumber, and Mahdessians, a home contractor, were the first customers, helping test the softwares ability to schedule and dispatch service technicians, search and order inventory, and manage customers. Nina Achadjian, a principal at Index Ventures, is also Armenian and has known the duo since college. She said she camped out at their office in Glendale, home to a large Armenian American community, for four days to secure the deal and spent even more time on the ground in Armenia scouting software engineers for a possible ServiceTitan satellite office. ServiceTitan said it has more than 1,000 customers using its software, generating an estimated $100 million in annual recurring revenue. The company, which previously raised about $160 million, will use the new funds to target industries, such as pest control and carpet cleaning, and expand internationally. According to Achadjian, the founders have a certain advantage, which she calls Armenian hustle. The United States is reviewing materials presented by the Turkish government in order to extradite Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert stated about the aforesaid amid a report that Washington was exploring the possibility of extraditing Gulen to Ankara as a way to placate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Nauert, however, told reporters that Gulen and the question of the Saudis were unrelated, CBS News reported. Erdogan accuses Gulen of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016, and seeks the Muslim clerics extradition from the US. In the past, however, US representatives were arguing that Turkey had not provided enough evidence to have Gulen extradited. YEREVAN. Harnessing the Power of Big Data event, initiated by Ucom, was hosted at the regional office of Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center (ISTC) in Armenia on Thursday, November 15. The forum, dedicated to the methods of harnessing the power of big data, became possible to hold in collaboration with IE Business School, ranked No. 3 in Europe by Financial Times. It's a well-known fact that an unprecedented amount of data has accumulated in the world over the recent decade. During the event, the invited speakers introduced the world of big data to the participants, spoke about the importance of big data and on how to use them. Special attention was given to the usage of big data in business, in particular, in small enterprises and large corporations. The speakers, among them Christina Stathopoulos, a professor at IE Business School, and Hayk Zargaryan, Senior Oracle DBA, Big Data Architect at Ucom, spoke about why businesses are struggling today to find and adopt new data analysis methods. Christina Stathopoulos' main activity is directed towards studying search engine trends and offering business solutions to Spanish and other international organizations, based on the analysis of study results. According to her, it helps to take business to a new level. In the words of Ucom representative, Ucom is one of the rarest Armenian businesses to collect and analyse big data. He also detailed the process of collecting and analysing big data and spoke about the benefits of such process for Ucom. It is for many times I have mentioned that Ucom is not merely a telecom operator. Were a digital company, with all its challenges and opportunities. Bid Data-related meetings of this level will be ongoing, said Hayk Yesayan, the Co-Founder and Director General at Ucom. The feminists first reaction is to swallow the bait, hook, line and sinker, and to attempt to answer the question as it is put: i.e., to dig up examples of worthy or insufficiently appreciated women artists throughout history. Such attempts are certainly worth the effort, both in adding to our knowledge of womens achievement and of art history generally. But they do nothing to question the assumptions lying behind the question 'Why have there been no great women artists?' On the contrary, by attempting to answer it, they tacitly reinforce its negative implications. "stultifying, oppressive and discouraging to all those, women among them, who did not have the good fortune to be born white, preferably middle class and, above all, male. The fault, dear brothers, lies not in our stars, our hormones, our menstrual cycles or our empty internal spaces, but in our institutions and our educationeducation understood to include everything that happens to us from the moment we enter this world of meaningful symbols, signs and signals." By being apt and tolerably well skilled in everything, she may fall into any situation in life with dignity an easeby devoting her time to excellence in one, she may remain incapable of every other. When it comes to not beating around the bush , few can complete with the seminal (and self-avowed feminist) 1971 essay by Linda Nochlin , "Why Have There Been No Great Woman's Artists" (see here , being the 2015 version posted by the late author). It is appropriate, therefore, in light of the recent publication of the book , "Ninth Street Woman", by Mary Gabriel , chronicling the challenges of five aspiring female artists to climb "the canvas ceiling" (in the words of the print version of) in post-World War II New York City, to return to the article that helped kick-start the debate that continues to this day.At the heart of Nochlin's analysis is the question that forms the title. While she does not argue that there have not been notable female painters, to focus on this is to miss the point. As she famously says--Nochlin is clear: In her view" there have been no supremely great women artists". The question, for her is-- why? The answer is institutional, economic and social which, at its most stark, is a worldKat readers who think that Nochlin is merely throwing out colorful invective should be immediately disabused of the notion. To the contrary, she brings various strands of thoughthistorical, sociological, economic, and institutional- in support of her view. We point to three of them., is her discussion about "genius." Art historians, she argues, like to view great artistic talent as a matter of individual skill that often manifests itself in an early display (even better if such genius is discovered in a pristine, pastoral setting). External factors, social, economic, or institutional, even ideational, are secondary, if relevant at all. This leads to what Nochlin describes as a phony syllogism: (i) if women were blessed with individual artistic genius, it would have revealed itself; (ii) but in fact artistic genius among females has failed to reveal itself; (iii); therefore, females do not have the "golden nugget" of artistic genius., instead of this world of "fairy tale and self-fulfilling prophecy", Nochlin urges us to look at the circumstances by which art has been produced, focusing on the "social and institutional structures". Perhaps her most compelling example is her discussion of how artistic training took place as a group experience, rather than as a matter of unbridled individualism.Against this background, she focuses on the issue of the availability of the nude model as part of an artists training. Until the end of the 19th century, it was held that there could be no great painting with clothed figures, since such figures destroyed both the universality and idealization of the figures being painted. To avoid this, already from the Renaissance, the availability of the nude male became a central component of the artist's education. But that was so only for male artist students and male nude models.For centuries, aspiring female artists had no availability to a nude model (male or female). At the most, in more recent times, there might be, as reported, a "bearded male model so heavily draped that not an iota of his anatomy escapes from the discreet yoga, save for a single bare shoulder and arm." Particularly telling, in Nochlin's account, was the 1885 photograph by Thomas Eakins of a group of female art students relegated to having a cow serve as a model instead of a male (demi-) nude (see the picture on the left). Far from individual genius, the matter of the male nude exemplified for Nochlin the social, educational and institutional factors conspiring against the development of female artists., replete with sociological and psychological aspects is the image of the "lady painter." The term used is "amateur"; the expectation was that a woman painter would be expected to treat painting as a pleasurable sidelight rather than the focus of her (family and spousal) duties. In the words of a 19th century work quoted in the essayLest Kat readers contend that these examples are socio-economic-institutional relics of the 19th century, consider the Gabriel book as discussed in. Recalling the felt need to meet family and social expectations, Lee Krasner , an accomplished painter, is more often viewed in terms of her support for the work product of her husband, Jackson Pollock . Similarly, Helen Frankenthaler , a pioneer in abstract expressionist technique. is often described in terms having a five-year affair with the powerful art critic, Clement Greenberg , 20 years her senior (although the power dynamics between the two continue to be debated), and later being the wife of fellow artist Robert Motherwell (who seldom, it seems, was described first and foremost as the spouse of Frankenthaler).There is more, of course, to Nochlin's arguments, and the interested Kat reader is urged to read the essay, at the least as an entre into the intellectual world viewing the act of creating art in terms of the social, economic and institutional contexts of production.More on Nochlin and her essay, here By Neil WilkofPhoto on middle left from Charles Bregler's Thomas Eakins CollectkionPhoto on lower right by Nicole.c.s.y93 and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Armenia has to retain CSTO Secretary Generals post, Armenian acting Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said in an interview with TASS. Asked to comment, whether Armenia can consider losing the opportunity to nominate its candidate for this post and whether a decision has been taken to deprive Armenia of the CSTO secretary generals position, given the recent statements by the Kazakh president, Mnatsakanyan noted that CSTO is a platform for the military and political cooperation of six security partners. Armenia has to retain CSTO Secretary Generals post, and we have good human resources for this. At the same time, the issue is based on the following: firstly, the regulatory framework does not provide for any specific decisions to resolve issues related to the impossibility of exercising the powers of the CSTO Secretary General; secondly, decisions are made by consensus, and thirdly - the authority and viability, the acting FM noted. According to him, Armenian approach is aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the organization as a whole, as well as strengthening the consolidation of all six CSTO member states. Instead of sitting on this side of the Court room - whether as a barrister, solicitor, client, or member of the public - have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on the bench? What goes on behind the scenes once the usher closes the door at the end of proceedings? What is the judicial application process in the UK? What are your chances of a successful application if you have a non-traditional background (which in the UK can be taken to mean someone other than a white, male, Oxbridge-educated barrister)? The IPKitten - trying before she buys What goes on behind the scenes once the usher closes the door at the end of proceedings? What is the judicial application process in the UK? What are your chances of a successful application if you have a non-traditional background (which in the UK can be taken to mean someone other than a white, male, Oxbridge-educated barrister)? of host Simmons & Simmons and the discussion moderated with some friendly but pointed questioning from These questions - and many others - were addressed at Wednesday night's excellent event: "Take your seat at the Bench", organised by ChIPs London Chapter . The formidable panel of women judges (see below) was introduced by Amy Crouch moderated with some friendly but pointed questioning from Charlotte May QC. The panel introduced themselves by explaining their career to date and route into the judiciary: non-contentious IP/telecoms/IT law. Another career option for the IPKat? So are you game? Background to ChIPs: ChIPs was founded in 2005 by 7 women chiefs of IP in Silicon Valley. It seeks to advance and connect women in technology, law and policy. Membership is free and open to all - you can sign up here - Senior Circuit Judge amongst other judicial appointments, including IPEC. Former private practice solicitor and in-house lawyer. Background informer solicitor. Various judicial appointments including IPEC.Deputy High Court Judge (part-time) in Chancery Division and barrister at Brick Court. Background in competition law and soft IP.- recently appointed Deputy High Court Judge (part-time), and Senior Partner at Bristows LLP. Competition lawyer, including on FRAND issues and antitrust issues in the pharma sector.Several members of the panel explained that they were put off the bar in their early careers due to an absence of financial help (in the pre-funded pupillage days) and contacts at the bar, but noted that financial help is more widely available now for today's top applicants.The panel dispelled several myths during the course of the discussion.All disagreed with this statement. In fact, the job is more collegiate than you would think. The judges side of the Rolls Building in London is very much like a solicitor's working area, and judges frequently discuss legal issues informally amongst themselves. Deputy High Court judges are assigned a mentor judge. Judges are regularly sent on judicial training which provides another opportunity to make judicial contacts - you end up an enormous number of 'phone a friends' to assist in areas of the law that you might not be familiar with. The Court room itself is usually full of people, and the judge also has the usher and sometimes a Court clerk to talk to throughout the day.While the fear ofjudgments is fairly common amongst judicial applicants and new recruits, this is quickly dispelled - synthesising and analysing information in a succinct manner is an inherent part of private practice law in any event, andjudgments quickly become second nature. There was general consensus that reserved judgments are the real challenge - simply because it is difficult to find the time to write them. As a general rule of thumb, you are likely to require roughly one day of judgment writing per day of sitting - judgment writing is something you typically have to fit around your time in Court.This myth was clearly dismissed by the existence of three solicitors on the panel, although there were mixed views as to whether within the judiciary, solicitors are viewed as having equivalent status as former barristers for the purpose of promotions etc. There was general consensus however that the judiciary was increasingly opening up to non-barrister candidates (e.g. solicitors, academics).And some truths:The lady judges noted that they get called many things in error in Court (e.g. "Your Lordship" or "Sir"), with one comically being elevated to the ethereal status of "Your holiness" during proceedings.The judges noted that the one of the biggest positives of the job is the frequent contact with 'real' people in the form of sole traders/small businesses and litigants in person. This is different to the dynamic in many commercial IP practices where the human element (in terms of the direct impact upon people's lives) is more removed.There is no 'typical day', and when you are sitting in Court, the unexpected will happen and you need to be able to deal with it. If you like to be prepared and have considered all the issues in advance, the job is probably not for you - you need to be able to think on your feet and react accordingly.whencompared to what can be earned in private practice, but the benefits (see above) are meaningful.The panel provided some tips for next steps if you think you might be interested:1.(either by applying through the formal scheme for the High Court, or by writing to judges in County Courts).2.- you will need 3 referees to complete detailed submissions, and your own application form will be evidence based. The application form takes at least a week to complete, (although it was considered to be slightly less of a nightmare than the application form to take silk).3.It was pointed out that you can be a part time Deputy High Court judge for up to 4 years, with each year requiring only 6 weeks of your time for sitting.Finally, the panel was asked how the UK can get greater representation of females on the bench, given that 29% of court judges and 46% of tribunal judges were female (see 2018 judicial diversity statistics). There was consensus that the legal profession was a significant part of the problem, with the judicial gender statistics generally comparing favourably against statistics for females in senior roles in private practice, meaning that fewer senior women are available in the pool for selection as compared to senior men. The panel were of the view that the Judicial Appointments Commission is welcoming of candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, but the real difficulty is getting the best candidates in front of the JAC in the first place.This post is a summary of the event, and does not do justice (pun intended) to the highly interesting and entertaining panel and great questions from an engaged audience. Merpel would like to wish IPKat readers the best of luck with their judicial applications! Armenias Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan has prepared a special report on the shooting at Armenian border villages by Azerbaijani side. The English-language report about the shooting at several border villages of Tavush region in September will be sent to the international agencies. Ombudsman focused on the rights of children, women, the disabled and the elderly. The data was collected through surveys and interviews with the locals, the administrations of the villages and teachers, given that school and kindergartens are often targeted. The dissolved Armenian parliament ruined on Friday the adoption of draft bills, presented by the group of MPs from the Republican Party of Armenia faction. Only 28 deputies voted in favor of the draft bill proposing amendments banning meetings on the territories belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church, another 14 abstained from the voting, while during the re-vote, the number of voters backing the amendment increased up to 43. Another draft bill on amendments to law on the security of the Catholicos of All Armenians was backed by 28 deputies only. After failure to adopt the second draft bill, many RPA deputies left the hall. The United States is reviewing materials presented by the Turkish government in order to extradite Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert stated about the aforesaid amid a report that Washington was exploring the possibility of extraditing Gulen to Ankara as a way to placate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Nauert, however, told reporters that Gulen and the question of the Saudis were unrelated, CBS News reported. Erdogan accuses Gulen of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016, and seeks the Muslim clerics extradition from the US. Armenian acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has had a telephone conversation with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, the sides discussed cooperation in the framework of Eurasian integration associations. Armenia has to retain CSTO Secretary Generals post, Armenian acting Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said in an interview with TASS. Armenia has to retain CSTO Secretary Generals post, and we have good human resources for this. At the same time, the issue is based on the following: firstly, the regulatory framework does not provide for any specific decisions to resolve issues related to the impossibility of exercising the powers of the CSTO Secretary General; secondly, decisions are made by consensus, and thirdly - the authority and viability, the acting FM noted. According to him, Armenian approach is aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the organization as a whole, as well as strengthening the consolidation of all six CSTO member states. Armenian Hripsime Rema Matevosyan is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Manufacturing & Industry 2019 list of standout young makers and industrial innovators. Matevosyan is a mathematician, engineer, and a young aerospace industry specialist who has founded her own startup, which is engaged in high-altitude imaging and geospatial data. Hripsime Rema Matevosyan cofounded Swiftera, a high-altitude imaging company that uses a floating camera to go above what drones can reach but below the level of satellites, Forbes wrote, in particular, regarding Matevosyan. The Cassation Court of Armenia chaired by Judge Lilit Tadevosyan, decided to partially uphold the appeal of Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan in connection with Armenian second president Robert Kocharyans case and to negate the decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal and send the case to the Court of Appeal for a new investigation. The appeal of Kocharyan's attorneys has been rejected by the Court of Cassation. Second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan was charged within the framework of the criminal case into the tragic events that transpired in capital city Yerevan on March 1 and 2, 2008and under Article 300.1 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code; that is, breaching Armenias constitutional order, in conspiracy with others. Inside a hangar on the African island of Sao Tome, crewmembers begin preparing a Lockheed P-3 aircraft for takeoff. University of Miami atmospheric scientist Paquita Zuidema is already on-site, going over an extensive checklist of mission-critical instruments for the long flight ahead. Zuidema and the nearly 20 other researchers who would board the four-engine turboprop were not bound for an exotic destination, but an area over the southeast Atlantic Ocean, where for the next eight hours they would zigzag through the clouds and a layer of smoke, taking instrument readings of the surrounding atmosphere. Such was a typical flight day for an international team of scientists studying how smoke generated by agricultural fires in Africa interacts with clouds and in turn affects regional and global climate. Southern Africa produces about a third to one half of the planets biomass burning aerosol particles, enough to create a 2,000-mile-long plume of smoke that stretches all the way to Brazil. Its quite large, but we dont think of it that much because its in the Southern Hemisphere, said Zuidema, a professor at UMs Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and co-principal investigator of the five-year NASA-funded ORACLES (Observations of Aerosols Above Clouds and Their Interactions) project. At the same time that you have this thick smoke layer, underneath it is one of the largest stratocumulus cloud decks in the world, she said. And the combination of smoke and clouds generates enough atmospheric warming that it affects regional precipitation patterns. Learning more about this interaction between aerosols and clouds is at the heart of ORACLES. For the past three years, Zuidema and two of her graduate students have joined a team of scientists from around the world on one-month deployments to study the phenomena, flying aboard a NASA P-3 aircraft chockfull of remote sensing equipment and sensors that gather samples from both the cloud and smoke layers through air inlets on the planes wings and windows. A high-altitude ER-2 aircraft, manned only by a single pilot outfitted in a spacesuit and helmet, was used in the early phases of the project. The teams first deployment was in September 2016 out of Namibia. In August 2017 they flew out of Sao Tome in the Gulf of Guinea, returning to that site last October for what would be the last survey. The research missions coincided with the height of the burning cycle in Africa fall, when farmers burn their fields after harvest to return nutrients to the soil. All told, researchers logged more than 300 hours of flight time, gathering data that revealed a wealth of new information. Weve been able to characterize these smoke layers better than has ever been done before, said Zuidema. What weve learned is that the smoke permeates the whole middle atmosphere and interacts quite strongly with the cloud deck below, and that means more pollution thats actually mixing into this low cloud deck, which we didnt know beforehand. And that has all kinds of ramifications for longevity and precipitation. Specifically, clouds that are more polluted than others can last longer and generate less precipitation, she noted. Researchers have one year of funding left to analyze their data, which could be applied to other regions around the world where aerosols from wildfires and industry interact with clouds. Their data could also help produce better climate models. Were taking our observations and, in one step, comparing them to climate model output to try to develop more confidence in the models themselves, explained Zuidema. And those models will be used to actually conduct cause-and-effect studies. One thing thats hard with observations is that youre never quite sure whats the egg and whats the chicken, she continued. So you really need models to do that. We just havent had much confidence with models in that part of the world. They predict either a climate cooling or a climate warming. So thats our next stepto see if these interactions between the smoke and the clouds are being represented accurately and what they mean. And in what Zuidema calls "new and exciting fundamental research," investigators are studying the properties of aged smokesmoke that is more than a week old. "The southeast Atlantic is a natural testbed for this because the smoke just sits there day after day, baking in the sun," she said. "We are finding the smokes ability to absorb sunlight increases with age. This is new and important, as it also has climate ramifications, and this long-term aging process is not represented yet in leading models." For Amie Dobracki, a UM graduate student in atmospheric science, the experience of participating in all three deployments of the ORACLES project was invaluable. Of all the researchers who flew aboard the P-3 aircraft, Dobracki amassed the most flight time, operating and maintaining the aerosol mass spectrometer and other in situ instruments as well as uploading data post flight. It truly was a hands-on learning experience, she said. I was more than 5,000 miles away from home, so troubleshooting and repairing instruments in the field with the supplies at hand was an incredible challenge. I couldnt just order a new part or find a replacement. I had to be ready for any part to break down at any time, so from that I learned preparation skills and how to think outside the box. During her only ORACLES deployment last month, second-year atmospheric graduate student Sara Purdue collected different filter samples and assisted in operating some of the onboard instruments. Having an opportunity to participate provided me with tremendous insight into the data I will be using for my dissertation, she said. Also beneficial to her, she said, was the chance to work with some incredible scientists I hope to collaborate with in the future. Documenting small towns Dan Overturf, center, reviews work with students in his biennial Small Town Documentary class. An exhibit that showcases the work of eight students starts Nov. 27 in the Communications Building on campus. (Photo by Russell Bailey) Students capture communities spirit through photographs by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. A photo exhibit months in the making introduced Southern Illinois University Carbondale photography students to local communities. Their work goes on display later this month. Eight students in Dan Overturfs biennial Small Town Documentary class have spent the fall semester chronicling communities in the region. The exhibit starts Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 7, with photographs on display in the north wing of the Communications Building in the area of the cinema and photography department and School of Journalism. An opening reception is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 27. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Compelling stories and powerful connections In a recent class, students were recounting recent experiences while they documented various Halloween events, the 2018 general election and Veterans Day commemorations. Alex Rodriguez, a senior in cinema and photography from Lakemoor, said Tamms has embraced him and that he has similar affections for the village. Other students in the class shared similar sentiments about people they have met and photographed. I noticed how kind and genuine all these people in this town are, he said. If you talk to them enough and you hear their stories and you tell your stories, you start to open up. Rodriguez teared up when discussing stories behind some of his photos. While some may believe the village has fallen on hard times, particularly with the closure of the Tamms Correctional Center in 2013, Rodriguez senses future growth and the commitment of village President Tonya Reid. Shes looking to regrow her town, he said. I can just see the dedication and the love she has for the town and its people. Documenting a communitys change over time The class is in its 11th edition, and Overturf said the photographs and stories students tell are never the same, even if the community was previously featured. The changes a town can experience over time can be dramatic and that translates into photos. That the class is held during the fall election cycles, and the student photographers are urged to document Election Day, which creates interesting scenarios, he said. The town is different; the students are different; the times are different, he said. Imagine what people were talking about politically in 1996 when I started the class versus now. Its a whole different time. Students will blend geography, sociology, history, contemporary issues, education, art, individual curiosity and photographic skill in the class. The work can be a mix of portraits, everyday and unique events, and other notable features. Required to know their communities It is left to the students to know what is happening within their town. They also must keep journals and document their experiences as part of an overall course portfolio. The students work is available online for viewing. Students get plenty of time to present their work Because there are eight students this year, Overturf split the Tuesday-Thursday class sessions so that one group of four students show their work on Tuesday, and the others on Thursday. That gives Overturf 20 to 30 minutes for each student to discuss their work from the previous week and what theyve learned about their respective towns. Prior to 2018, 84 communities and areas within Southern Illinois have been featured. Communities making the list for the first time this year are: Crab Orchard, Cypress, Fayetteville, Golconda and New Harmony, Indiana. Teaching assistants are former students Two teaching assistants, both of whom have previously taken the class, are assisting Overturf this fall. Darren Schroeder of Columbia took the class in 2010 and 2014, documenting Olive Branch and Thebes, respectively. A two-degree SIU Carbondale graduate, Schroeder earned his bachelors degree in photography in 2011 and Master of Fine Arts degree in Mass Communication and Media Arts in 2015. Miranda Munguia, a senior in cinema and photography from Highland, took the class in 2016 and documented Thompsonville. Students participating in the project, by hometown, year in school, major, and their chosen communities, shown in bold, are: ILLINOIS: Albers: Adam Holbrook, senior, cinema and photography, Crab Orchard . . Elgin: Madison Toppel, junior, cinema and photography, Cypress . . Freeburg: Nick Wilkerson, junior, cinema and photography, Fayetteville . . Lakemoor: Alex Rodriguez, senior, cinema and photography, Tamms . . Lawrenceville: Stephanie Hill, senior, cinema and photography, Sesser . . Long Grove: Emma Paterakis, graduate student, Mass Communication and Media Arts, Golconda . . Troy: Mary Scott, senior, cinema and photography, Christopher. INDIANA: Picture use Unless otherwise stated all photos on this site are copyrighted Jim Budd. They should not be used without authorisation and due credit. Please contact me on budmac@btinternet.com for all use. There will usually be a charge for use in commercial publications papers, magazines, websites etc. and for other commercial uses. Photos that are used for commercial use without permission will be charged double the fee for the use of photo and for breach of copyright. Commercial organisations asking to use photos for no payment may not always receive a polite response. Srinagar, November 16: A New York-based media watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has said that journalists in Jammu and Kashmir faced restrictions and attacks between October 8 and October 30, 2018. The CPJ in a statement issued on its website said that on October 8, 2018, Indian forces personnel prevented photojournalists from covering the local bodies elections in Kupwara district. It said that the journalists were not even allowed to move freely and were told by cops that there was clear direction from the authorities not to allow media persons to cover the local bodies polls. The CPJ said on October 11, Indian police stopped a dozen journalists from covering funeral prayers for PhD scholar, Dr Manan Wani, in Kupwara district. After three hours, the journalists were allowed to proceed to the location of the funeral. It said police barred reporters from covering local bodies elections in certain polling stations in Srinagar even though they were carrying an authorization letter from the election commission of the territory. It said two journalists, Fayaz Lolu and Deen Imran, working with Indian TV news channels Munsif and Aalmi Sahara were stopped from covering the elections and beaten by the paramilitary and police personnel in Islamabad town. On October 17, the CPJ said, police beat up at least six journalists covering a military operation in Srinagar. It said on October 19, police tortured three journalists, Saqib Mugloo, Kaiser Andrab, and Burhan Butt outside their office and then detained them. Speaking to the CPJ, Mugloo said, The police started beating me randomly and accused me of informing stone pelters about polices whereabouts. He said they were taken to the police station even after showing their press cards. The CPJ said that on October 30, 2018, the forces personnel shot a videographer working with Zee News, Aijaz Ahmed Dar, with pellets while he was covering a protest demonstration in Shopian district. Dear Newsie Readers, Newsie has now permanently ceased it's services as of Friday 20th December 2019. Newsie has been an owner-funded operation since day one. Coming up to three years old, while we still firmly believe Newsie has a place in the New Zealand media landscape, the cost in both time and money has become too burdensome for the owners to continue alongside other ventures. With the current government looking to restructure public broadcasting, and seemingly supporting NZME buying a ring-fenced Stuff, the time seems right to call it a day. Should it happen, the combination of NZME and Stuff will ensure New Zealands national media will die a death by a thousand opinion-based articles. Newsie has always tried to stick to balanced news, to inform readers of the facts of a situation, amid being largely ignored by government. Hopefully, one day someone else will take up the challenge to fight the good fight. The good news, however, is that there were no job losses as a result of Newsie closing. Thanks to careful structuring, everyone involved in Newsie will retain their current positions. We hope you all have a happy Christmas and new year. Stay safe, and stay out of the news. The team at Newsie 27-point Kathmandu Declaration issued for protecting migrant workers rights Twelve Asian labour source countries on Friday issued a 27-point Kathmandu Declaration to work together for protecting and providing rights to migrant workers. Fashion Nova is like, bottom of the barrel crap. What a waste of money. Reply Thread Link Trash recognize trash. She's marketing to her fans. Reply Parent Thread Link Sick sad world. Reply Parent Thread Link Speaking of crap, have you seen those horrendous Michael Kors ads?? Its like some girl repeatedly saying kors over some kidz bop trap beats. Its just so embarrassing omg Reply Parent Thread Link Death to fast fashion Reply Thread Link why are celebs endorsing this trashy shit Reply Thread Link I mean ... Reply Parent Thread Expand Link practical, timeless, checking all the boxes tbh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Omg that thing haunts me I sent the link to these....pants to a bunch of people for laughs, but then I started getting ads for them everywhere Reply Parent Thread Link Well that's one way to emphasize a thicc silhouette. Just wear strings around your legs Reply Parent Thread Link I'm imagining the red marks when she takes those pants off. lmao Reply Parent Thread Link What does the back look like and where tf is it appropriate/functional to wear these? lmao Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I can barely put on tights straight. I feel like it would take me a year to get into these things properly. Reply Parent Thread Link Cardi B and fashion nova lmao. Reply Thread Link damn, she makes money moves. well they know her demo well. Reply Thread Link Oooh a fashion post, eh? Well, I just spent $75 on Amazon buying high-waisted underwear, compression socks and oversized night gowns. Third trimester is so glamorous. Reply Thread Link Sounds great sis! Ive never been pregnant but Im sure being as comfy as possible trumps all other fashion priorities Reply Parent Thread Link I can't wait to get the nightgowns. I'm going to be cozy af Reply Parent Thread Link compression socks are the best. id forget how swole my feet were until slapping them bad boys on and going to bed. i shoulda wore them all the time but my 3rd trimester was end of june through beginning of september so i was about that flipflop life. Reply Parent Thread Link she needs to lighten up on that nose contour tbh :/ Reply Thread Link I havent shopped for clothes in forever tbh, and I own a LOT of fast fashion stuff because it was always affordable and trendy but I know I want to shy away from that as much as possible when I do some winter shopping soon. I dont know a lot about the topic rn but does anyone have any online store links for affordable (as possible) non fast fashion? Reply Thread Link everlane comes to mind first i guess, honestly idk if theyre slow i just know they are very transparent about where their clothes come from Reply Parent Thread Link I second Everlane. I have had a really good experience with their products (with the exception of a bag). Their tees are super super thin though, so just be aware. Reply Parent Thread Link Ty sis! Ill definitely try everlane, some of their stuff is really cute!! Reply Parent Thread Link https://ecocult.com/the-18-most-affordable-places-to-buy-ethical-fashion/ Edited at 2018-11-16 05:21 am (UTC) Is this helpful at all? https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/affordable-ethical-fashion-brands . Also maybe this? https://www.fastcompany.com/90217759/a-complete-guide-to-buying-ethical-clothes-on-a-budget; Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Look into buying secondhand or on ebay etc, you can find some nice stuff for less than this rubbish would cost new. Reply Parent Thread Link Thot gear. Reply Thread Link She fits the brand and they know their audience which is a lot more than I can say about most of celebrities endorsements. Reply Thread Link I enjoy going on Fashion Nova for the giggles, sometimes the clothes have Instagram pics of buyers linked and I can't believe some people actually wear those clothes Reply Thread Link my favorite are the names they give each garment, like who is their product writer and what name generator do they use? Reply Parent Thread Link their IG is seriously my fave time killer. i could always expect myself cringing when i browse their feed lol Reply Parent Thread Link Was this any better made than their regular stuff tho? Good on her for selling the lot out in actual numbers and $figures tho, instead of the usual celeb thing of making production runs of 200 pieces and hyping that those got 'sold out', like duh they did, you can find 200 fools anywhere. Reply Thread Link City Girls performed? Isn't one of them currently locked up or was that just a fever dream? Edited at 2018-11-16 03:50 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link one of them's locked up, the other one would beat her son if he was gay Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks, I hate it! I'm so fucking bored with the Insta baddie look. They all look the same. Also, Fashion Nova is literal garbage. Reply Thread Link The Indian government is eyeing proceeds of more than US$2 billion from the sale of parts of its stakes in three of the biggest oil companies in the country: ONGC, Indian Oil Corp, and Oil India Ltd, the Economic Times reports, citing unnamed sources and noting that the stake sale is part of an ongoing divestment program. New Delhi could sell 5 percent from its majority holding in ONGC, a 3-percent stake in Indian Oil Corp, and as much as 10 percent in Oil India Ltd. The offers could be announced as soon as next month, the sources told the Economic Times. Earlier this month, unnamed source told the Economic Times that the government was mulling over the sale of almost 150 small oil and gas fields in the country to private local and international oil companies as part of efforts to spur local production and government revenues. This was the second attempt to auction off fields operated by local state companies to other players. The first, focusing on fields owned and operated by ONGC failed as the company strongly opposed the governments plan. Related: Are Solid State Batteries The Key To Mass EV Adoption? New Delhi has set itself a divestment target of US$13.93 billion (1 trillion rupee) for the current fiscal year that ends next March. This is a record amount and the oil industry is a natural target for the divestments. Earlier this year, the government asked ONGC to list its international arm, ONGC Videsh, which owns participating interests in 41 oil and gas assets in 20 countries. In one of its latest overseas acquisitions, ONGC Videsh led an Indian consortium of ONGC Videsh, Indian Oil Corporation, and Bharat Petro Resources, which signed in February this year a deal to buy 10 percent in the Lower Zakum Concession offshore Abu Dhabithe first time that Indian oil and gas firms have been given a stake in the development of Abu Dhabis oil and gas resources. The company, however, opposed the move, saying that now was not the right time for going public. A much better time to list would be in 2022, when a couple of big gas fields in Iran and Mozambique begin production, the Economic Times quoted a company executive as saying in September. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iraq resumed on Friday oil exports from the Kirkuk province, a year after it had stopped oil flows from the area due to a dispute with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, industry sources told Reuters on Friday. Around 300,000 bpd of crude oil previously pumped and exported in the Kirkuk province to the Turkish port of Ceyhan were shut in when the Iraqi federal government moved in October last year to take control over the oil fields in Kirkuk from Kurdish forces after the semi-autonomous region held a referendum that Baghdad didnt recognize. However, the only export outlet of the Kirkuk oil is the oil pipeline of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The Iraqi federal government and the KRG have been in talks for months to try to reach an agreement on resuming Iraqi exports from Kirkuk. Last week, three people close to the talks told the Financial Times that a deal is close and could be reached as early as this month. Industry sources told Reuters that oil exports from Kirkuk resumed on Friday, with flows at 50,000 bpd-60,000 bpd. It was not immediately clear when oil flows could be boosted and by how much, according to the sources. The KRG said earlier this month that it had recently upgraded its oil export pipeline, boosting its capacity to 1 million bpd from 700,000 bpd, to accommodate future production growth from the region. This extra capacity will accommodate future production growth from KRG producing fields, and can also be used by the federal government to export the currently stranded oil in Kirkuk and surrounding areas, KRGs ministry of natural resources said in early Novembera sign that a deal with the federal government may be coming soon. Thamer Ghadhban, the new Iraqi oil minister, said at the end of last month that Iraqs federal government will work to overcome all obstacles regarding the resumption of oil exports through the Kurdistan region. The resumption of Iraqi exports from Kirkuk is also a win for the U.S. which has been prompting Iraq and Kurdistan to reach a deal on exports, to help replace Iranian oil with more Iraqi exports. U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said in September that Iraq alone could add 300,000 bpd of oil to global supply if it allowed Kirkuk oil to reach international markets. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Anjan Shakya named Nepals ambassador to Israel The government has appointed Anjan Shakya as the new Nepali Ambassador to Israel. He will replace Niranjan Thapa, who has been asked by the government to report back to the country within three weeks. A presidential candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party has said the Niger Delta communities could keep all of the revenues the oil-rich province produces. In an interview with the Africa Report, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar suggested a sharing scheme might still be better for everyone. States can get more because in the First Republic, the regions had 50/50, he said, I dont mind giving even 100% [], but I would tax those states to maintain the federal government. In response to a question whether he was willing to give the oil-producing states total control over their resources, Abubakar tapped into his freedom-giving enthusiasm to explain that complete control over oil revenues by provinces was not advisable at the moment. Even during the First Republic there was this derivation sharing between revenues and resources, or between the regions and the federal government. So I think we could have a middle course, Abubakar said. Nigerians are voting for a new government in February 2019. The incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari, will be seeking re-election and Atiku Abubakar is the candidate of the biggest opposition party. Naturally, the oil card will be a popular one as the Niger Delta remains one of the poorest regions in the West African country. The Buhari government has been quite active in the last couple of years in trying to reconcile with the local communities, if only for perfectly pragmatic reasons: pipeline vandalism and bombings were rife in the region. Now things have calmed down: there havent been bombings for months. Yet whatever terms the Buhari negotiated with militant groups and community leaders in the Delta will likely have to be renegotiated if another party wins in February. According to some observers, Abubakar would be the biggest threat for Buharis second term. Abubakars playing the oil card with 100 percent control for Delta communities is hardly surprising but as so often happens with populist promises, they tend to turn against those who make them. In Nigerias case, this could lead to violence in the Delta again. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Gradually increasing oil production and the higher oil prices this year are helping South Sudan to generate more foreign exchange reserves, according to Deng Tor Ngor, governor of South Sudans Central Bank. With increase in global oil prices, at least our situation would be much better than two years ago, Gurtong news outlet quoted the banks governor as saying. South Sudan broke from Sudan in 2011 and took with it around 350,000 bpd in oil production. After South Sudans secession from Sudan, the two countries have been mutually dependent on oil revenues, because the south has 75 percent of the oil reserves, while the north has the only current transport route for the oil to international markets. But then civil war in South Sudan broke out in 2013 that further complicated oil production. The oil price crash the following year additionally affected oil income and oil production in South Sudan. South Sudans government and rebels signed a power-sharing agreement in August 2018, hoping to put an end to the civil war. Oil production at some oil fields that were shut in at the start of the conflict has resumed. At the end of August, South Sudan resumed production from the Toma South oilfield at a rate of 20,000 bpd, adding to South Sudans total daily average of 130,000 bpd. South Sudan hopes to significantly boost its production in the near term, but according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, the extent of damage to infrastructure is unknown, as is the performance of wells that have been shut-in since 2013. The biggest challenge to South Sudans rising oil production, however, would be whether the peace deal would hold long enough to allow for a sustained increase in oil production, WoodMac said. According to the World Bank, South Sudan is the worlds most oil-dependent country as oil represents almost all its exports and around 60 percent of GDP. South Sudan expects to resume full oil production of 350,000 bpd by the middle of next year. The country has also reached a new deal with Sudan on oil transit fees. Under the new deal, South Sudan will pay $4 per barrel fee, down from $9.1 a barrel under a previous agreement from 2012. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma has urged the faithful to pray for the blessings they received in 2018 and for President Rodrigo Duterte.He appealed to the public not to cheer on the chief executives unflattering PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will undoubtedly have a "fruitful and productive" meeting with fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders in Papua New Guinea, Malacanang on Friday, November 16. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the remark, as Duterte arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to join 20 other leaders and representatives of member economies for the two-day Apec summit. "The Palace expects President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to have a fruitful and productive visit to Papua New Guinea, the host of this years 19th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit," Panelo said in a statement. Duterte is scheduled to attend the dialogue with prominent business leaders during the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting. The President is also slated to have discussions with Pacific Islands leaders in a forum. Panelo said the Apec forum would help Duterte convey his support for mechanisms that would enable Filipino entrepreneurs, especially those running the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to promote their products and services overseas. "The President is set to join a dialogue before prominent business leaders during the summit of chief executive officers of the Apec Business Advisory Council or ABAC and meet with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum," the Palace official said. "The Apec Forum is likewise a good opportunity for the President to express his support for mechanisms that will enable our MSMEs to take advantage of digital and online platforms to benefit their enterprises and to bring their products and services overseas," he added. Apec, comprised of 21 member economies, has served as an incubator for new ideas and concepts in furthering inclusive growth and economic development in the region. With regard to Duterte's possible bilateral meetings with other Apec leaders, the Department of Foreign Affairs is still finalizing the "best schedule and arrangements," Panelo said. "As to possible bilateral meetings with our leaders and heads of economies, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs are still working, coordinating and finalizing with their counterparts on the best schedule and arrangements," he said. (SunStar Philippines) CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma has urged the faithful to pray for the blessings they received in 2018 and for President Rodrigo Duterte.He appealed to the public not to cheer on the chief executives unflattering PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is cutting short his trip to Papua New Guinea, where he is supposed to attend the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, Malacanang announced on Friday, November 16. Duterte was initially scheduled to return home on Sunday, November 18, but in an updated media advisory sent to Palace reporters, he is slated to leave Port Moresby late Saturday evening (November 17). "Please be informed that [President Duterte] will leave [Papua New Guinea] on November 17 at 11:15 p.m., and arrive in Davao City on November 18 at 3:15 a.m.," the advisory read, without citing further reason on Duterte's shortened trip to Papua New Guinea. "No more arrival statement," it added. Cabinet members who are part of the Philippine delegation to Papua New Guinea will instead attend the Apec events, including the informal dialogue with the International Monetary Fund, on Duterte's behalf, the Palace said. Prior to this, Duterte also skipped several engagements during the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits held in Singapore to take "power naps." Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday, November 15, justified Duterte's absence in some Asean events, saying that the President needed "power naps" in between summits since he only had little sleep on the first day of the annual event. Panelo likewise assured the public that Duterte's non-attendance had "nothing to do with his physical health and well-being, which have been the subject of speculation." (SunStar Philippines) PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, November 16, warned Filipinos against the Magdalo group, a bunch of former dissident soldiers who staged uprisings against the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.In PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, November 16, warned Filipinos against the Magdalo group, a bunch of former dissident soldiers who staged uprisings against the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. In a speech delivered before the Filipino community in Papua New Guinea, Duterte likened the Magdalo to the Jihadist terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis), which is also known as IS. "Be careful with Magdalo," Duterte said. "Iyang partidong Magdalo, ito yung mga rebeldeng sundalo na nag-kalat diyan sa Makati pati sa Peninsula. And they destroyed everything. Parang Isis ang mga buang. Wala silang ginawa kundi to kill, mag-hamon, mag-bastos," he added. (This Magalo party is the the rebel soldiers who made a mess in Makati and in the Peninsula. And they destroyed everything. These fools are like Isis. They do nothing but kill, challenge anyone, and act indecently.) Duterte was referring to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and the 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege. Duterte became critical of the Magdalo group because one of its members, opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, has repeatedly accused the President and his family of accumulating ill-gotten wealth worth billions of pesos. The rift between Duterte and Trillanes escalated after the Chief Executive on August 31 signed Proclamation 572, which revoked the amnesty granted to the former Navy officer. Trillanes, one of the Magdalo members granted amnesty by Aquino, earlier branded Duterte's move as a "clear case of political persecution." In his latest speech, Duterte claimed the amnesty granted to members of the Magdalo group has emboldened them to do unlawful acts. "They were extended pardon by Aquino... Pumasok na sa isip yung (It went to their heads that), 'Well, I can do anything I want because I did the worst in my lifetime and yet I'm still there being a senator,'" he said. "Be careful with those guys. Maniwala kayo, ako, wala na eh (Believe me, I have nothing to gain here). This is my last chapter. I cannot run again. I'm limited to six and half way through, and so ang akin (my intent) is just to take care of my country," he added. (SunStar Philippines) FORMER first lady Imelda Marcos on Friday, November 16, posted a P150,000 (roughly $7,400) bail for provisional liberty while the court decides whether or not it will grant a post-conviction bail.Marcos, FORMER first lady Imelda Marcos on Friday, November 16, posted a P150,000 (roughly $7,400) bail for provisional liberty while the court decides whether or not it will grant a post-conviction bail. Marcos, 89, was convicted on November 9 of seven counts of graft for illegally funneling about $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s when she served as Metropolitan Manila governor while her husband, late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, placed the Philippines under martial law. She was ordered to serve 6 to 11 years in prison for each of the seven counts of violating an anti-corruption law. The court accepted the bond while it decides on her motion to remain free while she appeals the conviction. Marcos appeared before the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court in Manila, accompanied by her children and grandsons. She said she failed to attend the reading of her verdict because she wasn't aware of it and also mentioned her frail health. The presiding judge, Rafael Lagos, noted she was able to attend a birthday party of her daughter. Marcos responded by saying that she received a call from daughter Imee who was "crying... (that) all the guests are already there." Anti-Marcos activists and human rights victims have welcomed the conviction as long overdue, although there are doubts she'll be forced to serve prison time given her age and social status. 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. The cases against her 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. 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. Story continues Most have been elected to public offices in an impressive political comeback. Opposition lawmakers were quick to slam the Sandiganbayan for allowing Marcos to post bail. Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said the decision of the anti-graft court is "double standard" and "very disappointing." "Very double standard! Very shameful of the high magistrates of the Sandiganbayan bowing down to the high and mighty Marcoses for the whole world to see. Very disappointing! As if the delay of more than two decades in deciding the case was not enough injustice," he said. Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said this is not a matter to be taken lightly. "It is history judging her and this is no ordinary case that we just let pass without a whimper," said Villarin. Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago said the decision of the Sandiganbayan is an insult to the victims of martial law. "Yung 150,000 bail kay Imelda, piso sale lang kung ikukumpara sa bilyon na ninakaw nila sa bayan. Ang cheap," he said. (The amount of bail is peanuts compared to the billions of pesos that they stole from the nation. How cheap.) "Insulto ito sa mga martial law victims, sa mga pamilya nila, at sa mamamayang Pilipino na matagal nang pinagkaitan ng hustisya sa krimen ng mga Marcos at ng nakaw na kapangyarihan," he added. (This is an insult to the martial law victims, their families and the entire Filipino nation. The nation has yet to attain justice.) Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, for his part, said the decision of the Sandiganbayan will not liberate Marcos as a prisoner of her own conscience. "The massive human rights atrocities and pillage during Marcos martial law will perpetually haunt the Marcoses and condemn them to the prison of history," Lagman added. (AP with Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines) Two top leaders of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime were found guilty of genocide on Friday, in a landmark ruling almost 40 years after the fall of a brutal regime that presided over the deaths of a quarter of the population. The Khmer Rouge's former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87, and "Brother Number 2" Nuon Chea, 92, are the two most senior living members of the ultra-Maoist group that seized control of Cambodia from 1975-1979. The reign of terror led by "Brother Number 1" Pol Pot left some two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions but Friday's ruling was the first to acknowledge a genocide. The defendants were previously handed life sentences in 2014 over the violent and forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975. But Friday's judgement at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) also found Nuon Chea guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minority group, among a litany of other crimes. "The chamber finds that Nuon Chea exercised ultimate decision-making power with Pol Pot and... therefore finds Nuon Chea is responsible as a superior for all the crimes," presiding judge Nil Nonn said. "This includes the crime of genocide by killing members of Cham ethnic and religious group." Khieu Samphan was also found guilty of genocide against ethnic Vietnamese, though not against the Cham, he added. Both parties were sentenced to "life in prison", merging the two sentences into a single term, Nil Nonn said. Hundreds of people, including dozens of Cham Muslims and Buddhist monks, were bussed into the tribunal, located in the outskirts of Phnom Penh to attend the hearing. - Cambodia's 'Nuremberg' - The events covered by the verdict span the four years of the Pol Pot regime, and include extensive crimes against humanity. "The verdict is essentially the Nuremberg judgement for the ECCC and thus carries very significant weight for Cambodia, international criminal justice, and the annals of history," said David Scheffer, who served as the UN secretary general's special expert on the Khmer Rouge trials from 2012 until last month. The revolutionaries who tried to recreate Buddhist-majority Cambodia in line with their vision of an agrarian Marxist utopia attempted to abolish class and religious distinctions by force. Forced marriages, rape, the treatment of Buddhists, and atrocities that were carried out in prisons and work sites throughout the country fall under the additional list of charges -- which the two men were found guilty of as well. "(The verdict) will affirm the collective humanity of the victims and give recognition to the horrible suffering," said Youk Chhang, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia -- a research organisation that has provided the court with evidence. It could also "provide a sense of closure to a horrible chapter in Cambodian history". The hybrid court, which uses a mix of Cambodian and international law, was created with the backing of the UN in 2006 to try senior Khmer Rouge leaders. Only three people have been convicted by the court, which has cost more than $300 million. Former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife died without facing justice, while "Brother Number 1" Pol Pot passed away in 1998. The number of allegations against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan was so vast the court split the trials into a series of smaller hearings in 2011. Many believe Friday's decision will be the last for the tribunal, which has been marred by allegations of political interference. Prime Minister Hun Sen -- himself a former Khmer Rouge cadre -- has repeatedly warned he would not allow more investigations to proceed, citing vague threats to stability. The court has launched investigations into four more Khmer Rouge cadres, though one was dismissed in February 2017, highlighting the difficulties of bringing lower level members of the brutal regime to justice. Scheffer said that "challenges of efficiency, funding, and access to evidence" are issues that plague all international criminal courts, but argued the successes of the Cambodian tribunal should not be diminished. burs-dhc/joe/sls LegalMatch Philippines, Inc. (LMPH), a developer of SAAS applications for the US legal industry, shows support for the Cebu developer community by being one of the sponsors of Devcon Summit 2018 - Cebu LegalMatch Philippines, Inc. (LMPH), a developer of SAAS applications for the US legal industry, shows support for the Cebu developer community by being one of the sponsors of Devcon Summit 2018 - Cebu Edition. The said summit will be held on November 24 at the Michael Richartz Center, University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus. Developers Connect Philippines, organizer of the event, aims to connect professionals, students, and technopreneurs by providing resources and tools they need. The organization believes that building a strong bond among the tech communities will foster industry growth. With the theme Tech Communities Unite, tech-minded individuals come together during this event to align themselves with the latest technology trends. Some of the keynote topics are Business Development for Startups, Blockchain, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and latest trends on UI/UX. The growth of the IT community is one initiative that LMPH strongly upholds, thus, events like this will surely get the companys full support. LMPHs General Manager, Christine Rom, believes that it is the companys responsibility to help grow and nurture the citys IT talent pool. LMPH also has their own series of trainings and workshops intended for the IT community planned for the whole year. The company continues to partner with more development groups who are dedicated to sharing their time, expertise, and resources in promoting IT-related knowledge to Cebus IT community. Watch out for LegalMatch Philippines' upcoming events by following its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/legalmatchph or email happyteam@legalmatch.com for inquiries on their next training workshops. You can also call them at +63(32)266-3021 or drop by at their office at the 9th floor of the FLB Corporate Building, Cebu Business Park. (PR) Doha, Qatar | REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon Qatar has set up a support fund for foreign workers who run into difficulties, which is the latest in a series of UN-backed labor reforms. Under the newly-approved law, a support and insurance fund will be set aside to support and care for workers, secure their rights and provide a healthy and safe work environment for them. Migrant workers are also entitled to receive benefits determined by the Dispute Resolution Committee, including repatriation and financial assistance when their service contracts have ended. The law covers workers in private sectors and household service. The measure is expected to benefit more than 200,000 Filipino workers in Qatar. The move is part of an agreement signed by the Gulf state with the United Nations Labour Organization to oversee reforms following intense international pressure over its treatment of migrant workers. The post Qatar sets up support fund for migrant workers appeared first on UNTV News. Communities recovering from natural disasters often see an increase in the number of businesses and non-profits that develop in the wake of the cleanup, but that apparent growth doesn't necessarily counterweigh the accompanying rise in poverty levels in areas transformed by events such as storms, earthquakes and wildfires. These emerging businesses can improve the economic well-being of post-disaster communities, but what's true for businesses is not always the case for other types of community organizations, according to the results of a new study by a University at Buffalo-led research team. "We found that community organizations, like churches, that are focused on their own needs during disasters do not block out the increase in poverty rates," says Kevin Smiley, an assistant professor of sociology at UB and the paper's lead author. "These organizations are an important part of the recovery and are effective on a small scale, but counties with increasing numbers of advocacy organizations, such as local environmental groups, political organizations and human-rights groups, tend to have a better recovery in terms of economic inequality." The findings suggest that the most equitable recoveries are in those places where organizations that have a broad, crosscutting presence are located, and Smiley says that in order to encourage a wide economic recovery, communities should think about activating advocacy organizations that reach across diverse populations. "In California, after the last of the fires has been put out, and the affected communities come together in their recovery, these broad-based organizations can help in a more equitable disaster recoveryit's not just the economic; it's the social," says Smiley. "Governments are uniquely positioned to help accomplish this. These organizations represent the democratic possibility; they are the institutions in which we imbue our collective spirit and they have the best opportunity to reach people. "Communities come together following a disaster, but it's a lot to ask of a small isolated organization like a local church when a government already has that megaphone," says Smiley. One of the curiosities of this research is that every community in the United States can learn from its findingswell, almost every community. Natural hazards accompanied by property damagenot just headlines-grabbers like hurricanes and floods, but events such as hail, winter weather or severe thunderstormshave occurred in all but one of the nation's 3,137 counties. Only rural Lyman County in South Dakota was untouched by a damaging event between 1998 and 2015, the timeframe Smiley and his colleagues examined for the study, which was published in the journal Population and Environment. "These events are happening nearly everywhere in the country," says Smiley. "Given that prevalence, it's important to understand what's happening long-term and how to help communities recover." The research team, including James Elliott, a professor of sociology at Rice University, and Junia Howell, an urban sociologist at the University of Pittsburgh, was motivated by how people come together after disasters to rebuild and how disasters have uneven impacts, like rising social, income and neighborhood inequalities. "In the time span we studied, the average U.S. county experienced a total of $100 million in property damage from natural hazards," says Elliott. "This means the growing frequency and severity of natural hazards is an issue that every local community must consider." The analysis relies on data from the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database, a county-level collection of information on damages in the U.S. from natural hazards. "By looking at all counties in the United States across an 18-year period, this study is able to demonstrate how all placesnot just those hit by mega disastersare being affected by natural hazards and how organizations respond to them," says Smiley. Explore further Natural disasters widen racial wealth gap More information: Kevin T. Smiley et al, Disasters, local organizations, and poverty in the USA, 1998 to 2015, Population and Environment (2018). Kevin T. Smiley et al, Disasters, local organizations, and poverty in the USA, 1998 to 2015,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s11111-018-0304-8 Cabinet to share its decisions only once a week Claiming that dissemination of immature information had misled the people, the government has further tightened the publicity of Cabinet decisions. Starting Thursday, there will be weekly conferences to share major government decisions with the media. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new technique to study intact parts of cell membranes could revolutionise studies of cancer, metabolic and heart diseases. Membranes protect all of our cells and the organelles inside them, including the mitochondria the powerhouse of the cell. These membranes are studded with biological machinery made of proteins that enable molecular cargo to pass in and out. Studying these membrane-embedded machines in their native state is therefore crucial to understand mechanisms of disease and provide new targets for treatments. However, current methods for studying them involve removing them from the membrane, which can alter their structure and functional properties. Now a research team, led by the University of Oxford and including Imperial College London researchers, has demonstrated a technique that can analyse the structure of intact protein machines within membranes as a whole. The study is published today in the journal Science. Lead researcher Dame Carol Robinson, from the University of Oxford, said: "I wasn't sure this would ever work; I thought the membrane environment would be just too complicated and we wouldn't be able to understand the results. I am delighted that it has because it has given us a whole new view of an important class of drug targets." New discoveries already being made The technique involves vibrating the sample at ultrasonic frequencies so that the cell begins to fall apart. Electrical currents then applied an electric field to eject the protein machines out of the membrane and directly into a mass spectrometer an instrument that can detect a molecule's chemical 'signature', based on its mass. Not only did the membrane protein machines survive the ejection; the analysis also revealed how they communicate with each other, are guided to their final location and transport their molecular cargo into the cell. Professor Steve Matthews, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "With the development of this method, the application of mass spectrometry in biology will be taken to a new level, using it to make discoveries that would not have been possible before." Dr. Sarah Rouse, also from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "A longstanding question on the structure of one membrane machine from mitochondria has now been solved using this technique. Mitochondria are particularly interesting because there are several diseases that target them specifically, that we may now be able to design new therapies for." Explore further Protein dynamics: Molecular machines at work More information: Dror S. Chorev et al. Protein assemblies ejected directly from native membranes yield complexes for mass spectrometry, Science (2018). Journal information: Science Dror S. Chorev et al. Protein assemblies ejected directly from native membranes yield complexes for mass spectrometry,(2018). DOI: 10.1126/science.aau0976 Collecting samples of bivalves in the Nicaraguan mangroves. Credit: Ionan Marigomez / UPV/EHU In collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, a research group from the UPV/EHU's Plentzia Marine Station has studied the bivalves in the mangroves on both coasts of Nicaragua in order to analyse how they are affected by the pollution carried by rivers. It could be possible to use them as sentinels or indicators of environmental changes. The research has been published by the journal Science of the Total Environment. The Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology (CBET) research group at the Plentzia Marine Station and the UPV/EHU's Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology has broad expertise in detecting the changes taking place in the health of ecosystems by measuring chemical variables and other sets of parameters in the cells and tissue of mussels, bivalves and fish. "These variables are like our temperature or pulse; the fact that they change in some way indicates that something is going on," explained Ionan Marigomez, director of the Plentzia Marine Station and professor of cell biology in the CBET group. In collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, the UPV/EHU's research group tackled the study of bivalves that could act as indicators of the environmental status of the Nicaraguan mangroves, both on the Caribbean and the Pacific. When considering the environmental status of tropical areas, "there is much awareness about the deterioration of the coral reefs, whereas focusing on the health status of the mangroves is less widespread. But the mangroves protect the reefs, they regulate sedimentation and the nutrients that come from the land, and are the hatcheries of many reef species," explained Marigomez. In the specific case of Nicaragua, "pollution is not very high, but there are various risk factors: the mangroves receive, among other things, the pesticides of all the crops, or mercury that is discharged in gold mines. What is more, there is no water treatment," he said. Different species for the Caribbean and the Pacific One of the best candidates for monitoring mangrove ecosystems is the Crassostrea rhizophorae oyster. Yet, as Marigomez explained, "They are only found in the mangroves on the Caribbean coast, not in those of the Pacific; so we wanted to find substitute species for the sentinel work. And we also found it necessary to look for another additional species for the mangroves on the Caribbean side. Each species has a different sensitivity when faced with pollutants, so conducting the biomonitoring with more than one species at the same time is advisable." For the research, they selected three bivalve species. For the Atlantic coast,they chose a clam species known as Polymesoda arctata to complement the oyster that they were already familiar with, and for the Pacific coast, two cockle species: Anadara tuberculosa and Larkinia grandis. In each species, they identified the appropriate health parameters, such as the level of pollutants accumulated in their tissue, the biometric variables for characterising growth and health status, the levels of histopathological lesions and parasites they displayed, abnormalities in reproduction, so that they would be able to deduce the health status of the ecosystems of the mangroves where these animals live. Despite having broad expertise in tasks of this nature, Marigomez remarked that in Nicaragua they were unable to use the usual techniques and methods. "It is another world, and they have very strict rules; for example, to get to the sampling locations we had to use light aircraft or motor launches. What is more, the use of liquid nitrogen and dry ice is expressly forbidden, and our working methodology is mainly based on cryotechniques; we are obliged to transport the samples in a frozen state. So in terms of logistics, adapting our working methodology to that reality posed a major challenge for us." "The work done was a lovely starting point, and it has encouraged us to set up another piece of research later on. For the monitoring, we found a very suitable large cockle, L. grandis, which in Central America is known as casco de burro (donkey's hoof). It has a long life, so it would correctly reflect the evolution of the location where it lives and, what is more, has a very interesting biogeographical distribution: from Baja California to Ecuador. It would be nice to do this if we could secure long-term funding, and set up a network to monitor the whole biogeographical region." The ultimate aim is to be able to manage and protect the environment. "In Europe, the well-being and use of ecosystems is governed by two directives, one on water and the other on marine strategy, and both stipulate the need to monitor the ecosystems to find out what state they are in at all times. Yet in other regions of the world, including Latin America, the legislation on environmental protection is not so developed. But in its capacity as the creator and member of the Iberoamerican Society of Contamination and Environmental Toxicology, our group has contacts with various Latin American centres of research and universities, and our aim is to gradually overcome the existing technical problems so that the monitoring can be something global." Explore further Mapping blue carbon in mangroves worldwide More information: Javier R. Aguirre-Rubi et al, Prospective biomonitor and sentinel bivalve species for pollution monitoring and ecosystem health disturbance assessment in mangrovelined Nicaraguan coasts, Science of The Total Environment (2018). Journal information: Science of the Total Environment Javier R. Aguirre-Rubi et al, Prospective biomonitor and sentinel bivalve species for pollution monitoring and ecosystem health disturbance assessment in mangrovelined Nicaraguan coasts,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.269 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Researchers with the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Princeton University recently walked back scientific findings published last month that showed oceans have been heating up dramatically faster than previously thought as a result of climate change. In a paper published Oct. 31 in the journal Nature, researchers found that ocean temperatures had warmed 60 percent more than outlined by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. However, the conclusion came under scrutiny after mathematician Nic Lewis, a critic of the scientific consensus around human-induced warming, posted a critique of the paper on the blog of Judith Curry, another well-known critic. "The findings of the ... paper were peer reviewed and published in the world's premier scientific journal and were given wide coverage in the English-speaking media," Lewis wrote. "Despite this, a quick review of the first page of the paper was sufficient to raise doubts as to the accuracy of its results." Co-author Ralph Keeling, climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, took full blame and thanked Lewis for alerting him to the mistake. "When we were confronted with his insight it became immediately clear there was an issue there," he said. "We're grateful to have it be pointed out quickly so that we could correct it quickly." Keeling said they have since redone the calculations, finding the ocean is still likely warmer than the estimate used by the IPCC. However, that increase in heat has a larger range of probability than initially thoughtbetween 10 percent and 70 percent, as other studies have already found. "Our error margins are too big now to really weigh in on the precise amount of warming that's going on in the ocean," Keeling said. "We really muffed the error margins." A correction has been submitted to the journal Nature. According to the most recent IPCC report, climate emissions need to be cut by 20 percent by 2030 and then zeroed out by 2075 to keep warming from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels. Authors of the recent study had previously claimed that emissions levels in coming decades would need to be 25 percent lower to keep warming under that 2-degree cap. While papers are peer reviewed before they're published, new findings must always be reproduced before gaining widespread acceptance throughout the scientific community, said Gerald Meehl, a climate scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo. "This is how the process works," he said. "Every paper that comes out is not bulletproof or infallible. If it doesn't stand up under scrutiny, you review the findings." The report relied on a novel approach that still has the potential to revolutionize how scientists measure the ocean's temperature. Much of the data on ocean temperatures currently relies on the Argo array, robotic devices that float at different depths. The program, which started in 2000, has gaps in coverage. By comparison, Keeling and Laure Resplandy, a researcher at Princeton University's Environmental Institute who co-authored the report, calculated heat based on the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide rising off the ocean, filling round glass flasks with air collected at research stations around the globe. Keeling said they will continue to experiment with the data in coming years in an attempt to fine-tune the data. "It's a promising new method, but we didn't get the precision right on the first pass," he said. The study is still the first to confirm that the ocean is warming using a method independent of direct ocean temperature measurements. Explore further Ocean robots help to trace ocean warming to late 19th century 2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Scientists have predicted that within two years a viral disease outbreak will likely hit European wheat harvests, leading to a hike in food prices across the continent. At a conference being held later today (Friday) at Rothamsted, more than 100 delegates from the UK's governmental, scientific, industrial and farming sectors will discuss how a forthcoming EU insecticide ban will leave the crop open to attack from aphids that spread Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus, or BYDV. Existing analyses suggest UK wheat yields would decrease by the equivalent of 4 million loaves of bread a day because of the ban. Lower yields could become a regular feature, as a disease-resistant wheat variety could be more than a decade away, says Dr. Kim Hammond-Kosack, conference organiser and a senior plant pathologist at Rothamsted Research. "Our scientists predict that in February and March 2020 farmers, will be looking out on virus infected, yellowing fields of winter wheat, and consequently later that year consumers will be buying and eating more expensive food stuffs made using wheat imports from Canada, America, and the Ukraine." "With few options to control these aphids, next year could be the last good year for European wheat harvests for some considerable time. "Currently no one has tested the UK's recommended wheat varieties for their resistance to BYDV. Resistance to the virus has not been a breeding target for years because of the availability of effective insecticides. Given it takes seven or eight years to breed a new crop variety, and then two or three years of official testing before a variety can make it on the recommended list, you can see time is against us." Dr. Gia Aradottir, an insect specialist at Rothamsted said until the responses of recommended wheat varieties to the virus are correctly determined "the wheat breeding industry will not know the true scale of the problem facing them." The threat of disease has arisen because of a EU-wide ban on the neonicotinoid insecticide currently used to control the aphids that spread BYDV. The insects can still be controlled by a different class of insecticides called pyrethroids, but there is already a resistance mutation present in one of the species, the grain aphid, to these chemicals. Analogous to anti-biotic resistance that arises in many human diseases, insect populations can also develop a resistance to insecticides if they are over used. "With the ban on the neonicotinoids, there is likely to be an increased use of pyrethroids which could hasten the development of this resistance, and could also select for insecticide resistance in the bird-cherry aphid, the other aphid species that spreads BYDV," says Dr. Aradottir. "If we have another autumn of high aphid numbers next year, followed by a mild winter, then the outlook for wheat harvests in 2020 could be very bleak indeed." Wheat is arguably the world's most important crop, providing a fifth of our calories. Its genome which is five times bigger than ourswas finally decoded earlier this year by an international consortium of scientists, including researchers from Rothamsted. In the absence of a disease resistant wheat variety arising from classical crop breeding methods, gene modified or gene edited crops might produce an answer but the growing of such crops is also currently banned in the EU. Another route might be the development of a new insecticide, or a reversal on the current noenicitinoid ban. Neonics, as they are commonly known, have been outlawed in the EU because of growing concerns over their impact on bee populations. At today's Wheat Genetic Improvement Network (WGIN) conference, a panel of experts will address this loss of pesticide control during the conference, and Rothamsted, along with its collaborators, are already urgently working on solutions. They have already planted various wheat varieties without applying the insecticide todetermine the likely impact of the ban on 2020's harvests. The Institute also has a study population of aphids infected with BYDV to test for resistance in common, old and wild wheat varieties. And they have also recently developed a more sensitive diagnostic test to determine whether any commercial wheat varieties possess even a small amount of resistance that could be exploited by plant breeders. "We already have a good breadth of expertise within the Institute to tackle this problem from all the important angles, including monitoring, diagnostics, aphid resistance, insecticide resistance and modelling," said Dr. Hammond-Kosack. Explore further Soy natural: Genetic resistance against aphids Graphene mechanical devices of 5m in diameter are used as continuous-spectrum pixels in a reflective-type display of 2500 ppi (pixels per inch). When the GIMOD prototype is OFF (ON), the pixels have a yellow (blue) color. Credit: Dr. Santiago Jose Cartamil-Bueno With virtual reality (VR) sizzling in every electronic fair, there is a need for displays with higher resolution, frame rates and power efficiency. Now, a joint collaboration of researchers from SCALE Nanotech, Graphenea and TU Delft have used graphene to make reflective-type displays that operate faster and at much higher resolution than existing technologies. Displays consume the most power in electronic gadgets. Portable devices like smartphones and VR visors therefore require most of the energy from batteries. As an alternative solution, reflective-type displays (like those in e-book readers) consume little power, though they cannot deliver video. Reflective displays that offer the specifications of standard technologies (OLED, LCD) do not exist yet. The good news is that graphene makes this possible. Graphene, a monolayer of carbon atoms, is the thinnest, strongest material and the best electrical conductor, an ideal combination for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Membranes in a graphene MEMS can be moved by applying an electric potential and, together with the large optical absorption of graphene (2.3 percent of visible light), the researchers used them to make a Graphene Interferometric MOdulator Display or simply GIMOD. A static image (Graphene Flagship logo) composed by 5m-in-diameter pixels flickers between yellow and blue. Credit: Dr. Santiago Jose Cartamil-Bueno "Graphene is a versatile material with excellent mechanical, optical and electrical properties, and the combination of all of them enables the GIMOD technology," leading scientist Dr. Houri says. Pixels in a GIMOD are electrically controlled membranes that modulate the white light from the environment. Dr. Houri says, "Measurements at TU Delft were sufficient to discover partially the potential of GIMOD pixels. We managed to characterize them up to 400 Hz, but we know they can reproduce the same color state at up to 2000 Hz." Humans cannot perceive flicker images beyond 500-1000Hz, but these displays beat the best commercial screens operating at 144Hz. Dr. Cartamil-Bueno, the inventor and researcher that fabricated the graphene displays, shares his experience as entrepreneur bringing the GIMOD technology to the market. "We showcased GIMOD prototypes of 2500 pixels per inch (ppi) in the Mobile World Congress, and many players from the display industry reacted quite enthusiastically. While participating in several business contests in Germany, I have been preparing the team and securing capital. In few weeks, we will launch the startup to commercialize GIMOD components, aiming to tackle the VR market because that is where GIMOD outperforms every other technology." 2500ppi GIMOD prototype showcased at the Mobile World Congress. Credit: Graphene Flagship The graphene pixels that the researchers presented are 5m in size, in contrast to those in the Apple iPhone X (55m), Samsung Galaxy S9 (44m), and Sony Xperia XZ Premium (31m). "Our GIMOD prototypes would have a resolution of more than 12K if we make them the size of a smartphone display," says Dr. Cartamil-Bueno. Explore further Graphene balloons show their colors More information: Graphene mechanical pixels for Interferometric Modulator Displays, Nature Communications (2018) Journal information: Nature Communications Graphene mechanical pixels for Interferometric Modulator Displays,(2018) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07230-w The ice core drilling site, under the dome tent on Colle Gnifetti, Swiss-Italian Alps. Credit: Antiquity and Dr N.E. Spaulding, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine A new study has found ground-breaking evidence from an ice core in the Swiss-Italian Alps that proves the 7th century switch from gold to silver currencies in western Europe actually occurred a quarter of a century earlier than previously thought. The findings, from the University of Nottingham and which are published in the journal Antiquity, will have major implications on the history of the European monetary system, and what we thought we knew about trade and the economy during this period. The long-standing dating of all events and archaeological remains linked to the old dating of the first silver coinage will also have to change in light of the new study. During the second half of the 7th century AD the coin-using regions of North West Europe switched from gold to silver currency. This change was a significant point in history and resulted in major social and economic transformations which saw increased long-distance trade and the emergence of major ports and trading centres, such as London and continental counterparts around the Channel and southern North Sea coast. Until now, experts have reported this switch to be between 675 AD and 680 AD but using new high precision technologies, a team of climate scientists, volcanologists, archaeologists and historians working on the 'Historical Ice Core Project' (HICP), have pinpointed definitively that the switch actually happened in 660 AD. The HICP research is led by Professor Michael McCormick, Harvard University and Professor Paul Mayewski, Climate Change Institute (CCI), University, University of Maine, with the University of Nottingham and the University of Heidelberg, funded by the Arcadia Charitable fund. The establishment of the chronology was made possible using ultra-high resolution laser analysis of elements on the 72m-deep ice core from Colle Gnifetti in the Swiss-Italian Alps, drilled in 2013. The laser-based chronology was further refined by linkage to markers of volcanic eruptions, from tephra and other known events. This included the tephra (volcanic glass) from the 536 mega-eruption. Analysis of the 536 tephra in this study suggests, for the first time, that the mega-eruption occurred on Iceland, with major climate implications for northwest Europe especially. A unique atmospheric modelling programme developed at CCI, Climate Re-analyzer, also provides a unique insight on wind directions and origins of the lead pollution (the by-product of silver-mining/smelting) that was deposited in the Alps. Professor Christopher Loveluck (lead-author of the Antiquity article), from the Department of Classics and Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, said: "We found huge lead pollution peaks in the ice, a by-product of large-scale silver mining and bullion production in the mid-7th century, in AD 640 and 660. The existing gold coinage started to be debased with silver in 640 and was replaced by a new silver coinage in 660, almost simultaneously in France and southeast England." The team used the unique atmospheric modelling programme, and weather data from NASA and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to learn which direction the lead was carried from, with the evidence indicating the mines at Melle in western France, the largest known silver source for Western Europe in the eighth and ninth centuries AD. The new study shows that its paramount role probably began in the period from 640-660. The lead was released into the atmosphere during the smelting process and carried over the Alps, where it was deposited and frozen in the ice. Professor Loveluck said: "For the first time, we have combined a series of research methods and technologies to definitively pinpoint when this fundamental economic change happened and where the lead was coming from. Previously, we have been unable to work this out, but by combining new laser ice chronological methods with new atmospheric modelling linked to the archaeological pollution and numismatic records and historical sources, we were able to get a clear picture of what was happening during this period, at a level of chronological precision never before possible. This is a truly interdisciplinary project, combining skills from historians, climate scientists, archaeologists and volcano experts and will literally change history." The discovery of volcanic tephra from the 536 mega-eruption in the Colle Gnifetti core, and its sourcing to Iceland, when fixing the chronology of the study, also has a profound impact on assessing very rapid climate change in Britain and Northern and Western Europe in the mid-sixth century, now referred to as the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age'. The tephra particles from the 536 eruption were thought previously to have come from a volcano in California, but after an expert analysis by the tephra team, led by Professor Andrei Kurbatov (CCI) they were actually found to match an Icelandic source. Professor Loveluck said: "Iceland is a lot closer to Britain and North West Europe than California which means that the impact of this eruption at the time on climate in these areas would have been much greater than previously thought. It would have made places very cold very quickly and would have been most felt in Britain and places in North Western Europe. The consequences for these areas would have been immediate, with an increased likelihood of famine and ill health due to poor crop yields." Explore further Did famine worsen the Black Death? More information: C.P. Loveluck et al. Alpine ice-core evidence for the transformation of the European monetary system, AD 640670, Antiquity (2018). Journal information: Antiquity C.P. Loveluck et al. Alpine ice-core evidence for the transformation of the European monetary system, AD 640670,(2018). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.110 Professor Xiao-Hai Yan (third from right) works on climate change with the help of his students. Students, from left to right are Anglea Ditri, Lina Wang, Lingsheng Meng, Nan Chen, Hashei Sun and James Simkins. Credit: University of Delaware Heat is transported through the ocean by a deep-ocean circulation system, known as the global heat conveyor belt, which constantly circulates water around the globe and helps to balance the earth's climate. One of the upper branches of this conveyor belt, known as the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), is an ocean current that flows through various channels between Borneo and New Guinea, more than 9,000 miles from Delaware. While many of these channels have been known to researchers for years, the University of Delaware's Xiao-Hai Yan research team has uncovered a previously unaccounted for pathway transporting heat from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, and even further to the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica. A recent study, using models and data from 2003-2012 by Yan and colleagues at Princeton University, Xiamen University and University of Texas at Austin, revealed the warm water may be taking a shortcut in the Eastern Indian Ocean along the western coast of Australia. This warm water makes its way to the Southern Ocean more quickly than previously known or reportedrevealing an important link between the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean during a La Nina weather pattern, which is the cooling down of the Pacific Ocean along the equator. "When heat flows from the Pacific into the Indian Ocean, we expect that heat to follow the south equatorial current from the Indonesian Throughflow down to the eastern coast of Africa," said Yan, the Mary A.S. Lighthipe Professor in Marine Studies and director of UD's Center for Remote Sensing in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. "Instead, the data and model results showed that the abnormally warm water traveled closer to Western Australia, suggesting that other processes were driving the water southward." This increased transfer of warm water to the south has important climate consequences, Liao, a co-author from Princeton University said. It can affect the amount of rain that falls over Australia's western coast and increase the frequency of "hot events" that can cause coral bleaching, a phenomenon where coral expel the symbiotic algae living inside their tissues in response to heat stress, placing them at greater risk of mortality. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is still recovering from devastating bleaching events in 2016 and 2017, resulting from sustained high ocean temperatures amid a strong El Nino weather pattern. The discovery has implications for the study of climate change and could inform what scientists currently know about global warming. A globally connected system In the study, Yan and his colleagues looked at how the ocean heat content varied 700 meters (nearly 3,000 feet) below the ocean surface in the Indian Ocean from 2003-2012, a time period when an abnormally large amount of heat is said to have been transported from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. This study of the heat content was conducted using numerical model simulations, data that was measured by ships and deep ocean remote sensing, which is data mining using satellite measured surface temperature, salinity and sea levels. The researchers used a new, state-of-the-art global climate model known as the Community Earth System Model (CESM) to understand the physical processes, such as wind patterns, that may have contributed to this change. Based on this finding, Yan and his colleagues theorize that this shortcut may have intensified heat transport between ocean basin waters in the different hemispheres by providing a new route for warmer water to travel directly from the tropical Indian Pacific Ocean to the Southern Ocean. Understanding this link is important because the ocean is a globally connected system, and temperatures there can significantly affect sea surface temperatures (SST) and salinity in other places, such as the Atlantic Ocean. For example, higher tropical Atlantic SST can weaken the large system of ocean currents that carry warm water from the tropics northwards into the North Atlantic, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), but also can trigger warming or cooling-El Nino/La Nina-like SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific. Both of these scenarios have profound impacts on climate systems that can manifest in extreme weather patterns, such as those experienced this fall with Hurricanes Florence and Michael, which made landfall in the Carolinas and along the Florida panhandle, but also affected coastal regions as far north as the Delmarva Peninsula, New Jersey and New York. The researchers recently reported their findings in the scientific journal Climate Dynamics. Co-authors on the study include Enhui Liao, the paper's lead author and a former doctoral student of Yan's now at Princeton University; Jiang Yuwu from Xiamen University in China and Autumn N. Kidwell from University of Texas at Austin. Experts in heat redistribution Yan and members of his lab have spent years studying what is known as the hiatus period of global warming, observed from 1998 to 2013 and caused by heat redistribution and storage in the deep ocean. Yan explained that during this time period almost all of the ocean basins' deep layers became warmer. In a subsequent study, reported in Nature Scientific Reports, Yan and Lu Han, a former UD graduate student, looked specifically at the mechanisms that caused excessive heat accumulation in the Agulhas Region. The Agulhas Region refers to the ocean waters off the southern tip of Africa, and is considered to be one of the fastest warming regions in the world over the last few decades. Data supports that waters in the Agulhas Region gained more heat during the hiatus period than previous global warming acceleration periods in the same region. It is also an important oceanic sink for excess heat found in the ocean because global mean surface temperature had shown that warming in most other areas of the ocean slowed down during the hiatus period. "In the global warming hiatus period from 1998 through 2013, the Southern Ocean including the Agulhas Region had never slowed down. It was still warming," said Yan. According to Han and Yan, increased salinity in the ocean during the hiatus period was mainly responsible for the interior ocean warming. This increase in salinity forced the heat to move horizontally, instead of following the water column's downward, vertical movement, as was typical during the acceleration period. This horizontal forcing, Yan said, led to higher temperatures in the ocean interior during a time when most of the ocean showed a decrease in surface temperature. In addition, they found that the Agulhas Current and Agulhas Leakagea current of water that drifts into the Atlantic Ocean rather than going to the Indian Ocean on its normal trajectoryserve as pathways for heat to be transported between the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic Ocean. Taken together, the findings from these two papers reveal important connections between the hidden heat transport and redistribution across ocean basins that can impact our global climate system significantly. "They link the climate change "switch" at the Atlantic Ocean and "engine" at the Western Pacific Ocean together," Yan said. More information: Enhui Liao et al. New findings on the route of heat transport between the Indo-Pacific and Southern Ocean, Climate Dynamics (2018). Enhui Liao et al. New findings on the route of heat transport between the Indo-Pacific and Southern Ocean,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s00382-018-4436-4 Lu Han et al. Warming in the Agulhas Region during the Global Surface Warming Acceleration and Slowdown, Scientific Reports (2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31755-1 Journal information: Climate Dynamics , Scientific Reports Firefighters, legislators, and residents on the East Coast should watch carefully the way their California counterparts are dealing with wildfires tearing through the state. The combined forces that brought about the blaze are growing more and more present in the Northeast, said Stephen Flynn, founding director of Northeastern's Global Resilience Institute. "The sooner we get our act together here, the better," Flynn said, speaking from the university's Boston campus. "There's a lot we can learn here on the East Coast." Wildfires in northern and southern California have devastated broad swaths of the state, killing more than 60 people and destroying thousands of homes. While it's still unclear what sparked the fires, there are several factors that accelerated them, said Flynn, who last year published a report on the changing landscape of wildfires for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. First, as development spreads, housing and other buildings are encroaching upon what had previously been wilderness. This increases the likelihood that a wildfire will become fatal or otherwise destructive to homes, Flynn said. Second, a changing climate is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather, Flynn said. This includes extended periods of drought and heatconditions that prime forestland for fast-moving fires. "Those combined forces are playing out in a very dramatic way in California," he said. And they're conditions that are growing more and more present along the East Coast, and in New England specifically, Flynn said. A good example of the changing conditions in New England can be seen in Connecticut, Flynn said. Early settlers cleared 75 percent of the state's forestland in order to use it for family farms. Throughout the intervening centuries, those farms were sold or abandoned. By the late 1990s, 60 percent of Connecticut was back to forestland. "When you drive up [Interstate] 395 from Norwich to the Massachusetts border, all you see is trees. That would've been open field back in the day," Flynn said. The failure of family farms and subsequent reforestation of New England in general and Connecticut in particular means there are trees next to buildings that weren't there before, Flynn said. With those trees serving as fuel, this means that those developed areas are more vulnerable to wildfires. "When you combine the risk of extreme heat and drought brought on by climate change with the built environment moving into the wilderness, they're twin factors that put the risk of wildfires at a far greater level," Flynn said. This is a risk that New England isn't ready for, he added, because fighting forest fires is very different from traditional firefighting, and New England hasn't had to deal with many large-scale forest fires. "Volunteer fire departments aren't going to be enough," Flynn said. There are steps New Englanders can take to prepare, though. Homeowners can take cues from California residents and move ornamental bushes further from their homes and make sure their trees are properly trimmed. Fire departments can work together to have an organizational plan for attacking large conflagrations. State legislators can ensure fire departments have the money and resources they'll need. "The risk is clearly rising," Flynn said. "Once it happens, we could be seeing a California-like scenario here." Explore further Yes, climate change is making wildfires worse Planktonic foraminifera, such as these collected in the Gulf of Mexico, form the base of many marine and aquatic food chains. Upon death, their skeletons settle on the seafloor to form sedimentary rock such as limestone and chalk. Pressed together in sufficient quantities, such sedimentary rock could have a lubricating effect on the movement of continental plates. Credit: Randolph Femmer, USGS A new study by The University of Texas at Austin has demonstrated a possible link between life on Earth and the movement of continents. The findings show that sediment, which is often comprised from pieces of dead organisms, could play a key role in determining the speed of continental drift. In addition to challenging existing ideas about how plates interact, the findings are important because they describe potential feedback mechanisms between tectonic movement, climate and life on Earth. The study, published Nov. 15 in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, describes how sediment moving under or subducting beneath tectonic plates could regulate the movement of the plates and may even play a role in the rapid rise of mountain ranges and growth of continental crust. The research was led by Whitney Behr, a research fellow at the Jackson School and professor at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, and co-authored by Thorsten Becker, a professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences and research scientist at its Institute for Geophysics (UTIG). Sediment is created when wind, water and ice erode existing rock or when the shells and skeletons of microscopic organisms like plankton accumulate on the seafloor. Sediment entering subduction zones has long been known to influence geological activity such as the frequency of earthquakes, but until now it was thought to have little influence on continental movement. That's because the speed of subduction was believed to be dependent on the strength of the subducting plate as it bends and slides into the viscous mantle, the semi molten layer of rock beneath the Earth's crust. Continental movement is driven by one plate sinking under another so, in this scenario, the strength of the portion of the plate being pulled into the Earth's mantle (and the energy required to bend it) would be the primary control for the speed of the plate movement, with sediment having little effect. However, prior research involving UTIG scientists had shown the subducting plates may be weaker and more sensitive to other influences than previously thought. This led researchers to look for other mechanisms that might impact plate velocity. They estimated how different types of rock might affect the plate interface the boundary where subducting plates meet. Subsequent modelling showed that rock made of sediment can create a lubricating effect between plates, accelerating subduction and increasing plate velocity. High mountain ranges such as the Andes are formed near subduction zones where one plate is forced under another. Eroding mountains and subducting seafloor could be elements of a self-regulating mechanism modulating the speed of continental movement. Credit: Nicolas Prieto on Unsplash This mechanism could set in motion a complex feedback loop. As plate velocity increases, there would be less time for sediment to accumulate, so the amount of subducting sediment would be reduced. This leads to slower subduction, which may allow for mountains to grow at plate boundaries as the force of the two plates running into each other causes uplift. In turn, erosion of those mountains by wind, water and other forces can produce more sediments which feed back into the subduction zone and restart the cycle by increasing the speed of subduction. "The feedback mechanisms serve to regulate subduction speeds such that they don't 'runaway' with extremely fast velocities," said Behr. Behr and Becker's new model also offers a compelling explanation for variations found in plate speed, such as India's dramatic northward acceleration some 70 million years ago. The authors propose that as India moved through equatorial seas teeming with life, an abundance of sedimentary rock formed by organic matter settling on the seafloor created a lubricating effect in the subducting plate. India's march north accelerated from a stately 5 centimeters per year (about 2 inches) to an eye-watering 16 centimeters per year (about 6 inches). As the continent accelerated the amount of sediment being subducted decreased and India slowed before finally colliding with Asia. Behr and Becker suggest these feedback mechanisms would have been very different in the early Earth before the formation of continents and the emergence of life. Although their model does not examine the origins of these feedback mechanisms, it does raise compelling questions about the interaction between continental movement and life on Earth. "What is becoming clear is that the geological history of the incoming plate matters," said Becker, who also holds the Shell Distinguished Chair in Geophysics at UT. "We will have to study in more detail how those possible feedback processes may work." Explore further Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth's interior More information: Whitney M. Behr et al, Sediment control on subduction plate speeds, Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2018). Journal information: Earth and Planetary Science Letters Whitney M. Behr et al, Sediment control on subduction plate speeds,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2018.08.057 Pupils at the coding club in Ivory Park take wires from the breadboardthe base for building an electronics circuitto a fan that they will programmme to work from a laptop It's Wednesday, 2:00 pm sharp in the densely-populated South African township of Ivory Park on the outskirts of Midrandtime for about 60 11-year-olds to duel at their local coding club. Armed with basic coding blocks, inventor kits, laptops and inexhaustible imagination, the six primary school teams compete against each other. The coding club kids use electronic boards to make temporary circuits and prototypes to devise solutions for problems they've identified in their community. "We are making an incubator machine that helps children who are born premature and those who are sick," Sifiso Ngobeni, a pupil at Mikateka Primary School, outside Johannesburg, told AFP. Rival competitors from nearby Sedi-laka primary are tackling the scourge of missing children. "On the news we always hear about children going missing, so we are making a child tracking device that can be put into children's clothes and toys," says one of the chattering crowd. Coding is the instruction that a robot or computer programme reads and then executes. At the coding clubs, students learn to design the code to make it happen. Although access to schooling has increased in South Africa since the end of apartheid, the education system often fails to make the grade. Coding instructor Chamu Mawire says the coding has to be relevant to daily life to get youngsters motivated "The fact that we still have 80 percent of teachers using chalks and blackboards in this day and age is a serious cause for great concern," education activist Hendrick Makaneta said. "It cannot be correct that the class of 2018 still looks exactly like the class of 1918." Studies, including the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), reveal that the South African public education system is at the bottom of the class when compared with the rest of the world, especially in maths and science. Such subjects are key skill areas, and coding clubs have been rapidly able to create a niche for themselves. From fun games to employment? In September, the ministry of education said it would get behind coding clubs, which have also proved popular elsewhere in Africa, including Kenya and Botswana. In South Africa, the clubs are mainly hosted for free by NGOs, such as ORT SA, CodeJIKA and We Think Code. Press the button: The children work with kits that provide the building blocks in computer coding and robotics "The will is there and our schools are open to it, some of them already have it (basic coding training) as part of their formal curriculum in technical schools," education ministry spokesman Elijah Mhlanga said. "Pupils will be exposed to it so that as they grow up they are truly aware of what it will require of them." In a country where over 50 percent of young people are unemployed, coding clubs also boost the chances of finding a job. "The clubs are about teaching learners the basics of coding and programming. We do basic coding using blocks and as they go to high school, we introduce them to more complex programmes," Chamu Mawire, coding facilitator at ORT SA, told AFP. But the coding has to be relevant to daily lives to get youngsters to want to learn, he said. "We want them to identify problems in their areas or in their schools and then they make projects to try and solve those problems within their day-to-day life," he said. While most of the Ivory Park pupils are familiar with using smart phones, smart TVs and the internet, coding and understanding algorithms is another challenge all together. The ministry of education has said it would get behind coding clubs, which have also proved popular elsewhere in Africa A 2018 report by McKinsey highlights that 45 percent of all current tasks could be automated with present technology. Innumerable aspects of life, from science to engineering, and financial services to law or art, will depend on coding. For Mawire, he envisions his students getting into the world of software development, software maintenance or technical aspects of fixing the gadgets and robots of the future. And for girls who, in South Africa and particularly in the townships, are especially vulnerable to exclusion, illiteracy and subsequent dependancy on men, it could make all the difference. "Once you've got a child who is confident, especially a girl, that child can stand their ground," he said. "Kids need to move with the dynamics of education, and programming is the way forward." Explore further Teachers need confidence to teach coding properly 2018 AFP 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. Anil Giri is a reporter covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for a decade-and-a-half, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets. Researchers prep the CSIM CubeSat for testing. Credit: LASP CU Boulder will soon have new eyes on the sun. Two miniature satellites designed by researchers at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) are scheduled to launch later this month on Spaceflight's SSO-A: SmallSat Express mission onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The new missionscalled the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer-2 (MinXSS-2) and the Compact Spectral Irradiance Monitor (CSIM)will collect data on the physics of the sun and its impact on life on Earth. These "CubeSats," which are smaller than a microwave oven, are set to blast into a near-Earth orbit alongside more than 60 other spacecraft. According to Spaceflight, the SSO-A: SmallSat Express is the largest dedicated rideshare mission from a U.S.-based launch vehicle to date. The upcoming missions underscore CU Boulder's growing leadership in deploying CubeSats for scientific research, said Tom Woods, associate director of LASP. He explained that as opportunities to launch spacecraft from commercial missions like SSO-A expand, small-sized satellites will become increasingly popular tools among scientists. "The time is right to do more and more science with these small satellites," said Woods, the principal investigator of the MinXSS-2 mission. Small packages In part, that's because they aren't traditional satellites. CubeSats are designed to take on big scientific questions in small packages, often using off-the-shelf equipment to keep costs and weight down. The antenna for MinXSS-2, for example, is made from a hardware store tape measure that will spring into place once the CubeSat reaches orbit. A typical CubeSat mission costs around $2 million to build and operatefar less than a full-sized science satellite that runs into the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. MinXSS-2 and CSIM were both funded by grants from NASA. "Launch costs go by kilograms," Woods said. "If you can get your satellites smaller, it costs a lot less to launch them." To date, LASP alone has deployed two of these lightweight spacecraft, with several more in the planning stages. One CubeSat that CU Boulder students operated from the roof of a building on campus helped to solve a six-decade-old space mystery around charged particles trapped in Earth's radiation belts. The two new CubeSats will build on that growing expertise, Woods said. CSIM is more compact version of a science instrument that LASP designed for the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1), which is currently collecting data from outside of the International Space Station. During its time in orbit, CSIM will point toward the sun, monitoring changes in the energy that the star sends toward Earth. Those shifts, including 11-year-long dips and peaks in the sun's activity, can play a big role in shaping climate across Earth. Blue Canyon Technologies, a company based in Boulder and founded by CU Boulder alumni, built the spacecraft, and the mission is led by Erik Richard, a research associate at LASP. Solar flares MinXSS-2 is a follow up to MinXSS, which deployed in 2016 and operated for about a year. MinXSS-2 will stay in orbit for much longerup to five yearsbut will also collect information on "soft" X-rays emanating from the sun. This high-energy radiation could reveal new information about how the sun's magnetic fields twist and snap, potentially sending huge bursts of charged particles toward Earth. Such eruptions can damage satellites orbiting Earth and cause disruptions in power grids on the ground, Woods said. "MinXSS-2 is monitoring the physics of these eruptions to determine why this energy is being released so explosively," he said. When the satellite launches next week, it will also be the culmination of several years of hard work by students at CU Boulder who helped to plan and piece together MinXSS-2. Because CubeSats are relatively fast to build, they make great educational tools, Woods said. Developing a CubeSat is "a three year program," he said. "Students can come in and do the whole thing. They can help design, build and fly it within their student career. With big satellites, you can't do that." Credit: John Innes Centre Technology first used by NASA to grow plants extra-terrestrially is fast tracking improvements in a range of crops. Scientists at John Innes Centre and the University of Queensland have improved the technique, known as speed breeding, adapting it to work in vast glass houses and in scaled-down desktop growth chambers. The ability to work at these scales gives scientists greater opportunities than ever before to breed disease resistant, climate resilient and nutritious crops to feed a growing global population. The research is published in the peer reviewed journal Nature Protocols. Speed breeding uses enhanced LED lighting and day-long regimes of up to 22 hours to optimise photosynthesis and promote rapid growth of crops. It speeds up the breeding cycle of plants: for example, six generations of wheat can be grown per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods. By shortening breeding cycles, the method allows scientists and plant breeders to fast-track genetic improvements such as yield gain, disease resistance and climate resilience in a range of crops such as wheat, barley, oilseed rape and pea. Being able to do this in a compact desktop chamber enables affordable, cutting-edge research on a range of crops to take place before the experiments are scaled up to larger glass houses. The latest advances come at a crucial time for European crop development. They follow a decision this summer by the Court of Justice of the European Union which ruled that crops improved using modern gene-editing techniques should be classed as genetically modified organisms. The decision was greeted with dismay among many leading plant scientists, breeders and farming industry leaders in the UK, because it frustrates efforts to meet the challenge of a growing world population. Dr. Brande Wulff a wheat scientist at the John Innes Centre and one of the lead authors on the paper explains that European crop research and breeding will become more dependent on speed breeding in the light of these developments. "Speed breeding allows researchers to rabidly mobilise the genetic variation found in wild relatives of crops and introduce it into elite varieties that can be grown by farmers. The EU ruling that heavily regulates gene editing means we are more reliant on speed breeding to grow sturdier, more resilient crops." Dr. Wulff's team at the John Innes Centre has developed techniques such as rapid gene discovery and cloning that, alongside speed breeding, would allow crop improvements via a non-GM route. Collaborators in Australiacurrently experiencing one of the worst droughts on recordare using the technology to rapidly cycle genetic improvements to make crops more drought resilient. Dr. Wulff predicts the speed breeding technology will become the norm in research institutes: "We know that more and more institutes across the world will be adopting this technology and by sharing these protocols we are providing a pathway for accelerating crop research." The refinements, outlined in this study, aim to optimise the technology as a research tool. Changes to soil/media composition, lighting, temperature, spacing of plants and premature seed harvest have led to the team cutting down the seed-to-seed generation time in wheat to just eight weeks. This means the speed breeding technology allows six generations of wheat to be grown per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods. Sreya Ghosh, first author on the paper, from the John Innes Centre, highlights the benefit of making the technology accessible to more researchers. "It was important to us that we developed something that could be bought quickly and set up with minimum skill. "This scaled down cabinet means the technology is accessible and democratic. Researchers all over the world can set it up on their desk to get the benefits of speed breeding for their research programme." Generation time in most plant species represents a bottleneck in applied research programmes and breeding. Tackling this bottleneck means scientists can respond quicker to emerging diseases, changing climate and increased demand for certain traits. Explore further Pioneering new technology set to accelerate the global quest for crop improvement Hurricane Maria, September 20, 2017. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory In late September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. Shortly after the hurricane hit, more than 90 percent of the US territory lacked access to electricity. Even three months later, half of the island still did not have power, and power outages were frequent, forcing many people to rely on power generators. In a recent study, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (UPR-RP) researchers showed that these generators increased air pollution in the San Juan Metro Area. To power the generators after the hurricane, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Puerto Rico a waiver from ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements until mid-November 2017 and allowed Puerto Rico to use diesel fuel with higher sulfur content until they depleted the existing stocks. The EPA prohibits diesel fuel with higher sulfur content because the fuel is strongly correlated with emissions of fine particulate matter (PM)a known carcinogen. The widespread use of non-ULSD fuel can also increase concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), which is a precursor to PM that causes migraines and reduces hearth health. In addition to taking out much of the island's electricity, Hurricane Maria also damaged Puerto Rico's existing air monitoring network and no air quality data was collected for the first two months following hurricane impact. Certain reports attribute thousands of additional deaths after hurricane impact to Hurricane Maria, and some of those deaths may have been due to hurricane response-related air quality degradation. Carnegie Mellon and UPR-RP researchers started monitoring Puerto Rico's air quality in late November 2017. To monitor air quality in Puerto Rico, the researchers deployed four lower-cost Real-time Affordable Multi-Pollutant (RAMP) monitors and one black carbon (BC) monitor in the San Juan Metro Area. The RAMPs, which Carnegie Mellon developed in collaboration with SenSevere, operate on low-power solar panels and can measure carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), nitric oxide (NO), and SO 2 . In the first month of collection, the RAMPs measured SO 2 concentrations that exceeded the EPA's threshold approximately 80 percent of the time. On several days, SO 2 concentrations exceeded 200 ppb, well over the EPA's threshold of 75 ppb. The researchers also found that SO 2 concentrations were highly correlated with other harmful substance concentrations such as CO and BC, which is a significant component of fine particulate matter. The study's overall goal was to collect information that can "guide future responses to similar disaster scenarios." The study's principal investigator, Carnegie Mellon's Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist R. Subramanian, commented on the results, saying, "The high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide were unexpected, and show that the RAMPs can provide valuable information about potential air pollution-related health hazards in real-time. The results also strengthen the case for backup power sources that are not based on fossil fuels as part of disaster response plans." The findings were published in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. Locally, Carnegie Mellon's Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies also deploys RAMPs around Pittsburgh, Pa. neighborhoods to help residents understand their exposure to air pollution. Explore further Monitoring air pollution after Hurricane Maria More information: Air Quality in Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria: A Case Study on the Use of Lower Cost Air Quality Monitors, ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. Air Quality in Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria: A Case Study on the Use of Lower Cost Air Quality Monitors, ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.8b00079 Dinosaur reconstructions by Dr Anthony Romilio. Credit: University of Queensland Tracks made by dinosaurs the size of sparrows have been discovered in South Korea by an international team of palaeontologists. University of Queensland researcher Dr. Anthony Romilio was part of the team which described the tracks, which were originally found by Professor Kyung Soo Kim from Chinju National University of Education, South Korea. "These 110-million-year-old footprints and trackways were made by carnivorous dinosaurs commonly known as raptors," Dr. Romilio said. "These new tracks are just one centimetre in length, which means the dinosaur that made them was an animal you could have easily held in your hand. "They are the world's smallest dinosaur tracks." To estimate the size of the dinosaur that made the tracks, the team measured the footprint length and multiplied the value by 4.5 to get an approximate hip height. "The diminutive sizes of these new tracks are extraordinary; the tracks were made by tiny dinosaurs about the size of sparrows," Dr. Romilio said. "Raptors placed only two of their toes on the ground, while the third toe was retracted like a cat's claw." The research team are unsure if the tracks were made by a small adult species, or baby dinosaurs. Credit: University of Queensland "Very small dinosaur species like the Chinese Microraptor were crow-sized, but these had feet too large to match the South Korean footprints," Dr. Romilio said. "If the tracks were made by dinosaur chicks, we are unclear as to the specific dinosaur that made them, since dinosaurs such as Velociraptor and Utahraptor had larger feet then the ones discovered in these new tracks." Professor Kim said the Cretaceous lake deposits at the discovery site created perfect conditions that allowed for the preservation of tiny footprints rarely found elsewhere. "In addition to tiny dinosaur tracks, we have footprints made by birds, pterosaurs, lizards, turtles, mammals, and even frogs," he said. "We have named these small tracks Dromaeosauriformipes rarus, which means rare footprints made by a member of the raptor family known as dromaeosaurs," Professor Kim said. The research is published in Scientific Reports and included scientists from South Korea, the United States, China, Spain and Australia. Explore further Hightech imaging stamps on Queensland dinosaur stampede theory More information: Kyung Soo Kim et al. Smallest known raptor tracks suggest microraptorine activity in lakeshore setting, Scientific Reports (2018). Journal information: Scientific Reports Kyung Soo Kim et al. Smallest known raptor tracks suggest microraptorine activity in lakeshore setting,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35289-4 Nevado Santa Isabels glacier once stretched all the way down through this valley. Credit: Sarah Fecht Daniel Ruiz-Carrascal stands on a mound of jagged rocks that seem out of place in the otherwise smooth and grassy landscape. "The glacier was here in the mid-1500s," he explains. The white peak of Nevado Santa Isabel looms a mile ahead and about 1,300 feet taller than our own dizzyingly high elevation. It's hard to picture that white stretching all the way down to this rocky hill, burying the entire valley in ice. Ruiz-Carrascal brought me here into the Colombian Andes to visit the paramo, one of the most unique ecosystems on Earthand one of the most threatened by a changing climate. The paramos can only be found in the Andes mountains at altitudes above 12,500 feet. The air is so thin that you can lose your breath standing still. The weather can be treacherously rainy and snowy, and every day the temperature fluctuates from below freezing to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet despite the harsh conditions, the paramos are the world's most diverse high-altitude ecosystem, home to an estimated 5,000 species3,000 of which live nowhere else on Earth. This ecosystem isn't important just for plants and animals. Throughout the Andes, the paramos act like a sponge, collecting water from fog, drizzle, and melting mountaintop glaciers, storing it, and then releasing it into the lowlands. An estimated 40 million peopleincluding residents in Bogota, Colombia and Quito, Ecuadordepend on the paramos for drinking water. Sadly, the tropical Andes are warming faster than anywhere else outside of the Arctic Circle. The glaciers are melting, less precipitation is reaching the mountaintops, and the paramos are drying out. Species are forced to migrate to higher and higher altitudes to seek out the cold temperatures they're adapted to. Eventually, there may be nowhere left to go. Ruiz-Carrascal, a hydroclimatologist and adjunct at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) at Columbia University's Earth Institute, is working to understand these changes and evaluate adaptation strategies. Leading a team from the Escuela de Ingenieria de Antioquia (EIA) in Medellin, he has set up a network of sensors to measure the changes taking place in the paramos and to understand what the future holds. The team is one of just a handful doing long-term studies of this extraordinary and important biome. Ruiz-Carrascal is an alumnus of IRI's Climate and Society master's program. He received his Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University as well, and decided to focus his research on high-altitude environments. He's been hiking into these mountains all his life. Credit: Sarah Fecht Very few weather stations are installed in the paramosthe altitude and remoteness make it too difficult to operate and maintain the equipment. As a result, there's been a large gap in scientists' understanding of what's happening in the high elevations of the Andes. That's why Ruiz-Carrascal's team has installed 23 sensors in the paramos of Colombia's Los Nevados region. The sensors track temperature, relative humidity, and dew point every hour at altitudes of up to 16,000 feet. Every couple of months, the team rides into the paramos to collect the data from their sensors, and take other measurements. "We're taking science to the limit," Ruiz-Carrascal tells me in his office at EIA, where he's an associate professor, before we set off on the long and bumpy ride into the mountains. Out of Circulation Mornings bring clear skies in the paramos, while the valleys below swim in a sea of clouds, pushed down by chilly temperatures. As the day warms up, those clouds usually rise, carrying fog and drizzle into the paramos. This upward flow of moisture is like the paramo's blood supply. But Ruiz-Carrascal's team is finding evidence that the circulation patterns that deliver this moisture are changing, causing the upper ranges of the tropical Andes to warm up and dry out very quickly. According to the team's sensors, the paramos are warming about 1.6 times faster than the surrounding lowlands. This rapid transformation appears to be driven by unusual warming in the region's upper troposphere. Under normal circumstances, as a patch of air in the lowlands heats up, it becomes less dense and floats upward. The parcel of air will continue rising as long as it remains warmer than the air around it. Eventually, it cools and releases water in the high altitudes. However, the team thinks that in the future, those air patches won't be able to rise as high as usual, except during very unusual events, and the paramos will receive less water. "There's a big hole in the climate models," Ruiz-Carrascal says, because they don't fully account for the changes taking place in the atmosphere above the tropical Andes. Data from his sensor network are helping to fill that hole. Since the paramos poke into the upper troposphere, tracking temperature and moisture on the ground monitors atmospheric changes at the same time. Essentially, says Ruiz-Carrascal, the paramos are "a place where you can touch upper atmospheric dynamics." Leafing Through the Past If the Colombian paramos had a poster child, it would be Espeletia. These plants are nicknamed frailejonesbig friarsthanks to their sometimes towering heights and thick brown stems, which could theoretically be mistaken for monastic robes on a foggy day. Espeletia are unique to the paramos. And because their stems absorb moisture from fog and route it into the ground, they play an important role in regulating paramo water supply. Doing his best to draw on a notepad while our all-wheel-drive vehicle bounces along a dirt road, EIA environmental engineer Enrique Angel-Sanint explains to me why Espeletia play an important role in the team's research as well. Instead of brown robes, their stems are cloaked in dead leaves that never drop. And because each individual may live for a century or longer, those leaves could provide a rich library of the paramos' past climateif the team can figure out how to read them. The first step is learning how Espeletia grows. For this, Angel-Sanint uses a plastic "sewing kit" full of pins, rulers, and protractors to measure the plant's growth rate throughout its lifetime. "Once you have this, you can see an individual's height and deduce its age," he explains. Then, because the leaves grow in a very predictable wayhis squiggled drawings show them springing out of the crown, fresh and tall, then flattening downward and dying as the plant growshe'll be able to give a specific age to each leaf. By correlating features such as the size and density of the leaf's microscopic pores, called stomata, Angel-Sanint hopes that each leaf will provide a record of humidity levels just before it was born, whether that was one year ago or 130. The El Nino climate pattern, driven by ocean and atmospheric temperatures in the Pacific, dramatically exacerbates warming and drying in the paramos. In the past, after these dry periods, Espeletia's leaves would likely have responded by producing leaves with fewer stomata, through which they could lose water. By putting Espeletia's leaves under a microscope, the team hopes to figure out whether El Nino events are becoming more frequent due to climate changeand what that might mean for the future of the paramos. The team has installed 23 sensors to track temperature, relative humidity, and dew point every hour at altitudes of up to 16,000 feet. Credit: Sarah Fecht "Things will be a mess if you have El Nino events adding heat to upper levels of the troposphere on top of the long-term warming," explains Ruiz-Carrascal. Studying the past, he says, helps to "project what is likely to happen under a future warmer world." Total Meltdown When Angel-Sanint visited Los Nevados 30 years ago, he saw snow and ice capping the El Cisne volcano. Now its peak looks brown and barren. Nearby, the Nevado Santa Isabel could be next. Between 2016 and early 2018, it lost 37 percent of its remaining ice area, including about 11 meters of thickness in some places. Colombia's glaciers have been slowly shrinking for thousands of years, since the end of the last ice age. But in the past few decades, the receding rate has risen dramatically because of manmade climate change. Since the 1950s, Colombia's glaciers have diminished from 113 square kilometers to just 37 in 2017. They could completely vanish within the next 30 years. To better understand what the loss of the glaciers means for the paramos and the people that depend on them, Ruiz-Carrascal and teams from the University of Ireland at Galway and Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Medellin are studying the rocks that the retreating glaciers left behind. Pushing his foot into some loose soil on the trail, Ruiz-Carrascal shows how soil and rocks build up in front of a glacier tongue as it grows and spreads during cold periods. Then, as the climate warms, the shrinking glacier pulls back, leaving behind the mound it had once pushed in front of ita moraine. Scraping off samples from the moraine rocks, the researchers can use helium-3 and beryllium-10 to estimate when the glacier left behind each footprint. Together with clues from the landscape, the teams are reconstructing the glacial history of the region, creating a record of the timing and extent of glacial movements over the last 20 to 30,000 years. At night and in the early morning, cooler temperatures push clouds to lower altitudes. But as the day heats up, these clouds will rise and carry moisture into the paramos. Credit: Sarah Fecht Andean glaciers have ebbed and flowed many times over that time period, and the paramos grew and shrankand regrewalong with the ice caps. Will they be able to recover from the high-speed human-made onslaught that's frying them now? To find out, ecologist Maria Elena Gutierrez-Lagoueyte from Universidad EIA is studying paramo resiliency. A Tangled Bank Before we set out on the trail to Nevado Santa Isabel, Ruiz-Carrascal tells me: "You'll see species that I'm sure you haven't seen in your life, and you won't see anywhere else on Earth." He's right, of course. There are tall Espeletia with their palmy crowns; round, boulder-like cushion plants; and "paramo fingers" that wiggle strangely in the wind. Gutierrez-Lagoueyte points out a dizzying array of species as we walk. She's indexing paramo species in an online catalog that contains about 500 species so far. She's also studying how the distribution of species is shifting as the paramos heat up, and trying to determine which species could be most vulnerable. As the planet warms, many mountain plants and animals are migrating to higher elevations. But each species' response is different. To monitor which plants are adapting in place versus migrating or dying out, the team has set up experimental plots across a variety of elevations. Every few months, they check inside the plots to see which plants are present and in what quantities, keeping watch for changes over time. Finding one of these experimental plots is surprisingly difficult, even in the treeless landscape. We leave the trail and follow Gutierrez-Lagoueyte on a circuitous route up a hill, being careful not to step on the more fragile species. "It's around here somewhere" she says after a wrong turn. Finally, we pass through some bushes and stumble into the plota large box outlined by a hanging cord. Inside is a weather station, one of four that the team has installed, covered in boxes and wires and topped with a spinning wind vane. The technology feels jarring in this landscape that otherwise hides the marks of human interference. Espeletia plants are unique to the paramo, and may provide a record of past conditions at these high altitudes. Credit: Sarah Fecht In addition to studying the plant composition, the team is tracking soil temperature and humidity, incoming sunlight levels, wind direction and velocity, and rainfall in this plot. Black cables stretch from the weather station's base into the ground to measure how the plants affect soil moisture and contribute to water storage and release. "We're trying to connect how vegetation brings the service of water regulation into the park," explains Gutierrez-Lagoueyte. Water Logging The lakes along the trail to Nevado Santa Isabel were sacred to the local indigenous peoplea place to pay tribute to the gods. The sky feels bigger and closer here, and water is everywhere, shining in cushion bogs, reflecting the blue sky and clouds in small pools, and flowing downhill in streams. The Rio Claro is just a gentle trickle up here, wide enough to hop across. Farther down the mountain, it becomes a proper river, gushing and splashing. It's one of many waterways that shuttles the moisture stored in paramo bogs and pools into the lowlands, helping to recharge aquifers during dry spells. How much water do the paramos actually dole out? And how will that change as the upper tropospheric warming changes the water balance? To find out, the team is studying the watersheds of the Claro and Otun rivers. "Everyone says the paramos are like factories for water, but we don't know how much they produce," says Santiago Ortega-Arango, a water resources engineer at Universidad EIA. "If we're not able to quantify it, we won't be able to manage it properly." Ortega-Arango is working on a paramo watershed model, which would be a first of its kind. These watersheds are "totally different" from the standard models, says Ortega-Arango, because for starters, there's the paramos' horizontal precipitationthe water deposited by fog. Peat bogs and the rapid freezing and unfreezing at different times of day also help to make these watersheds strange. Colombias glaciers are melting at a very fast rate. They could vanish completely within a few decades. Credit: Sarah Fecht Before he can start building the model, Ortega-Arango needs data. So the team is tracking streamflow, changes in snowpack melting, and how much water is stored in the bogs, lagoons, and vegetation. They are also assessing rainfall and evapotranspiration levels, to look for changes in the water cycle. Once it's finished, the open-source watershed model will help the team to devise climate adaptation strategies and guide decisions on water use in the region. Looking to the Future Collecting the data from the team's sensors is as easy as pulling the sensor out of its boxy radiation shield and plugging it into a computer like a USB. Daniel Gonzalez-Duque, a master's student in water resources engineering at Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Medellin and young researcher at EIA, analyzes the data and merges them with global climate models' outputs, to try to reconstruct the past and understand what the future has in store for the paramos. The team can already see a warming trend. The average temperature around one sensor has risen from 6 degrees Celsius to 6.2 over just ten years. That doesn't sound like much, but it's almost twice as fast as the surrounding lowlands. Ten years is a relatively short time period from which to predict long-term changes, Ruiz-Carrascal cautions. But he hopes to continue the data collection for decades to come. He's growing the network of sensors bit by bit, and wants to expand into other lines of research, toofor example, taking bog cores to see what their layers of muck can reveal about the history of the region's vegetation. He also dreams of one day opening an observatory and visitors center to help educate the public about the paramo and why it's important to preserve it. Cushion plants look (and feel) like green boulders. Credit: Sarah Fecht Colombia's National Natural Parks System supports the team's research by granting them permits to install the sensors and access protected areas that aren't open to the public. Mario Franco-Ortiz, a technical administrative manager with the parks system, says the research is important because "as more investigative processes yield results, we're going to have better knowledge of what we're taking care of and what we want to conserve, and where we're headed." What happens in the Andes won't stay in the Andes. Ruiz-Carrascal thinks of the paramos as a harbinger of climate change, providing insight into how other parts of the world will change as the global thermostat continues to rise. While the future is daunting, he derives hope from the fact that Colombian government is starting to now fully recognize the importance of the paramo in supplying water for drinking and for generating hydroelectricity, and that it's taking steps to protect this natural treasure. "They're starting to turn heads to the paramo," he says, "and see that we have a magnificent ecosystem that has to be preserved." Provided by Earth Institute, Columbia University This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. If warming rises more than 2C above pre-industrial levels and no adequate adaptation measures are implemented, Europe is in danger of being exposed to more frequent and intense extreme weather conditions, which will also have significant economic impacts. This outlook is the result of a detailed assessment of the impact of climate change on Europe's economy, society and environment made by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Commission's science and knowledge hub. Further, more detailed findings show that under a high warming (above 2C) scenario: Rising temperatures and increased hot spells could result in an additional 132,000 yearly heat fatalities, while labour productivity could drop by 10-15% in some southern European countries; Shifts in flower/plant blooming, growing season and changes in soil water content will affect agriculture productivity and habitat suitability, with a potential doubling of the arid climate zone; Sea levels will rise along Europe's coastlines, resulting in a 5-fold increase in coastal flood damages; Three times more people will be exposed to river floods, while river flood damages could rise from 5.3 billion Euro/year to 17.5 billion Euro/year. Energy demand for heating will decrease, yet energy requirements for cooling spaces will rise rapidly; Southern parts of Europe may face increasing water shortage and more droughts, whereas water resources will generally increase in northern Europe Most of these climate damages would be greatly reduced under the 2C scenario. The JRC PESETA III report brings together experts in economics, biology, physics and engineering to calculate the physical impacts and economic costs of climate change in Europe. The report quantifies these impacts and shows how, if we act now to limit emissions, we can prevent the worst effects. Southern Europe to be hit hardest In several impact areas there is a clear geographical north-south divide: countries in southern Europe will be more affected by global warming than those in the north. This is clearly the case for heat-related deaths, water resources, habitat loss, energy demand for cooling and forest fires. The Mediterranean area appears to be the most impacted by climate change. Counting the cost The report analyses the impact of climate change for 11 different impact categories: coastal floods, river floods, droughts, agriculture, energy, transport, water resources, habitat loss, forest fires, labour productivity, and heat-related mortality. For most of these, the study compares a scenario where actions to limit warming to 2C are successful, compared to one where they are not. From the economic perspective, the losses associated with heat-related mortality represent a very significant share of damages in a high warming scenario. Other shares, in order of importance, are: coastal flooding, labour productivity, agriculture and river flooding. As the coverage of potential impacts is largely incomplete (e.g. damages due to possible climate tipping points and ecosystems services losses are not considered), the sum of the economic damage estimates is not equal to the total economic costs of climate change in Europe. These are likely to be significantly higher. PESETA III also estimates how climate change impacts in the rest of the world could affect Europe, considering four impact areasresidential energy demand, river flooding, labour productivity and agriculture. The transboundary effect of these four impact categories was estimated to increase the EU welfare loss by 20% in a high warming scenario. Again it should be stressed that the boundary effects could be far greater when all potential impacts of climate change are considered. Background The JRC PESETA III project aims to give us a better understanding of how climate change can affect Europe, in order to derive useful insights for climate adaptation. The research integrates what is known on climate impacts across various natural science disciplines into an economic analysis setting. The project takes into consideration estimates on CO2 emissions and the corresponding warming and changes in climate (temperature, rain, wind, solar radiation, air humidity, sea level rise). The high time-space resolution climate projections feed detailed sector-specific impact models to estimate the biophysical impacts. The biophysical impacts are then integrated in an economic modelling framework in order to assess the economic burden of potential levels of global warming. The following 11 impact categories are considered: coastal floods, river floods, droughts, agriculture, energy, transport, water resources, habitat loss, forest fires, labour productivity, and heat-related mortality. The project is part of wider Commission efforts to make the EU more climate-resilient. In 2013 the Commission adopted an EU strategy on adaptation to climate change which has been welcomed by Member States. By taking a coherent approach and providing for improved coordination, it enhances the preparedness and capacity of all governance levels to respond to the impacts of climate change. In 2016, the Commission launched an evaluation of the EU Adaptation Strategy to examine the actual implementation and performance of the strategy. This evaluation, also published today, includes several key findings in the JRC PESETA III report. More information: DOI: 10.2760/93257 Provided by European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC) Despite lack of resources, the Kartik Nach plays on A few minutes before the clock struck seven, a thumping drum, punctuated intermittently by sharper notes, travelled through the alleyways around the Patan Durbar Square on Tuesday evening. A crowd of nearly a hundred people had gathered at the Kartik Dabali, at the centre of which were four torches placed in a perfect square. Fifth Colombo Process meet kicks off in Kathmandu In a bid to discuss safer labour migration and protect rights of migrant workers, the 5th Senior Officials Meeting of the Colombo Process has begun in Kathmandu on Thursday. 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. Moving beyond two, stuck in three The upsurge of the Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM) movement has continually posed challenges to rigid norms perpetuated by the gender binary. Nepal urges Asian nations to work together for protecting migrant workers rights Nepal has urged labour source Asian nations to work together for protecting rights of migrant workers in various labour destinations. Nirmalas parents fall ill; refuse to leave sit-in camp for treatment in hospital The parents of teenage rape and murder victim, Nirmala Pant, have fallen ill in course of their protest. The couple, however, have refused to leave their sit-in camp, outside the Kanchanpur District Administration Office in Mahendranagar, for treatment. The major gold miners stocks remain mired in universal bearishness, largely left for dead. They are just wrapping up their third-quarter earnings season, which proved challenging. Lower gold prices cut deeply into cash flows and profits, and production-growth struggles persisted. But these elite companies did hold the line on costs, portending soaring earnings as gold recovers. Their absurdly-cheap stock prices arent justified. Four times a year publicly-traded companies release treasure troves of valuable information in the form of quarterly reports. Companies trading in the States are required to file 10-Qs with the US Securities and Exchange Commission by 40 calendar days after quarter-ends. Canadian companies have similar requirements at 45 days. In other countries with half-year reporting, many companies still partially report quarterly. These quarterlies offer the best fundamental data available for individual major gold miners, showing how their operations are really faring. That helps dispel the thick obscuring fogs of sentiment that billow up the rest of the time. While I always eagerly anticipate perusing these key reports, I worried what this Q318 earnings season would reveal. Lower gold prices, flagging production, and weak sentiment are a witches brew. The definitive list of major gold-mining stocks to analyze comes from the worlds most-popular gold-stock investment vehicle, the GDX VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF. Its composition and performance are similar to the benchmark HUI gold-stock index. GDX utterly dominates this sector, with no meaningful competition. This week GDXs net assets are 50.5x larger than the next-biggest 1x-long major-gold-miners ETF! GDX is effectively the gold-mining industrys blue-chip index, including the biggest and best publicly-traded gold miners from around the globe. GDX inclusion is not only prestigious, but grants gold miners better access to the vast pools of stock-market capital. As ETF investing continues to rise, capital inflows into leading sector ETFs require their managers to buy more shares in underlying component companies. My earnings-season trepidation soared on October 25th. The gold stocks were doing fairly well then, with GDX rallying 14.4 percent out of mid-Septembers deep forced-capitulation lows. Sentiment was slowly improving. But that day GDX plunged 4.4 percent out of the blue, and the flat gold price at upleg highs certainly wasnt the driver. The most-loved major gold miner had plummeted after reporting shockingly-bad Q3 results. Goldcorp has always been one of GDXs top components. It reported mining just 503k ounces of gold last quarter, which plunged 11.9 percent sequentially quarter-on-quarter and 20.5 percent year-over-year! That forced its all-in sustaining costs a proportional 20.8 percent higher YoY to $999 per ounce. Investors panicked and fled, hammering GG stock 18.7 percent lower. That was the worst down day in the 24.6-year history of this company. That left it at an extreme 16.2-year low! GG hadnt been lower since August 2002 when gold was still in the low $300s, it was apocalyptic. That really torpedoed still-fragile sentiment in this sector, even though GGs woes looked short-lived. It was bringing a new expansion online at one of its big mines, which was what caused the shortfall. Now in Q418 Goldcorp expects production to rebound to 620k ounces at $750 AISCs. After GGs Q3 disaster, I worried frayed investors would dump other gold stocks on any hints of less-than-optimal quarterly results. But GDX has ground sideways on balance since that GG shock, weathering this risky earnings season with sentiment so fragile. Ever since Ive been anxious to analyze the collective Q3 results of the major gold miners as a whole, to see if GGs travails were unique to it or more systemic. GDXs component list this week ran 48 Gold Miners long. While the great majority of GDX stocks do fit that bill, it also contains gold-royalty companies and major silver miners. All the worlds big primary gold miners publicly traded in major markets are included. Every quarter I look into the latest operating and financial results of the top 34 GDX companies, which is just an arbitrary number fitting neatly into these tables. Thats a commanding sample, as GDXs 34 largest components now account for a whopping 93.5 percent of its total weighting! These elite miners that reported Q318 results produced 296.4 metric tons of gold, which accounts for fully 33.9 percent of last quarters total global gold production. That ran 875.3t per the recently-released Q318 Gold Demand Trends report from the World Gold Council. Ill discuss production more below. Most of these top 34 GDX gold miners trade in the US and Canada where comprehensive quarterly reporting is required by regulators. But some trade in Australia and the UK, where companies just need to report in half-year increments. Fortunately those gold miners do still tend to issue production reports without financial statements each quarter. There are still wide variations in reporting styles and data offered. Every quarter I wade through a ton of data from these major gold miners latest results and dump it into a big spreadsheet for analysis. The highlights make it into these tables. Blank fields mean a company had not reported that data for Q318 as of this Wednesday. Looking at the major gold miners latest results in aggregate offers valuable insights on this industrys current fundamental health unrivaled anywhere else. The first couple columns of these tables show each GDX components symbol and weighting within this ETF as of this week. While most of these stocks trade on US exchanges, some symbols are listings from companies primary foreign stock exchanges. Thats followed by each gold miners Q318 production in ounces, which is mostly in pure-gold terms. That excludes byproduct metals often present in gold ore. Those are usually silver and base metals like copper, which are valuable. They are sold to offset some of the considerable costs of gold mining, lowering per-ounce costs and thus raising overall profitability. In cases where companies didnt separate out gold and lumped all production into gold-equivalent ounces, those GEOs are included instead. Then productions absolute year-over-year change from Q317 is shown. Next comes gold miners most-important fundamental data for investors, cash costs and all-in sustaining costs per ounce mined. The latter directly drives profitability which ultimately determines stock prices. These key costs are also followed by YoY changes. Last but not least the annual changes are shown in operating cash flows generated, hard GAAP earnings, revenues, and cash on hand with a couple exceptions. Percentage changes arent relevant or meaningful if data shifted from positive to negative or vice versa, or if derived from two negative numbers. So in those cases I included raw underlying data rather than weird or misleading percentage changes. This whole dataset together offers a fantastic high-level read on how the major gold miners are faring fundamentally as an industry. Was Goldcorps disaster systemic? (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) Production has always been the lifeblood of the gold-mining industry, since the gold miners can easily sell every ounce they can wrest from the bowels of the earth. While the gold price is also important, generally the more gold they mine the greater their operating cash flows and profits. That generates more capital to invest in future production, which comes from expanding existing mines and building or buying new ones. Related: Iran Turns To Crypto As SWIFT Cuts Off Central Bank Gold-stock investors have long prized production growth above everything else, as it is inexorably linked to company growth and thus stock-price-appreciation potential. But for some years now the major gold miners have been struggling to grow production. Large economically-viable gold deposits are getting increasingly harder to find and more expensive to exploit, with the low-hanging fruit long since picked. More and more gold-industry experts believe peak gold is nearing, after which global mine production will start declining. For many years now new deposit discoveries and mine builds have failed to keep pace with depletion at existing mines. So production growth is slowing. According to the World Gold Councils latest fundamental data, global mine production only edged 0.8 percent higher in 2017 compared to 5.3 percent in 2013! GDXs major gold miners are the biggest and best in the world, with access to many billions of dollars of capital to expand their operations. Yet many of them are still having trouble finding and adding enough new production to offset the normal declines in their aging operations. So while Goldcorps Q3 production plunge was extreme, it certainly wasnt unique. Out of GDXs top 10 miners by Q3 ounces, 9 saw YoY declines! GGs anomalous 20.5 percent was definitely the worst. But the 4 largest gold miners last quarter Newmont, Barrick, AngloGold, and Kinross suffered production drops of 2.0 percent, 7.6 percent, 14.6 percent, and 10.4 percent YoY in Q3. Excluding Goldcorp, those other 8 of the top 10 still averaged hefty 8.2 percent YoY declines last quarter. Thats pretty serious by any standard. Overall the top 34 GDX miners gold production retreated 2.9 percent YoY to 9.5m ozs! So on the production front they are doing worse than this industry as a whole. That latest Q3 GDT data from the WGC reports overall global mine production actually grew 1.9 percent YoY last quarter. So the majors are really lagging their peers and dragging down the average. And seeing their production declines mount is even more striking in a third quarter. Q3s tend to see strong production growth heading into year-ends. Mine managers want to maximize their annual bonuses, which are often tied to the performances of their companies stocks. With Q3 results released 6 to 9 weeks before year-ends, they can really help fuel big late-year stock rallies if good enough. So the managers tend to sequence their processing to ensure that higher-grade ores are fed into their mills in Q3s, yielding more ounces produced despite fixed mill throughputs. Within individual gold deposits, ore grades vary considerably. Mine managers have to decide which parts of the deposits they are going to dig and haul in any given quarter, and when to run that ore through the mills. They seem to like to process their higher-grade ores in Q3s when bonus calculations are nearing, and their lower-grade ores in Q1s when year-ends are far away. This surprising herd behavior is well-documented. Again per that comprehensive fundamental data from the WGC, over the last 8 years including 2018 global gold mine production has dropped an average of 9.0 percent QoQ from Q4s to Q1s! Every one of these transitions was negative, ranging from -6.7 percent to -12.0 percent. The mine managers collectively want to take the lower-ore-grade production hits early in years. They stockpile their better higher-grade ore for processing in Q3s. In that same span between 2011 to 2018, global gold mine production has surged an average of 6.6 percent higher QoQ from Q2s to Q3s! Every single year saw positive growth between +4.4 percent to +9.1 percent. Theres no doubt the top GDX gold miners really wanted to show big Q318 production growth as well, to maximize Q4 stock-price gains and managers compensation. But ominously they still couldnt pull it off last quarter. Three big South African gold miners AngloGold, Gold Fields, and Sibanye Gold didnt break out their Q218 gold production in that prior earnings season. They instead lumped it into half-year reporting, likely to mask slowing production. But they did report it in Q318 in their quarterly operational updates. So if we exclude them, the rest of the GDX top 34s gold production merely grew 1.1 percent QoQ in Q3 which is really slow. If the worlds top gold miners couldnt scrounge up enough higher-grade ore to report strong Q3s, they are really hurting on the production front! As Ive warned for years, investors can and should avoid most of the majors because of this. Growing gold production is always challenging, but incredibly difficult off of really-high bases. The best production growth and stock-price upside comes from the smaller mid-tier miners. Unfortunately the majors flagging production is a vexing problem for this entire sector because these large companies dominate GDX and the gold-stock indexes. Speculators and investors alike look to their performances to gauge how gold stocks are faring, which heavily colors their psychology and perceptions on gold miners potential. So the majors production struggles weighing down the indexes exacerbates bearishness. Q3s disappointment wasnt something new either, as the top 34 GDX gold miners also reported sharp Q218 production declines of 7.7 percent YoY. The majors are starting to get desperate since they cant bring their own new projects online fast enough to offset existing-mine depletion. So they are looking to buy other operating mines and even entire companies at high premiums to restore their flagging production growth. We just saw a huge example late in Q3, when Barrick announced it was merging with Randgold! The worlds 2nd-largest gold miner and GDX component was effectively buying the 10th-largest gold miner and 7th-largest GDX component in an all-stock deal. The combined company wouldve been the worlds largest gold miner in Q3 at 1458k ozs. But with production waning at both ABX and GOLD, the problem remains. While Q318s underperformance by the biggest gold miners dominating GDX was striking, it is nothing new. Thats why Ive long recommended investors avoid many of the largest gold miners. Mid-tier miners with growing production as they bring new mines online and much-smaller market caps have far-greater upside potential during gold uplegs. They are bucking the increasingly-evident peak-gold predicament. Peak gold is likely bearish for the largest gold miners that drive GDX. Capital inflows from investors will wane along with their shrinking production. But lower gold mined supply on balance going forward is wildly bullish for the mid-tier and junior gold miners growing their production! The resulting higher gold prices will catapult their profits and thus stock prices far higher, attracting investors fleeing the struggling majors. The only way to reap these massive gains is directly investing in the best individual gold miners. Their fundamentals are far superior to their sectors as a whole. While buying GDX is easy, the lions share of that capital is funneled into the major gold miners with slowing production. Their underperformance will dilute away any outperformance among mid-tier miners in this ETF, leading to mediocre overall gains. With many of the major gold miners seeing lower or stagnant production, their mining costs shouldve risen proportionally. Gold-mining costs are largely fixed quarter after quarter, with actual mining requiring the same levels of infrastructure, equipment, and employees. So the lower production, the fewer ounces to spread minings big fixed costs across. The silver lining to the gold majors Q3 is they held the line on costs. There are two major ways to measure gold-mining costs, classic cash costs per ounce and the superior all-in sustaining costs per ounce. Both are useful metrics. Cash costs are the acid test of gold-miner survivability in lower-gold-price environments, revealing the worst-case gold levels necessary to keep the mines running. All-in sustaining costs show where gold needs to trade to maintain current mining tempos indefinitely. Cash costs naturally encompass all cash expenses necessary to produce each ounce of gold, including all direct production costs, mine-level administration, smelting, refining, transport, regulatory, royalty, and tax expenses. In Q318, these top 34 GDX-component gold miners that reported cash costs averaged $631 per ounce. That was indeed up 6.8 percent YoY, but still radically below even golds $1174 mid-August low. Related: IMF Calls On Central Banks To Consider State-Backed Crypto That was an anomaly driven by all-time-record gold-futures short selling by speculators. The gold miners face no existential peril as long as prevailing gold prices are well above their cash costs of production. Interestingly much of that extreme gold-futures short selling has yet to be unwound, which means gold-upleg fuel still abounds. The gold stocks leverage golds moves since its price levels drive their profitability. Way more important than cash costs are the far-superior all-in sustaining costs. They were introduced by the World Gold Council in June 2013 to give investors a much-better understanding of what it really costs to maintain gold mines as ongoing concerns. AISCs include all direct cash costs, but then add on everything else that is necessary to maintain and replenish operations at current gold-production levels. These additional expenses include exploration for new gold to mine to replace depleting deposits, mine-development and construction expenses, remediation, and mine reclamation. They also include the corporate-level administration expenses necessary to oversee gold mines. All-in sustaining costs are the most-important gold-mining cost metric by far for investors, revealing gold miners true operating profitability. Back in late October when Goldcorps horrible Q3 wrecked gold-stock sentiment, I feared soaring AISCs might be the norm last quarter. Remember GGs AISCs soared 20.8 percent YoY on its 20.5 percent production drop, perfectly inversely proportional. So it was a pleasant surprise to see these top 34 GDX gold miners even including GG fully contain their average AISCs in Q3. They only rose 1.0 percent YoY to $877 per ounce, a big victory! Thats right in line with the previous four quarters $868, $858, $884, and $856 averaging $867. So while the gold majors have production-growth problems, they are not manifesting on the cost front. These elite companies are optimizing existing mines to lower production costs and choosing new mine builds that are cheaper to operate. That bodes well for this industry going forward, portending surging profits as gold recovers. Gold-mining earnings are simply the difference between prevailing gold prices and all-in sustaining costs. In Q3 gold averaged $1211 per ounce, implying average profits of $334 at $877 average AISCs. That is still pretty impressive, implying solid 28 percent profit margins even in a weak quarter for gold prices. So GDX getting pounded to a 2.6-year low in mid-September on forced selling as stops were run wasnt justified. Those recent gold-stock lows were actually fundamentally absurd, resulting from irrational excessively-bearish sentiment. They had nothing to do with fundamentals. GDX was back down near its stock-panic lows from October 2008, when gold was languishing under $750. Seeing gold-stock prices revisit those levels in recent months with gold prices over 55 percent higher made no sense at all! Gold stocks are far too low. Thats true even though Q3 was a tough quarter. It wasnt just the production challenges, but that $1211 average gold price in Q318 was 5.3 percent under its Q317 average. Gold miners earnings leverage both upside and downside gold-price moves, really hurting profitability. In Q317 these top 34 GDX miners were earning $411 per ounce on average, so industry profits fell 18.7 percent YoY making for 3.6x downside leverage. The lower prevailing gold prices along with flat-to-lower gold production certainly weakened the normal accounting metrics of major gold miners health. The cash flows generated from operations by these top GDX components plunged 29.0 percent YoY to $3155m. Revenues dropped 7.4 percent YoY to $9599m, mostly due to lower gold prices but also reflecting 9.2 percent lower byproduct silver production among these major gold miners. And their hard GAAP earnings reported to regulators looked ugly, weighing in at a considerable $566m collective loss in Q318 compared to $854m of profits in Q317! While lower gold prices naturally lead to lower profits, that was far beyond what golds drop warranted. But thankfully this latest quarters profits were greatly skewed to the downside by a couple of huge mine-impairment charges from GDXs biggest components. When gold deposits look less economically viable due to weaker gold prices or tougher geology than was originally expected, miners write down their carrying values which flushes big non-cash losses through their income statements. Newmont reported a $366m impairment charge in Q3 on some of its exploration properties in North America. Barrick ran through an even-larger $431m writedown in Q3 on a mine in Peru. Both of these big impairment charges turned operating profits at the worlds two biggest gold miners into deep losses. If they are excluded, the top 34 GDX gold miners earned $231m in Q318. While still down an ugly 73.0 percent YoY, at least the major gold miners were still earning money last quarter. So there was nothing particularly troubling on the hard-GAAP-earnings front in Q3, but it was still really weak for gold miners. But they remain ready to expand, collectively sitting on a big $11.7b cash hoard at the end of Q318. That was merely down 0.4 percent YoY, reflecting relatively-solid operating cash flows and access to financing capital. I suspect some of this will be deployed in buying up smaller gold miners with operating mines, since it takes over a decade to bring new deposits into production. The major gold miners will fight to show future growth. Left for dead and neglected, the gold miners stocks are the last cheap sector in these lofty bubble-valued stock markets. Their fundamental upside as gold mean reverts higher on speculators gold-futures buying and new investment demand as stock markets roll over is enormous. This is easy to understand with a simple example. In the last four quarters including Q318, the top GDX gold miners AISCs averaged $869. During golds last major upleg in essentially the first half of 2016, it powered about 30 percent higher driven by surging investment demand after stock markets suffered back-to-back corrections. That was even small by historical gold-bull-upleg standards. If we merely get another 30 percent gold advance from its recent mid-August low of $1174, were looking at $1525 gold. That would work wonders for gold-mining profits and stock prices. At $1525 gold and $869 AISCs, the major gold miners would be earning $656 per ounce. Thats 96 percent higher than Q318s $334! If gold-mining profits double, gold-stock prices will soar. Indeed during that last 30 percent gold bull in the first half of 2016, GDX rocketed 151 percent higher! So the gold-stock outlook is wildly bullish with gold itself due to power higher as the stock markets roll over on the Feds record tightening. While gold-stock sentiment remains overwhelmingly bearish, the major gold miners fundamentals are still solid. They are still struggling with flat-to-shrinking production, but their mining costs remain far below the prevailing gold prices. They are still generating strong operating cash flows and some profits without the inevitable non-cash writedowns sparked by weaker gold prices. OCFs and earnings will soar as gold prices recover. So a big mean-reversion rebound higher is inevitable and imminent. While traders can play that in GDX, that is mostly a bet on the largest gold miners with slowing production. The best gains by far will be won in smaller mid-tier and junior gold miners with superior fundamentals. A carefully-handpicked portfolio of elite gold and silver miners will generate much-greater wealth creation than ETFs dominated by underperformers. The key to riding any gold-stock bull to multiplying your fortune is staying informed, both about broader markets and individual stocks. Thats long been our specialty at Zeal. My decades of experience both intensely studying the markets and actively trading them as a contrarian is priceless and impossible to replicate. I share my vast experience, knowledge, wisdom, and ongoing research through our popular newsletters. The bottom line is the major gold miners fundamentals remain far stronger than implied by their left-for-dead stock prices. While they are still struggling to grow production, they are holding the line on all-in sustaining costs. That fueled solid operating cash flows in Q3 despite weaker gold prices. Both those and GAAP profits will surge dramatically in coming quarters as gold mean reverts higher on big investment buying. Gold stocks are not only unloved and dirt-cheap today, but they are a rare sector that rallies strongly with gold as general stock markets weaken. While virtually no one was interested in these leveraged plays on gold upside in recent months, that will change fast as these lofty stock markets roll over. And the major gold miners just-finished Q3 earnings season proved they remain ready to fundamentally amplify golds gains. By Adam Hamilton More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: NATO has been suffering from an existential crisis since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, and while the reemergence of a threat from Russia more recently gave it a new lease on life, the furthering of that threat and the bigger question of Chinas quest for global dominance is its savioror its undoing, if it cant keep the tech advantage. After much NATO-bashing this year from the Trump administration, and after the European Union announced its own coalition of European militaries earlier this month, Washington is suddenly playing nice againsort of. Earlier this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis went as far as to say that NATO was the cornerstone for the protection of Europe. Of course, it was a bit tongue-in-cheek because Mattis was directly responding to the EUs new real European military and Frances suggestion that Europe can protect itself without the U.S. We see NATO as the cornerstone for the protection of Europe in the security realm and we fully support nations doing more to carry the load, Mattis said, in a clear reference to Trumps beef with Americas portion of the bill for funding the military organization. But whether NATO or the new, real European military ends up being the cornerstone is beside the point: Both are unprepared, but NATO is now looking to advanced technology to render it more than just an irritant in Moscows backyard. Its intended to be a high-tech metamorphoses following the appointment of General Andre Lanata as head of the NATO transformation command in September, and for now it involves the lower-hanging tech fruit of 3D-printed spare parts and microdrones with night vision. The 3D printing of spare vehicle parts helps with vehicles breaking down in the cold, and the microdrone, which can see in the dark, is said to be one of the smallest in the world. And they recently tested them out Trident Juncture war games in Norwaythe biggest theyve held since the end of the Cold War, according to Stripes. Addressing a defense industry forum in Berlin following the war games, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that Many of these technologies are about reacting and responding more quickly, seeing further and detecting threats well in advance. Related: IMF Calls On Central Banks To Consider State-Backed Crypto But the military magazine also made it clear that NATOs high-tech future is going to depend on much more than 3D spare parts printers and microdrones: In other words, this is a campaign for more funding and call to allies to invest more. NATO will now start focusing on improved development of precision-guided munitions, the execution of strategic airlifts and air-to-air refuelingfor starters. The end game here is much bigger, though. While Stoltenberg was hitting up Berlin, Lanata was hitting up tech start-ups and smaller firms at NATOs innovation challenge. He urged them to start working more closely with the military alliance to boost innovation in the face of enemies that have fast and easy access to emerging technologies, Reuters reported. But what it will really come down to is the big-ticket tech items: Artificial intelligence, connectivity, quantum computing, big data and hypervelocity, according to Lanata. Big-ticket items will mean big-ticket spendingthe NATO bogeyman. NATO guidelines call for alliance members to dedicate 2 percent of their GDP on military matters, but only eight countries now do that, according to Stripe. Even with European allies and Canada increasing combined defense spending by 5.2 percent over the past year, it may not be enough to keep NATO on top. Tomas Valasek of Carnegie Europe argues that NATOs enemies and potential enemies could effectively deploy AI against the military alliance, so keeping up is paramount. AI can be effectively deployed to undermine trust among countries fighting on the same side by discrediting their intelligence, he writes, referring to the complexity of a military alliance that comprises 29 different countries. By Fred Dunkley for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: On the verge of bankruptcy, Nepal Airlines seeks bailout Less than four months after making the largest jet purchase in the history of Nepali aviation, Nepal Airlines Corporation, which was on a mission to reclaim its long-lost glory, said it is running out of cash and teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. This article was supported by The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center. Eight years ago, some 2,000 farming households in the Philippines signed up to a project designed to help them better manage how they grow rice and boost their incomes. The idea was to build a stronger system of irrigation, with a mix of other offerings such as marketing support and field schools for farmers. After a five-year run, the UN agency behind the project the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) did an impact evaluation that brought some good news. The project had worked. It led to higher rice yields, better market access, and a higher income for rice farmers in two of the three areas it had targeted. However, things hadnt gone according to plan in the third area a part of the country that had been hit by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. We hadn't factored in this kind of high-risk event, says Paul Winters, IFADs associate vice-president of the Strategy and Knowledge Department. It wasn't that the tsunami destroyed the irrigation system, but it destroyed the collective management of it. People simply had to deal with other, more pressing demands on their lives after the typhoon. Winters believes the case shows why its not enough to think just in terms of introducing technology that this type of risk needs to be factored into projects from the start. He says that, because climate change means conditions will keep changing, food security becomes a moving target. And this means tested methods of managing resources in the face of climate change now have a short shelf-life. It's hard to know for sure whether the actions we're taking will be appropriate for a new context. We need to keep experimenting. Set up to succeed Programmes that introduce technology should find fertile ground for this the drive to experiment is often part of life in agriculture. As a farmer I know that we are constantly looking for ways to improve our lot, says Onyaole Patience Koku, an entrepreneur and farm manager in Nigeria. If [a new] technology is available and accessible, most farmers will use it. Climate change now adds urgency to the need for farmers to constantly adapt. Journalist Lisa Palmer, part of the Bellagio Science for Development residency taking place throughout November, witnessed this in 2016 while visiting the state of Punjab in northern India. She says a farmer eager to showcase his rice field explained how a process he had used for the first time meant his plants stayed healthy after a difficult season. The problem was unpredictable rainfall: three months worth of rain had fallen in the course of three days. Normally that would leave soils waterlogged and plants unable to grow. But after taking advice from the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), he held off from tilling or burning residue from the previous seasons wheat harvest, retaining stems and roots in his fields. When the torrential rains came, this allowed water to drain through. For him, that method was a form of risk reduction with the changing climate, says Palmer. Countless initiatives have put forward methods to boost farmers productivity and income theres no shortage of proposed solutions. Over the past few decades, scientific and technological advances from crop breeding to fertilisers to a range of irrigation techniques have powered agricultural production in a bid to keep up with the food demands of a rising population. But for some years now, that growth has faced natural resource limits: land and water scarcity, soil degradation, pollution from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and monocultures that deplete soils and crop diversity. In the Punjab, for example, Palmer says that heavy subsidies for fertiliser and energy to power irrigation systems have led to over-fertilisation and groundwater withdrawal, leaving the area with polluted and dwindling water supplies. Immediate risk These count as serious risks. But so does the prospect of having a poor harvest. And minimising that immediate risk is part of technologys appeal: season after season, farmers need to make sure their crops will grow, and governments are eager to have a steady supply of food. The problem is that technologies which promise greater efficiency and boost production trade off short-term, band-aid solutions against resilience over the longer-term, says Gyorgy Scrinis, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne and academic writing resident at Bellagio. But there are alternatives, such as agroecology, that do offer that resilience. Technologies are never neutral they really tend to support particular types of agricultural and technological systems, he says. Another trade-off, according to Scrinis, is that technologies often come with strings attached. Farmers can get locked in to obligations and contracts, which mean losing control over how they work their land. This can happen with reliance on a narrow range of seeds, for example, or on methods such as precision farming where seeds, water, fertilisers and pesticides are all managed through computerised systems giving farmers precise control over their farm, but surrendering control and data to companies that provide these systems. Typically, farmers become indebted to agribusinesses when they take inputs on credit but their harvest gets wiped out by disease, climate shocks and other insecurities, explains Anastasia Mbatia, Agriculture Technical Manage at the NGO Farm Africa. Scrinis says there is some change in the food system, but its slow. Were heading in both directions still going down that one path of producing big mega crops, but also diversification is happening on the farm. Zulfiqar Bhutta, a paediatrician based in Canada and Pakistan, sees similar signs of a gradual move towards so-called nutrition-sensitive agriculture that aims to better align agricultural production with peoples nutritional needs. Staying resilient How can farmers keep experimenting to deal with the uncertainty of climate change, without resorting to technology that undermines autonomy? Theres no easy answer. And farm size matters a smallholder growing quinoa in Bolivia is very different from one growing the crop for export. But Scrinis believes that, over time, smallholders will play an important role in creating more resilient farming systems. [They] still produce by some estimates over half of the food and the nutrition that we actually consume. Agricultural systems that integrate livestock and multi-crop farming can help build resilience, according to Rikin Gandhi, executive director of Digital Green. Diversity is important even among farms of a certain size, environmental conditions and agricultural practices will vary. No institution is going to be able to figure out the perfect package of practices for an individual farmer, he said during a SciDev.Net debate on food security earlier this week. Gandhi believes that to counter the potential downsides of new tech, development organisations need to really start with the farmers themselves, to empower them with the know-how and data to make their informed own choices so that technology is an enabler, not something that locks them in. Agricultural advice for example based on soil, weather, and market data can enable farmers to make site-specific decisions. He gives the example of Zero Budget Natural Farming , an initiative in Andhra Pradesh, India, which can target an individual farmer or even an individual plot.In pest management, farmers are very innovative, saysRoger Day, a programme executive at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) in Kenya [CABI is SciDev.Nets parent organisation]. Scientists can play a role to validate, but cant test everything. So farmers should be encouraged to innovate, and through methods such as field schools, empowered to make their own observations and assessments. Participants at Bellagio stress the role of infrastructure, a countrys organisational capacity, and networks for sharing information including learning from farmers themselves, rather than always assuming they need help. With growing mobile connectivity, farmers can share information and resources through SMS services like WeFarm and videos produced by farmers themselves through Digital Green. Weve been able to join over 60,000 farmers to our network each month and weve had our first month where farmers have asked and answered more than one million questions, says Radha Ahlstrom-Vij, global head of brand at Wefarm. Genuine exchange needs to also include others in the agricultural ecosystem, according to Gandhi agrodealers, truckers, traders, extension workers. Ultimately, farmers are one of the largest group of small business people, he says. So its crucial that technology be low-cost and adaptable for the diverse, local conditions in which they operate. This article was supported by The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center. For nearly 60 years the Bellagio Center has supported individuals working to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable people globally through its conference and residency programs, and has served as a catalyst for transformative ideas, initiatives, and collaborations. From November 5 December 3, 2018, the Bellagio Center hosted a special thematic residency on Science for Development, with a cohort of up to 15 scholars, practitioners, and artists whose work is advancing, informing, communicating, or is inspired by the use or design of science and technology to address social and environmental challenges around the world. The emails were disguised to look as if they come from the Central Bank of Russia and FinCERT, the Financial Sector Computer Emergency Response Team. Group-IB experts have discovered that the attack on 15 November could have been carried out by the hacker group Silence, and the one on 23 October by MoneyTaker. Group-IB considers both cybercriminal groups among the most dangerous to Russian and international financial organisations. November attack: Silence In the morning of 15 November, Group-IB detected a malicious mass email campaign sent to Russian banks from a fake email address purporting to belong to the Central Bank of Russia (CBR). Of course, the CBR does not have anything to do with the phishing campaign the hackers faked the senders address. SSL certificates were not used for DKIM verification. Emails with the subject line Information from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation asked recipients to review the regulators decision On the standardisation of the format of CBRs electronic communications and to immediately implement the changes. The documents in question were supposedly contained in the zipped files attached, however by uncompressing these files users downloaded Silence.Downloader the tool used by Silence hackers. Group-IB experts have observed that the style and format of the emails were almost identical to official correspondence from the regulator. The hackers most likely had access to samples of legitimate emails. According to Group-IBs report published in September 2018, Silence gang members presumably were or are legally employed as pentesters and reverse engineers. As such, they are very familiar with documentation in the financial sector and the structure of banking systems. October attack: MoneyTaker The message sent on 23 October, also from a fake FinCERT email address, contained five attachments disguised to look like official CBR documents. Among them was a document entitled Template Agreement on Cooperation with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on Monitoring and Information Exchange .doc. Three out of five files were empty decoy documents, but two contained a download for the Meterpreter Stager. To carry out the attack, hackers used self-signed SSL certificates. Furthermore, the server infrastructure involved had been used in the previous attacks conducted by MoneyTaker. All these factors led to the conclusion that MoneyTaker was behind the October attack. Group-IB experts believe that hackers managed to obtain the samples of CBR documents from earlier compromised mailboxes belonging to employees of Russian banks. MoneyTaker used the information obtained to design emails and documents purporting to be from the CBR to conduct targeted attacks on banks. A spear-phishing campaign set up to look like it was carried out by the Central Bank is a relatively widespread vector of attack among cyber criminals; it has been used by groups such as Buhtrap, Anunak, Cobalt, and Lurk. In March 2016, for example, cybercriminals sent phishing emails from info@fincert.net. As regards to genuine notifications from the Central Bank of Russia, in the past hackers from Lurk and Buhtrap used them to send malware to bank employees. Since July, to share information, FinCERT has been using an automated incident processing system that makes it possible to securely and quickly share information about incidents and unauthorized operations based on the Feed-Antifraud database, comments the Central Banks press service. The backup channel for sharing information is email. All messages sent via email contain FinCERTs electronic signature. Information and indicators of attack (IoAs) from 23 October and 15 November attacks were quickly uploaded to Group-IB Threat Intelligence, which allowed to warn Group-IB clients among Russian banks about the potential threat. Group-IB TDS (Threat Detection System) detected both phishing campaigns and signaled about the malicious activity. Group-IB system blocked this threat in inline mode. MoneyTaker and Silence are two of the four most dangerous hacker groups that present a real threat to international financial organisations, said Rustam Mirkasymov, Group-IB Head of Dynamic Analysis of malware department and threat intelligence expert. Hackers from MoneyTaker use all possible attack vectors when targeting banks. For example, they can send spear-phishing emails, carry out a drive-by attack, or test a banks network infrastructure for existing vulnerabilities. After gaining access to the networks internal nodes, hackers are easily able to carry out attacks and withdraw money through ATMs, card processing or interbank transfers systems (in Russia, AWS CBR (the Russian Central Banks Automated Workstation Client). Silence, for their part, are less resourceful and use only a tried and tested attack method phishing emails. Unlike their colleagues, however, they pay closer attention to the content and design of their phishing emails. About Silence Silence is an active though very small group of Russian-speaking hackers. Group-IB first detected the groups activity in 2016. Over the course of their work, Silence attacked bank management systems, card processing systems, and the Russian interbank transfers system (AWS CBR). The gangs targets are mainly located in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Poland, and Kazakhstan, although phishing emails were sent to bank employees in Central and Western Europe, Africa, and Asia. A month ago, Group-IB detected a spear-phishing attack targeting the companies in the United Kingdom. The report Silence: Moving into the darkside was published in September 2018 and was the first to describe the groups tactics and tools. About MoneyTaker MoneyTaker is a hacker group that is thought to be responsible for 16 attacks in the United States, 5 attacks on Russian banks, and 1 in the United Kingdom. Apart from money, the criminals steal documentation about interbank payment systems that is necessary for preparing future attacks. The group also carries out attacks through intermediaries by hacking banks partners, IT companies, and financial product providers. In December 2017, Group-IB published its first report on the group:MoneyTaker: 1.5 years of silent operations. About the author Group-IB Group-IB is one the worlds leading providers of solutions aimed at detection and prevention of cyber attacks, fraud exposure and protection of intellectual property on the Internet. GIB Threat Intelligence cyber threats data collection system has been named one of the best in class by Gartner, Forrester, and IDC. Group-IBs technological leadership is built on companys fifteen years of hands-on experience in cybercrime investigations all over the world and 55 000 hours of cyber security incident response accumulated in the largest forensic laboratory in Eastern Europe and a round-the-clock centre providing a rapid response to cyber incidentsCERT-GIB. Group-IB is a partner of INTERPOL, Europol, and a cybersecurity solutions provider, recommended by SWIFT and OSCE. Pierluigi Paganini ( Security Affairs Central Bank of Russia, cybercrime) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On According to Group-IBs report findings, Asia is one of the most actively attacked regions in the world, the company presented latest cybercrime trends. Hong Kong, 16.11.2018 Group-IB, an international company that specializes in preventing cyber attacks, presented the findings of its latest Hi-Tech Crime Trends 2018 report at the FinTech Security Conference in Hong Kong organized by Binary Solutions Limited in partnership with Group-IB. According to Group-IBs report findings, Asia is one of the most actively attacked regions in the world. Over the past year, 21 state-sponsored groups were detected in the area, which is more than in Europe and the US combined. Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Shanghai, and many other financial powerhouses in Asia are likely to become primary targets of financially motivated hacker groups in the near future. Cyber trends and threats that we identified in the world are likely to occur in Asia. Asias rapid economic growth has ramped up the interest of financially motivated hackers and state-sponsored hacker groups. Local banks have already been attacked by advanced hacker groups several times; we expect this trend to increase, comments Dmitry Volkov, Group-IB CTO. The threats that are notable for the Asian region are represented by a significant number of attacks aimed at manufacturing of chips, microprocessors and system control boards of different IT vendors, whose principal manufacturing operations are located in Asia. The attackers research vector is now shifting from software vulnerabilities to those located at the hardware and firmware level. To exploit certain hardware vulnerabilities, hackers can simply run a JavaScript code, as in the case of Glitch vulnerability. It is very difficult, if not impossible to eliminate these vulnerabilities with software updates and as such they create new opportunities for cybercriminals. It is likely that in the space of a few years they will seriously affect the cyber security market. Since the beginning of 2018, Group-IB experts detected that cybercriminals were seeking to get access to the user databases of Hong Kong state Internet portals responsible for taxes, trade, procurement, logistics, innovations and hi-tech infrastructure. Espionage as one of the main APT groups goals The threat landscape for critical infrastructures is growing more complex, provoked by the activity of state-sponsored threat actors, who are seeking to establish a sustained presence within critical infrastructure networks for long-term espionage or sabotage. These groups target companies in energy, financial, aviation, water sectors etc. Banks are considered to be an integral part of critical infrastructure. Which is why the availability of tools and experience in disrupting bank systems are now priorities for attackers. Such tools are actively used by two groups in particular: BlackEnergy and Lazarus. To infiltrate critical infrastructure networks hackers will continue to use phishing as one of their main tools, but the focus of attacks might shift to vulnerable network equipment connecting the network to the Internet. APT groups will keep investing heavily in the development and acquisition of zero-day exploits, according to Group-IBs forecasts. Another trend Group-IB experts identified is networks compromise through key personnels home networks and personal devices. Increasingly often, state-sponsored hackers are focusing on vulnerabilities in home routers. This allows them to not only spy on users without infecting their devices, but also maintain a more extensive and dynamic infrastructure and remain unnoticed. Group-IBs new report features the activity of roughly 40 state-sponsored groups around the world, 21 one of which were most active in Asia-Pacific, including the Infamous North-Korean Lazarus group. For some of the hacker groups detected, the country of origin is yet to be established. The attribution is sometimes complicated by the fact that some groups may imitate other groups unique features to throw researchers off track. Attacks on Crypto In 2017-2018 hackers interest in cryptocurrency exchanges ramped up. Thirteen exchanges were hacked in 2017 and in the first three quarters of 2018, amounting to a total loss of $877 million. Thus, 60% of the total amount was stolen from Coincheck, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange. Silence, MoneyTaker and Cobalt are likely to conduct new attacks on crypto exchanges. A relatively new method of fraud on the ICO market was stealing a White Paper of ICO project and presenting an identical idea under a new brand name. Spear phishing remains the major vector of attack: approximately 56% of all money siphoned off from ICO were stolen using phishing. In 2018 Group-IB detected five successful 51% attacks, when attackers take control over at least 51% of mining power. Having 51% of computing power, the attackers create a stealthy alternative blockchain to confirm their own transactions. In 2018 the direct financial losses from these attacks amounted to almost $20 million. Attacks on banks and their clients Advanced hacker groups that Group-IB identifies as most dangerous to banking sector all over the world are Lazarus, MoneyTaker, Cobalt and Silence. The three latter are led by Russian-speaking hackers. All these groups are able to not only penetrate a banks network and access isolated financial systems, but also withdraw money via SWIFT, card processing systems, and ATMs. The Lazarus group will continue to attack banks and steal funds via SWIFT. They will likely experiment with attacks on card processing, primarily focusing on Asia and the Pacific. New cybercrime groups are also expected to start operations in Asia and Latin America. The number of attacks via SWIFT increased dramatically over the reviewed period. In the previous period, three such attacks were tracked in Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Turkey. In this period, however, 9 successful attacks have already taken place in Nepal, Taiwan, Russia, Mexico, India, Bulgaria, and Chile. Only two hacker groups target the SWIFT interbank transfer system: Lazarus and Cobalt. The average volume of theft attempt via SWIFT is estimated at $26 million. Group-IB marked six new PC Trojans that appeared internationally: IcedID, BackSwap, DanaBot, MnuBot, Osiris Xbot. Web phishing, which is another popular attack vector, has grown globally. The financial phishing is, predictably, mainly targeting US-based companies. The corresponding share of financial phishing webpages is 26%. France and Germany are second and third, respectively, in this ranking. Among all phishing resources, 73% can be divided into the following categories: cloud storages (28%), financial platforms (26%), and online services (19%). During the last year, Group-IB Threat Intelligence detected 27 million cards uploaded to card shops. The companys records indicate that dumps account for 62% of data sold, which means that POS Trojans are the main method of compromising plastic cards. Unlike dumps, text data is sold much cheaper in card shops: its total value amounted to $95.6 million, accounting for only 17% of the overall market value, compared to 19.9 million dumps, which cost as much as $567.8 million. Group-IB in Asia Group-IB is not a stranger to the region. It has recently announced the opening of the Global HQ in Singapore by the end of 2018, where Group-IB will manage and keep developing its global threat-hunting infrastructure aimed at adversary-centric detection and proactive threat hunting. Group-IBs portfolio of clients in Asia includes banks, financial and government organizations in Singapore, Thailand and other countries. Southeast Asia accounts for more than 30% of the companys international revenue. About the author Group-IB Group-IB is one the worlds leading providers of solutions aimed at detection and prevention of cyber attacks, fraud exposure and protection of intellectual property on the Internet. GIB Threat Intelligence cyber threats data collection system has been named one of the best in class by Gartner, Forrester, and IDC. Group-IBs technological leadership is built on companys fifteen years of hands-on experience in cybercrime investigations all over the world and 55 000 hours of cyber security incident response accumulated in the largest forensic laboratory in Eastern Europe and a round-the-clock centre providing a rapid response to cyber incidentsCERT-GIB. Group-IB is a partner of INTERPOL, Europol, and a cybersecurity solutions provider, recommended by SWIFT and OSCE. Pierluigi Paganini ( Security Affairs Central Bank of Russia, cybercrime) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On "Reentry Matters: Strategies and Successes of Second Chance Act Grantees" | Main | "Evaluating Intellectual Disability: Clinical Assessments in Atkins Cases" According to this new New York Times piece, "Senator Mitch McConnell told President Trump in a private meeting on Thursday that there is not likely to be enough time to bring a bipartisan criminal justice bill up for a vote this year, regardless of the support it has in the Senate and the White House, according to people familiar with the meeting." here is more: Mr. McConnell, who as majority leader controls the Senate floor, delivered the news in a previously scheduled meeting at the White House convened to discuss the chambers legislative agenda for the remaining weeks of the term. Lawmakers from both parties have been working furiously to build support for the compromise legislation that would begin to reverse some of the tough-on-crime federal policies of the 1980s and 1990s that incarcerated African-American offenders at much higher rates than white offenders. Mr. Trump enthusiastically endorsed the proposal this week, and Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin, pledged to move it across the finish line in the House this term. But Mr. McConnells conclusion could all but foreclose the possibility that Congress will vote on the bill this year. Publicly, Mr. McConnell has avoided putting his thumb on the scale for or against the legislation. He told reporters on Wednesday that if proponents secured the support of at least 60 senators, he would be willing to push the bill forward, but cautioned that he would have to see how it stacks up against our other priorities going into the end of our session. Congress must also come to an agreement on how to fund a handful of federal departments, including Homeland Security, and resolve an impasse over a major farm bill, among other smaller issues. Don Stewart, a spokesman for Mr. McConnell, reiterated those points in a statement on Friday, adding, The support for, and length of time needed to move the new bill is not knowable at this moment. But Mr. McConnell told the president that the bill would most likely eat up about 10 days on the Senate floor time that he did not have between now and the scheduled end of the legislative session on Dec. 14, according to the people familiar with the remarks, who were granted anonymity to describe the private meeting. They were not connected to Mr. McConnell. If the bill had enough support, Mr. McConnell said, he would be willing to bring it up next year, after the new Congress is seated. Supporters of the legislation, which includes anti-recidivism programs, and the expansion of early release credits and sentencing changes, worry that Mr. McConnell is being a less-than-neutral arbiter. They believe that if consideration slips into January, when Democrats who favor more expansive sentencing changes take control of the House, the current compromise could collapse.... At the Senate Republicans weekly caucus luncheon at the Capitol, Mr. McConnell acknowledged that the changes had influential supporters who had worked hard on the issue, but also invited two of its chief critics, Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and John Kennedy of Louisiana, to deliver remarks, two Republican congressional officials said. Mr. Cotton, who has been perhaps the loudest critic of the bills sentencing changes in the Senate, urged colleagues to slow down the process, saying that the bills impact and implications were too expensive to push through without hearings, according to another official familiar with his remarks. He stressed opposition by some law enforcement groups and warned that a draft version of the bill he had seen would lead to the immediate release of thousands of felons onto the streets. Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican who helped write the legislation, pushed back against Mr. Cottons characterization. So did Senator Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who is chairman of the Judiciary Committee and led the compromise effort. Mr. Grassley said that Mr. Cottons remarks made him sound like some sort of pinko commie.... The delay in bringing up the legislation described to Mr. Trump is not the first time that proponents of changes in the sentencing and prison systems have bumped up against Mr. McConnell. A similar coalition of lawmakers and outside groups made a higher-profile and more expansive attempt to overhaul the criminal justice system during the final years of the Obama administration, and had support from Mr. Ryan and other Republicans. But Mr. McConnell did not allow a vote on the bill before the 2016 elections, worried about sowing divisions among Republicans. "Eight Keys to Mercy: How to shorten excessive prison sentences" | Main | News and notes from the front lines of the debate over the FIRST STEP Act November 15, 2018 Senator Tom Cotton, rather than argue against FIRST STEP Act, makes case for what should be in a SECOND STEP Act Senator Tom Cotton, who has been the main and most vocal opponents of federal criminal justice reform, has this notable new USA Today commentary. I was expecting the piece to argue against the FIRST STEP Act that has been endorse by Prez Trump and has wide bipartisan support. But, as these excerpts highlight, Senator Cotton in this piece primarily articulates what further statutory reforms are needed to fix a broken federal criminal justice system: Heres what genuine criminal-justice reform would do: reduce arbitrary government power over lives and protect us from the drug epidemic ravaging our community. Congress can take three simple steps to achieve these goals. First, we need to clean out the federal criminal code. Today, no one even knows for sure how many federal crimes are on the books. One estimate found between 10,000 and 300,000 regulations that can be enforced criminally, in addition to the more than 5,000 federal criminal laws. Many of those federal crimes would be funny, if they werent so dangerous to our liberty. For example, theres a federal law against selling Turkey Ham as Ham Turkey. Think such laws are never enforced? Think again. Gibson Guitars was prosecuted under a century-old law at a cost of millions of dollars to the taxpayers and the company because it allegedly transported wood in a way that may have violated laws of India. We should scrub the federal criminal code and remove such outdated and arbitrary laws. And we should create a transparent database of this shorter, more concise criminal code. Second, many federal crimes do not require mens rea, or a guilty mind. Mens rea, a common element of most state crimes, means that the offender must have a certain state of mental culpability to be charged with the crime. Coupled with the vast and confusing criminal code, the lack of mens rea leaves Americans at risk of arbitrary prosecution for trivial conduct. Senator Orrin Hatch has been a champion for mens rea reform to ensure that, at a minimum, a defendant should have known his conduct was wrong before facing criminal charges. Congress should incorporate these concepts into criminal-justice legislation. Third, the federal criminal code hasnt kept up with the opioid crisis, allowing the epidemic to spread across the country. For example, current law doesnt reflect the potency of fentanyl, a highly lethal opioid responsible for killing tens of thousands of Americans each year. A trafficker can carry enough fentanyl to kill 5,000 Americans before the lowest mandatory minimum sentence applies, and these traffickers receive a mere five-year sentence for distributing enough poison to kill more Americans than died on 9/11. Unfortunately, the legislation moving through Congress includes no mens rea reform, no reduction in the criminal code, and no crackdown on deadly drug traffickers. Astonishingly, the bill goes soft on some of the worst crimes trafficking heroin and fentanyl by allowing most traffickers to spend up to a third of their sentence at home, where many of them will no doubt return to dealing drugs. At this point, its best for Congress to pause on criminal-justice legislation and take the time to reform our criminal code, include mens rea as an element of most crimes, and strengthen the sentences for dangerous drug crimes. Congress can also focus on how to rehabilitate felons to help them get off on the right foot after serving their sentence. What Congress ought not do is rush through flawed legislation in a lame-duck session. I agree with Senator Cotton that we need to reduce the number of federal crimes, include strict mens rea protections in all federal criminal provisions, and better respond to the opioid crisis (although I think history has shown that increased federal mandatory minimums are an ineffective way to respond to drug problems). For that reason, I sincerely hope Senator Cotton is busy drafting bills to address these matters that Congress can and should consider swiftly after the passage of the FIRST STEP Act. But, as the name suggests, the FIRST STEP Act does not claim to fix all the myriad problems of federal criminal law, and so Congress can and should address Senator Cotton's (second step) concerns right after they take a critical first step. November 15, 2018 at 08:07 PM | Permalink Comments Looks like ol' Tommy Boy found himself on the wrong side of politics and popular opinion. How about just doing the right thing? Posted by: Fat Bastard | Nov 15, 2018 11:11:40 PM Agree with it or not, Cotton's thinking seems perfectly clear to me. He thinks there should be fewer crimes so that it should be easier to understand what is criminal and what is not. And if something is criminal, he thinks it should be punished severely. So I don't find this surprising. It is also a common theme among conservaties that there are too many crimes; see for example "Ham Sandwich Nation" https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2203713 Posted by: William Jockusch | Nov 16, 2018 9:46:23 AM Cotton carrying Koch water; no surprise. Posted by: DAM | Nov 16, 2018 12:04:26 PM It's sad to see all this hate based on who someone is and/or who they may be associating with. Posted by: William Jockusch | Nov 16, 2018 6:52:55 PM DAM: The Koch network has been a vocal advocate for reforms much more potent than what is in FIRST STEP Act. Posted by: Doug B | Nov 27, 2018 1:09:56 AM Post a comment One held for planting bomb in Nepalgunj A man has been arrested for spreading terror by planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Nepalgunj on Friday. A Chinese construction project is seen in Port Moresby A Chinese construction project is seen in Port Moresby, the capital city of the poorest nation in the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), in Papua New Guinea, November 14, 2018. Picture taken November 14, 2018. REUTERS/Philip Wen By Colin Packham and Philip Wen SYDNEY/BEIJING (Reuters) - When Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill flagged the possibility of China bankrolling a port development off his country's northern coast in June, the consternation in neighbouring Australia set off a lightening-fast response. Despite a change in leadership in Australia's government in August, a rival offer was swiftly formulated, government and diplomatic sources told Reuters, amid concern the strategically-located Manus Island port could regularly host Chinese military vessels. Canberra, a staunch Washington ally, said earlier this month it would fund the port development, part of what analysts see as a push to reassert its dominance in the South Pacific as Beijing seeks a more prominent role. "The Manus Island port was a big concern for us," a senior U.S. diplomatic source told Reuters, on condition of anonymity. "It was feasible Chinese military vessels could have used the port so we are very happy that Australia will fund the re-development." Australia is preparing to make the verbal agreement formal at this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held in PNG's capital, Port Moresby. While conceived as a means to remove trade barriers in the Pacific, the hosting of this year's APEC has also seen PNG become a staging ground for regional influence where the U.S. and China lock in competing alliances. 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 Pacific nations could end up overburdened and in debt to Beijing. China says it has no ulterior motive beyond assisting the development goals of Pacific Island nations and that Australia should see it as a partner, rather than rival, in the region. On Friday, President Xi Jinping will showcase China's Belt and Road to Pacific leaders, several of whom are expected to sign up to the infrastructure initiative. Story continues Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week characterised the Pacific as Australia's "patch" while offering the region up to A$3 billion ($2.18 billion) in cheap infrastructure loans and grants to counter China's rising influence in the region. "There is an acceptance within Australia that it has taken its eye off the ball and that has prompted Australia's Pacific reset," said Nick Bisley, professor of international relations at Melbourne's La Trobe University. NAUGHTY STEP This is the first time PNG, the poorest of the 21 countries in the economic bloc, is hosting the APEC summit. The country's overriding focus is for the event in Port Moresby to be a success, Western officials say, overcoming perceptions of inadequate infrastructure, high crime rates and a crumbling healthcare system. Aware of the importance PNG's leadership has attached to the event, Australia and China have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help stage the forum. But Western efforts to leverage APEC have been a dealt a blow by lukewarm U.S. support, with President Donald Trump electing to skip the event. Attending in Trump's stead, Vice-President Mike Pence will not stay in Port Moresby, instead flying in and out daily from the northeastern Australian city of Cairns. "The U.S. are well and truly on the naughty step," a senior British diplomat told Reuters. "Papua New Guinea believes the quality of the event is not what comes from it but rather who attends and the decisions by Trump not to attend and Pence to fly in and out only for APEC has upset PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill." In contrast, Chinese President Xi Jinping will spend several days in Port Moresby and conduct an official bilateral visit. He will also host a closed forum with Pacific leaders, where he is expected to announce a big Chinese aid and investment package to the Pacific, tying it to his signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, Western diplomats said. "The President asked the Vice President specifically to do this trip on his behalf because he believed that he would be the ideal messenger for the President on American policy for the region, the President's objectives in trade and investments, and strategically," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters in a briefing. Asked whether Asian nations might view Trump's absence as a snub, Pence told reporters travelling with him to Asia: "Not in the least," adding that Trump attended the ASEAN and APEC summits last year. PLAYING CATCH-UP Manus Island was a major U.S. naval base during the Second World War, playing a key role in Washington's Pacific strategy. More recently, the island has hosted one of Australia's two controversial offshore immigration detention centres. Analysts say a Chinese presence there could impact the West's ability to navigate the Pacific while offering Beijing close access to U.S. bases in Guam. "Australia is concerned the Pacific could become the next South China Sea where Beijing militarises the region," said La Trobe's Bisley. The question is whether China has gained such a firm foothold it will prove difficult to shake, diplomats and officials told Reuters. PNG has the largest debt to China in the South Pacific, at almost $590 million, representing about one-quarter of its total external debt. "Chinese presence is seen everywhere. It has been achieved in large part through its investment into the country," said a senior French diplomat who declined to be named as he is not authorised to talk to the media. "With PNG's economy now in trouble, what China says, goes." ($1 = 1.3837 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham in SYDNEY and Philip Wen in BEIJING; Additional reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in NEW ZEALAND and Roberta Rampton in WASHINGTON) Piglets are seen at a farm in Suining in southwest China's Sichuan province June 18, 2007. REUTERS/Stringer/Files By Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton BEIJING (Reuters) - China's efforts to stem the spread of African swine fever were dealt a fresh blow on Friday when the agricultural ministry confirmed it had found the first case in a wild boar, deepening a three-month-old crisis for the world's top pork producer. The country also confirmed the first outbreak in the southwest province of Sichuan, the country's leading pig-herding region, raising the likelihood of a major impact on pork supplies in coming months. The disease was found in a dead wild boar in Baishan city, Jilin province, in northeastern China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a statement published on its website. "The new case means that it will be even more difficult to control African swine fever. How do you control wild boars?" said Yah Guiding, an analyst with consultancy China-America Commodity Data Analytics. China has banned transportation of live pigs and products from regions infected by African swine fever and neighbouring provinces to control the spread of the highly contagious disease, as well as prohibiting the feeding of kitchen waste to hogs. But the virus has continued to spread despite the government's efforts, with more than 60 outbreaks in 18 provinces across the nation since early August. China's large population of wild boar, which can harbour the disease without showing symptoms, is estimated to total around 33.5 million, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FARO). Local authorities in Jilin have inspected neighbouring areas frequented by wild boars and carried out a comprehensive sterilisation of all pig farms in the area, the agriculture ministry said in its statement. Analysts said the discovery of the wild boar suggested that the virus could have been brought into China by the animals coming from other countries. China has blamed the feeding of kitchen waste to pigs for the spread of disease. Story continues FAST SPREAD The highly contagious disease was also discovered on a farm of 40 pigs in Yibin city, in Sichuan's southeast. "With the new case in Sichuan, all major pig production provinces have now fallen. The situation is very severe," Yah said. China slaughters around 700 million pigs a year. Sichuan produced almost 66 million last year, according to official data, more than any other province. Sichuan is also the province with the highest per capita consumption of pork in China at 36 kg (79 pounds), according to data from the National Statistics Bureau. Provincial authorities in Sichuan issued a ban last week on the import of all live hogs and hog products from other regions in a bid to keep the disease out. But Yibin is close to Sichuan's borders with Chongqing municipality and Guizhou province, both of which have already reported outbreaks. Pig prices in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, are currently the highest in the country, thanks to strong local demand and a bump-up after the disease infected nearby provinces. Prices fell by 0.2 yuan on Friday from a day earlier to 17.7 yuan ($2.55) per kg, according to data collected by China-America Commodity Analytics. The discovery of African swine fever in Sichuan comes less than three months ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in early February that mark China's peak demand period for pork. There is no cure and no vaccine for the disease, and the virus can survive for weeks in pork and animal feed. ($1 = 6.9404 yuan) (Reporting by Dominique Patton, Hallie Gu and Muyu Xu; Editing by Tom Hogue and Kirsten Donovan) A rare expose by a Chinese newspaper has revealed the inner workings of an illegal business aimed at stopping petitioners from across the country seeking justice in Beijing. The practice of petitioning dates back to ancient times and is often the last resort for hundreds of thousands of Chinese each year to bring their grievances often involving local officials to the State Bureau for Letters and Calls in Beijing, which then channels their complaints to the relevant authorities. But those same officials often dispatch people to block, detain and send petitioners home to avoid looking bad in front of higher ranking officials. The investigative report in The Beijing News on Wednesday looked into the death last year of Chen Yuxian, a petitioner from Shangyou county in Jiangxi province. Chen went to Beijing to seek justice after being wrongly accused of selling fake paddy seeds in 2007. His case had been in limbo since he was released on bail. The newspaper tracked a complex web of local officials, informers and the petition blockers themselves, who can make more than 800,000 yuan (US$115,000) a month by preventing citizens from reaching Beijing. But efforts to obstruct petitioners are illegal. In 2014, the government abolished a system that ranked local authorities performance according to the number of petitions about them that reached Beijing. That system led to the proliferation of petition blockers. According to the report, local officials send informers to fish for information at train stations and around the hotels in Beijing where petitioners are offered cheap accommodation. Chen reportedly met Lu Jianming, an informer, while he was trying to find a hotel near the Beijing West station in June last year. Lu then passed the information on to Niu Li, who had been running a petition blocking business in the capital since 2012 and is said to be the son of a former petitioner. He spent 2 million yuan setting up a car rental company as a cover, according to The Beijing News. Story continues Niu had the contact details for nearly every Bureau for Letters and Calls chief in the country, Liu Xiaolong, secretary of the Shangyou Political and Legal Affairs Commission, told the newspaper. When he heard about Chen, Niu called Lai Xuewen then chief of the Shangyou Bureau of Letters and Calls who offered him 25,000 yuan to bring the petitioner back to the county. The informer then offered Chen a ride to the bureau in Beijing, but they were met halfway by a group of men hired by Niu, according to the report. Chen resisted their efforts to drag him into a car and he was brutally beaten with police batons before being bound and gagged. As they approached Shangyou, the men realised Chen was dying so they disposed of his belongings and dumped his body at a local hospital, which was unable to revive him. Chen was so severely disfigured by the beating he had to be identified with a DNA test, his son, Chen Shuwei, told the newspaper. In May, 12 people faced a Beijing court over Chens murder, but a verdict has not yet been delivered. Shangyou bureau chief Lai was removed from his position but still works as a civil servant, according to the report. This article How Chinas desperate petitioners are blocked from seeking justice first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Sandy Gaos restaurant in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, has been closed to the public since Thursday and will not reopen until Sunday. And the Chinese businesswoman could not be happier about it. Located just a short drive from the Stanley Hotel, where Chinese President Xi Jinping will be staying for the duration of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, Gaos eatery has been taken over by a team of chefs who will use it as a culinary base for the visiting leaders sizeable entourage. The [Chinese] embassy said they wanted to rent my restaurant to prepare food for the delegation, Gao said. But they wont use it to make President Xis food, he always uses his own cook. More than 20 chefs and assistants from China Railway Corporation, a state-owned company and major investor in the Pacific nation, descended on the premises on Thursday morning and would stay until the summit ended, Gao said. Other Chinese working in Papua New Guinea said they were looking forward to welcoming Xi to the country and hoped his visit would be good for business. We have high hopes for the presidents visit, I am sure it will be a boost for business interests in the country, and it is very encouraging for the Chinese community here, said a man surnamed Huang, who has been working on an oil project in the country for the past three years. None of us will be working during Xis visit, we will stand along the road to the hotel to welcome the delegation. Large sections of the road have been decorated with Chinese national flags. Xi is expected to meet Papua New Guineas Prime Minister Peter ONeill during his four-day trip, and the pair are expected to finalise a number of investment deals. In preparation for Xis arrival, local authorities arranged for a traditional Chinese arch painted in red and gold to be erected outside the Stanley Hotel. It was largely paid for by the local Chinese community. Story continues As well as the huge gateway, the entrance to the hotel and its lobby have been decorated with dozens of Chinese lanterns, all bearing the characters for Chinese dream, a phrase coined by and repeated by Xi since he rose to power in 2013, while large, plain red flags hang outside. Xi will not be the only state leader staying at the Stanley for the Apec summit. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will also be a guest, though his arrival will not be marked by such a colourful display. Relations between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur have been strained in recent months since the veteran politician, who returned to power this year, halted several China-funded development projects in the Southeast Asian country, including a rail link and two gas pipelines. While Gao was happy to see her restaurant being used to prepare food for the Chinese delegation, she is not alone in wanting to keep the visitors from her homeland well fed during their stay. Local Chinese were seen on Wednesday delivering dozens of boxes of instant noodles and water bottles to the Stanley. This article Chinese community in Papua New Guinea prepares for Xi Jinpings visit first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Pipe bomb terror at busy Nepalgunj thoroughfare Nepalgunj remained tense throughout Thursday after a suspicious object, which was later confirmed as Improvised Explosive Device, was recovered at busy Pushpalal Chowk. Reuters TOKYO/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Japanese and Indian officials are working on ways to release national reserves of crude oil in tandem with the United States and other major economies, but the timing of such a release remains unclear, seven government sources with knowledge of the plans told Reuters. Such an announcement could come as early as Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the discussions, but White House and U.S. energy department officials said no official decision on a release had been made. U.S. President Joe Biden has asked China, India, South Korea and Japan for a coordinated oil stocks release as U.S. gasoline prices soar and his approval ratings slump ahead of next year's congressional elections. State-owned enterprises are much more prominent than the private sector and President Xi Jinping far more visible than Deng Xiaoping in a special exhibition marking 40 years since Chinas reform and opening up, stressing the Communist Partys role in the economy even as Xi courts private firms to help stabilise growth during the trade war with the United States. The exhibition, at the National Museum of China in Beijing, devotes half of a display about Chinese leaders to the achievements of Xi, who took office in 2012 yet receives more emphasis than former paramount leader Deng under whom China began its economic transformation in 1978 and his successors. Zhu Rongji, the former premier who engineered China joining the World Trade Organisation in 2001, is nowhere to be seen. Shanghai-based political analyst Chen Daoyin said the shows focus on the present leadership was intended to deliver a strong message that China had entered a new era, signalling an end to the old China led by Dengs ideas. Where to now? 40 years after the big economic experiment that changed China [Last year] the 19th National Congress declared that China has entered a new era that is, the era of Xi, said Chen. As such, the symbolic significance of the exhibition is that Deng Xiaopings era has come to an end, and China is moving forward and has entered a new world: the era of Xi. That the exhibition deifies the current leadership and diminishes the impact of former reformers such as Deng is also an attempt to revise history, said Zhang Lifan, a prominent scholar of modern Chinese history in Beijing. The economic contribution of the private sector which accounted for nearly two-thirds of the countrys growth and nearly 90 per cent of its new urban jobs in 2017 was acknowledged at the show, but the number of displays about private firms was dwarfed by that for state-owned enterprises (SOEs). E-commerce giant Alibaba, internet titan Tencent, search leader Baidu, smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, laptop maker Lenovo and carmaker Geely are among the private firms to feature in the show. Story continues The Chinese government has gone out of its way in the past month to try to reassure private entrepreneurs that they have its support. But Beijing continues to send mixed messages about how deep that support is, as illustrated by the 40th anniversary exhibit. Call for action to back up Chinas words of support for private enterprise Since Chinas opening-up and reforms for 40 years, the influence of private firms cannot be overlooked, reads one of the displays. They are leading in employment, start-ups and innovation, and are the main source of tax revenue for the country. But it is Chinas scientific and technological achievements in areas dominated by state firms that are the most visible. Displays on aerospace, submarines, aviation, biology, medicine, physics, semiconductors and robotics are scattered through the exhibition. This is in line with Beijings controversial Made in China 2025 industrial plan, although the plan itself isnt mentioned in the exhibition. Unveiled in 2015, the plan is aimed at developing the countrys cutting-edge industries such as robotics, aerospace and new energy vehicles so that it can replace imports with locally made products and take on Western tech giants. Meanwhile, the trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, the state-backed push for global influence by funding and building infrastructure projects, is depicted in the exhibition as a blueprint for China opening up its markets and defending free trade. Reaching from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe and Africa, the initiative includes 71 countries that between them account for half of the worlds population and a quarter of global GDP. Chinas latest financial data paints a bleak economic outlook amid trade war [With belt and road] China stresses collaboration, openness and tolerance, sharing and learning, mutual benefit and win-win, reads the introduction to an exhibit about the strategy, next to a picture of Xi, who announced the grand plan five years ago. A separate room highlights the countrys infrastructure projects, many of which have been built in emerging markets in Africa and Asia, and again stresses the leading role of state firms. State-owned companies, especially those managed by the central government, have dominated positions in key areas related to national security and the economy and are making a great contribution to the development of the countrys economy, reads one of the exhibits. State firms strengthen the country and protect the peoples interests. Many of the displays outlining state firms achievements focus on them performing better after the 18th National Party Congress, at which Xi replaced Hu Jintao as General Secretary of the Communist Party. Since the 18th Party Congress, the size of the state-owned economy and the profit margin of state firms has stabilised and improved, says an explanation of a chart highlighting the total value of state firms assets, which more than doubled since 2013 to a record high of 183.5 trillion yuan (US$26.4 trillion) in 2017. Opinion: China must push its private sector past a crisis of confidence The exhibitions organisers included the Communist Partys publicity department and the new Central Institute for Party History and Literature Research, alongside government and party departments. Doubts over the future of Chinas private sector grew in September after a controversial essay circulated online argued that it had played its historic role in assisting the leap forward of the public sector and should be phased out. As the economy slows, private companies face financing difficulties and lower revenue growth. Corporate bond defaults have hit a record high this year, and the government has sought in recent weeks to boost confidence among entrepreneurs with measures seeking to alleviate their funding problems and improve market access. Chinese private sector fears grow over states role However, the outlook for the private sector remains uncertain given the unfavourable treatment it has received compared with the state-owned sector, said Nicolas Lardy, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. Xi has said conflicting things about private firms, said Lardy. If China continues to follow policies discriminating against the private sector, growth will slow further. This article What does opening up exhibition giving credit to SOEs and Xi Jinping say to Chinas private firms? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. By Krisztina Than BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Former Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski sought asylum at a Hungarian representation outside Macedonia before reaching Hungary earlier this week and submitting his formal application for refugee status, Budapest said on Thursday. Gruevski, who resigned in 2016 after 10 years in power, fled his Balkan homeland six months after being sentenced to two years in prison on corruption-related charges. Macedonian police issued an arrest warrant for him after he failed to show up to begin his sentence following a Nov. 9 court ruling against his motion for a reprieve. Gruevski's refugee status application could put Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a tight spot. He supported the fellow nationalist Gruevski in the run-up to Macedonia's 2017 election and praised his party's efforts in halting migrants passing through the Balkans northwards towards Western Europe. A senior Hungarian official declined to say in which country Gruevski had first sought Hungarian asylum or how he later made his way to the Immigration and Asylum Office in Budapest where he submitted documents and secured a hearing. "According to my knowledge he made a statement regarding threats to his safety ... that justified that his hearing should be conducted not in a transit zone but in Budapest," said Gergely Gulyas, Orban's cabinet chief. Speaking to reporters, Gulyas would not say whether the Hungarian government was involved in helping Gruevski get to Budapest or whether he arrived by land or air. He said Hungary played no role in Gruevski's exit from Macedonia. Police in Albania, which borders Macedonia, said later on Thursday that Gruevski had crossed Albanian territory into Montenegro to the north on Sunday evening as a passenger in an Hungarian embassy car. It was unclear whether Gruevski then transited Serbia to reach Hungary further north. Albanian police said Interpol notified them of an arrest warrant for Gruevski only on Tuesday, when the ex-premier announced on his Facebook page that he was in Budapest and seeking asylum. Story continues Gulyas said Budapest had not yet received an official request from Macedonia to extradite Gruevski, adding Hungary would act "in line with the laws" if that happens. He said there was an extradition agreement between the two countries. Asked if Gruevski was being protected by Hungarian authorities, Gulyas said Budapest had applied "the appropriate security protocol", and was assured he would not leave the country. Gruevski had not met Orban this week, he added. On Wednesday, a Fidesz party spokesman said Gruevski was a politician who was being persecuted by Macedonia's leftist government. Gulyas declined to comment on this. (Reporting by Krisztina Than in Budapest and Benet Koleka in Tirana; Editing by Mark Heinrich) In addition to Sikumis and Tokopedia, we also caught some interesting new partnerships launched this week in Indonesia Tokopedia Business Development-New Retail lead Gary Christian (right) with a Mitra Tokopedia user Tokopedia launches new app for digital products sale Press Release Indonesian e-commerce giant Tokopedia on Thursday announced the launch of its new mobile app Mitra Tokopedia. The app will enable individuals and small business owners to sell the various digital products sold on Tokopedia platform, from mobile phone creditsm game vouchers, universal healthcare fee, and pre-paid electricity tokens. It is available for Android devices and will take up no more than 1MB of space. Agritech startup Sikumis raises follow-on funding Press Release Indonesian agritech startup Sikumis today announced that it has raised follow-on undisclosed strategic investment from Telkom Group subsidiary Metralog. Metralog first invested in the company in July. The startup is currently developing a platform that integrates the various aspects of agriculture business, from P2P lending, financing, to online auction system. Also Read: [Updated] Tokopedia, OVO team up to offer the payment service on the e-commerce platform Astra International signs partnership with Plug and Play Asia Pacific Press Release After securing a partnership with its Indonesian operations, Indonesian conglomerate Astra International signed a new partnership with the Asia Pacific branch of Silicon Valley-based accelerator Plug and Play on Thursday in Singapore. The partnership will include collaborations between Astra and startups in Indonesia as well as Plug and Play helping Astra with its digitalisation strategy. LOKET, Bhinneka signs partnership for ticket distribution programme Press Release Indonesian online ticket management service LOKET on Thursday signed a partnership with e-commerce pioneer Bhinnekas B2B line Bhinneka Bisnis. Under the new partnership, Bhinneka Bisnis users will be able to purchase tickets for shows, theme parks, and events for workshop or office outing purposes. Story continues Image Credit: Tokopedia The post Happened in Indonesia: Tokopedia launches new app, Sikumis raises follow-on funding appeared first on e27. AERGOs architecture will allow enterprises to transfer data without having to trust an intermediary while also being flexibly governed and integrated into existing systems AERGO, the strategic technology partner of Blocko, a blockchain infrastructure provider based out of South Korea, has secured US$30 million in venture funding from a slew of investors, including Sequoia Capital China, GBIC, Neo Global Capital, Dekrypt Capital, and FBG Capital. Other investors who joined the round are Arrington XRP Capital, JRR Crypto, Rockaway Capital, and Block Crafters Capital. The company will use the funds to launch a new base-layer public blockchain protocol, deliver a set of IT integration software deployment blueprints, scale R&D teams, launch new applications on the platform, and expand its partner ecosystem and global reach. AERGO is an open-source based platform that features customisable hybrid-blockchain deployments, a server-less cloud architecture, and data bridging technology. AERGOs architecture will allow enterprises to transfer data without having to trust an intermediary while also being flexibly governed and integrated into existing systems. Also Read: Blockchain will force banks to change their feudal mindset The startup takes a hybrid blockchain approach to its design architecture which entails a mix of a public chain, private chains, and side chains all connected through interoperability technology. AERGO claims a hybrid approach should allow ease of integration into existing systems by giving businesses the flexibility of coupling completely trust-less environments for sensitive data or value transfers with regulatory compliant record-keeping, privacy, and customisation. Ive spent over twenty-five years leading firms like Red Hat and VMWare in driving adoption of open-source technologies by delivering complex systems to corporations like Deutsche Telekom, HSBC, Ferrari, Sony, Ericsson, and Siemens, said Phil Zamani, Founder and Chairman of the AERGO organisation. Blockos approach to the next frontier of open-source technology, blockchain, will emulate that which I made when leading business strategies in firms like Red Hat, where innate customer know-how, which Blocko has, was the edge over competitors like IBM. Story continues The startup previously raised US$8.9 million in a Series B round in June of this year, which included a follow-on investment from Samsung Ventures from a previous funding round. Samsung-backed Blocko supports, develops, and subsequently plans to use the AERGO platform to offer a broader set of enterprise-IT solutions and cloud-based application development capabilities to many existing blockchain clients. The post Hong Kong-based blockchain startup AERGO raises US$30M from Sequoia, others appeared first on e27. It was just after dawn prayers when the caretaker at a Jakarta mosque noticed a man stealing from the donation box, prompting a furious mob to beat him to death -- for taking the equivalent of $130. The lynching was one of hundreds of vigilante killings across Indonesia in recent years, highlighting a brutal trend driven by rising religious conservatism and low faith in a corruption-riddled justice system. Mob violence has also been aggravated by rapid urbanisation that brings together strangers from across the Southeast Asian nation in often poor, overcrowded neighbourhoods, raising stress levels and fuelling mistrust, observers say. The lynching had echoes of the grisly 2017 murder of 30-year-old Muhammad al-Zahra who was set ablaze for allegedly stealing a mosque's amplifier in the hardscrabble Jakarta suburb Bekasi, as onlookers cheered and filmed the scene on mobile phones. As the electronics repairman pleaded for his life, insisting he was not a thief, the frenzied mob poured gasoline over him and took his life. His widow, who miscarried their second child days after his death, told reporters that her husband often fixed damaged equipment -- including amplifiers -- before reselling them. Half a dozen people were sentenced to between six and seven years in prison over the attack, as doubts about his guilt lingered. - 'Lack of trust' - Stealing from a mosque is seen by some as an attack on Islam itself, and helps explain the eruption of such violence in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, according to Heru Susetyo, a law professor at the University of Indonesia. "(Many vigilantes) are Muslims who aren't necessarily that devout, but they are easily provoked by these incidents," he said. "They are even willing to commit violence for the sake of 'defending' Islam." In the neighbourhood where the more recent attack happened, one man said he understood the desire to punish those who steal from a place of worship. "(But) thieves should be caught and handed over to police," said Sahanan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Few in Indonesia, however, espouse any faith in the graft-riddled justice system. "The main problem is a lack of trust in the authorities," said Agustinus Pohan, a law professor at Indonesia's Parahyangan University. "Those with power or money get special treatment. That's why people refuse to trust the police and decide to take matters into their own hands." Another factor is the disproportionate impact of theft on the poor, who lack insurance or a cushion of savings -- coupled with the relatively light sentences handed out to many petty criminals. - Culture of impunity - Indonesia's government does not release figures on mob violence. But according to World Bank data, the country recorded nearly 34,000 vigilante attacks involving serious injury or death between 2005 and 2014. The eye-watering figures -- including over 1,600 killings -- were based on local media reports drawn from regions which are home to only about half of Indonesia's 260 million people, suggesting that the real numbers could be even higher. Sana Jaffrey, a University of Chicago doctoral researcher who led the World Bank team, said a range of factors were responsible for stoking mob violence, including poverty and a lack of trust in police. But she rejected the notion that such attacks were spontaneous bursts of violence by a wild-eyed mob, saying they usually involved an element of planning and sometimes a powerful local figure. In July, a gun-toting village leader in East Java reportedly encouraged seven men to attack a suspected motorcycle thief with sticks and rocks before his gasoline-soaked body was set on fire. "The police only take action against vigilantes when the victim of the mob does not fit the profile of a criminal and the family protests or when there is an ethnic angle... and they fear escalation into a larger, communal conflict", Jaffrey said. Although mob violence usually rises in lockstep with social and political chaos, Indonesia, which has transitioned to stable democracy over the past two decades, has bucked the trend, Jaffrey said. "More institutional stability and more (violence) -- these two things don't go together in most parts of the world." - 'Cooperation and respect' - Suspected criminals are not the only victims of mob justice in Indonesia. This year, half a dozen men beat and stripped a young couple before parading them naked around their neighbourhood over suspicions the pair had premarital sex. In Aceh province, which is ruled by Islamic law, public humiliations by citizen groups -- and sometimes even police -- have become increasingly common. A viral video in April showed a young, unmarried Aceh couple being doused with raw sewage after they were seen alone -- an offence punishable by caning in the conservative province. None of the young men who attacked them were punished. Authorities say rising vigilantism is a grim indictment of Indonesian society rather than a reflection of their failure to deliver justice. "These incidents show that the social system isn't working well," said Jakarta Police spokesman Argo Yuwono. "We need to promote a sense of mutual cooperation and respect." Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice. Beleaguered at home, belittled abroad, Emmanuel Macron of France and Germany's Angela Merkel will use a Berlin meeting on Sunday to bolster their alliance as champions of a united Europe fraught with resurgent nationalism. After weeks of stalemate on issues such as eurozone reforms and how to get internet giants to pay more tax, the French president and German chancellor have recently gone out of their way to demonstrate unity and common purpose. Macron gave Merkel pride of place last weekend during commemorations marking the end of World War I where he spoke out against nationalism -- a message he is likely to hammer home again Sunday when addressing Germany's parliament as part of ceremonies to commemorate victims of war. French presidential aides said Macron will also renew his call for a European army to reduce the EU's military dependence on the United States, despite being taken to task by US President Donald Trump who termed the proposal "very insulting". In a series of tweets after returning home from the armistice commemorations in Paris the US president mocked Macron, saying that without US military intervention in World War II the French would today be speaking German. His tweets, in which he also sneered at Macron's low poll ratings at home, coincided with a speech by Merkel at the European Parliament, in which she too called for a European army. Macron and Merkel are displaying "the will to speak with one voice", said Helene Miard-Delacroix, a Germany expert at the Paris-Sorbonne University. "They share a common interest in bolstering one another. Alone President Macron cannot rally the Europeans, and neither can the politically-weakened chancellor act alone", she said. Strongly backing Macron on an issue such as closer European defence integration "is a way for her to say 'I'm still here, I'm in control'", Miard-Delacroix said. Once dubbed the world's most powerful woman, Merkel has seen her party hemorrhage votes to the far-right AfD party in recent elections. Last month, she announced she would step down as chancellor when her current term expires in 2021. But by also renouncing, as of December, the leadership of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) she has opened herself up to a possible party coup which could see her deposed as government leader before the hour of her choosing. Macron, whose ratings have plummeted in recent months, is also facing increasing criticism at home, notably over taxation, just as he seeks to bolster his European credentials in the run-up to May's European parliamentary elections. Merkel's support is "of great service to Emmanuel Macron" in a European Union showing growing hostility to its previously-held common values, former prime minister Dominique de Villepin told France Inter radio this week. - 'New inspiration' - Germany's parliamentary speaker and veteran CDU heavyweight, Wolfgang Schaeuble, said on a visit Wednesday to Paris that boosting Franco-German cooperation would help "give new inspiration to Europe". The two countries have agreed to set up a new joint parliamentary assembly, consisting of about 50 MPs from each side, which would meet at least twice a year. But deeper issues remain unresolved, with Germany notably suspicious of Macron's rushed bid to reform the eurozone, including giving it a common budget. "There's questioning of Emmanuel Macron in Germany because he wants to go very fast in dealing with European issues when in fact time is needed," said Hans Stark, an expert at the French Institute of International Relations. And Merkel is treading a thin line. "She can't back French projects 100 percent, but doesn't want to speak out against them either," he added. Merkel "has very clearly shown how closely she shares Macron's views" on Europe, but "it's not just statements that count but how they are implemented," a French presidential aide said for his part. Both leaders remain determined however to stand fast in the face of rising nationalism in eastern Europe and the march of populism in countries such as Italy, one of Europe's founding members. Addressing a peace forum in Paris last weekend Merkel warned against isolationism. Remarking that it "wasn't the right solution more than 100 years ago," she asked: "How can it be the right solution today?" Following criticism from local activist groups, as well as members of the international community at the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, regarding Malaysias continued practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the countrys deputy prime minister, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, has said that the practice is part of our countrys culture. Wed like to remind you that as the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Dr. Wan Azizah, who is also a medical doctor, is in charge of protecting womens rights, health and safety. Lol. Wan Azizah has said that her ministry will meet with health officials to discuss the practice, and whether there are any benefits or downsides to the procedure. Current statistics estimate that as much as 93% of Muslim women in Malaysia have had Type I FGM, which sees the skin around the clitoris partially, or completely removed. The World Health Organization has stated that there are no health benefits to any version of the procedure. However, officials representing Malaysia told the panel at the UPR meeting that such practices were cultural obligations for many women in the country, something that our Womens Minister has doubled-down on herself: We are in discussions with the Health Ministry because so far, it is actually something that is cultural which we had since before, and this is one of the things they (the delegates) actually said. But we are not the same as Africa, all the mutilation (there). If it doesnt give any benefits, then we should do something, she told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday. Many have come out to strongly condemn these statements made in an official capacity, including the National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), who have called such terminology misleading and unconvincing, and say that the matter could further damage our countrys credibility on human rights. Netizens were equally angered, with many taking the minister to task over her claims that it was cultural, with one woman referring to the practices prevalence as more of an obsession over womens bodies than anything useful. Story continues The post Malaysian deputy PM, who is also the Womens Minister, calls female genital mutilation cultural appeared first on Coconuts. How GoGet, Dropee, and StoreHub fare in a grander tech-driven world Malaysian startup ecosystem has and will continue to churn out the regions best quality startups because of the starting environment that they are bred from. Francesca Chia, CEO & Co-Founder, GoGet The world we live in is becoming increasingly fast-paced, prompting with it a series of innovations: from faster travel to faster communication, all great breakthroughs neatly packaged in every piece of technology without ever losing the important and age-old element of seamless quality in its every improved version. Through this, we have seen an inevitable growth in the demands of the market. Because of this growth in demand, the world has reared a need to optimise existing services for better swiftness, transparency, and overall experience on both the customer end and the business end. It is precisely this growing demand that birthed the rise of smart phones, ride sharing apps, streaming platforms, and e-commerce among many others all of which are founded on individual great ideas. With all these amazing ideas sprouting here and there, how is one of Southeast Asias leading countries in tech startups faring? We spoke to three of the top startups in Malaysia GoGet, Dropee, and StoreHub to see how they have adapted to an industry that is no longer built as a niche, but as a somewhat universal requirement for every thriving business model: tech. How diversity has become an important element to key successes in the Southeast Asian market What ultimately separates Malaysia as a breeding ground for tech startups (from the likes of, say, Singapore that offer larger grants to SMEs) is that the Malaysian market operates as a microcosm for most of its Southeast Asian neighbours, especially ones whose startup ecosystems are still at their infancy. If your goal is to scale, your business has to be adaptive to frameworks in which governments do not necessarily dole out massive amounts of money and incentives. You need to understand how to operate in more neutral frameworks, because that is the reality you will eventually have to contend with as you explore other Southeast Asian countries. Story continues Also read: MaGIC or no MaGIC, Malaysias startup ecosystem is bound to flourish! I sincerely believe that the Malaysian entrepreneur is best-positioned to win in the region because of our inherent flexibility from living in the only truly multi-cultural country in Southeast Asia, said Wai Hong Fong, Storehub CEO and Co-Founder. Having had decades of training on how to live peaceably and prosperously with people from vastly different cultures, our ability to selok-belok, adapt and speak multiple languages, have positioned us to navigate the complexities and nuances of the different markets in SEA. StoreHub prides itself for optimising over 5,000 brick-and-mortar retail stores across 15 countries with digital systems that oversee their inventory, employees, and customers, run promotions, monitor sales activity, and grow their businesses from anywhere through an omni-channel platform. Fong also notes that things are looking up for B2B platforms in the region because governments are pushing for stronger adoption of technology, with its greatest challenge being the gap in tech savviness; predicting, still, that we are likely to see a steady transition towards a younger and a more tech-oriented business spectrum in the coming years. Traditional SMEs find new successes by trading old tricks for newer, more innovative ones GoGet on the other hand, who is yet to introduce its platform to markets outside Malaysia, credits much of its success to collaborations between different players in Malaysias vibrant startup ecosystem. More importantly, the key to GoGets success, said GoGet CEO and Co-Founder Francesca Chia, is listening to their consumers and understanding the market: how to improve, what to refine, etc. GoGet is a startup that developed a flexible work app that bridges businesses and part-timers together. What they essentially do is enrich traditional businesses by democratising part time work on an on-demand basis, helping not only businesses access vetted, trained, and verified part time workers real-time, but also help those part time workers explore job opportunities that suit their needs best. Also read: How the on-demand economy is finding its niche in Malaysia Much like ride sharing apps that pair people with drivers, what GoGet eliminates are the tedious processes that often go between the important elements of an equation. Malaysia is a great country to start business not only because of the ease of running a business, but also learning through diverse customer feedback, said Chia. Malaysia has a wide range of consumers that are able to refine the product and services. Malaysian startup ecosystem is highly collaborative and friendly. There are countless collaborations between players. This speaks a lot about the startup culture in Malaysia, one that isnt only driven by quality players but also one that recognises the importance of partnerships in producing better, more competitive products and services. How Malaysia is working hard to accommodate peoples digital adoption sentiments The journey for one-stop B2B procurement solution provider Dropee has been smoother primarily because of all the support theyve been getting in Malaysia, not only in monetary value, but also on exposures, contracts, and scaling opportunities. Dropee is a startup that provides solutions to problems often faced by traditional businesses in terms of sourcing, operating, and trading products especially in bulk. Their technology also enables large enterprises to keep track of their purchases by sourcing directly from qualified wholesalers, manufacturers, and principals through their transparent and reliable tech platform. Dropee CEO and Co-Founder Lennise Ng further posits that B2B is definitely growing as more businesses are continuously looking for platforms to reduce their costing and optimise their businesses. Not to mention that the e-commerce wave into these big brand owners; hence, more distributors are looking into the ecosystem. Also read: Im planning to register a startup in Malaysia. Where do I begin? Some of the perks that emerging startups in Malaysia find themselves enjoying is not only hinged on the markets emboldening trend of digital adoption, but also because of the support startups typically get from the likes of MDEC and many others. Also, Malaysian startups typically acquire support from the onset of their creation through more institutional start up enablers like the government. Moreover, Malaysia adequately distances itself from benevolent incentives, thereby allowing local startups more opportunities to scale in similarly young and vibrant Southeast Asian countries. Whats next for these players? The one thing these three different startups can truly agree on is that Malaysian entrepreneurs will continue to build and lead top regional startups with their perfect mix of adaptive-quality and ambition. For now, Malaysia counts on a few things to help navigate through the market and scale bigger: the diversity of its people, innovative ideas, and a lot of camaraderie and support from the larger community that they all ultimately belong to. Featured image credit : Sean Pavone for 123rf The post Navigating through Southeast Asias startup industry the Malaysian way appeared first on e27. Windy weather pushed back until Saturday the planned launch of a US cargo ship loaded with supplies for astronauts living at the International Space Station, NASA said Thursday. The delay to 4:01 am (0901 GMT) on November 17 from Wallops Island, Virginia marks the second time launch managers have postponed the mission from its initial flight plan of Thursday. "The teams decided to wait another day for launch after assessing continuing unfavorable weather conditions, including high winds and high seas, forecast for Friday morning," said a statement from Northrop Grumman, which operates the Antares rocket. "The forecast for a launch Saturday is significantly improved with a less than five percent chance of weather conditions preventing a launch." An unmanned Russian Progress supply ship is also scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1814 GMT on Friday. The Russian ship is scheduled to arrive at the orbiting outpost Sunday. A NASA spokeswoman told AFP the Cygnus -- bearing 7,400 pounds (3,350 kilograms) of supplies -- will follow at 5:20 am (0920 GMT) Monday. They mark the first cargo missions to ISS since a Soyuz rocket carrying three people bound for the space station failed on October 11 just minutes after blast-off -- the first such incident in the history of post-Soviet space travel. The astronauts on board were not hurt. Russia has since blamed the problem on a sensor that was damaged during assembly at the Baikonur cosmodrome. And Russia has already marked a successful return to flight with its Soyuz rocket on October 25, launching a satellite for the Russian military. Three astronauts -- one German, one Russian and one American -- are currently living at the space station, which has been continually inhabited since 2000. The next Soyuz launch with astronauts on board -- one Russian, one Canadian and one American -- is planned for December 3. Positive Energy is a blockchain-based renewable energy finance platform, whereas Warung Pintar provides MSMEs access to digital tools through smart kiosks Singapore-headquartered Positive Energy and Indonesia-based Warung Pintar have won the ASEAN Impact Challenge, a programme by Impact Hub Kuala Lumpur, aimed at discovering entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia accelerating the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Positive Energy, which offers a blockchain-based renewable energy finance platform, won the early-stage category, while Warung Pintar, a social venture that provides micro and small businesses access to digital tools powered by IoT and data analytics through smart kiosks, won the scale-stage category. Both the firms will receive continuous mentorship support from Impact Hub Kuala Lumpur, which has an established global network of impact-driven intermediaries, investors and corporate leaders. Technology innovators have the biggest potential to create social impact at scale, and Southeast Asia is home to many talents yet to be discovered and nurtured. This is why the ASEAN Impact Challenge exists. To discover those talents, and help them scale their innovations so that together, we can create impact on the lives of those living in the region, leaving no one behind, said Dr. Shariha Khalid Erichsen, Board Member of Impact Hub KL. Also Read: These 6 startups want to save the world Positive Energy aims to revolutionise the energy funding process to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy assets globally with a blockchain-based platform, making green investments fast, liquid and economically viable for all parties involved. Warung Pintar, which recently closed a US$4 million funding round from Vertex Ventures, Pavilion Capital and Line Ventures, was founded upon the mission to eradicate the massive income gap by offering equal entrepreneurship opportunities to those living at the bottom of the pyramid. In less than one year, Warung Pintar has digitised 1,000 kiosks across the Greater Jakarta area. Story continues Established in Malaysia in 2015, Impact Hub KL is a network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for impact at scale home to the innovators, the dreamers and the entrepreneurs who are creating tangible solutions to the worlds most pressing issues. Impact Hub KLs vision is to be a hub for business and people-driven impact in Malaysia and beyond. Since inception, Impact Hub KL has reached over 15,000 beneficiaries through its three pillars of work that aim to deliver wellbeing and sustainability outcomes through Empowered Learners, Impactful Enterprises and Inclusive Cities. The ASEAN Impact Challenge is a programme managed by Impact Hub KL under its Impactful Enterprises pillar. The ASEAN Impact Challenge Awards Ceremony was hosted by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council at the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit at Sands Convention Centre, Singapore, as part of Impact Hub Kuala Lumpurs collaboration with ASEAN Business Advisory Council & the ASEAN Secretariat to provide greater exposure for the impact-driven, tech entrepreneurs to the larger business community in the region. The post Positive Energy, Warung Pintar win ASEAN Impact Challenge 2018 appeared first on e27. A fugitive who has been on the run from Hong Kong police since 2015 was not handcuffed when he escaped again on Friday morning through the ceiling of a hospital toilet, according to a patient in the same ward. Police officers had lowered their guard after the arrested man, 34-year-old Leon Li, made repeated requests to use the toilet, the patient, surnamed Ho, said. Li was still at large after escaping from Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam at 8.30am less than 48 hours after being recaptured. He had repeatedly asked officers to escort him to the toilet from the early hours of Friday as he had an abdominal pain, said Ho, who shared the ward with Li and another patient. Li was chained and handcuffed when he was taken to the washroom the first few times, Ho said, but was not shackled when he went to the toilet the final time. He was put on a chain and the officers walked him like a dog the first few times. They also wedged the toilet door with their feet, Ho said, adding that the two officers guarding Li changed every few hours. He repeatedly complained of having abdominal pains and diarrhoea since Thursday night. The officers loosened [security measures] at that time and let him go [to the toilet] by himself. I went back to sleep after breakfast. But I then heard knocking on the door, and yells of Come out, Leon! and asking for someone to open the toilet door. But Leon had gone. Ho described the fugitive as physically strong, smart and gentle, and that he spoke English and Mandarin. Ho also said Li told him that he was born in China. Ho said he thought Li had planned the escape in advance as he went to the toilet several times. Initial investigation showed the suspect climbed into the toilets false ceiling in a second-floor ward after removing a cover and then scrambled into another washroom in the ward next door via a narrow space, according to a police source. Li was taken into custody at Hong Kong International Airport on Wednesday when he tried to re-enter the city on a Dominican Republic passport, one of several he reportedly held. Story continues Originally arrested three years ago and charged with possession of a fake ID card, Li, who also had a Chinese passport, was bailed and left Hong Kong. He was being held at Central police station before his latest escape, which happened after he told police he had Aids and needed to go to hospital. Somehow Li flew back to Hong Kong with a passport issued by the Dominican Republic, a senior police insider said. A police spokesman said the strongly built fugitive, described as 5ft 5in tall and last seen wearing blue and white checked hospital scrubs, and white sport shoes, complained of feeling sick. He was taken to Queen Mary Hospital on Thursday night. The suspect escaped at 8.30am, the spokesman said. Police immediately mounted a manhunt nearby. We are searching for the man. The Post understands that police were looking into whether the two officers had followed procedures and whether negligence was involved. Police set up roadblocks and were searching for him in the area surrounding the nearby University of Hong Kong. According to the force, Li was charged on June 9, 2015 with possessing a forged Hong Kong ID card, a day after being arrested. He was brought to Eastern Magistrates Court two weeks later, and was released on bail on June 23. While on bail, the suspect did not report to the court and therefore was listed as a wanted person, the spokesman said. Members of the public have been urged to contact investigators on 9855 1789, or 999, if they have any information on the mans whereabouts. HKU sent an email to warn students and staff about the escapee, and asked them to report anyone they saw acting suspiciously. Dr Steven Cannon, executive vice-president of the university, wrote: Staff and students may be aware that the police are searching for a man who escaped from their custody at Queen Mary Hospital early this morning. Members of the university are asked to exercise vigilance and report anyone acting suspiciously to university security or the police. It was business as usual in the rest of the hospital, meanwhile, with patients and visitors seemingly unaware of the drama unfolding around them. It was not the first time police had to recapture prisoners after they escaped from custody in a Hong Kong hospital. In June 2015, an 18-year-old facing trial over drug trafficking, and an alleged acid attack on a family of three, managed to unshackle himself and escape from two police officers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He was recaptured 10 hours later. That same month, a 14-year-old boy who had been arrested for breaching a curfew order escaped at Tuen Mun Hospital. He was rearrested in hospital that day. Additional reporting by Fiona Sun and Clifford Lo This article Catch me if you can: fugitive on run since 2015 escapes from Hong Kong police after being allowed to visit hospital washroom without handcuffs first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. To remember, we must first learn The Gantantra Smarak or Republic Monument, a concrete structure nestled awkwardly over 35 ropanis of land on the eastern side of Narayanhiti Palace, has, as of yet, remained closed to the public. Though the construction began nearly five years ago, it continues to remain barren of any guests. Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson on Friday said she was proud to "stand up to a bully" despite losing a bid to reinstate a multi-million-dollar defamation payout from an Australian publisher. The "Pitch Perfect" star was awarded Aus$4.5 million (US$3.3 million) in damages against Bauer Media last year over articles claiming she lied about her age and background to further her career. It was the largest defamation penalty in Australian legal history and drew criticism from across the country's publishing industry, which said it set a dangerous precedent. Bauer appealed the award and a court earlier this year ordered Wilson to return Aus$4.1 million of the damages. Wilson, who said she had missed out on lucrative roles as a result of the Bauer articles, applied to the High Court to appeal the decision. The application was rejected by the court at Friday's hearing in Canberra as Wilson watched from the public gallery. Outside the court, the Australian star told reporters "the whole reason for bringing this case is that I really wanted to stand up to a bully, which was Bauer Media". "And I'm so proud of myself that I did that, and saw it out right to the bitter end." Rohingya Muslims living in Bangladeshi refugee camps gave prayers of thanks Friday after threatened repatriations back to Myananmar were halted. None of the 720,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar after a military crackdown in August last year volunteered for the returns which were scheduled to start Thursday. Bangladesh has not said when or if a new attempt will be made to persuade the Rohingya to leave the refugee camps on the Myanmar border now filled with about one million people. The failure of the repatriations dominated Friday prayers in camp mosques. "We prayed to Allah for our salvation. And our prayers were granted. We thank Bangladeshi authorities as they understood our position about repatriation," Imam Hossain said after the weekly ceremony. "We are so happy it did not happen," said 55-year-old refugee Abdul Hamid. Another, Abdul Malek, said he had not seen his parents since fleeing Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017. "I have not seen my parents for over a year now. I want to see them but I don't feel safe enough to go back." The 32-year-old school teacher said he would return "at a moment's notice" if Myanmar authorities gave the Rohingya nationality. For decades the Rohingya have been denied citizenship and other rights by Myanmar, which regards them as "Bengali" interlopers. Many say they are too scared to return because of the deadly crackdown in the Buddhist-dominated state which the United Nations has said needs a genocide investigation. Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed to start repatriations last year and a preliminary list of 2,260 refugees who could go back was prepared. The UN and aid groups said only volunteers should go back and none came forward. Myanmar blamed Bangladesh for the delay saying it made "weak" preparations for the returns. Bangladeshi authorities have said no Rohingya would be forced to return. The government, struggling with the refugee influx, has not said what its next step in the crisis will be. Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under one of its biggest crises triggered by critic Jamal Khashoggi's murder, but an ever greater threat of international scrutiny and pressure hangs over the kingdom. Riyadh on Thursday exonerated powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of involvement in the murder as it called for the death penalty against five men, and as the United States, a key ally, slapped sanctions on 17 suspects. The kingdom has repeatedly changed its official narrative about journalist Khashoggi's murder inside its Istanbul consulate on October 2, first denying any knowledge of his whereabouts and later saying he was killed when an argument degenerated into a fistfight. In the latest version presented by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday, a 15-member squad was formed to bring Khashoggi back from Istanbul "by means of persuasion", but instead ended up killing The Washington Post columnist and dismembering his body in a "rogue" operation. Just hours later, the US Treasury slapped sanctions on 17 people, including close aides of Prince Mohammed, suggesting a coordinated effort between Riyadh and Washington to pre-empt the threat of harsher actions from an outraged US Congress. "The (Saudi) government is accelerating its investigation and prosecution of suspects in the Khashoggi affair to defuse any potential escalation from Turkey and the US Congress," said consultancy firm Eurasia Group. The regime is still in "crisis mode", it added. The Saudi prosecutor said the operation was ordered by the deputy chief of intelligence Ahmed al-Assiri, who was advised by the royal court's Saud al-Qahtani. Both were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle and have been sacked. "Although the investigation is not particularly independent, it distanced the crown prince from the entire affair," Eurasia Group said. "Yet... the affair will continue to pose challenges for the Saudi leadership." - 'Cover up' - The Washington Post editorial board on Friday slammed the apparent contradictions in the Saudi narrative, accusing US President Donald Trump's administration of abetting a "Saudi cover up". "Congress should... suspend all military sales and cooperation with Saudi Arabia until a credible international investigation of the Khashoggi killing is completed," it said. Saudi Arabia has rejected calls for an international investigation. "It currently seems like the US pressure will not go away any time soon," said Steffen Hertog, an associate professor at the London School of Economics. "That said, other than sanctions on weapons deals -- which Trump will resist -- it is not quite clear what Congress can do. Direct sanctions against Prince Mohammed... seem unlikely, as do financial sanctions." But Saudi attempts to punish loyalist officials who were active in the operation could potentially backfire, experts say. "It is very risky for the prince to threaten capital punishment to those who appeared to be following orders," said Bessma Momani, a professor at Canada's University of Waterloo. "It can potentially create rogue elements within the intelligence service." Assiri -- lionised in Saudi military ranks as a war hero -- was not named among the 17 Saudis sanctioned by the US, but he appears sidelined. In the aftermath of the crisis, King Salman ordered a restructuring of the intelligence apparatus to be led by Prince Mohammed, who has effectively neutered his political rivals and tightened his grip on military and security agencies. - Shoring up loyalty - Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the orders for the killing came from "the highest levels of the Saudi government", apparently alluding to Prince Mohammed. Ankara has said the kingdom's latest explanation was "insufficient". Seeking to keep up the pressure, Turkish media on Friday reported that Ankara had more evidence contradicting the Saudi version of Khashoggi's murder, including a second audio recording. "The Saudis think they can run the clock on the affair and it will soon leave the spotlight," said Momani. "The audio tapes are the last leverage that the Turks have and in the past few days they've made it clear they are sharing it widely." The Turkish position going forward will likely depend on "what it gets in return" for silence, she added. The US State Department said Thursday it was studying Turkish demands for the extradition of preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup. But it rejected media reports that it was meant to reduce Turkish pressure on Saudi Arabia. At home, senior Saudi royals seem to be projecting a united front to defend the kingdom. King Salman and his son, Prince Mohammed, have launched an unprecedented domestic tour to leverage their links with different tribes and religious leaders and shore up support for the leadership. At Friday sermons in big cities such as Jeddah, prayer leaders in recent weeks have defended the rulers and pushed for unwavering "loyalty", according to multiple residents. But the crisis appears to have dented the prince's absolute control on power. "The era of consensus-based decision-making among senior royals is over, but Mohammad bin Salman will still have to cede some of the powers he has accumulated over the past few years," Eurasia Group said. "His father has already become more involved in decisions... (and) members of the ruling family are also likely to demand greater say in consultations." UN Deputy Secretary General in Capital, holds meet with CoAS Thapa UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed arrived in Kathmandu on Friday to take part in the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) World Assembly. US hints at revising duty free access to Nepali goods The US has expressed its interest in revising the list of Nepali products that receive duty free access through the Trade Preferences Act (TPA). In the new development, US officials have assured Nepal that Nepali readymade garment will be considered for the list. Currently, there are 77 products listed under the TPA. It was equal thirds politicians, protesters, and reporters gathered at the cold Wednesday morning rally on the edge of the desolate warehouse district selected as the future New York headquarters of Amazon. Passing truck drivers honked in support. The crowd was small, but the message was clear: New Yorks elected officials were not pleased with the deal that Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Amazon Cuomo had struck to bring the Seattle-based e-commerce company to Queens. Advertisement We should be investing in housing and hot water, not headquarters. We should be investing in academics, not in Amazon, said Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake. Were here to put a stop to it. Were not giving up until we scuttle this deal, scrap it, and start the conversation all over again, said state Sen. Michael Gianaris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents this part of Queens on the New York City Council, led the crowd in a call and response: Do we want Amazon? No! Do we want Amazon? No! How times change. Last year, Blake, Gianaris, and Van Brameras well as City Council members Costa Constantinides and Stephen Levin and thenCity Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, all of whom also spoke at the rallysigned a letter urging Jeff Bezos to bring his company to Long Island City. Our tradition of reinvention matches yours, and we invite you to join us in writing our next chapters together, the letter read. The dogs had caught the car. Advertisement Of course, there is much to dislike in the deal that de Blasio and Cuomo brokered with Amazon: The $1.7 billion in subsidies the state offered the company, in addition to nearly a billion more in as-of-right city tax breaks. Its an ugly new float in the long parade of offers that New York pols, always underestimating the citys value, have made to companies who were never going elsewhere. But Wednesdays press conference was a more full-throated riposte to Tuesdays announcement. Not to Amazons bad record on labor relations, its preening and dishonest HQ2 contest, or evident intent to destroy the citys small business backboneall that was known last year. And not to the subsidies, which, while they eclipsed those given to the company in Virginia, were actually below the normal Cuomo-era outlays for job creation that New York Democrats have until now tolerated without a peep. Advertisement Advertisement The real concern seemed to be the very idea of 25,000 high-paying jobs in western Queens. After months holed up with their economic development advisers, Cuomo and de Blasio had barely bothered to make a case for whatbeyond the job-creation, growth-is-good platitudes that always characterize political speechis in this for New Yorkers who wont work at Amazon. One of the biggest companies on earth next to the biggest public housing development in the United States, the mayor noted. The synergy is going to be extraordinary. Why would that be the case? Because Amazon had committed to biannual resume workshops in Queensbridge? Would they be naming their conference rooms after songs from Illmatic? Advertisement Advertisement The widespread skepticism about a company hiring for a bunch of well-paid positions in the countrys financial capital is in a way a sign of how well New York City is doing right nowand in another, of how deeply broken it is. First, the good news: New York City is on its longest run of private-sector job growth since World War II. The unemployment rate is as low as it has ever been; the population is as high as its ever been; the share of the citys population born outside the U.S. is at its highest level in 100 years. In many ways, New York has never been more itself. So you can see why theres a widespread sense of disgust at the way leaders have groveled before Jeff Bezos. Amazon needs us more than we need Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement But there are benefits, too, to a new corporate campus: $27 billion for the city and state in tax revenue; a spike in white-collar tech jobs that will in the good times drive up wages across the city and in the bad serve as a hedge for a budget that is 20 percent income taxes. Tax revenue doesnt account for the spillover effects of highly paid workers buying local goods and services, competing for the dry cleaner, the therapist, the cabbie, and the empanada lady. The University of California, Berkeley, geographer Enrico Moretti has concluded that each new high-tech job ultimately creates five more outside the tech industry in the long run. A surge in job openings ought to give workers more power. Advertisement On paper, no city is better prepared to handle the negative externalities of that growth better than New York City. Amazon is building on top of two underutilized train lines (the G and the LIRR), pulling commuters out of Manhattan against peak flow in a neighborhood that since 2010 has added more than 12,000 apartmentswith 9,000 more in the pipeline. What might have been a city-changing event in Detroit is predicted to have minimal impact here, in part because the company will likely hire most of its employees from the metro-area talent pool of more than 300,000 tech workers. The rental site Apartment List predicts a rent increase in New York City of 0.1 percent$1 on a $1,000 rent. Seattles company-town predicament is not a convincing precedent; Queens alone has three times more people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the bad news: Neglect, disinterest, and a lack of ambition from the city and state have allowed a transportation crisis to emerge on the subway and on the street. Zoning and other regulations in the city and (especially) its suburbs have constrained housing production to the point that homebuying is far out of reach for most New Yorkers. Meanwhile, the state has allowed tenant protections to languish, the citys public housing is in a state of scandalous disrepair, homelessness is at an all-time high, and landlords have misbehaved with impunity. Some research suggests that while new high-income jobs do in general boost everyones prospects, that effect drops off rapidly in places with tight housing markets. Advertisement So two forces greet the possibility of Amazon in New Yorkand I think would, whether it was subsidized or not. Born of the good times, theres a sense that the city doesnt need it. And born of the bad, a sense that we dont want it. This is not how a functioning city is supposed to respond to a big new office. Its in some ways symbolic of the troubled American economy at large, in which nominal good news (Dow 26,000!) is meaningless to an underclass increasingly without stakes (half the country has no money in the stock market). But its also a very particular indictment of New Yorks prolonged state of housing insecurity, in which any good thing, from a bike lane to a grocery store to a corporate headquarters, is seen first and foremost as an excuse for a landlord to kick out a tenant. To paraphrase a saying from Staten Island: Rent rules everything around me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where it fell to de Blasio and Cuomo to make a deal that accounted for that realityto show not what were doing for Amazon, but what Amazon is doing for us. Jobs isnt the magic word they think it is. Jobs for whom? State Sen. Gianaris and his compatriots should absolutely drive the hardest bargain they can. Get Amazon to repair Queensbridge. Or extend the tram to Queens. Or commit to local hiring. Show New Yorkers what theyre getting out of the worlds richest mans company. But Im not sure any infrastructure would buy Amazon the sense of being wanted in New York City. In her best-selling book Becoming, Michelle Obama was able to reveal more about her time on the campaign trail and in the White House than would have been advisable while she held the title of first lady. And Thursday night Jimmy Kimmel put this newfound honesty to the test, throwing her some hard-hitters like, Which non-family member celebrities do you text the most? (Oprah and Gayle recently) and Did Bo know he was the White House dog? (Yes). The interview also revealed that despite free rent and services, the presidential family pays for their own food. While Obama feels that this is fair to the taxpayer, it is a bit odd to think about, especially given that the first lady is not paid a salary. Charismatic as usual, Obama responded to Kimmels inquiries and also his pleas for her and her family to come back and save us all. But she also sneaked some emotional honesty into the light conversation, explaining that as a member of the presidential family, she received next to zero time to process what happened each day. Therefore, writing Becoming was a valuable chance for her to finally do so: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last decade there was no time to even really think about what just happened to us. I write about how the week would start, something amazing would happen and then by the end of the week I wouldve forgotten about that other amazing thing. . We were just inundated. So coming out of the White House you need that time to take stock and say what just happened? What was that? And this book allowed me to do that and to really understand what those eight years meant to me personally and how it fit into the context of the rest of my life. Next Kimmel had Obama recite some goofy sentences more acceptable to say now that she is not the first lady. When he had her joke that the Obamas used Laura Bushs Netflix password during their eight-year tenure in the White House she gave an aside (Sorry, Laura), and it felt almost quaint. You can see why so many people are obsessed with Michelles friendship with George Bush, given that the closest the current first lady has come to reaching out to her predecessors is paraphrasing her speeches. William Goldman, the Oscar-winning writer behind Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the Presidents Men, and many others, has died at age 87. Goldman famously said of Hollywood that Nobody knows anything. On Friday, screenwriters, directors, and other admirers in the industry took to social media to pay their respects and share memories of the legendary scribe. Losing Bill Goldman made me cry, director Rob Reiner wrote in a tweet on Friday. My favorite book of all time is The Princess Bride. I was honored he allowed me to make it into a movie. I visited with him last Saturday. He was very weak but his mind still had the Goldman edge. I told him I loved him. He smiled & said fuck you. Advertisement Weve rounded up some of the best tributes to Goldman below, and will continue to update this post as additional ones come in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So sorry to hear of the passing of William Goldman. He was both witty and talented. His screenplay of my book MISERY was a beautiful thing. Rest In Peace, Bill. Stephen King (@StephenKing) November 16, 2018 Advertisement I was lucky, in 1984, to interview William Goldman at the Savoy. He brightened up when I told him that of all his books, I loved The Princess Bride, then his least successful book, the best. A gentleman: he wrote brilliant novels & screenplays & explained Hollywood to the world. Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 16, 2018 I didnt have many role models as a young writer. I knew I wanted to be able to work in different mediums and in many genres, though. Bill Goldman was one of the people I learned from. The Smart Ones. As @StephenKing said, he was a rare one who went to Hollywood & stayed good. Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement It's no small feat to be a smart, witty writer and smart and witty about writing. RIP the legendary adventurer in screenwriting, William Goldman. https://t.co/oqSyQaRq2R edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 16, 2018 Advertisement RIP #WilliamGoldman. One of the greatest most successful screenwriters ever. I was lucky as hell to count Bill as a mentor and a friend. Check his credits & see a William Goldman movie or read a Goldman book over the holiday & give thanks that we had his voice in our world. https://t.co/RWRdCoO1Cm Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) November 16, 2018 Advertisement William Goldman was huge part Of creating some of the seminal movies of the 70s and beyond. His book on screenwriting was a touchstone for me and I always felt star struck and intimidated seeing him at Knicks games. #RESPECT https://t.co/ED9HUJc50R Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Nobody knows anything is a liberating concept. It means dont take no for an answer, be bold, try something new. Yes, the fall will probably kill ya... but listen to your inner voice. R.I.P. the great screenwriter William Goldman. pic.twitter.com/MmLLmsxQtt Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Legendary William Goldman, has died. He gave us The Princess Bride, ( book even better than the film) Butch Cassidy- screenplay of "All the President's Men and best book on show biz, Adventures in the Screen Trade. He was also a true friend. Thank you dear Bill pic.twitter.com/dcwfYPd3ue Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement William Goldman. What can one do in the face of such a legacy but bow our heads in gratitude? Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement William Goldman is the patron saint of screenwriting. Everything he wrote, both for the screen and about the trade, is fucking gospel. Study it, master it, understand you will likely never measure up to him. Nothing any of us will write today will be worthy of him. C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) November 16, 2018 He knew something. William Goldman 1931 - 2018 Craig Mazin (@clmazin) November 16, 2018 Advertisement William Goldman. One of the greats. So entertained and inspired by his writing. "The Princess Bride," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "All the President's Men." Some of my favorite movies. What a legacy. pic.twitter.com/S5NZ8KdyvZ Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement By the way, if you've only seen the movie of The Princess Bride and not read the book (which Goldman also, ahem, adapted from the original S Morgenstern) DO IT NOW OR DO NOT SPEAK TO ME AGAIN. For the Zoo of Death alone. Jessica Ellis (@baddestmamajama) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid The Hot Rock All The Presidents Men Marathon Man The Princess Bride Adventures in the Screen Trade He knew everything. RIP, William Goldman. https://t.co/r0vjuARgsm Aditya Sood (@adityasood) November 16, 2018 A screenwriting god just passed away, William Goldman. His book Adventures in the Screen Trade was my first screenwriting bible. His scripts for Butch Cassidy and All the Presidents Men won Oscars. But for me The Princess Bride is his masterpiece and greatest legacy. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3z4jVfU1FG Cinco Paul (@cincopedia) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement I dont make a habit of eulogizing celebrities, but Ive got a nice little story about William Goldmanthe legendary screenwriter and novelist behind The Princess Bride, Butch Cassidy, and other classicsthat Ive told a few times over the years, so here goes. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement When I was a teenager, I got really into screenwriting for a while. Goldmans memoir, Adventures in the Screen Trade, was my bible. I read it several times. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement One day, I faxedfaxed!letters to the agents of about a dozen screenwriters, Goldman included, explaining I was just some nobody and wanted a little advice. All of them, not surprisingly, ignored meexcept one. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement About an hour later, my phone rang. Mike, said the mans voicehe was gruff, and spoke quickly. It's Bill Goldman." A pause. "Is this being recorded? "No," I sputtered, trying to collect myself. Good, he laughed. Now I can curse. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement He said I had 30 minutes to ask him whatever was on my mind. The rest was a blurunprepared, scared out of my wits, I blurted something about getting started, what I should study. Another pause. "How old are you?" he asked. 18, I said. My god! Youre a KID! he said. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement What little I now recall of his advice was basic, but essential: Read a lot, write as much as you can. Dont get hung up on success, or dwell on failure. Screenwriting was always changing: Now it's no longer what's the point of the chase scenethe chase scene IS the point! Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Turns out, I wasn't much of a screenwriter. But what stayed with me as I moved along was the simple fact that someone at the top of his gamea living legendfound time to call a random kid who politely asked for help figuring things out. I won't forget that. Mike Darling (@mike_darling) November 16, 2018 William Goldman was a giant. I learned more about writing studying him than any other writer. His "Adventures in the Screen Trade" is required reading for any aspiring writer. He's gone but his writing will be with us forever. "Turns out your friend here is only mostly dead." RIP Robert Hewitt Wolfe (@writergeekrhw) November 16, 2018 Advertisement This week, Womens Wear Daily reported that 74-year-old Seventeen magazine will shift to a digital-first strategy, with print issues to appear only a few times a year. Like Teen Vogue, its fellow final survivor in a once-crowded teen-magazine field, Seventeen will live on in digital formthough WWD reports that Seventeens web readership is down this year, along with its print numbers. In the year 2000, there were seven major teen magazines publishing monthly; now, there are none. This makes me feel incredibly old, but even so: I am glad that teen magazines are dead. Advertisement This gladness comes as something of a surprise. After all, I worked at one of them, YM, for three years in the early 2000s when I was fresh out of college. I learned so much in that jobnot least from Christina Kelly, who had been an editor at Sassy, the teen mag so beloved among a certain set of Gen-Xers that I think it may be illegal to mention its name without appending dearly departed. I loved Sassy truly and deeply, and I even have certain nostalgic feelings about the more mainstream teen publications that I passed around at the back of busses on the way to track meets back in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But all those feelings dont add up to mourning for the lost teen magazines of my youth. That job at YM was never perfect. I wrote worthy, earnest featuresa dual profile of a girl who had enlisted in the Army after 9/11 and another who had become a peace protester; a critical look at the life of a prodigy who had graduated from college at 14; interviews with kids who juggled a love of punk rock with their familys membership in the LDS church. I wrote service: health advice, college advice, friendship advice. Clip after clip, into my little portfolio; I learned about fact-checking (remember that?), publication schedules, and copy editing. Advertisement But I never felt quite right about any of it. It was always strange to be a writer 10 years older than her audience, trying to figure out what was cool and make our magazine mirror that. Who were we to say? I didnt like the way the fashion and beauty advertising contradicted every feminist message I tried, with the full cooperation of my editors, to slip into the text. And I couldnt shake the feeling that the serious stuff I was writing was not the point of the magazine for most readers. It was hard to get a clear picture of our readers habits, but I wasnt so old that I had forgotten flipping right by the feature well on my way to the embarrassing moments columns and the photos of cute actors and musicians. Advertisement Advertisement With the advent of the internet, girls can get both of those kinds of pleasurethe gossipy frisson of Can you believe that happened to her?; the sweet hit of Oh man s/hes hotin so many more places. For a desperate decade, people who run teen magazines have tried to figure out ways to stay relevant, even as their online competition has expanded. Back in 2016, Elaine Welteroth, then the editor in chief of Teen Vogue, explained to Refinery29 why teenagers might read print magazines when the Internet exists: Click and move on is about satisfying an urgent need to be in the knowits less about belonging. For teens, being a part of a community you identify with is so important. Subscribing to a print title, even in 2016, is like signing up for a club that serves you on a more personal level. Teenagers liked to have a personalized experience, Phillip Picardi, then Teen Vogues digital editorial director, added; the world is full of media for everyone else. Advertisement Advertisement But what is social media, if not a personalized experience of community? Also in Refinery29, Tracey Lomrantz Lester, onetime fashion news editor at ElleGirl.com, observed: Those magazines helped form a sisterhood by creating a common narrative for so many of us, and now those girls are creating and sharing their own narratives every day. They have the ability to publish a mini-magazine daily on Snapchat or Instagram, and to giggle with their girlfriends in the comments sections, rather than passing on a well-battered copy of a magazine. I would argue that these self-created narratives are more honest and organic than the ones crafted by older editors living in New Yorkeven older editors as sarcastic and wonderful as the Sassy crew, or as I tried to be, in their memory. Advertisement Advertisement Why should teenage girls be their own reading community just by dint of their age? Finally, with the coming of the internet, the fundamental weakness at the teen magazine concepts heart has been exposed. Why should teenage girls be their own reading community just by dint of their age? Sure, as every teen magazine editor and writer invested in the project of teen magazines would tell you, theres something unique about being a teenager. But why did magazines for teen boys never take off? (Sassy experimented with Dirt, but the project was short-lived.) Back when anyone still read magazines, boys read magazines about things that interested them: dirt-biking, surfing, streetwear, music, computer gaming. Why should we assume that teenage girls would all be interested in the same small set of concerns? This attempt to address girls as a monolith wasnt good. Even when we tried to be diverse at YMto include nonwhite kids, poor kids, kids who didnt exist in a perpetual state of chipper happiness about their livesthere were always advertisers who wanted the magazine to look fun to consider. The teen magazine concept is inherently apolitical, middle-class, and normative, and it was very difficult to circumvent that. Its even harder in todays more politically aware and sophisticated climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might think that the one definite advantage of having magazines just for teen girls would be the availability of advice on bodies and sex. Before the internet, teen magazines were probably the only good source of that kind of information available to people living in conservative areas. But teen magazines have also been a magnet for protests from the Christian right, due to the combination of their national reach and their sometimes-progressive attitudes toward dating and sex. Sassy was famously weakened, and eventually shuttered, after Focus on the Family asked its followers to boycott the publication because of its sex advice (which, Carlene Bauer points out, wasnt even all that sexy). Teen Vogue got in trouble with the right as recently as summer 2017, when they published a guide to anal sex; a blogger called the Activist Mommy burned a copy in her backyard and started a campaign to pressure stores and libraries to stop carrying the magazine. Advertisement If teen magazines werent perceived as institutionswhich they were because of their reach and their cultural status as cornerstones of the female adolescent experiencethey wouldnt have been targeted in this way. The teen-founded magazine Rookie proves this point. Its candid in its sex advice, and it still existsbecause its comparatively small, and more than likely doesnt show up in print form in Activist Mommys childrens bookbags. They can read Rookies online sex and relationships advice on their phones, along with all of the lefty political stuff now famously housed on Teen Vogues website, and their parents never need to know. But the question remains: Why would they look to those particular brands if the whole internet is open to their eyes? I dont see how Teen Vogues website is particularly written for teenage girlsas opposed to, say, twentysomethings who like Bella Thorne gossip, or thirtysomethings who want to read Nick Turses investigative piece on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Or people of any age who care about any of those things. No, teen magazines, the cheerful, pink, bland ones we knew, are gone. And its for the best. Woman may lose citizenship taken after her marriage with Indian national The District Administration Office, Udayapur, is preparing to nullify the citizenship of a disabled woman married to an Indian citizen. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker rejected Democratic Sen. Bill Nelsons request to extend the timeline for a manual recount of the ballots in Floridas Senate race. Nelson, who currently trails Republican Rick Scott by 0.15 percentage points, wanted Walker to push the deadline beyond noon on Sunday, alleging that at least one county wont be finished recounting votes by then. Walker refused, noting that Nelsons lawyers had failed to demonstrate with any certainty that counties will struggle to meet this deadline. Advertisement But the judge spent the bulk of his opinion issuing a dire warning: The state of Florida has a looming Bush v. Gore problemand it isnt going away on its own. By cosmic coincidence (or curse), Walker wrote, it is Bush v. Gore that is most instructive in this Florida recount dispute. He proceeded to lay out the blueprint for another challenge to Floridas recount scheme. Then, one hour after issuing his decision, Walker held a hearing in a case that presents the Bush v. Gore issue front and center. As the Florida recount reaches its climax, it seems unavoidable that the most notorious Supreme Court decision of the 2000s will play a starring role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal standoff between Democrats and Republicans in Florida right now is, at heart, quite simple. To prevent recounts from dragging on, Florida law sets firm deadlines by which county canvassing boards must finish reviewing ballots. Republicans, who hold slim leads in the Senate and governors races, want the state to enforce those deadlines. Democrats want the courts to extend them. Nelson and Jim Bonfiglio, who is running for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, are worried that Palm Beach Countyone of Floridas largest and most liberalwont be finished with its recount in time. Should that occur, the state will use the countys unofficial returns, defined as the tally on noon on the fourth day after the election. Advertisement A default to unofficial returns would undermine the whole purpose of the exercise. So, on Tuesday, Nelsons campaign sued, asking Walker to stop Florida from imposing the deadline for both the machine recount (Thursday at 3 p.m.) and the manual recount (Sunday at noon). But Nelsons lawyers did not prove that Palm Beach County would actually blow past the Sunday deadline, or explain how much extra time it needed. Walker therefore swatted down the motion, complaining that there is a complete dearth of evidence before this Court regarding the status, progress, or expected completion of the ordered recounts in Palm Beach County. Advertisement This conclusion was bad news for Nelson. Everything else in the judges opinion, however, should give him cause for optimism. Walker noted that Bush v. Gore halted Floridas 2000 recount because different canvassing boards planned to recount ballots using a patchwork quilt of standards. The Supreme Court found that the Equal Protection Clause requires the nonarbitrary treatment of voters in counting ballots to secure the fundamental right to vote. A state may not, by arbitrary and disparate treatment, value one persons vote over that of another. Advertisement Advertisement Here, a similar problem arises. The states recount provision, Walker noted, will lead to votes and election results in one county being ignored while other counties vote and results will not be. Floridas stringent deadlines may deny voters the right to have their ballots counted because their county canvassers were slow or were stymied by unforeseen roadblocks. The law thus arguably denies voters an equal opportunity to participate in the full electoral process due to unknowable vagaries like, for example, faulty machines. And it may infringe on equal protection because it arbitrarily and disparately treats some voters differently because of their location and without taking into account the unpredictable circumstances of each election cycle. Advertisement If we take Bush v. Gore at its word, then Walker is almost certainly correct. But the decision included a notorious line that cast doubt on its value as precedent: Our consideration, the court wrote, is limited to the present circumstances, for the problem of equal protection in election processes generally presents many complexities. Both Chief Justice John Roberts and the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals have interpreted this sentence to mean that the facts of the case were unique and unusual, not that it had no precedential weight. Walker seems to read it the same way, which is perfectly sensible, since he is obligated to follow a holding of the Supreme Court, even when its qualified by cryptic hedging. Advertisement And thats excellent news for Nelson. At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Walker heard arguments in a related case brought by Bonfiglio against the Florida secretary of state, the Palm Beach County Canvassing Board, and Susan Bucher, supervisor of elections in Palm Beach County. Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis, the GOP gubernatorial candidate, intervened on the states behalf; Nelson jumped in to support Bonfiglio. In this case, officials from Palm Beach County should be able to give Walker specific information about their ongoing recount efforts and, presumably, their inability to meet the states deadline. Once they do, the judge will be able to apply his Bush v. Gore concernsand direct Florida to extend the deadline, precisely what the Democratic candidates want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would obviously be ironic if a decision that liberals universally despise were deployed to help Democrats in Florida 18 years later. But Walker isnt trying to inflict some cosmic judgment on Florida Republicans. He is taking the Supreme Court at its wordand that requires conducting a uniform recount of every vote, even if some counties drag their feet. It isnt the fault of Palm Beach voters that their county canvassers appear to be incompetent. And Walker seems poised to rule that the Constitution does not permit Florida to rush the recount if that means repeating the mistakes of the cursed 2000 election. The death toll in the massive fires in Northern and Southern California has risen to 66, with more than 600 people still missing. The Camp Fire, which largely destroyed the town of Paradise, California, has killed 63 people. Three people have died in the Woolsey Fire that swept into Malibu. The New York Times estimated that in Butte County, where the Camp Fire struck, 9,700 homes have been destroyed. In total, 81,000 people have been evacuated in all of California. The full extent of the damage has not yet been surveyed, meaning that more bodies are likely to be found in the thousands of burned-out and destroyed buildings. Advertisement While the death toll from the Camp Fire will almost certainly rise, many of the hundreds of people listed as missing may be alive and just have not been able to get in touch with authorities, the Butte County sheriff told the Associated Press. The purpose of the extensive list, the sheriff said, was to prompt people to contact authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is by far the most deadly single fire in California history, and its going to get worse, unfortunately, Thom Porter, a California state fire official, told ABC News. The exact causes of the massive fires are still unknown, though much of the state has long been at risk of fire, which is only exacerbated by high winds, low humidity, and little rain. A factor in the massive loss in lives and property is the development of homes now built deeper into areas that can easily burn. Firefighters appeared to be getting a handle on the two massive blazes, as winds slackened, ABC reported. The AP reported the Camp Fire was 40 percent contained. Even parts of the state not directly threatened by the fire have been affected by ash blowing from hundreds of miles away. The San Francisco Bay Area is still under an air quality advisory through Nov. 20, with air rated very unhealthy in San Francisco and unhealthy in Oakland. President Trump is scheduled to visit the area this weekend after he initially blamed the fires on poor forest management by state officials. Listen to What Next: Get More What Next Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to What Next Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to What Next via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher, Overcast, Google Play, or iHeart. This week, doctors from all over America took to social media with the hashtag #ThisIsMyLane (or #ThisIsOurLane). They sent pictures of themselves in blood-drenched scrubs and shared stories of treating victims of gun violence. Much of this was in response to the National Rifle Association after a tweet it sent last Wednesday. Today on the show we talk to Dr. Brendan Campbell, a pediatric surgeon at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center in Hartford. He has treated victims of gun violence for more than a decade. This week, he and his fellow colleagues released a new paper in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons recommending new ways to think about gun safety measuresnot only as doctors who have seen the damage that a gun can do, but as gun owners themselves. We are piloting What Next in public for the rest of the week. Tell us what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sending an email to whatnext@slate.com. Follow us on Instagram for updates on the show. Podcast production by Mary Wilson and Jayson De Leon. Engineering by Terence Bernardo. A federal judge on Friday morning granted a temporary restraining order sought by CNN and its White House correspondent Jim Acosta, allowing him back into the White House press corps and restoring his access to the building. BREAKING: Judge grants temporary restraining order restoring Jim Acostas hard pass in limited ruling on 5th amendment grounds. Charlie Gile (@CharlieGileNBC) November 16, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the Washington, D.C., District Court by President Trump, ruled that the revocation of Acostas hard pass to enter the White House had been done without due process, violating the Fifth Amendment. CNN sued the White House and several staffers this week, asking for Acostas access to the White House to be immediately restored, citing violations of both the First Amendments protection of the press and Fifth Amendments due process rights. There will still be further hearings and possibly a trial as CNN and Acosta seek for him to be permanently allowed back. The White House removed Acosta from the White House press pool and revoked his access to the building last week following a dust-up in the presidents post-midterms news conference, where Acosta criticized Trump for referring to the migrant caravan as an invasion and Trump responded by calling him a rude, terrible person and an enemy of the people. Advertisement To immediately justify the nearly unprecedented expulsion, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Acosta had [placed] his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern who was trying to take a microphone from Acosta to give to another reporter. When video proved that claim to be plainly false, the White House justification evolved, with Sanders saying Acosta had physically refused to surrender a White House microphone to an intern, so that other reporters might ask their questions. Several of CNNs fellow news organizations, including Fox News, supported the lawsuit and filed a brief on its behalf. George Conway, a conservative lawyer who has become a favorite among a certain segment of the left for his vocal criticism of the president, said on Friday that he had decided to withdraw his name for consideration to lead the Department of Justices civil division last year because he considered the Trump administration to be like a shitshow in a dumpster fire. In an interview with the Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery, Conway said that rather than vote for Trump over Clinton again, if he were faced with the same decision he would rather move to Australia. Advertisement It wasnt the first time hed spoken to reporters or the public of his disdain for what he perceives as the administrations incompetence. Last week, Trump said he did not know George Conway, referring to him as Mr. Kellyanne Conway. He added, Hes just trying to get publicity for himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, after her husbands comments went public, Kellyanne Conway changed her Twitter bio to read: The Kellyanne Conway in Kellyanne Conways Husband. It was a move that delighted those looking for drama among the members of the White House, but George Conway said in his interview Friday that he thought it was relatively normal for couples to disagree in politics and that he was proud of his wife for basically [getting] this guy elected. Their disagreements, however, have been particularly public. In an interview with a Washington Post reporter in August, she said she thought his comments disrespects his wife and added that nobody knows me because of my husband; people know my husband because of me. She later gave what she retroactively tried to say was an off-the-record comment about her husband: Advertisement [The Post]: You told me you found [Georges tweets] disrespectful. Kellyanne: It is disrespectful, its a violation of basic decency, certainly, if not marital vows . . . as a person familiar with their relationship. Earlier in the week, George Conway announced he was organizing a group of conservative lawyers to speak out against the administration. Since Trumps election, he has retweeted many articles critical of the president, and last week, he co-wrote an op-ed in the New York Times arguing that Trumps appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general after forcing Jeff Sessions to resign was unconstitutional. Last month, he wrote in the Washington Post that the presidents vow to end birthright citizenship was unconstitutional. In March, Conway changed his voter registration from Republican to unaffiliated. On Friday, he explained: I think the Republican Party has become something of a personality cult. Her story: Michelle Obamas new memoir, Becoming, is remarkably candid about her marriage to Barack, her fertility struggles, and her experiences of racial inequity. But in the Trump era, her message of optimism isnt enough, writes Christina Cauterucci. Elsewhere, Regina Townsend explains what hearing Obama talk about her experience with in vitro fertilization meant to her as a black woman whos faced infertility. In their lane: Dr. Chavi Eve Karkowsky thinks that doctors could actually be the ones to finally move the needle on the gun debate by framing the issue as a public health crisis. Just look at what happened with cars. Advertisement Brilliant friends, how many of us have them? Willa Paskin reviews HBOs eight-episode adaptation of Elena Ferrantes My Brilliant Friend, the first installment of her wildly popular Neapolitan novels. While the show provides a faithful and especially gritty retelling of the story, its missing one key element: the bulk of the protagonists narration, which is what makes the book so absorbing. Company men: Trumps appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general bears a striking resemblance to Nixons appointment of Patrick Gray as acting director of the FBI: Both were unqualified for their posts and expected to toe the line. But in some ways, Max Holland explains, Whitaker is even worse. For fun: Searching for fake questions in advice columns. Adjudicating the authenticity of absurdities, Nitish To listen to the discussion, use the player below: Get More Political Gabfest Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to the Political Gabfest Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to Slates Political Gabfest via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. On this weeks Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss unfounded allegations of fraud in the Florida recount, decisions facing House Democrats about their leadership and agenda, and the lawsuit challenging Trumps unprecedented appointment of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. Here are some of the links and references from this weeks show: Advertisement Dan Sweeney for the Sun Sentinel: Florida Recount: Whats True and Whats False Annie Karni and Marc Caputo for Politico: Florida Recount Gives Pam Bondi a New Shot at Trumps Inner Circle David A. Graham and Cullen Murphy for the Atlantic: The Clinton Impeachment, as Told by the People Who Lived It Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neal Katyal for the Washington Post: The Rules Are Clear: Whitaker Cant Supervise Muellers Investigation Adam Liptak for the New York Times: Conservative Lawyers Say Trump Has Undermined the Rule of Law All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker In Our Time by Ernest Hemingway Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad La Grande Illusion, directed by Jean Renoir Advertisement The Collected Poems of Wilfred Owen The Rev. James Martins Facebook post discussing The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell Hardcore History: Blueprint for Armageddon Here are this weeks cocktail chatters: John: Nick Kapurs Twitter thread about a Japanese illustrated history of America from 1861. Emily: Eli Hager for the Marshall Project: The Courts See a Crime. These Lawyers See a Whole Life. David: Rebecca Boyle for the New York Times: In Brazil, Animals Cross a Road of No Return Listener chatter from Drew Thurlow @drewthurlow: Vybarr Cregan-Reid for the BBC: Why We are Living in the Age of the Chair For this weeks Slate Plus bonus segment the hosts discuss the centennial of the First World War. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @SlateGabfest. The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Jocelyn Frank. Research and show notes by Bridgette Dunlap. In an accidental disclosure in two lines of an unrelated and recently unsealed court filing, the Justice Department revealed that it has prepared an indictment against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The revelation came in a filing in a case in which 29-year-old Seitu Sulayman Kokayi was charged with sex crimes with a minor but also detained for interest in and connections to terrorism. Because the case contained previously classified information, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer, who is also assigned to the WikiLeaks case, urged a judge in a filing to keep the matter sealed. He wrote, [D]ue to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. He later added that the charges would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others familiar with the situation told the Washington Post that the disclosure, while accidental, was true. It appeared that prosecutors had accidentally added language from a similar filing into the document. The court filing was made in error, said a spokesman for the United States attorneys office for the Eastern District of Virginia. That was not the intended name for this filing. The mistake was first discovered by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism expert at George Washington University, who uncovered the filing and posted it to Twitter. Its not clear if prosecutors have actually filed charges against Assange, and one of Assanges attorneys told the press that he did not know of any charges. Even if charges are filed, its possible Assange could continue living in Ecuadors embassy in London, where he first took shelter in 2012 from sex crime charges in Sweden, and where he has since stayed because of a professed fear that he would be extradited to the U.S. and punished for publishing government secrets. According to the Wall Street Journal, its possible prosecutors will publicly indict Assange in an attempt to convince Ecuadorian officials to turn him over. There have been reports that officials have tired of Assanges presence in the embassy. Advertisement Advertisement An indictment could have implications for press freedom and for those who publish government secrets obtained by a third party. The Department of Justice has been deliberating whether it could charge Assange since 2010, when Chelsea Manning gave WikiLeaks thousands of classified Pentagon and State Department documents. There has been a public debate as to whether Assanges actions amounted to journalism. But the Obama-era Justice Department decided against pushing a case that could set a precedent of criminalizing investigative reporting. The Trump administration is less friendly to leaks of any kind. President Trump himself, who has said he loves WikiLeaks for publishing the Democratic National Committee emails, has muddled the administrations message. An indictment could also indicate a development in the special counsel investigation into Russias interference into the 2016 election. Russian intelligence officers hacked thousands of emails from Democrats before the race as part of their disruption campaign and handed them off to WikiLeaks, which published them. Robert Mueller has been looking into the communications between WikiLeaks and Trump associates, including political operative Roger Stone. Did you have trouble accessing Google on Monday? If so, thats because another country may have hijacked your internet traffic. According to a Google blog post on the incident, users were temporarily unable to reach services for about an hour due to an issue external to the company. The Wall Street Journal reports research firm ThousandEyes said that bad network instructions rerouted traffic to Russian network TransTelekom, Nigerian internet provider MainOne, and China Telecom. Any of these countries may have been involved, though Russia and China are the most likely suspects. Advertisement Routing traffic through your borders is a way to view potentially sensitive information, from financial transactions to government documents. Its all possible thanks to the protocols that run the global internet, which werent built with rigorous security in mind. But this sort of attack isnt just about gleaning valuable information; its also about sowing distrust of the internet. Whether its Russia posting fake news on social media or Chinese companies remotely stealing intellectual property, authoritarians have long taken, encouraged, or allowed actions that demonstrate the internets insecurity and capacity for harm. Its all part of their ongoing international push to justify tight control of the internet, like censorship and surveillance, within their borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These internet protocols are essentially the programmed rules that dictate how devices communicate. For instance, the Transmission Control Protocol handles the delivery of data packetssmall units of datafrom one device to another. The Internet Protocol provides the digital addresses that assist in data packet delivery. Another commonly known protocol is HTTP, the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, which communicates information between a web browser and a websites server. Together, the entire cluster of internet protocols form the code backbone of the global network. At the center of these protocols is trust, even though they werent designed with security in mind. From global commerce to military communications to conversations with loved ones, we are meant to trust that these protocols will work properly and send information where requested. Advertisement Authoritarian countries depend on the insecurity of the global internet to call for sovereign control of the internet within their borders. This recent incident is hardly the first time a foreign country may have rerouted American internet traffic by attacking this backbone of trust on the internet. A recent study published in the Journal of the Military Cyber Professionals Association showed how the Chinese government hijacks internet traffic from around the world by manipulating the Border Gateway Protocol, or BGP, which is used to route data sent over the internet. By exploiting weaknesses in this protocol, an attacker can alter the path a piece of online information takes from location A to location B. The authors of the report found that China Telecomthe state-owned communications giant allegedly involved in the recent Google incidentdoes just this. Advertisement China Telecom appears to use its presence in Western internet systems, they wrote, to selectively redirect internet traffic through China. While BGP hijacking is complex, its much easier with the help of a complicit and preferably largescale internet service provider that is more likely to be a central hub for global internet traffic. Since 2016 alone, the authors found that China used BGP hijacking to reroute traffic originally sent from Canada to Korea, the United States to Italy, Scandinavia to Japan, and Italy to Thailand. All in all, government websites, banks, and news organizations were just some of the impacted groups. Advertisement Advertisement In July 2018, my New America colleague Robert Morgus and I released a framework to study the internet on and through which countries project their poweran increasingly centralized, increasingly restricted, and certainly insecure internet, as opposed to the one imagined by liberal-democratic policymakers with properties like freedom and security. (Disclosure: New America is a partner with Slate and Arizona State University in Future Tense.) What we found was opportunities to undermine trust on many levels of the internet. The insecurity of the internetas these recent events showdoesnt just apply to laptops and smartphones, but to the internet protocols that are far more vulnerable to manipulation than you might imagine (or hope). My web browser crashing wont impact everyone elses web browser functionality, but the failure of a single internet protocol like the Domain Name System or the Internet Protocol could catastrophically impact the way traffic is routed around the world. Undermining trust in these single points of failure (what, I believe, the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace means when they refer to the public core of the internet) undermines trust in the internet at a fundamental level in a way that hacks of specific devices dont. Advertisement Advertisement The incident with Google and the Journal of the Military Cyber Professionals Association study on China come on the back of other BGP hijackings, like when Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and Google all experienced (unexpected) traffic rerouting through a Russian internet provider in 2017. Internet monitor BGPmon called the incident suspicious, with a significant impact despite its short lifespan (the hijack lasted a total of six minutes). Whatever caused the incident, BGPmon wrote, its another clear example of how easy it is to re-route traffic for 3rd parties, intentionally or by accident. Not all internet protocol hijackings are of the Border Gateway Protocol, though. Attacks have hit other mechanisms (in addition to BGP) that ensure internet traffic is routed where intended. In April, hackers manipulated Amazons Route 53 system to redirect traffic through Russia and steal Ethereum cryptocurrency. In 2013, the Syrian Electronic Army manipulated internet protocols to deface a series of websites, including those of the New York Times, the Washington Post, Financial Times, the Guardian, and NPR. In 2010, Pentagon traffic was routed through Beijing in another BGP hijacking, which potentially compromised information sent to and from U.S. government and military sites, including those for the secretary of defenses office. In 2008, Pakistans state-owned telecommunications company took YouTube offline when it took control of internet address protocols, rendering the site globally inaccessible. The list goes on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to this growing threat, there are several initiatives to bolster the security of internet routing protocolsincluding MANRS for Network Operators, which provides guidance to internet service providers on preventing hijacks, and Internet Societys work on securing the Border Gateway Protocol. The Internet Engineering Task Force has previously run a working group on Secure Inter-Domain Routing, and it currently has an open working group on running the Domain Name System over a secure HTTPS connection (an idea worthy of separate discussion in and of itself). Still, policymakers must pay more attention to this issue. Authoritarian countries depend on the insecurity of the global internet to call for sovereign control of the internet within their borderswhat is often termed cyber sovereignty. Since the global internet is not safe when controlled by nongovernmental standards bodies, the logic goes, the government must exert near-complete to complete control over the network to make it safer. By better securing the internet, then, we can protect its core identity: as a global and open platform for everyone. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb ended months of speculation about the future of vaping with his Thursday announcement of sweeping new regulations on e-cigarettes, flavored cigars, and menthol cigarettes. The new rules are a response to what he has taken to calling an epidemic of youth uptake of e-cigarettes, particularly those produced by the brand Juul, whose wide range of flavors, sleek design, and unique nicotine delivery have made it popular among both youth and adults. The most immediate impact is a crackdown on flavors besides tobacco, menthol, and mint. Everything elseincluding offerings such as mango, cucumber, or creme bruleewill no longer be permitted for sale outside of age-restricted, in-person locations. That means they wont be available in most convenience stores, and buying a flavored e-cigarette will instead require a visit to a specialty retailer such as a vapor shop, tobacconist, or a store with separate areas reserved for adults. (In a separate action announced before Gottliebs decision, Juul went even further, removing its non-tobacco and mint flavors even from vape shops. They will now only be sold online.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exemption for mint and menthol flavors mirrors the law for combustible cigarettes, for which all flavors except menthol are forbidden in the United States. Yet that, too, may be changing. Though the rules will take longer to implement, the FDA also announced plans to pursue eventual bans on menthol cigarettes and all forms of flavored cigars. This has been a longtime goal of hard-liners in tobacco control, who argue that flavored tobacco makes it easier for youth to initiate use and become addicted. The announcement marks a striking departure from Gottliebs tenure at the FDA so far. A former fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, he was widely expected to champion deregulatory policies on e-cigaretteswhich are, its worth saying, essential harm-reduction tools. One of his first significant actions was to delay overly burdensome rules that could have forced thousands of e-cigarettes off the market, imposed impossibly high costs on manufacturers, and subjected all remaining products to an opaque process of pre-market review. This was widely viewed as a victory for harm reduction, winning praise both from free-market libertarians and many public health advocates. In contrast, the policies revealed on Thursday are unlikely to please anyone: They fall short of the complete ban on flavored e-cigarettes that some anti-tobacco groups have championed, but make it harder for adult vapers to access the products they want. Advertisement Advertisement The perverse irony of the new rules is that while many e-cigarettes will now be banned from convenience stores, perfectly lethal combustible cigarettes will still be right there on the shelf. To many advocates of tobacco harm reduction, this represents a striking misunderstanding of the harms posed by each product. Every argument that the FDA is making in justifying a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes in convenience stores and gas stations applies even more strongly for real tobacco cigarettes, writes Michael Siegel, a professor at the Boston University School of Public Health and a former tobacco researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on his blog. I believe this action will have a net negative impact on the publics health because it will almost certainly result in many ex-smokers returning to smoking as their products disappear from convenience store shelves. Advertisement Advertisement The FDA justifies this unequal treatment by referencing new data allegedly showing Gottliebs epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth. The data comes from the latest National Youth Tobacco Survey, which has been annually tracking middle- and high-school use of tobacco since 2011. The FDA says this survey justifies its actions, but its also released only a fraction of the data, and it has done so in a way that makes it difficult to accurately judge the problems scale. Advertisement According to the FDA, overall tobacco product use increased by 38 percent among high school students, rising from 19.6 percent in 2017 to 27.1 percent in 2018. That sounds alarming. But its debatable whether lumping all forms of tobacco together in one figure is a useful metric. (It would also be more accurate to refer to them as nicotine products, since e-cigarettes dont contain tobacco leaves.) As Gottlieb has stressed throughout his time at the FDA, nicotine consumption now exists on a wide continuum of harm, with products like combustible cigarettes presenting a far higher risk than vapor products. (The Royal College of Physicians estimates the risks of e-cigarettes at about 5 percent that of the real thing.) The overall statistic doesnt provide any information about which type of nicotine products students are using or how often theyre being consumed, but occasional or experimental vaping has radically different health implications than daily smoking. By omitting this crucial information, this statistic obscures as much as it illuminates. Advertisement The FDA released more specific data about the number of students who report using an e-cigarette at least once in the past 30 days. This did increase sharply in the past year, rising from 11.7 percent to 20.8 percent. This is obviously concerning, but the more relevant figure is arguably the proportion of high school students who use e-cigarettes on a regular basis, defined in the survey as on 20 or more of the past 30 days. Oddly, the FDAs press communications do not directly provide the figure. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the FDA reveals that among high school students who have tried vaping at all in a 30-day period, the proportion of them that vape on 20 or more of those days has increased from 20 percent to 27 percent in the last year. That sounds alarming, but the figure is misleading: Its not saying that 27 percent of students regularly vape. The more logical way to present the data would be as a proportion of students overall. Doing the math, this comes to about 5.8 percent of high school students regularly vaping. Advertisement Is that cause for concern? Absolutely. But could this be believably portrayed as an epidemic justifying aggressive intervention in the market that restricts access for adults too, many of whom are switching from cigarettes to these much-safer alternatives? Possibly not. (Also worth noting: Despite this years press coverage about the youth Juul epidemic, figures for frequent vaping among middle schoolers didnt increase by a statistically significant amount.) The obvious irony of the new rules is that while many e-cigarettes will now be banned from convenience stores, lethal combustible cigarettes will still be right there on the shelf. From a public health perspective, smoking actual tobacco is still much more worrisome than vaping. Discussions that neglect that context inevitably miss the full picture. The good news is that cigarette use among high schoolers has fallen by half in less than a decade, from 15.8 percent in the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey to 7.6 percent in 2017. (Results from 2018 have not yet been released, but leaks suggest a statistically insignificant increase to 8.1 percent.) This is the same period in which the popularity of vaping has risen substantially, undermining the scary narrative that e-cigarettes are seducing kids into actual smoking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ideally, of course, high schoolers would abstain from nicotine entirely. Realistically, theres no way to provide access to safer forms of nicotine for adults that wont have at least some spillover to youth. As suggested by Siegel, a better approach would have been to deal with Juul directly. The companys products have been the most visibly popular among young people, and their earlier lifestyle marketing undermined the message that e-cigarettes should be primarily used by existing smokers. But rather than negotiate, Gottlieb has taken on the role of a stern parent threatening to turn this car around. I could take more aggressive steps, he warns, noting that he could end enforcement discretion and remove vapor products from the marketplace entirely. The e-cigarette industryand more importantly, the people who have turned to a safer alternative to smokingwould bear the brunt of that overreaction. Advertisement Advertisement Gottlieb claims to believe in the potential of harm reduction to address the devastating health effects of tobacco. If thats truly the case, he still has many options at his disposal. Most importantly, he could streamline the FDAs confusing pre-market approval process, bringing clarity to producers about the types of products that may eventually be permitted for sale. He could lift restrictions on targeted advertising to existing smokers that currently forbid e-cigarette companies from truthfully communicating with consumers. Enforcement against retailers who sell to youth could also be increased, with different approaches tried and evaluated at state and local levelsthe beneficial kind of experimental federalism that one might expect a former fellow of the American Enterprise Institute to embrace. Instead, the best we can say for now of the FDAs new regulations is, They could be worse. And if the agency continues to give in to pressure from the most strident anti-smoking groups, they probably will be. Women craft makers face gender inequality Women entrepreneurs engaged in micro enterprises are not able to reach their full potential because of an unfavourable business environment. Traditional practices prevent women business owners from expanding their market, said a woman participant in the 16th Handicraft Trade Fair going on at Bhrikutimandap. If Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg are hunkered down this week strategizing how to handle a devastating cascade of bad press, you can understand why. Wednesdays in-depth New York Times story documents how Facebook has consistently taken a delay, deny and deflect approach to addressing its criticsrather than, you know, fixing Facebooks real problems. A raft of other negative stories have followed, most picking up on selected details from the Times story, of which the most absurd include the attempt to blame criticism of Facebook on George Soros and Zuckerbergs reported insistence, after Apple CEO Tim Cook criticized social media companies, that top execs abandon their iPhones. Advertisement But instead of trying to spin the companys way out of this weeks new PR problem, Zuck and Sandberg should pivot right now and focus on creating a new public policy and legal framework for the company that would comprehensively restore public trust. What does that new framework look like? A series of journal articles by Yale law professor Jack Balkin, culminating in a forthcoming article for the Buffalo Law Review called The First Amendment in the Second Gilded Age, suggests some important steps we can take to reframe our relationships with both companies and government when it comes to todays internet. The basic idea is to create a new legal categoryhe calls it information fiduciariesthat is a better fit for the roles Facebook and other companies play as facilitators of our free-speech rights and trustees of our personal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balkins approach has the advantage of being holistic rather than piecemeal. In that sense, its better than current reactive steps Facebook has already been taking, such as crowdsourcing the identification of fake news, or deplatforming particularly noxious speakers like Alex Jones, or renewing promises to monitor its business partners for how they handle user data. Properly implemented, these steps should strengthen our free speech on the platforms while also strengthening protections of our privacy and autonomy. Balkin, who holds the Knight professorship of constitutional law and the First Amendment at Yale, is one of the legal academics who recognized early on how the internet was going to change public discourse in this century. So its no surprise that he is the founder and director of the Yale Information Society Project, an interdisciplinary program at the law school that covers a full range of issues at the intersection of law, technology, and society. (Full disclosure: I was a fellow at Yale ISP from late 2005 until early 2007, years before Balkin developed the legal approach Im discussing here.) Advertisement In The First Amendment in the Second Gilded Age, Balkin writes that the grand bargain of twenty-first century media mostly doesnt directly raise First Amendment issues because the First Amendment governs speech as directly regulated by federal and state governments. Under the terms of that grand bargain, Balkin writes, Advertisement Privately-owned infrastructure companies will provide you with many different valuable services. They will provide you with a search engine that is nothing short of miraculousthat allows you to find anything you want virtually instantaneously. They will provide you with social media that allow you to publish and express almost anything your heart could desire. Indeed, they will encourage to publish, and to communicate with others, repeatedly and incessantly. End users get all of these services, all of this stuffand they get it all for free. And in return, media owners get to collect their data, analyze it, and use it to predict, control, and nudge what end-users do. Advertisement Advertisement That last bit, of course, is the problem. On the one hand, the private companies obtain our data freely (that is, we consent to give it to them, even though we may not always, or often, think through the consequences of this choice). In return, we get cool free services that let us stay in touch with our high school friends and even conduct research or political organizing. On the other hand, the companies need to make money in order to offer us these free services, and the easiest way to do that is to sell advertising. Ideally, that advertising is for stuff we are likely to be interested in, which is the central reason for the companies to gather data about our interests from how we use these services. Advertisement Advertisement The need for the companies to make money in order to offer us free services also creates a potential hazard: Algorithmically enhanced advertising is used, critics like Tristan Harris insist, to deprive of us of agency. In effect, the critics say, online advertising, together with addictive aspects of social media, robs us of free will. (This is an argument about advertising that predates search engines and social media. As Ive written in Lawfare, its major wellspring is a 1950s book by Vance Packard, The Hidden Persuaders.) Unsurprisingly, one leading narrative in the debates about how social media platforms and other big internet and technology companies handle our personal information is that maybe they just shouldnt gather it at all. Its a narrative that touches not just social media platforms and search engines but also the makers of devices like smartphones that, because how we constantly carry them with us, become repositories of where weve been, whom we know, and who we are. That view has the advantage of simplicityits easy to understand and easy to state. And this narrative informs some suggestions for reform. For example, early Facebook investor Roger McNamee has argued that Facebook and other services should simply cease gathering user data and move to a strict subscription model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if we ended the data gathering altogether (and maybe ended advertising altogether), it would have consequences. If the New York Times or the Washington Post quit using online advertisingor cut advertising entirelyit would necessarily prevent any ads from manipulating us, but it would also increase their direct cost to readers, maybe by twice as much, or maybe much more. The same is true for social networking and search companies. As Balkin points out, A subscription model has disadvantages for social media companies, because it might produce a far smaller user base, and therefore less interesting and intriguing content that would keep end users coming back for more. Of course, we know already that data gathering definitely can be limited by law, as with the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation, which went into effect in May. But the GDPRs prescriptions for handling personal data are built around the presumption that any gathering of personal data is bad for users and citizens. Thats not the only model for protecting users, and it might not be the best one. Advertisement If were going to let companies have this kind of intimate contact with our information, cant we also empower them to be advocates for our privacy? Balkins alternative, the information fiduciaries model, says the companies that gather our data in order to subsidize services for users could adoptor Congress or the courts could impose on thema legal and professional relationship with users as, in effect, trustees of our personal data. Just as doctors and lawyers gather information about us in order to serve us better, the companies might be constrained by the creation of similar professional relationships based on the services they offer and the individual users they are serving. As fiduciaries, Balkin argues, the companies would have three basic duties: a duty of care, a duty of confidentiality, and a duty of loyalty. These are the same duties that doctors and lawyers have with regard to their clients. Care and confidentiality mean the companies holding your data need to keep it secure and not use it negligently in ways that might hurt you, even accidentally. A duty of loyaltyagain, the same duty that doctors and lawyers are bound bymeans that the company you trust with your data cant use it in ways that benefit the company while hurting your interests, as when Facebook contracted to share user data with Cambridge Analytica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what Balkins model would mean for us as users. We might still agree, in return for access to useful free services like Facebook and Twitter, to abide by the companies terms-of-service agreementsthe agreements that allow the companies to use the personal data we give them in limited ways (for example, to serve us ads or other content were interested in). But if the terms-of-service agreements are a contract between the users and the companies, that contract doesnt define the whole set of duties the companies owe to us. Apart from the agreements, the companies would be bound to be careful with our data, to keep it confidential, and to never use it (or allow it to be used) against us. (A company like Facebook, which has also gathered information about individuals who dont use the service, might even be bound to use the data its gathered according to these ethical and professional obligations.) Advertisement At least with regard to subscribers, these three dutiescare, confidentiality, and loyaltywould take precedence over contracts or terms-of-service agreements. Per Balkin, This fiduciary duty arises out of a contractual relationshipthe terms of service or end-user license agreementthat digital companies require of their end-users. But duties of an information fiduciary are not limited to the specific terms of Facebooks privacy policya complicated contract that few people have actually read. Balkin points out that if Facebooks duties were only the specific obligations spelled out in the terms-of-service agreement, the company could make those duties vanish simply by changing its privacy policy, to take effect the next time an end user logs in. A better approach, he says, is to recognize that these fiduciary obligations exist on top of the contractual rights of the parties. In other words, the agreements wouldnt, and couldnt, allow you to waive your right to expect the services to honor these duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept of companies as fiduciariestrustees of our personal informationunderscores the limits on what the companies should be able to do. But it also could empower these successful, well-capitalized enterprises to be powerful, effective advocates of protecting our personal privacy. Companies might not want to take this role onbut then again, they might. Think how much stronger Apples arguments in the San Bernardino, California, shooter iPhone litigation might have been if Apple could have said meaningfully that it has standing as a trustee of its users privacy interests to argue against any obligation to crack iPhone security. At the very least, this would enable Apple to counter any government argument that its opposition to cracking iPhone security is merely a deliberate marketing decision to engineer its products so the government cant search them, even with a warrant. Advertisement How do we get to Balkins fiduciary framework? One way this could be done is by a federal statute with the right incentives built in (similar to the Communications Decency Acts Section 230, which conditions immunity of internet services on whether they originated the content). Another way might be through professional associations working with state governments (analogous to state bar associations and medical associations). Or it could be a combination of both. However its implemented, we can do so on the principle that if doctors and lawyers are legally and ethically required to do no harm to patients and clients, it isnt too much to ask that the companiesprofessional experts in how our digital data can be usedshould be bound by analogous requirements. (New data-gathering companies, like new doctors and lawyers, might consider buying malpractice insurance.) Plus, this framework need not be limited to just internet companiesit could include Apple, cable companies, Netflix, cellphone providers, and so on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This leads to one obvious legal benefitit could diminish or eliminate the third-party doctrine that allows the government to easily seize or subpoena your data if its held by a service provider. Carpenter v. United States, which was decided in the summer and imposed Fourth Amendment limitations on when the government can seize your cellphone location data, called into question the whole idea of thinking that once some company is holding your information, you have no reasonable expectation of privacy and therefore no Fourth Amendment privacy rights. Justices both in the majority and in the dissents recognized that in the digital age, third-party doctrine is a fig leaf covering massive government prerogatives to capture our personal databut they disagreed, of course, as to what to do about that. Advertisement Balkins information fiduciary model could turn the third-party doctrine, already weakened by the Carpenter decision, into an irrelevant legal relic of a simpler analog era. With a statutory and/or professional framework of fiduciary obligations for tech companies, we could simply argue that, if the companies have a ton of data about us, were protected not only by the Fourth Amendment but also by professional codes of ethical conduct that bind the tech companies that have fiduciary duties to us. (Our courts disfavor giving government access to lawyer-held client information or doctor-held medical information. They ought to disfavor Facebooks doing so as well.) Advertisement Another possible benefit might be that Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and others might have standing as fiduciaries or trustees to defend our fundamental rights of speech and privacy. After all, as we know from a 60-year-old Supreme Court case, NAACP v. Alabama, our ability to speak collectively may depend on our privacy and anonymity. In that case, the Alabama state government tried to compel the organization to disclose lists of its members (including addresses and phone numbers and so on). The NAACP resisted, and the Supreme Court concluded that (a) the NAACP has standing to assert fundamental speech and associational rights on behalf of its anonymous members, knowing that if compelled to disclose membership this would have real-world consequences for those members, and (b) these fundamental rights are deeply grounded in the First Amendment. The case is obviously relevant in this century because our ability to speak freely online and our privacy online are so intimately related. Properly understood, the NAACP was a platform for political speech and action in 1958, just as Facebook and Twitter are today. The companies might have standing, just as the NAACP does, to assert that the free-speech rights of their subscribers depend on their fiduciary obligation to keep user data confidential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact is, whatever our reservations about big tech companies, or internet advertising, or privacy, we use the advertising-subsidized platforms to engage in more frequent, and more public, speech than preceding generations of Americans ever could hope to do. If were going to let the companies have this kind of intimate contact with our informationwhich often serves us well, as when were shown advertising that genuinely informs and helps us, or when our documents and contacts are synced among linked devicescant we also empower them to be advocates for our privacy, just as the NAACP has been for more than half a century? If the tech companies have fiduciary relationshipsnot just contractual relationshipswith their users, the companies arguably have stronger legal standing to resist government commands to disclose user data. Advertisement Taken together, this reframing allows us to think maybe its OK after all for Facebook or Google to use our info to serve ads to us based on our likely interests, or to find new potential members of our social networks, but not to manipulate us, give our info over to untrusted and unsupervised third parties like Cambridge Analytica, gather info on us even if were not users of their services, or be reckless about serving fake news to us. And Balkins information fiduciaries framework may also incentivize the companies to actively engage, as Apple and others sometimes have done, as advocates for our privacy and free speechprovided we give them legal standing to do so. Advertisement Advertisement At the very least, Balkins framework addresses our current concerns over Facebooks and other companies gathering and use of our personal data. But I think Balkin offers more than that. His articles have charted a possible path back to the common ground we all shared in Reno v. ACLU, back in 1997, a Supreme Court decision that tech companies and users came together to celebrate. The Reno case didnt ignore the likelihood that the internet and other digital technologies would be disruptive and disturbing as we lived through the technologies growing pains. The courts optimistic recognition of First Amendment protections for expression on the internet signified hope that we all would survive the bumpy ride of the internets adolescence on the way to a maturity based on mutual trust among stakeholders. And if some companies shortsighted behavior regarding our personal data has eroded that trust, Balkin has shown us one path to enable them, and us, to restore it. This story was originally published by High Country News and has been republished here with permission from Climate Desk. On Nov. 8, the Camp Fire, which started that morning in rural Butte County, California, about 90 miles north of Sacramento, exploded. Within hours, it engulfed the small town of Paradise. As flames spread, harried evacuations choked busy streets with traffic, trapping people in their cars and homes. As of Wednesday, the official death count is 48 people, but with about 200 missing, that number is expected to rise. Advertisement The Camp Fire, which broke out on the same day as the massive fires in Southern California that have claimed two lives, is the latest disaster to test the preparedness of communities living on the edge of forests and shrubland. As climate change worsens drought conditions and ongoing fire suppression leaves behind fire-prone forests and chaparral, the threats to communities are only getting worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communities are increasingly grappling with how to keep residents safe and get ready for fire season. While there are not always ways to prevent tragedies like the Camp Fire, preparation is essential. Here are five steps to take to protect yourself during a wildfire. Determine if You Live In a Fire-Prone Area The areas where communities meet forests and shrubland are known as the wildland-urban interface, often called by the acronym WUI. These areas are at higher risk of wildfire because there is an increased likelihood of human-ignited fires. They are also harder to defend because controlled burns are unpopular near human settlement, and protecting homes and lives is more difficult there than in uninhabited areas, like remote commercial timberlands and national forests. Advertisement Even as the risk of extreme wildfires rises, more people are choosing to live in harms way. The number of homes across the country built in WUI areas increased by 41 percent between 1990 and 2010, according to U.S. Forest Service research headed by the University of WisconsinMadisons SILVIS Lab. While living away from bustling cities and closer to undeveloped landscapes has an appeal for many homeowners, it carries an inherent set of risks. Advertisement Are you unsure if you live in a WUI area? Click here for a map and use the search box in the right-hand corner to look up your address and see WUI areas near you. Get Ready Before the Fire Hits Fire preparation falls into two broad categories: long-term planning and short-term response. Advertisement In areas prone to wildfire, long-term preparation is about reducing the likelihood a fire will consume your house and making sure you know what to do when a fire is coming. One of the most important steps any homeowner can do to protect herself from wildfires is creating defensible space around her home. Clearing brush and flammable materials and designing landscapes that are less fire-prone saves houses and aids firefighters in structure protection. A good primer on the basics of defensible space can be found here. Know Your Plan for Getting Out Short-term fire preparation involves making a plan for evacuating your home and communicating that plan within your family and throughout your neighborhood. In October 2017, Melissa Lely was on her Sonoma County farm when the Nuns Fire, one of more than a dozen to engulf Californias wine country last year, broke out. It was the scariest night of our lives, she said. We didnt have an evacuation plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Lely and her husband have a plan for evacuating themselves and their farm animals, and have rebuilt their farm with a focus on defensible space and fire preparation. Fires often move faster than emergency services can be dispatched, which means you, your family and your neighbors are your own rescuers, said Michele Steinberg, the division director for wildfire at the National Fire Protection Association. Steinberg recommends having a written plan for evacuating during a fire and preparing supplies when hazardous-fire weather conditions, like high winds and low humidity, are predicted. One of the most important ways to prepare for a fire is knowing the evacuation routes out of your community. People dont realize how little time they have, she said. Being prepared buys you time. As You Evacuate, Think of the First Responders As fires near and evacuation warnings are put in place, there are a few last-minute steps that help firefighters and reduce the likelihood your house will burn down. If you have time, turn off any gas lines to the house, move flammable materials like patio-furniture cushions and propane tanks inside the house, and close all windows and doors to reduce the chance that embers ignite and burn your house. Also, attaching and leaving out any outdoor hoses you have can aid firefighters in structure protection. But these measures come with an important caveat: If it is time to evacuate, leaving should be your first priority, Steinberg said. And when you leave, stick with your family or group. Prepare to Be Cut Off Two modern essentials that are some of the first to go when fires break out are cellphone service and electricity. Losing either or both poses challenges that require planning ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Losing cell service often means losing GPS and the maps applications many of us use for driving directions. Designating and practicing evacuation routes before an emergency strikes can help reduce reliance on cellphones in an emergency situation. Electrical lines pose a great fire risk and are often taken out of service during fires and extreme fire weather. One of the most serious problems posed by power outages are automatic garage doors, said Steinberg. If you store your car in a garage that relies solely on an electric motor, it is best to keep a vehicle outside during times of high fire risk. Corporations operating in developing nations are often involved in large infrastructure developments and commercial venturessome high-risk regions present opportunities to create or protect market shares. These environments and risks are making security management practitioners and their expertise increasingly sought after. Whether the threat to foreign corporations in individual developing nations is real or only perceived, unique challenges exist for the expatriate security professional. We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies , click here. Nearly 30 wine cellars and wineries were opened in the boroughs of Raca, Nove Mesto, Vajnory and Devin during the first edition of Po Bratislavskych Vinnych Pivniciach event. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled In the past, Bratislava, then Pressburg, was a prominent wine town. Old maps and pictures of the city depicts the slopes of the castle hill covered with vineyards, while several historical houses in the city have preserved historical wine cellars to this day. Even though most of the vineyards have fallen prey to the development of the city, the growing of grapes and wine production have been preserved in the boroughs on the outskirts. In late October wine lovers had a special occasion to taste wines produced directly in Bratislava during the first year of the Po Bratislavskych Vinnych Pivniciach event. Nearly 30 wine cellars and wineries were opened in the boroughs of Raca, Nove Mesto, Vajnory and Devin. Read also: Read also: While France has Beaujolais Nouveau, Slovakia has St Catherine's wines Read more Wine makers see the event as a good opportunity to build local patriotism. People from the recently built settlement of Male Krasnany like the fact that when they sit on a balcony, they see the vineyard that produced the grapes for the wine they are drinking, Jan Drobny of Polnohospodarske Druzstvo Bratislava Vinohrady told The Slovak Spectator. Such events like this contribute to building pride in the locality in which they live. The wine makers agree that the event has promoted local wineries and wines. Although Bratislava regularly participates in the largest wine tasting events on the Small Carpathian Wine Route, it competes for visitors with traditional wine towns such as Modra and Pezinok. People, since they do not want to deal with the traffic between the open cellars in Bratislava to Trnava, decide to go directly to Modra, for example, where more than 30 cellars are traditionally open. We have to promote Bratislava wine producers because during the events on the Small Carpathian Wine Route we are failing to gain visitors, said Marian Vladar from the family winery Vino Vladar a Syn from Nove Mesto. The added value of the event was the shuttle service between the boroughs. Visitors did not have to deal with the question of how to get from Devin to Vajnory, i.e. boroughs located on the opposite sides of Bratislava. On the eve of the Velvet Revolution anniversary, people protested in the thousands, calling for a decent Slovakia. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled On the eve of the Day for the Fight For Freedom and Democracy, the November 17 national holiday when Slovaks remember the 1989 Velvet Revolution, thousands of people came out to the squares of Slovak towns to continue the wave of protests that started in the country in March 2018. The 29th anniversary of student protests that brought down the totalitarian regime in 1989 found both Czechs and Slovaks protesting again. The front page of the special issue of the Sme daily that was distributed at the November 16, 2018 protest in Bratislava. (Source: ) On November 15, a massive protest gathering took place in Prague in reaction to the latest revelations about the reported corruption affairs of the Czech PM Andrej Babis. For Slovaks, the November 16 gatherings were the tenth in the series of the For a Decent Slovakia protests that started in March, following the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova. "We are here because this is where we need to be," Zuzana Mistrikova, one of the leaders of the 1989 student movement, told the crowd. November 1989 legacy The biggest gathering took place in Bratislava, where the crowd was estimated at up to 18,000, according to the Sme daily. Faces of the Velvet Revolution stood on stage at the SNP Square once again. People responded by chanting the slogans of the revolution, like "This is it!" and ringing their keys. The iconic song of November 1989, Modlitba pro Martu (Prayer for Marta), also sounded on the square. "We will win when corrupt power is definitively defeated," Zajac said in his address to the crowd, adding that the process has already started as shown in the recent municipal elections. Gal told the crowd that when he returns back home to Prague, where he lives, he will be able to say that he met a gathering of citizens rather than just a crowd in Bratislava. Read also: Read also: What we didn't know about our freedom Read more "Our mission is to bring down fences that divide nations and states, rather than build barriers with empty talk," Gal told the protest-goers, and reminded them not to forget those "who do not sit at full tables". "They are us too," Gal said. Protesters called on Pellegrini The Bratislava gathering took place after the atmosphere in Slovakia escalated once again over the past week. The Dennik N daily published an analysis of the doctoral thesis of Andrej Danko, detailing how it was copied from other authors and calling Danko a plagiarist. Organisers of the For a Decent Slovakia protests described the investigation they were subject to by the police, based on an anonymous criminal complaint against them for organising an alleged coup and being paid from abroad. These issues, as well as the recent verbal attack the former prime minister launched against journalists, were mentioned repeatedly on the stage in Bratislava. Read also: Read also: We refuse Fico's attacks against journalists Read more The protest organisers Karolina Farska and Juraj Seliga called on Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini not to let his predecessor drag Slovakia into the direction that Viktor Orban is dragging Hungary. "Finally send the Ficos and the Kalinaks into political oblivion," Seliga said. Remembering Jan Kuciak A group of journalists also appeared on the stage to stress the need for free media in a democracy, and to pay respect to their murdered colleague. Czech journalist and close collaborator of Jan Kuciak, Pavla Holcova, addressed the gathering. She told the people how the murder hit her. "You helped us to get over our trauma by coming out to the squares," Holcova told the protesters, and pledged on behalf of her colleagues to finish the work Kuciak started. Leading Hungarian intellectual, former dissident and former OSCE high representative for media freedom Miklos Harszti came to Bratislava to speak to the gathering too. He reminded Slovaks that the nations of Central Europe won freedom 30 years ago, but now they need to fight for it once again because those in power in all the Visegrad Group (Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland) want to take it away from the people. Haraszti thanked the people of Slovakia that they are protecting the values of democracy. Coffee Design is proudly sponsored by Savor Brands , your boost in coffeedence through maximizing designs in packaging, sustainability and tech. Richmond, Virginias very own Blanchards Coffee Roasting Co, now in its 14th year, has upped its game with lovely new packaging. The team at Blanchards spent two years moving the design and creative process in-house, lead by their designer Anna Thompson (Palindrome Creative Co.) and photographer and illustrator Cameron Lewis. [Thompson] is responsible for corralling all of our rambling thoughts and ideas and synthesizing them into a final piece that perfectly embodied our desires, says Blanchards representative Seth Bauserman. We had an opportunity to learn more about their vision and process by speaking digitally to Bauserman. Tell us a bit about your company. Blanchards Coffee Roasting Co. is a wholesale coffee roaster located in Richmond, Virginia. Our story began in 2005 when Founder, David Blanchard roasted the first batch of coffee on his new Ambex roaster, set up in his fathers garage. In those early days, Davids goal was to roast great coffee that he could share with family and friends. Over the years, family and friends grew in number, and our coffee community expanded to include customers and producers from around the world. Our modern, efficient coffee roasting facility is far removed from Davids fathers garage, but the spirit of Blanchards original mission still informs everything we do to this day. We strive to create a culture of intent, which begins with how we source coffees and the relationships we build with farmers and producers, continues through the information and education we provide about those coffees and relationships, and concludes with our clients and customers making informed, intentional decisions about the coffees they choose to brew. When did the coffee package design debut? October 1st of 2018. What coffee information do you share on the package? Processing method, altitude, variety, farmer, region, and farm name are all present on the label. Additionally, there is a supplemental insert that details more information about the coffeesometimes a photograph from origin on a postcard, sometimes an illustration. We want our packaging to push to our website where we can dive deeper into information and resources. Why are aesthetics in coffee packaging so important? As a wholesale roaster we feel the pressure and responsibility of communicating our vision, brand, and story for coffee through our packaging. Not having a physical cafe space to communicate those things can be limiting, so packaging becomes our outlet for engaging customers with our point of view. Whether or not we execute that need or not is ultimately up to the customers who experience and interact with our products. Aesthetics are particularly important for this package which is set aside for special releases. A few times a year we come across coffees that demand our attention because of their quality, scarcity, story, or uniqueness. These coffees push our boundaries and beg us to be more intentional with the materials and design of the package that holds them. Weve worked to create a package that directs the customers focus to the coffee inside, using color, sustainable materials, and a hand printed approach. Color is a tool we use in all of our packaging to reflect the tone and character of each coffee, and this package expresses that in the purest sense. The color becomes an extension of the flavor and feel of the coffee itself. Where is the bag manufactured? The interior bag is Biotre made by PBi. The exterior box was made in Nashville. The goal with this project was a low-cost product where we maintain complete control and flexibility. All labels and box colors are printed by hand in Richmond by our staff. The coffee community is full of people coming from creative backgrounds, so we have a few individuals on our staff who know their way around a printing studio. We work with a local non-profit printing studio, Studio Three, who facilitates creative practices through shared space, tools, and education. What type of package is it? The box was designed by us and is made of 24pt Kraft Board. All color you see on the box and label is a water based ink applied through screen printing. The interior bag is kraft Biotre produced by PBI who does all of our other retail packaging. Is the package recyclable/compostable? Yes, the box is made of 100% recycled paperboard and is recyclable. The interior bag is compostable once the valve is removed. Where is it currently available? You can purchase these at our roasting facility and on our website. Company: Blanchards Coffee Roasting Co. Location: Richmond, VA Country: United States Release Date: October 2018 Designer: Anna Thompson Zachary Carlsen is a co-founder and editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Zachary Carlsen on Sprudge. 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 Copperas Cove, TX (76522) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 54F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. In this new series on Luxembourg's Royals, RTL Today delves into the history of the Grand Ducal family. Prince Jean Benoit Guillaume Robert Antoine Louis Marie Adolphe Marc d'Aviano, better known as Grand Duke Jean, was born on 5 January 1921 as the first child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma. He died on 23 April 2019. Prince Jean's parents named him after one of Luxembourg's most famous royals: Count John (Jean) the Blind, the King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg who lived between 1296 and 1346. Jean was given the second name Benoit in honour of his godfather, Pope Benedict XV. As his mother before him, Prince Jean came into the world at Berg Castle to the north of Luxembourg City. He had five younger siblings: Princesses Elisabeth, Marie-Adelaide, Marie-Gabrielle and Alix, and Prince Charles. Prince Jean with his parents Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix, and his five siblings Elisabeth, Marie-Adelaide, Marie-Gabrielle, Alix and Charles. / Photo Collection Cour grand-ducale / Edouard Kutter Prince Jean grew up in Berg Castle and attended primary school and secondary school in Luxembourg before he went on to attend Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, then an all-boys Catholic boarding school. Ampleforth College has been labelled as the "Catholic Eton" because many members of the European Catholic aristocracy chose to send their children there. Some of Prince Jean's grandchildren would later follow in his footsteps and also attend Ampleforth College. He continued his education in Canada, where he studied Law and Political Science at Laval University in Quebec City. The library at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, 1943. / Public domain A soldier's bravery Prince Jean was only 19 years old when the German army invaded Luxembourg and his family was forced to leave the country on 10 May 1940, but he was determined to do his bit. The Hereditary Grand Duke left Canada for the British Isles and soon joined the Irish guards on King George VI's advice. Prince Jean graduated from the famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1943 as a second lieutenant. On the day of his graduation, he addressed the people of Luxembourg in a speech on BBC radio, letting them know that they had not been forgotten. For a time, he served as a guard at Buckingham palace and recalled having to stand motionless when his mother and sisters came to visit King George. As an active soldier, Prince Jean was involved in some of the most momentous battles of the 20th century: He landed in Normandy on 11 June 1944 and fought in the battle for Caen. Prince Jean arrived at the Battle of the Somme on 29 August before taking part in the liberation of Brussels on 3 September. Prince Jean as a young soldier. / Grand-Ducal Court Only seven days later, he triumphantly returned to the newly-liberated Luxembourg, side by side with his father and a host of American soldiers. It only proved to be a short reprieve. When the German forces mounted an attack known as the Battle of the Bulge, in which almost 20,000 allied troops lost their lives, Prince Jean re-joined his division between Tienen and Namur. On 14 April 1945, the war was officially over for Luxembourg when the Hereditary Grand Duke joined Grand Duchess Charlotte and her consort Prince Felix in their return to the Grand Duchy. A royal wedding and the ascension to the throne On 9 April 1953, Prince Jean married Princess Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium at Luxembourg City Cathedral. The Hereditary Grand Duke and his young bride settled in at Betzdorf Castle and soon started a family. Princess Josephine-Charlotte gave birth to five children, who were all born at Betzdorf Castle: Princess Marie-Astrid, Prince Henri, Prince Jean, Princess Margaretha and Prince Guillaume. Prince Jean with his wife Princess Josephine-Charlotte at their wedding on 9 April 1953. / Grand-Ducal Court On 12 November 1964, the 68-year-old Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated in favour of her eldest son Jean. He dutifully picked up his mother's mantle and became the 8th Luxembourg sovereign since the founding of the Grand Duchy in 1815. It is safe to say that no other monarch has seen Luxembourg undergo such stark changes during his reign as Grand Duke Jean. He was the head of state for 36 years and in this time, the Grand Duchy transformed from an agricultural and industrial country with a booming metallurgy sector in to a thriving international finance hub. During the Grand Duke's tenure, he witnessed the creation of the Schengen agreement and of the EU, in both of which Luxembourg was one of the founding countries. While the Grand Duke never expressed any political opinions, he met with many leaders and heads of state to advance Luxembourg's agenda. A well-earned retirement In 2000, Grand Duke Jean followed his mother's example and abdicated in favour of his first-born son Prince Henri. Only five years after Grand Duke Jean's abdication, his wife Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte passed away after a long battle with cancer. The former Grand Duke, who was born in the same year as the Queen's consort Prince Philip, lived at Fischbach Castle. He had 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren through his eldest son Henri's line. Grand Duke Jean surrounded by his family. Top row: Grand Duke Jean's granddaughter Princess Marie-Gabrielle with her husband Antonius Willms, son Zeno, and her father Prince Jean. Bottom row: Grand Duke Jean flanked by Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. / Grand-Ducal Court / Cyril Moreau / Bestimage Sarah Cames is a twentysomething freelance journalist with a keen interest in anything to do with politics, history and pop culture. Mountain Shadows in Wayanad is just the place for a dreamy vacation By Ivan Kimbowa. National Resistance Movement leaders in the nine districts of Masaka sub region yesterday endorsed Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for party chairmanship in 2021. Led by Captain Mulindwa Birimumaaso, the Lwengo NRM Chairperson red out a statement at liberation square where the party celebrated its achievements in the region supporting Mr Museveni to lead them for the sixth term in 2021. As leaders of NRM party in Masaka sub region, together with this gathering we have decided to call him [Museveni] to leads us in 2021, Mr Birimumaaso red out the statement amid ululations from the gathering. He also noted that because of the weaknesses they had in the elections of previous party primaries, less expertise, few stuff members, logistics and leaders who connive with registrars to ridge votes, they decided article 44 (3) of the NRM constitution be amended to remove box voting for people to line at the back of candidates or their posters during broad day light to identify the winners. When Captain Mukula, the Eastern Uganda National Resistance Movement Party (NRM) Vice Chairperson was invite to address the gathering also supported move saying it should be carried to various parts of the country. What has been done today should be copied by other parts of the countrythose who think that Museveni should go and also lead will crush NRM. I therefore want to thank Masaka people for the decision of considering Museveni a presidential candidate 2021, Mukula said Captain Mukula, however, blamed the NRM failure to win all the constituencies in Uganda on hypocrisy and unnecessary fights in the party wondering why leaders fail to also deliver packages and services they are entrusted with. By Ssebuliba Samuel. Jinja municipality East Member of Parliament Paul Mwiru has resurrected demands for findings from an investigation into the death of late Cerina Nebanda in 2013. Speaking in parliament last evening, Mwiru said that upon her controversial death in 2013, the then chief justice Benjamin Odoki instituted a special committee headed by Justice Paul Mugamba to investigate He however expressed disappointment that close to 5 years no reports has been produced. Nebanda was woman member of parliament of Butaleja district. By Benjamin Jumbe Police have vowed not to allow kira municipality Mp Ibrahim Semujju Nganda to proceed with his rally. It comes as police and military personnel remain deployed at the legislators resident in Kirinya. Speaking to Kfm spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan police explains that the deployment was to stop the legislator from going forward with his plan after failing to agree on the venue. He says the legislator had been advised to get another venue than Jokers hotel which he had chosen, a position the legislator objected Speaking to Kfm earlier Semujju who was still hidden in his house said he had written to police earlier but officers today came out to say he notified police late. He however insists he will proceed with his consultative rally today. Your browser does not support the audio element. With only a handful of passengers boarding trains from Hanoi to three neighboring provinces each day, the local railway transport company is struggling to keep these routes running. Trains to the northern provinces of Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, and Quang Ninh depart daily from the capital, but only one or two passengers typically get on at the first station. Even when those getting on at other stations are counted, these trains serve only a dozen passengers a day, according to Hanoi Railway Transport JSC, which operates the routes. Most passengers are vendors who transport their daily produce by train to these provinces for sale, a company leader said. Meanwhile, tourists or regular commuters often opt to travel between the destinations by road to save time, as a railway trip could take way longer than a bus ride, the leader explained. In 2018, the Hanoi rail company made around VND3 billion (US$130,000) in revenue from these three routes, while it spent over VND15 billion ($650,000) on costs to operate them, the leader said. Despite such substantial losses that the company suffers every year, it has kept the routes alive for social reasons, and to provide jobs for those tasked with operating the trains. Since June 2018, Hanoi Railway Transport JSC has requested government subsidy to help keep these three routes in operation. We wanted to close these routes, but the local administrations [of the three provinces] asked that we keep them for the passengers that still depend on them for their commute, said Phung Thi Ly Ha, deputy general director of Hanoi Railway Transport JSC. Thats why we have kept them running, even though only one or two passengers board the trains at departure, she explained. A handful of passengers board a train from Hanoi to Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Photo: Tuoi Tre The Hanoi Thai Nguyen route runs for over two hours each way, with ticket prices ranging from VND15,000 ($0.65) to VND55,000 ($2.35). Trains from Hanoi to Dong Dang Town in Lang Son Province run four and a half hours each way, with ticket prices ranging from VND15,000 ($0.65) to VND89,000 ($3.85). Trains from Hanoi to Ha Long City in Quang Ninh Province run seven hours each way, with ticket prices ranging from VND20,000 ($0.85) to VND80,000 ($3.45). A South Korean company once operated a five-star tourist train from Hanoi to Ha Long, but it was forced to shut down in no time due to competition from road options. While it takes seven hours for a train to travel between Hanoi and Ha Long, a bus ride between the destinations only takes one and a half hours. This is mostly due to outdated railway tracks, which limit the maximum speed at which trains can travel even with powerful engines, experts explain. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! South Koreas Jeju Air has announced it will open a new direct route to Vietnams central city of Da Nang in late December, an addition to its ever-expanding options connecting South Korea and several Southeast Asian destinations. The inaugural flight operated by the low-cost carrier will take off from the southeast South Korean city of Daegu en route to Da Nang in December, increasing the total number of air routes between the two nations to seven. The Daegu - Da Nang route will operate seven flights a week, with each flight taking four to five hours. Besides opening the new route, the airline will also increase the number of flights from Muan County in South Koreas southwest province of South Jeolla to Da Nang to seven a week, bringing the total number of flights between Vietnam and South Korea operated by Jeju Air to more than 60 per week, according to news site VnExpress, Jeju Air entered the Vietnamese market four years ago, and has so far operated six services to four big cities in the Southeast Asian country, including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang City in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa. Da Nang is the airlines largest market in Vietnam with 30 flights per week, while the remaining three have seven Jeju Air flights each per week. According to data by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, South Korea is the second-largest source market for Vietnams tourism. In the first ten months of this year, more than 2.8 million South Korean visitors spent their holidays in Vietnam, up 48.3 percent from the same period last year. Meanwhile, 429,000 Vietnamese visited South Korea in the first 11 months of this year, up 42.7 percent year on year, according to the representative office of the South Korea Tourism Administration in Vietnam. It is estimated that the number of visitors from Vietnam to South Korea will increase by over 40 percent by the end of this year, compared to 2017. Japan, China, and Thailand were the three destinations that attracted the most South Korean visitors three years ago, but Vietnam has currently overtaken Thailand to become the second-most attractive destination, VnExpress reported, citing a Jeju Air representative. Jeju Airs revenues from Vietnam are just behind the largest market, Japan. The airline also plans to recruit Vietnamese flight attendants. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! NAIROBI - Tanzanias plan to buy the countrys entire 2018 cashew nut crop could lead to a global shortage, with processors in Vietnam and India likely to be hit first, traders said. President John Magufuli has ordered a 94 percent increase to cashew nut prices to protect farmers from low prices and told his government to acquire the estimated 220,000 ton crop after private buyers refused to buy at the higher price. Tanzanians would eat the nuts themselves if they could not sell them, Magufuli said, raising concerns that the nations most valuable export crop will not reach global markets. If the nuts are not sold to buyers in Vietnam waiting for them, there is going to be a shortage Sushant Gupta, owner of Indian-based commodity trading company ReloBridge, said. Cashew traders were caught by surprise by Magufulis decree on Nov. 12 and Ian Dyas at London-based CG Hacking said the move would drive prices higher in India, a major processor and consumer of the nuts, and top processor Vietnam. In the short-term it will certainly do that (raise prices), especially in India, he told Radio France International. Tanzania exports 75 percent of East Africas cashew crop, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation says and its export revenues doubled to $540 million last year from $270 million in 2016, official data shows. Dyas said it was also unclear if Tanzania had the logistical capacity to store this years August to December harvest. Your browser does not support the audio element. Authorities in several top tourist destinations throughout Vietnam say that hundreds of foreign employees are working in resorts, travel establishments, and other service-sector jobs without meeting the proper visa and work permit requirements. Although the issue seems to have persisted over the years, local regulators have failed to make any serious headway in resolving the matter, primarily due to inadequacies in their inspection and management mechanisms. Foreign workers everywhere Foreign workers, mostly Filipinos and Africans, are common at tourism establishments on Phu Quoc Island and in Ha Tien City, both popular destinations in the southern province of Kien Giang. According to Tran Kim C., owner of a three-star resort in Cua Can Village on Phu Quoc, businesses operating in tourism are steadily hiring more and more foreigners in order to satisfy their customers, and her resort is no exception. Some of my European customers suggested hiring Filipino musicians, and I had to meet their demands, C. told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. These musicians have also helped their acquaintances and friends find work in Vietnam, C. said. The monthly salary for these foreign employees is only US$100-200 higher than domestic workers, but they are disciplined and professional, with a very good work ethic, according to the resort owner. Currently, almost all the staff working at my resort are Filipinos, with just one or two Vietnamese employees in charge of the reception and cashier desks, C. said. According to Doan Hong Son, director of Kien Giangs Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the province has yet to release statistics of the actual number of foreign workers in the locality, which appears to be increasing each year. Likewise, service and tourism companies in beach cities such as Da Nang in the central region and Nha Trang in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa are increasingly turning to foreign workers, mostly from China and South Korea. Besides working at hotels or resorts, foreigners in Nha Trang also sell handicrafts, gems, and bedding items to tourists, according to the Khanh Hoa Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs. Foreign visitors are seen in Nha Trang City in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa. Photo: Tuoi Tre Illegally working Authorities in most of these localities are well aware of the growing number of foreign workers in their jurisdictions, but they say that the increase is unregulated and many of the foreigners are illegal workers. According to a report by the Khanh Hoa labor department, local authorities have identified 314 foreigners working illegally in the province after inspecting 25 local tourist and service enterprises since the beginning of 2018. Many of the foreigners come to Nha Trang on travel visas or visas for visiting relatives but they then decide to stay and work illegally in the locality, with some even doing so after their visa expires, according to an official from the Khanh Hoa administration. Similarly, the Da Nang labor department said more and more foreigners are flocking to the city, many of whom decide to stay and do work not allowed by their visa. In just the first six months of this year, 23 foreigners were identified as illegal tour operators and tour guides in Da Nang. An official from the Da Nang Department of Tourism admitted that the growth in illegal foreign workers stems from the demand for foreign language speaking tour guides, especially those able to serve the citys rapid-growing Chinese and South Korean tourists. For instance, Da Nang currently has only 150 licensed Korean-speaking tour guides, far fewer than the 550 employees needed to meet the existing market demand. Da Nang has plans to inspect 47 tourism enterprises that have yet to apply for work permits for their foreign workers and will handle any violations found, said Phan Thi Thuy Linh, director of the municipal labor department. It appears that authorities have yet to propose any overarching solutions to the problem of unlicensed foreigners. According to immigration laws, enterprises must seek permission from government bodies before inviting foreigners or guaranteeing their entry into Vietnam. In reality, many enterprises merely invite and sponsor foreigners to come and work in Vietnam without following any regulations whatsoever. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Your browser does not support the audio element. A Vietnamese company has won an international contract worth US$300 million to build a drilling platform in Qatar. PTSC Mechanical & Construction (PTSC M&C), based in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, won the EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation) agreement with Qatars North Oil Company, Dong Xuan Thang, the Vietnamese firms director, confirmed on Wednesday. The project, named Al Shaheen, is a production oil and gas field off the northeast coast of Qatar in the Persian Gulf. The contract package, worth $300 million, includes the construction of three wellhead platforms, each weighing more than 3,000 metric tons, along with three connecting bridges. The deal calls for PTSC M&C to collaborate with TechnipFMC, a contractor from the United Kingdom, to establish a detailed design for the structures. A drilling platform is manufactured in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Photo: Tuoi Tre The Vietnamese company will also purchase necessary material and equipment, manufacture, install, and carry out test runs for the three wellhead platforms. The manufacturing phase is expected to be conducted at PTSC M&Cs warehouse in Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, from the second quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2021. This process is anticipated to create job opportunities for over 3,000 Vietnamese laborers, Thang said. PTSC M&C outbid major contractors from such nations as Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, the company director stated. The firm has previously built drilling platforms in Malaysia, France, and India, he added. Established on May 15, 2001, PTSC M&C is managed by the PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), a subsidiary of state-run oil and gas group PetroVietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has committed serious wrongdoings that triggered social outrage while damaging the organs prestige, the Inspection Commission of the Party Central Committee has concluded. The inspection commission released conclusions on the serious violations of regulations committed by several officials on Thursday, following its 31st session from November 12 to 14. The commission concluded that Permanent Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh Citys Party Committee Tat Thanh Cang, who is also a member of the Party Central Committee, flouted the principle of democratic centralism, as well as the municipal Party Committees authority and working regulations on asset management and use in enterprises owned by the municipal Party Committee. Cang is found to have contravened stipulations on deciding the business cooperation policy and transferring project ownership as well as land use rights among the companies, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. He is also accused of allowing the Party Committees capital representative to vote on the issuance of stocks to strategic shareholders at enterprises. Cang is charged with lacking responsibility, as well as being lax in management and in his inspection of the fields under his authority, which caused critical losses to the municipal Party Committees budget. During his time serving as director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, Cang also broke the law to approve the construction of four main roads in the Thu Thiem new urban area. The inspection commission said that Cangs wrongdoings are serious, triggering social uproar while damaging the municipal Party Committees prestige. Besides the case of Cang, the inspection commission also decided to give a warning to Nguyen Trong Dung, deputy head of the enterprise innovation division under the Government Office, for his role in a scandal where state-run mobile carrier MobiFone overpaid for the acquisition of 95 percent of local pay TV provider AVG. Le Manh Ha, former deputy chairman of the Government Office, and Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Van Hieu were reprimanded for their violations in the MobiFone-AVG case. The commission also asked the Party Central Committees Secretariat to consider and give punishment to Bui Quang Vinh, former member of the Party Central Committee and former Minister of Planning and Investment. The commission decided to expel Chu Hao, director and editor-in-chief of the Tri Thuc Publishing House and former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, from the Party for his very serious violations of the principles of the Party organization and operation, as well as of the provisions on those things the Party members must not do. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out news you should not miss today, November 16: Politics -- Permanent Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh Citys Party Committee Tat Thanh Cang, who is also a member of the Party Central Committee, has been found to flout the principle of democratic centralism, as well as the municipal Party Committees authority and working regulations on asset management and use in enterprises owned by the municipal Party Committee, according to the Inspection Commission of the Party Central Committee. -- The Asia-Pacific, and in particular the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, has remained a focus of Vietnams foreign policy, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said at the 30th APEC Ministerial Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Thursday. Society -- The management center of public transport under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport on Thursday said they are investigating a case in which around 140 pieces of valuable public equipment worth nearly VND600 million (US$25,697), including LED screens and touch screen computers, have been stolen at 100 different spots citywide during the first nine months of this year. -- Dr. Ho Manh Tuong, a specialist in infertility treatment in Vietnam, has recently said Vietnamese mens sperm quality has been more and more abnormal, citing some studies at infertility treatment centers in Vietnam. Business -- Tanzanias plan to increase the countrys cashew nut prices in 2018 could lead to a global shortage, with processors in Vietnam and India likely to be hit first, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing traders. Lifestyle -- A tour named BonBon City Tour with retro-style decorated buses has recently been put into operation in the capital city of Hanoi with a focus on discovering local old values through 23 streets and nine stops at famous attractions. Sports -- Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is scheduled to meet fans outside Hanoi-based My Dinh Stadium today before Vietnam host Malaysia in their second Group A game at the 2018 AFF Championship. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A man from Vietnams Central Highlands was arrested for illegally making and keeping a number of firearms, police said on Thursday. Nguyen Quoc Thang, who told police he is a barber, is being detained by law enforcement in Dak Lak Province and facing charges for the unlawful possession and creation of military weapons. During a police raid on his home on Tuesday, the 32-year-old man was caught red-handed decanting air from an air compressor into the reservoir of an airgun. Nguyen Quoc Thang at a police station in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Officials seized explosives, multiple lead-bullet guns, hundreds of lead bullets, and gun-building equipment. Thang willingly handed police officers two flintlock rifles and two airguns, all homemade. The man said he learned how to build the guns from tutorials on the Internet using equipment that was delivered to him by post. He claimed he built the guns for hunting. Vietnam bans civilians from using or storing guns and ammunition. Nguyen Quoc Thangs gun building tools. Photo: Tuoi Tre Bullets seized at Nguyen Quoc Thangs house in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A man was killed while his wife and child are in a critical condition after their automobile plunged off a cliff in the northern Vietnamese province of Dien Bien early Wednesday morning. The accident occured at around 5:00 am along a section of National Highway No. 279 in Na Nhan Commune, Dien Bien District, according to Quang Van Son, chairman of the communes administration. Preliminary information showed that Nguyen Trung Thanh, 39, was driving his wife and their child in a Toyota Vios along the road when he lost control of the vehicle. A piece of the car was separated from the rest of the vehicle during the crash. Photo: Tuoi Tre The car then plunged 40 meters off a cliff and landed into a river below. Thanh was killed on impact, while his wife and child, whose names and ages have yet to be announced, were seriously injured. The two were transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Competent authorities inspect the automobile. Photo: Tuoi Tre At the crash site, the bottom half of the automobile was underwater. The vehicle was found heavily damaged with its windshield broken and airbag deployed. Police officers believed that the driver was extremely exhausted after spending the night driving, resulting in the accident. A police investigation is ongoing. The car was partially submerged in the river during the crash. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Worlds will collide when Young Sheldon stars Iain Armitage, Lance Barber and Montana Jordan appear in an upcoming episode of The Big Bang Theory. CBS has confirmed the casting news but declined to shed light on whether they appear in a flashback scene. Jim Parsons is an Executive Producer of Young Sheldon. The episode is due to air in the US in December but Aussies will likely have to wait until 2019. The last-ever episode is due next May. Source: TV Line By Susan Taylor and Zandi Shabalala TORONTO/LONDON (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp , soon to become the world's largest bullion miner, is interested in adding more copper assets as long as the red metal is accompanied by bullion, executives said on Friday. Barrick, which expects to complete its $6.1 billion takeover of Randgold Resources Jan. 1, outlined plans for exploration, expansion, streamlining and asset sales at an investor presentation in London. Structured under regions in North America, South America and Africa and the Middle East, Barrick spent the last four days focusing on where to take the merged company, said Randgold Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow, who will be Barrick's new CEO. Barrick is open to copper assets "as long as that copper is a component or co-product to the gold," said Rod Quick, who heads Randgold's projects and evaluation and will do the same in the merged company. "Or, unless that copper project will enhance our strategic partner network." In Africa, Barrick is open to exploiting its "substantial footprint" in the Democratic Republic of Congo to acquire world-class deposits, said Willem Jacobs, who heads Randgold's operations in central and east Africa and becomes Chief Operating Officer of Barrick's Africa and Middle East region. In Zambia, Barrick aims to lower costs at its "relatively low-grade" Lumwana copper mine, he added, noting the country's new mining code stands to materially affect margins. Barrick said it is keen on exploration outside its operating base, flagging South America's Guyana Shield, which crosses Suriname, Guyana and French Guyana. It also wants more exposure in Canada. Rob Krcmarov, executive vice president of exploration, said Barrick is interested in "copper opportunities" within its operating regions that meet investment criteria. To approve projects with potential for more than 5 million ounces of gold, Barrick will require a 15-percent rate of return, based on a $1,000 gold price, said Quick. Projects with more than 3 million ounces of gold, need a 20-percent return. Story continues Barrick expects stronger operating cash flows, non-core asset sales and lower overhead and interest costs will help it increase future dividends, said Randgold Chief Financial Officer Graham Shuttleworth, who takes the same role at Barrick. Talks are underway to sell Barrick's Lagunas Norte mine, said Mark Hill, COO of Latin America. Barrick said in August the Peru mine was an example of the non-core mines it would look at selling. Reuters reported last year that Barrick was exploring options, including the sale of all or part of, Lagunas Norte. (Reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto and Zandi Shabalala in London; Editing by Richard Chang and Grant McCool) FILE PHOTO: David M. Solomon speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 1, 2017. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson By Aparajita Saxena (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Officer David Solomon has told employees he is "personally outraged" that any of the bank's officials would take the actions laid out in U.S. government charges of fraud involving Malaysia's state controlled investment bank, 1MDB. Solomon made the comments in a voicemail sent to employees on Wednesday, weeks after U.S. prosecutors unveiled criminal charges against two former Goldman bankers tied to the alleged theft of billions of dollars from 1MDB, according to a transcript of a voicemail sent to employees on Wednesday which the bank gave to Reuters on Thursday. The government of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak set up 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB, in 2009. An estimated $4.5 billion (3.5 billion) was misappropriated from 1MDB by high-level officials of the fund and their associates between 2009 and 2014, the U.S. Justice Department has alleged. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with alleged graft involving 1MDB. Tim Leissner, a former partner for Goldman Sachs in Asia, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and agreed to forfeit $43.7 million. Roger Ng, the other charged former Goldman banker, was arrested in Malaysia at the request of U.S. authorities. "It goes without saying that they (the former employees) violated the firm's policies and procedures and acted in conflict with all that we stand for," Solomon said in Wednesday's voicemail to Goldman staff. Goldman has been under scrutiny for its role in helping 1MDB raise funds through bond offerings, from which it earned around $600 million in fees, an amount critics said exceeded the normal level for fees. Goldman has previously said that it "continues to cooperate with all authorities investigating this matter." It has denied any wrongdoing. Story continues "1MDB remains an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to work with the Department of Justice and other authorities to get to the bottom of what happened and to move forward," Solomon added in Wednesday's voice mail. Malaysia's current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday said Goldman's bankers "cheated" the country in dealings with the state fund, while Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said his country would seek a "full refund" of fees the bank earned. Goldman's shares have fallen nearly 10 percent since the U.S. prosecutors filed a lawsuit against two former Goldman bankers. The stock has fallen more than 20 percent this year. While U.S. prosecutors have previously filed civil asset forfeiture suits for assets allegedly bought with some of the stolen funds, the action against the former Goldman bankers are the first criminal charges the Justice Department has brought against individuals in the case under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a federal law targeting official bribery abroad. At least six countries, including Malaysia, the United States and Switzerland, have been investigating alleged thefts from 1MDB. The 1MDB investigations in the United States and Malaysia have gathered pace since Najib unexpectedly lost a general election in May to Mahathir Mohamad, who returned to power 15 years after he retired as prime minister. The story was first reported by Bloomberg on Thursday. https://bloom.bg/2Pxoq6u (Reporting By Aparajita Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by James Emmanuel, Neal Templin and Clive McKeef) Fianna Fail Brexit spokersperson Lisa Chambers. Pic: PA Opposition party Fianna Fail has criticised the Irish government for patting themselves on the back about the Brexit deal, suggesting that its self-congratulations contributed to the turmoil in Westminster. Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fails Brexit spokesperson, called extremely unhelpful Irish prime minister Leo Varadkars statement that the backstop in the new deal was even stronger that what had been agreed in December 2017. I think our own government need to be far more aware that their actions, their self-congratulations, their patting themselves on the back here in Dublin absolutely negatively feed into whats happening in the Commons today. Though Fianna Fail considers itself to be the main opposition party, it props up the governing Fine Gael party in parliament by way of a supply and confidence agreement. READ MORE: Irish foreign minister says Brexit deal is only deal on the table Fianna Fail has been largely supportive of the Irish governments Brexit strategy until recently. On Wednesday, Varadkar and his ministers gave Theresa May time and space to get cabinet approval for the Brexit withdrawal treaty agreed by negotiators earlier in the week. But speaking at a press conference following Mays announcement that she had secured the necessary support, Varadkar said it was a pretty good day for politics, and that Ireland had reached a satisfactory outcome on all of its key priorities. This is even stronger than what we had back in December, he said. While they maintained 24 hours silence up until the 9pm news last night, Chambers said, they simply couldnt help themselves and found that they were quick off the mark to try and congratulate themselves on their own perceived victory. Fine Gael senator Neale Richmond, the chair of the Irish parliaments Brexit committee, called Chambers statement grossly disingenuous, and said she had a partisan desire to lay all of the Brexit problems at the door of the Irish government. Story continues Varadkar, Richmond said, merely laid out the detail and process at hand last night. What has been agreed is a legally binding draft treaty which is by its nature stronger than a political statement. Ample space is being given. READ MORE: Resignations leave Theresa Mays government in tatters By lunchtime, four of Mays ministers, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, had resigned over the deal, as had two parliamentary private secretaries and a Downing St official. More than 20 Tory MPs publicly declare no-confidence in PM Michael Gove remains Environment Sec after turning Brexit minister role Embattled Theresa May told to step down live on air while fielding questions on LBC Amber Rudd replaces Esther McVey as Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Barclay appointed Brexit Secretary Theresa Mays future is looking more uncertain than ever as all Government whips were summoned to Westminster amid rumours of an imminent vote of no-confidence in the Prime Minister. The PM attempted to shore up her fragile administration, appointing Stephen Barclay as her new Brexit Secretary following the resignation on Dominic Raab over her deal with the EU. Twenty-one Conservative MPs have publicly confirmed they have submitted letters of no-confidence in Mrs May 48 are needed to trigger a leadership contest However, Steve Baker, the deputy chair of the powerful European Research Group which also counts Jacob Rees-Mogg among its members has reportedly texted allies saying my count is over 48 with about a dozen probables on top. The developments came as Mrs May was told to stand down by a Conservative councillor as she took calls on an LBC radio phone-in. The beleaguered Prime Minister has already been hit with the high-profile resignations of Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey. It had been widely anticipated that Environment Secretary Michael Gove would also quit on Friday. COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT LATEST ANALYSIS FROM YAHOO UK Where do Theresa Mays ministers stand on Brexit? Post-Brexit trip to Europe? Try these non-EU alternatives Bank of England governor confident about UK banks Brexit readiness Dont be fooled the biggest battle over Brexit starts now Hard Brexit could cripple UK science warn Nobel Prize winners But in a reprieve for Mrs May, Mr Gove said he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best outcome for the country. Story continues Amber Rudd, who resigned as Home Secretary after misleading parliament over the Windrush Scandal, has rejoined the cabinet as Work and Pensions Secretary, replacing Esther McVey. According to Sunday Times, Mr Gove, Liam Fox, Chris Grayling, Penny Mordaunt and Andrea Leadsom have also all agreed to stay in post to get this in a better place. During Mrs Mays phone-in on LBC, a Conservative councillor who identified himself as Daniel from Louth, said: Please Prime Minister, tell me why do you think you should stay on as PM when you have failed despite your no doubt honourable intentions to (deliver on) the referendum result? If you cannot do that, I respectfully ask you to do the right thing in the national interest and stand down to allow someone from the Brexit camp to take the lead. There is still time to sort this out. Mrs May responded by going through details of the draft withdrawal agreement. Youre absolutely right that for a lot of people who voted Leave, what they wanted to do was make sure that decisions on things like who can come into this country would be taken by us here in the UK, and not by Brussels, and thats exactly what the deal Ive negotiated delivers, she said. Later on in the phone-in, Mrs May was asked whose resignation had annoyed her the most Mr Raabs or Ms McVeys. VOTE ON THERESA MAYS BREXIT NEGOTIATIONS BELOW USE THE SPEEDOMETER TO HAVE YOUR SAY She replied: Im very sorry that both Dom and Esther felt that they needed to leave the Cabinet, they have done great work. Im sorry when anybody feels the need to leave the Cabinet. Asked how important it was that Mr Gove remained on her team-sheet, she replied: Michael has done a really important job at Defra. She went on: I want all of my colleagues in the Cabinet to feel able to carry on doing the excellent job that they are doing. A Dunkin Donuts owner called the police on a customer after arguing over the companys free Wi-Fi policy. On Facebook, Tirza Wilbon White posted the conversation she recorded with franchise owner Christina Cabral at a Dunkin Donuts in Fairfax, Va., on Nov. 7, minutes after arriving at the store. White had frequented the store for the past two years, purchasing coffee and working on her laptop while using the companys free Wi-Fi service. I had just sat down when a woman I had never seen before walked up and asked, Are you going to buy coffee?' White, 46, a former assistant professor at the University of Maryland and mother of two, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. I told her I planned on buying coffee after I got settled, but not if it were mandated. According to White, the woman, who identified herself as a quality control official, gestured toward another black customer, saying that he had purchased food before using Wi-Fi. White responded by asking Cabral if a nearby white customer was held to the same standard, and Cabral ordered that she purchase coffee or leave. Related: Peppermint Patty: White woman calls 911 on black woman for exiting parking lot wrong When Cabral walked away, an employee informed White that she was, in fact, the owner. So White, sensing that discrimination was involved, approached Cabral to clarify the policy. In one of three separate videos White posted to Facebook, Cabral says, I get to make my own rules. I need to ensure safety to my customers. She also cited previous customers who caused trouble without making purchases. Its nothing against you, she says. Were just trying to make our customers feel safe. When White suggests that only she and the other black customer were asked to make purchases, Cabral says, Oh please. Dont get into the racial profiling. Its my family. I find that offensive. After the women argue, Cabral picks up the phone. Youre offending me, she explains, dialing 911. Because Im not your skin color, youre going to come at me that Im racially profiling? I treat everyone the same and now I am going to call the authorities because youre recording me without telling me. (Virginia is a one-party consent state). Story continues A franchise owner attempted to bully me, White wrote on Facebook. She lied about corporate policy, attempted to force me to make a purchase to be in the store because she has a loitering problem. She called the police to force me to leave when I told her she was profiling the gentleman and me. In her mind, I was the people who loiter. In reality, I was a customer in her store, until yesterday, and I have been for more than 2 years. Tirza Wilbon White, who says she was racially profiled at a Dunkin Donuts store in Virginia. (Photo: Tirza Wilbon White via Facebook) I am still angry, more than 24 hours later, and I want justice for the humiliation I experienced, wrote White. Please share this and help me get justice. The owner, Christina Cabral, and her family own several Dunkin Donuts locations throughout Maryland and Virginia. I am not the only one they have treated this way, but hopefully, I will be the last one they treat this way. In the second video, a police officer arrives and immediately instructs White to leave the store because she wants you to. Am I in trouble if I choose not to leave? she asks the policeman. He replies, Yeah, if you choose not to leave, I will order you to leave. I would issue you a summons and then if you dont sign the summons, then I would have to arrest you. White ultimately agrees to leave. On Wednesday, White reported on Facebook that two Dunkin Donuts spokespeople had called her to apologize. A Dunkin Donuts representative also sent a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle: We and our franchisees want every customer who walks into a Dunkin restaurant to be treated with dignity and respect. This did not happen in a situation at a restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. We have apologized to the customer, on behalf of both the brand and the franchisee who owns and operates this restaurant, but we know that is not enough. The statement continued: Our franchisees are independent businesspeople, who so long as they comply with the law, may set their own policies in regards to certain things like Wi-Fi usage and whether to limit its use to only those who make a purchase. However, we are focused on helping our franchisees best serve our diverse customer base and are currently exploring how we can improve every aspect of our restaurant operations from store signage, recommended policies, and training for franchisees and their crew members. We are committed to doing better. White says the matter is still unresolved. I feel sad and frightened. It hurts deeply, she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. People have remarked how calm I was, but as a black person, Ive learned to perform for my safety. I know that if I had been dressed differently in yoga pants, a hoodie, and speaking in a black vernacular, I may have had a worse outcome. She adds, Im scared for other people who may have responded more authentically in a less controlled manner when theyre being humiliated. And those are the people I spoke up for. The scholar of 15 years compares her experience to other viral videos. We often see white people stop black people in public spaces and more or less ask them to defend their existence, she says. When a black person doesnt justify the inquisition providing their address, their intention, their right to occupy space the police are weaponized. In October, a college professor named Timothy E. Nelson was ordered by a Dunkin Donuts franchise owner in Sante Fe, N.M., to leave the store due to its one-hour rule for customers. He told KOB-TV that if he wasnt a black man with dreadlocks, I dont think I wouldve had the problem. The owner, Irene Deubel, told the Santa Fe New Mexican that she asked Nelson to leave because he was sitting here without purchasing something. She later apologized for the poor experience. And a Dunkin Donuts store in Portland, Maine, recently apologized to a customer named Hamdia Ahmed for an employee who called the police after overhearing her speak in her native Somali. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. North Korea is testing a new high-tech tactical weapon, according to reports. According to KCNA, North Koreas state-run news agency, Kim Jong-un supervised the successful test, though details of the new state-of-the-art weapon were not revealed. Experts believe the weapon could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Kim Jong-un called the test another display of our rapidly-growing defence capabilities to the whole region. Even if this was intended as a message for Washington and Seoul, Fridays report was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and did not focus on North Korean claims of US and South Korean hostility. This is thought to be the first official report by North Korea of weapons testing in a year. In June, Kim Jong-un agreed the Korean peninsula would denuclearise in a summit with US President Donald Trump, but a detailed plan was never agreed. It is thought that another summit between the two leaders will take place early next year. Earlier this month, North Koreas Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it does not receive sanctions relief. Kim Jong Un leads the testing of a new tactical weapon (Picture: KCNA via REUTERS) Its North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying If you dont listen to us, you will face political burdens, said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Diplomacy has stalled since the summit between Mr Kim and the US president, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the US first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a tactical weapon in North Korea refers to a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including US military bases there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Story continues Mr Yang said the latest North Korean test will not completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearisation. Asked about the test, the US State Department said that American and North Korean officials are talking about implementing the commitments that Mr Trump and Mr Kim made during their June meeting in Singapore. Important meeting today with S. Korean President @moonriver365 about our ongoing efforts to accomplish our shared goals of achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea and establishing a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. #VPinAsia pic.twitter.com/BfXqg4FWuZ Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) 15 November 2018 US vice president Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the great progress made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region, Mr Pence said. Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but theres more work to be done, he said. Mr Pence stressed that UN sanctions had to remain enforced. Storyful UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an unusual address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference on November 22, losing his place in his speech for some time before going on to heap praise on the cartoon character Peppa Pig.Speaking at the event in South Shields, Johnson became visibly flustered as he lost his place, saying repeatedly, Forgive me before finding what he wanted to say.A couple of moments later, he told the audience that he had been at Peppa Pig World the day before, and went on to praise the success of the character.I love it," Johnson said. "Peppa Pig World is very much my kind of place: it has very safe streets, discipline in schools, heavy emphasis on new mass transit systems.He said Peppa Pig was an example of successful UK creativity, saying, "Who would have believed [] that a pig that looks like a hairdryer or possibly a sort of Picasso-like hairdryer, a pig that was rejected by the BBC, would now be exported to 180 countries with theme parks both in America and China as well as in the New Forest?Saying Peppa Pig was now a business worth 6 billion, Johnson summed up by saying, I think that is pure genius, dont you Peppa Pig? Credit: UK Prime Minister via Storyful The last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia have been convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, are the first Khmer Rouge officials to be found guilty of genocide and have been sentenced to life in prison. They are already serving life terms after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced the transfers and mass disappearances of people. The two have suggested they were targets of political persecution. Almost a quarter of the Cambodian population - roughly between 1.7 and 2.2 million people - are estimated to have died during Pol Pot's reign of terror between 1975 and 1979. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve a communist agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed "auto-genocide" through starvation, forced labour and execution. Pol Pot died in 1998. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities during the regime. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic group whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Chams, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives that were established by the Khmer Rouge. They included murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, forced marriages and rape. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Eight U.N. peacekeepers and at least 12 Congolese soldiers were killed in a joint military operation against rebels in Congo's northeast, which is facing a deadly Ebola outbreak, the U.N. Security Council said late Thursday. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said 10 peacekeepers also were injured and one was missing after Wednesday's operation that targeted Allied Democratic Forces rebels. The Security Council's statement said seven of the peacekeepers who were killed were from Malawi and one was from Tanzania. A U.N. official said U.N. and Congolese forces were attacked while conducting operations to dislodge the rebel fighters from a stronghold in Kididiwe, near the regional capital of Beni. The mission succeeded and a number of rebels were captured, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Congo's volatile east is home to many armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich region, and the Allied Democratic Forces and Mai-Mai rebel groups are especially active in the Beni area. The Security Council called on all armed groups to stop the violence immediately and lay down their arms, echoing an earlier statement from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesman. The U.N. chief and the council urged Congolese authorities to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks on civilians, national security forces and U.N. peacekeepers. The Security Council underlined "that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law." Council members also stressed that "involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks" against peacekeepers or U.N. personnel are a basis for sanctions. Guterres and the council praised the bravery of peacekeepers from Malawi and Tanzania. They said the peacekeepers operate in "an exceptionally difficult environment" to protect local populations against attacks from armed groups. Story continues The Allied Democratic Forces group originated in Uganda as a rebel movement against that country's government and carried out deadly bombings in the 1990s. A military campaign forced them to relocate to eastern Congo. Since October 2014, the group's fighters have killed more than 1,500 people in the Beni region, where Wednesday's attack took place. U.N. investigators blamed the Allied Democratic Forces for the deadliest single assault on the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo in almost 25 years, an attack last Dec. 7 at a base in Semuliki near Beni that killed 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers, wounded 43 others, and left one peacekeeper missing. In recent attacks, the group has also killed civilians and abducted children in the Beni region. Rebel attacks have forced suspension of crucial efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in some areas. Dr. Peter Salama, the emergencies chief for the World Health Organization, predicted Tuesday that Congo's Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than 200 people, will last at least six more months. He said makeshift health facilities offering both traditional and modern treatment have become "major drivers" of the current, deadly transmission and are believed to be linked to more than half of the cases in Beni, the largest city affected by the current outbreak. Salama said the outbreak is "arguably the most difficult context that we've ever encountered," pointing to activities of two armed rebel groups in the region. [November 15, 2018] Fuze Ranked Number 290 Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Fuze today announced that it ranked 290 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. "Our sustained and rapid growth is a testament to the innovative work of our employees as we continue to deliver key enhancements to our unified communications and collaboration platform," said Colin Doherty, Chief Executive Officer at Fuze. "These innovations have uniquely positioned Fuze to fulfill the needs of modern global enterprises in the midst of the digital transformation. Fuze is empowering businesses to strengthen their communications and collaboration tools and step into the future of work." "Congratulations to the Deloitte (News - Alert) 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement," said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. "These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth." "Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics," said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloitte's audit and assurance practice. "This year's ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth." With the enterprise cloud communications and collaboration market accelerating, Fuze sustained a leading voice in the future of work conversation, releasing the 2018 "Workforce Futures: The role of people in the future of work" survey, which highlights changes in employee attitudes around the need for a 'work-as-a-service' approach. In addition, Fuze further expanded its global partner program with leading SaaS (News - Alert) companies that service the enterprise. More recently Fuze announced enhancements to its mobility platform, which empowers the mobile worker with added flexibility and control, and to Fuze Rooms, complementing Fuze's voice, video, and conferencing experience. The company also introduced Fuze Discover, providing deeper analysis of communications and collaboration data, enabling enterprises to identify and explore trends to guide strategic business initiatives. About Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies - both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Fuze Fuze is a global cloud communications and collaboration software platform for the enterprise. Through an innovative and consumer-inspired unified experience, Fuze enables seamless transition between voice, video, messaging, and content sharing. Fuze empowers the digital workforce anytime, anywhere, and across any device. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Fuze has additional locations including New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Ottawa, London, Amsterdam, Aveiro (Portugal), Paris, Munich, Zurich, Copenhagen, and Sydney. For more information, visit www.fuze.com. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115005807/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Camp Fire in California devastated the town of Paradise and the death toll keeps mounting as new bodies or remnants keep turning up. Those who have managed to escape are now trying to find shelter in order to begin a new phase in their lives. Some lucky ones have already found temporary shelters while others have moved in with relatives. Sky News reports Butte County Sheriff's Office has indicated the revised official list of missing persons in the wildfire as 631. Their whereabouts and fate remain unknown and the figure is considerably more than the earlier figure of 297. The extent of damage was beyond imagination and the situation was chaotic, hence the confusion. Sheriff Kory Honea explained to the media that - "I want you to understand that the chaos we were dealing with was extraordinary." Remains of 7 more victims found in Northern California wildfire taking the death toll to 63. Number of people reported missing in Camp Fire jumps to more than 600: sheriff. Background story: https://t.co/QVc0pm9gVy CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) November 16, 2018 Massive rescue operation under way In the opinion of the authorities, the high number of fatalities could be because of high-speed flames fanned by strong winds. Paradise is a relatively small town with a population of 27,000 and the suddenness of the wildfire took them by surprise. They had very little reaction time. Teams of cadaver dogs are helping the search operations while thousands of firefighters are battling the blaze. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has provided some tentative figures for losses. It seems the wildfire destroyed 8,700 homes and more than 15,000 buildings stand threatened. Discuss this news on Eunomia The Camp Fire spread to nearly 140,000 acres and was contained to the extent of 40%. White House informs that president Donald Trump will visit California on Saturday and interact with those who are affected. The US president had initially blamed the state officials for the wildfire. He even threatened to withhold federal payments. However, there seems to be a change in his perception. There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. 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! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018 Cause of the fire still not known According to The Globe and Mail, the death toll in the California wildfire is 63 with more than 600 missing. Wildfires are not new to California but this one erupted a week ago in the drought-parched Sierra foothills. It is now one of the most lethal single U.S. wildfires since the turn of the century. There could be a number of factors responsible for the high death toll. Some of these are the wind-driven flames, aggravated because of the scrub and trees in its path. Many of the survivors are now moving in temporarily with friends or relatives or trying to go to American Red Cross shelters. Butte County Sheriff Honea has explained that the list of missing persons will keep fluctuating depending on the availability of more information. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation. There are reports from a couple of electric utilities about equipment problems near the blazes around the same time and experts are examining these. Two versions of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, held to be painted by Caravaggio, hang side by side at the Musee Jacquemart-Andre in Paris to ask which one is the copy? Or are both copies? I also want to share why a painting is now valued at $100 million. Richard Spear, the author of the 1975 Book Caravaggio and His Followers, is quoted in the Art Newspaper saying that displaying two versions of a Painting is one of the best things exhibitions can do to advance scholarship. But French historian Didier Rykner, writing for the Art Tribune, sees novelty exhibits as "sensationalism and a frantic search for scoops. Not a month goes by without a sensational discovery about Caravaggio appearing in yet other headlines. I think it is also important to point out the reasons why art auction prices are so high. Reasons why According to the Art Newspaper, the Musee Jacquemart-Andre opted to show the two versions of the painting, even though one of them was authenticated four years ago by Caravaggio scholar Mina Gregori. But, not everyone agrees. Jan van Sman, an art historian at Leiden University, thinks that neither version is legit. The Art Newspaper quotes him saying, To my mind, both works are 17th-century copies after a lost or as yet untraced original. That same opinion can be found in Desmond Seward's 1998 book Caravaggio, A Passionate Life, which says that when it comes to the artist's painting of Mary Magdelene in Ecstasy, only copies survived. State of mind And there are other expert opinions that make the museum show suspect. A factoid in Peter Robb's 1999 book The Man Who Became Caravaggio contributes to the view that only copies survive. The painting was made when the artist was in exile, on the run from a murder charge. Robb described him as angry and humiliated, locked out of his house, his things confiscated. In other words, his life waa mess at the time. Discuss this news on Eunomia Who can know, then, what happened to the painting? He had lost his studio. And Seward's books unwittingly punches up Caravaggio's state of mind when he described the portrayal of Mary Magdelene of Ecstasy: penitent and exhausted rather than ecstatic, no doubt the painter's own frame of mind. Given that the painter's fiery temper (he was in exile for murder in one of his many fits of rage), he could have trashed the work for all anyone knows. Fake news So, how serious an attempt at scholarship is Musee Jacquemart-Andre's exhibition? Or is it simply a frantic search for headlines? If the latter is the case, it wouldn't be the first time a museum pulled this. I'm thinking of the Van Gogh Museum promoting the painter as a madman, and a suicide, with shows like On the Verge of Insanity, despite research by his biographers Steven Naifeh and Gregory White showing that he was an innocent victim of a homicide by a taunting teenager. Rather than clean up Van Gogh's 130-year-old image as a lunatic, the Van Gogh Museum pooh-poohed the research, clearly more intent on sensationalizing him. 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, Tuesday, in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. AP A Chinese state-owned company says it is developing a stealth combat drone in the latest sign of the country's growing aerospace prowess. The CH-7 unmanned aerial vehicle also underscores China's growing competitiveness in the expanding global market for drones. China has won sales in the Middle East and elsewhere by offering drones at lower prices and without the political conditions attached by the U.S. The CH-7's chief designer Shi Wen says the aircraft can ''fly long hours, scout and strike the target when necessary.'' ''Very soon, I believe, in the next one to two years, (we) can see the CH-7 flying in the blue skies, gradually being a practical and usable product in the future,'' Shi told The Associated Press. Shi said manufacturer Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation plans to test fly the drone next year and begin mass production by 2022. He said the drone will likely be sold abroad but had no information on potential clients. A model of the aircraft is being displayed at this week's Zhuhai air show in southern China, a biannual event that showcases China's latest advancements in military and civilian aviation. With a wingspan of 22 meters (72 feet) and a length of 10 meters (33 feet), the swept-wing CH-7 is the size of a combat aircraft and its single engine can propel it at roughly the speed of a commercial jet airliner. The U.S., Russia and France are also developing stealth drones, while Israel has long been a leader in the UAV field. However, low prices and a willingness to transfer technology have endowed China with a ''strong position,'' in the UAV market, said Phil Finnegan, director of corporate analysis at the Teal Group Corp. in Fairfax, Virginia. The U.S. has been extremely cautious about selling its higher-end unmanned system, even to NATO member states, opening up an opportunity to China in the export market, said Justin Bronk, an export on such technologies at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies in London. ''It would represent an area of Chinese arms export offerings which no other country offers,'' Bronk said. Alongside its development of stealth fighters and commercial passenger jets, China has advanced rapidly in the development of UAVs, which have a relatively lower technological entry cost. Sales have also been boosted by the fact that China is not a signatory to the Missile Technology Control Regime that restricts exports of missiles and other unmanned weapons systems. The numbers of drone programs unveiled in China in recent years has been ''dizzying,'' said Sam Roggeveen, director of the international security program at Australia's Lowy Institute. While the CH-7's ultimate effectiveness remains to be determined, if exported, it would ''mark another step-change for China, which has traditionally not offered its cutting-edge technology to foreign customers,'' Roggeveen said. Across the Middle East, countries locked out of purchasing U.S.-made drones due to rules over excessive civilian casualties are being wooed by Chinese arms dealers, now the world's main distributor of armed drones. The sales are helping expand Chinese influence across a region crucial to American security interests and bolstering Beijing's ambitions to lead in high-tech arms sales. While the U.S. still holds a technology advantage, China wins on price. The fact it is willing to sell the CH-7 abroad could indicate the technology is less than cutting edge, given China's desire to guard its technological edge in such areas, said Ron Huisken, a regional security expert at Australian National University. China's exports also underscore the growing pervasiveness of drones in modern warfare, even without strong international agreements on where and how they can be used. ''One wonders what nasty surprises are in store as countries more casual about how they use drones and less strict about training standards get their hands on them,'' said Huisken. Also appearing again at this year's Zhuhai show was China's homebuilt J-20 stealth fighter, which outwardly resembles the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in service with the U.S. military. It was joined by the Chinese J-10B fighter with vectoring thrust, featuring an engine equipped with a hinged nozzle. Vectoring thrust technology allows planes to direct their propulsion, giving it more flexibility in maneuvering, and the substation of Chinese-made WS-10 engines for those imported from Russia appears to mark a new milestone for the domestic defense industry. The jet fighters on display thrilled spectators. For many, the performances demonstrated China's burgeoning aerospace industry and growing confidence in its technology. ''I think it is pretty awesome,'' said Xie Dongni, a marketer for an information technology company. ''I might not a plane specialist, but I can feel the way China is changing. It is getting stronger slowly, its international status is growing higher and higher.'' (AP) Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier He was born and raised in Biddeford, and continues to work here. Along with Jim Bacchus and Huan Zhu, I have a new Cato paper out today on using the WTO to make China more market-oriented. Some of the main points are: -- China's economic ambition is good. The world is better off with a wealthier China. -- However, China does need to play by the rules that everyone else is playing by. -- There is an assumption that China does not play by the rules, but when we looked at all the WTO complaints against China (41 at the time of writing), its compliance record is actually pretty good. -- So one thing governments should start doing right away is bringing more WTO complaints against China. 4 possible areas are: general IP protection, trade secrets, forced tech transfer, subsidies. But with all the allegations against China, there are sure to be many other possible complaints as well. -- In addition, there are gaps in the rules, and we should look to expand existing rules, eg, on state-owned enterprises. -- In contrast to relying on the WTO, the Trump administration's approach is unilateral tariffs to push China to change. This approach makes it politically difficult for China to do so. But here's the part I really wanted to run by readers of this blog. What do you think of this argument for an "adverse effects" SCM Agreement claim against certain Chinese subsidies? ... [SCM Agreement Article 5(b)] sets out a potentially broad, but mostly unexplored, type of actionable subsidy claim. There has been a long-standing GATT/WTO remedy for nullification or impairment that occurs even in the absence of a violation, generally referred to as a non-violation claim. These claims have a higher burden of proof, which makes them difficult to win, and they also have a weaker remedy, which makes winning them less valuable.69 However, by incorporating the nullification or impairment language into SCM Agreement Article 5(b), the WTO drafters may have given this remedy more teeth. There is little existing precedent for such claims, but the language is broad enough to make it worth exploring creative complaints under it. As an example, China recently introduced tax exemptions and tax reductions for Chinese semiconductor producers, to last for a period of 10 years. For the first two to five years, the taxes will be eliminated completely.70 Subsequently, the taxes will be cut in half, through the 10th year.71 These tax exemptions and reductions clearly constitute specific subsidies under Articles 1 and 2 of the SCM Agreement, since they target a particular Chinese industry. The more difficult question is whether they cause adverse effects to the interest of other Members under Article 5. There is an argument that, because of their substantial size and the overall design of Chinas policies in this sector, the tax exemptions and reductions given by China to its semiconductor industry cause adverse effects under Article 5(b). According to footnote 12 to Article 5(b), nullification or impairment is used in this Agreement in the same sense as it is used in the relevant provisions of GATT 1994, and the existence of such nullification or impairment shall be established in accordance with the practice of application of these provisions. Where a measure is inconsistent with a provision of the GATT, Article XXIII:1(a) applies, and nullification or impairment is presumed. In addition, however, Article XXIII:1(b) gives rise to a cause of action when a member, through the application of a measure, has nullified or impaired benefits accruing to another Member, whether or not that measure conflicts with the provisions of the GATT 1994 (so-called non-violation complaints). The concept of nullification or impairment as an independent basis for a claim, even where there is no violation, has been elaborated in only a few GATT/WTO disputes. One panel offered detailed explanations, and the Appellate Body discussed the issues briefly, which can be summarized as follows. The text of Article XXIII:1(b) establishes three elements that a complaining party must demonstrate in order to make out a claim under Article XXIII:1(b): (1) application of a measure; (2) a benefit accruing under the relevant agreement; and (3) nullification or impairment of the benefit as the result of the application of the measure.72 In the case of the Chinese tax exemptions and reductions, the application of the measure is clear and the benefits accrue on the basis of the tariff concessions made by China as part of its accession and through further commitments made under the recent Information Technology Agreement (ITA) expansion with regard to semiconductor products.73 The issue here is whether the semiconductor tax exemptions and reductions nullify or impair the benefits of Chinas tariff concessions. There is a strong argument that this is the case, due to the fact that the competitive relationship between Chinese chipmakers and U.S. chipmakers has been upset by a very substantial subsidy. Importantly, in order to prove an Article 5(b) adverse effects claim, there is no need to show lost sales. In this regard, the GATT EECOilseeds I panel concluded: In the framework of GATT, contracting parties seek tariff concessions. . . . The commitments they exchange in such negotiations are commitments on conditions of competition for trade, not on volumes of trade.74 Instead of an effect on the volume of trade, a claim of nullification or impairment is based on upsetting the competitive relationship between domestic and imported products.75 Thus, in the present case, even though the immediate effects of the subsidy on trade flows between the United States and China are not known, the United States may still argue that its producers have been put at a competitive disadvantage relative to their Chinese competitors. In this case, the benefits in question accrued to the United States on the date of Chinas original tariff schedule taking effect after accession, and the date of the ITA expansion being incorporated into Chinas schedule. The subsidy (i.e., the tax exemptions and reductions) was announced on March 30, 2018, and was to be effective from January 1, 2018. Since the tax exemptions and reductions were announced on a date subsequent to the tariff concession, the United States is entitled to rely on a presumption that it did not anticipate the introduction of the subsidy and its consequent upsetting of the expected competitive relationship between U.S. and Chinese chipmakers.76 Elaborating on this standard, in EECOilseeds I, a GATT panel considered that nullification or impairment would arise when the effect of a tariff concession is systematically offset by a subsidy programme: The Panel considered that the main value of a tariff concession is that it provides an assurance of better market access through improved price competition. Contracting parties negotiate tariff concessions primarily to obtain that advantage. They must therefore be assumed to base their tariff negotiations on the expectation that the price effect of the tariff concessions will not be systematically offset. If no right of redress were given to them in such a case they would be reluctant to make tariff concessions and the General Agreement would no longer be useful as a legal framework for incorporating the results of trade negotiations.77 This standard was reiterated by a WTO panel in the U.S.Offset Act dispute: This would suggest, therefore, that the EECOilseeds panel considered that non-violation nullification or impairment would arise when the effect of a tariff concession is systematically offset or counteracted by a subsidy programme.78 Examining the semiconductor tax exemptions and reductions under the standard of systematic offsetting/counteracting makes clear that the measure has caused nullification or impairment, for the following reasons. First, the amount of subsidy provided is of great importance. Here the amount of subsidy is the amount of government revenue forgone, which is a complete rebate from a corporate income tax of 25 percent, for two to five years, covering a wide swath of semiconductor manufacturers, plus a 50 percent rebate from income tax through to the 10th year. This large tax rebate serves to completely undermine the promise of lower tariffs, which was a substantial concession that could have been of great benefit to foreign producers, and indicates that the subsidy is counteracting the competitive benefit accruing to the United States under Chinas promises. The U.S. semiconductor industry is the leading global provider of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, accounting for 50 percent and 47 percent shares of the world market, respectively. More than 80 percent of U.S. production is exported, with China its biggest export market. Moreover, Chinas growing demand for semiconductors is met mainly by imports, including 56.2 percent from the United States.79 These trade figures make it clear that the United States will be hit hard and put at a competitive disadvantage by these Chinese subsidies relative to what it enjoyed previously. Any competitive edge that U.S. chipmakers had because of tariff reductions on their exports to China will be offset by the Chinese grant of subsidies in the form of tax breaks to domestic Chinese chipmakers. Secondly, the systematic nature of the Chinese measures can be seen through the broader context of the measure. The Chinese government, motivated by economic and national security goals, has publicly asserted its desire to build a semiconductor industry that is far more advanced than todays and less reliant on the rest of the world.80 The strategy aims at making China the worlds leader in Integrated Circuit (IC) manufacturing by 2030.81 Therefore, the intention of the Chinese government is clear: it wants to promote domestic production, either for domestic use or export. Thirdly, the effect of the tax exemptions on U.S. manufacturers must be viewed in light of Chinas broader strategy. The stated aim of Chinese policy is for China to be at an advanced world-level [semiconductor capability] in all major segments of the industry by 2030.82 China has set goals to promote its IC sectors and is supplementing these specific policies with a series of complementary policies that are applied across the IC sector. According to public reports, it places conditions on access to its market to drive localization and technology transfer.83 All these measures taken together have the potential to (1) force the creation of market demand for Chinas indigenous semiconductor products; (2) gradually restrict or block market access for foreign semiconductor products as competing domestic products emerge; (3) force the transfer of technology; and (4) grow non-market-based domestic capacity, thereby disrupting the global semiconductor value chain. Summing up, while China promised to reduce semiconductor tariffs as part of its accession and under the ITA, and has therefore made commitments under Article II benefiting its trading partners, including the United States, it has nullified or impaired those benefits through the use of specific subsidies, resulting in adverse effects under SCM Agreement Article 5(b). Via the Twitter feed of USA Today reporter Brad Heath, we have a new inductee for the Comical Case Names page: United States v. 1855.6 Pounds of American Paddlefish Meat and 982.34 Pounds of American Paddlefish Caviar, filed yesterday in the Southern District of Indiana. The United States is represented in this matter by Josh J. Minkler and Nicholas J. Linder. Counsel for Defendants A.P. Meat and A.P. Caviar have not yet entered an appearance. As Ive noted before, in rem forfeiture cases like this one will often have at least mildly comical names, just because of the historical oddity of a practice in which the government files a lawsuit against an inanimate object or objects that it wishes to seize. Far be it from me to avoid low-hanging fruit, but its not really necessary to worry about that because there are some outstanding examples of the genre. This is why the Comical Case Names page already includes seven such entries, ranging from the 1941 classic United States v. 11 1/4 Dozen Packages of Articles Labeled in Part Mrs. Moffats Shoo-Fly Powders for Drunkenness to last years United States v. Approximately Thirteen Unoccupied Burial Plots Situated at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks Hollywood Hills Cemetery Located in Los Angeles, California. This will be number eight. United States v. 1855.6 Pounds of American Paddlefish Meat and 982.34 Pounds of American Paddlefish Caviar (hereinafter, United States v. Some Paddlefish Meat or simply Meat) is a civil action seeking forfeiture of property allegedly obtained in violation of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 337178). As Im sure you all know, the Lacey Act of 1900 prohibits any sort of trading in protected fish, wildlife, or plants. The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), also known as the spoon-billed catfish, is native to the Mississippi River basin but is currently listed as a vulnerable species, largely because it produces roe that can be made into caviar, which some people eat, resulting in overfishing. It doesnt appear to be federally protected, but it is protected under Kentucky law (as well as the law in other states), which is enough to trigger the Lacey Act. The complaint alleges that in 2016, a fisherman pleaded guilty to a Lacey Act violation after an undercover agent (!) infiltrated his team and witnessed them using gill nets to catch American paddlefish. This happened on the Ohio River, which borders several states, and there are probably some interesting jurisdictional issues here because these were excursions by Indiana fishermen that started in Kentucky but ended up in Ohio waters, apparently violating all three states laws along the way (and then federal law). But lets be honesteven really interesting jurisdictional issues arent all that interesting, so they shall not trouble us further here. These activities resulted in the icthyocide of well over 100 American paddlefish, yielding thousands of pounds of meat and hundreds of pounds of caviar, according to the complaint. A portion of this was seized in May 2017 following the execution of a search warrant, and has remained in federal custody ever since. On November 13, 2018, it became the defendants after the government decided to prosecute it. The Meat complaint is perhaps unusual because it contains pictures of the defendants, or at least samples of the defendants, as you can see here: Should the government prevail, which I have to say seems pretty likely, the court will issue a warrant for the defendants arrestthough they are already in custody, but I guess thats how this worksjudgment will be entered declaring that defendants shall be forfeited to the government, and the United States will then be the proud owner of almost a ton of two-year-old paddlefish meat (and half a ton of two-year-old paddlefish eggs). Francis Wade in the Los Angeles Review of Books: FRANCIS WADE: You have emerged as a prominent critic of empire and its foundations in liberal ideas of freedom and progress. Can you outline how your thinking has evolved, from your early writings on the topic to the present, and describe the major events that either reinforced or altered your position? PANKAJ MISHRA: I know from experience that it is very easy for a brown-skinned Indian writer to be caricatured as a knee-jerk anti-American/anti-Westernist/Third-Worldist/angry postcolonial, and it is important then to point out that my understanding of modern imperialism and liberalism like that of many people with my background is actually grounded in an experience of Indian political realities. In my own case, it was a journalistic assignment in Kashmir that advanced my political and intellectual education. I went there in 1999 with many of the prejudices of the liberal Indian civilizer someone who simply assumed that Kashmiri Muslims were much better off being aligned with secular, liberal, and democratic India than with Pakistan because the former was better placed to advance freedom and progress for all its citizens. In other words, India had a civilizing mission: it had to show Kashmirs overwhelmingly religious Muslims the light of secular reason by force, if necessary. The brutal realities of Indias military occupation of Kashmir and the blatant falsehoods and deceptions that accompanied it forced me to revisit many of the old critiques of Western imperialism and its rhetoric of progress. When my critical articles on Kashmir very long; nearly 25,000 words appeared in 2000 in The Hindu and The New York Review of Books, their most vociferous critics were self-declared Indian liberals who loathed the idea that the supposedly secular and democratic Indian republic, which prided itself on its hard-won freedom from Western imperialism, could itself be a cruel imperialist regime. More here. Jesse Barron at Bookforum: Heike Geissler, the German novelist and translator, ran out of money in the winter of 2010 and took a temporary job at an Amazon warehouse in Leipzig to support her two children. As she tells us in the opening pages of her book about that experience, she was not intending to write a book about that experience. But intention is one thing and canniness another; a real writers canniness never deserts her. Though the work was physically and mentally exhausting, her translator explains, Geissler managed to take notes on Post-its during her six weeks at the warehouse, and write more detailed impressions at night. Those Post-its make Geissler sound like a journalistgoing undercover to show the human cost of our convenience addiction, if you like. But this is not a work of journalism. In fact, before she wrote Seasonal Associate, Geissler reportedly attempted a straight-nonfiction version of the story and five publishers rejected it. more here. En espanol | For the many years Christina Wei, 52, of Albany, Calif., suffered from back pain, she didnt do so passively. But seeking out acupuncturists and chiropractors, experimenting with back braces and different types of mattresses even consulting a posture specialist never quite solved the problem. Nothing really worked, she says. Or something would kind of work but only very briefly and then Id feel the pain all over again. Weis experience is not unusual. Some 50 million or 1 in 5 adult Americans live with the misery and frustration of chronic pain, defined as pain that persists beyond the expected time of healing from an injury or beyond a certain duration of time, usually three to six months. The issue can be compounded in people over 50. They are likely to have more than one pain problem, such as osteoarthritis or pain associated with nerve injuries, says Charles Argoff, M.D., a professor of neurology and director of the Comprehensive Pain Center at Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. But chronic pain is finally getting some overdue attention, in part due to the nations opioid epidemic, which could lead to better ways of measuring and treating it. Getting a handle on the hurt Its hard to think of pain in positive terms, but it plays a vital role in survival. Short-term pain motivates us to escape from harm, says Beth Darnall, a clinical professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University. But once pain persists and becomes chronic, it is no longer a useful signal. It leads to changes in the nervous system, in our behavior and in our mood. Unfortunately pain also encourages people to stop moving. Your back hurts, so you reduce your activities, Darnall says. This leads to deconditioning and to the worsening of pain over time. Yet health providers arent usually equipped to help people with persistent pain. Most physicians get only seven to 11 hours of pain training during medical school, says Darnall. Plus pain is just complicated. No two people experience it the same way, and theres no good way to measure or even describe it. Therapeutic decisions are based on the measurements or our understanding of the pain that a patient is experiencing, says Daniel Lopez Martinez, a researcher at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology and the MIT Media Lab. And currently the only way to quantify pain is to directly ask the patient, On a scale of 1 to 10, how much pain are you experiencing? Better methods may be on the way. Lopez Martinez, for instance, has devised a method of assessing pain using artificial intelligence technology to read facial expressions. Other potential rating systems rely on sensors to measure the bodily processes that often accompany pain. And scientists are delving into the brains contours with imaging technologies like MRIs and PET scans to find the regions and systems responsible for pain. Such technologies could make the measurement of pain more objective, allowing physicians to standardize treatment or assess whether treatment has been successful. They also could help to create better pain medications or predict which patients may benefit from a medical intervention, such as surgery. As it is, many pain patients are pushed toward procedures that they are not likely to benefit from, or drugs with a high potential for addiction, Argoff says. And it turns out that opioids arent even that effective at reducing common sources of pain. In one recent study, patients with back pain and pain due to knee and hip arthritis got less relief from narcotics than over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. En espanol | The giant pharmaceutical lobby is pressing Congress to roll back a recent budget deal provision that gives some financial relief to millions of Medicare beneficiaries with high prescription drug costs. The deal that federal lawmakers passed in February is supposed to help lower prescription drug costs for older Americans by requiring that brand-name drug companies pick up more of the cost of their medicines for beneficiaries who are in the Part D donut hole." Medicare Part D enrollees find themselves in the donut hole when their total spending on medicines reaches a certain threshold, which had been set at $3,820 for 2019. Once a beneficiary reaches that limit, he or she enters the donut hole, where they pay 25 percent of costs for brand-name drugs and 37 percent of the cost of generics. Beneficiaries continue to pay this share until their out-of-pocket spending reaches $5,100. Once they hit that limit, they exit the coverage gap and enter catastrophic coverage, where they pay no more than 5 percent of their drug costs for the rest of the year. The coverage gap was scheduled to close in 2020, but under the bipartisan budget deal, that is supposed to happen in 2019. In addition, Congress required brand-name drug manufacturers to pay more of the cost of their medicines for beneficiaries in the donut hole. Currently, these drugmakers pay 50 percent of the cost of their brand-name drugs for enrollees in the gap. Under the budget law, starting in 2019 they are supposed to pay 70 percent. The higher discounts would help lower drug costs for seniors, reducing the amount they have to pay out of pocket to reach catastrophic coverage. The pharmaceutical industry has been trying to overturn the agreement since it was passed and has been lobbying lawmakers in both parties. A recent ad from the drug lobby claims the budget deal threatens Medicares successful competitive structure. But AARP and other advocates for affordable drug prices say the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is trying to get Congress to overturn the donut hole deal for increased profit. Big drug companies want to boost their profits by raising Medicare drug costs, says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. Seniors have worked hard and paid into Medicare their whole lives. It would be shameful to raise their costs when so many are struggling. This is yet another way, AARP officials say, that drug companies want to increase profits while forcing American consumers to continue paying the highest drug prices in the world. The pharmaceutical industry is now targeting the lame duck session of Congress in its efforts to break the donut hole deal. Lawmakers have to pass a budget bill by Dec. 7 to prevent a partial shutdown of the federal government. A spokesman for House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi told Axios, Republicans are just desperate to get their multibillion-dollar giveaway to Big Pharma done before a Democratic majority takes over the House in January. AARP members across the country are reaching out to Congress and the president to demand that they stand by the donut hole deal and their constituents. In last weeks midterm elections, 56 percent of those who voted were over age 50. Throughout the campaign, health care especially the cost of prescription drugs was cited as a key concern among those voters. Medical marijuana dispensary fee will be $10,000 in Aberdeen The Aberdeen City Council reduced its medical marijuana dispensary license in a last minute amendment before adopting the city's 2022 fees. John Leguizamos career is full of diversity. Its just the way he wanted. From stand-up comedy to TV series like the N.M.-filmed Waco, Leguizamo has made his mark. For five years of his life, Leguizamo went on a journey of telling 3,000 years of Latin history in 90 minutes. The result is the Tony-nominated Latin History for Morons. The impetus for the project began after his son got a school assignment on heroes. Leguizamo wanted to find his son a Latin hero. My son was 12 when I started and now hes 17, he says. It takes a lot of hard work to find the right place for it. Leguizamo examines everything from conquistadores to cumbia, Montezuma to Menudo, and takes on the characters in all of it to uncover provocative truths that shock even him. The PBS series Great Performances took a behind-the-scenes look at Leguizamos journey in John Leguizamos Road to Broadway. The episode airs at 9 tonight on New Mexico PBS. The film will be available for streaming on Saturday, Nov. 17, at pbs.org/gperf and on PBS apps. His Broadway play, John Leguizamos Latin History for Morons, is streaming on Netflix. Infused throughout the documentary is Leguizamos special brand of humor and willingness to expose himself personally, a rare combination that has made him a unique force in American theater. The road to his ultimate goal unfolds in a cross-country adventure that not only offers an intimate look into the journey of a singular artist, but also shines a light on the rarely told stories of Latino heroes who made their mark on America. As opening night approaches, Leguizamo navigates the challenges of writing (and rewriting) history lessons meant to both enlighten and entertain. I wanted to tell this story because its crazy that Latin people are represented in three percent of roles, he says. It was difficult to raise the money, as well. I needed $3 million and to get a theater. We were able to pay back the investors after it was said and done. Obviously, people want to know our story and know about Latin people. This resonates with a universal audience. The documentary also features interviews with Rita Moreno, Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke and Ruben Blades. It had its run at La Jolla Playhouse, he says. Then in Denver, San Francisco and Broadway. I feel like, after this, I really want to teach a class or have the material be taught in a course. Its an important part of history. With my work, I want to leave the world in a better place. We all have to work together. 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. On TV PBS Great Performances John Leguizamos Road to Broadway will air at 9 tonight on New Mexico PBS. They dont call themselves the Bread and Puppet Theater for nothing. With each performance, the Vermont-based troupe offers its audience servings of its sourdough rye bread, something it has done ever since the group started performing politically charged puppet theater 50 years ago. According to Bread and Puppet director Peter Schumann, who founded the company, the group grows its own rye and grinds the grain in its own mill. The resulting bread made from a 150-year-old sourdough starter is part of every tour, served to the audience with aioli. Schumann described the tradition as a reminder of the importance of generosity. He said good bread is something one is ashamed of selling it must be given away, and it must be eaten. The giving of things is too forgotten, Schumann, 84, said in a recent interview with the Journal. Its not good enough any more. Its only reserved for Santa at Christmas. The real giving is what should be part of how we deal with each other. Something thats very good doesnt lend itself (to) putting a price tag on it. Bread and Puppet comes to Santa Fe with a recently created show, The Grasshopper Circus Rebellion. The troupe, which has about 30 performers, will also host an all-ages performance workshop, like the show at the studio of local circus arts favorites Wise Fool. Schumann described the show, which came together over the summer, as a lesson in rebellion and uprising that makes fun of some of todays ridiculous political happenings. Our circuses are pretty political, explained Schumann. So were trying to speak to the moment in which we happen to exist and touch on the scenes that in the end need to be dealt with and the news so often doesnt deal with. The performance uses paper mache puppetry and different theatrical formats, including cantastoria, an ancient street theater technique in which the performers sing while pointing to pictures that visualize the story. Cantastoria, commonly used in Bread and Puppet performances, will be the focus of Saturday mornings workshop. The Rebellion show also includes slapstick comedy, flag dancing, stilt-walking and music from the troupes accompanying band, says puppeteer Josh Krugman. According to Krugman, Bread and Puppet stays up to date on current events and modifies the show to address themes that feel most urgent to us. We will be talking about the migrant caravan coming up from Central America, we will be talking about the Second Amendment and the effect of unlimited gun availability on our society, talking about the protests in Gaza and about the U.S. support for Saudi Arabias destruction of the civilian population in Yemen, among other things, he said. And where do grasshoppers come in? Krugman said the show has its characters looking to celestial grasshoppers for inspiration in our rebellion. Thats because, according to Schumann, humans in this story are not allowed to commit rebellion themselves. We must commission the grasshoppers to do so for us, he said, adding that other animals, like tigers, also get in on the action. The Grasshopper Rebellion Circus is tonight at 7 p.m. and the cantastoria workshop is Saturday at 9 a.m. Workshop participants are asked to bring something that makes noise car keys, trumpet, egg beater, paper bag, etc. the troupes announcement states. Pojoaque Pueblo maintains it lost nearly $9 million in revenue because state government took action against vendors doing business with the pueblos casinos during a protracted legal fight over Pojoaques gambling compact with the state. Starting as an old compact expired in 2015, the pueblo fought in court against signing a new agreement providing the state with an increased share of slot machine revenues. While proceedings in that dispute continued, the pueblo filed another court action that said vendors like gambling machine suppliers received letters from the state threatening penalties if the vendors continued to work with Pojoaque. The state maintained the pueblo was operating casinos illegally without a compact. In February 2017, a federal judge sided with the administration of Gov. Susana Martinez and ruled that the state could in fact go after the vendors for trading with Pojoaques gambling operations, because federal Indian gaming law requires a compact with the state. At that point, the Pueblos revenue declined precipitously after the State threatened the Pueblos gaming vendors with substantial fines for doing business with the Pueblo, says a court filing in Pojoaques latest court battle with state government. This caused vendors to cease certain business with the Pueblo, including pulling the most profitable gaming machines off the Pueblos gaming floor, causing the Pueblo to incur direct and consequential losses in net revenue approximating $8.84 million. In August 2017, Pojoaque finally signed the same state gaming compact that other tribes had previously agreed to. The capitulation came after a federal appeals court refused to reconsider its earlier ruling that Pojoaque had to negotiate a new compact with the state instead of with the federal government in effect mandating that Pojoaque agree to the states terms. The new compact increased the states share of net win from tribal slots from 8 percent to 9 percent, with higher rates over the next two decades. Pojoaque also had wanted to lower its minimum age for gambling, and lift restrictions that ban serving alcohol in gambling areas and prohibit cashing paryoll, Social Security and welfare checks at its casinos. Pojoaque and the state now continue to fight over another issue involving big bucks what should happen to money that the pueblo deposited in a trust account over two years in lieu of providing the state with a share of slot machine revenue while the compact dispute was resolved in court. In 2015, then-U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez agreed to allow Pojoaque to continue its gaming operations without a compact while the litigation played out, on condition that the pueblo set aside the slot revenue it would have paid to the state under the old compact that expired that year. In March, the federal government seized the accumulated trust money $10.1 million. Those dollars are proceeds of illegal gambling that took place between the expiration of the old compact in 2015 and the pueblo signing a new one in 2017, said the forfeiture complaint filed by current U.S. Attorney John Anderson. These funds would have been paid to the State as revenue sharing had the old compact, which dated from 2005, been extended, said the seizure complaint. Pojoaque says the money should be distributed for the pueblo to use for the general welfare of its people and to promote economic development a position that, if upheld, would mean that Pojoaque essentially achieved a two-year pass on making revenue-sharing payments to the state during the compact litigation. The Martinez administration, the winner so far in the series of court fights with Pojoaque, has steadfastly argued that Pojoaque wants to play by a different set of rules than other New Mexico tribes. In a footnote in its claim for the $10.1 million filed in May, the pueblo points out that the $8.84 million in losses it maintains were caused by state enforcement actions against casino vendors is nearly commensurate with the total Trust Funds deposited by the Pueblo in lieu of revenue sharing from 2015-17. Casinos bread & milk A written declaration from a Pojoaque gambling manager filed in court says that, because of the enforcement actions, machine vendors removed crucial, newer Wide Area Progressive slot machines and Participation Games from casino gaming floors in Pojoaque. These games are bigger, flashier, have eye-catching beacons and other features, and are immediately noticeable by patrons as new and different from anything theyve seen before, said Michael Allegeier, identified in his January 2018 statement as CEO of the enterprises that manage Pojoaques Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort, and Cities of Gold Casino. All gaming establishments including ours aggressively market these machines to the public to get patrons in the door, Allegeier added. This is especially important in a saturated market like ours where there are so many casinos to choose from. These gaming machines are analogous to milk and bread at a supermarket. If supermarket customers go to the supermarket and it has no milk or bread, which are core staple items, customers likely will not buy additional items from the supermarket. Instead, customers will go to other supermarkets where they can find bread and milk . Similarly, if the Pueblo cannot obtain WAP or Participation Games, casino patrons will notice and go elsewhere, causing us to lose revenue. When the state started to threaten vendors doing business with Pojoaque in February 2017, the vendors removed the WAP and Participation Games, causing losses of $750,000 a month over the next eight months, Allegeier wrote, a big part of the pueblos losses from state enforcement actions. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported in May that six companies that did business with Pojoaque casinos during the compact dispute made financial settlements to resolve administrative and enforcement actions by the state Gaming Control Board. The amounts of the payments were not disclosed. Pueblos arguments In resisting seizure of the $10.1 million in trust funds, Pojoaque cites wording in agreements that the U.S. Attorneys Office which has jurisdiction in Indian country made while the compact dispute played out. The final non-enforcement agreement required that the Pueblo and the State of New Mexico reach an agreement over the disposition of the Trust Funds once the compact issue was resolved, the Pueblo says in its court filings. But there has been no agreement, the pueblo says, despite the Pueblos concerted efforts. The pueblo says there were five negotiation meetings, including one mediated by a retired state court judge. Pojoaque says it offered what it describes as concessions, including distribution of a large portion of the $10.1 million to various community organizations and for emergency services in the Pojoaque Valley, disbursing all of the money to other tribes and pueblos or splitting the money with the state. Pojoaque also said it offered to have the dispute resolved in court, but the state intransigently refused to negotiate in good faith and demanded that all of the $10.1 million plus substantial additional payments approximating $1.1 million be paid into the states general fund. The pueblo also argues that nothing allows the federal government to seize the trust funds. The pueblo says it eventually went to Pojoaque Tribal Court, with notice to both state and federal officials, and a judge there issued an order declaring that the pueblo was entitled to all of the trust funds under both Pojoaque tribal law and the federal Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act. Documents indicate the tribal court ruling was made by Chief Tribal Court Judge Kim McGinnis. Pojoaque argues that federal court should recognize and enforce the tribal court ruling under comity, the legal principle that different political entities should recognize each others legislative, executive or judicial acts as a matter of mutual respect. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been changed from the original version that included an incorrect date for when threatened state enforcement actions resulted in gaming machine vendors pulling crucial games from Pojoaque Pueblo gaming floors. Police say a man beat and choked his wife in an elementary school parking lot last week as their young children looked onbefore dropping the kids off and running over his wifes foot as he left. Charles Jackson, 36, is charged with aggravated battery against a household member and aggravated stalking. Jackson is also a fugitive wanted in Wyoming on sexual assault charges. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court, officers responded to a domestic violence call at Osuna Elementary School, near Osuna and Moon NE, around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 8. Police say they found Jacksons wife on the groundbeaten, bruised and bleedingand she was taken to the hospital. According to the complaint, video surveillance showed Jackson grab his wife by the throat, throw her to the ground and beat her multiple times in front of their children, who are 6 and 7 years old. He then walks the kids inside, a detective wrote in the complaint. Afterward, police say Jackson gets in his truck and runs over his wifes foot as he leaves. According to the complaint, officers found the children in the school. They were unharmed, but appeared to be shaken up by the incident, a detective wrote. Police say Jacksons wife had an order of protection against and the Children, Youth and Families Department investigated Jackson in September for neglect and emotional abuse against the children. At the hospital, Jacksons wife told police she remembers picking up the children for school but could not remember what happened afterward. Police say Jacksons wife has been staying in a safe house recently and the last incident with Jackson involved him throwing her on the ground and putting a gun in her face. Jacksons mother, Tanya, told police her son and the children had been staying with her and she usually takes the kids to school. Police say Tanya Jackson called her son on speakerphone, as officers listened, and he told her he beat the (expletive) out of his wife after she told one of their children they didnt have to school if they did not want to. Tanya Jackson told the Journal that her son had not been in trouble like this before and that she had seen him since the incident but he would not tell her what happened. He said I would find out later, she said. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Two paintings de-accessioned from the collection of Santa Fes Georgia OKeeffe Museum have sold for more than $19.5 million. Last month, Sothebys announced it would sell three paintings in two separate auctions. The proceeds will go to the museums acquisition fund for purchasing new items for the museums collection. A Street, from 1926, and 1928s Calla Lilies on Red sold in Sothebys contemporary art auction Wednesday night in New York. A Street, a painting from OKeeffes small series of New York cityscapes, sold for $13,282,500. It went into the auction with an estimated value of between $12 million and $18 million. Calla Lilies on Red, one of several paintings the legendary artist made depicting the flower, sold below its $8 million-$12 million estimated value, at $6,282,700. The buyers identities were not divulged. The third painting, Cottonwood Tree in Spring, from 1943, will be auctioned today and has an estimated value of $1.5 million-$2.5 million. Cody Hartley, the senior director of Collections and Interpretations at the OKeeffe Museum, said Thursday hes pleased with Wednesdays results. It was all in all a very solid performance and continues to demonstrate OKeeffes market and appeal, he said. He cited a growing interest in OKeeffe artwork, adding that three years ago, works like these would have likely sold for less. In 2014, the museum sold OKeeffes Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 the Jimson flower is an iconic OKeeffe image at auction for $44.4 million, the record for a painting by a female artist. The buyer turned out to be the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, founded and funded by Walmart heiress Alice B. Walton. Hartley said that since then, there has been increased visibility for OKeeffe on the international scene, including through several high-profile exhibitions. Its nice to see confirmation that the OKeeffe market has continued to grow, he said. Of the approximately $19.5 million accrued from this weeks sales so far, Hartley estimated about $18.4 million would go back to the museum. The money will go into the acquisition fund, which is invested to generate money for purchases. This helps boost that fund and makes sure we have the resources to be competitive ourselves for acquisitions, Hartley said. As for how paintings were chosen to auction off, Hartley said one consideration was that the Santa Fe museum has comparable paintings that can be used to tell the story of OKeeffe as an artist. Also, the museum staff believed the three paintings offered at Sothebys would have particular market appeal and, since they cover a range of her work, they would cohere together to tell a nice story, Hartley said. For decades, OKeeffe lived and painted in Abiquiu in northern New Mexico, where the landscape that is now often called OKeeffe Country became a crucial inspiration for her work. She died in Santa Fe in 1986. As the University of New Mexico regroups from a dramatic enrollment decline and tries to prevent future bleeding, one of UNMs own regents is suggesting that a poor product could be part of the problem. Regent Tom Clifford said the states largest university cannot ignore its shortcomings, saying half of the customers at UNM get nothing of value remarks that drew a rebuttal from the universitys top academic officer. I think we have a terrific product for many, many of our students, interim Provost Richard Wood said during Thursdays Board of Regents meeting. This falls unexpectedly marked student dropoff has UNM officials evaluating the cause and seeking strategies to ensure it does not continue. The 7.2 percent enrollment slide is nearly three times larger than anticipated, creating a nearly $10 million hole in this years budget. During an enrollment discussion Thursday, UNM administrators cited New Mexicos stagnant demographics, growing competition for students, and an improving economy that drives potential students into the workforce instead of the classroom. Wood also noted another headwind: Surveys show that Americans increasingly question if a college degree is worth the cost despite evidence that it pays financial and health dividends over a lifetime, he said. But Clifford a member of UNMs governing board since 2016 said UNM is not proving its value to the public and failing to graduate two-thirds of its students. Wood responded that 50 percent of UNMs first-time freshmen have a degree within six years. So 50 percent (graduate). Fine, Clifford said. Fifty percent of our customers get nothing of value they can show. They get debt for coming here. Thats not a good product, folks. We dont have a good product. We need to improve this product, and telling ourselves its because people dont understand what a good product we have, thats ridiculous. Thats how we get the reputation for being ivory tower, out-of-touch people. Wood disputed Cliffords assessment and defended UNMs performance, specifically citing a four-year graduation rate that doubled in the past five years, climbing above 32 percent from 15.8 percent in 2013. He also said a number of factors outside UNMs control contribute to its students academic performance, including financial and family hardships. About 40 percent of UNMs undergraduates are eligible for Pell Grants, a federal subsidy for low-income students. Are we where we want to be? No. But, in fact, if you study the backgrounds of our students and compare it to national rates, were performing way above the bar, Wood said. Clifford said in an interview after the meeting that he wants UNM to look closer at itself, focusing on improving academic programming, student support and graduation rates. We have a lot we can do internally, so that was the point: Lets not blame other people for not perceiving what a great job were doing, he said. He comes from a lineage that helped take down Jared Fogle, the famous foot-long sandwich pitchman and pedophile who is now in federal prison. Joey, a yellow Lab and special agent for the Attorney Generals Office, has a nose that is making its presence known in criminal investigations throughout New Mexico. The 2-year-old canine is uniquely trained to home in on the scent of a particular type of glue that is found only on electronic storage devices, said Special Agent Owen Pena, Joeys handler. That comes in handy when investigators search a suspects home where a device containing child pornography or other evidence has been carefully hidden. Joey has been assigned to the Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force since April. Since then, hes participated in 39 search warrants throughout the state, Attorney General Hector Balderas said . Joey demonstrated his skills Thursday at the Christine Duncan Charter School, where the attorney general unveiled a new $176,000 trailer the office has purchased that will serve as a mobile crime lab, giving investigators a workstation and place to interview victims or suspects while investigating internet crimes against children in rural New Mexico. After quickly finding a storage device tucked away in a fake water bottle, the good boy lounged in the sun and got a belly rub from a couple of onlookers. Joeys skill set makes him one of a kind in New Mexico, Pena said. There are a handful of dogs usually labs or retrievers around the country with similar training. Joeys cousin, Bear, uncovered Fogles porn stash for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Indianapolis in 2015. Bear sniffed out a thumb drive that investigators hadnt found in Fogles Indiana home, according to NBC news. Fogle, who appeared in Subway restaurant commercials for years, pleaded guilty in 2015 to charges of child pornography and to crossing state lines to have sex with a minor; he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Unlike drug-sniffing dogs, Joey is around his target, glue that can withstand the heat that electronic storage devices produce, all day, every day. So Pena said Joey is trained to nose out electronics only when Pena is carrying a dog food bag. Joey will go for one electronic after another, relinquishing them only for food. For that reason, Joey only knows how to eat out of his handlers hand. So he has to work or train every day. I find a device, I get food, Pena said on Joeys behalf. Hes a good size. Hes not hurting for food. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal When he called 911 Monday night, Waid Anthony Melton admitted right away that he was the active shooter who seriously injured three of his coworkers in a Ben E. Keith warehouse on Broadway near Gibson SE. He says he f.ed up bad and had been hearing voices since he was 15. And he went on to say that company management and other employees had been trying to determine if his telepathic abilities had been responsible for another employee shooting two people, killing one of them, at the companys Texas warehouse last August. So that delusion if you want to call it which I dont think it was thats why I did what I did, Melton said. By this time he had been transferred to a crisis negotiation officer, who Melton would end up talking to several times throughout the night. In mid-August, Ben E. Keith employee Kristine Peralez shot and killed a manager and wounded another employee in the companys Houston warehouse. She died in a shootout with police. The family of the man who was killed filed a lawsuit against Ben E. Keith for $25 million saying the company did not have enough security. On Thursday evening, Albuquerque police released two phone calls between 30-year-old Melton and a crisis negotiation officer. Melton had called 911 and told them he was the shooter. He was transferred to the officer, whom he talked to for about five minutes before the call dropped. He called back and continued the conversation. He would end up talking to the crisis officer at least six times, and was on the phone when he apparently killed himself. The three men who Melton shot are now in satisfactory condition, according to the University of New Mexico Hospital. They have not been identified. The two calls released by police provide a glimpse of what was going through Meltons mind when he opened fire at the warehouse. He talks about hearing voices and tells the officer he was admitted into a psychiatric ward when he was 17 to be treated for schizophrenia. Since I was 15 years old Ive been hearing voices in my head, Melton said. The voices I was hearing were so muffled and so incoherent that it was hard for me to understand them. From time to time I could understand them. During the calls, its clear Melton is with a female friend, who can be heard occasionally in the background. Gilbert Gallegos, an APD spokesman, said the friend, who Melton picked up after the shooting, was not hurt. Gallegos said the calls were made around 8:30 p.m. At the end of the second call, shortly before 9 p.m., Melton agreed to meet police at a restaurant in Five Points in southwest Albuquerque. I dont know why they didnt make contact, but it appears he wasnt at that location, Gallegos wrote in an email. Almost three hours later, Melton shot and killed himself near Placitas off Interstate 25. The crisis negotiation officer was on the phone with him at the time, and heard the shot. Police said that call and several others were not recorded. The first two calls were patched through dispatch (911) and were the only calls recorded, Gallegos said in a text late Thursday. New Mexico State Police found a revolver near Meltons body, along with four unfired rounds. Investigators believe it was the same revolver used in the warehouse shooting. These items were turned over to APD Crime Lab, Gallegos wrote in an email. He said detectives found spent casings, a loaded high-capacity rifle, a .22 caliber rifle and three boxes of ammo in Meltons truck. When detectives served a search warrant on Meltons home near Central and Atrisco SW, they found firearms, ammunition, a small amount of narcotics, a laptop, a gun case, holsters and gun magazines. According to one of the phone calls police released, Melton tells the officer he is wavering between turning himself in and shooting himself. He asks about the condition of the people he shot and says he is relieved to hear that they are still alive. He says hes not sure if he can live with the anger his victims and their families must feel. I have these voices in my head right now telling me just to end it, Melton says. Theyre not being so kind about the language. I dont know, man. Can you I dont know how to ask this I guess but can you override those voices in your head with my voice telling you not to end it? the officer asks. And telling you to, you know, work with me to try to help you. Melton seems to agree and asks to meet with officers. But he never showed up. Instead, hours later and about 20 miles away, State Police found him dead near his truck alongside I-25. by Kamran Chaudhry Pakistans Catholic Church is behind a plan to plant a million trees by 2019. Lahore and Karachi are among the most polluted cities in the world. In 2025 Pakistan will be in absolute water scarcity. Lahore (AsiaNews) Caritas Pakistan has launched a campaign to plant a million trees. In doing so, it is putting into action the Churchs doctrine on integral ecology. Planting beech trees and orchids trees began in 2016 and will end in 2019. The work is well underway, with 700,000 saplings already planted in various parts of the country. The initiative is called One Million Tree Plantation Campaign (2016-2019), and involves many primary school students. During the latest operation, last Sunday, more than 50 students planted saplings along the banks of a canal in Farooqabad, a city in Sheikhupura district (Punjab province). The event was sponsored by NutriCo Morinaga, which is affiliated with a famous Japanese company that produces baby food, in collaboration with Punjabs Forestry Department. According to some studies, Lahore and Karachi are among the ten most polluted cities in the world in terms of air quality. About 21 million people across the country (10% of the country population) do not have access to drinking water. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources warns that that Pakistan will approach absolute water scarcity by 2025. The plantation drive is part of preparedness to combat climate change effects. Instead of ornamental shrubs, we are focusing on shade trees, Amjad Gulzar Executive Director Caritas Pakistan told AsiaNews. Syed Nadeem Abbass the sub-divisional forest officer in Punjabs Forestry Department assured Caritas Pakistan of his departments support. Tree plantation is the only natural method to counter increasing pollution, the rest is just adaptation. Government departments can only plant trees on state owned land but civil society can help in expanding the drive, he said. WASHINGTON Those of us who participated in the 2000 presidential election are getting political PTSD from the current gubernatorial and senatorial recounts in Florida. President George W. Bush was eventually declared winner in the Sunshine State, and thus the election, by 537 votes out of about 6 million cast. But for 35 long days of counting and challenging and pleading, it was mainly the lawyers in charge. During this period, Bush did a lot of brush clearing on his Crawford, Texas, ranch. The bloody scratches on his arms indicated how his frustration was being unleashed against unlucky cedar trees. I worked on some victory remarks and had a concession speech ready just in case. But eventually, I went to movies during the day. I was too distracted to pay much attention, though I remember seeing the film version of Charlies Angels, because, well, Lucy Liu. Nearly two decades later, the Florida electorate is still balanced on a political knifes edge. Yet one measure passed in the midterm by a lopsided margin, and may have a larger, more lasting influence than any contested race. Voters approved Amendment 4 to the Florida Constitution by a majority of nearly 65 percent. This returned voting rights to more than a million people who have committed felonies other than murder or sex offenses and served their time. It was the largest expansion of the franchise since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and womens suffrage. The U.S. Constitution specifically allows for the suspension of voting rights for those guilty of participation in rebellion, or other crime. But after passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments mandating equal political rights for African-American men restricting voting rights became a priority for the forces of Jim Crow. In legal systems that routinely arrested and convicted black people on thin or false charges, bans on voting by felons were effective tools to ensure white supremacy. Not many states now retain lifelong voting bans. The more frequent debate today concerns whether people on probation and parole should be allowed to vote. But these types of limitations, before Floridas change, still prevented voting by one in 40 adults in America, and one in 13 African-Americans. Amendment 4 solved about a quarter of this problem. The arguments against felony voting bans are ultimately simple. How can you tell a man or woman leaving prison that they have paid their debt to society, that they should resume responsibility for their lives, and yet deny them the most basic right of a self-governing citizen? The denial of voting rights is a way to mark a returning citizen with an invisible scar or brand of stigma and suspicion. It says that we share some geography, but not really a community. And this type of distrust, or half trust, is an invitation to recidivism. Rather than helping ex-prisoners avoid violence, gain jobs and remake their lives, this expression of skepticism worsens the odds they strive against. Right out of college, I worked at an organization named Prison Fellowship Ministries, which did outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. My boss was Charles Colson, who had been incarcerated for crimes related to the Watergate scandal. He wrote: I served time in a federal prison. And while I paid my debt to society in less than a year, it took me 30 years to have my voting rights restored. Maybe Im not a good example, having been part of a national political scandal. But what about a young person, say, in his early 20s, who is convicted of three minor drug offenses? Once he serves his time, grows up and straightens out his life, should he be denied the right to vote again? I know politics is a bare-knuckled game, but demonizing an entire class of Americans for electoral gain is wrong. Republicans have often opposed measures to expand the franchise, for fear it would hurt them politically. My considered response? Tough. There are two ways to respond to the hostility of minority voters toward the GOP. First, try to restrict the franchise through stealthy means. This strikes me as a wall of sand against the waves. It is undemocratic, unethical and eventually discrediting. Or second, compete for minority voters in a fairly constituted electorate. Republicans who find this impossible are practicing politics without inspiration, imagination and faith. Beyond the political calculation is a moral question: When we talk about second chances in this country, do we really mean it? The voters of Florida have given their answer not in a squeaker, but a landslide. WASHINGTON The acting attorney general of the United States is a crackpot. Matthew 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 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 Roberts endorsed it during his confirmation hearings, and he 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 Roberts predecessor as chief justice, William Rehnquist. In his book on the Constitution, Rehnquist described Marbury as the linchpin of our constitutional law. Or consider Justice Brett 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 Mueller, that might be just the beginning. SANTA FE Prosecutors and public defenders are requesting budget increases approaching 20 percent or roughly $23 million as they try to recruit and retain qualified attorneys, especially in rural parts of New Mexico. In a legislative hearing Thursday, John Sugg, the district attorney for Lincoln and Otero counties, said its difficult to hire attorneys to work in Carrizozo, the county seat in Lincoln, with fewer than 1,000 residents. The recruits take a look at the four-way stop and the Allsups, he said, and they decide theyd rather work in a bigger city. This attorney caseload is out of control, Sugg told the Legislative Finance Committee. Im losing them left and right. He said the 12th Judicial District Attorneys Office handles more cases per attorney than any other in the state. Sugg was one of about a dozen prosecutors, public defenders and others who made presentations to lawmakers this week seeking more money in the budget that will be crafted in the next legislative session. An oil boom in southeastern New Mexico is sharply increasing state revenue. In August, state economists projected about $1.2 billion in new money next year, or revenue beyond this years spending levels. Injecting more money into the judicial system has been a battleground in recent sessions. Just last year, the district attorney in Bernalillo County, Raul Torrez, secured an extra $4.3 million to help hire more prosecutors and issue pay raises part of an effort to address high crime in the Albuquerque area. Torrez told lawmakers Thursday that the infusion has made a difference. Cases are moving through the court system more quickly, he said, and crime has been going down. We are making substantial progress, Torrez said, but we obviously have a long way to go because we started off in a bad position. This year, hes seeking an additional $1.8 million beyond the $4.3 million from last year to convert some of the staff positions authorized for his office into higher-paid attorneys and senior investigators. All together, New Mexicos district attorneys are seeking an average increase of 17 percent from the states basic operating budget, or about $13 million more than they will receive this year, according to legislative analysts. The new budget year begins July 1. The Public Defender Department, in turn, is seeking an increase of nearly 20 percent, or about $10 million more. The department wants to hire more attorneys and ensure people in rural parts of the state get the same legal defense as defendants in bigger cities, officials said. Some of the money would go toward a unit to handle complex cases in rural communities. Thats because we cant get senior lawyers into rural parts of the state, said Hugh Dangler, a member of the Public Defender Commission. Tom Clear, chairman of the Public Defender Commission, said some staff members are working unsustainable amounts of times on behalf of clients spending their days in court and much of their nights working from home. The commission is asking for enough money to hire 37 more attorneys. We have got to protect the constitutional rights of our clients, Clear told legislators. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal A beer can introduced as evidence in the murder trial against an Albuquerque real estate investor is going to be tested for DNA nearly three decades after his conviction. Jerry Vernon is serving a life sentence for shooting fellow businessman and longtime friend Larry Stevens in the face near La Luz Trail in 1989. He went on to spend two years on the lam after escaping from the minimum security geriatric unit of a New Mexico prison. Now 81 years old, Vernon was in state District Court on Thursday as attorneys told Judge Carl Butkus they had agreed to test the can, which had been checked for fingerprints, but not DNA. Vernons attorney, Joseph Sullivan, said during the hearing that the beer can was one of the only pieces of physical evidence admitted at the 1991 trial. It was mentioned by investigating officers, an eyewitness and Vernon himself. The beer can does carry a lot of weight in and of itself, Sullivan said in court. It is not clear what role the beer can played in Vernons prosecution or how he believes it could be used in any future proceedings. Vernon first made the request for post-conviction DNA testing in a 2013 petition asking the court to set aside his sentence or grant him a new trial. He has since filed a 43-page motion detailing numerous failings of the courts, the State of New Mexico and even his own attorneys. He asked for an expedited hearing on that motion, filed Oct. 31, citing his age and serious health issues. Shot during a struggle According to previous Journal stories, Vernon was found guilty of taking Stevens, 48, a former owner of bars and an electric supply company, from a convenience store parking lot to an arroyo in the Sandia Mountains and shooting him. Testimony at trial showed that days before the homicide, Vernon accused Stevens of stealing drugs from him. Vernon, who once operated a real estate firm, testified at his trial that he heard Stevens had been hired to kill him. On the night of the shooting, he and Stevens were in the car with a mutual friend when they started to talk about their problems, Vernon testified. Stevens pulled out a handgun, and later a shotgun, both of which Vernon testified he was able to grab. They later got out of the vehicle, at which point Stevens started swinging a small baton at him. Vernon testified that Stevens was shot as the two struggled for control of the shotgun. Jurors deliberated for two hours before convicting the then 54-year-old of first-degree murder and kidnapping. We couldnt see any feasibility of it being an accident or struggle, the jury foreman told a Journal reporter after the trial. He said jurors believed the shooting was deliberate because Stevens had been shot twice. Vernon was sentenced to life plus 19 years. But the Supreme Court overturned his kidnapping conviction and the 19 years were later taken off Vernons sentence. He had turned down a plea deal that would have made him eligible for a maximum sentence of 12 years because he maintained his innocence, his attorney said after his sentencing. Taking refuge A decade after his conviction, Vernon made headlines again when he escaped from the minimum security geriatric unit at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility. The warden said Vernon misled prison medical personnel into believing his heart conditions and diabetes were more severe than they were, according to previous Journal reporting. Court documents said he escaped by loosening the bolts on a security fence. A week before, Vernon had received a rejection letter from the state parole board after he sought executive clemency. He was captured two years later in Hot Springs, Ark., where hed been renting a basement apartment from an elderly woman unaware of his past. Marshals and police did not immediately take him into custody because he did not look like the Vernon we were aware of, said then-U.S. Marshal Gorden Eden. He looked more like Grizzly Adams, Eden said at the time. He had long hair, and was unshaven and unbathed. According to a spokesman for the District Attorneys Office, Vernon was sentenced to nine years for his escape, which he will serve when his murder sentence is complete. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal A new lawsuit filed on behalf of a local woman alleges that Santa Fes Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical was negligent twice while she was in the hospital in 2016. The suit filed on behalf of Jamie Sams, a writer known for books on spirituality, says the hospital and a doctor who was treating her are to blame for Sams going into cardiac arrest. And the negligence was compounded when hospital personnel resuscitated her, the lawsuit suit states. Reviving Sams violated her do no resuscitate directive, the lawsuit says. Now Sams must live the rest of her life with pain and substantial medical bills, according to the suit filed in state District Court. As a result of being revived, Plaintiff continues to experience severe pain, disability and limitations and further, will incur extensive expenses throughout the remainder of her life, the lawsuit against Christus and emergency room doctor Jamie Gagan states. Sams is also suing because she was given the painkiller Dilaudid, which the lawsuit says she is allergic to. Sams suffers from Dercums, a rare, painful disease that produces tumors all over the body. This condition is extremely debilitating and painful and, moreover, requires frequent hospitalization and medication at great expense, the lawsuit says. Sams went to the Christus St. Vincent emergency room on Feb. 5, 2016, for pain control and was prescribed Dilaudid through an IV by Gagan, despite the fact that she had advised emergency room staff that she was allergic to this medication. Sams had an allergic reaction to the Dilaudid and went into cardiac arrest. She was revived by emergency room staff, even though she signed a Double DNR (do not resuscitate) form. Despite the fact that Plaintiff Sams had signed a double DNR indicating that she did not wish to be resuscitated or intubated, the emergency room staff provided such services, the suit says. Plaintiff Sams was resuscitated, something she adamantly did not want. The DNR met all statutory requirements, and was valid and binding upon Plaintiffs health care providers, including Defendants Gagan and Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, the suit also says. Defendants had notice of the existence that Plaintiff had signed the DNR. Plaintiff Sams was wearing a purple bracelet issued by the hospital and labeled DNR. Christus spokesman Arturo Delgado said Gagan works for HealthFront, which does emergency services work for the hospital. He said he could not comment on the lawsuit. Sams is a Native American author who, among other titles on spirituality, co-wrote Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals. When the Catholic Christus Health System of Texas merged with what had been St. Vincent hospital in 2008, some concerns were expressed publicly about whether Catholic religious doctrine would impact patients end-of-life directives. But there has been no public controversy at the Santa Fe hospital over the issue in the decade since and the Sams lawsuit makes no claim that any policy or religious doctrine had an impact on how Sams was treated. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia The last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime that ruled Cambodia in the 1970s, when their reign of terror was responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people, were convicted Friday by an international tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were top leaders in a regime that forced residents out of the cities into the countryside, where they labored under brutal conditions in giant agricultural cooperatives and work projects. The communist Khmer Rouge, under the leadership of the late Pol Pot, sought to eliminate all traces of what they saw as corrupt bourgeois life, destroying most religious, financial and social institutions. Nuon Chea (NOO-ahn CHEE-ah) and Khieu Samphan (KEE-yoh sahm-PAHN) were sentenced by the U.N.-assisted court to life in prison, the same punishment they are already serving after being convicted in a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers of people and mass disappearances. Cambodia has no death penalty. Nuon Chea, 92, was considered the Khmer Rouges main ideologist and Pol Pots right-hand man, while Khieu Samphan, 87, served as the head of state, presenting a moderate veneer as the public face for the highly secretive group. Dissent under Khmer Rouge rule was usually met with death, and even the groups loyalists faced torture and execution as the radical experiment at revolution failed, with blame cast about its ranks for alleged sabotage. But executions counted for only a fraction of the death toll. Starvation, overwork and medical neglect took many more lives, amounting to as much as one-quarter to one-third of the entire population. Only when an invasion by Vietnam finally drove the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979 did the magnitude of Cambodias holocaust become known. Fridays verdict, read aloud by Judge Nil Nonn, established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic minority whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. They included murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. The tribunal, officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC, also ordered reparations for some of those judged to be victims. It found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham for insufficient evidence, though he was convicted of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint criminal enterprise, which holds individuals responsible for actions attributed to a group to which they belong. Among the large crowd of spectators at Fridays session was 65-year-old Sum Rithy, who said he had been jailed for nearly two years under the Khmer Rouge, who accused him of being a spy for the CIA. His life was spared only because he was a skilled mechanic who could maintain engines and generators for his captors. Rithy said three of his siblings were killed, also accused of being CIA spies, while his father died of starvation. Today, I am very happy that both the Khmer Rouge leaders were sentenced to life in prison. The verdict was fair enough for me and other Cambodian victims, he said. Last night, I could not sleep because I was afraid that Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan could die before this verdict was announced. Nuon Chea suffers heart problems and was allowed to move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. Lawyers for Nuon Chea said they would appeal, and Khieu Samphan was expected to do the same. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. The tribunal in 2010 also convicted Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture center in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodias long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further cases to go forward, saying they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted by Vietnams invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to attain a broader sweep of justice has troubled some observers. Todays verdict hopefully brings some measure of justice to the victims, 40 years after the unspeakable mass atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, said Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty Internationals regional director for East and Southeast Asia. While this second trial of the Khmer Rouges last surviving senior leaders results in two convictions, and 14 reparation projects, this is bitter justice: the world has waited far too long for this moment. Decades after the crimes and 13 years after it was established, the ECCC should have achieved much more. Others, however, highlighted the tribunals accomplishments. International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Fridays verdicts. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. LAS CRUCES Attorneys representing two victims of alleged sexual abuse by a now-deceased Las Cruces priest filed civil lawsuits this week against the Catholic church. The victims allege that, as children, they were sexually assaulted and abused over several years by a Father Joaquin Resma, who served at Our Lady of Health Parish in central Las Cruces. Resma was not among the 28 former clergy in the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces or its predecessor organizations, the Diocese of El Paso and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe who church officials identified last week as having been credibly accused of sexually abusing children from the 1950s to the year 2000. Monday, the victims, identified only as Jane Doe J and Jane Doe K, filed separated lawsuits in 3rd Judicial District Court in Las Cruces, according to court records. Theyve represented by attorneys whove filed similar sexual abuse lawsuits against Catholic dioceses across the region over alleged sexual abuse. Complaint: Magic act a cover for abuse Jane Doe J alleges the abuse by Resma started about 1978 and continued through about 1982, when Resma left the day-to-day life of the parish to deal with a worsening illness. In addition to serving as a priest, the complain states, Resma was an amateur magician and relied upon Jane Doe J as an assistant in many of his performances. The complaint alleges Resma would often sexually abuse Plaintiff (Jane Doe J) under the guise of practicing his magicians act at the parish rectory. Resma allegedly carried out the abuse at the church grounds, including at the parish rectory, and sometimes at a house on U.S. Hwy. 70, the complaint states. Incidents of sexual abuse occurred regularly over this four-to-five year period, the complaint states. Second case The second lawsuit, filed by Jane Doe K, alleges she was also sexually abused and raped by Resma. The sexual abuse began in approximately 1977 and continued until approximately 1980, when the abuse culminated in a forceful rape at the Parish rectory, the court records state. Incidents of sexual abuse occurred regularly over the course of this time period. After the rape at the rectory, Plaintiff (Jane Doe K) stopped attending Our Lady of Health Parish. In both cases, the plaintiffs allege Resma used his status and substantial power as a priest to groom them for sexual assault. Both women say the abuse led to severe emotional distress, humiliation, loss of self-esteem and broken trust in religious and authority figures. Both are in therapy to deal with the psychological trauma, court records state. Theyre seeking jury trials. Filed against the El Paso diocese The lawsuits were leveled against the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, which, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the overseer of Our Lady of Health parish. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces was formed in 1982, and the parish since then has been under its umbrella. Attorneys for the women who filed the recent cases highlighted that Resmas name didnt appear last week on the Diocese of Las Cruces list of credibly accused clergy. In our experience, the Churchs perpetrator lists tend to start small and grow larger and larger with time, said attorney Levi Monagle, whos represented numerous victims of clergy abuse, in a news release. In 2004, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe was admitting to 44 credibly accused priests now theyre admitting to 78 credibly accused priests. I would not be surprised if something similar happened in the dioceses of Las Cruces and El Paso. Connie J. Flores, another of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, said its clear at this point that Fr. Resma was a repeat offender. It is impossible to know with certainty how many children he sexually abused during his years at Our Lady of Health, but we suspect there are additional victims. By Wednesday, the Diocese of El Paso wasnt yet formally notified of the new lawsuits. Should we be served, we will look into the allegations, said Patricia Lopez Fierro, diocesan chancellor, human resources. In the meantime, we continue to pray for all victims of sexual abuse. Until contacted by the Sun-News, Deacon Jim Winder, vice-chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, said hed not yet heard about the latest lawsuits. But he said administratively, it will be addressed by the El Paso diocese because the allegations stemmed from when Las Cruces parishes belonged to that diocese. Winder said the Las Cruces diocese has some personnel records for Resma, but the El Paso diocese likely has the full file. Winder said there werent sexual abuse complaints in Resmas Las Cruces records. Resma was the basis of another lawsuit filed earlier this year by the same attorneys. In June, John Doe 86 filed a complaint in 3rd Judicial District Court against the Diocese of El Paso alleging sexual abuse. Asked why Resma wasnt named on the list of 28 credibly accused clergy, Winder said that an accusation thats made publicly, even if in the form of a lawsuit, isnt alone enough to result in a clergy member being placed on the list. There were three criteria the church used to develop the list: if a clergy member appeared on a list of credibly accused from another Catholic diocese and also served in Las Cruces; if an allegation of sexual abuse resulted in a substantial lawsuit settlement or jury verdict in favor of the accuser; or if there were direct, credible complaints of sexual abuse in a clergy persons personnel file Winder said its possible more priests and clergy will be added to the dioceses list of credibly accused. We do expect to add people from time to time, he said. As for the response received by the Las Cruces diocese to the release of the recent list, Winder said its been muted so far, which may be because many parishioners already are familiar with negative news about some priests having carried out sexual abuse. Winder said he heard from one woman: Im here to worship Jesus Christ, not the Pope and not the bishop. There was some surprise with some of the names (on the list), and thats about it. As an organization, the Catholic church has been heavily criticized for reassigning over the course of decades priests who were accused of sexual abuse and not reporting the allegations to law enforcement. Priests accused of sexual abuse were sent to a center near Santa Fe that was aimed at rehabilitation. But many wound up re-assigned to parishes afterward, including in New Mexico, and committed further abuses. Anyone who experienced sexual abuse by clergy is encouraged to report it to local police. The Diocese of Las Cruces also employs a victims assistance coordinator, with whom complaints may be filed. Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter. 2018 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea on Friday said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the United States that came even as it announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified ultramodern weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile U.S. figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct. 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the manipulation of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the Norths spelling of the mans name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday expressed appreciation for the cooperation of North Korea and the embassy of Sweden which handles consular issues for U.S. citizens in North Korea in facilitating the release of an American citizen. His brief statement provided no further details. A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport the American but did not say why and when. The Norths decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious U.S. response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Uns June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed U.S. soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. The latest detained American is likely a man that South Korea deported last year, according to South Korean police. In November 2017, a 58-year-old man from Louisiana was caught in South Korea after spending two nights in the woods in a civilian-restricted area near the border with North Korea. The name written in his passport was Lowrance Bruce Byron, said police officers at Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency. Before his deportation, the man told interrogators that he knows lots of people in the Trump administration so that he wants to work as a bridge between the United States and North Korea to help improve their ties worsened by Warmbiers death, said one of the police officers who investigated the man. He requested anonymity citing department rules. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon, though it didnt describe what the weapon was. It didnt appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. Its the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry. Its North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying If you dont listen to us, you will face political burdens,' said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Earlier this month, North Koreas Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesnt receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a tactical weapon in North Korea refers to a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including U.S. military bases there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. But Fridays report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didnt focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test wont completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearization. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the great progress made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region, Pence said. Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but theres more work to be done. Pence stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldnt suppress his passionate joy at its success. He was described as so excited to say that another great work was done by the defense scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defense capability of the country. Last years string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. __ Associated Press writer Foster Klug in Seoul, Annabelle Liang in Singapore and Matthew Pennington in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report. LAS CRUCES A state District Court judge said Friday he will issue an order to impound more than 8,000 absentee ballots from Dona Ana County at the request of Republican congressional candidate Yvette Herrell after the state certifies the vote. Herrell has not conceded the hotly contested 2nd Congressional District race, and her campaign wants to review the Dona Ana County ballots that helped apparent winner Democrat Xochitl Torres Small. During the hearing in 3rd Judicial District Court, Judge Manuel Arrieta said he would allow the ballots in question impounded but only after the Secretary of States Office certifies the results Nov. 27 and all the parties agree on a process for safeguarding voter privacy in compliance with the law. The judge heard from Herrells attorney; the Dona Ana County assistant attorney, representing the county clerks office; and the Attorney Generals Office, representing the secretary of state. The secretary of state objected to impounding the ballots before the canvassing and certification is complete because it would delay the process beyond the Nov. 27 deadline mandated by state statute. The secretary of state feels ambushed and blindsided by the lawsuit, said Assistant Attorney General Sean Cunniff via teleconference from Santa Fe. Cunniff told the judge the secretary of state had not been properly notified of the lawsuit or the request to impound the ballots. Carter Harrison, Herrells attorney, said he put in a call to the Dona Ana County clerk and Torres-Small campaign, and provided them a copy of the petition. In her lawsuit filed this week, Herrell is seeking to have the judge order State Police to seize the absentee ballots and related voting materials in the states second-most populous county so that potential improprieties can be investigated. Her attorney did not provide any evidence of voting irregularities or fraud at the hearing. Kate Girard, a representative for Torres Small, told the judge there was no indication that the Dona Ana County clerk responsible for the election did anything but her job. Along with ballots, Herrell wants voter registration certificates reviewed to check signatures. The documents must be handled with care to protect the privacy of voters as required by law, said Assistant County Attorney Fred Kennon. Some of the registration material may include a voters Social Security number and date of birth, Kennon told the judge. Voter confidentiality is important to me, and I want to safeguard that, Arrieta said. The parties have made very good headway in agreeing on a process for reviewing election material, Harrison said. The judge asked for a specific plan before he signs the order impounding the ballots. After inspecting the ballots, Herrell could challenge the certified election results by filing a lawsuit and presenting evidence in District Court. Santa Fe Public Schools grade fell from a C in 2017 to a D in 2018, according to school district report cards now posted the state Public Education Departments website. Superintendent Veronica Garcia said the drop in grade wasnt unexpected, given that district grades are based on individual school grades that were released in August. This isnt anything new, she said. Theyve already graded our schools and (district grades) are heavily weighed on school grades. More than half the schools in the district received grades worse than a C, with eight schools getting a D and another eight getting an F. Garcia and Education Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski have butted heads over the school grading system, which she said lacked transparency and is hard to validate. Upon the release of school grades in August, Ruszkowski singled out SFPS, calling it a district in crisis. That came just a month after Ruszkowski said SFPS was starting to show meaningful academic progress, she noted at the time. Garcia, a former state education secretary, said she wasnt interested in fighting over it. It is what it is, she said of the school grading system, adding that she didnt think the grades truly reflected the progress the district has made. Were building a foundation. Our focus today is on improving student proficiency and student outcomes. Last week, during the districts State of Our Schools luncheon, Garcia predicted that 2018-2019 was going to be a breakthrough year for the district. She said building a strong foundation, getting teachers up to speed on standards-based instruction, aligning curriculum among teachers and professional development programs would help make it happen. Garcia this year also introduced a new approach where high-level administrators are assigned to clusters of schools to supervise principals, so they can be strong instructional leaders. We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. The Chico Unified School District has opened several schools to help evacuee parents and their kids. Little Chico Creek, Citrus and Chapman Elementary Schools will be open during the following times: Wednesday, 11/14 - Friday, 11/16 Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A guidance counselor at Little Chico Creek suggests the following to parents of children who have lost their homes: 1. Listen 2. Help your kids feel safe, and secure. 3. Honesty. Let your children know what's really happening with your home and others. 4. Be Present. 5. Share how you are feeling with your child so they know they are not alone. Donations for CAMP Fire evacuees are being directed to the North Valley Community Foundation: www.nvcf.org We have also compiled a complete list of resources for evacuees. REDDING, Calif. - A pilot and passenger died in Redding after a vintage fixed-wing single-engine the pilot was flying crashed in a field northeast of the Redding Airport. The 1967 Cessna 182 took off from the Redding Airport for its return trip to the Sacramento Executive Airport on Thursday night. It had arrived from Sacramento at approximately 5:15 p.m. It was taking off for a return trip just a little more than an hour later, and crashed after takeoff in a field located about a mile from the Redding Airport, in the area of Old Oregon Trail and Desperado Trail. The FAA and NTSB will be investigating the fatal crash.The identities of the pilot and passenger have not yet been released. The names of the passenger and pilot who died will be given to the public after the family has been notified. The pilot was a member of the Sacramento Aero Club, Inc., a ten member flying club. Shelia Mullins, the Secretary/Treasurer of the club, said it is not unusual for an older Cessna the 1967 Cessna to be flown regularly. Mullins said her club's Cessna was "very well maintained" and that "it had been retrofitted with new avionics." Yippee Noodles is a classic case of a late entrant making a mark in a market dominated by a single brand. Consumer research, focus on product excellence, target audience focus and well planned & executed marketing plans have helped the brand hold its own. ITCs Sunfeast Yippee has now expanded its range by launching its My range of noodles in four new flavours. My range is being rolled out on online grocery portal bigbasket, where it will be available exclusively for one week, following which the brand will be made available in retail outlets across India. Commenting on the reason for preferring an e-commerce portal for the launch, Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said, The e-commerce platform provides very quick feedback, people will taste it and enjoy it. That would enhance our confidence and help us understand which variant is selling fast, and maybe pull out if anyone is not moving fast enough or something needs to be fixed, etc. As to how the consumers would learning about their availability on bigbasket, Malik elucidated, We are doing a series of promotions on the bigbasket site, there is a banner on the main page, and as you enter the category, there is a banner that would direct you to Yippee Noodles. And then there are special offers, for instance, there is a Combo offer: Buy three and get a discount to let people decide as to which flavour they prefer and will want to try again. Hari Menon, Co-founder and CEO, bigbasket, added here, Benefit for the brand is reaching out to 25 cities at one go a solid base of 10,000 registered customers and growing. Imagine if the product is to be launched in 25 cities, the logistics and warehousing would be humongous. The other advantage is the customer data we have, and there is instant reaction from the consumer and this is what brands are looking for - early feedback. We find that this exclusivity of a week or 10 days adds to our revenue vis-a-vis not doing it. It gives us five times more or even 20 times more revenue. Having said that, moot point for us and the brand is to reach quickly to a vast consumer base. Adgully caught up with Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive Foods Division, ITC Ltd, to know more about My brands launch, the marketing strategy and more. Excerpts: My is a sub-brand of Yippee noodles. What, as per you, makes it different? Some marketers have an advertising philosophy, and they want to create great ads for their brands. However, we have a product driven philosophy, and we believe that before creating great ads, we need to create great products. Yippee Noodles was launched seven and a half years ago, and we are now a Rs 1,000-crore brand, as reported by Nielsen. We have an all India market share of 22% and 37% share in the South market. Obviously, our products are being well accepted by the consumers. What, in your view, enabled you to get a good market share in a largely single brand driven market at the time Yippee was launched? We were late entrants in this market, hence, it was important for us to have ample consumer insights and create clear differentiator. For instance, we introduced round noodles because research indicated that children preferred long strands of noodles, but the square noodles had to be broken to fit into the pan. Also, when we launched wheat noodles, we made sure as to they were non-sticky. Atta noodles had vegetables in strands, though it required a different strategy. Mood Masala, which we launched last year, was to have two masala sachets so people could use it as per their taste. How important a role do consumer insights play in the success of a brand? A very critical one. In many categories we are late entrants. Why should the consumer look at our products is the question, we have to ask ourselves. Every brand that is launched has to have a key differentiator. If it is not innovative, nobody will try it. For these four variants which we have just launched, we wanted some excitement, and hence we decided to introduce Chinese flavours. We have a chicken variant there as well. Though the market for chicken noodles is not too big, we have gone ahead and added real pieces of chicken, unlike others who just added flavour. Innovation beyond the product Yes, of course. Innovation is not only about product, but every aspect of the marketing mix. Speaking of marketing, in todays world digital becomes really important. Hence, the tie-up with bigbasket for an exclusive launch. It facilitates instant availability in many locations. Progressive consumers are always on the lookout for what is new! This is how we reach them and communicate to them that this product is exclusively available on the bigbasket platform for few days and later it would be available everywhere. Anything else that is unique in the marketing strategy? Every pack has a headphone, the idea behind it was that once you put on your headphones you are in your space and you pick up My pack and dont share it with anybody. Enjoy your noodles all by yourself! That was the thought behind the pack. Hence, each of the new flavours starts with My. We also have a BTL activation, where people can win fancy headphones, this will be promoted through TVC/ digital promotions. How is the brand looking at the second screen as an advertising platform? Today, everybody has shifted to the second screen/ mobile. It is growing fast, my own spends on digital have been growing dramatically in the past few years. We are spending about 10 per cent of our total marketing budgets on digital for all our products. For example, Atta; if you are a South Indian, you are looking at options now as to in what other ways you can use atta. Women are looking at recipes, etc., so we have uploaded a large number of recipes for our consumers. As for Yippee noodles, we intend to work with micro food bloggers and ask them to send us innovative recipes. We have identified 80-100 of them across India and are working with them on creating new ideas. There will be a television commercial too. The advertising campaign will break in a months time, once the distribution is set and our products are available across the country. The traditional definition of entrepreneurialism is now undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts and is moving from pure play business entrepreneurialism and is adding a key element of social entrepreneurialism to make a definitive impact. Thus, while starting a new set up is good, but giving back to society will now complete the picture. This was revealed in a study carried out by global market research agency Ipsos. The study coincides with the Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 12-18, 2018). Conducted online in 24 countries including India, among a more affluent, connected population, the study has delved into new territory -entrepreneurship being manifested in non-economic start-ups (like Charities) and whether entrepreneurs are likely to be engaged in societies and emotions associated with entrepreneurialism. Capturing views on Entrepreneurial Experience, 40 per cent of Indians polled said that they have started at least one business in the past, while 39 per cent have considered starting it and 21 per cent denied. 25 per cent of those polled said they have started a Charity or Community Group in the past and 39 per cent have contemplated about doing it (balance, denied). 31 per cent Indians have started an Interest Group and 37 per cent have considered doing it (the rest, denied). Parijat Chakraborty, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Ipsos India, remarked, Business entrepreneurialism has been the primary motive of those who have forayed into entrepreneurship, in India. Social Entrepreneurship is the new emerging trend. It is either competing with business entrepreneurship or working in conjunction with business entrepreneurship and is creating a holistic picture of entrepreneurialism. Chakraborty is not alarmed with the figures: Many of the business start-ups referred here are basic and rudimentary in nature, without demanding much investment or manpower. However, the sheer proportion of those who have dabbled in any business, two in five, is one of the highest in the world, points towards the high level of unemployment and underemployment in our country. The survey also mapped the entrepreneurial aspirations of Indians. And the response was quite encouraging. 50 per cent of those polled said that they would like to give wings to their aspirations and start a new business venture in the next two years. 19 per cent were neutral, while 31 per cent said that they were unlikely. Interestingly, 41 per cent Indians have shown high entrepreneurial aspiration for starting a Charity or Community Group in the next two years, 21 per cent were neutral, while 38 per cent were unlikely. Also, 45 per cent have shown entrepreneurial aspiration for starting an Interest Group. 18 per cent were neutral and 37 per cent were unlikely to do it. Net-Net Total Entrepreneurial Aspirations (Business + Charity/ Community Group +Interest Group) in the next 2 years showed that 37 per cent of Indians plan to start a business + 1 other (from social), 13 per cent want to kick off business only; 19 per cent are interested in Others (Charity/ Community Group/ Interest Group) only; and 31 per cent seemed to have no interest in entrepreneurship at all. Entrepreneurial Emotions Largely, Indians associate two salient emotions with entrepreneurship: Interested (74 per cent) and Inspired (73 per cent). While two negative emotions associated with entrepreneurship were: Nervous (37 per cent) and Afraid (33 per cent). Entrepreneurship Spirit while starting a business was seen to be more positive than negative for 39 per cent of Indians polled, 60 per cent had mixed emotions, while balance 1 per cent were more negative than positive. Technology & Entrepreneurialism 48 per cent of Indians polled said that they tend to have a hard time keeping pace with the rapidly changing technology. 18 per cent were neutral, while 34 per cent disagreed and said they have no problem with technology changes. Half of Indians polled (50 per cent) said that they trust Artificial Intelligence; 26 per cent were neutral and 24 per cent disagreed that they trust AI. Government & Entrepreneurialism 60 per cent of Indians polled are of the view that the government has a responsibility in actively assisting entrepreneurs. Less than half of Indians polled (46 per cent) feel that government is doing commendable work in actively assisting entrepreneurs. Performance falls short in expectation. In the World Banks latest Ease of Doing Business rankings 2018, India has climbed 23 places to the 77th spot for 2018. While we have a long way to go, this improved environment is surely going to give a further boost to entrepreneurialism, both business and social, Chakraborty concluded. 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. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 2.33 Average 1 2 3 4 5 California to ban the sale of Bibles SevenThunders Registered User User ID: 389315 11-16-2018 03:33 AM Posts: 3,754 Post: #1 California to ban the sale of Bibles Advertisement Welcome to 1984, CA style. Isn't this just typical of the left. They have to control everything and crush all freedoms. Now we see that the democratic party is not consistent with the constitution or American values. The democratic leadership needs to move to North Korea, or China if they want this kind of country. I believe the new law will also ban the Koran. Let's see how well that goes over with the dem.s favorite constituency, Muslim terrorists. https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/califo...of-bibles/ The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? Apparently anything that says it's not OK to be gay is to be banned under CA new Draconian censorship laws. You can sell the most disgusting pornography, but if you sell a Bible you might be going to jail.Welcome to 1984, CA style. Isn't this just typical of the left. They have to control everything and crush all freedoms. Now we see that the democratic party is not consistent with the constitution or American values. The democratic leadership needs to move to North Korea, or China if they want this kind of country.I believe the new law will also ban the Koran. Let's see how well that goes over with the dem.s favorite constituency, Muslim terrorists.The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number,and mighty is the army that obeys his command.The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441610 11-16-2018 03:35 AM Post: #2 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles you folks can still give them away, right? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 206135 11-16-2018 03:40 AM Post: #3 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles That state is becoming more like hell on Earth than even the fires suggest. Banning Bibles?!! Satan might be a Californian. SevenThunders Registered User User ID: 389315 11-16-2018 03:40 AM Posts: 3,754 Post: #4 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 03:35 AM) you folks can still give them away, right? Oh you mean we still get to keep a shadow of our former first amendment rights? How thoughtful of you. This is a book banning legislation. Let's spell it out. A book that liberals hate, let's say the Bible, is now banned because it's not homo friendly. It would be as if a conservative legislature banned the teachings of Karl Marx, or perhaps the Koran. Or even worse for a lib., if the conservative banned porn. How would that sit with you. You OK with that concept? It cuts both ways. Oh you mean we still get to keep a shadow of our former first amendment rights? How thoughtful of you. This is a book banning legislation. Let's spell it out. A book that liberals hate, let's say the Bible, is now banned because it's not homo friendly.It would be as if a conservative legislature banned the teachings of Karl Marx, or perhaps the Koran. Or even worse for a lib., if the conservative banned porn.How would that sit with you. You OK with that concept? It cuts both ways. The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 438276 11-16-2018 03:41 AM Post: #5 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles Quote: California To Ban the Sale of Bibles? https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/califo...of-bibles/ you forgot the question mark op in article title............... you can still sell bibles there...................... you forgot the question mark op in article title...............you can still sell bibles there...................... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441610 11-16-2018 03:43 AM Post: #6 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles SevenThunders Wrote: (11-16-2018 03:40 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 03:35 AM) you folks can still give them away, right? Oh you mean we still get to keep a shadow of our former first amendment rights? How thoughtful of you. This is a book banning legislation. Let's spell it out. A book that liberals hate, let's say the Bible, is now banned because it's not homo friendly. It would be as if a conservative legislature banned the teachings of Karl Marx, or perhaps the Koran. Or even worse for a lib., if the conservative banned porn. How would that sit with you. You OK with that concept? It cuts both ways. Oh, the hidden issue is 'homo friendly' I thought the various Bibles out their were friendly to all folks, including the fudge packers Oh, the hidden issue is 'homo friendly'I thought the various Bibles out their were friendly to all folks, including the fudge packers SevenThunders Registered User User ID: 389315 11-16-2018 03:44 AM Posts: 3,754 Post: #7 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 03:41 AM) Quote: California To Ban the Sale of Bibles? https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/califo...of-bibles/ you forgot the question mark op in article title............... you can still sell bibles there...................... Not for long. This is a dream situation for the insane left. Plus thanks to election cheating they will have a super-majority in both houses. The next few years are going to be hilarious in CA. The descent into the abyss is virtually guaranteed. FYI the last great Western country that banned the Bible was nearly destroyed after descending into a hellish tyranny. That would be France, during their revolution. God notices these things. Not for long. This is a dream situation for the insane left. Plus thanks to election cheating they will have a super-majority in both houses. The next few years are going to be hilarious in CA. The descent into the abyss is virtually guaranteed.FYI the last great Western country that banned the Bible was nearly destroyed after descending into a hellish tyranny. That would be France, during their revolution. God notices these things. The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 469642 11-16-2018 03:46 AM Post: #8 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles SAY NO TO SATAN SevenThunders Registered User User ID: 389315 11-16-2018 03:52 AM Posts: 3,754 Post: #9 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 03:46 AM) SAY NO TO SATAN They can't help it. They have been trained to love satan. After all Saul Alinsky, Obama and Hillary's favorite author dedicated his famous book to Lucifer. Even Karl Marx sung the praises of the devil. It's built in to the progressive platform, to love everything the devil loves. They can't help it. They have been trained to love satan. After all Saul Alinsky, Obama and Hillary's favorite author dedicated his famous book to Lucifer. Even Karl Marx sung the praises of the devil. It's built in to the progressive platform, to love everything the devil loves. The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 467626 11-16-2018 03:52 AM Post: #10 RE: California to ban the sale of Bibles the Torah was pretty down on faggotry, as I recall... maybe also the Talmud and other old Jewish writings... that should be fun... and the next step is to ban possession and transfer... and a shitload of old psychiatric writings and academic research are in that category... not to mention medical stuff.... oh boy, the book burnings are gonna be fun... can we use them for heat in the coming mini-ice-age??? Back to Forum CAIRO Col. Tamer Rifai, spokesman of the Egyptian armed forces, announced in an official statement Nov. 7 that Lt. Gen. Mohamed Farid Hegazy, chief of staff of the armed forces, attended the Arab Shield 1 military exercises, which started Nov. 3 and will last until Nov. 16. The drills are held at Mohamed Naguib military base in Matrouh, on the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria. Rifai also followed up on the different stages of the exercises and watched live shooting drills carried out by all participating forces. On Oct. 31, the Egyptian Ministry of Defense had noted in a statement that land, naval and air forces, special forces and air defense forces from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan arrived in Egypt to take part in the military exercises alongside Egyptian troops. Lebanon and Morocco have joined the exercises as observers. The statement said that the military exercises aim to face common challenges and support efforts for security and stability in the region. Commenting on Arab Shield 1, Brig. Gen. Safwat al-Zayat, an Egyptian expert in military affairs, said that a state of anxiety prevails within the Arab region. He noted the escalating pace of military maneuvers among Arab countries or between them and countries outside the region. Speaking to Al-Monitor over the phone, he said, The Arab Shield 1 exercises come amid [Arab] fears of armed conflicts in the region. The situation in Yemen is deteriorating, the conflict in Syria is ongoing and the crisis in Libya is worsening. Ruling out the possibility of a Pan-Arab military alliance in the near future, Zayat pointed to the frequent disagreements among some Arab countries. Qatar and Oman are not participating in the current exercises. Arab disagreements hinder the formation of a Pan-Arab military alliance, he said. Even the fear of the Iranian influence failed to get Arab states to unite in a single bloc. In December 2015, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had announced an initiative to launch an Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism and extremism, dubbed the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT). Zayat said, IMAFT was a failed initiative that never materialized. Reuters reported July 27 that White House and Arab officials talked about US President Donald Trump seeking to revive plans to form an Arab NATO in order to confront Iran. Zayat described Trump's proposal to form a Middle Eastern military alliance to preserve the stability of the region as an ambitious proposal. He noted, The situation in the Arab region does not bode well. Washington focuses on facing the Iranian influence, but not all Arab countries have the same stance on Tehran. Egypt and Jordan are cautious about the Iranian expansion, but not as much as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Kuwait, Qatar and Oman also have cautious relations with Iran. There is no Arab consensus that Iran is an enemy. Zayat said, Saudi Arabia may accept Egypt as a member within a military alliance, but not within the Gulf Cooperation Council. He affirmed that a military alliance requires an agreement on the threat sources, the military command structure and operations management. All these details are still vague. Not to mention the varying political orientations among the Arab countries, he added. Tamer al-Shahawi, a member of the parliamentary National Defense and Security Committee and a former Egyptian military intelligence officer, said that a joint Arab force is a longstanding Egyptian demand, stressing the need for such a force to protect the Arab region. He noted, however, that some Arab countries may not have the political will to establish such a joint force. He told Al-Monitor over the phone, The Arab region is dealing with several interconnected and complex issues. A common stance should be adopted on all these issues in order to form a Pan-Arab military alliance. Shahawi noted that there will be no military cooperation between Egypt and Arab countries before a general Arab agreement is reached on the Syrian crisis and the Palestinian cause. He explained that a Pan-Arab military force would impose on all its members a specific security policy. Egypt sees Syria as an extension of its national security. For Saudi Arabia, Yemen is a priority and an extension of its national security. The Egyptian leadership wants to keep the regional conflict political while Saudi Arabia seems to favor military interventions. Shahawi added, The Arab Shield 1 exercises are professional military drills. If we are not able to form a military alliance, we should at least conduct joint military exercises. We must be ready in the event any political struggle in the region turns into a military conflict. On Israels stance toward such an alliance, he said, Israel is presenting itself as a strategic ally of the Arab countries against the Iranian threat. There is close cooperation between the Gulf states, Egypt and Israel against Tehran. Arab countries are trying to benefit from any possible support against the Iranian influence. Saeed al-Lawindi, an international relations expert, finds it unlikely that a Pan-Arab military alliance would be established at the moment. Some Arab countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Jordan might establish their own small military alliance to address a particular issue while neglecting the other outstanding issues, he told Al-Monitor. Should this experiment succeed, such an alliance may expand to include other Arab countries. Al-Monitor tried to contact Rifai, but he refused to comment on the topic. The chiefs of staff of the Arab armies met in 2015 to discuss the creation of a joint Arab force. The meetings were unsuccessful. The Arab League revealed on Aug. 26, 2015, that it received a request from Saudi Arabia to postpone a meeting of member state defense ministers, who were scheduled to ratify a protocol for a joint military force. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi affirmed Nov. 6 at a youth forum in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh that the Egyptian armed forces would come to the defense of Gulf Arabs against any danger or a direct threat. He asserted that Egypt would not isolate itself amid a difficult regional situation. Early elections appear right around the corner in Israel following todays acrimonious meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, the head of the right-wing religious Jewish Home party. Netanyahu refused Bennetts request to take over departed Defense Minister Avigdor Libermans portfolio. Instead, Netanyahu himself will serve as acting defense minister for the time being, in addition to his duties as prime minister and acting foreign minister. Why it matters: Liberman left office this week in opposition to the cease-fire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Without Libermans Yisrael Beitenu party, Netanyahus ruling coalition only had a one-seat majority in the Knesset. Todays showdown with Bennett further complicates the prime ministers ability to keep his allies together and all but ensures early elections in March or April. What theyre saying: Just like Liberman, Bennett's party wants a harder stance against Hamas and will now likely call for early elections. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, the head of the center-right Kulanu Party, has said it is an economic must to have elections as early as possible. Ultra-orthodox parties agree. A Cabinet of one: Netanyahu may be the only one who believes he can hold the government together until the original election date next November. He warned the right-wing parties that rushing to a vote would be a historic mistake that could see the left take power. Whats next: Netanyahu is scheduled to talk to all the coalition party leaders on Sunday before announcing an election date. Know more: Ben Caspit evaluates the reasons behind Liberman resignation, and Mazal Mualem explains why Netanyahu is worried after demonstrations against his seemingly week policy toward Hamas. -Danny Zaken Departing US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley will switch up one annual tradition at the world body before she leaves her post, voting no on a resolution that calls on Israel to leave the occupied Golan Heights. In the past, the United States has simply abstained. Why it matters: The Donald Trump administration has given Israel significant deference since taking office, including moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, which past presidents promised but never delivered. But the move is also an effort to cue up a regional policy to quell the fallout from the destructive Syrian civil war. The United States is sending a signal that its not willing to help broker a deal on the Golan as long as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hosts Iranian proxy groups in the war-torn country. Israel has tried to knock out Iranian ballistic missile sites that pose a cross-border threat. The resolution is plainly biased against Israel, Haley said in a statement. Further, the atrocities the Syrian regime continues to commit prove its lack of fitness to govern anyone. The destructive influence of the Iranian regime inside Syria presents major threats to international security. Background: Israel took two-thirds of the Golan Heights after defeating Syria and other Arab rivals in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed the territory more than a decade later. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will not withdraw from the occupied areas. Former President Barack Obama resisted Netanyahus calls for US endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, but Washington now appears more amenable to the claim. In September, US Ambassador David Friedman said he expected Israel to hold on to the Golan in perpetuity, though Trumps national security adviser John Bolton said there would be no change in the US position for now. Whats next: Geir Pedersen is taking over as the UN official leading the ill-fated Geneva talks that seek to set up elections and reunify the country. My job is to ensure the Assad regime goes nowhere until a political process begins, US envoy for Syria engagement James Jeffrey said at a conference in Washington on Thursday. Know more: Pentagon correspondent Jack Detsch has the latest on the fight against the Islamic State in the northeast, the main focus of 2,200 US troops engaged in Syrias war. - Jack Detsch The Iranian Parliament is going through a strange period these days. Former Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari, who was on the verge of being impeached, has now been confirmed by lawmakers as Irans new minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare even as he faces accusations of corruption and disapproval by the public. Reformist parliamentarians decision to back him as minister of labor has disappointment growing among their supporters by the day. Shariatmadari is perhaps one of the most controversial figures in the administration of President Hassan Rouhani. The former industry minister has served in various governments throughout the history of the Islamic Republic. He was appointed as minister of industry, mine and trade when Rouhani began his second term last year. However, his one-year tenure in that position was filled with controversy including speculation about his allocation of hard currency at the lower official rate to profiteering individuals or companies. The latter are accused of either not using their allocated hard currency to import anything rather hoarding or selling it on the open market for up to four times the rate or importing goods at the official exchange rate and then selling them at the far higher open market rates. Shariatmadari has been accused of not being transparent about which companies gained access to foreign currency at the official rate. Dissatisfaction over Shariatmadaris performance prompted lawmakers to move for his impeachment on Aug. 28. The motion was signed by 70 parliament members and listed 15 reasons for the decision. They included weak management, corruption and rentierism in the allocation of foreign currency and ordering vehicles, failure to control and manage markets, the dramatic rise in prices and failure to carry out his responsibilities related to the fight against smuggling of goods and foreign currency. On Oct. 9, the parliament's commission on industry and mines met to review the motion. Although Shariatmadari failed to attend the meeting, the commission asked that parliament proceed with the impeachment. The legislative body hesitated and Shariatmadari resigned on Oct. 20. Rouhani accepted his resignation and immediately introduced him to parliament as minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare. The post had been empty since Aug. 8, when Minister of Labor Ali Rabiei was impeached over mismanagement. Rouhanis move was initially not welcomed by Iranian lawmakers. Gholamali Jafarzadeh Iman Abadi, a parliament member representing the northern city of Rasht, was one of the lawmakers who opposed the move. Speaking on Oct. 21, he said, Shariatmadari was on the verge of impeachment. Parliament views him negatively. He displayed a weak performance at the Ministry of Industry. The public wants to know if there is really such a shortage of people that he has to be sent from the Ministry of Industry to the Ministry of Labor. Seyed Javad Hosseinikia, a parliamentarian representing the town of Sonqor in the western Kermanshah province, also harshly criticized the appointment on Oct. 27, saying, If Shariatmadari were a capable individual, he should have remained in the Ministry of Industry. Why should he become the minister of labor? Based on what? Shariatmadaris controversial management of the Ministry of Industry, and particularly his lack of transparency about the allocation of cheap foreign currency to various companies, has incensed the public. The moderate Entekhab news site, which is generally seen as supporting the Rouhani administration, posted a survey on Telegram Oct. 21 to gauge sentiments about Shariatmadari's appointment. Out of a total 6,000 people, 97% described the move as an insult to the people. However, things quickly shifted in Shariatmadari's favor as his vote of confidence drew near. Parliament member Jafarzadeh Iman Abadi, who was elected to parliament on the Reformist "List of Hope," became a supporter just days after harshly criticizing him. The lawmaker described Shariatmadari as an economic guerilla who the country needs at a time when the enemy has launched an economic war. Some political figures, such as outspoken Reformist parliamentarian Mahmoud Sadeghi, were still critical of Rouhani's decision. But regardless of the objections, Shariatmadari was approved by parliament on Oct. 27 as Irans new minister of labor with 196 votes in favor and only 63 votes against. The vote of confidence came only two months after more than 70 members of parliament signed a petition to call for his impeachment as industry minister. Although lawmakers may have done a U-turn, the vote of confidence sparked many protests on Iranian social media, especially among young Reformists. Saba Azarpeik, a prominent journalist working for several Reformist publications in Tehran who previously campaigned for Rouhani, tweeted Oct. 27, What happened during last nights dinner party between Shariatmadari and 90 Labor Ministry representatives? What promises were made there? Azarpeik also tweeted a letter attributed to the Intelligence Ministry and addressed to the parliament, pointing to felonies by Shariatmadari in relation to the illegal import of vehicles. She was arrested on Oct. 30, three days after Shariatmadaris confirmation, as many people continued to share her reports and documents incriminating Shariatmadari. Her detention was initially blamed on the new labor minister. However, on Oct. 31, Shariatmadari took to Twitter to express his displeasure with Azarpeiks detention and wrote that he did not want to see the security services detain Azarpeik or any other journalist. Azarpeik was released the next day. The reactions on social media by those who support Rouhani and the Reformists is a clear indication of that they are deeply unhappy with the performance of the administration and parliament. In this climate, the incumbent Reformist-majority parliament, whose members are primarily from the List of Hope, is finding itself greatly distanced from its supporters. Indeed, even the staunchest Reformist supporters are having a difficult time defending the questionable performance of their representatives in government and parliament. Given the circumstances at hand, it is only natural that the Principlists would move in and try to take advantage of the situation. Prominent conservative Mohammad Javad Bahonar said Nov. 10, Many believe that if Shariatmadaris impeachment hearing in relation to the Ministry of Industry had been held, he would have been dismissed given the current atmosphere in parliament. But this same parliament voted in his favor for the Ministry of Labor. These events indicate a lack of balance in the current parliament. If the current situation continues, what Bahonar has described as a lack of balance is likely to bring even more disappointment for those who support the government and the Reformists. Its ultimate repercussions could be far-reaching, paving the way for the loss of the governing moderate-Reformist coalition in the 2020 parliamentary and 2021 presidential elections. Iranian artists have raised their voices against the reinstatement of US sanctions, claiming that the punitive measures would hurt vulnerable groups such as women, children and the sick. One of the social media campaigns launched by artists, writers and intellectuals goes by the hashtag #SanctionsTargetMe. Iranian artists and celebrities posted a video on social media showing a mother explaining the ordeal her baby had gone through, and how her child had been hospitalized for three months because of a shortage of medicine due to the US sanctions. "Placing sanctions on Iranian banks is not just an act or a story for news agencies. Sanctioning Iran means the death of young children with cancer," said the one-paragraph declaration, which has been reposted by acclaimed artists and celebrities on their Instagram pages, including by actors Parviz Parastui, Reza Kianian and Sahar Dolatshahi. "[US President Donald] Trump claims that medicine is not included in his list of sanctions against Iran. This is a big lie. Placing sanctions on Iranian banks means that no one can make any transactions to buy anything not medicine for sick women and children, not any clothing #SanctionsTargetMe," wrote Kianian on Instagram Nov. 8. Other prominent artists and civil activists have launched a campaign at Change.org under the name "Voices against Sanctions." Two-time Academy Awards winner film director Asghar Farhadi, film director Rakhshan Banietemad and musician Kayhan Kalhor were one of the first to support the campaign. "Once again, the United States has imposed sanctions against Iran. Such measures have never brought to the people of Iran what [US] politicians proclaim they would: human rights, freedom and a better life. Every Iranian will personally pay the price for these sanctions, the petition stated. "When we join voices around the world to draw attention to the devastating effects of these sanctions on the people of Iran, we can stop the divisive decisions and policies of politicians." So far, more than 25,400 people have joined the online petition against the US sanctions. Shams Langroudi, an acclaimed poet and author who has also signed the petition, believes the campaign wants to give a voice to the Iranian people who have been seriously hurt by the sanctions" and "draw the attention of the international community to the oppression against ordinary people in Iran." On Nov. 10, he wrote in Iran newspaper, "The politicians deal with people's mind and artists deal with people's hearts. Those who impose sanctions generally say they want to overthrow the government with these sanctions. But do you know any governments that have been overthrown by the sanctions? American politicians are also aware that sanctions are one of the signs of desperation." Langroudi also explained the concrete effects of sanctions on the people with limited means, saying, "When the price of a vital drug for cancer becomes 10 times as much, it is not a matter of life and death for a rich man. However, [real] pressure will be imposed upon the people. While Iranian film stars and civil activists are condemning the United States for causing a shortage of medicine, Brian Hook, head of the Iran Action Group, announced that Washington has not placed any sanctions on medicine and food. But The Guardian quoted Nov. 2 an unnamed European diplomat as saying, "First [US officials] say it is too early, and the Iranians have to suffer. They have to feel the full brunt of sanctions and well see, indicating that the United States wanted to force Iran into concessions through economic isolation. Ahmad Sheybani, head of the Pharmaceutical Industries Syndicate, said at a conference Sept. 24, "They are lying that medicines aren't on the [list of] sanctions. During the past days and months, some foreign companies that have 40 years of trading cooperation with Iran have explicitly announced that they will not give 1 gram of raw material to Iran's pharmaceutical companies." Meanwhile, the regime change activists have attacked the Iranian artists for voicing their opposition to the US sanctions. US-based regime change supporter Saeed Ghasseminejad, a senior adviser on Iran at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described the artists as "thugs" who must be sent to the "garbage of history. Amir Etemadi, another US-based regime change supporter and the chair of Iranian Liberal Students and Graduates, criticized the artists for their declarations against sanctions, labeling them as "cheap" and "tied to the government. Asked about whether the criticisms against the artists for backing the campaigns are right or wrong, Arame Etemadi, who writes for Iran's Film magazine, told Al-Monitor, "The recent [statements] of the artists are completely based on their emotions. What the artists have done by signing a letter against the sanctions is just like supporting a patient who has no access to medicine. It does not stem from their political stance, but it is rather based on their emotions." She added, "It is crystal clear that a concerned Iranian would not be happy and comfortable with the US sanctions, and the artists in Iran are also sad to witness the fluctuations in the market that are diminishing the quality of people's lives. In response to the attacks, Kianian, argued on his Instagram page that the sanctions have targeted ordinary citizens. "The economic sanctions have made the rich richer and the poor poorer, and the majority of the middle class is also joining the camp of the poor, he said. "The sanctions will destroy the poor people [by forcing them into] starvation, [with no access to] medicine and shelter. It will pave the way for thieves and embezzlers." Kianian stressed that "in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen and so on people were destroyed and are being destroyed not the powerful people. War and sanctions will [only] empower those in power." Some 48 hours after it ran, the introductory paragraph of my Nov. 14 article on Al-Monitor requires revision. That same alert, anonymous Hamas fighter who had his suspicions aroused by the Israeli Defense Forces team operating deep within Gaza on Nov. 11 resulting in a deadly firefight set off a chain of regional reactions. For now, the results are not only the resignation of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, but probably also the downfall of Benjamin Netanyahus fourth government and early elections. The prime minister has hit a dead end. This was not supposed to happen. Against his will, Netanyahu will probably have to schedule elections for some time between March and May 2019. Unlike the luxury he enjoyed in recent years of calling the shots in right-wing politics, he has no control over this ongoing event. It caught him unprepared, even as he concluded that there was no reason to move up the elections scheduled for November 2019 and he would do better to stick with his current government. However, Libermans departure set off a minefield. Liberman appears to have coordinated his move with two of Netanyahus key coalition partners: Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, founder of the center-right Kulanu Party, and his old friend Aryeh Deri, minister of the interior and head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party. The fact that both of them immediately called for elections to be held as soon as possible indicated as much. Kahlon even vetoed a proposal to appoint Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the rightist HaBayit HaYehudi, as Libermans successor. Netanyahu realized he had been ambushed. If he is unable to appoint Bennett, HaBayit HaYehudi will join his other coalition partners in demanding elections. Even now, Libermans departure along with his partys lawmakers leaves Netanyahu with 61 Knesset seats, a one-seat, fragile majority at the mercy of any single disaffected legislator, such as Likuds Oren Hazan. This could spell the end of a term or of an era. We will know for sure within a few months. Most of Netanyahus partners are now pushing for the earliest possible elections. Two dates being mentioned are March 12 or 26 (elections in Israel are held on Tuesdays, by law), four months from now. Although the date is drawing near, as of now Israelis do not know just who the candidates will be. The political arena is still in the early stages of preparation. Netanyahu, who will run as the head of Likud, is the only certainty. Will the opposition center-left Zionist Camp remain intact with Labor head Avi Gabbay as its leader? Will the parties of the center and left unite? Will former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz form an independent party? With which party will former Defense Minister and Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon align himself? Will another former army chief, Lt. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi run on one of the platforms? Will Knesset member Orly Levy-Abekasis, who quit Libermans party, run as the head of a small independent party or hook up with a larger one? Will Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid eventually sign up a significant defense figure for his centrist party? Will the ultra-Orthodox Yahadut HaTorah party split into two rival camps? Will the Arab Joint List, comprised of three Arab-Israeli factions, stay together? Clearly, if the center and left-wing parties join forces, a parallel union will be formed on the right. About two weeks ago, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said as much at a private event in Washington. The comrades will have to hold their noses and line up in twos and threes behind Netanyahu. This could mean a joint Likud-HaBayit HaYehudi ticket for election purposes only a type of joint list comprising candidates of both parties. Despite it all, Liberman could also conceivably join such an alliance. Even Kahlon is an option. The potential partners will obviously be motivated by only one consideration: If they dont sign up, they could face political demise. Such a scenario would have Netanyahu pulling out all the stops as he did in the previous elections to mobilize support at the ballot boxes. He will make an almighty fuss, rant against the left for joining forces to unseat him, and warn that a vote for one of the smaller right-wing parties rather than Likud would sink the right wing. Such a campaign could result in total annihilation for the Likuds satellite parties, such as HaBayit HaYehudi, for the sake of saving the right and Netanyahu and keeping them in power. Early elections would also place Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in a bind. Shaked, at that same Washington event, predicted that Mandelblit would make his decision on whether to indict Netanyahu in one or more of three cases of suspected bribery by March in other words, right before the elections. A scenario in which the attorney general announces a decision to indict the prime minister of Israel on charges of bribery a week before general elections is a Hollywood script that even "House of Cards" writers would not dare consider. Mandelblit, who has already said on several occasions that the election date would not influence the timing of his decision, could decide to move up his decision or drag his feet and postpone it. In case of a delay, he would find himself in an even more sensitive situation: He would have to announce the indictment of a prime minister who had just won elections (assuming he would) and formed a government coalition. Either way, this is a potential nightmare that could send Israel into dangerous political chaos. Benjamin Netanyahu is still the most obvious and likely winner of the elections. Nonetheless, he is now more vulnerable than he was a few weeks or months ago. His ratings have declined due to the cease-fire he engineered with Hamas on Nov. 13 after the latest barrage of rockets it fired into Israel. The criticism directed at him from the right is particularly damaging, including violent demonstrations by enraged residents of the Gaza-border town of Sderot and fury on social networks. Netanyahu fears a strategic alliance against him that would mobilize traitors from within, such as former minister Gideon Saar and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, both with a strong following within Likud as well as Kahlon. Netanyahu is perennially suspicious of everyone generally for no reason. But this time he has outdone himself in paranoid delusions. To survive as prime minister, even for a short time, he will now need a disciplined party, more obedient coalition partners than ever before and impressive public support. If he is to hold it all together, Netanyahu will require the skills of a political acrobat, an electoral magician and a legal wizard. He is determined to succeed. It certainly seems like Israel is headed toward early elections. Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, who resigned Nov. 14, and Education Minister Naftali Bennett were both part of the current right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, competing over which of them was its most right-wing member. And so, whether or not the current government will be dissolved in the coming months, it would leave a series of controversial laws and initiatives in its wake. What all these laws and initiatives have in common is that they attempt to bolster Israels identity as a Jewish state and, ultimately, demand total loyalty from its citizens. Under these circumstances, Judaism and loyalty became the criteria to be eligible for the equal rights of citizenship. These elections, which will likely take place between March and May 2019, may be the last chance for the Druze community to repeal the odious Nationality Law, which, by its very nature, defines them as second-class citizens. If they fail in this attempt, the law will tarnish the countrys image for all time. That is why, just a few hours after Defense Minister Liberman resigned, Brig. Gen. Amal Assad (res.), a member of the Druze community, told Al-Monitor with complete confidence that the Nationality Law will be repealed. Assad fought in the Battle of the Chinese Farm in Sinai during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. It was one of the bloodiest battles ever fought by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He went on to command Battalion 932 of the Nahal Corps, and was head of the Coordination and Liaison Administration with the Palestinians. After the Nationality Law was passed on July 19, he became a leader of the Druze demonstration in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, using Facebook to denounce Israel as an apartheid state. At a meeting planned to reconcile the prime minister with the Druze community on Aug. 2, Netanyahu stormed out simply because Assad was one of the notables in attendance. Assads military past, his heroism and his loyalty to the state failed to score him any points with Netanyahu. Since then, Assad has taken it upon himself to convince Israels Jewish citizens that the Nationality Law does not just affect the Druze and other minorities. He insists that it is incumbent upon the Jewish citizens of Israel to stand shoulder to shoulder with the countrys minorities in pressuring Israels decision-makers so that this blotch left by the Netanyahu government be removed. As he puts it, We will not allow this issue to come off the agenda in the upcoming elections. At this stage, Assad refuses to go into detail as to what steps the Druze are planning to take to force the members of the next coalition to repeal the discriminatory law. Nevertheless, he shows great confidence in saying that the parties will be subject to so much pressure when the next coalition is formed that one of the first acts the new government will be forced to take is repealing the Nationality Law. The Druze community in Israel numbers 140,000 people. They are barely worth two seats in the Knesset, which means that they have very little strength electorally, said Assad. He knows that boycotting the election would have no real impact on the various parties, but we will make sure that the people of Israel will be on our side when we demand that the law be amended, and that will happen even before the election. The law will be repealed. I promise you that. Assad is not a politician, nor does he hold any official leadership position among the Druze community. Nevertheless, he is empowered by his public advocacy on behalf of IDF troops in general and Druze soldiers in particular. The younger members of his community consider him a role model, worthy of admiration and emulation. There has been a rise in the number of Druze enlisting in the IDF over the last few years. While this can be attributed to the social mobility that military service ensures minorities, the idea of serving their country like all other citizens is also an essential value that younger Druze absorb in the home. They are taught that serving is the right thing to do, and fathers and sons alike take pride in their positions, ranks and commendations. In fact, some Druze communities in the north look more like military bases than villages. In a 2017 interview, the commander of the Druze and Circassian sectors of the IDFs Population Administration, Maj. Lutfi Harb, said that about 1,000 young members of the Druze and Circassian communities enlist in the IDF every year. He noted the record number of Druze and Circassians enlisted, in addition to an increase in recent years in the number of Druze recruits to the IDFs academic training units. He said the IDF considers members of the Druze and Circassian communities to be highly motivated soldiers, who consider their enlistment in the IDF as a major impetus for social mobility and integration into Israeli society. As such, they begin preparing for service as early as high school. Once a year, soldiers and officers from the various units visit the communitys schools to talk to the students about what they do and expose them to the various units. This helps students understand the differences between the Givati, Golani and paratrooper brigades, and lets them know what to expect, he said. According to recent IDF data, Druze soldiers can be found all across the IDF, from front-line units like Golani to intelligence units employing advanced technologies, like Unit 8200. We are equal when we are in uniform, but once we put on civilian clothing, we face discrimination, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, said Oct. 24 at a Jewish Agency conference. The covenant of blood that his father, Sheikh Amin Tarif, forged with Israel back in 1956 has been a sign of honor in the communitys complicated relationship with the nation state of the Jewish people. Even though this covenant has been violated unilaterally, not a single leader of the community, including its most stubborn and most militant spokesmen like Amal Assad would never even consider issuing a call to refuse to serve as part of their efforts to overturn the law. On the contrary, they prefer pointing to the rise in the number of new recruits every year and to use that as leverage against the discriminatory law. The Druze leadership made a strategic decision, which gained momentum once they realized that elections were right around the corner. They would launch a different kind of struggle and cause politicians from all parties who voted in support of the Nationality Law to feel ashamed of what they did. They believe that this sense of shame would cause them and the leaders of their parties to introduce a clause calling for the repeal of the law into their parties platforms and use it as part of their election campaigns. Having two or even three seats in the Knesset is not enough to really apply political pressure. As such, the Druze plan to win as much support as they can from Jewish citizens who were ashamed by the very passing of a law, which grants unequal status to other loyal citizens, solely on the basis of their ethnicity. What the Druze really hope is that the strength of their two seats will multiply into an electoral force that is much stronger than its disparate parts. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Libermans resignation yesterday sparked debates not only about the fate of the country's current ruling coalition but also about the future of Israeli-Russian relations especially when it comes to Syria. Born in the former Soviet Union in what is currently the Republic of Moldova and fluent in Russian, Liberman leads the right-wing party Yisrael Beitenu and has had a reputation as an advocate for stronger relations with Moscow. His party is popular among Jews from the former Soviet Union who made aliyah or homecoming to Israel in 1990s. Liberman, a controversial politician who has frequently received serious backlash from left-wing parties and human rights organizations for his hateful rhetoric against Arabs, had significant success in the 2009 elections when Yisrael Beitenu won 15 seats in the Knesset and went on to become the second largest party after Likud. Following corruption scandals that plagued party officials, some part of the so-called "Russian base" turned away from Yisrael Beitenu, and in 2015 it received only six seats. The program of Libermans party did not include developing relations with Russia and was more focused on social and security issues. Yet while he was Israeli minister of foreign affairs (2009-2012, 2013-2015), one of his priorities was a more close and trustful dialogue with Moscow. Since 2016, when he took over as defense minister, relations with Russia particularly concerning Syria became a focus of Israel's foreign policy. His personal diplomacy came as an advantage in this sphere. Just over a year ago, on Oct. 16, during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Liberman told his counterpart first in Russian and then in Hebrew that Israel values its relations with Russia for the sincere, candid dialogue [between the two] and added it is the way to solve all the problems. Liberman was among the most staunch critics of Iran's presence in Syria, pushing the agenda at every encounter with his Russian counterparts. On May 31, 2018, Liberman traveled to Moscow to discuss what he deemed the entrenchment of Iran and its proxies in Syria, two weeks after President Vladimir Putins remarks on the need for all foreign forces to withdraw from the war-torn country. However, since Liberman does not have a background in security, some military sources claimed that the top brass has always seen him as an outsider." Others argue that he hasn't made any major contributions to Israeli defense policies over his two-and-a-half years in office, calling him a cartoon defense minister. In fact, it is hard to claim that Liberman alone somehow seriously changed the rules of engagement with the Russians. Israel's foreign policy is in the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of the Likud party. Besides, during most of Netanyahu's meetings with Putin, he has been accompanied by another Russian-speaking politician, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Minister of Environmental Protection Ze'ev Elkin. As Minister of Defense, Liberman has been limited in his capacity to influence the decision-making process when it comes to major issues. The recent situation in Gaza clearly exposed this. Netanyahu managed to avoid an unnecessary war, resulting in a lot of criticism from hard-liners including Liberman. In some respect, Liberman made this decision to quit as an attempt to survive as a political figure. According to recent polls, he does not have enough support from Israelis to be a major player in the next election, and he is not a good contender to beat Mr. Security Netanyahu at least for now. After Libermans resignation, the position of defense minister was temporarily transferred to Netanyahu, who also holds other governmental positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Health. However, Minister of Education, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett threatened to quit the coalition if Netanyahu didn't make him defense minister. Netanyahu is at a crossroads: to call an early election where according to the polls he has a good chance of winning, or to save the coalition for letting Bennett take the defense minister position. Neither of the two options looks particularly appealing, and Netanyahu will have to showcase the best of his political maneuvering. In Russia, some pro-Israeli experts who have advocated for a stronger response to Hamas attacks raised concerns over the departure of Liberman. The concern is that Netanyahus backtracking on the operation in Gaza may send a wrong signal to Iran and Hezbollah over Israels resolve to tackle the security challenges they pose in the north of the country. This, the argument goes, may embolden Tehran and pro-Iranian militias, and thus create new risks for Russias own policies in Syria and its relationship with Israel similar to those that occurred over Syrias fatal mistake in downing the Russian spy plane in mid-September that the Russian military blamed on Israeli provocation. In the broader scheme of things, relations with Russia are not being targeted by political rivals amid the internal spat in Israeli politics. If Bennett becomes Israel's new Defense Minister, it is unlikely to affect relations with Moscow. Russia believes there is a consensus throughout the Israeli political and military establishment for maintaining a good and mutually beneficial partnership with the Kremlin in Syria. The main issue is how to keep these relations fruitful when both sides are looking at one another but not in one direction. RAMALLAH Posters have been an important tool of the Palestinian National Movement throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Different Palestinian factions printed and distributed their own posters, which used Palestinian liberation symbols such as raised fists or olive branches and doves to draw attention to their plight and resistance. Palestinian artists' posters, popular at home and abroad, were not only tools to create a narrative about the Palestine liberation, but a means to forge solidarity with other countries, revolutions and people under oppression. Interest in the so-called solidarity posters or Palestine posters has waned in the last two decades, but a small exhibition that opened Nov. 13 in the Palestinian Museum aims to revive the tradition through the works of young artists. The posters are the results of a three-day solidarity revival workshop in October at the museum, located north of Ramallah in the West Bank. The young artists created 12 posters that focus on several causes, though solidarity with the peoples of Yemen and Syria are recurrent themes. Haya Kaabneh's two posters express solidarity with Syria, while one of the posters by Haneen Nazzal focuses on Yemen and another on Syrian detainees. A poster by Ahmed Mufeed shows a dagger with the names of Arab capitals inside. With Yemen until victory reads its slogan. Visual artist Majd Masri's poster expresses solidarity with exploited African workers and links their plight to that of Palestinian workers, whom she calls "victims of similar persecution. Masri tried to create solidarity posters for the first time two years ago but was unhappy with the results. After the workshop instructed by well-known artist Amer Shomali, she was more confident. She told Al-Monitor, It was important to develop my capacities and widen my experience in creating posters. The workshop showed me how to express my ideas in a [more impactful] way. Her current poster is simply two hands one black and another white gripping each other. Ahmad Mufeed, a sociology student at Birzeit University and poster aficionado, told Al-Monitor that the workshop helped him decipher the symbolism in posters, especially solidarity ones, and learn how to design his own. Since the 1960s, Palestinian posters have rallied Palestinians around different causes, such as refugees, the first intifada, the closure of Palestinian universities and attacks by the Israeli forces. The medium was taken up by many other Arab artists, who created hundreds of Palestine posters to express solidarity with the Palestinians struggle and to support the liberation-oriented Palestinian rhetoric. Palestinian artists such as Mustafa al-Hallaj, Ismail Shammout, Abdel Rahman al-Muazin, Vladimir Tamari, Tawfik Abdel Al and Adnan Al-Sharif have drawn hundreds, if not thousands, of posters in diverse styles that were popular at home and abroad and later became collector's items or subjects of academic or archival projects. Other artists from the region, such as Izzat from Egypt, Imad Issa from Lebanon or Metin Akin from Turkey, have worked in this genre, expressing their own solidarity with the Palestinian cause or drawing parallels between the Palestinian cause and their own national causes. Some Europeans also became involved, such as Swiss artist Mark Rudin, who produced hundreds of Palestine posters since the late 1960s. His work helped propagate the Palestinian revolutions rhetoric in the world through stark and forceful imagery. Media coordinator at the Palestinian Museum Hanin Saleh told Al-Monitor, The exhibition and the workshop aims to revive the idea of solidarity through posters that entwine the Palestinian cause with other causes. Saleh said that reviving this art requires continuous work and efforts from different parties and expressed hope that the exhibition will rekindle interest. She noted that the archival work on the old Palestinian posters show that there was wide solidarity with the Palestinians among artists of different countries throughout the 1960s into the 80s. Shomali told Al-Monitor that the Oslo Accords of 1993 ended much of the rhetoric of Palestinian solidarity with the persecuted people of the world. We [lost that link] as though we now had become a [new] entity. The PLO stopped declaring solidarity with persecuted people and their causes, he said. He added, But we, as designers, work now on producing some contemporary posters to revive that solidarity with persecuted people. Poster designers must think clearly and focus on similarities, he said, explaining, Solidarity with African workers is [parallel to] the unjust treatment of Palestinian workers, and solidarity with Syrian refugees stems from the fact that Palestinians have been refugees for 70 years. Shomali said social media provided a unique platform for global solidarity. People have their own ways to show solidarity with each other, like social media platforms, which can become a museum for posters. The war in Yemen has been making headlines recently in what is considered a huge shift, given the weak media coverage it's received in the past. This shift is due not only to the growing humanitarian crisis, but also to rising political tensions between Saudi Arabia and the West in the wake of the October slaying of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. The Yemen conflict also drew attention this week as Saudi Arabia halted, at least temporarily, its devastating assault on the strategic port of Hodeidah. After the war in Yemen erupted in 2015, the UN issued Resolution 2216 that April, demanding an unconditional end to the violence. But the Saudis merely used the resolution to supposedly legitimize its coalition's attacks, designed to help bring back the ousted government to the capital, Sanaa. The following year, US Secretary of State John Kerry proposed an initiative during his last few months in office, calling for a stop to the Houthi rebels use of ballistic missiles, forming a national unity government and handing militias arms to a third party. Since then, however, media and political attention to the war otherwise had been sparse and ineffective. But the situation changed after Khashoggi's death Oct. 2. Much of the West hardened its tone against the kingdom. There has been talk about US and British diplomatic efforts to seek a UN decision to stop the war. Efforts are growing to stop arms sales to the Saudi kingdom. Germany announced Oct. 22 it would halt its sales, while French President Emmanuel Macron faced an unprecedented wave of criticism following his Oct. 26 statements in which he sought to justify his country's ongoing deals with the kingdom. US President Donald Trump was widely criticized in mid-October for defending a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia in the wake of angry media and political calls to punish Saudi Arabia for the Khashoggi slaying. Trump stopped mentioning the deal. Trump, Saudi Arabia's closest Western ally, even attacked the kingdom by saying in a Nov. 4 TV interview that the Saudis have misused US-supplied weapons. He cited a Saudi airstrike that hit a school bus in August, killing 43 people, including 29 children. Also, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis in October called for stopping the war in Yemen. The United States is the kingdom's key source of arms and could hamper the Saudis' efforts to continue the war. The United States did stop supplying Saudi aircraft with fuel Nov. 10, but didn't halt all intelligence and military support for the Saudis in Yemen. Until this week, when the Saudis called for a temporary halt to battles for the rebel-held port city of Hodeidah on the western coast, fighting there had been escalating. The port is the main lifeline for millions of Yemenis in need of humanitarian aid. The front lines had been relatively calm for months, before the Saudi-led coalition resumed its campaign to take the port in June, sparking concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis and fears the port would be destroyed. According to Relief Web, the city's population until June was about 600,000; officials say about 445,000 people had fled from there as of September. The port supplies Yemen with 70% to 80% of its basic food needs. Yemen's total population is roughly 29 million. Humanitarian concerns increased after the battle in Hodeidah turned into a street war in which forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition took over the city entrances, except for the northern one linking the city to Sanaa. Journalist Bassim al-Jinani of Hodeidah told Al-Monitor that some missiles and weapons fragments were reaching residential areas. Even with the informal cease-fire, the warring parties remain on guard and continue to receive supplies. In September, UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths sought to hold negotiations not for a cease-fire, but specifically to address humanitarian issues, solve the division of the Central Bank and open the Sanaa international airport. Despite this low negotiation bar, the talks never got off the ground in Geneva, as Houthis failed to show up. On Nov. 13, British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt announced Saudi Arabia agreed to allow wounded Houthis to be evacuated on a private Omani jet. This seems to point to the kingdom's intention to halt the war and reduce international pressure on itself. It's also a favorable indicator that new negotiations slated for the end of this month in Sweden will actually take place. A Yemeni politician told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the upcoming negotiations will focus on the cease-fire and on addressing humanitarian issues to build trust among the parties. Attendees are also expected to discuss frameworks for a sustainable negotiation process about the country's future, security arrangements regarding the militias' retreat from the cities and handing over heavy weapons. He added that the biggest challenge facing negotiators is the fate of the Saudi-backed exiled president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and his government. No settlement proposal can promise results. It's difficult to address the proliferation of weapons and militias. Ending the direct regional military intervention wouldn't necessarily end the increasing meddling in Yemen through local pawns. The regional conflict in Yemen now includes many areas that were relatively remote, such as Al-Mahra governorate in extreme southeast Yemen along the border with Oman. Clashes and protests against the Saudi presence have been breaking out in the governorate for the past three months as part of the proxy conflict with Oman and Qatar supporting the Houthis on one hand, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates supporting the ousted government on the other. Iran is also interfering by supporting the Houthis, who control the capital. 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. 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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., had hoped to block a pending arms sale to the tiny kingdom as a reprimand of the Saudi-led Arab coalitions war against Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels. But the vote overwhelmingly failed 77-21, with even some of Saudi Arabias harshest critics on Capitol Hill coming to Bahrains defense. Ahead of the vote, Paul said, This is a proxy vote on the war in Yemen. The Bahrainis are a part of a nine-country coalition fighting this war that have had casualties, he said. They have dropped bombs, been on the ground in Yemen. Pauls resolution would have blocked a pending $300 million arms sale to supply Manama with 120 guided multiple launch rocket systems and 110 tactical missiles. That was a tough sell for most senators, many of whom were concerned about the consequences of punishing a key ally that hosts the US Navys 5th Fleet, a key deterrent against Iran. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., teamed up with the committees top Democrat, Bob Menendez, D-N.J., to convince senators not to block the sale. Despite their increasing criticism of Saudi Arabia over the Yemen war and the Saudi murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the two senators argued that arms sales to Bahrain were unrelated to the anti-Houthi campaign. Im currently opposing an important arms sale to Saudi Arabia due to the fact that the Saudis are using these weapons in a specific context inappropriately, Menendez said ahead of the vote. This weapons sale is not part of a comprehensive strategy to end the civil war in Yemen. However, Menendez added, I have much in common with Sen. Paul on the question of Yemen. I have moved in his direction. The Saudis have had their opportunity. I am promoting legislation with several colleagues on a bipartisan basis that will do exactly that. Corker also argued that while a price needs to be paid over the Yemen war, punishing a US ally would not achieve that objective. He also noted that the Donald Trump administration sanctioned 17 Saudi officials today for their alleged role in the Khashoggi murder, adding that hopefully different steps will be made an apparent reference to punishing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the suspected murder mastermind. But the response has not satisfied Paul, who refused to join the rest of his counterparts on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month when they called for a federal probe over Khashoggis murder. At the time, Paul argued that the Trump administration and his colleagues would use it as a reason to avoid arms sale bans. And while Trump has prioritized foreign arms sales, it remains unclear exactly why Bahrain needs the rocket and missile systems. In announcing the State Department's backing for the sale in late September, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said, Bahrain will use the enhanced capabilities to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Were perplexed by why they need these, Husain Abdulla, the executive director for Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain, an activist group supporting the arms sale ban, told Al-Monitor. Sure theyre part of the [Yemen] coalition, but their presence is minimal, especially compared to the Saudis and the Emiratis. We speculate that its a way to keep the US engaged with the region. Abdullas organization had asked Pauls office to spotlight Bahrain because of its human rights record. There are a number of domestic issues that we would have liked to see Sen. Paul highlight, understanding that Yemen is a bigger draw to a certain degree, said Abdulla. Bahrains Shiite majority has long decried discrimination at the hands of the kingdoms Sunni leadership. Although Bahrain is set to hold elections next week, it has banned the main opposition groups Al-Wefaq and the National Democratic Action Society from participating. Bahrain also sentenced Al-Wefaqs leader, Shiite cleric Sheikh Ali Salman, to life in prison earlier this month. Even Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., one of the harshest critics of the Yemen war, voted against ending the weapons sale for Bahrain. This was not a proxy vote for the war in Yemen, Murphy told Al-Monitor. Bahrain has an increasingly horrendous human rights record but they are not an active participant in the Yemen coalition and they house substantial numbers of US personnel. Murphy intends to introduce a resolution later this month forcing a vote to end US support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who voted in favor of the Paul resolution. Their previous attempt to do so earlier this year failed 55-44, but they expect to gain more traction following Khashoggis murder. However, House Republicans managed to keep the Democrats from holding a vote on the same resolution in the lower chamber on Wednesday. What does it mean to your organization? State and local leaders in government, business and education answered that question Friday at the groundbreaking for Huntsvilles new Mazda Toyota automobile manufacturing plant. The two companies gave their own opening answers at the groundbreaking with $870,000 in donations to six local and area school systems, job training programs and local charities. The leaders' answers, given before those donations were announced, show how the plant will change many things in Alabama, not just one. BROOKS KRACKE, president and CEO of the North Alabama Industrial Development Association: "North Alabama has never had an original equipment manufacturer like this. This is our first O.E.M. to produce a full, completed automobile. So the opportunities are going to be jobs for the citizens of north Alabama for the next 50 years. This facility, as the Japanese like to say, is going to have a 50-year lifespan. So the opportunities are endless. "The issue we have now is, over that 50 years, there have to be people to have those jobs. We have to continue to build north Alabama, the state of Alabama, to get people to know we have jobs here and to keep our young people in the state of Alabama to take those jobs. And we have to have people move here, because its going to be very important for the next 50 years, that pipeline of people to work not only for Mazda-Toyota but also the suppliers and service industries that are going to spring up around this region to support this facility. Were like the dog chasing the car. Now, what are we going to do with it? JENNIE ROBINSON, Huntsville city council member: "We have expanded the tax base, so this means were going to have more revenue that will help us improve our infrastructure. All the things people complain about: paving roads, access, all the transportation issues we have. This broadens the tax base so we will have the resources to improve the quality of life for everyone. RICHARD TUCKER, director, Huntsville International Airport "Its going to impact us in a great way in virtually every aspect of our operation. Well see increased passengers, and well see increased freight on the rail side and air side. Were even working with suppliers to potentially move into the Jetplex Industrial Park. So every phase of our operation is going to see a very positive impact. Were excited about it. JON HOWELL, CEO, Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc., the countys ambulance service: "Our footprint is going to shift a little more west. Ultimately, when the plant is built and the population is out here to support it, well have to be out here to support them. We have to be looking around now and preparing for the eventuality that well have to have more resources and a presence out here. Its going to be more than this plant. Its going to be the people, the housetops and other businesses out here. This is the new frontier for us. PAUL FINLEY, mayor of Madison: "I think its just one more example of how this community, not just Madison, but the Tennessee Valley, gets it in working together. And we will also get it in terms of figuring how to support whats coming. Its a big deal. Basically 4,000 jobs, another 10,000 support jobs. There are a lot of things that need to be done to make sure this is successful. Were already talking about what possibly could go wrong, i.e., workforce, to make sure we do everything to support this huge win. I think Madison was already changing with all the success weve had. It just adds to that. It helps everyone understand that wed better be planning together. Its the truth. Right now, we know people want to live in Madison if you value education. We know more people are coming. JANET KINCHERLOW-MARTIN, dean of institutional advancement, Calhoun Community College: What it means is the possibilities for our students. The kinds of employees this plant will require are the kinds of students that we train through our industrial program. Our programs are full now, which is a good for us, and those students have another choice of where theyre going to go. Well definitely have to grow our program and we hope add new instructors. Its a wonderful thing for the college and a great thing for this community. CHRISTINE CURTIS, provost, University of Alabama in Huntsville It certainly means opportunity for our students in multiple ways. Certainly in terms of jobs. Some of our students basically have to work themselves through school. Other opportunities are for internships, cooperative education where our students can actually be involved with the engineering, the operations and learn what its like. We have many mechanical engineers, civil engineers, industrial systems engineers and business students to come and actually participate in the operations and get real-world experience. And that sets them up with opportunities with Toyota-Mazda or other companies. It also gives them an opportunity to see if they like it. If they dont like, they know theyd better go another career direction. LUCIA CAPE, senior vice president of economic development, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce "This project is really a game-changer in advanced manufacturing for us, especially the commercial sector, not only because of the name recognition but (Mazda-Toyota) are forming a new joint venture. Theyre looking at new ways of doing things, and we get to be on the forefront of that. That puts us on a national and international stage and, because of the job numbers and the skill sets, we are going to step up our workforce development efforts to meet the challenge, which will open us up for future growth. PHIL RIDDICK, Madison County commissoner "Good paying jobs and multipliers on top of that. Four thousand jobs and probably another 4,000-8,000 support jobs. A community is either growing or its going backwards. The Toyota-Mazda name is a big name and it enhances our image. That has lots of implications other than just the jobs. The pecan orchard where thousands of turkeys freely roamed just a couple of weeks ago is kind of quiet now, empty except for a few lonesome birds. Inside the cluttered offices of Bates Turkey Farm in rural Lowndes County, though, it's as busy as the post office the week before Christmas. "Hello, Bates Turkey Farm," Becky Bates Sloane says as she answers the phone. "Yes, ma'am. . . . OK, can you hold on a second?" Sloane, who has a visitor, hollers to someone in the adjoining room: "You want to take this order?" The latest flock of about 4,000 turkeys arrived here as day-old poults from a hatchery in Ohio about four months ago, and they'll leave here in Styrofoam ice chests, destined for Thanksgiving dinner tables from the Carolinas to California. "We ship a lot to California," Sloane says. "We've had regular customers in California for 25, 30 years. And we ship a lot up the East Coast and to Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas. Pretty much everywhere." In addition to the last-minute Thanksgiving orders, this year, Bates Turkey Farm is partnering with a local charity to prepare enough turkey and dressing to feed the residents of Hurricane Michael-ravaged Mexico Beach, Fla. "I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to cook enough turkey and dressing for a thousand people," Sloane says. "We're going to send food down to Mexico Beach for Thanksgiving Day." W.C."Bill" Bates Jr., is pictured in 2001 in front of the old family farm house where he is born in the small community of Logan, Ala. bn A wedding gift from Aunt Mamie The story of Bates Turkey Farm begins in 1923, when World War I veteran Willie Claude Bates from the little Lowndes County community of Logan married Helen Hudson from nearby Mount Willing, and the newlyweds received nine turkey eggs as a wedding gift from W.C.'s aunt Mamie Bates. "Like everybody back then, they farmed," Sloane, one of W.C. and Helen's granddaughters, says. "They had ducks. They had chickens. They started the turkeys, and I guess it became a little side thing for the holidays." When times got hard during the Great Depression, it was the turkeys that kept their farm going, and in 1938, W.C. Bates mortgaged 200 of his turkeys for the $75 he needed to pay the property taxes on the farm. In 1946, after serving in World War II, W.C. "Bill" Bates Jr., W.C. and Helen's son, dropped out of Auburn University and came home to Logan, about five miles from Fort Deposit, to help run the family farm. "When Daddy got out of World War II, he said he was going to come home and work for himself, that he was tired of taking orders and standing in line," Sloane, one of Bill Bates' five children, recalls. "He was ready to come home and be an entrepreneur." Bill Bates was the visionary who grew the turkey farm from a little family business into a nationally recognized brand that now sells and ships it turkeys to customers throughout the continental United States. "Anybody can sell a turkey," he said in a 2001 interview with The Birmingham News. "But to stay in this business, it's all about marketing." And Bill Bates was a marketing whiz. In this 1949 photo, W.C. "Bill" Bates Jr., holding the turkey, looks on as Gov. James "Big Jim" Folsom signs an official pardon sparing the turkey from the Thanksgiving dinner table. (Photo courtesy of Bates Turkey Farm) A 'pardon' from the governor In 1949, to drum up publicity for the state turkey growers, Bates went to Montgomery to get Gov. James "Big Jim" Folsom to officially "pardon" a tom turkey and spare it from a Thanksgiving death sentence. It began an annual Alabama Thanksgiving tradition, and the walls inside the Bates Turkey Farm offices are now covered with framed, 8-by-10 photographs of Bill Bates and his soon-to-be-pardoned turkeys alongside governors from George Wallace and Fob James to Bob Riley and Robert Bentley. In exchange for pardoning the turkey each year, Bates also presented the governor with a dressed turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. "George Wallace got most of 'em," Bates told The Birmingham News in 2012. "In fact, he and I got to be good friends. He said I was the only Republican he ever liked. I said, 'I guess so, I've given you enough turkeys.'" Bates named each one of the pardoned turkeys "Clyde," in honor of one of his fishing buddies. "About the second year of the pardons, a reporter asked me what the turkey's name was," Bates told The News. "I'd just been on a fishing trip with Clyde, so that's how it happened. "At first, I tried to number 'em all, like Clyde I, Clyde II and so on. But I didn't learn my Roman numerals past 12, so I just called 'em all Clyde." Bill Bates died in 2013, but the Thanksgiving tradition that he began in 1949 lives on. This week, at a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey officially pardoned the 70th Clyde, along with the hen Henrietta. Like most of the previous Clydes, this one will come back to the farm in Lowndes County and live out the rest of its life in the cool shade of those pecan trees. For a turkey, it beats the dinner table. W.C. "Bill" Bates Jr. and Teresa Bates' five children are pictured on the family turkey farm in Logan, Ala., in 1962. From left are Jane, Becky, Pete, John and Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Bates Turkey Farm) A life down on the farm Becky Bates Sloane and her younger brother John Bates grew up working on their family's turkey farm, as did all three of their siblings, Jane, Pete and Thomas. "At one time, everybody has worked here," Sloane says. "There's five of us, and everybody worked here. "I loved it," she adds. "I thought growing up like that was the best thing in the world." Early on, though, Sloane learned that she shouldn't get too attached to the birds, that those cute, little one-day-old poults that she watched mature into full-feathered, fully grown turkeys would one day get butchered and plucked, and that she would have to help do it. "When we were little, we kind of did (get attached)," she says. "But being on the farm, you learn the natural order of nature, so you don't let that bother you." John Bates, Becky's younger brother, was about 6 years old when his parents put him to work on the farm. "Back then, we used to process chickens," he recalls. "We killed chickens three days a week -- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And back then, you caught 'em early in the morning. "We would get up at like one o'clock in the morning and go catch chickens," he adds. "We got through about daylight, and then we came in the house and washed up and got dressed to go to school." By the time he turned 16, John Bates was driving a truck and delivering turkeys to customers all around the state. "I remember showing up at a place in Dothan," he says. "I pulled up, and I said, 'I'm here with Bates Turkey Farm.' The man said, 'Boy, are you old enough to drive?' I said, 'Well, I just got my driver's license back in the spring.' You couldnt do that nowadays. They kind of frown upon that." These days, John Bates manages the turkey plant, while his sister Becky spends most of her time at the restaurant. Their brother Pete helps with the turkey sales. One of Sloane's three daughters, Cheri Weekley, works as the office manager and takes care of all the shipping, and another daughter, Michelle Sloane, manages the restaurant. John Bates' son Ben raises the turkeys with his dad and helps around the farm. A couple of Sloane's grandchildren also work at the farm and at the restaurant, and they may be the next generation to carry on the Bates family tradition. "It's all a family thing," Sloane says. "I don't know if any of them will continue in it, but we'll see." Bates House of Turkey, which opened in 1970 in Greenville, Ala., is a familiar landmark to travelers along I-65. (Photo courtesy of Bates House of Turkey) A familiar landmark along I-65 As clever as Bill Bates' turkey-pardoning publicity stunt was, he came up with an even better idea that really put Bates turkeys on the map nearly 50 years ago. "We sit right here on (U.S.) Highway 31," Becky Sloane says of the turkey farm, "and when we were growing up, this was the highway from Chicago to Mobile. If you were going to the beach, if you were going anywhere, you came down Highway 31. "As young people, we got to take turns sitting out here on Saturdays for people coming off the highway buying turkeys." All that changed, though, with the completion of Interstate 65, which routed traffic a couple of miles west of the farm, leaving it off the beaten path. "When the interstate came through, Daddy, like I said, he was really a visionary, he was always thinking ahead," Sloane says. "So he bought a piece of property in Greenville on the interstate. And back then, I think there was just the Gulf station and the Holiday Inn at the Greenville exit." On March 1, 1970, Bill Bates and his wife, Teresa, opened a restaurant they named Bates House of Turkey, and they made a conscious decision to serve only turkey dishes made from the free-range birds grown on their farm. "People said, 'How in the world? Is that all you're going to serve?'" Sloane remembers. "'Surely, you're going to have something else.'" But like many of Bill Bates' crazy ideas, that one worked, too. An Alabama institution, Bates House of Turkey has become a familiar landmark for hungry travelers who pull off I-65 and drop in for a turkey sandwich or to pick up a smoked turkey to take with them to the beach. In addition to roast turkey dinners and smoked turkey sandwiches, you'll find everything from turkey lasagna and turkey tetrazzini to turkey chili and turkey gumbo, all of which are recipes Sloane developed. "We've been so blessed because of the interstate and all of the traffic from it," Sloane says. "From March, whenever people start going on vacation for spring break, we are tremendously busy at the restaurant. "People just eat more turkey now," she adds. "It tastes good and it's healthy and it's good for you." A little bit of turkey every day Customers can rest assured that a turkey from Bates Turkey Farm is, as the slogan says, "grown natural, as natured intended," with no growth hormones and no food additives. "When you get our turkey, you are getting a hundred percent turkey," Sloane says. "You are not paying for water and salt and phosphate. And when you taste it, you can taste the difference." Sloane believes eating a little turkey every day helps keep the doctor away. And she's probably on to something. Bill Bates, her father, lived to be 89, and her mother, Teresa Bates, who died six months after her husband, lived to be 84. "I go to the restaurant, and I'm going to taste turkey every day," Sloane says. "My daddy ate turkey every day. He was going to have some turkey every day. "When we cook the roast turkey, and they put it out there and slice it, I just like to get a piece of that," she adds. "To me, it's like a good filet." Where to buy: Bates Turkey Farm free-range turkeys are available at Bates House of Turkey in Greenville, at Mosleys Meat Market in Mobile and at Piggly Wiggly stores in the Birmingham metro area. To order online, go to batesturkey.com. Two Alabama men were among six members of a motorcycle gang called the Devils Diciples, which is intentionally misspelled, who were convicted of multiple federal crimes in Michigan, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. The men were charged and convicted for their participation in various criminal acts, including violent crimes in aid of racketeering, methamphetamine production and trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, illegal gambling and other federal offenses, federal officials said. The convictions came after a four-month trial. Cary Dale Vandiver, 56, of Sand Mountain, was found guilty by a jury of engaging in a RICO conspiracy, methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct justice, violent crimes in aid of racketeering and various substantive charges. Vandiver was the National Warlord of the Devils Diciples and went by the nickname Gun Control. Patrick Michael McKeoun, 60, of Birmingham, was found guilty of engaging in a RICO conspiracy and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. The DOJ called him a methamphetamine cook, and said he went by the nickname Magoo. Others members, including Devils Diciples National President Garvin Smith, aka Fat Dog, 60, of Mt. Clemens, Michigan; National Vice President Paul Anthony Darrah, aka Pauli, 50, of Macomb Township, Michigan were found guilty of found guilty by a jury of engaging in a RICO conspiracy, methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct justice, violent crimes in aid of racketeering and various substantive charges. Another leader, Vincent John Witort, aka Holiday, 64, of Fontana, California, was found guilty of engaging in a RICO conspiracy and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. David Randy Drozdowski, aka D, 38 of Fair Haven, Michigan, was found guilty by a jury of committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Scott William Sutherland, aka Scotty Z, 49, of Redford, Michigan, was acquitted by the jury of various charges, but previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, officials said. Sentencing hearings have not been set. For too many years the Devils Diciples spread fear and violence throughout Michigan and the country, said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. This outlaw motorcycle gang thrived on intimidation and its ability to avoid prosecution but no longer. Through these convictions, we have decimated the gang and its leadership and helped secure justice for the communities they harmed. The Devils Diciples headquarters are in Clinton Township, Michigan, according to evidence shown at trial. The Devils Diciples operated regional chapters in cities throughout Michigan, Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere, and engaged in criminal activities for financial gain. Membership in the Devils Diciples is based in part on successful completion of a probationary period, followed by formal approval by one or more members or leaders. Members, commonly referred to as full patched members, must Harley Davidson motorcycles and follow orders from the gangs leadership, including orders to assault, threaten and intimidate others, to transport and distribute drugs, to lie to law enforcement and to hide or destroy evidence, according to evidence shown during the trial. Members are also required to follow the Devils Diciples by-laws and attend regular meetings referred to as church. Trial evidence showed that in late 2007, Smith and Darrah were involved in the shooting of a Devils Diciples member who failed to abide by the gangs rules. And, in August 2008, Smith violently assaulted the girlfriend of another Devils Diciples member because he believed she disrespected him and the gang. Officials said Smith possessed state and federal law enforcement manuals regarding outlaw motorcycle gangs marked For Official Use Only and Law Enforcement Sensitive, and numerous law enforcement documents related to criminal matters involving members of the Devils Diciples. Evidence suggested those materials were used for the purposes of counter-surveillance and to identify suspected informants. The defendants in this case perpetrated a broad range of violent criminal activities in support of their illegal enterprise, said Special Agent in Charge Abbate. Todays convictions, which targeted the leadership of this criminal organization, reflect the hard work and dedication of federal, state and local law enforcement, the Department of Justice Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. In addition to the six defendants convicted today, 21 members and associates of the Devils Diciples have pleaded guilty to various crimes as result of this investigation. The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 60 firearms and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition and the dismantling of eight methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories across the country, DOJ officials said. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Michigan State Police, the Macomb County Sheriffs Office and the County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET), with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office. The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The new Athens High School wont open on Monday as planned. Athens City School Superintendent Dr. Trey Holladay told AL.com newspartner WHNT three sections of the new school are not ready to accommodate students and the Highway 31 entrance is not complete. The sections that arent finished are the main entrance, media center and one of the gymnasiums. All other parts of the building have passed inspections, he added. If I were moving 15 people, that would have been a real easy task, but moving 1,500 people on Monday morning, things were just too close, Holladay said, adding he had met with officials from Martin & Cobey Construction to discuss plans. Ive told them, dont give me a timeline unless you definitely can make it happen, he said. School officials had originally hoped to open the 285,000 square foot facility no later than October then pushed the day back to Nov. 19. The new building is located on U.S. Highway 31 beside the Board of Education central office. Holladay said the system cant commit to a time to move into the new building, though it likely wont be until well after the holidays. Students in grades 9-12 are currently attending class at the old Athens Middle School. The new finance director for the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false tax returns and wire fraud with an IRS agent in November 2015 and agreed to give up his status as a Certified Public Account as part of the agreement, according to court records. Gary Gene Collins, 37, who was hired on September 4 of this year, was sentenced to nine months home detention and three years of probation by U.S. District Court Judge David Proctor. He was also ordered to pay $12,908 jointly with his co-defendant, ex-IRS agent Donald Centreal Smith, who was also a fraternity brother, according to the sentencing memorandum. Reached by AL.com, Interim Executive Director Christopher Ruffin said: I cannot comment on this matter at this time. BJCTA Board of Directors chair Ted Smith referred AL.com to the BJCTA for comment. Collins had not responded to an email requesting comment on the disclosure, or his CPA status, at the time this article was published. According to sources, board members became aware of Collins plea agreement this week and brought it to Ruffins attention on Wednesday. The BJCTA would not confirm whether a background check had been conducted on Collins during the hiring process and, if so, whether it revealed the agreement. Nor would it confirm whether Collins said he was a CPA during interviews or on his employment application, a copy of which has been requested by AL.com under the Freedom of Information Act. False statements could be grounds for termination. Collins was introduced as the new finance director at the October 8 board meeting. He replaced Karen Jacobs, who resigned in June. Since then, the BJCTAs financial procedures appear to have fallen into disarray. Last month, it was revealed that the BJCTA had invoiced Hoover and Vestavia Hills for amounts higher than what they had previously been told would be required to service their citiesamounts they had locked into their approved budgets. Hoover was billed for $89,000 rather than $81,000; Vestavia Hills was billed $92,000 when the city had only allocated $69,000 in its FY19 budget. Yesterday, it was reported that the agencys 300+ employees lost medical and prescription benefits on October 1 because the agency missed two premium payments, while continuing to deduct premiums from employee paychecks. Ruffin said a check for $888,000representing two months premiumswas sent to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama on Tuesday morning and the company immediately reinstated coverage. Collins sentence was a 50 percent reduction in the sentencing guidelines Collins pertaining to the charges; the reduction was agreed to by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Dobbins because of Collins cooperation in the case against Smith. In June 2012, Smith and Collins opened two bank accounts at Regions Bank, according to the original 30-count indictment and plea agreement, including a checking account in the name of Red Alliance, doing business as True Tax Enterprise, according to the documents. Smiths plea revealed he and Collins electronically filed 19 fraudulent IRS personal income tax returns between June 2012 and October 2012. The personal information for those returns came from investigations he conducted while employed as an IRS Special Agent, according to the indictment. Smith was sentenced to prison for five years and a month after pleading guilty to identity theft, false tax return, and wire fraud. According to Collins sentencing memorandum, he was born in Riverside, Alabama, the youngest of three children born to Temmie and Lucina Collins. His mother died of cancer before Gary was two years old. Subsequently, according to the memorandum, his father battled severe drug addiction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The memorandum also said Collins was homeless at 16 years but worked two jobs to pay for a rental home and support a son born while Gary was a high-school senior. He graduated with honors and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he obtained a degree in accounting. He later obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Troy University. While at UAB Collins married his sons mother and the couple had twin boys, one of whom was diagnosed with autism before he was two years old. In 2013, Collins was pardoned for a 2003 manslaughter charge to which he pleaded guilty. It involved the shooting death of Collins' wifes uncle at their home in Leeds. Collins served a suspended sentence with four years probation. He received his CPA license in March 2015. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., urged President Trump to call off a Commerce Department investigation that will help determine whether Trump goes forward with his threat of a 25 percent tariff on automobiles and auto parts, pointing out the damage that would be done to Alabamas economy. Jones said uncertainty about whether the tariffs will go into effect have put companies on edge, including a South Alabama chemical plant that the senator said is delaying expansion until Trump makes a decision. Regardless of the decision, these auto tariffs and other trade policies can have an effect even before theyre implemented, the senator said. They can chill investment or expansion, hurting our local economy without taking effect. The Commerce Department is charged with determining whether imported vehicles and parts are a threat to national security. The draft, as written, probably does not justify what the president is looking for, Jones said. The departments final report is due in February. The senator said he is working with his colleagues to get the investigation called off and to reform the process so that going forward the Defense Department will do the national security assessment. Jones urged Trump to have dialogues with other countries on trade rather than trying to bully them with tariffs and tough talk rhetoric, adding that the president has an incoherent trade strategy. He said the presidents posturing threatens 57,000 Alabama jobs tied to the automobile industry. The National Chamber of Commerce, according to Jones, pegged the economic impact of potential auto tariffs on Alabama at $4.4 billion. Im hopeful that we can find a resolution to the issue without hurting Alabamas auto workers, and Ill continue to work with my colleagues to protect this vital part of Alabamas economy, he said. Meanwhile, the senator is hosting a field roundtable on Monday morning in Mobile with automobile and agricultural leaders to discuss how the presidents trade policies are impacting their industries. The roundtable is being held in partnership with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Operations Committee, which makes the event an official Senate function. Gov. Kay Ivey has announced that Great Southern Wood co-founder and CEO Jimmy Rane and Cathy Randall, former director of the honors programs at the University of Alabama, will serve as co-chairs for her inaugural committee. The governor said both are longtime friends. Rane, known as Yella Fella from the advertisements for his companys pressure-treated pine, has known Ivey since they were students together at Auburn University in the 1960s. Rane was one of the largest donors to her campaign for governor this year. Randall is chairman of the board of Tuscaloosa-based Pettus Randall Holdings and is former chairman of Randall Publishing Company. She sits on the board of directors for Alabama Power and has served as director of Alabama Girls State, where she and Ivey first met, according to a news release from the Ivey campaign. Cathy and Jimmy have embodied a spirit of service, in both their professional and personal life, and they have played a major role in the fight to keep Alabama working, Ivey said in the news release. The inauguration is set for January. Ivey defeated Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox to become the second woman and the first Republican woman elected governor of Alabama. Gov. Kay Ivey is looking to the Yella Fella to co-chair her inaugural committee. Ivey announced Jimmy Rane, the co-founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving who is best known for his colorful character on television commercials, will help oversee the festivities surrounding her January inauguration. Forbes magazine lists Rane as Alabamas wealthiest person, a title he assumed after the death of Garry Drummond in 2016. Rane is worth an estimated $610 million. Joining Rane will be co-chair Dr. Cathy Randall, chairman of the Board of Tuscaloosa-based Pettus Randall Holdings LLC and former chairman of the board of Randall Publishing Company. She currently served on the Alabama Power Board of Directors and is the former director of the University Honors Programs at the University of Alabama. Both Rane and Randall have ties to Ivey. Rane, who has served as a trustee at Auburn University since 1999, met Gov. Ivey while he was at the school earning a bachelor of science in business administration. Randall served as a director of Alabama Girls State, where she first crossed paths with Gov. Ivey. Cathy and Jimmy have embodied a spirit of service, in both their professional and personal life, and they have played a major role in the fight to keep Alabama working," Ivey said. "I am proud to call them both longtime friends, and I am grateful for their willingness to lend their expertise and support as we prepare to usher in a new era for Alabama. Several of Iveys campaign staffers will also serve on the inaugural committee, including: Mike Lukach, executive director; Debbee Hancock, communications director; Anne-Allen Welden, finance director; Julia McNair, deputy finance director; Julia Pickle, director of ticketing; Jonathan Hester, director of events and production; Lenze Morris, Ryan Sanford and Henry Thornton. Ivey will be sworn in for her first full term in January. The former Lieutenant Governor assumed office in April 2017 following the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley as part of a plea deal related to campaign finance and ethics violations. The theme and events of the inauguration will be announced in the coming weeks, Ivey said. Warning that the writing is on the wall for your industry, actress and animal rights activist Lily Tomlin urged that Birmingham Race Course not to send its dogs to blood banks following the closing of a Texas facility found to have neglected and abused the animals. Tomlin wrote the letter to Lewis Benefield, the tracks chief development officer and son-in-law of the late Alabama gambling advocate and track owner Milton McGregor, on behalf of PETA. The organization claimed a victory when The Pet Blood Bank in Cherokee, Texas, closed its doors after it was found that greyhounds were kept in deplorable conditions. The National Greyhound Association urged its members, including Birmingham Race Course, not to put up its dogs in blood banks. The Grace & Frankie actress alluded to Florida voters approving a ban on greyhound racing that is set to take effect in 2020 in her letter. The vote means that tracks will be scrambling to put up greyhounds for adoption. Given last Tuesday's vote to end greyhound racing in Florida, the writing is on the wall for your industry and your members will be discarding hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs in the coming years, Tomlin wrote in the letter, which was also sent to the National Greyhound Association and officials at greyhound associations in West Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, Iowa and Florida. Caring people look to you to ensure that the greyhound industry's unwanted and long-suffering dogs go directly into loving homesnot cages. Will you please step up and finally do right by these dogs? PETA claimed the president of the greyhound associations board bred and raced dogs at a blood bank, and that dogs were found to have been housed at blood banks for two years or more despite the association prohibiting using dogs for collecting blood for longer than 18 months. That blood bank, California-based Hemopet, confines dogs to crates for up to 23 hours a day, according to PETA. A man was fatally shot by officers in Lowndes County after he did not comply with commands to drop a knife he was holding as officers tried to serve an outstanding arrest warrant, WSFA News reported. According to Joe Herman with the State Bureau of Investigation, officers responded to a residence on Braxton Drive to serve outstanding felony arrest warrants on George Crenshaw. When officers arrived, Crenshaw ran out of the house into the woods, WSFA reported. Later, someone called officers after Crenshaw returned to the home. Herman told WSFA two officers returned to serve warrants and encountered Crenshaw. He said Crenshaw came at them" with an 8 to 10-inch kitchen knife in very close proximity in a small kitchen area. Witnesses told investigators they heard the officers tell him to drop the knife multiple times, he said. When Crenshaw continued to wield the knife and advance towards the officers, they deployed a taser, then fired a weapon, WSFA reported. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is handling the case. When the investigation is over, it will be handed over to the Lowndes County District Attorneys Office and presented to a grand jury. Further details were not immediately available. It was an event rich in promise and prosperity, the moment when the gigantic automobile manufacturing plant worth more than $1 billion with a b was becoming a reality. The ceremony on a cool Friday morning in a heated tent in rural Limestone County brimmed with excitement, the formal groundbreaking ceremony of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant featuring speeches by a U.S. senator and a governor. Once the ceremony ended, though, there was still nothing more than hundreds of acres of muddy land prepped for the plant and no buildings yet built. I wish we could begin production tomorrow, said Masahi Aihara, president of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. But I understand we have a little bit of work to do before we can begin production just a little bit. Indeed, the executive who will oversee the $1.6 billion plant spoke perhaps the most sobering words of the jubilant occasion. So with this groundbreaking, lets get started, he said. Its been more than 10 months since the formal announcement that Mazda Toyota after a much-hyped national search had chosen a patch of rural farmland in Limestone County that had previously been annexed into the city of Huntsville. The project promises 4,000 new jobs and the expectation that between suppliers and other surrounding development, an estimated 10,000 jobs will emerge altogether. No wonder U.S. Sen. Doug Jones opened his remarks by turning to the four Japanese auto executives on stage. I was going to say distinguished guests from Mazda and Toyota, Jones said. But youre no longer guests, folks. Youre family. Youre a family here and we appreciate anybody that, in their initial statement, invokes Sweet Home Alabama. That would be Kiyotaka Shobuda, senior managing executive officer of Mazda Motor Corporation. The first speaker of the event seized on the Lynyrd Skynyrd song that the state of Alabama has all but adopted as its official anthem. For automakers like us, a plant feels like home, sweet home, Shobuda said. Or, in case case, I should say Sweet Home Alabama. That tune also provided the soundtrack to a most unusual groundbreaking not one featuring politicians in hard hats and gold-colored shovels but rather a robot that did the digging itself. The plant will feature two lines one manufacturing a Toyota Corolla, the other a yet-to-be-revealed Mazda crossover SUV. Its a first-of-its-kind project, bringing competing automakers under a single roof to share expenses and make their vehicles. Make no mistake, we will not just be building cars and SUVs here in Huntsville -- we are building opportunities, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. Its those opportunities that will ripple across north Alabama and southern Tennessee the state line less than 30 miles from the plant site -- to rally a massive workforce to roll the first vehicles off the assembly line in 2021. This is a special day for both Mazda and Toyota and, indeed, this is a very special day for the entire state of Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said. The groundbreaking marked a midpoint in what Battle described as a success story. A development like the Mazda Toyota auto plant was long the vision of Huntsville officials as it secured the remote land and prepared it for business by earning designation as a TVA Mega Site in June 2016. Less than three years later, the groundbreaking took place. Just a few months ago, this was a cotton field, Battle said. Today, we break ground. In two years, we will cut the ribbon on this plant. While we are celebrating today, tomorrow and all the days following, we are here to make Mazda Toyota Manufacturing a success. For Mazda, sweet home Alabama, as Shobuda said, is a new venture. For Toyota, home has been sweet in Alabama for decades. Seventeen years ago, Toyota began its partnership with Alabama by putting down roots in Huntsville when we broke ground for our engine plant, said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. That motor plant has expanded four times, seen employment grow from 300 to 1,400 and a total investment of $1 billion. We have invested heavily in this state and, as true partners, you have also invested heavily in us, Lentz said. So with a robotic beginning, the work can now begin to bring a giant auto plant out of the cotton fields. As we break ground today, were not only marking the beginning of Mazda Toyota, we also are beginning a new chapter here in Alabama, Ivey said. When we talk about building on success and momentum, this is how its done. Weve provided companies with our unparalleled work force, weve created and provide a very positive business climate. When companies choose to come to Alabama, to be made in Alabama, they want to and certainly can expect excellence. All with background music from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Changes to Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage of pain relievers shouldnt stop doctors from giving patients the medicine they need, say some experts familiar with the issues of opioid abuse. The state's largest provider of health insurance recently announced several changes that will take effect Jan. 1. The most eye-catching among them was that it will no longer cover OxyContin, a medication whose name had become synonymous with the eruption of a nationwide opioid abuse epidemic over the last decade. However, a closer read of the changes shows that Blue Cross isn't cutting off the availability of oxycodone, the active ingredient in OxyContin. Instead it is shifting coverage to new formulations designed to be harder to abuse: RoxyBond, for short-term pain relief, and Xtampza ER, an extended-release pain reliever. Dorinda Cale, director of Pharmacy Benefit Management for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama, said its part of an ongoing effort to shape coverage so that it supports responsible use of opioids and doesnt inadvertently facilitate misuse. Back in the spring, for example, the insurer set a seven-day limit on initial fills of short-acting opioids such as Lortab, Vicodin and Percocet, and required additional authorization for first-time prescriptions of long-acting opioids such as OxyContin. "It's rare you should just start out on extended release," Cale said, and conversations with doctors showed that in many cases new patients really just needed a few days of medication to get over painful injury or illness. The practice of writing prescriptions for 30 or 90 days "was putting a lot of medicine out in the community," she said. The latest round of changes was driven in part by continued reports that abusers were misusing OxyContin in ways intended to get more pain reliever into their systems faster. (Sources such as American Addiction Centers say that abusers crush the pills and snort the resulting powder, or even mix it with liquid and inject it to produce a high.) "We're going to move to the more abuse-resistant formulations," said Cale. "It doesn't mean they can't be abused," she said, but "it's made to be much more difficult." There is an inherent possibility that this is a step on a treadmill, that addicts in time will find ways to cheat with the abuse-resistant formulas. "I think it's a valid concern," said Cale. "You're always going to be playing catchup." "That's a concern," agreed Dr. Jerry Harrison, a Haleyville family practitioner who is actively involved in efforts to educate fellow doctors. "I remember when OxyContin came out and we were told it wasn't able to be abused," he said. It wasn't long, he said, before a teenage patient shocked him by telling him it was not only possible, but easy. Things haven't stood still since those days. Even infamous OxyContin has been reformulated in attempts to make it harder to abuse. "This OxyContin [which Blue Cross is about to stop covering] is not the Oxycontin that was the bane of our existence back several years ago," he said. Harrison and Cale said the coverage changes aren't a cure-all: They're part of a much broader re-evaluation of how painkillers should be used and how much pain is avoidable. "We have seen a very radical shift in the way people see the use of opioids to treat pain," said Cale. Doctors also have become better informed about the mechanics of addiction. For a decade, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama has been offering regular seminars to help keep doctors up to date on the best practices for painkiller prescription. One such seminar is being presented this weekend in Birmingham, in conjunction with the state, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Nursing. It's titled "Intensive Course in Prescribing and Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs: Prescribing Issues Related to Americas Opioid Crisis." Harrison is part of the seminar faculty. He's been involved in these sessions for years and has some firm opinions about the use of opioids. "Most injuries, most surgeries, you don't need more than seven days," he said. He says chronic pain is "a different disease," but that "there are no scientific studies that demonstrate a continued benefit for big doses of opioids over a long period of time." He laments the frequency with which doctors hear the phrase, "How about upping me?" from patients. "It's a nonsensical statement anywhere in the world except in a doctor's office" in the United States, he said. All that might make Harrison sound like some kind of stoic who thinks pain is good for you. But he thinks opioids have their place, he said. It's just that the risks and benefits are part of a complex balance that doctors have to take care to strike. "When a patient comes in and says, 'I'm still hurting,' it's not a black and white answer," he said. There's real pressure to give patients what they want. Harrison says he coined the adage "30 seconds to 'yes,' 30 minutes to 'no'" to describe it. Giving a quick yes to an opioid prescription requires no explanation, makes the patient happy and more likely to describe you as a good and caring doctor. It can take a lot longer to satisfyingly explain "why this medication may not be the best thing for you," he said. Cale and Harrison agree that education, both of caregivers and patients, is a big part of the effort to achieve the right balance on opioids. At the seminars he helps teach, Harrison said, "We hear a lot of, 'I just hadn't thought of it that way' and 'I didn't realize this medicine was so easy to abuse.'" Meanwhile, the landscape of drug abuse, addiction and addiction treatment continues to change. "The time when prescription medications were the primary cause of overdose deaths has passed," said Harrison. These days more deaths are caused by heroin and illicit fentanyl, he said. But even in those cases, the victim's addiction might well have begun with leftover prescription opioids found in someone's medicine cabinet. Another one of the pending Blue Cross changes is to cover Lucemyra, which it describes as "the first non-opioid approved drug to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal." The FDA just approved the drug in May, and Harrison said he thinks it could have a big positive impact. He's not an impartial observer: He said he's studied Lucemyra and spoken on behalf of the company that makes it. He said it can play a big role in helping patients on heavy doses of opioids dial back without suffering the withdrawal symptoms that can drive users into addiction. "I'm a fan of medicine-assisted treatment for opioid withdrawal," he said. But because Lucemyra is not itself an opioid, like Methadone, he thinks it's more effective at helping people get back to a natural, truly non-dependent state. Asked how he would compare Lucemyra and Methadone he said, "I would contrast it by saying 'good' and 'evil.' To me there's no real comparison." Cale said the shift in coverage to RoxyBond and Xtampza might bear a slightly higher cost for the insurer and patients, but said the decision wasn't a financial one. Harrison said he didn't expect much disruption. As patients come in for refills starting January, he said, they'll be shifted from older medicines to newer ones. The formulations and brand names are different but the active ingredient, oxycodone, remains the same, meaning there shouldn't be much adjustment required. I suspect its going to be very nearly the same cost to the patients, he said. Dr. Jeffrey Kerby sat down at 9 a.m., patches of blood still clinging to his scrubs. Kerby, director of acute care surgery and and chief trauma surgeon at UAB Medical Center, had been working since 7 a.m. the previous morning making rounds, teaching, working on research, but at 5 that afternoon, his real work began. He operated on three gunshot wound patients through the night. One, he presumed, would not make it. Theyd been shot in the head. The other two were stable, but not out of the woods. He got out of his last surgery at 7:30 a.m. and at 9 a.m. he finally sat. Earlier this week, the National Rifle Association drew public controversy when it posted a Tweet, chastising physicians for speaking out about gun violence, admonishing them to stay in their lane. But for Dr. Kerby, this is more than his lane. Its his highway. Someone should tell self-important anti-gun doctors to stay in their lane. Half of the articles in Annals of Internal Medicine are pushing for gun control. Most upsetting, however, the medical community seems to have consulted NO ONE but themselves. https://t.co/oCR3uiLtS7 NRA (@NRA) November 7, 2018 Kerby graduated with a medical degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1989 and moved to Birmingham to complete his surgical residency. Since then, hes only left Alabama when he served as an active duty United States Air Force trauma surgeon from 1999 to 2003. Today, he uses techniques he developed tending to high velocity gunshot wounds in war zones all over the world in his practice in Birmingham. Im used to seeing high velocity wounds, but now were starting to see those wounds in civilian trauma centers because youve got the high velocity rifles the AK-47s the AR-15s. Were starting to see some of those wounds more frequently, Kerby said. According to the Center for Disease Control, Alabama has the second highest rate of gun deaths in the country, with 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people. Kerby said the number of gunshot wounds the UAB Trauma Center has doubled in four years. He estimates 750 patients were treated this year for gunshot wounds. Its on a linear rise, Kerby said. its not just blips. Its becoming a real epidemic Kerby shares the sentiments of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Firearm Strategy Team when it comes to gun violence: the gun violence epidemic is a public health problem that needs to be researched. Were not anti gun, Kerby said. We know that the 2nd Amendment is very important, especially to our population in Alabama, and across the country. We want to come to the table with all the parties, the NRA, trauma surgeons, public health experts, to try to come up with a solution to the gun violence problem. The NRA has actively lobbied against gun-violence research in the past, including advocating for the Dickey Amendment in 1996, which cut federal funding for gun violence research by 90 percent. Alabamas rise in gun violence is on par with the increase of gun violence in the United States as mass shootings make headlines almost daily. According to Gun Violence Archives, a not for profit organization providing public research for gun-related injuries, there have been 307 mass shootings nationwide in 2018, killing 328 and injuring 1,251. In Alabama 367 people died of gun-related violence in 2018. Kerby said its the day to day gunshot wounds that make up a big problem in Birmingham. Right now, he is focused on projects that can get trauma surgeons to patients faster and training civilians to treat gunshot wounds before medical help arrives. He leads Stop the Bleed courses in middle and high schools, teaching students and teachers to administer tourniquets. Its a sad statement. Were taking [kids] innocence away from them, Kerby said. But what I always tell people is, we dont have to accept whats going on, but we do have to prepare for it. Kerby co-wrote a study examining gun-related deaths and how to prevent them in 2017, by breaking down gun-related deaths based on gun availability, injury and death. Kerby said theres no individual patient story that has stuck with him more than others. He remembers them all, especially the ones that end with him sitting down with a family member to tell them their loved one didnt make it. We carry a lot of emotional baggage. We have to tell those families when they dont make it. We remember those conversations. We remember every one of them. It sticks with you and it takes a toll over time, Kerby said. Dr. Kerby sat for two hours. And then he stood, white coat covering the blood stain on his scrubs, to do it all over again. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development Office has approved a $23.4 million emergency grant to help one of the poorest communities in Alabama repair its failing sewer system. According to U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who worked with other members of Alabamas congressional delegation, the USDA and state and local officials to secure the funding, the USDA will work with the city of Uniontown to create an outside board that will oversee the development of a new wastewater system for the city. Todays grant announcement is a huge victory for Uniontown that will have a real-life impact for thousands of Alabamians living in the rural Black Belt, Sewell said in a news release announcing the grant. Thank you to Senators Richard Shelby and Doug Jones, Congressman Robert Aderholt, USDA State Rural Development Director Chris Beeker, and all of the state and local stakeholders who helped to make this investment possible." Shelby issued a statement Friday thanking the USDA for approving the grant. Water and wastewater systems across the country are aging, overburdened, and in need of replacement, Shelby said in a release. Failure to invest in these water projects has devastating economic and public health consequences. The dire situation in Uniontown is a prime example of a number of communities across Alabama in need of upgrades and repairs. I am proud to have led the efforts to create momentum for this project, and I would like to thank USDA for providing this critical funding. Uniontown, located in Alabamas Black Belt region west of Montgomery and south of Tuscaloosa, has struggled with its sewer system for years. The city received a $4.8 million grant in 2012 to address the problem, but that proved insufficient to repair the numerous leaks and treatment issues that existed. The sewer system has numerous problems, many stemming from a porous collection system of old, leaking pipes that allows thousands of gallons of rainwater into the sanitary sewer after even relatively small rain events. This infiltration of rainwater overwhelms the treatment lagoons and sprayfield which are designed to handle a much smaller volume of water. Untreated or partially treated sewage have been escaping from the lagoon and sprayfield for years, causing continuous overflows into Freetown Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has been pursuing enforcement actions against the city for years for ongoing sewer overflows, but the city says it does not have the funding to fix the problems. They are an impoverished community, ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said last month. When you dont have enough money to buy food, youre not worried about routine maintenance on your house. This is years of that coming home to roost. Under the proposed project, the citys wastewater would be piped to Demopolis, about 18 miles away, and treated at that citys wastewater treatment plant, which is large enough to handle the extra volume. A significant portion of the funding will be used to repair the leaking sewer lines that are contributing to the problem. Once that work is complete, Uniontowns existing treatment lagoon and sprayfield will be decommissioned and reclaimed, according to the USDA grant announcement. The system receives wastewater from approximately 2,810 customers in Uniontown and surrounding areas of Perry County. No American family should have to live without access to safe wastewater treatment in the 21st century, Sewell said. I have met with families in rural Alabama who struggle with the health and economic challenges created by failing wastewater systems. Every day, their stories inspire my fight in Congress for stronger investments in our wastewater infrastructure. The 2018 grant had been publicly discussed previously, but was thrown into doubt last month, as officials said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey had not committed the matching funds from the state typically required for these types of grants. Iveys gubernatorial challenger Walt Maddox said Ivey had indicated she was not interested in providing state funds for the project and was jeopardizing the grant. Iveys office did not immediately respond to request for comment on todays announcement. In October, Ivey said she had not received an eligible request for a grant from local officials for the project and had concerns about the project. Certainly I want better for our people, but you have to remember they have a history of receiving large amounts of public funds to deal with these problems and have very little to show for results, Ivey said last month. "So I think we need to consider a long-term, very prudent plan to address this situation. The USDA grant announcement states that $23,437,500 will come from the departments Water and Waste Disposal Grants program, with another $7.8 million in other funding. It is unclear whether the state will contribute a portion of those funds or what that portion will be. Sewells communications director Chris MacKenzie said some of the matching funds are being contributed by local industries and economic development groups, though an exact breakdown was not immediately available. Three people including a 3-year-old boy were rushed to the hospital Thursday afternoon after their vehicle was struck by a train in western Birmingham. The crash happened about 4 p.m. in the 1400 block of 31st Street S.W. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Battalion Chief Sebastian Carrillo said the vehicle appeared to be stopped on the tracks when it possibly got caught by the crossing arm and was struck by an Amtrak passenger train. The impact of the crash sent that vehicle airborne and into other vehicles waiting to cross the tracks. All three people taken to the hospital were from the vehicle that was initially hit. Jerome Pope, 27, was in one of the cars that was stopped and waiting to cross the tracks. It was bumper to bumper traffic and everybody was hearing the train coming, Pope said. As the rail arm was coming down, everybody was backing up trying to get everybody off the tracks. Motorists were doing everything they could to scatter. It was scary. It could have been worse than what it was. We could have been hurt worse, Pope said. It did sling the guy all the way over into our car. It was scary. The future of Ensleys Ramsay McCormack building remains unknown after the city of Birmingham rejected proposals from developers to purchase and redevelop the historic office tower. The city was supposed to announce a winning proposal for transforming the building in Ensleys downtown on Thursday. Instead, the city rejected all the proposals. We received responses from the initial RFP (request for proposal) process that were instructive and encouraging, Birmingham spokesperson Rick Journey said in an email. However, the responses did not fully meet the criteria set out in the RFP. A revised RFP will address a broader redevelopment plan inclusive of the Ramsay McCormack Building and surrounding properties in order to serve as a catalyst for Ensley. According to the RFP, which was released in August, the goal is to transform Ramsay McCormack and its adjacent lot into a mixed-income, mixed-use development that enhances the adjacent residential neighborhoods, while effectively transitioning and helping to redevelop the historic commercial core of Ensley. The development of this site will set the direction for new growth in the Ensley neighborhood, the RFP stated. According to the RFP, the building and half-acre lot appraised for $300,000. The city advised, though, that developers looking to build low, moderate and market rate housing units and commercial space should make a larger bid. The Ramsay McCormack building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its eligible for federal and state historic tax credits. Funding from Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, New Market Tax Credits and the city could be available for the project, the RFP stated. The redevelopment of Ramsay McCormack was prompted by a 2012 lawsuit filed by Ensley business owners who sought to have the city-owned building renovated or torn down due to safety concerns. The city settled, promising to redevelop the building. According to a court order, the restoration work must be complete by Feb. 10, 2019. Ensley attorney and business owner Antonio Spurling has said he will file for civil penalties against the city of Birmingham if the renovation of the Ramsay McCormack Building isnt complete by the February deadline. He filed the 2012 lawsuit against the city. Former Birmingham Mayor William Bells proposed solution was to help revitalize Ensley by investing city dollars in the high-rise. He wanted to spend $40 million on a public safety complex in Ensley with Ramsay McCormack at its center. The complex would have included moving police and fire headquarters and municipal court from downtown Birmingham to downtown Ensley. That plan was nixed when he lost his bid for re-election to Randall Woodfin last November. Woodfin opted to engage private residential and commercial developers and non-profits to submit proposals to redevelop Ramsay McCormack. Developers would be eligible for economic development incentives from the city. Businesses education programs and loans would also be available to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. City officials havent said when redevelopment proposals will be sought again. The family of a 2-year-old boy who died from a gunshot wound at his north Birmingham apartment is making arrangements to bury their young loved one. KeAnthony Jelks Jr. died Wednesday inside the Collegeville apartment where he lived. His grandmother, Kendra Jelks, said because he was not a victim of a violent crime, they cannot get financial help from the state and the family does not have burial insurance. She has started a GoFundMe to help pay for the funeral. My 2-year-old grandbaby accidentally shot himself and instantly died. We unfortunately don't have insurance coverage, so the family is asking for a helping hand to bury our precious loved one, Jelks wrote on the fundraising site. Whatever anyone can give will be greatly appreciated and we the family thank you all in advance. The shooting happened at 10 a.m. Wednesday. North Precinct officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of 31st Street North. Once on the scene, officers found the boy unresponsive in the apartment. Sgt. Johnny Williams said Birmingham Fire and Rescue medics performed life-saving measures on KeAnthony but their efforts werent successful. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Dozens of family members and friends quickly gathered outside the apartment, visibly upset. Angela Jelks Gilliam, the boys great-grandmother, said she was told the child somehow got hold of the gun and fatally shot himself in the face. Gilliam said her great grandson was home with his parents at the time. "My daughter called me and told me her grandbaby was dead,'' Gilliam said. Birmingham police said the investigation is ongoing. The parents, ages 23 and 21, were detained for questioning but were released from custody Thursday night. Family described KeAnthony as joyful, outgoing and loved by all. "He was like an old man in a babys body,'' Gilliam said. Gilliam on Friday said the entire family is struggling with KeAnthonys unexpected death. Were coping, she said. Were doing the best we can. Donations to the GoFundMe for KeAnthony can be made here. Authorities are on the scene of a helicopter crash in Chilton County. The sheriffs office said the crash happened in the area of Cargile Creek on Lake Mitchell. The initial investigation indicates the police chopper hit a power line and then crashed into the river. The helicopter was from the Columbus area and assigned to a multi-agency drug task force - the Metro Narcotics Task Force. The narcotics task force includes Columbus and Phenix City police, and Russell County and Muscogee County sheriffs investigators. Repeated efforts to reach Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren, who oversees the task force, were unsuccessful. Authorities said the pilot was Columbus officer who retired but still worked part-time for the department. There are no signs of survivors. Recovery efforts are underway. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to these departments,'' said Trae Caton, a Chilton County sheriffs office spokesman. We have multiple agencies on scene,'' he said. "A massive team effort is taking place to ensure this incident is handled properly. The site is near County Road 553 in Verbena. Boaters are asked to avoid that area of the river. Motorists are asked to avoid County Rd 542 and 553 to allow recovery efforts to continue without delay. The FAA said the Bell OH-58 helicopter crashed 1:15 p.m. near Clanton. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. About 6 p.m., Caton said divers had located the fuselage of the helicopter and were only able to search briefly due to visibility and depth of the lake. The dives have been suspended until safe light. The crash is located about approximately 70 feet below water. Additional units are responding with sonar systems that will hopefully be successful in mapping the debris field and allow divers to focus on those areas, he said. The FAA will investigate and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the probable cause of the accident. This story will be updated as more information is released. Broadcast industry veteran Henry Hank Price, who has served as president and general manager of WVTM-TV, Hearst Televisions NBC affiliate in Birmingham since 2014, will retire at the end of the year. Hank is the quintessential broadcaster and represents everything we aspire for a Hearst president and general manager to be, Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb said in a statement on Friday. Whether inspiring great journalism, mentoring future leaders or guiding our television stations to fulfill their mission of service to local communities, he has been a transformative leader who leaves a wonderful legacy for WVTM and Hearst Television. Prices successor at WVTM hasnt been announced yet. Price began his career in television broadcasting in the early 1970s. It took him to TV stations in marketing ranging in size from Jackson in his home state of Mississippi to Chicago. He spent 18 years working at Hearst. From the beginning, my assignment at WVTM was to lay the groundwork for the future, Price said. Now is the right time for the transition to a new leader for me and WVTM 13. That said, retiring from the best television company in the business is the hardest decision Ive ever made. Following his retirement, Price will serve as director of leadership development at the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi. The Gulfport, Miss., native worked his way through college at The University of Southern Mississippi where he is a member of the School of Mass Communications and Journalism Hall of Fame. Price has led WVTM in resurgent growth since Hearst acquired it in 2014, according to a Hearst press release Among the accomplishments during his tenure, in 2015 WVTM led the region with in-depth and important coverage marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther Kings historic march from Selma to Montgomery, and in April 2017 the station launched Birminghams only live local television radar, WVTM 13 Live Doppler. More recently, the station helped raise more than a half-million dollars for the Red Cross for relief for Hurricane Michael victims. Previously, Price served as president and general manager at WXII-TV, Hearsts NBC affiliate in Winston-Salem/Greensboro, NC. Under Prices leadership at WXII, the station became the regions leader in Web, mobile and multiplatform programming, as well as the Piedmont Triads highest rated television station, earning top viewership across all major newscasts. In 2010, Price received the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Broadcasting. In 2013 Price, the WXII team and other NCAB members were recognized with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Presidents Special Service to America Award, for the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration; Price led the states broadcasters to create, promote and air statewide a historic one-day event for Vietnam veterans and their families, including a ceremony honoring 70,000 veterans at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Prior to joining Hearst in 2000, Price was vice president and general manager of WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned television station in Chicago. He transitioned to CBS following 12 years with Gannetts broadcasting division in a variety of positions including president and general manager of KARE-TV, Minneapolis, and vice president for programming, marketing and research at WUSA-TV, Washington, DC. Before Gannett, Price was a consultant with Frank N. Magid Associates, specializing in marketing strategies for television and radio stations. He began his career in Jackson, Mississippi. From 2000 to 2015, Price served as Senior Fellow/Television at the Media Management Center, a joint project of Northwestern Universitys Kellogg Graduate School of Management and its Medill School of Journalism, where he helped industry executives explore new business models for broadcasting and digital television. Over the years, Price served on a variety of civic boards in Alabama, North Carolina, Minnesota and Illinois, including the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. A frequent speaker on media leadership and brand strategy, Price is co-author of Audience First: Managing Todays News Media, released by Sage Publishing in 2015. His second book, Leading Local Television, is due out in January 2019. Price and his wife, Maria, have two grown sons, Pepper and Harper. The public hearing room at the Jefferson County Department of Health looks exactly as you already imagined it. The floor is linoleum. The lights are fluorescent. The paint is the color of cold pea soup in a hospital cafeteria. This is where government listens* to people. This day the government is listening to concerns about the Drummond Co. subsidiary ABC Coke before renewing the coking factorys operating permit for another five years. Behind a table at the front of the room, two men from the Health Department sit. They wear nearly identical dark blue suits, except one has on a maroon tie and the other ones tie is purple. To the side, a court reporter types on a tiny machine that looks like it should play calliope music. The sign outside the JCDH boasts, 100 years of caring. First up from the full room is Charlie Powell, who has lived in north Birminghams Fairmont neighborhood for 40 years. Powell has been raising concerns about pollution in his neighborhood for much of that time, and this is not his first public hearing. But this time at least one thing is different. What I don't understand is, with all these people going to jail, behind what's been going on with us for years, how can y'all continue to let this go on? Powell asks. In July, a federal jury convicted Drummond Co. vice president David Roberson and Balch & Bingham lawyer Joel Gilbert of bribing state Rep. Oliver Robinson to help them fight the Environmental Protection Agency. Before that, Robinson pleaded guilty to taking their bribes and helping those men thwart EPA cleanup efforts in north Birmingham, where Powell lives. And at nearly the same moment Powell stood to speak at the Health Department hearing, two more men tied to that scheme surrendered to authorities at the Jefferson County jail. This week, a state grand jury indicted Onis Trey Glenn III, the EPAs regional administrator, and former Alabama Environmental Management Commissioner W. Scott Phillips on state ethics charges related to their work with Gilbert and Roberson. At some point, theres got to be a stop to it, Powell said. People we believed in are going to jail. And, he added, the plant keeps running. After Powell, Jimmy Smith rose to speak. He held in his hand a framed photo of his four daughters, one of whom died of cancer and another whos a cancer survivor. He read a letter hed received from Dr. Mark Wilson, the countys lead health officer and the boss of the two men in the blue suits. There have been no significant changes in the operations of the facility since the issuance of the last permit, Smith read from Wilsons letter. Wilsons letter was right, Smith argued. Nothing had changed. They dont have the gumption to try to do something, he said. They really dont give a Smith was too polite to finish his sentence. Another rose to speak, and then another, and then another. They told similar stories of being stuck in homes they couldnt sell, of fearing for their health, and of other public hearings that had no effect. They spoke despite the obvious: that the institutions designed to protect them have failed, that many of the top regulators are former lobbyists and consultants for polluters and nearly indistinguishable from those theyre supposed to police. They spoke so that, if a reckoning ever comes, no one will be able to ask, Why didnt anyone say something? One by one, the man in the maroon tie summoned the speakers to the podium until they were done. * After each one, the man in the maroon tie said, Your comments have been recorded and will be submitted as part of the hearing record. Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for the Alabama Media Group. Want access to the best analysis and in-depth reporting about Alabama each week? Sign up for the weekly Reckon Report newsletter and follow Reckon on Facebook and Twitter. Theresa May surely by now symbolises the phrase bad day at the office. On Wednesday night, having spent months negotiating the deal by which Britain will leave the European Union next March, May had a gruelling five-hour meeting with her cabinet. That evening, she told the nation that agreement had been reached, though with reservations. Those reservations burst into the open the next morning when the minister responsible for negotiating the said deal, Dominic Raab, led a wave of resignations, as May sat for three hours in front of parliament listening to MP after MP from her own party telling her they would oppose the deal. Some called for her to resign. Britain is now in its deepest political crisis since the World War II. Mays deal seems all but dead, as there is no viable way for it to pass through parliament. She herself still refuses to accept this. With just four months to go till Brexit day, and a matter of weeks before the government must initiate emergency measures in preparation for no deal Brexit shortages, what happens next is anyones guess. But a general election, a new referendum or a new Tory leader and fresh negotiations are all very serious possibilities. How did it come to this? The British establishment has always been deeply divided on the EU. Part of our elite came to terms with the loss of empire and saw Britains future as being part of Europe. But others, taught from the cradle that they were born to run the world, cannot accept a reduction in British power. To them, Europe is an affront, a protectionist, bureaucratic nightmare, and they are desperate to reclaim their birthright, in alliance with the United States, to use Britains financial muscle to rule the world once more. {articleGUID} This issue has torn the Conservative Party apart since the fall of Margaret Thatcher, but it came to a head in David Camerons government. He promised a referendum to appease the anti-EU part of his party, and with typical arrogance assumed hed easily win. He failed. Today, with no majority in parliament, dependent on a group of far-right ultra-Brexiteers from the north of Ireland, May is unable to ignore any one faction of her party. The daughter of a vicar, she assumes hard work will pay off. But it doesnt, because the problem is insoluble. She cannot move forward, but she also cannot be replaced, because her partys warring factions will not be able to agree on a successor. Thats why this weeks withdrawal deal, laying out the terms of Brexit, and the political declaration setting out objectives for a future relationship with the EU, in fact, leave us in the dark about our post-Brexit relationship with the EU. It attempts both to say that we will have full sovereignty over trade, regulations and money, and also to keep so close to the EU that we will be effectively inside the customs union. It attempts to take full control over borders, without creating any borders (at least for capital people without significant wealth must keep their distance). Unsurprisingly, this doesnt please those who wanted to remain in the EU. But it also doesnt please the Brexiteers who want to use Brexit to unleash a wave of deregulation and liberalisation, most notably through trade deals. On Thursday, May was attacked by remainers who want a second referendum, and from so-called hard Brexiteers who want to drop out of the EU with no deal at all. But there is another element to the Brexit debate which has made it peculiarly toxic and difficult to navigate. In order to win the referendum, the Brexiteers needed to do more than mobilise right-wing voters who hate foreigners. They also had to tap into a deep dissatisfaction in post-industrial parts of England and Wales, areas which have been marginalised and hollowed out by four decades of free-market economic policy. Communities fed up with being ignored, and who feel they were sold out by the previous Labour Party governments, individuals who wanted to stick two fingers up at the centre-right politicians which ran the remain campaign. {articleGUID} Its this aspect of Brexit which makes it more than a peculiarly British problem, and which locates the crisis firmly within the much broader and deeper crisis which has gripped capitalism since the financial crash of 2008. It should be unsurprising that this political crisis, which has spread to the US, southern and now central Europe, saw its first flashpoint in Britain, which practically invented neoliberalism. This is a crisis of inequality, poverty, the gradual abolition of democracy, of a corporate economy out of control. When frustration and anger like this have no outlet, no obvious means of remedy, then migrants and foreigners become easy targets. The British crisis reflects, in this way, a global crisis with an elite torn apart about the best way forward. On the one hand, there are the Tony Blairs and Hillary Clintons who want to reverse Brexit, impeach Donald Trump, and get back to the old policies which served them so well. On the other, there are those who see in the rise of populist authoritarianism a plan b for capitalism not unlike those capitalists who supported fascism in Europe in the 1930s. Needless to say, neither option will lead us to a better world. While leaving the EU could create a serious shock which empowers the far right, simply reversing the referendum will not undo the damage thats been done over many decades either. A second referendum which offers people the chance to remain could certainly be part of the solution. But that must be accompanied in Britain as in so many other places by a radical transformation of the economy in which governments constrain the power of corporations and finance, rewrite the rules of global trade, remove the power of the market altogether over big swaths of our society. This will not be easy, and it will not come from above. But there is a chance we can use the divisions among political elites to build around this vision for a better, fairer world. Political chaos can certainly be frightening, but really big change rarely comes without it. Perhaps another bad day for Theresa May is one step closer to creating a better Britain in a better world. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. It is now just over a year since I was thrown into exile at the stroke of a pen. On 16 November 2017, the Cambodian Supreme Court disbanded my party the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the countrys only viable opposition force and stripped me and 54 fellow MPs of our seats. The court, like virtually all of Cambodias judiciary, is deeply politicised and, for all intents and purposes, does the bidding of the government. A few weeks before the ruling, CNRP President Kem Sokha was detained on ludicrous treason charges and was languishing in solitary confinement. The writing was on the wall I realised I was likely the next target. By the end of October, I had fled my beloved Cambodia and I have not been able to return since. The courts ruling was part of a wider effort by Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) to ensure victory in the sham general election held on July 29 this year. The CPP used the year before the vote to launch an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, jailing human rights activists, silencing what little remained of independent media, and locking up or exiling almost all leading opposition figures. Unsurprisingly, the CPP eventually won all 125 National Assembly seats in the vote, having run essentially unopposed. International actors including the European Union, the United States and the United Nations dismissed the election as a sham and refused to send observers. Undeterred, Hun Sen gave a victory speech on polling day where he without a hint of irony thanked his supporters for choosing the path of democracy. {articleGUID} For decades, Hun Sen has been a master manipulator of international opinion. He has ruled Cambodia in a quasi-authoritarian fashion, bending the rules of democracy just enough to maintain deniability. But the recent crackdown and outright banning of the opposition are unprecedented. As a decades-long supporter of the struggle for democracy and rights, I see this as the most serious crisis we have faced so far. Cambodias descent into one-party rule means that what little checks and balances there were on Hun Sen are now gone. It also has dangerous implications for Southeast Asia as a whole, where authoritarianism is on the rise and rulers often copy each others worst practices. I and my colleagues have spent the past year travelling the globe, trying to raise awareness of the situation in Cambodia and drumming up international support for a return to democracy. CPP officials, meanwhile, have since the vote engaged in a desperate bid to shore up the partys tarnished reputation. They have travelled the world trying to present themselves as a legitimate government thankfully, no one is buying the ruse. On October 5, just days before Hun Sen was due to visit Brussels for an annual EU-Asia summit, the EU announced it was withdrawing the so-called Everything But Arms trading preference from Cambodia, citing grave violations of human rights. This is a highly unusual move by the EU, and in the past has been reserved for conflict-torn countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar. In response, the Cambodian government called the EUs announcement an extreme injustice. At home, Hun Sen has in a blatant public relations move moved Kem Sokha into house arrest and released a handful of political prisoners and activists since the election. Most have been let off with sinister warnings not to criticise authorities again. These are piecemeal concessions and fundamental change is needed. The repressive laws used against dissidents are still on the legal books, and the CPP still rules the country with an iron fist. But all is not lost. Cambodia has a young and growing population that has no memory of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime: Two-thirds of Cambodians today are under 30 years of age. It is this generation that is hungry for the fundamental freedoms Hun Sens government is intent on dismantling. The CPPs authoritarian rule will struggle to meet their demands in the long run. Despite Hun Sens bluster and growing closeness to China, the CPPs moves since the election also highlight how the regime is still courting international opinion. Now is the time for Cambodias international allies to use this leverage. EU countries, the US, Japan and others need to pressure the CPP to change course immediately, before its too late. The only way to restore our democracy is to reinstate the CNRP MPs who lost their seats, free Kem Sokha from detention and hold new elections that are genuinely free and fair. During my year in exile, I have met Cambodian diaspora groups from Australia to Europe and South Korea and many, many places in between. They all want the same thing a democratic country where human rights are respected and where people are free to choose their future for themselves. This will not be possible as long as Hun Sen and the CPP remain in power. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Boat carrying 106 people, including women and children, was stopped south of Myanmars commercial hub of Yangon. Myanmar immigration authorities arrested more than 100 suspected Rohingya on board a boat off Yangon, officials said, raising fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. The boat carrying 106 people was stopped some 30 kilometres south of Myanmars largest city and senior police officials were on the way to investigate them, Kyaw Htay, an immigration officer from the Kyauktan township, told Reuters news agency. Its possible that they are from Rakhine. Like in previous years, it is possible they are Bengali from Rakhine, Kyaw Htay was quoted as saying by Reuters. Many people in Myanmar refer to the Rohingya as Bengali, implying they are undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmars Rakhine state last year, according to United Nations agencies. The Rohingya said soldiers and local Buddhists massacred families, burned hundreds of villages, and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of genocidal intent and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, saying security forces were battling terrorists. Attacks by Rohingya armed groups calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army preceded the crackdown. Officials and aid workers told Reuters last week that dozens of Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh had boarded boats to try to reach Malaysia in recent weeks, after the end of the monsoon rains in early October. Observers warn that because the smuggling routes to Thailand have been disrupted and the journey is treacherous and expensive, more and more Rohingya are opting for a cheaper and shorter trip along the Bay of Bengal coast south to Yangon. Aye Mya Mya Myo, a lower house legislator for Aung San Suu Kyis ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party from Kyauktan, posted pictures of a rickety boat crammed with women wearing headscarves, men and children on Facebook. On some images, police officials kept watch over squatting people from the boat. She said there were 50 men, 31 women and 25 children on the boat. It resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine, where they are denied free movement and access to decent education and healthcare. 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 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. Meanwhile, Myanmars neighbouring country, Indonesia, said it is ready to help resolve the Rohingya crisis. Indonesia is ready to help the Myanmar government to create a conducive condition in the Rakhine State, where freedom of movement should be respected, Indonesian President Joko Widodo was quoted by the countrys Antara news agency as saying, at the sidelines of a regional summit in Singapore on Friday. Argentine citizens with suspected links to the Lebanese armed group arrested in Buenos Aires ahead of the G20 summit. Two citizens from Argentina with suspected links to Lebanons Hezbollah were arrested on Thursday, leading up to the G20 summit due to take place in Buenos Aires at the end of the month, Argentinas security ministry said in a statement. The two men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested in the capital, Buenos Aires. Police discovered a small arsenal that included a rifle, one shotgun and a number of pistols, among other weapons. Police said they discovered evidence of travel abroad along with credentials in Arabic and an image of the Hezbollah flag. Police did not specify the nature of the travel or credentials, and did not say whether the men had intention of attacking the G20 event. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said on Thursday security forces were on the lookout for any suspicious activity ahead of the conference. The Lebanese armed group along with Iran is suspected of having carried out the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires. Argentine courts have blamed the attack on Iran but no one has been brought to trial in either that case or the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish centre that killed 85 people. On Tuesday, the US State Department designated Jawad Nasrallah, son of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a terrorist and accused him of carrying out attacks against Israel in the occupied West Bank. Todays designations seek to deny Nasrallah and AMB the resources to plan and carry out terrorist attacks, the State Department said in a statement then. It said the actions denied Nasrallah and AMB access to the US financial system. Australias treasurer on Friday said Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had a history of anti-Jewish statements in an escalating war of words over the possibility Australia might move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison first proposed the move during a local election campaign last month, sparking concern from Indonesia and Malaysia. Mahathir, 93, raised the potential relocation in a meeting with Morrison in Singapore on Thursday, later telling reporters he feared it could increase the threat of attacks. I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes, Mahathir said. Adding to the cause for terrorism is not going to be helpful. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg responded saying Canberra would make its own decisions, and pointing out the Malaysian leaders past comments about Jewish people. He has called Jews hooked-nosed people. He has questioned the number of people that have been killed in the Holocaust. He banned Schindlers List as a movie being shown, Frydenberg, the son of a Holocaust survivor, told reporters in Melbourne. Challenging history In an interview with the BBC last month, Mahathir said the problem in the Middle East began with the creation of Israel, and he defended his description of Jews as hook-nosed in his book The Malay Dilemma. They are hook-nosed, he told the BBC. Many people called the Malays fat-nosed. We didnt object. Mahathir also challenged historical accounts that six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, saying the figure was four million. The film Schindlers List was banned in 1994 with Malaysias film board rejecting it as Zionist propaganda. When asked by The Associated Press in an August interview about his past comments about Jewish people, Mahathir said: We should be able to criticise everybody. Anti-Semitic is a term that is invented to prevent people from criticising the Jews for doing wrong things, he said. Two-state solution The possibility that Australia may follow the United States contentious move and relocate its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv has been seen by many Australians as a political stunt. Critics called it a cynical attempt to win votes in a by-election last month for a Sydney seat that is home to a large number of Jewish people. But on Friday, Frydenberg insisted that shifting the embassy made sense although it has also inflamed tensions with Indonesia, Australias closest neighbour with the worlds largest population of Muslims. Australia already recognises Israels sovereignty over West Jerusalem, Frydenberg said. Its where the Israeli parliament is. Its where the Australian ambassador presents his or her credentials. It will be the capital of Israel under any two-state solution. Morrison said a decision on the embassy would be made by Christmas but rejected fears the plan had caused collateral damage by placing in jeopardy a proposed free trade agreement with Indonesia. I do not conflate the issues, Morrison told ABC radio in Australia. What we need to understand is that Australia has to set its own foreign policy, and all I have said is that we would consider this question if we believed that it would advance the issues of the two-state solution. Indonesian opposition politician Dian Islamiati Fatwa also warned this week that Australia moving its embassy may provoke attacks in his country. Draft UK-EU Brexit deal sparks political turmoil in Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May assailed from all sides. At almost 600 pages long, Theresa Mays draft agreement over Britains departure from the European Union is nearly half the length of Russian author Leo Tolstoys vaunted masterpiece, War and Peace. But for the UKs embattled prime minister, its currently all war and precious little peace. Mays proposed deal, brokered after months of back-and-forth with Brussels, has sparked political chaos in the UK, triggering a wave of cabinet resignations and rumours of a possible leadership challenge all the while prompting yet more calls for a second referendum on whether to exit the EU in the first place. Here, Al Jazeera takes a look at the current political drama, what led to it and what to expect next. What is Brexit? Brexit is the oft-used term for the UKs move to renounce its membership of the European Union following a deeply divisive referendum in June 2016. {articleGUID} More than 33 million voters took part in the poll, with 52 percent deciding in favour of leaving the 28-member bloc. The referendum returned varying results in the four constituent parts of the UK: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The majority of voters in England and Wales backed Brexit, while most people in Scotland and Northern Ireland supported remaining part of the European club. The UK in its entirety, however, is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. Why is securing support for the proposed deal proving difficult? Amid deep disagreements over the best way forward for the UK, Mays proposal has remarkably appeared to unite politicians from across party divides in their droves. Unfortunately for May, however, they are united in their dismissal of her deal but precious little else. For those in favour of Britain remaining in the EU, the draft agreement is a watered down, inadequate version of the countrys existing EU membership arrangement with access to the blocs customs union and single market. For those in favour of a definitive Brexit, meanwhile, the deal fails to deliver on a clean break with the European project. {articleGUID} Complicating matters even further are the vexing questions posed by what might happen to the Irish border one of the biggest sticking points in the negotiations in a post-Brexit Britain. Find out more about the issue here. The deal reached between the UK and the EU allows for a backstop to be set up in order to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, if no trade deal is sorted out during the so-called transitional period between 29 March, 2019 and December 31, 2020. Under the terms of the draft agreement, the whole of the UK will remain in a customs union with the EU unless and until the bloc agrees there is no prospect of a return to a hard border. But the backstop idea has prompted scorn from Mays parliamentary crutch, the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who argue such an arrangement could mean different rules being applied to Northern Ireland than the other parts of the UK. Hardline Brexiteers within her own Conservative Party, meanwhile, are also unimpressed and have suggested the proposed deal could trap the UK into the customs union forever, effectively forcing it to indefinitely accept EU regulations moving forward. What is the impact of the uncertainty? Turmoil and plenty of it. Politically, talk of a Conservative party leadership challenge, a general election and even a possible second referendum is rife. {articleGUID} Economically, the UKs stock market and currency have both been rattled, with businesses wary of a possible no-deal Brexit if Mays fragile proposal falls through. The pound suffered its biggest fall against the US dollar for two years on Thursday, before stabilising somewhat on Friday. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 a share index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange closed on Friday about one percent down against a week ago. What will happen next? Mays deal will now be put to a series of regional and domestic tests. First up, the prime minister must try to get the leaders of the EUs 27 other member states to officially back her proposal at a summit on November 25. {articleGUID} If approved, the deal will then be put to a vote in the British parliament, most likely in December. The result will be decided by a simple majority, with around 320 votes needed to be certain of success. But Mays party does not command a majority in the 650-member House of Commons, holding only 315 seats and relying on the support of the 10 DUP members of parliament to govern. Furthermore, the Conservatives commonly known as the Tories are deeply divided on Brexit. Dozens of the partys parliamentary members are expected to vote against Mays deal. The DUPs parliamentary contingent, meanwhile, have said they will not support the proposal because of the backstop conditions. As a result, Mays facing a monumental political dogfight. To succeed, she must find support among parliamentarians belonging to the main opposition Labour Party and other political groupings who may yet be persuaded to vote in favour of the deal in a bid to avoid the UK leaving the EU with no deal at all, a so-called cliff-edge Brexit. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on May to withdraw her half-baked Brexit deal, saying the proposal did not meet his partys six tests and was not in the interests of the whole country. Several other party leaders have also slammed the proposal. If MPs back the deal, then an EU Withdrawal Agreement bill will be introduced to parliament. That will then need to be ratified by parliament before it can proceed to a European Parliament vote and, if thats successful, an eventual EU Council approval process. If parliament votes against the deal, however, expect all political hell to break loose. The government will technically have 21 days to set out how they intend to proceed in a statement, but in such a scenario, the UK leaving the EU without a deal, a renegotiation of the existing proposal, holding a general election or even staging a second referendum on EU membership would all be eminently possible outcomes. Verdict after years of trial is first time any Khmer Rouge leaders were found guilty of genocide for 1975-79 terror. Cambodias Khmer Rouge regime committed genocide during its reign of terror from 1975 to 1979, a UN-backed war crimes court said on Friday in an historic ruling. Brother Number Two Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, are the last surviving senior leaders of the communist group that brutally ruled the Southeast Asian nation. The tribunal judging their criminal responsibility for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians also found them guilty of committing crimes against humanity and other breaches of the Geneva Conventions. The chamber finds that the crimes of genocide were committed against ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslims, presiding judge Nil Nonn said the first time the court has issued such a ruling. The large crowd of spectators attending the session included members of the Cham, a Muslim ethnic minority. The leaders are already serving life sentences after being convicted in a previous 2011 to 2014 trial of crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and disappearances of masses of people. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. Treated as enemies Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to the session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life under their rule, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by the Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. The tribunal has carried out just one other prosecution resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in the capital, Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected and was later installed in government after the group was removed from power by a Vietnamese invasion.The tribunal has had its share of controversy after being set up in 2006 with more than $300m spent. Selective justice Theary Seng, a human rights lawyer and Khmer Rouge survivor whose parents were killed, told Al Jazeera she welcomed the verdict but questioned why only three people from the regime have been tried. {articleGUID} The verdict is really the accumulation of years and years of waiting, were talking about crimes committed over 40 years ago, she said. Justice is so selective and this is part of the problem with this court from the very beginning. To try three Khmer Rouge leaders when thousands had bloody hands is not comprehensible to anybody in the world, in particular the Cambodian victims. Our prime minister was former Khmer Rouge so he has every reason to interfere in the court. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. While the failure to have more extensive proceedings has discomforted some observers, others point to the tribunals accomplishments International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, said Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal. The events covered by Fridays verdict span the four years of the regime of Pol Pot, Khmer Rouges leader known as Brother Number One. Pol Pot who fled to the jungle after Vietnams invasion was captured by a Khmer Rouge splinter group in 1997 and placed under house arrest. He died in his sleep a year later from heart failure. Workers argue that the government is not listening to their concerns but minister says special committee formed. Ramallah, occupied West Bank Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have continued to protest against a controversial social security law, which came into effect at the start of the month. The latest of several demonstrations against the law was held in the city of Ramallah on Monday, where thousands of workers staged a sit-in outside the Palestinian government headquarters. The government is not listening to our concerns, said Jack Syriani, a worker at the Jerusalem School of Bethlehem and member of the National Social Security movement (NSSM), which has headed opposition to the law. We wanted to modify this law, but the government has refused to hear our concerns. Now we want it cancelled completely, he said. Others have called for the law to be frozen temporarily to allow for negotiations with the government. Opposition to the law ranges from concerns that monthly employee deductions will be unmanageable for workers, to fears over the long-term security of their contributions and the viability of the system under a military occupation. Social security coverage for private sector The social security law was first signed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2016 by presidential decree, but its implementation was delayed for two years to allow companies and workers time to prepare. Its aim is to provide social security coverage to private sector employees, who make up around 53 percent of the workforce in the occupied Palestinian territory. The first phase of the law took effect on November 1 and consists of monthly employee and employer contributions to the newly established Palestinian Social Security Corporation (PSSC), for the management of retirement pensions, insurance for work-related injuries and maternity leave. The PSSC also receives funding in the form of grants, donations and loans. Employees who work more than 16 days a month are expected to contribute seven percent of their monthly salaries to the PSSC, while employers will contribute nine percent of salaries, plus an additional 1.6 percent to cover accident insurance. According to the law, workers will be able to apply for a retirement pension at age 60. Palestinian security forces form a human shield at Mondays demonstration [Abbas Momani/AFP] Syriani told Al Jazeera that the seven percent deductions would make life difficult for Palestinians who are already burdened by personal debt. If a worker is making 2,000 ($541) or 2,500 shekels ($677) a month, he already has to pay half of that to the bank to pay off loans, he said, adding that many Palestinians have become dependent on loans and often use the funds to purchase cars, homes, or other consumer goods. On top of the loan payments, then the social security company also takes from his salary. How can he live with the remaining money? He will not be able to afford to provide a good life for his family or children. Palestinian Labour Minister Mamoun Abu Shahla who has become the focus of demonstrators anger, with many calling for his resignation told Al Jazeera that the workers have rejected the bill because some of them are unable to understand the law properly. He added that although the law will not be delayed, a special committee consisting of eight government ministers has been formed in order to open a dialogue with all the parties who are against the bill. Employees and employers who do not register will not be penalised until negotiations are complete, which could take anywhere from a few weeks to six months, Abu Shahla said. At that point, the law will become compulsory for all of society, he added. Nothing is ever guaranteed in Palestine Fadi Arouri, a journalist who also works at an international humanitarian NGO, told Al Jazeera that the economic and political situation in the occupied territory makes the national social security system unviable. We are not stable, he said. We are not controlling our own exports and imports. We dont have our own currency. Our government is financed by [international] aid. {articleGUID} If something happens, no one is going to save the people, and the national security law will not be valued in a country under debt, he added. We dont even control our own economy. How can we be sure that our money will be secure? For Syriani, the main concern for Palestinians is the lack of a guarantee that the money will still be there when workers reach retirement age. He said workers are demanding that a special court be established to provide workers with legal recourse that can guarantee that their contributions to the social security fund are not lost. Palestinians have also lived under an Israeli military occupation for more than half a century, which limits the independence and control that the Palestinian Authority (PA) practically exercises over its territory, which consists of about 18 percent of the West Bank known as Area A. What if something happens with the political situation? Who is responsible for ensuring that we dont lose our money? Nothing is ever guaranteed in Palestine, Syriani told Al Jazeera. Are the workers represented? A major demand among protesters is the restructure of the PSSC board to include more representation of workers, in order to ensure the funds are being invested for their benefit. Currently, only five of 18 board members represent their interests. {articleGUID} There are some board members who are investors and businessmen. How can we know, as workers, that they would not be directly or indirectly benefited from the investments of the funds? Arouri said. Jabril Saadah, the head researcher at the Ramallah-based Bisan Center for Research and Development, told Al Jazeera that these suspicions arise from a history of widespread corruption and nepotism practised by Palestinian leaders, many of whom have ties to some of the largest companies in Palestine. Abu Shahla has been accused by protesters of personal involvement in the selection of Bank of Palestine as the financial body to manage the social security funds, owing to his own personal ties with the bank, where he has previously served on the board of directors and continues to own stock. However, Abu Shahla has denied this accusation, telling Al Jazeera that the bank was chosen by a special committee and the PSSC board because it is the largest bank in Palestine and has branches in the besieged Gaza Strip. I am only a minister now and I am only here to help my people, he said. In an apparent concession to the protesters demands, Abu Shahla told Al Jazeera that discussions are underway to establish a general assembly made up of 50 Palestinian citizens that would oversee the activities of the board. Workers, meanwhile, told Al Jazeera that the first phase of the law should also cover other aspects of the societys needs, such as the implementation of unemployment insurance and healthcare. While Abu Shahla said these benefits would come at later stages, he noted that there was no set timeframe for their future implementation, and that it would depend on the economic and political situation. However, Palestinian workers believe these issues and reforms should have been addressed and implemented before the law went into effect, in order to build confidence in the system among employees in the occupied territory. Instead, they say that the new law leaves them facing an uncertain future. Currently, about 7,200 US military personnel are based in dozens of African countries. The US army will withdraw hundreds of troops conducting counterterrorism operations across Africa over the next several years, the Pentagon has said, in a move that comes amid efforts to prioritise resources for long-term competition with China and Russia. Currently, about 7,200 US military personnel are based in dozens of African nations, with notable footprints in countries such as Somalia, Nigeria and Libya. Commander Candice Tresch, Pentagon spokesperson, said on Thursday that figure would be reduced by about 10 percent over the next few years. Tresch did not specify which countries would see a drawdown but said the cuts would leave counter-violent extremist organisation activities largely untouched in several countries, including Somalia, Djibouti and Libya. {articleGUID} In other parts of the continent, including West Africa, the emphasis would shift from tactical assistance to advising, assisting, liaising and sharing intelligence, Tresch added. A US official, speaking to the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity, said the reduction of troops would likely take place over three years and could include countries such as Kenya, Cameroon and Mali. The role of the US military on the African continent has received increased attention after an ambush last year in Niger, claimed by a local Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) affiliate, which killed four US soldiers and several members of Nigerien partner forces. The announcement by the Pentagon comes as it works on implementing President Donald Trumps sweeping National Defense Strategy, which highlights a new era of Great Power competition with Moscow and Beijing. Same-sex marriage, private ownership and presidential term limits are all under consideration on the Caribbean island. Since August, Cubans have been gathering in thousands of government-organised meetings taking place across the island. They came together in hospitals, schools and parks to discuss a new draft constitution, which, if passed, would mark the most significant political change in Cuba for more than four decades. Proposals include opening the door for same-sex marriage, recognising private ownership and scrapping the goal of building a communist society, but rights groups and analysts say the new legislation is more of a nod to a changing world, than an upending of the status quo on the Caribbean island. The public consultation period came to an end on Thursday, and the work of National Assembly to sift through the comments and suggestions now begins. Al Jazeera examines what the new constitution may mean for Cubas future. Why now and whats next? Decades of economic hardship and a changing global political reality has forced communist-run Cuba to reassess its fundamental principles in an attempt to keep pace with a world that has changed vastly since the Soviet-era when the current constitution was enshrined. In July, the National Assembly Cubas parliament approved the new draft constitution and presented it to the public for consultation the following month after more than a year debating the overhaul of the 1976 constitution. Speaking when the draft was approved, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said each Cuban will be able to freely express their opinions to build a constitution that reflects the today and future of the nation. This was done during thousands of meetings where officials took handwritten notes with the publics feedback. The Assembly will now consider those comments and make changes to the draft before Cubans get their final say in a national referendum scheduled for February 24, 2019. How will the new constitution affect Cuban politics? While reaffirming several aspects of the current system, the proposals would significantly reorganise the countrys government. The draft reintroduces the post of Prime Minister, who would lead the cabinet, known as the Council of Ministers, in the daily running of the country. The candidate would be put forward by the president for approval by the National Assembly. It also proposes having governors for Cubas 15 provinces, replacing the current system of presidents of provincial assemblies and introduces term and age limits for the presidency. Cuba will maintain its single-party system but the president will share power with a PM [Irene Perez/Cubadebate via Reuters] The president who will continue to be elected by the Assembly, rather than voters would serve a maximum of two terms and can be no older than 60 at the start of his or her first term, notable in a country where the elderly Castro brothers held the reigns for decades. {articleGUID} The goal of advancing towards a communist society has also been dropped, drawing much attention internationally, but the impact of this is likely to be limited. The new constitution revises the aim to the construction of socialism and, crucially, Cuba will maintain its single-party system under the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), which holds complete control over politics, the economy and society in general. National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernandez said shortly after the approval of the draft that the removal of references to communism do not mean that Cubas leadership are renouncing our ideas, but rather remain committed to the vision of a socialist, independent, prosperous and sustainable country, according to comments carried by state TV. Will US-Cuba relations improve? Cubas relationship with the United States has been fraught since 1959, when left-wing fighters, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew the US-backed government of Fulgencio Batista in the Cuban Revolution. The US began blockading Cuba the following year, halting trade and tourism with the island. Tensions escalated further with 1961s Bay of Pigs invasion and peaked during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Cubas relationship with the US is notoriously tense [Javier Galeano/Reuters] A brief thaw came under former US President Barack Obama who, along with then-President Raul Castro, announced an historic reengagement in 2015, however the relationship has soured once more under President Donald Trump. {articleGUID} The US objection, the Trump administrations objection, to Cuba is that its not a multi-party democracy like the United States and the Cuban constitution doesnt change that, in fact the new constitution reaffirms the single-party system with the Communist Party in the leading role, said William LeoGrande, a professor in the School of Public Affairs at the American University. The draft also includes a prohibition on negotiating under threat and coercion, codifying an oft-repeated condition set out by the Castros and recently reiterated by Diaz-Canel. I think its meant to send a message to the United States that if somehow the United States is still hoping that its going to be able to coerce Cuba into making concessions about its domestic politics, its mistaken, LeoGrande told Al Jazeera. What impact will it have on the economy? Cubas economy was severely damaged by the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, which pumped millions of dollars into propping up the island, and the crushing effects of the ongoing US embargo. Raul Castro, who took over from his brother Fidel in 2006, introduced a series of economic reforms, which opened the country up to a limited but impactful degree of private industry and foreign investment in an attempt to avoid collapse. Poverty is widespread on the island, where the state is the main employer [Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters] The draft constitution continues this work, mostly by officially recognising practices that already exist in Cuba, including self-employment, in a limited way. The market and private property, capitalist concepts, previously shunned by the communist leadership, are included in the new national charter, suggesting an attempt to make room for these realities as part of a socialist economy that would remain largely under the control of the state through central economic planning. With the economic proposals, Cuba will seek to modernise without democratising, as has been done in Vietnam and China. However, unlike these countries, Cuba remains concerned about the accumulation of private wealth creating an unequal society and so the permissions for the private sector remain tentative. {articleGUID} The objective is not to allow the concentration of wealth, which reinforces the uncertainty of any foreign investment, said Carlos Seiglie, a professor of economics at Rutgers University. The main challenge to economic growth in Cuba is the degree of state control of the economy. For Cuba to grow and develop, the means of production has to be transferred into private hands. If the state wants to alter the distribution of income after such [a] transfer, they could do it via taxation and redistribution to those who fare less well, he told Al Jazeera. In November, Diaz-Canel embarked on a tour of communist allies including Russia, China and North Korea in an attempt to boost economic ties and attract investment to the island. Will human rights improve? Cuba has not allowed access to independent monitors or human rights organisations for years and has refused to ratify a number of key international human rights treaties, most recently at the United Nationss Universal Periodic Review in May. All media on the island remains state-controlled, with the populations access to the internet also being extremely limited and independent bloggers facing arrest. Rights groups have found little cause for celebration in the proposals, saying that many of the rights being offered come with caveats. Freedom of speech and assembly are tightly controlled on the island [Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters] What we see with revisions to the constitution is, on the one hand, an appearance that its expanding rights, but on a closer reading you see that the rights being offered are limited to what already exists in national legislation, said Louise Tillotson, Amnesty Internationals researcher for the Caribbean. {articleGUID} The revised constitution proposes the democratisation of cyberspace but then condemns the use of the internet for what it calls subversion,' she told Al Jazeera. The language continues to be quite hazy and opens the door for criminal laws to be applied towards people that are deemed to be subversive. The countrys judiciary remains tightly bound to the state, with arbitrary detentions commonly being used to silence dissent, according to Amnesty. The redefinition of marriage would open the door for same-sex marriage [Reuters] A silver lining might be found in the introduction of the presumption of into the penal code and articles in the new draft to ban any sort of workplace discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, disability and ethnicity and make provisions for the elderly. Marriage is redefined as being between two persons, rather than a man and a woman. Homosexuality is a divisive issue in Cuba. A change in attitudes, however, is largely credited to the work of Mariela Castro, Rauls daughter, at the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), as well as the growing acceptance of the idea that discrimination of any kind being incompatible with the revolution. {articleGUID} It would really be a welcome step forward, of course, if in the constitution same-sex marriage is legalised, it would be the first independent nation in the Caribbean to do so, it would be really important for the region, said Tillotson. But at the same time we need to recognise that silencing any voices, including LGBT voices needs to change if were going to see real progress. Successive UK governments over the past decade have inflicted great misery on millions of Britons with punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous austerity policies, according to the United Nations poverty envoy. The critical remarks on Friday came amid deep political turmoil in the UK over its looming departure from the European Union or Brexit, as it is widely known and growing economic worries over the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc. In a damning report, Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, lambasted poverty rates in Britains age of austerity as a social calamity and an economic disaster. Fourteen million people, a fifth of the population, live in poverty. Four million of these are more than 50 percent below the poverty line, and 1.5 million are destitute, unable to afford basic essentials, Alston said, citing figures from the UK-based Social Metrics Commission and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation charity. The experience of the United Kingdom, especially since 2010, underscores the conclusion that poverty is a political choice. Austerity could easily have spared the poor, if the political will had existed to do so, he added. Austerity-era Britain Over the past eight years, consecutive governments led by the countrys Conservative party have enforced widespread austerity measures as part of efforts to reduce Britains national debt levels in the wake of the financial sectors implosion in 2008. The protracted British strategy of budget cutting although not as draconian as in other EU countries, such as crisis-hit Greece has seen funding for local authorities and public services slashed and welfare provisions dramatically cut back. According to the Local Government Association, between 2010 and 2020, local councils in the country will have lost 60 pence ($0.77) out of every one pound ($1.28) the government had provided for services. Libraries have closed in record numbers, community and youth centers have been shrunk and underfunded, public spaces and buildings including parks and recreation centers have been sold off, Alston said in his 24-page report. But in recent months, the government has been cautiously signalling a light at the end of the tunnel for the countrys public finances, pointing to declining debt levels and the continuous drop of the budget deficit from almost 9.9 percent in 2009-2010 to 1.9 percent this year amid the increased focus on spending cuts. {articleGUID} In late October, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said in his annual budget speech his last before Brexit that the era of austerity is finally coming to an end. Hammonds October 29 announcement came three weeks after earlier claims by Prime Minister Theresa May that austerity was over and better days were ahead for the worlds fifth largest economy. But critics have pointed to the shutting down of public institutions, soaring homelessness rates, rising food bank use and projected rises in poverty rates as evidence of the austerity programmes devastating social implications. In his report, Alston accused authorities of remaining determinedly in a state of denial over the effect of their fiscal approach. The costs of austerity have fallen disproportionately upon the poor, women, racial and ethnic minorities, children, single parents, and people with disabilities, he said. In the area of poverty-related policy, the evidence points to the conclusion that the driving force has not been economic but rather a commitment to achieving radical social re-engineering, he added. Government pushback In response to a request for comment on Alstons report, the UKs Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) quoted an unnamed government spokesperson as saying that it completely disagreed with the envoys analysis. With this governments changes, household incomes have never been higher, income inequality has fallen, the number of children living in workless households is at a record low and there are now one million fewer people living in absolute poverty compared with 2010, the spokesperson cited by DWP on Friday said. We are absolutely committed to helping people improve their lives while providing the right support for those who need it, the spokesperson added. {articleGUID} Also on Friday, May, who has come under intense public scrutiny and parliamentary pressure over her draft Brexit deal, announced the appointment of a new government minister to head the negotiations with Brussels. Stephen Barclay was named Brexit secretary, replacing Dominic Raab who was one of the several ministers to quit on Thursday over the proposed withdrawal agreement. The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, nearly three years after 52 percent of Britons voted in favour of ending the countrys 43-year membership of the 28-member bloc during a deeply divisive referendum. Kartik Raj, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, called on the UKs leaders to heed the UN envoys report despite the ongoing political unrest. Professor Alstons excoriating analysis of the UK governments failures to tackle poverty makes for devastating reading, Raj said. The government needs to sit up and pay attention to what he has said at this crucial time, not hope that his recommendations get buried in the nonstop rolling news coverage of Brexit, he added. Florida election officials on Thursday ordered a hand recount of ballots in a closely fought US Senate race between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and his Republican challenger, Governor Rick Scott. Nelson trailed Scott by about 12,600 votes, or 0.15 percent of the more than eight million ballots cast following an electronic recount. Under state law, the Florida Department of State must trigger a manual recount if an electronic recount of ballots finds a margin of victory of less than 0.25 percent. Election officials were expected to inspect by hand any ballots that were designated undervotes or overvotes, cases where the machine that reviewed the ballot concluded that a voter had skipped a contest or marked more than one selection. If the voters intentions are clear on review by a person, the ballot could be counted. The order came after US District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida, cleared the way to include ballots from as many as 5,000 people across the state who submitted ballots by mail that were rejected by election officials. A Georgia federal judge issued a similar ruling as that state worked to resolve a close governors race. In Florida, the recount of close races and attendant legal disputes over the validity of votes have stirred memories of the 2000 US presidential election, when the Supreme Court stopped an ongoing recount in the state and sent George W Bush to the White House. Walker grew testy during a series of Thursday hearings about lawsuits over the recounts, voicing frustration about how to handle uneven progress in different counties and also the Florida legislatures response to historic election problems. {articleGUID} We have been the laughing stock of the world election after election, Walker said. But weve still chosen not to fix this. The Scott campaign in a statement called on Nelson to concede. Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next US Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice, Scott said. Overall control of the US Senate is not at stake in the Florida race. President Donald Trumps fellow Republicans extended their majority in the chamber while Democrats took a majority in the House of Representatives. But both the Senate and governors races are being closely scrutinised as Florida is traditionally a key swing state in presidential elections. Vote denied is justice denied State election officials said the machine recount of ballots in the governors race pitting Republican Ron DeSantis against Democrat Andrew Gillum showed DeSantis with an 0.41 percentage point lead, below the threshold to trigger a manual recount. {articleGUID} Gillum signalled that he had not yet given up. A vote denied is justice denied the State of Florida must count every legally cast vote, Gillum said in a statement after the machine recount concluded. We plan to do all we can to ensure that every voice is heard in this process. Separately, a federal judge in Georgia ordered state election officials to count some previously rejected ballots in that states governors race, where ballots are still being tallied but Republican former Secretary of State Brian Kemp has declared victory over Democrat Stacey Abrams. Prayers held in two of Islams holiest cities, with the son of murdered Washington Post columnist attending one of them. Funeral prayers in absentia were held for slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi in many cities around the world, including Saudi Arabias Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest places of Islam. The special prayers, known as Salat al-Ghaib or prayer for the absent, were held on Friday at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and Prophet Muhammads mosque in Medina. The Medina prayers were offered at dawn with the participation of Salah Khashoggi, son of the murdered Washington Post columnist. Muslims perform the prayer when the body of the deceased has not been found. The imams at both the mosques, however, did not name Khashoggi. Short videos of the funeral prayers, including one performed after Friday prayers in Mecca, were shared widely on Twitter. / ( ) #_## pic.twitter.com/owFBiYyYiI (@AlziadiQ8) November 16, 2018 #_ . pic.twitter.com/6TfPuk7MKH (@TurkiShalhoub) November 16, 2018 Funeral prayers were also held at the Fatih Mosque in the Turkish city of Istanbul and Finsbury Park mosque in north London on Friday. Fatih Oke, a friend of Khashoggi, said the slain journalists family would not get closure until justice was delivered. Today we want to honour his soul, if we can honour his soul, well be happy. But our needs will not end with this funeral in absentia, we are looking for real justice for Jamals soul, his family, for journalism, in the world. Al Jazeeras London correspondent Nadim Baba said the imam, who delivered the special sermon at the Friday prayers attended by hundreds, was himself a Saudi dissident now living in the UK. After hearing the call by Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggis fiance, that Muslims around the world perform the funeral prayer, we believed the right thing to do was to respond, said Anas Altikriti, CEO of the Muslim Association of Britain. Saudi regime under fire Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans (MBS) supposed reform programme, was killed when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a document certifying his divorce. Saudi authorities had initially claimed the journalist left the consulate, before backtracking and admitting on October 20 he was killed by rogue operatives. On Thursday, Saudi authorities said they were seeking the death penalty for five people accused of carrying out his murder. Turkish leaders almost immediately dismissed the announcement, with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling it insufficient and insisting the killing was premeditated. Turkish officials have repeatedly said it is unlikely Khashoggi could have been killed without the knowledge of MBS, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying the orders came from the highest levels of the Saudi government. According to the New York Times, a member of the Saudi team that killed Khashoggi made a phone call shortly after his death, instructing someone in Saudi Arabia to tell your boss that the assassination had been carried out. Oil flows from Kirkuk begin after Baghdad and Erbil agree on deal to export 50,000 to 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Iraq says it has reached an initial agreement with Kurdish authorities to restart exports from the oilfields of Kirkuk, one year after flows were halted due to a standoff between the central government in Baghdad and Kurdistans semi-autonomous region. Asim Jihad, spokesperson for Iraqs oil ministry, said on Friday the countrys new Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdis government had struck a deal with the Kurdish regional government to export 50,000 to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd). The federal government and the government of the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI) reached a preliminary agreement to resume oil flows starting today from the Kirkuk fields through the KRIs pipeline to the Ceyhan port in Turkey, he told the AFP news agency. Most of Iraqs exports come from southern fields, but Kirkuk is one of the biggest and oldest oilfields in the Middle East, containing by some estimates nine billion barrels of recoverable oil. Exports have been on hold since Iraqi security units took the lucrative fields from Kurdish forces in October 2017, in retaliation for a controversial referendum on secession in the region. The halting of shipments from Kirkuk stopped almost 300,000 bpd flowing out of Iraq towards Turkey and international markets causing a net revenue loss of some $8bn over the past year. Really positive Analysts hailed the announcement as one of the earliest victories for Abdel-Mahdi, a previous oil minister known for his good relations with Kurdish authorities in Erbil, as well as President Barham Salih. Rebwar Fatah, researcher at the London-based Middle East Consultancy Services, described the move as really positive and beneficial. This is the beginning of the easing of tensions between Baghdad and Erbil after what happened on October 16, 2017, he told Al Jazeera, referring to the Iraqi government forces takeover of the Kurdish-held city of Kirkuk. It is also the beginning of a longer dialogue between the two sides, he said. It is beneficial for the people of Kurdistan and adds to the stability of Iraq in general. The Kirkuk fields have changed hands several times in recent years. The Kurds took control of Kirkuk and its oilfields after ejecting fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group, who in 2014 had driven the Iraqi army out. The pipeline Baghdad once used for export via Turkey was wrecked by ISIL leaving only one working pipeline, built and controlled by the Kurds. Baghdad and Erbil have yet to find a compromise over maximum flow levels as well as budget transfers from the central government to Erbil something the two sides have struggled to agree on for many years.Iraqs Kurdish region is producing and exporting some 400,000 bpd via that pipeline. Resumed flows from Kirkuk will lift this to 450,000-500,000 bpd, but short of the 700,000 bpd the region had exported at some points during 2017. The resumption of oil exports comes less than two weeks after the United States re-imposed sanctions on Irans oil, energy and finance sectors. Washington sees Kirkuk as an option to help offset global shortfall in oil supply caused by sanctions on Iran. This deal is seen as a win for the US, Washington has been pushing for this especially when sanctions were reimposed on Tehran, said Yerevan Saeed, Kurdish affairs analyst at the Middle East Research Institute. Following the failed Kurdish referendum, the only avenue for Kirkuk crude to reach international markets was through Iran via tanker trucks, he explained. The flow of oil through the Kurdish pipeline will distance Iraq from Iran, Saeed told Al Jazeera. It ramps up pressure on the Iranians. Iraq is OPECs second-largest oil exporter at 4.5 billion bpd. Oil exports make up almost the entirety of the governments revenue, bringing in $8.5bn last month. John Bolton, the US national security adviser, welcomed Fridays announcement as a promising first step to return to 2017 levels. The resumption of exports can restore lost revenue for Iraqi people [and] services [and] make Iraq energy independent, he wrote on Twitter. Suspects are Filipinos and include the alleged right-hand man of a senior commander of the armed group. Malaysian police say theyve arrested eight suspects including a number of alleged members of Abu Sayyaf, after reports the group was planning to carry out a series of kidnappings in the waters off eastern Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. The men one from Malaysia and seven from the Philippines were picked up in a series of raids over the past two weeks in Malaysias administrative capital Putrajaya, as well as the Borneo state of Sabah, Chief of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement on Friday. Among those held was a 30-year-old Filipino who is suspected of being a commander in Abu Sayyaf and the right-hand man to senior leader Furuji Indama, Mohamad Fuzi said. The man was picked up by counterterrorism police on November 10 in Kinarut, a town in western Sabah. The arrests come two weeks after the commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Hazani Ghazali, told Malaysian media there was a heightened risk of kidnappings in the waters off Sabah. Esscom, established after a 2013 raid into Sabah by a group of Filipinos claiming the land as theirs, received information that as many as 10 armed members of Abu Sayyaf planned to target businessmen or the crew of foreign vessels in the seas around Sabahs east coast. Suspected executioners Abu Sayyaf is based in the southern Philippines and secured notoriety nearly 20 years ago when it kidnapped 21 people including foreign tourists from Sipadan, an island that attracts diving enthusiasts from across the world, demanding millions of dollars for their release. More recently, some of its leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). Those arrested included a Filipino suspected of being a weapons maker for the group, Malaysian police said. Two others both Filipinos were allegedly looking to recruit children who could be used as human shields in any fighting with the Philippine military. Police say the two were also executioners for Abu Sayyaf and were trying to escape back to the Philippines when they were caught. The first arrest was made on October 30 in Putrajaya when the police picked up a 38-year-old Malaysian suspected of channelling funds to Akel Zainal, a Malaysian ISIL fighter in Syria. All eight are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act. Chancellor meets with residents of Chemnitz, the site of violent far-right protests amid divisions over immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made good on a long-promised visit to Chemnitz, an eastern city that has experienced violent far-right rallies and xenophobic riots. The demonstrations in August occurred after a man, identified as Daniel H by local media, reportedly of Cuban origin, died after being stabbed during an argument. Two men, of Syrian and Iraqi origin and presumed to be asylum seekers, were arrested by local police in relation to the stabbing. In Chemnitz, Merkel on Friday spoke at a town hall-style meeting with about 130 readers of a local newspaper, taking pointed questions about the situation in Germany, Al Jazeeras Dominic Kane, reporting from the city, said. Riot policemen protected far-right demonstrators against attacks from anti-fascists in Chemnitz [Matthias Rietschel/Reuters] She has been saying, were aware of the problem we want to know what peoples concerns are,' Kane added. The arrest of the two men played into a nationwide debate on Merkels immigration policies, which have come under increased pressure in recent years, both from the electorate and members of the chancellors governing coalition. The far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party is now the main opposition party in Germany, after coming third in last years general election Attendees at Fridays meeting voiced concerns over the resurgence of far-right violence aside from the far-right clashes, a Jewish restaurant and a Persian eatery were also targeted. But one attendee also said they felt like second-class citizens as residents of former East Germany, which was a member of the Soviet bloc from the 1940s until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Western Germany holds much of the countrys wealth, according to a 2015 study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development. Of the 500 richest Germans, only 21 call the east home. Of the 20 most prosperous cities, only one Jena, is found in the east. Kane said that Merkel, who is from the east, told the crowd in Chemnitz that said she understands their economic concerns but added that violence is not the answer. Merkel, who took office in 2005, announced in late October she would step down as the head of the Christian Democratic Union and would not run for chancellor in the next federal elections. Over a million children under five suffered from severe malnutrition in six worst-hit countries in the Sahel. The number of hungry children in West Africas Sahel region has reached a 10-year high in 2018 due to a lack of rain, conflict and increasing food prices, a United Nations agency said on Friday. More than 1.3 million children under the age of five suffered from severe malnutrition this year in the six worst-hit countries in the Sahel, a biogeographic transitional zone between the south of the Sahara desert and north of Sudanian Savanah. This accounts for a 50 percent increase over 2017, said the UN childrens agency, UNICEF. Each year in the Sahel, many children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, especially during the lean season when food becomes scarce and there is an increase in malaria and diarrheal diseases, a UNICEF press release said. Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEF regional director for West and Central Africa, said such children are more vulnerable to illnesses such as malaria and waterborne diseases. Likewise, if they are fighting off an illness, they are at greater risk of becoming malnourished. That is why it is also essential to prevent the spread of disease, increase access to adequate sanitation, and promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices. This year, the problem was particularly acute across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, the UNICEF release said. An estimated 6 million people did not have enough to eat across the region during the lean season, according to the UN food agency (FAO). Pastoralist communities were among the worst hit, because poor rains meant there was not enough vegetation for grazing, said Coumba Sow, the FAOs regional coordinator for resilience. The Sahel has only one growing season, and if it goes poorly due to climate shocks or conflict, people must survive on whatever they have until the next one. Climate change exacerbates the problem by making rainfall more erratic, said Sow, adding that the rains were late and suffered a prolonged break, causing many farmers to lose half their seeds. UN agencies and local governments were currently evaluating production levels for the new season, Sow said. Disputed prime ministers supporters brawl in parliament for second day in a bid to disrupt new no-confidence vote. Sri Lankas parliament has descended into chaos for a second day as legislators supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa threw books, furniture and chilli paste at rivals in a bid to block a second no-confidence motion against him. The pandemonium on Friday began when the pro-Rajapaksa politicians poured on to the floor of parliament and prevented Speaker Karu Jayasuriya from taking his chair. After more than an hour, Jayasuriya managed to finally enter the red-carpeted chamber under the protection of dozens of unarmed officers and parliamentary staff. Rioting legislators then took away the ceremonial chair, but staff carried in an ordinary office chair as a makeshift replacement. However, rioters grabbed that chair too, breaking it into pieces that were then used as projectiles to attack rivals and police officers. The police held boards around the speaker to protect him from being hit by the angry politicians as he conducted a voice vote on a revised no-confidence motion against the disputed prime minister. After the motion passed, Jayasuriya adjourned the house until Monday. In a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena later on Friday, the speaker said 122 legislators in the 225-member House voted against Rajapaksa, a controversial former president whose appointment as prime minister on October 26 plunged the Indian Ocean nation into a protracted political crisis. Sirisena named Rajapaksa to the post after firing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a move widely denounced as unconstitutional. The deposed leaders supporters brought a no-confidence motion against the newly appointed prime minister when Sirisena refused to allow a vote to test Wickremesinghes support on the parliament floor. Rajapaksa lost the no-trust motion on Wednesday but refused to step down saying it should not have been put to a voice vote. The former president, who had stayed away from the clashes on Friday, told his supporters he did not accept the outcome of the second vote either. If they pass a no-confidence motion according to proper procedure, we are ready to leave, Rajapaksa said at the Kasagala Temple in southern Sri Lanka. But we cannot accept it if they try to pass it by force in a nasty manner. Unprecedented scenes A vote on a second no-confidence motion was scheduled after Sirisena met the leaders of the political parties that voted for the first resolution against Rajapaksa on Thursday following fistfights in the parliament earlier that day. During the meeting, the president asked the leaders to take up the motion again and allow it to be debated before being put to a roll-call vote. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, a spokesman for Sirisena, said the president did not accept Fridays vote as proper procedure was not followed. Opposition legislator R Sampathan said it was Rajapaksa loyalists who prevented a roll-call vote on the motion as requested by Sirisena. {articleGUID} A former parliament staffer said Fridays scenes were unprecedented. We havent had a situation where the speaker was prevented from entering the chamber, former sergeant-at-arms Wijaya Palliyaguruge told the AFP news agency. This is also the first time that the speaker had to come in with police protection. A Rajapaksa loyalist was seen throwing chilli powder at rival legislators and police. Several constables and legislators were taken to the parliaments medical centre for first aid. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a legislator from the party of Wickremesinghe, the sacked prime minister, said he was among those treated after chilli mixed with water was thrown at his face. Vijitha Herath, another legislator, said he suffered a forehead injury when a rival hit him with a hard-cover copy of the constitution that was on the speakers table. Rajapaksas spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella denied they attacked police or staff, but blamed the speaker for the chaos. He (the speaker) need not have rushed the vote, Rambukwella told reporters in parliament after sittings were adjourned. Speaking at a press conference after the vote, Wickremesinghe demanded the restoration of the status quo prior to October 26. The country needs stability, he told reporters. Let the status quo come back. Wickremesinghe said he was ready to work with Sirisena despite their bitter differences. Sirisena responded to Fridays raucous scenes in a Twitter post, saying he would not dissolve parliament. He called upon all parties to uphold principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times. Sirisena had dissolved parliament last week and ordered elections to break the deadlock in the wake of his decision to fire Wickremesinghe. But the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that decree on Tuesday until it had heard petitions challenging the move as unconstitutional. Rathindra Kuruwita contributed to this report from Colombo. Accident in Gwanda, 550km south of capital Harare, also left 20 other people injured, some with severe burns. At least 42 passengers have been confirmed dead, Zimbabwe police said Friday, after a suspected gas tank exploded on a bus, with pictures showing the burnt-out wreckage of the vehicle. The accident happened late on Thursday in Gwanda district, about 550km south of Harare, Zimbabwes capital. At the moment we know that more than 42 people died, police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told AFP after the accident late on Thursday, with state media reporting a gas tank belonging to a passenger was believed to have exploded. Our police officers are at the scene, Charamba added. The state-owned Herald newspaper said on its Twitter feed that it is suspected a gas tank belonging to one of the passengers caused the inferno in the bus. Dozens have been confirmed dead and several others injured through burns. Zim Red Cross first aid teams responded to a horrific accident around midnight at the 56km peg from Gwanda towards Beitbridge involving a South African bound bus. A total of 24 people have been ferried to Hospital while the number of deaths is still to be confirmed. pic.twitter.com/GSu3xRHFB7 Zimbabwe Red Cross (@ZrcsRed) November 16, 2018 Earlier, Charamba told AP news agency that at least 20 other people were injured, some with severe burns, in the accident on Thursday night. Photos posted on Twitter by the Zimbabwe Red Cross showed the remains of a bus that was completely incinerated. Earlier this month, 47 people were killed when two buses collided on a highway between Harare and the eastern town of Rusape. Indias ruling BJP party is accused of exploiting a court decision to allow women into temple for political mileage. An estimated one million pilgrims flock to Sabarimala in Keralas Western Ghats mountains every year to pay homage to celibate deity Lord Ayyappan who, according to Hindu mythology, meditated at that spot. But in recent weeks, the picturesque hilltop temple in the southern Indian state has emerged as a flashpoint with protests turning violent. Since the countrys Supreme Court overturned a ban on women of reproductive age from entering the shrine, Hindu hardliners, opposed to the decision, have attacked female pilgrims, threatened journalists and pelted stones at police. Not a single woman, aged 10 to 50, has made it through the sea of protesters to the temple. Last week, thousands of people rallied in the streets and attended a protest in Keralas Kozhikode city, led by leaders of the right-wing BJP party, while many streets remained barricaded and parts of the city closed to traffic. {articleGUID} The Hindu nationalist coalition that rules India has been struggling to carve out a support base in Kerala, where the BJP has just one elected legislator in the state assembly. BJP chief Amit Shah has thrown his weight behind the anti-women protesters despite the court order. The party rose to prominence in the late 1980s on the back of a movement to build a temple in place of a medieval era mosque in the northern Uttar Pradesh state. The 16th century Babri Mosque was eventually torn down by Hindu mobs in 1992. Charmy Harikrishnan, an editor at The Economic Times, told Al Jazeera, that the BJP was fanning the unrest to make inroads into the region. There are conservatives who are disenchanted with the Supreme Court judgment, but the BJP sees this as an opportunity to make inroads into Kerala where it is a minor political player. It wants to mobilise Hindus in the name of protecting the temples age-old practices, she said. This is a moment of reckoning for the people of Kerala whether to go for progressive practices or support misogynistic movements, she added. Surrendering to religious bigots The BJP, which is trying to make political inroads into the state ruled by a communist coalition the Left Democratic Front (LDF), says it is supporting Hindu conservatives on a matter of faith. This is an agitation against the atheist ministers in the state that is run by communists, Sreedharan Pillai, the chief of the Kerala unit of the BJP, told Al Jazeera. They want to destroy Sabarimala. This is an ancient temple that has its foundations in our rituals and traditional customs. The people are resisting all these attempts to destroy the heritage of the temple. It is a spontaneous peoples protest. It shows the will of the people. The masses dont want their traditions to be destroyed. So they are reposing their faith in the BJP. We will ensure our rituals and customs are not overturned, he added. {articleGUID} But in a video leaked to local media earlier this month, Pillai was heard telling party supporters that the unrest was a golden opportunity for the BJP in Kerala. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Congress party, which happens to be the main opponent to the ruling party at the federal level, seems to have joined forces with the BJP in opposing womens entry to the shrine. And the state government is facing criticism for its inability to ensure safe passage for women into the temple. Kapil Komireddi, author of the forthcoming book The Malevolent Republic: India Under Modi said India has a tawdry history of governments surrendering to religious bigots. What is different this time is the absence of resistance. Every major political party is afraid of offending Hindu men. Nobody has the courage to enforce the rights of the women emancipated by the Supreme Court from obscurantist restrictions placed on them, Komireddi told Al Jazeera. The communist government of Kerala has suddenly got cold feet. The BJP, in opposing the Supreme Courts order, is only upholding its sectarian creed. Congress party leaders, in doing the same, are revealing the ideological and moral bankruptcy of their party, he added. Dissolving womens rights Since the temple began taking online bookings for an annual festival that starts on November 16, 539 women in the so-called restricted age group have registered online to visit the temple. Everybody is equal, why should women not be allowed to go? Jyothi Narayanan, a resident from Kochi city told Al Jazeera. Who is anybody to judge who should be a devotee? The government must give security to us women who want to go. Such contests are becoming more acute as awareness of gender rights spreads among Indias largely conservative society, rights activists say. {articleGUID} But discriminatory attitudes to lower castes, to women, to LGBT still persist. This isnt the first time women have been mobilised in defence of Brahmanical (upper caste) patriarchy, Kavita Krishnan, the secretary of the All India Progressive Womens Association, told Al Jazeera. Here, political forces are manufacturing religious sentiments to dissolve womens rights. Analysts have said India is struggling to balance competing interests of believers and the rights of citizens. The Constitution is very clear on this: Hindu places of worship cannot discriminate against Hindus. In the contest between fundamental rights and discriminatory religious beliefs, rights should win, said journalist Harikrishnan who is based in New Delhi. Komireddi, the author, said it had become increasingly difficult to rein in Hindu nationalist forces, with the face-off at Sabarimala highlighting the threat Hindu conservatism posed to Indias secular constitution. Amid intense political pressure, the top court on Tuesday said it would review its earlier order, which was criticised by Hindu groups. When the defenders of secularism are spineless careerists, dont be stunned by the triumph of religious nationalists, author Komireddi said. The Supreme Court can of course set aside its decision and we can all uphold the pretence that India is a secular state. But nothing can conceal the squalid truth that Sabarimala is the ground on which Indian secularism is facing its final defeat. Additional reporting by Juhan Samuel in Kochi, Kerala Bipartisan move follows decision to place sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals involved in killing of writer Jamal Khashoggi. A bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation on Thursday seeking to punish Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and for the kingdoms role in the devastating war in Yemen. The move comes hours after the United States slapped economic sanctions on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the murder of Khashoggi inside the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul. If the bill were to become law, it would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and prohibit US refuelling of Saudi coalition aircraft conducting air raids in Yemen. It also would impose sanctions on anyone blocking humanitarian access in Yemen and anyone supporting the Houthi rebels. The Senate proposal comes a day after House Republicans moved to block a bill aimed at ending US support for the Saudi involvement in Yemen. Sponsored by three Republican and three Democratic senators, the Senate legislation, reflects growing dissatisfaction in the upper house of Congress over the Yemen war, which has killed more than 10,000 people and created major humanitarian crisis. That frustration was exacerbated by the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate last month. Saudi Arabia initially rejected its officials were behind the killing, but as Turkish authorities continued to leak evidence of high-level involvement, Riyadh eventually admitted its agents had played a role in the killing with a series of contradictory explanations. I have a lot of concerns about the trajectory that Saudi Arabia is on right now, and I think a price needs to be paid Bob Corker, Republican Senator On Thursday, Saudi Arabias top prosecutor said they will seek the death penalty for five individuals accused of carrying out Khashoggis murder. The authorities said 21 people were in custody over the killing, with 11 indicted and referred to trial. Saud Al-Qahtani, a key aide of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been banned from travelling and remained under investigation, Saudi officials said. Ankara dismissed the latest account by the kingdom as inadequate. Turkish officials have said it is unlikely Khashoggi could have been killed without the knowledge of the crown prince, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying the orders came from the highest levels of the Saudi government. Insufficient Earlier on Thursday, US politicians welcomed the US sanctions against Saudi officials, but many also said the punitive measures did not go far enough. Republican Senator Bob Corker called the sanctions a significant step, but added that he hopes additional action will be taken. I have a lot of concerns about the trajectory that Saudi Arabia is on right now, and I think a price needs to be paid, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. Corker said he has requested a meeting with Defense Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel to share with us [the Senate] exactly what is happening with the US response to Saudi Arabia. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senator Foreign Relations Committee and one of the Senators who authored Thursdays bill, said the sanctions were a good first step, but with the Saudi announcement about the death sentences, the US move looks like a coordinated attempt to sweep this case under the rug. Others took their calls a step further, demanding the US to take action against the Saudi crown prince himself. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who represents Virginia, where Khashoggi lived, said the sanctions were insufficient and suggested the administration of US President Donald Trump is following the Saudi playbook. This was state-sponsored murder. We need accountability, Kaine tweeted. Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said he remains concerned that the [Trump] administration is enabling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its effort to protect Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from accountability. He added, It is difficult for any reasonable person with knowledge of Saudi Arabias government to believe such high-level officials would conduct a plot of this significance without the direction of the Crown Prince. Saudi officials maintain bin Salman had nothing to do with Khashoggis death. Involved in abhorrent killing The US sanctions on the 17 Saudi nationals were issued under the Global Magnitsky Act, which was triggered last month by a bipartisan group of Senators. The measures on Thursday targeted al-Qahtani, who is believed to have managed the operation to kill the Saudi writer. Others targeted included Maher Mutreb, another aide to the prince, who was pictured at Saudi consulate in Istanbul on the day of the slaying. The Saudi officials we are sanctioning were involved in the abhorrent killing of Jamal Khashoggi, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions, he added. The sanctions block the individuals assets in the US and generally prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions with those sanctioned. The State Department called the sanctions an important step in responding to Khashoggis killing. Tariq Ramadan, a prominent Islamic scholar, has been released on bail after being held in detention for nearly 10 months over charges of sexual assault, his lawyer said. A Paris Court of Appeal granted the 56-year-old Swiss academic bail on Thursday even as the investigation into the case continues. Where would I flee to, he asked during his hearing, his first public appearance since the arrest in February. His bail was set at 300,000 euros ($340,000) and it requires him to hand over his passport and report to police once a week. {articleGUID} Ramadan, who is accused of rape on two separate counts, has long denied having sexual relations with the plaintiffs. One accuser is a disabled woman identified in media reports as Christelle, and the other is a feminist activist, Henda Ayari. That changed last month when Ramadan admitted that encounters did take place but that the acts in question were consensual. I am not a rapist In the court on Thursday, Ramadan said he did not intend to become a fugitive from the law, adding his multiple sclerosis meant he couldnt walk properly. I will remain in France and defend my honour and my innocence, he told the judges in what was his fourth bid to secure freedom. I would like you to make your decision from your conscience, not because my name is Tariq Ramadan and Im demonised in this country. His lawyer Emmanuel Marsigny told Reuters news agency, Ramadans release demonstrated that the rape accusations against him were lies. Ramadan also faces criminal complaints of rape by women in the United States and Switzerland. Once hailed as a religious reformer, Ramadans career has been brought to a halt since his arrest earlier this year. He portrayed his accusers as liars bending media attention in the case to their benefit, asking: Who has instrumentalised the Me Too movement? I have never raped, I am not a rapist. Its true that I made a mistake, he said. But Ayaris lawyer Francis Szpiner said the two women were regularly threatened. Ramadan, whose grandfather founded Egypts Muslim Brotherhood, was a professor at Oxford University until he was forced to take leave when the rape allegations surfaced at the height of the #MeToo movement late last year. His supporters have strenuously rejected the allegations, characterising them as part of a concerted effort to defame the academic. British Prime Minister Theresa May has appointed a new Brexit secretary amid a political chaos triggered by multiple resignations over a draft deal on leaving the European Union. Mays spokesman on Friday said Stephen Barclay, a junior health minister who voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum, will be the new Brexit Secretary. The spokesman said May would personally oversee the negotiations with the EU on the future framework, while Barclay would focus on getting the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement through the UK parliament. Barclay replaced Dominic Raab, who quit as Brexit minister on Thursday over Mays draft plan. The former insurance lawyer is the third person to hold the job overseeing Britains withdrawal from the EU, after both his predecessors resigned in protest at Mays approach to Brexit. Former interior minister Amber Rudd was appointed as work and pensions minister, replacing Esther McVey who also resigned over the Brexit deal. Best deal May has defended the draft Brexit deal reached with the EU that triggered the resignations of senior ministers and mutiny within her Conservative Party. May appeared on British radio station LBC on Friday, amid mounting speculation that Conservative MPs could trigger a vote of no confidence in her leadership in the coming days. {articleGUID} I truly believe this is the best deal for Britain, May said of the proposed withdrawal agreement, adding that she was very sorry that ministers had quit her government. When asked to resign by a caller during the radio phone-in, May said that her divorce deal delivered on the key issues for many people who voted to leave the EU. Youre absolutely right that for a lot of people who voted Leave, what they wanted to do was make sure that decisions on things like who can come into this country would be taken by us here in the UK, and not by Brussels, and thats exactly what the deal Ive negotiated delivers, she said. We are leaving the European Union on the 29 March, 2019, she added. There was intense speculation on Friday morning in London that prominent Brexit hardliner Michael Gove was close to resigning, but he later announced his support for the prime minister. I think its absolutely vital that we focus on getting the right deal in the future, and making sure that in the areas that matter so much to the British people, we can get a good outcome, he told reporters. The UK voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, when 52 percent of voters opted for Brexit while 48 percent voted to remain in the EU. But two years after the vote, the terms of the separation remain undecided. The 585-page draft aims to ensure a smooth divorce from the EU after more than four decades of membership and outlines a transition period for both sides to adjust to the break. It addresses issues including citizens rights after Brexit, the controversial backstop to avoid a hard border in Ireland and the divorce payment that Britain will pay when it leaves the bloc. Opponents of the deal have cited concerns that it leaves too much power in Brussels and places Northern Ireland in a separate regulatory regime to the rest of the UK. Apart from Raab and McVey, two junior ministers also quit and pro-Brexit Conservative MPs warned that Mays deal would not win the approval of parliament. {articleGUID} Meanwhile, Jacob Rees-Mogg, who leads a group of anti-EU Conservatives, submitted a no-confidence letter against the prime minister on Thursday, saying that it would be in the interest of the party and the country if she were to stand aside. At least 48 such letters from the ruling party MPs are required to trigger a vote of no confidence in the party leader, and a majority of the partys 315 legislators would have to vote against May in order for her to be removed. MPs from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), a Northern Irish party that props up Mays minority government, also expressed strong reservations over the proposed deal. Supporters describe new standards as transformative, but critics are calling for a complete ban of the crop. The organisation promoting the sustainable cultivation and use of palm oil has agreed to tighten rules on the production of the crop, requiring companies to commit to not cause deforestation or plant on wetland in order to secure certification, amid contentious debate over the products use and impact on the environment. The Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) reviews the rules governing certification every five years. The revision took place as campaigners, particularly in Europe, stepped up calls for a ban on the use of palm oil because of its effect on the worlds rainforests. RSPO Secretary-General Darrel Webber described the new standards as transformative. Previous requirements were criticised for failing to protect all forests or provide adequate social safeguards. The group has also been denounced for failing to act against those that had broken the rules. To meet the RSPOs new certification standards, growers will have to ensure future land clearance does not cause the deforestation of critical forests, under a methodology known as the High Carbon Stock Approach. Great step forward Jennifer Lucey, an environmental scientist at the University of Oxford, helped develop the approach alongside Greenpeace and the plantation industry. Lucey described the decision as a great step forward that would protect more forest over larger areas. Indonesia and Malaysia produce more than 85 percent of the global supply of palm oil, which is used in products from chocolate to ice cream, shampoo and lipstick. But the crop has also driven deforestation and contributed towards pollution and climate change as land, including carbon-rich peatlands, has been converted to plantations. The tropical rainforests of the two countries are biodiversity hotspots and home to endangered species, including the orangutan. In a statement, WWF noted that nearly all RSPO members, including growers, retailers and banks, had given the revisions their support. An aerial view of a plantation in Indonesias Riau from 2013 when land for plantations was cleared by burning, smothering the region in a smoke haze. [File/Beawiharta/Reuters] (RSPO) now has stronger safeguards on issues including deforestation, expansion on peat and exploitation of labour, WWF Palm Oil Lead Elizabeth Clarke said in a statement. The RSPO and all its members must now deliver on their commitments to bring sustainable palm oil to consumer markets. The roundtable was established in 2004 as a response to rising concern about the industrys environmental impact; its members include plantation companies, palm oil buyers and environmental groups. RSPO certification standards are supposed to set best practices for the production and sourcing of palm oil. Indonesia and Malaysia have also introduced their own sustainability certification. Sustainability vs ban But the environmental debate has become increasingly rancorous, with some campaigners calling for palm oil to be banned completely. The British supermarket chain, Iceland, attracted widespread attention this month after a commercial featuring an animated orangutan, Rang-tan, in which the retailer announced it was committed to going palm oil free was allegedly banned by UK advertising regulators. WWF stressed that sustainability requires more than certification and that the industry, governments and the financial industry also needed to take steps to include smaller growers in sustainability, as well as to improve and enforce land use planning and legal compliance. Palm oil produces more oil per unit of land area than any other vegetable oil grown today. Globally, it provides 35 percent of the worlds edible oil needs on just 10 percent of the land, according to WWF. Its yield is about six times more than canola, the next most productive crop, 10 times more than soybean and 11 times more than sunflower, the University of Oxfords Lucey said. Replacing it with something else is not a more environmentally-friendly option, Lucey said. Whether we like it or not, palm oil is here to stay. As consumers, we should be registering our concerns by buying sustainable palm oil, not avoiding palm oil altogether. Prosecutors say Gregory Bush killed two African Americans based on their race during last months shooting in Kentucky. Prosecutors have charged a white man with federal hate crimes in the killings of two African Americans at a grocery store last month in Kentucky. A federal grand jury in Louisville returned three hate crime charges against 51-year-old Gregory Bush on Thursday afternoon. US Attorney Russell Coleman said Bush is charged with killing two people 69-year-old Maurice Stallard and 67-year-old Vicki Lee Jones and attempting to kill a third person based on their race. Bush was also indicted on three firearms charges. Police said Bush walked into a Kroger grocery store with a .40-caliber handgun on October 24 and shot one person. He then killed another in the car park before exchanging fire with an armed man and then fled. According to Steve Zinninger, whose father was waiting outside the supermarket the day of the shooting, the gunman walked up to his father, who drew his gun, and said, Please dont shoot and I wont shoot you, whites dont kill whites. Coleman said there has been a spectrr that reared its head and laid across this community since the shooting. {articleGUID} This is not acceptable, Coleman said at a news conference on Thursday. No Kentuckian should be frightened to go shopping, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go worship, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go to school. Coleman said the FBI has been involved in investigating the shooting since the day it happened. Bush has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in state court and is being held on a $5m cash bond. Prosecutors have not made a decision on seeking the death penalty. Bushs lawyer could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. Racism is real Bush had stopped at a historically black church in suburban Louisville before heading to the supermarket. He was seen on surveillance video trying to enter the church, but the door was locked and he left. {articleGUID} The pastor of that church, Kevin Nelson, said his flock is simply hoping to see justice be done. We have to learn how to get along with each other and generally accept each others differences, he said. Sadiqa Reynolds, president of Louisvilles Urban League, said after the US attorneys announcement Thursday that we cannot live in a community with hate, and there must be severe consequences for that. Racism is real and we see that our country is very, very divided, Reynolds said. That is not going to go away. The Kentucky shooting occurred just days before an anti-Semitic massacre in Pittsburgh and during a weeklong mail bombing spree that saw a Florida man target high-profile liberal political figures, Donald Trump critics and the news outlet CNN. Court filing submitted in August mentions the existence of criminal charges against someone named Assange. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is considered a wanted man in the United States for the publication of several classified documents, has been charged in secret by US authorities, according to a report by the Washington Post. The court filing, which prosecutors say was submitted by mistake, asked a judge to seal documents in a criminal case against someone named Assange. The filing carried markings indicating it was originally filed in a US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia in August. The exact nature of the charges against Assange was not immediately known, but the US officials have previously acknowledged that federal prosecutors based in Alexandria have been conducting a lengthy criminal investigation into WikiLeaks and its founder. SCOOP: US Department of Justice accidentally reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia, Wikileaks posted on Twitter. SCOOP: US Department of Justice "accidentally" reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia. https://t.co/wrjlAbXk5Z pic.twitter.com/4UlB0c1SAX WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) November 16, 2018 Since June 2012, Assange has been residing at the Ecuadorian embassy in London after he breached bail in relation to sexual assault allegations he faced in Sweden. The 47-year-old has always denied the allegations, and his supporters claim the accusations were an attempt to possibly extradite him to the US, where he could face charges over WikiLeaks publication of classified military and diplomatic documents. Swedish authorities dropped their investigation into the case last year and withdrew a European arrest warrant. But British police have said they still intend to arrest Assange if he leaves the embassy because he broke his conditions for bail by taking refuge there. Before the 2016 US presidential elections, his website published a trove of private documents from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, campaign chairman for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Clinton has said that it contributed to her failure to win the presidency. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441604 11-16-2018 11:45 PM Post: #1 Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoJwloMvY6w caravans coming from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. one of the Mexican government officials has offered a million visas to the "migrants." right now the FARC and ELN in Colombia have refused to honor the temporary "peace" that is continuing to repress the rural indigenous people of Colombia and have gone into the hills to re-arm against the Honduran, right-wing repressive government that is supported by our U.S. government. Florida Maquis has a recent video about that. So, now we have people who are liberals and conservatives who both saying that more caravans are coming. Revolution in Colombia and instability in Venezuela. Britain is refusing to give Venezuela the gold that is owed to them, also. this is a report from a Mexican alternative reporter on the ground in Mexico. it is in English. Info about russian military companies in mexico and red star tanks in the jungle. it is pretty good report. some of the caravan are carjacking, raping, beating people, and stealing. moderate members of the Mexican government are calling for an investigation as to who is actually funding these caravans. Mexicans are worried about the new left-leaning government that is coming in. their media is also spinning tales about the poor, unfortunate migrants a lot like CNN does up here. this a slightly, more conservative viewpoint, but he also makes the point that it is mainly the leftists in the Mexican government, NGOs, and activist organizations that are at fault, and not well-meaning, regular people who have been duped into helping the "unfortunate migrants." caravans coming from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. one of the Mexican government officials has offered a million visas to the "migrants."right now the FARC and ELN in Colombia have refused to honor the temporary "peace" that is continuing to repress the rural indigenous people of Colombia and have gone into the hills to re-arm against the Honduran, right-wing repressive government that is supported by our U.S. government.Florida Maquis has a recent video about that. So, now we have people who are liberals and conservatives who both saying that more caravans are coming. Revolution in Colombia and instability in Venezuela. Britain is refusing to give Venezuela the gold that is owed to them, also.this is a report from a Mexican alternative reporter on the ground in Mexico. it is in English. Info about russian military companies in mexico and red star tanks in the jungle.it is pretty good report. some of the caravan are carjacking, raping, beating people, and stealing.moderate members of the Mexican government are calling for an investigation as to who is actually funding these caravans.Mexicans are worried about the new left-leaning government that is coming in. their media is also spinning tales about the poor, unfortunate migrants a lot like CNN does up here.this a slightly, more conservative viewpoint, but he also makes the point that it is mainly the leftists in the Mexican government, NGOs, and activist organizations that are at fault, and not well-meaning, regular people who have been duped into helping the "unfortunate migrants." LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441604 11-16-2018 11:45 PM Post: #2 RE: Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 11:45 PM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoJwloMvY6w caravans coming from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. one of the Mexican government officials has offered a million visas to the "migrants." right now the FARC and ELN in Colombia have refused to honor the temporary "peace" that is continuing to repress the rural indigenous people of Colombia and have gone into the hills to re-arm against the Honduran, right-wing repressive government that is supported by our U.S. government. Florida Maquis has a recent video about that. So, now we have people who are liberals and conservatives who both saying that more caravans are coming. Revolution in Colombia and instability in Venezuela. Britain is refusing to give Venezuela the gold that is owed to them, also. this is a report from a Mexican alternative reporter on the ground in Mexico. it is in English. Info about russian military companies in mexico and red star tanks in the jungle. it is pretty good report. some of the caravan are carjacking, raping, beating people, and stealing. moderate members of the Mexican government are calling for an investigation as to who is actually funding these caravans. Mexicans are worried about the new left-leaning government that is coming in. their media is also spinning tales about the poor, unfortunate migrants a lot like CNN does up here. this a slightly, more conservative viewpoint, but he also makes the point that it is mainly the leftists in the Mexican government, NGOs, UN, and activist organizations that are at fault, and not well-meaning, regular people who have been duped into helping the "unfortunate migrants." LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441604 11-17-2018 12:22 AM Post: #3 RE: Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 437203 11-17-2018 12:29 AM Post: #4 RE: Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans They ain't coming here to play pattycake. 1110.00) lop guest User ID: 198896 11-17-2018 01:03 AM Post: #5 RE: Red Star Tanks in Mexico/More About the Caravans LoP Guest Wrote: (11-16-2018 11:45 PM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoJwloMvY6w caravans coming from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. one of the Mexican government officials has offered a million visas to the "migrants." right now the FARC and ELN in Colombia have refused to honor the temporary "peace" that is continuing to repress the rural indigenous people of Colombia and have gone into the hills to re-arm against the Honduran, right-wing repressive government that is supported by our U.S. government. Florida Maquis has a recent video about that. So, now we have people who are liberals and conservatives who both saying that more caravans are coming. Revolution in Colombia and instability in Venezuela. Britain is refusing to give Venezuela the gold that is owed to them, also. this is a report from a Mexican alternative reporter on the ground in Mexico. it is in English. Info about russian military companies in mexico and red star tanks in the jungle. it is pretty good report. some of the caravan are carjacking, raping, beating people, and stealing. moderate members of the Mexican government are calling for an investigation as to who is actually funding these caravans. Mexicans are worried about the new left-leaning government that is coming in. their media is also spinning tales about the poor, unfortunate migrants a lot like CNN does up here. this a slightly, more conservative viewpoint, but he also makes the point that it is mainly the leftists in the Mexican government, NGOs, and activist organizations that are at fault, and not well-meaning, regular people who have been duped into helping the "unfortunate migrants." Syncing with Old Enough . Syncing with Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Computer scientist calls on Facebook CEO to resign saying it would be good for the world. Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg should quit the social media giant because of its anti-democratic nature that is a danger to the world, a prominent critic of online activity says. One of the early pioneers of virtual reality, Jaron Lanier, 58, has repeatedly warned of the destructive nature of the digital society. I think it would be good for the world if [Zuckerberg] stepped aside, Lanier told UpFront host Mehdi Hasan. But the point is that theres no mechanism for him to do so. That [Facebook] is a one-man shop is really, really not okay, Lanier added. Its not okay for the world. Its not even in the spirit of capitalism. I think its really anti-market, anti-democratic. Lanier the author of Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now has heavily criticised what he calls the sophisticated manipulation of people by social media companies to boost profits. A recent New York Times report on Facebook alleges the company knew about Russian meddling during the election cycle, but it failed to penalise Donald Trumps Islamophobic content and tried to undermine critics with allegations of anti-Semitism, among other things. Facebook disputes some of these claims and says it has addressed some of the concerns. Im not entirely surprised by the report, although some of the details are surprising and shocking, said Lanier. From Zuckerbergs point of view, he is always in what he perceives as a life or death struggle. Either Facebook controls the world, or it dies. Election interference? Lanier was also asked to comment on whether he believes Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections using Facebook had an effect on votes. I would say theres enough strong evidence that we should finally just say what the American intelligence establishment have said yes, Facebook did change the outcome of the American election, he insisted. Lanier was also asked if Trump would be president without the aid of Twitter. I think Trump would be president without Twitter, but I dont think Trump would be president without Facebook, he said. A Facebook report on Thursday on enforcing community standards said its making progress on detecting hate speech, graphic violence and other violations of its rules. Facebook said during the April-to-September period it doubled the amount of hate speech it detected proactively compared with the previous six months. {articleGUID} Challenges worldwide The report comes as Facebook grapples with challenges ranging from fake news to incitement to violence in the US, Myanmar, India and elsewhere. The company also said it disabled more than 1.5 billion fake accounts in the latest six-month period, compared with 1.3 billion during the previous six months. It said most of the fake accounts it found were financially motivated, rather than aimed at misinformation. The company has nearly 2.3 billion users. Clifford Lampe, a professor of information at the University of Michigan, said Facebook is making progress on rooting out hate, fake accounts and other objectionable content, but added it could be doing more. Some of this is tempered by [the fact that] they are a publicly traded company, he said. Their primary mission isnt to be good for society. Its to make money. There are business concerns. Follow UpFront on Twitter: @AJUpFront On November 6, it seemed the Republicans might hold their majority in the Senate and in the House. Sadly, they lost their majority in the House. The mystery is why so many Democrat candidates who are so obviously ethically challenged won in races that should not have even been close. How and why do Democrats continue to vote for unqualified, dishonest candidates? Elizabeth Warren is a proven liar, a cheat who claimed Native American heritage in order to get a job at Harvard. Her baby, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was her plan to wield control over all bank and non-bank institutions without Congressional interference. In short, she is a hard-left socialist who means to control how Americans earn, spend and borrow money, how they use their savings. Warren is a blight on the Constitution and the guaranteed freedoms of US citizens. She is an advance operative for the socialist America the left envisions. Andrew Gillum, the left's choice to be Governor of Florida, is the failed mayor of Tallahassee. He remains under FBI investigation for corruption. Given the information about that investigation that has been released, he appears yet another greedy and corrupt Democrat pol in the Hillary Clinton mold. The stability of Tallahassee declined catastrophically under his leadership; crime and murder rose drastically. Gillum sold out his city for money, and cries racism when confronted with his crimes. He should never have been the candidate for the Governor of Florida but the left cares only about race and power, not ethics or honor. For progressives, race trumps everything else, even character. If Gillum wins after the cheating Broward County is infamous for, Florida will suffer the slings and arrows that are inevitable under politicians like Gillum. Why was this race even close? Have half the nation's voters scuttled any semblance of traditional values in order to win? Yes. Then there is Robert Menendez, the credibly accused pedophile senator of New Jersey. He should be in prison but was saved by one juror in his corruption trial with whom he partied after his win on November 6. Who votes for a man like this? There is plenty of proof that he took bribes from a wealthy client for numerous favors, trips to the Dominican Republic for sex with underage girls being one of them. But New Jersey just re-elected this man. They too have lost all sense of right vs. wrong. Stacey Abrams, the still grasping gubernatorial contender in Georgia, is a hard-left, anti-capitalist, anti-Second Amendment candidate. She owes about $200K in credit card debt and wants to run Georgia? She too is corrupt and incompetent. She is also willing to cheat to win. Are Georgians ignorant of her many, many negatives? If they are, they voted for her anyway. Again, skin color trumps everything. The left ignores fine men like John James, who ran for the House in Michigan against Debbie Stabenow. The left ignored Eddie Edwards who ran in New Hampshire. Both men are conservative African Americans. The American left today pretends such candidates do not exist. They have ignored fine people like James and Edwards as they have always ignored brilliant men like Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, Walter Williams, Jason Riley, and Larry Elder. They revile the brilliant Clarence Thomas. They don't like to be reminded of men like Frederick Douglass or Booker T. Washington. Neither of them, like Sowell, Steele, Williams and Elder ever promoted the idea that African Americans were or would be perennial victims. Each of them advocated for quite the opposite, for self-reliance and independence. This notion of personal responsibility is anathema to today's left; they need and promote subservience and dependency among their flock of reliable but uninformed voters. This is why they encourage the immigration of so many millions of illegal migrants. They assume they will be able to win for them the right to vote. Judging by the number of them who likely voted in the midterms, their plan is succeeding. This is how they will destroy America from within. The leftist billionaires who orchestrate these plans are extravagantly wealthy. Those tasked with representing us in Congress will never be exposed to the downside of the invasion of millions of migrants, the crime or the financial burden. They have nothing but contempt for those of us who must endure the consequences of our communities being intruded upon by gang members, drug dealers and human traffickers. These people have no intention of becoming Americans; like the Democrats who welcome them, they have contempt for us. Then there is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the thoroughly-ignorant-of-everything candidate who won her district by 80%! This young woman knows nothing about how any government works, let alone ours. She is hopelessly uniformed; she knows even less about US history or the Constitution. She is clueless about the economy. When asked how she would pay for all the give-away programs she touts, she replied that that was a "puzzling question"! "You just pay for it" she answers. She has no idea; no idea about anything. She thinks she will be "inaugurated" to the House! Most fourth graders know more than she does about US history. And yet she is already thinking about running for President! This is a wholesale indictment of our politicized, dumbed-down system of education. Many of her constituents are immigrants; we are obviously not educating them at all. They voted for all the free stuff -- college, medical care, basic income, housing, that Ocasio-Cortez has promised to deliver. This is what socialist Democrats dream about: perpetual power over a populace too ignorant to rebel. American as founded is at grave risk. In addition to ODasio-Cortez, Gillum, Ilhan Omar, Abrams, Sinema, who very likely cheated to take the Arizona Senate seat, there is Linda Sanchez. Kirsten Gillibrand is a Hillary clone; she only cares about her own political power. She speaks like a small child but is also considering a run for the presidency. She was best pals with Bill Clinton and Harvey Weinstein until they were politically inconvenient. Amy Klobuchar, who embraced the vicious and obviously false allegations against Judge Kavanagh, was re-elected! Like every other Democrat member of the judiciary committee, she knew those accusations were false, without a shred of corroboration, but her constituents re-elected her! Who are these voters? How do they reconcile voting for people willing to destroy a fine man for political purposes? She is exactly who every Democrat member of that committee is, who every member of the Democrat Party is: nothing more than power-hungry political operatives out to ruin any and all opponents by any means necessary. They are a clear and present danger to American as founded. Young people are no longer taught the truth of American history. They are not taught the truth of the Holocaust. Anti-Semitism is acceptable, even promoted, by the Democrats. They embrace Linda Sarsour and Louis Farrakhan without shame. Young people don't know that communism killed over a hundred million people in the twentieth century. Their calculated-by-leftists ignorance is destroying our country. They try to sell the idea that gender is not a factor of biology! They attempt to convince young people that climate change is man-made (a travesty) and that global warming causes wild fires (a lie). Having control over academia, they have willfully brainwashed students for nearly two generations. Unless your children are a strong-willed, independent thinkers, do not send them to college! How and why the American left has devolved into the kind of party one finds in a banana republic is a mystery. That our media is so anxious to promote their corrupt candidates and the low-brow tactics they employ is a tragedy. Do they do it because they can no longer win by promulgating their Orwellian vision of a socialist state, mandated equality of outcome? Perhaps. They will never sell socialism to enough sentient Americans to win. They need millions of uninformed voters to succeed. We must not let them cheat their way to power over the rest of us. Their ongoing vote fraud must be stopped and the Democrats need to take a look at themselves and at what they have become. It's not a pretty picture. What they have become threatens to destroy the greatest nation on the planet and they are doing it on purpose. They have nothing but contempt for the US as founded and for those of us who love this country. The Israeli people are rarely as angry with their political leadership as they are today and the reason for their anger is clear: they believe that their leadership has failed to take decisive military action against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. As witnessed by the world a few days ago, Hamas began shooting rockets at southern Israeli towns and villages. In total, more than 500 rockets were launched, and in response, Israel undertook very precise, decisive and surgical military air strikes, hitting some of Hamass most significant facilities and military installations. Israel destroyes Hamas's TV station (YouTube sccen grab) This brought about a very quick cease-fire, a cease-fire that has come as a disappointment for many Israelis especially those who bore the brunt of the attacks. Apparently, the Israeli public wanted military actions that would either annihilate Hamas, or, at least, serve as a deterrent that would force it to stop shooting rockets into Israel. The call for tough military action against Hamas is so strong that Netanyahus Minister of Defense, Avigdor Lieberman, resigned in protest after the Prime Minister settled for a quick cease-fire despite Hamass defiance, millions of dollars in damage, and more financial support from Iran. Apparently, the Israeli public was further provoked when they saw Hamas celebrating the ceasefire, jubilantly declaring it a victory against Israel specifically, and Jews, generally. While militant Hamas operatives celebrated, many Israeli politicians, writers, and commentators are fed up and spitting bullets over what they perceive as the Prime Ministers inherent weakness in combating terrorism. As a result, hundreds of Israelis from the targeted southern villages protested publicly against the ceasefire. While the anger of many Israelis is understandable, the facts on the ground clearly explain Netanyahus decision to agree to a quick ceasefire a ceasefire that saved lives on both sides. Simply put, Hamas wants war. It is my experience that when an enemy is so determined to get into an armed conflict, one must be very careful not to give the enemy what they want. Additionally, we have to realize this: those pushing the Hamas buttons are heavily financed by Iran, through the mother group, the Muslim Brotherhood, who is also deeply in bed with Iran. Therefore, it is no stretch of the imagination as to why Hamas started provoking Israel: The military actions started shortly after US sanctions on Iran took effect. In fact, unprovoked, Hamas did not have any apparent reason to start fighting; to the contrary, things were going well for Hamas. On the very day Hamas began firing rockets, they received $15 Million from Saudi Arabia and $60 Million from Qatar to pay its public servants who have not received pay checks. As a result, a joyous atmosphere was dominant in Gaza. At this point, evidence shows that it is safe to say that Hamas operates upon orders from its Iranian mentors. Iran is already feeling the pain caused by the US-imposed sanctions, and with more sanctions likely to come in the future, they are lashing out and Israel is their best bet to rally support for them. In other words, Iran needs a war as a diversion from its predicaments, and to tell the US that it could cause trouble and must be left alone, otherwise full scale war will break out. That said, Netanyahu clearly could have launched a war that would have brought him tremendous public support and strengthened his political position with the Israeli public. Nonetheless he did not give in to public pressure, and did what he felt was right based on military intelligence, because he knew the outcome would hurt Israels interest in the long run. The world has to recognize that if Iran got the war it wanted, it would have been the best thing that could happen for them. To make matters worse, their puppets in Hamas really dont care how many of my people are killed in the process. That is because their terrorist leaders are millionaires hiding in bunkers. In other words, Hamas didn't have much to lose, while Iran had a lot to gain and Netanyahu understands this. On the other hand, Hamas fulfilled its handshake agreement with their bosses, and eventually agreed to a ceasefire, against their wishes. In support of this, an Egyptian military intelligence source confided in me yesterday, saying that Egypt conveyed a stern message to Hamas. He told me that the message said the following: Unless you stop, President Trump will allow Israel to annihilate you. This scared Hamas to the core, and forced them to agree to the ceasefire. As for Netanyahu, he has risked his public approval ratings and political career for the sake of his nations interest. This is true diplomacy and should be supported around the world. As an Arab, Palestinian, Jordanian and a Muslim, I could not help but think how Arab leaders regularly sacrifice their people for political gain while an Israeli leader is risking his entire political career to save his people. Thisbelieve that their leadership has failed to take decisive military action against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. is the difference between a politician, and a statesman. Dr. Ben Carson, the present secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, grew up in poverty in Detroit, Michigan. Despite this, he graduated with honors from Detroit schools, then went on to college and medical school, becoming head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Maryland. Over 30 years ago, he headed a neurosurgery team that successfully separated twins joined at the head a first. Proud of their native son, Detroit named a high school after Carson, serving as an inspiration to other students. But, according to Detroit's government officials, Carson's recent behavior and actions have been so outrageous, so unbefitting of his native city, that his name must be erased immediately from the school. Oh, dear, what did he do? Embezzle millions? Have an inappropriate sexual relationship? Murder someone? Uh, this is Detroit, so any of these actions is not outrageous enough to unduly upset the city's officials to change a school's name. No, according to their way of thinking, what Carson did was worse! Much worse! School board member Lamar Lemmons bravely spoke to a reporter from the Washington Post, revealing the ugly reason. Brace yourselves: "It is synonymous with having Trump's name on our school in blackface[.]" ... Carson "is doing Trump's bidding, and he has adversely affected the African American community in Detroit as well as the nation with his housing policies," Lemmons said. "And he's allied himself with a president that says he is a white nationalist and sends dog whistles that even the deaf can hear." ... But now, Lemmons said, community members regularly send him letters asking the school board to rename Dr. Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine. And if Carson makes a trip to Detroit, there will be no laying of hands on the Lemmons children. "Had he stayed in medicine, irrespective of his political philosophy or how he voted in private, we would have been happy to put his name on a school." Lemmons said. "We looked at him as an honored son. He has since, in many of our eyes, disgraced himself." ... "What really bothers me is he is a person that grew up in poverty and took advantage of all the social service safety nets that allowed him to have some semblance of normality and get an education," Lemmons told The Post. "And he's one that's now removing that ladder, that rung in the ladder for others to excel as he did. He is a person who advocates pulling oneself up by the bootstraps, but now he is removing the boots and the strap." Detroit's moral bankruptcy is even greater than its financial bankruptcy. Not too long ago, Hillary Clinton hectored President Trump on fears he wouldn't accept the vote total in the 2016 election. According to the Daily Caller, citing a report from Fox News' Tucker Carlson: Every time Donald thinks things are not going in his direction, he claims whatever it is is rigged against him. That is not the way our democracy works. Weve been around for 240 years. Weve had free and fair elections. Weve accepted the outcomes when we may not have liked them. He is a denigrating, hes talking down our democracy. And I for one, am appalled. Well, now she's out denigrating and talking down our democracy herself. And as usual, she remains ''appalled." If shed had a fair election, she already would have won, Clinton said on Tuesday while speaking at the LBJ School of Public Affairs of the University of Texas. Clinton was referring to Georgia progressive Democratic candidate, Stacey Abrams, losing her bid for governor by by about 1.5 percentage points. A recount was called and Abrams still looks to be losing, while her GOP competition, Brian Kemp, appears to have won. That victory, by the way, is consistent with pre-election polls, as well as the first counting of the ballots. Carlson pointed out that her charges were pretty serious, yet she didn't seem too interested in offering up any evidence to back her claims. Her earlier harrumph at Trump, back when she thought she was going to win, pretty well now comes off as a Clintonian convenience, given her changed tune with Abrams. Why is she doing it? I'd venture that it's because she is running for president again. She knows there are troops to be rallied for the coming race and what better way to do it than through disappointed voters with a grievance who really thought they were going to win? It's cynical has heck from Clinton, and very Clintonian, given that crime family's style of operation. What's more, other Democrats with Democratic presidential ambitions are doing the same thing: Wife-beater Sherrod Brown and Spartacus Booker have made the same claims, and the Daily Caller noticed that, too. Hive mind, buzzing around on the phony claims to electoral fraud in a bid to whip up grievance groups. They're an echo chamber, Does this sound like a party that's ready to persuade voters on the merits of their ideas? Or is it one that wants to stoke grievances for votes? More to the point, are these Democrats really ready for prime time? Kamala Harris, the pathologically ambitious junior senator from California, signaled that she believes open borders will be a wining issue in the 2020 election. By badgering Ronald Vitello, acting ICE director undergoing confirmation hearings for his appointment as permanent director, with the assertion that many nameless people perceive ICE as having parallels with the KKK, she delegitimized enforcement of our borders as racist terrorism. Harris cited a tweet of Vitello where he compared the Democratic Party to a liberal-cratic or neo-Klanist entity, thereby opening the door to her comparison of law enforcement to the Klan. Anna Giaritelli in the Washington Examiner: she wanted to know about Vitiello's 2015 tweet that said the Democratic Party was comparable to a "liberal-cratic" or "neo-Klanist" entity. The tweet was in response to conservative radio host Mark Levin, who had been discussing the Democratic Party's role in 20th century segregation. "What is the history that would then make those words wrong?" Harris asked about the KKK during a Thursday confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. (snip) Vitiello said the KKK would, in today's terminology, be labeled a domestic terrorist group. Harris [asked] about the group's motivation, to which Vitiello responded it was racially motivated. By persisting with her comparison, Harris identified ICE as racist, apparently because the current majority of border incursions are by people with racial origins in Central America. Keep in mind that Harriss previous job was attorney general of California, the highest law enforcement position in that state. Now, she demonizes law enforcement officials lawfully carrying out their duties as parallel with the most notorious domestic terrorism organization in the history of the United States, one, incidentally, that supported her political party from its inception during Reconstruction. This is nothing less than seeking to delegitimize law enforcement in the eyes of the public. It is worth noting that Harris hid behind citing the perceptions of nameless individuals, maintaining deniability for the views she tried to trap Vitello into somehow endorsing or not denying. A partial transcript via NRO: Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and the discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws and do you see any parallels? she asked. I do not see any parallels, Vitiello interjected. That puts ICE in the same category as the KKK. Is that what youre asking me? No, Im very specific in what Im asking you. Are you aware of a perception that the way that they . . . Harris continued, before Vitiello interjected. I see none, he said. Are you aware that there is a perception that ICE is administering its power in a way that is causing fear and intimidation, particularly among immigrants and specifically among immigrants coming from Mexico and Central America? she asked. It will cost you 4 minutes and 22 seconds of your life to watch the exchange below, assuming that your anger does not cause you to close the video: She has provided sound bites that will be used against her if she ever runs for the presidency. If the voting public has been so radicalized that they select her as POTUS, the Democrats will get their influx of poor future voters who will keep them in power for the foreseeable future. When I lived in Singapore around 1998, I remember how Australia and Malaysia used to go at it. Shouting insults across the straits, then-Prime Minister Mohammad Mahathir and whoever it was running Australia - usually the estimable Prime Minister John Howard if not one of his cabinet officials - would blast each other on topics such as trade, culture, anti-Semitism, free speech, or the death penalty until Mahathir would eventually calm down, and sometimes actually apologize. Then the Malaysian leader would go pick a new fight over water or railroads or passports or something with Singapore. Here's one episode where Howard went after Mahathir on anti-Semitism in 2003. ELIZABETH JACKSON: The Prime Minister, John Howard, is involved in a war of words with his Malaysian counterpart, Doctor Mahathir Mohamad, as the two men prepare to travel to the APEC leaders' meeting in Bangkok, on the weekend. Dr Mahathir said yesterday, "Jews rule this world by proxy", adding that, "1.3 billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews". In response, John Howard has accused Dr Mahathir of "offensive" anti-Semitism, making comments Mr Howard says "most Australians would find repugnant". The Opposition says Mr Howard must go further and raise Dr Mahathir's comments officially at the APEC summit. Mahathir apologized for his idiocies not too long afterward. Today, Mahathir is hurling new insults to Australia over the topic of Israel, arguing that if Australia moves its embassy to Jerusalem, it will fuel terrorism. It's kind of a parody the sort of arguments George Bush and especially Barack Obama would make about this or that action fueling terrorism, so some other plan should be executed. And bad advice that's likely to have the opposite result. Like Obama, Mahathir's just using the terrorism foil to achieve another outcome, a terrorist-friendly one based on perceptions of the strong horse, and unfortunately, that will fuel terrorism because terrorism arises out of perceptions of weakness. Fortunately, we are seeing just a little bite-back from Australia, and for the right reasons. Bloomberg reports: CANBERRA (BLOOMBERG) - One of Australia's top leaders has blasted Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for criticising a proposal to shift Australia's Israel embassy to Jerusalem, citing Dr Mahathir's record of comments disparaging Jews. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is Jewish, on Thursday (Nov 15) dismissed Dr Mahathir's warning that moving the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv would heighten the risk of terrorism. He said Australia would make its own decisions based on national interest. Mahathir is not a monster much of the time - he hates socialism, he hates the Clintons, he hates globalism, he hates terrorism, he hates Soros (probably the root of his anti-Semitism even though Soros is an atheist), he believes mostly in free enterprise and economic growth, but his anti-Semitism really is disgusting. He's got a bad record of anti-Semitic mutterings of the worst and looniest sort, the kind of ravings that would be right at home in pogrom-era Russia. Andrew Bolt has a strong column about just how gross this record is, writing. Journalists take this bigot seriously on this issue? Ignore his past? Scott Morrisons contentious Israel policy shift has encountered more diplomatic headwinds, with Malaysias prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, suggesting relocating the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would add to the cause of terrorism. The Malaysian prime minister, known for his outspoken public interventions, raised concern in a meeting with Morrison at the Asean summit in Singapore about the prospect of Australia recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital. Big surprise. Last month Mahathir called Jews hook-noses who caused the terrorism in the Middle East: The sad thing is, he's better than his domestic opponents who are either actual Islamofascists or else Mobotu-level corrupt, (which is why, at age 93, he's back in power). He's an old school nationalist of the kind that Nasser, Nehru, Asad, and Saddam were, which kind of laid the groundwork for Islamofascists to follow, wittingly or not, which is exactly what his current advice to not move the Aussie embassy to Jerusalem will lead to. And cripes, look at how he's horning in. So much for his non-aligned nations' big tenet of 'non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.' Yet it's astonishing that Australia is only just minimally trying to shut him up, with the Treasurer being left to deal with it, instead of going full bore and taking him to be held up to shame in the international bodies as has happened in the past. He's been shut up in the past through a strong response and there's no reason not to do it now. The namby-pambyness out of Australia as this nonsense is spouted comes as Australia is showing weakness about moving its embassy to Jerusalem, owing to its desire to have a free trade pact with Indonesia, which has its share of anti-Semites, too, of the somewhat more Islamofascist "Muhammadiyah" variety with farther extremes that have arisen since the 1990s. Thomas Lifson wrote about it here. Australia needs to get some backbone on this issue, move its embassy to Jerusalem, and simply shut Mahathir up before more of his spewings can morph into more terrorism. Image credit: Rajasekharan Parameswaran // CC BY-SA 4.0 Iloilo City residents should not fear Panay Electric Co.s threats to shut down operations that could bring about a city-wide power blackout when its franchise expires on Jan. 19 next year, a city official said. We should not be afraid because of Pecos peddling of blackout because government agencies have assured the people of Iloilo City that there will be no power blackout, Iloilo City Councilor Joshua Alim said. Alim, who staunchly opposed the renewal of Pecos franchise, said the local power distributor was simply blackmailing Congress and Malacanang by threatening to black out the city. Pecos legal counsel Inocencio Ferrer earlier said Iloilo residents should blame the House and the Senate if the city suffered brownouts when Peco stops operating when its franchise expires. Ferrer was also quoted as saying in local interviews that Peco would not sell its assets to its rival More Electric and Power Corp. and would explore all legal means to prevent expropriation of its distribution lines and systems by the new franchise grantee.Alim said that Peco did not get its application for a new franchise approved by the House and the Senate because of its long record of bad service and abuse of its status as a monopoly. Another Iloilo city official cited Peco for its alleged arrogance and lack of concern for the welfare of Iloilo residents. This kind of abuse and arrogance is no longer acceptable with Congress and the Senate approving the franchise for a new distribution utility companyMORE Power, said Councilor Plaridel Nava during a hearing in Congress last month. For 95 years they have been abusive, arrogant. They do not deserve a single moment to stay in the city of Iloilo,. That is why we welcome MORE. We do not know any of them, but Iloilo City needs a power distributor utility who can address the concerns, who can be consumer-friendly, Nava added. Add Sherrod Browns name to the growing list of those making noises about 2020. It would be a grave mistake to discount Brown's prospects both for the nomination and the presidency. This 66-year-old just won a comfortable reelection in a key battleground state that went for Donald Trump by 8 percent in 2016 and saw the GOP capture every statewide position on the ballot this year save his. According to the Progressive Punch, Brown is the eighth leading liberal in Congress with a rating of 96.3 percent progressive voting record. For comparison, Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has only a 91.5 progressive rating. Of the top dozen liberals in Congress, all except Brown are from states listed as heavily Democratic. This indicates Brown has meaningful appeal to many average voters. One of the things that separates Brown from others in his party is that he is a harsh critic of free trade. He was against NAFTA and all the other trade agreements that have hollowed out the Midwest's once formidable manufacturing base. On the matter of trade, Brown is in accord with President Trump. This is a popular position to hold. In the runup to the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton was considering Sherrod Brown as her running mate. Thankfully with her tone-deaf political instincts, she chose Tim Kaine of Virginia instead. Brown would have resonated in the Midwest far more than either Clinton or Kaine. He could well have made a difference in states narrowly won by Trump like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and even Ohio. The Democratic Party has lost the white working-class vote. Brown could change that. The New York Times described his appearance as rumpled and unvarnished. Brown can walk a factory floor and look and sound like he belongs there as opposed to complete phonies like Cory (Spartacus) Booker or the lightweight Kamala Harris, or Hillary Clinton. None of this would detract from Brown's appeal to the Left. He is a card-carrying progressive of the highest order. Here is how Mary Taylor, Ohio's current lieutenant governor, describes Brown position on illegal immigration: "In Ohio, Sen. Sherrod Brown's constant attempts to obstruct the enforcement of our immigration laws is both a disgrace and a danger to law-abiding Ohioans. In the decades since Brown has been in Congress, he has blocked efforts to protect America from illegal aliens and backed policies to open our borders further." Brown is a defender of ObamaCare. He also wants to expand Medicaid and open Medicare. Brown is a severe critic of the Trump-Republican tax cuts, claiming that they benefit the rich and not the middle class. He is also a true believer man-made global warming. On right-to-life versus abortion, need you ask? Expanding his progressive reach, Brown just on Wednesday inserted himself into the Georgia election controversy by saying if the radical Stacey Abrams doesn't win, it means the election was stolen from her. With these liberal positions, Brown will have no trouble in tapping into the big money flow from leftist billionaires. If Sherrod Brown is the Democratic candidate in 2020, the danger he poses is that he will have the full support of the Left as well as the ability to peel away some of the white working-class vote. None of this is to say that Brown can't be defeated. Apart from trade, he's wrong on everything else. But even where Brown is wrong, he has a significant following. And with the media as a cheerleader, any and all issues will be spun in his favor. The shame of it all is that the Ohio GOP establishment let Sherrod Brown slide in 2018. The party fielded a marginal candidate. It goes to show that it will take a bare-knuckles fighter like Donald Trump to take this liberal down. But even then, Trump will need the enthusiastic support from the entire Republican and conservative base. The Trump administration is seriously considering extraditing US resident and Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen to Turkey in order to placate President Recep Erdogan over the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Erdogan has used Gulen and his movement as a scapegoat, blaming him for planning last year's coup against his government and using that as an excuse to arrest tens of thousands of Gulen's supporters and close thousands of businesses - including many media outlets that were hostile to his regime. Once an Erdogan ally, Gulen had a falling out with the dictator. There have been some questions raised about the movement he leads, which purports to be "a transnational Islamic social movement that professes advocation of universal access to education, civil society, and peace, inspired by the religious teachings" of Gulen. The movement runs several hundred schools around the world, including some in the US. But many observers doubt whether Gulen was behind the coup against Erdogan, which was a comedy of errors to begin with. It was actually planned and carried out by small faction in the military that disliked Erdogan's Islamist policies. But Erdogan has used the Gulen movement as a foil to justify massive repression of dissent. Gulen has been in the US since 1999. NBCNews: Trump administration officials last month asked federal law enforcement agencies to examine legal ways of removing exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen in an attempt to persuade Erdogan to ease pressure on the Saudi government, the four sources said. The effort includes directives to the Justice Department and FBI that officials reopen Turkey's case for his extradition, as well as a request to the Homeland Security Department for information about his legal status, the four people said. They said the White House specifically wanted details about Gulen's residency status in the U.S. Gulen has a Green Card, according to two people familiar with the matter. He has been living in Pennsylvania since the late 1990s. Career officials at the agencies pushed back on the White House requests, the U.S. officials and people briefed on the requests said. "At first there were eye rolls, but once they realized it was a serious request, the career guys were furious," said a senior U.S. official involved in the process. A spokesperson for the National Security Council initially declined to comment on this story but after it published, said in a statement: "The NSC has not been involved in nor aware of any discussions relating the extradition of Fethullah Gulen to the death of Jamal Khashoggi." Erdogan has been asking for Gulen's return from the US since the coup ended. There is zero evidence that he had anything to do with the short lived uprising. But Erdogan wants his show trial, as well as revenge against his former friend. Will the US violate its own principles and turn the cleric over to the tender mercies of the Turkish president? It would be a travesty if we did. Gulen may be a wanted man in Turkey but he has committed no crime in the US. Besides, there's no guarantee Erdogan would ease up on the Saudis if the US handed Gulen over to Turkish authorities. In 1979, the Shah of Iran came to the US for cancer treatment. Iranian terrorists stormed our embassy and kidnapped our diplomats. They demanded we return the Shah for certain execution. To his credit, Carter resisted the calls to give the terrorists what they wanted. The US is supposed to be a safe haven and contemplating the return of Gulen would make a mockery of that notion. Saudi Arabia has created its own mess and must extricate themselves without any help from the US. Violating our principles to bail out the Saudis from their own diplomatic mess with Turkey shouldn't even be on the table. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly demanded that fellow executives stop using Apple devices immediately following critical remarks about privacy from the latter companys CEO Tim Cook, The New York Times reports. In particular, the Apple executive had stated in an interview on the matter with MSNBC that the company would not traffic in users personal lives, clarifying that Apple views privacy as a human right and a civil liberty. Mr. Zuckerberg is said to have become infuriated and to have ordered other executives within the company to only use Android phones, reasoning that the OS is simply more popular than iOS and has more users. Theres no indication as to whether or not that resulted in any losses for Apple in the companys ranks but Facebook has since responded to the original story via a newsroom press release. The social media giant asserts that it has long encouraged both employees and executives to use Android because of its popularity. Background: Facebook has been rocked by a number of scandals over the past several months but Apples criticisms, in this case, are tied directly to the companys ongoing Cambridge Analytica debacle. That stemmed, at least initially, from a 2014 data breach that affected as many as 87 million users. News about the incidents associated with that didnt break until early 2018 when it began to be reported that Cambridge Analytica had been utilizing Facebook data collected by at least one researcher behind Facebook apps and quizzes. Facebook policies, at the time, allowed data collected on users by platform participants to be given or sold to third-parties. That policy is no longer in place. In fact, the company has gone further to instate a policy that seeks to prevent third-party developers from collecting that type of data at all if the user has been inactive within an app or other services for more than 90 days. However, concerns still remain for how the company has handled its data breaches and how it handled other issues associated with propaganda and election meddling. The most recent of the companys data leaks occurred in October and is thought to have impacted as many as 29 million users. Spammers are thought to have been behind that breach and to have intended to serve users with malicious advertisements. The attack stemmed from a bug in Facebooks View As feature and allowed access to tokens that, in turn, allowed the bad actors to access users personal profiles and other information. As many as 14 million of those affected were determined by a subsequent investigation involving the FBI to have had deep personal details accessed, including information ranging from smartphone model designations and religious affiliation to their city of residence. Advertisement Impact: It isnt immediately clear whether or not Zuckerbergs remarks in the latest reports were in any way an attempt to lash out at Apple after that companys CEO issued his criticisms. Android does overwhelmingly dominate the current global smartphone market. On the one hand, it would make some sense for the company to ensure that it appears to be using devices that are relevant to the vast majority of users. Furthermore, it could be argued that using the most popular OS would feasibly allow Facebook to spot the most widespread bugs on the platform more quickly or at least those that would be affecting the most users. Bearing that in mind, the internal struggles at the company have become increasingly poignant, with some shareholders going so far as to petition for Mr. Zuckerbergs removal from his position as Chairman to lessen his impact on the company. So the reported remarks could also point to deeper underlying problems and tensions at the company. It seems like Samsung submitted a new patent, according to a report from LetsGoDigital, and this patent could actually represent the design of the upcoming Galaxy S10. Samsung actually submitted a number of variations of this design at the Hague International Design System (a place where companies can apply or industrial design patents). If a patent gets accepted at the Hague International Design System, its automatically accepted in 70 countries around the world. It is also worth noting that the whole database is being managed by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office), so submitting a patent here is more or less equivalent as submitting it at the WIPO. Each of the design variations that Samsung submitted have one thing in common, a camera hole in the upper-left portion of the display. The company actually submitted 50 different smartphone models as part of this application, some of which you can check out in the gallery down below. Some of these models have extremely rounded corners, some not so much, others have almost square corners, while come designs have curved displays on the sides, while some have curved displays on the top and bottom. Interestingly enough, Samsung did not submit any written material along with this patent / design, only images / sketches were submitted. Interestingly enough, These designs with camera holes in the upper-left corner are not the only ones Samsung patented. Prior to that, on November 9 and October 26, Samsung actually sent a number of additional images / sketches to the Hague International Design System, Including smartphone designs that have two camera holes in the display, in the upper-right corner fo the display, which have a huge hole in the display at the top (not a notch), with cameras, sensors and an earpiece and several additional designs that you can check in the gallery down below. That being said, design models are represented by a letter in the alphabet, starting with a letter A, and those designs go all the way to the letter L, while all of them can be checked out down below. Background: Samsung has been a busy bee when it comes to submitting mobile device design patents. It was recently discovered that the company actually submitted a design that may bring a foldable tablet into play, a table which will sport a double fold design. One of its sides would fold over the center part of the display, while the other would do the opposite, so when folded, youd still have access to one-third of its display, and could use that part of the display. On top of that, the company also seems to be looking into holographic displays, as one of its recent patents suggests that as well. The company had submitted a patent with the WIPO recently, and it details such a holographic display in the patent, which you read more about by clicking here. Advertisement Samsung had recently shown off its foldable smartphone during the Samsung Developer Conference, it showed off a demo device for the public, though its full design was obscured with a case which has extremely thin bezels, so its still a secret as to what the phone will look like, of course. The company is planning to introduce its first foldable smartphone in early 2019, though, the companys execs have already confirmed that, and in addition to that, well also see the Galaxy S10 announced. The company already teased its first smartphone with a display camera hole, the Galaxy A8s, so that phone may become the very first Samsung-branded smartphone to sport a camera hole in the display, and the Galaxy S10 may follow soon after. As far as the Galaxy S10 is concerned, we already know that it will be fueled by the Exynos 9820 processor that got announced recently, at least in Europe, while Qualcomms upcoming Snapdragon 8150 aka Snapdragon 855 will fuel it in the US and China. The Samsung Galaxy S10 may adopt one of the designs that are shown in this article, as the one with a display camera hole seems to be the most probable solution, even though some rumors suggested that the Galaxy S10 will sport a truly bezel-less display, which suggests no camera holes or anything of the sort, but that may be unrealistic at this point. The Galaxy S10 is expected to arrive in at least two variants, regular and + models, even though some additional variants have been rumored as well, compact and budget models. The Galaxy S10 series will ship with Android 9 Pie out of the box, Samsungs all-new One UI skin, and chances are all of those phones will ship with Super AMOLED displays, which will be different in size, while were also expecting to see at least 6GB of RAM on the Galaxy S10. Impact: The Galaxy S10 is expected to represent a major redesign of the companys Galaxy S lineup, the Galaxy S6 and S7 were quite similar in design, the same goes for the Galaxy S8 and S9, so the Galaxy S10 is expected to step away from that design, as Samsung does major redesigns every two years, basically. Whatever the case may be, the Galaxy S10 will probably not sport a display notch, and the company is expected to trim down those bezels even further, compared to the Galaxy S9. We will see at least two cameras on the back of the Galaxy S10 models, though different models may have a different number of camera sensors on the back, some may even ship with three cameras on the back, the Galaxy S10+ perhaps. Were only guessing at this point, but as we are approaching the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018, the design of the Galaxy S10 should become more and more apparent, as a ton of leaks will probably surface before the Galaxy S10 lineup gets announced, at least that was the case in the previous years. Those leaks will give us a really good idea as to what to expect out of Samsung, and even though the company still did not announce that the Galaxy S10 is coming, nor that it will get announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019, that is probably what will happen. Google has been working for years to make Android updates better and faster. That is one of the common complaints with Android right now, and the main reason most people buy a Pixel (or a Nexus, before 2016). That is because Pixel smartphones get updates straight from Google. But Google debuted a new project last year that is meant to help improve the frequency of Android updates, and that is Project Treble. Google announced today that it expects to see more devices running Android 9 Pie at the end of 2018, than Android 8.0 Oreo at the end of 2017. And so far, that does appear to be happening. Many smartphones have already launched the Android Pie update for their devices. Including Essential, OnePlus and Sony, to name a few, and Samsung is starting its beta for Android 9 Pie today. Now this claim was made last year though, when Project Treble was announced and rolled out with Oreo. But the difference is that now all Android Pie or later smartphones will be Treble-compliant, as it is now a requirement. With Android Oreo it was not a requirement, and many smartphone makers opted not to include this updated framework. At the Android Dev Summit last week, Google showed off a number of different Android smartphones running the Generic System Image, or GSI. This is built from the latest available AOSP source code, so it is truly stock Android, and it also includes the latest bug fixes contributed from the OEMs. Manufacturers already use the GSI to validate the implementation of the vendor interface on their devices. Now, Android app developers will be able to use the GSI to test out their own apps on different Android devices. This is going to make it easier for Android developers to really get their apps ready for new versions of Android, even before they launch. Background: Project Treble isnt the first thing that Google has tried, in making software updates faster. It tried doing an alliance many years ago that would bring about faster updates to users. It also debuted Google Play Services, which was a framework for all Google-certified Android devices, and it was used to push out new features, bug fixes and even fix some exploits, without needing to push out a whole new version of Android. But it seems that Project Treble is the most successful so far. Google isnt promising same-day software updates for other smartphones, as with the Pixels, but it is promising faster updates. Of course, doing the beta program for the new versions of Android do definitely help Google there, especially this year where it had a number of its partners join in on the beta program including Sony, OnePlus, Xiaomi and others. Advertisement Software updates will always be Androids downfall. And the reason why these updates take so long is because Android is used by everyone and everything. Smartphones that have skins like those from Samsung, LG and HTC, are going to take longer because those manufacturers need to work on that software and integrate it with their skin. For example, Samsung actually entirely reworked its skin and renamed it One UI with Android 9 Pie, which obviously required a lot of work, and thus its taking longer to roll out Android Pie. But even with that rework of its own UI, Samsung is starting the Beta for Android Pie earlier than it did for Android Oreo last year and its available for many more devices which is a start. On top of optimizing these updates for skins, manufacturers also need to get them certified. Google needs to certify the update, and so does the carriers particularly in the US. This is why updates take so long, there are so many moving parts. Now Apple still needs to get their updates certified by carriers, but since they are building the update, thats the only certification that they need. They also get that done all ahead of time before even announcing an update. Which is how iOS is able to roll out much faster than Android. Theres only a handful of different iPhones out there, while there are thousands of different Android smartphone models out there now. Impact: Many had high expectations for Project Treble and that includes Google. But the fact that many manufacturers were opting to leave Project Treble support out of their Android Oreo updates last year was a big issue, and virtually rendered Project Treble useless for Google. Now it is a requirement for manufacturers, which is indeed a good thing for Google, as its going to be able to get these updates out there faster. And while Project Treble only launched last year, we are already seeing the fruits of its labor. So far, many more smartphones have updated and launched with Android Pie, then any other version of Android at this time after launch. Smartphones like the Sony Xperia XZ3, OnePlus 6T and the Huawei Mate 20 lineup all launched with Android Pie, and there were nearly a dozen other smartphones updated to Android Pie already. Though, Android Pie still doesnt appear on the monthly distribution chart, which is a bit surprising, given the number of devices running Pie now. Project Treble doesnt appear to be able to completely fix the issue of software updates on Android for Google, but it is making these updates faster, and that is what is important right now. Updates have always been an issue, in fact, we are still seeing some devices getting their Oreo update now, over a year after it launched. Which is pretty pathetic. Not only do users want the latest and greatest version of Android, but its important for everyone to be updated, for security reasons. Older versions of Android are not patched as well as the newer versions. And that is because Google found some issues that it fixed in later models. And with a nearly two-year-old version of Android being the most popular, that means that many Android users are not safe from getting hacked or having something happen to their phone. Project Treble will fix that though. Huawei is currently working on a new AI voice assistant for release outside of its home region, according to statements made by Huawei Consumer BG CEO Richard Yu during a recent interview with CNBC. The executive pointed out that although the company has been and will continue utilizing Amazons Alexa and Google Assistant, for the time being, the reason behind that is that its own international AI simply isnt ready yet. In fact, it appears as though the company may intend to continue working with those would-be competitors regardless, once its AI launches. For now, Mr. Richard Yu has declined to share any further details such as regional availability and languages that might be available in or even what it may be called. Background: News that the company may be working on its own Assistant and Alexa alternative isnt necessarily surprising, given the overarching goals that the company set for artificial intelligence as recently as mid-October. In short, the company is looking to center its focus around concepts it refers to as ubiquitous connectivity and pervasive intelligence. Those are built around IoT solutions tied in with deep learning and the build-out of a more completely connected world in general. Of course, that encompasses big data implementations but the data itself would stem from all manner of hardware, including that found in cameras, connected or autonomous vehicles, more traditional wireless technologies, city infrastructure, and more. Beyond that, it hopes to bring together a consortium of global leaders in the field under an AI forum named after the Da Vinci architecture used in its Ascend 910 and Ascend 310 data center chips. However, even prior to those ambitions beginning to publicly take shape, the company has repeatedly experimented with and released products built on the foundations of AI. At this years IFA Berlin 2018 event, for example, the company introduced the world to its own smart speaker and wireless router ironically dubbed the AI Cube in spite of its cylindrical shape. That device utilizes Amazon Alexa since that has dominated the connected smartphone industry for some time now but uses the same Xiaoyi voice assistant seen in Huaweis phones in its home region of China. Moreover, it builds on the efforts in AI that were first seen with its subsidiary HiSilicons in-house AI-enabled chipset the Kirin 970. That SoC was followed up this year by a new iteration featuring two neural processing cores dubbed the Kirin 980 which is currently thought to be the most powerful mobile processor in the world. Advertisement Impact: From an outside perspective, Huaweis investments in AI have mostly seemed to be focused on hardware. Granted, the devices using the companys HiSilicon Kirin 970 chips have also featured plenty of software and underlying algorithms enriched with AI and deep learning. But those havent really taken the spotlight, with Huawei choosing to instead focus on how much better a smartphone can perform when the workload created by artificial intelligence-related operations is offloaded to secondary, dedicated hardware. Bearing that in mind, and in spite of apparent rapid advances, the virtual assistant market is still actually in its infancy. So although Huawei seems to be getting a very late start, its too early to gauge how well it might perform once it really gets going and officially announced a finished assistant of its own to the world. HTC is expected to launch the successor to the U12+ next Spring, as that would be about a year after the U12+ was announced. However, according to Phandroid, who is citing a source familiar with the matter, it appears that HTC is not going to release the U13 next year. Instead, HTC is working on something else. The report did not mention what exactly HTC was working on, just that customers should expect something different from HTC. What this likely means is that HTC is going to be announcing another smartphone next year, and perhaps another branding change is in order. Of course, the way HTC has been going the past couple of years, its not a big surprise that HTC is planning a branding change here. The HTC U12+ launched back in the Spring, and it turned out to be a pretty decent smartphone. But there were a few problems with the device. For one, the buttons that HTC put on the U12+ had a few issues. For one, they just werent working for some users. You see, with the U12+, HTC decided to do software buttons, instead of buttons that actually clicked. They looked the same, but they did not move at all. Which means that if the battery is dead, well those buttons wont work. Once that fix was taken care of, HTC had a decent smartphone on their hands. The only thing is that many didnt know about this smartphone. And that leads back to HTCs trouble in marketing, which has plagued the company for many years now. This would be the third rebrand in about five years for HTC, hopefully its the one that does the trick for them. Background: For those that might be unaware of HTCs story, its a pretty important player in the smartphone world. HTC has been around for about 21 years. But until 2009, it had largely made smartphones for other companies, this is what is called an ODM Original Device Manufacturer. Its something that HTC even did recently with Google, making the Nexus One, Pixel and Pixel 2. HTC made the first Android smartphone, the T-Mobile G1 (in the US, the HTC Dream elsewhere). As mentioned already, it also made the first Nexus smartphone, the Nexus One. So its an important player in the smartphone world. But that was all before 2011. Since then, HTC has had problem after problem after problem. In 2011, it had nearly 25-percent of the market share in the US about 10-percent globally. Now, according to Strategy Analytics, HTC has around 1-percent market share globally and in many markets, the market share is not far from zero. Showing just how far HTC has fallen. Of course, this didnt happen overnight, this took about seven years to happen. But HTC hasnt really shown many signs of turning around, sadly. Advertisement After having a pretty bad year in 2011, where it seeded the top spot in market share to Samsung and then to Apple, HTC decided to change things up. It launched the HTC One branding, with the HTC One X and HTC One S. These were good smartphones, of course, HTC had always been known for making great smartphones. But they were not really available in the US. Back then, carrier exclusives were a thing, and many companies had to create the same phone for each US carrier, but under a different name. HTC only sold the One X on AT&T and the One S on T-Mobile. That was not a good idea for HTC, especially if they are looking to climb back into the market. About a year later, it decided to get rid of the letters and launch the HTC One. It was one of the first all-metal smartphones available, and again it had great build quality. HTC kept with the One lineup until 2016 when it dropped the One for its tenth flagship and called it simply, 10. Then last year, it dropped the One altogether and brought in the U naming, with the U11 and now the U12. During this time, HTC has drastically cut down the number of smartphones it was making. It has virtually exited the mid-range and low-end market, though it did launch the U11 Life and U12 Life last year and this year, respectively. But that hasnt been enough to get HTC back on track. Each month, HTC announced its revenues for the previous month, and it is never positive. Usually its a double-digit drop, close to 50-percent some months. In fact, it wont even make $1 billion USD in revenue in 2018. Impact: A rebrand may be necessary for HTC, but its going to take much more than that. HTC has fallen so far that most people dont even know who HTC is, these days. And the reason for that is that HTC was on top of the smartphone market in a time where smartphones werent ubiquitous, it was when smartphones and Android in general, were still pretty young. Now that smartphones are found everywhere, the big names are Samsung and Apple, and between the two, they own more than 60-percent of the global market, so that makes sense. But HTCs brand has been tarnished so much that its going to take much more than a device rebrand, unfortunately for HTC. Its unclear what exactly HTC is planning to do with its 2019 smartphone launch, but it is likely a rebrand. Hopefully HTC finally listens to its consumers and the press, and does launch a massive marketing campaign for this new device. Though, at this point, the US carriers dont even want to carry the device, so the smart thing for HTC would be to release a much cheaper smartphone with high-end specs (similar to what OnePlus does). Especially with smartphone prices hitting the four-figure mark these days. Either way, we should know more about what HTC is planning in the coming months. The U12+ was announced in May, so it wouldnt be too crazy to see HTC announce its successor around the same time in 2019. And that means that leaks and rumors should be surfacing pretty soon for this new smartphone. HMD Globals Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikas, has just announced a press event for December 5. The companys Chief Product Officer made this announcement via its official Twitter page, and in the image that he published, he announced that the press conference will be held in Dubai, and in the provided image, we can actually see three smartphones, barely. This probably indicates that HMD Global plans to announce three Nokia-branded handsets in Dubai next month, though Mr. Sarvikas did not really release any additional information, of course. Now, if rumors are to be believed, Nokia will introduce the Nokia 8.1, Nokia 2.1 Plus, and the Nokia 9 during this event, and were not entirely sure that will happen, as its more likely that HMD Global will announce the Nokia 9 during a separate event next year, but well talk more about that down below. The Nokia 8.1 and Nokia 2.1 Plus are both options, though, but if the Nokia 9 will not make an appearance, what is the third phone that HMD Global plans to announce? We can only speculate at this point, as nothing has been confirmed in general, were not really sure that the Nokia 8.1 and 2.1 Plus will make an appearance. Background: The Nokia 8.1 is actually rumored to become official soon, and it will probably be announced at this event in Dubai. The Nokia 8.1 is actually the Nokia X7 which was announced in China a while back, so we pretty much know what to expect out of that phone. The phone will be made out of metal and glass, it will sport two cameras on the back, and a rear-facing fingerprint scanner. The Nokia 8.1 will include a display notch, and a chin below the display, where the companys logo will be imprinted. The Snapdragon 710 64-bit octa-core processor will fuel the device, while the phone will feature a 6.18-inch fullHD+ (2280 x 1080) display. The phone will include 4GB or 6GB of RAM (maybe it arrives in both variants), and 64GB / 128GB of expandable storage. 12 and 13-megapixel cameras will be included on the back of the device, while a single 20-megapixel camera will be a part of the offering as well. This phone will include two SIM card slots, and a 3,500mAh battery, along with 18W fast charging. As you can see, the Nokia 8.1 will be a mid-range smartphone, and theres a good chance it will become official during this event. As far as the Nokia 2.1 Plus is concerned, not much is known about this smartphone, aside from the fact that its expected to sport a display notch. The Nokia 2.1 got announced back in August this year, and that is the companys entry-level smartphone, so the Nokia 2.1 Plus probably wont be much more powerful than the Nokia 2.1, which means that you can expect it to be an entry-level phone as well. The phone will probably ship with a processor from the Snapdragon 400 series of chips, and its display will be smaller than 6 inches. The phone will include 1GB of RAM, most probably, and stock Android will come pre-installed on it, and it will probably ship with Android Go version of Android (Android 8.1 Oreo). An 8-megapixel camera will probably be included on its back, while a 5-megapixel shooter will be placed on the front, same as on the Nokia 2.1. Advertisement The Nokia 9 is, needless to say, the companys upcoming flagship smartphone, and even though a rumor suggested it will launch on December 5, it probably will not. The Nokia 9s story is quite a long one, as the phone was expected to arrive months ago, but it got postponed by the company, as the companys Chief Product Officer did not think its ready for the market just yet. It was rumored to be postponed until the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019, but a recent rumor said that HMD Global actually plans to announce it sooner than that. Most people automatically assumed that it will arrive in January, but theres a slight chance it may launch during this December 5 event. If the Nokia 9 launches on December 5 or January next year, it will be fueled by the Snapdragon 845, which means that it will soon become a flagship with a processor that is not latest and greatest, as the Snapdragon 8150 is expected to start fueling devices early next year, first smartphones will probably sport it in February or March. HMD Global managed to acquire rights to use the PureView brand from Microsoft as well, in the meantime, after the Nokia 9 got postponed, so it remains to be seen if HMD Global actually managed to implement some of that technology in the Nokia 9, though its highly unlikely considering how little time they had to do it, which may be yet another reason why this phone will not become official in December. The Nokia 9 aka Nokia 9 PureView, it remains to be seen what will the company call it in the end, is expected to ship with five cameras on the back, and a number of CAD-based renders already surfaced, showing off its design. The device will be made out of metal and glass, and it will not sport a display notch. The Nokia 9 will include some bezels above and below the display, though, and in addition to shipping with the Snapdragon 845, its also expected to include at least 6GB of RAM, and it will be a part of Googles Android One project, but it remains to be seen if it will arrive with Android 8.1 Oreo or Android 9 Pie. Impact: It seems pretty certain that HMD Global plans to introduce three smartphones during this event in Dubai, but the Nokia 9 probably wont be one of them, contrary to what rumors are saying. The Nokia 9 is the companys upcoming flagship, and if it ends up sporting five cameras as leaks are saying, and quite possibly even the PureView technology, HMD Global would want all eyes on that phone, and will probably make that a sole announcement of one of its events. Thats just a guess, though, anything is possible at this point, so well just have to wait for December 5 in order to find out what exactly is HMD Global planning. Posted on: November 16, 2018 4:49 PM The Bishop of Colombo, Dhiloraj Canagasabey, has responded with shock and great dismay to the arbitrary removal of Sri Lankas Prime Minister and the dissolution of the countrys Parliament. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe three weeks ago, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. He then suspended Parliament for two weeks it resumed sitting on Monday and also announced that it would be dissolved from midnight tonight (Friday). But that decision was suspended by the countrys Supreme Court after supporters of the deposed Prime Minister sought a judicial review. Over the past two days, the sittings have been disrupted by clashes between MPs. Security staff and police broke up scuffles today in which chilli powder was thrown. Writing on behalf of the Diocese of Colombo, Bishop Dhiloraj described the Presidents actions as arbitrary and said that it appears to us to be a direct and blatant violation of the clear and express provisions of the Constitution. He said: the dismissal of a sitting Prime Minister, the appointment of a new Prime Minister, the prorogation of Parliament by the President followed by credible accounts of inducements to MPs to crossover and the shifting stories about the premiership being offered to other members of Parliament are further compounded by this latest action of the President underscoring the fact that the newly appointed Prime Minister did not command the confidence of Parliament. All these events showcase the sad depths to which ethical and moral standards have deteriorated in this country, despite our external show of religiosity. He continued: The intellectual dishonesty and moral bankruptcy of many of our politicians and especially that of senior politicians of the two major parties is a terrible indictment on the quality of leadership that we have produced in post independent Sri Lanka. The events of the past weeks have been utterly shameful and sullied the name of our country internationally. At a time of economic difficulty, the administration has been further paralysed and the attention of the country diverted to shallow politicking. He said that the Diocese of Colombo was calling on all our members to uphold the country in prayer, seeking Gods mercy, guidance and direction [and] affirms our belief that righteousness, justice and truth will ultimately triumph. We call on the President once again to rise above seeking petty political advantages and to abide by the very solemn promises he made on more than one occasion to uphold the rule of law, good governance and to respect the true spirit of democracy as well as his obligation to ensure that the Constitution is respected and upheld. by Melani Manel Perera Some MPs were injured, one badly enough to require hospital treatment. The opposition is in the streets of the capital to protest. For many protesters, Rajapaksa is an opportunist. For them, he lost and should pull back, following a no confidence vote in parliament. The situation could degenerate into chaos. Colombo (AsiaNews) Sri Lankas political crisis shows no signs of abating. This morning a fight broke out in Parliament during a speech by former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. As tensions rose, MPs turned to kicking and punching each other as a result of the Supreme Court ruling quashing President Maithripala Sirisenas attempt to dissolve parliament. Some lawmakers were slightly injured, but one was admitted to hospital. Eventually, parliament was adjourned until 21 November, but party leaders plan to resume discussions tomorrow. Yesterday, MPs voted a no confidence motion against Rajapaksa, who had been appointed by President Sirisena to replace Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whom he had sacked in late October. However, on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled against Sirisenas recent move, which had elicited criticism from bishops, activists and others, including the speaker of parliament. Today the opposition is in the streets Colombo, calling for fresh parliamentary and presidential elections. Former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, who held office from 1994 to 2005, was among the protesters. In her view, Sirisena and several members of his party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), betrayed the election promises that led to their victory in January 2015. The country, she said, stands at a dangerous precipice of chaos, anarchy and the breakdown of the rule of Law. Everyone must unite to bring it back from the brink and start anew the journey towards enlightened governance. Some protesters who spoke to AsiaNews complained about the political chaos, criticising Rajapaksas opportunism. "If you are defeated you must have the heart and brain to stop interfering in political activity". President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law Republic Act No. 11106, or The Filipino Sign Language Act. The law, signed on October 30, declares the Filipino Sign Language as the national language of the Filipino deaf and the official sign language of government in all transactions involving the deaf. It mandates its use in schools, broadcast media and work places. La Union 2nd District Rep. Sandra Eriguel, the chairperson of the Committee on Social Services which recommended the approval of the House version, said R.A. 11106 aimed to uphold the rights of the deaf by promoting their participation in social activities through the use of Filipino Sign Language in schools, the broadcast media, the courts and offices and in all public transactions. It supports the vision taken with the Early Years Act [R.A. 10410] and the Enhanced Basic Education Act (R.A. 10533) which have already recognized Filipino Sign Language in the education of deaf learners from early childhood up to the secondary level, she added. Meanwhile, Duterte also signed a law regulating the practice of criminology profession in the Philippines. Duterte approved Republic Act No. 11131, or the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018. The new law aims to govern the examination, registration and licensure of criminologists; supervise, control and regulate the practice of criminology; and develop professional competence of criminologists.It said the state recognizes the importance of criminology profession in national security, public safety, peace and order, and in nation building and development. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded criminologists whose standards of professional practice and service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally competitive through sacred, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations, coupled with programs and activities that would promote professional growth and development, according to the law. Duterte also signed a law providing for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in the country. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11127, or The National Payment Systems Act on October 30. According to the new law, payment system is defined as the set of payment instruments, processes, procedures and participants that ensure the transfer of funds. The law provides that the government, through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, promotes the safe, secured, efficient and reliable operation of payment systems in order to control systemic risk and provide an environment conducive to the sustainable growth of the economy. The state recognizes that payment systems are crucial parts of the financial infrastructure of the country and it is essential that they function safely and efficiently for the stability and effectiveness of the monetary and financial systems, the law reads. Marysville, CA (95901) Today Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 64F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 43F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Police arrested five Chinese nationals accused of gang raping a fellow Chinese inside a hotel in Ayala-Alabang in Muntinlupa City last Nov. 13 The suspects were identified as Wu Zhixiong, 24; Sun Yunpeng, 23; Hung Lin, 19; Zhang Le, 24, and Jiao Hang, 29, all call center agents and residing at Hop Inn Hotel, Madrigal Business Park II, Ayala-Alabang. Son Jenny Tecson said the suspects were arrested based on the complaint filed by a 25-year-old female Chinese national who claimed that the gang rape happened around 12:30 pm at Room 319 of Hop Inn Hotel. Investigation showed that the victim was forcibly taken by four suspects from her room and brought to unit 319 Hop Inn Hotel. Then and there above-named suspects conspiring with each other sexually molested the victim against her will and consent, said Tecson, citing an initial report submitted by the Muntinlupa City police.Tecson said a concerned citizen nearby heard the victim yelling for help and immediately called police assistance which resulted in the suspects arrest. She added that three other suspects who were also involved in the crime remain at large and now the subjects of manhunt. Three Chinese nationals were also arrested for the kidnapping of a fellow Chinese in Makati City last August. The suspects Wana Ping, 46; Yuan Jun, 47, and He Ping, 45, all Chinese tourists and temporarily billeted at City of Dreams Hotel and Casino in Paranaque City, were accused by 28-year old Chao Yu of kidnapping that transpired around 5 pm of Aug. 20 at Unit 717 Laureano de Trevl Tower 3 along Chino Roces Street in Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. Belarus` Belspetsvneshtekhnika (BSVT) arms exporter has developed the Berserk unmanned combat ground vehicle (UCGV). A demonstrator of the UCGV was unveiled at a test range of the 174th Air Force and Air Defense Training Base (Baranovichi, Brest Region) in early October 2018. Bersek Export variant of the Centaur UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle unveiled in July 2018 during a military parade in Belarus. (Picture source Melanie Rovery (@MelanieRovery) Twitter) According to BSVT, the Berserk can be manually controlled via a wireless datalink and operate in pre-programmable mode (PPM). The PPM envisions following preprogrammed routes with automatic detection and engagement of hostile objects during 24 hours. An operator can control the ground robot at a distance of up to 5 km. "The vehicle has a cruise speed of 5 km/h in rough terrain," said engineer of BSVT. The sensor suite of the UCGV integrates two daylight color cameras and two thermal imagers. "The robot identifies a soldier at a distance of 2 km, a tank at a distance of 6 km and a rotary-wing aircraft at a distance of 10 km," said the source from BSVT. The Berserk UCGV is armed with two four-barrel 9-A-622 GShG-7.62 7.62 mm medium Rpid-fire machineguns and six Tucha 902V smoke dischargers in two three-cell banks. The GShG-7.62 machinegun is 800 mm long and weighs 18.5 kg. The weapon has a rate of fire of 3,500 or 6,000 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 820-850 m/s and a range of 1,000 m. In fact, the Berserk is an export-oriented variant of the Kentavr (Centaur) UCGV that was unveiled during the Independence Day parade on July 3, 2018, in Minsk, Belarus. After a well-studied review, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the permanent closure of two mining companies for non-compliance with environmental laws and denial of the mineral production sharing agreements. In a Nov. 12 decision, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources chief disclosed the highlights of the report of the technical review team tapped by the Mining Industry Coordinating Council, citing Claver Mineral Development Corp., Oriental Synergy and Ore Asia as most problematic for majority of the aspects reviewed. He affirmed the cancellation of the MPSAs of Claver Mineral Development Council and Oriental Synergy Mining Corp., and denied the MPSA application of Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp. He directed the DENRs Mines and Geosciences Bureau to implement the recommendations of the MICC. The MICC report also recommended the conduct of a case study on the economic analysis of Benguet Corp.; Oriental Vision Mining Philippine Corp.; Hinatuan Mining Corp.; Zambales Benguet Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. and Zambales Diversified Mineral, and Strongbuilt Mining Development Corp. The report generally showed that for the majority of mining companies, improvements in technical and environmental management practices need to continue and scale up, the DENR said. It should be noted that the report also acknowledged that there had been efforts by at least half of the companies to rectify and correct inappropriate practices, it added. Out of the 13 mine firms that were ordered to shut down by then DENR secretary Gina Lopez in February 2017, nine of them -- Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., Krominco Inc., Mt. Sinai Exploration and Development Corp., Libjo Mining Corp., Wellex Mining Corp. 1 and 2, Carrascal Nickel Corp., AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corp., Strongbuilt Mining Development Corp. and Emir Mineral Resources Corp. were resolved to be suspended only. On top of the payment of the fines and penalties, these companies were directed to undertake corrective measures within a timetable. Failure to implement these measures will result in the reinstatement of the cancellation order previously issued to these companies, Cimatu warned.He issued another resolution lifting the suspension order for Berong Nickel Corp. subject to implementation of corrective measures. The decisions made by the DENR were a product of well-studied review. It largely used the findings based on the report, Objective, Fact-Finding and Science-Based Review of the Performance of Twenty-Six [26] Mining Companies of the technical review teams commissioned by the MICC. THE MICC-TRTs was tasked to conduct a multi-stakeholder review to advise the DENR on the performance of existing mining companies, Cimatus resolution read. He said when he took over the DENR in May 2018, he was confronted with the unresolved motions for reconsideration on the suspension and cancellation orders issued by his predecessor. In order to gather the necessary data and justification of any decision regarding the suspension and cancellation, the third party audit by experts was utilized, Cimatu said. The MICC review covered 19 nickel mines, three gold and copper mines, three chromite mines, and two magnetic and iron mines on their legal, technical, environmental, social and economic aspects. In February 2017, Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mining companies and suspended five for various environmental violations. Only 13 mining firms filed their respective motions for reconsideration with the DENR. Rear is supported by senior associate Michael Van Der Ende. Eastern Goldfields, which is changing its name to Eris Gold, is bringing together new people through a revamped board and management team. It has also revised its strategy and has bolstered its balance sheet to execute the strategy. SPB said that the recapitalisation will provide the company with a fresh start and position it to join the ranks of successful Australian mid-tier gold producers. The key parts of the complex recapitalisation include an $8.75m interim funding package from convertible notes and a $42.3m placement and entitlement offer. Adaman Resources will also provide in-kind mining services of at least $15m and up to $17.5m. Eastern Goldfields will also convert virtually all of its syndicated facility agreement into equity. The company will also eliminate existing trade debts, including by converting some into equity. The changes are part of a wider civil justice system reform spearheaded by the CJC. In its review of the legal costs framework of the system, the Ministry of Law said that it aims to introduce scale legal costs and emphasise the principle that in general, solicitor and client costs should be equal to part-and-party (P&P) costs. The ministry said that this will give a clear signal to parties that there is a fixed price the moment they decide to resolve the dispute in court and allows the parties to weigh the consequences and make a decision. The caps are also hoped to incentivise solicitors to quickly resolve disputes to obtain the fixed price for less time and effort. That includes not being allowed to drive herself anywhere for security reasons. Truth be told, Mrs. Obama misses being able to jump at the wheel and take herself out for a ride, but she understands the need for extra security.Mrs. Obama is now promoting her first autobiographical book, Becoming, with a series of wide-ranging interviews that tackle anything from her time by the Presidents side to her thoughts on the current administration and life after the White House. The latest, with People Magazine , falls along the same lines, while also bringing this curious insight, about her driving ban.The interview is out with this weeks edition of the magazine. Asked whether shes allowed to drive her own car, the former FLOTUS shakes her head with disappointment. No driving for me. We still live in a bubble, she says.If we had a farm somewhere, maybe I could drive around it, Mrs. Obama adds. As weve seen, the risks are still there.Shes referring to the bomb package sent to Obama last month in the mail, which led to increased security. If there ever was a slim chance for Secret Service to allow her to drive herself, its gone now.Legally, the current President and all former Presidents are not allowed to drive on government roads for security reasons. That means that they remain dependent on Secret Service for the rest of their life.Obama might be ok with that, but Donald Trump will probably have a hard time with it. He loves cars and already has an impressive collection of them, but his status as former POTUS will mean he will never again be able to drive one. Imagine the frustration. Senator Panfilo Lacson has urged the Philippine National Police to focus on the political situation in La Union after Vice Mayor Al-Fred Concepcion was killed by unidentified gunmen in Balaoan town Wednesday. One of Concepcions aides was also killed, while his daughter Mayor Aleli Concepcion was wounded by gunmen who fired from both sides of the Balaoan-Luna Road in La Union. Lacson said La Union seemed to have taken the place of Abra, where he said killings of politicians usually spike during elections. La Union. I think the PNP should exert extra effort and focus on the political situation in La Union.pattern, [It seems that killings happen consecutively in La Union. I think the PNP should exert extra effort and focus on the political situation in La Union. It seems that a pattern is emerging.] he said in a Senate forum. Lacson said the killing of Concepcion could be proof that gun-for-hire groups cuddled by some politicians are now springing into action as the elections draw near. The senator also warned that allowing impunity to prevail in the latest killing might encourage other politicians to order the killing of their opponents since they might think the crime is not being punished anyway. He also said the issue on politicians using gun-for-hire groups is already an open secret.campaign, [When the elections draw near or the campaign has started and a candidate is killed, you wont immediately think of any other motive other than politics.] Lacson said. The attack against Concepcion is the third fatal assault to politicians in La Union this year, according to regional police. On May 12, former La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel was killed by armed men at Barangay Capas in Agoo town. In October, Mayor Alexander Buquing of Sudipen, La Union also died in an ambush. His driver and a police officer were also killed in the incident. Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano earlier said he will recommend La Union to be declared an election hotspot. That includes Top Gun: Maverick, which is the official name for the sequel to the classic action movie that came out about 3 decades ago. It turns out a recent rumor about Cruise wanting to learn to actually fly fighter jets is true.The rumor came from the British tabloid The Sun, which cited an unnamed production source. It also said that Cruises decision had caused a serious delay to the production, which would translate into a delayed release date.The CEO of Paramount Pictures, Jim Gianopulos, is keeping mum on that, but he does confirm the first part of the rumor: Tom Cruise will be doing most of the flying in the film, including of the military jets. He can now add another notch on his belt, right there to riding motorcycles, driving cars, jumping out of planes and doing most of the actual stunts his character is shown doing in the film.Speaking to the Daily Mail at a recent industry event, Gianopulos says that Cruise insists on doing most of his stunts because he needs to. He wants to deliver convincing content, and that rules out the possibility of using stunt doubles or shooting against a green screen and adding CGI later. This is also what will put him in the pilot seat, flying a fighter jet in Top Gun 2.There's nothing like seeing Tom hanging from the top of the tallest building on the planet Earth, or driving a helicopter, which even the helicopter company was unsure the craft could do, Gianopulos says of his star, adding that he is extraordinary.He's in the middle of Top Gun now and he's taking the cast, he's showing them what Gs are and what it is to fly in some of these incredibly fast airplanes. So it's going to be a very exciting ride so to speak, the CEO adds, while admitting he doesnt want to think of the insurance premiums because he has all faith in Cruise.If production stays on course, the film will be out in June 2020. Given the opportunity to actually test one out before it officially arrives some time next year, I jumped on the chance to see the Jimny up close once more, as well as test drive it. To further whet the appetite of the motoring public, Suzuki Philippines decided to have the new mini 4x4 available for test driving at this years Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival. By now, its no secret that Suzuki is making some serious buzz in the local motoring industry with the 2019 Jimny. Previewed at the recently concluded 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Suzukis mini 4x4 proved to be a show stopper and immediately drew in diehard fans, 4x4 enthusiasts, and new car buyers. Retro Cute Lets start with the most obvious (and most distinct) feature of the Jimny, that boxy exterior. Call it cute or retro-modern, Suzuki clearly knew what they were doing in redesigning their iconic 4x4. Gone are the bland and rounded shapes of old as the 2019 Jimny features sharp angles and a clear-cut profile. The signature five-slot grill and circular headlights remain, however and is accompanied by a more stylish front bumper. Meanwhile, fender flares, along with the rear-mounted spare tire carrier provide the rugged charm. The vertical taillights are no more as they have been replaced with horizontal taillights mounted on the rear bumper itself. Also worth mentioning are the 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in thick 195/80/R15 tires. All in all, the Jimnys new look is far more youthful and is pleasing to the eyes. It pays homage to 4x4s of old while still incorporating modern design touches of the present. We wont be surprised if the design of this particular Jimny will become an instant classic in the near future. A Tiny, Throwback Interior Hop inside the Jimny and it appears that you have been transported back in time - not that it's a bad thing. In fact, the new cabin is a major improvement over the old design. Much like its exterior, the interior is a blend of both the old and the new. If the previous generation had a rather bland dashboard, the new-generation 4x4 has more character. Immediately greeting drivers are the retro-styled gauges which are perhaps one of my favorite portions of the cabin. Sitting in the center dashboard is a high-tech touchscreen infotainment system that can be accompanied by either an automatic climate control, or manual air-conditioning system. Then theres the old-school grab-handle for the front passenger which not only looks the part, but makes for a safer ride through off-the-beaten paths. Since were already in the subject of the Jimnys interior, lets talk about the Jimnys cabin space, or lack thereof so to speak. Yes its not exactly the roomiest of interiors, but what did you expect in such a tiny vehicle? Surprisingly though, I was able to fit my 57 frame at the back in relative comfort. For short trips around town, I wouldnt mind sitting at the back. As for luggage space, the Jimny is only practical for carrying cargo if you have the rear seats folded down. With the rear seats up, you can only put so much stuff in the back. But again, what did you expect in a 4x4 that measures less than 3.5 meters in length? A bigger, better heart Pop the hood and out comes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine called the K15B. Its 200 cc bigger than the old 1.3-liter M13A and puts out more power; 102 PS (+19) at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (+20) of torque at 4000 rpm. Power is then sent to either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox. A new 4WD system called AllGrip Pro serves as the Jimnys means of going off the beaten path. It can be set to 2WD High, 4WD High and 4WD Low for those tricky terrain. Sadly, we were not able to test the all-new Jimnys off-road capability at the test drive event (given the circumstances). But at least we were able to test both the automatic and manual versions of the 2019 Jimny (which I'll get to later). Walking Tall Now, the moment youve all been waiting forWhat is it like to drive? Surprisingly its as easy as driving a small hatchback or sedan. But unlike small four-doors and five-doors, the Jimny sits up high which gives drivers a commanding view of the road. Drivers of short stature will not have any problems seeing out of the Jimny I reckon. But what about its ride quality? Given that it has a body-on-frame construction (along with a short wheelbase), the Jimny still felt a bit bouncy when going over rough roads or pock-marked streets. Still, the 2019 Jimny rode better than its predecessor thanks to a new chassis, along with suspension tweaks. Speaking of its suspension, the Jimny handled itself admirably through some tight corners.Yes it has a tall ride height and a high center of gravity, but so as long as you dont treat it as a canyon carver at high speeds, it can handle tight corners at a relatively good pace. Steering was also better than the old model thanks to the addition of electronic power steering (EPS). While some might prefer the good ol hydraulic power steering assist, the EPS allowed for lighter steering when in city driving or parking. Did I mention the Jimny also has one of the tightest turning radius in its class? Combined with its compact dimensions, the Jimny can easily make its way through the narrowest of paths without a hitch. Cruise by or row your own So the Jimny slightly rides better and is easy to manuever around the bends. But what about its powertrain? First up is the top-of-the-line four-speed automatic variant. Off the line, its quite clear that the 1.5-liter engine is substantially better than the old 1.3. With more power on tap, I did not need to mash the throttle to gain speed. The automatic slushbox seamlessly changed gears and was hush in operation. Put your foot down on the accelerator and the transmission immediately kicks down to deliver more power to the wheels. Overtaking slower vehicles still has to be timed correctly (given the engine's small capacity), but thanks to few extra horses and an improved transmission, the new Jimny is slightly quicker on its feet compared to the old one. Next up is the five-speed manual version. With free reign over all the gears, the manual felt livelier to drive. The clutch was light to operate while gear changes were slick, if a bit notchy. Despite being a bit rusty driving manuals, I had no trouble whatsoever putting the car in the correct gear. In fact, I actually had more fun with the manual than the automatic. 4x4 enthusiasts that plan on taking the Jimny off-road will have a fun (and easy) time going through the gears of the all-new Jimny. Is it a clear winner? Despite our short time with the all-new Jimny, its safe to say Suzuki has greatly improved what was already a good design, into something even better. While I would have wanted more seat time inside the Jimny, my initial impressions on Suzukis new 4x4 is that they made it drive better, handle better and ride softer. But has the new Jimny lost its 4x4 pedigree? Since we were not able to bring it to a proper off-road course, I will reserve judgment until then. But through the daily city grind or long highway runs, the 2019 Jimny is way better than the previous generation. Its quite sad that we have to wait a little while longer before Suzuki Philippines officially launches the Jimny. But after getting a feel for it, I reckon it will be worth the wait. Suzukis mini 4x4 is scheduled to make its official debut some time in Q3 of 2019. Final specifications and model variants will be announced next year upon launch. Harman International has opened a new office in Lodz in Poland to accommodate its growing talent pool in the country. The facility provides an open, collaborative working environment, is home to more than 350 engineers and features several progressive design elements that will foster creativity and team working. The company has also signed agreements with two of the top universities in Poland the University of Lodz, Faculty of Physics and Applied Informatics; and Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Control Engineering to collaborate on developing IT expertise. 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Harman has been growing quickly in Poland and has tripled its number of employees within the past two years and we expect this new environment, along with the support of top academia, to support further strategic initiatives in the future. Recruitment for new projects is ongoing. The company is also seeking engineers in Eastern Europe to join the team in Lodz. A new multi-million-pound Smart City Mobility Centre has been announced in the UK. The facility will be established in Warwickshire and the West Midlands, and will be based at the University of Warwicks Wellesbourne campus, with driverless-capable vehicle testing on the University of Warwicks campus in Coventry and Warwickshire. The Centre brings together WMGs (Warwick Manufacturing Group) research expertise and Jaguar Land Rovers research and engineering capabilities. JLR engineers and WMG researchers will work together at Wellesbourne to design and engineer connected, driverless-capable, prototype electric modular architectures. These will be tested in real-world conditions alongside a specially designed 5G communications network on the University of Warwicks main campus. ') } // --> ') } 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('') } // --> As the center develops, it is expected to play a significant role in transforming the future of UK transport. The new Smart City Mobility Centre will also draw on expertise in battery technology which will be developed by the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) which will also be located in Coventry and Warwickshire. The center will also work with the new 20m (US$25.8m) UK Mobility Data Institute being established by WMG in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to collect, process and analyze transport data generated by the advent of new mobility technologies such as driverless vehicles and smart charging of electrified vehicles. The project will also coincide with the WMCA development of a multi-city 5G testbed. The vehicles developed and prototyped at the Smart City Mobility Centre will benefit from regional developments in the 5G communications network that seek to deliver driverless-capable vehicles to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and road traffic accidents and benefit the environment. This is the first time in any country that such a comprehensive system is being designed and tested, said WMG chairman, Prof Lord Bhattacharyya. This will help integrate plans for transport systems for the future that have the potential to bring significant economic benefits to transform and improve the lives of a great many people who could benefit from even safer, less congested, and more environmentally sustainable transport. Following the Lion Air crash in Indonesia last month, the FAA is focusing new scrutiny on the control architecture of the Boeing 737 MAX and may require the company to engineer a fix for an auto trim system installed on the airplane. The system wasnt well documented and reporting has revealed that pilots and airlines were unaware of it. Meanwhile, a Florida-based law firm has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, claiming that the trim system was an unsafe design and contributed to the crash. It is particularly surprising to hear from safety experts and the heads of pilots unions that Boeing failed to warn its customers and the pilots of its new 737 MAX aircraft about this significant change in the flight-control systems, the suit claims. It was filed on behalf of the parents of Dr. Rio Nanda Putrama, who was killed along with 188 others when the Lion Air 737 crashed into the Java Sea near Jakarta on Oct. 29. One focus of the investigation is an automated stabilizer trim system Boeing added to the 737 MAX aircraft. Its called Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System or MCAS and is designed to automatically trim the aircraft nose down when its being flown manually at high angles of attack and high load factors with flaps up. Its disabled when the aircraft is flown on autopilot or with the flaps down. Pilots transitioning to the MAX series werent trained on the system because Boeing provided little or no specific documentation on it, according to two pilot unions. Unions for Southwest and American Airlines, both of which operate the MAX, have complained about the oversight. Following the crash, Boeing produced more detailed documentation on MCAS and the FAA followed up with an emergency AD (PDF) requiring operators to add MCAS failure indications to approved flight manuals. Boeing says its cooperating with the accident probe but insists the MAX is a safe aircraft. The FAAs emergency AD frames where investigators are focusing one aspect of the accident probe, specifically how MCAS functions in the event of sensor failures. MCAS depends, at least in part, on data from the aircrafts vane-type angle-of-attack sensor. The Lion Air 737 had a recent history of both unreliable airspeed indications and AoA sensor anomalies. The sensor had been replaced just prior to the accident flight, according to Lion Air. The FAA said Thursday that the AoA values as well as data from other sources that MCAS uses are being reviewed. Its not yet known if the AoA sensor represented a single-point failure that would cause the auto trim to continue trimming nose down because it inaccurately sensed stall angle of attack. The Seattle Times on Thursday quoted a former Boeing flight control engineer who said the system could have a design flaw. To contemplate commanding the nose down clearly is a major concern. For it to have been triggered by something as small as a sensor error is staggering, Peter Lemme told the Times. Theres going to be hell to pay for that, he added. About 200 MAX-series airplanes are in service, some with three U.S. airlines including Southwest, American and United. Airlines continue to operate the aircraft, but pilots have been notified and briefed on whats known about both MCAS and the Lion Air accident. Indonesian authorities say theyll release a preliminary report before the end of November. California's Camp Fire has now claimed 63 lives and destroyed at least 9,844 homes, 336 commercial and 2,076 other buildings. A staggering 631 people are now listed as missing, a up from previous figures of around 200. Why it matters: The Camp Fire is California's most destructive and deadliest wildfire on record, surpassing records set just 13 months ago. The fire is causing dangerously poor air quality to blanket the San Francisco Bay Area, threatening to aggravate chronic health conditions including asthma, heart and lung disease. Schools are closed due to the poor air quality, and many people have had to wear masks to block particulate matter from getting into their lungs. The big picture: No single factor not climate change, forest management or building practices is responsible for the deadly blazes the state is now seeing, experts tell Axios. Instead, it's their combination that's making an already dicey situation far worse. And the outlook in coming years, as climate change continues, is foreboding. The state's fire season now stretches later into the fall and starts earlier in the spring. What's happening: Longer-term climate change and population growth are combining to increase wildfire risk in California and more broadly across the American West. One of the starkest changes firefighters are contending with is an uptick in instances of extreme fire behavior, such as the massive EF-3 fire tornado that accompanied the Carr Fire in July. The biggest climate change-related impact is manifested in the increased dryness of vegetation. The warming equals drying equals more explosive fire growth," said Neil Lareau, a researcher specializing in fire weather at the University of Nevada at Reno. Go deeper: Michigans term-limited governor, Rick Snyder, has negotiated AV research partnerships with the governments of four countriesChina, the U.K., the Netherlands and Australiaand two key auto-making regions in Canada and Europe. Why it matters: Snyder wants to position Michigan as the convening authority when it comes to harmonizing global standards for self-driving cars. By luring foreign entities to conduct and share research in Michigan he's pushing back against the notion that California is the epicenter of autonomous vehicle development. "The more we can come up with common standards between different parts of the world, and share data on whats improving safety... it will cause adoption of autonomous vehicles to go faster and better." Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder The details: The agreements to collaborate on automotive research are intended to accelerate the commercialization of new mobility technologies and harmonize global policies, regulations and standards. Simply using the same testing protocols will make it easier to learn from one another, Snyder told me. While each country is uniqueChina's roads have more bikes and U.K. cars drive on the left side of the roadsharing lessons and best practices from diverse environments will lead to consistent safety standards around the world, he said. Background: Michigan, specifically Detroit, is the traditional home of the U.S. auto industry, but with the advent of autonomous driving technology, the center of gravity appears to have shifted to Silicon Valley. Michigan has aggressively fought back against that perception, with new initiatives like Planet M, a state-run organization that woos mobility startups, investors and research pilots by connecting them to the state's existing automotive ecosystem. The state is also home to some of the leading test facilities for autonomous vehicles, including the sprawling American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti and MCity on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. There's an emerging mobility research corridor between Ann Arbor and Detroit, which includes the future headquarters of Ford's autonomous vehicles division in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. The bottom line: By inviting other countries to test their AVs in Michigan, share research and sculpt policies, Michigan aims to assert itself as the leader in the future of transportation. Go deeper: AVs need a common language to tell us what they're doing (John Shutko Axios Expert Voices) For Californians many of them inured to routine annual fires, mudslides and earthquakes a key question is not whether to rebuild when catastrophe strikes yet again. It's whether they can afford it. Driving the news: For many fire victims, insurance or the government makes it so they can rebuild on the same lot. But in some of California's most recent spate of fires, that hasn't been enough. And a lot of experts see signs that more homeowners could find it hard to rebuild as insurers reassess the risk of a new future of fire. The big picture: Since the middle of the last century, fire has destroyed an average of 500 homes a year in California, according to the Western Ecological Research Center. The number of vulnerable houses keeps growing: According to a 2014 study by the Nature Conservancy, builders in the state are on track to add 645,000 homes in highly fire-prone zones by 2050. houses keeps growing: According to a 2014 study by the Nature Conservancy, builders in the state are on track to add 645,000 homes in highly fire-prone zones by 2050. Judging by history, these new homeowners will view any fire as an acceptable hazard of living where they choose. these new homeowners will view any fire as an acceptable hazard of living where they choose. In 11 California fires from 1970 to 2009, builders reconstructed 94% of the burned homes within 25 years, the NYT reports. The big picture: Insurance losses from California fires last year were about $12.5 billion and this year could be about $6.8 billion, reports Don Jergler of Insurance Journal. After this season, insurers could decide to stop issuing fire insurance in high-risk zones "because they are contributing to people building where they shouldn't at all," says Dante Disparte, founder of Risk Cooperative, a DC brokerage that provides insurance to insurance companies. In Redding, 190 miles north of Santa Rosa, the site of the horrendous Carr fire this summer, insurance companies are already hiking rates or canceling policies altogether, said Brad Garbutt, a broker at local Vista Real Estate. "I think you're going to see the major insurance companies stop writing in this area." of Santa Rosa, the site of the horrendous Carr fire this summer, insurance companies are already hiking rates or canceling policies altogether, said Brad Garbutt, a broker at local Vista Real Estate. "I think you're going to see the major insurance companies stop writing in this area." The question, Disparte tells Axios, is "should there be residential property that close to forests that are tinderboxes? Should we push back human habitation?" Christopher Thornberg, a professor at UC Riverside and founder of Beacon Economics, said people should be free to live where they want as long as they are covering the full cost and not relying on government services to bail them out in a catastrophe. "Raise people's insurance costs to cover the real threat and let them make the decision where they want to live," Thornberg tells Axios. Consider two of the recent California fires: Tubbs fire: Despite the danger, demonstrated again and again, many in California's wine country, where fire swept through in the summer of 2017, have chosen to stay. The Tubbs Fire destroyed about 4,658 homes near Santa Rosa, authorities say. Its footprint closely mirrored that of the 1964 Hanley Fire; parts of the area burned again in 1986 and 1996. about 4,658 homes near Santa Rosa, authorities say. Its footprint closely mirrored that of the 1964 Hanley Fire; parts of the area burned again in 1986 and 1996. Authorities moved fast to rebuild: Santa Rosa fast-tracked permits and waiving fees, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. Santa Rosa fast-tracked permits and waiving fees, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. Californias fire-management agency has labeled some of the areas being restored very high fire hazard severity zones. But John Allen, CEO of APM Homes, a local home builder, tells Axios that residents understand the risks. "A community is people. It's not buildings, it's not sewer pipes, it's not infrastructure, it's not a town hall, it's not a school. That's why they're rebuilding: They want to remain intact as a part of this community." John Allen Carr fire: A lower-income city than Santa Rosa, Redding has not seen nearly the same vigorous rebuilding effort since fire burned 1,079 homes in July, and produced only the second-known large fire tornado in history. More than a thousand homes are still on the market, said Garbutt, the Vista Real Estate broker. Among the unforeseen costs of remaining are obtaining permitting, hiring contractors and meeting new fire-safety codes. Insurance policies only cover the cost of rebuilding a burned-down home; they dont cover upgrades to meet relatively new fire ordinances, like the use of non-combustible roofs and other materials. "I suspect we'll have more people leaving and less people rebuilding," Garbutt tells Axios. more people leaving and less people rebuilding," Garbutt tells Axios. "People who don't have families here may see this as an opportunity to move away, maybe to areas that are less fire-prone." families here may see this as an opportunity to move away, maybe to areas that are less fire-prone." "They don't want to be in the path of the next one, because this was really traumatic." But, but, but: Garbutt said some people are betting that building will return to Redding. One local developer, he said, for instance, is buying up lots to hold for future construction. Go deeper: Americans are moving into fire zones Nurses and nurse practitioners are gaining a bigger foothold as primary-care providers, while doctors roles are slipping. Details: Among people with employer-based insurance, the number of office visits to primary care physicians fell by 18% from 2012 to 2016, according to new data from the Health Care Cost Institute. Over the same period, office visits to nurses and nurse practitioners rose by 129%. Between the lines: Nurse practitioners have been lobbying aggressively for state laws that would allow them to practice at the top of their license which would allow them to perform many of the services patients seek from their regular family doctor. Thats been framed largely as a cost-saving measure, under the assumption that nurses would be paid less than doctors for the same service. Yes, but: Those savings havent materialized yet, even amid a pretty significant shift from doctors to other providers. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Alexander Balutan is confident the agency will hit its P60-billion revenue target this year. In a statement, Balutan noted the growing sales from the expanded Small Town Lottery operations being operated by Authorized STL Agents nationwide. From January to September 2018, our gross sales already hit almost P50 billion, and that is because of our hardworking employees all over the country. Im very confident we can have a new record-breaking P60 billion by the end of 2018, said Balutan, who led the inauguration of the new PCSO Branch Office in Aklan last Nov. 12. The event was also attended by Nonoy Macahilig, representative of Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez; Remeliza Gabuyo, PCSO Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Sector; Engineer Federico Damole, Visayas Department Manager; Esel Flores, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and representative of Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores; and other PCSO officials and employees. Aklan Branch is the second PCSO-owned building in Visayas region located at Capitol Subdivision, Estancia, Kalibo. It will have a daily Individual Medical Assistance Program allocation of P150,000. Before he became PCSO general manager in 2016, Balutan recalled that the agency had only 52 branches. Now it has 66 with the recent opening of three new branches in Surigao, Cavite City, and Maguindanao province. This new building is a clear manifestation that PCSO will not leave Aklan. Meaning, we are here permanently in Aklan. You can easily reach us. We constructed this building to widen our reach and help more people, said Balutan. On the daily P150,000 IMAP allocation of Aklan, Balutan assured the people of the province the agency will give the fund all to Aklanon patients. I just dont know if we can increase that allocation, but we have the Universal Health Care program, which was started by our President [Rodrigo Duterte], he added. Senate Bill 1896 or UHC for Filipinos Act, which was passed on third and final reading by the Senate on Oct. 10, seeks to give all Filipino access to health care coverage and services. The landmark bill, approved by 14 senators, seeks to grant every Filipino, even non-contributors to Philippine Health Insurance Corp., access to quality and affordable health goods and services.To provide funding, it will pool contributions from state-owned gaming companies such as PCSO and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and other government agencies. This is a priority bill, by the end of this year, it may become law, added Balutan. Also by the end of the year, Balutan revealed that PCSO intends to open three more branches in Saranggani province, Agusan, and Guimaras. Balutan shared that his only vision before was to hit P50 billion, but now the agency is targeting P60 billion due to the roll out of STL and strengthening of Lotto nationwide. This is the direction of PCSOto help some more and touch lives, he said. Thats why were very aggressive with our campaign against illegal gambling especially against jueteng, swertres, pares. Only PCSO is authorized by the government to operate [numbers games], reminded Balutan. Although jueteng and STL have the same mechanics, the former is illegal, while STL is a regular game by PCSO authorized by the national government through Section 1 of Republic Act 1169. ASAs are corporations or cooperatives duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with the Cooperative Development Authority, respectively, that applied, been duly qualified and expressly authorized by the PCSO to conduct STL in a particular area. PCSO Charter, or RA 1169, particularly on revenue allocation, provides that the revenue of the PCSO shall be allocated to 55 percent for prize fund (payment of prizes), 30 percent for charity fund (various charity programs and service) and 15 percent as operating fund (maintenance and operating expenses). The agencys Charity Fund helps pay for free hospitalization and medicines of indigent patients and other medical services such chemo and dialysis treatments, among others. A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation Thursday that would suspend the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia and block refueling of Saudi coalition warplanes bombing Yemen. Why it matters: This legislative attempt seeks to punish the kingdom for its role in Yemens devastating civil war, which has killed over 10,000 people, and crown prince Mohammad bin Salman's alleged involvement in the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Earlier Thursday, the Trump administration slapped sanctions on 17 people, including Saudi Consul General Mohammad Alotaib, for the murder of Khashoggi. Stacey Abrams' campaign is preparing for an unprecedented legal fight in the Georgia governor's race that will rely on a statute that allows losing candidates to challenge results based on misconduct, fraud or irregularities in the voting process, the AP reports. Why it matters: If Abrams' challenge is successful, it could lead to another round of voting in Georgia's election for governor. The unofficial vote count currently shows Republican Brian Kemp in the lead with 50.2% of the vote just above the 50% threshold needed for a runoff election in December. But Abrams' case could break that threshold. The backdrop: Kemp served as the state's chief elections officer until just two days after the election, during which he was accused of improperly removing hundreds of thousands of people from voter rolls ahead of the election. Yes, but: The burden of proof is high for Abrams' case. The strategy is a long shot, given the statute has never been used in a race with such high stakes. Her campaign must prove that there was a mistake made during the process that drastically shifted the outcome of the race in order to win. There are only 13 days until President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are to meet in Argentina and the leaks, rumors and guesses are flying fast. The big picture: The best case scenario appears to be a tariff ceasefire with some sort of framework deal to keep talking, but based on what I am hearing, even that may be a stretch. If Vice President Mike Pence speaks for the Trump administration on China policy, then his comments in an interview with Josh Rogin of the Washington Post should quell any optimism for a deal. There's little prospect that China would agree to much of what Pence lays out. Rogin writes: Pence told me in an interview that Trump is leaving the door open for a deal with Xi in Argentina, but only if Beijing is willing to make massive changes that the United States is demanding in its economic, military and political activities. The vice president said this is Chinas best (if not last) chance to avoid a cold-war scenario with the United States... Pence said China must offer concessions on several issues, including but not limited to its rampant intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, restricted access to Chinese markets, respect for international rules and norms, efforts to limit freedom of navigation in international waters and Chinese Communist Party interference in the politics of Western countries. If Beijing doesnt come up with significant and concrete concessions, the United States is prepared to escalate economic, diplomatic and political pressure on China... He believes the U.S. economy is strong enough to weather such an escalation while the Chinese economy is less durable. What they're saying Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross commented on the prospects for the meeting yesterday, per Bloomberg: The big event is going to be the one-on-one meeting with President Trump and President Xi at the G-20 down in Argentina. All this other stuff is just preparatory until that. Thatll set if there is going to be a real framework... [It cant be expected that the two presidents will] get into intimate details -- how much LNG and how much this and that. Its going to be big picture, but if it goes well, itll set the framework for going forward... We certainly wont have a full formal deal by January. Impossible. An unnamed senior U.S. official spoke with Reuters yesterday and downplayed the possibility of a breakthrough deal with China anytime soon. Reuters reports... Chinas written response to U.S. demands for trade reforms is unlikely to trigger a breakthrough at talks between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this month... The Chinese document included 142 items divided into three categories: issues the Chinese are willing to negotiate for further action, issues they are already working on and issues they consider off limits... The items on Beijings non-negotiable list were unacceptable to the United States, the official said, and the overall list deserved to be looked at with skepticism in part because China has previously made pledges on economic and trade reforms that it had not fulfilled. What we're watching Expect more leaks, speculation and probably market-moving tweets between now and the meeting. Asset Management firm Miller Tabak, I think, nailed it in their prediction of how Trump might communicate with the markets between now and the meeting, As CNBC's Carl Quintanilla tweeted: "POTUS 'is VERY sensitive to the movements in the stock mkt. The last thing he wants to do is have the mkt flat on its back going into the #G20 mtg .. Therefore, we think it's very likely that he'll tweet [or leak] more positive [China] news' -- Miller Tabak" Quick take: At some point, wont there be Presidential China Deal Tweet Fatigue? What we're hearing: A source tells me to expect Liu He, top economic policymaker and Xi's point man for the trade negotiations, to come to D.C. after Thanksgiving for the talks. Go deeper: China Fund Managers Have Low Expectations for Xi-Trump Meet (Bloomberg) Health effects from the California wildfires mainly from stress, inhalation of small particulates and the disturbance of people's health care needs may reverberate for some time after the fires are finally smothered out. Why it matters: Once people are situated in an area away from the fire, people need to take steps to ensure they are not breathing the smoke and that they are handling the stress in a healthy manner. As health officials declare a public health emergency in California, they also warn people in areas near the wildfires to limit their time outdoors. Background: There's two main fires currently ravaging California the Camp Fire north of Sacramento and the Woolsey Fire in Malibu which together are known to have killed at least 58, displaced more than 200,000, and caused billions in damage. The smoke from these fires has covered large parts of California, particularly in the Bay area. Sometimes wildfires can smolder for weeks, warns University of Washington-Bothell's Daniel Jaffe. Virginia Tech's Klaus Moeltner and his research team posted a 2013 study that showed health issues can be linked to fires as far as 200300 miles from the impact area. "The economic health costs from wildfire smoke, in terms of hospitalizations or doctor visits, can add up quickly if large population hubs are affected. There are other, more hidden costs that have yet to be estimated, such as cancelling outdoor or sports events, and not being able to perform outdoor work." Klaus Moeltner tells Axios Three of the biggest health concerns for people near the California fires... 1. Smoke inhalation. The main concern revolves around what's called fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which is so small it can easily be breathed in and lodge deep into the lungs. These require specific masks to filter out. Smoke can exacerbate and sometimes trigger issues like cardiovascular problems and headaches. Especially vulnerable are young people, older people, pregnant people, and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma or with diseases like COPD. Some report long-term exposure to PM2.5 may cause "increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease." 2. Stress. The reality or even the threat of fire eradicating lives, property and livelihoods is extremely stressful, but there are steps people can take to help. "Based on my own experience last year ... if you are in smoke for days on end, it is very stressful. For one thing, your personal environment has just been invaded by this." Daniel Jaffe 3. Disruption of health care and living situations. As of Tuesday, HHS reported the wildfires had forced the evacuation of at least 2 hospitals and 8 other health care facilities, all of which can disrupt needed medical care. The big picture: "We'll have to see whether this is a short-term or long-term trend. We don't know yet," Jaffe says. While Jaffe's study published July in PNAS shows most cities improved their air quality over the past 30 years, the noted exception is of areas near wildfires. A team of U.S. officials has visited Armenia to brief its government and private sector on the implications of economic sanctions against neighboring Iran that have been re-imposed by President Donald Trump. The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan said the subject matter experts from the U.S. departments of state and treasury met with senior Armenian government officials on Thursday and Friday as part of Washingtons efforts to explain U.S. sanctions policy against Iran to governments around the world. They also met with the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia as well as with private banks, members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia, and Armenian academics and think tank experts, read an embassy statement. The delegation emphasized U.S. efforts to change the Iranian regimes malign behavior through maximum economic and diplomatic pressure, while also outlining areas for cooperation with partners like Armenia, it added. Armenian government bodies issued no statements on the discussions with the visiting U.S. officials. The discussions came less than a month after U.S. National Security Adviser John Boltons trip to Armenia. The renewed U.S. sanctions against Tehran were a major theme of his talks with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and other Armenian leaders. Bolton said he told them that the Trump administration will enforce the sanctions against Iran very vigorously and that the Armenian-Iranian border is therefore going to be a significant issue. Obviously, we dont want to cause damage to our friends in the process, Bolton told RFE/RLs Armenian service. So I think conversation between the government of Armenia and the United States is going to be very important. Speaking in the Armenian parliament a few days later, Pashinian said he made it clear to Bolton that his government will maintain Armenias special relationship with Iran. We respect the national interests of any country, but the Republic of Armenia has its own national and state interests which do not always coincide with the interests and ideas of other countries, stressed Pashinian. Bolton tweeted after his visit that Armenia is an important friend of the United States. With Armenias borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey closed due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Iran as well as Georgia serve as the sole conduits for the landlocked countrys trade with the outside world. Armenia also imports Iranian natural gas and other fuel. The volume of the gas supplies should rise sharply after the ongoing construction of a third power transmission line connecting the two countries is completed next year. Accordingly, both the current and former Armenian governments have supported a 2015 multilateral accord on Irans nuclear program that led to the lifting of the U.S. sanctions. Trump unilaterally pulled out of that deal earlier year. Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian commented on the moves possible impact on the Armenian-Iranian relationship in an interview with the Russian TASS news agency published on Friday. For us, this is a highly sensitive issue because Iran is an important partner of Armenia with which we have a bilateral agenda extremely important to Armenia, said Mnatsakanian. U.S. officials have yet to publicly say which Armenian-Iranian commercial operations, if any, could be affected by the renewed sanctions. According to official Armenian statistics, Armenian-Iranian trade stood at $263 million last year. Pashinian and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed ways of expanding it when they met in New York in September. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Financial expert Jalal Nagiyev declared that banks will increase lending to agriculture by 40 percent, to tourism, manufacturing and trade - by 20 percent. As well as in other sectors of the economy, lending is expected to grow by an average of 15 percent. He noted that today, many banks in Azerbaijan are preparing for 2019, which should be a year of lending. Because all economic indicators have gone up. The economy has entered a period of stable growth. And since the steady growth of the economy has begun, then, accordingly, it needs financial support, which can be provided primarily through loans. Expert considers that securities market in Azerbaijan is not so well developed that a business can raise funds through the sale of securities. He went on to say that it is already clear that the banks of Azerbaijan have started preparing for crediting. At the moment, there is a recruitment, training of personnel, namely, creditors. As can be seen from advertisements on the Internet, such large banks as the International Bank of Azerbaijan, Pasha Bank has started active lending to small and medium businesses, said Nagiyev. Nagiyev noted that the state also began to provide comprehensive support for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, and the roadmap clearly states that the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Azerbaijan will be a priority for the Azerbaijani economy. In addition, Nagiyev declared that at the moment, many banks have increased their capital. At some point, there will be an increase in the deposit mass, and also, possibly, they will cooperate with some international financial institutions in this direction. "In 2018, a positive trend appeared in the banking sector of Azerbaijan. That is, market participants have already sorted out with their problem portfolio, and at least they already know what to do with it," the expert said. As the expert noted, with regard to problem loans, banks, at least, restructured some part of the portfolio. Some loans have become hopeless, the trials are almost all over, only their execution remains. This process has already been fully put on track, Nagiyev concluded. The strategic road maps of the national economy of Azerbaijan were approved by the head of state at the end of the last year. These documents cover the priority areas of the country's economy. One of the road maps is devoted to agriculture. In line with measures to be implemented in this field as reflected in this document, until 2020 in Azerbaijan it is planned to create about 20,000 new jobs and increase the country's GDP by 1.2 billion manats. It is planned to establish an agricultural insurance fund in 2018 within the framework of the implementation of the strategic road map for the production and processing of agricultural products. The possibility of creating an insurance fund to expand the coverage of agricultural insurance will be explored. It is planned to study an international experience in this field and prepare reports including an analysis of the potential impact of creating a fund on producer insurance and the development of the agricultural sector as a whole. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine exceeded $ 616 million in January-October 2018, the State Statistical Committee of Ukraine told AZERTAC. According to the report, Azerbaijan exported goods amounting to $ 257.689 million to Ukraine in 2018. During the same period, imports from Ukraine to Azerbaijan amounted to $ 359.49 million. Azerbaijan and Ukraine enjoy sustainable prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields. Azerbaijan is considered one of the main trade partners of Ukraine among the CIS countries. Last year, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries reached $ 810 million, which is 2.4 times more than in 2016. Azerbaijani oil amounted to $ 376.877 million of the total $ 442.219 million worth oil imported by Ukraine in 2017. Azerbaijan imports from Ukraine meat, dairy and confectionery products, construction stones, medicines and etc., while Ukraine mainly buys oil and oil products from Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend An annual conference titled Horizons of New Opportunities: Green Light to Womens Entrepreneurship is being held in Baku Nov. 15. Hijran Huseynova, chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan, spoke about the conference, noting that its main goal is to create new opportunities for the development of womens entrepreneurship. It was noted that the Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated Nov. 12-18, and the conference also aims to support this initiative. The 13th exhibition of handicrafts made by women will be organized as part of the conference. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Switzerland has made investments worth $851.9 million IN Azerbaijan for 22 years, Azerbaijani Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Khanim Ibrahimova said in an interview with the Swiss swissinfo.ch. Ibrahimova said that the amount of investments from Azerbaijan to Switzerland reached $1.1 million. She stressed that 67 Swiss companies are operating in service sector, trade, construction, industry, transport, banking and insurance in Azerbaijan. Speaking about the economic relations between the two countries, Ibrahimova stressed that a meeting of the joint economic commission is planned to be held in Bern in early 2019, as well as a business forum with the participation of entrepreneurs from both countries. The countries closely cooperate in the financial sphere, the ambassador added. For example, Azerbaijan is a member of the WB and IMF Election Group, led by Switzerland. Ibrahimova stressed that as a result of recent success in the economic sphere, Azerbaijan has turned from a country receiving investments into an investing country. "Several years ago, the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR entered the Swiss energy market by purchasing Esso filling stations owned by Exxon Mobil company in this country," she said, adding that presently, 172 filling stations under SOCAR brand are successfully operating in Switzerland thanks to big investments. Speaking about the investments of Azerbaijani businessmen in Switzerland, the ambassador stressed that at the initial stage, the goal is to supply the products made in Azerbaijan to the Swiss market. "Our businessmen must be more active to enter the Swiss market, she added. Ibrahimova added that in 2017 export of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to Switzerland amounted to $143 million, so Switzerland is the third biggest importer of non-oil products from Azerbaijan after Turkey and Russia. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Switzerland amounted to $520.92 million in January-October 2018. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijani companies reached an agreement on the export of wine and other alcoholic beverages to China, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy said in a message. The agreements were reached as part of the ProWine China International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits in Chinas Shanghai city. A delegation of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs participated in the exhibition by using a single stand with the support of the Ministry of Economy and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO). The Azeri Sharab company signed an agreement on the supply of alcoholic beverages worth $3 million to Shanghai at the exhibition. The company "Azeri Sharab" ("Azri Srab") has signed an agreement on the supply of alcoholic beverages to Shanghai for $3million. Such companies as A + Co, "Jalilabad Sharab-2" ("Clilabad Srab-2"), "Tovuz Baltiya" ("Tovuz Baltiya"), Merit-Brand, "Sharg Ulduzu", "Aspi-Agro "(" Aspi-Aqro ")," Ganja Sharab-2 "(" Gnc Srab-2 ") and Fireland reached primary agreements on the supply of their products to China. The Shirvan company also reached an agreement on the supply of its products to Japanese and Chinese companies. Over 120 kinds of wines and other alcoholic beverages of Azerbaijani producers were showcased at the exhibition. Azerbaijan, focusing widely on an export-led growth strategy, aims to expand the list of its foreign trade partners. By the end of this year the country plans to organize some five missions to increase awareness about the local production and promote Made in Azerbaijan brand. In 2017, Azerbaijan produced more than one million decaliters of wine, 375,000 decaliters of which were exported. The main directions of sales of Azerbaijani wine are Russia and China, where 338,000 and 27,000 decalitres were delivered respectively. Last year, the export of Azerbaijani wine products brought to the country $6 million (which is more than twice as high as in 2016), of them $1 million was delivered to China. Following the results of five months of 2018, the export of Azerbaijani wine increased by 80 percent. The implementation of the State Program on the development of winemaking provides for an increase in the export of Azerbaijani wine fivefold to 2025. Viticulture in Azerbaijan has an ancient history. The proof of this is that during the archaeological excavations conducted in Aghstafa region of Azerbaijan in 1962, grape seeds were found. Archaeological finds in Uzerliktepe, Kultepe and Gazakh evidence to the ancient culture of winemaking, which is going back to the end of the III millennium BC. In the 1980s the State Committee for Viticulture of Azerbaijan occupied the first place in the USSR, outstripping the oil industry. Winemaking is one of the profitable and historical spheres of the agro-industry. About 210 wineries operated in Azerbaijan in the 1980s, while over 151,000 workers and specialists worked in the winemaking system. On the territory of Azerbaijan, both white and red wines are produced. In particular, most wines are produced at the Khachmaz factory. Hence the best white, red and pink wines are exported to Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, Poland, France, Spain, Turkey and China. Among the most famous varieties used in wine production are Kishmish, Bendi, Gamashara, Gizili, Marandi, White Shani, Aligote, Sauvignon, Muscat, Pinot, Riesling and others. In total, the state grows more than 450 varieties of grapevine. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Contrary to President Rodrigo Dutertes claim, China is not in possession of the South China Sea, acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said Friday. Speaking before a conference of doctors at the Philippine International Convention Center, Carpio said China does not and cannot possess the South China Sea as the President said during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Singapore this week. China is in physical possession of the entire Paracels, seven geologic features in the Spratlys, and Scarborough Shoal. These geologic features, and their territorial seas, constitute less than 8 percent of the total area of the South China Sea. Factually, China is not in possession of the South China Sea, said Carpio, who has been advocating the Philippines territorial jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea. The countrys top magistrate emphasized that about 25 percent of the South China Sea is composed of high seas, which no state can possess under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea because they belong to all mankind. Under UNCLOS, there is freedom of navigation and overflight in the high seas for all nations, he said. Carpio reiterated his position that the Philippines has sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of South China Sea. If China can possess the South China Sea, then the Philippines cannot exercise its exclusive sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. Under UNCLOS, there is also freedom of navigation and overflight in the EEZs (exclusive economic zones) for all nations, the acting chief justice said. Like all other coastal states in the world, the Philippines under UNCLOS has exclusive sovereign rights to explore and exploit the natural resources in its EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the South China Sea, Carpio said.During the ASEAN summit earlier this week, Duterte was quoted as saying that China is already in possession [of the South China Sea]. Its now in their hands. The President said this as he called on the United States and other countries to just accept this reality and avoid creating friction that could lead to full-scale military confrontation. Carpio recently said that he would not change his stance on the territorial dispute against China in his bid for the top judicial post. He said he would maintain his position, which is contrary to that of the administration, which has opted not to protest Chinas incursions into disputed areas of the South China Sea. He said he would not sacrifice his advocacy in the West Philippine Sea, which he considers more important than being selected as the next chief justice. The President has the prerogative to appoint whoever he wants and I will respect that. But that will not stop me from continuing my advocacy because for me this is more important than anything else, he said in an interview. Carpio is one of the five nominees for the top Supreme Court post vacated by the retirement last month of chief justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and is expected to be considered for the position due to the Presidents pronouncement that he respects seniority in appointing the chief justice. The other four nominees are Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Estela Perlas - Bernabe and Andres Reyes Jr. Earlier, Carpio called on the Duterte administration to file new protest against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration over the harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese Coast Guard in the Scarborough Shoal off Zambales province. By Trend Azerbaijani banks are considering the possibility of connecting to SWIFT gpi (global payments innovation) technology, Zakir Nuriyev, chairman of Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA), said at the 3rd International Banking Forum in Baku. He said that presently in Azerbaijan, only Kapital Bank is connected to SWIFT gpi and it is the only bank in the Caucasus region connected to this technology. In general, about 300 banks are connected to SWIFT gpi in the world, he added. He noted that digitalization of economy will allow banks, government agencies and all other economic entities to make decisions quickly. The adopted Azerbaijans state program for the development of e-payments for 2018-2020 will be fundamental and will accelerate the expansion of using non-cash payments in the country, he said. This state program will make it possible to improve the institutional environment of digital payments in Azerbaijan, revitalize the banking system and form a digital ecosystem, said Nuriyev. The ABA takes an active part in all the processes specified in the state program and implements all the necessary measures in this direction. The SWIFT gpi technology is aimed at improving settlements between legal entities. The technology was created to help companies develop international activities, improve relations with suppliers and enhance cash flow control. Thanks to SWIFT gpi technology, companies get a number of opportunities in the area of settlement services, for example, crediting funds on the day of payment, continuous tracking of payments, and others. SWIFT gpi technology operates on the basis of a number of business rules stipulated in multilateral service level agreements (SLAs) that must be respected by the participating banks. Azerbaijan is carrying out comprehensive work to expand non-cash payments in the country. To this end, a state program was adopted to expand digital payments in 2018-2020. The program provides for an increase in the annual value of non-cash settlements in Azerbaijan to 17 billion manats by 2021. The programs implementation will allow increasing the share of non-cash settlements annually by 7 percent. (1.7 manats = 1 USD on Nov. 16) --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts and the St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture have signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed in St. Petersburg within the framework of the international cultural forum, Report.az informed. Omar Eldarov, the rector of the Azerbaijan Academy of Arts, and Semen Mikhailovsky, the rector of the St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture signed the document in the presence of Russia's Vice-Premier Olga Golodets. The agreement provides for the exchange of teachers and students, the exchange of art exhibitions, joint master classes. In addition, the Russian institute will provide free training for one student of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts. Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts is the Higher art school of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was founded in 2000 by decree of President of Azerbaijan Republic Heydar Aliyev "On reforms in higher education." The AGAH is the first higher education institution for art in Azerbaijan. The first in the history of art education in the Azerbaijan Academy of Arts gathered in its teaching staff all the artistic and creative elite of the country. Ilya Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Fine Arts, Sculpture was founded in 1757 and is the largest arts educational institution and one of the most important scientific centers in Russia. For almost two and a half centuries, the Academic Institute has been promoting the traditional and classical fine art of Russia and plays a key part in the preservation of its native style. There are more than seven hundred students during the day and over five hundred attending evening courses at the institute. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Paris should prevent illegal visits from Azerbaijans occupied territories to France, Nathalie Goulet, French senator and vice-chair of the Senates Foreign Affairs Committee, told Trend Nov.16. She was commenting on the visit of the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, to France. France does not recognize the illegal regime created in Azerbaijans occupied lands, she said, adding that as one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, France should be very careful. Goulet said that France needs a warning to follow the international regulations, especially regarding illegal visits from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as illegal visits of French MPs and officials to Nagorno-Karabakh. The senator pointed out that the unfair attitude of France towards Azerbaijan is due to the strong Armenian lobby in the country. She also noted that the recent cancellation of French presidents visit to Azerbaijan was a very unbalanced decision. I am deeply sorry, but I agree with the decision of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry to review cooperation with my country. There is no love, there is proof of love. Azerbaijan gave so many proofs of love to France. And its time for reciprocity, she concluded. Earlier, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country. Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level, the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend Nov. 15. The ministry was commenting on the visit of the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, to France. Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level, the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. Frances providing conditions for the propaganda of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, makes question Frances objectivity and impartiality as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the statement says. The ministry stated that Frances allowing to hold a solemn reception for the persons directly involved in the occupation of Azerbaijans territories and the bloody ethnic cleansing against hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis seriously undermines the authority of France in the Azerbaijani public. Azerbaijan will issue a diplomatic note of protest to the French side, the Foreign Ministry said in the statement. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend France has run out of its capacities as an OSCE MG co-chair, therefore, Azerbaijan has the right to raise the issue of excluding that country from the Minsk Group, independent expert Tahir Sabitov told Trend commenting on the illegal visit by the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani lands, to France. Sabitov noted that frequent visits by the Karabakh separatist, Bako Sahakyan, demonstrate that France is traditionally conducting pro-Armenian policies. There is a strong Armenian lobby in France, as well as Armenian oligarchs sponsor presidential and parliamentary elections in that European country, said the analyst. Armenians hold key positions in state authorities in France; they have certain levers of influence inside the country. The fact that the French president, during his last visit to the region, arrived in Armenia, took part in the Francophonie Summit and didnt pay a visit to Azerbaijan is an indicator of double standards policy. This is while France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, should maintain a balance in relations with both sides of the conflict." "In fact, supporting the policy of the occupying country, France casts great doubts on its presence as an international mediator in Minsk Group - an organization meant to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the expert said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan issued a statement regarding the illegal visit by Bako Sahakyan, head of the separatist regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, to France. The statement notes that the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan strongly condemns Sahakyan's visit to France as a representative of the illegal regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories. Despite that this is contrary to France's obligations as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, nothing was done to prevent this visit, reads the statement. The passive attitude of the French government to such repeated illegal actions and non-application of effective measures are unacceptable. France doesnt give permission to individuals to enter the country from South Ossetia, Abkhazia, the Crimea and Transnistria, but shows a special sympathy for representatives of the separatist regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories. "Despite that the French government is well aware that the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan was subject to an ethnic cleansing and fundamental rights of its members were grossly violated, France ignores such unilateral and separatist steps, violates the principles of inalienability of human rights and equality," the statement reads. This illegal visit not only hinders the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also serves to encourage the separatist regime created in Azerbaijans occupied territories, the statement reads. The French side must finally understand that such biased actions severely harm Frances authority in the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh and in the general Azerbaijani public. The statement reads that if France really intends to contribute to resolving the conflict, it should ensure its impartiality as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, seek to achieve the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories, invite Armenian and Azerbaijani communities to Paris and support ethnic reconciliation and dialogue between these two communities based on equality. The French side should understand that ensuring a sustainable and fair peace in the region is possible only if Azerbaijanis, who were subject to an ethnic cleansing and who were expelled from their native lands, return to their homeland, the statement said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The France visit of the head of the separatist regime, created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, is unacceptable, Jean-Francois Mancel, President of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France, told Trend. He was commenting on the illegal visit of Bako Sahakyan to France. The Association has always demanded from the French government to prevent any links between the French local authority and representatives of the illegal regime created on Azerbaijan's occupied territories, said Mancel. Sahakyans entry to France even with Armenian passport is unacceptable. He pointed out that the Association expects the French government to reaffirm its position which has always been perfectly clear so far. Earlier, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Frances constant double standards approach makes Azerbaijan reconsider its ties with that country. Bako Sahakyan's visit to France, presenting himself as the head of the separatist regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, is another unsuccessful attempt to encourage that puppet entity at the international level, the Foreign Ministry said. France, which created conditions for that visit and accepted "representatives" of the illegal regime, by this step not only violates the spirit of bilateral relations and the signed agreements, but also demonstrates disregard for supremacy of norms and principles of international law and the undertaken obligations, reads the statement. 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 Kamila Aliyeva The Regional Director of the Islamic Development Bank Group Regional Hub Turkey, Saleh Jelassi, will pay a working visit to Baku on December 10-11, IDB told Azernews. Withing the framework of his visit, two projects - National Water Supply and Sanitation and Integrated Rural Development - currently being imlemented in Azerbaijan, will be discussed. Other issues and prospects for future cooperation will also be considered. The IsDB's supervision mission to Azerbaijan will take place on December 3-11. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is one of the world's largest multilateral development banks that has been working for over 40 years to improve the lives of the communities that it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57-Member Countries across four continents touching the lives of 1 in every 5 of the worlds population. Rated AAA by the three major rating agencies of the world, the IsDB maintains an annual volume of operations above $10 billion and a subscribed capital of $70 billion. With its headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Bank also runs major regional hubs in Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Senegal, and Nigeria. The mission of the Islamic Development Bank is to equip people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, putting the infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential. The IsDB builds collaborative partnerships among communities and nations, and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by harnessing the power of science, technology and innovation and fostering ethical and sustainable solutions to the worlds greatest development challenges. Over the years, the Islamic Development Bank has evolved from a single entity into a group (IsDB Group) comprising five entities: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A vehicle, which attempted to illegally bring medicine to Azerbaijan, was detained at the Khanoba customs post of the border between Russia and Azerbaijan, the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan said in a statement Nov. 15. The report said the vehicle - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter- belonged to Azerbaijani citizen. Over 2,300 packages of medicinal preparations, syringes, medicine bottles, ampoules of various purposes were found in the baggage compartment, passenger compartment and behind door lining during the search of the vehicle. The investigation on the case has been launched. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The 6th meeting of the joint Azerbaijan-Russia demarcation commission was held in Moscow on Nov.13-15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Nov. 15. Further continuation of the demarcation of the state borders between Azerbaijan and Russia were discussed during the meeting and the 2019 plan of activity of the commission was approved. The next meeting of the joint commission is planned to be held in Azerbaijan. The time of the meeting will be agreed through diplomatic channels. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz WASHINGTONWikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged in the United States, the organization said, in a development that could have implications for Robert Muellers probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US presidential election. Prosecutors inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case, WikiLeaks said Thursday. The exact nature of the charges against Assange was not immediately known. SCOOP: US Department of Justice accidentally reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia, Wikileaks wrote on Twitter. The still-unsealed charges against Assange were revealed by Assistant US Attorney Kellen Dwyer as he made a filing in the unrelated case and urged a judge to keep that filing sealed. Dwyer wrote: Due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged, according to The Washington Post. The charges would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested, Dwyer wrote. Federal prosecutors have been investigating Assange over WikiLeaks 2010 publication of a trove of US diplomatic cables that proved an acute embarrassment to Washington. But the charging of Assange in the US could have implications for special counsel Robert Muellers probe into whether Donald Trumps election campaign team colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential vote, and whether Trump tried to obstruct the probe into that. In July, Mueller charged 12 Russian spies with conspiring to hack Democratic National Committee computers, stealing data from the organization and publishing those files in an effort to sway the election.One of the indictments referred to WikiLeaks, described as Organization 1, as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. US media were alerted late Thursday to the inadvertent disclosure, thanks to a tweet from Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. He is known to follow court filings closely. The court filing was made in error, said Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the US Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, US media reported. That was not the intended name for this filing. The 47-year-old Assange has been holed up at Ecuadors embassy in London since 2012, where he took refuge over fears of being extradited to the US over the 2010 WikiLeaks cable dump. He was originally wanted in London after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to face allegations of sexual assault in Sweden. The Swedish case has since been dropped, but Britain still wants him to face justice over breaching his bail conditions following his arrest on the sexual assault allegations. Barry J. Pollack, one of Assanges attorneys, said, The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange, the Post said. Pollack said he did not know if Assange has been charged. By Leman Mammadova Implementation of cooperation between the Caspian States based on the Convention of the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea reached in August of this year will be launched soon. A meeting of the Working Group, established on the basis of the Aktau agreement, will soon take place in Baku. Decisions on cooperation between the Caspian states are being fully implemented, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press conference Nov. 15. She was answering Trends question on the progress in implementation of the agreements reached during the Caspian Sea Summit in August. We note with satisfaction the dynamic development of the five-sided cooperation on the Caspian Sea. This is mainly conditioned by the significant results achieved during the fifth Caspian Summit in Aktau on August 12, she said. In the Caspian states, procedures have started to ratify the convention, Zakharova said. A meeting of the high-level working group, established to monitor various aspects of cooperation on the Caspian Sea, is being prepared. The first such meeting in this format will be held soon in Baku, she added. Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, the so-called "Constitution" of the Caspian Sea, was signed in August at the fifth Summit of Heads of the Caspian littoral states in Aktau, after 22 years of systematic talks. Convention gives Caspian "a special legal status" - it was declared neither lake nor sea. If viewed as a sea, the Caspian basin would be subject to the International Maritime Law, and rights to use the Caspian Sea wouldn't be limited to the coastal countries. This is definitely against the interests of Russia and Iran in the region. On the other hand, as a lake, its area would be divided equally between the five countries, and this leads to controversy in the distribution of hydrocarbon reserves. According to the Convention, water surface remains in common use for all coastal countries, with states granted jurisdiction over 15 nautical miles of water from their coasts and fishing rights over an additional ten miles. The seabed, rich in natural resources, is divided between neighboring countries in accordance with international law, based on the agreement of the neighboring states. The provision on the inadmissibility of third-party armed forces in the Caspian Sea can be regarded as one of the key points of the Convention. The convention also permits the construction of pipelines, which only require the approval of the countries whose seabed they pass. At the same time, such projects should comply with environmental safety. The signing of the Convention has been regarded as a triumph of multilateral diplomacy by the international community and the world media. The cooperation between Caspian states based on convention is expected to accelerate energy projects, allowing the implementation of the Trans-Caspian Pipeline. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. According to the message, the minister will attend the 9th Sir Bani Yas Forum. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov President of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Takehiko Nako confirmed ADBs intention to expand constructive cooperation with Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received President of the Asian Development Bank Takehiko Nakao on November 14. At the meeting was noted that Turkmenistan, which has a huge economic and resource potential, demonstrates impressive achievements, having earned the reputation of a reliable and responsible partner on the world stage. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction the long-term and effective nature of the partnership with the Asian Development Bank, with which we have accumulated experience of successful joint work, stressing that one of the key vectors of the foreign policy course of our country is the strengthening of fruitful cooperation with reputable international organizations, including the largest financial structures. Then the head of state and his guest exchanged views on current areas of bilateral cooperation, discussed the possibilities for its further revitalization, taking into account modern realities and plans for the future. As Berdimuhamedov noted, Turkmenistan has been a member of the ADB since 2000. Among the priority areas of productive investment cooperation established during this period are the fuel and energy sector and the diversification of export routes for energy supplies, the formation of transit and transport infrastructure, and the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses. Broad prospects for effective addition of efforts are due to the implementation of infrastructure projects of national and global importance. Project of construction of the gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) initiated by the Turkmen leader is among them. This transnational energy bridge is of great importance in the context of the peaceful revival of Afghanistan, the restoration of its socio-economic infrastructure, the solution of such pressing issues as the creation of new jobs. Along with this, the TAPI gas pipeline, in addition to its functional purpose, is designed to serve to strengthen peace and stability in the region, its ongoing progress. As one of the main partners in the TAPI project, the Asian Development Bank is actively involved in its implementation. The importance of the signed Agreement on the construction of a power line for the route Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) was also noted. A line of fiber-optic communication will also run along this line, which, along with the development of the information and communication network between the three countries, will contribute to strengthening the integration processes in this part of the Asian region. Work is also underway to lay the Akin-Mazar-i-Sharif railway. With regard to investment cooperation in the field of transport, here as a concrete example of partnership with ADB is the implementation of a large-scale project for the construction of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. In this context, during the meeting, the possibilities of creating international transit and transport corridors were considered, in particular, along with the route Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey and further to the European direction. The increased potential for cooperation in the Caspian was noted, where, after signing the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, there are prospects for future joint projects, including pipeline construction and the development of marine resources. At the end of the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan and the head of ADB expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will successfully develop, and new proposals to expand traditional ties will stimulate international business contacts, attract new investments for high-tech projects that meet the goals of well-being of the entire Asian region. The Asian Development Bank was conceived in the early 1960s as a financial institution that would be Asian in character and foster economic growth and cooperation in one of the poorest regions in the world. ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. The Bank is composed of 67 members, 48 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Serzh Sargsyan's party will participate in the upcoming elections. Previous head of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) continues to determine the policy of the RPA and wants to continue to pressure on Armenia's policy on Karabakh. Ex-President and Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan delivered a program speech at a meeting of the partys council on November 11. The main thesis of his speech was that the party becomes not a false opposition, the purpose of which is to resist any statement by the authorities. If the authorities take steps that are beneficial for the country, we will unequivocally support them; if not, we will not leave a stone unturned, said Sargsyan. Apparently, Sargsyan meant the Karabakh problem in his speech. He stressed that RPA will not give up on this issue and will fight to the end. The best evidence of this is the presence in the party list of David Shahnazaryan, who was a special ambassador for the Karabakh issue. Sargsyan clearly threatens Nikol Pashinyan, warning how he will act if the prime minister makes concessions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Thanks to the Karabakh issue, previous authorities were able to stay 20 years at the power. This means that RPA wants to take revenge on Nikol Pashinyan and his team again with the help of the Karabakh issue. Thus, even if Nikol Pashinyan will decide to peacefully resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he will not be allowed to do this. Pashinyan announced on October 8, that he had signed a memorandum on holding early parliamentary elections with the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Gagik Tsarukyan, to be held in late 2018. However, the opposition does not agree with his plans to dissolve parliament. It intends to hold elections in the spring of 2019, arguing that it is necessary to have time to revise the electoral code, organize elections with the presence of observers, and give candidates more time to prepare. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned to achieve dissolution of the parliament and holding of early parliamentary elections on October 16. At a special meeting, MPs did not elect a prime minister for the second time, and, in accordance with the Constitution, the parliament was dissolved by virtue of law, on November 1. On the same day, Armenian President Armen Sargsyan scheduled the early parliamentary elections for December 9, 2018. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Akim of Akmola region Malik Murzalin and Khokim of the Syrdarya region Gofurzhon Mirzaev signed a framework agreement on cooperation between the regions. In Shymkent, a delegation from the Akmola region composed of representatives of the departments of business and industry, agriculture, the Chamber of Entrepreneurs, businessmen of the region participated in the Forum of Interregional Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, press service of the regional akimat reports. Khokim of Syrdarya region noted that Relations between the Syrdarya and Akmola regions have recently developed particularly dynamically. In Kokshetau, sides signed investment agreements on export contacts for $ 20 million, and $ 10 million with Novopek LLP. Syrdarya and Akmola regions have much in common in terms of development potential; therefore, there are great prospects for development between them and in other sectors of the economy. The parties intend to cooperate in the fields of economy and trade, tourism, health, culture and sports. Recall, the volume of foreign trade turnover between the Akmola region and the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017 amounted to $ 72 million. The establishment of direct trade relations between the regions contributes to the realization of socially important food products to the population without unnecessary intermediary links. Akmola region exports potatoes, legumes, wheat, barley, corn, flour, sunflower seeds, imports fruit juices, lime, packaging bags and bags. Uzbekistan has recently made efforts to establish closer political and economic relations with neighboring countries. Changes in the foreign policy course of the country occurred after Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016. Tashkent declared that its priority in foreign policy is to improve relations with the states of Central Asia. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan currently experience a rise in mutual economic ties. In 2017, the trade turnover between the two Central Asian nations increased by 8.6 percent and exceeded $ 2 billion. In January-June 2018, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 52 percent, with Uzbek exports growth of 48 percent. Over 200 companies with Kazakh capital currently operate in Uzbekistan. Earlier this year, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to take further measures to ensure the growth of trade turnover to $ 3 billion in 2018 and $ 5 billion by 2020. The countries also intend to increase the number of rail, bus and air communication between two states. Uzbek investments in Kazakhstan for the past 10 years amounted to $ 31.3 million, half of which falls for 2016. Kazakh investments in Uzbekistan totaled $ 114.4 million in the past decade. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a grant of $ 35 million to re-connect the electricity system of Tajikistan with the Central Asian Energy System (CAEC). This will help expand regional energy trade and improve energy efficiency between the CAEC countries, according to the ADB press release. The interconnected energy system in Central Asia will benefit all countries, optimize energy use, increase regional energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yuki Inoue, an ADB financial specialist, said that this project will allow Tajikistan to export summer surplus of electricity to Uzbekistan and to ensure more efficient use of regional energy resources. Reconnection is an important step in ensuring full parallel operation with the power system of Uzbekistan and CAEC, he concluded. The ADB project will install and upgrade modern relay protection equipment to synchronize the power systems of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, expand the points of interconnection and strengthen the capacity of Tajikistan for stable parallel operation. The total cost of the project is $ 40 million, while the Government of Tajikistan is expected to allocate $ 5 million. The project will be completed in 2022. CAEC is a regional power transmission network established in the era of the Soviet Union, and its activities today are coordinated between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In recent decades, the exchange of energy within the framework of the CAEC has gradually decreased, and the disconnection of Tajikistan from Uzbekistan in 2009 limited the effectiveness of CAEC. The signing of an electricity trade agreement for the resumption of electricity trade between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in March of this year is a step forward for the resumption of the regional energy network. The Asian Development Bank was conceived in the early 1960s as a financial institution that would be Asian in character and foster economic growth and cooperation in one of the poorest regions in the world. ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. The Bank is composed of 67 members, 48 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing. ADB is celebrating 20 years of development partnership with Tajikistan in 2018. To date, ADB has approved around 1.7 billion dollars in grants, concessional loans, and technical assistance to the country. ADB and Tajikistans development partnership, which began in 1998, has restored and built the countrys new transport and energy infrastructure, supported social development, expanded agricultural production, and improved regional cooperation and trade. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend In December 2018, citizens of about 150 countries will be able to take advantage of the simplified electronic visa (e-visa) regime, Tourism Industry Committee of Kazakh Culture and Sport Ministry told Trend. "According to the Concept of Tourism Development until 2023, simplifying the issuing of Kazakh visas is one of the key priorities to ensure the flow of tourists to Kazakhstan," the committee noted. In particular, an appropriate E-Visa Roadmap was developed, within which it is planned to launch a test project for issuing short-term single-entry business, tourism and private e-visas initially in the Astana and Almaty airports this December. "These cities were chosen based on their airports' technological capabilities, possession of the necessary equipment, including the equipment for biometric identification," the committee said. Subsequently, a similar process will be implemented in other international airports of Kazakhstan. Presently citizens of 63 countries are granted the right to visa-free entry into the country. Last year, 7.7 million people visited Kazakhstan. The main flow of visitors came from Uzbekistan (3.3 million), Russia (1.7 million), Kyrgyzstan (1.3 million), Tajikistan (383,000) and Azerbaijan (111,000). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Turkmenistan is the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves. It has few options to export its hydrocarbon reserves to world markets as it is a landlocked country. At present, the main buyer of Turkmen gas is China. As manya as 31.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas was imported from Turkmenistan by China in 2017. Turkmenistan is interested in diversification of its export routes to be not depended on a single market. As the implementation of Trans-Caspian Pipeline, which envisages reaching the Turkmen gas in the European markets, is suspended, Turkmenistan is eager to pursue projects which seem more real. Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project has been delayed for years. However, now certain developments were registered in its implementation. Turkmen gas to be transported via Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline will reach Pakistan in two years, said CEO of the TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. Consortium Muhammetmyrat Amanov, noting that the total cost of the TAPI pipeline is about $ 7 billion. We plan to conclude the final investment decision in the first half of the next year, and then gradually complete the construction in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, he added. The route of the 1,814 kilometers long pipeline passing through the cities of Herat and Qandahar of Afghanistan, Quetta and Multan of Pakistan will extend to the Fazilka settlement on the Indian border. Construction of TAPI gas pipeline was launched in December 2015. However, the construction of Afghan part commenced in early 2018. The annual capacity of the gas pipeline will be 33 billion cubic meters. As the leader of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, Turkmengas State Concern, which has a controlling stake, is the main financier and project manager. The consortium also includes the Afghanistan Gas Corporation, Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited and Indian GAIL. Turkmengas State Concern holds 85 percent stake on construction and operation of pipeline. Afghanistan, Pakistan and India will each cover 5 percent. Raw material for TAPI will be provided from Galkynysh, the largest natural gas field in Turkmenistan. The main concern about reliability of pipeline is the ongoing military activity in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is expected to earn more than $ 400 million annually from its transit role in the project. Turkmen government has already cut the cost of TAPI (Turkmenistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan - Indian gas pipeline) project from $ 10 billion to $ 7 billion to facilitate the realization of pipeline by attracting investors from Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The main investor is the Asian Development Bank, which technically and financially supports the project. The Islamic Development Bank has allocated $ 700 million for the construction of the Turkmen part of the pipeline. The European Union envisages joining the TAPI pipeline to the Southern Gas Corridor to meet Europes energy needs. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A member of Iranian Parliament Abolfazl Musavi Biuki believes that under the present circumstances, with Japan exempted from Washingtons oil sanctions, Iran can easily benefit from this situation, by purchasing planes in exchange for oil, and renew its aviation fleet, ICANA reported. Musavi Biuki said that government is currently focused on buying new airliners, no longer planning to consider used ones. The parliament member added that as per Iran Civil Aviation Organizations new approach toward renewal of the air transport fleet, certainly all countries and airliner producers will be taken into consideration when making the call to properly equip and renew the fleet. He pointed to the fact that at the moment most of the fleet is old and in bad shape, so government and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development should reequip both passenger and cargo airliner fleets. He mentioned the governments planning and negotiations to purchase airliners from foreign companies such as the Chinese ARJ, Japanese Mitsubishi, and even the Russian Sukhoi. "The airliner fleet has up until now provided supplies from the Eastern Bloc; however, Russian planes failed to yield favorable results, leaving unpleasant memories of used Tupolevs in peoples and officials minds," said Musavi Biuki. The main criterion for buying planes is their quality; therefore, officials should take all conditions and priorities into account when negotiating with other countries, he concluded. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Depreciation of the US dollar in Iran is due to political issues, Majid Reza Hariri, a member of the Staff of Representatives at the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview with ISNA. Economic parameters dont have so much impact on the rise or decline of the currency value, he added. He said the rise or decline of the US dollar value testifies to instability in the countrys economy. Hariri added that the Central Bank should control depreciation of the US dollar, and also should prevent the rise of its value. "Currently, a process of slow depreciation in the foreign currency is observed, because small entrepreneurs have been forced to put their foreign currencies for sale in the market," he noted. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz "After all, we live on one planet." "After all, we live on one planet." Reexamining Chinas approach to diplomacy, one could see that it has been successful compared to that of the US. This is now apparent because today the world is observing the potential conflict between the US and China, with each seeking to gain the support of other countries to its side. It is important that we take a comparative analysis of the fundamental differences in the approaches of the two countries, particularly when China applied the win-win approach to gain wider leverage and recognition. Others reject it, contending that diplomacy alone will never work. Conventional wisdom by most political analysts say Chinas diplomatic thrust is residual to its economic success. They say diplomacy goes hand in hand with economic success. This view has become the template of most countries. The same political observers would however not go beyond to say that underneath the economic and diplomatic success of the US, after it emerged victorious in the Second World War, was the pattern of forcible alliance to strengthen the containment policy against China. The US has to rely heavily on its seemingly invincible military might to ensure the success of giving lip service to its practice of sugar-coated diplomacy. In contrast, today, students of international relations see US dealings with other countries as symptomatic of its increasing uneasiness that it is about to be economically and even militarily eclipsed by China. Nonetheless, one must understand the US approach has long been defined by the US Secretary of State during the Cold War when he said, the State Department exists to protect the interest of the US. In another occasion, Secretary John Foster Dulles said, the US has no permanent enemies, it has only permanent interest. Taking the two statements together means that through the years, we failed to peel off our concept of diplomacy to allow us to segregate the chaff from the grain. For that, we have failed to measure Americas friendship such that we have been living up to our role as protector of US interest in this country. It was the US that put a price tag to diplomacy just to reach out as many allies to counterbalance Chinese and Russian influence. The exposition of our foreign policy through diplomacy has become costly because it focuses mainly in securing ones interest. Instead of us broadening our relations with other countries, we focus on what they could exact and only then will they proceed to bargain away things of lesser value.For instance, nobody understood why China relented to a 60-40 agreement with us when normally by the principle of sovereignty equality between two negotiating states would have prevented us from signing that. Even if the agreement was favorable to us, nobody dared examine what made it possible. The US, in its diplomatic dealings, has always maintained the position of strength to supplement its economic, military, and political influence to intimidate other countries. But that is not diplomacy in its true sense because the parameter on what the parties should bargain does not exist. Countries on the defensive could only recall the orthodox concepts of state equality and sovereignty. Negotiation is at the outset doomed, or if it succeeds, it is one of a lopsided contract. On other hand, China approach to diplomacy is to treat the negotiations with a frame of mind of seeking to achieve a win-win agreement. That means the agreement should not only be acceptable, but more importantly would also benefit the other party. It is the benefit than what it could bargain that clinches the contract. On that basis, parties explore wide range of possibility to make the negotiation a success. The win-win approach of China is classic because it provides more areas to bargain and alternatives on what the other can offer. This is definitely not in accord to the philosophy of differentiating black from what is white that in the end to give way is to negatively treat the negotiations as a betrayal. Such is wrong for somehow each has something to offer if one would have to go outside in the measurement of value and material benefits. It is similar to the concept of exchange in economics. One would realize that what he obtained is more than a win-win victory, but is only theoretically limited by the preconceived notion of equality. Without it, seldom could any negotiation start. The win-win formula is another variation of the concept of soft power enunciated by American professor David Nye, Jr. Professor Nye defines soft power as when a country may obtain the outcomes it wants in world politics because other countriesadmiring its values, emulating its example, aspiring to its level of prosperity and opennesswant to follow it. The intimidating diplomacy of US President Trump is already seeing the aftermath of increased mistrust in the US leadership. In fact, the win-win formula now being pursued by Chinas President Xi Jinping has reached is its highest form of diplomatic refinement of the original soft power conceived by Professor Nye. To him, the world revolves around politics, and there is more truism to his thesis. It is different from the US position of strength in negotiating, having in mind the idea of subjugating the other to force it to cave in as though what they will sign is an unconditional surrender. The US failed to bring North Korea and Iran to the negotiating table because it wants to impose an all-win formula, forgetting that these states are not negotiating under the terms of unconditional surrender. Philippine-China relations amplify clearly the win-win approach which the two countries have adopted. Chinas ambassador Zhao Jianhua listed three important items he categorized as the pillars in Philippine Chinese relations. First, it strengthened to a high-level the exchanges that deepened strategic mutual trust. Second, it unleashed great potential for cooperation that is now reaping fruitful results. This has resulted in China becoming the countrys leading trading partner, reaching a total of $50 billion, and the added investment from China of $53.84 million or an increase of 67 percent. Third is the rapid increase in tourism coming from China. During the first three quarters in 2018, the Philippines has received more than 972,00 Chinese tourists achieving a 34.0 percent increased on a year-to-year basis. On the whole, what we see is an expansion in our diplomatic thrust not essentially focused on trade, but more on primordial concern to eliminate the mistrust that continues to linger. Exploring what we could share would surely be reciprocated by China. It is one of coming to terms to what President Xi has eloquently proposed, which is to put up a new framework in international relations of building for mankind a community of shared future. After all, we live on one planet. [email protected] By Abdul Kerimkhanov Kazakhstan is the second largest trading partner of St. Petersburg, said Russian parliamentarian at a meeting with the delegation from Almaty. Vyacheslav Makarov, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, met with the Almaty delegation led by Maslikhats secretary Kaldybai Kazanbayev in the Mariinsky Palace on November 14. Makarov welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for Kazakhstans support for the Russian position in the international arena, reports the press service of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Russia. He stressed that the friendly relations of the states are based on a long-term common history and invited members of the delegation to take part in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade. Russian parliamentarian said that people evacuated from the besieged city, for life retained memories of the hospitality of the Kazakh people. Today, Kazakhstan is the second largest trading partner of St. Petersburg. Sure that Russia and Kazakhstan have huge prospects in the sphere of development of economic cooperation and investment activity. Kazanbayev supported the initiatives expressed during the meeting to deepen the interregional cooperation between St. Petersburg and Almaty. He noted that St. Petersburg is called the Northern Capital of Russia, while Almaty is called the Southern Capital of Kazakhstan, and expressed hope for a productive exchange of experience between the two sides. After the meeting, a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg and the maslikhat of Almaty was held. In the structure of Kazakhstans trade turnover with the countries of the EAEU, more than 90 percent fall for Russia. Since in Russia there is a tendency for import substitution and reorientation to export supplies to Southeast Asia, Kazakhstan can play its own role, corresponding to the scale of the economy, for example, in the supply of food to the Russian market, as well as its transit potential. By the end of 2017, Kazakh companies sent more than $600 million to the Russian economy. The growth compared to 2016 was more than 60 percent. In particular, Kazakh companies are actively investing in construction and agriculture. For seven months of 2018, Russian exports to Kazakhstan grew by about 8 percent, and Kazakhstan's to Russia - by more than 12 percent. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Turkmenistan signed a $500 million loan to strengthen Turkmenistans transmission network, improve the reliability of the countrys power supply, and increase electricity exports to neighbouring countries. The signing was witnessed by ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers (Economy and Finance) Mr. Gochmyrat Myradovon at the sidelines of the 17th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, ADB said in a message. The National Power Grid Strengthening Project is the first project by any international financial institution in the power sector in Turkmenistan. It will cover four of the countrys five regions and help establish an interconnected national transmission grid to improve reliability and energy efficiency of the network. It will also boost Turkmenistans capacity to trade electricity with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and increase the volume of current electricity exports to Afghanistan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Silk Way Travel tourism company updated its website. Not only the design of the website was updated, but also online booking and payment for any tour with a Visa / MasterCard of any bank not leaving home, have been made available. The website www.swtravel.az is adapted for mobile devices and is available in three languages - Azerbaijani, Russian and English. A convenient tour search system allows to quickly and properly choose your vacation. In addition, for the convenience of tourists, interactive services like air ticket search, requests for individual and group tours have been added. At present, the website offers tours to the most popular destinations for recreation in the country and abroad. In view of the opening of the updated site www.swtravel.az by booking a tour online, as well as on the official Facebook page, the tourist during the first 30 days receives a favorable offer - a discount up to 3 percent for individual tours. For more information, please contact Silk Way Travel by calling the following phone numbers: (+99412) 598-88-80; *8880 (+99412) 310 36 63; Email: [email protected]; To learn more about last minute tours and budget offers, please visit Silk Way Travels official pages on social networks: facebook.com/silkwaytravel.az instagram.com/sw_travel You can also buy tourist vouchers at the companys office at the following address: Baku, Nizami Str., 126A. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) has commented on the reports that a plane en route from Moscow's Domodedovo Airport to Russias Penza city nearly collided with a plane, owned by AZAL, flying from Baku to Russias Vnukovo International Airport. There was no threat to the AZAL aircraft in this situation, the airline told Trend Nov. 16. The aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, which was following the instructions of air traffic control specialists at flight level 260, started descending for landing only at the command of a dispatcher at the Vnukovo International Airport, AZAL said in a message. At this time, another aircraft en route to Penza, which kept flight level 250, started to gain altitude at the command as well. Since the flight vectors of both planes showed that they were moving in opposite directions, the dispatcher went on issuing the commands, the message said. The traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) of our aircraft indicated no threat to flight safety in this situation. The airline stressed that such moments occur periodically at different airports in the world due to the high density of traffic. Earlier, the Russian media reported that a plane en route from Moscow's Domodedovo Airport to Penza almost collided with a plane flying from Baku to the Vnukovo International Airport. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz "I hope we continue to achieve progress and make decisions that will bring us nearer to a just world." "I hope we continue to achieve progress and make decisions that will bring us nearer to a just world." Climate change is upon us. And it will get worse. The recent report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the feasibility and implications of limiting the increase of global temperature to more than 1.5 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels says as much. With Brazil possibly joining the United States in rejecting the global consensus on climate action manifested in the Paris Agreement, things could get worse. In the 1990s, as I have written before, the first decade of climate action, the emphasis was on the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries in the hope that their leadership would be enough to address the challenge. But the rich countries failed us. Meanwhile, emissions from the bigger developing countries increased rapidly and exponentially while countries, especially the most vulnerable, began experiencing the early impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Understandably, the second decade of climate action (2001-2010) saw the emergence of adaptation as a priority equal or even more important for developing countries. Obtaining support for adaptation efforts became imperative for these nations. Today, mitigation and adaptation remain at the top of the climate agenda, but increasingly climate justice is being asserted by countries and stakeholders. Traditional, more familiar concepts such as common but differentiated responsibility and equity are being reframed as a matter of justice, where countries and corporations from both North and South are held accountable for causing climate-related loss and damage. In the years to come, this need for accountability, which includes both assistance and reparations to vulnerable countries and peoples, will supplant mitigation and adaptation as the major issue for negotiation by governments wrestling with increasing climate change. The Paris Agreement illustrates the emergence of climate justice as the principal issue governments and stakeholders must address in the future. In its preamble, the concept of climate justice is acknowledged for the first time in an international agreement. Likewise, in the same preamble, the related concept of human rights is enshrined as a guiding principle in the implementation of obligations. In the operative provisions, climate justice is the spirit behind the provisions on adaptation, support (finance, technology transfer, and capacity building), and in particular on the establishment of an international loss and damage mechanism. Of course, one hopes the Agreement would have been stronger on compliance measures, including having punitive provisions, but this is just too radical an idea at this point. It must be emphasized that climate justice is not just a North-vs.-South issue. It is between and within countries, and includes corporations and their impact on peoples. It is also about racial, ethnic, gender, and other forms of discrimination that make some communities more vulnerable than others. Finally, climate justice is an intergenerational challenge.From a climate justice perspective, the Paris Agreement is not perfect. It is not the panacea to solve all the issues intertwined with climate change. But it is the best, the most, we can get now. Thankfully, the Paris Agreement is not the least common denominator. Certainly, it is progressive in its inclusion of human rights and climate justice among its principles. While legally binding targets could have been better, a bottom-up, country-level differentiated approach is the best we can do for now. In any case, the monitoring and reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement provide openings for reviewing compliance. The Paris Agreement Articles on the support mechanismsfinance, technology transfer, and capacity buildingare positive provisions. But, being products of the usual compromises on these issues, they are incomplete. Their modalities and the institutions that will make these provisions come alive must be negotiated in the next two years. Those negotiations will be tough. Thankfully, negotiating groups like the CVF, the Less Developed Countries (LDCs), and the Like Minded Group of countries, by themselves or working with the Group of 77 and China, have continued to insist on greater ambition regarding climate finance, using as an argument the imperatives of climate justice. Another Article that emphasizes climate justice with regard to developing countries is that on loss and damage. Since the Warsaw COP in 2013, the Philippines has been one of the nations pushing hard for putting into place this mechanism to compensate loss of lives and damage to property and infrastructure resulting from climate change. The Warsaw meeting was traumatic for the Philippine delegation because the COP opened right after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the country. But this disaster provided an opening to successfully push for the creation of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage. This is not yet the liability regime some have been advocating but its institutionalization through its inclusion as an Article separate from adaptation in the Paris Agreement is important. It opens the way for developing methodologies to assess and put value on loss and damage arising from climate change as well as developing the mechanisms to make the system work. The remaining task is to put flesh on the loss-and-damage mechanism so it becomes a foundational pillar of a compensation and liability regime. On the first week of December, governments will again be meeting, once again in Poland, this time in Katowice. The last time we met in this Eastern European country was November 2013, in its capital city Warsaw, right after Yolanda/Haiyan devastated the Central Visayas. Our delegation, working with other developing country delegations and led by the passionate and excellent negotiator Yeb Sano, succeeded in working for the establishment of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage. In Paris, in 2015, we were able to institutionalize the mechanism in the Paris Agreement. My hope is that in Katowice, we will continue to make progress and make decisions that will bring us nearer to a just world. Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs "He is a victim of misrepresentation and misanalysis of historical events." "He is a victim of misrepresentation and misanalysis of historical events." President Rodrigo Duterte has released Proclamation 621 declaring March 22, 2019 as Emilio Aguinaldo Day in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of the countrys first president General Emilio Aguinaldo. The proclamation also designates the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as the lead agency in the implementation of activities relevant to the celebration. Proclamation 621 says, WHEREAS, as the first President of the Republic, Aguinaldo symbolized the desire of the nation to be self-reliant, independent, and free from oppression, and WHEREAS, the State recognizes the necessity to rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of history and encourages every citizen to emulate and honor our forefathers; I often find myself criticizing actions and pronouncements of President Duterte on many issues but I must say that I agree with this particular proclamation. Indeed, Aguinaldo symbolized, and still does, the desire of the Filipinos for independence and freedom from oppression. Prior to being the first president, Aguinaldo was the revolutionary leader, who despite the acute lack of arms and ammunitions, fought and led thousands of revolutionists in the battlefield. He won actual battles that led to the declaration of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. He fought two wars against world powersfirst against Spain in the revolutions of 1896 and 1898, then against the Americans during the Philippine-American war. Aguinaldos battlecry was INDEPENDENCE. I also agree that rekindling the Filipino spirit through the lessons of history is crucial especially at this point when generations of Filipinos that no longer know our countrys glorious history of valor. Filipinos fall prey to historical revisionism and I do not only refer to the period of Martial Law and the Marcos dictatorship but also our quest for independence during the years of the revolution. So-called modern historians and students of history twist and bend what truly happened by failing to rely on primary and secondary sources (those who lived through the revolution, and those who talked with those who experienced the revolution), and by supplanting the context of historical events with modern analysis. We judge our heroes based on our political ideals NOW, not what our heroes knew THEN. We fail to appreciate that our revolutionists were mostly young. They operated in the 19th century when modern political concepts were yet at their birthing stage. Aguinaldo himself declared Philippine independence when he was 28, and became President at 29 years old. Yet, the Philippines was the first Asian country to declare independence from foreign colonizer. In effect, we miss the real lessons of our history. Moreover, we pit our heroes against each other, which leads to disrespect. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo is a victim of misrepresentation and misanalysis of historical events, and his role in such events. A perfect example is how the General was portrayed in the films Heneral Luna and Goyo by Jerrold Tarog. Both films are largely FICTION supposedly based on historical facts but many of those who saw these took Tarogs works as historical documentaries. The makers of the film obviously wanted to destroy Aguinaldo, not educate viewers about our history. By doing this, Tarog and company mislead Filipinos and contribute to the skewed understanding of important historical events.Another example is the article, With new declaration, questionable hero Emilio Aguinaldo now has a day by Catalina Ricci Madarang of Interaksyon. The title already reveals the writers bias. Calling Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo a questionable hero right off the bat tells the readers that the article is really about discrediting the General. Madarang used three important historical events to paint Aguinaldo as a villainGeneral Antonio Lunas death (the writer even thanked Tarogs film for surfacing Aguinaldos supposed role here), Andres Bonifacios execution, and the Tejeros Convention. The piece is full of loopholes, inaccuracies, and historical misrepresentation. First, let us tackle the controversial Tejeros Convention. Madarang wrote, Aguinaldo manipulated the convention and elections of the Katipunan at the Tejeros Estate in Cavite. This is very wrong in many respects. It should be understood that Andres Bonifacio went to Cavite after he lost battles in Manila and nearby areas, and he was already running from the forces of Spain. He was invited to Cavite by the leaders of the Magdiwang group led by the Alvarezes, Gregorias (Bonifacios wife) relatives. At this point, Emilio Aguinaldo and his men from Magdalo already won several battles. Aguinaldo has become quite popular because of these victories. The Magdalo and Magdiwang were the two revolutionary groups in Cavite. When Bonifacio arrived in Cavite, he immediately aligned himself with the Magdiwang. Perhaps this was because the leader of the group was his wifes uncle. There are several accounts of how Bonifacio conducted himself in Cavite and how he favored Magdiwang over Magdalo. It should also be mentioned that while many of the revolutionary leaders in Cavite were members of the Katipunan, a big number of those fighting against Spain were not. They were revolutionaries but were not Katipuneros. The Tejeros Convention was an attempt to establish a revolutionary government that would supplant the Katipunan owing to the fact that many revolutionary forces were not Katipuneros. To explain this further, let me quote a fellow history enthusiast and member of the groups Tunay na Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (TUKLAS), Inc. Virgilio Leynes (Basilio Ibabawan on Facebook) who wrote Interaksyon about the erroneous Madarang piece: In this article, Aguinaldo is made to appear a sinister, scheming politician who allegedly cheated Bonifacio and had him killed. The truth is the Tejeros elections was a brainchild and project of Bonifacio. He and the Magdiwang of Alvarez clan, a relative of Bonifacios wife, initiated the convention and ran it. Bonifacio acted as Chairman and Artemio Ricarte, another Magdiwang, Secretary, who distributed the ballots. There were only eight delegates from the Magdalo because they, including Aguinaldo, were manning the trenches, in the face of the impending attack by the Spaniards in Pasong Santol, Salitran, in the town of Dasmarinas, Cavite. The fact is, it was Bonifacio who was politicking, because instead of going to the battlefield and helping in the defense of the town, he was manning a convention and the election. The other facts that are simply overlooked are as follows: Bonifacios null and void declaration was invalidated by the delegates through Santiago Rillo (from Batangas), who took over the chairmanship and confirmed all acts of the convention, including the election of the officers. Failing in this, Bonifacio claimed there was cheating and demanded that all elected officials vacate their positions, which the Magdalos refused to accept. Also failing in this, he launched a coup detat but it was nipped in the bud by Aguinaldo. The Tejeros Convention was organized, dominated, and managed by the Magdiwang. It was also held in one of their bailiwicksTejeros. How could General Aguinaldo manipulate it when he only had a handful of men there and he, himself was absent and manning the battlefield? More next week. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook. Joseph Luiz can be reached at 395-7368 or by email at jluiz@bakersfield.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @JLuiz_TBC. You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415 or smorgen@bakersfield.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC. When Carroll School of Management sophomore Jieun Lee and her sister, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences junior Jueun Lee, volunteered to teach English to North Korean defectors in the Lees native South Korea this past summer, their mother made no secret of her fear for the familys safety. My mom disagreed with our decision because she was scared that the North Koreans might be spies and possibly put my familys security in danger, said Jieun. On the recommendation of a friend who had worked there, the sisters volunteered at an organization in Seoul called Woorihanaa Korean word meaning together as one, referring to the unity of the Korean peoplewhich aids in the education of North Korean refugees. During their two weeks of service, the Lee sisters assisted in the creation of an English textbook based on the experiences of the North Korean defectors, taught English lessons, and conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions for approximately 30 college students. Three of the students the Lees taught over the summer visited Boston last week as part of a tour of U.S. universities, organized through Woorihana, to give presentations about their personal experiences living in North Korea, China, and South Korea. Although the sisters were unable to attend the event, they are grateful for the memories they have of those two weeks, and for what they learned about the defectors lives. It was an amazing experience learning about the reality of North Korea and the challenges these North Korean defectors faced crossing the border, said Jieun. The situations these students talked about were very different from what I learned from the news. It was an eye-opening experience. The Lees had never met anyone from North Korea, but their interest in doing this type of volunteer work was partly rooted in family history: Their grandmother had lived in what is now considered North Korea before the country was divided. During their service, the sisters heard stories of the North Koreans journeys to South Korea and their efforts to keep in limited contact with family and friendsutilizing Chinese phones and keeping calls under five minuteswho remained in North Korea. If the North Korean government detected one of their calls, the North Korean students told the Lees, the soldiers might come to search their familys apartment. The defectors also tried to support their families by sending money once a year. These defectors dont come to South Korea directly; they first go to China, said Jieun. Defectors crossing the 38th parallel [the line that divides South and North Korea] are very rare. Many defectors buy a broker whom they meet in front of the Yalu River, in order to cross the border into China together. One student crossed the border with a soldier whom she bribed. After they get to China, they need to be very careful because if they get caught by a Chinese soldier they are automatically sent back to North Korea. Once defectors arrive in South Korea by way of China, the South Korean government brings them to a confidential government location to undergo a thorough investigation to find out whether they are spies or not. If the defectors pass the investigation, they are given government aid such as college tuition, food, and housing. They are also given South Korean citizenship and their passports say Republic of Korea, not North Korea. Jieuns previous familiarity with North Korea consisted mainly of dictator Kim Jong-un and the controversy over North Koreas nuclear weapons, she said, because these were the central topics regarding North Korea covered in South Korean news. Curious about North Korea and its people, she watched YouTube videos to see what she could learn about everyday life in North Korea. But the only videos available were of the lives of the wealthy class who go grocery shopping, live in newly furnished apartments, and so on, she said. By watching these videos and the news, I believed North Koreans living conditions had improved and that the citizens were happy with their system of the government. My thoughts changed entirely after talking to the students. I learned how striking the poverty still is, how average citizens are facing starvation daily due to low wages, and how military control is restricting the citizens from watching non-North Korean television or wearing what they want to wear. One student told me that she received a Japanese skirt as a gift from her aunt who escaped many years ago. She wore it to school and on her way back home a soldier shredded it with scissors. Another student told me he and his family escaped just to get a hot meal. Jueun was similarly moved to appreciate what I have after her volunteer work with the refugees, who basically had no freedom at all in North Koreaat a very young age, she noted, they were assigned to do work after the school day ended. I think its really sad how two groups of people who reside in a relatively small area of the world live completely different lifestyles. However much the North Koreans want the country reunited, Jieun sees their views as very different than those of most South Koreans. The majority of South Koreans, especially the younger generation, dont really want reunification because of many obvious economic and political challenges that would come. Christine Balquist | University Communications The existence of intelligent, interstellar traveling and colonising life is a key assumption behind the Fermi Paradox. Until recently, detecting signs of life elsewhere has been so technically challenging as to seem almost impossible. However, new observational insights and other developments mean that signs of life elsewhere might realistically be uncovered in the next decade or two. We here review what are believed to be the basic requirements for life, the history of life on Earth, and then apply this knowledge to potential sites for life in our own Solar System. We conclude that the necessities of life - liquid water and sources of energy - are in fact quite common in the Solar System, but most potential sites are beneath the icy surfaces of gas giant moons. If this is the case elsewhere in the Galaxy, life may be quite common but, even if intelligence develops, is essentially sealed in a finite environment, unable to communicate with the outside world. David L Clements (Submitted on 15 Nov 2018) Comments: Accepted for publication in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) Cite as: arXiv:1811.06313 [astro-ph.EP] (or arXiv:1811.06313v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version) Submission history From: David L. Clements [v1] Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:27:44 UTC (116 KB) https://arxiv.org/abs/1811.06313 Astrobiology Please follow Astrobiology on Twitter. ANAHUAC The Jefferson County sheriff and two candidates who ran against her in 2016 will likely stand trial next spring or summer on charges of accepting illegal campaign contributions. In a preliminary court hearing Thursday, state District Judge Randy McDonald assured both sides that he would not let the trials turn into a political government witch hunt. Sheriff Zena Stephens, Deputy Joe QB Stevenson and former Beaumont police Lt. Ray Beck were indicted earlier this year after each was accused of accepting thousands of dollars in illegal cash campaign contributions from a Beaumont used-car-dealership owner who is under federal criminal investigation. Stephens, Stevenson and Beck have rejected plea bargains and will be tried separately, according to information presented in McDonalds court in the adjoining Chambers County, where the case is being pursued in accordance with the Texas Election Code. Politics is not something that concerns this court at all, McDonald said. The trials could be set as soon as April, he said. McDonald, a Republican, said he has no agenda and is not interested in going down a rabbit trail to see if this is a political government witch hunt. He declined to comment outside of court. Law is law and facts are facts, McDonald said during the hearing. The three indictments, handed up on April 26, stemmed from an ongoing federal investigation of Larry Tillery, owner of Daylight Motors at the Eastex Freeway and Dowlen Road. Tillery is under investigation for running an illegal gambling operation, according to federal court records. Assistant Attorney General Nick Moutos suggested the three separate trials be held in order of complexity, beginning with Stephens, who faces a state jail felony charge of tampering with a governmental record. Beck is charged with two Class A misdemeanors, each of which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000, and Stevenson is charged with one Class A misdemeanor. Stephens defeated Stevenson in the 2016 Democratic primary runoff and then beat Beck, a Republican, in the general election. She could be removed from office if convicted. Zena Stephens is the outstanding sheriff shes been, said her Dallas-based attorney, Russell Wilson II. Wilson said he and his client are are looking forward to the (trial) process and Jefferson Couny residents shouldnt be concerned about the upcoming trial. Stephens made national headlines in 2016 as the first black woman elected sheriff in Texas. She is accused of accepting $1,000 in cash from Tillery in May 2016 and $5,000 in cash from Tillery four months later, according to her indictment. Tillery could not be reached for comment on Thursday. The election code says candidates may not knowingly accept more than $100 in cash from a single contributor. Stephens also is charged with tampering with a governmental record for allegedly reporting the $5,000 donation in the section of her campaign finance report designated for documenting donations of less than $50 with intent to defraud or harm Jefferson County citizens, the indictment said. If convicted, Stephens could be sentenced to between 180 days and two years in state jail and fined up to $10,000. According to Becks indictment, he is accused of accepting $5,000 in cash from Tillery between Nov. 4, 2016, and Feb. 15, 2017, and failing to return the illegal contribution in compliance with election law. His attorney, Donlee Smith, declined to comment after the Thursday hearing. Stevenson is accused of accepting $1,000 in cash from Tillery between Feb. 9, 2016, and May 20, 2016. His attorney, Ed Lieck, did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement does not take action on indicted peace officers licenses until there is a final conviction or disposition, spokeswoman Gretchen Grigsby said in a previous interview. The state agency requested copies of Stephens indictment on Nov. 1, court records show. Wilson said he and Stephens do not have any concerns about the agency pulling publicly available records, saying it was just their job to maintain a review status on cases. If a certified peace officer is convicted of a felony, TCOLE will permanently revoke their license, Grigsby said. A class A misdemeanor conviction can result in a license suspension of 120 days to 10 years. McDonald said he would not let the ongoing federal governments investigation delay court proceedings any more than necessary. phoebe.suy@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/phoebesuy Nearly 30 organizations have applied to run some of Beaumont ISDs struggling campuses, a final effort to save three schools at risk of closing next year for repeatedly failing to meet state standards. Fehl-Price Elementary, Jones-Clark Elementary and Smith Middle School have been chronically flagged as improvement required by the Texas Education Agency for at least four years, Superintendent John Frossard said at Thursdays school board meeting. If the schools dont come out of improvement-required status by the end of the 2018-2019 school year, they will be closed by the state for one year, he said. Some of these schools are the hub of their community, said Frossard. It would be detrimental if we allowed them to close. School officials are hopeful the districts Call For Quality Schools Program will lift up the targeted campuses by allowing inside and outside partners to run either the whole school or programs within the school. Such partnerships, which are open to nonprofits, charter school operators and universities, would give BISD two more years to turn around these schools, Frossard said. He said the district wants to offer parents and students more choice of schools and programs. Twenty-eight applications, including talent programs and whole-school models, were submitted to BISD from different organizations, said Shannon Allen, associate superintendent for secondary schools. The groups included one Texas university and one out-of-state charter school. A dozen potential partners were selected for interviews, she said. Partners were invited to design new and reimagine existing in-district schools, programs, and to identify new and existing talent to support our most at-need students, according to the program application. Ten campuses were rated improvement required in 2016-2017, up from six the previous year. Fehl-Price, Jones-Clark and Smith would have been at risk of closures or takeovers if the state hadnt granted waivers for schools affected by Harvey. Other Texas districts, including Spring Branch ISD and Grand Prairie ISD, have launched in-district charter partnerships. While charter schools typically compete with public school districts for students, in-district charters are run within the administration but have more autonomy than traditional public schools. Frossard said the partnerships would not just be turn(ing) the school over to an outside entity and standing by as whatever happens, happens. BISD is in the process of negotiating memorandums of understanding with each partner to negotiate performance standards that would give BISD some control in the deal, he said. If campus performance still isnt up to par, the district can reclaim the school from the partner and run it themselves or seek a new partner, Frossard said. A vote to approve the Call For Quality Schools Program is tentatively set for Dec. 13. The Texas Education Agency would have to approve any plans. Another key element to improving campus performance is the creation of a district-wide school performance framework, basically a rubric to measure what good schools look like in Beaumont, Allen said. BISD will not wait for the TEA to tell us what a good school is, she said. By using its own guidelines, Allen said, the district would be able to measure its own success while taking into account both local factors such campus culture and climate, attendance and college and career readiness. State data will also be considered for the framework, which Frossard noted show only a part of the total picture. The guidelines are currently being created by district-level committee members. Once a draft is complete, they will be subject for input and review by campus and community members. Board members also voted Thursday to raze South Park Stadium, the last remnant of a beloved Beaumont high school. The deteriorated bleachers and its nearby buildings are a safety hazard, Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Hernandez said. Buildings near the stands, including the concession stand, press box and restrooms, have been locked up but continued to get broken into and vandalized, Hernandez said. A quote from a Beaumont-based construction company said the project would cost about $58,187, which would be pulled from the districts general fund. The district will look to get smaller stands suitable for the middle-school venue, Hernandez said. The current stands date back to South Park High School, which was torn down in 2010. phoebe.suy@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/phoebesuy He calls his victims the "Eleven that went to Heaven." Edward Harold Bell, admitted sex offender, convicted murderer and self-described serial killer, has given multiple chilling confessions from his locked prison cell of abducting and slaying teenage and adolescent girls in the 1970s, describing crimes even now unsolved. In disturbing letters sent to Harris and Galveston county prosecutors in 1998 - but kept secret for 13 years - Bell claimed to have killed seven girls, including two Galveston 15-year-olds shot as they stood tied up and half naked in the chilly waters of Turner Bayou, according to excerpts and descriptions of Bell's letters obtained by the Houston Chronicle. In July and September, in exclusive interviews, Bell, now gaunt and pasty-faced at 72, told a Chronicle reporter the tally of lives was not just seven, but 11, the "Eleven that went to Heaven." Bell claims a brainwashing "program" forced him to "be a flasher," to "rape girls" and ultimately to kill. Several senior investigators familiar with Bell's letters of confessions told the Chronicle they have long believed he committed multiple murders and found evidence to corroborate his claims. But probes stalled. Galveston prosecutors refused to present Bell's written confessions to a grand jury. Harris County prosecutors never investigated the claims and subsequently lost the letters. And Bell refused to cooperate with police. Several investigators said not enough effort was made in 1998 to re-investigate the cases. One former Galveston DA, Kurt Sistrunk, told the Chronicle, "I didn't believe we had sufficient evidence that we could proceed to grand jury with, and without getting into specifics, that's the decision that had to be made, no matter the temptations to proceed otherwise ... It wasn't for a lack of effort." Saw her son die Bell is serving 70 years for the 1978 murder of Larry Dickens, a Marine who confronted Bell after he exited his red and white GMC pickup naked from the waist down and began masturbating in front of a group of girls in Pasadena. Dickens' mother watched from her house as Bell shot her son four times, emptying his pistol, then retrieved a rifle to administer a coup de grace. The "program" killings, as Bell calls them, began well before then. The victims were young girls from Houston, Galveston, Webster and Dickinson. The murders came in waves: five in 1971 and six more from about 1974 to 1977. Six teens, he adds, were murdered in pairs. Bell named three victims from 1971: Debbie Ackerman and Maria Johnson, 15-year-old Galveston surfer girls and experienced water skiers who disappeared after hitchhiking, and Colette Anise Wilson, 13, who never arrived home near Alvin after attending a summer band camp. All three cases remain unsolved, though Brazoria County Sheriff's officials long theorized Wilson and another girl were murdered by a convict killed in a 1972 jail escape. Wilson's bones were found in a reservoir mingled with those of a missing Houston girl, Gloria Ann Gonzales, 19. In 1998, Bell described murdering Ackerman and Johnson in letters written from a maximum security cell in Huntsville 17 years after the crime: "I was 'Brainwashed' into killing Deby (sic) Ackerman and Maria Johnson in November 1971," Bell wrote. He detailed how he shot them and described the remote bridge where the bodies were recovered. Ackerman and Johnson were last seen accepting a ride near an island ice cream shop from a man driving a white van. Their abductor tied them up, stripped them from the waist down and left their bodies in the bayou, records show. Bell owned a white 1971 Ford Van, lived in an apartment in a sprawling beach house along Offatts Bayou, and had invested in a surf shop that both girls visited before their deaths, according to documents and interviews. In fact, Bell was arrested in the van in February 1972, after flashing a 15-year-old on a sales trip to Greta, La. Bell repainted the van and it later burned, Bell and others said. Bell identified another of his victims as a reddish-blond Houston teen named "Pitchford," kidnapped near Gulfgate Mall. Harris County medical examiner's records and newspaper archives show Kimberly Rae Pitchford, a 16-year-old who lived near Hobby airport, never returned home after taking a driver's education class at Frank Dobie High School in Houston. Her body was found in a thicket in Brazoria County in January 1973. Bell claims not to know the names of other girls. In some cases he remembers the color of their hair. The 1971 murders included Ackerman, Johnson, Wilson and two Webster girls Bell does not name. Just three months before Ackerman and Johnson disappeared from Galveston Island, so did two Webster 14-year-olds named Sharon Shaw and Rhonda Renee Johnson. All four girls hung out at a popular water ski school on Offatts Bayou near Bell's apartment. Was traveling salesman Another six killings occurred in the mid to late 1970s, including Pitchford and two girls in Dickinson, Bell told the Chronicle. Deed records show Bell owned a rural pasture a few minutes' drive from the Dickinson store where two middle school students, Georgia Geer, 14, and Brooks Bracewell, 12, were last seen in 1974. Their bones were recovered in a bayou in 1976 and identified in 1981. Of the remaining three, one was killed after hitchhiking near Highway 2004 in Santa Fe, Bell says, and two more came from Houston, one brunette and another red-haired. "If you could get me immunity from prosecution of any kind, I could lay a lot stuff on you and I will," Bell told the newspaper. Known as "Butch" to family and friends, Bell's early life seemed normal - even exemplary. He was a Boy Scout, graduated from Columbus (Texas) High School and earned a physical education degree from Texas A&M, where he played in the Aggie Band. After graduation, he worked as a licensed diver and met and married his first wife in San Marcos. The two moved to West Texas and had three children. For years, Bell made his living as a traveling pharmaceutical salesman based in Plainview and later sold Terlingua ranchland out of an office in downtown Houston. For most of his life, Bell claims he did not know what compelled him to do evil. In the 12 years or more before he was arrested for the Marine's murder, Bell actively trolled for girls and exposed himself across Texas and Louisiana in vehicles he often altered and swapped, records show. Bell was stopped by police at least a dozen times for masturbating and flashing girls in Lubbock, Plainview, Bacliff, Houston, Pasadena and Gretna, La., between 1966 and 1978, according to records and Bell's own admissions. His pattern: Drive around until he found unaccompanied adolescent girls, strip down below the waist and masturbate as they watched. He often targeted girls in pairs. Most victims were 11 to 16 years old. He repeatedly avoided arrest and prosecution. He bragged to friends that he could talk his way out of anything. In an interview, Bell's sister-in-law, Janice Bell, described Bell as a "great con man" and a "Texan big mouth he bragged a lot, he was always right." She called him a liar and a killer who kept secrets. Bell blamed the crimes and carnage in his life on a systemic program of abuse, lies and brainwashing begun by his father, a well-connected gauger who frequently moved his family to small oil field camps and towns within an 85-mile radius of Houston. "My father thought if he beat you real bad, it would send chemicals into your bloodstream," Bell said. Bell lists former scoutmasters, a cousin and his three ex-wives as part of "the program." He mixes accounts of the damage wrought by others with admissions of uncontrollable cravings for sex with younger women. "One thing they wanted me to do for sure was rape a girl," he said. "They wanted me to rape girls and rob banks and rob people. My father tried to brainwash me into killing myself." More arrests Flashing was phase one. Bell's first documented incident, records show, occurred in 1966, when he was stopped for exposing himself to girls in the tiny town of Sudan an hour west of Plainview, and ended up in Big Spring state mental hospital, according to Bell and records. The treatment didn't take. Three years later, Bell, still married to his first wife and working as a traveling salesman, got arrested again - twice - for exposing himself to girls in two different West Texas towns. He avoided prosecution by agreeing to report to another in-patient treatment program for so-called perversion, and soon arrived at the University of Texas Medical Branch mental hospital, Jennie Sealy in Galveston. His marriage ended, as did contact with his children. Bell turned his time in the mental ward into opportunity to romance underaged patients. He "dated" one 16-year-old but says he didn't "make love" to her because "I was already in enough trouble with the law ... I didn't want statutory rape on top of the flasher charge." Next, he seduced a 17-year-old psychiatric patient in Room 417, according to Bell. A few months after his release, he married her. Bell was 31. In 1970, Bell and his new wife rented an apartment in the beach house along Offatts Bayou. Through a mutual friend, Bell met Doug Pruns, a surfer who made custom boards and owned a shop on Avenue S. Bell became a silent partner in a dive business at Doug's Surf Shop. In an interview, Pruns said he once visited acreage near Dickinson where Bell kept horses, raccoons, myriad critters and a travel trailer painted to look like a red caboose. Pruns considered Bell a creepy weirdo, but knew little of his life. In 1974, Bell was busted twice in Galveston County. In April, he exposed himself to two girls on a road near Bacliff and pursued them in a Volkswagen rental as they ran. He next was arrested in the rape of a Jennie Sealy mental patient whom he says he met outside the hospital. Both cases were dropped. In 1978, he trolled for girls in suburban Pasadena in a red and white GMC pickup, in which he kept a .22-caliber pistol, an M-1 carbine and porn magazines, Harris County records show. On June 26, he exposed himself to two girls riding bikes, aged 11 and 12. Five weeks later, he stepped out of the pickup wearing only a pair of black boots and masturbated before five Pasadena girls practicing cheer leading. The next time he displayed himself to Pasadena girls, on Aug. 24, 1978, Bell came face to face with Dickens. Bell killed him for interrupting. Bell was arrested and posted a $125,000 bond. He jumped bail. For the next 14 years, Bell roamed coastal towns in Mexico and Central America, guiding dive trips and living aboard a sailboat. He assumed the identity of a dead cousin named Cecil Boyd and told people to call him "Wally." He panned for gold, married for a third time and entertained visiting Texans on dive trips, according to records and interviews with Larry Boucher, a retired investigator for the Harris County District Attorney's Office who tracked Bell for years. Named Texas' most wanted fugitive in the 1980s, Bell was featured on the TV series Unsolved Mysteries and captured by Panamanian police at a yacht club in 1992. He went to prison the next year. Boucher read Bell's confessions and says he's an unpunished serial killer. He remembers Bell's rants about bees invading his locked cell and his admissions to killing girls in a letter that's been lost. "My gut feeling is that he is responsible," Boucher told the Chronicle. '70s disappearances Forty-year-old investigative files reviewed by the Chronicle document many agencies' unsuccessful attempts to solve the disappearances of teenage girls in the 1970s - a murderous decade that ended with suspicions one or more killers escaped prosecution. So many teen girls turned up dead in 1971 that the Harris County sheriff called more than 60 officers from across Texas to a secret summit to coordinate a response. A murderer, or murderers, seemed to cross city and county boundaries to dump victims in remote, roadless areas. Over time, several serial killer suspects were developed. Most died long ago, leaving nearly all the murders unsolved. Until Bell's confession letters arrived in 1998, he'd never been investigated. Those letters electrified Deril Oliver, a retired Texas City detective who helped pull the bodies of Ackerman and Johnson from Turner Bayou. Oliver tried to interview Bell in prison. He said others were too quick to dismiss Bell as a publicity-seeking kook. "Bell was the closest thing to a real suspect that we ever had," Oliver said. "I think they let it go too soon." Among investigators convinced of Bell's guilt is Alfred Paige, a Galveston police officer who investigated Bell in between new homicide cases from 2005 to 2010. Paige, who heard about 1970s teen murders as a boy growing up in Central Texas, found scattered relatives and friends, including witnesses who'd never been interviewed, and documents that tied Bell to the unsolved crimes. He pushed without success for Galveston DA Sistrunk to use the letters and other evidence to indict Bell. "The investigation certainly remains open," said Sistrunk, who now works for the Brazoria County prosecutors office, "and what we can count on is that because of the work of (Paige), those before him, and other area law enforcement agencies that may become even more involved, we will reach a point in time where sufficient evidence will be made available to law enforcement that will let the case proceed to a grand jury for justice to be served." If Bell's confessions are true, only he holds answers long sought by the families of victims. "It makes it hard that we don't know if this Bell guy is a nut or if he's telling the truth," said Dotti Walker, the aunt of murdered Webster teenager Sharon Shaw, who disappeared with her friend only a few months after Ackerman and Johnson. "As bad and as mean as he is, he could be telling the truth because of his conscience ... Not knowing is heartbreaking." A mother and two children are expected to be OK after being struck by a vehicle Thursday night in southwest Houston. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. in the 10000 block of Westpark Drive near Woodchase Drive. This week, a 78-year-old Texas man convicted of three murders confessed to an additional 90 killings throughout his life, a prosecutor said. If Samuel Little's claims are true, it would make him the worst serial killer in U.S. history. Here are the most read gastroenterology stories for the week of Nov. 8 through Nov. 14: 1. GI societies slam CMS decision to side with Anthem, devalue GI codes 5 insights Click here 2. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants finds PE partner, forms GI practice management company Click here 3. GI physician undergoes new artificial intelligence colonoscopy procedure Click here 4. West Virginia gastroenterologist sentenced to prison for sexually abusing patients 5 insights Click here 5. Dr. Thomas Imperiale publishes editorial on precision surveillance in colonoscopy Click here The Medford City Council requested that the public comment period be extended for the proposed ASC at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Wicked Local reported. Here are the key details to know: 1. After the hospital made plans to build a $16 million ASC on its campus, residents expressed frustrations about the center's potential impact on parking, traffic and noise in the area. 2. In response, MelroseWakefield, the hospital's parent company, developed a community advisory group and a community engagement plan detailing how the company will meet with the Medford Chamber of Commerce to discuss the proposal. 3. "What we want to do is really listen to residents and see what services they would like," MelroseWakefield Healthcare CEO Sue Sandberg told Wicked Local. "We will go and look and consider the services the residents are requesting, because these services would be brought ... for the residents." 4. The proposed ASC would be a multispecialty facility offering orthopedic, plastic, ear nose and throat surgery, as well as endoscopies. More articles on new ASC development: North Carolina approves ASC for Triad Center for Surgery, denies 2 other proposals Hospital's surgery center plans delayed after local physician group backs out 5 insights Tennessee agency approves Saint Thomas Health's $17.1M ASC 3 insights The University of Minnesota Health Clinics and Surgery Center in Minneapolis will soon feature a nurse practitioners clinic, Minnesota Nursing Magazine reports. Here's what you should know: 1. The new clinic location provides a learning opportunity for students while addressing the system's primary care physician shortage, according to Jane Anderson, DNP. 2. The M Health Nurse Practitioners Clinic currently sees patients at another location in Minneapolis. 3. The school opened the other nurse practitioners clinic in 2015. Jia Li, PhD, head of research and development at Google Cloud's artificial intelligence division, has left her position, a company spokesperson confirmed to VentureBeat. Here are four things to know: 1. Dr. Li plans to work at the intersection of AI and healthcare, including teaching at Stanford University's Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging in California, according to Synced, which first reported her departure from Google Cloud. Dr. Li already teaches a course on AI-assisted healthcare in the Stanford University School of Medicine as an adjunct professor. 2. Google Cloud tapped Dr. Li as one of the first leads for its AI group in 2016. Dr. Li also headed an AI center based in Beijing, which Google launched in December 2017. 3. During Dr. Li's time at Google, the company's cloud division rolled out a number of AI services. AutoML, for example, enables developers to create automated and customized AI models. 4. Prior to joining Google in 2016, Dr. Li served as the head of research at Snap, the parent company of photo-sharing app Snapchat. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos told employees the company is "not too big to fail" despite its recent plans for expansion, according to CNBC. Mr. Bezos' comment was a response to an employee question about the company's future asked during a November all-hands meeting in Seattle. The employee asked what lessons Mr. Bezos had learned from recent bankruptcies at big retailers, such as Sears. "Amazon is not too big to fail," Mr. Bezos said in a recording of the meeting reviewed by CNBC. "In fact, I predict one day Amazon will fail. Amazon will go bankrupt. If you look at large companies, their lifespans tend to be 30-plus years, not a hundred-plus years." Some employees have expressed concern about Amazon's rapid expansion, according to CNBC. The company's workforce has grown more than 20-fold in the last eight years, and its stock price has more than quadrupled in the last five years. Amazon, based in Seattle, is also poised to expand into two new headquarters in New York and Virginia, and the company has seen growing adoption of its cloud computing service and its voice assistant Alexa, along with continued success in the e-commerce market. Mr. Bezos said the key to delaying the company's end is to "obsess over customers." "If we start to focus on ourselves, instead of focusing on our customers, that will be the beginning of the end," he said, according to CNBC. "We have to try and delay that day for as long as possible." Orlando-based Florida Hospital soon to be renamed AdventHealth purchased a minority share of Health First, a nonprofit community health system comprising four hospitals in Brevard County, Fla. Under the deal, Florida Health and Health First will align their resources. The Brevard County hospital system will remain locally owned and maintain its individual brand, while having access to more technologies and increased capital to improve its infrastructure. The partnership aims to expand the reach of Advent Health and Health First by forming a "super-regional integrated delivery network." "The alignment of the AdventHealth and Health First brands is a natural fit," said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of Florida Hospital's central Florida division. "By partnering to create a super-region, we are able to expand our services and deliver a connected experience for our consumers." The deal builds on a partnership launched five years ago, in which the two health systems jointly rolled out a health plan. "Healthcare is an ever-changing industry, and we are ready to adapt to these changes to best serve Brevard County," said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Health First. "We have been a part of this community for more than 80 years, and taking these steps will ensure we are here serving patients for many years to come." The former chief executive of Blountstown, Fla.-based Calhoun-Liberty Hospital pleaded guilty to 27 counts of wire and tax fraud in October, according WCTV. Here are five things to know: 1. Court documents reveal Phillip Hill Jr. pleaded guilty to 24 counts of wire fraud and three counts of tax fraud on Oct. 25. 2. Police said they received a tip from the hospital in October 2015 about Mr. Hill's suspected fraud activity, which allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2015 while he was CEO of the hospital. 3. Police reportedly found electronic and paper documents that led to the discovery of a fraudulent company Mr. Hill used to bill the hospital for medical supplies. Mr. Hill allegedly bought medical supplies through eBay and other vendors and billed the hospital for the supplies at a higher price than what he paid. Investigators obtained video of Mr. Hill depositing the money into other business and personal accounts connected to him. Police said he used his own identification to open a post office box that he used as the address for his company. 4. Officials estimate Mr. Hill stole more than $1 million from Calhoun-Liberty Hospital between 2010 and 2015, the report states. 5. Mr. Hill faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum term of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for the counts of wire fraud. For the three counts of tax fraud, he faces up to an additional three years in prison, a maximum of one year of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine, the report states. His sentencing is scheduled to take place in July 2019. To access the full report, click here. Three general acute care hospitals, several skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, and more than 300 patients have been evacuated as massive wildfires continue to burn across California, Bloomberg reports. Here are four things to know: 1. The Camp Fire, located about 100 miles north of Sacramento, Calif., has been deemed the deadliest and most destructive fire in the state's history, police officials told Bloomberg. It has burned 138,000 acres, killed at least 56 people and left more than 100 people missing since Nov. 8. 2. The Camp Fire forced a hurried evacuation of Paradise, Calif.-based Adventist Health Feather River Hospital Nov. 8. The hospital and several buildings on the facility's campus have been damaged, a spokesperson told the publication. State officials must fully assess the damage before the hospital can potentially reopen. Many of the hospital's staff told media outlets their homes have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. 3. Two hospitals owned by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare were either fully or partially evacuated, and more than 50 patients were transported to surrounding area hospitals. The state public health department told Bloomberg Nov. 14 that Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and West Hills (Calif.) Hospital & Medical Center were not receiving patients. However, Los Robles Regional has since reopened. 4. At least three people have died in the Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County, which started in the Santa Monica Mountains and continued through Malibu before reaching the ocean, according to the report. The blaze, which began Nov. 8, burned 98,362 acres. None of the deaths were linked to patient evacuations at nearby hospitals or damage to their facilities. To access the full report, click here. Office visits to primary care physicians are declining among adults with employer-sponsored health insurance, according to a study from the Health Care Cost Institute, an independent, nonprofit partially funded by four health insurance companies. The study examined commercial medical and pharmacy insurance claims data from Aetna, Humana and UnitedHealthcare for 2007-2016, representing more than 50 million people annually. Four findings: 1. From 2012-16, office visits to primary care physicians for adults younger than 65 with health insurance through their jobs fell 18 percent. But office visits to nurse practitioners and physician assistants climbed 129 percent during that period. 2. The total increase in office visits to nurse practitioners and physician assistants between 2012 and 2016 represented less than half of the total decrease in primary care physician office visits during that period (42 percent). 3. The average cost of a primary care physician office visit (the amount the provider charges) was $106 in 2016, up from $92 in 2012. This is roughly in line with the average cost of an office visit to nurse practitioners and physician assistants, which grew from $93 in 2012 to $103 in 2016. 4. Primary care physician office visits declined across states from 2012-16. Washington, D.C., saw the smallest decline during that period (6 percent), while North Dakota saw the largest decline (31 percent). Access the full study results here. Tennessee's hepatitis A outbreak claimed its first fatality this week, and health officials are expecting the virus to spread throughout Nashville, according to The Tennessean. Elizabeth Hart, spokesperson for the Tennessee Health Department, said the fatality was in East Tennessee and she could not disclose more information about it. The outbreak has grown to 449 statewide cases, including 134 in Nashville and 201 in surrounding counties. Forty cases were reported in Chattanooga. Local health officials said the Nashville count may be as high as 150 cases. "We are very saddened by the recent death associated with hepatitis A and realize, unfortunately, we could see more deaths, as this continues to be a very serious outbreak with more than half of the people identified with the illness needing hospitalization," John Dreyzehner, MD, health commissioner of Tennessee, told The Tennessean. Large hepatitis outbreaks have hit California, Michigan and Kentucky. The CDC determined most of Tennessee's outbreak is traceable to a virus strain responsible for outbreaks in San Diego and Louisville. Health officials have vaccinated about 36,000 people statewide, since May 2018. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: Not wearing face masks during endoscopies could spread infections, study finds Nearly 1 in 5 seniors skip necessary medical care, survey finds CDC seeks comments on updated infection control guidelines for healthcare workers As gun violence increasingly enters the work lives of physicians and nurses, researchers are investigating how exposure to trauma patients affects providers and how providers can get mental healthcare when needed, according to NPR. "In medical school and nursing school, we're not taught well at all how to deal with the difficult and sad things that we see," Kristen Choi, PhD, RN, a nurse and trauma researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, told NPR. "We're really socialized to just shove it down, to not talk about it and to not be vulnerable." Dr. Choi is leading a study on the mental health of clinicians who cared for the victims of 12 mass violence incidents. The researchers are interviewing physicians and nurses on how they cope with memories of those experiences. Researchers call the psychological consequences of caring for trauma victims "secondary traumatic stress" or "vicarious trauma." The stress or trauma can appear like post-traumatic stress disorder: nightmares, intrusive memories, and what Dr. Choi calls "trauma distortion," or when normal events trigger thoughts of violence or abuse. It is challenging to know what might be most helpful for clinicians dealing with this stress since research on secondary trauma is limited, Dr. Choi said. But one thing's for sure, she said: "It starts with a culture change in our work environment, making space for clinicians to express these things and be heard." Expanding access to affordable mental healthcare services and team debriefing after difficult cases are workplace activities hospitals can use to help physicians and nurses who may experience secondary traumatic stress, according to Dr. Choi. "There's only so much we can do in terms of self-care at an individual level," she said. A high-level delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, attended Thursday the inaugural ceremony of the $2.3 billion landmark infrastructure project of a high-speed train service connecting the cities of Tangier and Casablanca in Morocco. Inaugurated by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the launch ceremony was also attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Ali Salim Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Morocco, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and several high-ranking Moroccan officials, reported the UAE news agency WAM. ADFDs contribution to the 200-km long, 320-km/hr high-speed train amounted to $140 million (AED514 million). Through linking the two cities and reducing the travel time to two hours, this important infrastructure project will bolster the movement of people, increasing nationwide and cross-city trade and tourism as well as driving sustainable economic development. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said, We are proud of the strategic partnership between the Moroccan government and ADFD. Supporting Moroccos development programs and objectives has resulted in economic growth and diversification, new job opportunities, and sustainable development in key sectors in that country. A first-of-its-kind initiative in the African continent, this state-of-the-art high-speed train will dramatically improve travel times and living standards. The Fund has so far funded 12 transportation projects worth an estimated AED2.4 billion ($650 million) to support socio-economic development in Morocco. To date, the Fund has supported Morocco with grants and concessionary loans worth AED9 billion across 82 development projects spanning diverse sectors, including housing, water, agriculture, education and healthcare. Several other Arab funds co-financed the project, namely the funds of Saudi Arabia (144 million), Kuwait (100 million), and the Arab Development Fund (86 million). Pennsylvania hospitals demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality rates for nine conditions between 2012-17, according to a state report cited by the Times Leader. The Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council, an independent state agency, releases an annual "Hospital Performance Report" on cost and quality at hospitals across the state. The most recent report includes data on adults discharged between October 2016 and September 2017 who had one of 16 different medical conditions or procedures. Statewide, the biggest drop in mortality occurred for respiratory failure. This figure fell from 15.2 percent in 2012 to 8.9 percent in 2017. Sepsis-related mortality rates fell from 13.8 percent to 9.3 percent over the study period, while heart attack-medical management dropped from 9 percent to 7.6 percent. None of the conditions involved in the analysis saw significant increases in mortality across the state. The American Medical Association adopted a policy to bolster internet access across the country. The policy, which the AMA's house of delegates passed Nov. 13 during its interim meeting, says the trade group will advocate for expanding broadband and wireless connectivity in underserved areas of the U.S. The AMA's vision is to build up internet access to "ensure equal access to digital health tools that require connectivity" a goal shared by various government and industry groups in recent years. Internet-assisted healthcare services might include telehealth visits, such as video conferences with physicians, among other digital health projects. "Patients stand at the intersection of health and technology," said Gerald Harmon, MD, immediate past chair of the AMA's board of trustees. "Without broadband and wireless, patients in underserved areas will face even greater health challenges." In July, the Federal Communications Commission revealed plans to establish a connected care pilot program, which would budget $100 million to fund projects providing telehealth services to low-income patients. This builds on the FCC's Rural Health Care Program, which supplies eligible healthcare providers with funding for broadband and telecommunications services that support digital health projects. On the industry side, Microsoft has partnered with various technology companies to expand broadband coverage in rural areas as part of its Airband Initiative, noting internet access holds implications for a range of industries, including healthcare. In particular, Microsoft has highlighted the role telehealth may play in addressing physician shortages in rural areas. David Paul is the former CEO and current chairman of Globus Medical. An entrepreneur, Mr. Paul purchased Excelsius Surgical in 2013 to form Globus Medical. And since discovering the future of spinal surgery, Mr. Paul has not looked back, according to Forbes. Mr. Paul discovered the ExcelsiusGPS' prototype in 2013. Blown away, he purchased the robotic surgery system from its founder. The robotic surgery system earned FDA clearance in August 2017, and since then, Globus Medical's stock has climbed 65 percent, according to the report. Because Mr. Paul owns a quarter of Globus Medical, his stake adds up to approximately $1.3 billion. Globus Medical is also one of two companies who developed spine surgery robotic systems. The ExcelsisusGPS costs $1 million per unit as hospitals across the country are looking to implement robotic surgery. Marzor Robotics is the other creator of a spine surgery robotic system. Medtronic plans to acquire the company in a $1.6 billion deal. These companies are not the only ones excited about robotic surgery. Jeffrey Wang, MD, president of the North American Spine Society, told Forbes, "I think everyone's very excited about robots. It sounds kind of sexy, and I think people realize there is a lot of potential there." Roger Smith, PhD, is the chief technology officer for the Florida Hospital Nicholson Center in Celebration, a high-tech training and education institute focusing on disseminating leading-edge surgical knowledge and techniques for the global community. He was previously the CTO for U.S. Army simulation, training and instrumentation and a research scientist at Texas A&M University in College Station. He is also a graduate faculty member at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and president of Simulation First, where he provides keynote event presentations and scientific lectures. Dr. Smith has authored several books, including A CTO Thinks About Innovation, Simulation & Game Technology for Medical Education and Military Simulation and Serious Games. Question: How have robotic systems helped/hindered spine surgery? Dr. Roger Smith: There have been four commercially released spinal robotics systems and a few academic prototypes that did not come all the way to market. Three of the original system companies have been sufficiently successful to attract larger buyers. Mazor Robotics launched from Israel and has been acquired by Medtronic as they attempt to construct an internal robotic product line. Medtech originated in France and has recently been acquired by Zimmer Biomet. KB Medical from Switzerland was acquired by Globus Medical, bringing two competing spinal robotic systems into the same parent company. These acquisitions suggest that there is definitely market demand from physicians and hospitals for robotic assistance in spinal procedures. They also indicate that the big medical device companies believe that robotics, the technologies that they embody, and the improvements that they enable will be of growing importance in the near future. It may also suggest that it is now more difficult to launch a start-up and build it into a multi-billion-dollar company in the same way that Intuitive Surgical has done over the last 20 years. Q: What does the next five years look like in terms of robotic spine surgery? RS: We at the Nicholson Center have identified and are tracking more than 60 medical devices that are marketed as surgical robots or robotic-assistance devices. The computer, electronic, mechanical and software technologies that are necessary to improve on manual human performance in dozens of surgical procedures have arrived. These are empowering established companies and start-ups to create new robotic devices; prove their equivalence or superiority to traditional methods; and present them to clinicians, patients, and hospitals with compelling stories of improved outcomes. The da Vinci robot by Intuitive Surgical has been successful in the same way that the iPhone transformed Apple and the PageRank algorithm launched Google to world leadership. That kind of success is motivating dozens of companies to search for the next blockbuster device in every surgical specialty. Mazor, Globus, KB, and Medtech are not the last robotic systems that will be created to assist with spinal surgeries. These devices currently address only a few of the important steps in a procedure. There are many more opportunities for robots to help human surgeons to apply their skills toward better patient outcomes in the future. The next five years will see the existing robotic devices being used in a growing number of procedures and the emergence of at least as many new competitors who believe they can do a better job. Robotic assistance, coupled with intelligent software, is an inevitable global trend in all industries, including spinal surgery. NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley meets key Northern Ireland business representatives to brief them on the Draft Brexit Withdrawal Agreement The heads of some of Northern Ireland's largest businesses have voiced support for Theresa May's draft Brexit deal, after meeting the Secretary of State in Belfast yesterday afternoon. Leaving a mounting political storm in London behind her, Karen Bradley flew into Northern Ireland to brief the 20 businesses on the 585-page document. Among the firms represented on the top floor of the Grand Central Hotel were Danske Bank, Power NI, Dale Farm, ASDA and BT, between them employing around 12,000 people in Northern Ireland. While Theresa May faced a storm of criticism on the floor of the House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary was treated to a warm reception. Mrs Bradley said she had flown over because she wanted to listen to the reaction to the deal from NI businesses. "It's very clear that from the conversations I've just had, that what the businesses and people in Northern Ireland want, is politicians to come together, do the right thing, think about the national interest and support the deal," she said after the meeting. "Business leaders understand that this is a pragmatic deal, but it is overall the right deal for the United Kingdom." The overriding tone from the business figures afterwards was generally upbeat, and while far from perfect, most said it remains the best option on the table for the Northern Ireland economy. Danske Bank chief executive Kevin Kingston said he felt reassured from what he heard regarding the proposals around the backstop arrangement, designed to prevent a hard border. He said: "We're the biggest funder to Northern Ireland business. Our customers are calling for clarity on the way forward. "I think this represents a significant milestone. Yes, there's a lot of work before turning it into legislation, but I'm very encouraged by what I've heard today." Brian McConville from Newry fit-out firm MJM Marine said every business had the same message - the need for certainty. "At the back of it, it sounds like there's a solution to get the uncertainty out of the market, so we all can get on with our lives. "I don't see anybody coming up with anything better. "I'm a business person, I make business decisions. I'm not sure about the political side, but the text that has been offered to us seems to be a fair and honest way of getting through this." John Healy from the NI Chamber, who hosted yesterday's meeting, said the opinion of the business lobby group remains that "any deal is better than 'no deal' for business". The chamber vice-president, who is also managing director of insurance giant All State, said there had been a positive tone in the meeting. "There was a general consensus around the table that there's a lot for business to do well with. "Businesses have all along been looking for certainty and this deal that's on the table is bringing some level of certainty to our thinking." Chief executive of Foyle Port, Brian McGrath, said the key message from Mrs Bradley to businesses was the need to reflect on the national interest. He said businesses in the north-west remain focused on ensuring cross-border activity is maintained. "From a business perspective, I think it's hard to argue that it's not a positive starting point," he said of the text. Perhaps Charles Dickens, if alive today, might write of Northern Ireland: "It could be the best of times, it could be the worst of times." The best of times? Being the only part of the UK and Europe offered unfettered access to two very large single markets, and not only to these markets but to export through both their respective trade agreements. To be free from the restrictions of a Canada-style trade agreement, where paperwork and certification of origin costs would cripple small local exporting businesses. To be free from the restrictions such an agreement would impose on global sourcing of materials incorporated into goods for export, making NI the best place in either the UK or Europe to establish a manufacturing base to service both markets. It's not surprising therefore that Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is objecting to the competitive advantage this could give us in creating high value jobs. Or, it could be the worst of times. The BBC reported on Tuesday on government analysis of a 'no-deal' Brexit, which estimated that NI goods exports could fall by 1.6bn, with up to 1.1bn being the hit on NI agriculture. If 'no-deal' was the plan, we would need several years to reposition our industry, invest in factories and develop overseas markets. Under the 'no-deal' option we have four months. This "inconvenient truth", ignored by Brexit politicians, means we are only four months away from the train wreck of a collision between the fantasy politics of denial and the reality of farmers' livelihoods destroyed as a result of being on the wrong side of a tax border we cannot trade through. We should not be under any illusion. What is on offer is not perfect. It is not the deal, only a withdrawal agreement, with a limited insurance policy in respect of trade in goods from NI. However, business in general is prepared to accept these challenges to protect jobs, to create the best of times and avoid the worst of times. Declan Billington is chief executive of animal feed processor Thompsons Pub boss Tim Martin, one of business's most outspoken Brexiteers, has urged MPs to reject the draft EU withdrawal agreement. Wetherspoon chairman Mr Martin, who spent part of his life in Northern Ireland and has four pubs here, also called on Theresa May to stand down as Prime Minister. He said a no-deal Brexit was preferable to the draft agreement on the table. "I'm in favour of a common market, but the EU is guilty of overreach. It's become a law-making entity with no democratic credentials," he added. He also claimed leaving on a no-deal basis would cut prices in shops because the UK would be able to reduce tariffs on imports from other territories such as America and India "to zero". "We can regain control of our fishing and avoid paying 39bn on a divorce deal, which is 600 per person in Northern Ireland," he said. "I think the draft withdrawal agreement should be voted down without hesitation. It's a trap which keeps the UK in an undemocratic institution." He also said the Prime Minister should quit because she had shown she was "not a winner". "She supported the Remain side and lost," Mr Martin stressed. "She supported the ideas of David Cameron and George Osborne, who said that in the year or two after a Leave vote the economy would go down. That didn't happen." "She called an election in 2017 and lost her majority. She said she was going to negotiate a deal which took us out of the customs union and the single market, but she's failed." However, the head of an organisation representing the food industry here welcomed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement. Brian Irwin, chairman of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), said the industry "must be clear on the fact that a no-deal outcome would be disastrous, particularly for the agri-food sector". "We simply could not absorb increased customs, tariffs and regulatory costs on trade between Northern Ireland and the EU," he added. Speaking at NIFDA's annual dinner last night, Mr Irwin, who is also a director of Irwin's Bakery in Portadown, also said: "While this agreement may not be perfect, and further clarification on certain aspects will be required, it is vastly preferable to a no-deal scenario. "It offers us an effective insurance policy in the interim period until a new trading relationship is agreed. "A UK-wide solution that avoids a hard border and allows Northern Irish firms frictionless access to markets in Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the European Union offers our members the best chance of surviving in a post-Brexit world." To think of Claire Foy is to think of the Queen. She has become as closely associated with the monarch as corgis and handbags. Indeed it seems likely that she is one of those stars that will forever be associated with the role that made her famous, in this case playing a young Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix's big budget drama The Crown. Even though Olivia Colman will soon pick up the mantle when the show makes a time jump, Foy's performance looms so large in the public consciousness that it gave her pause when it came to choosing her next part. She will next be seen as shaven-headed, heavily tattooed and pierced vigilante hacker Lisbeth Salander in the latest instalment of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. "I was a bit worried everyone would think it was a bit obvious," the British star (34) says with a chuckle. "Or they would say I've gone, 'No, I throw off the shackles of being the Queen and want to shave my head!' but that wasn't it at all. If anything I thought this could be a bit extreme but I loved it so couldn't not do it. "I'm not like that. If it's in front of me I am like, 'That is what I will do' but other than that, I can't think a day ahead really." It isn't the first time that playing Queen Elizabeth II has given her pause about another role that followed. "When I did Breathe, it was in my head it was too similar but I did it anyway because I loved it," she says, referring to her turn as the wife of Robin Cavendish, who was paralysed from the neck down by polio at the age of 28. "That is the same sort of thing. If something else like that had come along, I wouldn't have turned it down purely because I didn't want to repeat the same thing. "If I love something, I'm doomed. I'm like, 'Oh God, I've got to do it' and it was sort of the same with this." In The Girl In The Spider's Web, based on the first novel in the series not penned by late author Stieg Larsson, Stockport-born Foy takes over the role of Salander from Rooney Mara, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in 2012. It's not just Mara who has played the role before though - Noomi Rapace has also donned black leather to take on the part in the Swedish-language films. "It's not ideal, is it?" Foy laughs. "Hopefully at some point, I will be able to meet both of them and say, 'I think you're amazing and great' but it's a weird thing, isn't it? "I feel very, very honoured to share this part with them but at the same time we are all playing a different woman because we are all different women. "Of what I know about them and have heard about them, I think everybody has an amount of respect for what we all do. We all do the same job and we are all aware of how it works and what it is and so I think we would all be pretty much (she gives a nod of recognition), 'Hi, how are you doing?'. Did she try to discuss the role with either of them? "Dear God no, of course not!" But one thing that marks Foy's performance apart is the timeliness of the film's release. The film follows Salander as she tries to rescue and exact vengeance for battered women. It's the first movie of the series released since the scandal surrounding disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein rocked Hollywood, and the image of a woman taking revenge on abusive men takes on a more loaded meaning. "Weirdly, since we have made the film, and in the process of making the film, the conversations that people are having are very different and what is in the news is very different. "Just by the pure nature of it, it is of the moment and that is interesting because we haven't made the film with that in mind at all. "Lisbeth, and what she stands for and what she's been through in her life, has been around for such a long time and the books were written over a decade ago. Stieg Larsson wasn't writing anything that people didn't already know so we will just have to see what effect that has." But timeliness aside, taking on the part did give her the chance to learn a whole new skill set, talents she had not previously had a chance to accrue in Little Dorrit, Upstairs Downstairs, Wolf Hall and, of course, The Crown. "I learned lots of new things to do in the gym and lots of fight moves. But I can only do it if I stop my fist an inch away from someone's face, so it's not very good in everyday life. "But it wasn't just those elements. My approach to this film was very different to anything else so it's been a learning process." The one thing she did not quite master was the world of computer hacking. "There is no way," she says, looking baffled. "It's a whole world of intelligence. "Coding, that's a thing. I don't even know what that is! There is a dark web out there though!" The Girl In The Spider's Web is in cinemas next Wednesday Zoe Kazan is inspecting the headboard of the bed in the hotel room. "I think that has blood spattered on it!" she exclaims with alarm. "It's something anyway. Coffee?" It turns out this isn't the first time the star of movies including The Big Sick and Ruby Sparks has found an unpleasant surprise in a bedroom. "I was shooting an independent movie once where they put us up in a motel and there was blood dried on the floor by the bed, on the little ruffle of the bed and on the bedside table. "I was like, 'You're going to have to move me', someone had definitely died there, for sure. But there were no other rooms available so I had to sleep in this room for a week! "I put towels everywhere. Everywhere I had to touch, I put a towel down. I was terrified. I did not sleep well. There was an entire Vietnamese family living in the motel room next door too, 12 people. It was crazy." This memory might be eight years old but it's clearly fresh. So much so that it's a relief her new film had a slightly more generous budget. The 35-year-old stars in The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs, the latest movie from directing brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. The movie is an anthology western, which also stars James Franco, Liam Neeson and Tom Waits, and Kazan plays a woman crossing the Old West to get to Oregon. "I have never started a job not terrified but with the Coens I was s***ting myself the entire time. It's just that when you really love someone's work so much and you get the opportunity to work with them, it doesn't happen that often. I felt like I was contending, at least at first, with my own nerves. "But it was just me, I was the source of all nerves on set. The Coens were very relaxed on set and they are not micro-managers in the least, which is nice. "They have been working with the same crew for decades so there is a lot of trust on set. I think I was much more confident when I was 22 and starting out acting than I am now. "It's like you're not afraid to ski when you're a kid because you're not afraid to fall. Part of it is you don't have very far to fall but part of it is because you think you're immortal. "When you're starting out as an actor you need that kind of confidence, otherwise you just give up. After a year of not getting work and having casting directors say, 'You got so close', if you don't take away the 'you got so close' part then you're never going to keep going. "The first year of auditioning, I did get jobs but most of the time it was not going to go your way so you have to take away, 'But they were really impressed' or, 'You got really close' or, 'They are going to call you in for the next thing'. "Living or dying off of praise for a year was tough." Kazan (left) said she still throws her scripts in the bin as she leaves an audition and for Buster Scruggs she even wore a special outfit. "I wore a prairie dress, one that I already own. I didn't even rent one. This is something I wear in real life. No bonnet, I do own one though." For fans of Kazan's work, this might not come as a surprise. She has the vibe of someone who might own a prairie dress and a bonnet. She is best known for her role in Ruby Sparks, which she also penned, starring opposite her real-life partner Paul Dano in the story about a struggling novelist who finds romance by writing a female character he thinks will love him, and then willing her into existence. Kazan has recently penned her second film, this time with Dano, an adaptation of Richard Ford's novel Wildlife, with Dano making his directorial debut. She said: "I don't have the fear with writing that I do with acting. It's a totally different kind of thing because with acting you're waiting for permission all the time to be able to do the thing you love and with writing, if someone doesn't like my writing I can still write." Wildlife follows a six-year gap since 2012's Ruby Sparks, but for Kazan the time has flown by. In that time, she has starred in What If with Daniel Radcliffe, Olive Kitteridge with Frances McDormand, Our Brand Is Crisis with Sandra Bullock and of course last year's hit The Big Sick, which was nominated for a string of awards. "I also wrote two plays during that period of time, so I think I was just writing in a different medium, but movies take a long time to make. With Wildlife, we wrote for three or four years and then it took a couple of years to get it made. "I remember when we were on our Ruby Sparks press tour, people would say to John and Val (the directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris), 'It's been five years since Little Miss Sunshine, why such a big break?' and I thought, 'Yeah, why such a big break?' but now I'm like it's not long at all, it goes really fast when you're a grown-up. "The thing that makes me feel older than anything is when people write to me online and say, 'When I was in middle school I loved Ruby Sparks' and I know it feels like no time to me. "It was 2012, six years ago, but to me it's nothing. I feel I have different hair and that is it. I sleep a little less, that is all." Wildlife is out now. The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs is in select cinemas now and is now streaming on Netflix People on the Falls and the Shankill agreed about one thing yesterday - Brexit was a shambles. That, though, was far as the agreement went. On the Falls Road, Connor Burn (19) believed that the whole idea of Brexit should be scrapped. "This is bad for Ireland, both north and south," he said. "I have no idea how it's going to effect the catering trade I work in. That's what's important to me and my future. "I can't see how it's going to be of any help to me. I say scrap the whole thing." And he wasn't too happy about the role Sinn Fein has been playing. "Sinn Fein had the chance to have a real say in this but don't take their seats in Westminster. "And now the DUP are seeing what the government are like - they're not to be trusted. "I say have a border poll instead and really find out what people in the north think." Geraldine Fox said: "I never thought we should have been leaving the EU in the first place and though I'm not into politics I can see this decision shouldn't be forced on us. People talk about hard borders, soft borders, borders in the Irish Sea, but the truth is, even with a deal on the table, no one knows what it all means. "Because there are so many issues and so many different opinions, it makes me think it's a bad thing all round. People voted for something and didn't know what they were voting for, which isn't right." Over on the Shankill Road, Keith McCullough felt that Northern Ireland had been "sold down the river". "We need a strong leader and Theresa May is not a strong leader. Get Boris Johnston in. "We want someone who will take no nonsense from the EU. "We are leaving and we should simply tell the EU that and be done with it. Walk away. But walk away with us setting the terms. "Does Europe not remember that they wouldn't have their own countries at all if it hadn't been for Britain in the Second World War? "We don't owe the EU anything and for us to be lined up to pay them for the right to leave, that's nonsense." John McVicar added: "I want us out of Europe and what I have heard a lot of people saying is that the Prime Minister needs to fall on her sword. "If she doesn't, I can't see her lasting much longer. This is not the deal Northern Ireland needs - and we've taken over two years to get here. It's a shambles. "And I'd love to know how much money has been spent on sorting this mess out, when we have real issues at home." Meanwhile, on the streets of Londonderry there was an overwhelming sigh of relief that the deal meant no return to a hard border. Jean Martin was very enthusiastic about the deal and what it could bring further down the line. She said: "I think it is an amazing deal. I think it is the road now into a united Ireland, which is long overdue. "I understand people are nervous that it may not go through and that the DUP seem to be holding all of the EU to ransom, but at the end of the day I think it will be amazing for the north of Ireland and the south." Bridgeen Coyle was relieved that the deal meant there would be no border. She said: "People in Derry move into Donegal all the time and it is the same the other way. "The idea that there could be a hard border was a worry, so it is great that that seems to be sorted." Dubai will host next week, November 18-21, the 87th International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) General Assembly. The summit will bring together police leaders and security experts from across the world and will be used as a platform to discuss security challenges and unite global efforts to combat transnational organized crime. Head of the security establishment of Dubai, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri welcomed the event, saying that Dubai Police for the past few years has worked closely with local, regional and international police forces on various initiatives ranging from capacity building to drug seizure and prevention of crimes. With the rapid development of knowledge, science and technology, the security landscape is evolving rapidly and becoming more complex and globalized, he noted, adding that in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, Dubai Police is implementing Artificial Intelligence technologies across its services, in a bid to anticipate future challenges, potential threats and crime trends. The Dubai Police was recently awarded by European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) the Platinum award for its outstanding results. Dubai Police became the first in the world to receive the award, he noted. Dubai had also hosted last September 25-26 the International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference, held under the theme: Combatting the Global Wave Crime of Illicit Trade. As Brexit turmoil intensified in London, the DUP and Ulster Unionists clashed over the fall-out from the Withdrawal Agreement. North Antrim MP Ian Paisley accused UUP leader Robin Swann of trying to score political points against the DUP and urged unionists to unite in opposition to Mrs May's proposals. The MP said: "At a time when unionists throughout the United Kingdom are standing together, it is cheap in the extreme for Robin Swann to engineer attacks against the DUP." Mr Paisley spoke out after Mr Swann slammed the DUP's stance over the Brexit negotiations, accusing the party of "a monumental error of judgment" on the issue. In another statement yesterday, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson claimed signing up to the backstop in December was "a huge strategic error" by the Government, which was supported by the DUP. He said: "We have repeatedly warned that the backstop would come back to haunt us and unfortunately so it has. "At the time, we wrote to the Prime Minister outlining our serious concerns about the implications of the text on the constitutional integrity of the UK and democratic decision making in Northern Ireland. "The Government were hoodwinked by the EU, and the DUP bought the December agreement hook, line and sinker too. "Instead of demanding and scrutinising meaningful legal advice regarding the potential implications of the backstop, the DUP and Arlene Foster instead chose to boast of commitments they had supposedly secured and ultimately welcomed the December agreement. "Mrs Foster said that at the time, 'Northern Ireland will not be separated constitutionally, politically, economically or regulatory from the rest of the United Kingdom.'" Mr Nicholson claimed that the DUP had failed in their "primary duty", which was to protect the Union. He added: "The Prime Minister now owes an explanation to the people of Northern Ireland why she has signed up to a deal which contains proposals that aren't very different from the March version of the backstop which Mrs May said at the time no British Prime Minister could sign up to? "This draft Withdrawal Agreement makes for grim reading." But Mr Paisley rejected the UUP claims and said unionists did not want to see the parties clashing at this time. He said: "Unionism in Northern Ireland should also stand united against a deal which is bad for Northern Ireland. "Grassroots unionism does not want to see such a petty squabble when the real focus should be on the proposed Brexit deal. "The DUP will work with those from all sides of the House of Commons and all parts of the UK to oppose a deal which weakens the Union. "If the UUP is prepared to set their own petty agenda aside, they could play a constructive role in that process," Mr Paisley said. Meanwhile, Theresa May's Brexit plan has failed to win the backing of the British public, with an opinion poll suggesting that more than four in 10 Britons oppose it. A YouGov poll conducted yesterday found twice as many people oppose it as support it, 42% to 19%. At the last General Election every major party stood on a manifesto commitment of delivering upon the referendum result. There was a Parliamentary majority of nearly 400 in the vote to trigger the Article 50 process. The DUP supported the campaign for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union and we have always been clear that we would support the Government to deliver a sensible exit from the European Union which strengthened the Union and which benefited all parts of the UK. When Theresa May visited Belfast a few weeks after the referendum in July 2016 she met the then First Minister and deputy First Minister. It was right that even at that early stage Arlene Foster outlined the DUPs clear view that leaving the EU should not lead to a return of the borders of the past between Northern Ireland and the Republic. A false choice was developed however, that in order to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland that a border would have to be drawn down the Irish Sea. Paragraph 50 of last Decembers Joint Report was inserted because the DUP recognised the impact such a border would have. Paragraph 50 is quite clear that there can be no regulatory barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom unless the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly agrees. This document was agreed by both the United Kingdom and the European Union and the Prime Minister repeatedly made clear her support to maintain such a position. All the DUP has asked of the Prime Minister is to implement what was agreed within Paragraph 50 and on her many statements to the House of Commons and to the wider public. Much has been made of the DUPs recognition that the Withdrawal Agreement presented by the Prime Minister would separate Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. However, the issue of the Union has been central to much of the criticisms levelled against the agreement and it has been specifically cited by many of those, including Cabinet ministers who have resigned their post. Among those who resigned their posts in government are those who voted to remain as well as those who campaigned to leave the European Union. They recognise that the integrity of the United Kingdom should not be undermined simply to comply with the EUs desire to protect its single market. There should be no-one surprised at the stance taken by the DUP in response to the deal. It has been our consistent and repeated stance both in public and in private. What was striking that following the Prime Ministers statement to Parliament there were voices from every part of the UK and from all sides of the House of Commons raising real concerns about the impact of the Withdrawal Agreement. Those MPs recognise that the choice to be placed before Parliament is to stand up for the whole of the UK or to vote for a vassal state, subject to the rules of others and a weakening of the ties which bind our United Kingdom together. A veterans' campaigner has been reported to the Attorney General after he encouraged former soldiers to suffer "total memory loss" if called to give evidence at the Ballymurphy inquest. The coroner has reported a tweet by Alan Barry of the Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans (JFNIV) group for "potential contempt of court". "Remarks such as those made by Mr Barry must not be allowed to derail the inquest or tarnish the genuine efforts by former soldiers to assist this inquest," Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan said yesterday. She was referring to Mr Barry's social media activity on Wednesday morning which he urged anyone subpoenaed by the inquest to say they "can barely remember what you did yesterday let alone 40 plus years ago". Mrs Keegan acknowledged concern expressed by relatives of the Ballymurphy families over Mr Barry's previous call for former soldiers to "put letters from the coroner service in the bin". She said his remarks were in direct "conflict " with the MOD's position and reminded everyone she has the power to subpoena witnesses. The daughter of a man who was shot in the Ballymurphy massacre has told an inquest that her hair fell out as a result of the shock of identifying her father's body. Alice Harper also recalled how she had cut her father Danny Teggart's hair shortly before he was killed - and she was only be able to identify the 44-year-old by the same tiny black curls. The father-of-13 and grandfather-of-one had just found out that his daughter was pregnant again before he went to invite his brother Gerard to stay with her amid rising tensions in the area - but he never made it home. Ms Harper recalled praying on the street with a local priest when she heard shots ring out on a "beautiful" summer evening, but said it wasn't until the following morning that her mother Belle became concerned about his safety. Alice then made her way to Henry Taggart Army Post to see if her dad had been arrested during an internment swoop the previous day. But she said soldiers just mocked her by boasting that they "only had time for killing" before they sang 'Where's Your Papa Gone'. Ms Harper said that when she returned again she was told "there is a f****** unidentified body in the Laganbank morgue, why don't you try there?" Recalling finding her father's body in the morgue, she said: "His face was all puffy and it didn't look like him, but the only way I could recognise him was his tight curly hair." The then 23-year-old said she developed alopecia and lost her hair as a result of the shock which tore her family apart. She said the trauma "took a toll" and contributed to the death of her newborn son who only lived for two days after he was born the following March. Just two years later, her brother Bernard was killed by the IRA. Kathleen McCarry, the younger sister of former soldier and TA member Edward Doherty (31), also described the impact of her brother's death during an emotional fourth day of the inquest. The married father-of-four was last seen in their sister Theresa's house enjoying a cup of tea. "The next thing we knew Eddie was dead," she said. Ms McCarry said her mother, who was visiting her sister and her soldier husband in England at the time, always questioned why God didn't let her son die in the Blitz when he was just six months old. "She looked at him in the coffin and the next thing she was on the floor, it was his poor face, it was all marked and bruised," she said. The inquest heard how her mother Elizabeth "went to pieces" and was later admitted to a mental hospital before she "died of a broken heart" following the "nightmare" which would not end. "She was walking about in a daze," Ms McCarry said. "There were times we couldn't find her and would have to go out looking for her, we would find her at the grave washing it down. She went from this strong woman who washed the dead, delivered babies, did amazing things, to a woman who was lost." Kathleen also described how Mr Doherty's widow Marie struggled to cope before she suffered a massive heart attack and died nine years later - she was only 40. Eileen McKeown, who lost her father Joseph Corr (43) in the massacre, wept as she described how her mum received hate-mail from her late husband's colleagues in Shorts after the Army falsely claimed he was an IRA gunman. Ms McKeown expressed regret that her family, which had been in the process of emigrating to Australia, didn't move before her father was shot on August 11, 1971 - he died 16 days later in hospital. "There wasn't a bad bone in my daddy's body," she said. She said the loss of her father - and the fact that all her siblings were unable to attend his funeral because they had been taken to a refugee camp - led to deep resentment which built up over many years. "The soldiers who did this, they don't realise the after-effects," she said. "I mean, I used to have four brothers and now I've none." She said the they all turned to alcohol because they couldn't cope - her brother Redmond was murdered in Edinburgh and Sean, Kieran and Joe Jnr all died of cancer. Ms McKeown said she hoped the inquest will help her get closer to justice, adding: "I want 'Joseph Corr was an innocent man' read out for everyone to hear." Michael Gove insisted he still has confidence in Theresa May after deciding he will stay in her Cabinet. Following the resignation of four ministers in the wake of her poorly-received Brexit deal on Thursday, speculation was rife that the departure of the most senior Leave campaigner in her Cabinet could deal a damaging blow to the Prime Minister. But Mrs May faces mounting pressure from within Tory ranks as further MPs called for her to be ousted. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: I absolutely do. He added: I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain. Mr Gove threw a lifeline to the Prime Minister by staying in government despite reportedly turning down the post of Brexit Secretary vacated by Dominic Raab after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Mrs May told LBC she had a very good conversation with Mr Gove on Thursday, but declined to say what they had discussed, other than the future of the fishing industry after Brexit. She said the Environment Secretary had been doing a great job, adding: I havent appointed a new Brexit Secretary yet, but obviously I will be doing that over the course of the next day or so. A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May was very pleased that Mr Gove will stay on and continue doing the important work he is doing. There was also support from Brexiteer Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who said he had full confidence in the Prime Minister and what we need now is stability. And in a marked departure from Mrs Mays no deal is better than a bad deal mantra he told an event in Bristol: Ultimately I hope that across Parliament well recognise that a deal is better than no deal. In a half-hour phone-in on the radio station, Mrs May faced repeated calls to stand down from members of the public. One caller told the PM that Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a better leader, while another said she had appeased the EU like Neville Chamberlain in his negotiations with Hitler. I believe with every fibre of my being that the course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people. pic.twitter.com/L41ta6Wati Theresa May (@theresa_may) November 15, 2018 Meanwhile, former culture secretary John Whittingdale and ex-minister Mark Francois were among the latest Tories to submit letters of no confidence in Mrs May as Conservative leader. Sources indicated that the number of letters submitted to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, may now be nearing the 48 needed to trigger a vote. Former Brexit minister Steve Baker said he had been speaking to colleagues and his count was a little over 48 with another dozen probable although he acknowledged this may be inaccurate as only Sir Graham knew the true figure. If Mrs May is ousted, he said Brexiteers needed to agree on a single candidate to avoid the mistakes of the last leadership contest even if it meant potentially deciding the next prime minister by drawing lots. Mr Whittingdale told the Press Association: I believe that the agreement that is being proposed does not deliver Brexit in the way that I and many others want to see. Former defence minister Mr Francois, the vice-chair of the European Research Group of Eurosceptic Tories, published his own letter, denouncing the Brexit deal as truly awful and warning: I can never vote for this and neither can many of my colleagues. Mrs Mays de facto deputy David Lidington said she would handsomely win a confidence vote if one was triggered by Tory MPs. Mrs May played down suggestions that she might seek to maintain Cabinet unity by offering ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal comes before Parliament, as International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt has requested. Expand Close Theresa May defended her Brexit plans in a Downing Street press conference on Thursday (Matt Dunham/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May defended her Brexit plans in a Downing Street press conference on Thursday (Matt Dunham/PA) There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country. Government policy is Government policy, she told LBC. The Government will put its position to the House of Commons. The PM denied that she had had a testy exchange over Brexit with Arlene Foster, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her minority administration in the Commons. But she left no doubt she was aware she cannot guarantee DUP support when Brexit comes to the Commons, saying: Every individual MP will decide how they will vote, whether they are DUP, Conservative, Labour. My job is to persuade first and foremost my Conservative benches, those who are working with us the DUP are working with us, obviously, confidence and supply but I want to be able to say to every MP I believe this is the best deal for the UK. Expand Close Mrs May takes a call on LBC (@RobbieGibb/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mrs May takes a call on LBC (@RobbieGibb/PA) Mrs May was forced to defend her deal with Brussels to a series of callers, including Conservative-supporting councillor Daniel Turner from Louth who told her to stand down and allow someone from the Brexit camp to take the lead. Asked whether she saw herself as a modern-day Chamberlain, she replied no I dont, insisting her deal meant taking back control of the UKs money, borders and laws. Were out of the customs union, out of the single market. I think thats what people voted for and thats what Im delivering, Former Brexit Secretary David Davis denounced the draft deal agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday as a dreadful proposal and suggested it was still possible to reopen negotiations with Brussels. David Davis was a terrible #Brexit Secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels & rapidly lost respect there. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage.. Simon Fraser (@SimonFraser00) November 16, 2018 His comment on BBCs Today programme earned a stinging rebuke from former Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Simon Fraser, who said: David Davis was a terrible Brexit secretary who could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed Labour could secure a Commons majority for a compromise Brexit deal. He told Today a unity platform was emerging at Westminster to avoid the catastrophic impact of a no-deal break with the EU. PVN drop-in centre volunteers Angel Deville and Liz Rocks helped to give first aid after a young man fell from a party bike Volunteers at a Belfast homeless centre have spoken of the terrifying moment they gave CPR to a man who stopped breathing when he fell from a 'party' bike in Belfast. The young man - believed to be a teenager who suffers from a heart condition - fell from the multi-passenger vehicle at around 6.20pm on Wednesday. He remains in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital after the incident in Amelia Street in the city centre. It is understood he had not been drinking and was taking part in a team-building event. Liz Rocks (51) and Angel De'ville (48) were setting up at the PVN homeless drop-in centre when they heard a commotion outside. Ms De'ville said: "It's the scariest thing in the world to have someone's life in your hands. "I looked out the front door and saw the young lad on the ground. "I could see he was in a lot of distress and had a head injury. "I put him straight in the recovery position while Liz was clearing everyone out of the way." Angel soon had to rely on her first aid training when the young man stopped breathing. "I started doing CPR with another person helping to do chest compressions," she said. A young woman brought a defibrillator from the Maldron Hotel next door, which police officers on the scene were able to use. Paramedics continued the treatment shortly afterwards, before the man was taken to intensive care. "I think none of us slept last night, waiting for news of him," said Angel. "My heart goes out to the emergency services, as they have to deal with that on a daily basis." Just two weeks earlier, two other volunteers at the PVN drop-in centre saved the life of a service user who had overdosed on heroin. Liz said: "They had to administer CPR and a Naloxone pen, having just completed the training in July. "That was our first experience of that, even though we do have people that come in with addiction and mental health issues. "You do the training, but you never really think it will happen. "I think it shows everyone should take the time to learn first aid." Jennifer Kenna is the managing director for the bike company, Wee Toast Tours. She said: "This is a really unfortunate thing that's happened and we wish him a speedy recovery." She praised the response of her staff at the scene who she said were trained in CPR and health and safety. "We're confident we're running a safe tour," she added. A security alert in Belfast has ended after two suspicious objects were found in Ulidia House. The building, which provides sheltered accommodation, was evacuated and Donegall Road was closed in both directions on Thursday evening. Both of the objects have been safely removed for further examination by the Bomb Squad and police seized a number of other items from the property which will also be examined within the ongoing investigation. Donegall Road has now been reopened and residents allowed to return shortly after 9.30pm. Police enquiries into the incident are continuing. A man accused of raping and causing brain injuries to a baby claimed he may have unintentionally hit the child's head off a wall while "tired and frustrated", the High Court heard on Friday. The 25-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified, denies sexually assaulting the 12-day-old infant in Co Down. But prosecutors argued the injuries inflicted, including broken ribs and thigh bones, were so severe that they could not have been accidental. A judge was also told police have discovered extreme pornographic material and indecent images of children on a phone linked to the accused. Refusing bail, Mr Justice McAlinden ruled it would be "wholly inappropriate" to release him from custody. The man faces charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and sexual assault of a child by penetration on September 29 this year. Crown counsel Samuel Magee said police were alerted after the baby was brought to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry with unexplained injuries. The child had sustained a brain haemorrhage, a number of broken bones, traumatic bruising and was bleeding when admitted. Medical professionals believe the fractures may have been due to the use of significant force, such as through the tugging or twisting of limbs, the court heard. As details of the injuries were disclosed, three women in the public gallery gasped and left the courtroom. A consultant paediatrician provided an opinion that the baby had been sexually assaulted, according to Mr Magee. He said the accused told police of attempts to wind the unsettled child while in his care at a house on the night in question. "The only explanation he proffered was that he was tired and frustrated, and may have hit the baby's head on the wall as he was going downstairs," the barrister continued. The man gave no explanation for the bruising, and categorically denies any sexual assault. Despite the alleged victim's condition improving, Mr Magee was cautious about the prognosis. "The future for this child is significantly unknown," he submitted. Opposing bail, he insisted: "These injuries are so severe they could not have been accidental." Mr Justice McAlinden was also told of a potential risk to the accused's own safety, based on social media commentary surrounding the case. During exchanges with the judge, defence counsel confirmed his client apparently accept responsibility for the head injury. "His case is that it wasn't intentionally caused," the barrister said. Ruling that the accused must remain in custody, however, Mr Justice McAlinden cited the potential risks of further offending, interference with witnesses and to his own safety. He confirmed: "The court is convinced in this particular case that the grant of bail would be wholly inappropriate." A weapons haul which was discovered in a residential boiler house that caught fire in Belfast (PSNI/PA) A dissident republican weapons haul containing guns potentially used in police murder bids has been discovered in a residential boiler house that caught fire in Belfast. Two AK47 assault rifles, two sawn-off shotguns, a high-powered rifle with a silencer fitted, three pipe bombs and more than 100 assorted rounds of ammunition were stored in the building that went on fire on Rodney Drive in west Belfast on Wednesday. Police believe the weapons belonged to the so-called New IRA and may have been stored in the outhouse without the knowledge of the resident of the home. Expand Close The weapons were found in a residential boiler house that caught fire in west Belfast (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The weapons were found in a residential boiler house that caught fire in west Belfast (PSNI/PA) Detective Superintendent John McVea, from the Police Service of Northern Irelands terrorism investigation unit, said: We firmly believe these weapons belong to the New IRA. The guns, bombs and bullets were stored on top of an operating domestic boiler and officers believe the blaze may have been triggered when one ignited due to the heat. It beggars belief that anyone would store items as volatile as bombs and bullets in a hot environment, said Mr McVea. Detectives from PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit are appealing for information following the discovery of a significant amount of weapons and ammunition in West Belfast which they believe belong to the New IRA. Click here for info: https://t.co/FvbOvws2xe#KeepingPeopleSafe Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) November 16, 2018 This is simply reckless, it is stupid and it shows total disregard for the safety of local residents. Anyone with an ounce of sense would have known that live ammunition and pipe bombs mixed with heat is a recipe for carnage. Police believe the AK47s may have been used in two separate dissident attacks on police one in the Rossnareen Avenue area of west Belfast in November 2015 and the other on a garage forecourt on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast in January 2017. Expand Close Ammunition was found alongside the weapons (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ammunition was found alongside the weapons (PSNI/PA) In the first attack, a police car patrolling Rossnareen Avenue was riddled with up to eight bullets. Armoured plating and bulletproof glass was credited with saving the lives of the two officers inside the vehicle when they were ambushed. In the second attack, a policeman survived despite being shot three times in the arm when gunmen opened fire on him as he got out of a parked police car at the Crumlin Road garage. Officers said it was miracle no members of the public were also shot as bullets flew across the busy petrol station forecourt. Expand Close Sawn-off shotguns were discovered as part of the cache (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sawn-off shotguns were discovered as part of the cache (PSNI/PA) On Friday, Mr McVea said: The Crumlin Road shooting in particular was reckless and showed total disregard for members of the public as bullets entered the filling station shop, narrowly missing customers and passing motorists. The detective said he believed the weapons were moved into the boiler house on Monday evening after 9pm. He urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the alleyway behind Rodney Drive to come forward. We are lucky there hasnt been significant injury as the fire developed, he said. Mr McVea said the violent renegades who owned the weapons were beneath contempt. Expand Close The PSNI said it beggared belief that weapons could have been stored in a place radiating heat (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The PSNI said it beggared belief that weapons could have been stored in a place radiating heat (PSNI/PA) I am asking the community to stand up against these parasites, he added. Mr McVea said it was possible the resident of the property was unaware and had been exploited by the terrorists. The detective said a neighbour first reported the fire, with the occupant of the house then also calling the emergency services to alert them to the blaze. A 35-year-old man who was arrested under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday was subsequently released unconditionally. Expand Close The discovery was made after the building caught fire (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The discovery was made after the building caught fire (PSNI/PA) Mr McVea said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation but said it was possible one of the illegal items stored on top of the boiler had sparked it. It is no surprise to me that when you store pipe bombs and ammunition on top of a hot boiler, that is just a recipe for carnage, so that might well be the cause (of the fire), but thats still under investigation, he said. The investigating officer declined to be drawn on the suggestion the weapons had been moved ahead of another planned attack on police. The one thing I am pleased about is that these weapons are no longer in the hands of the terrorists and they have been put beyond use, he said. He added: Its a significant haul of weapons in todays terms within terrorism and it is with pleasure that these weapons are no longer in the hands of these terrorists. Mr McVea said the New IRA still posed a severe threat despite the weapons seizure. Dissident republicans are being blamed for a gun attack in Londonderry after which the victim crawled up the street bleeding from his wounds Dissident republicans are being blamed for a gun attack in Londonderry after which the victim crawled up the street bleeding from his wounds. The man in his 30s, living in the Ballymagroarty area, was shot in the legs by an eight-man gang shortly after 8pm on Wednesday night. One local resident who came to his assistance said: "That man was bleeding heavily and was in a bad way so there was no way anyone could have left him without doing something. "The neighbours did what they could until the ambulance arrived, but it is a terrible situation. "People are scared living here, things are not good, but personally I don't think this is a solution to anything." PSNI Inspector Vince Redmond said: "This was a vicious and brutal shooting in the early evening when families were going about their business. "The very fact that these gunmen thought it was acceptable to recklessly shoot this man in a built-up area where children and teenagers could be passing by shows the contempt they have for people in their community. "The bullets could have strayed at any moment and hit someone passing by." The police are appealing for information on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The US Senate Thursday killed efforts to block the sale of military hardware worth $300 million to Bahrain, which is part of the Saudi-led coalition waging war in Yemen. Efforts led by Sen. Rand Paul to block the arm sale to the tiny Gulf monarchy fell as 77 lawmakers voted against with only 21 in favor. The US administration is mulling plans to sell to Bahrain 120 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System M31 Unitary Rocket Pods and 110 Army Tactical Missiles System M57 T2K Unitary missiles. The US will also provide associated training and support. Rand Paul, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is a staunch opponent to the war in Yemen and has been calling for an end to the US support for the Saudi-led coalition in a conflict that has caused over 10,000 deaths most of them civilians. The US lawmaker believes a refusal to sell the military weaponry will herald the beginning of US withdrawal from the war. I would like to vote directly that we should not be at war in Yemen, not be involved with supplying refueling or bombs to the Saudis and the Bahrainis and their coalition, Paul said in a floor speech. Im not asking that we end our alliance, Im not asking that we sanction them, Paul said. Im only saying, stop one sale of arms to send a message that we are done with the war in Yemen, that we are no longer going to sell weapons to countries that are fighting this war in Yemen, that the war must come to a close. Opponents of the bill argue that Bahrain is a critical ally as it hosts a US military base hosting 7,800 American troops in addition to US Navys Fifth Fleet used to protect US interest in the region. Bahrain is a critical ally to us, said Sen. Bob Menendez also member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It hosts the US Navys 5th Fleet, providing a vital naval base from which the US protects its national security interests in the Gulf and throughout the region, and its willingness to host our naval forces also places Bahrain at greater risk from attack from Iran or terrorists seeking to do harm to the United States. They also believe that the efforts are wrong as they target a country that is not directly connected to the war. For us to block sales to the country of Bahrain that is housing one of our most important naval bases over something that has nothing to do with them, but has something to do with another country, is not a pragmatic nor a sensible step, said Sen Bob Corker who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Northern Ireland's business groups have come together to give a cautious welcome to the proposed Brexit withdrawal agreement. Northern Ireland's business groups have come together to give a cautious welcome to the proposed Brexit withdrawal agreement. In a joint statement, groups representing businesses across Northern Ireland said the extended transition period in the new deal would allow "flexibility and time" for a new relationship with the EU to be established. The comment comes after Northern Ireland's farmers called on Democratic Unionist MPs to consider voting in favour of the deal. The business organisations representing CBI NI, small business group body FSB NI, directors group IoD NI, and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said the draft withdrawal agreement "provides some much needed clarity that local businesses have been calling for". Between them the groups represent the majority of businesses in membership organisations in Northern Ireland While by no means perfect, it provides a platform to move onto the critical next stage and allows work to begin on the formulation of a comprehensive future trade deal," the groups said. Crucially, the provision for an extended transition period offers our members the flexibility and time to adjust to a new relationship with the EU which they must be allowed to do in as smooth and orderly a manner as possible." The statement added the proposed backstop was not intended as a permanent solution and states a no-deal Brexit "would be deeply damaging and would represent a very bad outcome for businesses, consumers and the economy as a whole". "Accordingly, we are pleased to see this agreement and look forward to being involved in the next stages of the process as we move towards the future relationship, it says. In a separate statement on Friday the Ulster Farmers' Union, which represents thousands of farmers across the province, man of whom would traditionally vote DUP, called on the party to back the draft text. The group's chief executive Wesley Aston told the Nolan Show a "no deal" scenario would be "absolutely disasterous" and urged the Conservative's confidence and supply partners to back the deal on those grounds. A vote on the proposed Brexit deal will take place in the House of Commons in early December. The DUP will review its confidence and supply agreement with the Conservative Party if Theresa May's Brexit deal passes parliament, the DUP's chief whip has revealed. The DUP's 10 MPs currently support the government on key votes since last year's general election but this may change if the Prime Minister's controversial Brexit deal is voted through parliament. Read More Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, speaking on the BBC's The View on Thursday evening, said the DUP will vote against the draft withdrawal deal. He said: "That is the most immediate priority. Part of our agreement with the Conservative Party is the Brexit situation. "So yes, if the Conservative Party decided, and were successful in getting this deal through the House of Commons, then absolutely, we will have to review our position with regard to the confidence and supply agreement." The DUP MP also said the Ulster Farmers' Union and the chairman of the Northern Ireland food and drink committee were wrong to support the draft Brexit deal. Sir Jeffrey said: "I don't believe they have read the detail of this, they have not read the 500 pages. "There are serious constitutional and economic implications of this deal for Northern Ireland". Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking on LBC on Friday morning, admitted she could not guarantee she had the support of the DUP but insisted she was still working with the party. LBC presenter Nick Ferrari pushed: "And they'll vote for this deal?" Mrs May said: "When this vote comes back every individual MP will decide how they will vote, whether they are DUP, Conservative, Labour, all parties within the House of Commons. "My job is to persuade first and foremost my Conservative benches, those who are working with us - the DUP are working with us, obviously, confidence and supply - but I want to be able to say to every MP I believe this is the best deal for the UK." Anyone who cares to plough through the 585-page Brexit withdrawal deal will find that Northern Ireland is at its heart. So much so, that it must have taken weeks and months for the negotiators to arrive at the lengthy list of articles which relate to our future relationship with the rest of the UK, with the Republic and, crucially and controversially, with the European Union. Consequently, it is surprising that the DUP, for all its cosy closeness to Theresa May, has been caught so unaware and off-guard to the extent that almost 33 years to the day since the Anglo-Irish agreement, history is repeating itself. The DUP appears to have woken up to the Brexit risks when it wrote to the Prime Minister recently seeking some clarification and reaffirming its red line about no border in the Irish Sea. In truth, the broader population of Northern Ireland was nowhere near so trusting. An opinion poll showed more than 60% distrust of Mrs May, a figure which spanned Protestants and Catholics, unionists and nationalists. Still, just as an earlier unionist leader, James Molyneaux, found to his cost with another Tory leader, Margaret Thatcher, in November 1985, perfidious Albion works in deviously unpredictable ways. Ulster Says No was the unionist mantra then, but the question now is to what extent Ulster will say No in 2018. The answer to that among unionists is far from as clear-cut as it was in 1985. In the House of Commons yesterday, the DUP's Nigel Dodds delivered a menacing glare across the chamber in the Prime Minister's direction. He could point to the claims of her resigning ministers that the Brexit deal undermined the Union. He could warn her directly: "The choice is now clear: stand up for the United Kingdom, or vote for a vassal state and the break-up of the Union." But beyond the bitter words of betrayal, where does that leave the DUP and the general unionist public back home? Whether the constitutional future is at stake, as unionist leaders and anti-deal Conservatives are claiming, there is no stomach for the level of protest which accompanied the Ulster Says No campaign three decades ago. Nor do the arguments for and against the current deal divide on simple constitutional lines, as evident from the Brexit referendum in 2016, which showed 56% in favour of staying in the European Union. For the first time in the history of Northern Ireland, the leadership of unionism cannot claim to represent majority opinion on such a fundamental issue as the Brexit deal. It may be that the 56% Yes vote for staying in the EU is actually enhanced now by people who are relieved there will be no return to a hard border, or who are actually pleased that, in future, Northern Ireland business and agriculture will have unique access to the UK and European markets. Certainly, on the evidence of statements and reports from the commercial community, the DUP's wrath at Westminster is not reflected in the broader mood of people, some of whom see new opportunity in Mrs May's deal and are also influenced by envy expressed by the Scottish Nationalist leader, Nicola Sturgeon, who thinks Northern Ireland will have an unfair advantage. All of this may be immaterial, of course, if Theresa May cannot survive the Conservative rebellion, if her Government falls, if a general election, or a new referendum, is called, or if no deal can be brokered with Brussels. The imponderables are everywhere and no one has a clue how it will all end, not least the people of Northern Ireland. Our future is centre stage in the battle for power and influence, but we find ourselves watching the last act at Westminster from the wings. What we do know is that for all its pro-Brexit bluster, the DUP did not have the influence in London, or in Brussels, that its supporters may have believed it had. Just like James Molyneaux in 1985 and Brian Faulkner in 1972, Arlene Foster has been wrong-footed and misled into a false sense of political comfort by a Conservative Prime Minister. It is not as if Mrs Foster was not warned of this possibility, or that it could not have been foreseen. Meanwhile, in Dublin, there is subdued delight that virtually everything Leo Varadkar asked of Brussels and of this Brexit deal has been granted. For all the unionist criticism of Mr Varadkar, he has won a significant victory in the Brexit negotiations and can even condescendingly ask the Dail to show understanding of the unionists' difficulties. The Irish government has a huge advantage in Brussels and undoubtedly brought all its diplomatic pressure to bear on the negotiations. In contrast, hampered by no Assembly at Stormont and cut out of the UK negotiating team, the local politicians effectively sidelined themselves and the unionists, in particular, are now paying the price and trying to pick up the pieces belatedly. By aligning itself so trenchantly with the hardline Brexiteers at Westminster, it was always going to be difficult for the DUP to back a moderate deal to exit Europe, such as the one now on the table. Even if new regulatory checks had not been proposed for Northern Ireland, could the DUP have supported wholeheartedly Theresa May's deal any more than Boris Johnson, or Jacob Rees-Mogg, or Nigel Farage? Hardly. Having shored up Mrs May's premiership for so long, the DUP now finds itself in a Brexit no-man's land at Westminster: loved by the Brexiteers, unloved by Remainers, in danger of detachment from the mainstream of the Conservative Party and a long-standing critic of Jeremy Corbyn, a potential Prime Minister, if Theresa May falls. How the DUP plays its cards in the coming days may determine not only the future of Mrs May and her Brexit deal, but also who remains a friend of unionism at Westminster and in Europe. Construction was due to begin on the project early this year. A decision to approve Northern Ireland's biggest roads project is to be quashed, a High Court judge confirmed on Friday. Mr Justice McCloskey made the order after the Stormont department who gave the go-ahead for the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme announced it was no longer defending a legal challenge. The outcome is based on the decision having been given in the absence of a minister. The multi-million pound roads project linking Counties Derry and Tyrone now faces further uncertainty and potential delay. It would involve a new 85km trunk road running from New Buildings, via Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh and Ballygawley, and terminating near the border at Aughnacloy. Construction on phase one was due to begin early this year at a cost of 150m. But that was put on hold after fresh judicial review proceedings were launched by umbrella group the Alternative A5 Alliance. In 2013 the group, made up of landowners, farmers and supporters, won its first legal action against the project. At that stage a judge quashed the decision to press ahead with the scheme, which forms part of a proposed key cross-border business route linking Dublin and the north west, due to a breach of a habitats directive. In November last year the Department announced its decision to proceed with the planned route - prompting the renewed challenge. Lawyers for the Alliance were set to contest the legality of the decision being taken by the Department's Permament Secretary in the absence of a Minister. Their position was strengthened by a landmark ruling earlier this year in a case over a planned incinerator near Belfast. The Court of Appeal held that a senior civil servant did not have the legal power to take such decisions without a Minister being in post. Even though new legislation has been brought in to give greater clarity, issues still surround existing challenges. On Thursday counsel for the Department said it was no longer considered in the public interest to defend the Alternative A5 Alliance's case. He asked the court to quash the relevant decision, referring to it being taken in the absence of a minister. With the Alliance given time to consider the proposal, their solicitor, Roger Watts, confirmed today his clients did not object to the outcome. Mr Justice McCloskey then made the quashing order sought. Loyalist blogger Jamie Byrson has secured a temporary court order to prevent investigators examining seized computer equipment, his lawyer confirmed on Friday. Mr Bryson issued proceedings connected to his arrest during a probe into the suspected illegal supply of door staff. He was detained in August and later released without charge. At the time police, working alongside the Security Industry Authority (SIA), searched addresses and premises in Bangor, Donaghadee and Newtownards, Co Down. A number of items including documents, laptops and a iPad were reportedly seized. Mr Bryson has launched a High Court challenge to the legality of the search warrant process. His lawyers went before a judge on Friday seeking interim relief to stop the SIA examining the material until the case is determined. Solicitor Darren Duncan confirmed outside court: "My client has secured a temporary order in relation to seized digital equipment, and is anxious to have the matter aired fully on the next court date." The interim measure remains in place until a further hearing listed for two weeks time. No decision has been made on the merits of Mr Bryson's case. Police at the scene of the fire A man died and five firefighters were hurt after a house fire in Co Antrim on Wednesday evening. The blaze happened in a farmhouse on the Carlane Road near Toomebridge. The man who died was named locally as Kevin Laverty, a lorry driver. Local Sinn Fein Councillor Henry Cushinan was at the scene as the emergency services fought the fire. Mr Laverty lived alone, but other family members live nearby, councillor Cushinan told the Belfast Telegraph. "They are a very well-known and well-respected family in the area. Everybody in the community has been shocked to hear of Mr Laverty's death," he said. "My thoughts are very much with the family at this difficult time - I hope they will get through it okay. "I'd also like to pay tribute to the emergency services, especially those people who were injured as they endeavoured to save Mr Laverty. "My thoughts and those of the local community are with the friends and family of Kevin at this terrible time. "I want also to commend those members of the emergency services who did all they could to save him. "I know that some of the firefighters were injured in the course of the operation, and I wish them a speedy recovery." The blaze started around 8pm. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, police and ambulance service all attended the scene. Three fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze. A fire service spokesperson said firefighters encountered a severe fire on the first floor. Wearing breathing apparatus, they entered the property and worked in intense heat and smoke-logged conditions in an attempt to rescue the man. Firefighters carried the man down to the ground floor, where he was treated by firefighters and ambulance personnel. Mr Laverty, who was in his fifties, was taken to Antrim Area Hospital but later died from his injuries. Five firefighters were injured while carrying out the rescue. Four sustained minor burns and were treated at the scene by ambulance personnel. One of them required hospital treatment but was later discharged. The fifth firefighter was taken to hospital with a concussion caused by debris falling inside the property. He was kept overnight and has since been discharged. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. It will be subject to an investigation, in association with the PSNI. A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman who was found dead at her home in Co Fermanagh. Pauline Kilkenny, 59, was found dead on Tuesday at the property close to Enniskillen. Concerns had been raised when she failed to turn up for work on Monday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said Ms Kilkenny's sister found her at the house on the Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison. On Friday morning, Joseph Dolan, 28, of no fixed address, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates' Court. He had been charged by the Police Service of Northern Ireland with the murder of Ms Kilkenny on Thursday. Expand Close Pauline Kilkenny was found dead at her home in Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pauline Kilkenny was found dead at her home in Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison He was brought handcuffed into the dock wearing a grey round-neck jumper and light-coloured trousers. He stood and then sat with his head bowed throughout proceedings. A man in the public gallery wept and was comforted by others during the short hearing before District Judge John Meehan. A detective sergeant told the court he believes he can connect the accused with the charge. No application for bail was made. Dolan was remanded in custody. He is set to appear before Enniskillen Court on December 10. In a statement issued earlier this week, Ms Kilkenny's family said they were coming "to terms with the devastating loss of our beautiful, vibrant daughter, sister, aunt and friend". "Our time will be spent remembering Pauline for the incredible personality she was and feeling so grateful to have lived her life with her," they said in the statement, released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. A 26-year-old woman also arrested by police in connection with the incident was released unconditionally on Thursday. A man has told a court how he saw a bare-chested man carrying a large knife in the street outside his house in north Belfast after he was woken from his sleep. The witness was giving evidence yesterday at the trial of Samuel Francis Morrison at Belfast Crown Court. A jury is to determine the facts and reach a verdict on whether or not Morrison carried out an act which caused the death of his 29-year-old nephew nine years ago. The 55-year-old, from Forthriver Park in Belfast, was initially charged with murdering George Morrison, who died of multiple stab wounds following an attack in an alleyway in the Antrim Road area of the city. The incident happened in the early hours of July 6, 2009, at the junction of Brookhill Avenue and Allworthy Avenue. The witness confirmed that at the time of the fatal stabbing, he lived at Allworthy Avenue, and that in the early hours of July 6 he was woken up by shouting in the street. When asked what he heard in the street outside, the man told the hearing: "I heard someone say something like, 'Geordie, you are going to get it. Geordie, you are a paedophile'. "I didn't get up at that stage, but after that I heard glass breaking or smashing. It was then I got up and looked out the window." The resident told the court he saw a bare-chested man wearing white tracksuit bottoms, and that he noticed this man meet up with another male further down the street. He also claimed that the bare-chested man - who the Crown says was Samuel Morrison - was "carrying a knife in his right hand". When asked to describe the knife, he responded: "It was a large kitchen knife. It would have been the biggest in the block." The north Belfast man said the second man in the street was dressed in a black coat and was carrying a box of Harp lager over his shoulder. He lost sight of the pair as they made their way towards the Antrim Road. The witness, who looked at his phone as he was getting back into bed, said the incident occurred around 2.30am. Also called to give evidence was a police constable who arrested Samuel Morrison at 7.15am. The officer said that after receiving reports of a stabbing in the Brookhill Avenue area, he was given a description of the suspect - a male "not wearing a top and carrying a knife". The policeman said that after speaking to several members of the Morrison family, he attended a flat and arrested Samuel Morrison on suspicion of murdering George Morrison. The officer said that the accused made no reply after his arrest but later, when in custody, asked police why he had been held. The policeman said that when Morrison was told why, he replied: "He was given every opportunity to leave the country and he never listened to me. Sex offender. B******. Harden him." The trial continues. A lorry driver accused of damaging a memorial to murdered soldiers has been refused bail amid fears he would interfere with the police investigation. Robert James McKeegan appeared yesterday at Banbridge Magistrates' Court, sitting in Newry. The 44-year-old, from Beech Drive in Bleary, Craigavon, is accused of causing criminal damage to the Narrow Water memorial, which belongs to Royal British Legion, on October 4. The shrine commemorates the 18 soldiers murdered in an IRA double bomb attack in 1979. Poppy crosses, wreaths and floral tributes were destroyed in the incident, which is believed to have been the fourth attack in the past year. The lorry driver was further charged with having an indecent image of a child on November 14 this year, although defence solicitor Conor Downey claimed the alleged indecent image was more akin to a "vulgar joke". A PSNI detective told the court he believed he could connect McKeegan to both offences. In court yesterday, the officer claimed the defendant had stopped his lorry beside the memorial at around 7.30am then, while talking on his phone, destroyed it before driving off. He was arrested on the M1 motorway on Wednesday. The officer claimed that when the defendant's phone was checked, an indecent image was found. Submitting that the element of sectarianism in the alleged offence was an aggravating feature, the detective said police were objecting to bail on the grounds that, as a lorry driver, there was a risk that McKeegan could abscond. Mr Downey argued, however, that his client would not flee because of his ties to the local community. He also claimed that the indecent image charge was likely to be dropped because it was "more in the nature of a vulgar joke". Mr Downey asked for bail conditions to be attached, but District Judge Copeland disagreed and McKeegan was remanded into custody. He is due to appear in court again via video-link on December 12. A Co Down man has confessed to raping and attacking a female sex worker A Co Down man has confessed to raping and attacking a female sex worker. Gary Doak (48) was due to go on trial at Newry Crown Court accused of trying to kill the woman and multiple rapes. With a jury of six men and six women sworn in, ready to hear the victim's testimony, defence QC Charles McKay asked for some of the charges to be put to Doak again. The defendant, from Dickson Park in Seapatrick, outside Banbridge, then entered guilty pleas to oral rape and sexual assault involving penetration. He also admitted unlawfully and injuriously imprisoning the victim, assaulting her occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault Following the guilty pleas, prosecuting QC John Orr asked for the remaining charges, including attempted murder and other allegations of rape and attempted rape, to be left on the books. Previous court hearings were told that Doak paid his victim 200 to come to his home on March 9 last year. After becoming aggressive, he tied her up with cable ties and gagged her with a sock. He then carried her to the bedroom where, according to the Crown case, he forced her to perform sex acts and raped her before placing a plastic bag over her head. During an unsuccessful bail application by Doak, a prosecuting lawyer described how the victim had felt she was "fighting for her life and she thought she was going to die". The woman was also "wondering what he was going to do with her body after he killed her", the lawyer added. During a struggle, a hole was torn in the bag Doak placed over her head, after which the victim managed to free herself and run to the kitchen, where she armed herself with a knife and fought with her attacker. Doak is alleged to have told the woman that he panicked after he suffered "flashbacks from the war". When his house was searched after his arrest, police discovered bondage DVDs. During an interview, the defendant told officers the encounter was consensual and that the victim had agreed to bondage-style sex. He also claimed the woman had attacked him after becoming aggressive. Swearing in a jury on Wednesday, Judge Gordon Kerr said that although the victim was a sex worker, it was "vital" that did not invoke any sympathy or prejudice. Discharging the jury yesterday, he thanked them for their service. Judge Kerr remanded the defendant back into custody and adjourned sentencing until December 13. He also ordered victim impact and pre-sentence probation reports to be compiled. Al-Qahtani Aviation, owner of SaudiGulf Airlines, Thursday signed with France-based plane maker Airbus the acquisition of 10 A320neo family jets as the airline embarks on expansion of domestic destinations and international routes. Airbus will supply 10 single-aisle narrow body jets for an order value not disclosed but the cost from the industry could reach around $1.1bn. The agreement was signed during the Bahrain International Airshow to wrap up this November 16. The Saudi airline has also placed an optional order of additional 10 A320neos which if confirmed will propel the cost to reach $2.1 billion. The airline based in the Saudi city of Dammam was launched in 2016. It currently operates six A320 jets serving domestic and international destinations. Last month, it launched its second international destination with flights to four destinations in Pakistan, Hmgaerospace reports. The airline is also operating flights between Riyadh and Dubai. The Thursday order has been in the pipeline for several months. Reuters back in July reported that SaudiGulf was behind an order for 10 A320neos. During Englands Farnborough, Airbus had said the order was for an undisclosed customer. Theresa May has said she wants all Cabinet ministers to feel they can stay on in their jobs, amid furious speculation in Westminster over the future of Environment Secretary Michael Gove. After losing four ministers in the wake of her poorly received Brexit deal, Mrs May faced calls to stand down from members of the public on a radio phone-in. One caller to the half-hour grilling on LBC told the PM that Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a better leader, while another said she had appeased the EU like Neville Chamberlain in his negotiations with Hitler. Mr Gove remained tight-lipped when asked about his intentions as he arrived for work at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as reports suggested that he had decided to stay in Mrs Mays Government. Expand Close Theresa May defended her Brexit plans in a Downing Street press conference on Thursday (Matt Dunham/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May defended her Brexit plans in a Downing Street press conference on Thursday (Matt Dunham/PA) Now the most senior member of the Leave campaign in the Cabinet, Mr Gove was reported to have been offered the post of Brexit Secretary vacated by Dominic Raab, but to have said he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Asked whether she could afford the loss of Mr Gove from her team, Mrs May told LBC: I want all of my colleagues in the Cabinet to feel able to carry on doing the excellent job they are doing. The PM said she had a very good conversation with Mr Gove on Thursday, but declined to say what they had discussed, other than the future of the fishing industry after Brexit. She said the Environment Secretary had been doing a great job, adding: I havent appointed a new Brexit Secretary yet, but obviously I will be doing that over the course of the next day or so. Mr Rzegocki said Poland had itself dealt with an increase in migrants in recent years (Dominic Lipinski/PA) More and more Polish citizens living in the UK after considering moving back to their homeland amid ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, the ambassador has said. Polish ambassador to the UK Arkady Rzegocki said he hoped a strong Polish community would remain after Brexit but he acknowledged some Poles were contemplating either a return home or a move to another country. Mr Rzegocki, who was on his first official visit to Northern Ireland, said he hoped migrants would be welcomed in the UK after it exits the EU as he highlighted the important role they play in the countrys economy. I have to say more and more people are thinking about coming back to Poland, some of them are thinking about different countries, different European countries, he said. The ambassador said other factors were also motivating decisions to move home, such as the relative strength of Sterling and Polish Zloty, economy improvements in Poland, and simply a desire to reconnect with relatives. But he said Brexit uncertainty was having an influence, saying: For sure uncertainty is not good for the future. I am sure as Polish came here during the Second World War and they are part of the society from this time they will be an important part of the British society also in the future. Our work and our challenge is to cooperate despite of Brexit. We focus mostly on the negotiation process but there is life after Brexit thats why many people are working hard to make these links as strong as possible also after Brexit. Expand Close Mr Rzegocki has a number of engagements on his dour-day visit to Northern Ireland (David Young/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Rzegocki has a number of engagements on his dour-day visit to Northern Ireland (David Young/PA) The ambassador expressed relief that an upsurge in hate crimes against Polish people in the UK in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum had not lasted. Mr Rzegocki said Poland had itself dealt with an increase in migrants in recent years. The truth is there is a huge contribution of Poles and European Union citizens to the British economy and British culture and I think everybody should appreciate that, he said. Poland became a country of many migrants during the last few years and we really are happy that so many people wanted to work and live in Poland and I think a similar situation should be in Britain. Its difficult to image some parts of the British economy without migrants, so I hope that everybody understands that. Mr Rzegocki has a number of engagements on his four-day visit to Northern Ireland, including a concert to mark the centenary of Polish independence and the unveiling of a new monument to two Polish RAF squadrons based in the region during the Second World War. He said he wanted to spread knowledge about the historic Polish contribution to Northern Ireland and wider UK society. I am very glad that they (Polish citizens) integrate well and work hard and give a lot of contribution to Northern Irish society, but from my perspective we can co-operate even closer, he said. The Aviva stadium ahead of the International Friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dublin. Police in Ireland have launched a murder investigation after a widower and father-of-one was shot dead outside his home in Co Kildare. Street trader Clive Staunton was targeted when he returned from selling flags and hats near the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night during the friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The 50-year-old, who lost his wife to cancer two years ago, died at the scene in Glen Easton Way, Leixlip. Gardai say a gunman approached him as he left his van and shot him several times before leaving him to die just yards from his home. His father Stan was in the house at the time of the incident but his son Ryan was not in the country. Gardai are investigating whether the killers were waiting for him or followed him home from his stall in Bath Avenue, Dublin. They are also probing why the victim left his stall early. It is believed to be a Kinahan-Hutch feud-related incident. This man is a street trader and not involved in criminalitySuperintendent Gerry Wall Speaking outside Leixlip Garda station, Superintendent Gerry Wall said: Gardai are asking anyone who saw Clive or his van a white Mercedes sprinter which has a distinctive red stripe on both sides between Bath Avenue, Dublin 4 and Leixlip between 8pm and 9.15pm to contact them. We are interested in the movements of a silver/grey Volvo S40 car that we believe may have taken the perpetrators to and from the scene. That car or a similar car was recovered on Thursday night in the Manor Kilbride in Co Wicklow. We are hoping that anyone who was in Glen Easton between 8pm and 9.30pm, or anybody who may have seen Clive or his van leaving Bath Avenue and going to Glen Easton in Leixplip, that they might come forward or anyone who might have dash cam to check it. He said that the Kinahan-Hutch feud is part of their investigations. I have some 30 detectives and uniform members who worked throughout the night and they achieved nearly 100 tasks and that is one of the enquiries, he added. All murder is brutal and callous. We are always reliant on the public and they have yet to let us down and its through their support and information and the use of the Garda confidential line where all information can be given. This man is a street trader and not involved in criminality but murder is always brutal and no matter what form it takes we will investigate it the same manner as we do any investigation. He added no firearm has been recovered. Bernard Caldwell, a councillor who lives in Leixlip, said: I know his neighbour and he said he was a very nice man. He got on with his own business and was very friendly. People in the area are shocked and there was a lot of panic when they realised what had happened. Its a very unfortunate incident. Last night's murder was a particularly callous and brazen crimeFianna Fail justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan Fianna Fails justice spokesman Jim OCallaghan said: Since this feud first erupted, the gardai have done remarkable work in their attempt to contain threats and violence. On many occasions their work has successfully intercepted plots to carry out murder and other vicious crimes on our streets. One of the main reasons for that has been the increase in Garda presence in the communities worst affected. The Government must do its utmost to ensure that adequate resources and overtime for gardai are maintained. Last nights murder was a particularly callous and brazen crime. This victim appears to have been targeted despite detectives confirming that he had no involvement in criminality or link to gangland associates. The fact that a man living in a quiet family estate could be attacked and killed yards from his doorstep sets a new precedent. The fight against organised crime and those inflicting terror in the capital and now the satellite towns surrounding it must be ramped up. Representatives of pro-Remain parties here have said the draft agreement is an opportunity to look at the glass "half-full". Members of the SDLP, Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, yesterday in Dublin. After the meeting, Sinn Fein leader for Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said: "We have had a very positive meeting, where we were able to seek some assurances over what has been achieved in the agreement so far. "We set out as four pro-Remain parties with a common objective. In the first instance, we speak for the majority in Northern Ireland, and we're conscious that the DUP do not speak for the majority in the north. "We come at it from a number of bases, firstly that we need to protect the Good Friday Agreement, we need permanency in the backstop and no room for withdrawal from the British Government, and that has been achieved thus far. "We are broadly positive." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called on those in Westminster to consider Northern Ireland's position in Brexit negotiations. "I would say to the people in Westminster, I know you have your own constituencies but we have a responsibility, and I think everyone has a responsibility to avoid a hard border, this does that," he said. "We cannot risk the peace and progress we have made." The four party representatives have travelled together over recent weeks to state the case for Northern Ireland, where 56% voted to remain in the EU. Stephen Farry, from the Alliance Party, called for cool heads as negotiations continued in Westminster. "For those people who are trying to dramatise this, they are getting that badly wrong. They have to have a cool response to this, a rational consideration of the issues before us," he said. "This is not a change to the constitutional position, this is all about pragmatic interventions to protect our economy." The group said the agreement was "significant" for citizens in Northern Ireland and now was not the time for "incendiary language". "I think it's a day for a glass half-full approach," Ms O'Neill said. The group appealed to unionist representatives to join them at the table to protect Northern Ireland's future. "This deal has the potential for us to have the best of both worlds, to be a bridge to the market in Ireland and Great Britain, a source of potential investment," Mr Farry added. "We're very open to unionism engaging in this process. We have a common interest in protecting Northern Ireland. "Our message is that unionism should come and join us at the table and let us have a collective effort to stand up together." Ms O'Neill added: "Brexit is not orange or green. It affects all of us equally." Meanwhile, the first signs of Brexit's true impact on the Republic have hit as investors fear the Brexit deal is already dead. The rapidly unfolding crisis hammered Irish shares, leaving top-tier companies, including Ryanair and Bank of Ireland, facing big losses. Despite the optimistic tones initially struck about Wednesday's deal, plans for a 'no deal' scenario are continuing unabated in Dublin. Tanaiste Simon Coveney told the Irish Independent: "All of that work continues because we can't take anything for granted, that's for sure." However, the Irish Government remains coy about the full extent of the preparations already in place. Irish Revenue Commissioners are preparing to hire more customs officials to support trade from next April. Its chairman Niall Cody briefed TDs yesterday, saying: "If it happens there'll be big challenges." Irish shares were hit hard yesterday, with 3.3bn wiped off their value. A former prison officer who was caught smuggling drugs into Maghaberry jail committed a "gross breach of trust", a court has been told A former prison officer who was caught smuggling drugs into Maghaberry jail committed a "gross breach of trust", a court has been told. Stephen Brian Martin (25) was handed a 32-month sentence after arriving for work last year with packets containing cocaine, cannabis and diazepam tablets stashed in his boots. Martin, from Wellington Park Drive, Moira, was charged with possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and conveying prohibited items into a prison. He was detained on August 18 last year - just seven months after he began working as a prison officer. Craigavon Crown Court heard that Martin initially refused to be patted down, but eventually went to a toilet block with a colleague and produced packages from his boots. A mobile phone belonging to Martin revealed his involvement in drug-dealing inside and outside Maghaberry. Phone calls were also tracked between a prisoner's mother and Martin talking in "coded terms" about transferring drugs into the prison. Martin claimed he was "under duress" to supply the drugs by an inmate who had threatened him. Crown prosecutor Ian Tannahill said Martin, whose father was a distinguished prison officer, should have known to alert authorities about his own security concerns but chose instead to bring drugs into the jail. In mitigation, defence barrister Mr Coyle said his client's world had come crashing down on the morning of his detection. He added: "In that moment he realised that his career, the reputation of his family and that of the prison service were indelibly marked. "He was also fully aware that his young career as a prison officer had come to a close." Jailing Martin, Judge Patrick Lynch QC said: "If the Prison Service had been aware of your drug issues, it is highly unlikely you would have been allowed into it. "As a prison officer, you would have been only too aware of the use and misuse of drugs in terms of endangering colleagues. It is clear that assaults on prison officers are due to the supply or withdrawal of drugs." Due to his early guilty plea and clear record, Martin will serve 16 months in prison with the remainder on licence. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service said afterwards: "Some people are determined to smuggle drugs into prisons, the Northern Ireland Prison Service is equally determined to stop them. No matter who that is, where there is information or suspicion of bringing illegal substances into a prison, we will detect that and report those people to the police. "We want to thank the PSNI for their assistance in today's conviction and hope it will act as a deterrent to anyone thinking of such actions." Detective Inspector Keith Gawley said: "This operation is a good example of how working in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, we can disrupt crime and clamp down on the trafficking of illicit drugs into prisons." An investigation has been launched after police discovered racist graffiti daubed on a wall in Ballymena. An investigation has been launched after police discovered racist graffiti daubed on a wall in Ballymena. The BBC reports the text, reading 'Romas go home', was found painted on a pedestrian subway near the centre of the town at the Larne Road Link. A report of the graffiti was made at around 12.30pm, and police worked with local agencies to have the text removed. The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Ballymena has become the focus of tensions over integration in recent months. In September residents in the town expressed their concern over what they claimed was a growing number of Romanians. Pauline Kilkenny was found dead at her home in Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison The family of murdered Fermanagh woman Pauline Kilkenny have spoken of their "devastating loss" as police continue their investigation. The 59-year-old's body was discovered in her home near Belcoo by her sister on Tuesday after she did not turn up for work. In a statement, the family said: "We would ask that our family's privacy is respected during this difficult time as we come to terms with the devastating loss of our beautiful, vibrant daughter, sister, aunt and friend. "Our time will be spent remembering Pauline for the incredible personality she was and feeling so grateful to have lived her life with her. "We would like to thank the community for their love, support and continued co-operation with the police and their ongoing investigation." A 28-year-old man charged with Ms Kilkenny's murder is due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Friday. A 26-year-old woman arrested in connection to the incident has been released unconditionally, police added. Amber Rudd made a dramatic return to Theresa Mays Cabinet as the Prime Minister sought to bolster her position following the backlash to her Brexit deal. Meanwhile, Leave-supporting Stephen Barclay has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health. In a further reduction to the Brexit Secretarys duties, it was revealed that Theresa May will in future take sole control of negotiations on EU withdrawal. Mr Barclays job will be limited to the domestic delivery of EU withdrawal, preparations for Brexit either with or without a deal and shepherding legislation through Parliament. The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted he still has confidence in Mrs May who has suffered a series of setbacks following the publication of her draft Brexit deal with Brussels. She has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Mr Barclays appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Downing Street declined to say whether the Brexit Secretary post had been offered to anyone else before the North-East Cambridgeshire MP, saying only: He was the Prime Ministers choice for the job. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. A great honour. Look forward to getting stuck in. https://t.co/ssJ3R8XCxY Amber Rudd (@AmberRuddUK) November 16, 2018 Ministerial roles went to Stephen Hammond in the Health Department and John Penrose in the Northern Ireland Office, while Kwasi Kwarteng takes up a junior role in Mr Barclays department. The rehabilitation of Ms Rudd, who quit in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Stephen Barclay MP @SteveBarclay to be Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union @DExEUgov UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 16, 2018 Asked what Mrs May would say to victims of the Windrush scandal who might feel the Hastings & Rye MPs rehabilitation had come too soon, the PMs official spokesman said: Amber Rudd took responsibility for what happened but you saw in the Alex Allan report that she was not supported as she should have been in her role. The Government has apologised, the Prime Minster and Home Secretary apologised for the Windrush scandal. Mistakes were made which shouldnt have taken place and work is ongoing to make sure those people are properly compensated. The spokesman said the PM viewed Ms Rudd as a very experienced Secretary of State who has worked across a number of departments and was confident she will do an excellent job. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: I absolutely do. He added: I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain. A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May was very pleased that Mr Gove will stay on and continue doing the important work he is doing. Mrs May also won support from Brexiteer Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who said he had full confidence in the Prime Minister and added ultimately I hope that across Parliament well recognise that a deal is better than no deal. But Brexit-supporting ministers led by Andrea Leadsom are reportedly set to work together on measures to make the deal more acceptable to them. The Commons Leader is understood to be working with allies to decide what can be done to get it in a better place, a source said. In an effort to sell her deal directly to the public, Mrs May took calls on a half-hour phone-in on LBC. One caller told the PM that Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a better leader, while another said she had appeased the EU like Neville Chamberlain in his negotiations with Hitler. Former culture secretary John Whittingdale and ex-minister Mark Francois were among the latest Tories to submit letters of no confidence in Mrs May as Conservative leader. The number of letters submitted to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, may now be nearing the 48 needed to trigger a vote. Former Brexit minister Steve Baker said he had been speaking to colleagues and his count was a little over 48 with another dozen probable although he acknowledged this may be inaccurate as only Sir Graham knew the true figure. If Mrs May is ousted, he said Brexiteers needed to agree on a single candidate to avoid the mistakes of the last leadership contest even if it meant potentially deciding the next prime minister by drawing lots. But Mrs Mays de facto deputy David Lidington said she would handsomely win a confidence vote if one was triggered by Tory MPs. The Prime Minister played down suggestions she might seek to maintain Cabinet unity by offering ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal comes before Parliament, as International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt has requested. There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country. Government policy is Government policy, she told LBC. Labour indicated it would work with rebel Tories to block a no-deal Brexit if Mrs Mays EU withdrawal plan fails. There are plenty of Conservative MPs who would not countenance us leaving without a deal and I think if its necessary, we will work together to stop no deal happening, shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said. Amber Rudd has returned to Theresa Mays Cabinet and pleaded with Tory rebels to back the Prime Minister and her Brexit deal. The new Work and Pensions Secretary immediately began efforts to shore up Mrs Mays embattled position, telling Conservative MPs: This is not a time for changing our leader. The Prime Ministers critics believe they have the numbers required to trigger a confidence vote within days. Mrs May also appointed Stephen Barclay as her new Brexit Secretary, but the role has been further downgraded as the Prime Minister will in future take sole control of negotiations on EU withdrawal. Leave-supporting Mr Barclays job will be limited to the domestic delivery of EU withdrawal, preparations for Brexit either with or without a deal and shepherding legislation through Parliament. He said: We now need to keep up the momentum to finalise the withdrawal agreement and outline political declaration and deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK. The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Mr Barclays appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post, saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Downing Street declined to say whether the Brexit Secretary post had been offered to anyone else before the North-East Cambridgeshire MP, saying only: He was the Prime Ministers choice for the job. The appointments followed the resignations of Dominic Raab and Esther McVey over the Brexit plan and came amid mounting expectation that the Prime Ministers leadership will be put to a vote of MPs. Delighted to accept role at DExEU. We now need to keep up the momentum to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement & outline political declaration & deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK. Looking forward to working with a talented team of ministers & officials to do just that. https://t.co/3KSUI0Xe2I Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) November 16, 2018 In her first act in her new job, Ms Rudd delivered a pointed message to her colleagues: This is a time for pulling together, for making sure we remember who we are here to serve, who we are here to help: thats the whole of the country. I worry sometimes colleagues are too concerned about the Westminster bubble rather than keeping their eye on what our job is to serve people. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Ms McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. A great honour. Look forward to getting stuck in. https://t.co/ssJ3R8XCxY Amber Rudd (@AmberRuddUK) November 16, 2018 The rehabilitation of Ms Rudd, who quit as Home Secretary in April in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Stephen Barclay MP @SteveBarclay to be Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union @DExEUgov UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 16, 2018 Ministerial roles went to Stephen Hammond in the Health Department and John Penrose in the Northern Ireland Office, while Kwasi Kwarteng takes up a junior role in Mr Barclays department. Mrs Mays position was bolstered by support from Brexiteer ministers Mr Gove and Liam Fox. Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: I absolutely do. He added: I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain. International Trade Secretary Dr Fox said he had full confidence in the Prime Minister and added ultimately I hope that across Parliament well recognise that a deal is better than no deal. But Brexit-supporting ministers led by Andrea Leadsom are reportedly set to work together on measures to make the deal more acceptable to them. The Commons Leader is understood to be working with allies to decide what can be done to get it in a better place, a source said. In an effort to sell her deal directly to the public, Mrs May took calls on a half-hour phone-in on LBC. One caller told the PM that Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a better leader, while another said she had appeased the EU like Neville Chamberlain in his negotiations with Hitler. Former culture secretary John Whittingdale and ex-minister Mark Francois were among the latest Tories to submit letters of no confidence in Mrs May as Conservative leader. The number of letters submitted to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, may now be nearing the 48 needed to trigger a vote. Steve Baker, a ringleader of Tory Brexiteers, said he had been speaking to colleagues and his count was a little over 48 with another dozen probable although he acknowledged this may be inaccurate as only Sir Graham knew the true figure. If Mrs May is ousted, Mr Baker said Brexiteers needed to agree on a single candidate to avoid the mistakes of the last leadership contest even if it meant potentially deciding the next prime minister by drawing lots. But Mrs Mays de facto deputy David Lidington said she would handsomely win a confidence vote if one was triggered by Tory MPs. The Prime Minister played down suggestions she might seek to maintain Cabinet unity by offering ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal comes before Parliament, as International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt has requested. There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country. Government policy is Government policy, she told LBC. Labour indicated it would work with rebel Tories to block a no-deal Brexit if Mrs Mays EU withdrawal plan fails. There are plenty of Conservative MPs who would not countenance us leaving without a deal and I think if its necessary, we will work together to stop no deal happening, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said. Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has blasted the inclusion of the backstop in the withdrawal agreement as a monumental error in judgment. He said his party cannot and will not support the withdrawal agreement. The proposed deal has sparked chaos within the Conservative Party since it was unveiled on Wednesday. I believe with every fibre of my being that the course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people. pic.twitter.com/L41ta6Wati Theresa May (@theresa_may) November 15, 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Mr Swann, whose party includes peers but no MPs, has claimed the withdrawal agreement will see Northern Ireland potentially drift farther away from the rest of the United Kingdom. In the unlikely event that the agreement makes its way through Parliament, its impact will be felt for decades to come, he said. The impact may not necessarily happen immediately but as the months and years pass, the implementation of the disastrous backstop will see Northern Ireland potentially drift farther away from the rest of the United Kingdom unless action is taken to reverse its effects. It will act as an incentive for Scottish Nationalists who will use every excuse under the sun to destabilise another part of the United Kingdom. Mr Swann criticised the Democratic Unionists for the agreement which he said had happened on their watch. They failed in their primary duty to protect the integrity of the Union and its people, he said. They told the people of Northern Ireland that they had the ear of the Prime Minister, they said that they had influence at the heart of the UK government. The DUP were asleep at the wheel. They bear enormous responsibility for what has happened. They either misused whatever influence they had or were so full of their own hubris, that they didn`t see what was coming down the tracks. Mr Swann also had stern words for the Irish Government, just hours before he was due to address an event at Fine Gaels conference. He is set to address an event titled Northern Ireland: Building Better Relations which will be attended by Irish Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and Business Minister Heather Humphreys. The Irish Government should also be careful what it wishes for, he said. Despite repeated warnings to tone down the language and act like good neighbours, the brash behaviour of the Irish Government led by Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney may yet lead to a place where none of us want to go. A no-deal Brexit isnt in anyones interests, but if they continue to pursue an aggressive stance in future negotiations, they will continue to raise the hackles of even the most mild mannered of unionists across the United Kingdom. For us, the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland comes first. The US State Department Thursday denied that the White House has asked several federal agencies to find legal means to extradite the leader of Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) to Turkey as a way to ease Ankaras pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Daily Sabah reports. The denial came few hours after US media, NBC, citing two US officials and two sources reported that the White House instructed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to work out ways to hand Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen to Turkey. Fethullah Gulen is settled in self-imposed exile in the USA. He is wanted by Turkey for allegedly masterminding the July 2016 coup against the Ankara regime. Turkey has sought Gulens extradition after it provided Washington hundreds of folds allegedly containing evidence about the clerics connection with the botched coup. Gulen has rejected the accusations. Reports have emerged that US President Donald Trump is seeking to expel Gulen in a move to placate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has been piling pressure on Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis death. Turkish authorities believe the killing was ordered from the Saudi top leadership establishment, with fingers pointing at Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman (MbS); a close ally of the Trump administration. Erdogan has maintained that Turkey has damning evidence that will expose the highest level of the Saudi government after it released several evidence including photos of members of a hit squad dispatched from Riyadh to Istanbul where the journalist, a prominent critic of MbS, was killed on October 2, in the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city. Possibilities of Gulens extradition and relocation in South Africa were reportedly discussed between Turkey and the US but the plans were quickly scrapped, CNBC reports. Ankara has however denied it established a link between Gulens extradition and Khashoggis killing and blamed the US for politicizing Turkeys request for the exiled clerics handover. Turkeys pending request for Fetullah Gulens extradition from the United States and the investigation into Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggis murder are two separate issues. They are not connected in any way, shape or form, Daily Sabah quoted a Turkish official as saying. At no point did Turkey offer to hold back on the Khashoggi investigation in return for Fetullah Gulens extradition, the official said, adding: We have no intention to intervene in the Khashoggi investigation in return for any political or legal favor. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called for politicians across Europe to find fair and sustainable solutions for the future UK-EU relationship. Churches must strive for reconciliation as some politicians and political forces seek to drive a wedge between people, the Archbishop said in a joint message with German Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. European relationships are changing, not least as a result of Brexit, the two clerics said. We do not know what will happen and what the relationship between the UK and EU will look like after March 29, 2019. Our world needs a better future than one based in hatred and division. It's the task of the church to bear witness to the love of God, across borders, as sisters and brothers in Christ. Joint statement with Bishop Heinrich @landesbischof of @EKD: https://t.co/aQZryzu33O pic.twitter.com/iVSddj2uLy Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 16, 2018 The German bishop, council chair of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD), is on a two-day visit to London hosted by the Archbishop. In their statement, they said: As churches, we urgently appeal to all politicians to find fair and sustainable solutions for the future coexistence of the UK and the EU. The statement added: As some politicians and political forces seek to drive a wedge between people so it is all the more important that the churches continue to strive for reconciliation and to speak out prophetically for a Europe where the values of human rights and human dignity are central, based in the great Christian traditions of our two countries when at their best. Its been 80 years since Britain saved 10,000 Jewish children on #Kindertransport. Today we gave thanks for them - who have given us so much - and those who rescued them. Its our obligation to rescue children needing asylum in every generation. Its always #OurTurn. pic.twitter.com/n9y2BrPOes Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 15, 2018 Their statement noted the recent commemorations of the Armistice centenary, the 80th anniversaries of Kristallnacht and the Kindertransport, adding the historic events showed the peril of division. Environment Secretary Michael Gove confirmed he will be not be resigning from the Cabinet as Theresa May faced further criticism over the Brexit proposals. The Prime Minister took part in an LBC radio phone-in and fielded questions from members of the public on the agreement. Heres the latest: 12.05pm Mrs Mays de facto deputy David Lidington has said she will win a no confidence vote handsomely. Asked what he would say to those submitting letters of no confidence by Bauer Radio Scotland, he said: Withdraw them, because I dont think youre doing the country any good by attacking the Prime Minister in this way. Ive seen no plausible alternative plan from any of those criticising her or wanting to challenge her position. I believe if it does comes to a challenge the Prime Minister will win handsomely and she will deserve to do so. Expand Close David Lidington speaks to the media after Brexit business talks in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Lidington speaks to the media after Brexit business talks in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA) 12.02pm International Trade Secretary Liam Fox publicly backed the PM. Speaking in Bristol, he said: I have full confidence in the Prime Minister. I think she is taking us forward with confidence and I have to say with resilience, and I very much agree with Michael Gove that what we need now is stability. 11.41am Influential farming and business organisations in Northern Ireland have urged the Democratic Unionists to drop their opposition to the draft Brexit deal. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), which represents thousands of farmers, many of whom would traditionally vote DUP, has called on the party to vote for the text, claiming a no-deal Brexit would be absolutely disastrous for the farming and agri-food sector in the region. The DUP, which styles itself as a pro-business party, is facing similar calls from figures within the commercial sector. 11.32am Theresa May was criticised on the Brexit deal by callers of an LBC radio phone-in: 11.26am Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby called for politicians across Europe to find fair and sustainable solutions for the future of UK-EU relationship. Churches must strive for reconciliation as some politicians and political forces seek to drive a wedge between people, the Archbishop said in a joint message with German Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. European relationships are changing, not least as a result of Brexit, the two clerics said. We do not know what will happen and what the relationship between the UK and EU will look like after March 29, 2019. 11.26am Expand Close Michael Gove speaks to the media after announcing he will not be resigning as Environment Secretary (Victoria Jones/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Gove speaks to the media after announcing he will not be resigning as Environment Secretary (Victoria Jones/PA) 11.24am Asked for Mrs Mays response to Mr Goves decision to remain at Defra, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: She is very pleased that he will continue doing the important work he is doing there. 11.09am As he left the Defra office, Michael Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: I absolutely do. He added: I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain. 11.06am Mark Francois, vice chairman of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Conservative MPs, said he has submitted a letter to Sir Graham Brady calling for a vote of no confidence. I have done it because I believe Conservative MPs are extremely worried by the Chequers deal, he told Sky News. I believe they know it will never pass the House of Commons. I am afraid the Prime Minister is in complete denial about that. Things have come to a point where we have to stand up for our country. 11.05am There are now 133 days until Britain leaves the EU: 11.03am Tory MP Ben Bradley (Mansfield) has submitted a letter of no confidence in Theresa May, his office has confirmed. 10.43am Former Cabinet minister John Whittingdale has submitted a letter to the 1922 Committee calling for a confidence vote. I believe that the agreement that is being proposed does not deliver Brexit in the way that I and many others want to see, he told the Press Association. It leaves us locked in indefinitely into the customs union. I also dont think it can get through the House of Commons. I want the Government to pursue a proper free trade agreement which does deliver the Brexit objectives but which keeps us as close to Europe as possible. I believe that is on offer from the European Union but it is clear that the Prime Minister is unwilling to move from her existing position. Therefore I felt there is no alternative but to seek a vote of confidence. 10.36am The chairman of the Maidenhead Conservative Association has said its members remain highly supportive of the Prime Minister. Councillor Richard Kellaway said Mrs May, who has been MP for Maidenhead for more than 20 years, is extremely well-regarded here and fantastically hard-working. The 73-year-old said of her Brexit deal: What has surprised me a bit is that we have not had an avalanche of letters and emails complaining, it has been fairly modest. We have to be respectful, Shes negotiated on our behalf in a serious manner. The tougher things get the better she seems to perform. Mr Kellaway said all UK heads of local Conservative branches are scheduled for a call with No 10 Downing Street this afternoon at around 4.30pm. 10.26am When asked if 48 letters of no confidence had been received by the 1922 Committee as he left his Westminster home on Friday morning, Jacob Rees-Mogg said: Well see and raised his eyebrows. Expand Close Jacob Rees-Mogg outside his home in Westminster (Victoria Jones/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jacob Rees-Mogg outside his home in Westminster (Victoria Jones/PA) 10.20am House of Commons speaker John Bercow joked about quiet, uneventful times inn Westminster as he attended a charity tennis event in Stratford-upon-Avon. Mr Bercow travelled to Warwickshire to play against his friend Chris Onslow, a local tennis enthusiast who is playing for 24 hours non-stop to raise money for Children in Need and Welcombe Hills School. 10.18am Michael Gove will remain in post as Environment Secretary and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best outcome for the country, a source close to him told PA. 9.46am Following Mrs Mays comparison of her Brexit approach with the playing style of Geoffrey Boycott, Conservative MP Greg Hands commented that the PMs cricketing hero was once deliberately run out by a member of his own side Ian Botham for the good of the team. Interesting passage from Leo McKinstrys biography of Geoff Boycott when the England team had to run out their own captain (Boycott) for the benefit of the team. England went on to win by 174 runs. pic.twitter.com/Cq1irsJari Greg Hands (@GregHands) November 16, 2018 9.33am Frances finance minister called some British politicians liars who fooled voters into thinking leaving the EU would be easy and in their interests. Bruno Le Maire said the truth is that Brexit could end with a nightmare. Mr Le Maire defended the European Unions single market, calling it a considerable force in global trade and warning that Britain could face economic disaster if it leaves. 9.25am Shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed Labour could secure a Commons majority for a compromise Brexit deal. Mr McDonnell said a unity platform was emerging at Westminster to avoid the catastrophic impact of a no-deal break with the EU. I think we can secure a majority, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. People have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and realised it could be catastrophic for our economy. Our European partners, I think, also have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and seen what an impact it could have on their economies. So I think what is emerging within the House of Commons now is almost a unity platform to avoid a no-deal. 9.20am Expand Close Chief Whip Julian Smith arrives in Downing Street (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chief Whip Julian Smith arrives in Downing Street (Dominic Lipinski/PA) 9.12am A Conservative-supporting local councillor who challenged Theresa May to stand down as Prime Minister said he felt she batted away his concerns with a robot answer. Dan Turner, a town councillor from Louth in Lincolnshire, used his brief conversation with the PM during a phone-in on LBC radio to ask her to do the right thing in the national interest and stand down if a Brexit deal could not be thrashed out. Mrs May then responded by going through details of the draft withdrawal agreement. Mr Turner said: She didnt really answer me. I think she completely went with the robot answer and dodged around it. Expand Close Dan Turner felt Theresa May did not give him a proper answer (Andrew Squires/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dan Turner felt Theresa May did not give him a proper answer (Andrew Squires/PA) 9.01am Expand Close Environment Secretary Michael Gove arrives at his office in Westminster (Victoria Jones/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Environment Secretary Michael Gove arrives at his office in Westminster (Victoria Jones/PA) 8.54am LBC phone-in caller Gary, from Acton in west London, said it appeared the EU had got the better deal in negotiations, and asked Mrs May: Dont you think Jacob Rees-Mogg is the person to lead us at the moment? She replied: A lot of people look at this and think the only side thats given anything is the UK. Actually thats not the case. Mrs May said that the EU had initially wanted the European Court of Justice to have jurisdiction in a wide range of areas of UK life following Brexit. We are very clear that that cannot be the case, and thats what weve negotiated, she said. 8.43am The PM was asked whether the UKs 39 billion divorce bill to the EU would not be better spent on domestic priorities such as the police. She replied: Whatever happens, there is some money we would be due to pay to the EU, our legal obligations. I just think that we are a country that stands by our legal obligations. 8.41am Housing Secretary James Brokenshire has said he very much wants Michael Gove to continue in office. Asked if Mr Gove was still a member of the Government, Mr Brokenshire told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: Everything Ive heard in terms of yes, Michael is a great colleague. I have enjoyed working with him and want to continue to work with him in his role as Secretary of State at Defra. I very much want to see him continuing in that role and I wish him well for the future in dealing with that. 8.39am Mrs May explained her comparison of her approach to Brexit to the cricketing style of her sporting hero Geoffrey Boycott. The thing about Geoff Boycott is he was absolutely steady, he kept there at the crease, he carried on and relentlessly went about his goal, and I think thats important, she said. Mr Ferrari said that Boycott had ended his career by being run out by one of his own team, Jim Love of Yorkshire, and asked whether Michael Gove might play the same role in her career. She replied: I think Michael Gove is Scottish. 8.33am Mrs May could not guarantee she had the support of the DUP, who prop up her minority Government, in the meaningful vote, but insisted she was still working with the DUP. Responding to a question about whether DUP leader Arlene Foster had withdrawn support, she said: I havent had a testy exchange with Arlene on that. LBC presenter Nick Ferrari pushed: And theyll vote for this deal? Mrs May said: When this vote comes back every individual MP will decide how they will vote, whether they are DUP, Conservative, Labour, all parties within the House of Commons. My job is to persuade first and foremost my Conservative benches, those who are working with us the DUP are working with us, obviously, confidence and supply but I want to be able to say to every MP I believe this is the best deal for the UK. 8.30am Nick Ferrari asks PM: "Will the Cabinet get a free vote on the Brexit deal?#MayOnLBChttps://t.co/TJZBGdF0Sw LBC (@LBC) November 16, 2018 8.30am Asked whether she would give her ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal comes before Parliament, Mrs May told LBC: There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country. Government policy is Government policy. There is Cabinet responsibility. The Government will put its policy to the House of Commons. 8.25am Asked on LBC Radio whether she had spoken to Mr Gove about his future in the Government, Mrs May said: I had a very good conversation with Michael yesterday actually. Mrs May said she had discussed the fishing industry with Mr Gove but, asked whether she had offered him the job of Brexit Secretary, she replied: I dont talk about things to do with the Cabinet reshuffle. I havent appointed a new Brexit Secretary yet, but obviously I will be doing that over the course of the next day or so. 8.22am However, a former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, Sir Simon Fraser, dismissed Mr Daviss claim that it was still possible to reopen negotiations with the EU. David Davis was a terrible Brexit secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels and rapidly lost respect there, he wrote on Twitter. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage. David Davis was a terrible #Brexit Secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels & rapidly lost respect there. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage.. Simon Fraser (@SimonFraser00) November 16, 2018 8.20am Former Brexit secretary David Davis who quit in July over Theresa Mays Chequers plan for leaving the EU said it was still possible to reopen negotiations with Brussels. It is a dreadful proposal, it really doesnt fly by any measure. It is not a deal we should accept, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. The European Union has spun this out deliberately to try to use time against us. It will get to a point, I am quite sure, when it will be very tense and people will be very nervous about the way the negotiations go, but European negotiations are never over until they are concluded. 8.16am Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May at Global Radio studios, central London, where she is appearing on an LBC radio phone-in programme (@RobbieGibb/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May at Global Radio studios, central London, where she is appearing on an LBC radio phone-in programme (@RobbieGibb/PA) 8.15am Theresa May faced a call to stand down as PM from a Conservative councillor as she took calls on an LBC radio phone-in. The man, who identified himself as Daniel from Louth, said he commended the PM for trying to strike a Brexit deal with the EU but sadly that has not worked. Mrs May responded by going through details of the draft withdrawal agreement. Youre absolutely right that for a lot of people who voted Leave, what they wanted to do was make sure that decisions on things like who can come into this country would be taken by us here in the UK, and not by Brussels, and thats exactly what the deal Ive negotiated delivers, she said. 7.41am Expand Close Environment Secretary Michael Gove leaves his home in London (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Environment Secretary Michael Gove leaves his home in London (PA) 7.40am Environment Secretary Michael Gove made no comments about his future to reporters as he left his home, saying only good morning repeatedly. A holidaymaker who is suing British Airways has told a court he was injured after being forced to squeeze into a seat next to an obese man who was the size of Jonah Lomu. Stephen Prosser, 51, claims he suffered personal injury and loss of earnings after being made to sit next to the large passenger during a 12-hour flight from Bangkok to Heathrow. On Friday, Pontypridd County Court heard the self-employed civil engineer claim cabin crew ignored his complaints that he would be injured if forced to sit next to the extremely large passenger, who he described as being 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 22 stones. Mr Prosser, who is 5ft 3in, said: He was that large that he had to force his buttocks between the arm rests of the seats. I sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was over spilling into my seat by some inches. I was immediately aware that this was going to be problematic for me and I could feel the weight of his pure bulk putting lateral pressure on my upper body. This forced me into a position of unnatural posture. Due to the size of him when he placed his arm down at times it would rest on my armrest, and he would accidentally turn the volume of my audio up to an extremely loud volume each time. I sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was over spilling into my seat by some inchesStephen Prosser He said he chose not to take issue with the passenger because he seemed self conscious, but did complain to cabin crew, who allegedly told him there were no other seats available on the fully booked Boeing 777 and did not allow him to swap with someone else. Mr Prosser, from Penygraig in Tonypandy, South Wales, said the incident in January 2016 left him with a continual back spasm and an injury causing his sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his spine to dysfunction. He said being forced into an unnatural position during the long haul flight also aggravated his 12-year-old spine injury caused by driving long distances for work. He said he had been unable to work overtime as a result of his back pain, and left him lacking energy which had affected his relationship with his partner and forced him to give up mountain biking. Jack Harding, representing Mr Prosser, said the unusual case fell under the Montreal Convention 1999, a treaty adopted by members states of the International Civil Aviation Organization concerning compensation for the victims of air disasters. Mr Harding said a figure of 4,100 had been submitted for the loss of earnings claim. Expand Close Pontypridd Crown Court (Adam Hale/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pontypridd Crown Court (Adam Hale/PA) Timothy Salisbury, representing British Airways, said Mr Prosser was exaggerating by comparing the other passenger to the late New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu, who was 6ft 4ins and weighed 19 stones. Mr Salisbury said: You say the man reminded you of the late rugby player Jonah Lomu. Would you say thats a colourful explanation? An exaggeration? Mr Prosser replied: Not at all. Mr Salisbury said cabin crew on the flight described the passenger as tall but not overweight so he had encroached on the other seat. Chris McLindon, the customer service manager on board the flight, said in a witness statement Mr Prosser did not seem to be in any discomfort and at times he was asleep. Expand Close British Airways customer service manager Chris McLindon denied the passenger sitting next to Mr Prosser was obese (PA/Adam Hale) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp British Airways customer service manager Chris McLindon denied the passenger sitting next to Mr Prosser was obese (PA/Adam Hale) Mr McLindon said if a customer of the size Mr Prosser has claimed was on board they would have required an extension to their seat belt to fit around their body, and would also have had trouble lowering their armrest. Asked by District Judge Andrew Barcello what would happen if a passenger too large for the seats boarded the aircraft, Mr McLindon said: They would have to buy two seats. District Judge Andrew Barcello said he would reserve judgment and would schedule a hearing to announce the outcome of the case. A Royal Navy frigate has been scrambled to shadow a Russian warship travelling through the English Channel. Portsmouth-based HMS St Albans has been tasked with keeping watch on the Russian Slava-class cruiser Marshal Ustinov. A navy spokesman said: The Russian unit accompanied by an auxiliary ship and tug recently left the Mediterranean and was tracked by allied French naval warships through the Bay of Biscay. As the current fleet ready escort, HMS St Albans is the Royal Navys very high readiness ship which is charged with protecting the integrity of UK waters. Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans is today shadowing a Russian warship through the English Channel. Full story: https://t.co/Ny3Oga92k0 pic.twitter.com/kfp15RgZB8 Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) November 16, 2018 And she was therefore prepared to monitor the Russians as they entered the Channel, taking over the watch from the French warships. Commander John Cromie, the commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: In this instance the interaction between St Albans and Marshal Ustinov has proven both cordial and professional, reflecting the mutual understanding of customs that exist between professional mariners. My crew are however trained to the very highest standard and are prepared to respond to any eventuality. The Type 23 frigate has deployed its Merlin helicopter to observe the movements of the task group as it navigates along the south coast of the UK and will continue to monitor it until it has left UK territorial waters. The commanding officer of the Royal Navys aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has spoken of the eye-watering level of Russian naval activity in the Atlantic region in recent years. Expand Close HMS St Albans (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp HMS St Albans (PA) Prior to setting sail from Portsmouth in August, Captain Jerry Kyd said: The increase in Russian activity we have seen in the last couple of years is frightening and for national security reasons it just underlines why we need to maintain a balanced, strong and able, capable fleet. On August 7, Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond sailed from Dover, Kent, to monitor the Russian destroyer Severomorsk and the Marshal Ustinov. At the beginning of the year, frigate HMS Westminster was dispatched to keep track of the activities of two Russian frigates and their support vessels returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East, while HMS St Albans monitored the new Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov at Christmas. And in June, HMS Diamond and a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton were dispatched to follow the underwater reconnaissance ship Yantar after it approached the UK coast. The RAF is also involved in monitoring Russian activity. In January, two Russian Blackjack bombers were intercepted by the RAF over the North Sea. Two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland but the Russian aircraft did not enter sovereign UK airspace. Mr Davis said hed had an excellent response from US officials over post-Brexit trade talks (Peter Byrne/PA) The United States would be ready to start negotiating a free trade deal with Britain immediately after Brexit if Theresa Mays plan is ditched, David Davis has claimed while making a trip across the Atlantic. The former Brexit secretary revealed he had spent several days in Washington talking to US Government Trade and Treasury officials while Westminster had been reeling from high-profile resignations and questions over the Prime Ministers future. In a series of tweets on Friday evening he said that Donald Trumps administration was open to starting trade talks but the withdrawal agreement made with Brussels would not allow it. Earlier I had useful discussions at the US Department of Agriculture. An amazing building, built in the Great Depression. Its the 3rd largest government building, put up in a hurry on plans based on Leavenworth prison. Very long corridors, you can walk on a 2.3 mile round trip! pic.twitter.com/8YXISZN7qR David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) November 16, 2018 He said: I have spent the last few days in Washington talking to US Government Trade and Treasury officials encouraging a free trade deal with the UK. Excellent response. They have already started on the procedures to allow negotiations to start immediately once we leave the EU in March. This will not be possible if we accept the Governments proposed deal with Europe, which will block every avenue of negotiation with America. We have to have a Canada+++ deal to allow us to have a free trade deal with America. The UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston was critical of the UK Government (UN/PA) It is outrageous that devolved administrations need to spend resources to shield people from UK Government policies, the United Nations poverty envoy has said. Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, toured the UK last week and announced his preliminary findings on Friday. In his report, Mr Alston was scathing of UK Government policy, accusing ministers of being in a state of denial over the extent of poverty in the Britain. I found that #UK government policies are inflicting unnecessary misery on people living in #poverty: https://t.co/hwTqZNCjTR https://t.co/cqa5LrjVzr Philip Alston (@PhilipGAlston) November 16, 2018 He said devolved administrations have tried to mitigate the worst impacts of austerity, despite experiencing significant reductions in block grant funding and constitutional limits on their ability to raise revenue. In his report, he wrote: The UK Governments policies and drastic cuts to social support are entrenching high levels of poverty and inflicting unnecessary misery in one of the richest countries in the world. The experience of the United Kingdom, especially since 2010, underscores the conclusion that poverty is a political choice. Austerity could easily have spared the poor, if the political will had existed to do so. Resources were available to the Treasury at the last budget that could have transformed the situation of millions of people living in poverty, but the political choice was made to fund tax cuts for the wealthy instead. Expand Close Mr Alston met with schoolchildren during his visit to Scotland last week (UN/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Alston met with schoolchildren during his visit to Scotland last week (UN/PA) Mr Alston highlighted Scottish Government schemes for addressing poverty, including its Fairer Scotland Action Plan and Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan. However, he said it is too soon to say whether such ambitious steps will make a difference for poverty, health outcomes, and life expectancy in the country. In his recommendations, he said civil society groups he had spoken to raised concerns about a general lack of awareness of local welfare funds for people in crisis and the considerable variation in how local authorities process applications for these emergency grants. .@Alston_UNSR: the #UK government could take immediate steps to radically improve the lives of people living in #poverty pic.twitter.com/1YvUeU2egK Bassam Khawaja (@Bassam_Khawaja) November 16, 2018 The report indicated that in Glasgow, only 3% of welfare fund applications were decided in a day, whereas other councils managed to rule on such claims within a day 99% of the time. He wrote: It is clear to me that there is still a real accountability gap which should be addressed. The absence of a legal remedy or a more robust reference to international standards in the Social Security (Scotland) Act is significant and should be addressed. I will be following closely the forthcoming recommendations from the First Ministers Advisory Group on Human Rights. Its time for the Scottish Parliament to have the full powers to prevent even more people being dragged into hardshipBob Doris, SNP MSP SNP MSP Bob Doris said: The Tory Government should be thoroughly ashamed of what they have heard from the UN Rapporteur today. The impact of Tory welfare cuts have been laid bare today in this absolutely damning report which highlights clearly that the UK Governments austerity is pushing thousands of people into poverty. Its time for the Scottish Parliament to have the full powers to prevent even more people being dragged into hardship. John Dickie of the Child Poverty Action Group, said: There is no question that the driving forces behind rising child poverty are UK Government benefit cuts, but the UN report has important recommendations for government at national and local level here in Scotland. Ministers need to underpin the principles of dignity and respect for human rights in Scottish social security with explicit reference to international human rights frameworks, just as the Rapporteur says. At local level, access to the Scottish Welfare Fund needs to be easier and more consistent across Scotland to help ensure families in crisis have access to cash rather than being forced to food banks. Sri Lankas lawmakers scuffle at the parliament in Colombo (AP Photo) Pandemonium reigned in Sri Lankas parliament as legislators supporting disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violently demonstrated in the house to prevent proceedings from taking place on Friday. The chaotic scenes erupted the day after a fierce brawl between rival legislators. They threw books and chairs at police who escorted house speaker Karu Jayasuriya into the chamber and did not allow him to sit in the speakers chair. Mr Jayasuriya, using a microphone, adjourned the house until Monday. Expand Close Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses supporters in Colombo (Rukmal Gamage/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses supporters in Colombo (Rukmal Gamage/AP) Members loyal to Mr Rajapaksa heckled and continued to hurl abuse at Mr Jayasuriya until he left the chamber. Arundika Fernando, a legislator allied with Mr Rajapaksa, sat in the speakers chair while others surrounded him shouting slogans. On Thursday, rival members exchanged blows, leaving one injured, after the speaker announced there was no prime minister or government following Wednesdays no-confidence motion against Mr Rajapaksa. The disputed PM insisted the speaker had no authority to remove him and continued in his role. Sri Lanka has been in political crisis since October 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed the former strongman Mr Rajapaksa. I urge all Parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy parliamentary traditions at all times. I will not prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances. Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) November 16, 2018 Mr Wickremsinghe says he has majority support in the house. Mr Rajapaksa, a former president, is considered a hero by some in the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending a long civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil Tiger rebels, but his time in power was marred by allegations of wartime atrocities, corruption and nepotism. Tensions had been building between Mr Sirisena and Mr Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Mr Sirisena has also accused Mr Wickremesinghe and another cabinet member of plotting to assassinate him, a charge Mr Wickremesinghe has repeatedly denied. On Thursday, the president held an emergency meeting with the leaders of the opposition parties that voted for the no-confidence motion against Mr Rajapaksa. Mr Sirisena asked that parliament take up the motion again, striking the part that condemned Mr Wickremesinghes removal and Mr Rajapaksas appointment as unconstitutional, to allow it to be debated and a roll-call vote to be taken. Frances finance minister has called some British politicians liars, saying they tricked voters into thinking leaving the EU would be easy and in their interests. As Prime Minister Theresa May battles to save her Brexit plan, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said: The truth is that Brexit could end with a nightmare. Mr Le Maire defended the European Unions single market, calling it a considerable force in global trade and warned that Britain could face economic disaster if it leaves. French President Emmanuel Macrons government is among the strongest defenders of the EU and is trying to limit the damage to the bloc from Britains exit and ensure that Brexit does not encourage other EU members to leave. Mr Le Maire was speaking to a conference in Paris on reforming the global trade system. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen blamed the policies of the EU for Brexit. Expand Close Marine Le Pen (Valentina Petrova/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Marine Le Pen (Valentina Petrova/AP) If the EU wasnt what it is now, the United Kingdom would still have been a member of a structure that respects the nations, the people, that doesnt impose migration polices and deals that have very heavy consequences on our industries and agriculture, Ms Le Pen said. She said it was clear the EU wants to punish Britain by imposing conditions that are unacceptable to a large majority of the people in the UK and to members of the British Government. The idea was to do as much evil as possible to the United Kingdom so that no other nation would rise against the EU or contest the EU, she said. Shinzo Abe has become the first prime minister of Japan to visit Darwin since the northern Australian city was bombed by Japanese forces in World War II. He arrived for his one-day visit on Friday afternoon and immediately went to lay a wreath at the citys main war memorial, alongside his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. Today was a day of healing for Darwin, and all Australians, with the first visit by a Japanese Prime Minister, @AbeShinzo, to the city. Together we acknowledge the sensitivities of our past and celebrated our reconciliation, strong partnership and shared agenda for the future. pic.twitter.com/5QgwCwSUeA Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) November 16, 2018 Mr Abe then stood solemnly with head bowed as an army bugler played The Last Post. The visit continues Mr Abes moves to show remorse for Japans role in the war, following his trip to Pearl Harbour in 2016. Darwin was bombed in 1942, with the loss of an estimated 240 lives. Mr Abe then went into meetings with Mr Morrison, with the pair expected to announce stronger defence ties later on Friday. Authorities in charge of Gulf countrys sky have cancelled all fights from and to Kuwait City international airport because of unfriendly weather conditions. Flights to and from the airport according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation will remain suspended on Thursday after cancelling all departing flights on Wednesday. All flights departing from Kuwait were delayed and all passengers were informed about new schedules,director general of airport affairs Fahad Al-Wugayyan is quoted saying on Thursday by the state-run news agency, KANU. Wugayyan also said aid flights continued to be diverted to Riyadh, Dammam and Manama The Directorate also on Wednesday said the arriving flights would be redirected to Dubai, Bahrain and Dammam, reports say. The Gulf country has been experiencing bad weather marked by heavy rains and flooding including strong winds packing speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour. The worse weather conditions made a first victim over the week-end. On Friday the minister public works resigned over damage caused by the floods, Reuters reported. On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued advisory to citizens living in Kuwait to follow instructions given by local authorities. The Kuwait interior ministry warned the Gulf countrys residents to stay indoors. Visibility on roads was feared to drop below 1,000 meters. Written by: KanelkaTagba on November 15, 2018. Last revised by: Last revised by: Jaber Ali , our reviewer, on November 16, 2018. Khieu Samphan, left, and Nuon Chea are already serving life sentences (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s have been convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison, the same sentence they are already serving after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and mass disappearances of people. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic group whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. Expand Close Khieu Samphan, centre, former Khmer Rouge head of state, sits in the court room before the hearing at the UN-backed war crimes tribunal (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Khieu Samphan, centre, former Khmer Rouge head of state, sits in the court room before the hearing at the UN-backed war crimes tribunal (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offences comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included wilful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. Expand Close Nuon Chea, who was the Khmer Rouges number two leader (Nhet Sok Heng/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nuon Chea, who was the Khmer Rouges number two leader (Nhet Sok Heng/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Both defendants were present as Judge Nil Nonn opened the proceedings, but Nuon Chea suffers heart problems, so was granted permission to later move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. A large crowd of spectators attended Fridays session, including members of the Cham minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Fridays session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life in those years, he said. Expand Close Both men were sentenced to life in prison (Heng Sinith/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Both men were sentenced to life in prison (Heng Sinith/AP) The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodias long-serving, autocratic prime minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Mr Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Fridays verdicts. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. Donald Trump says he has answered written questions from special counsel Robert Mueller but has not yet submitted them. The president told reporters in the Oval Office he answered the questions very easily this week but added: You have to always be careful. He did not say when he would turn over the answers to Mr Mueller as part of the investigation into possible ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Mr Trump met lawyers at the White House this week but made clear: My lawyers dont write answers, I write answers. Mr Mueller had signalled a willingness to accept written answers on matters of collusion. The White House has said it would not answer his questions on possible obstruction of justice. A white man has been charged with federal hate crimes after the killing of two African-Americans at a grocery shop last month in Kentucky. A federal grand jury in Louisville returned three hate crime charges against 51-year-old Gregory Bush on Thursday. US attorney Russell Coleman said Bush was charged with killing two people based on their race and attempting to kill a third person based on his race. Bush was also charged with three firearms offences. Police said Bush walked into a Kroger grocery shop with a .40-calibre handgun on October 24 and shot one person, and then killed another in the car park before exchanging fire with an armed man before fleeing. Coleman said there has been a spectre that reared its head and laid across this community since the shootings. This is not acceptable, Coleman said at a news conference Thursday. No Kentuckian should be frightened to go shoppingUS attorney Russell Coleman No Kentuckian should be frightened to go shopping, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go worship, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go to school. Coleman said the FBI has been involved in investigating the shooting since the day it happened. Bush has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in state court, and is being held on bail. Prosecutors have not made a decision on seeking the death penalty. Bush had stopped at a black church in suburban Louisville before heading to the supermarket, where 69-year-old Maurice Stallard and 67-year-old Vicki Lee Jones were shot at close range. Bush was seen on surveillance video trying to enter the church, but the door was locked and he left. The pastor of that church, Kevin Nelson, said his flock was simply hoping to see justice be done. We have to learn how to get along with each other and generally accept each others differences, he said. Sadiqa Reynolds, president of Louisvilles Urban League, said we cannot live in a community with hate, and there must be severe consequences for that. Racism is real and we see that our country is very, very divided, Reynolds said. That is not going to go away. Can I whisper a terrible secret in your ear? I'm bored with Brexit. Not just a little weary or jaded. This is not some trivial, passing ennui. I am all-out, full-on, utterly, definitively and irrevocably sick of Brexit. It's gone beyond the back teeth. Yes, thanks, I'm well aware of Brexit's enormous significance. We are living through a time of incredible political upheaval, and any deal that is finally agreed - or any no-deal - will have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences, not least for our own small corner of the world. Heck, maybe the Union will even implode, as the DUP have been threatening - who knows? So, I get it. Britain's departure from the European Union could be the biggest political story of our lifetimes, and we all have a stake in what happens. But Brexit has become so huge, such a relentless, obsessive subject of speculation and counter-speculation - some of it tweedily dull, some of it feverishly manic, much of it ridiculously ill-informed - that there is barely any room left to talk about anything else. It's like a giant black hole, sucking in everything in its path: education, social care, the NHS, the environment, the no-show government at Stormont. None of this matters, because Brexit. Experts now tell us that, at this stage, we have only reached the end of the beginning. Oh please God no. There are years and years more to come of this tortuous manoeuvring, while ideologues of all varieties shriek from the sidelines. One of the most irritating things is the technocratic jargon that's constantly bandied around. Honestly, if I hear the words 'regulatory differences' one more time, I really think I'll weep from pure tedium. Still worse is the language of violence and war. We regularly hear talk of annexing, weaponising and entering the killing zone, which seems to me to be particularly distasteful in the context of the recent Armistice centenary, marking the end of a war in which young men were sent to a real killing zone and slaughtered in their millions. Boris Johnson has had notorious form in this area for years, previously telling EU leaders not to give the UK "punishment beatings" for Brexit and accusing the EU of "extortion" over the financial settlement. Nice to see the ex-Foreign Secretary appropriating familiar terms from our own conflict. Glad we could be of assistance, sir (Doffs cap). Other Conservatives are really losing the plot, in increasingly grotesque ways. A few weeks ago, a Tory backbencher was quoted in a newspaper saying: "The moment is coming when the knife gets heated, stuck in [Theresa May's] front and twisted. She'll be dead soon." The Prime Minister was also told to "bring her own noose" to a meeting. It's not just elected representatives who are guilty of such intemperate, self-indulgent and inflammatory language. Certain members of the London Press, bobbing about complacently in the Westminster bubble, are also guilty. For example, in last week's Sunday Times, a Brexit report referred to Cabinet ministers Andrea Leadsom and Esther McVey finding themselves on "suicide watch" - being monitored by the media to see if they were about to resign. This is what the disproportionate focus on Brexit is doing to our politics and public discourse. It has become so hysterically unhinged that it's now acceptable to use the analogy of somebody killing themselves to describe a possible political resignation. You know it's bad when even political hacks start saying they're fed up. Jane Merrick, the former political editor of the Independent on Sunday, wrote on CNN.com that Brexit was a "boring, slow-motion train wreck". As long ago as April 2017, Sophy Ridge, the high-profile Sky News presenter, was wondering if she could "voice the unthinkable" and declare she was bored with Brexit. "Does everything have to be viewed through the Brexit lens?" she asked. "Not everything is 'despite Brexit' or 'because of Brexit'." Ridge admitted that she was secretly looking forward to a time beyond the "all-consuming Brexit monster".If she was that frustrated a year-and-a-half ago, Lord knows what state of eye-rolling tedium the poor woman is in by now. I sympathise. Sometimes I wonder if all this is even about Brexit itself. Our drawn-out departure from the European Union is frequently used as a vehicle for self-important people - both in politics and beyond - to strut and swagger, posture and parade. Rather than focusing on collective, constructive problem-solving, most Brexit discussions seem to be little more than an arena for narcissists to compete with one another, and play their infantile war-games. Well, I'm done with it all. Wake me up in a couple of years, would you? When historians come to explain the diplomacy of the UK-EU negotiations on Brexit and the Northern Ireland backstop, perhaps they will consider it to be the 21st century version of the 19th century Schleswig-Holstein question. Famously, Lord Palmerston described it thus: "Only three men in Europe ever understood it. The first was Prince Albert, who is dead; the second, a German professor who became mad; I am the third and I have forgotten all about it." Who would have thought, before 2016, that the Irish border would be at the heart of British and European politics? Who would have thought that the Irish border would re-emerge, like Churchill's dreary steeples of Fermanagh and Tyrone, to drain the life out of another British Government? It was said of the original Irish Question that solving it required the brains of a Gladstone and the balls of a Munster Fusilier. With deference to the gender of the current Prime Minister, the same can be said of Brexit. It seems that, despite two years of effort, Mrs May has failed. Eyes glaze over at the details of customs and regulatory compliance in the 30-odd pages directly devoted to Northern Ireland in the Withdrawal Agreement. Despite the mind-numbing details, Northern Ireland is not an outlier. It is central to the politics of the Union. Its position raises a question which is not new. In 1982, the political scientist Richard Rose - who wrote in 1971 the ground-breaking study on Northern Ireland, Governing without Consensus - asked what might appear to be an academic question: Is the United Kingdom a State? Interestingly, he took Northern Ireland to be a test case. It is worth re-visiting his arguments - for they sound very familiar almost half a century later. Rose's starting point was that a modern state must have control of its "territorial boundaries". Though Westminster was formally sovereign in Northern Ireland, he continued, constitutional legality was not proof that the United Kingdom is a state. For this to be so, Westminster must "maintain the integrity of the United Kingdom, and not treat Northern Ireland as if it were an alien land or a colony". On that basis, he thought that Westminster failed and he concluded: "In effect, Westminster handles the problem of Northern Ireland by denying the integrity of the United Kingdom." One could argue - as many did at the time - that Rose's view was too fundamentalist. It was unable, for example, to contemplate devolution, which he considered an intolerable qualification of Westminster sovereignty. Moreover, Northern Ireland meant that the United Kingdom was not a state because it had a "unilateral" right to secession. Of course, today we have devolution in Scotland and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland. And the right to secession (or consent) is acknowledged as a general constitutional principle, as the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 confirmed. Yet on Brexit, we are back to Rose's fundamental question. Is the UK a state? And Northern Ireland is once again taken as the case study to determine the answer. And the balance between Northern Ireland as an integral part of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland as a special case is what Unionist politicians (and not only them) think has been got profoundly wrong in the Withdrawal Agreement. The unionist position - articulated by the DUP - is that on Brexit, the United Kingdom must be one and indivisible. The country voted as one in 1975 as well as in 2016. Leaving should be the same as joining and that isn't the case. Like the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement, criticism of the proposed deal is similar: London has capitulated to Dublin's demands and prioritised nationalist demands over unionist principle. Pitched as a British problem, the argument is that any Northern Irish divergence from the rest of the country - would become the Scottish special case, then the Welsh special case and then the undermining of the Union. That would be madness and, like Palmerston's German professor, those whom the EU would wish to destroy they first make mad. Of course, Rose wasn't blind. Northern Ireland was - in his own words - indubitably different. But it is the extent of differentiation in the Withdrawal Agreement - especially the drift in the future - which has led to its rejection by those unionists who matter, the 10 DUP MPs. They think it a constitutional enormity, giving Brussels and Dublin power without representation or responsibility in Northern Ireland. Moreover, they reject the economic argument that the deal will give Northern Ireland a 'best of both worlds', Hong Kong-like, position in relation to EU and GB markets. Why indeed would the Irish Republic encourage a more advantageous rival to its own economic model north of the border? It is a good question. We are where we are. I can't recall any political condition so debilitating (or mad) in British politics. However sincere Mrs May is about her achievement (and I have immense respect for her tenacity as well as her appreciation of, if not admiration for, Geoffrey Boycott) nothing I have read or heard about the Parliamentary arithmetic convinces me that she has sufficient support for her deal, not even the potential of securing freedom to achieve freedom. Nigel Dodds is in the same place as Jeremy Corbyn - and (whisper it softly) Tony Blair. Where should we go now? My view is a simple one. Since 2016 we have been working away from an answer for Northern Ireland and not towards it. The answer is valid for the rest of the United Kingdom, as Ruth Davidson and - remember - Mike Nesbitt, argued. The answer is to remain in the EU. That - to me - was the sensible unionist and conservative position. Brexit intimated dis-union and radical disruption. So it has proved - and no deal would be disastrous. Logic (maybe not politics) intimates a new referendum. The Prime Minister intimated that no Brexit is a possibility. Since their opponents appear happy with the Withdrawal Agreement, maybe all unionists should advocate remain, having their constitutional cake and eating it. Arthur Aughey is Emeritus Professor of Politics at Ulster University. His publications include The Politics of Northern Ireland: Beyond the Belfast Agreement (2007) and Nationalism, Devolution and the Challenge to the UK State (2001) Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! This is no way to do public policy, especially when international relations are involved. On Wednesday evening, the UK government published its 585-page draft agreement with the EU. Brexit by consent beckoned, only to see British governance crumble - with regicide lurking. The tragedy of this new spectator sport is that it did not need to happen like this. In June 2016, the people of the UK voted by 52% to 48% to leave the EU. I voted remain. However, as a constitutionalist, I accept Brexit, along with Vernon Bogdanor and others. Leaving the EU is, or should be, simple under article 50: 28 member states become 27; and it involves automatically falling out of the broader European economic area ('EEA'), additionally embracing Iceland, Liechenstein and Norway (with Switzerland hovering). After that comes a bespoke free trade agreement: Canada plus plus plus because there is no need to align; or simply world trade organisation rules. The origin of the present crisis lies in our modest 1998 Belfast agreement of some 44 pages (though my legal textbook runs to 601 pages!). The only implication of Brexit - I jest not - is the demise of the tiny north-south EU special programmes body, involved in spreading Brussels largesse on both sides of the border. But that was to reckon without some political lawyering in Northern Ireland. On January24, 2017, in the Gina Miller case in the UK supreme court, two Northern Ireland appeals failed. The Belfast Agreement - in the eyes of all 11 justices - had absolutely no implications for Brexit. That was to reckon legally without regard to a number of political suspects. The first is Leo Varadkar/Simon Coveney. Irish governments, with their over-blown concept of the Good Friday Agreement, raised recklessly the spectre of a so-called hard border (like the Berlin wall before 1989?). The Irish border is a stable international frontier between two states in Europe. One may think of a security border, a people's border and a trade border. The first passed with the end of the Troubles, and it is alarmist to talk up a return. The second never existed, because of the administrative common travel area (which I cherish). And the third is an amalgam of: the same regulation; no tariffs or quotas; very little cross-border trade in goods and services; different currencies; different VAT rates; different taxation etc. etc. The EU did not ordain frictionless trade in 1973. That only came in 1993, with the single - or internal - market project in the Maastricht treaty. There never was a problem of the Irish border and, insofar as issues presented, they were, and are, amenable to pragmatic solutions. Early in 2017, I joined a multi-disciplinary project in London to work on the Irish border (our articles are available at www.austenmorgan.com). Little did we realize that the issue would dominate Brexit... and in the malign way it has. We formulated a bilateral London/Dublin strategy of an agreed Irish border. The UK did not need to put anything on the border. The Irish, however, because of the common customs tariff, would have to do Brussels' bidding. We proposed helping them with technology, dealing with goods at source or destination. There would be no return to the border I remember, being stamped out of one state and stamped into the other. Dublin, however, chose servility to Brussels (having exercised its article 50 right by deciding to stay). The EU then theorized the idea of the backstop, in the December 2017 political agreement which moved the negotiations from the first to second phase. The second political suspect is Monsieur Barnier, and his article 50 taskforce in the commission in Brussels. Unlike Dublin and romantic Ireland, this French statesman is positively teutonic about the European project: his head bulges with theory. One can only criticise UK negotiating strategy since the article 50 notification in March 2017: allowing Monsieur Barnier to separate a withdrawal agreement from a free trade agreement; the foregrounding of EU citizenship, finance and Northern Ireland; the political agreeing of a backstop, in the hope that the EU would seek to avert it with free trade; the Chequers plan, with the naive idea of a common rule book; and now the draft agreement, supposedly overcoming an east/west border with the whole of the UK in a common customs territory. Brexit means out of the EU: out of the single market; out of the customs union, out of freedom of movement; and out of the court of justice in Luxembourg; and back in to anything we choose, and are able, to agree. The 585 pages of November 14 - as many are discovering without even reading - do not get us there. The dogma of the Irish border problem is evident in the Irish protocol of 174 pages, including 10 annexes. Dominic Raab, who should know, gave two reasons for resigning as Brexit secretary: "First, I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom"; "second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit." Never has Northern Ireland, not even in the 1880s to 1920s, played such a major role in a national, UK, crisis. And the consequence of that is Catholic/Protestant sectarianism, in the form of Leave/Remain polarisation, has been spreading to a hitherto moderate mainland unfamiliar - since the 17th century - with fundamentalism in politics. Why did Monsieur Barnier, defending Euroland, become focussed on an insuperable Irish border problem? It is difficult to believe this was because of its complexity. It is more likely that it was because it was a wonderful stick to wield. The priority for the EU, after the 2016 referendum, was to make sure that the UK gained nothing, and no other member state embarked upon exiting. Thus the idea of Brussels punishing the UK. I have debated with myself whether Brussels was engaged in rhetoric or reality: trying hard to get a workable withdrawal agreement with high negotiating decibels; or trying - as Donald Tusk, with the UK Government falling apart, hinted - to overturn the 2016 UK referendum result by stopping Brexit. The EU of course has form in this area: Denmark in 1993-94; and the Republic of Ireland in 2001-2 and again in 2008-9. Dr Austen Morgan is a barrister in London and Belfast and the author of The Belfast Agreement: A Practical Legal Analysis (2000) Unionist politicians in the north of Ireland have been calling British prime ministers "traitors" from Gladstone to Asquith; even mortal enemies Ted Heath and Margaret Thatcher managed to share that accolade. So, Theresa May is in impressive company when the DUP are not just hurling abuse at her, but are actively calling for her resignation. Without any sense of irony, they deride Mrs May at will, but didn't take it quite so well when Sinn Fein dished it out to Mrs Foster over RHI. (Of course, Sinn Fein have since toned down their invective against Arlene.) The Prime Minister is in an invidious position. She is caught between her instinctive pragmatism and the intransigence of a political party that has yet to catch up on the 21st century. To the average British voter, the DUP must be a strange and peculiar wonder. Some may remember the theatrical performances of the late Ian Paisley. Most wouldn't share any of the values that the DUP bring to the political table. Certainly, there are not many British MPs who would be able to quote Isaiah as Ian Paisley MP did just before he was censured by his parliamentary colleagues. Yet, this quasi-religious party holds the balance of power in the UK by a quirk of fate - one created by a gamble taken by none other than the Prime Minster. In fairness, one can't blame the DUP for taking full advantage of the arithmetic at Westminster. What we can blame them for is looking at the entire UK through the orange-tinted prism of the parts of Northern Ireland which they represent. While the largest party in Northern Ireland, they are not representative of modern Northern Ireland. In fairness, they don't even try to. If there's one lesson in politics for politicians it's never to interfere in the internal strife of another party - particularly in the leadership of that party. Churchill - that most pragmatic of pragmatists and political opportunists - once said: "Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous, as in war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times." Mrs May probably understands that better than most. Here's a woman who by stealth became Prime Minister. She arrived at Number 10 to discover that there was no post-Brexit plan. She stacked her Cabinet with some Brexit-supporting ministers, whose loyalty to her made Judas Iscariot seem like a loveable rogue. But watching Mrs May stoically stand in the House of Commons and argue her case yesterday was impressive. The vicar's daughter has grit. Which is more than can be said for the cowardly Cabinet ministers who sat through five hours of intensive debate, collectively backed the Prime Minister and, less than 12 hours later, resigned after wrestling with their so-called "consciences". Dominic Rabb, the now-former Brexit Secretary, has as much spine as a jellyfish. This is the man who negotiated the Withdrawal Bill. This is the man who didn't realise how reliant Britain is on the Dover/Calais link for trade. Rabb is like the guy who finishes with his girlfriend by text. Mrs May's deal isn't ideal. For this writer, it falls short of what I believe is best for the UK and that is to remain in the single market and the customs union as a full member. It also falls short of my second option, which was to get a Brexit model closer to that of Norway. Yet, after two years of false starts and posturing, there has to be a dose of reality for all sides - Remainers and Brexiters alike. All deals require comprise and the options are narrowing - crash out with no deal, a second referendum, an extension of Article 50, or a general election. Compromise is something that eventually Ian Paisley snr and Peter Robinson came to recognise in relation to Northern Ireland. Sammy Wilson, on the other hand, still seems to believe they smashed Sinn Fein. They didn't; they came to a truce first and then an accommodation. The Executive Press office has countless photos to prove it. If Mrs May walks from office, or is forced from it, the terms of any deal with the EU don't get any better. The Rees-Mogg types don't care about that. They wouldn't, because they are cushioned by their wealth. Boris Johnson, who has ambition beyond his ability, has never convinced his own father, sister, or brother of the rationale for his antipathy to the EU. Even David Davis says Boris is good for headlines, not for policies. Should Mrs May go, a more Right-wing Prime Minister will discover that Scotland will not be easily managed. Gloating Brexiters will boost support for Scottish independence. It is also likely that, unless Sinn Fein decided to forgive and forget a hard Brexit on the island of Ireland, devolution in Northern Ireland will be mothballed indefinitely. DUP MLAs, like others, will have to move on and get other jobs. The DUP seem to think that the Tories will dump Mrs May and, with their "confidence and supply" agreement still in place, the DUP will keep the Conservative Party under a new leader in government over the next two years. That would mark a high point for the DUP, but there would be no escaping responsibility for Tory cuts. And remember, too, that even the Brexit-supporting economists agree that the UK economy is likely to take a nose-dive in a "no deal" situation. The industry bodies who represent the job-creators here in Northern Ireland, like NI Retail Consortium, the Freight and Transport Federation, Small Business Federation and Manufacturing NI, all have given a welcome to news of the potential breakthrough. Tourism and hospitality chiefs have followed suit. They can't be ignored. The notion that the creation of a backstop - one which may never come into being - threatens the Union, the principle of consent, or even a sense of Britishness, is pure bunkum. Two years ago, the then-Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, negotiated with the EU a clause that, in the event of a united Ireland, Northern Ireland would automatically re-enter the EU. That didn't cause any panic in Bangor, or east Belfast. No one felt any less British, or unionist. It threatened no one, because it can't take place until after the people of Northern Ireland decide to leave the UK. The backstop is in the same category. The aim of the backstop is to allow daily lives of people, unionist, nationalist, or other, throughout Northern Ireland to be unaffected, to permit travel and trade, north/south and east/west, with the same ease as they currently enjoy. And that is exactly what Mrs Foster and the late Martin McGuinness asked for the people of Northern Ireland in August 2016. There are those within our community clearly trying to agitate and escalate the current impasse for narrow political advantage - they are marginal, tin-pot egomaniacs, but no less dangerous for that. They are edging towards encouraging civil disobedience and incitement to resistance. It ill-behoves any political party, nationalist or unionist, to dally with, or give cover to, such individuals. Tolstoy wrote: "If you would only look up at the heavens, instead of the ground beneath your own feet, you might all understand this and would no longer suppose that the sun shines for you, or for your country alone." The time has arrived for compromise, common sense and the promotion of the common good. In the words of the Prime Minister, it's time to "get on with it". leaving the European Union has become considerably more complex than we were led to believe. It is not a case of picking up a suitcase and leaving as Britain did in India and Kenya. Leaving the EU involves unpicking hundreds of laws and regulations; it's more like picking apart of piece of woven cloth than dismantling Lego. Nor were we told that there would be a 39bn divorce settlement. The United Kingdom Government has been involved in complex negotiations with 27 member states all of whom have a legitimate interest in the outcome. No one gets all they want in a negotiation and so it has come to pass. Maybe we should have left well enough alone even though it was less than perfect. Important relationships have been damaged. Brexit has led to the serious deterioration of a whole set of important relationships; between Dublin and London; between the DUP and Dublin; between London and Brussels; within the UK political system and between the different parts of the Northern Ireland community. Following the publication of the Withdrawal Agreement last evening, even the relationship between Scotland and Northern Ireland is fraught with new difficulties. In a few weeks time we may find that the remaining members of the European Union sign off on an agreement with the United Kingdom which the United Kingdom parliament will reject. To crash out without an agreement would result in chaos. Brexit caused a problem about borders within Ireland and between Northern Ireland and Great Britain which has become a crisis. Before Brexit, the backstop dilemma did not exist. The Brexiteers who helped to create the problem are now in the middle of it. There are few matters as important as the quality of relationships among the people of this island. The improvements should be treasured. We prosper best when we live at peace with one another. We are enjoined by Christ to love our neighbours. Brexit has the potential to do serious damage to the Irish economy, given that a substantial amount of its commerce goes to or through the United Kingdom. If we in Northern Ireland had concern for the well being of all the people of this island, we should have considered that when deciding how to vote. Unionists should look north/south as well as east/west. The common membership of the European Union provided Ireland and the United Kingdom with a secure political umbrella under which the three strands of the Good Friday Agreement could operate; internal in Northern Ireland, north/south and east/west. It secured the long-term integrity of the United Kingdom. The backstop guaranteeing an open border in Ireland, keeping Northern Ireland looking two ways at the same time and potentially creating a border in the Irish Sea has become a problem, the solution to which, negotiated by a Conservative Government, may cause the deal to be rejected in the House of Commons. Maybe it will be amended by Parliament and re-negotiated. No one can predict how things will develop in the next days and weeks. I might decide in principle to sell my house. I would not sign to sell until I saw and examined the offer. Given what is on offer it would be well to be given a choice to stay where we are in the EU, accept the Withdrawal Agreement or crash out to political and economic chaos. Rev John Dunlop is a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Turkey Wednesday called for international inquiry into the death of the Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi killed on October 2 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkeys top diplomat MevlutCavusoglu on Wednesday before the parliament said an international probe into Khashoggis murder was necessary as part of Turkeys efforts to shed light on true surrounding the death of The Washington Posts contributor. At the current stage we believe an international investigation is a must, he said, according to Anadolu agency. We will do whatever needed to shed light on all its aspects of this murder, Cavusoglu said. Khashoggi, 59, had gone missing on October 2 after entering the consulate for some papers that would allow him to re-marry. Turkish investigators searched and the mission and the residence of the Saudi consulate and analyzed CCTV footages of the two places. They reached the conclusion that the journalist who has been living in self-exile in the U.S since September last year was strangled and dismembered by a 15-men squad flown from Riyadh to the Turkish city. The men entered the diplomatic compound same day as the journalist. Turkey also said it played obtained audio tapes of the killing to Saudi Arabia, France, UK, U.S, Germany and Canada and is ready to play it anyone who wants to listen to them. Saudi Arabia following weeks of denying, admitted that Khashoggi has grown to become a critic of the kingdoms Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, was murdered in a premeditated plot. Turkish authorities have become frustrated over lack of cooperation with their Saudi counterparts. Ankara demanded that members of the hit squad who have been allegedly arrested upon their return in Riyadh be sent to Turkey to stand trial. Written by: KanelkaTagba on November 15, 2018. Last revised by: Last revised by: Jaber Ali , our reviewer, on November 16, 2018. Thanksgiving dinner is often called the meal of the year in America. It is usually the largest meal a family eats all year, and the menu rarely changes from year to year. In fact, the Thanksgiving menu is the same in the vast majority of American households. It involves a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and a bread or dessert that is made with pumpkins. Most people start getting excited about Thanksgiving dinner as soon as the weather starts to change. Some people, however, see traditional Thanksgiving meals as the most overrated menu in history. Thanksgiving dinners normally have enough food and a large enough variety of dishes that people can find a few things they enjoy at the table. Those that dislike stuffing, for instance, can still enjoy the turkey and the green bean casserole. People who do not care for potatoes can use that as an excuse to eat an extra roll or two. There is, however, little hope at a traditional meal for someone who cannot stomach the centerpiece of the entire meal, the turkey. Thankfully, there are alternative menus that do not involve the classic roasted bird. Here are some Thanksgiving dinners for people who hate turkey. Filipinos walk past the bullet-riddled house of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon that was used as his groups hideout during the 2017 siege by militants of the southern Philippine city of Marawi, June 15, 2018. The counter-terrorist special branch recently arrested eight suspects including a man who allegedly recruited children in the Philippines to join Abu Sayyaf, a pro-Islamic State (IS) militant group that operates in the country next-door, Malaysias police chief said Friday. Only one of the eight in custody is a Malaysian while six of the foreigners were identified as Abu Sayyaf members, according to police. None of the suspects were named in a statement released by police. A 35-year-old Filipino suspect and his 46-year-old accomplice were captured together in the Malaysian Borneo state of Sabah and were active Abu Sayyaf members, Police Inspector-General Mohamad Fuzi Harun said. These two men from the Southern Philippines were detained Nov. 8. The suspect worked as a laborer while his accomplice was a technician, Fuzi said in the statement. The 35-year-old was a child recruiter and an active Abu Sayyaf member. He helped find children and trained them to carry arms. In battles between the Abu Sayyaf and Philippines army, he turned the children into human shields, Fuzi added. Philippine officials could not be reached to confirm the Malaysian police chiefs allegation. Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who heads the Malaysian polices counter-terrorist special branch, said he had no information about children. The number of children recruited is unclear because it happened in the Philippines, he said. We are gathering as much information as we can, he said, adding that police were in the early stage of their investigation. Last year, Philippine media reported that militants recruited children to join a five-month siege of the southern city of Marawi that ended in October 2017 when military forces reclaimed it and drove out pro-IS militants. The militants had taken control of Marawi in May 2017 and kidnapped some children to slow troop advances against them, according to Philippine media. The battle, which killed more than 1,200 people mostly militants, according to the Philippine military ended following the deaths of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf senior commander and the acknowledged leader of IS forces in the Philippines, as well as other pro-Islamic State leaders. They assimilated well A source, who was not authorized to speak to reporters, said the two suspects were arrested before they could carry out their plan to travel 100 miles (160 km) to Sandakan, a town in Sabah, before fleeing to the nearby southern Philippines. Initial information received through intelligence reports showed that the 35-year-old, while in Sabah, had recruited seven people between the ages of 18 and 25 to join Abu Sayyaf, the source told BenarNews. Seven that we know so far, but we believe there were more, the source said. The source said the suspect and his accomplice would approach people they worked with to recruit for Abu Sayyaf. No one would suspect that these people were involved in terror activities as they assimilated well with the community. They kept a low profile to avoid unwanted attention, the source said. Malaysian arrested Fuzi identified the Malaysian arrested as a gold trader who was captured at the nations administrative capital, Putrajaya, at the end of October. The 30-year-old had allegedly transferred funds to Malaysian IS terrorist Akel Zainal to finance his activities, police said. Fuzi said one suspect, a Filipino who was arrested on Nov. 10, allegedly served as a top aide to an Abu Sayyaf leader in Basilan, a province on the main southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Our investigation revealed that the man we picked up was a commander of the militant group led by Furuji Indama, Fuzi said. Police arrested three Filipinos in Sabah on Nov. 1, according to Fuzi, who added that all were suspected members of Abu Sayyaf. He said all three were involved in kidnap for ransom from islands surrounding Sabah. One of the suspects was identified as a skilled firearms maker for the Abu Sayyaf militants. The eighth suspect, who was arrested in Sabah on Nov. 12, was identified as a 60-year-old Filipino who worked as a night market trader. He allegedly provided a hideout for a terror suspect, according to the statement. All eight are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012. Sabah security Ayob said the situation in Sabah was safe. Everything is under control. There is no need to panic despite the many arrests in Sabah. It shows that our intelligence operatives are doing their work to ensure no unwanted incidents, he told BenarNews. There is no reason to be panic over the numbers of arrests. Just like many operations in the [Malaysian Peninsula], the police are looking to stop these terror activities from happening, Ayob said. Despite his assurance, Ayob said he could not disclose more information about the foreign suspects. I have limited information for now because it is still early in investigation, he said. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (right) speaks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN summit in Singapore, Nov. 15, 2018. Empire and aggression have no place in the region, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told a meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in Singapore on Thursday, slamming Beijing for what he called its illegal and dangerous militarization and territorial expansion in the South China Sea. All nations should be secure in their sovereignty, Pence told the East Asia summit that brought together leaders of the ASEAN bloc and Asia-Pacific powers including the United States and two of its rivals, China and Russia. We hold that empire and aggression have no place in the Indo-Pacific, and that progress is built on a foundation of independence and partnership, said Pence Our vision excludes no nation, requiring only that they treat their neighbors with respect. Pence was representing U.S. President Donald Trump at the annual 18-nation summit, which was held in parallel with the 33rd summit of ASEAN leaders. In a wide-ranging speech in which he asserted Washingtons commitment to closer investment, trade and security ties with nations in the Indo-Pacific region, the American vice president did not hold back in criticizing China directly. Let me be clear: Chinas militarization and territorial expansion in the South China Sea is illegal and dangerous. It threatens the sovereignty of many nations and endangers the prosperity of the world, he said, according to a transcript from the White House. For our part, the United States will continue to fly and sail wherever international law allows and our national interests demand. Harassment will not deter us; it only strengthens our resolve, Pence added. Pence praised the Philippines and Thailand two longtime ASEAN countries that are building bilateral ties with Beijing as being among several old and cherished U.S. allies in the region. He also assured ASEAN leaders that the 10-nation bloc is at the center of our Indo-Pacific strategy and has a pre-eminent role to play in regional affairs. Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister of host country Singapore, which holds the ASEAN chair, said the bloc was trying to balance relations with both Beijing and Washington. The U.S.-China relationship has profound implications to ASEAN, Lee said. ASEAN countries want to be able to engage with both U.S. and China, and maximize the scope and advantages of our cooperation, he added. Therefore, we hope that the US-China relations remain stable and hope that all will work out. Disputed waters Pences comments on the South China Sea came less than a week after the U.S., in a rare statement, demanded that Beijing withdraw its missile systems from the disputed Spratly islands off the Philippines in the South China Sea. Last month, Pence also hit back at Chinas alleged aggression, and what security analysts had described as false benevolence by using its debt-trap strategy of giving smaller nations massive infrastructure loans and demanding unreasonable returns in kind when they default. Analysts say that China has been applying the same strategy in the region, ingratiating itself to countries such as the Philippines by giving it huge loans allegedly in exchange for its silence on issues like the South China Sea. The Philippines, along with ASEAN countries Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, have been contesting parts of the sea region along with China and Taiwan. China and the ASEAN bloc have been working on a code of conduct to govern actions in the region. On Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told the East Asia summit that Beijing hoped that this code would be finished in three years time. The Philippines leader, Rodrigo Duterte, said the timeframe given by China would mean radical changes in the laws governing international waters. And all of these things, China is there. Thats a reality and America and everybody should realize that they are there, Duterte told reporters. He cautioned against military drills in the disputed region, noting that China is already in possession of parts of the disputed region. Its now in their hands. So why do you have to create frictions (a) strong military activity that will prompt a response from China, Duterte said. Jason Gutierrez in Manila contributed to this report. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (fifth from left) poses for a group photo with ASEAN leaders prior to the start of the ASEAN-US Summit in Singapore, Nov. 15, 2018. Southeast Asian leaders and their counterparts led by the United States and China agreed in annual talks in Singapore on Thursday to boost the fight against returning terrorist fighters, underscoring that militants remain a menace to societies. Noting that terrorism constitutes a global threat to international peace, the leaders agreed to boost collaboration to promote a culture of prevention that would help combat terrorist narratives and propaganda, according to a joint statement. The region, particularly in the southern Philippines where foreign-backed fighters attacked the city of Marawi last year, continues to face new challenges, including the ongoing recruitment of fighters who manage to cross boundaries, the leaders noted. In this regard, EAS (East Asia Summit) participating countries will respectively establish domestic laws and regulations sufficiently robust to provide the ability to prosecute and penalize the criminal activities of the FTFs, the group said in the statement, using the acronym for foreign terrorist fighters. Apart from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, other countries included in the EAS are the United States, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Russia. The region is grappling with regional fighters affiliated with the so-called Islamic State (IS), which continues to attract fighters from the region despite its defeat in the Middle East. Fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as from some Middle Eastern countries, trooped to the restive Philippine south last year to join the siege of Marawi city. They engaged Philippine security forces for five months in intense street-by-street warfare that saw them digging holes in urban structures around the city. Australia and the United States came to the aid of the beleaguered Filipino troops by providing crucial intelligence that led to the defeat of the militants. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence described terrorism on Thursday as a global challenge and a growing problem in Southeast Asia, and it has the potential to grow worse as foreign fighters return from the Middle East. After ISIS-inspired terrorists went on a rampage in the Philippines last year, the United States helped our ally liberate Marawi City, and were helping rebuild it, as well, Pence said during the summit, using another acronym for the IS. We will never let ISIS or any radical Islamic terrorists establish a foothold in the Indo-Pacific, he said. More than 1,200 people, most of them militants, were killed in the May to October fighting. The Filipino leader of the terrorists, along with his several lieutenants, were killed in the final push, though military and police officials said that dozens were able to escape Marawi during the fighting. They are believed to be hiding out in jungle camps that dot the vast expanse of southern Mindanao island, and are said to be regrouping. Jason Gutierrez in Manila contributed to this report. Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos (in pink jacket) takes the witness stand at an anti-graft court in Quezon city, near Manila, Nov. 16, 2018. A Philippine anti-graft court on Friday allowed former first lady Imelda Marcos to post bail following her conviction for corruption, angering rights groups and victims of her husbands brutal regime who wanted her incarcerated at once. The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court last week convicted Marcos, who skipped a hearing when the verdict was announced, of stashing about U.S. $200 million (10.5 billion pesos) in stolen money through Swiss foundations when she was governor of metropolitan Manila in the 1970s. The 89-year-old was ordered to serve a minimum of six years in prison for seven counts of graft. On Friday, the court allowed Marcos to post a bail of 150,000 pesos ($2,830) to explore post-conviction remedies. Marcos, who wore a pink jacket over a black blouse, was accompanied by daughter Imee Marcos and son Ferdinand Jr. to the jam-packed court. Presiding Judge Rafael Lagos asked about her absence last week, commenting that Mrs. Marcos was able to attend her daughters birthday party on the same day as the verdict. Pictures from the party showing Imelda Marcos with Sara Duterte, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, circulated on social media and raised concerns that the family enjoyed the protection of the president. Imelda Marcos gave conflicting answers, saying that all the guests were already there for the party after initially saying she had a doctors order to skip last weeks verdict. Marcos presented a medical certification issued by her physician that said she suffered from ailments including respiratory and urinary tract infections. But she also said her cook had misplaced the court summons. If I knew about it your honor, I would have been right here right away, Imelda Marcos said. Even if I was sick, I would have come. Rights victims and anti-Marcos activists rejoiced after last weeks verdict, but many were disappointed that a full week passed and she remained free. The countrys national police chief recently commented that Imelda Marcos should be treated lightly because of her health. Victims react Etta Rosales, the former chief of the countrys Commission on Human Rights who was tortured and raped by Marcos forces in the 1970s, said she was disappointed by the courts decision. It granted bail for Marcos pending the study of a post-conviction bail for her? Rosales told BenarNews. This sounds highly irregular. Is the court going through undue pressure for the Marcos family? She said sending Imelda Marcos to prison for monumental graft committed during her husbands two-decade rule was long overdue. This is getting really tiresome. I feel that we should stick to the basics and not get bogged down by the lies they fabricate to reflect their arrogance and attitude toward this ruling, she said. They seem so cock-sure nothing will materialize from the decision. A group of rights victims who suffered under Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law, questioned the courts actions. The series of events involving the conviction and the delay of her arrest are indicative of a climate of impunity that is complicit to the crimes of criminal masterminds in the government, it said. The group said it was enraged at how the family enjoy political patronage while the country, particularly those who suffered immensely under the dictatorship continue to fight tooth and nail for justice and accountability. Imelda Marcos and her entire family are plunderers and criminals. The Sandiganbayan conviction adds to the long list of evidence that proves the culpability of the Marcoses, the group said. Prolonged delays to haul Imelda Marcos to jail were indicative of their deliberate protection of a criminal, it said, referring to the government and the police. The ruling last week also disqualified Imelda Marcos from holding public office, but it did not automatically bar her from her post as representing the familys northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte in the House of Representatives. Duterte support Duterte, who openly admires the late Ferdinand Marcos, has publicly flaunted his alliance with the Marcos family. He has said Imee Marcos contributed financially to his successful campaign for the presidency two years ago. As a payback, he ordered the transfer of the dictators remains to a heroes cemetery in Manila shortly after he took office, sparking angry protests. And while the Marcos family had repeatedly denied charges that they had plundered the state treasury, Duterte said last year they were willing to return a few gold bars and reveal their hidden accounts. Ferdinand Marcos died in 1989 in Hawaii, three years after a people power revolt ended his dictatorship. Thousands of activists, politicians and ordinary Filipinos who opposed the regime were either killed or jailed in what was considered the darkest period in modern Philippine history. The government allowed his survivors to return home shortly after his death, and Imelda Marcos lost no time in consolidating political power in the familys base. Imee Marcos is the outgoing governor there and is seeking a senate seat next year, while Ferdinand Jr. is contesting the vice presidency he lost two years ago. Duterte is backing his efforts. Mark Navales in Cotabato and Froilan Gallardo in Cagayan de Oro contributed to this report. 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. Prime Minister of UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), Faiez Serraj Wednesday his government was cooperating with British authorities to extradite by the end of this year Hashem Abedi wanted in the UK for conspiracy in the subside bombing that killed dozens of people most of whom teenagers, in May last year after his brother blew himself up at a concert in Manchester. Serraj in an interview Wednesday with the BBC said Abedi currently held in Tripoli could be handed to British authorities before end of this year. We are fully cooperating because we understand the suffering of the families of the victims of this terrorist attack,Serraj is quoted as saying. According to the general prosecutor we can extradite. After we complete the legal process in Libya it is only a matter of time, he said. I think from here to the end of this year we will finish all the legal procedures in Libya. London has long sought for Abedis extradition to the UK to stand trial after the UK police charged with murder. Attempt to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions. The 22-year old Libyan man is accused of being connected to death of dozens of concert goers after his brother, Salman Abedi detonated explosives at the end of the concert given by US pop star, Ariana Grande, in May 2017. Twenty-two people died in the bombing in May 2017 while a total of 112 needed hospital treatment after the attack, with 64 suffering very serious injuries, BBC reports. Both siblings were born in Manchester after their parents fled the regime of late Muammar Gaddafi. Hashem was in 1994. The two brothers returned to Libya in April prior the bombing before Salman returned to carry out the attack. Hashem was soon after the attack arrested and has been in custody under the eyes of Tripoli-based Special Deterrence Force anti-terrorism unit backed by the GNA. Written by: Jaber Ali on November 15, 2018. on November 16, 2018. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, Why is Kamala Harris so Unpopular? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For Immediate Release, November 16, 2018 Contact: Patrick Donnelly, (702) 483-0449, pdonnelly@biologicaldiversity.org Navy Proposes Massive Land Grab for Nevada Bombing Range FALLON, Nev. The U.S. Navy today released details of a plan to seize more than 600,000 acres of public land in central Nevada to expand a bombing range. The land under threat includes rich habitat for mule deer, important desert springs and nesting sites for raptors like golden eagles. If approved by Congress, the 1,536-page plan would transform entire valleys and mountain ranges into bombing targets. Combined with another proposal to expand the Air Forces Nevada Test and Training Range, the military is attempting to grab 1.75 million acres of public land in Nevada an area larger than Delaware. Its outrageous that the Trump administration wants to ram another military takeover of public lands down our throats, said Patrick Donnelly, Nevada state director at the Center for Biological Diversity. The wide-open spaces of central Nevadas basin-and-range country are part of what makes our state so spectacular. Congress shouldnt let Trump seize hundreds of thousands of acres of public land so the military can drop bombs on our cherished wildlife and wild places. The proposal would triple the size of Fallon Naval Air Station bombing ranges, seizing land in the iconic Fairview Peak area and the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. The plan released today follows an earlier proposal to expand the Nevada Test and Training Range in southern Nevada, which would take more than 1.1 million acres of Desert National Wildlife Refuge, currently managed to protect bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The public has 60 days to comment on the enormous draft environmental impact statement, shorter than the 90 days normally given to comment on such a lengthy and complex document. The Navy has scheduled public meetings in Hawthorne and Gabbs (Dec. 10), Austin and Eureka (Dec. 11), Fallon (Dec. 12), and Reno and Lovelock (Dec. 13). The military has a long history of trying to stymie legally required public involvement, said Donnelly. Well shine a bright light on this process and highlight the risks this bombing range expansion poses to wildlife and public lands. In the policy, we have provided attractive incentives for stakeholders to invest in Odisha. By collaborative efforts between the Government of Odisha and private stakeholders, we aim to make Odisha a top biotech investment destination in the country The State Government released its Biotech Policy 2018 that showcased the immense potentials and opportunities in the biotechnology sector to attract domestic and international investors at the Make in Odisha Conclave here. Development in the biotechnology sector will be based on three key pillars - innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. We will provide our full support for the development of this sector by forming public-private partnerships, bio incubation centres and biotech finishing schools. We will collaborate with various international organizations to provide cutting-edge technology in the biotech sector," said Science and Technology Minister Badri Narayan Patra at the ongoing Make in Odisha Conclave. As per the policy, all biotechnology units shall be allotted land at a concessional rate as per the Industrial Policy Resolution of the state government. Besides, an additional subsidy of 25 per cent shall be available to reputed anchor tenants. In the policy, we have provided attractive incentives for stakeholders to invest in Odisha. By collaborative efforts between Government of Odisha and private stakeholders, we aim to make Odisha a top biotech investment destination in the country, said Badri Narayan Patra. In his speech, Chief Secretary AP Padhi also assured that the State Government would provide an essential platform to stakeholders who want to invest in the biotechnology sector in Odisha. He said a centre of excellence would be set to support the biotechnology sector in the State. Padmabhushan Prof G Padmanabhan, Senior Science and Innovation Advisor of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), suggested six significant steps to make Odisha a biotechnology hub. He suggested for the adoption of needleless delivery of vaccine, concentrate on the development of Nanobodies, biomass conversion, eliminating malaria through biological route, gene editing and synthetic biology. Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Bharat Biotech, said that Odisha's Biotech Policy Is best in the country. He expressed his intention reaching Rs 500 crore investment by the Bharat Biotech. There was an interesting panel discussion on the topic 'Odisha in the biotech/medtech realm', which saw participation from various eminent speakers like ILS Director Dr. Ajaya Parida and PATH Impact Lab Director Dr. SP Dash, among others. King Mohammed VI of Morocco accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron of France inaugurated Thursday (November 15), the first high-speed train (TGV) in Morocco and Africa, linking the cities of Tangier in the North and Casablanca, the countrys economic capital. The two leaders were offered at the revamped railway station in Tangier the high-speed line first two tickets and then boarded the new train, Baptized Al Boraq, on an inaugural journey to Rabat. Many high-ranking officials from both countries, the CEOs of the French companies having contributed to the project and the directors of the French and Moroccan railway operators, SNCF and ONCF were part of the passengers of this inaugural trip. President Macron is expected to leave Morocco in the afternoon, from Rabat-Sale airport. The high-speed train can run up to 320km/h reducing the journey time from Tangier to Casablanca to 2h 10min, instead of 4h 45min aboard a regular train. This landmark rail achievement is the result of the strategic partnership binding Morocco and France and gives the example of a win-win North-South cooperation. The related agreement was sealed in 2007 during a visit to Morocco by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The project required an investment of 2.1 billion (23 billion dirhams), of which, 51%, i.e. 1.1 billion, was financed by France in the form of loans to Morocco. Besides France and Morocco, other friendly countries contributed to financing the project, mainly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and the Arab Development Fund. The TGV Al Boraq has an initial capacity of 523 passengers. The capacity will later be increased to 1,064 passengers after the construction of a double-track line. When the project reaches its cruising speed, the ONCF expects to operate 15 daily departures from both directions, Tangier and Casablanca, and believes the number of passengers would grow to 5 to 6 million a year after three years of operation. This year, INDIA BIO will showcase the consistent focus of the Biotech industry towards new innovations and impactful progress in its growth trajectory through the aptly chosen theme, Innovation & Impact. The Dept. of IT & BT, Government of Karnataka is organising the 18th edition of its flagship event INDIA BIO from 29th November to 1st December 2018 at Bengaluru Palace, Bengaluru under the umbrella of the prestigious Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) which is celebrating its 21st edition. This year, INDIA BIO will showcase the consistent focus of the Biotech industry towards new innovations and impactful progress in its growth trajectory through the aptly chosen theme, Innovation & Impact. The BTS 2018 event spectrum would include multi-track conference, B2B Expo, Thought Leaders Conclave, IT Export Awards, Bio Excellence Awards, Bengaluru Tech Exchange, Show Stoppers- Product Launch and Global Innovation Zone, Startups, and posters. At the conference front, BTS 2018 will be graced by the presence of Jaap Akkerhuis, Member, Internet Security & Stability Advisory Committee at ICANN Amsterdam Area, Netherlands; Dr. Ganesh Kishore, Managing Partner, Spruce Capital Partners LLC, San Francisco, CA, USA; Dr. Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations; Damien Manuel, Director for the strategic research centre Cyber Security Research and Innovation, Deakin University Melbourne, Australia and Dr. Edmond Rock, National Institute of Agronomical Research, Research Director, Human Nutrition Unit & Scientific Officer for India, International Affairs, France, as the keynote speakers. The INDIA BIO event conference will be focusing on the trending topics including Artificial Intelligence, Non- Communicable Diseases & Therapies, eHealth innovations, Brain Research, Industrial Biotechnology, Neuromodulation, Genetic disorders, to name a few. Another major highlight of the BTS event includes a virtual Global Hackathon in collaboration with Global Innovation Alliance Partners and Startup Innovation Hubs from across the globe to create solutions that address local or global societal needs. Alongside, BTS 2018 in association with IDRL is bringing Indias biggest and most extravagant drone racing competition till date. During the event, drone racing will take the form of an extravagant night drone racing track as top pilots compete for the biggest prize in the history of drone racing in India on the grandest track ever built. Overall, the BTS 2018 event will have over 250 experts addressing 3500+ delegates and 300+ exhibitors showcasing their services, products and technologies to 11000+ visitors. ICTAI is to focus on quality healthcare to accelerate research, diagnosis and treatment delivery of diseases like cancer, tuberculosis The Government of Maharashtra signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NITI Aayog and Wadhwani AI group to launch the International Centre for Transformational Artificial Intelligence (ICTAI) focusing on the rural healthcare. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that this project was aimed at a greater collaboration in the healthcare sector. ICTAI is to focus on quality healthcare to accelerate research, diagnosis and treatment delivery of diseases like cancer, tuberculosis. It also aims at capacity and capability enhancement of health workers and wellness centres in general. P Anandan from Wadhwani AI said, We are looking forward to understanding the issues that plague healthcare, especially rural, and implementing solutions derived out of the data research and AI, The key partners for projects are PATH, LEHS-WISH, IIT Madras, TATA Trust and the Stanford centre for population health sciences are the core partners in this project. ICTAI launch can be regarded as one of the results of a discussion paper which addresses the national strategy on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in India. Here, the government think tank identified five sectors to focus its efforts towards the implementation of AI to serve societal needs. The five sectors are: As a part of the study, the medical institute will give a wearable sensor in the form of a belt to the children, which will continuously measure the level of air pollution while they are in school, home or travelling in a bus To understand the extent and impact of exposure to pollution on asthmatic children, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has initiated a multi-centre study wherein it will provide belts with monitors to a handful of youngsters to wear through the day. The study is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Medical Research Centre in the United Kingdom. As a part of the study, the medical institute will give a wearable sensor in the form of a belt to the children, which will continuously measure the level of air pollution while they are in school, home or travelling in a bus. The project that started six months ago has so far identified 10-15 students. The machine will identify the degree of exposure and its effect on the health of children who have continuous asthma. It will give us actual data on how much an individual is exposed to air pollution. A button-like device will also be put on the chest of a child, which will give us an idea of the overall health status, said Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS and the principal investigator of the study. The sensor will be concealed, and as per the researchers, no one will be able to see the data being recorded by the machine. Researchers have planned to give it to a child for a week, and repeat the same at least two-three times a year. The machine will have an in-built mechanism that will help monitor data, and real-time pollution information will be constantly recorded to help doctors identify a trend. The research is being conducted in collaboration with IIT-Delhi, University of Edinburgh and Imperial College of London, and Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai. We are identifying schools of asthmatic children coming to our clinic for treatment. Once the school is identified, we will approach the authorities and inform them about the study. After receiving consent from parents and the school, a sensor will be given to the child. The child will wear the sensor throughout the day for at least a week. This is an ongoing project and will be completed in two years, said Dr Karan Madaan, associate professor, department of pulmonology, AIIMS. Experts said the study will also establish a link between indoor and outdoor pollution. The study will help us identify how the health of a child is affected with the changing levels of pollution, added Dr Madaan.AIIM Children are more susceptible to air pollution as they breathe twice as rapidly as adults. This means that they inhale twice the level of pollutants as compared to adults. The lungs of the children are underdeveloped, said Dr S P Byotra, senior consultant, internal medical, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Environmentalists have given a thumbs-up to the study. Generating such information will be extremely valuable. The data will re-confirm how air pollution aggravates the condition of those with a history of respiratory ailments, said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 857 cholera deaths since the beginning of the year, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday. The statistics released by the UN body show over 25,000 officially registered cases in the war-torn nation. At least one case has been reported in 21 of the countrys 26 provinces, with Kasai Oriental, Lomani, South Kivu, Tanganyika and Haut-Katanga being the most affected. The epidemic has now reached the countrys capital, Kinshasa. This megapolis of 12 million people is the nerve center of the countrys trade and is home to one in every six Congolese. According to the WHO, the victims live in areas generally close to large rivers and have a deficient drinking water supply system. The WHOs local office warns that over 15,000 more cases are expected in the country over the next six months. The WHO alarming report comes a week after the government admitted that the countrys tenth Ebola outbreak is now officially its worst ever, after the number of confirmed infections crossed the 300 threshold. The virus has killed 211 people, the ministry of health said. The surge in new Ebola cases has been reported in a densely populated Congolese city, adding a dangerous dimension to the worst outbreak of the virus in the countrys history. In another development, the United Nations and diplomatic sources said on Thursday that at least seven UN peacekeepers were killed in clashes with militias in an area that is at the center of the Democratic Republic of Congos worst Ebola epidemic. Our peacekeeping colleagues tell us that six peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Tanzania who are part of the UN peacekeeping operation in the DRC were killed yesterday, in Beni territory, in North Kivu, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York Thursday. The private sector in Ghana has created more than 208,000 jobs in 2018, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, said on Thursday during his third major budget presentation before the Parliament. The Finance Minister said he culled the data from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which collects pension contributions for employees within the formal sectors of the economy. The data collected for the first 10 months shows an increase in formal jobs added in 2017. The Finance Minister noted that everything was clear that the nation was moving forward in the right direction and at the verge of moving from the inherited International Monetary Fund (IMF) program by the end of the year. He said it had been a collective effort of all Ghanaians, particularly, the government for exercising competence and prudent economic management. President Nana Akufo-Addo, earlier this month, said the Budget would reflect the hope Ghanaians have in the Government and is designed to bring more relief and improvement in the standard of living of the people. Ghana aims to narrow its budget deficit to 4.2 percent of gross domestic product in 2019 and forecasts GDP to post a 7.6 percent growth, including oil, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said. Non-oil growth is expected to reach 6.2 percent, Ofori-Atta said. Tick Bites In Children: How To Identify And What To Do Kids lekhaka-Devika bandyopadhya Ticks are small insect-like creatures that attach to the human skin. They belong to the arachnid class and hence might possess a few features similar to that of mites, spiders and scorpions. You might have heard that tick bites are actually harmless and do not need any specific medical treatment. However, it is essential to know that certain ticks such as wood tick, deer tick and a few others might possibly carry harmful germs and possess the power to infect the bitten person seriously. Not providing medical attention to such tick bites can lead to diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever as ticks are potential carriers of microbes. Deer ticks appear to be extremely tiny, something like that of a pencil point. The other kind of tick bites are visibly larger and can be easily spotted on the skin. Usually, children are the ones on whom we find such tick bites commonly. If you find a tick attached to your kid's skin, your first step should be that of trying to remove it. Do not panic as this might frighten your child further. Read on to know more about identifying tick bites, its diagnosis and treatment. How To Identify A Tick Bite? Being aware of how to identify a tick bite can help you seek medical attention on time so that health risks can be avoided. The following pointers will help you understand the process of identifying a tick bite: How a tick looks like: Ticks appear to be different during different stages of their life cycle. They have four stages: egg, larvae, nymph and adult. They shed their outer skin via a process known as molting during each stage of their life cycle. Although there are dozens of species of ticks, they all appear similar. Look of a tick bite: It is difficult to immediately know once a tick bites you. This is so because they are painless. As it enters, it releases an anaesthetic into the skin. This prevents its immediate detection and in turn allows the tick to continue feeding. However, you can spot a tick bite if you happen to find the tick still attached to your skin. The head of the tick would be burrowed inside the skin. The skin around looks inflamed. If the tick has been feeding for a long time, it would appear quite large to be spotted easily. These are referred to as engorged ticks. Unlike other insect bites, tick bites are not fluid-filled. Ticks mostly bite on the scalp, groin, legs and at the back of the neck. Ticks usually bite once unlike other insects which can bite multiple times. A bulls-eye rash is a typical sign of a tick bite. A ring of redness forms at a distance from the site of the bite. Tick-borne Illnesses Ticks are carriers of pathogens that can cause various illnesses, especially in children. Some of the most common ones are as follows: Rocky Mountain spotted fever Tularemia Ehrlichiosis Colorado tick fever Lyme disease Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI) Symptoms Of Tick-borne Illnesses Symptoms of Lyme disease: A few people might find a circular form of rash at the site of the bite. This is usually the first sign of infection for a few people and something that generally begins to occur within a week or two after the bite. The rash might get bigger taking form of an expanding ring of redness. The site might be warm to touch along with a burning and itching sensation. A few people also have flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, the infection might spread to other parts of the body. There could be irregular heart rhythm along with palpitations and dizziness. When left untreated, especially in kids, the infection can take the form of arthritis, which affects primarily the knee and at times other joints as well. Most Read: How To Avoid An Episiotomy During Child Birth Symptoms of STARI: It appears like an expanding bull's eye rash caused due to the star tick bite. The rash ideally appears about a week after the bite. Apart from the rash, the affected person might show signs of fatigue, muscle pain, fever and headache. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Rash appears about three days after the bite. Rash usually appears on the ankles and wrists. It then spreads to the legs, trunk, soles and palms. Fever Headache Chills Vomiting along with nausea Sore throat Stomach ache Decreased appetite Symptoms of tularemia Formation of skin ulcer at the bitten site Swollen lymph nodes at the site of infection Fever Fatigue Chills Headache Symptoms of ehrlichiosis: The signs are quite similar to that of flu. Muscle pain Joint ache Chills Fever Headache Development of rash in some cases Vomiting and nausea Diagnosis Of Tick-borne Illnesses Diagnosis of Lyme disease: Laboratory tests are conducted to reach a conclusion about the diagnosis of Lyme disease. The following tests might be suggested by the doctor: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test: This test is able to detect antibodies to B. burgdorferi. However, this test alone cannot be the sole conclusive test as it can lead to false-positives. This test might not be effective especially during the early stages of this illness. Western blot test: This test is done once the ELISA test shows a positive in order to reach a perfect conclusion. This test is a two-step approach. The test works by detecting antibodies to various proteins of B. burgdorferi. Diagnosis of STARI Symptoms play a major role in diagnosing STARI. The cause of STARI is unknown and therefore there are no specific blood tests for its diagnosis. It is primarily identified through geographic location and the likelihood of coming across a tick bite. Diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever The early signs of this illness are quite similar to other diseases, thus making the identification of this disease quite difficult during the initial days. Blood sample can be tested to conduct a diagnosis in case symptoms are observed. In some cases the rash specimen or the tick itself are used in the form of evidence to reach a conclusive diagnosis. Early treatment is advised to prevent worsening of symptoms. Diagnosis of tularemia This disease is quite rare and most of the time, its symptoms are mistaken for some other illness. It is therefore essential to be aware of any kind of exposure to tick bites. The chances of contracting this illness are high in case the child has come in contact with a sick or dead animal. Diagnosis of this illness is primarily done through blood tests and cultures. Diagnosis of ehrlichiosis Ideally, this illness is confirmed after blood test reports are evaluated by a doctor. Blood tests are conducted in case the doctor doubts the symptoms that you specify and the probable cause of another illness with similar signs. However, conclusive test results may take weeks to show up. Most of the time doctors do not wait for the test results. Instead, they choose to begin antibiotic therapy as soon as possible. Treatment Of Tick-borne Illnesses How to treat Lyme disease? Antibiotics are the most opted method of treating this illness. Oral antibiotics can easily treat the early stages of Lyme disease. For children older than 8 years of age, doxycycline is the best medicine. For younger children, amoxicillin or cefuroxime is preferred. The usual course of the antibiotics last from 14 to 21 days. In case the infection has affected the central nervous system, then intravenous antibiotics are the chosen form of treatment. These antibiotics can, however, have side effects, such as reduction of white blood cell count, mild diarrhoea, etc. How to treat STARI? As STARI closely resembles Lyme disease, doctors often choose to treat STARI using oral antibiotics. How to treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever? It is best if the person developing symptoms of this illness is treated within the first five days. This is the reason why most doctors do not wait to receive test reports but instead choose to begin antibiotic therapy to treat this illness. The most commonly prescribed drug is doxycycline. However, this might not be suitable for young children. For younger kids, doctors usually prescribe chloramphenicol as an alternative treatment medication. How to treat tularemia? The duration of the treatment through antibiotics usually lasts 10 to 21 days. However, the duration is dependent on the severity and stage of the illness. The most commonly prescribed drugs are gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. How to treat ehrlichiosis? Early signs of this illness can be easily treated with the use of antibiotics. The most recommended antibiotic treatment suitable both for adults and children is the use of doxycycline. Home Remedies For Tick-borne Illnesses In case the tick is still attached to your child's skin, then the first step would be to remove it. Grasp the tick with tweezers and remove the head and its mouthparts. Pull it out straight and gently. Remember to wash your hands properly using soap and warm water after you have removed the tick. The bitten area should be cleansed using warm water and a mild soap. Infection can be prevented by applying alcohol on the bitten site. Use natural antibacterial supplements, such as cloves, mullein, Oregon grape, thyme, garlic, oregano essential oil, colloidal silver, rosemary, juniper berries, etc. The liver is the body's main filter and using milk thistle is the best way to cleanse the liver. Repairing organ damage and restoring blood are best facilitated with the use of hawthorn, dandelion root, marshmallow and red clover. You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly such that the bite does not stick to the bandage that covers the site of the bite, You can clean the wound using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to prevent any kind of infection. In case your tick bite itches a lot, baking soda bath might be helpful. Being alkaline, it neutralizes the pH levels of the bitten site. In a tub of warm water, add about one cup of baking soda. Soak in it for about half an hour. Most Read: Ways In Which You Can Get Pregnant Without Penetration Most of the tick bites do not seem to be much harmful and most probably you would not even have an infection post the tick bite. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Approach a doctor in case flu-like symptoms develop or the signs of the bite do not seem to go away even after several days. In case the redness of the region keeps expanding along with the swelling, then it is time to seek medical advice so that immediate antibiotic therapy can be started. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 16:01 [IST] 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 HAZELTON, W.Va., Nov. 16, 2018 HAZELTON, W.Va., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, American Federation of Government Employees Local 420 held a daylong protest alongside Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia, concerned citizens, and members of the community to raise awareness around the dangerously low staffing levels at their facility and federal prisons nationwide. Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton, which has been in the news recently due to the murder of a high-profile inmate, has faced severe understaffing the last few years, endangering workers and inmates inside the prison, and exposing the surrounding community to dangers. "It's morally reprehensible that this administration touts its 'law and order' stance, yet the leadership has turned its back on the 36,000 women and men who safeguard our prisons," said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. "The Bureau of Prisons was already short-handed, resorting to 'augmenting,' which is when the prisons use staff like secretaries, teachers, accountants, and food service workers as Correctional Officers and critical responders to violent incidents. And instead of addressing that critical issue, the administration decided earlier this year to cut 6,000 more positions." Two years ago, at FCC Hazelton, the facility had 880 authorized positions which included a bump in hiring for second officers in high-security housing units. But today, after the administration cut 74 positions from the facility in March, FCC Hazelton is down to 798 authorized positions, with only 721 filled. There are more than 42 vacant positions for Correctional Officers, and the medical team is not even staffed at 60 percent. "Our officers risk their lives every single day they walk through the prison gates," said AFGE Local 420 President Richard Heldreth. "We are constantly facing life-threating situations where we don't have enough officers to patrol the prison, and as a result we've seen a massive uptick in contraband like weapons and drugs as well as an increase in attacks on inmates and officers. Any death that occurs here is a travesty, and unfortunately, the three we've seen this year could have been prevented if the administration had hired the officers we so desperately need." At today's rally, AFGE was joined by Rep. McKinley. He spoke to the BOP employees and union members present about his shared concerns over the staffing issue, and said he'd fight on behalf of his constituents to ensure workers at FCC Hazelton could work in a safer environment. Members of AFGE Local 506 representing workers at Federal Correctional Complex Coleman traveled from Florida to join Local 420 in solidarity today as well. "Understaffing in the Bureau of Prisons is a nationwide epidemic," said AFGE Local 506 President Jose Rojas. "We are all part of this nationwide effort to get the administration and Congress to address this problem immediately. Our sisters and brothers who work in these federal prisons deserve nothing less." "Thank you to everyone that came out in support of our officers today," said AFGE District 4 National Vice President Dan Doyle. "Our members have dedicated their lives to safeguarding some of the most dangerous prisons and prisoners in our country. They deserve to be supported by the administration and Congress, and until the staffing shortage is addressed, lives are in peril. We hope that today's protest raised awareness of the pressing issue facing FCC Hazelton and all federal prisons and some action can be taken soon before more lives are lost." The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 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. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bop-union-protests-dangerous-staffing-levels-and-apathy-by-the-administration-300752386.html SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees PR Newswire LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) today releases its report identifying value drivers important for sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as potential metrics to assess them. The report is the result of a multi-stakeholder effort and includes contributions from more than 30 global business leaders. Created by the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism and EY, this project has brought together a collection of participants with both market strength and diversity across the entire investment chain, representing US$30 trillion of assets under management and almost 2 million employees around the world. The health of corporations and financial markets and public trust in both is critical to economic growth. Our collective future strongly depends on vibrant and sustainable capital markets. Market participants have a role to ensure long-term value creation that benefits all. Today, a company's value is increasingly reflected not just in its short-term financial performance, but also by intangible assets such as intellectual property, talent, brand and innovation, as well as impacts on society and the environment that are not fully captured by traditional financial statements. To understand this value, participants in EPIC believe it is essential to focus on and measure: The report released today, which is available at EPIC-value.com, outlines several of these intangible assets and possible metrics for helping companies communicate their ability to generate long-term value to both investors and society as a whole. The group believes that these findings serve as a contribution to ongoing discussions around long-term value creation and, at the same time, serve as an impetus for discussions that have yet to begin. Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, CEO and Founder of the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism, says: "The activities that society expects from business are changing and this will affect value creation for long-term investors. EPIC addresses this reality and represents a breakthrough in how businesses can measure and report the true value they create for all stakeholders. We look forward to a rigorous discussion on the results of this work and ways it can be applied around the world." Recognizing more work needs to be done to capture the full range of corporate activities and assets that create long-term value, the group will continue to test the results embodied in this report and expect that the results will not be considered in the same way by different companies, asset managers and owners. That acknowledged, it will continue this journey alongside other like-minded initiatives and invite others to join its efforts. Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says: "There has been a lot of focus recently on short-term pressure in our capital markets and a lively discussion around quarterly reporting, but what we report is as important as how often we report it. It is time to update how we value companies and measure their impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. EPIC brought together companies and investors to help define how firms create long-term value and offer potential ways to measure and report on that." Notes to Editors Embankment Project participants' quotesThe following organizations made the below comments on today's announcement: Tom Wilson, The Allstate Corporation Chairman, President and CEO: "Business serves four roles for society. By making a profit we ensure we give back more value to society than we use to serve customers. We also need to create jobs, make sure free markets work and improve our communities. Business leaders should be judged by how we accomplish all four roles." Christian Hyldahl, ATP Chief Executive Officer: "With the increased global challenges of short-termism, mistrust and need for better governance and transparency, we believe it is important with a continuous focus on sustainable growth. The collaboration and dialogue evolving around The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) report has been an interesting and rewarding project to be part of alongside other like-minded investors with a long-term focus. International collaboration is essential if we want to be ambitious and achieve a sustainable and inclusive growth." Thomas Finke, Barings Chairman and CEO: "Historically, maximizing corporate profits and growing shareholder value sat at the center of most companies' strategic objectives. Today this goal sits alongside another strategic imperative: being a company of purpose. Consumers, shareholders and the general public expect companies to incorporate sustainable goals as part of their strategic planning and business objectives. Similarly, the investment community must also consider the impact that their activity has on society. These paradigms are at the heart of the sustainability movement and will require that global companies and investors focus on purpose and not just profits." Marcie Frost, CalPERS Chief Executive Officer: "As a long-term investor in a dynamic world, CalPERS is excited about building on The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC's) work to strengthen our understanding of risks and opportunities in our portfolio. The work of EPIC underscores how important it is to investors to have enhanced reporting on topics, such as human capital, that can truly enable investors to understand how effectively a company is positioning itself for the long-term." Ed Breen, DowDuPont Chief Executive Officer: "We are in the process of separating DowDuPont into leading global companies in agriculture, materials science and specialty products. Our guiding principles through this process clearly align with the key value drivers outlined by The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC), which we applaud and champion. This focus will enable us to build strong, independent companies that each have world-class talent, the ability to drive innovation, a commitment to sustainability and serving communities, and corporate governance that will drive value for all key stakeholders." Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: "Ecolab supports the Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) and its focus on fostering long-term value and sustainable economic growth. As the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, we firmly believe that real and lasting change is accelerated when economic, environmental and social benefits align." Hendrik du Toit, Investec Group Joint CEO: "We live in unprecedented times, and the world needs to change if it is to support a growing economy in a more sustainable and inclusive way. As stewards of long-term capital on behalf of this generation, today's investors and the financial industry as a whole need to come up with practical ways to encourage the required shift. Our industry has a significant role to play in financing a more sustainable future, and our commitment to investing for a better tomorrow is an integral part of our purpose." Mary Callahan Erdoes, J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management CEO: "Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild's drive to create a better and more inclusive system of capitalism is equally profound as it is pragmatic. As an advisor to companies and individuals alike, and an active member of so many communities around the world, JPMorgan Chase recognizes and embraces the importance of these efforts. This work is particularly meaningful in our Asset Management business where, as stewards of our clients' assets, we work tirelessly to allocate capital to management teams who employ proper corporate governance and ultimately drive the best long-term value for our investors." Alex Gorsky, Johnson and Johnson Chairman and CEO: "As a global leader in healthcare committed to ensuring good health is within reach of everyone, everywhere, Johnson & Johnson is focused on creating long-term value for all of our stakeholders. We believe that both the mission of The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) and its value drivers are closely aligned with the aspirations expressed in Our Credo. We have been proud to be part of the EPIC team over the past 18 months, and we remain committed to working with others to continue to drive positive change across the value chain." Mark Schneider, Nestle Chief Executive Officer: "At Nestle we believe in creating shared value for our shareholders and for society. The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) project has shown that this approach to doing business is getting increasing support in industry, finance and academia." George Walker, Neuberger Berman Chief Executive Officer: "Neuberger Berman is pleased to be a part of the group working to facilitate measurement and management of intangible assets, which increasingly represent a meaningful part of companies' value. As a firm, we believe that material environmental, social, and governance factors contribute positively to long-term financial and societal value. Active investing requires deep engagement with companies, which combined with broader industry initiatives, can create long-term value for our clients." Vijay Advani, Nuveen Chief Executive Officer: "As responsible investors, we are always seeking new ways to protect and grow our capital on behalf of our clients over the span of decades. The evolution and growing complexity of global financial markets increasingly mean managing risk and capturing growth in sustainable ways, while also staying aligned with the interests of a diverse range of communities and people around the globe. The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) project helps articulate the types of factors that aren't always captured in financial statements but are important to the long-term investment performance." Peter Harrison, Schroders Group Chief Executive: "As a fundamental, active investor Schroders recognizes that sustainability is the bedrock of strong, durable businesses and it therefore forms a key part of our understanding of the companies we invest in. Schroders is committed to strengthening its knowledge of the drivers of long-term value creation. Achieving real change for businesses and their investor stakeholders requires working across the industry's value chain through initiatives like The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC)." Ron O'Hanley, State Street Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer: "We are witnessing a historic shift in our economies as more businesses derive greater value from intangible rather than tangible assets. Measuring these intangibles is both important and notoriously difficult. That is why we applaud the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism for bringing together key stakeholders to begin the hard work of understanding how to incorporate intangibles such as innovation, talent, environmental, social and governance attributes into the valuation of companies. And to do so in a way that thoughtfully achieves the benefits of greater transparency without undue incremental costs, reporting and bureaucracy." Paul Polman, Unilever Chief Executive Officer: "The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) has made good progress in closing the communication gaps between companies and their investors to better demonstrate the value of intangible assets which are too often discounted or not measured at all. We need to keep working together to build on this foundation, and the progress made by other initiatives, to drive impact and scale so that we can translate the commitments of all EPIC participants into true behavior change." Embankment Project participants Asset Owners Asset Managers Companies Allianz Amundi Asset Management Aetna The Allstate Corporation Barings BASF ATP BlackRock DowDuPont CaISTRS Investec Ecolab CalPERS J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management Johnson & Johnson Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Neuberger Berman Nestle The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Nuveen Novartis MetLife Schroders PepsiCo Washington State InvestmentBoard State Street Global Advisors Unilever Vanguard About the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism The Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism is a global not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2014 by Lynn Forester de Rothschild, the Chairman of E.L. Rothschild LLC. The organization was established to engage leaders across business, government and civil society in their efforts to make capitalism more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. The Coalition develops practical thought leadership and convenes the Conference on Inclusive Capitalism to bring together renowned leaders from the world's largest and most influential asset owners, asset managers and corporations to positively influence the future of capitalism. The organization works with other like-minded groups through our Allied Efforts program and extensive public outreach. Please visit www.inc-cap.com for more information. About EYEY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. About the Embankment ProjectThe 18-month, evidence-led project, sought to demonstrate that through collaboration across the investment chain, a new reporting mechanism is a valuable tool for corporations to drive long-term shareholder value through the credible measurement and comparisons of activities affecting all material stakeholders. Yvonne Diaz Frank Blasio EY Global Media Relations Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism +44 (0) 20 7980 0612 +1 631-848-6683 [email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/embankment-project-for-inclusive-capitalism-releases-report-to-drive-sustainable-and-inclusive-growth-300751274.html SOURCE EY The Speaker of the Gabonese Senate has been appointed by the Gabonese Constitutional Court to serve as Gabons acting head of state, local media reported. Lucie Milebou Aubusson, the speaker of the oil-rich nations parliament upper house, will replace Ali Bongo Ondimba as President, assuming the position of Gabons head of state, while the latter is recovering from his illness. Ali Bongo Ondimba was admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia late last month. Bongo was in Riyadh to attend an investment conference and was expected to take the floor alongside other leaders but was not seen during the event. According to spokesperson Ike Ngouni, the 59-year-old President was transferred to King Faisal hospital after he suffered discomfort and persistent vertigo. He has received all the needed care, the spokesperson said. Gabons Apex court said it had been seized by the Prime Minister Emmanuel Issozet Ngondet. The latter, in his request, mentioned the imperative need to advance several files by the presidential approval. The Gabonese constitution stipulates that in case the president is incapacitated, the speaker of the Senate shall take over the presidents duties until elections are held within 60 days. This happened in 2009 when the current Presidents father passed away. As a reminder, Bongo defeated his main challenger, Jean Ping in 2016 by less than 6,000 ballots due to a voter turnout of 99 percent in Bongos home province. Turnout in Gabons eight other provinces averaged 60 percent. PR Newswire LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass., Nov. 15, 2018 LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It wiggles, it jiggles and it's most certainly the SWEETEST icon of the Thanksgiving table. Today, Ocean Spray takes its tasty titan to the next level at 500 times its original size. Ocean Spray unveiled its saucy secret at the museum of all-out oddities, Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Times Square. Tipping the table at approximately 500 pounds, this holiday heavyweight could serve a feast of over 3,000 guests (traditional can serves 5). The can stands 3 feet high by 2 feet wide and boasts 57,000 individual cranberries in its 50 gallons of goodness. This gelatinous juggernaut is no joke from a food science perspective, considering the balance between the cranberries own pectin producing power and the cooling pace at which the sauce needs to generate the right texture and jiggle. This homage to the holiday was created at the HOME OF CRANBERRY SAUCE - Kenosha, Wisconsin, where all cranberry sauce is produced year-round and all the saucy secrets for this tasty treat are housed. "Ocean Spray is synonymous with holiday entertaining and what's more entertaining than a larger-than-life can of our beloved jellied cranberry sauce," said Kellyanne Dignan, Director, Global Corporate Affairs at Ocean Spray. "As we kick off the holiday season, it's exciting for us to serve up this nostalgic, holiday staple in such an awe-inspiring way." "We are delighted to be working with Ocean Spray to showcase this record breaking Colossal Can of Cran at Ripley's Believe it or Not! especially just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday," said Stacy Shuster, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Ripley's Believe It or Not! "We are always looking for new and exciting exhibits to add to our collection and are thrilled to be able to offer this Cranberry experience to our visitors" So why is Ocean Spray going BIG? Cranberry sauce is a holiday "must-have" and this silly, jiggly holiday favorite has been known to incite a delicious debate at the dinner table. Whether your guests are devoted members of Team Canned or Team Fresh, or serve it via scoop or slices, there's no doubt that iconic can gives you all the holiday feels! Giggle if you must, but it just isn't Thanksgiving without it; and after almost 90 years, that's certainly cause for celebration. We want to hear how YOU serve your sauce this Thanksgiving! Do you slice along the #CanLines or use a spoon to get the perfect #CanScoop? Visit Ocean Spray on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tell us where you stand in this saucy Thanksgiving table debate, and we will announce which side #winsthanksgiving on Thanksgiving day! Here are more staggering stats to celebrate this BIG celebrationCOLOSSAL CAN STYLE: Saucy Holiday Stats American Cranberry Sauce Habits: About Ocean SprayOcean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world's leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the North American bottled juice category. The Cooperative's cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 100 countries worldwide. With more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. For more information visit: www.oceanspray.com or www.oceanspray.coop. About Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times SquareRipley's Believe it or Not! Times Square invites guests of all ages to experience the unbelievable mysteries of our world. This Ripley's Times Square is the largest "Believe It or Not!" in the world with over 20 galleries and more than 500 artifacts from the unique Ripley's Collection. Featuring brand new galleries like the newly launched "Music Room" or interactive games like Ripley's Smash Dash, this one-of-a-kind attraction in New York City is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the unusual, the unexpected, and the unbelievable. Home to our own fully immersive, actor-led Escape Room Adventure, Ripley's Relic. Ripley's is open daily from 10:00 AM, 365 days a year and is perfect for visitors and groups of all ages. For more information visit: www.RipleysNewYork.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ocean-spray-rolls-out-colossal-can-of-cran-just-in-time-for-thanksgiving-300751881.html SOURCE Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. PR Newswire YORK, Maine, Nov.16, 2018 YORK, Maine, Nov.16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning specialty food producer Stonewall Kitchen announced today that it has completed its second acquisition of 2018, acquiring Spruce Naturals LLC ("Spruce") from its original founder, Kendall Cook. Spruce is the parent company for Napa Valley Naturals, a premium brand of certified organic extra virgin olive oils, culinary cooking oils, Italian balsamic vinegars and aged wine vinegars, as well as Montebello, an artisan brand of organic pastas imported from Italy. "We are incredibly excited to welcome the Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello brands to our family," said John Stiker, Stonewall Kitchen's Chief Executive Officer. "With unsurpassed quality and taste, Napa Valley Naturals is the #1-selling olive oil item within the natural foods channel, as well as the #1 brand of balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars according to SPINS data. Similarly, Montebello is the #2 brand of shelf-stable pasta in the natural channel, experiencing rapid growth. Delicious stand out products within their line such as the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Expeller Pressed Avocado Oil, and Grand Reserve Balsamic Vinegar perfectly complement the specialty food categories we currently offer." "Partnering with Stonewall Kitchen is a natural and authentic fit for us," added Kendall Cook, founder of Spruce and the Napa Valley Naturals brand. "I grew up in Napa Valley selling products at my farm stand and local farmers' markets, much like the founders of Stonewall Kitchen did in Maine. From our humble beginnings in the early 1990s, today both companies offer premium quality, clean-label products all across the country. After growing Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello on our own over the last few decades, I'm looking forward to working alongside Stonewall Kitchen to help accelerate the continued growth of both brands." Concluded Mr. Stiker, "This truly has been an exciting year for Stonewall Kitchen. With our January acquisition of the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries, the May license of the Legal Sea Foods brand for a line of restaurant-quality seafood sauces, and now this addition of Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello, we have made significant strides towards achieving our vision of becoming the premier specialty foods platform in North America. With our expertise in brand building, product development, and omni-channel distribution, we are excited to continue to grow our business both organically and through additional selective acquisitions, with the goal of bringing our guests the best tasting and highest quality specialty foods." About Stonewall Kitchen Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food producer headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers' markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service. Today, Stonewall Kitchen is the premier specialty foods platform in North America, home to a family of premium quality brands including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand; the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries; the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars; the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta imported from Italy; and the Legal Sea Foods brand of restaurant-quality seafood sauces and condiments. The company boasts more than 6,000 wholesale accounts nationwide and internationally; a thriving catalog and online division; a cooking school and cafe in York, Maine; and nine retail Company Stores throughout New England. As winners of 28 prestigious awards from the Specialty Food Association and the recipient of the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times, Stonewall Kitchen is proud to be one of the most awarded specialty food companies in the country. For more information about Stonewall Kitchen, please visit: www.stonewallkitchen.com About Spruce Foods / Napa Valley Naturals / Montebello Napa Valley Naturals' humble beginnings go back to the early 1970s, when founder Kendall Cook moved as a young boy with his parents to a five-acre organic vegetable farm in Napa Valley. As a teen, Kendall and his brother ran their own fruit stand on Napa Valley's famed Highway 29, just down the street from their family farm. In the mid-1990's Kendall started Napa Valley Trading Co., selling a variety of organic foods from the back of his pickup truck to natural food stores and co-ops throughout Northern California. He eventually created the Napa Valley Naturals brand of California olive oils, first bottled in his parent's garage in recycled wine bottles. Extra Virgin Olive Oil soon became his best-selling item, and today, French, Italian, and Spanish culinary oils and vinegars now round out the line. Most are organic, all meet the highest quality standards, and all are still bottled in beautiful Northern California. In 2004, Kendall acquired Spruce Foods and added the Montebello brand of imported Italian organic pasta and olive oil to his line. For more information about Napa Valley Naturals, please visit: www.napavalleynaturals.com Sales claims based on SPINS data for the Natural Channel, 52 weeks ending October 7, 2018 Press Contact: Margaux Maertens, Communications [email protected] Phone: (207) 351-2713 x1173 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stonewall-kitchen-completes-second-acquisition-of-2018-acquiring-the-napa-valley-naturals-and-montebello-brands-of-organic-oils-vinegars-and-pastas-300751642.html SOURCE Stonewall Kitchen, LLC PR Newswire NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2018 NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A glimpse into the future of American innovation and emerging technological trends from the nation's brightest young inventors from a steerable microcatheter to a reusable UV-radiation-measuring sensor were recognized and honored today at the 2018 Collegiate Inventors Competition, an annual Competition for college and university students and their faculty advisors. "We stand on the cusp of truly historic times for science and technology," said Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). "The USPTO is proud to host this Competition. The research and innovations of our greatest collegiate inventors will lead our nation to ever higher achievements." Finalist teams (five Undergraduate and six Graduate), consisting of 29 students from 11 colleges and universities across the United States, received an all-expenses-paid trip to the final round of the Competition held at the USPTO's Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. The teams presented their inventions to an esteemed panel of final-round judges composed of the most influential inventors and innovation experts in the nation National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees and USPTO officials. "The Collegiate Inventors Competition, held at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, showcases the process of invention in our nation's greatest young innovators leading through creative thinking, problem solving and determination," said National Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael Oister. "These teams had the opportunity to compete against the most cutting-edge collegiate inventors, and they also were inspired and mentored by the greatest minds and innovation game-changers in the world the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame." Established in 1990, the Collegiate Inventors Competition is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The Competition is sponsored by the USPTO, Arrow Electronics, LYCRA, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and Bridgestone Americas Inc. 2018 GOLD WINNERS Undergraduate: Rhino, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyTeam Members: Elizabeth Bianchini, Kyler Kocher, Ann McInroy, Sam Resnick; Advisor: Warren SeeringLess Mortar Mess: Removing decaying, crumbling mortar from between bricks to subsequently replace it with new mortar is a messy, tedious and time-consuming job in the construction field. This process, joint raking, generates so much silica dust that workers must wear respirators and goggles for safety. Rhino is a masonry tool attachment that can be used with any traditional rotary hammer. It improves accuracy and safety of joint raking, allowing masons to cover 50 percent more area during a given time. Graduate: PionEar, Harvard UniversityTeam Members: Nicole Black, Michael J. Kreder; Advisors: Joanna Aizenberg and Jennifer LewisClearing Your Hearing: Ear infections are a leading cause of healthcare visits worldwide, affecting more than 700 million people annually. Ear tubes, used to treat chronic ear infections, have several limitations. As many as 40 percent fail due to issues including clogging, bacterial adhesion, premature extrusion and the inability to effectively transport fluids out of the middle ear space. PionEar uses a bioinspired combination of novel 3-D printed designs and a liquid-infused material to combat these issues with the goal of reducing unnecessary revision surgeries to replace failed ear tubes. 2018 SILVER WINNERS Undergraduate: Radiex, Johns Hopkins University Team Members: Jody Mou, Linh Tran, Kevin Tu; Advisor: Amir ManbachiExtending Brain Surgery's Reach: During brain surgery, a retractor with metal blades holds brain tissue apart to maintain a working channel. Existing retractors hinder tumor removal and can cause further injury from pressure on brain tissue. Radiex's cylindrical, compact design allows surgeons to access the brain through the smallest point of entry. Once in place, Radiex has the flexibility to gradually expand, increasing the surgeon's area of visibility without added pressure to tissue. Graduate: Neurotendo, University of California at San DiegoTeam Member: Gopesh Tilvawala; Advisor: James FriendA Brainier Approach: Unruptured aneurysms in the brain are found in one in 50 people in the United States. They potentially can be treated by minimally invasive surgery, but existing surgical methods are often ineffective. Neurotendo addresses the need for a controlled approach to navigation of brain arteries and treatment of cerebral aneurysms with a steerable microcatheter that translates a neurosurgeon's command into the motion of the catheter tip. This micro surgical medical device enables precise navigation, reduction of procedure times and a safer technique. Neurotendo also was the winner of the 2018 Collegiate Inventors Competition People's Choice Award. 2018 BRONZE WINNERS Undergraduate: CropDoc, Brown UniversityTeam Members: Abigail Kohler, Jack Roswell, Eli Silvert, Alex Zhuk; Advisor: Chandra MadramootooSensing Sick Crops: Pests and crop diseases kill 20 percent of all crops before harvest, causing an annual $990 billion loss in farm income. No current technology can identify specific diseases on farms. Using advanced optics and novel processing techniques, CropDoc provides farmers with actionable insights regarding the location and projected progression of pests and specific crop diseases weeks before visual symptoms manifest. Graduate: OSPRI, Case Western Reserve UniversityTeam Members: Sanjit Datta, David Pfau, Eric Salomon, Charit Tippareddy; Advisor: Daniel LacksColor Your Water Clean: An inadequate supply of clean water accounts for 3.4 million deaths each year. Optimized Solar Purification with a Reusable Indicator, or OSPRI, was developed to address the need of low-cost clean water in the developing world. Used with solar disinfection techniques, OSPRI is a reusable UV-radiation-measuring sensor that changes color to notify a user that the treated water is safe to drink. OSPRI could increase access to clean drinking water worldwide, drastically reducing waterborne illnesses. About the Collegiate Inventors CompetitionThe Collegiate Inventors Competition encourages and drives innovation and entrepreneurship at the collegiate level. A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this Competition recognizes and rewards the research, innovations and discoveries by college students and their advisors for projects leading to inventions that have the potential of receiving patent protection. Introduced in 1990, the Competition has awarded more than $1 million to students for their innovative work and scientific achievement through the help of its sponsors. For more information, visit invent.org/challenge. CONTACT:Ken Torisky National Inventors Hall of Fame [email protected] 234-901-6085 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/students-win-gold-at-2018-collegiate-inventors-competition-300752253.html SOURCE Collegiate Inventors Competition 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. 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 [] After more than two years in power, Brandons Progressive Conservative MLAs expect next weeks throne speech to focus on both the finished and unfinished work of the Manitoba government, whether its in health care, education or the provinces finances. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2018 (1102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us After more than two years in power, Brandons Progressive Conservative MLAs expect next weeks throne speech to focus on both the finished and unfinished work of the Manitoba government, whether its in health care, education or the provinces finances. Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon will open the fourth session of the 41st Manitoba legislature on Tuesday with the speech from the throne, which will outline the governments priorities for the upcoming session. Len Isleifson "The government has been doing a lot of work in regards to a number of projects a number of new bills that have come out and I think youre going to see in the throne speech a lot of ... reinforcements on what were doing, why were doing it and what the expectations are," said Brandon East PC MLA Len Isleifson. "For Brandon East, its tough to pinpoint. I know were going to have some exciting news come up, whether it will be in the throne speech or not its hard to say. But the throne speech is really just a great opportunity for us to look at where were at right now and then what we need to do to get where we need to be." In talking to his constituents, Isleifson said he has heard about issues related to health care, child care and infrastructure, including the Daly Overpass. Reg Helwer Work on the overpass was expected to start this month and Isleifson said he expects to hear something on the project very soon. In a statement, Brandon West PC MLA Reg Helwer said the upcoming session will continue the governments work of fixing the finances, repairing services and rebuilding the economy. "Though we have made good progress over the past two years, much work remains to be done," he said. "We will be taking steps to make Manitoba safer and stronger. Our efforts to improve health care, education and social service outcomes will continue. Measures will be implemented to address the needs of vulnerable Manitobans." Lonnie Patterson, regional vice-president for the Manitoba NDP and a potential candidate in Brandon East, said she wants to hear the governments plans around three main issues: the addictions crisis, support for the Keystone Centre and major infrastructure projects in Brandon, including the water treatment plant and Daly Overpass. Along with a petition she submitted to the legislature, Patterson said the province needs a strategy that includes not just a detox centre, as some in Brandon have called for, but also education, long-term rehabilitation and transitional housing. "I want to see action on addictions from this government," she said. "I think its critical to our community, not only for the families that are going through this, but also for our community in general, because we have seen an increase in crime, we have seen an increase in people not feeling safe in their homes, being worried their vehicle or their garage is being broken into, and thats just not a healthy community." In his alternate throne speech released Thursday, NDP Leader Wab Kinew said he would create a new cabinet position called the minister of addictions and mental health and use federal funding targeted for addictions to build a safe-consumption site in Winnipeg, a detox centre in Brandon and 50 new treatment beds across the province. The safe-consumption site is estimated to cost $1 million at first and approximately $500,000 to run annually, while the detox centre would cost an estimated $2 million to build and $500,000-$750,000 annually to maintain. The 50 new treatment beds would cost approximately $9.8 million annually. Members of the 26th Field Artillery Regiment from Brandon and Portage la Prairie will fire a 15-gun artillery salute during next weeks ceremony. The lieutenant-governor will inspect a 50-person Guard of Honour, made up of all three elements of the Canadian Armed Forces from 17 Wing Winnipeg. Music will be performed by the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. Following the inspection and playing of the vice-regal salute, the official party will move to the lieutenant-governors reception room before entering the legislative chamber and the reading of the throne speech. mlee@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press Twitter: @mtaylorlee With open ears, helping hands and a few kind words, a Westman dealer is making his mark on Manitobas automotive industry apprentices. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2018 (1102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us With open ears, helping hands and a few kind words, a Westman dealer is making his mark on Manitobas automotive industry apprentices. Kent Forman, owner of Forman Honda, Forman Collision and Forman Mazda, recently received the Rural Employer of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Manitoba Awards of Distinction Honouring Excellence in Training & Education. Receiving the award at a banquet in Winnipeg on Nov. 1 at the RBC Convention Centre, Forman said he was humbled and honoured to get the recognition. Hesitant to enter the spotlight, Forman was nervous with anticipation to find out if he would be taking home the award, as he waited to find out if his name would be called that night. Yet, for him the more important part was knowing that he had such support from his employees. "Its very humbling because it comes from your staff," Forman said. Nominated by his employees for his dedication to helping grow industry talent by attracting apprentices and keeping them employed, Forman has established a lasting legacy in the automotive industry. Over the past three years, seven people have completed their apprenticeships with the company, learning from 20 automotive and collision technicians. All seven have remain employed with Forman dealerships. Honoured to receive recognition from Apprenticeship Manitoba, Forman is pleased to see attention given to the different aspects of the trade industries. At the awards, instructors, employers and journeymen are all celebrated. "All three are very important," Forman said. Finding it a great privilege to receive recognition from Apprenticeship Manitoba, Forman is pleased to see attention given to the different aspects of the trade industries. Launching his business in 1998, with the body shop opening in 2009 and Mazda dealership in 2011, Forman said he has been amazed at the growth and success the effort has found in Brandon. "Im due for another big project," Forman joked. CHELSEA KEMP/BRANDON SUN Forman Honda, Forman Collision and Forman Mazda owner Kent Forman shows off his recent award from Apprenticeship Manitoba at Forman Honda on Thursday. With a business philosophy centred on hard work and attracting loyal customers with consistent, quality service, Forman has found prosperity in Westman. Hosting apprentices from the start, it has been a natural fit having them on site. "I cant think of a time in my whole 20 years when we havent had an apprentice on site with us," Forman said. The chance to work with apprentices is a great opportunity for both employers and staff, Forman said, because those in training learn their trade becoming employable, while business can play a role in crafting accomplished journeymen. "Its a great feeling to grow your own talent," Forman said. When Forman Honda first launched, a boom in the Alberta oilfields drew people outside Manitoba, making it hard to find automotive technicians. "If we wanted to grow our business, then we had to grow our own staff. Thats kind of been my approach since day one," Forman said. Proud of his team and how they work together to provide top level results to customers, Forman is humbled by the success he has found. Most of the staff at the shops have been grown and nurtured within the company, and are familiar with the brand, customers and fellow employees. Holding his apprentices in high regard, Forman described them as hard working and eager to learn with hands-on experience. "Its an investment in the future," Forman said. Using his leadership to create a work culture centred on fostering a supportive learning environment, Forman has played a major role in helping apprentices thrive. This includes having top-notch tools of the trade, while ensuring their work matches and exceeds industry standards. With rapid changes taking place in the industry, Forman said it makes for an interesting and important field to enter into. "If youre a doctor, the human body doesnt change. But you look at the cars, every year we have new stuff coming in. Theres so much technology on vehicles. Youre not just twisting wrenches anymore," Forman said. ckemp@brandonsun.com Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp With just over four months to go to March 29 and the likely exit of the UK from the EU, there was always a chance and a hope that from a situation of crisis, wiser heads would prevail and some sort of deal would be agreed upon. Lo and behold, this week some sort of deal has been agreed upon, at least between the EU and the UK negotiation side. It is still way too early and dangerously premature to suggest that we are starting to see some daylight after two years of darkness, but at least we now appear to be moving in the right direction. From an Irish perspective, the best outcome would obviously be a re-consideration of the whole notion of leaving the EU and maintaining the strong EU relationship we have had with the UK since we joined the free-trade bloc together back in 1973. The second best outcome would have been a deal whereby a hard border with the North would be avoided and tariff-free trade would continue between the UK and Ireland. The deal agreed, this week, appears to tick most of the boxes in regards to the latter outcome. However, there is still a long way to go before we can remotely sound the all clear. Getting cabinet approval is one thing, but it will prove much more challenging to get parliamentaryapproval for the deal over the coming weeks and particularly agreement from the DUP. The reaction from the usual suspects within the Tory party is hard to understand. They suggest that the deal agreed will destroy British sovereignty, but the reason for pushing Brexit in the first place is a belief that Britain didnt have any sovereignty in the EU anyway. How can one lose something that one allegedly did not have in the first place, or at least, not since 1973? As we here in Ireland look ahead to 2019, despite some progress on Brexit, a high degree of caution is warranted. After a pretty decent year for the global economy in 2017, as this year has progressed the global challenges, which had never really and fully gone away, are starting to raise their heads above the parapet again. Next year looks set to present many intense challenges for global policymakers, and as a very small and very open economy, Irish policymaking will have to be dictated by these global developments, rather than by the whims of public sector unions, populist politicians, and others who are getting increasingly restless. Apart from the Brexit issue, the future stability of the EU is under serious threat from political developments in countries such as Hungary, Austria, Italy and Poland, while the ongoing budget battle with Italy could have very significant implications for future fiscal and economic governance within the EU. To date, the EU stance in the Brexit negotiations has been driven primarily by the unwillingness to compromise on the four key pillars and foundation stones of the EU, namely the freedom of movement of goods, services, people and capital. Any compromises on these principles could be potentially very problematical, given the evolving complexion of EU politics. Of course, the future evolution of those politics will be thrown up in the air when Angela Merkel exits the political stage. The focus will then shift to President Macron of France to provide strong EU leadership, but the jury is still out on his ability to carry the baton. At a recent event in the North,I was musing on the stupidity of Britain walking away from the EU, but an audience member was very vocal in suggesting that Britain would be better off out of the EU, before it falls apart. It is hard to disregard the longer-term challenges threatening the survival of the EU, but Ireland is still better off within the union, as indeed is Britain. It is now vitally important that the EU seeks to quell the growing political unrest across the union. The spirit of compromise and flexibility, shown by the EU side in the Brexit negotiations, is somewhat reassuring, but the challenge ahead is still immense. By Padraig Hoare Eir has said it will locate 200 new staff in the heart of the northside of Cork city as part of bringing customer service back in-house. Some 200 staff will be recruited for its Churchfield base as the firm attempts to shake off negative imagery around its customer service in recent months. The 200 jobs are part of 750 announced by Eir last month for Cork, Limerick, and Sligo, weeks after it said it was ending its relationship with Indian firm HCL Technologies, which had been operating its call centres. HCL staff were offered roles within Eir elsewhere, with around 160 of its staff joining the 200 new workers in Cork. Eir customer operations managing director, Timothy Spence, said Cork was a key location for the firm, saying it had given us access to highly skilled people from across the region. Lord Mayor of Cork, Mick Finn, said the immense talent that exists in the region was key if Cork was to be the fastest growing area of the country over the next 20 years. A French telecoms firm belonging to billionaire Xavier Niel took a majority stake in Eir in April. By Ann O'Loughlin Former Chicago Spire developer Garrett Kelleher has lost his appeal over a judge's refusal to order Nama to comply with an order for discovery of documents for his defence of its action seeking a 46m judgment against him over loan guarantees. The action, initiated in 2014 by National Asset Loan Management (NALM), is due to open next month and run for some four weeks. In opposing Mr Kelleher's appeal over discovery, Nama insisted it had provided all relevant material. Mr Kelleher complained he got no material concerning more than 60 contacts between himself and the agency or investigations by it into his assets. In a unanimous judgment, the three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal. Mr Justice Michael Peart said there was "no proper basis for bringing the application in the terms in which it was brought". Under superior court rules, Mr Kelleher could have sought further and better discovery, an order striking out NAMA's claim for failure to make proper discovery or asked the court to clarify its discovery orders if Mr Kelleher considered those unclear, he said. To seek instead an order requiring Nama to comply with an order already made "seems meaningless and is not envisaged by any rules of court," he said. He agreed with the High Court, because NALM officials had provided sworn statements that all relevant documents had been discovered, the courts could not go behind that in this application. This application had wasted court time and added to the costs of the proceedings, he added. In its forthcoming action, NALM wants judgment of 46m from Mr Kelleher over guarantees on loans of some 350m provided by Anglo Irish Bank for projects in Ireland and the US. Mr Kelleher and his company, Shelbourne North Water Street, were involved with the abandoned Chicago Spire project. Last March, US lawyers representing Mr Kelleher filed a legal action against NAMA claiming damages of 975m ($1.2bn) alleging the agency destroyed the development out of spite. In opposing the NALM case here, Mr Kelleher has said, given his extensive co-operation with the agency over the years, he was assured he would not be pursued over the guarantees. After getting discovery documents, he complained he had not been given access to all the documents relating to his co-operation with Nama and the foreclosure process on the Chicago Spire project. In a discovery ruling last March, the High Court's Mr Justice Michael Twomey said, while Mr Kelleher might ultimately be proven correct, he had not provided any documents to prove documentation had not been given over to him. Nama had provided sworn statements that full discovery had been provided and the court could not simply disbelieve" those. Edward Farrelly BL, for Mr Kelleher, had argued his client cannot understand how Nama, a public body dealing with assets worth hundreds of millions, has provided no notes of some 60 contacts with him. Mr Kelleher had co-operated with Nama over years and considered there was a trumped up basis for enforcement. Nama had carried out investigations into his assets and Mr Kelleher believed there were reports which gave him "a clean bill of health" and showed he had received no funds from an 85m equity release, counsel said. Brian OMoore SC, for NALM, said it firmly rejected any suggestion it had misunderstood or disapplied the rules for discovery. On the claims about material concerning 62 contacts, Mr Kelleher has only identified one meeting relevant to the issues in the case, there were many other meetings not relevant to this case and there was nothing sinister as appeared to be inferred, he said. Mr Farrelly argued every meeting with Nama was about co-operation and was therefore discoverable. BAM Ireland, one of the countrys largest construction businesses, had a year of strong revenue growth in 2017 with a turnover of 465m (an increase of 29% on 2016) and profit before tax of 15.9m. BAMs performance was aided by strong activity in Irelands improving construction sector and ongoing international activities outside of the Republic of Ireland. In 2017, BAM began construction on a number of high-profile projects including the New Childrens Hospital at St Jamess Campus and its satellite sites in Blanchardstown and Tallaght. Among the projects completed in 2017 were One Microsoft Place in Leopardstown and courthouses at Letterkenny and Drogheda as part of the Courts Bundle PPP. BAM also saw its order book increase strongly by year-end leading to expected further growth in 2018. In the challenging civil engineering sector, BAMs motorway projects, the N25 New Ross Bypass PPP Scheme and the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP Scheme, progressed well. Commenting on the results, Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive said: BAM Ireland continues to go from strength-to-strength and I am pleased to report another strong year which is reflected in our end of year results. "BAM has seen the benefits of Irelands improving construction sector and 2017 saw work commence on some of the states most high-profile projects which have contributed to a turnover of 465m for 2017. Perhaps the highlight of 2017 was beginning work at the New Childrens Hospital at St James Campus and its two satellite centres in Blanchardstown and Tallaght. This project represents the biggest single development in the history of the state. "We take great pride at being involved in the development of a facility that will change the way medicine is practised in Ireland, he said. Mr Cullinane signalled a note of caution for the sector also. While there is year-on-year growth in the construction industry, it continues to remain in a fragile state, where the residential and civil engineering sectors are still very much challenged. "The publication of the 2018-2027 National Development Plan is welcome but its investment needs to be brought forward more quickly. "Margins and reinvestment in businesses are too low, while obligatory risks are too high. Hugely risky under-pricing of work and risk remains, and below cost tenders are still being accepted by procurement authorities. 'This is evidenced by recent examples of company failures and bad construction practices, and the devastating effect this has on the supply chain, he said. He also reflected on taxation issues and said more could be done to make homes affordable for buyers. There has been much discussion about the 13.5% VAT rate on house construction, but the total contribution to the exchequer from the sale of a new home, as a percentage of the sales price is 36%, as set out by Grant Thornton in a report prepared for the CIF. "This should be part of any discourse around affordability which is entirely within the Governments control, added Theo Cullinane. Established in 1958, BAM Ireland is one of the countrys largest construction businesses, employing 2,000 people directly and indirectly. Its principal activities are building contracting and civil engineering in the public, private and PPP sectors. - Digital Desk By Eamon Quinn KBC Ireland is in no rush to sell more of its soured mortgage loan book when it completes the existing disposal, its chief executive Wim Verbraeken has said. The sale to Goldman Sachs which it expects to complete in the next few weeks will leave it with 2.6bn in non-performing loans, or around a quarter of its total 10bn loan book. Irish banks have bowed to ECB pressure and effectively secured the green light of the Central Bank and the Department of Finance for a massive sell-off of their non-performing mortgage loans to vulture funds. But Mr Verbraeken said that unlike its Irish-based rivals, its larger Belgian group was not judged as having a large soured loan burden. KBC Ireland, therefore, had time to work through the rest of its non-performing book organically. Asked whether the 25% NPL ratio was still far too elevated and that new sales were inevitable, he said the bank was determined to lower its NPLs and that there was still good momentum to bring it down over the next two or three years by working through the loans. We are currently not working on any transaction. "We will continue our organic workout of distressed loans and specifically to bring our customers back to financial stability, he said. KBC Ireland posted 33.6m in after-tax profits in the three months to the end of September. It followed a net write-back of 15m which came about mainly because of the positive effect of increased house prices on the mortgage loan portfolio, said KBC Group. Mr Verbraeken said it sold 660m in new mortgages in the first nine months of the year and the mortgage market would grow next year. Some analysts have said that shortages of new homes, the surge in house prices at rates well above wage increases, and Central Bank rules mean Irish banks face a slowdown in the rate of growth in the mortgage market. Mr Verbraeken said he would not be joining some consumer advocates in calling for a ban on controversial cash-back mortgages for buyers. He said the bank had no teasers that turn out to be more expensive in the long run but that all players in the markets had a role to play. It is estimated more than 56 billion coffee capsules will go to landfill this year. The capsules take up to 500 years to degrade. A new pilot programme has been launched to boost students' opportunities for getting a job in the digital economy. Ireland is the first country in Europe to adopt the 'Pathways in Technology' model that is aimed at preparing students for a digital workplace. The initiative combines second-level education with third-level as well as internships. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launched the piloting of a new education model in Dublins North East Inner City today. Pathways in Technology or P-TECH aims to tackle educational disadvantage and increase the numbers of students either finding employment in competitive entry level digital skills roles or progressing to higher education. The P-TECH model is a public education initiative that combines second-level school education with elements of third level education and work experiences such as mentorship and internships, and is in line with the proposed actions outlined in the Mulvey Report Dublin North East Inner City Creating a Brighter Future published in February 2017 to align education, training and employment activation efforts. It is directly aligned to job opportunities in the digital economy Digital economy jobs include some of the technology industry's fastest-growing fields, from cybersecurity and cloud computing to cognitive business and digital design, which may not require a university degree, but that may need a specific skillset instead. Speaking at the launch An Taoiseach said, We want to give all children and young people the best possible start in life, whatever part of the country they are growing up in. "According to a recent UNICEF report, Ireland is ranked second out of 41 wealthy nations in promoting educational equality. "But there's always more we can do. The P-TECH model helps tackle disadvantage through integrated education. Its all aimed at getting students ready for the workforce. Im delighted this pilot is being launched in the North East Inner City; if young people in this area are given the best possible chance to succeed, the entire community will benefit. The first schools in Ireland to participate in the P-TECH pilot will be Larkin Community College, Marino College and St Josephs CBS, Dublin. The National College of Ireland will be the initial third-level education partner. IBM, Cisco, Virgin Media, Irish Water and Irish Life will participate as the first industry partners. Deirdre Butler, Professor DCU Digital Learning, Ross Maguire, Learn It Lego Innovation Studio DCU, Tony Hanway, Group CEO Virgin Media, David Lawless and Christian Elliot, both first years St Josephs CBS Fairview. Photo Iain White / Fennell Photography. Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Finance, and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, said: I want to thank IBM for bringing this model to Irish schools, and to pay tribute to them and companies such as Cisco, Virgin Media, Irish Water and Irish Life in making a serious commitment to pupils in Dublins North East Inner City which has great potential to enhance their lives and their futures. Their involvement will provide a unique and valuable insight into the world of technology for the students participating and, ultimately, a real opportunity to pursue careers in this field. The first P-TECH classes are expected to start in September next year at three schools in Dublin's North East inner City. - Digital Desk Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit(NEW YORK) -- Luxury brand Dior and actress Jennifer Lawrence are facing claims of cultural appropriation amid backlash from a recent ad campaign. The actress, who started working with the French fashion house in 2012, and has since starred in multiple campaigns for the label, is featured in its Cruise 2019 campaign. Dior said the inspiration for the collection was, "the escaramuzas of Mexico," female equestrians who take part in a competitive, rodeo-like sport called charreada. "With their strong, sculpted bodies clad in costumes that emphasize their femininity (full skirts, embroideries, bright colors, large hats and flowers), these women proved an inspiration to Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of the Dior womens collections," according to the brand. In the advert, Lawrence describes the meaning behind the collection. "One of the main inspirations for this collection is the traditional women riders of Mexico. So I'm really excited that this collection is looking at and celebrating these women's heritage through such a modern lens," Lawrence said. "We've been shooting in a beautiful ranch in California with rolling hills, and I can't think of a better landscape to highlight this collection." "I grew up riding horses, so for me, it reminds of a time before fear. And freedom," she added. Listen as House muse Jennifer Lawrence and photographer Viviane Sassen discuss the #DiorCruise 2019 campaign. Discover more https://t.co/WViBTc3oyo! pic.twitter.com/oBl3iKNNAk Dior (@Dior) October 26, 2018 However, many people are taking issue with the fact that there arent any Mexican women in the campaign. Phoebe Robinson, a comedian and co-host of the "2 Dope Queens" podcast, drew major attention to the campaign earlier this week when she reposted the video of Lawrence along with a pointed take in the caption. "Lol. Wut?! Sooooooooo, #Dior & #JenniferLawrence wanna celebrate traditional Mexican women riders thru a 'modern lens' ...by having a rich white woman named Jennifer be the face of this campaign? she wrote alongside a re-post of the campaign video. And like they couldnt think of a better landscape to shoot than in California?! Hmm, I dunno, maybe...like...shoot...in...Mexico...with...a...Mexican...actress like Salma Hayek, Karla Souza, Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Eva Longoria, or many others. But I guess they were all unavailable, so you had to go with Jennifer Lawrence," Robinson wrote. She said that using modern to describe the campaign was, "ignorant and gross," and asked her followers to comment with names of Mexican designers she could lend support to. The post garnered almost 60,000 views and over 1,000 comments. The collection, which features everything from full skirts and embroidered jackets to corsets and saddlebags, was first revealed during the Cruise 2019 show on May 25, 2018, in France. For the show, an escaramuza team of eight women on horseback, clad in custom-made Dior dresses, appeared alongside models. It's unclear if any of those on the team were Mexican. The reason I like the escaramuzas is because they do something that is so macho -- rodeo -- in our vision, but they decided to do that in their traditional dresses which are so pretty, so feminine, Chiuri told Womens Wear Daily in May. ABC News has reached out to Dior for comment. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 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. By Stephen Maguire A business student who used a sophisticated device to override a credit card machine to steal 2,550 worth of clothing has been jailed for four months. Raphael Momoh of Fitzwilliam Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act to stealing the clothing from Evolve Menswear in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. The 28-year-old father-of-three was caught by Gardai after a painstaking investigation tracked down Momoh and other men. Letterkenny District Court was told that Momoh placed his mobile phone beside a credit card machine when making the transactions. Garda Inspector Michael Harrison explained how an app on the phone instructed the credit card machine to authorise a signature payment for the goods. Two transactions, one for 1,307.50 on July 11, 2018, and another for 1,250 the following day on July 12, 2018, were made using various credit cards. On July 12, a staff member from Evolve Menswear contacted Gardai to say a fraud had taken place and CCTV footage was viewed. The suspects, including Momoh, were identified and a search was launched for the men. An operation identified the men's car in Creeslough and the men were arrested. Most of the clothing was recovered in the car as well as a number of payment cards. The court was told that Momoh admitted using bitcoin to purchase the fraudulent credit card numbers online. Barrister for Momoh, Mr Patrick O'Sullivan, said his client held his hands up to the crime from the start. Although born in London, Momoh has been living in Ireland since he was 10 and works on an irregular basis in office administration. He had enrolled to undertake a degree in business and psychology and is hoping to take up that course soon. "He is certainly not going to put himself in a situation where he is going to get involved in something like this again. His time away from home and from his children has been difficult for him," said Mr O'Sullivan. Judge Paul Kelly said this was a hugely sophisticated and well-organised crime which left the shop with a considerable loss. "He was well aware of what he was doing and what he was getting himself into," he added. He jailed Momoh for four months on each of the two charges to run concurrently and backdated the sentence to when the accused went into custody on July 4 last, meaning he was free to go. A High Court challenge has been brought against a policy which prevents undocumented persons from applying for or having a driving licence renewed. The action has been brought by a Chinese national who has been living in Ireland for more than 18 years. He originally came to Ireland on a student visa, which expired some time ago. He had held a valid driving licence since 2008, but when he went to renew his licence in advance of its expiration in August his application was refused by the National Drivers Licence Service because he was not able to prove his 'residency entitlement'. The man, represented by Micheal P. O'Higgins SC, claims that following a policy change in May 2018 he must submit one of several documents, including a birth cert, public services card, passport, Irish certificate of naturalisation, before a driving licence can be renewed or issued. The policy change, he claims was introduced by both the NDLS and the Road Safety Authority. Counsel said that the list of acceptable documents means that all applications in respect of a driving licence made by persons not legally present in the Stae will be refused, and excludes those who do not have a valid visa. Counsel said the change in policy is a disproportionate interference with his client's rights and offends the spirit and logic of a recent Supreme Court decision striking down as unconstitutional the ban on asylum seekers getting work. Counsel said the man arrived in Ireland some years ago on a student visa, which has expired. He has made a life for himself working in Ireland. Counsel said the man contends that in order to have his licence renewed all he has to show is that he is normally resident in the State. The decision not to permit the man to renew his licence under the new policy is contrary to law, counsel said. The action has been brought against the National Driver Licence Service, Road Safety Authority (RSA), Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Ireland and the Attorney General. In his action, the man seeks an order quashing the refusal by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and the RSA of his application to renew his driving licence because he could not prove 'residency entitlement'. He also seeks orders quashing the policy that requires applicants for drivers and renewals of licences must submit one of several documents to prove 'residency entitlement' and that his application to renew his licence be processed. He further seeks declarations including that the policy being applied by the NDLS and the RSA is unlawful and in excess of their jurisdiction. Permission to bring the proceedings was granted on an ex parte basis by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan. The matter will return before the court in December. The former president of Colombia who brokered a peace deal which ended 50 years of guerrilla warfare has said that the peace process in Northern Ireland played a "key role" in inspiring the peace effort in that country. Nobel laureate Juan Manuel Santos was speaking in Tipperary town as he accepted the Tipperary International Peace Award for his work in bringing the Colombian conflict to an end. He joined a list of former winners of the Tipperary prize which includes Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Mary McAleese, Bill Clinton, and George Mitchell. Among the guests at the ceremony were former Tanaiste and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore, who has been the EU's envoy to the Colombian peace process since 2015. "It is a country that has suffered long and too much in what was the longest and bloodiest conflict in the western hemisphere, 220,000 people died, 40,000 are still missing, nearly seven million people were forcibly removed from their homes," he said. The former President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos has received the Tipperary International Peace Award at a ceremony in Tipperary town this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/wJTyWi5gNE Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) November 16, 2018 President Santos concluded an agreement with the FARC guerrilla group two years ago but this was rejected by the people by a narrow majority in a plebiscite, prompting a renegotiation and the passage of the new agreement through the courts and the Colombian parliament. "Because President Santos did that, he has left an enduring legacy in his country, a country that is at peace," Mr Gilmore said. The former president himself said he witnessed the IRA campaign for himself when in London in 1975, and he was "knocked to the ground" with others when a bomb exploded outside a club in Picadilly. But when he became president in 2010, he looked at the example set in Northern Ireland and decided to seek peace with the FARC guerillas. The Northern Ireland peace process, in particular, played a key role in inspiring us to achieve peace. He said he was proud that Colombia had joined Northern Ireland as "a beacon of hope" for those who are engaged in other conflicts, "from Syria to South Sudan". Mr Santos criticised the human rights records of regimes in the Philippines, Venezuela, Nigeria and Hungary, and also the new president of Brazil, and said that in the United States, "the land of liberty," immigrants from central America who are marching in search of asylum are being stigmatised as "a criminal threat" while Democratic leaders have received letterbombs in the post. "In my life, I've been both a hawk and a dove. As a hawk, I fought with determination [as defence minister] to defeat the illegal armed groups and to weaken the FARC, but always in recognition of the human condition; as a dove I understood that only through dialogue is the path to reaching a true and lasting peace." By Ann O'Loughlin This country "should be able to look after our own sick in our own hospitals and facilities" and not have to send those who need specialised services to the UK, the president of the High Court has said. Mr Justice Peter Kelly made the remarks earlier this week after being told the HSE had been unable so far to find beds for a number of wards of court in specialised facilities in the UK. A stage of "gridlock" had been reached in that regard, the court heard. The judge also expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding Brexit for wards of court who are placed in the UK by orders of the UK courts grounded on European legislation. There is "a big question mark" about the status of orders made under European legislative instruments and it "is not satisfactory at all" the HSE has not to date outlined its plans for wards post Brexit, he said. Patricia Hickey, general solicitor for wards of court, said she will write immediately to the HSE in that regard. She also said she was unaware of any plans by the HSE to provide specialised services here similar to those available in the UK. The judge said he had been told over "months and months" such provision was being "considered" but he doubted there was "a strong plan". Ms Hickey agreed to make inquiries of the HSE and report back to the court. The court has heard there are disputes between psychiatrists and other professionals over whether it is better to send wards to the specialised UK services or to create bespoke services for them here. As of now, there are about ten wards of court, including a number of children, in UK facilities. They include people with severe anorexia, others severely traumatised by sexual abuse and others considered a risk to themselves and others. When told that a particular facility where a number of wards are placed has no bed available for a very troubled teenage girl, the judge said the situation "underlines we don't have specialised facilities here to look after people who need them". While the UK facility has facilitated the court up to now in finding places for wards, "we should be able to look after our own sick in our own hospitals and our own facilities". The UK facilities are working at full capacity and places are not available now and may not be in the future, he added. The issues arose in cases including of a very troubled and vulnerable girl considered to be a serious suicide risk whom Ms Hickey said could not return home because of a disturbed family background and who remains in a hospital unit because no suitable placement has been found for her. Ms Hickey asked the judge to continue orders detaining the girl in the hospital and adjourn the matter for three weeks so the HSE could devise a care plan. The judge said the situation was "grim" but he had no option but to make those orders. He wondered whether the girl would be a suitable candidate for a UK facility but noted the current lack of places there. All of this underlines people have to stay in "sub-optimal" conditions here due to the lack of appropriate facilities, he said. A 54-year-old man is to stand trial after a 10-month old baby boy was left lucky to be alive from a crude circumcision carried out in the midlands three years ago. Father-of-six, Philip Ogbewe, 54, from Nigeria but living in Ireland 20 years and residing at Green Lanes, Drogheda, Co Louth allegedly used a surgical blade on the infant who was hospitalised for two weeks. Mr Ogbewe was refused bail after appearing before Judge John Coughlan at Dublin District Court today. He was charged with assault causing harm to the baby boy in a midlands town on a date in December 2015. The infant would have died had it not been for the intervention of medical professionals, the court heard. Mr Ogbewe has allegedly described himself Dr Philip, a third generation circumciser but has no medical training, the court was told. Garda Sergeant Paul Carney said he arrested him in Drogheda at 4.10pm on Thursday and brought him to a garda station in the midlands to be charged. After he was cautioned he replied, I am sorry I committed such an offence. Judge Coughlan was furnished with a list of objections to bail drafted by the investigating officer who cited the seriousness of the case. Judge Coughlan noted the case related to a 10-month male infant and it was alleged the defendant allegedly performed a home circumcision and that was the alleged assault. Garda Sergeant Carney applied for a remand in custody. He said the infant required surgical intervention at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar and was later transferred to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. The baby needed a blood transfusion and medics had to correct the bleed. The assault charge can carry a maximum sentence of five years but the court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions was considering further more serious charges. Garda Sergeant Carney alleged the accused travelled to the injured partys home and performed the circumcision with a surgical blade but he had no medical training. "The child in question is very lucky to be alive," he said and this was due to the intervention of staff at the hospital in Mullingar. Also recovered during the investigation was a surgical blade, Vaseline, and cotton wool, which were to be used for performing circumcisions, the court heard. His phone was seized which had the phone number used by the injured partys mother to contact him before and after the circumcision. Garda Sergeant Carney said the accused, who sat silently throughout the hearing, was aware of the location of the infants home. The sergeant said technical analysis of his phone identified 21 other appointments for circumcisions in Dublin, Meath and Offaly. He said the accused identified himself as Dr Philip and gardai believed that if bailed he would endanger the safety of other children by carrying out these practices. He agreed with defence counsel Niall Flynn that he was not concerned the accused would flee. He was satisfied he lived here since 1998 and has family in this jurisdiction. A 'third generation circumciser' Counsel said his client, who had the presumption of innocence, had three children with his partner and three with his ex-wife. The garda said information gleaned from his phone showed there was a number of calls in recent months to conduct these crude circumcisions with surgical blades. He would not accept the proposals by counsel that Mr Ogbewe would obey strict conditions including a curfew, signing on three times a day at a garda station or an order to remain in Drogheda. Counsel said Mr Ogbewe no longer had the phone. The garda witness said the accused was renowned in the African community and referred to himself as a third generation circumciser. He did not believe Mr Ogbewe needed a mobile phone to communicate with potential clients. Mr Flynn (instructed by Brid Mimnagh solicitor) said his client, if let out on bail, would give an undertaking not to carry out any circumcision or contact any witnesses. However, the sergeant did not believe he would adhere and he added that during interview the accused indicated he was pressurised into performing circumcisions. The garda agreed that no manhunt was required to source him. Pleading for bail, Mr Flynn said a very sinister alleged offence had come before the court but he asked the judge to consider bail with the conditions outlined during the hearing. He also asked the judge to note that his client lived with his partner and his ex-wife was in the locality. Judge Coughlan refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear again on November 23 next. Granting legal aid, he said described the case as unique, very unusual and very serious. The man accused of murdering a 38-year-old woman found dead in a flat over a shop in Cork claims that she slipped in the shower and hit her head against a star-shaped bath top and other objects. This claim by the accused emerged during cross-examination of pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, who reported that the woman died as a result of brain trauma due to blunt force trauma to the head. Cathal O'Sullivan, 45, who is originally from Charleville, Co Cork is on trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork and denies murdering Nicola Collins on March 27, 2016 at a flat at 6A Popham's Road, Farranree, Cork, over the Gala store. The accused mans senior counsel Colman Cody questioned Dr Bolster today about injuries to the deceased and referred to what Cathal OSullivan told gardai during their investigation. He informed gardai that earlier in the evening on March 26, 2017, that as a result of Ms Collins suffering diarrhoea she used the shower and that during the course of that shower that Ms Collins was caused to lose her balance and fell. She had finished washing, she put her leg on the edge of the bath, she was attempting to get out when she was caused to fall. "She gripped the shower curtain and struck her head off the tap of the bath, a star-shaped tap and fell on certain items present in the bath, Mr Cody said. Quoting directly from OSullivans interview with gardai, the accused said, She tried to hold on to the railing which fell. I managed to get her out of the bath. Mr Cody asked Dr Bolster if such a fall could explain the head injury and also asked if a fall could explain other injuries. Dr Bolster replied, We could go through every single injury. I am talking about the multiplicity of injuries, you are talking about falls from every different angle. Mr Cody replied, It is not unreasonable. Dr Bolster said, That is for the jury to decide. Mr Cody said, We are talking about someone (the deceased) who suffered from seizures. I know you are talking about the global situation, I am looking at specific injuries. Dr Bolster said, Each injury is caused by blunt impact for whatever reason. One of those reasons could be falling. Asked about a fractured tooth and whether that could have been caused by any impact such as a fall because of the poor underlying condition of the tooth, Dr Bolster agreed but added, This is a localised blow. Mr Cody SC took issue with the way the witness was gesturing as she spoke. You are holding your fists, if you dont mind. Dr Bolster found that the deceased had 125 separate bruises and lacerations to her head and body at post-mortem. She said these bruises and lacerations extended from her scalp to her ankles. Dr Bolster told how she found Ms Collins body lying unclothed on the bedroom floor in the upstairs apartment rented by Mr OSullivan and she found bloodstained clothes including a bra, underpants, t-shirt and jeans in the bathroom where she also noticed blood stains on the sink, wall and tiles. Mr Cody SC referred to the late Ms Collins suffering from seizures, which had been documented in medical reports in the past, and he referred to injuries described as grip injuries, stating that the accused man had on numerous occasions to help her and lift her up. The trial continues on Monday. A dissident republican weapons haul has been discovered in a residential boiler house that caught fire in Belfast, police have said. Two AK47 assault rifles, two sawn-off shotguns, a high-powered rifle with a silencer fitted, three pipe bombs and more than 100 assorted rounds of ammunition were stored in the building that went on fire on Rodney Drive in west Belfast on Wednesday. Police believe the weapons belonged to the so-called New IRA and may have been stored in the outhouse without the knowledge of the homeowner. Detectives believe the AK47s may have been used in murder bids against police officers in Belfast in 2015 and 2017. Detective Superintendent John McVea, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's terrorism investigation unit, told a media conference in Belfast: "We firmly believe these weapons belong to the new IRA." He said the weapons had been stored on top of the hot boiler. "It beggars belief that anyone would store items as volatile as bombs and bullets in a hot environment," he said. "This is simply reckless, it is stupid and it shows total disregard for the safety of local residents. "Anyone with an ounce of sense would have known that live ammunition and pipe bombs mixed with heat is a recipe for carnage." Police believe the AK47s may have been used in two separate dissident attack on police - one in the Rossnareen Avenue area of west Belfast in November 2015 and the other on a garage forecourt on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast in January 2017. In the first attack, a police car patrolling Rossnareen Avenue was riddled with up to eight rounds of bullets. Armoured plating and bulletproof glass was credited with saving the lives of the two officers inside the vehicle when they were ambushed. In the second attack, a policeman survived despite being shot three times in the arm when gunmen opened fire on him as he got out of a parked police car at the Crumlin Road garage. Officers said it was a miracle no members of the public were also shot as bullets flew across the busy petrol station forecourt. Mr McVea said: "The Crumlin Road shooting, in particular, was reckless and showed total disregard for members of the public as bullets entered the filling station shop narrowly missing customers and passing motorists." The detective said he believed the weapons were moved into the boiler house on Monday evening after 9pm. He urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the alleyway behind Rodney Drive to come forward. "We are lucky there hasn't been significant injury as the fire developed," he said. Mr McVea said the violent renegades who owned the weapons were "beneath contempt". "I am asking the community to stand up against these parasites," he added. Mr McVea said it was possible the resident of the property was unaware and had been "exploited" by the terrorists. The detective said a neighbour first reported the fire, with the occupant of the house then also calling the emergency services to alert them to the blaze. A 35-year-old man who was arrested under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday was subsequently released unconditionally. Mr McVea said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation but he did not rule out that one of the weapons stored on top of the boiler had sparked it. - Digital Desk and PA Adult film actress Stormy Daniels will be among the guests on The Ray D'Arcy Show this weekend. She is expected to discuss "her alleged affair with Donald Trump and the non-disclosure agreement that she signed in the run-up to the 2016 American Presidential Election." Her "tell-all book", Full Disclosure, was published last month. Ms Daniels said she is happy about her return to Ireland. "After falling in love with Ireland on my previous visit, I could not be more excited to return," she said. I'm looking forward to speaking with Ray D'Arcy about this wild last year of my life and what I have planned next. Host Ray D'Arcy says he is looking forward to "having a chat with one of the most talked-about women in the world at the moment" on Saturday at 9.50pm. Also on the show, outspoken chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan will be in studio to talk about hipster chefs, intimidation from vegans and why he thinks some British politicians are talking nonsense when it comes to Brexit. Mark Little will chat about 'Fake News', the US political landscape, and launching his new News App. 24-year-old Muhammad and 83-year-old Austin, two housemates who live together in East Wall in Dublin and are taking part in RTE One's Home Rescue, will be on the show. They will discuss moving in together, their unlikely friendship, and inter-railing together over the summer. And newly-crowned Mr Universe, Wexford man Loughlan (Lock) Gannon, joins the line-up to celebrate last weekend's victory while also telling Ray how he overcame adversity in the form of both prostate and testicular cancer to compete and win the coveted Mr. Universe title. Amber Rudd made a dramatic return to Theresa May's Cabinet as the Prime Minister sought to bolster her position following the backlash to her Brexit deal. Meanwhile, Leave-supporting Stephen Barclay has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health. The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted he still has confidence in Mrs May who has suffered a series of setbacks following the publication of her draft Brexit deal with Brussels. She has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. ndated UK Parliament handout photo of Stephen Barclay who has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health. Photo credit: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament. The rehabilitation of Ms Rudd, who quit in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. Mr Barclay's appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: "I absolutely do." He added: I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain. A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May was "very pleased" that Mr Gove will stay on and "continue doing the important work he is doing". - PA Joseph Healy, is the co-founder of SME lender Judo Capital, which is likely to benefit from the fund and said if the government is willing to invest money through the fund, superannuation funds may be willing to invest as well. Loading "Being able to invest into the securitisation fund and access a pools of funds rather than individual funds is a much better way for SMEs to access the superannuation market," he said. Eva Scheerlinck, chief executive of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, said new investment opportunities are always welcome but it's too early to say what the response will be from super funds. "Super funds have a fiduciary duty to their members to ensure that every investment made is the right one for their portfolio and the investment outlook," she said. "At the end of the day, the assets that trustees invest in still have to be of investment grade and assessed against a rigorous criteria to ensure members get the best outcomes. Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees chief executive Eva Scheerlinck. Credit:Steven Pam Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell helped develop the policy and said the securitisation fund would encourage smaller banks and non bank lenders to lend to small businesses. "For second tier banks the cost of lending is a mix of risk and cost of capital," she said. "Why don't they lend now? The cost of capital is high and the dilemma of lending to small business or SMEs is that the risk is higher. By bringing down the cost of capital you can make the business case for some of these lenders to focus on small business." Growth fund The second part of the government's policy is to promote the establishment of a growth fund. The government is consulting with the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and the banks over how the fund would work. The fund would provide passive equity investment to small businesses to enable them to grow without taking on additional debt or giving up control of their business and is likely to be modelled on similar funds in the United Kingdom and Canada. Since its establishment in 2011, the United Kingdoms business growth fund has invested some $2.7 billion in a range of sectors across the economy. Unlike a traditional private equity investment or a 'Shark Tank' style investment, businesses would not have to give up control or offer a board seat. A similar fund doesn't exist in Australia in part because the amount of capital APRA requires banks to hold for these investments makes it unprofitable for the banks however this treatment is under review. The government's role will be limited to setting up the rules around the funds operation and ensuring reporting and auditing. Mr Healy said he expects there will be strong demand for the growth fund. "A lot of small business require access to equity capital and outside the venture capital community the market doesn't provide that," he said. "This is addressing market failure and that market failure is that a number of small businesses are unable to access funding. We estimate the funding gap is in the order of $80 billion clearly it doesn't fill that gap." Implementation The government is aiming to finalise legislation to set up the securitisation fund before Christmas. If the legislation receives bipartisan support it can then be passed early next year and the securitisation fund could be operational by mid 2019. The government will host a meeting with APRA and the banks in Canberra in the first week of December and is looking to industry to drive the fund. Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen is keen for more details. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen One woman had never used tampons and she and her partner had never had penetrative sex. Euphemia was able to give them tips on how to overcome pain. "It can start with taking the time to be aware of touch or sensation in their bodies, not just their genitals." To those who feel uncomfortable asking for what they want sexually, Euphemia says the key is to "own your feelings, say what you want and need, listen actively and explore desires together". It's equally important to know what you don't like, to have healthy boundaries, and to be able to say, "I don't want to do that, it doesn't give me pleasure." Starting her business hasn't been a case of instant gratification, though, and it remains an ongoing struggle. "It was hard for me to get support from banks, they were definitely sceptical," she explains. She also found dealing with government initiatives, such as the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, difficult at both federal and state level. Even finding venues to hold sex workshops is a problem. Then there's the consistent misconception "that I must be outrageous in my own life, wanting sex all the time". But Euphemia persists because there is demand for these services. She works with individuals and healthcare professionals from nurses to physiotherapists who need updated education. If they only completed a small number of hours on sex when getting their initial qualification, they might not have knowledge of gender identity, for example. For Euphemia, the most rewarding part of the work is having people tell her that their relationship has improved, or that they've become clearer on their sexual identity, needs and how to communicate. "I love deep-diving into people's experiences and challenges," she says. "I'm very grateful that people trust me to help them explore their bodies." BRYONY COLE Podcaster, 36 "I knew I would have to be a living example of what I was standing for: the idea that we should normalise conversations about sex." All around you on trains, at desks and in homes intimate conversations are taking place. And you're invited to eavesdrop. All you have to do is listen to Bryony Cole's Future of Sex podcast. Choosing podcasting as her medium was deliberate. It's discreet, Bryony says. "You're able to connect on a human level. Podcasting feels close in a way that a blog cannot." After moving from Melbourne to New York six years ago and working with technology companies, a career in sex seemed improbable. But lightning hit when she saw a virtual-reality simulation while conducting research. She began to ponder the implications of sex technology. "How will dating, falling in love and family change when we have access to technology that might remove the need to meet someone in real life?" Through Future of Sex, Bryony aims to get people talking about "sextech", a booming industry estimated to be worth over $40 billion a year. Getting started wasn't easy. "I thought about using a pseudonym," she says, "but I knew I would have to be a living example of what I was standing for: the idea that we should normalise conversations about sex." Fortunately, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Soon, she was accepting international speaking gigs. Data collection is a hot sextech topic. No matter how private we might think we are online, companies are watching, listening and taking notes. In a recent podcast, Bryony spoke to experts about how online data can reveal compelling patterns in behaviour and desire. And while research can helps us to better understand ourselves, data is often gathered without consent. "Headlines about sex robots, VR pornography and vibrators have perpetuated the idea that sextech is only about orgasm," she points out. To dispel this myth, episodes are often about positive changes, with podcast topics including innovation in sex education, sexual fluidity and the reporting of sexual violence. The entrepreneur has put her money where her mouth is, running quarterly sextech hackathons and the world's first "sextech accelerator" program to encourage innovation. Bryony's Sydney event in March achieved almost 90 per cent female participation. Topics included reinventing sex education for teenage girls and how to make condoms cool. The winning team developed a voice-activated vibrator for people with a physical disability. "We talk a lot about how people with disabilities and older people are often perceived as sexually invisible," she says. "This is a global problem." ANNA BROWNFIELD Erotic filmmaker, 46 "Its a sexually charged environment, but Im quite disconnected. I dont realise its sexy until Im editing it. Anna Brownfield's first movie, The Money Shot, featured a protagonist who graduated from film school and turned to making pornography when she couldn't find a job. The story played out slightly differently for Anna, who became interested in exploring how female sexuality was represented on screen while completing her media arts degree in Melbourne. "I wanted to do it on my terms," Anna recalls. Those terms included depicting a positive sexual experience for women, and producing films ethically. She's achieved considerable success, having her film The Band accepted into the Berlin Film Festival in 2009 and selling her work to international distributors. But the business of pornography is more challenging now that sites such as Pornhub provide viewers with free content. Anna must work hard to attract a paying audience. Her career is a conversation starter. "When I say I make films about female desire, most people want to tell me about their own sexuality. They want validation that they're normal." Anna says that her sets are like any other, and that filming sex scenes is all business. "I'm watching the monitors thinking, 'How am I going to cut this? Can we get a better angle?' It's a sexually charged environment, but I'm quite disconnected. I don't realise it's sexy until I'm editing it." As a maker of ethical pornography, Anna takes the wellbeing of her actors seriously. For a recent film, No Butter, she cast her female lead, then allowed her to have a say in choosing her male counterpart. "Once she'd met the performer, they talked about boundaries and what they liked," she says. Far from just being simple titillation, Anna's films often contain cultural comment that covers "sexuality and the fringes of society". Her short documentary, Wicked Women, now screening on ABC iView, focuses on lesbian culture in 1980s Australia and the magazine of the same name. Anna, who's also a lecturer in film and television at Swinburne University, lives in Melbourne with her partner and eight-year-old son. Just like the cross-section of the community he brought together to collect rubbish on his beloved Sydney Harbour, Friday's state memorial service for Ian Kiernan the co-founder of Clean Up Australia gathered together people from all walks of life. From his friend Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes to Aboriginal elder Allen Madden, who called him "old mate", to students from Wentworthville Public School. Ian Kiernan on January 29, 1994, shortly after the attack on Prince Charles at Darling Harbour. Credit:Peter Robinson People of all political persuasions attended as well, from former Labor prime minister Paul Keating to author Blanche D'Alpuget, representing her husband former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke, to independent member of Parliament for Wentworth Kerryn Phelps to NSW Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Some came from as far afield as Tasmania and South Korea to the Sydney Opera House on Kiernan's home harbour, which he changed forever on Sunday, January 8, 1989, as mastermind of the first Clean Up Australia Day. A man and a woman's botched attempt to fly drugs and mobile phones by drone into a Queensland jail has landed them prison sentences. However, only one of the pair is actually heading for jail, with Donald Griffin, 22, sentenced to 18 months - suspended immediately - for supplying a dangerous drug to a prisoner at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre at Wacol in October 2017. His co-accused, Karlie Lorraine Cuzzu, 35, will spend time inside after the Brisbane District Court sentenced her to 18 months' jail, suspended after three months, over the drone attempt that failed when it was damaged during flight. AAP A 25-year-old motorbike rider is fighting for life in hospital after a two-vehicle crash on the Warrego Highway in south-east Queensland. Police said about 5.30am on Friday, the woman was travelling eastbound on the highway on her motorbike when she collided with a vehicle that was entering the westbound lanes from a nearby rest area. Police are calling on any witnesses or drivers with dash cam footage to come forward after a crash on the Warrego Highway on Friday morning. Credit:Toby Crockford The crash happened at Helidon, about 20 kilometres from Toowoomba. The rider was taken to the Toowoomba Base Hospital in a critical condition while the 48-year-old female driver in the car was not injured. A man who raped a drunk and drug-affected teenage girl he met at a train station in Perth has cried while being sentenced to five years in prison. Shane John Anderton was aged 26 in June 2010 when he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old girl in bushland. The girl had been drinking alcohol when she met Anderton at a train station about 9pm and he told her he could get her some cigarettes. He sat near the girl on a bus but they did not speak, then they got off at the same stop and walked to his friend's apartment where she had more alcohol and some cannabis. She later walked away under the influence of the substances and Anderton followed, taking the girl by the wrist and walking her to the bush area where he raped her. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] In a clinical review of her case in July 2017, St John Ambulance stated they had found no behavioural or resourcing issues. "Any delays experienced in receiving anti-venom rest with the clinicians on duty at NRH (Northam Regional Hospital) ED. The time transfers ... requested by the regional hospitals are not influenced by SJA. But emails from some in the ambulance service show that questions were asked about Mrs Longmuirs treatment from as early as February 24, 2017. Stephanie is the sister in law of one of our Koorda volunteers so the concern has also been raised by him regarding delays in getting anti-venom that may be resulting in dialysis and/or kidney damage at the last report from him. One of our Wyalkatchem volunteers has also brought the issue up as was concerned that [Wyalkatchem] couldnt raise a transfer crew and felt there was a fail in that process, the email reads. Dissatisfied with her treatment, Mrs Longmuir wrote to the doctor who oversaw her treatment via video link. In a letter dated April 10, 2017, she received an apology for her poor experience from the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). The letter also listed key issues including "the presence of a doctor on site, antivenin (also known as antivenom) and laboratory facility access. "This was not present at the Wyalkatchem Health Service and the transfer to a facility that can provide this should be expedited it read. Fast forward to 2018, and in reaction to the death of Mrs Nicholls and the story of Andrea Williams who was bitten by a snake on September 20 at Marvel Loch, WACHS has rolled out antivenom to 81 sites across the state. But a supply of antivenom alone is not the answer. Treating snake bite requires medical practitioners skilled and trained in the latest techniques, with resuscitation equipment at the ready in case the patient has an adverse reaction to treatment or suffers complications. Brian Nicholls said his wife Mary had thought that a snake had passed over her foot when wheeling a wheelbarrow and although she was adamant she hadnt been bitten when son Stephen inspected her leg, he saw some dried blood on an area of skin exposed near her ankle and treated it as though she had been envenomed. Stephen, who had recently completed a first aid course, bandaged Marys leg from bite to thigh which was probably the right thing to do, Mr Nicholls said. Loading The Australian Venom Research Unit at Melbourne University explains why pressure-immobilisation is recommended for snake bite. Its purpose is to retard the movement of venom from the bite site into the circulation, thus "buying time" for the patient to reach medical care. Research with snake venom has shown that very little venom reaches the blood stream if firm pressure is applied over the bitten area and the limb is immobilised. "The treating doctor will decide when to remove the bandages. If a significant amount of venom has been injected, it may move into the blood stream very quickly when the bandages are removed. They should be left in position until appropriate antivenom and resuscitation equipment have been assembled. "Bandages may be quickly reapplied if clinical deterioration occurs and left on until antivenom therapy has been effective. Mr Nicholls said he witnessed the removal of his wifes pressure immobilisation bandage about 10.30am, shortly after her admission to Wyalkatchem hospital. In an interview on 6PR in October, Stephen Nicholls said the Wyalkatchem hospital did not have antivenom. According to Mr Nicholls the bite was rebandaged some time later but Mrs Nicholls wasnt given antivenom until the RFDS arrived with it on board at 1.30pm. Dr Timothy Jackson, venom specialist and research fellow at the AVRU says: They should not have removed the bandage unless they were ready to administer antivenom. You need to be ready to treat the consequence of the removal of the bandage, to observe what changes and be ready for that. Both Stephanie Longmuir and Brian Nicholls have stated that although they rushed, there was no sense of urgency on arrival at Wyalkatchem hospital. Mrs Longmuir says she waited for three hours, and Mr Nicholls says he and his wife waited at Wyalkatchem for four hours. What is clear is that WACHS and the treating doctor knew of the procedural shortcomings regarding Stephanie Longmuirs case, acknowledged in correspondence to Mrs Longmuir as far back as March and April 2017. In an email sent on March 9, 2017 to the doctor who treated her via video link, Mrs Longmuir wrote: I am struggling since the snake bite which I feel was not taken seriously by anyone on my journey to hospital on the 22nd sept. I have had days of headaches vomiting and now have acute renal failure and on dialysis three times a week". In his reply the following day, the doctor highlighted what could have been done better. Loading The list reads: 1. Initial transfer by the GP to a hospital with antivenom and pathology services. 2. Better first aid, good bandage, poor immobility. 3. Poor communication in delay of transfer between Wyalkatchem and Northam. And yet, Brian Nicholls said staff at Wyalkatchem wanted to send Mary by road to Northam, but that it was the ambulance crew who insisted the RFDS be called. They were adamant, fly her to Perth he said. WACHS says for patients with significant envenomation, aeromedical transport to a tertiary hospital within the metropolitan area will always be needed". It is worth remembering that the ambulance crews involved are volunteers. Local people who donate their time and expertise to assist the community. But getting crews at short notice can be problematic. Stephanie Longmuir is right to ask why the RFDS was not called to fly her to Perth. Its one thing to supply the antivenom to the country. But as witnessed by Stephanie Longmuir and Brian Nicholls, there are questions around the capability of some, perhaps only a handful, of medical staff at some (not all) WA country hospitals. There is no doubt that it is hard to staff country hospitals and health services. There is an enormous amount of gratitude from people in the regions to doctors and nurses who elect to serve them. The hours are long, the work challenging. Medical practitioners, integral to the wellbeing of the community are faced with the full gamut of emergency situations, including snake bite. And the successful treatment of snake envenomation requires skill. It isnt fair on doctors or nurses if they do not have the latest training, skills or equipment to treat snake bite. In emergencies, good, clear communication and up-to-date medical training is paramount. If any of that is in any doubt, patients should be flown to Perth without delay. With China and the US playing a new Great Game in south-east Asia and the south-west Pacific at summits this week, Australia should be playing its diplomatic cards with unusual care. The Great Game of the 19th century was a contest of diplomacy, espionage and occasional wars where the prize was influence in the lands of central Asia between Britain and Imperial Russia. This time around, it is a battle for our own region between the rising power of China and our ally the United States. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a meeting during the 2018 ASEAN Summit in Singapore on Wednesday. Credit:AAP Prime Minister Scott Morrison, only three months in the job, has been under pressure to learn the steps of this dance at diplomatic jamborees this week from the ASEAN meeting in Singapore to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Papua New Guinea and next week the G20 in Buenos Aires. US Vice-President Mike Pence will be there and Chinese President Xi Jinping will make his pitch to Pacific leaders this weekend in a convention centre in Port Moresby built with Chinese money. Washington: The Trump administration is exploring possible ways to remove US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a foe of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, NBC News reported on Thursday. The US is mulling the move to convince Turkey to ease pressure on Saudi Arabia, a longterm US security partner, over the killing of a Saudi journalist. Exiled Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in the US. Credit:AP A White House official told Reuters the NBC story was "not accurate," but did not elaborate. NBC, citing four sources, said Trump administration officials asked federal law enforcement agencies to look into whether Gulen, accused by Erdogan of instigating a failed 2016 coup, could legally be forced out of the United States. Washington: It's been a whirlwind of excitement for newly elected politicians this week as they get acquainted with the building that will likely be a second home: the US Capitol. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's first two days in the nation's capital have been an adventure. The 29-year-old, who was the youngest congresswoman ever elected, was mistaken for an intern her first day and on Thursday, her second day, was criticised over her attire through a tweet that was later deleted. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrives in Washington for orientation for new members of Congress. Credit:AP "People keep giving me directions to the spouse and intern events instead of the ones for members of Congress," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter. Other members of Congress chimed in, saying they, too have had issues with this. Latest News AFG signs deal with Open Banking platform Frollo New partnership could see loan application times slashed for the broker channel MKM hires Royden D'Vaz Channel veteran to take over as head of distribution at lender A digital home loan platform has partnered with a bank, which will now be able to offer its own instant home loan. The white label partnership will see Bendigo Bank use Tic:Tocs proprietary technology to offer Bendigo Bank Express. The white label partnership will allow Bendigo Bank to be the first Australian lender offering a digital home loan application and assessment process under its own brand, accelerated with Tic:Toc technology. After launching instant home loans in 2017, Tic:Toc is now starting to collaborate with financial institutions to offer their platform as a service. As well as offering fast responses, the platform aims to meet responsible lending standards via inbuilt reg-tech and digital validation of income and expenses. Announcing the agreement, Tic:Toc founder and CEO, Anthony Baum, said the customer will be the ultimate beneficiary of the collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs. He said, Tic:Toc is changing the customer experience when it comes to home loans. Its no longer necessary to wait weeks for home loan approval, when it can be done digitally and conveniently. Theres actually not much difference between home loan options. But there can be a big difference in how that home loan is delivered, and the experience for the customer. Our automated assessment and approval technology also creates dramatic cost efficiencies for lenders. You only need to look to the United States to see how a digital home loan can change a market: Quicken Loans is now Americas largest home loan lender after launching their online product, Rocket Mortgage. Our partner, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, shares our passion for great customer outcomes, so were delighted the Bank has chosen Tic:Toc to offer its customers a truly digital experience, if they want it. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank managing director, Marnie Baker said, Our partnership with Tic:Toc is another example of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank investing in innovative technologies to offer Australian consumers more choice, and ultimately, better digital experiences. Our strategy means we can provide the best solution to customers by selecting the right partner to offer the right services to meet our customers needs and make it easier for them to do business with us. Fintech disruption, combined with banking innovation, is helping us drive better outcomes and we consider relationships with fintechs, such as Tic:Toc, as a mutually beneficial strategy. We believe we can grow our business through our vision of being Australias bank of choice and we will do this by providing new and existing customers with valued and relevant products and services, all while investing in new capability and innovation. Bendigo Bank Express will be available to customers in early 2019. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC Friday Nov. 16 Big tent Run away with the circus without leaving Brooklyn! The chamber music quartet Ethel presents its tribute to life under the big top in Circus: Wandering City, a multimedia show inspired by the archives of the Ringling Museum of Art. The final show is Saturday night. 7:30 pm at BAM Harvey Theater [651 Fulton St. at Ashland Place in Fort Greene, (718) 6364100, www.bam.org]. $25$40. Saturday Nov. 17 Great Danes! Get hygge with it! Indulge in the Nordic art of getting comfortable at todays Danish Christmas market, where you can sample Danish treats like bleskiver, glgg, and smrrebrd, and shop for stocking stuffers at the Danish craft market at nearby Plymouth Church, on Hicks Street. 11 am5 pm at Danish Seamens Church (102 Willow St. at Clark Street in Brooklyn Heigts), www.dskny.org. Free. Sunday Nov. 18 Art attack Artists across Park Slope and Windsor Terrace will open their studios this weekend for visitors. Visit www.artsp swt.com for printable map, or pick one up at Jonathan Blums storefront studio on Fifth Avenue, where you can gawk at his playful portraits of animals and angelic figures. Ask her another: Comedian Michelle Wolf will join Ophira Eisenberg on the quiz show Ask Me Another on Nov. 20 at the Bell House. Associated Press / Willy Sanjuan Noon6 pm at Blums Studio [285 Fifth Ave. between First and Second streets in Park Slope, www.artsp swt.com ]. Free. Tuesday Nov. 20 Big bad Wolf This weeks edition of the live quiz show Ask Me Another hosted by Park Sloper Ophira Eisenberg will be extra special, because the guests are Michelle Wolf (pictured), most famous for poking fun at the Prez at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and Drunk History drunk historian and comedy writer Amber Ruffin. 6:45 pm at Bell House [149 Seventh St. at Third Avenue in Gowanus, (718) 6436510], www.thebe llhou seny.com . $15. Wednesday Nov. 21 Paper work Youre not getting any work on the day before Thanksgiving! Take the day off and visit the Kwang Young Chun: Aggregations, the newest exhibit at Brooklyn Museum, a collection of striking sculptures built out of mulberry-pulp paper from Korea. 11 am6 pm at Brooklyn Museum [200 Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights, (718) 6385000, www.brook lynmu seum.org ]. $16 suggested admission. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC This school may be out for good. A Fort Greene pre-school could face the wrecking ball if the city approves a developers proposal to demolish it and erect a mixed-use tower in its place. Bigwigs at Borough Parkbased builder the Leser Group want officials to green-light a rezoning application in order to construct the 21-story tower at 101 Fleet Pl. a job that would boot the Duffield Childrens Center, where more than 60 2-to-5-year-olds learn to read and write, from its 20-year home inside the current one-story structure at that address. The developer, which owns the centers current building, originally proposed including a new public school in its planned tower, but pulled that amenity from the formal rezoning request it submitted in July, after floating various versions of the scheme for roughly two years, according to Community Board 2s district manager. Its been kicking around for a long time for the longest time it was going to include a school, but thats not true, said Rob Perris. The drawings I have seen show an all-new building from the ground up. Online city records show the rezoning application for the tower still includes space for a public school, but both Perris and a rep for Fort Greene Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo said the builders, who declined to comment on the development, nixed that part of the project. In 2010, some mothers feared that the Downtown-adjacent pre-school where Mean Girls star Lindsay Lohan did some community service back in 2015 run by area do-good group Brooklyn Community Services would soon shutter to make way for condos, forcing them to bring their kids to distant neighborhoods for their early education. But leaders of the Fleet Place learning center between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Street which school operators leased from the Leser Group annually for the past several years, according to information from Cumbos office kept its doors open despite that speculation, although they struggled to fill the classrooms seats, Perris said. I hate to lose any sort of useful community center, but Brooklyn Community Services has struggled to run the Duffield Childrens Center at full capacity, he said. Executives from the Leser Group which is also building swanky rehabilitation center in Red Hook are slated to present their plans for the tower to CB2s Land Use Committee on Nov. 21 as they wait for officials with the City Planning Commission to approve their rezoning request and kick off the projects lengthy journey through the citys lengthy Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, which requires it go before the panel, Borough President Adams, the City Planning Commission, Council, and ultimately Mayor DeBlasio. Cumbo, who holds the key Council vote on whether the tower can rise because its plot sits in her district, is waiting for feedback from both the community and the beep before deciding if shell give it her support, according to a rep. Reps for Brooklyn Community Services declined to comment, but Cumbos rep said the organization is aware of the development and plans to relocate the learning center, thought it doesnt yet know where. Weigh in on the 101 Fleet Pl. rezoning at Community Board 2s meeting at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering (5 Metrotech Center near Tech Place in Downtown, Dibner Building, Room LC400) on Nov. 21 at 6 pm. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks on the possible return of 2 of the 4 Russian-held islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute. Putin said on Thursday that further discussions are needed regarding the sovereignty over the 2 islands that a decades-old declaration says will be handed over to Japan upon the conclusion of a bilateral peace treaty. He claimed that the declaration doesn't say anything about the islands' sovereignty. Suga told reporters on Friday that he wants to refrain from commenting on each of Putin's remarks. However, he added that his understanding is that if the Habomai group of islets and Shikotan Island are to be returned to Japan, Japan's sovereignty over the islands should be naturally confirmed. Suga was asked whether Japan aims to reach a broad agreement with Putin on the envisioned peace treaty at the G20 summit that Japan will host in June next year. He replied it has already been announced that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Russia early next year before the G20 summit. Suga added that is all he can say at the moment. Russia controls the 4 islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two. Campus News New Department of Engineering Education kicks into gear Classes taught in the new Department of Engineering Education range from technical communications to ethics in engineering and computing. By CORY NEALON Were creating a new interdisciplinary department with the goal of helping to transform how engineering students are taught. Could colleges and universities do a better job teaching engineering and computer science? Educational research says they can, and UB leaders agree, which is why the university has launched the Department of Engineering Education. An academic unit of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the department officially formed in August. It offers more than a dozen undergraduate courses ranging from technical communication to ethics in engineering and computing. It is working toward establishing doctoral and graduate certificate programs, as well as faculty training programs and workshops. Were creating a new interdisciplinary department with the goal of helping to transform how engineering students are taught, says the departments inaugural chair, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Carl Lund. To begin doing this, weve gathered a diverse roster of faculty members with academic backgrounds that range from English literature and television news production to mechanical engineering and higher education. Located on the first floor of Capen Hall, the department is focused on the scaling and translation of engineering education research findings into classroom practice, Lund explains. To date, scaling and translation have occurred through collaborative efforts of education experts and content experts working together, usually on a single course. Content experts teaching a course without input from an education expert tend to rely on less established or effective teaching methods. The result has been a very slow and selective implementation of education innovations in engineering and computing classes. Put simply, education experts generate the innovations, but engineering and computing content experts do the teaching. Those hired to teach engineering often do not have formal training in education. Its this disconnect that prompted the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to create the department, says Liesl Folks, the schools dean. The Department of Engineering Education at UB will focus on developing means and methods that minimize the need for course-by-course collaborations between content and education experts. This will enable content experts to independently implement innovations across the existing range of courses, environments and enrollments, Lund says. We anticipate UB will become a leader in computing and engineering education by emphasizing, studying and implementing new and effective scaling and translation strategies. The idea is to positively influence how the engineering and computer science communities teach students, both at UB and globally, Folks says. Adds Lund: We are now in the process of adding faculty with demonstrated expertise in diversity, inclusiveness and persistence; the methods and practice of teaching; the science of learning; and assessment and engineering epistemology. The resulting fusion of content and education expertise will position the department to profoundly impact engineering and computing education. In addition to hiring new faculty, the department will also appoint a new chair to replace Lund, who is expected to serve for one year. For more information on the Department of Engineering Education, visit its website. The book Unelected Power came to me for review a while ago. It took quite some time to read and internalise it before I could say something about it. Providentially this is also an appropriate time to write about the book, when the issue of autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is being discussed and tested. The issue is never settled and never will be, but it will always be tested, discussed and new rules will be drawn up as new discussions, events and controversies emerge. Paul Tucker has been there and done it! Therefore, one would expect that his position would be in ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The government has deferred its plan to set up special Benches of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for insolvency cases as vacancies in the existing Benches are yet to be filled. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs had earlier said the special benches would be constituted by early November. We are yet to recruit members for the existing Benches. That will happen only by January. Before that, we cannot look at the proposed additional Benches, a senior ministry official said. Interviews for more members in the existing Kolkata and Hyderabad Benches will be held in ... The chief executive officer of Indian online fashion retailer Myntra, Ananth Narayanan, has decided to resign, days after the co-founder and group chief executive of its parent Flipkart stepped down, The Times of India reported on Friday. Bengaluru-based Myntra, which was bought by e-commerce group Flipkart in 2014, could also see a job cut of up to 500 people, the paper reported, citing sources. Myntra Chief Financial Officer Dipanjan Basu has also decided to put in his papers, the paper said. Flipkart did not comment on the report. Myntra did not immediately respond to a ... Payments processor Visa Inc said on Friday it is taking a minority stake in Indian payment gateway BillDesk to expand its footprint in the south Asian country. The investment will be subject to statutory approvals and is expected to have no direct bearing on Visa's existing India business, the company said in a statement. Visa's latest move comes a week after India's finance minister said Mastercard and Visa were losing market share to domestic payments networks. Earlier Mastercard had complained to the U.S. government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using ... India will look at its own interest in the Indo-Pacific region where and the US are vying for influence, India's envoy has said here. India along with and is a member of the US-backed yet-to-be-formalised "Quad" to counter China's rise in the Indo-Pacific region. Even though has dismissed such a set up as "sea foam", it is worried over the four democracies ganging up in the waters. In an interview to state-controlled Global Television Network, Bambawale spoke on various aspects of the Sino-Indian ties including the pesky boundary dispute. Asked whether India will take sides in the Indo-Pacific region, he said New Delhi will look at own interests in the region. "The only side India is on is India's own side. In other words, our foreign policy and all our policies are geared towards meeting India's interests and India's interests," he said. In the post-Cold War period, India has worked very closely with all countries across the globe. "We have improved our relations with big countries and small countries because we believe that we can obtain and gain from each of these countries of what is required for India's development, especially investments and technology," the outgoing envoy said. Bambawale will retire in November and will be succeeded by India's current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri. "We try to obtain it from any country which is willing to help us," he said. "So, we have managed to keep excellent relations not only with China and Russia and but also completely changed our relationship with the US. We will do whatever in India's best interests." The Indian Ambassador said Wuhan summit between Prime Minister and Chinese President cleared many misunderstandings between the two countries. He said India and China have many things in common and the only issue that divides them was the boundary dispute. "India and China have similar viewpoints on global issues. We both want to have an open system where the multilateral system works," he said, adding that both the countries can work on many issues like globalisation. "But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that," the Indian envoy said. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed three loan agreements with the government to provide debt of $ 574 million for on-lending, electricity transmission and water supply infrastructure projects. and the government signed three separate loan agreements for $ 300 million, $ 169 million and $ 105 million. As part of the loan agreements, will provide $ 300 million to support lending by India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL). " funding is expected to fund at least 13 sub-projects through IIFCL, involving roads and renewable power generation, under the last tranche," ADB Country Director for India Resident Mission Kenichi Yokoyama said in the release. The project will enhance availability of long-term finance for PPP projects, improve operations capacity of IIFCL and expand the portfolio of infrastructure financing instruments available to IIFCL, said Finance Ministry Additional Secretary Sameer Kumar Khare, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government. "The loan is expected to compliment government's infrastructure building efforts," Khare said. ADB said that this loan of $ 300 million is expected to help catalyze the financial closing of $ 2.4 billion investments. The project supports the renewed effort of the government of India in accelerating infrastructure growth through increased private sector investment. The project is relevant and responsive to the constraints to bank-based infrastructure financing, fiscal space creation, and repercussions on GDP growth, ADB said. Among others, the $ 169 million loan is the first tranche of up to $ 500 million loan that will be used to develop climate-resilient water supply, sewerage and drainage infrastructure in at least 10 cities in Tamil Nadu. The state has faced recurring droughts and erratic monsoons in the recent past resulting in severe water scarcity and urban flooding. ADB's support will help address these complex urban challenges through innovative and climate-resilient investment and deeper institutional support, Khare said. "The ADB programme forms part of its support to the state's Vision Tamil Nadu 2023 to provide universal access to water and sanitation and to develop world-class cities in high-performing industrial corridors," Yokoyama said. The $ 105 million is the third tranche of the $ 350 million multi-tranche financing facility for multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program approved by the ADB Board in September 2011. It is aimed at developing and expanding the transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power generated from the state's hydropower sources to load centres within and outside the state, ADB said. It is also supporting the institutional capacity development of the state transmission utility, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL), as the executing agency for this project. "This particular loan will help Himachal Pradesh to benefit electricity consumers in the state and throughout northern India, by increasing the transmission system capacity for inflow of the hydropower generated in the state into India's grid," Khare said. A synergy between India's and China's 'One Belt One Road' could be built keeping in mind the focus on economic cooperation between the two countries, Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui said here Friday. He said there is a need to take concrete measures to enhance youth exchanges between India and China and noted that the future of relations between the two countries lies in their hands. Speaking at the China-India Youth Dialogue, Luo said India and China relations are at "one of the best periods in history". Responding to a question from an Indian delegate, he said, "Every country is focusing on connectivity and free trade. India and China also have similar policies. Act East and OBOR are natural and how to synergise these two together for economic development is important." He said even the work on Bangladesh China India Myanmar economic corridor is going well. "(Chinese) President and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modiji held the Wuhan Informal Summit in April. It is a historic milestone in the bilateral relations. Both sides are implementing the consensus reached by the leaders," he said. The dialogue was organised jointly by the Chinese embassy and the Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL). Prime Minister sent his congratulatory note for the dialogue. "The dialogue will provide a platform for the youth of both nations to build a great wall of trust and cooperation between the two countries," Modi said in the note read out at the dialogue. Calling youth the "pioneers and driving force" to enhance cultural exchanges between India and China, Luo said the future of the relations between the two countries lies in the hands of the youth. He said sound bilateral relations and friendly cooperation have provided a "solid basis" and opportunities for youth exchanges but China and India need more concrete measures to enhance the youth exchanges. He also suggested ways through which exchanges between youths of the two countries could be strengthened. "The interaction with CYL should be more often and should be regularised. Second, we need to expand the scope of exchanges among the youth and arrange some dialogues with the big cities," he said. "Third we shall encourage more exchange programs in sports and movie industry. Fourth, we shall encourage more Indian engineers to work in China and more Indian students to work in Chinese enterprises in India, he added. "Fifth, we shall encourage more Indian students to study in China and more Chinese students to study in India. Sixth, we will work with the Indian government to map out a plan for youth exchanges," Luo said. The CBI has registered a disproportionate assets case against retired deputy manager of (PNB) Gokulnath Shetty, a key accused in the Rs 114 billion scam involving Nirav Modi, for allegedly amassing wealth 200 per cent more than his known sources of income, officials said Friday. The case was registered by the CBI's Anti Corruption Branch in against Shetty and his wife Ashalata for allegedly amassing a large number of moveable and immoveable properties during the period between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017, the day he retired. According to the CBI FIR, the couple had amassed disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 26.3 million during the period. Shetty and his wife Ashalata, who is a clerk with Indian Bank, "had acquired disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 26.3 million, which are 238.44 per cent disproportionate to their known sources of income", the CBI FIR alleged. It also said that Ashalata had "been found to have actively assisted her husband in the concealment and acquisition of assets raised from ill-gotten wealth and thereby has abetted the offence of possession of disproportionate assets by a public servant". Shetty was arrested by the (CBI) in February this year after the fraud involving billionaire jewellers and surfaced. The scam surfaced when companies of and Choksi approached PNB's Brady Road branch, Mumbai, in January this year seeking Letter of Understanding (LoU) for payments to suppliers. The official handling the case sought 100 per cent cash guarantee before any such letter could be issued to which the company officials said no such guarantee was sought in the past. The official checked the records which did not show such an Lou to Modi or Choksi's company which led to suspicion. It is alleged that Shetty had been bypassing PNB's core system and issuing LoUs fraudulently for seven years. An LoU is a guarantee which is given by an issuing to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to credit giving bank along with accruing interest. Shetty allegedly sent messages of these LoUs using an international messaging system for systems called SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which is used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds. It is estimated that millions of messages are sent daily using the SWIFT technology globally wherein every member bank can send or receive messages of financial transactions to another bank worldwide. The PNB officials allegedly sent these messages to Indian banks -- Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Axis Bank, -- located in Antwerp, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Mauritius, Frankfurt without making entries in the banking software about the LoUs. These LoUs and Letters of Credits (LC) worth Rs 11,384 crore were getting renewed or issued afresh for six years without the bank's knowledge. The Indian banks abroad did not mind as their money was safe (under guarantee from PNB) and increasing because of the accruing interest. The party was spoiled in January this year when the first renewal arose after the retirement of Shetty, the officials said. An alarmed bank dug out all such LoUs and LCs showing a mammoth liability towards other banks. The conniving officer also issued Foreign Letters of Credit by entering a smaller amount in trade finance module of Core Banking Solutions (CBS) system and generating the reference number and a SWIFT message was sent for the amount, the bank alleged. Union minister faced protests by railway employees here on Friday over issues of restoring the old pension scheme and regularisation of the service of the apprentices. The railway minister was here to attend the 70th annual general meeting of the Northern Railway Men's Union. In his address, Goyal said the government was sensitively considering various demands of the railway employees, like the problems faced in the implementation of the Pension Scheme (NPS) and regularisation of the apprentices. After his address, many gheraoed Goyal and raised slogans against him, saying the minister's speech was not satisfactory. Amidst chaos, the security personnel escorted him to his vehicle, after which he left for Delhi. The will hold a meeting with mobile operators this month to discuss several issues like quality of service, a top official said Friday. "Quality of service is a big concern. We will meet telecom service providers this month to discuss this and several other issues like fibre first, digitalisation," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters on the sidelines of an Assocham event. She said that the department has submitted 'Fibre First Initiative' to the Cabinet Secretary on which committee of secretaries will deliberate in coming days. The fibre first initiative aims to take fibre to the home, to enterprises and to key development institutions in Tier I, II and III towns and to rural clusters to improve telecom networks. An independent drive test (IDT) report published by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday found that all telecom operators, except Reliance Jio, failed to meet call drop benchmark in drive test conducted by sector regulator on different highway and rail routes. According to the quality of service rules, not more than 2 per cent of total calls in a telecom circle on a network should automatically get disconnected. The highways between Asansol to Gaya, Digha to Asansol, Gaya to Danapur, Bengaluru to Murdeshwar, Raipur to Jagdalpur, Dehradun to Nainital, Mount Abu to Jaipur and Sri Nagar to Leh were covered in the test. Railway routes between Allahabad to Gorakhpur, Delhi to Mumbai and Jabalpur to Singrauli were covered. Chairman RS Sharma said that the test in presence of representatives have been conducted by in over 100 cities, highways and railway routes. "We check connectivity status in these test. We are hopeful that after these result, who could not meet benchmark will make effort to improve their infrastructure. The objective of IDT is not to impose any regulatory punishment on service providers but to bring in transparency in the network. This should be seen as a mode of penalising operators," Sharma said. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Friday that advocates must choose between accepting the deal negotiated by London and Brussels for leaving the EU or risk "economic disaster". "The choice now faced by British political leaders who have advocated is to renounce their absurd political promise or face economic disaster, with the British people the main victims," Le Maire said at a Paris forum on reforming the World Trade Organisation. "What does demonstrate? It shows that leaving the common European market has an exorbitant economic cost," he said. "There are a number of lying and irresponsible politicians in Britain who told the British people that Brexit would turn out to be a golden tomorrow," he added. ALSO READ: Theresa May battling to salvage Brexit draft deal and her political future Le Maire's comments came as British Prime Minister Theresa May battles to salvage her draft Brexit deal and her own political future. After a tumultuous Thursday in which several ministers resigned and members of her own conservative party plotted to oust her, May said in a radio interview Friday that she believed with "every fibre of my being" in the Brexit course. Members of parliament on all sides have warned her there is no way the plan can win their approval, but she has dismissed calls to quit, saying: "Am I going to see this through? Yes!". Critics of the deal say May has conceded too much to Brussels, while EU supporters are calling for a new vote on whether to leave the union. Asian Pacific leaders fly into the unlikely venue of Port Moresby on Saturday for a summit developing into a tug-of-war for regional influence between an assertive China and an increasingly withdrawn United States. Donald Trump is skipping the two-day APEC meeting, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, who is leaving after one day and staying in Australia rather than the dusty and notoriously crime-ridden Papua New Guinea capital. The contrast with China could hardly be more stark. President Xi Jinping arrived two days before the summit for a state visit, and will open a road and school -- both funded by Beijing. Papua New Guinea has rolled out the red carpet for its visitor with Chinese flags fluttering down the length of the new road and images of the Chinese leader beaming down from massive billboards around Port Moresby. In an opinion piece published ahead of the visit, Xi vowed to "lend fresh impetus to our common development" and "expand practical co-operation with Pacific Island countries in trade and investment." Ben Rhodes, former president Barack Obama's top foreign policy advisor, said Trump's absence had "opened up an enormous opportunity for China to expand its influence." Beijing has a "historic opportunity to make inroads across the region during Trump's presidency," Rhodes told AFP. Setting the scene for a potential clash in Port Moresby, a senior US official speaking ahead of the summit accused Beijing in engaging in "dangerous debt diplomacy throughout the region." Several countries in the Asian Pacific region have accepted loans from Beijing for infrastructure financing that are "not transparent," added this official, who declined to be named. The high-profile trade war between the world's two largest economies -- as well as tit-for-tat tariff measures -- will also serve as a backdrop to what could be a tense gathering. Last-minute wrangling over WTO reform was understood to have delayed efforts to put together a joint foreign ministers' statement, laying bare the divisions between the main players. "We are living in difficult times with rising trade tensions, rising protectionism and that needless to say is reflected in the discussion we're having here in Port Moresby," Donald Campbell, co-chairman of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council think tank told AFP. "It's going to be very difficult to get a ministerial statement for leaders that has consensus in it as a result of that." The official agenda for the talks resolves around greater economic integration for the region and improving digital infrastructure. But the hosting of the summit in Port Moresby, ranked as one of the world's least liveable cities -- has gathered as much attention as the topics under discussion. Violence and petty crime is rife -- including frequent carjackings by street gangs known as "raskols" -- and delegates have been advised against travelling around the city, especially after dark. For safety and to avoid building new hotels that will later lie empty, officials and journalists are staying on three gleaming white cruise ships moored in Port Moresby harbour, with round-the-clock security. Indeed, security throughout the city is tight, with Australia deploying 1,500 military personnel including special forces, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters patrolling the skies and warships stationed a stone's throw away from the cruise ships. And the run-up to the summit became embroiled in scandal when it emerged the Papua New Guinea government had bought 40 Maseratis to ferry leaders around. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill came under fire after splurging $6.4 million on the fleet of luxury cars when half the population of Port Moresby live in squatter settlements. O'Neill bristled when asked about this ahead of the summit, snapping at journalists: "Did you ask the same question in Vietnam when they had the 400 plus Audis?" "I think it is just an overrated discussion. I'm not going to give it the credibility or credit it deserves," he said. "This is an opportunity for business leaders to see what Papua New Guinea's potential is." But while ordinary residents may benefit from the shiny new Chinese-funding roads, there was some doubt on the streets over how the average citizen would gain from the APEC circus. "Will APEC make us rich like other nations?" asked Harriette Jack, 68. "Comparing to other nations, we are not close. Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain faced a deep political crisis on Thursday after two cabinet ministers quit her government, including Dominic Raab, her chief negotiator on withdrawal from the European Union decisions that threaten to wreck not only her plans for the exit but also her leadership. The surprise resignation of Mr. Raab on Thursday morning followed a tense, five-hour meeting of the cabinet the previous day, during which ministers reluctantly agreed to sign off on Mrs. Mays draft plans for departure from the European Union, a process ... After delays, stumbles and intermittent negotiations, Prime Minister Theresa May this week finally presented a draft plan for Britains withdrawal from the European Union and it has been roundly and loudly panned. Her government may be verging on collapse. Supporters of Brexit had promised that leaving the European bloc would be quick and simple. It has turned out to be the opposite. To understand why, it helps to understand the origins, and how that history is playing out today. What Is Brexit? Britain joined the forerunner of the European Union in 1973, but ... China's written response to US demands for trade reforms is unlikely to trigger a breakthrough at talks between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this month, a senior Trump administration official told Reuters on Thursday. Beijing provided the Trump administration with its document earlier this week, responding to a months-long request from US officials for commitments that would jumpstart trade talks, Reuters reported on Wednesday. It was a good sign that Beijing had put something in writing after months of declining to do so, the official said, speaking to ... The incoming head of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee warned Thursday of election-related sanctions against Russia and vowed oversight of Donald Trump's diplomacy, which he said had made Americans "laughingstocks." Representative Eliot Engel, who is the presumptive next chairman of the committee after Democrats triumphed in November 6 elections, vowed the new Congress would question the executive branch, a constitutional role he said the Republicans neglected for fear of irritating Trump. In an interview with AFP in his House office, decorated with pictures of him meeting leaders from Nelson Mandela to the Dalai Lama and namecards of himself in myriad alphabets, the 30-year congressional veteran from New York said he remained outraged at Russia's actions in the 2016 elections. Engel said the Democratic-led House is ready to punish Russia if it is determined that the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow, an allegation being probed by special counsel Robert Mueller. "I think if we find out that for sure that we were compromised in our elections, I think there should be, absolutely, sanctions," Engel said. "I think this is a whole new ballgame because the Congress that we're leaving was under a lot of pressure with the Republican majority to try to leave the president alone -- not to question, not to ask. And my attitude is that my country is more important than my party," he said. The Trump administration has taken a number of actions against Russia including expelling 60 officials over the attempted assassination with a chemical agent of a Russian double agent in Britain. But Trump has repeatedly denounced the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and sought warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including at a summit in July in Helsinki where the US leader's tepid public appearance triggered wide rebuke. Trump later backtracked by saying he had made a grammatical error and had not meant to accept Putin's denials of electoral interference. Engel, who will enjoy the power to call witnesses from the administration, said he would seek answers on what happened behind closed doors in Helsinki and during other diplomatic meetings by the Trump administration. "The must continue to be the leaders of the free world and be a country that people look up to. Right now they're not looking up to us," he said. "We're kind of the laughingstocks. We're here, we're there, we're all over the place," he said. Alluding to Trump's recent Twitter barrage against French President Emmanuel Macron, Engel said: "Putin becomes our friend and the UK and Germany and France become adversaries. Canada becomes an adversary. Mexico, all we care about is building a wall. All these foolish things that sort of turn everything on its side. We need to change that." He promised to press for a "more humane immigration policy," voicing outrage at the Trump administration's policy of separating children from immigrants who cross into the without authorization. "The president's almost obsession with Latin American people coming to this country is just beyond belief," Engel said. Engel, who recently met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, made clear he would fight back if Trump again proposes sweeping reductions to the State Department and US assistance budgets, noting that even the Republican Congress disagreed with the cuts. He said he would also use his power to explore the "all-time low" in morale at the State Department, voicing alarm that long-term employees have felt compelled to leave. In contrast to many Democrats, Engel -- a staunch supporter of Israel -- opposed the nuclear deal with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama. But Engel criticized Trump's withdrawal from the accord still backed by Europeans, saying the move isolated the rather than Iran. He voiced fear that Trump was turning into a "hodgepodge" without continuity. If a country has "gone along with an agreement with us, and the next president comes in and just upends it, what countries will continue to sign these things with us? Because there is no security for them. The family of an Indonesian man killed in a Lion Air jet crash is suing Boeing, alleging that the accident may have been caused by a problem with the flight-control system in its newest 737 plane. The father of Rio Nanda Pratama filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in the US state of Illinois, where the plane manufacturer is headquartered, over the death of the young doctor who was to have married his high-school sweetheart this week. Pratama's fiance Intan Syari, 26, has made headlines after she posed alone for photos in a wedding gown that she was to have worn at the couple's nuptials in Indonesia. Syari said her husband-to-be had asked in jest that she carry on with the photo shoot if he did not return from what turned out to be a fatal trip. The 26-year-old man was among the 189 people killed when the 737-MAX plunged into the Java Sea on October 29, less than 20 minutes after leaving Jakarta on a routine flight to Pangkal Pinang city. There were no survivors. The 737-MAX in question had only begun service for budget carrier Lion Air in August. ALSO READ: Boeing sued in what may be first US claim tied to Lion Air flight crash Questions have swirled about Boeing's alleged failure to tell airlines and pilots about changes to an anti-stall system that is being investigated for its possible links to the crash. The jet's engines are heavier than those installed on prior versions, meaning the plane can stall under different conditions. made modifications to the anti-stall system without informing air carriers and their crews, according to the Allied Pilots Association. "The government investigators typically will not make a determination of who is at fault, and just compensation to these families will not be provided by the governmental investigations," Curtis Miner from US-based firm Colson Hicks Eidson, which filed the lawsuit, said in a statement. "That is the critical role of private lawsuits in a tragedy like this." There is still no answer to what caused one of the world's newest and most advanced commercial passenger planes to crash. A preliminary report is expected at the end of the month. Pratama's family could not be immediately reached. Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under one of its biggest crises triggered by critic Jamal Khashoggi's murder, but an ever greater threat of scrutiny and pressure hangs over the kingdom. Riyadh on Thursday exonerated powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of involvement in the murder as it called for the death penalty against five men, and as the United Sttes, a key ally, slapped sanctions on 17 suspects. The kingdom has repeatedly changed its official narrative about journalist Khashoggi's murder inside its Istanbul consulate on October 2, first denying any knowledge of his whereabouts and later saying he was killed when an argument degenerated into a fistfight. In the latest version presented by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday, a 15-member squad was formed to bring Khashoggi back from Istanbul "by means of persuasion", but instead ended up killing The Washington Post columnist and dismembering his body in a "rogue" operation. Just hours later, the US Treasury slapped sanctions on 17 people, including close aides of Prince Mohammed, suggesting a coordinated effort between Riyadh and Washington to pre-empt the threat of harsher actions from an outraged US Congress. "The (Saudi) government is accelerating its investigation and prosecution of suspects in the Khashoggi affair to defuse any potential escalation from Turkey and the US Congress," said consultancy firm Eurasia Group. The regime is still in "crisis mode", it added. The Saudi prosecutor said the operation was ordered by the deputy chief of intelligence Ahmed al-Assiri, who was advised by the royal court's Saud al-Qahtani. Both were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle and have been sacked. "Although the investigation is not particularly independent, it distanced the crown prince from the entire affair," Eurasia Group said. "Yet... the affair will continue to pose challenges for the Saudi leadership." The Washington Post editorial board on Friday slammed the apparent contradictions in the Saudi narrative, accusing US President Donald Trump's administration of abetting a "Saudi cover up". "Congress should... suspend all military sales and cooperation with Saudi Arabia until a credible investigation of the Khashoggi killing is completed," it said. Saudi Arabia has rejected calls for an investigation. "It currently seems like the US pressure will not go away any time soon," said Steffen Hertog, an associate professor at the London School of Economics. "That said, other than sanctions on weapons deals -- which Trump will resist -- it is not quite clear what Congress can do. Direct sanctions against Prince Mohammed... seem unlikely, as do financial sanctions." But Saudi attempts to punish loyalist officials who were active in the operation could potentially backfire, experts say. "It is very risky for the prince to threaten capital punishment to those who appeared to be following orders," said Bessma Momani, a professor at Canada's University of Waterloo. "It can potentially create rogue elements within the intelligence service." Assiri -- lionised in Saudi military ranks as a war hero -- was not named among the 17 Saudis sanctioned by the US, but he appears sidelined. In the aftermath of the crisis, King Salman ordered a restructuring of the intelligence apparatus to be led by Prince Mohammed, who has effectively neutered his political rivals and tightened his grip on military and security agencies. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the orders for the killing came from "the highest levels of the Saudi government", apparently alluding to Prince Mohammed. Ankara has said the kingdom's latest explanation was "insufficient". Seeking to keep up the pressure, Turkish media on Friday reported that Ankara had more evidence contradicting the Saudi version of Khashoggi's murder, including a second audio recording. "The Saudis think they can run the clock on the affair and it will soon leave the spotlight," said Momani. "The audio tapes are the last leverage that the Turks have and in the past few days they've made it clear they are sharing it widely." The Turkish position going forward will likely depend on "what it gets in return" for silence, she added. The US State Department said Thursday it was studying Turkish demands for the extradition of preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup. But it rejected media reports that it was meant to reduce Turkish pressure on Saudi Arabia. At home, senior Saudi royals seem to be projecting a united front to defend the kingdom. King Salman and his son, Prince Mohammed, have launched an unprecedented domestic tour to leverage their links with different tribes and religious leaders and shore up support for the leadership. ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia admits Jamal Khashoggi was dismembered in Istanbul consulate At Friday sermons in big cities such as Jeddah, prayer leaders in recent weeks have defended the rulers and pushed for unwavering "loyalty", according to multiple residents. But the crisis appears to have dented the prince's absolute control on power. "The era of consensus-based decision-making among senior royals is over, but Mohammad bin Salman will still have to cede some of the powers he has accumulated over the past few years," Eurasia Group said. "His father has already become more involved in decisions... (and) members of the ruling family are also likely to demand greater say in consultations. North Korean Kim Jong-un has inspected a test of a newly developed high-tech weapon, amid faltering negotiations with the US, Pyongyang's state media reported on Friday. The Korean Central Broadcasting Station said that Kim visited a testing site at a national defence institute and inspected the test of the unspecified new tactical weapon, reports Yonhap News Agency. "The state-of-the-art weapon that has been long developed under the leadership of our party's dynamic leadership has a meaning of completely safeguarding our territory and significantly improving the combat power of our people's army. "The testing of the high-tech tactical weapon has been carried out successfully, meeting all superior and powerful designing indicators," it said. The Station reported that Kim praised scientists, saying they have made yet another achievement, calling the successful testing a great innovation in enhancing its national defence capacity. He added that the development of the weapon was spearheaded by his late father and former Kim Jong-il. Kim Jong-un was accompanied by Choe Ryong-hae, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party; Ri Pyong-chol, a senior official of the Munitions Industry Department; and Vice Department Director Jo Yong-won of the party's Central Committee. The state media, however, did not specify the date of the test. This marked the first field inspection by the North Korean of a weapons test since November 2017, when he viewed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile. The inspection came as denuclearization talks between the North and US have stalled since their June 12 summit. Senior Eurosceptic ministers Michael Gove, Liam Fox, Chris Grayling, Penny Mordaunt and Andrea Leadsom have agreed to stay in British Prime Minister Theresa May's government, the Sunday Times reported on Friday. Two senior ministers quit May's cabinet on Thursday over her draft withdrawal agreement, throwing her premiership into chaos. ALSO READ: Theresa May battling to salvage Brexit draft deal and her political future "Gove, Fox, Grayling, Mordaunt and Leadsom have agreed collectively to stay and will work together "to get this in a better ... UK business lined up to help Prime Minister Theresa May sell her draft Brexit agreement but continued to plan for Britain to crash out of the European Union without a deal as May fought for her political survival on Friday. "This agreement is only a draft," Rolls Royce Chief Executive Warren East told BBC radio. "We are going to continue with our contingency plans and that includes buffer stocks so that we have all the logistical capacity that we need to carry on running our business." Europe's largest aerospace group, Airbus, is working on the assumption ... I told the owner, George Sher Ali, that Id been in his shop before, several years before, and his ears perked up. Tell me what you bought, he said, and reached for a tall stack of old assignment notebooks. I will tell you exactly when you came in. I said Id been into his art and print shop, LAraba Fenice, roughly eight years ago on a trip to Leh, a town in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, in the far north of India. I bought two or three postcards, as had a friend who had come with me. He flipped through the pages of a few ... A 1984 anti-Sikh riots witness and victim on Friday identified Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in connection with the alleged killings of the Sikh people during the riots. During the hearing of the case in Delhi's Patiala House court, the witness, Cham Kaur issued a statement identifying Kumar. Earlier, another witness Sheela Kaur identified him. The case has been listed for hearing on December 20. Kumar and two other accused are facing trial on the charges of murder and rioting in the case. In March, the Delhi High Court had received a petition containing a CD, which was stated to be Kumar's confession about accepting his role in the riots. The court issued a notice to the Kumar, asking him to file a reply to the same. According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the clash that broke out after then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. The Congress party on Friday criticised Yogi Adityanath, saying that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister should not be called a Yogi. "Yogi should be like an ascetic first. When he is not an ascetic person, he cannot be called a Yogi," senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily in poll-bound Raipur in Chhattisgarh. On Wednesday, Adityanath had said that the Congress party would never come to power at the Centre or in the state under the leadership of its Rahul Gandhi. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that those in the Congress party themselves question Rahul as the party has not won an election under him so far. The next and last phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections will be held on November 20 and the results will be announced on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack at his former alliance partner- the Congress, as he held the party responsible for siphoning off public money, adding that their acts have been similar to the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was addressing a public rally at Korba in the poll plunged Chhattisgarh on Thursday. The young leader targeted both BJP and the Congress at one go as he raked up the issue of Demonetisation. "Money was deposited in banks during demonetization. Who ran away with it after it was deposited in banks? So many people fled outside India. Both BJP and Congress are involved. There is no difference between the two," said Yadav. He alleged that Congress, during their rule, had also provided money to bank loan defaulters who later fled India. Yadav's remarks cast a shadow on the Congress's plans to form a grand-alliance in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Recently, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati had also criticised Congress alleging that the party is trying to wipe out BSP by giving it a handful of seats in major states where they were in talks for an alliance. On October 3, she had announced that BSP will contest the upcoming Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly polls on its own. Yadav also took a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his latest remarks on ongoing Ayodhya dispute. On November 14, Chief Minister Yogi, while campaigning in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur, stated, "Congress party is the biggest obstacle in construction of Lord Rama's Temple" and added, "Those who do not believe in Lord Ram do not belong to anyone." Responding to Yogi's remarks, Yadav said: "People who are not working for the development of tribals, poor, women and backward classes do not belong to anyone. One of the tallest leaders of the BJP has claimed that after its 15 years rule in Chhattisgarh, the per capita income has increased to Rs 90,000 from Rs 13,000. If BJP's motto is sustainable development for all then why have the downtrodden not been uplifted." He also assured people, that, if voted to power Samajwadi Party will waive off farmers' loans in no time. "If voted to power we will form a cabinet within an hour. Not only that, but we will also waive-off the loans of farmers within few hours after coming to powers," he said. The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh comprising of 18 seats, distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts, was held on November 12. Polling for the remaining 72 seats is scheduled for November 20, and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the elections. In 2013 assembly elections, the BJP bagged 49 seats, Congress got 39, Bahujan Samajwadi Party and an Independent candidate got one seat each in the 90-member assembly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a potshot at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, IT Minister KT Rama Rao in the caretaker government of Telangana highlighted that the former has never fought an election alone. Rao, a senior Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and son of party president K Chandrasekhar Rao, quipped that Naidu will go for an alliance even with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) if needed. "Chandrababu Naidu has never fought alone in the elections, the only party he was not in alliance with was YSRCP. He was in alliance with all the parties like Jana Sena, TRS, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and the Congress. Now, only one party is left that is YSRCP. Today, I want to say that if needed Chief Minister Babu will also ally with YSRCP. We don't need Chief Minister Babu's certificate on the coming elections," he said during 'Meet the Press' program here on Thursday. With campaigning gaining momentum in Telangana ahead of the assembly polls, Nizamabad Member of Parliament (MP) Kalvakuntla Kavitha was seen participating in a car rally in her constituency to boost the morale of party workers in the run-up to the polls. Hundreds of party workers joined her in this rally in Nizamabad district of Telangana. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 70 organisations, led by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), hit the streets here on Friday to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, demanding that it should be scrapped. KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi, while speaking to ANI, said that if the proposed bill is passed, then the Assamese people will become a minority in their own state. "We are protesting against the bill. If this bill is passed, Assamese citizens will become a minority here. We are totally against the passing of the bill. We demand the government to scrap the bill, else we will take drastic steps," he said. Underlining that the protest was being held to save democracy in the nation, Gogoi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to create a "Hindu nation" by trying to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. "In our constitution, it talks about secularism. However, the BJP and the RSS are trying to create a 'Hindu nation' by attempting to pass this bill. We have been protesting against its passage, but the government is not paying heeds. We will not approve such a bill, and we will continue to fight and emerge victorious in the end," added Gogoi. Several anti-citizenship bill protests have been held in Assam in the past several months. The bill was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the wake of wave of opposition and resignations from the government and the Parliament over the volatile issue of Brexit, British ruling Conservative Party suffered another jolt on Thursday (November 15) when its Vice Chairman and Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Rehman Chishti, resigned from both portfolios. Chishti is a Member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham constituencies. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Theresa May on November 15, Rehman Chishti openly opposed her policy on Brexit and termed it absolute contradiction to the promises made to public in the election manifesto. "At the outset, this, for me is about delivering on the promises that we made to the British people at the General Election last year in our manifesto, that leaving the European Union (EU) means leaving the Single Market and the Customs Union, that the UK will be taking back, control over our laws, our borders and our money...The terms of the backstop, in effect, amount in my view to a hybrid membership of the EU Customs Union and Single Market and further the EU would hold a veto over our ability to exit. The UK in effect will be part of a system where it will be a rule taker without any say on the rules," he stated. The second point of his resignation letter was Pakistani Christian woman Aasia Bibi's case. He complained that the government has dealt with the case inappropriately. "This is a case that I have worked on passionately since 2012, alongside Bishop Michael Nazir Ali (former Bishop of Rochester) to ensure that justice is done which was handed down by the Pakistan Supreme Court only recently", he wrote. Rehman Chishti added, "What I found shocking, is that the British Government is failing to put into practice the core values that our country stands for; religious freedom, justice, morally doing the right thing and that when we see injustice where an individual's life is in clear danger and they have been persecuted for their faith, we do all that we can to help them. The Government should not wait to see if another country offers sanctuary, we should have had the conviction to lead on this matter and offer sanctuary ourselves straight away". Rehman Chishti aka 'Ray Chishti' drew the attention of Prime Minister Theresa May towards his letter sent to her on November 13 and said the letter has now the support of 124 British Parliamentarians of both Houses. He once again requested for her personal intervention in this case and to ensure that a morally right decision is finally made which takes into account of British core values, irrespective of the position that any other country may take on this. Referring to his appointment as PM's Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Chishti said that he enjoyed this responsibility for the past 14 months for a country that he passionately cares about. He added that the UK-Pakistan Trade Team has done fantastic work and the trade between the two countries has increased by over 10% in the last year alone and now stands at 2.9 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh is set to witness a high-octane campaign on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will address several public rallies in the poll-bound state. The Prime Minister will kick off the campaign trail with a public meeting at Shahdol district. He will then hold a rally in Gwalior. Besides, Prime Minister Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah is also scheduled to hold public rallies in several districts including Tikamgarh, Sagar and Damoh in the state today. The Congress president will also be addressing various rallies across the state in Devri, Barghat and Mandala. With the elections in the state inching closer, the political battle is intensifying by the day and political parties are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Party workers gathered outside the residence of party President Rahul Gandhi to stage a protest after the list of candidates for Rajasthan Assembly Elections was released and were detained by police. One of the disgruntled party workers said, "Instead of parachute candidates, I request him (Rahul Gandhi) to give tickets to those who gave blood and toil to the Congress." The Congress released its first list of 152 candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections. The list includes the names of Sachin Pilot, the leader of opposition in the state, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. After detailed deliberations at the party's Central Election Committee, it was decided that Pilot, who is the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief, will contest from Tonk, while Gehlot will contest from his home turf - Sardarpura constituency. Meanwhile, senior party leaders CP Joshi and Giriraj Vyas will contest from Nathdwara and Udaipur, respectively. On Thursday, former Hyderabad Mayor and Congress leader Banda Karthika Reddy, along with her husband Chandra Reddy, sat in protest outside Gandhi's residence after she was denied a ticket to contest the forthcoming Telangana assembly elections. The Congress leader, who was elected as the first woman Mayor of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in 2009, said that she has given 30 years of dedicated service to the party, despite which she was overlooked. Reddy was later detained by the police. Single phase elections in both Telangana and Rajasthan will be held on December 7, 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 Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday came down heavily on the accusing the party of having failed to take up any development related steps in the past one decade. Addressing a public rally here, Singh took on Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla led government saying that the incumbent regime has failed on both counts of development and governance. "The party played a cruel joke with the people of Mizoram. The party failed on both the fronts of development and governance. I must say that in the past 10 years no development measures were taken by the Congress regime," said Singh. The Home minister rued about the dilapidated state of roads in the state saying, "On my way to the venue I got confused whether the potholes were in the middle of the roads or roads are in the middle of the potholes." He promised that all roads would be made pothole free within six months, if people vote Bharatiya Janata Party to power in the upcoming state assembly elections. ALSO READ: Only 15 women candidates in fray for Mizoram Assembly election 2018 He highlighted the developmental plans of the Narendra Modi led central government in the Northeast and specifically in Mizoram. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a decision to bring revolution pertaining to connectivity in Mizoram for which an agreement has been signed with Japan to improve road and network connectivity in the Northeast," said Singh. He also said that a separate ministry, Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region has been created for its development. "We have also created a separate ministry for the development of North East India. The development of the Northeast is our topmost priority. It is compulsory for ministers to visit the region at least twice to review the progress of development," said the Union Home Minister. "The government voted (to power) in other states of the Northeast has performed extremely well while in power," he said. A total 209 candidates are contesting the Mizoram assembly elections. Election to the 40-member state assembly is slated to be held in a single phase on November 28. Of 209, the ruling Congress has fielded 40 candidates while opposition parties in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mizo National Front (MNF) are contesting 39 and 40 assembly seats respectively. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South. A head constable shot himself dead with his service revolver in the VIP parking lot of the Delhi Secretariat on Friday morning, allegedly owing to domestic discord. The deceased identified as Sohanveer Singh (35) was posted at Nand Nagar Police Station in Delhi. He was a resident of Bihari Pur village. Singh shot himself at around 5 am this morning while he was on duty. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police have also recovered a suicide note from the incident spot. In an official statement, the Delhi Police said, "A PCR call was received at 5:53 am. Head Constable Sohanveer Singh, aged 35 years, committed suicide, on duty at Secretariat, by shooting himself with his service pistol. A suicide note has been recovered, indicating domestic discord as the prima facie reason of the suicide. Further investigation in the matter is underway." According to police sources, Singh was beaten up by his in-laws some days back in full public view, and some people even made a video of the same. In his suicide note, Singh has mentioned that the family members of his wife are influential people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that cyclonic storm 'Gaja' has crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam. "The Gaja Cyclone over southwest Bay of Bengal moved further west-southwestwards and crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam during 0030 to 0230 hours IST today, November 16," the IMD said on Friday. The department further said that the severe cyclonic storm is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during the next six hours. "Though the centre of cyclone lies over land, the rear sector of eyewall is still over the sea. It will take about an hour to move over land," it added. During Cyclone Gaja's landfall, heavy rain lashed Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur, uprooting trees in several regions. In the wake of the cyclonic situation, a red alert was issued for the administration in parts of Tamil Nadu to keep the government authorities ready to mobilise resources to meet any eventuality. The Indian Navy has also been put on alert for relief efforts. Two Indian Naval ships - Ranvir and Khanjar - are on standby to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, and logistic support, including the provision of medical aid. In an attempt to mitigate damage to properties and human lives, the state administration has evacuated around 20,000 people residing on along the coastal line and moved them to relief camps. Apart from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh is also bracing for the impact of the cyclone, which is likely to bring heavy downpour and strong winds to several parts of the region for the next couple of days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district on Friday woke up to the sight of uprooted trees and damaged houses due to the overnight rainfall and strong winds caused due to cyclone Gaja. The cyclonic storm crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam on Thursday evening and unleashed mayhem in Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts as well. In the wake of the situation, a red alert was issued for the administration in parts of Tamil Nadu to keep the government authorities ready to mobilise resources to meet any eventuality. The government undertook several preventive measures, which included deploying Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF), evacuating around 20,000 people living along the coastal line and moving them to relief camps. The Indian Navy has also been put on alert for relief efforts. Apart from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh was also impacted by the cyclonic storm which is likely to bring heavy downpour and strong winds to several parts of the region for the next couple of days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds caused due to Cyclone Gaja, which made a landfall in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Friday uprooted trees and damaged houses in Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village. Sand was seen deposited inside the houses in the affected areas and even the electric poles were damaged due to the strong wind. The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) today informed, " The Cyclonic Storm 'GAJA' over interior Tamilnadu moved nearly westwards, weakened into a Deep Depression and lay centred at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 16th November, 2018 over interior Tamilnadu near latitude 10.5N and longitude 77.6E, about 80 km northwest of Madurai." Earlier on November 16, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja. He also announced that the government will give Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those injured severely and Rs 25,000 to people who have suffered minor injuries. Cyclone Gaja crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam on Thursday evening and unleashed mayhem in several districts of the state including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following light rainfall in parts of the capital, air quality of the region has witnessed a significant improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi jumped from to 'poor' category on Friday from 'very poor' on Thursday. According to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of Delhi docked at 235 in the morning. The weather in the region will be mostly sunny with daytime temperature reaching 26-degree celsius. Night time temperature is expected to be 14-degree Celsius. Humidity will be around 73 per cent with a wind speed of 10 kilometres per hour, while visibility will be around 1.2 kilometres throughout the day. Notably, an AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good, the range between 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory and 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 comes under the category of poor and 401 -500 severe and beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 143 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area it improved to 'Moderate' category at 136. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 143, 159 and 143 respectively. The air quality of the capital has improved significantly after the drop in crop residue burning on Thursday. According to SAFAR, the stubble burning fire accounted for only 3 per cent of the pollution, the lowest for this month. "Air quality improved significantly due to sufficient rainfall earlier night due to washing away effect. Surface wind speed moderately increased but pollution level declined faster than expected as still weather conditions are not completely favourable except sporadic rain. This implies that air is lighter and free path increased to allow faster dispersion. in addition to cleaning by rain, it also tend to suggest that accumulative emission loading is relatively less. Stubble fire is almost negligible. The AQI is likley to remain in poor range tomorrow but slip back to 'very poor 'range thereafter," SAFAR added. Speaking to ANI, Nitin Kaushik, a fitness enthusiast, said, "The pollution level in Delhi has significantly come down due to the rain. I am happy that now I will be able to walk and cycle in the morning. Earlier, the situation was worse, I was not able to see the nearby building clearly due to smog. More people are now coming out for morning walks and exercise". However, residents suffering from respiratory diseases have been adviced by SAFAR to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. They have also been asked to take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics must keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients must consult a doctor, in case of palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. In an attempt to bring the air quality to a satisfactory level, the Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday issued an order to all the states to adopt a multi-method approach through in situ and ex-situ management of crop burning residue. It also directed the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to "disburse funds well in time" so that "states can utilise it properly". As per the directives issued by the NGT, the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh held a two-hour long meeting with members of the green panel. Representatives from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board and the Union Secretary Agriculture were also present at the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dr. Saroj Suman Gulati, Director, Blue Bells Group of Schools has been conferred with the coveted Global Leaders Award 2018 by His Highness Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, member of the Cabinet and Minister of State for Tolerance, UAE. An educationist par excellence, Dr. Gulati was among the nine eminent leaders from India who were awarded for their exemplary contribution in various spheres of and social development in the eve of the 2nd edition of India-UAE Partnership Summit (IUPS) on 30th October 2018. The event was held at The Atlantis, Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Navdeep Singh Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Hon'ble Finance Minister, Govt. of Punjab. Mr. Ashish Gulati, Vice-chairman, Blue Bells Group of Schools received the award on the Director's behalf. The two day summit was attended by over 400 Delegates from India & UAE comprising of prominent Education Leaders, Chancellor's & Vice Chancellors, Academicians, Schools Principals, Edupreneurs and EdTech Startups. The award has been conferred on Dr. Gulati in recognition of her exemplary contribution to 'K-12 education and promotion of Art and Culture'. She is recognized in the education sector for imparting education that inspires confidence and ensures that the students are totally equipped to become the global citizens of the 21st Century. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An elephant was electrocuted to death after coming in contact with a high tension electric wire in Mayurbhanj's Sansarasposi village in Chandua block. On Thursday night, the elephant, while moving, accidentally touched the 11kv electric line which resulted in its death. Villagers have claimed that the electric wire is hanging from a height of just 6 feet from the ground level. They further stated that not just elephants, the wire can come in contact with human beings as well. The incident comes just over two weeks after seven elephants died after coming in contact with non-rectification of sagging lines and non-cabling of transmission lines in another district in the state. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered a crime branch inquiry into the incident, which was reported from Dhenkanal district. Data from the environment ministry shows that 655 elephant deaths took place in India from 2009 to 2017. The reasons for the death of tuskers include electrocution, train accidents, poaching, and poisoning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other biggies of BJP are in connivance with the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and are leveling fake allegations against his family by misuse of various agencies that act on their behest. Yadav alleged that BJP is acting with political vendetta and is grossly misusing the various central agencies including Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Citing the CBI director Alok Verma's report to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Yadav claims that the report has allegedly mentioned the wrongdoings by the government on Yadav family and is substantiated by appropriate facts. "I am saying it since the beginning that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Nitish Kumar, and Sushil Modi have been leveling fake cases against us as part of their political vendetta. But we are not scared of their acts," Yadav said. "After the legal wing of the CBI, now director Alok Verma in his report to the CVC has mentioned about the wrongdoings inflicted on our family with the appropriate facts," said Tejashwi. "Will they continue to make fun of democracy and the organisations like CBI, ED and IT like this? According to the CBI director Sushil Modi interfering into the CBI matters related to the opposition leaders after meeting PMO officials," he said. He trained his guns against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar alleging him of hatching conspiracy against Yadav family. "We have been saying that Nitish Kumar has been continuously conspiring against us with the help of BJP. After CBI director's statement, what will Nitish Kumar say? If Nitish Kumar is left with any ethics, conscience or shame, then he should answer. Don't do politics shamelessly. Come and fight face-to-face in the public's court. You trap the opponents and save criminals who sit on the lap," said Yadav targeting Nitish Kumar. Yadav's statement came after the Supreme Court on Friday directed that the CVC report should be given to Verma in a sealed cover to file a response on November 20. However, the Supreme Court refused to give the CVC inquiry report to CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who too has approached the top court against government's decision to send him on leave in October. "No chance," the Supreme Court judges said when Asthana's counsel Mukul Rohatgi sought the CVC report on Verma. The bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S.K. Kaul, and Justice K.M. Joseph said that the report is "very complimentary, not so complimentary and very uncomplimentary towards CBI Director Alok Verma." The CVC had submitted its investigation report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court on Monday. The investigation was conducted under the supervision of Justice (retired) AK Patnaik. However, the CVC in its report said, "that some charges need further probe". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Google has rolled out a new system version, called the H update, to Wear OS for its smart devices. With the latest update, Wear OS devices will become more energy efficient. In its blog, Google explained that the update extends battery life further by turning on Battery Saver to only display the time once your battery level falls below 10 percent. Off body efficiency has also been improved. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the Wear OS watch will go into deep sleep mode. Other features include smart app resume for apps so you can pick up easily from where you left off. Lastly, you can now turn off your watch by simply holding the power button till you see the option to turn off the screen or restart. The update will be rolled out over the coming months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manipur's Governor, Najma Heptulla praised the "women empowerment "done by Imphal Tangkhul Women's Union (Imphal Tangkhul Shanao Long) at its Silver Jubilee celebrations. Heptulla who acted as Chief Guest on the occasion said that the Women's Union has been working for the upliftment of the Tangkhul women tirelessly since its inception 25 years ago. The Union works especially for their social and economic empowerment of women. During the silver jubilee celebration, cultural dance depicting the war victory was performed by the young artists. Also the folk song, traditional fashion parade was performed by young girls showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the State. "I am very happy to celebrate this 25 years celebration of Imphal Tangkhul Shanao Long. It shows how strongly they feel about their community and the reforms they want to do as far as the socio-development and is concerned and I wish them all on this occasion, " she said. The Union is working for among the Tangkhul women and has been taking up various activities of social service. A member of Tangkhul woman wing, Sorephy Ruivah said, "Tangkhul woman wing has been working for the betterment of the society and for the nation since its inception. With the arrival of the new generation, the role of the woman is also changing. We as a woman wing, have now a bigger responsibility." "I feel happy to be a part of this celebration. I am also the first president of TSL, I served 4 terms as a president and it's my great privilege to be part of this Jubilee and with the unit. And it's always encouraging to see our unit celebrating and other events," said Grace Shatshang , President of Tanhkhul Shanao Long. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone the new Mr and Mrs were all smiles in a new family portrait shared by the former's stylist, Nitasha Gaurav. The picture was taken on November 14 after Deepika and Ranveer's Konkani style wedding. In the picture Deepika is seen standing between Ranveer Singh and his mother Anju Bhavnani. Like the rest of Deepika and Ranveer's fans, Nitasha too gushed about the couple. She took to Instagram and wrote, "Us and ours ?????? #MrsandMrRanveerSingh #deepveerkishaadi #ranveerkishaadi" Also, Bollywood Photgrapher Manav Manglani who was flown in to click the couple for the Konkani style wedding shared a photo of the couple along with Deepika's family. Manglani in his caption said that those who attended the couple's wedding were given exclusive handouts of the photo. He wrote, "i#DeepVeerKiShaadi : Those chosen few who attended #DeepikaPadukone - #RanveerSingh wedding were given an exclusive photo frame and a personalized Thank you note. @deepikapadukone @ranveersingh" B-Town's power couple tied the knot in Lake Como in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14, while a Sindhi wedding was organised on November 15, both of which were attended by close-knit relatives of the two actors. The couple, who is expected to return to India later this week, will reportedly host two grand receptions for their relatives and friends- one in Bengaluru and the other in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday asserted that censorship in media is impossible due to technology advancement in the country. "Today, you have a scenario where you have highly competitive electronic, print and digital media. You have multiple forums and because of technology, censorship is impossible. Any kind of pressure is impossible," Jaitley said. He was addressing an event organised to celebrate the Press Day. Jaitley said that there are challenges faced by the media industry, but it needs to retain its credibility. The minister underlined that the media is free to express its opinions to the viewers. "Media, which is the primary carrier of free speech in India, has become an integral part of Indian life," Jaitley said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Key ministers from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet called for fresh elections after Defence Minister Avigdor Liberman resigned following the Israeli government's decision to call for an Egypt-mediated ceasefire in Gaza. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon met Netanyahu and said, "In the current situation, the right thing for the citizens of Israel and the Israeli economy is to go to an election as soon as possible," according to a statement quoted by The Jerusalem Post. Interior Minister Arye Deri mirrored Kahlon's sentiments and called for fresh elections "for the good of the country". Offering to coordinate the official dissolution of Knesset (or the unicameral national legislature of Israel), Kahlon further stated that the stability required during "this time" is unattainable due to political uncertainty, labeling holding new elections as the most responsible move in the reigning state of affairs. Both the ministers are eminent coalition partners in Netanyahu's cabinet. The earliest date for fresh elections may be February 19, provided Knesset is dissolved next week. However, the two ministers are aiming to hold elections in March. Meanwhile, reports state that Netanyahu would wait until May to hold elections. Education Minister and coalition partner Naftali Bennett, on the other hand, emphasised on his earlier ultimatum to pull out of the coalition if he's not made the Defence Minister, a move that seems unlikely due to Kahlon and Deri's calls for fresh elections. Large-scale violence in Gaza erupted last week when a Hamas military commander along with six other Palestinians was killed in a cross-border operation conducted by the Israeli Special Forces in Gaza on the night of November 11. Ensuing retaliatory fire saw the launch of over 400 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, leaving 11 injured on the Israeli side. Hamas' al-Aqsa TV channel's main building was decimated in the subsequent exchange before an Egypt-mediated ceasefire was set in place. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United States President Donald Trump have vowed to unearth all aspects of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing over a phone call held in the wee hours of Saturday morning (IST). "Turkish and US leaders agreed to unearth all aspects of Khashoggi killing and not to allow the incident to be covered up," Anadolu News Agency tweeted. "Agreeing on the need to shed light on all aspects and to prevent a cover-up of Jamal Khashoggi's slaying, the leaders have stressed the importance of close cooperation between Turkey and the United States in the fight against all terrorist organizations," a statement released by Erdogan's office mentioned. Furthermore, reports have emerged that Turkey is in possession of a second audio recording related to Khashoggi's death, which points to the premeditated nature behind the killing-a claim that challenges findings from the Saudi public prosecutor's office. Quoting a Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Al Jazeera reported that the Saudi perpetrators can be heard discussing their plan and reminding each other of their duties in the 15-minute audio recording. "There is also evidence from the period after the killing. Turkey has the international phone calls made by the 15-member Saudi hit squad," Abdulkar Selvi, a columnist working with Hurriyet claimed. The claims come after Turkey confirmed that they were in possession of tapes on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the very same ones that have been shared by the nation with US, Germany, France, Britain, and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Attorney General's office had earlier announced that the 15-member team had been sent by the kingdom to Istanbul to repatriate the Saudi journalist, and not to kill him. Meanwhile, funeral prayers were held for slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi across the world, including Mecca and Medina, with his son Salah Khashoggi being present for the ones at Meca's Grand Mosque on Friday. "Salat al-Ghaib", or special "prayers for the absent" were held both at Meca's Grand Mosque and Medina's Prophet Muhammad's mosque. However, imams at both the mosques refrained from taking Khashoggi's name during the prayers. The special prayers are held when the body of the deceased is missing. Funeral prayers were also held at Turkey's Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, London's Finsbury Park Mosque and Jakarta's Abu Bakar Ash Shiddiq Mosque on Friday. Jamal Khashoggi was reported missing after he stepped into Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to collect paperwork that would allow him to get married to his fiancee Hatice Cengiz. Saudi Arabia later confirmed Khashoggi's killing, leading to an international uproar led by Erdogan. Investigations into the journalist's death continue both at Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as Khashoggi's body is yet to be traced. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal's (MMA) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday alleged that the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has released Asiya Bibi under a deal with the West. Addressing a protest rally, 'Million March', Rehman backed his allegation saying: "If Asiya's release is only a legal decision, why is there a flood of personal praises directed at the Chief justice of Pakistan(CJP) and Imran Khan? It only proves that the decision was taken under a deal, which is now being praised in the West." The march was called by All (religious) Parties Tahafuz-i-Namoos-i-Risalat to mark the protest against the acquittal of Asiya, Dawn reported. Rehman further accused the Imran Khan's government of conspiring to alter the blasphemy law and setting the blasphemers free. "I have been arguing since long that Khan is a Jew representative and has been anointed by the West to play its proxy. Now he has been brought to power only to play games of his masters and hurt the Ummah (community)," Dawn reported Rehman as saying. He further said that the protests would continue until the government mends its ways. and announced that the next protest on the issue would be held on November 25 at Sukkur. On October 31, mass protests had erupted in various parts of Pakistan after the country's top court acquitted Asiya of blasphemy charges. A three-judge special bench headed by Justice Nisar, 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. She 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.) Disgruntled over not being selected to contest the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pramila Singh has quit the party and joined the Congress. Pramila, who was a BJP MLA from Jaisingh Nagar constituency in Shahdol district, was inducted into the Congress in the presence of senior party leader Ajay Singh. Speaking to ANI, the newly-inducted Congress leader claimed that although the BJP boasted of women empowerment, it did not grant her a ticket to contest the polls even though she served the people and the party for five years. "The government talks about empowering women, but they have not given a ticket to a woman who served people and the Bharatiya Janata Party for five years. I have joined the Congress now. I don't want to do but work for the welfare of people," she said. Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28 to elect 230 members of the legislative assembly. The results will be declared on December 11. The single-phase election in the state is seen as a direct political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is attempting to secure a fourth consecutive term, the Congress will fight for regaining power after 2003. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un inspected the successful test of a new unspecified "high-tech tactical" weapon amidst stalled talks with the United States over the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Quoting the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, Yonhap News Agency reported that Kim undertook the inspections at a testing site at a national defense institute without disclosing the exact testing location or revealing the nature of the weapon. "The state-of-the-art weapon that has been long developed under the leadership of our party's dynamic leadership has a meaning of completely safeguarding our territory and significantly improving the combat power of our people's army," North Korean state media said. They further underscored, "The testing of the high-tech tactical weapon has been carried out successfully, meeting all superior and powerful designing indicators." The last field inspection by Kim was held in November last year when the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile had been tested. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The North Korean government decided to deport an American citizen, who was detained for illegally entering the communist country, its state media said on Friday. According to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the US citizen, identified as Bruce Byron Lowrance, was detained, as he trespassed the North Korea-China border last month, Yonhap News Agency reported. The KCNA also said that the citizen confessed to entering North Korea under the orders of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). However, the report did not mention when he would be deported. Earlier in May, North Korea had released three American detainees ahead of the unprecedented meeting between its leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Weeks after Maharashtra State Women's Commission (MSWC) issued a notice to Bollywood veteran Nana Patekar, against a complaint of harassment lodged by Tanushree Dutta; the former's lawyer Aniket Nikam refuted the allegations leveled by the latter. Patekar's lawyer Aniket Nikam, told ANI, "All allegations against him (Nana Patekar) are false and far from the truth". In October, Tanushree sought help from MSWC, as she called for a full-fledged investigation in regard to this issue. Acting in accordance with Tanushree's complaints, MSWC sent notices to Nana Patekar, director Rakesh Sarang and choreographer Ganesh Acharya. The women's body directed them to file a reply within 10 days. "We have taken cognizance of Tanushree Dutta's complaint and have asked her to appear before the commission within 10 days. We have sent notices to people against whom Tanushree has filed a complaint, asking them to appear before us within 10 days," said Vijaya Rahatkar of MSCW. Tanushree alleged that Patekar misbehaved with her on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleasss' in 2008 while shooting for a special dance number for the movie. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [November 15, 2018] Deloitte Continues to Invest in Recruiting and Engagement with Arizona State University GILBERT, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte, a leading professional services organization, has announced an expanded relationship with Arizona State University (ASU). At a Smart Regions conference sponsored by ASU, Deloitte said this collaboration with ASU will provide, among other things, full-time internships, learning opportunities, and direct pathways for students in various disciplines to work alongside Deloitte professionals with industry-leading experience in innovative and emerging technologies. "Consistent with our commitment to the City of Gilbert and our collaboration with state, local and higher education officials in Arizona, we are pleased to create a new focus that emphasizes the STEM disciplines and provides real-world skills and experience to ASU students, an important source of talent for Deloitte's local Delivery Center," said Josh Nisbet, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and lead client services partner for the states of California and Arizona. "ASU's participation in our University Relations program, along with Deloitte's investment in Gilbert and our plans for expansion, will help us to continue to make a positive impact in the greater Phoenix community." In addition to expanding opportunities for traditional students, Deloitte will also work with ASU's Pat Tillman Veterans Center to provide a clear path from "boots to suits." Together, the center and Deloittewill match veterans with the skills and attributes Deloitte needs in its three U.S. Delivery Centers, including the Gilbert facility. "Deloitte already recruits from ASU, and this new program will further set ASU on the course to offer its students a set of broader experiential learning opportunities," said Sethuraman Panchanathan, executive vice president and chief research and innovation officer, Arizona State University. "We are excited that our students and veterans will be part of a solid pipeline of high-demand talent that can get to work now on the technology projects that will be shaping and transforming our future." In June, Deloitte announced the opening of its new 1000+ seat U.S. Delivery Center in Gilbert, which develops and implements emerging technology solutions and business transformation initiatives for federal and civilian agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions. Deloitte professionals are leading the way on projects in cloud, Salesforce, robotic and cognitive automation, blockchain, artificial intelligence, SAP, Workday and smart environments for a variety of industries throughout the United States. Their Delivery Center capabilities include custom development and testing, digital services, packaged software implementation, analytics and information management, application management and support, cloud delivery, digital enablement and HR transformation, and risk management and security. Deloitte's investment in Gilbert is expected to ultimately generate 2,500 high-tech jobs for the region. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. About Arizona State University Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-continues-to-invest-in-recruiting-and-engagement-with-arizona-state-university-300751778.html SOURCE Deloitte [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] Urging electorates of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh to exercise their franchise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked people to vote even before having their first meal. "Pehle matdan, fir Jalpaan (First vote, then have food)," said the Prime Minister while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior. Lauding the measures taken by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Government for the welfare of Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister accused the Congress party of not fulfilling any promises made by them to the people. "For 55 years Congress were in power. During all those years, Madhya Pradesh was termed 'Bimaru'. Under Shivraj Singh Chouhan's leadership, in the last 15 years, the definition of Madhya Pradesh has changed. It has now become 'Maximum Progress'," he said. Offering tributes to former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Late Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kushabhau Thakre, Prime Minister Modi said that their contribution to the land is "invaluable". He further hit out at the Congress party and questioned why Late Rajmata Scindia was jailed at the time of emergency, imposed by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will be traveling to Vietnam and Australia from 18th to 24th of November. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and parliamentarians. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that this visit is going to be the first visit of the President of India to Vietnam, an ASEAN country. President Kovind will therefore also focus on enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. There he will meet the President and PM of Vietnam. President Kovind will visit Danang, one of the most important ports in Vietnam. Danang and India connect with each other in rich history. This visit looks forward to the leadership between the countries. It will enhance the India- ASEAN relationship. India will look forward to boosting India- Vietnam trade relations while sharing a vision on the Indo-Pacific region and ONGC, which is operating there since the last 25 years. President Kovind will then visit Australia from 21st to 24th November. This is the first visit of an Indian President to Australia. Previously Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Australia in 2014. There, the Indian President will have an exchange of views at a political level, including the defence and economic sectors. At Sydney, President Kovind will address the Indian diaspora and unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi marking his 150th Birth anniversary. India and Australia share an on-growing economic relationship estimates 20 billion dollars. Following this, the President of India will meet Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria and address the students at Melbourne University where many Indian students go for higher studies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Chairperson of Board of Governors of IIM Calcutta, Shrikrishna Kulkarni announces Professor Anju Seth as Director of IIMC, this morning. Professor Seth is an alumni of IIMC and has most recently held the position of Pamplin Professor of Management at Virginia Tech, USA. She completed her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has a distinguished academic career spanning over twenty five years. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Professor Seth was Professor of Administration at University of Illinois. She has received numerous awards for her teaching and research. She is on the editorial board of many scholarly journals. During the past several years she has maintained strong connections with academic and professional organizations in India such as Vedica Scholars Program and many others. Shrikrishna Kulkarni, Chairperson Board of IIM Calcutta, said, "We are indeed delighted that Anju will be the first woman Director of IIMC. She was the unanimous choice of the Search Cum Selection Committee and the BOG. On behalf of the IIMC fraternity, it is my privilege to welcome her to the IIMC team." Speaking on her new responsibility, Professor Anju Seth said, "It is an honour and privilege to be appointed to serve IIM Calcutta in the position of Director. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, Governors and all other stakeholders to build on the Institute's strong foundations and accomplish new heights of eminence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar. A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun. Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border. Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns. Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle. He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite the Supreme Court lifting ban over entry of women of menstruating age inside the Sabrimala Temple, Ayappa Dharma Sena president Rahul Easwar on Friday warned woman activist Trupti Desai from entering the shrine. Easwar, who is against the entry of menstruating age women inside the sanctum sanctorum, said: "Trupti Desai should go back. She will have to step on our chests and walk over us if she wants to enter the Sabarimala Temple." As the Temple reopened today, Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed in the towns of Nilakkal, Pamba and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. The step was taken as the state braces for a bout of fresh protests against entry of women into the hill shrine. Founder of Bhumata Brigade Trupti Desai reached Cochin this morning to visit the Temple. However, she was unable to come out of the airport due to protests against her visit. She asserted that she will not return unless she visits the temple. "Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Does this mean protesters are scared that we will reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal? Or are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have darshan," she said. Desai on Wednesday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she were not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh completing their two-day nuptials in a location overlooking the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, Ranveer's Mumbai residence has been decked up with serial lights and flowers to welcome the newlyweds. While the entrance of the house was covered in a string of golden lights, branches of trees in the area were also seen lit up to celebrate the occasion. B-Town's power couple tied the knot in Lake Como in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14, while a Sindhi wedding was organised on November 15, both of which were attended by close-knit relatives of the two actors. Reel-life Bajirao and Mastani had announced their wedding dates on October 21 on social media after dating for over 6 years. The couple, who is expected to return to India later this week, will reportedly host two grand receptions for their relatives and friends- one in Bengaluru and the other in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kim Porter, the ex-girlfriend of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, has passed away on Thursday. While the cause of death remains unclear, Porter, who shares three children with the rapper, was reportedly suffering from pneumonia for weeks, Page Six reported. An autopsy is likely to be conducted to confirm the cause of death. According to TMZ, authorities were called to the 47-year-old's residence in Los Angeles on Thursday after a 911 call reported "a patient in cardiac arrest." Porter and Diddy, who began dating in the mid-1990s, called it quits in 2007. They had three children - Jessie James, D'Lila, and Christian - together. The 47-year-old also had a son, Quincy, from her relationship with R&B artist Al B. Sure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lee Do-hoon, the special representative for peace and security affairs of Korean Peninsula, is scheduled to embark on a three-day visit to the United States on November 19. According to South Korean foreign ministry, Lee will meet his American counterpart Stephen Biegun. The two diplomats are expected to discuss bolstering cooperation on North Korea's denuclearisation exercise and a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, apart from deliberating on the current inter-Korean relations, Yonhap News Agency reported. A proposal to establish a working group between the US and South Korea for "regular and systemic" communication on denuclearisation, sanctions and inter-Korean exchanges is also on the agenda. The proposed talks between Lee and Biegun would mark their second meeting in less than three weeks. It would also be the first deliberations between them after North Korea and the US scrapped proposed high-level talks in New York last week. Moreover, the upcoming talks between the two special envoys comes after a research group of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US-based think tank, discovered 13 out of an estimated 20 missile operating bases undeclared by the North Korean government earlier this week, raising eyebrows over the communist nation's commitment of achieving denuclearisation. Amidst stalled talks between the US and North Korea over the issue, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently inspected the successful test of a new unspecified "high-tech tactical" weapon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, authorities have imposed Section 144 in the towns of Nilakkal, Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. The section of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits assembly of more than four people at a place, has been put in place as the state braces for a bout of fresh protests against entry of women into the hill shrine, which is set to open today for the two-month long annual Mandala Makaravilakku festival. Social activist and founder of Bhumata Brigade, Trupti Desai, reached Cochin this morning to visit the Temple, but has been unable to exit the Cochin International Airport due to protests being carried out against her visit. "We reached Cochin Airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxis 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," said Desai as she was unable to carry on with her journey. She asserted that she will not return unless she visits the temple. "Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal? Or are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have darshan," she said. Trupti on Wednesday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she were not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Templeand had also asked for security during the visit. To attain a common ground on the Sabarimala row, Kerala CM Pinayri Vijayan called for the all-party meeting on 15 November. However, the opposition parties in the state- Congress and the BJP- walked out of the meet. On 28 September, the Supreme Court quashed the age-old ban on entry of menstruating women into the Temple, by allowing women of all ages to worship at the shrine. This is the third time that the Temple will open after the top court lifted restrictions. So far 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases were registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gate in October. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Social activist and founder of Bhumata Brigade, Trupti Desai, who was unable to exit the Cochin International Airport due to protests being carried out against her visit, said that the state police have advised her to go back to Pune. "The cab drivers and hotel owners were threatened by the protestors here that if they will provide us shelter, then they will face a law and order situation. It feels sad that the devotees of Lord Ayyappa are abusing and threatening us," Desai told reporters here. "More than 500 women have done bookings to visit the Sabarimala Temple. I would appeal to the government to provide a security which can take women to the temple. Our fight is for equality. The Kerala police have requested us to take this decision. If we will stay here then violence can erupt. This was never our agenda," she added. Desai reached Kochi this morning to visit the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. As the Temple reopened today, Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed in Nilakkal, Pamba and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. The social activist on Wednesday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she were not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple. This is the third time that the Temple has opened after the Supreme Court lifted restrictions on the entry of women into the temple. So far 3,505 protestors have been arrested and around 529 cases were registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gate in October. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after a lengthy New York Times investigation found that Facebook went to great and potentially unethical lengths to muffle criticism of its inaction over disinformation efforts on the site, CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed the controversy. According to the report, Facebook hired a Republican opposition research firm to discredit activists critical of the social network. Today, Facebook set up a press conference addressing a bombshell report from The New York Times that alleged, among other things, that the company contracted a Republican opposition research firm called Definers to run interference on the company's image, a job which reportedly included leaning on George Soros conspiracy theories. Some of the efforts linked the activists to Soros, the report said. "You are no doubt also aware that much of this hateful and blatantly false and anti-Semitic information is spread via Facebook", Gaspard wrote in the letter, under the headline, "Facebook's Smear Campaign Against George Soros". "The notion", continued Gaspard, "that your company, at your direction, actively engaged in the same behavior to try to discredit people exercising their First Amendment rights to protest Facebook's role in disseminating vile propaganda is frankly astonishing to me". Definers pressed reporters to explore the financial connections between Mr. Soros's family or philanthropies and groups that were members of Freedom from Facebook, such as Color of Change, an online racial justice organization, as well as a progressive group founded by Mr. Soros's son. Facebook has now published a response to the New York Times, claiming that the piece contains a "number of inaccuracies". As well as pushing the Soros-did-it angle to the press, the Times claims that Definers wrote their own articles bashing rival tech companies, including Google and Apple, and publishing them on NTKNetwork.com, a site created to look like a news site. Facebook complained to the Anti-Defamation League, who called the posters "a classic anti-Semitic trope". Facebook said in its statement that it ended its contract with Definers Wednesday night. In a speech at the World Economic Forum in January, he had attacked Facebook and Google, describing them as a monopolist "menace" with "neither the will nor the inclination to protect society against the consequences of their actions". "Tim Cook has consistently criticized our business model and Mark has been equally clear he disagrees", reads an excerpt from the November 15th media release. Facebook on Thursday denied allegations in the New York Times that it tried to mislead the public about its knowledge of Russian misinformation ahead of the 2016 USA presidential election, but severed links with a Republican consultancy. As news of Facebook's use of Definers reached Capitol Hill, one senator implied that Facebook's efforts to push back against critics may add to the company's woes. "I learned about this yesterday", he said. Tenon Group, a trusted source known for providing the best in class security and facility management services around the world, strengthened its commitment to offering world-class security & facility management (FM) services and job opportunities with the opening of an expanded corporate office in Gurgaon. The strong demand for security and facility management by large corporations and retail establishments across the country is driving the expansion of the Indian security and FM services industry, one of the country's fastest growing. The new corporate office reflects Group's global vision and strategy to align and synergize their various verticals present across geographies and help to expand the company's organic and strategic growth. Tenon Group has a significant presence in India with 70+ offices in 200+ cities, the company plans to hire additional employees in India as the company continues to grow internationally. "Workplaces reflect the values at the core of a company. It is a proud moment for the company as we further our endeavour to provide relentless services to our loyal customers. The new office resonates with our global presence and helps us to take the legacy forward. The essence of this office has been specially crafted to provide a more spacious, transparent and personalized environment to its employees and customers," said Maj Manjit Rajain, Group Chairman. Located at the heart of Gurgaon at Udyog Vihar, the expanded office will house the corporate divisions of Group's three sub-brands - Peregrine, Tenon FM and Soteria and play an integral part in company's industry-leading growth. Spread over 38,000 square feet, the latest state of the art office facility will serve as a natural collaboration centre for more than 145 employees and will provide ease of access to its customers. It will provide team members with first-class accommodations, as well as provide ample room for the Tenon team to grow to meet demand for the company's technical talent. The architecturally modern 5 floors building has 14 conference rooms, fully functional cafeteria and a multi-functional gym and it reflects values and essence of the brand. It features a modern work environment designed on the tenets of open culture and team work. Due to consistent growth in during the past few years, the new office will be a great place to meet prospective clients, deliver integrated facility and security solutions. It will further build on the company's credibility for the opportunities. This investment is in line with company's strategic plans to grow in the market. As a key enabler to providing security and facility management solutions, Tenon is committed to creating 'clients as partners for life' through tireless combination of excellence in service, exceptional client engagement and deeper industry expertise. In the last three years, Tenon Group has significantly expanded its global footprint and is present in a leadership position in India, UK and Singapore. Tenon Group gets recognised for its commitment; receives prestigious awards from Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI). In a Association significant development, Central of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) awarded Tenon Group's Chairman, Maj Manjit Rajain as the Global Security Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 at CAPSI's 13th Annual Conference and awards event. Tenon Group's Global CEO, Brig. Rajan Oberoi has also been bestowed with the 'Security Leadership Award for his contribution to private security industry. CAPSI is a preeminent organization for security professionals of India and an elite association of professionals managing world's largest workforce of 7 million guardsmen and women engaged in providing private security cover to the nation. As part of its CSR initiative, Tenon Group unveiled the new educational infrastructure at Rajkiya Uchch Vidyalaya, Jhajjhar, Haryana with the objective of providing quality education to underprivileged children. They also inaugurated their Primary Health Care Unit, which will have a Doctor, Paramedic with a 24 hours Ambulance. This initiative echoes its commitment to support quality education and sustainable growth. After adopting the school in 2015, Tenon Group, as part of the new infrastructure raised a new floor with 3 new state of the art classrooms and one spacious library at the Government school building. The school is now also equipped with complete interior, to encourage optimum environment for learning. Additionally, to take care of the students and staff, a primary healthcare unit with a doctor, paramedic is also set up at the school with support of the mobile ambulance. "With our sustained efforts in a phased manner by investing in the educational, medical and sanitation infrastructure we are able to create an ideal model school for deserving children. We are humbled by our contribution to create an ideal study environment for the young generation and will remain committed. Nothing will make us happier than to see these students being educated and become well-respected individuals in the society," said Major Manjit Rajain, Founder & Group Chairman, Tenon Group. Over the past three years, Tenon Group in India has been focusing on providing means for quality education among school going under privileged children. The company's on-going initiative aligns with 'Saksham Haryana', the state government's drive to raise quality of education' in the state. The state government's objective is to achieve 80 per cent grade level competencies in schools and provide two lakh employment opportunities over the next few years to the youth in the state echoes completely with Tenon Group's vision of sustainable development of society. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS) held its 11th Convocation Ceremony today in which 12 students were conferred with doctoral degrees and 251 received post-graduate degrees. Present on the occasion were Mr. Adi Godrej, Chairman of the Godrej Group as the Chief Guest along with Mr. Ashok Chawla, Chancellor, Dr. Leena Srivastava, Vice Chancellor and Dr. Rajiv Seth, Pro Vice Chancellor, TERI SAS. Addressing the gathering and passing out students at the convocation ceremony, scion and Chairman of the Godrej Group Adi Godrej lauded the role of TERI School of Advanced Studies as a premier institute dedicated to the importance of environmental protection. "Educating for a sustainable society is a far-reaching and transforming initiative and the graduates from TERI SAS are going to be tomorrows 'sustainability leaders'. If we are to provide for today's and tomorrow's needs without environmental degradation, it is these green leaders who will ensure that new processes use fewer natural resources and produce markedly less pollution or waste per unit of production, securing a sustainable future for generations ahead," he said. Ashok Chawla, Chancellor, TERI SAS spoke about the growth of the TERI SAS, and brought out the importance of the unique programs offered by the University. He said, "The institute has made rapid strides in re-orienting higher education especially in the areas of sustainable development and environmental protection. We need to make a society which has a global vision to achieve ecological balance, and this convocation programme is reflective of the vision. We need to ensure that students are embedded with a global vision." Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Leena Srivastava called upon the students to strive for success and happiness without losing sight of their core values. "You will have a special responsibility of pushing the sustainability agenda. And this agenda is broad enough for every sector of the economy and every discipline to contribute to. Make sure that you are contributing effectively and visibly, with a multiplier effect, so as to improve your own lives and those of the coming generations," she said. Academicians, researchers and students at TERI SAS, especially the Department of & Sustainability is already involved and committed to the cause of continued research in sustainability for business. Its mission is to provide experience and research based education that would equip the students to implement an integrated approach to business sustainability, so that the world we share thrives with a greener agenda. The department offers two masters programmes, MBA in Business Sustainability and MBA in Infrastructure. It also offers PhD programmes, both full-time and part-time, with the goal of capacity building in the area for the academic world and the industry. The department's areas of research include: economics of climate change, responsible investments, sustainability reporting, environmental accounting, green project financing and management, sustainable finance, carbon trading, accounting for sustainability, weather derivatives, infrastructure financing, business innovation, business strategy, international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and sustainability, green indices, environmental-social-governance issues and business, valuation of intangibles, eco-entrepreneurship and the like. TERI SAS is the only institution of advanced learning in the country established with the mission of contributing globally by serving society through formal education and research in fields like environment, sustainability, energy conservation, policy and management. At the Convocation, MA degrees were awarded in Sustainable Development Practices (SDP); MSc degrees in Environmental Studies and Resource Management (ESRM), Geoinformatics, Plant Biotechnology (PBT), Climate Science and Policy (CSP), Water Science and Governance (WSG), and Environmental and Resources Economics; M.Tech in Renewable Energy Engineering and Management (REEM), Urban Development and Management (UDM) and Water Science and Governance (WSG); and MBA in Business Sustainability and Infrastructure and Master of Laws in and Natural Resources Law and Infrastructure and Business Law. In its more than decade old existence, the institute has become a centre of research excellence in its field, producing over 1900 post graduates with high-level cross-specialisation skills in and sustainability fields as well as nearly 100 PhDs, who have gone on to contribute to society through engagements with corporate-driven CSR initiatives, leading NGOs, government agencies and statutory bodies working in the field and have even become social entrepreneurs. TERI SAS has partnerships with various universities and institutes across the world. To walk-the-talk, the TERI SAS campus provides a setting which enhances learning and showcases the concept of modern green buildings. The campus is aesthetically designed with several features of passive solar design, energy-efficiency and water and waste management systems. TERI SAS students undergo training and internships with government, multilateral and multinational agencies during as a part of academic curriculum. The institute has a placement cell, as employment is considered as an integral part of the system. The cell taps government agencies like Dept. of (Govt. of NCT, Delhi), IREDA, multinational companies like ACC, Tata Power, Ultra Tech, KPMG, Vedanta and multilateral organisations like WWF, Action Aid International etc. for internships and employment programmes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Senate on Thursday introduced a legislation seeking to punish Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and escalating the political as well as a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Quoting sources, Al Jazeera reported that if the bill eventually becomes a law, it would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and prohibit US refuelling of Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen. The bill would also impose sanctions on anyone blocking humanitarian access in Yemen and supporting the Houthi rebels. The move came hours after the US Department of State on Thursday imposed what are known as Magnitsky Act penalties on 17 Saudi Arabian individuals for their alleged involvement in Jamal Khashoggi's assassination at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October. According to the US State Department, "the Global Magnitsky Act empowers the United States to take significant steps to protect and promote human rights and combat corruption around the " Saudi Arabia initially rejected allegations regarding the country's involvement in Khashoggi's killing. But after Turkish authorities leaked audio tapes of the murder incident and shared it with the Western countries, Saudi Arabia eventually admitted its role with a series of contradictory explanations. Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Thursday also said that they will seek the death penalty for five individuals accused in Khashoggi's murder. In addition, Saud Al-Qahtani, a key aide of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been banned from travelling and remained under investigation, Saudi officials confirmed Al Jazeera. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid reports of North Korea's successful testing of a new high-tech tactical weapon, representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom met with industry leaders in London to discuss steps that the private sector can take to prevent North Korea's sanction evasion activities which fuel its UN-prohibited nuclear and missile programs. "The presentations focused on topics such as North Korean sanctions evasion tactics, public-private sector cooperation, and enhanced due diligence approaches for the maritime insurance industry," a media note released by the US Department of State said. The meeting featured presentations by representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea, international research institutions, and the maritime insurance industry. "As part of the event, participants discussed mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the private sector, governments, and the UN to detect and disrupt North Korea-linked shipping, and proactive measures to halt the provision of insurance and other services to vessels and entities that violate UN sanctions," the release mentioned. Underscoring that the US will not hesitate in imposing sanctions on "any individual, entity, or vessel supporting North Korea's illicit activities," the media note stated that North Korea "continues to employ deceptive tactics in order to evade UN sanctions. Facilitated by illicit transfers, North Korea's imports of refined petroleum have substantially breached the UN-mandated cap. We urge all insurance providers, commodity traders, and other businesses to immediately end any and all relationships that support or facilitate the provision of refined petroleum to North Korea or other illicit North Korean shipping activities." Lastly, the release highlighted US' commitment towards the "final, fully verified" denuclearisation in the Korean peninsula, reaffirming its belief that such outcomes would only be possible if all countries wholly implement North Korean-related UN Security Council resolutions. "The international community must continue to implement and enforce these resolutions until North Korea denuclearises," the release concluded. The latest release by the Michael Pompeo-helmed US Department of State is an indication that the US would not be easing sanctions on North Korea any time soon, adding further strain to stalled US-North Korean talks on denuclearisation. North Korea has pushed for concessions in the form of an ease of sanctions by the US and a formal declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean war, in return for what the state views as substantive measures towards denuclearisation which includes the demolition of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Market is seen opening higher, tracking overnight gains on the Wall Street on hopes of a halt in the China-US trade conflicts. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 44.50 points at the opening bell. On the economic front, India's exports rose by 17.86% to $26.98 billion in October mainly due to the low base effect even as trade deficit widened to $17.13 billion, according to the commerce ministry data. Imports during October also rose by 17.62% to $44.11 billion, leading to widening of trade deficit to $17.13 billion. The deficit widened despite a steep decline of 42.9% in gold imports to $1.68 billion during the month under review. The trade gap was $14.61 billion in October 2017. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2043.06 crore on 15 November 2018, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 165.31 crore on 15 November 2018, as per provisional data. Domestic stocks settled with modest gains yesterday, 15 November 2018, following recent weakness in crude oil prices. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 118.55 points or 0.34% to settle at 35,260.54. The Nifty 50 index rose 40.40 points or 0.38% to settle at 10,616.70. Overseas, Asian shares were mixed amid fresh uncertainties emerging from the UK overnight after multiple important ministers resigned from Prime Minister Theresa May's government. The UK was thrust into political turmoil on Thursday following a spate of resignations from Prime Minister Theresa May's government, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who said he could not accept the deal after the promises the ruling Conservative Party made to the country in an election manifesto last year. US stocks snapped a multi-day skid, finishing higher on Thursday buoyed by renewed hopes the US and China can strike a compromise on trade. Cautious optimism took hold following a report that the US may back off from its belligerent stance against China on trade while solid economic data offset underwhelming earnings from Walmart Inc. A media report suggested that the US and China may step up efforts to resolve their trade conflict, starting with postponing higher tariffs and allowing working level negotiators to iron out a deal. On the US data front, first-time jobless claims for the week ending 10 November 2018 rose 2,000 to 216,000 in the week ended 10 November 2018. The Philly Fed index dropped 9.3 points to 12.9, a three-month low. The Empire State index rose 2.2 points to 23.3 in November. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While appreciating India's vision for a balance trade agreement with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members, Mr. Rajeev Talwar, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the RCEP trade agreement will boost trade in goods and services, increase investments, strengthen economic and technical cooperation between the member nations. The trade pact will open new avenues for Indian exporters in the RCEP economies and export potential is anticipated to be realised, said Mr. Talwar. Though imports are significantly higher than the exports to RCEP nations, trade pact with RCEP would provide better market access and benefit our exports, he said. Currently our merchandise export volume is USD 61 billion which is expected to increase to USD 100 billion in very few years after the implementation of RCEP agreement, said Mr. Talwar. Besides, we have tremendous scope to boost our services exports in the RCEP member nations. India's exports (merchandise) to the RCEP countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam & their free trade agreement partners China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) increased from USD 50 billion in 2010-11 to USD 61 billion in 2017-18. India's imports (merchandise) from the RCEP countries increased from USD 105 billion in 2010-11 to USD 165 billion in 2017-18. The total trade between India and RCEP countries have also scaled up from USD 155 billion in 2010-11 to USD 226 billion in 2017-18. There are strong complementarities between India's exporting items and RCEP countries' item of imports. The key importing commodities of RCEP countries includes natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones, mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery and equipment, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, apparel and clothing accessories, cereals, etc. These all items are also in India's exports basket, said Mr. Talwar. At services front, India remained the eighth largest exporter of commercial services in the world in 2016 with a share of 3.4%, which is double the share of India's merchandise exports in the world at 1.7%. The ratio of services exports to merchandise exports increased from 35.8% in 2000-01 to 58.2% in 2016-17 representing the rising significance of the services sector in India's exports. Keeping in view the rising role of services sector in the economy, India's bilateral trade in services with RCEP member nations is likely to boost post RCEP trade pact, said Mr. Talwar. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab & Sind Bank rose 2.39% to Rs 29.95 at 09:28 IST on BSE after the bank intimated about the revised marginal cost of funds based lending rate applicable from 16 November 2018. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 169.48 points or 0.48% at 35,430.02 On the BSE, 1,316 shares were traded in the counter so far as against average daily volume of 6,909 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 29.95 and a low of Rs 29.45 so far during the day. Punjab & Sind Bank has reviewed the Marginal Cost of Fund Based Lending Rate (MCLR) for different tenors effective from 16 November 2018. Overnight marginal cost of funds was fixed at 8%, one month MCLR was fixed at 8.2%, three month MCLR was fixed at 8.4%, six months MCLR was fixed at 8.5%, one year MCLR was fixed at 8.8% and three years MCLR was fixed at 9.1%. Punjab & Sind Bank reported net loss of Rs 109.23 crore in Q2 September 2018 as compared with net profit of Rs 13.70 crore in Q2 September 2017. Total income rose 11.2% to Rs 2409.41 crore in Q2 September 2018 over Q2 September 2017. The Government of India held 85.557% in Punjab & Sind Bank (as per the shareholding pattern as on 30 September 2018). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 19-year-old recovering drug addict died after inhaling deodorant in an attempt to get high, doctors who treated him in the Netherlands have revealed in a case report to highlight the fatal consequences of inhaling chemicals. Doctors told the story of the unnamed teenager in a stark warning to people of the dangers of sniffing solvents. The teen, believed to have been in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, died after his heart stopped and he could not be revived by paramedics, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday. The patient, who had a history of psychotic symptoms, was in rehab for his cannabis and ketamine use when he relapsed and looked for a different way to intoxicate himself. He placed a towel over his head and inhaled deodorant spray, which can quickly make users feel light-headed, dizzy and happy, according to the report published in the BMJ medical journal. He soon became hyperactive and started jumping up and down before blood flow stopped suddenly, causing him to go into cardiac arrest and collapse, the report said. The teenager was admitted to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma when staff failed to revive him. The "patient did not have enough brain function to sustain life", said Dr Kelvin Harvey of Maasstad Hospital's intensive care unit in Rotterdam Kramp. Nine days after he was admitted, doctors withdrew care and the man died. Such cases are "very rare", Kramp said, adding that because deaths from deodorant inhalation were not common among the general population the consequences weren't really known, causing people to continue this dangerous behaviour. There were three theories about what caused the cardiac arrest, Kramp said: The inhalant could have oversensitized the patient's heart, which can make any subsequent stress, like getting caught by a parent, cause cardiac arrest. Also, inhalants decrease the strength of contraction of the heart muscle. Another possibility was that inhalants can cause spasm of the coronary arteries. The group most affected by solvent abuse was 15 to 19 year olds, studies show. People in rehabilitation centres or prisons were more likely to abuse household products, the report added, meaning there could be a greater risk of cardiac deaths in these environments. The medics warned that young people with a history of drug abuse were at particularly high risk of harming themselves this way because many common household items can be used. 'The main toxic substance in deodorant spray inhalation is butane,' the medics explained. It is often used in sprayable household products and has a similar effect to alcohol. Other health effects of inhalants included liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, delayed behavioural development and brain damage. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The news comes as Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales recalled 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products after the USDA linked a pack of raw ground turkey to the cause of a patient's salmonella poisoning. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture knows more about the turkey products implicated in this outbreak than it is disclosing to the media or the American people", wrote Sarah Sorscher, CSPI's deputy director of regulatory affairs. The products being recalled include one-pound packages of raw, ground turkey and were sold nationwide. "7% FAT" with "Use by" dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018. If so, the CDC says the products should be thrown away or returned tot he place of purchase. Federal investigators with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have yet to name the sources of the contamination. The salmonella strain has been found in raw-turkey pet food, raw-turkey products collected from people's homes and live turkeys from several states, indicating the bacteria is widespread in the industry. With Thanksgiving approaching, the agency is reminding people that they should always properly handle and cook their turkeys to kill any possible salmonella. This recall is the latest chapter in an ongoing hunt for the root of a salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey. But while you're making plans to whip up the most impressive turkey dish you can muster, remember that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still working on a almost year-long investigation into a turkey salmonella outbreak that has already claimed at least one life and left over 150 sick. But the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is monitoring the outbreak, said in a statement that it would be "grossly irresponsible and reckless" to identify the brands or name the companies that operate the facilities "when a link from an establishment to an illness has not been made". Assume your turkey has salmonella. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite that start within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated product. No one should be eating partially cooked or raw turkey. Five of 12 Iranian border guards kidnapped last month by an Iranian militant group were freed on Thursday in Pakistan, the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday. The released guards will soon return home, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, Xinhua reported. Efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining captives, said Jafari. The Iranian border guards were kidnapped on Oct. 16 by the Pakistan-based Iranian Sunni extremist group, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), at the Mirjaveh border point in Iran's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province and were transferred to Pakistan. "The kidnappers are seeking to exchange the abducted guards for several of their accomplices that are behind bars in the Islamic Republic for committing crimes," Jafari said. However, this request is not acceptable, he added. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed a $300-million loan agreement to support state-run India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) that provides long-term finance to infrastructure projects. The multilateral lending agency signed two other deals with the Central government. The ADB will lend $169 million to develop water and sanitation services in Tamil Nadu and $105 million to support hydropower transmission in Himachal Pradesh. "The (IIFCL) project will enhance availability of long-term finance for PPP projects, improve operational capacity of IIFCL and expand the portfolio of infrastructure financing instruments available to IIFCL," Additional Finance Secretary Sameer Kumar Khare said. Khare, who signed the loan agreement on behalf of the Indian government, said the loan is expected to compliment government's infrastructure building efforts, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. ADB India Resident Mission Country Director Kenichi Yokoyama said it is expected to fund at least 13 sub-projects through IIFCL involving roads and renewable power generation. The $300-million loan, which is the last tranche, is likely to help catalyze the financial closing of $2.4 billion in investments, the Ministry said. The attached technical assistance will support IIFCL's capacity development and focus on its financial management, among others. The ADB also signed to lend $169 million to develop climate-resilient water supply, sewerage and drainage infrastructure in at least 10 cities in Tamil Nadu. The first tranche, of a $500-million multi-tranche financing facility, will target Chennai, Coimbatore, Rajapalayam, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli and Vellore. "The state has faced recurring droughts and erratic monsoons in the recent past resulting in severe water scarcity and urban flooding. ADB's support will help address these complex urban challenges through innovative and climate-resilient investment," Khare said. Further, the ADB also committed to lend $105 million to continue financing the transmission system upgrades in Himachal Pradesh for increased supply of hydropower to the state and the national grid. This is the third tranche of the $350-million financing facility for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Programme approved by the ADB Board in 2011. --IANS mgu/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Commission for Women has written to Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi S. Vempati and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Amit Khare seeking a report on the developments in the sexual harassment cases in All India Radio (AIR). While Vempati was asked to send the report within 15 days, Khare was asked to do so in a week. The move came in response of complaints received from the office bearers of AIR Casual Announcer and Comperes Union alleging they were sexually harassed while working at different radio stations across the country. In two separate letters addressed to Vempati and Khare on Thursday, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma raised the issue of arbitrary termination of women employees who complained about facing sexual harassment. Asking Vempati to conduct an inquiry, she said the NCW must be kept apprised regarding the actions taken. While in her letter to Khare, Sharma asked the Secretary to personally intervene in the matter and inform the Commission within seven days. Earlier, Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi requested Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to step in and conduct the probe on the sexual harassment cases. She had said that despite the women complaining to the appropriate authorities, no action has been taken so far. "I understand that an organisation would have a natural tendency to dismiss a casual woman employee the moment she reports sexual harassment. But this is not good. "A responsible organisation must provide justice to each and every woman if she complains of sexual harassment," Maneka wrote to Rathore. --IANS som/in/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham on Friday announced that his country was taking legal action against India at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over its sugar subsidy scheme which he said has the global market in a spin and risks pushing many Australian growers beyond the financial point of no return. Despite efforts to negotiate with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu, Birmingham said he was left with no option but to resort to the WTO when Prabhu refused to budge, Farm Online News reported. The report said that the row kicked off on September 27 when the Indian government announced a $1 billion subsidy scheme in addition to a previous round of domestic industry assistance. Australia's Aus$2 billion ($1.46 billion) sugar industry, which has 4,000 cane farms and 24 sugar mills, was suffering losses as a result of the India subsidies, producers said. India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, has been giving help to its cane growers, who reported record production last season. Birmingham said he was disappointed that India had left him with no choice but to "stand up for the rights" of Australian farmers and millers. "We have raised our industry's deeply held concerns on numerous occasions with senior levels of the Indian government. "Whilst we support efforts by countries to develop their agricultural industries, these efforts need to be consistent with their WTO obligations and applied in a manner that doesn't distort global trade," he said. Australia has submitted a "counter-notification" to the WTO which will be discussed by the Committee on Agriculture on November 26 in Geneva. If that fails, the next step would be a formal dispute action, the report said. The subsidies, which boost domestic returns and hurt international prices, could push up to 5 million tonnes onto the global market, according to Farm Online. Birmingham told ABC News he hoped the WTO action would be supported by the other countries. "Our bilateral trade with India is worth $21 billion, with 23 per cent of imports into Australia and 77 per cent into India," he said. Australia wants a free trade agreement which could boost farmer returns along with financial and educational exports, but agriculture was a key sticking point. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two men killed their 15-year-old sister and cousin on Friday in Shangla district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in a suspected case of honour killing, the police said. A police official told Dawn online that the girl's brothers suspected the two were involved in a relationship and killed them in the name of "honour". The crime took place in the Laray area of Martung district in Shangla. The police official said that the deceased were first cousins. The girl was unmarried while the 27-year-old man, Said Muhammad, had four children. The murdered man's father, Khan Said, told the police that his two nephews shot his son dead while he was working in the fields. They then went back home and killed their teenage sister. The suspects then fled the crime scene. Khan Said said he had registered a first information report in the Martung police station. An investigation into the case was underway. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Friday said it supports the proposed second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next year. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Beijing had always supported engagements and contacts between the US and North Korea to secure peace on the Korean peninsula, Efe news reported. "We hope these high-level engagements will help advance the improvement of the situation on the Korean peninsula as well as promote the political settlement process of the Korean peninsula issue," she said. The first summit between Trump and Kim was held on June 12 in Singapore in which the latter agreed to work towards the denuclearization of the country and the US President guaranteed the regime's security. "We also support the two sides in taking measures to implement the consensus between their leaders," the Chinese spokesperson said. Hua said she did not know the details about reports published on Thursday that Kim had visited a weapons test site where a "cutting-edge" strategic weapon had been tested. "I just saw relevant reports today. I'm not aware of the specifics. Recently, with the efforts of all parties, positive changes have taken place in the situation on Korean peninsula. We hope this positive momentum could be maintained," she added. After meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Singapore on Thursday, Pence announced the second Trump-Kim meeting would be held next year. "We believe that the summit will likely occur after the first of the year, but the when and where of that is still being worked out," Pence had said. Pence lauded Chinese efforts on the North Korean issue and added that Trump would discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping when the two meet in Buenos Aires later in November during the G20 summit. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Desktop virtualisation leader Citrix on Friday announced the acquisition of Sapho, a leading micro app platform, for an undisclosed sum. This will enhance the guided work capabilities within "Citrix Workspace", enabling people to work with even greater speed, intelligence and simplicity, the company said in a statement. "In today's tight labour market, advantage goes to companies that can recruit, develop and engage employees better than the competition," said Tim Minahan, Executive Vice President Business Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, Citrix. "Employee experience will ultimately determine winners and losers and Citrix is committed to delivering intelligent digital workspaces that give companies an edge," he added. Sapho's micro applications improve employee productivity by consolidating access to tools, activities and tasks in a simple and unified work feed. "Our technologies create an intelligent environment that solves productivity challenges that employees and companies are facing by organising work in a single place, guiding work by bringing micro-apps into the environment and automating tasks to increase time for employees to do value-added work," explained Fouad ElNaggar, co-founder and CEO, Sapho. "Citrix Workspace" gives users secure, single sign-on (SSO) access to all the applications and content in a digital workspace that delivers a consistent and unified experience on several devices. --IANS na/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi Police Head Constable on Friday committed suicide, blaming his in-laws for insulting him by publicly thrashing him a day ago, police said. Sohanveer, 35, shot himself with his service pistol at 6 a.m. while on duty at the parking lot at the Delhi Secretariat, an officer said. The Secretariat staff alerted the police, a police spokesperson said. A suicide note was recovered from the deceased which indicated domestic discord as the reason for his suicide, the spokesperson added. Accessed by IANS, the note addressed to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik said: "My brother-in-law, Yashpal, who is a Head Constable in Uttar Pradesh Police, and one other relative, Chaman, are responsible for my death. "They had on Thursday assaulted me publicly and also videographed it. It hurt my self-respect and I have no other option but to commit suicide. You can check the video and take legal action against them. "My wife, who is also a constable with Delhi Police, has an extra marital affair with one Pankaj from my village. When I had complained about it to my in-laws, they abused me and also threatened that I am demeaning their dignity," he said. Sohanveer joined Delhi Police as a constable 11 years ago. --IANS sp/in/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.) With the heroic stories of soldiers losing their sheen by getting lost with the passage of time, a former Army officer has forayed into Bollywood with a production house, aiming to serve such legendary stories to the masses. The former Army officer is Lakshan Singh Bisht, a former NSG Commando who served in the Indian Army for around eight years. He is now all set to bring out a biopic on the legendary tale of Gabbar Singh Negi, a World War I hero who sacrificed his life at the age of 19 in 1915. Bisht told IANS: "Negi, a resident of Garhwal (Tehri district) lost his life while fighting the World War I. He stunned the Britishers with his act of bravery, valour and fearlessness and hence was awarded the Victoria Cross honour posthumously. It was the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system." He was the youngest soldier (19) from Garhwal Rifles to receive this highest British honour, informed Bisht who was in Jaipur recently to attend a personal function. On the sidelines of the function here, he said he has got the rights to produce the film from Negi's family and an NOC agreement has been signed with them for Rs 51 lakh. The biopic will bring many hidden yet interesting stories from Negi's life. "Discussions are on with leading production house Eros. Also, we are trying to get leading names for the cast and are aiming to realise the film by August 2020," he said. Bisht served in the Army from 2004-11, completed his training in Israel from 2004 to mid-2006 and served in the NSG as the Personal Security Officer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2007-11 when Modi was the Gujarat Chief Minister. He has also served as a NSG Commando for veteran leaders including L.K. Advani, Rajnath Singh, Chandrababu Naidu, Prakash Singh Badal and Tarun Gogoi. Bisht received the award of India's Best NSG Commando in 2009. In 2018, after quitting the Army, he founded his own production house under the banner of 'Lucky Commando Films' with offices in Haldwani and Mumbai. He is presently working on four short films. Expressing his displeasure at the current scenario where stories of great Indian heroes remain hidden in books and never come out, he said: "It sounds strange that the stories of bravery and sacrifice lie hidden deep down in the folds of papers. Hence, I decided to produce a biopic on Negi who was the person who religiously followed the concept of 'duty first' and went for the war the same day he got married." The movie will bring out many other interesting anecdotes from his life, he added. Bisht's production house aims at delivering the best quality content with a message within it. A few months ago, Lucky Commando Films made its first musical video "Ehsaas", based on the theme - 'No acid attacks'. They will come up with short films, web series and feature films in the future. "We are already planning to launch a few of our projects at Netflix and Amazon Prime," he said. Their other ambitious project is a short film "Niyati Chakra", based in Varanasi. It is written and directed by Santosh Ojha, an alumnus of FTII, Pune. "This is a story of fate of life. We are planning to take these films to different International Film Festivals," Bisht said. (Archana Sharma can be contacted at archana.s@ians.in) --IANS arc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The widow of former Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos was released on bail on Friday after paying a 150,000 pesos ($2,850) fine imposed by the country's anti-corruption court Sandiganbayan. Imelda Marcos, 89, arrived at the Fifth Division of Sandiganbayan in Quezon City accompanied by her son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, daughter Imee Marcos and several grandchildren, Efe news reported. Nicknamed the "Iron Butterfly" during the rule of her late husband, Marcos was released from custody after being held since her sentencing on November 9, according to the court order issued by Judge Rafael R. Lagos. Marcos, a member of congress for Ilocos Norte, was found guilty last week on seven counts of corruption. She was sentenced to between six and 11 years in prison for each offence. The trial focused on $200 million that was siphoned from the public treasury to private accounts in Switzerland while she was Governor of Manila from 1975 to 1986. The Sandiganbayan's ruling can be appealed in the Supreme Court, allowing Marcos to retain her parliamentary seat and continue her campaign for Ilocos Norte governor in the May 2019 elections, a seat currently occupied by her daughter Imee. Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 and imposed martial law between 1972 and 1981. A peaceful popular revolt overthrew the Marcos dictatorship. The strongman and his wife then went into exile on February 26, 1986. The former dictator died in the US state of Hawaii in 1989 and his family returned to the Philippines a few years later, where hundreds of lawsuits awaited them, although none has yet been prosecuted. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, created to recover money stolen by the Marcos family, estimated that the family illicitly accumulated between $5,000 billion and $10 billion during their reign. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Speaking to Asharq Al Awsat, Al Adini said that Al Islah's foreign policy initiatives are part and parcel of widespread efforts to shore up the freely elected government in Yemen. Despite the defeat on Capitol Hill, the U.S.is still urging peace talks to move ahead and supporting U.N. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, and this week, there were some important breakthroughs. In fresh clashes between security forces and Houthis in Hodeidah city of Yemen 149 people have been killed. "Does the United Kingdom want to impose its own agenda without taking into account the scale of losses suffered by the Yemenis", he said expressing anger towards bringing the battles in Hodeidah to a screeching halt despite victory against the Iran-aligned militia being so close amid reports of their fighters disbanding formations faster than what was expected. For now, the offensive on Hodeida has been suspended by coalition forces, giving Mr Griffiths and the United Nations a small window to convene a new round of peace talks in Sweden, possibly by the end of the month. Three military officials told the AFP news agency that pro-government forces were "ordered" to stop their assault against Houthi fighters until further notice, but would resume operations should the rebels attack. "This shows that the humanitarian aid that comes to Yemen does not reach people who really need it. Distribution remains random", said his doctor, Amen al-Asli. "It is quieter now but the fighting continues", said local Ibrahim Seif. The war and the accompanying blockade have also caused starvation across Yemen. In the capital Sanaa, also under the Houthi control, a coalition airstrike hit the Sanaa International Airport in the evening, according to the residents and Houthi media. Coalition airstrikes on the city, meanwhile, have continued. "You can draw the Houthis in if you give them a stake in the political settlement and throw a lot of rials at them", the diplomat said, referencing the Iranian currency. A heartfelt plea for an end to the fighting in Yemen has been issued by the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme as he concluded a three-day visit to the country which has become the scene of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. The Florida Senate race in the US midterm elections was headed to a hand recount after a machine review of the initial vote kept Democratic Senator Bill Nelson narrowly behind his challenger, Republican Governor Rick Scott. But even though a recount will keep Nelson in the fight for at least another few days, his odds of winning might have been further narrowed on Thursday, when the machine recount, which ended at the 3 p.m. deadline, yielded a few dozen more votes for Scott, whose lead now stands at more than 12,600, or 0.15 per cent, reports CNN. The race for Governor remained outside the 0.25 per cent margin required for a hand recount, meaning Republican former Representative Ron DeSantis will likely be the state's next chief executive over Democrat Andrew Gillum. The Tallahassee mayor, who picked up a single vote in the recount, revoked his concession last week and said on Thursday he would continue to push for all votes to be counted. Election boards across the state have been using voting machines to recount ballots this week, with some of the larger counties working all day and through the night. When Thursday's deadline hit, three statewide races -- the contests between Nelson and Scott for Senate; Gillum and DeSantis for governor; and Republican Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried for agriculture commissioner -- were within the .5 per cent margin required for a statewide machine recount. Both the Senate and agricultural commissioner races were now headed to hand review of overvotes and undervotes, a more narrowly circumscribed but also potentially volatile pool of votes. The deadline for completing the manual recount of the Senate contest's votes is Sunday. The latest results do not include the recount conducted in Palm Beach County, which has a sizable Democratic majority, since - election authorities there said - they were having to use "obsolete" machinery that kept breaking down and erasing recounted votes and consequently they could not finish by the Thursday deadline. Meanwhile, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, two of the most populous Florida counties, had announced that they had finished their recounts, and 58 other counties of the state's 67 counties were reported to have completed their recounts as well. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Chairperson Chandra Mohan Sharma allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself at his residence here, police said on Friday. He was 67. He was under depression for quite some time and was found dead in the basement room of his house on Friday morning by his wife, who reportedly slept in another room, a police official told IANS. A suicide note and his licensed revolver used in the crime have been recovered, Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Shukla said. Initially, the family lodged a complaint about his disappearance. Later, the police was informed about the recovery of his body in the house, police said. He took the extreme step because he had been suffering from a disease. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons. The police have registered a case in the matter. He was the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission from 2009 to 2013. Sharma earlier served in the Indian Army and was commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery in 1972. --IANS vg/mag/sed (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A funeral prayer was held here on Friday for the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Around 500 people, including political figures and friends of Khashoggi from different parts of the world, gathered in the city's Fatih Mosque to commemorate the slain journalist with a final prayer, Xinhua news agency reported. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a supporter-turned-critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, was killed on October 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. After weeks of denying any involvement in the crime, Saudi Arabia later admitted that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate but claimed the royal family had no prior knowledge of any plot to murder the journalist. His body has yet to be returned to his family, which has been requesting its return, amid reports that it was chemically dissolved. Speaking on the occasion, Yasin Aktay, a senior adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan within the ruling Justice and Development Party, called for "justice" for the Saudi journalist. According to Istanbul chief prosecutor, Khashoggi was strangled to death inside the Saudi mission and then his body was dismembered and destroyed. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor demanded the death penalty for five of the suspects in the murder of Khashoggi. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh on Friday took stock of the situation in Tamil Nadu where severe cyclonic storm Gaja has battered coastal areas leaving 11 dead so far, and assured Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami of all possible Central assistance. The Minister spoke with Palaniswami on phone and offered help. "Spoke to CM E.K. Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone-affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone," he tweeted. Rajnath Singh also asked the Home Secretary to monitor the situation and provide all help to the state administration. The state authorities said the cyclone crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam districts between 12.30 and 2.30 a.m. on Friday with wind speeds of about 110-120 kmph. Meanwhile, the state government announced Rs 10 lakh for each family of the dead, Rs 100,000 to those who suffered severe injuries and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries in the cyclone which has hit road traffic in Nagapattinam area due to fallen trees and damaged power poles. --IANS rak/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gender activist Trupti Desai and six other women, who arrived here on Friday to visit the Sabarimala temple amid strong protests by Hindu activists, are stuck at the airport. Desai and her group arrived at around 4.45 a.m. They have failed to get out of the airport as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar activists protested right outside. "We won't allow her to get out of the airport. Why is she so adamant on breaking the tradition of the temple? We are also adamant. We will not let her move out," an angry female protester told the media. Despite pleas from the police, Desai said she would not return without visiting the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Senior police officials from Ernakulam district arrived and were speaking to Desai. Prior to her arrival, the activist wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting for police protection right from the time she steps out of her plane at Kochi on Friday till she takes her return flight out of the state. The temple is scheduled to open on Friday at 5 p.m. for two months. The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups and temple tantri since the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. The apex court on Tuesday refused to stay its earlier verdict. --IANS sg/ksk/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In 1974, scientists sent humankind's first, three-minute long interstellar radio message - the Arecibo Message - and 44 years later, Google on Friday celebrated the feat with a Doodle. The Arecibo message is a 1974 interstellar radio message carrying basic information about humanity and Earth sent to globular star "cluster M13" 25,000 light years away, with a hope that extraterrestrial intelligence might receive and decipher it. The message was sent from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. It had exactly 1,679 binary digits (210 bytes) which, if arranged in a specific way, can explain basic information about humanity and earth to extraterrestrial beings. The message was broadcast into space a single time via frequency modulated radio waves. Astronomer and astrophysicist Frank Drake from Cornell University wrote the message with the help from American astronomer Carl Sagan, among others. "It was a strictly symbolic event, to show that we could do it," Cornell University professor Donald Campbell was quoted as saying in an Independent report. Since it will take nearly 25,000 years for the message to reach its destination -- and an additional 25,000 years for a reply, if any, the Arecibo message is viewed as the first demonstration of human technological achievement. --IANS na/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Mouni Roy, who made her Hindi film debut with "Gold", has said that she can now die happily after working with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in her forthcoming film "Brahmastra". "I can die now happily after doing the scenes with him (Amitabh). It can't get better than that for me working with him in a film," Mouni said while interacting with media here as the newly appointed brand ambassador for RSH Global, a personal care company for their new marketing campaign 'Beauty By Nature' on Friday. Mouni is sharing screen space with Amitabh for the first time in their forthcoming film "Brahmastra". When asked Mouni if Amitabh gave her any acting advice while shooting for the film, she said, "No... he didn't give me any specific advice as such while working because Ayan (Mukherji) used to be there on film sets but I just lost my focus on the day when I was working with him." "I was just staring at his face thinking that what an opportunity God has given me because he is legendary as we all know so, I feel very blessed and lucky to have worked with him," she added. After making an impressive debut in "Gold", Mouni will be seen in "Brahmastra" along with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. She also has "Made in China" in her kitty along with Rajkummar Rao. She will also star opposite John Abraham in "Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW)". When asked Mouni about her work experience with all these actors, she said, "I feel very grateful and lucky to have worked with these people. All of them have been extremely supportive. They all are such giving actors so every day, I thank them and the god." Reacting on Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone wedding, Mouni said, I wish them very meaningful and loveliest journey ahead and they are my favorite couple." "Brahmastra" is a fantasy film written and directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. It is scheduled to release on Christmas 2019. The film features Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Dimple Kapadia, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in lead roles. --IANS iv/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India and Britain on Friday shared their assessment of terror threats across the world, including cross-border in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region during the 12th Meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on Counter- here. "Both sides condemned in all its forms and manifestations," a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said. "They shared assessment on the prevailing terrorist threats globally and in their region including cross-border terrorism in the Af-Pak region," it stated. The meeting came ahead of the 10th anniversary of the four-day cross-border terror attack in Mumbai that started on November 26, 2008, and left over 160 people dead and over 300 injured. The attack was carried out by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. In Friday's meeting, both sides exchanged views on current counter-terrorism challenges, including countering radicalisation and violent extremism, combating financing of terrorism and preventing use of internet for terrorist purposes and agreed to strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges. "The two sides also deliberated upon measures to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation through regular exchange of information, mutual capacity building efforts, sharing of best practices and mutual legal assistance," the Ministry statement said. "Cooperation in multilateral fora such as United Nations and Financial Action Task Force was also discussed," it added. During the meeting, the Indian side was led by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) in the External Affairs Ministry, while the British delegation was led by Jane Marriot, Director of the Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit. --IANS ab/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Noting that that Russian-made S-400 Triumf missile system is one of the most advanced air defence systems, Eastern Air Command Chief, Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar on Friday said India is also developing systems to defend itself against ballistic missiles of more capability. "We will have this capability (S-400 Triumf missile system) to defeat any space-based threat of a certain velocity. As this threat keeps growing, we will have to develop other systems," Air Marshal Nambiar said. "Our nation is developing systems to defend ourselves from ballistic missiles of more capability," he said at the North Eastern Council headquarters in Meghalaya. He said the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing Program AD ballistic missile system, which will be more capable of interception. "After Triumpf, it is going to be an Indian system (Program Air Defence) which will be more capable. It will not only intercept within our own atmosphere but also outside," he said. "We have tasted success. I was skeptical as anyone else would be, but having seen the Program functions, I think it is just a matter of a few minor glitches and other issues to be set right. We have a very capable air defence system and more importantly, it is 'Make in India' system, which will be more cost-effective, more widely available for us with little secrecy because everything will be known by us," the Air Marshal said. He said the S-400 Triumf capability, which will be in India's possession in 23 months from now, is to is to defeat airborne or spaceborne challenges besides giving the ability to defend India very effectively. India and Russia signed an agreement for the purchase of the missile system in 2016. On China's stealth fighter jets, Nambiar who test-flew the Rafale jet in France, said, "We believe we have the capability to defeat the Chinese with what we have at the moment. What happens in the future is another question. But today, we believe that we have the resources, the ability, the training and the ability to defeat at a particular level, but tomorrow is another new day." Asked how potent the Indian Air Force is in its airspace, Nambiar said, "Our neighbourhood is dangerous. We have nuclear-armed neighhbours who have designs and claims on what belongs to us. So it is best to be well prepared and forewarned." "We believe we have deterrence today. We have the strength, the capability. We have forces both in theatres as well as outside," Nambiar said. On China's developing airfields in the Tibet region, the Air Marshal said, "We are geographically blessed. We have airfields which are at a low altitude and almost at sea level. Most of our airfields are at 400 feet and therefore our aircraft can lift a lot of load." --IANS rrk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Companies should focus on "Augmented Intelligence", digital product management, and in creating a digital twin of an organisation (DTO) for their next level of digital transformation and boost in growth, a top Gartner analyst has said. Augmented Intelligence is the step beyond Artificial Intelligence (AI), where you marry AI with human capability, Partha Iyengar, Vice President and Gartner Fellow, told IANS in a telephonic interaction. The concept refers to implementation of AI not just as a replacement of human work through automation, but as a means to augment their abilities. "Augmented Intelligence could be applied across processes, across verticals and even across job functions," Iyengar said, adding that some organisations in India, including Indian Oil, have already started focusing on AI augmentation in a big way. Globally, Singapore is at the forefront of implementing AI augmentation, according to Iyengar. "They have created DTO where the organisation happens to be Singapore itself and there they are using Augmented Intelligence for a better future -- providing healthcare, emergency services, improved citizen services, etc." With digital twins, organisations can simulate business processes and change things with the digital model first before supplying within enterprises, thereby helping them take better business decisions, Iyengar said. Gartner predicts that by 2023, 50 per cent of major enterprises will use digital twins of the organisation in combination with digital business platforms. According to a Gartner report, AI augmentation will generate $2.9 trillion in business value and recover 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity by 2021. AI will create 2.3 million jobs in 2020, while eliminating 1.8 million, the report, titled "Predicts 2018: AI and the Future of Work", said. Starting in 2020, AI-related job creation will cross into positive territory, reaching two million net-new jobs in 2025, it added. "In general, technology adoption in India is keeping pace with global trends. Increasingly, business leaders are thinking that technology could be a strong determinant for growth of their organisations and we are seeing that happening in India as well," Iyengar said. "The earlier separation that existed between business leaders and IT personnel are disappearing in Indian enterprises. That will accelerate technology adoption," he added. Implementation of AI augmentation could be all pervasive in India in three to five years, he said. But there are still a few barriers to technology-adoption in India, the biggest among which is culture, Iyengar added. "The biggest obstacle is culture. The technology is the easier part, but adapting your enterprise culture to embrace and completely adopt the technology is the first barrier that we see," he added. Finding people with the right skills is the second barrier to technology adoption, he said. "The third is the danger of chasing technology for technology's sake. You need to have the organisation's readiness in place before implementing new technology. You need to have very specific business use-cases to which you want the technology to be applied," he added. The silver lining, he added, was that Indian companies continue to have the highest technology budget in the world for the sixth year in a row. "Technology budget is different from the IT budget. And even in IT budget, Indian companies lead the world," he added. According to the findings of the "2019 Gartner CIO Agenda survey", the transformation toward digital business is supported by steady IT budget growth. Indian IT budgets are expected to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2019, which is less than the 7.4 percent growth rate of the previous year, showed the findings presented at the ongoing Gartner Symposium/ITxpo in Panaji, Goa. This slowing can be attributed to the larger macro-economic situation concerning slow economic growth, corporate earnings and market volatility, the study showed. Despite the slowdown, Indian IT budget would still be higher than the global average. Globally, CIOs expect their IT budgets to grow by 2.9 per cent in 2019, the findings showed. (Gokul Bhagabati can be contacted at gokul.b@ians.in ) --IANS gb/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel will hold early elections, it was announced here on Friday after a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Reports said that the heads of the Israeli coalition will agree on a date to hold elections, Xinhua news agency reported. The meeting between Netanyahu and Bennett, who is the head of the far-right Habayit Hayehudi party (Jewish Home), was held amid the government's calls to avoid snap elections. The decision came after Netanyahu rejected Bennett's demand to be made Defence Minister at the meeting, the report said. Pressures were mounting on Netanyahu to call for early elections amid turmoil sparked by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's resignation following an agreed ceasefire with Gaza. On Thursday, leaders of some of the key coalition partners said Netanyahu should dissolve the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and call for early elections. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan Airlines announced on Friday that it would introduce a new breathalyser system at overseas airports after one of its pilots was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport for being drunk. "The company takes this violation seriously, as safety remains our utmost priority, and sincerely apologises to all affected by the employee's actions," the Japanese flag carrier said in a statement. Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was arrested last month after a test showed he was nine times over the legal alcohol limit, the BBC reported. The new measures also come after some 12 Japan Airlines flights were delayed due to intoxicated pilots. Since August 2017, there have been 19 cases where Japan Airlines pilots have failed the company's alcohol tests, a spokesperson for the firm said. Japanese law does not set limits for alcohol consumption by pilots. Instead, it is up to airlines to determine alcohol limits for pilots on duty. The series of measures will include new breathalyser systems at overseas airports and introducing penalties "for flight crew violating the regulated alcohol concentration level", the airline said. The new systems were already in place at Heathrow and domestic airports in Japan, the spokesperson said. They will be introduced at other airports from Sunday onwards. Pilots will also be prohibited from consuming alcohol in the 24 hours prior to reporting for a flight from Japan, the firm said. Other airlines have also had recent trouble with intoxicated pilots, the BBC said. A British Airways pilot who turned up for work after drinking three double vodkas was jailed earlier this year. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Friday told the Delhi High Court that Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) is situated on the government land since its inception in 1964. The JNMF had been asked by the government to vacate the premises at Teen Murti Estate in the capital on grounds of "unauthorised occupation" which had courted much controversy. The court was hearing JNMF plea challenging the October 15 eviction notice alleging that it was issued without application of mind. JNMF's counsel Kapil Sibal requested Justice Anu Malhotra to grant him more time to file response on the government's submission. The court allowed JNMF plea and fixed December 4 as next date for hearing. Earlier, the court had stayed estate officer's notice to vacate the premises. The JNMF, in its plea, alleged that the proceedings initiated by the estate officer was designed to destroy Nehru's legacy and contributions and attempted to create a new narrative. The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund formally came into being on August 17 1964 under the Chairmanship of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India, and is located at Teen Murti House. The Fund had been asked to vacate the Teen Murti Bhavan saying that Nehru Memorial Museum Library (NMML) is in "dire need of space". It has been alleged that the Memorial Fund is occupying the premises "without any authority of law". --IANS akk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two of the Khmer Rouges top leaders on Friday were found guilty of genocide at a tribunal here. Nuon Chea, 92, known as Brother Number Two, was found guilty of genocide relating to crimes committed against the Cham Muslims and ethnic Vietnamese by the UN-backed Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, reports Efe news. Khieu Samphan, 87, was found guilty of genocide "by joint criminal enterprise" in relation to the killings of ethnic Vietnamese, the chamber said. The pair were also found of crimes against humanity. The landmark ruling is the first time that a court has found that genocide was committed by the regime. An estimated 2 million people - around a quarter of the population - died from execution, starvation and forced labour during the regime's rule from 1975-1979 in which it set out to establish an agrarian utopia. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan had already been convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for crimes against humanity related to forced evacuations in the first of their case's two trials. The second trial, which began in 2014 and concluded last June, focused on allegations of genocide of Cham Muslims and ethnic Vietnamese, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, forced marriage and rape, purges, persecution of Buddhists, and crimes against humanity at security centres, worksites and a cooperative. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan-origin actor-comedian Kumail Nanjiani is crossing over into "The Twilight Zone". He will star in an episode of the Jordan Peele-led reboot. "The Silicon Valley" star and Oscar-nominated co-writer of "The Big Sick" is the third actor to join the series, following Sanaa Lathan and Adam Scott. Executive producer Peele will introduce and narrate each episode, just like series creator Rod Serling, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Details about Nanjiani's role are being kept under wraps. The original "Twilight Zone" ran from 1959-64 on CBS. Four classic segments from the original were also remade as a 1983 feature film. All episodes of the 1959-64 series stream on CBS All Access. The new version is set for a 2019 premiere. --IANS dc/rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after the Women and Child Development ministry said the government will fund 50 per cent salary of 14 weeks to women on maternity leave from the 'labour welfare cess', the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Friday said no such cess exists under them. "It is clarified that Ministry of Labour an Employment is in the process of obtaining necessary budgetary grant and approvals of competent authorities. The reports that it will be funded from labour welfare cess is also incorrect, as no such cess exists under this Ministry," it said in a statement. While the WCD ministry had mentioned that as per the 28th report of the Standing Committee on Labour on "Cess funds and their utilization for workers' welfare", Rs 32,632.95 crore has been collected as cess out of which Rs 7,516.52 crore has been utilized as on March 31, 2017, the Labour Ministry denied existence of any such amount. However, WCD ministry did not agree with the Labour Ministry. The Labour Ministry acknowledged that they have received several reports on how the extended maternity leave has become a deterrent for female employees who are asked to quit or are retrenched on flimsy grounds before they go on maternity leave. "Therefore, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is working on an incentive scheme wherein 7 weeks' wages would be reimbursed to employers who employ women workers with wage ceiling up to Rs 15,000 and provide the maternity benefit of 26 weeks of paid leave, subject to certain conditions," it added. According to the Labour Ministry, an amount of about Rs 400 crore would be the financial implication for the proposed scheme if approved and implemented. --IANS som/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday appealed to her Cabinet to stick together as she battled to cling onto her job, a day after a wave of resignations thrust her terms for a departure from the EU into jeopardy. As No 10 geared up for a potential vote of no confidence, government whips were recalled to Westminster from their constituencies, the Independent reported. "I want all of my colleagues in the Cabinet to continue to do the excellent job they've been doing," May said when asked during a radio phone-in if she expected further resignations. She insisted she would carry on as Prime Minister and defended the Brexit deal that infuriated many of her MPs. The leader was speaking minutes after former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale became the latest to announce he had submitted a letter of no-trust in her. On the other hand, Environment Secretary Michael Gove hotly tipped to take on the freshly vacated role of Brexit Secretary or abandon the Cabinet said he would remain in his post as he offered his backing for May, who was facing backlash over the provisional deal she struck on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. May said she would name in a day or two a successor to Dominic Raab who quit as Brexit Secretary on Thursday, according to Efe news. The coming days will be critical for both May's Brexit deal and her premiership as she seeks to quell a rebellion that has been brewing for months within her own party over the UK's future ties to the EU. Members of her Conservative Party were openly plotting on Thursday to try to trigger the no-confidence vote in an effort to force her to negotiate a different deal with Brussels. The pact has drawn fierce disapproval from key Conservative figures as well as the main opposition Labour Party who said May has conceded too much. May relies on Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party for a majority in the UK's 650-seat Parliament. That alliance looked increasingly shaky on Thursday, as members of the party criticized the deal. May said she was "still working" with the party and had a number of exchanges with its leadership. While insisting that her deal was the best option for the UK, May also sought to reassure voters that medical supplies would be maintained in the event that the UK leaves the bloc in March without an agreement. May, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, said she was personally sensitive to worries about the continuity of supply since her insulin was manufactured by a company in Denmark. "The Department of Health is working carefully with companies that supply the medicines," she said. "I know this is an issue that is a matter of importance for people." --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Friday questioned the Modi government's "silence" on the "fresh evidence" in the Rafale "scam" and said it is a precursor "of the storm which they are about to face." The party also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "squandering national interest" in the deal to purchase 36 fighter jets from France. "Today another undisputable evidence has come to the fore, which establishes the deliberately hiked commercial cost of the 36 Rafale aircraft deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015. The silence of Modi Government on the new skeletons that have tumbled out of the Rafale scam cupboard is a precursor to a massive storm," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told the media here. He said Modi cannot escape from "his moral, political, legal and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the biggest defence scam of India." "For truth to prevail, the only route is through a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe," he said. Khera said the "management meet note" of ICICI bank of February 28, 2017 again exposes the commercial cost of Rafale deal as well as again seals the cost of offset contract and life cycle cost contract. "This is the sixth proof in public domain which testifies, that the per aircraft cost in Modi's deal is Rs 1,670 crore and that, flouting all norms, the Modi government handed over a Rs 30,000-crore offset contract," Khera said. Referring to management meet note, he said it states that Reliance Defence has already formed a joint venture with French major Dassault for execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jet purchase valued at Rs 59,000 crore. "The offset obligation in this contract is pegged at 50 per cent of the total cost, i.e. Rs 29500 crore. The management has pegged this opportunity from the Rafale programme at Rs 105,000 crore. Dassault Reliance JV will provide performance-based logistics for 50 years (scope includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrades). If awarded, it is also expected to execute additional orders of Rafale fighter aircraft for Indian armed forces under the Make in India programme," he said reading from the note. Khera said the annual report 2016 of Dassault Aviation had revealed the cost of per aircraft and offset obligations by Reliance Defence. He referred to some other documents and alleged that a former Finance Minister official had "spilled the beans indicting the Modi government for corrupt practices in fixing a higher benchmark price." "Now a third party document has reiterated the same figures of the commercial cost of the 36 Rafale deal," Khera said. "What is stopping the Modi government from revealing the commercial cost of the Rafale Deal as well as the details of offset obligations?" he asked. --IANS ps/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Andy Serkis along with Christian Bale and Freida Pinto will visit Mumbai for the world premiere of their film "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle". The Netflix film will premiere here on November 25. The director's son, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, and newcomer Rohan Chand, who plays Mowgli in the film, will also join the team for the event, a statement said. The cast will walk the red-carpet and attend the world premiere screening in Mumbai. "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" will bring the world of Rudyard Kipling's 1864 classic "The Jungle Book" alive on the big screen, splashed with shades of grey. "The Jungle Book" tells the story of an Indian boy named Mowgli, wandering in an enchanting Indian forest with an entourage of his animal friends and fighting for survival. Mowgli's adventures have made way for several adaptations like the popular eponymous 1967 animated film or Jon Favreau's similarly titled re-imagination. Netflix bought the film from Warner Bros. in July. The acquisition is believed to be one of Netflix's costliest ever purchases. Warner had planned to release the movie in October. The move is also in line with commitments to give theatrical releases to Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma," the Coen brothers' "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" and "Bird Box." The movie will be available to Netflix members worldwide from December 7. The cast includes Bale as Bagheera, Cate Blanchett as Kaa, Serkis as Baloo, Naomie Harris as Nisha, Peter Mullan as Akela, Louis as Bhoot Aand Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan with Matthew Rhys and Freida playing key characters from the local village. --IANS sug/dc/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allocated $135 million for communities near the Gaza Strip, which have been affected by the firing of rockets from the enclave, after Israeli residents criticized the acceptance of a ceasefire there, authorities said on Friday. Netanyahu held a meeting on Thursday with political leaders of regional councils, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Chief of General Staff Gadi Eizenkot, in which he announced an annual programme to strengthen the emergency infrastructure, social and security benefits, among others, Efe news reported. The investment included subsidies for day-care centres and an increase in agricultural quotas such as egg and milk production, which will be presented for government approval in the coming weeks. At the time of Netanyahu's meeting, hundreds of Israeli residents from the areas adjacent to the strip protested in Tel Aviv against the ceasefire reached on Tuesday. The latest violence began after an Israeli special forces undercover operation in Gaza was exposed on Sunday, triggering clashes that left seven Palestinian militants and one Israeli soldier dead. Nour Baraka, a commander from Hamas' military wing, was also killed in the operation. Israeli residents believe that their country's action was weak after militants launched more than 460 rockets and mortars from the strip. Israel and its aviation tanks responded with bombings against 160 targets in Gaza. The truce brokered by Egypt, with support from the UN, to contain the violence prompted the resignation of Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who demanded a large-scale operation in Gaza against the Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the strip. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) on Friday demanded that the Delhi University Vice Chancellor order fresh elections for the Students' Union. The demand came a day after the incumbent Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) President Ankiv Baisoya was forced to step down from the post till the completion of an inquiry against him for allegedly submitting fake certificates to get admission in the DU. In his letter to Vice Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi, DUSU Secretary Akash Choudhary argued that the Lyngdoh guidelines which stipulate raising the next ranked office bearer to the vacated post are not valid in this case since the guidelines are only an advisory and not binding on the university. Chaudhary, the sole office bearer in the union from NSUI, said that the DUSU Constitution has no mention of the Lyngdoh guidelines and called for fresh elections. Baisoya resigned on Thursday after his membership was suspended by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The NSUI also demanded criminal action against Baisoya as well as K.T.S. Sarao, the head of Buddhist Department where Baisoya took admission, for admitting him on the basis of fake documents. A case in Delhi High Court is due for hearing on November 20, where he is accused of faking certificates from Thiruvalluvar University at Vellore in Tamil Nadu, to secure admission in the DU. Although Baisoya wrote on his Facebook account that he has resigned from his post, no confirmation has yet been given by the varsity authorities of its acceptance and next course of action. Baisoya was elected the DUSU President in September. The ABVP won three of the four seats. --IANS vn/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday took exception to the remark by lawyer Deepika Rajawat on the Kathua rape and murder victim's parents. Responding to the family's decision to drop her from representing the victim in the trial court, Deepika Rajawat had tweeted, "I was there with them when no one was. Now since the rainy days have passed, they are winding up with me just because I could not regularly attend the trial which is taken care of by senior criminal lawyers. I don't blame them. it is the human tendency which travels in genes." Omar told the lawyer through his twitter handle, "You had me on your side until you slipped in the snide remark about the genes". The father of the eight-year-old Kathua rape-murder victim had moved an application in the Pathankot court on Wednesday to drop Deepika Rajawat from the case. The father told reporters yesterday that the power of attorney given to Deepika Rajawat had been withdrawn because she had failed to appear for the family as the case had been heard about 100 times by the court, but she had appeared only twice on their behalf. Many other people also took to twitter to criticize the lawyer for her controversial remarks. --IANS sq/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani government official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been missing from the capital, officials said on Friday. Muhammad Ayaz, Deputy Director of CDA, went missing from the G6 sector of Islamabad after he left his office at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, the authority officials were cited as saying by Xinhua news agency. "The CDA is inquiring into the whereabouts of the Deputy Director and all security institutions have been informed that he is missing," the officials said. The disappearance of the government official came days after a senior Pakistani police officer went missing from Islamabad on October 26 and his body was later found in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on Tuesday. On Thursday, Afghan officials handed over the body of Superintendent of Police Tahir Khan Dawar who was chief of the Peshawar police's rural circle. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Peeved over the massive fallout of the killing of tigress Avni (T1), Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on Friday said he has decided to withdraw from the reconciliation efforts for an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray and other senior leaders had targeted Mungantiwar for the circumstances leading to Avni's killing on November 2, and later BJP's Union minister Maneka Gandhi also joined in demanding the minister's sack from the state cabinet. "I have told Uddhav that I am deeply hurt by his comment in the Avni matter. This was unexpected since I consider him a good friend," a visibly upset Mungantiwar told mediapersons. In view of the "cheap criticism' in the entire episode, he has decided to withdraw himself from the ongoing efforts to forge an alliance between the two ruling partners for the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections. He said he was extremely pained by the kind of criticism, abusive language and derogatory messages posted on social media platforms which caused distress to his family members. The Sena has already made it clear several times that in future it will contest all elections solo, but Mungantiwar was among the handful of BJP leaders hopeful of cobbling up a pre-poll partnership, unlike the 2014 assembly polls which they had fought separately. The development comes barely days ahead of the upcoming winter session of Maharashtra Legislature next week, when the opposition plans to politically batter Mungantiwar over the raging Avni killing controversy. Meanwhile in a fresh development, a camera trap in Yavatmal has captured images of Avni's orphaned and dependent cubs who appear to be healthy even as efforts are underway to trap them, said a forest official. An alleged man-eater, the five-year old Avni was killed in a late night operation on Nov. 2, sparking off a nationwide furore among environmental activists, animal lovers and all major political parties, leading to two committees being set up to probe the killing. --IANS qn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a week-long visit to Vietnam and Australia beginning Sunday. Starting his trip from the Vietnamese coastal city Da Nang, Kovind will head to the capital Hanoi where he will hold talks with the political leadership and also address the National Assembly of Vietnam. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kovind, in his maiden visit to an Asean country, will hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Heading to Australia on November 21, Kovind, the first Indian President to visit the country, will meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison and they will together unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation. He will visit Sydney and Melbourne and hold discussions with the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove. The President will also address the Australia Financial Review Business event and attend dinner at the Australia-India Business Council. He is also slated to meet Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and address students at the Melbourne University. --IANS and/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flaying Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inflicting the "biggest scam" on the nation in the form of demonetisation, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday assured the people of Madhya Pradesh that his party, if voted to power, would waive farm loans and turn the state into Indias agriculture hub. Addressing rallies in the state, where the BJP is in power since 2003, Gandhi also targeted Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the Vyapam scam and accused his government of snatching away lands from tribals and farmers and giving them away to a handful of industrialists. Addressing an election rally in Deori of Sagar district, he said during the note ban exercise of 2016, Modi made hundreds of thousands of labourers, women and small businessmen stand in serpentine queues outside banks. "Did you see any black money hoarders like Nirav Modi or Mehul Choksi queuing up?" asked Gandhi. "Through the note ban, Modi snatched the hard earned money of the poor and put them in his cronies' pockets. "In the last two years, unemployment has doubled and suicide rate among the youth has increased by 2,000 per cent. "China creates 50,000 jobs per day, whereas despite 'Start Up India' and 'Make in India' schemes, the Indian government creates only 450 jobs in a day," the Congress leader said. Continuing his attack on Modi over the Rafale "scam", Gandhi accused him of being a chowkidar (watchman) only to his industrialist cronies. Gandhi alleged that much like demonetisation, the deal to procure the 36 French fighter jets was only aimed at enriching his industrialist friends. Launching a scathing attack on Chouhan, he said: "Entire Madhya Pradesh knows the role of Shivraj Chouhan and his family in the Vyapam scam." He added that over 1,00,000 government posts in the state were lying vacant while schools and hospitals were privatised and making them inaccessible to the poor. Addressing another rally in Seoni, Gandhi accused the Chouhan-led Bharatiya Janata Party government of snatching away the land of tribals and farmers. "Three most important things for tribals and farmers are water, land and jungle. And this government has snatched them away for the sake of a handful of industrialists," he said and assured that if Congress came to power it would protect the land rights of tribals and farmers. He said by privatising schools, colleges and hospitals, the Chouhan government has made education and healthcare inaccessible for the poor. "Chouhan has destroyed the entire education system in the state. 50 people have died in the Vyapam scam and entire state knows which family benefited from the scam," alleged Gandhi. He also ridiculed Modi over his 2014 Lok Sabha poll promises of providing two crore jobs annually and giving Rs 15 lakh to every Indian. Taking on the BJP over farmer suicides, Gandhi said: "Modi opened doors of the banks for fraudsters like Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi. "His government waived off corporate loans to the tune of Rs 3.50 lakh crore but could not do the same for the poor farmers". "We don't want two countries -- one of the poor and exploited and other of a handful of rich. "If we wanted two Indias, we would have hoisted two flags on Independence Day, one for 15-20 industrialists and one for common man. We want one country and we want justice.'' "We will open the doors of the banks for youth, farmers and tribals," said Gandhi promising that food processing units would be set up across the state and Madhya Pradesh would be turned into the country's agriculture hub. The 230-member state Assembly goes to poll on November 28 and the results will be declared on Dec 11. --IANS and/in/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetization, calling it the "biggest scam" in the country, and attacked the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh over corruption and unemployment. Addressing an election rally here in Sagar district, Gandhi that said during the note ban exercise of 2016, Modi made hundreds of thousands of labourers, women and small businessmen stand in serpentine queues outside banks. "Did you see any black money hoarders like Nirav Modi or Mehul Choksi queuing up?" asked Gandhi. "Through the note ban, Modi snatched the hard earned money of the poor and put them in his cronies' pockets. "In the last two years, unemployment has doubled and suicide rate among the youth has increased by 2,000 per cent. "China creates 50,000 jobs per day, whereas, despite 'Start Up India' and 'Make in India' schemes, the Indian government creates only 450 jobs in a day," the Congress leader said. Gandhi did not spare Chouhan either. "Entire Madhya Pradesh knows the role of Shivraj Chouhan and his family in the Vyapam scam," and added that over 100,000 government posts in the state were lying vacant while schools and hospitals were privatized and making them inaccessible to the poor. --IANS and/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was heckled at an event in the state capital on Friday evening after he made some remarks on a senior functionary of the Northern Railways Men's Union. In Lucknow on the second day of the ongoing three-day convention of the union, the minister said that Shiv Gopal Mishra, a veteran trade unionist, was "misguiding youth working as apprentices with the Railways." His remark led to chaos as railmen squatted on the stage, raised anti-Goyal slogans and even threw a plant-pot at him. The minister was saved from physical harm as a Railway Protection Force (RPF) man blocked the way. When the Railway Minister continued with his speech, the railway employees rushed towards the stage and disrupted his speech. A free-for-all ensued as security men protecting the minister took him to the safety of his car. The irked railmen did not stop at this and targeted the vehicle of the minister and smashed a window glass. Many senior trade union leaders and Lucknow mayor Sanyukta Bhatia were present at the dais when the incident occured. --IANS md/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Secretary-General of Algerias ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) Djamel Ould Abbes, 84, has resigned from his post, deepening the political crisis in the North African country wherein political leaders and military generals are fighting for power as the countrys aging and long-serving president is preparing to run for a controversial fifth term in office in 2019. Algerian State-controlled news agency APS said Ould Abbes left his post due to health concerns but many analysts believe his resignation is linked to the power struggle tearing the country. It is also part of the overall purge carried out by the presidency opaque inner circles to get rid of all political rivals ahead of the upcoming rocking presidential election. Last month, Louisa Ighilahriz, a prominent resistance figure, quitted the upper house of parliament in protest against President Abdelaziz Bouteflikas plan to run for a fifth term. I refuse this because he is not the actual ruler. Other people are ruling in his name, she said. I do not want to play a role that I no longer believe in. The president is sick and unable to run the country. Members of his close circle are really the ones who are ruling in his name, but they are operating behind the scenes, she added, referring to the Presidents brother and senior aide Saeed Bouteflika and to the Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah. These two powerful men are suspected to be behind the recent wave of ousting high-profile security officials and Generals, accused of corruption and other wrongdoings. Last week, five generals were released, a move suggesting there is a renegotiation of civil-military relations in a country on the verge of implosion due to political and economic crisis with a frail presidency. Raghraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiyya, an Independent legislator from Kunda, on Friday announced the formation of a new political party in Uttar Pradesh which will contest the next Lok Sabha polls. Saying this was a lingering demand of his supporters, he told the media here that the name of the party would be announced later. He was taking part at an event to mark his 25th year in in which he has been elected continuously for six terms from Kunda. Raja Bhaiyya said his party's flag would have a yellow colour on the top and green below. He slammed the SC/AT Atrocities Act and said that people were uncomfortable with its provisions. On pointed queries, the former Minister said that for now he was not in a mood to align with any political formation. "We will take a call at an opportune time." Raja Bhaiyya has been part of the cabinets of Kalyan Singh, Ram Prakash Gupta and Rajnath Singh during BJP rule and also of Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav during the regime of Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh. He is considered one of the few Thakur leaders who have survived for a long period in power. --IANS md/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the condition of roads in the northeastern states has worsened under the Congress rule and promised development of Mizoram if BJP comes to power in the state in the November 28 polls. "The Congress governments had not done anything to bring about development in Mizoram and other northeastern states. The condition of roads in the states has gone from bad to worse under the Congress," Singh said in various election rallies in Mizoram. Singh, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, said if the BJP is voted to power, it would develop infrastructure including roads in the bordering state of Mizoram. "Even after a decade of Congress rule, no development has taken place in Mizoram," the Home Minister said, adding the Central government would ensure amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, providing more power to the three tribal autonomous district councils of Mizoram. Highlighting the development plans of the Modi-led central government for the North-East, Singh said: "THe government has decided to bring about a revolution to connectivity in Mizoram and other northeastern states for which an agreement has recently been signed with Japan." He also said that a separate ministry -- Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region -- has been created for the exclusive development of the eight northeastern states. "Prime Minister has made it compulsory for the central ministers to visit the region at least twice a month to review the progress of development projects," Singh said. The last Congress stronghold in the northeast India, Mizoram will go to polls on November 28. The votes would be counted on December 11. --IANS sc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Popular belief has it that the Ramayana is idealistic while the Mahabharata is realistic but these two epics have "identical building blocks, themes, and history," says writer-mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, whose new book "Ramayana Versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison" is all set for release later this month. In the book, New Delhi-based Rupa Publications informed IANS, Pattanaik, one of India's most popular mythologists, explores the similarities and dissimilarities between the two epics in a "playful analaysis". The book will also be accompanied by his signature illustrations. Pattanaik, who has penned over three dozen books on subjects related to ancient Indian scriptures and mythology, contends in the book that whether it is the family structure, forest exile, or war, the comparison between the two epics proves a startling point -- that "the Mahabharata is, in fact, a reaction to the events in the Ramayana". The publisher added that the ideas in this book are distributed over 56 chapters. "In temple rituals, Vishnu is offered 8 different meals daily, different on all seven days of the week - 56 dishes in all. May each chapter serve as a mouthwatering offering to the Vishnu within you," Rupa informed IANS in a statement. --IANS ss/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the occasion of National Press Day, Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore on Friday said that a responsible and objective was one of the most important institutions for nation building. "Today on National Press Day, I convey my best wishes to all journalists. A responsible, objective is one of the most important institutions for nation building," he tweeted. "My greetings to the Press Council of India as well, committed to maintaining ethics and high standards in print " National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India. --IANS vv/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gender activist Trupti Desai and six other women, who arrived here on Friday to visit the Sabarimala temple amid strong protests by Hindu activists, were still at the airport after almost eight hours. Desai and her group reached Kochi from Pune at around 4.45 a.m. Angry Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar activists protested outside the airport, forcing her to remain inside. When Desai arrived, there were just 100 protesters. The number has now increased to over thousands who have taken position at every entry and exit gate both inside and outside the airport. Top state BJP leaders have also arrived at the airport. BJP spokesperson Shoba Surendran said: "We have to tell her to go back as we will not allow her to go out from here. Desai has got all the support from atheists like our Chief Minister who is determined to see that a lady gets to visit the temple. "She is nothing but an activist who has scant respect for the tradition of Sabarimala. So it's best that (Pinarayi) Vijayan sees that she is packed off from here at the earliest." Despite pleas from the police, Desai said she would not return without visiting the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Meanwhile, speaking to the media from the Nilackal base camp near the Lord Ayyappa shrine, state Minister for Devasoms (that looks after temples) Kadakampally Surendran said the activist arrived in Kochi after she wrote to the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Maharashtra. Senior police officials from Ernakulam district along with others from the district administration and Airport Authority were speaking to Desai, trying to persuade her to return to Mumbai. Prior to her arrival, the activist wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting for police protection right from the time she steps out of her plane at Kochi on Friday till she takes her return flight out of the state. The temple is scheduled to open on Friday at 5 p.m. for two months. The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups and temple tantri since the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. The apex court on Tuesday refused to stay its earlier verdict. --IANS sg/ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dimapur, Nov 16 (IANS/Mongabay) Days after it was satellite-tagged and released, an Amur falcon "Manipur", eponymously named after the northeast Indian state bordering Myanmar, was allegedly shot down by unknown miscreants at a roosting site during its migratory passage through the region. The incident has prompted the state government to discuss cancellation of gun licenses (air guns) in the next Cabinet meeting while a district administration has imposed a ban on air guns in the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, wildlife biologists associated with the tagging exercise will kick-off landscape-level surveys across river valleys in Manipur to ascertain the status of roosting sites. Amur falcons are known to breed in southeast Russia and northern China and migrate west through India and across the Arabian Sea to southern Africa where they spend their winter, making a round-trip of at least 20,000 km every year, travelling between their breeding and wintering grounds. This arduous journey includes a non-stop flight over the Arabian Sea after passing across India. The resilient falcons arrive in large numbers during October in Nagaland and a few other places in northeastern India, including Tamenglong in Manipur. "Manipur", a male migratory raptor, was one of the two Amur falcons to be tagged for the first time in the state. The second bird, a female, was christened "Tamenglong" after the district where it was captured and released. Both were captured on November 4 and released in the morning the day after. The exercise in the remote community forest area of Chiuluan village along the Barak river in Tamenglong district of the state was undertaken by a team of officials led by Suresh Kumar of the Wildlife Institute of India, the state Forest Department under DFO Arun R.S. and biologists from Hungary. "It was quite a challenge to capture the birds because they were roosting in bamboo groves. The release coincided with the ongoing Amur falcon festival. It was going perfectly. While 'Tamenglong' went back to her roosting site along the Barak river, 'Manipur' flew across to another river valley along the Irang river which is across one ridgeline," Suresh Kumar said. "We did not know there was a big roosting site there," Suresh Kumar told Mongabay India. Manipur's flight to a roosting site along the Irang river got officials worried. "We were worried whether there would be prevalence of hunting or not, so we got an official order released by authorities in Tamenglong that these birds should not be hunted," Suresh Kumar said. Villages like Bhalok in Tamenglong, where falcons were known to roost in large numbers, were already helping protect the falcons. "We now know from the data (the tag was retrieved) that unfortunately on November 8 between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. this bird was shot. And it was not only this bird there must have been many birds that were shot," Suresh Kumar said. "Manipur" was felled at Kebuching bordering Tamenglong and Noney districts of the state along the Irang river. Soon after the killing, Noney district also banned use of air guns and catapults. According to a state government release, Amur falcons spend three to four weeks in many parts of Manipur to build fat reserves by foraging on termites that emerge during this time. Forest officials said their presence keeps insect pests at bay and benefits farmers. In Tamenglong district, extensive awareness campaigns and volunteering activities spearheaded by forest department officials in collaboration with local community members in villages like Bhalok had led to "zero-killing" of the annual winged visitor in that village over the years, informed Tamenglong DFO Arun. Bhalok has been declared as "Amur Falcon Village". "The awareness programmes were going on well. We had initiated the Amur falcon festival since 2015. This year the experience was different. The birds didn't roost only in one or two roost sites. This year there are many big roosting sites dotting the district along Barak and Irang river," Arun explained. "They are not scattered but are continuous. We selected Chiuluan given its accessibility and size of the roost. Like Bhalok, Chiuluan was also secured and it protected the falcons following our campaigns," Arun told Mongabay-India. Officials estimate as many as 30,000 to 40,000 birds in the Chiuluan roosting site. "Ninety per cent people are supportive of conservation efforts but there are 10 per cent people who do not care or it takes time for them to bring them into the fold. Whatever good things this 90 percent of people put in, in a matter of hours or minutes this 10 percent people can bring it down. We must stop usage of guns," said Suresh Kumar. At present, "Tamenglong" has strangely moved to the same roosting site along Irang river where "Manipur" was killed. The Forest Department has stationed officers and alerted the community. The Amur falcon is protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. India is also a signatory to the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) under which it is "duty bound" to provide safe passage and ensure conservation of migratory species. Satellite-tagging of the long-distance migratory birds were first initiated in Nagaland in 2013 to support conservation awareness efforts in the state and also to gather information on the poorly understood species. In 2012, Nagaland made global news alarming environmentalists and the public alike. Tens of thousands of Amur falcons, that came to roost in Pangti village enroute South Africa, Somalia and Kenya, were mercilessly targeted by local hunters. Over thousands of these raptors were harvested every day for sale and consumption. The satellite tagging has created so much of awareness that neighbouring states like Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Assam started protecting the birds. The Amur falcon conservation success also lead to India signing, in March 2016, the CMS Raptors MoU, a Memorandum of Understanding on conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia. (In arrangement with Mongabay.com, a source for environmental news reporting and analysis. The views expressed in the article are those of Mongabay.com. Feedback: gopi@mongabay.com ) --IANS sahana/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi met Pope Francis at Vatican seeking support for a new legally binding International law against 'online child sexual abuse', a statement said. For over a year, Satyarthi has been demanding a legally binding United Nation convention against online child sexual abuse, like pornography and trafficking, which is backed by a new global task force and could provide victims with holistic support. Offering him full cooperation, Pope appointed an officer from the Vatican to coordinate with Kailash Satyarthi's Children's Foundation to work in the direction, said a statement from Satyarthi's office. "Father has extended his full cooperation and support to Kailash Satyarthi towards this endeavour and all other associated recommendations," the statement said. Satyarthi is meeting stakeholders of different religion, political affinity and nationalities, seeking support towards an international law and a response mechanism against digital and online forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The Indian Government had banned 857 pornographic websites in October following a demand from Satyarthi in Nagpur to end online child sexual abuse and child pornography. Satyarthi has already written to all heads of states and UN General Secretary seeking the new convention. "Given that online crimes transcend across borders, extraterritorial jurisdiction for the proposed law is absolutely essential," said Satyarthi. Satyarthi also put forth the necessity for a dedicated international toll-free helpline for reporting cases related to online child sexual abuse under Interpol or other relevant agency. --IANS kd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The number of asylum seekers in Canada from India, a majority of them Sikhs, has soared by over 300 per cent in the past two years alone, with the Canadian government agencies acknowledging "renewed support for separatism in the Punjab region". The 'Refugee Claims Analysis Report' (RCAR), compiled by the Intelligence and Analysis section of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which IANS has accessed, shows that in the first six months of 2018, the number of refugee claims (asylum seeking applications) shot up to 1,805, surpassing the total figure of 1,487 claims made in the entire 2017. The refugee claims made in the first six months of 2018 are over 310 per cent of the total claims made in 2016, which stood at 582. And there is no end to the claims being made, with Canadian authorities expecting the number of cases to jump up to 4,200 this year (2018) - an increase of nearly 720 per cent over 2016 and nearly 285 per cent compared to figures of 2017. "While claims were filed in all CBSA regions, most were filed in QUE (Quebec province) region (1,363), specifically at Montreal Immigration (898)," the RCAR pointed out. A total of 1,088 of these were male applicants and 717 females. "With over 1,800 claims, mid-year numbers for 2018 have already surpassed total 2017 numbers. Indian nationals made the majority (63 per cent) of their claims at inland offices (1,145), followed by airport mode (614 claims; 34 per cent). Most claimants were born in Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu," the report has stated. The RCAR, in a critical tone, pointed out: "A frequent basis of claim cited by Indian nationals is the fear of arbitrary arrest or abuse by the police based on accusations of supporting militant organisations. It should be noted that the vast majority of these claims are filed by Indian Sikhs." The refugee claims made in Canada by Indians in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were 379, 292 and 225 respectively. From the 15th rank among countries in 2016 from where refugee claims were coming, India touched a dubious No. 2 rank, right behind Nigeria (at No. 1; 6,166 claims in 2018 till June) among claimants. What is significant about the observations made in the RCAR findings is the fact that the Canadian authorities have officially acknowledged that there was mounting tension between the Indian government and the Sikh population and the renewed support for separatism in Punjab. "Tensions are rising between the Indian government and the country's Sikh population due to concern over renewed support for separatism in the Punjab region. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the Khalistan movement called for the establishment of a Sikh homeland in Punjab. Contemporary support has since re-emerged around proposals for an unofficial referendum of the global Sikh diaspora in 2020 on the question of independence," the report stated. "Government officials argue that the Sikh diaspora is attempting to revive the region's former militant independence movement. These worries are reflected in reports of extradition requests and arrests of suspected Khalistani militants. "Critics argue that arbitrary detention and false charges of militancy are being used by the state to silence calls for self-determination. Basis of claim analysis also indicates that Sikhs regularly report detention, assault and torture by police based on vague accusations of supporting militants. "As government pushback against the Sikh community continues, fear of arbitrary arrest and abuse by authorities will likely prompt more Indian Sikhs to leave the country," the report pointed out, analyzing the official comments as 'X-factor' for the steep rise in the number of asylum seekers in Canada from Sikh-dominated Punjab. "In light of current tensions between the Indian government and the Sikh community, it can also be expected that claimants will continue to include a large number of individuals born in Punjab or Haryana. It is anticipated that the total claims entered by nationals of India will continue to increase in 2018 to 4,200 claims. Other significant basis of claims include honour killings, political persecution of opposition party supporters, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, the report stated. The Indian government, though not openly, has accused the Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of going soft on separatist elements and groups operating in Canada who are trying to revive the separatist movement in Punjab. --IANS js/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Parliament was disrupted for the second day on Friday with MPs allied to disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa throwing chilli powder at opposing MPs and hurling chairs at police officers even as the Assembly passed another no-confidence motion dismissing his government for the second time this week. The pro-Rajapaksa legislators also threw objects at Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Daily Mirror reported. Despite the violence, the pro-Rajapaksa MPs failed to prevent the Assembly from passing a no-trust motion in his leadership on Friday, dismissing his government for the second time. It was the latest violent incident in the crisis triggered three weeks ago when President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Rajapaksa in his place. The Parliament session was delayed for over 30 minutes on Friday as legislators protested around the Speaker's ceremonial chair. They called for the immediate arrest of two legislators from Wickremesinghe's United National Party, for bringing knives into Parliament a day earlier. Amid the commotion in Parliament where several objects were thrown at the Speaker, over two dozen police officers entered the chamber with their arms linked, trying to escort him. As Rajapaksa watched from his chair, his MPs attacked the officers with chairs and books, injuring at least two. Other legislators tipped the Speaker's ceremonial chair to the floor and dragged it across the ground. Taking refuge on a side bench and surrounded by officers, Jayasuriya hurriedly called for a vote of no-confidence. He initially called for a "vote by name", but due to severe chaos and violence, he concluded the vote with a "voice vote". The Speaker then announced that the motion had been passed and Parliament was adjourned till November 19. Unlike the previous vote, however, Friday's motion omitted any reference to misconduct on the part of Sirisena. The change indicated that the President could recognise the motion this time and agree to terminate Rajapaksa's leadership, according to a report in the Guardian. Rajapaksa's forces had already said they will reject Friday's vote. "We say Mahinda Rajapaksa heads the government," said Dinesh Gunawardena, a Rajapaksa ally. "We shall agitate for elections. The country is in anarchy. Parliament is in anarchy." Sirisena, meanwhile, issued a statement on Twitter after the parliamentary session, urging all parliamentarians to uphold the principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times. He also said he would not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances. Government spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella told journalists after the incident that the government would not accept the vote as it was conducted in an "illegal" manner. Wickremesinghe condemned the incident by legislators and said the government had been defeated. Earlier on Thursday, the Parliament session had to be abandoned when MPs scuffled inside the chamber, requiring one to be hospitalised. Outside the chamber, UNP and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party MPs Gamini Jayawickrama Perera and Vijitha Herath could be seen rubbing their eyes, with splotches of chilli splattered across their robes. "They have behaved as beasts, not as human beings," Herath told reporters outside the chamber. He wore a large bandage across his forehead, saying he got injured when an opposing lawmaker lobbed a copy of the Constitution at his head. If recognised by Sirisena, Friday's no-confidence motion would leave the country without a Prime Minister. It was unclear if Wickremesinghe will be restored to his position by Parliament when it resumes on Monday. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, James Dauris, slammed the "deplorable behaviour by some MPs in Parliament". --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has recorded 16,580 data requests from the Indian government in the first six months of 2018 -- a steep rise compared to a total of 22,024 requests in the full year of 2017 and 13,613 in 2016. In the January-June 2018 period, provided some data to the government in 53 per cent of the cases, although the social networking giant did not reveal which kind of data as it published its transparency report late on Thursday. responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and its terms of service. "Each and every request we receive is carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency and we may reject or require greater specificity on requests that appear overly broad or vague," the company said. Facebook also received 15,963 requests from India for "legal process," 23,047 users' requests and 617 emergency requests (half of these were met). In May this year, Facebook said it recorded a massive increase in the total number of Indian government requests for 2017 -- a rise of nearly 62 per cent compared to the global average of 30 per cent. The social networking major also accepts government requests to preserve account information pending receipt of formal legal process. ALSO READ: Facebook to launch independent body for checking content on social media "When we receive a preservation request, we will preserve a temporary snapshot of the relevant account information but will not disclose any of the preserved records unless and until we receive formal and valid legal process," said Facebook which received 1,000 such requests from India. Globally, the government requests for account data increased by around 26 per cent compared to the second half of 2017 -- increasing from 82,341 to 103,815 requests. In the US, government requests increased by about 30 per cent, of which 56 per cent included a non-disclosure order prohibiting Facebook from notifying the user. "During the first half of 2018, the number of pieces of content we restricted based on local law increased 7 per cent, from 14,280 to 15,337," said Facebook. It also identified 48 disruptions of Facebook services in eight countries in the new reporting period, compared to 46 disruptions in 12 countries in the second half of 2017. During this period, Facebook and took down 2,999,278 pieces of content based on 466,810 copyright reports, 203,375 pieces of content based on 69,756 trademark reports, and 641,059 pieces of content based on 29,828 counterfeit reports. Stacey Abrams has to decide if her very bright political future might be compromised by additional challenges to Brian Kemps apparent victory. Photo: Kevin D. Liles/Bloomberg via Getty Images On a day when Georgias Republican election officials are almost certain to certify the victory of her opponent in the states tense but exciting gubernatorial contest, Democrat Stacey Abrams is reportedly mulling an unprecedented legal maneuver that would seek to overturn the results based on a general pattern of voter suppression by allies of Brian Kemp, who was himself the election supervisor during the entire campaign. The Associated Press explains: Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, Abrams campaign chairwoman, is overseeing a team of almost three-dozen lawyers who in the coming days will draft the petition, along with a ream of affidavits from voters and would-be voters who say they were disenfranchised. Abrams would then decide whether to go to court under a provision of Georgia election law that allows losing candidates to challenge results based on misconduct, fraud or irregularities sufficient to change or place in doubt the results. In results that are likely to be certified by the secretary of states office this afternoon, Kemp leads Abrams by about 55,000 votes (out of over 3.9 million votes cast), but more importantly, has a majority of about 18,000. Georgia law requires a December 4 runoff if no candidate wins over 50 percent. So Abrams would have to establish that over 18,000 eligible voters either tried to vote and were prevented from doing so, or voted and had their ballots illegally discarded. As the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes, that will be a very difficult standard to meet in court, particularly since the petition would have to be filed within five days of the elections certification: Abrams campaign has long tried to make the case that Kemp used his role as secretary of state to suppress the vote. But to have a chance in court, Abrams would have to definitively prove there were enough Georgians blocked from voting to close the gap. Her campaign has said it has heard from 25,000 voters who had problems casting their ballots, but several of those voters it has made public were still able to vote. It has not produced a list of Georgians who were unable to vote. While the proposed lawsuit is a very long shot, it could help Abrams and Georgia Democrats document and dramatize the many complaints of voter suppression by Kemps hirelings, and by the county election officials following the states guidance. Its also possible Abramss lawyers could pursue action in federal court relying on allegations of constitutional violations. Kemp and both national and state Republicans, naturally, are excoriating Abrams for not simply throwing in the towel, as HuffPost reported well before the latest discussions of legal action: Kemp has resigned his post as secretary of state and declared victory. President Donald Trump tweeted that its time to move on. Conservative actor James Woods tweeted to his nearly 2 million followers that Abrams is not very classy for holding on. And the publisher/editor of the Monroe County Reporter, the newspaper for a rural district outside of Macon, Georgia, that voted for Kemp, told Abrams campaign in an email: Just let us know when she concedes. Its getting embarrassing. And theres quieter talk among Democrats as to the advisability of steps by Abrams that probably wont succeed in changing the results, but that might negatively affect her currently very bright political future. Still, the whole rationale for Abramss candidacy was to give voice to people who had been disenfranchised or unrepresented in state government for many years. And much of her campaign revolved around claims that Kemp had turned the secretary of states office into a machine for suppressing the votes of such people. However long she pursues possible legal remedies, they will reinforce the historic nature of her candidacy, and its frustration by the powers that be in Georgia. Actress-writer-producer Twnikle Khanna has said that every individual must give it back to the society or their country "otherwise they would be just an animal roaming around." Twinkle Khanna was interacting with media where she was appointed as an artist ambassador of Save the Children foundation on Friday in Mumbai. "I think if you have the platform, then it is your responsibility to use it to help others because if life has given you something then, you must give it back to the society or the country," she said. Khanna spoke about her challenges while producing 'Pad Man' because a lot of people told her that nobody will watch a film based on menstrual hygiene. "We had lot of movies about social problems, and we also had 'Toilet - Ek Prem Katha.' As the world observes November 19 as World Toilet Day, the good news is that India has toilet coverage of 95 per cent. So, I think movies make an impact," she said. Twinkle Khanna is known as a true-blue feminist who doesn't shy away from speaking her mind on various issues. "I would tell you that being a woman or a man is a physical state. We as women must not let our biology hinder us in any way." Spelling out her work with Save the Children foundation, she said: "One of the primary things that I would like to do is amplifying the voices of these young champions. It is my main job to spread awareness." --IANS iv/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Friday dared the Congress to make someone outside the family the party president for at least five years. Modi said if Congress makes someone who is not from the (Gandhi) family as party president for at least five years, then he will believe that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru really created a truly democratic system in Ambikapur. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Assembly elections scheduled on November 20, Modi said, "I want to challenge them. Let some good leader of Congress outside of the family become the party president for five years, then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic system there". Four generations of Congress ruled the nation and they should give an account of what they have done for the country, Modi said. "People have disproved that it was the "right of only one family" to speak from the ramparts of the in Delhi," he said. "You can't understand the difficulties faced by the poor but a chaiwalla can," Modi said in a veiled attack on the Congress and the Gandhis. "They (Congress) have kept the country in the dark with their lies which are ingrained in their minds," Modi said, not mincing words to target the principal opposition party and its top leaders. On the impressive turnout in the first phase of polling held on November 10, Modi said, "People of Bastar in gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase". Congress president on Friday claimed that after writing off loans worth Rs 3.5 trillion of select industrialists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would now waive their remaining debts worth Rs 12 trillion. Addressing a rally in Deori town in Sagar district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, he also termed demonetisation as the "biggest ever scam" of the country. "I met Modi ji and asked him about waiving farmers' loans. But he did not speak a word... He wrote off loans worth Rs 3.5 trillion of select industrialists and will slowly waive their remaining loan to the tune of Rs 12 trillion," Gandhi said. "Modi let (Vijay) Mallya, Nirav (Modi), (Mehul) Choksi flee the country with public money, leaving the countrymen behind in bank queues (during demonetisation)," he said. "But have you seen any big persons like Ambani in queues after demonetisation," he asked. On November 8, which marked the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday had defended the note ban drive, saying "prophets of doom" have been proven wrong as hard data of two years shows 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. Gandhi also targetted Modi over his promise of providing 20 million jobs, saying despite programmes like Make in India and Startup India, the NDA government was able to provide only 450 jobs in 24 hours, whereas China created 50,000 jobs in the same time. ALSO READ: Cow urine and soft Hindutva: Why Rahul skipped Cong's MP manifesto launch The Congress chief also accused the prime minister of not talking about (eradicating) corruption any more. "Narendra Modi used to talk about corruption earlier but not so these days. He used to talk about 56-inch (chest) and would request people to make him chowkidar (watchman) to check corruption. "But, he is not taking about (eradicating) corruption these days," Gandhi said. He also accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government of ruining the healthcare and education systems in the state by handing them over to the rich people. Calling Vyapam as the "scam of the century", he alleged that the entire state knew that Chouhan and his family were involved in the irregularities. Gandhi promised to waive farm loans within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh just like his party-led governments did in Punjab and Karnataka. If the chief minister of the Congress government fails to waive farm loans within 10 days, the party would change the chief minister, he added. Gandhi also promised to set up food processing units near the farmlands so that farmers get a good price for their produce and for employment generation. While addressing another rally at Seoni, he said, black money was converted into white through back-door channels post-demonetisation, which he described as the "biggest scam of independent India". "If the aim was to eradicate black money through note ban, why didn't you find any black marketeer or rich person in the queue outside banks. These people went inside the banks through a backdoor and converted their black money into white". "Farmers, labourers, ordinary citizens were in the bank queues and women had to lose their life-long savings kept at home," he said. He said people made Modi the chowkidar in 2014, but instead of doing chowkidari of farmers, workers, poor, small and medium businesses, he became a chowkidar of a handful of rich. When people hear the promises made in 2014, they laugh, Gandhi claimed. "The UPA's flagship scheme MNERGA's total budget was Rs 350 billion which gave employment to poor in rural areas," he said. "More than 10 per cent of this amount was taken away from you and given to few rich people," he alleged. Gandhi said unemployment had doubled in Madhya Pradesh in the last 15 years of the BJP rule. "The education system has been destroyed due to the Vyapam scam which has seen 50 deaths," he said. On the Rafale deal, he said, "UPA's deal was to get the aircraft manufactured in India by HAL, wherein youth would get employment. However, Modi scrapped the deal and decided to purchase 36 aircraft from France and gave the contract to Anil Ambani, who is under Rs 450 billion in debt. The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to use Nirbhaya Fund to set up 1,023 fast track courts to dispose off pending cases of rape of children and women. In July, the Ministry of Law and Justice had proposed setting up over 1,000 'fast track special courts' across the country, as part of a new scheme to try cases related to rape of children and women. "The Empowered Committee of Officers under Nirbhaya Fund, under the chairmanship of secretary, Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has approved the following three major proposals which include setting up 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to dispose off pending cases of rape, and POCSO Act across the country," the WCD Ministry said in a statement. The project has a total financial implication of Rs 767.25 crore. In the first phase, 777 FTSCs may be set up in nine states, and in the second phase, 246 FTSCs will be set up, it said. The second proposal is of procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases so that these kits are used in states and Union Territories through Training of Trainers (TOTs). "The proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases to kick start usage of such kits in states/UTs through TOTs (Training of Trainers), capacity building/training for forensics in sexual assault cases and strengthening of State Forensic Science Laboratories under Nirbhaya Fund with a total financial implication of Rs 107.19 crore was also approved on Friday," the statement said. "The proposal from the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for setting up video surveillance system at 50 railway stations with a total project cost of Rs 17.64 crore that will be utilised for surveillance, hardware and accessories, local connectivity equipment and power supply devices, also stands approved," it said. The Nirbhaya Fund was announced by the Centre in 2013 after the sensational December 16, 2012 gang rape and murder of a physiotherapy student in Delhi, to support the initiatives of governments and NGOs working towards safety of women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 13 people have lost their lives and over 81,000 others were affected after Cyclone 'Gaja' hit the Tamil Nadu coast early Friday, the National Emergency Response Centre (NERC) said. Six districts of Tamil Nadu and two in Puducherry were hit by the cyclonic storm which also brought heavy rains in the southern state and the union territory. Altogether 81,948 people were affected by the cyclone in which so far 13 people have lost their lives, the NERC said in a statement. Soon after Gaja's landfall, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called up Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and assured him of all assistance to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. The home minister also directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to monitor the situation in Tamil Nadu and provide all help to the state administration. "Spoke to CM Shri K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the HS to monitor the situation & provide all help to the state admin (sic)," Singh tweeted. A release issued in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu government said a "detailed report" will be sent to the Centre on the damage caused by the severe cyclonic storm. "Chief Minister Palaniswami explained in detail the measures taken by the state government, the damage caused by 'Gaja', and the relief measures being taken up on a war-footing," it said. The NERC, which functions under the Home Ministry, said 471 relief camps were set up in Tamil Nadu and 57 relief camps in Puducherry. A total of nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) consisting of 237 rescuers with 19 boats are deployed in Tamil Nadu and two NDRF teams comprising 50 rescuers with four boats are deployed in Puducherry for rescue and relief of affected people. Cyclone 'Gaja' crossed Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam, bringing with it heavy rains in the coastal region. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 19-year-old man was beaten to death after he intervened in an argument over a parking issue, involving his cousin, in Outer Delhi's Sultan Puri area, police said Friday. The incident took place on Thursday around 3.30 pm at a market place in the area. The deceased, Varun, was thrashed by Mannu, his brother Ravi and some other people, who are at large, Seju Kuruvilla, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer), said. On Thursday, Jatin and his friend Deepanker were eating kachori at the market when Mannu along with his friend came there on a scooter and stopped the vehicle in front of them, he said. Kuruvilla said a heated argument broke out between them after Jatin asked Mannu to park his scooter somewhere else. Mannu and his friend started beating Jatin. On seeing this, Deepanker ran and called Jatin's cousin Varun, who tried to pacify the situation, he said. Mannu, too, called his brother Ravi and others. They started beating Varun furiously, Kuruvilla said. Varun became unconscious and was admitted to the Jaipur Golden Hospital. He suffered injuries to his ribs and severe internal bleeding. He died during the treatment, he added. Initially, a case of attempt to murder was registered, but after his death, a murder case was registered, Kuruvilla said. Police are trying to to arrest the accused persons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A key prosecution witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case Friday identified Congress leader Sajjan Kumar before a Delhi court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs. Deposing as a prosecution witness, Cham Kaur told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing the crowd in national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984 that Sikhs had killed "our mother" and instigated the mob to kill them. "On October 31, 1984 we were watching TV on the demise of Indira Gandhi. On November 1, 1984 when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowed and was saying 'hamari ma maar di. Sardaro ko maar do' (killed our mother. Kill the Sikhs)," Kaur told District Judge Poonam A Bamba. She further said that the next morning, they were attacked in which here son and her father were killed. "My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on second floor, beaten badly and were thrown down from the roof," she said, adding that she herself received injuries in the attack. During the proceedings, Kaur also identified Kumar, who was present in the court. "I could recognise the accused Sajjan Kumar, as we used to visit him for getting help in making ration card, passport. We used to visit the accused for getting the papers stamps as he was the MP/MLA," she said. She further named other persons who were shot dead on the same date by the mob. The injured and the family members of victims were taken to the police station and relief camps by police and army respectively. She told the court that she had named Kumar earlier also. Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur had identified Kumar as the one who had instigated the mob in Sultanpuri. The case was transferred from Karkardooma court to Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused. Kumar and two other accused, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash, had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings. The three accused are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri. The proceedings in the case were earlier stayed after the victim and complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior pros Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane were dismissed cheaply but young guns Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari warmed up nicely for the Australia Test series with half-centuries for India A against New Zealand in the first unofficial 'Test'. At stumps on the opening day, India A scored 340 for five with Australia bound opener Shaw (62, 88 balls), middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari (86, 150 balls) and comeback man Parthiv Patel (79 batting, 111 balls) utilised the opportunity to the fullest. However opener Vijay (28, 64 balls) and Test vie-captain Rahane (12, 19 balls) found their defences breached by Blair Tickner and Doug Bracewell respectively. In-form Vihari, who made his Test debut against England with a half-century, was dismissed in the last ball of the day. Vihari hit eight boundaries during his stay in the middle, while Patel has so far found the fence 10 times. Also scoring a half-century was Mayank Agarwal (65), who came in at No 3. After the visitors opted to bat first, India A were given a fine start by Shaw and his senior partner Vijay. The Mumbaikar then added exactly 50 runs for the second wicket with Agarwal, before he was dismissed by slow-left-arm spinner Theo van Woerkom. Vihari joined Agarwal in the middle and added 73 runs for the third wicket till the Karnataka player was bowled by medium pacer Blair Tickner. Shaw struck six boundaries and a six in his 88-ball stay, while Agarwal hit 10 fours and two sixes. Skipper Rahane did not last long but the duo of Vihari and Patel put together a stand of 138 runs for the sixth wicket to consolidate India A's position at the Bay Oval. Tickner was the most successful bowler for the hosts, finishing the day with 2/48 in 15 overs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 5 lakh children from 1,500 schools across India participated in special reading sessions as part of a campaign to mark International Literacy Day Thursday. Organized by social enterprise Dharma Life, the Lighting Up Young Minds (LUYM) campaign saw participation by children from 13 states. Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan recorded maximum participation, with turnouts of 2.5 lakh, 1.5 lakh and 64,000 respectively. The campaign was organized in association with the Signify Foundation and took place simultaneously in the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Launched in 2015, the campaign which aims at educating children in rural India, is based on an interactive model in which lessons are imparted through extracurricular activities to improve overall literacy skills of students through guided reading. "It is greatly encouraging and satisfying to see the large number of children who participated in the campaign this year. The activities are intended to foster a spirit of teamwork, leadership skills, innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among children in rural India," Gaurav Mehta, founder and CEO of Dharma Life, said. The campaign was executed by Dharma Life's network of rural entrepreneurs in their villages and supported by the organisation's employees, partners and stake holders. The design also includes sports, music, poetry and dance activities that facilitate learning and an all-round development of children. This year, as a follow up to the campaign, Dharma Life is also initiating a new set up -- 'Lighting Libraries' -- in rural schools with support from the Signify Foundation, to help the students study at night as well as to increase awareness and adoption of solar lights. The project involves providing solar lights to schools in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand that have limited access to energy, to enable students to borrow the lights to study after dark. "The campaign engages children in a unique way through reading sessions conducted under solar lights. These lights also increase the children's understanding of clean energy," Yue Cui of the Signify Foundation said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the ULFA (I) protest day on November 27, security forces in Arunachal Pradesh have apprehended five cadres of outlawed NDFB and two over ground workers of NSCN (R) in separate operations in the state. The Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles in an operation, apprehended five rebels of the NDFB from Old Khamdo village in Changlang district on Thursday night, Kohima-based Defence Spokesman Col Chiranjit Konwer said in a communiqu on Friday. They were identified as Biswajit Basumatray alias B Birsha, Birkhang Basumatray alias B Bwsrang, Divika Muchhary alias M Daobaisuli, Sampa Basumatray alias Sarfao and Dwimu Brahma alias B Dwijiri. Large number of arms and ammunitions, including four pistols and one carbine along with other incriminating documents, were recovered from their possession, the spokesman said. In an another drive, the Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles nabbed two linkmen of NSCN(R) from Ledo and Margherita areas under Tinsukia district of Assam on Thursday night. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of the linkmen trying to terrorize people and carryout extortion in Ledo and Margherita, the battalion apprehended Seraj Khan and Sibu Pradhan. On interrogation, the duo confessed to carrying out extortion on behalf of NSCN(R) and acting as over ground worker for the group. Security forces under the aegis of Dao Division, have been carrying out relentless operations in South Arunachal Pradesh to make the area free from the clutches of the insurgents, the spokesman added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A sign at a protest of Trumps appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general. Photo: Michael Nigro/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Its been quite a while now that the phrase cold civil war has been bandied about. And its useful, so far as it goes. Polarization has now become tribalism, and tribe is now so powerful a force it is beginning to eclipse national loyalty. The two nations, to borrow Benjamin Disraelis description of 19th-century Britain, stand facing each other, without blinking, faces flush, equally matched, on trigger alert for offense or another set battle. What we dont quite know is if this tenuous, balanced equilibrium is sustainable indefinitely, the system careening from one partys bitterly contested rule to gridlock and back again, until our tribal tensions are somehow exhausted. Or whether the cold civil war could at some point get a little warmer, or even, shall we say, hot. What we dont know, in other words, is when the legitimacy of the entire political system could come into doubt, across the ideological spectrum, in a way that might sanction undemocratic responses. By legitimacy, I dont mean having deep differences in policy with a president or his party; I dont mean contempt for, or even mere opposition, to the powers that be; I mean denial of the core validity of the key institutions and players in our system. Its one thing, after all, to disagree profoundly with an administrations policies; and another thing entirely to believe an administration, or a congressional majority, or a Supreme Court majority, is fundamentally unjust, and its decisions therefore nonbinding. We currently, for example, have an acting attorney general, the appointment of whom was almost certainly unconstitutional. The last time anyone checked, the AG reports directly to the president, is a principal officer in the Cabinet, and wields extraordinary power over our entire system of justice. Installing him as acting attorney general without the advice and consent of the Senate breaks a fundamental principle of liberal democracy and American constitutionalism: No single person should have complete control of all those in the Executive branch, without some severe risk of corruption. And corruption is, of course, the entire alpha and omega of Whitakers appointment. He is a partisan hack, far out of the legal mainstream (he once opined that Marbury v. Madison was wrongly decided, for Petes sake), and seemingly has been installed to shut down or neuter an independent investigation into the presidents campaign. That very possibility is why the Founders wanted the Senate to have a role in this level of appointment. Without such involvement, Whitaker is, in a word, illegitimate. And when the chief law enforcement officer in the country has no constitutional authority, the entire rule of law comes into question. And this is no longer an abstract question. Its happening right now. Then theres the Supreme Court. Its broad legitimacy is critical for the survival of a deeply divided republic, because there are times when only the Court can resolve a destabilizing conflict, as it was forced to do in Bush v. Gore. But it has involved itself in recent decades with profoundly emotive questions such as abortion that split the country. Each time it does this, and sides with one tribe over another in a question as fundamental as when life begins, or who the president is, it loses a little institutional luster. It starts to fail the neutrality test which is to say it loses part of its very legitimacy. But with the abolition of the judicial filibuster, even at the Supreme Court level, and the GOPs nakedly partisan refusal to give a hearing to the last presidents nominee, Merrick Garland, we are in a new zone of tenuousness. Gorsuch wasnt ideal after Garland but the addition of the rigid partisan Kavanaugh in the place of the quirky libertarian Kennedy has only further weakened the legitimacy of the Court. Kavanaugh revealed himself in the hearings as a Republican activist, dedicated to upholding the Executive branchs immunity from prosecution (as Newt Gingrich made clear). In those circumstances, how much legitimacy would a 5-4 vote protecting Trump from Mueller have, if Kavanaugh was the deciding justice? And what would be left of the Courts broader legitimacy then? The legitimacy of elections themselves is also increasingly in doubt. For some on the left, the skew in the House, because of gerrymandering and the concentration of Democrats in urban areas, is undermining faith in the system. And it is indeed crazy that an opposition party needs to be around seven points ahead in the national polling to take back the majority (the gerrymandering of state legislatures is even worse). And think about the possible ramifications: If some of the close races last Tuesday had gone the other way, and the GOP had kept control of the House even though it lost the popular vote, where would our politics now be? In acute crisis, I think. Similarly, the Senates structural tilt toward the less populous, rural, and heartland states further disadvantages one party alone, the Democrats, and looks set to do so for the indefinite future. That takes one branch of government (along with the judiciary via the Senates role) and keeps it indefinitely out of the hands of one of the parties a legitimacy problem if ever there was one. Then theres the Electoral Colleges occasional preference for the losing presidential candidate in terms of the popular vote. This is not a black-swan event any more. In the 21st century, it could be said of the initial election of two out of three presidents, both Republicans. Two out of three. If that were to repeat itself going forward, a crisis of presidential legitimacy would be perfectly understandable. Trump, meanwhile, has been hard at work delegitimizing any institution, office, or officeholder that stands in the way of his whims and temper, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the special counsel investigation which he impugned yet again this week as the rigged work of Democratic partisans, rather than a lawful, independent inquiry, led by a Republican. By co-opting the military in a campaign stunt to halt the caravan, by staffing his administration with military figures, and by talking of the service members as somehow his, rather than the countrys, Trump has also risked the legitimacy of the military as a force utterly removed from party politics. His entire political career is based, after all, on questioning the legitimacy of the Obama presidency. And thats what birtherism was. It was not an argument against the policies or the character of the 44th president; it was a bid to erase his very eligibility to be president at all. If the conspiracy theory were proven, it would have repealed an entire presidency. And Trump was very happy to go there. In the third presidential debate, Trump pushed the envelope again and refused to say that he would abide by the results of the 2016 election in advance: I will keep you in suspense. After he actually won the election, he nonetheless claimed that several million votes had been cast for Hillary Clinton illegally, and that he had, if not for these fraudulent ballots, won the popular vote. He has never withdrawn this fantastic, destabilizing lie. It sits ominously in the air, its toxins slowly dissipating. Trump subsequently set up a commission to investigate and eradicate fraud in the electoral system (which collapsed upon encountering reality) and still has not disavowed his suspicion of the integrity of the vote. This past week, he insisted that there was foul play in the vote count in Florida, and that the only valid result was the one reached on Tuesday night, before many Democratic votes had been counted. This is what the man ultimately tasked with the enforcement of the law tweeted: The Florida Election should be called in favor of Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis in that large numbers of new ballots showed up out of nowhere, and many ballots are missing or forged. An honest vote count is no longer possible - ballots massively infected. Note the hyperbole: ballots showing up out of nowhere massively infected. No room for ambiguity there. He even detailed how he thinks the fraud happens: Sometimes the [fraudulent voters] go to their car, put on a different hat, put on a different shirt, come in and vote again. What Trump is claiming is that if Bill Nelson were to win the ongoing recount (which he probably wont), he would not be a legitimate senator. Does that mean his vote should not be counted in Washington? Who elses could be called suspect? The rhetoric of illegitimacy is spreading. Even the solid Ohio senator Sherrod Brown went there this week. In America we will never give up the hallowed ground of patriotism to the extremists and the extremists in this White House, he said. We also will never give in on voting rights if Stacey Abrams doesnt win in Georgia, they stole it, its clear. Its clear. I say that publicly. Stole it? Cory Booker agreed that the election is being stolen from Stacey Abrams. Now its perfectly fair to protest voter suppression, and indeed the role of Brian Kemp in overseeing an election he took part in. But to declare an election stolen takes everything up another rhetorical and constitutional notch. It renders the victor of such an election a fraud. The more pressing source of illegitimacy, of course, could well be the president himself. It is perfectly possible that the various investigations under way will find evidence, and possibly quite soon, that his campaign conspired with a foreign power to tilt an election decided by only some tens of thousands of votes in a few midwestern states. In other words, it could be argued that he won the election, by unfair and even criminal means, and is thereby not a legitimate president. Its also highly possible that prosecutors will discover money laundering, bribes, shakedowns, scams, and other crimes in the history of his own company, rendering him a de facto corporate criminal in the Oval Office. If Kavanaughs swing vote lets Trump off the hook on these legal challenges, especially if Mueller comes up with substantive evidence of wrongdoing, the opposition could lose it. He may be impeached in the House but theres no chance, barring a massive surprise from Mueller, that he would be convicted by a supermajority of the Senate. Hed be sitting there an emperor with no clothes, but still perched on the throne. Which brings me to the ultimate legitimacy worry: Could Trump refuse to accept the results of the next presidential election? For many, even considering this possibility is a function of Trump Derangement Syndrome. But I ask you: If Trump has denied the validity of the results of elections in 2016 and 2018, why would he not deny the validity of the results in 2020? He would have a lot at stake his entire legacy of always winning, about as deep a psychological need as he has. (Its noteworthy, it seems to me, that he declared the midterm election as a big victory. Thats how hard it is for him to concede defeat in any way.) The margins in 2020 could be close. Several states could have narrow majorities for his opponent that could be challenged in the courts. Trump could yet again claim that millions of illegal immigrants had voted. He could blame China. Or he could caricature the vote-counting process just as he currently is in the Florida recount in a way that discredits the result, and tears the country apart. Here is what he has said so far about Floridas vote: Bad things have gone on in Broward County, really bad things. [Brenda Snipes]s been to court. Shes had a lot of problems I say this: He [Scott] easily won. But every hour it seems to be going down Whats happening in Florida is a disgrace Go down and see what happened over the last period of time, ten years. Take a look at Broward County. Take a look at the total dishonesty of what happened with respect to Broward County. Now imagine him saying that about the certified results of a state in a presidential power struggle. I remember the disturbing end of the presidential election of 2000. Its role is underestimated, it seems to me, in the history of American division. We had a situation in which we really did not know who was going to be president of the United States for weeks. The procedures for resolving this failed until the Supreme Court stepped in. I felt a tension in the atmosphere back then that I havent since: It was a crisis of authority and legitimacy. And it scared me. In the end, it took Al Gores character and patriotism to defuse the constitutional crisis, when he accepted the Court decision (which was effectively arbitrary). The same, in fact, could be said of the very close presidential contest of 1960, when Nixon also demonstrated a deeper loyalty to the system as a whole than to his own short-term interests. But Trump is no Gore; he doesnt even have the character of Nixon, who retained, even in his disgrace, a sense of shame and understanding of democracys norms. Trump has no shame and no such understanding. In a crisis, he would break this democratic system, not save it. Whos Rooting for Theresa May? Nevertheless, she persisted. I dont know how else to describe Theresa Mays grueling slog toward the least worst Brexit possible. It was yet another tenderizing day for her yesterday as the Commons beat her up again and again and again on her proposed deal with the E.U., as yet more ministers resigned (including her second Brexit secretary!) and as a handful of ferocious Europhobes led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, a parody of an upper-class twit launched a formal bid to oust her from the leadership of the Tory Party. Good times. The awkward prime minister is still standing upright, though maybe not for much longer. In this respect, Im surprised more feminists havent come to Mays defense. Mays bourgeois Toryism, like Margaret Thatchers, doubtless disqualifies her from any respect from the left. But her tenacity in the midst of male obloquy is emblematic of many themes American feminists focus on. May, after all, is taking responsibility while her male colleagues posture and preen and complain or resign; she gets almost no credit for negotiating one of the more complex international deals in British history for two demoralizing years; she works harder than anyone else in her government; and the deal she has struck is almost certainly the only one the E.U. will ever accept. A woman, in other words, got the toughest job in government in decades, did the best that could be done, has been pilloried for it, but still plowed on, and even now, wont surrender. Her pragmatism and resilience along with remarkably good cheer in public are a wonder to behold. I guess Mays feminism, like Thatchers, requires no labeling. There are three core options in front of the U.K. with Mays compromise: a no-deal Brexit, with huge economic trauma; Theresa Mays deal for a soft Brexit, which would unfold over the next few years; and calling the whole thing off and remaining in the E.U. after all. A while back now, I predicted that May would get the kind of Brexit that someone who didnt really believe in it wanted (May voted to stay in the E.U., after all). This deal largely confirms that. Yes, the U.K. will leave the E.U. next March. But the agreement May has come up with keeps a great deal of Britains trading relationship with the E.U. intact (the U.K. remains in the customs union and partly stays in whats called the single market); the border in Ireland is kept open (to be figured out at some later date); and in a few respects Britain is still subject to some rulings of the European Court. So you have the letter of Brexit but none of the spirit. As such, it pleases almost no one. The leave camp regards it as a betrayal, turning the U.K. into a vassal state, because it is subject to rules it has no say over. The remain camp gets no second referendum and says good-bye to the E.U. forever. And what, therefore, are the chances that Parliament will approve it next month? Who knows? Right now, the deal seems dead on arrival. There are at least 80 Conservative members of Parliament who will vote against it; almost all the Labour Party will oppose; Mays coalition partners the Northern Irish Democratic Union Party have already denounced it. The Guardian suggests the vote would be 415-228 against the deal. I cant see a scenario right now where she can get even a tiny majority. The consequences of such a defeat would surely be the end of Mays tenure in No. 10 but other than that, who knows? We could have an early election, which Labour could win, and then wed have another negotiation; there could possibly be an extension of Article 50 to give everyone more time; there could be a second referendum; or Britain could simply crash out of the E.U., with all the economic chaos that would unleash (and not just on Britain). Of all these options, a second referendum based on the three choices leave entirely, remain entirely, or take Mays deal might be the least worst for a critical number. But the trouble with a second referendum is that the first one was described as a once-and-for-all decision, and reneging on that would be a violation of a core democratic principle. More to the point, the fury of the leave faction would poison British politics even more deeply than it already is. Its a stitch-up! the Brexiteers will exclaim. And the populist revolt against the elites could deepen and destabilize the country. So we are where we are. If I had to predict, Id bet on a no-deal Brexit. There simply isnt a majority for anything else, and its the default option. And May, for all her resilience, cannot survive that. Amazons Wasted Opportunity I was in Crystal City Im sorry, I mean National Landing a week ago. What a gray, dreary, soul-sapping, concrete maze of boring low-slung office buildings, chain stores, and malls. Think of the architecture of your average multistory parking lot in an airport, and remove any trace of character. Bingo! Despite Crystal Citys name, there appears to be little meth around, although, given the environment, I can see why it might be a temptation. The place has two Marriotts and three Hiltons, although youd be hard-pressed to tell any of them apart. Its also quite densely built, and I have yet to see actual plans for remaking it into something airy or spacious or beautiful. And it would surely need a massive makeover to appeal to the woke, wealthy, and whiny iGen-ers to move in. And on top of the indefensible bribes from taxpayers, its also, it seems to me, a symbol of how corporate America has largely seceded from concerning itself with the political and social health of America as a whole. I mean: Why did Amazon pick two urban, coastal, liberal, already established enclaves rather than somewhere in the heartland which desperately needs the kind of economic and social boost the new Amazon HQ would provide? Yes, I know the urban coasts are where the future nerds and business whizzes want to live (and increasingly do). But thats part of our problem, is it not? Were geographically sorting and the left-behinds are getting more left behind in the middle of the country. And if theres something we really dont need in D.C. right now is more of the cognitive elite! The place is crawling with irritating young white people who go to CrossFit, ride those creepy scooters, and never look up from their phones. A company like Amazon could actually have had the clout to bring those types back to the heartland and do some small thing to rebalance the country. Wages would be effectively higher given the lower cost of housing. The millennial migrants could even help turn Texas blue! The cultural shift and economic boost might even lure a few opioid users toward an ounce of hope and a middle-class salary in Indiana or Ohio or West Virginia. This matters. As the country becomes increasingly culturally, economically, and socially bifurcated, we need responsible corporate actors to help bridge this gap. Amazon one of the most trusted brands in America is perfectly poised to pull this off. Its decisions could be a critical help in keeping this country from the kind of yawning divisions and vast inequalities which are fast hardening into permanent social chasms. For Amazon to double down on the red-blue divide instead, and place all its bets on the blue, is a sign, it seems to me, that the elites have really learned little from the last couple of decades. We are one nation in the end a nation that is not simply a GDP statistic, but a place and a home that requires responsibility for the whole. Amazon had an opportunity to display that sense of patriotism this week. And they blew it. See you next Friday. After a over 14-hour stand-off, activist Trupti Desai Friday aborted her attempt to proceed to Sabarimala as she was prevented from leaving the airport here by devotees and others opposing entry of menstrual age women into the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Desai, who arrived here in the early hours with young six women colleagues, Friday night announced she would return as police informed her that there would be law and order problem if she visited the shrine, but vowed to come back to Kerala soon to have darshan of Lord Ayyappa. "We will soon come back to Kerala to visit Sabarimala but we will not declare it in advance and come," the Bhoomatha Brigade leader she told reporters at the airport after failing to proceed to the temple, which opened Friday evening for two-month long pilgrim season. According to airport sources, Desai and her colleagues have booked tickets on a Mumbai flight scheduled for departure later Friday night. Announcing her visit to Sabarimala, the activist had earlier sent an email to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security, saying she fears threat to her life. Desai, who had earlier said she would not return without darshan of Lord Ayyappa, and her colleagues failed to even come out of the airport following the vociferous protest by the devotees and members of BJP and various Hindu outfits, who staged a sit-in near the domestic terminal and carried on 'nama japam' chanting "Swamiye Ayypappa". The devotees alleged Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. BJP state General Secretary K Surendran said it was a victory of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Desai, who spearheaded the campaign to allow entry of women into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah and the Mahalakshmi Temple, said she was fighting for equality. "In this 21st century also women face discrimination in our country," she said. She alleged that the protesters threatened the management of hotels and taxi drivers whom she had contacted seeking help to move out of the airport. She also accused the devotees of using abusive language against her."They are not devotees of Lord Ayyappa", she said. Desai thanked Kerala police for the cooperation they had extended to her during her stay at the airport. Earlier, high drama was witnessed at the airport at Nedumbassery, about 37 km from here, as the devotees and others, including BJP workes, remained firm that Desai and her colleagues would not be allowed to proceed to Sabarimala. Amid the continuing stand-off, BJP demanded that Desai and her colleagues be sent back to Pune. Police, who were present in large numbers, later in the day registered a case against around 200 devotees who can be identified for preventing the free movement of the activists, but did not make any attempt to remove them. Justifying the agitation being held at the domestic terminal of the airport, BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai said the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were expressing their anguish over the move of the activists to enter the temple. "Desai is challenging the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. This should not be done. The government should send her back considering the mounting protest in the state against her visit," he told reporters here. Police said a case has been registered against around 200 devotees for preventing free movement of Desai and her colleagues. They have been charged under various sections of the IPC including unlawful assembly, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant and criminal intimidation, police said. Condemning the agitation, Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran termed as "uncivilised" the BJP "orchestrated protest" preventing free movement of a citizen. Taking a dig at the Congress and the BJP, Surendran alleged that the activist was closely associated with these two parties and she would return if leaders of BJP and Congress make such a demand. The Sabarimala temple opened Friday, the third time after the Supreme Court on September 28 allowed women of menstrual age to offer prayers there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Activist Trupti Desai reached the International Airport in the early hours of Friday to visit the Sabarimala temple but she could not come out of the domestic terminal following a protest by devotees opposing the entry of menstrual women into the Lord Ayyappa temple. Tension prevailed at the airport as protesters announced that Desai and her colleagues, who reached here at around 4.40 am from Pune, would not be allowed to go out of the airport. The temple opens on Friday evening, for the third time, since the apex court verdict on September 28 allowed women of all age group to offer prayers at the hilltop Lord Ayyappa temple though none could do so following stiff resistance from devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions. Local BJP leaders protesting at the airport said the devotees would not let Desai and her colleagues, reportedly total six in numbers, to come out of the airport and proceed to Sabarimala temple. They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevents entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. "She (Desai) came here not for darshan but for disturbing a peaceful Sabarimala pilgrim season beginning Saturday," they said. The Ayyappa devotees comprising women and BJP workers, assembled in large numbers outside the airport, continued their protest chanting Ayyappa mantra. Police in large numbers have reached the airport to control the situation. Police officers held discussions with Desai and protesters but both sides stuck to their stand. Talking to media over phone, Desai said she would not go back to Maharashtra without a darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple. Taxi drivers at the airport said they would not take Desai and her colleagues outside the airport. Police in large numbers were present in the domestic terminal of the airport to deal with the situation. The Lord Ayyappa shrine will re-open for the two-month-long Madala-Makkarvilakku puja on Saturday. Desai, who spearheaded the campaign for women to be allowed into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah, the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, had sent an email to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security as she fears an attack on her life during her visit to the hill shrine. "We will not return to Maharashtra without darshan at the Sabarimala temple. We have faith in the government that it will provide security for us," she had said "It is the responsibility of the state government and the police to provide protection and take us to the temple as the Supreme Court has allowed women of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine," she added. The West Bengal government Friday withdrew the 'general consent' accorded to the CBI to conduct probe and raids in the state, a top official said. The decision was taken late Friday evening, close on the heels of a similar step initiated by the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government. The general consent, accorded to the CBI by the then Left Front government in 1989, enabled the central agency to conduct any investigation without taking separate permission from the state government. With this decision, the CBI would henceforth require permission from the West Bengal government to carry out any sort of investigation except those ordered by the courts, the official at the state secretariat said. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. During a party meeting earlier in the day here, the Trinamool Congress supremo extended her support to Naidu over the issue. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," Banerjee said there. In the emerging situation, the officials believe that the ongoing investigations in the Saradha, Narada and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases would not be affected since those probes were being conducted according to court orders. However, in other cases, where there were no court orders, the central agency would require consent of the state government to carry out its investigations. Incidentally, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister is likely to visit Kolkata to meet Banerjee on Monday. Both the leaders are expected to hold talks at the state secretariat here ahead of the opposition conclave in New Delhi next week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Editors Guild of India Friday put out an updated list of its members, which continued to include former Union minister M J Akbar and former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, who are both accused of sexual misconduct. Their names featured in the updated list of the guild members, even as there have been calls from within the media body for their removal. Akbar has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women over his tenure as a senior editor as part of the #MeToo movement, while Tejpal has been charged with rape and is currently out on bail. The list also includes senior journalist Gautam Adhikari, who has also been accused of sexual misconduct. Akbar had resigned last month as the minister of state for external affairs in the wake of sexual harassment allegations levelled against him. The Editors Guild of India last month had asked him to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani. It had also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he did not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too. Earlier this month, the Guild had said it is tracking with "great concern" fresh allegations of sexual misconduct against Akbar and a decision on his membership of the top editors' body will be taken after "due process" is completed. The Guild's statement on his membership had come after a US-based editor of a leading media house accused the former Union minister of raping her in India 23 years ago. "In accordance with the decision of the Guild's last EGM (extraordinary general meeting), as ratified at the subsequent meeting of the executive, membership of those editors, whose profession has changed from journalism goes dormant. Mr Akbar's membership is also therefore dormant," the statement had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah will hold a roadshow here on November 21 in support of candidates fielded by the party in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly polls, a party functionary said Friday. BJP district president Dr Satyaprakash Acharya said route of the roadshow will be decided in consultation with the candidates and party workers. The ruling party has released two lists so far of 162 candidates for the polls to be held on December 7 for 200 assembly constituencies. Names of more candidates are expected to be announced soon. The BJP had released its first list of 131 candidates on November 11, while the second list of 31 candidates was announced on November 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Andhra Pradesh government's decision to withdraw the "general consent" accorded to the CBI to conduct raids and carry out probe in the state drew support from opposition parties with West Bengal government following suit even as the BJP alleged that it was an attempt by a "grand alliance of most corrupt parties" to ensure that its "corruption" was not exposed. Escalating its confrontation with the Union government, the Chandrababu Naidu dispensation in Andhra Pradesh withdrew its consent to the CBI. The West Bengal government did the same this evening. BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimhra Rao described the Telugu Desam Party government's order as a "clear mala fide exercise of power" to ensure that its "corruption" was not exposed, alleging that a "grand alliance of most corrupt parties" had taken shape to protect their interests. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal and the Gandhi family of the Congress were facing probe in "corruption" cases, he said, adding that it had led to a "convergence of their interests" with Naidu. However, the Congress cited the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to claims that states do not have faith in the CBI and other central agencies due to their "misuse" by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. "Unfortunately in the last four-five years they (central agencies) have been treated like private armies of Amit Shah (BJP chief) and the prime minister... That is why people doubt the ability of CBI to act independently or to act without pressure," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said. He described it as a "very dangerous trend". After the Andhra Pradesh government's announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support to her counterpart Naidu over the issue. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. Earlier, we didn't need to use such provisions but we need to do it now as the BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said in Kolkata. Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too backed Naidu. "Chandrababu did the right thing. Modi ji is misusing CBI and Income Tax department. Why did not CBI catch scamsters of demonetisation," he tweeted in Hindi. Hitting back at opposition parties, Rao said, "We are seeing a grand alliance of the most corrupt parties. Their interests have converged to ensure that their corruption is not exposed." The Andhra government's decision showed that it had many skeletons in its cupboards, he alleged. "A nervous and completely rattled Naidu is trying to save his government," Rao told reporters. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa cited the recent allegations against the top CBI officials to justify the decision. "We have trust in the CBI but the recent allegations against its top officials have made us withdraw the general consent. Henceforth, the CBI has to obtain the state governments permission for investigating every case," Rajappa said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a significant decision, the Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn the "general consent" accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state. The reason to withdraw the consent was recent allegations against the top officials of country's premier investigation agency, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa told reporters. "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the government hereby withdraws the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," a latest Government Order (GO) said. The 'confidential' GO, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night. "We have trust in the CBI but the recent allegations against its top officials have made us withdraw the general consent. Henceforth, the CBI has to obtain the state governments permission for investigating every case," Rajappa said, claiming that the decision was taken on the advice of lawyers and intellectuals, the deputy chief minister claimed. The state government's move is being seen further intensification of confrontation between the Modi government and Naidu, who is making extensive efforts to forge a non-BJP front to take on the saffron party in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Rajappa, however, clarified that the CBI could take up investigation against central government officials without the state's permission and also said,"We will grant necessary permission whenever the CBI makes a request." The BJP termed the Naidu government's decision "a malafide exercise" to protect acts of corruption, financial embezzlement and other acts of criminality. "The state government has cited recent happenings in the CBI as a lame excuse and a ruse to brazenly save the corrupt and extend political patronage to people and organisations involved in acts of corruption and criminality," BJP Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao said in a statement. That (West Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee wholeheartedly supported such a brazen act was not surprising as a new "coalition of the corrupt parties" was taking shape in the country, he remarked. "Exercise of executive power should be for larger public good. When a new political alliance makes shielding the corrupt its primary political agenda, people will severely punish such self-serving political parties," Rao warned. The BJP would raise this issue in all political platforms to expose the corrupt deeds of the newly-minted "Grand Corrupt Alliance" (GCA), the MP added. Earlier, Banerjee extended support to Naidu over the issue, saying,"What the Chandrababu Naidu government has done is absolutely right. We will also look into the rules under which it was done. Earlier, we didn't need to use such provisions but we need to do it now as BJP is using CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta." On August 3, the AP government issued the GO Ms No. 109 according "general consent" to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction in Andhra Pradesh against officials of the central government, central government undertakings and private persons for investigating offences under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Under Section 6 of the Act, a state government "routinely" grants consent to the CBI for exercising its authority in the state and the AP government, too, had issued relevant orders periodically in the last few years. Ever since he snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, Naidu had been alleging that the Centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents. The recent raids by Income Tax authorities on some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state, have left Naidu red-faced. Subsequently, he announced that his government would not provide police cover to the IT officials for conducting the raids. Opposition parties decried the move and asserted the state government did not have the authority to bar the CBI. The principal opposition YSR Congress alleged the controversial decision was taken only because the chief minister was scared of the CBI. "Chandrababu Naidu should explain why he is blocking the CBI from the state," YSRC Political Affairs Committee member Ambati Rambabu said. The ban order was issued at a time when the YSRC requested President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a "third party investigation" into the attack on Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, he said. Former MP Undavalli Arun Kumar, a trained lawyer, likened the state government order, barring the CBI, to a "tissue paper" and said it would damage AP's image. "The state government order is not valid. The CBI can take up probe on the directions of the court. Only in matters related to the state does the agency require the government"s permission," he said. CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna also questioned the state governments authority in prohibiting the functioning of CBI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal governments have withdrawn their "general consent" to the CBI to conduct raids and investigations, as the Opposition alleged states were losing faith in central agencies due to their "misuse" by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. The BJP, however, dubbed it a "clear malafide exercise of power" by "corrupt parties" to protect their interests. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would now need permission from the respective state governments to carry out any sort of investigation in these states, except those ordered by the courts and against central government officials. Andhra Pradesh government is headed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and West Bengal is ruled by Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress, who are among the key leaders trying to forge a broader 'grand alliance' of opposition parties to fight the BJP unitedly in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa told reporters that the reason to withdraw the consent was recent allegations against top CBI officials, while Banerjee said she was extending her support to Naidu as the BJP was using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political vendetta. "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the government hereby withdraws the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," a Government Order (GO) dated November 8 said. Following suit on Friday evening, the West Bengal government also withdrew its 'general consent' to the CBI to conduct raids or carry out investigations in the state. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, under which provides a state government "routinely" grants consent to the CBI for exercising its authority in the state and the AP government, too, had issued relevant orders periodically in the last few years. Ever since he snapped ties with the Modi-led NDA government in March, Naidu has been alleging that the Centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents. After recent raids by Income Tax authorities on some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling TDP in the state, Naidu had announced that his government would not provide police cover to the tax officers in their raids. "We have trust in the CBI but the recent allegations against its top officials have made us withdraw the general consent. Henceforth, the CBI has to obtain the state governments permission for investigating every case," Rajappa said, claiming that the decision was taken on the advice of lawyers and intellectuals. Rajappa, however, clarified that the CBI could take up investigation against central government officials without the state's permission and also said, "We will grant necessary permission whenever the CBI makes a request." In West Bengal, chief minister Banerjee said, "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta." The general consent was accorded to the CBI in West Bengal by the then Left Front government in West Bengal in 1989. The BJP termed the Naidu government's decision "a malafide exercise" to protect acts of corruption, financial embezzlement and other acts of criminality. "The state government has cited recent happenings in the CBI as a lame excuse and a ruse to brazenly save the corrupt and extend political patronage to people and organisations involved in acts of corruption and criminality," BJP Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao said. He said Trinamool leaders and the Gandhi family of Congress were facing probe in "corruption" cases and it has led to a "convergence of their interests" with Naidu. He alleged a new "coalition of the corrupt parties" was taking shape in the country and the BJP would raise this issue at all political platforms to expose the corrupt deeds of what he dubbed as the newly-minted "Grand Corrupt Alliance" (GCA). Opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh also decried the move and asserted that the state government did not have the authority to bar the CBI. The principal opposition YSR Congress alleged the controversial decision was taken only because the chief minister was scared of the CBI. The ban order was issued at a time when the YSRC has requested President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a "third party investigation" into the attack on Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, he said. CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna also questioned the state governments authority in prohibiting the functioning of CBI. The Congress, however, said the Andhra government's decision shows that states do not have faith in the CBI and other central agencies due to their "misuse" by the Modi government. "Unfortunately in the last four-five years they (central agencies) have been treated like private armies of (BJP chief) Amit Shah and the prime minister... That is why people doubt the ability of CBI to act independently or to act without pressure," the Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too backed Naidu, saying the Modi government was misusing the CBI and the Income Tax department. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Call Me By Your Name" star Armie Hammer has issued any apology for questioning the way some celebrities have honoured comic book legend Stan Lee. Lee, who revolutionized pop culture as the co-creator of iconic superheroes characters such as Spider-Man, Thor and The Hulk, died early Monday at the age of 95. Hammer, 32, in a now-deleted tweet, had disapproved the culture of posting selfies to commemorate the departed soul. "So touched by all of the celebrities posting pictures of themselves with Stan Lee no better way to commemorate an absolute legend than putting up a picture of yourself, he had tweeted. The actor was mercilessly trolled for the tweet. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan had posted a reply to Hammer, saying, "Looks like you found a way to use others ways of mourning and their memories to draw some attention to yourself. You sound like a real a**hat." On Friday, Hammer posted an apology, saying he "inadvertently offended" people by offering some "unnecessary social commentary". "While attempting to provide some unnecessary social commentary about the current selfie culture, I (in true a**hat form thank you Jeffrey Dean Morgan) inadvertently offended many who were genuinely grieving the loss of a true icon," he wrote in a brief statement posted on Twitter. "I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart and will be working on my Twitter impulse control," he added. Among the big Marvel names who paid tribute to Stan Lee include "Captain America" actor Chris Evans, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds, Letitia Wright from "Black Panther", "X-Men" star Hugh Jackman, "Iron Man" actor Robert Downey Jr, and "Avengers Assemble" director Joss Whedon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Theres no end in sight to New York Citys public housing crisis. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that a federal judge, William H. Pauley, rejected a proposed settlement between the New York City Housing Authority and the Manhattan district attorneys office that would have provided $1.2 billion in city funds to repair crumbling public housing units. The NYCHA, which manages the nations largest public housing system, currently faces $32 billion in unmet capital needs, according to the Times. The settlement also would have appointed a court monitor to oversee necessary overhauls. That disrepair puts residents in danger 15,000 people in NYCHA housing lost heat during a snowstorm last winter, and in April, Shola Olatoye resigned from her role as head of NYCHA amid reports that she falsely told the citys Department of Investigations that NYCHA inspected for lead paint in its units. In his verdict, Pauley conceded the endemic character of NYCHAs collapse. According to the Times, the judge deplored the breathtaking scope of the squalid living conditions in the citys public housing complexes. He rebuked the city for its mismanagement of the agency, and said the federal government had abdicated its legal responsibility to overhaul the nations largest stock of public housing that is home to about 400,000 vulnerable New Yorkers. Though he rejected the citys proposed settlement, partly due to a perceived lack of enforcement mechanisms, he did propose a number of alternatives. Among Pauleys suggestions: NYCHA could be placed into a receivership under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Theres some logic to Pauleys plan. In the cold war between New York City mayor Bill de Blasio and New Yorks governor, Andrew Cuomo, NYCHAs disrepair has become a pawn. Both men cite a lack of investment from others, both decry a history of mismanagement, and both have a fondness for blaming culprits outside of their own leadership circles for those ills that have befallen entities they effectively control, Politico reported in January. For Cuomo, NYCHAs troubles make it a useful antide Blasio talking point. As Clio Chang reported for Splinter News in April, Cuomo has repeatedly sniped at de Blasio over the state of the citys public housing. Youre hypocrites if thats what you call progressive, the governor said after a March tour of an East Harlem public housing project. Its certainly true that de Blasio could have done more; though he recently ordered the placement of 14 new boilers, in addition to six mobile boilers, in its developments and committed $80 million to strip lead paint from its units, the citys investments in NYCHA havent kept pace with the housing authoritys needs. One possible reason is the mayors own affordable-housing project, which as WNYC reported in August, is separate from NYCHA. But Cuomo cant completely divest himself of responsibility, either. As governor, his commitment to NYCHA is suspect. Compounding the citys money woes, the state still hasnt given the city $450 million it promised for NYCHA. A spokesperson for Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state wont give money to the city until a monitor is in place to make sure the funds arent squandered, CBS News reported in October. In the meantime, NYCHA residents can only hope de Blasios new boilers will get them through the winter. Under a different president, HUD oversight might well improve the living conditions of NYCHAs residents. But theres little reason to think that a receivership under HUD, as currently administered by Ben Carson, would do anything but cut the housing authoritys wobbling legs out from under it. The case of East St. Louis is cautionary. As ProPublica reported in August, HUD took over public housing in East St. Louis in 1985, ostensibly to improve living conditions. Carson ended the receivership in 2017. But according to ProPublica, the citys public housing complexes remain in crumbling shape, plagued by crime and in need of $42 million to immediately renovate units and building systems to HUD standards and another $180 million over 20 years. If receivership didnt remedy conditions in East St. Louis and if its terms are subject to Carsons whims its hard to see how receivership is the best option for NYCHA. In fact, Carson has already cut funding for NYCHA since taking office. New York City isnt the only locale affected by Carsons restrictive approach to HUD funding. On Tuesday, NBC News reported that more than 1,000 out of HUDs nearly 28,000 federally subsidized multifamily properties failed their most recent inspection a failure rate that is more than 30 percent higher than in 2016, according to an analysis of HUD records. In May, Carson floated a proposal to raise rents for families in public housing; the Washington Post reported at the time that Carsons plan would have tripled rents for extremely low-income public housing residents, with impacts concentrated in cities with high costs of living. Carson also suspended the Obama administrations affirmatively furthering fair housing rule, a desegregation measure that required communities that receive public funds to track and then address racial bias in their housing trends. With a new Democratic trifecta in place, New York could establish itself as a national leader on the issue of housing. Thats the outcome NYCHA residents need from legislators. The alternatives are dire. Australia said on Friday that it was taking legal action against India at the WTO over sugar subsidies, alleging that it caused a "significant downturn" in world prices and hurt Australian producers. Australia alleges that the subsidies, which have seen Indian leap from an average 20 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes this year, far exceed the level of farmer assistance permitted under WTO rules. The action, known formally as a counter notification, comes after Australia has repeatedly raised the issue with India directly, ABC reported. It means the issue will initially be discussed at the WTO's Committee on Agriculture meeting scheduled for later this month. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said it was time India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, was held accountable for its market distorting policies on sugar. "We have raised our industry's deeply held concerns on numerous occasions with senior levels of the Indian Government," Birmingham said. "We are disappointed our concerns haven't been addressed and now see little choice other than to ramp up our efforts to stand up for the rights of our cane farmers and sugar millers. ALSO READ: ISO sees smaller global sugar surplus as output falls "We will now engage in formal discussions with India and other WTO members regarding this issue at the upcoming WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting later this month." He expressed hope that India would reconsider its position in relation to what are more than USD 1 billion in additional subsidies for sugar producers, "which has pushed global sugar prices to a decade low". Australia is the third largest exporter of sugar. "So we are a significant player. We would expect and hope to have support in terms of our action from Brazil and other nations. And ultimately, this is about trying to ensure we get a fair go for our sugar farmers who play by the rules. And they just want to be able to compete," he said. Birmingham dismissed concerns the step could hamper Australia's efforts to ramp up trade with India. "Our relationship with India is much, much deeper than one issue." The announcement came two days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Singapore on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit during which the two leaders discussed the issue. Iraq's central government has agreed with Kurdish authorities to resume oil exports from Kirkuk, the oil ministry said Friday, a year after federal forces seized the lucrative fields. Iraqi security units took the fields from Kurdish forces in October 2017, in retaliation for a controversial independence referendum in the Kurdish region. But since the pipeline to neighbouring Turkey ran through Kurdish-held territory, there was no way to take significant sums of oil out of Kirkuk, so exports stopped. On Friday, oil ministry spokesman Assem al-Jihad said Baghdad and Arbil had agreed on restarting them. "The federal government and the government of the Kurdish (autonomous) region of Iraq reached a preliminary agreement to resume oil flows starting today from the Kirkuk fields through the KRI's pipeline to the Ceyhan port in Turkey," he told AFP. He said between 50,000 and 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) would be exported through the Kurdish pipeline. A source from the state's North Oil Company confirmed that oil had begun pumping out of Kirkuk at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) on Friday morning, describing it a test. "It began as an experiment with 50,000 bpd and will later reach an average of 80,000 bpd," the source added. The Kirkuk fields have changed hands several times in recent years in a tug-of-war over one of Iraq's most oil-rich regions. The Kurds took Kirkuk in 2014, as the Islamic State group swept across parts of Iraq's north, and began exporting to Turkey from there through their own pipeline at around 420,000 bpd. Last year, federal forces seized the fields but could only take around 30,000 bpd out by tanker truck to Iran. The federal government had pledged to renovate their own parallel pipeline, but experts said it would take two years. The announcement is one of the earliest victories for Iraq's new Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi, a previous oil minister known for his good relations with Kurdish authorities in Arbil. It also comes less than two weeks after Washington re-imposed sanctions on Iran's oil, energy and finance sectors. Baghdad was granted a 45-day waiver from the sanctions as long as it came up with a plan to wean itself off of Iranian-imported gas and electricity. Iraq is OPEC's second-largest oil exporter at 4.5 billion bpd. Oil exports make up almost the entirety of the government's revenue, bringing in USD 8.5 billion last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Friday adjourned to December 3 the hearing on the Maharashtra government's plea challenging the Bombay High Court order by which the extension of time granted to the state police to conclude probe in the Bhima Koregaon violence case was set aside. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph deferred the matter to enable the counsel for the Maharashtra government to file a rejoinder affidavit in the case. The apex court on October 29 had granted time till December 1 to the Maharashtra Police to file the charge sheet in Bhima Koregaon violence case. A Pune special court, on the expiry of 90-day deadline for filing of the charge sheet on September 2, had extended the time by another 90 days for filing the probe report in the case by taking note of the state police's plea. The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson in June for their alleged links with Maoists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court decision was set aside by the Bombay High Court leading the state government to approach the apex court. The top court stayed the Bombay High Court order, which had set aside the lower court's verdict allowing extension of time to police to file the probe report against the rights activists arrested in the case. The bench had issued notice to the rights activists on a plea of the Maharashtra government, seeking their replies within two weeks, and stayed the operation of the high court order. The bench stayed the order, paving the way for extension of time to file the charge sheet in the case. It had also issued notice on another plea of the Maharasthra Police challenging the Delhi High Court's order quashing the transit remand in the case of activist Gautam Navlakha. Earlier, the apex court had refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case and declined to appoint a special investigation team (SIT) for a probe into their arrest. The arrests had followed raids at their residences and offices in connection with the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31 last year, which the police had claimed had led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. In the present case, the Pune Sessions Court had granted the police the additional 90 days, following an application from the investigating officer (IO) and written submissions made by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP). Gadling had challenged this, saying the report and the submissions came from the police, not the prosecutor. Under the UAPA, the report should be filed by the prosecutor, he had said. The Maharashtra government's petition filed in the apex court had said the IO had filed an application in the trial court under his signature, giving reasons for extension of time, on August 30. "On the very same day, the public prosecutor submitted her report/application, carving out the grounds for extension of time. The public prosecutor, by way of abundant precaution, took the signature of the investigating officer. "But the high court was carried away by the signature of the investigating officer and arrived at a conclusion that the report/application was not by the public prosecutor," the plea had said. It had also said the high court should not have been carried away by the mentioning of names of the parties in detail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bihar Cabinet Friday gave its nod for transfer of land for setting up of two medical colleges - at Begusarai and Madhubani district. The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave its nod to Revenue and Land Reforms department's proposal to transfer BIADA's 20 acres land to Health department for setting up of medical colleges in Begusarai, principal secretary Cabinet department, Sanjay Kumar told reporters. The transfer of land would be made on the payment of fee fixed by Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), he said. The cabinet also decided that 20.32 acres of land belonging to Revenue and Land Reforms department would be transferred to Health department for setting up a medical college in Madhubani without charging any fee for the purpose, he said. It also sanctioned Es 160 crore for giving grant to farmers for farm tools and equipment under farm mechanisation scheme for 2018-19, the principal secretary said. The cabinet approved the Home department's proposal to construct a sub-divisional jail at Paliganj sub-division in Patna district at an estimated cost of Rs 34.66 crore, he said. It sanctioned Rs 85 crore out of its budget of Rs 150 crore meant for Bihar Development Mission, Patna to be spent in 2018-19, the principal secretary said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi, who has landed in a controversy for distributing money among women in alleged violation of the model code of conduct, sought to justify his action on Friday, saying he was only following an age-old religious practice. Reacting to a video clip of him distributing Rs 100 notes among women during Chhath celebrations in his constituency, which has gone viral on the social media, Joshi said there was nothing wrong in it as he was only following an old religious tradition. "You must have noticed in the video that I am handing notes only to women who apply 'tika' on my forehead, not to all those present there. Brothers do give money or a gift to their sisters when they apply 'tika' on their foreheads. It is an age-old practice. What is wrong in it?" Joshi told PTI. It has nothing to do with the forthcoming civic body polls as being alleged by the Congress, he said. "Congress is making a mountain out of a molehill as it can see its defeat in the civic body polls," he said. Asked whether he had been served with a notice for alleged violation of the model code of conduct by the state election commission, he said he had not received any such notice yet. "I will reply to it (notice) when I get it. No one takes cognisance when liquor is distributed among voters to influence them but they object when an age-old religious practice is followed," the Mussoorie MLA said. Joshi is not a stranger to controversy. He was in the for assaulting police horse Shaktimaan during a BJP rally here in 2016. The horse died of injuries later. Meanwhile, the state Congress has lodged a complaint against Joshi with state election commissioner Chandrashekhar Bhatt terming his action an open violation of the model code of conduct, which is in force in view of the civic body polls slated for November 18. "It is a clear case of notes for votes and an open violation of the model code of conduct. We demand stern action against the BJP leader," Pradesh Congress president Pritam Singh said. The state election commissioner said the matter was being looked into. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An RTI plea has found that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) spent Rs 13.59 crore to come up with a revised Development Plan 2034 for Mumbai. The civic body had to come up with a revised DP after the first one, developed under then municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte, was presented in February 2015 and received flak from several segments of society. Later, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the BMC to come up with a new DP by incorporating objections and suggestions of the public. The revised DP got the state government's nod this week. The Right to Information plea, filed by city-based activist Anil Galgali, found that, of the total expenses, Rs 46.55 lakh was paid to Ramnath Jha as remuneration for being the Officer on Special Duty overseeing the DP preparation. A sum of Rs 1.26 crore was spent on uploading the DP onto the BMC's website while another Rs 46 lakh was spent to print the plan. The RTI reply revealed that ex-IAS official Gautam Chatterjee, ex-chief engineer Sudhir Ghate and former deputy director (planning) were collectively paid around Rs 20 lakh for holding hearings as well as finalising objections and suggestions from the public. A sum of Rs 3.35 crore was paid to Akhil Bhartiya Sthanik Swarajya Sanstha for hiring technical experts, planners and manpower to prepare the plan,, the RTI reply states. The civic body also set aside Rs 10 lakh as a contingency fund while the revised DP was being prepared. Galgali called the expenditure "lavish" and said this money would have been saved if the BMC had prepared the first DP plan properly. Calls and messages sent to BMC officials, however, did not elicit any response. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six British men of Pakistani origin were on Friday sentenced to a combined total of 101 years in prison for sexually grooming and abusing young girls in the northern England town of Rotherham. Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, 37, Asif Ali, 33, Tanweer Ali, 37, Salah Ahmed El-Hakam, 39, Nabeel Kurshid, 35, Iqlak Yousaf, 34, and a seventh man who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been convicted after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court last month. The offences relate to the abuse of five girls, one as young as 13, who were passed around to be sexually abused by multiple offenders. One of the victims told the trial how she had sex with "at least 100 Asian men" by the time she was 16, while another described being gang-raped in a forest. "Each of the complainants in this case were groomed, coerced and intimidated. Each of them was groomed. Each of you, groomed. You can have been in no doubt that the complainants were vulnerable in the extreme," Judge Sarah Wright said during sentencing on Friday. The convictions were the latest to come out of Operation Stovewood, the UK National Crime Agency's (NCA) investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, which has identified more than 1,500 victims. The NCA found that Akhtar was the "ringleader" and he took the lead in befriending the girls before introducing them to his friends. They were plied with drugs and alcohol until they couldn't remember what was going on, and in some instances, were threatened with violence or being transported and abandoned in an unfamiliar location if they didn't comply with the sexual demands. Sentencing Akhtar to serve 23 years behind bars, Judge Wright accused him of "cynical manipulation and exploitation" of the girls. "They (victims) continue to suffer considerable trauma and will continue to suffer throughout their lives as a result of your actions," she added. The other five men, Kurshid, Yousaf, Tanweer Ali, El-Hakam and Asif Ali, were sentenced to 19 years, 20 years, 14 years, 15 years and 10 years, respectively. The seventh man, known only as "X", will be sentenced at a later date. Operation Stovewood Senior Investigating Officer Paul Williamson said, "The men who have been sentenced today preyed on vulnerable young girls for their own satisfaction. They used violence and intimidation and believed they were untouchable by law enforcement. "Today, as they begin serving their sentences, I want to reassure the victims and survivors across Rotherham that the NCA and our partners are committed to bringing child sexual offenders to justice". Mike Duffy, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said, "These men deliberately preyed on young, vulnerable teenagers, grooming and exploiting them. They denied the abuse but evidence put forward by the CPS, including the victims' accounts of the incidents, resulted in the jury finding them guilty. I would like to thank the victims who came forward and bravely supported this prosecution". There are currently 22 separate investigations under the Operation Stovewood umbrella, with 153 suspects identified and 300 complainants engaging with police officers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The head of the Department of Buddhist Studies of the Delhi University has written to the varsity registrar informing him about cancellation of Ankiv Baisoya's admission after it was found he furnished a fake degree, police said Friday. Sources from the registrar office said Professor K T S Sarao, the head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, has written to the registrar office after they received confirmation from the Thiruvalluvar University that Baisoya was never a student of the varsity. "He has written a letter to registrar informing about the cancellation of admission. A copy of this has been given to SHO (Maurice Nagar). We have written to the registar. If any communication is made by any authority, we may take legal action," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harendra Kumar Singh said. Baisoya, who was elected the DUSU president in September, resigned from his post on Thursday after the ABVP asked him to do so. He has also been suspended from the students' outfit till an inquiry is complete into the allegations. While the ABVP said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the DUSU, the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of the Delhi University students, who voted for him. Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) leader Sunny Chillar has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking to set aside Baisoya's election, alleging that according to reports the registrar of Thiruvalluvar University "unambiguously and unequivocally" declared Baisoya's certificate to be "fake and forged". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Parliament witnessed complete chaos on Friday as rival lawmakers threw chilli powder and furniture at each other, disrupting the proceedings for the second day, forcing the Speaker to summon police inside the House and adjourn the session until Monday. The brawl occurred a day after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Friday's proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. Ousted prime minister and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe warned of anarchy if the situation in the country was not resolved. The status quo must return to what it was before October 26, he was quoted as saying by Colombo Gazette. President Maithripala Sirisena, who installed Rajapaksa as prime minister last month in a controversial move, had agreed to a floor test with the leaders of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's coalition during crisis talks last night. The MPs supporting Rajapaksa took over the seat of the Speaker, delaying the proceedings, officials said. They shouted slogans against Jayasuriya and broke furniture. Some Rajapakse loyalists were also seen throwing chilli powder at rival legislators and police, the report said. The Speaker called police inside Parliament chamber after 45 minutes of disruption. One of the rioting MPs Arundika Fernando occupied the seat of the Speaker with more MPs surrounding it. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a senior parliamentarian, was injured in the melee as he was attacked with chili powder. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna MP Vijitha Herath had also come under a chili powder attack, Daily Mirror reported. The rioting United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) members demanded the arrest of two legislators of the Wickremesinghe's UNP. They charged that two UNP legislators, Palitha Thewarapperuma and Ranjan Ramanayake were carrying knives during the brawl on Tursday in which UPFA MP Dilum Amunugama was injured. Police protected Jayasuriya from the rioting MPs as he called the Tamil National Alliance lawmaker MA Sumanthiran to propose the suspension of the standing orders. Jayasuriya on the basis of a voice vote announced that the motion against Rajapaksa was defeated as physical voting could not take place due to the brawl. The rioting MPs threw books at the police. Jayasuriya immediately suspended the sittings until November 19 and left the House in police protection. President Sirisena said that he would not "prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances". "I urge all Parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy parliamentary traditions at all times. I will not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances," the president tweeted. The trouble began in Parliament on Thursday when the Speaker agreed to a request from Wickremesinghe's UNP that a vote be taken on a statement made by Rajapaksa demanding fresh polls. Jayasuriya allowed Rajapaksa to make a statement as a lawmaker after stating that he does not recognise the claim of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader who lost a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Rajapaksa's side has disputed the no-trust motion, saying proper procedure was not followed and accused Jayasuriya of bias towards his party. Parliament on Wednesday passed the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa after the Supreme Court overturned the presidential decree to dissolve the House and hold snap polls on January 5. Amid raucous scenes, Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when Sirisena sacked premier Wickremesinghe, installed Rajapaksa in his place and suspended the House, plunging the island nation into an unprecedented Constitutional crisis. The vote of no confidence against Rajapaksa has further complicated the political crisis. It is not yet clear whether Rajapaksa will resign or Wickremesinghe, who has the support of 122 lawmakers in the 225-member House, return to power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Feeling the pressure. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. Today, Trumps tantrums, the Times revelations about Facebook, and the First Ladys campaign to get a West Wing staffer fired. Since the Democrats made gains in last weeks election and, in some places, may continue to make more still Donald Trump has retreated into what the Los Angeles Times calls a cocoon of bitterness and resentment, canceling travel plans, lashing out at allies and adversaries, meddling in the remaining undecided races and, apparently, sitting for hours of meetings with his personal lawyers. Should we take his tantrums as an early indicator of additional bad news? I will make the reckless prediction that Donald Trump and good news are not fated to appear in the same sentence unless the good news happens to be that his presidency is ending. Everything about his behavior since the midterms suggests that even he has figured this out. It has belatedly dawned on him that (a) he lost the election he thought he won; (b) the Robert Mueller investigation has moved faster than his efforts to thwart it; (c) any of his legislative fantasies, notably the funding of his border wall, are doomed; and (d) and his pouting in Paris elevated his international image as a buffoon to a whole new level of notoriety. Remember when Republicans attacked Barack Obama (falsely) for allegedly barring Winston Churchills bust from the White House? Now the GOPs hero is a president whom Churchills own grandson, the Conservative member of Parliament Nicholas Soames, has labeled pathetic, inadequate, and not fit to represent this great country after Trump failed to show up at the French cemetery rites honoring the fallen of World War I. That all this makes Trump panic at some gut level is visible not merely in his widely reported spells of rage and bitterness and in his increasingly empty official schedule. He is also stepping up his already impressive efforts to discredit and destroy those democratic institutions that might prevent him from escaping criminal jeopardy. And so he has returned to ridiculing the very lifeblood of America, the electoral process, by declaring elections that dont go his way a fraud; he has escalated his assault on a free press by barring a CNN reporter and trying to frame him as a fellow misogynistic bully with a deceptively edited video; and, last but not least, he has appointed an acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, who has ridiculed the judicial system, been on the board of a fly-by-night company that practiced Trump Universitystyle consumer frauds, and publicly attacked the Mueller probe in Trumps own language. This is bunker behavior. Only a desperate man would try to derail Mueller by installing this transparent reprobate at the Department of Justice. Even more revealing is how Trump has become more and more unhinged since making his Whitaker move. The growing fury, most manifest in his latest anti-Mueller tweetstorm this week, suggests that he already realizes that the ploy has backfired. It seems to be finally sinking in, perhaps under the frantic tutelage of his lawyers, that his fate and the fates of his son and son-in-law, among others in his immediate orbit, are tied to the fates of Roger Stone, Michael Cohen, Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, and all the other presidents men whose comprehensive narrative Mueller is bound to tell America no matter what Trump and his stooge at Justice do to try to foil or decapitate him. According to the New York Times, Facebook knew about Russian election interference earlier (and in more detail) than Mark Zuckerberg has let on, but rather than sound an alarm the company went as far as enlisting a Republican opposition-research firm to cast protesters as puppets of George Soros. The revelations come among growing calls to regulate the social-media giant is this the end of Facebook as we know it? Facebook has managed to infuriate both Democrats and Republicans in Washington. Employee morale is crumbling along with its stock price. The company is now likely to be reshaped by both market forces and government regulation. But thats not what interests me most about this extraordinary piece of Times investigative reporting. Equally important is the story the paper tells of how powerful liberal Democrats, one at the pinnacle of Facebook (Sheryl Sandberg) and another at the pinnacle of the Senate (Chuck Schumer), shielded the company from critics to preserve its fat bottom line. And in the process proved to be useful idiots for the Russians. Had Sandberg and Schumer not protected Facebook, it would have been harder for Russians to manipulate the 2016 election with impunity on its platform, and the presidential candidate Sandberg and Schumer supported, Hillary Clinton, conceivably might have averted narrow defeat. It was Sandberg, who served under the Treasury Secretary Larry Summers in Bill Clintons administration and was a strong Hillary supporter, who hired the Republican lobbyist Joel Kaplan, the key figure in covering up the extent of Russian meddling at Facebook for a full year. (Kaplan is most recently notorious for being caught on camera lending prominent support to Brett Kavanaugh as he denied Christine Blasey Fords testimony before the Senate Judiciary committee.) And it was Sandberg who looked the other way as other Republican operatives hired by Facebook targeted Soros, falsely portraying him as a prime mover in an anti-Facebook cabal. This Facebook-generated libel inexorably contributed to the proliferation of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about Soros that would boil over in the final weeks of the 2018 campaign and arguably cost Democrats some votes in this years election as well. Sadly, it turns out that powerful Jewish executives like Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg offer no more protection against dark anti-Semitic corporate tactics at Facebook than Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump do against anti-Semitic political tactics at the White House. As for Schumer, his water-carrying for Facebook, as documented by the Times, is mortifying: He even tried to shut down a fellow Democratic senator, Mark Warner, who dared question the company. (It will surprise no one that Facebooks employees contribute more to Schumer, the Democrats Senate leader, than any other member of Congress.) Its a cruel irony, I guess, that prominent Clinton supporters like Sandberg and Schumer in the end contributed to Trumps victory by allowing Russian interference to play out unchecked at Facebook for much of 2016. But it is not a fresh irony. As I wrote in my New York piece on Trump and Roy Cohn this spring, From the mid-1970s to the turn of the century, well before Trump debuted on The Apprentice or flirted more than glancingly with politics, he gained power and consolidated it with the help of allies among the elites of New Yorks often nominally Democratic and liberal Establishment some of them literally the same allies who boosted Cohn. Those powerful Democrats priority, I posited, was raw personal power that could be leveraged for their own enrichment, privilege, and celebrity. And so the story of Sandberg, Schumer, Facebook, and Trumps 2016 victory, as told by the Times, is yet another chapter in that same sordid narrative. After Melania Trump publicly called for the ouster of Mira Ricardel, John Boltons deputy, earlier this week, Ricardel is gone from the White House. Was Melania justified in taking her case public? Its really hard to know whom to root for in this rollicking tale. For starters, it is utterly preposterous that a First Lady would have her press secretary release a statement announcing that a high national security official no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. When Nancy Reagan put the shiv in Donald Regan, at least she had the good political sense to do so in the East Wing shadows rather than appear to wield power over a part of the government in which she has no official role or expertise. To quote David Rothkopfs must-read tweet thread on this incident, Melania Trump is by contrast just another member of the thug mob that has corrupted our White House. But this farce doesnt end there. Weve since learned that Melania Trump has never met the woman she banished. In the Washington Posts account, Ricardel angered the First Lady with a bureaucratic gambit: She threatened to pull National Security Council policy advisers from the First Ladys trip to Africa in retaliation for being denied a seat on her plane and having to travel on another flight instead. This much is clear: The last thing anyone involved in this episode was thinking about was Africa, the ostensible point of Trumps trip. The Post also reported that Ricardel is so widely despised that the White House couldnt even find her a soft landing in the Commerce Department, presided over by Wilbur Ross, a world-class grifter even by the standards of a Trump Cabinet that now includes Whitaker. If theres one bit of good news in this whole saga, its that John Bolton tried strenuously to save Ricardels job and failed. We can only hope that the First Lady will soon declare the malevolent Bolton unworthy of the honor of serving in her husbands crime syndicate and send him back to Fox News. As world leaders land in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's president. A huge sign in the capital, Port Moresby, welcomes Xi Jinping, picturing him gazing beneficently beside Papua New Guinea's leader, and his hotel is decked out with red Chinese lanterns. China's footprint is everywhere, from a showpiece boulevard and international convention center built with Chinese help to bus stop shelters that announce their origins with "China Aid" plaques. On the eve of Xi's arrival for a state visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, newspapers in the country ran a full-page statement from the Chinese leader. It exhorted Pacific island nations to "set sail on a new voyage" of relations with China, which in the space of a generation has transformed from the world's most populous backwater into a major economic power. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by US ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. With the exception of Papua New Guinea, those island nations are not part of APEC, but the leaders of many of them have travelled to Port Moresby and will meet with Xi. The APEC meeting, meanwhile, is Xi's to dominate. Headline-hogging leaders such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are not attending. Trump's stand-in, Vice President Mike Pence, is staying in Cairns in Australia's north and flying into Papua New Guinea each day. Australia's new prime minister, Scott Morrison, the country's fifth leader in five years, is barely known abroad. "President Xi Jinping is a good friend of Papua New Guinea," its prime minister, Peter O'Neill, told reporters. "He has had a lot of engagement with Papua New Guinea and I've visited China 12 times in the last seven years." Pacific island nations, mostly tiny, remote and poor, rarely figure prominently on the world stage but have for several years been diligently courted by Beijing as part of its global effort to finance infrastructure that advances its economic and diplomatic interests. Papua New Guinea with about 8 million people is by far the most populous, and with its extensive tropical forests and oil and gas reserves is an obvious target for economic exploitation. Six of the 16 Pacific states still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a sizeable bloc within the rapidly dwindling number of nations that recognise the island regarded as a renegade province by Beijing. Chinese aid and loans could flip those six into its camp. A military foothold in the region would be an important geostrategic boost for China, though its purported desire for a base has so far been thwarted. Beijing's assistance comes without the oversight and conditions that Western nations and organisations such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund impose. It is promising USD 4 billion of finance to build the first national road network in Papua New Guinea, which could be transformative for the mountainous nation. But experts warn there could also be big costs later on: unsustainable debt, white elephant showpieces and social tensions from a growing Chinese diaspora. "China's engagement in infrastructure in PNG shouldn't be discounted. It should be encouraged but it needs to be closely monitored by the PNG government to make sure it's effective over the long term," said Jonathan Pryke, a Papua New Guinea expert at the Lowy Institute, a think tank in Sydney. "The benefits of these projects, because a lot of them are financed by loans, only come from enhanced economic output over a long time to be able to justify paying back these loans," he said. "The history of infrastructure investment in PNG shows that too often there is not enough maintenance going on," Pryke said. "There's a build, neglect, rebuild paradigm in PNG as opposed to build and maintain which is far more efficient." Some high-profile Chinese projects in Papua New Guinea have already run into problems. A promised fish cannery hasn't materialised after several years and expansion of a port in Lae, the major commercial center, was botched and required significant rectification work. Two of the Chinese state companies working in the country, including the company responsible for the port expansion, were until recently blacklisted from World Bank-financed projects because of fraud or corruption. Xi's newspaper column asserted China is the biggest foreign investor in Papua New Guinea, a statement more aspirational than actual. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Friday said it is a "dangerous trend" that states governments "no longer have faith" in the CBI and alleged that investigative agencies are being misused by the Centre. The party's reaction came after the Chandrababu Naidu Government in Andhra Pradesh withdrew the "general consent" accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state. "Unfortunately, in the last four-and-a-half years, they (CBI and other agencies) have been treated like private armies of Amit Shah or the Prime Minister and to an extent of the NSA and that is why people doubt the ability of CBI to act independently, to act without pressure," Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged. The Congress leader said the recent goings-on in the CBI are a "very serious matter" and people should not lose faith in such premier agencies of the country. "If immediate remedial steps are not taken, it could prove dangerous for the country," he noted. The Andhra Pradesh government withdrew the "general consent" accorded to the CBI to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state due to the recent allegations against the top officials of country's premier investigation agency, state Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa told reporters. "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the government hereby withdraws the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," a latest Government Order (GO) said. The state government's move is being seen further intensification of confrontation between the Modi government and TDP chief Naidu, who is making extensive efforts to forge a non-BJP front to take on the saffron party in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing the Congress of telling "lies" to people, BJP chief Amit Shah Friday said the opposition party can only daydream of winning the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working to enhance the country's prestige in the world. Shah said he heard Congress chief Rahul Gandhi saying in his speech that his party would come to power in Madhya Pradesh. "However, he (Rahul) seems to have ignored that the BJP has been on a winning streak since 2014. "After the 2014 (Lok Sabha) elections, there were polls in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Goa and Himachal. The BJP won everywhere," the BJP president said. "Now MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are going to polls and the result is clear. They can only daydream about winning," he said. Shah said the Congress leaders have a habit of telling lies "loudly, publicly and repeatedly". "Congress leader Kamal Nath says Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes on lots of foreign trips. However, when we took a stock of it, we came to know that Modi ji has done fewer trips than his predecessor Manmohan Singh," he said. "I thought why does it appear that Modi ji is going on more number of trips. I asked a few people and it was found that when 'mauni baba' (referring to Manmohan Singh) went on foreign trips, he used to take two pages of speech in English and read it. "At times even used to read in Malaysia a page meant to be read in Thailand and vice-versa. Now, when Modi ji goes out, he is greeted by a cheering crowd. These slogans are not for the welcome of Modi ji or the BJP, but for the 1.25 crore people of the country and Madhya Pradesh," Shah said. "Modi ji has worked to increase the prestige of the nation," he said. According to the BJP leader, the Modi government had started 129 schemes in the last four-and-a-half years for farmers, Dalits, Adivasis, youth, women and poor spread across villages and cities. Hitting out at the Congress for questioning the NDA government and the BJP over surgical strikes, he said, "They have Italian spectacles on their eyes and therefore, cannot see what has actually happened". "Before the surgical strikes, there were just two countries who could take revenge by conducting such strikes in other countries - America and Israel. Now, India also figures in that list," he said. On the issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Shah said the Congress created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha over the move. "I want to ask, are they concerned about the human rights of infiltrators? What about the human rights of martyrs' widows? These infiltrators take away jobs, but you are not concerned about it because vote-bank is more important to you," he said, adding national security was more important to the BJP. Shah said if the BJP continued to remain in power at the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh, the party would throw out every single infiltrator from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Assam to Gujarat. "Only Modi and BJP can throw out these infiltrators," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on what it claimed is fresh proof of irregularities in the is a precursor to a "massive storm" the government is about to face. leader Pawan Khera said Modi cannot escape his political and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the "biggest defence scam" of India and for truth to prevail, the only route is to order a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe in this "scandal". The government has denied any wrongdoing in the deal while the has dismissed as "lies" allegations of corruption levelled by the Khera came out with a 'management meet note' of claiming it was another proof of Modi government's "involvement" in the Rafale scam. He said the note claimed that Reliance Defence has formed a joint venture with French major Dassault for execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jet purchase valued at Rs 590 billion. He said the management has pegged this opportunity from Rafale at Rs 1.05 trillion and Dassault Reliance JV will provide performance based logistics for 50 years. Khera alleged that another undisputable evidence has come to the fore that establishes the "deliberately hiked" commercial cost of 36 Rafale aircraft deal signed by Modi on April 10, 2015. "The silence of the government on the new skeletons that have tumbled out of their Rafale scam cupboard is a precursor to a massive storm," he told reporters. The Congress leader said the prime minister "cannot escape from his moral, political, legal and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the 'biggest defence scam' of India". "Everyday, new sets of irrefutable evidences are lining up at the doorstep of prime minister Modi which cements the charges of 'squandering interests', 'brazen crony capitalism', 'kickbacks and corruption' and 'serious illegalities' that have taken place in the 'murky saga of Rafale scam'." Claiming that price does not cover under the so-called secrecy pact that the government is talking about, he asked why the prime minister and his government were hesitant to disclose the price of the fighter jets. "What is the price per aircraft of the 36 aircraft deal signed by prime minister Modi on April 10, 2015 in France... "What is stopping the Modi government to reveal the commercial cost of the as well as the details of the offset obligations," he asked. Khera said if Dassault Aviation in its annual report can reveal the price per aircraft, if Reliance Defence can reveal the aircraft price and if a retired bureaucrat and former 'Head of Finances' in Defence Ministry, can reveal the benchmark price, why the government cannot. The Congress had Thursday accused Modi of compromising interest on the Rafale issue, with party chief Rahul Gandhi alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the "Rafale cupboard" is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. The Congress also accused the prime minister of accepting in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by him, the higher 'benchmark price' of Euro 8.2 billion instead of Euro 5.2 billion for the 36 aircraft, despite objections by the Defence Acquisition Council and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar not approving it. The opposition party also charged Modi with waiving the condition of arbitration between India and France by converting it into an arbitration between the supplier company Dassault and Indian Government, as also changing the venue of arbitration from India to Switzerland. The Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on what it claimed is fresh proof of irregularities in the is a precursor to a "massive storm" the government is about to face. Pawan Khera said Modi cannot escape his political and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the "biggest defence scam" of India and for truth to prevail, the only route is to order a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe in this "scandal". The government has denied any wrongdoing in the deal while the has dismissed as "lies" allegations of corruption levelled by the Khera said that a 'management meet note' of Reliance Infrastructure, prepared by ICICI, the country's largest private sector bank, is another proof of Modi government's "involvement" in the Rafale scam. He said the note claimed that has formed a joint venture with French major Dassault for execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jet purchase valued at Rs 590 billion. He said that note has pegged this opportunity from Rafale at Rs 1.05 trillion and Dassault Reliance JV will provide performance based logistics for 50 years. Later, Khera shared with journalists a 'management meet note' on Reliance Infrastructure, a brokerage house report prepared by firm, ICICIDirect.com, on the basis of a meeting with the Anil Ambani group firm's management. Khera alleged that another undisputable evidence has come to the fore that establishes the "deliberately hiked" commercial cost of 36 Rafale deal signed by Modi on April 10, 2015. "The silence of the government on the new skeletons that have tumbled out of their Rafale scam cupboard is a precursor to a massive storm," he told reporters. The Congress said the prime minister "cannot escape from his moral, political, legal and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the 'biggest defence scam' of India". "Everyday, new sets of irrefutable evidences are lining up at the doorstep of prime minister Modi which cements the charges of 'squandering interests', 'brazen crony capitalism', 'kickbacks and corruption' and 'serious illegalities' that have taken place in the 'murky saga of Rafale scam'." Claiming that price does not cover under the so-called secrecy pact that the government is talking about, he asked why the prime minister and his government were hesitant to disclose the price of the fighter jets. "What is the price per of the 36 deal signed by prime minister Modi on April 10, 2015 in France... "What is stopping the to reveal the commercial cost of the as well as the details of the offset obligations," he asked. Khera said if Dassault in its annual report can reveal the price per aircraft, if can reveal the aircraft price and if a retired bureaucrat and former 'Head of Finances' in Defence Ministry, can reveal the benchmark price, why the government cannot. The Congress had Thursday accused Modi of compromising interest on the Rafale issue, with party chief alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the "Rafale cupboard" is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. The Congress also accused the prime minister of accepting in the (CCS), chaired by him, the higher 'benchmark price' of Euro 8.2 billion instead of Euro 5.2 billion for the 36 aircraft, despite objections by the and the then not approving it. The opposition party also charged Modi with waiving the condition of arbitration between India and France by converting it into an arbitration between the supplier company Dassault and Indian Government, as also changing the venue of arbitration from India to BJP president Amit Shah alleged Friday that Congress governments ignored Bundelkhand, an impoverished region which is spread over Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Shah addressed campaign rallies at Tikamgarh, Damoh and Sagar in Bundelkhand ahead of the November 28 Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking in Tikamgarh, Shah said, "There was a time when funds received for the development of Bundelkhand disappeared. Neither roads were constructed, nor were the schemes for hospitals and water supply implemented." Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan utilised the funds well to convert Bundelkhand into a developed region, he claimed. In Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has also kicked off development of Bundelkhand since the BJP came to power in that state, he said. At the behest of Union minister Uma Bharti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Ken-Betwa river-linking project for Bundelkhand, he said. Crediting Bharti for ousting the Congress from power in MP in 2003, Shah noted that she hails from Bundelkhand. Addressing another rally at Damoh, Shah said Congress president Rahul Gandhi will soon need to use binoculars to look for his party which is fast vanishing from the country. At a public meeting at Sagar in the region, he said, in apparent jibe at the roots of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, that Congress leaders wear "Italian spectacles" when talking about the surgical strikes conducted by the Army in 2016. The GDP of Madhya Pradesh was "minus four per cent" when Digvijay Singh was chief minister, while under the BJP it has risen to ten per cent, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The crucial hearing in the CBI case had a light moment Friday when the Central Vigilance Commission's advocate requested the Supreme Court to allow him "access" to CVC's confidential preliminary inquiry report against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma. "You (CVC) have not got it (report)? You are the author of the report and you have not seen it?," Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for CVC. Mehta told the bench that though he was representing CVC in the matter, he has not seen the report as a lawyer. Referring to the apex court's earlier direction that the inquiry report be placed before it in a sealed cover, Mehta said: "I have said that since the court had asked me to file it (report) in sealed cover, I will place it before the court only." "Please allow me access to this report," he told the bench, which also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph. Attorney General K K Venugopal, who was appearing for the Centre, also said that he had asked Mehta about the report and the solicitor general had told him that even he has not seen it. The bench then ordered that the CVC's report be provided to the offices of Venugopal and Mehta in sealed cover. It also said that copy of the report along with annexure be also given to Verma in a sealed cover and it "will be open for" him to file his response to it "again in sealed cover" by 1 PM on November 19. The bench made it clear that confidentiality of CVC's report was necessary "keeping in mind the need to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the institution of the CBI and public confidence in the said institution". It also said that only Verma would file his response to the CVC report. Verma has approached the apex court challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of his duties and sending him on leave following his feud with CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has levelled corruption allegations against him. During the hearing, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, told the bench that it should also hear him. "Who are you?," the bench asked Sibal who responded, "Mr Kharge". "The Leader of Opposition or the single largest party. We had forgotten about you," the CJI said, adding that Kharge's plea would be heard on November 20. On November 4, Kharge had moved the top court contending that divesting Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary". Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for CBI Deputy SP A K Bassi, also referred to the application filed by the official, who was one of the investigating officers in the FIR lodged against Asthana on corruption allegations, challenging his transfer to Port Blair. "Port Blair. Nice place to go to," the CJI said in a lighter vein. The bench said that Bassi's plea would also be heard on the next date of hearing. At the fag end of hearing, Mehta told the court that under the scheme of the CVC Act, the report cannot be supplied to a person, who is subject matter of the inquiry, if any further investigation was needed. "We also make it clear that the present order requiring furnishing the report of the CVC in sealed cover to the counsel for the petitioner (Verma) is being made in the peculiar facts of the case and as a one time measure," the bench noted in its order. Besides Verma's plea, the court was also hearing a separate petition filed by NGO Common Cause which has sought a probe by an special investigation team against CBI officers. The apex court had earlier issued notices to the Centre and CVC seeking their replies on Verma's petition challenging the government's decision to divest him of his powers as CBI chief and sending him on leave. It had also set a deadline of two weeks for the CVC to complete the preliminary inquiry against the CBI director. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CVC has made some "very uncomplimentary" findings in its probe on corruption allegations against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma and wanted further investigations into some of the charges which required more time, the Supreme Court said Friday, adding there were also some "very complimentary" conclusions. In what is seen as mixed findings , the court summed up the "exhaustive" confidential report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) given to it and ordered that its copy along with annexure be given to Verma in a sealed cover and it "will be open for" him to file his response to it "again in sealed cover" by 1 PM on November 19. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there are some "very complimentary", some "not so complimentary" and some "very uncomplimentary" findings in the "exhaustive" preliminary inquiry report. It also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph. "CVC has filed an exhaustive report. The report has been categorised in four parts and is very complimentary on some charges, not so complimentary on some charges and very uncomplimentary on some charges. CVC report says some charges are required to be investigated and they need time," the CJI said and posted the matter for hearing on November 20. Verma approached the apex court challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of his duties and sending him on leave following his feud with special CBI director Rakesh Asthana, who has levelled corruption allegations against him. Asthana has also been divested of his duties and sent on leave. Pursuant to the top court's order, the CVC's inquiry against Verma was conducted under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik and the report was filed in the court on November 12. During the hearing on Friday, the bench made it clear that the confidentiality of CVC's report was necessary "keeping in mind the need to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the institution of the CBI and public confidence in the said institution". The bench also said that a copy of the report, along with annexure, be also furnished in a sealed cover to the offices of Attorney General K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the CVC. "Needless to say, the report of the CVC directed to be furnished to the office of the Attorney General for India; to the office of the Solicitor General of India and to the learned counsel for the petitioner Alok Kumar Verma....in sealed cover will be treated with utmost confidentiality for the reasons afore-stated," the bench said. The court clarified that a response to the CVC report has to be filed by Verma only. "At this stage, we are not inclined to call upon either the Union of India or any other party to submit any response/reply to the said report of the CVC and the only response the court is permitting is that of the petitioner Alok Kumar Verma...". However, the court turned down the fervent request of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Asthana, to also give him a copy of the CVC report. Rohatgi said Asthana has been facing a criminal case for complaining against Verma and demanded the report, saying it was Asthana who had filed a complaint against the CBI director to the Cabinet Secretary, which was subsequently sent to the CVC. "This is not a case of security of the nation. Why should this report be kept in a sealed cover?," Rohatgi said. To this, the bench initially questioned Asthana's move to lodge a complaint with the Cabinet Secretary saying, "Under what authority in law you had filed a complaint to the Cabinet Secretary?". When Rohatgi said, "That (complaint) I can file", the bench observed, "Anybody can file a complaint". Senior advocate Fali S Nariman, appearing for Verma, told the court that the CBI director would file his response to CVC report as soon as possible by November 19 as "the earlier it (issue) is resolved, the better it is". To this, the bench told Nariman, "Once we will have your (Verma) response, we will take a decision". The bench told senior lawyer Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO Common Cause which has filed a separate plea seeking a probe by a special investigation team against CBI officers, that the NGO has not filed a list of policy decisions taken by acting CBI director M Nageswara Rao. Dave had earlier claimed that despite court's order that Rao would not take policy decisions, the acting CBI director has taken several such decisions. "We will presume that he (Rao) has not taken any major policy decision because you have not given us list of decisions taken by him," the bench told Dave, adding that Rao has already filed in the court a list of decisions taken by him from October 23 till October 26. When Dave said he would file the list of decisions taken by Rao, the bench observed that "it will be open for any party to supplement the said list" and the issue would be considered on the next date of hearing. The bench also dealt with the application filed by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and CBI Dy SP A K Bassi, who has been transferred to Port Blair and said that they would also be considered on November 20. On November 4, Kharge had moved the top court contending that divesting Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast early Friday, a dredger that was anchored in Karaikal port ran aground due to the strong winds. However, there were no casualties, official sources said. The dredger 'Veera Prem' belongs to Mumbai-based Mercator Ltd and was anchored in Karaikal Port premises since January, the sources told PTI. It was dragged for about 60 km from the port before it ran aground, they said. "It was involved in dredging activities in Karaikal port. Recently, the workers were involved in repairing it as one of the engines malfunctioned," they said. The dredger ran aground near T R Pattinam (Thirumalairayanpattinam) taluk early morning. "It had about 28 crew. Only three of them are in the dredger right now while the rest are in port. Once the weather condition improves, it will be pulled back into the sea using tug boats," they said. It cannot be done now due to the inclement weather and rough sea conditions. "Once the weather clears, it will be done by the shipping company in one or two days," they said. A senior district police official said public have been barred from thronging the area to see the dredger. An e-mail sent to the Mumbai-based company seeking information about the incident failed to elicit any response. In October 2012, an oil tanker Pratibha Cauvery with 37 member crew ran aground off Chennai coast about 200 metres from the shore due to strong winds during cyclone 'Nilam'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Friday said defence and military attaches who visited forward areas along the Sino-India border in Ladakh in October as part of a "familiarisation tour" had expressed satisfaction about the situation there. The General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-In-C), Northern Command, said the armies of India and China will undertake a military exercise in December in China which was a regular annual feature. "They (defence and military attaches) have been able to come and see the situation in Ladakh. Therefore, they were satisfied about the situation and the activities of the government of the state and security forces," Singh said here. He was replying to a question posed by PTI about the tour which was held for defence and military attaches from 22 countries to Leh and surrounding areas close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China to "familiarise them" with the situation in the forward areas. "This is part of an outreach program at the national level. There are programs, which are developed at the national level and people are encouraged to visit any of the locations," he said. The move to open a sensitive military location to the foreign officers, comes amid a dip in intrusions in eastern Ladakh this year as compared to last year when ties between India and China were affected due to the Doklam standoff. The Indian Army conducted the 'forward area tour' to Leh for defence and military attaches, posted at embassies in India. Attaches from the US, Russia, France, Australia, Hungary,Singapore, South Korea, Senegal, South Africa and Nigeria participated in the tour. They were briefed on the security situation at the 14 Corps headquarters, which has a mandate of guarding the LAC in eastern Ladakh. They were also taken to the Nanak Hill Military Station and a local brigade headquarter, besides Pongang lake. They were shown some of the military equipment being used in that region, which witnesses extremely cold weather conditions that reduces an equipment's abilities. Replying to another question about the forthcoming military exercise between Indian and Chinese armies, the Army commander said the military exercise with China has been part of regular exchanges at the military level. "This is not the first exercise. We have been doing it every year, once in China and next in India. Chinese troops come and carry out similar exercises in India. This is part of confidence building measure between two armies that have been instituted during the last couple of years," he said. The armies will resume their annual bilateral military exercise 'Hand in Hand' in December in China. The last 'Hand-in-Hand' exercise took place in Pune in 2016. However, the drill did not take place in 2017 due to tensions between the two armies over Doklam, where the forces of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If there was any doubt about it, the results showed that the GOP was very much Trumps party in 2018. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images Its a well-established tenet that most midterm elections are functionally referenda on the president of the United States. And the particular president in office right now helped make the 2018 midterms emphatically about himself via high-profile campaigning and some characteristically inflammatory behavior designed to energize his supporters and opponents alike. Still, as Ron Brownstein observes, 2018 set a new standard for presidential domination of a midterm: In the midterms of 2006, 2010, and 2014, between 84 percent and 87 percent of voters who approved of the presidents job performance voted for his partys candidate in their local House race, according to exit polls. Last week, 88 percent of Trump approvers said they backed Republicans for the House, according to results from the Edison Research exit poll, which was conducted for the National Election Pool and published on the CNN website. Likewise, in those previous three midterm exit polls, between 82 percent and 84 percent of voters who disapproved of the president voted against his partys candidates for the House. But on Tuesday, that number soared: Fully 90 percent of Trump disapprovers said they voted for Democrats for the lower chamber. That was the worst performance for the presidents party among disapproving voters since Ronald Reagan in 1982. Similarly, Amy Walter notes a high correlation between levels of support for Trump in 2016 and the 2018 House results: Of the 47 districts where Trump took less than 51 percent of the vote, Democrats have (so far) won 32 of them. If we exclude Utahs four districts (in which Trumps vote share was depressed thanks to the presence of third-party candidate and Utah native Evan McMullin), Democrats will have won at least 74 percent of the districts held by Republicans where Trump was the weakest in 2016. For all the talk that open seats are what doomed Republicans, well-prepared incumbents werent any more resilient to the wave than GOP challengers. Only seven (non-Utah) Republicans outperformed Trump in their districts by more than five points. Five of those Republicans were incumbents; two were in open seats. Of those seven, only two of these strong over performers won: Reps. Mario Diaz Balart (FL-25) and John Katko (NY-24). This would suggest that the occasional efforts by individual Republican congressmen to show some distance from Trump werent very effective. That may be because at the leadership level, the GOP has totally surrendered to MAGA, as Brownstein observes, deploying a nice metaphor comparing Republicans to Odysseus in the land of the Sirens: Led by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House and Senate Republicans made a strategic decision to lock arms around Trump over the past two years. They resolutely rejected any meaningful oversight of his administration; excused, or even actively defended, his most incendiary remarks; buried legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller; and worked in harness with the president to pass an agenda aimed almost entirely at the preferences and priorities of voters within the GOP coalition, including tax cuts and the unsuccessful attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Even as Trumps presidency careened through daily storms, many of his own making, they lashed themselves to its mast. In Senate races, where even in this day-and-age ticket-splitting is more common, presidential dominance was less emphatic, though it did play a role. In the five states with Democratic senators up this year that Trump carried by at least 15 points, Republicans won three seats (all but Montana and West Virginia). In competitive Senate races in states Trump lost or carried by less than 15 percent, Republicans won in Texas but lost in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with Florida still pending. It is reasonably clear that without Trump in the White House, Republicans would have done better in Senate races, notwithstanding his intense campaigning for GOP Senate candidates down the stretch. Its the amazingly skewed landscape, not anything Trump did, that saved the Senate for the GOP. If Republicans were tied inextricably to Trump in a midterm election when candidates have been known to stray from POTUSs orbit in the past, their status as Trump vassals will be even less in doubt in 2020. They better hope that either Trump finally gets his job approval ratings into positive territory for the first time since the first couple of weeks of his presidency, or that Democrats again manage to find a nominee even less popular than Mr. MAGA. A team of Delhi police on Friday arrested a man accused in the killing of a 65-year-old doctor in the national capital, from Jharkhands Jamtara district, the police said here. According to Jahangirpuri police station sub-inspector Somdev who arrived from Delhi, the main accused Vishal Rout alias Banti Rout was arrested from Namupada area under Jamtara police station. The Delhi police produced Rout before the court of chief judicial magistrate and took him on transit remand, the police officer said. The Delhi police tracked Rout from his mobile location. Rout is a resident of Rajeev Nagar in Delhi and his uncles house is at Namupada in Jamtara, he said. Somdev said that the doctor, Mukim Ahmed Iqbal, was running a private clinic in Jahangirpuri. A person working in the clinic gave information about the clinic and the doctors residence to Rout and two of his associates. The worker told the accused that the doctor had withdrawn Rs 9 lakh from bank to solemnize marriage of his daughter. Thereafter, the accused allegedly perpetrated the crime on and shared the booty among themselves, Somdev said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed concern over the "divisive discourse" taking prominent space in the country, saying it contributed negatively to the situation in the Valley. "It is unfortunate that the focus is on the things other than development and inclusive The fact is that the youth of Kashmir get discouraged due to such a discourse and it contributes to their alienation and anger," Mehbooba said. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president was addressing party functionaries of south Kashmir's Bijbehara and Srinagar's Zadibal here. The former chief minister asked the national leadership in the country to address the alienation of the state's people and listen to the clarion call of the present time. "The central government is duty-bound to address on priority the alienation of the people of the state, particularly the youth, and it cannot be done in the absence of a sustained political process," she said. She underscored the need of addressing the Kashmir issue through a meaningful dialogue, saying the external dimension of Kashmir needed to be addressed without any delay. The PDP president said the party had remained at the forefront to pitch for a dialogue and reconciliation between India and Pakistan, so that an era of peace and tranquillity is ushered and the people, already perturbed due to decades of violence, heave a sigh of relief. Mehbooba reiterated that the core philosophy of the PDP had been to make consistent efforts for peace and tranquility in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK President M K Stalin on Friday lauded the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority for its efforts to tackle the severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja,' that has crossed the state's coast. The main opposition DMK appreciating a government body especially for its work during a natural disaster is rare. Stalin, who is the leader of the opposition said in a tweet, Tamil Nadu has been affected by a cyclone again and this time 'Gaja.' "The way the @tnsdma (Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority) took preparatory efforts (to tackle the cyclone) is praiseworthy," he said. Stalin said the "rulers," an apparent reference to the ruling AIADMK should extend "cooperation," to the State agency for its work in the wake of the cyclone making a landfall. He, however, said it is "necessary for the government machinery to act with the speed of a storm in taking up relief work." The Dravidian major relentlessly targeted the ruling AIADMK over the 2015 Chennai floods and for not taking appropriate steps to prevent the deluge. Stalin also urged his party men to take up relief work and work alongside the government in carrying out relief operations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Don't expect miracles" in a huge country like India, the said Friday, refusing to further hear a PIL seeking implementation of the Act to bring 35 million poor kids into the formal schooling system. The apex court had earlier asked petitioner 'Akhil Delhi Prathmik Shikshak Sangh', a registered society, to give a representation to the Centre on implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, also known as RTE. Refusing to monitor the RTE implementation in the country, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "Don't expect miracles. India is a huge, huge country. Priorities are many and certainly, education is one of the priorities." The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, took note of the fact that the Centre has given the response after taking note of the representation. "Heard counsel for the petitioner and perused the relevant material. We are not inclined to interfere. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed," it noted in the order. It had earlier asked senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the organisation, to give representation to the Centre and had said that the government would "assist the court with regard to the implementation" of the RTE. The apex court had also asked the Centre to apprise it of decision taken on the issue. However, it today declined further hearing on the PIL. The teachers' body, in its PIL, had sought implementation of the of children aged between six to 14 years. The plea had said the children are suffering as government schools are shutting down and around 9.5 lakh posts of teachers are vacant in these schools. It had referred to reports "showing systematic and widespread violations of children's across the country, including violations of numerous specific requirements of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009". The petition had said that according to data, there were 14,45,807 government and registered private schools imparting elementary education in the country and as on 2015-16, there were approximately 36.8 million children who were not in school. It had sought a direction to all the states and UTs to identify the children, as mandated under the RTE Act, within six months to ascertain as to how many of them should be brought in the formal schooling system. The plea had also sought a direction to identify "all schools whether government, private, aided or unaided" which did not have proper infrastructure such as "all-weather building with at least one classroom for every teacher, barrier-free access, separate toilets for boys and girls, teaching staff and teaching learning material (TLM). It had asked for a direction "to ensure that unaided private primary recognised schools admit the children of economically weaker section (EWS) category in their first level to the tune of 25 per cent quota as enshrined in the RTE Act". The states and the UTs should recruit, train and employ 950,000additional teachers fill the vacancies within two years, the plea had said. Drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman paid huge bribes to Mexican prosecutors, police, military and even Interpol to ensure smooth operations for his Sinaloa cartel, a key informant said at his US trial on Thursday. Jesus "El Rey" Zambada, brother of the cartel's co-head, the still-at-large Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, detailed the eye-watering costs of protecting cocaine shipments that originated in Colombia and travelled to the US via Mexico -- with payments amounting to USD 300,000 per month in Mexico City alone. Zambada, who worked for the cartel from 1987 until his arrest in 2008, was returning to the witness stand on the third day of a trial expected to last about four months. He told the court that as the head of the organization's operations in the capital city, he personally paid bribes to the attorney general's office, the federal highway police that also operates bridges and airports, federal, state and local police forces, and "Interpol, as well." "The bribes for officials in Mexico City were about USD 300,000 per month," the 57-year-old said, wearing a blue prison suit with an orange shirt. Zambada added he once paid a USD 100,000 bribe to General Gilberto Toledano, in charge of the state of Guerrero, at Guzman's request. "I was going to import cocaine from Colombia through the state of Guerrero... and El Chapo told me 'Go and meet General Toledano, he's my friend, and give him USD 100,000 from me,'" Zambada said. Guzman, wearing a dark suit and tie, listened attentively to the testimony of his former ally. Brought to the US almost 22 months ago, Guzman, 61, is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over 25 years and faces life in prison if found guilty. His lawyers argue he has been scapegoated by Mexico's "corrupt" government and the US Drug Enforcement Agency, and that the cartel's true chief was Ismael Zambada. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The European Union is unlikely to make any major changes to a draft Brexit deal struck between British and EU negotiators, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Friday. "It's unlikely that any changes will be made on the European side on the concept agreements," Rutte told journalists at his weekly post-cabinet press briefing. "Everybody has been busy with negotiations for so long... but the introduction of massive changes in this agreement is unlikely," he said. While British Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to sell the accord in London, in Brussels the deal has largely been welcomed by senior officials and EU lawmakers. Some EU member states however, including the Netherlands, said they were concerned about aspects of the Brexit deal -- particularly the highly-emotive aspect of access to fishing in British waters. In particular, France, the Netherlands, Spain and some others are said to be concerned that the withdrawal agreement does not cover fishing. Rutte on Friday however reiterated that "although it is an important step that a concept agreement has been reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom, clearly we're not there yet." "A deal is only a deal when it's agreed to on both sides of the Channel," he said. "Things are moving at high speed in London and it remains imperative to take into account all possible scenarios," Rutte said. He also praised the embattled May, saying the British leader was "doing a good job. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela has demanded that 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as upcoming Assembly elections in various states should be held through ballot paper and not Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). In a letter sent to Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat Thursday, Vaghela said EVMs should not be used as both voters and political parties have doubts about them. In the letter, which he shared with the media Friday, the former Union minister said till the Election Commission reverts to paper ballot, Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) facility should be provided at every polling booth. "Developed countries like Germany and the Netherlands reintroduced ballot paper after finding technical flaws and shortcomings in EVMs. In our country too, people as well as political parties are having doubts about EVMs following reports of tampering," Vaghela said in the letter. Talking to reporters at his residence in Gandhinagar Friday, Vaghela claimed he will play a key role in coming Lok Sabha polls to ensure that anti-BJP votes do not get divided. "I have visited nine states and met many leaders in the last one year. I am seeing BJP's downward graph. My role will be to defeat the BJP by ensuring that anti-BJP votes do not get divided," said Vaghela, who was with the saffron party before joining the Congress in the late 90s. Vaghela also claimed that BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani, who represents Gandhinagar in the Lok Sabha, wishes to contest the 2019 election. "I also met Advani-ji. He said he wants to contest. Then he said he may change his decision if the RSS asks him not to contest," Vaghela said. Commenting on the issue of reservation for the Patidar community, Vaghela said as long as there is a Supreme Court-imposed cap of 50 per cent on total quota, any promise made by the government is like a "lollipop". "If the Central government is serious about giving them reservation, it must amend the Constitution," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his cabinet colleagues will be seen riding motorcycles on Saturday as part of the BJP's efforts to garner support for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has organised a "Kamal Sandesh Yatra" across UP to propagate the work done by both central and state governments, a senior party leader told PTI. The campaign will be held at all the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Besides Adityanath, who will participate in the motorcycle rally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, state BJP president Mahendra Nath Pandey will hit the streets in Chandauli. The BJP's campaign is seen as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's proposed bicycle rallies in December in which the SP chief, Akhilesh Yadav, will himself ride the vehicle. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma will join the motorcycle rallies at Prayagraj and the state capital, respectively, the BJP leader said. UP BJP general secretary (organisation) Sunil Bansal will be in Kannauj, the Lok Sabha seat held by Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav. BJP state general secretary and MLA Pankaj Singh will lead the bike rally in Gorakhpur. In the 2012 assembly election, Akhilesh Yadav had led the SP's campaign on a bicycle and had undertaken 'Rath yatras' crisscrossing the state. Akhilesh Yadav was scheduled to begin his bicycle yatra about a month ago, but SP sources said the plan was later pushed to December. The SP's bicycle yatra is likely to start from the village of a boy named 'Khajanchi', who was born outside an ATM kiosk in 2016 during the Centre's demonetisation drive. The BJP, which won 70 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in 2014, is eyeing to repeat its performance in 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Friday said fake is a major concern and stressed the need to create awareness among people about it. He urged the media to build a reputation and a system of trust and stressed the need for people to be responsible while using the internet. The chief minister said there is need to create awareness among the people keeping in mind that the digital world is so dynamic which makes it impossible to have any kind of law that will be able to curb it. Referring to the violent protests at Motphran area which took place earlier this year, he said, "We faced a lot of difficult times in stopping or filtering because technology was not available ... It was a wake up call and a lot of steps have been taken but they are not enough." The chief minister said this while addressing a seminar on the theme Journalistic Ethics in the Digital Age organized by the Shillong Press Club as part of the National Press Day celebration held in the city. He said the state government will aggressively take up measures to ensure that available technologies are put in place to help combat and prevent cyber crimes. "I realise how important it is today to ensure that proper mechanisms, laws and technologies are put in place so that (we enhanced) our digital information and all these crimes committed can be stopped to a large extend," Sangma stated. Talking about the positive aspect of the digital age, the chief minister said we are taking advantage of technology and use it in communicating the ideas, works and programmes of the government. "Today we are looking at how a platform could be created for villages to be put into a next level and connect them to the outside world and how technology could be used," he said. According to him, the opportunities exist in the digital world today must also be harnessed by media sector. The chief minister also informed the government is in the process of taking up issues and problems faced by the press fraternity in the state. In his speech, Minister in-charge Information and Public Relations AL Hek said the media plays a vital role in building up the nation. He however urged the media to be a constructive instrument rather than destructive. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fethullah Gulen. Photo: Matt Smith/picture alliance via Getty Image In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal earlier this week, Marco Rubio wrote that Donald Trumps brand of nationalism is not a creed that subordinates enlightenment values to zero-sum tribalism as French president Emmanuel Macron had recently suggested. Rather, the Florida senator argued that the presidents nationalistic ethos was rooted in his deep appreciation for Americas identity as a nation committed to the idea that all people are created equal, with a God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There are more than a few problems with the thesis that Donald Trump only puts America First because America does the same for the concept of universal human rights. But an especially conspicuous one is that the president disdains the concept of human rights more than he reveres his fellow Americans. Or so Trumps handling of Jamal Khashoggis murder would suggest. From the moment the Turkish government revealed that Saudi agents had killed a Washington Post columnist and legal U.S. resident in Istanbul, the American president made it clear that he viewed the murder as less of a moral atrocity than a PR headache. Trumps first response to Turkeys revelation was to demand that the public give his friends in Riyadh the presumption of innocence. His second was to allow that, if the Saudis did in fact murder and dismember a U.S.-based journalist, it would not be a positive but nevertheless insisted that the American government couldnt respond too harshly to such an offense because the Saudis are spending $110 billion on [American] military equipment (and those arms sales must be protected at all costs). The presidents third response after the Saudis admitted that their agents had killed Khashoggi (supposedly, without official authorization) after trying to kidnap him (with official authorization) was to criticize the murder in strictly tactical terms. They had a very bad original concept, Trump said of the Saudi plot, adding that it was carried out poorly and the worst cover-up ever. Now, with Khashoggis death buried beneath the ruins of a thousand subsequent news cycles, Trump has (reportedly) shifted his focus away from offering Riyadh constructive criticism on its lackluster cover-up, and toward getting Turkish president Recep Erdogan to let bygones be bygones. More specifically, the president is reportedly trying to persuade Erdogan to forgive the Saudis for murdering a U.S. resident who was critical of their government by helping Erdogan imprison (and potentially kill) a U.S. resident who was critical of the Turkish government. As NBC News reports: The White House is looking for ways to remove an enemy of Turkish President Recep Erdogan from the U.S. in order to placate Turkey over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two senior U.S. officials and two other people briefed on the requests. Trump administration officials last month asked federal law enforcement agencies to examine legal ways of removing exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen in an attempt to persuade Erdogan to ease pressure on the Saudi government, the four sources said. They said the White House specifically wanted details about Gulens residency status in the U.S. Gulen has a Green Card, according to two people familiar with the matter. He has been living in Pennsylvania since the late 1990s. Career officials at the agencies pushed back on the White House requests, the U.S. officials and people briefed on the requests said. At first there were eye rolls, but once they realized it was a serious request, the career guys were furious, said a senior U.S. official involved in the process. Erdogan has accused Gulen (without hard evidence, in the view of Western intelligence agencies) of masterminding the failed 2016 coup attempt against his government. Last year, Erdogan vowed to behead the traitors who had attempted to depose him. So, there is reason to fear that, even though Turkish law does not currently allow for capital punishment, expelling Gulen to Turkey would put the longtime Keystone State resident, and charter-school entrepreneur, in mortal danger. To review: In order to help an Islamist theocracy get away with kidnapping and executing one American immigrant, Trump is (reportedly) trying to find a legal rationale for letting another Islamist nation imprison (and possibly execute) a different American immigrant. If this is true, then it seems safe to say, contra Rubio, that Trump is less of an American nationalist who harbors a deep commitment to human rights than an American solipsist who is ready and willing to abet crimes against humanity if he believes that he stands to benefit personally from doing so. The consumer appliances and electronics sector, barring washing machines, has witnessed almost flat growth in the first half of this fiscal largely due to rupee depreciation that has spiked input costs, according to industry body CEAMA. In some segments like TV and AC, there was de-growth in volumes, while refrigerator sales were almost flat, Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association's (CEAMA) outgoing President Manish Sharma said. The only respite for the industry was the festive season sales in October, when it reported good single-digit growth. "YTD (year-to-date) till September 2018, there was either de-growth in certain categories or flat, except for washing machines," Sharma told PTI. "If we add the October sales (Diwali period), these were better and because of that, YTD till October closed around 3 to 4 per cent," he added. The industry was hoping for double-digit growth this year after emerging from the impact of GST and demonetisation, but was hit by rupee depreciation which hiked input costs, which were mostly passed on to the consumers, Sharma said. "The industry was looking for double-digit growth, but the way things moved up amid the depreciation of the rupee, which led to an increase in cost..., YTD growth is only 3 per cent," said Sharma, who is also the president and CEO of Panasonic India and South Asia. Speaking on festive season sales, he said: "October was thankfully promising and specially, the run-up of last 10 days of Diwali added up to overall growth so far." However, for the entire fiscal, Sharma expects the growth to be around 7 per cent, saying that the momentum is still "positive" post festive sales. "I am hopeful that this year, we will close at positive but with single-digit growth, which would be lesser as compared with overall expectation," he said, adding that "for the year, we expect the growth would be around 6 to 7 per cent." According to experts, although manufacturing in India has increased, the industry imports around 65 per cent of the components. On the policy front, Sharma said the "policy environment" for the sector is positive and "some of the measures, such as GST, would start showing their impact in the medium term". "This has provided a springboard opportunity to look at higher growth and in that process, some temporary loss of growth has happened," Sharma added. Meanwhile, newly-elected CEAMA President Kamal Nandi said the industry would ask the government to lower the GST rate levied on it to 12 per cent from the existing 18 per cent. "Once GST rates come down, we can see good growth. This has happened with drop in GST rates for washing machine," he added. "This has happened with microwaves ovens also, which has not grown for 3-4 years, (but) has witnessed very good growth post drop in GST," said Nandi, who is also Godrej Appliances Business Head and Executive Vice President. Haier India President Eric Braganza said that overall the industry is not very optimistic for 2018. "The prices are going up and the GST rates are not coming down. We do not have any stimulus," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The country's declined by USD 121.2 million to USD 393.01 billion for the week ended November 9, largely on a dip in assets, RBI data showed Friday. The overall reserves had increased by USD 1.054 billion to USD 393.132 billion in the previous reporting week, after weeks of decline. For the week ended November 9, foreign assets, a major part of the overall reserves, declined USD 103.2 million to USD 368.035 billion, the Reserve Bank said. Expressed in US dollars, foreign assets include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and yen held in the reserves. The gold reserves were stable at USD 20.888 billion after a sharp rise last week, according to the latest RBI data. The country's reserve position with the declined USD 11.6 million to USD 2.628 billion. The special drawing rights with the Fund slipped USD 6.4 million to USD 1.459 billion. The forex kitty had touched a record high of USD 426.028 billion in the week to April 13, 2018. Since then, it has been on a slide and is now down by over USD 31 billion as the monetary authority has been selling dollars to contain rupee volatility. A former chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) allegedly shot himself to death with his licensed revolver here on Friday morning, police said. Major General (retired) C R Sharma was reportedly suffering from depression. Prima facie it seems that Sharma has committed suicide at his residence in Jakhu. The matter is being investigated from all aspects, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omapati Jamwal told PTI. The body has been sent for postmortem, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned that the trade dispute between the United States and China could escalate into a fresh Cold War. Le Maire made the alarm-sounding comments at a Friday conference in Paris on the World Trade Organization's future. He said there's a "real risk" that a Cold War between China and the United States could arise out of the trade tensions between the two and that every country in the world would lose out. To counter the threat, he said the WTO needs reforming by solving its "consensus paralysis" on decision-making and by enforcing international trade rules. President Donald Trump has imposed import taxes on Chinese goods, and the Chinese have responded with tariffs of their own. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People dependent on the mining sector in Goa will hold a three-day protest in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar from December 11 to press for its resumption, the Goa Mining People's Front said Friday. The decision was taken after hundreds of such people gathered at Panaji Friday, said Puti Gaonkar, president of the GMPF. The mining sector in Goa has come to a standstill after the Supreme Court, in an order in February this year, quashed 88 mining leases and banned the extraction of fresh ore from March. "We will be pressing for an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)Act2015 as well as Goa, Daman andDiuMiningConcessions (Abolitionand Declaration asMiningLeases)Act, 1987. This will help extend life of Goa mining leases till 2037," he said. GMPF leaders Friday met Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai, Congress Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar, Shiv Sena Goa vice president Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik and AAP Goa president Elvis Gomes for support. While Sardesai put the onus on resumption of the mining sector on the BJP, as it was in power in Goa as well as the Centre, Congress leader Kavlekar said that an all-party delegation should meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a solution. The Sena's Naik said the party was committed to supporting mining dependents who have been left in the lurch due to the ban. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has set up a tribunal, headed by Delhi High Court Judge Justice Suresh Kait, for adjudicating whether or not two Tripura-based militant outfits should be declared banned organisations under the law. The decision has been taken by the Home Ministry exercising the powers conferred under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, an official notification said. "...the central government hereby constitutes 'The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal' consisting of Hon'ble Shri Justice Suresh Kait, Judge of Delhi High Court, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) as unlawful associations," it said. A fresh ban of five years were imposed on the two insurgent groups of Tripura by the central government last month for their "violent and subversive activities", which aim at establishment of an independent nation by secession of Tripura from India through armed struggle. The Home Ministry said the NLFT and the ATTF have been engaging in subversive and violent activities, undermining the authority of the government and spreading terror and violence among people for achieving their objectives. The rebel outfits, formed in 1990 with the objective of "expulsion of all foreigners who entered the state after 1956", were first banned in 1997 following large-scale ethnic riots involving tribals and non-tribals in Khowai subdivision in Tripura, in which both outfits intervened on behalf of the tribals. Tripura shares an 856-km boundary with Bangladesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has started a facility for testing telecom products and equipment to ensure security in digital communications at the national level, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said Friday. "Yesterday, we inaugurated state-of-art of facility for preparation of security assurance standard putting us at the forefront of technology. This facility will work for security from the national perspective and also facilitate the development of testing and certification ecosystem in the country," Sinha said at an Assocham event. The Department of Telecom has set the deadline of April 2019 for mandatory testing of some telecom products including mobile phones and equipment. This will be applicable on all equipment that are imported to India or are sold in the country. However, there are some other telecom gears, that would go through the mandatory testing starting January 1, 2019. These equipment include modem, audio conferencing, fax machines, satellite equipments etc. The minister said that there has been huge growth in uptake of telecom services in the country since 2014 and is the right of our consumers to be provided quality services efficiently and in secured manner. "Due to success of our efforts, broadband subscribers have grown seven times from 61 million in 2014 to 447 million in 2018. Average data consumption has grown 51 times from 62 MB per month in 2014 to 3.2 GB in June 2018. As a result, India today has the highest mobile data consumption in the world at the most competitive rates seen anywhere in the world," Sinha said. He said that as per the industry reports, India is also one of the fastest growing mobile phone markets. He said that India's dream of a pioneering position in the rollout of 5G has already started taking wings. "The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 targets ubiquitous fibre and tower infra rollout in the country. We should not miss 5G bus. The economic impact of 5G in India is expected to be over USD 1 trillion and the consequent multiplier effect is expected to be exponential," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Greenland's parliament has adopted a plan to upgrade or build airports to serve the massive North Atlantic island, keen to attract more tourists to its pristine Arctic wilderness. Two airports -- in the capital Nuuk and in the tourism centre Ilulissat -- will be substantially upgraded, making it possible to fly directly to Greenland from Europe and North America. A new national airport will be built in Qaqortoq in the south. Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory. The plans have been controversial because of Copenhagen's direct financial involvement. The project is estimated to cost at least 3.6 billion kroner (USD 546 million). Almost 20 per cent of the financing will be provided by Denmark, which contributes 3.6 billion kroner to the island's annual budget. Parliament adopted the proposal late Thursday with 18 out of 29 votes. In September, the project plunged Greenland into a three-week political crisis, with an independent supporting party quitting the government coalition in protest against Denmark's involvement. The social democratic Siumut party, which has dominated Greenland for four decades, was ultimately able to cling to power with a new, narrower majority. "We are creating lots of opportunities for Greenland's future. We are not selling out," Prime Minister Kim Kielsen insisted in parliament's debate, local television KNR reported. The three airports will serve the main population centres of the island, which is home to 55,000 people spread out across an area more than four times the size of France. Smaller communities have meanwhile complained they will remain isolated. In addition, "other risks have also been raised, like the reaffirmed presence of the US military, which not everyone sees as a positive thing, and the environmental risks brought on by better international connections," Mikaa Mered, a professor of Arctic geopolitics at the ILERI School of International Relations in Paris, told AFP. Since 2009, Greenland has been largely independent when it comes to its economic policy but foreign and defense issues remain under Copenhagen's control. "The big winner in this affair is Copenhagen. Both on the political, economic and geopolitical levels, Copenhagen is strengthening its positions across the board, vis-a-vis China and the triangular alliance with Washington," Mered said, referring to Beijing's eagerness to invest in the Arctic which has raised concern in the US. Construction of the airports is scheduled to be completed by 2023. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court has directed the of Tamil Nadu Police to take into custody three erstwhile officials of Disc Assets Lead (India) Limited, lodged in the Madurai central prison, and probe their assets in the alleged Rs 11.37 billion cheating case. A bench comprising justices M Sathyanarayanan and N Seshasayee, before which the matter came up for hearing on November 14, directed the investigating agency to take the three to the registered office of the company in Madurai and other places to secure the documents related to immovable properties and other valuables. The bench, while denying bail to the three -- erstwhile Managing Director V Janardhanan and directors N M Umashankar and N Arun-- granted the investigators the right to break open lockers, if any, and take an inventory of all articles found in them. It allowed them to also videograph and photographs the items, if required. The counsel for the three submitted that they had furnished the property documents worth about Rs 4.5 billion before the Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar-headed committee which was appointed by the first bench of the High Court to go into the matter. However, the counsel for the committee objected to the bail plea of the three. The division bench, which refused temporary interim bail, said, "In the light of the facts and circumstances, this court is of the view that interim prayer sought for by the petitioners for the temporary release or interim bail cannot be considered for the present." The court directed the Superintendent of Central Prison, Madurai, to hand over custody of the three to the investigating agency between 10.30 am and 530 pm every day from November 19 to November 27. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing to November 28. The matter relates to alleged cheating of 12 lakh depositors of their investment to the tune of over Rs 1,137 crore by the Madurai-based Disc Assets, which was formerly into agri business, after offering farmland for purchase on instalment basis and assuring to maintain them. The court had appointed Vasanthakumar, retired Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, as the administrator of Disc Assets for taking over the properties of the company to settle dues of the depositors. Democrats are getting close in sunbelt states like Arizona, but can build on traditional strengths in midwestern states like Michigan. Photo: David Sucsy; Mitch Kezar/Getty Images If the Democrats solid midterm win had been a little bit bigger and a little bit wider, the Donkey Party might have turned towards the 2020 cycle feeling so confident about its prospects that any questions about geographical strategy would involve choices among very good options. Instead, if you look at the 2018 results in terms of the states they will need to deny Donald Trump a second term in office, its all a bit ambiguous. Twenty-four of the 39 House seats Democrats flipped (so far) were in states carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016. Four of the seven governorships they conquered (pending final results in Florida and Georgia) were in HRC states as well, as was one of the two Senate seats they turned around (pending the final results in Florida). In other words, the 2018 gains werent all or even mostly in enemy territory when it comes to the states that will cast 2020 electoral votes. That leaves some tough strategic decisions. The Heartland The two most obvious regional strategies for Democrats are to win back the heartland/rust belt (depending on how you think about them) states that Trump narrowly carried despite a strong history of going the other way: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. There are two similar additional states that Obama carried twice: Iowa and Ohio. At the other end of the spectrum are sunbelt states that were already quite close (Florida and North Carolina) or that have recently been trending Democratic (Arizona, Georgia and Texas) at varying rates. It is very difficult to extrapolate midterm results into a reliable projection of presidential results. Lets say for the sake of argument that the political environment begins to lean more Republican between now and 2020 (typically presidential parties do make some gains after the initial midterms are over). Does that mean sunbelt states that Trump carried in 2016 will be further out of reach than ever for Democrats, or that the heartland states where he so shockingly surged will win it for him again? Its hard to say. According to the New York Times, Democrats won the House popular vote in Michigan by a 54/46 margin this year. But at the same time, Senator Debbie Stabenow underperformed (relative to the 2016 vote) all but one of the Democratic incumbents running in states Trump carried. Democrats were excited to finally topple Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and Senator Tammy Baldwin easily defended her Senate seat. But down-ballot Democrats made no dent in the states five-three Republican advantage in House seats, and Republicans actually strengthened their hold on the state legislature. In Ohio, Republicans won the House popular vote by four points, and also won every statewide election other than Sherrod Browns Senate reelection. And in Iowa, while Democrats won two U.S. House seats, Republicans held onto the governorship and the state legislature. Residual Republican strength among the non-college-educated white voters that are so important in the heartland could limit Democratic opportunities. The Sunbelt The Sunbelt route to a 2020 win, however, is just as complicated. Democrats won Senate seats in Arizona and Nevada, came very close in Texas and Florida, and had historic (if losing) gubernatorial candidacies in Florida and Georgia. They flipped House seats in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas (along with such deep-red states as Oklahoma and South Carolina). Sharply higher minority turnout and overall demographic trends are beginning to make Arizona look blue and Georgia and Texas look at least purplish. That great sleeping giant, the Latino vote, is awakening and making Texas look much more promising for Democrats like Beto ORourke, as Thomas Edsall observes: The Pew Research Center found that Hispanics in Texas voted for ORourke over Cruz 64-35. Historically, Hispanic turnout rates have been low. But in 2018, the Dallas Morning News reported, Hispanic turnout increased over 2014 by large percentages in heavily Latino counties: Dallas County (an 86 percent increase); Hidalgo (a 105 percent increase), Cameron County (a 115 percent increase); El Paso County, ORourkes home base (a 168 percent increase). The real wild card is that the minority voters so crucial to Democratic prospects in the sunbelt typically turn out to vote at significantly higher levels in presidential years. If the turnout boom of 2018 is just a sign of things to come for such voters, that could push many of these states into even more competitive territory. Conor Sen argues that the 2020 Senate map should count for something in the Democratic debate over regional targeting that year: As Democrats mull over these differing approaches, the tiebreaker might be the 2020 Senate map. The Senate races in the Midwest Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa seem less likely to be competitive than those in the Sun Belt. Democrats are increasingly competitive in Arizona, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, for instance. In the end, the Democratic presidential strategy for ejecting Trump in 2020 will follow the polls hopefully better and more frequent polls than those taken by the Clinton campaign in those heartland states that ultimately cost them the election of 2016 and perceived opportunities. And the identity of the presidential nominee will matter a great deal. If Democrats nominate someone like Ohios Sherrod Brown, a heartland strategy would be natural. Obviously, if Beto ORourke decides to take his particular brand of charisma and fundraising prowess into the presidential race, a sunbelt strategy makes sense. And potential candidates ranging from Joe Biden to Elizabeth Warren to Kamala Harris have their own strengths and weaknesses that will help shape the map. In any event, after years and years in which both parties endlessly jousted over Ohio and Florida and often ignored much of the country, an election open to more possibilities might be refreshing. A Delhi Police head constable, who was on duty at the Delhi Secretariat, allegedly killed himself Friday using his service pistol as he was depressed after being publicly thrashed by his in-laws, police said. Sohanveer, 35, was on duty at the VVIP parking at the Secretariat. Police were informed about the incident at 5.30 am, a senior officer said. A suicide note has been recovered from him which indicated domestic discord with his wife and in-laws as the reason for taking such an extreme step, police said. His wife is a constable with the Delhi Police, they said. In the note, Sohanveer alleged that his wife had an extra marital affair with a man in her village and when he took up the matter with his in-laws, they blamed him for defaming their daughter. The note also mentioned that his in-laws assaulted him publicly on Thursday and videographed the incident. "It hurt my self-respect and I had no other option but to commit suicide. You can check the video and take legal action against them," Sohanveer mentioned in the note addressing to the Delhi Police commissioner. A relative of the deceased alleged that after being beaten by his in-laws, Sohanveer reported the matter to Khajuri Khas police station but instead of taking action on his complaint, he was asked by a police official to sort out the issue and no complaint was filed in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the IP estate police station under charges of abetment to suicide. The matter is being probed, police said, adding they have also ordered an inquiry against the Khajuri Khass police station staff over the allegation levelled by the deceased's family. Police said the matter is being probed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) High drama was witnessed at the city airport Firday as activist remained confined there since arrival early this morning enroute to Sabarimala following protest by devotees and others opposing the entry of menstrual age women into the Lord Ayyappa temple. Tension prevailed at the airport at Nedumbassery, about 50 km from here, as the devotees and others, including BJP workes, remained firm that Desai and six other young women who accompanied her would not be allowed proceed to the which opens this evening. Pune-based Desai, who landed at around 4.40 am, said there was no question of her going back without having darshan at the temple, which opens for the third time after the Supreme Court order on September 28 allowing all women to enter the famous shrine. Amid the continuing stand-off, BJP demanded that Desai and her colleagues be sent back to Pune. Police, who were present in large numbers, later in the day registered a case against around 200 devotees who can be identified for preventing the free movement of the activists, but did not make any attempt to remove them so far. Justifying the agitation being held at the domestic terminal of the airport, BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai said the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were expressing their anguish over the move of the activists to enter the temple. "Desai is challenging the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. This should not be done. The government should send her back considering the mounting protest in the state against her visit," he told reporters here. Police said a case has been registered against around 200 devotees for preventing free movement of Desai and her colleagues. They have been charged under various sections of the IPC including unlawful assembly, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant and criminal intimidation, police said. Condemning the agitation, Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran termed as "uncivilised" the BJP "orchestrated protest" preventing free movement of a citizen. Taking a dig at the Congress and the BJP, Surendran alleged that the activist was closely associated with these two parties and she would return if leaders of BJP and Congress make such a demand. Desai, who has vowed to offer prayers at the hill shrine, and her colleagues have been blocked from leaving for Sabarimala as devotees in large numbers staged a "nama japam" protest clapping hands and chanting 'Swamiye Ayyappa'. There is heavy deployment of police personnel in and around as it opens at 5 pm this evening for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja in the backdrop of protests witnessed during the previous two occasions when the shrine opened. Protesting local BJP leaders at the airport said the devotees, including women, would not let Desai and her colleagues to come out of the airport and proceed to They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. "She (Desai) came here not for darshan but for disturbing a peaceful Sabarimala pilgrim season beginning Saturday," they said. Talking to the media over phone, Desai said she would not go back without darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple. Taxi drivers at the airport said they would not take Desai and her colleagues outside the airport. Desai, who spearheaded the campaign for women to be allowed into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah, the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, had sent an email to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security, saying she fears threat to her life. "We will not return to Maharashtra without darshan at the Sabarimala temple.We have faith in the government that it will provide security for us," she had said, citing the Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine. Prime Minister said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted Sharif, his daughter and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in through corrupt practices. Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Prime Minister Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits. "It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said. The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said. Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis. The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to was highly successful. "We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said. The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said. Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said. The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said. Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said, unfortunately, no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country. Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests". Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the in the in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing. India has expressed concern over regional disparity in the UN Secretariat staff and peacekeeping positions, calling for proactively addressing the issue of equitable geographical representation. First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said Thursday at a Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) meeting in the General Assembly on 'Human Resources Management' that while the UN Charter puts equitable geographical representation at the heart of human resources management, challenges continue to persist. He said out of a total UN Secretariat staff of 38,000, less than 10 per cent are covered by the system of desirable ranges. Even for these 3,600 posts, 64 countries are listed as un-represented or under-represented and 50 of these 64 are developing countries. Further, the number of member states in the category of un-represented or under-represented continues to increase since 2014. In addition, nearly 60 more developing countries are close to the lower level of their desirable range of representation and remain at risk of slipping into the under-represented category, he said. "These numbers paint a very stark picture of the current inequitable representation," he said. Kumar also pointed out that currently, a member state's assessed rate of contribution to the UN's regular budget has an overwhelming influence on determining the desirable range for staff representation. This inherently puts developing economies at a serious disadvantage. These formulae may need to be re-visited, he said. With Secretary General Antonio Guterres presenting several options to reform the UN system, Kumar said the suggestion regarding the inclusion of troops and police contribution for UN peacekeeping needs to be looked at seriously. Kumar added that increasing regional diversity of all the UN Secretariat international staff has been identified as one of the strategic actions by the Secretary-General in his global human resources strategy. Looking at the staff composition of all the UN departments and offices, the Asia Pacific Group with 53 member states - 27 per cent of total, and more than half of global population constitute only around 17 per cent of the UN Secretariat international staff. Kumar said the reasons for this need to be looked into carefully and ameliorative measures must be considered in order to address this disparity. "Regional disparity remains especially stark at senior level positions," he said adding that in peacekeeping positions also, the regional disparity is glaring. Nearly half of the Force commanders - six out of fourteen - are from Western European and Others Group, comprising only 14% of total member states. "The regional disparity indicators point to a issue of serious concern. An effective solution to all these concerns is possible only through reforming the current system of desirable ranges and to proactively addressing the issue of equitable geographical representation," he said. Welcoming the Secretary General's global human resources strategy presented in continuation of his management reform proposals, Kumar hoped that the strategy will be able to address a range of persisting challenges, including the long elusive goal of equitable geographical representation. Other delegates at the Fifth Committee meeting urged the Secretariat to ensure the United Nations staff reflects the diversity of Member States as more women and young people are hired to shape a dynamic Organization with a mobile and multitalented workforce. Egypt's delegate, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said the Organisation's international character hinges on equitable geographic representation, including the workers coming from troop and police contributing countries. Its ability to acquire fresh talent from different regions of the world is being limited by the sustained upward trend in the age of Secretariat staff and the fall in the number of entry level professional positions, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in Nepal have arrested an Indian youth for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl in Palpa district. The accused has been identified as Kausar Alam, 22, of Bettiah in Bihar, who was working as a daily wager in Rampur town, according to the Himalayan Times. Alam was absconding after committing the crime on Thursday evening. He was arrested the same night, police official Bhoj Raj Pandey said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tariq Ramadan, a leading Islamic scholar held in France since February on charges he raped two women, on Thursday won conditional release after testifying in an appeals court. A Paris court ruled in favour of Ramadan after the 56-year-old Swiss academic, who has been in custody since February 2, made an impassioned argument for release. His bail was set at 300,000 euros (USD 340,000) and requires him to hand over his passport and report to police once a week. "Where would I flee to?" he asked in his hearing, his first public appearance since his incarceration. Ramadan denies charges he raped the women in 2009 and 2012. One accuser is a disabled woman identified in media reports as "Christelle" and the other is a feminist activist, Henda Ayari. But last month Ramadan was forced to drop assertions he had no sexual contact at all with the women after an expert recovered 399 text messages between him and "Christelle", some of which detailed violent sexual fantasies. Ramadan subsequently said the sexual contact was "consensual". In court, Ramadan said he had no intention of becoming a fugitive from justice, and said his multiple sclerosis meant he had difficulty walking after 10 months locked up. "I will remain in France and defend my honour and my innocence," the well-known TV commentator told the judges in what was his fourth bid to secure his freedom. "I would like you to make your decision from your conscience, not because my name is Tariq Ramadan and I'm demonised in this country," he said. He portrayed his accusers as liers bending media attention in the case to their benefit, asking: "Who has instrumentalised the 'Me Too' movement? "I have never raped, I am not a rapist. It's true that I made a mistake," he said. But Ayari's lawyer Francis Szpiner said the two "women were regularly threatened." Ramadan, a married father of four whose grandfather founded Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, was a professor at Oxford University until he was forced to take leave when the rape allegations surfaced at the height of the "Me Too" movement late last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Indian tourist arrivals in Israel were on the rise in recent years and several initiatives have been launched to ease the visa procedure for the Indians, an official in the Israel Tourism Ministry said Friday. Director of Israel Tourism Ministry (India and the Philippines) Hassan Madah also said Tel Aviv-based airline Arkia has expressed interest to begin operations from South India. "Tourism is on the rise in Israel and in-bound arrivals from India have increased in the last few years," he said here. "There has been a growth of 58 per cent with 48,800 Indian arrivals to Israel from January to September 2018 against 30,800 during the corresponding period of 2016", Madah, who was here as part of a roadshow, said. With the rise in Indian nationals visiting his country, he said, "Tel Aviv-based airline Arkia has expressed interest to begin operations from South India". It was in addition to the recent initiative by Air India and Israel airline El Al to further boost flight connectivity between the two countries, he said. Noting that Israel Tourism Ministry has launched several initiatives to ease the visa procedure for Indians, he said, 'It includes faster visa processing and relaxation of documentation for persons who have travelled to any of the Schengen countries, US, Canada, Australia or Israel". On tourists from Chennai, he said the city was an important market with an increased demand for leisure travel and pilgrimage tourism to Israel, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to Darwin on Friday, some 75 years after Japan bombed the northern Australian city, as the two countries cement ties in the face of an emergent China. Trade and closer defence relations are the centrepieces of Abe's two-day visit and meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, before the pair travel to Papua New Guinea for a weekend APEC summit. Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where more than 250 people were killed during multiple bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst-ever foreign attacks on the country. Abe and Morrison paid their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving. "To see the Japanese prime minister here actually laying a wreath on our war memorial, it is a quite emotional thing. It is amazing that in 70 or so years we've come this far," one veteran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On Saturday, Abe will also remember Japanese casualties when he visits a cenotaph for navy personnel who died when the I-124 was sunk by HMAS Deloraine in January 1942 -- the first Japanese submarine to be sunk by an Australian ship. Abe later Friday will attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator. The Ichthys LNG project -- Japan's largest overseas investment -- began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australia's position as the country's main energy supplier. The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. The leaders also met for talks that Australian officials said would include ongoing efforts to reach agreement on enhanced defence cooperation, including regular joint military exercises. That effort reflects the desire of both countries to expand their involvement across the Pacific to counter increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. Japan and Australia played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition will be on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union Friday accused the varsity administration of cutting down library funds from Rs 8 crore to Rs 1.7 crore. In an "extraordinary" and "surprising move", the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, through Rector and Librarian, have provided a detailed chart for privatisation of Dr B R Ambedkar Library through massive fund cuts - from Rs 8 crore to Rs 1.7 crore, the JNUSU said in a statement. "When members of the library and JNUSU representatives raised questions on such drastic cuts and asked why was the university not taking measures to ensure funds, Financial Officer Hiraman Tiwari said they did not have the authority to do so as the budgeting format had been changed by the UGC, and inter transfer of funds from one head to another is not possible," it said. The students body said due to the fund cut, auto renewal of e-journals, e-subscriptions like JSTOR, Sage Publications and others would not be renewed, signalling closure of research in the varsity from January. Rather than finding ways to keep these subscriptions alive, Rector, Librarian and others have openly asked the officials to communicate the same to the publishers, the JNUSU said. "JNUSU is appalled and condemns the massive fund cuts and has told the committee that all stakeholders of the university should write to the Prime Minister and Vice Chancellor of JNU, who himself is a member of UGC, which has decided to stop the funds for the library, about the matter," the statement said. The JNU administration did not respond to calls or messages. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Friday said people of Karnataka would not supportthe BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, even if Prime Minister NarendraModi and party national President Amit Shah resideD in thestate. The Congress legislature party leader also hit out at the BJP by alleging that the saffron party wants the Ayodhya dispute to be alive and not Ram Mandir construction. "BJP has made coastal Karnataka as its laboratory forcommunalism, so BJP's national leaders are frequenting the coastal region. Even if Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cometo Karnataka and make their residence here, this time during Lok Sabha polls people of the state will not support BJP," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada. Shah was in the coastal city of Mangaluru Wednesdayand Thursday to attend the meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Siddaramaiah alleged that the saffron party wanted the Ayodhya disputeto be alive and not Ram mMandir construction. "The Ram janmabhoomi issue getting life atthe time when elections are nearing, is part of a largerattempt by the BJP to hold people emotionally towards them,and the people are aware of it," he said in another tweet. Siddaramaiah currently heads the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition's coordination committee in Karnataka. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg via Getty Images Politics breeds strange bedfellows and the Trump presidency is no exception. Few would have predicted in 2009 that Van Jones, who resigned that year as an adviser to the Obama White House after his Marxist-activist past came to light, would less than a decade later become a cheerleader for a law and order racist. But Wednesday brought the news that Trump is supporting a bipartisan criminal-justice bill that, if made law, would reduce mandatory-minimum sentences for certain drug felonies and make retroactive the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act, among other mandates. [The First Step Act] rolls back some of the provisions of the [1994] Clinton crime law that disproportionately harmed [the] African-American community, the president said, according to NBC News. Give the man his due, Jones tweeted on Thursday, [Trump] is on his way to becoming the uniter-in-chief on an issue that has divided America for generations. Trump is becoming no such thing. Current-day polarization between Democrats and Republicans leads some to fetishize bipartisan cooperation. But to frame criminal-justice legislation in these terms is to misrepresent both the scope of the disaster and how it got so bad in the first place. The mid-century explosion of Americas incarcerated population was fueled by both parties. More than two and a quarter-million people are now locked up in our prisons and jails, at a rate of 716 for every 100,000 residents higher than any other country. Forty percent of these prisoners are black. Democrats and Republicans may diverge on several issues, but their zeal for shuffling black people in and out of cages has been mutual more often than it has not. As a consequence, the bill an earlier version of which passed in the House in May less resolves some generation-spanning conflict than redirects energies that have often been in sync. History shows how it has played out. Democratic president Lyndon B. Johnson laid the groundwork for the coming incarceration boom in the 1960s, when he married his War on Poverty to a War on Crime. Seeking to address racial inequalities that stemmed from centuries of chattel slavery and decades more of segregation and terrorism, Johnson commissioned an expansive report on how to promote order in black communities. Empowering law enforcement and integrating it with existing government agencies was central to the reports conclusions. [The Crime Commission] recommended the creation of criminal justice planning agencies at all levels of government, writes historian and Harvard professor Elizabeth Hinton. It also encouraged the federal government to invest in the professionalization and modernization of police departments, both by improving the weaponry available to law enforcement and by standardizing crime-reporting methods. The result was a national overhaul of American social services institutions, pairing aid efforts with increasingly aggressive law enforcement in what the administration saw as a multipronged assault. The results proved devastating for black people. The process of implementing this strategy from the late 1960s onward eventually criminalized generations of low-income black Americans, Hinton writes. Crucially, support for Johnsons initiative was also bipartisan, as the report helped the administration build a critical mass of support among political and economic elites across the ideological spectrum. When Johnson declined to pursue reelection in 1968, Republican Richard Nixon picked up the mantle. Running on promises to restore law and order to a politically fractured citizenry, Nixon announced what became known as the War on Drugs in 1971. This initiative accelerated the criminalization of black communities, in part by creating more pretenses for law enforcement agencies to inundate them. Policies like mandatory sentencing and no-knock warrants took hold as federal drug control agencies expanded. Incarceration rates climbed as crime gripped the public imagination and local police and officials rose to the occasion. Presidents Gerald Ford, a Republican, and Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, mostly continued the status quo, with the brief exception of Carters support for marijuana decriminalization. By the time Republican president Ronald Reagan took power, the machinery was in place for even more rapid growth. Several patterns coalesced in the 1980s that drove the continued rise of incarceration rates into the 2010s namely that more people were sent to prison and stayed there longer, despite arrest rates remaining relatively stable. In 1986, Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which created new mandatory-minimum sentencing requirements. Reagans vice-president, George H.W. Bush, transformed the debate around crime and punishment into a more explicitly partisan pursuit during the 1988 presidential election. He infamously used the case of Willie Horton, a black man in prison for murder in Massachusetts who committed rape and armed robbery while on a furlough program in 1986 supported by then-Governor Michael Dukakis, to paint Dukakis as soft on crime. Bush won the presidency, but lost reelection four years later to Bill Clinton the Democrat perhaps most associated with modern tough-on-crime policies. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act that Clinton signed into law in 1994 expanded the reach of the federal death penalty, eliminated higher-education grants for incarcerated people, and provided funding to build new prisons, to name three of its provisions. All these efforts gained support by using black people as symbols of fear and criminality, with the parties often one-upping each other to prove who could be the most punitive. John Ehrlichman, a Nixon aide, openly admitted the Drug War was a pretense to criminalize and vilify black communities. Reagan used public fear around crack cocaines ravages to implement a bill that disproportionately punished them. Bush used Willie Horton. Clinton held a campaign event and photo op at the base of Georgias Stone Mountain, a Confederate monument, in 1992, flanked by black inmates from a local prison an unambiguous signal that he was as unafraid of cracking down on black criminals as his GOP predecessors. Despite the long bipartisan consensus that led to the rise of mass incarceration, coverage of the First Step Act has framed it as a rare meeting of the minds on criminal justice. A New York Times analysis bears the headline, Republicans and Democrats Cannot Agree on Absolutely Anything. Except This. In his tweet congratulating those on both sides who worked on the bill, Van Jones quotes Jessica Sloan, national director of #cut50, the criminal-justice reform organization he co-founded, expressing how honored she was, even as a Democrat, to stand beside Trump when he announced his support. The president himself sold the bill as an interparty olive branch. Todays announcement shows that true bipartisanship is possible, he said. This is a big breakthrough for a lot of people Theyve been talking about this for many, many years. But bipartisanship around criminal-justice legislation was never really the problem. It was the direction that bipartisanship took. Even now, Trumps rhetoric echoes the one-upmanship thats defined the discussion for so long, framing his efforts as a rebuke to a Democratic predecessor in Bill Clinton. The First Step Act could very well impact peoples lives for the better, if it becomes law an uncertain prospect, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell explores whether it has enough votes to pass. But it is nothing if not incremental, and should not be mistaken for a genuine offensive against mass incarcerations root causes. Those have remained the same regardless of generation, including an enduring national hunger to punish and exert control over the vulnerable, especially black people. And they will not change until we understand that the problem has united our political efforts more often that the solutions. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari Friday termed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as "a big example of an urban Naxal" and said the AAP and the Congress are chips of the same block. Tiwari, a Lok Sabha MP, asked the Congress to clarify its stand on controversial statements made recently by party leaders Raj Babbar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. "Some urban Naxals are plotting to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arvind Kejriwal is a big example of an urban Naxal," he said at a press conference here this evening. "Being a chief minister, he (Kejriwal) sat on a dharna to stop the Republic Day parade," the actor-politician said. Tiwari targeted UP Congress chief Raj Babbar for his reported statement describing Naxals as "revolutionaries" and also Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Sidhu for hugging the Pakistan Army chief during his visit to the neighbouring country. "Raj Babbar ji says Naxals are revolutionaries. On the other hand Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Pakistan and hugged Army Chief there. Congress should clarify its stand on both the issues," he added. The BJP leader said the Congress and the AAP are not very different from each other. "Congress and AAP are 'ek hi thaili ke chatte batte' (chips of the same block). Both parties had earlier formed a coalition government in Delhi. AAP is a B team of Congress," he said, hitting out at both the parties. Praising Chief Minister Raman Singh's government in Chhattisgarh, Tiwari said the ruling BJP has effectively tackled the menace Naxalism in the state and brought misguided people to the mainstream. "Efforts are underway to bring those who were misguided (and joined Naxal ranks) during the Congress rule, to the mainstream," he added. Tiwari was in the state to campaign for his party for the second phase of elections on November 20 covering 72 assembly seats. The first phase of polling, covering 18 seats, was held on November 12. 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.) The Kerala High Court Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter into Sabarimala when the temple was opened for monthly puja in October after the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 into the Lord Ayyappa shrine. The activist was booked by the police in Pathanamthitta on the basis of a complaint filed by Radhakrishna Menon alleging some of her Facebook posts hurt religious sentiments. She was booked under Section 295A of IPC (outraging religious feelings). Anticipating arrest, she moved the high court seeking anticipatory bail. Dismissing the bail plea, the court directed that the police can take appropriate steps in the case. Fathima, a model and activist who was part of "Kiss of Love" movement in Kochi in 2014 against alleged moral policing, was among the two women who had reached the hilltop on October 19 but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests by Ayyappa devotees. Fathima and Hyderabad-based journalist Kavitha were taken to the hills with heavy police protection. Meanwhile, the high court has granted bail to six people arrested for allegedly attacking police and preventing devotees at Nilackal, near Pamba, when the temple doors were opened for monthly puja last month. Several journalists were attacked by devotees when the temple was opened for six days on October 17 for the first time after the Supreme Court order. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine but a section of devotees is protesting the decision. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Vietnam and Australia from November 18 to 24 with an aim to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific nations, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. Kovind will be in Vietnam in the first leg of his trip. This will also be his first visit to an ASEAN country, said Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (east) in the Ministry of External Affairs. In Vietnam, the president will first visit Da Nang, a region which has rich and historical civilisational connect. It is also the location of world heritage site Me Son. Kovind will then visit Hanoi where he will lay a wreath at the monument of National Heroes and Martyrs and at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Min. He will hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong, besides meeting Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other leaders. Kovind will also be addressing the National Assembly of Vietnam. He will become the second foreign leader to achieve the rare honour after Chinese President Xi Jinping. India and Vietnam have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the two countries share a robust cooperation in the strategic areas of defence and space. Kovind's visit to Vietnam comes less than a month after Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong became the country's new president following the death of incumbent president Tran Dai Quang. The president's second leg of the visit will be in Australia from November 21 to 24. This is the first visit by an Indian president to Australia, Singh said. Kovind will visit Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. He will meet Governor General Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Scott Morisson during his visit. Kovind will unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta, a prominent suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales. In Sydney, he will address the Indian diaspora. Australia has half a million strong Indian community. The president will also address the Australian Financial Business Review. In Melbourne, Kovind will meet Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and address students of the Melbourne University. "India and Australia are strategic partners and there is a growing partnership and convergence of views on security and defence and economic issues between the two countries," Singh said. Trade ties also remain robust between India and Australia and the two countries share a bilateral trade of USD 20 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. "It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it. "What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added. Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing. "Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit. "Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said. "What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government. Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character". Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh." Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister. Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now. "Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped. Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016. "They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said. He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system. "Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court granted bail to the CEO and editor-in-chief of Samachar Plus on Friday, 19 days after he was arrested for mounting undue pressure on a subordinate to conduct a sting operation on Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and a senior bureaucrat considered close to him. Samachar Plus CEO Umesh Kumar Sharma has been granted bail by the district and sessions court, Rajpur police station incharge Umesh Kumar said. The private channel head was arrested from his Indirapuram residence in Ghaziabad on October 28 on the charges of threatening a subordinate with dire consequences if he failed to conduct stings on the CM and the additional chief secretary. According to a complaint filed with the Rajpur police station here, Sharma wanted his channel to conduct the stings so he could dictate terms with the higher ups in the government and the bureaucracy. The Uttarakhand High Court had on Thursday turned down a plea by the state police seeking permission to conduct a narco test and brain mapping of Sharma. While rejecting the plea, a division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Rangnathan and Justice Alok Singh had also directed the lower court in Dehradun to take a call on the bail application of Sharma by Friday. Sharma's name had first cropped up in connection with conducting a sting video of former chief minister Harish Rawat in which he was shown negotiating a deal to get the support of disgruntled party MLAs to save his government in 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A lost film featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the character that would lead to the creation of Mickey Mouse, has been found in Japan ahead of one of the most popular cartoon's 90th birthday. The 16mm copy of "Neck 'n' Neck" was with anime historian Yasushi Watanabe, who had bought it when he was in high school nearly 70 years ago. The original "Neck 'n' Neck" was five minutes in length, but was cut to two minutes for the 16mm version sold for home projection use. Watanabe, now 84, bought the film at a toy wholesaler near his home in Osaka, but only recently read "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Cartoons" by David Bossert, a longtime animator at who published the book last year. The film was tagged "Mickey Manga Spide" (Mickey cartoon speedy) and cost Watanabe 500 Yen. "As I've been a Disney fan for many years, I'm happy that I was able to play a role," Watanabe told the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which contacted Bossert and the Walt Disney Archives to confirm it was one of seven of the 26 Oswald series thought to be permanently lost. Watanabe's copy is currently being kept at Kobe Planet Film Archive, Japan. Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in 1927, and it was Disney Studios' first character to have its own show. A total of 27 cartoons were made, but Oswald became the reason for intellectual property dispute, with Universal Studios wrestling the rights to the character in 1928. In response, Disney started working on a new lead character, one that would eventually be known as Mickey Mouse. Oswald was left abandoned until Disney CEO Bob Iger bought back the rights in 2006. Another of the lost Oswald films was discovered in the British Film Institute archives in 2015. "Steamboat Willie", the first Mickey Mouse cartoon to get a full release, debuted on November 18, 1928. The Maharashtra government will have to consult the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) before taking a policy decision on granting reservation to the Maratha community, according to a law passed by Parliament earlier this year. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) Thursday submitted its report on the social and economic conditions of the Marathas, with a government source saying the panel has "favoured" grant of quota to the community. Section 338B, sub-clause 9 the 102nd constitutional amendment bill passed in both the houses of Parliament in August this year states, "(9) The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission (National Commission for Backward Classes, NCBC) on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes". This means the state government will have to consult the NCBC before it goes ahead with granting reservation to the Maratha community based on their social and educational backwardness. An official from the state law and judiciary department said the government is unsure about the NCBC accepting the government decision to grant quota to the community in jobs and education. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had Thursday said all statutory formalities over the quota issue will be completed in the next 15 days and that the Maratha community should get ready to celebrate on December 1. A senior BJP Cabinet minister has said the MSBCC report is likely to be tabled before the pre-winter session meeting of the state cabinet on November 18. The NCBC has now been granted constitutional status on par with the National Commission for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will go down in state history as the one without a deputy speaker for the longest gap of four years. The BJP government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assumed office on October 31, 2014 and won the trust vote on November 12. Prior to the trust vote, BJP leader Haribhau Bagade was unanimously elected Speaker. The Shiv Sena joined the government in December, 2014. The Lower House of the state legislature has met 15 times since then, and on Monday will meet again for the 16th time for a two-week winter session. Speaking on the absence of a deputy speaker, legislature officials said it is a Constitutional post with laid down procedures for its election. However, these officials added, it was up to the government of the day to fill the post. During the Sena-BJP rule between 1995-99, Sharad Motiram Tasare of Congress from Teosa Assembly constituency was the Deputy Speaker. Later, during the 15-year rule of the Congress-NCP, the speaker's post was with the NCP while the Congress had its nominee on the deputy speaker's post. However, of the 22 deputy speakers so far, a majority have been from the Congress party. Gajananrao Raghunathrao Garud, who was deputy speaker between March 21, 1978 and April 5, 1979, was an Independent MLA. Suryakant Dongre, who held the post between April 7, 1979 and June 9, 1980 belonged to the Republican Party of india (Khobragade group). Kamalkishore Kadam (March 1, 1985 to June 22, 1986) was from the Congress (Socialist) which at the time was headed by current NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Laxman Alias Anna Joshi, who was the deputy speaker from October 20, 1990 and July 3, 1991, was from the BJP while Moreshwar Termude (July 19, 1991 to March 11, 1995) was from the Janata Party. Before the state of Maharashtra came into existence in 1960, there were five deputy speakers of the Legislative Assembly of Bombay Province, which later came to be known as the bilingual Bombay State. The Congress' Shanmugappa Angadi was deputy speaker of the Assembly of Bombay Province from 1946 to 1952. Deendayal Gupta, who was the deputy speaker of the bilingual state from June 20, 1957 to April 30, 1960, went on to become the first deputy speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on May 1, 1960. He continued on the post till March 3, 1962. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The State Backward Class Commission report on Maratha reservations and the drought in 151 talukas are expected to dominate the two-week long winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature set to begin Monday. The winter session, being held in Mumbai after 57 years, will have only eight working days and will end on November 30. A decision on whether proceedings of the House would be held on Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 23 will be decided later. The State Backward Class Commission submitted its 200-page report on Maratha reservations on Thursday and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated later in the day that all statutory formalities in connection with it would be completed in 15 days. Sources, however, said a decision on whether the report will be tabled on the floor of the Legislature is yet to be taken. In August this year in a televised address during the peak of the Maratha quota protests, Fadnavis had said that once the report of the commission was submitted, a special session of the state legislature would be convened within a month to pass a "law or resolution" regarding granting reservations to the community. On Thursday in Akola, Fadnavis said his government has already declared it would expedite the Maratha reservation issue by November end. Nearly half a dozen MLAs had announced their resignations from the Legislature during the peak of the Maratha reservation stir. Only Shiv Sena's Harshvardhan Jadhav, though, submitted his resignation to Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Disgruntled BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh also quit the House. The prevailing drought in several parts of the state is also expected to be at the centre of acrimonious debates between the government and the Opposition in the Assembly and Legislative Council. The Opposition has already been in attack mode on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement, made during a rally in Shirdi, that 16,000 villages in the state were now drought-free. The Opposition has claimed findings of the Groundwater Survey And Development Authority (GSDA), on the other hand, show that groundwater levels have depleted by more than one metre in 13,984 villages in 252 out of the 353 tehsils in the state. Of the 13,984 villages, groundwater levels have gone down by more than 3 metres in 3,342 villages, by 2-3 metres in 3,430 villages and by 1-2 metres in 7,212 villages, the GSDA report states. While the state government has been claiming that Jalyukt Shivar, a water conservation scheme, is a success, the opposition Congress and NCP have called it a plan beset by corruption. Another issue that is expected to generate heat is the killing of tigress Avni. The tigress, who had allegedly killed 13 people in Yavatmal district's Pandharkawda area in the last two years, was shot dead by a marksman hired by the state government in a forest in Yavatmal on November 2. The BJP-led government in the state has come under fire over the killing of the tigress who left behind two 10-month-old cubs. The killing led to an outrage among animal lovers and wildlife organisations which accused the state government of violating norms. The state government set up a four-member committee to probe the killing. A post mortem report has revealed that the tigress was shot while she was facing away from the shooter and it has also raised doubts on the way the tranquiliser dart was administered. While Union Minister Maneka Gandhi called the killing a "ghastly murder" and demanded that state Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar be sacked, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has dubbed the probe committee a "farce". Mungantiwar and the state government have, however, defended it, calling the incident "sad" but necessary after the tigress had attacked forest staff trying to tranquilise it. The post of Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council is vacant after the tenure of Congress' Manikrao Thakare ended. The BJP is now the single largest party in the Council with 22 seats and it remains to be seen whether it will seek removal of Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar who belongs to the NCP, or if it will settle for the deputy chairman's post. Nine new bills, including GST amendments, caste validity for contesting gram panchayat polls, and another amendment regarding cooperative housing societies will be tabled in the winter session. Apart from these, there are eight pending bills awaiting clearances from either of the two Houses and six ordinances waiting for passage on the floor of both the Houses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday appealed to the media to be fearless and report the truth. Banerjee made the plea on the National Press Day. "On the occasion of #NationalPressDay, my best wishes to all #journalists. The #media is the fourth pillar of #democracy and must always report the truth," the chief minister tweeted. She quoted an extract of a famous poem of Rabindranath Tagore and said "May these words inspire you, 'where the mind is without fear and the head is held high'..." The National Press Day is celebrated every year on November 16 for a free and responsible press in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress. Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions. Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday cautioned a section of Trinamool Congress workers to stop making money in the name of the party or face action. Banerjee, the party supremo, also charged a section of MLAs, ministers and leaders of remaining inactive, and said nobody should think that they are above the party. "Those who are making money in the name of the party should stop such things. This will not be tolerated. I keep a tab on each and every activity of the party from block level to state level," she told a party meeting. "No one should think they can get away with anything they want," Banerjee said. If needed, she said, she will remove inactive members and replace them with active and dedicated workers. "There are leaders who are only busy to get new posts. I ask them to reach out to the people and if they are unwilling to do so, they are free to leave the TMC," the chief minister said. Reaching out to the old-timers of the TMC, Banerjee said the party was able to achieve its current position because of their battle against the misrule of the CPI(M)-led Left Front for 34 year long years in the state. "I feel proud about the sacrifices made by the old-timers of our party. In some cases, the old-timers were have either been sidelined or have stepped aside from regular functioning of the party," she said. Stating that the party needs to to bring those leaders back, she said the BJP might try to misuse the organisational capability of them. "I would urge old timers to write directly to me if they are facing any problem. I will personally take care of these cases," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A personal security officer (PSO) of Meghalaya cabinet minister Krymen Shylla has been arrested along with his aides in West Jaintia Hills district for allegedly assaulting two truck drivers, a senior police officer said here Friday. Constable Thmubait I Dhar and his aides, Chanky Lhuid and Deibormi, attacked the two truckers, who were part of a fleet transporting coal to Bangladesh from Bhutan via Dawki in Meghalaya, he said. "The arrests were made around 3.30 am on Thursday after the Jowai police control room received a call about a ruckus at a roadside dhaba in Riat Turiem area of the district. The PSO has been suspended following his arrest," the officer told PTI. Shylla, when contacted, said he was yet to gather details about the incident. The social welfare minister also asserted that the "the truth will come out only after police inquiry". The injured drivers - Passang Dorji from Bhutan and Jity Kami from West Bengal - had to seek medical aid from a nearby clinic, the senior police officer said. "In his complaint, Kami said three persons in civil dresses, claiming to be all policemen, entered the dhaba and enaged in a heated altercation with them. One of them took out a pistol and hit them with its lever after lining them up in front of the trucks," he stated quoting the FIR. Kami also alleged that Dhar and his aides damaged the headlights and the indicators of their trucks, the officer said, adding that police were on the lookout for the constable's pistol that went missing after the incident. According to Shacha Wangchuk, one of the truck drivers who witnessed Thursday's incident, Bhutan has been regularly exporting coal to Bangladesh via Dawki-Tamabil, ever since the National Green Tribunal banned mining and transportation in Meghalaya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz Friday launched new CLS model with a starting price of Rs 84.70 lakh (ex-showroom, all India). The third generation CLS is powered by a new two-litre BS VI compliant diesel engine with power of 180 kw, the company said in a statement. "With the launch of the new CLS 300 d, Mercedes-Benz continues its offensive with its 12th product launched in 2018," Mercedes-Benz India Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Michael Jopp said. "We have an exciting line-up for 2019 as well and our product innovations will continue in the coming months," he further said. Jopp said the company is confident that the third generation CLS would offer "superior luxury and comfort" to its customers and will continue to delight them. The new CLS has luxury features like Burmester surround sound system, which includes 13 high-performance speakers precisely tailored to the vehicle interiors providing an acoustic experience, the company added. The vehicle is also equipped with smartphone integration, which supports android auto and Apple CarPlay, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Militants abducted and later killed a civilian in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said Friday. Nadeem Manzoor, a resident ofSafanagri area Shopian district of south Kashmir, was abducted on Thursday night, a police official said. He said Manzoor was later killed by militants. "Manzoor's bullet-riddled body was retrieved by police from Niklora Pulwama," the official said. Police have registered a case and investigation has been initiated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 527.5 million towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said on Friday. The officials said the finance department has released Rs 325 million to the state election department. Of the Rs 527.5 million election budget, Rs 377.5 million will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 40 million will go to the state election directorate. The officials said Rs 110 million was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side. The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 243 million was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls. The Supreme Court on Friday extended till December 5 the interim bail granted to controversial Uttar Pradesh politician D P Yadav, convicted in a murder case, on medical grounds. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi noted the submission of the counsel appearing for Yadav that he has undergone a major spinal surgery and was reportedly suffering from some post-operative complications which have been certified by the doctors to require him to be admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. It, however, directed the politician to surrender before Dehradun jail authorities on December 6 to serve the remainder of his life sentence. The apex court was informed that Yadav is presently "in transit to report to the Jailor of the Dehradun Jail in view of its October 23 order directing him to surrender today". "The doctors in the Yashoda Hospital and Research Centre, Ghaziabad have certified that the appellant/applicant is suffering from certain postoperative complications, as already noticed. "In view of the above certification given by the experts in the field we extend the interim bail granted by this Court to the appellant/applicant until December 5, 2018 whereafter he will surrender to the concerned authority of the Dehradun District Jail where he was previously lodged on December 6, 2018 in the course of the day," the bench, also comprising justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, said. Earlier, the apex court was apprised by the hospital that Yadav would undergo spinal surgery and would be kept in the hospital for sometime. The bench had then directed the hospital to furnish a fresh report on October 22. Yadav, whose appeal in the Uttarkhand High Court against the 2015 trial court verdict is pending, had moved the top court seeking bail for undergoing the surgery. The high court, on June 14, had rejected the bail plea of Yadav. The apex court, on September 18, had granted interim bail for 15 days to Yadav on a condition that he will get himself admitted as in-patient in Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital for the requisite pre-operative checks. It had also asked him to deposit a bail bond of Rs 1 crore and two sureties of like amount for getting the interim bail. Besides Yadav, the trial court had also convicted Pal Singh, Karan Yadav and Praneet Bhati for offences of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy of the IPC in the case. The case was transferred to the CBI court in Dehradun in 2000 on the direction of the Supreme Court after doubts were expressed about a fair trial in the case in Uttar Pradesh as Yadav was an influential politician in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to make someone from outside the Gandhi family its chief for at least five years if it respected democracy, as he returned the Congress' barb that a 'chaiwala' could rise to power only because of democratic systems established by Pandit Jawahal Lal Nehru. In an apparent attack on Gandhis, Modi also said that the family whose "four generations ruled the country" cannot fathom how can the son of a poor mother could sit on the "rajgaddi" (throne). Addressing a poll rally here in Surguja district for the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections scheduled for November 20, Modi also hit back at the Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke. While the BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh for 15 continuous years, the Congress was in power in the state only for three years after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Traditionally, the two national parties have had a direct fight in this state, although a third force as emerged this time in form of an alliance between the parties of former Congress chief minister Ajit Jogi and of Dalit leader Mayawati. Modi asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation before asking for an account of his government's four-and-half years' rule. "Four generations of the Congress ruled the counry, but they have nothing to tell the people. We are everyday giving an account of what we have done in the last four years," he said. "They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) became the prime minister," Modi said. "If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said. "If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said that it was due to the institutional structures created by Nehru that even a "chaiwala" could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said earlier that a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. Sitaram Kesri had served as the Congress president in the 1990s, but his tenure from September 1996 to March 1998 was less than five years. Rahul Gandhi is currently president of the Congress party, while the post was held by his mother Sonia Gandhi before that. A Congress president mostly gets a three-year term, though there have been exceptions. Continuing his barbs at the Gandhi family, Modi said the "contract of democracy" in the country was not given to one family, but they felt the Britishers had named India after it. "They still keep crying that how could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the throne" he said. Stating that such people cannot understand difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can, he said the credit for making a 'chaiwala' the prime minister goes to 125 crore Indians and not to Modi or the BJP. The PM also took on Rahul Gandhi for attacking him over demonetisation, saying only one "family" is "crying" over the note-ban exercise. "No one from those sitting here (in the rally) is crying over demonetisation, but only one family is crying. Their (Gandhis) associates lost their illegally earned money filled in bags, hidden inside their bed and pillow after demonetisation," the prime minister said. Modi also said Chhattisgarh was created peacefully during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in contrast to violence during agitations for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under the Congress rule. He said the BJP is the only unbiased party and it is guided by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', while the Congress kept the country in dark with lies that are ingrained in their minds. He also hailed the high voter turnout in the first phase of polling held in the state on November 12 for 18 seats, which covered Maoist-affected constituencies, saying the people of Bastar gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase. Despite threats given by Naxals to chop off fingers of those who will vote, tribals came out in large numbers to vote, he said. Modi urged voters of the remaining 72 assembly seats to show the same enthusiasm in the second phase on November 20. Counting of votes for both phases would be held on December 11. He said election offers the best opportunity to "punish" those who think it is the right of only one family to rule the country. "When I had come to Ambikapur during last Lok Sabha elections, people had made a replica of Red Fort for my rally which annoyed a few people in Delhi as they thought it was the right of only one family to speak from Red Fort. They are still angry with you for that and the time has arrived to punish them," Modi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Returning the Congress' "a chaiwala could become prime minister due to Nehru" barb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dared it to make someone "from outside the family" as its chief for him to believe the late leader created a true democratic system. Modi also charged the Gandhis with still not being able to come to terms that a "son of a poor mother" could become the country's prime minister. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, Modi slammed the opposition party for crediting his occupying the PM's post to Nehru instead of people in the country. He also hit back at the Congress also for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke. He asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said it was due to the institutional structure created by Nehru that even a "chai wala" (tea seller) could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. "They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a chaiwala became the prime minister," Modi said. "If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said. "If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said. Modi's fiver-year tenure remark was apparently in reference to Sitaram Kesri who was the Congress president in the 90s, but did not have a five-year term. He held the post from September 1996 to March 1998. The "contract of democracy" of the country was not given to a family, he said, adding the (Gandhi) family felt the Britishers had named India after it. Without naming the Gandhis, Modi said they were unable to come to terms that Modi has been a prime minister for four and a half years now "after their four generations ruled the country". "They still keep crying. How could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the 'raj gaddi' (throne of power)," he said. Modi said people have disproved that it was the "right of only one family" to speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. "You can't understand the difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can," Modi said in a veiled attack on the Congress and the Gandhis. "They (Congress) have kept the country in the dark with their lies which are ingrained in their minds," Modi said, not mincing words to target the principal opposition party and its top leaders. He also hailed the impressive turnout in the first phase of polling held in the state on November 10. "People of Bastar in Chhattisgarh gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase," he added. The second phase of polling in the state will be held on November 20 and the election results will be out on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister and Friday engaged in a war of words over demonetisation, with the PM saying it "still rankles" the Congress, while the opposition party's chief labelled the move as the "biggest scam" of independent Two years after the massive note-ban exercise, which saw overnight scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bills, demonetisation continued to be a hot button topic with the BJP and leaders regularly sparring over the move. Addressing a rally ahead of the second phase of voting in on November 20, Modi claimed the people did not have issues with demonetisation, but "only a family". The prime minister claimed the was "worried" that he took away all the money its "minions and friends" had stashed under their beds and in sacks in one "Something rankles them (Congress) in such a way that they are still not able to sleep...No one sitting here is crying. But only a family is crying," Modi told the gathering at Ambikapur. He said his government's fight against corruption would go on and those who had plundered public money "will have to return what they looted". Modi said his government was investing the money recovered post-demonetisation on carrying out public works and funding welfare schemes. Speaking at a rally in adjoining Madhya Pradesh, which goes to the polls on November 28, Gandhi launched a broadside against the prime minister over note-ban and accused him of "robbing" the hard-earned money of the poor and giving it to a few rich. After the note ban exercise, which had rendered 86 per cent of the total currency in circulation invalid, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens stand in queues outside banks, he said, addressing the rally in Sagar district. "He (Modi) allowed the rich like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, (all accused of financial frauds) to flee the country with your money and made you stand in queues outside banks. Time will prove how Modi had robbed you and gave your money to a few rich," he claimed. Gandhi also claimed demonetisation had helped turn black money into white (legal). "These days, Modi's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi charged. A junior motor vehicle inspector has been arrested by anti-graft vigilance wing in Bhadrak district of Odisha for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The motor vehicle inspector, Shankar Narayan Choudhury, was arrested from the RTO office in Bhadrak on Thursday after search operations carried out in his office room and houses showed that he had amassed huge properties beyond his known income sources, a vigilance official said. The raids were carried out in a building owned by him in Bhubaneswar, another building in Cuttack, office room at Bhadrak, rented house at Bhadrak and houses of his two relatives at Burla and Bhubaneswar on Wednesday on the basis of search warrants issued by a special court, he said. During the exercise, Choudhury was found to have assets worth Rs 1.76 crore including buildings in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, seven homestead plots in Bhubaneswar, Rs 13,03,000 in cash, a car, a motor cycle, bank deposits, gold ornaments and costly household articles. The amount of total assets might increase after investigations were completed, he said. During examination, Choudhury and his spouse could not account for the possession of disproportionate assets worth Rs 1.29 crore following which a case was registered against them under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2018, the officer said. Choudhury was arrested and forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance in Bhubaneswar and remanded to jail custody till November 28. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A sub-inspector of Haryana Police was shot dead allegedly by a murder accused in Rewari district, an official spokesperson said on Friday. The incident took place when the 49-year-old police officer, identified as Ranbir Singh, had gone to arrest the accused, Naresh, he said. "On getting information regarding movement of Naresh on the Dharuhera-Bhiwadi road (near Rajasthan border), Ranbir Singh along with his team rushed near the spot in Rewari," the spokesperson said. The accused opened fire at the police party when the sub-inspector moved ahead to arrest him," he said. Singh was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead by doctors. Naresh is allegedly involved in the killing of a hotel owner about two weeks ago on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and is also wanted in several other murder and attempt to murder cases, the spokesperson said. Expressing grief over the demise of Singh, Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said police will provide all kinds of facilities under the welfare schemes of the department to the next of kin of the deceased. Apart from special ex-gratia grant of Rs 30 lakh, financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh would also be given under a special agreement of accidental death insurance cover, he said. In addition, free education upto class 12 would be offered to children of the deceased in police public school, Sandhu said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Bihar social welfare minister Manju Verma, who is evading arrest in an Arms Act case which cropped up in course of a CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal, was on Friday proclaimed an "absconder" by a court which also ordered for attaching her properties. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Majaul passed the order to this effect invoking sections 82 and 83 of Code of Criminal Procedure. The court in Begusarai also turned down an application filed by Verma, through her counsel last week, wherein she had pleaded that she was not evading arrest, but "seeking relief as per law" and hence, she may not be proclaimed an absconder. The case under the Arms Act was registered against the ex-minister and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma at Cheria Bariyarpur police station in the district following recovery of a huge cache of ammunition from their residence here. The recovery had been made by a CBI team which had raided the premises in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse case of over 30 minor girls. Verma had stepped down as the minister for social welfare in August following reports that her husband had close links with Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in the scandal. Her husband had surrendered before a court here on October 29, even as the Supreme Court earlier this week rapped the Bihar Police for its failure to arrest Verma, and directed the DGP to appear in person on November 27 if she was not arrested by then. An embarrassed JD(U), headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recently suspended her from the primary membership of the party. Meanwhile, in Patna, DGP K S Dwivedi told reporters that attempts were being made to secure her arrest. We are making tremendous efforts. He, however, added no time-frame could be given for the arrest of any person wanted in a criminal case. Though we appreciate the concern expressed by the Supreme Court, we hope to trace her very soon, Dwivedi said. Meanwhile, opposition parties like the RJD and Hindustani Awam Morcha have accused the ruling party of shielding the absconder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea has decided to expel a US citizen who illegally entered the country last month, Pyongyang's official KCNA agency said Friday. The man, identified as Lawrence Bruce Byron, had been in custody after crossing into North Korea from China on October 16, it said. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency", KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country", it added. A man with the same name was arrested in South Korea while trying to sneak over the inter-Korean border in November last year. Byron, who is in his late 50s and from Louisiana, was later deported back to the US. Media reports said he told South Korean officials he sought to facilitate talks between North Korea and the United States, although he is a private citizen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran journalist and Hindu publishing group chairman N Ram was on Friday presented the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution towards journalism. The award was presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the occasion of National Press Day. The National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2018, announced by the Press Council of India (PCI), were also given to many other journalists. Ruby Sarkar, Chief Correspondent, Deshbandhu, Bhopal, and Rajesh Parshuram Joshte, Daily Pudhari, Ratnagiri, were presented the award in the category of 'Rural Journalism'. V S Rajesh, Deputy Editor, Kerala Kaumudhi, got the award under the category of Developmental Reporting. Subhash Paul, Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi, was handed over the award in the 'Photo Journalism-Single News' category, while Mihir Singh of the Punjab Kesari, Delhi, was given the prize in the category of 'Photo Journalism-Photo Feature'. Under the category of 'Best Newspaper Art: covering cartoons, caricature and illustrations', P Narasimha, Cartoon Editor, Nava Telangana, Hyderabad, was presented the award. No entry could qualify in the newly introduced award category of 'Sports Reporting'. The selection of awardees was carried out by a jury comprising eminent working journalists, senior editors, owners and managers representing print media. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The claimed on Friday opposition parties like the Congress, and had formed a "grand alliance of most corrupt parties" to protect their interests after the Andhra Pradesh government withdrew the consent given to the to exercise its power in the state. spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao also alleged the government's decision was a "clear malafide exercise of power" to ensure that its "corruption" was not exposed. It showed that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was in power in the state and had formed an alliance with parties like the to take on the BJP, had many skeletons in its cupboards, he alleged. "A nervous and completely rattled Naidu is trying to save his government," Rao told reporters. The Naidu government withdrew the 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state. A 'confidential' government order to this effect, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night. The decision drew support from parties like the Trinamool (TMC), with its president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the central government of misusing investigation agencies for political vendetta. "We are seeing a grand alliance of the most corrupt parties. Their interests have converged to ensure that their corruption is not exposed," Rao said, citing cases of alleged graft against leaders of the and the Ever since Naidu snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led in March this year, he had been alleging that the Centre was misusing agencies like the to target political opponents. Income Tax authorities had recently raised some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state. The cited these cases to accuse him of corruption. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key institutions like the CBI and RBI, and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made "building statues" its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts" and that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions. Banerjee also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests. "BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said. The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take it on. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she (Banerjee) is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us." Addressing a party meeting here, the chief minister said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function." "The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election," she said. Banerjee also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state. "What the Chandrababu Naidu government has done is absolutely right. We will also look into the rules under which it was done. "Earlier, we didn't need to use such provisions but we need to do it now as BJP is using CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said. Reacting to Banerjee's comments, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said it only shows that the TMC leadership is "afraid" of the CBI as they are involved in corruption. The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues." Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming general elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year. "Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country. "We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said. "The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," Banerjee said. The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said. She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice". "We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said. Maheshtala Assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won. Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass. BJP national secretary Sinha said TMC's purification yatra will be their final political yatra as they will be wiped out from the state in next Lok Sabha polls. On the issue of Assam NRC, Banerjee alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions. She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests. "BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said. The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us." Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election." She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said. The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues." Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year. "Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country. "We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said. "The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said. The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said. She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice". "We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said. Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won. Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass. On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday slammed the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for allegedly destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions, the party supremo said. "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election," she told a party meeting here. Banerjee, who gave a call for a mega rally at the Brigade Parade Ground here in January, said the saffron party is only interested in creating communal divisions by updating National Register of Citizens (NRC). "The TMC will not tolerate such exercises. The party will play a bigger role in the coming days to save the country from the BJP," she asserted. The CM also said that she would invite all opposition leaders to the TMC rally in January and put up a united fight against the BJP. "BJP hatao, desh bachao will be our slogan at the rally," she stated. Referring to the BJP's scheduled 'rath yatra' in the state next month, Banerjee said, "The saffron party is organising a political 'yatra'. Our workers, on the other hand, will organise 'ekta yatra', aimed at uniting all communities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Green Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and the Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi chief secretaries to periodically review steps taken to stop crop burning incidents. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said there was a need to adopt a multi-method approach through in situ and ex situ management of crop residue to minimise stubble burning incidents. The green panel directed the states to compile data on instances of stubble burning "appropriately through revenue records" and asked the Centre to "disburse funds well in time" so that they can be utilised by the states. It directed the Ministry of Agriculture to furnish a status report to the tribunal on or before April 30, 2019, and said it would consider it on May 9. The tribunal was also informed that the Centre has released Rs 577.11 crore under the Crop Residue Management Scheme, out of which Rs 328.01 crore has been spent on procurement of machinery due to which crop burning incidents have reduced to 12.39 per cent. "Fire incidents have mainly taken place from 1st November to 12th November. The statistics show that in the State of Punjab fire incidents this year are more than the fire incidents in the last year, during the November 1 to November 12, though, overall number of incidents are less than last year,"the bench noted. The tribunal was informed that the Centre has initiated awareness programmes through "Krishi Vikas Kendras" and the Punjab government has introduced a lesson on stubble burning awareness in the education curriculum. "Youth clubs have also been involved. Rallies of school children have also been promoted by the government of India. In Delhi, farmers have been trained on the subject. In the State of Haryana, similar awareness programmes have been undertaken and farmers have also been trained which has also been done in Uttar Pradesh," the bench noted. The NGT was also informed that in Haryana, the Haryana Bio Energy Policy, 2018, was notified on March 9 to provide for bio-based power projects. It noted that live demonstrations of in situ crop residue management have been given to villages and crop burning is monitored through satellite. "Monitoring is also done at the chief secretary level regularly through field visits and video conferencing and a state level monitoring committee has been constituted to prevent crop residue burning. "A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the department of agriculture and the Indian Oil Corporation for use of crop residue for bio-refinery,"it noted. The tribunal had earlier said there was a need to find out a long-lasting solution to the problems of stubble burning and directed the chief secretaries of four states to appear before it to explain ways to prevent it. The green panel was hearing the matter after taking note of a report published in an English daily titled, "All fiddle as crop stubble burns, farmers say solutions out of reach." The report had claimed that crop burning shoots up the carbon dioxide levels in the air by 70 per cent. It had said every year in October, the air quality in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana plummets as farmers set the leftover stubble and loose straw on fire after paddy is harvested using combines. It had also claimed that over the last two years, the central and state governments have devised a number of measures to prevent crop burning from slapping fines on farmers to subsidising equipment that allow seeds of the next wheat crop to be planted with the stubble still on the fields. The tribunal had earlier directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture to submit a status report within six weeks on providing infrastructural assistance to farmers to stop them from burning crop residue to prevent air pollution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) chief on Friday ruled out the possibility of tying up with the BJP or the to form the government in Chhattisgarh, asserting that her alliance with Ajit Jogi's party would get an absolute majority. "When our alliance is fully confident of getting an absolute majority (in the 90-member House), where does the question of a post-poll tie-up with the BJP or the arise?" the Dalit leader said when asked about which way her party would go in such a scenario. "This is a mischievous question. The question does not arise. The second phase of the polling is yet to take place," the BSP supremo told a news channel. Dismissing the suggestion as hypothetical, said the alliance -- with Jogi's Janta (JCC) -- would prefer to sit in the Opposition if it could not form the government on its own. "At present, the question of extending or taking support from any party does not arise," she told NDTV. Describing the and the Congress as "saap nath" and "naag nath" (snakes), the 62-year-old leader said there was no question of having any truck with either of the two. "The BJP and the Congress are anti-poor, anti-farmer, anti-Dalit, anti-downtrodden, and anti-weaker sections." To a question as to why her party could not forge an alliance with the Congress, said she had already spoken in detail about it in the past. In a snub to the Congress, the BSP had announced its decision to contest the state election in alliance with the JCC, declaring Jogi as the chief ministerial face of the coalition. The JCC is contesting 55 seats, while the BSP is in the fray in the rest. In the outgoing House, the BSP has only one seat. While 18 assembly constituencies in the state went to polls in the first phase on Monday, voting will take place in the remaining 72 seats next Tuesday. The results will be on December 11. Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legistature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project. "I have seen that a BJP MLA while demanding action based on House Committee on NICE, has accused me of adjustment (in the case). They (BJP) are the ones who taught me adjustment politics," Kumaraswamy told reporters here. Kumaraswamy said during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 headed by him, when he brought a subject before the cabinet to scrap the project, BJP ministers hadboycotted it. "Where was their commitment then?" he asked. State BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi Thursday had demanded that the coalition government implement the House committee report on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC) by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises(NICE). He had reportedly accused Kumaraswamy and his government of "adjustment" in the case. Kumaraswamy said, his government will not protect anyone involved in illegal activity related cases. "It has just been five-and-half months after this coalition government coming to power, give us some time. How we will work, how our programmes are...by implementing our programmes we will answer them. I need not do by adjustment," he said. Asked if the government will act on the House committee report, the chief minister said, the report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly. "There is time, we will take decision accordingly." In its report tabled in the Assembly in December 2016, the 11-member committee, headed by the then Law ministerJayachandra to look into the alleged violations, concluded that 16 of 22 articles in the framework agreement had beenviolated by the private partner NICE. It had also recommended an inquiry by CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the vigilance commission or an investigative agency of equalstanding. NICE is the implementing agency of the BMIC project, which includes developing the 111-km four-lane expressway, five townships and supporting infrastructure. Former MLA and businessman Ashok Kheny is the ManagingDirector of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited. He joined the Congress ahead of assembly polls in May. While in opposition, Kumaraswamy and his party were staunch critics of the BMIC project and had demanded action based on the House panel report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea on Friday said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the United States that came even as it announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified "ultramodern" weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile US figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the "manipulation" of the US Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the North's spelling of the man's name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. The North's decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious US response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed US soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," though it didn't describe what the weapon was. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at US-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including US military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the US first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. But Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of US and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test won't completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearisation. US Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done." Pence stressed that UN sanctions had to remain enforced. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Assembly was crippled on the opening day of its winter session on Friday amid ruckus by opposition Congress demanding immediate discussion on issues pertaining to farmers, leading to its adjournment for the day. Soon after the House made obiturary reference for former MLAs and others who died in the recent past, Leader of Opposition and Congress lawmaker Narasingha Mishra urged the Speaker, Pradip Kumar Amat, to initiate discussion on farmers' issues by doing away with the question hour. The Congress MLAs wanted cancellation of the question hour to enable discussion on the problems being faced by farmers, in view of its importance. The party legislators said that a notice for an adjournment motion on the matter had already been accepted. BJP MLAs were also keen on a discussion on the issue. However, the Speaker turned down their plea and announced commencement of the question hour. Annoyed with the rejection of their demand, irate Congress members trooped into the well raising slogans pressing for a discussion on issues relating to the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy and the ongoing agitation by farmers' outfit -- Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS). BJP members were also seen storming into the well of the House seeking a debate on the issue. Unable to conduct the proceedings due to pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12.14 pm, minutes after the Assembly had assembled for the day. When the House reassembled, a similar situation was witnessed with the opposition Congress creating uproar. Finding it difficult to conduct the business in view of the turmoil, the Speaker adjourned the House till tomorrow. The Leader of Opposition told reporters outside the House that Congress wanted suspension of the question hour for discussion on farmers' problems in view of the importance of the matter. The Congress leaders also hit out at the state government accusing it of having foiled the agitation of the NNKS recently flouting democratic norms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Army's Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, said Friday Pakistan shall be "punished" if it carries out activities detrimental to India and asserted that befitting replies were given to the neighbouring nation for violating ceasefire. The Army commander's comments come in the wake of fatalities in sniping incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region in the last few days. "The message is very clear for the troops on the ground that should Pakistan not stop from carrying out activities, which are detrimental to our national interest along the LoC, they (Pakistan) shall be punished accordingly," Lt Gen Singh told PTI on the sidelines of a function here to felicitate teachers of Army Goodwill schools. Three Army soldiers and a porter were killed and four others were injured in sniping incidents along the LoC in Jammu's Rajouri and Poonch district last week. "There has been regular sniping incidents from an area along the LoC and we have regularly (lodged) protests with our Pakistani counterparts on their sniping activities. If they have carried out any ceasefire violation, we have given them a befitting reply," Singh said. The lieutenant general also said that "as far as infiltration attempts from across the LoC are concerned, Pakistan has continued with its efforts to give impetus to infiltration." The Indian Army is deployed all along the LoC and "we have been able to thwart all attempts by Pakistan to push in militants toward our side", he said, adding the security situation in the state's hinterland is stable, but remains fragile. Goodwill schools were started in 1998 and currently, the Northern Command runs 45 such schools under Project Sadbhavana. Twenty-four teachers received awards from Lt Gen Singh for their innovative skills in teaching. The project provides to 15,000 students and employs 1,000 teaching and non-teaching staff. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leg-spinner Yasir Shah led a double-barrelled attack of spin and pace to leave Pakistan sitting comfortably on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday. Yasir led the varied attack with 3/54 as New Zealand, who won the toss and batted on a grass-less Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch, were bowled out for a below-par 153 in 66.3 overs at the stroke of tea. The day saw 12 wickets fall as Pakistan closed at 59/2, having lost both their openers Imam-ul-Haq (six) and Mohammad Hafeez (20) before Haris Sohail (22 not out) and Azhar Ali (10 not out) stopped the rot. Pakistan need 94 more to take a lead and enforce a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Imam was first to go as he edged Colin de Grandhomme's delivery to the slip while Hafeez miscued a pull straight to short mid-wicket -- both caught by Kane Williamson. New Zealand skipper Williamson, declared fit after missing last Sunday's third one-day international due to a groin injury, top-scored with 63 before falling softly to medium pacer Hasan Ali, who finished with 2-38. Hasan removed Williamson with a slower delivery as the New Zealand skipper went for a hook and gloved the ball for wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed's fourth catch of the innings. Williamson's 112-ball knock had five boundaries and he added 72 for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls who made 28 with four boundaries. In the same over Hasan trapped De Grandhomme for a first-ball duck before Sohail dismissed Ish Sodhi (four) and BJ Watling (four) -- both were trapped leg-before. Mohammad Abbas, who has figures of 2-13, had removed Nicholls, caught behind by Sarfraz soon after lunch. Pakistan dominated the first session as New Zealand were 81-3 at lunch, with leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking the first of his two wickets in his opening overs. Yasir had derailed New Zealand's progress in the first session with the wickets of opener Tom Latham (13) and Ross Taylor (two) in his first spell. New Zealand openers Jeet Raval and Latham survived some anxious moments before pace spearhead Mohammad Abbas had Raval edging to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed after scoring seven. Yasir, who had to endure a tough last week due to the death of his mother, had Latham caught at mid-wicket off a loose drive with the fourth ball of his first over. In his fourth over Yasir had Taylor caught behind with a sharp leg-break, leaving New Zealand at 39-3. New Zealand handed Test debut to 30-year-old left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, leaving out experienced pacer Tim Southee. The second Test is in Dubai (November 24-28) and third in Abu Dhabi (December 3-7). (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 inauguration ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday. This will be Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. "I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr. Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity & human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets. He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future. "We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said. He also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure". Modi had recently accepted the invitation extended by Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid over a 12-hour stand-off with devotees and others, including BJP workers, at the airport here vowing not to let her proceed to the Sabarimala shrine, activist Trupti Desai said police have asked her to return to Pune. The development comes even as the doors to the Lord Ayyappa temple opened for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja. The activist, who reached here around 4.40 am along with six young women en route to the hill temple, has been unable to come out of the airport, with the protesters saying her group would not be allowed to proceed to the Sabarimala temple. Desai said police officers held a meeting with her. "Police have requested me to return to Pune," she told reporters. Desai said she will announce her decision by 6.30 pm. Protesting local BJP leaders at the airport said the devotees, including women, would not let Desai and her colleagues to come out of the airport and proceed to Sabarimala temple. They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. Talking to the media over phone, Desai earlier said she would not go back without darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A vigilance team of outer district Delhi police was attacked with stones following a raid in Ranhola area during which it seized illicit liquor, police said Friday. The police team seized around six cartons of illicit liquor and relatives of those whose premises were raided pelted stoned at it, they said. Two police personnel sustained grievous injuries as they were hit with bricks, they added. A case has been registered in the matter and efforts are being made to nab the accused, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A political will is necessary to bring about a revolution in the sector in the country, Delhi deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Friday. Sisodia was speaking at an event organised by the Association of Principals of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools of Maharashtra in Nanded in the state. "It is heartening to see that teachers from across Maharashtra have set aside political issues and come together to discuss education," he said. "To summarise my experience as minister (in Delhi) in the last three and a half years, I would say honest political will is needed to bring about a revolution in education," he said. "In Delhi, we have seen parents taking their children out of private schools and enrolling them in government schools, something unheard of until now," he said. The influx of students from private schools to government schools has caused a strain on the infrastructure, and the AAP government is committed to setting up more government schools, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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 The Shipping Ministry said Friday it is considering a traffic separation scheme off the south-west coast to avoid collision incidents between merchant and fishing vessels. "The Directorate General of Shipping has proposed the establishment of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off the south-west coast of India," the shipping ministry said in a statement. The proposal has been drawn taking into consideration past collision incidents off the Indian coast, traffic patterns of merchant vessels for past years, and optimum sea routes, in consonance with the current traffic flow, including simplification of traffic in converging areas off the coast of Kerala. The proposal has also considered aspects pertaining to the safety of navigation, maritime security and the separation of opposing streams of traffic to reduce incidents of collision in Indian waters. Stakeholder consultations are in progress for establishing the Traffic Separation Scheme TSS in the south-west coast. The proposed TSS lanes are currently under consideration, and will be located at a distance of about 90 nautical miles west of Mangalore in Karnataka, with the lanes leading in a south-easterly direction to the southernmost tip of India and ending about 40 nautical miles off south of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The average distance from the coast is about 50 nautical miles. The proposal will be put on the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) website before finalisation, and will also be sent to stakeholders. "The promulgation of TSS on the south-west coast of India is expected to shift the density of merchant traffic away from the coast and merchant ship traffic will become more concentrated in the established TSS," the statement said. "This is expected to result in more sea room for fishing vessels to operate safely and will, therefore, be beneficial to the fishing industry," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Key Highlights for Q2 FY2019 Strong revenue growth, up 132% QoQ Highest ever EBITDA at Rs 225 mn, with margin of 51.6% PAT turned positive after many quarters Strong operating performance: Leasing of 89% at Coimbatore Mall & 83% at Aurangabad Mall Strong Balance Sheet with low leverage of 0.4x Prozone Intu Properties Limited (PIPL), India's leading retail led mixed-use developer, announced the financial results on November 14, 2018 for the second quarter and half year ended on September 30, 2018, as approved by its Board of Directors. Commenting on its performance, Nikhil Chaturvedi, Managing Director, Prozone Intu, said, "Prozone Intu is consistently delivering improvements in the operations at the Aurangabad and Coimbatore malls. We are witnessing consistently increasing footfalls and consumption at our malls. In August, the Aurangabad Mall witnessed one of highest ever footfall in a single day. Currently, the leasing rate at both Aurangabad and Coimbatore stand at 83% and 89% respectively. And with the current pipeline of brands under discussion, we should scale the leasing levels above 90% in the next few quarters." "The openings of H&M, Marks & Spencer's and Home Town have created a lot of renewed interest around our Aurangabad Mall. At the Coimbatore property, Inox's fully operational 9-screen theatres are contributing to improving footfalls and overall consumption. On a sequential quarter basis, we have achieved over 132% growth in our revenue, and 58% increase in our EBITDA. This is a reflection of our strong underlying business performance, and we believe that there is ample improvement possible in the coming quarters," says Bipin Gurnani, President of Prozone Intu Properties Limited. Besides increasing the leasing levels at the malls, Prozone is also focussed on the completion of its Nagpur residential project, where the phase-wise delivery will start in Q4 FY2019. The company has received statutory approval for its Coimbatore residential project, and construction is expected to begin soon. In Indore, pre-launch sale of plots with focus on faster monetisation has commenced. About Prozone Intu Prozone Intu Properties Ltd. (Prozone Intu) is developed by the Promoters and participated by Intu Properties Plc, a UK FTSE-250 company. Prozone Intu creates, develops and manages world-class regional shopping centres, and associated mixed-use developments, on a Pan-India basis. Prozone Intu's strategy is to lead in the retail space within Tier 2 and 3 cities, in which robust urbanisation and significant growth in middle-class consumption is expected over the next 5 years. The Company's key business strategy includes developing large scale land parcels for mixed use development, with 75% of the land earmarked for residential & commercial categories on a build & sell model. 25% of the land is allocated towards retail malls on a build and lease model. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pune and Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituencies are likely to become a bone of contention between Congress and NCP while sealing an alliance for the 2019 general elections. During the 15-year alliance of the two parties, which parted ways ahead of the 2014 assembly polls, Congress has contested Pune, while NCP has fought Ahmednagar. In 2004, NCP had won Ahmednagar, while Congress had bagged Pune. In the 2009 LS polls, Congress's Suresh Kalmadi had retained Pune, while NCP had lost Ahmednagar seat to BJP's Dilip Gandhi. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had defeated Congress in Pune and NCP in Ahmednagar. This time, NCP is seeking Pune. But, Congress is vehemently against leaving that seat to NCP, which claims to have better chances of winning. Congress sources said that at the party's review meeting held in Mumbai, workers and leaders from Pune strongly opposed any move of giving the Pune seat to NCP during the seat-sharing talks. In Ahmednagar, Congress has sought the candidature of Sujay Vikhe Patil, son of Leader of opposition in the Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. However, NCP has already rejected any proposal of leaving Ahmednagar for Congress. Meanwhile, on the second day of Congress's review meeting, party leaders from Vidarbha and North Maharashtra discussed the party's prospects in their respective areas with the state leadership. Party workers and leaders recommended that Manikrao Thakre, former state unit chief and former deputy chairman of Legislative Council, be fielded as the party candidate from Yavatmal. However, the disclosure of prospective and aspiring candidates has not gone down well with a section of the party. According to the leaders, it is a bad strategy to disclose the names of the prospective candidates months before the election process begins. "This will give room to other parties like BJP to prepare their strategy to counter these candidates and their prospects. Similarly, their inner party rivals could also spoil their chances," sources said. According to them, exploring possible candidates was being done early as per the directions of the party's central leadership so that the candidates (when finalised) can begin their campaign early. Congress and NCP have had several rounds of talks for seat-sharing and have consensus over 38 to 40 seats, out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Friday said the land acquired for industrialists will be returned to original owners if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, calling it the "biggest scam". Addressing rallies in support of his party candidates for the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, where campaigning has reached its crescendo, he said key laws targeted at disadvantaged sections of the society will be implemented in letter and spirit. Gandhi said the BJP, in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, is only working for a few rich people. He said the land acquired from tribals, farmers and the poor for industrialists during the 15-year BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh will be returned to them by his party when it forms a government after the polls. Addressing a public rally in Barghat, Seoni district, he said, "After coming to power the Narendra Modi government attacked three laws - tribal rights, land acquisition and PESA (Provisions of the Panchayats - Extension to Scheduled Areas - Act), but we did not allow it to happen." "We will protect your land after coming to power. Implement these acts in letter and spirit. We will give your land back to you...this is your right, we will make it happen and get the land returned to you," he said. Gandhi said Modi had asked his party's chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat to stop the implementation of land acquisition law (enacted under the UPA), which allows acquisition only after the consent of landowner and that too after paying four-times the land's cost. Instead, Modi told his party's chief ministers to "snatch" the land of the poor and hand it over to industrialists, he alleged. Modi had said he did not want to become the country's prime minister, but its 'chowkidar' (watchman), Gandhi said. "It was thought that he would become chowkidar of farmers, labourers, youths, mothers, sisters and weaker sections. But, he became a chowkidar of (industrialist) Anil Ambani," he alleged. Gandhi continued, "Chowkidar remained silent when Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi (all accused of committing financial frauds) escaped from the country after usurping thousands of crores." The Congress chief said money is being put in the pockets of 15-20 select industrialists. Addressing a public meeting in tribal-dominated Mandla district, Gandhi termed demonetisation as "the biggest scam" in the history of the country and reiterated that the note-ban exercise was undertaken to benefit a few industrialists. "Have you seen any big person like Ambani and others in the queue after demonetisation," he asked. Gandhi attacked Modi over notes ban at another rally in Sagar district and accused him of "robbing the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich". Gandhi said Modi no longer talks about being a "chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. Gandhi claimed that Modi "cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane" without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. "The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal," the Congress chief alleged. "Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done," Gandhi alleged. Both the government and Ambani-led Reliance Group have vehemently charges of favouritism and any irregularities in the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. "These days, the prime minister's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi claimed. Madhya Pradesh will have a single phase polling for its 230 assembly seats on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. The BJP is seeking a straight fourth term, while the Congress is hoping to return to power in the state after 15 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan's Tonk assembly constituency is set to witness an interesting poll fight between state unit chief and the BJP's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta. The northern state will go to polls on December 7. Mehta had won the seat, which has a sizeable number of Muslim voters, in the 2013 assembly elections with a margin of over 30,000 votes. "I am fully confident of retaining my seat. I am not under any fear or pressure. My supporters and party workers are quite excited about the poll battle with Pilot," the 53-year-old BJP leader said. Mehta, who filed his nomination papers on Thursday, said developmental works worth Rs 2,000 crore were executed in the last five years in the state. "Illegal slaughterhouses were the main problem in the city and I got them shut. Number of district hospital beds were increased from 200 to 275. New grid substations were installed, while a water pipeline was laid in Tonk to address water issues," he said. The BJP MLA said he was a "local" and Pilot was an "outsider" for Tonk. The Congress, meanwhile, is eyeing the assembly seats in eastern parts of the state with Pilot's nomination. Pilot is also seen as the party's chief ministerial candidate. Apart from Jaipur, Tonk district touches boundary with Ajmer (eight seats), Sawaimadhopur (four seats), Dausa (five seats), Bhilwara (seven seats) and Bundi (three seats). "Tonk is a good seat for me to contest which touches Ajmer and Dausa. Since I announced to contest the elections, there were requests from 13 to 14 districts and the party decided Tonk. We will win a significant number of seats in the entire and particularly in the eastern parts," Pilot, 41, said. "The party workers have worked hard not only in this region, but in the entire state and the result of the election will make this clear. Not only Tonk, but the party is also going to win a majority of seats in Rajasthan," he said. As many as nine candidates had contested from Tonk in the 2013 assembly elections where Mehta defeated his nearest rival Saud Saidi, a rebel who had contested as an independent. The BJP leader had secured 46.96 per cent votes. The constituency has about 2.22 lakh voters, including around 43,000 Muslims and 35,000 people belonging to the Scheduled Castes, apart from a significant number of Gurjar, Jat and Meena voters, according to estimates by candidates. The Centre Friday assured the Tamil Nadu government of all assistance to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which has so far claimed 11 lives. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to monitor the situation in Tamil Nadu and provide all help to the state administration. "Spoke to CM Shri K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the HS to monitor the situation & provide all help to the state admin (sic)," Singh tweeted. An official release in Chennai said a "detailed report" will be sent to the Centre on the damage caused by the severe cyclonic storm. "Chief Minister Palaniswami explained in detail the measures taken by the state government, the damage caused by 'Gaja', and the relief measures being taken up on a war-footing," it said. Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam, bringing with it heavy rains in the coastal region. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. The storm has so far claimed 11 lives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protests have flared across Ireland this week triggering a viral campaign online after a defence lawyer showed a 17-year-old girl's thong or G-string in court as alleged proof of her consent in a rape case. The outrage has included a female lawmaker brandishing underwear in parliament and women posting pictures of their thongs online with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent. "It might seem embarrassing to show a pair of thongs in this incongruous setting," said member of parliament Ruth Coppinger -- pulling the underwear from her sleeve against the objections of the speaker on Tuesday. "But the reason I'm doing it -- how do you think a rape victim or a woman feels at the incongruous setting of her underwear being shown in a court?" She was referring to a rape case in the republic's southern city of Cork, where a girl's underwear was shown to jurors. The 27-year-old defendant was acquitted, Irish media reported. "A barrister actually told a jury to 'look at the way she was dressed', that she was 'open to meeting someone' because she was 'wearing a thong with a laced front'", Coppinger added. "Women in this country are getting a little bit weary at the routine victim-blaming going on in Irish courts." Protests have now taken place in the cities of Dublin and Cork as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland -- with women appearing brandishing pairs of underwear and placards emblazoned with the phrase "This is not consent." Protestors are calling for a reform in Irish rape prosecution laws to deny the defence practice which they say reflects a culture of victim-blaming. "Bringing rape myths into a sexual violence case is to bring misogyny into a sexual violence case," Clona Saidlar of Rape Crisis Network Ireland told AFP on Friday. She said culture places "enormous pressure" on women and girls "to be sexualised and to present sexually" -- but that rape trials then often punish that same behaviour with the use of such "evidence". Clothing, as well as fake tan and contraception, have all been used as alleged proof of consent in recent rape trials, Coppinger said Tuesday. These latest protests follow demonstrations in Ireland and Northern Ireland after the so-called "Belfast rugby rape trial" -- when Ireland players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of raping a woman in 2016. More than 4,000 protesters gathered in Dublin after the pair walked free in March. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday said relations between India and Pakistan cannot improve till the neighbouring country's military is tamed. "Imran Khan or any other Khan cannot do much till they control their military, which has vested interests in continuing border tensions with India," Singh said at a literary festival here. By and large, people in Pakistan also want peace with India but their military feels otherwise, he said. He said that during his last stint as chief minister, relations between the two countries had "warmed up" to quite an extent. The Punjab chief minister said he regretted that the bilateral relations soured again and blamed the Pakistan Army for it. Singh said though Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI continues to foment trouble in Punjab, he does not foresee a revival of terrorism in the state. "People here want peace and have seen what terrorism did to the state," he said. Admitting that the state's youths were frustrated due to unemployment, he said his government's 'Ghar Ghar Naukri' programme was showing results. About 4.5 lakh youths have been given employment in the past 18 months under this programme, he said. Singh claimed his government had "by and large" controlled the drug menace. "Nowhere in the world have drugs disappeared, but we are taking all steps to cut their supply chain and for the rehabilitation of the addicts," he said. The chief minister said heroin was being smuggled into Punjab from across the country and the police had recently seized a consignment which had come from Mandavi in Gujarat. This, he claimed, shows that a systematic game plan is in place to destabilise the state. Singh said he would not allow this to happen and his government will continue its crackdown on drug dealers and traders. He also dismissed the comparison between his government's decision to make sacrilege of religious books punishable with life imprisonment and Pakistan's blasphemy laws. "If anyone thinks that they can get away by indulging in sacrilege, by burning a Guru Granth Sahib, a Bible, a Quran or any other religious scripture, they should know that we would not allow it and they will have to pay the price for such misadventures," Singh warned. On prospects of the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he said the party is on the path of recovery and will form the government at the Centre. Singh said Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be the party's prime ministerial candidate. He said he is personally confident that the party chief would prove to be a successful prime minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retired Calcutta High Court judge Asim Kumar Roy was on Friday appointed the Lokayukta of West Bengal, officials said. Roy will occupy the post for three years, they said. He will be the second Lokayukta in the state after Samaresh Banerjee, who had served in the post between 2006 and 2009. Since then the post of Lokayukta had remained vaccant in the state. The decision to appoint Roy as the next Lokayukta of the state was taken at a meeting in the state assembly in which Speaker Biman Banerjee and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were present, the officials said. The West Bengal Assembly had in July passed the Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2018, keeping the chief minister out of its purview in matters relating to public order. It, however, allows the Lokayukta to investigate matters relating to the chief minister on the remaining 58 subjects under the State List with the approval of two-third of the members of the assembly present and voting. There are 59 subjects in the State List. The TMC government had then said recruitment of police, deployment of forces and any other emergency situations would be regarded as public order. The meeting decided to appoint senior IPS officer Raj Kanojia, who had resigned in July this year as the state information commissioner, the officials said. Former state DGP Naparajit Mukherjee was given an extension as a member of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An environmental organisation on Friday expressed concern over the participation of an alleged rhino poacher in the forthcoming Panchayat elections in Assam. Environmental and biodiversity organisation 'Aaranyak' said the alleged rhino poacher -- Ganesh Doley -- filed nominations yesterday at Bokakhat to contest for the post of president of the Gaon Panchayat as an AGP candidate from Dhansirimukh in Golaghat district. "We are concerned that a person against whom cases related to rhino hunting and illegal arms are lodged, such accused are in election fray and have received tickets from a political party," Aaranyak's Secretary General Bibhab Talukdar said. He said it is further indication that cases needed to be framed properly by law enforcement agencies to secure conviction so that rhinos are protected and accused are punished within the legal framework of India. According to the police, Doley was arrested and jailed in 2012 in relation to a rhino poaching case in Bokakhat and again in 2014 he was arrested under Wildlife Protection Act and Arms Act. A case has been filed against him at the Ronmongwe police station in Karbi Anglong while another was lodged at the Eastern Range, Agaratali, Kaziranga National Park. Doley, who is currently out on bail, filed his nominations amidst much fanfare at Bokakhat, the assembly constituency of AGP president and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora. AGP leaders were not available for comment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha said Friday the "impasse" over the seat-sharing arrangement among the ruling NDA constituents in Bihar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "insult" of him will be discussed in his party's meeting in Patna on Saturday. In a sign that the Bharatiya Janata Party was growing increasingly wary of the Union minister as he escalates his attack on Nitish Kumar, there was no word from the saffron party on the appointment Kushwaha had sought with BJP chief Amit Shah. The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) leader will leave for Patna Saturday morning to attend his party's state executive meeting, and BJP sources said any meeting between the two leaders before that is unlikely. Kushwaha had left for Delhi from Patna Thursday, tweeting that he had sought an appointment with Shah to discuss the issue of seat-sharing and also his alleged humiliation by Kumar. Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Kushwaha claimed that his party wanted its share of seats in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 to be commensurate with its "increased" strength compared to the 2014 polls when it had contested on three seats. The BJP has indicated that it is unlikely to spare more than two seats for him. Kushwaha also repeated his allegation that Kumar had called him 'neech' (lowly). Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) president Kumar had said at an event that the level of discourse "should not be lowered (itna neeche mat giraiye)". He had responded to a journalist's query about Kushwaha's claim that Kumar did not want to continue as CM after the 2020 assembly polls. The RLSP leader alleged that Kumar referred to him as 'neech', a charge vehemently denied by the JD(U) which also released videos of the event. He also claimed that Kumar wants to destroy his party. "The impasse over the seat-sharing arrangement continues," Kushwaha said, adding it will also be discussed in the meeting. The RLSP chief's aggressive comments against Kumar and his attack on Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi for defending of the CM has signalled his growing isolation in the coalition. Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party is another National Democratic Alliance constituent besides the BJP, JD(U) and RLSP. Speculations were rife that Kushwaha could make a "big announcement" with regard to his continuance in the BJP-led NDA. Mercurial RLSP leader Nagamani echoed the prevailing mood on the eve of the meeting with a cryptic remark, "There will be a big explosion in a day or two". However, a senior party indicated that the RLSP will not pull the plug on NDA and wait for the BJP's response. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) England skipper Joe Root closed in on an attacking century to counter Sri Lanka's spin and push the tourists' second-innings lead to 213 in the second Test on Friday. Root took on the spin challenge to remain unbeaten on 98 off 118 deliveries as he hit seven fours and two towering sixes on day three on a deteriorating Kandy pitch. The tourists were 259 for six at tea with Ben Foakes, on 19, batting alongside Root, who technically came in at the rotating number three spot after Jack Leach opened batting with Rory Burns on Thursday. The star batsman built crucial partnerships including a 74-run fifth wicket stand with Jos Buttler, who made 34. England lead the three-match series 1-0. Root, along with other England batsmen, used the sweep and reverse sweep to great effect despite Akila Dananjaya taking two of his three wickets in a fast-paced second session of play. Buttler dragged one of Dananjaya's mystery spin deliveries onto his stumps while trying to reverse sweep. Moeen Ali was trapped lbw for 10 after failing to connect with an attempted sweep. But Root, who registered his 42nd Test fifty, went to tea just two runs away from his 15th hundred, having faced 118 balls. Earlier the left-handed Burns, who is playing just his second international match, registered his maiden Test half-century before being trapped lbw off Malinda Pushpakumara for 59. Perera had wasted little time in sending nightwatchman Leach back to the pavilion for one in just the second over of the day. Burns then put together 73 runs for the second wicket with Keaton Jennings, who made 26, to steady the innings and help England overcome their 46-run deficit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Friday lodged a court application to try to have quashed $2.5-billion corruption case linked to a 1990s arms deal, state prosecutors said. Zuma has been charged with 16 counts of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to the arms deal dating back to before he took office in 2009. Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokeswoman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), told AFP that Zuma's lawyers filed papers at the High Court in Durban requesting a "permanent stay of prosecution". "I can confirm that (the application has been filed)," she said on the phone. Zuma, 76, is due back in court for a hearing on November 30. He is accused of taking bribes from French defence company Thales during his time as a provincial economy minister and later as deputy president of the ruling ANC party. He allegedly pocketed around four million rand ($340,000, 280,000 euros) from 783 payments handled by Schabir Shaik, a businessman who acted as his financial adviser. Thales on Thursday announced in a statement that it had also filed its own court application to have the prosecution dropped. The company argues that the re-introduction of the charges "holds no validity" because the charges were originally struck down in 2009. A separate judicial enquiry into alleged state corruption during Zuma's time as president is currently hearing evidence in Johannesburg. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi on Friday called on Pope Francis and sought his support for a new legally binding international law against growing digital and online forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse cases. The Pope has appointed an officer from the Vatican to coordinate with Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation to combat the menace, Satyarthi said. "Grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for extending his full support to my demand for a legally binding global UN Convention against online child sexual abuse backed by a Global Task Force and dedicated international toll-free helpline to provide holistic support to victims," he said. The extraterritorial jurisdiction for the proposed law is absolutely essential as online crimes transcend across borders, Satyarthi said during his meeting with the head of the Catholic church here. The Nobel laureate is meeting all stakeholders irrespective of caste, creed, religion, ethnicity, political affinity and nationality to garner support for the movement. Satyarthi, who has been demanding for a new convention, has written to all the heads of states. This request has also been submitted to the UN Secretary General and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries. The meeting between Satyarthi and the Pope took place in the backdrop of him summoning the Presidents of Catholic Bishops worldwide to the Vatican in February 2019 to discuss ways to protect children and prevent sexual abuse by priests. The Pope's response was that the meeting would definitely be a "practical meeting and come out with practical solutions", Satyarthi quoted the Pope as saying. Satyarthi also sought the support of the Pope for his ongoing global efforts to end child trafficking, slavery and all forms of violence against children to ensure peace, freedom, safety, health and education for them. After the meeting, Satyarthi said Pope listened to him "very, very carefully" and immediately responded that it is very important and he will fully back and endorse and support all these suggestions. "Pope was very supportive," he told PTI over phone. "I fully endorse and support and back it because this is a very serious problem and it should stop," Pope was quoted as saying Satyarthi. He thanked the Pope for all the efforts being made against rampant child sexual abuse in the Church and other associated institutions and expressed hope that a clear roadmap for preventing child sexual abuse by priests emerges out of the global meeting of the Presidents of Catholic Bishops. "We must ensure that sexual abuse and exploitation of our most vulnerable children is never repeated," Satyarthi added. He also called for a dedicated international toll-free helpline for reporting cases related to online child sexual abuse under the supervision of International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) or any other relevant agency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the poll battle heating up in Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken to Hindu mythology to attack Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alleging he was "Kalyug's Mama" similar to the characters of 'Kansa' and 'Shakuni' mentioned in the Mahabharata. Chouhan is popularly known as 'Mama' (maternal uncle) and he has often said that he endears this title that he earned by working for upliftment of women and girl child in the state as a dutiful brother to the women of Madhya Pradesh. Kansa and Shakuni are two popular 'maternal uncles' from the Hindu mythology, who are mostly seen as negative characters. While Kansa was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle, Shakuni had the same relationship with Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Addressing an election rally here late Thursday evening for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia said this is the time to uproot the "corrupt government" that is ruling the state for 15 years now. "Shivraj Singh Chouhan says he is mama (maternal uncle)...BJP says it is the sole protector of the Hindu religion...even if we agree to this, then what is written in religious books about the definition of mama?" Scindia asked. "One was 'Kansa mama' who left no stone unturned to eliminate his nephew (Krishna). Second was 'Shakuni mama' who did everything to destroy the kingdom of Hastinapur and now in Kalyug, the third mama is sitting in Bhopal's Vallabh Bhawan (the state secretariat)," Scindia said at the 'budheybalaji' grounds in his parliamentary constituency. The 47-year-old Congress leader also accused Chouhan of being anti-farmer and alleged the 'annadaata' (Hindi sobriquet for farmers who till the land and produce food) was shot at and killed in Mandsaur last year during protests and was cheated in the name of crop insurance. "Farmers tell me...like the Jallianwala Bagh, farmers were killed in Mandsaur by the Shivraj government. The crop insurance scheme for farmers has also not helped. The amount is deducted from farmers account and sent to companies which are owned by businessmen friends of Shivraj. This amount is Rs 6,000 crore," Scindia alleged. The BJP has earlier rejected these allegations. Scinda said, "When the Congress government comes in power we will end the entire business of private companies and will ensure that this insurance is given by government companies." He said, "The Congress... Shastri ji (former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri) gave the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' but the BJP's slogan is 'Mare Jawan, Mare Kisan'." "Aisa koi saga nahi jisko inhone (Shivraj) thagaa nahin (There is no friend whom he has not betrayed)," said the Member of Parliament from Guna-Shivpuri. Scindia, also the chief of the Congress campaign committee in the state, mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's style of saying 'Mitron' to say that the "inspiration" for demonetisation of two higher denomination notes in 2016 by the central government was nothing but like following the popular ad slogan of a cold drink brand "aaj kuch toofani kartey hain" (Let's do something thunderous), attracting a roaring applause from the crowd. Scindia, tipped to be one of the main contenders for the chief minister's post from his party, also talked about issues of rising fuel prices and fertiliser costs and said if voted to power, the Congress government will waive all farm loans in Madhya Pradesh within 10 days. He also talked about the Vyapam scam of the state, saying it ensured that a talented child of a poor man does not get a government job but an incompetent one of a rich person gets it. At another rally in Marki Mahu village of Guna, Scindia urged the voters to show their power by voting against the BJP on November 28. The 230 seats of the state will vote in a single phase on November 28. The BJP has been ruling the state since 2003 with Chouhan being the chief minister for the most part of this time after he took over from his party colleague Babulal Gaur who had similarly taken over from Uma Bharti. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh have apprehended five cadres of outlawed NDFB and two overground workers of NSCN(R) in separate operations, as a precautionary measure ahead of the Protest Day observation on November 28 by ULFA (Independent), a defence official saod. The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) has been observing Protest Day on November 28 since 1990, when the outfit was banned by the government, in memory of its cadres who died in army operations. In a late-night raid on Thursday, the Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles apprehended five rebels of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) from Old Khamdo village in Changlang district, Kohima-based defence spokesman Col Chiranjit Konwer said on Friday. A cache of arms and ammunitions, including four pistols and one carbine, along with incriminationg documents, were recovered from their possession, he said. In another operation, the Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles apprehended two linkmen of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation) from Ledo and Margherita areas in Tinsukia district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the battalion apprehended Seraj Khan and Sibu Pradhan on Thursday night. During interrogation, the duo confessed to have extorted money from local people on behalf of NSCN(R). Security forces have been carrying out relentless operations in South Arunachal Pradesh to free the area from the clutches of the insurgents, the spokesman added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) She wound up a long conversation with her sister, saying she would call back after watching "Bigg Boss" but that was never to be. About an hour later, fashion designer Mala Lakhani was killed, allegedly by her tailor who she had helped get out of jail, her sister Aarti Sharma said on Friday. Standing outside the Safdarjung Hospital mortuary to claim the body of her 53-year-old sister, who was found brutally stabbed to death along with her domestic help Bahadur in her bungalow in upscale Vasant Kunj Enclave in the early hours of Thursday, Aarti was inconsolable. "I had spoken to her at around 8.15 pm (on Wednesday). I spoke to her again and we ended up talking till 9.50 pm. She wanted to speak to my daughter but later said she will call us after 'Bigg Boss' gets over. But she never called back," Aarti told PTI. Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder -- Mala's master tailor Rahul Anwar (24), his cousin Rahmat (24) and his friend Wasim (25). It was 'Meenu', as Mala was known in her family, who helped get Rahul out of jail when he was arrested for molestation, Aarti murmured, almost as if talking to herself. Anwar was arrested in 2017 for allegedly molesting a minor girl in Rangpuri Pahari area, police said. "She would always say that Anwar is like my 'bachcha'," Aarti said. It is hard to believe that Rahul stabbed her so brutally and did not even spare her face, Aarti said, standing outside the hospital with her husband Rahul Sharma, the first person to see the bodies with multiple stab injuries in the workshop of the sprawling home. The bodies of Mala, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, and 50-year-old Bahadur, a Nepalese national, were found with at least 18 stab injuries each. After the killings, allegedly following a long-standing dispute over unpaid dues, the accused looted jewellery worth lakhs of rupees and ransacked the house, police said, estimating that the incident took place between 10 pm and 11.30 pm on Wednesday. Around 2.45 am on Thursday, the three men went to the police station to confess to the crime. "They had even inflicted stab injuries on her face and it was hard to recognise her. She was very conscious about her appearance but look what they did to her... Bahadur's intestines were visible. The workshop where the murders took place had blood splattered all over the floor," Rahul Sharma told PTI. The Lakhani family -- Mala's two sisters Deepika and Aarti and her brother Gope -- were waiting at the mortuary along with a host of relatives and friends. Rahul Sharma said Mala had even bought Anwar a motorcycle so he could commute to work. Aarti also ran a boutique. About a year ago, Anwar visited her boutique to ask for work and did not inform her that he worked with her sister. "I only learnt about it recently when one of my employees told me. I had never met Anwar in person before," she said. She said she was aware about the monetary dispute between her sister and Anwar and had discussed it in detail with Mala. "Anwar wanted extra money for every cloth he stitched. They wanted some Rs 50 extra per piece for stitching. Since it was a meagre amount, we would have sorted it. We had never thought they would hatch a conspiracy to kill her over it. In fact, it was Anwar who told police about Aarti and her boutique. "That's how police contacted me to inform me about the incident," she said. The sisters had planned to meet on Sunday but an unexpected visit from a relative meant that they could not. "Meenu's winter clothes had been kept in a cupboard in the storeroom where Bahadur used to sleep. The storeroom was next to the workshop where the incident happened. "She was opening those cupboards on Wednesday to take out her things. Anwar must have thought she had kept cash in those cupboards, which is why they ransacked that room after killing Meenu and Bahadur," Aarti said. Police informed the family that the three accused allegedly searched Bahadur's room for money and were expecting to get Rs 30 lakh-40 lakh but did not find any cash. "I would speak to Meenu at least four times in a day and we met once a week," she said. The family would caution Lakhani against keeping so many people in her house since she lived alone but she would always say, "my home is my mandir". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shilpa Medicare Thursday said it has received tentative approval from the US health regulator for Dimethyl Fumarate delayed release capsules, used for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The company's abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Dimethyl Fumarate delayed release capsules in the strengths of 120 mg and 240 mg has been granted tentative approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Shilpa Medicare said in a BSE filing. Dimethyl Fumarate delayed release capsules is a generic of Tecfidera, it added. Quoting IQVIA MAT second quarter 2018 data, Shilpa Medicare said the US market for Dimethyl Fumarate delayed release capsules is approximately USD 3.46 billion. Shares of Shilpa Medicare were trading 3.92 per cent up at Rs 388.65 apiece on BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Turkish court on Friday sentenced six suspected Islamic State militants to life in jail over the 2016 triple suicide bombing of Istanbul's main airport that killed 45 people, local media reported. The six were convicted of murder, violating the constitution and damaging property, according to the official Anadolu agency. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack at Ataturk Airport on June 28, 2016 but Turkey said the Islamic State group was behind the airport blasts. The court indictment said IS had "targeted the Turkish republic" with the attack. Turkish media had previously identified the man who organised the assault as Akhmed Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers. Nineteen foreigners were among those killed in the suicide bombings. Forty-six suspects -- one third of them Russian nationals -- were on trial in connection with the attack. There were no immediate details on the remaining suspects. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With co-founder Binny Bansal no longer at the helm of Flipkart, members of the group's C-suite are reportedly planning to head out too. With an organisational rejig in the offing, reports suggest that several senior executives at Flipkart Group have begun to look for job opportunities. Walmart Inc, which acquired 77 per cent stake in Flipkart Group after a $16-billion deal, has already merged subsidiaries Jabong and Myntra and is now planning to club them with Flipkart. Changes in the organisational structure as a result of this merger could see several senior officials of the Flipkart Group quitting the company. As of now, as many as 20 top executives have contacted headhunters to change companies, a report by The Economic Times said. The probable merger of Jabong and Myntra with their parent company could lead to duplication of profiles, which could lead to even more resignations in Flipkart's future, the report said. Within two days of Bansal's exit, Delhi-based placement firm GlobalHunt has received as much as 10 resumes from Flipkart executives, Bengaluru-based The Head Hunters has begun initial interactions with as many as six of them, and Mumbai-based executive search firm Hunt Partners is also talking to executives from Flipkart looking for options, the report said. Meanwhile, recruitment firm BTI Consultants has been approached by a few Flipkart senior executives with a fixed salary component of close to Rs 1 crore annually topped with at least 25% variables, the daily said. Senior executives leaving Flipkart could head over to other e-commerce firms, out of which hospitality company OYO and food delivery aggregator Swiggy are recruiting. Experts, on the other hand, are divided on the impact these top-level exits will have on Flipkart. Flipkart would need the guiding hands of Binny Bansal and other top executives to stand its ground in its fight against Amazon, Pankaj Bansal of PeopleStrong told the daily. Whereas, on the other end of the spectrum, Korn Ferry India Chairman Navnit Singh believes that Flipkart has matured enough and Walmart is capable of guiding the Indian e-commerce major in a competitive market. Flipkart has been going through a lot of turbulence lately, after group CEO and co-founder Binny Bansal had to resign over charges of serious personal misconduct. US retail behemoth Walmart, which acquired controlling stake in the e-commerce company, has initiated organisational reforms after Binny's exit. As the first of these reforms, Flipkart's subsidiaries Jabong and Myntra have been merged into a single entity. Jabong is also planning to sack almost half of its workforce in order to streamline operations and save costs. Edited by Vivek Punj Odisha Assembly Speaker P K Amat Friday announced that lone Samata Kranti Dal MLA George Tirkey would be recognised as Indian National Congress legislator in the House. Amat made the announcement in the House after Tirkey joined the INC. The leader of Congress Legislature Party, has also informed the Speaker about his acceptance of Tirkey as party MLA, Amat said. The Speaker said he has accorded status of a Congress member to Tirkey and allotted him a separate seat in the House. Amat said that the new Congress MLA Tirkey will now be allotted Seat No 11 at Block-H of Odisha Assembly. Earlier, Tirkey had joined the Congress at New Delhi in presence of AICC president Rahul Gandhi. Amat also informed the Assembly that he has accepted the resignation of Congress MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria who represented the Koraput (SC) assembly constituency. Sagaria on Noveber 6 had tendered resignation from his assembly membership and submitted a letter in this regard to the Speaker. "The 144-Koraput (SC) assembly constituency seat stands vacant in accordance with the Constitutional norm and as per the provision laid down in Clause 190 (3) (B), the Speaker declared in the House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Samajwadi Party leader allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself after an altercation with wife, police said Friday. Sanjay alias Sheebu (32), a district panchayat member, shot himself with his licensed pistol at his residence in Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. Sheebu is the son of former MLA Shabbir Ahmad. The body has been sent for postmortem, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Parliament witnessed chaos for a second day Friday as MPs loyal to disputed prime minister occupied the seat of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and shouted slogans, forcing him to summon police inside the House and adjourning the session until Monday. The brawl occurred a day after the Speaker announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa. Friday's proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. Maithripala Sirisena, who installed Rajapaksa as prime minister Last month in a controversial move, had agreed for a floor test with the leaders of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's coalition during crisis talks last night. The MPs supporting Rajapaksa took over the seat of the Speaker, delaying the proceedings, officials said. They shouted slogans against Jayasuriya. The Speaker summoned police inside Parliament chamber after 45 minutes of disruption. One of the rioting MPs Arundika Fernando occupied the seat of the Speaker with more MPs surrounding it. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a senior parliamentarian, was injured in the melee. The rioting United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) members demanded the arrest of two legislators of the Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP). They charged that two UNP legislators, Palitha Thewarapperuma and Ranjan Ramanayake were carrying knives during the brawl which took place yesterday. Yesterday, UPFA MP Dilum Amunugama was injured in clashes inside the chamber. Police Friday protected Jayasuriya from the rioting MPs as he called the Tamil National Alliance lawmaker MA Sumanthiran to propose the suspension of the standing orders. Jayasuriya on the basis of a voice vote announced that the motion against Rajapaksa was defeated as physical voting could not take place due to the brawl. The rioting MPs threw books at the police. Jayasuriya immediately suspended the sittings until November 19 and left the House surrounded by police. Sirisena said that he would not 'prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances.' "I urge all Parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy parliamentary traditions at all times. I will not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances," the tweeted. The trouble erupted in Parliament on Thursday when the Speaker agreed to a request from ousted Wickremesinghe's UNP that a vote be taken on a statement made by Rajapaksa demanding fresh polls. Jayasuriya allowed Rajapaksa to make a statement as a lawmaker after stating that he does not recognise the claim of the Freedom Party (SLFP) who lost a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Rajapaksa's side has disputed the no-trust motion, saying proper procedure was not followed and accused Jayasuriya of bias towards his own party. Parliament on Wednesday passed the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa after the overturned the presidential decree to dissolve the House and hold snap polls on January 5. Amid raucous scenes, Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe, installed Rajapaksa in his place and suspended the House, plunging the island nation into an unprecedented Constitutional crisis. The vote of no confidence against Rajapaksa has further complicated the political crisis. It is not yet clear whether Rajapaksa will resign or whether the ousted Wickremesinghe, who has the support of 122 lawmakers in the 225-member House, will return to power. The Friday announced the newly inaugurated near Kevadia village in Narmada district will get air as well as railway connectivity soon. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani held meetings with top officials of the Airports Authority of India(AAI) and the in this regard during his Delhi visit Friday, said a government release. After meeting chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra, Rupani announced that an airport will be built at Rajpipla town of Narmada district to facilitate tourists coming to see the 182-metre tall statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Rajpipla town is around 23 kms from Kevadia. The release added that the will extend its support to the state government in building airports at Rajpipla, Dholera and Rajkot. Rupani also held discussion with chairman Ashwani Lohani about various rail connectivity projects in Gujarat, including laying tracks till Kevadia, the release said. During the meeting, it was decided that the work to lay the railway tracks till Kevadia will be expedited, the release added. The towering statue, the tallest in the world and built near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, was dedicated to the nation on October 31 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tajikistan on Friday inaugurates a USD 3.9 billion hydro-electric power plant, a mega project that will enable the impoverished country to eliminate domestic energy shortages and export electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Built on the Vakhsh River in southern Tajikistan, the plant championed by President Emomali Rakhmon is expected to reach a height of 335 metres (1,099 feet) in a decade, becoming the world's tallest hydro-electric dam. The first of six turbines in the Rogun hydroelectric dam goes online on Friday, with the power plant expected to reach capacity of 3,600 megawatts -- the equivalent of three nuclear power plants -- when completed. At present, Rogun still resembles a vast construction site, with rocky earth covering the territory from which the powerful Vakhsh flowing through the Pamir mountains was diverted. In 2016, Rakhmon, who is a former collective farm boss, climbed into a bulldozer at a groundbreaking for the dam, in a sign of the president's personal attachment to the project. It will double energy production in the country of nearly nine million people, alleviating a long-lasting, debilitating national energy deficit. Surplus energy will be sold to neighbours such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Plans to build a dam in southern Tajikistan date back to the Soviet era, but the project was scaled up following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 2017, Tajikistan raised USD 500 million from an inaugural international bond to help finance the construction. Authorities hope that once the dam goes online it will generate money to finance further construction. Observers say the project is hugely significant for a country that lost tens of thousands of people in a civil war in the 1990s when rebel groups including Islamists rose up against the government. Rogun has become "a concept for national consolidation," political analyst Abdugani Mamadazimov told AFP. There have been calls by public figures to rename the dam after Rakhmon. Saidjafar Usmonzoda, chairman of the ruling People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, told AFP such a tribute would only be fitting given Rakhmon's "heroic accomplishment" making Rogun a reality. If it ever reaches the planned height of 335 metres, the dam will be 30 metres taller than the recently-built Jinping-I Dam in China and 35 metres taller than Tajikistan's own Soviet-era Nurek dam, also on the Vakhsh River. The project overseen by the Italian company Salini Impregilo has a number of risks. Observers warn that the Tajik authorities do not appear to concern themselves with the environmental sensitivities of Rogun, given Rakhmon's close involvement. Rogun is located "in a highly seismic area, and several geological studies have warned about the risks of building such a large dam in this setting," Filippo Menga, a lecturer in human geography at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told AFP. Geopolitical tensions surrounding the project have, for the moment, subsided in a region that suffers from water scarcity. Uzbekistan's late leader Islam Karimov once hinted that his downstream agriculture-dependent country might go to war over Rogun and a similar project in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. But Uzbek opposition to the dam has evaporated since Karimov's death in 2016 and in an incredible turnaround, the 32 million population could become one of Rogun's early clients. Speaking ahead of the launch, deputy head engineer Sukhrob Ochilov summed up the celebratory mood surrounding the keystone project. "I have been waiting for this moment," he said. "Rogun coming online means the construction of new factories, economic progress and jobs for our people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An expert team comprising members of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Friday began a probe into a three-year-old tiger's death at Satkosia reserve in Odisha's Angul district, a forest department official said. The NTCA and the WII will carry out a "thorough investigation" to ascertain the cause behind the death of Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) 'Mahavir' at Satkosia, he said. "Both the organisations have taken Mahavir's death very seriously. They will find out if the animal died of natural causes or there were other reasons behind its demise," the official said. A male RBT, translocated from Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, was found dead in the core area of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve on Wednesday. Shortly after it was spotted, the NTCA advised the Odisha government to temporarily halt the inter-state tiger translocation programme, as part of which six big cats were to be brought to the reserve from Madhya Pradesh. Two of the six tigers - 'Mahavir' and 'Sundari' - were translocated to the sanctuary earlier this year. On Thursday, the state's forest department had also ordered a probe into the three-year-old RBT's death following a postmortem examination, in accordance with the NCTA protocol, which mandated the presence of forest officials and other stakeholders. "We have been fully cooperating with the visiting team in their investigation," Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Sandeep Tripathy, said. A maggot-infected wound, about six to eight days old, was spotted on the left side of the tiger's neck, Tripathy said. "We are waiting for a detailed post mortem report, but the initial investigation suggests that the infection on the RBT's neck could have led to its death," he said. Earlier this month, the other translocated tiger, 'Sundari', was also tranquilised and shifted to an enclosure, after the local people alleged that it had mauled two persons to death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With multiple media platforms now available, nobody can seriously complain of their free speech being in danger, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday, asserting that if the Emergency was ever to be reimposed it would collapse as technology does not permit press censorship. Addressing the gathering at the National Press Day celebrations here, Jaitley said the "greatest challenge" to the media in a free society is how does it retain its own credibility so that it continues to become a maker of public opinion. Media's credibility will be its own maker and if misused, it can also be its own breaker, he said. At the event, Jaitley gave away the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, presented by the Press Council of India (PCI). Veteran journalist and Hindu publishing group chairman N Ram was presented with the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution to journalism. Awards in other categories were also presented. In his address, Jaitley said every political viewpoint is able to find space in some section of the media or the other. "With multiple (media) forums now available, nobody can seriously complain my speech is in danger. Neither the viewer or the reader, nor the one who wants to convey. You have alternatives available," he said. He, however, cautioned that the alternatives are sometimes grossly abused, for personalised grounds, collateral purposes, political purposes, or for lobbying. "I think the worst that can happen to free speech is that if a doubt in the mind of a reader or a viewer is created with regard to the integrity of the or the opinion that he is seeing," the finance minister. In his remarks, Jaitley also recalled that in the 1950s an amendment was brought in by the Jawaharlal Nehru Government restricting free speech if it adversely affected the country's relations with a foreign country. He claimed that it was brought in because Nehru-Liaquat Ali pact became a subject matter of political debate and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee decided to lead a campaign against it. "We have grown out of that 1950-1952 phase... I don't think that is capable of happening today," he said. "If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, because it is fashionable to say it is another Emergency. If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, it would collapse for the simple reason that one of the strengths of the Emergency was press censorship. And technology does not permit press censorship. "You suddenly get access to information through various instruments that technology has provided," Jaitley said. The finance minister said he has not been able to understand the criticism of those "who criticise the maximum". "Well your speech can't be in danger if you are criticising seven days a week," he said. Noting that some describe the PCI as a "paper tiger" or a "toothless tiger", chairperson Justice C K Prasad said there was a need to revisit the laws and strengthen the institution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two brothers murdered their teenaged sister and a male cousin in an 'honour killing' in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday. Police said that the brothers suspected that their 15-year-old sister was in love with the 27-year-old cousin who was already married and had four children. They first shot dead the cousin while he was working in a field and later went home to gun down their sister. After the double murder they fled the area. The incident occurred in the Laray area in the remote northern district of Shangla where police lodged an FIR and launched a manhunt to arrest the killers. The killers were upset after they reported the matter to local elders who a few days ago decided that the two should be married. Shangla is one the most impoverished and remote mountain districts where a strict code of so-called honour is followed in matters regarding women. They are seldom allowed to marry of their free will and even an innocent act of photography or video can put them in danger. A few years ago a group of girls were killed after a video of them dancing during a marriage was leaked. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand would pay a days visit to Unakoti, an ancient Shaivite place of worship in Tripura with huge rock reliefs celebrating Shiva, on November 27, official sources said here Friday. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb held a high level meeting Thursday evening with chief secretary L K Gupta, Director General of Police, A K Shukla and other high officials to take stock of the preparations for the Princes visit, Chief Ministers Media Advisor, Sanjay Mishra said. "On November 25 she (Princess) would come to India and on November 27, she would reach here in the morning. Girls and boys from indigenous community dressed in traditional attire would to receive her along with the chief minister. From airport she would fly to Unakoti and Deb would accompany her," Mishra said. Unakoti, an eighth century rock cut carvings on the Raghnandan hills has many rock images of Gods and Goddesses. It is around 190 km from here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Acclaimed director duo Joel and Ethan Coen have made it clear that they never conceived their new feature "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" as a TV or web series. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the director duo, popularly known as the Coen Brothers, said they were clear from the day one that the project, a western anthology drama consisting six different stories, will be presented in the film format. "There was a discussion about what the format should be, but it was always the intention that they be seen together. There's been all this stuff in the press about how it was originally a TV series and we restructured it. "No, we had a script. The script is exactly what we gave Annapurna and exactly what we shot. That never changed," Joel Coen said. Ethan said they never took the script to any other studio because "we knew that a studio would never finance this". Joel said after they presented the script to Annapurna Pictures, the studio went to Netflix and made a deal, which they were not averse to because today the streaming giant is ready to invest in diverse and unique stories. "They're the people who are investing in these kinds of movies now. I mean, there's a lot of discussion around the way the movies are shown, whether or not they have theatrical releases or just go up on the platform. And we both have opinions about that, and it's an important discussion. "But I think the more fundamental thing is that they're the people who are stepping up and spending money on movies that aren't Marvel comic movies or big action franchise movies and that type of thing, which is pretty much the business of the studios now. We can't argue with that," he said. The Coen Brothers, however, admitted that they feel "conflicted like everybody" when it comes to the debate around films being watched on streaming services and in theatres. "In a strange way, Hollywood itself is as responsible for that as anyone else, at least amongst filmmakers. Because what they do is they give you all these DVDs of the movies that come out and instead of going to the movie theatres, lazy people like us just plug them into our machines," said Joel. He said going forward, there needs to be a balance of both the mediums. "What you want is a mix of both, and it would be great if this was where it lands eventually. In terms of the actual labour you put into making a movie the hours and days and years you spend struggling over details and the sound and the way it looks and the whole thing that really is appreciated in a different way on a big screen," Joel said. "There also is something really fundamental about having the chance to see movies in a community of strangers, not just your friends in your living room. You don't want that to go away. So in that respect, no, I wouldn't be happy if the only way you could see movies was on your television," he added. "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs", featuring Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson, James Franco and Zoe Kazan, is available to stream on Netflix starting Friday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising national interests on the Rafale issue, with party chief Rahul Gandhi alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the "Rafale cupboard" is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. Gandhi asked if the Rafale jet deal can be called a "Government to Government" contract with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying there is only a letter from the French government promising to be faithful. "The latest skeleton to tumble out of the RAFALE cupboard: No Guarantee by the French Government backing the deal. BUT, our PM says there's a letter from the French promising to be faithful. That's enough to call this a Government to Government deal?" he asked on Twitter, using the hashtag "BikGayaChowkidar". The government told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that no "sovereign guarantee" was given by the French government on the deal for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. The French government has, however, given a "letter of comfort" to India which would be good enough "governmental guarantee", Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court. Echoing his party president, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the only forum to investigate acts of omission, commission and corruption in the "biggest defence scam" of India is to have a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gone as far as to sabotage his own nation's interests in favour of his crony capitalist friends," he said at a press conference, alleging that the Prime Minister had waived the sovereign guarantee requirement in the deal. Thirty-seven bodies were found Friday in the central town of Alindao after clashes between armed groups, the UN mission in the perennially restive Central African Republic said. "Thirty-seven deaths confirmed in Alindo," said a report seen by AFP. An earlier report spoke of seven deaths in clashes on Thursday when Christian militiamen known as anti-balaka killed Muslims, prompting revenge attacks in which a priest was killed and a church torched. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men, who lured people with wads of Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes to dupe them of jewellery and mobile phones, were arrested here Friday, police said. Based on a complaint, officials of the Sector-20 police station arrested the accused near a private bank in Sector-1 of the city Friday morning, Superintendent of Police (SP) at Noida City Sudha Singh said. The accused were identified as Abid, Rakesh Kumar and Rampukar Rai. Abid and Rai hail from Bihar, while Kumar is from Jharkhand, the SP said, adding the accused resided in Delhi for some time now. "The accused men would target people near banks, bus stands and railway stations. They would tell people that they have stolen the money from their employer but have no bank account to put it in. They requested them to put the money in their account and transfer it later but to give them some money, jewellery or mobile phone in lieu of it," Singh said. They showed the bundle of notes to their targets partially hidden in handkerchiefs which in reality only had two real notes --in front and at back -- and rest all blank papers, Singh added. The initial probe has revealed that the three have cases registered against them in Noida and Jaipur, she said, adding their crime history was being scanned further. The accused have been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 419 (cheating by impersonation) and 420 (fraud), police said, adding they have been remanded in judicial custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men, including two Africans, were arrested for allegedly duping a Meghalaya-based businesswoman of over Rs 20 lakh, police said Friday. Osei Prince (27), a Ghana national, Diarra Habib (22), a Ivory Coast national, were arrested along with Maxerick Syiemlieh (19), a resident of Meghalaya, on Wednesday, they said. The businesswoman alleged that couple of months ago, a person, who claimed to be based in the UK and went by the name Owen Galvin, became her Facebook friend, a senior police officer said. He said after some time, Galvin told her that he is sending USD 50,000 for her as a gift. After a few days, she received a call from an unknown person who said he was calling from the Customs office, according to the officer. The person informed the woman that the office had received a parcel from the UK and informed that for its clearance, she had to pay Customs duty, he said. She deposited the money, but again a demand for more money in the name of GST and Income Tax was made. By this way, she was duped to the tune of Rs 20,64,384, the officer said. Later, she approached police in Shillong and filed a complaint in the Meghalaya capital. During investigation, Shillong police obtained call records of the mobile numbers from which the complainant had allegedly received calls. It was found that the location of the suspects was in Mahavir Enclave area in Delhi, the officer said. Dwarka District police was requested to assist and help them in the investigation, he said. Following a request from Shillong police, the Delhi Police obtained the mobile numbers of the suspects, analysed their call details and phone IMEI numbers, the officer said. Police also analysed statements of bank accounts and visited the places from where the amount was withdrawn. They also analysed footage of CCTV cameras installed in the area, he added. On Wednesday, police arrested the three accused from Shivam Apartment, Mahavir Enclave-1. During interrogation, they disclosed that they used to approach people through Facebook, WhatsApp and other online media. They had made many fake Facebook accounts in different names, police said. They used to tell their Facebook friends that they would receive precious gifts from them. The accused duped poeple on the pretext of clearance from Customs and Income Tax departments, the officer said. Ten mobile phones, Rs 8,500, five laptops, internet dongles, ATM cards, passbooks were recovered from their possession, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men claiming to be RTI activists, were arrested for allegedly extorting a builder at Dombivli in Thane district of Maharashtra, police said on Friday. Two of the arrested accused are brothers, police said adding that they had asked the victim to either pay Rs 30 lakh to them or allot three flats in his housing project. The Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) of the crime branch of Thane police made the arrest on Thursday morning. According to police, with their arrest, the total number of self-proclaimed RTI activists held for allegedly extorting builders has gone up to eight within a month. The trio was identified as Vasant Joshi (46), Vinod Gangaram Joshi (35) and Kalpesh Gangaram Joshi (29), they said. As per the complaint lodged by the builder, the trio had been harassing him since 2017. They filed an RTI query with the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) about one his housing projects in Dombivli. "They demanded Rs 30 lakh from him in lieu of withdrawing the RTI application filed in the KDMC. They told him that if he failed to pay the money, he should hand over one flat each to them in his housing project," inspector Rajkumar Kothmire said quoting the complaint. The builder also said in his complaint that they abused, thrashed and also tarnished his image by sitting on a dharna agitation against him outside the KDMC headquarters, approaching the media and putting up banners against him. "The trio earlier collected a sum of Rs 4.70 lakh from the victim. They threatened him that they would kill him if he failed to pay the money. Finally, the builder approached the police. As part the police operation, the builder called the trio to collect Rs 8 lakh cash on Thursday morning, when they were caught," Kothmire said. Vishnu Nagar police station in Dombivli registered a case and they were booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 385 (putting person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and others. According to police, one of the accused, Vasant Joshi, is a history sheeter with seven criminal cases, including murder, registered against him since 1991. He was also externed in 1998. Before the arrest of the trio, the AEC had arrested five persons, claiming to be RTI activists, for extorting builders in separate cases in Thane city. Two of them are former corporators of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tibet should be one of the core issues for India as China is trying to "influence" all of its neighbours, Lobsang Sangay, the head of the Tibetan government in exile has said. China insists Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say they were essentially independent for most of that time. The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 amid an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland. Sangay, who is currently here, has met a number of senior US administration officials, congressmen and senators and members of the think-tank community like the Hudson Institute. Explaining his quest for India making "Tibet a core issue", Harvard educated Sangay said that after the occupation of Tibet, the People's Liberation Army has now moved near the border of India. "Now they are influencing all of India's neighbours, from Pakistan, to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is a reality now," he said in an interview to PTI. India and Tibet have had historically, cultural and civilisational ties for hundreds of years, he said, adding Tibet is the source of water for India and South Asia. "For these reasons, Tibet is very important for not just India, for whole of South Asia and ASEAN countries too. Hence, Tibet should be one of the core issues for India," Sangay said. "China has already said Tibet is one of the core issues. So, India should also table Tibet as one of the core issues and address this issue with Tibetan people in mind," he said. Responding to a question, Sangay said that the people of Tibet are following the middle way approach by seeking "genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution". "This is the reasonable moderate line," he said. For that there should be a dialogue between the envoys of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Government, he said. He sought the revival of a dialogue that happened between 2002 to 2010. "We think, that kind of dialogue will lead to the resolution of the Tibetan issue," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under fire from the Supreme Court over its inability to arrest absconding former minister Manju Verma, the Bihar Police on Friday asserted that it was making tremendous efforts to nab the suspended Janata Dal (United) leader. The Supreme Court on Monday rapped the state police for failing to arrest Verma in connection with an Arms Act case, which cropped up in course of the CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal. It directed Director General of Police K S Dwivedi to appear before it in person on November 27 if she was not nabbed by then. In reply to a query, the DGP said Friday attempts were being made to secure her arrest. "We are making tremendous efforts." Dwivedi said no time-frame could be given for the arrest of any person wanted in a criminal case. "Though we appreciate the concern expressed by the Supreme Court, we hope to trace her very soon." The officer said some objection was raised from Verma's side before a court in Begusarai district when they tried to initiate proceedings for attaching her property. "We are working to get that resolved," he added. The former minister had last week moved an application before the Begusarai court, through her lawyer, pleading that she not be treated as an absconder as she was not evading arrest, but trying to seek relief as per law. Verma had stepped down as the minister for social welfare in August, following reports that her husband, Chandrashekhar Verma, had close links with Brajesh Thakur , the prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal. During a raid by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at her in-laws' residence in Begusarai, a huge quantity of ammunition was recovered, following which the agency lodged an FIR against the couple. The former ministers' pleas for anticipatory bail have been rejected by the lower court as well as the Patna High Court. Her husband surrendered before a Begusarai court last month after several weeks of dodging the police. An embarrassed JD(U), headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said Thursday it had suspended her from the primary membership of the party. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Hindustani Awam Morcha have accused the ruling party of shielding the absconding two-time MLA. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu Friday said that two independent agencies would be appointed for preparing a template to negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) in future. He said that the country would now have a completely new approach towards negotiating these agreements. "We are appointing two independent agencies, who will talk to all the stakeholders...it is a first major change. This will be a new template which will emerge for all future negotiations and we are working on it," he said here at a function. The announcement assumes significance as concerns have been raised by industry, exporters and trade experts on FTAs being implemented by India. They say that these pacts have significantly benefited India's trading partners but not Indian industry. Several sectors, including steel, have demanded that they be removed from the purview of such agreements as these lead to dumping and significant jump in imports. Under an FTA, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on majority of the goods traded between them. Besides, both countries liberalise norms to promote services trade and attract investments. India has, so far, implemented such agreements with ASEAN and countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. Several such pacts are also under negotiations with Australia, New Zealand, European Union, Israel, and proposed 16-member Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership (RCEP). Serious concerns have been raised on RCEP negotiations with China as one of the member nations. Several ministries, including steel and food processing, have said that the pact would result in flooding of goods from China. The trade gap with China has increased to USD 63.12 billion in 2017-18, against USD 51.11 billion in the previous financial year. India has trade deficit with 10 RCEP member countries including with South Korea and Australia. Prabhu said,"while we need FTAs, we make FTAs in a way that it will benefit India to begin with and also other countries. We cannot grow at the expense of India losing and, therefore, we are working on this strategy." This would also help in promoting the country's outbound shipments, he added. Talking about trade with the South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the minister said despite the closeness of the member countries, "our export in SAARC region itself is sub-optimal". Huge potential exists to boost exports in this region, he said, adding India is trying to work with the neighbouring countries to increase trade. He said India is focussing on several markets, including Africa and Latin America, to boost exports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday soldiered on with a rare move of directly addressing the public's questions over their Brexit concerns amid an ongoing rebellion within her own Conservative Party over a controversial European Union (EU) withdrawal agreement. A day after she was hit by a number of ministerial resignations, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab who stepped down over "fatal flaws" in the divorce deal with the EU, there are reports that his potential replacement may also be pondering stepping down from the Cabinet. Michael Gove, who is the current environment secretary, was reportedly asked to step in as the new Secretary of State for Exiting the EU but he has been reluctant. "I haven't appointed a new Dexeu (Department for Exiting the European Union) secretary yet and I will be making appointments to the government in due course," May said during her phone-in with London's LBC radio, when asked about the issue. Confronted by some angry callers over allowing the UK to be locked into following EU laws with this agreement, she said, "We are not being locked in, we are taking control of our laws, our borders, leaving the single market and we are ending free movement. These are the things the British people were most concerned about. That is what the people voted for and that is what I am delivering". "I am doing my job. I am bringing back what I believe to be the best deal for Britain and MPs will then do their job, thinking about the impact of that on their constituents," she added. The 62-year-old premier remains defiant despite the prospect of a no-confidence vote after Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leading Tory Brexiteer, piled on the pressure by submitting a letter of no-confidence to the chair of the Conservative's influential 1922 Committee on Thursday. His decision is expected to have led to other Brexiteers to submit similar letters to Graham Brady, the Chair of the committee of backbench Tory MPs. This could mean that a no-confidence vote in May's leadership could be held within days, with party rules dictating that it must be held "as soon as possible" if 15 per cent of the parliamentary party meaning 48 MPs submit letters. According to some reports, such a vote could be held as soon as Monday if the 48-MP mark is crossed on Friday. At a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday evening, May was asked if she was ready to fight any confidence vote, and she replied, "Am I going to see this through? Yes". "I believe with every fibre of my being that the course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people," she said. Meanwhile, the EU has already indicated that it was not willing to re-negotiate another deal and is keen to press ahead with getting the remaining 27 member-states to sign off on the current plan. The biggest sticking point in the over 500-page draft remains over what is termed as a Northern Ireland backstop, which leaves the EU with the option of keeping the whole of the UK within a common Customs Union if a future trading relationship fails to be thrashed out during the transition period, set to run until December 2021. The current draft is a provisional agreement until both sides can agree on a final pact for their future trading relationship and sets out commitments over citizens' rights after Brexit, the proposed 21-month transition period, and a 39 billion-pound so-called "divorce bill" that the UK would pay as a price to exit the economic bloc. European Council president Donald Tusk has confirmed November 25 as the date of an emergency summit where the remaining EU members are set to formally approve this deal. The British premier then faces the tougher prospect of getting British MPs to approve this in Parliament, with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority Tory government, threatening to vote down the deal. "Leadership is about taking the right decisions, not the easy ones," May told reporters when asked about this conundrum. Britain had voted in favour of Brexit in a referendum in June 2016, which led to the triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to set the clock on the country's formal exit from the 28-member bloc by March 29, 2019. The controversial withdrawal agreement is the result of months of negotiations on both sides and is crucial for the exit process to be completed within the set time-frame. However, if an orderly exit arrangement cannot be finalised, Britain faces the prospect of crashing out of the EU without any deal, which would open up a whole new set of complications. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN member states have become "guardians of the status quo" due to their inaction and inertia in the face of stark global challenges like terrorism and climate change, India has said, calling on the international community to catalyse its efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise the world body as it inches closer to completing 75 years of existence. Participating in the UN General Assembly debate on 'Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly', Akbaruddin said that despite being faced with such challenges, UN member states have tended to "muddle along, holding meetings, taking some minor stabs at enhancing international cooperation at the margins, becoming guardians of the status quo. "Today, there is a proliferation of new transnational threats such as terrorism requiring comprehensive cooperation, accelerating technological change requiring broad norm setting, and worsening environmental degradation requiring immediate climate action. Our challenges have become stark," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said here Thursday. "Our inertia is considerable, even when it is clear that collective action is required. We steer clear from action, pleading consensus is required for change," he said. Akbaruddin called for nations to acknowledge that their collective record as the General Assembly is mixed. "Just as generals too often refight their last war, we diplomats are struggling to overcome our legacy issues, even as the variety and intricacy of new demands for international cooperation has expanded," he said. Given that the world is awash with new challenges, Akbaruddin said the 75th anniversary of the UN, to be marked in less than two years, is an appropriate opportunity for all nations to catalyse their efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise. The agenda for such revitalisation needs to be broad and inclusive, as well as ?transformative and imbued with the objective of breathing new life. "To effectively make a difference, we need to undertake a new journey. A journey which needs to begin soon. The General Assembly, with its universal membership, can be a precious asset in this effort for change," he said. Noting that the principal purpose of the General Assembly is not to usurp the role of sovereign states, Akbaruddin said other global institution can match its representative character and the credibility that it derives from such representativeness. "Decision-making in the General Assembly is not a threat to sovereignty. It is an expression of sovereign equality and opportunity for all to influence global problem-solving," he said. Emphasizing that proliferating global problems demand new narratives, the Indian envoy said if the General Assembly is not delivering all that is wanted, the solution is not to give up on it. "Rather, we must make it deliver results for today," he said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Akbaruddin said people reap what they sow, Akbaruddin said the revitalization agenda is a challenge for diplomacy but it is a challenge worth taking up, "if we want to maximise the prospects for a peaceful & prosperous 21st century." During the debate, delegates said that a streamlined General Assembly will protect multilateralism and increase the capacity of the United Nations to address emerging challenges. "The need of revitalizing the Assembly the most representative United Nations organ is indispensable to responding to global challenges and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Assembly President Mara Fernanda Espinosa Garcs as she opened the debate. She said efforts are taking place at a time when doubts are emerging about the multilateral system's ability to address the international challenges. World leaders must look at the Assembly as the main body to discuss the most pressing global challenges, she stressed, asserting that States attach great importance to the role of the United Nations within the multilateral system. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A UNDP team called upon Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday and discussed various issues related to implementation of welfare schemes of the Government, an official release said here. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been extending support to the Government of India since 1952 regarding implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various welfare schemes in different parts of the country. The UNDP works in almost 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. Jakob J Simonsen, leader of the UNDP State Outreach Mission delegation, informed Sonowal that the UN agency has presently changed its operational methods and decentralised the entire process. The UNDP now extends expert advice to the state governments also in the implementation and monitoring of the programmes. The agency is working with the Union government in the execution of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the country and was also interested in partnering Assam Government in implementation of its welfare schemes, Simonsen said. The chief minister appreciated the support extended by UNDP and urged the delegation to offer technical guidance to state government departments in implementation of the projects. He requested them to help in monitoring and evaluation of various programmes and schemes being undertaken by health, education, social welfare, panchayat and rural development department in the state, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, is reportedly gearing up to pay a major chunk of the Rs 10,000 crore dues of Tata Teleservices (TTSL) to the government. The holding company had earlier written off its investment of Rs 28,652 crore in TTSL and compensated about Rs 8,000 crore to Japanese partner DoCoMo for the losses it incurred. The telecom misadventure has cost Tata Sons heavily and profit declined to Rs 4,379 crore in the last fiscal from Rs 18,432 crore before that. Although Tata Sons is the parent of more than 100 group companies, 90 per cent of its dividend income comes from TCS - a sign of over-dependence. Tata Sons, which made a windfall gain of Rs 10,000 crore in the TCS buyback in FY18, is also looking to sell more shares worth Rs 11,500 crore in the second round of TCS buyback. The Bahraich district administration in Uttar Pradesh has embarked on a campaign to give a new dimension to imparting primary education, roping in people across different fields to interact with the children for almost one hour a week. Elaborating about the campaign, 'Vidyaa Daan, Ek Aadarsh Daan' (Imparting Education, An Ideal Donation), District Magistrate Mala Srivastava said: "Intellectuals of the society, be it the government officials, retired employees, teachers in schools and colleges, educated housewives or youngsters, were urged to join the campaign (which was started in September). "Today, in more than 400 government primary schools, the campaign has started giving positive results and people themselves are taking out time to teach the children." She added that concrete efforts were being made to provide quality in the government primary schools. Plans are also on to build 10 'aadarsh vidyalaya' (model schools) in each of the development blocks of the district. These schools will be known by the school structure, creative research by the teachers, hold children parliament and children cabinet, and give meritorious results, the official said. The district magistrate said the model schools would not only impart to its students, but also become a demonstration schools for rest of the 3,400 government primary schools in the district. Primary schools are from Class I to Class V. When contacted, state Basic Minister Anupama Jaiswal told PTI, "Almost four months back, I was chairing the review meeting of the district, along with the district magistrate, and I wanted that such system (where the intellectuals teach the kids) should evolve. Until and unless the society forges a direct relationship with government schools, people will continue to remain indifferent towards it." She said it was not necessary to go and teach the children, suggesting they could share their experience, interact with the children, even narrate a story and inquire the well being of the kids. "I want that such campaigns should be gradually replicated across the state. And, for the first time, it seems that people have started to realise that they will change the perception and picture of education system in the government schools," the minister said, adding that "basic shikshaa, buniyaadi shikshaa hai" (basic education is underlying education). "We have named this unique initiative as 'shikshaa ki door, Bahraich ki oar' (thread of education towards Bahraich)," she added. Last week, the Niti Aayog tweeted, "#EducationForChange: In the #AspirationalDistrict Bahraich, over 700 youth, doctors, retired teachers & government officials volunteered for the 'Vidyadaan Campaign' last month. @DMBahraich Mala Srivastava is looking forward to developing 200 demonstration schools in the district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Friday asked an NGO seeking a court-monitored CBI or SIT probe into recent encounter killings in Uttar Pradesh as to why it wanted a "roving inquiry" and did not approach the Allahabad High Court. Earlier, the apex court, which had not issued a formal notice to the state government on the plea of NGO People's Union for Civil Liberty (PUCL), had asked the UP administration to file its reply. Questioning the filing of a PIL before it instead of the high court, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "Why 32? (PILs are filed in apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution) Why you (NGO) have not approached the High Court. You are seeking a roving inquiry into it (encounter deaths)". The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, however later posted the PIL for filing of rejoinder by the NGO to the response of the state government. The court also said that it would later consider the plea of lawyer Prashant Bhushan seeking to be made a party in the pending PIL on encounter deaths in the state. The Uttar Pradesh government, in its response, vehemently denied the allegations that criminals belonging to the minority community were being targeted and asserted that of the 48 criminals, who have died in the police action, 30 belonged to the majority community. It said that NGO selectively chose and mentioned certain criminals alluding them to be belonging to a particular religion. "14 cases have been arbitrarily cherry picked out of which 13 allegedly belonged to the minority community," the state government said. "It would be clear from a bare perusal of the list of criminals who were fatally injured in police action that the implication that criminals belonging to the minority community have been targeted is malicious and incorrect," it said. The report, filed through by advocate Sarvesh Singh Baghel said that the Uttar Pradesh police had arrested over 3 lakh accused between March 20, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and in many police action, accused resisting arrest, opened fire at police personnel, as a result of which the police had to take action in self defence. "In the time period March 20, 2017 to March 31, 2018, a total number of 3,19,141 accused persons have been arrested in contrast to 48 fatalities in police action, which by itself is validation of the fact that the intention of the police personnel is only to arrest the accused," the report said. It also said that the police had taken all the mandated steps from registration of FIR to sending intimation to the Human Rights Commission in the cases referred to in the petition. The report said that prompt medical action was provided to the injured, relatives of the deceased were notified, magisterial enquiry was conducted in all cases and final report under section 173 of CrPC was filed before the competent court in cases where investigation had been completed. It also said that no out of turn promotion or instant gallantry rewards were announced in respect of the police action and six monthly intimation were sent within prescribed time limit to the Human Rights Commission, among other mandated steps. The NGO, in its plea, had referred to reports quoting the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and Anand Kumar, ADJ Law and Order, justifying the encounter killings of criminals in the state. It has sought a probe into the encounters by an independent agency, that is "Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team comprising of police officers of integrity and who have not served in the state of Uttar Pradesh." It had referred to the binding guidelines laid down by the apex court in a judgement delivered on one of the PILs filed by PUCL and said "each such encounter is required to be investigated on the basis of FIR, followed by a Magisterial Inquiry and thereafter, a criminal trial in accordance with law". The Chief Minister had on November 19, 2017 said that "criminals will be jailed or killed in encounters", the plea had submitted. This statement of the Chief Minister was taken cognizance of by the NHRC, the plea had claimed. It had alleged that about 1,100 encounters have taken place in the last year in which 49 people were killed and 370 others were injured. Quoting the figure provided by the state to the NHRC, it had said that 45 persons have died between January 1, 2017 till March 31 this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bid to expedite land acquisition for the proposed Bundelkhand Expressway, the Uttar Pradesh government has released Rs 640 crore to make payments to land owners. The Industrial Development Department has issued a government order in this regard. "The government has issued Rs 640 crore to the district magistrates of Chitrakut, Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Jalaun, Auraiya and Etawah to expedite acquisition of land for the expressway," a senior government official said here Friday. While Rs 210 crore has been given to Jalaun followed by Rs 136 crore to Auraiya, Rs 100 crore for Banda, Rs 82 crore for Hamipur, Rs 45 crore for Mahoba besides other districts, he said. In a tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the UP government had decided to name the proposed Bundelkhand Expressway as Atal Path, which is likely to pass through Bateshwar in Agras Bah tehsil, the ancestral village of Vajpayee. UP Transport Minister Swatantra Dev Singh had made the announcement in August saying that a notification about the naming would be issued soon. "This is the best way to pay respect to the great statesman," he had said. The proposed expressway project route was amended to connect Bateshwar, after Bah BJP legislator Pakshalika Singh wrote a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to officials, the Bundelkhand Expressway will be a four-lane 293-km-long project. It will start from Jhansi and will pass through the states most backward districts like Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Auraiya and Jalaun. From Jalaun, the expressway will pass through Etawah district and reach Naseempur via Bateshwar before joining the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A federal US court on Friday ordered the White House to immediately reinstate the press credentials of CNN's correspondent Jim Acosta in a ruling seen as a major victory for mediapersons. The press pass of Acosta, CNN's White House Correspondent, was suspended last week after an altercation he had with President Donald Trump during a conference. The White House had accused him of placing his hand on an intern. Acosta and the CNN has denied the allegations. CNN supported Acosta and this week it filed a lawsuit against the White House urging the court to reinstate the press pass of its Chief White House Correspondent. In his order, US District Judge Timothy Kelly asked the White House to restore the press pass for Acosta that gives him regular access to the White House grounds to cover events and press conferences. Acosta thanked his colleagues in the press who supported him this week. "I want to thank the judge for the decision he made today. Let's go back to work," he told reporters outside the US District court. The White House said it will abide by the court's ruling. "Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter's hard pass," White House Press Secretary Sarah sanders said. "We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House," Sanders said. Judge Kelly, who was appointed by the Trump administration, however did not say that if suspension of the hard pass was in violation of the First Amendment. He said that the due process was not followed in suspension of the press pass. Representing the administration, the Department of Justice told the court that the president had broad discretion to choose who gets access to the White House. CNN has some 50 reporters with White House press pass. Judge Kelly in his order noted that the White House deprived Acosta of "due process" when it suspended his press pass. The court case on this issue would continue. In a statement on the twitter, CNN said: "We look forward to a full resolution in the coming days. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press". The network was supported by top American organisations including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Fox news. White House Correspondents Association also supported CNN in the court. Referring to a 1977 DC Circuit Court ruling, Judge Kelly said the government cannot boot out reporters "arbitrarily or for less than compelling reasons" and must follow a clear process to do it. Once the White House opens to reporters then the due process protections apply to removing any media, he argued. "Certainly he need not ever call on Mr Acosta again, but... the government must provide Mr Acosta due process," the Judge said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States failed in an attempt to water down references to "sexual and reproductive health" in a UN resolution Thursday despite support from China and many Islamic countries. The General Assembly's human rights committee defeated the US attempt to amend the resolution aimed at preventing and ending early and forced child marriages by a vote of 33-96 with 35 abstentions. Traditional US allies including the European Union and Western nations opposed the Trump administration's amendment along with many African and Latin American countries. The amendment would have weakened all references to "sexual and reproductive health" in the text by adding the words "in accordance with national laws" immediately afterward. Following the amendment's defeat, the committee adopted the resolution sponsored by Canada and Zambia by consensus. It is virtually certain to be approved by the 193-member assembly in December. Kelley Currie, the deputy US ambassador for economic and social affairs, introduced the last-minute amendment to what she called "controversial" language. The reference to "sexual and reproductive health" was approved by nearly 190 countries at the 1994 UN population conference in Cairo. Its plan of action includes language stating that "reproductive health ... also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations, and not merely counselling and care related to reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases." A US Mission spokesperson said that over the years, the term sexual and reproductive health has accumulated connotations that run counter to the consensus forged in Cairo, including the promotion of abortion or the right to abortion. The United States doesn't recognise abortion as a method of family planning and therefore proposed the amendments, said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Austrian Ambassador Jan Kickert, speaking on behalf of the EU, backed the long-agreed UN language on "sexual and reproductive health" and opposed the US amendments, which he said "could only have negative consequences impacting first and foremost the most fundamental rights of women, girls and children." British Ambassador Karen Pierce said, "Protecting children and girls from early and forced marriage, with everything that entails about sexual and health reproductive rights, is a critical part of economic development as the 110 co-sponsors of this resolution have realized."The United Kingdom's development agency "prioritises the promotion of sexual and reproductive health" because "it's the right thing to do, but it's also a smart thing to do," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CEO of a US-based software company has alleged fraud to the tune of nearly Rs 14 crore by the owner of a Noida-based firm for almost a decade which was tasked to build technology support for it and providing Indian engineers, police said Friday. The Noida-based firm's owner has been accused of fraudulently hiring inexperienced developers by forging their identities, experience and even employing ghost personnel while charging the American company heavily for the services including developing software which it further sold to other clients in the US from 2006 till 2015, they said. Noida Police said they have launched probe after a complaint was made by San Francisco, California based Phill Alaph, Director and CEO of technology company Vsolay Inc. against Himanshu Khatri, who ran the IT consultancy My Mind Infotech Pvt Ltd in Sector-2 of Noida. According to the FIR lodged at the Noida Sector-20 police station on November 14, he has also accused Khatri of yielding "extremely low quality" products because of these frauds which resulted in revenue and customer loss to the American firm. Beginning in 2006, Alaph's company had come in to contact with Himanshu Khatri, who represented that he would hire individual software developers from India to build technology products for them. The process for engaging these individuals has been that their CVs, education credentials, experience were scrutinised by Khatri and after verification he would send them to the company along with a range of hourly compensation they expected to receive for their work, Alaph said. "During the entire period of engagement, Khatri fraudulently misrepresented the true identities of the individuals as well as their experience and their compensation. He sent us forged CVs of the candidates after increasing their age and experience and in some cases after changing the names of the candidates and also sent us forged and photoshopped ID cards to substantiate the forged CVs," he said in the complaint. He said that instead of experienced software engineers, Khatri had in place in nearly every case hired very inexperienced and junior persons but charged us for higher experienced persons. "All this continued to happen from 2006 to 2015 when, in the end of the year 2015, I came to know that Khatri has been perpetrating a deep fraud beginning at the earliest part of the engagement." he said. Alaph said Khatri had hired very junior developers at very low cost and hidden their identities, levels of experience and skills behind fraudulent identities, frauds names and fraud CVs. He alleged that Khatri at times billed not only for individuals whose identities and experience were misrepresented but also falsified personnel who were not at all working for the firm and did not exist at all. Khatri also billed for persons who had left long before. In one case, after one senior developed left after approx six months of services while we continued to be billed for that person for more than three years at Rs 25 per hour. "In the most recent billing, which have run close to USD 40,000 per month, we now know that his total outlay to the team has been less than USD 8,000 per month," Alaph said in the complaint. Alaph said Khatri has misused a relationship of trust to successfully cheat his company into thinking that market rates for software developers in India had increased dramatically, year by year, beyond actual increases to further his "ill-gotten" gains. "It is part of the investigation process to get closer to an estimate of how much Khatri had cheated us via this fraud, but it seems to be in the range of at least USD 2 million (approx Rs 1,38,000,000),but likely more. "The work performed by junior developers hired by Khatri has been of extremely low quality and their productivity has also been low. We have lost customer after customer due to malfunctioning products or features of products and our progress has been slow, for many years and incurred heavy losses in business," Alaph said. I, being in the US could not come to India for lodging a criminal complaint against Khatri and others. Now I have come to know that he had also cheated some other US companies in the similar manner. Police have initiated a probe into the case and the cyber wing has been roped in to assess the matter. "The complaint has been on the quality of software. The complaint been registered and investigation launched. Our cyber wing is also on the job and gathering information. Further action will be taken depending on the nature of information that we get," Noida Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Pal Sharma told PTI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Walt Disney once said, "I hope we never lose sight of one thing- that it was all started by a mouse" and as Mickey, the beloved cartoon character, turns 90, the company is throwing "the world's biggest mass party". Mickey Mouse first appeared in 1928 cartoon film "Steamboat Willie" and since then, he has been an inseparable part of many lives. "We are pulling up all our socks. We are celebrating not just around the company but around the world. We have the world's biggest mass party going on at all our theme parks around the world, which will stretch over two months," Dana Jones, director of enterprise franchise management at the Walt Disney Company, told PTI. Fans can also get their own Instagram moment with the ongoing "Mickey: The True Original Exhibition" in New York. The immersive experience is inspired by Mickey's iconic status and his impact in popular culture. "This is an experiential exhibition, which is very Instagram-able event and blends fine art with the things that we can see, touch and feel. We hope that it will travel to other places as well," Jones said. India also features in the company's grand plans for Mickey's birthday celebrations. "India is one of the important markets for us. We have a great short cartoon that Mickey did a couple of years ago in which he was in India speaking in Hindi. Mickey showed the world that India has a special place in his heart. "There's not a country in the world where Mickey is not known and not loved. And we're focusing as much as possible on India... We are really trying to highlight the relationship Mickey has with India," Jones added. Mickey is the largest character franchise in India with over 30 million products sold in 2017. To build a connect with the younger generation, Disney launched 'Stay Fit with Mickey & Minnie" programme in 3000 schools in metro cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. "We are always working for new content opportunities for Mickey. The great thing about Mickey is that he has lived in a cartoon version of our world so the opportunities to have adventures with him and his friends are endless," Jones said. With such storied life, it seems that everything that is to be explored has already been explored in Mickey's life but Jones said the company has always tried to keep the cartoon character relevant. "We are constantly making sure that Mickey is where people are consuming content. So, a lot has been focused on Mickey's digital presence. Over the last few years, we have made sure that Mickey has an Instagram handle and a Facebook handle. It's such a timeless character," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for restoration of his government after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated in a motion of no trust for the second time in Parliament on Friday amid chaos. The brawl occurred a day after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against disputed prime minister Rajapaksa. Friday's proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. At least seven policemen and three legislators were injured as unprecedented violence broke out as part of the political and constitutional stand off. Wickremesinghe, speaking after violence marred the parliamentary vote, said: "I will pass the parliamentary test, we are not running away, we will not prevent voting either". For the third day, the United People's Freedom Allaiance (UPFA) members of President Maithripala Sirisena and Rajapaksa disrupted the house proceedings. Jayasuriya summoned 30 policemen to the chamber to provide him security to conduct proceedings. For over 40 minutes, Jayasuriya was prevented from entering the chamber. The UPFA MPs had formed a ring around Jayasuriya's seat with one of them occupying it. Parliamentary officials said this was the first time ever that police were summoned to the chamber to protect the Speaker. As Jayasuriya was entering the chamber in police protection, officers came under attack by rioting legislators. Copies of Sri Lankan Constitution and Erskin May's parliamentry practice were thrown at the police. At least one parliamentarian was accused of throwing chili powder mixed with water to senior parliamentarians Gamini Jayawickrema Prerea and Vijitha Herath. They were seen with sprayed chili powder water on their shirts. Policemen were seen looking for cover against the chili water attack. Speaker Jayasuriya, amid disturbances, took the vote on the no trust motion against Rajapaksa. He decalared "ayes" carried the vote and Rajapaksa had lost confidence in the house. Thus Rajapaksa was defeated twice in the house after Sirisena appointed him controversially on October 26. With political crisis triggered by Rajapaksa's appointment was deepening every passing day, Jayasuriya has asserted supremacy of the house against Sirisena's executive order of dismissing Wickremasinghe as the lawful premier. The Speaker took a strong stance after the Supreme Court on Tuesday annulled Sirisena's sacking of Parliament to call for fresh elections. As international criticism of Sirisena's action came to the fore, UPFA ministers accused the Speaker of working hand in glove with Colombo-based Western ambassadors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Extending its loss for the second consecutive day, shares of Yes Bank dropped 7 per cent Friday on bourses after the private sector lender's non-executive chairman Ashok Chawla stepped down with immediate effect. After a negative opening on BSE, the scrip further declined 7.7 per cent to touch an intra day low of Rs 190.1. At 1300 hrs, the shares were being traded at Rs 190.65, down 7.45 per cent from the previous close. On the NSE also the scrip of the private bank continued to fall as it tumbled 7.6 per cent to Rs 190, its lowest during the afternoon trade. On Thursday, the private lender had plunged over seven per cent on the stock exchanges. In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, Yes Bank announced that Ashok Chawla, non-executive independent part-time chairman, had tendered his resignation from the bank's board, with immediate effect. Further, former SBI chairman O P Bhatt has resigned from the panel set up by Yes Bank to find a successor to its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor. The Reserve Bank has already asked the private sector bank to find replacement of founder MD and CEO by January 31. Last month, Yes Bank had said the panel looking for a successor to MD and CEO Rana Kapoor has finalised the potential candidate profile. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who presided over the closing ceremony of three-day long UP Defence Expo-18, made a surprise visit to city's Naubasta Galla Mandi on Friday to take stock of wheat procurement. His visit comes in the wake of frequent complaints made by farmers against middlemen who are allegedly active in the procurement process, officials said. "The chief minister soon after interacting with senior officials at Chandra Shekhar Azad (CSA) University, made a surprise visit at wheat procurement centre at Naubasta Galla Mandi," District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said. Several farmers expressed their happiness and gathered around Adityanath on his visit, the DM said, adding that he spoke to the farmers directly and asked if they were able to sell their crops at government procurement centres without help of middlemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jet Airways stock extended gains for the fourth consecutive session in trade today ahead of a board meeting by Tata Sons at 12 pm today to discuss a proposal to buy out the cash-strapped airline. The stock rose up to 11.10% to 356.60 level in trade today compared to the previous close of 320.95 on the BSE. It closed 8.07% or 25.90 points highger at 346.85 in trade today. On Thursday, the stock saw its biggest intra day gain ever rising 29.93% to 334.90 level amid reports that the Tata Group was likely to acquire the struggling carrier. The stock closed 24.52% or 63 points higher at 320.95 on the BSE. The stock has been gaining for the last four days and risen 41.13% in the period. The small cap stock has lost 50.02% during the last one year and fallen 58.88% since the beginning of this year. Interestingly, the stock has gained 57.04% during the last one month. The stock is trading above its 50 day moving average of 214.10 and below its 200 day moving average of 318.55. Tata already owns and operates two airlines in the country: full-service carrier Vistara, which is in partnership with Singapore Airlines and low-cost carrier AirAsia India in combination with AirAsia Group Bhd. The talks come as a mix of rising oil prices, a weak rupee, low fares and competition has seen profit dive in the world's fastest-growing aviation market, which is clocking 20 percent annual passenger growth. Meanwhile, amid talks about the government nudging the Tatas to bail out the struggling airline in the social media, an aviation ministry official denied that government is brokering a deal which may include the lenders and other stakeholders of the Naresh Goyal-run airline taking a haircut. Stating that the ministry is not "involved" in any such process at this stage, aviation secretary RN Choubey said that "the aviation ministry is not involved in this process so far. Hence any question of haircut (by banks and other stakeholders) etc does not arise." Jet, founded by entrepreneur Naresh Goyal, is struggling to make payments to creditors including aircraft lessors and employees, and has seen its share price plunge 70 percent so far this year. The airline said on Monday it would cut flights on less profitable routes and add capacity to more lucrative markets as part of a broader consolidation plan to reduce costs and boost revenue after it reported its third consecutive quarterly loss. Naresh Goyal owns 51 percent of the airline while 24 percent is held by Etihad Airways. However, Jet Airways has termed media reports of Tata group carrying out due diligence to acquire the airline as "speculative". Jet Airways (India) in a communication to the stock exchanges said, "The subject news is speculative in nature and that there is no discussion or decision in the board which would require a disclosure". Separately, its deputy chief executive and chief financial officer, Amit Aggarwal, in the post-earnings analysts call on Tuesday also termed the reports speculative and said that unless something get materialised, the company will not comment. The airline reported Rs 1,261-crore loss for the quarter ended September. However, net loss narrowed from Rs 1,323 crore loss reported in the first quarter of the current fiscal. Higher fuel costs that soared 59 percent, and a steep rupee fall that led to a sevenfold spike in forex losses resulted in Rs 1,261 crore net loss for the airline in the second quarter. It had posted a net profit of Rs 71 crore in the same period last fiscal. The cash-strapped airline, which is reportedly looking for investors tide over the liquidity crisis, said its fuel bill jumped 58.6 percent to Rs 2,419.76 crore during the quarter. In the year-ago period, it had spent Rs 1,525.66 crore in fuel cost. Another crippling factor was the forex loss, which jumped more than six-times to Rs 416.69 crore from Rs 72.99 crore in the year-ago period. However, the airline reported a 9.50% rise in net sales to Rs 6,161.15 crore in Q2 compared to Rs 5,626.61 crore sales in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Net sales in Q1 of the current fiscal stood at Rs 6,010. 46 crore. By Norihiko ShirouzuBEIJING (Reuters) - Having just broken ground for a new factory in the southern Chinese province of Hunan, the head of electric car startup Singulato Motors has grand plans: build up to 50,000 electric vans per year and ride the crest of a wave for e-truck demand in China.For a growing number of automakers operating in the world's biggest vehicle market, it's time to invest in electric vans and trucks. They're convinced by increasingly stringent restrictions aimed at reining in pollution, generous subsidies as well as robust demand for light-duty trucks as e-commerce ... By John Revill and Arno SchuetzeZURICH/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - ABB is in talks with Hitachi Ltd and Mitsubishi Electric Corp to sell all or part of its power grids business, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, boosting the embattled Swiss engineer's shares. The stock rose as much as 4 percent in early Friday trading, after the sources said ABB was looking to sell a business that could be worth around $11 billion including debt. The Swiss company has also started negotiations with State Grid of China, one source said, with Chief Executive Ulrich Spiesshofer speaking to the Chinese ... By Tom MilesGENEVA (Reuters) - India's annual subsidies to sugarcane producers have breached the allowed limits by as much as tenfold in the past six years, Australia told the World Trade Organization in a document published by the world body on Friday. India's support for producers is supposed to be capped at 10 percent of the value of production, but it had paid between 77.1 percent and 99.8 percent since 2011, with payments between $9.3 billion and $11.8 billion, Australia said.The Australian challenge to India follows a U.S. call for transparency at the WTO, which President Donald Trump ... GENEVA (Reuters) - India's annual subsidies to sugarcane producers have breached the allowed limits as much as tenfold in the past six years, Australia told the World Trade Organization in a document published by the world body on Friday. India's support for producers is supposed to be capped at 10 percent of the value of production, but it had paid between 77.1 percent and 99.8 percent since 2011, with payments between $9.3 billion and $11.8 billion, Australia said. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is ... NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd might be interested in buying some of the wind assets of debt-laden Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) but has yet to have any discussion on the matter, two sources from GAIL said on Friday.The new board of shadow bank IL&FS, which has defaulted on some of its debt, has decided to sell off its assets as part of a restructuring plan. The sources said GAIL would not consider buying the entire wind energy assets of IL&FS unless offered at a steep discount. "GAIL is not aware that IL&FS is in the market to sell its wind ... MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's government is seeking to form panels to monitor functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter, which could escalate tensions between the finance ministry and the bank.The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that the board of the RBI draft regulations that will enable it to set up committees to monitor tasks such as financial stability, monetary policy transmission and foreign exchange management, the report added.Each panel might consist of two to three members of the RBI's ... HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's economy grew 2.9 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, the government said on Friday, boosted by steady consumer spending, but the outlook for the city is overshadowed by trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.The average forecast from five economists was for a third-quarter growth of 2.9 percent from a year earlier.The growth rate compares with an annual expansion of 3.5 percent in the second quarter. In July-September, the economy expanded 0.1 percent from the previous quarter, on a seasonally adjusted basis. The quarterly pace was slower ... MUMBAI (Reuters) - Shares in Jet Airways Ltd surged for the fourth straight day on Friday to hit a near 5-month high, as a proposed acquisition of the debt-laden carrier by Indian conglomerate Tata Sons Ltd was likely to be inching towards a close.The topic of acquiring Jet Airways will be discussed at the Tata Sons board meeting on Friday and the members may approve starting due diligence on the deal, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. However, a decision on closing the deal would certainly not be made during the meeting and nothing was final, the source said.Jet Airways posted ... By Neha Dasgupta and Promit MukherjeeNEW DELHI (Reuters) - The government of Karnataka on Friday warned NMDC Ltd that it will cancel the lease of its Donimalai iron ore mine if the state-owned miner refuses to pay an additional levy on the sale of its ore.Karnataka's threat to cancel the lease stems from a dispute between NDMC, India's biggest iron ore miner, and the state government over its decision to impose an 80 percent premium on ore sales from Donimalai.Karnataka levied the premium when it renewed NDMC's license for Donimalai on Nov. 2. NMDC contested the 80 percent premium in a Nov. 1 ... By Sankalp Phartiyal and Euan RochaMUMBAI (Reuters) - The chief of Flipkart Group's Myntra-Jabong fashion business on Friday denied a media report that he will quit after a reshuffle in the ranks following the ouster of group CEO Binny Bansal."I'm very excited about Myntra," Ananth Narayanan, the CEO of the business, told Reuters in an interview. "I certainly intend to continue."But he did say that there would be some job cuts in the Jabong arm of the unit.Narayanan's comments came after a report by the Times of India newspaper on Friday that said he had decided to resign following a change ... The YES Bank stock extended losses in Friday's trade after former SBI chairman OP Bhatt quit the panel set up by the private lender to find a successor to its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor. The stock fell up to 5.42% to 194.60 level compared to previous close of 206 on the BSE. It closed 7.14% or 14.70 points lower at 191.30 in trade today. The stock has been losing for the last 3 days and has fallen 11.59% in the period. The large cap stock opened at a loss of 2.65% at 200.55 on BSE. The stock is trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving average of 213.78 and 316.58. The stock has lost 33.86% during the last one year and fallen 36.69% since the beginning of this year. Bhatt, was an external expert on the Search and Selection Committee (S&SC) formed to find a successor to the bank's MD and CEO Rana Kapoor whose term ends in January 2019. He resigned from the committee as "there may be a potential conflict of interest", the bank said. Bhatt is under CBI's scanner in connection with loans given to the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya. "The Nomination & Remuneration Committee ('NRC') of the Bank while accepting Mr. Bhatt's resignation has recognised his guidance and inputs during his association with the S&SC as an External Expert," Yes Bank said. The bank further said that given the significant progress made by the S&SC with the support of Korn Ferry over the past three meetings (most recent being held on November 13) in its mandate to identify a suitable successor to Kapoor, the NRC has decided to continue with the existing members to complete the process as per the timeline communicated by RBI. Of late, the YES Bank stock has been marred by several issues such as RBI restricting the term of Rana Kapoor at the helm, and resignation of non-executive chairman Ashok Chawla as his name figured in a CBI chargesheet filed in the Aircel-Maxis case. The Reserve Bank has asked the private sector lender to find a replacement for its founder MD and CEO by January 31. Last month, Yes Bank had said the search panel had finalised the potential candidate profile. Kapoor's term was curtailed by over two years by RBI for unspecified reasons and a bank request for extension of his term beyond January 31, 2019 was also rejected by the regulator. The RBI refusal came even after the appointment committee of the central bank had reportedly cleared his three year-term. On Wednesday, bank's non executive chairman Ashok Chawla tendered his resignation from the bank's board following his name appearing in a CBI chargesheet in the Aircel-Maxis case. Representations were being made by shareholders and stakeholders to the bank as well as regulators like Sebi questioning his continuance on the bank's board after being named in chargesheet filed in Aircel-Maxis case by the premier investigating agency in July. By Helen ReidThe risk of a "flash crash" in markets is rising, strategists at Bank of America Merrill Lynch said on Friday, after a week in which previously-booming cryptocurrency Bitcoin tumbled, oil sank, and investors piled into stocks perceived as safer.Rising volatility across a range of asset classes and rapid deleveraging like that seen in oil markets in recent weeks are signs a bear market could have further to go, they said.Brent crude hit an eight-month low on Tuesday in its steepest one-day fall in more than three years and Bitcoin hit a 13-month low on Thursday, the latest assets ... By Jonathan SpicerNEW YORK (Reuters) - The total debt shouldered by Americans has hit another record high, rising to $13.5 trillion in the last quarter, while an unusual jump in student-loan delinquencies could provide another signal that the U.S. economic expansion is growing old.Flows of student debt into serious delinquency - of 90 or more days - rose to 9.1 percent in the third quarter from 8.6 percent in the previous quarter, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported on Friday. That propelled the biggest jump in the overall U.S. delinquency rate in seven years. It was a reversal ... By Omar MohammedNAIROBI (Reuters) - Tanzania's plan to buy the country's entire 2018 cashew nut crop could lead to a global shortage, with processors in Vietnam and India likely to be hit first, traders said.President John Magufuli has ordered a 94 percent increase to cashew nut prices to protect farmers from low prices and told his government to acquire the estimated 220,000 tonne crop after private buyers refused to buy at the higher price. Tanzanians would eat the nuts themselves if they could not sell them, Magufuli said, raising concerns that the nation's most valuable export crop will ... COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - U.S. criminal investigators have requested information from Deutsche Bank, Bank of America and JPMorgan about transactions they handled for Danske Bank's Estonia branch, which is at the centre of a money laundering scandal, Bloomberg reported on Friday citing sources.Danske Bank said last month it faced a U.S. criminal investigation into as much as 200 billion euro ($230 billion) of suspicious transactions at its Estonian branch between 2007 and 2015. The scandal has rocked investor faith in Denmark's biggest lender and forced its chief executive and chairman to ... BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's Herbert Diess will take on the responsibilities for the carmaker's China business in addition to his duties as group CEO, Handelsblatt daily reported on Friday, as the company's supervisory board met in Wolfsburg.Diess will take over the China role from Jochem Heizmann, who will retire in January, the paper added, citing company sources.VW is scheduled to hold a news conference at 1130 GMT as its board is due to vote on a multi-billion euro investment plan. (Reporting by Thomas Seythal; editing by Tassilo Hummel)(This story has not been edited by Business ... When I flew into San Francisco last Sunday, the haze shrouding the city was not the usual charming fog, and there was an acrid smell, like a barbecue on steroids. California was on fire. In the past week, towns have been burned out of existence, people have fled the raging flames, and ashes have been falling from a tangerine sky. The conflagration is airborne via the smoke, creating a weather of catastrophe, which is the phrase Joan Didion once used to describe the hot Santa Anas blowing into Los Angeles. The wind shows us how close to the edge we ... Chinese smartphone maker on Friday announced that it was permanently cutting the prices of five of its handsets in India, a day after the International Data Corporation (IDC) declared that the company was the market leader in the third quarter of 2018 in the country. "We are delighted to share that we have seen a reduction in component costs of some of our best-selling phones. We were announced as the number one smartphone vendor in India for the fifth consecutive quarter, as per IDC Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "As a celebration of that, is announcing price cut for five smartphones," the company said in a statement. The 4GB+64GB variants of Redmi Note 5 Pro, Mi A2 and Redmi Y2 are now available for Rs 13,999, Rs 15,999 and Rs 11, 999, respectively while the prices of 6GB+128GB variants of Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi A2 have dropped to Rs 15,999 and Rs 18,999, respectively. According to the IDC report, the Chinese handset maker shipped 11.7 million units and became the top brand in the Indian market with 27.3 per cent share in the third quarter this year. This is the first time when the smartphone market is at par with the feature phone market, each contributing 50 per cent to the overall mobile phone market. The ongoing fiasco at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has led to trouble for the central agency in Andhra Pradesh. The Chandrababu Naidu government has withdrawn its 'general consent' given to the probe agency, which allowed it to carry out search and operations in the southern state without informing the government. In a notification released this week, the Andhra Pradesh government said that it is withdrawing its general consent given to the CBI as it has lost confidence in the agency after the charges of corruption were levelled against its top two officials. This means that the CBI personnel will have to secure prior permission from the Andhra Pradesh government if they wish to enter the state on official business. "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, Government hereby withdraw the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," the notification read. The Andhra Pradesh government had given its general consent to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction in the state against officials of the central government, central government undertakings and private persons for investigating offences under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Meanwhile, the CBI has denied receiving any such notification from the Andhra Pradesh government, India Today reported. CBI sources told the channel that a decision could be reached only after going though the notification and it will consider the legal recourse it needed. Only last month, the CBI had moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the need to seek prior permission from the Chhattisgarh government to investigate an offence in the state. In ist judgement, the Delhi High Court had ruled that the CBI did not need the state government's permission, except when the case was registered in that state. Chandrababu Naidu's Telegu Desham Party (TDP), an estranged ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), withdrew its support from Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in March over granting special state status to Andhra Pradesh. Lately, Naidu has alleged the BJP and the YSR Congress of trying to destabilise the TDP government in Andhra. Edited by Vivek Punj Much to the horror of the irreverent PewDiePie's fans, the YouTuber won't be able to hold on to his top spot for much longer. It has a new rival, one that's close on the heels - T-Series. The Indian channel that had 30 million subscribers at the beginning of the year, which is half of what PewDiePie has, is only weeks away from toppling the global star. T-Series already has the most monthly views on YouTube. To stall the impending crowning, PewDiePie's fans are now rallying behind their star. As mentioned in a report in Bloomberg, supporters of PewDiePie are posting critical comments on T-Series' videos and are even opening new accounts to boost their idol's numbers. Unlike what it may seem, T-Series is not only getting its boost from India, around 40% of its viewership comes from outside the country. This may have a lot to do with the Indian diaspora abroad. What's helping T-Series To begin with, T-Series caters to multiple languages and has multiple channels. T-Series operates 29 channels that roll out videos in regional languages. A devotional music channel has 13 million subscribers, a Telugu channel has 2 million and the usual suspect, a Bollywood classics channel has 6.5 million subscribers. According to the report, all these feed into the main channel. Additionally, more and more media giants are rushing to the social media site that used to be the haunt of amateur vloggers. Like most of these companies, T-Series too started posting videos on YouTube in 2011. Fast forward to 2018, when the company invests huge sums of money in videos to help promote its movies and push song sales. In fact, 20-25% of T-Series' sales now come from YouTube. Moreover, T-Series is shifting gear to bring in more and more young subscribers. As mentioned in the report, Allison Stern, Chief Marketing Officer at Tubular Labs that tracks online video said, "T-Series used to cater to a much older generation, but it is making movie content and music videos to capture a younger generation.'' The most important factor in the rise of T-Series on YouTube is the sheer number of Indians who have access to internet. After Reliance Jio's entry in the telecom market in 2016 that saw sharp price cuts and increase in internet access, consumption of data increased by leaps and bounds in India. Online video consumption also jumped significantly as a result. YouTube too felt the rise of the Indian internet explorers as multiple channels erupted. Today YouTube has more than 300 channels with more than a million subscribers each. India is now YouTube's second-largest market in views and first in terms of users. So looks like T-Series is not only here to win the crown but also stay for a while. Bureaucrats to deliver within six months to secure their term in office: Imran Khan ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government has decided not to privatise, instead revive, 195 sick state enterprises and ordered bureaucrats to deliver on its policies within six months to secure their three-year term in office. In a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday, two separate policies were approved one to deal with 195 sick entities and the other to rein in the bureaucracy to ensure that top officials follow government policies. The meeting decided that the prime minister would unveil the 100-day achievements of the government before the nation on Nov 29. Speaking to media at the conclusion of the meeting, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said under the strategy to deal with sick government units, the cabinet approved formation of Sarmaya-i-Pakistan Company (SPC) which would decide how to revive sick entities. The SPC will be formed on the basis of Singaporean and Malaysian models, he added. Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the head of board of governors (BoG) of the company which will decide the fate of sick entities, including the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan Railways, the minister said. These 195 government entities are facing several problems and running into losses and, therefore, we cannot privatise them, he said, adding that three federal ministers and seven experts from the private sectors would be part of the BoG of the SPC. Mr Chaudhry said the government wanted to rid the sick entities of its influence. We do not want to make bureaucrats loyal to us in six months, but they have to follow our policies, the information minister said. He said the cabinet had devised a policy for securing three-year term of top government officials in their office. However, under the policy the bureaucrats will have to undergo an interim period of six months, during which their performance will be evaluated and then it will be decided whether they should be given two-and-a-half years extension or not. Asked whether the government wanted to seek loyalty of the bureaucracy under this policy, the minister said: Yes, we want the bureaucracy to toe our line and polices. We have been elected by the people to make our own policies which should be followed and implemented by the bureaucracy. He said a committee headed by Prime Ministers Adviser Shahzad Arbab had been set up to look into the matters of tenure of federal secretaries and other top government officials and present recommendations to the prime minister who would decide their fate. Other members of the committee are: Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid, PMs Adviser Dr Ishrat Hussain and Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtiyar. Mr Chaudhry said the government wanted to fully adhere to the decisions of other countries courts and, therefore, the cabinet decided to send back two Denmark national children Hira Tahir and Dua Tahir to their country as a Danish court had given a decision in favour of their father but their mother Afsheen Baksh had taken them to Pakistan. The prime minister ordered an inquiry into the incident which will be conducted by a magistrate, the information minister added. He said the prime minister was also concerned about Pakistani prisoners languishing in different countries and the cabinet decided that they would be extended legal assistance so that they could return to the motherland. Mr Chaudhry said the government was also determined to bring Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman convicted of terrorism in the US, back to Pakistan. The Human Resource Ministry has stopped additional funding to six new IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) as the government wants the autonomous institutes to be self-sufficient. The six new IIMs, including IIM-Rohtak, IIM-Tiruchirappalli, IIM-Raipur, IIM-Kashipur, IIM-Udaipur and IIM-Ranchi, were commissioned in 2008-09, when the UPA government was in power. These six IIMs were given Rs 333 crore each for building permanent campuses. The funds were allocated in 2008-09 but the construction started in 2014 only. Now the government says these institutes will have to bear any further cost by themselves. For this, they can take loans, use their resources, and by offering consultancy services. All these new IIMs, excluding IIM-Ranchi where work has just begun, are in the last leg of their construction. Additional funding from the government could have boosted their construction work, but the government's refusal for more money has put them in a fix, reported the Economic Times. A major reason these institutes need additional funding is that they have exhausted the entire budget by expanding construction plans, which have raised the overall cost of these projects. The government had notified the IIM rules by implementing the IIM Act, 2017, which offered the autonomy to these premier business schools. The Act came into effect on January 31. Older IIMs, including IIM-Ahmedabad and IIM-Bangalore, don't have to depend upon the Centre for funds as they charge a very high fee for their management and education programmes. Their overall reputation as premier business institutes gives them an edge over others. New IIMs don't have the same brand value as the older IIMs. Until recently, the HRD ministry was preparing a Cabinet note seeking additional Rs 300 crore for each of these IIMs. The government, however, seems to have junked the idea of pumping more money into these B-schools as constitutionally they need to become self-sufficient institutes. The report also said the Centre will only release the pending funds to IIM-Ranchi (Rs 263 crore), IIM-Raipur (Rs 50 crore), IIM-Rohtak (Rs 46 crore) and IIM-Kashipur (Rs 27 crore). Two other IIMs at Udaipur and Tiruchirappalli have used Rs 344 crore and Rs 370 crore, respectively, on their campus development, the report added. Edited by Manoj Sharma 16 Nov 2018, 3:50 PM Tata Sons board to meet today to decide Jet Airways takeover The board of Tata Sons is likely to meet Friday to discuss a proposal to take over the Naresh Goyal-controlled Jet Airways, which is looking for investors to tide over liquidity crunch that it has been saddled with, according to people familiar with the development. Airline's deputy chief executive and chief financial officer Amit Agarwal earlier this week had admitted that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion as well as selling six of its Boeing 777 planes and a stake in its loyalty programme Jet Privilege. HDFC Bank MD Aditya Puri says more regulations needed for housing finance, mutual fund companies Now there's someone else who has appreciated some of Modi's reforms. Aditya Puri, Managing Director of HDFC Bank, has said that reforms like demonetisation and GST were good initiatives and that the argument of 'no jobs' in the country was not correct. HDFC Bank, which is the largest private bank in India, is putting a major focus on semi-urban and rural areas, and that half of its business now comes from these areas, he said. Indian banks could be recapitalised with government bonds: RBI board member Indian banks could be recapitalised with government bonds, said an independent director on the central bank's board on Thursday. S. Gurumurthy has been a vocal member on the RBI board asking for easier lending and capital restrictions for Indian banks and more cash for small businesses. One way for the government to increase capital adequacy in state-run banks under Basel 3 regulations is to increase equity capital on one hand and sell sovereign bonds to the lenders on the other hand. Oyo appoints former IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh as new CEO for India, South Asia Hospitality company OYO, India's newest unicorn, today announced that it has appointed former IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh as its chief executive officer for India and South Asia, with effect from December 1. In a statement the company said that the appointment comes in wake of its focus to drive accelerated growth in its home markets, India and China. IKEA to fight crop burning pollution by making furniture from straw Talking of innovative solutions to tackle air pollution in India, Swedish furniture brand IKEA will turn rice straw, a rice harvesting residue that is traditionally burned and contributes heavily to air pollution, into a renewable material source for the IKEA products. The initiative has been taken under IKEA's 'Better Air Now' initiative to tackle the most critical issue of pollution, especially in the northern India, which comprises nine out of 10 most polluted cities in the world. The company has said that the first IKEA product prototype, which will be based on rice straw, will be ready by this year end. The products will be officially sold in IKEA's India stores in 2019-2020. Facebook drops firm that sought to discredit critics Facebook said Thursday it was severing ties with a political consultancy that sought to discredit critics of the social networking giant using questionable campaign-style tactics. The California-based company's announcement followed a lengthy New York Times investigation detailing Facebook's struggles with its image as it came under scrutiny for its handling of Russian-led misinformation efforts. All telcos, except Jio, fail in Trai's call drop test on highway,rail routes All telecom operators, except Reliance Jio, failed to meet call drop benchmark in drive test conducted by sector regulator Trai on different highway and rail routes. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said that independent drive tests through its appointed agency was conducted on eight highways and three rail routes. Paytm emerges as top finance app in Canada thanks to cashback schemes Paytm Canada has emerged as the number one finance application on both Google Play Store and Apple's App Store in the month of November. Paytm, owned by India's One97 Communications Limited, has been well received in the Canadian market as it rewards the Canadians for paying bills with their mobile platform. Paytm Canada has also refreshed its app and has added new features and awards for the locals Port Moresby, Nov 15 (AFP) President Xi Jinping arrived in Papua New Guinea on Thursday for a much-vaunted state visit ahead of an Asia-Pacific summit he is expected to dominate.Xi touched down in Port Moresby, where he was greeted on the tarmac by tribesmen and women in traditional attire, complete with feather headdresses.With US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the APEC leaders meeting in Port Moresby on Saturday and Sunday, Xi has golden opportunity to highlight China's growing regional clout.Xi kicks off a two-day state visit to the resource-rich and strategically important host country -- the first ever state visit here by a Chinese president -- before meeting Pacific Island allies and delivering a keynote speech to Asia-Pacific CEOs.On the eve of his arrival, Xi wrote in the country's main newspaper that Papua New Guinea was "truly a land of great promise"."In recent years, bilateral ties have entered a new stage of rapid growth. Today, Papua New Guinea is China's largest trading partner in the region, while China is the biggest foreign investor and project contractor in this country." He is expected to inaugurate Chinese-built infrastructure projects and get a traditional "sing-sing" Papua New Guinean welcome."President Xi Jinping is a good friend of Papua New Guinea" the country's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said ahead of Xi's arrival.The visit, he said, "is a clear indication of a growing bilateral relationship between our two countries." Xi's visit is timed with a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a grouping of 21 economies advocating free and open trade as well as regional economic integration.On Friday, he is expected to open a new road and be treated to a traditional "sing sing" -- a colourful tribal welcome.After Papua New Guinea, Xi heads to Brunei and the Philippines, whose President Rodrigo Duterte has forged closer ties with China for investments and trade. (AFP) AMSAMS With talks of a Vistara-Jet Airways merger reportedly picking up pace, the latest buzz is that Tata Sons is looking to end its partnership with AirAsia Berhad, with which it formed a joint venture in 2013 to launch AirAsia India. A person aware of the development told The Economic Times that the Tata Group holding company is proposing to "exit AirAsia India and run the only full-service private airline in India, which is Vistara-plus-Jet". Tata Sons initially owned 30% of AirAsia India, but later increased its stake to 49% and then 51% to gain greater operational command. The rest is held by the Malaysian low-cost carrier. But given the myriad troubles plaguing AirAsia India, ranging from burgeoning losses to allegations of financial irregularities and illegal lobbying against it, finding a buyer for the Tatas' stake won't be easy. According to filings with the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange, AirAsia India's net loss widened 2.6 times year-on-year to Rs 61.8 crore for the quarter ended June. In late May, the CBI filed an FIR against the airline and its officials, including Group CEO Tony Fernandes, for allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to bag an international flying licence. Moreover, two years ago, a Deloitte Touche investigation had unearthed irregularities in the financial transactions of about Rs 22 crore involving the airline's former CEO Mittu Chandilya. These allegations were picked up by the Enforcement Directorate last year on a complaint by RSS ideologue Subramanian Swamy. AirAsia India's small size and snail-paced expansion does not help woo investors, either. "With the cases against him, it is getting increasingly difficult for Tony to do business in India," a source told the daily, adding that Fernandes may look to sell. "But he won't leave without getting a good value for his airline's stake." An option reportedly being considered involves having a full-service brand - Vistara merged with Jet - and an equivalent of SIA's low-cost carrier Scoot, which last year absorbed budget carrier Tigerair. However, according to sources, fully acquiring AirAsia India may be "an unviable proposition" for the Tatas since the conglomerate would get very little in the airline except the licence and slots. Its reservation systems, infrastructure, accounting etc. are all owned and managed from Malaysia by AirAsia Berhad or its companies. The fate of AirAsia India's fleet of 19 Airbus A320 planes is also uncertain. In March, Asia Aviation Capital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirAsia Berhad, had agreed to sell its aircraft leasing operations to BBAM-managed entities in a staggered deal that would see 182 of its current and future aircraft with engines change hands. It is unclear whether AirAsia India's leased planes will also be transferred to BBAM or whether the lease agreements can be retained/renewed. Besides, AirAsia India has seen frequent clashes between the Indian founders and its top management, primarily over operational control and the fact that the power of decision-making lay wholly with the Malaysian parent. Since its inception, the four-year-old airline had been run by CEOs chosen by the management of AirAsia Berhad, with current chief Sunil Bhaskaran being the sole exception. The Malaysian headquarters also made sure that many contracts, including plane leases, went to its own subsidiaries and affiliates. Given the above, yet another option may be to shut down the airline but according to the daily, that's only seen as a remote possibility. (Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal) Indian banks could be recapitalised with government bonds, said an independent director on the central bank's board on Thursday, at a time when the Reserve Bank of India and the government are at loggerheads on regulatory issues. S. Gurumurthy has been a vocal member on the RBI board asking for easier lending and capital restrictions for Indian banks and more cash for small businesses, a view that is supported by top finance ministry officials and has deepened an ongoing rift between the government and the central bank. One way for the government to increase capital adequacy in state-run banks under Basel 3 regulations is to increase equity capital on one hand and sell sovereign bonds to the lenders on the other hand. The move won't need actual cash infusion but only an accounting entry in banks, a process which has been used before as well by the government to increase capital adequacy ratios in banks. For weeks, government officials in New Delhi have been pressuring the Mumbai-based RBI to accede to a range of demands, prompting RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya to warn late last month that undermining a central bank's independence could be "catastrophic," bringing the feud into the open. However, the government and the RBI are now getting close to ironing out some of their policy differences ahead of a board meeting on Monday. Gurumurthy, who has close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organisation that supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, called for heavy import curbs on items to contain the country's current account deficit, while speaking at an event in New Delhi. Following the steps of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Congress-JD(S) government of Karnataka has put forth a proposal to build a 125-feet statue dedicated to the river Cauvery, around the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir. The state government is all set to rebuild the KRS dam with a museum complex on the top, similar to USA's Disneyland. The entire project would cost around Rs 1,200 crore and will cover up nearly 300-400 acres of area. The river serves as the lifeline for southern states - Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The proposal came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 182-metre tall Statue of Unity in Gujarat, built at a cost of about Rs 3,000 crore. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue is the tallest in the world. Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh and Water Resource Minister DK Shivakumar held a meeting with several top officials to discuss the design on Wednesday. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had previously stated that the proposal to develop the KRS dam would be along the lines of Disneyland in the US. DK Shivakumar said, "It is not a statue per se, it is an amusement park. We want to showcase the heritage and culture of Mysore to rest of the country. It is still in planning stage and features can be changed be it statue or anything. We have planned a watch tower where people can oversee the dam. It will be like Eiffel Tower in Paris." It will be a public-private partnership project. Karnataka government has proposed to erect a 125 feet statute of Mother Cauvery at the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir in Mandya district. The government has also proposed to build a museum complex, 2 glass towers measuring 360 feet providing a bird's eye view of KRS reservoir, 1/3 pic.twitter.com/f2eqkICgCl - ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 The government has also proposed a museum complex, two glass towers measuring 360 feet to provide a bird's eye view of the dam, an indoor stadium, a bandstand and some replicas of historical monuments. In the proposal, the statue of Cauvery is presented as a woman holding a pot with water pouring out of it continuously. A smaller figure of the former king of Mysore Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar has also been planned. Mahesh said the state's citizens carry a strong feeling for the river that is a symbol of motherhood and the government wants to reflect these sentiments through the statue. Currently, the Karnataka government is earning around Rs 6 crore in a year from the KRS dam. After the construction of Disneyland-like attraction, the annual turnover is estimated to cross Rs 300 crore and the state government expects a yearly income of Rs 30 crore. (Edited by Vivek Dubey) Following the couple's wedding in Lake Como, Deepika and Ranveer shared pictures from the two ceremonies. Wishes poured in from every corner as members of the film industry and the couple's fans took to social media to congratulate the newlyweds. In less than an hour, Deepika Padukone's post garnered 2 million likes, while Ranveer Singh's post received 1.5 million likes. Deepika's post was of the couple's first wedding that was a Konkani-style affair. The bride was dressed in a red and gold Sabyasachi saree, while Ranveer wore a white kurta. Ranveer's post was of the couple's Sindhi wedding. He can be seen wearing a red Kanjeevaram sherwani with intricate threadwork. Deepika wore a red and gold lehenga. Her jewellery along with the red chura and kaliras especially complemented the attire. Ranveer Singh's stylist Nitasha Gaurav shared the photos and wrote, "Presenting the newly minted Mrs & Mr Ranveer Singh Bhavnani!! In the words of Mr Bhavnani Sr today, yeh deewani toh Bhavnani ho gayi!" Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's Mumbai residence was all decked up to welcome the couple back when they return on November 18. Members of the film industry poured in their wishes to the newly-married couple. Farah Khan said, "Never seen two people SO happy to get married. God bless you," while Anushka Sharma tweeted, "Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love & respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club." Sushmita Sen wrote, "Beautiful couple! Congratulations Deepika and Ranveer! May your journey of togetherness be blessed with divine grace, respect, love and solid friendship! Cheers!" Priyanka Chopra commented on Deepika's photo saying, "Insanely beautiful!" The couple tied the knot on November 14 as per Konkani rituals followed by another round of vows on November 15 as per Sindhi customs. The Padukones will host a reception party on November 21 in Bengaluru for friends and family, followed by a star-studded affair on November 28 in Mumbai for the film fraternity. A crane operator pours molten steel Feb. 12 in a mill owned by Dalian Special Steel Co. Ltd., which is backed by the Liaoning provincial government. Photo: VCG Chinas state-owned asset regulator pledged faster and broader efforts to open state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to private capital in the latest call to reform the countrys bloated state industrial sectors. The five-year-old mixed-ownership reform campaign will be carried out in all state companies in competitive industries such as real estate, manufacturing and telecom, said Weng Jieming, deputy director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), the countrys top state asset regulatory body. The reform will especially focus on subsidiaries of central government-backed SOEs and local government-owned enterprises, Weng said Wednesday at a conference briefing on SOE reform plans. Weng also made a rare pledge to expand mixed-ownership reform to key industries like electricity, oil and gas, railways, aviation and military equipment, where state dominance continues. At the same meeting, China Unicom Groups chief accountant Zhu Kebing said the telecom company is looking for private partners for its businesses in five Yunnan cities as part of a reform pilot program unveiled in October. The mixed-ownership reform first emerged in a policy document in 2013. It is an initiative pushed forward by the central government to bring private investment and management into state-owned companies to make them more dynamic. Since then, dozens of SOEs have unveiled plans to invite private sector investors into their subsidiaries, including China Unicom, China Shipbuilding Industry Corp., and the parent of China Eastern Airlines. The next step is to increase the number of companies involved in pilot programs and pick larger and more important players in key industries to participate, Weng said. According to SASAC, more than 70% of centrally owned SOEs and 88% of provincial-level SOEs in competitive industries have undertaken mixed-ownership reforms. Through the reform, state capital will gradually withdraw from competitive industries and mainly concentrate on industries with strategic importance, SASAC said. Currently, about 80% of central government assets are in industries including crude oil and petrochemical, electricity, military equipment, telecom and mining, according to the administration. Chinese authorities have repeatedly made commitments to advance SOE reforms this year. On the sidelines of the China International Import Expo earlier this month, SASAC chief Xiao Yaqing encouraged more foreign and private investors to take part in reforming central government-controlled enterprises. In September, the National Development and Reform Commission published a statement calling on centrally administrated SOEs to explore feasible paths for mixed-ownership reforms at the highest corporate levels, marking the first official call for such sweeping reform of central SOEs. In August, SASAC listed 404 central and provincial SOEs as candidates for reform pilot programs. Weng said about two-thirds of the shortlisted companies have submitted plans for mixed-ownership reform. The regulator expects to see companies in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Shenyang to make bolder steps in mixed-ownership reform, Weng said. Weng said SASAC is working on new regulations for state asset management as a key document to support SOE reforms. The rules will allow regulators to shift focus from governing state companies to managing state capital to improving corporate governance and independence of state companies, according to Weng. China Unicom is one of the first batch of SOEs selected to participate in the mixed-ownership reform. Last year, the company sold 35% of its Shanghai unit to 14 strategic partners, including internet giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. By inviting private partners to construct and operate part of its telecom networks in Yunnan, China Unicom expects to turn some of its long-term money-losing subsidiaries profitable, Zhu said. Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) Museum visitors examine a corner of the exhibition devoted to the successes of the anti-corruption campaign. Photo: Zhang Zizhu/Caixin Handwritten letters of repentance written by officials caught in the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown, including one purportedly penned by former internet czar Lu Wei, were on display at a recent Beijing exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening-up policy. In an intimate letter that has not been previously seen in public, Lu expressed embarrassment for his wife and son. My lifestyle has caused her so much pain. We often argued about this. She told me once in despair: I cant control you, but the Communist Party will regulate you sooner or later. Now the prophecy has come true, he wrote of his wife. My son, he just celebrated his 30th birthday. I have not set a good example for his path in life and I have not fulfilled the responsibilities of a father, he wrote. Other letters. Photo: Zhang Zizhu/Caixin Last month, Lu pleaded guilty to accepting 32 million yuan ($4.6 million) in bribes. His sentence has not yet been announced. The unit on the anti-corruption campaign, which is part of a section titled Historic Changes, also includes materials related to the investigations of Li Yihuang, former vice governor of Jiangxi province; Wang Sunyan, the former party secretary of Gansu province; and Xiang Junbo, the former chairman of the now-defunct China Insurance Regulatory Commission. According to nationalist state-backed news outlet Global Times, the inclusion of anti-corruption in the exhibit shows the governments determination to continue fighting corruption. When Chinese President Xi Jinping took office in 2012, he launched the most far-reaching and intense anti-corruption campaign China has seen in decades. The campaign has resulted in the fall of thousands of high-level tigers and low-level flies. According to official numbers, hundreds of officials at the provincial level and above have been placed under investigation, expelled from the party, arrested, or sentenced since the beginning of the campaign. The entrance of the museum hosting the exhibition, which chronicles Chinas 40 years of reform. Photo: Zhang Zizhu/Caixin It is not uncommon for confessions of officials to be widely publicized. Many confessions by high-ranking officials and members of the military have been televised, such as that of former security head Zhou Yongkang, the highest-ranking official to have been indicted for corruption to date. In January 2017, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the top anti-corruption watchdog, released a TV series featuring video confessions of three of its officials who were indicted on charges of corruption. Before the Communist Partys Sixth Plenum in 2016, an eight-part TV series featured video confessions of dozens of corrupt officials. Of the officials featured in the exhibit, Lu Wei is the one with the highest profile. He was the first so-called tiger to be placed under investigation for corruption after the 19th National Party Congress in October 2017. Before becoming head of the Cyberspace Administration of China a position he held until he stepped down in mid-2016 he served as the deputy head of the Communist Partys publicity department and in 2015 was named by Time magazine as one of the worlds 100 most influential people. Contact reporter Ren Qiuyu (qiuyuren@caixin.com) (Bloomberg) For Toyota Motor Corp., China wasnt always the first pit stop when it came to unveiling key car models. But this time, its different. The Japanese automaker took the wraps off the all-new Corolla and its China-only twin Levin at a global premiere in Guangzhou on Friday, hours before it was put on display in California. The move marks Toyotas deeper push into the worlds biggest auto market where it is trailing rivals. The Corolla, the staid workhorse that seldom makes heads turn but is still loved universally, is getting a facelift at a time sedans are losing their sheen in the U.S. while gaining followers in China. The new models will offer features tailored for Chinese buyers, including a 12.1-inch display and an air-cleaning system to remove pollutants, as well as more connectivity functions. Sales will start in 2019. China takes lead China overtook the U.S. to become the largest market for the compact sedan last year, with the combined annual deliveries of Corolla and Levin reaching half a million and taking the lead in the segment. They are the most important vehicles for Toyota here in China, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Toyotas China chief, said in Guangzhou. These new models embody our drive in electrification, intelligence and informatization. Amid a sharp demand shift to SUVs in the U.S., Toyota is increasingly counting on China to sustain the success story of the worlds best-selling model of any carmaker over the last 30 years. Reflecting the slumping demand for sedans in the U.S., Toyota plans to slow one of the three assembly lines at its Camry assembly plant in Kentucky next month. In China, the Corolla and Levin contribute about 40% of Toyotas sales and are key to changing the automakers also-run status. Toyota sold 1.29 million vehicles in China last year and is set to greatly exceed its 1.4 million-unit target for this year, Kobayashi said. That compares with sales of more than 4 million units each at Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co. Japanese competitors Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., though smaller globally, have also been quicker than Toyota in ramping up sales in China. Toyota believes it has potential to raise its market share given it is low compared with the U.S., said Janet Lewis, an analyst at Macquarie Capital Securities in Tokyo. The Corolla is a less important product for the U.S. market than for China in light of declining sedan volumes. Products tend to be tailored for the biggest markets in this case it is the Corolla and Levin for China. Toyota has traditionally been concentrating on the U.S., even after China overtook it to become the worlds largest car market in 2009. Now though, the famously cautious Japanese manufacturing giant has added incentive to shift focus as China moves to loosen restrictions while the U.S. threatens to raise trade barriers. Trade war As of now Toyota has been largely unscathed, or even has actually benefited from the U.S.-China trade war. While China in July increased the levy on vehicles imported from the U.S. to 40%, it almost simultaneously lowered the duty on other imported cars to 15%. That has in particular benefited Toyotas luxury Lexus vehicles exported from Japan to China. That, coupled with continued strong demand for the outgoing Corolla and the new Camry, helped Toyota boost China sales by 13% in the first nine months this year, bucking an industry slowdown and leading the gains by major carmakers. This also has boosted confidence for Toyota to set its eye on tripling car production in China by as soon as 2030. To be sure, Toyotas future growth hinges on how the company embraces new-energy vehicles (NEVs). Under Chinas so-called cap-and-trade policy, automakers must obtain a new-energy vehicle score which is linked to the production of various types of zero- and low-emission vehicles starting January. Toyota, which has been a laggard in pure-electric cars, had to speed up in NEVs. Unlike Volkswagen or General Motors, the conventional hybrids with which Toyota is the indisputable leader will be central to the companys electrification efforts. Toyota intentionally put two gasoline-electric versions of the Corolla and Levin on display in Guangzhou, as sales of hybrid models have started to take off since it localized production in 2015. Chinas unique project featuring local hybrid production since 2015 has been a great success and both have become star models with the support of Chinese customers, Kobayashi said. However, conventional hybrids are unlikely to be included as NEVs in China and it remains to be seen how far they can go without much government support that EVs and plug-ins receive. To find allies promoting the technology, Toyota has engaged in advanced talks to license its hybrid system to Chinese carmaker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., Bloomberg has reported. Hybrids are very important to Toyotas China and global strategy, but it only works in China if other companies produce them, Lewis said. Contact editor Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) Fawad Chaudhry barred from attending ongoing Senate session Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Thursday barred Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry from attending the ongoing Senate session over his failure to tender an apology to the upper house. Over the past month, the information minister and opposition members have clashed bitterly in the parliament over the former's invective, forcing the latter to demand an apology, and briefly boycott the session. After the Senate session began today, the opposition reiterated their demand for Chaudhry to apologise, with opposition leader Raja Zafarul Haq telling Sanjrani: "There has been a lot of bad blood in the house and it is affecting the house's pride. "We do not have any other solution to this than just walk out. Until an apology is tendered, the rest is all meaningless." Senator Hasil Bizenjo was more assertive with the opposition's demand, saying: "Until this person comes here and asks the entire parliament for an apology, the opposition will not [attend]." Leader of the House Shibli Faraz suggested that the record of Chaudhry and Senator Mushahidullah Khan's statements be analysed by a committee, and offered an apology on his fellow PTI leader's behalf. Subsequently, the opposition staged a walkout, following which Chairman Sanjrani gave a ruling, directing Chaudhry to tender an apology. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman concurred with her fellow opposition members, telling the Senate chair that "if the information minister thinks he can insult your [position] then we will not tolerate this and we will boycott the session". Rehman took aim at Chaudhry's choice of words, saying: "Ministers do not talk like this. They are even insulting your honour. We did not even see such ruckus in Ziaul Haq's era. We will not let such behaviour become a norm." She also demanded that Chaudhry apologise to the house or else "we will run the parliament outside the parliament". At this, the chairman issued a ruling that "all members are bound to respect the chairman and leaders of the house and opposition." Sanjrani ordered Chaudhry to come to the Senate and tender his apology, making it clear that failure to do so on the minister's part will get him banned from attending the session. The federal minister's failure to oblige to the ruling led the chairman to impose the bar on him. On October 3, matters had come to a head after a scathing verbal duel in the house between Chaudhry and Senator Mushahidullah Khan, with the latter insisting that the minister apologise over his comments about corruption that he made in the lower house of parliament the previous Thursday. Following the barbed exchanges, the Senate had witnessed unprecedented scenes when the information minister was asked to leave the upper house of parliament after he refused to tender an apology over remarks that had offended the opposition. Khattak conveys PM Khans message to Sanjrani Following the imposition of ban on Chaudhry from attending the Senate session earlier in the day, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak went to meet Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani in the evening. Khattak had brought a special message from the PM and both the leaders deliberated over devising a strategy to conduct the Upper House's session based on mutual understanding. The defence minister conveyed the PM Khan's full cooperation in the matter for which the chairman expressed his gratitude. By Dave Yin / Nov 16, 2018 06:19 PM / Economy Performers in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, go through security checks en route to a welcome ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the APEC summit. Photo: VCG President Xi Jinping arrived in Papua New Guinea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits Thursday, the first of a three-stop tour observers say could help cement the country's influence in the region. Notably absent is U.S. President Donald Trump, who will be sending Vice President Mike Pence instead to a small island nation already flush with billions of dollars in Chinese investment and China-financed infrastructure. Xi is expected to meet Pacific island leaders at the conference, which starts Saturday, as well as visit Brunei and the Philippines as part of his tour. Related: Scott Morrison says wave of new loans to Pacific nations not aimed at countering Chinese influence From the NY Fed: Total Household Debt Rises for 17th Straight Quarter The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks Center for Microeconomic Data today issued its Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, which shows that total household debt increased by $219 billion (1.6%) to $13.51 trillion in the third quarter of 2018. It was the 17th consecutive quarter with an increase and the total is now $837 billion higher than the previous peak of $12.68 trillion in the third quarter of 2008. Furthermore, overall household debt is now 21.2% above the post-financial-crisis trough reached during the second quarter of 2013. The Report is based on data from the New York Feds Consumer Credit Panel, a nationally representative sample of individual- and household-level debt and credit records drawn from anonymized Equifax credit data. ... Mortgage originations increased to $445 billion from $437 billion in the second quarter. Mortgage delinquencies were roughly flat, with 1.1% of mortgage balances 90 or more days delinquent in the third quarter. emphasis added Click on graph for larger image. Aggregate household debt balances increased in the third quarter of 2018 for the 17th consecutive quarter, and are now $837 billion higher than the previous (2008Q3) peak of $12.68 trillion. As of September 30, 2018, total household indebtedness was $13.51 trillion, a $219 billion (1.6%) increase from the second quarter of 2018. Overall household debt is now 21.2% above the 2013Q2 trough. Included in report is a new section disaggregating data by borrower age. Mortgage balances shown on consumer credit reports on September 30 stood at $9.1 trillion, an increase of $141 billion from the second quarter of 2018. Balances on home equity lines of credit (HELOC), on a declining trend since 2009, decreased by $10 billion in the third quarter and are now at $422 billion, the lowest level seen in 14 years. Non-housing balances jumped by $88 billion in the third quarter, with auto loans increasing by $27 billion, credit card balances going up by $15 billion, and student loan balances seeing a seasonally typical $37 billion increase. Aggregate delinquency rates worsened in the third quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 4.7% of outstanding debt was in some stage of delinquency, an uptick from 4.5% in the second quarter and the largest in 7 years. Of the $638 billion of debt that is delinquent, $415 billion is seriously delinquent (at least 90 days late or severely derogatory). This increase was primarily due to a large increase in the flow into delinquency for student loan balances during the third quarter of 2018. The flow into 90+ day delinquency for credit card balances has been rising for the last year and remained elevated since then compared to its recent history, while the flow into 90+ day delinquency for auto loan balances has been slowly trending upward since 2012. About 215,000 consumers had a bankruptcy notation added to their credit reports in 2018Q3, slightly higher than in the same quarter of last year. New bankruptcy notations have been at historically low levels since 2016. Here are two graphs from the report The first graph shows aggregate consumer debt increased in Q3. Household debt previously peaked in 2008, and bottomed in Q2 2013.From the NY Fed: The second graph shows the percent of debt in delinquency. There is still a larger than normal percent of debt 90+ days delinquent (Yellow, orange and red).The overall delinquency rate increased in Q3. From the NY Fed:There is much more in the report news, latest-news When two Canberra students discovered their school was looking to scrap its long-running Indonesian language course, they unwittingly found themselves at the centre of a potential international incident. Year 11 students Joseph Armstrong and Aidan Brooke of Narrabundah College started an online petition last week after learning they would be left in the lurch halfway through their ATAR studies if the school followed through on its plans to drop the subject next year. In just a few days, the boys had attracted more than 5000 signatures, many of them from former students and Indonesians, as well as interest from media overseas and outrage from the Indonesian embassy in Canberra. They also drew the support of several prominent Australian Indonesian experts, who stressed the study of the language was vital to international relations between the two nations but had been chronically underfunded by governments across Australia. While the Indonesian program has been running successfully at Narrabundah for the past 40 years, it is understood there are only 11 students ready to enrol for 2019, four short of the school's minimum requirement of 15. But the boys said they had since recruited eight more students on Thursday alone to take up the subject as momentum around the campaign built. A number of local high schools whose students had planned to study Indonesian at Narrabundah were also affected. Joseph and Aidan said axing the program halfway through their ATAR studies could put their results in jeopardy and derail plans to continue their studies at university before building potential careers in Indonesia. "I've been doing Indonesian since year 3, it's one of my best subjects, one of the reasons I came here," Aidan said. "But at one of the top colleges in the nations capital theyre taking it away while our Prime Minister is talking about the importance of improving relations with Indonesia." For Joseph, whose father has translated for prime ministers during several official visits to Jakarta, the loss feels especially personal. "I'm half Indonesian and spent the first years of my life there but I'm still not fluent, so that would make it so much easier to speak to my family." As the petition grows, former students have shared their own stories of the Narrabundah program's impact on their lives. On Thursday, the ACT Education Directorate said a final decision about the course had not yet been made but the college, which is one of just two in Canberra to still offer Indonesian, was weighing up the subject's feasibility. "Program offerings at one of nine colleges in a school system of 87 schools should not be construed as a reflection on Indo-Australian relations," the spokeswoman said. Ross Tapsell at the Australian National University was one of many Indonesian experts slamming the move on social media this week, saying it could affect the university's own language program. "I think it's partly blown up because of Narrabundah's reputation, it's the school of sons and daughters of diplomats and politicians and a crucial feeder school for us," he said. While teaching of the Indonesian language has been in decline since the late 90s in Australia, Dr Tapsell said the problem had hit home for many academics when they heard such a long-established school was closing down. "Narrabundah is symbolic, it's very hard for schools to justify keeping these programs running without the resources from governments." "No one's saying [everyone] has to become fluent but language can help break down barriers of xenophobia and racism, this is the language of our neighbours, of the 250 million people on our doorstep. It's in our interest." ANU Indonesian expert George Quinn agreed learning Indonesian gave Australia a crucial advantage in navigating both the cultural sensitivities and growing economy of the nearby nation. "All this business with the free trade agreement being put on hold this week appears to be because we still have no sense of the sensitivities in Indonesia around Palestine, you can only get a good sense of that kind of thing through the language," Dr Quinn said. "Indonesian people are very proud, at least they have been in the past, that Australia teaches their national language, but now there's a real bewilderment at the decline. "I wouldn't say it's a slap in the face but it's a sign of disinterest, disrespect." Joseph only learnt of the school's plans when he tried to enrol in the subject last week. While a directorate spokeswoman said decisions on subjects were made "in consultation with the community", students said there had been no such discussion with students or parents. "It wasn't on the list and they just said that's it," Joseph said. Later, on Friday afternoon, principal Kerrie Grundy said the school was continuing to "explore other options to keep offering Indonesian which has always been our goal". She praised the work of Joseph and Aidan in starting the petition. "They epitomise Narrabundah students in that they clearly love studying a language and love their learning at this college," Ms Grundy said. The directorate said that, along with Dickson College, Canberra College had indicated it would now offer Indonesian for 2019.. Indonesian is taught in 17 public schools in the ACT across year levels. Of the 1507 year 11 and 12 students currently enrolled in a language, 39 were studying Indonesian. Public schools encouraged students to learn a language other than English and the government recognised the economic benefits of having a linguistically diverse community, the spokeswoman said. Imran Hanafi, Indonesian education and culture attache in Canberra, told ABC Indonesia the decision had come as a shock and he would be seeking to discuss it further with the territory. Fresh from an interview with Indonesia's Metro TV station on Thursday, the two students said they had never intended for the petition to attract such a large response. "We just wanted to study Indonesian, we didn't mean to cause an international [incident]," Joseph laughed. A spokeswoman for the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens' Associations said parents were also concerned about the lack of clear pathways for language students in the capital. "You can go to your local primary school and learn French but when you go to your local area high school it's only Japanese they offer," she said. "It's not working as a system, it's more individual schools making their own decisions and, while we acknowledge sometimes it can come down to practical things and recruiting language teachers is difficult, we'd like to see more effort made." The embassy will host a festival on Saturday celebrating Indonesia. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/6af50fa5-b994-45c8-9733-de52ffe68f4f/r0_293_5472_3385_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg I never had any transaction with Qatari Prince: Nawaz Sharif ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday told an accountability court he had never had any transaction with Qatari Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani. In response to a question put to him by Judge Mohammad Arshad Malik about the correspondence between the Qatari prince and the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted in the Panama Papers case, Mr Sharif said: I had never participated in any transaction with Prince Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani; for that matter, any transaction which is mentioned in the worksheet and related paper. He claimed that his name did not figure in any capacity whatsoever in the two letters written by Prince Hamad bin Jassim. Making a statement under the Criminal Procedure Code in the Al-Azizia reference, the former premier said his father Mian Mohammad Sharif took care of him and his family when they were in exile following the October 1999 coup against his elected government. My late father arranged and provided sufficient amounts for the day-to-day living of all my family members; subsequently, he also raised funds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and to run and operate his business during his lifetime through my elder son, namely Hussain Nawaz Sharif, he said. Following the military coup on October 12, 1999, I was firstly confined and thereafter exiled from Pakistan on December 10, 2000. (A)s regards the freezing of assets and businesses in Pakistan, the correct position is that subsequent to the military coup... the entire record of the businesses of the Sharif Group, which were being run by my late father Mian Mohammad Sharif since 1937, was illegally removed by various agencies and since then has never been returned to the family, he said. In this respect a report was also lodged with the local police station but no action was taken. Subsequently, I was exiled from Pakistan and the NAB [National Accountability Bureau] had illegally and forcibly taken over the residential houses belonging to my parents along with a large number of shares of various companies belonging to my other family members. Answering another question, Mr Sharif reiterated that he had never claimed the acquisition or ownership of Al-Azizia/Hill Metal Establishment (HME). As regards the remittances from the HME, I have never denied the receipt of the said remittances, rather I openly declared the same throughout my tax record. In response to a question about NABs efforts to obtain information from Saudi authorities regarding Al-Azizia/HME, he said the requests seeking Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) sent to Saudi Arabia were never pursued by NAB with any degree of seriousness or due diligence. Rather, in the first instance, in the MLA sent to Saudi Arabia the JIT deliberately and maliciously provided deficient and incorrect data, and thereafter NAB never rectified the said defects and deficiencies by sending a fresh MLA or providing the correct data to the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia. During the proceedings, Mr Sharif told the judge that it was not just in October 1999 that his family experienced hostility from certain circles, but this has always happened. It is a painful story of our family. Recollecting past events, he said that in 1972 Pakistans biggest steel mills the Ittefaq Foundry, which was owned by his family was nationalised and at that time he had not even entered politics. news, crime The ACT Supreme Court's Chief Justice Helen Murrell has decided not to install the City of Canberra's coat of arms in the brand new supreme courtrooms. Chief Justice Murrell said the ACT courts wanted to "develop a new crest that represents the judicial arm of government as a separate arm of government". The current crest on display at the ACT Magistrates Court relates to the City of Canberra, whereas the ACT Supreme Court administers justice to all ACT residents, she said. For now, the new ACT supreme courtrooms, which opened for business last month, are bare of any official insignia. Coats of arms are traditionally installed in courtrooms to show that justice is administered in the name of the monarch. It is also where the centuries-old custom of bowing on entry to and exit from the court comes from - lawyers and court staff were bowing to show respect for the Queen's justice. The Canberra Times understands some lawyers are privately seething about the absence of a crest, and is aware of several who no longer bow as they enter court in a form of silent protest. The Chief Justice said she was not aware of any barristers refusing to bow. "At a recent meeting with the president of the Law Society and the vice president of the Bar Association, [the crests were] discussed and the profession's representatives appeared to appreciate the court's approach to the issue," she said. In the old supreme courtrooms, it was the Commonwealth coat of arms sitting above the judges. However, the ACT Attorney-General said that was not considered appropriate for the ACT Supreme Court. ACT Bar Association president Steven Whybrow said the organisation was concerned no official insignia had yet been installed in the new courtrooms. He likened the role of a coat of arms to the wigs and robes that barristers and judges wear. He said they showed it was not just Joe or Jill Smith sentencing someones son to jail, it was the Honourable Justice Smith of the ACT Supreme Court, just as a crest showed the courtrooms were not just a meeting hall. "They're important matters because they demonstrate the court is upholding the rule of law on behalf of the citizens of the ACT and separates it from some sort of mob rule," he said. Mr Whybrow said he was not personally aware of any other Australian jurisdiction with a separate crest for the judicial, legislative and executive branches of government. "In Christianity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all use the same cross and I don't see the imperative for separate insignia for the three branches of government," he said. Other courts across the Australian jurisdiction have either adapted that state or territory's coat of arms, or in the case of Victoria, the royal coat of arms. Chief Justice Murrell said the Commonwealth coat of arms, displayed in the old supreme courtrooms, remain in the custody of the courts, and may be displayed as a heritage item in the refurbished courtrooms. She has also confirmed the coat of arms will be removed from the sheriffs' jackets. ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the Chief Justice had expressed the view that the City of Canberra's coat of arms should not be displayed in the new courts building. "The government is mindful of the independence of the judiciary in managing its courtrooms," he said. "The government has not made nor been asked to make a decision on the matter, and the management of courtrooms is a matter for the courts." Mr Ramsay also said the government had not appropriated funding for a new crest, and would consider any requests for funding from the courts in line with the normal budget process. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a93e1f1e-9413-41ab-a471-a6363c73fadf/r0_343_2430_1716_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Theres an unoccupied Georgian mansion in Canberra thats about to get a new tenant, after being vacant for two years. And the incoming soon-to-be Canberra resident, recently announced US ambassador Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr, couldnt be more different than the previous tenant. The veteran republican lawyer is best known for personally vetting Sarah Palin as running mate to presidential candidate John McCain in 2008, and later Mike Pence as President Donald Trumps deputy. Known to many as AB, the Tennessee native is an established Washington insider. Early in his career, he served as White House counsel to Ronald Reagan, and has served on various advisory boards and committees. Until this appointment, his first diplomatic posting, he was the chairman of international law firm OMelveny & Myers, where he began his legal career in the 1970s. Culvahouse is yet to be officially confirmed by the US Senate, and hasnt made any public comment about his own appointment. And despite a high profile in the US due to his involvement in vetting vice-presidential candidates (and the criticism that ensued when Palin turned out to be a dud), little has been reported about his private or family life. The 70-year-old replaces John Berry, a Maryland native whose stint as ambassador ended in the final weeks of Barack Obamas second term at the White House. Known as a professional people person, Berry had previously served as the director of the US Office of Personnel Management, contributing to record numbers of veterans and people with disabilities being hired. In this role, he was the highest-ranking openly gay government executive in US history, and arrived in Canberra, aged 54, with his husband Curtis Yee in tow. During the Obama administration, before arriving in Canberra, Berry also agreed to take part in the It Gets Better campaign to support gay and lesbian teenagers in the US. He filmed a video in which he described the emotional turmoil of coming out to his conservative family. But he also described how, when his partner was dying of AIDS, his own father had by then come to love him as his son. Berry also has a passion for wildlife, and had been director of the National Zoo, creating a new plan for its modernisation. From 2000 to 2005, he worked to conserve wildlife habitats and protect endangered species through public-private partnerships as director of the non-profit National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. During their time here, Berry and Yee appeared comfortable in the public eye, releasing a video before their arrival detailing their excitement about coming to Australia. The man set to replace Berry seems certain to take a different tack. Although his new role as the face of the Trump administration in Australia will place him squarely in the public eye, Culvahouse had been described in USA Today as an unpretentious, easy-going Tennessee native who has moved for decades within Washingtons power circles but prefers not to call attention to himself. He is, in other words, the polar opposite of his boss, and has largely kept out of the public eye during his long career in Washington. A long-form 2011 profile of him in the Washingtonian set out in detail his humble beginnings in a rural Tennessee town, where he was born on July 4, named after his father and grew up on a farm, feeding the hogs and cattle. Like Berry, Culvahouse has professed to love the outdoors. But while Berry and Yee enthused in their introductory video back in 2008 that they looked forward to anything involving salt water and waves, Culvahouse is said to enjoy hunting birds. Australia has been without a US ambassador since Trump became president, although there have been a number of near-appointments. One candidate was virtually on his way to Yarralumla when he was pulled at the last minute to head the US mission in South Korea instead. Another nominee, Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, turned down the role in May this year. And now, finally, in the wake of this latest announcement, foreign policy experts have been lining up to laud the choice of Culvahouse for the Canberra post. Not only is he experienced and politically astute, hes also seen as something of a direct line of communication to the highest levels of the White House. According to a story in The New York Times this week, Culvahouses biggest challenge will be successfully navigating the nuances that distinguish Australias relationship with Asia from that of the United States. There is considerable bipartisan anxiety in Australia over what critics see as an inconsistent, transactional approach to the region by the Trump administration. Some fear Australia could get caught in the middle of the superpowers rivalry, damaging its own interests, the article says. In the meantime, Culvahouse will also have to find a place in the so-called Canberra bubble, although over in the giant brick mansion (inspired, according to Wikipedia, by the buildings in the colonial town of Williamsburg, Virginia), he can stay as far removed from it all as he likes. He can also admire, up close, some of Canberras bird life, particularly exuberant in leafy Yarralumla. Hopefully someone informs him in time that hes not allowed to shoot them. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/03f476ad-455a-47fd-a5f5-4dcbe4247b5c/r0_88_1732_1067_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news For a tiny moment, ABC staff experienced a little boost in morale. First, Michelle Guthrie, the managing director they loathed, disappeared unexpectedly. Then Justin Milne, the chair of the ABC Board, also went. What followed was revelation after revelation of bad behaviour, bad choices, bad politics. So ABC staff, whod campaigned for Justin Milnes removal because he wouldnt know a charter of independence if he fell over it, were breathing freely. Surely things would improve. But in the last few weeks, the legacy of the deadly duo is still seeping into the organisation. As that old saying goes, a fish rots from the top and some of the poor values and worse decision-making are still having an impact. Two very strange things have happened at our beloved public broadcaster while weve been distracted by leadership shenanigans and they are manifestations of the problems Guthrie and Milne left behind. Strange thing one: quite public and thats the poor way the ABC dealt with the visit of ACTU Secretary Sally McManus on Wednesday. It was on again, off again, a hundred competing stories about why McManus was visiting and whether she should be allowed to speak to staff. In the end, McManuss low key lunchtime speech to members of the media union (MEAA) and the public servants union (CPSU) was delivered without a hitch in the beautiful Eugene Goossens Hall. Reports of the numbers vary but maybe 150 as it started and fewer as lunchtime ended and staff had to return to work. But at least one attendee was not a member of either union - instead she was from human resources, watching the meeting and, apparently, taking notes. Which is weird really. Someone from management in a union meeting. When McManus left the meeting to head up to do an interview with ABC Business on the lack of wage growth, HR tried to head her off at the pass telling her that she was meant to be off the premises by 2pm. There were many and varied interpretations of what happened and good on both McManus and ABC management for finally coming to an accommodation. But the public spat made workers feel as if their autonomy had again disappeared. It is not a demonstration of a lack of independence to attend a union meeting or even to attend a speech by Australias union leader. Its the opposite, it shows a commitment to work, a passion for the workplace and an abiding dedication to the culture of one of Australias most important public institutions. Strange thing two: not quite so public. The obsession with popularity continues. Popularity is not a bad thing all journalists want their work to be widely read. But at least one team at the ABC, the Specialist Reporting team, is now being set targets for the number of readers each story gets. The inside story is that this is a pilot for a rollout across the institution. The key performance indicator is being set as an average of 80,000 page views across the teams output. At least one reporter says that in the middle of a month, if page views are down, they are being discouraged from writing stories that might not get high impact. Of course its important to consider audience and Ive always thought the ABC did exactly that. But my own experience of journalism is that sometimes the most important stories you ever do are the ones which struggle to get much of an audience. A few years ago, I wrote a story on the rate of hospitalisation as a result of family violence. The figures were frightening at least one every three hours and the researchers suggested that was probably only half the problem. Absolutely nobody read it. I was devastated. Truckloads of work yet nary an eyeball. Stories where I make a personal revelation or might be angry or upset or writing about something very newsy get plenty of hits. But serious work with numbers often struggles to get traction. Both these strange events are causing disquiet in a workplace that is already beset with misery. Fresh from the Hunger Games where staff members had to compete against friends for a smaller number of jobs, fresh from upheaval at the top which is probably set to continue, fresh from cuts to government funding. In May this year, the ABCs director of news, Gaven Morris, speaking at the Melbourne Press Club, was pretty clear about the impact of those cuts: "Make no mistake, there is no more fat to cut at the ABC . . . any more cuts to the ABC cut into the muscle of the organisation." Successive governments have somehow misunderstood the role of a public broadcaster so lets make this clear: a public broadcaster is not the same as a state broadcaster. A public broadcaster should be fair and independent. A state broadcaster is just a parrot and we have enough of those. This governments decision to starve the ABC of funds so it will become compliant is terrifying and the obsession with audience metrics is just one of them. Our ABC must be brave and bold. It must defend its journalists and thats not just the ones who have a public profile such as Emma Alberici and Andrew Probyn. It must also defend the mostly young casualised reporters who work online and for whom those average required page views feel as if someone is constantly looking over their shoulders, waiting for a reason to sack them. Michelles metrics brought from Google shouldnt be a measure of what matters. Whats in the public interest isnt always popular. Jenna Price is an academic at the University of Technology and a Canberra Times columnist. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/e1fc42e5-7f98-4c71-a080-9caee6308fcd/r0_253_4983_3068_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Light rail testing is poised to begin on the southern stretch of the Gungahlin to Civic track in coming weeks, with the arrival of one of vehicles onto Northbourne Avenue. A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the light rail vehicle was towed from the depot to a stabling location between Cape Street and Antill Street on Northbourne Avenue between 10pm and midnight on Wednesday night. However the vehicle will remain parked until dynamic testing begins later this month. The vehicle will be fenced off for safety reasons, with security on site overnight. Ms Fitzharris told annual reports hearings on Thursday the arrival of the tram onto Northbourne Avenue was an example of the significant progress of the project, which is now expected to begin operating in 2019. The minister was grilled on the operational commencement date, which was recently pushed back from December 21. "I have said that I would expect it would be in the first quarter but we dont have a date yet," Ms Fitzharris said. She said the government had already begun to plan the launch day, which would be their focus for the next few months. "Theres a huge amount of interest right along the route for businesses to participate in that," Ms Fitzharris said. Ms Fitzharris also said the government was currently considering whether light rail and the new bus network would go live at the same point, or if there would be a staged rollout. While the bus network was "somewhat entirely within our control", the light rail commencement date hinged on Canberra Metro and third-party rail accreditation, she said. However she said starting the new bus timetable on the first day of term next year was "highly preferable". "I do want to give certainty on the start of the bus network particularly as Ive said before to school communities in the next three to four weeks," Ms Fitzharris said. Transport Canberra deputy director-general Duncan Edghill also rejected concerns about the cancellation of bus routes through the Australian National University campus, saying only a minority of passengers used the number 3 bus route compared to other buses that serviced the edges of the campus. "Theres perceptions and then theres data and what the data is telling us is the vast, vast, vast majority, like over 90 per cent, of people at ANU are actually using the services that service the border of the campus," Mr Edghill said. "I think our view with the ANU is by dent of geography it will be in the new network one of the most well-serviced universities and places in Canberra." Mr Edghill also weighed in on the report from the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories on stage two of the project, which indicated it will be more complicated to get federal approval if the ACT government pursues its chosen route. The deputy director-general said they were "generally pretty happy with it" because it clearly defined the areas in which the light rail would be required to run wire-free. While the government had planned for wire-free running over Commonwealth Avenue to Adelaide Avenue, the committee recommended it be taken way further, down to Kent Street in Deakin. That has presented some operational challenges that Transport Canberra director-general Emma Thomas said they were speaking to the light rail vehicle manufacturer to overcome. "[Our consideration is] whether it would force us to have extra stops to allow it to charge in time, theres a slight sort of hill from my memory of that area, it puts the light rail vehicle under a bigger pressure so we're actually going through a task with the light rail manufacturer to try and understand the capability a little bit better," Ms Thomas said. Ms Fitzharris said they were still doing what they could on the light rail stage two business case while waiting for the federal government to respond to the committee's report. "Obviously we're also looking through the recommendations of the report and considering what it means for our preferred route and our timeframes," she said. "We do know that one of the significant processes we need to go through is approval under the EPBC Act so we are preparing for that." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/27506937-6ee8-4e7e-b56f-c2256bf948f1/r0_224_4256_2629_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news When US President Woodrow Wilson tried to belittle Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes at the 1919 Versailles peace conference by asking who he represented, Hughes replied: I speak for 60,000 Australian war dead. Hughes may have been bellicose, belligerent and vengeful, but at least he was there, unlike the present Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. After four years of having to put up with the jingoism, glorification of war and exaggerated nationalism of the Anzac legend during the centenary of World War I, the one time the real horror and futility of war is marked with quiet dignity, our Prime Minister was missing in inaction. He was on a bus eating pies and drinking beer in Queensland. Shameful. It was almost as shameful as US President Donald Trumps absence at one ceremony because of rain. It was not enough that the representative in Australia of the British monarchy (which got us into the World War I mess) attended. Enough has been written about the centenary. This is about leadership and international co-operation the absence of which led to World War I and allowed it to continue for so long. The leadership of Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel contrasts with that of Trump and Morrison. Perhaps the three issues that highlight leadership (or lack of it) most are: foreign aid, climate change and people movement. They share the trait of being easy to use to stir up xenophobic and nationalistic attitudes: foreign aid is a waste of money when we have so many problems at home; climate change is an international conspiracy to destroy our economy; the movement of people presents a threat to our way of life. It is precisely because it is so easy to kindle those fears that it requires good leadership to make sure they are not kindled, and that those issues are dealt with sensibly. It used to be that other nation states could be the source of easily whipped-up xenophobia, which is what happened in 1914. These days, however, it is more fashionable to direct xenophobia at international forces, mainly because foreign invasions are too costly and unworkable, as Afghanistan and Iraq proved. So lets start with foreign aid. Generous, well-targeted foreign aid would do much to alleviate the poverty and lack of education in developing countries that does so much to fuel hatred and violent attitudes to developed countries. But while France and Germany lead, Australia and the US are going backwards. In his 2018 speech before the UN General Assembly, Trump said, Moving forward, we are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and, frankly, are our friends. Fortunately, congressional approval is required to change a lot of the aid budget and Congress has ignored him. Even so, the US spends only just over 1 per cent of its federal budget on aid - a third of that being military aid and a further 10 per cent political aid. Just a bit over half is development and humanitarian aid. US federal spending is just under 40 per cent of GDP, so real US foreign aid is 0.18 per cent of GDP. Australian foreign aid has been cut every year for the past five years of Coalition government. It is now a third less than it was in the last year of Labor government, down from 0.34 per cent of GDP to just 0.23 per cent of GDP. Morrison, as Treasurer, presided over many of those cuts. And we wonder why China was able to fill the vacuum in the Pacific, leaving us frantically to patch up with too little, too late. German and French foreign aid is much more generous than Australian or US aid. German foreign aid has gone up significantly since 2013, from 0.38 per cent of GDP to 0.66 per cent. Frances aid has gone up slightly from 0.41 to 0.43. Britain provides three times the amount of foreign aid, as a percentage of GDP, than Australia does. That is shameful. It is so easy to cut foreign aid without a voter backlash because Australians grossly overestimate how much we give, so they think it is too high. A 2018 Lowy Institute poll shows the average Australian believes we spend about 14 per cent of the federal budget on foreign aid. In fact it is just 0.8 per cent. If they knew how miserable our government is, especially compared to Britain, it would not take much leadership to convince them to be more generous. Dealing with climate change to save the planet and its people from untold economic damage, injury and death will require a great deal of international co-operation, on the other hand. France hosted the 2015 climate conference and the French and German governments have ambitious plans to reduce emissions. In the case of Germany, a conservative government has the leadership to acknowledge climate science and do something about what it is telling us, and at the same time see the economic and energy-security benefits of renewable energy. On the other hand, the US is pulling out of the Paris agreement and Australia has no climate change policy at all dangerous vacuums. When it comes to people movement, France and Germany have coped with millions of refugees pouring out of Syria, and thousands leaving hopeless economic conditions in Africa, without the insults, lies and outright cruelty displayed by the US and Australia. Perhaps France and Germany learnt from the difference between the aftermath of World War I and World War II. At the 1919 Versailles conference Billy Hughes, France and Britain were vindictive, vengeful and unforgiving. The resulting punitive treaty was exploited by Hitler, enabling his rise to power and World War II. After World War II, on the other hand, the constructive co-operative rebuilding of Germany and Japan, the United Nations and other international institutions did much to help world peace, freer trade and prosperity. www.crispinhull.com.au /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/7699adac-fc2b-474d-94f5-7298a8f19d16/r0_1067_2940_2728_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg (Mobile, AL) A Mouse King. A Sugar Plum Fairy. A Nutcracker Prince. And a musical score celebrated the world over in what has become the most performed ballet of all time: The Nutcracker. Mobile Ballet celebrates its 31st year with a fresh take on the beloved Christmas classic - combining new choreography from Artistic Director Katia Garza along with the treasured music of Tchaikovsky. The Nutcracker debuted in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia as the third production from Pyotr Tchaikovsky following Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. Ironically, while the music was appreciated the debut ballet performance wasn't well-received, and the great composer did not live to see his musical tale become an international classic as well as the first introduction to classical music for millions of children. The New York City Ballet began performing George Balanchine's staging of The Nutcracker at Christmastime in the mid 1950's and every year since - a tradition other ballet companies have followed around the country. Based on "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by Alexandre Dumas, the original ballet had a lengthy flashback of how the prince was turned into the Nutcracker. Children from Russia's Imperial Ballet School also played the main roles of Clara and Fritz. Today the tale surrounds a Christmas Eve family party, a godfather's magical gift of a toy nutcracker, and the heroine Clara's fantastical dream that follows. The Gran Pas De Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier is one of the most celebrated moments in dance. This year, Mobile's Corps de Ballet is joined by Guest Dancer Eduardo Pi Iglesias as Cavalier, Paul Branco as The Nutcracker, and Ballet Master/Resident Guest Artist Israel Rodriguez as Arabian. Snowflakes, angels and more will be performed for the first time by children from throughout the Mobile Bay community. Tickets for this spectacular family tradition sell out quickly - don't miss! The Nutcracker: December 15th 2018 - 2:30pm & 7:30pm and December 16th 2:30pm All performances: Mobile Civic Center Theater/ admission $20-$60 For tickets and additional information contact: (251) 342-2241 or www.mobileballet.org Artistic Director Katia Garza Katia is a native of Mexico and joined Ballet Monterrey in 1995, under the Direction of Fernando Bujones. In 1997, she was invited by the Compania Nacional de Danza in Mexico City to dance the Black Swan in Swan Lake, and also performed as a guest artist with Panama Ballet. In 2000, Katia joined the Orlando Ballet as Principal dancer, a position she held for 14 years. She performed a vast repertoire of roles including Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Cinderella, La Vivandiere, The Nutcracker, and Tarantela. Katia was a finalist in the 2002 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Beyond fresh productions for Mobile Ballet including The Nutcracker and The Little Mermaid, Northwest Florida Ballet will premiere her Peter Pan in 2018. She has choreographed numerous works for ballet companies throughout the United States. IRG Productions created an inspirational documentary "Katia Garza My Life in Dance" which premiered in Mexico and the United States - now available on itunes, amazon and at katiagarzamovie.com. She has received numerous awards including Outstanding Teacher of the Year from Youth American Grand Prix in 2015 and 2017. Her leadership in the arts community has garnered additional recognition from Casa De Mexico and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando. Katia became an American citizen in 2011. She and husband Israel Rodriquez live in Mobile, Alabama. Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez Born in Camaguey, Cuba, Israel began his classical ballet training at the age of eight at the famed Vocational Art School. Eventually earning the position of Soloist with Ballet de Camaguey, Israel had the opportunity to tour with the Ballet from Greece to Brazil, Japan and throughout Mexico. In 1994, Israel became a Principal dancer with Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico. Four years later, he came to the United States and danced with Ballet Theatre of Lexington, Kentucky before accepting a position with Orlando Ballet as Principal dancer. Israel has been featured in a number of Dance publications, and performed as a Principal Guest Artist around the world. With 26 years dancing and performing, Israel serves as an ongoing guest dancer and choreographer in the Ballet Company of Kosovo. November 15, 2018 For Additional Information: Amy Greer Thompson/ Amy Thompson Communications 251.423.7605 amygthompson@att.net Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says Ghanas economy is now buoyant under the Nana Addo-led government in less than two years. He described the economy under the Mahama-led government as high-risk to foreign investors and locals. The Finance Minister said this when he presented government's fiscal plan to Parliament on Thursday, in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 constitution. The budget statement which is the third of the Akufo-Addo administration addressed very pertinent issues that have arisen over the course of time. The government's first ever budget, christened 'Asempa budget' read in March 2017 brought to life the flagship policy, Free SHS and the abolishing of taxes termed 'nuisance tax' The second, 'Adwuma budget' read in November 2017 promised to bring about jobs and economic prosperity for Ghanaians. This led to the creation of the NaBCo programme where 100, 000 graduates are to be given 3-year employment under 7 modules. Themed A Stronger Economy, for Jobs and Prosperity, this budget is the first of the Akufo-Addo administration after its exit from the IMF bailout - by the end of the this year - signed unto in 2015 by the then Mahama-led government. Mr Ken Ofori-Atta touted the current administration's management of the economy, especially in the improvement of the macroeconomic indicators within two years after a change of government. A change in the management of the economy from incompetence to competence, change from rising debt to GDP ratio to declining debt to GDP ratio, Change from weak banking system to better supervised system, a change from manual process of clearing goods to paperless process, a change from dumsor to reliable power, a change from lack of access due to cost of education to implementation to Free SHS, a change from cancelling teacher training allowance to restoration of teachers allowance he said "Our economy has changed from one with a weak banking system to a strong, well-capitalised banking system, from a rising debt to GDP rate to a declining debt to GDP rate" he added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An Assistant Headmaster at Kumasi High School has been suspended, pending investigations into allegations of sodomy against him. The 54-year-old year old George Amponsah-Duodu, is accused of engaging in the alleged acts with students of the all-male school. The Regional Education Directorate has referred the matter to the Disciplinary Committee for further investigations. A letter signed by Regional Director, Mary Owusu Achiaw, to the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council says the action follows accusation by alleged victims. Appointed a teacher in 1996, Mr. Amponsah-Duodu, who is married with four kids, became Assistant Headmaster on November 12, 2015, after successfully passing an interview. Among his topmost responsibilities is ensuring general discipline on campus and supervision of administrative and secretarial staff as well as act generally in the absence of the headmaster. Some students of the all-male school accused the man in charge of their well-being on campus of sodomising them. At least, four alleged victims, one of them a former student leader, have opened up to school authorities on their ordeal from the teacher. Acting on the leads, authorities submitted a report to the Ghana Education Service, prompting further investigations. Nhyira News has sighted a letter from the Ashanti Regional Education Directorate, asking Mr. Amponsah -Duodu to step aside pending completion of the process. Regional Education Director, Mary Owusu Achiaw, issued the directive by a letter dated November 4, 2018, and copied the Chairman of GES Council, Director-General of GES and Metropolitan Director of Education as well as Headmaster and Board Chairman of Kumasi High School. The letter states the suspension follows accusations by students of the school. "Following allegations of sodomy against you by students of the Kumasi High School, you are hereby directed to step aside as the Assistant Headmaster (Administration) of the school to allow for smooth investigation into the case," the letter stated. "Further instructions will be communicated to you after the investigations," the directive continued. Nhyira News sources say the affected students have been undergoing counselling in school as school authorities decide their fate. Mr. Amponsah-Duodu, however, denies any wrong-doing but declines to speak on record. He insists he will direct all question on the issue to the Regional Education Director. Source: Nhyira 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 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. Students across the world specifically in the best student destination countries such as the United States might have witnessed the International Education Week, which is an integral part of celebrating the International Students Day. The day is celebrated to ensure education is available and accessible to all students. Every year, students from every part of the world celebrate November 17 as the International Students Day and thousands of students show a lot of enthusiasm to participate in the organised events. On this special day, how many of you know the importance of International Students Day? Or that there is a tragic story behind the International Students Day? Why National Education Day In India Is Celebrated On November 11? What You Should Know About TOEFL Before Drafting Abroad Plans 1939 Tragic Story On November 17, 1939, the Nazi troops executed nine student leaders and sent over 1200 students to concentration camps. The Nazi troops had even closed all the Czech colleges and universities. The courage displayed by the students during this incident was unforgettable. To commemorate their legacy, since 1941, students from all parts of the world started celebrating November 17 as the International Students Day. What To Do On The International Students Day? Many universities across the world observe this day as an opportunity to display multiculturalism and diversity. Some of the universities organise several events on the International Students Day to encourage youth engagement. Apart from universities, many student organisations also conduct various events on International Student Day. Students can extend their support by participating in any event besides an individual social-service. They can even spread the word about the importance of the International Student Day by sharing it on social media. International Education Week: EducationUSA Every year, International Education Week (IEW) is celebrated in the United States in the month of November. According to IEW, this is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. International Students Day will remind the responsibilities of all the students in the world to raise their voice with regards to education and student allied issues. This special day is an opportunity for every student to draw attention to the society about student activism. Websites That Help International Students Aspiring To Study In Canada National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the post of Community Health Officer. Over 180 vacancies are open. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. The selection process includes a written test and an interview. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 25,000 per month. The last date to apply for this government job is 25 November 2018. CRPF Recruitment 2018: Become A Doctor And Earn Up To INR 75000 NHM Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Community Health Officer Organisation National Health Mission Educational Qualification BSc Nursing Experience Desirable Skills Required Clinical judgement and nursing skills Job Location Tripura Salary Scale INR 25,000 per month Industry Medicine Application Start Date November 16, 2018 Application End Date November 25, 2018 Maximum Age Limit: 35 years Also Read: SAIL Recruitment 2018 For 30 Paramedical Staff How To Apply For NHM Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for NHM Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1 Log on to the NHM official website http://164.100.127.15/nhm_recruitment/. Step 2 Click the Register button. Step 3 The registration form will open. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 4 Click Save & Next and follow the subsequent pages to complete the registration process. Step 5 Log in using your credentials and complete the application process. Follow the link - http://tripuranrhm.gov.in/Job/1511201801.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Photo: CTV Three people died in a workplace accident in Leduc, Alta. Thursday. Three people are dead after an apparent workplace accident just south of Edmonton. Police, firefighters and emergency crews responded Thursday afternoon to a call at Millennium Cryogenic Technologies in Leduc. Mayor Bob Young confirms three people died. Young says it isn't clear what happened at the worksite in the Leduc Business Park. He says the situation is contained and there is no risk to the public. RCMP and Alberta Occupational Health & Safety officers are investigating. "On behalf of Leduc City Council and administration, I want to express our deepest condolences to the co-workers and families affected by this tragic incident, Young said in a statement. Premier Rachel Notley said her heart breaks for the workers and their families. "While we wait for details about how this tragic accident happened, my thoughts are with all those who are mourning this terrible loss," she said in a statement. Rob Gibson Federal Conservatives rushed to defend Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Thursday night after a Conservative group in British Columbia posted a harsh comment about him on its Facebook page. Earlier this week the "Okanagan Conservatives" posted a photo and a link to a critical news article about Sajjan on their page, along with the comment: "This is what happens when you have a cabinet based on affirmative action." Conservative MP James Bezan tweeted that he is disgusted by such an intolerant comment. Bezan says Sajjan is a respected veteran who proudly served Canada and deserves nothing less than gratitude for his service as a soldier as well as defence minister, even if the two don't always agree on policy. Conservative MP Dan Albas, who represents Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, wrote on Twitter that the post came from another riding association's account and he asked that it be removed. He says although he did not authorize it, he would like to apologize to Sajjan. Last night the Okanagan Conservatives took to Facebook again, but this time to apologize to Sajjan and those who were offended. The group says they deleted the post, that it was inappropriate and that it does not reflect the views of the party or any of the riding associations in the Okanagan. Our company would like to offer straw pellets made in Ukraine. We can supply approximately 600 tons per month in big bags or in bulk. Bid your price for the product. Andusia starts SRF exports to Mediterranean 16 November 2018 Andusia exported their first consignment of solid recovered fuel (SRF) to a Mediterranean cement plant last month. This is Andusia's first SRF contract and the process has proven to be a success, especially during a period when other companies in the industry are seeing a decline in their export figures, according to a company statement. Mark Terrell, director at Andusia, said: "As Andusia diversify into other forms of recovered fuels exported to Europe and also within the UK, we hope this further demonstrates how knowledgable and diverse our business and the Andusia team is." Published under Kazakh producer increases cement exports to Uzbekistan 16 November 2018 Kazakhstan-based cement producer, SAS-Tobe Technologies, has increased its exports to Uzbekistan. As the first Kazakh manufacturer accredited by the Uzbek Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, it has sold 1500t of cement through the exchange in two months. The company plans to export more than 50 per cent of its products, about 0.25Mta, to Uzbekistan, according to Business World. Published under Colombian cement demand stable in September ICR Newsroom By 16 November 2018 Cement dispatches in September 2018 increased by 0.8 per cent YoY to 1.031Mt from 1.023Mt, according to DANE, the countrys statistics office. Demand growth was led by Cordoba, where it rose by 18.3 per cent YoY, followed by Meta (+16.1 per cent) and Narino (+12.8 per cent). Cesar and Risaralda saw consumption rise by around 5.8 per cent while Boyaca noted a 4.6 per cent increase. Antioquia also saw dispatches up, by 3.4 per cent while in Valle del Cauca and Bolivar the market expanded by around two per cent. Atlantico noted a 1.5 per cent advance. Deliveries in Bogota slipped by 0.3 per cent. The largest market contraction was reported in Huila, where dispatches were down 15.1 per cent. Output from Colombias cement plants rose 1.083Mt, up 5.6 per cent YoY from 1.026 in September 2017. January-September 2018 Between January-September 2018, total demand in the domestic market slipped by 1.1 per cent to 8.889Mt when compared with the year-ago period. Cement production in the Latin American country in 9M18 remained largely stable at 9.161Mt. Published under Our company, located in Zagreb, is looking for wood pellets EN+ A2, B (6mm) supplier, able to deliver the product to Zagreb, Croatia. Pellets needed packed to 15 kg bags and big bags. Send us your offer with possible volume of supply. Our company, located in Ukraine, is ready to supply 100 tons of pellets monthly, packed in 15 kg bags at a price of 140 EUR/ton. Delivery to Romania is possible. About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile The Salvation Army is busy preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, with temperatures dipping below freezing on Thursday, The Salvation Army will be opening its doors for overnight cold weather shelter for the homeless. The ReCreate Cafe, The Salvation Armys Day Center for the homeless at 800 McCallie Avenue will open at 6 p.m. to serve as the overnight shelter. The Salvation Army is placing a call to the community to donate blankets and coats for the shelter residents. It costs approximately $300 to operate overnight shelter, said Major Mark Smith, area commander for The Salvation Army. We dont budget for this and rely on the communities support. Monetary donations are also welcomed to help offset the expenses of opening overnight. The Salvation Army does not budget for cold weather shelters and relies solely on the public for its support. Donations of coats and blankets or money are being accepted at The Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403. Monetary donations can also be made on line by visiting www.csarmy.org, or by calling 1-800-Sal-Army. A joint investigation by special agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the Polk County Sheriffs Office, and the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force has resulted in the arrest of four men, facing a variety of drug-related charges. On Tuesday, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office developed information about a methamphetamine source based in Polk County and being distributed across multiple counties. Investigators with Polk County, the 10th Drug Task Force, and TBI joined the investigation. During the course of the investigation, officials executed a search warrant at a location on Kimsey Dairy Road in Turtletown in Polk County. As a result of the search warrant execution, Agents recovered more than two pounds of methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and several rifles and shotguns. On Wednesday, law enforcement officials arrested and charged the individuals below, and booked them into the Polk County Jail. William Ray Runion, 66, Turtletown: one count possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of firearm during commission of a felony, one count possession of drug paraphernalia. Woodrow Baxter, Jr., 62, Turtletown: one count possession of Schedule II controlled substance, one count possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, one count possession of drug paraphernalia. Kenneth Marvin Courtwright, 38, Sarasota, Fl.: one count possession of Schedule II controlled substance, one count criminal impersonation. Eric Shawn Key, 42, Farner: one count possession of Schedule VI controlled substance. Cleveland State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga signed an agreement that will allow for a smooth transition for students graduating from the community college to transfer seamlessly to the university to receive their bachelors degree. The agreement allows students studying in the advanced technologies department at CSCC including Electrical Engineering Technology, Engineering Systems Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology and Mechatronics Technology to transfer to UTC to receive their bachelors of applied science degree. The agreement covers all majors within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTC. We have had a long partnership with UTC, said Dr. Bill Seymour, Cleveland State president. This agreement is going to make for some great pathways for students that are studying advanced technologies and mechatronics at CSCC. We believe very strongly in providing pathways, not just for our students, but making sure that our high school students are taking CTE or engineering classes, as well. These pathways will provide all kinds of opportunities for education, as well as their careers, an opportunity to come out of high school, get their associate degree and then transfer to UTC to get their bachelors degree. Dr. Steven Angle, UTC chancellor, said, The Tennessee Promise in the state of Tennessee is an affordable path to a four year degree so students can seamlessly transfer from CSCC to UTC, and we can know the students before they are coming and can make sure they stay on the right track to graduate in four years. The agreement will also allow UTC students to use CSCCs mechatronics lab while UTC develops theirs. Dr. Daniel Pack, dean of College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTC, said, We do a lot of things at the college, and I would say this is the kind of work that will leave a legacy for the years to come. This will effect hundreds of students, and Im so glad we were able to be a part of that. This will help that student body who may have the capability of leadership, said Dr. Tim Wilson, Department chair, CSCC Advanced Technologies Department. So, not only will they have the skill set, but they will also have the additional education which makes them the perfect liaison between upper management and the reliability team. For more information on Cleveland States Advanced Technologies Department, contact Dr. Wilson at 472-7141, ext. 447. Junior Achievement of Chattanooga honored four local investors during A Night with The Drifters concert dinner. It honored Chambliss Bahner and Stophel, P.C. with the 2018 Spirit of Achievement Award for their love of community and education while advancing JAs mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Atlantic Capital Bank, SunTrust and Tennessee American Water were the recipients of the John G. Kain, IV Corporate Citizenship awards for their volunteer impact making a positive difference in the lives of students in local classrooms during the 2017-2018 school year. Chambliss supports the objectives of Junior Achievement and we are proud to be associated with an organization that excels at working with and preparing our future leaders and workforce for success, said Managing Shareholder Mike St. Charles. The Chattanooga Boys Choir Singing Christmas Tree, one of Chattanoogas longest-running and most treasured holiday traditions, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Tivoli Theater, with family-friendly 12 and 5:30 p.m. showtimes. Tickets are available at www.tivolichattanooga.com. The program will include more than 100 members of the Chattanooga Boys Choirs five component choirs, as well as guest artists from the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestra (Gary Wilkes, director), Ballet Tennessee (Anna van Cura, director), the Metropolitan Bells handbell ensemble (Gary Bynum, director), and the East Lake Expression Engine (Nabil Ince, Artistic Director). In all, the stage will be graced with over 200 performers providing a display of holiday music and dance. The theme of this years Singing Christmas Tree is On a Silent Night this theme commemorates the 200th anniversary of the popular holiday carol Silent Night, which was written in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Audience members at this years Singing Christmas Tree will hear the carol in several versions, including a dramatic music introduction telling the story of how the song came to be written. Other pieces performed by the choir will feature a number of traditional carols, holiday music from around the world, and several holiday favorites. Included on the program will be excerpts from Benjamin Brittens Ceremony of Carols, Dan Forrests setting of The First Noel, Carl Nygards arrangement of I Saw Three Ships, and African Noel composed by Andre Thomas. In addition, the choir will share settings of Hevenu Shalom Aleichem and Ose Shalom performed in their original Hebrew. The Singing Christmas Tree program will also feature several holiday favorites including Twas the Night Before Christmas, Holly Jolly Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Little Drummer Boy and several other selections. Vincent Oakes, Chattanooga Boys Choir artistic director, said, "I am looking forward to the added fun, depth, and artistry that having members of the CSOYO Youth Orchestra, Ballet Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Bells will bring to the Singing Christmas Tree program this year. There is surely something for everyone in this years program! In addition to the beautiful music, seeing over 200 young people engaged in such an impressive and wonderful program will be sure to lift the spirits of anyone in attendance." Introduction: For African-Americans, the Civil War was more than the divergent paths the Northern and Southern sections of the country embarked upon, but it became to represent America living out the true meaning of its creed and principles by affording and extending the hands of liberty and freedom to all its citizens, and as the pretenses of the War evolved, the emancipating of those held in human servitude and bondage became the overlying sign of victory. Upon the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, a seed that professed that A New Birth of Freedom had been planted, as a subsequence tens of thousands of African-Americans enlisted in the Union forces in droves. Due to their hardships, labor and exemplary service, today we can all partake in the blessings that liberty and freedom bestows. The Unity Group of Chattanooga hereby issues this appeal to action to honor them for their service as we call on the Greater Chattanooga community to pay respectful and timely tribute to the dedicated service and legacy that the United States Colored Troops have left by erecting a Memorial/Monument to their memories at Chattanoogas National Cemetery, which was erected in large measure due to the fruits of their immeasurable time, skill and labor. Whereas: There are over 880 African-American men at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga buried under the acronym USCT - United States Colored Troops; and Whereas: There is no monument at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga that translates the acronym or recognizes the efforts of these brave men; and Whereas: These men served in the United States Army to protect their own liberty and advance the cause of freedom against those who would have sustained and succumbed them to the inhumane and immoral vestiges associated with slavery; and Whereas: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration has noted, by the end of the Civil War, 179,000 black men (10 percent of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Arm; 19,000 enlisted in the Navy; with valor they participated in over 400 engagements; 16 went on to receive the Medal of Honor; over 21,000 men enlisted in Tennessee, which ranks behind only Louisiana and Kentucky; and Whereas: Throughout the duration of the War, African-Americans performed in a wide variety of details and functions, including as: rearguard patrol, carpenters, chaplains, personal attendants, cooks, scouts, spies, steamboat pilots, and conscripted laborers which often included the burying of the dead; and Whereas: On Dec. 25, 1863, the Commander of the Cumberland, Gen. George H. Thomas -- The Rock of Chickamauga -- issued General Order 296 creating the Chattanooga National Cemetery and assigned oversight of its erection and completion to the Army's chaplain Thomas B. Van Horne; and Whereas: U.S.C.T. units stationed in Chattanooga such as the 14th, 16th, 18th, and in particular the 44th, would serve with bravery and gallantry during many pivotal conflicts which helped to preserve the Union, including the First and Second Battles of Dalton and the decisive Battle of Nashville that thoroughly defeated the last remnants of Hoods Confederate Army of Tennessee; and Whereas: The men of the 42nd U.S.C.T. were entrusted with securing and relocating the graves of fallen soldiers within a 50-mile radius, would clear and prepare the grounds for burials, and assist with the overall layout and design of this very Chattanooga National Cemetery; and Whereas: Historians such as E. Raymond Evans in Contributions by United States Colored Troops (USCT) in Chattanooga and North Georgia (2003), Stuart C. McGehee (Military Origins of the New South: The Army of the Cumberland and Chattanooga's Freedmen, 1988), Bobby Lee Lovett (The Negro's Civil War in Tennessee, 1861-1865, 1973), and Noah Andre Trudeau, (Like Men of War: Black Troops in the Civil War 1862-1865, 1998), have noted the history and achievement of U.S.C.T. during the Civil War, including those associated with our region; and Whereas: For the last two decades, in addition to numerous battlefield markers, several National Cemeteries have sought to be more inclusive by depicting an accurate portrayal and historical analysis of the significant hardships and contributions of U.S.C.T. in helping to preserve the Union and advance the cause of freedom, and amongst these are a storyboard that retells the contributions of U.S.C.T. in the Philadelphia National Cemetery (2017) and the United States Colored Troops National Monument in Nashville, Tennessee (2003); and Whereas: There is a Memorial Circle of Honor with 27 engraved granite monuments, starting in 1992, to honor the various men and women for their different contributions to the Armed Forces which notably excludes and fails to include the service and sacrifice of U.S.C.T.; Therefore be it Resolved, that the Unity Group of Chattanooga calls for a proper and fitting monument and marker to be erected by the African-American community which accurately details and depicts the contributions of USCT in service to this nation and community in preserving and upholding the most basic and fundamental of America's creed and principles, that we are all created equal and endowed with unalienable rights; and Therefore be it Resolved, that the Unity Group recognizes and appreciates the great human cost and sacrifice displayed by the U.S.C.T., in fatigue duties, in the performing of menial labor, tasks and undertakings, and on the field of battle; and Further, we call on the Chattanooga National Cemetery and Veterans Administration to be more inclusive of the contributions of U.S.C.T. by recognizing the great labor hardships and human cost endured by the 42nd U.S.C.T .in erecting and completing our National Cemetery; and Finally, we call on the greater Chattanooga community to aide and assist in this effort by contributing to the creation and erection of one or more granite markers at the Chattanooga National Cemetery to honor the African American men and women of the United States Colored Troops and other military units buried here in Chattanooga so they will always be recognized and remembered. Humbly submitted by, The Unity Group of Chattanooga Sherman E. Matthews Jr., Chairman Drafted by Eric Atkins and Tom Kunesh NEW DELHI, November 16, 2018 (Morning Star News) High-caste Hindus who have been harassing a church in Nepal forced it to shut down last week, sources said. For two months Brahmins, the highest caste from which Hindu priests and teachers are drawn, in western Nepals Palpa District had disrupted worship of the Pakhluwa Eternal Life Church in Palpa each week and accused pastor Tufani Bhar of converting villagers, the pastor said. Church members had abandoned their building and resorted to meeting in homes, but the Brahmins issued threats to anyone found meeting anywhere, including in houses. It is shocking that we are not allowed to meet in homes and pray, the 53-year-old Pastor Bhar told Morning Star News. Having established the church about nine months ago, Pastor Bhar tried everything possible to preserve the fellowship but was unable to withstand the opposition, he said. Church attendance dwindled from 30 to 15-18 people before disbanding last weekend due to fear. Pastor Bhar visited a few members secretly on Nov. 3, which was his last visit to Palpa. I was too disappointed to see the Christians scared and thus did not go last week, on Nov. 10 [Saturday, the scheduled worship day], he said. The Hindu-Brahmins are resorting to every method possible to scare us, threaten us and not let us meet. Initially the Brahmins objected to the use of guitar and drums in the church service. We resorted to worshipping silently without the use of any instrument, he said. But then they objected to the Lords Supper that we partake of once a month. Prohibited from taking the Lords supper, the church began travelling from Palpa to the mother church in Butwal, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, to partake of the sacrament each month. Opposition rose steadily to the point that the Brahmins refused to let the church meet for worship, Pastor Bhar said. The chairman of the ward [a smaller unit of the municipality] said that they will not let Christians fellowship, the pastor said. Previously there had been no opposition in his 38 years of ministry in Butwal and nearby areas, he said, but Hindu extremist groups from India have influenced Nepals Hindus. Before there was no persecution, but [Hindu extremist group] Shiv Sena from India has been working among the Nepalese people and radicalizing them, he said. They want Nepal to become a Hindu nation, but we have all religions in our country, and not just Hinduism. Pastor Bhar started the mother church, Eternal Life Church, eight years ago and had established four branches, including the Pakhluwa Eternal Life Church. Deportations In Gulariya, Bardiya District, authorities arrested a Christian woman from Australia along with four area Christians on Sunday (Nov. 12), according to reports. Katiya Graham was arrested after someone informed police that she was evangelizing door-to-door with the other four Christians, Pastor Hari Prasad Regmi told Morning Star News. Local media reported that she was charged with spreading Christianity. Authorities sent Graham to Kathmandu that day for deportation, and Sweta Manandhar, Shreejan Manandhar, Tej Bahadur Shahi and Dal Bahadur Taruna are in police custody, Pastor Regmi said. Bishnu Hari Upadhaya, director of the Department of Immigration, told media, Nepalese law strictly prohibits such acts. Currently we are investigating whether the charges filed against her are true. Authorities found Bibles, diaries, pamphlets and videos related to Christianity among the accused, a Bardiya District spokesman reportedly told media. Separately, on Nov. 4 in Butwal, police arrested four women, including two from Japan, on charges of carrying out forceful conversions. The women were accused of evangelizing door-to-door. Authorities sent the two Japanese women, identified as Yasura Owa and Makihikula, to Kathmandu, and they were deported. The two Nepali women, Pushpa Ghimire and Tirthamaya Ghale, were released on Nov. 8, Pastor Regmi told Morning Star News. Nepal is ranked 25 on Christian support organization Open Doors 2018 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian At the recent 39th session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) denounced increasing restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. In August 2018, Nepals new Criminal Code came into effect, WEA representative Wissam Al-Saliby said. This new legislation, together with Nepals constitution, put disproportionate restrictions on the freedom of religion or belief, criminalize attempts to convert ones religion, and thus violate the right of religious communities to share the tenets of their belief. We appeal to the governments of Sri Lanka, Nepal and India to repeal legislation and jurisprudence that violate religious freedom. Evangelizing is prohibited under Nepals new constitution, passed in September 2015, as it was under the previous constitution, but the new one has helped incite anti-Christian sentiment. While the new constitution establishes Nepal as a secular and democratic republic, its definition of secular appears to protect Hinduism and allows others only to worship in their own faiths. Article 26 forbids anyone to convert a person of one religion to another. Evangelizing has long been illegal in Nepal, but advocacy groups have recently detected increased enforcement and other anti-Christian efforts as officials seek to placate Hindus incensed that the new constitution did not re-establish a more prominent place for Hinduism. Under the Criminal (Code) Act of Nepal, enacted in October 2017, those convicted of evangelizing or forcible conversion can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined 50,000 rupees (US$450). The code came into effect on Aug. 19. While Article 26 (1) of Nepals Constitution protects freedom of religion or belief and includes the rights to profess, practice and protect ones religion, Article 26 (3) of states: No person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize others religion and such act shall be punishable by law. The Christian community of Nepal has faced several cases demonstrating the ease with which the constitutions anti-conversion laws can be misused. There is a substantial increase in the number of aggressions against religious minorities, especially Christians, in 2018. These have included bombings and arson attacks on churches, physical assaults on Christians, false accusations alleging evangelism and conversions and false propaganda against Christians. By criminalizing conversions, Nepal has infringed on the fundamental freedom of religion or belief which is guaranteed not only by its constitution but also secured by several international covenants, according to Alliance Defending Freedom, which undertakes legal legal advocacy for religious freedom. These vaguely defined laws are often abused to harass minorities, according to an ADF press statement. While the Indian constitution is very clear on protecting religious freedom, Nepals constitution prohibits the attempt of religious conversion. At the same time, Nepal is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an international treaty explicitly protecting freedom of religion and expression. Nepals vaguely defined laws are often abused to harass minorities, according to an ADF press statement. While the Indian constitution is very clear on protecting religious freedom, Nepals constitution prohibits the attempt of religious conversion, it reads. At the same time, Nepal is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an international treaty explicitly protecting freedom of religion and expression. Article 18 of the U.N. declaration asserts that believers have the freedom to practice their faith in teaching, practice, worship and observance, ADF notes in its campaign to obtain signatures supporting the Geneva Statement on Human Rights at www.ImHumanRight.org. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews. org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. A lawsuit has been filed against the Attorney General of Wisconsin to dispute the creation of a chaplaincy program for employees of the state Department of Justice (DOJ). Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, the two atheist leaders of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), were the ones to file the lawsuit. According to Barker and Gaylor, the problem with the program is that it is limited to clergy members and not secular mental health professionals. The DOJ chaplaincy program, premised on the conceit that only religious counseling be provided, belies the fact the number of religiously unaffiliated adults in America has grown by nearly 20 million persons in recent years, and the number continues to increase, the lawsuit reads. The chaplaincy program was announced in October by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, who stated that it offers a way to provide a support system to DOJ employees who experience traumatic situations in their work: The law enforcement and criminal justice profession has witnessed ever-increasing demands and potentially dangerous situations that require even temperament on the part of special agents and other employees so that they can perform their duties professionally while also addressing personal issues and challenges that may stem from such circumstances, reads the outline of the program. Department staff, along with their immediate families, are impacted during crises and other stressful situations that can have a profound effect on their attitudes, perspectives and personal well-being, it notes. The DOJ policy mandates that chaplains be ordained or licensed clergy in good standing by a faith group at the time of appointment and shall maintain such standing for the duration of their active service. Additionally, they are also required to complete courses within their endorsing agency which include stress management, death notification, suicide, substance abuse, and sensitivity and diversity. At this time, there are six chaplains who have volunteered to serve DOJ staffers in need of counsel or hospital visitation. These chaplains are clergy members who identify as Christians, though, and FFRF has a problem with the program as it believes that the government has created a banned promotion of religion over non-religion. Mental health professionals who are not ordained or licensed clergy, in good standing by a faith group at the time of appointment, are absolutely disqualified from participating in the DOJ chaplaincy program, reads a complaint written by FFRF. The complaint declares that the program is unconstitutional, as it inappropriately applies a religious test as a qualification for appointment as a chaplain and does not include neutrally-appointed counselors or therapists chosen without respect to religious belief or clerical status. Barker and Gaylor go on to contend that the chaplaincy program is in the wrong because it excludes employees who do not classify themselves as religious and may wish to talk with a secular counselor instead of a clergyman. Favoring the needs of religious DOJ employees offends the Establishment Clause by sending a message that non-religious persons are outsiders, the lawsuit reads. According to an article from Christian News Network, FFRF is seeking a declaration that the chaplaincy program violates the Establishment Clause, as well as an injunction preventing Schimel and the DOJ from offering the faith-based services to employees. The DOJ states that it is in the process of reviewing the legal dispute. Only 33 years after the Constitution was written, former U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster once urged: [L]et us not forget the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought hither by their high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political, or literary. Let us cherish these sentiments, and extend this influence still more widely, in full conviction that this is the happiest society which partakes in the highest degree of the mild and peaceful spirit of Christianity. He went on to proclaim in 1843, If God and His word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end. Photo courtesy: Pixabay/Creative Commons In a rare reminder that sometimes helping people can be more important than maintaining party lines, President Trump joined with members on both sides of the aisle in Congress this week to announce that he will support a bipartisan prison reform bill. It might reach his desk as soon as next month. The bill will roll back certain elements of existing crime laws with regard to issues like minimum sentencing for nonviolent crimes. President Trump stated that it was his honor to be involved, and itll be an even greater honor to sign the new law. As JaRon Smith, the presidents domestic policy adviser, said of the bill, What were doing here is finding a better way to be smart on crime. We want prison to serve as a place to lock up the people who are the most detrimental to society. But what about those prisoners who will be relatively unaffected by the new legislation? Theres encouraging news for them as well. The chance to be human again As Yonat Shimron writes for Religion News Service, seminaries across the country are increasingly partnering with prisons to help inmates get bachelors degrees in subjects like pastoral ministry and biblical studies. The goal is to train inmates to become field ministers who can serve as counselors for other inmates, lead prayers, assist prison chaplains and generally serve as a calming influence in prison yards. To that end, Applicants must be felons serving minimum 15-year sentences with a high school diploma or GED and a clean disciplinary record for at least a year. The point is to equip inmates to be positive forces for the gospel from inside the prison. And the program works. Burl Cain was a former warden at one of the first prisons to adopt this kind of program. He remarked, It changes the culture of the prison from within. [The programs graduates] calm it down. You get rid of gangs. It really makes a difference. James Benoy, who has been taking classes for about eighteen months, said, Before we came here a lot of us were living in despairno hope. Its transformed us. We have a purpose, a direction and a mission in life. Bryce Williams, thirty-six years old and serving an eighteen-year sentence, added that being in prison can be so dehumanizing. . . . [the program] affords you the opportunity to be human. Ministering in the darkest places As Christians, we are abundantly free to have varying opinions on issues like prison reform and the proper sentences for those who have broken the law. After all, these are complicated issues with repercussions that extend well beyond the walls of the nearest penitentiary. However, Gods word is abundantly clear that we are never free to view one of his beloved children as less than human. While I dont think thats an issue with which most of us struggle, its important to remember that every corner of our society in which the lost reside is well within the purview of our calling and worthy of the gospel message (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). As James Dew, the dean of Southeastern College and a professor in one of the North Carolina prison programs, notes, We tell people that as an institution its our mission to train people to go to the darkest places in the world and to be the light of Christ. Most of our faculty see it for what it isan opportunity to fulfill our mission. Embrace your mission field My purpose today is not to say that all of us need to spend this weekend at the nearest prison sharing the gospel with those who call it home, although its perhaps worth a moment of prayer to see if thats a ministry to which God might be calling you. Rather, its to encourage all of us to take some time to prayerfully ask if there are any corners of our lives that we have cordoned off as beyond the potential work of the kingdom. It could be a friend or coworker that youve given up on ever coming to the Lord. Perhaps its the lunchroom at your office or school where you simply assume no one would be interested in hearing about Jesus. For a lot of us, it might be the neighbors to whom were more than willing to say hello, but with whom were rarely interested in conversing on any real or deep level. Rarely do we section off those parts of our lives consciously or without a good reason. Moreover, it probably would be a mistake to stand up during lunch today and announce to anyone within earshot that they need Jesus and youre going to tell them about him, whether they like it or not. After all, evangelism of any sort should always be done under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than at our own initiative. Yet, if we ever reach the point where we close ourselves off to the possibility that today might be the day that God wants to use us to lead someone to him, then were going to miss the opportunity to make a truly eternal difference in that persons life. As evangelist Winkie Pratney stated, Every Christian a missionary; every non-Christian a mission field. Which mission fields are you avoiding today? For more from the Denison Forum, please visit www.denisonforum.org. The Daily Article Podcast is Here! Click to Listen Publication Date: November 16, 2018 Photo Courtesy: Carles Rabada/Unsplash Wales announced Friday that they would allow women from Northern Ireland to receive free abortions. They join Scotland and England in offering free abortions to residents of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland bans abortion unless the mothers health is at risk. Women from Northern Ireland would often travel to Wales, England, or Scotland to obtain an abortion, but they would have to pay for the procedure. Scotland and England offered free abortions to women from Northern Ireland in 2017. Wales joined them, arguing that women from the United Kingdom should have equal access to abortion. Vaughan Gething, Wales Health Secretary, said in announcing the move that 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. The government made the decision despite intense opposition. They conducted a consultation and 98.3% of the 788 respondents disagreed with the measure. Those opposed voiced their concerns about the morality of abortion, the use of public money to fund the procedure, and the undermining of Northern Irelands laws. The Welsh government made an end run around the objections, saying, These responses all contained identical objections and they are therefore treated collectively. Baroness Nuala OLoan, a former Police Ombudsman, lambasted the Welsh governments decision. She criticized their putting out a quick press release while not acknowledging that they conducted a public consultation on this highly controversial proposal, in response to which 98.3% of respondents said dont do it to just 1.7% who said proceed. OLoan continued, To make matters worse, the 89.3% of respondents embrace a significant number of women from Northern Ireland, those who will be impacted by the provision and whose views, therefore, matter the most. She called on Wales to review their handling of the consultation and rethink the decision. Gething believes few women to take advantage of the new policy. He said, We anticipate the number of women from Northern Ireland accessing these services to be low. He also announced that health officials to conduct a review of the position after six months. Photo courtesy: Pixabay/Creative Commons The case against the ex-publisher of the Christian Post and the affiliated Christian Media Corporation has expanded to an alleged $35 million money laundering scheme involving a California-based Bible college. The Manhattan District Attorneys office on Thursday charged Olivet University with making up a fake accountant to make its financial standing look better than it actually was so it could obtain funding to support day-to-day operations. An indictment filed last month accused Christian Media Corporation and former Newsweek owner IBT Media of similar activity. The case naming Olivetfounded by controversial Korean pastor David Jang (not to be confused with Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois or Olivet College in Michigan) brings about a dozen more charges against William C. Anderson, who led the Christian Post from 2010 until last summer, IBT CEO Etienne Uzac, and their companies. They were indicted by the DA on an initial $10 million fraud in October, as CT reported. Though all have denied the alleged wrongdoing and pled not guilty, the district attorneys case legally brings together several entities suspected to be working together under the influence of Jangs network, but have long denied any official or financial connection to one another. The defendants see the case as, essentially, a victimless crime, since the loans they allegedly obtained through fraudulent means have all been repaid. Olivet University denies the charges announced [Thursday] by the District Attorneys Office and will vigorously defend itself against these unsupported allegations including the puzzling claim that lenders who have suffered no loss were somehow victimized, Olivet spokesman Ronn Torossian said in a statement to CT. The New York Post quoted a similar defense from IBT Media and Uzac spokesman Marc Agnifilo, who said that if the borrowed money was paid back, Why then are these Christian institutions, their officers and corporate partners subjects in a sweeping indictment? Olivet, the International Business Times, and the Christian Post were all founded by Jang or his close associates. Former employees of the Christian Post and leaked chat transcripts indicate that he exerted significant control over business and editorial decisions. Investigations by Christianity Todayand others have indicated his network continues to hold influence behind the scenes, bringing the entities together. Some followers consider the 69-year-old pastor the Second Coming Christ. The indictment specifically charges Andrew Lin, chair of Olivets board of trustees and John Xiao, finance director and business school dean. Multiple former members of Jangs community told Christianity Today that Lins wife, Borah, was the key promoter of the idea that Jang is a messiah chosen by God to complete Jesus earthly mission. Anderson, formerly of the Christian Post, was a member of the Olivet board through 2016. Though Uzac has stated that Jang does not have financial ties to IBT, he told Buzzfeed that the company had a great working relationship with Olivet, which launched a journalism school in 2004. The Anza, California-based university operates a campus in Wingdale, New York. In the alleged scheme, Olivet and the media companies had requested the loans to purchase high-end servers from Oikos Network Inc. The investigation found that IBT and CMC International obtained cheaper servers and used the remaining money, but a raid on Olivets upstate New York campus was said to have turned up zero servers which apparently confirmed suspicions that they were ghost servers that did not exist, according to the New York Post. The defendants transferred the funds through multiple accounts to mask their origin, and to disguise the fact that the funds werent being used to purchase equipment, the Manhattan district attorney stated. The money was used to purchase real estate, fund Olivets day-to-day operations, and for other purposes unrelated to the stated purpose of the financing. The investigation also found that Olivet and IBT sent funds to each other. When the district attorneys office raided Newsweek at the start of the year, Olivet stated that any speculation which link Olivet University to government probes, and or Newsweek/IBT Media, are inaccurate. At the time, the university said that the only financial relationship with the media company involved payment for licensing and R&D services. Originally founded by Jang as Olivet Theological College & Seminary in 2000, the school says it offers a dozen undergraduate degrees and 11 masters and doctorate programs. Olivet does not publically list current enrollment figures, but its student body largely consists of Asian students with visas to study in the US. Olivet stands strongly by the individual members of its team who have been wrongfully accused, Torossian said on behalf of the university. Olivet is a Christian institution dedicated to providing educational and spiritual opportunities to students around the globeincluding in locations that are hostile to Christianity and Christian practice. Olivet is no stranger to adversity and looks forward to being fully vindicated in court. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things. These are the lyrics of a famous song that most of us know and remember. Putting words into rhyme is a fun and effective way to hook thoughts into the human memory. I have a few frustrating things that I wish I was clever enough to put into rhyme, so that they would hook into the memory of Christians. This is because remembering these few things could help the cause of the gospel. Here's the first frustrating thing. We had been trying to get a crowd to stop and listen to the gospel. Occasionally people would immediately gather, but not this day. For about an hour we labored, and nothing happened. But then someone started asking me loud and provocative questions, and a crowd began to gather. It was wonderful! This is what we live forfor sinners to stop and hear that the gift of God is eternal life. Suddenly, a young woman interrupted the discourse I was having with the heckler. I quickly jumped down from the soapbox and politely said, "Please don't talk to him. It will distract and divide the crowd." She took no notice and kept talking to him, only to take a moment to tell me that she was talking to him about God. I pleaded with her to let him continue to speak with me. She refused, and the result was that we lost the crowd within minutes, leaving one talkative woman, one quiet heckler, and two very frustrated preachers. Most Christians politely stop when we ask them to. But not this lady. We stopped the crowd; she stopped them from listening. That was very frustrating. Next on my list of frustrating things is Hollywood's portrayal of Christians as hateful, anti-science bigots. Their star is a good-looking, likeable, witty, godless hero, while the villain is a cowardly, blaspheming, narrow-minded, Bible-quoting hypocrite. Hollywood has a massive reach into the hearts of millions and can poison a generation against the gospel. It is a powerful propaganda machine that feeds this God-hating world, and it's frustrating because we don't have a loud comeback. It's my prayer that God would give us one. That brings me to my third leading frustration: sign carriers. These are often sincere Christians who think they are doing the gospel a service by carrying a Bible sign, but they are doing the opposite. It seems they are not aware that the news media regularly cover the Westboro Baptist Churchwith their colorful signs proclaiming "God hates fags" and "God hates America." The cult regularly protests with their signs at funerals of America soldiers who have courageously died serving their country. They mock the soldier's sacrifice and make the nightmare for families even worse. They carry signs stating "Thank God for 911" and "Thank God for IEDs," as well as "Repent or perish," and others that are based on Scripture. When Christians carry similar-looking signs (no matter how biblical the message), in the eyes of the world we are trying to reach, these believers are aligned with the hateful Westboro Baptist Church. No matter what the signs may say, the world sees, "We hate sinners, and we hate our troops." It's frustrating when these Christians show up with signs and want to stand by us while we are preaching. Last on the list is something that I never dreamed I would have to battle. It's the emergence of Christian flat-earthers. I can understand why a woman would want to talk with a heckler, why Hollywood is anti-Christian, and why Christians would want to hold up signs. But I am dumbfounded as to why anyone would believe that the earth is actually flat. But they do, and they share that belief with a fanatical zeal. It's as though they have their own private version of the Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach that the earth is flat to every creature." I really don't mind if someone thinks that he's a pink unicorn. But if he starts pushing his weirdness and using the label "Christian," I will go to the moon to put a distance between him and myself, because our agendas are different. I desperately want to reach the lost. He doesn't. Unruly women who hinder our preaching. Flat-earthers, Hollywood, and those they are reaching. The sincere zealotthe sign that he brings, These are a few of my frustrating things. Pastors should embrace the Billy Graham rule, says LifeWay president The head of LifeWay Christian Resources is urging pastors to adopt the Billy Graham Rule to ensure that they do not fall into moral failure. The rule was made popular by late evangelist Billy Graham, who said he avoided being alone with any woman who was not his wife. LifeWay president Thom Rainer said that although some people mock the Billy Graham Rule as archaic or legalistic, the #MeToo movement has shown it to be 'really wise'. In a video message to the church, he warned that if pastors did not understand the dangers of being alone with a person of the opposite gender, they risked ruining their lives and their churches - even if nothing untoward actually happened. 'There could be no hint of impropriety except for the fact that you are alone, but what happens if someone sees you alone with [a person of the opposite gender] and draws conclusions?' he said. 'The Bible teaches us to avoid the appearance of all evil, not just to avoid evil, and so that means that we should not put ourselves in any position not only where we may have temptations or we may be putting someone else in a compromising position but also where others could perceive it that way.' He said one man had reached out to ask him if it was ok to take a 10-minute ride to the airport in the same car as a female colleague. Rainer said even this was a compromise too far and that Christians of the opposite gender who are not married should avoid travelling together at all costs. 'You make one exception and you just open the door for other exceptions and though I may sound a bit legalistic and overbearing, I said no...I simply have this iron clad rule,' he said. Rainer said many of the compromising situations that have 'come back to haunt' pastors and Christian ministry leaders could have been prevented if they had just followed the Billy Graham Rule. At LifeWay, Rainer said he even changed the office doors to ensure they had windows in them as a way of improving visibility and accountability. He concluded by warning that one of the most dangerous things for a Christian leader is the thought that they will never fall into moral failure. 'Let's not be stupid and worrying that we're being a little overcautious and maybe crossing the line to err on the side of caution. Let's be smart,' he said. 'We're living in a day and age where this is coming forward and that is good. Don't be that person who thinks it can never happen to me. Usually that is the person that ends up regretting the decision that he or she made.' One of the first British Impressionist works: Chatterboxes by Philip Wilson Steer Chatterboxes was not much liked by the critics when they first saw it in the late 1880s. Now revealed to the public for the first time in almost 130 years it offers an exciting missing link between French and British Impressionism When Chatterboxes by Philip Wilson Steer (1860-1942) was exhibited in the New English Art Club exhibition of 1887, it was greeted with derision by the conservative British press. The Illustrated London News led the outcry, complaining that the paintings virtues are obscured from our perception by the apparent smudginess or slovenliness of the method. What the critics were objecting to was Impressionism, the new movement rocking the French establishment. Steer had trained in Paris, where he had witnessed the radical experiments by the avant-garde. The Impressionists painted en plein air, and used dots of paint and loose brushstrokes to depict light and movement. These techniques, executed swiftly and without attention to detail, were used to capture fleeting moments in time, similar to that of a photograph. The results were a revelation to Steer, who returned to England emboldened to do to the British seaside and landscape what the French Impressionists had done for the banks of the Seine. Unfortunately, Britains art critics didnt understand Impressionism, nor, it seems, did they wish to try. Steers glorious depictions of Victorian society at their leisure on the Suffolk coast were therefore dismissed as messy. The public, meanwhile, seemed to love Chatterboxes, and there were even reports of some ladies swooning in front of the picture at the New English Art Club exhibition. Philip Wilson Steer, O.M. (1860-1942), Chatterboxes. 19 x 37 in (48.2 x 94.3 cm). Estimate: 500,000-800,000. This lot is offered in British Impressionism on 20 November 2018 at Christies in London As a result of the critical mauling, this modest and unassuming landscape painter came to be seen as uncompromisingly avant-garde and the centre of much controversy. It was only years later, in the aftermath of World War I, that his pictures came to represent a kind of lost innocence and his reputation was rehabilitated. Chatterboxes was last exhibited in Paris in 1889, and it has been in private collections ever since. Its re-emergence sheds light on Steers little-known early career, which pre-dated his friendship with artists like Walter Sickert (1860-1942). It is also a key link in the history of French and British Impressionism, which, confirms Christies specialist Rosie OConnor in our video, is another reason why it is really exciting to see this picture. Steer, she says, is considered to be the father of British Impressionism because his works influenced such a long line of artists who followed him in this tradition. The picture reveals the influence of the Impressionists on the young Steer: the bright dots of colour owed much to the Pointillism of Georges Seurat (1859-1891), while the long, bold brushstrokes he uses for the foliage were inspired by Camille Pissarro (1830-1903). Having embraced these techniques, Steer employs them to transform this relatively simple composition into a picture of great complexity, layering paint until the canvas appears to vibrate with colour. Sign up today Christie's Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe Thanksgiving is unquestionably Americas greatest food holiday. Yet much of the meal invites controversy. Not everyone is a fan of roasted turkey. Stuffing ingredients are contentious. The debate over the proper potato to mashregular or sweetwill outlive us all. Less controversial is the question of pie. We may quibble over the specificsfruit vs. custard, or whether pecan should be accompanied by chocolatebut theres generally more of a willingness to come together over a truly spectacular dessert. SUBHANKAR BANERJEE, HONS / AP WASHINGTON - The Department of Interior is readying to study the impacts of offshore oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic coastline ahead of a lease sale scheduled for next year. In an announcement Thursday, the department said it would examine, "the potential effects" of opening up for lease approximately 65 million acres in the Beaufort Sea. Oil rose, paring a sixth weekly loss, amid growing confidence that OPEC and its partners will reduce production to avert a glut next year. Futures in New York rose 1.8 percent Friday, trimming the weekly drop to 4.6 percent. With the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries seeing waning demand for its oil, the group and its allies are said to be considering bigger-than-expected cuts despite criticism from President Donald Trump. In the U.S., government data showed stockpiles climbed the most in 21 months last week. Oil is in a bear market after plunging from a four-year high in October as the U.S. granted surprise waivers allowing some Iranian oil flows to continue even after sanctions took effect. Meanwhile, the demand outlook remains uncertain amid trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and speculation is swirling over OPECs output strategy before it meets partners in Vienna in December. PREVIOUSLY: Crude treads water as Saudi sanctions counter stockpile gains It looks likely that OPEC will cut production again after all, said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt. But creating an artificial supply squeeze wont work in the long term, as they will need to keep cutting each year to keep prices high. West Texas Intermediate for December delivery traded up $1 at $57.46 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 11:50 a.m. London time, after advancing 21 cents on Thursday. Total volume traded was about 23 percent above the 100-day average. Brent for January settlement rose $1.22 to $67.84 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The contract has dropped 3.3 percent this week. The global benchmark crude traded at a $10.17 premium to WTI for the same month. INVENTORY: U.S. crude oil inventories increase more than 10 million barrels As oil was mired in a record 12-day losing streak earlier this month, Saudi Arabia proposed an OPEC output cut of 1 million barrels a day, a U-turn from a June decision to boost supply. People familiar with the matter said the curbs may be even bigger. Still, the effect on benchmark prices may be muted, according to Morgan Stanley, as the current glut is in light-sweet crude varieties, whereas OPEC would primarily cut medium and heavier grades. Investors are also assessing signals from OPECs key ally, Russia. President Vladimir Putin said Thursday an oil price of around $70 suits us completely. Energy Minister Alexander Novak also suggested earlier this week that the country is in no rush to act. Meanwhile, rising U.S. crude inventories have added to oversupply concerns. U.S. stockpiles rose by 10.27 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said Thursday. That compares with expectations for a 3.2 million-barrel increase. Production edged higher to a record 11.7 million barrels a day. 2018 Bloomberg L.P. WASHINGTON Every week emails drop into my inbox suggesting, sometimes proclaiming, the worlds next big energy revolution to be right around the corner. Imagine a world where we get our energy from algae, the plantlike organisms that are so numerous they occasionally turn large swaths of the ocean green or red. Exxon Mobil has been working on that for years now. Or something called solid oxide fuel cells, which a Department of Energy official explained at an event in Washington earlier this month the government has worked on for almost two decades. Instead of burning coal or natural gas, as traditional power plants do, these fuel cells convert fossil fuels into electricity with minimal water use and virtually no carbon dioxide emissions. Sounds great until you read down the departments announcement it is investing $13.5 million in the technology and see this: The selected projects support the departments (solid oxide fuel cell) program by helping to mature the technology for commercial use to efficiently generate low-cost electricity. In other words, the technology is very expensive right now. But the government is spreading money around to different labs and tech companies in hopes one of them can figure out a way to do it cheaply enough to compete with traditional power plants. Its the sort of thing that sounds a little crazy, until you realize how many energy technologies today started just this way. Hydraulic fracturing, for instance, was born out of the federal Unconventional Gas Research Program, which funded scientists in West Virginia to study the shale rock underlying the Appalachian Mountains. As described by Russell Gold in his book, The Boom: How fracking ignited the American energy revolution and changed the world, scientists in the 1970s placed tiny cameras in the well to figure out what was happening and shot sound waves underground to map the fractures. Most of the industry was ignoring us or saying we dont care about these shales, were off in a foreign country developing larger, higher rate of return resources, Al Jost, a federal scientist who would later work with Texas fracking pioneer George Mitchell, told Gold. Likewise, solar energy is a more than century old technology. Until the early 2000s, it was so expensive that practically no one used it except wealthy environmentalists and back-to-the-land types wanting to live off the power grid. Solar panel costs are now so low people are installing them to save money, not the planet. And theyre likely to keep getting cheaper the Department of Energy is funding research into solar panels that could be painted onto a building. Of course, for every triumph there are a long list of failures. Volkswagens failed clean diesel technology, for instance, is expected to cost the German automaker tens of billions of dollars in recalls and criminal penalties after regulators discovered engineers had rigged the vehicles to indicate they were polluting less than they really were. Figuring out which technology is the next big thing and which is destined for the annals of history is the trick. What might sound like the stuff of science fiction today could easily be tomorrows tired old thing. james.osborne@chron.com twitter.com/osborneja Creditors who had a stake in the Day for Night music and art festival announced they'll be selling the event, as well other "assets and financial interests" of Omar Afra, the former Free Press Houston editor and founder of Day for Night. Though Day for Night could be revived in the future, it won't be staged this December, finally confirming what fans of the event already knew. Heads up for anyone interested in Filipino cuisine, the vibrant Southeast Asian fare that is gaining more traction in Houston. This Sunday evening, four young Filipino cooks from three ambitious restaurant kitchens will collaborate on a Filipino feast at Poitin, the handsome industrial-look venue at Sawyer Yards. They're calling the celebration Alamat, the Tagalog word for "legend." Poitin chef Dominick Lee will host Niko Dalman of Helen Greek Food & Wine; John Degala and Sarah Cuneo of Poitin; and Cyrus Caclini of Kiran's. The quartet are planning cocktail bites, dinner and dessert, and their menu will include Filipino preparations ranging from quail to beef cheek, from fall squash to a pork adobo wrapped and cooked in caul fat. Lee's own kitchen crew is working on a smoked and fried chicken laing dish, a spicy affair involving coconut milk, Thai chiles and dried taro leaves. Out on Poitin's back dining deck, with its spectacular views of downtown, Lee and William Wright of Helen will be roasting a pig for lechon, the Filipino barbecue classic. If you're lucky, a train will rumble through in the background. Even saying the evening's dessert menu out loud sounds like music: ginatan, ube, bilo bilo, halo halo. It's exciting to see a new generation of chefs emerging in the wake of Houston's first high-level Filipino-inflected restaurant, Aqui, where both chef-owner Paul Qui and his chief lieutenant, Jillian Bartolome, have Filipino roots. On HoustonChronicle.com: Amid controversy, rare four stars for Aqui There are a couple of dozen casual Filipino spots spread widely over the Greater Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area, from buffets to fast-food places and bakeries, with even a burger joint in the mix. An event like Alamat, with support from established kitchen mentors like Lee and Wright, may point to the beginning (or at least the possibility) of a new wave. Tickets are $82.60 per person, including tax and tip, plus a handling fee of $11.92, for a total of $94.52. Book through Eventbrite. Alison Cook is the Chronicle's James Beard Award-winning restaurant critic. Follow her on Twitter, and keep up with Houston's latest dining and drinking news and reviews by subscribing to our free Flavor newsletter. So many options, so little time. Get ready to feast at some amazing new Houston restaurants, all opening in Houston, from a burger joint in Westchase to downtown's Finn Hall. The massive food hall, opening December 3, features 10 chef-driven food concepts and a craft beer/curated wine bar on the first floor and an Art Deco cocktail lounge on the mezzanine level. Frozen mezcal drinks and $5 cheeseburgers at a new concept from Houston bar legend Brad Moore and Steven O'Sullivan of Cantina Barba, along with business partner Manuel De Leon, can soon be yours. Come early December, the group is set to open a new restaurant and bar at 306 Main Street in the space formerly occupied by Moving Sidewalk. While the name of the establishment has not yet been determined, the menu is already in the works. STEPPING OUT: Houston bars where you can drink like an adult The roster of food and drinks borrows from O'Sullivan's other eateries, Taqueria Barba food truck and stand-alone eatery and mezcal bar Cantina Barba in Woodland Heights, including tacos, $5 cheeseburgers, and an addictive pineapple and orange slushie spiked with booze. There will also be plenty of ice-cold beers available. COOL OFFERINGS: Houston's best patio bars to explore this fall Moore has pioneered such distinguished bars as Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge downtown, Grand Prize Bar in Montrose, Big Star Bar in the Heights, Lil' Danny Speedo's Go Fly A Kite Lounge in the Second Ward, and downtown's Moving Sidewalk, which closed this summer. "We worked with Steven O'Sullivan at Grand Prize. He proposed a restaurant concept downtown and that made us smile," Moore tells the Houston Chronicle. "His tacos are great and the $5 cheeseburger ... now, that's bar food. If it's midnight on a Thursday, I want that cheeseburger, not truffle mac 'n' cheese with lobster." Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message A man gave the Nazi salute and yelled "Heil Hitler, heil Trump!" from the balcony during a Wednesday night performance of "Fiddler on the Roof" in Baltimore. Audience member Rich Scheer, who witnessed the outburst during the intermission at the Hippodrome Theatre, told the Baltimore Sun that some people thought the salute was the prelude to a shooting and quickly exited out of the theater and into a hall. "People started running," Scherr said. "I'll be honest, I was waiting to hear a gunshot. I thought, 'Here we go.'" Ushers reportedly rushed to the man and police were called. Security escorted him out and the show resumed. The Sun reported that the audience cheered when the man was removed. A police spokesman said the man, who was not identified, was not arrested. MORE : Hate crimes wound scores of victims beyond headlines "Fiddler on the Roof" is the story of a Jewish dairyman trying to keep his family adhering to their religious and cultural traditions even as they face persecution in tsarist Russia. The "Heil Hitler" shout occurred immediately following a scene that depicts a wedding interrupted by a pogrom an attack that can range from destruction of homes or property to outright slaughter. The incident comes only days after the FBI released its 2017 hate crime statistics, which showed instances of the crime up 17 percent nationwide in the first year of Donald Trump's presidency over the previous year. Eleven people were shot and killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue last month. --- Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. A Houston graduate student said she was targeted for being a person of color when asked to leave a city facility in West University Place Nov. 13, but the city says the police officers who responded to the situation acted appropriately. In a police body camera audio recording released to the public Nov. 15 through a post made on the West University Place city website, Ashly Horace can be heard telling officers she was taken by surprise when a library worker called the police on her after she refused to leave the Scout House facility that the library rents for story time. "I used to work for the city of West University, for five years I taught dance here," Horace said in the police recording. "I was sitting in the back, I was not bothering anybody...I was just observing." The city states in the post that the five officers who responded to the incident acted appropriately and that the incident was considered a verbal disturbance. The officer can be heard on the recording trying to calm Horace, who sounds disturbed over the argument with library workers. "Any disturbance, especially where children are in proximity during school hours on a school campus, the response of 5 officers (1 supervisor, 3 officers and 1 trainee) was appropriate for the situation," the city stated in the post. NOVEMBER CRIMES: West University Place Police Department report Horace told police as part of her studies as a graduate student studying library science, she had been observing story times at local libraries. The officer in the recording tells Horace she is not in trouble and that "there's no criminal violation," trying to keep her calm. Library workers can be heard on the recording telling police Horace was asked to leave because she did not have a child with her and she was not an approved library student or intern. "Unless they are an approved library student or intern, we don't let them into story time," the library worker told police. "I said 'Ma'am, you have to go unless you have a kid you can't be in here' and she said "No, you're racist if I was white you wouldn't be doing this.'" According to the recording, Horace said she applied to be a story assistant volunteer for the West University Library's story time events last Wednesday. She said her resume was on the woman's desk who kicked her out. "I said, 'You know, why are you doing this? If my skin wasn't brown, you wouldn't be doing this.' And she kind of looked, like, shocked," Horace told ABC 13. Horace told ABC after the incident she was still confused and wants the library branch manager to be fired. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Following years of planning, Bellaire now has a new city hall. The new building opened Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7008 S. Rice, next to the old city hall, and will house city council meetings and several city departments. Project Manager Michelle Jordan said early on in the construction that the city realized its original budget for the project was going to fall about $1 million short of what was needed, mostly due to the cost of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Adjustments were made, and since then Jordan said the project had come in as planned. We dont have any wiggle room for any additions to the project at this point and time, she said at the city council meeting Monday, Nov. 5. But we have managed this very, very closely so far. And as long as we continue to do that, well bring it in with the funds that we have available. The new city hall was part of an approximately $20.3-million plan, including the City Hall ($8.3 million); Police Department and Court ($9.3 million); temporary facilities ($700,000); design cost ($1.1 million); and miscellaneous costs ($900,000). Mayor Andrew Friedberg said problems for years at the old city hall showed it was definitely time for a new facility. The old building served us well for many years but had reached the end of its useful life, especially the foundation and other major components as well, Friedberg said. Remember also that the decisions leading to its replacement were made back in 2004, and since then weve been pretty much band-aiding it along in anticipation of complete reconstruction. He said the new city hall is just one part of several improvements Bellaire is working on, including a new police and courts building slated to open in January and a new civic center slated to open in summer 2019. Additionally, a new Bellaire High School is being built. This project comes at a time of broader transformation throughout Bellaire, with continued significant commercial and residential redevelopment. The new building is reflective of Bellaires changing image and our investment in our future, Friedberg said. The new council chamber is more open and spacious than the old one and offers features like three large visual screens so that people can better see presentations from different angles in the room. Another main feature of the first floor of the building is the new customer service area that houses the citys utilities and development services desks. In the old building, they were on two different floors. The new area will give easy access to pay utility bills, start and stop services and apply for permits. The Bellaire LIFE program for residents 50 and up also has space on the first floor. Because a lot of the available parking is currently further away because of construction on other buildings, BLIFE will continue to meet off-site at the Bellaire United Methodist Church until summer 2019. The top floor of the building holds the finance, development services, human resources and information technology departments, plus the city managers office. Friedberg said having a beautiful, new building showed the grit and time that many individuals put into the process. Its the realization of a vision thats long been in the works, with significant community input from individual residents, two citizens advisory committees and voter support over three separate bond propositions spanning 11 years, he said. It took as long as it did because we took the time necessary to get it right. Council will hold its first meeting in its new chamber at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3. It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Jordan said a larger celebration will be held once the entire campus is finished. The last meeting in the old chamber should be at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com Clear Creek ISD Several campuses in the Clear Creek school district are under lockdown after authorities received a report of a man carrying a gun near Clear Lake Intermediate School. Harris County Precinct 8 deputies received the report about 11 a.m. In an email, Jason Finnen with precinct 8 said, "we have no reason to believe the male entered any schools." This week a ghost hunting company that sells tickets to paranormal events across Texas announced that next spring it would be setting its sights on the Battleship Texas, located at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte. The Texas-based Haunted Rooms America is selling tickets for an overnight ghost tour of the ship for April 6, 2019. Tickets are $169 a person and include an overnight stay aboard the historic battle wagon. HAUNTED TEXAS: Ghost stories, myths and other Texas horror stories Ghost hunting equipment like "rigger objects, EMF Readers, and spirit boxes" will be used in the hopes of contacting or documenting paranormal activity aboard the ship. Psychic mediums will also be in attendance. Haunted Rooms isn't the first group to get approval to do this officially. Another group did this in 2010, according to a KHOU-TV report. "There has been rumors of hauntings for decades, so we're looking forward to hopefully proving those rumors correct," Wesley McDermott, the owner of the company, told Chron.com in a statement this week. Meanwhile the man who is in charge of the upkeep and restoration of the Battleship Texas isn't so sure the would-be ghost hunters will be finding anything of note. RUMOR HAS IT: Is the Houston Zoo haunted by the ghost of a former daredevil zookeeper? According to Andy Smith, the manager of Battleship Texas State Historic Site, there was only one confirmed combat fatality aboard the Texas during its time at sea. That's if you believe that spirits stick around where their human bodies met a violent end, of course. Chris Christiansen, a helmsman that helped steer the ship, was killed on the ship's bridge by a German shell off Cherbourg on June 25, 1944. A U.S. Army Ranger died on one of the Texas' operating tables in the days following D-Day from injuries sustained at Pointe du Hoc, France. Two sailors went overboard during WWI while on patrol, reported lost at sea after the sailors who were to take charge of their watch after them couldn't find them. HOUSTON HISTORY: A look back at Houston's City Hall over the decades Smith is not against ghost tours in the slightest, as he thinks the history being told is the real attraction. Family members of the men who served on Texas have expressed to Smith and others that think ghost tours are disrespectful. "Some of the surviving crew members and their families have, in the past, expressed a view that "ghost hunting" on their ship -- or the ship their relatives served on -- is disrespectful," Smith said. "This is much of the reason we have not pursued these activities and do not advertise, publicize, or in any way communicate Texas as haunted." Still, the tour group can search for ghosts all they want, according to Smith, as long they play by the rules. "Battleship Texas has at the core of her mission to commemorate the service members that served aboard her and we try to do so with respect," Smith told Chron.com this week. "She does belong to all the people of Texas and we make every effort to encourage all of our citizens to engage with her and the stories she has to tell. Use of her for any activity that is in compliance with our established rules is welcomed." Smith says that they have allowed these types of tours at times in the past, and only denied them when they were not willing to follow the rules, or pay the appropriate fees. McDermott and Smith have been in touch. PREVIOUS: Spending a night aboard the Battleship Texas, the last of her kind "Although he says he hasn't witnessed anything himself, with a full investigation we hope to provide him with some evidence that says otherwise," McDermott said. "There are so many rumors. The event is part of their overnight program, with a few alterations, but the most important aspect of it -- the history -- is really what we want to promote more than anything." Smith, who even has a tattoo of the ship on his chest, has never "felt" anything or even been scared or creeped out aboard the ship. He thinks if anyone wants to do ghost hunting they would have a more fruitful time a few hundred yards away on the old San Jacinto battleground. "Now the battlefield and the 600 or 700 dead Mexican soldiers whose bodies were left to rot for years before they were finally buried in mass graves that have yet to be found is another story," Smith said. RELATED: Happy berth day to the Battleship Texas The tale of how hundreds of rotting enemy combatant bodies were finally laid to rest is a story for another day. Suffice to say neither General Sam Houston or Mexican general Santa Anna wanted to do it, and Texas woman Peggy McCormick ended up doing it with her own family. Smith reiterated that as long as the group plays by the rules set out by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Battleship Texas Foundation, McDermott's group is welcome to search for errant specters. Even if overnight guests don't see anything eerie on board they can always brag to their friends that they spent the night on a battleship that saw action during two world wars. Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The crowd assembled the afternoon of Nov. 11 at Second Baptist Church-West Campus paid tribute on Veterans Day to those military veterans who served but also gave a warm send-off with applause, handshakes and homemade signs to those who are just beginning a military career. Texans Embracing Americas Military organized its sixth send-off and last one of the year with participation and support of various community groups include Katy Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182, Katy American Legion Post 164, Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628, District 22 U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, District 132 state Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy/Cypress, city of Katy officials and police and fire departments from Waller, Harris and Fort Bend counties. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who has been part of this from the start, said Ralph Oliver, who founded and launched the send-off program in Katy earlier this year. U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps called the names of those who have enlisted to join the service. Thirty-names are listed as enlistees. Keynote speaker Lt. Col. Sam Robins said, Military service means being on a team forever. As a veteran, you help connect the public with the military. Robins, whose service included Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, earned honors that include a Bronze Star with a 3 oak leaf cluster, a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge. He told the young enlistees that military service provides training that makes them desirable employees as leaders and professionals after their tour of duty is complete. Recognizing veterans in the audience, he asked them to stand up and called Nov. 11 a celebration of patriotism, service and sacrifice by those who served in the U.S. military. Representatives of the American Legion, Katy Elks Lodge and Katy VFW presented a challenge coin, an American flag and a blue star package respectively to each enlistee. Everyone in this room is your family now, said Oliver after commenting that some enlistees didnt have family who attended. Youre not alone anymore. Katy and everyone else is your family and were very proud of you. Those words also were repeated to the audience in a video broadcast of President Donald Trump who applauded the service of veterans and saluted their sacrifice. You have earned our freedom, said Trump, who called veterans Americas greatest national treasure and best role model. Also delivering a salute to veterans was Ernie Cormier, judge advocate of American Legion Post 164, who read a poem that he wrote about the 11th of November. On this day we celebrate those who bravely fought all our foes, he said. Veterans who served and fought for love of country and not for glory sought. karen.zurawski@chron.com For nine years now the students at Longfellow Elementary have been the bellwether for the hottest toys in Houston. The HISD magnet school caters to students with an interest in the creative and performing arts. Each year a group of fifth-grade students at the Braeswood Place area school hold a press conference for assembled media to ask them the tough questions about what is on their radar each year with the toys supplied each year by Target. UPDATE: On Monday, a spokesperson for Pabst provided the following statement via email: "Since 1844, Pabst has been offering authentic, great tasting and affordable beers to all Americans. From our flagship brand, Pabst Blue Ribbon, to our local legends, which include Rainier, Lone Star, Old Style, Stag, Stroh, Natty Boh, Olympia, and others these iconic brands all have rich histories and deep roots in communities across the country. We are deeply disappointed that MillerCoors, the U.S. subsidiary of multinational brewing conglomerate Molson Coors, has willfully breached our 19-year agreement in an effort to stomp out the competition. Even though MillerCoors' market power is much larger than Pabst's, we will not allow this industry bully to push us around. We are confident that the court will see MillerCoors' fabricated "capacity" concerns for what they are: a thinly veiled, bad faith attempt to unlawfully hurt a competitor." ________________________________________________________________ Life isn't all beer and skittles. We may soon bid adieu to a Texas icon as the future of Lone Star Beer doesn't look bright, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Pabst Brewing Company, which owns "The National Beer of Texas," could end up on the losing end of a legal dispute with MillerCoors, leaving us all with a tear in our last Lone Star Beer. What's the battle of the two beer brands about? MillerCoors is under contract to brew all of Pabst's labels through 2020, and it is not looking to renew. That means it could be curtains for Lone Star, plus fellow Texas brewing company Pearl and the 19 other Pabst-owned beer brands, from Old Milwaukee to Colt 45 Malt Liquor. A court trial over the dispute, happening now, is expected to run through November. Trial woes: Pabst says MillerCoors is trying to put it out of business Lone Star Brewing Company launched in 1940 when Kansas-based Muehlebach Brewing Company purchased a San Antonio brewery from the Champion Brewing Company. In the 1940s, Lone Star Brewing parted ways with Muehlebach. It was purchased and sold three times, including to two out-of-state companies, before Pabst bought it in 1999. Eventually, Lone Star Beer achieved iconic status as big as the state it's named after, even being featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta. The fight is on (video): MillerCoors and Pabst Are in a Courtroom Brewing Battle Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Chapelwood Foundation held its biannual Path with a Purpose scholarship luncheon on Oct. 18 at Chapelwood United Methodist Church to honor recent collegiate recipients and to build awareness of this transformative community outreach program. The Foundations Scholarship Program targets and identifies highly performing Houston area High School students who lack the financial resources necessary to attend college and take the next step to higher education. The keynote address, Reflections on the Impact of Education, was given by Kenny Baldwin, president and founder of SpringSpirit, a Houston based non-profit, which provides safe pathways for at-risk youth to realize life opportunities through sports, education and mentoring programs based on Christian principles. Linda Buchman, Spring Branch ISD community relations officer, spoke regarding the strong partnership between the school district and Chapelwood United Methodist Church and the specific ways in which the program fills the void for these students and enhances the entire community. Buchman said, Spring Branch ISD is incredibly grateful that Chapelwood United Methodist Church and its members place a high priority on investing in the education of our 35,000 students. The Foundations deep and sustained generosity to fill both financial and resource gaps through college scholarships and hands on mentoring from early childhood to college readiness assures that more of our graduates fulfill their potential and helps our students transition from hopelessness to hope. Past scholarship recipient Homero Perez Flores spoke about the impact the support of the Foundation has had on his life. A former Northbrook High School student, Homero graduated from the University of Houston and is now studying at the University of Houston College of Optometry. If I could describe the impact that the Chapelwood Foundation had on my education in one word, it would be the word blessing, Flores said. Personally, having the support of such a great foundation motivated me to go out every day and take care of business. About the Chapelwood Foundation The Chapelwood Foundation is a permanent endowment program which serves as a ministry of Chapelwood United Methodist Church and provides funding for the future of the congregation's mission to bring Christ and His love to the local and global community. Valued at more than $8.5 million, the Foundation annually awards grants and scholarships up to 5 percent of its three-year average assets to selected missions and ministries. The Foundation's vision is about blessing those beyond the walls of the church and focuses on life-giving and life-saving initiatives including critical health care, education, recovery initiatives, the fight against human trafficking and more for those in need at all ages and stages of life both locally in the Spring Branch/Greater Houston area and around the world. For more information about the Chapelwood Foundation Scholarship program and outreach opportunities, contact Teresa Cannon at tcannon@chapelwood.org or (713) 354-4485.www.chapelwood.orgwww.facebook.com/chapelwood See More Collapse Since its inception in 2005, the Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded approximately $950,000 in scholarships to approximately 200 student scholars providing them with much needed assistance to reach their higher education goals. Foundation scholarships are offered for the entire college experience and are renewable each semester if the student maintains a 2.5 GPA and participates in a community service project. All students in the Foundations Scholarship Program have a connection to either a Chapelwood member or a Chapelwood ministry. The majority of the students in the program come from the Collegiate Challenge Program at Northbrook High School in Spring Branch ISD in which mentors are assigned to students and help them navigate the college admissions and scholarship application process. Criteria for student applicants includes stellar academic achievement as well as a high level of financial need. Although the majority of recipients come from SBISD, students from Katy ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Aldine ISD are also represented. As Executive Director of the Foundation, I have had the privilege of walking beside and glimpsing the amazing character of these hard-working, motivated, courageous students as they daily take the difficult steps to move beyond the limitations imposed by poverty and life circumstances, said Teresa Cannon. They are changing the world for themselves individually as well as for their families for generations to come as many are the first in their family to attend college. One person was killed Thursday afternoon when a trailer came unhitched from a vehicle traveling on Texas 242 and hit two cars head on. The crash happened around 2 p.m. near Woodloch, a small town on the west bank of the San Jacinto River. Drivers reported to police that the trailer came loose, killing one and sending another driver to the hospital with minor injuries. One high school student is dead and another two men injured after what police believe to be separate, possibly gang-related shootings this week in Houston. The first shooting involved Lamar High School student Delindsey Mack, who was gunned down Tuesday about a block away from the school campus. Houston police believe three suspects targeted the 18-year-old outside the Bethany Christian Church parking lot. RELATED: Two shot in drive-by at South Side gas station The second shooting occurred Friday morning at a South Side gas station, where two hooded attackers drove up next to two men sitting in the the back seat of a car and opened fire, according to earlier reports. The men were both taken to the hospital but are expected to survive. "There's a gang war going on right now in Houston," Police Chief Art Acevedo recently told Channel 13, adding that Houston is home to an estimated 20,000 documented gang members. At least 61 of those gang members are currently considered fugitives, according to information from cooperating law enforcement agencies on StopHoustonGangs.org. Most of the top 10 most wanted fugitives have been charged with murder or capital murder, and some have ties to some of the regions' more violent gangs, such as Tango Blast and MS-13. The spectrum of Houston gangs includes street, prison, motorcycle, regional and national gangs, according to the Stop Houston Gangs website. The more well-known groups, such as Crips, Bloods and Bandidos, all have a presence in the Bayou City. RELATED: Parents demand increased safety at Lamar HS after student shot to death The city also is home to smaller street gangs, such as La Primera and the Southwest Cholos. When it comes to the different types of victims of gang violence, Christina Garza, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Houston office, said anyone could be caught in the cross fire. That's why it's important, she said, to keep a close eye out for the fugitives in the gallery above. "No neighborhood or soci0-economic status is immune to criminal gang violence," Garza said. "And that's just a fact." 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 When it was announced it seemed so far away: President Barack Obama visiting Rice University for a conversation with former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. And now it's nearly upon us, and more details are available. The 44th president of the United States of America will participate in a 45-minute talk with Baker, the honorary chair and namesake of the Baker Institute at Rice on Nov. 27. The event is part of a celebration of the Baker Institute's 25th anniversary programming: "A Quarter Century: Making History." Updated story Nov. 21 After an Alvin-area church was vandalized last week, members of the community there decided to help the small church with cleanup expenses. Members of another nearby church, CityView Church of Alvin, covered the cost of removing the red graffiti paint, saying they just wanted to help another church in need. "They had just painted the front of this building this summer and so I know that wasn't a small thing for them to do to spend money on," Cary Perrin, pastor of CityView Church told ABC13. "They just needed a little extra help this time around." David Stout of of Gitchasum Dustless Water Blasting, LLC, volunteered his time and company resources to help clean up the church's exterior. Stout said Perrin reached out to pay for Stout's services, and Stout offered to decrease the fee to half the price. Stout said erasing the graffiti took him four hours. "They are a small church with very little money. They didn't know how to clean it up," Stout said. "It's self gratifying to help people out like that." Original story Nov. 15 Alvin area residents are speaking out and offering to help after a local church was targeted by vandals Wednesday. Primera Iglesia Bautista of Alvin located at 302 Ave K recently received a fresh coat of paint before the outside was vandalized, according to area residents. Alex Mendoza said this is not the first time the church has been targeted. "I have seen it at least two other times," Mendoza said. "The church years ago even had to put a cage around the AC units outside, due to them being messed with." Mendoza shared photos of the vandalized church online alerting residents in a local Facebook group. "This makes our city look horrible," Mendoza wrote in the post. "Our Alvin Police Department needs more help cracking down on these punk kids around town. I don't attend this church, but I do know this church just finish[ed] painting their building. This is just sad." CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL: Pearland resident hopes to construct animal slaughterhouse Officials with the Alvin PD said a report was filed Thursday by a church representative, but it has not been completed. "It's [the church] in a neighborhood were graffiti is not uncommon," Alvin Police Captain Tim Hubbard said. Since the report was just recently filed Hubbard said he is not sure if the graffiti is related to area gangs, but added this type of vandalism is more common with the gangs in Alvin. "We have some gangs in town and graffiti is probably some of the more significant stuff they do," Hubbard said. "The gangs here in town are not the same as the gangs in Houston." Graffiti is a Class B Misdemeanor and is punishable with jail time, Hubbard said. Hubbard said Alvin PD does not have any other reports of the same church being vandalized, but believes residents' claims it was targeted more than once could still be correct. NEW REPORT: 7 Houston suburbs make 2018 list of 50 safest cities in Texas "It's quite possible that a lot of graffiti in those areas doesn't get reported," Hubbard said. Mendoza's post solicited responses from residents, with some even offering to help clean up the mess. "I am a member of this church and this breaks my heart. I do not know what the person or persons who did this are going through, but this is a clear example that we all need prayer," Aguilar Isaias wrote on the Facebook post. Hubbard said once the initial report is completed it will be passed onto the investigations department that will work to locate any suspects. Requests for comment from church leaders of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Alvin were not met as of Thursday afternoon. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Molly Haywood can tumble, rock climb and jump over a high bar while pole vaulting. At 13, Haywood, from Tomball, is one of nearly 200 children to compete on the obstacle course show American Ninja Warrior Junior, which will air on Saturday. I was really excited. I was super-duper happy to know I was one of the people picked, she upon learning that she, as well as her younger brother Ben, 10, were selected to compete. Haywood said she goes to the gym regularly to rock climb, tumble and pole vault. When shes not at the gym, she works out on the ninja course in her backyard, she said. SMALL BUT MIGHTY: Woodlands fifth grader to compete on new American Ninja Warrior Junior Haywoods mother, Jill Haywood, said she was proud of her children being able to compete on the show. They worked so, so hard, she said. Haywood and her brother were two of the children chosen to appear on the show out of 9,000 applicants. She will get to show off her efforts when the episode featuring her run on the obstacle course airs on Universal Kids this Saturday at 6 p.m. Haywood said she plans to have a watch party at home with her friends. mayra.cruz@chron.com A new tree-house style obstacle course planned for the Woodlands is expected to bring the Greater Houston area's adventure theme park game to new heights. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors named the attraction Texas TreeVentures at an Oct. 24 meeting and construction for the park officially started in Oct. 1, according to township officials. Located inside Rob Fleming Park in The Village of Creekside Park, the aerial adventure park is a high-ropes, tree-based obstacle course with more than 60 features that include rock climbing, beams and bridges, cable traverses and more. "It's suitable for all levels of adventure depending on how ambitious you want to be on it," said Nick Wolda, director of community relations for The Woodlands Township. "It's a unique design, a unique course that is going to be unique to the greater Houston area and really to Texas as well." Settled in the middle of the woods in a local nature preserve, Wolda said the park is sure to bring adventurous residents to the area. "The setting is just incredible, you are just right in the middle of the forest," Wolda said. NEW THEME PARK: Gator Bayou sneak peek brings 1st adventure to Grand Texas in New Caney An opening date is scheduled for Spring 2019, but Wolda stressed the area is an active work site and is closed to the public. He said construction workers and staff are on site seven days a week and monitoring the area closely in conjunction with local sheriff's patrols to prevent any trespassers. The park will be part of the programs offered by the townsnhip's Parks and Recreation Department. Wolda added it will be a great attraction for the township's growing number of convention center guests as well. "When people come here for business meetings they always look for outdoor excursions," Wolda said. "Business groups will want to use for team building and special, unique activities here." Wolda said the township is in the process of hiring employees to work at the park. He said it will not be free for residents and pricing is still being worked out. "But it will be similar to how we do our kayak rentals, the boat rentals, swan boat rentals," Wolda said. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Woodlands community is a haven for art lovers. It boasts one of the largest collections of public art and hosts numerous cultural and performing art events throughout the year. One place residents can view art by local artists, or work at becoming a better artist themselves, is at the Glade Arts Foundation museum and gallery, located at 2000 Woodlands Parkway. Dragos Tapu, co-founder and president of the Glade Arts Foundation in The Woodlands, explained in a prior interview with The Villager in April that the Glade Arts Foundation provides an art museum to a community that was lacking one. The purpose of it is promoting fine arts of all kinds, an interaction between all art forms performing arts, obviously visual arts. We all travel a lot everywhere and every time we come home there wasnt much for us here, Tapu said. It was a need and an opportunity, and obviously the fact that we already had access to all these great artists through the gallery, it only made sense to go one extra step and do something bigger for the community. The Glade Arts Foundation also offers a diverse program of exciting art experiences for learners of all ages. Visitors can gain fresh perspectives and find a passion for studio art through weekly classes and immersive workshops, or enhance understanding through lecture series on art history and other art-related topics. Courses range from a single hour to immersive weekends to eight weeks of study. The museum features a permanent exhibit of work by David Adickes, a local legend whose paintings range from human figures to Parisian landscapes and boats. Other exhibits which change out frequently range from unique contemporary local and international fine artists to one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality installations designed by acclaimed artists and institutions. Currently on display in the contemporary gallery is work by Annette Palmer, who selected music intended to be listened to while the viewer gazes at each painting. Its a multi-sensory exhibit because she paired music with the paintings, Tapu said. Annette actually mixed the music with cassettes on tape so each (painting) has its own Walkman. The idea is to induce nostalgic memories from the past while the viewer is looking at the painting while listening to music. Holiday Events Tapu said the museum will host a holiday special event, The Enchanted Forest, which is a multi-sensory interactive theatrical performance, from Nov. 29 through Jan. 6. There are three shows scheduled per night. Depending upon arrival time, performances can range from 70 to 90 minutes. Because its interactive we split the audience into many groups to go in and experience, that way everybody has the chance to experience the intimate theater play, Tapu said. The shows feature a Cirque du Soleil style dance and runs throughout the entirety of the property, both indoors and outdoors. Two nights have been designated as sensory friendly so that those with disabilities can enjoy the holiday season as well, Tapu said. We have two nights were working on having a third night added where the theatrical performance will be sensory friendly. We may dim the lights a little bit; we may lower the music, he explained. Some shows are already sold out. To see times and purchase tickets, visit https://gladeartsfoundation.org/enchanted-forest. Woodlands Symphony Master Series The Woodlands Symphony Master Series is a series of concerts hosted by The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra once a month at the center. Dec. 20: Holiday Extravaganza. The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra Brass will perform an array of holiday classics. Jan. 25: Opening Concert. This event will feature music from the Baroque Period including Bach, Telemann and Vivaldi with Classical Symphonies by Haydn. Feb. 22: LHistoire du soldat The Soldiers Tale by Igor Stravinsky. The evening will feature The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra with narration and interpretive dance. March 22: Symphony, Swing & Sinatra. This concert and fundraiser will feature dancing, dining, a silent auction, craft whiskey and cigars. April 26: Opera Heroes Preview. This event will highlight a sample of the opera stars from WSO Season Finale Concert, featuring singing sensation Ian Ramirez and Kelly Peters with piano accompaniment. Upcoming in 2019 Joseph Preston Staley, executive curator for the Glade Arts Foundation, said the museum will feature a post-Harvey exhibit in mid-February. Three Houston-area artists will showcase the resiliency of the community through different mediums. Figurative artist Cindee Klement will present work based about the water rescues and how everyone came together. Self-titled abstract expressionist Geraldina Wise will have work created from Hurricane Harvey flood waters on display. Mary Castagna created a lifeboat out of re-purposed debris from the storm. (The lifeboat) is a metaphor for this resilience after the storm, Staley said. Its something that is capable of saving people and bringing people out of the water. In April, the museum will be participating in a nationwide Latino Art Now! movement, Staley noted. Representatives from the Smithsonian museum will be coming to Houston and cultural center will be a satellite exhibit. An artist will do a live painting in conjunction with a classical string quartet performing Latino music. To learn more about the Glade Arts Foundation and all it has to offer, visit https://gladeartsfoundation.org/. As Brandon Moore explains how a computer numerical control, or CNC, machine operates, the machine shop at Lone Star College-Conroe Center is bustling with other students. A few hours later, Moore will leave campus and drive around the corner to his workplace Supra America Machined Parts where he gets to practice the skills hes learning in an apprenticeship program. I dont do the same thing every day, so Im constantly growing and learning, which will make me a more competent employee for my company, Moore said. The week of Nov. 12-18 is National Apprenticeship Week, and locally, Lone Star College held seminars for companies as well as trade and industry groups to learn about the two-or four-year apprenticeship programs the college offers. The college was registered last year with the U.S. Department of Labor to facilitate formal apprenticeships in skilled workforce programs such as machining technology, petroleum service technicians and cybersecurity, and officials at LSC are looking to expand their employer partnerships. Theyre able to do so in part by an executive order signed in 2017 by President Donald Trump that promoted such programs at community colleges. Linda Head, LSCs senior associate vice chancellor of external and employer relations, said under the apprenticeship program, students can learn skills and earn certificates while they work in their field. The programs are also available at centers such as LSC-Cypress Center and LSC-North Harris Campus. In todays world, community colleges are often serving as the formal education and training pieceapprenticeships are shorter now and community colleges are involved, Head said. For Moore, a Spring resident who is working toward his associates degree of applied science in CNC machining, this means that his machining employer came to the classroom to conduct interviews. Moore was selected for the position and started his apprenticeship in February. Hes a quality technician at his employers facility that makes safety-system parts for the automotive industry. Not only does Moore receive pay and benefits for his work, but his employer pays his school fees. I definitely did not expect them to pay for my school, and didnt expect to have an opportunity like this. Ive heard about internships, but most of those I hear about people dont get paid for, Moore said. Robb Radakovich is the centers director and professor of machining technology. He said that once the students complete a Department of Labor apprenticeship, they can work anywhere in the country. Radakovich would know: he did an apprenticeship of his own in the 1980s. Its gratifying for me to see the apprenticeship program come back, and to see these young adults have career opportunities, Radakovich said, who also mentioned that the centers dean, Mary Mendoza, has been supportive of the programs. Radakovich teaches his students machining basics with an emphasis on safety, quality, punctuality and working well with others, with the end goal that they contribute to the nations need for skilled workforce laborers. Of the nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs expected to be needed in the next decade, 2 million of those are predicted to remain vacant because of employees dont have the proper skills, according to a Lone Star College press release. And, more broadly, the problem could be exacerbated in various workforce sectors by the millions of baby boomers leaving their posts due to retirement, Radakovich said. Head said that they often hear from companies that they cant find enough experienced workers. Were hoping employers will see that they dont have to find someone with 10 years of experience, but we can put someone in an apprenticeship and grow them quickly, Head said. Moore is expected to complete his apprenticeship in February 2020, but said he plans to stay with his current employer. He worked with a moving company, lugging heavy furniture before, and seems happy to be learning new machining skills now. It feels nice to be part of something bigger, and this company has been treating me very well, Moore said. The biggest thing about apprenticeships is delayed gratification youre working for something now to be rewarded for that in the future. jane.stueckemann@chron.com The scent of spiced apple candles filled the Sawyer family kitchen on a chilly Thursday morning as 16-year old Gracie Sawyer baked delicate chocolate meringue pastries. Earlier this year, those macarons took Gracie almost 7,000 miles from her home in Montgomery County to the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia. Theres a real art to it, Gracie said. I realized very quickly that it was a whole lot harder than I had expected.. In July, Gracie and nine other dancers from the Excelsior School of Dance accompanied by the Mongolian Military Orchestra and a Korean Christian Choir became the first Christian artists to perform at the opera house when they took their ballet, Savior, to the country in an effort to spread the Gospel. The company took to the stage both in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and the small northern town of Darkhan facing standing room-only crowds in the Buddhist-majority country where expressing ones Christian beliefs is sometimes discouraged. I didn't realize how important that aspect of the people was, Gracie said. They were hungry for it and they wanted it. They couldn't believe that we would come over and do this. Gracie has been dancing with the Christian dance company since she was 4 years old. Excelsior subscribes to the Sonshine Christian Ballet Syllabus, a method that teaches dance as a way to spread the word of God. The Mongolia mission was organized in partnership with the Messiah Project, which planned the free performances for whoever could find a seat in the crowded theaters. You can express so much through facial expressions and your body language than you can through words, Gracie said. The Gospel shouldnt come at a price. None of it wouldve been possible for her without the generosity of her community and the upwards of $500 painstakingly raised over two months to fund the mission trip, she said. In December 2017, Gracie began searching for ways to raise the funds for her first international trip, landing on macarons after a baking class. Notorious as one of the most difficult desserts to make, macarons can go wrong easily, and achieving their signature consistency and feet the ridges around the bottom of each disc is often a challenge for beginner bakers. The process, Gracie said, is grueling, but the experience both in the kitchen and on the stage taught her that perseverance can have a great payoff. People are hungry for the gospel, she said. They can see how much love is poured out toward them and how much love Jesus has to offer. mrincon@chron.com The best banks offer business services beyond loans and deposits. Taking advantage of your banks treasury management services (TMS) could save you countless hours in tedious tasks. What is treasury management? Treasury management is a broad term that refers to the collection, concentration, and disbursement of cash. In other words, TMS helps control funds flowing in and out of your business. It is the non-credit side of the bank. TMS done right improves profitability and reduces risk. Business customers swear by these three time-saving TMS banking services: Remote Deposit Capture: Youve probably heard of Mobile Check Deposit. Thats bank jargon for the feature on your banking app that lets you deposit checks using your mobile camera. Remote Deposit Capture takes that concept a step further to help you keep up with business demands. Instead of taking photos one at a time, you can insert multiple checks into the Remote Deposit Capture machine for a quick scan. This lunch-box-sized scanning device allows businesses to avoid bank visits with unlimited deposits and direct uploads to QuickBooks. We love Remote Deposit (Capture), said Angela Gonzalez, D.D.S., a Texas Citizens Bank customer and Artistic Smiles business owner. Normally, someone has to take the deposit to the bank every day. Now, they just run checks through the scanner and thats it. No line, you can do it whenever you want, as many times as you want. And you can close it out any time before four. So the staff loves it, and I love it. Business Mobile Banking: Much of todays business is done directly from a smart phone calls, emails, scheduling. Business Mobile Banking makes business transactions just as flexible. Many Business Mobile Banking platforms offer convenient ways to make business payments and view activity. For instance, Texas Citizens Banks Business Mobile Banking app lets business customers authorize ACH and wire transfers, pay bills, transfer funds, and even view scanned checks. Similar to Zelle, Texas Citizens Bank offers a peer to peer (P2P) payment service, accessible by app or online. P2P allows you to set up payees and send money to friends, regardless of whether they have an account at the same bank. The data is properly encrypted and, thus, more secure than competing services out there. The best part? Unlike other services, Texas Citizens Bank charges no transfer fee. Positive Pay: Fraud can be difficult to spot. Hackers are not only smarter than ever, theyre relentless. However, by adopting a proactive program designed to look for and flag check irregularities and inconsistencies, you can reduce your business risk of check fraud and protect against financial loss. Texas Citizens Bank offers a free Positive Pay account reconciliation service to all its business customers. Along with mitigating risk via real time alerts (much like suspicious bank activity alerts), the digital platform improves accounting tasks and takes human errors out of the equation by automating quality control. All in all, Positive Pay has been a positive and money-saving experience for businesses of all sizes. The family of a North Carolina teacher missing in a remote part of Mexico received the news on Thursday that Patrick Braxton-Andrew was killed by drug cartel members in late October. Since he was last seen on Oct. 28 in Urique, a tiny village in the country's Chihuahua state, Braxton-Andrew's family has been in Mexico working with local and U.S. authorities to locate the 34-year-old Spanish teacher, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday. Two days later, on a Facebook page devoted to the search, Braxton-Andrew's family stated they had been informed by Mexican authorities that Patrick was killed "on October 28th at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area where he was traveling," the Thursday afternoon post stated. "The search continues to recover his body so we can bring him back home." Braxton-Andrew's sister-in-law confirmed his death in an email to The Washington Post. On his official Facebook page, Javier Corral, the governor of Chihuahua, wrote that investigators believe Braxton-Andrew was killed by a narco-trafficker operating in the region named Jose Noriel Portilo Gil, also known as "El Chueco." "Through the advances in the investigation, I can say that it was a cowardly and brutal assassination of a person who was totally innocent, a clean man whose misfortune was to cross paths with this criminal," Corral wrote. According to Mexico media reports, Portilo Gil is associated with the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel. Proceso reported that "El Chueco" - a name that translates to "twisty," "crooked," or "bowlegged" - is a young man allegedly running the cartel's business in the region surrounding Urique. In April 2017, Portilo Gil was believed to have been killed in an attack. But that September, Portilo Gil resurfaced when he and his associates allegedly led an attack on the State Security Commission in Urique. A fluent Spanish speaker who loved the language and had traveled widely in Central America and Mexico, Braxton-Andrew was originally scheduled to meet his brother in Mexico City on Oct. 30 after spending a few days hiking the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua. When he failed to show, his family began retracing his steps, eventually determining he was last seen leaving his hotel in Urique on Oct. 28. Mexican officials have not provided further details about how the American crossed paths with drug traffickers, or why Braxton-Andrew was killed. "Patrick died doing what he loved - traveling and meeting people. Join us in celebrating his life as he would want us to do," his family wrote on Facebook. "We will always remember Patrick and his joy for life. We love you PBA." In his own statement on the shooting, Corral promised to bring the family solace. "I have already experienced several hard and sad moments in my role as governor, and the one that I lived yesterday with Gary Braxton, the father of Patrick, informing him of the tragic event, has broken my heart," the official wrote. "I also informed him and his beautiful family that not only are we going to find Patrick's body, but we are going to do him justice and deliver exemplary punishment to this delinquent and his gang, who have paradoxically, by acting with such cowardice, put an end to their influence and the control of that area under the Sinaloa cartel." - - - The Washington Post's Drea Cornejo contributed to this report. NEWSALERT-LANKA-CAPSIZE Navy official says at least six people dead after ferry capsizes in eastern Sri Lanka. (AP)Navy official says at least six people dead after ferry capsizes in eastern Sri Lanka. (AP) As the wife of a U.S. Army officer, Dorothy Guderian lived in Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, New Jersey and New York City, to name a few locations, throughout her married life. For nearly four years, though, she has found a new home at Eagles Trace, an Erickson Living retirement community in west Houston. Ive always been very independent, she said. In towns across the country, she raised four children as her husband, Herbert, proudly served in Korea and Vietnam. As the family eventually settled in the Lone Star State, Guderian began a career with the Texas Bar Association that would last for 21 years. After 56 years of marriage, Herbert passed away. Living in Round Rock at the time, Guderian began searching for a senior living community that fit her active lifestyle. We have a close-knit family that now includes eight grandchildren. They all live within two hours or so from Houston, so my search narrowed to that area, Guderian said. When I learned about Eagles Trace, I scheduled a visit and was immediately impressed with not only the atmosphere but also their commitment to veterans and their families. Upon reviewing numerous floor plan options, Guderian selected the Jackson, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment home that fit her tastes. She worked with Haven Benoit, the personal moving consultant at Eagles Trace, to lay out her new furniture in just the right spots. The second bedroom serves as an office where I put my desk and computer as well as a guest room for family and visitors, she said. At Eagles Trace, Gudieran has continued her on-the-go pace. She utilizes the fitness center, working with a personal trainer to enhance her wellness regimen. The goal of being more connected than ever to her family has been realized as she enjoys frequent dinners and traveling with them, including a cruise to Alaska. She slows down from time to time to read a book, but likes the excitement of making new friends, too. There are so many interesting people who live here, and I love talking to the staff as I walk throughout the campus, she said. Our team really appreciated partnering with Ms. Guderian as she transitioned from her residence two hours away in Round Rock to Eagles Trace, said Pamela Burgeson, director of sales. It makes us happy when residents can take advantage of our services and amenities to enhance their overall quality of life. For more information about Eagles Trace, visit EaglesTraceCommunity.com. As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many find themselves in a frenzy of to-dos and holiday plans. There is no doubt that the festivities, food and traditions of this season bring full hearts (and full stomachs), but amidst all the excitement, its important to remember the reason for celebration kindness and thankfulness. No one understands these virtues better than Buckner Parkway Place senior living community, where members and staff exude the age-old saying, it is better to give than to receive. At any given time over the past year, one could find members and staff practicing self-sacrifice and generosity. With winter on its way, some on fixed incomes might be looking for ways to save money on their heating bills. Many states, the federal government, and some utility companies have assistance programs for seniors, and anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply for one of the programs. CEAP programs Low-income utility bill assistance and weatherization in Texas is provided by the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). These two programs work together to help qualified households control their energy costs, save money, and can help families pay for their immediate energy needs and bills. Both are partly funded by the federal government. Financial assistance for paying utility bills, including grants to pay summer cooling and air conditioning bills as well as winter heating costs, are provided by CEAP. It provides relief to those low-income seniors and/or disabled households most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance. It also encourages consumers to control energy costs for years to come through energy education. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and any aid provided will depend on a number of factors. Some people may receive from CEAP help with the payment of a utility bill. Others may qualify for repair or replacement of an appliance, and they will receive an energy efficient model. In order to apply, or get more information on utility bill help, call 877-399-8939. The hotline is available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or, visit https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1579/. This website contains an application portal. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) gives money to states to help low-income households who qualify to permanently lower their heating bill by making their homes more energy efficient. This includes weatherstripping doors and windows, insulating walls, floors and attics, among other things. Having a house weatherized can typically save homeowners between 30 and 40 percent on their annual heating bills. To apply for services, call toll free at 877-399-8939 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The toll-free number will directly connect you with the CEAP service provider in your county. Or, visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us/texans.htm, and click on weatherization. Reliant Energy Reliant Energys Community Assistance from Reliant Energy (CARE) program assists with utility bills for customers dealing with an unexpected extreme hardship, such as loss of job, illness or death in the family. CARE works with nonprofit social service agencies to provide funding to Reliant customers who qualify for assistance with their electricity bills. Call 211 within Texas for more information or visit www.reliant.com/en/about/inside-reliant/community/financial-help.jsp. Here are some non-furnace heating methods to help stay warm in the winter months: During the day, open your curtains and let the sunshine in to warm up your home. In the evening, bundle up. Wear socks and sweaters and use extra blankets. Before winter sets in, do some maintenance on your system so you know its working before you need to turn it on. Replace your air filters and make sure the registers and vents are not blocked. Unseen leaks in your windows, doors, ductwork and other areas can prevent your home from fully warming up and can cause your energy bills to soar. Leaks around doors and windows can be plugged using weatherstripping and caulk. While Thanksgiving for many is an occasion to gather with their extended families, that isnt always possible for individuals who dont live close to their relatives. Luckily for many older adults living in Houstons senior living communities, they can usually find a gathering right at home at which they can celebrate with their neighbors and community staff. Instead of hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Eagles Trace is inviting its residents to attend its 14th annual Thanksgiving service on Nov. 19. This ecumenical observance is sponsored by the communitys resident life department and planned by Karen Camerino and other residents. Camerino started this tradition after she and her husband Pat moved to the community in October 2005, shortly after Eagles Trace opened. A month later, a resident who was a retired Protestant minister oversaw the first service, which launched the tradition. The service combines scripture readings of different faiths, reflections and music that make for a beautiful event, Camerino said. We hold it before Thanksgiving to account for travel and family commitments. This year, the community has welcomed residents with the opening of a new building, Galveston Crossing. This year we especially look forward to celebrating the Thanksgiving service with new friends, Camerino said. We are indeed thankful for the fellowship we enjoy at Eagles Trace. The Abbey at Westminster Plaza will once again be hosting its annual sit-down, full-service Thanksgiving dinner. Chef Imrai Sanvicente, who formerly worked at Bistro Le Cep and Rotisserie for Beef and Bird restaurants, draws on his past experience in creating the menu for the communitys residents. This years menu is the same one I used to serve at Bistro Le Cep and Rotisserie for Beef and Bird; both restaurants served many of our now-residents and my goal is to recreate those memories, he said. The meal will be served in the communitys Dorchester dining room on Thanksgiving Day. The menu will include an apple and butternut squash bisque; cornbread; green salad; roasted turkey with fresh cranberries or roasted prime rib for the entree; green beans with roasted almonds; mashed potatoes; squash with maple syrup; freshly baked breads; and pumpkin, apple and pecan pies and rippled chocolate cake for dessert. Parkway Place is another Houston community working to get its residents into the Thanksgiving holiday spirit. The staff is expecting to serve about 300 residents and their close family and friends for its Thanksgiving buffet dinner. The menu will include a variety of salads and appetizers, a roast beef tenderloin carving station, roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy, filet of salmon with pineapple-citrus relish and smoked pit ham with pineapple raisin glaze, as well as sides such as mashed potatoes, candied yams, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, various vegetables, dinner rolls and assorted desserts. Duane Davis, assistant director of food services and hospitality at Parkway Place, urges residents to make reservations to ensure everyone can be accommodated. The communitys dining room will also be decorated in festive autumn colors such as gold and brown and the dining room tables will be adorned with turkey centerpieces made by the community staff and residents. The event will also feature a pianist allowing residents to sing along with their performances. As usual, we are very excited to putting on a fabulous Thanksgiving Day event for our residents that will be filled with lots of great food, music and family, Davis said. For more information about Eagles Trace, visit www.ericksonliving.com/eagles-trace. For The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, visit www.abbeywp.comand for Parkway Place, visit www.buckner.org/retirement-services/parkway-place/. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg Moldy strawberries topping a cake and 28 live roaches were found at Houston restaurants during health inspections from Nov. 5 to Nov. 12. Roaches were also an issue at other local eateries, as well as water temperature and gnats. Officials hope two dozen billboards throughout the Houston area will help parents understand the importance of keeping their firearms safe and locked away. During a press conference Thursday morning, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the initiative alongside Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Clear Channel Outdoor, a billboard company, Houston Police Department officials and others. The billboard itself will show a young child reaching for a loose firearm on top of a cabinet along with the words, "save a life lock up your guns." "As a gun owner, mother and prosecutor, I know the responsibility to keep children safe around firearms falls on us all and not doing so can be have tragic results that forever destroy families," Ogg said. "Using gun locks to safeguard weapons is simple, effective and should be embraced by everyone." Experts say accidental shootings and suicides are less likely in homes where firearms are safely locked away, according to Gonzalez. Recently, a toddler died while handling a gun in the Acres Homes area. Less than a week later, a 4-year-old stepson of an HCSO sergeant accidentally shot himself while handling a firearm similarly. Gonzalez said he hopes the billboards and recent Houston-area cases will inspire parents to lock up their guns. "I have seen firsthand the devastating effect that accidental shootings have on children and their families," Gonzalez said. "In every case, parents are overwhelmed with guilt and regret that they weren't more cautious when it came to gun storage." The 25 billboards will be placed all around Harris County in both English and Spanish. 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 With one of the higher voter turnouts in its 100-year history, the Houston chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has chosen to stick with the status quo reelecting James Douglas as president. Other longtime members , Claude Cummings, Carroll Robinson and Belinda Everette, also won top officer positions over a band of newer members. I think we need to try to get to know each other better, first vice president-elect Claude Cummings said in the lobby of Harris County Judge Zinetta Burneys courtroom after the member meeting, reflecting on the divisive elections. We want to get to the same place, we just have different ideas of how to get there, added Cummings, currently second vice president. The challengers, however, announced they are appealing the results to the national organization and calling for a new election. Thursdays results climaxed a heated campaign over recent weeks. Nearly 1,000 votes were cast by secret ballot at the branchs Wheeler Avenue headquarters, with the the Douglas-led slate attracting roughly double the votes of the opponents. Douglas, a professor of law at Texas Southern Universitys Thurgood Marshall School of Law, was not present at the meeting. After initial claims that the organization wasnt in touch with its younger community swirled around, he contested that age was not the reason for the divide. Its about a segment of the organization that wants to take the organization in a direction that other people dont want to take it in, he told the Chronicle last month. Prior to Thursdays meeting, members were greeted by constables patrolling the Griggs Road meeting place and required to show drivers licenses and membership cards to enter the closed-door meeting at which reporters were not allowed to attend. Three challengers, all of whom are in their 30s and have been branch members for one to two years, were seeking to replace veteran members as top officers. They said the chapter has become out of touch, that they want to make it more relevant by prioritizing the black communitys economic health and have thrown claims of corruption within the branch. The challenge led by president candidate Lloyd Ford, secrertary hopeful Ciara Suesberry and first vice president candidate Eddison Titus, among others, caused a split within the organization. Other disenfranchised members sided with them, embracing the contention that the group is not welcoming and inclusive of new ideas. During a heated confrontation between members on the sidewalk outside the headquarters Wednesday, one woman said, You lock us out when we dont agree. But longtime members said the newcomers raised unsubstantiated corruption claims, want to take the organization in the wrong direction and are too inexperienced within the organization to lead. When we talk about leaders, they have to have the intellectual knowledge of social justice issues and be articulate on those issues in a school board room, court room and in a CEOs office, executive director Yolanda Smith told the Chronicle last month. Dont think because you joined by April 3, you can run for office and become president of NAACP without having the knowledge of our social justice activities. Cummings echoed Smiths statement, saying the challengers need to be involved in the group for longer so he can ensure their heart is the right place for the organization. While Cummings, the groups current second vice president, pushed a note of unity and working together moving forward, challengers Ford, Suesberry and Titus say the fight is not yet over. They plan to appeal the election results, taking concerns of unethical voting procedures to the national branch. But they, too, spoke about a shared fight within the community after what they called a day filled with tension and rudeness. It doesnt matter who youre voting for, were all here together, Suesberry said. At the end of the day were still making history, and if its about the empowerment of black communities we should be treating each other better. massarah.mikati@chron.com Many of the faiths represented at the Rothko Chapel Thursday evening in one way or another agree that the world and all its creatures depend on healthy oceans, forests and plains to thrive. But the Earth is in trouble. That was the warning that opened the annual Thanksgiving Service in the quiet Montrose area refuge. Nine of the major religions in the Houston area were asked to look through their ancient texts for the theme Caring for Creation and explain how each faith Hindu, Bahai, Islam, Christian, Jewish, Buddhism, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian interprets environmental stewardship. Rising temperatures, increasing levels of CO2, communities literally in peril due to rising sea levels, super storms and wildfires. All of this creates an uncertain future, said David Leslie, executive director of the Rothko Chapel. Representing the Hindu faith, Kavita Vachaknavee chanted that to survive, humans require food, water and air. All of those elements were created before we appeared on the earth, she recited. Rong Tong chanted a sutra asking Buddha how to awake the mind. In Chinese, Tong then read that leading all living beings to Nirvana is essential. That includes caring for the environment, explained Charlene Chuang, a member of the Texas Buddhist Association. While more millions adhere to the Bahai faith worldwide, Shapour Masrour is one the thousand or so worshippers in the Houston area. He hailed the religion, founded in the mid-19th century in Iran, for its harmony with science. Science has been teaching us, undoubtedly, that there is proof that a lot of human activity is detrimental to the health of the planet, Masrour said, citing polluted oceans, air and climate change. We need to heed what science is teaching us in order to improve the health of the planet, he said. The theme was a sobering reflection of our warming planet, where more than a thousand miles to the west of Houston, one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history is responsible for killing more than 50 people in northern California. An abundance of dryer vegetation and warmer conditions is kindling for fires, such as the Camp Fire, to rage out of control. The massive blaze has left at least 56 people dead, destroyed more than 10,300 structures and burned 140,000 acres. In her opening remarks, one of the events founding organizers, Garland Pohl, cited the wildfires as one of the trademark attributes of the dire straits many believe the warming planet is faces. To all of us who are religious and believe there is a creator, we also believe in the continuation of that creation, Pohl said. That it is a God-given mandate that we continue what has been given to us. It was the 34th time Pohl helped organize the prayer service, following its inception after the 1985 bombing of the Masjid Daar US Salaam mosque in southwest Houston. The bombing was especially shocking, Pohl said, because Houstons Muslim community feared it was a hate crime. It took place as Shiite terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 and held several American passengers hostage in Lebanon. It was sort of a wake-up call that not everybody is friendly, Pohl recalled. The two men responsible for the bombing were depicted as vandals, rather than holding political or racial grudge at the time of their conviction, according to news reports at the time. The duo planted similar devices in a car, portable toilet and a telephone booth. The bombing, regardless of its motivation, set in motion the start of the annual service, which takes place a week before the unrelated Thanksgiving holiday. The committee she serves tapped the Rothko Chapel to host the event because of its lack of religious affiliation. Unlike this year, the committee typically selects a theme and asks religious leaders to find relevant sermons. Past themes have included Healing the Human Family in 1993, Visions for a Harmonious Millennium in 1999 and Prayer and Meditation in 2001. There was no theme the first year of the service. nicole.hensley@chron.com For more than a year, the U.S. Department of Justice has been quietly probing Harris Countys troubled juvenile justice system, according to interviews and emails reviewed by the Houston Chronicle. The federal scrutiny coming from the Civil Rights Division appears through questions and emails to be zeroing in on long-standing problems in local justice, including racial disparities in sentencing and allegations of a pay-to-play system that favors certain court-appointed attorneys. Its not clear where the probe could lead, but the prosecutors involved work with the departments Special Litigation Section, which does not handle criminal prosecutions and instead focuses on using measures such as lawsuits and long-term monitoring to protect civil rights within the criminal justice system. Two sources told the Chronicle that federal lawyers had begun asking questions as early as 2016, near the end of the tenure of President Barack Obama, while two others revealed that theyd been questioned about local justice practices beginning sometime last year, after President Donald Trump had taken office. The sources recounted phone conversations and shared emails received as recently as last month. Its not clear what the status of the probe is, and the Department of Justice declined to comment. Juvenile justice still has major issues in Harris County and across the state, said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who said he had no knowledge of the review. I have no problem with the Justice Department or other agencies holding people accountable. The Harris County Jail is under voluntary monitoring as the result of a 2008 investigation overseen by the same section of the Justice Department, which, at the time, cited the county for sub-par medical care, lack of attention to mental health treatment, and problems with the use of excessive force. Some advocates were heartened by the civil rights scrutiny. We welcome any inquiries that would illuminate more about the system so that we can make sure that Harris County is properly treating its kids, said Elizabeth Henneke of the Lone Star Justice Alliance. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and the County Attorneys Office were not aware of the probe, officials said. A decade of allegations News of the Justice Departments interest comes on the heels of media reports over the past decade on systemic problems in the juvenile justice system. In October, a Chronicle investigation found that two of the countys three juvenile judges were responsible for more than one-fifth of the children sent to the states juvenile prisons last year, driving up the countys incarceration numbers even as they fall in the rest of the state. In the three juvenile courts combined, about 96 percent of the kids handed over to state lock-ups were children of color. But the pay-to-play allegations date back much further than that. In 2008, a Chronicle investigation found that a small group of attorneys were receiving nearly half of all court-assigned appointments. Some of them were old friends and had given campaign contributions or other gifts to the elected judges then overseeing juvenile courts. Those same allegations resurfaced in a judicial grievance filed in June against one of the three juvenile court jurists, Judge John Phillips, the Chronicle reported last month. State Commission on Judicial Conduct officials said they could not publicly comment on complaints until theyre adjudicated, which could take months. Earlier this month, the Texas Tribune investigated the issue again and found that, still, an extraordinary number of cases in the juvenile courts get assigned to the same cadre of private lawyers. One attorney made more than $500,000 in a year on hundreds of juvenile, family court and probate cases. Pay-to-play has been an open secret among the family courts and the juvenile courts, said state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, who also practices juvenile law. I dont think that is pervasive in all the courts, but in the gossip grapevine of the courts, attorneys who practice here regularly know which courts are pay-to-play. Its not clear whether the Justice Department probe extended to concerns about the countys family courts. Specific lines of questioning The federal review of Harris County juvenile courts dates back at least to sometime after the 2016 election, when the Justice Department began asking questions, sources told the Chronicle. Specific lines of inquiry focused on detention rates based on race, conditions and overcrowding in the countys juvenile lock-ups, high caseloads for appointed attorneys and allegations of cronyism. Some of the questions centered on specific judges, one source said. Most of the sources reported just a handful of contacts with the DOJ over the course of many months, while others reported repeated email exchanges and phone calls. Some of the problems such as overcrowding in juvenile detention have improved over time without federal intervention. At one point, the DOJ attorney handling the matter left the department, but another assistant attorney general resumed the questioning. Range of authority Its not clear which area of inquiry has held the most interest for federal investigators, but a Special Litigation Section case could tackle a broad array of concerns. Under the umbrella of the Civil Rights Division, the Special Litigation Section focuses on prisons and jails, interactions with police, youth in the juvenile justice system, prisoners religious freedom, certain disability rights matters and ensuring the rights of those accessing reproductive health care clinics. Its the same section of the DOJ that began investigating the Baltimore Police Department on the heels of Freddie Grays death in the back of a police van in 2015. The case didnt result in any criminal convictions for the officers involved, but special litigation filed a complaint and negotiated a consent decree with the city, requiring the police department to remedy conduct the Justice Department deemed unconstitutional. Special Litigation has also investigated, monitored, sued or obtained consent decrees in a range of cases involving police departments in Michigan, county jails in New York, family courts in Missouri and juvenile facilities in Ohio. Outgoing Attorney General Jeff Sessions, however, in one of his final acts in the office, signed a memorandum limiting the use of consent decrees by the Justice Department, but its not known what impact that could have on the department under now-Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker. Typically, cases from the Special Litigation Section start with an inquiry that can last for years, according to Julie Abbate, a former Civil Rights Division deputy chief who is now the national advocacy director of the Just Detention International. The starting probe typically relies on asking questions and viewing public materials, such as data sets and media reports, she said. Then, theyll try to poke a little further and see if anything is going on there if its a one-off type of thing or a pattern and practice of constitutional violations, Abbate said. At that stage, its not a public investigation. But if a systemic problem is found, Special Litigation officials make a request to open a formal investigation and provide a notification letter to the jurisdiction under review. The formal investigation can also take months or years, and typically involves site visits, interviews with employees or inmates and requests for information. Afterward, the DOJ releases findings and, if its determined there are constitutional violations, they have the option to file a complaint and begin negotiating an outcome. A years-long probe into a countys juvenile justice system is not run-of-the-mill, she said. Its not clear whether the probe into Harris County has risen to the level of a formal investigation. Two sources told the Chronicle that a DOJ lawyer reported getting approval to launch a formal investigation in recent months, but theres no indication thats come to pass. Houston Police Department A Houston area mother is missing and police believe her estranged husband killed her, authorities said. Police say Johnny Leon Wilson, who is not in custody, has been charged with murder. An 18-year-old robbery suspect who was shot outside a southeast Houston apartment complex this week has been charged in the incident. Angel Alejandro Lopez Arriaga faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the shooting about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the complex at 9988 Windmill Lakes Boulevard, just west of Almeda Mall. The 27-year-old man who shot Lopez Arriaga told Houston Police that he thought he was going to be robbed, officials said. The man drove to a parking space in the complex and was getting ready to get out of his car when another vehicle stopped in front of his, blocking him, Houston police said in a news release issued on Friday. The driver then pulled around behind the man and stopped again. Lopez Arriaga, armed with a gun, then got out of the car, police said. The man who was trying to get out of his car thought Lopez Arriaga was going to rob him. As Lopez Arriaga pointed his gun at the man, the man shot him, hitting him in his left leg, police said. The man has a license to carry a handgun, police said. He was not injured. Lopez Arriaga was taken to an area hospital in stable condition. Police initially reported that a security guard shot a man who was allegedly breaking into a car in the complex. After interviewing more witnesses, the account of the shooting changed, police said Friday. Houston's skyline is looking sleeker than ever. Six major skyscrapers were completed or came close to completion in 2018, according to building database The Skyscraper Center. The biggest addition to Houston's skyline is Capitol Tower in downtown, a 579-foot green office space. In second place is The Post Oak, a 499-foot luxury hotel by Landry's. It's the second year in a row six buildings have been completed in Houston. Before that, the last time that many skyscrapers joined Houston's skyline was in 2003. Curiously though, it seems that streak is coming to an end since no skyscrapers are lined up to be completed until 2020. To see Houston's newest family members, check the gallery of skyscrapers above. RELATED: 50-acre oyster reef build planned in Galveston Bay Fernando Ramirez is a digital reporter for Chron.com and Houstonchronicle.com. Read him on our breaking news site and on our subscriber site. Follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email him at Fernando.ramirez@chron.com. WASHINGTON Houston Democrat Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, a potentially key freshman vote in the incoming class of 2018, said Friday she is supporting California Democrat Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker in the next Congress. Fletcher's decision, announced in an interview with the Houston Chronicle, adds momentum to Pelosi's quest to win back the gavel she had when the Democrats' last controlled the House in 2010. Fletcher, a Houston attorney, ran as a moderate in the Seventh Congressional District, which had been in Republican hands since George H.W. Bush won the seat in 1966. It was one of three Republican-held districts won by Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Despite an onslaught of GOP ads tying her to Pelosi, Fletcher has previously remained uncommitted to the Democratic leader, both as a candidate and as a congresswoman-elect. "What I committed to on the campaign trail was to come up to Washington for this orientation and see who the candidates are for leadership, and really get a chance to hear from them and ask questions on how they intend to govern," she said Friday. "After being here for a week ... I feel very confident that the current Democratic leadership is the team to lead forward this next Congress. I think they have the experience and the commitment to bipartisanship, to operating fairly and inclusively, and making sure that members of Congress can really represent their districts." The slate of frontrunners for leadership posts in the House includes Pelosi for speaker, Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer for majority leader, and South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn for majority whip. Pelosi became the first woman to serve as House Speaker when she ascended to the position in 2007. "Pelosi, Hoyer and Clyburn deserve my support," said Fletcher, who won her seat with the help of centrist women in west Houston and the Harris County suburbs. "They have the experience we need to lead this country at this time." Newly-elected Democrat Sylvia Garcia of Houston also has expressed support for Pelosi as a strong backer of protections for Dreamers, or immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors. "When @NancyPelosi stood in her high heels for 8 hrs speaking up for Dreamers, she spoke for us," Garcia, representing a largely Hispanic district, said Thursday on Twitter. "Her commitment to the most vulnerable is more than a talking point -- it's heartfelt and deeply rooted in our faith. She believes in diversity and practices inclusion." Fletcher's support represents a significant boost for Pelosi, who is fending off a push by a group of Democratic dissidents seeking to coalesce around a new challenger. At least 17 House Democrats have publicly said they will oppose Pelosi, including Brownsville Democrat Filemon Vela. No clear challenger has emerged, however, and Pelosi has said she believes she has the votes to become the next House Speaker. The decision to back Pelosi is a key one for Fletcher ahead of a secret ballot vote among Democrats on Nov. 28. A pubic roll call is scheduled when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3. She defeated nine-term incumbent Republican John Culberson by 5 points, a Democratic victory that helped flip two formerly Republican districts in Texas. After finally reaching agreement with the European Union on the details of Brexit earlier this week, Britains prime minister, Theresa May, wobbled. Domestic critics assailed her from all sidescharging, variously, that the deal she struck would entail too close a relationship with the EU or not enough of one. Yesterday, two members of Mays cabinetincluding the official who, in theory, had been responsible for the Brexit negotiationsresigned, saying they could not support the deal. Senior backbench lawmakers, desperate to sever as many ties as possible with the EU, threatened to trigger a vote of no confidence in Mays leadership. When May stood up in Parliament to promise a smooth and orderly exit from the bloc, mocking laughter pealed around the House of Commons. Swathes of Britains press, which is reliably opinionated, have, predictably, piled on May, too, renewing long-held criticisms of her performance and the Brexit process as a whole. On the left, The Guardian offered rare, faint praise of May, but painted her deal as a disaster with flaws intrinsic to the very idea of Brexit, which the paper has always opposed. On the right, the Murdoch-owned Sunwhich vociferously backed Brexit leading up to the 2016 vote and has since pushed for a cleaner break with Europe than May is offeringscreamed yesterday, in melodramatic all caps, that WERE IN THE BREXS*IT. The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, has topped its front page with scathing opinion pieces for two days running. Yesterday, it went with a wounding assessment by Nick Timothy, Mays former right-hand man, that the deal was a capitulation. Today, it quoted columnist Allison Piersons call for May to resign immediately. We need a chess grandmaster to wrangle with Brussels, Pierson writes, not the runner-up in the 1973 Towcester tiddlywinks competition. ICYMI: The super typhoon American media forgot Britains print media are not generally prone to changing their spots, yet the past few months have brought some curious, and important, realignments. A year and a day ago, the right-wing Daily Mail mocked up a mugshot-gallery-style front page with pictures of Conservative Party lawmakers who favored Britains EU membership under the headline The Brexit mutineers (afterward, some of them received threats). Since then, however, Paul Dacre, the Mails pro-Brexit editor, departed, and was replaced by Geordie Greig, a convinced Remainer. This morning, the Mail once again took aim at Conservative rebelsthis time, however, it was those on the opposite, hard-right wing of the party that drew its ire. Calling them preening saboteurs, the paper asked, in its front-page headline, HAVE THEY LOST THE PLOT? The Daily Express, a strident right-wing voice of yore, has been kind to Mays soft Brexit deal this week, too. It, too, got a new editor this year, appointing Gary Jones, who formerly led the Sunday Mirror, a left-leaning tabloid. At a Parliamentary hearing shortly after his appointment, Jones called some of his papers past content Islamophobic and downright offensive, and promised a softening of tone. Yesterday, the Express painted the rosiest picture as far as May is concerned of any paper, the Guardian observed, with no mention of leadership challenges or cabinet troubles; this morning, its front-page headline called May defiant. Britains tabloids pride themselves on their ability to shape the countrys political agenda. In 1992, a now-mythic Sun front page famously claimed credit for an unexpected Conservative Party election victory (ITS THE SUN WOT WON IT). The foundations of the countrys vote to leave the EU, too, were undoubtedly laid by decades of hostility toward Europe on the part of right-wing papers, the Mail and the Express prominent among them. May remains very much under-firenot least from The Sunthough it will comfort her that at least a few strong media voices who would previously have ridiculed her deal are standing behind it, and her, for now. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The extent to which British papers lead their readers by the nose, rather than the other way around, however, has long been an open debate. A YouGov poll out today indicates widespread public rejection of Mays deal, with many citizens pushing for a second referendum instead. Like everywhere else, newspaper circulation in Britain is declining. If Brexit is the apotheosis of the countrys campaigning press, it might also mark the start of a new, steep decline. Below, more on Brexit: A1: The Guardian has a good round-up of todays British newspaper front pages. The Guardian has a good round-up of todays British newspaper front pages. B3: While right-wing columnists in the Telegraph slammed Mays deal and called for a harder Brexit, the paper today gave page three to an op-ed by Tony Blair, former Labour Party prime minister, who is campaigning for a second vote to keep Britain in Europe after all. While right-wing columnists in the Telegraph slammed Mays deal and called for a harder Brexit, the paper today gave page three to an op-ed by Tony Blair, former Labour Party prime minister, who is campaigning for a second vote to keep Britain in Europe after all. C you later: When May became prime minister after the Brexit vote, in 2016, she sacked George Osborne, who had served as finance minister under Mays predecessor, David Cameron. Osborne then quit politics to become editor of the Evening Standard, a London newspaper. Hes used that perch to relentlessly hound May: according to Esquire, he said last year that he would not rest until she is chopped up in bags in my freezer. It comes as no surprise that the Standard has been hard on Mays deal this week, calling it dead. When May became prime minister after the Brexit vote, in 2016, she sacked George Osborne, who had served as finance minister under Mays predecessor, David Cameron. Osborne then quit politics to become editor of the Evening Standard, a London newspaper. Hes used that perch to relentlessly hound May: according to Esquire, he said last year that he would not rest until she is chopped up in bags in my freezer. It comes as no surprise that the Standard has been hard on Mays deal this week, calling it dead. D parts: In July, The Atlantics Tom Rachman wrote that Paul Dacres departure from the Mail could change Britain. The Daily Mail still commands vast power, its thunderous front-page headlines all but causing the paintings to tremble at 10 Downing Street, Rachman wrote. And this is where Greig comes in, for he is about to take control at the inky institution, perhaps editing this countrys political chaos in the process. Other notable stories: On CJRs podcast The Kicker, Kyle Pope, our editor and publisher, spoke with David Little, editor of the Chico Enterprise-Record in Northern California, on getting a paper out amid the deadliest wildfires in that states history. The LA Timess Benjamin Oreskes also profiled the Enterprise-Record, noting that its staff has dwindled in recent years. Bucking expectations, the judge in CNNs lawsuit against the White House did not rule yesterday on a temporary restraining order to restore Jim Acostas press credentials; hes set to rule this morning instead. After a pack of news organizations, including Fox, filed amicus briefs on behalf of CNN, the pro-Trump One America News Network also filed a brief on behalf of the White House. Prosecutors inadvertently revealed that the Justice Department has prepared to indict Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who lives in exile in Ecuadors London embassy. Though the possible charges against Mr. Assange remained a mystery on Thursday, an indictment centering on the publication of information of public interest would create a precedent with profound implications for press freedoms, the Times reports. Mark Zuckerberg hopped on a call with reporters to discuss Facebooks community standards yesterday, but was quickly derailed by questions about Wednesdays explosive Times scoop outlining a behind-the-scenes malaise at the company. As fallout from the companys questionable PR tacticswhich included hiring Republican spinners to link liberal activists to George Sorosintensified, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks Chief Operating Officer and a key subject of the Times piece, pushed back. For CJR, Mathew Ingram writes that Facebooks instinct to deny, then apologize is baked into its DNA. Saudi prosecutors announced yesterday that they would seek the death penalty for five people they said were directly responsible for the murder of dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi last monththough the announcement once again shifted the official narrative, asserting that the killers were under orders to render Khashoggi back to Saudi Arabia, but instead administered an overdose of sedatives. Also yesterday, the US government imposed sanctions on 17 Saudis it said were implicated. The list included senior officials close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Remember the migrant caravan? Fox News helped Trump whip up an immigration panic prior to the midterms, but then mostly dropped the story, according to data obtained by The Wraps Jon Levine. Mentions on CNN and MSNBCwho were criticized for amplifying Trumps wild claimsalso trailed off. BuzzFeed has a revealing round-up of the perks different cities offered Amazon as it hunted for a second headquarters, including an exclusive airport lounge for executives (Atlanta), a special taskforce to curb an unacceptable murder rate (Columbus), and nothing at all (Toronto). Amazon decided to split its new base between New York and Arlington, Virginia. With friends like these The Daily Beast reports that Trump has repeatedly mocked the dumb softball questions of his top media booster Sean Hannity. And for CJR, Karen K. Ho spoke with Sunny Dhillon, a reporter at Canadas Globe and Mail who quit last month after his bureau chief would not let him focus on the lack of diversity in Vancouvers newly elected city council. ICYMI: Partisan voices are drowning out Britains Brexit debate 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. Guwahati : In order to take forward Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardevs multifaceted personality and contribution in many hues to humanity at large, the Assam government would produce a movie on the life and works of the great spiritual reformer. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed the Cultural Affairs Department to initiate necessary steps for making this hallowed objective into a reality. While reviewing the design and decorative structure of the proposed Srimanta Sankardev International Museum to be set up at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati in a meeting at his conference room in Janata Bhawan on Wednesday, Chief Minister Sonowal said that, Srimanta Sankardevs personality stretched beyond the identity of a cultural connoisseur, spiritual reformer and religious preacher. He was a legend with universal thought and vision who laid the foundation of a pluralistic Assamese society by bringing people of different ethnicities together to form the greater Assamese identity. The young generation needs to know more about Sankardevs towering personality, his contributions to world humanity as well as building Assamese culture and society. Along with the proposed international museum, the film would be an appropriate initiative to showcase his universal personality to world audience, Sonowal said. Moreover, laying stress on building the proposed international museum into a centre of spiritual learning, the Assam CM viewed that the structure should be able to induce devotional attachment among visitors and delineate a strong message on spirituality and universal values. A new feature from The New York Times takes an in-depth look at Facebooks responseor rather, lack of responseto criticism about Russian trolls using its platform to spread disinformation both before and during the 2016 election. The piece points fingers at a number of senior staff, including the companys chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, as well as VP of public policy Joel Kaplan, who allegedly advised Sandberg to downplay the potential threat from Russian agents because he was afraid of angering conservatives (something that has become a common theme ever since the Trending Topics fiasco of 2016). The one person who is arguably the most to blame in this whole affair barely even appears in the Times feature: Co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Does his apparent absence from the decision-making process stem from a lack of interest, or a desire to let Sandberg and other underlings handle the sticky subjects he isnt comfortable with, like politics and emotion? Perhaps. But its more than that. The approach the Times describesto deny any wrongdoing, then apologize, and finally to delay attempts to fix itis baked into the companys DNA at a cellular level. It couldnt behave any differently if it tried. To understand why, its helpful to go back to the early days, when Facebook first launched the feature it is probably best known for: the News Feed. It might seem hard to believe, but the social network didnt always have that stream of friends photos and news stories and hilarious cat videos. And when it introduced the News Feed, in 2006, there was a massive backlash from users, who almost uniformly hated it. But it wasnt just because the feed was seen as ugly, or irritating. Many users also saw it as a fundamental breach of privacy that their likes and other activity were being shared with other users. One called it creepy and stalker-esque. Facebook groups dedicated to hating the new feature were created. Petitions were drafted. Users threatened to quit. ICYMI: Newspaper investigates after veteran reporter accused of making up sources And what was Mark Zuckerbergs response? In one of the most tone-deaf CEO messages in history, he patronizingly advised users to stop over-reacting. Calm down. Breathe. We hear you, he wrote, arguing that there was no reason to get upset. He later followed up with a more humble explanation (presumably after the PR department or senior advisors got to him), in which he apologized for upsetting everyone, but assured them that all was well, and that Facebook would try hard to keep their trust. So what happened after that? That feature, and the advertising business built on top of it, are now worth an estimated $400 billion dollars. And what kind of message has that sent, not just to Mark Zuckerberg but to everyone working at Facebook? That no matter what happens, no matter how negative the reaction is to the changes you have made, no matter how apocalyptic it seems, the correct response is to deny, then apologize, and then move on and wait for everyone to get over it. And that playbook has been repeated ad nauseam ever since. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The only thing that has arguably changed is that the stakes are a lot higher, the mistakes a lot larger, and the apologies a lot more fulsome. Instead of a tiny social network with just 10 million users, Facebook reaches more than two billion people. And instead of irritating some users, it allowed its platform to be used by agents of a foreign government in an attempt to affect an election. And instead of a blog post, Zuckerberg wound up testifying before Congress. The playbook, however, has remained the same: 1) It didnt happen, and/or it wasnt that big a deal. 2) If it did happen, we apologize unreservedly, and we will try hard to make sure it wont happen again. 3) It happened again? Thats because we are still working on it, but rest assured we care deeply. 4) Rinse and repeat. Like a Labrador retriever with an inattentive owner, Facebook has been trained over time to do one thing and one thing only: ignore criticism and plow on regardless. Thats how it built a $400-billion-dollar business, so its unlikely to change anytime soon. ICYMI: A reporter asked for 20 years of lottery winner data. After analyzing the records, he noticed something unusual. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. AKRON, Ohio The city Planning Commission on Friday approved two residential developments, bringing the projects closer to breaking ground this spring in Akron. The projects, one in North Akron and one in North Hill, now go before City Council. If approved by council, buyers in both developments would be able to take advantage of the citys residential tax abatement on new construction and substantial reconstruction for 15 years. In North Akron, on Hickory Street and Memorial Parkway, Bob Bennett Construction of Norton wants to build 54 houses. The city had built sewer lines to the property for a development proposed in 2002, but never built. Bennet would buy the property from the city for $400,000 and build 27 single-family ranch homes and 27 townhomes, all with two-car garages. Prices would range from $180,000 to $280,000. In North Hill, a proposal was submitted from the Crasi Company of Cuyahoga Falls to build 12 houses between Dayton and Pitkin streets, the old Harris Elementary School lot. Under the proposal, Crasi would buy the property from the city for $88,000 and build single-family, detached homes, marketed for about $180,000. Both proposals were approved, with Planning Commission member Julie-Ann Buntin absent. Commission member Tina Boyes abstained from voting on the Hickory Street development. Boyes is the president of the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, which includes Hickory Street. KNA board member Todd Ederer was involved with the 2002 proposed development for Hickory Street. She abstained to avoid any conflict of interest, she said. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Of all the acquisitions the Cleveland Museum of Art has ever made, the six its current making may be among the riskiest. Certainly the boldest. Whereas, with works of of visual art, the museum knows exactly what its getting, the Creative Fusion: Composers Series is essentially a giant leap of faith, a huge investment made sight unseen, with the support of the Cleveland Foundation. I have no idea whats going to come out the other end, said Tom Welsh, the museums director of performing arts. The composers will tell us what comes out of this. Im not attaching too many strings. As Welsh says, the project announced earlier this year and set to unfold over the this and next years Performing Arts Series is remarkably open-ended. Eschewing the need felt by most commissioners for a specific type of piece, Welsh gave six composers carte blanche, asking them to write whatever theyd like, for whatever forces they like. His only stipulations? That the music relate somehow to the museum or its contents and employ local talent. One of the things we wanted to do was break free of the traditional commissioning model, Welsh said. This is an opportunity to re-write that whole story. Its a really neat way to shine a light on aspects of the collection we dont normally think about. The project is actively underway, but progress is far from uniform. All six composers have visited Cleveland and toured the museum, but only a few have begun writing. Most are still in a state of contemplation or research, sifting through their impressions and deciding which is the most significant and how to respond to it. One of the farthest along is Cenk (pronounced Jenk) Ergun, a Turkish composer now living in New York. Hes already working out the details of a piece exploiting the unique acoustic environment that is the museums atrium. During early visits to Cleveland for the premiere of a string quartet hed written, he was blown away, he said, by the atriums immensity and intimacy. He was amazed in that such a huge, open space, he could stand on one end and still hear people talking quietly on the other. That inspired him to write an experiential piece employing such diverse musical forces as trombones, harpsichords, and choruses of children and adults. The title, duration, and exact structure of the piece are still in flux, but he knows that each artist will wear a personal MP3 player carrying musical instructions and listeners will soak it all up by roaming the room, coming and going at will. The goal, Ergun said, will be to foster a journey of discovery of sound. Im really trying to create something you dont necessarily sit down and listen to, he said. Its going to be a matter of deciding how to move sound around in that space and making listeners aware of the space. Italian composer Luciano Chessa may be familiar to museum patrons as the force behind the Intonarumori concert of 2015. On that occasion, Chessa presided over a performance featuring 16 mechanical boxes, replicas of instruments conceived in 1913 by Italian Futurist Luigi Rossolo. It was during that event that Chessa had the two experiences now at the center of the piece hes writing for Creative Fusion. He was struck both by the quiet, snowy realm that is University Circle in January and by the Cleveland Apollo statue that greets almost every visitor to the museum. The silence and snow outside the museum created an environment hed never been in before, hooking him on Cleveland, while the statue at the museums entrance practically burned itself onto his consciousness. I basically lived there for a week, and you cant possibly get inside without seeing it, he said. I tend to get very attached to places, even if my visit is very short. The statue was of particular interest. Through research on the piece, he learned that while its over 2,000 years old, its not so different from the works of modern artists elsewhere, or the Italian Futurists, in that it was made using a mold and therefore could have been copied. That possibility of replication, that contrast between ancient Greece and the art of the Industrial Revolution, and Clevelands place in the rise of manufacturing, got his musical wheels turning. Another artistic stimulus? The number and reputation of great pipes organs in Cleveland. Like his beloved Intonarumori, each notable instrument around town defines the space its in and represents a feat of mechanical engineering. Eventually, Chessa said, all these thoughts and impressions will coalesce in his mind as an original work of music. For now, though, theyre still just bouncing around, sorting themselves out. Its like an open canvas, Chessa said of his commission. First I need to think what the piece will be and where it will take place. Its exciting, but it requires some effort. Those are just two of the composers, too. Four others are going through their own versions of that same process, after visits to Cleveland and tours of the museum. The pool couldnt be more diverse. For all the contrast between Chessas and Erguns music, the still-nascent pieces by Henry Threadgill, Aya Nishina, Sophie Nzayisenga, and Aleksandra Vrebalov are certain to stand apart still further. Indeed, for Welsh, thats the best part about this Creative Fusion project: its scope. Getting six composers far-flung composers to visit Cleveland and follow through by writing a piece inspired by that visit may be far more labor-intensive than the typical commission, but the payoff for the effort is certain to be huge. Were having to flex a little bit in terms of timelines and expectations, but the need is paramount, Welsh said. Theres a need for relevance and a need for the museum to be contributing to the conversation. We can be a leader in this field. BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- While communities across the country honor military veterans on the requisite national holidays of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the City of Brunswick has long gone beyond the norm. That effort has not gone unrecognized by the Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars, as Mayor Ron Falconi was presented with a certificate Nov. 12 "in appreciation of the generous contribution of the city's time and facilities in support of veterans of foreign wars." Ohio VFW State Commander David K. Root pointed to efforts such as the city's annual Veterans Breakfast and its application to become a Purple Heart City. He was joined by Brunswick VFW Post 9520 Commander Norm Cerny. City Manager Carl DeForest later added to that list, reminding residents of a Brunswick Division of Police program in which officers regularly check in on the city's veterans and the fact that veterans are allowed to ride on the Brunswick Transit Alternate bus line for free. "We want to recognize the outstanding and wonderful support that's been shown to all the vets in the city," Root said. "We can't tell you how much this means, and the citizens should be very proud." Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. BRUNSWICK --- A multi-jurisdictional economic development effort has led a machine shop serving the booming biomedical industry to expand into Brunswick. Firstar Precision Corp., a precision CNC job shop serving the medical, aerospace, food processing, industrial assembly and hydraulics industries, announced its relocation to Brunswick in an Oct. 26 release. The move from Firstar's previous headquarters in Parma will represent a nearly $1.5 million investment. The company plans to add at least 21 new jobs, while retaining its current 33 positions. "The City of Brunswick is excited to welcome Firstar Precision," said Brunswick Community and Economic Development Director, Grant Aungst, in the release. "They bring with them not only new opportunities for the community, but also a unique business to our thriving Brunswick business sector." The move was made possible in part by the effort of a team of JobsOhio, Medina County Economic Development Corporation, city of Brunswick, and Team NEO members, who worked together to ensure that Firstar Precision chose to grow in Northeast Ohio. The company will occupy a building at 2867 Nationwide Parkway that had been vacant for over a year and the expansion triples Firstar's its footprint in Northeast Ohio. "We are thrilled to welcome Firstar Precision to Medina County as they join a robust manufacturing sector which has seen record growth in recent years," said MCEDC Executive Director Bethany Dentler in the release. Team NEO CEO Bill Koehler said the Firstar expansion illustrates how advanced manufacturing companies have succeeded in the area by "Firstar illustrates how advanced manufacturing companies succeed here by "accessing our region's talent, innovation and robust supply chain." "Northeast Ohio's biomedical industry has grown from 300 companies in 2002 to more than 700 companies today," Koehler said in the release. "We look forward to supporting Firstar's ongoing success in Medina County." Firstar Precision Corporation's President, David Tenny, said the entire company is looking forward to "the next chapter of our company's growth." "We are thrilled to transition to Brunswick and look forward to the opportunities for production expansion and enhanced capabilities that the new facility will provide us," he said in the release. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. Guwahati : The Election Commission of India on Thursday removed Mizoram's Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank, just days before the state goes to polls and replaced him with IAS officer Ashish Kundra after widespread protests against SB Shashank in the poll bound North Eastern Indian state. The decision to replace Shashank was taken following massive protests in Mizoram demanding his removal by various organisations. Ashish Kundra, a 1996 batch IAS officer, was posted as the Commissioner (General Administration Department), Higher and Technical Education in Mizoram. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Texas-based developer hopes to convert much of the Ohio Bell Building in downtown Cleveland into a Canopy by Hilton hotel, in a project that could breathe life into a prominent but long-dormant property. Todd Interests of Dallas, which emerged as a potential buyer for the 22-story building last year, confirmed Friday that its lining up a hotel for the towers ninth through 21st floors. Charlie Shelby, a partner with the company, told the Cleveland City Planning Commission that Todd expects to transform that vacant space into 180 to 185 hotel rooms, with the lobby and, potentially, a bar with balconies and sweeping views on the 16th floor. AT&T, the current owner of the Art Deco building at 750 Huron Road in the Gateway District, maintains servers and other equipment on the lower floors. Under Todds plans, the telecommunications company would retain ownership of that space and the 22nd floor through a condominium arrangement. The developer would control, and restore, the buildings facade. Were excited about this project, Shelby told the commission, adding that Todd aims to pursue similar makeovers of partially-used AT&T equipment hubs in other cities. This is the first one that weve talked to them about across the country. An image presented at Friday's Cleveland City Planning Commission meeting shows how Todd Interests expects to divvy up the Ohio Bell Building, with a hotel on 13 floors (gold). AT&T, the current property owner, would hang onto the lower floors and the 22nd floor for server operations and other equipment storage (blue). During an interview, Shelby said Todd hopes to start construction in the spring. If that timeline holds, the hotel would open by mid-2020. The project would cost $35 million to $40 million. Todd initially targeted the building as an apartment-conversion deal. But Shelby said the hotel made more financial sense than a roughly 147-room apartment redevelopment. And hes confident theres an appetite for more lodging downtown, particularly at a boutique facility like Canopy, despite the flurry of hotel projects that opened during the run-up to the 2016 Republican National Convention. Hilton Hotels & Resorts unveiled the Canopy brand in 2014 and opened its first such hotel in Iceland two years later. There are eight Canopys worldwide, according to Hiltons website, and more than a dozen projects in the pipeline. For the Cleveland Canopy, Todd is seeking $4.2 million in state historic preservation tax credits, according to a document provided by the Ohio Development Services Agency. The next round of awards, which are competitive, will be announced in December. The building, located in a national historic district, also qualifies for federal historic tax credits. The planning commission got an early overview of the project because the city of Cleveland is considering a tax-increment financing deal that would redirect a portion of new property-tax revenues created by the hotel to paying off project costs. With a thumbs-up from the commission, legislation enabling the 30-year agreement is headed to Cleveland City Council for discussion. The city also could provide a $180,000 forgivable loan for the project through a program that targets vacant and underused properties. The Ohio Bell Building, once a corporate headquarters and central telephone hub, has been largely empty for years. In a separate vote Friday, the commission advanced legislation for another downtown tax-increment financing arrangement, for the May Co. redevelopment project on Public Square. Bedrock, the Detroit-based real estate arm of the Quicken Loans family of companies, is transforming the former department store into apartments, parking and retail space. Both TIF proposals dont touch the share of new property-tax revenues earmarked for Clevelands schools. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After quietly buying up a stretch of Euclid Avenue, a local investor-developer group plans to bring more student apartments to University Circle. Bluewater Capital Partners, LLC, expects to add a third building to a private, student-housing cluster on the north side of Euclid, between East 115th and East 116th streets. The $7.1 million project would round out the block, replacing a parking lot across from the Uptown development. Real estate records show that a Bluewater affiliate bought the parking lot and the neighboring Euclid 115 and Euclid 116 apartment buildings in July, for an undisclosed price. The sellers were companies associated with Berusch Development Partners, which brought 65 student apartments to the site through a mix of renovation and new construction. Bluewater plans to build 49 new apartments, some of them townhouse-style units, and to convert a student lounge in one of the existing buildings into housing. The combined project will hold 115 furnished units, with 235 beds, and a new lobby serving all three buildings. Early layouts presented to the Cleveland City Planning Commission on Friday also show 3,400 square feet of new retail space. Russell Lamb, a Bluewater principal, said the existing apartments are full, with waiting lists. Bluewater, which developed for-sale townhouses on East 118th Street and is behind the Quattro condominiums in Little Italy, went after the Euclid Avenue sites because of strong demand for student housing and the opportunity to augment the work that Berusch did over the past five years. The planning commission approved early designs for the new building Friday. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Parma Heights man has settled a lawsuit he filed against U.S. customs officials that stemmed from agents seizing his life savings at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport last year. The federal government already returned $57,330 to Rustem Kazazi, nearly all the money the man said agents took from him in October 2017, when he was at the airport for a planned trip to his native Albania, after Kazazi filed suit in May. However, Kazazi claimed customs agents took an additional $770, and the government said it had given back everything they seized. Now, the government has agreed to give Kazazi $385, or half of the $770 he claimed he was still owed, said Robert McNamara, a senior attorney with the Arlington, Virginia-based Institute for Justice that represents the Parma Heights man. The settlement came before a trial that was set for December in front of U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. A court document filed Friday announcing the settlement notes that both sides may ask the judge to rule on whether the Institute for Justice should receive attorneys fees. McNamara said its important to establish as a matter of law that the government must pay lawyers fees in cases where seizures are challenged. While the Kazazis did not need to pay for their lawyers, other people might be forced to do so if they are in a similar situation, McNamara said. U.S. Attorneys Office spokesman Mike Tobin declined comment. Customs officials detained Kazazi, 64, and interrogated him at the airport because he was traveling with a large amount of cash, according to his lawsuit. Customs agents later said they thought the money came from smuggling, drug trafficking and money laundering, all of which Kazazi fervently denied. Kazazi is a retired Albanian police officer who became a U.S. citizen in 2010 and was headed to Albania for a six-month stay in 2017. He converted his family's life savings into cash so he could use it to pay expenses while overseas, his suit said. The government's civil asset forfeiture process allows authorities to seize assets when it suspects a person obtained money or property illegally. Civil liberties groups have said the process is ripe for abuse, as it allows officials to seize money from people who were never convicted or even charged with a crime. Federal authorities seized more than $2 billion in assets from people in 2017, according to The Washington Post. McNamara noted the Kazazis had to struggle for more than a year to get their money back. There was no serious argument that the Kazazis did anything wrong," McNamara said. They have been put through the wringer because the law gives the government enormous, nearly unchecked power. CLEVELAND, Ohio A jury on Thursday awarded $5 million each to three East Cleveland men who spent two decades in prison for a murder they didnt commit. The 11 jurors ruled that former East Cleveland officers Vincent Johnstone and Michael Perry violated the civil rights of Laurese Glover, Eugene Johnson and Derrick Wheatt during and after an investigation into them for a 1995 murder. The verdict came after deliberations Thursday afternoon, which followed a trial that began Tuesday in U.S. District Judge James Gwins courtroom. The men argued that detectives withheld a police report of witness statements favorable to them and coerced a then-14-year-old witness into implicating the trio in the shooting death of Clifton Hudson Jr. The men hugged their lawyers and loved ones after the jury announced its verdict Thursday. Wheatt said he felt vindicated, while Glover said this was the next best thing to walking out of the county jail. The city and the detectives denied any wrongdoing. Gwin dismissed claims against a third detective, D.J. Miklovich, before closing arguments. East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons said after the verdict that there are a lot of appealable issues. Miklovichs attorney Paul Cristallo said he was happy his client prevailed. Glover and Johnson, both 40, and 41-year-old Wheatt spent the prime time of their lives in a prison cell. They were was convicted of murder in 1996, when they were just teenagers. They maintained their innocence, though, and got the Ohio Innocence Project involved in their case. A judge overturned their convictions and released from prison in 2015. The judge also dismissed the cases against them the same year based on new evidence and after finding that a former Cuyahoga County prosecutor maliciously inserted himself into a criminal proceeding. Johnson, Wheatt and Glover also sued the county and former prosecutors Carmen Marino and Deborah Naiman. The county settled with the trio for $4.5 million earlier this year. The trio's lawsuits said Marino and Naiman told East Cleveland police in 1998 to not release records relating to Hudson's death to the defendants, who by that point had been convicted, and instead told the department to send copies of the records to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office. The lawsuits have proved problematic for the cash-strapped Cleveland suburb of East Cleveland, and Gwin issued sanctions against the city in November 2017 after Hemmons suggested that the three men depose a former police sergeant who was in a coma, among other witnesses. There is also the question about whether the cash-strapped inner-ring suburb will ever be able to pay a judgment against them. Glover and Wheatt were represented by Elizabeth Wang and Mark Loevy-Reyes. Michael Pasternak, a lawyer for Johnson along with attorney Brett Murner, said that regardless of whether the men ever received the money awarded to them, it was important to have their story be told and be a part of the public record. That is a powerful statement, Pasternak said. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursdays crime and courts comments section. ORANGE VILLAGE, Ohio It wont take long to know what Coopers Hawk is all about. As soon as you walk into the spacious foyer youll see a long bar on the left. Daily wine tastings are held. An assortment of gifts forms a pyramid in the middle, offering decanters, toppers, decorative glasses and other wine accoutrements. Then theres the vino. Coopers Hawk is about proprietary wine, 40 varietals ready to be swirled and sipped. The restaurant, located on Harvard Road across from the Pinecrest development in Orange Village, opens Monday, Nov. 19. Most of the grapes are sourced from California, Oregon and Washington, though the company is expanding our horizons internationally, general manager Marc Bescak said. Coopers Hawk covers vino-loving palates: Youll find a Super Tuscan, Australian Shiraz, Spanish Tempranillo, ice wine even Passionfruit Sangria and fruit wine among its offerings. The winery is outside Chicago, a massive facility covering 110,000 square feet that can handle 700,000 cases a year, or 8.4 million bottles. That makes Coopers Hawk the 34th largest winery in the country. It was founded in 2005. Without offering other wines, Coopers Hawk relies on special touches here and there. A proprietary red blend - bottled once a year - sits in a barrel in the foyer. Only club members can purchase bottles of the blend, but patrons can buy a glass or carafe. Grapes used in the wine change out annually. A sign in the dining room describes the basic winemaking steps: Harvest, crush, ferment and soak, press, age and bottle. A pristine (for now) line of decanters is hung beneath the sign, waiting to be filled. The theatrics will entertain patrons, but in reality its not a bad idea. Any red wine could be enhanced by decanting. And in a nice hat tip to Ohio, there is this: Each Coopers Hawk is designed to fit in the area in which it is located, Bescak said. So subtle scarlet and gray tones in the dining room are by design. More on Coopers Hawk The restaurant is at 27200 Harvard Road and opens at 11 a.m. daily. It has private rooms as well as its own parking lot. A carryout station up front is near a counter of chocolates and sweets all made in house by the restaurants pastry chef. Beginning Jan. 1, it will be open 364 days a year. It is closed on Christmas. Daily tastings of eight wines are $7 (free for club members). Club membership costs $37.99 a month and includes two bottles per month. Lest you think its wine only, a full bar offers hand-crafted cocktails and several drafts, including beers from Fat Heads and Great Lakes. I couldnt do this without a Great Lakes beer, Bescak said. An open scratch kitchen faces diners. The menu includes gluten-free selections, kids choices and to-go options. Previous coverage: Coopers Hawk announces it is coming to Northeast Ohio CLEVELAND, Ohio Federal authorities have indicted two men accused of using skimmers to steal identities and make fake credit cards, which they used in Northeast Ohio and in other states. Silvio Leon, 45, and Pablo Arrechavaleta, 41, both Cuban nationals, are charged with conspiracy to commit access device (credit card) fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to Michael Tobin, spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of Ohio. Authorities say Leon and Arrechavaleta used the fake credit cards to buy items at Sams Club stores in Mentor, Canton, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, Oakwood Village and elsewhere. The skimmers were put on gas station pumps in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Iowa and elsewhere between May 2016 and June 2018, authorities say. Court documents show the suspects had information for nearly 5,000 credit card accounts when they were arrested, Tobin says in the news release. The Mentor Police Department assisted the FBI in investigating the case. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. TOLEDO, Ohio A 29-year-old Toledo man is in a hospital in critical condition, shot just days after he went onto Facebook Live at the scene of a double-fatal shooting. Police say its unclear why Jeray Saunders was shot Wednesday night and cannot confirm if it was connected to his Facebook video from Sundays deadly shootings, the Toledo Blade reports. Im not sure. Im aware of the post that he did," Lt. Dan Gerken of the Toledo Police Department tells WTOL Channel 11. Detectives have reviewed it. ... If I had more information on who shot Mr. Saunders, I could probably tell you if it played a role or not. Saunders was found wounded in a field at about 6:25 p.m. Wednesday, WTOL reports. He was taken to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center. Police say Saunders was in the backseat of a car early Sunday morning when Richard Villolovos, 29, and Stevona Turner-Sandridge, 26, were shot and killed. Saunders posted a video on Facebook Live shortly after the shooting. WTVG Channel 13 reports police believe the victims were in an argument with people in another car before Sundays shooting. Reports say there have been no arrests in either shooting. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. CLEVELAND, Ohio A 33-year-old woman was killed during a carjacking in front of her family as they painted the inside of a church in the citys Brooklyn Centre neighborhood, police said. The incident happened about 3 p.m. Thursday at the Archwood United Church of Christ on Archwood Avenue. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified her as Lesley Dejesus of Cleveland. Dejesus was with her two kids and their father at the time, police said. All four were inside the church when two men tried to steal their car, according to police. Police initially said Dejesus and her family were dropping off donations and that the kids were inside the car at the time. The carjackers hot-wired the ignition. The two adults tried to stop the carjackers when they ran Dejesus over with the car, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was hurt. The carjackers sped off and left the car on Denison Road, where police found the car. Police said a man was arrested in connection with the incident, but later said he was released because he had nothing to do with the incident. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. Rotunda Rumblings 'Heartbeat bill' clears House: The Ohio House on Thursday voted 60-35 to pass legislation banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected - which, in some cases, can be as soon as six weeks into a pregnancy. As cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer writes, Gov. John Kasich vetoed similar legislation in 2016, though the House now appears to have the 60 votes needed to override his veto, should it come to that. Gerrymandering the Statehouse: The Democrats, though losing all the statewide offices, were more competitive in the 116 Ohio House and Senate elections across Ohio, Rich Exner at cleveland.com found in tabulating the unofficial returns. In terms of controlling Ohio's government, the GOP won 73 of the 116 Statehouse races. But the Republicans scored their wins for 63 percent of the seats while collecting just 50.3 percent of the total vote. Exner explores what happens next in redistricting. Brown roasts Republicans: Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said in a speech to Al Sharpton's National Action Network that if Stacey Abrams loses the gubernatorial race in Georgia, then the Republicans stole it, reports Ian Schwartz of RealClearPolitics. President Brown? Brown is getting a lot more media attention since he acknowledged this week that he's considering running for president in 2020. Sydney Ember of the New York Times has a backgrounder on Brown and his presidential prospects. Lobbying the legislature: Ohio Attorney General and Gov.-elect Mike DeWine told the Cincinnati Enqurier's Jessie Balmert he may have to ask the Ohio General Assembly for money to help Pike County try the capital murder case in the deaths of the Rhoden Family. DeWine has been mum on the investigation's details but shared this: ""It's just a bizarre story. When this case goes to trial, people are just going to shake their heads." School math: A new legislative committee wants to come up with a new charter e-school funding system after the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow's collapse, the Columbus Dispatch's Jim Siegel reports. Currently, the schools get money based on enrollment. Lawmakers looked at funding models in which schools get paid based on student performance or a combination of performance and enrollment. No-bids blunder: In 2017, the Columbus Dispatch did an investigation into the Ohio Department of Administrative Services breaking policy in the awarding of over $15 million in no-bid contracts. To remedy this situation, the department hired a consulting firm and - wait for it - improperly used a no-bid contract, reports the Dispatch's Randy Ludlow. Pathways to graduation: The Ohio Senate is working to create "alternative pathways" to high school graduation, reports The Plain Dealer's Patrick O'Donnell. "Those alternate pathways let students avoid test score requirements to graduate by reaching some career training goals, having strong attendance or classroom grades their senior year, doing a senior capstone project or working at a job or on community service," O'Donnell writes. Five Questions Democrat Bride Sweeney, 26, is the newly appointed state representative for Ohio's House District 14. She also was elected to the job for a two-year term beginning in January. She succeeds her father, Martin Sweeney, and is the both the youngest person and the first woman to represent the district. 1) Why did you run for state representative? "I grew up in a political family, and I watched my father make government work for people. I always knew I wanted to work in government in some capacity. ... After working [as a legislative aide] in Ohio's Senate and hearing my words in speeches and bills, I thought 'why can't this be me?'" 2) What do you hope to accomplish as a state representative? "It boils down to how we impact the future and how we work for the prosperity of Ohio. I have friends who have moved from Ohio because of the problems our state faces. We need to curb the opioid crisis, provide access to health care and invest in education. That way people from all across the country will want to come to Ohio and make a family and a life here." 3) How does it feel to be the first woman and the youngest person to represent House District 14? "It is the greatest honor of my life and that is not lost on me. I think my election speaks to the Year of the Woman. It also speaks to what young people can do. We are young, but we can be an avenue of change." 4) What advice do you have for young adults looking to work in politics? "My mother instilled in me that you should never let anyone make you feel less than yourself. Campaigning was very challenging, and many people made personal attacks and tried to tear me down. They said my dad was forcing me to run for his position, as if it would be ridiculous that a young woman could have ambitions of her own. My best advice would be to stay true to yourself and have a close group of friends and family. Don't let others get you down." 5) What do you enjoy doing in your free time? "Traveling. I have been to India, Thailand and Europe. I love experiencing cultures. Even traveling throughout Ohio I saw different backgrounds. It is one of my favorite things." Birthdays Saturday, 11/17: Ex-U.S. House Speaker John Boehner; Return J. Meigs, Ohio's 4th governor (1764-1825); Andrew L. Harris, Ohio's 44th governor (1835-1915) Sunday, 11/18: Christopher Dalton, legislative aide for state Rep. Catherine Ingram Straight from the Source "I say it to everybody, come on in, the water's warm." - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, when asked about a possible challenge for House speaker by U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. Republicans in the Ohio House made their latest blood offering to the Statehouse's insatiable gun lobby Wednesday, in blatant disregard of recent mass shootings in Pittsburgh and California, by voting out of the House an unnecessary and dangerous "stand your ground" bill. One Republican voted no; one Democrat voted yes. The House passed the bill after the purposeful silencing of a Cleveland lawmaker trying to describe its potentially dire effects on communities of color. Shamefully, GOP House Speaker Ryan Smith turned off the microphone of Rep. Stephanie Howse, a black Cleveland Democrat whose district includes Garfield Heights and Newburgh Heights, as she was attempting to document how few African-American residents live in the districts of the bill's two primary backers. The two prime sponsors of Amended Substitute House Bill 228, Sarah LaTourette and Terry Johnson, represent districts that are overwhelmingly white. According to House Democratic staff, Howse was trying to point out, before she was gaveled down, that Sarah LaTourette's House district in parts of Geauga and Portage counties is about 1.5 percent black; Terry Johnson's southern Ohio district in Scioto and Adams counties and part of Lawrence County is about 2.4 percent black. Statewide, more than one in eight Ohioans is black. Which means lawmakers from largely white districts are driving legislation that can have unusually deadly consequences for black Ohioans. In congressional testimony in 2013, U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, a Warrensville Heights Democrat, cited Urban Institute research that found that "in 'stand your ground' States, 35.9 percent of shootings involving a white shooter and a black victim are found to be justified. Only 3.4 percent of cases involving a black shooter and a white victim are considered justifiable self-defense." "These laws permit and, quite frankly, encourage individuals to use deadly force even in situations where lesser or no physical force would be appropriate," Fudge added. The Ohio bill is no different, even though its backers insist it's a "no duty to retreat" bill not a "stand your ground" bill. A distinction without a difference. If the bill is as innocuous as its backers try to make out, why didn't the House pass it before, rather than after, Nov. 6's election? Because HB 228 is anything but innocuous. The LaTourette-Johnson proposal shifts the burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors when defendants claim self-defense. That has significant courtroom consequences. Louis Tobin, executive director of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, said in written committee testimony that "requiring the prosecution to disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt when the only witness might be the dead victim is next to impossible." Besides, current law - which HB 228 wouldn't change - already considers a person to be acting in self-defense if using defensive force against someone who has "unlawfully ... entered or is entering the residence or vehicle occupied" by the defending person. The LaTourette bill also forbids Ohio cities and villages from regulating firearms locally and it lets a person or group "adversely affected" sue for damages from any municipality that passes local gun laws. That is, the bill would let plaintiffs squeeze municipal taxpayers. Are LaTourette's constituents in Aurora, Burton and South Russell OK with that? So much for GOP pieties about home rule and limiting lawsuit proliferation in Ohio. The House passed the bill 65-32, with Rep. Jack Cera, of Bellaire, in Belmont County, the only Democrat voting "yes," and Rep. Anne Gonzales, of the Columbus suburb of Westerville, the only Republican voting "no." To become law, LaTourette's bill would have to pass the state Senate and then get by Republican Gov. John Kasich, who'd almost certainly veto it - as Kasich should. But that doesn't erase the self-serving political aggrandizement that is motivating this bill, nor the intentional blindness to its pernicious consequences should it become law. 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. Guwahati, Nov 14 : The Indian Army and Japanese Army today completed their joint military exercise, 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' 2018 at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram. It is a significant step towards fostering military and diplomatic ties between the two countries. The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban and semi urban terrain. Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwar said that, the participants were initially familiarized with each other's organisational structure, tactical drills and planning process before graduating to joint tactical exercises. The contingents honed their tactical and technical skills in a wide spectrum of counter insurgency operations in including joint training on weapons and equipment, field training exercise and handling of improved explosive devices. Commanders at various levels from both sides were exercised to work in close coordination to receive and collate information jointly, plan operations and issue suitable orders to respective integrated groups. The exercise provided an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while also being instrumental in broadening the interoperability and cooperation between armies of India and Japan. COLUMBUS, OhioIn the waning days of the current legislative session, the Ohio House this week has passed two high-profile bills that Gov. John Kasich is expected to veto should they reach his desk. With all the talk about potential vetoes of the heartbeat bill abortion ban and the stand your ground bill regarding use of force in self-defense, its worth examining some common questions about Kasichs veto power, how the process works, and how things might play out before the current legislative session ends next month and Kasich leaves office in January. How does the governor veto a bill? Under the Ohio Constitution, when the Ohio General Assembly passes a bill, it must be sent forthwith to the governor, who has 10 calendar days (Sundays excepted) to do one of four things: sign the bill, veto the whole thing, line-item veto it (that is, sign the bill after striking out parts of it), or let it become law without his or her signature. How does the legislature override a veto? When a governor vetoes or line-item vetoes a bill, it can still become law anyway if three-fifths of the Ohio House (60 of 99 representatives) and the Ohio Senate (20 of 33 senators) vote to override the governors decision. The chamber where the vetoed legislation was originally introduced votes first on an override. Why does the legislature have to pass these bills before the end of this year? The current two-year legislative session is set to end in December, according to Ohio House and Senate rules. That means bills that were introduced in 2017 or 2018 must pass both the House and Senate by the end of this session, or they will die. Of course, any proposals that dont pass this session can be re-introduced when the next two-year session starts in January, but they will have to go through the entire legislative process again. Why cant the legislature pass the bills right before Kasich leaves office? Gov.-elect Mike DeWine has been a consistent opponent of abortion rights. So why not wait until the last second before Kasich leaves office on Jan. 14, 2019, then pass these bills before he has chance to react to them leaving it up to DeWine to sign them? In short, its because DeWine isnt allowed to deal with legislation passed under Kasich. In 2007, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that then-Gov. Ted Strickland didnt have the authority to veto a bill that was passed shortly before the previous governor, Bob Taft, left office. So what will happen with these bills? Before Kasich has to worry about whether to veto the stand your ground and heartbeat bills, the Ohio Senate must first pass them. If that happens and Kasich vetoes both bills, it appears that the Ohio House, at least, has the 60 votes needed to override his vetoes. (The stand your ground bill got 65 yes votes, while the heartbeat bill got 60 votes). State lawmakers usually wrap up business by mid-December to allow legislators to head home for the holidays. But both the House and Senate have an if-needed session day scheduled for the third week of December, and legislative leaders have the power to call additional session days after that. House Speaker Ryan Smith, a Gallia County Republican, told reporters this week that hes sure the governors office will try to run out the clock on us -- that is, wait as long as possible to veto the bills, so lawmakers have as little time left as possible to organize override votes. When Smith was asked whether hes alerted House members that they might have to come back on short notice to override Kasichs vetoes, he said, It depends on when these bills are passed in the Senate and when the 10-day clock starts with the governor. SOLON, Ohio -- Domestic violence, Southside Park Drive: Just before 7 p.m. Nov. 10, officers responded to a reported altercation between a man, 43, and his son, 14. Police arrived to find the man holding his son down on the kitchen floor. When officers attempted to take custody of the boy, he resisted. The boy's parents told police that he had become upset when he was told he could not go to the movies and when his parents took away his cell phone due to poor grades. The boy threw items at his mother and tore off his bedroom's closet door. He then attacked his father, striking him with closed fists. Next, the boy grabbed scissors and attempted to stab his father. As the two struggled, the boy tried to burn his father by turning on the gas stove. The father was able to subdue his son and hold him down until police arrived. Police took the boy into custody, then transported him to the county juvenile detention center. Assault, Portz Parkway: At 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7, police were called to the Solon Library, 34125 Portz Parkway, where a girl, 15, was arguing with staff members and refusing to leave. Officers arrived to find a group of juveniles leaving. The girl, as she left with the group, tipped over a decorative tree. The youths were uncooperative and the girl refused to identify herself. As the girl was arrested, she kicked and punched an officer. The girl, of Solon, was taken into custody and later transported to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. Theft, Briarwood Lane: At 8:50 a.m. Nov. 9, a manager of a home healthcare agency reported that a former employee of her company had stolen $1,000 from a resident who suffers from dementia. While filling in for the patient's regular caregiver, the former employee convinced the patient on Oct. 15 to write her a check for $1,000. A warrant was issued on a charge of theft for the former employee, a Garfield Heights woman, 24. OVI, Cannon Road: At 10:30 p.m. Nov. 9, a Warrensville Heights woman, 55, was arrested after she drove her car off the road and struck a fire hydrant. The car came to rest upon large landscaping stones. It was determined that the woman was intoxicated and that she was driving with a suspended license. Her license had been suspended after being arrested in October for OVI. The woman was again charged with OVI, driving with a suspended license and failure to control. The woman did not adequately provide a breath sample, so her blood-alcohol content could not be determined. Receiving stolen property, Solon Road: At 6:10 a.m. Nov. 14, an officer spotted a minivan being driven on Solon Road that had been reported stolen from Cleveland. The officer followed the vehicle until backup arrived. A traffic stop was made in Chagrin Falls. The driver, a Cleveland man, 52, was charged with felony receiving stolen property and driving with a suspended license. Theft, Kruse Drive: At 9:55 a.m. Nov. 14, a representative of BMW Cleveland, 6125 Kruse Drive, reported that, on Nov. 5, a male suspect went to the dealership to purchase tires for his car. He issued a bank check for $581.93 and took the tires. The check was later returned because the bank could not locate the account. The information on the check, including a driver's license number and phone number, were fictitious. The detective bureau is investigating. Domestic violence, Flanders Drive: At 11:15 a.m. Nov. 6, a former Solon resident, a woman, 39, reported that her husband had held a pillow over her face three or four times, making her gasp for breath. When the man stopped, he told the woman that, next time, he would not let her go. There had been numerous previous incidents of violence in the couple's marriage, so the woman had taken her two children and left their Solon home. Police arrested the husband, 48, and charged him with domestic violence. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio Good news, holiday travelers: Officials at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport say the long-dormant escalator that delivers passengers to the ticketing counter will be working by Thanksgiving. The escalator hasnt been operational since early August, when flooding forced its closure. Since then, travelers have had to either use an elevator, stairs or out-of-the-way secondary escalators to access the main terminal. The escalator is used by travelers who arrive to the airport via in the main parking garage, RTA and the Ground Transportation Center. Several travelers have complained to The Plain Dealer in recent weeks about the inconvenience. Wrote one: On our recent trip we saw many travelers with very heavy suitcases who were waiting a long time for the limited elevators. We walked many stairs up with only our carry-on bags. She added: I am dismayed at the condition of the airport and actually embarrassed for visitors who come to the city. The airport, in a statement, said the escalator was dismantled in late August and shipped off for repairs. This week, the repaired equipment is on-site and being installed and we expect repairs to this escalator will be finished before Thanksgiving. Guwahati, Nov 14 : While Assam gears up for panchayat polls which to be held in two phases on December 5 and 9 and several political parties announced their candidate list, miscreants had torched a vehicle of an Assam BJP leader in central Assams Nagaon district last night. The incident took place at Kahaligaon village, where miscreants torched a vehicle owned by Kaliabor district BJP president Anil Saikia. The BJP leader suspected that, some people who didnt get party ticket to contest in the rural elections might be involved in the incident. According to the reports, Anil Saikia had parked his Mahindra Bolero vehicle outside of his house premise and miscreants set ablaze when they were going to sleep. We were going to sleep at around 1-30 am and get up when hearing some sounds. The vehicle was parked outside of my home premise. We were noticed that, the vehicle was burning from front side. Some people who didnt get party ticket might be involved in incident, Anil Saikia said. SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com Nov-15-2018 23:12 TweetFollow @OregonNews Convicted Abortion Clinic Arsonist Released In Oregon After 25-years... reactions to her freedom are mixed. Shelley Shannon is an attempted murderer from Grants Pass Oregon, known for her many criminal acts. Photo: alchetron.com (PORTLAND, Ore.) - At 8:00 am on November 9th, 2018, Shelley Shannon walked out of a Portland, Oregon halfway house for the last time. Now 62, Rachelle Shelley Shannon, is free after serving 25-years in federal prison for the attempted murder of Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider. Tiller was shot as he left the clinic's parking lot. Injured in both arms, Tiller returned to work the following day. After Shannon was arrested and police were searching her car, they found a letter she had written to her daughter denying the shooting was wrong. I have no regrets." Shelley Shannon It was the most holy, most righteous thing Ive ever done, she wrote in the letter. I have no regrets." Besides trying to kill Tiller in 1993, Shannon went on a multi-state spree of attacks which included six arson and two acid attacks in California, Oregon and Nevada. Planned Parenthoods Reaction Paul Dillon, the Vice President of the regional Planned Parenthood network told reporters Friday, that patient safety and privacy are paramount to our group. Planned Parenthood is accepting donations to spread the cost of added security. Dillon added that security will not be interrupted." Our staff is resilient and passion. Our staff remains committed to the mission and will continue to provide much-needed services, he added. An Arson and Acid Attack in Nevada Originally a homemaker from Grants Pass, Oregon, Shannon became involved in anti-abortion activism about 1988. On Aug. 18, 1992, Shelley Shannon torched a clinic in Reno. On Sept. 16, 1992, at two clinics in Reno, Nevada she injected butyric acid into the walls. The acid released noxious smells resembling vomit. The clinics were forced to be evacuated. Following the acid attacks, she went to Ohio to visit John Brockhoeft, the convicted fire bomber of a Cincinnati abortion clinic. "She has never renounced murder as a legitimate strategy. Never ... So to have her out and having ongoing communications with extremists from across the country who promote the use of violence, this is a dangerous situation waiting to explode again." -Katherine Spillar, Feminist Majority Foundation (Kansas City Star) Shannon also maintained a steady correspondence with a Florida man, Michael Griffin, praising him for killing an abortion doctor and wishing to trade places with him. Shannon sent more than 25 letters to Griffin according to the August 22, 1993 issue of The Tuscoloosa News. "It was not murder," Shannon wrote in one letter. "You shot a murderer." Then, Shannon took a bus to Oklahoma City, rented a car and on August 19, 1993, she drove to Dr. Tillers clinic in Wichita. The clinic, Womens Health Care Services was bombed in 1986 and was the focus of Operation Rescues 46-day 'Summer of Mercy' campaign in 1981 which saw over 2,600 anti-abortion activists arrested. She shot at Dr. Tiller with a semiautomatic pistol as he was driving out of the clinic parking lot, hitting him in his arms. She was arrested several hours after the shooting. Mixed Assessment of Shannon Staying Out of Jail She has the same goals she had when she was convicted, said U.S. Attorney Stephen Peifer. She may commit more violence herself, but what is more likely is her advising others to follow through. Thats her track record." Not everyone agrees with Peifers assessment. "I dont think shell be doing anything violent, said Rev. Donald Spitz, an anti-abortion activist who has been in touch with Shannon. Obviously, no one knows. Id be very surprised, Spitz added. "Its not unusual for there to be two views to the resolution of a case as emotionally wrought as this, said Nicholas Wooldridge, a Nevada violent crimes attorney. As in most situations of this nature, there are two sides and the truth is somewhere in the middle." The Takeaway Dr. George Tiller, one of the few physicians in America who provided abortions late in pregnancy, continued to be a target of anti-abortion violence. In 2009, he was shot and killed by Scott Roeder, as he stood in his church foyer, during a Sunday morning service. Roeder was found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault, and sentenced on April 1, 2010 to life imprisonment without any chance of parole for 50 years. In November 2017, the Florida Commission on Offender Review denied Michael Griffin's request for parole, ruling that he must remain in prison at least until the year 2043. Source: Salem-News.com Special Features Dept. _________________________________________ United-states | Business | Most Commented on Articles for November 15, 2018 | Articles for November 16, 2018 Retailers are gearing up for shoppers to turn up in droves this holiday season, with sales for the industry expected to climb more than 4 percent from a year ago, topping $700 billion. And during the holidays, many shoppers will take advantage of key shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to score the best deals. Black Friday by itself is expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year. Some families will get an even earlier start at stores on Thanksgiving Day, with a slew of major retailers opening their doors then. Overall, the number of shoppers who procrastinate to buy gifts is declining, according to NPD Group's Marshal Cohen. "With fewer 'last minute Charlies' and widespread early deals stealing from the back-end of this shopping season, we should gear up for another front-loaded holiday," he said. It's true 60 percent of shoppers say this year they plan to start buying for the holiday season before Thanksgiving, according to a survey of more than 4,000 people by Deloitte. Twenty-seven percent of consumers surveyed say they plan to start shopping either on Thanksgiving Day or later in the month of November. Younger shoppers this year will be more reliant on discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday than baby boomers and seniors, Deloitte also found. The average household, per another study by Deloitte, is expected to spend roughly $1,500 this holiday season, up 25 percent from a year ago. And they'll be spending on everything from electronics to apparel, toys and home goods, while self-gifting is also expected to be more frequent thanks to such strong consumer confidence in the U.S. Target CEO Brian Cornell earlier this year said he hadn't seen such a robust consumer environment in his career, and he anticipates the best holiday season yet for the big-box retailer. Why buy a flatscreen TV during the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy when you can buy an entire vacation and save up to 55 percent? The week of Thanksgiving, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers a great opportunity to score deals on hotels, tours, and vacation packages, according to data from the travel deal site TravelPirates.com. Even airfare, in some cases, will be on sale. Over the past few years, travel savings on during the days after Thanksgiving have ranged from 5 percent to 55 percent, Alanna Smith, editor at TravelPirates, tells CNBC Make It. There are many kinds of discounts available, including promo codes and bonus resort credit. "Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday hold a lot of treasures for potential travelers," she says. Many of the big airlines ignore Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Smith says, but budget airlines like WOW and Norwegian have offered good deals in the past. Last year, WOW air's Cyber Monday sale offered up to 40 percent off, while top-rated Qatar Airways offered a 10 percent discount. The best deals tend to be offered by hotels and tour operators, Smith says, so it's worth keeping an eye on tour operators like Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Travel Talk Tours for discounts, too. Getting even 10 percent off of a tour can mean saving up to $1,000. Sites like Expedia, Vegas.com, and Atlantis Bahamas are also expected to offer deals, she says. One of the best deals TravelPirates has already scouted is a sale on stays at the Hard Rock resorts in Punta Cana, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya. These all-inclusive resorts will be offering up to 45 percent off regular rates plus, kids can stay for free. TravelPirates reports this deal will be live starting Nov. 23, 2018. The Justice Department is getting ready to prosecute Julian Assange as the WikiLeaks founder's relationship with Ecuador deteriorates, The Wall Street Journal reported citing people in Washington familiar with the matter. Ecuador granted Assange political asylum in 2012. He has since been living in the country's embassy in London. But last month, Ecuador's foreign minister said the country no longer plans to intervene on Assange's behalf in discussions with the British government about his asylum status. The Journal reported that U.S. prosecutors have weighed charges against Assange as the prospect of getting Ecuadorean officials to turn him over seem more likely. In October, Assange sued Ecuador for "violating his rights," alleging that authorities have tried to "summarily cut off" his access to the outside world. Read the full report in The Wall Street Journal. It was a mixed picture for markets in Asia on Friday, on the back of fresh uncertainties emerging from the U.K. overnight after multiple important ministers resigned from Prime Minister Theresa May's government. The mainland Chinese markets, which have been closely watched amid the ongoing trade spat between Washington and Beijing, recovered from earlier losses to see gains on the day. The Shanghai composite was up 0.41 percent to close at around 2,679.11 and the Shenzhen composite rose 0.843 percent to finish at about 1,410.18. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.12 percent in the final hour of afternoon trade. In Australia, the fell slightly to close at 5,730.6, with the sectors finishing mostly lower. Stocks in Japan struggled for gains. The Nikkei 225 slipped 0.57 percent to close at 21,680.34 while the Topix index shed 0.59 percent to end the trading day at 1,629.30. Shares of game maker Nintendo fell 9.1 percent. Shares of semiconductor companies in Japan took a hit on the back of yesterday's plunge in Nvidia's stock stateside after it missed both revenue and guidance. Tokyo Electron, which manufactures semiconductor equipment, was down 4.26 percent while manufacturer Advantest fell 7.56 percent. In South Korea, the Kospi rose 0.21 percent to close at 2,092.4. May defends draft Brexit plan The U.K. was thrust into political turmoil on Thursday following a spate of resignations from Prime Minister Theresa May's government, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who said he couldn't accept the deal after the promises the ruling Conservative Party made to the country in an election manifesto last year. Speaking from inside 10 Downing Street on Thursday evening, the prime minister said: "I want to honor the vote the of the referendum," she said. At least 16 members of her own Conservative Party have openly called for a vote of no confidence in May, citing dissatisfaction with her proposals to leave the European Union. One strategist warned about the outlook of the Brexit deal. "At this stage, it will be almost impossible for the deal to be approved by Parliament because the concerns raised by Raab are issues shared by many members of the government," Kathy Lien, managing director of foreign exchange strategy at BK Asset Management, said in an overnight note. "This is not only a major setback for Brexit, but (Member of Parliament) Rees-Mogg's call for a no confidence vote could also spell the end of May's role as Prime Minister," she said, in reference to notable Euroskeptic lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg. The British pound plunged to $1.2833 from about $1.2994 at around 9:00 a.m. London time on Thursday, following news of Raab's resignation. The pound traded at about $1.2796 on Friday afternoon during Asian hours. US-China trade hopes In overnight market action on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 208.77 points to close at 25,289.27 and the advanced more than 1 percent to close at 2,730.2. The Nasdaq Composite also rose 1.7 percent to close at 7,259.03. The positive sentiment for stocks stateside appeared to be driven by a report that the U.S. and China have doubled down on efforts to reach an agreement on trade ahead of the Group of 20 meeting later this month. One person familiar with the situation told the Financial Times that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has already informed some industry executives the next wave of tariffs was already on hold. However, stocks fell from their highs after a spokesman for the U.S. Trade Representative told CNBC "the plan for the tariffs as covered in the Federal Register Notice dated Sept. 21, 2018 has not changed at all. Any reports to the contrary are incorrect." Currencies Getting the draft Brexit agreement approved by a largely hostile Parliament will be a "hard job" for U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, and a second referendum is out of the question, according to a former advisor to the late Margaret Thatcher. On Thursday, a flurry of ministers resigned from their positions, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, in protest at May's proposals. Their resignations came hours after May said she had obtained enough support from her senior ministers for her draft Brexit deal to move forward. It will be a "hard job" to get the draft proposal through Parliament "because Prime Minister May has upset people from all sides, including the 'Remainers' ... they feel that we're still in the European Union with no seat on the board," John Browne, who was also a former member of the British Parliament, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Friday. Remainers are people who voted for the U.K. to stay as part of the European Union. "I don't think there's a chance of a second referendum. The referendum is already been done. It's like trying to re-run the derby if you didn't have the winning horse so, it's already been done. There's Brexit," he added. May could also potentially face a leadership challenge if enough Conservative lawmakers submit letters of no confidence in the prime minister. British Trade Secretary Liam Fox told CNBC Friday that a no-deal Brexit still remains a possibility, adding the consequences of such a disorderly divorce from the EU would be "unfortunate." His comments come at a time when British Prime Minister Theresa May is fighting for her political survival, after a draft divorce deal with the EU prompted a flurry of government ministers to resign. "Throughout the process the government has said it's only prudent for us to prepare for no deal. We don't believe that that's either in the U.K.'s interest or the interest of the European Union," Fox said on Friday. He warned that a no-deal scenario would most likely result in "undue friction" for companies based in the U.K. and the EU post-Brexit, with the process also resulting in "threats to their profitability." "Now, it could happen (and) it would be unfortunate if it did," Fox said. The government unveiled its long-awaited draft withdrawal agreement on Wednesday, which details the terms of the U.K.'s departure from the EU on March 29, 2019. A no-deal scenario is generally considered to be where the U.K. crashes out of the EU without any formal relationship and has to rely on WTO trading rules. An Anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray (R) stands with placards and a pro-Brexit supporter (L) stands with a placard demanding an immediate departure from the European Union. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS | AFP | Getty Images Resignations, market sell-offs, and calls for the U.K. prime minister to step down. Just another day in the Brexit saga that has engulfed the attention of the British political class and swamped media coverage throughout the country. The last 48 hours have been particularly intense, triggered by the publication of a text which spells out the terms by which Britain and the European Union could part ways next March. The 585-page draft, agreed between May's team and their opposite numbers in Brussels, has been attacked by politicians from across the whole of the U.K. Parliament. What happens next is uncertain but the most immediate challenge for the prime minister is a possible vote of no confidence on her leadership. Could May be toppled? Kaya Mar, a political artist, holds a painting depicting Theresa May, U.K. prime minister, on College Green in London, U.K., on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. U.K. Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg | Getty Images May's position had been put under extreme pressure on Thursday after the resignations of several members of her government, including Dominic Raab, her Brexit secretary who led the negotiations with the EU. These politicians have cited concerns over various issues including the length of time the U.K. will remain in a customs union with the EU which could potentially stifle future trade deals with other global nations. Despite a running total of seven government members quitting their roles, May refused to buckle telling a press conference late Thursday that she was focused on leadership and getting her deal through Parliament. Whether she reaches a December parliamentary vote on her Brexit plan as leader looks shaky, as it's been reported that lawmakers in her own party are seeking to oust her, via an official leadership challenge. Under the Conservative Party's own rules, 48 letters of no confidence in May are required to trigger a challenge. At least 20 have been made public and it's expected that a number of others have been sent but not declared. If 48 Conservative MPs (Members of Parliament) back a no-confidence vote, there will be a leadership contest and the prime minister would need more than 50 percent of the vote to stay in office. On the plus side, should she win that vote, she could not be challenged again for at least a year. A vote could happen as soon as Monday. UK leader rallies support May has been highly visible in recent days as she tries to present her provisionally agreed deal to leave the European Union as the best, and only, real option on the table. The strategy had appeared to pay off by Friday morning with several high-profile ministers appearing to distance themselves from the initial rush of resignations. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox told CNBC on Friday that he had "full confidence" in May and echoed the Environment Minister Michael Gove, by adding that "what we need now is stability." The Sunday Times newspaper has reported that both men have agreed to stay part of the Cabinet (her most senior circle of lawmakers) along with other Brexit-supporting ministers, Andrea Leadsom, Penny Mordaunt and Chris Grayling. Parliament will decide Should May see off any challenge, the next step might prove tougher. The prime minister has promised a meaningful vote on the draft text in Parliament in December. That means she would need a simple majority of the 650 lawmakers that sit in the House of Commons. Those numbers look unlikely. Her 315 Conservative MPs do represent the largest party in the House, but a significant number are against the plan. The Conservatives operate a majority in the Commons by working in tandem with 10 votes from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP, a Northern Irish party, have expressed concern that May's deal treats that part of the United Kingdom differently something of a red line for the hard-line unionists. The left-of-center opposition Labour Party has 257 lawmakers and would appear to hold the whip-hand. Labour has indicated they will ask their MPs to vote against May's deal, but there are a number of rebels that May can count on. It's estimated she would need around 40 Labour MPs to cross the divide and vote for her. Despite deep divisions within Labour, political analysts see that as a high threshold. The third-biggest party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), has promised that all 35 of its MPS will reject the deal, calling it an unfair solution for Scotland. A rejection by Parliament would likely spell the end of May's tenure, according to many onlookers, and could lead to another General Election or even a second Brexit referendum. Market reaction Below is the transcript of an interview with Masahiko Uotani, CEO, Shiseido. The interview will play out in CNBC's latest episode of Managing Asia on 16 November 2018, 6.30PM SG/HK (in APAC) and 11.00PM BST time (in EMEA). If you choose to use anything, please attribute to CNBC and Christine Tan. Christine Tan(Christine): Uotani San, thank you so much for talking to me. Now, in 2014 you were appointed President and CEO of Shiseido. How does it feel like to be the first outsider brought in to jumpstart a traditional Japanese company? Masahiko Uotani(Masahiko): Well, I feel it's very challenging, and I really enjoy that right now. But when I made the decision, it was not easy. I had worked for Coca Cola for 18 years, as President and Chairman of Japan, and I was a little, kind of exhausted, you know doing a lot of business trips and uh working everyday looking at the numbers, numbers, numbers. My wife was actually sick and tired of it too. So when they came to talk to me, "We want to appoint you as President and CEO of Shiseido", I couldn't say yes immediately. I said to them, you know, give me three weeks to think about it, I don't know if I really would do it or not. I needed to get the approval from my wife. Christine: You needed to get approval from your wife. What did she say? Masahiko: Well, she was not willing to accept that idea in the beginning. Christine: What changed her mind? Masahiko: Well, the free product samples. (laughs) Christine: That was an upside to some. Masahiko: Joking. But you know, well I thought, this is a traditional Japanese company with 140 years of history. I thought my mission as a business person is to transform a traditional Japanese company to be a real global competitive company. Christine: Shiseido is a 146 year-old Japanese beauty company and it started out with a western-style pharmacy, then went to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and skin care. What was behind the company's success in the early years? Masahiko: From the beginning, Shiseido has built the combination, or I would call it "hybrid model" of Japanese values and Western values. The founder started the business with Western type of pharmacy only 5 years after major revolution, from old days of Japan to new days of Japan. Then second person, who was the son of the founder (Shinzo Fukuhara), started the cosmetics business. He studied in the U.S. at 18 years, when he was young, it was even before 1900. So from the beginning in Shiseido, we had that sort of mindset to nurture what we have in Japan and bring in new values from other parts of the world, combining it and creating new values, that's our DNA. Christine: When you took over, sales, growth and profitability were declining. The company itself was struggling and you were losing a lot of domestic business. How did the company lose its way? What were some of the problems it was facing? Masahiko: Well, as what happened to many other Japanese companies, you know the famous "lost two decades" of the bubble economy burst, it motivated many of the Japanese management to be really internally focused, and being more efficient. In other words, cost reduction was a huge kind of strategic initiative for many, many companies. Christine: So it lost touch with the market? Masahiko: Yeah, in a sense. Well, I mean the markets were changing very quickly with the younger generation of consumers coming in, so you really have to change yourself to adapt to the new kind of trends in the market. So they were a little behind that. Christine: As CEO, you laid out vision 2020. What were some of the tough decisions you had to make to boost sales? Masahiko: I had to really increase investments to build the brands. We are a consumer business company, B2C. So, what is the value of the company I have to grow? And the value of the company includes brand values which are intangible assets, just what I learned from Coca Cola. Coke physically is not a big company, in terms of the number of employees, in terms of the number of assets, physical assets. But it's a growing intangible asset which is the brand, same for Shiseido. We have to really build the brands. So we need investments to do that. In order to get there, my first decision after three months was to build a new R&D center, out of Tokyo a $400 million investment that is creating innovations, innovation capabilities. Innovation is actually part of building brand values. People obviously choose our brand because differentiated values with what's new, what's exciting, that's important. So, I started from the innovation side and then went into investing in brands which is communication, advertising, promotions, merchandising the stores. Then, I shifted to supply chains, now we are building two new plants in Japan. Christine: What about the product line-up? Did you have to revamp the entire product line-up? Did you take out everything on the shelf and put in new ones? Masahiko: Uh, not necessarily, but actually (in) our analysis, we concluded we had too many brands, too many products, so we had to really start focusing on key brands - 6 brands in Japan. We decided out of many brands, we had to streamline some of the brands and businesses. Yes, we did it. At the same time, we had to work on the rebuilding of our organization, particularly in China, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In Asia you know, we didn't even have any regional head office, so we put that regional head office in Singapore. By doing that we were able to attract many people, talents you know in that region. So, building new organization with new talents was a huge step for us. Christine Tan: As the first outside CEO, it was natural for people within the organization to feel a little bit apprehensive about the sort of changes you were going to make. How did you eventually win your staff over? Masahiko: Talking to people. In order to change a company, I believe we have to change the culture of the company: how we work, what we do. It's culture. In order to change the culture, you have to work on changing people's mindset and behaviours. In order to change the mindset of the people, you have to really show the vision and you have to show the analysis: why are we not doing well before and how are we going to solve that? Where we are going? We set the vision called Vision 2020, a six year program. We went to talk to people like beauty consultants who are working on the ground everyday as touchpoints with our customers. They know actually what's not going well, what's the value we can provide, what are the issues we are facing. In the beginning, when I went to talk to people in department stores, they said, we need more product samples. We are selling prestige luxury kind of product, which are very expensive like $100. Therefore, we want to give product samples for our consumers, our customers to test. But we don't do that enough. Okay, so you know, why don't you let them get more? "Oh well, I have to get approval from the head office." So this indicates not only do we need more product samples for the customers, but our culture, the hierarchy, the decision making process of the company must be very centralized at decision-making, which I don't believe is going to work anymore. To put focus on our consumers, you have to be much closer to the market. Christine Tan: So you cut down the layers of bureaucracy. Have you cut down the hierarchy within the company? Masahiko: Not only just you know, for example in Japan, where we were struggling before, when we had (our) headquarters and local sales companies merge into one, and people started working together. People who know the markets and the customers, and the people who are planning for the products and the brands, they are now staying together under one company, which is making a big change. Christine Tan: Well investors and markets seem to like your restructuring story. Looking at your 2008 earnings this year, what's going to drive most of that growth for you? Which markets? Masahiko: In terms of categories, prestige brands, luxury brands are driving the growth. In terms of markets, it's China. But you know, it's not only just the China market, I would call it the Chinese consumers who buy our products in China, and at the same time, they travel a lot, 130 million people travelled outside of China last year. And they go to airports, so we have now good merchandising now at the duty free shops in the airports. So it's what we call cross-border marketing. Christine: So, China is a big factor for you, because sales in China grew 20% last year. Has it become your fastest growing international market? Masahiko: Among the markets, yes, China is the fastest growing market for us. Christine : How fast do you see China growing for you this year? Masahiko: It's even accelerating the growth, higher than 20% yeah. Yes China is becoming the number 2 market next to Japan. Christine: When it comes to products, are you tailoring a specific range just for the Chinese consumer market? Masahiko: Getting there. Christine: Getting there? How soon could it happen? Masahiko: We're getting there. It is going to happen. You know, we expanded our R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, we have made them even bigger. So the R&Ds are going to really see to specific kind of needs in China and we're going to custom make products. Not only that, we are now working with big e-commerce companies and they are telling us based on their data, what are the specific needs they have identified, and we are trying to work with them to have even more customizable products. Christine: (With) so much reliance on the Chinese consumer right now, are you worried about a territorial dispute that's always been looming in the background between China and Japan? If that breaks out again, could this impact your sales? Are you worried? Masahiko: Well, we always have to obviously, get ourselves to be prepared for any risk - political risk, consumer (risk), reputation risk, whatever. It's one of them. I do hope it's not going to happen again, and it's not simply negatively impacting our business, it's not good for those two countries. I want the two countries to obviously be building good friendship. So, yes and no. If you ask me if I'm worried, I'm worried but I'm a bit more of an optimist. A lot of people are coming to Japan, you know 10 million people from China coming and a lot of people now are going to China. So among the ordinary people I would say, it's really friendly interaction happening. Christine: You worried about this so-called trade dispute we're having all over the world between the US, Europe, Japan, China? Are you worried about what's happening on the geopolitical side? Masahiko: If that lasts long term, that's going to influence consumer psychology. Just as a direct impact by increasing the trade tariff, we don't get the huge impact from that. So, I'm not worried a lot, but if that sort of relationship continues, you know people's mindset becomes very pessimistic, and maybe consumption activity and spending activity would be affected negatively. So that means economically, it's going to slow down. And then the business, not only our business, but everybody's business is going to be negatively affected. So, I hope it is going to be over soon. Christine: Well, in the process you're upping your R&D staff, you're increasing technology spend. What's the next big skin care technology you're working on? Masahiko: Well, a lot, new ingredients, new formulations. For example, the one we announced last year is to improve your wrinkles. At the same time, we stepped back and thought, we are now only working in what we call cosmetics. There are so many other kinds of categories to grow in, like you know surgeries. Cosmetic surgery is one of the areas which are growing in Korea, in China and now in Japan even in the Western countries. I don't think we're going to be there, but we thought, can we create a new kind of category in-between? For people who have some problems themselves, like scar conditions, spots, wrinkles, people want to cover that. Therefore, we found an interesting technology in the U.S. - artificial skin, and it's not requiring any surgeries. It's just putting cosmetics on your face. But it's not making you look just nice - just like having a serum. It is not medicine but it is a tube of some liquid, you just mix it and put your face where you want to cover, where you want to hide like maybe spots, and it creates artificial skin on your face, and you look younger. Christine: What's the potential like for the commercialization of this "second-skin" technology? Masahiko: Well yes, we're going to make sure that it's going to be commercialized, maybe in the next two, three years. Potential as far as we have surveyed so far, potential is going to be really big. Christine: Artificial intelligence seems to be the big talk these days when it comes to revolutionizing the skincare and beauty industry. And you bought a tech startup called MatchCo, which specialized in this particular area. Is this the next big bet you're taking when it comes to skin care, beauty and artificial intelligence? Masahiko: Yeah, that's what we believe, because market is becoming kind of saturated anywhere. Where will you go? There are so many products available, new brands are coming up. So consumers particularly younger generations of consumers are looking for, 'What's good for me? Can you really make something only for me, because I'm different from other people?" Therefore, we look at this opportunity as new opportunities, personalized, custom-made kind of opportunities. MatchCo technology was developed by three entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. We talked to them and we bought (the company), and then we sent our R&D people there to work together, to develop sort of a new foundation. So consumers send their information, we capture that and come up with a perfectly matching color of foundation for that person specifically, and we send it to her. So it's a D2C model, direct to consumer. Christine: So, is this basically a strategy to capture the growing millennial market? Masahiko: Yes, it's a part of our (strategy) to capture the millennial market as well. Christine: It's become more innovative, more tech savvy. Masahiko: Detail oriented, yes. Christine: In the last couple of years, sales in your Japanese home market have been flagging, but I understand things are picking up sales are growing, is a meaningful recovery now in place in Japan? Masahiko: Yes, oh yes. Well, you know Japan business has turned around in the last few years. It is growing double-digit, which is good news for us. Obviously, it's driven by consumers, including Chinese consumers coming to Japan and buying our products, that's one factor. What's really important for me is we are increasing our sales with local Japanese consumers as well which is a big recovery. Christine: How did you manage to do that? What did you have to do to boost sales at home? Masahiko: Because the market is saturated, we have to be visibly showing what's new, what's exciting, what are the new values to them - more "added" values are very important. At the same time, we have to communicate that through media, through the stores and through our beauty consultants. So, organizational capability is really key for us. Christine: So you're number 1 in Japan now? Masahiko: Yes. Christine: And you continue to be? Masahiko: Oh yes, yes. Our aspiration is not only what's the position for Japan anymore, our aspiration is what we can do in the global markets, not only just in Japan. My aspiration clearly is to be a very significant player in the global markets. Top three in a prestige beauty company in the world by leveraging what we have built in our heritage in Japan. Christine: You're 64 years old, born in the region of Kansai Japan. You graduated with an MBA from Columbia University. You were basically retired. You had worked for these global consumer companies like Coca Cola and Kraft, before Shiseido has actually handpicked you to be the CEO in 2014, now you're in-charge of over 46,000 employees within Shiseido itself. How would you describe your leadership and your management style? Masahiko: My style is to be close to people. What I have worked in the companies like Coca Cola, I really thought about what is the core value of the company? It's a people business. Delivering brands to consumers, you need a lot of new ideas. I want people to be motivated and trying to add values to the society. So, I think my style is, as I said, without significant hierarchy. I don't like hierarchy. (Christine: You don't like hierarchy) I don't like that. I have no problem to go to talk to our beauty consultants, (who are) working hard every day. Christine: And how often do you do that? Masahiko: Oh, I do that almost every week. This week, I went to our branch in Osaka, because you know there was a typhoon that hit the Osaka areas. I spoke to our people there and then I went to the plant, to talk to our people working in the plants, and then I'm here. So I don't just stay in my office. Christine: One of the things you mandated as CEO was to make sure that English was spoken in your main head office in Tokyo. Why was that an important part of your transformation process? Masahiko: Well, to make the company really global, communication is indispensable. As I said, to have different background people coming (together) to talk and having communication motivates people to do something really new. If you don't understand what the other person is saying, then how can I expect them to work together? So, communication, communication, communication. Having translators, interpreters was the practice we had in the past, I think there's a limit. Now, people are shifting to -- I have to do something, I have to tell something myself in English. And English has been mandated as a common language for the entire Shiseido head office in Tokyo from October 1st this year. Christine: So, are we just talking about spoken English or emails also with English? Masahiko: Emails and all documents are going to be written in English. And if we have only even one person who is not Japanese speaking in the meeting, everyone has to be speaking in English. That's a rule. Christine: Well, within Shiseido itself for a long time and in any typical Japanese company, there's lifetime employment, not to mention promotion is always based on seniority. As CEO of Shiseido, are you trying to change that? Masahiko: Oh we are changing that. (Christine: How so?) Well you know, seniority simply doesn't make sense if that person is the right person for the position. So what's very important for us is, when you really think about a position, who is the right person to deliver the mission of the position? It doesn't have to be simply senior person, it doesn't have to be a super young person, it doesn't have to be just male, or female or Japanese, or non-Japanese. Who can really do this job the best? That's the point. So we are promoting younger generation to be taking up important positions, without simply going through the ages as the benchmark, and I'm promoting women to be in the senior positions. We actually achieved our goal of 30% of women being in managerial positions in 2017. Immediately after that, I announced we're going to be achieving 40% target by 2020. We're getting there. Christine: And finally, as the CEO of Shiseido, driving the company for the last 4 years as the first outside CEO within the company, what's your ultimate ambition for the world's oldest beauty and skin care company? Masahiko: We want to be a true global company with our Japanese heritage. So, how can we really make sure everybody sees Shiseido (and say), "Oh, that's a great company that is embracing diversity, globally." (It) doesn't have to be maybe the CEO being Japanese anymore in the future. So, a real global company, but (with) a really strong background of our values which was built over 140 years in Japan. ENDS For more information: Clarence Chen Communications Manager APAC, CNBC International D: +65 6326 1123 M: +65 9852 8630 E: 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, Abu Dhabi, 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. About Managing Asia: Managing Asia is the Asia Pacific region's ground-breaking interview programme featuring CEOs, entrepreneurs and other business leaders. Showtimes Asia (SIN/HK) Friday 18:30 Saturday 10:00, 19:00 Sunday 04:00, 06:00, 08:00, 18:00 Monday 03:00 Australia (SYD) Saturday 19:00, 22:00 Sunday 01:00, 03:00, 06:00, 08:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 Monday 00:00,2:00,04:00,07:00 Europe (CET) Asian stocks have been hit by waves of uncertainty this year, stemming from the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. "Asian markets are down 15 percent this year because of the U.S.-China trade dispute and concerns about (an) economic ... slowdown," Suresh Tantia, investment strategist at Credit Suisse, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Friday. Asian economies will "definitely" experience a slowdown next year, he added. The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index has fallen more than 20 percent from its 2018 highs, and Tantia is seeing opportunities amidst the turmoil. "I like Asian markets because I think there's a big divergence between fundamentals and prices," he said. "Prices have moved far ahead of fundamentals." "You look at the earnings picture for Asian markets, we are still looking at 10 percent kind of growth for 2019. Valuation is extremely cheap and this year, we have seen thirty billion dollar(s) of outflows from Asian equities which we have never seen going back to 2008," Tantia said. A crowd of people attend the sale where David Hockney's Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) is displayed at Christie's in New York. A painting by British artist David Hockney has sold for more than $90 million a world record price for a work by a living artist. "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" was sold at auction in New York for $90,312,500, Christie's auction house announced Friday. Bidding on the 1972 painting opened at $18 million and quickly surpassed the previous record held by "Balloon Dog (Orange)," a piece by Jeff Koons that sold for $58 million in 2013. Hockney's painting, described by Christie's as a "masterpiece," was sold in under 10 minutes. It appeared last year in an exhibition named after the artist, opening at London's Tate Britain in February before touring to the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The artist abandoned the painting in 1971 before returning to the idea the following year. It was completed the night before being transported to New York's Andre Emmerich Gallery for exhibition. Katie Porter, the Democratic candidate for the 45th Congressional District, speaks to supporters on election night at the Hilton Irvine in Irvine on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. In a rebuke to Trump policies, Democratic candidate Katie Porter a favorite of liberals has apparently defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in California's historically conservative Orange County, according to NBC News. The result came more than a week after Election Day. Democrats have now gained 36 seats in the House, according to NBC, more than enough for the majority. Porter, a consumer advocate lawyer and law professor, will represent California's 45th Congressional District, which includes Irvine, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and parts of Anaheim Hills. It has one of the highest median household income levels nationally more than $100,000, according to data from the Census Bureau. Porter ran a campaign that framed Walters as a "rubber stamp" of President Donald Trump's agenda on everything from taxes and health care to the environment. She also attacked the incumbent for trying to take away coverage of pre-existing conditions and for accepting campaign contributions from drug companies while not doing enough to lower the price of prescription drugs. For her part, Walters defended her support of Trump's policies, including GOP tax overhaul as well as the push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. She also depicted Porter a protege of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat - as an extreme liberal and "out of step" with constituents. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a seven-point margin in the district, which went for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Porter raised nearly three times more than Walters in the third quarter. German utility E.ON is to build what it describes as one of Europe's "largest onshore wind farms." In an announcement Friday, the business said it had decided to invest in the 475-megawatt Nysater wind project in Sweden. The facility will be built jointly with Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners (CSEIP). Breaking down the deal, E.ON said that a fund advised by CSEIP would have 80 percent of the joint venture. E.ON is to build and operate the project through a "long-term" operations and maintenance agreement, and will retain a 20 percent equity stake in the development. Total investment comes to approximately 500 million euros ($566.4 million). "It is part of our strategy to expand our position for onshore wind energy in Europe," Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath, CEO of E.ON Climate and Renewables, said in a statement. "Nysater means a significant expansion of our Scandinavian portfolio," Dotzenrath added. Europe added 4.5 gigawatts of wind energy capacity in the first half of 2018, according to trade body WindEurope. E.ON said its new project is situated in the Vasternorrland district of Sweden, an area the company described as having "excellent wind conditions." Construction is slated to begin this year and it's expected the facility will be finished by the end of 2021. It will use 114 turbines from Nordex, a German manufacturer. The pan-European Stoxx 600 finished down around 0.12 percent during Friday deals. On the week the European list of blue chips shed 2.68 percent. European stocks were lower Friday afternoon, as investors continued to closely monitor the ongoing political turmoil in the U.K. Europe's banking index suffered more losses Friday, down around 0.74 percent as U.K. lenders struggled amid heightened fears the country could soon crash out of the European Union without a Brexit divorce deal. Metro Bank, Lloyds and RBS all shed value. Autos were another sector to dip. Volkswagen lost 2.5 percent after announced a 44 billion euro bid to transform a large part of its business toward electric cars. Meanwhile, media stocks were up more than half a percent amid earnings news. French media conglomerate Vivendi reported stronger-than-anticipated third quarter sales on Friday, supported by growth at its Universal Music Group arm. Shares of the Paris-listed stock rose more than 3 percent on the news. Looking at individual stocks, Sweden's NIBE Industrier rose to the top of the benchmark after it reported that pre-tax profit surged 20 percent in the first nine-months of the year. Shares of the company jumped more than 5 percent during early afternoon deals. Elsewhere, Astrazeneca said Friday that the combination of two immunotherapy drugs did not meet the main goal in a closely watched late-stage study for a certain type of lung cancer, Reuters reported. Shares of the company fell 1.79 percent. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb threatened Friday to pull e-cigarettes off the market if the agency's new restrictions on the sale of fruity flavors don't slow an "astonishing" surge in teen use. "The reality is if we don't prevent this level of youth use of these products, this is an existential risk for the entire industry," Gottlieb said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "The alternative is to pull the products off the market, which is not something we want to do." Gottlieb rolled out new rules Thursday restricting sales of e-cigarette flavors, except for mint and menthol, mostly to vape shops and other stores that don't allow minors. The rules effectively ban most convenience stores and gas stations from selling the sweeter flavors, unless they segregate the flavors to a separate section of the store that prohibits minors. E-cigarette companies who want to continue selling fruity flavors on their website must follow new FDA-mandated guidelines. Meanwhile, the agency will pursue bans on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. E-cigarettes are billed as a way to give adult smokers their nicotine fix without all the toxins that come with conventional cigarettes. But many teens are also using these products now, throwing the industry's future into question. "I think a lot of people are going to be willing to put up with a few inconveniences in order to really prevent these things from getting into the hands of kids," Gottlieb told CNBC. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Youth Tobacco Survey show 3.6 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes, 1.5 million more than last year. Researchers suggest the popularity of "certain types of e-cigarettes, such as JUUL" likely caused the surge in e-cigarette use. Gottlieb said these trends can't continue and if they do, he may take additional actions. "There's no way to completely prevent access to kids, but we're going to put speed bumps to help prevent these things from getting into the hands of kids, particularly the fruity-flavored products," Gottlieb said. E-cigarette manufacturers on Thursday said they planned to work with Gottlieb on his policies around e-cigarettes, although some implied they would fight a ban on menthol cigarettes. Health groups said Gottlieb didn't go far enough. In September, Gottlieb ordered manufacturers to fix what he called "epidemic" levels of teens using e-cigarettes and specifically instructed five brands Juul, British American Tobacco's Vuse, Altria's MarkTen, Imperial Brands' Blu E-cigs and Japan Tobacco's Logic to submit plans detailing how they will prevent teens from using their products. Juul, the clear e-cigarette market leader, on Tuesday stopped accepting retail orders for its mango, fruit, creme and cucumber pods from the more than 90,000 convenience stores, vape shops and other retailers that sell them, CEO Kevin Burns said Tuesday in a blog post on the company's website. Juul plans to resume sales to retailers that are legally allowed to sell flavored e-cigarettes and adopt the company's new age restrictions and verification system, though it's unclear when sales could resume. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) talks with reporters as he heads for a meeting at the Capitol October 02, 2018 in Washington, DC. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley announced Friday that he wants to serve as the leader of the Senate Finance Committee in the new Congress a move that puts Sen. Lindsey Graham directly in line to become the Judiciary Committee chairman. "Looking ahead, at the Finance Committee, I want to continue to work to make sure that as many Americans as possible get to experience this good economy for themselves," Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement from his office. Graham, an ally of President Donald Trump, would be poised as chairman of the Judiciary Committee to usher Trump's judicial nominees through to their final votes on the Senate floor. And he could potentially be tasked with overseeing the nomination of Supreme Court justices if any of the nine high-court judges two of whom are over 80 years old retire or die while Graham is chairman. Graham, R-S.C., said in a statement, "If I am fortunate enough to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Chairman, I will push for the appointment and Senate confirmation of highly qualified conservative judges to the federal bench and aggressive oversight of the Department of Justice and FBI." He added: "Finally, I will continue to seek common sense, bipartisan solutions to major issues facing our nation." In terms of seniority, Graham is technically third in line in the Judiciary Committee majority's rankings. But the No. 2 lawmaker, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is retiring at the end of his current term. Hatch, who currently leads the Finance Committee, said in a statement that the Senate panel "will be in good hands with Senator Grassley at the helm." He added: "Chuck has a proven history of leadership at the committee and knows the ins and outs of its sprawling jurisdiction. I am confident Chairman Grassley will carry out a robust agenda that will build on tax reform's recent success and continue to make progress in the health care, trade and oversight spaces." Senate committee leaders are elected before the start of each new Congress by the majority party's conference. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced its first civil penalties on Friday against crypto founders who failed to register new coin offerings, part of a bigger regulatory and legal crackdown aimed at abuses and outright fraud in the growing digital currency industry. The SEC said it settled separate cases with start-ups companies Airfox and Paragon, which raised more than $10 million each in initial coin offerings that weren't registered. They have agreed to pay penalties, register their tokens as securities, file periodic reports with the agency and return funds to any harmed investors, according to the SEC. The settlement comes a week after the agency notched another "first," setting charges that a crypto firm called EtherDelta was operating as an unregistered exchange. The cases underscore the SEC's insistence that the relatively new digital financial products must follow traditional securities rules. "We have made it clear that companies that issue securities through ICOs are required to comply with existing statutes and rules governing the registration of securities," Stephanie Avakian, the SEC's co-director of enforcement, said in a statement. "These cases tell those who are considering taking similar actions that we continue to be on the lookout for violations of the federal securities laws with respect to digital assets." On Thursday, federal prosecutors in New York announced a guilty plea by a man who defrauded investors with two cryptocurrencies he founded during the initial coin offering boom. Maksim Zaslavkiy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud after raising money for two virtual currencies known as "REcoin" and "Diamond." Zaslavskiy admitted to tricking investors into buying the digital tokens by claiming they were backed by real estate and diamonds. In reality, the certificates he sent to investors were not backed by blockchain technology. Zaslavskiy also had none of the promised jewels or land to back those investments, according a statement from the Department of Justice. Thirty nine-year-old Zaslavkiy tried earlier this year to dismiss the case against him by arguing that cryptocurrencies he created were not securities for the purpose of criminal law. That was shot down by a judge in Brooklyn in September. A key part of Zaslavkiy's argument at the time was that current laws around crypto are "unconstitutionally vague." U.S. district judge Raymond Dearie disagreed. The judge stopped short of defining RECoin and Diamond as securities, but Dearie did say the jury should be able to assess them using existing laws. "The calculated lies of Zaslavskiy and others led unsuspecting investors who thought they were purchasing cryptocurrency securities to buy worthless certificates," United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Richard P. Donoghue said in a statement. "This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who exploit and defraud investors, whether through traditional means of securities fraud, or new forms such as the use of purported cryptocurrency offerings and blockchain technology." John Richert, Head of Regional Investment Banking at JP Morgan Source: JP Morgan John Richert knew the moment Goldman Sachs was coming to town. First, the J.P. Morgan Chase banker got a call from a recruiter in June 2017 asking if he would consider joining the rival. Then Goldman went after his entire team of nine bankers. Now, he's running into Goldman on a daily basis as the two banks compete to provide companies advice on mergers and other deals. While high-stakes competition between the two titans isn't new, the battleground is: Richert, 46, is located in Atlanta and focuses on companies that generate $500 million to $5 billion in revenue, regional businesses that Goldman had mostly ignored. Ever since Goldman created satellite offices last year to get closer to clients, the two banks have been going head-to-head in arenas hundreds of miles from Wall Street. It's part of a broader push for fees and bragging rights among banks as deal activity in North America surged 53 percent to a near-record $1.43 trillion this year. Bankers who may have previously been based out of New York are now fanning out from regional hubs to seal deals in far-flung locales like Chattanooga, Tennessee, and New Albany, Ohio. "What the world forgets is that there's a lot of small towns with a lot of really big companies that are hard to get to unless you fly around in a private jet," Richert says. "But if you can hop into a car and drive there in two hours, you're more likely to see that person and develop that relationship." The market is getting crowded. Historically the domain of smaller investment banks like William Blair and Piper Jaffray, big banks have pumped resources into the regional advisory business as revenue growth from trading desks has proved elusive. Apart from Goldman, Wells Fargo and Bank of America have both said they are pursuing the market. In the past year, BofA has almost doubled its regional team to more than 20 bankers, according to a spokesman. Among the top three banks in mergers, only Morgan Stanley doesn't have a publicly disclosed initiative in this market, according to a spokeswoman. 'They are coming after our model' J.P. Morgan's effort started in 2012, when Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon decided that the bank wasn't getting its share of investment banking fees from commercial bank clients. At the time, the company typically assigned bankers who were past their prime to try and drum up business with the division's clients. It wasn't a winning strategy. So J.P. Morgan decided to post stars in key regions. That included managing directors Andy Rabin in the South, Jason Anderson in the Northeast and more recently Joe Winters in the Northwest. In May, Richert, who ran the Southeast practice, was named head of the regional investment banking group, replacing James Roddy. The team, which has about 60 employees, increased revenue from deals to $2.4 billion last year from $800 million in 2012. J.P. Morgan wants to add at least another $600 million in fees. That pits it squarely against Goldman, which has roughly the same number of bankers in its regional group and said it wants to generate $500 million in revenue from its push. "They are 100 percent coming after our model because they've seen the success of it," Richert said. "Not that there are any new ideas in investment banking. People have tried to do it before, they just haven't gotten it right." Like any good banker, Richert is quick to point to his successes, times when they faced off against Goldman and emerged victorious. He rattles of a list that includes advising Dallas-based Trinity Industries on an $8 billion spinoff of noncore businesses, the $1.4 billion sale of Plano, Texas-based-Rent-A-Center to private equity, and Carthage, Missouri-based Leggett & Platt's $1.25 billion purchase of a foam manufacturer. Goldman's pitch But Goldman is also finding success far from New York. The bank has boosted revenue by $200 million, about 40 percent of its overall goal, Chief Financial Officer Stephen Scherr said this month. They've reached out to most of the 1,000 new clients targeted by the firm, he said. Goldman's strategy differs from J.P. Morgan in that its local bankers cover both midsize and huge companies. Goldman's pitch: As the world's top merger advisor by value of announced deals and arguably the best brand in this space, it now has a local presence in addition to top sector experts back in New York. The bank opened or expanded offices in Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas and Toronto last year, placing a partner in each location. "We worked hard to make sure that the clients that are sitting in these regions now have access to the local coverage but also we marry that up with industry group coverage, so the client's getting the best of both worlds," said Matt Gibson, co-head of Goldman's global investment banking services. Goldman has been forced to dig deeper for revenue because of a multiyear slump in trading revenue. The firm rarely hired outsiders, especially at the top level of partner, but its struggles have forced it to open up. It has lured at least 16 partners from outside the company since 2017, including senior J.P. Morgan banker Kurt Simon in August. Peak competition North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed tactical weapon, calling it "another display of our rapidly-growing defense capabilities to the whole region," North Korean state media said on Friday. It was the first mention by state media of a new development in North Korea's weapons program in months. "This result today is a justification of the party's policy focused on defense science and technology, another display of our rapidly-growing defense capabilities to the whole region, and a groundbreaking change in strengthening our military's combat capabilities," Kim said. KCNA said the test was successful. In response, the United States said it remains confident that promises made by President Donald Trump and Kim at their Singapore summit will be fulfilled, according to a U.S. State Department spokesman on Thursday. "We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled," the spokesman said in a statement. Kim said that the weapons system tested was one that his father, Kim Jong Il, was especially interested during his lifetime and led the development of personally. This is Kim's first field visit to a testing site since his unprecedented summit with Trump in June, when the two leaders agreed to work toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, and to establish new relations between the United States and North Korea. The agreement was short on specifics, and negotiations have made little headway since, however. A North Korean delegation is currently in South Korea visiting economic-related sites as part of inter-Korean reconciliation efforts. Any testing of new weapons is likely to raise tensions with Washington, which has said there will be no easing in international sanctions until North Korea takes more concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons or long-range missiles. The White House referred questions about the latest development to the State Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump on Tuesday criticized what he called "inaccurate" media reports that North Korea had not declared an estimated 20 missile bases and added in a tweet: "I will be the first to let you know if things go bad!" U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been due to meet North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, a senior aide to Kim Jong Un, in New York earlier this month, but it was postponed to a later date. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday Trump plans to meet Kim Jong Un again in 2019 and will push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyang's moves to end its arms programs. At Japanese fishing restaurant Zauo, customers use baited hooks to fish for their own dinner. Fish varieties range from rainbow trout ($38) to salmon trout ($158), and preparation options include sashimi, salt-grilled, simmered in soy sauce or tempura. If diners prefer not to use fishing rods, they can still order off the menu for around $10 to $20 more. There's even a large wooden boat hanging from the ceiling. CNBC Make It tried this fish-and-dine experience to see what it was like. Following is a transcript of the video: Taylor Moore, CNBC Make It intern: "Hey guys! Today I'm going to be fishing for my dinner, so let's see how that goes." Zauo is a new, unique spot for Japanese dining in Manhattan. The catch? Your own fish! General Manager Rui Higuchi: "Zauo opened up in Japan in Fukuoka in 1993." "We want to greet the customers from the moment they step in. We want them to feel like they just walked into a restaurant in Japan, and so we greet them like very cheerfully with a lot of enthusiasm and say, 'Welcome to our restaurant.'" "We do have lobster. We also have abalone. We have some fluke, flounder and we also have rockfish and striped bass. We want the customers to appreciate their own catch and having their fish prepared minutes after they caught it." Moore: "So I'm getting ready to fish now, I have my fishing instructor here to help me, so let's do this!" Higuchi: "Let me just set up your rod for you. Be careful with the hook. My advice to you is try to keep the bait very still. Wait for the fish to come to the bait and nibble on it. Once they nibble, just pull it out as quick as you can, you should be able to hook it." Moore: "Okay." Moore: "I used to go fishing a lot with my grandfather. I still try to whenever I see him over the summers. I definitely learned a lot of patience from my grandfather while fishing." It took a few seconds before there were bites, but they weren't very successful. But then Higuchi: "Congratulations! Wow, that's a nice catch." Higuchi: "So here at Zauo, when the customer catches a fish, we like to celebrate with the customer. We want them to be able to feel like, 'Wow, I've really caught something.' And then we want to be there to actually cheer for the customer and show them some support. We congratulate the customers and we hit the Taiko drums as we congratulate them." Moore: "So what's the process when it comes to preparing your catch?" Higuchi: "So here at Zauo, we can prepare it four ways. We can prepare it sashimi, tempura, simmered in soy sauce, or grilled with salt. But for this specific catch I would go with sashimi and tempura." Moore: "Okay, sounds good to me!" Moore: "So can you explain for me what we have spread across here?" Higuchi: "Sure. So this is our sashimi, the rainbow trout that you caught earlier. You see it's presented with the fish's head. It's only because we want to ensure the customer that it is your fish and it's very fresh. And over here is our tempura, your rainbow trout tempura." Moore: "Awesome, great. Thank you so much." Higuchi: "You're welcome." Moore: "So I'm super excited. Everything looks delicious and I think I'm going to start with the sashimi. I'll get some wasabi. It's super good. I definitely like it best with the soy sauce but the wasabi is a must. Each different thing gives it a completely different flavor and is really good. I'm going to have another one." Don't miss: This entrepreneur is getting people to eat $100,000 worth of a venomous fish to save the ocean PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The holiday season is upon us and Pascagoula Gautier School District Chief Calvin Hutchins and Capt. Kenny Johnson with the Pascagoula Police Department are partnering to encourage parents to buckle up and buckle their children up this holiday season. Both chiefs stood outside of Jackson Elementary School Thursday evening checking cars as parents picked up their children at the end of the day to make sure all parties inside were buckled up and secure. According to Principal Christy Cumbest, parents pick up their children from school everyday, however, they do not make sure their children are secured in their seat belts before pulling off school grounds. "As principal, I just want to make sure I am looking out for the safety of the children," Cumbest said. "I'm simply asking for parents to make sure their children are in appropriate car seats and are buckled up before they leave campus." Hutchins said Cumbest has had problems with parents arguing about simply making sure their children are wearing their seat belts, hence the partnership between the district and police department to provide warnings to parents on Thursday. "It shouldn't be too much to ask to procure your child's safety," Hutchins said. "Mrs. Cumbest told us she was having issues, so we decided to come out and simply ask parents to make sure they, along with their children are safely buckled up." According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation: Statistically, 1 out of 2 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in Mississippi are not buckled up. Teenage drivers and passengers are among those least likely to wear their seat belts. Nationally, 90.1% of Americans wear their seat belts. In Mississippi, that number is only 77.9%. which puts us among some of the lowest seat belt use rates in the nation. Nationally, seat belts saved 13,941 lives of people aged 5 and older in 2015. Child Restrains saved another 266 children ages 4 and younger during that time. In Mississippi, seat belts saved 296 lives in 2015. If 100% of vehicle occupants buckled up, another 121 lives would have been saved. Per Hutchins, Thursday's patrolling was simply to place parents on notice because a 'Click It or Ticket' campaign will be arriving soon and $25 tickets will be issued for those who fail to wear their safety belts. "Today is just the initial warning -- we decided to come here today before Thanksgiving and we will be out again next month at a random school making sure people are buckled up," Hutchins said. "After then, tickets will be issued." Dan Schulman, president and chief executive officer of PayPal Pau Barrena | Bloomberg | Getty Images Moving a bakery from Staten Island to Brooklyn is not cheap. French chef Laurent Chavenet, a food industry veteran, knew this. But he didn't anticipate how hard it would be to get a $30,000 loan to make that move after a recent divorce and a low credit score. After being turned down by multiple banks, he enlisted a last resort his payment processor PayPal. "When you start to be known for quality, you need to have enough to sell. If you don't, you don't have an income and you can't grow," Chavenet told CNBC. "It makes a huge difference, every time I get a loan I add more to my shelf." The first PayPal loan allowed him to move his business. A second allowed him to expand, opening another "Le French Tart" location in Brooklyn in May. Tech companies have become an increasingly popular financing resource for small business owners like Chavanet who have bad credit or for those who want to cut down on paperwork and access funds more quickly. PayPal and Square, fintech rivals in the payments business, both reported significant growth in their loan portfolios in the third quarter. And e-commerce giant Amazon offers similar products to merchants on its payments network through "Amazon Lending," an invitation-only program with loans as low as $1,000. These tech companies have a few advantages over traditional lenders they're able to keep costs low and they have access to transaction data from months or sometimes years of activity. The sales data gives them an alternative to traditional credit scores when deciding whether to lend money. But experts say there's an underlying risk in the sector that could be exacerbated in an economic downturn. Back from the crisis Tech companies are grabbing at an opportunity with small businesses who were left behind by banks after the financial crisis. Heading into the year, small businesses reported stronger revenue growth and profitability but still struggled to get loans to pay operating expenses and wages, according to the Federal Reserve's Small Business Credit Survey. As many as 70 percent of merchants didn't receive the funding they wanted last year, the report said. In addition, Wells Fargo, one of the biggest providers of small business loans, closed 200 branches last year and plans to close another 800 by 2020. "If you look at the great recession what you've seen is a bounce back of commercial lending but lending to small businesses really hasn't come back," Darrell Esch, PayPal vice president and commercial officer of global credit, told CNBC. "A lot is attributed to the cost to underwriting." Tech companies are leaner than banks by nature. The cost of underwriting a loan for a digital-only company is a fraction of what it might be at a bank, where a $6,000 loan, which is the average size of a Square Capital loan, is much higher. The lending by tech companies comes in frequent, smaller loan amounts that banks aren't equipped to handle. "Banks are not in a position to lend small amounts on a more frequent basis," said Rohit Arora, CEO and co-founder of direct small businesses lender Biz2Credit. A lot of this business is with companies that couldn't find a traditional bank to begin with, the so-called underbanked. Both PayPal and Square are built on the mission of democratizing financial services, and "serving the underbanked," who are in many ways ignored by traditional finance. "Disruptive is the wrong word. There's an imbalance of supply and demand. It's not a case where we've gone and stolen banks' business," Esch said. "It's not about competition with the banks." The 'magic' of data Alternative lenders like PayPal overwhelmingly approve small business loans at higher rates 56 percent compared to 26 percent approval rates by big banks, according to data from Biz2Credit. They do this using data a different way. Although banks have access to a small business's deposits and bank accounts, they often can't see the entire picture of a company's sales. PayPal and Square on the other hand own access to every transaction. "The magic of this whole equation is data," said Karen Mills, a senior fellow at Harvard Business School and former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration during the Obama years. "They have much better knowledge of when the small business really needs the money, everything they sell goes through their payment software, and they have more collateral." The tech companies often shun what has been a barrier for small businesses with traditional banks: Credit scores. PayPal said it looks at the health of the business based on sales coming through its payment network. It can see which times of the year are busiest, the overall health of the business and compare that to an industry's or geography's health, Esch said. That algorithm has improved over the years. When PayPal Working Capital started five years ago, it had a $20,000 cap on its loans. That amount has since increased that amount to $125,000 for the first two PayPal Working Capital loans, while any subsequent loans max out at $200,000. PayPal Business Loans range between $5,000 to $500,000. A former senior vice president of payments for Bank of America, Esch said he was shocked that PayPal was seeing demand for loans as big as half a million dollars. "The surprise for me is how high up the demand goes for these loans," Esch said. "I would have thought they would have been comfortably served by traditional system, yet a lot of business owners coming to us have sales in the multi-million dollar range." How they collect the loan payments is also different. Instead of charging a fixed interest rate, Square and PayPal automatically skim a certain percentage off the top of each transaction without the merchant needing to file additional paperwork. In the case of PayPal, the vendor needs to be on the platform for at least three months in order to provide enough sales activity for a loan to be approved. Esch said collecting the loan repayments as sales come through, instead of setting payment dates on the 15th of the month or another arbitrary day, alleviates a burden for merchants and makes the loans less risky. "It's a high frequency repayment," Esch said. "For traditional loans, they have to send in payments when they might be looking at pile of bills. For us, it's every time the merchant makes a sale." The repayment arrangement, however, can make it hard to compare interest rate options. PayPal and Square outline their fees upfront but they work on a case by case basis. These loans can take as little as five months, or as many as 15 years to pay back. "I think there are cases where people are taking on loans where they don't really understand how much it's costing them. They aren't able to contrast and compare between a bank, a fintech, and Square," said Mills, author of forthcoming book "Fintech, Small Business & the American Dream". "They should be able to make apples to apples comparison." Growth in lending The model is certainly working for PayPal. In its third quarter earnings call, CEO Dan Schulman said PayPal is now one of the top five lenders in the space. Esch said the company now counts Wall Street incumbents like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase as lending peers. PayPal Business Financing Solutions, which includes both PayPal Working Capital and PayPal Business Loans, provided customers with more than $1 billion in funding last quarter. That's more than double the $480 million in funding in the same period last year, the company said. Much of that quarterly growth was thanks its acquisition of Swift Financial last year. The deal allowed PayPal to expand both the its Working Capital products and its PayPal business loans, which tend to be bigger in size. PayPal has also brought these products overseas, unveiling its Working Capital product in Germany last week. The loans look very much the same in foreign markets but because regulation varies in each, PayPal can't "enter every market overnight." Square reported an uptick in its own lending business during the third quarter, too. The fintech company's outgoing CFO Sarah Friar said on a call with reporters that the 34 percent growth year over year was a sign that these loans are meeting a "clear market need." But it's also been a way to keep small businesses in Square's orbit. In the third quarter of 2018, Square Capital facilitated more than 62,000 business loans. To date, the company has issued more than $3.5 billion in loans to more than 200,000 sellers. Friar acknowledged risks in some of those loans but said the diversity of Square's network should help balance that in any potential economic downturn. "We are being very mindful of the risk that we are taking and using the very best technology to do it well," Friar said on the third-quarter earnings call. Amazon didn't mention the lending business in third-quarter earnings but Biz2Credit's Arora said the tech giant has actually stepped back a bit based on demand he's seeing on this own platform. Kabbage is another popular fintech company issuing small business loans. In China, Alibaba also extends credit to small businesses. For now, tech companies are mostly partnering with banks since they don't have licenses to take customer deposits on their own. That could change down the road. "For fintech companies it's difficult and unclear to get a banking license but the day that's figured out, and fintech companies are allowed to take deposits that's the day small banks will take a lot of heat," Rohit said. "Many small and mid-sized banks will have a hard time competing against the big digital players." Still, Harvard's Karen Mills said she wouldn't bet against the banks. Smaller ones have trusted relationships through deposits, and if they are able to implement technology, they may have a chance against encroaching fintechs. "I wouldn't count out the banks, there's a whole set of products and community banks have this trusted relationship," Mills said. "If they put a more digital process in and are able to analyze loans in three minutes and not three months, maybe they win." Lending threats Saudi Arabia is slashing shipments of crude to the United States, a move that appears calibrated to boost oil prices after a swift and punishing sell-off. The move could put the kingdom at loggerheads with President Donald Trump, who wants to drive down energy costs for Americans and frequently accuses the Saudi-led OPEC cartel of jacking up oil prices. The Saudis are loading fewer barrels on ships bound for the United States this month, continuing a trend that began in September, according to an analysis by tanker-tracking firm ClipperData. The firm's loading estimate suggests that U.S. imports of Saudi crude oil could soon fall toward the lowest levels on record. Sending fewer barrels to the United States means U.S. crude stockpiles are more likely to drop, and shrinking inventories tend to push up oil prices. It's a tactic the Saudis used last year to amplify their main strategy for draining a global crude glut and propping up the market: cutting output alongside fellow OPEC members, Russia and several other producers. The maneuver shows how Saudi Arabia's efforts to manage the oil market have evolved. During the 2014-2016 oil price crash, traders closely monitored weekly U.S. stockpile data to see whether oversupply was shrinking or growing. As the world's biggest exporter, Saudi Arabia realized it could nudge the data in a direction that boosts the cost of crude. "It worked so well in 2017 for [the Saudis] to cut flows to the U.S. because people could see the inventories dropping because U.S. data is so timely and transparent," said Matt Smith, head of commodities research at ClipperData. "The markets have become more transparent through tanker tracking," Smith said. "You can see those changes being implemented more, and [the Saudis are] aware of that." November's drop in Saudi barrels bound for the United States follows a six-week oil market rout that saw prices plunge 25 percent into bear market territory. It also comes after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih warned on Monday that OPEC, Russia and several other producers may soon launch a fresh round of price-boosting output cuts. Shortly after Falih issued the warning, Trump took to Twitter to voice his disapproval with that plan. @realDonaldTrump Hopefully, Saudi Arabia and OPEC will not be cutting oil production. Oil prices should be much lower based on supply! But Saudi Arabia may not be swayed by Trump's pressure campaign. In recent days, Smith and other energy analysts have claimed that Trump essentially duped OPEC and its allies into raising output earlier this year. The analysts say Trump's threats to impose harsh sanctions on Iran, OPEC's third-biggest producer, played a part in convincing the producers to stop capping output and start pumping more oil. But Trump ultimately allowed some of Iran's biggest customers to keep importing its oil, which meant the oil squeeze the alliance feared never materialized. Consequently, the producers put even more oil into a market that is swinging toward oversupply, giving traders another reason to sell off crude futures and push prices lower. Several U.S senators on Friday pressed Facebook for answers related to claims the company hired contractors to "retaliate against or spread intentionally inflammatory information about their critics," according to a letter addressed to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "We are gravely concerned by recent reports indicating that your company used contractors to retaliate against or spread intentionally inflammatory information about your critics," the letter reads. "Both elected officials and the general public have rightfully questioned whether Facebook is capable of regulating its own conduct." The New York Times reported earlier this week that Facebook, in the fallout from Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, hired Definers Public Affairs to downplay public statements and deflect public scrutiny onto rival tech companies. Definers has been known to conduct opposition research. The firm reportedly wrote articles that blasted Google and Apple to be published on NTK Network, an affiliate of the firm whose content is often followed by politically conservative outlets, including Breitbart, the report says. In a blog post Thursday morning, Facebook said it ended its relationship with Definers Wednesday night. Definers issued a statement earlier Friday defending its work with Facebook, though it failed to address claims around NTK Network or that Facebook had ended its partnership. Facebook's dealings with Definers, if true, "may have campaign finance and other potential legal implications," the senators said. Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Mark Warner, D-Va., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, all signed the letter. Klobuchar was among the senators named in the New York Times report as having engaged in supposedly questionable closed-door dealings with Facebook executives. Here's the full letter: Dear Mr. Zuckerberg: We are gravely concerned by recent reports indicating that your company used contractors to retaliate against or spread intentionally inflammatory information about your critics. Since the 2016 election, both the government and your own internal investigations have revealed that your company failed to adequately protect the data of its 2.2 billion users. Your company also failed to implement protocols to prevent manipulation by foreign adversaries working to undermine America's political system. Both elected officials and the general public have rightfully questioned whether Facebook is capable of regulating its own conduct. According to recent reports, your company hired contractors to retaliate and spread intentionally inflammatory information about people who have criticized Facebook, which, if not properly disclosed, may have campaign finance and other potential legal implications. In addition, the staggering amount of data that Facebook has collected on both its users and people who have not subscribed to or consented to use of the platform, raises concern that the company could improperly or illegally use its vast financial and data resources against government officials and critics seeking to protect the public and our democracy. In light of these concerns, we respectfully request you answer the following questions: 1. To your knowledge, did your company hire any entity including, but not limited to research firms and contractors to collect or find information to be used in retaliation against people who criticized Facebook, including elected officials who were scrutinizing your company? 2. Did your company hire any entity including, but not limited to research firms and contractors to spread negative or intentionally inflammatory information in retaliation against people who criticized Facebook, including elected officials who were scrutinizing your company? 3. Did your company or any entity affiliated with or hired by your company ever use any of the vast financial and data resources available to Facebook in retaliation against people who criticized Facebook, including elected officials who were scrutinizing your company? 4. Did your company or any entity affiliated with or hired by your company ever seek to conceal information related to foreign interference with the 2016 U.S. election from the public or government investigators? 5. Did your company or any entity affiliated with or hired by your company ever contact any media outlets with negative or misleading information, or suggest, promote, or amplify negative or misleading social media about your critics, including elected officials scrutinizing your company? 6. How much money have you expended or paid other entities to collect, find, spread or amplify information about people who have criticized Facebook, including elected officials scrutinizing your company? Has any of that spending been publically disclosed? 7. Some of us have requested that the Deputy Attorney General expand the scope of the Department of Justice's existing investigations to include the latest reports that Facebook hired contractors to retaliate and spread negative information about people who criticized the company. If the Department's investigation is expanded to include this recent report, will you commit to co-operating with any investigation into this matter? Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. CNBC's Salvador Rodriguez contributed to this report. Goldman Sachs told CNBC Friday the recent correction in stocks reveal that investors expect a bigger global slowdown than official data implies. October was a disastrous month for long-only stock holders as equity markets around the world shed an estimated $5 trillion of market capitalisation. The S&P 500 in the United States fell on 16 of 23 trading days during the month. Goldman's chief global equity strategist Peter Oppenheimer said that the volume of selling suggested forecasts of a distinct global slowdown. "If we benchmark the way equities have moved against macro variables, we think they have now overshot the current slowdown and are implying a much further slowdown from here," Oppenheimer told CNBC's Street Signs, before adding that investors have "overshot on the downside." Goldman illustrated the anomaly in a note last week that showed the MSCI World index slipping below its usual correlation to global manufacturing data. The J.P.Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI a composite index produced by J.P.Morgan and IHS Markit fell to its lowest level in almost two years in October. It should be noted it remains in expansion territory at 52.1. Any figure above 50 indicates growth. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross testifies during the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the census on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear a case concerning whether Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross can be questioned about his reasons for adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. The case will be one of the most closely watched of the term. Eighteen states and more than a dozen cities have sued the administration over the question, alleging that it will lead immigrant populations to be systematically undercounted. The justices said earlier this month that a trial in New York testing the legality of the question could move forward, but they temporarily blocked Ross's deposition in the matter. The Trump administration has argued that Ross's testimony is unnecessary for a ruling on whether the question itself is lawful. It has argued that adding the question is necessary in order to uphold provisions of the Voting Rights Act that protect minority populations. The census is generally politically contentious. It is used to determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the House of Representatives, and is only conducted once every 10 years, meaning the political ramifications of the 2020 census will be felt through 2030. Keeping the question on the census could disadvantage Democrats, who tend to live in cities, where immigration populations are higher. The census was an issue in this month's midterm races. The state legislative races on the ballot determine which party redraws congressional district lines after the census is completed. That enables the victorious party to draw favorable districts and has proven influential in determining the makeup of Congress. Opponents of adding the citizenship question have alleged that it was inserted to intentionally undercount certain populations for political purposes. They cite research produced by the Census Bureau, which has found that including the question would lead to a "higher fieldwork costs and a lower-quality population count." They have also pointed to a shifting timeline in how Ross has said he came to his decision to include the question. At first, Ross said that his decision was based on a recommendation from the Department of Justice. But documents have surfaced as a result of ongoing litigation showing Ross asked staff members to solicit the recommendation. The documents also contradict testimony Ross provided to lawmakers in March saying he was "not aware" of speaking to the president or anyone else in the White House about the matter. In a document filed by the DOJ in a related case in New York, the government said that in the spring of 2017, Ross discussed the addition of a citizenship question with Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist, as well as Jeff Sessions, who was attorney general until last week. The Commerce Department has said that the document supplements but does not contradict Ross's testimony. The controversy is likely to be probed by House Democrats, who will take control of Congress's lower chamber early next year. Rep. Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has said it is one of his chief investigative priorities. The government requested that the high court hear argument in the case after a federal appeals court ruled that Ross would have to be deposed. The justices placed a temporary halt on the deposition in October. That halt will remain in place until the court reaches a decision in the case, which is expected by late June. Oral argument is scheduled for Feb. 19. US President Donald Trump speaks after signing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, November 16, 2018. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he "just finished" answering the written questions posed by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. However, the president said he has not submitted his answers yet. "You always have to be careful answering questions for people who have bad intentions," Trump told reporters Friday. The president has often criticized the Mueller probe, calling it a "witch hunt" and a "hoax." Mueller's team is also looking into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. The special counsel has secured guilty pleas from former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, former top campaign official Rick Gates and former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who has pleaded guilty in an unrelated case that implicates Trump in campaign finance violations, has been cooperating with Mueller, as well. Trump on Friday also firmly denied claims that his lawyers were completing the answers for him. "My lawyers don't write answers, I write answers," he said. The president's comments come a day after one of his personal lawyers, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told The Washington Post that the legal team was still trying to figure out whether some of the questions would create legal problems. The Post, citing people familiar with the matter, reported Friday that Trump's lawyers believe the problem was resolved. On Thursday, Trump sent a series of tweets condemning the investigation, calling it a "total mess." Those tweets came amid controversy over the president's firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his appointing of Matthew Whitaker, a critic of the Mueller probe, as acting attorney general. On Friday, he reiterated his criticisms, saying that the "witch hunt" has "wasted millions and millions of dollars." "There should've never been any Mueller investigation because there was never anything done wrong," Trump said. However, the president emphasized that he wasn't "agitated" by Mueller despite his tweets. "I imagine it's ending now," he said of the investigation. "'I'm sure it'll be just fine." Andrew Wheeler, acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), arrives on stage with President Donald Trump during the White House State Leadership Day conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Andrew Wheeler will be nominated to permanently lead the Environmental Protection Agency, President Donald Trump said Friday. Wheeler, 53, has served as the acting head of the EPA since his predecessor, former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, resigned under a cloud of ethics investigations in July. Trump made the announcement at the White House while welcoming various administration officials before awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to seven people. Trump introduced Wheeler as the "acting administrator who, I will tell you, is going to be made permanent. He's done a fantastic job, and I want to congratulate him." Even before Pruitt stepped down, conservatives and Republican lawmakers were tipping Wheeler, a longtime Washington insider and lobbyist for the coal industry, to take over for his embattled boss. Wheeler was confirmed as the deputy administrator just three months before Pruitt's departure. Wheeler is likely to face a charged and highly partisan Senate confirmation hearing. Only three Democrats Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana supported Wheeler's confirmation to be the EPA's No. 2 official. Both Manchin and Heitkamp represent states with major fossil fuel interests. Heitkamp lost her race against Republican Kevin Cramer in the midterm elections, and Donnelly was ousted in his race against Republican Mike Braun. Though Democrats will likely grill Wheeler when he comes before the Senate, he would face an easier path to confirmation if his hearing takes place next year, when the new Congress with a larger GOP majority in the chamber takes over. Wheeler has continued to execute Trump's campaign to roll back energy and environmental regulations put in place by President Barack Obama. Among those deregulation efforts, Wheeler is overseeing the agency's overhaul of rules meant to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and its effort alongside the Transportation Department to cancel plans to increase fuel efficiency standards for autos. British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Stephen Barclay, a junior health minister who voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum, as her new Brexit Secretary on Friday, her spokesman said. Stephen Barclay has been named UK's new Brexit secretary on November 16, 2018 The spokesman said that May herself would personally oversee the last 10 days of negotiations with the EU on the future framework, and that Barclay would focus on the domestic preparedness for Brexit and getting May's draft withdrawal agreement through parliament. Barclay replaced Dominic Raab who quit as Brexit minister on Thursday over May's draft plan for leaving the EU. Former interior minister Amber Rudd was appointed as work and pensions minister, replacing Esther McVey who also resigned over May's Brexit deal. 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. 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 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 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 Richard Tice is an entrepreneur, campaigner and co-founder of Leave means Leave Theresa May had always repeated what I have known to be true in business: no deal is better than a bad deal. But now, even in the face of multiple Cabinet resignations and growing anger among her Parliamentary colleagues at her proposed deal, her actions suggest she believes that any deal is better than a no deal. The regrettable reality is that her deal is not only a bad deal: it is the worst deal in history. For nothing in return, by way of a guaranteed free trade deal, the Prime Minister is willing to hand over at least 40 billion, potentially 60 billion. We will have no say in the EU, but payments will continue until the EU decides we can leave the arrangement. Mays deal misses the point of Brexit entirely, and will result in losing control of our money and continuing to make massive payments to the EU indefinitely since they have no incentive to stop, having captured us in their naughty chamber. A UK-wide EU Customs Union would kill off the idea of Global Britain. We would not be able to strike our own trade deals with old and new friends around the world. That would means the same protectionist high costs for consumers and, in reality, no access to new EU trade deals with third countries. We would also have no influence at the WTO, no protection against trade dumping and have our own tariffs decided by the EU. The EU is terrified of a competitive UK. Its terrified of our innovation, flexibility and attractiveness to the world. Thats why under Mays deal, EU competition, environment, employment and state aid rules would apply. Taxation without representation is not Brexit. Continued European Court of Justice oversight is not Brexit. This deal will only succeed in disenfranchising the UK electorate, possibly forever, and result in Dublin having more of a say than London over large parts of the UK economy. Dont be fooled by those who say this is only a transitional arrangement. Once we hand over 40 billion for a transition process that may never end, there is no longer any incentive for the EU to come back to the table to talk trade. And what kind of maso-sadist Prime Minister would want to re-open negotiations with the EU in the future? There are just seven pages of non-binding waffle on the future framework of a possible trade deal, which the EU has no incentive to finalise; yet there are almost 600 pages of room for EU traps and mischief on everything else in the Withdrawal Agreement. The backstop, is a backdoor to the EU, with EU regulatory control and no time limit. Worse still, we could only break this terrible deal with EU approval, which they have zero reason to give. As Michel Barniers deputy, Sabine Weyand, has said to EU Ambassadors, the backstop will be used to lock the UK inside the EU indefinitely as a feeble vassal state. Brexit is the opportunity of a lifetime. But May is determined to rob us of those opportunities by handcuffing parts of our country to the EU Internal Market and chaining us to the EU Customs Union. With her ministers abandoning ship in large numbers, her position is on the edge. However, she could avoid the current national humiliation and a vote of no confidence if she immediately shook up her negotiating team, removing Olly Robbins first, and bring in competent Brexit-supporters and businesspeople as I recommended on this site last December. She should then go back to Brussels, and make clear that shes aiming for a sensible and achievable Canada+ deal, which we know they are happy to do. Pushing on with Mays current deal would betray not only of the 17.4 million people who voted to leave the EU, but also destroy the idea of Britain as a strong, independent-minded and innovative nation with so much to offer the world. Should it get that far, Parliament has an obvious decision to make: no deal is better than a bad deal, and this is the worst ever deal in history. Iain Dale is an LBC presenter, a commentator with CNN and the author/editor of over 30 books. Im not angry: Im just overwhelmed by a feeling of sadness that its come to this. It didnt have to be this way. Im convinced that if Nick Timothy was still Theresa Mays chief adviser, things would have been very different. Instead, Olly Robbins replaced him in the Prime ministerial affections game, and we know the result. Oops, how every dare I criticise a civil servant! The very thought. Well, Im sorry: this Rasputin-like figure has more of a hold over the Prime Minister than Alan Walters had over Mrs Thatcher, or Peter Mandelson over Tony Blair. Shes believed his every utterance or piece of advice over Brexit strategy even though, time and time again, hes proved to have been disastrously wrong. On each occasion, it has resulted in yet another humiliating capitulation. When the rue history of this period is written, Robbins will not come out of it well. On Wednesday, I wrote on my blog explaining why I thought the Brexit deal hatched between Theresa May and the EU was just about the worst result possible. Indeed, so bad is it that if I had to choose between remaining in the EU and voting for this abortion of a deal, I would vote to Remain. I dont resile from my Brexit vote, or the firm belief that we are better off out but the trouble is, we wont be out if this deal gets through. For the avoidance of doubt, let me put on the record once again that no deal is preferable to a bad deal, and that this is the very worst deal. No deal is not an ideal option either, but at least wed be master of our own destinies. Yes, I accept that there would be some short-term issues to get over but get over them we undoubtedly would. Instead May thinks that we should accept European rules with no say in their drafting. Any fool can see the dangers in that, and it is the direct opposite of taking back control. So when the deal comes to the Commons, I hope it is decisively rejected. And I say that in the full knowledge that the Prime Minister would undoubtedly have to resign immediately. Theres no way she could survive it. Having said that, she does have a remarkable ability to endure the impossible. But this time I think shes bitten off too much. It takes a special talent to unite Andrew Adonis and Jacob Rees-Mogg, but by God shes achieved it. It will be something she will live to regret, I suspect. Im completing this diary early on Thursday afternoon. So far, there have been six resignations but by the time you read this I suspect there will have been more. If Penny Mordaunt, Andrea Leadsom, Liam Fox and Michael Gove arent seriously considering their positions, I am not quite sure what kind of backbone they think they have. Dominic Raab has now got first mover advantage, and has instantly transformed himself into a frontline leadership candidate. I have to say that May put in a superb parliamentary performance yesterday. Having to stand up on your hind legs when youve just had two cabinet ministers resign cant have been easy. And to take questions for two and a half hours is something that few other leaders across the world would ever have to do. Credit to her for coming through it with aplomb. This week, I feel a bit of a fraud writing for ConservativeHome. For the first time in a very long time, I do wonder if I could support the Conservative Party in a general election were it held tomorrow. If it were a snap election held on the basis of endorsing Theresa Mays Brexit deal, I dont think that I could. But heres the dilemma. Who else could I vote for? Certainly not Labour, definitely not the Liberal Democrats, absolutely not UKIP, whose leadership I abhor with every fibre of my being. The Greens? Another lot of pro-European zealots. But I dont really believe in spoiling my ballot paper, either. And this is why I rarely believe people who say after some Conservative disaster or another, Ill never vote Tory again. Time heals and most people go back to their normal political home. May had better hope there really are four years between now and the next election. Many people will have forgiven the party for this Horlicks of a Brexit deal by thenbut its entirely possible that this open wound wont have healed by then, either. Last week I told the tale of Cox, Dicks and Willy. However, according to a senior cabinet minister who texted me having read it, I missed out the best story. Terry Dicks, John McDonnells predecessor as MP for Hayes & Harlington, used to tell a story about a public meeting in the 1979 election when he was standing against Michael Cocks, the Labour Chief Whip in Bristol. According to Terry, the well-spoken woman in the chair concluded the meeting with the words: Well ladies, there you have it. Your choice is between Cocks and Dicks. For some of us, it was ever thus Theresa May: We can choose to leave with no deal risk no Brexit at all or unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated PM defends draft #Brexit deal in the Commons Live updates: https://t.co/x82eDksQEU pic.twitter.com/zQqIDuSDDV BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) 15 November 2018 I doubt Theresa May began her statement to the Commons yesterday expecting to receive any cheers. So it must have been a pleasant surprise to her when positive noises did indeed echo forth at one point. Before banking applause, however, its important to look at who it is coming from and why. Yesterday, her vocal supporters were those on the Opposition benches who want to prevent Brexit entirely. The most implacable opponents of your Governments most fundamental policy are probably not the group any politician ought to seek to please. So how did the Prime Minister come to delight them? Their joy came at five simple words in her statement: risk no Brexit at all. Its easy to see why this caused excitement: here was Theresa May, the person overseeing the whole process, giving succour to the most hardcore Remain hope that we might simply call the whole thing off. It was damaging enough for Labour and Lib Dem politicians to tout that possibility from the fantasy-pulpit of Opposition. Doing so fuelled divisions in the country that might otherwise have been healed in time, and simultaneously encouraged EU negotiators to believe that their best interests might be served by treating the UK as harshly as possible. The Government itself argued this in the past, and May must surely remember that critique; for the Prime Minister to now contribute to such harm herself is irresponsible at best. The strategy which led her to do so rests on making two contradictory claims. She hopes to terrify pro-EU MPs into backing her deal by threatening that the alternative is No Deal, while simultaneously terrifying anti-EU MPs into backing her deal by threatening that the alternative is no Brexit. By implication, she seems to believe not only that each group will believe her, but that neither will ever hear the message intended for the other. Neither of these assumptions seems entirely wise. The damage threatened by such an approach should be evident, and if it is not then she should observe who cheers her on when she deploys it. Their applause did not come because they sought to help her in delivering Brexit, but because they believe she is helping them in cancelling it. The Prime Minister has recently started to claim that she ignores her colleagues concerns about her approach because she serves the national interest. This is a dubious basis on which to assert unassailable authority, as though it were a motivation unique to her. As Iain Martin points out: Everyone involved thinks they are operating in the national interest, they disagree about what that is. Hence, politics. Touting the possibility of no Brexit at all in a desperate attempt to force her proposal through does not serve the national interest. Indeed, it looks like self-interest has taken priority. Who on earth would take Dominic Raabs old job, anyway? we asked this morning. Sideline your Brexit Secretary once, shame on you. Sideline him twice, and shame on whatever mug steps up to take the post third time round. Step forward, Steve Barclay. On which note, we apologise to the new Brexit Secretary. He is a very long way from being a mug. In a party now striving to promote more women to ministerial posts, the standard for male ministers is gradually raised raised. Barclay is a bright, approachable and Brexiteering Lancastrian who sits for a Cambridgeshire seat. The chaos of the 2017 election saw him moved out of the Treasury to Health. He had been the only pro-Leave Minister in the former, that devoutly pro-Remain department, where he watched the goings-on with a sharp eye. Perhaps thats why he was shunted out. At any rate, little pretence will be made, now that May has her deal, that Barclay will have much to do with the continuing negotiation. More than ever, Downing Street will be in charge. It evidently wanted a Minister pro-Brexit enough not to agitate the ERG further, but not so senior as to make troublesome waves for Theresa May. The new Secretary of States role will be to prepare for No Deal, which Number Ten is desperate to avoid. So it will want him to prepare to wind the department down with a view to abolition soonish. Since there seems to be no majority for the Prime Ministers deal, however, Barclay will be in the very front line if a no deal Brexit happens. He knows that Olly Robbins will be viewed as the real Secretary of State. But Mays chief negotiator wont be exposed to the trials and tribulations of No Deal, if it happens: he will. Ambitious politicians pick up the ball and run with it, even when a haka-chanting pack is bearing down on them. Barclay will have embraced the possibility of being trampled five feet deep in mud perhaps the likelihood in the cold-eye knowledge that such may be his fate. Friends of Michael Gove made the case to ConservativeHome yesterday evening for him sticking, not twisting. This seems to be the sum of the advice hes received from them, and hes gone with it. This morning we learn that he will not resign. So the course of events during the last few days has been, first, that he reluctantly supported Mays deal in Cabinet; second, that when offered the Brexit Secretary post, he said that he would only take it were she to seek now to renegotiate it; third, that this request was refused and now fourth, that he isnt resigning, but will stay at DEFRA. The sum of all this is that it is known more widely than before that he doesnt really back the deal. Furthermore, having now stuck rather than twisted, he will find it very hard to twist in the near future however bad things get. He will be very well aware of the risk, in the long-lingering aftermath of his decision to walk away from Boris Johnsons leadership campaign, of feeding more ammunition to the Tracey Ullmann Breaks The News caricature of him as unreliable (an impression now deepened in Downing Street). So he is left presumably unwilling to sell Mays deal on any other basis that its badbut that the alternative is worse. If this sounds unappetising which it is then so, in the great scheme of things, is the alternative. The anxiety that will consume senior members of the Cabinet such as Gove, Sajid Javid and Liam Fox is that their resignations could potentially bring down the Government, and open the door to Jeremy Corbyn. The Fixed Terms Parliament Act is an obstacle to that outcome but, as we saw last summer, it is not an insuperable barrier to an election. And as a Minister in the very front line of No Deal planning Gove will know how formidable are the challenges that it presents, and feel a sense of duty to help see it through. Whoever said that politics is easy? Who would have guessed that an app designed to order massages straight to your door had both poor security and customers with perhaps some trouble keeping their hands to themselves? Urban, a popular London-based startup selling wellness that comes to you, accidentally leaked its entire customer database online, revealing email addresses, phone numbers, and names of all its 309,000 customers. Included in the database were also complaints from therapists about the specific clients who requested sexual services. Urban pulled the database offline after the website TechCrunch discovered it and contacted the company for comment. So theres probably no need to go into hiding if youre one of the offending customers, unless someone took a screenshot. House hunter A dentist in Missouri is out $90,000 after hackers successfully impersonated the real estate companies that he was already doing business with. Howard Ritchey Jr. was hunting for a new home last year and working with title, mortgage, and real estate companies to make the purchase happen. In the middle of the deal, he received an email from what looked like his title company which instructed him to wire $88,338 over to secure his desired house. But when he followed up in person with his lender, he was told the money didnt go to the home. The lender said it looked like hackers got into his email and stole his money. Ritchey is now suing the title company and other parties, alleging that hackers actually targeted their emails and failed to warn him about the impersonators. Ritcheys case isnt unique; the FBI says that similar complaints of real estate business impersonators are on the rise. Yet another reason not to wire money. Dunkin Donuts Joining a donut loyalty program may have seemed like the ideal way to make your troubles go away, but reality isnt so sweet. Dunkin Donuts recently informed holders of its loyalty Perks accounts that they should change their passwords to all of their other, non-donut-related accounts because their Dunkin Donuts passwords may have been stolen. Dunkin says that thieves tried to break into the loyalty program and may have gained access to consumers usernames and passwords in the process. Consumers are instructed to change their passwords to other accounts only if its the same password they used for the Perks program. Dell Every single person who has shopped for Dell online had their password reset in the online store and wasnt told why. The computer chain initially discovered it was hacked back on November 9 and changed passwords five days later. A source familiar with the incident says that Dell never informed consumers of the breach before changing their passwords on their behalf, according to a report published Wednesday in Reuters. Security experts say it's shameful on Dells part that consumers were never told why their passwords were automatically reset, explaining that the move leaves potential victims abandoned in the darkness and ambiguity. Amazon Consumers and researchers are scratching their head about a vague notice that shoppers received from Amazon shortly before Black Friday. The message says that users had their data exposed due to a technical error, but it does not specify much else, such as what type of data was exposed or how many people were affected. Asked for more details, Amazon has told reporters that there is nothing to add beyond our statement. Amazon also told users they already fixed the unspecified issue and that there is no need for consumers to do anything. So, do with that information what you will. Health records, again Healthcare hackers have struck again, this time targeting more than two million patients covered by Atrium, a North Carolina-based provider. The firm said an unauthorized third party accessed patient information between Sept. 22 and 29, but the company told patients that medical records and payment information remains safe. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. 80% Website realize-model.com uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 27688 bytes (27.04 kb uncompressed) and 4846 bytes (4.73 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-10-20, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. The commitment was made during a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Singaporean President Halimah Yacob. Li said China is willing to work with Singapore to enhance bilateral relations. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. He said his country always views ASEAN as a priority in its foreign relations, and appreciates Singapore's role in promoting China-ASEAN relations as the China-ASEAN country coordinator and the bloc's rotating chair. The Premier added China is willing to work with Singapore to promote China-ASEAN connections and contribute to the peace and development of the region and the world. For her part, President Yacob said the more than 10 cooperation deals signed during Premier Li's visit will provide a new platform for deepening Singapore-China cooperation and lift bilateral relations to a new level. She also expressed hope that the two countries expand cooperation areas and step up people-to-people exchanges in culture and tourism. She added Singapore is ready to coordinate with China to promote greater development of ASEAN-China ties.-VNA Rotary Club of Arkansas City delivers dictionaries to area third graders In its 13th year of the dictionary project, members of the Rotary Club of Arkansas City distributed more than 250 dictionaries to all the third graders in Arkansas City schools and their teachers. Opportunities like this allow our members to meaningfully give back to the community in which they live and make our Rotary involvement tremendously rewarding, Rotary Club of Arkansas City president Dan Deener said. Deener was joined by Cowley College president and past Rotary Club president Dr. Dennis C. Rittle in distributing 43 dictionaries to third grade students at Jefferson Elementary on Thursday, November 15. We are happy to give these dictionaries as gifts to advocate literacy for children, Dr. Rittle said. It is also nice to make young people aware of the services that the Rotary Club of Arkansas City provides. The gift of the dictionaries is possible through the Rotary Club of Arkansas City, along with local businesses and personal sponsors. Rotary clubs throughout the world believe very strongly in supporting the development of our youth, Mr. Deener said. Our club believes this dictionary will assist children in furthering their educational development throughout the coming years. 2018-2019 Rotary Club of Arkansas City Officers and Board members are: Dan Deener, Dr. Dennis C. Rittle, John Sturd, Zack Stoy, Clayton Pappan, Lara McGrew, Dennis Voth, John Farrar, Tim Bain, Ty Voss, Mickey Thompson, and Chris Dancy. Along with Dr. Rittle, Cowley College administrators Dr. Kori Gregg, Dr. Gloria Walker, and Shane Larson also serve as Rotary members of the Arkansas City Club. After the ceremony, both sides had a talk under co- chair of Vietnamese Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and Belarus Defense Minister Ravkov Andrei Alekssevich.At the talk, the ministers were unanimous in exchanges between all- level delegations, in boosting cooperation relations in potential fields, sharing experience about military science and training...On this occasion, Vietnam and Belarus signed a cooperation agreement in military science and plan for delegation exchange in 2019. BY TRAN BINH- Translated by Huyen Huong A $250 million investment will see Windstar Cruises stretch its three Star-class motor yachts, adding capacity for 100 guests to each ship while re-engining them to be more fuel efficient at the same time. Its quite simple, we were looking at more traditional ways to expand capacity in a newbuild, and this is something that is not uncommon in the industry, and financially it makes more sense, said John Delaney, president of Windstar, in an interview with Cruise Industry News. The 1988-built Star Breeze, 1990-built Star Legend, and 1988-built Star Pride will enter a Fincantieri shipyard in succession between October 2019 and November 2020 for their lengthenings, dubbed the Star Plus Initiative. Each vessel will then emerge with capacity for 312 passengers, up from 212, boosting capacity for the Xanterra Travel Collection brand. The ships will be cut in half with a new 25.6-meter-long mid-section added to each vessel over a four-month window. The ships will also get new engines. These ships were so well built when they came out of the yard, Delaney continued. The steel is literally in perfect condition. We had great bones to work with. On the powerplant side, changes will happen as the odd seven-engine configuration in each vessel will be re-done with four new engines. They will be far more fuel efficient, Delaney said. Especially with the new fuel regulations coming down the road in 2020. Delaney said the added capacity, 24 percent, lets the Seattle-based line offset higher fuel and fixed costs against 100 more guests on each vessel. From a math, pure ROI (return on investment) perspective, it is clearly the winner, he noted. The ship stretch and refurbishment also allow Windstar to add new areas, upgrading public rooms, adding restaurants, and expanding the fitness and spa area. Plus, all staterooms will get new bathroom units. The ship stretch will also allow the company to add capacity quicker than going with a newbuild. Can they fill the additional rooms? Absolutely, Delaney answered. We headed into 2018 40 percent up on bookings and our pricing is up significantly. Demand is good. Planning started in March 2017, both for a newbuild project and the stretch project. We advanced both and we took a good look at numbers, said Delaney. One of the reasons we are so confident doing this is the caliber of Fincantieri, they will get it done on time and in a competent manner. Having completely redone its deployment with over 150 new ports, Windstar has opened the map, and the Star-class stretch jobs will help build on that. When done, the ships will be some four knots faster at service speed while burning less fuel, allowing the company to get even more creative with its deployment. More fuel efficient engines combined with more capacity and freshened look driving ticket pricing should deliver a short pay-off period, with a conservative Cruise Industry News estimate of five years per vessel. The booming refurbishment and drydock market is worth an estimated $3 billion in spend annually, according to Cruise Industry News estimates. Royal Caribbean International christened the new Symphony of the Seas on Thursday evening in Miami. The world's largest ship was named by a Godfamily, actors Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, along with 23-month-old son Ocean. With almost 1,000 guests in attendance, Symphony of the Seas was christened while dockside at the cruise lines new Terminal A at PortMiami, making for the largest naming ceremony in Royal Caribbeans history. The event was infused with modern day elements ranging from an electronic violinist who serenaded the crowd throughout the ceremony, to a stunning sail away performance by nearly 400 choreographed drones and also incorporated a number of local Miami touches, the company said. Florida International Universitys Marching Band kicked off the celebration, while students from Miami Southridge Senior High headlined the occasion on stage with a drumline performance. Through Royal Caribbeans partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, Miami Southridge Senior High was one of 20 high schools within the Miami-Dade County Public School District that received a Royal Caribbean-funded grant through the GRAMMY Museum Signature Schools program, which supports music education programs in underserved high schools. The Symphony will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Monroe officials are looking to boost their image in the business community. Following a series of changes on the economic development and planning and zoning staff, town officials are looking at how they can reshape and improve their business landscape, which has in past years been made up primarily of shopping centers and mom and pop shops. We think its going to be a great run, said Ray Giovanni, head of the Chamber of Commerce and newly appointed chair of the Economic Development Commission. The town has served as the somewhat underdeveloped midpoint between Shelton and Trumbull for years, with Newtown up Route 25. Along with the shift in leadership in the EDC, Monroes planning and zoning commission received a fresh face in Rick Schultz, who for 22 years helped guide development projects that built up Sheltons grand list. Where the duo will take Monroes business scene will be a work in progress. Were still trying to identify that ourselves to meet the expectations of our residents and constituents, Giovanni said. It is a challenge, but with Ricks expertise and guidance, I think we can work our way through it and try and make a great go of creating the great type of environment that people will appreciate. Facing the hurdles Monroe has long lived up to its reputation as a small New England town lined with mom-and-pop-style businesses. While officials want to keep their neighborhoods and rural setting, they also want to develop a business culture that will help boost the tax base. Monroe has lagged in development in the past due in large part to infrastructures issues, officials said, including a lack of adequate sewage systems. When you talk about the large projects now, you we have to discuss what kind of septic system needs to be able to sustain that underdeveloped parcel, Giovanni said. There has also been plenty of community pushback when anything adds to the congestion along the Route 25 and 111 corridors. That was the concern last year, when Monroe was supposed to see a new Walmart supercenter and adjacent shopping plaza that was poised to bring 100,000 square feet of retail before the plan fell through. We continue to work on processes and working with planning and zoning on regulations, said First Selectman Ken Kellogg. The commission has been very active in being open to revisions in regulations and evaluation. Undeveloped opportunity Though development hasnt been on par with neighbors, that has presented Monroe with opportunities that have already caught the interest of developers. While congestion on main roads remains an issue that officials are trying to alleviate, those same roads provide the kind of accessibility larger companies are seeking. Last year, Axel Plastics, a manufacturer of external and internal mold releases and process aid additives, opened a 40,000-square-foot facility at 50 Cambridge Drive, off Pepper Street. The company had operated in New York, but opted to set up in Monroe for several reasons, including the potential for future development. We felt Monroe had a place to offer us that accommodated everything, said CEO Frank Axel. The cost of property was in our budget and the piece of property enabled us to build the initial size factory in addition to having the ability to expand almost 100 percent in the future on the property that we now sit on. The potential labor pool was also another selling point. Regional view The opportunity for future development hasnt been lost on members of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. With the shift in EDC and the planning and zoning office, both former and current president Mickey Herbert and Dan Onofrio see potential in Monroes business scene. The reality is a lot of towns and cities have economic development corporations and organization structures in their town, Onofrio said. A lot of chambers are starting to put a little more effort behind economic development in terms of resources, you see it in Connecticut and I think Monroe is ... following suit. Herbert also said he saw potential gains. I would love if they would see fit to become part of the BRBC because we have economic development people on our staff that would love to support new economic development in Monroe for sure, Herbert said. Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com SINGAPORE - The bells tolled on Sept. 28, 1901, to signal an early-morning attack on American troops, just as they were eating breakfast. The attack almost wiped out the company of American soldiers, killing 48 of them in a rare victory in a war that the Philippines would end up losing. The U.S. commander's response was swift. He ordered the killing of all Filipino males above the age of 10 who were involved in fighting U.S. forces. The Americans razed the town of Balangiga, which had been abandoned, and took home the three church bells as war booty. More than a century after one of the most gruesome clashes of the Philippine-American war, the "Balangiga Bells" are officially being returned to the Philippines. Speaking at an Air Force base close to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where two of the three bells are located, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the return of the bells will "smooth the bonds that were tested but never broken by war." "Bear these bells home back to their Catholic Church, confident that America's ironclad alliance with the Philippines is stronger than ever," Mattis said to Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the United States, who was present at the ceremony. The last of the three bells, located at a U.S. Army museum in South Korea, has already been prepared for its return. The two bells in Wyoming will first be shipped to a facility in Philadelphia, before joining the third bell in South Korea. All three are expected back in the Philippines by the end of the year. The Philippines, a close U.S. ally, has been urging the United States for decades to return the bells, a symbol of national pride. Campaigners who lobbied to return the bells told Philippine television networks that U.S. veterans' organizations eventually came around to the belief that the bells belonged in the Philippines, and their support helped facilitate the eventual return. But the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the strongman Philippine leader who has tried to move his country away from its traditional alliance with the United States, has already started claiming the victory as his own. Duterte has lobbied for the return of the bells and has said he would not visit the United States until they were back. Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of regional summits in Singapore, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr., who was previously his country's ambassador to the United Nations, said he had brought up the issue with Nikki Haley, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He also told Haley that Duterte would not visit the United States until the bells were returned. "Later on, throughout the year, she'd call me aside and say, 'OK, I've brought it up with Mattis, and Mattis said as far as the Defense Department goes, we are OK,'" Locsin said, recounting a conversation he had with Haley earlier in the year. The diplomatic gesture comes at a pivotal time for relations between the Philippines and the United States. Duterte, a populist president, has cozied up to China since his election in 2016, and he will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Manila later this month on Xi's first visit to the country. Meanwhile, Duterte has described the United States as "lousy" and vowed to never go there during his term. His brand of politics has marked a major turning point for the United States in the Philippines, a country that was once its most reliable ally in the region. Now that the bells are on their way back though, Locsin said, Duterte may have to visit Washington after all. "They're coming back, so he will have to go there, to the United States, if that was the condition he made," Locsin said. he added that he had reminded the Philippine president of the exchange with Haley. Duterte simply "laughed [and] smiled," Locsin said. In his opening speech, Nguyen Ngoc Bach, Chairman of the Vietnam CFO Association and head of the organising board, said the event, held for the first time in Vietnam, is a great opportunity for business leaders to gather, exchange and directly share their knowledge and practices, their intensive financial management skills with experienced finance leaders from other continents.International financial experts will talk new trends and provide insights into the future of the financial sector and the challenges that business leaders and financial professionals are facing in this technological era, he said.Nguyen Thien Nhan, member of the Politburo and Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, said Vietnam and HCM City in particular are focusing on implementing measures to improve productivity through technology and modernisation of business-level management.The city is investing more in upgrading technology, applying modern financial management structure and new tools, creating investors and financial organisations to build suitable investment and financial plans and raise productivity in different fields, he said.He revealed that HCM City is carrying out a project to build itself into a smart city in the 2017-2020 period with vision toward 2025, along with the establishment of a highly interactive innovation area which aims to combine R&D and human resources training centres.The two-day congress is the most important summit of the International Association of Senior Finance Managers, and is organised by the Vietnam CFO Association and the Japan Association of CFOs.Its agenda focuses on a balance between policy considerations driving (or hindering) global and Asian growth and the transformative potential of digital technologies in responding to the opportunities and challenges they present.Cybersecurity, blockchain technology, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the key topics discussed at the event, which sees over 500 business leaders, CFOs, directors, and finance professionals from across the world taking part. VNA Democratic challenger Jared Golden prevailed Thursday in a Maine congressional contest, defeating a Republican incumbent in the first federal race in the country in which a ranked-choice voting system was used to determine the winner. After Election Day, Golden, a state representative, narrowly trailed Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, in a four-way race in which no candidate received 50 percent of the vote. The result flipped Thursday after the rules of the ranked-choice system were applied. The system allows voters to cast ballots for their candidate but also rank other contenders in order of preference. If no one wins more than 50 percent of the vote outright, those choices are factored in. At noon Thursday, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and his office powered up "instant runoff" software while streaming on Facebook Live to announce the results: Golden won with 50.5 percent of the vote to Poliquin's 49.5 percent. The result was the latest Republican-held congressional seat to flip Democratic. Overall, Democrats have won 38 seats that were previously held by Republicans. Democrats have won 230 seats to 198 for the GOP with seven races undecided. Poliquin unsuccessfully sought a temporary restraining order from a federal court on Tuesday, to try to stop the state from using the system. In a victory speech Thursday afternoon, Golden thanked the secretary of state, his opponents and ranked-choice voters. "Using ranked-choice voting, we've determined a clear winner in a more timely manner than Louisiana and other states that hold runoff elections," Golden said. "And I'm going to go out on a limb here. I'm sure I'm not the only one in the state that's glad we used an instant runoff system instead of holding another election. Who in this state wants to see another campaign commercial wedged in between Thanksgiving and Christmas?" Two independents, Tiffany Bond and Will Hoar, garnered about 8 percent of the vote in Maine's 2nd District on Election Day. Their voters' lower preferences were added to the Poliquin and Golden vote totals in a lengthy process of shipping, scanning and certifying ballots in the State House in Augusta. Ranked-choice voting is a new method that Maine passed by statewide referendum in 2016 and upheld in 2018. It's often referred to as instant-runoff voting. Maine's implementation of the system faced steep opposition from many Republicans in the state. Before the election, Poliquin had refused to say that he would accept the use of ranked-choice tabulation. FAIRFIELD As Amazon announced its second headquarters in nearby New York City, Fairfield businesses are reminding consumers about the benefits of shopping locally. Namely, that they are investing in their own community. This involves many aspects of our economy and our town, First Selectman Mike Tetreau said. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and we already have days like Small Business Saturday, Sidewalk Sales and Holiday Shop Strolls. Tetreau was joined by Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz organizations active in this new effort and several business owners in town at Town Hall on Tuesday to discuss the initiative. Barnhart explained the Buy Local initiative would be about bridging the gap between the local businesses and residents. We have been working on this for many years, Barnhart said. Were working on making this a year-round campaign and educate the consumer. The elephant in the room was the ever-increasing presence of online retailers like Amazon that have supplanted the business model in the last decade, not to mention increases in rent prices that hurt local shops. This is about trying to change consumer trends and showing people what being local is all about, Marc Rosenblum, co-owner of HobbyTown, said after the conference. Amazon is trying to destroy as much competition as they can, and we want to do much as we can for the community. Rosenblum said local organizations like the parent teachers associations of various schools visit his store for donations and that he happily participates every year. We want to donate and give back to the community, Rosenblum said. But consumers have to help us. The town is promoting the initiative on its website, highlighting the benefits of supporting local businesses, such as re-investing in the community and bolstering the economic presence that is shaped at a local and not national scale. Maureen Abrahamson, also known as Mo from Mos Wine and Spirits, said even her business feels pressure from online retailers, but the shops history and established presence in the community is something they are capitalizing on. Our staff, prices and selection is something that our customers like, Abrahamson said. People like the whole thing about from the farm to the table. Though the concern is primarily economic, for some this initiative is also about maintaining the towns downtown aesthetic and entrepreneurial character. If we want to preserve our vibrant downtown, we have to show how important local businesses are, Barnhart said. humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com Amid flaring tensions along the Israeli-Syrian border, Syria's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday said his country would retake the Golan Heights "by peace or by war," and Israel's ambassador vowed to never withdraw from the territory it captured in 1967. The exchange between the two diplomats capped a nonbinding vote in which the United States for the first time opposed a resolution introduced every year calling on Israel to end its occupation of the "occupied Syrian Golan." Israel annexed the strategic plateau in 1981, and most Israelis consider it an integral part of the country not up for negotiation. The resolution, which passed with 151 votes and only Israel and the United States in opposition, declares Israel's jurisdiction over the area "null and void" and a "flagrant violation of international law." The United States has always abstained in the past, as 14 nations did this year. U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley said Thursday that the United States was changing its vote because of anti-Israel bias and the deaths caused by the Syrian government's attempts to stomp out a rebellion that spiraled into civil war. "The United States will no longer abstain when the United Nations engages in its useless annual vote on the Golan Heights," Haley said. "If this resolution ever made sense, it surely does not today." The Trump administration has taken several steps long sought by the Israeli government. Chief among them were the decisions recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Though the Israeli government is based in Jerusalem, most nations keep their missions in Tel Aviv on the principle that its status should be decided through negotiations with the Palestinians who also seek part of the city as their capital. The United States also has closed the PLO office in Washington and a separate U.S. Consulate that served Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza. The Israeli government has been lobbying the Trump administration to recognize its sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is known for its tourist spots and wineries. It also is home to an estimated 22,000 Druze who speak Arabic and have families in Syria. But the Golan has grown more tense, and a demilitarized buffer zone has been built to separate Israel and Syria. The Syrian side has experienced heavy fighting recently between pro-government forces and opposition rebels, with the latter surrendering much of the area to the Russian-backed government. The Golan resolution was the last of nine introduced expressing support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and renewing the mandate of the U.N.'s "special committee to investigate Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories." All the resolutions passed by overwhelming majorities, with no more than 10 votes in opposition. In remarks after the votes, Syria's U.N. ambassador Bashar Jaafari said the U.S. vote on Golan showed the United States has relinquished its role as a sponsor of peace efforts in the Middle East. Israel's ambassador Danny Doron thanked the United States for its moral stance on the resolution and said the real threat to the region comes from the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and the support it gets from Iran. "Thousands of people are being slaughtered every day by the evil Assad regime," he said. "given the opportunity to slander Israel, the world forgets about the atrocities." Doron said the Golan Heights is critical for Israel's security, and its rightful territory. "Israel will not withdraw from the Golan Heights," he said. "it is time for the international community to accept it." Jafaari objected to the use of the name Golan Heights and said hilltops no longer offer a military advantage in an era of rockets and planes. "Even if it were true," he added, "this is Syrian territory, and will return to Syria whether Israel likes it or not. But when the Israeli ambassador says Israel will not withdraw from Golan, let him understand before all of you - if Israel does not comply with the return of the occupied Syrian Golan to the people of Syria, it is opening the door to other options. Options of war. "We will regain the Golan, by peace or by war." NEW DELHI - Since late last month, politicians in Sri Lanka have engaged in a war of words over who is the country's rightful prime minister. On Thursday, their battle turned physical. A scuffle broke out on the floor of Sri Lanka's Parliament after the speaker attempted to call the body for a vote, the latest maneuver in a 3-week-old power struggle that has pitted the country's president, Maithripala Sirisena, against its sitting prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Lawmakers pushed and grabbed one another. One threw a garbage can at the speaker. Another clutched the speaker's microphone and tried to take it away, injuring his hand in the process and requiring a trip to the hospital. The fight came as the turmoil in Sri Lanka reached a crucial stage. Sirisena first moved to oust Wickremesinghe as the prime minister on Oct. 26, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former president. Sirisena then suspended Parliament, preventing it from holding any votes. Last week, when it became clear that his faction could not muster majority support in the chamber, Sirisena attempted to dissolve it altogether, a move blocked by Sri Lanka's Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the Parliament finally reconvened, and in a chaotic voice vote, a majority of legislators rejected Rajapaksa as prime minister (they later presented a signed letter confirming their votes). But Sirisena refused to accept the vote as valid, saying lawmakers had not followed proper procedure. The result is a highly tense stalemate that has made it unclear who is in charge in Sri Lanka. After Thursday's scuffle in Parliament, thousands of Wickremesinghe's supporters took to the streets of Colombo, the nation's capital. Harsha de Silva, a lawmaker in Wickremesinghe's United National Party, said the crowds demonstrated that "we have power both inside and outside" the Parliament. He urged Rajapaksa to end his quest for the prime minister's post. "Go for God's sake Go!" he wrote on Twitter. Rajapaksa served as the country's president for a decade and put a brutal end to Sri Lanka's long-running civil war in 2009. He was ousted in 2015 and more recently has been maneuvering to return to power. On Thursday, he gave a speech in Parliament calling for fresh elections to resolve the crisis. "I suggest that we take this matter before the 15 million-plus voters in the country instead of trying to resolve this among the 225 persons sitting in this House," said Rajapaksa. He accused the speaker of acting "hand in glove with certain Western embassies." Not long after Rajapaksa stopped speaking, the pushing and shoving began. The Parliament is expected to reconvene Friday. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on November 16, 2018 2018/11/16 Q: On November 14, Premier Li Keqiang, when attending the 21st China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in Singapore, said that China stands ready to join hands with ASEAN countries to strive to conclude the negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea within three years. What are China's considerations behind presenting such kind of a vision? A: Currently, thanks to the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has been stabilized and is improving. China and ASEAN countries have been comprehensively and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and actively promoting maritime practical cooperation. Important consensus and progress have been achieved on the consultations on the COC. In August this year, at the series of Foreign Ministers' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation, the foreign ministers from China and ASEAN countries announced that they have arrived at the single draft negotiating text of the COC. At this China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in Singapore, the leaders from 11 countries unanimously agreed to finish the first reading of the single draft negotiating text of the COC by 2019. At this meeting, the Chinese leader presented the vision that the consultations on the COC should be concluded within three years, which fully testifies to the sincerity, resolve and confidence of China to work with ASEAN countries to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Concluding the COC based on the consensus through consultations at an early date is the shared aspiration of ASEAN countries as well as the sincere wish of the Chinese side. China is willing to work with all relevant parties to implement the consensus reached by the leaders, remove external disturbances, so that we can come to agreement on the rules that correspond with the realities and meet the needs of the region at an early date and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Q: US Vice President Mike Pence said that the South China Sea doesn't belong to any one nation, and the US will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows. Does China consider his remarks to be provocative? A: Recently certain people in the US have uttered all sorts of voices from time to time. We are all listening to them and also keeping an eye on their actions. On the issue of the South China Sea, we have said before that the freedom of navigation and overflight has never encountered any problem. We have asked the US side or those claiming that there are problems with the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea many times to produce a single piece of evidence to prove which ship or plane from which country has encountered problems when navigating or flying over the South China Sea at what time. However, up to now, no one can give us a clear-cut answer. This shows that the so-called issue of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea is a non-existent proposition. China's position is very clear. We are willing to join hands with the regional countries to firmly safeguard the true freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries in accordance with the international law. Meanwhile, we firmly oppose undermining the sovereignty and security interests of the littoral states under the pretext of the freedom of navigation. Besides, may I ask you to remind the relevant person in the US that his country is yet to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). If the US could ratify and abide by the Convention at an early date, I believe that it would contribute more to peace and stability in the South China Sea. Q: It is reported that a bishop from Wenzhou, has gone missing for several days. Can you tell us anything about that and would that incident reflect some kind of setback in efforts to improve relations between China and the Vatican? A: I have not heard and am not aware of the specific case you mentioned. Regarding the China-Vatican relations you mentioned, we have stated our principled position many times. China and the Vatican have endeavored to improve ties. We are willing to continue to work with the Vatican to conduct constructive dialogue, enhance understanding, accumulate mutual trust and keep improving our relations. Q: Premier Li Keqiang announced at the China-ASEAN (10+1) Leaders' Meeting on November 14 that all domestic approvals for the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement were completed. How do you comment on the significance of this achievement? A: Since China and ASEAN established the Strategic Partnership 15 years ago, bilateral relations have grown from a fast-growing period to a maturing period featuring higher quality and now stand at a new stage of all-round development. Eight years ago, China and ASEAN officially set up the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone which is the largest one for developing countries in the world, a decision which accords with the trend of economic globalization and has brought immense benefits to people in the region. China has been the largest trading partner for ASEAN for nine years running and ASEAN has been China's third largest trading partner for seven years running. Bilateral investment has exceeded 200 billion dollars. The upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks another major event for China-ASEAN relations and will surely further promote the economic and trade ties between the two sides and send out a positive signal to the international community of firmly upholding multilateralism and free trade on the part of China and ASEAN countries. Leaders of many ASEAN countries spoke highly of the successful upgrade of the China-ASEAN FTA. Philippine President Duterte said that ASEAN and China will continue to strengthen trade and investment cooperation and uphold multilateralism and the multilateral system, since this serves the common interests of China and ASEAN countries. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that in face of the uncertainties of the international economy and challenges brought by surging protectionism and zero-sum game, ASEAN and China have no choice but to strengthen cooperation and make ASEAN and China important pillars of peace, security, stability and prosperity. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, the rotating chair of ASEAN, said that ASEAN and China all support rules-based and open multilateralism, greater openness and enhanced connectivity. The comprehensive implementation of the protocol on upgrading China-ASEAN FTA will send out a strong signal of supporting multilateral economy, trade and cooperation. I want to stress that China is committed to working with regional countries to advance regional economic integration and economic globalization. Now the international economic and trade cooperation is threatened by a surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism, but the general trend leading to regional economic integration and economic globalization has not changed. China will continue to take ASEAN as a priority of its neighborhood diplomacy and the official upgrading of China-ASEAN FTA as an opportunity to work with regional countries including ASEAN members in a bid to further promote regional trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and move forward East Asia economic integration. We will work with ASEAN to build a higher level of strategic cooperative relations, forge a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and uphold the role of China-ASEAN cooperation as an important pillar of regional peace and prosperity. Q: Yesterday, Premier Li Keqiang met with Russian President Putin in Singapore. What is your comment on this meeting? A: We have issued the relevant readout on this meeting. You know that China and Russia enjoy the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination. Leaders of the two sides have been in close communication and coordination in various ways, including through mutual visits and at multilateral meetings, to exchange views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of mutual interest. We speak highly of the current high-level performance of China-Russia relations and look forward to maintaining close coordination and cooperation with the Russian side whenever and wherever we can. Q: According to the Ministry of Commerce, the trade talks between China and the US have resumed. I was wondering if you have any reaction to this? And what are your expectations to these new talks? A: The spokesperson of China's Commerce Ministry has taken similar questions at yesterday's press conference. After the telephone conversation between the two heads of state on November 1, the high-level exchanges between China and the US in the economic and trade areas have resumed. Meanwhile, the economic teams from the two countries are in close contact on relevant issues. Q: There are reports that the DPRK has tested a new tactical weapon. Do you see this as a potential threat to the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula? A: I have just seen the relevant report and I am not aware of the specific situation. Just as we have noted, over a period of time, with the concerted efforts of all relevant parties, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has witnessed some positive changes. We hope that the positive momentum on the Peninsula can be sustained. Q: US Vice President Mike Pence said that there might be a new summit between President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un next year. I wonder if China has any reaction to this? A: China always supports the contacts and dialogues between the DPRK and the US. Now the US and the DPRK are engaging in dialogue and remain in contact on implementing the consensus reached by their leaders at the summit. We hope that the high-level engagement between the US and the DPRK will help further ease the situation on the Korean Peninsula and move forward the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue. As Democrats prepare to take power in the House, it's worth looking at a peculiar paradox at the heart of their "resistance." Historically it has been a movement against the national security state. The Democratic version of the resistance has sought to defend it. If there is one lawmaker who embodies this paradox, it is a soft-spoken Californian named Adam Schiff. See his open letter this year to the FBI, assuring the bureau that millions of Americans still hold it in high regard despite mean tweets from President Donald Trump. For the last two years, as the ranking minority member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Schiff has battled to get to the bottom of the Russia-Trump plot. He was stymied. The Republicans wanted to investigate Trump's investigators. Now Schiff is preparing to be the next chairman of the intelligence panel. One might expect he would be focused like a laser on Trump's ties to Russia. So far, however, he is not. Mind you, Schiff still would like someone to look into the Trump Organization's financial ties to Russia. He would like to learn the blocked phone number that called Donald Trump Jr. after his infamous 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the campaign. He still intends to release the transcripts of the interviews his committee has conducted in the last two years. For now, though, Schiff is being patient. He wants to wait and see what his Senate colleagues and special counsel Robert Mueller dig up before saying what his own committee will investigate. In October he told an audience at the Brookings Institution that his first priority would be to restore comity and integrity to the intelligence committee. And Schiff, like his ascendant Democratic colleagues, is looking beyond just Russia. He has said, for example, that he wants to look into Trump's conversations with the postmaster general about raising the rates for Amazon, whose chief executive owns The Washington Post. His interest in this issue, according to his staff, stems from his leadership of the "freedom of the press" caucus, not his pending chairmanship of the intelligence committee. And while Schiff has warned the new acting attorney general not to interfere with Mueller, he is also planning to get his committee back to its original mission: oversight of the intelligence community. That is welcome news. To start, the alliance of convenience between Democrats and the national security state was always an awkward fit. This is a party whose presidential nominee blamed the FBI director for costing her the 2016 election. This is a party that released its own report in 2014 detailing the CIA's torture of suspected terrorists. This is a party whose base protested former FBI Director James Comey's criticism of Black Lives Matter. There is another reason why Schiff's pivot is wise. America's spies are in desperate need of oversight. In a little-noticed story earlier this month, Yahoo News uncovered a scandal that dates back at least a decade. The CIA's communication system to contact its agents in China, Lebanon and Iran was fatally compromised, resulting in the death of brave assets who risked their lives for U.S. national security. Some of the flaws in the system were first spotted by John Reidy, a contractor whose job was to manage those human sources in Iran. Reidy tried to warn the intelligence community's inspector general and Congress about the breach. But he was largely ignored, and the CIA painted him as a disgruntled contractor. One of Reidy's attorneys, Kel McClanahan, told me that the House intelligence committee at the time "bought the CIA's story hook, line and sinker." Schiff now has an opportunity to take a second look. There is a broader lesson here for Democrats. As a branding exercise, resistance politics is dramatic and satisfying. And when a member of the opposite party occupies the White House, there is always a tendency to portray him as a supervillain. But this way also nurtures delusion. Trump's nativism and mendacity are bad enough. Assuming he is a Russian stooge or the second coming of Mussolini just gives his opponents permission to violate the same kind of norms that Trump so gleefully smashes. That is the abdication of politics masquerading as empowerment. With control of the House, Democrats now have an opportunity to engage in the tedious but essential work of actually checking Trump's power. They have a chance to evolve from a resistance into an opposition. For the country's sake as much as their party's, Schiff and his colleagues should not squander that opportunity. On Monday, BBC journalist Chris Mason summed up the state of Brexit talks with a blunt admission. "People like me are paid . . . to have insight and foresight and hindsight about these things," he said. "Looking at things right now, I haven't got the foggiest idea what is going to happen in the coming weeks." By Wednesday evening, there was only slightly more clarity. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that her cabinet had, following a "long, detailed and impassioned debate," agreed on a draft withdrawal plan with the European Union. The outlines of the divorce were finalized with E.U. counterparts earlier this week following months of fitful negotiations. May framed the day's developments as a "decisive step" toward an orderly separation from the European Union, hoping to assuage fears that Britain could exit the continental bloc without any deal in place. The draft agreement, which is hundreds of pages long, leaves open the possibility that Britain could remain indefinitely in a customs union with the European Union. It also has provisions preventing a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of the biggest sticking points in the talks. In a news conference in Brussels, Michel Barnier, the E.U.'s chief negotiator on Brexit, welcomed signs of progress in London. "The United Kingdom will remain our friend, our partner, our ally," Barnier added. Even so, Brexit is hardly a fait accompli. "Whatever happens, this deal is just the first stage of the lengthy process of ratifying Britain's withdrawal from the E.U. To follow are negotiations over Britain's future trade, security and economic relations with Europe - including side deals about immigration levels," The Washington Post reported Wednesday. The deal with the European Union requires endorsement from European heads of state. Far more difficult will be a vote in Britain's Parliament, where May's plan may yet falter. At least a third of May's own cabinet members balked over the draft agreement, and the right-wing Northern Irish party that joined May's Conservatives in a ruling coalition will likely resist measures that legally separate Northern Ireland from the rest of the country. In histrionic language, proponents of a "hard" Brexit decried May's accommodation with the E.U. as a "betrayal" that left Britain in thrall to "colonial rule from Brussels." "It's vassal-state stuff," said Boris Johnson, who resigned as May's foreign secretary this summer after disagreeing with the course of negotiations. "For the first time in 1,000 years, this place, this Parliament will not have a say over the laws that govern this country." There was rampant speculation on Wednesday that disgruntled hard-liners may force a vote of confidence on May's leadership within days. Moderate voices lashed back, asking Brexiteers what they expected. "There was never any prospect of a good deal. Brexit is a salvage operation; even when it is done well, the boat is not in the condition it was before it sank," Alex Massie wrote in the center-right Spectator. "There is a piquant irony in seeing committed Brexiteers complaining that if this is the deal, it's worse than remaining a full member of the E.U." Brexit was a defining moment for Western politics . It prefigured the rise of anti-immigrant parties elsewhere in Europe. President Trump, then considered a long shot against Hillary Clinton, seized upon its victory as a good omen for his own insurgency against a liberal establishment. British politicians like Johnson and Trump ally Nigel Farage offered visions of returning the country to its glory days, taking back control of its laws and its future from bureaucrats across the Channel. But it was never as simple as that. May, who tepidly opposed Brexit before the referendum, has found it nearly impossible to navigate around both the demands of Brexit cheerleaders and the vastly superior negotiating position of the E.U. And the chaotic attempts to forge an agreement have led to growing calls for a new referendum on whether Brexit should happen at all. New polls suggest a majority of Britons would favor holding another referendum on the final Brexit deal. Last month, some 700,000 pro-E.U. protesters marched through London demanding a second vote. But that would require quite a few parliamentary twists and turns. For now, attention is focused on the scale of the potential rebellion against May. Not only is a significant portion of her own party angry, but Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has decried the "shambolic handling" of the Brexit negotiations and is also likely to reject her plan if it reaches a vote. There's still the prospect of some Labour MPs "breaking the party whip to bail out Theresa May's deal," explained the left-leaning New Statesman. "Many of their number want to avert a no-deal Brexit and worry that voting against May's deal will trigger one, and others are worried what will happen to them if they get on the wrong side of their constituents." But if May's gambit fails, the ensuing weeks and months could produce ministerial resignations, a putsch against May and snap elections. "The impression is of a never-ending Brexit crisis, one that erodes trust in democracy," observed an editorial in the Guardian. And beyond that, there's the already mounting economic and social impact of this sundering of the union. "Brexit is a human tragedy. Lost jobs, lost prospects and not a few lives (Brits in the EU, Europeans in the UK) genuinely wrecked," tweeted the Economist's Jeremy Cliffe. "And all for a fantasy vision of an absolute, unlimited, all-or-nothing sovereignty that never existed and never will exist." - 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. Ilhan Abdullahi Omar (pictured) and Rashida Harbi Tlaib will be the first two Muslim women ever to serve in the US Congress. During her campaign, Omar criticized anti-Israel boycotts. Less than a week after being elected, however, Omar admitted that she supports the boycotts. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) "I stand here before you tonight as your congresswoman-elect with many firsts behind my name. The first woman of color to represent our state in Congress. The first woman to wear a hijab. The first refugee ever elected to Congress. And one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress." "Ilhan believes in and supports the BDS movement, and has fought to make sure people's right to support it isn't criminalized. She does however, have reservations on the effectiveness of the movement in accomplishing a lasting solution." "It was such an honor to attend the 'Dear Gaza' fundraiser ... I know Palestinians are resilient people, hateful protesters nor unjust occupation will dim their spirit." "Now, it isn't inherently anti-Semitic to be critical of Israeli political leadership or policies. The Democratic Party antagonism toward the Jewish state has been well-established over the past decade. But Omar used a well-worn anti-Semitic trope about the preternatural ability of a nefarious Jewish cabal to deceive the world.... "Omar had a chance to retract, or at least refine, her statement. Instead, she doubled down ... blaming Jewish Islamophobia for the backlash.... "To accuse the only democratic state in the Middle East, which grants more liberal rights to its Muslim citizens than any Arab nation, of being an 'apartheid regime' is, on an intellectual level, grossly disingenuous or incredibly ignorant. And when a politician singles out Jewish allies as 'evil,' but ignores every brutal theocratic regime in the area, it's certainly noteworthy.... "Omar's defenders will claim she's anti-Israel, not anti-Jewish. 'Anti-Zionism' has been the preferred justification for Jew-hatred in institutions of education and within progressive activism for a long time. Now it's coming for politics. Democrats can either allow it to be normalized, or they can remain silent." "One state. It has to be one state. Separate but equal does not work.... This whole idea of a two-state solution, it doesn't work." "After closely consulting with Rashida Tlaib's campaign to clarify her most current views on various aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that a significant divergence in perspectives requires JStreetPAC to withdraw our endorsement of her candidacy. "While we have long championed the value of a wide range of voices in discussion of the conflict and related issues, we cannot endorse candidates who conclude that they can no longer publicly express unequivocal support for a two-state solution and other core principles to which our organization is dedicated." "The base of the Democratic Party has been profoundly influenced by intersectional arguments that, like Tlaib's slurs, view the Palestinian war on Israel as akin to the struggle for civil rights in the United States.... "For most [American Jews], Israel is, at best, just one among many issues they care about. At the moment, that means most American Jews are far more interested in evicting US President Donald Trump from the White House or expressing solidarity with illegal immigrants than about threats to Israel... "With many Jews expressing distaste for an 'illiberal' Israel, it's little surprise that the bulk of American Jewry isn't overly bothered about the election of Socialists who are unsympathetic to the Jewish state or consider Zionism to be racist." Ilhan Abdullahi Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Harbi Tlaib of Michigan will be the first two Muslim women ever to serve in the US Congress. Most of the media coverage since their election on November 6 has been effusive in praise of their Muslim identity and personal history.Less known is that both women deceived voters about their positions on Israel. Both women, at some point during their rise in electoral politics, led voters especially Jewish voters to believe that they held moderate views on Israel. After being elected, both women reversed their positions and now say they are committed to sanctioning the Jewish state.America's first two Muslim congresswomen are now both on record as appearing to oppose Israel's right to exist. They both support the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. Both are also explicitly or implicitly opposed to continuing military aid to Israel, as well as to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict an outcome that would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Instead, they favor a one-state solution an outcome that many analysts believe would, due to demographics over time, replace the Jewish state with a unitary Palestinian state.Ilhan Omar, who will replace outgoing Rep. Keith Ellison (the first Muslim elected to Congress) in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, came to the United States as a 12-year-old refugee from Somalia and settled in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, in the late 1990s.In her acceptance speech, delivered without an American flag, Congresswoman-elect Omar opened her speech in Arabic with the greeting, "As-Salam Alaikum, (peace be upon you), alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah." She continued:Omar faced some controversy during the campaign, including a disturbing report that she had married her own brother in 2009 for fraudulent purposes, as well as a tweet from May 2018 in which she refers to Israel as an "apartheid regime," and another tweet from November 2012, in which she stated: "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel."After the tweets came to light, Omar met with members of her congressional district's large Jewish population to address concerns over her position on Israel, as reported by Minneapolis's. During a Democratic Party candidates' forum at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park on August 6 one week before Omar defeated four other candidates in the party's primary Omar publicly criticized the anti-Israel BDS movement. In front of an audience of more than a thousand people, Omar said she supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and that the BDS movement aimed at pressuring Israel was not helpful in trying to achieve that goal.Pressed by moderator Mary Lahammer to specify "exactly where you stand on that," Omar replied that the BDS movement was "counteractive" because it stopped both sides from coming together for "a conversation about how that's going to be possible."Less than a week after being elected, however, Omar admitted that she supports the BDS movement. On November 11, Omar's office told the website MuslimGirl.com that she favors BDS against Israel:On November 12, Omar told TC Jewfolk, a website catering to the Jewish community in the Twin Cities, that her position on the BDS movement "has always been the same" and pointed to her vote as a state lawmaker against House bill HF 400, which prohibits the state from doing business with companies or organizations that boycott Israel.In a recent interview with the, Omar characterized the controversy over her tweets about Israel as an effort to "stigmatize and shame me into saying something other than what I believed."In a July 8, 2018 interview with ABC News, for a segment entitled, "Progressive Democrats Increasingly Criticize Israel, and Could Reap Political Rewards," Omar defended her tweets. She said the accusations of anti-Semitism "are without merit" and "rooted in bigotry toward a belief about what Muslims are stereotyped to believe."On September 22, Omar was the keynote speaker in Minneapolis at a fundraiser focused on providing monetary support for Palestinians in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas. The US Department of State has officially designated Hamas a terrorist group. After the event, Omar tweeted Writing in the, political commentator David Harsanyi noted that Omar's rhetoric had anti-Semitic undertones:In Michigan, meanwhile, Rashida Tlaib, the daughter of Palestinian immigrants, won a largely uncontested race for the open seat in state's heavily Democratic 13th congressional district.In Tlaib's acceptance speech, delivered with a Palestinian flag, she credited her victory to the Palestinian cause. "A lot of my strength comes from being Palestinian," she said.Like Omar, Tlaib has changed her positions on key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During her race for the Democratic nomination in the state primary, Tlaib actively "sought out the support and received the endorsement of J Street." J Street is a left-leaning organization that is highly critical of the Israel government, and through "JStreetPAC," it also allocates financial support to those who back J Street's policies. J Street endorsed Tlaib "based on her support for two states" with the JStreetPAC website claiming that she "believes that the U.S. should be directly involved with negotiations to reach a two-state solution. Additionally, she supports all current aid to Israel and the Palestinian Authority."After her primary win on August 7, however, Tlaib radically shifted her positions on Israel, so much so thatsuggested that she pulled a " bait-and-switch ."In an August 14 interview withmagazine, Tlaib was asked whether she supported a one-state or two-state solution. She replied Tlaib also declared her opposition to US aid for Israel, as well as her support for the BDS movement.When asked why she accepted money from J Street, Tlaib said that the organization endorsed her because of her "personal story," not her policy "stances."In an August 13 interview with Britain's Channel 4, Tlaib revealed that she subscribes to the specious concept of intersectionality , which posits that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamentally a dispute between "white supremacists" and "people of color."When Tlaib was asked about her position on Israel, she replied, "I grew up in Detroit where every single corner of the district is a reminder of the civil rights movement."When Tlaib was asked whether, once in Congress, she would vote to cut aid to Israel, she replied : "Absolutely. For me, US aid should be leverage."On August 17, J Street withdrew its endorsement of Tlaib's candidacy. J Street noted Commentator Jonathan Tobin noted that many American Jews seemed indifferent to victories by these anti-Israel Democrats: SEYMOUR A Valley icon and former, longtime vice president of Griffin Hospital, William C. Powanda, died this week at 78. Powanda, a Seymour resident, leaves his wife of 47 years, Glynis, along with his two sons and several grandchildren. Often claiming he was born in his office at Griffin, Powanda enjoyed a nearly 40-year career at the hospital before retiring in 2013. A 1957 graduate of Ansonia High School and an Army veteran, Powanda leaves behind a legendary legacy in his beloved Valley, according to Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell. Bill was a remarkable man whose love affair with the Valley inspired all of us to do more for our community, said Purcell. His ability to forge regional alliances is legendary, and his spirit will live on in so many organizations that he founded. As a senior executive at Griffin Hospital and community leader extraordinaire, Bill, in the words of author and motivational speaker Sir Ken Robinson, clearly had found his element, the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. He will be sorely missed. Purcell noted Powanda about two months prior to his death penned a poignant piece in response to Connecticut Magazines Valley Issue published earlier this year, tracing the history of the Valleys remarkable growth and many successes. Right up to the end, Bill was fighting to protect and enhance the image of his beloved Valley, Purcell added. Purcell said Powanda will long be remembered for being a catalyst for many collaborative initiatives that made the Valley a better place, including receiving the All-America City Award, where a delegation of Valley leaders, including Purcell who just came onboard to the chamber in 2000, traveled to Louisville to bring home this coveted prize. Bill was a wonderful friend and colleague, said Griffin President/CEO Patrick Charmel. After nearly four decades of service Bill was viewed as the patriarch of the Griffin Hospital family which revered him for his many talents, unrestrained optimism, generous spirit and wise counsel. His contribution to the success of our organization was wide ranging. His positive impact extended far beyond the walls of the hospital where he lead many collaborative efforts to strengthen the social fabric of our community, improve community health and well-being and increase community pride. Powanda also helped launched the Valley Council of Health & Human Service Organizations, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month, and the Healthy Valley initiative, which in 1999 caught the attention of former President George H.W. Bush, who designated it one of nations Points of Light. Powanda met six U.S. presidents, including Ford, Carter, Reagan, G.H. Bush, Clinton and G.W. Bush. A former officer/volunteer with Seymours Citizens Engine Co. and 17th District state senator in the 1970s, Powanda began his career at Griffin in 1975 and served as vice president until he retired in 2013. Powanda was proud to boast that Griffin was named by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies To Work For for 10 consecutive years and was named by Health Leaders magazine as having The Top Leadership Team in Healthcare in the country. FormerValley United Way Executive Director Jack Walsh worked alongside Powanda on many committees and was proud to make many memories with his friend. I think winning the All America City award in Louisville in 2000 was one of the best, said Walsh. It was Bills idea from the very beginning to go after the award which was a culmination of much of the work done during the previous decade including the Valley Council and the Healthy Valley project. Walsh recalled the pure joy Powanda felt when the Valley was announced as a finalist during a minor league game in Louisville, as he swung a bat over his head and ran back into the crowd. He always knew that the Valley is a very special place and at that moment he had national validation that he was right. Walsh added. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of the Assumption in Ansonia at noon Saturday with military honors. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418. jean.sos@snet.net China Exports Cyber Surveillance To Africa China has consistently been ranked by digital advocates as the worlds worst abuser of Internet freedom. The country, however, isnt just tightening online controls at home but is becoming more brazen in exporting some of those techniques abroad including in Africa, says a new report from the US-based think tank Freedom House. Using a mix of official training, providing technological infrastructure to authoritarian regimes, and insisting that international companies accept its content regulations even outside of China, Beijing is becoming adept at controlling information both inside and outside its borders. Together, these trends present an existential threat to the future of the open internet and prospects for greater democracy around the globe, the Washington DC-based non-profit said. The study assessed developments related to internet freedom that took place between June 2017 and May 2018 in 65 countries across the world. The issue of internet freedom and its link to China has gained urgency as the nations tech behemoths expand globally to disrupt industries as varied as communications, e-commerce, facial recognition technology, and artificial intelligence. As part of its Belt & Road infrastructure project, the Asian giant is also developing a digital Silk Road that will establish fiber optic networks across the developing world. But given the close links between Chinese tech companies and the government, experts have warned that these digital systems could be used for Beijings intelligence operations and electronic surveillance. Over the past year, China hosted sessions on its sprawling system of censorship and surveillance for media officials from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, and Libya. Last November, it also held a two-week seminar on Cyberspace Management for Officials of Countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. Freedom House says it is not always clear what transpires during such seminars, but that the meetings have usually been followed by the introduction of cybersecurity laws that closely resemble Chinas own law including in Uganda and Tanzania. Chinese companies are also playing a prominent role in their push to install internet and mobile networking equipment across Africa. The Shenzhen-based Transsion Holdings, for instance, is now Africas largest phone maker. Startups like CloudWalk is undertaking a mass facial recognition program in Zimbabwe. Huawei is advising Kenya on its information and communication technology master plan. But while building these infrastructures is crucial for the continent, theres also fear that China could use backdoor mechanisms to access massive amounts of personal, government and financial data. Earlier this year, reports showed that Beijing bugged the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, which it helped build, and transferred data for more than five years. Beijing is taking these steps even as African governments increasingly look at the Internet as a threat, using a motley of targeted shutdowns, surveillance, and arbitrary legislation to silence digital users. Citing fake news, increasing online gossip, and plans to boost domestic revenues, governments have also begun taxing Internet bundles, introducing a costly impact not just on democracy and social cohesion, but on economic growth, innovation, and net neutrality. Defense One: You Might Also Read: Chinas Electronic Surveillance Program Targets Muslims: China Wants To Use AI To Predict Civil Disorder: All-Star volleyball match to showcase top players in area The 35th Johnstown Area vs. Somerset Area All-Star Volleyball Match will be contested Wednesday at Somerset High School. Sararosa Davies is the senior podcast editor at the Emerald and has been on staff since her freshman year.She focuses on the intersection of arts, culture and health, but started out in music reporting. Sararosa loves hummus, music and weird theatre. Follow Sararosa Davies 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 We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Canadian soldier John McCrae, remembering the sacrifice of fellow World War I troops Were getting drenched. President Trump, noting his own sacrifice during World War I centennial observance Sunday On Veterans Day, Americans recall the sacrifices of those who served our country. We think of the bayonet charge of Maines 20th Regiment on Little Round Top, the young men battling through rain and poison gas in the Argonne, the soldiers in the frozen Ardennes Forest in the Battle of the Bulge. And we think of President Trump, battling rain for not one but two days in France this weekend. Other presidents had made sacrifices. George Washington camped with his frozen troops at Valley Forge. William Henry Harrison died after a two-hour inaugural address in the rain. But these were as nothing compared with the elements Trump battled in Paris. Last Saturday, the White House, citing logistical difficulties caused by the weather, canceled Trumps trip to a memorial at Belleau, where 2,000 U.S. Marines died a century ago. It was raining and Trump opted to remain at the U.S. ambassadors residence, watching TV and tweeting. The next day, when other world leaders marched down the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe for the centenary of the Armistice ending World War I, Trump instead took his motorcade. The reason this time: security. Once again, it was raining, and Trump stayed dry in his armored limousine. These were brave decisions, because they meant Trump would have to endure the hurtful images of other world leaders visiting other memorials around France despite the rain, then marching in soggy solidarity without him. His excuses for skipping the war memorial earned ridicule because the cemetery was just an hours drive (less than half the time the White House claimed) and Trump had previously boasted about ordering his pilots to fly him despite bad weather to a campaign rally. But Trumps behavior, not unlike Washingtons winter at Valley Forge, should be seen in a patriotic light a selfless sacrifice for the good of the country. Consider the international disgrace the United States would have suffered if his hair were to have become matted by rain without adequate measures to protect it. Or if wind gusts had whipped his mane into an orange tornado swirling above a sparse white scalp. A soaking could have been calamitous. Trump, therefore, absorbed the losses at Belleau Wood and on the Champs-Elysees to prevail later, at Suresnes American Cemetery, after receiving hair spray reinforcements. Such shrewd strategic thinking has been Trumps hallmark since high school at New York Military Academy, where he received more training militarily than many get in the actual military. Bone spurs sadly kept him from Vietnam, but he said that avoiding STDs was my personal Vietnam and that he was a great and very brave soldier in this cause. He endured French President Emmanuel Macrons very insulting proposal that Europe build up its own military. He endured a topless woman disrupting his motorcade with the words fake peacemaker on her chest. He endured mockery in the French press for confusing the Balkans with the Baltics. He endured Macrons speech declaring that nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. And he endured the obvious impression that other leaders didnt want him at their Peace Forum, which began as Trump left. Through it all, Trump kept his powder dry and his hair. In the end, his sacrifice was rewarded. It was still raining Sunday afternoon when Trump went by motorcade to Suresnes. But this time Trump did not retreat. He heroically cast aside his umbrella and spoke for 10 moist minutes. He recalled the sacrifice of Americans in the Great War (through rain, hail, snow, mud, poisonous gas, bullets and mortar, they held the line). And he invoked his own sacrifice, telling a group under a tent: You look so comfortable up there, under shelter as were getting drenched. The lectern dripped. His overcoat glistened. And yet his hair, under protective lacquer, held firm like the burning bush that was not consumed. The valiant polymers that fell defending his hair from the rain seeped into the soil at Suresnes. Now it truly can be said, as the poem goes, that theres some corner of a foreign field that is forever Trump. Dana Milbank is syndicated by The Washington Post Writers Group. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- After eight years, six different legal actions and three trips to the Mississippi Supreme Court, the dispute over who owns Ocean Springs' East Beach has been settled. It belongs to the public. Last Thursday, the Supreme Court issued its ruling affirming a chancery court decision that the beach is the property of the State of Mississippi, not homeowners with property adjacent to the beach. "It's a great victory and a long time coming," said Robert Wilkinson, senior partner of the law firm which represents the City of Ocean Springs. The saga began in 2010 when East Beach homeowners Buddy Gunn, a local attorney, and Neil Harris, a Jackson County Chancery Court judge, filed a motion for an injunction to stop the City from leasing a section of the beach on which to construct a pedestrian sidewalk. The Hinds County court issued the injunction, but only so as to allow a full trial on the merits of the case to be heard. Gunn and Harris then filed suit in Jackson County Chancery Court and the judge granted a summary judgment ruling that the property owners owned the beach all the way to the waters edge. The City, along with the State of Mississippi, appealed that decision to the state Supreme Court, which reversed the chancery court decision and remanded the case back to the lower court for retrial. In that retrial, special chancellor Robert McGehee ruled the beach was part of the Tidelands and thus owned by the Secretary of State's office on behalf of the state. Gunn and Harris then filed a motion for McGehee to recuse himself and his previous ruling to be set aside, claiming that McGehee resided in Ocean Springs and thus his objectivity could be called into question, among other concerns. McGehee denied that motion, which led to Gunn and Harris appealing his decision on the beach ownership issue back to the Supreme Court, which issued its unanimous ruling last week. In its ruling, the Court noted that the entire case revolved around the issue of whether East Beach was a natural or man-made beach. "The chancellor correctly determined that the question of whether or not East Beach was natural or artificial controlled the legal dispute as to the boundary of the tidelands," wrote Justice Robert P. Chamberlain for the Court. "With this legal framework established, the chancellor determined that no natural beach existed on the shoreline prior to the construction of East Beach. Ample evidence in the record supports this determination. Therefore, we affirm the chancellor's final judgments." At the time of the initial injunction in Hinds County, Gunn and Harris were required to put up a $250,000 bond in the event the injunction were ever found to have been issued in error, which it now has. As a result, the City will be able to seek recovery of eight years worth of legal fees and other damages, Wilkinson said. "That's the last step," he said. "We'll be going back to chancery court for the sole purpose of recovering the City's costs and damages." Wilkinson estimated legal fees of at least $100,000 over the eight years of the case, as well as the loss of some or all of the grant money which was available to the City for construction of the sidewalk in 2010. A call to Harris seeking reaction went unanswered Thursday afternoon, as did a call to Ocean Springs alderman John Gill, the lone member of the current City administration to have been on the board at the time the dispute began. Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson, however, said he was pleased to see the beach saga come to an end. "It's been in court a long time and I'm glad to see it came to a resolution," Dobson said. "We're glad to have clarification, once and for all, that the beach belongs to the people." Dobson said he was familiar with the original sidewalk project which triggered the dispute and said he and the aldermen would be taking a new look at it and other possible improvements for East Beach. "I have looked at that project and similar projects," he said. "I would like to do some improvements along East Beach. We just need to sit down and take a look at it and consider what's best for the city and the residents. We'll go back to the drawing board and look at all options." (BLADE)The Costa Rica Supreme Court on Wednesday formally released its ruling that says lawmakers have 18 months to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Acts of open discrimination, whether they are expressed or implied, cannot be justified in any way in a democratic society that respects fundamental rights, reads the ruling. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which is based in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, in January issued a landmark ruling that recognized same-sex marriage and transgender rights. Then-Costa Rican Vice President Ana Helena Chacon announced her government was going to comply with the ruling. Carlos Alvarado, who was elected president of Costa Rica in April, publicly supports marriage rights for same-sex couples. The Supreme Court in August ruled a law that prohibits same-sex marriage in the country is unconstitutional. The deadline for lawmakers for act on the issue had not been established because the ruling had not been formally released. Costa Rican media reports indicate the ruling will take effect in 2020 if lawmakers fail to act. We are analyzing in detail the hundreds of pages that make up this ruling, Margarita Salas, a Costa Rican LGBTI activist who previously ran for the countrys National Assembly, told the Washington Blade on Wednesday. This is a fundamental step in continuing the fight for the human rights for LGBTI people in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is poised to become the first country in Central America to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Anti-LGBTI attitudes remain commonplace in Costa Rica, even though there are several gay-friendly resort areas throughout the country. The Supreme Court formally issued its ruling against the backdrop of outrage over the murder of Stephanie Paola Castro Mora, who was found dismembered in the wealthy San Jose suburb of Escazu last week. A Costa Rican newspaper described Castro as gay. It is fundamental to continue with the social transformation necessary to eradicate violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Salas told the Blade. There was a time when loyalty and respect were part of the Conservative Partys essential DNA. No longer, it seems. Certainly neither was in evidence yesterday, as hard-line Tory Brexiteers turned on their leader in a deeply unedifying display of petulant defiance. Having toiled for more than two years against daunting odds to secure a Brexit deal which honoured the referendum result, Theresa May might at least have hoped for the support of her own side for her Stakhanovite efforts possibly even an ounce or two of gratitude. Instead, she and her draft agreement were greeted with contempt by the peacocking saboteurs, whose antics risk saddling this country with the worst of all possible Brexit outcomes. A day of high drama was punctuated by a string of ostentatious resignations mainly from obscure Government figures vying for attention. Mrs May in Downing Street yesterday. The Prime Ministers calmness, good humour and composure under fire was in stark contrast to the shrill baying and vanity of the vandals Most prominent among the quitters was Dominic Raab, in whom the Prime Minister had placed huge trust by appointing him Brexit Secretary. For him to walk out now, rather than working to improve the deal he helped negotiate, is profoundly disappointing. Ironically the most distasteful attempt to unsettle Mrs May came from hard-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, a man who pretends to be the very model of courtesy and chivalry. He goaded and harangued her in the Commons chamber, then later called on his colleagues to support a vote of no confidence in her. As for the other rebels who resigned from minor Government positions Suella Braverman, Shailesh Vara, Anne-Marie Trevelyan and the others who honestly had heard of them before yesterday? And for that matter, who will remember them tomorrow? Meanwhile, there was also a memorable Commons statement from Mrs May, during which she retained her dignity while all about her were losing theirs. Indeed, throughout a long and exhausting day, the Prime Ministers calmness, good humour and composure under fire was in stark contrast to the shrill baying and vanity of the vandals. But what if these low-grade assassins were to be successful in defenestrating their leader? What can they possibly hope to achieve by it? Any replacement would be faced with the same problems that Mrs May has battled so resolutely to overcome. Who on earth do they think would do a better job? The truth is that with the country split almost down the middle and Brussels keen to punish the British people for having the temerity to vote Leave, negotiating Brexit was never going to be smooth. Compromises, some of them unpalatable, were always inevitable. Mrs May has strained every sinew to forge a deal which can unite a divided nation by securing our departure with minimum disruption. And the very fact that hard-Brexiteers think the proposed deal is too soft and soft-Brexiteers think its too hard, suggests she has plotted her way through the minefield with considerable skill. Yes, there are serious imperfections, particularly the open-ended nature of our participation in the customs union and the unresolved uncertainty over the future of the Irish border. But this is a draft agreement. That means it can be altered or adapted to overcome these problems in time. On the positive side, it brings an end to free movement, control of borders and offers the promise of frictionless free trade. It takes us out of the Common Agriculture and Fisheries Policies, ends the jurisdiction of the European Court over British law and means we will no longer be sending vast amounts of money to Brussels every year. These are by no means small achievements and amount to a Brexit that all but the most inflexible should be able to swallow. And what do the plotters offer as an alternative? What is their grand plan? A tumultuous no-deal scenario, with hard borders from Ulster to the Channel ports, onerous WTO tariffs and the likelihood of many large corporate employers departing these shores. This isnt a plan. Its an economic suicide note. To emphasise the point, the mere suggestion of no deal sent the pound tumbling yesterday and prompted a slew of warnings that crashing out could have truly dire consequences for trade, jobs, investment and growth. Indeed, big business was positively queuing up to repudiate the hard-Brexiteers and to back Mrs Mays plan. Bae Systems, Airbus and the Confederation of British Industry all saw it as bringing an end to dangerous uncertainty. Jacob Rees-Mogg at Westminster yesterday. He goaded and harangued her in the Commons chamber, then later called on his colleagues to support a vote of no confidence in her This is not Project Fear. Its Project Reality. Conversely, the boss of Aston Martin said the deal could galvanise the whole British car industry. The British Chambers of Commerce believed it would unleash a wave of new investment. How different their well-founded optimism is from Boris Johnsons intemperate description of the deal as disgusting. And who are they, these self-appointed guardians of the Brexit flame a loose affiliation of backbench zealots, failed ministers and serial show-offs, who claim to represent Britains best interests, but risk destroying their party and the nations prosperity. They are, of course, entitled to their opinion. But, for all their pretentions, they speak only for those who place purist ideology above pragmatism and the practicalities of politics. If they have any shred of responsibility, they must pause now, and consider the possible consequences of their actions and what demons they may release. The threat of a Corbyn government possibly even in a monstrous coalition with the SNP which could lead to the irrevocable break-up of the United Kingdom looms larger than ever. No matter that Labour is at least as split over Brexit as the Tories, with the majority of its MPs desperate to remain in the EU and its leadership just as desperate to leave. If Mrs May is unseated, or fails to get her Brexit deal through Parliament, they could win by default. The people are exasperated by Brexit stasis and appalled by the fractious infighting in the Tory Party. Despite the havoc a Marxist government would wreak on the nation, voters might just be tempted to think that anything would be better than the fiasco we have now. Would the kamikaze plotters really risk that? Unsurprisingly, our opinion poll today reflects a general public disillusionment with the whole Brexit process. But within the Tory Party, Mrs May still commands respect and support. There is no appetite among Conservative voters for a leadership contest. None of the pretenders are anywhere near as popular as the woman they seek to topple and significant numbers believe Mrs Mays Brexit deal is the best available. And that is with the Tory Party in a state of self-induced chaos. Imagine how her popularity would soar if the whole Parliamentary party rallied round her and pulled together to make her deal work. This paper has always fought hard for the referendum result to be honoured and has never doubted Mrs Mays commitment to Brexit. Now, as she says, the people want her to just get on with it and get a deal done. No viable alternative to her plan has been put forward and, with the hour of our departure almost upon us, its too late to formulate one. The simple fact is, its either her deal, or no deal, or no Brexit. Anyone who thinks otherwise has simply lost the plot. Advent Sunday is still weeks away but the John Lewis Christmas ad is out of the traps, so we may as well whisk up the eggnog, crack out the crackers and get on with it. Sir Elton John is the unlikely star of this years campaign, appearing in a glossy TV advert that tells the story or a sanitised version of it, at least of his rise from rags to sequined britches, from Pinner to winner and beyond. Like Santa Claus he may be a rocket man, burning out his fuse up there alone. But what the heck does Elt have to do with Christmas? And what message is John Lewis trying to impart? Scroll down for video An emotional Sir Elton John is the unlikely star of the 2018 John Lewis Christmas advert, but 'what message is John Lewis trying to impart?' The advert tells Sir Elton's 'story or a sanitised version of it, at least of his rise from rags to sequined britches' For the past few years, Middle Englands favourite store has led the way when it comes to plucking at the nations heartstrings in this moment of peak Christianity, commerce and 3 off toasters in the homewares department. Against fierce opposition from the likes of Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi and Boots, John Lewiss adverts usually manage to outdo all rivals in the annual festive weepathon. However, now they and so many other High Street giants are going through hard times, isnt there less need for these desperate attempts to own Christmas and make everyone cry all over their sprouts? Across the country, department stores are closing, profits are falling and the whole exercise seems, more than ever, like a colossal waste of money. This year, the 7 million John Lewis advert begins with the emotional 71-year-old Elton thinking about his mother Sheila, who died last year at the age of 92. Travelling backwards through time, it ends with the four-year-old Elton unwrapping his first piano on Christmas Day 1951, alongside mummy Sheila beaming with pride at her tousle-haired prodigy. Festive? Or a test of our credulity and good nature? Christmas is all about family, but its no secret that Elton didnt speak to his elderly mother for nearly a decade. They were reconciled at the end of her life, but until that point she had never met her grandchildren Zachary (now seven) and Elijah (five) and some wonder if she ever did. Elton didnt even tell her she was to become a grandmother she read about it in the papers. Ho ho ho, not. That sure sounds like a lot of lonely old lady Christmases to me. And his father doesnt appear in the piano-unwrapping scene, which feels like a snub. Meanwhile, the rosy biopic bears little relation to Eltons real-life journey, which included torrid years when he was addicted to drugs, drink and sex. At one time he took cocaine every four minutes, and lets not go into the rest. Sir Elton, pictured with his mother Sheila after being knighted in 1998: 'They were reconciled at the end of her life, but until that point she had never met her grandchildren Zachary (now seven) and Elijah (five) and some wonder if she ever did.' Nothing says Christmas like a former party animal urging you to spend your hard-earned cash on a piano for the spoilt kiddies, does it? Some gifts are more than just a gift, runs the slogan, even though John Lewis dont actually sell proper pianos. Some say the whole thing is little more than a rather crass plug for the greater glory of Elton John, who has a farewell tour and film to promote for next year. He also currently appears in a Snickers chocolate bar advert, a bizarre product to promote for a portly septuagenarian who nearly died of an infection last year. One can only surmise the doting dad wants to pop a couple of Snickers bars in his boys stockings! The commercial ends with Sir Elton playing the same piano and ends with the message: 'Some gifts are more than just a gift' But here is Elton, looking pensive, replacing last years Moz the Monster as the John Lewis face of Christmas. Whod have thought it? The stores commercial weapons of choice usually involve some misbegotten cuddly creature battling through the elements to source an excellent gift or ensure they havent been left off Santas Nice List. Snowmen, bears, little boys and even a waddling computer-generated penguin that emoted through tiny, glassy eyes have taken their turn in the festive trenches in recent years. All in a bid to get as many of us through the doors as possible, spending our cash on baubles, booze, turkey and trimmings. Of course, Elton John is by no means the first celebrity to prostrate himself on the Christmas altar. Ant and Dec have been the twin faces of Morrisons, Myleene Klass did her bit for Littlewoods and one year Romeo Beckham managed to model a range of childrens clothes that didnt exist for Burberry. It might be confusing, it might be a fairytale of its own, but perhaps there really is something to learn from Elton Johns Christmas message. First, that despite what John Lewis claim, sometimes a piano is just a gift. My wooden 1964 Fisher-Price First Piano got me absolutely bloody nowhere, thanks all the same. And secondly, please, please dont fight with your family because they are the only one youve got. I think Elton looks so sad because he realised he made a terrible mistake feuding with his mother, but realised it far too late which, if so, is heartbreaking for him. Apart from that, all he wants for Christmas is for you to buy a concert ticket and a Snickers bar. Ding dong! With only a fortnight to go until my 65th birthday, my in-tray is filling up nicely with offers of benefits from the state. Ive had one letter from the Department for Work and Pensions, inviting me to apply for my entitlement of 164.35 per week call that a handy 8,500 a year. Another comes from London Councils, the umbrella group for the capitals local authorities, saying I can now upgrade my 60+ London Oyster card to a fully fledged Freedom Pass, which will give me free travel on buses all over England. Had I been born three weeks and three days prematurely, I would also be eligible for a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to 200. But for reasons best known to bureaucrats and their political masters, only those born before November 5, 1953, may apply. 'I can now upgrade my 60+ London Oyster card to a fully fledged Freedom Pass, which will give me free travel on buses all over England' Having entered this world 24 days later, I will just have to wait another 12 months for mine. But if youll forgive the heavy sarcasm, Im sure its a comfort to all of us to know that the likes of Sir Philip Green, aged 66, are already eligible for the payment, which should keep them toasty warm aboard their yachts in the Caribbean even if the winter turns parky at home. Agonising Not that Im complaining, mind although I reckon hard-up taxpayers have a right to be miffed at the thought that a chunk of their earnings may be financing non-means-tested benefits for ageing billionaires. (To be fair, I have no idea whether or not Sir Philip claims his Winter Fuel Payment, or whether he gives it to charity.) Indeed, I myself suffered an agonising moral dilemma on my 60th birthday, when the then Mayor of London one Boris Johnson tempted me with the extraordinary offer of a 60+ Oyster card that would give me free travel on all the capitals buses and local train services. I hasten to say that this wasnt a special favour to me, as a friend and former colleague of Boris. It was a perk I almost wrote an electoral bribe which he extended to all residents of London boroughs when they turned 60. There I was, like so many people of my age, employed full-time on a higher salary than Id ever earned before. The mortgage was nearing its end (in fact we paid the final instalment just last week a joyous moment that only those who have experienced it, after decades of struggle, will fully appreciate). At that stage, all four of our boys had fled the nest though regular readers will be aware that two of them are now back. This saved us a packet in electricity and heating bills and wasted food. (Sorry, Mum, I wont be home for supper tonight. Didnt I tell you? No, he didnt. They never do, the thoughtless swine.) 'Had I been born three weeks and three days prematurely, I would also be eligible for a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to 200. Im sure its a comfort to all of us to know that the likes of Sir Philip Green, aged 66, are already eligible for the payment' I was richer than Id ever been in my life. Yet there was Boris, apparently thinking this was the moment when I should no longer be expected to pay for my daily commute, and that the 36.80-a-week burden should be shifted on to council tax payers much poorer than I. For six pious weeks, I resisted the temptation dangled before me by this blond-mopped Satan. But, dammit, Im not a ruddy saint. After 42 days of heroic struggle with my conscience, I surrendered. After all, I thought, why the hell should I go on paying 1,913.60 a year to get to and from work or 3,189.30 out of my pre-tax income when Boris was offering me the chance to travel free? So I applied for that 60+ Oyster card, and since then it has saved me more than 15,000, which Ive spent largely on cigarettes and booze (the rest I wasted). Five years on, the Government feels Im so ancient that I now deserve the even greater benefits of the Freedom Pass. This is in spite of the fact that although Im giving up my full-time job at the end of this month, Ill be carrying on with this column a one-day-a-week commitment for which Ill be generously paid (thank you, boss). Enough to say that my exit negotiations have gone rather more smoothly and satisfactorily than others I could mention. Add the state pension to which I become entitled 13 days from now, and I think it safe to say that I wont have to worry for a while where my next packet of Marlboro Reds will be coming from at least until Jeremy Corbyn comes to power and sets about smashing the rich. But thats another story. Fate So, yes, Ive been exceptionally lucky in life and never more so than in the date fate chose for my birth. For this makes me one of the very last men in the country to become eligible for a state pension at 65, before the changes in the retirement age kick in next month. If Id stayed in my mothers womb just two weeks longer, Id have to have waited until I was 65 years, two months and 20 days old before the money started coming in from the DWP. But thats nothing beside the fate of my dear wife aged 61, as I hope she wont mind my revealing. She is one of those women championed by WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) who has been stung badly by the changes in the retirement age. Shell have to wait for her pension until her 66th birthday, while women born ten years after her will have to work until theyre 67. Thats a full seven years longer than my mothers generation. As for our grandson, whose first birthday falls next month, the poor little mite will have to wait for his pension until hes 68. Thats always assuming future governments wont move the finishing tape yet again, carrying it ever further away from workers panting to reach it. Indeed, it strikes me that many people younger than I am my wife included would give their eye teeth to have been born on the same day as me, able to look forward to an 8,500-a-year bonus from the end of this month. All of which brings me at last to the strange case of Emile Ratelband, the 69-year-old Dutchman who has applied to a Netherlands court for the right to self-identify as 49. We can make our own decisions if we want to change our name, or if we want to change our gender, he says. So I want to change my age. When I first glanced at the story, I took his motive at face-value, thinking this self-styled positivity guru was a barking madman, whose purpose was to campaign against ageism. I had visions of self-identifying as 75 to qualify for a free TV licence. Or perhaps 12-year-olds might change their age to 17 so that they could drive a car on the public roads. Ridicule Others made the same mistake, taking to Twitter to condemn him, without questioning his motive for bringing the action. A typical example read: Comparing age-fluid to gender-fluid is ridiculous! You cant deny time. Look more deeply, however, and it appears that Mr Ratelband is a serial show-off, with far-Right-wing leanings, whose true motive has little to do with ending discrimination against the elderly. Witness his fatuous explanation that he wants to lower his legal age so that he can get more response from potential dates on Tinder. The real-life Benjamin Button? Emile Ratelband (pictured in front of court) is battling to reduce his age by 20 years No, his apparent purpose is merely to ridicule the idea that people can legally self-identify as male or female, no matter which sex they belonged to at birth. Like many others, I find his joke somewhat tasteless, not to mention a waste of court time. Clearly, some people suffer terribly from the feeling that theyre trapped in the wrong body, and its nasty to mock them for it. But at the same time, I cant help feeling he has a point. Is it really any more absurd for a 69-year-old to demand the right to be treated as 49 than for someone with male organs to self-identify as female? If the law allows us to retreat from reality like this letting male criminals serve their sentences in female prisons etc then isnt the law a dangerous ass? Abandoning our fundamental notions of truth is surely the path to insanity. But never mind what I think. Two weeks from today, Ill be 65 and as many a wise old reader has warned me, nobody takes any notice of OAPs. Advertisement A group of women who first modelled for Mary Quant in the 1960s and 1970s reunited in London to launch a new exhibition showcasing the designer's work. Among their number were prolific model-turned-photographer Jill Kennington and Kari-Ann Moller, Roxy Music album cover girl and sister-in-law of Sir Mick Jagger. The youthful beauties were joined by up-and-coming models as they posed on the steps of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, yesterday dressed in original Mary Quant dresses, trousers and blazers. The event was held to launch Mary Quant, the designer's first solo exhibition in the UK in 50 years, which will run at the V&A from 6 April 2019 16 February 2020. We want Quant! A group of women who first modelled for Mary Quant in the 1960s and 1970s reunited in London to launch a new exhibition showcasing the designer's work. Pictured left-right: Sally Kemp, Ulrika, Sara Hollamby, Pru Bury, Jacky Boase, Lorraine Naylor , Jill Kennington, Clare Hunt, Kari-Ann Moller and Hazel outside the V&A Museum on Thursday Famous family: Kari-Ann Moller (left yesterday and right in 1971) is married to Chris Jagger, Sir Mick's younger brother Star turn: Kari-Ann was a model in the 1960s and graced the cover of Roxy Music's 1972 debut album, pictured Cornwall-born Kari-Ann, who looked every inch the superstar in a white shift dress and matching sunglasses, built a successful modelling career in the 1960s and is best known as the cover girl of Roxy Music's eponymous 1972 debut record. The brunette beauty has also been married to Chris Jagger, the younger brother of Sir Mick Jagger, in 1981. Also present was Pru Bury, whose jobs included a 1964 photocall on the set of the Beatles' A Hard Days Night in which she was tasked with styling Paul McCartney's hair. Meanwhile Lorraine Naylor showcased the latest fashions of the 1970s, including a photo shoot for Dior. The exhibition will explore the years between 1955 and 1975, when Quant revolutionised the high street, harnessing the youthful spirit of the sixties and new mass production techniques to create a new look for women. Poster girl: Jill Kennington (left today aged 75), enjoyed a successful career as a model in the 1960s. Right, Jill in 1967 English rose: Jill, who later transitioned to a career behind the camera, models a white nightdress in a 1967 photo shoot Challenging conventions, she popularised the miniskirt, colourful tights, and tailored trousers encouraging a new age of feminism. Curators were granted unprecedented access to Dame Mary Quants Archive, as well as drawing on the V&As extensive fashion holdings, which include the largest public collection of Quant garments in the world. The show also features 35 objects contributed by 30 people from around the world who responded to an open call for original many Quant clothes. Beatlemania: Pru Bury, left yesterday, once posed with Sir Paul McCartney on the set of A Hard Days Night in 1964 Height of fashion: Lorraine Naylor donned a striking purple two-piece yesterday. Right, modelling Dior in 1972 The result is a show bringing together more than 120 garments, as well as accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs - the majority of which have never been on display before. Heather Tilbury, Former Director of Mary Quant Limited, said of the launch: 'Seeing the now familiar though ground-breaking outfits also worn by contemporary models highlights just how relevant the designs remain. 'It is truly thrilling that the V&As forthcoming exhibition will demonstrate Marys immense global impact and wonderfully liberating fashion to an entirely new generation as well as being an inspirational reminder to all who experienced those remarkable decades.' Fresh-faced: Clare Hunt remembered her poses for the exhibition launch yesterday, left. Right, in a 1975 underwear shoot TV presenter Laura Whitmore has admitted she gets 'overwhelmed' by social media - and worries about the impact it has on younger generations. The 33-year-old said she feels 'lucky' that she didn't grow up with the likes of Instagram and Facebook, explaining she can 'barely cope' with it now as an adult. The former Strictly Come Dancing star, who stars in a new campaign entitled 'Your Kind of Good', has also warned against health fads that are promoted online. Laura suggested that the pressure to lead a healthy lifestyle is 'getting more complicated by the day', arguing that it should all be about balance. Scroll down for video TV presenter Laura Whitmore (pictured at the Glamour Woman Of The Year awards in New York this week) has admitted she gets 'overwhelmed' by social media Laura, 33, (pictured in an Instagram snap) said she feels 'lucky' that she didn't grow up with the likes of Instagram and Facebook, explaining she can 'barely cope' with it now as an adult Speaking to FEMAIL, the presenter said: 'Im so overwhelmed by what I see on social media, and I at times do get sucked in! 'We keep being told to try these new things to have good skin or the perfect body. We end up doing all these mad things. 'I firmly believe that being healthy doesnt have to be that complicated!' Laura confessed that she's glad that she didn't grow up in the social media age, and admits she is concerned about the impact it has on her younger fans. Laura (pictured in a recent Instagram picture) said she worries about the impact social media has on younger generations 'I was lucky I didnt have all that pressure growing up. As an adult I can barely cope with it so I worry about the younger generations a lot. I try to use my social media as a positive,' she said. The Survival of the Fittest presenter explained how she likes to keep it simple when it comes to staying fit and healthy. 'Its important to find a balance and what works in your everyday life long term,' she said. 'I love hot yoga as it helps me both mentally and physically and has become a routine in my life. Laura (pictured wearing a Kale top last month) has also warned against health fads that are promoted online The television presenter (above at a Johnnie Walker event last week) admitted she does feel pressure over her body image, but has come to terms with the negativity she receives 'I try to drink a lot of water. I snack on almonds theyre high in zinc which really helps my hair and nails and theres no prep involved. 'I also eat a lot of fruit especially oranges for my daily dose of vitamin C in the winter months.' Laura admitted she does feel pressure over her body image, but has come to terms with the negativity she receives. 'I learned a long time ago no matter what shape you are someone will find negativity, so the most important thing is to be happy with yourself,' she said. Laura Whitmore has launched a new campaign, 'Your Kind of Good', with California Almonds. Jenna Bush Hager lived out her childhood dream of becoming an actress by joining the cast of Chicago for a special Broadway performance. The 36-year-old Today correspondent donned black lingerie and thigh-high boots as she took the stage as the show's master of ceremonies and flawlessly recited the opening lines of the longest running musical in America. Jenna opened up about the experience on the Today show Thursday morning, explaining that she used to audition for plays when she was a child. Scroll down for video Made it: Jenna bush Hager, 36, lived out her childhood dream of becoming an actress by joining the cast of the Broadway musical Chicago for a special performance Taking the stage: The Today correspondent had a small role as the master of ceremonies 'As a little girl I dreamed of being an actress, and my mom would take me every year to try out for the role of baby Cosette in Les Mis,' she recalled. 'I never made the cut until now.' This week, stars of the Today show have been making their dreams come true, and Jenna's segment was all about her Broadway debut. The behind-the-scenes clip started with Jenna's arrival at the theater. 'This is my first time on the Broadway stage. I have been dreaming of this I was a little girl in Dallas, Texas,' she gushed. 'I hope I have my lines down. I have been practicing.' Dream: As a little girl I dreamed of being an actress, and my mom would take me every year to try out for the role of baby Cosette in Les Mis. I never made the cut until now,' she recalled Hard to handle: Jenna was admittedly nervous when she took the stage during rehearsal Costume: She was dressed a lace bra, a corset, and a pair of high-waisted briefs during her fitting At her rehearsal, Jenna admitted she was feeling some conflicting emotions as she took the stage for the first time. 'I'm nervous, but I feel like this is where I am meant to be,' Jenna exclaimed. During her fitting, she was dressed in a lace bra, a corset, and a pair of high-waisted briefs, which she wore over a pair of tights. 'The costume took some getting used to,' she said. 'This is the most demure if you can believe it I promise dad.' An hour before showtime, Jenna had a dress rehearsal with the cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr., who plays Billy Flynn. All smiles: Jenna had a dress rehearsal with the cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr. (pictured), who plays Billy Flynn Big break: Jenna's husband, Henry Hager, sent her flowers with a card that read: 'Break a cat paw. With love, Henry.' She was also given a Playbill with her name on it What a dream: Before going on stage, Jenna got a pep talk from actress Bianca Marroquin, who plays Roxie Hart in the show The actor assured her that she would be fine, but Jenna was concerned that he was losing his voice. 'No, no. This is how I sound. This is all you get Jenna Bush,' he joked. Jenna's husband, Henry Hager, sent her flowers with a card that read: 'Break a cat paw. With love, Henry.' She was also given a Playbill with her name on it. While backstage, she got a pep talk from actress Bianca Marroquin, who plays Roxie Hart in the show. 'We are all rooting for you,' she told her. 'We are all super excited you are here. The audience is going to love you. Be prepared. You are going to receive a lot of love.' Thespian: The Today show star recited the opening lines of the musical during her debut Strike a pose: Jenna's racy outfit was paired with thigh-high black boots Doing it all: Jenna even had a dance number during her performance Before long it was showtime, and while Jenna didn't miss a line, she didn't really remember her performance. As soon as she stepped off the stage, she asked, 'Did I do my arms?' telling the camera: 'I blacked out.' While in the wings, she watched the show and waited to return to the stage for her dance number. At the end of the performance, Jenna got to take a bow and was gifted a bouquet of red roses. 'Just like that I was razzle-dazzled by Broadway,' she said, noting that the experience was even better than her dreams. Unforgettable day: Jenna got to take a bow and was gifted a bouquet of red roses at the end of the show Having a laugh: Al Roker couldn't help but ask if her husband asked her to bring the costume home, and Jenna admitted: 'He did and they said no' After the clip was over, Jenna told her Today co-stars Al Roker and Natalie Morales that it was scary watching herself on a large screen wearing 'basically Spanx.' 'It's a nightmare, but y'all everybody was so nice,' she said. Al couldn't help but ask if her husband asked her to bring the costume home. Jenna earned plenty of laughs when she admitted: 'He did and they said no.' She went on to apologize to 'any of the non-millennials watching' for the revealing costume she had to wear. 'I feel like my grandmother is probably rolling in her grave,' she said of the late Barbara Bush. Australia has always had a love affair with food but it seems our takeaway addiction has been supersized since the arrival of Deliveroo. The meal deliver service has now released some eye-opening statistics from the three years since it launched locally. They include their biggest customers, most popular foods, and the time almost 30 riders were needed to fulfill juts one order. Amanda, from Sydney has ordered a staggering 786 separate deliveries in that time - an order every 1.3 days. Meal delivery service Deliveroo arrived Down Under three years ago and since that time have connected millions of customers to local eateries Matt, from Brisbane, also prefers to order in and in the past 1,095 days has placed 753 orders. One very ravenous shopper in Sydney placed an order for $5,500 worth of Chinese food in one sitting. There was so much food that the products had to be delivered by 29 riders. But Chinese food doesn't rank in the top five favourite dishes we eat according to the brand, with Australians much preferring burgers, fried chicken and shakes. Deliveroo's most ordered cuisine is American, followed by Italian, Mexican, Japanese and finally Thai food. While those choices have been analysed based on the national average, each state has a varied approach to mealtime. Deliveroo's most ordered cuisine is American, followed by Italian, Mexican, Japanese and finally Thai food NSW patrons are the healthiest by Deliveroo standards and are most likely to order a poke bowl or salad. Meanwhile in the ACT residents are more likely to order KFC, and Victorians to add an extra serving of guacamole to their delivery. Ultimately the company plans to reach more regional areas as the time passes, but for now are pleasantly servicing the inner city regions of our states and territories. He's no stranger to being in front of the camera, but 26-year-old Cole Sprouse took a step behind the lens to shoot Primark's latest collection. The Riverdale actor shot the 17-image series for the Irish clothing company on-location in California. The campaign showcases Primark's Spring/Summer 2019 campaign for both men and women, and is set in a 1950s inspired setting. Role reversal: 26-year-old actor Cole Sprouse stepped behind the camera to shoot Primark's Spring/Summer 2019 collection A natural pro: Cole looked comfortable and confident as he shot the store's latest collection Cole Sprouse shoots Primark's 2019 Spring and Summer collection He's usually seen on the opposite side of the camera, but Cole Sprouse is showing the world his other talents as a fashion photographer. The Riverdale star has recently been building up his credentials as an actor, and it's all definitely starting to pay off. He has racked up over 20 million followers, with whom he shares his art, on the social media platform. Having recently shot editorials for Vogue Hommes and Elle USA, Cole Sprouse is certainly making a name for himself in the world of photography. The Italian-born actor first revealed the reason he turned to photography in a caption of a photo that he posted in 2016. The caption for the photo, which showcased 21-year-old model Diana Silvers, read: 'It was depression that drove me to do it. That's the real truth. 'It was depression that led me to the camera. It heals you know, a hobby. There's no Band-Aid like a hobby. Trendy: Bold prints and bright colors make up Primark's Spring/Summer 2019 women's collection A pop of color: splashes of neon green and yellow give the collection an edginess Vintage vibes: light-wash denim and botanical prints are the main ingredients in the men's attire The American dream: Cole shot the photos in California, set outside a 1950s style motel, a gas station, a highway and a road stop-off Star of the show: Models Brandon Sharp and Nya Kong were chosen to feature in the new collection's campaign Au natural: accessories like raffia handbags and wooden bangles add an earthy feel to the collection 'I know that now. I can see that I'm in a desert, and I've been thinking about that oasis when I should've been trying to get out.' And what may have started has a hobby has undoubtedly flourished into a bright and beaming career for the 26-year-old. The collection boasts an abundance of edgy camouflage linens, with bursts of neon green, and hints of burnt orange and leopard print. Sprouse managed to perfectly capture the attitude of the clothing in photos which were all shot between a 1950s style gas station, an old-school motel, a road-stop off the empty, and an open highway. Behind the scenes footage of the shoot shows the actor turned photographer in his element as he directs models and snaps photos on-set. Double trouble: Cole, who plays Jughead Jones, and girlfriend Lili Reinhart, who plays Betty Cooper, star alongside each other in American teen drama Riverdale. Young love: Cole's girlfriend Lili, 22, makes regular appearances on his Instagram page Childhood crush? Lili revealed to Elle Magazine that she grew up watching The Suite Life - a Disney channel show that starred Cole and his twin brother Dylan An instant model: Lili is no stranger to working the camera. The actor has previously starred on the cover of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Ocean Drive and more The actor, who is most recently known for his role as Jughead Jones in Riverdale, regularly shoots and posts photographs of his girlfriend Lili Reinhart on his Instagram page. The two met while shooting the American teen drama TV series, and have reportedly been dating since March 2017. The pair are smitten, regularly taking to social media to boast about their significant other. Cole shared a photograph of Lili on her birthday in September alongside a caption that read: 'Both the birthday and the gift. My little muse, happy birthday my love.' Similarly Lili, who shared a photo of a topless Cole on his birthday in August, wrote: 'It seems as if the world would still be a stranger to me, if not for you. 'Im so thankful that our paths intertwined to form this beautiful adventure. She added: 'Happy birthday, my love.' The must-have supermarket products for 2019 have been revealed at the annual Product of the Year awards. Hundreds gathered at Sydney's Quay restaurant on Thursday evening as the products across 50 categories were crowned the 'best products in their market'. The Product of the Year seal is backed by the votes of more than 14,000 Australian consumers and appears on winning items in stores 'as a shortcut for shoppers, saving them time and money'. How are the Product of the Year awards judged? Product of the Year accepts entries every year from products that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study conducted by Nielsen research. Advertisement This year the 'best biscuit/slice' award went to the Coles Ultimate 40% Choc Brownie BEST BISCUIT/SLICE This year the accolade went to the Coles Ultimate 40% Choc Brownie. Located in the freezer aisle, the $6 brownies are loaded with white choc chip bits and can be eaten hot or cold. BEST BODY WASH At an affordable $6, the winner of this category was Palmolive's Luminous Oils range. The skin-care formula is infused with botanical oil and claims to gently, yet thoroughly cleanse your body leaving you with 'soft, radiant and beautiful looking skin'. At an affordable $6, the winner of the best body wash category was Palmolive's Luminous Oils range BEST CHOCOLATE The $2.69 Choceur Caramel Filled chocolate from ALDI took out this competitive category. The 'luxury' chocolate promises a 'deliciously smooth chocolate taste for that piece of everyday indulgence'. 'Love this... I love this more than Caramello. This is addictive chocolate,' a customer said. The 'luxury' $2.69 chocolate promises a 'deliciously smooth chocolate taste for that piece of everyday indulgence' BEST COSMETICS While some fork out on pricey cosmetics, it turns out a $6.99 mascara from ALDI is the pick of the bunch for 2019 beauty aficionados. The Lacura Beauty 24hr Mascara Waterproof is formulated with beeswax and panthenol to help separate lashes and claims to be both smudge and tear-proof. 'I would compare it to an Aveda or other "natural" type mascara - it gives a "you, but better" look,' a customer said. While some fork out on pricey cosmetics, it turns out a $6.99 mascara from ALDI is the pick of the bunch for 2019 beauty aficionados BEST FACE CREAM The Lacura Skin Science Renew Expert Day Cream from ALDI won this award and has won fans thanks to its $9.99 price tag. The cream contains an impressive trio of active ingredients which effectively counteract the signs of ageing. It also has a special UVA/UVB filter system with SPF15, in combination with an antioxidative protective complex, which protects the skin from ageing caused by the sun. The Lacura Skin Science Renew Expert Day Cream from ALDI won this award and has won fans thanks to its $9.99 price tag BEST HAIR CARE The $9.99 anti-dandruff shampoo from Natural Instinct took out this award. The product has won fans thanks to its dual-action formula containing sulphate-free cleansers. It also has 100 per cent natural eco-cert ingredients with antimicrobial properties to help reduce and control dandruff through cleansing the scalp. 'I am so glad I found this on the shelf, even my husband likes using it. I only have a small amount of dandruff on the back of my scalp and it has improved since I started using this shampoo,' a customer wrote. The $9.99 anti-dandruff shampoo from Natural Instinct took out this award. The product has won fans thanks to its dual-action formula containing sulphate-free cleansers BEST PASTA SAUCE The Heinz pasta sauce is sold at Woolworths and costs just $4. There are a variety of flavours including tomato and basil, tomato and garlic and tomato and spicy capsicum. The Heinz pasta sauce is sold at Woolworths and costs just $4 and was named best pasta sauce while the $3.39 Greek Yoghurt by Community Co was named the best yoghurt BEST YOGHURT The $3.39 Greek Yoghurt by Community Co was named the best yoghurt for 2019 and it is sold in IGA. It is made with 100 per cent Australian milk and is an excellent source of calcium and protein. The full list of award winners can be found here. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. When it comes to finding true love, persistence pays, especially if you're a woman armed with a licence plate number and the backing of the community. French native Nadine Bonnard, 28, revealed how it only took a moment - and some steamy eye contact in the detergent section of her local Woolworths in Fremantle, Western Australia - for her to become smitten last August. 'I had a really good feeling. We both made eye contact and something special happened between us but we just didn't say anything. I know he felt it too.' But before there was a chance for the couple to chat, Ms Bonnard said the mystery man with the 'long hair, big beard and cheeky eyes' just disappeared. Natalie Bonnard (pictured left) and Joel Seinor (pictured right) are now happily in love but it took the persistence of Ms Bonnard to bring them together Deciding nothing would stop her from finding her new crush, Ms Bonnard quickly took note of the stranger's fiery red hair, luscious beard and the fact he had soy milk in his shopping basket. After watching her new object of affection walk through the checkouts, the pastry chef said she was overcome with a burning desire to finally speak with him but he was already making a quick getaway in his white ute. 'I saw him walk out the checkouts and I decided I needed to speak to him. But before I knew it, he was jumped into his car and drove away.' The path to true love can be a rocky road but taking a risk can pay off Ms Bonnard revealed In an act of pure desperation Ms Bonnard swiftly wrote down the stranger's license plate number with a 'crazy idea' to go to the police for information. 'I was heartbroken. I didn't know what else to do, so I quickly wrote down his licence plate. It seemed like a good idea at the time,' she said. But rather than perusing that course of action, she decided to post her plight onto her local community Facebook page instead. 'I told my friends maybe I could go to the police and get some information but they said I was crazy. So I decided to post my story on a Fremantle community page in the hopes I might find him again,' Ms Bonnard continued. Ms Bonnard shared a post to a Facebook community group stating she wanted to meet her mystery Woolies man Her post generated thousands of likes and hundreds of comments from people in the community hoping to find the mystery man and pair the couple up. In just 20 minutes, she recalls a 39-year-old boiler maker named Joel Seinor claimed he could be Ms Bonnard's knight in shining armour. But Ms Bonnard said there was only one way to find out. 'I made him recite his licence plate number to me. It was the only way I could know for sure if it was truly him.' Just 20 minutes after Ms Bonnard's message she received a reply from her bearded beau 'I can vouch for Joel... he's an absolute sweetie and so is his dog,' one person wrote on Facebook The smitten 28-year-old explained Mr Seinor looked a little different on his Facebook page to the man she had met in the supermarket so she needed confirmation it was actually him. I know I seemed crazy. I thought maybe he would be scared off after I'd hunted him down the way I did 'I was over the moon when I realised it was him. But then I had no idea if he would even agree to meet up with me,' she added. Ms Bonnard said because she had taken such extreme measures to find her man, she was worried he might think she was slightly unhinged. 'I know I seemed crazy. I thought maybe he would be scared off after I'd hunted him down the way I did. 'But he was obviously intrigued, and we made plans to meet that Friday for a real date.' The couple, (pictured left), who started dating in August have since moved in together are are still going strong Despite Ms Bonnard's fears, the pair hit it off straight away, discovering on that first date they had so much in common and both felt relaxed in each other's company. And not wanting to keep everyone on the community Facebook page in suspense, the pair shared a photo of their first date which delighted thousands of hopeless romantics who had helped bring them together. Proof that some things are just meant to be, the duo also posted another picture of themselves together at Woolworths - the site of their first encounter - and confirmed that they were stronger than ever. Love at first soy: Ms Bonnard says the only thing she remembered of their encounter at Woolies was that Mr Seinor had a carton of soy milk in his basket 'I'm so thankful to the entire community who helped bring us together,' Ms Bonnard said. 'They were so happy to see all the updates. It feels like they were truly a part of the journey.' It's crazy where you can meet people, and at the end of the day it all comes down to fate,' Ms Bonnard said The two lovebirds have since moved in together and Ms Bonnard said she and Mr Seinor are often stopped on the streets of Fremantle by people who have followed their romantic journey. 'It's crazy where you can meet people, and at the end of the day it all comes down to fate,' she said. 'Some girls might think it is the man job to pursue someone, but I think when you want something you need to go after it. So I did.' Her approach to life and love is one of being willing to take risks - even if this means not always knowing how things will work out. 'Life is too short for regrets. It's important to take risks as you never know what can happen in life,' she said. 'I'm so happy to have finally found my 'cute guy at Woolworths' and we're both looking forward to the future.' Michelle Obama recently revealed that she and the Queen had bonded over their 'oppressive' heels in her memoir. And Friday saw Good Morning Britain launch a furious debate as to whether the shoes really do oppress women. Presenters Kate Garraway and Ben Shepherd were joined in the studio by former Apprentice star Joanna Jarjue and business woman Karen Millen. Joanna, while she admits to enjoying wearing heels herself, felt that they set a 'dangerous' standard for women . Karen Millen appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday to debate whether high heels are oppressive towards women Speaking on the show she said: 'On a personal level I think high heels are great and they make me feel good but I think that this particular issue is the fact that as women we're not monolith. 'I think it's quite dangerous to say OK this is the standard that we're going to set for all women and this what you have to adhere to to get to a certain kind of dress code.' However, Karen Millen, who founded her namesake fashion chain, says that they are not oppressive as they are a choice and are more 'flattering'. Explaining she said: 'I don't find them oppressive I choose to wear them probably because I'm only 5ft 2 so I feel like I need the height. The discussion was sparked by Michelle Obama who recently revealed that she and the Queen had bonded over their 'oppressive' heels back in 2009 in her new memoir Joined in the GMB studio by former Apprentice star Joanna Jarjue Karen said that heels are not oppressive if you choose to wear them At 5ft 2in Karen says that she uses high heels to give her height and more confident Viewers at home appeared to be in agreement, saying that they too felt more confident in heels Others complained they were too tall to wear high heels despite feeling 'sexier' when they do 'I've also got rather large feet for my height so wearing flat shoes are not that flattering.' She went on to explain that not all heels have to be stilettos and that women could instead opt for a more 'comfortable' block heel, adding that she had trained herself to wear them. Karen continued: 'I've conditioned myself to wear them because I've been short so I've actually always worn them when I go out and I would actually go shopping in heels. 'In my latter years I do find wearing heels more painful, I don't mind suffering for a while.' Karen said that not all heels have to be stilettos and that women could instead opt for a more 'comfortable' block heel Others agreed with Joanna who said that heels set a 'dangerous standard' for women However, Joanna argued that 'suffering' could prove very distracting and not something that men would put up with. She argued: 'I think the women like us who do enjoy wearing heels setting the standard for other women I think is quite dangerous 'There is nothing more distracting than throbbing feet.' Discussing Emma Thompson's choice to wear trainers to collect her damehood from Buckingham Palace in November, Karen argued she would have worn a heel. She said: 'I think to palace I would have put even like a little kitten heel. We do have freedom of choice but I wouldn't have done that no.' She added: 'They make you look more elegant they make you look more feminine and that empowers you. It's not a rule it's a choice.' Discussing Emma Thompson's choice to wear trainers to collect her damehood from Buckingham Palace in November, Karen argued she would have worn a heel The majority of viewers appeared to be in agreement with the fashion mogul, taking to Twitter to share their views. One wrote: 'High heels for me = power! That is why I like to wear it for work! (sic)' Agreeing another added: 'It makes women feel strong and more dominant which is needed in society today.' However, some women said that for them wearing heels wasn't an option. 'I would LOVE to wear them all the time.. I feel sexier in them .. but at nearly 6ft I feel redic in anything over 3.4 inch.. I'm a shoe freak too.. it makes me sad I can't wear 6 inch.. (sic)' tweeted one. Another said: 'I would love to wear heels. Due to problems with my feet I can only wear one style of shoe. So sometimes it's not a choice.' This comes after Michelle Obama revealed why she had really put an arm around the Queen in 2009 during a Buckingham Palace reception (seen here with the former president) In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama said her conversation with the Queen was about the pain in their feet after a long day stood up in heels This comes after Michelle Obama revealed why she had really put an arm around the Queen in 2009 during a Buckingham Palace reception, and the monarch responded with an arm around the American's waist as they stood side by side. In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama said her conversation with the Queen was about the pain in their feet after a long day stood up in heels. But the Queen, who is famed for her humour - which she uses to put nervous guests at ease, commented on how tall the then First Lady was before highlighting how her shoes must be painful. Mrs Obama wrote: 'The Queen then glanced down at the pair of black Jimmy Choos I was wearing. She shook her head. 'These shoes are unpleasant, are they not?' she said. She gestured with some frustration at her own black pumps. 'I confessed then to the Queen that my feet were hurting. She confessed that hers hurt, too. We looked at each other then with identical expressions, like, when is all this standing around with world leaders going to finally wrap up? And with this, she busted out with a fully charming laugh.' Mrs Obama added that despite their positions, they were just 'two tired ladies oppressed by our shoes', and without thinking she put her arm around the Queen in a gesture of bonding. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a private engagement at the BBC on Thursday, before joining Kate and William at an unannounced dinner. Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37 - who are expecting their first child in the Spring - visited a mental heath workshop at BBC Studioworks yesterday afternoon, just down the road from Broadcasting House - where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also had an engagement. Kate, 36, and William, 36, made the surprise visit to the BBC to mark Anti-Bullying Week, and learn about the work the broadcaster is doing as a key member of The Duke's Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex then attended a private dinner at Victoria House in Bloomsbury for the Royal Foundation, the charity they set up together. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured at a Remembrance service at Westminster Abbey) attended a private engagement at the BBC on Thursday, it has been revealed Both of Meghan and Harry's engagements yesterday were unannounced, but they were revealed on the Royal Court Circular. The couple attended a workshop with Mental Health Innovation volunteers at the Television Centre, the former BBC headquarters. It comes after pictures emerged of the couple attending a private dinner at Kensington Palace on Tuesday night for non-profit organisation African Parks, of which Harry is president. While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagement at the BBC on Thursday was also not announced to the public, members of the media were invited to attend. Kate, 36, and William, 36, also made a surprise visit to the BBC to mark Anti-Bullying Week on Thursday visit (above), but members of the media were invited Kate looked chic in a 1,200 dress by Emilia Wickstead which she wore previously in 2014 and 2015. She teamed the simple teal number, with Asprey London leaf hoop earrings and black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps while debuting a subtle side parting. During the visit, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance on The One Show sofa where they joined Ellie, Eliza and Cameron from Wormholt Park Primary School for a discussion on the upcoming Kids Online Wellbeing app. Afterwards, they joined BBC director general Lord Hall and director of BBC Children's Alice Webb to try out the app for themselves. Harry and Meghan's unnanounced engagements yesterday came after pictures emerged of the couple attending a private dinner at Kensington Palace on Tuesday night for non-profit organisation African Parks William accused social media giants of being 'on the back foot' when it comes to tackling fake news, privacy and cyber-bullying during the visit to the BBC yesterday. In a hard-hitting speech he said technology firms 'still have a great deal to learn' about their responsibilities and challenged them to fight harder against 'poison' spread online. The Duke said he believed tech leaders were 'people of integrity' but appeared to be unwilling to properly tackle issues from cyber-bullying to privacy and hate speech. It has been a busy week for the royals, with Kate, William, Meghan and Harry all attending Prince Charles' 70th birthday bash at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday night. The 'Fab Four' also attended several engagements over the weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. It has a been a busy week for the royals, with Harry and Meghan attending Prince Charles' 70th birthday bash on Wednesday night A couple who tied the knot 22 years ago have revealed the reason their marriage is 'better than ever' - having sex with other people. Debbie and Tony Dowsett, from Ilford in London, say an agreement allowing them to have sex with other 'boyfriends and girlfriends' is the key to their successful 22-year marriage. Debbie and Tony, 46 and 62 respectively, decided to try an open relationship just four years after their wedding. They've since slept a combined total of more than 30 people, with both Tony and Debbie having regular partners - some of whom they've introduced to their other half. Debbie and Tony Dowsett, 46 and 62, say an open relationship is the key to their successful 22-year marriage. Both have regular partners that they're allowed to go on dates, have sex and go on trips away with The pact allows the pair to go on dates, have sex and even go on trips away with their other partners as long as they abide by strict ground rules agreed upon by themselves. Hairdresser Debbie currently has four boyfriends that she sees with the longest relationship lasting 18 years. Hairdresser Debbie met Tony at a local community event in an area that they both lived in over 22 years ago. They were together around four years when Tony brought up the idea of them having an open relationship. Initially dubious, Debbie was not willing to try it fearing it could damage their relationship. But after it mulling it over, she said she'd give it a go and began an open relationship. Debbie explained: 'When Tony brought it up, I was initially unsure because I didn't know whether it would damage our relationship. 'Tony would say to me: "You do know so-and-so fancies you?" I never thought that many men would but when I set up my profile I had loads of messages. I would then speak to a couple of them and then would discuss meeting up for a date.' Speaking of her first dalliance, Debbie said: 'I went to a hotel in London where I met the man and we went to a club. On the way back, he turned to me and said: "If you don't want to stay with me, you don't have to" but told him we'd see how it went. I went back with him that night. 'I was worrying about what Tony would think, what his response would be and whether he would be angry the next day but he was absolutely fine. He asked if I had a good time. I didn't go into full detail about what happened but he was fine with it.' 'Whenever I meet someone, I make sure they're aware that I have a husband but if they don't tell their partners then that's down to them. I was seeing one man whose wife found out and told him he was not allowed to be out of her sight,' Debbie says The couple use online websites to find potential partners before meeting up and going on dates. 'We don't just meet up and have sex, we go on dates and get to know each other, we build a friendship,' Debbie explains. But she stresses she doesn't develop feelings, insisting her 'boyfriends' are more like friends - with added benefits. 'Sometimes one of my boyfriends will pop in and say hello to Tony or ask how he is. Some don't want to meet him though, I think they're worried about what his response would be but we're completely honest with each other. 'Sometimes a man will do different things to me that I will tell Tony about so he can do it too. I usually just look through different profiles and see if there is anyone I like the look of that's fairly close by. I remember getting a message of one guy who asked me to meet up with him because he was wondering why he is not getting any messages and asking me whether I could give him some advice. He wasn't really my type but we met up anyway and we got on so well that we're still friends to this day. 'It was a bit weird at first because both of them have slept with me but they're friends and it just becomes normal after a while.' Tony explains he doesn't feel envious of Debbie's boyfriends. 'There is no jealousy between us and we have always said that we would not do anything that would break us up' But not every date is a successful one, with Debbie recalling one time how one man she met was 'too pushy.' She commented: 'You do get the odd bad experience. If a guy is too pushy I just won't go through with it. There was one time that I met a guy who wanted to come back to my flat but I said no and he turned round and said to me: "This relationship is just sex nothing else," but I said I wasn't there for that and left.' What is an 'open relationship?' An open relationship is a marriage or relationship in which partners agree that each may have sexual relations with others. A polyamorous relationship, however, means that people are in loving relationships with others. The word polyamory, by definition, means loving more than one. Advertisement Tony explains he doesn't feel envious of Debbie's boyfriends. 'There is no jealousy between us and we have always said that we would not do anything that would break us up. 'We never get feelings, we just grow friendships. If we both became invested in other people then that would have to stop. 'It's different being with someone else rather than not being together but it really works for us. I would say it has made our relationship stronger - we're just as passionate about each other. I just don't believe in monogamy. 'We see different people around two or three times a month and we have regulars that we see. Some people we only see for a short time like three or four months and then they move on. Some people just don't want to be involved in a long term relationship and that's fine.' Having an open relationship has also lead the couple to experiment further. Tony added: 'It's just about trying different things. We've had threesomes and foursomes. It's not like we meet different people for sex every other day we always have time for each other. It's getting harder and harder to meet people because I think people just use the internet to set up profiles and go on dating sites like when people go internet shopping rather than going down to the high street.' The couple also don't have an issue with meeting up with people who are married or are in a committed relationship - even if their other half is unaware of their affairs. 'We are not cheating on each other. If other people don't want to tell their other partners then that's an issue for the other person,' Tony said. Debbie agrees: 'Whenever I meet someone, I make sure they're aware that I have a husband but if they don't tell their partners then that's down to them. I was seeing one man whose wife found out and told him he was not allowed to be out of her sight. 'It was all a bit ridiculous, he was talking to me by text while she was sitting at the breakfast table and it was then she realised he was talking to someone else.' Debbie added: 'I don't think people are able to stay with just one person. We know people who are still together 20 years later but I do think that is a rarity. 'I would say seeing other people has helped our marriage, we're completely honest with each other and it just works for us. If you are thinking that this might be something for you I would just sit down and have a conversation with your partner. Our relationship is better than ever.' Queen Mathilde spent the earlier part of this week helping Prince Charles celebrate his milestone 70th birthday, but she's wasted no time in returning to her royal duties since landing on home soil back in Belgium. The mother-of-four, 45, opted for stylish brown-wide legged trousers and a complimentary blue and brown cropped chequered jacket as she arrived at a nursery in Boutersem, earlier today. Mathilde accessorised with brown court shoes, stylish dangling earrings and completed the look with an elegant silver chain bracelet and a smart gold and silver watch on her left wrist. Her visit marked Reading Aloud week - which is a nationwide initiative that encourages youngsters to read their favourite books out aloud Queen Mathilde of Belgium was greeted by several children during a visit to the nursery Het Vlindertje in Boutersem earlier today Mathilde was only too happy to chat to the young well wishers who flooded down to see her Mathilde was all smiles as she leaned over the barriers to greet well wishers at the nursery in the town of Boutersem today. The glamorous royal visited for reading aloud week, which encourages children to read their favourite books aloud on their own and to others. Her story-time session involved reading a book to a little boy who was sat comfortably on her lap and looked captivated by her actions. She appeared to enjoy the narrative as she pulled animated expressions and can be seen adding in actions for extra dramatic effect - including pointing into the distance. The mother of four didn't hestitate to kneel down beside the adorable tot to get a closer look at his picture books at the nursery in Boutersem, Belgium The royal seemed to take a shine to one adorable redhead at the Het Vlindertje Nursery during the visit on Friday Looking engrossed! The mother-of-four was all ears as the reading event got underway Book worms! The glamorous royal appeared animated during the reading session at the nursery - and certainly got the little boy's attention! Belgium's reigning Queen was joined by members of staff from the nursery - who also participated in the reading sessions It's been a busy week for Belgium's Queen, having recently returned from the UK where she joined the likes of Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands to celebrate Charles' big night. Opting for pearl drop earring and a sparkling diamond necklace to mark the big occasion, the royal wore her most exquisite jewels to the gala and looked as glamorous as ever. Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium joined VIP guests at Princes Charles' birthday. The royal looked effortlessly chic and dazzled in pearls and was dripping in diamonds She was joined by her husband King Philippe, who she has been married to for 19 years and who ascended the throne following the abdication of his father, King Albert II, on 21 July 2013. The couple were last reunited with Charles for a public engagement in July last year, when the royals commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele in West Flanders. They are parents to Princess Elisabeth, 17, Prince Gabriel, 15, Prince Emmanuel, 13, Princess Eleonore, 10 - with the eldest recently starting boarding school in Wales. Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour included a stop on Ellen DeGeneres' show this week, where the former first lady revealed that she and her daughter Malia tried to sneak out of the White House to celebrate marriage equality with other revelers in 2015. Mrs. Obama, 54, wrote about the historic day in her book which, according to newly-released sales figures, has sold more than 700,000 copes and recalled the excitement on Ellen on Thursday. As she told the talk show host, she was watching the celebrations just outside the White House on TV when she realized she was right there, and would really like to be experiencing it all first hand. Party time! Michelle Obama spoke to Ellen DeGeneres about how she and Malia tried to sneak out of the White House to celebrate marriage equality Speaking to Ellen, Mrs. Obama talked about what a strange day June 26, 2015 was. That day, the Supreme Court made a decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that the right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. But that wasn't the only major thing event to happen that day: Earlier, she and the President had attended the service for the victims of the Charleston church shooting. 'I bring it up to talk about just how vastly different one day could be in the White House during our administration,' she said. 'We flew back and that same day, marriage equality was passed. That same day.' While the morning started off incredibly sad, though, later they were celebrating the Supreme Court's decision. Joining in: They'd lit up the White House after the Supreme Court decision, and knew people were celebrating outside, and Michelle wanted to be a part of it Not normal: Malia agreed to go with her and they tried to simply walk out the front door, but it was locked so Secret Service had to coordinate the whole thing 'And we're in the White House, and when you're in the residence, there's so much bulletproof glass that sometimes you don't hear what's going on outside. Sharing: Michelle's memoir is part of a $65 million joint book deal with her husband, former President Barack Obama, and has sold more than 700,00 copies in three days 'And we were having dinner, and we knew that there was celebration happening, but we didn't realize that people thousands of people were gathering in front of the White House at that time to celebrate. 'And my staff was calling me, and everybody was celebrating, and people were crying, and I thought, "I want to be in that." 'Also we had worked to make sure that the White House was lit up in the LGBT colors. So the White House was lit in a rainbow. 'So we had made that plan, and I was sitting and watching it on TV and realizing, "I'm living this." I said, "I have to break out of this. I want to go outside, and I want to be a part of that celebration." 'So I had the bright idea of, "I'm going outside." So I tried to find some partners.' She stopped in her husband's office, but he told her had too much to do to go outside and celebrate not to mention, the President can't simply walk outside. Experience the magic: 'I said, "I have to break out of this. I want to go outside, and I want to be a part of that celebration' Sasha passed, too, but Malia was up for it. 'So it's me and Malia, and we're trying to get out of the White House. And realize that it's not that easy to get out of the White House when you're in it, but we were determined.' Outside the residence, there's an agent stationed and she said it was clear that the agent was confused and concerned when both Michelle and Malia ran past him down the stairs. He followed, and Michelle encouraged Malia to run faster. At the front door facing Pennsylvania Avenue, they were ready to walk out, but discovered the door was locked. What a change: Earlier that same day, she'd been at a funeral service for victims of the Charleston church shooting 'So now there are many people behind us,' she said. 'And they don't know what to do. They were like, "Ma'am, where are you going?" I said, "I'm going out. We're going out. We're going outside." And they're watching and they're calling more people, [saying] "She's trying to get out." Malia was pumped up and encourage her and it took an usher to remind her that the minute she walked out that door, she'd be on television. And, the former first lady said, she wasn't exactly dressed for it, wearing ripped shorts and a T-shirt with no make-up. 'I thought, "Hmm, you have a point. I don't want to be on that clip looking like this,"' she said. 'But eventually the happy news was that we got out,' she went on. 'Malia and I walked outside it took 15 minutes to get outside and we stood with all the cheering crowd off to the side, mind you, so no one would see us. 'We tried to have our tender mother-daughter moment, but we just took it in. I held her tight and my feeling was, "We are moving forward. Change is happening."' Becoming has already been a huge success for Mrs. Obama. Crown Publishing told The Associated Press that the memoir had sold more than 725,000 copies since it was released on Tuesday, The sales total includes hardcover, audio and e-book editions for the United States and Canada. The figures account for just three days of sales. Crown also announced that it had raised the book's print run from 1.8 million copies to 2.6 million. Mrs. Obama had signed a joint book deal with the publisher along with her husband, earning them $65 million. The daughter of Zara's billionaire founder Amancio Ortega has tied the knot today in a glamorous ceremony in Spain. Marta Ortega, 34, wowed in a fashion-forward dress by Valentino as she married partner Carlos Torretta, 35, the son of a fashion designer, at an intimate ceremony at her family home in Galicia, north-west Spain. The Zara heiress opted for a high-neck dress with puff sleeves and a bow around the waist, which she teamed with a full-length veil and flower crown. The bride and groom are hosting a cocktail party at the Royal Yacht Club in A Coruna, where Ortega hails from, with a lavish wedding party set to follow on Saturday. Glamorous guests expected at the wedding include Bruce Springsteen's daughter Jessica and heiress Athina Onassis. Marta Ortega, 34, wowed in a fashion forward dress by Valentino as she tied the knot with partner Carlos Torretta, 35, in her father's hometown in Spain Marta and Carlos looked every inch the happy couple as they posed for their wedding portraits after an intimate ceremony in Galicia, north-west Spain Marta, who is a senior creative consultant for Zara Women, was previously married to showjumper Sergio Alvarez Moya with whom she has a five-year-old son. Meanwhile model agent Carlos, the son of Spanish fashion designer Roberto Torretta, has previous dated a string of beauties including Victoria's Secret model Sigrid Agren and bestselling author Danielle's Steel's daughter Victoria Traina. He returned to Spain at the start of last year after working in New York as a representative of models including Adriana Lima and Kim Kardashian's half-sister Kendall Jenner. Spanish newspapers have branded the nuptials between Marta - whose billionaire father is the fifth richest man in the world - as the 'wedding of the year' The groom's father, Spanish designer Roberto Torreta, and his mother Carmen Echevarria were pictured arriving at the cocktail party in A Coruna on Friday Forest green appeared to be a popular choice for the wedding (left), while one stylish guest opted for a stylish maxi dress for the bash Guests including Maria Luisa Perez (left), dressed in a stylish pink mini dress, were photographed arriving at the party Bride Marta, who is a senior creative consultant for Zara Women, opted for a stunning floor-length dress by Italian fashion house Valentino. Pictured is a sketch of the gown Around 400 guests are expected to attend Saturday's party at the Casas Novas equestrian centre, twice as many as six years ago when Marta married her first husband. Those invited include Spanish model and actor Jon Kortajarena and Eugenia Silva, whose husband Alfonso de Borbon is a cousin of the country's King Felipe VI. While male guests have been told to wear tuxedos, Marta's father is expected to don a black suit made at one of the local factories of his retail empirer Inditex. Marta's mother is Ortega's second wife Flora Perez, a member of staff he started an affair with while still married to his first wife Rosalia. The groom's parents Roberto Torretta and Carmen Echevarria were seen arriving at the cocktail party celebrating the wedding of Marta and Carlos Mother of the groom Carmen (pictured with husband Roberto) opted for a chic one-shoulder midi dress for the occasion, which she teamed with strappy heels One guest opted for a stylish jumpsuit (left) while another opted for a printed midi dress (right) for the cocktail party at the Royal Yacht Club Marta was educated at a Swiss boarding school, before studying business management in London. She trained as an assistant in Zara on Oxford Street where Kate Moss, who modelled there, reportedly rebuffed her friendly overtures. Marta's father, now 82, is a self-made man who left school at 13 and is currently ranked the fifth richest man in the world, just behind Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, with a fortune of nearly $70 billion (55 billion). He stood down as president of Inditex in 2011 but is still the majority shareholder with 60 per cent of the firm's shares. In October 2015 and September 2016 he was briefly named ahead of Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person by Forbes magazine. Juan Carlos Rodriguez Cebrian, the general director of Inditex, and Antonio Rodriguez Ortega (right) were seen arriving at the wedding Guests arrived in a series of glamorous ensembles for a cocktail party in A Coruna, after Marta and Carlos tied the knot in an intimate ceremony Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden showed off her skills at a karate class in Sweden on Friday. The 41-year-old royal beamed with delight as she joined schoolchildren for the lesson in the southern town of Angelholm. Donning a traditional white uniform - known as a Karategi - Victoria tried her hand at a variety of different kicks and punches. Fighting fit! Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden showed off her skills at a karate class in Sweden on Friday Throwing punches: The royal beamed as she took part in the lesson with Swedish schoolchildren Working up a sweat: The busy royal appeared worn out by the training session on the mat Photos from the light-hearted outing show the crown princess breaking into giggles as she throws punches against a blue pad. She was paired with one of the younger participants but did not appear to hold back as she took part in the session. Before leaving, the whole group posed for a photo with their fists up in the air. Showing off her skills! Victoria demonstrated amazing flexibility and balance on the mat Getting involved: Crown Princess Victoria didn't hold back as she tried out different moves Taking things seriously: The Crown Princess kept a close eye on the instructor to learn Building on the skills: The princess was paired up with a young participant to hit the pads Watch and learn: Crown Princess Victoria looks on as the instructor demonstrates a move The lesson is part of a programme of compulsary school activities for grade 4 and grade 6 pupils rolled out across the region. The physical afternoon marked a stark departure from the royal's last outing - at a glittering soiree of their own in Stockholm on Tuesday night. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her sister-in-law Sofia put their best foot forward on Tuesday evening as they welcomed the President of Italy and his daughter with a glittering state banquet. Helping hand: Victoria is helped into the traditional white uniform - known as a Karategi The future queen, 41, accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, dazzled in a floor-length emerald gown paired with an emerald necklace which complimented her ceremonial green sash. Former model Sofia, 33, opted for a striking pale grey dress with a satin top featuring a bateau neckline and lace skirt as she arrived on the arm of Victoria's brother Prince Carl Philip, 39, for the dinner, hosted by Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf. Numerous Victoria's Secret models are being accused of Photoshopping pictures of themselves on the runway to make their waists, hips, and jawlines look slimmer following last week's fashion show. The Instagram account celebface has been sharing professional photos from the annual show alongside the images the catwalk stars ended up posting on their social media pages. According to the person behind the account, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Elsa Hosk, and Shanina Shaik are among the models who edited their images to perfection before sharing them with their fans. Change: Kendall Jenner has been accused of trimming her waist in the photo she shared on Instagram after the Victoria's Secret show (right) to make it smaller than the original (left) Added touch? Kendall also smoothed out a small roll of skin on her stomach and altered her skin tone slightly (original pictured left, Kendall's version pictured right) It appears as though Bella Hadid made slight changes to her cheeks, jawline, and neck before posting this photo on social media (original pictured left, Instagram pictured right) In addition to posting the side-by-side images, celebface also shared videos to highlight the alleged changes to the models' faces and figures. Interestingly enough, if Bella really did edit her photo, she didn't make any changes to her phenomenal figure. Celebface pointed out the changes made to the 22-year-old's cheeks, jawline, and neck, though some fans quickly came to Bella's defense and stressed that it was 'just a light retouch.' 'Omg its the most sublet s**t that literally makes no difference, theres no point,' one person noted. Kendall, meanwhile, appears to have Photoshopped her images to make her already slender waist even slimmer. Difference: It looks like Shanina Shaik slimmer her already trim waist in the photo she shared with her fans (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Little boost: Shanina also appears to have given herself a perkier derriere in one of her images (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Noticeable addition: Stella Maxwell didn't edit her photos to shrink her slim frame. Instead, she added more curves (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Baby got back: Stella also gave herself a slightly bigger backside in the runway shot she posted (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) In the photo she shared on Instagram, a small roll of skin was smoothed on her waist. 'She gains nothing from this tiny change. Why waste the effort?' one commenter asked. However, Kendall has been accused of Photoshopping her images before. Last spring, eagle-eyed Instagram users pointed out that the wall to the left of her torso looked suspiciously curved in one of the snapshots she posted, leaving many to believe it was edited. As for Elsa, the person behind the account pointed out that her pelvis appears to be slightly altered in the snapshot she shared with her fans. Can you tell? Images of Devon Windsor appear to show that she also trimmed her tummy to give herself more of an hourglass shape (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Trick of the eye: Devon shrunk her waistline in this backstage photo that she shared (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Repeat offender: Devon also slimmed her waistline in this runway image (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Photoshop failure? In the photo Elsa Hosk shared on social media (right), her nose looks smaller than it does in the original picture that was taken during the show (left) But why? It seems as though Elsa also touched up her pelvic region (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) In another social media post, her nose looks smaller than it does in the original picture that was taken during the show. While some of the edits are slight, there are a few that are fairly noticeable. Victoria's Secret Angel Stella Maxwell didn't edit her photos to shrink her slim frame. Instead, she added more curves. Based on the side-by-side comparisons, the 28-year-old rounded out her hips and breasts in the images she posted on Instagram. Like Stella, fellow Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik appears to have given herself a perkier derriere in one of her images. In another, she slimmed her already trim waistline, which was baffling to many commenters. Completely different look: Yasmin Wijnaldum was accused of changing the shape of her face in her Instagram images (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Subtle change: Yasmin's forehead and jawline appear to be smaller in the photos she posted on social media after the show (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) Can you tell? Megan Williams was also accused of changing the shape of her face in the image she shared with her fans (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) A leg up? Duckie Thot appears to have slimmed her thighs in the runway photo she posted (original pictured left, Instagram picture right) 'She looked perfect before,' someone wrote, while another added: 'She literally looks better without these changes.' Of all the edits, waist slimming appears to be the most popular choice. Images of Devon Windsor appear to show that she also trimmed her tummy to give herself more of an hourglass shape. Meanwhile, Megan Williams and Yasmin Wijnaldum were among those who have been accused of changing the shapes of their faces in their images. Yasmin's forehead and jawline appear to be smaller in the photos she posted on social media after the show. 'Imagine being that beautiful and still feeling the need to Photoshop,' one person commented on the images of Yasmin. A bottle of Aldi Shiraz that costs just $6.99 has won a prestigious award - perhaps proving once and for all that wine lovers don't need to fork out a fortune to enjoy a good drop. Aldi's 'One Road' South Australia & Heathcote Shiraz 2017 was awarded a trophy for 'Best Medium Bodied Dry Red Wine' at the Sydney International Wine Competition. For the second year in a row, the $6.99 wine has also taken out the gold prize at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, beating expensive drops costing more than $150. The $6.99 One Road South Australia & Heathcote Shiraz 2017 from Aldi has been awarded a trophy for 'Best Medium Bodied Dry Red Wine' at the Sydney International Wine Competition The red wine has been described as a 'medium bodied red' and is 'clean and fruit driven with no sign of wood'. 'The aromas of plum and spice continue on the palate, with ripe and powdery tannins to finish,' the description reads. And this isn't the first time the wine has received awards after the 2016 Shiraz won gold, beating wines worth more than $350. The 2017 Blackstone Paddock Limited Release Margaret River Chardonnay, $14.99, (left) and 2016 Blackstone Paddock Barossa Valley Vintage Release Shiraz, $17.99, (right) were awarded Top 100 and Blue Gold medals respectively Aldi's perfect pairing with award-winning wines One Road South Australia & Heathcote Shiraz 2017: Highland Park Scotch Fillet Steak with mash potato and rosemary butter Blackstone Paddock Barossa Shiraz 2016: Highland Park Eye Fillet Steak with chimichurri sauce and fried onions Blackstone Paddock Limited Release Margaret River Chardonnay 2017: Roast turkey with sage, pancetta and streaky bacon and seasonal greens Advertisement Buying director for Aldi Australia Jason Bowyer said the discount supermarket chain are 'honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious show. 'Aldi is delighted by the success we have achieved at the competition,' he said. Two other Aldi wines also took home prizes during the competition. The 2017 Blackstone Paddock Limited Release Margaret River Chardonnay, $14.99, and 2016 Blackstone Paddock Barossa Valley Vintage Release Shiraz, $17.99, were awarded Top 100 and Blue Gold medals respectively. 'Winning awards for three of our wines are testament to the excellent calibre of Aldi's Australian suppliers and our commitment to creating quality wines that are great value,' Mr Bowyer said. 'We are absolutely thrilled.' Mulled wine has long been Brits' festive tipple of choice, but there's a new contender on the drinks scene - and it's not for the faint-hearted. High-proof Chinese spirit baijiu - which has a 'polarising' savoury flavour - has been tipped to take the UK by storm according to industry experts. The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) who have announced the key drinks trends of the year, and baijiu is near the top of the list. Brits may be surprised to hear that baijiu, a pungent spirit made from fermented sorghum grain, is in fact the world's biggest-selling alcoholic drink. Making up 99.6 per cent of the Chinese spirits market the potent, high-alcohol white spirit has been rocketing in quality in recent years and the IWSC's medal tally has shown a corresponding rise. Have you tried baijiu yet? The high-proof Chinese spirit - which has a 'polarising' savoury flavour - has been tipped to take the UK by storm according to industry experts (file photo) Now it seems the Western world is finally coming round to the 'polarising' flavour of baijiu which is often described as unique and distinctly savoury by offering up space on shelves alongside top-end whiskies and cognacs. Bartenders in both the UK and the US are beginning to incorporate it into cocktails, with London's Baijiu Cocktail Week still going strong for the fifth year running, IWSC said. The drink elite came together for the IWSC Annual Awards Banquet at London's Guildhall on Wednesday night. With entries from over 90 countries, spanning all categories of wines and spirits, the IWSC mined the data from the hordes of entrants and winners to reveal the key players to watch for the year ahead. It seems the Western world is finally coming round to the 'polarising' flavour of baijiu which is often described as unique and distinctly savoury (file photo) Baijiu is sorghum-based, though it also can contain wheat, rice and corn, and is dry fermented inside in-ground pits. It then is steam distilled several times in goose-neck stills, aged in massive terra cotta vessels, then finally blended in a a complex and labour-intensive process. It generally is bottled at around 100 or 120 proof (well above the typical 80 proof for vodka and gin) and is classed by aroma, such as 'light,' ''rice,' 'strong' and 'sauce'. A New York City steakhouse is dazzling customers with a gold flake-encrusted steak. The restaurant, 212 Steakhouse, already makes meat a pretty luxe affair with its $25-per-ounce Kobe beef. But this month, it debuted 'The Gold Experience,' a 6oz. 24k gold Kobe beef steak that's gunning not just to entice taste buds but also to rack up Instagram likes. Meat gets glam! 212 Steakhouse in New York City is selling a steak covered in edible 14K gold Luxe meal: Called The Gold Experience, it uses 6oz. of Kobe beef, which is already pretty pricey but with the gold, is costs $400 The restaurant is actually the only one in New York City that's certified to sell authentic Kobe beef from Japan, and for that honor it charges $25 an ounce, with a 3oz minimum. At 6oz., the Gold Experience would cost $150 even without the edible flakes of the precious metal on the outside. But the special menu item clocks in at a whopping $400 per serving. So far, the menu item is still brand new, with a select number of local food Instagrammers getting to try it. 'The Steak itself had lots of marbling and it was soooooo tender. It literally melted in my mouth,' gushed @feedyourgirlfriend. 'The most extra meal Ive had - it was so tender and delicious,' wrote @matchadee. The restaurant is actually the only one in New York City that's certified to sell authentic Kobe beef from Japan Exclusive: So far, the menu item is still brand new, with a select number of local food Instagrammers getting to try it Don't worry! The gold flakes decorating the outside are safe to eat Last month, a special steak sandwich from Benjamin Steakhouse Prime in New York City went viral. Called the BMT Meat Stack, the $375 sandwich weighs a whopping eight pounds and includes five different types of meat. A twist on a BLT but with more meat instead of lettuce it starts with a piece of rosemary focaccia bread. Then, there's a pound of seasoned burger meat, a pound of thick-cut bacon, and a layer of caramelized onions. Holy cow! Benjamin Steakhouse Prime in New York City has a $475 sandwich that weighs eight pounds Vegetarians beware! It's made with a pound or two each of five different types of meat, including burger, bacon, NY strip, ribeye, and filet mignon Dig in! It also has sun-dried tomatoes and caramelized onions, and he whole thing is smothered in melted cognac-Madeira cheese fondue That is topped with a pound of filet mignon, two pounds of ribeye, a heap of sun-dried heirloom tomatoes, and two pounds of New York strip. Then, the whole thing is smothered in melted cognac-Madeira cheese fondue and finished off with another piece of rosemary focaccia bread. While both Business Insider and TimeOut sent teams of just two people to taste it, the restaurant says it can serve four to six. The eatery also hasn't released nutritional information, but based on generic calorie counts for each of the ingredients, it likely clocks in at least 11,000 calories. Viewers of the gory Operation Live TV series were amazed once again last night when they saw a surgeon remove a man's bowel tumour. One of the UK's leading colorectal surgeons, Professor Shafi Ahmed, removed part of the colon of a 51-year-old patient named Tim. Professor Ahmed perform keyhole surgery to begin with, then the intestine was pulled out of the body through a hole in the abdomen. He later prodded the organ back into Tim using his finger. Viewers flocked to social media, describing Tim's guts as looking 'like an octopus' and marveling at the medical team's skills. Scroll down for video The third series of Operation Live aired last night and showed London surgeon, Professor Shafi Ahmed, perform a right hemicolectomy on a man with a tumour in his large intestine In the closing stages of the operation the bowel was pulled out of the body where it could be sewn back together, and Professor Ahmed poked it back in with his finger when it was done Professor Ahmed and his team, working at the Royal London Hospital, performed an operation called a right hemicolectomy. The procedure involved removing the section of Tim's large intestine which contained a 3cm tumour, and rejoining the large and small intestines with stitches and staples. It was not known whether Tim's tumour was cancerous, and it was sent off to the lab for testing. Viewers of the Channel 5 programme were amazed to see the bowel pulled outside of the body and rested on the patient's abdomen while the operation was being finished. Twitter user Mark remarked: 'His insides look like an octopus', while Matty asked: 'Does anything smell?' Pip Holden added it was 'incredible that he can see exactly what is what when it all looks the same to the untrained eye'. Professor Shafi Ahmed, who performed the operation, is one of the UK's leading colorectal surgeons and works at the Royal London Hospital, part of Barths Health NHS Trust Mark remarked on the appearance of the colon when it was pulled out of the patient's body, saying it looked 'like an octopus' the organs were shown in graphic detail on a body camera Twitter user Matty asked a question many people must have been thinking the colon is the lower part of the digestive system where food waste is processed and sent towards the rectum Pip Holden marvelled at how well medics can navigate around the body when it is difficult to tell between organs when they're inside the body Tim, the 51-year-old patient, said he was 'shocked' when he was first told he had a tumour inside his colon it is not clear whether the tumour was cancerous or not The episode, called Removing the Tumour, was the third in the Channel 5 series which started on Tuesday night. On Tuesday, Kulvinder Lall performed open heart surgery and on Wednesday night, Steven Millington carried out a surprisingly brutal knee replacement op. In a short interview before last night's operation started, the patient, Tim, said he had been 'shocked' when he first found out he had a tumour in his bowel. He said it came 'completely out of the blue' but he thought it was important to be open with his family about what he was going through, adding: 'I don't think there's any point in hiding things.' Professor Ahmed said there were no signs of any disease in the liver or the lungs, and the operation went successfully. Online, Kevin Walsh said he would soon be having the same operation. He tweeted: 'Fascinating. They chopped up and joined bits of small and large intestine, mostly by keyhole until they pulled the guts out. 'They are doing that to me in 3 or 4 weeks.' Tony Carter joked: 'I'd definitely be worried about doing a poo afterwards in case it all burst open.' Online, Kevin Walsh said he would soon be having the same operation, tweeting 'They are doing that to me in 3 or 4 weeks' Tony Carter joked: 'I'd definitely be worried about doing a poo afterwards' Many viewers made jokes about the surgical team's equipment comparing a protective lid put over the hole in Tim's abdomen to a a Tupperware lid And many viewers thought the appearance of the surgical team's equipment was entertaining, remarking on a tool used to hold open the hole through which the bowel was taken out of the body, and a lid which was put on it when the procedure was done. Kayte Kayte described one of the implements as a Femidom a female condom while Pip Holden said 'He's temporarily a Tupperware tub!' Most people were filled with admiration for the NHS and were sad to see the end of the fascinating show. Andrew Mawdsley tweeted: 'Actually quite gutted there is no more #operationlive ... Amazing to see what goes on and just how dedicated each and every person in the #NHS'. Kelly Carthy said: 'I take my hat off to these guys, you really are in safe hands when you're in theatre! They do an amazing job #NHS I'm PROUD of you all!' And user Cassie added 'I have no words for the #OperationLive series on @channel5_tv just AMAZING. How lucky are we to be able to watch it from our beds?!?!?!' Kayte Kayte compared an implement used to hold open the surgical wound to a Femidom Pip Holden joked that Tim had temporarily become a 'Tupperware tub' after surgeons put a green lid on the hole through which they had pulled out his bowel Many viewers, like Andrew Mawdsley, were filled with admiration for the NHS and were sad to see the end of the fascinating show Kelly Carthy said she was proud of the NHS, tweeting: 'I take my hat off to these guys, you really are in safe hands when you're in theatre!' And user Cassie added 'I have no words for the #OperationLive series on @channel5_tv just AMAZING. How lucky are we to be able to watch it from our beds?!?!?!' Farmers must stop using so many antibiotics on their livestock because it's making them less effective on people, health experts have warned. Leading medics from across the UK have written to the Government calling for a ban on giving antibiotics to animals which aren't sick. Currently, farmers can give an entire herd medicine if one animal becomes unwell, but this is a prime cause of growing antibiotic resistance, the letter warned. And resistance which develops in animals can pass through meat and dairy products into humans, making the medicines less effective for us, too. If measures aren't taken to stop anitbiotic resistance like using the drugs in health animals common infections could one day become deadly when medications fail. Farmers can currently give an entire herd antibiotics even if only one of them is sick, which is contributing to antibiotic resistance because bacteria and viruses in the healthy body can learn how to react to the medications, meaning they don't work as well when they're needed Worldwide, farm animals are given more antibiotics than people, and many are used to prevent them from getting ill instead of treating those who are. The EU has already agreed on a ban for giving medications to healthy animals, but it will come into force in 2020 after Brexit, The Guardian reports. Experts from some of the leading health organisations in the country want the same commitment from the UK Government, which they say has been ambiguous about whether it will follow suit. 'A future world where bugs are all resistant to antibiotics will return us to the dark days of ineffective healthcare and condemn many to early deaths, ' warned Professor John Middleton, the president of the Facult of Public Health. 'Animal health and human health must be equally protected to save our antibiotics that is why were making this call on government. 'In the post-Brexit world, it will be even more vital that we increase our standards on antibiotics use by doctors and farmers, so that the UK is a world leader, saving our antibiotics to save lives in future.' WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In September, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, C-sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements will become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. Advertisement If the Government fails to make the move, those who wrote the letter say it will have some of the weakest regulations in Europe. The US does not enforce the rule and antibiotic use in farm animals there is six times higher than in the UK, and 13 times higher among cattle. Antibiotic resistance happens when a bacteria, virus or fungus evolves to become strong enough to survive treatment with medicine. And this resistance, if it develops in farm animals which are given too many medicines when they're health, can pass to people through the food chain. A Guardian investigation has even found MRSA which came from livestock in meat on a supermarket shelf. As antibiotic resistance spreads, commonly-used and once-effective drugs will become useless, and the pool of medications for doctors to treat people with shrinks. If the process continues, common infections like chlamydia could become untreatable and kill people. The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics co-ordinated the letter and had it signed by leading medical organisations. The campaign group's Coilin Nunan said: 'If the government fails to implement a ban on group prevention, the UK will be aligning itself with the US administrations position, which is to strongly oppose the European ban. 'This should raise alarm bells about the kind of post-Brexit trade deal the UK may agree with the US, where antibiotics are used in enormous quantities in livestock.' The unprecedented letter, sent to the secretaries of state for health and the environment Matt Hancock and Michael Gove, was signed by the Royal Colleges of General Practitioners, Physicians, Surgeons, Medicine, Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and Paediatrics and Child Health. The Faculty of Public Health, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Medact, The British Medical Journal and The Lancet all also put their names to it. A statement from the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs read: 'We recognise the importance of tackling antimicrobial resistance and are fully committed to continue to lead the global fight. 'Measures in the upcoming agriculture bill will support the delivery of this work and help to reduce the need to use antibiotics in a way that safeguards the health and welfare of our farmed animals.' Scientists say if you dine out with people you like and they choose unhealthy options you are more likely to eat or drink things high in calories in order to avoid embarrassing your companions or making them feel guilty Have you ever tried to eat healthily but found yourself ordering a burger or pizza when you go to a restaurant? Well now, scientists say, you can blame the people you eat with for guilt-tripping you out of choosing a salad. Researchers have found people are significantly more likely to order fatty food or drinks when the people they're dining out with make unhealthy choices first. Those who order after someone who has chosen something high in calories are likely to also pick something unhealthy so they don't embarrass their companion. And the effect is likely to be stronger if your dining partner is fat, the scientists said, because you'd be more conscious of making them feel guilty. Researchers at Seoul National University in South Korea made their findings by studying receipts at a cafe on their campus. They found people who went in on their own had a 50/50 chance of choosing a high or low calorie drink, The Times reports. But those who went as part of a pair and chose second after a friend who ordered something unhealthy chose unhealthily themselves in 80 per cent of cases. 'People are likely to choose a high-calorie food, especially around others with whom they have communal relationships (e.g. friends),' the researchers wrote. They explained this was 'because of the desire to induce in others feelings of pleasantness rather than guilt'. And it appeared to only be choosing second which affected people's decisions. The first member of a pair had about the same chance of choosing unhealthily as someone on their own. While the study was focused on what people drank, the theory of making choices based on how it would make your companion feel extends to food, the researchers said. And to back up their findings, the researchers did a second section of the study to ask people how they thought the would act in certain scenarios. People would consciously choose a less healthy option when their friend did, in order not to show them up or embarrass them. But if they were with someone they didn't like they were happy to choose a healthier option and show them up. Although they didn't examine it in the study, the scientists say they would expect the influence of a partner's unhealthy choice to be stronger if they were overweight. The researchers added: 'We anticipate that altruistic indulgence will be greater when the indulgent companion is heavier. 'This is because people should believe that a healthy choice will make a heavier individual feel particularly guilty.' The research was published in the journal Social Influence. Just a week ahead of Thanksgiving, US health officials are recalling more than 91,000 lbs of raw turkey amid a deadly salmonella outbreak linked to the poultry. One person in California has died and another 63 have been hospitalized after contracting the infection. Health officials warn that the outbreak be 'widespread in the turkey industry.' So far, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that Jennie-O ground turkey tested positive for the bacteria that has sickened at least 164 people in 35 states. The USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning Americans to use great care in handling and making sure turkey is fully cooked. US Department of Agriculture officials have now recalled 91,000 lbs of Jennie-O ground turkey for salmonella contamination - but warn that other turkey samples are contaminated too 2018 IS THE SECOND THANKSGIVING IN A ROW AFFECTED BY SALMONELLA The current salmonella outbreak began a year ago - around the time of Last Thanksgiving. Now, illnesses from the common bacteria have been reported in 35 states. In July the CDC reported that 90 people had been sickened, causing diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and headaches. But the contamination appears to have persisted, as another 74 people have fallen ill since then. As the number of infections has continued to climb, the USDA has begun testing samples. Tests of Jennie-O ground turkey - sold at Walmart and Target - that was packaged on September 11 of this year revealed salmonella that matched the strain Americans have been sickened by. Those packages have long expired (on October 1 or 2), but officials fear they won't be the last to spread the bacteria. At least 164 people have fallen ill and one has died after contracting salmonella from raw turkey, according to the CDC's latest figures. The outbreak may affect many more turkeys THE OUTBREAK MAY BE 'WIDESPREAD' IN TURKEY Products from Jennie-O are distributed far and wide across the country, and the CDC have struggled to pinpoint the contamination's origin. This difficulty has made the agency worry that salmonella could still be lurking in many turkey products - an unwelcome guest at next week's festivities. Salmonella has been found recently in a variety of raw turkey products as well as in pet turkey food and live turkeys - suggesting it could be anywhere the birds have been. Until they can track the source of the bacteria, the CDC and FDA don't expect Americans to skip out on their turkey feasts this year, but they are urging everyone to take extra safety and sanitation precautions. Salmonella outbreaks happen when foods come into contact with the feces of animals that are already infected. People get infected when they eat food products from those animals. Bacteria like these can contaminate just about any food, but are particularly common in poultry, eggs and other meats due to the environments these animals live in. More than a million Americans catch salmonella each year, 20,000 are hospitalized and 400 (most often children and the elderly) die. But simple precautions can considerably reduce the risks of getting sick. Besides the Jennie-O recall, the USDA is leaving most raw turkey on the shelves but urging Thanksgiving cooks not to cut corners, be sure to wash their hands and cook their birds well AVOID SALMONELLA BY SPENDING A COUPLE EXTRA MINUTES ON CLEANLINESS AND COOKING Many people get salmonella because they touch contaminated food then touch their mouths and unknowingly ingest the microscopic bacteria. Thorough hand-washing can prevent this from happening, however. When preparing your Thanksgiving bird this year, be sure to run your hands under warm or cold water, then turn off the faucet. Any soap will do, so long as you apply it amply to your hands, distribute it to both sides, the fingers and the spaces between them, then rub until the soap is lathered up. Keep scrubbing for 20 seconds (or the duration of the Happy Birthday song) before rinsing your hands. Make sure the towel you dry them with is clean, or let your hands air dry. This must be done both before and immediately after handling raw turkey. Consumer Reports says to always wash your hands - but never wash your raw turkey. The water might just spread the bacteria around the meat. Make sure to similarly clean any surface the uncooked poultry touches. Cooking turkey to 160 F will kill any bacteria. If it is not cooked through, some bacteria might survive the oven. Recipes and cook books may advise that you can tell when your poultry is cooked by looking for an even, white color inside, not predominantly pink. But this is not the year to eyeball-it. The most surefire way to ensure your turkey is delicious and safe is to test the center of it with a meat thermometer. If you do find yourself feeling ill after Thanksgiving dinner - beyond the usual over-stuffed feeling - for more than a few days, see your doctor. Most people clear the infection within three to seven days without treatment, but if a fever persists, you may need antibiotics and perhaps an IV to get you hydrated again. A father-of-four is on a ventilator fighting for life three weeks after contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito in Arkansas. Curtis Bridges, 34, from Helena-West Helena on the Mississippi border and just south of Memphis, Tennessee, came down with a fever and chills in September - right at the end of mosquito season - but at first he put it off as the flu. After a few days, his condition deteriorated so dramatically that his wife Jennifer took him to hospital - but he was told it was just a flu and to get some rest. They replayed that scenario four more times: each time he was told not to worry, and once a doctor said it was likely a urinary tract infection. But on October 29, Curtis became unresponsive, and had to be airlifted 120 miles to Little Rock for specialist care. In the emergency room, tests showed he had West Nile virus, which only shows symptoms in about 20 percent of sufferers, and can be fatal. Now, Curtis is on a ventilator with a feeding tube, and has a blood clot in his arm. Curtis Bridges, 34, from Helena-West Helena on the Mississippi border, came down with a fever and chills in September - right at the end of mosquito season Jennifer is now on a feeding tube and ventilator; his wife has to travel 3 hours from their home on the Mississippi border to visit him in hospital 'One little mosquito bite can put you here,' Jennifer told Channel 3. 'He's too strong. He's got four kids. He's got too many reasons to let this stop him.' Jennifer explained that after he got to hospital, Curtis transformed. He lost 40 pounds and is now incredible weak. 'We were told he might not make it. He could be a vegetable for rest of his life and it could all come from a mosquito,' she said. West Nile virus cases are on the rise in the US, partly because of rising temperatures. For most, there are no symptoms and no complications. But for 150 Americans a year, it proves fatal. On October 29, Curtis became unresponsive, and had to be airlifted 120 miles to Little Rock for specialist care The biggest risk for West Nile sufferers is that the virus hits their central nervous system. That's when it can transform into a life-threatening neurological disease. On Friday, Jennifer told supporters on GoFundMe that Curtis has 'suffered a few setbacks' but maintained that he will make it through. After recent scans showed the virus had been cleared, doctors tried to take Curtis off his ventilator but he was too weak to breathe on his own, and then he aspirated water into his lungs, which can be a medical emergency. 'This is going to be a long road, so please continue to pray for him,' Jennifer said, adding: 'Also, please pray for all those going through their own battles and struggles. We have met some of the kindest people here who have it a lot worse than we do.' The GoFundMe page is raising funds for Jennifer's travel costs, as she commutes 120 miles between Curtis's hospital bed and her home in Helena-West Helena for their four kids. A 73-year-old grandmother has said she 'was not real happy' after discovering that she'd needlessly had both her kidneys removed - meaning she now faces dialysis for the rest of her life. Linda Woolley, of Englewood, Colorado, was diagnosed with 'likely' kidney cancer at the University of Colorado Hospital in March, and underwent surgery to remove both organs in May. But according to a new report by FOX31, her biopsy was benign and showed 'no evidence of malignancy'. Doctors realized their error in a post-operative biopsy that found no evidence of cancer in either organ. But kidneys can't just be put back in. Linda now has to sit through four hours of dialysis three days a week, and she says it has turned her life upside down. Linda Woolley, 73, was diagnosed with 'likely' kidney cancer at the University of Colorado Hospital in March. She had both organs removed before doctors realized she was cancer-free Woolley says dialysis 'is no picnic' and she hopes she can one day get a transplant 'I feel like they owe me a kidney, that's for sure,' Woolley said, having hired an attorney as she considers filing a lawsuit against the hospital. Kidneys are essential for removing waste and excess water from blood to produce urine. We can survive with just one, but that's as far as the body can go. With no kidneys, dialysis is required: patients are hooked up to an IV which essentially cleans and filters their blood. You can survive on it for about a decade, but it is an arduous process - as Linda attests. 'My life was totally changed. Dialysis is no picnic no matter how used to it you get, it robs you of your life,' she said. According to FOX31, Linda is currently not well enough to be put on the transplant waiting list. Transplant hopefuls need to be capable of withstanding the complex and life-threatening surgery, and will then need to be on immunosuppressing drugs for life. Linda has yet to receive an apology from the University of Colorado Hospital For those that make it onto the list, the wait averages between seven and 10 years. Unfortunately, elderly people rarely make it to the top of the list. Linda says she hopes she can get a kidney - and she hopes her story can be a warning to others to double-check their diagnoses. 'It is terrifying because you have no choice when you go into a hospital. You trust that you're going to be taken care of,' she said. There has been a sharp rise in the number of people receiving hoax emails that claim to be from the TV Licensing department, a crime body has warned. More than 2,500 reports of phony emails were sent to Action Fraud in September and October alone from those who have found one in their inbox. The scam emails aim to get unsuspecting people to hand over personal and bank details to fraudsters who pretend to be from the TV Licensing department, according to the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Here is an example of one of the emails: The fake TV licensing emails are very convincing and hook receivers in to clicking on the links The scam aims to catch people out by getting receivers to open the email, which is often sent with the subject lines 'correct your licensing information', 'refund due' or 'renew now'. The body of the email will claim that they need the victim's personal details. There are many excuses for this, including, that they need the details to complete a refund or to set up a new direct debit. Once the victims have opened the email, they may be tempted into clicking one of the links that lurk inside. This, in turn, takes them to a fake TV Licensing website. The website that victims are transferred to looks very much like the TV Licensing company's website but is in fact just a convincing dupe. It will ask the person to type in all of their details including full name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email and even their mother's maiden name, suggesting that the scammers are hoping to access other online accounts. After the fraudsters have received that information, they will then ask victims to add in their payment details, prompting them to add in their Card Verification Value (CVV) code, account number and sort code. Victims have been fooled into clicking on the links in emails & handing over their bank details Once con artists have this information, they could be able to strip the victim's bank accounts as well as commit identity fraud. While there are a number of scam emails being sent around of a similar nature, containing different wording, they all lead to the same fraudulent website. Television viewers have been asked to remain vigilant to this type of fraud and take care when opening emails that purport to be from the TV Licensing department. A TV Licensing spokesperson said: 'TV Licensing will never email customers, unprompted, to ask for bank details and/or your personal information, or tell you that you may be entitled to a refund. 'We encourage anyone who has provided their details as a result of a fraudulent email to contact their bank urgently and to report the email to Action Fraud.' Pauline Smith, director of Action Fraud, said: 'Devious fraudsters are constantly using new tactics to trick victims into handing over their personal information, often with devastating consequences. This is particularly nasty as it looks so convincing. 'It is vital that you spot the signs of fraudulent emails to avoid falling victim by following the protect advice below. 'We work tirelessly to stop fraudsters in their tracks and to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from falling victim to fraud.' Jeremy Corbyn's shiny, pink-tinged, dark anorak failed to draw as much attention at the Cenotaph last weekend. After a time one becomes inured to exceptionalism. But with the Tories engaged in the fratricide of which only they are capable, it becomes easy to forget that Corbyn and his deceptively bank manager-like partner, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, stand on the fringes of power offering a clear and present danger to Britains prosperity. The International Monetary Funds description of the impact of a disorderly Brexit is frightening enough. Jeremy Corbyn and his deceptively bank manager-like partner, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, stand on the fringes of power offering a clear and present danger to Britain Reverting to WTO rules could cost the UK up to 8 per cent of output between now and 2030 and injure productivity. But Corbynomics would be worse. McDonnell gave us a flavour of his intentions in this weeks New Statesman. The familiar theme is tax corporations and the rich until the pips squeak. His claim is that Osborne-inspired cuts in company taxes will have given away 110billion of taxpayers money by 2020. Office for Budget Responsibility figures show that this is poppycock and that by 2022-23 the tax take from company profits will hit 66billion 65 per cent up on 2009-10. Similarly, the Tory cut in the top rate of income tax from 50 per cent to 45 per cent increased revenues. McDonnells proposal that the top 5 per cent of people should be hit with wealth taxes will create bigger queues for enterprising citizens at Heathrows Terminal Five than a cliff-edge Brexit at Dover. Public ownership is seen as the answer to problems in the energy market, railways, water companies and the Royal Mail. But in their thirst for resources, they will battle with plans to reverse welfare cuts, house the homeless and other laudable causes. No one should expect the trains to run on time or a return of breakfast postal deliveries any time soon. Goal post Royal Mail chief Rico Back has learned something from the Persimmon playbook. When under fire over governance failings, skulking behind the woodshed, in the manner of the housebuilders departing boss Jeff Fairburn, is not the right option. All that does is deliver reputational damage which stains the relationship with investors, the workforce and the public. Back is in a particularly vulnerable position. As a privatised public service, with a 500-year heritage, Royal Mail has a special place in the eyes of citizens. It also has a highly unionised, Corbyn-supporting workforce which, when angered, can disrupt lives. Back allowed himself to get off to a bad start by extracting a 5.8million golden hello from Royal Mail when moving from an offshoot, the European parcels company GLS, to take on the top job. He is confronting his pay deal and his decision to leave his family in Switzerland head on. He is making an effort to understand the heritage of the postal service better and will work his socks off to make sure his commitment matches his rewards. He assures us the reasons for keeping Switzerland as his home is largely about the safety and well-being of his family. Even critics cannot blame him for a 7 per cent decline in letter volumes that has hit underlying earnings hard. The age of WhatsApp is taking its toll. The best that Back can pray for is that the current period of Brexit turmoil triggers a general election or a second referendum and a deluge of mailshots. That may be the short-term prize but the more significant one identified by Back is bringing skills honed at GLS to British parcels. Shockingly, only 10 per cent of parcel sorting is automated (against 90 per cent for letters) yet with the surge of online shopping this is the Royal Mails great growth opportunity. Backs goal is to lift automated delivery to 30 per cent and beyond as soon as possible before competitors eat the cake. But, as his feisty predecessor Moya Greene discovered, making change which disrupts jobs in the sorting centres can be bruising. If Back pulls that off, his 2.7million potential pay cheque might look less extravagant. But he starts with an anvil of governance defects around his neck. Data base Warren Buffetts latest filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission show the Nebraska-based investment guru has just snapped a 1.6billion stake in database computer software company Oracle. Sweet sentimentality from the garlanded Oracle of Omaha. Today - H-II Transfer Vehicle 7 (HTV7) Status: HTV7 performed a nominal deorbit, on Saturday November 10, concluding a very successful mission. Final telemetry from HTV7 was received at 21:41 GMT (03:41 PM CT) at an altitude of ~104 km. A nominal separation of the HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC) was conducted during this timeframe. The HSRC with JAXA Low Temperature Protein Crystal Growth (LT PCG) and Electro-static Levitation Furnace (ELF) samples inside the capsule were subsequently retrieved from the expected splashdown zone and are returning to Japan. The HSRC measures 840mm in diameter, 190kg in weight, and contains roughly 30 liters of pressurized volume for sample return. Plasma Kristall-4 (PK-4): Over the weekend, a crewmember changed the configuration of the PK-4 chamber gas valve to the Neon setting. A hard drive change out was also completed and hard drives s/n 035 and 036 were packed. Plasma Krystall-4 is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of "Complex Plasmas": low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other, which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles: so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas. Veggie: Veggie-03 plants were checked for growth progression and watered as necessary. Photos were taken and placed on a flash card for downlink to the ground. The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) is a deployable plant growth unit capable of producing salad type crops to provide the crew with a palatable, nutritious, and safe source of fresh food and a tool to support relaxation and recreation. US Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Resize: Today the crew resized EMUs 3003 and 3008 in preparation for upcoming EVAs. Each EMU contains exchangeable components allowing each astronaut to adjust EMU fit to their individual preference. EMU 3003 was resized for David Saint-Jacques and EMU 3008 was resized for Anne McClain. Both of these crewmembers are expected to arrive to the ISS via Soyuz 57S on December 3, 2018. Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cable Replacement: Today the crew performed routine maintenance in order to replace the ARED Cable Arm Ropes. Once replaced, they applied proper tension and inspected the cable-pulley system bearings. This maintenance is performed approximately every 146 days. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. LSR Checkout [In Work] SSRMS LEE Checkout in support of NG-10 Launch Two Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 11/13: Payloads: Cimon Big Picture Words and Battery Charge (ESA) FIR LMM Biophysics-06 Plate 1 Installation (NASA) ISS HAM (NASA) Systems: Cygnus RoBOT OBT Session WHC Urine Receptacle R&R Wednesday, 11/14: Payloads: BPC Microscopy2 Ops (NASA) VEG-03 Chk and watering (NASA) Cimon Sound and Camera Chk (ESA) Systems: Progress TORU Drill Cygnus RoBOT OBT Self Study Session Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. IMS Delta File Prep Life On The Station Photo and Video Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos Web Site and Social Media ECON-M. Observations and photo (Task list) SPLANH. Preparation and Initiation of EGEG Recording. Tagup with specialists Water Recovery and Management (WRM) Waste Water Bus (WWB) Recombine with Isolated Condensate Tank Water Recovery Management (WRM) Condensate Pumping Initiation Environmental Health System (EHS) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collect Water Recovery Managment (WRM) Condensate Pumping Termination Water Recovery and Management (WRM) Waste Water Bus (WWB) Split Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Low Calibration In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Water sampling from into Russain drink bags and sample container (warm and hot water valves) NOD2 Stowge Configuration N1 Nadir Hatch to Unlatch Hardstop SVO-ZV water sampling to Russian drink bags Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2 In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill On MCC GO ELEKTRON purge after deactivation Environmental Health System (EHS) Coliform Water Processing SPLANH. Termination of EGEG Recording and Closeout Ops. Tagup with specialists Health Maintenance System (HMS) Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) Test Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup [-] charger setup (009709R, 1_2_221_1, flexible container 422-6 (00062719R)) for Orlan-MKS battery discharge EXPRESS Rack 2 Locker Relocate On MCC Go Mating telemetry connectors to [-] charger Set up the first Orlan-MK battery pack 8253 No.1267421121 (00073848R) 1_2_221_1) for discharge and start discharging the first pack EXPRESS Rack 2 Locker Relocate Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Cattell's Test Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Low Calibration Closeout In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Air Hose (AH) Liquid Indicator (LI) Remove and Replace Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Resize MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Strelau Test Photography of -2 treadmill Control Panel tabs In Service Mode -2 Exercise, Day 2 Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Photography of -2 treadmill Control Panel tabs In Service Mode Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Waste Water Bag (WWB) Changeout Exercise data downlink via OCA per r/g 0130 Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Rope Replace Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3 [] grid cleaning in Soyuz 739 VEG-03G Plant Check/Water Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Evening Preparation Work Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Housebuilding in England has hit its highest level since the financial crisis plunged the industry into crisis. The number of homes added in the UK rose 2 per cent to 222,190 in 2017-18, the most since 2007-08. Among those were 195,290 new homes, also the highest figure for ten years. The rest come from splitting houses into flats and converting shops, offices or industrial buildings into homes. Construction boom: The number of homes added in the UK rose 2 per cent to 222,190 in 2017-18, the most since 2007-08 The boom was hailed by ministers and businesses but critics said it still fell far short of the Government's target of 300,000. It came on a grim day for the industry, with shares tumbling as support appeared to be unravelling for Theresa May's Brexit deal. Those hit by the turmoil included Barratt Developments, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, as traders shunned industries tied to the ups and downs of the economy. Shares in Bovis Homes fell 7 per cent after it said Brexit uncertainty was putting homebuyers off. The official figures were the best since 2007/08, when 223,530 homes overall were added in England. The number of newly-built homes was the highest since 2007/08, when the figure reached 200,300. And it comes five years after the Help to Buy scheme launch, which gave first-time buyers taxpayer-backed loans to buy homes. Builders say that boosted demand. James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Housing, said: 'These figures are great news. But we are determined to do more to keep us on track to deliver the homes communities need. 'That's why we have set out an ambitious package of measures to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s. 'This includes an investment of more than 44billion, rewriting the planning rules and scrapping the borrowing cap so councils can deliver a new generation of council housing.' Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: 'It's good to see that the number of homes has risen again. To end the crisis, it's crucial this continues and that as many as possible are social homes.' Stewart Baseley, at the Home Builders Federation, added: 'Builders have continued to invest and increase output. The Government needs to continue to work with all parts of the sector if we are to hit the 300,000 target.' However, the increase is slowing. While it rose by 2 per cent last year, it was up 15 per cent in 2016/17 and 11 per cent the previous year. Reuben Young, of housing campaigners Priced Out, said: 'Every year we don't build 300,000 homes in the areas people want to live, our housing crisis gets worse. 'Allowing councils to borrow to build is an important step, but now the Government needs to reform the planning system and tax land.' Fortune: George Soros made millions betting against the pound in the 1990s The head of George Soros's grant-making organisation has blasted Facebook over reports it tried to discredit opponents by linking them to the billionaire. Soros is a Jewish-American philanthropist and investor who made millions betting against the pound in the 1990s. The New York Times revealed Facebook has tried to discredit several critics by employing Republican research firm Definers to link them to the liberal financier. Patrick Gaspard, president of Soros's Open Society Foundations, has written to Facebook accusing it of stirring up animosity towards Soros. He added: 'It's been disappointing to see how you have failed to monitor hate and misinformation on Facebook's platform.' Facebook has ended its deal with Definers, and says suggestions its work is an anti-Semitic attack are 'reprehensible and untrue'. Hugo Boss wants faster sales and profits growth after abandoning its plans to take the brand more upmarket Hugo Boss is seeking to revive fortunes by pushing into Asia and quadrupling its online business by 2022. The German fashion house wants faster sales and profits growth after abandoning its plans to take the brand more upmarket. New boss Mark Langer, who joined as chief executive in 2016, is aiming for one in five of sales to come from Asia from 2022, compared with 15 per cent today. It also wants to react faster to changing fashion trends through its more contemporary Hugo brand. Trying to appeal to younger shoppers, it is selling more casual and sportswear styles and wants to quadruple its online sales to around 350million. Disappointing figures published last week showed sales edged up 4 per cent in the first nine months of 2018 as profits slumped 9 per cent. The brand is a favourite of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton and has featured actors including Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom in adverts for its aftershave range. The boss of scandal-hit Patisserie Valerie has quit just weeks after a probe into alleged fraud was launched. Paul May, 59, stepped down with immediate effect as the cafe chain's parent company brought in Stephen Francis, the former chief executive of British pork producer Tulip. Patisserie Holdings credited Francis, 57, with leading a 'rapid return from significant losses' at Tulip as well as reviving firms including printer Danwood Group and Vion Food Group. Under fire: Patisserie Valerie chairman Luke Johnson, left, with Paul May who has quit as chief exec after a probe into alleged fraud was launched But the group admitted Francis was also a director of Paramount Foods, a subsidiary of Vion, 12 months before it was plunged into administration. Greg Lawless, analyst at Shore Capital, questioned Francis's lack of experience in the dining sector and called for executive chairman Luke Johnson to give up his board role. New boss : Stephen Francis is the former chief executive of British pork producer Tulip 'He might be a great turnaround specialist in a manufacturing plant but this is selling cream teas to tourists,' he said. 'What would be even better is if Luke Johnson left the board and you'd have a fresh pair of eyes with a mandate to challenge everything.' The appointment brings to an end May's 12-year tenure after the group became embroiled in an accounting scandal when a 40million black hole was discovered last month. The Serious Fraud Office is investigating potential fraud at Patisserie Holdings, which has seen the arrest and subsequent resignation of finance director Chris Marsh. May, who is Johnson's long-time business partner, also came under fire when it emerged he and Marsh were awarded twice as many share options as expected, allowing them to cash in a combined 4.6million. Mark Bentley, director of shareholder action group, Sharesoc, said the appointment of Francis did not go far enough. 'The big question that remains open is what is the settlement with Paul May?' Bentley said. 'How can he have been unaware of the cash being nowhere near what was stated? It seems extraordinary that he wasn't aware of that.' Bentley added: 'May's position was pretty untenable.' More than 99 per cent of investors voted in favour of a cash lifeline but angry shareholders lashed out at management, branding Johnson 'arrogant'. Patisserie Holdings' shares have been suspended since the scandal, with no indication as to when it will resume trading. How much tax do YOU pay? As a survey claims half of Britons have no idea, we explain how to work our your total bill - and even cut it down Rolls-Royce boss Warren East urged politicians to support Theresa May's Brexit plan as he revealed the engineering group is stockpiling parts in case the UK crashes out of the European Union. He said 'any deal is better than no deal' but warned that time is running out. East, 57, said: 'We are preparing for an exit from the EU without an agreement in place. We know that might be disruptive and that's why we're taking the contingency measures that we have to take to keep operating our business. Plea: Warren East said 'any deal is better than no deal' but warned that time is running out 'I think any deal is better than no deal at giving us a framework for how we're going to work in future. When there is an agreement it will provide certainty. 'I'm putting forward a fairly unashamed business-centric view, and there are many agendas here, but for our business the UK is very important.' Rolls-Royce employs 22,300 staff in the UK making engines for aeroplanes and submarines. A further 100,000 workers are employed through its external supply chain. It also has strong ties to the EU and many of its customers are in Europe. East called on politicians to adopt a pragmatic approach and back the Prime Minister's Brexit withdrawal plan. 'We are slightly running out of time and, as a business leader, I would like to see politicians on both sides of the fence get on and negotiate a practical deal that works for business,' he added. 'People in business spend their lives negotiating agreements, and we understand that you can't have ideal agreements. You have to end up making some compromises.' Business lobby group the CBI, meanwhile, said 'no deal is not an acceptable option'. And Andrew Gray, head of Brexit at accountancy giant PwC, said: 'We urge business to continue preparing for both a deal and no deal scenario until the deal is ratified.' This is Money has relentlessly campaigned to fight scams and in a major victory, Britain's biggest banks are now trialling a new system to trace stolen money. Is the end nigh for scammers? Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost talk about bank fraud and our long-running campaign to help protect our readers from the growing crime. We also talk through new rules to come in early next year that will spell out exactly what banks have to do to help prevent customers falling victim of bank transfer scams and why we launched our Beat the Scammers section in 2016. Elsewhere, if you are in the market for a credit card, one of the more eye catching is Virgin Money's offering which could get you a trip to New York with its new bumper sign-up offer but what's the catch? We also run the rule over Vanadium, the metal which has seen its price soar substantially in recent year. We also talk about the property market and how estate agents especially across London and the South East - have come under pressure since the Brexit vote, which has triggered a considerable slowdown. This has seen Foxtons announcing branch closures this week. And rather than the gloom and doom predictions of a potential house price crash, Simon asks: are house prices preparing to go on something of a run? Security guards at a Japanese art museum have been besieged by the most fearsome and persistent of opponents: a pair of neighbourhood cats. The Onimichi Municipal Museum in Hiroshima, south Japan, has been locked in a war of attrition with the fiendish felines for at least three years, posting updates to its Twitter account as the battle rages on. Videos posted by the museum's official Twitter account have been shared tens of thousands of times in recent weeks, gathering millions of views in the process. A black cat called Ken waits for his chance to get inside the museum as a security guard watches on Ken seizes his chance and makes a run for it but is apprehended by the security guard at the Onimichi Municipal Museum in Hiroshima 'The cat is naughty to the staff for asking to get in through the back door of the museum,' reads a translated tweet by the museum in June 2016 The footage shows a tentative stalemate reached by guards and cats, one resilient in their refusal to bend the rules, the other resigned to probing any gaps that may present themselves. The most famous pair, a ginger cat called Go and a black cat called Ken, have featured on the Twitter account for months. But the museum staff's relationship with local cats goes back years. The museum first started posting regularly about the local moggies in late 2015 in an apparent bid to get more followers on social media. Ken is denied entry to the museum again - but he will try again tomorrow as he has done for three years Go the ginger cat lounges on a wall outside the Onimichi Municipal Museum in Hiroshima, south Japan Although they look innocent, the famous twosome Ken (left) and Go (right) have besieged the musuem and its guards for three years trying to gain access 'The cat of the restaurant next door is resting in the museum site today,' they wrote in October 2015, captioning pictures of a pair of cats resting peacefully in the grounds. Little did they know that these calculating cats were just biding their time. Cats became a regular feature in the museum gift shop, with cards, badges and umbrellas made by local artists all going on sale in 2016 as the venue held a cat-themed festival of art. Go the ginger cat even has a pair of slippers with his face on them. Despite trying for years, Go has not been allowed inside the museum 'The battle between cats and guards on Wednesday goes far beyond our expectations,' the museum said in a tweet from March last year But within months they were over-run. 'Onomichi City Museum of Art is open from 9:00. There is a procession, but the cat cannot enter,' they wrote in May 2016. The cat exhibition only served to anger the trespassers further, it seems, as all manner of items picturing cats were allowed inside the building but the real deal was not. 'The cat is naughty to the staff as a result of asking the back door of the museum,' reads a translation of a post in June 2016. Ken and Go's initials are spelled out in lights along with an image of a cat and a paw outside the museum in Hiroshima, Japan As sure as the tides and the setting of the sun, the two sides of this tale will continue to play their part... unless one backs down By 2017 it was all-out war. 'The battle between cats and guards on Wednesday goes far beyond our expectations,' reads a tweet in March of last year, showing a black cat strutting down a wall in the museum grounds. 'The black cat Ken is surprisingly muscular,' they added. As time passed, the museum began selling bags and memorabilia featuring the fearless felines and commemorating the ongoing battle. The museum sells a range of memorabilia featuring cats in honour of Ken and Go, including bags, greeting cards and stationery And the pair were memorialised with painted wooden replicas. 'It will be exhibited in the corridor of the entrance of the museum where the battle of cats and guards is also held, and we will welcome you from the morning,' the museum said in a tweet announcing the models. The museum even went as far as celebrating the cats during a festival of lights and immortalising the ginger and black twosome as yin and yang on a special gift bag. But the battle rages on. The cats keep trying to enter. Security keep turfing them out. As sure as the tides and the setting of the sun, the two sides of this tale will continue to play their part. Unless one backs down. A devastated Australian man whose father was paralysed overseas has given a chilling travel warning for Bali-bound tourists after his own nightmare experience. Jason Warren and his wife Becky made an urgent dash to Bali last week following the news his Rodney Grant, 63, will spend the rest of his life a quadriplegic after a freak accident in his hotel room. 'In the early hours of Thursday, November 8, dad got out of bed to get a drink, and a short time later my mum heard a loud bang in their hotel room,' Mr Warren told Daily Mail Australia. 'She got up to investigate and then found dad on the floor unable to move or talk in a pool of blood from a wound to the back of his head.' Rodney Grant (pictured) is now a quadriplegic after a recent accident in Bali - his son is desperate to raise awareness about the importance of thorough travel insurance Mr Warren said his mother urgently called hotel reception who organised an ambulance, which arrived a short time later. 'My mum is a former registered nurse and she noted the ambulance handled him quite roughly. The nearby medical centre recommended dad be conveyed to Kasih Ibu Hospital in Saba, about 40 minutes away,' he explained. 'But before mum was allowed to leave, she was required to pay $200 for medical supplies including antiseptic, rubber gloves and cotton buds and balls. 'It seems medical care in Bali is all about money, not patient care.' Panic then set in for the Warren family as the reality of Mr Grant's life-changing circumstances hit home. 'I was overcome with a numb sensation and began physically pinching myself to ensure this wasn't a dream,' Mr Warren, a father of three and train driver, said. 'It quickly became apparent this was real, dad was in real trouble. 'All I could hear was my aging mum on the phone saying she won't be able to handle it here alone. 'We had to be on the next available flight.' Rodney Grant (pictured left), Bec Warren, Jason Warren and his mother Brenda at Bec and Jason's wedding this year Before jetting off to Indonesia, Mr Warren notified his father's brother Clarrie about the accident. The trio then made their way to Bali, making a bee-line for the Kasih Ibu General Hospital in Saba. They were informed Rodney, who married Mr Warren's mother Brenda a few years ago, had a break in the C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck, severing his spinal cord. A doctor was prepared to perform surgery - for $30,000. 'When we arrived Dad was conscious, but in extreme pain due to being paralysed from the neck down,' Mr Warren said. 'A local doctor wanted to perform the surgery on Friday, November 9, and we had to fight very hard for this not to happen. Rodney Grant (pictured left) with his great grandson Jaxson recently on the NSW south coast 'Once the enormity of everything set in for Dad, he tried to commit suicide by holding his breath - his heart rate slowed and blood pressure dropped, he almost died. 'Mum called out to the nurses to do something - they were playing on their mobile phones before they finally decided to intervene.' Mr Warren, his wife Becky and uncle Clarrie Grant managed to bring Rodney home - on Monday in a private jet, before he was transferred to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick. 'This incident has shown how fragile life is,' he said. 'I would also recommend people always get top shelf travel insurance when they are overseas, it is usually around $50 to $100 extra, which could make all the difference in the end. 'Rodney had travel insurance with Insureandgo - their call centre is based in the Philippines, so at times communication has been difficult - but ultimately they were caring and professional. 'The main thing I've learnt out of this whole episode is to always find a way to be transported back to our wonderful country if you need urgent medical treatment, it has to be the only way.' Furious Australian war veterans believe the 100th anniversary of an Armistice Day celebration was soured after a fighter jet pilot was forced to abort a mission to honour the dead. The RAAF fly-past was scheduled for last Sunday morning at Kings Park in Perth's city centre, but an air traffic controller refused the pilot clearance to enter the local airspace, the RSL has claimed. John McCourt, the RSL WA chief executive, said the fly-past was due to carry even more significance this year given it was the 100th anniversary of the end of fighting in the first World War. Armistice Day in Perth was tainted last Sunday after a fighter jet pilot was forced to abort a mission to honour the dead Kings Park in Perth's city centre (pictured) was the scene for Armistice Day last Sunday - a number of war veterans believe the event was tainted 'We were just absolutely gobsmacked,' he said when reflecting on the aborted air mission. 'This was a very important event, more important this year because of the 100th anniversary of armistice.' The RAAF fly-past over Kings Park has been a long-standing part of Armistice Day commemorations, with planes zooming over the war memorial at precisely 11am each year on November 11. Air Services Australia shifted blame towards the pilot in relation to the incident. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, they said the fly-past was aborted by the pilot due to an 'operational delay.' 'Air Services Australia recognises the importance of the 100th commemoration of Armistice Day,' the statement said. 'It was in this spirit that ATC facilitated the request for the Perth fly over, which was subsequently aborted by the pilot due to an operational delay.' That claim was swiftly rejected by the RSL. A typical RAAF fighter jet plane - a pilot on Armistice Day was forced to abort a mission in Perth after a local air traffic controller refused airspace clearance RSL WA chief executive John McGourt (pictured) was 'gobsmacked' after a fighter jet pilot was forced to abort a mission to honour the dead on Armistice Day 'The RAAF, they are a precise war machine, they know exactly what timings are,' Mr McCourt told Perth Now. 'He (the pilot) was there...he was ready and he couldn't get clearance at the right time.' A pair of Expedition 57 astronauts trained for the release of a Japanese resupply ship Wednesday after a 41-day mission at the International Space Station. Japan's seventh cargo ship, H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 (HTV-7), has one more mission though after it departs the orbital lab. If all goes as planned, astronaut Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency) will command the Canadarm2 robotic arm to release the HTV-7, also called the Kounotori, Wednesday at 11:50 a.m. EST. Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor will back up Gerst in the cupola monitoring the vehicle and its telemetry as it slowly backs away from the space station. The two astronauts reviewed departure procedures and practiced robotics controls on a computer today. NASA TV will broadcast live the space freighter's departure beginning at 11:30 a.m. Kounotori was captured Sept. 27 and delivered external station batteries and hardware to be configured during a pair of upcoming spacewalks. The resupply ship also replenished the station with advanced science experiments and equipment to benefit humans on Earth and in space. However, it has one more payload to deliver for splashdown on Earth before the vehicle burns up harmlessly over the Pacific Ocean. The HTV-7 will release a small reentry capsule packed with test cargo for retrieval by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The splashdown mission is a test of JAXA's ability to return small payloads from space for quick delivery to researchers on Earth. Cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev worked on science and maintenance tasks throughout Monday in the orbital lab's Russian segment. He started out researching how the space environment and solar radiation affects plasma-dust crystals. Prokopyev finished up his day photographing the condition of the Zvezda service module interior panels before disposing of obsolete hardware in the Progress 70 resupply ship. On-Orbit Status Report Plant Habitat: Today, the crew wrapped plant samples into foil packs and placed them into Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI)-3 and the Plant Habitat facility was cleaned. Plant Habitat is a fully automated facility conducting plant bioscience research on the ISS. The space environment is stressful for all living organisms. Understanding how plants respond will help crews on future missions successfully grow plants for food and oxygen generation. The Plant Habitat-1 investigation compares differences in genetics, metabolism, photosynthesis, and gravity sensing between plants grown in space and on Earth. This investigation is expected to provide key insights on major changes occurring in plants exposed to microgravity. HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC): The crew completed Part 1 of the HTV Capsule Assembly including the assembly of the Cylindrical Support Cone Section, Capsule Plate Section and the acceleration/pressure data logger which was taped to the sample box lid. The HSRC is designed to return relatively small payloads to the ground. The HSRC is 840mm in diameter, 190kg in weight, and contains roughly 30L pressurized volume for sample return. Plasma Kristall (PK)-4: The crew performed video setup and checkout, connected Gas Supply hoses (Argon and Neon) and verified valve functionality. PK-4 is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of "Complex Plasmas" which are low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles - so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas. H-II Transfer Vehicle 7 (HTV7) Departure Preparation: The crew reviewed HTV-7 departure materials including HTV Rendezvous Review and HTV Departure Review. They also completed Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Release Session. Additionally, the crew removed the smoke detector from the vehicle prior to departure. HTV-7 is scheduled to unberth from the ISS on Wednesday, November 7. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HTV Prep for Departure from N2N Plant Habitat Facility Clean Two Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 11/06: Payloads: LT PCG Transfer (JAXA) HTV-SRC Assy and sample insert Part2 and 3 (JAXA) PK-4 Experiment Runs (ESA) Systems: HTV SRC Assembly HTV Cargo Transfer HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate Node2 CPA Install Wednesday, 11/07: Payloads: HTV-SRC departure photo (JAXA) VEG-03 Plant check (NASA) BEST Sample retrieve and Experiment ops pt3 (NASA) PK-4 Experiment runs (ESA) Systems: HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate HTV/Node2 Vestibule Depress and Leak Check HTV Departure/release Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Vacuum cleaning of filters on dust 1, 2 in (panels 203, 403) PCS Laptop Relocate PK-4 Video Monitor Installation PCS Laptop Relocate Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - Cohesive Sedimentation Camera Activities Flushing 2 connector of 2 RODNIK tank in Progress 439 (DC1 maintenance PK-4 Video Monitor checkout Veg-03 Water Syringe Marking PK-4 Neon Gas Supply manipulation On-board Training (OBT) HTV Rendezvous Review -2 carriage position check -2 carriage position photography relative to the pop-up roller, after lifting -2 curtain. Downlink via per r/g 0130 On-board Training (OBT) HTV Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Release Session PE data downlink via per r/g 0130 Photography of SM interior panels ##122, 126, 128, 129, 131, 134, 135, 137, 138 VEG-03G Plant Check/Water Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup Robotic Workstation (RWS) Setup Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) - JEM Plant Habitat-01 Glacier to MELFI Sample Transfer #3 Plant Habitat-01 Glacier to MELFI Sample Transfer Assist Plant Habitat Facility Clean HTV Smoke Detector Scavenge Placing hardware for disposal on Progress 439 (DC1) with IMS update Node 2 Standard Definition (SD) Video Camera Setup Node 2 Nadir Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) and Handrail Gather for HTV-7 Small Re-entry Capsule Ghost Camera Setup for HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC) Assembly HSRC (HTV SMALL RE-ENTRY CAPSULE) ASSEMBLY HSRC (HTV SMALL RE-ENTRY CAPSULE) SAMPLE INSTALL FROM JPM Robotics Work Station (RWS) Display and Control Panel (DCP) Checkout Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. For months, members of the panel investigating Florida's high school massacre have called the sheriff's deputy assigned to guard the campus 'a coward' for hiding and not rushing inside in an attempt to stop the shooter. Given an opportunity to confront his critics Thursday, now-retired Broward Sheriff's Deputy Scot Peterson sent his attorney instead before the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. Attorney Joseph DiRuzzo III told the 14-member panel he had filed a lawsuit hours earlier attempting to block their subpoena. DiRuzzo dropped a copy on the lectern and then walked away. Fred Guttenberg, whose child Jaime died along with 16 others, said to DiRuzzo as he passed: 'He didn't do his job. My daughter should be alive.' Peterson, the longtime deputy assigned to Stoneman Douglas, has become the second-most vilified person surrounding the Feb. 14 shooting after suspect Nikolas Cruz. Security video shows Peterson arrived outside the three-story building where the killings happened shortly after the shooting began, about the same time the gunman finished slaying 11 people on the first-floor. Disgraced Parkland cop Scot Peterson was a no show for testimony at state commission Thursday. He sent his attorney instead Security video shows Peterson drew his handgun, but retreated to cover next to the neighboring building. Peterson never left that spot for 50 minutes, even after other officers arrived on campus and went inside Joseph DiRuzzo, attorney for former Broward County Deputy Peterson, walks away after speaking before the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Sunrise, Fla Peterson drew his handgun, but retreated to cover next to the neighboring building. The video shows Peterson never left that spot for 50 minutes, even after other deputies and police officers arrived on campus and went inside. Panel members have said they believe Peterson's inaction allowed Cruz to climb to the third floor, where five students, including Jamie Guttenberg, and one teacher were killed. They believe if Peterson, 55, had confronted Cruz, who authorities say was armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and engaged him in a shootout he could have killed him or given others more time to reach safety. Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz listens during a status check on his case at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla in August 2018 'Other than the person sitting in a jail cell right now for murdering my daughter, the only other person who comes close to pissing me off as much is Peterson because Peterson could have saved my daughter. 'My daughter was the second-to-last to be shot ... a few more seconds and she would be alive,' Fred Guttenberg told The Associated Press after DiRuzzo left. Peterson, a decorated 32-year veteran of the sheriff's office, retired shortly after the shooting rather than accept a suspension while his actions were investigated. He is now receiving a $100,000 annual pension. There had been speculation Peterson might attend the meeting but invoke the Fifth Amendment, as a criminal investigation of law enforcement's response continues. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the panel's chairman, said Thursday he wanted to ask Peterson, 'Why the hell did he go hide and run away and not do his job?' Peterson told investigators shortly after the shooting and reporters last spring from the 'Today' show and The Washington Post that he heard only two or three shots and didn't know whether they were coming from inside the building. That is contradicted by radio calls in which he correctly identifies the building as the shooter's location. Bullets also came out a window almost directly above where he took cover. About 150 shots were fired and were heard by others a quarter-mile away. Cruz, a 20-year-old former Stoneman Douglas student, is charged with the slayings. He has pleaded not guilty, but his attorneys have said he would plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Jennifer Montalto, the mother of shooting victim Gina Montaldo, tears up as she watch videos from the school shooting during a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission meeting Thursday Max Schachter, whose son, Alex, was killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, cries during a state commission investigating the shooting on Thursday Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jamie, was killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, right, cries while his wife Jennifer comforts him during a state commission investigating the shooting on Thursday Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie speaks before the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission on Thursday The panel also heard Thursday from two other Broward County officials criticized for their actions before and after the shooting: Sheriff Scott Israel and school Superintendent Robert Runcie. Israel, whose triplet sons graduated from Stoneman Douglas a few years ago, was asked why his agency's policy on engaging an active shooter says a deputy 'may' confront a shooter rather than 'shall.' The sheriff said deputies are trained to engage immediately, but 'I want an effective tactical response, not a suicide response.' Israel said a different policy wouldn't have prompted Peterson to rush into the building, saying 'you can't train courage.' Runcie said he's focusing on the recovery and well-being of students, improving school safety and holding administrators accountable. Runcie outlined security improvements, including single points of entry and armed guardians or police officers at all schools, and expanded mental health resources for students. Commission members then grilled Runcie on the district's communication with law enforcement and procedures for dealing with active shooters. Several pointed out that the district still hadn't created a policy mandating the marking of 'hard corners,' areas in a classroom a shooter can't hit from the door's window. The panel has been meeting periodically since April. It's required to file a report by Jan. 1 to Florida Gov. Rick Scott on its findings on the shooting's causes and recommendations for avoiding future school massacres. The panel includes law enforcement, education and mental health officials, a legislator and the fathers of two dead students. George Brooksbank, 72, passed away in the week of August's Baptism at the All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park, which was attended by the Queen. A royal insider told MailOnline: 'George had been in hospital with covid and had not been the same after that. He had been unwell for some time. It's been a difficult time for Jack losing his father before the Christening'. Another source said it had been a 'miracle' George survived Covid last year after five weeks on a ventilator and that it had been 'wonderful' that he had been alive to see August born. Mr Brooksbank's cause of death has not been confirmed. Buckingham Palace has been asked to comment. The tragedy hit the Royal Family just before the double Christening of the Queen's two great grandsons, August and his second cousin Lucas Tindall, the son of Zara and Mike Tindall. Despite the bad news, Jack and Eugenie decided the event should still go ahead. The couple both put on a brave face yesterday despite suffering the secret heartbreak of Mr Brooksbank's passing. He had been battling ill health having caught Covid last year and spent a period in ICU. Mr Brooksbank, a retired chartered accountant and company director, split his time with his wife of 36 years Nicola at their homes in Wandsworth, south London, and Bordeaux, France. He had suffered from poor health having been in intensive care with coronavirus at the start of the pandemic last April. Eugenie and Jack were warned to 'prepare for the worst' when Jack's father was put on a ventilator for five weeks. But he recovered from the life-threatening battle with the virus and left hospital last June. A bus passenger in Beijing has been detained after trying to attack the driver and grab the steering wheel from him. The woman claimed the conductor had deducted more money than necessary from her traffic card yesterday. She also smashed a fire extinguisher and yelled at other passengers 'let's die altogether' in the on-board fiasco. Bus passenger Sun, 34, tries to grab the steering wheel from the driver during a rant in Beijing The angry woman smashes an on-board fire extinguisher while yelling at other passengers The incident occurred less than three weeks after a brawl between a passenger and a bus driver in another Chinese city caused the bus to plunge off a high bridge, killing at least 13. Yesterday's attacker has been identified as 34-year-old Sun. Sun was taking bus number 945 in the Shunyi District of Beijing at around 10:30am. Beijing police said she launched the attack when she was about to get off the bus at the Fengbo Station. It is said that Sun beeped her card and then raised question about the amount of money she was charged; she demanded the conductor solve the problem and refused to get off. When the driver carried on driving, Sun suddenly lost temper and destroyed a fire extinguisher on the bus. Greater Beijing is one of the most populous and spread-out cities in the world. It covers an area 10 times as big as Greater London and is served by 22 metro lines and hundreds of bus routes She then started scolding other passengers before going up to the driver and trying to grab the steering wheel from him, according to the police statement. Sun was refrained from attacking the driver by security staff on board. The conductor called the police. She was taken away by officers and has been detained for severely affecting the order on public transport. A bus fare in Beijing costs between 0.4 and 0.8 yuan (0.5p-0.9p) if the passenger pays with the city's traffic card. The police did not specify how much Sun claimed she had been overcharged by. Beijing police said she had confessed to the allegations and expressed regret for her behaviour. A bus crashes into the opposite lane before plunging off a bridge into the Yangtze River, killing at least 13. The accident last month was caused by a brawl between a passenger and the driver Late last month, a passenger fought with the driver of a bus in Chongqing during a journey. The brawl caused the vehicle to veer into the wrong lane before falling into the Yangtze River. Police said the female passenger started quarrelling with the driver after she had missed her stop. None of the 15 passengers on the bus is believed to have survived. The official Xinhua News Agency said 13 bodies had been retrieved from the river and two others remained missing. Cesar Altieri Sayoc, 56, entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday in Manhattan The Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent critics of President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges carrying a potential penalty of life in prison. Cesar Altieri Sayoc, 56, entered the plea through his lawyers during his appearance in Manhattan federal court. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff set a July 15, 2019, trial date. The judge suggested earlier dates, but Sayoc's attorneys said they needed more time to prepare given the amount of discovery in the case and a lack of staffing at the federal public defenders' office of New York. 'This is a slightly more complex case than the average one,' federal defender Sarah Baumgartel told Rakoff. Scroll down for video Sayoc is seen last week in court, raising his hand to swear to the truth of his need for assigned counsel. On Thursday a federal judge set his trial date for July 15, 2019 Sayoc - who faces five federal counts, including use of a weapon of mass destruction - is accused of sending 16 improvised explosive devices through the U.S. mail to victims across the country. None of the devices exploded. Authorities said he targeted numerous Democrats, critics of Trump and CNN - a scare that heightened tensions before the crucial midterm elections. Federal prosecutors said authorities are still scouring surveillance video from the U.S. Postal Service and lining up experts to examine the explosive devices. They estimated the government will need three weeks to present its evidence at Sayoc's trial. Sayoc's mother said in a recent letter to ABC News her son grapples with mental illness, though she didn't provide any further details about his condition. But it's not clear whether Sayoc's attorneys intend to raise that defense in court. Sayoc is accused of sending 16 packages with suspicious devices to critics of Trump, including the one above addressed to CNN's offices in Atlanta Baumgartel declined to comment on her client's mental health after Thursday's hearing. Sayoc was arrested on October 26 in Plantation, Florida, outside an auto parts store. He had been living in a van covered with stickers of Trump and showing images of some of the president's opponents with crosshairs over their faces. An improvised explosive mailed to former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in suburban Chappaqua, New York, contained a picture of Clinton and members of her family marked with a red 'X,' prosecutors say. Others targeted by the mailings included former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, California Senator Kamala Harris and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. Packages were also mailed to CNN's offices in New York and Atlanta. The father of one of three Indiana children who were struck and killed by a pickup truck as they crossed a road to board a school bus said Thursday that threats against the driver and her family won't bring justice for his daughter or help those she left behind. Michael Stahl spoke after the 24-year-old driver, Alyssa Shepherd, entered a not guilty plea in Fulton County Court to three counts of reckless homicide. Stahl's nine-year-old daughter, Alivia, was killed in the Oct. 30 pre-dawn collision , along with her six-year-old twin brothers, Xzavier and Mason Ingle. Alyssa Shepherd leaves the Fulton County Courthouse in Indiana Thursday after pleading not guilty in last month's crash that killed three siblings boarding a school bus Michael Stahl said after the hearing Thursday morning that he was praying for Shepherd's family and that threats being made against them must stop Maverik Lowe, the 11-year-old who was severely injured in the crash, remains hospitalized in Fort Wayne. Stahl said after the hearing Thursday morning that he was praying for Shepherd's family and that threats being made against them must stop. 'It's not helping the situation. It doesn't help the prosecutors. It doesn't help the justice system. It doesn't help us. And it doesn't do my daughter justice or the other people who are affected by this,' he told WSBT-TV. This family photo shows Alivia Stahl, center, and her twin brothers, Xzavier and Mason Ingle, who lost their lives on October 30 after being hit by Shepherd's pickup truck Stahl said his focus is now his remaining daughter, who is 11 and was at a doctor's appointment on the day of the crash. He said she is struggling with emotions that no child should have to face. 'A child that age shouldn't have to grow up that fast,' he told the South Bend Tribune. Shepherd struck four children that morning as they crossed the two-lane road to board a Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. bus near Rochester, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. If convicted of the charges against her, the married mom-of-two could face up to 19 years in prison Shepherd also faces one misdemeanor count of passing a school bus when an arm signal device is extended, causing bodily injury. Shepherd told authorities she didn't realize that she was approaching a stopped school bus, despite the activated stop arm and flashing lights. Court documents show Shepherd told police she saw the lights but didn't recognize the vehicle as a school bus until the children were right in front of her. At her probable cause hearing earlier this month, a witness said Shepherd appeared to be doing 45mph - within the 55mph speed limit- when she hit the group of children with her Toyota pick-up truck at 7.15am outside a trailer park. The driver of the school bus blasted his horn seconds before Shepherd's car made impact but it was too late. Shepherd stayed at the scene to talk to police and was later arrested. She was freed from jail after posting $15,000 bond. Shepherd, who is married and has two children of her own, is due back in court for a pretrial conference on February 5. If convicted of the charges against her, she could face up to 19 years in prison. Jackie Speier felt in her gut that something was wrong. She was 28 years old, a California native with a law degree and a prestigious job with Congressman Leo Ryan a man whod mentored her since she volunteered for his campaign while still in high school - and she was preparing to accompany him as just one of two staffers on a trip to South America. They were traveling to check out firsthand the compound of Jim Jones and the hundreds whod followed him to Guyana, many of them Ryans constituents, and Speier was disconcerted by accounts shed heard from so many of those followers relatives and people whod defected themselves from Jones Peoples Temple. Speier, during early November in 1978, couldnt put her finger on exactly why, but she was nervous about Ryans plan to visit the secluded compound and the cult leader whod been portrayed by so many as volatile. She shared her anxiety with friends and family, but she blamed it on the fact shed be flying in a tiny aircraft over Guyanese jungle. Little did she know that, just days later, shed be fighting for her life in that very same jungle, cowered in the cargo hold of the same tiny plane, wondering if and when help would ever arrive. Her fears had been realized to an unimaginable extent. Ryan and hundreds more were dead, and she was fading in and out of consciousness, her body riddled with five bullets, as gunmen wandered around finishing off victims at point-blank range. Her life would never be the same if she managed to hold onto it. I feigned death, staying as still as I possibly could, but the gunfire was terrible, and I found myself flinching at the sound, she writes in a newly-published memoir. I kept saying to myself, I am ready and I am willing to die. At this point I just want the gunfire to stop. Jackie Speier, center, strategizes with Democratic Congressman Jack Ryan, right, and staffer James Schollaert, left, aboard the aircraft carrying them to Guyana in South America - where they hoped to investigate the Peoples Temple outpost set up by cult leader Jim Jones Speier, in newly published memoir Undaunted, describes how she had misgivings about the trip - concerns which proved correct after gunmen loyal to Jones attacked the delegation and temple defectors as they attempted to leave the area; Speier, pictured, was shot five times Within hours of the gun attack on Ryan's delegation, word reached survivors on and around the airstrip that hundreds of his followers had died from mass poisoning Speier - who now sits in Ryan's congressional seat in northern California - says in her memoir that she vowed, while at the brink of death, to dedicate herself to public service if she lived But Speier miraculously survived, going on to become a Congresswoman herself and the harrowing journey that ended with a House seat and a commitment to public service is chronicled in her new memoir, Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Finding Hope in the Darkest Places, and Breaking the Silence, published last week by Little A. It all began in 1960s San Francisco, when teenage Speier a clever student at an all-girls Catholic high school decided to volunteer for young, idealistic politician and former teacher Leo Ryan, whod served as local mayor in her South San Francisco neighborhood and as a city councilman. She continued for years to work for Ryan in various capacities, ultimately taking a job as his legislative council in Washington, DC following her graduation from law school. Around the same time, Ryan was looking more and more into Jones Peoples Temple, which had established a significant presence in northern California and San Francisco. Congressman Ryan and I were walking down a hallway as he was about to go to the floor for a vote, Speier writes. He was opening a reading file, and the first document he read was an article from the San Francisco Chronicle from June 15, 1978. It was about Debbie Blakey, who had just escaped form the Guyana Peoples Temple. She was one of the first to escape and the first individual who spelled out the true nature of the experience in Guyana. Meanwhile, Speier writes, a growing body of constituents, known as Concerned Relatives, had begun writing Congressman Ryan with increasing alarm about their daughters and sons who had accompanied the charismatic demagogue to his socialist paradise or agricultural cooperative in Guyana. Ryan and Speier met with Blakey, who told them of threatened mass suicides and other alarming developments, and the pair heard about sexual, physical and additional alleged abuses from different relatives and former Jones followers. Speier writes that Ryan believed he had a moral and oath-binding commitment to his constituents to personally investigate the situation, to the extent that he could explaining how her boss was determined to head to Guyana despite assurances from US officials on the ground that everything was fine. Speier, however, was concerned about red flags such as Jones reported volatility, writing: There was no telling what hed do if confronted and challenged. Ryan had chosen her to accompany him on the trip, and she realized it was a massive step to be included as a female staffer at the time. Though she shared concerns with her close circle, Speier writes, Ryan insisted that there was nothing to worry about he genuinely believed that he had some sort of protective shield around him, despite the fact that we werent traveling with any military escort or protection. They arrived in Guyana without a formal invitation, and Speier was further worried by the seemingly close relationship between US representatives in the country and Jones. But a determined Ryan eventually secured a begrudging invitation to the camp, and his delegation accompanied by several journalists headed to the remote Peoples Temple outpost. They were welcomed with performances and food, though Speier and others felt much of the presentation was a charade a suspicion confirmed when NBC correspondent Don Harris was slipped a note from members asking for help getting out. Initially, two people wanted to leave but as word spread, the numbers swelled to several dozen, and Ryan agreed to take them back to America with him as Jones began to unravel. Jones, easy to spot in his bright-red short-sleeved button-down shirt, was doing his best to keep his cool, but beads of sweat were running down his face as he licked his lips and watched over his congregation, Speier writes. Congressman Leo Ryan, left, wears a bloody shirt after he was attacked with a knife during the Peoples Temple visit as defectors tried to leave; leader Jim Jones, right, devolved quickly as more and more of his followers attempted escape. The situation turned chaotic, then deadly, with Ryan shot 45 times after leaving the compound, Speier writes Speier and other survivors of the gun attack tried to shelter in the cargo hold of the same plane that had been scheduled to carry them out, though it was damaged by gunfire; she writes in her memoir that 'it didnt take long for us to realize we were sitting ducks in the cargo hold' Speier writes in Undaunted: 'When people refer to the Jonestown massacre as a mass suicide, I am enraged. It was nothing of the kind. Although some of Joness most zealous followers may have drunk the poison voluntarily, the vast majority of those people were murdered outright and against their will. Nearly three hundred children were administered the poison, with no comprehension of what it meant. That included a number of infants in the arms of their parents. Infants cannot commit suicide' Speier was eventually transported back to the United States with extensive injuries and spent two months recovering in East Coast hospitals before returning to her native San Francisco, when she registered within days to run for the late Ryan's seat He was still rational things hadnt gone completely sideways yet but his anxiety was clearly growing I was feet away from Jones, close enough to hear him trying to convince people to change their minds. When cameras were rolling, he spoke of how he loved them and how there would always be a place for them but those declarations would be followed by thinly veiled mutters about treason and liars. He was cracking, and all I wanted to do was get out of there. The delegation requested an extra plane as numbers grew, while Ryan elected to stay behind with as Speier joined the first group of defectors on a dump truck about to leave though it became stuck in mud and had to be dug out. Moments later, Congressman Ryan emerged from a throng of people with a torn and bloodied shirt, Speier writes. While trying to keep the peace, he had been attacked by a member with a knife. The atmosphere had become frightening and uncontrollable; the members were too volatile for the congressman to stay. So we loaded up as many people as possible in the first truck, including Ryan. Once we were pushed out of the mud and the truck sputtered to life, we slowly drove away from Jonestown. The long and jerky ride back to Port Kaituma was grim. There were around two dozen of us crammed in the bed of the muddy truck, with at least forty would-be defectors left behind, belongings packed, waiting to escape. Speier was relieved to reach the airstrip, where one small plane was waiting and another was set to land in about 20 minutes, but she was concerned by the presence of a Jones loyalist, Larry Layton, on the truck, wearing a bulky poncho, because it made no sense that he would be trying to leave Jonestown. Speier was helping defectors onto the plane and trying to dissuade a curious local boy when the unimaginable happened. From the ground, I was encouraging him to get off the plane when a large red tractor-trailer rumbled onto the airstrip, she writes. I couldnt immediately identify the deafening sound that filled the air. Everybody bolted in different directions. I saw the congressman and Don Harris dash under the airplane. I followed suit and attempted to get behind the wheel of the aircraft. As I was moving toward that wheel I watched as Congressman Ryan was shot. Blood gushed from his neck. As I tried to move toward him to stem the flow of blood, he was shot a second time and fell to the ground. Layton, who had indeed concealed a gun beneath his poncho, was also shooting. I dove to the ground behind the airplanes wheel and waited, as the onslaught of bullets thumped against the metal above me During the attack, about a half-dozen men had leapt from the tractor, leveled their automatic weapons, and approached fast. Screams of shock and anguish filled the air, underscored by the rapid pounding of gunfire. The thunderous refrain was overwhelming, punctuated by the smell of burning gunpowder. I was lying on my side with my head down, feigning death, while the men were walking around shooting people at point-blank range. My body was suddenly crushed by a shocking blow to my side. It felt like a Mack truck had just sped over me. That blow was the first of five bullets fired at me from behind, piercing my right arm, leg, and back. Indescribable pain ripped through my body, consuming me, only leaving room for a fleeting thought that I should lie still and pretend to be dead. I remained there, paralyzed by shock, for what felt like an eternity, just an eternity, but what was likely five to ten minutes The chaos persisted until, abruptly, a devastating silence fell all around me. I lay completely still. I have no idea how much time passed until I very slowly turned my head and opened my eyes. Bodies lay crumpled on the tarmac around me. There was no movement, but I thought the others might also be playing dead. Congressman Ryans body was probably fifteen feet away from me, utterly still. I couldnt see him clearly enough to know whether or not he was breathing. I was later told that he had been shot forty-five times. Its hard to know when it became obvious that he was gone, or when I realized that the others werent pretending. But the moment I finally looked down at my own body is locked in my mind, vivid and surreal. The whole right side of me was blown up, unrecognizable. A bone was jutting out of my right arm, and my leg was destroyed. A huge hunk of flesh had been blown off my thigh. That body my body was the body of a dead woman. She continues: I had no idea what to do. That was the moment I said the Act of Contrition. That was the moment I resigned myself to the inevitable darkness that was waiting for me. Speier worked up the strength to drag herself toward the cargo hold, and a reporter helped push her into it. I was met by a handful of the Concerned Relatives and defectors who had survived, she writes. People were sobbing. I was bleeding profusely. The gunfire had ceased, but we had no idea if other mercenaries were on their way, or if those men with guns were somewhere nearby just waiting for their moment. The engine and tire of the plane had been shot out, so it didnt take long for us to realize we were sitting ducks in the cargo hold. The survivors dispersed into the surrounding jungle. A few kind Guyanese men carried me to a grassy patch on the side of the airstrip, where they thought Id be safe. They unknowingly laid me down atop an anthill. I didnt have the energy to move, but, as Ive said many times, you dont sweat the small stuff when youre dying. One of the reporters lent Speier a recorder, she writes, so that I could take a brief farewell to my family, a sort of oral last will and testament. Eventually, a tent was set up for the wounded Speier writes that she was in the worst shape of the group and, after several hours, the survivors received word about the mass poisoning at Jonestown, seven miles away. When people refer to the Jonestown massacre as a mass suicide, I am enraged, Speier writes. It was nothing of the kind. Although some of Joness most zealous followers may have drunk the poison voluntarily, the vast majority of those people were murdered outright and against their will. Nearly three hundred children were administered the poison, with no comprehension of what it meant. That included a number of infants in the arms of their parents. Infants cannot commit suicide. The hundreds of elderly among the followers were told that if they attempted escape, they would be left in the depths of the jungle to die terrible, prolonged deaths, alone. Speier poses in 1979 with a bust of Congressman Ryan, who had been her mentor since she volunteered for his campaign as an idealistic high school student; though her first run for his seat was unsuccessful, she continued to pursue a life in politics and currently holds his office Speier writes in her memoir that, while many of Jones's followers drank poison-laced Flavor Aid, those who did not comply were forcibly injected or shot as they attempted to flee Speier was a star witness at an 'informal' hearing on cult worship while she was still recovering from her vast injuries; she says now, 40 years after the attack, that 'something within me did die on that airstrip be it my innocence or my belief in the natural fairness of life. But I cant deny how radically that nightmare molded my perspective and my instincts and how much it has informed the woman I am today ... Surviving Jonestown crystallized where I needed to focus my energy. It convinced me that I had a purpose Many members had been brainwashed into believing that Jim Jones was some sort of deity: he himself claimed he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Some felt they should follow their father wherever he was going. Still others had bought into Joness propaganda that the rest of the world was a threat and that armed forces were on their way to enact some greater horror on the compound. The news at the time and the history lessons to follow usually failed to mention that a number of the Peoples Temple members were shot, several in the field between the pavilion and the jungle, clearly trying to escape. Others, who presumably refused to drink the Kool-Aid (a misguided phrase I very much wish could be scrubbed from our conversations and lexicon), were injected with cyanide and other poisons. There were piles of used syringes left behind at the scene. An eyewitness who managed to escape the massacre described how people who did not cooperate were injected with poison where they sat, or were held down and injected with poison. The precise numbers and causes of death could never be confirmed, but this was not a mass suicide. It was a mass murder. For twelve hours after the shooting, Speier lay suffering until she realized that the simple fact that I knew I was dying was proof that I was, indeed, still alive And, as time went on and I was still drawing breath, I started thinking about what might happen if I survived. Just as solemnly as I had said the Act of Contrition, I vowed that if I got out of there alive, I would make every day count, I would live as fully as possible, and I would devote my life to public service. She did indeed survive and was flown back to the United States, though Speier faced a grueling recovery. That didnt stop her, however, from running to fill the late congressmans seat. After two months being treated at East Coast hospitals, Speier returned to San Francisco on a Friday and the following Monday filed papers to run for Ryans office. Running for office forced me to look beyond myself, to campaign, socialize, make my opinions heard, and prove to myself and everybody else that I was not a victim, she writes. I felt duty bound to my promise to devote myself to public service, but I also genuinely hoped to carry forward Congressman Ryans legacy. She ultimately lost that first election, but she remained true to her commitment to public service and, 40 years later, she holds Ryans seat today. With the hindsight of forty years, I see that my baptism by gunfire guided me into the life I was meant to live: one of public service, one that would ignite the courage to make my voice heard, and one that would carry with it a visceral appreciation for each new day, she writes in the book. That sentiment was far from my thoughts at the time. Truth be told, it would have been far easier to have closed the box on Guyana long ago, or to have pushed the memory away into the recesses of my mind. What happened in that jungle was a massacre. A nightmare. Though I survived, something within me did die on that airstrip be it my innocence or my belief in the natural fairness of life. But I cant deny how radically that nightmare molded my perspective and my instincts and how much it has informed the woman I am today. We dont get to choose or formative moments. Very often, adversity and failure shape us more permanently than fortune and success. That has certainly been the case in my life. The major setbacks Ive endured and there have been many have actually propelled me onward, each one reminding me how important it is to stand up again, as difficult as it may be, stronger and more steadfast. Pain yields action; it can introduce a fervor to speak out for those whose voices are not heard. Surviving Jonestown crystallized where I needed to focus my energy. It convinced me that I had a purpose. One of the texts asked her friend to 'call a taxi. I don't think I'm safe' A young girl sent a series of frantic text messages begging for help before she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two men. The teenager, from Dunedin, New Zealand, provided the timestamped text messages to police a week after the alleged assault in early December 2017. But police say there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the two men, who claimed she 'was into it'. One of the texts asked her friend to 'call a taxi. I don't think I'm safe,' at 2am, followed by unreadable texts, supporting the teenager's case that she was too drunk to move - or give consent. But the two suspects said the girl was not too intoxicated to consent saying she was 'pretty good the whole time'. They also claimed that once the three of them were in bed together, she asked for two condoms, a sign - they say - that she had given consent. But the teen argues she repeatedly tried to get out of the bed but was held down by the men, who are both in their mid-20s. A young girl sent a series of frantic text messages to her friend begging for help before she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two men (file picture) The texts were sent over a period of five hours She also does not recall asking for condoms. Despite not physically saying no, she claims she made it very clear she was not comfortable. She said she repeatedly turned her head when the men tried to kiss her. But she claims police didn't take her case seriously, and is in the process of lodging a formal complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) about the way her report was dealt with by the local authorities. She raised concerns that the two suspects weren't formally interviewed by police until five months after her complaint, but her father was contacted soon after he shared a post about one of the alleged offenders on social media and warned that he could face prosecution if he didn't remove the post. The detective allegedly told the teenager's father that she was 'no angel'. She said the whole ordeal has left her disillusioned. 'I'm really sad, and hopeless and angry. I'm just really angry. It's changed my outlook on life. I just see rape culture everywhere. I always think about the bigger picture, how many other girls it would have happened to." A friend, who was also allegedly assaulted by one of the men, was too afraid to speak with officers after the way her friend's complaint handled. Acting Southern District Commander Inspector Joel Lamb says the case was handled correctly. He went on to say that while the outcome may have been disappointing for the complainant, they couldn't prosecute due to a lack of evidence. Three devastated siblings whose mother's body lay decomposing inside her house for two weeks say they will be scarred for life after making the horrific discovery. The bodily fluids of Dianne Hanna, 57, seeped through the floorboards, tiles and walls of her modest home in Grafton, on the New South Wales' north coast. Mrs Hanna's adult daughter Katharine said her late mother's body was found on November 8 when a friend came over to mow the lawns. 'He noticed some odd things around the house - the bins weren't emptied - and my mum kept her little house immaculate,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Then he noticed a smell... he found her, the poor guy.' Grafton woman Dianne Hanna's body was discovered in her home on November 8 Daughter Katharine every single room was contaminated with the bathroom having to be ripped out (pictured) along with half the kitchen and hall Miss Hannah's brother Andrew was the first to find out when he drove past the house and saw multiple police cars parked out front. 'He then let us know, my little brother and me, I came immediately home as did my brother,' she said. 'I got the keys and went straight home to beat my brothers there. I wanted to clean up anything amiss so my little brothers could come and grieve their mum. 'I opened the door and stepped back. I was shaking, probably still in shock, walked through the hall -saw her resting place- walked to the front door, opened it. 'I cried on the front verandah for some time.' Miss Hanna said the confronting scene inside the home, which her mother affectionately called her 'castle', would haunt her for life. 'The house was a mess to put it lightly. There are dark parts of our minds, that we avoid and fear because we don't know what is in there,' she said. 'Now I feel as though I know exactly what lay in that dark space in the bottom of my mind. That black scene I walked into where my beautiful mum was in her final minutes. 'Every single room was contaminated. I started to clean up the other rooms.' Mrs Hanna's daughter Katharine, 33, (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia her brother was devastated when the news was broken to him Miss Hanna and her brothers have had to set up a GoFundMe campaign in the wake of her mother's death which left her and her brothers with costs exceeding tens of thousands of dollars Although Mrs Hanna's body had been taken away for testing, the stench and mess remained. She called police to see if they would help her clean it up, but she claims they told her it was her responsibility. 'I even went to buy bleach and gloves. But I couldn't do it.' She eventually contacted the National Trauma & Crime Scene Cleaning who told her get out of the house and not to try and clean it herself. 'They came to inspect and told us it was a huge job. I could not have anticipated. The bathroom had to be ripped out, half the kitchen and hall,' she said. 'There is also extensive structural and internal damage that will need to be handled quickly to ensure that the house can be lived in again,' Miss Hanna said. Miss Hanna and her brothers have since set up a GoFundMe campaign in the wake of their mother's death to help with the $15,000 cleaning bill. 'I did not want to release these details. Mum was such a proud lady. She would be horrified,' she said. Dianne Hanna's son Andrew Hanna (pictured) was the first family member to discover his mother had died and had to break the news to his two siblings 'But we have no choice or we will lose the house we grew up in and my mum would be even more upset about the state her little castle is in.' Miss Hanna said the scene they had to take care of was 'nothing short of horrific'. 'Walking into an environment that is deemed dangerous for people due to biohazardous toxins in the air, we're facing absolute worse case scenarios,' she said. 'Bodily fluids have contaminated the wood in the walls. Mum's remains have gone through tiles, concrete, right down to the floorboards.' Miss Hanna said authorities are yet to determine the cause and time of her mother's death. Her body is currently in Newcastle undergoing forensic testing, but Miss Hanna said her mother lead a quiet and healthy lifestyle. Miss Hanna said her siblings were at risk of never being able to save their family home. 'On top of all this, funeral arrangements are on hold as mum's remains had to be sent away for further investigative testing,' she said. 'As well as the fact, we cannot afford a funeral now after our deposit for this extensive clean up.' Miss Hanna said she was left with no other option than to reach out to the community. 'Mine and my two brothers resources are now drained, just placing the deposit to start this process,' she said. 'Any contribution in our time of need would be so amazingly generous and we'd be forever eternally grateful.' A shirtless man has stormed from his car and dragged a scooter from the road after accusing the rider of breaking the law by riding between lanes. The angry man said 'see this, illegal, going down the middle of lanes' while motioning at the road with his arm as the shocking road rage played out. The rider, Mike Crilly, parked his scooter in front of the vehicle to confront the man who kept insisting that lane filtering was 'illegal buddy'. Helmet cam footage showed the man returning to the silver vehicle which he was a passenger of before turning around and setting his sights on the two-wheeler. A shirtless man (pictured) has dragged a scooter across the road in a frustrated rage after accusing its rider of breaking the law for driving down a dividing line 'Oh awesome, awesome c***,' the frustrated passenger, who appeared to have plaster on one of his arms, said as he stomped his way from the car. Distinct scraping could be heard as the scooter was dragged across the rough bitumen to the kerb. The scooter owner remained surprisingly composed throughout the ordeal which took place on a busy road in broad daylight . 'Alright, that's fine,' he could be heard saying, while indistinct yelling came from the woman behind the wheel of the silver car. Distinct scraping could be heard as the defenseless scooter (pictured) was dragged across the rough bitumen, its owner however remained surprisingly composed Throughout the ordeal the scooter owner remained surprisingly composed The video was shared to YouTube on Wednesday, with Mr Crilly saying he decided to 'upload this video after a bit of time had passed'. 'This chap, and his mother, wasn't happy that I had filtered lanes. He claims it's illegal (it's not.) I got off my scooter to demand insurance details and well... you can see what happens next,' he wrote. Lane filtering is legal in most Australian states, however different rules on speed and specific locations apply. In every case though, lane filtering can only be carried out at speeds less than 30km/h for fully licenced motorcyclists, where and when it is safe to do so. Conversely, lane splitting - passing at speeds exceeding 30khm/h - is illegal in all states. The video was shared to YouTube on Wednesday, with Mr Crilly saying he decided to 'upload this video after a bit of time had passed' Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is paying a historic visit to Darwin in a powerful sign of its warm relations with Australia. Mr Abe will lay a wreath at the cenotaph in Darwin and hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Mr Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the city since his nation's army bombed the city during World War II, killing hundreds of Australians. The 1942 bombing was the largest single foreign attack ever launched against Australia. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured) is paying a historic visit to Darwin in a powerful sign of its warm relations with Australia He will lay a wreath at the city's cenotaph with Mr Morrison and inspect a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942 and remains there. The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Mr Morrison said. 'Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties,' he said. Mr Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the city since his nation's army bombed the city in February 1942 during World War II, killing hundreds of Australians The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Darwin is a key part of Japan's energy security through the recently completed $55 billion LNG project operated by Japan's Inpex. The Ichthys LNG venture is the biggest foreign investment made by Japan as it has moved away from nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster. The first gas shipment left Darwin for Japan last month. On Thursday, Inpex president Takayuki Ueda announced a $24 million package over 40 years, including benefits for indigenous education and the elderly. He said the support of locals including the Larrakia people made Darwin a friendly location to ship gas in a stable, democratic country. Japan's seventh resupply ship to the International Space Station is packed and readied for departure Wednesday morning. However, the Japanese cargo ship, H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 (HTV-7), has one more delivery mission before it burns up safely over the Pacific Ocean. Station skipper Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency) will command the Canadarm2 robotic arm to release the HTV-7 at 11:50 a.m. EST Wednesday. It will spend about an hour maneuvering safely away from the station on a trajectory to begin its next mission. Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor will monitor the vehicle until it reaches a point about 200 meters from the space station. NASA TV begins its live coverage of the departure Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The HTV-7 will fire its deorbit engines Saturday for a fiery but safe ending to its mission after 41 days attached to the station's Harmony module. Before the HTV-7 self-destructs in Earth's atmosphere it will release a small reentry capsule loaded with test cargo for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near the Japanese islands. The capsule will be retrieved by personnel from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to test the space partner's ability to safely return precious space cargo for analysis on Earth. As the two Expedition 57 astronauts packed the cargo ship, cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev continued his space physics research, photo inspections and inventory updates. The cosmonaut explored how microgravity and the Sun impact plasma-dust crystals. Prokopyev also photographed the condition of the station's Russian segment then updated the station's inventory system. On-Orbit Status Report Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Low Temperature Protein Crystal Growth (JAXA LT PCG): The crew retrieved JAXA LT PCG samples from the General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Experiment Refrigerator (GLACIER)1 unit and stowed them in the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Capsule Carrier. The goal of the JAXA LT PCG experiment is to produce high quality protein crystals in a microgravity environment at a low temperature. HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC): The crew completed Parts 2 and 3 of the HTV Capsule Assembly. They also completed final closeout of the Capsule Support Plate on the HTV-7 bulkhead prior to vestibule demating. The HSRC is designed to return relatively small payloads to the ground. The HSRC is 840mm in diameter, 190kg in weight, and contains roughly 30L pressurized volume for sample return. Splashdown is scheduled to occur at 4:06 pm (CT) on Saturday, November 10. Plasma Kristall-4 (PK-4): The crew initiated the second of four PK-4 experiment runs with the start of Particle Trapping via the European Physiology Module (EPM) laptop commanding using Neon Gas. This will allow clouds of particles to be captured inside the PK-4 chamber. Between the two scripts, it is desired to perform four successful trappings. PK-4 is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of "Complex Plasmas" which are low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles - so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas. HTV7 Departure Preparations: The crew completed loading ~74 Cargo Transfer Bag Equivalent (CTBEs) of trash into the HTV vehicle. The crew configured the vestibule for demate by removing Air Revitalization System (ARS) jumper, Intermodular Ventilation (IMV) supply jumper, 1553/ENET A and B jumper, and disconnecting the Node 2 HTV channel 2 power jumper. They also installed the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assemblies (CPAs). HTV-7 is scheduled to unberth tomorrow, November 7. Life Support Rack (LSR) Ground Initial Activation and Checkout: The ground began LSR activation and checkout, which will continue throughout the next several days. LSR is an ESA technology demonstrator for closed loop air revitalization. It captures carbon dioxide from cabin air and recovers 50% of its oxygen for use by the astronauts. LSR operates for a minimum of one year on the ISS to demonstrate the robustness of the technology for future Exploration Missions. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. LSR Activation & Checkout [In Work] HTV7 Depart Flowchart HTV7 GNC Activation HTV PROX GPS Activation & Monitoring N2N CBM Prep for Demate Two Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 11/07: Payloads: HTV-SRC departure photo (JAXA) VEG-03 Plant check (NASA) BEST Sample retrieve and Experiment ops pt3 (NASA) PK-4 Experiment runs (ESA) Systems: HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate HTV/Node2 Vestibule Depress and Leak Check HTV Departure/Release Thursday, 11/08: Payloads: Food Accept (NASA) Team Task Switching activity (NASA) PK-4 HD and chamber Gas exchanges (ESA) Meteor HD update (NASA) ISS HAM (NASA) Systems: ISS EMER Sim OBT Cygnus RNDZ OBT Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Transfer Operations - Pack and stow items on HTV Filling (separation) of () for Elektron-VM or - JEM XF305 Camcorder Setup JAXA LTPCG Transfer HSRC (HTV SMALL RE-ENTRY CAPSULE) SAMPLE INSTALL FROM JPM maintenance PK-4 Experiment Run 1/1 Node 2 Video Camera Setup Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup TV conference with the participants of the theme-based tour Space vacation in the camp Voskhod (Ku+S-band) HSRC (HTV SMALL RE-ENTRY CAPSULE) ASSEMBLY Photography of SM interior panels 225, 226, 228, 234, 245, 246, 429, 430 Ghost Camera Relocate Download Pille Dosimeter Readings IMS Update PK-4 Experiment Run 1/2 Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis Photo/TV Ghost Camera Stow HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate - Part 1 Node 2 Nadir CBM Control Panel Assembly (CPA) Installation INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. A lost interview with legendary Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain has been unearthed by a Canadian physics teacher. In 1991, Roberto LoRusso was a 21-year-old long-haired student who dabbled as a DJ on his university's student radio in the small town of London, Ontario. He'd got wind that Nirvana, back then a small-time indie band that was yet to release their hit album Nevermind, would be passing through on their way to play in Toronto, and managed to swing a sit-down with Cobain. After playing a few snippets of the interview on his student station - to an audience of around 15 people - LoRusso boxed up the cassette tape and left it gathering dust for the next 27 years. This month he finally decided to publish it online, after his friends pleaded with him to share the unique audio. But speaking to DailyMail.com from his London home, LoRusso, 48, confessed that he'd never listened to the whole tape himself, describing it as an 'amazing experience' but a 'trainwreck of an interview.' Lost and found: A nearly never-been-heard 1991 interview with Nirvana legend Kurt Cobain has been uncovered after the cassette tape was boxed up for 27 years Canadian physics teacher Roberto LoRusso (pictured left as a college student) was only 21 years old when he landed an interview with the then-hardly known Nirvana frontman before their concert in Toronto in 1991 'It was before Nevermind was released, so they were a big deal to us in our little niche music scene, but in the greater market nobody knew much of them at that point,' said the Canadian physics teacher. 'My intention at the time was to simply get a phone interview. 'I harassed the record label reps on a weekly basis. I think I called four or five times. Finally on the last call, the rep said I've been awarded one of the few independent media interviews. 'I thought it was just going to be a phone interview, so I asked what time Kurt would be calling the show. She said actually I'd be going to Toronto to interview them in person. Of course I was like, "wow, that's even better, that's great."' 'I was so naive at the time, I asked her, "So, I guess I should probably buy tickets then for the show." There was a pregnant pause, and she responded "you've clearly not done many interviews of this type before have you? We provide you free tickets." I was like, "Sweet!"' Roberto LoRusso, pictured present day, admits he'd never listened to the whole tape himself, describing it as an 'amazing experience' but a 'trainwreck of an interview' LoRusso said his nerves began jangling when he arrived, having only interviewed his friends' bands and small indie acts before. He met the Nirvana frontman, dressed in the 'grunge uniform' of a flannel shirt and jeans, shortly before the show in a spartan back room with two uncomfortable chairs and a round table. 'It was me, Kurt Cobain and a tape recorder. I was woefully ill-prepared for the interview, and a lot of the information I had was rumor and hearsay,' he said. 'But the guy, what a champ, he was remarkably gracious and patient. He was just a regular guy, he was just a dude.' In the interview, a weary-sounding Cobain told LoRusso how Nirvana's new signing with major record label DGC Records only netted the band $20,000, despite a $175,000 payout. '$175,000, 33% tax bracket, 15% to our lawyer, 10% to our manager, $70,000 to Sub Pop, left us with about $20,000 to buy equipment. I don't have a place to live at the moment,' said Cobain. 'We've been on tour and we've been recording for so long, I got evicted from my apartment about three months ago. Every time we come back we only have a few days at home, so I usually just go to my mother's. I haven't found a place to live yet.' Cobain also lamented how journalists were asking him the same questions. 'It's understandable, and I also realize that most of the interviews have to ask the standard questions because we don't have much of an image and there's not much story behind our band, and so what people can grasp, they base their interview off of that,' he said. 'But I'm getting really tired of the "independent going on to a major label" stuff. It's happened and there's nothing we can do about it so there's no sense analyzing it.' LoRusso, pictured far right in 1992, dabbled as a DJ on his university's student radio in the small town of London, Ontario After playing a few snippets of the interview on his student station - to an audience of around 15 people - LoRusso (pictured in white) boxed up the cassette tape and left it gathering dust for the next 27 years When LoRusso asked him about his previous comments disparaging white rap artists, Cobain shot back: 'Oh, I don't know. Hmm, was I drunk at that time? 'I'm a fan of rap music but most of it's so misogynist that I can't even deal with it. I'm really not that much of a fan. I totally respect and love it because it's one of the only original forms of music that's been introduced. The white man doing rap is like watching a white man dance. We can't dance, we can't rap.' When asked what the future held for him, the grunge icon gave a characteristically nihilistic response. 'Whatever, I don't know. Televisions out the window. Red snapper. Fire extinguishers. Sparklers, fireworks.' LoRusso said this attitude was evident, despite the band being on the cusp of stardom. 'As I was talking with him, there was a little bit of laissez-faire, almost indifference to what was going on around him. I didn't quite understand it, I didn't get it,' said the teacher. 'Because you're signed to Geffen, you're on top of the indie world, you're creating the most relevant stuff to date. And he almost couldn't care less, or was so distracted by something else that he didn't really seem to be enjoying himself. 'At the time I dismissed that thought. I'd just met the guy. But it was something that stuck with me. When he took his own life, it really made sense. 'It made me realize success doesn't mean anything if your world is chaos in your own mind. It's heartbreaking, he was a fantastic artist.' Three years after the interview, on April 8, 1994, LoRusso was taking a seven-hour drive home from teachers college in Montreal when he heard on the radio that Cobain had been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He spent the rest of the drive listening to the world come to terms with the news. He met Cobain before Nirvana's show in Toronto and explains he was 'woefully ill-prepared' but said the rock star was 'remarkably gracious and patient' Three years after the interview, on April 8, 1994, Cobain would take his own life, leaving behind wife Courtney Love and daughter Frances Bean Cobain (pictured left) 'I just remember the highway, and the Buick Regal that I was driving, and hearing the radio memorials on the scratchy indie radio station. I knew it was one of those moments I'm going to remember forever.' LoRusso says his encounter with Cobain put him on a trajectory towards his own love of music. He had a band in the 90s called Sanseiru and these days he plays drums for a band called Red Arms. He also has his own solo dub/noise/punk project called Dead City Beat. LoRusso said he too has suffered from depression like Cobain, but the sense of purpose that teaching gives him has helped him maintain his mental health. 'The most important thing that someone can have is a sense of purpose. Without it, life becomes very difficult to live,' he said. 'It doesn't matter what resources you have, how popular you are or how great a musician you are, if you feel your life is meaningless it's a pretty dark place to be. I'm pretty fortunate that I fell into the right career, I'm a pretty lucky guy when it comes to that.' Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on Thursday that acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who now oversees a probe into whether President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia, told him he had no concerns about Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the investigation. 'He's seen nothing out of bounds or no concerns at all about Mr. Mueller,' Graham, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters. Graham, after a meeting with Whitaker, said he was now confident there would be no interference in the investigation and he said he saw no need for Whitaker to recuse himself as Democrats have demanded, the spokesman confirmed. Whitaker told Graham the investigation would be allowed to proceed. The meeting with Graham and Whitaker comes as a bipartisan group of senators is pushing legislation to protect Mueller's job. The senators are concerned about Whitaker's past criticism of the Mueller probe, which is looking at Russian interference in the 2016 election and ties to President Donald Trump's campaign. Those concerns were only amplified after Trump appointed Whitaker as acting attorney general last week. No interference: Lindsey Graham says Matthew Whitaker (right) told him he was not shutting down the Robert Mueller special counsel probe Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have called for Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. A Justice Department spokeswoman said earlier this week that Whitaker will follow Justice Department protocols and consult with senior ethics officials 'on his oversight responsibilities and matters that may warrant recusal.' Democrats have also called for the special counsel bill to be added to a year-end spending bill that must pass in December to avoid a partial government shutdown. The bipartisan legislation, which was introduced more than a year ago, would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing and put into law existing Justice Department regulations that a special counsel can only be fired for good cause. On Wednesday, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said he would not vote to confirm judicial nominees unless GOP leaders hold a vote on the Mueller protection legislation. Whitaker is now overseeing the Mueller probe, which had previously been overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein told Congress that he saw no reason to fire Mueller. Recently ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself from overseeing Mueller because he had worked on Trump's Republican campaign - a decision that infuriated Trump and led to Sessions resigning at the president's request. Meanwhile Trump earlier alleged that the special counsel's office is full of 'thugs' who are intimidating potential witnesses and refusing to probe Democrats' bad acts. 'The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts,' he claimed in a rage on Thursday morning. 'They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want.' Where the president derived the information from is unclear, but the charge coincided with reports that he'd been meeting with his legal team this week in Washington to review written responses to questions posed by the special counsel that Trump intends to submit to Robert Mueller. He is also working with a new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, who he put in charge of the Russian meddling investigation when he dismissed ex-Justice Department head Jeff Sessions. President Trump alleges that the special counsel's office is intimidating potential witnesses and refusing to probe Democrats' bad acts Where the president derived the information from is unclear - no one has claimed publicly that they're being harassed in this manner An attorney for Trump did not respond to a request for clarifcation on the president's charges Trump subsequently suggested in tweets that Mueller, a Republican who was appointed FBI director by George W. Bush and kept in the role by Barack Obama, has it out for him because he served at the Justice Department when a Democrat was in power. He mistakenly claimed that Mueller worked Obama for the entire eight years of the Democrat's administration, when really it was fewer than five and it was in the law enforcement position that he'd been promoted to in the Bush administration. FBI directors are nominated for ten-year-terms that intentionally stretch across multiple administrations to distance the bureau from from political interference. The president unleashed on Mueller's team, too, contending once again that it's entirely made up of 'angry' Democrats who are raking associates of the president over the coals because they're upset that Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election. 'They are a disgrace to our Nation and dont care how many lives the ruin,' he said of the prosecutors who donated to his opponent or are registered Democrats. 'These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years.' Repeating a common refrain that the Russia probe is a 'witch hunt' that won't turn up any evidence that his side engaged in collusion with a foreign power to tilt the election his way, Trump also claimed: 'They wont even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!' A lawyer for the president did not respond to a request for comment on the confusing charge that the special counsel's team is badgering witnesses. A spokesman for the special counsel's office could not be reached immediately, either. No one who has been prosecuted by or approached by Mueller's team has levied claims of coerced testimony or the kind of harassment that Trump described. An attorney for right-wing pundit and known conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi did tell NBC News earlier in the week that Mueller's team was pressing his client for information that he doesn't have. 'They're only wanting to hear one thing and he can't give them that one thing,' David Gray told NBC News. The conversation took place just after Corsi said he expected to be indicted for lying to prosecutors about his knowledge of hacked emails from the account of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman. Corsi said in a Thursday morning tweet that he had entered into 'No Comment' mode on the advice of counsel. Trump mistakenly claimed that Mueller worked Obama for the entire eight years of the Democrat's administration, when really it was fewer than five and it was in the law enforcement position that he'd been promoted to in the Bush administration It was Mueller's team that was said this week, though, to be looking into claims that former Trump campaign aide and longtime associate of the president Roger Stone attempted to intimidate radio host Randy Credico. Stone reportedly told the former friend he says was a back channel to Wikileaks and Julian Assange that he was going to 'sue the f***' out of him in a text message. He also called Credico a 'loser, a liar, and a rat,' according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Credico told a grand jury that he was not a back channel for Stone to Assange, contradicting the Republican strategist. The incidents that drove Trump to Twitter to hammer Mueller, who he had mostly left alone in the lead-up to the mid-terms as the special counsel also lay low, were murky but could be tied to reports about coming indictments. 'Universities will someday study what highly conflicted (and NOT Senate approved) Bob Mueller and his gang of Democrat thugs have done to destroy people,' he said. Why is he protecting Crooked Hillary, Comey, McCabe, Lisa Page & her lover, Peter S, and all of his friends on the other side?' Trump tweeted, mentioning a string of fired FBI officials. Trump also claimed, 'The only Collusion is that of the Democrats with Russia and many others. Why didnt the FBI take the Server from the DNC? They still dont have it. Check out how biased Facebook, Google and Twitter are in favor of the Democrats. Thats the real Collusion!' He may have been raging because of the questions from Mueller he reportedly answered this week with written responses to avoid a legal show-down with the special counsel over a subpoena for an in-person interview. Trump complained last week that Mueller had wasted millions on the probe. 'I think its very bad for our country, I will tell you. I think its a shame,' he said. 'It should end because its very bad for our country.' The president also asserted: 'I could have ended it anytime I wanted. I didnt. And there was so collusion. There was no anything. I didnt.' The White House insisted after the exchange with a reporter that Trump wouldn't interfere with Mueller's investigation after he suddenly dismissed his attorney general a few hours later. Australia's most polluted suburbs have been revealed for the first time in a shocking new report. Australia's most polluted areas have been mapped out by postcode in The Dirty Truth report by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF). In the report, researchers revealed which suburbs are bearing the brunt of the of the impacts of air pollution, which kills an estimated 3,000 Australians each year. Australia's most polluted areas have been mapped out by postcode in The Dirty Truth report by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Australia's most polluted postcodes 1. Botany Bay (2019), Sydney, New South Wales 2. Altona (3018), Melbourne Victoria 3. Port of Brisbane (4178), Brisbane, Queensland 4. Parmelia (6167), Perth, Western Australia 5. Port Adelaide (5015), Adelaide, South Australia 6. Moonah (7009), Hobart, Tasmania 7. Fyshwick (2609), Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 8. Malak (0812), Darwin, Northern Territory Advertisement ACF found the lower the household income, the greater the exposure to air pollution compared to wealthier Australian households. The report also showed that 90 per cent of polluting facilities are located in low to middle income ($0 to $2,000) suburbs. ACF economist Matt Rose told ABC News if you're living in one of those suburbs you're more likely to be exposed to harmful pollutants, unlike wealthier postcodes where only 0.1 per cent of polluting facilities were found. He said the report showed the best way to avoid living among pollutants, 'is to have money essentially'. Among the most heavily polluted areas identified were Botany Bay in Sydney, Altona in Melbourne, Port of Brisbane, and Pamelia near Perth. The report revealed these areas to be laden with pollutant-causing facilities, such as refineries, cement plants, metal smelters, quarries, and waste management areas. Researchers pinpointed the most polluted postcodes by relying on data collected from the National Pollution Inventory (NPI), which collects self-reported data from big polluters. From the information provided by NPI, the top five polluted postcodes were found to be in regional Australia and each had either a coal-fired power plant or a mine. Among the most heavily polluted areas with NPI emissions were Mt Isa in Queensland, the Hunter region in New South Wales, Latrobe Valley in Victoria and Collie in Western Australia Professor Bin Jalaludin said people who live in cities are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, which can cause health problems The report also showed the most prevalent polluters are in manufacturing, which are unfortunately mostly located in areas where the majority of Australians live. 'The vast majority of polluting facilities are found in our major cities and it makes sense because that's where people are and where work is,' Mr Rose said. Mr Rose said it wasn't clear whether people live in those areas because it's cheaper or if those facilities have been put near low income communities on purpose. Investigator for the Centre for Air Pollution, Energy and Health Research, Professor Bin Jalaludin, said people who live in cities are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, which can cause health problems. 'What we know there's strong evidence is that [it] impacts on heart disease, on stroke, on respiratory diseases, on lung diseases, lung cancer for example,' he said. Two grandmothers have pleaded not guilty to misleading investigators looking into the massacre of an Ohio family-of-eight in 2016. Fredericka Wagner, 76, and Rita Newcomb, 65, face felony charges of obstructing justice and perjury for impeding an investigation. Newcomb is also charged with forgery. Two of their grandchildren were among the four people arrested earlier this week in connection with the murders of the Rhoden family - seven adults and a teenage boy - who were found shot in the head in April 2016. A county judge set bond at $100,000 for Wagner and $50,000 for Newcomb. If released, both would be placed on house arrest and monitored by electronic anklets. Scroll down for video Two women who are the grandmothers of two suspects in the massacre of a family-of-eight pleaded not guilty Thursday to misleading investigators of the crime. Fredericka Wagner, 76, covers her face as she walks into the Pike County Courthouse for her arraignment on Thursday Wagner (left), 76, and Rita Newcomb (right), 65, face felony charges of obstructing justice and perjury for impeding an investigation. Newcomb is also charged with forgery Wagner (pictured) and Newcomb were arrested for their alleged roles in the massacre of the Rhoden family - seven adults and a teenage boy - who were found shot in the head in April 2016 On Tuesday, police arrested a family of four in the slayings of eight members of the Rhoden family. George 'Billy' Wagner III, 47; his wife, 48-year-old Angela Wagner; and their sons, 27-year-old George Wagner and 26-year-old Edward Wagner, face aggravated murder charges and other counts that carry the possibility of a death sentence if they're convicted. An attorney for the family has said they will be vindicated. The victims of the 2016 killings were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr; his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence 'Frankie' Rhoden, 16-year-old Christopher Jr, and 19-year-old Hanna; Clarence Rhoden's fiancee, 20-year-old Hannah Gilley; Christopher Rhoden Sr's brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden. Fredericka Wagner is the mother of Billy Wagner. Rita Newcomb is the mother of Angela Wagner. Newcomb's attorney, Franklin Gerlach, portrayed his client as a grandmother living on Social Security. A county judge set bond at $100,000 for Wagner (right) and $50,000 for Newcomb (left). If released, both would be placed on house arrest and monitored by electronic anklets George 'Billy' Wagner III (top left), 47; his wife Angela Wagner (top right), 48; and their two sons, George Wagner (bottom left), 27, and Edward 'Jake' Wagner (bottom right), 26, were all arrested on Tuesday for the murders of the Rhoden family in Ohio in 2016 Wagner's attorney, James Owen, said Thursday that his client 'lived as close to the cross as anyone can' and taught Sunday school for decades. The Wagners, from the rural southern Ohio village of Peebles, were all charged with planning and murdering the Rhoden family who lived in the neighboring village of Piketon, 11 miles away, back in April 2016. Attorney General Mike DeWine revealed this week authorities believe that the murders had been meticulously planned over the Wagner family's 'obsession with custody'. One of the suspects, Edward 'Jake' Wagner, was the longtime former boyfriend of Hanna Rhoden, one of the victims, and shared custody of their daughter, Sophia. Family members say the girl, now four years old, is in state custody. DeWine said there was a 'fixation' regarding custody of Sophia. The Wagner family moved to Alaska with Sophia shortly after the killings in 2017. Edward Wagner, Angela Wagner and George Wagner are seen here in July 2017 The Wagners, from the rural southern Ohio village of Peebles, were all charged with planning and murdering the Rhoden family who lived in the neighboring village of Piketon, 11 miles away Sophia was not with her mother on the night of the killings, but three other children, including a step-sister, were. They were all unharmed. The Wagner family moved to Alaska with Sophia shortly after the killings in 2017. Their arrests are the culmination of a massive investigative effort since the seven adults and a 16-year-old boy were found dead at four different homes. Investigators scrambling to determine who targeted the Rhoden family had conducted over 130 interviews and processed over 100 pieces of evidence and 550 tips, while getting assistance from more than 20 law enforcement agencies. Authorities had refused to discuss many details about the slayings, saying they didn't want to tip their hand to whoever was responsible for the shootings. Hanna Rhoden, 19, was the ex-girlfriend of Edward 'Jake' Wagner. They shared custody of their daughter at the time of the massacre In June of 2017, authorities announced they were seeking information about the Wagners, including details on personal or business interactions and conversations that people may have had with the four. None was named a suspect at the time. Investigators also said they had searched property in southern Ohio sold by the Wagners. Both Jake Wagner and Angela Wagner told the Cincinnati Enquirer they were not involved in the April 2016 killings. Angela Wagner said in an email to the newspaper that what happened was devastating and Hanna Rhoden was like a daughter to her. John Clark, an attorney who has been representing the Wagner, said a year ago that four of the Wagner family members had provided laptops, phones and DNA samples to investigators, and agreed to be interviewed about the slayings. Clark said at the time, the family was being 'harassed while the real killer or killers are out there'. Christopher Rhoden Sr had 'a large-scale marijuana growing operation', which initially lead many to speculate that the killings were drug-related. Autopsy reports suggested the murders were calculated and brutal with the coroner saying all but one of the victims was shot more than once. Christopher Rhoden Sr is the only victim who was believed to have been awake when they were shot. Christopher Rhoden Sr, 40, and his ex-wife Dana Rhoden, 37, were among those killed in April 2016 in Piketon in southern Ohio Clarence 'Frankie' Rhoden, 20, and his fiancee, Hannah Gilley, 20, were shot dead while sleeping with their child Christopher Rhoden Sr's brother Kenneth Rhoden, 44, (left) and a cousin, Gary Rhoden, 38, were also shot dead The father-of-three sustained nine gunshot wounds in his forearm, torso and cheek. Sharing a trailer with Christopher Sr was his brother Gary, who was shot twice in the head and a third time in the face. His autopsy report says a 'muzzle stain' was left on his head, suggesting at one point a shot was fired while the gun was pressed against him. Dana Rhoden was carefully shot four times around her head and a fifth time from under her chin. She was sharing a trailer with Christopher Jr and Hanna who were both shot in the head multiple times. Hanna was in bed with her five-day-old child at the time. Frankie Rhoden and Hannah Gilley were also shot in the head, but their six-month-old child, who was sleeping between the couple, was spared. Hannah was shot five times in total, with one shot hitting her left eye. Kenneth Rhoden was shot only once, with the bullet entering his right eye. Three funerals were held for the victims. Investigators scrambling to determine who targeted the Rhoden family had conducted over 130 interviews and processed over 100 pieces of evidence. Pictured above is one of four murder scenes The hearses carrying five members of the Rohden family are pictured above ahead of their funerals in April 2016 Pike County Commissioner Tony Montgomery told the Columbus Dispatch that the Rhoden case has cost the county some $600,000 to date, including about $200,000 for a secure building that housed the trailers and camper where the killings occurred. Montgomery said almost $140,000 was reimbursed by the state. A death penalty case this size could be 'extraordinarily complicated and difficult,' said Michael Benza, a Case Western Reserve University law professor who has also represented death penalty defendants. Ohio law requires defendants in capital cases to have two lawyers, both certified in handling death penalty charges. Each side must also hire numerous investigators and expert witnesses, who could cover everything from blood patterns to ballistics in each killing. While prosecutors might favor a single trial, it's likely defense attorneys will push for separate trials for each defendant, Benza said, adding to the burden on the county. And many trials could swamp a small court like the one in Pike County, where the two common pleas judges already handle numerous other cases. The cost over the years, including appeals, could run into the millions, Benza said. 'Capital cases are already a tremendous use of resources, but now you've added four, with eight victims,' Benza said Thursday. 'It's not just times four, it's an exponential increase in cost, in time, in personnel.' State Supreme Court rules allow judges to ask that an extra judge be appointed temporarily in situations when courts are 'overburdened,' though no request has been made yet in Pike County. A man has been charged after a bizarre road rage incident involving a fake gun. A hatchback and a sedan were travelling east along Dodd Street in Hamilton Hill, south-west of Perth, when they came to a stop at an intersection on Wednesday. A man in the hatchback is alleged to have walked over to the Sedan with what appeared to be a handgun before firing several rounds about 6.20pm. A 47-year-old man was charged with the offence of Going armed in a way that may cause fear following an incident in Perth's south-west on Wednesday night The man is alleged to have then got back into the hatchback before leaning out of the window and firing another shot at the sedan. Police stopped the car a short time later, taking the man into custody, and searching the vehicle. They found a black replica handgun containing several rounds of blank ammunition. 'A weapon that discharges blank rounds, it's not classified as a firearm per se,' Western Australia Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told Seven News. Residents said they were terrified when the sound of gunfire rung out in the suburb. 'Bang bang bang bang, just on the corner there,' resident Vince Piscitelli told Seven News. Police seized a black replica handgun containing several rounds of blank ammunition after taking the man into custody The man was charged with the offence of going armed in a way that may cause fear. He is due to face the Fremantle Magistrates Court on December 11. A 49-year-old man from South Fremantle will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date relating to a drug offence, police said in a statement. Police inquires are still continuing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Donations for Bourke Street hero 'Trolley Man' Michael Rogers have continued to pour in, but police have grown no closer to tracking him down. More than 5000 people have donated to a GoFundMe account set up in the wake of Mr Roger's courageous trolley maneuver last Friday, with the balance now $143,947. The humble hero won nationwide appreciation after using a trolley to try and knock over barbaric terrorist Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, who lunged at police with a knife. Shire Ali was shot dead by a police officer after setting his car on fire, fatally stabbing cafe owner Sisto Malaspina and seriously injuring a security guard. Scroll down for video Michael Rogers (pictured) is being searched for by police over burglaries in the CBD and St Kilda areas as well as a breach of bail conditions Following the chaotic tragedy however, Mr Rogers, who has slept rough for 18 years, appears to have gone into hiding after policed issued a warrant for his arrest. He is wanted in relation to a string of alleged break-ins in Melbourne's CBD and St Kilda area, and breaching his bail conditions. Mr Rogers revealed after Friday's fatal attack he had spent time behind bars for crimes related to burglary, and he had used drugs in the past. Many Australians thought he deserved another shot at life though, and Good Samaritan Donna Stolzenberg established the GoFundMe so people could help. Despite the account having almost reached its $145,000 target, Mr Rogers has remained at large after staying briefly at Melbourne Homeless Collective. A video circulated online of Rogers attempting to try and stop Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, as the attacker repeatedly lunged at police officers with a knife (pictured) Ms Stolzenberg, the charity's founder, earlier this week revealed she was in contact with Mr Rogers who had called police three times to 'turn himself in'. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Mr Rogers said he had 'contacted police and would like to do the right thing'. He said the offences were quite old and 'wants to do what's in his best interests'. Ms Stolzenberg told Daily Mail Australia Mr Rogers repeatedly called police to negotiate his surrender after the news broke that he was wanted by police. 'So far they haven't called him back. He has called them again. Now trying a third time,' she said. Australia's most famous homeless man (pictured) helped police take down the Bourke Street terrorist by pushing a trolley into him While thousands of people had donated to the online fundraising effort since it was launched, many were shocked to learn of his checkered past. 'This human has been in and out of jail for two decades on burglary and other charges,' one person wrote online. 'He also has a drug addiction. Basically, this guy is a criminal and a deadbeat and you gave him $82K. Well done Australia.' Melbourne radio host Dee Dee Dunleavy also voiced her concern after initially praising Mr Rogers and the fundraising cause on social media. 'I was unaware when I tweeted this that he is a convicted criminal. The fact remains that he tried to help, but maybe direct funds to The Salvos instead,' she said. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Mr Rogers (pictured) said he had 'contacted police and would like to do the right thing' Broadcaster Neil Mitchell questioned how the money would be distributed and said 'great care' was needed. 'As has been reported, Michael has a criminal history, he did five years in jail for aggravated burglary so it must have been a bad one,' he said on 3AW Radio. 'He's got drug problems which he has talked about himself. Great care needed there in my view.' Melbourne Homeless Collective initially announced 'all funds donated to this campaign' would go directly to Mr Rogers to 'help get him back on his feet'. 'He's a hero in our eyes and he can do what he feels best with any funds he receives,' the charity said. 'He risked his own life that day for nothing in return and you can't put a price on that.' While a small minority argued the 'Trolley Man' wasn't entitled to the cash, thousands more slammed that suggestion and labelled him 'a hero' and 'a champion'. 'Maybe just don't define people as the sum of their greatest mistakes. Life isn't as black and white as ''good guys'' and ''bad guys'',' Melbourne-based author Jill Stark wrote. 'Trolley Man is everything great about Australia. He's not running away. He's helping in a crisis, and he's doing it in a ridiculous but effective way,' another posted online. He has no friends, only acquaintances, he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They're just associates. I've truly got no friends. I've got a lot of bad associates, but no good friends,' he said. Mr Rogers has come under fire for everything ranging from his criminal past to claims he wasn't homeless. Mr Rogers (pictured) has come under fire for his criminal past The shy and softly spoken hero has recounted the moments of madness that saw him charge at the killer with a trolley (pictured), and spoken about his lonely life on the streets Mr Rogers, who has pledged to go straight after a life of petty crime, has already gone out of his way to help more people since the attack and promised to donate thousands more to charity. 'I'm giving it away, as well as keeping some,' he said. While concern remains over exactly what Mr Rogers will spend the money on, the 46-year old longs for ordinary things most Australians took for granted. 'I love clothes. I love push bikes - that's my favourite. That's my passion,' he said. It was a passion that saw him breach his parole for aggravated burglary and wind-up back in jail. He had only been free for five weeks when the attack on Bourke Street happened. A man in Kentucky has been charged with federal hate crimes for killing two African-Americans at a grocery store last month in Kentucky. A federal grand jury in Louisville returned three hate crime charges against 51-year-old Gregory Bush on Thursday afternoon. US Attorney Russell Coleman said Bush is charged with killing two people based on their race and attempting to kill a third person based on his race. Gregory Bush is charged with three hate crimes for the killings of two people and the attempted killing of a third person at a supermarket in Kentucky in October Bush shot Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vicki Lee Jones, 67, with a 40-caliber handgun at Kroger grocery store after being unable to gain entry to a nearby church which has a predominately black congregation Bush also was indicted on three firearms charges. He had stopped at a church in suburban Louisville before heading to Kroger supermarket, where he shot and killed Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vicki Lee Jones, 67, at close range. He then exchanged fire with an armed man who attempted to stop him harming other people. Bush also was reportedly seen on surveillance video minutes before his assault, trying to break into the church which has a predominately black congregation. However the door was locked and he left. Russell Coleman said there has been a 'specter that reared its head and laid across this community' since the October 24 shootings. 'This is not acceptable,' Coleman said at a news conference Thursday. 'No Kentuckian should be frightened to go shopping, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go worship, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go to school'. Coleman said the FBI has been involved in investigating the shooting since the day it happened. Bush has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in state court and is being held on a $5 million cash bond. Prosecutors have not made a decision on whether they will seek the death penalty. Gregory Bush is led into a courtroom for an arraignment on murder charges in Louisville Bush's attorney could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. Stallard was shot by Bush inside the Kroger store. He then walked outside and shot and killed Jones in the parking lot before leaving the scene, police said. Jesse Kinzer, a friend of Stallard, told WFMY: I really can't ever remember Maurice talking negatively about anybody. She said: Never, over 50 years, never. It wasn't his personality. It wasn't his demeanor. it just wasn't Maurice. He was always trying to help somebody. Always'. Jones' nephew said she was a compassionate person and would never hurt anyone. Her nephew Kevin Gunn said: 'Very sweet, very kind, compassionate person. Bush shot two people and attemped to shoot a third person at this store in Louisville Bush attempted to enter the Jeffersontown Baptist church but the door was locked and he left She wouldn't hurt a fly, she was salt of the earth. A Christian woman, very kind and loving to her family so it's just kind of hard to grasp the situation right now'. Kevin Nelson, the pastor of Jeffersontown Church said his congregation is simply hoping 'to see justice be done.' 'We have to learn how to get along with each other and generally accept each other's differences,' he said. Sadiqa Reynolds, president of Louisville's Urban League, said after the U.S. Attorney's announcement Thursday that 'we cannot live in a community with hate, and there must be severe consequences for that. 'Racism is real and we see that our country is very, very divided. That is not going to go away'. Winter is coming to Australia's housing market, according to banking regulators, as figures show only 46 newly-built apartments sold in Sydney in three months. Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle said they are monitoring a shift by banks to reduce lending to residential property developers as it could begin a downturn in the market thoughts also echoed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. 'We've had 27 years of continuous economic expansion in Australia with a financial system that is very financially sound. But no summer lasts forever,' Australian Prudential Regulation Authority deputy chairman John Lonsdale told The Australian. Australia's housing market could see a downturn according to banking regulators as figures show only 46 newly built apartments sold in Sydney in three months (file picture) Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle (left) and Australian Prudential Regulation Authority deputy chairman John Lonsdale (right) have said that they are concerned about a downturn in the housing market The two banking heavyweights also said recent moves by the Council of Financial Regulators were aimed at strengthening the financial system should a downturn occur. The size of the Australian housing market, worth $1.6 trillion, means any downturn would have a significant effect on the overall economy. Property advisory firm Urbis released a report last week that revealed only 46 apartments were sold in Sydney during the three months July to September. Figures released earlier this year by the ABS showed there are more than 66,000 new apartments under construction in NSW while about 20,000 already sit vacant. While national house prices have fallen 5 per cent in the last 12 months, apartments prices, especially those sold off the plan, have fared even worse. 'One risk is tighter lending standards could amplify the downturn in apartment markets if buyers of off-the-plan apartments are unable to obtain finance. This could lead to an increase in settlement failures, further price falls and even tighter financing conditions for developers,' Mr Debelle said. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg drew attention to the efforts to decrease investor demand in the housing market aim at improving accessibility into the market for first home buyers. He said the comments by the banking authorities 'highlight the changing dynamic in the housing market, with targeted and measured interventions focused on investor demand.' Waleed Aly has jokingly been panned as an 'under-achiever' by his wife after his surgeon brother appeared on The Project. Dr Susan Carland, who now hosts her own program on SBS, gently mocked her TV husband after his older sibling Dr Ahmad Aly appeared during the ad break. Ahmad Aly, a gastrointestinal surgeon at Melbourne's Austin Hospital, has fronted a Cancer Council Victoria campaign explaining the dangers of having too much fatty tissue as a result of sugary drinks. Scroll down for video Gold Logie winner Waleed Aly (left) has jokingly been panned as an 'underachiever' by his wife Susan Carland (right) after his surgeon brother appeared on The Project 'Here's my brother-in-law, Ahmad who's a surgeon, on an ad discussing link between sugar and cancer (airing during ad break funnily enough),' Dr Carland tweeted this week. 'As you can see, Waleed is the under-achiever of his family.' While Waleed Aly, who this year turned 40, has won a Gold Logie for hosting The Project on Network Ten, his brother has taken on a more noble profession. Ahmad Aly, who is a decade older, works as a surgeon at Melbourne's Austin Hospital, at Heidelberg in the city's north, and at the nearby Warringal Private Hospital, along with running his own private practice. Ahmad Aly, a gastrointestinal surgeon at Melbourne's Austin Hospital, has fronted a Cancer Council Victoria campaign explaining the dangers of having too much fatty tissue In a 30-second ad for Cancer Council Victoria, he explained the link between having too many sugary drinks and getting bowel cancer. 'Sugar not only ads to the unhealthy weight you can see, but far worse is this toxic fat that you can't see,' he said, wearing a surgical cap in the operating theatre. 'Cancer cells love it. Toxic fat can trigger 13 types of cancer, including bowel, breast and oesophagus. 'There are clear links between being above a healthy weight and cancer.' Ahmad Waleed called on Australians to avoid sugary drinks to prevent getting cancer. Dr Susan Carland (tweet pictured), who now hosts her own program on SBS, gently mocked her TV husband after his older sibling Dr Ahmad Aly appeared during the ad break Dr Carland, a Muslim convert who hosts Child Genius on SBS, has recently revealed she turned down her husband when he asked her out, when she was 16. 'I wouldnt marry you if you were the last person on Earth,' the academic and author told him. The couple have been happily married for 16 years and have two children, daughter Aisha, 15, and son Zayd, 11. Waleed Aly, who was born in Melbourne to Egyptian parents, previously worked as a lawyer and as the spokesman for the Islamic Council of Victoria. He won a Gold Logie in 2016 and has been a finalist for a prestigious Walkley award for journalism. The flu jab shortage has left 1.3million fewer pensioners vaccinated than at this time last year, it emerged yesterday. Figures from Public Health England show that up until November 11 only 52 per cent of over-65s around 5.2million had received the vaccine. This is well below the 65 per cent who had been vaccinated at the same point last year. Meanwhile, nearly 69 per cent of GPs say they have experienced a shortage of the jab, according to a survey by doctors magazine Pulse, forcing them to turn away elderly patients as a result. Only 52 per cent of elderly patients have received the jab while 69 per cent of GPs reported a shortage of the vaccine Fluad - the new system - has sparked rows between NHS England and GPs The survey of 650 GPs revealed only 20 per cent of practices had had no trouble securing the vaccine. Problems have been blamed on the staggered roll-out of the new, more effective jab for over-65s, which has been released in batches. NHS officials insist that by tomorrow the final batches will have been delivered to surgeries and pharmacists. They claim this will mean 7.8million vaccines will have been sent out more than enough to hit the 73 per cent vaccination rate seen last year, when 7.4million over-65s received the jab. But GPs say insufficient supplies in September, October and earlier this month meant they could not vaccinate as many patients as they liked. The fiasco over the new jab called Fluad has triggered a war of words between NHS England and GPs. Officials insist GPs were given plenty of notice of the phased supply system, but doctors say they were only told in February four months after they usually place their orders. Dr Marie Williams, a GP from Blackpool, said: It has been a complete debacle, wasting practice and patient time. To add insult to injury, patients have been complaining that its the practices fault when clinic appointments have been sent out in good faith and supplies ordered in plenty of time. 'I fear another killer winter' Pharmacist Phil Hunt believes the jabs shortage has set the NHS up for another bad winter. Mr Hunt, in the job for 46 years, usually receives stocks by September. This year, however, the jabs did not arrive at Stokes Croft Pharmacy in Bristol until early November. Because of the delays, some patients are likely to completely miss out on the vaccination, he added. Warning that flu season was on its way, Mr Hunt, 69, said: The proportion of people who have not been able to get their vaccines is large enough that I think we are potentially in line for a bad winter. Mr Hunt, pictured, said everyone he had vaccinated in the past week said they had been back and forth to their local health centre but there were no supplies left. I dont think the quantity of people injected will be anything like as high as it has been in previous years, he added. Advertisement Dr Melanie Blackman, a GP from Wiltshire, told Pulse: Failed delivery times delayed by two weeks resulted in us having to cancel or move 170+ appointments. Last winter the jab given to millions had little effect because one of the strains it targeted had already mutated. Doctors hope the improved vaccine will stop a repeat of that but the supply issues could hit the vaccination effort. Dr Richard Vautrey, of the British Medical Associations GP committee, said: Previously, many patients will have been used to receiving their vaccination on demand from their GP or pharmacist, but because of the phased delivery, this has not been possible this year. 'However, with the next delivery of vaccines expected this month, we have been assured that there are adequate supplies to vaccinate all those who need it. NHS England said: This survey of little more than one per cent of GPs ignores the fact that this week, 100 per cent of vaccines will have been delivered by the manufacturer to those surgeries and pharmacists who placed an order on time, so the public can be assured that there is sufficient supply of the vaccine in stock for everyone to get protected. Expedition 57 Commander Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency), with back-up support from NASA astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, used the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm to release a Japanese cargo spacecraft at 11:51 a.m. EST. At the time of release, the space station was flying 254 miles over the northern Pacific Ocean. Earlier, ground controllers used the robotic arm to unberth the cargo craft. After release, a new, small reentry capsule will be deployed from the unpiloted H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 (HTV-7) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Designed by JAXA and assembled by the station crew, the conically shaped capsule measures 2 feet in height and 2.7 feet in width. The project is a technology demonstration designed to test JAXA's ability to return small payloads from the station for expedited delivery to researchers. HTV-7 will be a safe distance away from the space station after the last of several deorbit maneuvers. The return capsule will be ejected from a hatchway after the deorbit burn. The experimental capsule will perform a parachute-assisted splashdown off the coast of Japan, where a JAXA ship will be standing by for its recovery. The HTV-7 spacecraft is scheduled to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up harmlessly over the South Pacific Ocean Nov. 10. On-Orbit Status Report H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-7 Departure: This morning, the crew finished closing out the Node 2 vestibule by demating all umbilicals and depressurizing the vestibule between HTV-7 and Node 2 in preparation for the unberth. Commands were sent to the release Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) bolts prior to unberth. Robotic Flight Controllers then maneuvered HTV-7 to the release position utilizing the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). HTV-7 was subsequently released by the crew at 10:51 CT. Just after the HTV deorbit burn occurs on Saturday November 10, the HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC) will deploy from HTV with an intended splashdown southwest of Japan occurring at 4:06PM CT. The HSRC with JAXA Low Temperature Protein Crystal Growth (LT PCG) samples inside will then be retrieved and returned to Japan. The HSRC measures 840mm in diameter, 190kg in weight, and contains roughly 30L pressurized volume for sample return. Veggie: The crew placed markings on the watering syringes in preparation for future plant watering. Veggie-03 plants were checked for growth progression and watered as necessary. Photos were taken and placed on a flash card for downlink to the ground. The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) is a deployable plant growth unit capable of producing salad-type crops to provide the crew with a palatable, nutritious, and safe source of fresh food and a tool to support relaxation and recreation. Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST): BEST experiment operations part 3 were completed today to demonstrate direct ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing with the MinION miniature deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencer using the sample kit retrieved from MELFI 1. The BEST investigation studies the use of sequencing for identification of unknown microbial organisms living on the ISS, and how humans, plants and microbes adapt to living on the ISS. Plasma Kristall-4: The crew performed particle trapping activities using the Argon Gas line. Experiment was initiated via the European Physiology Module (EPM) laptop. Plasma Krystall-4 (PK-4) is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of "Complex Plasmas": low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other, which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles: so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS in the Hot Backup Configuration and unberthed HTV-7 from the Node 2 Nadir Active Common Berthing Mechanism (ACBM) using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). They then maneuvered HTV-7 to the release. After HTV-7 departure, Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS to a park position, de-configured the MSS from Hot Backup and supported a video survey of the Node 2 Nadir ACBM. Once the survey was complete, the MSS was powered down. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HTV-7 departure support Two Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 11/08: Payloads: Team Task Switching activity (NASA) Food Accept (NASA) Meteor HD Update (NASA) PK-4 HD and Chamber Gas Exchanges (ESA) ISS HAM (NASA) Systems: ISS EMER Sim OBT Cygnus RNDZ OBT Friday, 11/09: Payloads: BCAT Imagery Transfer (NASA) CIR Manifold Bottle change (NASA-RUS joint) PK-4 Run 4 and chamber cleaning(ESA-RUS) BPC Plate loading (NASA) VEG-03 chk and watering (NASA) BEST H/W stow (NASA) Time Perception (ESA) LMM Biophsics-06 reconfig (NASA) Systems: Port Radiator Survey Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Making a documentary about life onboard the ISS R PAO event report preparation ECON-M. Observations and photo (Task list) Recharging Samsung tablet in 55S Photo TV High Definition Node 2 Video Setup HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate - Part 2 HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS PART 1 PK-4 data hard drives exchange Robotic Workstation (RWS) High Definition (HD) Monitor Downlink Control of closing of a window 6,8,9,12,13,14 cover HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS PART 2 MORNING PREPARATION WORK HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS PART 3 PK-4 Experiment Run 2/1 HTV Portable Computer System (PCS) Command Verification HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE PRESSURE CHECK configuration for MRM1 Recovery of RS Urine Circulation Loop [-] HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE PRESSURE CHECK Veg-03 Water Syringe Marking HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS PART 4 Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) MWA Preparation reconfiguration in MRM1 Photos of HTV and HTV Small Re-entry Capsule PK-4 Experiment Run 2/2 HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS PART 5 Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) MELFI Sample Retrieve Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) Experiment 1 Part 3 Audit for - Verification of -1 Flow Sensor Position VEG-03G Plant Check/Water Restow Node 2 Nadir Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) and Handrails used for HTV-7 Small Re-entry Capsule USOS Window Shutter Close MSS HTV Release Setup HTV Departure Preparations Post-Exercise Hygiene Procedure SSRMS HTV Release and Departure Monitoring maintenance Remote Workstation Monitor HD Video Downlink Deactivation RWS. Review Emergency OBT Simulator Functionality Delta file prep PAO Preparation Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Celebrated painter Ross Bleckner is suing a former boy toy after he claims that young man tried to extort him to the tune of $2 million. Bleckner, whose work has sold for up to $200,000 at auction, filed a complaint in Supreme Court of the State of New York on Thursday alleging that Cody Gilman, 25, threatened to make sexual misconduct claims against the artist of he did not cut him a seven-figure check. That was in May, and not only has Bleckner refused to pay up, but he is also filing suit of his own, and now demanding that Gilman pay damages for his plot. Scroll down for video Paint by number: Ross Bleckner (above in 2007) is accusing Cody Gilman, 25, of trying to extort him for $2 million by claiming he was forced to satisfy the painter's sexual demands Work from home: The artist alleges in a court filing that after the two met on a gay hook-up app they had sex in 2015 until Gilman (above in photo from court filing) moved away from New York 'On or about 2015 Plaintiff and Defendant met through an internet ad/app directed at gay and bi-sexual men and thereafter engaged in consensual sex on several occasions during 2015. Sometime thereafter, Defendant left New York City and they lost touch with each other,' reads the complaint. 'On or about December 12, 2017, Defendant texted Plaintiff and told Plaintiff that he was finishing a construction job in Kentucky and was about to be between jobs.' The complaint states that at this point, Bleckner welcomed the young man to join him in East Hampton and agreed to pay him a weekly salary of $750 to complete various tasks around his home and run errands. Gilman arrived on February 4 in East Hampton, and soon the relationship between the two men was rekindled claims Bleckner. 'During the night of February 5, 2018, Defendant initiated and engaged in sexual intercourse with Plaintiff,' states the complaint. 'Over the course of the following four weeks Plaintiff and Defendant engaged in consensual sexual activity on a number of occasions. Defendant voluntarily continued living in Plaintiffs home during the entire period.' The court filing goes on to state that assistants who work with Bleckner and his neighbors all witnessed the fact that Gilman was not being held against his will or being subject to the painter's sexual demands. A month into this arrangement however, Gilman informed Bleckner that he was leaving and had retained an attorney. In May came the demand for money. 'With her May 2, 2018 letter to Plaintiff, Defendants attorney enclosed a complaint premised upon allegations that Plaintiff sexually harassed, coerced, and assaulted Defendant,' state court papers. 'It describes sexual activity between Plaintiff and Defendant in gratuitous and graphic detail and contends that it was as the result of physical force and coercion applied by Plaintiff (a five and a half foot tall 69 year-old artist) against Defendant (a more than six foot tall twentyfive year-old construction worker).' A-muse-d: In 2017 they reconnected, and last February Gilman moved into Bleckner's East Hampton residence to clean and run errands for $750 a week Bleckner contends that Gilman had been recorded their sexual encounters and conversations ever since the day her arrived in hopes of extorting the artist with the threat of going public with allegations 'he knows to be false.' 'When Plaintiffs attorney called Defendants attorney some days later, she indicated that if Plaintiff did not pay Defendant in excess of $2 million Defendant would publicly accuse Plaintiff of sexual harassment, coercion, and assault by filing the draft complaint,' states the filing. 'The amount of money demanded by Defendant bears no relationship to anything, other than what Defendant believes to be the financial value to Plaintiff of avoiding having false public allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.' Bleckner is asking for damages citing intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as a declaratory judgment. Gilman, who has erased all signs of his time with Bleckner from his social media, appears to currently be studying for a cosmetology and hairstyling certification in California. Megyn Kelly was spotted posing for selfies in the snow alongside her Fox News friend Janice Dean as the pair celebrated the ousted host's birthday. Kelly and Dean had a pre-birthday celebration at the Antonucci restaurant in New York where they spent more than two hours during lunch. The pair eventually came outside to take a selfie as the snow came down. Megyn Kelly was spotted posing for selfies in the snow alongside her Fox News friend Janice Dean (both pictured) as the pair celebrated the ousted host's birthday After they took their selfie, they both shouted 'I love you' to one another Dean and Kelly are seen posing for a selfie that Dean later shared on Instagram Kelly and Dean had a pre-birthday celebration at the Antonucci restaurant (pictured) in New York where they spent more than two hours during lunch Dean later shared on of their photos on Instagram with the caption: '#girlfriends #birthday #snow.' As they were leaving they both shouted 'I love you' to one another. Kelly, who turns 48 on Sunday, then got into the same chauffeur-driven car that she arrived in. The NBC host was seen dressed in a black sweater and dark jeans as she met up with Dean. The weather conditions for their lunch date were appropriate. Earlier this year sources close to Charlize Theron said she would portray her as an 'ice queen' in the upcoming movie about the Roger Ailes scandal at Fox News. Kelly's eponymous hour show was abruptly cancelled on October 26 after she questioned why blackface was controversial as a Halloween costume. NBC is trying to figure out what kind of severance to offer the host who had a combined $69million contract. 'Language on a mutual non-disparagement agreement is tricky,' a source told Fox News. But the source also said that things would 'probably' wrap up shortly. Dean later shared on of their photos on Instagram with the caption: '#girlfriends #birthday #snow' Kelly, who turns 48 on Sunday, then got into the same chauffeur-driven car that she arrived in The NBC host was seen dressed in a black sweater and dark jeans as she met up with Dean After she was booted from her morning time slot, Kelly hinted that she knows about some of the skeletons in NBC's closest. A source also told Fox News that if NBC 'keeps spreading lies about her' the host would not sign an NDA. Today Show ratings have soared since Kelly was given the boot from NBC for her controversial blackface comments. Kelly's impending departure will cut short her three-year contract with NBC and cost the network millions. Despite the scandal, the morning show's numbers are on the up. Since her departure, viewership by 25 to 54 year olds - the key demographic favored by advertisers - for the third hour slot of Today is up about 10 per cent, according to Nielsen. Today Show ratings have soared since Kelly was given the boot from NBC for her controversial blackface comments The firing cut short Kelly's three-year $69million contract with NBC and cost the network millions in payout, but her departure is so far boosting the morning show's numbers. Kelly pictured on Monday walking through Manhattan In the last three weeks, viewers for the first two hours of NBC's morning show have surpassed that of rival ABC's Good Morning America, which typically boasts the largest morning viewership. In Kelly's last week, her 9am program had 675,000 viewers between the ages of 25 and 54 and 2.52 million viewers overall, according to Nielsen. Just one week after her departure the show clocked 752,000 viewers between 25 and 54 and 2.64million viewers overall - leaping 11 per cent and five per cent respectively. But last week those numbers jumped to 741,000 viewers between 25 and 54 and more than 2.63million viewers overall - a 10 and four percent jump respectively over the three week period. From November 5 to 9, Today recorded an average of 4.25million viewers, eclipsing the 4.22million viewers of GMA. Part of the reason is attributed to the network's coverage of the California bar shooting. Now the network is wondering if the spike in viewership will hold. Kelly and husband Douglas Brunt pictured out in New York on Monday. Since her departure, Today show numbers have had a three-week streak in boosted viewership The show hasn't seen a viewership streak like this since NBC covered the Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea, according to Variety. NBC's number of viewers has peaked in the past recent months following moments of crisis. Viewers noticeably boosted after Today show house Matt Lauer was fired in late 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The audience peak has also benefited Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee, who host the fourth hour of today at 10am and grabbed 1.844million viewers in Kelly's final week on air. One week later the duo's ratings jumped to 1.964million viewers - a seven percent jump. In the second week following Kelly's departure, they clocked 1.911million viewers, slipping about three percent. Kelly's third-hour on Today - which runs from 7am to 11am each weekday - is now run by a rotating group of anchors. It's run from her old set in Studio 6A and also has a live audience. Overall viewership in this hour-long slot rose five percent a week after Kelly left. The third hour slot of the show is now run by a rotating group of Today Show anchors. Jenna Bush Hager helped take over the 9am program in the first episode following Kelly's firing The show is now regularly run by Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker and Craig Melvin. In Kelly's last week at the show she boasted 2.52million viewers. Last week the program bumped to 2.64million viewers overall (pictured: Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager and Stephanie Gosk on November 5) Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker and Craig Melvin replaced Kelly on the show after she ousted. Hoda Kotb opened the program, clearing the air saying: 'Today, as you know, we are starting a new chapter in the third hour of our show. And as it evolves we want you to know the entire Today family will continue to bring you informative and important stories just as we always have.' Kelly hasn't spoken out on her axing from the famed network. She was spotted smiling and strolling through Manhattan on Monday. Since she was abruptly taken off the air she's been spotted on date nights with her husband Douglas Brunt and is filling her days with attending Broadway shows, romantic dinners and running errands. Kelly and NBC are said to fighting over money and whether or not Kelly will sign a non-disclosure as part of her exit. 'It's all out war in negotiations between Megyn and NBC,' said one source close to Kelly. 'She doesn't just want the remainder of her $69million contract, she wants more money on top as compensation for what she believes is NBC's attempt to not just have her off the air but to end her career.' Kelly had texted Luann de Lesseps to apologize for referencing her Diana Ross costume (shown) in the panel about blackface that led to her dismissal from Today reports US Weekly An NBC source with knowledge of the situation said that Kelly is also refusing to sign an NDA unless her monetary demands are met, although a source close to Kelly claims it is not money that is the issue. Kelly apologized to colleagues after her comments defending racist Halloween gags prompted an immediate backlash. She made the offending remarks during an awkward roundtable discussion about inappropriate and offensive costumes on her eponymous one-hour block of the Today show, known as Megyn Kelly Today. During the segment, Kelly said it was OK when she was growing up for white people to dress up as black characters, and she spoke out against a controversy that erupted last year over a reality star who portrayed Diana Ross. 'But what is racist? Kelly asked. Because you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween, or a black person who puts on whiteface for Halloween. 'Back when I was a kid that was OK, as long as you were dressing up as, like, a character'. Later in the discussion, Kelly brought up Luann de Lesseps, a star on The Real Housewives of New York who drew a backlash last year for dressing up as Ross. Many observers were aghast at Kelly's comments, and some noted that the panel did not include a single person of color. Also absent from the discussion was any mention of the ugly history of blackface, a tradition spanning centuries meant to perpetuate racist stereotypes. Kelly left Fox News in 2017 to sign a contract with NBC worth a reported $23million a year. Dennis Parker was attending his regular hairdressing appointment when he was delivered news that would change his life forever. The cyclist's hairdresser, Nadia Gallo, told him of an unusual growth on the side of his neck, which he thought nothing of until a month later when it hadn't gone away. Mr Parker, from Christchurch, thought it best to have the lump checked as a precaution, but his worst fear was confirmed when his doctor later called to tell him he had a rare form of cancer on his throat. The cyclist's (left) hairdresser, Nadia Gallo (right), told him of an unusual growth on the side of his neck, which he thought nothing of until a month later when it hadn't gone away 'My doctor said, 'I'm sorry to tell you but it's cancer'. I had this awful weight, because knowing you've got cancer you imagine all kinds of things,' Mr Parker told Stuff. The 'fit and healthy' 67-year-old received the shattering news just days after winning his age category in Le Race a bike race between Christchurch and Akaroa. Four months later he underwent a four-hour-long surgical procedure in which he had the tumor and his tonsils removed, ridding him of the risk of it spreading. He delivered Ms Gallo, the owner of Christchurch's Amala Organic Hair and Spa, some flowers for her life-saving warning. Mr Parker thought it best to have the lump checked as a precaution, but his worst fear was confirmed when his doctor later called to tell him he had cancer (stock photo) Speaking with Daily Mail Australia, Ms Gallo said she always let clients know if she noticed any abnormalities on their skin. 'I see a lot of people a day at close range and naturally know to inform a client if there's any abnormalities. Any lumps of any kind should always be voiced to the client,' she said. 'Any lumps of any kind should always be voiced to the client.' Ms Gallo said many people with cancer history were drawn to her salon because it used non-toxic and chemical free products. The 'fit and healthy' 67-year-old (centre) received the shattering news just days after winning his age category in Le Race a bike race between Christchurch and Akaroa Mr Parker was back on the bike just six weeks after his operation, and despite some initial difficulty eating, drinking, speaking and swallowing, he has returned to full health. 'Fortunately, it looks like they've removed the tumours and the likelihood of me getting cancer in the future has been reset to the same as the general population,' he said. He raced in November, just five months on from surgery, and on December one will compete in an event to raise money for prostate and testicular cancer sufferers. Mr Parker hoped to use his experience to raise awareness about the importance of having bumps and lumps or all kinds checked early in case they were cancerous. Tony John Smith, 51, killed mother-of-four Karen Rae and dumped her body beside Frankston Freeway in April 2015, but didn't reveal the burial location for 20 months A man who strangled a woman to death while they were having sex has been jailed for 13 years. Tony John Smith, 51, killed mother-of-four Karen Rae and dumped her body beside Frankston Freeway in April 2015, but didn't reveal the burial location for 20 months. On Friday Supreme Court judge Kevin Bell said the death was directly related to Smith's 'disrespectful, contemptuous and misogynistic' views towards women. Smith, who is British, was initially charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for 13 years on Friday. Justice Bell said Ms Rae died as Smith choked her during consensual sex in his car. To strangle a person with bare hands takes time, he said, and rejected suggestions Ms Rae's death happened quickly. 'Your interest in strangling or choking women during sexual activity, such as occurred with Karen, is directly related to disrespectful, contemptuous and misogynistic views and opinions that you expressed about women generally and Karen personally after, and by reference to, her death,' Justice Bell said. Tony John Smith strangled a woman to death while they were having sex. He has been jailed for 13 years Smith, who was arrested in December 2016, took steps to evade responsibility for 48-year-old Ms Rae's death. He buried her body, crashed a car into a tree and had it crushed, and continued to blame others for her death as late as January 2017. During conversations with police during an undercover operation, he told a female officer he wanted to 'choke her out and run a train on her'. He told another he liked to put small-framed women in the boot of his car and later described Ms Rae as a 'thing' and a 'creature'. He'd earlier told his former partner 'any other s*** who said anything (about Ms Rae's death) would be buried on top of [Ms Rae] and never be found' and told his partner police would never find 'the bitches'. Justice Bell said Smith's views on women were utterly inconsistent with the rights and standards of equality, respect and decency expected. Smith buried Ms Rae's body, crashed a car into a tree and had it crushed, and continued to blame others for her death as late as January 2017. 'No woman and certainly not Karen is a piece of meat, a sex slave to be strangled or choked, someone to be put in a car or run a train on, or a thing or a creature to be non-consensually strangled or choked by a man using his power to obtain sexual pleasure at the appreciable risk of the woman's death,' he said. Smith wrote a letter of apology to Ms Rae's family, which Justice Smith said appeared to be sincere. Ms Rae's mother Christina Boyle said the thought of her daughter disposed of like garbage was incomprehensible, painful and horrific. Smith has spent nearly 18 months on remand and will be eligible for parole after 10 years. The UK citizen is likely to be deported after his sentence. Care home owners who force families to pay out 'unscrupulous' charges could be jailed under new rules. Some providers have been making families fork out 'death fees' for up to a month after their loved one had died. Others have been charging upfront costs of up to 5,000 before residents have moved in, without explaining what the money was for. Care home owners were getting people to sign hidden clauses that put elderly people at rick of short-notice eviction But under new guidance from the Government's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), care homes will be obliged to be honest about their fees and practices. Providers who are found to be treating families or residents unfairly could face a criminal prosecution and jail. One care home had been making families sign up to a hidden clause which meant their loved ones could be evicted with just 24 hours' notice. The contract stated that the home had the right to evict a resident if their behaviour was deemed to be 'detrimental'. The CMA will be carrying out a review of homes next year to check they are complying with consumer law. Caroline Dinenage branded the behaviour of some care homes a 'scandal' Care minister Caroline Dinenage, who is also the MP for Gosport in Hampshire, said: 'It is a scandal some of the most vulnerable people in our society are being taken for a ride by a minority of unscrupulous care home providers. We're very clear that everyone living in a care home should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity.' An investigation by the CMA last December found that families were being made to pay unfair charges just to keep care homes afloat. One operator, Maria Mallaband, which runs 64 homes across the UK, was slapping on death fees for up to one month after residents had died. It stopped the charges in January but many other homes are suspected of deploying similar practices. Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: 'It's vital that care homes treat residents and their families fairly. 'We've already taken action against some providers who charged compulsory upfront fees or continued to charge for extended periods after a resident's death. 'We'll continue to monitor how well care homes are complying and won't hesitate to take action again if we find evidence that providers have broken consumer law.' WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged in America, the US Justice Department has accidentally revealed. Prosecutors inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case, WikiLeaks said today. The exact nature of the charges against the 47-year-old whistleblower, who was behind a massive dump of classified US documents in 2010, was not immediately known. Assange has been holed up inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 when he was accused of sexual assault by two women in Sweden. He denied their claims but refused to travel to Sweden to face them, saying it was part of a ruse to extradite him to the US. 'SCOOP: US Department of Justice "accidentally" reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia,' Wikileaks wrote on Twitter. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (pictured) has been charged in the United States, the organisation said The US Justice Department inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case, WikiLeaks said today. The exact nature of the charges against the 47-year-old whistleblower (pictured), who was behind a massive dump of classified US documents in 2010, was not immediately known The still-unsealed charges against Assange were revealed by Assistant US Attorney Kellen Dwyer as she made a filing in the unrelated case and urged a judge to keep that filing sealed. Dwyer wrote: 'Due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged,' according to The Washington Post. The charges would 'need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested,' Dwyer wrote. The document is part of an unrelated criminal case involving a 29-year-old man charged with enticing a 15-year-old girl. In that case, the judge wrote in a detention memo that the defendant, Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, 'has had a substantial interest in terrorist acts.' Reuters was unable to immediately trace contact details for Kokayi. But Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the prosecutors' office which filed the document that was unsealed, told Reuters, 'The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing.' Federal prosecutors have been investigating Assange over WikiLeaks' 2010 publication of a trove of US diplomatic cables that proved an acute embarrassment to Washington. But the charging of Assange in the US could have implications for special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into whether Donald Trump's election campaign team colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential vote, and whether Trump tried to obstruct the probe into that. 'A slow and cruel assassination is taking place': Assange's mother hits out at Britain and the US The mother of Julian Assange has accused Britain and the US of slowly assassinating her son who she said is the victim of a a 'brutal political persecution'. Christine Ann Hawkins spoke out in an 'emergency appeal' video in which she said the UK government had refused the 47-year-old's requests for 'access to basic health needs: fresh air, exercise, sunshine for Vitamin D, access to proper medical and dental care.' 'As a result, his health has seriously deteriorated and his examining doctors warn his detention conditions are life-threatening. 'A slow and cruel assassination is taking place before our very eyes in an embassy in London,' the Australian claimed, making it clear that she also holds the US responsible. The mother of Julian Assange, Christine Ann Hawkins (pictured), has accused Britain and the US of slowly assassinating her son who she said is the victim of a a 'brutal political persecution' Later in the video, she said her son was 'in danger because of a brutal political persecution by the bullies in power whose crimes and corruption he has courageously exposed when he was editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks.' She added: 'The same corrupt entities who in government tut-tut about bullying fake news, and human rights these same bullies are bullying my son to death. 'It would appear that courageous, truthful, multi-award-winning journalism is now life-threatening. The legal channels have been subverted and therefore are unlikely to save him.' Hawkins urged people to unite to secure her son's safety, insisting that 'saving Julian will require the outrage of the people of the world'. 'I'm asking you to make a noise, a big noise, and to keep making a noise until my son is freed.' She said she feared her son would be extradited, subjected to a 'show trial' in the US and face 'Guantanamo Bay, 45 years in a maximum-security prison, or even the death penalty.' Advertisement Ecqaudor's new President Lenin Moreno (pictured) described Assange as a 'stone in our shoe' In July, Mueller charged 12 Russian spies with conspiring to hack Democratic National Committee computers, stealing data from the organisation and publishing those files in an effort to sway the election. One of the indictments referred to WikiLeaks, described as 'Organization 1,' as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. US media were alerted late on Thursday to the inadvertent disclosure, thanks to a tweet from Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. He is known to follow court filings closely. U.S. officials have previously acknowledged that federal prosecutors based in Alexandria have been conducting a lengthy criminal investigation into WikiLeaks and its founder. Representatives of the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have publicly called for Assange to be aggressively prosecuted. Assange and his supporters have periodically said U.S. authorities had filed secret criminal charges against him, an assertion against which some U.S. officials pushed back until recently. Prosecutors have considered publicly indicting Assange to try to trigger his removal from the embassy, the Wall Street Journal reported. This is because a detailed explanation of the evidence against Assange could give Ecuadorean authorities a reason to turn him over. Head of the National Security Division John Demers had said 'we'll see' when asked about the possibilty of prosecuting John Demers recently The exact charges Justice Department might pursue remain unclear, but it is understood they may involve the Espionage Act, which criminalises the disclosure of national defense-related information. When asked about the possibility of prosecuting Assange last week, the head of the Justice Department's national security division John Demers said: 'On that, I'll just say, we'll see'. Assange has been holed up at Ecuador's embassy in London since 2012, where he took refuge over fears of being extradited to the US over the 2010 WikiLeaks cable dump. Assange was initially welcomed into the embassy, but a change in government and disputes over his living situation - including arguments involving his cat - mean Ecuadorian officials are trying to get him out. Ecuadorean authorities last March began to crack down on his access to outsiders and for a time cut off his internet access. Last month, Assange sued Ecuador over the conditions of his confinement. At a hearing last month, a judge rejected Assange's claims and he said he expected to be forced out of the embassy soon. Assange's lawyer Carlos Poveda told Sputnik today that he believed the UK, US and Ecuador had 'reached some agreement and that is exactly why the special protocol [on home rules] was introduced, which is to justify Julians withdrawal [from the embassy], to accelerate the process of ending his asylum and hand him over to the UK authorities. The lawyer suggested that America planned to impose a 'grave' charge on his client. 'It will not be a death penalty but he may get a life sentence,' Poveda said. Assange speaks on the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy after Swedish authorities announced that they dropped their investigation into rape allegations against him He was originally wanted in London after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to face allegations of sexual assault in Sweden. The Swedish case has since been dropped, but Britain still wants him to face justice over breaching his bail conditions following his arrest on the sexual assault allegations. Barry J. Pollack, one of Assange's attorneys, said, 'The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange,' the Post said. Pollack said he did not know if Assange has been charged. Taxpayers could soon be shelling out for Centrelink recipients to get discounts on new fridges and televisions under a new scheme proposed by the Coalition government. Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy vowed to lower soaring living costs for struggling families when he made the $40 million election promise on Friday. Up to 85,000 low income households in Victoria will be eligible for the planned 40 per cent discounts on household items. Centrelink recipients, pensioners and veterans will all be eligible for the scheme if the Liberals are elected to government on November 24. Scroll down for video Centrelink recipients, pensioners and veterans who have a fridge that's at least six-years-old will be able to get a 40 per cent discount on a new model under a Victorian Liberal government Between 40,000 and 85,000 low income households could save up to $325 a year on electricity costs under the bold election promise. 'This is a win-win policy, its going to cut the cost of living and its going to cut carbon emissions which is great for the environment,' Mr Guy said in a statement. Electricity prices have skyrocketed by $450 and $500 for gas in the last four years while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been in power, according to St Vincent de Paul research. 'Daniel Andrews has lost control of cost of living pressures,' shadow treasurer Michael OBrien said. 'In just four years of the Andrews Labor Government, state taxes have gone up 35 per cent and households are paying hundreds of dollars more for electricity and gas.' The policy announcement sparked a mixed response from voters on social media. 'Who is going to pay for the removal and disposal of these old electrical goods? What do I hear you say, the ratepayers?,' one voter tweeted. Up to 85,000 low income households will get discounts of up to 50 per cent on a new LCD screen if they upgrade their old plasma or cathode ray tube TV under the proposed scheme If elected, the proposed program would be similar to the NSW government's successful scheme, where low income earners who replace their old televisions with LCD screens can save $50-$125 per year and $100-$200 by updating their fridges. More than 30,000 NSW households have benefited from the program. The proposed scheme will only go ahead if Matthew Guy (pictured) is elected as Victoria Premier on November 24 Their current fridge must be at least six-years old and their television must be a plasma or cathode ray tube if the proposed Victorian scheme goes ahead. Mr Guy has also promised free school books for public high school students, water bills slashed by up to $100 a year and savings up to $530 a year on electricity bills in a desperate bid to score more votes. Mr Andrews is priced at $1.40 by Sportsbet to be elected as Premier for a second term, while Mr Guy is at $3.30. Around 325,000 Victorian voters have already cast their votes, The Herald Sun reported. Rehman Chishti said he was very disappointed by the lack of leadership shown by the Government to do the morally right thing citing his disgust over the Governments failure to offer safe haven to Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi A Conservative Party vice-chairman resigned yesterday citing his disgust over the Governments failure to offer safe haven to Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi. Rehman Chishti said he was very disappointed by the lack of leadership shown by the Government to do the morally right thing. It came as Britains reluctance to offer asylum to Mrs Bibi was branded an act of shameful cowardice by Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry. Mrs Bibis life hangs in the balance as no country has offered her refuge despite a lynch mob trying to hunt her down in Pakistan. She had been convicted of insulting the prophet Mohammed under the countrys archaic blasphemy laws. Despite winning her freedom from death row on appeal last month she is now top of a hit list for Islamic extremists. Yet Britain has so far refused her sanctuary, fearing reprisals against UK diplomats. In his resignation letter, Mr Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham in Kent, expressed dissatisfaction over Theresa Mays Brexit deal but said the Bibi case had a major bearing on his decision. He said: What I found shocking is that the Government is failing to put into practice the core values that our country stands for. Mrs Bibis life hangs in the balance as no country has offered her refuge despite a lynch mob trying to hunt her down in Pakistan In his resignation letter, Mr Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham in Kent, expressed dissatisfaction over Theresa Mays Brexit deal but said the Bibi case had a major bearing on his decision The Government should not wait to see if another country offers sanctuary, we should have had the conviction to lead on this matter and offer sanctuary ourselves straight away. Miss Thornberry said it sent a dangerous message that Britain could be bullied. Asia, her family, her lawyers and even the judges who freed her are all at threat from riotous lynch mobs, she said. The idea that we would leave a defenceless mother to the mercy of the mob for fear they will turn on us as well is an act of shameful cowardice for a great and proud country like ours. Worse still, it sends an extraordinarily dangerous message to others who might prefer we did not interfere in their human rights abuses summon the mob and Britain will back off. Talks with Canada and France could yet lead to Mrs Bibi and her husband and children being offered sanctuary, but with every day that passes tensions are rising, fuelled by hate clerics in Pakistan. Earlier this week, Boris Johnson, a former foreign secretary, demanded that she be given refuge in Britain. Yesterday there were calls to cancel British foreign aid to Pakistan the UK gives 380,000 daily until the situation is resolved. Lord Alton of Liverpool, who has worked on Mrs Bibis case since it began, said: Britain needs to do two things. First, give her sanctuary here. And second, until they uphold the rule of law and protect the countrys minorities, we should redirect the 380,000 we give every day to Pakistan 2.8billion over the past two decades to more worthy recipients. Our failure to speak or act has been craven and shameful. Asia Bibi is in mortal danger. Pakistans highest court has exonerated her and said that she has been wrongly imprisoned for nine years under the sentence of death. But now her life hangs by a thread as lynch mobs demand her execution and that of the judges who courageously vindicated her. This is no idle threat. They murdered minister Shahbaz Bhatti and the Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, who had insisted on her innocence. And Labour MP Mike Kane, one of 19 politicians who signed a letter calling for Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to allow Mrs Bibi asylum, said: It is astonishing that the Government cannot guarantee the safety of persecuted Christians fleeing persecution. It sends a terrible signal about Britains place in the world. A frantic search is underway for a teenage girl from the Greenslopes area of Brisbane who has been missing since Tuesday. Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia the 17-year-old girl is called Zipporah Lancaster and are seeking public assistance to find her. She was last seen at around 2.30pm on Tuesday but police were not able to confirm where exactly this was. A frantic search is underway for a Zipporah Lancaster, 17, from the Greenslopes area of Brisbane who has been missing since Tuesday (police image) She has not contacted her family or friends since. Miss Lancaster is described as Caucasian, 183cm tall, of slim build with light brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black long-sleeved jacket and white Converse shoes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact police. The news follows the disappearance of another 17-year-old female in nearby Toowoomba who also went missing earlier this week. The Expedition 57 crew said farewell to a Japanese resupply ship Wednesday and is getting ready to welcome U.S. and Russian space freighters in less than two weeks. The trio practiced International Space Station emergency procedures this week then went on to space research and robotics training. The U.S. company Northrop Grumman is getting its 10th Cygnus cargo craft packed and ready for launch atop an Antares rocket Nov. 15 at 4:49 a.m. EST. Russia will launch its 71st station resupply mission aboard a Progress spaceship the next day at 1:14 p.m. Both resupply ships are due to arrive at the station Sunday Nov. 18 just 10 hours apart. The Cygnus will get there first following its head start. Commander Alexander Gerst assisted by Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor will capture the American vessel with the Canadarm2 robotic arm at 4:35 a.m. A few hours later, cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev will monitor the approach and automated docking of the Russian Progress 71 cargo craft to the Zvezda service module at 2:30 p.m. All three crew members called down to mission controls centers in Houston and Moscow for a coordinated emergency drill. The orbital residents practiced communication and decision-making skills while maneuvering along evacuation paths and locating safety gear. Afterward, Gerst and Serena partnered up and reviewed next Sunday's Cygnus approach and rendezvous procedures. Gerst will command the Canadarm2 to reach out and grapple Cygnus as Serena monitors the spaceship's telemetry and data. Prokopyev continued his science and maintenance duties in the orbital lab's Russian segment. The cosmonaut explored the physics of plasma-dust crystals then conducted an eye exam in conjunction with doctors on Earth. Prokopyev also photographed the inside of the Zvezda and stowed radiation detectors. On-Orbit Status Report Meteor: The crew removed and replaced the hard drive in the Meteor laptop and completed a software anti-virus update. The Meteor payload is a visible spectroscopy instrument used to observe meteors in Earth orbit. Meteor uses image analysis to provide information on the physical and chemical properties of the meteoroid dust, such as size, density, and chemical composition. The study of the meteoroid dust on orbit provides information about the parent comets and asteroids. Plasma Kristall-4 (PK-4): The crew exchanged the hard drive containing Run #2 data and inserted a new hard drive for Run #3. The crew then reconfigured the gas chamber from Neon to Argon gas usage. PK-4 is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of "Complex Plasmas": low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other, which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles: so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas. Onboard Training (OBT) ISS Emergency Simulation: The full crew participated in a simulation to practice emergency responses based on information provided by simulator displays. They translated through ISS to appropriate response locations and practiced procedure execution and decision making based on cues from the simulator. Following the training, they conducted a review session with Houston and Moscow Control Centers. Northrop Grumman-10 (NG-10) Cygnus Rendezvous On-board Training (OBT): The crew reviewed the NG-10 mission profile, rendezvous crew procedures, and interfaces necessary for monitoring and commanding to the Cygnus vehicle. NG-10 is scheduled to arrive at the ISS on November 18. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. ISS Emergency Simulation Support LSR Checkout [In Work] Three Day Look Ahead: Friday, 11/09: Payloads: BCAT Imagery Transfer (NASA) CIR Manifold Bottle Change (NASA-RUS joint) PK-4 Run 4 and Chamber Cleaning (ESA-RUS) BPC Plate Loading (NASA) VEG-03 Check and Watering (NASA) BEST H/W Stow (NASA) Time Perception (ESA) LMM Biophsics-06 Reconfiguration (NASA) Systems: Port Radiator Survey Saturday/Sunday, 11/10-11: Payloads: PK-4 Chamber Clean and stow, Data downlink and HD packing (ESA-RUS) Systems: Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis Stowage of Pille-ISS Dosimeter No.16 Reader and Lulin-ISS I/F Control Unit. Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT) Meteor Hard Disk Drive and Antivirus Update Review Emergency OBT Simulator Functionality PK-4 data hard drives exchange VHF-2 Emergency Communication Check Out from Soyuz over US Ground Sites ESA Weekly crew conference On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Robotics Review Training for Emergency Response On-board ISS Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Food Acceptability Questionnaire Restore ISS comm to the nominal configuration On-board Training (OBT) ISS Emergency Drill Conference JEM Camera Robot Stow Photography of SM interior panels 245, 246, 429, 430 Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup HTV PROX Switch OFF Team Task Switching Experiment Survey Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference PK-4 Chamber filling with Argon gas maintenance Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test ISS HAM Service Module Pass Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Questionnaire Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test On-Board Training (OBT) CYGNUS OBT Conference On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Rendezvous Review Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Theresa May is braced for more resignations today after Dominic Raab sensationally walked out as Brexit Secretary but delayed his departure for 24 hours in a last-ditch effort to help her. Mr Raab quit in dismay at 'fatal flaws' in the draft withdrawal deal, despite spending months in negotiations after he replaced David Davis in July. His departure, which has fuelled accusations he is manoeuvring for a leadership bid, sparked a series of resignations which may continue today. Michael Gove's future is unclear after he reportedly turned down the chance to replace Mr Raab, as the PM refused to let him renegotiate the deal with Brussels himself. International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling are also rumoured to be on the verge of quitting the Government. Theresa May could be hit by further resignations from her Cabinet amid a bitter row over her Brexit deal with Penny Mordaunt and Michael Gove reportedly on the brink of quitting Ms Mordaunt used meetings with Mrs May and Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill to argue that there should be a free vote in the Commons on the Brexit deal. That would liberate her from collective responsibility, allowing her to remain in Cabinet while voting against the plan, but government sources indicated that 'not a lot' changed as a result of the meetings. Meanwhile Commons Leader and pro-Brexit MP Andrea Leadsom insists she has no plans to quit the Cabinet. Mr Gove considered the job offer a 'poisoned chalice' which would force him to deliver a Brexit deal he did not believe in, the Times reported. The Environment Secretary had delivered his ultimatum to Theresa May 15 minutes before she was due to face the cameras. Mrs May dodged questions about Mr Gove and whether she was struggling to fill her empty Cabinet posts when she appeared at a press conference in London. Mr Raab - who was last night the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Mrs May - is said to believe he was blindsided by the final Brexit deal, and that it had been changed when it was shown to the Cabinet on Wednesday. Sources said he was thrown by a new commitment that said the backstop arrangement a hybrid of the customs union and single market would be the starting point for negotiations on the future EU-UK trade relationship. Dominic Raab (pictured) is said to believe he was blindsided by the final Brexit deal, and that it had been changed when it was shown to the Cabinet on Wednesday Michael Gove (left) and Penny Mordaunt (right) are said to be on the verge of quitting the Government amid a bitter Tory feud over the Prime Minister's Brexit plans Mr Raab reportedly knew he would quit when he sat in the five-hour Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, feeling 'mugged off' by the proposals. He had been due to fly to Brussels for a joint celebratory announcement with EU negotiator Michel Barnier but had already made his mind up to resign. But he agreed to postpone his resignation as a favour to the PM, giving her time to make her statement outside Downing Street, The Sun reported. The Leave campaigner yesterday urged the Prime Minister to go back to Brussels with a 'best, final offer'. His decision, announced just before 9am, piled pressure on Mrs May. He was blasted by a Cabinet colleague who branded him a 'carpet-bagger' a derogatory term for someone who takes advantage of a situation. Scottish Secretary David Mundell said Mr Raab's resignation was about 'manoeuvring and leadership'. He was also criticised by Remain-supporting Tory MP Anna Soubry, who said on Twitter that his treatment of the Prime Minister had been 'shameful'. She said: 'Raab signed up to her Withdrawal Agreement allowing her to make her statement after Cabinet knowing he'd resign in time for the 9am News bulletins the next morning.' In his letter to Mrs May, Mr Raab said the proposals on Northern Ireland threatened the integrity of the UK and Britain would be locked indefinitely into a customs union 'backstop' with no say on the rules and no exit mechanism. He wrote: 'No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement.' He added: 'I cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU.' He claimed the deal would damage both the economy and public trust. Sources said he was thrown by a new commitment that said the backstop arrangement could work as a model for the future trade deal. 'Everyone was shocked,' said the source. 'He asked 'Who mandated this?' but there wasn't an answer.' Following the five-hour Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mr Raab took Chief Whip Julian Smith in a side-room and said that he could not sign up to the 'indefensible' deal and would have to resign. The Prime Minister used a press conference in Downing Street (pictured) to double down on her determination to press ahead with her controversial pact with the EU Mr Raab told the BBC yesterday: 'I've been fighting for a good Brexit deal but the terms proposed had two major and fatal flaws. The first is that the terms threaten the integrity of the United Kingdom and the second is they would lead to an indefinite if not permanent situation where we're locked into a regime with no say over the rules, with no exit mechanism.' In a later interview, Mr Raab said Mrs May had to 'change course' to get the deal past Parliament. He added: 'We need to go back to Brussels and make a best, final offer. I think we can do a deal with our EU partners but at the same time we must be willing to show some resolve to walk away. That would cause short-term disruption but we can manage it.' Mr Raab became the second Brexit Secretary to quit in four months. He had been promoted to the Cabinet to replace David Davis, who stepped down in protest at Mrs May's Chequers plan. Pensions Secretary Esther McVey also quit, saying the deal 'does not honour the result of the referendum'. Shailesh Vara quit as Northern Ireland minister, Suella Braverman resigned as a Brexit minister, and Anne-Marie Trevelyan stood down as a parliamentary private secretary in the Department for Education. They were joined by Ranil Jayawardena, a parliamentary private secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and Rehman Chishti, the Conservative vice-chairman and prime ministerial trade envoy to Pakistan. Within the Tory ranks some 17 MPs have publicly stated that they have submitted letters of no confidence to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee responsible for Tory leadership elections. The Federal government is considering slashing its annual immigration cap by 30,000 as it cracks down on unskilled workers. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is understood to be reviewing the number of migrants while increasing the proportion of skilled migrants, 9News reported. Currently, the immigration cap sits at 130,000, but if the changes go ahead, the expected cut could be as much as 30,000 people each year. Scroll down for video The Federal government is considering slashing its annual immigration cap by 30,000 as it cracks down on unskilled workers It's understood a key focus of the speculated review is to increase the number of 'highly-skilled' migrants entering the country It's understood a key focus of the speculated review is to increase the number of 'highly-skilled' migrants entering the country. If the program gets the green light, only the 'best and the brightest' migrants would be accepted - those who could actively contribute to the economy. The crackdown comes after it was suggested migrants should spend five years in Australia's regional towns for five years in exchange for permanent residency. In June, the government revealed it was considering the new 'regional' policy as a way to tackle Australia's booming population causing overcrowding in cities. Despite politicians being divided, both Mr Dutton and former prime minister Tony Abbott previously demanded cuts to the number of migrants entering Australia. At the time, Prime Minister Scott Morrison suggested imposing new conditions on non-permanent visas to ensure the scheme's success, 9News reported. The crackdown comes after it was suggested migrants should spend five years in Australia's regional towns for five years in exchange for permanent residency In June, the government revealed it was considering the new 'regional' policy as a way to tackle Australia's booming population causing overcrowding in cities 'If you want permanent residency in this country and you're on a non-permanent visa, and you haven't been compliant with the terms of your non-permanent visa, you don't get a permanent residency visa and you go home,' Mr Morrison said. Mr Dutton also said the government was looking at ways to increase the appeal for migrants living in country and regional towns. 'There are some regional towns, here in Queensland for example, where the abattoir doesn't remain open without that migrant workforce,' he said. If the new cap goes ahead, the changes wouldn't take effect until July next year Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Minister Dutton's office for comment. A Good Samaritan has been stabbed after discovering a man with his 'pants halfway down' and allegedly sexually assaulting a girl in a dance school toilet. Chilling details have emerged about the shocking attack on the young girl at the St George Dance Centre in Kogarah, south of Sydney, about 8pm on Thursday. A 54-year-old man was arrested by police after allegedly sexually assaulting the girl, seven, before stabbing a 46-year-old man, who heard a commotion and ran to help. Witnesses in nearby businesses said they heard 'blood-curdling screams' coming from the toilet, then saw a man with his 'pants halfway down', news.com.au reports. Scroll down for video A 46-year-old man has been stabbed after rushing to the aid of a young girl who was allegedly being sexually assaulted by another man, 54, in the toilets of a dance studio in Sydney's south The seven-year-old was allegedly attacked at the St George Dance Centre in Kogarah, south of Sydney, about 8pm on Thursday (pictured) A dentist who worked in a clinic that shares the toilet with the dance studio was the first to discover the young girl and her alleged attacker. The dentist reportedly entered the toilet block and stumbled across the man with the young girl. Quickly realising what was going on, he began raining punches on the attacker. Just moments later a parent from the dance class who had noticed the girl was missing also entered the toilet and joined in the scuffle. During the brawl he was allegedly stabbed multiple times in the stomach and neck. Rachelle Youssef, who runs a beauty salon in a neighbouring shop, said she heard a loud scream before the stabbing victim ran out onto the street. 'I heard this awful screaming like two adults fighting and then this really panicked yelling, "call the police, call the police", over and over,' Ms Youssef said. 'It was really terrible. I went outside and the man who was stabbed came out bleeding. 'He sat and then he just laid down in shock. He was overwhelmed.' Police revealed on Friday the man who confronted the young girl's alleged attacker was one of a number of parents desperately search for her after she went missing. 'He was aware that the child could not be accounted for and was assisting others in locating her,' NSW Police Superintendent Julian Griffiths said. Supt Griffiths said the alleged attacker was expected to be question in coming days, but was currently under guard in hospital after also suffering injuries in the brawl. The girl, the Good Samaritan and the attacker - a local man - were not known to each other He also confirmed the alleged attacker was a local but not associated with the dance studio. He, the girl and the Good Samaritan were also not known to each other. 'It appears to be a random, isolated incident,' Supt Griffiths said. '[He] will not be in a position to assist police inquiries until early next week or when we receive medical advice to confirm he's available to be spoken to.' Witness have told how moments after the Good Samaritan was stabbed, a man ran out onto the street and screamed for help. A group of bystanders rushed to his aid and also helped detain the alleged offender until police swarmed the dance studio. 'Someone came out and yelled: "Call the police he's trying to kill him",' Mo Hariri told AAP. In the hectic moments that followed, the group of revellers heard another man at the scene scream: 'Where is my daughter?' The stabbing victim then stumbled down the stairs from the first floor dance studio and collapsed on the street, where a friend of Mr Hariri's performed CPR and applied pressure to his wounds. A dance teacher who works at the same studio said a contemporary dance class for teenage girls was regularly held at the centre on Thursday nights. Local dance troupe ACTiv Elite Performers posted a message of support to the girl on Facebook. The girl had been involved in one of the dance classes when she went to the toilet. Her family and other parents at the dance studio began to search for her after she failed to return Local dance troupe ACTiv Elite Performers posted a message of support to the girl on Facebook (pictured) 'Our hearts go out to our friends at St George Dance Centre after hearing the news of this senseless and violent attack in our community,' the troupe wrote. 'Lots of love to the families, staff and children affected and to the brave man who intervened.' The Good Samaritan remains in St George Hospital in a stable condition, while the young girl went to Sydney Children's Hospital for observation. Supt Griffiths said a strikeforce had been set up to investigate what he admitted was a 'concerning' matter. New Zealand has discovered its largest ever cocaine seizure in a shipment of bananas from Panama. The cocaine, totalling 190 kilograms, was found in five duffel bags in the shipment that arrived in an Auckland port on August 20 after being tracked by authorities. The joint Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission investigation identified the shipment, containing 190 blocks of cocaine, each wrapped in packing tape and weighing about 1kg, as it left Balboa in Panama on August 4. The cocaine, totalling 190 kilograms, was found in five duffel bags in the shipment that arrived in an Auckland port on August 20 after being tracked by authorities New Zealand Police and Customs worked with the AFP and ACIC to conduct an investigation into the drugs which concluded with a 41-year-old being arrested in Sydney. National Organised Crime Group Detective Inspector Paul Newman said that the drug bust was significant for both countries, which are recognised as lucrative markets for drug syndicates. 'This operation has once again shown our dedication to disrupting organised crime and reducing the devastating harm that drugs cause in our community,' Mr Newman said. 'The cooperation of both law enforcement and intelligence groups during this investigation has been central to its success in targeting transnational crime.' The packages of cocaine were replaced with an inert substance and surveillance was carried out on the shipment once it docked. Police allege the man was trying to take possession of about 57 kilograms of the substituted cocaine. He was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The man appeared before Sydney Central Local Court today and is due to reappear on January 16. An academic at the prestigious Durham University has been stripped of his title for sending what were said to be anti-Semitic and Islamophobic tweets. Dr Stephen Pax Leonard, an honorary research fellow with St Chad's college since October 2017, was stripped of his position after posting offensive comments online. The academic claimed London mayor Sadiq Khan wants London to become a 'Mecca for Muslims' and made comments about Jewish families owning the Swedish media. In a now deleted tweet, Dr Leonard wrote: 'He [Sadiq Khan] is a miserable little excuse for mayor. He just wants London to be a mecca for Muslims.' In another post, also deleted, he wrote: 'With so few Jews, it is extraordinary that the [Swedish] print media is largely owned and edited by Jewish families.' He also allegedly claimed 'tens of millions of Muslims support ISIS.' The university became aware of these comments in October and condemned them as 'objectionable and ill-judged' and revoked Dr Leonard's honorary title last week. In a now deleted tweet, grabbed by student journalists, Dr Leonard wrote: 'He [Sadiq Khan] is a miserable little excuse for mayor. He just wants London to be a mecca for Muslims' A Durham University spokesman said: 'The views that have been reported are wholly inconsistent with the values of Durham University and of St Chad's College. 'While St Chad's College is fully committed to free speech, the Principal has concluded that Dr Leonard's comments, as reported, were objectionable and ill-judged and fell far short of the standards of discourse expected of a Senior Research Fellow. 'The Principal has therefore withdrawn Dr Leonard's research fellowship, which is an honorary, unpaid position.' Third year archaeology and ancient history student Chris Clarke, who is president of the Durham Union, said that Dr Leonard's remarks were 'dangerous'. Third year archaeology and ancient history student Chris Clarke, who is president of the Durham Union, said that Dr Leonard's remarks were 'dangerous' He said: 'The comments that were made I personally believe are quite dangerous. It's effectively inciting individuals to engage with Islamophobic rhetoric. It reflects a really dangerous set of ideas.' Mr Clarke said that while the Durham Union debating society promotes free speech, it draws the line at the promotion of hate speech. A Durham University spokesman said: 'The views that have been reported are wholly inconsistent with the values of Durham University and of St Chad's College' He added that most people at the university are aware of Dr Leonard's comments and that the general view is that they were unacceptable. However, postgraduate student Angelos Sofocleous, who made headlines earlier this after he was sacked by two student publications as a student editor for re-posting a tweet which said 'women don't have a penis', believes that Dr Leonard has become the latest victim of the Durham 'thought police'. He said: 'I do find his views inappropriate and I do not agree with them. But I find the reaction from the university equally innapropriate. The comments were made in a public forum from his personal account. 'It's the same response the thought police and free speech police used for me.' Mr Sofocleous believes no action should have been taken against Dr Leonard and said that the academic has a right to express his views. Dr Leonard told MailOnline: 'These are not 'tweets', but 'replies'. 'Replies' are responses to somebody else's tweet, and thus their true meaning can only be understood in the context of the 'tweet'. They have little meaning out of context. Some of these 'replies' such as the one about Sadiq Khan were, I believe, doctored to make a case against me when my social media was compromised. The College was made aware of this. I have absolutely no recognition of this tweet. I stand by the other factual statements I made in the replies, and apologise for any offence inadvertently caused. I hold absolutely no anti-semitic or Islamophobic opinions whatsoever.' 'I am aware of recent accusations made against me by student journalists claiming that I hold Far-Right, anti-semitic and Islamophobic views. I wish to rebut these libellous accusations which are absurd, totally unfounded and deeply upsetting. None of these commentators have read any of my published works. Instead, they are basing their allegations on replies to tweets taken completely out of context and manipulated to make a case against me.' 'My latest book Ideology of Failure makes the case for the freedom of speech and alerts people to the dangers of group-think, political correctness and zero-sum identity politics. On page 2 of the book I explain clearly why I reject the alt-right identitarian movement and abhor identity politics of any kind. In this book and in my previous collection of essays, I make it very clear that I support a green conservatism a la Zac Goldsmith that repeals hate-speech legislation and preserves the freedom of speech at all costs.' Theresa May's task of getting her Brexit deal past the House of Commons is looking near-impossible as opposition mounts. The 'meaningful vote' promised to MPs will happen on December 11 and is the single biggest hurdle to the Brexit deal happening - as well as being the key to Mrs May' fate as PM. But despite opinion polls suggesting the public might be coming round to her deal, there is little sign of a shift among politicians. Remainers have been stepping up calls for a second referendum in the wake of Sam Gyimah's resignation as universities minister over the weekend - while Brexiteers including Boris Johnson have accused Mrs May of betrayal. Mrs May needs at least 318 votes in the Commons if all 650 MPs turns up - but can probably only be confident of around 230 votes. The number is less than half because the four Speakers, 7 Sinn Fein MPs and four tellers will not take part. The situation looks grim for Mrs May and her whips: now the deal has been published, over 100 of her own MPs and the 10 DUP MPs have publicly stated they will join the Opposition parties in voting No. This means the PM could have as few as 225 votes in her corner - leaving 410 votes on the other side, a landslide majority 185. This is how the House of Commons might break down: Mrs May needs at least 318 votes in the Commons if all 650 MPs turns up - but can probably only be confident of around 230 votes. Mrs May needs at least 318 votes in the Commons if all 650 MPs turns up - but can probably only be confident of around 230 votes. The Government (plus various hangers-on) Who are they: All members of the Government are the so-called 'payroll' vote and are obliged to follow the whips orders or resign. It includes the Cabinet, all junior ministers, the whips and unpaid parliamentary aides. There are also a dozen Tory party 'vice-chairs and 17 MPs appointed by the PM to be 'trade envoys'. How many of them are there? 178. What do they want? For the Prime Minister to survive, get her deal and reach exit day with the minimum of fuss. Many junior ministers want promotion while many of the Cabinet want to be in a position to take the top job when Mrs May goes. How will they vote? With the Prime Minister. European Research Group Brexiteers demanding a No Confidence Vote Who are they: The most hard line of the Brexiteers, they launched a coup against Mrs May after seeing the divorce. Led by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker. How many of them are there: 26 What do they want: The removal of Mrs May and a 'proper Brexit'. Probably no deal now, with hopes for a Canada-style deal later. How will they vote: Against the Prime Minister. Other Brexiteers in the ERG Who are they: There is a large block of Brexiteer Tory MPs who hate the deal but have so far stopped short of moving to remove Mrs May - believing that can destroy the deal instead. They include ex Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and ex minister Owen Paterson. Ex ministers like Boris Johnson and David Davis are also in this group - they probably want to replace Mrs May but have not publicly moved against her. How many of them are there? Around 50. What do they want? The ERG has said Mrs May should abandon her plans for a unique trade deal and instead negotiate a 'Canada plus plus plus' deal. This is based on a trade deal signed between the EU and Canada in August 2014 that eliminated 98 per cent of tariffs and taxes charged on goods shipped across the Atlantic. The EU has long said it would be happy to do a deal based on Canada - but warn it would only work for Great Britain and not Northern Ireland. How will they vote: Against the Prime Minister. Remain including the People's Vote supporters Who are they: Tory MPs who believe the deal is just not good enough for Britain. They include the group of unrepentant Remainers who want a new referendum like Anna Soubry and ex-ministers who quit over the deal including Jo Johnson and Phillip Lee. How many of them are there: Maybe around 10. What do they want? To stop Brexit. Some want a new referendum, some think Parliament should step up and say no. A new referendum would take about six months from start to finish and they group wants Remain as an option on the ballot paper, probably with Mrs May's deal as the alternative. How will they vote? Against the Prime Minister. Moderates in the Brexit Delivery Group (BDG) and other Loyalists Who are they? A newer group, the BDG counts members from across the Brexit divide inside the Tory Party. It includes former minister Nick Boles and MPs including Remainer Simon Hart and Brexiteer Andrew Percy. There are also lots of unaligned Tory MPs who are desperate to talk about anything else. How many of them are there? Based on public declarations, about 48 MPs have either said nothing or backed the deal. What do they want? The BDG prioritises delivering on Brexit and getting to exit day on March 29, 2019, without destroying the Tory Party or the Government. If the PM gets a deal the group will probably vote for it. It is less interested in the exact form of the deal but many in it have said Mrs May's Chequers plan will not work. Mr Boles has set out a proposal for Britain to stay in the European Economic Area (EEA) until a free trade deal be negotiated - effectively to leave the EU but stay in close orbit as a member of the single market. How will they vote? With the Prime Minister. The DUP Who are they? The Northern Ireland Party signed up to a 'confidence and supply' agreement with the Conservative Party to prop up the Government. They are Unionist and say Brexit is good but must not carve Northern Ireland out of the Union. How many of them are there? 10. What do they want? A Brexit deal that protects Northern Ireland inside the UK. How will they vote? Against the Prime Minister on the grounds they believe the deal breaches the red line of a border in the Irish Sea. Labour Loyalists Who are they? Labour MPs who are loyal to Jeremy Corbyn and willing to follow his whipping orders. How many of them are there? Up to 250 MPs depending on exactly what Mr Corbyn orders them to do. What do they want? Labour policy is to demand a general election and if the Government refuses, 'all options are on the table', including a second referendum. Labour insists it wants a 'jobs first Brexit' that includes a permanent customs union with the EU. It says it is ready to restart negotiations with the EU with a short extension to the Article 50 process. The party says Mrs May's deal fails its six tests for being acceptable. How will they vote? Against the Prime Minister's current deal. Labour Rebels Who are they? A mix of MPs totally opposed to Mr Corbyn's leadership, some Labour Leave supporters who want a deal and some MPs who think any deal will do at this point. How many of them are there? Maybe 10 to 20 MPs but this group is diminishing fast - at least for the first vote on the deal. What do they want? An orderly Brexit and to spite Mr Corbyn. How will they vote? With the Prime Minister. Other Opposition parties Who are they? The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Green Caroline Lucas and assorted independents. How many of them are there? About 60 MPs. How will they vote? Mostly against the Prime Minister - though two of the independents are suspended Tories and two are Brexiteer former Labour MPs. This is the moment a Virginia Dunkin' Donuts franchise owner called law enforcement on a woman because she filmed their heated exchange over whether she was racially profiling her. Tirza Wilbon White, 46, filmed the conversation last Thursday on her cell phone, picking up after she and another 'brown-skinned' customer had been told they could not use the advertised free W-Fi unless they purchased something. When Ms White who claimed she visits the same location once or twice a week - asked Christina Cabral why she was being pushed to buy an item despite the advertisement, she was told the branch has had a number of incidents where fights have broken out among loiterers. Tirza Wilbon White, 46, shared a clip of the incident during which she was told to leave a Dunkin' Donuts because she had offended the franchisee owner 'Oh please': Cabral said she had family members who are 'mixed' during her exchange 'I don't know what company you own but as a franchisee I do get to make my own rules and that's posting signs,' Cabral said. 'Because I need to ensure safety to my customers and I'm not saying you're a problem but I've had problems in the past with customers. 'They hang out here for eight hours, they get into fights' When Cabral told the regular visitor 'we can't have customers hanging out', White noted that the brand is regularly listed as a top place to use Wi-Fi for free and asked for clarification on whether it was purely down to the owner's choice. After she replied 'yes' and gave in to handing over her business information, she added that she had nothing against White personally but wanted to make her customers 'feel safe'. The conversation intensified as White probed deeper. 'I have something unfortunate to share with you,' she began. 'I am a brown person, he is a brown person, I've been coming here for two years' Cabral then called law enforcement on White after she said she was offended At that point the boss cut her off to say her decision was not motivated by race and emphasized she had family members who are 'mixed'. 'Oh please, listen don't say this is racial profiling, it's my family, it's mixed,' Cabral said. She followed it up by pointing White toward the door. 'You can leave my location. I find that offensive.' White - whose own family is of mixed heritage - responded that the owner didn't get to 'trump' her experience because she is the black person in this situation. At that point Cabral made the decision to call in law enforcement. Cabral argued that she was contacting police because the customer was blackmailing her. She added that she also had reason to get cops to the store 'because you're recording me without telling me. However White made her rights clear by pointing out that Virginia is a one-party consent state which means that an individual is allowed to record conversations in person or via telephone as long as they are a participant. 'You're the viral video of white people who call the police because they're upset,' White added. 'What crime? The police are for crime.' After Cabral walked away on the phone, White also recorded her exchange with a responding officer who said she had to leave because it's the owner's place. The officer confirmed they had dealt with incidents with loiterers at the location in past and while White explained that she unlikely to be the cause of a fight he shared that there was no way they could be sure. He revealed that if she didn't leave the property he would have to issue her a summons. The incident happened at this Dunkin' Donuts in Virginia last Thursday While some have commented on the videos asking why she didn't go elsewhere to use the internet, in a Facebook post later, White gave more context to how the event unfolded. She noted how she had only been seated for a few minutes when she was approached, the 'brown-skinned man' who had also been spoken to had in fact told them he was using his own hot spot, and that she was ignored when she asked whether the white man in front of her had been told the same thing. White explained she had already packed up to leave but when the owner said she was calling law enforcement, she decided to stay and began recording. She was unaware Cabral hadn't actually contacted law enforcement the first time around. 'I didn't want to leave for a few reasons: because she would think her strategy of forcing brown-skinned people to buy coffee worked if we either bought it or chose not to and left. Either way future brown-skinned people would be mistreated and if they pushed back against her, as I did, they too would have police called, as the officer confirmed in one of the videos,' she said. 'Second, I didn't leave because I didn't want to give the impression I had done anything wrong. I also didn't want someone writing down my license plate and having police officers come to my door where I would then be forced to explain, completely out of context and without witnesses. So I stayed at DD until they arrived.' A police officer explained that he would have to arrested Mrs White if she didn't leave White revealed that since the video was shared around the internet she had received calls from the corporate communications department to apologized but chose not to accept due to other incidences of social injustice. 'If I had been arrested, general counsel would be involved. I have no damages because I chose not to be arrested. At least I had a choice. Some don't. So your apology is insufficient for your owner who called the police on a black woman who refused her demand that I buy coffee to use WiFi that is free to every other customer in the store. If you truly care to know what would matter to me, it's accountability and change,' she revealed she told the Chief Communications Officer for Dunkin' Donuts. She called for change after the incident involving Cabral whose family she said owns branches across Virginia and Maryland. Recalling similar incidents of innocent black people being regarded as suspicious by white people 'at the pool, the coffee shop, on the sidewalk. In your own home and apartment building. At the park' White said it was about a bigger problem. Advertisement Migrants travelling in a caravan from Central America were abused and had rocks thrown at them in a neighborhood in Tijuana as they reached the Mexican border. A small group of residents in an upscale Tijuana neighborhood near the Mexican border confronted caravan migrants late on Wednesday, throwing stones and telling them to go back to their home countries. 'Get out of here,' around 20 people shouted at a camp of Hondurans near the border. 'We want you to return to your country. You are not welcome'. Mexican locals are seen clashing with a group of Honduran migrants as they passed through a neighborhood in Tijuana Police officers had to intervene to keep the peace as tensions escalated between residents and migrants A small group of residents in an upscale Tijuana neighborhood confronted the caravan migrants late on Wednesday, throwing stones and telling them to go back to their home countries The migrants shouted back and dozens of police officers had to create a blockade between them to prevent any violence Tensions surfaced days ago when residents complained about a group of LGBT migrants who broke away from the caravan Migrants shouted back and dozens of police officers had to create a blockade between them in a city known for welcoming both American tourists and thousands of immigrants every year. A caravan of thousands of mostly Honduran migrants who are fleeing violence and poverty at home set off for the United States in mid-October, with the bulk of them still to arrive at the border. Other large bands of mostly Salvadorans have followed. Trump has declared the caravans an invasion, and has sent some 5,800 troops to 'harden' the border, including with barbed wire. With some exceptions, Mexico has welcomed the Central Americans, offering food and lodging in towns during their journey. The migrants said they were stunned by the hostile attitude in Tijuana. One migrant said: 'We are not criminals. Why do (they) treat us like this if everywhere we have traveled in Mexico they treated us well?' migrants shouted back. 'Think about the children who are here, please'. Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said that job fairs would be held around the country from today to lay out opportunities for Central Americans, reiterating earlier government offers of work. Central American migrants, taking part in a caravan towards the US, arrive to Tijuana, Mexico, on November 15 Earlier today central American migrants were seen arriving by school bus to a shelter offering breakfast in Tijuana Central American migrants moving towards the United States queue for pizza near the US - Mexico border fence in Playas de Tijuana today This time though, he emphasized that there was also work for Mexicans seeking jobs. At a news conference that included Juan Pablo Castanon, head of the CCE business lobby, Navarrete said the private sector had told the government there were enough jobs available for all the Central Americans who entered Mexico during October. Since October 19, a total of 3,800 migrants had sought asylum in Mexico, Navarrete said, though some later dropped their applications and returned home. As of now 2,600 asylum requests were being processed, the minister added. Mexico's low-paying factories at times struggle to find workers, and the border area is suffering chronic labor shortages. US marines place barbed wire atop fencing along the United States-Mexico border in Tijuana US Border Patrol officers on horseback and officers on patrol at the US - Mexico border fence Migrants, part of a caravan of thousands trying to reach the US look through the border fence between Mexico and the United States Tensions in Tijuana surfaced a few days ago when residents complained about a group of 80 or so LGBT migrants who broke away from the caravan. They arrived in an upscale part of the Playas de Tijuana neighborhood, near where the stones were thrown. A popular party town for US tourists, Tijuana has a history of absorbing visitors, including Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. It has a large American population and some 3,000 Haitians settled in the city, just south of San Diego, in 2016 after failing to cross the US border. But the arrival of hundreds of members of the caravans has stretched to the limit migrant shelters that were already overflowing with people. Mexico's Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete (left) said that job fairs would be held around the country from today to offer opportunities for Central Americans Donald Trump has declared the caravans an invasion and has sent some 5,800 troops to 'harden' the border While Tijuana's traditional generosity was also on display, with the government setting up a new shelter and citizens offering food and clothing, a harder attitude also emerged. Tijuana's city government opened a shelter for 360 people of an estimated 810 that arrived this week, and officials warned there was little room to house more than 2,000 more who are expected to arrive this week. Meanwhile, US border patrol agents in Arizona have been busy detaining more than 650 illegal immigrants in just two days this week. Agents in the Yuma Sector said they detained 654 people most reportedly being family units or unaccompanied minors from Guatemala - on Monday and Tuesday. Officials said the groups of illegal immigrants are not believed to be associated with the large caravan of mostly Central American migrants that have prompted the military deployment, Fox News reported. US Customs and Border Protection said Wednesday a group of 55 Central Americans waded across the Colorado River near Yuma and surrendered to agents after walking around vehicle barriers in the area. Vinny Dulesky, the special operations supervisor for Yuma Sector public affairs, told Fox News on Thursday that the majority of groups came in through the east side of the port of entry and had cut through metal fences to gain entry. Dulseky said they are predominantly seeing family units and unaccompanied minors attempting to enter the US and that the tactics of the illegal immigrants are changing. 'Instead of trying to avoid us, they are running to us, and claim asylum, he said. By doing that, it keeps them in the country longer'. Terrifying footage has emerged on social media of a school of hungry sharks trailing a fisherman's boat in Australia. Facebook user Devlin Wise, who lives in Queensland, uploaded the 49-second clip on Thursday. The keen angler from Gladstone playfully declared he 'wouldn't be going swimming today' after sharing the clip online. The video has already had over 11,000 views and has been shared almost 200 times. Queensland fisherman Devlin Wise was trailed by dozens of bronze whaler sharks in his boat this week (stock image) Kayaker Kyle Roberts did have a lucky escape from a four metre tiger shark off Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Thursday morning. The local resident was paddling about a kilometre off the beach near Caloundra when the shark knocked him off his kayak. David McLean, a duty officer with Surf Life Saving Queensland, said Mr Roberts was in shock when lifeguards reached him on jet skis. 'There was no blood in the water nothing else to attract any sharks the attack came out of the blue,' he told the ABC. 'As he stated, he's very lucky to be here.' Thursday also saw iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs closed following two shark sightings by swimmers. A 'white witch' has been found guilty of manslaughter over the death of her former husband after luring him to his Sydney townhouse and attacking him with her then-fiance. Raquel Gaelle Hutchison and Paul Andrew Wilkinson, both 40, denied murdering the man - who cannot be identified - whose body was found dumped on a Wisemans Ferry road in October 2014. In the New South Wales Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Peter Hamill found them not guilty of murder, but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. 'The multiplicity of the injuries show that this was a sustained and brutal assault,' he said. Raquel Gaelle Hutchison (pictured) has been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter Hutchison (pictured left and right) and Paul Andrew Wilkinson, both 40, had pleaded not guilty to murdering her former husband in October 2014 There was no dispute at the judge-alone trial that Hutchison tricked the man into leaving work early and returning home in October 2014, where he was ambushed and significantly injured. She and Wilkinson then put him in the boot of a car and eventually drove to the isolated stretch of road where they left him hours later. Hutchison admitted having some role in her ex-husband's death but pleaded not guilty due to mental illness and said she wanted to get a confession from him, claiming he was a child abuser. She'd also expressed fears he was exposing children to paranormal activity such as exorcism and ghost and demon hunting, the judge said on Friday. Justice Hamill found that her child abuse concerns were real - regardless of whether any abuse actually occurred - and not just a ruse to justify her actions. He had no doubt the victim exposed children to strange things through his interest in 'esoteric paranormal activities'. There was no dispute at the judge-alone trial that Hutchison (pictured) tricked the man into leaving work early and returning home in October 2014, where he was ambushed and significantly injured Hutchison (pictured) admitted having some role in her ex-husband's death but pleaded not guilty due to mental illness and said she wanted to get a confession from him, claiming he was a child abuser But the judge also noted evidence that Hutchison considered herself to be a white witch, and she'd composed spells and made a voodoo doll of her former husband with a child. He found Hutchison and Wilkinson didn't go to the victim's house with an intention to kill or cause serious injury, but she 'lost control of herself' after confronting her ex. That loss of control was linked to her psychiatric conditions, the judge said, and the Crown hadn't eliminated the possibility she believed her conduct was necessary for the protection of children. However, Justice Hamill was still satisfied her actions weren't a reasonable response to the situation as she perceived it, and there were other options available to her and Wilkinson. A U.S. rocket stands at its launch pad at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia counting down to a Thursday morning launch. On the other side of the world in Kazakhstan, a Russian rocket is being processed for its launch Friday afternoon. Both spaceships are hauling several tons of food, fuel, supplies and new science to resupply the Expedition 57 crew aboard the International Space Station. First, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus space freighter is set to blastoff atop the Antares rocket Thursday at 4:49 a.m. EST from Virginia's Atlantic coast. Next, Russia will roll out its Progress 71 (71P) cargo craft for a launch Friday at 1:14 p.m. from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Cygnus will then lead the 71P on a dual journey to the orbital laboratory where the two spaceships will arrive on Sunday just hours apart. Cygnus will get there first when Commander Alexander Gerst assisted by Flight Engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor captures the private cargo carrier at 4:35 a.m. with the Canadarm2 robotic arm. After some rest, cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev will monitor the automated docking of the 71P to the Zvezda service module's rear port at 2:30 p.m. Gerst and Serena trained today for the robotic capture of Cygnus on Sunday reviewing approach and rendezvous procedures. Gerst first started his day reviewing details about a new free-flying robotic assistant that uses artificial intelligence before moving on to protein crystal research. Serena worked on the Life Sciences Glovebox then moved on to orbital plumbing tasks. The duo also joined Prokopyev for ongoing eye checks in conjunction with doctors on the ground. Prokopyev primarily worked in the Russian segment throughout Tuesday on life support maintenance and science experiments. On-Orbit Status Report MObile companion (Cimon): A crewmember reviewed a summary for this week's operations and also retrieved and charged the two Cimon batteries. Cimon is a technology demonstration project and an observational study that aims to obtain the first insights into the effects on crew support by an artificial intelligence (AI), in terms of efficiency and acceptance during long-term missions in space. Spaceflight missions put the crew under a substantial amount of stress and workload, and it is thought that AI could provide operational support to crewmembers. Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Biophysics: A crewmember removed Plate 1 Biophysics sample from the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI)-1 and installed it into the LMM in preparation for Biophysics-06 experiment. Proteins are important biological molecules that can be crystallized to provide better views of their structure, which helps scientists understand how they work. Proteins crystallized in microgravity are often higher in quality than those grown on Earth. LMM Biophysics 4 examines the movement of single protein molecules in microgravity. Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG): Today the crew removed the Gas Trap Fill Fixture from the Node-1 location in preparation for attachment to the LSG Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) return line planned for tomorrow. Tomorrow's activity will start the removal of any trapped air in the system. The LSG is a sealed work area that accommodates life science and technology investigations in a "workbench" type environment. Due to its larger size design, two crewmembers can work in the LSG simultaneously. Northrop Grumman 10 (NG-10) Cygnus On-board Training: Today, the crew performed a Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) session. ROBoT is an on-orbit version of the ground-based Dynamics Skills Trainer (DST) that simulates robotics operations with graphical feedback. NG-10 is currently on track to launch on Novemeber15 and berth to ISS on November 18. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Yesterday evening, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS and performed Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Latch End Effector (LEE) checkouts on both strings. Brakes and joints diagnostics were also performed on both strings. All of the NG-10 pre-launch MSS checkouts were successful. They then maneuvered SSRMS to the Offset Grapple start positon where the LEE snare cables survey was performed to find that the snares were in a good configuration. MSS is now in position for the crew practice session scheduled for November 15, 2018. Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle Remove and Replace (R&R): The crew removed and replaced the WHC Urine Receptacle and Insert Filter. After replacement, a functionality test of the WHC was performed and the WHC was declared operational. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. LSR Checkout [Ongoing] Two Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 11/14: Payloads: LSG Gas Trap Degassing IFM-return line (NASA) BPC Microscopy2 Ops (NASA) VEG-03 Chk and watering (NASA) Cimon Sound and Camera Chk (ESA) Systems: Progress TORU Drill Cygnus RoBOT OBT Self Study Session Thursday, 11/15: Payloads: Food Acceptability (NASA) LSG Gas Trap Degassing IFM-supply line (NASA) Cimon Activation and checkout (ESA) FROST1 Condensation and Corrosion removal (JAXA) Meteor On-Board Training (NASA) Systems: Cygnus Offset Grapple Practice Cygnus Attached Phase Operations Review Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Making a documentary about life onboard the ISS ECON-M. Observations and photo (Task list) MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake Auxiliary Computer System [] Laptops Antivirus Software Checkout and Report Review of Cimon Big Picture Words Cimon Battery Charging Collecting condensate water samples from -2 before Gas-Liquid Mixture Filter () into Russian Samplers, initiate Maintenance Verification of -1 Flow Sensor Position UDOD. Experiment Ops with DYKNANIYE-1 and SPRUT-2 Sets. Tagup with specialists Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) High Calibration Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup ISS HAM Service Module Pass In-Flight Maintenance Life Science Glovebox (LSG) Degas Hardware Gather Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation Health Maintenance System (HMS) - OCT Exam Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Stow LMM MELFI Sample Retrieve In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle (UR) and Insert Filter (IF) Remove and Replace Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open LMM Biophysics Plate 1 Installation MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake MORZE. Experiment setup End discharge of the first Orlan 8253 battery pack No.1267421121 (Stow 00073848R in 1_2_221_1) and start discharging the second pack No.1267421122 (00073849R, 1_2_221_1) Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close JEM Regenerative Heat Exchanger (RHX) Water Wipe MPEG-2 video downlink test via KU-band in preparation to Progress 440 docking to the ISS. On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Session 1 CONTENT. Experiment Ops Evening Preparation Work Health Maintenance System (HMS). Fundoscope Eye Examination MERLIN 2 Desiccant Swap Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) High Calibration Closeout Health Maintenance System (HMS) Fundoscope Tear Down and Stow Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. A man who raped a drunk and drug-affected teenage girl he met at a train station in Perth has cried while being sentenced to five years in prison. Shane John Anderton was aged 26 in June 2010 when he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old girl in bushland. The girl had been drinking alcohol at a friend's house when she met Anderton at a train station about 9pm and he told her he could get her some cigarettes. He sat near the girl on a bus but they did not speak, then they got off at the same stop and walked to his friend's apartment where she had more alcohol and some cannabis. A man who raped a drunk and drug-affected teenage girl he met at a train station in Perth (pictured) has cried while being sentenced to five years in prison She later walked away under the influence of the substances and Anderton followed, taking the girl by the wrist and walking her to the bush area where he raped her. The father-of-four, who has two young children with his current partner, stood trial in the West Australian District Court charged with three offences, but the jury only convicted him of one count of aggravated sexual penetration without consent. Judge Laurie Levy said on Friday that it should have been obvious to Anderton that the girl was affected by drugs and alcohol. He said the girl resisted both physically and verbally, and Anderton had been indifferent about the girl's age, although he had not displayed an predatory behaviour. Judge Levy said general deterrence and the vulnerability of the victim were significant sentencing factors. 'You did opportunistically take advantage of a young and clearly vulnerable person,' he said. Shane John Anderton stood trial in the West Australian District Court (pictured) and was sentenced to five years jail and will not be eligible for parole for three years Anderton covered his face with his hands and wept during the court proceedings. Judge Levy said Anderton, who has a nine-page criminal record and a history of substance abuse, had not showed contrition or remorse. He said it would be inappropriate to suspend the sentence despite the submission by Anderton's lawyer that he had not reoffended in a significant way since the crime and was effectively reformed. But Judge Levy did acknowledge prison would be difficult for Anderton because he would be away from his young family. Anderton must serve at least three years behind bars before he can be eligible for parole. Ive voted Conservative at every general election. Over the last few decades Ive celebrated a few victories and drowned my sorrows after a few defeats. But no electoral victory caused me more delight than the outcome of the June 2016 referendum. If, somehow, I was ever forced to choose between Brexit happening and a Tory government being elected Id have no hesitation in choosing Brexit. General elections, after all, come round every four or five years. The Remain versus Leave question is of much more enduring consequence. Its about whether the worlds oldest parliamentary democracy largely governs itself or, instead, whether it commits itself to increasing submergence within a European project that year-by-year, treaty-by-treaty seeks to become an ever more powerful and domineering superstate. In other words: in the great debate that has so painfully divided our country over the last two years I dont sit on the fence. But unlike my good friends within the Eurosceptic movement like Boris Johnson, David Davis and Jacob Rees-Mogg Im backing the deal that Theresa May has struck with Brussels. Scroll down for video Boris Johnson and former Brexit Secretary David Davis are among the bookmakers favourites to replace Theresa May should her premiership come to an end in the coming months And not only do I find myself in the uncomfortable position of disagreeing with Eurosceptic allies, I am gravely worried that their rejection of Mays deal could mean that Brexit does not happen at all. Yesterday, for example, Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed that the 585-page Withdrawal Agreement did not add up to a proper Brexit. Its true that the compromises Mrs May has made may mean its a semi-skimmed, not-quite-gold-top Brexit. But its definitely a big step towards what 17,410,742 Britons voted for. Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled an all-out assault on Mrs May by telling a pack of reporters (pictured) that he had sent a no-confidence letter And it certainly takes giant leaps towards fulfilling the two biggest promises made by the Leave campaign. First and foremost it will give us control over immigration. The British government and people will decide who comes into Britain; where they come from; how many come; and how long they stay. Second, once the uncomfortably large divorce bill is settled, we can look forward to a bonanza for the NHS and other public services. Over each coming decade well have at least 100billion more to spend on our priorities rather than the priorities of the Brussels bureaucracy. By falsely complaining that the deal amounts to a fake Brexit, Leave-supporting MPs and campaigners are in danger of aiding and abetting staunch Remainers, such as Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell, Gina Miller and Vince Cable, who want a second referendum. May addresses the media inside Number 10 Downing Street yesterday afternoon as she insisted she would not be forced out by her Tory rivals Former Labour Prime Minister TOny Blair has been a vocal critic of Brexit and is campaigning for a second vote on the issue Both sides use the same language, constantly rabbiting on about how voters have been betrayed or deceived. By doing this, Brexiteers are shooting themselves in the foot. For any sense that voters have been duped out of a meaningful Brexit will simultaneously delegitimise the outcome of the first referendum and increase the calls for a re-run of the vote. While I think Leave could win that re-run, its not certain. Brexit would certainly be in jeopardy and unnecessarily so. Im not arguing that Brexiteers objections to Mrs Mays deal are without any merit. There are real weaknesses in the draft text. The biggest problem is the somewhat unequal treatment of Northern Ireland, which would remain in the single market for the foreseeable future. A party that is officially titled the Conservative and Unionist party should not be treating any of the UKs four nations in unequal ways. How the day of Brexit chaos unfolded in Westminster 7.32am: Shailesh Vara quits as junior Northern Ireland minister, claiming the deal leaves Britain in a 'half way house' 8.53am: Dominic Raab resigns as Brexit Secretary, saying the 'indefinite' backstop threatens to break up the Union 9.58am: Esther McVey goes as Work and Pensions Secretary, lashing the PM for a deal that 'does not honour the result of the referendum' 10.17am: Suella Braverman quits as junior Brexit minister, warning the 'concessions do do not respect the will of the people' 10.20am: Anne-Marie Trevelyan quits as an aide to the Education Secretary because the deal is 'unacceptable' to Brexit voters 10.30am: Theresa May rises in the Commons to present her Brexit deal to MPs insisting it is the best deal that could be negotiated and is in the national interest. She is battered by hostile questions on all sides for almost three hours. 11.23am: Brexiteer ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg uses his Commons question to condemn the deal and warn Mrs May she has lost his confidence. 12.35pm: Ranil Jayawardena resigns as aide to the Justice Secretary saying the deal 'does not deliver a good and fair Brexit'. 1.44pm: Mr Rees-Mogg appears outside Parliament to announce he and the European Research Group are sending letters demanding a vote of no confidence in Theresa May. He dramatically names a series of possible successors to deliver a better Brexit - but insists it is not a coup and he is not a candidate 2.58pm: Rehman Chisti goes as the PM's trade envoy to Pakistan, saying the deal is 'contrary to our manifesto commitment' 5.22pm: Theresa May holds a Downing Street press conference vowing to see her deal through and insisting she is acting in the national interest. She defiantly says she is working to get the best deal available and MPs will have to consider their own position when it comes to a vote. 6.48pm: Aid Secretary Penny Mordaunt leaves No 10 in a Government car having not resigned despite rumours she might. Advertisement Another big weakness is the fogginess of the proposed escape route from the EUs customs union. If that route is as hard to escape from as some Brexiteers fear, we risk being unable to negotiate the economy-boosting trade deals with America, Japan, Korea, Australia, China and other parts of the world that are growing much faster than the high unemployment states of the EU. Who, though, is to blame for those weaknesses in the Agreement? Is it Mrs May? Of course, part of the answer is Yes. But so are Brexiteer MPs and ministers who waited until this 89th minute of the negotiating window to start shouting not good enough. I was shouting not good enough 18 months ago after Mrs May mishandled the general election and threw away the Commons majority she inherited from David Cameron. I was worried that a leader who couldnt draft an election manifesto without making errors as catastrophic as the infamous dementia tax was not suited to master the most challenging negotiations Britain has faced in the post-war period. Tory MPs ignored my advice, however, and kept Mrs May in place. I shouted not good enough again after she signed up to the 39billion divorce bill before she had received any bankable commitments from the EUs chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, about what kind of trade deal Britain would get in return. Again, with sand slipping through the Article 50 hourglass, Brexit MPs did nothing. The last chance probably came in the summer in the weeks after Mrs May held her infamous Chequers summit and set out the shape of the deal she wanted. If Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and others who resigned yesterday had done so at that time following the lead of David Davis, Boris Johnson and Steve Baker Mrs May might have had to harden her negotiating position and Parliament might now be scrutinising a more Leave-friendly deal. But they didnt. I fear that there simply isnt enough time to reopen the deal. But worryingly, there still is time for currency and stock markets to create havoc for UK businesses, investors and tourists. If the hard-Brexiteers look like they are about to scupper the Prime Ministers exit deal, the judgment of markets might be harsh and the Tory reputation for competent economic stewardship could be shredded. Although this could lead to a Corbyn government, Labour shouldnt smile at this prospect either. The whole nations faith in democracy might be badly shaken if Team Corbyn joins Brexit purists in opposing the only deal that Brussels appears willing to put on the table. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab (left) dropped the bombshell news on the morning after the PM forced the terms of her proposed plan through Cabinet in a stormy five-hour meeting. Esther McVey (right) followed suit with her resignation shortly afterwards The main threat to Brexit doesnt come any longer from diehard Europhiles like John Major and Ken Clarke. It doesnt come from the irresponsible campaigners for a second referendum who would rather stay in the EU than honour the political classs promise to respect the result of the 2016 vote. Brexit is now most in danger from uncompromising, Leave-supporting MPs who failed to stand up for their beliefs when there was still time for Mrs May and the Government to change course and have waited until the clock is about to strike midnight. In fairy tales you can wait until the last hour and a happy ending is still possible. But this is the real world. And the drama weve all been witnessing over the last 24 hours is no fairy story. An Australian man was left with a broken jaw and blood pouring from his mouth after a violent dispute with a security guard at an Israeli airport. Ben de Jong, 41, lived in Israel for five years with his wife and daughter before the incident, which left him hospitalised. A statement from Tel Aviv airport said Mr De Jong 'failed to identify himself to an airport security official,' 7News reported. An Australian man was left with a broken jaw and blood pouring from his mouth after a violent dispute with a security guard at an Israeli airport Mr De Jong was rushed into emergency surgery where he said they had to 'put his jaw back into place' after the incident. Footage of the aftermath of surgery showed the victim's face covered in blood, bruised and unable to speak properly. Social media users were quick to question the information Mr De Jong provided, though, with one writing 'there is definitely more to the story'. 'Clearly anywhere in the world, even here in Australia, if you are asked to identify yourself by police or security you must comply.' 'Israel is under constant attack and to refuse to ID yourself in that environment is seriously stupid.' 'It would be great to see the full video and voice recording,' another wrote. Police in Oklahoma have released body-cam footage depicting the fatal officer-involved shooting of a man in a local restaurant. Muskogee police were called to the 'I Don't Care Bar and Grill' at approximately 2pm on Monday to answer a call for the capture of 36-year-old Andrew Kana. The Ponca City resident was wanted for several outstanding warrants, according to KFOR. The footage shows officers attempting to handcuff the man on one of his hands. He had refused to pull out his other hand for the policeman. Muskogee police were called to the 'I Don't Care Bar and Grill' at approximately 2pm to answer a call for the capture of 36-year-old Andrew Kana Footage shows officers attempting to handcuff the man on one of his hands as he has refused to give his other hand It was then that he pulled out his handgun, according to media release. Footage shows Sergeant Ron Yates fire his gun instantly. His bullets struck Kana in the chest. Kana falls like a rag-doll to the ground and goes limp in the footage. He died at the scene. Yates was visibly shook by the shooting, at one point breaking into tears. The Ponca City resident pulls out a gun and Sergeant Ron Yates fire his weapon instantly, striking Kana in his chest 'I just didn't want to ever have to shoot anybody, chief,' he said. Kana had a warrant related to a charge of an alleged domestic assault by strangulation in Muskogee. He also had warrants in Ada County, Idaho, that included charges for an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one for domestic assault in the presence of a child. Kana had a warrant related to a charge of an alleged domestic assault by strangulation in Muskogee In Payne County, Oklahoma, he had charges for a concealed weapon and domestic assault and battery in the presence of minor children. Those cases were to go to trial in February. In addition to those warrants, the Muskogee Phoenix also found that Kana was convicted in Kay County for child abuse by injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The three officers that were involved in the bar shooting were placed on administrative leave until an internal investigation was conducted. A prison escapee who tunnelled out of a notorious Bali prison has taunted police on social media again. Australian man Shaun Davidson, 35, checked-in to the Thai tourism hotspot of Phuket on Facebook in another jab at police attempting to incarcerate him. He has been on the run for more than a year after digging his way out of Kerobokan Prison in June 2017. Notorious Australian convict Shaun Davidson has taunted police in another Facebook post Davidson checked-in to Phuket, Thailand in an emoji-laden post to Facebook (pictured) In an emoji-laden check-in status on Facebook, Davidson told his followers he had arrived in Phuket on Thursday night. He accompanied the post with four smiling emojis and two halo-topped angel emojis. His legion of followers welcomed the update, one writing: 'Hang in there Shaun. Have fun.' Only two hours after checking-in, he wrote: 'Sorry don't reply to negativity only good vibes enjoy life.' Perth-born Davidson had fewer than three months left on a one-year sentence for passport fraud when he escaped the Balinese jail. He has taunted authorities on social media ever since and in a comment in June he had claimed to be living in Tasmania with plans to travel to Asia later in the year. Davidson has been on the run after escaping a Balinese prison more than a year ago In an accompanying post soon after the check-in, he wrote he only responds to 'good vibes' 'Tasmania at the moment but should be moving to Tokyo at the end of the year,' Davidson had written on Facebook. His comment came in reply to speculation surrounding Davidson's whereabouts a year on from the daring jail break. When another person wrote they thought Davidson had not escaped at all but was 'eliminated', Davidson simply replied 'lol'. He fled from the Balinese jail despite only have three months left on a one-year sentence He and two others fled through a tunnel (pictured). His accomplices were caught soon after Davidson escaped from the Bali jail through a tiny tunnel along with three other inmates, two of whom have been recaptured. Since his daring jailbreak Davidson has used social media to 'check in' at locations including Melbourne, Dubai, Barbados, Singapore, Cuba and, most recently, the Gold Coast. At one point he even claimed to be back in Indonesia, telling his followers he was there to watch police hunt for him. The $1 million estate of an interior designer strangled to death with a dog leash in his luxury apartment will not go to his killer partner. Stuart Rattle died in 2013 at the hand of his partner of 16 years, Michael O'Neill at their home in South Yarra, Melbourne. The Supreme Court ruled O'Neill forfeited his interest in Mr Rattle's will by killing him, and Mr Rattle's estate should be split equally among his mother and the estate of his deceased father. The court heard O'Neill (pictured) was exhausted after preparing for a high-society event the couple were hosting, and snapped after Mr Rattle called him a 'frigid b**ch' for refusing sex Mr Rattle was strangled to death using a nylon dog leash after his partner struck him over the head with a fry pan during a heated exchange. The court heard O'Neill was exhausted after preparing for a high-society event the couple were hosting, and snapped after Mr Rattle called him a 'frigid b**ch' for refusing sex. The pair, who lived a life of luxury in their almost two decades together, had noticed cracks in their relationship forming, news.com.au reported. Mr Rattle, who was described by family as a generous, enthusiastic, talented perfectionist, was also known to have a darker side; and was both controlling and domineering. The $1 million estate of an interior designer strangled with a dog leash in his luxury apartment will not go to his killer partner Stuart Rattle (pictured) died in 2013 at the hand of his partner of 16 years, Michael O'Neill at their home in South Yarra, Melbourne He often belittled O'Neill in public and private, and friends of the couple acknowledged family violence within the relationship. O'Neill went about his daily activities as best he could after the death of his partner, before returning to the home three days later to set fire to the apartment. Mr Rattle's charred body was discovered in the blaze, but within a week, O'Neill was arrested and confessed to the crime. He was sentenced to 17 years in jail with a non-parole period of 13 years in February 2015, with an additional two years added to the sentence for arson. A deadly and extremely rare sea snake has been found slithering across a popular beach in Queensland where tourists frequently swim. Footage of the olive-headed sea snake, which was found washed up at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, was captured by passerby Harris Noy on Friday morning. In the video, the snake is seen frantically slithering and writhing across the shore, until it stops, unable to gain enough traction to move forward on the wet sand. Scroll down for video Footage of the olive-headed sea snake (pictured), which was found washed up at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, was captured by passerby Harris Noy on Friday morning In the video, the sea snake (pictured) is seen frantically slithering and writhing across the shore, until it stops, unable to gain enough traction to move forward on the wet sand Mr Noy told Daily Mail Australia he came across the sea snake while he was going for an early morning walk. 'I first thought it was dead, but it was well and truly alive,' Mr Noy said. There were plenty of swimmers and walkers who nearly stepped on the serpent, so after filming it, Mr Noy said he rang for a professional snake handler. Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher Tony Harrison told The Gold Coast Bulletin the 'usually placid' olive-headed sea snake leaves a nasty bite which can be fatal. He urged people to steer clear of the snake because if you tried to pick it up, it would most likely bite and its venom is 'very, very toxic'. 'It will kill you, you would have time to go to the hospital but if you didn't do anything about it your family would be planning a funeral the next day,' Mr Harrison said. The olive-headed sea snake likes the tropical waters of northern Australia and Southern Papua New Guinea, to New Caledonia He added: 'It is one of the more common snakes you get on Gold Coast beaches. 'We get at least five of those a year and about one yellow belly sea snakes.' Mr Noy said he regularly walks along the beach and has never seen a snake there before. According to the Department of Environment and Energy, the Olive-headed is a prominent member of the sea snake family of sub-tropical Queensland. It typically likes the tropical waters of northern Australia and Southern Papua New Guinea, to New Caledonia, and is found in sand or mud habitats in water depths between three and 10 metres. 'It becomes relatively common in the waters between Bundaberg and Fraser Island each year from August to January,' the website stated. Mr Harrison said, on average, he is called to remove between 15 and 20 snakes from Gold Coast beaches each year - some of which are sea snakes. He said if you do see a snake on the beach, don't touch it and call the council straight away. Footage has emerged of a Republican US Senator from Mississippi implying that it is a good idea to make it harder for 'liberal folks' to vote as she spoke to supporters. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who is in a runoff against Democrat Mike Espy on November 27, made the remark at a campaign stop in Starkville, Mississippi earlier this month. A brief clip appeared on social media Thursday, days after another video showed Hyde-Smith praising someone at a different event by saying: 'If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row.' Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith implied it is a good idea to make it harder for 'liberal folks' to vote while speaking to a small group of supporters In the latest video, she is heard saying : And then they remind me that there's a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who maybe we don't want to vote,' Hyde-Smith is heard saying. Maybe we want to make it just a little more difficult. And I think that's a great idea. Both videos were posted on Facebook and Twitter by Lamar White Jr, publisher of The Bayou Brief, a liberal-leaning Louisiana news site. He said he received them from a trusted source, and that neither video was edited to change Hyde-Smith's words. Melissa Scallan, a spokeswoman for Hyde-Smith's campaign, said in a statement shortly after the video was posted that the senator 'obviously' was 'making a joke and clearly the video was selectively edited'. Mike Espy is seeking to become Mississippi's first African-American US senator since Reconstruction. Hyde-Smith, endorsed by President Donald Trump, is the first woman to represent Mississippi in either chamber of Congress. Cindy Hyde-Smith on voter suppression: "And then they remind me, that there's a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who that maybe we don't want to vote. Maybe we want to make it just a little more difficult. And I think that's a great idea." Nov 2nd in Columbus, MS. pic.twitter.com/OxNY77XCft Lamar White, Jr. (@LamarWhiteJr) November 15, 2018 In the footage, the Republican Senator is surrounded by a small group of supporters She said maybe Republicans want to make it more difficult for liberal people to vote Some of those present can be heard laughing as she makes the controversial remark She has served since April after Mississippi's governor appointed her to temporarily succeed longtime Republican Senator Cochran, who retired. Danny Blanton, a spokesman for Espy's campaign, called Hyde-Smith a 'walking stereotype who embarrasses our state'. 'For a state like Mississippi, where voting rights were obtained through sweat and blood, everyone should appreciate that this is not a laughing matter,' Blanton said in a statement. Cindy Hyde-Smith (left) is in a runoff against Democrat Mike Espy (right) on November 27 'Mississippians deserve a senator who represents our best qualities, not a walking stereotype who embarrasses our state'. The episode comes after that first controversial video was posted to Twitter on Sunday. In that video, Hyde-Smith is heard saying during a campaign stop in Tupelo on November 2 that if a supporter who was standing next to her 'invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row'. Critics said the comment had a racial connotation in the context of Mississippi's history of lynching. Hyde-Smith said in a statement soon after the remark was posted that she 'referred to accepting an invitation to a speaking engagement' and 'used an exaggerated expression of regard'. "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row"- Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith says in Tupelo, MS after Colin Hutchinson, cattle rancher, praises her. Hyde-Smith is in a runoff on Nov 27th against Mike Espy. pic.twitter.com/0a9jOEjokr Lamar White, Jr. (@LamarWhiteJr) November 11, 2018 Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, was filmed praising someone by saying: 'If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row'. Hyde-Smith was standing alongside Colin Hutchinson, a cattle rancher. They were both standing in front of a statue of Elvis Presley, whose birthplace is Tupelo 'Any attempt to turn this into a negative connotation is ridiculous,' she added. A video that surfaced Sunday shows Hyde-Smith at a November 2 campaign event in Tupelo making the 'public hanging' comment. She said the phrase was 'an exaggerated expression of regard' for the supporter and 'any attempt to turn this into a negative connotation is ridiculous'. At a news conference Monday, she would not answer reporters' repeated questions about the 'hanging' comment. Both Espy and the Hyde-Smith campaign condemned the ad. 'This is the same out-of-state group that is spending millions of dollars promoting Mike Espy and has now taken his campaign to the lowest depths imaginable,' Scallan said. 'It is time for Mike Espy to tell his group to end this appalling, divisive attack'. Espy said his campaign doesn't control what PowerPACPlus does, and he called the ad 'not helpful'. Students from the Barack H. Obama Magnet Elementary School in Jackson, Mississippi shout 'Vote Mike Espy' with the candidate standing among them 'I can't make them pull it down because we didn't ask them to put it up,' Espy said. 'It's racially divisive. It's something that we didn't endorse, and we'd like them to pull it down'. Under federal campaign laws, super PACs are not allowed to coordinate with candidates. The PowerPACPlus website says the group's mission is 'to build the political power of America's multiracial majority'. Both national parties are putting money and effort into the special election. Hyde-Smith and Espy each received about 41 percent in a four-person field Nov. 6 to advance to the runoff. Espy in 1986 became Mississippi's first black U.S. House member since Reconstruction. In 1993 and 1994, he was US agriculture secretary. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has slammed the sexism she's experienced in her first week on Capitol Hill after she was sent to intern and spouse events and chastised for carrying a jacket and coat. The Democrat, who at 29 is the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, was mistaken for an intern on Wednesday. 'People keep giving me directions to the spouse and intern events instead of the ones for members of Congress,' she said on Twitter. Washington Examiner reporter Eddie Scarry referred to her as a girl, then slammed her outfit. He tweeted, and later deleted, a picture of her walking the halls of the Capitol with a coat and jacket draped over her arm and wrote: 'Hill staffer sent me this pic of Ocasio-Cortez they took just now. I'll tell you something: that jacket and coat don't look like a girl who struggles'. By 'struggles' he was referring to Ocasio-Cortez's comments after her election win that she couldn't afford to rent an apartment in DC before she got her first paycheck from Congress. The youngest Congresswoman ever elected, at just 29, Cortez was mistaken for an intern on Wednesday 'People keep giving me directions to the spouse and intern events instead of the ones for members of Congress,' she said on Twitter 'Hill staffer sent me this pic of Ocasio-Cortez they took just now,' the Washington Examiner reporter chided. 'I'll tell you something: that jacket and coat don't look like a girl who struggles' His comments were criticized by thousands of people on Twitter. She later slammed the tweet, saying: 'If I walked into Congress wearing a sack, they would laugh & take a picture of my backside. 'If I walk in with my best sale-rack clothes, they laugh & take a picture of my backside. Dark hates light - thats why you tune it out. Shine bright & keep it pushing. When he removed the post, she said: 'Oh, does [he] think he can delete his misogyny without an apology? I dont think so. Youre a journalist - readers should know your bias. Other political figures chimed in to share their own experiences with being mistaken for interns. 'I STILL get stopped in the halls and confused for a spouse or an intern. This is what happens when you're a young WOC [woman of color] in Congress -- but it shouldn't,' New York representative Grace Meng asserted, according to US Today. Florida representative Carlos Curbelo - who just lost his election to Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell - dismissed Ocasio-Cortez's sentiment when she defended her remarks to another Twitter user. Florida representative Carlos Curbelo stated: 'After four years I still get stopped sometimes. Happens to a lot of the younger Members. It's no big deal. You'll get over it' On Thursday, the Washington Examiner's Eddy Scarry criticized the politician's coat and jacket He stated: 'After four years I still get stopped sometimes. Happens to a lot of the younger Members. It's no big deal. You'll get over it.' The criticism continued into Thursday, after journalist Eddy Scarry shared a photo of the politician walking with her belongings. 'Hill staffer sent me this pic of Ocasio-Cortez they took just now,' the Washington Examiner reporter chided. 'I'll tell you something: that jacket and coat don't look like a girl who struggles.' Scarry's comments drew fire from many, prompting him to eventually delete his tweet Scarry's comments drew fire from many, prompting him to eventually delete his tweet. 'ATTN! I posted a tweet earlier suggesting the incoming congresswoman looked well put together -- ELEGANT even -- despite suggestions she's struggled,' Scarry said. 'The tweet was taken as something else, so I've deleted it!' But the damage had already been done, with many sharing photos of wacky outfits deemed from a 'hill staffer.' Dictionary.com even got in on the scolding action and shared a definition for the word girl Dictionary.com even got in on the scolding action and shared a definition for the word girl. 'Girl. Noun. A female child, from birth to full growth,' Dictionary.com stated. 'E.g. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not a girl.' The fresh face in Washington admitted that she wouldn't be able to afford living in the nation's capitol before she was sworn-in in January. 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. 'So, how do I get an apartment?' she wondered. 'Those little things are very real.' Residents of a small Australian suburb are lashing out at a Serbian town for copying their phallic-like owl sculpture. The small town of Kikinda unveiled a penis-shaped statue of an owl on Friday, drawing curious similarities to another in the Australian Capital Territory suburb of Belconnen, about 10km west of Canberra. The owl has been considered a centrepiece of the area since its inception seven years ago, with its apparent 2.4metre international copycat frustrating locals. A phallic-like owl statue in Canberra (pictured) has been copied by a small town in Serbia The Australian owl was unveiled at the centre of the small neighbourhood in 2011, costing about $400,000. The sculpture quickly became a piece of pride for the community, even establishing its own Facebook page with more than 5,900 followers. Those revered supporters of the owl statue, which many say looks like a penis from behind, have called out the European mimic, though they've had a bit of fun with it. 'No point trying to conceive a better idea,' one wrote on Twitter. 'What a cock-up,' said another. Their apparent outrage has been mirrored by Serbian locals, who say the statue is obscene. The recently erected statue in Kikinda, Serbia, which is famous for its long-eared owl population 'Freud could say something about this statue, it looks so much like a phallus,' one protester said in a Facebook post. 'Now everyone will ridicule Kikinda,' read another post on Facebook. 'This (statue) represents something very masculine, but not an owl,' another said on Twitter. Local sculptor Jovan Blat, who made the statue, could not be reached for comment. Last week he told Belgrade's Vecernje Novosti he was ready to make a differently-shaped statue. Local authorities declined to comment. Zeljko Bodrozic, editor-in-chief of a local newspaper, said the owl monument should remain in place. The protesters say the terracotta statue's elongated shape and minimalist features (left) are obscene and that it does not look like the town's famous long-eared owls (right) 'With all the hype swirling around it ... in a way it also becomes a symbol of our city.' Keen bird watcher Dragan Simic said he did not care about the statue. 'Kikinda is now famous for its owls ... across Europe, even around the world ... the bird-watchers are very active, numerous and loyal tourists,' he said. By Alyson Klein and Evie Blad U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released a long anticipated rewrite of federal Title IX guidance Friday that allows schools to raise the bar on what evidence is needed to prove claims of sexual assault and harassment. The guidance replaces an Obama-era civil rights directive that DeVos revoked in September 2017. Secretary DeVos claimed that guidance didnt do enough to protect the due process rights of the accused. Her move, and the new guidance released this week, face intense criticism from womens groups that say the rewrite doesnt do enough to protect students whove been victims of sexual assault and harassment. Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment, DeVos said in a statement. That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on. Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined. We can, and must, condemn sexual violence and punish those who perpetrate it, while ensuring a fair grievance process. Those are not mutually exclusive ideas. They are the very essence of how Americans understand justice to function. The new rules from DeVos dictate when schools are obligated to intervene to address such victimization and when those obligations kick in. While most of the debate over Title IXthe federal law that prohibits sexual discrimination in educationhas centered on colleges and universities, the new civil rights guidance will affect K-12 schools, too. Some survivors advocacy groups fear the changes will cause K-12 schools to step off the gas in improving how they address assault and harassment when they say many are already failing to provide adequate Title IX support to students. Generally speaking, K-12 schools have an even longer way to go than colleges and universities as far as access to justice for survivors of sexual assaults, said Lara Kaufmann, the director of public policy for Girls Inc., an organization that serves and advocates for girls. K-12 students are more likely to be subjected to sexual assault or harassment than some might think, she added. Seven out 10 girls experience harassment before they leave high school. And 1 out 4 girls experience a sexual assault or abuse before turning 18, she said. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate education committee, praised the changes and said they bring much needed clarity to the federal rules helping colleges protect the safety and rights of students. He also praised DeVos for inviting public comment and review of the new guidance. After it is published in the federal register, the public will have 60 days to comment as part of the rulemaking process. The Departments approach seems to balance fairness and support for survivors, Alexander said in a statement. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, the ranking member of the House education committee, issued a statement calling on the administration to scrap this proposal and join the effort to make college campuses and school classrooms safer and more welcoming for all students. The bottom line is that by allowing schools to use this new process and evidentiary standard, this rule would make it harder for survivors of sexual misconduct to achieve justice, Scott said. Heres what the new Title IX guidance means for K-12 schools The guidance allows schools to shift the threshold that officials use to decide if an assault happened from the preponderance of evidence standard set under the Obama administration to a clear and convincing evidence standard, which is a higher bar. Some critics of the Obama guidance had argued that the lower burden of proof threatened the due process rights of the accused. Schools will be held responsible for addressing a complaint if they have actual knowledge that an offense occurred, a higher bar than under the old guidance, which said they were required to intervene if they reasonably should have known about a violation. Schools will be faulted if they are deliberately indifferent to known sexual harassment, the guidance says. The directive also defines sexual harassment more narrowly as sexual assault or unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it denies a person access to the schools education program or activity. Under the previous guidance, it was defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Narrowing the definition may cause some schools to only focus on repeated conduct, which fails to take into account the age and developmental level of K-12 students, who are particularly sensitive to sexual harassment, even on the first offense, Elizabeth Tang of the National Womens Law Center, said in an email. The new guidance requires schools to respond to conduct within its education program or activity, which may cause some schools to ignore off-campus incidents, like incidents at student parties. It may also create some confusion about whether schools are required to respond to online harassment, like the sharing of explicit photos or demeaning messages. One attention-grabbing piece of the DeVos proposal will have more of an impact in higher education than on K-12 schools. Under the new rules, students advisors would get the chance to cross-examine their accusers in hearings over sexual violence complaints. But those hearings are largely held at college and university levels. Still, Kaufmann, of Girls, Inc., said the move is alarming nonetheless given the harm it could cause to student survivors. One thing the new guidance doesnt address: the rights of transgender students. Under separate Title IX guidance, the Obama administration had asserted that the federal law requires schools to allow transgender students to use the pronouns, restrooms, and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. In one of her first acts in office, DeVos teamed with then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to revoke that guidance. It has not been replaced. Photo: Getty Images. It was 10 years ago this year that pacing colt Somebeachsomewhere dominated harness racing's headlines throughout his nearly flawless sophomore season. In honour of the Canadian-sired superstar many consider one of the greatest Standardbreds to ever look through a bridle, Trot Insider will post the news stories from his on-track appearances throughout the year as they happened a decade ago along with the replays from those captivating races. It was 10 years ago today that Somebeachsomewhere made his only appearance in the country's largest city with a jaw-dropping performance in the 2008 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final at Woodbine Racetrack. The race would be the final on-track appearance for the sophomore pacer on Canadian soil. Trot Insider discussed the sensational performance with regular pilot Paul MacDonell. Somebeachsomewhere Stars In Super Final World Champion Somebeachsomewhere added the $300,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings to his inspiring list of accomplishments over a track rated sloppy on Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack. Somebeachsomewhere, the heavy 1-9 fan favourite, carved out fractions of :27, :54.2 and 1:21 all alone on the front end before pacing to the wire in 1:50.3 giving reinsman Paul MacDonell his third Super Final score of the night. Keystone Horatio (Randy Waples) was a distant second while Trade Editor (Jody Jamieson) came on for third. "He is definitely the horse of a lifetime, probably the horse of ten lifetimes," trainer Brent MacGrath told WEG's Media Department. "I look at the trainers who've trained 50, 60, 70 horses their whole lives and never had a horse like this. Maybe we've never seen a horse like him. "The trip he went here tonight was unbelievable. He's (had) three weeks off, he's got to be a little bit short. He'll probably be a little bit tighter next week at The Meadowlands after this race tonight. He just did it on his own, his earplugs are still in. "I stuck to my guns (with Somebeachsomewhere's racing schedule) because I wanted the horse to look like he looked tonight, late in the year. It's worked. You can only go to the well with these horses so often and I chose the races I thought were important for the horse and for the group, and it has worked out." The son of Mach Three Wheres The Beach, who is owned by the Schooner Stables of Bible Hill, N.S., notched his 19th career win in 20 starts and pushed his earnings over the prestigious $3 million dollar mark. The pacing sensation's start in the Super Final will be his last on Canadian soil. A toddler died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday after finding a handgun under his fathers pillow while he was sleeping in Arkansas, police said. The boy, 2, walked into the bedroom where his father, 31-year-old Johnathan Butler, was sleeping in their home in the 300 block of Blackhawk Trail around noon, Clayton County. The boy didnt wake his father but he found a loaded handgun under his pillow and fired one shot, according to a statement from Clayton County Police. A toddler shot himself after finding a gun under his father's pillow while he slept The tragic incident happened at the 300 block of Blackhawk Trail today in Clayton County Emergency Management Services took the boy to an area hospital where he later died. The toddlers mother, 24-year-old Naterika Pearman, was asleep in the front room during the incident, the release said. Both parents are cooperating with law enforcement, and its unknown if charges will be filed, the release said. The initial investigation reveals that the shot was accidental and self-inflected; however, it is still an active and ongoing investigation. Captain Scott Stubbs of Clayton County Police told WSB-TV: 'The facts that we have at this time and the information we received from the family is accidental shooting. Whether charges are filed, we are fact finding investigation, we report those facts to the district attorney's office and we review the case to them. The latest tragic death comes just days after a toddler in Alabama died in similar circumstances. The latest toddler death comes after Ke'Anthony Jelks Jr (pictured) found his father's gun and accidentally shot himself in the face on Wednesday Ke'Anthony Jelks Jr was in the care of his grandparents when he found his father's gun and accidentally shot himself in the face. The fatal shooting took place at 10am on Wednesday in the 3000 block of 31st Street North in Birmingham. Ke'Anthony's great-grandmother, Angela Jelks Gilliam, told WBRC she got a call from her daughter Wednesday morning saying her grandson was dead. Police in Birmingham have yet to confirm that the boy's fatal injury was self-inflicted. Gilliam said Ke'Anthony's father has a permit to carry a gun for protection because he works nights. Australians are being warned to brace for a horror tick season as a perfect storm of conditions is set to see the critters thrive. Tick bites can cause devastating Lyme disease - a controversial illness as government and medical authorities have claimed there is no evidence it exists in Australia. Dr Mualla McManus from the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences said early summer months where conditions are hot and humid are when tick bites are most common. Australians are being warned to brace for a horror tick season as a perfect storm of hot and humid conditions is set to see the critters thrive Other tick-borne diseases occuring in Australia include Australian tick typhus or 'spotted fever', paralysis and severe allergic reactions - which can be deadly. 'This is the time when the eggs have hatched, when it's humid and rainy. They like the humidity,' Dr McManus told Daily Mail Australia. Dr McManus said people often didn't realise they had suffered a tick bite at first, as the bugs are extremely small and release an anesthetic when they bite. 'If you see little black dots on you, get a magnifying glass if you can and take a look - it's like the dot of a pin,' she said. 'You may not even be aware of it.' She said tick bites were often suffered by people spending time near the coast or in areas with dense bush nearby. Dr McManus from the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences said people often didn't realise they had suffered a tick bite at first, as the bugs are extremely small and release an anesthetic when they bite Ticks can sense when humans are nearby by sensing carbon dioxide. Dr McManus said: 'The longer they bite you, the worse it is. There's a toxic exchange that goes on in your blood.' '(Sydney's) north shore, the northern beaches - anywhere where there is bush and the coast,' she said. 'The longer they bite you, the worse it is. There's a toxic exchange that goes on in your blood.' What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium and has become the most common tick borne disease in the world. While there is little evidence that Lyme disease is caused by Australian ticks, there may be other germs carried by Australian ticks which can cause an infection similar to Lyme disease. Lyme disease is more likely to affect travellers when participating in outdoor activities in tick-infested areas where Lyme disease is known to occur. Lyme disease causes a range of non-specific symptoms including fever, fatigue, headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle and joint pain and sore and swollen lymph glands. Source: NSW Health Advertisement Ticks can sense when humans are nearby by sensing carbon dioxide, Dr McManus said. 'They attach to your pants, they like places where you are sweating such as the back of your knees or your neck,' she said. 'They love to bite your dogs and your cats and your children, so make sure you check your pets and kids regularly.' Dr McManus advised wearing light-coloured clothing when at the beach or going for walks near bushlands order to easily spot ticks - but warned there was no guaranteed way to avoid them. 'Stay on the bush track if you are going walking, don't go through the bush. 'There are insect repellents you can use, and you can tuck your trousers into your socks to avoid bites if possible. 'If you put your clothes in the drier for 20 minutes this will also kill off any ticks.' Symptoms of illnesses caused by ticks include rashes, headaches, fever, flu-like symptoms, tenderness, unsteady gait, intolerance to bright light, increased weakness of the limbs and facial paralysis. Dr McManus tragically lost her husband Karl to a tick-borne disease in July 2010, and has since set up a foundation in his name to raise awareness. Pre-Schoolies raids targeting drug suppliers across the Gold Coast have resulted in the seizure of $15,000 worth of illegal drugs. Ice, cannabis, MDMA, and Fantasy were among the illicit substances found by Gold Coast detectives who carried out 33 search warrants. Stolen property was also discovered including a motorcycle, trailers, and a firearm silencer. Pre-Schoolies raids targeting drug suppliers across the Gold Coast have resulted in the seizure of $15,000 worth of illegal drugs (pictured; items seized at a raid in Ashmore last week) The value of the drugs found is $15,000 with Gold Coast District Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Brendan Smith saying the raids will affect supply at Schoolies Arrests and charges over the raids are ongoing, however, 36 people have already been charged with offences including the production and supply of dangerous drugs and weapons offences. The total street value of the drugs found is in excess of $15,000 with Gold Coast District Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Brendan Smith saying the raids had been a success. 'The success of this activity and ongoing enforcement is likely to impact the availability of dangerous drugs in the lead up to schoolies week commencing this weekend,' he said. 'Not only does this week's action see dangerous drugs and weapons removed from the street and make the community safer, it sends a message to those involved in illegal drug activity that we will be unrelenting in our efforts against you.' 'You need to change your behaviour or expect law enforcement to come through your door.' Schoolies is a tradition among students graduating from high school in which groups will go to holiday destinations away from parents and teachers, the most popular of which being the Gold Coast in Queensland. The event is controversial due to it's reputation for risky behaviour and the abundance of alcohol and drugs. A young man who fatally stabbed his father after he was told to stop playing on his computer has been jailed for at least three years. Daniel Chapman, 22, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Stephen Chapman, 56, on the evening of October 2, 2016 at the family's home at Moorebank, Sydney. In the New South Wales Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Ian Harrison jailed him for six years with a non-parole period of three years, noting his autism spectrum disorder and his 'momentary lapse' in being unable to control himself. Daniel Chapman, 22, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Stephen Chapman, 56, on the evening of October 2, 2016 at the family's home at Moorebank, Sydney Daniel Chapman (pictured) was an avid gamer and psychiatrist Dr Olav Nielssen told a Supreme Court sentencing hearing he has 'features of an autism spectrum' Daniel was pictured arriving at King Street court in Sydney. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter after fatally stabbing his father On the night of offending, Mr Chapman grew tired of Daniel's constant addiction to gaming technology and told him too find a new place to rent. He then disconnected the internet in the house and was in the process of removing cables from Daniels computer when he was stabbed in the back, Sydney Morning Herald reported. Daniel, who was also an avid fan of medieval weapons, had a slew of knives next to his bed, and lodged a knife with a 14 centimetre blade in his father's back. He then walked out to the kitchen, where his mother was eating dinner, and informed her that he had stabbed his father. In October 2016, Daniel Chapman 20 at the time stabbed his father Stephen (pictured) with a hunting knife after the 56-year-old unplugged his computer After a short delay, the ambulance was called by a neighbour, but was fed the wrong information about a 'cut up hand' and therefore didn't prioritse the job. By the time the neighbour realised the truth and called back to inform the officer that Mr Chapman had been stabbed, it was nearly half an hour since the incident. Psychiatrist Dr Olav Nielssen said Chapman had been on the anti-depressant Prozac, but stopped taking it two weeks before the incident. He said this may explain his 'sudden, irrational anger' towards his father Mr Chapman died from a loss of blood on the way to hospital. Daniel has already spent over two years in prison and has allegedly suffered from sleep deprivation, and had been attacked, resulting in him losing a tooth. During a sentencing hearing last Friday, psychiatrist Dr Olav Nielssen told the Supreme Court Daniel had 'features of an autism spectrum'. Nielssen said Chapman had been on the anti-depressant Prozac, but had stopped taking it around two weeks before the incident. The court heard Chapman was 'at the extreme end of screen addiction' and seemed 'obsessed' with gaming. Chapman's mother, Elaine Bell, cried in court and said that she wanted her son to come home. The Somali-born terrorist who stabbed three men, one fatally, in the Melbourne attack was on bail at the time. Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, was due to appear in Werribee Magistrates Court in the coming months over a string of minor driving offences. Instead, he was shot and killed by a police officer after stabbing Sisto Malaspina, 74, to death and seriously injuring two other men on Bourke Street a week ago. The Somali-born terrorist who stabbed three men, one fatally, was on bail during the attack Ali's bail had been extended only weeks before the deadly attack, despite an extensive history of ignoring court summons. He had been charged with three driving offences dating back to February 2017, failing to attend court for any of them. His bail was forfeited for the first time in August 2017 and then again in February 2018. He was served with a warrant in October that extended his bail for another three months, meaning he would have appeared before the Werribee Court in January. Ali was ordered to appear before a court on four separate occasions, each of which he ignored. For three of these, he was charged, bringing his total up to six offences. Whether the October warrant was the only time Ali was arrested is unclear, even though his bail was cancelled nearly a full two years earlier. He was wanted over a string of driving offences, and had dodged court summons four times Liberal leader for Victoria Matthew Guy described Ali's history of breaching bail conditions and avoiding court as an 'indictment', 'That he could ignore the law and walk free in contempt of it is appalling,' he said. Ali had comprehensive history of minor offences which included driving offences, drug-related charges and theft, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton confirmed to reporters. He was known to counter-terror authorities before the attack, though he was not on a watch list. Ali (pictured) was confirmed to have a track record of minor drug, driving and theft offences Ali crashed his truck into Bourke St Mall last Friday afternoon, exiting the car and setting it alight. He stabbed Malaspina, a Melbourne coffee icon, who is believed to have rushed to the flaming car, believing there to be a victim inside. Ali then stabbed a 58-year-old Tasmanian man and a 24-year-old security guard in the face and neck respectively. Both survived and are recovering from their injuries. The knifeman lunged at a pair of policemen and was shot in the chest by a junior officer. He was taken to the Royal Alfred Hospital, where he died on the operating table. Commuters travelling home in Melbourne will suffer huge traffic delays on Friday afternoon after major incidents on three of the city's busiest roads. At least three lanes of the Princes Freeway are closed at Laverton in the city's south-west after a horror crash between a truck and several cars at around 3pm. The truck driver was rushed to hospital in a critical condition with head injuries while a man and a woman are also being treated at the scene,7 News reported. Commuters travelling home in Melbourne will suffer huge traffic delays on Friday afternoon after major incidents on three of the city's busiest roads, including a horror crash between a truck and several cars (pictured) at around 3pm At least three lanes of the Princes Freeway are closed at Laverton in the city's south-west 'Three right lanes are closed inbound near the High Street entry ramp, due to a truck collision. One lane remains open for traffic. Emergency services are also blocking one outbound lane to clean up debris,' the VicRoads website states. VicRoads spokesman Chris Miller told 3AW Drive 'the level of carnage is really quite horrendous'. 'It's one of the worst I've seen,' he said. Drivers are urged to find an alternative route. The crash follows earlier incidents on the West Gate Bridge and Tullamarine Freeway. A day of traffic chaos on Melbourne roads began in the morning peak hour when a sedan crashed into the side of a truck on the West Gate Bridge at 8.20am. Two out-bound lanes of the West Gate Bridge were closed after a collision The lanes will remain closed until the truck and trailer can be removed, a VicRoads alert said 'The truck has then swerved into another lane and collided with a second truck, causing it to hit the bridge barrier and cause extensive damage,' a Victoria Police statement said. The sedan had left the scene by the time police arrived at the scene. There were no injuries reported in the collisions. It caused major delays for several hours, with traffic at one stage as far back as Burke Road on the Monash Freeway. Police warned motorists there will be delays on the West Gate Bridge throughout the day while repair work is carried out, which may continue over the weekend. Two out-bound lanes are also blocked on the Tullamarine Freeway after a truck lost its load near Pascoe Vale Road on Friday afternoon. The lanes will remain closed until the truck and trailer can be removed, a VicRoads alert said. The two most high-ranking living leaders of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia have been found guilty of genocide. The two most senior leaders of the the ultra-Maoist group still alive today were convicted in a landmark ruling almost 40 years after the fall of a bloody regime that presided over the deaths of a quarter of the population. Former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87, and 'Brother Number 2' Nuon Chea, 92, were instrumental in the reign of terror led by 'Brother Number 1' - leader Pol Pot - left some two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions. The events covered by the verdict span the four years of the Pol Pot regime, and included extensive crimes against humanity after the group that seized control of Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Known as the 'Killing Fields', a number of mass graves in Cambodia saw more than a million people killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime immediately after the end of the Cambodian Civil War. 'Brother Number 2' Nuon Chea, 92 - seen here in 2014 - was found guilty along with the Khmer Rouge's former head of state Khmer Rouge former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87 - pictured here in 2017 - and his co-defendant are the two most senior living members of the group Cambodian soldiers point to skeletons in 1991 of about 3,000 victims of the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge during their 1975 to 78 reign The defendants were previously handed life sentences in 2014 over the violent and forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975, but Friday's ruling was the first to acknowledge a genocide. Today's judgement at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) also found Nuon Chea guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minority group, among a litany of other crimes. Presiding judge Nil Nonn said: 'The chamber finds that Nuon Chea exercised ultimate decision-making power with Pol Pot and, therefore finds Nuon Chea is responsible as a superior for all the crimes. 'This includes the crime of genocide by killing members of Cham ethnic and religious group.' Khieu Samphan was also found guilty of genocide against ethnic Vietnamese, though not against the Cham, he added. Both parties were sentenced to 'life in prison', merging the two sentences into a single term, Nil Nonn said. Buddhist monks arrive at the court building to attend the verdict of former Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu and 'Brother Number 2' Nuon Chea at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in Phnom Penh Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, and Miguel de Serpa Soares (centre right), Legal Counsel of the United Nations, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affaire, attend a press conference at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in Phnom Penh Hundreds of people, including dozens of Cham Muslims and Buddhist monks, were bussed into the tribunal, located in the outskirts of Phnom Penh to attend the hearing. The Khmer Rouge declared Buddhism to be a 'reactionary religion' and denied its followers rights to practice under the constitution. 'The verdict is essentially the Nuremberg judgement for the ECCC and thus carries very significant weight for Cambodia, international criminal justice, and the annals of history,' said David Scheffer, who served as the UN secretary general's special expert on the Khmer Rouge trials from 2012 until last month. The revolutionaries who tried to recreate Buddhist-majority Cambodia in line with their vision of an agrarian Marxist utopia attempted to abolish class and religious distinctions by force. Forced marriages, rape, the treatment of Buddhists, and atrocities that were carried out in prisons and work sites throughout the country fall under the additional list of charges -- which the two men were found guilty of as well. Remains of the victims of the Pol Pot regime at Kampong Ta long Village at Kandal province.Approximately 1,700,000 people died under the regime of three years eight months Around a quarter of the population of Cambodia died between 1975 to 1979 during the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror former Khmer Rouge Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea Nuon Chea in the courtroom at the ECCC in Phnom Penh today '(The verdict) will affirm the collective humanity of the victims and give recognition to the horrible suffering,' said Youk Chhang, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia -- a research organisation that has provided the court with evidence. It could also 'provide a sense of closure to a horrible chapter in Cambodian history'. The hybrid court, which uses a mix of Cambodian and international law, was created with the backing of the UN in 2006 to try senior Khmer Rouge leaders. Only three people have been convicted by the court, which has cost more than $300 million. Former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife died without facing justice, while 'Brother Number 1' Pol Pot passed away in 1998. Former Khmer Rouge Head of State Khieu Samphan (centre) in the courtroom at the ECCC in Phnom Penh today The remains of victims who died during the Khmer Rouge regime at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh The number of allegations against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan was so vast the court split the trials into a series of smaller hearings in 2011. Many believe Friday's decision will be the last for the tribunal, which has been marred by allegations of political interference. Prime Minister Hun Sen -- himself a former Khmer Rouge cadre -- has repeatedly warned he would not allow more investigations to proceed, citing vague threats to stability. The court has launched investigations into four more Khmer Rouge cadres, though one was dismissed in February 2017, highlighting the difficulties of bringing lower level members of the brutal regime to justice. Scheffer said that 'challenges of efficiency, funding, and access to evidence' are issues that plague all international criminal courts, but argued the successes of the Cambodian tribunal should not be diminished. Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is said to have taken great pleasure in the horrendous murder of one of his longtime rivals, according to a former accountant from the cartel he ran. Former Sinaloa Cartel accountant Jesus Zambada shared the details at the 61-year-old drug lord's trial on Thursday. According to Zambada, in 2005, Guzman relished in the details surrounding the 2002 killing of Ramon Arellano Felix in Mazatlan, Mexico. Zambada, brother of the cartel's co-head Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, who remains at large, returned to the witness stand for Guzman's federal trial in Brooklyn. Former Sinaloa Cartel accountant Jesus Zambada claims Joaquin ' El Chapo ' Guzman (left) had crooked cops kill his long-time rival Ramon Arellano Felix (right) The Tijuana Cartel leader had been a longtime rival, so when he was killed it was said that Guzman had asserted 'that if anything had ever given him pleasure it was to have killed Ramon Arellano.' 'Ramon had killed many of Chapo's friends,' Zambada said, according to the New York Post. 'He was very dangerous.' Zambada (pictured) claimed his brother - Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada - told him that Guzman had crooked cops shoot the man in the neck Zambada claimed that his older brother and Chapo's business partner, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, allegedly had informed him of the details surrounding the killing. Attempts on Arellano's life were said to have dated back to 1992. At the time, hitmen shot up a popular nightclub in Puerto Vallarta in an effort to kill him and his brother, Benjamin Arellano Felix. Arellano was said to have died in a gang war shootout and it was reported that he died in his car. But according to Zambada, Guzman had the man surrounded by crooked cops and the man was shot while he tried to run to a hotel for safety. 'They had him stopped with the police, but he didn't stop, he tried to get away,' the 57-year-old added. 'They shot him, they put a bullet in his neck. He fell down dead.' It wasn't exactly clear if Arellano was killed by crooked cops or by a hitmen as a Spanish translator was used in the case. Zambada had also admitted to driving Chapo to a Mexico City safe house after his boss busted out of prison in 2001. During that trip, they had a paid police escort. Guzman faces up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charges. Zambada had also admitted to driving Chapo to a Mexico City safe house after his boss busted out of prison in 2001. During that trip, they had a paid police escort (a sketch of Guzman in court on Tuesday) Guzman faces up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charges Guzman preferred US dollars he doled out his huge bribes to Mexican prosecutors, police, military and even Interpol to ensure smooth operations for his Sinaloa cartel, Zambad also told American jurors. Zambada detailed the eye-watering costs of protecting cocaine shipments that originated in Colombia and traveled to the US via Mexico - with payments amounting to $300,000 per month in Mexico City alone. He said that Guzman, once directed him to give $100,000, along with a hug, to General Gilberto Toledano, in charge of the state of Guerrero. Guzman (above in 2016 arrest) is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over 25 years and faces life in prison if found guilty 'I was going to import cocaine from Colombia through the state of Guerrero... and El Chapo told me 'Go and meet General Toledano, he's my friend, and give him $100,000 from me,'' Zambada said, wearing a blue prison suit with an orange shirt. Guzman, wearing a dark suit and tie, listened attentively to the testimony of his former ally. Jesus 'El Rey' Zambada is seen in 2008 Zambada told the court that as the head of the organization's operations in the capital city, he personally paid bribes to the attorney general's office, the federal highway police that also operates bridges and airports, federal, state and local police forces, and 'Interpol, as well.' 'The bribes for officials in Mexico City were about $300,000 per month,' the 57-year-old said. Zambada, who worked for the cartel from 1987 until his arrest in 2008, was returning to the witness stand on the third day of a trial expected to last about four months. On Wednesday, Zambada had identified Guzman in the courtroom and told jurors he 'was one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico.' The witness described how the cartel made massive profits by smuggling tons of cocaine into the United States. Zambada - who was arrested in 2008 and is still in U.S. custody - was the first of several cooperators expected to give jurors an inside look at a cartel with a legendary lust for drugs, cash and violence. The defense, which says Guzman is being framed, has described cooperating witnesses like Zambada as liars seeking to reduce their own sentences. During his opening statement this week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Feels, left, gestured to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, second from right, sitting next to his attorney Eduardo Balarezo Emma Coronel, the beauty queen wife of "El Chapo", arrives for his trial in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday Despite his diminutive stature and nickname that means 'Shorty' in Spanish, Guzman was once a larger-than-life kingpin both feared and admired in Mexico. The defense has sought to counter that reputation by portraying him as lesser figure in a drug gang. On Wednesday, federal prosecutors gave jurors a video tour of a sophisticated tunnel between Mexico and an Arizona warehouse that they said was used to speed drug deliveries to America. A motorcade believed to be transporting Guzman crosses the Brooklyn Bridge before arriving at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse for the first day of his trial on Tuesday The warehouse was just two blocks from a U.S. Customs office in the border city of Douglas. Brought to the US almost 22 months ago, Guzman is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over 25 years and faces life in prison if found guilty. His lawyers argue he has been scapegoated by Mexico's 'corrupt' government and the US Drug Enforcement Agency, and that the cartel's true chief was Ismael Zambada. Firefighters have unveiled Australia's secret weapon ahead of what experts warn could be a catastrophic bushfire season. A transformed 737 aircraft is expected to be New South Wales' firefighters saving grace as it takes to the skies in preparation for a dangerous summer. The multi-million dollar aircraft, called 'Gaia', has the capacity to carry more than 15,000 litres of fire retardant, Nine News reported. A transformed 737 aircraft is expected to be New South Wales' firefighters saving grace as it takes to the skies in preparation for a dangerous summer NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant (pictured) said firefighters would be able to invest more money into airborne fire defence systems after receiving an additional $26.3 million of funding The aircraft, which can be used on bush and grass fires, has made history as the first 737 to be used for firefighting in the world. NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said firefighters would be able to invest more money into airborne fire defence systems after receiving an additional $26.3 million of funding. 'This major funding injection will fortify our fleet into the future and provide year-round long range aerial firefighting capabilities to complement our existing aviation resources,' Mr Grant said. 'With longer bush fire seasons comes the increasing threat of severe fires, which is why the NSW Government is leading the way by providing our firies with the very best resources to help protect lives and properties.' Mr Grant said the cash injection would be used to buy another large air tanker (LAT). He explained the aircraft are heroes in the sky amid unrelenting fire conditions. NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said Gaia is ready to be deployed following testing in the US NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said Gaia is ready to be deployed following testing in the US. 'Gaia is the last of a record four LATs being used during this year's bush fire season, and has recently completed testing in the US so it can now be dispatched into the field when required,' he said. Mr Rogers said the aircraft is an important tool to have in the kit, all year round. While everyone knows about the US war on drugs in South America, not everyone is aware that the British were there too. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was formed in the 1970s and fought for decades trying to quash cocaine production in countries like Colombia. Thousands of American officials were killed at the hands of Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel and his rivals the Cali Cartel. But very few know that Tom Chandler and his team from HM Customs and Excise were taking the same deadly risks in the name of the drugs war. Tom Chandler (pictured in front of exploding Colombian cocaine jungle) fought the drugs war in South America for the British alongside the Americans, but few knew they were even there Very few people knew that Tom Chandler and his team of other Brits from HM Customs and Excise were taking the same deadly risks as the Americans in the name of the drugs war in Colombia. File image of cocaine seizure in Colombia used Mr Chandler, not his real name, grew up in Seaham, County Durham and joined HM Customs and Excise after studying languages in a bid to see the world. But he ended up working as a VAT inspector in Birmingham instead. His luck changed however, when his bosses offered him the job of drugs liaison officer in Bogota, Colombia in 1994. Mr Chandler, now in his 60s, led his team to seizing 3billion in illegal drugs - but kept it quiet for fear of bloody reprisals. He told The Mirror: 'We were the British equivalent of Narcos. Everyone's heard of the DEA and the US agencies doing their stuff in Colombia. 'They would say after a seizure that it was down to the DEA in Bogota and straight away the bad guys would go looking for the informant. Thousands of American officials were killed at the hands of Pablo Escobar's (pictured portrayed by Wagner Moura in the Netflix series Narcos) Medellin Cartel and his rivals the Cali Cartel 'We never claimed a single result. No one even knew the Brits were there. 'Our idea was to let others take the credit and keep our heads down. The DEA were looking for glory. This is the first time the British story has been told.' Mr Chandler is telling the British story of the war against the King of Cocaine and his successors in his book Narco Wars. The American equivalent has been sensationalised by the Netflix drama Narcos starring Wagner Moura and Boyd Holbrook. Mr Chandler ended up with a network of 50 informants who managed to confiscate 300 tonnes of drugs - one of the highest records for seizures ever. But with Pablo Escobar responsible for as many as 15,000 killings, until his death at the hands of US police in 1993, the Brits kept their achievements very quiet. Deadly: a Colombian Army helicopter patrols Bogota with a gun loaded with bullets Informants were often killed soon after a US drugs victory was declared, with Mr Chandler forced to watch several of his friends meet the same sad end. But the UK team continued to focus on intercepting speed boats that jetted large stashes of cocaine from Colombia to Florida - while keeping under the radar. Tom Chandler is telling the British story of the war against the King of Cocaine and his successors in his book Narco Wars (pictured) It recently emerged the drugs lord Escobar raped his wife when she was 14 and forced her into an abortion. In her memoir, Mi Vida y Mi Carcel con Pablo Escobar (My Life and My Jail with Pablo Escobar) due November 15, Victoria Eugenia Henao details how she has come to terms with the fact that she was assaulted by her husband, 25 years after his death. News also broke recently of how Escobar's four hippos that he kept outside his mansion in Doradal have bred to become a group of 60 - and may even be sterilised because their numbers are increasing at an uncontrollable rate. Mr Chandler adds that the war on drugs has failed, with the Mexican drug lord El Chapo currently on trial in the US for similar operations. He told the Mirror: 'A lot of [my] friends have died. Was it worth it? No, because we are no better off.' Both the Hiawatha Horse Park and Dresden Raceway have been in the mainstream news this week. Hiawatha has been mentioned in regard to when slots will be reintroduced at the track, while Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Monte McNaughton has commented on funding for Dresden. Blackburn News had run an item earlier this week stating that the return of slot-machine gaming to Hiawatha could take another nine to 12 months. The item had quoted Mayor Mike Bradley as saying, We have to have a public consultation process to decide whether we will support the slots coming back to Hiawatha. Mayor Bradley had gone on to say, The group thats going to be operating it, Gateway, has to negotiate a deal with Hiawatha. Theres numerous government approvals. So, I think being realistic, I really dont see from talking to OLG the slots being in place probably for another nine months to a year. A differing narrative emerged in the press just a day later, as Mayor Bradley, after speaking with members of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said that he could bring municipal approval to Sarnia council this coming January and the public input process could be arranged quite quickly. I could bring that municipal approval to council in January, Mayor Bradley was quoted as saying. We did have public input when Hiawatha was rezoned; this time around they want either an online or in-person public input. I think we should do both. That can be arranged quite quickly. When asked about the situation, Hiawatha Horse Park Owner Jim Henderson cited Ontario Premier Doug Fords enthusiasm for slots getting reintroduced the Standardbred facility. Ford was really positive when he was down, said Henderson. They want to get it going, both Bailey and Ford said they want to get this running. Henderson went on to say, The propertys ready. Were ready. The propertys rooms are ready. Theres not much on our end to get ready now. The bathrooms are built, the bars are built. When asked for comment, OLG Senior Manager of Media Relations Tony Bitonti said, As this is an agreement-in-principle, it needs to (be) finalized [with] the parties involved. We will keep stakeholders updated as we move forward. The Ontario Government announced last month that it had reached an agreement-in-principle that will see Dresden Raceway receive additional financial support for horse racing operations. Dresden officials elected to receive additional financial support for horse racing operations at the track, but declined to accept slots at the facility. McNaughton, who is the MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, has commented on the deal, stating, On a personal note it has been a very long battle for me. McNaughton also stated that the funding will provide for sustainability and many years to come of vibrant horse racing industry in Ontario. (With files from Blackburn News and the Wallaceburg Courier Press) Locals in a far north Queensland town have gone to incredible lengths to find the killer who murdered a young dog walker Toyah Cordingley. David 'Prong' Trimble, a family friend of the victim, will print 9,000 bumper stickers to urge people to come forward with information about the 24-year-old's body found on Wangetti Beach on 22 October. At least 6,000 bumper stickers, which say 'Toyah, the community will never give up', have been distributed within the Cairns community. David Trimble has devised a plan to print 9,000 bumper stickers in a bid find the killer of Toyah Cordingley At least 6,000 bumper stickers have been distributed within the Cairns community 'It just snowballed from there and that was only a couple of days ago,' Mr Trimble told Yahoo7. Mr Trimble has gained the support of the local paper and radio station, which are helping spread the awareness of the bumper stickers. Local businesses Aldine Printers, Inspired Signs and Copy Shop Business Centre have volunteered to print 3,000 bumper stickers each for free. The initiative comes after an organised search with a turn out of over 500 people on 4 November. Three local businesses have volunteered to pring 3,000 bumper stickers each for free Toyah Cordingley (pictured), 24, was murdered on Wangetti Beach on October 21. Her body was found the next day The Cairns community gathered together on November 11 to renew their vow to find the person who killed the pharmacy worker on the sand last month. The group were attending a healing ceremony, and two speakers expressed the hurt and fury still felt throughout the Wangetti and Cairns community. Less than a month ago, Ms Cordingley was brutally murdered in the sand dunes of Wangetti Beach. She had arrived on the sand to walk her boyfriend's dog Jersey about 2pm when she disappeared. Ms Cordingley was reported missing that night and her father Troy found her body the next morning. Since then, Wangetti Beach and its surrounds have been virtually deserted. David 'Prong' Trimble, who is close to Ms Cordingley's family, earlier said in the two weeks after the young woman's death, he was able to count the amount of people on Wangetti Beach and its neighbouring shorefronts 'on two hands'. 'Usually you've got cars, people, dogs, on those beaches there, but I reckon I could count 10 people on 20 different beaches,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'I've never seen it so bare. My wife won't walk around by herself anymore. It's changed people's ways, their lives. 'Out at Wangetti, there's a little township. They were very free and easy living people, and now they've all bought security screens and doors, it's changed the way they lived.' At the ceremony, a woman told the group she had been coming to Wangetti Beach for 'more than 40 years', and said the heinous crime committed on the sand would stick in the minds of residents forever. 'We love Wangetti Beach,' she said. We drive past Wangetti Beach. We will obviously always think about this,' she said. 'That's why it's so important to have this healing ceremony, so all of us who feel powerless and voiceless can band together and condemn this brutal act.' Organiser Bronwyn Farr compared Wangetti's hunt for Ms Cordingley's killer to Daniel Morcombe's father's hunt for his son's killer. In a victim impact statement read out at his son's killer's sentencing, Mr Morcombe told Brett Peter Cowan he made one mistake the day he decided to kill Daniel. 'You picked on the wrong family,' he said. 'Our collective determination to find Daniel and expose a child killer was always going to win.' 'The perpetrator of this crime has picked the wrong community,' Bronwyn told the crowd. 'This isn't who we are in far north Queensland.' 'Every woman anywhere has the right to safety - in public or private space. it is absurd that you take your dog for a walk on a Sunday afternoon and don't return. 'It's been three weeks since Toyah stepped onto this beach. This perpetrator will be caught - it's only a matter of time. 'Someone, somewhere, knows something. Someone, somewhere, is feeling very uncomfortable right now. 'How long can they live with themselves?' After the speeches, each person held hands along the beach before stepping forward to place a flower into the ocean. A spokesman for Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday there had been 802 Crime Stoppers reports, which he classified as a 'good response'. 'It shows we have a lot of community support,' he said. 'Now we just need that one piece of the puzzle.' Officers are still working through lines of enquiry based on the multitude of calls, but are yet to publicly announce any suspects or make any arrests. If anyone was in the Cairns/ Wangetti Beach area on October 21 and saw anything suspicious, they are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a report online. Commuters travelling home in Sydney will suffer huge traffic delays on Friday evening after a motorbike and a car collided in the city's north-west. Just before 5pm a collision between a motorbike rider and a four-wheel drive led to peak hour chaos, forcing Pennant Hills Road in Oatlands to close in both directions. The motorbike rider was rushed to Westmead hospital in a critical condition, 7 News reported. Just before 5pm on Friday afternoon a collision between a motorbike rider and a four-wheel drive led to peak hour chaos in Sydney's north west A motorbike rider was rushed to Westmead hospital in a critical condition. The crash has caused significant peak hour delays as heavy traffic continues on Pennant Hills Road The crash has caused significant peak hour delays as heavy traffic continues on Pennant Hills Road. A slew of emergency service response teams, including a helicopter, attended the scene on Pennant Hills Road between Bettington Road and James Ruse Drive. Roads and Maritime Services have advised commuters to Avoid the area and use an alternative route. Diversions have been put in place away from Pennant Hills Road, directing commuters westbound to Bettington Road and Kissing Point Road to James Ruse Drive. Eastbound is the same in reverse. Buses are reportedly delayed up to 40 minutes through Oatlands. Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a 'newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon', according to the North Korea's state media. The dictator visited the test ground at an undisclosed location described as the 'Academy of Defence Science', Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency said. He later hailed the test as a 'decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity' of the North's military. North Korea did not specify the type of device involved, but South Korean media said it was likely to be new long-range artillery developed under Kim's father and predecessor Kim Jong Il. It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a 'newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon', according to the North Korea's state media. He is shown with top officials inspecting the test ground a the country's Academy of Defence Science 'Kim Jong Un... visited the test ground of the Academy of Defence Science and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test,' said the official Korean Central News Agency. Pyongyang's suspension of testing for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korean-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met at a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Hours after the KCNA report, the US State Department said it was 'confident' the process remained on track. 'At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and Chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearisation and creating a brighter future for North Korea,' a statement said. 'We are talking with the North Koreans about implementing all of those commitments. We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled.' The dictator visited the test ground at an undisclosed location described as the 'Academy of Defence Science', Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency said. He is pictured at a separate event, examining a master plan for Sinuiju City Progress since Singapore has stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document, and a return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. The use of the word 'tactical' in the KCNA report suggests that no long-range ballistic rocket or nuclear device was involved, and there was no immediate indication any such test had been detected by the South. 'By referring to it as a 'tactical weapon', it is sending a message that (the test) is not an armed provocation,' an official at Seoul's defence ministry told reporters. 'It's not appropriate for our military to view it as a provocation when North Korea has confirmed it is a high-tech tactical weapon test,' he added. Citing an unnamed government source, Yonhap news agency reported that the weapon tested was likely to be new long-range artillery developed under Kim's father and predecessor Kim Jong Il. KCNA released only one photograph to accompany its report, showing uniformed men taking notes as Kim talked. The background gave few clues to what kind of weapon was involved. Kim expressed 'great satisfaction' and said the test marked a 'decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity' of the North's military, KCNA said. The weapon had been developed over a long period and its 'great success serves as another striking demonstration of the validity of the Party policy of prioritising defence science and technology and the rapidly developing defence capability', it added. Shin Beom-chul, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, said the test was likely aimed at sending 'a political message' to Washington about the current stalemate. 'Generally, tests of new high-tech weapons are conducted in secret,' Shin said. 'But North Korea announced it publicly to show its frustration.' The news, which came almost a year after Pyongyang's last test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, recalled the repeated announcements of 2017. Those included by far North Korea's most powerful nuclear blast to date and rockets that brought the whole of the US mainland into range. North Korea is in the middle of a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. Pictured: A North Korean test rocket launch in November 2017 Soon afterwards Kim declared the development of his nuclear arsenal - which Pyongyang has long said it needs to defend itself against a possible invasion by the US - complete. The Winter Olympics in the South then triggered a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the peninsula, heralding the Singapore meeting and three summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A second encounter between Kim and Trump is expected in the new year. But Pyongyang is demanding sanctions imposed against it over its weapons programmes are eased and has condemned US demands for what it calls its 'unilateral' disarmament as 'gangster-like'. Washington insists the measures should stay in place until the North's 'final, fully verified' denuclearisation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul told AFP the test was 'a signal to the US sent ahead of the high-level talks that its own patience is also wearing thin'. Sunday Project crew claim they were kicked off Whitsunday's Hamilton Island The Sunday Project film crew were left in shock after they were booted off Hamilton Island in the wake of a series of shark attacks in the Whitsundays. The broadcast journalists have hailed it as a deliberate attempt at censorship by the local tourism board. Film crew members claim they were told by the Whitsundays tourism board that they were 'not welcome' to film on Hamilton Island. Scroll down for video Journalist Hamish Macdonald (pictured, left) said that locals also felt they had been silenced by the local tourism body Doctor Daniel Christidis died after being mauled by a shark in Cid Harbour and two further swimmers incurred life-changing injuries in nearby waters, marking an unprecedented three tragic occurrences in just two months The broadcast journalists have hailed it as a deliberate attempt at censorship by the local tourism board Doctor Daniel Christidis died after being mauled by a shark in Cid Harbour and two further swimmers incurred life-changing injuries in nearby waters, marking an unprecedented three tragic occurrences in just two months. The Channel 10 crew were there to film a story about shark attacks for The Sunday Project, which will be aired this weekend. They were then escorted off the island. Journalist Hamish Macdonald said on Twitter: 'Tour operators are breaking ranks to tell us they're being "silenced" by the tourism body. 'And INCREDIBLY, our crew was escorted off Hamilton Island after being told we're not welcome there.' Mr Macdonald told news.com.au that locals also felt they had been silenced by the local tourism body. The Channel 10 crew were there to film a story about shark attacks for The Sunday Project, which will be aired this weekend The Sunday Project film crew were left in shock after they were booted off Hamilton Island in the wake of a series of shark attacks in the Whitsundays (pictured: Hamilton Island) The journalist claimed their camera crew had struggled to find people willing to take them out on a boat to film their story. The Whitsunday islands rely on the many tourists that flock to the popular islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Last year saw a total of 296,000 Aussies holidaying on the islands and an additional 233,000 people from overseas, according to statistics from Tourism & Events Queensland. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Tourism Whitsundays for comment. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has laid a wrath at the Darwin Cenotaph overlooking the city's harbour, 77 years after Japan's military bombed it during World War II. Mr Abe is paying a historic visit to Darwin and talking with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a powerful sign of Japan's warm relations with Australia. Mr Morrison laid the wreath alongside Mr Abe, who is the first Japanese leader to visit the Northern Territory capital since the devastating 1942 bombing. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured, left) has laid a wrath at the Darwin Cenotaph overlooking the city's harbour 77 years after Japan's military bombed it Mr Morrison laid the wreath alongside Mr Abe, who is the first Japanese leader to visit the city since his nation's army bombed the city during World War II Mr Abe is paying a historic visit to Darwin and talking with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a powerful sign of Japan's warm relations with Australia The pair also inspected a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942 and remains there. The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Mr Morrison said. 'Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties,' he said. Darwin is a key part of Japan's energy security through the recently completed $55 billion LNG project operated by Japan's Inpex. The Ichthys LNG venture is the biggest foreign investment made by Japan as it has moved away from nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster. The pair also inspected a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942 and remains there The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Mr Morrison said The first gas shipment left Darwin for Japan last month. On Thursday, Inpex president Takayuki Ueda announced a $24 million package over 40 years, including benefits for indigenous education and the elderly. He said the support of locals including the Larrakia people made Darwin a friendly location to ship gas in a stable, democratic country. The Bombing of Darwin (pictured) on February 19, 1942, was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia For more than a century, it lay forgotten at the bottom of the ocean. But now a bottle of stout discovered near the site of a 19th century shipwreck will finally be returned to the Scots brewery where it was produced in 1868. The bottle was discovered by diver Jim Anderson close to where the ill-fated clipper The Light of The Age foundered near Melbourne, Australia, 150 years ago on a voyage from Liverpool. Mr Anderson made the discovery in the 1970s and, finding it recently in his basement, noticed a Wellpark Brewery stamp. Diver Jim Anderson holding up a 150-year-old bottle of Tennent's stout, which he discovered as part of a shipwreck off the coast of Melbourne in the 1970's After contacting the brewery, he was given permission to bring the bottle back to Glasgow, where it will feature in a new 1 million visitor centre built to tell the story of Tennent's Lager. The stout pre-dates Tennent's Lager but was made in the Wellpark Brewery that went on to create the famous Scots tipple. Although the years will have rendered the stout undrinkable, the brewery are planning on recreating the 150-year-old stout using old recipes. The 150-year-old bottle of stout now features proudly in Tennent's visitor centre in Glasgow Jim Anderson, who discovered a 150-year-old bottle of Tennent's stout from the wreck of the clipper ship, The Light of the Age At the time, Wellpark was the biggest exporter of bottled beer in the world and the shipwrecked bottle is thought to be one of the oldest in Britain. Mr Anderson, 72, has travelled to Scotland with his wife Jan for the opening of the Tennent's Visitor Centre on November 22. He said: 'I found it on a dive in the 1970s, photographed it, and put it in my basement along with other things I'd salvaged from wrecks from those days. 'It was there for years, and it wasn't until I found the old photographs when I was looking through an old book earlier this year. The 150-year-old beer bottle made the 17,000 kilometre trip to a beach near Melbourne The 150-year-old bottle of Tennent's stout, proudly on display in the Glasgow visitor centre Fragments of wood discovered from the shipwreck of ill-fated clipper downed in Australia Port Phillip Heads, near Melbourne, the Light of the Age wreck site where diver Jim Anderson discovered the 150-year-old bottle 'I could see the inscription Wellpark Brewery on it, and I set about finding where that was. I found out it was in Glasgow, and I contacted Tennent's to see if they were interested in the bottle, which they were, and I was delighted. 'It took a bit of clearance to get it to Glasgow because artefacts are protected in Australia and we need special authorisation for things like this to leave the country. I sought all that, and it's amazing to see it back where it started, 150 years later, metres from where it started its journey.' He added: 'This little bottle is a reminder of the historic connection between Australia and Scotland, too. I hope people enjoy seeing it and think about those days and the distance it travelled before I found it. It has come home and brought me with it.' 'I could see the inscription Wellpark Brewery on it,' the diver said. Inscription shown on the cap At the time of the ship's end the Wellpark was the biggest exporter of bottled beer in the world Tennent's bosses say the new visitor centre at its Wellpark Brewery will tell the history of brewing in the area from the 1500s through to the present day. To mark the shipwrecked bottle's homecoming, Tennent's brewers have gone back through old recipes in order to recreate a commemorative-edition run of the stout. Group brand director Alan McGarrie said: 'The Tennent's Story tells the incredible story of brewing on the Wellpark site, which dates way back to 1556. 'The fascinating story of the shipwrecked bottle, and the captain who ran his boat aground, is just one of the exhibits on show as we explore the past, the present and the future of Tennent's. 'Pre-dating Tennent's Lager, which was first brewed in 1885, the stout is one of the oldest bottles of beer in Britain, returned to Wellpark by the diver who found it. 'Unlike the drunken captain who ran his ship aground close to Port Phillip Heads, Jim has ensured his historic cargo reached its final destination - by flying round the world to put it in place himself.' To mark the shipwrecked bottle's homecoming, Tennent's brewers have gone back through old recipes in order to recreate a commemorative-edition run of the stout (original bottle shown) Renae Lawrence has asked for a special Hindu ceremony as a final request before the Bali Nine drug smuggler is released from jail and returns to Australia. The 41-year-old asked jail authorities to have the special ceremony in the prison's Hindu temple. Bangli Jail prisoner service section head Jaya Sentana told The Daily Telegraph Lawrence wanted the ceremony to express thanks to the jail. 'It is conducted as she wants to express her thanks as she believes that she has been protected (spiritually) during her time living here.' Renae Lawrence (pictured) has asked for a special Hindu ceremony as a final request before the Bali Nine drug smuggler is released from jail and returned to Australia The 41-year-old asked jail authorities to have the special ceremony in the prison's Hindu temple Lawrence has been behind bars since she was convicted of attempting to smuggle 2.6kg of heroin into Australia through Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport on April 17, 2005. She has used the more than 12 years she's spent in various Indonesian prisons to learn to speak and read the local language, and she currently follows the Hindu religion. Jail governor Made Suwendra said he believed the inmate had yet to undergo the conversion ceremony The Bali Nine drug mule will be freed from prison next Wednesday and have only served 13 years and seven months of her 20-year jail term. Twice-yearly remissions for good behaviour bumped down the length of her jail sentence. Lawrence will be collected from jail on Wednesday before immigration officers escort her to the airport to be deported to Australia. While Lawrence has engaged in self-healing programs in prison, jail authorities also revealed she takes anti-depressants. Bangli Jail prisoner service section head Jaya Sentana told The Daily Telegraph Lawrence wanted the ceremony to express thanks to the jail Renae Lawrence has used the more than 12 years she's spent in various Indonesian prisons to learn to speak and read the local language, and she currently follows the Hindu religion The Bali Nine drug mule will be freed from prison next Wednesday and have only served 13 years and seven months of her 20-year jail term Mr Suwendra said Lawrence had received a signed letter from the jail's medical clinic to continue to be prescribed Xanax when she arrived back in Australia. 'As she is undergoing therapy she needs a recommendation letter of some medicine that is left, as she would bring it home,' he said. Jail doctor Gusti Putu Sumertayasa said Lawrence had been on the medication since her stint at Kerobokan jail. Her dosage has been reduced to 1mg twice a day since she was transferred to Bandli jail in 2014. 'She has been much better when she entered this jail. Earlier, she had many medicines, but now it is only left Aprazolam or Xanax.' Mr Suwendra said Lawrence had received a signed letter from the jail's medical clinic to continue to be prescribed Xanax when she arrived back in Australia Lawrence will be the first of the Bali Nine to taste freedom The doctor also said Lawrence had also used methadone in the past, but had been weened off it. Lawrence will be the first of the Bali Nine to taste freedom. Members Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed at the hands of the firing squad in 2015, and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen died of cancer earlier this year. The five remaining survivors will serve their life sentences with their only hope of getting a reduced sentence resting on the shoulders of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Though, each year their applications are rejected. Jamal Khashoggi died after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 Turkey has more evidence contradicting the Saudi version of Jamal Khashoggi's murder - including a second audio recording, a Turkish newspaper reported on Friday. The second voice recording - said to be 15 minutes long - clearly reveals that the murder of the Washington Post columnist had been premeditated, the Hurriyet newspaper said. That would directly contradict the statement of the Saudi prosecutor, who has insisted that the original instructions issued to the 'hit squad' were either persuade Khashoggi to return to Saudi Arabia or - if he refused - kidnap him. Saudi officials said Thursday that five members of the squad faced the death penalty on charges of killing Khashoggi, but exonerated the country's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of involvement in the murder. Khashoggi, 59, a mild critic of the crown prince, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 after making an appointment to collect papers for his upcoming wedding. Salah Khashoggi (second left), the son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, receives mourners at an events hall in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah on November 16 Saleh Khashoggi (left) being comforted by a mourner in Jeddah today. Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under one of its biggest crises triggered by critic Jamal Khashoggi's murder, but an ever greater threat of international scrutiny and pressure hangs over the kingdom Hundreds of people gathered to perform a funeral prayer in absentia for Khashoggi at the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul today, while the journalist's son Salah hosted a ceremony in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Turkey has said the murder was carried out by a team of Saudis who travelled to the city for that purpose. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order came from 'the highest levels' of the Riyadh government, but stopped just short of pointing the finger of blame directly at the crown prince. Abdulkadir Selvi, pro-government columnist in the Hurriyet daily, said key findings in the Saudi prosecutor's statement did not overlap with the evidence in the hands of Turkey including two voice recordings. People gather to perform funeral prayer in absentia for the slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul A funeral prayer was held today for Khashoggi, a frequent contributor to The Washington Post, who was killed on October 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul Hundreds of friends and wellwishers attended the symbolic funeral for Khashoggi, whose remains have not yet been found or returned to his family. The second voice recording - said to be 15 minutes long - clearly reveals that the murder of the Washington Post columnist had been premeditated He claimed that the first seven-minute voice recording proves that Khashoggi was strangled but the second tape recorded shortly before the journalist stepped into the consulate clearly shows the murder was planned in advance. The second tape proves the 15-member 'killer team' seated inside the consulate before Khashoggi's arrival was discussing how to carry out the murder, he said. Turkey has also evidence that the team made international calls after the murder, he added. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order came from 'the highest levels' of the Riyadh government, but stopped short of pointing the finger of blame at the crown prince Saudi prosecutors on Thursday announced indictments against 11 people and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing. Shalaan al-Shalaan, the kingdom's deputy public prosecutor, requested the death penalty for five who 'are charged with ordering and committing the crime and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals'. But he exonerated Saudi's de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman by laying ultimate blame for Khashoggi's killing at the feet of two lesser officials. Executions in Saudi Arabia are usually carried out publicly by beheading with a sword. Saudi Arabia will seek the death penalty against five men it accuses of carrying out the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul on October 2 Shalaan al-Shalaan, the deputy public prosecutor of Saudi Arabia, revealed that 21 people are in custody over the killing and 11 of them have been charged Shalaan said the highest-level official implicated in Khashoggi's killing is former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri, who gave the order for him to be repatriated to Saudi Arabia from Turkey, where he was living in exile. He added that it was 'the head of the negotiating team' dispatched to seize Khashoggi who then gave the order to kill him, without naming the man. Shalaan denied that Salman had any knowledge of the killing. The Crown Prince has blamed it on 'rogue elements' of the Saudi state. That was a claim backed by foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir who said bin Salman has 'absolutely nothing to do' with the death. 'Sometimes mistakes happen... sometimes people exceed their authority,' he said before adding Saudi was taking steps 'to make sure this doesn't happen again.' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not been implicated in the killing after blame was laid at the feet of two lesser officials Meanwhile Turkey's public prosecutor said news of the charges was 'positive but insufficient'. Turkey has previously said it believes officials at the very top level of Saudi's ruling family are to blame for the murder, but stopped short of accusing bin Salman. Saudi Arabia added that it believes Khashoggi was given a lethal injection inside the country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Top intelligence officer General Ahmed al-Assiri was fired in connection with the death, and is now facing charges His body was then dismembered and taken out of the building, Shalaan said, though admitted the kingdom does not not know where the remains are now. Investigations are ongoing to find the remains, the prosecutor insisted. Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancee who was with him at the consulate the day he died to retrieve documents allowing them to marry, has demanded the kingdom hand back his remains for a proper burial. After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted in mid-October that Khashoggi had been murdered at the compound, but blamed it on a 'rogue' operation. The prosecutor has requested the death penalty for the five who 'are charged with ordering and committing the crime and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals,' an official statement published by state news agency SPA said. It said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, 11 of whom have been indicted with investigations to continue into the others. Turkey on Wednesday called for an international investigation into the murder. Ankara has already shared voice recordings linked to the murder with a number of countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States and its Western allies. Jamal Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz gets emotional during an interview on Turkish news channel Haber Turk. Cengiz wants the journalist's body to be returned for a proper burial Two members of the Saudi team which is said to have killed Jamal Khashoggi going through the scanners at Ataturk airport on October 2 where the contents of their bags were pictured X-ray images taken in Istanbul's Ataturk airport of the hit squad's luggage showed syringes and radios. Jamal Khashoggi was killed on October 2 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on the same day the 15-man squad flew in Another image purportedly showing one of the hit squad member's bags shows a pair of scissors Other scans also showed what appeared to be a pair of staple-guns and a taser in the luggage Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl before finally accepting what Turkey had said virtually from the start - that he was killed in a premeditated hit. The global fallout over the murder has tainted the image of 33-year-old Prince Mohammed - the de facto ruler and heir apparent - despite persistent Saudi denials that he was involved. Khashoggi's murder has also led to increased scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemen war, which has pushed the impoverished country to the brink of famine. The journalist went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Prince Mohammed. An Indonesian father who lost his son in last month's Lion Air plane crash is suing Boeing, alleging that a design flaw in their new aircraft caused the accident. The father of passenger Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois - where Boeing is headquartered. He claims the aviation giant did not adequately warn Lion Air or its pilots of an unsafe design condition in its 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea shortly after take-off from Jakarta on October 29, killing all 189 people on board. Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama, 26, (right), who died in the Lion Air plane crash last month with his fiance Intan Syari, also 26 Dr. Pratama, 26, was flying home from a conference in Jakarta when the plane crashed. He was to be married this week, said attorney Curtis Miner of the Florida-based law firm Colson Hicks Eidson, which is representing his father in the wrongful death lawsuit. His fiance Intan Syari, also 26, was photographed in her wedding dress and professed her love for him on Sunday - the day they were to have been married. Syari said Pratama had joked before he had left for the conference that if he was late in returning, Syari should take photos in her wedding gown and send them to him. Intan Syari poses in her wedding dress with a bouquet of flowers on the day of her planned wedding to Dr. Rio Nanda Pratama, who was among 189 people on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane who died when it crashed a few minutes after taking off from Jakarta on October 29 'We were just joking at that time,' Syari said. 'He asked me to still wear my wedding gown that he chose for me on our wedding day, put on beautiful makeup and hold a white rose bouquet, take good photos and send them to him.' She said Pratama was her 'first love' and they started dating 13 years ago. On Sunday, she went ahead and took photos in the white wedding gown with a white satin head covering and a white rose bouquet in her hand, surrounded by relatives and friends. 'Although I actually feel grief that I cannot describe, I have to smile for you,' Syari wrote on Instagram. 'I should not be sad, I have to stay strong as you always say to me, I love you, Rio Nanda Pratama.' Indonesian investigators are due to publish a preliminary report on the crash later this month. US pilots say they were not told about features of a new flight-control system that reportedly is a focus of the investigation into last month's deadly crash in Indonesia. Pictured: Boeing's first 737 MAX 9 jet at the company's delivery centre Just days ago American pilots claimed Boeing had not told them about a flaw in their 737 MAX jets, which is now reportedly a focus of the investigation. American pilots say they were not trained in new features of an anti-stall system in the aircraft that differ from previous models of the popular 737. The automated system is designed to help them avoid raising the plane's nose too high, which can cause the plane to stall, or lose the aerodynamic lift needed to keep flying. The system automatically pushes the nose of the plane down. But if that nose-down command is triggered by faulty sensor readings - as suspected in the Lion Air crash - pilots can struggle to control the plane, which can go into a dive and perhaps crash, according to a Boeing safety bulletin and safety regulators. The bulletin included new details on how to stop a runaway series of events from leading to a crash, pilots say. 'It is something we did not have before in any of our training. It wasn't in our books. American didn't have it,' said Dennis Tajer, a 737 pilot and spokesman for the pilots union at American Airlines. 'Now I have to wonder what else is there?' Jon Weaks, a 737 captain and president of the pilots union at Southwest, said he couldn't recall a similar omission in a Boeing operating manual. The ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 was found in the Java Sea off the coast of Karawang in West Java, Indonesia 'I was not pleased. How could something like this happen? We want to be given the information to keep our pilots, our passengers and our families safe,' he said. Weaks said he is satisfied that 'we have been given, finally, the correct information.' The MAX is the newest version of the twin-engine Boeing 737. More than 200 have been delivered to airlines worldwide, including American, Southwest and United. Boeing Chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said Tuesday that the Chicago-based company remains confident the MAX is a safe airplane. He said Boeing did not withhold operating details from airlines and flight crews. Divers recover crucial black box with dozens of hours of data as investigators piece together final moments of doomed flight that killed 189 people. That Boeing didn't tell airline pilots about features of a new flight-control system in its 737 MAX is reportedly a focus of the investigation 'We ensure that we provide all of the information that is needed to safely fly our airplanes,' Muilenburg told Fox Business Network. He said Boeing bulletins to airlines and pilots 'point them back to existing flight procedures' to handle the kind of sensor problem suspected in last month's crash. A Southwest spokeswoman said the new automated maneuvering system was not included in the operating manual for MAX models. An American spokesman said the airline was unaware of some new automated functions in the MAX but hasn't experienced nose-direction errors. A United spokesman said Boeing and the FAA do not believe additional pilot training is needed. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency directive last week to airlines, telling them to update cockpit manuals to include instructions for how pilots can adjust flight controls under certain conditions. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg is interviewed by Maria Bartiromo, not pictured, during her 'Mornings with Maria Bartiromo' program on the Fox Business Network, in New York, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 'The FAA will take further action if findings from the accident investigation warrant,' the agency said in a statement Tuesday. John Cox, a former 737 pilot and now a safety consultant to airlines, said Boeing's steps since the crash 'have been exactly correct. They have increased pilot awareness, they have reminded them of the proper procedure to disable (the automatic nose-down action), which stops the problem.' Indonesian investigators say that the Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced malfunctions with sensors that indicate the angle of the nose on four recent flights, including the fatal one. The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. and Indonesian investigators are increasingly focusing on the way that the plane's automated control systems interact. They are also questioning whether the FAA and Boeing adequately analyzed potential hazards if the systems malfunction and send faulty data to the plane's computers, according to the newspaper. Lion Air is one of Indonesia's youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. An Indonesian woman who exposed her cheating boss has been slapped with a six-month jail term for her trouble. Baiq Nuril Maknun was handed the sentence after discovering her boss was having an affair with a colleague. The 36-year-old worked in a school as an administrator on the island of Lombok and had herself rebuffed the principal's repeated advances. The supreme court's shock ruling overturned an earlier court decision that had cleared her of breaking a controversial law against spreading indecent material. 'I'm saddened and shocked by this sentence', Maknun's husband Lalu Muhamad Isnaini said today in reaction to the ruling, which was issued last week. The odd case stretches back to 2012 when Maknun recorded a conversation in which the principal of the school where she worked revealed graphic sexual details about an affair he was having with another colleague. Baiq Nuril Maknun exposed her philandering boss but was handed a six-month jail term for violating Indonesia's controversial electronic information law Co-workers of the school administrator later convinced Maknun to release the recording in a bid to expose the man's history of lecherous behaviour, according to her lawyer Joko Jumadi. He said: 'The principal shared very graphic details about his affair with the school's treasurer in the recording.' In response, the principal fired Maknun and filed a complaint with authorities. Maknun was initially cleared of the charges by a local court in Lombok, next to holiday hotspot Bali. But last Friday, Indonesia's top court reversed that decision, finding her guilty of violating the electronic information law and sentencing her to six months' jail along with a 500 million rupiah (26,489) fine. Baiq Nuril Maknun, who exposed her cheating boss, breaks down after she was given a six-month jail term for violating a controversial law against spreading indecent material, in Mataram on Lombok island Maknun told local reporters that the ruling was unfair, saying at the time: 'I'm just a victim -- what did I do wrong?' The court did not give reasons for its verdict. The prosecutor's office in Lombok told AFP today it is reviewing the case before Maknun begins her sentence. Indonesia's corruption-riddled justice system has long been criticised for the quality of its rulings, while the electronic information law itself has come under fire for being too vague and open to misuse. For the last two days of live harness racing at Hippodrome 3R, the drivers in all the races -- both this Sunday and next Sunday -- will drive without whips. The Quebec Jockey Club, which oversees the racing at H3R, announced last week that they were going to experiment with whipless racing the last two days of the race meet. In North America, whipless racing has taken place at a few tracks including Plainridge Racecourse and the former Indiana Downs years ago. Australia was to go whipless in 2017, but that move has been put on hold while more research is done. Norway is the only country in Europe that has banned whipping in all harness racing and that began some 40 years ago in the 1970s. This is an experiment of pari-mutuel racing without whips, said Director of Racing Murielle Thomassin. There will be absolutely no whips allowed on the track these two special days. Our society is very conscious of animal welfare, Thomassin continued. The Quebec Jockey Club is ready to change with the society and evolve in a sport where the horse is our pride and joy. We must respect and protect them at all cost. Some of the drivers competing this Sunday at H3R gave their opinions on the upcoming trial of whipless racing. I agree with strict rules for the use of the whip, said Daniel Laflamme. We need the whip to control the horse in certain circumstances. Its our only working tool to bring the horse back to order and protect us. I do not feel good about not having a whip, Jocelyn Gendron explained. It is our way to be able to stimulate a horse without abusing the whip. To remove it completely may be dangerous. I am happy that the QJC is taking steps to increase the customer base and the vitality of the races, said Pierre Luc Roy. I also agree that measures need to be taken to reduce the use of the whip, however I do not believe that removing the whip is a good idea. It is OK for a test day for two, Pascal Berube said, but not for all of next year. Its not a solution to make racing more appealing. If it will help the racetrack then I am happy to drive without a whip, Simon Delisle said. We will see this Sunday how it goes. The public does not like the whip. There are 11 races this Sunday for the first day of whipless racing at H3R. We will see how the racing goes these two days without whips, Thomassin said. We will study the races themselves and the wagering patterns too and maybe come up with some changes for the 2019 harness racing season in Quebec. First race post time Sunday is 12:50 p.m. For a free race program, visit quebecjockeyclub.com. To view the entries for Sunday's card, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R. (with files from the Quebec Jockey Club) A father-of-two who paid off his gambling debts with 10,000 mistakenly put into his partner's bank account has been spared jail and ordered to pay it all back. Security guard Bailey Walton, 22, had run up the debts on gambling machines but found the windfall in the bank account he held on behalf of Lauren Wood. Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard Walton 'thought it was Christmas' after the cash was transferred to Miss Wood's account in error by her boss Joanne Harvey when an extra '0' was added to her pay from care firm Bojo Care Services. The court heard Walton, of Salford, did not tell Miss Wood about the cash before the mistake was spotted a month later. Bailey Walton, left, was ordered to repay 10,000 that was mistakenly paid to partner Lauren Wood, right, by her care firm employers Walton, pictured left and right with Miss Wood, did not tell his partner about the money and spent it clearing gambling debts Judge Bernard Lever said: 'The employer made a mistake and he took advantage of this. He got a bank payment and thinks it's Christmas. 'He didn't intent to steal from her - it was her error that caused the problem.' The judge told Walton: 'Your partner was working for a small firm and therefore vulnerable to financial loss. 'Miss Harvey said her and the company have been caused great problems and inconvenience due to your dishonesty. 'Your partner didn't have the stable conduct to have her own account so it was paid into yours. 'She accidentally made a bank error and gave you 10 times as much as you should have got, being 10,000. 'Miss Harvey has said the actions caused by the loss to the company has caused upset as a result of your dishonesty. You were not in a position of trust but in responsibility. Father-of-two Walton, pictured with his eldest child, 'took advantage of the mistake' and 'thought it was Christmas' when he found the cash In mitigation, the court heard Walton's youngest child has health problems while his partner is suffering from depression 'You have a gambling problem and money issues and you took advantage of the mistake that was made. 'You could have returned the money, but you dissipated it. Now you will have to pay the money back.' The court heard Walton and Miss Wood have two children - one aged six and an eight-week-old baby in need of an operation. Miss Wood currently suffers with post natal depression. Defence lawyer Adam Brown said in mitigation: 'They have another baby on the way and an eight week old baby currently. They are now living together whilst he works in security at night. 'Their son has health issues in his stomach and is due to go through chemo surgery and they are combatting this together. She is battling with depression. 'The money has now been dissipated as he had significant gambling debts. He had control over the account so his partner was not involved. He gave it to people who he owed money to and he regrets doing it. Walton, pictured with Miss Wood and their daughter, was also handed a suspended sentence 'He had demonstrated that he can remain out of trouble. He attended the police station to admit to what he did. 'A reference from his employer said he has worked on door security for years and he is a credit to security. 'I also have a reference from a man who he helped outside of a bar he helped him. 'He did take advantage of the situation but it was due to his own financial situation.' Walton admitted theft and was ordered to pay back all the cash. He was also handed a 14-month suspended sentence and told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Miss Wood was initially charged with theft alongside Walton but the case against her was dropped. Police officers were kicked out of a Sikh temple by activists who accused them of 'interfering in Indian matters' and said that they were 'officially banned' from Gurdwaras in the West Midlands. Video footage shows members of Sikh Youth UK arguing with West Midlands Police recruitment officers at the temple, which is believed to be the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Pleck, Walsall. The temple's committee allowed police to set up a stall during Diwali last week to try and recruit worshipers. However, they were soon challenged by Deepa Singh and other activists who accused West Midlands Police of spying on Sikhs and 'colluding with Indian authorities'. The mobile phone footage was uploaded to YouTube by the activists and shows Sikh Youth UK members approaching the officers and demanding they leave - which they eventually do. During the confrontation, a member of Sikh Youth UK, believed to be Deepa Singh, tells the officers: 'Pack up your bags and go. West Midlands Police is banned from Sikh spaces. 'You are interfering in Indian matters, you are spying on the Sikh community. 'We are asking you nicely and humbly to pack your stuff up.' Some of the officers seem confused by the encounter but they then pack up their stall and leave the temple. The video footage showed activists challenging West Midlands Police officers and telling them to leave the temple There has been tension between Sikh groups and West Midlands Police since counter-terrorism raids in Birmingham, Leicester and Coventry in September. Sikh claim that they are being targeted by the force and Indian intelligence following the arrest of Jagtar Singh Johal last November. The British man has reportedly been tortured by Indian authorities during his time in an Indian prison over the past year. A spokesman for Sikh Youth UK said: 'The video features Sikh Youth UK's Deepa Singh, along with several other members, reinforcing the ban on West Midlands Police from official duty in Gurdwaras. 'This information was used to conduct a series of raids on five Sikhs which did not lead to any arrests, but was only good for destabilising movements of Sikh activism.' After a short and tense encounter, the police recruitment officers could be seen packing up their things and leaving A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: 'Last week West Midlands Police attended a recruitment event at a Gurdwara in Walsall. 'During this event one member of the public had a heated discussion with an officer. 'Following this, it was decided the best course of action was for police to leave the event. 'West Midlands Police has excellent relationships with its communities, this includes the Sikh community and officers continue to be welcomed into Gurdwaras and other religious buildings.' Some of the officers seemed confused by the encounter with the activists claiming that West Midlands Police are banned from all temples in the region Last month, the police force rejected claims that a series of raids in Coventry, Leicester and Birmingham were linked to Jagtar Singh Johal's case in India. A West Midlands Police spokesman explained: 'Detectives searched a number of properties on Tuesday, September 18 as part of a West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU) investigation based on intelligence gathered over a period of time. 'The warrants were scrutinised and issued by the courts. 'The searches were in connection with allegations of terrorist offences in the UK relating to activity in India, and also fraud offences. 'The investigation is led by WMCTU and is not directed by the UK or Indian Government. 'The search warrants were not related to the detention of Jagtar Singh Johal, nor any protest activity in respect of his detention.' Theresa May today revealed her own insulin supply from Denmark could be disrupted if there is a no deal Brexit. The Prime Minister, who has Type 1 diabetes, also admitted her blood sugar levels go up when stressed as she faces a Tory coup over her controversial divorce deal with Brussels. Mrs May today said she faces a personal risk from medicine supplies being unable to get through Britain's ports after March 29 next year if her agreement with the EU is thrown out by MPs. But Mrs May denied people would die if Britain left the EU with no deal after a disabled caller to LBC said she was worried about getting treatment. Theresa May today revealed the insulin to treat her Type 1 diabetes comes from Denmark as she was asked about what a no deal Brexit would mean for UK healthcare Mrs May, pictured returning to Downing Street after the phone in, is fighting for her deal and her political life This map shows where Britain's annual 25bn of drugs are imported from in Europe. A further 6.4% comes from the US, 1.3% from India and 0.8% from China The PM said: 'This is an issue that I feel personally - as it happens my insulin is produced by a company in the EU, Denmark, so I know this is an issue that's a matter of importance to people. 'The Department of Health is ensuring it is making all the steps if we go to no-deal... But I believe we've got a good deal.' When asked about how stress impacts on her diabetes she said 'Well if youre stressed if theres a lot of adrenaline it will tend to go up but you manage that with the amount of insulin youre putting in'. When asked whether Health Secretary Matt Hancock was unable to guarantee people would not die in the event of a no-deal Brexit due to problems accessing medicine, she said: 'I'm not sure that's exactly what Matt did say'. Denmark is the world's largest insulin producer with its main company Novo Nordisk selling 50billion worth to 75 countries worldwide every year. Theresa May, who wears an arm patch to measure her blood sugar levels, and admits they go up at times of stressup because of t They are said to have built up a four month stockpile in the UK in case of the UK. Theresa May used the LBC show with Nick Ferrari to lay down the gauntlet to Tory Eurosceptics over her Brexit deal today - warning that she is a 'bloody difficult woman'. The Prime Minister took a defiant stance despite fears that Michael Gove could become the latest minister to quit and join a massive revolt by Brexiteer MPs. Mrs May said she had a 'good conversation' with Mr Gove this morning - but refused to be drawn on whether he had turned down a move to become the new Brexit Secretary. In a phone in on LBC Radio, Mrs May admitted she had 'concerns' about the Irish border 'backstop' - but insisted the overall package was the best thing for the UK. Theresa May first faced a call to stand down as from a Conservative councillor as she took calls on a LBC radio phone-in. The man, who identified himself as Daniel from Louth, said he 'commended' the PM for trying to strike a Brexit deal with the EU but 'sadly that has not worked'. And he asked her: 'Please Prime Minister, tell me why do you think you should stay on as PM when you have failed - despite your no doubt honourable intentions - to (deliver on) the referendum result?'. Declaring she is a 'bloody difficult woman' she also rejected a suggestion that she was a modern-day Neville Chamberlain, the British leader mocked for claiming he had secured peace with Germany's Adolf Hitler a year before World War Two broke out. Some lawmakers in May's Conservative Party argue that her draft divorce deal with the European Union is a capitulation to the bloc which will leave Britain subject to its rules indefinitely after the country leaves in March 2019. Asked whether she was a modern-day Chamberlain, May told LBC radio: 'No I don't and the reason is this: we are not going to be locked in forever to something that we don't want.' Israel has moves towards early elections after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ultra-nationalist coalition partners accused him of being soft on terrorism. The call for early elections came after a meeting today between Netanyahu and one of his coalition partners, Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett. The two men have been locked in a tense rivalry, with coalition partner Bennett often criticising Netanyahu from the right. Bennett had demanded the post of defense minister, after the incumbent, Avigdor Lieberman, resigned earlier this week in protest over Netanyahu's Gaza policies. During a tour of southern Israel today, Lieberman accused Netanyahu of being soft on terrorism and said Netanyahu's Gaza policy is strengthening Hamas. Israel has moves towards early elections after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ultra-nationalist coalition partners accused him of being soft on terrorism. Protesters are pictured holding flags and chantings during a demonstration against the cease-fire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas in Tel Aviv, yesterday Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett had demanded the post of defense minister, after the incumbent, Avigdor Lieberman (pictured), resigned earlier this week in protest over Netanyahu's Gaza policies A senior Jewish Home official said it became clear after the Bennett-Netanyahu meeting that there 'is a need to go to elections as soon as possible.' He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing the content of a closed meeting. The official said leaders of coalition parties will meet Sunday to coordinate the date for early elections. The apparent failure of the Netanyahu-Bennett meeting seemed to seal the coalition's fate. The departure of Lieberman and his Israel Beitenu party had left the coalition with a one-seat majority in the 120-member parliament. Without Bennett's Jewish Home, Netanyahu's coalition would lose its parliamentary majority. The political crisis began with a botched Israeli undercover raid in Gaza on Sunday. The raid led to two days of intense cross-border fighting. Gaza's Hamas rulers fired hundreds of rockets at southern Israel, while Israeli warplanes targeted scores of targets in Gaza. During a tour of southern Israel today, Lieberman accused Netanyahu of being soft on terrorism and said Netanyahu's (pictured) Gaza policy is strengthening Hamas After two days, Egypt brokered an informal truce between Israel and the Islamic militant Hamas. Netanyahu averted a war, but drew blistering criticism from ultra-nationalists. Lieberman resigned in protest on Wednesday. On Friday, he toured southern Israel and accused Netanyahu of being soft on terrorism. He said Netanyahu's Gaza policy is strengthening Hamas. Lieberman alleged that the truce will put southern Israel under a growing threat from Hamas, similar to the threat posed to northern Israel by Lebanon's heavily armed Hezbollah militia. 'It's impossible that after Hamas launches 500 rockets at the Israeli border communities. the heads of Hamas are actually getting immunity from the Israeli cabinet,' he told reporters. 'We are now feeding a monster' that will only grow if not stopped, he said. 'Within a year we will have a twin brother of Hezbollah, with all the implications.' Senior Brexiteers today admitted they do not know if they have enough letters to force a vote of no confidence in Theresa May - despite mounting expectations that she will have to win a vote among Tory MPs. Steve Baker, a top member of the Eurosceptic ERG block of Tory Mps, today insisted he remains confident that 48 letters would be sent to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee. But he conceded that only Sir Graham knows for sure as he spoke out in a press conference on the steps of Westminster - in scenes reminiscent of yesterday when Brexit rebel figurehead Jacob Rees-Mogg launched his all out bid to topple May over her draft agreement to leave the EU. Expectations had been mounting that a vote of no confidence in May would be announced today on the back of Mogg's call to arms. Baker said he had been told by at least 48 MPs - and 'probably a dozen more' - they would prepared to demand a vote, but admitted only Sir Graham knew for sure because letters are normally confidential. So far around 23 MPs have declared publicly they want a vote of no confidence. Among the latest to reveal a vote of no confidence demand is Mark Francois, the deputy of the Brexiteer European Research Group. He issued his letter today with the subject line 'she just doesn't listen' as the group doubled down on attacks on the PM. Steve Baker (pictured in Westminster today) insisted he remained confident that 48 letters would be sent to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, and trigger a Tory party no confidence vote in Theresa May next week Tory MP Adam Holloway was one of the latest MPs to go public with his letter of no confidence, posting on Facebook (pictured) the country needs new leadership Who has sent letters of no confidence in May? Letters of no confidence in Theresa May are confidential - but some of her strongest critics have gone public. If 48 letters are sent a vote is called. This is who has definitely sent a letter: Jacob Rees-Mogg , North East Somerset, Jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk Steve Baker , Wycombe, steve.baker.mp@parliament.uk Sheryll Murray , South East Cornwall, sheryll.murray.mp@parliament.uk Anne-Marie Morris , Newton Abbott, annemarie.morris.mp@parliament.uk Lee Rowley , North East Derbyshire, lee.rowley.mp@parliament.uk Henry Smith , Crawley, henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk Simon Clarke , Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, simon.clarke.mp@parliament.uk Peter Bone , Wellingborough, bonep@parliament.uk James Duddridge , Rochford and Southend East, james@jamesduddridge.com Philip Davies , Shipley, daviesp@parliament.uk Andrea Jenkyns , Morley and Outwood, andrea.jenkyns.mp@parliament.uk Andrew Bridgen , North West Leicestershire, andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk Nadine Dorries , Mid Bedfordshire, dorriesn@parliament.uk Laurence Robertson , Tewkesbury, robertsonl@parliament.uk Martin Vickers , Cleethorpes, martin.vickers.mp@parliament.uk Ben Bradley , Mansfield, ben.bradley.mp@parliament.uk Adam Holloway , Gravesham, hollowaya@parliament.uk John Whittingdale , Maldon, john.whittingdale.mp@parliament.uk Maria Caulfield , Lewes, maria.caulfield.mp@parliament.uk Mark Francois , Rayleigh and Wickford, mark.francois.mp@parliament.uk David Jones , Clwyd West, david.jones@parliament.uk Marcus Fysh , Yeovil, marcus.fysh.mp@parliament.uk Chris Green , Bolton West, chris.green.mp@parliament.uk Zac Goldsmith , Richmond Park, zac@zacgoldsmith.com Bill Cash , Stone, cashw@parliament.uk Philip Hollobone , Kettering, philip.hollobone.mp@parliament.uk Andrew Lewer, Northampton South, andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk Crispin Blunt , Reigate, crispinbluntmp@parliament.uk Owen Paterson , Shropshire Patersono@parliament.uk Advertisement Mr Baker's claim comes 24 hours after Brexiteer ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg hosted a press conference calling for Mrs May to be ousted. Failure to reach the threshold would be acutely embarrassing for the Brexiteer group but Westminster still widely expects a vote next week. Government whips have been canvassing views of Tory MPs in expectation of a vote on Mrs May's future. Some whips are understood to have stayed in London for the weekend instead of returning to their constituencies as loyalists try to fight off the attempt to remove the PM. Mr Baker - a leading member of the European Research Group - said he believed they were close to getting the 48 letters of no confidence needed to trigger a vote. 'People have been ringing me and they are telling me that they are putting letters in,' he told BBC2's Politics Live. 'I have spoken to colleagues as well and I think we are probably not far off. I think it is probably imminent.' He acknowledged he had sent a WhatsApp message to colleagues earlier saying that his count was over 48, with around a dozen probables, but admitted the number was probably inaccurate. He said that only Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, knew the true figure. 'My number will be inaccurate because people will withdraw letters, they will tell me they have put letters in when they haven't, they will take them out and not tell you they have taken them out,' he said. Among the latest to reveal a vote of no confidence demand is Mark Francois, the deputy of the Brexiteer European Research Group. He issued his letter today with the subject line 'she just doesn't listen'. Maria Caulfield told her local BBC she had also filed one while former Cabinet minister John Whittingdale and Adam Holloway also declared they had written to Sir Graham Brady to call for a vote overnight. Chris Green has also sent a letter, warning the deal will not deliver on the referendum. Mark Francois (pictured today in Westminser), the deputy of the Brexiteer European Research Group, issued his letter today with the subject line 'she just doesn't listen' Mr Francois blamed the Prime Minister for alienating the DUP and threatening to destroy the Government Mr Francois's letter - hugely longer than most of the letters - accused pro-European civil servants of sabotaging the negotiation Brexiteer ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured in Westminster today) launched the putsch, sending his own letter and holding a chaotic press conference demanding Mrs May be replaced Brexiteer ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg launched the putsch yesterday, sending his own letter and holding a chaotic press conference demanding Mrs May be replaced. He named Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, David Davis and Penny Mordaunt as 'very capable of leading a proper Brexit'. Mr Rees-Mogg's deputy on the European Research Group issued a vicious letter headlined 'She just doesn't listen'. He said: 'The Prime Minister has been surrounded throughout this process by a Pretorian Guard of highly pro-European senior civil servants who, I believe, have never accepted the result of the referendum. 'Instead they have helped to steer the negotiations in such a way that means, quite simply, we will not in fact leave the European Union but effectively remain within it.' He added: 'Now the details of the deal are available we can see how truly awful it is.' Mr Francois accused Mrs May of having 'appallingly treated and now alienated' the DUP. He blasted: 'I therefore believe that in order for our party to survive in Government it is imperative we find a new leader who can command the respect of the DUP and therefore maintain the working majority in Parliament.' Gravesham MP Mr Holloway has also gone public. Chief whip Julian Smith was in Downing Street today (pictured) as the Government prepares to fight off the attempted coup Mr Holloway posted on Facebook: 'My letter of No Confidence has now been delivered - with regret. Mrs May is a remarkable woman - just look at her fortitude today in the House of Commons, even more please remember her long career of public service. 'But as we see from the events of today, you can not have someone leading a mission who does not believe in the mission. The country needs leadership.' In another post he added: 'The Prime Minister and the Civil Servants appear to have negotiated a ''deal'' that is in my view the worst of both worlds, and one that treats Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the country.' Mr Whittingdale confirmed to the Today programme: 'Yes, I have sent a letter to Graham Brady.' As he moved against the PM yesterday, Mr Rees-Mogg declared he believed the necessary 48 letters to trigger a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister would be submitted, but declined to put a timeframe on the process. If Mrs May was rejected by MPs, a vote to choose her successor could be conducted in 'not months but weeks', he said. Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured outside the Commons today) sensationally launched his bid to remove Theresa May today threatening her position in the Commons before holding a press conference naming possible successors In his letter to Sir Graham today, Mr Rees-Mogg reveals he asked the Chief Whip to tell Mrs May her time was up weeks ago Asked why he was defying calls for party unity, he said: 'People always call for unity when the policy they are following is wrong. 'It is a standard pattern of Conservatives when they note that failure is in the air.' He said that Dominic Raab should not be blamed for the deal negotiated with Brussels, as it was clear that the process was driven by Downing Street. There was no point appointing a new Brexit Secretary, he said. Mr Rees-Mogg said: 'The key is, if 48 letters go in it shows there are 48 people who will not vote for this deal. 'That in itself is a pretty powerful statement.' He stressed that the European Research Group did not have a collective position on Mrs May's premiership. Asked what his message to the Prime Minister was, he said: 'The Prime Minister said at the 1922 Committee after the election that she would serve as long as the Conservative Party wanted her to serve. 'I think there are many people in the Conservative Party, not just in Parliament but in the country at large, who feel that her service now should come to an end. 'She is a very dutiful person, she has served the country to the best of her ability but she has let us down in this deal. 'It has not delivered on what she said she would do. 'That is the key thing - it is trust that is at the heart of it. She didn't do what she said she would.' Asked if Mrs May had lied, he said 'lied is a very harsh word'. One senior Tory MP warned Mrs May appeared to be sacrificing the support of the DUP in a bid to push through a 'nightmare' Brexit deal. They said Jeremy Corbyn would exploit the split with the Northern Ireland party to force his way into power. Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, went public today with a letter of no confidence he filed secretly last month Brexiteer MP Henry Smith also revealed he had joined the revolt against the Prime Minister today Cornish MP Sheryll Murray said she had also lost confidence in Mrs May's Brexit policy and wanted a vote on her future Long term critic Nadine Dorries said the 'writing has been on the wall for some time' and she had put in a letter 'weeks ago' They said: 'We cannot survive without the DUP,' they told MailOnline. 'And this deal cannot get through unless sufficient Labour MPs vote for it. 'Corbyn smells defeat and I'm sure he will not throw her a lifeline.' Tory MP and Brexiteer Nadine Dorries said she 'absolutely' believes Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Tories, will have the letters by lunchtime today. She said: 'I wouldn't be surprised if they were already in. 'There's going to be more than 48, I'm sure of that, just by the number of people I've spoken to tonight. I think we will have the vote of confidence. A mum is warning others to get a second opinion after claiming she was encouraged to terminate her healthy pregnancy when doctors believed her unborn baby had Downs Syndrome. Jordan Squires, 22, from Middlesborough, claims she was told by doctors at her 12-week scan that the baby she was carrying was 'high likely' to have Down Syndrome due to the large amount of fluid on the back of his neck. Jordan says that doctors encouraged her to have an immediate abortion without giving her any other options to consider and that she was told she could 'start the ball rolling' that same day. Jordan and Jonathan Squires with their son Jay, doctors warned he may have Down Syndrome The adamant Mum and her partner, Johnathan, 30, who had already suffered the devastation of a miscarriage, were both infuriated by the doctors response and refused the termination, but were left in complete shock when their son Jay was born healthy. Jordan, a stay-at-home mum, said: 'When we attended my 12-week-scan, I knew straight away something was wrong because the midwife seemed to be concerned. 'She asked if we could go into a side room and that someone would be along to talk to us. 'They told us that the baby was highly likely to have Downs Syndrome due to the large amount of fluid that was placed high on the back of his neck. Jordan Squires with her baby bump whilst 28 weeks pregnant, she was allegedly told to abort 'Straight away I was told that they advised terminating the pregnancy without giving us any other options or support. 'We were so angry and we told them where to go. 'There was no way I was going to do that, we had waited so long for this baby and we would love our child regardless of the disability. 'I was furious that they were encouraging people to do that and if it had been someone different then they could of been persuaded by the doctors, then they would have ended a healthy pregnancy.' The couple were so determined to carry on with the pregnancy that they refused to have a amniocentesis test, which involves using a large needle to extract and test amniotic fluid from the uterus and can cause miscarriages. Jordan Squires 12 week pregnancy scan showing fluid on the back of baby Jays neck which worried doctors, making them fear the child would be born with Down Syndrome Jordan and Jonathan Squires with their son Jay who is healthy and turning two in February Jordan was admitted to hospital and induced over five days but eventually had an emergency c-section when baby Jay was reluctant to come into the world. However the Mum claims that doctors never acknowledge their mistake and Jay was born without Downs Syndrome, a healthy 9lbs 2oz. She said: 'We were just so shocked because the doctors who told us he had Downs Syndrome at the scan seemed so adamant. 'They didn't even seem to acknowledge that he was healthy. Baby Jay was born perfectly fine. The youngster will now turn two in February Jay Squires at 21 months. His mum said he hasn't been 'sick a day in his life' 'We were just so happy he was with us even if he didn't want to come out.' The couple could now never imagine life without little Jay, who will be two in February, and says that mothers should look to get a second opinion before considering a termination. Jordan said: 'Call it mothers instinct but there was never any doubt that I would carry to full term. 'There was so much pressure on us to have a termination with no offer of us having support or advice should we want to carry on. 'They even said we could get the ball rolling then and there and it just doesn't give people time to take everything in. 'When you've been told your baby has a disability you're obviously in a vulnerable position and it can be easy to make quick rash decisions. 'I understand they need to make people fully aware of the commitment and challenges that they can face but for us he would have always been loved. 'He is such an amazing little boy and never been sick a day in his life. 'We could have lost a healthy baby if we had decided otherwise.' A French minster has branded Brexiteer politicians trying to thwart Theresa May's deal as 'absurd'. France's finance minister said today that Brexit advocates must choose between accepting the deal negotiated by London and Brussels for leaving the EU or risk 'economic disaster'. Bruno Le Maire, the French Economy Minister, also called some British politicians 'liars', saying they tricked voters into thinking leaving the EU would be easy and in their interests. He told a Paris forum on reforming the World Trade Organization that the British people were 'the main victims' of Brexit. He said: 'The choice now faced by British political leaders who have advocated Brexit is to renounce their absurd political promise or face economic disaster, with the British people the main victims. 'What does Brexit demonstrate? It shows that leaving the common European market has an exorbitant economic cost. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Brexit advocates must choose between accepting the deal negotiated by London and Brussels for leaving the EU or risk 'economic disaster' Theresa May at a press conference inside Number 10 Downing Street about her proposed Brexit with the EU deal yesterday 'There are a number of lying and irresponsible politicians in Britain who told the British people that Brexit would turn out to be a golden tomorrow.' As Prime Minister Theresa May battles to save her Brexit plan, Le Maire said: 'The truth is that Brexit could end with a nightmare.' Le Maire was speaking to a conference in Paris on reforming the global trade system, where he defended the European Union's single market, calling it a 'considerable force' in global trade and warned that Britain could face 'economic disaster' if it leaves. French President Emmanuel Macron's government is among the strongest defenders of the EU and is trying to limit the damage to the bloc from Britain's exit and ensure that Brexit does not encourage other EU members to leave. Bruno Le Maire lso called some British politicians 'liars', saying they tricked voters into thinking leaving the EU would be easy and in their interests Le Maire's comments came as British Prime Minister Theresa May battles to salvage her draft Brexit deal and her own political future. After a tumultuous Thursday in which several ministers resigned and members of her own conservative party plotted to oust her, May said in a radio interview Friday that she believed with 'every fibre of my being' in the Brexit course. Members of parliament on all sides have warned her there is no way the plan can win their approval, but she has dismissed calls to quit, saying: 'Am I going to see this through? Yes!'. Critics of the deal say May has conceded too much to Brussels, while EU supporters are calling for a new vote on whether to leave the union. An animal charity has released shocking footage of geese being force-fed at a French foie gras farm in preparation for the festive season. Animal Equality claims they found geese and ducks suffering in 'barren, wire cages and terrified birds struggling while being force-fed with metal tubes'. The charity said it filmed in secret while on a public tour of La Ferme Turnac in Domme near Toulouse in southern France in August. In the video clips the birds were seen being fed with a device known as a gavage, used to fatten them in order to make the rich duck and goose liver delicacy. Footage showed farmers trapping the birds using a metal holder then shoving a long tube down their throats and pumping them full of food. In some clips the birds could be seen trying to pull away before they are trapped, and workers massaging their necks while forcing food into their stomachs. Animal Equality filed the conditions in which geese and ducks were force-fed ahead of the festive season at a foie gras farm Foie gras is considered a luxury food product made of the liver of a duck or goose which has been especially fattened. During the controversial process popular in France, ducks are force-fed twice a day for 12.5 days and geese three times a day for around 17 days. Ducks are typically slaughtered at 100 days old and geese after 112 days. The production method is used in France but in other countries such as Spain it is occasionally produced using natural feeding. The 'cruel' procedure was banned in the UK but it is still legal on the continent and European Union rules on the free movement of goods means Britain cannot ban imports of foie gras. Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan visited the farm with with Animal Equality where campaigners said they also found geese and ducks in barren cages and the birds were 'terrified'. The harrowing footage was filmed in secret while campaigners were on a public tour of La Ferme Turnac in Domme near Toulouse in southern France Animal welfare campaigners called on restaurants to introduce a boycott and stop selling the cruel product at Christmas. Mr Egan said: 'It's disgusting. It should be banned. I can't imagine anything worse than being force-fed. 'The goose was terrified and looked like it was drowning while the woman massaged the corn and water down its throat into its stomach. 'My feelings were best described by the two young children standing in front of me who first screamed and then recoiled in horror.' Dr Toni Shephard, Animal Equality's UK executive director, said: 'Ironically, many restaurants only offer foie gras on their Christmas menu as it is seen as a luxury, yet there is nothing festive about force-feeding birds to produce this 'delicacy' from their engorged, fatty livers. 'It is so cruel that the practice is banned in the UK. We're lobbying for an import ban on foie gras when we leave the EU, but as long as we're in the single market that isn't possible.' In the video clips the birds were seen being fed with a device known as a gavage, used to fatten the them to make the duck and goose liver delicacy The charity claims the footage was filmed during one of the farm's daily tours, but some footage was taken in a private section. Vet Emma Milne, who also visited the farm, added: 'We wandered in the shed next door where the ducks where and they just looked ill, every single animal was panting, shying away from us terrified, crouching in corners. 'That was really appalling and as we came out the farmer said 'You're not allowed in there.' It was pretty clear why.' Production of the delicacy is said to be up by 6,000 tons to 16,360 tons this year after a dip in 2017 due to outbreaks of bird diseases on the Continent. Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan joined calls for restaurants to introduce a boycott and stop selling controversial foie gras at Christmas Michel Fruchet, president of production group CIFOG, known as Euro Foie Gras, describes the sector approaching the festive season with a 'spirit of conquest'. A spokeswoman for the European Federation of Foie Gras Producers said the process was 'ethical' and was 'a cultural and gastronomic tradition'. She said the process does not cause any 'unnecessary harm' to the animals and was performed under regulated conditions. She also claimed demand for the food was also increasing with production up 50 per cent compared to last year. The farm has been contacted for comment. A murderer who slit his ex-girlfriend's throat before claiming he had found her dead was given away by his body language, experts have revealed. Obsessive Michael Lane stalked former girlfriend Shana Grice, 19, before killing her and setting fire to the bedroom of her home in Brighton in August 2016. He claimed he discovered her already-dead body at her home but didn't kill her. However, he was found guilty by a jury and jailed for life. Body language experts have now analysed his police interviews to show how he unwittingly gave away his lies as he was questioned by detectives. Killer Michael Lane gave himself away during police interviews, body language experts say He murdered ex-girlfriend Shana Grice because he was obsessed with her after a relationship Expert Cliff Lansley tells documentary Faking It: Tears of a Crime that Lane 'faked' his sadness and ended up looking like a sulking child rather than a grieving ex. Looking at the interview footage, Mr Lansley said: 'He is faking sadness and we know that he is faking it because we see the facial expression is characterised by the brows being slightly down and the chin is forced up into a pout, almost like a sulking child. 'Sadness doesn't look like that. Sadness is eyebrows up and the corners of the mouth down.' Experts say Lane's body also gave away he was lying to police due to his blinking pattern. He blinks twice before answering, something experts call a 'blink sandwich', as his mind concentrates on getting his story straight. He then fails to blink while speaking, as he concentrates on the interviewer to see if he is being believed. He then compensates by blinking a number of times after giving his answer, Mr Lansley says. Police outside the Brighton home where Lane attacked and killed Shana in August 2016 What is a 'blink sandwich'? A body language expert said Lane showed he was lying by doing a 'blink sandwich' before he spoke. This is a quick, repeatedly blink, as he concentrates on getting his story straight. He then fails to blink while speaking so he can concentrate on his interviewer's face and see if he is being believed. Lane then blinks again after speaking as his eyes make up for not blinking in the moments before, expert Cliff Lansley says. Advertisement Meanwhile, linguistics expert Dawn Archer says it is interesting that Lane tells police 'don't know', rather than 'I don't know', in a possible subconscious attempt to 'depersonalise' what he says, and remove himself from the situation. Ms Archer also points out how Lane repeatedly hesitates mid-sentence, another indication he is lying. Lane's obsession with Shana Grice developed after their short relationship ended and she started going out with another man. Lane bought a tracker device and fitted it to the bumper of Miss Grice's car so he could follow her movements, stole her keys and hung around her home. Miss Grice repeatedly contacted police but she was told she was wasting their time before Lane killed her. After evidence linked him to the scene, Lane tried to claim he went to her home on the day she died and found her dead, but didn't raise the alarm because he feared he'd be blamed. Lane was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years in jail when he was sentenced last year. The judge criticised the police's handling of the build-up to the murder. 'Faking It: Tears of a Crime' airs at 10pm tonight on Investigation Discovery. Advertisement China's latest luxury hotel yesterday opened inside an abandoned quarry after nearly a decade of construction. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, a much-anticipated 225 million project, is built onto one side of an 88-metre-deep (289-foot-deep) pit in the south-western outskirts of the financial hub. Draping down the rocky pit as if a glitzy waterfall, the 17-storey, 336-room hotel has two floors above the ground and 15 floors underneath, including two lowest levels that are submerged in a man-made pond. Although the hotel's opening ceremony was held yesterday, guests will only be able to check in from next Tuesday, according to a spokesperson. Glitzy: InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland has opened its doors after nearly 10 years of construction and 225 million Deserted: The impressive 'groundscraper' is built onto one side of a former quarry (pictured before construction) in Shanghai Room with a view: The 17-storey hotel has 336 guestrooms including underwater suites that are situated in the lowest levels Stylish: The hotel has an underwater seafood restaurant, called Mr Fisher, as well as a bar, called the Quarry Bar (pictured) Most of its rooms look out to an artificial waterfall on the other side of the quarry; and the deeper it goes, the more lavish the rooms are. In the underwater suites, guests would be able to observe schools of fish outside their window while enjoying full butler service. A seafood restaurant, called Mr Fisher, is located one floor below the water level. The hotel also boasts a series of adventurous activities, including rock climbing, kayaking and a stroll on a glass-bottomed footpath, as well as a nightly light show. Most of the rooms at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland look out to an artificial waterfall on the opposite side The hotel also boasts a series of adventurous activities, including rock climbing, and a nightly light show (pictured) A dragon sculpture is installed at the entrance of the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland which opened yesterday The hotel has also installed a glass-bottomed footpath, an extremely popular type of attraction in China, on its rockface In a city renowned for its shiny skyscrapers, the quarry hotel emerges as a unique 'groundscraper', an edifice built downwards into the ground instead of upwards towards the sky. Its deepest level is nearly 700 metres (2,297 feet) lower than the top floor of the J Hotel, which is set to be the highest hotel in the world and is also under construction in Shanghai. The spectacular hotel, more widely known as the 'deep pit hotel' to the locals, is situated at the foot of Shanghai's Tianma Mountain. The quarry it is in was first excavated in 1950s and deserted in 2000. The idea of building a high-end resort there was proposed in 2006 by Xu Rongmao, chairman of the hotel's developer Shanghai Shimao Group. The idea of building a high-end resort there was proposed in 2006 by the hotel's developer Shanghai Shimao Group The building, which is 'essentially upside down', was designed by a team of architects from London-headquartered Atkins After visiting the derelict quarry, Mr Xu, who had been to many 'crazy' hotels around the world, wondered if he could build an even crazier one in the open pit. '[I] want to turn the city's scar into its treasure,' Mr Xu told Shanghai-based Jiemian News last year. Shimao purchased the land in 2006 and ground was broken in 2009. Nine years and two billion yuan (225 million) later, Mr Xu's dream has finally come true. For the building's architects from London-headquartered firm Atkins, to design a building 'that is essentially upside down' has proven to be a pioneering experience. The hotel's unusual settings make it possible for the team to design environmental-friendly features. One of them is the hotel's ventilation. The designers have drawn inspiration from Chinese people's love for water, rock and small footpaths in the mountains Via a wooden staircase (pictured), guests would be able to walk down the 88-metre-deep (289-foot-deep) pit to the hotel Construction of the hotel began in 2009 and nine years later, the unusual hotel has finally welcomed its first group of guests Because there is a pond at the bottom of the quarry, the air outside the bottom of the hotel is cooled by the water. Therefore, architects have made it possible for the cooler air to be drawn into the building at the deeper floors. As the air is warmed up by people and equipment inside the building, it will get warmer and then rise through the building to vent out at the top floor above the ground, creating a natural air circulation. On the other hand, some of the rock face is exposed in the interior of the building, providing an ideal thermal mass to help regulate the building's temperature. On the official booking app of InterContinental Hotels Group, rooms can be booked from December 1 and onwards at a starting nightly price of 3,325 yuan (371). Thousands Expected for Andrew Palau Festival in Argentina this Weekend Contact: Jay Fordice, 503-614-1500 JOSE C. PAZ, Argentina, Nov. 16, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- Over the past 40 years, God has used the Luis Palau Association in a special way to bless the nation of Argentina. From the historic evangelistic festival in Buenos Aires in 2008 to similar festivals and outreaches in nearly every province and major city in the nation, millions have heard the Gospel. With a special compassion for the city of Buenos Aires and the surrounding area, Andrew Palau is carrying the torch of his father and partnering with hundreds of churches of Jose C. Paz -- a suburb of the capital city of Buenos Aires -- for a 2-day festival this weekend, November 16-17. The festival will put local training into action and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ on a massive scale. It will include live Christian musical performances, a children's area with games, activities, and Gospel presentations, and a clear proclamation of the Gospel from Andrew Palau. Some highlights include: Affinity outreach events for business and civic leaders, women, and university students. Mobilization of thousands of volunteers to serve the city. Friendship evangelism training for believers. Pastor enrichment conference. This massive, region-wide campaign had been in the works for many months. Andrew Palau, son of renowned evangelist and Argentina-native Luis Palau, has been an integral part of this campaign from the very beginning. While Argentina has always been a focus of Luis and the team, the momentum seems to only be increasing as new doors continue to open for Andrew Palau and the Palau ministry team to share the Good News. Read more about the Jose C. Paz campaign at www.palau.org/jose-c-paz. About Andrew Palau: For more than 24 years Andrew Palau has played a key role in the ministry of the Luis Palau Association. He has been instrumental in building the LPA model for citywide outreach as an evangelist, director, and key team leader. He has guided campaigns, led church relations efforts, trained thousands of believers in friendship evangelism, and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ in person to hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world through evangelistic campaigns. Andrew's festivals have brought him and the Palau Association in partnership with thousands of churches in cities throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the United States of America. In addition to his father, Andrew's own weekly radio broadcasts are heard by millions of people on thousands of radio outlets around the world. He is also the author of multiple books, including Secret Life of a Fool, a retelling of his personal journey to faith in Christ, and What is Christmas?, a groundbreaking evangelistic book published in China in 2012. An American teacher missing in a remote area of Mexico was killed by a drug trafficker linked to the powerful Sinaloa cartel, it has been revealed. Patrick Braxton-Andrew, 34, was last seen by hotel staff in Urique a former mining village in Mexico's Chihuahua state, on October 28. His family reported him missing when he didn't show up in Mexico City to meet his younger brother on October 30 after spending a few days hiking in Chihuahua's Copper Canyon. They set up a base in Mexico City and have been working with local and US authorities to find him since then, the Charlotte Observer reported. But on Thursday, they revealed that the state government has informed them he was killed by a criminal organization. Scroll down for video Patrick Braxton-Andrew (pictured) was killed by a drug trafficker linked to the powerful Sinaloa cartel, it has been revealed His family reported him missing when he didn't show up in Mexico City to meet his brother In a post on a Facebook page devoted to finding Braxton-Andrew, they said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce that Patrick died on October 28th at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area where he was traveling. 'The search continues to recover his body so we can bring him back home.' It added that 'authorities are searching for those responsible to bring them to justice.' The family added that Braxton-Andrew, who taught Spanish at a school in Mooresville, North Carolina, 'died doing what he loved - traveling and meeting people.' They added: 'Join us in celebrating his life as he would want us to do. We will always remember Patrick and his joy for life. We love you PBA.' He was last seen by hotel staff in Urique a former mining village in Mexico's Chihuahua state, on October 28 The teacher is believed to have been killed by a drug trafficker linked to the powerful Sinaloa cartel, which was previously run by El Chapo, pictured above The family also thanked the Governor and Attorney General of Chihuahua for 'their unwavering commitment to locating Patrick.' Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral confirmed Braxton-Andrew's death and revealed that investigators believe he was killed by Jose Noriel Portillo Gil, a drug trafficker known as 'El Chueco' which means 'crooked' or 'bow-legged.' In a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Corral said: 'I can say that it was a cowardly and brutal murder, of a totally innocent man who had the misfortune to cross paths with this criminal.' He also vowed that justice would be served and the killer would be punished. 'I have already experienced several hard and sad moments in my role as governor, and the one that I had yesterday with Gary Braxton, Patrick's father, informing him of the tragic event, has broken my heart,' the official wrote. 'I also informed him and his beautiful family that not only are we going to find Patrick's body, but we are going to do him justice and deliver exemplary punishment to this delinquent and his gang, who have paradoxically, by acting with such cowardice, put an end to their influence and the control of that area under the Sinaloa cartel.' Weapons seized from members of Sinaloa Cartel are shown above in this file photo He planned the trip around Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations which run from October 31 until November 2 His family paid tribute to him, saying he 'died doing what he loved - traveling and meeting people' While the druglord is behind bars, his sons Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar (pictured right) and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar (pictured left) have been running the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico in his absence Portillo Gil is linked to the powerful Sinaloa cartel, whose boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is currently on trial in New York. Guzman is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over 25 years and faces life in prison if found guilty. Portillo Gil runs the cartel's business in the region around Urique, according to Mexican media reports. His gang holds control over the towns of Mesa de Arturo, Bahuichivo, Cerocahui and San Rafael, the majority indigenous cities whose residents have been displaced by the narco wars. He was thought to have been killed in April last year, but resurfaces when he and his accomplices attacked the State Security Commission in Urique. Mexican officials have not elaborated about how Braxton-Andrew crossed paths with drug traffickers or why he was killed. On Wednesday, a day before the news of Braxton-Andrew's death came, his family told the Charlotte Observer that he had been planning his trip to Mexico for months. He planned the trip around the country's Day of the Dead celebrations which run from October 31 until November 2. Mexican officials have not elaborated about how Braxton-Andrew crossed paths with drug traffickers or why he was killed But a break in his school schedule meant he had a few extra days of travel before then so he flew from North Carolina to Mexico on October 24. Braxton-Andrew planned to take a ride on 'El Chepe,' a tourist-friendly train ride that passes through Copper Canyon, before heading to Mexico City. His family said eight people had planned to join Braxton-Andrew for the Day of the Dead celebrations and he had also thrown out invitations for anyone who wanted to join him on 'El Chepe.' But in the end, no-one could make the train ride and only his younger brother Kerry was able to come to Mexico City. That didn't matter to Braxton-Andrew, his family told the Observer. He had traveled extensively across Latin America and was as prepared as anyone to travel solo there, his family said. This is the horrifying moment a man on a moped blasted a group of people outside a takeaway with a shotgun. Shocking footage shows the moped pull up alongside the group of bystanders at a chicken shop in Harlesden, north London. A passenger riding pillion then opens fire at the group while still moving, before the bike pauses so he can shoot again. The pair then speed off down the road while the group rush in all different directions to get away and a cyclist in front of the moped frantically peddles towards the pavement. Shocking footage has emerged showing a moped passenger blasting a group of people outside a north London takeaway with a shotgun The shooter opened fire twice with a shotgun, pictured, before the moped fled the area Police confirmed a man and woman aged in their 20s were injured in the attack, although neither suffered life threatening wounds. A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Police were called to Church Road, NW10 at 19:52hrs following reports of a shooting. 'Armed police attended and found a man and woman, both believed aged in their 20s, suffering from gunshot injuries. 'Both have been taken to hospital for treatment; neither person's injuries are life threatening. 'No arrests have been made and inquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and quote CAD 6607; alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' It is the latest in a series of violent incidents across the capital, including a spate of fatal stabbings earlier this month. London's murder rate in 2018 has already increased beyond the grizzly 118 tally for the year before - with still one month to go before the end of the year. A cyclist near the vehicle was seen frantically peddling out of the way while the group began to run for cover, pictured The people targeted ran in different directions with some fleeing inside the chicken shop The latest incident was earlier this week when a 62-year-old woman was found fatally assaulted at a 1.3million home in Balham, south west London, at around 11.40pm on Monday. Naseer Khan, 66, was charged with the murder of partner Tanseen Sheikh in relation to the incident. Earlier the same day, in a separate case, Devi Unmathallegadoo, 35, died from abdominal injuries in Ilford, east London. Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, 50, of no fixed address, has been charged with her murder. In response to the bloodshed this year, the Metropolitan Police Violent Crime Task Force was set up, seizing 340 knives, 40 guns and 258 other offensive weapons in its first six months of operation, and making more than 1,350 arrests. Mayor Sadiq Khan also announced plans for a violence reduction unit that would adopt the public health approach to tackle violent crime that was successfully used in Glasgow. The murders across the capital so far this year are shown in this graphic (CLICK TO EXPAND) Police have pointed to links between violence and so-called county lines drug networks, where urban dealers force children and other vulnerable people to courier illegal substances to customers in more rural areas. They are also known to take over innocent people's homes to use as a base for crime. Middle class cocaine users have come under fire from a number of public figures, including the country's most senior police officer Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick, who pointed to the misery caused by the drugs trade. Drill music, where rappers taunt rivals with lyrics laced with violence and threats, and the role of social media in escalating disputes have also come under the microscope, as have cuts to youth services and the police. A mum was beaten up and threatened with an acid attack by a vicious ex who she says had her wrongly arrested for smuggling cocaine into America. Gareth Pierce headbutted Catherine Worsley leaving her covered in blood then threatened to douse her in acid if she didn't drop charges. But she outsmarted the cowardly thug by recording his disturbing phone calls, leading to him being jailed for his sickening violence. Now she wants to reveal the horrific ordeal he put her through, to encourage other people suffering domestic abuse to speak out. Catherine Worsley who was brutally abused and threatened with an acid attack by her violent ex Gareth Pierce Catherine said the 36-year-old bully, from Widnes in Chesire, was jealous and controlling throughout their relationship. However, the children's residential support worker, who has an eight-year-old son, said the thug made her believe he loved her. He was previously locked up in 2011 for supplying cocaine to undercover police, then convicted of dealing again in 2014. When he started seeing her in 2016, she said he was often out of work and had little money, but she told him to stay away from drugs. The 28-year-old mum said she had 'no chance' of fighting back against the muscular labourer, who always apologised the next day. The injuries Gareth Pierce inflicted on Catherine Worsley as part of her horrific ordeal Catherine first broke up with him after he attacked her while she was sleeping beside her son over Christmas last year. She said: 'He wanted to drive my car drunk. He was strangling me and told me he wanted to kill me. 'I was being sick in my mouth and couldn't breathe. He eventually let go, telling me I wasn't worth the jail time.' Catherine's mother rang the police, leading to Pierce calling her a 'grass', ahead of aterrifying incident on a train in February. She said: 'It was because another lad looked at me. He got his head and smashed it against the seat in front of him. Gareth Pierce, 36, of Netherfield, Widnes, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation 'There was blood everywhere. Then a young girl said 'what are you doing?' and tried to intervene. He punched her in the face. 'Her face just splattered with blood. I tried to calm him down and he bit my face and smashed it against the window.' Catherine said Pierce often accused men of staring at her on nights out, yelling 'what the f*** are you looking at?' and starting fights. She said: 'The amount of times we got kicked out of clubs and even restaurants - he was just really possessive and jealous.' Catherine Worsley who was brutally abused and threatened with an acid attack by her violent ex Gareth Pierce He would fly into a jealous rage if any other men looked at her That month, Pierce was convicted of four counts of battery and received 18 weeks in jail, suspended for two years. Catherine said: 'He got such a little sentence because I refused to attend court and later withdrew my statement. 'I was scared to go through with it, because I know what he is capable of.' She told Liverpool Crown Court this week how he then tried 'everything possible in his power to ruin my life'. Catherine said: 'He harasses me and stalks me. He's tried his best to have my child taken off me and he's posted indecent images of me on social media. 'There is not much more he can do than fulfil the threats to kill me. I live every day in fear of this.' She said Pierce seemingly went one step further when he found out she was jetting off to Las Vegas with her friend in April. Catherine said: 'A picture was posted on social media, which he saw. He went ballistic. 'I believe he rang Manchester airport security, stating we had 20,000 of cocaine between us and we were smuggling it into Las Vegas. 'When we landed in Vegas, we were handcuffed and arrested by security agents on the plane. We were held in custody for nine hours, questioned and intimidated. 'We were sent to Spring Valley Hospital to have stomach X-rays and full CT scans. The results came back all clear and we were both released without charge.' Pierce continued to harass Catherine, leading to her making more complaints, which she retracted due to threats ahead of a court case. Gareth Pierce, 36, of Netherfield, Widnes, jailed for horrific domestic violence But the worst was yet to come, after he visited her house in August and accused her of sleeping with another man, which she denied. He threatened to kill them both, pinned her to the bed, punched her and screamed 'I love you'. Pierce went quiet, then headbutted her, causing her nose to 'crunch' and blood to pour down her face. Catherine recalled how her cowardly attacker said: 'Look what you've made me do to you - you made me do this.' She said: 'He locked me in my bedroom for six hours and took my phone and keys. He said he would kill me, then kill himself and if he couldn't have me, nobody could ever have me. 'For hours I cried, begged and pleaded for him to let me go to my mum's house. I even looked him in the eyes and promised him I wouldn't go to the police - all I wanted was my mum. 'After six hours he let me go, threw my front door keys at me and told me 'run'.' The victim said every time they split up, he would make terrifying death threats. She said: 'He would always tell me he didn't mind going to jail, as he had nothing to lose. 'Never f*** with a man who has f*** all to lose' was his favourite sentence. 'I sat for hours in that bedroom, covered head to toe in my own blood. I never thought he was going to let me go. The couple pictured early in their relationship, things soon turned brutal with Gareth becoming abusive 'As he repeatedly told me he was going to kill me, I remember thinking to myself, 'it's going to break my mum's heart having to witness her daughter's dead body, but then break her heart even more having to tell my baby boy he's never going to see his mummy again'.' After being remanded in prison, Pierce begged Catherine to lie about the attack or not attend court, before issuing more vile threats. But she downloaded an app and recorded him saying: 'I'm gonna get you stabbed and acided. Stabbed and acid threw in your face. 'I promise you, all your beautiful looks are going to go and it's going to happen very soon. You're a beautiful girl, but not for very long. 'You're going to have a mad f***ing looking swollen burnt face and I will laugh when it happens. Your son won't even recognise his own mother.' She told the Liverpool Echo: 'Thank God I recorded the phone calls to give to police.' Pierce admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation. Jailing him for 33 months, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said his phone calls were 'chilling' and his threats 'ugly'. Catherine told the court: 'I've lied to everyone for two years. If people said 'are you okay?' I would reply 'yes'. That's the biggest lie I've ever told.' She is now receiving counselling. Catherine said: 'You start blaming yourself and thinking 'it's my own fault, because no-one else goes through stuff like this'. 'I don't want a penny - if I get my story out there that's not the reason behind it - it's to raise awareness. 'It's not until now I look back at the two years and I realise, because at the time I used to convince myself 'it's fine, it's normal, he loves you, he's sorry'. Now looking back, I think 'why did I put up with it?' If you are suffering from domestic violence, contact the police or the National Domestic Violence charity on freephone 0808 2000 247. Police who released the Bourke Street jihadist on bail before his deadly attack in the heart of Melbourne weren't told he was deemed a terror risk by federal authorities. Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, had his passport cancelled in 2015 over fears he had plans to travel to Syria to fight for Islamic State. Neither Victoria police nor the state's courts were aware of this when he was bailed, weeks before he stabbed three men, one fatally, in last Friday's attack. The Somali-born terrorist was issued an arrest warrant in October when he failed to appear in court over a string of driving offences. When he failed to appear, Shire Ali's bail was extended for three months - despite an extensive history of ignoring court summons. Ali attempt to stab and slash at two police officers before he was shot and fell to the ground. He earlier stabbed three people and set fire to his car on Melbourne's Bourke Street He was not under surveillance in the lead up to the attack, but had been questioned by the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the was no doubt Shire Ali 'should have been in jail' when he fatally stabbed restaurateur Sisto Malaspina. 'A beloved Melbourne icon was murdered by a man who should have been in jail. Enough is enough,' said Mr Guy Mr Guy made it clear the Liberal Nationals won't tolerate 'violent extremism or crime' in contemporary Australia, reports The Australian. 'If you are on bail and you breach the conditions of your bail, you will face remand. It is that simple,' he said. State Attorney-General Martin Pakula said Victoria Police would ideally have been aware about Ali's 2015 passport cancellation. But Mr Pakula said it was unfair to expect 'perfect foresight' from police about the crimes of others. He was labelled by many as the 'Godfather of coffee' after bringing the first espresso machine to Melbourne in the 1960s The brave security guard who was stabbed in the neck by the Bourke Street terrorist on Friday has been released from hospital Mr Malaspina's body was on Friday seen lying in the street covered by a white sheet with a bare foot sticking out after bystanders unsuccessfully tried to save his life Shire Ali had been charged with three driving offences dating back to February 2017, failing to attend court for any of them. He was caught speeding at 147km/h in a 100 km/h zone. He had also been driving an unregistered vehicle. His bail was forfeited for the first time in August 2017 and then again in February 2018. Matthew Guy (pictured) made it clear the Liberal Nationals won't tolerate 'violent extremism or crime' in contemporary Australia The Somali-born terrorist who stabbed three men, one fatally, was on bail during the attack He was wanted over a string of driving offences, and had dodged court summons four times Meanwhile, the Islamic extremist was also sentenced to a 12-month community order over burglary and obtaining stolen goods charges in 2012. He was required to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work and undergo drug testing and rehabilitation. He was re-sentenced to a two year community corrections order and judicial monitoring for three months after breaching the order. Shire Ali did not appear in court to be monitored. He was fined $1,500 and was sentenced to a two-month suspended jail terms after he breached community correction orders again in 2014. Ali (pictured) was confirmed to have a track record of minor drug, driving and theft offences Mr Guy described Shire Ali's history of breaching bail conditions and avoiding court as an 'indictment'. 'That he could ignore the law and walk free in contempt of it is appalling,' he said. The extremist loaded a Holden Rodeo with gas cylinders and was set ablaze before stabbing Mr Malaspina, 74, to death and seriously injuring two other men on Bourke Street a week ago. He was then shot and killed by a police officer, was taken to Royal Alfred Hospital, where he died on the operating table. Shire Ali then stabbed a 58-year-old Tasmanian man and a 24-year-old security guard in the face and neck respectively. Both survived and are recovering from their injuries. The knifeman lunged at a pair of policemen and was shot in the chest by a junior officer. The Bourke Street hero dubbed 'Trolley Man' kept his vow to 'do the right thing' and handed himself into police on Friday night. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Michael Rogers, 46, presented himself at a police station and remains in custody. Authorities were looking to question Mr Rogers over a string of alleged offences in the Melbourne CBD and St Kilda areas - as well as a breach of bail conditions. Scroll down for video The Bourke Street hero dubbed 'Trolley Man' (pictured) kept his vow to 'do the right thing' and handed himself into police on Friday night A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Michael Rogers, 46, presented himself at a police station and remains in custody. Australia's most famous homeless man helped police take down the Bourke Street terrorist by pushing a trolley into him The man who has been praised a hero for his actions during Melbourne's recent terror attack disappeared from the radar a few days ago. Donna Stolzenberg from the National Homeless Collective who created a fundraising page for the Trolley Man told the Herald Sun that she was with him on Thursday. She claimed she was with Mr Rogers while he rang Melbourne West police station on Thursday to ask them about the charges. 'He said if there were any charges he would own up to that and do the right thing,' Ms Stolzenberg said. 'No one would help him hand himself in he is in no way hiding,' she added. Ms Stolzenberg was behind a GoFundMe initiative that raised more than $140,000 for Mr Rogers following his heroic efforts on Bourke St on November 9. A video circulated online of Mr Rogers attempting to try and stop Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, as the attacker repeatedly lunged at police officers with a knife In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Mr Rogers previously said he had 'contacted police and would like to do the right thing'. He said the offences were quite old and 'wants to do what's in his best interests'. Ms Stolzenberg told Daily Mail Australia Rogers repeatedly called police to negotiate his surrender after the news broke that he was wanted by police. 'So far they haven't called him back. He has called them again. Now trying a third time,' she said. Mr Rogers has previously spent time behind bars and has in the past faced charges of aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, traffick in drug of dependence, threat to inflict serious injury, possess controlled weapon without excuse, unlawful assault and assault police. Australia's most famous homeless man helped police take down the Bourke Street terrorist by pushing a trolley into him. A video circulated online of Mr Rogers attempting to try and stop Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, as the attacker repeatedly lunged at police officers with a knife. While more than 4,000 people have donated to the online fundraising effort since it was launched, many were shocked to learn of his checkered past. 'This human has been in and out of jail for two decades on burglary and other charges,' one wrote online. While more than 4,000 people have donated to the online fundraising effort since it was launched, many were shocked to learn of his checkered past 'He also has a drug addiction. Basically, this guy is a criminal and a deadbeat and you gave him $82K. Well done Australia.' Melbourne radio host Dee Dee Dunleavy also voiced her concern after initially praising Mr Rogers and the fundraising cause on social media. 'I was unaware when I tweeted this that he is a convicted criminal. The fact remains that he tried to help, but maybe direct funds to The Salvos instead,' she said. A student hairdresser has been jailed for five years after she was unmasked as a 'gangsters' moll' who helped her boyfriend and her two brothers run a 3m drugs empire in a seaside resort. Mother-of-one Jessica Lang, 21, would join her boyfriend Scott Le Drew on cash deliveries and also liaised with her brothers Bradley and Anthony Gill as they arranged vast quantities of cocaine cannabis and amphetamine to be ferried to Blackpool. Police using bugging equipment taped Lang as she sat in a car with Le Drew advising him how he should conduct his money collections - on occasions whilst children were overheard chattering in the back seat. Jessica Lang, 21, from Blackpool faces five years in jail after being convicted for her part in a major Blackpool drug ring The student hairdresser helped her boyfriend and a pair of brothers run a 3m drugs empire in a seaside resort Lancashire Constabulary said her brothers Anthony and Bradley Gill were responsible for supplying the resort with "huge amounts" of cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis. Stylish Lang, from from Grange Park, Blackpool, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court She denied wrongdoing but was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis She also passed on messages between members of their gang using encrypted mobile phones as they peddled narcotics to desperate addicts in the Lancashire resort. Customers included professional middleweight boxer Jack Arnfield who began dealing for the gang to pay off drug debts. He lost a British middleweight bout just four days before raids on ten homes in February this year uncovered six kilograms of cocaine, worth 700,000 plus quarter of a kilo of amphetamine and 122,000 in cash. Police said the amount of drugs seized was just a 'snapshot' of the true scale of the gang's operation in which it is believed 28kg of cocaine was trafficked between May 2016 and July 2017. Lang and her boyfriend Scott Le Drew, 31, (R) posted photos of lavish holidays and parties on social media but were convicted and sentenced after police bugged their car Police mugshots of Lang and her Le Drew after the pair were sentenced to a total of 16 years Police found 1kg of cannabis - valued at around 18,000 - at Arnfield's home. At Preston Crown Court on Tuesday Jessica Lang, from Grange Park, Blackpool, denied wrongdoing but was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Le Drew, 31, was jailed for 11 years and four months after he was convicted of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of a prohibited weapon CS gas. Anthony Gill, 33, from Middleton, Greater Manchester and Bradley Gill, 28, from Blackpool both admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and were each sentenced to 14 years. Det Ch Insp Stuart Dixon, of Lancashire Police, said the gang run by Lang's brother was behind huge quantities of illegal drugs hitting the streets, causing addiction and violence In total the Gill gang, including their sister Jessica Lang (pictured) were sentenced to more than 100 years in jail Arnfield, 29, of Kirkham, was given a 12 month suspended jail sentence and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work after he pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply. The court heard Anthony Gill would source drugs from his criminal contacts in Manchester and then organise the handover of cash and deliveries of cocaine with his brother. Bradley controlled the Blackpool-based cash and drug couriers and dealt with the distributors. In 2017, Le Drew took over as the Gills' primary cash collector, gathering in drugs money from the dealers. Police said his girlfriend Lang was aware of his activities and was with him whenever he was carrying out his work on her brothers' behalf. Police later hid a bugging device on Le Drew's Ford car and listened in as he and Lang held a meeting with Arnfield in a B&Q car park to receive cash for drugs. Anthony Gill, 33, (L) from Manchester, ran a major criminal enterprise in partnership with his brother Bradley, 28, from Blackpool, (R). Anthony was responsible for sourcing their cocaine, Bradley ran distribution. The judge gave them both 14 years behind bars The exchange took place and a plastic bag was handed over and Lang was overheard ordering Le Drew to tell Arnfield to 'stop sitting in his car counting his money in the car park'. Prosecutor Martin Reid said: 'Its apparent that Mr Arnfield was just going to hand the cash over loose and that's why Le Drew had to get the bag from his own car to put the cash in.' Le Drew then told Lang to put the cash under the seat or in her handbag. Lang and Le Drew were also bugged having conversations using slang words for drugs and the collection of cash with the blonde referring to another dealer saying: 'He wants to know how much Tuna's got now.' One call to the couple involved 'talk of money and something arriving that teatime.' They were also heard having discussions about the arrest of other suspects after another person had texted them saying: 'They've just done my mate..' Police bugged Le Drew (L) and Lang (R) having conversations using slang words for drugs The court was also told of an exchange in July last year involving the occupants of Le Drew's car and a black BMW near a pub car park when he spotted a police surveillance camera. Le Drew was heard saying: 'There's a camera up there on that thingy. 'Should be all right though shouldn't it?' ' In a Facebook post before she was jailed this week, Lang said: 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, thanks to all my real friends and family for being there for me life goes on and nothing is forever.' A relative added: 'My beautiful girl took away from me and her daughter just for being a naive silly girl like we all were at her age - that's so wrong.' But Det Ch Insp Stuart Dixon, of Lancashire Police said after the case: 'This organised criminal gang was involved in bringing huge amounts of Class A drugs into Blackpool and profiting from their illicit trade. 'Organised crime, including the production and supply of drugs, the violence which controls this market, and how it impacts on vulnerable people, blights our communities and puts ordinary law-abiding people at risk. 'I would like to reassure the public we will keep up the pressure on those involved in serious and organised crime and continually striving to protect the most vulnerable. 'We will relentlessly pursue these offenders and put them before the courts to make our streets safer.' Bradley McSpirit, 25, of Blackpool (L) who helped with deliveries was jailed for 11 years and four months. Blu Leahy, 24, of Blackpool (C) who sourced cocaine supplies was jailed for eight years. Daryl Wellings, 29, (R) of Blackpool got ten years and eight months Joseph Murphy, 28, of Fleetwood, (L) who worked as a drugs courier got ten years jail. John Casey, 32, (C) sourced cocaine from the Gills. He was jailed for nine years and four months. And Declan Morgan, 25, (R) got eight years and eight months Seven other members of the gang were also jailed for drugs offences. Bradley McSpirit, 25, of Blackpool who helped with deliveries was jailed for 11 years and four months whilst Blu Leahy, 24, of Blackpool who sourced cocaine supplies was jailed for eight years. Daryl Wellings, 29, of Blackpool got ten years and eight months after he worked for the Gills as a cash collector. Joseph Murphy, 28, of Fleetwood who worked as a drugs courier got ten years jail. John Casey, 32, a distributor of Blackpool, who sourced cocaine from the Gills was jailed for nine years and four months. Declan Morgan, 25, another distributor from Blackpool, was jailed for eight years and eight months. Steven Miller, 25 from Fleetwood was jailed for six years. North Korea has said it will quickly deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entry from China, in a move seen as a conciliatory gesture to the U.S. as the regime tests a new 'ultramodern' weapon. The regime's official propaganda organ announced on Friday that American Bruce Byron Lowrance had been detained at the border with China on October 16, and would be deported. Lowrance allegedly confessed that he was 'under the manipulation of the CIA', according to the Korean Central News Agency. The brief dispatch did not specify when he was due to be deported. Little is known about Lowrance. His name is the same as that of a 59-year-old man from Michigan who was deported from South Korea last year after he was found wandering near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone between that country and North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seen observing an 'ultramodern' weapons test in a photo released on Friday. The regime also announced it would deport an American citizen North Korean soldiers patrol next to the border fence with China near the town of Sinuiju in a 2016 file photo. American Bruce Byron Lowrance was arrested on the border last month In that incident in November 2017, the man told South Korean investigators that he believed his trip to North Korea would resolve tensions between Washington and Pyongyang over the death of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died days after being released from the North in a coma. South Korean investigators described Lowrence's statements as 'incoherent' and said he seemed to believe 'he could contribute in some way in North Korea'. Public records on Lowrance are extremely limited. He is associated with a car repair company in Central Lake, Michigan, a remote village of less than 1000 near Grand Traverse Bay. While North Korea claimed he entered the country last month under the 'manipulation' of the CIA, many foreigners detained there have said after their release that their declarations of guilt were coerced. North Korea's decision to deport Lowrance after only a month of confinement would be remarkably quick by Pyongyang's standards, apparently reflecting an eagerness to keep alive a positive atmosphere for dialogue with the United States. The regime in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile US figures traveled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. This photo released on Friday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guiding the master plan for Sinuiju City at an undisclosed location. The regime will release American Bruce Lowrance Otto Warmbier is seen being escorted from his trial in Pyongyang on March 16, 2016. Lowrance's swift release is in contrast to the case of Warmbier, who was held for 17 months Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. Washington and Pyongyang have been engaging in talks on the North's nuclear program since a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in June, when they issued vague aspirational goals for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The North's decision to free Lowrance matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the US this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious US response, had some fearing war on the Korean peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed US soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korean army soldiers patrol along the DMZ in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea on Friday. A man named Lowrance was arrested at the DMZ last year The U.S., South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to win diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. Earlier on Friday, KCNA said Mr Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified 'newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon'. Although it did not describe what the weapon was, experts believe it is a long-range artillery unit. It did not appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the US. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Experts say the new weapon test was probably an expression of anger by North Korea at US-led international sanctions and small-scale military drills between South Korea and the US. It is the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Mr Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. Advertisement The Statue of Liberty's original torch, which was replaced by a replica in the 1980s, has been moved across Liberty Island on Thursday to its new home in a museum that will open next year. The base and the detached flame of the 3,600-pound torch, as well as a replica of Lady Liberty's face, were trucked slowly and carefully to the museum construction site about 100 yards from the statue. Officials with the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation said the torch was removed in 1984 because it was too badly damaged to restore. The OG: The original torch of the Statue of Liberty, and a replica of her face have been moved from their display at the base of the statue, and will now have a permanent home in the new museum Strong and stable: The original torch and a replica of the face of the Statue of Liberty are seen being moved on a hydraulically stabilized transporter New home: The torch, which was removed in 1984 and replaced by a replica, was being moved into what will become its permanent display at a new museum on Liberty Island 'Taking it down was very frightening,' said Stephen Briganti, president and CEO of the foundation. 'We had the largest freestanding scaffolding that at that point had ever been built.' Thursday's brief trip to the museum site was the latest chapter for an icon that 'has crossed many miles in its lifetime,' Briganti said. The torch left France in 1876 for the United States, where it was exhibited at the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia and then in New York City's Madison Square Park. The trip was intended to raise funds to pay for the statue's pedestal, Briganti said. It went back to Paris in 1882, then returned to the New York Harbor along with other crated pieces of the statue in 1885. The torch was held high by Lady Liberty from 1886 to 1984, but modifications to the flame changed its original design over the years. Flame of freedom: The torch was held high by Lady Liberty from 1886 to 1984, but modifications to the flame changed its original design over the years The torch and the face will be highlights of the new $100 million museum, which is scheduled to open in May 2019 This photo from July, 1984, shows the original torch of the Statue of Liberty being removed from her grasp, in New York The flame resembled a stained-glass sculpture lying on its specially designed flatbed truck. That's because the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who also designed Mount Rushmore, 'put all the holes in it with amber glass' during a 1916 redesign, park Superintendent John Piltzecker said. 'It led to the flame's deterioration.' The torch was further weakened in July of that year by the Black Tom explosion, an act of German sabotage at a munitions plant nearby in Jersey City. The 1980s gilt flame that the statue is holding now restores sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi's original design, officials said. The old torch, meanwhile, made another fundraising trip at the end of 1984, traveling to Pasadena, where it starred in the Rose Parade. A trench was dug under the statue so that the 16-foot original torch could be moved into the pedestal when it returned to New York. It couldn't depart the pedestal that way Thursday, Piltzecker said. 'It had to come out in two pieces.' Joining the torch's two pieces was a full-scale copper replica of the statue's face. The torch and the face will be highlights of the new $100 million museum, which is scheduled to open in May 2019. RENE ARTOIS (GORDEN KAYE) As Rene, Gorden Kaye risked his neck to aid the resistance and stay out of trouble with the Nazis, with Carmen Silvera as his wife Edith, Richard Gibson as Gestapo officer Herr Flick and Officer Crabtree (Arthur Bostrom). Kaye had rarely been seen onscreen following the end of the long-running BBC show, which he returned to in 1990 after he was seriously injured in a car accident. He was left critically ill in hospital after a plank for an advertising board was blown through his car windscreen during the Burns' Day storm in January of that year. Prior to his starring role in popular British sitcom 'Allo 'Allo, Kaye had acted in Coronation Street playing Elsie Tanner's nephew Bernard Butler on the soap from 1969 to 1970 Kaye also starred in a successful stage version of 'Allo 'Allo! alongside the original cast, and later a new-look line-up, which frequently toured in the UK and internationally. Before joining 'Allo 'Allo! Kaye starred in Coronation Street playing Elsie Tanner's nephew Bernard Butler on the soap from 1969 to 1970. He also appeared in a number of shows including It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Are You Being Served? The actor's last screen role was in BBC sketch show Revolver in 2004. Tragic: Gorden Kaye, left in 'Allo 'Allo! with Vicki Michelle as Yvette, died in his care home yesterday morning at the age of 75. Right, the BAFTA-nominated actor in 2006 EDITH ARTOIS (CARMEN SILVERA) Born in Canada, Carmen Silvera moved to Coventry as a child. She appeared in a string of television shows before joining the cast of 'Allo 'Allo! She continued to work up until 2001, touring the country in the comedy You Only Live Twice. The following year she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She died in August 2002, aged 80. Kaye visited her west London retirement home just days before she died. Lasting friendship: Carmen Silvera, left as Edith Artois with on-screen husband Kaye, died in August 2002. Kaye visited the actress, right in 1998, just days before her death RICHARD MARNER (COLONER KURT VON STROHM) Russian-born Richard Marner joined the cast of the BBC series about the French resistance at its inception in 1982 after an illustrious film career. Marner appeared alongside Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in 1951's The African Queen. His other movie credits included Reach For The Sky, You Only Live Twice and Ice Cold In Alex. Marner died in Scotland in March 2004, aged 82. His last role before his death was 2002 film, The Sum of All Fears, starring Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman. Illustrious career: Richard Marner, left as Colonel Kurt Von Strohm, died in 2004 aged 82 OFFICER CRABTREE (ARTHUR BOSTROM) Durham University graduate Arthur Bostrom trained for the theatre at the Drama Studio London before joining the cast of 'Allo 'Allo! His character first appearing mid-way through the second series and remaining until the show's finale. While much of Officer Crabtree's humour was based on his mispronunciation of English words - his mangled vowels led him to adopt the greeting: 'Good moaning' - Bostrom speaks fluent French. Since leaving the show he has returned to TV on Miss Marple: The Body in the Library, Return to Treasure Island and 99-1. He has also appeared in a number of plays and radio programmes, including the BBC dramatisation of The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hasek alongside 'Allo 'Allo! co-star Sam Kelly. Fluent in French: Arthur Bostrom, right in 2006, has a much better command of the French than his character Officer Crabtree, left. The actor has appeared on a number of TV shows YVETTE CARTE-BLANCHE (VICKI MICHELLE) Since leaving 'Allo 'Allo!, Vicki Michelle, 66, has appeared in a number of television programmes, including Doctors and Emmerdale. The actress has also enjoyed roles in a string of plays and starred in feature films including The Callback Queen, Silent Hours and No reasons. In 2010 Michelle was awarded an MBE for her services to charity. The actress starred in the 2014 series of Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Star power: Vicki Michelle led tributes to Kaye following his death, pictured left, the actors together on 'Allo 'Allo!. Miss Michelle, right on Sunday night, has since starred in Emmerdale Last year the veteran star made headlines when she criticised British producers for always casting the same small group of performers in leading roles. Yesterday Ms Michelle led the tributes to Kaye, writing on Twitter: 'So sad to hear news of Gorden Kaye. A brilliantly talented actor consummate professional, loved the world over. There'll never be another Rene' LIEUTENANT HUBERT GRUBER (GUY SINER) Guy Siner, 69, was born in Manhattan to an American father and an English mother. After 'Allo 'Allo! Siner appeared in television programmes such as ChuckleVision, Doctors and Diagnosis Murder. Siner's film credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Return to the Secret Garden. He has also lent his voice to a number of computer games and animated TV series. Siner is distinguished as one of only 10 actors to appear in both the Doctor Who and Star Trek franchises. Hollywood turn: American-born actor Guy Siner, left as Lieutenant Hubert Gruber in 'Allo 'Allo!, had a role in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Right, in 2015 HERR OTTO FLICK (RICHARD GIBSON) Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Richard Gibson, 63, appeared in The Children of the New Forest, Poldark and Park Ranger before landing the role as the much-despised Gestapo officer Herr Flick in 'Allo 'Allo! He reportedly came to the attention of co-creator David Croft while telling jokes with a German accent at his daughter's wedding. Gibson left the show after eight series in 1992 and David Janson took over the role in the final season. Much of his career since the show has been on stage but he has also appeared in TV mini-series Trade Winds and has worked as a voice over artist. Born in Uganda, Gibson is married to wife Kate and has two sons. Much-despised: Richard Gibson as Herr Otto Flick, left, and in a recent TV appearance, right. The actor has spent much of his career on stage and has also worked as a voice over artist MADAME FANNY LE FAN (ROSE HILL) Trained as an opera singer, actress Rose Hill was almost 70 when she started playing Madame Fanny Le Fan, the adoptive mother of Edith Artois, on 'Allo 'Allo! in 1982. She remained for the show's 10-year run. After 'Allo 'Allo! Hill went on to have roles on A Touch of Frost and The Bill but much of her career took place before. Hill played Stanley Holloway's wife in the 1968 comedy series Thingumybob, and appeared briefly as an ARP warden in the Dad's Army episode 'Uninvited Guests'. Accomplished: Trained as an opera singer, actress Rose Hill was almost 70 when she started playing Madame Fanny Le Fan, pictured, the adoptive mother of Edith, on 'Allo 'Allo! in 1982 Hill spent her final years in Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors, until her death in December 2003 at the age of 89. She was married to John St Leger Davis until his death in 1985. PRIVATE HELGA GEERHART (KIM HARTMAN) Since 'Allo 'Allo!, Kim Hartman, 65, has appeared in television series Casualty, The Brittas Empire and 15 Storeys High. The actress also played Mrs Rawlinson on hit programme Grange Hill between 2005 and 2008. Miss Hartman has performed in radio plays Jamaica Inn and Lord Sky. She also presented a Travel Channel programme called Cruising To The Northern Lights. The actress has been married to husband John Nolan since 1975. Nolan is the uncle of directing-screenwriting duo Christopher and Jonathan Nolan. Glamorous: Kim Hartman, left with 'Allo 'Allo! co-stars Kaye and Michelle, has starred in a number of TV shows. Right, with husband John Nolan at a New York premiere in 2015 MIMI LABONQ (SUE HODGE) Sue Hodge, 59, played diminutive Mimi Labonq, who replaced Maria (Francesca Gonshaw) as one of Rene's waitresses. Much of the actress' career before and after 'Allo 'Allo! has been on stage, both in the UK and around the world. Last year Hodge starred as Nurse Mimi in the Haverhill Arts Centre production of the pantomime 'Robin Hood'. Wedding guest: Sue Hodge, pictured left with Kaye and Michelle on 'Allo 'Allo! and right in 2015. The actress invited Kaye when she tied the knot with husband Keith in 2002 In 2009 Hodge returned to television as Connie in BBC3 sitcom The Lads Club. The actress married musician Keith 'Paddington' Richards near Lincoln in 2002. Guests included 'Allo 'Allo! co-star Gorden Kaye. CAPTAIN ALBERTO BERTORELLI (GAVIN RICHARDS) Gavin Richards appeared as Captain Alberto Bertorelli in more than 30 episodes of 'Allo 'Allo! between 1987 and 1989. He went on to have roles in Kinsey, Mike & Angelo and Coronation Street, but is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Terry Raymond in EastEnders from 1996 to 2002. Theatre star: Gavin Richards appeared as Captain Alberto Bertorelli, left, in more than 30 episodes of 'Allo 'Allo! between 1987 and 1989. Right, Richards in 2014 Richards also appeared in The Bill, Annie's Bar and Full Throttle. As a theatre director and actor, Richards, 70, is known for adapting the work of Italian playwright Dario Fo into English. He was nominated for an Olivier Award for his 1980 production of the playwright's Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Richards, who also co-founded a theatre company in New Zealand with wife Tamara Henry, also had his book of poetry published in 2015. Julie Morris (pictured above) appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court A mother who threatened to punch an air stewardess during an alcohol fuelled rant on a passenger jet walked free from jail after claiming she had got drunk to seek 'escapism' due to her attending her daughter's 21st birthday party in Ibiza. Julie Morris, had begrudgingly agreed to join the party on the Spanish holiday island after she had issues with her partner. The 54-year-old had faced up to two years in jail but was freed with a six month suspended sentence for her outburst on the flight. Before boarding the RyanAir flight from Manchester to Ibiza she bought a bottle of duty free vodka and began drinking it in the departure lounge. By the time she got on the jet at Manchester airport, Morris was so drunk she began screaming and shouting obscenities at cabin crew. Morris, from Blackburn, Lancashire, had been sat next to a baby and had shouted at one staff member who had tried to calm her and said: 'f**k off you f*****g b***h' ' and warning another: ' I will punch her.' The Boeing 737 took off at 3.20pm on September 17, after Morris was ordered to switch seats but just 40 minutes into the flight the pilot was forced to turn back at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds after the passenger continued being disruptive. Police met Morris off the jet at Terminal 3 and found her to be 'swaying and slurring her words' as she disembarked. She was also too drunk to be interviewed and was placed in cells until she sobered up. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Morris, who admitted being drunk on an aircraft faced up to two years jail but was freed with a six month prison sentence suspended for a year after a judge heard she had been publicly humiliated since the incident on September 17 and faced losing her job. Prosecuting Brian McKenna said: 'The defendant was on a Ryan Air flight from Manchester to Ibiza travelling with family members. 'Shortly after the flight took off she began screaming and swearing, shouting 'f*ck'. Julie Morris had previously appeared in court in October (left). The 54-year-old (right) was spared jail 'She at the time, was sitting in a seat opposite a baby and she was asked by a female member of the cabin crew to stop swearing. Her reply to the request was 'f*ck off you f*cking bitch'. 'As the cabin crew member walked off she heard the defendant say: 'I'll punch her'. The defendant seemed to be drinking alcohol from a soft drink bottle. 'Because of her behaviour she was moved to another seat but she continued to disrupt the flight by shouting and swearing. A decision was then made to redirect the flight and return to Manchester airport. Morris was given a suspended sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court (pictured above) 'The police were waiting for the defendant. They saw her coming off the plane and they noticed as she did, she came towards them she was clearly drunk. 'They described her as swaying as she stood and she was slurring her words.. She appeared to be angry and she was saying she hadn't done anything. 'She was arrested and taken to a police station but she was considered to be too drunk to question in any way, formally or otherwise. The police recovered a soft drinks bottle left at her seat. They smelt the contents and it clearly contained some alcohol.' Julie Morris was charged with being drunk on board an aircraft following the incident on the plane from Manchester to Ibiza Morris had previous convictions for criminal damage, drink driving and disorderly behaviour. In mitigation her lawyer Duncan Nightingale said Morris had relationship issues with her partner at the time of the incident. He added: 'This lady is deeply ashamed by her actions. She consumed alcohol on the way to the airport and at the airport. She bought a bottle of vodka at the duty free and topped up her bottle and she then drank in the lounge area and was drinking on the plane. The captain of Ryanair flight FR1263 alerted the authorities and then made the decision to turn back to ensure the safety of the passengers following her outburst 'The issue had arisen out of the background relationship with her partner. It was her daughter's 21st birthday and they were going to Ibiza for it. She didn't particularly want to go but she felt she had to as it was her daughters 21st birthday. The amount of alcohol consumed was an escapism from the holiday. 'She is deeply ashamed and embarrassed. The incident was plastered all over the front page of her local press but perhaps she has brought this upon herself. 'She feels embarrassed and ashamed for herself and her family. Her employer was made aware of this and this was resulted in a suspension, a further meeting is due to take place and they have indicated she will lose her employment and essentially lose her income.' The captain of the aircraft was forced to turn the plane around and fly back to Manchester Airport (pictured) Sentencing Judge Stuart Driver QC told Morris: 'This was a serious incident which caused significant disruption, inconvenience and no doubt anxiety to a large amount of innocent people. 'I will pass a sentence of imprisonment, however, due to your personal circumstances I am able to suspend that sentence. If you commit another offence during the next 12 months you will be brought back and some or all of this suspended sentence will be activated.' Morris was emotionless throughout the hearing. On the day of the incident, September 17, Ryanair said in a statement: 'This flight from Manchester to Ibiza returned to Manchester Airport shortly after take-off after a passenger became disruptive inflight. 'We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.' California State Senate Honors Military Chaplain Jim Linzey (Ret.) IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- The California State Senate and the Yorba Linda City Council each honored Chaplain (MAJOR) James F. Linzey, USA (Ret.) with a Certificate of Recognition at a post-Veterans' Day Dinner on November 14, 2018, for his outstanding service to the United States Armed Forces as a Military Chaplain. The event was sponsored by Asian Industry Business and Words of Comfort Hope and Promise, and it was hosted by the PGA Tour Superstore in Irvine, California. Photo: Chaplain Jim Linzey with Councilwoman Peggy Huang of the Yorba Linda City Council after Jim's acceptance speech. Chaplain Linzey served his country honorably for 24 years in military service beginning in 1985 with the United States Air Force before transitioning to the Army in 1998. Assignments included serving as the chaplain for the largest Mobilization and Demobilization mission in the continental United States at Fort Bliss, TX, which was a Division-level assignment. He also served as the first full-time chaplain for the Leader's Training Course in 2006 under the US Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, KY. Jim is currently a highly sought-after speaker for crusades, conventions and seminars, and has had numerous radio, TV and movie appearances. Jim is the author of Moral Leadership, A Divine Appointment in Washington, DC, and The Holy Spirit. He is also heavily involved in Bible translation work, partnering with Charisma Media. Recently, Jim served as a contributing author for Indivisible Devotions, released by Sony Pictures. Currently, Jim serves as a volunteer co-pastor for the Airman-Marine Memorial Chapel, in support of the Command Chaplain, MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA; and as Chaplain for the California Military Officer's Association of America; and as Chaplain for the Association of the United States Army, San Diego Chapter. He also supports the Marines at Camp Pendleton through a highly effective partnership with Words of Comfort, Hope and Promise for which Cynthia Martinez serves as the president. Jim is the president of the Military Bible Association, Inc., and he is an ordained minister in the Southern Baptist Convention. Jim is one of the sons of the US Navy's Mother of the Fleet, Verna Hall Linzey, who was awarded this honor for building the US Navy's largest Sunday School program at NAS Moffett Field. She was the great, great grand-daughter of George Hall who was an Army Chaplain in George Washington's Continental Army; the wife of Captain Stanford E. Linzey, Jr., CHC, USN, who was the first active duty Navy chaplain representing the General Council of the Assemblies of God; the mother of three military chaplains who served in the Air Force, Army, and Navy; and the grandmother of a Navy chaplain. She was also made an honorary Military Chaplain by the Coalition of Spirit-Filled Churches, but ordained by the Assemblies of God and the Southern Baptist Convention. She, like her son Jim, was involved in the movie, television, and recording industry. Both had a role in the movie Iniquity--Jim as a Military Chaplain, but Verna as the lead juror in a court scene. State Senator John M.W. Moorlach, of the 37th State District provided the Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate, and Peggy Huang provided the Certificate of Recognition from the Yorba Linda City Council. The wife of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was overcome with emotion during a visit to Darwin, which was heavily bombed during World War II. Akie Abe began crying when looking at an exhibition about the Japanese company responsible for clearing Darwin Harbour of shipwrecks after the conflict finished. She was being shown an exhibition about the bombing of the city, which saw 240 Australians killed, while on a tour at the Darwin Uniting Memorial Church. The first lady of Japan was then comforted by Pastor Lauren Merritt and Kristy O'Brien after getting upset at the details of the bombing. Akie Abe, the wife of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was overcome with emotion during a visit to the Australian city of Darwin which was bombed during WWII Akie Abe (centre) reaches out to touch a salvaged propeller as part of an exhibition about the Japanese company responsible for clearing Darwin Harbour of shipwrecks after World War II At one point during the visit she reached out to touch a salvaged propeller that was part of an exhibition. The Fujita salvage operation took two years to clear shipwrecks from Darwin and the Northern Territories between 1959 and 1961. Mrs Abe made the visit to Darwin with her husband, Shinzo Abe, during a historic trip to the city which was devastated during World War II. The battle in 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia in an attempt by the Japanese to prevent the Allies taking control of Timor and Java. Mrs Abe wiped away tears after viewing an exhibition about the Japanese company responsible for clearing Darwin Harbour of shipwrecks She was shown details of the Fujita salvage operation, which took two years to clear shipwrecks from Darwin and the Northern Territories between 1959 and 1961 Two separate raids by 242 Japanese aircraft, led by the same commander - Mitsuo Fuchida - who launched the Pearl Harbour offensive, bombed the town and ships in Darwin's harbour as well as the town's two airfields. Japan's Prime Minister, Mr Abe, laid a wrath at the Darwin Cenotaph today overlooking the city's harbour, 77 years after Japan's military bombed it during World War II. Mr Abe is paying a historic visit to Darwin and talking with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a powerful sign of Japan's warm relations with Australia. Mr Morrison laid the wreath alongside Mr Abe, who is the first Japanese leader to visit the Northern Territory capital since the devastating 1942 bombing. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured, left) has laid a wrath at the Darwin Cenotaph overlooking the city's harbour 77 years after Japan's military bombed it Mr Morrison laid the wreath alongside Mr Abe, who is the first Japanese leader to visit the city since his nation's army bombed the city during World War II The aftermath of a Japanese air attack on Darwin in 1942. This picture shows the ruins of a building in the main street of Darwin Mr Abe is paying a historic visit to Darwin and talking with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a powerful sign of Japan's warm relations with Australia The pair also inspected a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942 and remains there. The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Mr Morrison said. 'Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties,' he said. Darwin is a key part of Japan's energy security through the recently completed $55 billion LNG project operated by Japan's Inpex. The Ichthys LNG venture is the biggest foreign investment made by Japan as it has moved away from nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster. The pair also inspected a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942 and remains there The visit would also 'recognise the importance of the reconciliation that followed between our countries', Mr Morrison said The first gas shipment left Darwin for Japan last month. On Thursday, Inpex president Takayuki Ueda announced a $24 million package over 40 years, including benefits for indigenous education and the elderly. He said the support of locals including the Larrakia people made Darwin a friendly location to ship gas in a stable, democratic country. The Bombing of Darwin (pictured) on February 19, 1942, was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia A mother-of-two discovered an airport parking firm worker drove her car 500 miles while she was on honeymoon after she was sent a fine including a photo of someone else at the wheel. Zoe Parr, 42, was furious when she realised her BMW 123d M Sport was used while she was in Jamaica and was even taken on a shopping trip to an Asda. She arrived home to a fine for overstaying in the supermarket car park on a date when her car was supposed to be in the care of Manchester Airport Parking Services Ltd. The 70 fine included a CCTV camera snapshot of what looks like a man driving into the shop car park in Oldham in her car, taken on the second day of her holiday. Zoe Parr, pictured, said she was furious after finding her BMW had been driven 500 miles while she was on honeymoon in Jamaica and the car was in the care of Manchester Airport Parking Services Ltd She was also slapped with a 70 parking fine for overstaying in an Asda in Oldham while she was on holiday, complete with a CCTV image appearing to show a man at the wheel, pictured. Ms Parr then discovered her car had clocked up nearly 500 miles while she was away. The supermarket dropped the fine but she claims the meet and greet parking company is still refusing to apologise or refund her booking four months after the incident. The firm was last month dubbed 'the world's worst airport parking meet and greet' and accused of losing cars and damaging a Range Rover in a collision with a bus. Ms Parr, of Wolverhampton, said: 'I think that it's completely unacceptable what they have done. 'They have been using it as a freebie because the petrol tank was empty when it returned to us. 'It's was absolutely appalling behaviour from a professional meet and greet car parking firm. 'For them to have taken the car out for their own personal use whilst we were on holiday is quite cheeky really.' Ms Parr and her new husband, who does not wish to be named, jetted off from Manchester Airport on a two-week honeymoon break to Montego Bay in Jamaica, on July 7. After booking with Manchester Airport Parking Services Ltd, Ms Parr recorded a mileage of 50,000. She said they chose the firm because the website boasted customers get a 'happy experience with every stay'. But when she landed back in Manchester a fortnight later, she discovered there was an extra 469 miles on the clock, leaving the petrol tank virtually empty. Ms Parr said: 'When the man came to drop it off it suddenly, he just dropped the keys in my hand and dashed away rapidly. Ms Parr, pictured with the fine, said the penalty had been cancelled but she wants an apology from the parking firm and has been trying to get one for four months 'That was when we got into the car and released that something isn't quite right. 'There were crumbs all over the back seat and the petrol light was on so I knew then that the car had been driven.' The 70 fine from Parking Eye said the vehicle arrived at 9.16am before leaving at 10.36am. Ms Parr said: 'We were simply gobsmacked. We immediately called Asda and explained the situation and they agreed to drop the charge. 'We called Manchester Airport Parking Services Limited and demanded answers. 'We complained that the company had been driving our vehicle but they just simply ignored us and said "someone will get back to you". 'This is clearly not the professional service you expect from an airport car service.' In August, 70 appeared in her bank account from the company which Ms Parr said she assumed was to cover the fine. She added: 'This was extremely odd. We then phoned Greater Manchester Police to report what had happened with the car. 'However after a few weeks of investigation, we were told that we could not prosecute because they don't know who the driver was at the time of it being in Asda.' Ms Parr claims she has contacted the company seven times but said she has not had an explanation. She added: 'Every time I rang the company, I was just told that someone would get back to me but I never heard anything back.' Ms Parr, pictured, said the honeymoon was 'spoiled' by the incident 'I have gone through hell trying to find out what happened to our car, it's actually spoiled our honeymoon completely. 'I feel like I have been burgled because the police cannot do anything in taking action against this firm. 'The whole experience has been absolutely disgusting.' Manchester Airport Car Parking Services has not responded to a request for comment. The firm has previously been accused of losing cars, racking up speeding tickets and damaging a valuable Range Rover in a collision with a bus. One young family with a three-month-old baby claimed they were stranded for hours after the company allegedly crashed their car into a tree in June this year. The family claim they had to pay the recovery bill for the wreckage and have been told the company will not pay up to replace it. A highly-decorated married commander of one of Britain's biggest military bases faces being kicked out of the Army for allegedly grabbing a woman's breasts at a regimental dinner. Colonel John Musgrave, 53, has been suspended after he was accused of groping the 24-year-old civilian girlfriend of one of his junior officers. The alleged incident took place on October 20 after a dinner attended by wives and girlfriends at Larkhill Barracks, where Col. Musgrave is commanding officer. Royal Military Police launched an investigation after his behaviour was reported by another senior officer who made a complaint. He is being investigated for 'inappropriate sexual conduct' towards the woman, as he is accused of making inappropriate comments about her and grabbing her. Colonel John Musgrave, 53, commander of Larkhill Barracks in Wiltshire, has been suspended after he was accused of groping a woman's breasts after a regimental dinner last month The alleged incident took place on October 20 after a dinner attended by wives and girlfriends at Larkhill Barracks, near Salisbury Plain, where Col. Musgrave is commanding officer A source from the dinner, which was attended by Col. Musgrave's wife, told MailOnline: 'The meal was over and, as is usual on these occasions, a lot of drink had been taken. 'Col. Musgrave had been drinking and was heard making sexually inappropriate comments to a female visitor about her breasts. 'He was then seen pulling the woman out of the room and into a corridor. 'That is when another senior officer stepped in. He wasn't intimidated by the rank and decided to do something and told the Colonel to leave.' The woman's boyfriend is a lower-ranking officer, a 2nd Lieutenant, who was said to be 'angry' over the incident, but had not confronted his commanding officer. The source added: 'Her boyfriend was a very junior officer and was powerless to do anything. 'If you want a career in the Army you do not say anything to someone so senior as a Colonel and certainly not the commander of the base.' Following the complaint, Col. Musgrave was suspended as commander of Larkhill Barracks, Wiltshire, and home to the Royal Artillery. He then jetted off to Las Vegas for a family holiday but has since returned and been questioned by military police. The young woman involved will also be interviewed along with other witnesses at the dinner. Royal Military Police launched an investigation after Col. Musgrave's behaviour was reported by another senior officer who made a complaint and the senior officer has been suspended If the allegations against Col. Musgrave are proved they would be 'career ending', added the military source. He has served in Germany, Italy and Afghanistan and has represented the Army at military conferences around the world as an expert on modern firepower. His three years in Italy was on attachment to NATO. As Lieutenant Colonal and commanding officer of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Catterick, he handed out HM Armed Forces Veterans Medals just a day before heading out for duty in Afghanistan. And he has spoken movingly in the past when his men have been killed fighting in Afrghanistan. Paying tribute to Warrant Officer Class 2 Sean Upton, who died in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin district, Helmand province, in 2009, he said: 'Fifth Regiment has lost a truly dedicated and exemplary soldier and man who was a role model to all he met and worked with, always living and working to the highest standards, but also always with a smile on his face and a ready laugh.' An Army spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a member of staff from The Royal School of Artillery has been suspended pending an investigation. Anybody who falls short of the Army's high standards will be dealt with and may face sanctions including dismissal. 'Any inappropriate conduct by Army personnel is not tolerated and we encourage anyone who may have been affected by such behaviour to report it to the appropriate authorities.' A shocking video shows children screaming hysterically after their school bus driver told them they wouldn't be going home because they were being noisy. The bus driver sparked panic among the children after he pulled over minutes after leaving their elementary school in Wichita, Kansas, on November 9. He reportedly told the children the bus wouldn't be moving and they would be staying in the bus 'all night' because they were being too noisy. A video filmed by a bystander shows children running around inside the bus and one even hanging her head outside the window, yelling for her mother. A shocking video shows children screaming hysterically after their school bus driver told them they wouldn't be going home because they were being noisy The person who filmed said that after the students became rowdy, the driver yelled and told them 'they are not going home and that they are going to stay in the bus all night.' Some parents standing on the street by the parked bus were heard reassuring their children and one woman can be heard shouting: 'Get my son off the bus now!' Pedro Hernandez said he became worried when his five-year-old son Jesiah wasn't dropped off at his bus stop after school. 'I thought it was an accident and something happened to the bus,' he told KAKE. He drove around until he spotted the bus but other parents were eventually called by a school official, the station reports, who told them the kids were being too noisy and uncooperative. The bus driver sparked panic among the children after he pulled over minutes after leaving their elementary school in Wichita, Kansas, on November 9 The person who filmed said that after the students became rowdy, the driver yelled and told them 'they are not going home' Jesiah said he was scared by the bus driver's yelling. A spokesman for Wichita Public Schools said the bus driver followed the school policy which instructs drivers to pull over if students are out of control and posing a safety threat. But parents say the situation should be handled differently and the school should have called them immediately instead of more than an hour later. 'You have to think about the parents, you have to think about everybody involved in it. My biggest concern is just like the safety of our kids,' Hernandez added. A hotel owner faces child sex charges after he contacted a 'human trafficker' to provide him with a young girl for 'limitless sex', reports WTIC. Simon Hessler, 46, who owns the Baymont Inn and Suites in Manchester, Connecticut, was arrested on Tuesday after he tried to pay for the ten to 12 year old girl to be his sex slave. Hessler had unknowingly been in contact with a police detective who was posing as a human trafficker, who he thought would be able give him access to a young girl for sex, according to the Hartford Courant. The investigation later revealed that a 'sex dungeon' was discovered on the grounds of another business owned by Hessler. Simon Hessler (pictured), 46, was arrested on Tuesday after he tried to pay for the ten to 12 year old girl to be his sex slave Hessler's charges include attempted trafficking and he was being held on bail of $1 million following an appearance at Superior Court in Manchester. A police arrest warrant states that Hessler's name came up in October during an ongoing investigation led by Detective Samantha McCord into child prostitution. The defendant used the email address Daddydomboss@baymontct.com to seek images of young Mexican girls to set up a 'casting couch interview'. McCord made contact with him on October 10, stating that they shared a common interest in young girls, police said. Hessler owns the Baymont Inn and Suites in Manchester, Connecticut (pictured) but his 'sex dungeon' was discovered in another location in Vernon In response Hessler asked the detective 'show what you speak of and price', according to the warrant. She sent him a photograph of a female police officer taken when she was under 16, however Hessler argued that the girl looked too old for him. As their conversation progressed, Hessler confided that he had created a dungeon for slaves, and sent her pictures of the room which featured several beds, whips, chains and handcuffs on the wall. One of the photos Hessler sent to McCord was of a heavyset metal padlocked cage, which police later found during a search of the property. Fox news filmed the moment investigators left the alleged 'sex dungeon' following Hessler's arrest A warrant to search New England Hospitality Management in Vernon was served on Wednesday, according to police. During the exchange between them, Hessler asked if McCord would drop off a 12-year-old 'foster kid' so that he could train her at his 'slave quarters'. He added that there is a camper van in the parking lot of his hotel which could be used as a drop-off point where money for the girl would also be left. The warrant also states that Hessler began to lose his patience and told her that if she could not deliver the girl he would be picking up ages 6, 8 and 12, for sexual slavery from a man in New York. Also shown during the segment was a clip of the hotel owned by Hessler in Conneticut It said he also admitted that he had been 'training' slaves for 20 years and had customers ranging from between New York and Boston. After agreeing a price of $500 for two days of 'limitless sex with no bruises', McCord scheduled a fake drop off of a 'six grade' girl at Hessler's camper van. Their agreement stated that she would be handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded that Hessler left in the trailer, the warrant said. He requested that a photograph should be sent to him once those acts had been committed, and once this was done he would say where the money was hidden. Following his request, McCord enlisted a 'very petite' officer, and sent Hessler an image of the her wearing a black hood lying in the fetal position in the trailer. The warrant states that Hessler was quick to respond with instructions on where the money was hidden. Hessler was arrested upon his arrival at the camper van and told officers although he instructed the 'trafficker' to gag the girl he did not plan on having sex with her. When Hessler's wife was contacted, she asked had he 'done something with underage girls', according to the warrant. She told police she had found 11 flash drives in their bedroom which police later retrieved. Hessler is due back in court on December 12. A close lieutenant of Vladimir Putin has gifted a new white Mercedes to a five year old boy - after he did 4,105 non-stop press-ups. Chechen strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov gave Rakhim Kurayev the keys to the luxury car as a reward for the boy's 2 hours 25 minutes achievement. Dubbed the 'Chechen Schwarzenegger' the lad - still at kindergarten - is due to repeat the exercise in a world record attempt. The 4,105 non-stop press-ups beats the world record but was not registered in Russia because officials were not satisfied with the quality of the video recording of his feat Rakhim Kurayev received a new white Mercedes from Putin's lieutenant after he did 4,105 non-stop press-ups Rakhim was handed the keys by the leader of the oil-rich Chechnya region of Russia Ramzan Kadyrov At five years old, Rakhim is not tall enough to see over the top of the wheel of his brand new Mercedes 'Let your father drive you around on this, you're worthy of riding a white Mercedes,' decreed the bearded ruler of oil-rich Chechnya. It was unclear if taxpayers had paid for the 28,000 vehicle or if it came from Kadyrov's personal wealth. Pictures showed Rakhim, Duba-Yurt village, posing in the driver's seat of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicle without license plates. He boasted to Putin loyalist Kadyrov that he could do more than 5,000 press-ups at one go. 'The boy did the impossible,' said Kadyrov. 'We agreed to meet at a fitness centre and have a workout together.' Chechen strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov gave Rakhim Kurayev the keys to the luxury Mercedes car Putin loyalist Kadyrov looks on as Rakhim kisses the bonnet of the car gifted to him for completing 4,105 non-stop press-ups Five-year-old Rakhim Kurayev is dubbed the 'Chechen Schwarzenegger' although he is still at kindergarten Rakhim is due to repeat the exercise at a later date in the hope of registering an official world record 'Let your father drive you around on this, you're worthy of riding a white Mercedes,' the ruler of oil-rich Chechnya told five-year-old Rakhim (pictured with father) Kadyrov is a Putin loyalist (pictured together right) who rules the Russian region of Chechen with an iron fist and is widely criticised for alleged human rights abuses Kadyrov, who rules this Russian region with an iron fist, is widely criticised for alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya, ravaged by two wars since the fall of the USSR. Of his gift of the car, he said: 'From now on his father will be able to drive the boy to workouts without hiring a taxi.' The 4,105 non-stop press-ups beats the world record but was not registered in Russia because officials were not satisfied with the quality of the video recording of his feat. China is raising the cash rewards paid to citizens for reporting porn to authorities, government regulators said today. People can rake in up to 600,000 yuan (67,000) for flagging up pornographic and 'illegal' publications - both online and in print. The new reward doubles the 300,000 yuan (33,000) under previous guidelines, and will be effective from December 1. China is raising its reward to encourage citizens to report pornographic content (file photo) What counts as 'illegal' content in China is broadly defined, but includes work that 'endangers national unity', 'leaks state secrets', and 'disturbs social order' - umbrella terms that are also sometimes used when authorities punish or silence Chinese dissidents and rights campaigners. The new rules, published by a bureau under the top media regulator, come as Beijing ramps up controls on content. Earlier this week the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said it had 'cleaned up' 9,800 accounts on Chinese social media platforms which it accused of spreading 'politically harmful' information and rumours. China's broad definition of 'illegal' content includes works that 'endanger national unity', 'leak state secrets' and 'disturb social order' - umbrella terms that are also sometimes used when authorities punish or silence Chinese dissidents and rights campaigners The internet regulator also chastised popular social media platforms WeChat and Weibo for negligence and 'irresponsibility'. And on Thursday CAC published new rules requiring online platforms to save a plethora of user data, including chat logs, network addresses, and device type, by the end of the month. The information would be included in 'security assessment reports' - which police and CAC can request from platforms as needed. The new requirements are part of CAC's efforts to tighten control over sites that influence public opinion, such as chat groups, blogs, and Twitter-like Weibo, which was forced to roll out real-name registration in 2012. Oversight of social media has ramped up in recent years as part of the government's push to 'promote the healthy, orderly development of the Internet, protect state security and public interest'. Labour could get a 'unity Brexit' agreed by Parliament if Theresa May abandons her 'botched' deal, John McDonnell claimed today. The shadow chancellor said the Labour version of Brexit - which includes a permanent customs union - would be backed by a majority of MPs. The Prime Minister's proposed Brexit deal is hated by MPs on all sides and was derided as 'botched' by Jeremy Corbyn yesterday. Labour has demanded she call an election and let Mr Corbyn get on with negotiating his own version of Brexit. But amid Mrs May's efforts to cling on, Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson said a second referendum was now 'more likely than ever'. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has claimed Labour could secure a Commons majority for a 'compromise' Brexit deal Mr McDonnell said today a 'unity platform' was emerging at Westminster to avoid the 'catastrophic' impact of a no-deal break with the EU. 'I think we can secure a majority,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. 'People have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and realised it could be catastrophic for our economy. 'Our European partners, I think, also have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and seen what an impact it could have on their economies. 'So I think what is emerging within the House of Commons now is almost a unity platform to avoid a no-deal.' Mr Watson told the House magazine: 'We've been saying that is on the table for a year-and-a-half. At that time, it seemed very unlikely that there would be a people's vote, that was the insurance option at the end of a series of unlikely events. 'It seems to me that it is more likely given the weakness of Theresa May's position. She leads a government without a majority, it now looks like she leads a Cabinet without a majority as well. 'Given the weakness of her own government, I think it is more likely that we could get there.' Labour's Brexit position was mired in new confusion today as Tom Watson said a second referendum was now 'more likely than ever' despite Jeremy Corbyn pushing for a new election amid the chaos in Westminster Mr Watson said the point was approaching where Parliament was unable to decide on a Brexit course. He said: 'If you get to the point, and it's looking more likely, where Parliament cannot decide what the best option is, we think that's the point where you go to the people in a general election. 'They voted to leave the European Union, they didn't vote for food shortages or problems with medical supplies or not to be able to sell goods to the European markets. They voted to bring sovereignty back to the UK. 'If that plan isn't going to work the way to do it is to put your option to the people in a general election. 'If we don't get that, then obviously a people's vote is still on the table and our position has not changed.' The UN's special rapporteur Philip Alston said Tory policies and cuts to benefits are 'entrenching' poverty and inflicting misery on the most vulnerable The UN's poverty envoy today blasted Britain as 'mean-spirited and callous' and compared its benefits rules to China's cruel one-child policy. Special rapporteur Philip Alston's controversial new report follows a two-week 'human rights fact-finding visit' to the UK. Today he said 14million people - a fifth of the UK population - now live in poverty and 1.5million of them are destitute because they are unable to afford basic essentials. The Australian lawyer has blamed the Tories and said since 2010 they have chosen to inflict 'great misery' and have created 'social calamity and economic disaster' now 'entrenching' poverty. He said: 'British compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach apparently designed to instill discipline where it is least useful'. And he said Brexit will make poverty even worse, adding ministers are 'in denial and don't see any problems'. At an extraordinary press conference in London today the academic said the decision to limit benefits to two children is 'in the same ball park' as China's one-child policy. The limit on China's population was introduced in 1979 and abolished in late 2015 - but only after 500million abortions and sterilisations and many unwanted children were abandoned. Prof Alston said: 'China's one child policy - this is in the same ball park. That poor people mustn't have more than two children and if they do the rest will suffer. It's a perfect way to punish families'. He also accused the UK of breaching UN human rights rules including for women, saying Universal Credit proposals to make single payments to families could give more 'control to a financially or physically abusive partner'. He added: 'If you got a group of misogynists in a room and said how can we make this system work for men and not for women they would not have come up with too many ideas that are not already in place'. Critics have blasted his tour and said the UN should to be studying poverty in third world countries rather than the UK, the world's fifth largest economy. The UN expert (pictured in Newcastle this week) said today that 14million people in the UK are in poverty Prof Alston 'human rights fact-finding visit' to the UK has taken in: Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Essex, Glasgow, Jaywick, London, and Newcastle - to 'investigate Government efforts to eradicate poverty' His damning UN report blames cuts to benefits since 2010, calling the austerity a 'radical social engineering' exercise and not made for economic reasons. UN poverty tsar's damning picture of 'mean-spirited' Britain On Brexit If current policies towards low income working people and others living in poverty are maintained in the face of these developments, the poor will be substantially less well off than they already are. On asylum seekers and migrants Destitution is built into the asylum system. Asylum seekers are banned from working and limited to a derisory level of support that guarantees they will live in poverty. While asylum seekers receive some basic supports such as housing, they are left to make do with an inadequate, poverty-level income of around 5 a day. On women Women are particularly affected by poverty. Under Universal Credit, single payments to an entire household may entrench problematic and often gendered dynamics within a couple, including by giving control of the payments to a financially or physically abusive partner. On children Many of the recent changes to social support in the UK have a disparate impact on children, including the deeply problematic two child policy, the outrageous rape exception, and the benefits cap. 1.5 million more children will fall into poverty between 2010 and 2021/22 as a result of the changes to benefits and taxes. On pensioners Despite the protections offered by the triple lock, pensioner poverty has begun to rise after decades of decline. Women born in the 1950s have been particularly impacted by an abrupt and poorly phased in change in the state pension age from 60 to 66. On the disabled Nearly half of those in poverty, 6.9 million people, are from families in which someone has a disability. They have also been some of the hardest hit from austerity measures. As a result of changes to benefits and taxes since 2010, some families with disabilities are projected to lose 11,000 on average by 2021/22, more than 30 per cent of their annual net income. Advertisement He said today: 'The government could solve this, the money is there, but they choose not to'. The UN envoy also said levels of child poverty are 'not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster'. The commonly used poverty line marks anyone as poor if they are living on less than 60 per cent of average income. On this measure, a typical poor person had an income of around 11,257 but spent 15,829. Today's extraordinary report claims: Decision to limit child benefit payments to first two children is in the same ball park' as China's one-child policy because parents are punished if they have any more That benefits rules are misogynistic and breach human rights because they 'work for men and not for women' People in poverty will 'bear the brunt' of the economic consequences of Brexit Council cuts are 'damaging the fabric' of society and middle classes will soon 'find themselves living in an increasingly hostile and unwelcoming society' Australian Prof Alston has been on a two-week 'human rights fact-finding visit' to the UK to 'investigate Government efforts to eradicate poverty'. He has been looking at the rollout of Universal Credit, child poverty, and the implications on poverty of Brexit by speaking to people in the UK's poorest villages, towns and cities. Today he accused the Government of choosing to 'impose a rigid order on the lives of those least capable of coping with today's world, and elevating the goal of enforcing blind compliance over a genuine concern to improve the well-being of those at the lowest levels of British society'. He added: 'In the area of poverty-related policy, the evidence points to the conclusion that the driving force has not been economic but rather a commitment to achieving radical social re-engineering'. Prof Alston's trip to Britain is the second mission to a Western European country by a poverty rapporteur in the last 100 years, the first being to Ireland in 2011. And children, the disabled, pensioners, asylum seekers and migrants are the worst hit groups, he said. He said: 'During my visit I have spoken with people who depend on food banks and charities for their next meal, who are sleeping on friends' couches because they are homeless and don't have a safe place for their children to sleep, who have sold sex for money or shelter, children who are growing up in poverty unsure of their future. 'I've also met young people who feel gangs are the only way out of destitution, and people with disabilities who are being told they need to go back to work or lose benefits, against their doctor's orders'. Prof Alston also claimed people in poverty will 'bear the brunt' of the economic consequences of Brexit. He said 'the impact of Brexit on the British people has not been examined as it should be' adding 'those in lower income groups are really going to suffer'. Edinburgh: Philip Alston meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss her policies on poverty Newcastle: The academic visited a food bank in the city and said today more and more people are depending on them to survive Belfast: His trip to Northern Ireland lead to him meeting groups campaigning for better quality housing Child Poverty Action Group chief executive Alison Garnham said Prof Alston's findings should be 'a wake-up call for government'. UN won't reveal the cost of poverty tsar's trip or where he stayed The United Nations today refused to tell MailOnline the cost of New York based Philip Alston's two-week UK trip. But in 2013 it emerged a UN official who condemned Britain's housing policy chose only the best UK accommodation for herself. Raquel Rolnik (pictured) stayed at a four-star hotel where the cheapest room costs 300 a night while preparing a report claiming the so-called 'bedroom tax' meant people were going hungry to pay their rent. The UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing was put up in the Rubens at the Palace Hotel in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, where diners can spend thousands on a single bottle of wine. She shunned hotels far closer to the UN offices she used, which had rooms for less than half the price. Mrs Rolnik's 12-day mission was paid for by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is supported by British taxes. Tory MPs labelled Mrs Rolnik an 'international trougher' and called for a rethink after cash intended for the world's poorest was used to support attacks on British policy. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith called Sao Paulo-born Mrs Rolnik 'a loopy Brazilian Leftie' and said 'her actions undermine the impartiality of the UN'. Advertisement 'Child poverty isn't only happening elsewhere, it's here in the UK and it's rising,' said Ms Garnham. 'It's in families where parents can't work because of illness or disability but mostly it's in families who work for low wages while costs are rising. 'Wherever you are in the UK, you are never far from seeing the impact of poverty and austerity policies on the most vulnerable.' But a Government spokesman said: 'We completely disagree with this analysis. With this Government's changes, household incomes have never been higher, income inequality has fallen, the number of children living in workless households is at a record low and there are now one million fewer people living in absolute poverty compared with 2010. 'Universal Credit is supporting people into work faster, but we are listening to feedback and have made numerous improvements to the system including ensuring 2.4 million households will be up to 630 better off a year as a result of raising the work allowance. 'We are absolutely committed to helping people improve their lives while providing the right support for those who need it.' Labour's shadow work and pensions secretary Margaret Greenwood said she was 'deeply concerned' by the special rapporteur's findings. 'The Government should listen to the people being pushed into poverty by its policies,' said Ms Greenwood. 'Universal Credit is failing miserably, leaving families in debt, rent arrears and at risk of becoming homeless. Three million children are growing up in poverty despite living in a working household. 'Labour will stop the roll-out of Universal Credit, end the benefit freeze and transform the social security system so that it supports people instead of punishing them.' Residents in east London told the United Nations meeting how they have been left homeless and hungry in the wake of stringent welfare cuts The UN envoy has sparked outrage among some, who are questioning why it has come to the UK Universal credit 'could be changed overnight for very little money', says poverty guru Universal Credit waiting times have 'plunged people into misery and despair', according to a United Nations envoy. Professor Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights said on Friday the introduction of Universal Credit has caused extreme hardship but could easily be reversed by the Government. He said: 'If a new minister was interested, if a new Government were interested, the harshness could be changed overnight and for very little money.' The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, resigned from Theresa May's Cabinet on Thursday citing her disagreement with the Prime Minister's Brexit proposal. Advertisement This week he went to the poorest village in Britain and then met Londoners who said they have been left 'homeless and hungry' in the wake of welfare cuts. On his tour, Prof Alston spoke to pressure groups, academics, trade unions, food bank organisers, and homelessness campaigners while also visiting Cardiff, Oxford, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast. At the meeting in Newham, east London, on Monday, Prof Alston heard from a West African mother how she had to wait for 20 hours outside social services after fleeing an abusive relationship . She said while waiting she was left so hungry she had to drink her child's milk. Another disabled man said he was fined for making a mistake on his universal credit application, and he heard how a new mother was placed in a hostel with her three-day-old son. After hearing the witness statements Newham's mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, apologised 'on behalf of myself as mayor of Newham and on behalf of the council.' An old image of Jaywick Sands was used in the recent mid-term elections by an American political candidate to illustrate extreme poverty much to the anger of residents and local officials The Australian lawyer turned UN rapporteur who has blasted 'callous' Britain Philip Alston (pictured) has been United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights in June 2014. Born and educated in Australia, he has a doctorate from the University of California and has worked at the UN since 1980s. He was the first Rapporteur of the U.N. Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights from 1987 until 1990, and then chaired the Committee for eight years until the end of 1998. Between 2002 and 2007, he served as Special Adviser to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Millennium Development Goals, and between 2004 and 2010, as Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions. He was also Unicefs legal adviser throughout the process of drafting the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Advertisement He also paid a visit to the seaside village of Jaywick in Essex. Despite its tiny size and a population of less than 5000 people, the village has become the ultimate symbol of decline after finding itself at the centre of a furious row involving the US elections. An old image of Jawick Sands was used in the recent mid-term elections by an American political candidate to illustrate extreme poverty much to the anger of residents and local officials. David Gordon, director of the Townsend Center for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol, said: 'There's an oddity to this, obviously. 'When you think of the special rapporteurs on extreme poverty and human rights, you expect them to be visiting sub-Saharan Africa or Haiti. You don't expect them to be visiting the U.K.' Visits by the UN-appointed envoys have a long history of controversy in the UK. In 2013, a visit from the UN's inspector Raquel Rolnik caused a political row after she was accused of producing a 'misleading Marxist diatribe'. Then-work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith criticised her report as 'utterly ridiculous' following her demands for better housing for travellers. Earlier this year, a UN envoy sparked fury from Theresa May after criticising Tory policies and immigration policy. Tendayi Achiume also said the Brexit vote had made Britain more racist, and slammed the 'hostile environment' for illegal immigrants and the anti-terrorism programme Prevent. Welcome to my Vampire blog Here you will find views and reviews of vampire genre media, from literature, the web, TV and the movies. Please note that, by the very nature of the subject matter, my blogs are designed for the mature reader Also note: on the occasion of a Guest Blog the views of the guest are their own and not necessarily the view of Taliesin_ttlg or Taliesin meets the Vampires. Features about crowd-sourcing projects are for awareness purposes and not an endorsement of the product, support is given at the reader's own risk. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases when you follow a link to Amazon from this blog. Theme Tune copyright C. Esquivel, Vid P. Wakefield. A. Boylan asserts his moral right to be recognised as author of all articles bar guest blogs. A carer has avoided a jail sentence despite being caught on camera brazenly stealing money from an elderly dementia sufferer in her care. Sophy Retallick was spotted on CCTV taking cash from the purse of 83-year-old Ivy, whose full identity is being protected by her family. Ivy's son noticed she had less money than usual so installed CCTV cameras in his mothers home in Truro, Cornwall, and caught Retallick in the act. Retallick, 30, appeared at Truro Magistrates' Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to the theft. The court heard that at the end of last year the family of the woman began to notice that money was going missing from her purse with no corresponding receipts in Ivy' purse. The son checked the carer log details, and noticed that Retallick was the person who was signing in to care for her when the money was going missing. After checking the CCTV footage, Retallick was caught taking the woman's purse from a window sill in the kitchen. It happened again in May, when Retallick was seen on camera putting her hand in the woman's handbag and removing something, and again when she was filmed removing the woman's purse from the kitchen window sill. Retallick was reported to police, attended an interview and admitted her crimes, claiming: 'I wanted to stop, but I couldn't help myself. 'Something would always come up. I wish I had never let it get out of hand. I'm truly sorry for what I have done.' Sophy Retallick (pictured) is seen approaching the house of the 83-year-old woman in Truro, Cornwall. Little does she know however, that the woman's son has installed CCTV around the property Retallick (pictured) glances at the camera, seemingly unaware she is being filmed. She enters the property using a key kept in a lock box next to the door While the 83-year-old woman is not looking, Retallick grabs the purse from the windowsill. Moments later she is seen rifling through it in search of cash Alison May, for the prosecution, said: 'She said she had recently acquired employment, and described a list of medications she struggled to pay for. She took the opportunity to take the money.' In mitigation, solicitor Patrick Haynes said: 'When her husband got a new job, the increase income affected their benefits. She suffers from manic depression and severe asthma. She is on a good number of medications. 'When her benefits were cut, she had to go back into work. She couldn't afford the medication. She went back into work not with an intention to steal. Sadly such was her condition that she felt she had no option but to do that.' Sentencing Retallick to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, the chair of the magistrates' bench said: 'This was extremely serious, deliberate offending over a period of time.' Retallick (pictured) examines the purse to see if there is any money inside. She does all this before signing in for her duties using the book on the table Retallick quickly pockets the money (pictured) and replaces the purse on the windowsill before the 83-year-old woman can notice something is wrong She was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, as well as ten rehabilitation sessions, and must 250 in compensation to the victim, 85 court costs and a 110 victim surcharge. Speaking after the hearing, Ivy's son said: 'It was an appalling crime, my mother has worked hard all her life and she has little savings. The idea that someone who had access to her house was taking the money was very upsetting for us all. 'The worst thing I think is that in the video, the defendant is seen chatting away to my mother while pocketing the cash. We can see the magistrates have taken this really seriously, and it sends a message to those in positions of trust. 'Most carers do a fantastic job and this woman has brought her profession into disrepute, which the magistrates have recognised.' The shocking moment Retallick was caught stealing cash from 83-year-old Ivy - who she was supposed to be looking after - was caught on CCTV. The court heard that on March 10, Retallick was described as being suspicious in her behaviour, and cash again went missing. The son checked the carer log details, and noticed that Retallick was the person who was signing in to care for her when the money was going missing. After checking the CCTV footage, Retallick was caught taking the woman's purse from a window sill in the kitchen. The identity of a vile child predator who violated boys and babies and shared his sickening exploits online has been revealed. The Advertiser lifted the mask on child predator Ruecha Tokputza, an Adelaide man who groomed Australian and Thai children for sex. Tokputza, 30, violated 11 boys and babies, with some as young as 15 months of age, and also filmed their torment. Adelaide man Ruecha Tokputza (above) groomed Australian and Thai children for sex Tokputza had a collection of up to '12,500 image files' and '650 video files' Court documents revealed Tokputza had a collection of up to '12,500 image files' and '650 video files'. Included in the predator's sickening film library was boys changing at an Adelaide swimming pool the location of which has not been disclosed. Tokputza admitted he indecently filmed the boys, under the age of 17, on May 21, 2017. Court documents revealed Tokputza had a collection of as many as '12,500 image files' and '650 video files' Tokputza was liberal in sharing his collection with child sex predators and used an online messaging app to distribute images and video files. In one chat, he urged a man to visit Thailand and 'engage in sexual activity with children under the age of 16'. Investigators have compared the scale of Tokputa's abuse to Families SA paedophile Shannon McCoole. Tokputza faced Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday via video link from Mount Gambier Prison. He was arrested in January after a joint investigation from Australian Federal Police, South Australia Polcie, NSW Police and Interpol. Since that time he had been remanded in custody under the order of Magistrate Jayanthi McGrath. Tokputza was first charged with six offences, but incurred a further 51 in September and then another 17 in November. State legislation meant his identity could not be published, until the matter was committed to a higher court. Prosecutors at court said they were willing to drop 23 of the counts if Tokputza confessed to the remaining 51. Craig Caldicott represented Tokputza and said the court could skip over reading the charges to his client. 'Its "guilty" to all 51 counts Ive spoken to him only 10 minutes ago and reaffirmed my instructions,' he said. 'Ordinarily I would provide the court with a signed copy of those instructions, but my client is down in Mount Gambier.' According to court documents Tokputza pleaded guilty to 17 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 14 According to court documents Tokputza pleaded guilty to 17 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 14. With an added six aggravated counts of indecent assault, all those charges were linked back to the same Australian victim, all happening over six years. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of committing sexual acts upon and five counts of having sexual intercourse with children outside of Australia, and three counts of persistent sexual exploitation of a child. All of which related to Tokputza's numerous trips to Thailand between January 2014 and November 2017. Adding further to his guilty plea count, Tokputza admitted to one count of accessing, nine counts of transmitting, one count of possessing and one count of producing child exploitation material. A vigilante mob made up of families frustrated with apparent police inaction has had its ranks bolstered by more than 1,000 new members in just 24 hours. Created on social media just three weeks ago, 'We Stand Determined' is a group that patrols the streets of Birmingham day and night to record and report any criminal offences that take place. Initially 400-strong, the group has seen its numbers swell to 1,500 after it attracted national headlines. Two of the organisers of the We Stand Together group in Birmingham. They are silhouetted to protect their identity at their request Organisers Wayne, Tracy and Michael created the group after discovering a friend had been attacked in his home in Birmingham by thieves armed with hammers. Wayne, 47, a college lecturer from Solihull, has never revealed his real surname for fear of retribution from criminals. He now says that he is 'blown away' by the popularity of the group: 'We didn't expect to get such a huge response, but it just goes to show that we're not the only people that feel the need to come together and take care of our community. 'We've had members join from all over the world - Germany, Australia, China, America and the British Virgin Islands. 'We want to thank everyone for supporting us and we hope to continue to make a difference within our community and others alike.' Another reason for the creation of 'We Stand Determined' was after a campaign to increase local police presence failed. A police cordon was set up around the McDonald's restaurant (pictured) in Birmingham last night following a vicious attack The group now organise twice-weekly patrols across the city and insist that they are non-violent. They claim to see a working partnership with the police rather than against them. However, they believe that UK crime is getting of hand and something needs to be done to protect citizens. London has been hit by a string of murders over the past year and Birmingham has also recently been blighted by a wave of stabbings, shootings and murders. Wayne said: 'The way our group started, and the reaction we've had, has showed us how much local communities need groups like us to fill in the gaps the authorities simply don't have the funding for. 'There has been a recent spate of crime in Birmingham recently and Solihull in particular has fallen victim to an increase of just under 1,500 more cases so far this year. Pictured: The scene in Great Barr, north-west Birmingham, where a man was stabbed in the chest in broad daylight over a failed car jacking 'People needed someone to turn to, someone who will listen and visit them in their home if a constituent is fearful for their own safety. 'We're vigilantes, but we're vigilantes with a twist, working within the law and not against it. 'Our group is a central place for the local community to come together to log crimes, comment and help stop crime in the area. 'I just want to make a big difference to the area, and help anyone, anywhere, who needs it. Crime here is getting out of hand. A gang chase a victim with huge machetes and hammers on Trinity Road, Perry Bar, Birmingham, before carrying out a vicious attack 'We're so proud of our community, for standing up to what we believe is an ongoing issue that's yet to have a solution.' Fellow organiser Tracy, 48, also insisted that 'We Stand Determined' is not against West Midlands Police, and understand that the force is limited by budget issues. However, she admits that the group intends to solve the issue of cuts in policing numbers. They plan to do more than just patrol and want to organise buddy systems for the elderly and defence classes for anyone who feels they need to be able to protect themselves. They also hope to eventually have representatives based in every area of the country. Tracy said: 'We stress to our members that if they see something, they should notify the police first. 'We would like to join up with the police, but we want to be able to make our own decisions on where the help is really needed, and not where the police tell us to be.' A spokesman for West Midlands Police said officers were aware of multiple groups but advised members to join police-approved Streetwatch programmes instead. An Australian tourist has died after his raft capsized on a river in northwestern Nepal. The 39-year-old man - whose identity has not been revealed - and four of his fellow rafters had arrived in Triveni on the Karnali River on Thursday when the accident happened, Bhim Rawat, a police officer in Kalikot district said. He said the Australian's body was being flown to Kathmandu on Friday. The 39-year-old man - whose identity has not been revealed - and four of his fellow rafters had arrived in Triveni on the Karnali River on Thursday when the accident happened, Bhim Rawat, a police officer in Kalikot district said (stock) An Australian tourist has died after his raft capsized on a river in northwestern Nepal (pictured: Karnali River, Karnali District, Nepal) In December last year, a 24-year-old French tourist died in a similar accident during a week-long rafting trip on the same river. The Karnali River is Nepal's longest and originates on the Chinese border and tumbles down rugged hills and dense forest before entering India. Just seven months earlier an Australian police officer died while on a rafting trip near Queenstown, NZ. Joshua Paroci, a NSW detective, was with six other Australians when their raft overturned the Shotover River's rapids. While the raft was being towed to shore, the 31-year-old lost his grip before being swept through another rapid. Despite paramedics attempts to resuscitate him, they were unsuccessful. And in October, four American tourists along with their Costa Rican guide lost their lives in a rafting accident. Fourteen tourists were aboard the three rafts, which flipped on the Central American country's Naranjo river. The five victims were swept away by strong currents, while others managed to cling to the rafts before being rescued. Cristopher Precopia, 21, was arrested on the morning of September 21, 2017 for allegedly attacking his girlfriend A Texas man facing a 99-year prison sentence has been cleared of all wrongdoing thanks to a selfie. Cristopher Precopia, 21, was arrested on the morning of September 21, 2017 and accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's Temple home, attacking her and carving an X into her chest with a box cutter. The unnamed ex, whom he dated in high school several years earlier, claimed the attack happened the day prior, but Precopia knew he was out of town with his family at the time. After his parents posted $150,000 bail, a selfie that his mother uploaded to Facebook with timestamp and location was the key piece of evidence to solidify his alibi. 'I had no idea why everything was happening, and I was lost,' Precopia told KVUE. He faced a charge of burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit other crimes - a felony that carries a 99-year prison term. The selfie that saved him: His mother had posted this group selfie to Facebook at the same time as the alleged attack that showed Precopia was 65 miles away His unnamed ex-girlfriend claimed Precopia broke into her house, attacked her and carved an X into her chest with a box cutter (pictured) the night before he was arrested The ex-girlfriend alleged the attack happened on around 7.30pm on September 20, 2017. But Propecia said he was 65 miles away at a hotel in Northwest Austin with family. His mother Erin, who says she's active on Facebook, realized she had posted group selfie right around the time of the attack occured. The photo shows Precopia in the left corner while he and his mother are in the foreground and another couple is in the back. 'I'm thinking, ''this is awesome. By the grace of God, she said it happened on the day when I can say totally, 100 percent, where he was at,''' she told KVUE. After spending thousands on lawyers fees, Precopia took his evidence to the Bell County prosecutor who dropped the charge 'in the interest of justice' nine months after his arrest. Sworn affidavits from those with Precopia were also filed in his defense. Nine months after his arrest, Precopia (left, with his mother) was cleared of all charges 'Most of the time, we deal with gray matters,' his attorney Rick Flores said. 'It's not normally black or white. But this is one of those cases where I could definitely prove he did not commit this offense.' But the question remained. How was a person so obviously innocent and with a solid alibi arrested and charged? In most cases, investigators attempt to interview a suspect before filing charges. But in this case, police reports show Precopia returned a phone call to police and left a message, which prompted his arrest. The ex-girlfriend has not been charged with a crime, but told police that she and Precopia had a troubled relationship when they dated in high school, which she said was the motive for the alleged assault. 'I'm ready to actually live my life, the way I want to, without having any kind of worry that this can come back and hurt me,' he said. Older revellers thinking about joining the thousands of school leavers for 'Schoolies' celebrations over the coming week have been warned against 'prowling' on younger party-goers. In preparation for this weekend, when more than 22,000 school graduates will flock to Queensland's Gold Coast to let their hair down, police have said they will also be keeping a close eye on 'Toolies'. 'If you want to come to Surfers Paradise and play up, be assured you will be arrested,' South Eastern region Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'It's not the place to come and prowl upon schoolies. Older revellers thinking about joining the thousands of this year's school leavers (pictured) for 'Schoolies' celebrations have been warned against 'prowling' on younger party-goers Police and emergency crews are bracing for this weekend in preparation for the inevitable carnage inflicted on the seaside resort town every year More than 22,000 school graduates will flock to Queensland's the Gold Coast this weekend to let their hair down. Pictured: A group of school leavers arriving in Surfers Paradise this week 'We will have a very strong police presence policing all the schoolies but also all the toolies.' Despite an estimated 80 per cent of attendees being underage, some party-goers who have already left school - in some cases many years ago - join the thousands of teenagers for the annual end of exams celebration. Last year, nearly 50 arrests were made in Surfers Paradise during the event, with dozens of teenagers busted for drug possession and brawling. However, most of these arrests were 'toolies' rather than students, Gold Coast Schoolies Advisory Group chairman Mark Reaburn said. Mr Reaburn has urged partying students to look after their mates and stay safe during the notoriously unruly celebrations. Pictured: A reveller is helped by a friend at last year's event Thousands of eager Schoolies flock to the popular Queensland beach strip ready to party their nights away (pictured in 2017) Most arrests made were for 'toolies' rather than students, Gold Coast Schoolies Advisory Group chairman Mark Reaburn said. Pictured: Police speak with a man with a bag of cask wine last year 'If you want to come to Surfers Paradise and play up, be assured you will be arrested,' South Eastern region Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins said Mr Reaburn has urged partying students to look after their mates and stay safe, saying his team of 11,000 volunteers are ready to make sure the kids have a great time safely but they're not running a festival. 'We run a response to a lot of kids being away from mum and dad for the first time in their lives, with each other, essentially moving out into the big wide world,' he said. Students regularly go beyond what they can cope with both emotionally and physically, he said. 'That's why our mantra for the kids is: be safe and watch your mates,' he said. The Schoolies community safety response, which includes the Schoolies Hub and an ambulance treatment centre, provides school leavers with alcohol and drug-free diversionary activities, safety advice, and support while they party the week away. Last year, nearly 50 arrests were made in Surfers Paradise during the event, with dozens of teenagers busted for drug possession and brawling Despite the inevitable carnage inflicted on the seaside resort town every year, authorities said there was not a lot they could do to stop the kids coming. Revellers are pictured during celebrations last year Closely-watched and cordoned-off party zones with high fences and soft beach sand have been carefully thought out by the organising committee. Mr Reaburn said although he wanted schoolies to have a good time, any one who act the 'idiot' can almost guarantee to be dealt with by the police. 'Every schoolie that comes here is not an angel, but they're coming here because they've had a discussion with mum and dad and they said ''yes you go can go'',' he said. 'Our concern is always what goes on in the rooms but we can't be there... be safe and watch your mates.' In 2017, 66 schoolies were arrested by police, however, historically more 'toolies and droolies' are arrested than students, Mr Reaburn said. Mr Reaburn said calls to block students at the airport or ban schoolies were pointless. 'We can't hold back to the tide,' he said. Andrea Aleman, 44, was arrested on two charges of reckless injury to a child in the deaths of her grandchildren A grandmother has been arrested in Waco, Texas, after she fled a raging fire in her home and left her two grandchildren behind to die. Andrea Aleman, 44, faces two charges of reckless injury to a child in the deaths of four-year-old Anthony Cole Puente and two-year-old Rachel Rose Aleman. Waco police believe she 'took no action to get them help' until it was too late. The fire had broken out in the kitchen of the Waco home on November 2 at 1.30am. It was not clear if it had been set intentionally by an occupant, reported KCEN . After her escape, Andrea Aleman allegedly altered her story several times upon questioning. She eventually admitted to remaining in bed when notified by her grandchildren of the fire and leaving them behind once she got up, according to the arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Waco Tribune-Herald. Her Facebook page intro now reads: 'my beautiful babies. Grandma loves y'all very much. i wish it was me not them,' and the profile and cover photos were updated following the fire with images of the now deceased children. Anthony Cole Puente and Rachel Rose Aleman seen in a GoFundMe campaign photo At least half of the home was damaged by fire according to Waco fire Chief Bobby Tatum The affidavit also states that the surviving 11-year-old daughter of Andrea Aleman said her mother 'was the first person out of the house'. The grandmother then did not attempt to return to aid the youngsters who had been left behind in the flames. 'The majority of the home, I'd say at least 50 percent, was damaged by fire,' Waco Fire Department Chief Bobby Tatum told the Waco Tribune-Herald. When firefighters entered the home they found one child in the bathroom and another in a closet, reports KWTX. Stuffed animals and flowers left as a tribute on the steps of the burned residence where Anthony Cole Puente, 4, and Rachel Rose Aleman, 2, were trapped The smiling face of Anthony Cole Puente was Andrea Aleman's profile photo shortly after the fire that claimed his life Anthony Cole Puente (left) and Rachel Rose Aleman (right) wearing Santa hats, the most recent profile photo posted on Andrea Aleman's Facebook page following the fire tragedy The Waco, Texas, home of Andrea Aleman caught fire on November 2 at 1:30 a.m. when she was suspected of fleeing without aiding her two very young grandchildren The children were then taken to a hospital in critical conditions but died shortly thereafter. Authorities eventually caught up with Andrea Aleman at a North Waco home where she was arrested and then taken to jail. 'I really don't know how the fire started, but someone has to pay for it,' Felicia Puente, an aunt of the two victims, told KWTX. A GoFundMe campaign for the two young victims raised $4,734. A homeless man in Central Florida flashed a brand new smile for a jailhouse photo, prompting additional charges of stealing another man's identity to pay for extensive dental work and a pricey pup. Timothy Powell is accused of using a DeBary man's information to secure a loan for more than $40,000, which he used to buy dental implants and a French bulldog. The new charges were tacked on while Powell was already in custody at the Volusia County Jail, after he was arrested for a separate alleged crime, once police noticed that something was amiss related to his teeth. The identity theft victim, who asked not to be named so something like this doesn't happen again, is now taking extra precautions to prevent future theft. 'I've just stopped using my credit card, and trying to take it day by day,' he told Fox News. Timothy Powell is accused of using a Debrary Florida man's information to secure a loan for more than $40,000, which he used to pay for dental implants and a French bulldog. Powell is shown at left before receiving the dental implants and at right after receiving the implants The man whose identity was stolen was happy that police helped him get the matter sorted out, and he won't be liable for any of the fraudulent charges made to his account. 'I got it all taken off. They settled it,' he said. Yaylin Martinez, the owner of the pet store where the French bulldog was purchased illegally in South Florida was disheartened by the incident. The man whose identity was stolen (pictured) was happy that police helped him get the matter sorted out, and he won't be liable for any of the fraudulent charges made to his account Yaylin Martinez, the owner of the pet store where the French bulldog (pictured) was purchased illegally in South Florida was disheartened by the incident 'It's just very sad and tragic,' Martinez said. 'We're a small business and we were targeted and [are] now the victims of fraud, as well as the older gentleman whose identity was taken.' Across the state and a little farther South, another person was recently charged with identity theft after presenting a credit card that may have belonged to someone else to pay for a $4,000 French bulldog. Manhunt: Police in Florida are looking for Bryant Farfan, 29 (left and right), who is accused of using a stolen credit to buy a dog while disguised as a woman Bryant Frafan, 29, is wanted on charges of grand theft and identity theft for allegedly stealing the puppy while dressed in women's clothing and wearing makeup and a wig from the All About Puppies pet store in Largo, Florida. 'The only thing we are hoping for is the safe return of our puppy,' store manager Allie Julian told WFLA. The incident in Largo occurred on October 2. Teenagers are setting themselves on fire in a desperate attempt to find fame on the internet, hospital staff have revealed. The latest idiotic craze to sweep the internet- called the Fire Challenge - has seen teenagers film themselves dousing their bodies in accelerant and lighting it. In Wales, more and more cases are being seen by medical experts after the craze which began in 2014 picked up again. Specialist staff at Swansea's Morriston Hospital have confirmed that they have seen a recent rise in the number of teenagers who are being admitted to hospital with serious burns. While the hospital did not wish to provide details of the different challenges, a quick search online reveals the scale of the problem. Teenagers have set fire to their own bodies after a bizarre and dangerous internet craze returned What to do when you burn yourself Staff at the Burns Centre have offered the following advice for anyone affected with burns: Put the affected area under cool water for 20 minutes, as this takes the heat out of the injury If clothing is on fire, the affected person should immediately drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames - don't pat them out as this causes burns to the hands Cover the burn with cling film - never cotton wool - which protects the burn but allows doctors or paramedics to look at it. Call for help, which could be 999 or 111 or your GP Advertisement Youngsters are challenged to pour liquid on themselves and set themselves on fire in the latest insane 'craze'. This has resulted in people requiring surgery and life-support treatment. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board is now issuing a warning and some advice to anyone who has taken part in any of these challenges online. 'I can understand there is pressure on young people to gain acceptance or boost their online profiles by doing such risky things as these challenges,' said Jeremy Yarrow, a plastic surgeon at Morriston Hospital. 'But from the patients I see, the results can be very different, with some requiring life support treatment and many left with lifelong scars.' Mr Yarrow added that, while most teenagers presenting with burns are treated as outpatients, some are hospitalised for a considerable length of time. 'In some severe and sometimes life-threatening cases, they are admitted to hospital for long periods of time for complex surgery resulting in long term mental and physical issues,' he said. While the health board would not release specific details of the challenges doing the rounds online, they did confirm that there are 'various' ones being attempted by teenagers. In August, a 12-year-old girl from Detroit burned 49 per cent of her body in the bizarre trend. Timiyah Landers performed the challenge in front of two friends at her home in Detroit, Michigan, after her mother had made them pancakes. Within minutes of her mother leaving the girls alone, there was a 'loud explosion' and Timiyah became engulfed in flames. Her stepfather put her in the bath and immediately began spraying water on her body while her mother tore off her burning clothes. Timiyah was put on a ventilator in intensive care and bandaged from head to her knees. Tamiyah Landers, 12, is in the hospital with burns to half of her body after setting herself on fire on Friday as part of the 'Fire Challenge' The counter top where she set herself on fire is shown (left) and her phone (right). She is thought to have used a cherry scented Bath and Body Works spray to douse herself Ana Biney, a staff nurse at Morriston Hospital's Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, said: 'They copy them from social media and YouTube and call them YouTube Challenges. 'They film each other doing the challenges and then upload them in the hope they will become social media stars. 'We have definitely seen an increase in the number of teenagers who have suffered quite serious burns because of this.' Ms Biney added: 'Good first aid is essential. If you do it right, it can have a massive effect on the burn. 'But of course the best thing to do is not to take part in these stunts in the first place. They may look exciting and spectacular on social media but the reality is very different. 'They could be killed or scarred for life.' Stephen Prosser (pictured outside court today) is suing BA for sitting him next to an overweight passenger A holidaymaker who is suing British Airways for 10,000 has told a court he was injured after being forced to squeeze into a seat next to an obese man who was 'the size of Jonah Lomu'. Stephen Prosser, 51, claims he suffered personal injury and loss of earnings after being made to sit next to the large passenger during a 12-hour flight from Bangkok to Heathrow. Pontypridd County Court heard today that the self-employed civil engineer claim cabin crew ignored his complaints that he would be injured if forced to sit next to the 'extremely large' passenger, who he described as being 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 22 stones. Mr Prosser, who is 5ft 3in, said: 'He was that large that he had to force his buttocks between the arm rests of the seats. 'I sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was over spilling into my seat by some inches.' He added: 'I was immediately aware that this was going to be problematic for me and I could feel the weight of his pure bulk putting lateral pressure on my upper body. This forced me into a position of unnatural posture. 'Due to the size of him when he placed his arm down at times it would rest on my armrest, and he would accidentally turn the volume of my audio up to an extremely loud volume each time.' He says he aggravated a back injury while sitting in an uncomfortable position on the flight Mr Prosser (pictured in Thailand) says he is only 5ft 2in and he was wedged for 13 hours as a 6ft 5in male passenger weighing around 23 stone was sat in the middle seat next to him He said he chose not to take issue with the passenger because he seemed 'self conscious', but did complain to cabin crew, who allegedly told him there were no other seats available on the fully booked Boeing 777 and did not allow him to swap with someone else. Mr Prosser, from Penygraig in Tonypandy, South Wales, said the incident in January 2016 left him with a continual back spasm and an injury causing his sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his spine to dysfunction. He said being forced into an unnatural position during the long haul flight also aggravated his 12-year-old spine injury caused by driving long distances for work. He said he had been unable to work overtime as a result of his back pain, and left him lacking energy which had affected his relationship with his partner and forced him to give up mountain biking. The father-of-two said he had to see a chiropractor after the flight and was unable to work for three months due to the injuries he says he sustained during the flight home from Bangkok Timothy Salisbury, representing British Airways, said Mr Prosser was 'exaggerating' by comparing the other passenger to the late New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu, who was 6ft 4ins and weighed 19 stones. Mr Salisbury said: 'You say the man reminded you of the late rugby player Jonah Lomu. Would you say that's a colourful explanation? An exaggeration?' Mr Prosser replied: 'Not at all.' Mr Prosser, a freelance civil engineer from Tonypandy in South Wales, is seeking damages and loss of earnings from British Airways, claiming he suffered back and pelvis injuries on the flight Mr Salisbury said cabin crew on the flight described the passenger as 'tall but not overweight so he had encroached on the other seat'. Chris McLindon, the customer service manager on board the flight, said in a witness statement Mr Prosser did not seem to be in any discomfort and 'at times he was asleep'. The hearing continues. Honor announced that it has created a milestone with record sale across the globe. Honor was the top Singles Day performer in terms of sales volume and revenue under the Smartphone category on both Tmall.com and JD.com, the two biggest e-commerce platforms in China. The brand sold 6 million units of the recently launched Honor 8X globally. In India, over one million units of Honor products were sold during the Diwali promotional period, a 300% YoY increase from 2017. The most popular products included Honor 9N, which became the Star Product on Flipkarts Big Billion Days and the recently launched Honor 8X, which became the Best Seller on Amazon India on the first selling day. Whereas in China, the recently launched Honor Magic2 was another strong sales performer. It was the best-selling smartphone in terms of sales volume and revenue in RMB 4,000-5,000 range (US$580-720) at Tmall.com and JD.com. In Indonesia, Honor became best seller in Mobile Category and Electronics Category at shopee.com, selling over 8,000 units within 80 minutes. Speaking on the announcement, Mr. P Sanjeev, Vice President, Sales, Huawei Consumer Business Group said, We are delighted to see the immense support from our customers even when the smartphone industry is down globally. As a thanksgiving for our Indian consumers, we would like to announce that unlike other smartphone brands, Honor will not increase the price of its smartphones this year. Honor stands tall during this tough time and is focused to keep its customer satisfaction above the rest. Honor 8X also became one of the highest selling phones in Germany, France, Middle East, North America and South Asia regions. @Technuter.com News Service Cindy McCain has revealed in her first interview since her husband's passing that President Trump did not reach out to her after the late Sen. John McCain's death and still hasn't. She told CBS News in an interview that aired Friday morning that she was not angered by the lack of contact during the weeks when her family was laying the Republican maverick who had bad blood with the president to rest. 'No. No they didn't. But thats OK,' she said of Donald and Melania Trump failure to call her. 'That was not what I needed at the time. I needed my family and I had them.' The McCain family did not invite the president to the senator's funeral. Vice President Mike Pence formally represented the White House at the service in Washington. Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law, Jared, were invited, both of whom are White House advisers, were asked to the service. They quietly participated. Cindy McCain has revealed in her first interview since her husband's passing that President Trump did not reach out to her after the late Sen. John McCain's death and still hasn't The McCain family did not invite the president to the senator's funeral. Vice President Mike Pence formally represented the White House at the service in Washington 'No. No they didn't. But thats OK,' she said of Donald and Melania Trump failure to call her. 'That was not what I needed at the time. I needed my family and I had them.' McCain's feud with Trump dates back to 2015, when the future president claimed that the veteran was not a true 'hero' because he'd been captured and held as a prisoner of war. Trump walked back the comments, but the relationship never recovered. The former Arizona senator passed away three years later on, Saturday, August 25, 2018, in his home state. He died from the effects of a brain tumor he'd been diagnosed with 13 months prior. Services were held in Arizona and Washington, and his body lay in state in both places' capitols during a week of national mourning. His passing was too close to November's mid-terms for a special election to be held, and days later the governor appointed a seat-holder - ex-Senator Jon Kyl - in advance of a contest in 2020 that will put Arizona back on the ballot. Arizona's other seat was up for reelection this year, and landed in Democratic hands after Trump forced incumbent, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake into retirement. Mrs. McCain told CBS she hopes the president was 'humbled' by the electoral losses that the GOP suffered and realizes now that the country 'need a strong leader, not a Negative Nancy.' 'We need a White House that's strong. We need a White House that's not sparring with each other,' she added. 'Right now I think things are in dissaray and I would hope through this that he does learn.' She also said she respects the office of the president and wants its occupant to succeed. 'Our families have had our differences, and I'll leave it at that,' she said of her personal feelings about Trump. 'It's at times been hard to listen to him about my husband,' she acknowledged. The former Arizona senator passed away on Saturday, August 25, in his home state. He died from the effects of a brain tumor he'd been diagnosed with 13 months prior In an interview clip that aired early, she said her husband was 'kind of the conscience of the Senate 'and we've lost his voice' in the political process. 'And consequently, I saw an elective process this year unlike anything I've ever seen. You know, I think many people would say that... It was abominable,' she said. 'He would've I know, quite frankly, would've said, "Enough. We-- this is-- this is not only wrong but it's bad for the country." ' At his Washington, D.C. funeral, the senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, blamed Trump for the souring political discourse. 'The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great,' she asserted. Cindy McCain said she was as surprised as anyone by her daughter's remarks. 'I will say that our children obviously took this very hard. All of them did, especially Meghan. And Meghan is certainly entitled to and speaks her mind just like her father did,' she told CBS. 'And I respect her for that, and I had not read her speech. I did not know what she was going to say but I was very proud of her, very proud of her that day. It was hard to give.' The acrimonious relationship of their fathers has continued even in death. The White House initially refused to lower the flag that flies above the building to half-staff, and the president made no formal comment on McCain's death. He shared a tweet that shared his 'deepest sympathies' for the family but that was it. The White House initially refused to lower the flag that flies above the building to half-staff, and the president made no formal comment on McCain's death, fueling tension between the Trumps and the McCains Asked for further comment, the White House pointed to the tweet that had said: 'My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!' It was not until Monday, even though McCain had passed away Saturday evening, that Trump elaborated in an official statement. He said, 'despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain's service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment.' The president refused to acknowledged that he may have mishandled the revered senator's passing 'No, I dont think I did at all. Ive done everything that they requested and no, I dont think I have at all,' he told Bloomberg News. While McCain was battling cancer and until his death, Trump would do a bit on Obamacare and McCain's infamous thumbs down vote that ended the GOP's hopes of fully repealing and replacing the legislation. He wouldn't refer to McCain by name, yet said over and over again that one senator stepped in at the last minute and ruined the party's plans. Meghan McCain, a star of 'The View' said of Trump's brow-beating as her father fought for his life: 'Im never going to forgive it' That senator was McCain. He returned from cancer treatment in Arizona to cast the deciding vote. At rallies, the president's crowds would boo at the mention of the war hero who had been denied the office of president in 2008. Trump also declined to mention McCain's name at an event where he signed a defense bill named after the ailing lawmaker. Meghan McCain, a star of 'The View' said of Trump's brow-beating as her father fought for his life: 'Im never going to forgive it.' The suspect accused of raping and strangling a jogger in Queens has invoked the Steph Curry defense as his lawyers abruptly rested their case, shocking the courtroom. A lawyer for Chanel Lewis, 22, invoked the Golden State Warriors star as she grilled a prosecution witness on Thursday in the trial over the August 2016 rape and murder of Karina Vetrano. 'Steph Curry passes (the ball) to Kevin Durant, who shoots, makes a three-pointer,' defense attorney Jennie Cheung said during her cross-examination of prosecution DNA expert Linda Razzano, according to the New York Daily News. '(Durant) goes to get his water bottle. It's possible for Steph Curry to get DNA on that bottle?' Cheung continued, attempting to raise doubts about why Lewis' DNA was found under Vetrano's fingernails. Scroll down for videos A lawyer for suspect Chanel Lewis (left) used an analogy to Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry (right) to argue that DNA could be transferred to an object that a person never touched Jogger Karina Vetrano was brutally raped and strangled in a park a block away from her parents' house in August 2016. Lewis' DNA was found under her fingernails Prosecutors immediately objected to the question, and the judge asked the witness: 'Are you following this?' Razzano averred 'I do follow,' and confirmed that the scenario was theoretically possible. The prosecution then rested its case on the trial's seventh day, and the defense called an investigator to the stand. Lewis' lawyer questioned the investigator for about 10 minutes, punctuated by incessant objections from the prosecution, most of which were upheld. The defense lawyer then suddenly rested her case, provoking gasps in the courtroom. The case now moves to closing arguments, which are scheduled for Monday. To simplify matters for jurors, the prosecution dropped nine of the charges against Lewis, most of which were essentially redundant. Lewis faces faces life in prison if convicted of murdering Vetrano, who was brutally killed while jogging in Spring Creek Park not far from her home in the Howard Beach neighborhood of Queens. Vetrano's parents Phil (in blue blazer) and Cathy Vetrano are seen arriving in court on Thursday Vetrano was punched in the face, thrown to the ground, violently raped and then strangled in a marsh, about a block away from her house, where her father, Philip Vetrano, would later find her body. Authorities said that the victim desperately fought for her life until the very end, biting her attacker so hard that her teeth cracked. Vetrano's mother and father have been present in court throughout the trial, stoically bearing witness as the prosecution laid out its evidence for the jury. On Tuesday, prosecutors introduced evidence taken from Lewis' black ZTE cell phone, which they found at his Brooklyn home, according to the New York Daily News. Josue Rivera, a detective with the NYPD's Computer Crimes Squad, testified in Queens Supreme Court that investigators recovered the device from Lewis' dresser in his bedroom. The phone contained two photos of the victim, Vetrano, 30, as well as a photo of the crime scene, Rivera testified. The pictures were taken from online news articles about the crime. Prosecutors said that the phone contained a search history of 137 searches, among them the Wikipedia page for the Catholic Sacrament of Penance. Chanel Lewis, 22, faces life in prison for the rape and murder of Karina Vetrano. Lewis is seen after his arrest last year It is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church in which adherents obtain absolution for sins committed against others. Lewis is also alleged to have searched a news article titled 'After a Crime, the Price of a Second Chance,' as well as 'Miranda warning,' 'arraignment,' and 'what happens after a felony conviction?' Rivera was asked by Lewis' defense attorney, Julia Burke, whether the name 'Karina Vetrano' was ever searched by Lewis on his cell phone. 'You can't testify that the name Karina Vetrano was ever search by the user, is that correct?' she asked. 'That is correct,' the detective said. Despite making a videotaped confession, in which he admitted to killing Vetrano, saying he spotted her at random and snapped, Lewis pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and aggravated sex abuse. His lawyers have argued that the confession was coerced by keeping Lewis isolated during his six-hour interrogation. Lewis reportedly refused to speak with white detectives and only confessed when a black detective was brought in. His remarks to detectives that he didn't like people 'over there', referring to the largely Italian-American Howard Beach neighborhood, led to speculation that the attack may have been racially motivated. In February, a judge decided to let DNA evidence and the videotaped confession be used at trial. Lewis' attorneys previously questioned the validity of his DNA sample from a consensual cheek swab, which was compared to DNA evidence recovered from under the victim's fingernails, and the manner in which his confession was gained. An unassuming hero has told how he helped cops and firefighters rescue a disabled man and a pregnant woman as the deadly Camp Fire approached Paradise. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Bartholomew 'Blue' Skhie, 46, said he sent his friend to collect his girlfriend and their pets before rushing to the aid of first responders. The deadly inferno has already claimed the lives of 66 people, with a further 631 still listed as missing making it the most catastrophic in California history. Some of the dead were killed after they were overcome by flames as they attempted to flee by car in gridlocked traffic. But Skhie said he stayed until the very last moment so he could help firefighters beat the blaze back from the Fire Department building where a crowd of terrified residents were sheltering. Bartholomew 'Blue' Skhie, 46, (pictured with his dog Seven) helped cops and firefighters rescue a disabled man and a pregnant woman as the deadly Camp Fire approached Paradise Skhie, like other residents, is now burned out of his home and has been forced to seek help at a Red Cross shelter in Oroville, California (pictured) Paradise was hit hard by the fire, as burned shopping carts line the front of Safeway and Grocery Outlet on Clark Road in the destroyed town The deadly inferno has already claimed the lives of 66 people, with a further 631 still listed as missing making it the most catastrophic in California history 'I live in Paradise, California, probably a couple of blocks up from the Paradise Police Department and Fire Department,' he explained. 'I went to a job site [that morning], we came down but then noticed things were unstable as far as the weather was concerned and the smoke and things showering down on top of us. 'We abandoned our job site due to seeing flames and ran down the bike trail towards the Police Department building. 'A friend of mine called and I said go wake up my girlfriend and get all the animals ready.' By then, the fire had already hit the town but instead of trying to leave with his friends and neighbors, Skhie stayed back to help out despite being scorched by the heat from the flames. He said: 'We took shelter in the Fire Department and assisted in helping the Paradise Police Department and Fire Department in defending those structures because there was civilians inside that needed to be protected. 'We had a pregnant lady, a guy we helped out of a squad car. We put him in an office chair. He was paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down and missing a leg. We got him inside. Disabled Sarah Bates, 66, says she feels lucky to have somewhere safe and warm to go and told DailyMail.com that she is grateful for the help she has received Many displaced people are sleeping on cots inside the Nazarene Church building, currently home to 101 people, while others are living in tents and RVs in the parking lot. Linda Springs,(pictured) has been living in her car with her dog and cat, and is now battling norovirus The Church of the Nazarene in Oroville, CA has been converted into a Red Cross shelter for victims of the 'Camp Fire'. The church which is 25 miles from the ravaged town of Paradise 'The smoke was getting really, really bad. There were some elderly people. As I was spraying the fire hose, I asked who was looking for family members, their neighbors. 'I told them if you need to take shelter, take shelter and I'll go check in with Paradise Fire Department to see if they're there.' Eventually, the flames became too much and Skhie left with the cops and firefighters all of whom were among the last to leave the stricken town. All survived but Skhie, like other residents, is now burned out of his home and has been forced to seek help at a Red Cross shelter in Oroville, California. Many of the residents are sleeping on cots inside the Nazarene Church building, currently home to 101 people, while others are living in unheated tents and RVs in the parking lot. Disabled Sarah Bates, 66, says she feels lucky to have somewhere safe and warm to go and told DailyMail.com that she is grateful for the help she has received. She said: 'We had to drive through a tunnel and it was burning on both sides all the trees. Someone came and got me out without my electric chair, just in a car. 'I got here and the Disability Action Center arranged for another chair. I feel so fortunate. They're really caring for us. We're safe and warm and I feel really grateful.' Miraculously, one mobile home remained standing after the rest of the community was destroyed by the Camp Fire Smoke hangs over the scorched remains of Old Town Plaza following the wildfire in Paradise Firefighters perform welfare checks and continue to put out spot fires in Paradise and neighboring Magalia. Paradise was devastated by the recent 'Camp Fire' leaving a small percentage of the homes intact as several stores remain untouched by the fire PG&E informed the California Public Utilities Commission that a high-voltage power line experienced a problem near the origin of the Camp Fire just minutes before the blaze broke out. Pictured are firefighters combing through a destroyed house in Paradise on Tuesday Unlike her neighbors, Bates says she has been told her home is still there but she says she cannot imagine returning to the town and now plans to move. She has also had to give up her elderly dog Gizmo because she cannot afford the vet bills but says she is thrilled that one of the animal shelter medics has agreed to adopt her. 'I had an elderly dog who was ill more than I can afford with the vet care and I put her in the shelter,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I sent a message over that if they thought it was better for her or the other animals, that I was alright if they wanted to put her to sleep but I wanted to be there to hold her so she won't be afraid. 'The next day, they sent a message back that one of the vets is adopting her and is going to give her all the care I couldn't afford. It just took a burden from my heart. Gizmo. 'That was just yet another blessing I couldn't have got better if I'd called every vet around.' Skhie said: 'We had a pregnant lady, a guy we helped out of a squad car. We put him in an office chair. He was paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down and missing a leg. We got him inside' Skhie says he will return to the town where he has lived since 1976. He said: 'I've lived up there since '76, I'm 46 and I believe in it. I am not losing my hope and faith that the town will get rebuilt' Like Bates, elderly Sue Cornelius, 80, says she can't imagine returning to Paradise and is living 'day by day' while she decides what to do. 'We made it through and then we all went to the Walmart parking lot in Chico,' she said of her escape from the fire accompanied by her son. 'We were in shock, going on adrenaline. We've had the norovirus one after the other. It's just one thing after another but what can you do? We're just sitting here now. She added: 'We've not got a thing, not a thing. Our house is totally gone. We're just one day at a time now. I have no idea what I'm going to do but I won't go back to Paradise.' Hero Skhie is also living in the parking lot outside the Nazarene Church and has been passing the time by cheering up fellow residents with the help of his dog, Seven. But unlike the others, he says he will return to the town where he has lived since 1976. He said: 'I've lived up there since '76, I'm 46 and I believe in it. I am not losing my hope and faith that the town will get rebuilt.' The number of Americans seeking asylum in Canada increased more than six fold in 2017. While still modest, the 2,550 U.S. citizens who sought protection in Canada last year was a significant increase from the 395 who applied in 2016, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. America was the third-highest source of asylum seekers in Canada last year, following Haiti (7,785) and Nigeria (6,005), according to CNN. This chart illustrates the year-over-year increase in asylum applications between 2016 and 2017 from Canada's top three source countries: Haiti, Nigeria and America The U.S. is already on track to have another high number of people seeking asylum in Canada this year, with 1,215 Americans applying for the protective status as of August 31. Asylum seekers are not guaranteed permanent residence in Canada. At least 80 percent of Americans seeking asylum in Canada were of Haitian descent, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 'The vast majority of US citizens claiming asylum are minor asylum claimants who were born in the United States whose parents are citizens of another country,' Peter Liang, a spokesman for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, told CNN. 'In these instances, the claims of persecution are made against the parents' country of origin, not the United States,' he added. 'However, given their citizenship, the minor children appear as U.S. citizens in these tables. These children predominately accompanied Haitian or Nigerian national adults.' Many Haitians are currently living in the U.S. under 'temporary protected status.' Also known as TPS, the U.S. has offered the protected status to foreign nationals from specific countries that have conditions that temporarily prevent a safe return. TPS allows foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. Haiti, Honduras and El Salvador are among the countries that have been designated for TPS, however the Trump administration has sought to end the program, previously announcing plans to cancel it for Haitians starting in July 2019. Those efforts were temporarily halted when U.S. District Judge Edward Chen granted a preliminary injunction blocking the government from ending TPS for migrants from Haiti, Sudan, El Salvador and Nicaragua. This graph illustrates the steady increase in the population of Haitians living in the U.S. since 1980, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by the Migration Policy Institute If the Trump administration is successful, the change would force the exodus of nearly 60,000 Haitians living in the U.S. some of whom have been here for a decade or more. Many arrived after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010. The Haitian population in the U.S. has risen steadily since at least 1980, and tripled between 1990 and 2015, according to a Migration Policy Institute analysis of Census data. America has the largest Haitian migrant population in the world, with Florida and New York home to the nation's biggest Haitian communities. Canada had a program for Haitians that was similar to TPS, however officials ended it in 2016. The Brexit war has split married Tory MPs Jack Lopresti and Andrea Jenkyns down the middle - as he has backed Theresa May but she is urging the PM to quit. The MPs - who are both ardent Eurosceptics - got married just before Christmas last year and have an 18-month-old son who they nicknamed Brexit Clifford. But today it emerged they are on opposite sides of the bitter Tory war to oust Mrs May as PM and tear up her Brexit plan. Ms Jenkyns, MP for Morley and Outwood, is one of Mrs May's fiercest backbench critics and sent in her letter of no confidence in the PM many weeks ago. The furious MP said she is 'dismayed' and 'disgusted' at the PM's Brexit plan and has urged her fellow Conservatives to send their letters of no confidence in. In a tweet she said: 'Dismayed, disgusted. MPs get your letters in. The only way to save Brexit is a new leader. The fight continues.' The Brexit war has split married Tory MPs Jack Lopresti and Andrea Jenkyns (pictured together on their wedding day with their son Clifford) down the middle - as he has backed Theresa May but she is urging the PM to quit Andrea Jenkyns, MP for Morley and Outwood, is one of Theresa May's fiercest backbench critics and sent in her letter of no confidence in the PM many weeks ago Jack Lopresti said he is staying loyal, saying that he has 'every confidence' in the PM and 'fully supports' her deal But her husband Mr Lopresti is staying loyal, saying that he has 'every confidence' in the PM and 'fully supports' her deal. In a statement on his website, he said: 'I fully support the Prime Minster and the Draft Withdrawal Agreement Who has sent letters of no confidence in May? Letters of no confidence in Theresa May are confidential - but some of her strongest critics have gone public. If 48 letters are sent a vote is called. This is who has definitely sent a letter: Jacob Rees-Mogg , North East Somerset, Jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk Steve Baker , Wycombe, steve.baker.mp@parliament.uk Sheryll Murray , South East Cornwall, sheryll.murray.mp@parliament.uk Anne-Marie Morris , Newton Abbott, annemarie.morris.mp@parliament.uk Lee Rowley , North East Derbyshire, lee.rowley.mp@parliament.uk Henry Smith , Crawley, henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk Simon Clarke , Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, simon.clarke.mp@parliament.uk Peter Bone , Wellingborough, bonep@parliament.uk James Duddridge , Rochford and Southend East, james@jamesduddridge.com Philip Davies , Shipley, daviesp@parliament.uk Andrea Jenkyns , Morley and Outwood, andrea.jenkyns.mp@parliament.uk Andrew Bridgen , North West Leicestershire, andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk Nadine Dorries , Mid Bedfordshire, dorriesn@parliament.uk Laurence Robertson , Tewkesbury, robertsonl@parliament.uk Martin Vickers , Cleethorpes, martin.vickers.mp@parliament.uk Ben Bradley , Mansfield, ben.bradley.mp@parliament.uk Adam Holloway , Gravesham, hollowaya@parliament.uk John Whittingdale , Maldon, john.whittingdale.mp@parliament.uk Maria Caulfield , Lewes, maria.caulfield.mp@parliament.uk Mark Francois , Rayleigh and Wickford, mark.francois.mp@parliament.uk David Jones , Clwyd West, david.jones@parliament.uk Marcus Fysh , Yeovil, marcus.fysh.mp@parliament.uk Chris Green , Bolton West, chris.green.mp@parliament.uk Zac Goldsmith , Richmond Park, zac@zacgoldsmith.com Bill Cash , Stone, cashw@parliament.uk Philip Hollobone , Kettering, philip.hollobone.mp@parliament.uk Andrew Lewer, Northampton South, andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk Crispin Blunt , Reigate, crispinbluntmp@parliament.uk Owen Paterson , Shropshire Patersono@parliament.uk Advertisement 'The Prime Minister is committed to delivering Brexit, and I hugely admire her sense of duty and determination to achieve a deal that is in our country's best interests. 'I have every confidence in Mrs May, and believe we must continue to support the Prime Minister and put any divisions behind us to secure this deal in the interests of the United Kingdom. 'We need to be sensible and pragmatic. There was always going to be a need to compromise on both sides. 'A deal must deliver on the referendum result, which was the democratically expressed wish of the British people. 'This agreement will see us take back control of our money, laws and borders. It will end freedom of movement, while protecting jobs, security and the union.' Mrs May is in a desperate battle to save her political career and Brexit plan as she faces a barrage of attacks from all sides. Some 22 Tory MPs have defied the leadership and announced they are sending letters of no confidence as they join the coup to oust her. If it reaches 48 then a leadership vote will be triggered - potentially paving the way for her to be toppled from No10 and launching a bitter competition for the leadership. Furious Brexiteers today doubled down on their attacks on Mrs May today as a former defence minister blasted 'she just doesn't listen'. Mark Francois, the deputy chairman of the Brexit backing European Research Group, blasted the deal saying: 'Now the details of the deal are available we can see how truly awful it is.' But Steve Baker - shop steward for the Tory Brexiteers who is coordinating the coup - today admitted he does not know how many no confidence letters have been sent in. He told BBC2's Politics Live: 'My number will be inaccurate because people will withdraw letters, they will tell me they have put letters in when they haven't, they will take them out and not tell you they have taken them out.' But he denied that the Brexiteers were 'all sizzle and no steak' and that the attempted coup against Mrs May is falling flat. He said: 'People have been ringing me and they are telling me that they are putting letters in. 'I have spoken to colleagues as well and I think we are probably not far off. I think it is probably imminent.' George Conway, a conservative attorney whose wife is Donald Trump's senior White House counselor, said in an interview released Friday that he decided not to pursue a plum job in the Trump administration's Department of Justice when it became clear the president would constantly be crossing swords with the agency. 'I'm watching this thing and you know its like, the administration is like a sh*tshow in a dumpster fire,' he said. 'If I got this door prize, Im going to be in the middle of a department hes at war with. Why would anybody want to do this?' Conway was under consideration to be director of the DOJ's civil division but withdrew his name last year. 'Im filling out the financial forms and its like I forget what part time of year it was, it was like late April "Man!" Im thinking,' he recalled. He also remembered his reaction to 'the Comey firing, and then you got [Trump] going on TV saying, "I had Russia on my mind," and its like, "Oh, no." And then Im driving home one day from from New York and its like "Robert Mueller appointed special counsel," and then I realized, this guy is going to be at war with the Justice Department. His comments came on the 'Skullduggery' podcast, produced by Yahoo News. George Conway, whom Donald Trump calls 'Mr. Kelleyanne Conway,' has famously jabbed the president despite being married to one of his top advisers; now he says he pulled out of the running for a plum administration job because Trumpworld was a hot mess George was pictured holding Kellyanne's coat in this 2017 photo, taken long before he became a visible Trump critic Conway, already a prominent critic of the president, formed an organization of right-wing lawyers this week whose goal is to push back against Trump. Charter members of the group, called Checks and Balances, include former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, former acting Attorney General Stuart Gerson, former Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty and former Deputy White House Counsel Phillip Brady. Missing from its mission statement is any mention of Conway's wife, who helmed Trump's White House quest and became the first woman to successfully bring a presidential campaign across a November finish line. He told the podcast's hosts that he was immensely proud of her for rescuing a presidential campaign that was 'in the crapper' when she took its reins, even though the result is something he views with disgust. 'My wife did an amazing thing ... She basically got this guy elected. She steadied that boat. He was in the crapper when she took that campaign over,' he said. Mr. Conway has become a visible Trump antagonist; his tweeted barbs become instant news because of a perception that they create friction with his more famous spouse. 'I dont think she likes it,' he said, 'But Ive told her, I dont like the administration so its even.' 'If I had a nickel for everybody in Washington who disagrees with their spouse on something that happens in this town, I wouldnt be on this podcast,' he added. 'Id be probably on a beach somewhere. And the fact of the matter is, when it comes down to things we disagree about, we agree on most policy things.' 'He's just trying to get publicity for himself,' Trump told DailyMail.com last week, saying he doesn't know Mr. Conway He pulled no punches about his disdain for the presidetnt's heavy-handed approach to the DOJ, which included firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions last week. 'It was appalling. Were talking about somebody [Trump] who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States,' said Conway, 'and to criticize the attorney general for permitting justice to be done without regard for political party is very disturbing.' Mr. Conway took issue last week with Trump's appointment of Justice Department Chief of Staff Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general. In a New York Times op-ed, he and a former acting U.S. solicitor general from the Obama administration argued that the selection was unconstitutional. His wife, a well-regarded pollster before she joined the Trump team, said Sunday in a Fox News interview that the critique from inside her own household doesn't faze her. 'It doesn't affect me or my job at all,' she said. 'I've never been doing better personally or professionally. People argue about the Constitution every day. That's why we have the United States Supreme Court. That's why we have an entire U.S. circuit court system.' 'He and his co-author have one opinion, the president and his attorneys have another,' she shrugged. 'Respectfully, I offer my advice to the president in private. I don't need to put it on the opinion pages, because I'm counselor to the president.' The credo of 'Checks and Balances' was signed by 14 prominent right-wing attorneys including former top State and Justice Department officials and a former Bush Administration cabinet member As he departed the White House for France on Friday, President Trump chuckled when DailyMail.com asked him if George Conway's op-ed was flawed. 'You mean Mr. Kellyanne Conway?' he jabbed. 'He's just trying to get publicity for himself. Why dont you do this: Why dont you ask Kellyanne that question, all right? She might know him better than me. I really dont know the guy.' Ms. Conway told Fox News two days later that 'the "Mr. Kellyanne Conway" comment is instructive.' 'People describe my husband as "Kellyanne Conway's husband" more often than they describe him by his first name. So I'm sure the feminists are really cheering me on today.' The Times was first to report the formation of Checks and Balances, which came on the eve of the conservative Federalist Society's annual meeting in Washington. Kellyanne Conway said Sunday on 'Fox News Sunday' that her husband's constitutional quibbles don't bother her at all The Federalist Society's executive vice president, Leonard Leo, has been all-in with Trump, collaborating on the selection of 170 federal judges. So far, 91 of them have been confirmed and seated, including Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. But Lori Meyer, who is married to Federalist Society president Eugene Meyer, is among George Conway's 'Checks and Balances' inner circle. 'My particular concerns are all the disinformation and spin that comes out almost every day,' she said, referring to the Trump White House. 'It makes it impossible for any real dialogue to be had.' John Bellinger, a member who was once Secretary of State Condoleezza rice's top legal adviser, said that conservative lawyers 'are not doing enough to protect constitutional principles that are being undermined by the statements and actions of this president.' A gay pharmacist who murdered his wife for her 2million life insurance was a fantasist who made up lies that the couple were the parents of twins, a court has heard. Mitesh Patel, 37, was obsessed by the idea of having a baby with wife Jessica, 34, it is alleged. But only - the court heard - because he wanted kill her and take the child to live with his male lover, a doctor who lived in Sydney, Australia. Mitesh Patel, 37, ran a pharmacy in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough with his wife Jessica Patel, 34. He is alleged to have strangled her at their Victorian home on May 14 this year using a Tesco bag for life as a ligature Mitesh Patel denies killing his wife Jessica (pictured together in Venice in April 2016). The trial at Teesside Crown Court is expected to last a month, and continues Patel is said to have carried out his murderous plan after Jessica's embryos had been frozen as part of their second round of IVF. He is alleged to have strangled her at their Victorian home in Middlesbrough on May 14 this year using a Tesco bag for life as a ligature. Teesside Crown Court has heard that Patel saw Dr Amit Patel as his soul-mate and their relationship was wrecking his marriage to Jessica. Jurors heard that Patel and Jessica were put under pressure to conceive by his family and he insisted on going through with IVF even though she challenged him about being gay. Patel lied to several people that the couple already had children, including his personal trainer Andy Gray, a gym owner in Middlesbrough. Prosecutor Nicholas Campbell said that Patel was a man who was prone to spinning 'lies and fantasies' about his relationship with Jessica, particularly concerning the children he longed for. Mrs Patel was found dead at the couple's large Victorian home in a wealthy suburb of Middlesbrough on May 14 this year (pictured) Mr Campbell said: 'Mitesh Patel told Andy Gray that he and Jessica had eight month old twins. He told his trainer the twins were conceived using IVF and that Jessica had just returned to work. 'He told him their names were Aaron and Zara and that he was in the habit of making hand prints of the twins every month and was recording a song for their first birthday, that song being 'You Are My Sunshine.' Mr Cambell added to jurors: 'You will be becoming familiar with the lies and fantasies told by Mitesh Patel.' Patel's murder trial began at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. He denies the charge and the trial, which is expected to last around a month, continues The couple had met as children in the West Yorkshire Hindu community, went through university together in Leicester and Manchester and married in Leeds in 2009. But for almost all of their marriage Mitesh Patel was in a relationship with his doctor lover, Amit. Jessica was aware of their relationship but wanted their marriage to work and like him she dreamed of a family - unaware of the murderous plan he was hatching. She told her uncle Sharad Patel of the impact Amit was having on their marriage. Giving evidence in a statement read to the court he said that Jessica confided in him on a family holiday in Spain in 2012. Mr Patel said: 'Jessica was not happy because she and Mitesh were having problems, she said their relationship was not moving forward. 'She said that he would come home from work and go into another room and talk on the phone to a male called Amit, a doctor who now lived in Australia. 'This was happening every night and he would spend hours talking to him. She said she and Mitesh had not had sex for 10 months.' Mitesh and Jessica Patel worked at Roman Road Pharmacy in Middlesbrough. The couple had met as children in the West Yorkshire Hindu community, went through university together in Leicester and Manchester and married in Leeds in 2009 Police spent a lot of time searching the pharmacy on Roman Road in Linthorpe after Ms Patel was found dead. They are pictured here in protective clothing following a search of the premises in May Police investigating the alleged murder focused on the pharmacy the couple ran together. Although Ms Patel was found dead at her Victorian semi-detached house in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough The court has heard that as well as being in a relationship with his 'true love' Amit, Mitesh Patel had regular sexual encounters with men he met on the dating app Grindr. In the hours before he murdered Jessica at their home in the suburb of Linthorpe, he had been on Grindr and a website called Fab Boys. The court has heard that Patel left work early at the pharmacy in Middlesbrough they ran together close to their home and was waiting for Jessica when she got in. He strangled her using his bare hands and the bag for life and then ransacked their home to make it look as though they had been burgled, binding her hands and ankles with duct tape as she was dead or dying. The reason for the murder, the court heard, was so that he could cash in the 2m life insurance he had set up on both of them with instructions that the surviving partner would received 2m. Mr Campbell said: 'Although he had moved to Sydney, the relationship between Mitesh Patel and Amit Patel remained strong. The end game was was still the same, the two of them would in due course be living the life they dreamed of down under. 'They hoped that in Australia the two of them would be raising the child that everyone hoped would come from the relationship between Mitesh and Jessica. 'How was that to be achieved? At least as far as this defendant is concerned it was by killing Jessica Patel - ideally after she had given birth to a child.' Jessica Patel, 34, was found dead at the home she shared with husband Mitesh Patel in May this year. The court heard that for almost all of their marriage Mitesh Patel was in a relationship with his doctor lover, Amit Jessica's father and sister gave evidence today. Her father Jayantilal, a hotel owner, visited his daughter and her husband at their pharmacy earlier on the day of the murder. He told the court that Mitesh Patel had tried to assert his authority over Jessica, dictating whether or not she could visit her family in West Yorkshire. He told his father-in-law hours before killing her : 'I am the dominant one, I can do whatever I want ... it is good that she never questions me,' Mr Patel told the court. Her younger sister Minal also told the court she had concerns about Patel's controlling behaviour towards her sister. She said: 'He would put her down, say things in a very jokey manner but they were very negative things about her. 'At first it seemed like banter but it kept happening, saying negative things about the way she dressed and the way she looked. 'We could tell it was hitting her confidence because she became quite reserved and quiet.' Patel denies murder and the trial, expected to last around a month, continues. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday proposed a major overhaul to the way colleges and universities handle sexual misconduct complaints, adding protections for students accused of assault and harassment and narrowing which cases schools would be required to investigate. Under the plan, schools would have to investigate complaints only if the alleged incidents occurred on campus or other areas overseen by the school, and only if they were reported to certain campus officials with the authority to take action. The Education Department said the proposal ensures fairness for students on both sides of accusations, while offering schools greater flexibility to help victims who don't want to file formal complaints that could trigger an investigation. 'Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment,' DeVos said in a statement. 'That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on. Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined.' DeVos previously said the existing rules pressure schools to take heavy action against students accused of misconduct without giving them a fair chance to defend themselves. Her new proposal adds several provisions meant to protect accused students. They would be allowed to review and respond to all evidence collected by the school, for example, and have a presumption of innocence throughout the disciplinary process. Change: 'Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined,' DeVos said as she unveiled planned new rules for the enforcement of Title IX They could cross-examine their accusers, although it would be done indirectly through a representative to avoid personal confrontation. Opponents say the proposal would deter victims from reporting assaults, and allow schools to shirk responsibility when they do receive complaints. 'If these draft rules go into effect, schools will become more dangerous for all students and more schools will shield harassers and rapists,' Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women's Law Center, said in a statement. Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, said the proposal would be 'a damaging setback for our efforts to prevent campus sexual harassment and assault.' But supporters say the new rules do a better job providing equal treatment to all students. 'By taking the rights of both complainants and accused students seriously, these proposed regulations make important strides toward ensuring that complaints of sexual misconduct will be neither ignored nor prejudged,' said Samantha Harris, vice president for procedural advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. The proposal would effectively tell schools how to apply the 1972 law known as Title IX, which bars discrimination based on sex in schools that receive federal dollars. Schools for years have relied on a series of guidance letters issued by the Obama administration instructing them how to respond to complaints of sexual misconduct. Colleges were required to investigate all student complaints, on campus or off, and any misstep could put them under federal investigation. Advocacy groups for victims say the Obama rules forced schools to stop sweeping the issue under the rug, while advocates for accused students say it tipped the scales in favor of accusers. Some college leaders complained that the rules were too complex and could be overly burdensome. DeVos rescinded an important guidance letter in September 2017, declaring that 'the era of 'rule by letter'' was over. In its place, she issued the 150-page proposal released Friday. Among other changes, it narrows what constitutes sexual harassment. While the 2011 guidance defined it as 'unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature,' the new proposal defines it as unwelcome sexual conduct that's so severe 'it effectively denies a person equal access to the school's education program or activity.' It also allows schools to use a higher standard of proof when weighing cases. The Obama guidance told schools to use a 'preponderance of the evidence' standard, meaning the allegation is 'more likely than not' true. The new proposal would allow a 'clear and convincing' standard, meaning the claim is highly probable. Even if victims don't file a formal complaint, the proposal encourages schools to offer a range of measures to help them continue their studies, including counseling, class schedule changes, dorm room reassignments and no-contact orders for those accused of harming them. It has yet to be seen whether schools would change policies in response to the rules. A statement from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities says it expects schools to 'far exceed' the minimum that's required in Title IX rules. Before the rules can be finalized, the Education Department will gather public input from the public. Russian intelligence has infiltrated the computer infrastructure of a company that processes British visa applications, according to investigative group Bellingcat. The group's latest investigation was into how the GRU agents behind the Skripal attack in Salisbury obtained British visas. Bellingcat, along with Russian website Insider, said they interviewed the former chief technical officer of a company that processes visa applications for several consulates in Moscow, including that of Britain. Russia's FSB security service had a mole in a company used by Britain and other countries to process visa applications, according to a report by investigative group Bellingcat which was looking at how the Skripal attackers (pictured) got into Britain The report suggested this was part of a wider strategy that allowed agents such as those who allegedly poisoned ex-spy Sergei Skripal in England to travel to the West under false identities The former visa official, who fled Russia last year and applied for asylum in the US, said he had been coerced to work with an agent who revealed to him that they had access to the British visa centre's CCTV cameras and had a diagram of the unit's computer network. The investigation did not demonstrate a clear link between the alleged efforts of Russian intelligence to penetrate the visa processing system and Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga, who have been charged with poisoning Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in March. But it does suggest Russian agents were accessing, or attempting to access, foreign countries' visa processes. The man also said officers from Russia's FSB agency told him in spring 2016 that they were going to send two people to Britain and asked for his assistance with the visa applications. The timing points to the first reported trip to Britain of the two men, who travelled under the names of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov. The man said he told the FSB there was no way he could influence the decision-making on visa applications. The investigative website previously uncovered passport documents of Alexander Mishkin, who travelled to Britain under the name of Alexander Petrov Official documents from Russia showed the agent known as 'Boshirov' was Anatoly Chepiga He said he was coerced to sign an agreement to collaborate with the FSB after one of its officers threatened to jail his mother, and was asked to create a 'back door' to the computer network. He said he sabotaged those efforts before he fled Russia in early 2017. In September, British intelligence released surveillance images of the agents of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency who are accused of the nerve agent attack on double agent Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Bellingcat and The Insider quickly exposed the agents' real names and the media corroborated their real identities. When previously asked about the men's visas, a Home Office spokesman said: 'Applications of this type would be decided by a visa officer in the UK and not in the British Embassy in Moscow.' The British Embassy is Russia is a grand tower block building on the banks of the River Moskva. But visas are handled by a private company A former death row inmate was arrested just one day after prosecutors dropped sex trafficking charges against him. Isaiah McCoy, from Delaware, was released on Tuesday after a 10-count indictment against him was dismissed. The allegations included that he forced, threatened and coerced women into prostitution in Hawaii. He had been held without bail in the Honolulu Federal Detention Center since January awaiting a trial. Isaiah McCoy (pictured), from Delaware, was arrested just one day after prosecutors dropped sex trafficking charges against him (undated booking photo) The day after his release he attempted to travel to Philadelphia to attend an event organized by Witness to Innocence, an anti-death penalty nonprofit. Upon his release McCoy's ID wasn't returned to him, however he planned to be able to prove his identity to airport security workers. But while trying to verify McCoy's identity they found a warrant for his arrest. A spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety, Toni Schwartz said that Sheriffs arrested McCoy on an outstanding traffic warrant. McCoy walked free after a retrial for the murder of James Munford after being on death row Following his arrest he posted $200 bail and was released from custody. McCoy said: 'They put me in handcuffs and marched me through the airport.' He added that authorities gave him back a duffel bag of his clothes after his release Tuesday, but not his ID and other belongings including cash and phones. He said he and a lawyer tried to ask the U.S. attorney's office to help verify his identity so he could travel. A spokeswoman for the office wouldn't confirm or deny information about McCoy's ID or attempts to help verify his identity. McCoy was reunited with his family after being acquitted by a judge McCoy said he went to Honolulu police headquarters Thursday to see if they had his ID because it was officers from the department who arrested him in January. Police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said his ID was among the items officers took into evidence, but the department turned it over to federal authorities. Less than a year before his Hawaii arrest, McCoy was released from death row in Delaware. A jury found him guilty of murder in Delaware, and he was sentenced to death. Five years later, he was released after a judge found him not guilty of murder during a retrial. McCoy posed with his family outside the prison he was released from in 2016 McCoy was convicted and sentenced to death in 2012, but Delaware's Supreme Court ordered a new trial, citing errors by the judge and prosecutor at trial. The Supreme Court also criticized the prosecutor for 'pervasive unprofessional conduct.' McCoy, who has a long criminal history, maintained his innocence in the case (undated booking photo) McCoy, who has a long criminal history, maintained his innocence in the case. He was accused of shooting Munford to death during a drug deal in the rear parking lot of the Rodney Village Bowling Alley on May 4, 2010. The deal was supposed to be for 200 ecstasy pills and crack cocaine, but during the transaction, McCoy pulled out a gun and shot Munford, according to prosecutors. The Kent County judge who retried McCoy noted that there was no physical evidence linking McCoy to the crime. He also said the two alleged accomplices gave contradictory testimony against him. After walking free, McCoy told Delaware Online: 'I just want to say to all those out there going through the same thing I'm going through 'keep faith, keep fighting'. 'Two years ago, I was on death row. At 25, I was given a death sentence and I am today alive and well and kicking and a free man.' He added that he planned to spend the next days with his daughters and to let his new situation sink in. 'Give myself some time, and then I'll be ready to tackle the world,' he said. A spokesman for the Department of Justice said prosecutors were disappointed by the verdict from Kent County Superior Court Judge Robert B. Young. A spokesman said: 'While we are disappointed with the outcome of this case, we respect the decision of this court. This was a difficult case and the court indicated the basis for its decision at the time of the verdict.' Florida school gunman Nikolas Cruz asked the brother of a student he had just shot for a ride after the massacre, authorities say. The 19-year-old shooter had fled with other students to a nearby McDonald's after he opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on February 14. Cruz approached one student, John Wilford, who was waiting for his mother to pick him up and asked if he could also have a ride. Wilford's 17-year-old sister Maddy had just moments before been severely injured when she was shot in the chest, abdomen and arm by Cruz. Scroll down for video Nikolas Cruz asked the brother of a student he had just shot for a ride after he opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14 Cruz asked the brother of a student he had just shot, Maddy Wilford, for a ride after the massacre, authorities say. Maddy is pictured with her father above at a press conference weeks after the shooting where she thanked first responders for saving her life The details of Cruz's conversation with the victim's brother were revealed by Pinellas County Sheriff's Sgt. John Suess on Thursday at the public safety commission, which is investigating the shooting. 'Its my belief this is pure happenstance that he sits at a table with the brother of one of his victims,' Suess said, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Suess said Cruz was 'pretty pushy' when he asked Wilford for a ride. Wilford then left the McDonald's and Cruz followed shortly after. Wilford had apparently rebuffed his request for a ride. Cruz then walked off on his own before being spotted by an officer and arrested about two miles from the school. Maddy, meanwhile, was treated in hospital for her injuries after being found bleeding heavily inside the school building. At a press conference just weeks after the massacre, Maddy - who underwent multiple surgeries to remove bullet fragments - tearfully thanked the first responder who saved her life. After Cruz's request for a ride was rebuffed by Wilford, he walked off alone and was arrested (pictured above) moments later by officers just two miles from the school Cruz faced court again this week on charges of attacking a detention officer at the county jail where he has been held ever since the shooting. He now faces new assault charges, including use of the officer's electric stun device, authorities said Wednesday. His bail for the assault charge was set at $200,000 but he won't be released because he's being held without bond on the murder charges. The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed that Cruz assaulted Sgt. Raymond Beltran around 6pm on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Cruz already faces the death penalty in the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that killed 17 people and wounded 17 others. He's pleaded not guilty in the shooting but his lawyers say he would plead guilty in exchange for a life prison sentence. The family of a zookeeper killed when she was mauled by a tiger in a 'freak accident' must wait until next May to learn why she died. Rosa King, 33, suffered 'traumatic injuries' in the attack by the Malayan tiger Cicip in its enclosure at Hamerton Zoo Park in Cambridgeshire. The eight-year-old male big cat is still on show at the zoo after staff said it would not put her down, a decision 'fully supported' by Miss King's parents and family. Assistant Coroner for Cambridgeshire Nicholas Moss told a pre-inquest review today at Huntington Town Hall that the inquest will next year be heard before a jury. An inquest into the death of zookeeper Rosa King, pictured, 33, will take place next summer after she was mauled by a tiger and killed last year Miss King's father Peter, pictured, was at the hearing alongside a female companion. He and Rosa's mother Andrea both supported the decision to keep the tiger alive and at the zoo The inquest hearing was also attended by Miss King's fellow keeper Katherine Adams, right, and her mother Andrea, left, who said her daughter 'lived and breathed' her job after the death Eight-year-old male Malayan tiger Cicip, pictured, killed Rosa in a 'freak accident' last year Legal issues and other matters relating to the upcoming inquests were discussed at the hearing but cannot be reported due to restrictions. Mr Moss added that another review will be take place in May. A full inquest has also has been provisionally listed and will be heard over two weeks next year in July. The hearing was attended by Rosa's father Peter King, 57, among other relatives and representatives from the Zoo. He and his wife Andrea King, 55, had previously described their daughter as a 'very caring, generous person' who was living her dream looking after wild animals. A statement released by the family after her death said: 'Peter and Andrea, the proud parents of Rosa King, would like to thank all those that have shown an abundance of love and sympathy at the passing of our beloved daughter. 'Rosa was a dedicated professional when it came to her work. 'She lived and breathed a vocation that meant the world to her, living her dream. Miss King, pictured with another tiger at the zoo, was described as a 'very caring and generous person' in tributes The keeper, pictured feeding another tiger, was also praised for her 'understanding' of animals 'She had a care and understanding of her animals that was a joy and privilege to behold. 'As well as our daughter, Rosa was a big sister to her brother Mark, who like his parents, had nothing but love and admiration for her. 'Rosa was passionate about animals from the age of 2 when she first sat on the back of a horse. After that, her life was always going to be about animals. 'She lived her life to the full and was a very caring, generous person.' Hamerton Zoo at the time of Rosa's death, described it as a 'freak accident'. Since Ms Kings' death it has been revealed that the zoo was warned about safety procedures. Four years previously inspectors raised concerns over 'ageing' fencing and safety barriers and 'escape protocol' procedures in a report back in 2013. Investigations were carried out by police and Huntingdonshire District Council following the death and the results have not yet been made public But a spokesman for Huntingdonshire District Council - responsible for licensing the zoo - later confirmed 'all of the conditions on that report were fully complied with'. The zoo's licence has been renewed until in 2019. The wildlife park opened in June 1990 and covers 25 acres. It includes enclosures for Malaysian tigers, Bengal tigers, cheetahs, wolves, corsac foxes, kangaroos as well as a variety of birds, reptiles and domestic animals. The zoo opened a new enclosure for its Malaysian tigers in July 2016. A young Somali refugee who had just obtained protected status in Italy after arriving through Sicily last year has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 68-year-old woman. Saleban Nuur Shaieb, who is reportedly homeless, is alleged to have attacked the victim while she was sunbathing on a beach in Abruzzo, in the east of Italy. He pushed her to the ground so hard that she hit her head against the stones on the beach before he raped her, local news website Repubblica reported. Before going down to the beach Shaieb, 20, reportedly stripped naked in a nearby street and started publicly masturbating, leading some local merchants to call the police. The 20-year-old man stripped naked and masturbated in public before going down to a beach in Italy's Abruzzo region where he attacked a woman pensioner The victim was able to break free and ran into the sea just as law enforcement arrived. She was taken to hospital with a head injury and skin abrasions while Shaieb was arrested. 'I thought he wanted to kill me,' she reportedly told the doctors treating her. Repubblica reported that Shaieb received it his protection status order from Italian authorities a month ago, almost one year after he arrived in Sicily, one of the European gateways for those who travel across the Mediterranean from Africa. Italian deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini posted a furious tweet about the incident, describing the accused as a 'worm' The Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who leads the right-wing populist party Lega and advocates for tighter border controls, responded furiously to the incident on Twitter. 'A 20-year-old Somali, who arrived in Italy on a barge, strips naked and then attacks a 68-year-old woman, wounding her and sexually assaulting her. This is gratitude for obtaining protection from Italy! WORM!' he wrote. Salvini, a Eurosceptic often compared to Donald Trump, has criticized EU policy on refugees and asylum seekers for turning Italy into what he has called 'Europe's refugee camp'. President Donald Trump could allow the government to shut down next month, if Congress refuses the full pot of money he's demanding for his border wall. Trump has not said what he will do when Congress sends him its next spending bill, while indicating multiple times over the past few months that he'll veto the legislation, unless he gets the $5 billion that he wants. Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, didn't commit to one position or the other on Friday as lawmakers skipped town for the Thanksgiving holiday yet stated on Fox: 'The president is keeping all options open he's made that clear. President Donald Trump could allow the government to shut down next month, if Congress refuses the full pot of money he's demanding for his border wall Trump has not said what he will do when Congress sends him its next spending bill, while indicating multiple times over the past few months that he'll veto the legislation, unless he gets the $5 billion that he wants Trump gave lawmakers a pass on funding for his border wall at the last go around as the begged him not to tank their odds of reelection. Now their penance is coming due, and Trump is likely to collect. Conway said that lawmakers 'have failed to meet the presidents modest demands' for nearly two years. 'Congress needs to act. Congress needs to act on the wall funding, but Congress also needs to act on immigration,' she told Fox & Friends on Friday morning. After a meeting with senators leading the appropriations process the day before at the White House, a spokesman offered a typical readout that mentioned border security but did not get into the weeds of the discussion about the president's border wall. 'The President met with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Senators Shelby and Thune in the Oval Office to discuss the lame duck agenda, including the farm bill, government appropriations including border security disaster relief funding, nominations, and prison reform,' said Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley. Back on Capitol Hill, the chairman of the Appropriations panel, Shelby, said that exact numbers for funding the border wall were not discussed. 'I said we shouldnt ever want to shut down the government,' he told reporters after the meeting, according to The Hill. 'I think maybe he agreed, I dont know,' Shelby added. The GOP lawmaker said it was a 'nice discussion' and the president was 'in a good mood' during the opening round of negotiations. Trump gave lawmakers a pass on funding for his border wall at the last go around as the begged him not to tank their odds of reelection. Now their penance is coming due, and Trump is likely to collect McConnell shared similar sentiments, The Hill reported. ''We had a good discussion about funding the government and the other sort of year-end items and were optimistic well be able to get that done, get the Farm bill done,' the GOP leader said. He told press, 'We talked about border security and how to resolve this. Were optimistic we have a way forward.' Trump has threatened at several turns to allow a partial government shutdown is legislators deny him the rest of the money he needs to complete his border way.. 'If we don't get border security after many, many years of talk within the United States, I would have no problem doing a shutdown,' he said in July. Conversations with McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan initially changed his mind, and he acknowledged to 'Fox & Friends' shortly after that he could hurt Republicans and offer a victory to Democrats as they were preparing for an election battle. 'We need Republicans elected in the midterms,' he said. W'e are getting the wall done. But I've had so many people, good people, great people, they would rather not do before, they'd rather do it right after the election.' He claimed he had a 'commitment' from McConnell and Ryan and 'everybody' that he would get what he wants in the bill that's being negotiated now. Trump appeared to have second thoughts in late September, though, tweeting: 'I want to know, where is the money for Border Security and the WALL in this ridiculous Spending Bill, and where will it come from after the Midterms? Dems are obstructing Law Enforcement and Border Security. REPUBLICANS MUST FINALLY GET TOUGH!' Yet a week later, he said he would sign the bill before him, declaring, 'Were going to keep the government open.' Congress has until Dec. 7 to finish its work on a set of appropriations bills, after lawmakers approved five areas of spending authorization but failed to come to an agreement on seven others. The bill that passed in September included an extension of funding that staved off a partial shutdown and punted on the overall problem. The fight comes as Trump weighs changes to his staff and Cabinet, including the future of his Homeland Security secretary. A government shutdown would slow roll Trump's other priorities such as his nominations to the court and nominations to executive positions. This is the hilarious moment an MP for Vladimir Putin's party tickles one of his colleague's ears to break the boredom of a speech during a parliamentary session. The bizarre scenes were recorded in the Russian State Duma, the lower chamber of Russian Parliament. In the video, MP Nadezhda Maximova from Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, can be seen giving a speech about tax codes and budget amendments with Oleg Bykov, 35, an MP from the same party, sat behind her with a vacant look on his face. A hand then comes into shot and tickles the ear of Oleg Bykov, 35, an MP for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party A hand then comes into shot, believed to belong to United Russia MP Yuri Petrov, 71, and it makes its way towards Bykov's ear without him realising. Petrov then tickles Bykov, who gives a smirk at his colleague's antics. Mikhail Romanov, State Duma Regulations Committee Deputy Chairman, said the incident does not violate any ethical norms. He said: 'I have watched the video, and I haven't seen anything violating regulations or ethical norms.' MP Otari Arshba joked about the incident, saying: 'I have seen the video, I am sure Bykov got distracted and Petrov told him "listen to the budget talks, you have to sharpen your ear and listen".' The hand (seen creeping its way toward the MP's ear) is believed to belong to United Russia MP Yuri Petrov, 71 - but he denies it was him Bykov flinches away from the hand while trying to maintain a straight face during the session Yuri Petrov confirmed he was present during the session, but said he knew nothing about the incident. This not the first time Russian politicians have been caught on camera acting childishly. Close Putin ally Igor Sechin recently used Tic Tac mints to create vampire fangs and scare a colleague for which he was criticised for be being 'childish'. Widely considered to be Russia's second-most powerful person after President Putin, Sechin was criticised by netizens for behaving childishly. President Donald Trump warned the political press corps on Friday not to rejoice too loudly about a court decision that forced him to temporarily restore the press pass the White House confiscated last week from CNN reporter Jim Acosta. He predicted he will ultimately win CNN's lawsuit challenging the White House's action, which a federal judge ruled had singled out Acosta and denied him a constitutionally guaranteed 'due process' to defend himself. Trump said the White House is now 'writing up rules and regulations' to create a process that can be used to punish unruly reporters who don't maintain what he called 'decorum' during press conferences. 'Were setting up a certain statndard which is what the court is requesting,' he said, adding that 'with the rules and regulations, we will end up back in court and we will win.' Judge Timothy Kelly said Friday that Jim Acosta's free-press rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outweigh 'the governments interest in orderly, respectful press conferences.' He declared in a stinging defeat for the president in his war on 'fake news' that the White House failed to give Acosta 'due process,' something guaranteed in government proceedings under the Fifth Amendment. And he suggested that the White House exaggerated its contention that Acosta physically interfered with a female intern last week as she tried to reclaim a press conference microphone. President Donald Trump brushed off a judge's ruling on Friday that restored CNN journalist Jim Acosta's revoked press pass, saying he'llwin in the end once there's an established process for punishing unruly reporters Acosta was wearing his White House 'hard pass' (the gray ID card, pictured) when he returned to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Friday after winning a temporary restraining order The reporter became the reported on Friday as journalists swarmed Acosta upon his return to the White House Trump had his own gaggle of reporters quizzing him about the court ruling, but he said the White House was writing 'rules and regulations' to govern future cancellations of press passes Acosta returned to the White House a few hours later, mobbed by photographers and wearing his 'hard pass,' the same one taken from him last Wednesday by a uniformed Secret Service officer who stopped him at the Pennsylvania Avenue gate. 'I want to thank all of my colleagues in the press who supported us this week,' he said outside the federal courthouse in Washington. 'And I want to thank the judge for the decision he made today. And let's go back to work.' While Kelly ordered the White House to let Acosta back in the building, he said Trump and his spokespeople aren't obligated to call on him during press conferences or let him ask questions. He also said the White House isn't under any obligation to host reporters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but it also can't play favorites. Trump signaled Friday that he is still upset by Acosta's decision last week to badger him instead of handing the microphone to a female intern when he was told his question time in a press onference was over. 'You can't take three questions and four questions. You can't stand up and not sit down,' he vented. 'When I see the way some of my people get treated at news conferences, it's terrible.' He also warned that he has 'the option of leaving' a press conference early if Acosta's tactics become the norm, 'and the other media and press in the room won't be happy.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders watched as Trump spoke about the CNN ruling; she claimed a small victory earlier based on Judge Timothy Kelly's ruling that reporters have no 'absolute' First Amendment right to do their work from inside the White House A government lawyer told Judge Timothy Kelly on Wednesday that Trump, pictured during a fateful Nov. 7 press conference, would be within his legal rights to ban all reporters from the White House; Kelly agreed in principle but said that once the administration let them in it had to treat all reporters equally White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tried to squeeze a drop of lemonade out of Judge Kelly's lemons. 'Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House,' she said in a statement. 'In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporters hard pass. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future.' Sanders ended by saying that in the Trump administration, 'There must be decorum at the White House.' There was near-unanimity in the political press corps' backing of CNN, with more than a dozen news outlets signaling they would formally submit a supportive brief to Judge Kelly. Only One America News Network, a conservative outlet, publicly sided with Trump. Kelly, a Trump appointee, emphasized that his ruling was temporary, saying: 'I have not determined that the First Amendment was violated here.' 'I want to emphasize the very limited nature of this ruling,' he said, explaining that he only granted CNN's emergency request on the basis that the White House's decision seemed arbitrary. He also explained that if the White House had canceled Acosta's press pass based on a belief that he was a safety or security threat, it might have been forgiven for acting without notice. But Kelly sided with CNN, ensuring Acosta will be able to re-enter the White House grounds. He noted that the government's attorneys couldn't tell him on Wednesday who had made the final decision to yank Acosta's credentials, an indication that no formal process was involved. 'Whatever process occurred within the government is still so shrouded in mystery that the government could not tell me at oral argument who made the initial decision to revoke Mr. Acosta's press pass,' he said. Acosta left the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. after hearing the positive ruling In a tense but brief hearing, Kelly also said the White House's claim that Kelly physically put his hands on a female intern during the Nov. 7 press conference was of 'questionable accuracy.' In a statement, CNN said, 'We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press.' On the air, the network's correspondents gloated. Media reporter Brian Stelter crowed that Trump 'doesn't want to acknowledge what real news is, so he lashed out' at Acosta, a reporter he has battled over and over. CNN argued in court that the Trump administration was capriciously punishing Acosta because of his public advocacy in opposition to the president's policies. CNN attorney Ted Boutrous said outside the courthouse that 'this is a great day for the First Amendment and for journalism.' Judge Kelly did give the White House some legal options, including the establishment of a formal procedure for making decisions like the one it unilaterally handed down. Acosta and his network sued the president and other White House officials after he was banned from the building following a contentious press conference in which he argued with President Trump and refused to surrender a microphone He also hinted that CNN would ultimately prevail on First Amendment grounds, saying that while the administration isn't under any obligation to host reporters on White House grounds, it's unconstitutional to exclude some reporters while accepting others. A Trump administration lawyer argued on Wednesday that Acosta has disrupted media events and interfered with one press conference last week by refusing to surrender a microphone and touching the intern who tried to reclaim it. The government attorney also argued that the president would be within his legal rights to send the entire press corps packing. 'If the president wants to exclude all reporters from the White House grounds, he has the authority to do that,' the attorney said during a closely watched court hearing. He was describing a scenario where the administration would move reporters, editors, TV producers and camera operators to another government facility and not speculating about limiting their ability to report or publish, according to a White House aide who declined to be identified on Thursday. Any theoretical disruption to the close-in access journalists enjoy in the headquarters of the world's most powerful government would send news organizations howling. That prospect didn't faze the official who spoke to DailyMail.com and said: 'What, like they're going to hate us more?' Trump said Wednesday that CNN's Jim Acosta, who has been banned from the White House complex for the past eight days, is 'bad for the country.' The lawyer said hours later that 'theres no First Amendment right' to be physically present in the building Trump works. Acosta, he said, 'is just somebody who gets up and grandstands. He doesnt even know what hes asking you half of the time.' CNN attorney Ted Boutrous spoke to reporters following a hearing Wednesday as a protester held up a sign for news cameras Acosta saw his press pass revoked last Wednesday after he clashed with an intern over a press conference microphone and harangued President Donald Trump The president's comments on the controversy were his first since his legal team fired a salvo at CNN hours earlier, responding to a lawsuit the network filed after Acosta lost his press credentials. That followed a clash with a female White House intern over a microphone during a Nov. 7 press conference. 'Well see how the court rules,' Trump told The Daily Caller, asking whether 'it['s] freedom of the press when somebody comes in and starts screaming questions and wont sit down.' 'He was very rude to the young lady,' he said of the intern, who the White House has declined to identify. 'I really think that when you have guys like Acosta, I think theyre bad for the country. ... Hes just an average guy whos a grandstander,' Trump said, while acknowledging that Acosta is a reporter 'whos got the guts to stand up and shout.' In a legal filing Wednesday, the White House argued that '[n]o journalist has a First Amendment right to enter the White House.' Trump, the administration claimed, doesn't have to justify his decision constitutionally 'whenever he exercises his discretion to deny an individual journalist one of the many hundreds of passes granting instant access to the White House complex.' The White House's argument is centers on a reading of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees the freedom to publish, but not to attend White House functions on-demand. 'The President and his staff have absolute discretion over which journalists they grant interviews to, as well as over which journalists they acknowledge at press events,' Trump's Justice Department lawyers argued. President Trump, pictured Wednesday during a Diwali ceremony at the White House, has tussled with Acosta regularly and shows no sign of relenting The White House argued Wednesday that it was within its constitutional rights to bar Acosta, just as it can choose who gets Oval Office interviews, who can attend press conferences and who the president will call on for questions The government's response to CNN's lawsuit points out that the network still has 'roughtly 50 other employees' with hard passes, and that they're capable of covering the White House from inside the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue campus The Trump campaign started raising money over the legal battle on Wednesday 'That broad discretion necessarily includes discretion over which journalists receive on-demand access to the White House grounds and special access during White House travel for the purpose of asking questions of the President or his staff.' The administration contended that CNN has't suffered from Acosta's forced exile since roughly 50 of its other employees still have 'hard passes' that grant them on-demand entry. The network 'is not limited in what it can broadcast, or even what it can report from the numerous CNN-affiliated reporters who continue to hold hard press passes,' the response to Tuesday's lawsuit reads. And it blames Acosta for making a 'decision to engage in conduct that disrupts press events and impedes other reporters from asking questions,' saying that's 'a more-than-sufficient reason for revoking his hard pass.' Acosta lost access to the building hours after refusing to give up the microphone when the president said he had answered enough of his questions. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement last week that Acosta 'physically refused to surrender a White House microphone to an intern.' That appeared to be softer language than her earlier claim that he placed 'his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job.' CNN vigorously disputed the implication that there was anything more than minor physical contact. Acosta, who has frequently clashed with President Trump during persistent questioning, lost access to the White House on Wednesday night Advertisement These pictures show the 'ring of steel' around Britain's Christmas markets this year with armed police patrolling the stalls and shoppers facing security checks on their way in amid fears of a terror attack. Armed officers with deadly assault rifles have been mingling with revellers enjoying bratwurst, mince pies and mulled wine at marketplaces surrounded by bulky concrete barriers this festive season. As well as uniformed officers, undercover police will be patrolling the busy beer halls and gift shops in a bid to keep the country safe. Police and intelligence chiefs have warned that the UK terror threat remains 'severe', meaning an attack is considered 'highly likely'. Shoppers in Manchester enter the Christmas markets. All of the entrances and exits to the marketplace are protected by metal arches draped in faux greenery and each doorway is separated from the next by concrete crash barriers Festive candy canes and Christmas greenery cannot hide the fact that shoppers have to pass through a steel archway surrounded by concrete bollards to enter the 2018 Manchester Christmas Markets open across Manchester City Centre A huge Santa looks out over Albert Square as the Manchester Christmas Markets open but he is protected by concrete bollards surrounding the square Between Christmas trees and twinkling lights, heavily-armed police officers toting automatic weapons patrol Manchester The Christmas period is underway with shoppers browsing gifts and buying mulled wine from stalls, but between the throngs of people armed police are in attendance in Manchester On the edges of Manchester's Christmas Market in Albert Square there is a highly visible police presence following 2016's ISIS atrocity at a similar market in Berlin Visitors to markets in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham have been penned in hefty blockades, designed to stop vehicle-ramming attacks like the ones which rocked in London last year. Shoppers will be subject to stop and search checks before going into the markets, in a bit to prevent attackers from concealing weapons or explosives Incident response units are stationed close to the festivities, ready to react to a sudden emergency if terrorists do target the crowded markets. Fears of attacks on festive shoppers have been heightened since December 2016 when an IS fanatic ploughed a lorry into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people. These pictures show the increased measures implemented by police in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds after markets opened to the public last weekend. They have been put in place amid fears of an imminent terror attack in Britain. The extra security measures in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, implemented after markets opened last weekend, have appeared as MI5 regards the terror threat level as 'severe'. Tensions are high after three vehicle-ramming attacks in a period of three months London last year, as terrorists targeted pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and in Finsbury Park. Vehicle-ramming onslaughts in Stockholm, Nice, Barcelona and New York City have also raised fears of similar attacks. However, there have not been any terrorist attacks in the UK in 2018, compared with four last year, including the Manchester Arena bombing. Metal arches and lockable crash barrier protect the entrance to the Christmas market in Birmingham city centre from any potential terrorist threat. Heavy-duty retractable steel bollards line the perimeter of the Birmingham festive extravaganza Specially-erected CCTV cameras overlook the quaint wooden scene where Birmingham's Christmas shoppers are starting to get in the festive spirit The metal arches in Birmingham (pictured) are rather less whimsical than the ones in Manchester, but the conrete bollards are the same A pedestrian walks inside the ring of steel and concrete, benefiting from some protection against a potential terrorist outrage Security officers in high visibility coats operate the Birmingham barrier allowing vehicles inside the protected area In the shadow of the London Eye in London, visitors to the Southbank Christmas Market have to have their bags searched by security operatives Christmas trees inside the protective cordon stand in sharp contract to the prominent security signage on the way in Shoppers and security personnel seem in good spirits as they chat to each other while bag searches are conducted in London A New York police detective who accused her supervisor of texting her photos of his genitals has won a $300,000 settlement after a lengthy six-year battle. Shemalisca Vasquez, now 40, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit back in 2012 against now-retired NYPD lieutenant Ruben Caban. Her civil rights attorney Eric Sanders revealed on Thursday that they had finally settled the lawsuit with the city for $300,000. It is not yet clear if Caban has to pay any of that sum. The lawsuit initially sought $30million. Shemalisca Vasquez, who was an officer in the Bronx-based Transit Task Force division at the time, filed a lawsuit back in 2012 against now-retired NYPD lieutenant Ruben Caban Vasquez, who would not comment about the settlement, simply said: 'The case is finally over'. Vasquez claimed Caban would text her lewd pictures of his erect penis, including one message that read: 'I hope you like! Was bored and thinking!' She described working under Caban, who was her direct supervisor at the time, as 'very stressful'. Vasquez has remained with the NYPD since filing the lawsuit and is now a detective. Vasquez, who was working as an officer within the Bronx-based Transit Task Force division at the time, claimed Caban would text her lewd pictures of his erect penis and other pornographic material to her on and off-duty. In one text message, Caban sent her a message of him holding his penis and wrote: 'I hope you like! Was bored and thinking!' The lawsuit also alleged that Caban would routinely offer to increase her overtime, afford her preferential assignments and days off in exchange for having sex with him. Vasquez claimed that whenever she repeatedly turned away Caban's unwanted sexual advances, he would give her 'punishment assignments', reduce her overtime and deny her days off. Vasquez has remained with the NYPD since filing the lawsuit and is now a detective The sexual harassment occurred between February 1, 2010 and November 8, 2010, according to the lawsuit. Vasquez said she complained in 2010 to the Bronx District Attorney's Office, United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, NYPD Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and the Internal Affairs Bureau. She said she never heard back from them, despite numerous follow-up calls. Her attorney subsequently filed the lawsuit against the city in August 2012. 'Unfortunately, from our point of view, whenever 'Females of Color' complain about sexual harassment and related conduct in the workplace their complaints are routinely ignored by the NYPD management,' Sanders said. Sanders said that the management routinely violated federal and state civil rights laws by failing to take appropriate action to ensure that the workplace was free of sexual harassment and related conduct. A shocking fight took place at a Louisiana McDonald's as fists and hair were thrown in all directions. While costumers and workers were fighting inside the fast-food chain, two others were wrestling on the hood of a car outside. The footage shows multiple people involved in a nasty brawl inside the McDonald's restaurant. The camera then pans over to show a person with their pants down, appearing to struggle with another person on the hood of the car. A fight erupted between workers and customers at a Louisiana McDonald's Meanwhile, two men wrestle on the hood of a car as one's pants fall down The camera pans back and forth between inside and outside. Earlier reports said that those on the hood of the car were having sex, as the person on top's bare buttocks is exposed. However, it appears the two men were fighting. The video was posted on World Star Hip Hop with the caption: 'This went down in Louisiana McDonald's. Flip Flops & weave everywhere.' It's unclear who exactly is involved and why the brawl began in the first place. However, an employee is seen attempting to pull another worker in uniform away from the fight. This comes as multiple videos have caught customers and McDonald's employees brawling around the country. This is the incredible moment a driver had to swerve out of the way of a massive fireball from a car pile-up on a motorway that killed four people. In the clip, a burning car explodes sending a huge flare across the road that nearly strikes the passing vehicle. The incident was captured on the M4 highway near the city of Rostov-on-Don on November 14. The passing driver has to swerve out of the way when a car explodes, sending shrapnel across the road The pile-up, involving at least ten vehicles, was captured on the M4 highway near the city of Rostov-on-Don on November 14 Footage captured from inside a vehicle driving on the opposite lane of the traffic shows a pile-up of at least ten vehicles. Russian media reported that at least four people were killed in the smash. Both driver and passenger could be heard saying: 'Look at these cars, it's unbelievable.' Smoke is seen billowing from a lorry as the driver passes the huge pile-up in the opposite lane Suddenly a burning car explodes and a massive fire ball is launched in front of their vehicle As they moved along the road the car on fire explodes sending a massive flare across the highway that nearly hits them. The passenger says: 'Oh my god, what was that?! I filmed it, I filmed this blast.' Both driver and passenger survived with no injuries. This is the adorable moment a tiny baby hippo tried to scare off an adult rhino away from a watering hole. Clive Else, a wildlife enthusiast, from Johannesburg, filmed the incredible encounter in the bush at Welgevonden Game Reserve, in Limpopo, South Africa. The precocious hippopotamus calf tries his luck by attempting to scare off his massive opponents from some tasty grazing grass and drinking water. A baby hippo faces up to a rhino in a wildlife reserve at Welgevonden Game Reserve, in Limpopo, South Africa The tiny hippo opens his mouth and does a 'threat pose' as it tries to scare the rhino away from the watering hole During the video, the young hippo attempts several times to scare off the large rhino whose two pals are just out of shot. Each time the hippo backs down and runs back to the water, but quickly emerges again to try his luck. The little creature even opens his mouth in the threat posture adult hippos use to show off their huge tusks - except this baby hippo has very tiny tusks. Mr Else was on a weekend bush break with his wife at Nungubane Lodge when he spotted the action out on a game drive with a game reserve guide. The baby hippos cuddles against it's mother, taken by wildlife enthusiast Clive Else Opening it's mouth, the young hippos tries to look scary as it tries several times to chase the hippo away He said: 'At first I could not believe what was going on in front of us as we pulled up at the water hole. 'Initially I thought it was a baby rhino wanting to join an adult group, there were three sub-adult males in a bachelor group grazing on the bank of the water hole. 'But I quickly realised it was too small, it was a hippo and its mum was lurking in the water a few metres away.' The defense lawyer of Making a Murderer convict Steven Avery has revealed new evidence fans didn't see in the second season of the Netflix show and claims she has a new suspect in the grisly murder case. The popular program aired its second season last month, detailing the allegedly wrongful convictions of Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey in the 2005 murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Avery's lawyer Kathleen Zellner says there's much more to the story and points towards Dassey's brother Bobby as a new murder suspect. She dropped her bombshell evidence in a 20-tweet thread on Thursday saying: 'Making a Murderer watchers, listen up. I'm going to walk you through what I've learned through my investigation that you didn't see in the show.' Steven Avery, 56, and his nephew Brendan Dassey, 29, are serving life sentences for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach, 25, in Wisconsin. But new evidence presented by Avery's lawyer may clear their names Avery's lawyer Kathleen Zellner shared new evidence in the case on Thursday pointing to Brendan's brother Bobby Dassey as a new murder suspect In her thread she says that victim Halbach, a photographer for Auto Trader, called the Dassey landline to ask for directions to the Avery Salvage Yard (ASY) on October 31, 2005. She says the suspect then contacted Halbach to give her the Dassey address and followed her after she left the salvage yard in her RAV4 vehicle and got her to pull over. This transpired as Avery was in his trailer at the salvage yard. 'She opened the cars rear cargo door to retrieve her camera, was knocked to the ground and struck with an object. [Halbach] was put in the rear cargo area of the RAV4 and driven back to ASY,' Zellner said. She claims the car was later seen leaving the salvage yard and Halbach's body was burned in a burn barrel. A burn barrel at the Dassey residence was found with human bones. Zellner added the Dassey garage was never luminoled or DNA tested. On Twitter she presented new evidence saying the suspect had access to the Dassey's landline phone number and knew Steven Avery. Zellner said Halbach could have been killed in a 'rage killing motivated by rejection'. Pictured Bobby Dassey She posted a 20-tweet thread on Thursday announcing the new murder suspect and hinting that it's Brendan's brother Bobby Dassey Zellner said the new murder suspect was a person who had access to Steven Avery's salvage yard and the opportunity to plant his blood in Halbach's car Steven Avery was jailed after his blood was found in Halbach's car, linking him to the murder. He and Brendan Dassey were convicted of Halbach's death and are currently serving life sentences. Zellner said the suspect knew Avery's finger was bleeding 'because he observed it' and had access to his trailer to remove blood from the sink and plant it in Halbach's car. She added the suspect planted the human bones and electronics in Avery's burn barrel. 'In conclusion, the killer is the person who had the access and opportunity to plant Steven Avery's fresh blood in Teresa Halbach's car,' she said, opening up a Q&A session with fans. Replying to fans' questions, she refused to 'rule out' Brendan's brother Bobby as a suspect. 'Do you think it was Bobby [Dassey]?' one fan asked. Zellner cooly replied: 'We cannot rule him out' adding that his garage is being searched for DNA and blood. Halbach was a photographer for Auto Trader. On October 31, 2005 she visited Avery Salvage Yard (ASY) and was killed afterwards. Zellner alluded that Bobby Dassey may be behind Halbach's murder and planted evidence against Steven Avery to clear his name The second season of Making a Murderer focused on Zellner's efforts to prove Avery had nothing to do with the death of the 25-year-old photographer In the show's two seasons there was no clear suspect mentioned although it did hint that Bobby Dassey may have not told the truth during trial. Zellner says the suspect was motivated to kill in a rage fueled by rejection. When a fan asked if Bobby every interacted with Halbach prior to the incident, she said confirmed that they had. While some Twitter fans believed the new theory that Bobby was behind the killings, other had doubts. 'I fully believe Bobby killed Theresa & for whatever reason Scott was involved in coverup. However, is it really believable that either would realistically remember Steven Avery's finger bleeding & think to take Steven Avery's blood from the sink?' one user asked. Zellner replied: 'Of course. The police had just been on the property and he would have been panicked to divert attention from himself.' She is currently appealing Avery's conviction even though a circuit court judge denied him a new trial. Her brief to the appeals court must be submitted by December 20, according to The Wrap. Prosecutors are charging a Texas healthcare corporation of holding four patients illegally, including two who had been voluntary patients. SAS Healthcare Inc., also known as Sundance Behavioral and Mental Health Hospital has been indicted on nine violations of the Texas Mental Health Code, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sundance Hospital is accused of detaining two patients at its Arlington facility involuntarily for more than 48 hours. A court order for protective custody is needed in order to detain a patient longer than that maximum time limit. The Texas health corporation SAS Healthcare Inc. is accused of holding four patients involuntarily and illegally at its Arlington facility SAS Healthcare is also accused of preventing two patients who had entered the system voluntarily to leave. The hospital system's website offers inpatient care for children between the ages of five and 17 and adults, partial hospitalization or outpatient care for mental health and substance abuse treatment. 'People turned to what they thought was a trusted medical facility and were not allowed to leave as the law requires,' said Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson. 'These offenses were a corporate failure, and the corporation must be held accountable.' SAS Healthcare Inc. is also known as Sundance Behavioral Healthcare System and maintains three hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Prosecutors on Thursday also filed a notice that they will introduce additional offenses, including allegations the corporation didn't conduct welfare checks on a patient who died by suicide and later lied about it. Other accusations include taking more than an hour to provide descriptions of escaped patients in 2016 to the authorities, delaying a report to the police about a juvenile patient had reportedly been kicked by an employee and telling a juvenile patient to go back to sleep after the patient reported being sexually assaulted, the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reported. 'This criminal prosecution is unprecedented on a local and national scale,' says law firm Varghese Summersett representing SAS Healthcare. 'It also ignores legislatively enacted blanket immunity which allows medical professionals discretion in treatment and ultimately in the good-faith decision to discharge.' SAS Healthcare faces up to a potential total fine of $3.3 million for the code violations. Amber Rudd today made a dramatic return to Theresa May's government just six months after she quit over the Windrush scandal. The PM plucked her form the backbenches to become Work and Pensions Secretary after the dramatic resignation of Esther McVey plunged the Government into crisis. And Ms Rudd used an interview minutes after her appointment was announced to urge warring Tory MPs to unite behind the PM and her Brexit deal. She said: 'This is not a time for changing our leader, this is a time for pulling together, for making sure that we remember who we are here to serve, who we are here to help, thats the whole of the country. I worry sometimes that my colleagues are too concerned about the Westminster bubble rather than keeping their eye on what our job is, to serve people. I am confident the Prime Minister can survive. I think shes demonstrated this week her complete commitment to making sure that she serves the people she was elected to do so, and shes come forward with a really practical response to leaving the European Union. I think its the right combination. Amber Rudd today made a dramatic return to Theresa May's government just six months after she quot over the Windrush scandal The Tory MP for Hastings and Rye quit the Government in April after she accidentally misled MPs over the immigration scandal which rocked the Government. Ms Rudd told the Home Affairs Select Committee that her deportment did not have any deportation targets - but it later emerged that they did. Following massive pressure, she quit the frontbench deciding to take 'responsibility' and fall on her sword rather than face more humiliation. But with her Cabinet torn apart after a series of dramatic resignations over Brexit, the PM brought her back to beef up her front benches. She is the sixth MP to hold the post of Work and Pensions Secretary in just three years. What is the Windrush scandal and how did the fiasco develop? June 22, 1948 - The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens. 1973 - A new immigration Act comes into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. 2010 - The Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK. The move came despite staff warnings that the move would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing residency difficulties, it was claimed 2014 - A protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time. Under a crackdown on illegals, Windrush immigrants are obliged to provide proof they were resident in the UK before 1973. July 2016 - Mrs May becomes Prime Minister. April 2018 - Allegations that Windrush immigrants are being threatened with deportation break. Theresa May issued a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders after major backlash April 29 - Amber Rudd resigns after inadvertently misleading Parliament by wrongly claiming there were no deportation targets Advertisement And she will be in charge of rolling out the Government's hugely controversial Universal Credit welfare reforms - which have been beset by delays. Commenting on Ms Rudd's appointment, the PM's spokesman said: 'She is a very experienced Secretary of State who has worked across a number of department. There is really important work to do at the Department for Work and Pensions implementing the Government's universal credit programme and the Prime Minister is confident she will do an excellent job.' He pointed out that an official report had highlighted that Ms Rudd was not supported as she should have been when answering questions about the Windrush scandal to the Home affairs Select Committee which resulted in her resignation. The return comes after an official report released earlier this month found that Home Office figures have her misleading information and failed her. Ms Rudd was a leading Remainer during the referendum campaign, and very loyal to the PM's Brexit strategy while in office. Labour was quick to go on the attack over her return to the Cabinet table. Jon Trickett MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: 'After enforcing Theresa May's hostile environment in the Home Office, Amber Rudd will now be in charge of the DWP's hostile environment for disabled people and the poorest in society. 'With Universal Credit in absolute shambles, appointing a disgraced former Minister who was only recently forced to resign for her role in another scandal is a desperate choice by a weak Prime Minister.' Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: 'Amber Rudd resigned because of her mismanagement of #Windrush scandal. Now Theresa May puts her in the DWP. 'Let's hope she shows more concern for the victims of this department's unfairness and cruelty than she did at the Home Office. #UniversalCredit.' Labour 's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott (pictured at a crime conference earlier this month in London, tore into amber Rudd's appointment It was a case of man versus the elements and this determined Alaskan father wasn't letting any icy conditions ruin his three-year-old daughter's play time. Kyle Leary who's from a small town called Palmer outside Anchorage, Alaska was filmed on Sunday going outside by the mother of his daughter, Ashley Lynn, to retrieve his daughter's toy kitchen. Posting the video Ashley Lynn detailed how the couple's daughter, Adalynn, had waited a long time for a toy kitchen and her dad had just collected one from her grandma's house. Despite the quarter of an inch thick ice, Adalynn's dad wasn't going to let her down. At first glance it appears Leary is on relatively steady ground. But not for long. With a gasp of exertion he attempts to pull part of the toy kitchen out of his truck only to lose his balance causing him to hurtle down his drive and into the road below. Leary shouts as he makes his way down the slope, while his partner laughs. He can then be seen to power run - up the ice and snow - in a bid to get back to the truck but gets distracted by a passing car. And he's off! Leary tumbles down the ice after loosing his grip on his daughter's play kitchen Leary lies in the road probably bumped and bruised but he's not going to give up Made it! Leary holds on for dear life and goes on to get his daughter the much wanted toy kitchen out of his truck Falling flat, he skids back down the steep incline once again, this time on his side and then on his knees. His wife and daughter can be heard encouraging the dedicated dad. 'Baby, you've got it, come on,' Ashley Lynn is heard saying. Aiming for a second run, Leary falls immediately and is urged to be careful. Plucky Leary, seen here in warmer conditions, was determined not to let his daughter down Probably bumped and bruised, Leary isn't giving up and goes right to the other side of the road and takes an epic run up to the truck which he grasps with both hands. He heaves the toy kitchen out of the truck and pushes it up the slope. And shouts triumphantly, 'All for a kitchen!' German ministers are looking at whether Syrians who have committed crimes in the country can be expelled back to the war-torn region. Tens of thousands of Syrians have sought asylum in Germany, with the biggest influx taking place in 2015 when a million migrants arrived. A ban on expulsions to Syria has been in place while war rages there, but the restriction runs out at the end of the year. Germany would then need to consider whether to extend the ban, and the foreign ministry's assessment of the situation on the ground in Syria would be crucial in the decision. But several high-profile crimes involving migrants have soured the public mood in Germany, prompting interior ministers of several states to push for the expulsion of asylum seekers who have been convicted. German Interior Minister and Christian Social Union (CSU) party chairman Horst Seehofer said the ban on expelling Syrian criminals was 'being looked at closely' Protesters march against Angela Merkel's visit to Chemnitz today Merkel where she talked with city officials and residents in the wake of far-right extremist unrest over migration Thousands of people took part in protests organised by far-right groups in the eastern German town of Chemnitz in September, after a German man was stabbed to death, allegedly at the hands of two refugees fro Iraq and Syria. Several people were arrested for performing Nazi salutes and protesters also reportedly targeted foreigners and chanted 'you're not welcome here'. Today demonstrators with German flags protested against the visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel at the East German city. The Chemnitz knife attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes by refugees that have garnered massive media attention across the world and stoked anger at Merkel's decision not to close Germany's borders to more than one million migrants and refugees, who arrived since 2015. As a result of the turmoil and election setback by Merkel's CDU party, Germany is examining if Syrians convicted of crimes in Europe's biggest economy or who are deemed dangerous can be sent back to their conflict-torn country. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer told newspaper group RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) today: 'That is being looked at closely in our ministry.' In July Germany's hard-line Interior Minister, Seehofer, said talks would take place between the Italy, Germany and Austria, on how to close the Mediterranean route into the EU. German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaking during a meeting with readers of 'Freie Presse' newspaper in Chemnitz today Protester rally against German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Chemnitz, lining the streets and waving banners He once told another German newspaper he would have 'taken to the streets as a citizen' if her were not a minister. Seehofer also called for a 'pan-European solution to the migrant crisis' adding that he believed 'the migration issue is the mother of all political problems'. Saxony state's interior minister Roland Woeller told RND: 'Once the security situation allows, dangerous individuals and criminals can be sent back to Syria.' Berlin in 2016 signed a controversial deal with Kabul to repatriate Afghans who had failed to obtain asylum, even though Afghanistan remains strangled by violence. Last month the German government unveiled new immigration legislation which will stop unqualified migrants from outside Europe living in the country in what was seen an an end to Chancellor Angela Merkel's 'open door policy'. She suffered humiliating election results in October and as her fragile left-right coalition had significant losses, she announced sh would set down in 2021. Amber Rudd, pictured tonight, has made a dramatic return to Theresa May's Cabinet calling on Tory rebels to 'think again' Amber Rudd made a dramatic return to Theresa May's Cabinet tonight calling on Tory rebels to 'think again'. Ms Rudd, who quit as Home Secretary over the Windrush immigration scandal, has returned to the PM's side as Work and Pensions Secretary just 201 days later with Mrs May in a fragile position over Brexit. The 55-year-old was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and was seen as a 'human shield' for Mrs May after she took office. She replaces Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday over the PM's divisive Brexit agreement. The rehabilitation of Ms Rudd, who quit in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. Addressing Tory rebels on Sky News tonight she said: 'I would ask them to think again. 'This is not a time for changing our leader, this is a time for pulling together, for making sure that we remember who we are here to serve, who we are here to help, that's the whole of the country. 'I worry sometimes that my colleagues are too concerned about the Westminster bubble rather than keeping their eye on what our job is, to serve people. 'I am confident the Prime Minister can survive. 'I think she's demonstrated this week her complete commitment to making sure that she serves the people she was elected to do so, and she's come forward with a really practical response to leaving the European Union. I think it's the right combination.' Two Labour MPs who campaigned for victims of the Windrush scandal spoke out to condemn Amber Rudd's swift return to a Cabinet post tonight Ms Rudd stood in for the PM during a 2017 general election debate and during the Windrush scandal Labour said she was being used as a 'human shield' to protect Mrs May. Asked about the term tonight, Ms Rudd said: 'I never saw it like that'. Labour MPs Diane Abbott and David Lammy, who helped to expose the Windrush scandal, slammed Ms Rudd's appointment tonight. Mr Lammy said: 'Rudd made inexcusable errors over Windrush. It is wrong that she has been given a new job before any victims have had compensation. 'She will be the sixth DWP secretary since March 2016. This is a poisoned chalice in a government that is unlikely to survive until Christmas.' Ms Abbott said: 'Amber Rudd resigned because of her mismanagement of Windrush scandal. Now Theresa May puts her in the DWP. 'Let's hope she shows more concern for the victims of this department's unfairness and cruelty than she did at the Home Office.' As Work and Pensions Secretary she will also have to take on the challenge of the divisive Universal Credit policy. Asked whether the job was a 'poisoned chalice', Ms Rudd said tonight she would seek to 'iron out' difficulties with the scheme. She said: 'I'm delighted to have been given the honour and responsibility of becoming Secretary of State at the DWP, A huge office, a really important job, helping 20m people across the country. 'As a one nation Tory I want to make sure that we really do help everyone across the country. 'I've seen Universal Credit do some fantastic things. In my constituency in Hastings & Ryre it really has transformed lives. But I also recognise that there have been some issues with it, some problems with it, and I see it very much as my job, my role to make sure that I try to iron out those difficulties so it becomes a force wholly for good.' Universal Credit has been attacked by MPs from across politics over the slowness of payments made to claimants, which was said to have left many reliant on food banks and payday lenders to make ends meet. It replaces six existing benefits - Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit - with a single payment. Ms Rudd (pictured), who quit as Home Secretary over the Windrush immigration scandal, has returned to the PM's side just 201 days later with Mrs May in a fragile position over Brexit Asked what Mrs May would say to victims of the Windrush scandal who might feel the Hastings & Rye MP's rehabilitation had come too soon, the PM's official spokesman said: 'Amber Rudd took responsibility for what happened but you saw in the Alex Allan report that she was not supported as she should have been in her role. 'The Government has apologised, the Prime Minster and Home Secretary apologised for the Windrush scandal. Mistakes were made which shouldn't have taken place and work is ongoing to make sure those people are properly compensated.' The spokesman said the PM viewed Ms Rudd as 'a very experienced Secretary of State who has worked across a number of departments' and was 'confident she will do an excellent job'. Ms Rudd resigned after 'inadvertently misleading' the Home Affairs Committee in April at the height of the scandal over the treatment of the Windrush generation. But a report into the row found officials repeatedly gave her wrong information and then failed to clear up the problem in time to allow her to correct the record. The report, written by Sir Alex Allan, the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial standards, says 'crossed wires' contributed to Ms Rudd's downfall. In other appointments ministerial roles went to Stephen Hammond in the Health Department and John Penrose in the Northern Ireland Office, while Kwasi Kwarteng takes up a junior role in Mr Barclay's department. President Trump says that he responded to the special counsel's written questions not his lawyers and that he did so quite easily. 'They were my answers I don't need lawyers to do that,' he told a reporter asking about a Washington Post story that quoted one of his attorneys. Rudy Giluliani had said that the president's attorneys were working with him on the answers to make sure he didn't fall into a perjury trap. 'There are some that create more issues for us legally than others,' he told the Post. Trump gave him a brush back as he unexpectedly invited reporters into the Oval Office on Friday for a bill signing. 'My lawyers aren't working on that, I'm working on that. My lawyers don't write the answers, I write the answers,' he insisted. President Trump says that he responded to the special counsel's written questions - not his lawyers - and that he did so quite easily. Without revealing the content of the questions, Giuliani told The Post that some of them were 'unnecessary' or 'irrelevant' and others were 'possible traps.' The president acknowledged Friday that a person could be 'tripped up' by questions with apparently simple responses based on whether it was sunny or it was raining. 'It was raining therefore he told a lie. He perjured himself,' Trump mimicked. 'You have to always be careful when you answer questions from people who probably have bad intentions.' The Post and others reported that Trump is in a dark mood, and that's why he's kept his distance over the past week, barely leaving the White House, and sent out tweets accusing Mueller of witness intimidation. 'Im not agitated. Its a hoax,' Trump said Friday, slapping the rumors down. He told assembled press, 'I'm very happy with the White House.' 'I'm extremely happy,' he repeated. 'I'm very happy with almost all of my Cabinet. You know changes are made because they're always made after the midterms. But it's all fake news.' Reports this week also claimed that Trump was thinking of booting his Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who was in the Oval Office on Friday for Trump's remarks. He admitted that he was considering it in an interview with The Daily Caller and said he'd make a decision shortly. Trump mistakenly claimed that Mueller worked Obama for the entire eight years of the Democrat's administration, when really it was fewer than five and it was in the law enforcement position that he'd been promoted to in the Bush administration Nielsen was still in her job on Friday as the president set his sights on an old target. He alleged in tweets ranging over several hours that the special counsel's office is full of 'thugs' who are intimidating potential witnesses and refusing to probe Democrats' bad acts. 'The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts,' he claimed in a rage on Thursday morning. 'They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want.' Where the president derived the information from is unclear, but the charge coincided with reports that he'd been meeting with his legal team this week in Washington to review written responses to questions posed by the special counsel that Trump intends to submit to Mueller. He is also working with a new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, who he put in charge of the Russian meddling investigation when he dismissed ex-Justice Department head Jeff Sessions. Where the president derived the information from is unclear - no one has claimed publicly that they're being harassed in this manner An attorney for Trump did not respond to a request for clarifcation on the president's charges Trump subsequently suggested in tweets that Mueller, a Republican who was appointed FBI director by George W. Bush and kept in the role by Barack Obama, has it out for him because he served at the Justice Department when a Democrat was in power. He mistakenly claimed that Mueller worked Obama for the entire eight years of the Democrat's administration, when really it was fewer than five and it was in the law enforcement position that he'd been promoted to in the Bush administration. FBI directors are nominated for ten-year-terms that intentionally stretch across multiple administrations to distance the bureau from from political interference. The president unleashed on Mueller's team, too, contending once again that it's entirely made up of 'angry' Democrats who are raking associates of the president over the coals because they're upset that Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election. 'They are a disgrace to our Nation and dont care how many lives the ruin,' he said of the prosecutors who donated to his opponent or are registered Democrats. 'These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years.' Repeating a common refrain that the Russia probe is a 'witch hunt' that won't turn up any evidence that his side engaged in collusion with a foreign power to tilt the election his way, Trump also claimed: 'They wont even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!' A lawyer for the president did not respond to a request for comment on the confusing charge that the special counsel's team is badgering witnesses. A spokesman for the special counsel's office could not be reached immediately, either. No one who has been prosecuted by or approached by Mueller's team has levied claims of coerced testimony or the kind of harassment that Trump described. An attorney for right-wing pundit and known conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi did tell NBC News earlier in the week that Mueller's team was pressing his client for information that he doesn't have. 'They're only wanting to hear one thing and he can't give them that one thing,' David Gray told NBC News. The conversation took place just after Corsi said he expected to be indicted for lying to prosecutors about his knowledge of hacked emails from the account of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman. Corsi said in a Thursday morning tweet that he had entered into 'No Comment' mode on the advice of counsel. It was Mueller's team that was said this week, though, to be looking into claims that former Trump campaign aide and longtime associate of the president Roger Stone attempted to intimidate radio host Randy Credico. Stone reportedly told the former friend he says was a back channel to Wikileaks and Julian Assange that he was going to 'sue the f***' out of him in a text message. He also called Credico a 'loser, a liar, and a rat,' according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Credico told a grand jury that he was not a back channel for Stone to Assange, contradicting the Republican strategist. The incidents that drove Trump to Twitter to hammer Mueller, who he had mostly left alone in the lead-up to the mid-terms as the special counsel also lay low, were murky but could be tied to reports about coming indictments. 'Universities will someday study what highly conflicted (and NOT Senate approved) Bob Mueller and his gang of Democrat thugs have done to destroy people,' he said. Why is he protecting Crooked Hillary, Comey, McCabe, Lisa Page & her lover, Peter S, and all of his friends on the other side?' Trump tweeted, mentioning a string of fired FBI officials. Trump also claimed, 'The only Collusion is that of the Democrats with Russia and many others. Why didnt the FBI take the Server from the DNC? They still dont have it. Check out how biased Facebook, Google and Twitter are in favor of the Democrats. Thats the real Collusion!' He may have been raging because of the questions from Mueller he reportedly answered this week with written responses to avoid a legal show-down with the special counsel over a subpoena for an in-person interview. Trump complained last week that Mueller had wasted millions on the probe. 'I think its very bad for our country, I will tell you. I think its a shame,' he said. 'It should end because its very bad for our country.' The president also asserted: 'I could have ended it anytime I wanted. I didnt. And there was so collusion. There was no anything. I didnt.' The White House insisted after the exchange with a reporter that Trump wouldn't interfere with Mueller's investigation after he suddenly dismissed his attorney general a few hours later. Sessions had recused himself from the investigation, passing it off to the deputy attorney general, after admitting personal conflicts of interest. Trump got rid of him admittedly for that reason. The president's temporary appointee, Whitaker, is refusing to take the same path, in spite of allegations he is too invested in the probe. He suggested on CNN before he worked at Justice that Trump could cripple the special counsel by cutting his budget instead of firing him. The president and the White House have claimed that is not why he was hired and he and Trump never had that discussion. A dissident republican weapons haul containing guns potentially used in police murder bids has was found in a residential boiler house that caught fire in Belfast. Two AK-47 assault rifles, two sawn-off shotguns, a high-powered rifle with a silencer fitted, three pipe bombs and more than 100 assorted rounds of ammunition were stored in the building that caught fire on Rodney Drive, west Belfast. Police believe the weapons belonged to the so-called 'New IRA' and may have been stored in the outhouse without the knowledge of the resident of the home, which was set ablaze on Wednesday. Detective Superintendent John McVea, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's terrorism investigation unit, said: 'We firmly believe these weapons belong to the New IRA.' A dissident republican weapons haul containing guns potentially used in police murder bids was found after a residential boiler house caught fire in Belfast (pictured: two rifles found in the stash) The guns, bombs and bullets were stored on top of an operating domestic boiler (pictured) and officers believe the blaze may have been triggered when one ignited due to the heat The guns, bombs and bullets were stored on top of an operating domestic boiler and officers believe the blaze may have been triggered when one ignited due to the heat. 'It beggars belief that anyone would store items as volatile as bombs and bullets in a hot environment,' said Mr McVea. 'This is simply reckless, it is stupid and it shows total disregard for the safety of local residents. 'Anyone with an ounce of sense would have known that live ammunition and pipe bombs mixed with heat is a recipe for carnage.' Police believe the AK47s may have been used in two separate dissident attacks on police - one in the Rossnareen Avenue area of west Belfast in November 2015, and the other on a garage forecourt on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast in January 2017. In the first attack, a police car patrolling Rossnareen Avenue was riddled with up to eight bullets. Police believe the weapons belonged to the so-called 'New IRA' and may have been stored in the outhouse without the knowledge of the resident of the home (pictured: the sawn-off shotguns) 'It beggars belief that anyone would store items as volatile as bombs and bullets in a hot environment,' said Detective Superintendent John McVea (pictured: weapons atop the boiler) Armoured plating and bulletproof glass was credited with saving the lives of the two officers inside the vehicle when they were ambushed. In the second attack, a policeman survived despite being shot three times in the arm when gunmen opened fire on him as he got out of a parked police car at the Crumlin Road garage. Officers said it was miracle no members of the public were also shot as bullets flew across the busy petrol station forecourt. Mr McVea today said: 'The Crumlin Road shooting in particular was reckless and showed total disregard for members of the public as bullets entered the filling station shop, narrowly missing customers and passing motorists.' The detective said he believed the weapons were moved into the boiler house on Monday evening after 9pm. He urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the alleyway behind Rodney Drive to come forward. Police believe the AK47s may have been used in two separate dissident attacks on police (pictured: rifle magazines) One such attack took place in the Rossnareen Avenue area of west Belfast in November 2015, and the other on a garage forecourt on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast in January 2017 (pictured: ammunition) 'We are lucky there hasn't been significant injury as the fire developed,' he said. Mr McVea said the violent renegades who owned the weapons were 'beneath contempt'. 'I am asking the community to stand up against these parasites,' he added. Mr McVea said it was possible the resident of the property was unaware and had been 'exploited' by the terrorists. The detective said a neighbour first reported the fire, with the occupant of the house then also calling the emergency services to alert them to the blaze. A 35-year-old man who was arrested under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday was subsequently released unconditionally. Mr McVea said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation but said it was possible one of the illegal items stored on top of the boiler had sparked it. Mr McVea said he believed the weapons were moved into the boiler house on Monday evening after 9pm (pictured: the scene on Rodney Drive, Belfast) Mr McVea said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation but said it was possible one of the illegal items stored on top of the boiler had sparked it (pictured: ammunition) 'It is no surprise to me that when you store pipe bombs and ammunition on top of a hot boiler, that is just a recipe for carnage, so that might well be the cause [of the fire], but that's still under investigation,' he said. The investigating officer declined to be drawn on the suggestion the weapons had been moved ahead of another planned attack on police. 'The one thing I am pleased about is that these weapons are no longer in the hands of the terrorists and they have been put beyond use,' he said. He added: 'It's a significant haul of weapons in today's terms within terrorism and it is with pleasure that these weapons are no longer in the hands of these terrorists.' Mr McVea said the New IRA still posed a 'severe threat' despite the weapons seizure. Two conmen have been banned for life from entering casinos after netting more than $1million in a craps scheme from the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Anthony Grant Granito and James Russell Cooper became the 33rd and 34th people to be put in Nevada's 'black book', meaning they are barred from entering any casino, after scamming the Bellagio for two years with two other men. Casino officials eventually caught on to the scheme in 2014 after noticing several bets that won despite 452 billion-to-one odds, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The two craps players were convicted in 2016 and sentenced to prison on theft and cheating charges. Anthony Granito (right) and James Cooper (left) have been banned from all Nevada casinos after being involved in a four-man craps scheme and racking up $1.2million 'The people in the black book are cheats or people with really, really notorious affiliations, meaning the mob,' Anthony Curtis, a former gambler who studies the industry, told KVVU. 'The black book is the highest level of exclusion,' Curtis said. The four men scammed the Bellagio between August 2012 and July 2014 and racked up $1.2million, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Granito and Cooper worked with Jeffrey Martin and Mark Branco who were also convicted in 2016. Branco worked as a craps dealer at the Bellagio and allegedly led the scheme. For their grand scam to work, Branco would need to be at the same table as Cooper. Their plan involved a hop bet, which is a wager one places hoping that specific numbers would show up on the dice when it's rolled. They were convicted in 2016 and sentenced to prison for theft and cheating after running their two-year scheme at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip As the craps dealer would toss the die, either Granito or Martin would mumble something that sounds like a hop bet. One of the dealers would then pay out as if they had correctly wagered on whatever the number appeared to be. Cooper cooperated with authorities and explained how their scheme worked to a grand jury, the Review-Journal reported. The men would also make fair bets and lose thousands of dollars in an effort for their scam to look legitimate. Branco, who ran the scam, is still incarcerated while the other three men have been released on probation. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 73F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. Low around 60F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Advertisement The CIA has concluded that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after the kingdom blamed the murder on 'rogue elements'. The agency says Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. US officials expressed high confidence in the CIA assessment, the Post said, which is the most definitive to date linking Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler to the killing. The news will complicate President Donald Trump's efforts to preserve ties with one of the closest American allies in the region. Jamal Khashoggi (left) was killed in Istanbul in a murder that the CIA has concluded was ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) after the kingdom said that the hit was carried out by rogue elements who acted beyond their brief The news complicates Donald Trump's recent efforts to preserve ties with Saudi Arabia after news of the brutal killing spread across the world It came as tens of thousands of Muslims flocked to their religion's holiest site to offer prayers in remembrance of a journalist whose body was dismembered at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Mourners surrounded the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to pay tribute to Jamal Khashoggi, who was their countryman and a vocal critic of the Islamist autocracy that governs the state. They prayed at the Grand Mosque today to commemorate the dissident, who was strangled to death according to Turkish officials. Tens of thousands of Muslims flocked to the holy Kaaba (pictured, centre) to remember the murdered journalist, who the Saudis claim was killed by rogue elements who acted beyond their brief. The Turkish government has questioned the narrative and the outpouring comes as news of a second audio tape surfaced, which a columnist claimed proves the killing was pre-meditated Mourners gathered at Islam's holiest site in memory of the journalist, who was a vocal critic of the Saudi regime before he was killed at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate in Turkey Worshippers gathered at the Kaaba, whose holiness in the faith is signified by the annual Hajj, in which the faithful make a pilgrimage to the site It comes as Turkish media claims that an audio tape discredits the official Saudi narrative of the killing after the Kingdom yesterday exonerated its Crown Prince. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president, had said the murder was sanctioned by 'the highest levels' of Saudi government. Five Saudi officials face the death penalty after being accused of murdering Khashoggi, it was revealed yesterday, when the kingdom's deputy public prosecutor said 21 people are in custody and 11 face charges. Khashoggi (pictured) was killed after entering the consulate in Istanbul and critics of the Saudis have laid the blame at the highest level of government Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is blaming the murder on 'rogue elements' and Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said bin Salman has 'absolutely nothing to do' with the death. 'Sometimes mistakes happen,' he said, adding that 'sometimes people exceed their authority'. He added that the kingdom is taking steps 'to make sure this doesn't happen again'. Today's emotional outpouring at the Kaaba - which is the focus of an annual Islamic pilgrimage known as Hajj - was coupled with dozens of mourners paying homage to Khashoggi in Istanbul. The crowd gathered at Fatih mosque to conduct a funeral despite not having a body and they stood in front of an empty platform traditionally reserved for the coffin. Among them were supporters from the newly-formed Jamal Khashoggi Friends Association. 'We decided to hold the prayers as we are convinced that his body will never be found,' said executive director of the Turkish-Arab Media Association Fatih Oke of Khashoggi, who was a member of the group. Attending the funeral, Ibrahim Pekdemir said the rain-soaked ceremony should stand as 'a message delivered to the world to say that the murder will not go unpunished and that justice will be served'. Yasin Aktay, a close friend of Khashoggi and advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, strongly criticised the Saudi version of events. 'They want us to believe that the killers themselves made the decision to assassinate Jamal Khashoggi, we do not believe in this story,' he said. 'We will continue to ask who are the true contractors of the murder.' How could second tape challenge the Saudi narrative? A second audio recording proves that Khashoggi's killing was pre-meditated, Turkish daily Hurriyet says. The first audio to surface was a seven-minute voice recording taken as proof the journalist was strangled. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister blamed the death on a 'rogue operation' by individuals who 'exceeded their responsibilities'. But Abdulkadir Selvi, a pro-government columnist, has said this latest audio contradicts the Saudi narrative. He says a 15-member 'killer team' waited in the consulate before Khashoggi's arrival and that audio was captured of them discussing how to murder the journalist. Selvi says Turkey also has evidence that the team made international calls after the murder. Erdogan has said the order to murder Khashoggi came from 'the highest levels' of the Riyadh government, but stopped short of pointing the finger at Crown Prince Salman. Advertisement Ayman Nour, a liberal Egyptian politician, said: 'What we heard yesterday from the Saudi public prosecutor is not the justice we were expecting or waiting for, but represents injustice itself.' For weeks, Khashoggi's family has urged Saudi and Turkish authorities to find his remains and hand them over for burial, but the Saudi prosecutor said their whereabouts are unknown. Islamic tradition places immense importance on the proper handling of the dead, mandating quick burial. The revelation that the body was dismembered has thus been particularly disturbing. The decision to hold prayer services in the absence of a body suggests the family does not expect it to be recovered. Khashoggi's son, Salah, met the king and crown prince in Riyadh last month to receive condolences along with other relatives. He then departed for Washington after a travel ban was lifted and told CNN on Nov. 5 that he wanted to bury his father in Medina with the rest of the family. 'We just need to make sure that he rests in peace,' Salah said. 'Until now, I still can't believe that he's dead. It's not sinking in with me emotionally.' Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has described Saudi's conclusion was 'insufficient', adding: 'Those who gave the command as well as instigators should also be clarified and this process should not be covered up.' Mourners in Turkey held this symbolic prayer in honour of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi - a vocal critic of the Saudi regime who was killed in Istanbul Saudi Arabia will BEHEAD Khashoggi killers: Prosecutors charge 11 suspects and say five face the death penalty for murdering journalist with a lethal injection - but Crown Prince is cleared By Chris Pleasance Five Saudi officials are facing the death penalty after being accused of murdering journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Shalaan al-Shalaan, the kingdom's deputy public prosecutor, revealed on Thursday that 21 people are in custody over the killing and charges have been brought against 11 of them. Al-Shalaan requested the death penalty for five who 'are charged with ordering and committing the crime and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals'. Saudi Arabia will seek the death penalty against five men it accuses of carrying out the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul on October 2 But he exonerated Saudi's de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman by laying ultimate blame for Khashoggi's killing at the feet of two lesser officials. Executions in Saudi Arabia are usually carried out publicly by beheading with a sword. Shalaan said the highest-level official implicated in Khashoggi's killing is former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri, who gave the order for him to be repatriated to Saudi Arabia from Turkey, where he was living in exile. He added that it was 'the head of the negotiating team' dispatched to seize Khashoggi who then gave the order to kill him, without naming the man. Shalaan denied that Salman had any knowledge of the killing. The Crown Prince has blamed it on 'rogue elements' of the Saudi state. Shalaan al-Shalaan, the deputy public prosecutor of Saudi Arabia, revealed that 21 people are in custody over the killing and 11 of them have been charged That was a claim backed by foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir who said bin Salman has 'absolutely nothing to do' with the death. 'Sometimes mistakes happen... sometimes people exceed their authority,' he said before adding Saudi was taking steps 'to make sure this doesn't happen again.' Meanwhile Turkey's public prosecutor said news of the charges was 'positive but insufficient'. Turkey has previously said it believes officials at the very top level of Saudi's ruling family are to blame for the murder, but stopped short of accusing bin Salman. Saudi Arabia added that it believes Khashoggi was given a lethal injection inside the country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. His body was then dismembered and taken out of the building, Shalaan said, though admitted the kingdom does not not know where the remains are now. Investigations are ongoing to find the remains, the prosecutor insisted. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not been implicated in the killing after blame was laid at the feet of two lesser officials Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancee who was with him at the consulate the day he died to retrieve documents allowing them to marry, has demanded the kingdom hand back his remains for a proper burial. After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted in mid-October that Khashoggi had been murdered at the compound, but blamed it on a 'rogue' operation. The prosecutor has requested the death penalty for the five who 'are charged with ordering and committing the crime and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals,' an official statement published by state news agency SPA said. It said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, 11 of whom have been indicted with investigations to continue into the others. Turkey on Wednesday called for an international investigation into the murder. Ankara has already shared voice recordings linked to the murder with a number of countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States and its Western allies. Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl before finally accepting what Turkey had said virtually from the start - that he was killed in a premeditated hit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to murder Khashoggi came from 'the highest levels' of the Saudi government. The global fallout over the murder has tainted the image of 33-year-old Prince Mohammed - the de facto ruler and heir apparent - despite persistent Saudi denials that he was involved. Khashoggi's murder has also led to increased scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemen war, which has pushed the impoverished country to the brink of famine. The journalist went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Prince Mohammed. 'I'm suffocating': Final words of Jamal Khashoggi revealed as Mike Pompeo tells Saudi Crown Prince the US will hold everyone involved 'accountable' after Turkey claims hit was ordered 'at the highest level' By Daily Mail Reporter and AFP and Associated Press A Turkish newspaper reports the last words of Jamal Khashoggi, the dissident Saudi journalist killed at his country's consulate in Istanbul last month, reveal the way he pleaded with his murderers moments before his death. It came the same day US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via phone Sunday, telling the man accused of orchestrating the murder everyone involved will be held 'accountable'. The Daily Sabah says they will soon publish images of the tools used by a team of 15 people who are suspected of slaying the Washington Post writer, and claim to have heard his final utterances in secret audio recordings on October 2. Dissident Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, was murdered at the Istanbul Saudi consulate 'I'm suffocating Take this bag off my head, I'm claustrophobic,' Khashoggi said according to the head of investigations for the Turkish newspaper Nazif Karaman. Karaman told Al Jazeera in an interview that the hit squad placed plastic bags down to protect the floor before dismembering Khashoggi. The Turkish newspaper claims it took 15 minutes to carry out the grisly killing and traces of acid were discovered at the Saudi consul general's home in Istanbul. It's believed the body was taken there to be disposed of using chemicals. The Daily Sabah reports the planning of the murder was led by the head of the Saudi Scientific Council of Forensics, Salah al-Tubaigy. Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of murdered Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reacts while watching a tribute video to her husband at the commemorative ceremony A tough critic of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Khashoggi, disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate (pictured) in Istanbul on October 2 to collect a document Pompeo spoke to Salman regarding the slaying, which emerged two weeks after the part-time US resident first went missing. With the Middle Eastern royal being accused of planning the attack, the US-Saudi alliance came under immense strain as people called for America to get to the bottom of the story. Pompeo told Salman that he expects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to take the necessary reaction to deliver justice to Khashoggi and his family. 'Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,' spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Sunday. The Daily Sabah reports the planning of the murder was led by the head of the Saudi Scientific Council of Forensics, Salah al-Tubaigy (left and right) Hatice Cengiz had waited outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul for her fiance Jamal Khashoggi before raising the alarm when he failed to emerge. Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for his forthcoming marriage. She is pictured here weeping at a commemorative ceremony to the journalist in Istanbul yesterday 'The Secretary emphasized that the United States will hold all of those involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi accountable, and that Saudi Arabia must do the same.' Pompeo's phone call came one day after President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke about how to respond to the killing at a dinner with heads of state. As leaders gathered in Paris to mark the World War One Armistice centenary, Erdogan said Saturday that audio recordings of the killing had been given to various governments. 'We gave the tapes. We gave them to Saudi Arabia, to the United States, German, French and British, all of them,' the Turkish president said. 'They have listened to all the conversation in them. They know.' Yasin Aktay speaks in front of images of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a commemorative ceremony He claimed the operation had been ordered at the 'highest levels' of the Saudi government. Erdogan's comments came the same day the fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist wept as hundreds gathered in Istanbul to honor the memory of her husband. Hatice Cengiz, 38, was pictured in tears as tributes were paid and images shown of her fiance to a crowd of around 200. She had waited outside the Saudi consulate for Khashoggi to emerge before raising the alarm when he failed to appear after going to collect papers for their forthcoming marriage. Protesters also gathered outside the consulate where Khashoggi was attacked. The murder has pushed attention back to the war in Yemen which the journalist criticized Salman for intervening in. The Saudi Crown Prince (left) allegedly got a team to meet with Donald Trump's (right) presidential campaign team to help sabotage Hillary Clinton's campaign The prince's highly controversial intervention to bolster President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government in the face of an insurgency by Huthi rebels also came up during the call, the White House spokesperson added. Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed and the country now stands at the brink of famine. After Khashoggi's killing was confirmed, royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri were both fired in the aftermath of an investigation. But adding to speculation Salman was behind the Khashoggi killing, the New York Times reports the prince sent Assiri to attend a meeting in March 2017 where they allegedly inquired about hiring private companies to assassinate Iranian enemies. People chant slogans and hold posters in protest of Saudi Arabia's actions in Yemen during a protest outside the Saudi Arabian consulate Istanbul - where Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered Fire and smoke rise after a Saudi-led airstrike hit a site believed to be one of the largest weapons depots on the outskirts of Yemen's capital, Sanaa (pictured October 2016) Citing three people familiar with the discussions, Salman is said to have ordered advisers to ramp up military and intelligence operations abroad. During the alleged meeting there was supposedly talk of a $2billion plan to sabotage Iran's economy and kill Qassim Suleimani, the Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds force leader. Lebanese-American businessman George Nader, a convicted pedophile, was said to have pitched the plan to White House officials and met with Salman beforehand. Saudi was said to be feeling the threat of Clinton leading the US to mean a continuation of the Iran nuclear deal Barack Obama had signed He was allegedly present at meetings about the plan, accompanied by Israeli Joel Zamel, a man with deep ties to Israel's intelligence and security agencies. Both Nader - also an adviser to the Crown Prince Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, - and Zamel are witnesses in the current Robert Mueller-led inquiry into possible meddling in Trump's presidential campaign. The special counsel and his team have questioned them on American-Saudi talks on the Iran sabotage proposal. It's not clear how the two are specifically related however it was reported Zamel's Psy-Group had also pitched the Trump presidential campaign team on a social media sabotage plan in 2016. Saudi was said to be feeling the threat of Hillary Clinton leading the US to mean a continuation of the Iran nuclear deal Barack Obama had signed. Lawyers for the company consulted about sabotaging Iran reportedly rejected the plan and suggested another London-based company operated by former British special operations troops. The Times obtained a 2017 email Nader sent an associate where he wrote the prince - referred to as MBS - advised him to 'review [possible contracts] and discuss it with General Ahmed'. Nader allegedly told the associate around the time he was gathering with both Salman and Assiri: 'Had a truly magnificent meeting with MBS.' The Saudi government as well as Nader and Zamel's lawyers declined to comment to The Times. US President Trump has previously said he expects to form a 'stronger opinion' by this coming week on Khashoggi's killing and Washington's response. He said he was working with Congress, Turkey and KSA to establish who bore responsibility. George Nader poses backstage with President Donald Trump at a Republican fundraiser in Dallas October 25, 2017. Nader, a convicted paedophile, was told by the Secret Service that he could not meet the president. His business partner, Elliott Broidy, helped him secure this photo Pompeo and Trump spoke about the importance of keeping close ties with KSA due to the strong commercial, strategic and national security relationships between the countries, when the story first emerged. However the US has gotten stricter as more details were revealed about the way Khashoggi was killed. The top US diplomat previously said Khashoggi's killing 'violates the norms of international law,' and that the US was reviewing possible sanctions on an individual basis for those found to be involved. Khashoggi was a critic of Salman and was killed after a team sent from Riyadh arrived at the consulate hours before him. Saudi authorities have acknowledged that the killing was premeditated, but his body has not been found. 'On Yemen, the secretary reiterated the United States' calls for a cessation of hostilities and for all parties to come to the table to negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict under the UN Special Envoy,' Nauert said. Two Chilean men accused of causing the death of a Malaysian drug addict who went into cardiac arrest during a struggle have avoided the death sentence and have been sentenced to two years in jail. Despite claiming their innocence, Fernando Candia, 32, and Felipe Osiadacz, 28, both pleaded guilty Thursday after they were charged with murdering 28-year-old Yusaini Ishak at a Kuala Lumpur hostel on August 4, 2017. The court had already sentenced them to two years in jail from the time of their arrest and they could be eligible for early release and return to their home country by Christmas, their lawyer Venkateswari Alagendra said, according to the Associated Press. Fernando Candia (pictured) is one of two Chilean tourists who pleaded guilty to causing the death of Yusaini Ishak Felipe Osiadacz (pictured) and his friend Fernando Candia will be eligible to apply for early release by Christmas after avoiding the death penalty in a murder case in Malaysia 'I would like to apologize to the family of the deceased,' Osiadacz said during the court hearing. 'I am not a criminal and came here for a holiday.' Criminals in Malaysia can get one-third of their sentenced reduced for good behavior. The Chilean men, who only been in Malaysia for 24 hours, could have faced the death penalty had they been found guilty of murdering Ishak. Candia and Osiadacz accepted a lesser charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder of Ishak after the described drug addict followed the pair to their hostel room. Ishak then attacked the friends that had just arrived Malaysia after spending 12 months working in New Zealand. Candia had been working as a chef while Osiadacz had just finished an assignment as commercial engineer. According to the New Straits Times, Ishak flew into a rage after Candia and Osiadacz declined to give him money. Maritza (left), Fernando Candia's mother, and Gaele (right), Felipe Osiadacz's girlfriend, were present at Thursday's sentencing The Malaysian man, according to hotel employee Lim Ah Fong, attacked Osiadacz with a shoe when the Chilean tried to enter the elevator. La Cuarta reported Ishak then broke a mirror and tried to attack Candia and Osiadacz with a shard of glass before they were able to subdue him. Fong called local cops who found Candia placing all of his weight on Ishak. Ishak suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead on the scene. A toxicologist testified Ishak had traces of drugs in his blood and urine at the time of his death. Brexit watchers on social media were baffled by Theresa May's choice of the little-known Stephen Barclay to replace Dominic Raab in the Cabinet. Twitter erupted with memes after Mr Barclay was named the new Brexit Secretary on Friday in the latest twist in a week of political drama at Westminster. But in a reduction to his duties, it was revealed that Theresa May will in future take sole control of negotiations on EU withdrawal. Mr Barclay's job will be limited to the domestic delivery of EU withdrawal, preparations for Brexit either with or without a deal and shepherding legislation through Parliament. Brexit watchers on social media were baffled by the choice of the little-known Stephen Barclay to replace Dominic Raab in the Cabinet. One used an Alan Partridge GIF while another used the popular Scottish nightclub meme Social media users reacted with surprise, with one sharing a GIF of Steve Coogan shrugging in a scene from Alan Partridge. Another commenter used the Scottish nightclub meme of a male partygoer talking in a bored woman's ear, explaining that the PM 'had to go with Stephen Barclay'. The new minister was also compared to Lenny from the Simpsons, sitting nervously in his new office unsure of what he should do. A Leave supporter, Mr Barclay has catapulted to the Cabinet front rank in a role potentially crucial to Theresa May's political survival. The PM herself is expected to steer the remaining stages of the negotiations, along with top civil servant Olly Robbins. The son of a trade union official father and a civil servant mother, the 42-year-old describes himself as coming from a 'working class Northern background' in Lancashire. The youngest of three brothers, he came from the first generation of his family to go to university, reading history at Cambridge and spending a gap year serving in the Army with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. After training as a lawyer, he worked as regulator for the Financial Services Authority and head of anti-money laundering at Barclays Bank before embarking on a political career. A Leave supporter, new Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay (pictured) has catapulted to the Cabinet front rank in a role potentially crucial to Theresa May's political survival The new minister was also compared to Lenny from the Simpsons, sitting nervously in his new office unsure of what he should do One meme imagined a colleague telling Stephen Barclay they had accidentally dropped him in it by suggesting his name as Brexit Secretary Many other social media users shared their bafflement at the unknown minister's appointment Picked for David Cameron's 'A-list' of favoured candidates, he finally won the seat of North East Cambridgeshire in the 2010 general election having twice stood unsuccessfully parliament. Despite his record as a government loyalist he had to wait until after the following election in 2015 before he made it to the ministerial ranks as a junior whip. Instead he spent the coalition years building a reputation as a tough and effective interrogator of officials as a member of the Commons Public Accounts Committee. During the EU referendum in 2016, he supported the official Vote Leave campaign, after ministers were given the freedom to campaign for either side. Following the 2017 election he was finally promoted out of the whips office by Mrs May who made him her new City minister. His financial background made him an obvious choice at a time when foreign competitors were looking to take advantage of Brexit to take away business from the Square Mile. Nevertheless, he served only six months in the Treasury before he was promoted again to minister of state at the Department of Health and Social Care. Mr Barclay is married with two children. Shot and killed: Escaped California parolee GD Hendrix, 48, was shot and killed by deputies in the wildfire-ravaged part of Northern California on Thursday Amid the devastation of the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California that so far has claimed 66 lives, with hundreds more missing, sheriff's deputies on Thursday shot dead a runaway felon who at one time was suspected of killing a married couple. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey on Friday detailed the officer-involved shooting, which claimed the lives of fugitive GD Hendrix, 48, and a Sutter County police dog named Bandit. According to Ramsey, the incident began unfolding at 11am in the parking lot of a hardware store outside the town of Paradise that was decimated by the wildfire. A Butte County Sheriff's deputy was patrolling the area when a passerby flagged him down and told him that a car had been parked outside the Pine Yankee Hill Hardware Store for the past three days. When the deputy went to inspect the cluttered sedan, he noticed a man sleeping in the driver's seat, reported The Washington Post. Hendrix, who had been on the run since July, was found in the parking lot of this hardware store near the decimated town of Paradise, California During a standoff with police, Sutter County K9 dog Bandit was killed by friendly fire The officer ran the vehicle's license plate number through the county database, which revealed that the car was registered to Hendrix: an armed and dangerous criminal who was being sought for skipping parole. The deputy who was the first on the scene called for backup, and officers who responded to the parking lot surrounded Hendrix's car. Ramsey said when the fugitive awakened, he reached for his pocket, prompting the deputies to train their guns on him. 'You guys should have let me alone,' Ramsey quoted Hendrix as yelling out to the cops. 'I'm not going back.' The 48-year-old suspect then turned on the ignition and peeled off, leading officers on a chase southbound on Interstate 70, with speeds reaching 90mph. In 2015, Hendrix was named a person of interest in the double murder of Mike and Olga Kroencke (pictured), but he was never charged in that case Deputies used spike strips to puncture the tires on Hendrix's car, which eventually came to a stop on the freeway. Ramsey said deputies ordered the runaway to step out of the vehicle, but initially he refused. Hendrix ultimately complied with the officers' demands but continued holding his right hand inside his pocket, which prompted a Sutter County Sheriff's deputy on the scene to unleash a K9 dog named Bandit. As the police dog came running towards the suspect, Ramsey said Hendrix took a metallic object out of his pocket and pointed it at the cops, six of whom opened fire on him. Hendrix was convicted of possession of a destructive device and possession of methamphetamine, and sentenced in 2016 to seven years in prison, but released on parole after two Hendrix was shot multiple times, as was Bandit. Despite being mortally wounded, the police dog would not let go of the suspect. But then Hendrix's pit bull, who was in inside his car, emerged and attacked Bandit. A seventh deputy fatally shot the pit bull. Hendrix and the two dogs were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. Officials said the 48-year-old fugitive was unarmed at the time of his death. Bandit, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois, had served with the Sutter County Sheriffs Department since January 2017 and his handler was Deputy John Lopez, reported The Appeal-Democrat. In 2015, Hendrix was named a person of interest in the murders of Mike Kroencke, 59, and his wife, 56-yea-old Olga Kroencke, of Plumas. The couple were found shot dead inside their SUV in the Berry Creek area in December 2014. The victims and the felon were neighbors, reported Plumas County News at the time. A relative of the Kroenckes said that Olga had warned Hendrix several times to stay away from her mentally disabled son, to whom the suspect had been allegedly giving methamphetamines. Just over a week after the double murder, officers executed a search warrant at a home that Hendrix shared with hie mother, where cops discovered an arsenal comprised of firearms and a pipe bomb. Bandit, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois, had served with the Sutter County Sheriffs Department since January 2017 In early January 2015, Butte County Sheriff's deputies tracked Hendrix down at a store on Oro Quincy Highway and apprehended him. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was armed with an AK-47 style semi-automatic assault rifle, a revolver and a hunting pistol, all loaded. Detectives also recovered a dagger and brass knuckles on Hendrix's person. Hendrix was eventually convicted of possession of a destructive device and possession of methamphetamine, and sentenced to seven years in prison. He was never charged in the Kroencke couple's killings due to insufficient evidence. Ramsey said Hendrix was released from prison on parole in May 2018 and ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device, but in July of this year he went on a lam and was declare a parolee-at-large. Advertisement Power firm Southern California Edison is being sued for the devastating Woolsey Fire in a case that's expected to attract hundreds of plaintiffs, according to court papers. The case is the first to be brought over the wild fires which killed three people, destroyed more than 500 buildings and ravaged almost 100,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura County. The documents, obtained by DailyMail.com, say the fire began directly beneath SCEs 16kV transmission power lines on the site of the Santa Susana Field Lab near Simi Valley. The suit filed at Los Angeles Superior Court by Alexander Robertson (above) on Thursday on behalf of Michael Henthorn, 58, a Malibu resident whose home was destroyed in the fire. His lawyer, above, is Alexander Robertson. Lawyers claim that SCE is to blame for the fire for failing to maintain its overhead electrical facilities in a safe manner, failing to perform vegetation management in accordance with applicable regulations and failing to shut down the Big Rock 16kV circuit to prevent a catastrophic wildfire during the Red Flag weather conditions that preceded the Woolsey Fire. The suit filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday is brought by Michael Henthorn, 58, a Malibu resident whose home was destroyed in the fire. His lawyers say many more are set to join his suit. Henthorn is suing SCE for the costs of repair, loss of use of his home, loss of wages, attorneys fees, treble damages for the destruction of trees on his property, punitive damages, damages for emotional distress, and interest. It is unfathomable that our community has been ravaged again by a deadly wildfire, said Alexander Robertson, one of Henthorns attorneys. Edison has admitted its equipment was responsible for at least one of the ignition points for the Thomas Fire, and we believe that Edison again is responsible for causing the Woolsey Fire. Edison gave all of us warning it was going to shut off the power in order to protect our community, but that never happened. How many more times does this have to happen? The court documents say Edison has $1 billion worth of wildfire insurance. Lawyers claim that SCE is to blame for the fire for failing to maintain its overhead electrical facilities in a safe manner, failing to perform vegetation management in accordance with applicable regulations and failing to shut down the Big Rock 16kV circuit to prevent a catastrophic wildfire during the Red Flag weather conditions that preceded the Woolsey Fire' n the documents, Henthorns lawyers wrote that SCE is required to make sure its power lines and utility poles can withstand winds of up to 92mph, and should trim back trees and vegetation within 10 feet of their equipment Robertson estimated each plaintiff could claim between $300,000 and $500,000, more in the cases of high value properties, and believes he will eventually represent hundreds of clients in the case against SCE. In the documents, Henthorns lawyers wrote that SCE is required to make sure its power lines and utility poles can withstand winds of up to 92mph, and should trim back trees and vegetation within 10 feet of their equipment. The lawyers claim that SCE failed to take adequate precautions to prevent its equipment from sparking the Woolsey Fire. The lawyers claim that SCE failed to take adequate precautions to prevent its equipment from sparking the Woolsey Fire' The complaint is damning of the embattled utility company, claiming SCE violated its duties by knowingly operating aging and improperly maintained infrastructure, adding that SCEs violations have caused wildfires before The complaint is damning of the embattled utility company, claiming SCE violated its duties by knowingly operating aging and improperly maintained infrastructure, adding that SCEs violations have caused wildfires before. Included in the complaint is a picture taken from an ABC news helicopter at 2.53pm last Thursday, shortly after the fire began. The picture, the lawyers claim, shows smoke rising from the location of SCEs 16kV power poles, just above the Chatsworth Substation on the Santa Susana lab site. According to Henthorn's LinkedIn, he is a co-gen operator at New-Indy Containerboard, a firm that manufactures strong cardboard containers for industrial products. Henthorn's house on Mipolomol Road, west of Malibu Springs, was in the center of the wildfire that spread down from Simi Valley to the ocean over the last week. Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon sparked furious protests at the Oxford Union tonight as he compared the KKK to Black Lives Matter. While Bannon spoke inside the hallowed union halls, they chanted: 'The police protect the Nazis!', 'Say it loud, say it clear, Bannon is not welcome here!'. It became violent as 300 outraged protestors gathered in the narrow streets surrounding the historic union building. They surrounded the police cordon and body-slammed into officers protecting the entrances. Scroll down for video A protester holds a rainbow umbrellas high as she stands close to a police van and is surrounded by supporters, holding placards which say 'KICK RACISM OFF OUR CAMPUS' Protestors outside the Oxford Union jostle with police as they try to keep them back with a cordon and police vehicles Protestors, some with their faces covered, barge police officers who try to keep order on the streets of Oxford Steve Bannon - Donald Trump's former chief strategist - is viewed by some as a Machiavellian figure and the mastermind behind Trump's campaign strategy in the 2016 Presidential election Bannon told the audience 'Nazis and the KKK have no place in our society, they should have never been allowed to march in Charlottesville' The former White House Chief Strategist has faced accusations of stirring up racial tensions. He is seen by some as the Machiavellian mastermind behind President Trump's highly controversial and successful Presidential campaigning. Bannon told the union audience: 'Nazis and the KKK have no place in our society, they should have never been allowed to march in Charlottesville. 'The same can be said about Antifa and certain elements of Black Lives Matter - they shouldn't be allowed to do what they are doing.' Thames Valley Police earlier today as students gathered from 2.30pm to protest Bannon's presence The police try to keep protestors away as they chanted references to Mark Duggan and the police being killers He said of former NBC host: 'I said I wanna unchain the dogs on Megyn Kelly and I'm proud of it - politics is war by other methods.' He also defended the travel ban enacted by the Trump administration, saying: 'I did the original travel ban, it made our citizens safer. Zero-tolerance at the border is a humanitarian policy.' Bannon is touring Europe as he promotes a new Brussels-based pressure group called The Movement. Michael, 20, a history student, said: 'I really dislike this pattern in the union of people who are chosen to give a platform - because they had Alice Weidel from the AfD (Alternative for Germany) and Tommy Robinson. 'It gives a platform and legitimises the worst kind of political force. 'I particularly object to how the YouTube channel broadcast this to a far bigger audience than at the Oxford Union.' The Oxford Union is a debating society which dates back to 1823 with a long tradition of promoting freedom of speech, but some recent guests have infuriated students. Maritz, aged 26 years, an Austrian student studying politics in Oxford said: 'I'm here to protest against the Student Union events being used for right-wing personalities. I am Austrian and we already have a fascist government so it's important to fight right-wing politics while we still can.' Protestors hold signs denouncing fascism and racism, as Bannon tells the union, 'Zero-tolerance at the border is a humanitarian policy' An Oxford student holds a sign which says 'You shall not pasaran,' which blends Gandalf's well-known phrase, with the famous communist speech by Dolores Ibarruri Gomez during the Siege of Madrid by Generalisimo Francisco Franco's fascist forces in 1936 Over 300 protesters were pressed against the railings of the union, one can be seen holding a 'BLACK LIVES MATTER' sign Nick Grant, 65, a member of the Socialist Worker Party said: 'We are socialists who oppose Steve Bannon quite fundamentally. He is someone who is trying to organize internationally for right-wing political forces which oppose migrants, women, sexual minorities and organised workers. 'We believe he is a neo-Facist who historically big business organisations turn to at a time of economic crisis.' There were no arrests by police, despite the protest turning ugly, with shouts of, 'Who killed Mark Duggan? The police killed Mark Duggan!' A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: 'Officers are on the scene of a protest in Oxford. 'We were aware of planned protest activity around the Oxford Union in St Michael's Street. Officers are currently in the area working to prevent any incidents of crime and disorder.' Bannon was delayed in leaving the Oxford Union afterwards by more than an hour as police tried to quell the tempers of the protestors so he could pass safely. Union officers had been unaware of Bannon's invitation after their president, Stephen Horvath, kept it quiet 'for security reasons.' Protestors were heard chanting 'Horvath out' as Police attempted to contain them. Bannon was delayed by over an hour as the protest turned ugly and the police officers were accused of defending a Nazi Crowds chant outside the Oxford Union, a megaphone can be seen, as can a sign deploring 'Borders, Racism, Transphobia, Sexism' One student member told that it was 'impossible to get into the back entrance they were sending people to' as the event had become a 'picket line' with a people being 'thrown to the ground.' The Union President avoided having to disinvite Donald Trump's former strategist after narrowly winning a debate in which Union Secretary, Nick Brown, accused Horvath of 'hosting a white nationalist' and attempting to 'prevent protest' by announcing the event with only two days' notice. Six committee members voted to rescind Bannon's invitation but seven chose to follow their President's argument that allowing the event to go ahead would encourage students to properly justify their own views. Mr Horvath argued that 'you can bask in the glory of your own self-righteousness' when speakers you agree with address the Union. Oxford Stand Up to Racism published an open letter criticizing the Oxford Union, writing that, 'The Oxford Union is once again giving a platform to a far right speaker, and by doing so legitmizing racism. Bannon is attempting to build an Islamophobic international of far-right groups and is looking to fascist Tommy Robinson here in Britain as a key figure for his movement. Bannon was the white supremacists' link to Donald Trump's White House.' He was greeted in similar style in Edinburgh just days ago as he attended an international media event hosted by the BBC. Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, withdrew from the event when she learned that Bannon would be one of the main speakers. 'These are not racist views,' he said in Scotland's capital. 'In fact populist nationalism, which I've been working on for nine or 10 years, is the exact opposite.' Bannon claimed his brand of nationalism was 'catching fire around the world.' The parents of Colorado man Chris Watts claim they have been denied access to their son in prison and allege that he was coerced into pleading guilty to killing his wife and two young daughters. Watts, 33, pleaded guilty earlier this month in a deal that allows him to avoid the death penalty but put him is prison for life without parole. He is charged with killing his pregnant wife Shanann and their daughters - Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3 - at their home in Frederick, north of Denver, on August 13. The court received an email this week from a 'K Almand' on behalf Watts' mother, claiming that the Colorado Public Defenders Office has denied the family access to him in prison. Scroll down for video Chris Watts, 33, pleaded guilty this month in Colorado to killing his wife Shanann and daughters in a deal that allows him to avoid the death penalty but put him is prison for life without parole Cindy and Ronnie Watts, along with their daughter, claim that the first time they were allowed to see him since his August arrest was the night before his November 6 hearing where he pleaded guilty. The letter, which was addressed to Weld District Court Judge Marcelo Kopcow, said they were each permitted to spend 30 minutes with him but they were banned from asking if he really wanted to take the plea deal. 'They have felt threatened and bullied when all they want to do is see their son and make sure this is his plea since that is not what his original confession was,' the letter read. 'The family feels that Chris has been coerced into making this confession. 'He has been isolated the entire three months and had contact with no one except the attorneys and his jailers. 'The family feels he has been told by the Public Defender that he has no other options that to take this plea and has therefore accepted his fate.' They claim it is an 'attempt to quickly close this case'. His parents Cindy and Ronnie Watts claim they have been denied access to their son in prison and allege that he was coerced into pleading guilty to all three murders The court received an email this week from a 'K Almand' on behalf Watts' mother, claiming that the Colorado Public Defenders Office has denied the family access to him in prison The court on Thursday agreed to allow Cindy and Ronnie to make a statement at their son's sentencing next week. It comes after Watts' parents said last week they believed his claim that he killed his pregnant wife in a vengeful 'rage' after discovering she had just strangled their two daughters. Watts initially claimed Shanann murdered the children at the family home when she learned he was going to leave her. His parents said their son was not a psychopath even though he dumped his daughters' bodies in an oil tank and buried his wife in a shallow grave at an oil site owned by a former employee. 'I know he confessed, but he was railroaded into it,' Cynthia told the Denver Post in one of multiple interviews the couple took part in. She said her son 'changed' when he met Shanann and that their marriage was 'hard'. 'It was a very hard relationship. It was a very hard relationship with her as far as Im concerned. Chris Watts pleaded guilty earlier this month to killing his wife Shanann and their two daughters Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3. He will be sentenced to life in prison on Monday Meanwhile, Shanann's parents Frank and Sandra Rzucek said they were appalled by the comments the Watts made, including that Chris was in an 'abusive' relationship with their daughter Ronnie added: 'Shanann, she was, you have to get to know her to be around her. Put it that way.' They said their son had always been 'easy going' and did not have a temper despite him admitting killing Shanann. 'It's hard to me for believe that he would hurt those girls no matter what. The story, that he told me that night, I believed it. 'The way he was crying and everything... I believed it,' his father Ronnie said, referring to the story Chris gave him once he was arrested days after the girls were last seen alive. Meanwhile, Shanann's parents Frank and Sandra Rzucek said they were appalled by the comments the Watts made, including that Chris was in an 'abusive' relationship with their daughter and that he was 'railroaded' into taking a plea deal to avoid being executed. The former oil and gas worker murdered Shanann and their daughters inside their home in Frederick, north of Denver, on August 13 In a statement to DailyMail.com, Frank and Sandra said: 'Shanann Watts was a faithful wife, and the most gentle and loving mother in the world to her children Bella, Celeste, and [unborn child] Nico. 'She was also the best daughter any parent could ever hope for. Shanann was a wonderful soul. 'Everyone who knew Shanann knows this to be true. Even Chris Watts knows this to be true. Yet Chris Watts still chose to murder Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico. 'Chris Watts still chose to dump the bodies of his own family in oil tanks. And Chris Watts still chose to lie about it until he could lie no more. He pleaded guilty to murdering his family because he is guilty. 'Monday evening, the parents of Chris Watts gave an interview in which they attempted to defend their son. 'In doing so, they felt the need to make vicious, grotesque and utterly false statements about Shanann. 'Their false statements, however hurtful and inaccurate, will never alter the truth about Shanann, and will never alter the truth about the crimes committed by their son, Chris Watts. 'Shananns memory and reputation deserves to be protected. And her family is fully prepared to do so.' Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro chose a Trump-admiring diplomat who claims climate change is a plot by 'cultural Marxists' as his new foreign minister on Wednesday. Bolsonaro's pick of career diplomat Ernesto Araujo, 51, underscored Brazil's sharp turn to the right and the reversal of nearly a decade and a half of diplomacy under leftist Workers Party governments that focused on alliances with South American allies and ideological partners - including Cuba. 'Brazil's foreign policy should be part of this moment of regeneration that Brazil is living right now,' Bolsonaro, a longstanding Trump admirer, wrote on Twitter. Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro (left) chose Trump-admiring Ernesto Araujo (right) as his new top diplomat Araujo claims climate change is a plot by 'cultural Marxists' to undermine capitalist countries and promote China In another sign of Brazil's new foreign policy direction under Bolsonaro, the former army captain announced he would grant asylum to any Cuban national who asks for it. That came after Cuba said it would pull thousands of its doctors from Brazil after Bolsonaro questioned their training and demanded changes to their contracts. Araujo, a career diplomat, is currently head of the foreign ministry's United States and Canada department. In his blog, Metapolitia Brasil, Araujo claims his goal is to 'help Brazil and the world liberate themselves from globalist ideology'. In a post last month he writes: 'This dogma has been used to justify increasing the regulatory power of states over the economy and the power of international institutions on the nation states and their populations, as well as to stifle economic growth in democratic capitalist countries and to promote the growth of China'. In another post Araujo said Brazil's Workers Party was 'criminalising sex and reproduction, saying that all heterosexual intercourse is rape and every baby is a risk to the planet as it will increase carbon emissions', according to the Guardian. In another sign of Brazil's new foreign policy direction under Bolsonaro, the former army captain announced he would grant asylum to any Cuban national who asks for it Pictured: Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro pose for a photograph next to Military Police members as they celebrate his election victory at the Paulista Avenue, in Sao Paulo, Brazil Pictured: A supporter of Workers' Party presidential candidate Fernando Haddad during a heated argument after Bolsonaro was declared the winner in an election runoff on October 28 Last year, Araujo raised eyebrows in the foreign ministry with an article that stated Brazil has a chance to recover its 'Western soul' by embracing Trump's brand of nationalism and pursuing its own interests instead of being tied to blocs of countries. The article, entitled 'Trump and the West,' won the attention of Bolsonaro, who has promoted the mid-level diplomat to lead Itamaraty, as the foreign ministry is known. Araujo shares Bolsonaro's view of the need to rethink membership of the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which he and others in the president-elect's camp see as holding back Brazil's commercial interests. Announcing the appointment with Araujo at his side, Bolsonaro said the diplomat's mission will be to promote trade with all nations without any left-wing ideological bias. Araujo said he would make sure Bolsonaro's election brought a change of course at the foreign ministry that puts Brazil first, 'an effective policy based on national interest, a policy for an active, happy and prosperous Brazil.' Araujo said he would make sure Bolsonaro's election brought a change of course at the foreign ministry that puts Brazil first, 'an effective policy based on national interest, a policy for an active, happy and prosperous Brazil' Supporters of Bolsonaro celebrate his victory in the election runoff in front of his residence in Rio De Janeiro Araujo argued in his article that, unlike European leaders, Trump is saving western Christian civilization from radical Islam and 'globalist cultural Marxism' by standing up for national identity, family values and the Christian faith. Bolsonaro, who takes office on January 1, is reconsidering some of his campaign foreign policy stances, such as copying Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Accord on climate change and moving Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The latter proposal has already soured ties with Arab nations that are valuable markets for Brazilian meat. But he has stuck to his criticism of a program that brought 14,000 Cuban doctors to practice in poor and remote parts of Brazil, slamming the 'slave labor' terms under which Cuba's communist-run government gets 75 percent of their salaries. Bolsonaro has also insisted that Cuba allow the doctors' families be allowed to join them in Brazil for the program to continue. 'Unfortunately, Cuba did not accept,' Bolsonaro said in a Twitter post announcing the end of the program after the Cuban health ministry said it was pulling its doctors out of Brazil due to his criticism. Bolsonaro, who takes office on January 1, is reconsidering some of his campaign foreign policy stances, such as copying Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Accord on climate change and moving Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem Pictured: Distraught supporters of Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad Ernesto Araujo was an early supporter of the far-right leader, and courted controversy when he referred to members of the left-wing opposition as 'terrorists', according to Brazilian press reports. His was the eighth ministerial appointment Bolsonaro has made since winning the presidential election at the end of last month. 'External politics must be a part of the regeneration Brazil is now going through,' said Bolsonaro on Twitter. He described Araujo as 'a brilliant intellectual' and pointed to his 29 years of experience as a diplomat. Speaking to reporters alongside the president-elect in Brasilia, Araujo said his mission would be 'to ensure that this historic and incredible moment that Brazil is going through with Bolsonaro's election is reflected' in its foreign policy. He said it would be 'an effective policy, based on national interest, a policy of an active, happy, prosperous Brazil.' The appointment came just a day after Bolsonaro named former military general Fernando Azevedo e Silva as his defense minister. He had already appointed his ministers of justice, finance, agriculture, science and technology, institutional security and his chief of staff. The parents of Madeleine McCann have posted a message of 'hope' after they were granted a further 150,000 to inject into the hunt for their missing daughter. The move has prompted an angry backlash from the parents of other missing children who haven't received the same financial support from Scotland Yard. The funding will keep Operation Grange going until March 2019, a full 12 years since Madeleine, three at the time, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal. The funding will keep Operation Grange going until March 2019, a full 12 years since Madeleine, three at the time, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal The message, posted on the Find Maddie Campaign website, updated its cover photo with a picture of the word 'hope'. It was accompanied by a brief note to supporters which said: 'We just want to thank you for continuing to be by our side and keeping Madeleine in your heart.' The site is run by a family friend but endorsed by Kate and Gerry McCann. Force bosses have been applying for funds every six months to continue the inquiry that has cost 11.75million so far. One devastated parent Paul Whinham, 69, from Wallsend in North Tyneside, has been searching for his 31-year-old son Michael for three years. Speaking to The Sun today he said: 'After a six month investigation the Chief Inspector of Northumbria Police told me "I'm sorry Paul there's no more money to keep on going, the case is closed but if you want to declare your son dead it takes six years". Dave Edgar was hired by Kate and Gerry McCann to look into their daughter's disappearance and worked on the case for three years 'They gave me all the options, I'm not knocking them. They said "we can only do what we can", which is fair enough, they're not magicians. I agree with that. 'If any new evidence comes to light, if there's any more sightings or anything, I was told to get in touch with them.' The Yard had applied for renewed funding in September but the Home Office has declined to say until today if it had been approved - leaving Maddie's desperate parents on tenterhooks for weeks. A spokesperson said: 'We have confirmed that Special Grant funding of 150,000 will be provided to the Metropolitan Police Service for the six-month period to 31 March 2019. This is an ongoing police investigation.' Three-year-old Maddie vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz in May 2007. She had been left alone sleeping with her younger twin siblings while her parents were dining with pals in a nearby tapas restaurant. Former GP turned medical worker Kate and heart doctor Gerry, both 50, of Rothley, Leicestershire, cling onto a glimmer of hope that Maddie could still be alive after more than 11 years. Dave Edgar (left) remains 'hopeful' that Madeleine McCann will be found alive in Portugal She would be aged 15. Detectives have refused to discuss details of the 'important final line of inquiry' they are pursuing. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'We cannot give a running commentary on the investigation while it is ongoing.' The inquiry, launched in May 2011 and now headed by Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall, still has 'important work to do and focused lines of investigation to be pursued, a force spokesman said:. 'The inquiry has not reached a conclusion and we're continuing with focus and determination. There are no immediate plans to reduce officer numbers further at this time.' Mr Mitchell said: 'Kate and Gerry appreciate everything the authorities have done and are doing to get a resolution after all this time. It gives them hope that one day they may finally find out what happened to their daughter.' Ex police chiefs and some members of public have slammed the Maddie inquiry as a waste of public money and officers' time despite it being drastically scaled down over the past few years. The McCanns have around 4million saved in a public fund to help find their daughter. But they fear this could be swallowed up in legal fees and a potential libel payout to former Portuguese officer Goncalo Amaral in their ongoing and bitter court battle. There is a healthy balance of nearly 750,000 sitting in the Find Maddie Fund. The stash of cash - made up mainly of public donations and profits from Kate's bestseller book - has grown over the past financial year, according to the latest accounts. Last month a former detective has revealed he remains 'hopeful' that Madeleine McCann will be found alive in Portugal, where she went missing in 2007. Former Detective Inspector Dave Edgar was hired by Kate and Gerry McCann to look into their daughter's disappearance and worked on the case for three years before it was taken over by the Met Police in 2011. Mr Edgar believes the case is 'solvable' and maintains there are 'people out there who know what happened'. A fresh-faced resident of the Manila slums who supports his mother and family. A devout Catholic committed to stopping the spread of sin. A young woman whose mother warned that dedicated study was the only way to avoid becoming a trash scavenger. A father determined not to let what he sees online affect his outlook on life. A man who killed himself because he let it affect him too much. These are the cleaners, the low-wage workers tasked with policing the images and content that everyone can view on social media. They work under the radar, wading through 25,000 images a day, taking mere seconds to decide what is and isnt appropriate for platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Only three errors are permitted per month, and the content they view can include anything from beheadings and assaults to political cartoons. They are generally trained for just three to five days and bring to the job their own experiences and belief systems subsequently influencing the lives and opinions of billions worldwide. The existence and impact of these workers most of whom are based in the Philippines are investigated in new documentary The Cleaners, which is hoping for an Oscar nod. The film offers a dark and alarming look into the underbelly of the Internet and it wasnt easy to make, directors Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck tell DailyMail.com. Getting in contact with the workers was one of the biggest challenges of the whole filmmaking process, Block says via email. It's a very secretive and hidden industry. The companies do everything they can to keep the work secret. The companies use code words to hide which companies they are working for. Facebook, for example, is referred to as the Honeybadger Project, the directors were told by the cleaners, as content moderators are known. Scroll down for video Documentary The Cleaners shines a light on the secret workers in the developing world tasked with deciding what can and cannot appear on social media platforms - forced to make decisions within seconds after just a few days of training Directors Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck tell DailyMail.com that it was difficult to get 'cleaners - known as content moderators - to talk; the workers face reprisals in what is a hugely secretive industry and are pressured not to talk to journalists The workers must keep their job secret. Otherwise they are sued, Block continues. There are private security firms that pressure workers not to talk to strangers. They control their social media accounts and there are all kinds of reprisals. It took us quite a while to get in touch with the workers. We collected all the information to get a bigger picture about what is going on there. But when we eventually did it (in collaboration with local students) we were surprised how proud many of them were to do this job. They told us: Without us social media would be a complete mess. On the other hand many of them silently suffer from the impact the work has on their mental health. After a very long period of research, in which we built up a relationship of trust with the workers, we worked together with our protagonists of the film to find out how to make a film about this work. The process of securing the participation of such workers men and women with firsthand knowledge of how the system works was one that had to be carefully orchestrated. Riesewieck tells DailyMail.com how colleagues were secretly photographed while talking to possible subjects and then the photo was sent to all the employees in order to threaten them in case they were willing to talk to us. The offices are protected by airport scanners at the doors and surveilled by private security firms who sometimes even control the private social media behavior of the workers - just to make sure they are not in touch with journalists. So we really needed to find creative ways how to make a film about this completely hidden work. We eventually did by finding an abandoned office of this very type of work in a business district of Manila with all the typical work stations still inside where we could invite our subjects in order to learn more about their work. This protected space made it possible for them to share experiences about their traumatizing work and their feelings, in which way they are affected and so on. 'Cleaners' are not employed directly by tech giants such as Facebook or Twitter - which have been the subject of congressional hearings in the US exploring their practices - but rather by other companies - and the well-known social media platforms are often given code names The content moderators are affected in vastly different ways; some are proud and see their role as guardians, while others are deeply affected, such as the formerly innocent devout Catholic who finds it hard to get images of male genitalia out of her head. The film also includes the story of one moderator specializing in images of self-harm; he repeatedly asked to be transferred but was denied, and he ended up taking his own life. The pitfalls of the job are, clearly, manifold. But The Cleaners also explores the wider societal implications of their work. Sanitizing content means that images of war and violence such as bombings in Syria are often designated as terrorist-related, deleted and kept from online audiences, preventing them from being fully informed. Abdulwahab Tahhan, who works with the NGO Airwars, laments in the film how summarily deleting such content hinders the efforts of his organization and prevents global citizens from receiving vital information. Without our work, the armies or the governments would have a straight pass without anybody challenging them, he says in The Cleaners. There would be, I think, more civilians getting killed; there would be less closure; we would not be able to know whats going on. These videos are needed. These videos are part of the war. They provide information; they provide evidence for the future. But the problem is, these videos are quite often classified as ISIS videos. Its been seen that this is very graphic, so they get deleted. Now the censorship thats taking place on YouTube, its affecting a lot of organizations. The cultural, educational and political backgrounds of the content moderators inherently affects whats deleted and whats allowed to remain; without context, its wildly difficult for such workers to make informed decisions about images and footage. Some content moderators are proud and believe their work helps keep the Internet from being a 'complete mess;' others have suffered mentally and emotionally from being forced to view images that include beheadings, assaults and other atrocities - with the film even telling the story of one moderator who took his own life Filmmaker Block tells DailyMail.com: Most of the billions of people in the world who use social media dont have any clue who does the clean-up-work for them. Most of us take it for granted we dont have to see videos of beheadings, rape or torture in our newsfeeds. We dont know there are thousands of young workers in the developing world who sacrifice themselves in order to keep us safe and provide us with a healthy environment when we go online' Directors Moritz Riesewieck, left, and Hans Block went to great lengths not only to obtain interviews but also to protect 'cleaners' - even offering them access to a psychologist Without comment or judgement, a few examples are woven into the film. The devout Catholic content moderator deletes any images of nudity, period. A moderator deleted the award-winning Vietnam War photo depicting a naked young girl running from a napalm attack because it showed an unclothed minor. Another moderator deleted an image he believed to be a young child killed in a flood accident when, in reality, it was an image of a toddler victim of the Syrian conflict, likely a drowned refugee. Artist Kahled Barakeh had posted that photo and others on facebook to highlight the atrocities in his native country only for the post to be deleted after three days. There was no explanation, he says in the film. I tried to, in every possible way, to be in touch, but it was impossible Sometimes I try to think about it: Who decides what is the policy of Facebook? I would love to meet these people, know who they are because by logic, their background, who they are, it affects how they think. That child didnt die out of a normal situation. Such harsh realities should be shared on social media, he says, because we should keep disturbing the world. The documentary hammers home the point that major companies, and not just the content moderators, should be facing major ethical and procedural questions. A decision about what constitutes terror content is a really context-based decision, says Nicole Wong, a former policy maker at Google and Twitter and former deputy US chief technology officer under President Obama who was interviewed by the filmmakers. It may show up on one platform as a true threat, and it may show up on another platform as news or as satire or criticism commenting on a piece of content its hard to know whether something should be removed or not. The Cleaners interviews former executives from major companies such as Facebook and Google but it proved veritably impossible to get current employees to talk, the filmmakers tell DailyMail.com. From the beginning, we wanted to involve Silicon Valley executives in our film to discuss the issue of global networks and how to handle the moderation process of the platforms, Block tells DailyMail.com. It would be so easy to blame or insult the social media for all their mistakes. But we never did. Much more, we wanted to encourage an open dialogue to think about the problem of the global network. But getting in contact with the executives of the big social media companies wasn't any easier as there is this code of silence in Silicon Valley. None of the employees of Facebook or Google talks about what's happening inside. We contacted several dozens of people and never got an answer. We've even sent the final cut of our film to all the major companies and asked for a public statement. There was no response either. When we tried to promote the film in Germany and France via social media, we got the message after a short time that the trailer violated the community guidelines and was deleted. Sad but true! Intransparency is one of the main characteristics of the companies. That was very annoying and upsetting. Eventually we got in touch with some of the former representatives of Facebook and Google/ YouTube/Twitter. Many of the former representatives regret that they helped to build technology with so many terrible effects. The power struggle with individual governments, as well, is investigated by the film, which touches upon censorship in countries such as Turkey and issues with information spread in places like Myanmar where most people get all of their news from platforms such as Facebook and are arguably less able to distinguish between fact and fiction. That reality contributes to major problems such as genocide and marginalization, with The Cleaners pointing out that Facebook has been used to promote hatred of the ethnic minority Rohingya people in Myanmar. The film interviews former Google and Twitter executive Nicole Wong, left, who went on to be US deputy chief technology officer under President Barack Obama - as well as activist Abdulwahab Tahhan, with NGO Airwars, who believes blocked content of bombings and other violence in Syria is hampering efforts by organizations such as his that are trying to show the world what is really going on. Tahhan says: 'We should keep disturbing the world' Artist Khaled Bakareh is also interviewed in the film; he posted photos on Facebook of children killed during the Syria conflict, only to see them removed days later. He says: 'Sometimes I try to think about it: Who decides what is the policy of Facebook? I would love to meet these people, know who they are because by logic, their background, who they are, it affects how they think' But the documentary makers themselves also had to struggle with what they should and shouldnt show in the film. Riesewieck explains how they decided only to show a tiny part of the disturbing content itself and whenever possible rather to show the reactions of the content moderators on the content. It is clearly not our aim to shock the audience. But in cases like with the war in Syria we still need to ask ourselves what gives us the right not to be disturbed by the human victims of this terrible war which so many countries worldwide are included in. We want to make awareness that the so called healthy environment on social media comes at a huge price: A very perfidious mental abuse of young low wage workers in the developing world and the loss of a lot of ambivalent, challenging, eye-opening material. The filmmakers made a psychologist available to the content moderators they interviewed, and they hope that their final product prompts thought and discussion among social media users, platforms and governments alike. Their film focuses on an aspect of the Internet that is rarely discussed or investigated or thought about by the billions using social media every day for information and communication. What was really surprising was, how many grey areas remain despite the guidelines the content moderators have to follow, Riesewieck tells DailyMail.com. Content moderators told us they don't dare to forward every second case in which they feel unsure about which guideline to apply or how to recognize the context of a picture or video and therefore just use their "gut feelings". According to several different content moderators in Manila there is a golden rule everybody has to learn in their three to five-day-training for the job: Don't overthink! Just think about the consequences for activists, civil rights organizations, minorities and others if their content is deleted from Facebook, Youtube, Twitter just because a young low wage worker didn't know about the context and purpose of the post and intuitively got it wrong. His co-director says: Most of the billions of people in the world who use social media dont have any clue who does the clean-up-work for them. Most of us take it for granted we dont have to see videos of beheadings, rape or torture in our newsfeeds. We dont know there are thousands of young workers in the developing world who sacrifice themselves in order to keep us "safe" and provide us with a "healthy environment" when we go online. 'At the same time, hundreds of thousands of newsworthy pictures and videos disappear every single day without our notice. A lot of individuals as well as whole groups of our societies are secretly silenced with huge effects on our democracy. We all should question the power social media has on all of us and become much more aware of the impact it has on today's societies and all our minds. Instead of just passively consuming the net and allowing a few companies to dictate the rules for our digital public we should claim a much more participative, diverse net - in the hands of the public. We should become aware about how social media has hacked our desire to be loved by making us seek likes with every post we make. And by constantly asking us what we think about this and that people have familiarized with the idea of constantly having opinions. All these triggers and nudges make us produce more and more content in order to keep the level of positive feedback. The first step to limit the addiction to these technologies and dealing with them in a more mindful and meaningful way is becoming aware about those effects on our minds and on behavior. Connor Allsopp, pictured, and his co-accused Matthew Hanley admitted being behind a plot to steal the personal and banking details of thousands of customers of telecom giant TalkTalk Two computer geeks hacked the website of telecoms giant TalkTalk in a massive data breach costing the company 77m in lost business, a court heard. Connor Allsopp, 21, and Matthew Hanley, 23, were behind the plot to steal thousands of customers personal and banking details in October 2015. TalkTalk was fined a record 400,000 for security failings which allowed the data to be accessed with ease in one of the biggest data breaches in history. Peter Ratliff, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey: Matthew Hanley was, up until his arrest on 31 October 2015, a determined and dedicated hacker. He was entirely aware of the risks he was taking and the illegality of what he was doing. The counts against him reflect his actual hacking of TalkTalk, his obtaining of computer files that were to be used for hacking, his supplying of computer files to others to enable them to hack and his supply of material - the personal and financial data of TalkTalk customers - to another for the purposes of fraud. Mr Ratliff explained that Hanley gave Allsopp a computer file containing the personal data of TalkTalk customers and Allsopp then passed it on to an online user known as Reign. Before Hanley was arrested, he erased the content of his computer and police were unable to restore it. The evidence against him comes, in the main, from the material stored on his computer after he wiped it, and from Skype conversations he held with numerous online users, said Mr Ratliff. The laptop which Allsopp was using at the time of the offences has never been recovered. He claims it was destroyed in a house fire. In one of his Hanleys online conversations with a user called Simplyediting, he boasted: Im dumping the TalkTalk ISP database haha. Dumping means exporting hacked information to a file on the hackers device. When officers came to Hanleys house to arrest him he was in bed, and told them: I know who did it. It wasnt the 15-year-old kid. They used his servers but it wasnt him. The majority of the hacking took place between October 16 and 21, 2015, the Old Bailey heard. TalkTalk became aware of potential latency issues on its website and began an investigation on 21 October. CEO of the company, Dido Harding, then received demands for Bitcoins in return for the stolen data, which included customers names, email addresses, mobile numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. It is believed that 1,707 tables with 439,365,020 rows of data - 1,662,367 of which contained sensitive date - were taken by the hackers. The total loss to TalkTalk as a result of the attack, as estimated by TalkTalks Chief Financial Officer, is 77million, said Mr Ratliff. Allsopp has admitted supplying an article for use in fraud and supplying articles for use in a Computer Misuse Act 1990 offence Hanley, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, admitted supplying an article for use in fraud, obtaining and supplying articles for use in a Computer Misuse Act 1990 offence, and causing a computer to perform a function with intent to secure unauthorised access to a program or data. Allsopp, from Tamworth, admitted supplying an article for use in fraud and supplying articles for use in a Computer Misuse Act 1990 offence. The pair will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday. Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for murder over the fishing boat attack off the coast of Massachusetts in September An illegal Mexican immigrant has been indicted for murdering a shipmate with a hammer and injuring two others in an attack on board a fishing vessel off the coast of Massachusetts. Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for murder in the second degree, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon over the fishing boat attack back in September. Meave Vazquez was on board the Captain Billy Haver ship about 55 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with six other crew members on September 23 when he allegedly attacked a man with a hammer and knife. The US Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts said the man who was attacked saw another crew member already lying on the deck bleeding. Meave Vazquez allegedly then struck a third crew member with the hammer. He then climbed up the mast of the ship as others on the boat tried to capture him, prosecutors said. The ship's captain put a call out on the distress channel and a German cruise ship, Mein Schiff 6, responded. Meave Vazquez was on board the Captain Billy Haver ship about 55 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with six other crew members on September 23 when he allegedly attacked a man with a hammer and knife Prosecutors said Meave Vazquez, who is a Mexican national, is illegally in the U.S. He has been held in prison ever since his September arrest The two wounded shipmates were taken onto the cruise ship for treatment, but the other victim was pronounced dead by the ship's doctor. 'We have a man gone crazy here on the boat, man,' the captain could be heard saying in audio. 'One man, I don't know if he's dead or what. But one of the crew members went crazy, and he started hitting people in the head with a hammer. I got three men that's injured now. One I can't wake him up.' Prosecutors said Meave Vazquez is illegally present in the U.S. He had previously been arrested in Newport News, Virginia in March for abduction by force, intimidation or force and was released on bond. In that instance, he had allegedly tried to abduct and strangle his 20-year-old American wife. He faces life in prison if convicted of the murder charge. Meave Vazquez has been in prison since his September arrest. The House Ethics Committee sanctioned two Members of Congress on Friday in a ruling on sexual assault allegations, one for allegedly making unwanted advances toward staffers and another for turning a blind eye to an aide's misconduct. House Ethics said that Democratic Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada made persistent and unwanted advances toward three women who were required to interact with him as part of their job. One of the women quit his campaign for Congress after he asked her if she ever 'cheated on her boyfriend' and groped her in a car after she denied his sexual advances. In a separate matter, the Ethics Committee found that Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican, failed to take prompt and decisive action to deal with alleged sexual harassment allegations against a former chief of staff, Kenny West. House Ethics said that Democratic Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada made persistent and unwanted advances toward three women who were required to interact with him as part of their job n a separate matter, the Ethics Committee found that Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican, failed to take prompt and decisive action to deal with alleged sexual harassment allegations against a former chief of staff, Kenny West Kihuen is serving his first term and announced he would not seek re-election after the allegations became public in late 2017. The committee said similarities in the allegations, including touching and his comments toward the women, 'bolstered the credibility of the complaints.' The committee said in its report Friday that three women testified that Kihuen made unwanted advances toward them between 2013 and 2017. Meadows continued to pay West after the allegations surfaced, even though he did little to no official work during that time One woman was a campaign staffer, another a lobbyist and the other worked for a Washington, D.C., firm. Only the latter involved a time when Kihuen was serving in Congress. Kihuen says he didn't violate any House rule, and noted that allegations from the campaign staffer and lobbyist occurred before he was a member of Congress. Still, he said what mattered was how the women perceived his actions, and he apologized. 'This has been a humbling experience, and the lessons learned from this will guide my conduct for the rest of my life,' Kihuen said. Meadows, a Republican who has not been accused of harassment, was fined $40,000 in decision that was related to his former chief of staff. Allegations of assault against West surfaced in 2014. Yet, the congressman continued to pay him. The committee sanction of Meadows included a requirement that the congressman reimburse the U.S. Treasury for the salary paid to West after the alleged sexual misconduct. The amount covers a period of time in which Meadows allowed West to draw benefits, though the committee found little evidence of official work that he completed during that time. Meadows had said that he continued pay West to ensure a smooth transition and as severance. He said West also traveled to constituent meetings on his behalf. The ethics panel found Meadows violated House rules by failing to take appropriate action to ensure his office was free from sexual discrimination. It also said that Meadows' failure to take prompt and decisive action 'was troubling.' Amanda Knox is engaged after accepting a bizarre, ET-themed proposal from her novelist boyfriend Christopher Robinson at their home in Seattle. Knox, 31, who was twice acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, shared a video of the proposal on YouTube on Friday. It showed her hemming a 'cloak' at the beginning of the clip as Robinson, a novelist, stood behind her. He then took her into their front yard where he had staged a fake meteor which contained a 'data crystal' describing their 'coalescence'. She and Robinson have been dating since 2015. They met while she was engaged to someone else but sparks flew when she reviewed his book. Scroll down for video Amanda Knox accepted her boyfriend Christopher Robinson's proposal . She shared a video of it on YouTube on Friday Knox and her boyfriend Christopher Robinson have been dating since 2015. They met while she was engaged to someone else and was reviewing Robinson's book After leading her out to their front yard to propose, Robinson got down on one knee and asked her: 'I don't have a ring, but I have a big rock. 'Amanda Marie Knox, will you marry me?' After saying yes, the pair kissed passionately while the camera rolled. In movie-style credits at the end of the video, Robinson revealed it took him more than a year to put the proposal together. He added that Amanda 'doesn't wear rings, for the record.' The 'data crystal' inside the fake meteor read in part: 'No other pre-singilarity union produced as much cerebral-empathic heat as the joining of Amanda Marie Knox and Christopher Gerald Robinson. 'Known in the parlance of the times as a "power couple", Knox and Robinson pursued diverse projects of grand ambition. 'Even as they pursued each other. 'For their love grew exponentially from their initial encounter when Knox reviewed Robinson's debut novel.' Knox was 'hemming a cloak' at the start of the video and was led outside by Robinson Knox then looked dug out the meteor to discover the 'data crystal' The 'data crystal' which was in the middle f the fake meteor Robinson got down on one knee and asked her to 'stay with him forever' Yes! The pair then kissed passionately for several seconds while the camera filmed them Robinson and Knox have been dating since 2015. They met when she was engaged to someone else, but sparks flew when she reviewed his book Knox uploaded a small snippet of the video to Instagram on Friday. She accompanied it with the caption: 'It was just your average Sunday night, when suddenly...' She then directed followers to her YouTube channel to watch the full proposal. Knox returned to the US in 2011 after having her murder conviction for the killing of British student Meredith Kercher overturned. She was retried in 2014 but never returned to Italy for that trial. She was convicted in that case too. In 2015, Italy's Supreme Court overturned her second conviction and brought an end to her legal saga. Knox was twice convicted and twice acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher. The pair were both exchange students in Perugia, Italy, when Kercher was found dead with her throat slashed in 2007 Knox and Kercher were roommates in this villa in Perugia, Italy, at the time Knox and her boyfriend at the time, Italian Raffaele Sollecito, were accused of murdering Kercher in a sex-game-gone-wrong Since returning to the US, she has since taken part in a Netflix documentary and has written books and articles. In 2007, Kercher was found murdered in the villa she shared with Knox while the pair were both studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. Knox and her boyfriend at the time, Raffaele Sollecito, were accused of murdering her in a sex-game-gone-wrong. They were convicted of the murder in 2009 but were freed on appeal two years later. Drifter Rudy Guede was also tried. He was found guilty and is still in jail. He was sentenced to 16 years behind bars in 2008. Congolese bar owner Lumumba 'Patrick' Diya was also implicated in the murder by Knox. She claimed it was him who killed Kercher and was sued successfully by him for defamation for making the claim. She spent three years in jail for making it up and has since told of her guilt for making the false accusation. A white professor's name has been cleared after she was investigated by the university for calling the police on a black student for reportedly putting her feet up during class. The University of Texas at San Antonio announced on Wednesday that biology professor Anita Moss did not act out of 'racial bias' when she kicked black student Paige Burgess out of her classroom. Moss went viral after students recorded video of three officers entering the classroom and escorting Burgess out of the Anatomy & Physiology class on Monday, as the professor angrily looked on. University President Taylor Eighmy released a statement to staff and students saying after in-depth interviews with Moss and the student, 'racial bias was not a factor in the actions of the faculty member'. Scroll down for video Professor Anita Moss (left) did not act out of racial bias when she called the cops on student Paige Burgess (right) to escort her out of class on Monday at the University of Texas in San Antonio, the school says The school announced on Wednesday that it found Moss mismanaged her classroom but did not act out of racial bias against the black student Student statement: Paige Burgess corroborated the school's decision saying: 'I've been repeatedly asked if I believe the incident is based on racism. My answer is no' The school came to this conclusion after Burgess said she herself didn't believe it was a racist incident, despite her classmates and Twitter users interpreting it as such. Burgess released her own statement on Twitter explaining her stance on Thursday. 'Throughout these investigations, I have been repeatedly asked whether I believe the incident on Monday was based on racism. My answer is no. however, the investigations confirm that my professor has struggled with misidentifying me with other students,' she wrote. 'My professor apologized to me today for her classroom reaction, and I apologized to her if my behavior appeared to be disruptive, unprofessional or uncivil as a student. I am eager to move forward and put this behind me,' she added. The shocking video of the incident has racked up more than four million views after it was posted by classmate Apurva Rawal and angered Twitter users. White biology professor Anita Moss kicked black student Paige Burgess out of her classroom for allegedly putting her feet up and being disrespectful on Monday. Moss pictured standing in navy, Burgess is seated wearing a gray sweater and looking at her Moss called three police officers to her Monday lecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio to escort Burgess away for putting her feet up in class 'So this happened today in class, a girl had her feet up and the professor called the police after calling our class uncivilized (sic),' he wrote. 'This professor stopped class entirely and stepped out to call the police just because one student had her feet up on a seat in front of her. Mind you she wasn't talking or interrupting lecture,' he added. He added that Burgess rested her feet on the back of the seat in front of her during a prior lecture. Her stance led Moss to stop mid-lecture to ask her to put her feet down and say that behavior was disrespectful to her. Burgess then complied. But the behavior seemed to deeply anger Moss, who arrived late to Monday's lesson and instead of starting lecture, handed out printed copies of the UTSA student Conduct and Community standards, once again talking about civil behavior. Although Moss wasn't terminated from her position at UTSA she was removed from teaching for the rest of the semester and several corrective actions were set in place. She will have to check in with school officials each semester for the next three years Burgess identified herself as the student in the video on Twitter on Monday After the video of the incident went viral Burgess thanked her classmates for clearing the air and defending her name Burgess told her classmate Rawal that Moss had mistakenly emailed another student thinking it was her, asking to meet and discuss her behavior prior to Monday's class. During the lecture hall, Moss asked her to leave and when she refused called the campus police officers to take her away. The university immediately launched two investigations to look into the incident following the viral tweets - one for 'potential discrimination' and another for 'classroom management', the conclusions of which were shared on Wednesday. Burgess elected to not file a formal complaint of discrimination after the incident. Moss, however, was found to have mismanaged her classroom, but the school noted she is a 'high quality' instructor at the school. As a result she will not be terminated from her position at UTSA. UTSA did not suspend Moss for the incident but placed her on leave for the rest of the semester The school presented a list of corrective actions including removing her from her classroom for the remainder of the fall semester. Other measures include bringing in an unarmed safety officer to the class for the duration of the semester. Moss will return to teach in the Spring 2019 semester and for each semester she teaches over the next three years, she will have to check in with school officials. Burgess said she was overwhelmed with the amount of support she received from her peers following the incident. 'I seriously cant thank my class enough for this [love] they literally stood up for me after I was escorted out by three officers and called her out for being disruptive to them as well this whole semester. Completely overwhelmed and thankful rn,' she added. This is the moment a brave police officer swooped in to safely disarm a suicidal 12-year-old boy holding a knife to his own throat. Officer Brandon Judd, 31, was able to seize the boy from behind on Monday in Grove City, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus where the confrontation took place in a strip mall parking lot. The boy had recently escaped from Buckeye Ranch Client & Mental Health Services, where he climbed a tree, broke off a branch, and used it to strike a police officer, according to the police report. The boy then ran toward a Dollar Tree store and darted inside when he spotted cops, the report says. He emerged with two butcher knives, removed them from their packaging and threatened to throw them at cops. Officer Brandon Judd, 31, described how he was able to disarm the boy on Monday in Grove City, Ohio without anyone getting hurt The boy fled to the parking lot where multiple officers surrounded him. He held the knife to his own throat and threatened to kill himself. 'I'm just trying to keep my distance, talk to him, see what's going through his head,' Officer Judd recalled to ABC6. 'Obviously he's going through some sort of crisis.' Judd saw his opportunity when another police cruiser pulls up close to the boy, distracting him. Dashcam footage from the cruiser shows Judd turn of the volume on his radio so it can't be heard, and casually circle back behind the boy. 'I figured if I could slowly walk out of his view, maybe he would forget about me,' he said. Judd switches off his radio so it won't make any noise as he circles around the suicidal boy Using the police cruiser as a distraction, Judd casually walks out of the boy's field of view Other officers talk to the boy to distract him as Judd circles behind him Judd said his colleagues on the police force immediately knew what he was doing and played along, talking to the boy to distract him. 'We all knew what was going on. They knew what I was doing. I knew what they were doing without actually saying a word,' he said. Judd knew that grabbing an armed suspect was against official training - but the training wasn't designed with a young boy in mind. 'I knew I'd be able to overpower the kid if I could get close enough,' said Judd, who joined the Grove City force fresh out of the academy in 2011. Judd pounces silently, grabbing the boys wrists and making him drop the two knives Other officers swarmed, helping Judd handcuff the boy without hurting him As one officer pats the boy down, another kneels in front of him to try to reassure him And that's what he did, grabbing the boys wrist from behind and forcing him to drop the knife. As officers handcuffed him, one cop knelt in front of hit to try and assure him that everything was going to be alright. The boy was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital and has been released. He is facing a series of charges including assault, inducing panic, aggravated menacing and theft. Cory Hinsch, 24, was taken into custody on November 9 after he walked into the Pensacola Police Department and allegedly confessed to his crimes A Florida man has been arrested after walking into a police station and asking to go to jail for downloading child porn on his phone. Cory Hinsch, 24, was taken into custody on November 9 after he walked into the Pensacola Police Department and allegedly confessed to his crimes. He told the officer at the front desk that he was in possession of child pornography and needed to be arrested. Hinsch then showed the officer a photo of a young girl engaged in sex acts on his phone, according to the police report. He was taken upstairs to be interviewed where he told detectives he had downloaded the child porn from the 'dark web'. Prior to being arrested, Hinsch seemingly documented his attempts to be taken into custody. He tweeted this photo on November 9 of him inside the sheriff's office Hinsch had downloaded a collage of images that showed young girls masturbating, police said. He told the detectives he wanted to be interviewed without an attorney present. Hinsch also agreed to let investigators download data from his cellphone. Prior to being arrested, Hinsch seemingly documented his attempts to be taken into custody. His Twitter account featured a photo of him inside a sheriff's office and repeatedly mentioned that he was trying to turn himself in. Hinsch was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography. He was released from Escambia County Jail after posting $10,000 bond. A corrupt British border officer who tried smuggling guns and drugs into the UK through the Channel Tunnel while on duty, has been jailed for 23 years today. Simon Pellett, 37, and two accomplices were captured after officers in a joint intelligence operation identified members of an international syndicate importing arms and narcotics on the Eurotunnel Shuttle ferry service. Investigators believe the trio played a key part in a wider organised criminal network responsible for smuggling drugs and firearms into the UK. Pellett along with fellow gang members Alex Howard, 35, and David Baker, 55, were observed by police in both the UK and France. Simon Pellet, 37, (left), David Baker, 55, and Alex Howard, 35, (R) were convicted of importing drugs, Pellet and Baker were also convicted of gun running Pistols and silencers were among the firearms recovered by the cross-border investigation On October 6 2017, Pellet went to his place of work and collected an official Border Force van. He then drove alone and took the channel tunnel to France. But he was totally unaware the National Crime Agency had bugged his van - placing a listening device inside. As he drove he was heard making arrangements to rendezvous with Howard and Baker in Loon Plage, between Calais and Dunkirk. In an attempt to provide a cover story, Pellet went to a wine warehouse and bought some wine, placing this on show in the front of the van. He drove further into France and went to a pre-arranged meeting point, a supermarket car park in Loon Plage. Howard was waiting in the car park area while Baker placed three heavy holdalls into Pellet's Border Force van. Around 90lbs of drugs worth 3.4million were seized by the French police in Pellet's van in France National Crime Agency detectives had Howard (pictured) Pellet and Baker under surveillance David Baker is caught on CCTV, he had driven his own car to Loon Plage, as he tried to transport guns and drugs All three men were then arrested by French police. The three holdalls were subsequently found to contain eight pistols, two revolvers, a large quantity of ammunition, 28 kilos of cocaine (with a street value of 2.8 million) and six kilos of heroin (with a street value of 600,000). The drugs had a total street value of 3.4 million. The firearms included self-loading and machine pistols, revolvers, silencers and suitable ammunition. There was also ammunition suitable for a Scorpion sub-machine gun. All three suspects were extradited from France to the UK on May 11 this year and went on trial which started last month at Isleworth Crown Court in South West London. The joint intelligence-led operation included the Met Police's Organised Crime Command, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Central Office for the Repression of Organised Crime of the French National Police (OCLCO). Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Sam Cailes from the Met's Specialist Crime Command said: 'This has been a complex and highly-successful joint operation that has effectively removed a criminal network, which included a serving corrupt Border Force official. 'We are committed to reducing the number of firearms entering the UK and potentially ending up in the hands of violent criminals. Eight automatic pistols, two revolvers, three silencers and ammunition including a magazine for a Skorpion sub-machine gun were seized by police The removal of these weapons and drugs has reduced a significant threat to London's communities.' Pellett, of Dover, Kent was found guilty on Monday of three counts of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of goods (cocaine, heroin and firearms) and misconduct in a public office. He was jailed to 23 years and 115 days. Baker, 55, of Eltham, south east London was also found guilty of three counts of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of goods (cocaine, heroin and firearms). He was jailed for 20 years and 115 days. Howard, 35, of Teynham, Kent was found guilty of two counts of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of goods (cocaine and heroin). He was jailed for 10 years and 115 days. Canada's Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a woman who was detained and fined more than $400 Canadian dollars for refusing to hold onto an escalator handrail inside a subway station nearly a decade ago. On May 13, 2009, Bela Kosoian, a native of Georgia, was approached by a police officer inside the Montmorency subway station in the Montreal suburb of Laval because she disregarded a pictogram instructing commuters to hold onto the railing of the escalator. Kosoian pushed back, saying that to her, the pictogram was not an 'obligation.' In 2009, Bela Kosoian was arrested in a Montreal suburb and fined more than $400 Canadian dollars for refusing to hold onto an escalator handrail (stock image) As the commuter was rummaging through her bag in search of cash to purchase her ticket while riding the escalator, the officer a six-year veteran on the force with a perfect work record - persisted and warned her three times that she must hold onto to the railing, but Kosoian refused. The confrontation escalated when the woman declined to identify herself to the officer, arguing that she did not do anything wrong, reported The Canadian Press. Police also claimed that Kosoian made a scene and yelled at the officer to go find real criminals, according to The Globe and Mail. According to court documents, the woman was then 'forcibly taken' by the officer and his colleague who was called as backup. Police kept Kosoian detained for 30 minutes and then let her go with two tickets: A $100 fine for disobeying the handrail pictogram and a $320 fine for obstructing the work of an officer. On Thursday, Canada's Supreme Court (pictured) agreed to hear Kosoian's lawsuit, which she filed after being acquitted in the handrail case in 2012 At the time, Montreal Transit Corp admitted that it had never before fined anyone for refusing to hold a handrail, reported the Montreal Gazette. Kosoian was acquitted in connection to the two citations in 2012 and later filed a lawsuit against the Montreal Transit Corp, the City of Laval and the arresting officer, Fabio Camacho, seeking $45,000 in damages. In 2015, Quebec Court rejected Kosoian's lawsuit, assessing officer Camachos conduct as exemplary and irreproachable. Two years later, the Quebec Court of Appeals uphold the lower courts ruling, poetically describing the plaintiff as 'the author of her own misfortune.' On Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear Kosoians case. Her lawyer, Aymar Missakila, called this week's development 'excellent news' for his client, arguing that in siding with the police officer, the Appeals Court created a dangerous precedent. As a boy, Martin Amstell loved nothing more than a visit to the North London home of his glamorous blonde actress aunt. He remembers being so beguiled by her beauty that if she smiled at me, I was so overawed that Id hide behind the sofa. Tessa Amstell was a Thirties Pinewood Studios starlet, a magazine model for the Marcel Wave hairstyle so loved by women of that era. She and her jazz musician husband Billy moved in swanky London circles, rubbing shoulders with celebrities of the era including the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson. Fast-forward 70 years and that same home in Kenton, near Harrow, has brought untold misery to Martin, a 73-year-old retired film editor, after a cavalier and reckless heir hunter a company that traces people who may not realise theyre in line for part of a deceased relatives estate came perilously close to denying him the home his aunt left him in her will. Battle: Martin Amstell pictured outside the bungalow left to him by his actress aunt Tessa He slaughtered her personality, says Martin, in his first interview since the David-and-Goliath battle made national headlines this week. In measured tones that belie his sadness and fury, Martin, who shared his aunts love of film, says simply: I have so many happy memories of the house when Tessa and Billy lived there. Their home was always filled with music and laughter. Tessa would be devastated to know that it had caused such heartache. When Tessa died in a nursing home in January 2011, the 98-year-old widow was childless and left her bungalow, filled with jazz records, film posters and celebrity photographs, to the nephew she regarded as the closest thing she had to a son. But this act of love, set out in a will the socialite made a couple of years before her death, marked the beginning of a legal nightmare which, until a judge stepped in this week, almost saw mild-mannered Martin deprived of his inheritance. Martin remembers being so beguiled by Tessa's (pictured) beauty that if she smiled at me, I was so overawed that Id hide behind the sofa After Tessas death, the home-made will was mislaid and so her estate was not formally admitted to probate, the legal process by which a persons estate is dealt with after their death. Martin had no idea that this legal state of limbo placed him in a precarious position. Unfortunately, her empty 500,000 home caught the attention of heir hunter Andrew Fraser, who has appeared on the BBC series Heir Hunters, a programme documenting the work of those who devote their lives to tracing beneficiaries. In a move that will strike fear into the hearts of families across Britain, Fraser obtained legal control of Mrs Amstells estate after being employed by a local authority to track down beneficiaries, changed the locks at her house and, despite being told of the existence of a will, was just days from selling it at auction when he was stopped by an 11th-hour injunction. It was only this week, after a protracted legal battle, that a judge ordered Fraser to hand the keys to Mrs Amstells beloved home to her nephew and to foot a legal bill said to amount to around 130,000. For the past two years, its been like having a sewer rat sinking its teeth into my neck and not letting go, says Martin when we meet in a local hotel. Its been terribly stressful, but I knew I was in the right and I was determined not to give in. In a tweed jacket, smart shirt and tie, Martin is charming and solicitous. But his passion is evident when he dwells on the consequences of the heir-hunting industry. I felt so strongly about fighting this. If I hadnt had the money to fight it, I would almost certainly have caved in. What really preys on my mind is that people like this get away with it most of the time. If this is what happens when you tell someone there is a will, and they choose not to mention it to the court, then its likely this is being done by other firms. Something needs to be done. So how on earth did such a horrendous situation arise especially given that Mrs Amstell not only signed a will, but had it witnessed by two people? Aside from the upset this case has caused, it shines a spotlight on concerns about how local authorities use heir-hunting firms to deal with empty properties and those who die without a will. Such arrangements offer huge profits to the heir hunters, who track down potential beneficiaries in return for a slice of the inheritance. Heir hunter Andrew Fraser outside Central London County Court during hearing in dispute with Martin Amstell But legal experts warn that the involvement of the unregulated probate research industry is leading to massive overcharging and estates being awarded to the wrong relatives. Mrs Amstell, however, not only made a will in February 2009, but when she put her signature to the two-sided single page she did so with such vigour that the ink from her fountain pen bled through the paper. The document, which was drawn up by another family member using a will-writing guide, was commended in court this week for being a model of simplicity and clarity rarely seen these days. Having moved into a nursing home several years earlier, she left the house, which she hoped would remain in the family, to Martin and the remainder of her estate 130,000 in cash and assets to 22 different animal charities. The first she mentioned leaving her home to me was two or three years before she died, Martin recalls. She said, I want you to have the bungalow. The next time I saw her she said she was sorry for being a soppy old sausage but some time after that she spoke about drawing up the will. After Tessas death, Martin and his sister might have been expected to apply for probate so Tessas wishes could be carried out. But, he explains, with homes of their own, they were in no rush to act Although Martin wasnt present when the will was signed, it was witnessed by his older sister Marion, who was named executor, and by one of Mrs Amstells oldest family friends. Photocopies were made and, along with the original, stored at Marions home. When Tessa died peacefully in January 2011, Martin, who is unmarried, his sister and her children were the only mourners at Bushey Jewish Cemetery, Hertfordshire, where she was laid to rest alongside her husband, who had died in December 2005. After Tessas death, he and his sister might have been expected to apply for probate so Tessas wishes could be carried out. But, he explains, with homes of their own, they were in no rush to act. The bungalow had already been empty for years because Tessa (born Toba Gembitsky in 1912) and Billy had moved into a nursing home together in the late Nineties, when they were both in their 80s. Mrs Amstell's husband, jazz musician Barnet 'Billy' Amstell (pictured) The couple, who met at Pinewood Studios while working on the film Kicking The Moon Around and married in 1938, refused to sell the two-bedroom property and left it in the care of Martins sister. It was like a ghost house, says Martin. It was exactly as they had left it with all their belongings. As Tessas attorney, Marion had handled her aunts financial affairs for several years, arranging for money to be paid from Tessas bank account to cover nursing fees and paying gas and electricity bills. She made regular visits to the bungalow to sort the post. I wasnt thinking about selling the bungalow even though I wasnt going to live in it, says Martin. I didnt know what I was going to do with it, but it never occurred to me that someone would try to take it from me. With the benefit of hindsight, he wishes they had acted sooner. There was an added complication because Marion, who is now 85, could not immediately lay her hands on the will. She had moved house between the drawing-up of the document and Tessas death, and couldnt recall where she had placed it among the mountains of paperwork and boxes of books she and her family had accumulated. Not long after Tessas death, her own health deteriorated when she suffered a stroke. I didnt want to put pressure on her, says Martin. I didnt see it as an urgent problem. Of course I regret it now. What has happened is a lesson in how not to do these things. I was incredibly naive. Problems began when Tessas empty bungalow came to the attention of Brent Council, though its not known how. They contacted Andrew Fraser, of Fraser and Fraser, a London-based family firm of international probate researchers, in a bid to locate the propertys owner. Fraser changed the locks on the north London home and stopped Mrs Amstell's nephew from claiming his aunt's house The company specialises in tracing owners or their next-of-kin to properties that are vacant, occupied illegally or falling into disrepair. Such services are usually provided free of charge to local authorities because the leads can be highly lucrative. If it transpires that the owner is dead, and if a blood relative can be located, heir-hunting firms will offer to secure an unexpected inheritance for an individual in return for a hefty percentage of it. The first the Amstells knew of Fraser and Frasers involvement was when Marion received a phone call from one of the companys case workers in July 2016, asking if she knew of a will. She had no idea who was calling her, says Martin. She was very suspicious. She told them that there was a valid will and that she was the executor, but that the will could not be immediately located. A letter from the company followed saying that if no will was produced, there was a risk that Tessas estate would be regarded as intestate, or without a will. Mr Amstell was forced to take his fight to the Royal Courts of Justice, where Fraser was ordered to pay back the costs By then Andrew Fraser had already tracked down one of Tessas distant relatives an American-born man named in court as Keith Simpson and agreed with him that Fraser and Fraser would receive a proportion of any amount of Tessas estate that they recovered for him. He went on to apply to the Winchester probate registry for a grant of letters of administration over Tessas estate on the basis of intestacy, swearing an affidavit without mentioning the will Marion had told him about. This gave him control of the house on behalf of the beneficiary. Judge Nigel Gerald said in court this week that Fraser was materially misleading. Taking control of Tessas property with gusto, he changed the locks and cleared the house of a lifetime of Tessa and Billys cherished possessions. Among them was the only known photograph of Martins Jewish grandparents, who fled persecution in Warsaw in 1898 and arrived in London unable to read or write, and speaking only Yiddish. Martin Amstell pictured outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London Fraser went so far as to put the bungalow up for sale at auction in February 2017 and, even when Martin and his sister had tracked down the will (tucked inside a cardboard box filled with other files), did not withdraw it from sale until threatened with an injunction. Fraser then embarked on a hugely expensive 12-month trawl through Tessas medical records in what was described in court as a pointless attempt to prove she had not been of sound mind. In effect he cherry-picked her medical records, ignoring the parts that made it clear how sharp-minded she was, says Martin. Even when he dropped the challenge to the inheritance in 2017, and Martin was handed the grant of letters of administration, Fraser went to court in a bid to get him and the animal charities named in the will to pay the 134,000 costs he ran up while supposedly hunting for heirs. For this, Fraser came under especially heavy fire from the judge: Mr Fraser treated this as a commercial venture, he said, adding that Fraser had acted in a belligerent and provocative manner which appears to be intended to run up costs and bring pressure to bear on Mr Amstell to withdraw or settle the claim. There was a specific and deliberate intention to run this litigation as disproportionately, obstructively and expensively as possible. Andrew Fraser told the Mail that he was disappointed by the result of this weeks costs hearing and that Fraser and Fraser had not yet decided if they would appeal. A statement released by the company said: The existence of a possible will, its content and the location of the will were fully disclosed and information was drip-fed to the blood family whom Fraser and Fraser had located. It added: In the six years between Mrs Amstell passing away and Mr Fraser obtaining a grant, nothing had happened apart from the will being lost. Indeed, none of the charities had received any money and bills for utilities and council tax concerning the property had not been paid. Martin Amstells main concern is that the heir-hunting industry isnt regulated. Im not sure that the average person would be able to stand up to them, he says. My sister is in a state of complete exhaustion and I am still reeling. Now he has the keys to Tessas bungalow, Martin must decide what to do with it. He entered the property for the first time on Thursday and was devastated to find it stripped bare. After so much distress, he says he will now probably sell it. Tessa loved the bungalow, he says quietly, but I think shed understand that its time to let it go. My sister and I have been through enough. Theresa May stemmed the Cabinet 'Brexodus' yesterday as Michael Gove, Penny Mordaunt and Chris Grayling indicated they would stay for now. Mr Gove, who turned down the job of Brexit Secretary, finally announced he was staying in the Cabinet after agonising for 36 hours about whether he could support Mrs May's draft agreement with Brussels. Miss Mordaunt, the International Development Secretary, and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling also ended speculation by indicating they would stay in post to fight for better exit terms. Dominic Raab and Esther McVey sparked fears of a 'Brexodus' that could bring down the Prime Minister when they quit just hours after a stormy Cabinet meeting on Wednesday approved Mrs May's proposals. Michael Gove (pictured on Friday), who turned down the job of Brexit Secretary, finally announced he was staying in the Cabinet after agonising for 36 hours Downing Street feared Mr Gove, Miss Mordaunt and Mr Grayling would all resign, potentially making the PM's position untenable. But Tory sources yesterday said all three ministers, along with Commons leader Andrea Leadsom and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox have agreed an informal pact to push Mrs May to rethink elements of her plans. Mrs Leadsom is expected to convene a meeting of the five to discuss tactics. A Cabinet source said the five were determined to secure improvements to the Irish 'backstop' a measure that could see all the UK locked into a customs union after Brexit without the unilateral right to leave. The five could still quit if, as expected, Mrs May digs in. The source said: 'There will be discussions over the weekend or Monday to decide how they can get this deal into a better place before considering their next steps. Whether that is possible remains to be seen. The backstop is the big issue. We need to see it articulated much more clearly just how it is we get out of it.' Other ministers to voice concerns about aspects of the draft agreement at the Cabinet meeting could be invited, including Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Gavin Williamson and Geoffrey Cox. The lack of a unilateral exit clause from the backstop is one of the most contentious elements in the withdrawal agreement, with even Mrs May acknowledging concerns. Steve Baker, shop steward for the European Research Group of Brexiteer Tories, yesterday piled fresh pressure on ministers. He said: 'You can't be a plausible leadership candidate if you stay in Cabinet.' But Dr Fox, who is a close ally of the PM, said: 'I hope that we all take a rational and reasonable view of this. We are not elected to do what we want. We are elected to do what's in the national interest. Ultimately I hope that across Parliament we'll recognise that a deal is better than no deal. Brexiteers Penny Mordaunt (left) and Andrea Leadsom (right), both pictured in Downing Street on Wednesday, have struck a pact to stay on in the PM's Cabinet 'Businesses do require certainty and confidence as they go forward for their planning and there are those around the world who are waiting to get certainty also to begin to discuss trade agreements with the UK. It is in our national interest.' Downing Street yesterday made it clear there was no prospect of the agreement being redrawn ahead of an emergency summit in Brussels on November 25. The PM's official spokesman said: 'The focus is now on the future framework.' No 10 also ruled out giving MPs a free vote on the final Brexit agreement, which has been a key demand of Miss Mordaunt. Mr Gove's decision to stay came after 36 hours of soul searching. Friends said he had been 'tortured' about what to do. Speaking outside his departmental office yesterday, he said: 'I'm looking forward to continuing to work with all my government colleagues and all my colleagues in Parliament in order to make sure that we get the best future for Britain.' Asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister, he replied: 'I absolutely do.' But one Brexiteer delivered a scathing verdict on his decision to stay in the Cabinet, saying: 'Michael's wrestling bouts with his conscience constitute the longest winning streak in British sporting history.' Vauxhall is considering shutting its two UK factories after Brexit - putting thousands of jobs at risk. The carmaker's French owner PSA is understood to be weighing up the closure of one or both of its sites in Luton and Ellesmere Port amid uncertainty surrounding Britain's departure from the European Union. PSA employs around 3,000 workers in the UK but has already slashed 650 jobs since October last year. Around 900 people are employed at Vauxhall's van-making plant at Luton, while 1,800 work in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where the Astra (pictured) is made Fears over the future of the Vauxhall plants emerged as business leaders continued to rally behind Theresa May's Brexit deal. Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East said 'any deal is better than a no deal'. The 57-year-old urged politicians to back a practical plan for Brexit warning that the UK was running out of time to strike a deal. 'We are slightly running out of time and I would, as a business leader, like to see politicians on both sides of the fence get on and negotiate a practical deal that works for business,' he said. 'People in business spend their lives negotiating agreements with other businesses. If two parties come together to make an agreement and each have slightly differing objectives then you have to end up making some compromises.' Rolls-Royce employs more than 55,000 staff internationally, with around half of these based in the UK and a further 100,000 workers in Britain as part of its supply chain. Mr East said the firm was still planning to stockpile parts in the event of a Brexit no deal in an effort to stop the business grinding to a halt. The company relies heavily on its European suppliers which provide it with engine parts. Earlier this year Rolls Royce and airplane maker Airbus revealed they would start hoarding parts in fear of a cliff edge exit from the European Union. 'We are going to continue with our contingency plans and that includes buffer stocks so that we have the logistical capacity that we need to carry on running our business,' Mr East added. 'This agreement is only a draft and there's a lot of steps to go between here and when we're done. 'We can't guarantee anything out of this but I do have to be able to guarantee that we can continue doing our business after the 29th of March next year.' PSA is also looking at stockpiling. Around eight in ten cars made in the UK are exported to be sold in other countries, with half of them going to the EU. The UK accounts for just 10 per cent of PSA's sales. 'We do not want to comment at this stage on the Brexit process and its assessment by PSA, as it is not the final step for implementation,' a PSA spokesman said. 'We are working in an agile mode, as usual, and we have several solutions to address different scenarios.' Theresa May today pays tribute to her 'rock' Philip for supporting her through a tumultuous week of resignations, plotting and vicious personal attacks. In a moving tribute to her loyal husband, she said he felt the pain of the personal abuse she has received from MPs more deeply than she does. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail conducted in her Downing Street study, the Prime Minister revealed Philip poured her a large whisky when she finally finished a five-hour Cabinet meeting that sparked a revolt against her Brexit plans. He was so enraged by wall-to-wall coverage of rebels laying into her that he had to turn off the televisions at work. The Prime Minister (pictured in her Downing Street office during the Daily Mail's exclusive interview) has told how her husband, Philip, has been a rock of support during a turbulent week within the government Mrs May told the Mail that Philip struggles seeing her Brexiteer critics slamming her on TV. Her remarks follow a week in which the EU exit deal she put forward was heavily opposed Mrs May said: 'It's often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think 'Why are they saying that to my wife?' He does feel some of the hurt. We've been married for 38 years, that's a long time. He is my rock. It's hugely important to have somebody there who is supportive of you, not involved in the intricacies of politics but there to provide human support.' Her comments come at the end of a gruelling week when she has been rocked by Cabinet resignations and a plot to oust her by Tory Brexiteers in her words 'a pretty heavy couple of days'. Yesterday, Cabinet ministers rallied round, with Mrs May's deputy David Lidington saying she would 'win handsomely' if her Eurosceptic critics forced a leadership contest. 'I've seen no plausible alternative plan from any of those criticising her or wanting to challenge her position,' he said. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox urged the plotters to back down, saying: 'I hope we all take a rational and reasonable view of this. We are not elected to do what we want. 'We are elected to do what's in the national interest.' On another turbulent day: Amber Rudd made a dramatic return as Work and Pensions Secretary, six months after she resigned over the Windrush scandal An attempted coup by hardline Brexiteers risked descending into farce as leading figures were forced to admit they were struggling to produce the 48 MPs needed to force a vote of no confidence Michael Gove steadied the ship by announcing he would stay in Cabinet to fight for the best Brexit deal Mrs May took charge of negotiations with Brussels after downgrading the role of Brexit secretary and appointing unknown junior minister Steve Barclay to the job Andrea Leadsom, Liam Fox, Chris Grayling, Penny Mordaunt and Mr Gove prepared for private talks this weekend aimed at forcing Mrs May to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement French finance minister Bruno Le Maire warned Britain would face disaster' if it left the EU without a deal Mrs May conducted a conference call with dozens of Tory constituency chiefs, urging them to tell their MPs to calm down and examine the benefits of her plans Tory whips last night moved to kill off the plot Mrs May (pictured with her husband, Philip, in Hamburg) says she will continue to fight for the future of the country as Prime Minister Mrs May told the Daily Mail her husband strongly supported her Brexit stance and would urge her 'keep going, this matters, keep doing the right thing.' When the Conservative revolt erupted on Wednesday, threatening to bring her down, Philip was waiting in the Downing Street flat with more practical sustenance when she returned exhausted at 11pm. She said: 'The first thing he did was to pour me a whisky. On Thursday, he served up beans on toast for tea. I opened the tin! He made the toast and did the washing up!' Asked if he felt like punching his wife's would be Tory assassins, she replied: 'You'll have to ask him he's as protective as any other-half would be.' She also delivered a series of thinly veiled jibes at Tory Brexiteers like Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg who want her replaced. She said they had no chance of getting the 'Canada plus' trade deal they have campaigned for even if they ousted her from power and went back to Brussels. She added: 'People say 'If you could only just do something slightly different, have a Norway model or a Canada model, this backstop issue would go away'. It would not. That issue is still going to be there. 'Some politicians get so embroiled in the intricacies of their argument they forget it is not about this theory or that theory, or does it make me look good.' The Prime Minister (pictured in her Downing Street office) is determined to stay the course despite heavy criticism this week She conceded her Brexit deal was not perfect, but said she deserved credit for ending free movement between Britain and the rest of the EU. Mrs May's allies yesterday admitted she remains in the danger zone with Downing Street on standby for a possible vote of confidence in her leadership as early as Tuesday. By yesterday evening, 23 Tory MPs had publicly admitted sending letters of no confidence in Mrs May to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs which polices the leadership rules. The number is well short of the 48 needed to trigger a no confidence vote. And Cabinet sources suggested Brexiteer ministers could still quit in the coming days if, as seems likely, Mrs May refuses to renegotiate the deal with Brussels. Foreign Office minister Mark Field urged MPs to stop 'squabbling' and get behind the PM. Spotted: Boris... and Nigel Farage He is not normally shy. But Boris Johnson seemed annoyed to be seen in a restaurant with Nigel Farage on Thursday. The pair were at Boisdale of Belgravia when a diner took photos. Mr Johnson wagged a finger disapprovingly. He was dining with his father Stanley and Mr Farage was at the restaurant by coincidence, a friend said. Advertisement How beans on toast, a glass of Welsh whisky and Philip's rock-like support helped Theresa May survive a week of treachery... but the PM has STILL had to do the washing as she vows to keep 'fighting the good fight' on Brexit By Simon Walters for the Daily Mail Sitting in her Downing Street study yesterday morning, Theresa May hardly had the manner or appearance of someone on the verge of being ejected from No 10. Perhaps the Prime Minister was taking inspiration from the portrait of an impassive Winston Churchill glowering down on us, for her demeanour was one of determination and resolve. In her elegant tweed jacket and white top with a discreet string of pearls, Mrs May was a picture of calm under the circumstances although the pointed steel toecaps of her flat shoes may have reflected what she really thought of her political enemies. In her elegant tweed jacket and white top with a discreet string of pearls, Mrs May was a picture of calm Mrs May's exclusive interview with the Mail behind the heavy blue doors of her Downing Street redoubt took place at the height of this week's political turmoil. Just 48 hours earlier, Jacob Rees-Mogg had launched a campaign to depose her over her proposed Brexit deal; seven ministers and senior Tories had resigned; and she was struggling to find someone ready to accept the Cabinet's poison chalice, the job of Brexit Secretary. Theresa's insulin fears Diabetic Mrs May has admitted she is concerned about supplies of insulin in the event that Britain leaves the EU without a deal. The Prime Minister has type 1 diabetes, and she revealed in a radio phone-in that her medicine came from Denmark. Health chiefs have been warning for months of the dangers of supplies running out. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, reportedly told Cabinet on Wednesday that he could not rule out the risk that people could die from medical shortages if there is no deal. When asked by LBC Radio about Mr Hancock's reported comments, she said: 'I'm not sure that's exactly what Matt did say. 'This is an issue that I feel personally as it happens my insulin is produced by a company in the EU, Denmark, so I know this is an issue that's a matter of importance to people. 'The Department of Health is ensuring it is making all the steps if we go to no deal, but I believe we've got a good deal.' Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, the Danish firm that manufactures Mrs May's insulin, told the BBC it was stockpiling supplies in the UK in case of a hard Brexit next March. Advertisement When you are in the bunker with heavy shelling all around, any hint that another major casualty has been avoided is cause for fresh hope. Which is why embattled Mrs May and her No 10 team were so thrilled by the news just before our meeting that Michael Gove was not going to resign from the Cabinet despite rejecting her plea to replace Dominic Raab as Brexit Secretary. In normal circumstances, a Cabinet minister who publicly spurned a prime minister in their hour of need would be sacked. These are not normal times. Mrs May has been hit by so many resignations she is in danger of running out of Conservatives willing or able to fill the gaps round her Cabinet table. But while her boasts that she and her Government are 'strong and stable' are long gone, she has an air of steely composure as she talks candidly about her marriage, her faith, how she copes with Tory plotters ... and why Boris Johnson and anyone else who might replace her as prime minister would be deluding themselves if they think they can wring any more concessions from Brussels than she has. 'It's been a pretty heavy couple of days,' she says with understatement and her familiar awkward smile. 'When I went up to the flat late on Wednesday, around 11pm, the first thing Philip did was to pour me a whisky, Penderyn Welsh whisky though I do drink Scotch as well!,' she adds diplomatically. She needed a large one, surely? 'I couldn't possibly comment!' she jokes. Her husband's whisky serves more than one purpose. Asked if she has lost sleep, she laughs: 'It depends how strong the whisky is, or how much Philip has poured for me!' The next morning, before she had even walked downstairs from the Downing Street flat to her study, she could have done with another glass of Penderyn because she was told that Mr Raab's resignation had been confirmed. 'I wasn't leaden footed, but sad,' she says with a sigh. 'When you are PM you wake up each morning and never quite know how the day is going to pan out.' She discovered this afresh when, within hours, Mr Rees-Mogg called on her to resign. For many it would have been a body blow, but not for this prime minister. That evening, she was back on duty chatting to Prince Charles at his 70th birthday party at Clarence House. The Prime Minister (pictured in her Downing Street office) is determined to see her plan for Britain through Only after returning to the No 10 flat was she finally able to discuss her woes with her husband. Philip May, a banker, was so irked by the wall-to-wall reporting of his wife's imminent political demise, he has taken to switching off all TV news bulletins at work. When she returned from Clarence House, he was waiting in their Downing St kitchen with more modest fare than the champagne and fine canapes at the royal birthday party. 'We went up to the flat for a quick bite Philip cooked beans on toast I think I opened the tin! He made the toast and did the washing up! Then it was downstairs for a quick meeting and home (their property in Sonning, Berkshire) by 9.30pm so I could get the washing on and leave it to dry overnight.' Theresa May (pictured during the exclusive Daily Mail interview) has told how her husband was her rock this week As ever, the middle-class vicar's daughter was putting day-to-day practicality first. She skipped her usual Friday morning gym session to be back at Downing St for our interview but says she could not survive the pressure cooker of politics without Philip. 'I always say he is my rock. It's hugely important to have somebody there who is supportive of you, not involved in the intricacies of politics, but there to provide human support.' When they met at Oxford, Philip was as politically ambitious as she was. 'He thinks what I am doing is important for the British people, though he doesn't put it like that. He says 'Keep going, this matters, keep doing the right thing'.' Mrs May says Philip feels the pain of the vicious personal attacks on her by Tory Party critics even more than she does. 'It's often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think 'Why are they saying that to my wife?' He does feel some of it (the hurt) himself he's bound to. We've been married for 38 years, that's a long time.' Some Whitehall veterans have compared the air of impending doom now enveloping Mrs May's No 10 to the last days of Margaret Thatcher in 1990, when, just as with Mrs May, her Tory ministers were deserting her. Maggie's husband Denis has often been likened to Philip: discreet and monosyllabic in public; similar in appearance tall, slim, formal; and above all loving and fiercely loyal. When the Tory sharks circled around Lady Thatcher, it was Denis who stepped in and said it was time to go, telling her: 'You've done enough, old girl. You've done your share. For God's sake, don't go on any longer.' Has Philip reached that point? 'No, he supports what I'm doing.' He must feel like punching her Tory assailants on the nose? 'You'll have to ask him he's as protective as any other half.' Mrs May says her Christian faith has also helped. 'I am a practising member of the faith and go to church regularly. It is an important part of my life part of who I am and how I do my job.' She is careful not to attack Mr Johnson, Mr Rees-Mogg and others directly, perhaps because she is fearful of prodding the hornet's nest. But she leaves little doubt that she regards some hard Brexiteers as vainglorious, fanatical ideologues with no regard or knowledge of ordinary people or real life. 'Some politicians get so embroiled in the intricacies of their argument they forget it is not about this theory or that theory, or does it make me look good? It is what is best for people going about their lives day in and day out. They think too much about their privileged position and too little about their responsibility. The job of a prime minister is to make tough decisions which are not always black or white. I have to find a way through, what best suits everybody's needs.' Mrs May does not pretend her Brexit plan is perfect. 'It's not everybody's ideal deal. You were never going to get that.' She is hardly extolling it to the skies however hard she tries to get people enthused about it, there's a feeling she must know the truth: that it is the least worst option. But she is intensely frustrated that so few have given her credit for addressing the main reason millions voted to cut ties with Brussels: controlling immigration by ending freedom of movement. 'As Home Secretary for six years I did my best to reduce immigration with one hand tied behind my back because you couldn't do anything about people coming in from the EU,' she said. 'Now we can. Freedom of movement ends.' She trotted out her other Brexit achievements: 'no more sending vast sums to the EU; an end to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice; out of the Common Agricultural Policy; out of the Common Fisheries Policy; out of the customs union; out of the single market; independent trade and an independent coastal state. That is delivered in the future.' It sounds impressive. But she is back on the defensive when challenged over claims that the EU can now veto us leaving the customs union: 'No, no, no, no. In the future we WILL leave customs union.' But we are trapped in it? 'No, no, no, no, no.' She's very much in Maggie mode here. Could Mrs May categorically say the EU would not have a veto? She pauses, 'You are talking about it, you see ' Have they or haven't they? 'No, but' Won't they just trap us in it? 'No. The EU does not have a veto on us leaving the customs union we have a future relationship where we are not in it.' It sounds categorical. But then she adds the so-called 'backstop mechanism', involving 'UK-wide customs territory arrangements to ensure the Ireland and Northern Ireland border remains free', can only be ended by 'mutual consent we don't have unilateral withdrawal from that.' No wonder people are confused. She also struggles to answer Esther McVey's withering comment to her after quitting the Cabinet: 'You have gone from saying no deal is better than a bad deal to any deal is better than no deal.' 'No, I haven't gone to that position,' she says tersely. But what if her deal is voted down by MPs? She will have nowhere to go. It will be the end game. She refuses to contemplate it: 'I am focusing on making sure I persuade people this is a good deal.' Admirers will praise her resolve: cynics will say she is in denial. But in a message aimed at her Tory assassins she says replacing her as prime minister would not lead to a better Brexit offer. 'People say 'if you could only just do something slightly different, have a Norway model or a Canada model, this backstop issue would go away.' She turns up the volume: 'IT. WOULD. NOT. THAT ISSUE IS STILL GOING TO BE THERE.' Whatever your view of her as a prime minister, there can surely be no doubting her fortitude on a human level. She makes light of the regular injections of insulin she requires ever since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She jokes that during last week's five-hour Cabinet Brexit summit 'I was the only one who didn't take a break! You get used to managing it. It becomes part of your way of life. I inject when I eat,' she said matter-of-factly. As for the idea that she is about to suffer the same fate as Lady Thatcher, who wept as she was driven out of Downing St, it simply isn't on her mind. 'I don't go 'Oh gosh, it must have been like this x years ago'. I wake up each morning and say 'What have I got to do today to get where we need to be?'. 'Being prime minister is about fighting the good fight for the country,' she insists with that air of defiance and resolution. And that is what I am determined to do.' How beans on toast, a glass of Welsh whisky and Philip's rock-like support helped Theresa May survive a week of treachery... but the PM has STILL had to do the washing as she vows to keep 'fighting the good fight' on Brexit Sitting in her Downing Street study yesterday morning, Theresa May hardly had the manner or appearance of someone on the verge of being ejected from No 10. Perhaps the Prime Minister was taking inspiration from the portrait of an impassive Winston Churchill glowering down on us, for her demeanour was one of determination and resolve. In her elegant tweed jacket and white top with a discreet string of pearls, Mrs May was a picture of calm under the circumstances although the pointed steel toecaps of her flat shoes may have reflected what she really thought of her political enemies. Mrs May wore an elegant tweed jacket (pictured above) for the exclusive interview Mrs May's exclusive interview with the Mail behind the heavy blue doors of her Downing Street redoubt took place at the height of this week's political turmoil. Just 48 hours earlier, Jacob Rees-Mogg had launched a campaign to depose her over her proposed Brexit deal; seven ministers and senior Tories had resigned; and she was struggling to find someone ready to accept the Cabinet's poison chalice, the job of Brexit Secretary. When you are in the bunker with heavy shelling all around, any hint that another major casualty has been avoided is cause for fresh hope. Which is why embattled Mrs May and her No 10 team were so thrilled by the news just before our meeting that Michael Gove was not going to resign from the Cabinet despite rejecting her plea to replace Dominic Raab as Brexit Secretary. In normal circumstances, a Cabinet minister who publicly spurned a prime minister in their hour of need would be sacked. These are not normal times. Mrs May has been hit by so many resignations she is in danger of running out of Conservatives willing or able to fill the gaps round her Cabinet table. But while her boasts that she and her Government are 'strong and stable' are long gone, she has an air of steely composure as she talks candidly about her marriage, her faith, how she copes with Tory plotters ... and why Boris Johnson and anyone else who might replace her as prime minister would be deluding themselves if they think they can wring any more concessions from Brussels than she has. 'It's been a pretty heavy couple of days,' she says with understatement and her familiar awkward smile. 'When I went up to the flat late on Wednesday, around 11pm, the first thing Philip did was to pour me a whisky, Penderyn Welsh whisky though I do drink Scotch as well!,' she adds diplomatically. She needed a large one, surely? 'I couldn't possibly comment!' she jokes. Her husband's whisky serves more than one purpose. Asked if she has lost sleep, she laughs: 'It depends how strong the whisky is, or how much Philip has poured for me!' The next morning, before she had even walked downstairs from the Downing Street flat to her study, she could have done with another glass of Penderyn because she was told that Mr Raab's resignation had been confirmed. 'I wasn't leaden footed, but sad,' she says with a sigh. 'When you are PM you wake up each morning and never quite know how the day is going to pan out.' She discovered this afresh when, within hours, Mr Rees-Mogg called on her to resign. Mrs May has stayed away from attacking cabinet members such as Jacobs Rees-Mogg (pictured above) For many it would have been a body blow, but not for this prime minister. That evening, she was back on duty chatting to Prince Charles at his 70th birthday party at Clarence House. Only after returning to the No 10 flat was she finally able to discuss her woes with her husband. Philip May, a banker, was so irked by the wall-to-wall reporting of his wife's imminent political demise, he has taken to switching off all TV news bulletins at work. When she returned from Clarence House, he was waiting in their Downing St kitchen with more modest fare than the champagne and fine canapes at the royal birthday party. 'We went up to the flat for a quick bite Philip cooked beans on toast I think I opened the tin! He made the toast and did the washing up! Then it was downstairs for a quick meeting and home (their property in Sonning, Berkshire) by 9.30pm so I could get the washing on and leave it to dry overnight.' As ever, the middle-class vicar's daughter was putting day-to-day practicality first. She skipped her usual Friday morning gym session to be back at Downing St for our interview but says she could not survive the pressure cooker of politics without Philip. 'I always say he is my rock. It's hugely important to have somebody there who is supportive of you, not involved in the intricacies of politics, but there to provide human support.' When they met at Oxford, Philip was as politically ambitious as she was. 'He thinks what I am doing is important for the British people, though he doesn't put it like that. He says 'Keep going, this matters, keep doing the right thing'.' Whitehall veterans have compared the air of impending doom now enveloping Mrs May's No 10 to the last days of Margaret Thatcher (pictured above) in 1990 Mrs May says Philip feels the pain of the vicious personal attacks on her by Tory Party critics even more than she does. 'It's often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think 'Why are they saying that to my wife?' He does feel some of it (the hurt) himself he's bound to. We've been married for 38 years, that's a long time.' Some Whitehall veterans have compared the air of impending doom now enveloping Mrs May's No 10 to the last days of Margaret Thatcher in 1990, when, just as with Mrs May, her Tory ministers were deserting her. Maggie's husband Denis has often been likened to Philip: discreet and monosyllabic in public; similar in appearance tall, slim, formal; and above all loving and fiercely loyal. When the Tory sharks circled around Lady Thatcher, it was Denis who stepped in and said it was time to go, telling her: 'You've done enough, old girl. You've done your share. For God's sake, don't go on any longer.' Has Philip reached that point? 'No, he supports what I'm doing.' He must feel like punching her Tory assailants on the nose? 'You'll have to ask him he's as protective as any other half.' Mrs May says her Christian faith has also helped. 'I am a practising member of the faith and go to church regularly. It is an important part of my life part of who I am and how I do my job.' She is careful not to attack Mr Johnson, Mr Rees-Mogg and others directly, perhaps because she is fearful of prodding the hornet's nest. But she leaves little doubt that she regards some hard Brexiteers as vainglorious, fanatical ideologues with no regard or knowledge of ordinary people or real life. 'Some politicians get so embroiled in the intricacies of their argument they forget it is not about this theory or that theory, or does it make me look good? It is what is best for people going about their lives day in and day out. They think too much about their privileged position and too little about their responsibility. The job of a prime minister is to make tough decisions which are not always black or white. I have to find a way through, what best suits everybody's needs.' Mrs May does not pretend her Brexit plan is perfect. 'It's not everybody's ideal deal. You were never going to get that.' Mrs May has been careful not to attack other cabinet members such as Boris Johnson (pictured above) She is hardly extolling it to the skies however hard she tries to get people enthused about it, there's a feeling she must know the truth: that it is the least worst option. But she is intensely frustrated that so few have given her credit for addressing the main reason millions voted to cut ties with Brussels: controlling immigration by ending freedom of movement. 'As Home Secretary for six years I did my best to reduce immigration with one hand tied behind my back because you couldn't do anything about people coming in from the EU,' she said. 'Now we can. Freedom of movement ends.' She trotted out her other Brexit achievements: 'no more sending vast sums to the EU; an end to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice; out of the Common Agricultural Policy; out of the Common Fisheries Policy; out of the customs union; out of the single market; independent trade and an independent coastal state. That is delivered in the future.' It sounds impressive. But she is back on the defensive when challenged over claims that the EU can now veto us leaving the customs union: 'No, no, no, no. In the future we WILL leave customs union.' But we are trapped in it? 'No, no, no, no, no.' She's very much in Maggie mode here. Could Mrs May categorically say the EU would not have a veto? She pauses, 'You are talking about it, you see ' Have they or haven't they? The Prime Minister struggled to answer a comment made by Esther McVey (pictured above) regarding the Brexit deal 'No, but' Won't they just trap us in it? 'No. The EU does not have a veto on us leaving the customs union we have a future relationship where we are not in it.' It sounds categorical. But then she adds the so-called 'backstop mechanism', involving 'UK-wide customs territory arrangements to ensure the Ireland and Northern Ireland border remains free', can only be ended by 'mutual consent we don't have unilateral withdrawal from that.' No wonder people are confused. She also struggles to answer Esther McVey's withering comment to her after quitting the Cabinet: 'You have gone from saying no deal is better than a bad deal to any deal is better than no deal.' 'No, I haven't gone to that position,' she says tersely. But what if her deal is voted down by MPs? She will have nowhere to go. It will be the end game. She refuses to contemplate it: 'I am focusing on making sure I persuade people this is a good deal.' Admirers will praise her resolve: cynics will say she is in denial. But in a message aimed at her Tory assassins she says replacing her as prime minister would not lead to a better Brexit offer. 'People say 'if you could only just do something slightly different, have a Norway model or a Canada model, this backstop issue would go away.' She turns up the volume: 'IT. WOULD. NOT. THAT ISSUE IS STILL GOING TO BE THERE.' Whatever your view of her as a prime minister, there can surely be no doubting her fortitude on a human level. She makes light of the regular injections of insulin she requires ever since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She jokes that during last week's five-hour Cabinet Brexit summit 'I was the only one who didn't take a break! You get used to managing it. It becomes part of your way of life. I inject when I eat,' she said matter-of-factly. As for the idea that she is about to suffer the same fate as Lady Thatcher, who wept as she was driven out of Downing St, it simply isn't on her mind. 'I don't go 'Oh gosh, it must have been like this x years ago'. I wake up each morning and say 'What have I got to do today to get where we need to be?'. 'Being prime minister is about fighting the good fight for the country,' she insists with that air of defiance and resolution. And that is what I am determined to do.' President Trump made a rare admission that he made a misstep this week when he should have paid a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. 'I should have done that, I was extremely busy on calls for the country,' he said Friday. 'We did a lot of calling as you know.' Trump delivered Veterans Day remarks in France at an American cemetery on Sunday. But he did not make the traditional presidential trip to Arlington to visit the Tomb of the Unknown soldier when the holiday was observed in the United States the following day. Donald Trump delivered Veterans Day remarks in France at an American cemetery on Sunday. But he did not make the traditional presidential trip to Arlington to visit the Tomb of the Unknown soldier when the holiday was observed The president claimed that he was busy making calls during the ceremony at Arlington, although it was unclear to whom, as that is information the White House has not disclosed. In a Friday morning interview for 'Fox News Sunday,' the president acknowledged he was wrong not to go to the cemetery that's three miles down the road Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day after the president failed to show up In a Friday morning interview for 'Fox News Sunday,' the president acknowledged he was wrong not to go to the cemetery that's three miles down the road. 'I could have done that, as you know I just left the day before the American Cemetery and I probably think, and that was one where it was raining as hard as you can imagine,' he said of the persistent drizzle. 'I probably, you know, in retrospect I should have and I did last year and I will virtually every year.' The president claimed that he was busy making calls, although it was unclear to whom, as that is information the White House has not disclosed. 'I should have done that, I was extremely busy on calls for the country,' he stated. 'We did a lot of calling as you know.' He suggested that he was also a tad jet-lagged, having arrived at the White House at nearly 8:30 pm EDT after leaving France, which is 6 hours ahead, at 5:30 PM local time. 'We had come in very late at night and I had just left, literally, the American Cemetery in Paris,' he explained to host Chris Wallace. 'I really probably assumed that was fine and I was extremely busy because of affairs of state -- doing other things.' The president and first lady couldn't get out from under the scrutiny this Veterans Day, after courting controversy in France when they missed an event at a WWI cemetery and memorial site dedicated to Americans. Their trip to Belleau Wood, just outside of Paris, was called off amid a light rain when the Secret Service assessed it was too dangerous for the president's helicopter to take off in France. Critics argued that the first couple should have motorcaded to the site that was more than an hour's drive outside the city or made alternative plans. The president and first lady held a meet and greet with Marines stationed in Washington on Thursday as they attempted to escape the thunderstorm of criticism. Marines at the barracks had responded to a building fire at a public housing complex in September. The Trumps made the trip across town as a tie-in to a speech the president was giving on support for military families at the White House. I The president and first lady held a meet and greet with Marines stationed in Washington Trump met with Marines who responded to a fire at the Arthur Capper Public Housing complex on September 9, 2018 The first couple visited the marines four days after Veterans Day, which they spent in France They came under severe criticism for skipping a ceremony at a WWI cemetery dedicated to American soldiers on Saturday but visited Marines indoors during a sleet-storm in Washington on Thursday They mingled with 20 tables of veterans inside the local Marine Barracks for nearly 40 minutes They mingled with 20 tables of veterans alongside John Kelly, the White House chief of staff. Kelly is a retired marine general. He took their place at the ceremony they missed on Saturday. Several days before they had been hit with complaints for spending an afternoon indoors when it was raining in Paris when they were supposed to be at Belleau Wood. Donald Trump went ahead with a planned, open-air speech the next day at Suresnes, another World War I memorial and cemetery, in a downpour -- but the gesture wasn't enough to quiet the backlash. Trump stirred up controversy again on Monday when he and the first lady opted not to visit Arlington National Cemetery and its closely-monitored Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, even though they had returned the previous evening from France. Press couldn't hear what the president was saying as he spoke to marines at a reception enjoying dessert President Donald J. Trump, (4-L), and First Lady Melania Trump, (3-L), listen while speaking to Marines with John Kelly, White House chief of staff, (C), at Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. They were in Paris celebrating Armistice Day, which falls on Nov. 11, with other dignitaries. Trump gave his remarks at Suresnes Veterans Day, as the date is referred to in America, but did not make an appearance on Monday when the holiday was observed by the federal government. He and his wife made up for the oversight with a visit to the U.S. Marine Barracks near Capitol Hill on Thursday morning before a speech to veterans at the White House. 'This is a tremendously group of people to me, America's veterans. These are special people,' Trump said in his remarks. Mentioning his trip to Suresnes and his Armistace Day trip, he said, 'That's a beautiful, beautiful and important day.' 'We will never forget what these heroes did to win. And win they did, the war, and to secure peace.' Trump said that 2.2 million vets have been able to receive care outside the VA system since he took office and the government pays for it. His administration is also allowing veterans to use their GI bill benefits at any point in the life and facilitated hiring for military spouses in the federal government. 'The fact is I've done a lot! Goodbye everybody,' he said pretending to leave now that the mission was accomplished. 'That's a lot! That is a lot. And it's more than anybody's even thought about. And I'm proud of it. And we're not finished yet. He added, 'That's why I figured I did so much I could leave now. But we're not finished. We never will be finished.' Brussels is lining up for a fight with Theresa May over fishing rights and demanding deeper alignment with EU trade rules post-Brexit. The potentially toxic demands were raised by member states as they met EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier and will be pressed further as tough negotiations continue over the weekend. Mr Barnier met with member ambassadors in Brussels yesterday for the first time since striking an agreement with Britain on a withdrawal pact. The discussion focused on the political declaration, a separate document which spells out the parameters for the future trading relationship. Brussels is lining up for a fight with Theresa May over fishing rights and demanding deeper alignment with EU trade rules. Pictured: Trawlers in Brixham, Devon, last month It is still being drafted as talks continue, with both sides hoping to agree a final text by Monday. But some states which rely on EU-allocated quotas of fish from UK waters have made clear they want guaranteed access. Fishermen in France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland and Portugal are all varyingly dependent on their quotas. Some wanted guarantees written into the withdrawal agreement as part of the customs union which would come into effect if the Irish 'backstop' kicks in. But Britain scored a victory by resisting this as it would have made the commitment legally binding. Instead, the withdrawal agreement simply states both sides will carry out their 'best endeavours' to conclude a fisheries deal by July 2020. The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier (left) hands European Council President Donald Tusk a copy of the draft withdrawal agreement, a document which sparked days of political drama European capitals also want deeper 'dynamic alignment' to the bloc's trading rules. This would be in areas like state aid, environmental and workers' rights to ensure the UK cannot undercut businesses on the continent. One source said: 'Member states are looking for more on those two issues. They effectively pointed this out, that they want a tighter declaration.' Another diplomat said: 'Our position has not changed. We want the access to fisheries in the agreement.' Concessions on fishing would throw any deal into further doubt as access to UK waters was a key battleground during the referendum campaign. Sitting in her Downing Street study yesterday morning, Theresa May hardly had the manner or appearance of someone on the verge of being ejected from No 10. Perhaps the Prime Minister was taking inspiration from the portrait of an impassive Winston Churchill glowering down on us, for her demeanour was one of determination and resolve. In her elegant tweed jacket and white top with a discreet string of pearls, Mrs May was a picture of calm under the circumstances although the pointed steel toecaps of her flat shoes may have reflected what she really thought of her political enemies. Prime Minister Theresa May was the picture of calm as she told the Daily Mail how she has coped with the pressure she faced from arch Brexiteers throughout the week Mrs May's exclusive interview with the Mail behind the heavy blue doors of her Downing Street redoubt took place at the height of this week's political turmoil. Just 48 hours earlier, Jacob Rees-Mogg had launched a campaign to depose her over her proposed Brexit deal; seven ministers and senior Tories had resigned; and she was struggling to find someone ready to accept the Cabinet's poison chalice, the job of Brexit Secretary. When you are in the bunker with heavy shelling all around, any hint that another major casualty has been avoided is cause for fresh hope. Which is why embattled Mrs May and her No 10 team were so thrilled by the news just before our meeting that Michael Gove was not going to resign from the Cabinet despite rejecting her plea to replace Dominic Raab as Brexit Secretary. In normal circumstances, a Cabinet minister who publicly spurned a prime minister in their hour of need would be sacked. These are not normal times. Mrs May has been hit by so many resignations she is in danger of running out of Conservatives willing or able to fill the gaps round her Cabinet table. Mrs May (pictured with husband Philip in Hamburg) says he had to turn off the TVs at his workplace to avoid seeing critics slam her But while her boasts that she and her Government are 'strong and stable' are long gone, she has an air of steely composure as she talks candidly about her marriage, her faith, how she copes with Tory plotters ... and why Boris Johnson and anyone else who might replace her as prime minister would be deluding themselves if they think they can wring any more concessions from Brussels than she has. 'It's been a pretty heavy couple of days,' she says with understatement and her familiar awkward smile. 'When I went up to the flat late on Wednesday, around 11pm, the first thing Philip did was to pour me a whisky, Penderyn Welsh whisky though I do drink Scotch as well!,' she adds diplomatically. Diabetic Theresa May's insulin supply fears Diabetic Mrs May has admitted she is concerned about supplies of insulin in the event that Britain leaves the EU without a deal. The Prime Minister has type 1 diabetes, and she revealed in a radio phone-in that her medicine came from Denmark. Health chiefs have been warning for months of the dangers of supplies running out. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, reportedly told Cabinet on Wednesday that he could not rule out the risk that people could die from medical shortages if there is no deal. When asked by LBC Radio about Mr Hancock's reported comments, she said: 'I'm not sure that's exactly what Matt did say. 'This is an issue that I feel personally as it happens my insulin is produced by a company in the EU, Denmark, so I know this is an issue that's a matter of importance to people. 'The Department of Health is ensuring it is making all the steps if we go to no deal, but I believe we've got a good deal.' Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, the Danish firm that manufactures Mrs May's insulin, told the BBC it was stockpiling supplies in the UK in case of a hard Brexit next March. Advertisement She needed a large one, surely? 'I couldn't possibly comment!' she jokes. Her husband's whisky serves more than one purpose. Asked if she has lost sleep, she laughs: 'It depends how strong the whisky is, or how much Philip has poured for me!' The next morning, before she had even walked downstairs from the Downing Street flat to her study, she could have done with another glass of Penderyn because she was told that Mr Raab's resignation had been confirmed. 'I wasn't leaden footed, but sad,' she says with a sigh. 'When you are PM you wake up each morning and never quite know how the day is going to pan out.' She discovered this afresh when, within hours, Mr Rees-Mogg called on her to resign. For many it would have been a body blow, but not for this prime minister. That evening, she was back on duty chatting to Prince Charles at his 70th birthday party at Clarence House. Only after returning to the No 10 flat was she finally able to discuss her woes with her husband. Philip May, a banker, was so irked by the wall-to-wall reporting of his wife's imminent political demise, he has taken to switching off all TV news bulletins at work. When she returned from Clarence House, he was waiting in their Downing St kitchen with more modest fare than the champagne and fine canapes at the royal birthday party. 'We went up to the flat for a quick bite Philip cooked beans on toast I think I opened the tin! He made the toast and did the washing up! Then it was downstairs for a quick meeting and home (their property in Sonning, Berkshire) by 9.30pm so I could get the washing on and leave it to dry overnight.' As ever, the middle-class vicar's daughter was putting day-to-day practicality first. She skipped her usual Friday morning gym session to be back at Downing St for our interview but says she could not survive the pressure cooker of politics without Philip. 'I always say he is my rock. It's hugely important to have somebody there who is supportive of you, not involved in the intricacies of politics, but there to provide human support.' When they met at Oxford, Philip was as politically ambitious as she was. 'He thinks what I am doing is important for the British people, though he doesn't put it like that. He says 'Keep going, this matters, keep doing the right thing'.' Mrs May says Philip feels the pain of the vicious personal attacks on her by Tory Party critics even more than she does. 'It's often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think 'Why are they saying that to my wife?' He does feel some of it (the hurt) himself he's bound to. We've been married for 38 years, that's a long time.' The Prime Minister (pictured in her Downing Street office) is determined to see her plan for Britain through Some Whitehall veterans have compared the air of impending doom now enveloping Mrs May's No 10 to the last days of Margaret Thatcher in 1990, when, just as with Mrs May, her Tory ministers were deserting her. Maggie's husband Denis has often been likened to Philip: discreet and monosyllabic in public; similar in appearance tall, slim, formal; and above all loving and fiercely loyal. When the Tory sharks circled around Lady Thatcher, it was Denis who stepped in and said it was time to go, telling her: 'You've done enough, old girl. You've done your share. For God's sake, don't go on any longer.' Has Philip reached that point? 'No, he supports what I'm doing.' Mrs May has told the Mail that Philip has served as her rock this week during the fallout over her draft Brexit plans He must feel like punching her Tory assailants on the nose? 'You'll have to ask him he's as protective as any other half.' Mrs May says her Christian faith has also helped. 'I am a practising member of the faith and go to church regularly. It is an important part of my life part of who I am and how I do my job.' She is careful not to attack Mr Johnson, Mr Rees-Mogg and others directly, perhaps because she is fearful of prodding the hornet's nest. But she leaves little doubt that she regards some hard Brexiteers as vainglorious, fanatical ideologues with no regard or knowledge of ordinary people or real life. 'Some politicians get so embroiled in the intricacies of their argument they forget it is not about this theory or that theory, or does it make me look good? It is what is best for people going about their lives day in and day out. The Prime Minister (pictured in her office) is determined to see her plan for Britain through They think too much about their privileged position and too little about their responsibility. The job of a prime minister is to make tough decisions which are not always black or white. I have to find a way through, what best suits everybody's needs.' Mrs May does not pretend her Brexit plan is perfect. 'It's not everybody's ideal deal. You were never going to get that.' She is hardly extolling it to the skies however hard she tries to get people enthused about it, there's a feeling she must know the truth: that it is the least worst option. But she is intensely frustrated that so few have given her credit for addressing the main reason millions voted to cut ties with Brussels: controlling immigration by ending freedom of movement. Theresa May (pictured during the exclusive Daily Mail interview) has told how her husband was her rock this week 'As Home Secretary for six years I did my best to reduce immigration with one hand tied behind my back because you couldn't do anything about people coming in from the EU,' she said. 'Now we can. Freedom of movement ends.' She trotted out her other Brexit achievements: 'no more sending vast sums to the EU; an end to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice; out of the Common Agricultural Policy; out of the Common Fisheries Policy; out of the customs union; out of the single market; independent trade and an independent coastal state. That is delivered in the future.' It sounds impressive. But she is back on the defensive when challenged over claims that the EU can now veto us leaving the customs union: 'No, no, no, no. In the future we WILL leave customs union.' But we are trapped in it? 'No, no, no, no, no.' She's very much in Maggie mode here. Could Mrs May categorically say the EU would not have a veto? She pauses, 'You are talking about it, you see ' Have they or haven't they? 'No, but' Won't they just trap us in it? 'No. The EU does not have a veto on us leaving the customs union we have a future relationship where we are not in it.' It sounds categorical. But then she adds the so-called 'backstop mechanism', involving 'UK-wide customs territory arrangements to ensure the Ireland and Northern Ireland border remains free', can only be ended by 'mutual consent we don't have unilateral withdrawal from that.' No wonder people are confused. She also struggles to answer Esther McVey's withering comment to her after quitting the Cabinet: 'You have gone from saying no deal is better than a bad deal to any deal is better than no deal.' 'No, I haven't gone to that position,' she says tersely. But what if her deal is voted down by MPs? She will have nowhere to go. It will be the end game. She refuses to contemplate it: 'I am focusing on making sure I persuade people this is a good deal.' Admirers will praise her resolve: cynics will say she is in denial. But in a message aimed at her Tory assassins she says replacing her as prime minister would not lead to a better Brexit offer. 'People say 'if you could only just do something slightly different, have a Norway model or a Canada model, this backstop issue would go away.' She turns up the volume: 'IT. WOULD. NOT. THAT ISSUE IS STILL GOING TO BE THERE.' Whatever your view of her as a prime minister, there can surely be no doubting her fortitude on a human level. She makes light of the regular injections of insulin she requires ever since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She jokes that during last week's five-hour Cabinet Brexit summit 'I was the only one who didn't take a break! You get used to managing it. It becomes part of your way of life. I inject when I eat,' she said matter-of-factly. As for the idea that she is about to suffer the same fate as Lady Thatcher, who wept as she was driven out of Downing St, it simply isn't on her mind. 'I don't go 'Oh gosh, it must have been like this x years ago'. I wake up each morning and say 'What have I got to do today to get where we need to be?'. 'Being prime minister is about fighting the good fight for the country,' she insists with that air of defiance and resolution. And that is what I am determined to do.' A dentist on trial for killing a three-year-old girl broke down in tears on the stand when prosecutors asked her how often she thinks about the toddler. Lilly Geyer is in court facing manslaughter charges following the death of Finley Boyle at her Honolulu practice in 2013. She told the court her daughter, who is only a month older than Finley, has reminded her of the child every day since she died during what should have been a routine root canal. The youngster passed away after the procedure where Geyer's receptionist administered the drugs. On Thursday during her trial in Hawaii, Geyer told the court that she did everything she could to try and save Finley, and insisted she didn't know she had an underlying medical problem. She said that it wasn't until 2016, three years after the fatal procedure, that she discovered the child was diagnosed with a respiratory infection just weeks before. It meant Finley was at greater risk during what should have been a routine procedure. Lilly Geyer is being tried for manslaughter in the death of three-year-old Finley Boyle Boyle's mother brought the girl to Geyer's office in 2013 for four root canals and the toddler died soon after Video courtesy KITV 'I read hundreds of pages of medical records and when I came to that, I just knew that was the cause,' Geyer said, according to KHON2. Tommy Otake, Geyer's lawyer, asked her if she would have gone through with the procedure if she'd known about the diagnosis beforehand. 'Absolutely not,' Geyer said. Once Otake asked the lawyer how often she thought about the little girl, the dentist broke down in tears. On Thursday, Geyer shared that she learned in 2016 that the girl was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection in the weeks before the procedure. She said had she known of the diagnosis, she would have never allowed for the medicine to be administered to the girl Geyer broke down in tears when asked by her defense lawyer if she still thought of the little girl Geyer closed her practice soon after the incident, shook about what took place She said: 'I think about her every day, because my daughter was only a month older than her, and every time I see my daughter I think of Finley. Finley would be eight and a half years old now. She'd be alive.' Geyer closed her practice soon after the incident, shook about what took place. 'There would be no way for any of us to be there or to practice. It was the most tragic, devastating event I've ever been through. It was heartbreaking,' Geyer added. Geyer's receptionist, Kathleen Cacal, testified that she did administer the three drugs to the child but added that the dentist wasn't around The dentist argued that she and her office had done everything in their power to save the young girl. Defense also asked Geyer about her receptionist, Kathleen Cacal, and why she was the one who administered the drugs that eventually killed Boyle. Geyer told the court that she trusted Cacal because she had over 25 years as a dental assistant. Cacal testified last week that she gave the girl three medications and that Geyer was not around when any of them were administered. Jobs and newspaper titles at Johnston Press have been saved after the company was purchased by creditors. JPIMedia announced it had acquired the publisher on Saturday after it put itself into administration. As part of the transaction creditors have agreed to inject 35 million of new money into the business and reduce its net debt level by 135 million. Johnston Press, the publisher of the i newspaper, The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post, has announced its intention to place itself in to administration In a statement, newly formed JPIMedia said the acquisition of Johnston Press 'secures jobs and (the) future of its brands and titles'. 'JPIMedia's shareholders recognise the vital role that local and regional media plays in the communities they serve and remain committed to protecting and enhancing the value of the business in the future,' it added. The National Union of Journalists had previously demanded 'meaningful guarantees' on the future of jobs and titles following the administration process. An assessment period has been triggered, as the result of the sale for the employees on the defined-benefit pension scheme. Union officials warned any changes to future payments in line with pension protection fund (PPF) payment rules would by a 'terrible blow' to affected staff. JPIMedia said it will offer a defined contribution pension scheme to all employees. There had been reports that publisher DMGT, which owns the Daily Mail and MailOnline, had offered to buy the i, while 'numerous parities, had shown interest in other parts of the business David King, the publisher's former chief executive, retains his position at JPIMedia. He said the 'important' sale would ensure 'operations can continue as normal, with employees' rights maintained, suppliers paid, and newspapers printed'. 'We will focus on ensuring the group['s titles continue to publish the high-quality journalism we are known for and which has never been more important,' he said. John Ensall, director of JPIMedia, said: 'In the absence of another financial solution being available for the business, we are pleased to have reached this agreement to acquire Johnston Press, to protect the value of the business, preserve jobs and allow for the uninterrupted publication of its websites and newspapers. In August 2018, the company's share price spiked, surging by as much as 70% in afternoon trading amid rumours that a mystery buyer was quietly snapping up more stock 'As part of this transaction we have reduced the level of net debt very significantly and invested 35 million to put the business in a far stronger financial position. Speculation the publisher might be sold had been growing since it announced a strategic review in March 2017. The company had been looking to refinance 220 million of debt due to be repaid in June next year. In an email sent to reassure staff, Mr King said that, at its peak, the company's debt reached 793 million. Employees were earlier told they would continue to be paid and should turn up to work as normal, with their contracts to be transferred to the new company. There had been reports that publisher DMGT, which owns the Daily Mail and MailOnline, had offered to buy the i, while 'numerous parities, had shown interest in other parts of the business.' At its most recent trading update, Johnston reported a hit to revenues, mostly due to changes in Google and Facebook algorithms. In a statement on Friday, the publisher said 'following considerable interest in the formal sales process', and it was decided that none of the offers received delivered sufficient value. Matt Hancock (pictured above) said the initial news had been 'very concerning' 'The board has concluded that there is no longer any value in the ordinary shares of the company,' the statement added. The chief executive of Johnston Press reassured staff of a 'brighter future' after the company announced it was preparing to enter into administration. In an email to staff, David King said the publisher will apply for court approval to be sold to a newly-incorporated group of companies controlled by creditors. It informed staff they would continue to be paid and should turn up to work as normal, with their contracts to be transferred to the new company. Tom Watson (pictured above) said it was a 'grim day' for local newspapers when the announcement was made In August 2018, the company's share price spiked, surging by as much as 70% in afternoon trading amid rumours that a mystery buyer was quietly snapping up more stock. Johnston said it has also requested the immediate suspension of shares trading on the London Stock Exchange, with a cancellation of trading due to follow on November 20. Following the initial announcement Health Secretary Matt Hancock, formerly a culture secretary, tweeted to say the news was 'very concerning'. 'Makes stark reality of the intense pressure on the press,' he added. Shadow culture secretary and deputy Labour leader, Tom Watson, also tweeted his concern about the 'late Friday announcement', adding that he 'will be reaching out to unions and staff over the weekend'. In a second tweet he said: 'Johnston Press going into administration is a grim day for local newspapers and another deeply worrying one for local democracy.' Leeds North West Labour MP, Alex Sobel, tweeted to say he was sad that Johnston which owns The Yorkshire Post and the Yorkshire Evening Post was going into administration. 'Local papers raising local and regional issues are vital for our democracy,' he added. Leeds North West Labour MP, Alex Sobel, tweeted to say he was sad that Johnston which owns The Yorkshire Post and the Yorkshire Evening Post was going into administration. 'Local papers raising local and regional issues are vital for our democracy,' he added. Democrat Stacey Abrams ended her bid to be Georgia governor late Friday in a speech which she said was not a 'concession' but an acknowledgment that she cannot win. She said Brian Kemp, the Republican candidate, would win the vote count which was due to be certified at 5 p.m., just as she made the speech to supporters in Atlanta. But she ended her bid to be the nation's first black female governor defiantly saying that she would be suing in federal court over the election's 'gross mismanagement', taking a bitter election with claims of racist voter suppression into a new arena. Her move means that Kemp will be named Georgia's governor, having overseen the election's running as the secretary of state. President Trump congratulated Kemp for his win on Twitter on Friday night, but also mentioned Abrams and said he thinks she has a bright political future. He wrote: 'Congratulations to Brian Kemp on becoming the new Governor of Georgia. Stacey Abrams fought brilliantly and hard - she will have a terrific political future! Brian was unrelenting and will become a great Governor for the truly Wonderful People of Georgia!' Abrams said her announcement was not a concession because that would acknowledge 'an action as right.' 'I acknowledge that former (Georgia) Secretary of State Brian Kemp will be certified as the victor,' Abrams told supporters in Atlanta. 'But to watch an elected official who claims to represent the people in this state baldly pin his hopes for election on the suppression of the people's democratic right to vote has been truly appalling.' Not a concession: 'I acknowledge that former [Georgia] Secretary of State Brian Kemp will be certified as the victor,' Abrams told supporters in Atlanta - but she said she is going to sue over alleged voter suppression Winner: Brian Kemp is close to being officially declared winner and said it was now time for the state to move on. But he faces the start of his term tied down in federal litigation over his conduct as secretary of state. He had claimed victory since election night (pictured) Chaos: Georgia's election day had seen long lines, breaking machines and problems with ballots in a race overseen by the Republican who was in - then secretary of state, now governor-elect, Brian Kemp. His conduct will be the focus of a federal case brought by Stacey Abrams 'So, let's be clear, this is not a speech of concession, because concession means to acknowledge an action as right, true or proper,' she said. Abrams, 44, had considered a court challenge to force a runoff, which is allowed by state law if neither candidate gets a majority of the vote. Initial results showed Kemp just over that threshold. Instead, she said she would sue the state for what she called 'gross mismanagement of this election' and to protect future elections. She said she would start a new organization, Fair Fight Georgia, to advocate for voting rights. Voters in Georgia reported long lines at polling places as aging technology was swamped by the volume of people seeking to cast ballots. Prior to Election Day, groups has sued to prevent Kemp from throwing out more than 50,000 voter-registration forms that had been put on hold because personal information did not exactly match state databases. The lawsuit alleged that the 'exact match' law disproportionately affected black voters. President Trump congratulated Kemp for his win on Twitter on Friday night, but also mentioned Abrams and said he thinks she has a bright political future Her move to take claims of widespread voter suppression to federal court make it likely that Kemp will start his term by justifying how he oversaw the race which he won. Kemp had faced calls from Democrats to recuse himself from overseeing the election but consistently refused to do so until after the vote had ended. He had faced allegations of widespread voter suppression along racial lines. In accepting Abrams' decision to end her campaign, Kemp said he appreciated 'her passion, hard work, and commitment to public service.' 'The election is over and hardworking Georgians are ready to move forward,' he said in a statement. 'We can no longer dwell on the divisive politics of the past but must focus on Georgia's bright and promising future.' Kemp's margin of victory is set to be wafer-thin, by about 50.2 to 48.4 per cent, but enough to get him over the 50 per cent level to avoid a runoff. Abrams' announcement that she will pursue a federal court case is at odds with an earlier briefing from her campaign and legal team that they would use Georgia law to challenge the legality of the election. Kemp, a 55-year-old businessman, has been secretary of state since 2010. He was backed by and had embraced President Donald Trump as he tried to maintain GOP dominance in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the governor's mansion since 1998. Kemp stormed to the GOP nomination with ads featuring everything from the candidate cranking a chain saw and jokingly pointing a gun toward a teen male suitor of his daughter, to Kemp's offer to 'round up criminal illegals' himself in his pickup truck. Attack: Stacey Abrams said of Kemp as she ended her campaign: 'To watch an elected official who claims to represent the people in this state baldly pin his hopes for election on the suppression of the people's democratic right to vote has been truly appalling.' Campaign: Democrats had until Friday pinned their homes on a full count not delivering Kemp the 50 per cent he needed for victory but Stacey Abrams ended that on Friday He's promised a tax cut and teacher pay raises and pledged to continue Georgia's refusal to expand Medicaid insurance under President Barack Obama's 2010 health care overhaul. Abrams' campaign sparked huge energy across the state and she became a national Democratic star. Election turnout among both sides' energized bases nearly equaled that of the 2016 presidential vote. Aides close to Abrams said that since the election she had been wrestling with competing priorities: She wanted to advance her assertions that Georgia's elections process - which Kemp managed as secretary of state - makes it too hard for some citizens to vote. But she also recognized that a protracted legal fight would harm that cause and potentially her political future. Kemp's victory will extend the GOP's hold on the governor's mansion. His victory also is an important marker for Republicans ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Kemp's narrow margin already suggests that Georgia, a state President Donald Trump won by 5 percentage points in 2016, could be a genuine battleground in 2020. Trump bet big on Kemp, endorsing him ahead of Kemp's Republican primary runoff and campaigning for him the weekend prior to the Nov. 6 election. Now, Trump will be able to return with an incumbent governor as he seeks a second term. Abrams' political future is less certain. She made believers of old-guard Democrats in Georgia who didn't think a black woman could compete in a general election, and she emerged as the party's clear leader. But the party also has plenty of other ambitious politicians who will want to take advantage of the path that Abrams' has laid out. The next big shot for Democrats is a 2020 Senate race, with Republican Sen. David Perdue making his first re-election attempt. Abrams's announcement comes as several other races across the country remain unresolved. Not conceding: Andrew Gillum, the Democrat running to be Florida's first black governor will find out on Tuesday the final vote count. He appears unlikely to win, with Republican Ron DeSantis ahead by 0.4 per cent In neighboring Florida, election officials were slogging through a hand recount of ballots to determine who won a hard-fought U.S. Senate contest. Outgoing Republican Governor Rick Scott held a narrow lead over incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson after an electronic recount was completed on Thursday. Officials have until noon on Sunday to tally any votes missed by electronic voting machines. Scott's campaign has called on Nelson to drop out, saying it was mathematically impossible to make up the difference of about 12,600 votes, 0.15 percent of the more than 8 million ballots cast. Nelson's lawyer, Marc Elias, says he expects Scott's lead to ultimately disappear as the recount continues. In another tight Florida contest, Republican Ron DeSantis appeared to secure the governor's seat over Democrat Andrew Gillum after the electronic recount showed DeSantis with a 0.4 percentage point lead, outside the threshold to trigger a hand recount. The state is scheduled to certify results on Tuesday. Scenes of thousands of people across the state reviewing ballots brought back memories of Florida's 2000 presidential recount, which ended only after the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in, effectively handing the presidency to Republican George W. Bush. The result of the Nelson-Scott race will not change the balance of power in the Senate, where Republicans extended their lead in the Nov. 6 midterm vote, while Democrats took a majority in the House of Representatives. Along with the unresolved Florida senate race, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi is headed to a Nov. 27 runoff against Democrat Mike Espy after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote in a four-way race. About 10 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remain up in the air. The law firm is fighting the claim, and said that any loss was because she failed to follow advice he has accused the Queen's solicitors Farrer & Co of failing to secure the cash When she divorced one of Britain's richest men, Lucy Adair expected to get a 10million settlement. But the ex-wife of oil tycoon Robert Adair claims she never received her full payout. Now she has accused the Queen's solicitors Farrer & Co, who represented her, of failing to secure the cash. The 53-year-old, who has since remarried and is called Lucy Linzee Gordon, is suing the law firm for 3.8million. It is fighting the claim, saying that any loss was because she failed to follow its advice. Adair's ex-wife Lucy Linzee Gordon, with second husband Andrew. She expected a 10million settlement. The ex-wife of oil tycoon Robert Adair claims she never received her full payout She and Mr Adair married in 1995 and have four sons. After the marriage collapsed, Mr Adair sold their magnificent matrimonial home, Cowesby Hall in North Yorkshire, for 9.25million. Mrs Linzee Gordon initially agreed to give up her entitlement to half of Mr Adair's wealth in return for 16million. Mr Adair responded by offering 10million but on terms that 'left her shaking with rage and very upset', according to a writ served at the High Court. However, she later accepted an offer of 10million in instalments. She received the first two payments but 3.8million, due in June 2015, was not paid after Mr Adair's businesses ran into difficulty, the writ alleges. Mrs Linzee Gordon claims Richard Parry, head of family law at Farrer & Co, failed to secure her divorce settlement. She says the firm should have insisted on a security from Mr Adair, and claims Mr Parry should have known this was necessary because, the writ alleges, he had warned her that her former husband was highly sophisticated and 'might be pulling the wool over the eyes of the banks from time to time and he might also be doing that to us'. As a result, she claims, Mr Adair was able to default on the agreement, leaving her 3,801,307 out of pocket. Farrer & Co denies the allegations, saying the problem was caused by Mrs Linzee Gordon herself a former solicitor wishing to stay on good terms with her ex. Mr Adair, 62, had headed Melrose Resources and, before he faced insolvency proceedings, had featured in the Sunday Times Rich List with a fortune estimated at more than 200million. During the divorce in 2009, Mr Parry emailed Mr Adair saying: 'At the heart of all Lucy's concerns lies the thought that although you have been a man of enormous wealth, there is some risk, hopefully only a small one, that you could end up insolvent.' Robert Adair was once worth 200million Mrs Linzee Gordon, who lives with her second husband Andrew, 51, at Upsland Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, alleges that Farrer & Co used a financial report prepared by Mr Adair's own accountants, Saffery Champness, which did not properly evaluate his wealth. In its defence filed to the court, Farrer & Co blames Mrs Linzee Gordon for the misfortune. It says she caused and contributed to her own loss in deciding to settle with her husband, despite the firm's advice, rather than pursue the divorce through the courts. The firm argues that she was told of the advantages of security, how it could be obtained, and her right to enforce it by going to court, but made the informed choice not to do so until November 2015. Farrer & Co claims she is the cause of her own loss by deciding not to enforce her rights over security, to avoid aggravating Mr Adair or risking his insolvency, so she could receive regular payments. She also settled for too little disregarding the firm's advice that she was giving up her true entitlement and negligently entered into a second settlement with Mr Adair in June 2016, it says. No date has been set for a hearing. Police are hunting a man who struck a woman over the head with a machete in south London in an unprovoked attack. The woman, who is in her 50s, suffered a cut to the head after the man approached her from behind in Charlton and hit her with the machete. Police were called to the scene on Rathmore Road, Charlton around 7.20pm. The woman was attacked from behind by a man described has Asian, heavy-build and in his 30s on Rathmore Road, Charlton at 7.20pm The woman was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital. Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening. The attacker is believed to have escaped in the direction of Woolwich Road. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'The suspect is described as an Asian male, aged in his 30s, of heavy build. He may be wearing a tanned jacket. 'Police continue to work to trace the suspect but ask anyone with information, or who may have seen someone matching the description of the male, to call police immediately. 'Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 6689/16 Nov. Alternatively tweet @MetCC.' Art dealer ex of Made in Chelsea star faces 20 years in US jail over 16M scam: Conman, 34, who duped different investors into buying SAME work admits he 'did it for the money' Following Dominic Raab's dramatic resignation as Brexit Secretary yesterday morning, there is a gaping whole in the heart of Theresa May's Cabinet. Here are some of the Tory MPs that could be in the running to fill it: David Lidington Currently Cabinet Office Ministers and the PM's de facto deputy, Mr Lidington is loyal to the PM and often the minister sent out on the airwaves to defend her policies if they have hit turbulence. He voted Remain in the EU referendum, but historically is Eurosceptic - so could be seen as a compromise candidate palatable to both wings of the Tory Party. Amber Rudd The former Home Secretary could make a dramatic return to the Cabinet six months after she quit over the Windrush scandal. She is known to be eyeing a return to Government, and is a very able media performer - standing in for Mrs May during the election debates. Geoffrey Cox The Brexit-backing Attorney General has become a pivotal figure in the Cabinet since being promoted to the top table in July. And he has won a new legion of fans after becoming the break-out star of the Tory party conference, where, as the PM's warm-up act, he a gave a memorable and theatrical speech quoting Milton as he urged the party to unite behind the PM's Brexit vision. Andrea Leadsom A Brexiteer and current leader of the Commons, Mrs Leadsom might not be the obvious choice as she is understood to be wobbly about the PM's Brexit deal. But she has decided to stay in the Cabinet and back it, and as a leading Leaver her backing could be vital in selling the deal. Rory Stewart The Justice Minister is a May loyalist and has been touring the TV and radio studios over the past 48 deals backing her deal and attacking the Brexiteer coup against her. He is likely to jump at the chance of a promotion to the Cabinet. Liam Fox Another leading Brexiteer, he today publicly backed the PM's Brexit deal and vowed to stay in the Government. He could be handed the Brexit brief alongside his current role as International Trade Secretary a part of a beefed-up department. Ditch the post altogether Theresa May could decide to ditch the post altogether now she has thrashed out a Withdrawal Agreement with Brussels. This is highly unlikely as talks on the future trade deal are ongoing, and she still has to get the deal through Parliament despite overwhelming opposition. Make sure you empty your deleted photos folder on your iPhone X. Two security researchers have discovered a vulnerability in Apple's 10th anniversary handset that could let hackers access your previously deleted photo or file. The researchers collected a $50,000 bounty for finding the flaw and Apple has been notified about the vulnerability, but the firm has yet to patch it, according to Forbes. Scroll down for video Security researchers have discovered a vulnerability in Apple's 10th anniversary handset that could let hackers view your previously deleted photo or file. Apple hasn't patched the bug yet HOW CAN YOU PERMANENTLY DELETE PHOTOS IN iOS? Apple stores recently deleted pictures in a folder in the Photos app for up to 30 days before they're wiped from the device completely. But users can still empty the folder manually. To do this, navigate to the 'Recently Deleted' folder at the bottom of the Photos app. Select every folder in the photo and then tap 'Delete all.' After this is done, you cannot recover the photos that have been deleted. Advertisement Hackers Richard Zhu and Amat Cama discovered the bug at the annual 'Pwn2Own' hacking contest in Tokyo this week. They connected to the device, which was running iOS 12.1, using a malicious WiFi access point. From there, the researchers took advantage of a weakness in the Safari web browser. Specifically, the vulnerability resided in Apple's just-in-time (JIT) compiler, which speeds up an iPhone by processing computer code while a program runs. If the compiler is compromised, hackers are able to access recently deleted files. Apple's Recently Deleted files folder is handy if you accidentally removed a photo you actually want to keep, but in this scenario, it proved to be the cause of a major headache. Researchers Richard Zhu and Amat Cama discovered the bug at a hacking contest. It took advantage of a flaw in Apple's just-in-time compiler, which processes code as a program runs The album holds onto photos for up to 30 days, before erasing them completely. But the JIT vulnerability isn't limited to recently deleted photos. The exploit could also be used to access other files. The recently deleted photos were just the first thing the hackers stumbled upon. Until the bug is patched, researchers pointed out that hackers could still gain access to your recently deleted files. Apple has yet to respond to requests for comment, but many expect the bug to be fixed when the next iOS update arrives. The first formal count of polar bears in waters between the United States and Russia indicates they're doing better than some of their cousins elsewhere. Polar bears are listed as a threatened species because of diminished sea ice due to climate change. But university and federal researchers estimate a healthy and abundant population of nearly 3,000 animals in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast, according to a study. This bucks the trend for polar bears which are dying out in large numbers and experts warn that the fate of Chukchi bears may suffer the same plight in the future. Earlier this week a controversial Canadian local government report found polar bear numbers in the region studied were so high they threaten native Inuit populations. The findings were bitterly contested by environmental scientists who say that climate change has simply pushed the bears closer to humans as they search for food. Scroll down for video The first formal count of polar bears in waters between the United States and Russia indicates they're doing better than some of their cousins elsewhere (file photo) 'It the near-term, it's absolutely good news,' said lead author of the new research Eric Regehr. He began the project more than a decade ago as a US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and last year joined the University of Washington's Polar Science Centre. In the longer term, it doesn't mean the Chukchi Sea bear population will not be affected, according to the study published Wednesday in Scientific Reports. 'Polar bears need ice to hunt seals, and the ice is projected to decline until the underlying problem of climate change is addressed,' Dr Regehr said. The study shows there is variation around the world in the effects of sea ice loss on polar bears, he said. 'Some subpopulations are already declining while others are still doing OK,' he said. Polar bears are classified as marine mammals because they spend most of their lives on sea ice. Less sea ice means less productive time to hunt ice seals, more time on shore and longer, energy-sapping swims. The world's polar bears are divided into 19 subpopulations, including two in US waters. Besides Chukchi bears, the US shares the southern Beaufort Sea population with Canada. Stress in southern Beaufort bears from a loss of sea ice was partly why the United States in 2008 declared polar bears a threatened species. Fewer cubs were surviving into their second year and adult males weighed less and had smaller skulls, the US Geological Survey found. The world's polar bears are divided into 19 subpopulations, including two in US waters. Besides Chukchi bears, the United States shares the southern Beaufort Sea population with Canada (file photo) Researcher Steven Amstrup at the time said the trends were consistent with changes in nutritional status likely associated with declines in sea ice. A more recent study by USGS researcher Karyn Rode found that Chukchi bears spend more time on shore and have almost 30 fewer days to hunt seals on ice than 20 years ago, Dr Regehr said. However, that doesn't appear to have affected the population, he said. Polar bears have an amazing ability to build fat reserves, Dr Regehr said, and the Chukchi's abundant seal population apparently allows bears to compensate for the loss of hunting time. The difference with the southern Beaufort was obvious from an airplane, he said. 'It's visually striking to me, the difference, having worked in both places,' Dr Regehr said. When ice melts, many Chukchi bears rest on Russia's Wrangell Island, where they occasionally can find a whale or walrus carcass. The Chukchi population study used data collected by sampling about 60 polar bears between 2008 and 2016. Some were fitted with GPS transmitters. The data was used in a model designed to estimate population size for highly mobile large carnivores. Blaine Griffen, an associate professor of biology at Brigham Young University, said the study was good news. 'It's nice to see that there's at least one population that's doing better than others,' he said. The difference may be geography, he said. The Chukchi Sea has a more extensive continental shelf area with primary productivity that enables the food chain to support seals. The research agrees with past studies that suggested Chukchi bears would do better than bears elsewhere, Dr Griffen said. The news comes just days after the publication of a Canadian report that found bear populations in Canada were growing. The controversial report claims nine polar bear sub-populations are increasing in size. This goes in contrast to conservationists' estimates. The graphic above from WWF shows only two small sub-populations appear to be growing (green), several others are considered to be stable (blue) and one is known to be declining (red). There are still many uncertainties, though, as indicated by the white circles The draft report, which is set to be published by the end of this year, claims that polar bear populations are much higher than scientists estimated - and are actually increasing. 'Inuit believe there are now so many bears that public safety has become a major concern,' the proposed plan, which has been seen by the Canadian website Windsor Star, claims. 'Public safety concerns, combined with the effects of polar bears on other species, suggest that in many Nunavut communities, the polar bear may have exceeded the co-existence threshold.' The controversial findings, which are being discussed in Iqaluit this week, say that 'no declines have currently been attributed to climate change. '(Inuit knowledge) acknowledges that polar bears are exposed to the effects of climate change, but suggests that they are adaptable', the report claims. According to scientists just one polar bear population is growing but the report claims there are nine. Polar bears have become one of the enduring symbols of the environmental cause (pictured, on Somerset Island in Canada). However, a new report says bears are growing in such numbers that they cannot currently safely co-exist with humans in northern Canada The findings - which have not yet been released online - consist of submissions from Inuit groups across Canada's northern territories. Experts have criticised the findings as being just 'plain wrong'. Andrew Derocher, a University of Alberta polar bear expert, agrees that dangerous bear-human encounters are becoming more frequent. However, he says that this is because climate change is reducing the size of the sea ice. 'They will move into communities seeking food', he said. Around 16,000 polar bears are estimated to live in the arctic regions of Canada, which is 65 per cent of the total global population. It is estimated that three per cent - or 600 - are killed annually, mostly by Inuit hunters. Elon Musk's plan to provide a global internet via an enormous network of orbiting satellites is one step closer to reality. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved plans from the billionaire entrepreneur to deploy 7,518 additional broadband satellites for the Skylink project. This takes the total number of possible satellites for the ambitious plan of the SpaceX founder up to 11,943. SpaceX's Starlink broadband service will use these additional satellites in a close-Earth orbit to 'boost capacity and reduce latency in heavily populated areas'. SpaceX intends to eventually develop the infrastructure of Skylink and deploy it on colonised planets, such as Mars. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the US body and they said in a draft that the satellites would operate on frequencies between 37.5 and 42GHz to communicate between space and Earth. 'After review of the record, we conclude that granting of the SpaceX application will serve the public interest,' the FCC said. Full acceptance is still dependent upon Starlink meeting strict criteria pertaining to power consumption, potential interference with other stems and minimising space junk. Each satellite in SpaceX's planned group will weigh about 850 lbs (386 kg). The original 4,425 satellites 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. Musk has also claimed that SpaceX's broadband network will have latencies of only 25ms at this distance. Starlink's latest batch of satellites would orbit even closer to Earth at altitudes of between 208 miles and 215 miles (335km and 346km). The project, which Musk previously said would cost at least $10 billion (8.03 billion), was first announced in January 2015. Professor Mark Handley from University College London devised a detailed clip of how the SpaceX project will likely operate. The seven-minute footage 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 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 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. '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 revolutionise the Internet, giving good connectivity anywhere on Earth.' 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. 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 Realistic: Mr Handley based his visualisation on information from Musk's public documents to the US Federal Communications Commission, who previously approved the project 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.' Bubonic plague, famine, war and flu pandemics have made some periods of human history infamous for death and suffering but one year stands above the rest in terms of misery; 536AD. According to research from a Harvard professor, it is a prime candidate for the unfortunate accolade of the worst year in the entirety of recorded history. Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia were plunged into 18 months of solid darkness by a mysterious fog. It caused snowfall in China, continental-scale crop failure, extreme drought, famine and disease throughout most of the northern hemisphere. The bleak year was triggered by a cataclysmic Icelandic eruption, scientists say, and was an ominous omen for a bleak century of suffering and death. Scroll down for video According to research from a Harvard professor, the year 536AD is a prime candidate for the unfortunate accolade as the worst year in the entirety of human history. The bleak year kick-started the coldest decade for more than two millennia Michael McCormick, a Harvard University archaeologist and medieval historian, told Science Magazine that the world did not show signs of recovery until 640AD. 'It was the beginning of one of the worst periods to be alive, if not the worst year,' Dr McCormick said. The eerie fog created a drab world with darkness residing over the northern hemisphere for 18 months, with an unrelenting dusk persevering through day and night. Effects on the climate were so severe that the Irish chronicles tell of 'a failure of bread from the years 536539'. Temperatures in the summer of 536 fell between 1.5C (2.7F) and 2.5C (4.5F), initiating the coldest decade in the past 2,300 years. The international devastation triggered by the unidentified fog gave rise to the moniker 'The Dark Ages' which has been used to refer to this ominous time. Causes of the event have remained a mystery to scientists since it was first discovered via tree ring analysis that the world's temperature dipped for several years at this point in time. Dr McCormick and glaciologist Paul Mayewski at the Climate Change Institute of The University of Maine (UM) in Orono believe to have finally put the riddle to bed. In their study, published in the journal Antiquity, the researchers reveal it was likely caused by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in Iceland. Analysis of ice cores - natural time capsules of Earth's geological past - also unearthed that two eruptions followed in 540 AD and 547 AD. Incessant volcanic activity is believed to have produced millions of tonnes of ash which spread over vast swathes of the world. It caused snowfall in China, continental-scale crop failure and extreme drought and famine throughout most of the northern hemisphere (file photo) WHAT HAPPENED IN THE YEAR 536AD? A cataclysmic volcanic eruption in Iceland created a huge cloud that resided over most of the northern hemisphere for 18 months. The eerie fog caused an unrelenting dusk persevering throughout day and night. Effects on the climate were so severe that the Irish chronicles tell of 'a failure of bread from the years 536539'. Temperatures in the summer of 536 fell 1.5C to 2.5C, initiating the coldest decade in the past 2,300 years. This introduced a period of economic ruin which would steadfastly remain in place until a century later. Advertisement Incessant volcanic activity is believed to have produced millions of tonnes of ash which spread over vast swathes of the world. The authors of the study write that this introduced a period of economic ruin which would steadfastly remain in place until a century later. It was evidence of lead, and subsequently the smelting of silver, which rejuvenated the world's economy and finally abated the suffering triggered by the 536 AD eruption. The ice core analysis revealed that sulphur, bismuth and tephra deposits precede every unusually cold summer and found one for this beleaguered year. Spikes in the ice core for lead proved smelting was taking place to create silver and this coincides with the advent of coin minting which helped revive the economy, according to archaeologist Christopher Loveluck of the University of Nottingham. A further peak in 660AD told the researchers that silver became the coinage of choice, likely due to a lack of gold, and Stargazers may get the chance to see a shooting star display as the annual Leonid meteor shower hits the skies above Britain. The night-time spectacular could be visible tonight, weather permitting, and the early pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning. Met Office forecasts predict much of the UK will be covered by cloud in the early hours of Saturday, apart from the very north of Scotland. But on Sunday the skies should generally be clear in the early hours. For people in the US, the best viewing conditions will be across the interior West and the south east of the country, meteorologists at AccuWeather say. The Great Lakes, the central Plains and southern Texas will offer the poorest viewing, if weather forecasts prove correct. Scroll down for video Stargazers may get the chance to see a shooting star display as the annual Leonid meteor shower (pictured in 2002) hits the skies above Britain. The night-time spectacular could be visible tonight, weather permitting, and the early pre-dawn hours Sunday morning Met Office forecasts predict much of the UK will be covered by cloud in the early hours of Saturday, apart from the very north of Scotland. This is where budding astronomers in the country should look The meteor shower occurs when meteoroids, small rocks, fall towards the Earth after breaking off from the Comet Tempel-Tuttle. These burn up and vaporise before they hit the Earth's surface causing a streak of hot air which we see as a shooting star. Displays are better when the Tempel-Tuttle comet, which takes 33 years to orbit the sun, is closer to the Earth, an occurrence which is next due in about 15 years' time. Dr John Mason, from the British Astronomical Association, said: 'If you are in the countryside you may see a few meteors, if it is the town or city, you may not see any at all.' This particular celestial event is called the Leonids because it appears to come from the Leo star constellation. Meteor spotters should watch from a vantage point with as little light pollution as possible and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the dark. Dr Mason said a much more spectacular display is due over the UK with the Geminids meteor shower due on December 13. The shooting stars travel at around 45 miles per second (72km/s) and around half of them leave visible trains that sometimes linger for seconds after. The Leonid meteor shower gets its name from its radiant, the point at which the meteors appear to emerge from in the constellation Leo. Pictured are Leonid meteors lighting up the night sky of the al-Azraq desert in 1999 Hundreds of shooting stars will streak across our skies as the Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak. Pictured is the shower lighting up the sky above the Great Wall of China Astronomers say there's no need for special equipment to see this meteor shower - just lie down on the ground and look directly up at the sky, between the East and the point above you. As always, the best way to catch a glimpse of the show is to head away from urban areas where light pollution reduces visibility. Speaking to USA Today about the viewing conditions, AccuWeather meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said: 'Dry weather may dominate the north-central and western United States. 'It may not be a good night at all to view the meteor shower downwind of the Great Lakes, where a lake-effect snow event may be underway. 'Some clouds may streak into the I-95 corridor, but even where there are enough breaks in the clouds, brisk winds will not make it a pleasant night to sit out to watch the meteors.' In 2034, researchers predict that observers will have a chance to witness 2,000 meteors per hour, in a 'Leonid storm.' A Leonid meteor streaks across the sky over Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada Meteor showers occur when a comet comes close to the sun and produces debris - meteoroids - that spread around the comet's orbit. Since meteoroids that create a meteor shower all move on a parallel path, and at the same speed, they seem to originate from a single point in the sky to observers on Earth, known as the radiant. The Leonid meteor shower gets its name from its radiant, the point at which the meteors appear to emerge from in the constellation Leo. Every 33 years, the Leonid meteor shower arrives as a storm of meteors, with more than 1,000 shooting stars an hour. The Leonids occur as the Earth moves through the dust trail of Tempel-Tuttle comet. In 2034, researchers predict that observers will have a chance to witness 2,000 meteors per hour, in a 'Leonid storm.' Plants capable of surviving disease, drought and climate change will be made possible by 'speed-breeding', scientists have claimed. The technique, first developed by Nasa, subjects crops to 22 hours a day of LED light to promote rapid growth in plants. It speeds up their breeding cycle and allows for far greater yields of the plant. The method allows six generations of wheat to be grown in a calendar year, compared to just two cycles when using traditional methods. Researchers claim that the technique, alongside cloning, would allow significant improvements to plants without resorting to genetic modification. Scroll down for video A team of British researchers made improvements to Nasa's original method and made the system just as effective in vast glass houses as it is in small desktop containers (pictured). The method allows six generations of wheat to be grown in a year, compared to two normally Dr Brande Wulff, a wheat scientist at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, predicts that European crop research and breeding will become more dependent on speed breeding in the light of these developments. 'Speed breeding allows researchers to rabidly mobilise the genetic variation found in wild relatives of crops and introduce it into elite varieties that can be grown by farmers,' he said. 'The EU ruling that heavily regulates gene editing means we are more reliant on speed breeding to grow sturdier, more resilient crops.' A team of British researchers made improvements to Nasa's method and made the system just as effective in mall desktop containers as it is in vast glass houses. The ability to work at these scales gives scientists greater opportunities than ever before to breed disease resistant, climate resilient and nutritious crops. Project leader Dr Brande Wulff, a wheat scientist at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, said: 'In this institute there are about 500 scientists who are in a virtual race against time to produce better crops to face tomorrow's challenges. 'One of the great limitations we face is growing the plants from seed to seed. If we can do this faster, we can get results faster - and produce the crops faster.' Farmers will have to produce up to 80 per cent more food by 2050 to feed nine billion people. The study, published in the journal Nature Protocols, makes use of enhanced LED lighting to optimise photosynthesis and boost growth. Changes to soil composition, lighting, temperature, spacing of plants and premature harvest have cut the seed-to-seed generation time in wheat to just eight weeks. By shortening cycles scientists and plant breeders can fast-track genetic improvements such as yield gain, disease resistance and climate resilience. This applies to many staple crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape and pea, say the researchers. Being able to do this in a compact desktop chamber enables affordable, cutting-edge research to take place before the experiments are scaled up to larger glass houses. The latest advances come in the wake of the Court of Justice of the European Union ruling crops improved using modern DNA-editing techniques should be classed as genetically modified organisms. The decision was greeted with dismay among plant scientists, breeders and farming industry leaders in the UK as it frustrates efforts to meet the challenge of a growing world population. WHAT ARE GENE-EDITED CROPS AND HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT TO GM PLANTS? Gene editing promises to produce 'super-crops' by altering or cutting out genes that naturally occur in plants. Unlike genetically modified (GM) plants, gene-edited (GE) crops contain no 'foreign' DNA from other species. GE crops are produced using CRISPR, a new tool for making precise edits in DNA. Scientists use a specialised protein to make tiny changes to the plant's DNA that could occur naturally or through selective breeding. GM crops have had foreign genes added to their DNA - a process that often cannot happen naturally. The US, Brazil, Canada and Argentina have indicated they will exempt GE crops that do not contain foreign DNA from GM regulations. The European Commission is waiting for a judgement from the European court. Advertisement Farmers will have to produce up to 80 per cent more food by 2050 to feed nine billion people. The study, published in the journal Nature Protocols , makes use of enhanced LED lighting (pictured) for up to 22 hours a day to optimise photosynthesis and boost growth Dr Wulff said crop research and breeding will become more dependent on speed breeding following this ruling. He said: 'Speed breeding allows researchers to rapidly mobilise the genetic variation found in wild relatives of crops and introduce it into elite varieties that can be grown by farmers. 'The EU ruling that heavily regulates gene editing means we are more reliant on speed breeding to grow sturdier, more resilient crops.' His team has developed techniques such as rapid gene discovery and cloning that - alongside speed breeding - would allow crop improvements via a non-GM route. Collaborators in Australia - currently experiencing one of the worst droughts on record - are using the technology to quickly cycle genetic improvements to make crops more resilient to lack of rainfall. Dr Wulff predicts the speed breeding technology will become the norm in research institutes. He said: 'We know more and more institutes across the world will be adopting this technology and by sharing these protocols we are providing a pathway for accelerating crop research.' The refinements outlined aim to optimise the technology as a research tool. Changes to soil composition, lighting, temperature, spacing of plants and premature harvest have cut the seed-to-seed generation time in wheat to just eight weeks. The ability to work at the small scale gives scientists greater opportunity than ever before to breed disease resistant, climate resilient and nutritious crops. Tackling this issue means scientists can respond quicker to emerging diseases, changing climate and increased demand First author Sreya Ghosh, a PhD student in Dr Wulff's lab, added: 'It was important to us we developed something that could be bought quickly and set up with minimum skill. 'This scaled down cabinet means the technology is accessible and democratic. Researchers all over the world can set it up on their desk to get the benefits of speed breeding for their research programme.' Generation time in most plant species represents a bottleneck in applied research programmes and breeding. Tackling this issue means scientists can respond quicker to emerging diseases, changing climate and increased demand for certain traits. New varieties are critical but it can take between 10 and 20 years to breed resistant or productive characteristics into crops. So scientists are engaged in a race against time to breed staple crops that can both survive climate change and yield bigger harvests. The method used for centuries of growing one crop a year in variable weather conditions and then selecting the seeds from the best plants is no longer viable in fast-changing climatic conditions. Scientists are concerned that for some years there have been few improvements in yields of grain. It is hoped the technique will yield new varieties of crops that can be grown on a commercial scale within 10 years. If this could be achieved, it would increase productivity in the same way as the green revolution of the 1960s, when new crop varieties, modern farm practices, and use of fertilisers saved millions of people from starvation. Mars was once home to raging rivers and lakes formed in craters which often burst, carving out vast canyons in just weeks, a new study has found. On Earth canyons take millions of years to be gouged out from the surface but on the red planet catastrophic floods were unleashed when these lakes became so overfilled they burst their banks, carving canyons very rapidly. The flood waters left their mark on the surface of the red planet, evidence of which can still be detected billions of years later. Now most of the water on Mars is locked away in the frozen ice caps, researchers believe. Scroll down for video Jezero crater is a paleolake and potential landing site for NASA's Mars 2020 rover mission to look for past life. The outlet canyon carved by overflow flooding is visible in the upper right side of the crater. The inlets on the right side were carved by ancient rivers. Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin found evidence of the catastrophic geologic processes that they say had a major role in shaping the landscape of Mars and other worlds that are geologically inactive. Lead author postdoctoral researcher Dr Tim Goudge, at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences said: 'These breached lakes are fairly common and some of them are quite large, some as large as the Caspian Sea. 'So we think this style of catastrophic overflow flooding and rapid incision of outlet canyons was probably quite important on early Mars' surface.' Satellite images of rock formations showed evidence hundreds of craters across the surface of Mars were once filled with water. More than 200 of these 'paleolakes' have outlet canyons tens to hundreds of kilometres long and several kilometres wide carved by water flowing from the ancient lakes. However, until now, it was unknown whether the canyons were gradually carved over millions of years or carved rapidly by single floods. Using high-resolution photos taken by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter satellite, researchers examined the topography of the outlets and the crater rims of 24 paleolakes and their outlet canyons. One of the paleolakes examined in the study, Jezero Crater, is a potential landing site for NASA's Mars 2020 rover mission to look for signs of past life. The Palouse River Canyon is part of the Channeled Scablands, a geologic feature in eastern Washington that was carved by catastrophic flooding during the last ice age. Researchers found that large floods on Mars and Earth carve the land in a similar manner. Dr Goudge and Nasa scientist Dr Caleb Fassett proposed the crater as a landing site based on prior studies that found it held water for long periods in Mars' past. They found a correlation between the size of the outlet and the volume of water expected to be released during a large flooding event. If the outlet had instead been gradually whittled away over time, the relationship between water volume and outlet size likely wouldn't hold While massive floods flowing from Martian craters might sound like a scene in a science fiction novel, a similar process occurs on Earth when lakes dammed by glaciers break through their icy barriers. And the similarity is more than superficial. As long as gravity is accounted for, floods create outlets with similar shapes whether on Earth or Mars. While massive floods flowing from Martian craters might sound like a scene in a science fiction novel, a similar process occurs on Earth when lakes dammed by glaciers break through their icy barriers Dr Goudge said: 'This tells us that things that are different between the planets are not as important as the basic physics of the overflow process and the size of the basin. 'You can learn more about this process by comparing different planets as opposed to just thinking about what's occurring on Earth or what's occurring on Mars.' But they fit into different geological paradigms as on Earth, the slow-and-steady motion of tectonic plates dramatically changes the planet's surface over millions of years. In contrast, the lack of plate tectonics on Mars means that cataclysmic events - like floods and asteroid impacts - quickly create changes that can amount to near permanent changes in the landscape. Dr Fassett concluded: 'The landscape on Earth doesn't preserve large lakes for a very long time. 'But on Mars ... these canyons have been there for 3.7 billion years, a very long time, and it gives us insight into what the deep time surface water was like on Mars.' The study was published in the journal Geology. The bizarre interstellar object 'Oumuamua, which some have speculated could be an alien craft set to monitor us, is far smaller than thought. A new NASA study uses the fact the object was too small for the infrared Spitzer telescope to spot to estimate its size. Researchers now say cigar shaped 'Oumuamua is probably less than half a mile (2,600 feet, or 800 meters) in its longest dimension. Scroll down for video This photo released by the European Southern Observatory on November 20, 2017 shows an artist's impression of the first interstellar object known to enter our solar system: Oumuamua HOW BIG IS 'OUMUAMUA? Researchers now say cigar shaped 'Oumuamua is probably less than half a mile (2,600 feet, or 800 meters) in its longest dimension. Using three separate models that make slightly different assumptions about the object's composition, Spitzer's non-detection limited 'Oumuamua's 'spherical diameter' to 1,440 feet (440 meters), 460 feet (140 meters) or perhaps as little as 320 feet (100 meters). Advertisement ''Oumuamua has been full of surprises from day one, so we were eager to see what Spitzer might show,' said David Trilling, lead author on the new study and a professor of astronomy at Northern Arizona University. 'The fact that 'Oumuamua was too small for Spitzer to detect is actually a very valuable result.' In November 2017, scientists pointed NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope toward the object known as 'Oumuamua the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system. The infrared Spitzer was one of many telescopes pointed at 'Oumuamua in the weeks after its discovery that October. However, the 'non-detection' puts a new limit on how large the strange object can be. The new size limit is consistent with the findings of a research paper published earlier this year, which suggested that outgassing was responsible for the slight changes in 'Oumuamua's speed and direction as it was tracked last year: The authors of that paper conclude the expelled gas acted like a small thruster gently pushing the object. That determination was dependent on 'Oumuamua being relatively smaller than typical solar system comets. Using three separate models that make slightly different assumptions about the object's composition, Spitzer's non-detection limited 'Oumuamua's 'spherical diameter' to 1,440 feet (440 meters), 460 feet (140 meters) or perhaps as little as 320 feet (100 meters). The results are reported in a new study published today in the Astronomical Journal and coauthored by scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The new study also suggests that 'Oumuamua may be up to 10 times more reflective than the comets that reside in our solar system a surprising result, according to the paper's authors. But it may have had its surface refreshed through 'outgassing' when it made an extremely close approach to our Sun, a little more than five weeks before it was discovered. In addition to sweeping away dust and dirt, some of the released gas may have covered the surface of 'Oumuamua with a reflective coat of ice and snow a phenomenon that's also been observed in comets in our solar system. 'Oumuamua is on its way out of our solar system almost as far from the Sun as Saturn's orbit and is well beyond the reach of any existing telescopes. 'Usually, if we get a measurement from a comet that's kind of weird, we go back and measure it again until we understand what we're seeing,' said Davide Farnocchia, of the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at JPL and a coauthor on both papers. 'But this one is gone forever; we probably know as much about it as we're ever going to know.' Earlier this week the researcher who discovered a cigar-shaped interstellar rock zooming through our solar system has dismissed claims from Harvard University it could be an alien spacecraft. The Harvard researchers noted in a pre-print of their article that it was an 'exotic scenario,' but that 'Oumuamua may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth vicinity by an alien civilization.' However, Robert Weryk, who discovered the strange interstellar object in 2017 at the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy, told CBC's Afternoon Drive their theory is 'a bit of wild speculation'. WHAT IS A LIGHTSAIL? Much like the wind pushing a sailboat through water, solar sails rely on sunlight to propel vehicles through space. The sail captures constantly streaming solar particles, called photons, with giant sails built from a lightweight material. Over time, the buildup of these particles provides enough thrust for a spacecraft to travel in space. The JPL team has not yet worked out how to power the craft - and many of their ideas rely on technology that doesn't yet exist, such as this laser sail being developed by the Breakthrough project, which hopes to make to same trip to Alpha Centairi. Advertisement 'I think it's a remnant from another solar system. It's just something that happened to run into us, and we were very lucky to have been operating the telescope that night and looking in that direction,' Weryk said. Oumuamua, the first interstellar object known to enter our solar system, accelerated faster away from the Sun than expected, hence the notion that some kind of artificial sail that runs on sunlight - known as a light sail - may have helped push it through space. 'Currently there is an unexplained phenomena, namely, the excess acceleration of Oumuamua, which we show may be explained by the force of radiation pressure from the sun,' co-author and Harvard astrophysicist Shmuel Bialy said. 'However this requires the body to have a very large surface and be very thin, which is not encountered in nature.' Their suggestion of an alien force at work went viral. 'Honestly, that's a bit of wild speculation,' Weryk said when asked about the paper by Harvard scientists Abraham Leob and Shmuel Bialy. '(The Harvard researchers) decided to focus on another aspect of that, that it's an alien space craft and that it has a solar sail type material that's causing the non-gravitational trajectory. But we actually believe that's not true based on the data we obtained.' The Harvard team hypothesize that Oumuamua 'may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth's vicinity by an alien civilization.' Other astronomy experts aren't buying it either. 'Like most scientists, I would love there to be convincing evidence of alien life, but this isn't it,' said Alan Fitzsimmons, an astrophysicist at Queens University, Belfast. 'It has already been shown that its observed characteristics are consistent with a comet-like body ejected from another star system,' he told AFP. 'And some of the arguments in this study are based on numbers with large uncertainties.' Katie Mack, a well-known astrophysicist at North Carolina State, also took issue with the alien hype. 'The thing you have to understand is: scientists are perfectly happy to publish an outlandish idea if it has even the tiniest sliver of a chance of not being wrong,' she wrote on Twitter. 'But until every other possibility has been exhausted dozen times over, even the authors probably don't believe it.' Asked if he believed the hypothesis he put forward, Bialy told AFP: 'I wouldn't say I 'believe' it is sent by aliens, as I am a scientist, and not a believer, I rely on evidence to put forward possible physical explanation for observed phenomena.' A photo released by the European Space Agency on June 27, 2018 shows an artist's impression of Oumuamua The other co-author, Avi Loeb, chairman of Harvard's astronomy department, told NBC News humanity may never know more about the mysterious object, since it has traveled far away and isn't heading back. 'It is impossible to guess the purpose behind Oumuamua without more data,' Loeb was quoted as saying. Their paper was accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, and will appear on November 12. Oumuamua, Hawaiian for 'messenger' or 'scout,' was first viewed by telescopes in October 2017. The alien rock is about 1,300 feet long (400 meters) long, and only about 130 feet wide. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos has warned staff not to be complacent , claiming the firm 'is not too big to fail' At an all-hands meeting last Thursday in Seattle, days before the firm announced the winners of its HQ2 contest, Bezos was asked about the recent failures of giant retailers like Sears. 'Amazon is not too big to fail,' Bezos said, in a recording of the meeting CNBC said it had heard. Scroll down for video At an all-hands meeting last Thursday in Seattle, days before the firm announced the winners of its HQ2 contest, Bezos was asked about the recent failures of giant retailers like Sears 'In fact, I predict one day Amazon will fail. Amazon will go bankrupt. If you look at large companies, their lifespans tend to be 30-plus years, not a hundred-plus years.' Bezos told the meeting the key to survival is to 'obsess over customers'. 'If we start to focus on ourselves, instead of focusing on our customers, that will be the beginning of the end,' he said. 'We have to try and delay that day for as long as possible.' However, Bezos said he had noticed one thing about firms that do last far longer. 'Most of the companies that are multi-hundred year old companies are breweries,' he said with a laugh. 'It's very interesting I'm not sure what that says about society.' The warning comes as Amazon prepares for a record holiday season. Amazon is expected to capture 48 percent of all online sales in the U.S. this year, up from 43 percent in 2017, according to eMarketer. On Tuesday Amazon announced the location of its new headquarters one in Queens, New York, and another in Arlington, Virginia, causing outrage among many over the subsidies offered to cities in the 'beauty pageant'. However, it is facing increased competition and is embroiled in a row with Donald Trump over taxes and use of the US Postal Service. 'I have stated my concerns with Amazon long before the Election,' President Trump recently tweeted. 'Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, use our Postal System as their Delivery Boy (causing tremendous loss to the U.S.), and are putting many thousands of retailers out of business!' Amazon is also dealing with a backlash from its own employees. Pressure has been mounting for Amazon to cancel its contracts with ICE and law enforcement agents, which allow them to test out the facial recognition technology. Employees plan to submit numerous questions on the topic of Rekognition, Amazon's facial recognition tech, with the hope that executives will have no chance but to answer them In June, hundreds of Amazon employees penned a letter addressed to Bezos, titled 'We Won't Build It,' calling on him to end Amazon's Rekognition contracts with the police. The letter detailed concerns around how the technology would be deployed, as well as the possibility for bias, citing 'historic militarization of police, renewed targeting of Black activists, and the growth of a federal deportation force currently engaged in human rights abuses.' Employees also urged Amazon to end its relationship with Palantir, a controversial data company. It comes as Amazon has defended its Rekognition tech, alongside growing concerns from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. Facial recognition is used by many technology companies, but activists say Amazon's system could lead to dangerous surveillance powers for law enforcement WHAT HAS AMAZON SAID ABOUT ITS RECKOGNITION AI FACIAL RECOGNITION TOOL? Amazon has defended giving its Big Brother-style facial recognition tool to police following an outcry from civil rights groups. Amazon's facial recognition tool, dubbed 'Rekognition', is currently being used by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Florida. In an emailed statement, however, the firm said it has ' many useful applications in the real world', such as locating lost children at amusement parks It also noted that the company 'requires that customers comply with the law and be responsible when they use' its software products. Speaking to the BBC, a spokesman said: 'Our quality of life would be much worse today if we outlawed new technology because some people could choose to abuse the technology. 'Imagine if customers couldn't buy a computer because it was possible to use that computer for illegal purposes?' Advertisement The ACLU claims the software guide for the AI 'reads like a user manual for authoritarian surveillance'. But Amazon said 'quality of life would be much worse' if technologies such as this were blocked because of fears they may be misused. It has pointed out that its tool has helped find lost children in the past, and claims it has great potential for fighting crime in future. Amazon Rekognition has been used for a number of positive purposes already, the company claims. This includes using the program to find children lost in amusement parks and identifying people who have been abducted. However, Amazon is drawing the ire of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other privacy advocates over the tool. Amazon offers the technology to law enforcement for just $6 (4.50) to $12 (9) a month. It counts the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon and the city of Orlando as customers First released in 2016, Amazon has since been selling it on the cheap to several police departments around the US, listing the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon and the city of Orlando, Florida among its customers. Amazon offers the technology to law enforcement for just $6 (4.50) to $12 (9) a month. Deputies in Oregon had been using Rekognition about 20 times per day - for example, to identify burglary suspects in store surveillance footage. Last month, the agency adopted policies governing its use, noting that officers in the field can use real-time face recognition to identify suspects who are unwilling or unable to provide their own ID, or if someone's life is in danger. 'We are not mass-collecting. We are not putting a camera out on a street corner,' said Deputy Jeff Talbot, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. 'We want our local community to be aware of what we're doing, how we're using it to solve crimes - what it is and, just as importantly, what it is not.' Advertisement Lockheed Martin has begun building a 'son of Concorde' plane that could herald the return of supersonic passenger travel. Officially known as the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, it is being built with NASA to perfect quiet sonic booms that would allow craft to go supersonic over land. Lockheed Martin said the move 'marks a milestone to bring supersonic commercial travel over land one step closer to reality.' Scroll down for video Officially known as the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, it is being built with NASA to perfect quiet sonic booms that would allow craft to go supersonic over land. The X-59 will conduct its first flight in 2021. It is designed to cruise at 55,000 feet at a speed of about 940 mph and create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, 75 Perceived Level decibel (PLdB), instead of a sonic boom. 'The start of manufacturing on the project marks a great leap forward for the X-59 and the future of quiet supersonic commercial travel,' said Peter Iosifidis, Low Boom Flight Demonstrator program manager Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. 'The long, slender design of the aircraft is the key to achieving a low sonic boom. 'As we enter into the manufacturing phase, the aircraft structure begins to take shape, bringing us one step closer to enabling supersonic travel for passengers around the world.' Earlier this year, NASA selected Lockheed Martin to design, build and flight test the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator. The X-59 will conduct its first flight in 2021. It will be used to collect community response data on the acceptability of the quiet sonic boom generated by the aircraft, helping NASA establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to overturn current regulations banning supersonic travel over land. Nasa has announced a series of new tests for its 1,100mph (1,770kph) supersonic commercial airliner tipped to be the follow-up to the legendary Concorde. The plane (artist's impression) aims to cut out the noise associated with supersonic travel Pictured, a Lockheed Martin technician at their Palmdale, California, facility prepares a machine to shave the first piece of NASAs X-59 QueSST aircraft, which later will be integrated into the overall structure. X-59 is designed to cruise at 55,000 feet at a speed of about 940 mph and create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, 75 Perceived Level decibel (PLdB), instead of a sonic boom. Earlier this month NASA began conducting tests to see how Texas residents react to noise from experimental aircraft that will dramatically reduce flight times by half. The space agency launched a research project on Monday as they continue to experiment for it's next airliner the X-59 or the 'Son of Concorde', as it's dubbed by aviation fans. The aim of the testing is to see if residents living near the Texas Gulf Coast hear noise from the jets, travelling faster than the speed of sound, without making the explosive noise of a sonic boom. The company claims that the noise it will make doing 940mph or 1,515 kmph will be 'no louder than the clunk of a car door closing'. WHAT IS NASA'S 'SON OF CONCORDE' X-PLANE? Nasa is developing a 1,100mph (1,770kph) aircraft that has been dubbed the 'son of Concorde'. The vehicle is the first in a series of aircraft Nasa is developing with Lockheed Martin in a quest to build a commercially viable supersonic jet. It is designed to fly at Mach 1.4 (925 mph / 1,488 kph) at an altitude of 55,000 feet (10 miles). Dubbed the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST), the research craft aims to cut out the sonic booms associated with supersonic travel. Pictured is an artist's impression of the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) low-boom flight demonstrator (LBFD) The aircraft is shaped to separate the shocks and expansions associated with supersonic flight to reduce the volume of the shaped signature, and was developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works over 20 years. The team is hoping to achieve a sonic boom 60 dBA lower than other supersonic aircraft, such as Concorde. Recent research has shown it is possible for a supersonic airplane to be shaped in such a way that the shock waves it forms when flying faster than the speed of sound can generate a sound at ground level so quiet it will hardly will be noticed by the public, if at all. Advertisement Jerry Baker, 46, who lives behind the island's sea wall, is one of the 500 residents recruited by NASA to listen out for noise and heard 'several loud bangs' on Monday. 'The first one was the loudest,' he said. 'It rattled the windows.' Yesterday the thumps were quieter. 'I just heard one, right at eleven o'clock.' 'Very small, two tiny bumps.' NASA hopes the result of the sonic tests will convince aviation authorities to change regulations on flights over land to allow for a new generation of supersonic jets. Two F/A-18's used in the trials climbed to at 55,000 feet/ 17 km above the gulf of Mexico and began a dive towards Texas accelerating trough the sound barrier about 23 miles from the coast before pulling up and back out to sea Concorde operated from 1976 until it petered out in 2003 because of the cost of running he aircraft, the crash of 2000 and threat of terrorism after the September 11th attacks and noise of loud sonic booms in residential areas. The first flight of the X-59, which could one day fly from London to New York in just three hours without giving off a loud sonic boom, is scheduled for 2021. The craft could become the first commercial supersonic aircraft to carry passengers since the iconic Anglo-French jet Concorde was decommissioned 15 years ago. Ahead of this the space agency will use a modified combat jet to check the 'acoustic signature' of the engines to be used in the airliner, by sending it into a series of dives. It has recruited 500 people on the ground to then answer surveys about the noise generated by the the F/A-18 Hornet, to ensure the flight is quiet as it flies over Texas. NASa and Lockheed Martin have already completed wind tunnel and simulation tests of the radical design Before the aircraft takes to the skies, Nasa is investigating whether members of the public are put off by the noise produced by X-59 when it breaks the sound barrier. Tests scheduled for November will see an F-18 fighter jet conduct dive manoeuvres off the shores of Galveston, Texas - an island city near Houston. The plane will rapidly descend from almost 50,000 feet (15,200 metres), briefly going supersonic and firing off the sound likely to come from X-59 aircraft. The noise, which Nasa calls a 'sonic thump', should sound more like a car door slamming as opposed to the booms produced by existing supersonic aircraft. The agency will measure the sounds using sensors on the ground while gathering public reaction through a series of surveys. Sasha Ellis, a NASA spokesperson for the X-59 mission, told Newsweek : 'We're solely focused on addressing the challenges of quiet supersonic flights over land, reducing that sonic boom to a sonic thump.' Nasa pilot Jim Less will fire off 'quiet' sonic booms over a small city in Texas this month in a bid to gauge public reaction to the dampened supersonic thuds. Pictured is Less with the F-18 fighter jet aboard which he will perform the research Alexandra Loubeau, Nasa's team lead for sonic boom community response research at Langley, said in July: 'We'll never know exactly what everyone heard. 'We won't have a noise monitor on their shoulder inside their home. 'But we'd like to at least have an estimate of the range of noise levels that they actually heard.' X-59, which Nasa is developing with Lockheed Martin's aeronautics branch, is scheduled to make its first flight in 2022. Originally named the Low-Flight Flight Demonstrator by Nasa, the agency announced in June that the aircraft was to be called X-59 QueSST going forward. The US Air Force made the name change in-part as a hat tip American X-plane history, which began in 1947 with the world's first supersonic plane, the the Bell X-1. 'For everyone working on this important project, this is great news and we're thrilled with the designation,' Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for Nasa's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, said in a statement in June. Nasa is developing the aircraft with Lockheed Martin's aeronautics branch with test flights planned for 2022. The plane is dubbed the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) low-boom flight demonstrator (artist's impression) The X-59 project aims to cut out the noisy sonic booms that echoed above cities in the era of Concorde, while travelling at speeds of 1,100mph (Mach 1.4 / 1,700 km/h). The loud booms that rang out whenever a Concorde broke the sound barrier were often described as 'unsettling' by members of the public, which ultimately limited the aircraft to flights over the Atlantic when it began carrying passengers in 1976. X-59 is designed to stop shockwaves triggered by the movement of air particles when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier from merging - a phenomenon that gives off the telltale sonic boom of supersonic aircraft. Nasa hopes to reduce the sound of the sonic boom to a quiet thud, similar to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance or a neighbour closing their door. Nasa is developing the aircraft with Lockheed Martin's aeronautics branch with test flights planned for 2022. The plane is dubbed the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) low-boom flight demonstrator (artist's impression) 'With the X-59 you're still going to have multiple shockwaves because of the wings on the aircraft that create lift and the volume of the plane,' said Ed Haering, a Nasa aerospace engineer at Nasa's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. 'But the airplane's shape is carefully tailored such that those shockwaves do not combine. 'Instead of getting a loud boom-boom, you're going to get at least two quiet thump-thump sounds, if you even hear them at all.' Nasa's November tests will produce similar shockwaves using an F-18 fighter jet to conduct sharp manoeuvres in the air. The aircraft, pilot by Nasa researcher Jim Less, will dive from 49,000 feet (15,000m) and go briefly supersonic before levelling off at 30,000 feet (9,000m). Shockwaves produced by the manoeuvre will concentrate directly below the aircraft in the form of a very loud, focussed pair of sonic booms. A few miles from the dive points, the noise quickly trails off as they spread out and weaken. Flights conducted by Nasa in November will study the US public's reactions to 'quiet' supersonic noises above their homes. Pictured is an artist's impression of the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) low-boom flight demonstrator (LBFD) 'The result in that area: a pair of quiet sonic booms soft thumps, really which people on the ground, including those Nasa researchers and resident volunteers, might barely notice, if they hear anything at all,' the agency wrote in a statement. QueSST is the latest addition to the X-series of experimental aircraft and rockets, used to test and evaluate new technologies and aerodynamic concepts. HOW WILL NASA REDUCE THE SOUND OF SONIC BOOMS? In a conventional supersonic aircraft, shockwaves from the nose, cockpit, inlets, wings and other features come together as they move through the atmosphere into strong shocks emanating from the nose and tail. These are known as bow and tail shocks, respectively. As these shockwaves pass over the ground, air pressure rises sharply, declines, then rises rapidly again. It's this that produces the classic 'double-bang' sonic boom. In a conventional supersonic aircraft, shockwaves from the nose, cockpit, inlets, wings and other features come together as they move through the atmosphere into strong shocks emanating from the nose and tail Reshaping the aircraft to produce a longer, more slender shape is the best way to generate shockwaves of lower, more equal strength that do not form into such strong bow and tail shocks. Nasa and other organisations are working on creating shapes to reduce sonic booms. Stretching the nose to break the bow shock into a series of weaker shockwaves is particularly effective. This lowers and spreads that initial pressure peak and softens the first bang of the sonic boom. Advertisement Their X designation indicates their research mission status within the US system of aircraft naming. This all dates back to Chuck Yeager's sound-barrier-breaking craft, the X-1, a rocket enginepowered aircraft, designed and built in 1945, that achieved a speed of nearly 1,000 miles per hour (1,600 kmh) in 1948. The team hopes to reduce the sound of the sonic boom to a quiet thud, similar to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance or a neighbour closing their door. This graphic compares the F18 sonic boom to the sonic 'thump' that Nasa aims to achieve in the future Nasa's vision for the X-59 was approved In the latest proposed US budget released by the Office Of Management And Budget In Washington, DC, in February. The space agency was awarded $19.9 billion (14.3bn) for the next year, $500 million (360m) more than the previous year. It is not known what proportion of this has been allocated for the supersonic aircraft project. QueSST will be used as a test bed for technologies that could make their way into commercial planes. Nasa is hoping to see the first flight tests take place in 2022, with public reaction tests to the final aircraft scheduled for the following year. Ali Oetjen and Taite Radley have been living in separate states since filming The Bachelorette two-and-a-half months ago. And it seems that the Melbourne-based bank manager has no immediate plans to relocate to Adelaide for his new girlfriend. When asked on Friday's Fitzy and Wippa whether he'll move to South Australia, Taite awkwardly replied: 'We're just taking it one step at a time, yeah.' Is the relationship in trouble already? The Bachelorette winner Taite Radley refused to confirm he'll move to Adelaide for Ali Oetjen (pictured) in an awkward radio interview on Friday Ali was also taking part in the radio interview, and sounded unimpressed by Taite's uncertain response. 'Taite has definitely said he is going to move for me, and move to Adelaide,' she sternly replied. Afterwards, host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald observed that Ali is an 'Adelaide girl' who has lived in the city her whole life and wants to stay there. Living apart: Taite lives in Melbourne, while Ali resides in Adelaide and doesn't want to leave 'You know it!' she sharply replied. However, Ali later acknowledged that she was open to a compromise in regards to their living situation. 'I think we're going to assess where it's best for both of us, like it could be a whole different city,' she explained. 'We want to move in together!' Ali sounded keen to progress the relationship, while Taite claimed they were taking it 'one step at a time'. Pictured on The Bachelorette 'We want to move in together as soon as possible!' Elsewhere in the interview, Ali claimed that Taite's reluctance to say 'I love you' on The Bachelorette actually makes him more trustworthy. 'I think I can trust him absolutely more than ever, because in the future he's going to tell me the honest truth whether I like it or not!' she said. She always knows great fashion trends when she sees one. So it was no surprise that Olivia Palermo stepped out for the Manolo Blahnik 10 year anniversary of their iconic Hangisi shoe on Wednesday evening. The 32-year-old beauty was showcased her effortless style while ensuring her footwear still stole focus. Stunner: Olivia Palermo was a force to be reckoned with when she stepped out for the Manolo Blahnik event on Wednesday evening Stylish: Nina Agdal stunned in a one-shoulder black mini dress that featured a small slit in the front Olivia stunned in a knitted hooded sweater with a spaceship patch that was rolled up on top of a white shirt. She teamed the unique look with a pair of black and white checkered cullottes that fell to her mid calves. The fashion designer opted for the Hangisi Love shoe from the collection, which retails for $1025. Chic: Olivia stunned in a knitted hooded sweater with a spaceship patch that was rolled up on top of a white shirt Beauty queen: Olivia completed her stylish look with a Dior clutch and styled her brunette locks out into loose waves Olivia completed her stylish look with a Dior clutch and styled her brunette locks out into loose waves. Her makeup was dewy with bronzed cheekbones, a smokey eye and a dark nude lip. Model Nina Agdal, 26, was also at the event on Wednesday evening. Popular: Fellow model and daughter of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, Theodora found time to pose with both Olivia and Nina She's all business: Theodora, opted for a power suit on Wednesday The girlfriend of Jack Brinkley-Cook stunned in a one-shoulder black mini dress that featured a small slit in the front. Her ensemble hugged her gym-honed physique and was completed with a pair of the champagne colored striped heels with the same crystal buckle. Nina had her blonde tresses out into beach waves for the evening and her glam was kept soft with a sweep of blush, smokey eye and nude lip. Catwalk queen: Coming right off the back of the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Brazilian model Gizele Oliveira showed her support to the Manolo Blahnik brand Fashionista: British model and artist Tali Lennox opted for a matching orange polka dot set that showcased her long lean legs and trim stomach Fellow model and daughter of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, Theodora, opted for a power suit on Wednesday. She donned a dark pair of the heels and kept her accessories minimal to a single ring. And coming right off the back of the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Brazilian model Gizele Oliveira showed her support to the Manolo Blahnik brand. Gizele kept things simple with a white T-shirt and mom jeans complete with a black biker jacket. Her dark locks were out straight and her glam look complete with a red lip. Tali British model and artist Tali Lennox opted for a matching orange polka dot set that showcased her long lean legs and trim stomach. Candace Bushnell was dressed in a dazzling black lace dress. Just when you thought EastEnders couldnt get any worse, it did. The soap seemed to have hit a new low after recent storylines like Sharons affair with Keanu, Linda becoming the latest victim of Stuart the master manipulator, or Hayley having a baby in a Dickensian drug den and her mother trying to sell it on the internet for 100, 000. But even the sight of Rainie trading punches with her dear old mum in The Queen Vic wasnt as unbearable as the return of Alfie Moon. Predictable: We knew Shane Richies surprise entrance was coming eventually, given that Alfie Moon was the father of Hayleys baby (poor thing) Not even Rainie being hospitalised after Cora brained her with a frying pan - an assault so serious Max consequently gained custody of Abi junior was as ludicrous as the reunion of Kat and Alfie. (Yes, another one). We knew Shane Richies surprise entrance was coming eventually, given that Alfie was the father of Hayleys baby (poor thing). But not many viewers would have foreseen him reappearing dressed as the Grim Reaper, probably because it not only lacked the necessary drama but was completely dismal. Ridiculous: Not even Rainie being hospitalised after Cora brained her with a frying pan - an assault so serious Max consequently gained custody of Abi junior was as ludicrous as the reunion of Kat and Alfie (Yes, another one) Kat denounced it as poxy when she saw Alfies costume and the video presentation for his latest venture selling discount funerals, Blue Moon. (Then again being called tacky by Kat Slater was a bit rich.) Some day your friends and family will have to decide what to do when you pop your clogs, Alfie addressed potential customers. But what if there was a way of them knowing what you wanted beforehand? Well now there is! Ridiculous: Not many viewers would have foreseen Alfie reappearing dressed as the Grim Reaper, probably because it not only lacked the necessary drama but was completely dismal The fact Alfie was holding a scythe somehow seemed even less absurd than the idea Alfies was suggested this hadnt already existed in every other funeral service. Yes it looked as if Walford was going to have a rival for the funeral directors run by Jay (the paedophile). What do you think? Alfie asked cretinously. Do you really want us to answer that, you thought. Dismissive: Kat denounced it as poxy when she saw Alfies costume and the video presentation for his latest venture selling discount funerals, Blue Moon Bizarre: The fact Alfie was holding a scythe somehow seemed even less absurd than the idea Alfies was suggested this hadnt already existed in every other funeral service Alfie gabbled away as irritatingly as ever, babbling about investors like Time Share Tony and about how Kat still had got it going on. You aint! she snarled, accurately. I dont care about your funerals! she continued, speaking for us all. Where are my boys?! You wont let me speak to them, text them, email them... It upsets them, Alfie said, again probably not unreasonably. Here we go again: Alfie gabbled away as irritatingly as ever, babbling about investors like Time Share Tony and about how Kat still had got it going on' When she virtually threw a chair at him, he carped: oh well done, thats the reason why I wont let you see them! Quite. Whose side the viewers were meant to be on was anyones guess. True, Alfie had slept with Hayley (Kats cousin) and got her pregnant. But during their days in Spain when they were not in the series, Kat had been in bed with the Russian the precise time as the mystery incident in which her kids had scalded themselves with boiling water. (Awkward...) Furious: You aint! she snarled, accurately. I dont care about your funerals! she continued, speaking for us all. Where are my boys?! You wont let me speak to them, text them, email them... In all honesty, since her own return to Walford, Kat had been less interested in calling her kids than creating her unlikely cleaning empire. IM SORRY OK!?! she cracked/cried in the end. Im sorry I slept with the Russian! I let you down. Thats what I do. No, it sounds like sleeping with the Russian was what you do more like... Watch out: When she virtually threw a chair at him, he carped: oh well done, thats the reason why I wont let you see them!' Get real: In all honesty, since her own return to Walford, Kat had been less interested in calling her kids than creating her unlikely cleaning empire It has taken me months to look myself in the mirror again, Kat then claimed, which again seemed unlikely given the state of what she looked like or was wearing namely, not enough clothes and too much make-up. Everyone deserves a second chance! I messed up alright? I messed up as a mum. But I can cope. Ive got Jean. Ive got Nan, Stacey, Hayley... That stopped him in his tracks and shut him up, for once. Surprise: If Kat hadnt already suspected Alfie was the father of Hayleys baby, the fact hed gone as white as a sheet and had eyes as wide as saucers would have given it away If Kat hadnt already suspected Alfie was the father of Hayleys baby, the fact hed gone as white as a sheet and had eyes as wide as saucers would have given it away. You con and you lie! Kat wailed, just before stomping off. You cut me open and then stand there and make jokes! Youll never change! Safe to say, she had a point. And if Kat was unimpressed by Alfies return, God knows why we were meant to be. Nyle DiMarco does not take foolish comments lightly. The 29-year-old model and activist for deaf people shot back at comedian Dane Cook on Wednesday after the comedian tweeted out an insensitive joke that poked fun at the hearing-impaired. Cook wrote, 'When a deaf person wakes up late for work do they loudly sign "F**K MEEEEE" to themselves as they hastily get ready?' Scroll below for video On the offense: Nyle DiMarco (L), a 29-year-old model and activist for deaf people, shot back at comedian Dane Cook on Wednesday after the comedian tweeted out an insensitive joke that poked fun at deaf people DiMarco, who is deaf, channeled Ariana Grande's dismissive song in writing, 'thank u, next.' DiMarco also mocked Cook's tweet in writing, 'WhEn A dEaF pErSoN wAKeS uP lAtE fOr wOrK dO tHeY lOuDy sIgN F*** MEEEE tO tHeMsElVeS aS tHeY hAsTiLy gEt ReAdY? 0_o' The 46-year-old Good Luck Chuck star subsequently deleted the tweet, but DiMarco, who was a Dancing with the Stars champion two years ago, reposted a screengrab of the offending remark, adding, 'Poor guy.' DiMarco, who's also known for his stint on America's Next Top Model, has past been a champion of the deaf community in calling out instances in which they were mocked. Ill-advised: Cook later deleted his joke, but DiMarco had it saved for posterity Fighting back: DiMarco, responding to Cook above, has been a tireless advocate for the deaf community In September, he called out Netflix for their film Sierra Burgess Is a Loser over a bit in the film which saw a character pretend to be deaf, and used a deaf character named Ty (played by Cochise Zornoza) as the butt of multiple deaf jokes. DiMarco wrote, 'So one of my close friends' deaf brother is in Sierra Burgess. When I learned, I was elated. Finally more deaf actors/representation & ASL inclusion in films ... [only] to find out the deaf character was written and used for a terrible joke.' DiMarco noted that 'pretending to be deaf is NOT ok,' and that the film also incorporated the use of 'homophobic and transphobic jokes.' He added: 'It is extremely easy to make jokes about marginalized/disfranchised groups ... but that makes you a lazy writer.' Last year, DiMarco was critical of Jamie Foxx after the A-list actor mocked doing sign language in an appearance on The Tonight Show. He tweeted: 'It is straight up disrespectful to make up sign language. Everything is in gibberish.' After months of saying she regrets going under the knife in her early twenties, Ali Oetjen has confirmed she will undergo a breast reduction. The Bachelorette star, who had her chest enlarged nine years ago, revealed on Friday she plans to have the surgery as soon as her work schedule slows down. She told The Daily Telegraph: 'I don't feel comfortable with them. As soon as I can get a good length of time that I can take off... I will [undergo a reversal].' 'I want to make sure other girls don't make the same mistake': Ali Oetjen has revealed she is going under the knife AGAIN to get her breast implants removed... after finding love on The Bachelorette. Pictured before (left) and after (right) her breast augmentation Ali, 32, explained that she initially underwent a breast enlargement 'for the wrong reasons' as she believed it would please her boyfriend at the time. 'I don't want any girl to go through that same thing so that is why I wanted to share it to make sure other girls don't make that mistake,' she said. Her new partner, bank manager Taite Radley, added that he supported Ali's decision. Change of heart: Ali, who had her breasts enlarged nine years ago, revealed she plans to have the reduction surgery as soon as her work schedule slows down. Pictured in 2017 The 28-year-old said: 'To me, she is already beautiful but it is a decision that Ali is going to make. I fell in love with Ali I guess on a non physical connection.' Back in June, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Urmen Desai told Daily Mail Australia he believed Ali had undergone multiple cosmetic procedures in recent years. In addition to her breast augmentation, which took her from a 'large A-cup size to a small D-cup size', he speculated that she also 'over-injected her lips with fillers'. More surgery: Ali told The Daily Telegraph on Friday: 'I don't feel comfortable with them. As soon as I can get a good length of time that I can take off... I will [undergo a reversal]' '[Furthermore], her forehead is frozen without any motion, which points to the fact that she likely had Botox injections to her forehead,' Dr. Desai added. 'Finally, in order to assist with reversing the ageing process, she likely received filler injections to her cheeks to achieve a more youthful face.' The doctor was also of the opinion that Ali could have undergone rhinoplasty. 'If I had my time over, I would not have gotten them done': Ali has previously admitted she regrets having a breast enlargement 'Considering that her nose is a bit more defined than it was on The Bachelor in 2013, she may have had nose reshaping surgery in order to narrow her nasal tip as well as the bridge of her nose (nasal dorsum),' he said. 'This is highlighted in images of her taken straight on, as well as side profile views.' After Dr. Desai's assessment, another medical expert - Dr Laith Barnouti - told New Idea that Ali may have spent up to $20,000 on plastic surgery in total. While she has not expressed regret over having Botox and fillers, Ali has admitted she wishes she did not have a breast enlargement. 'If I had my time over, I would not have gotten them done,' she told The Sunday Telegraph in September. 'I would only ever have plastic surgery again to get my breast implants removed. I do not like my boobs.' Meanwhile, Ali's journey as the Bachelorette concluded on Thursday night. She picked Taite Radley as her winner during the finale, leaving runner-up Todd King heartbroken after he was ready to propose. Golden Globe winner Jennifer Garner went make-up free and wore her glasses while running errands in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 46-year-old mother-of-three - who relies on stylist duo Jill Lincoln + Jordan Johnson - dressed down in a cozy knit sweater, blue jeans, and brown shoes for her errand. The Peppermint action star scraped her signature brunette tresses into a messy updo for her shopping trip. Casual: Golden Globe winner Jennifer Garner went make-up free and wore her glasses while running errands in Los Angeles on Wednesday Jennifer later emerged from a store with a gal pal or assistant, who was carrying a bag containing a $49 MukikiM Rock and Roll It Roll Up Drum pad. This Saturday, Garner will cook her 'feisty' grandmother Exie Mae's sweet potato pudding recipe during Barefoot Contessa's Thanksgiving Special on the Food Network. 'Grandma called for two and a half cups of sugar. That is so much sugar!' the West Virginia-born beauty said in the preview, which dropped Wednesday. 'I'm going to start with about a cup and a half cup of sugar and then taste it once I have all the spices in. You can't have your pudding be sweeter than your pie.' Fuss free: The 46-year-old mother-of-three - who relies on stylist duo Jill Lincoln + Jordan Johnson - dressed down in a cozy knit sweater, blue jeans, and brown shoes for her errand Dimpled grin: The Peppermint action star scraped her signature brunette tresses into a messy updo for her shopping trip Retail therapy: Jennifer later emerged from a store with a gal pal or assistant (L) Instrument: One of their shopping bags contained a $49 MukikiM Rock and Roll It Roll Up Drum pad Woolsey Fire aid? The Save the Children trustee strutted by what appeared to be a bunch of garbage bags labeled for charity Turns out the Once Upon a Farm co-founder has been friends with Barefoot Contessa host and chef Ina Garten for the last three years. Fans can also catch Jennifer as 'obsessively organized and aggressively controlling' Kathryn McSorley-Jodell in Camping, which airs Sundays on HBO. When she's not on camera, Garner cares for her three children - daughter Violet, 12; daughter Seraphina, 9; son Samuel, 6 - with ex-husband #2 Ben Affleck. The Daredevil co-stars finalized their 2016 divorce on October 4 - the same day the two-time Oscar winner announced he'd completed his second stint in rehab for alcoholism. Airing this Saturday on the Food Network! Garner will cook her 'feisty' grandmother Exie Mae's sweet potato pudding recipe during Barefoot Contessa's Thanksgiving Special 'A smart, compassionate woman I admire': The Once Upon a Farm co-founder has been friends with Barefoot Contessa host and chef Ina Garten for the last three years (pictured July 15) 'Carleen?!' Fans can also catch Jennifer as 'obsessively organized and aggressively controlling' Kathryn McSorley-Jodell in Camping, which airs Sundays on HBO For the last six months, the Denison University grad has been dating Cali Group chairman John Miller, but she 'doesn't call him her boyfriend.' 'She loves getting attention from John. They have fun together and it's easy,' a source told People on Wednesday. 'She only sees John when she isn't busy with her kids. He understands that her kids are her number one priority.' The 40-year-old attorney-turned-CEO is reportedly close to finalizing his own divorce from violinist Caroline Campbell, with whom he has two children. '#funkillingmom': When she's not on camera, Garner cares for her daughter Violet, 12; daughter Seraphina, 9; son Samuel, 6; with ex-husband #2 Ben Affleck (pictured Friday) He's been linked to a plethora of women over recent months, two years since his split from wife Jessica Moor. Yet Nick Knowles has exclusively set the record straight about his love life to MailOnline, even joking that it became a 'kind of sport' as several women claimed they were dating him, when they weren't. The DIY SOS presenter, 56, is one of ten celebrities heading into the I'm a Celebrity jungle this Sunday night. Candid: Nick Knowles has exclusively set the record straight about his love life to MailOnline, even joking that it became a 'kind of sport' as several women claimed they were dating him, when they weren't Yet despite revealing that he is currently single, Nick has ruled out any chance of a romance on the show as he's too busy with work and his family. The presenter exclusively revealed to MailOnline that the rumours over his love life were 'a load of old codswallop', he added: 'When you go through a divorce, youre going through a split-up in a relationship and thats difficult enough in everyday life but doing it in the public eye is even tougher. 'It [the picturing of Nick Knowles with various women] became a kind of sport. I went out on one date with one person and that person then wrote a whole load of articles off the back of it. 'By doing this show, I guess theres going to be a lot of public interest and I imagine some people will try and do the same thing to make some money. Hitting back: The presenter exclusively revealed to MailOnline that the rumours over his love life were 'a load of old codswallop' (pictured with love Island's Georgia Harrison in 2017) 'It became quite extraordinary, because somebody that I actually wasnt dating, said I was dating them. And then somebody else said they were dating me. 'I was stood in a queue on a red carpet to go in and see a mates film when somebody came up and kissed me on the cheek; someone who Id never ever seen before, but I was then dating them. 'Then Charlie who won the Pride of Britain Awards for his bravery in the London Bridge attack; I was chatting to him and his girlfriend after The Pride of Britain. 'I was congratulating him on his amazing award, but then a photograph was put up, which cut him out of the shot and talked about me and this mystery blonde. I had to go and apologise to him that his blonde girlfriend had been dragged into that. 'It became a sport where I was dating anybody I stood next to. It became ridiculous. And also, youve got to understand that when youre going through a breakup, thats really horrible stuff to deal with. Marriage: He's been linked to a plethora of women over recent months, two years since his split from wife Jessica Moor (pictured together in 2016) 'I went on The Lorraine Show to talk about how this misconception might be a game to some people. I choose to be in the television industry, so I understand that kind of stuff goes on but its more upsetting for my kids and my family and various other people that kind of speculation comes up.' Nick went on to add that if he does decide to embark in a relationship in the future, he will keep it very private and out of London's spotlight. He continued: 'If I date somebody, Im not going to take them to London. Im not going to go to one of the 25 places where there are photographers outside. I can quite happily go Lewes in Sussex or Wrexham, or anywhere where there arent paps going around. 'When people say, "Oh, I cant get on with my life without the paps following me everywhere." For me, that just meant that I had to retire from public life and going to events like Pride of Britain. 'Because if I stood next to anybody for any length of time, somebody took a photograph and thought I was going out with them. It got silly, so I just moved out to the country to get away from it all.' Former flame: Nick embarked in a short-lived romance with Gemma Oaten in 2016, which ended abruptly when photographs of them together appeared online and he returned to his then-wife Nick, who is currently single, will be in the jungle with fellow singleton Emily Atack, who has revealed that she wants a jungle romance. But the presenter has ruled out any relationships on the show, he said: 'No. I dont think intense situations like this where youre on television programme like this is a place to be finding any form of long-term romance. 'Can you name one long-term romance thats still going that actually started on a reality programme? No. 'To be honest, Im actually quite happy being single at the moment Im not looking for anybody in particular. 'Im busy with work. Im busy with looking after family. Im busy with spending time with my kids and that doesnt really leave a lot of time for finding love.' Private: Nick went on to add that if he does decide to embark in a relationship in the future, he will keep it very private and out of London's spotlight (pictured with a mystery brunette in 2017) Nick and his ex-wife Jessica Moor split in 2016 after four years of marriage and the couple were involved in a bitter divorce where she allegedly demanded 48,000 a year from him. Yet the two are on 'good terms' now, with the presenter revealing: 'I am not going to speak for Jessica. Its important for me that Jessica and [son] Eddie remain out of the process. 'I have a great relationship with my son and I see him all the time. I love him to bits and yes, everything is going along fine.' Nick revealed that he has been offered I'm A Celebrity a lot on the past, but decided to accept it this year as he trusts and knows the production team. He said: 'I know one or two of the production team and I felt like I could trust them, which is a big thing for me. Trust is really important. No jungle romance: Nick, who is currently single, will be in the jungle with fellow singleton Emily Atack, who has revealed that she wants a jungle romance, but he has ruled out having any relationship while on the show 'I thought that last years show seemed to be a lot less confrontational and a lot more people being positive and supportive. I think that television has turned much more in that direction. When it comes to the programmes that I view, I try to make sure they are positive. 'I feel like theres a possibility that the show will be a platform to have sensible conversations about the fact that were a pretty good nation with lots of really good people doing really good things around the place. 'Sometimes I think that gets over-looked. I get to work with amazing people, for amazing people and theres a lot of it going on around the country. A lot of people are doing a lot of great stuff in communities. 'I think with the Brexit, Non-Brexit political situation going on at the moment, its very easy to think that were living in an uncaring country; especially with the obsession of rolling news and TV news. Moving on: Nick and his ex-wife Jessica Moor split in 2016 after four years of marriage and the couple were involved in a bitter divorce, with the two now on good terms 'Hopefully, were going to get a bit of an opportunity to talk about that in a positive light. Hopefully, there will be a lot of positivity in the camp. All of those things altogether sounded like a great idea. Plus, I was offered a pretty healthy fee in the end. Id be lying if I didnt admit that was part of a calculation.' And speaking about his 'healthy fee', Nick revealed that he hasn't got any major plans to spend it on anything, but will use it to help support his family. The presenter is a father to Tyrian-J Knowles, Tuesday Knowles, Charlie Knowles and Edward Knowles. He said: 'Not especially now, but Ive got four kids. Ive got family and brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces. 'My brothers and sisters have to work a lot harder to earn money in their jobs than I do by going and sleeping in a jungle for three weeks, so it would be rude to walk away from it when I could actually spread the love amongst family a bit.' I'm A Celebrity kicks off on Sunday 18 November at 9pm on ITV. Hollywood is mourning after the shocking death of Kim Porter at the age of 47. The model, actress and mother of four -- including three children with Sean "Diddy" Combs -- was found dead in her home on Thursday. And celebrities took to social media to express their condolences as Rihanna wrote on Instagram: 'this is heavy. heartbroken about this man. we lost a real one today, beautiful inside and out. so many will be affected by this, some wont even know why...but the whole world was graced by the vibrance in your spirit.' Mourning: Hollywood is mourning after the shocking death of Kim Porter at the age of 47 and celebrities like Rihanna took to social media to express their condolences 'R.I.P to Kim Porter, I send my condolences to her friends and family,' wrote 50 Cent. 'She was loved and will be missed dearly. I know Puff is hit right now, he loved her for real, soul mate type s**t. Chin up puff, Positive vibes only.' Wendy Williams shared: 'I just heard the sad news about Kim Porter. My condolences to Diddy and Kim's families. Rest In Peace.' 'Totally shocked. Kim Porter has left us. Too young. Nothing but memories of her, my lil bro and I goofing around in the lab with Al B. Heartfelt prayers/condolences to the family especially the kids. Sad,' Tevin Campbell wrote. Sad news: Missy Elliot wrote on Twitter : 'This is so heartbreaking. Lord please give her kids & her whole family strength.' Rest in peace: 'R.I.P to Kim Porter, I send my condolences to her friends and family,' wrote 50 Cent Authorities arrived at Porter's Los Angeles home around 11.30am on Thursday after receiving a call that someone at the residence was in cardiac arrest. A source told TMZ that Porter had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and possibly pneumonia for several weeks. Another source said that Porter called her doctor just yesterday and said she wasn't feeling better. Porter and Diddy dated on and off for 13 years. They are pictured here at the 1999 Annual Essence Awards The exact cause of death remains unclear. Diddy's representative confirmed Porter's death and asked that the family be given 'privacy at this time'. Porter and Diddy dated for 13 years. They share three children together, twin girls Jessie James and D'Lila, 11, and 20-year-old son Christian. The model and actress also had a son, Quincy, from her relationship with R&B producer Al B. Sure!. Porter and Diddy were seen together just last month as their entire family came out to support the premiere of Quincy's film The Holiday Calendar. She is pictured here at the premiere with the couple's two daughters Porter and Diddy were seen together just last month as their entire family came out to support the premiere of Quincy's film The Holiday Calendar. Porter was an accomplished model and actress, appearing on the covers of Runway and Essence Magazine. She also made appearances on shows including Law & Order, as well as the films The Brothers and Mama, I Want To Sing. Porter and Diddy were on and off for more than a decade, their dramatic splits and reconciliations frequently making national headlines in the late 90s and early 200s. She's the child star who's risen to fame on the Netflix spectacular Stranger Things. And now Millie Bobby 'Blue' Brown is calling on some of Hollywood's biggest A-list stars to help her out for UNICEF's World Children's Day. The 14-year-old actress has been cast to lead the all-star team of ambassadors including Liam Neeson, Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa and Lilly Singh. Code Blue! Millie Bobby Brown enlisted the help of some of Hollywood's biggest stars for UNICEF's World Children's Day in their latest campaign. The project called 'Go Blue on World Children's Day' sees the teen actress call on the help of other stars to spread the world and 'go blue'. Where YouTube star Lilly Singh is seen changing her Unicorn Smoothie recipe to a Blunicorn Smoothie, Dua goes as far as changing the lyrics to one of her songs. Orlando Bloom is also on the case. Leading the pack: The 14-year-old actress has been cast to lead the all-star team of ambassadors including Liam Neeson (pictured), Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa and Lilly Singh She's on board! YouTube star Lilly Singh was seen changing her Unicorn Smoothie recipe to a Blunicorn Smoothie Go blue! Her magic 'Blunicorn' recipe! 'I repeat, this is your code blue,' to which Orlando replies: 'Don't worry Millie, I'm on it.' The actor is then seen changing his name on his trailer to Orlando Bluem. Sharing the video to social media, Millie called on her 18 million followers to sign a petition to protect children's rights. UK popstar: Dua 'Blua' Lipa was also seen getting on board the initiative Make it blue! Dua goes as far as changing the lyrics to one of her songs 'Around the world, children's rights are denied every day,' she captioned. 'This World Children's Day, sign @UNICEF's #GoBlue petition calling on the world leaders to put children at the top of the agenda.' World Children's Day falls on Tuesday November 20. She boasts an array of designer items within her wardrobe. And showcasing her expensive sense of style on Thursday, Petra Ecclestone cut a casually chic figure as she sported a pair of Balenciaga trainers for a lunch date in Beverly Hills. The Formula One heiress, 29, was seen putting her best foot forward in the lavish footwear, that retails at around 600, while arriving at upscale Italian eatery E Baldi. Expensive taste: Petra Ecclestone cut a casually chic figure as she sported a pair of Balenciaga trainers, worth 600, for a lunch date in Beverly Hills on Thursday Petra favoured a dressed down look for the outing and paired together a slogan white t-shirt with leather leggings that boasted white and blue stripes down the side of each leg. She threw a denim jacket, with frayed detailing, over her ensemble and added to her sporty laid-back look with her designer trainers. The Balenciaga staples will have no doubt come with a hefty price tag, as the fashion powerhouse retails its Track trainers at 575 and its Triple S Runner style at 615. Petra toted her lunch date essentials in a studded leather handbag she slung over one arm and hid behind a pair of vintage-inspired cat-eye shades. The beauty wore her blonde locks pinned back into a loose ponytail, leaving the front sections of her mane down to frame her face, and she appeared to forgo her usual war paint to step out make-up free. Casually-clad: The Formula One heiress, 29, favoured a dressed down look for the outing and paired together a slogan white t-shirt with leather leggings Finishing touches: Petra toted her lunch date essentials in a studded leather handbag she slung over one arm and hid behind a pair of vintage-inspired cat-eye shades Petra was joined outside the eatery by two male companions and a young child. She is mother to three children; daughter Lavinia, five, and twin sons, Andrew and James Junior, three, whom she shares with her ex-husband James Stunt. Petra famously went through a bitter 5.5billion divorce with ex-husband James. The former couple finally reached a divorce settlement in October last year following six years of marriage. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline last month, Petra confessed that she felt 'lonely and isolated' following her divorce from Stunt, but is 'happier than ever' after finding love with new beau Sam Palmer. Beauty: The mother-of-three wore her blonde locks pinned back into a loose ponytail, leaving the front sections of her mane down to frame her face, and stepped out make-up free In good company: She was joined outside the eatery by two male companions and a young boy She admitted it wasn't easy adjusting to life as a single mother, stating: 'It was lonely. It definitely was an isolating experience. [Being a mother] takes over your whole day and life.' Petra previously crediting her children for 'pushing her through' her divorce, as she had to focus on her duties as a mother and didn't have time to wallow over her romance woes. In an interview with OK! magazine, she explained how she 'coped' with her marriage split, saying: 'I think it was the kids. I didn't have the option of lying in bed, being depressed and feeling sorry for myself.' She credited her brood for distracting her from the very public split, adding: 'I had to wake up for them. They kind of pushed me through it.' Split: Petra famously went through a bitter 5.5billion divorce with ex-husband James. The former couple finally reached a divorce settlement in October last year New love: Petra is now dating gallery owner Sam Palmer and has said she is 'happier than ever' Petra and 36-year-old billionaire James were granted a quick divorce after a five minute hearing last year. It came six years after they tied the knot in a 12million ceremony held in a castle in Italy. While no details of the settlement were released, it was reported that James signed a 16 million prenuptial agreement, with Petra also awarded sole custody of the couple's three children in January. Petra, who admitted she wants at least two more children and is considering adopting, also spoke of her new romance with boyfriend Sam and admitted finding love again has been 'totally unexpected'. She and Sam first began dating late last year - he is a friend of her sister Tamara Ecclestone's husband Jay Rutland. Petra confessed that she thought she would be 'single for the rest of her life' following her divorce, but has 'luckily found someone amazing'. She previously told Mail On Sunday's YOU magazine of her new relationship: 'It's very early-on dating.' 'The whole thing is quite strange because my life didn't pan out the way I expected it to. I thought I wasn't the type who believed in divorce. 'I go to church and I got married thinking I would be with that person for the rest of my life. But things happen for a reason and, whatever that reason is, I've now got my three kids.' Reece Hawkins hasn't wasted any time moving on after being dumped by his ex-fiancee Tammy Hembrow earlier this year. The 23-year-old fashion designer was spotted at the beach with his new girlfriend London Goheen, 20, during at trip to the Gold Coast on Thursday. The 'Instagram famous' couple flaunted their impressive physiques while soaking up the scorching Queensland sun. Look away now, Tammy! Hembrow's ex Reece Hawkins (right) and his new girlfriend London Goheen (left) flaunted their incredible figures at the beach on the Gold Coast on Thursday By visiting the beach, it is quite possible they were taking advantage of the fact Tammy, 24, has been out of the country this week. The fitness entrepreneur has spent the last few days in Los Angeles, therefore avoiding any awkward confrontation with her ex. During their day trip, London looked simply flawless in a strapless pink bikini which she paired with mismatched bottoms. Sizzling hot! The American model, 20, looked fit and fabulous while posing for some playful snaps, with Reece serving as her own personal photographer The American model looked fit and fabulous while posing for some playful snaps, with Reece serving as her own personal photographer. Her boyfriend, who runs the fashion label District Goods, also showed off his gym-honed frame in a pair of patterned board shorts. After spending a few hours at the beach, the genetically-blessed couple washed off the sand at the outdoor shower facilities. Fun in the sun! London couldn't wipe the smile off her face while visiting Reece's hometown Gold Coast vibes! It is quite possible London and Reece were taking advantage of the fact his ex-fiancee Tammy, 24, has been out of the country this week The beach sighting comes after the pair were forced to defend their relationship on Instagram, after trolls suggested Tammy was 'better' than London. Within moments of Reece posting a photo of the lovebirds at Oaks Day, an Instagram follower commented that their romance was only 'temporary'. Reece swiftly replied that the fan was 'delusional'. Beach babe! During their beach trip, London looked simply flawless in a strapless pink bikini which she paired with mismatched bottoms Stunning: London appeared to be in happy spirits while frolicking at the beach In the past few months, Tammy and London have been feuding on social media. In October, Reece shared a cosy Instagram snap with London which prompted Tammy to respond with a cryptic post that was swiftly deleted. 'Man if people knew the TRUTH about some people. Biting my tongue so hard it's gonna bleed when I'm done,' Tammy's post read. Instagram's hottest couple! After spending a few hours at the beach, the genetically-blessed pair washed off the sand at the outdoor shower facilities And in response to this, London took a thinly-veiled swipe at Tammy by quoting the lyrics to Avril Lavigne's 2007 single Girlfriend. She captioned one of her selfies: 'Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend.' In a YouTube video uploaded in June, Tammy claimed that her split with Reece - with whom she shares two children - was not due to infidelity. Taking a stand: The beach sighting comes after the pair were forced to defend their relationship on Instagram, after trolls suggested Tammy was 'better' than London 'One or two months ago, I decided to end things with Reece. He didn't cheat on me, I didn't cheat on him. It wasn't like that at all,' she said at the time. 'I don't want people to think we just gave up. Most people know relationships are very complex.' Tammy and Reece began dating in their teens and share custody of two children - daughter Saskia and son Wolf. Lily James and Dominic Cooper, who starred in the Mamma Mia! sequel, are collaborating on a film about an illicit love affair. The pair have been meeting at a restaurant in Londons Primrose Hill with director Dominic Savage to discuss the subject matter of Is This Love? Savage told me, exclusively, that the film, developed by the three of them, is about lovers whove left other partners to be together. Its about the kind of exciting, absolutely-has-to-happen love, said Savage, who worked with Cooper on this years The Escape, which has garnered critical praise for Cooper and his co-star Gemma Arterton, who also produced it. Lily James, left, and Dominic Cooper, right, have been involved in secret talks in a London restaurant along with director Dominic Savage about a new project 'Is This Love?' Artertons role as a wife and mother who leaves her husband (Cooper) has earned her a best actress nomination in the British Independent Film Awards, held on December 2. That couple are out of love, Savage said. But these two (James and Coopers characters) have no choice but to be together. Its a connection thats so powerful and strong. Its a very real, very physical relationship about what happens when the chemistry and electricity combine. Pow! When something is so passionate, how difficult is it to sustain in real life? How does love like that thrive when its so extreme? Savage said the picture would be full of characters, but James and Cooper would be the only people on screen. The other characters are referred to. Alluded to. You might hear them on the other end of a phone. The trio wanted to film Is This Love? before Christmas before Cooper travels to Australia to shoot the new season of Preacher, and James goes into rehearsal for the Ivo van Hove stage version of All About Eve. But the plan now is to film in July, when Coopers back and James has completed her stage run opposite Gillian Anderson at the Noel Coward and shot the new Working Title and Netflix film version of Daphne du Mauriers thriller Rebecca. (Its based on the 1938 novel, not Alfred Hitchcocks 1940 movie.) Its always exciting doing it quickly, but Im glad were waiting on this, the director said. The trio will meet again next month for more honest and frank conversation. They plan to finance the film themselves. The idea is that if we keep the budget really small, you can just about make it, Savage said. The Girl In The Spiders Web, with Claire Foy playing Lisbeth Salander, is unlikely to win any awards. But, perversely, it could help Foys chances of gaining accolades for her sublime portrait of the stoical Janet Armstrong, wife of astronaut Neil Armstrong, in Damien Chazelles sublime First Man. Because Spiders Web gives Oscar and Bafta voters an opportunity to see Foys extraordinary range. Shes a quietly powerful force in First Man and a full-on action heroine as the latest incarnation of the girl with the dragon tattoo. Frasier's ready for the Impossible Dream in La Mancha Frasier star Kelsey Grammer, pictured, is coming to the London West End Hollywood star Kelsey Grammer is coming to London to joust with windmills in a new production the first in the West End in 50 years of the musical Man Of La Mancha, which will also star luminous lyric soprano Danielle de Niese. Staging the re-telling of Miguel de Cervantess Don Quixote has been a quest for producer Michael Linnit who, as a young agent, represented Keith Michell, the London productions original star in 1968. La Manchas rights, now controlled by the families of Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion (who, respectively, wrote the book, score and lyrics) have been difficult to untangle. But Linnit, with partner Michael Grade, has acquired them for London, Broadway and Australia. Theres a whole bunch of songs The Impossible Dream is the big one and Ive been learning them in my home, in my shower; anywhere I can, said Grammer, who will take the dual lead role of the doddering old knight and his creator, Cervantes. Its about keeping going, and being in the fight, said Grammer, right. The actor, who starred in Frasier and X-Men: The Last Stand, will bring his wife and youngest children with him for La Manchas run at The London Coliseum, home of the English National Opera, from April 26 to June 8. When Im going to be away working for a long while, the kids come too. I dont think theres enough money in the world that would keep me away from them if its over a few weeks. Theyre all excited and thrilled to be visiting London. The musical Man Of La Mancha, which will also star luminous lyric soprano Danielle de Niese Hed heard about Ms de Niese being cast as country wench Aldonza, who becomes the Princess Dulcinea in the fevered imaginings of the errant knight. Thats exciting, he chimed. Shes excited, too. The Australian-born opera star, who lives with her husband and son at Glyndebourne, told me that at 18 she played roles in the Broadway production of Les Miserables, and has wanted to return to the musical theatre stage ever since. Lonny Price, the shows director, travelled to meet her when she was performing La Boheme in Chicago. Ive never taken my heart out of musical theatre and I want to do more, said de Niese, who also presented a singing contest on Sky Arts. Meanwhile, she plans to work with Price on her dual roles. I want to find the real heart of her. Theres more to her than just being a voluptuous sex bomb, she said, in reference to how the role was represented by Sophia Loren in the film version. Tickets are on sale from this morning via the ENO. Now that's what a call a crowning glory... Saoirse Ronan was gifted the role of Mary Queen Of Scots six years ago, aged 18. Directors came and went, but it wasnt until Josie Rourke was signed to direct the film that everything clicked into place. I didnt have the measure of Mary when I was 18, Ronan told me before shed finished work on the picture, which had its world premiere in Los Angeles last night and has a gala here on December 10 before opening on January 18. By the time we were filming, Id grown up enough to understand Marys strengths, doubts and fears. The young actress gives an outstanding portrayal of a monarch whose reputation, according to Rourke, has been unfairly rubbished. Saoirse Ronan was gifted the role of Mary Queen Of Scots six years ago, aged 18 She was heavily conspired against, Rourke said mostly by men, including Lord Cecil, Queen Elizabeths top minister; and the Scottish Presbyterian minister John Knox, who wrote disparaging pamphlets about the Scottish queen. He wrote how terrible Mary is. How sexual she is. She was this nasty woman, according to them. What shines through in Ronans performance, and Rourkes stunning directorial debut in Mary Queen Of Scots, is that Mary was savvy. It was the men in her court and Elizabeths (an almost unrecognisable Margot Robbie) who were determined to drag her down. When we met for tea and coffee in Fitzrovia, I asked Rourke why men are so afraid of powerful women. She smiled, and said she thought women were afraid of powerful women, too. History hasnt been kind to women who lead, she pointed out. Often we construct this myth around powerful women, where they seem completely impregnable, where we just see the surface. The performances she has elicited from Ronan and Robbie show the enormous power wielded by the queens, but also their vulnerability: The cost of what it is to lead. Rourke, outgoing artistic chief of Londons Donmar Warehouse Theatre, reflects some of her own experiences in the film. She remembers attending all-male meetings at the Royal Shakespeare Company, and taking a deep breath before walking to the table. Margot Robbie was almost unrecognisable as Queen Elizabeth I In the film, we see Ronan nervously twisting her hands before going through a door to meet imperious courtiers. I wanted to display the humanisation, Rourke said. When Mary arrives in Scotland from France, shes with her ladies-in-waiting, nicknamed the Maries, or the Four Marys. Jenny Shircore, the Oscar-winning hair and make-up designer, gave Mary and the Maries funky hairstyles that changed as the film progressed. Like a girl group, Rourke said. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne, who won an Oscar for Cate Blanchetts Elizabeth: The Golden Age, was revolutionary on the sewing machine. All the costumes, bar one or two, are made from denim, Rourke said, adding that they still had all the Renaissance corseting. Some silhouettes are influenced by the fashions of the Forties and Fifties, as women started to enter the workplace, because Mary and Elizabeth were working women. The men wore denim, too; but not down to their ankles. Its a period obsessed with mens calves, Rourke said. They are effectively wearing little hot panties, showing their legs off. There are some superb mens calves in this film but not all men look good in tights. Rourke had screenwriter Beau Willimon include birth and menstruation scenes. Its a period drama where Mary gets her period, she said. When early versions were shown, some people had a visceral response to that . . . They were shocked by it, but as a woman its not shocking. Its just not seen in films. Rourke had the backing of Tim Bevan, who runs the British film company Working Title with Eric Fellner. She said Bevan and his colleagues at Focus Features trusted her with a big enough budget to make the film she wanted: with a stellar cast that also features David Tennant, Guy Pearce, Adrian Lester, Jack Lowden, Brendan Coyle and a particularly striking Ismael Cruz Cordova (an American) as Marys Italian-born courtier David Rizzio. Rourke pursued Margot Robbie ardently. She has enormous humility, she told me, adding that Blanchett is Robbies heroine, and she revered her Elizabeth. Do you think thats something I can do? she recalled the actress asking. Bevan knew Rourke was right for the film. She has run a building; she knows about budgets, history, actors and putting a story together. The director told me the greatest compliment her Lancastrian mother could pay anyone is to call them a bag of sense. Ms Rourke is definitely a bag of sense. Watch out for... Peter McEnery, who will perform Walter & Lenny, the one-man play he also wrote, about the artistic friendship that developed between the Very Reverend Walter Hussey, Dean of Chichester Cathedral, and Leonard Bernstein Peter McEnery, who will perform Walter & Lenny, the one-man play he also wrote, about the artistic friendship that developed between the Very Reverend Walter Hussey, Dean of Chichester Cathedral, and Leonard Bernstein. In 1963, Hussey wrote to the composer asking if he would create a piece for the cathedrals 1965 music festival. Hussey wanted something the combined choirs could sing at the August festival. The result was Chichester Psalms. The play is based on the correspondence between the men. McEnery will perform the piece at Chichesters Assembly Rooms on November 23 as part of a double bill that also features Bernsteins son Alexander talking about his fathers work. The next day the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the combined choirs of Chichester, Salisbury and Winchester cathedrals will perform Chichester Psalms in the West Sussex cathedral. Vanessa Marcil is sticking by her claims that Brian Austin Green cut off contact with their son Kassius, now 16, five years ago. And she's sharing more details via social media as she responds to questions from fans. On Wednesday she alleged that in addition to no longer keeping a bedroom for Kassius at their home or letting him spend time with his half-brothers, the youngest of whom he has never met, the couple got rid of his pet cat without telling him. 'He's not allowed to know where they live anymore. Isn't invited to see them on holidays. Not even Father's Day. They threw out his entire room and gave away his cat without Kass knowing,' Marcil wrote. Vanessa Marcil claims that Brian Austin Green has only seen their son Kassius 'in passing' over the last five years and even gave away his pet cat without telling him Adding more detail, she explained that any of the very occasional meetings between Kassius and his dad had been fleeting. She wrote on Instagram: 'They have been at the same wedding, same resort, and same play a few times in passing and a few 60 minute lunches. That is it.' The actress added: 'He has seen his dad in passing in public places, including seeing him in Mexico, where his dad was doing a publicity appearance for money at that hotel. His dad had a professional photographer there from the hotel take a pic of them.' DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives of Green and Fox seeking comment. Marcil alleged that Green and wife Megan Fox, who married in 2010, 'completely cut' Kassius, 16, out of their lives after failing to win full custody of him in a protracted legal battle Marcil, 50, claimed: 'He's not allowed to know where they live anymore. Isn't invited to see them on holidays. Not even Father's Day' Marcil wrote on Instagram: 'Kass has never met his youngest brother and is not allowed to know where his bio father, stepmother and three younger brothers live' Marcil shared the details in response to some of her followers who questioned her claims that Green was not in contact with Kassius. She stated: 'The truth is the truth and it IS needed for healing after 15 years. Love to all parents. Moms and dads. Lets put our kids first.' She added that she would be willing to accept a 'sincere apology' from her ex and his wife because she would like her son to get to know his half-brothers -Noah, six, Bodhi, four, and Journey, two. In response to Instagram comments, she explained: 'They have been at the same wedding, same resort, and same play a few times in passing and a few 60 minute lunches. That is it' Kassius was born during Vanessa's ill-fated relationship with her former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Green. The two never married. She spoke publicly about his lack of contact with their son for the first time this week, saying the actor cut off all contact five years ago after failing to get full custody of the boy during a protracted legal battle. The actress, 50, alleges that Green and wife Megan Fox 'decided to completely cut Kass out of their lives and his younger brothers lives.' Marcil explained in her social media message that Green, 45, and Fox, 32, had 'always had 50% custody and still did when court ended as I had and have NEVER asked for full custody.' She said her son Kassius is 'truly heartbroken' at being cut out of the lives of his father, step-mother and half-siblings. The actress made the comments in a lengthy Instagram post Sunday seemingly inspired by an episode of CNN's This Is Life with Lisa Ling that featured fathers who lost custody battles Marcil's decision to speak out publicly seems to be related to an episode of This Is Life With Lisa Ling on CNN in which Ling focuses on men who lose custody battles following divorce. 'As usual I cant wait to see @lisalingstagram show on custody cases,' Marcil posted Sunday. '12 years ago I was served legal papers and then spent 8 years+ defending myself and my son in custody court in response to his father & his stepmother trying to get full custody(that means I would have seen my son four days a month) and then asking me to pay them child support.' 'They lost that case & a civil case asking me for 200,000,' she explained. 'I had also never asked for child support of any kind and had never tried to take time away from Kass dad seeing him. Ever. In the end they lost all of these court cases. The judge called them all Frivolous.' Marcil went on to say that custody cases hurt children and that divorcing spouses ot couples who have children together and later split up should 'put the kids first.' 'There shouldnt be a more important parent kids love both parents equally no matter what either parents struggles may be,' the former General Hospital starlet wrote. Marcil and Green, who starred together on Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1998 to 2000, never married. The couple (pictured in 2001) welcomed their son Kassius in March 2002 Marcil, whose first marriage was to actor Corey Feldman from 1989 to 1993, went on to tie the knot for a second time with actor Carmine Giovinazzo in 2010. She filed for divorce two years later. She is currently in a relationship with a sheriff's deputy who she refers to only as 'MC' on her social media. Green, who first found fame on the daytime soap Knot's Landing before winning the part of David Silver in Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1990, started dating Fox in 2004. They wed in 2010 and have three sons - Noah born in 2012, Bodhi born in 2014 and Journey born in 2016. Fox filed for divorce in August 2015 but they reconciled in early 2016. She's never shy to flaunt her famous figure. And Kylie Jenner proved on trend as she flashed her ample cleavage and toned tummy in a saucy snap posted to her Instagram account on Thursday. The 21-year-old lip kit model looked absolutely gorgeous as she rocked a form fitting white pinstriped suit walking towards her luxury SUV. White hot: Kylie Jenner, 21, flashed her ample cleavage and toned tummy in a saucy snap posted to her Instagram account on Thursday Daring to impress, the youngest of the Kardashian clan looked every inch the scintillating siren. Meanwhile, Kylie is featured on the front of the 2018 winter issue of Super Elle magazine from China. She flaunted her incredible post-baby body in a clinging black PVC bodysuit which showed off her curvaceous figure. Kylie teamed the racy look with eye-catching yellow including a huge puffer jacket which hung down by her elbows along with leather pants. Stunner: The lip kit model looked absolutely gorgeous as she rocked a form fitting white pinstriped suit walking towards her luxury SUV Siren: Daring to impress, the youngest of the Kardashian clan looked every inch the scintillating siren Striped outfit: Kylie wore vertical stripes while out and about Casual footwear: The reality star completed her outfit with white sneakers Her blonde locks were pulled back to show off her natural looks which were accentuated by smokey eye and shiny pink lip. This comes just after the stunner posted a photo of herself in all white with a Naked Wardrobe faux fur coat to plug the holiday collection of her make-up line. 'My 3rd annual HOLIDAY COLLECTION is around the corner.. thank you for the love and continuous support i feel so blessed #November19th stay tuned on my stories for the reveal!' wrote the mother to baby Stormi. Sunny days: Kylie Jenner l looked absolutely gorgeous in a clinging PVC bodysuit as she is featured on the front of the 2018 winter issue of Super Elle magazine from China Hitting the slopes: The 21-ear-old mogul has a new holiday makeup collection to plug. And the 21-year-old 'billionaire' did so on Tuesday as she posed in all white with brown ski goggles on in a snowy setting The siren seemed to be made up with bronze and beige tones with her long white blonde hair flowing down her chest in mermaid waves. Her very long nails were also painted a light beige matching her makeup. The snowy setting looked fake as if she was in a decorated photo studio in LA. Hours earlier Jenner was seen in a leopard print outfit as she lay on a pillow. She said she didn't want to take her makeup off. Bombshell: Hours earlier Jenner was seen in a leopard print outfit as she lay on a pillow. She said she didn't want to take her makeup off And before that she had on a leopard print top with a silver skirt while outside her home. The youngest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan revealed in her post's caption that she was 'almost ready for my dark hair'. Fans liked the look: 'I love your dark hair!' said one fan while another added, 'Yes, dark is so much better on you.' The past: And before that she had on a leopard print top with a silver skirt while outside her home Missing this: The youngest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan revealed in her post's caption that she was 'almost ready for my dark hair'. Last week, Kylie caused headlines after having given her fans the impression that she was engaged to her rapper boyfriend Travis Scott, 26, with whom she has daughter Stormi. The rumours continued after the beauty was spotted heading to her Miami Beach hotel wearing a stunning diamond encrusted ring on her wedding finger on Saturday. Kylie sported the same ring on Sunday, before making her way to her beau's concert in Miami, Florida. Earlier that week, the cosmetics entrepreneur arrived home to a stunning display of roses from Travis, which had given many social media users the impression that the gesture was in relation to a possible engagement. But while the gesture was exceedingly romantic, it was not a proposal. 'Travis' gesture was to celebrate Kylie Cosmetics partnering with Ulta Beauty stores,' a source told TMZ. He passed away back on April 21 after three weeks in the hospital. And now Austin Powers star Verne Troyer's estate has been billed by the same medical facility. According to TMZ, Valley Presbyterian Hospital recently presented the estate with an invoice for $364,797.05. Tough: Austin Powers star Verne Troyer's estate has been billed by the hospital in which he died back on April 21st The outlet also notes that creditors only have a limited time to file and collect debts following an individual's death. Back in October, the death of the actor was ruled a suicide. Troyer died from suicide via alcohol intoxication, according to the Los Angeles County Department Medical Examiner-Cornor's office as reported by People. The actor was rushed to a hospital with possible alcohol poisoning in early April, and then passed away about three weeks later on April 21. He was 49. RIP: Verne Troyer's death has been ruled a suicide by alcohol intoxication Tests showed, Troyer consumed about three times the legal limit of alcohol before he was taken to the hospital. A friend told police and paramedic dispatchers at the time that he appeared to be very upset, drunk and suicidal. 'Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible,' a statement on his Instagram read started shortly after his death. 'Over the years he's struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.' Grips of addiction: Troyer consumed about three times the legal limit of alcohol before he was taken to the hospital in early April Hollywood sensation: Troyer was best known for playing Mini-me in the Austin Power movie franchise The actor was hospitalized for alcohol addiction in April of 2017. 'I've been hearing from some concerned fans, so I'd like to address a very personal situation,' Troyer said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. 'As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day.' Troyer was born with achondroplasia dwarfism, which caused him to stop growing at 2ft 8in. Austin Powers star Mike Myers called Troyer a 'consummate professional and a beacon of positivity' in a statement he issued after the actor's passing. 'It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place,' Myers said. 'He will be greatly missed.' Georgia Love recently celebrated her two-year anniversary with Lee Elliott after falling in love on the second season of The Bachelorette in 2016. And after tuning in to see Taite Radley win the heart of Bachelorette Ali Oetjen during Thursday night's dramatic finale, the 30-year-old beauty gushed over the happy couple. Taking to Twitter Georgia wrote: 'Oh the feels! Good luck Ali and Taite.' Speaking out! Former Bachelorette Georgia Love reveals what she REALLY thinks of Ali Oetjen and Taite Radley (pictured) after the dramatic season finale She continued: 'This show may not work every time but for some of us it's been the best thing in the whole bloody world.' In a previous tweet, the Ten Eyewitness News reporter also had kind words for Bachelorette runner-up Todd King. Shortly after he was left heartbroken by Ali's rejection, Georgia wrote in a hashtag: 'Todd for my best friend.' 'Oh the feels! Good luck Ali and Taite': Georgia Love (pictured) gushed over the happy couple Sweet: She continued: 'This show may not work every time but for some of us it's been the best thing in the whole bloody world' Sharing her thoughts: Shortly after he was left heartbroken by Ali's rejection, Georgia wrote in a hashtag: 'Todd for my best friend' Heartbroken: Pictured is runner-up Todd King, who was left devastated and in tears when Ali brutally dumped him Meanwhile Georgia's beau Lee, 37 recently opened up about the couple's plans to tie the knot. 'It will be within the next one to two years,' he told The Daily Telegraph earlier this month. 'And it will be in Italy, the most beautiful place in the world.' Where romance blossomed: Georgia, 30 recently celebrated her two-year anniversary with Lee Elliott, 37 after falling in love on the second season of The Bachelorette (pictured) 'It will be in Italy, the most beautiful place in the world': Former Bachelorette winner Lee revealed his plans to propose to the Ten Eyewitness News reporter Elsewhere, Georgia's gushing comments for Ali, 32, and Taite come after former Bachelor Tim Robards offered similar generous words of support. Ali was left brokenhearted when she was brutally dumped by chiropractor Tim on The Bachelor back in 2013, placing second-runner up. 'I think Ali is completely genuine,' Tim stated, speaking with Daily Mail Australia at the launch of Nespresso's new flagship boutique in Sydney on Tuesday night. 'I think she genuinely wants a relationship and is on the show for the right reasons,' he added. FAO Schwarz held an opening bash on Thursday for its flagship store, which is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan. Bethenny Frankel was already evoking the Christmas spirit at the bash, throwing on a bright red blazer over her snowy white sweater. The 48-year-old Real Housewife Of New York showed off her enviably svelte legs in skintight dark jeans, balancing on black leather stiletto boots. Fabulous: FAO Schwarz held an opening bash on Thursday for its flagship store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, welcoming such celebs as Bethenny Frankel She had thrown a red coat on top of the blazer when she was seen tickling the ivories of a giant floor piano with one of her heels. In one sweet snap, Bethenny posed up with a teddy bear dressed as Coldstream Guards - complete with a little red coat to complement the reality star's. The legendary Whoopi Goldberg was among the other celebrities to be photographed at the new flagship store of the iconic toy store. Gorgeous: She had thrown a red coat on top of the blazer when she was seen tickling the ivories of a giant floor piano with one of her heels So sweet: In one sweet snap, Bethenny posed up with a teddy bear dressed as Coldstream Guards - complete with a little red coat to complement the reality star's Wow: The legendary Whoopi Goldberg was among the other celebrities to be photographed at the new flagship store of the iconic toy store Modeling a black and white checked dress and a charcoal coat, she warmly hugged a giant bright red teddy bear and beamed for the cameras. Neil Patrick Harris donned a snappy pinstriped vest and matching slacks to swing by the swanky event with his husband David Burtka. Morena Baccarin of Firefly and Serenity fame modeled a snappy black turtleneck with a matching black leather jacket, adding a bit of dazzle with hoop earrings. Furry friend: Modeling a black and white checked dress and a charcoal coat, she warmly hugged a giant bright red teddy bear and beamed for the cameras Date night: Neil Patrick Harris donned a snappy pinstriped vest and matching slacks to swing by the swanky event with his husband David Burtka Glowing: Morena Baccarin of Firefly and Serenity fame modeled a snappy black turtleneck with a matching black leather jacket, adding a bit of dazzle with hoop earrings She slipped into a pair of gleaming Oxford blue high-waisted pants that fanned out at the hem and appeared to be made of velvet or velour. Like Bethenny, Neil and David, Morena got her turn on the floor piano, and she posed up a storm, spreading her arms festively wide and kicking up one of her feet. Morena also stood for the shutterbugs with a smile on her face between two members of staff who were themselves. Glamour: She slipped into a pair of gleaming Oxford blue high-waisted pants that fanned out at the hem and appeared to be made of velvet or velour Having a blast: Like Bethenny, Neil and David, Morena got her turn on the floor piano, and she posed up a storm, spreading her arms festively wide and kicking up one of her feet Actress and model Kim Porter passed away on Thursday at the age of 47 after she was said to be battling the flu that turned into pneumonia. And her ex and father to three of her children Sean 'Diddy' Combs was absolutely 'devastated' upon learning the news. According to a source for People, the 49-year-old rapper maintained a very positive relationship with Porter. 'Diddy is devastated and shocked,' said the source, 'he and Kim were still very close friends and co-parents even though their romantic relationship didnt work.' Shock: It seems Kim Porter's ex and father to three of her children Sean 'Diddy' Combs was absolutely 'devastated' upon learning the news that she had passed away on Thursday Sad news: Porter's LA home is pictured, where she went into cardiac arrest The source also added that Diddy believed that 'they were still a family.' TMZ report: 'Diddy never stopped interacting with Kim, despite breaking up way back in 2007. Their connection went beyond the fact they were co-parenting three kids... they genuinely had love and affection for each other. 'They celebrated holidays as a family, vacationed together and just hung out ... and there was never an extended period where they were at odds with each other. Close friend: Kimora Lee Simmons seen as Kim's body was removed by the coroner Throwback: Kimora tweeted this throwback photo of her bridesmaids from her first wedding to Russell Simmons. Porter is pictured far left next to Tyra Banks Porter, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons are pictured in November 2003 'They never had a formal custody agreement. They accommodated each other's schedules when it came to the kids -- and it always worked.' The model, actress and mother of four, including three children with Sean 'Diddy' Combs - was found dead in her home on Thursday. The actress and model's cause of death, however, has not yet been confirmed. Kim's close friend, Kimora Lee Simmons, 43, was seen sobbing outside the house as the body was removed by the coroner. Simmons was beside herself as stood in the garage alongside other loved ones to Porter, who suddenly passed away Thursday after suffering flu-like symptoms and possibly pneumonia for several weeks, according to TMZ. Celebrities also took to social media to express their condolences as Rihanna wrote on Instagram: 'This is heavy. heartbroken about this man. we lost a real one today, beautiful inside and out. so many will be affected by this, some won't even know why...but the whole world was graced by the vibrance in your spirit.' Mourning: Hollywood is mourning after the shocking death of Kim Porter at the age of 47 and celebrities like Rihanna took to social media to express their condolences 'R.I.P to Kim Porter, I send my condolences to her friends and family,' wrote 50 Cent. 'She was loved and will be missed dearly. I know Puff is hit right now, he loved her for real, soul mate type s**t. Chin up puff, Positive vibes only.' Wendy Williams shared: 'I just heard the sad news about Kim Porter. My condolences to Diddy and Kim's families. Rest In Peace.' 'Totally shocked. Kim Porter has left us. Too young. Nothing but memories of her, my lil bro and I goofing around in the lab with Al B. Heartfelt prayers/condolences to the family especially the kids. Sad,' Tevin Campbell wrote. Special lady: Celebrities took to social media in their droves to pay tribute to Kim Authorities arrived at Porter's Los Angeles home around 11.30am on Thursday after receiving a call that someone at the residence was in cardiac arrest. A source told TMZ that Porter had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and possibly pneumonia for several weeks. Kim reportedly phoned her doctor just yesterday and said she wasn't feeling any better, another source told the gossip site. Special bond: Porter and Diddy dated on and off for 13 years. They are pictured here at the 1999 Annual Essence Awards Stepping out: Porter and Diddy were seen together just last month as their entire family came out to support the premiere of Quincy's film The Holiday Calendar. She is pictured here at the premiere with the couple's two daughters Diddy's representative confirmed Porter's death and asked that the family be given 'privacy at this time'. Porter and Diddy dated for 13 years. They share three children together, twin girls Jessie James and D'Lila, 11, and 20-year-old son Christian. The model and actress also had a son, Quincy, from her relationship with R&B producer Al B. Sure!. Heartbreak: A close friend Simmons grieves with family as Porter's body is removed by the coroner Here to help: Police arrived at Porter's home around 11.30am after they received a call that someone at the residence had gone into cardiac arrest Morose: A law enforcement officer looks on as a coroner removes Porter's body from her home Thursday Hard to believe: Friends of Porter watch Thursday as a coroner removes her body from the LA home Porter and Diddy were seen together just last month as their entire family came out to support the premiere of Quincy's film The Holiday Calendar. Porter was an accomplished model and actress, appearing on the covers of Runway and Essence Magazine. She also made appearances on shows including Law & Order, as well as the films The Brothers and Mama, I Want To Sing. Diddy first met Porter when he was an A&R executive in the early 1990s. It was love at first sight - at least for the future hitmaker. Porter had been at the studio with her ex-boyfriend AI B. Sure when Diddy first laid eyes on her. Hot couple: Porter and Diddy (pictured together at the Academy Awards in 2005) first began dating in the early 1990s Affair: Porter kicked Combs out of the house they shared and he went on to date Lopez (pictured together in 2000) for two years 'I wasn't trying to holler at her or anything, but I was admiring her - her lips, her eyes, her mouth, her shape, her energy,' Diddy told Essence in 2006. All the rapper could think was 'I wish I had a girl like that'. Porter and Diddy were on and off for more than a decade, their dramatic splits and reconciliations frequently making national headlines in the late 90s and early 2000s. Porter would go on to work as a receptionist at Uptown Records. By 1994, she and Diddy were a couple - and they were inseparable. 'We went out together, we ate together, we played together,' Porter told Essence during the same interview. 'He would want me at the office. I would want him at my shoots. Our bond was so tight.' Diddy, who hails from Harlem, was completely taken by how different Porter - a Columbus, Georgia native - seemed from the other girls he knew. Upsetting: Porter and Diddy first broke up when she was pregnant with their son - the same time he began dating Jennifer Lopez behind her back 'She wasn't like a New York girl,' he said. 'She was Bohemian, mixed with Georgia-peach hospitality.' 'I got the idea she'd like doing stuff like walking barefoot in the grass. I didn't think I could get her to like me.' 'She was smooth, you know, like ice. She's cool and collected and thinks before she speaks. You meet a lot of young ladies, and they just don't do that. Kim was never pressed. She was always in control.' But shortly after the birth of the couple's first son, news hit that Diddy was dating Jennifer Lopez. Suddenly Porter's name was all over the press. 'Everywhere I went, people were asking, "Are you okay?"', Porter recalled at the time. 'They were talking to me like I was really crushed. But I just had a baby. I couldn't be somewhere in a corner heartbroken. I have kids. I'm a grown woman.' Porter kicked Combs out of the house they shared and he went on to date Lopez for two years. Family: Diddy is pictured with all five of his children. He shares twins Jesse James and D'Lila (pictured in black) and son Christian (in the jersey) with Porter. He also has son Justin Dior Combs and daughter Chance from other relationships It wasn't until Combs faced the possibility of jail, after he was charged with bribery and weapons possession, that he won Porter back again. 'I think the threat of losing his freedom forced him to grow up and take responsibility for his actions,' she said. The couple seemed stronger than ever after they got back together, with Diddy even declaring that Porter 'completes me' and that she was his 'muse'. But just seven months after their loved-up interview was published, Porter and Diddy had broken up yet again. And, much like the first time around, the betrayal happened when Porter was pregnant - this time with the rapper's twins. Porter was informed by a friend that Diddy had another daughter on the way with another woman. The baby - named Chance - was born five months before Porter's daughters. Her mother was Sarah Chapman, a woman in Atlanta who worked in fashion. Porter planned her break-up from Diddy for weeks, waiting until he was out of town before packing up the house. It wasn't until Combs faced the possibility of jail, after he was charged with bribery and weapons possession - that he won Porter back again. The couple are pictured here in 2004, shortly before their final break-up She took the cars, the nursery, the furniture - even the kitchen table. 'There was no other way,' Porter told Essence in 2007. 'You think he would have let me walk out the door?' 'I wanted him to know I wasn't breaking up with him for two weeks - or maybe leaving for two days. If I pack up everything - twins and all - it means I'm out!' 'Puffy's an action person, not a talk person. So I had to have an action. Telling him, "Babe, I'm leaving," was not gonna do it.' But the couple remained friends through the years, something Porter predicted from the beginning. 'You know how when two people go their separate ways, most of the time there's animosity? It's not like that with us,' she said soon after their break-up. 'Sean and I have this bond, this friendship. I'm the person he can tell his inner most thoughts to and he's that person for me. He still calls me every day and we talk.' The former couple continued to make appearances at red carpets and parties together and Porter made appearances on Diddy's show I Want to Work for Diddy, which aired from 2008 to 2010. Diddy even gave Porter a shout out in one of his songs in 2010. His lyrics - 'What if the twins ask me why I ain't marry their mom (why, damn!) / How do I respond? - raised eyebrows due to the song's title 'Coming Home'. Diddy and Porter never rekindled their relationship, but he continued to shower her with love. He took to Instagram to share a birthday tribute for Porter in 2015, writing: 'We thank God for you! Love and be clear! She's set 4 life! BE CLEAR! Thank you for my beautiful children!' Celebutante Nicole Richie showed a little leg in a Grecian-inspired get-up for the launch of her Honey Minx Collection at Spring Place Beverly Hills on Thursday. The 37-year-old mother-of-two - whose nickname growing up was 'Honey Child' - dressed her slim 5ft1in frame in a black toga accented with a golden broach and black stilettos. The House of Harlow 1960 creative director also pulled her curly golden locks back with an orange silk scarf fastened into a headband. Branching out her brand: Celebutante Nicole Richie showed a little leg in a Grecian-inspired get-up for the launch of her Honey Minx Collection at Spring Place Beverly Hills on Thursday Nicole 'cannot wait for' fans to check out her California, feel-good eclectic lifestyle brand, which is available through Yahoo Lifestyle's NowWith network beginning next Tuesday. 'I needed a new way of speaking directly to my customer and this is something that is even more different than selling on Revolve. It's a combination of my two worlds, fashion and television,' Richie (born Escovedo) told WWD last month. 'I know there's one question that all of our readers are dying to know and that's am I going to rap? And the answer is yes. My alter ego Nikki Fre$h will be appearing in these videos and I will be rapping an original song, so you're welcome.' The Good News actress and her husband Joel Madden celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary on December 11. Glam! The 37-year-old mother-of-two - whose nickname growing up was 'Honey Child' - dressed her slim 5ft1in frame in a black toga accented with a golden broach and black stilettos Chic: The House of Harlow 1960 creative director also pulled her curly golden locks back with an orange silk scarf fastened into a headband 'My rapper alter ego Nikki Fre$h will be appearing in these videos': Nicole 'cannot wait for' fans to check out her California, feel- good eclectic lifestyle brand, which is available through Yahoo Lifestyle's NowWith network beginning next Tuesday The Simple Life alum and the 39-year-old Good Charlotte frontman - who was in Salt lake City on tour Thursday - are parents to daughter Harlow, 10; and son Sparrow, 9. Nicole last played successful influencer Beth-Ann alongside fellow glampers Hari Nef and Busy Phillips in the November 4th episode - titled 'Up All Night' - of HBO's Camping. Jennifer Garner, Juliette Lewis, and Ione Skye also star in Lena Dunham's reboot of Julia Davis' 2016 Sky Atlantic show about a man's 45th birthday weekend gone awry. He was performing in SLC on Thursday: Richie and her husband Joel Madden celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary on December 11 (pictured November 6) Family portrait: The Good News actress and the 39-year-old Good Charlotte frontman are parents to son Sparrow, 9; and daughter Harlow, 10 (pictured May 13) 'Up All Night': Nicole last played successful influencer Beth-Ann alongside fellow glampers Hari Nef (L) and Busy Phillips (2-L) in the November 4th episode of HBO's Camping Also at the black-attired Beverly Hills bash was NCIS: Los Angeles actress Nia Long wearing a slinky slip with peep toe booties. Midnight, Texas stunner Arielle Kebbel flaunted her cleavage in a b&w-patterned cocktail dress beneath a matching blazer and stilettos. Hairstylist Creighton Bowman coiffed the Florida-born 33-year-old's blonde bob and make-up artist Elie Maalouf applied her red pout. Boudoir: Also at the black-attired Beverly Hills bash was NCIS: Los Angeles actress Nia Long wearing a slinky slip with peep toe booties Cute red purse: Midnight, Texas stunner Arielle Kebbel flaunted her cleavage in a b&w-patterned cocktail dress beneath a matching blazer and stilettos It's been quite a social whirl of a week for Jaime King. The LA-based actress has been in New York where on Tuesday she served as host of a launch event for a new partnership between the Bumble app and Moxy Hotels. Then on Thursday night, the 39-year-old was back on the red carpet as she attended the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala Dinner sponsored by Dior. Stylish: Jaime King looked lovely in an ankle-length blue patterned dress as she attended the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala Dinner sponsored by Dior in New York Thursday night Jaime chose an ankle-length blue patterned dress with half sleeves for the prestigious event. The number, which was cinched at the waist, had a round neck and a pleated skirt. She added black heels and wore her blonde hair tied with a black band in a high ponytail. She accessorized with diamond earrings and a silver and diamond bracelet and matching rings, and carried a clutch purse. Simple look: The pretty dress, which was cinched at the waist, had a round neck, three-quarter sleeves and a pleated skirt. She added a pair of black heels Blinged: Jaime, 39, wore her blonde hair tied with a black band in a high ponytail and accessorized with diamond earrings, a silver and diamond bracelet and a clutch purse Pals: The actress posed for photos with model Karlie Kloss who wore a pale gown with sheer panels The Guggenheim International Gala is the museums signature annual event, raising significant funds to continue our world-renowned exhibition and education programs. Jaime arrived with her filmmaker husband Kyle Newman, 42. She wore a black cape over her dress while he looked dapper in a dark two-piece suit with white shirt and long black tie. The couple, who wed in 2007, have two sons - James, five, and Leo, three. She's one of the biggest Hollywood stars to get their start in Australia. But now Naomi Watts has returned to the land Down Under for a good cause - to support the Ronald McDonald House foundation. The 50-year-old Twin Peaks actress will be selling 'silly socks' at McDonald's in Haberfield in Sydney on Saturday. The mother-of-two told AAP that the McDonald's' houses allow families with sick children 'some sense of routine' while they are treated for their illness. 'It's just so wonderful to meet these families and hear their experience and see it up close,' said Naomi. 'This sense of community that they can help support each other. I just feel like when the families are kept together, it leads to a faster road of healing,' she added. Back to Australia for a good cause! Naomi Watts (pictured) has revealed what fans can expect during her special appearance at McDonald's ahead of McHappy Day on Saturday The blonde beauty said that the arrangement helps allowing other families who are going through the same thing to be together. Speaking on The TODAY show recently, Naomi said: 'If you're away from your loved ones, it's horrible. 'I travel a lot for work reasons and I hate not know how they [my children] are.' Moral support! The blonde actress said Ronald McDonald House helps families who are going through the same difficulties to be together People can donate to McHappy Day by buying a Big Mac, with $2 from every sale going to the charity. There are also $5 McHappy Day socks or $2, $5, $10 or $50 Helping Hands that can be purchased. McHappy Day is on Saturday, and aims to raise more than $4million for Ronald McDonald House She recently failed in her bid to win the Democratic nomination for governor of New York. But on Thursday night in Los Angeles, Cynthia Nixon was feted as Hero Of The Year by Out Magazine at its annual OUT100 Awards gala. The former Sex And The City star, 52, chose a boldly patterned red, white and dark blue gown for the occasion. Honoree: Cynthia Nixon was feted as Hero Of The Year by Out Magazine at its annual OUT100 Awards gala on Thursday night in Los Angeles The sleeveless number had a low-cut v-neckline and a sash tied at the waist. She wore her short blonde hair styled to one side across her forehead and was made up with black mascara, rosy blusher and red lip color. Nixon, who is married to LGBTQ advocate Christine Marinoni, accessorized with earrings and a bracelet and carried a small black purse. Stylish: The former Sex And The City star, 52, chose a boldly patterned red, white and dark blue gown for the occasion. The sleeveless number had a v-neckline and sash tied at the waist Actress and activist: Nixon, who is married to LGBTQ advocate Christine Marinoni, accessorized with earrings and a bracelet and carried a small black purse Big night: Out Magazines annual Out100 list celebrates the most influential figures in LGBTQ culture from 2018 Out Magazines annual Out100 list celebrates the most influential figures in LGBTQ culture from 2018. Dominique Jackson and Indya Moore, transgender actresses and co-stars on the FX series Pose - posed together as they arrived at the event. Jackson, 53, wore an asymmetrical black dress that bared plenty of skin and paired it with strappy black sandal heels. Moore, 23, also dared to bare in a skimpy white outfit that she wore with nude sandal heels and a gold band choker. Pioneering duo: Dominique Jackson and Indya Moore, transgender actresses and co-stars on the FX series Pose - posed together as they arrived at the event On trend: Jackson, 53, wore an asymmetrical black dress that bared plenty of skin and paired it with strappy black sandal heels Fashion forward: Moore, 23, also dared to bare in a skimpy white outfit that she wore with nude sandal heels and a gold band choker Trans Internet star Gigi Gorgeous, 26, posed for photos in a long-sleeved black dress with a mesh bodice that revealed her black bra. Also at the Out100 gala was former Disney channel star Garrett Clayton, 27, who looked dapper in a patterned jacket with black shirt and black trousers. Actress Natalie Morales, 33, wore a striking black and white patterned frock and black sandal heels. The Florida native, best known for her recurring role on the NBC sitcom Parks And Recreation, carried a silver clutch. Transparent producer Zachary Drucker, 35, showed up in an eclectic sleeveless number with colorful feathers and a wide black belt. Figure-hugging number: Trans Internet star Gigi Gorgeous, 26, posed for photos in a long-sleeved black dress with a mesh bodice that revealed her black bra Formal: Former Disney channel star Garrett Clayton, 27, looked dapper in a patterned jacket with black shirt and black trousers Striking: Actress Natalie Morales, 33, wore a black and white patterned frock and black sandal heels. The Florida native, who was on NBC's Parks And Recreation, carried a silver clutch He's the reality-television-star-turned-actor who spent the past three months in Melbourne filming his guest stint on Neighbours. And on Friday, Bachelor star Tim Robards, 35, shared clips of his acting debut on the long-running soap playing beguiling businessman Pierce Greyson. Taking to Instagram, the fitness fanatic shared a series of clips showing him in scenes on the popular Australia soap-drama. Scroll down for video Hot and steamy! Tim Robards (right) shared raunchy scenes of his acting debut on Neighbours playing handsome Pierce Greyson alongside April Rose Pengilly, as Chloe Brennan (left) In the first clip he's seen getting hot and heavy with INXS' Kirk Pengilly's actress daughter who plays his love interest Chloe Brennan, a sexy business executive. The pair share a steamy kiss during a romantic snow weekend, before swiftly ending up in a heated argument together. In another clip, Tim is seen shirtless in a bed, with his lady love nowhere to be seen. Steamy: Taking to Instagram, the fitness fanatic shared a series of clips showing him in scenes on the popular Australia soap-drama Neighbours Peacock: At one point Tim walks into the bathroom in his underwear showing off his ribbed abs and muscular physique He then walks into the bathroom in his underwear showing off his ribbed abs and muscular physique. Tim swiftly dresses in a white robe and heads downstairs to look for his missing love interest. Walking out into the snow, he shouts Chloe's name, after finding her scarf in a nearby tree. She's missing! Tim swiftly dresses in a white robe and heads downstairs to look for his missing love interest Earlier this month, Tim spoke to NW magazine about what his wife Anna Heinrich, 31, thinks abut him getting up close and personal with other women on set. 'She's so supportive,' he said. 'Originally she would say, ''Look, if it's in an audition, then maybe avoid kissing. But if it's for a proper role and you're being paid for it, then go for it.''' 'If you are doing are doing a kissing scene, you're in character, and as soon as the director yells, ''Cut!'', it's back to Tim, and it's a different thing,' the handsome actor continued. Former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff confessed 'relationships happen' on the BBC dancing show where she met married partner Ben Cohen in 2013. The professional dancer, who vehemently denies the Strictly Curse exists, defended how she met her love as she claimed people meet all the time at work. During her Lorraine appearance on Friday, Kristina said: 'We do meet people on the show and relationships happen.' 'People meet at work': Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff admitted 'relationships happen' on BBC dance show as she DEFENDED how she met married partner Ben Cohen She elaborated: 'Of course people talk about the "curse" all the time. Some people believe in aliens and fairies. Some people believe in the Strictly "curse". 'People meet at work. Dancers live and breathe the show. We don't go anywhere else. We don't meet anywhere else. It is always on everybody's lips.' Kristina and Ben set the record straight that their romance blossomed after the BBC dancing show had finished. Explanation: The professional dancer, who vehemently denies the Strictly Curse exists, defended how she met her love as she claimed people meet all the time at work Speaking out: During her Lorraine appearance on Friday, Kristina said, 'We do meet people on the show and relationships happen.' Ben and Abby, who share ten-year-old twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, were married in a romantic ceremony in 2003. However, just months after his 2013 Strictly stint when he was partnered with Kristina, the married couple became estranged. Strictly pair Kristina and Ben embarked on a relationship shortly after, with the couple welcoming their daughter Milena in June 2016. History: Strictly pair Kristina and Ben embarked on a relationship shortly after, with the couple welcoming their daughter Milena in June 2016 (pictured in January 2017) Truth: Kristina and Ben set the record straight that their romance blossomed after the BBC dancing show had finished As Abby and Ben officially called it quits in March 2016, speculation was rife whether there was a crossover in the relationships but this was denied by Ben and Kristina. Devastated Abby told The Sun at the time: 'My husband, who I was with for 23 years, unconditionally loved and was completely loyal to in every respect, has left me for a f***ing Russian dancer.' Kristina and Ben have moved on from the drama and they live happily together with their young daughter Milena. Goals: The dancer admitted she will never achieve the same dance-honed figure she had on Strictly after pregnancy because she is not training six hours a day The dancer admitted she will never achieve the same dance-honed figure she had on Strictly after pregnancy because she is not training six hours a day. However, the blonde beauty revealed she managed to snap back into shape thanks to her dedication to her yoga. Of her weight, she said: 'I think it's yoga. Heavily back into yoga after pregnancy. I won't ever be the same as I was on Strictly. I'm not dancing six hours a day. 'I'm trying to be healthy for my little one. Everything changes when you become a mum. You try to be healthy as you can.' Controversial: Also, Kristina has weighed in on the Katya Jones and comedian Seann Walsh kissing scandal which sent shockwaves through the dance floor this year Also, Kristina has weighed in on the Katya Jones and comedian Seann Walsh kissing scandal which sent shockwaves through the dance floor this year. Rebecca Humphries put an end to her five-year relationship when she saw the pictures of Seann kissing Katya while she sat at home by herself on her birthday. The yoga enthusiast shed light on her friends Katya and Neil's marriage as she explained the pair were a 'solid couple' and they would 'pull through' the drama. Bitter: Rebecca Humphries put an end to her five-year relationship when she saw the pictures of Seann kissing Katya while she sat at home by herself on her birthday She said: 'Problems in your relationship will be much more apparent to people. Obviously I used to work with Neil and Katya before she was a professional. 'The kiss was a mistake. No ways to take it back and they can only apologise. They seem to be a solid couple. 'It was out of character for Katya but they are a very solid couple they will pull through it.' They're certainly not strangers to being magazine cover girls after having graced numerous titles in recent months. And Olivia Munn and Iskra Lawrence ensured all eyes were on them once again as they turned out to celebrate their latest work at the issue five launch party for Herring & Herring magazine at the private residence of Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx on Thursday night. Olivia, 38, looked incredible as she slipped into a stunning sheer blush gown, embroidered with white lace and patterns of courting couples in medieval dress. Ladies' night: Olivia Munn (L) and Iskra Lawrence (R) celebrated their latest work at the issue five launch party for Herring & Herring magazine at the private residence of Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx on Thursday night British model Iskra Lawrence, 28, showed off her eye-popping curves in a plunging black and cream mini-dress, teamed with thigh-high boots. Actress Olivia wore her dark locks in elegant waves, while accentuating her naturally striking features with low-key make-up. The Newsroom star added a touch of glamour to the look with a deep maroon lip as she worked her magic in front of the camera while posing next to her stunning cover shot. Iskra clutched a golden chalice in her right hand as she posed in her asymmetric dress which featured a glove detail. Elegant: Olivia, 38, looked incredible as she slipped into a stunning sheer blush gown, embroidered with white lace and patterns of courting couples in medieval dress Model moment: British model Iskra Lawrence, 28, showed off her eye-popping curves in a plunging black and cream mini-dress, teamed with thigh-high boots The social media star opted for a shimmering eye make-up and wore her blonde locks in natural waves. The pair appear on two of 21 covers of the fifth issue of the bi-annual magazine, which also featured appearances from Seal, Winnie Harlow, Laverne Cox, Mandy Moore, Skai Jackson, Meghan Trainor, and Wiz Khalifa. The text-free magazine is entitled '#BEHOLD' and aims to 'shine a bright light on beauty'. Writing about the magazine on Instagram, the photography brand stated: 'Each person we photographed represents what beauty means to us; not only by their physical appearance, but equally by their kind humanitarian actions, and their spirit.' Glamour: Iskra clutched a golden chalice in her right hand as she posed in her asymmetric dress which featured a glove detail Cover girl: Actress Olivia wore her dark locks in elegant waves, while accentuating her naturally striking features with low-key make-up Olivia's cover comes in the same month she stunned on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. The actress used the shoot to discuss the #MeToo movement, saying she will continue to speak up, even if it hurts her career. It comes after she fought to have her former co-star Steven Wilder Striegel - a registered sex offender - removed from new movie The Predator and bravely spoke out about disgraced director Brett Ratner, accusing him of sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement has garnered much attention since last year, after famed Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein was faced with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Many of Hollywood's leading ladies have come forward, recalling their own experience with sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace, as part of the wide-spread campaign across social media to raise awareness. Beauty: The Newsroom star added a touch of glamour to the look with a deep maroon lip as she worked her magic in front of the camera while posing next to her stunning cover shot Talent: The pair appear on two of 21 covers of the fifth issue of the bi-annual magazine Olivia has been vocal in her crusade to speak out against the unequal power at play in the movie industry. She told the publication: 'I'm not for sale... if speaking up costs me my career, I don't want it anyway.' Olivia fought to have actor Striegel removed from movie The Predator after discovering he was a registered sex offender. Striegel spent six months in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to risk of injury to a child and enticing a minor by computer. He was accused of attempting to lure a 14-year-old girl into a sexual relationship. Striegel's scenes from The Predator were removed, following pressure from Munn on Warner Bros bosses, and she claimed following the decision, director Shane Black - who had been a friend of Striegel - 'has not spoken to her since'. He's set to portray British spy Greville Wynne in the Cold War thriller Ironbark. And Benedict Cumberbatch got to work on set of the espionage drama as he filmed at Duxford airfield, which is part of the Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire, on Thursday. The actor, 42, had fully transformed into the MI6 agent, as he shot scenes while stepping out of a G-ALWF British European Airways Vickers Viscount airliner. Hard at work: Benedict Cumberbatch got to work on set of espionage thriller Ironbark as he transformed into British spy Greville Wynne at Duxford airfield on Thursday Quick break: In between scenes the actor could be seen laughing with his co-stars, before then using AirPod headphones from Apple The Sherlock star looked dapper in his 1960s inspired clothing that saw him wear a chic black suit, which he teamed up with a crisp white shirt and black striped tie. Benedict proved his full devotion to his latest character, as he sported a moustache that he grew specifically for the film so he could resemble the secret agent. His brunette locks were brushed into a slicked back hair-do, and he adopted a stoic expression once the cameras started rolling. But in between scenes the actor could be seen laughing with his co-stars, before then using AirPod headphones from Apple, seemingly listening to music. True to life: The handsome actor (right) sported a pencil moustache as he transformed into spy Greville Wynne (left) Fully transformed: Benedict proved his full devotion to his latest character, as he sported a moustache that he grew specifically for the film so he could resemble the secret agent Period drama: Benedict shot scenes while stepping out of a G-ALWF British European Airways Vickers Viscount airliner Dapper: The Sherlock star looked dapper in a chic black suit, which he teamed up with a crisp white shirt and black striped tie Soaring: An American World War II plane was seen in the air as the cast and crew filmed The film, due to be released in 2019, tells the true story of British spy Wynne, who helped halt the Cuban Missile Crisis. He went undercover in the Soviet atomic programme but was caught and jailed for two years in Moscow in 1963, before being released in a spy swap. Assisting with the defection of the Russian intelligence officer, Major Kuznov in 1959, while he and Soviet agent Oleg Penkovsky worked together, as the latter informed the British government about Soviet missile placement in Cuba. Handsome: The actor's brunette locks were brushed into a slicked back hair-do, and he adopted a stoic expression once the cameras started rolling Preparing: The cast could be seen getting a touch-up from the make-up team between takes Key figure: The film, due to be released in 2019, tells the true story of British spy Wynne, who helped halt the Cuban Missile Crisis Getting ready: One cast member could be seen pacing the grounds as they prepared to film Impressive: The BEA plane was a sight to behold at the Imperial War Museum airfield Both Wynne and Penkovsky spent time in prison for the role they played in leaking Soviet secrets to British Intelligence. Wynne was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Penkovsky was given the death sentence before being executed - though the British spy claimed that he had committed suicide. Emmy-winning Marvellous Mrs Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan, 27, also stars in the Dominic Cooke directed blockbuster. Thriller: Wynne went undercover in the Soviet atomic programme but was caught and jailed for two years in Moscow in 1963, before being released in a spy swap Historical figures: Assisting with the defection of the Russian intelligence officer, Major Kuznov in 1959, while he and Soviet agent Oleg Penkovsky worked together Drama: Both Wynne and Penkovsky spent time in prison for the role they played in leaking Soviet secrets to British Intelligence Dark story: Wynne was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Penkovsky was sentenced to death and executed - though the British spy claimed that he committed suicide Chatting away: One of the cast members could be seen in full period costume as he spoke on his mobile phone to someone Co-stars: Emmy-winning Marvellous Mrs Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan, 27, also stars in the Dominic Cooke directed blockbuster Ashley Graham left Gwyneth Paltrow in tears as she recounted her days of 'having sex too soon' and dating 'physically and emotionally abusive' men that ultimately led her to her husband. The model, 31, appeared on the Goop podcast on Thursday and left the actress, 46, sobbing as she discussed her love story and romantic mishaps prior to meeting her partner of 10 years, Justin Ervin, 29. Opening up on her dating history, Ashley detailed how she found herself in a 'terrible relationship' in her early 20s with someone 'mentally, physically and emotionally abusive', and realised it was because she had been 'giving it up too soon'. Emotional: Ashley Graham left Gwyneth Paltrow in tears as she recounted her days of 'having sex too soon' and dating 'physically and emotionally abusive' men on the Goop podcast The catwalk model eventually broke up with her boyfriend after two years together and said she immediately felt 'stronger'. She explained: 'I knew that I was a stronger woman for breaking up with him, and in feeling stronger for breaking up with him I was like, "What is it that I need to do to change myself so I don't get back into that situation?" 'And in that 'aha' moment, I was like, "My problem is I keep giving it up too soon, I keep having sex too soon with these guys".' Ashley then decided to refrain from having sex until she was married, but after a 'little issue with some tequila' which led to her showing up at her modelling agency 'a little drunk', her mother told her to go to 'church or rehab' to mend her ways. She added: 'My mom said, "rehab or church", and I was like, "I'm not an alcoholic, so I'll just go to church".' Loved up: The model, 31, discussed her love story and dating mishaps prior to meeting her partner of 10 years, Justin Ervin, 29 (pictured together in March) It was at church in 2008 that Ashley met her now husband, Justin, and although the two went out for coffee, Ashley thought he was 'another cheap guy' because he made her pay for their drinks. She continued: 'So I was like, great, I have another cheap guy. And he said that a man always appreciates it when a woman attempts to grab her wallet. So I was through with him, girl, I erased his number, done.' A month later, Justin told her he was looking for 'a wife', asked her out again and this time he did pay. Shortly after, the pair - who married in 2010 - became 'inseparable', without either of them having to break their no sex before marriage pledge. Ashley told Gwyneth: 'And he and I did not break my rule, and his rule as well, because I didn't know that he was also trying to wait until he was married to have sex as well.' Sobbing, Gwyneth responded: 'I have to tell you, in all my podcasts this is the only time I've cried since Oprah.' Candid: Ashley detailed how she found herself in a 'terrible relationship' in her early 20s with someone 'mentally, physically and emotionally abusive' (pictured in May) Posting a make-up free snap of the pair on her Instagram page, the actress said she 'fell madly in love' with Ashley after recording the podcast. She said: 'Today on the goop podcast, the incredible @ashleygraham I FELL MADLY IN LOVE with this hilarious, soulful, brilliant woman and you will, too.' The Goop site read: 'Model-designer-author Ashley Graham dropped by goop HQ to hang with GP. It was the first time since our inaugural Oprah episode that GP cried on the podcast. But mostly they laughed their way through the conversation. 'They talked about the experience of being put in a corner or a box, and what its like breaking out of an industrys confines. 'Ashley talked about being a body activist, dealing with insecurities, and making space for all kinds of beauty - on magazine covers and out in the world. 'They also shared relationship challenges, big loves, spirituality practices, and Ashleys wild, beautiful marriage story.' Ashley was discovered in a mall at the age of just 12 when she was 5ft9in and weighed 160lbs. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald star Ezra Miller has revealed 'none' of the actors were informed about Johnny Depp's controversial casting as the eponymous villain. The actor, 26, spoke candidly about his co-star, 55, in an interview with Playboy on Thursday, where he revealed: 'No, none of us were consulted. None of us knew.' But the We Need To Talk About Kevin star was diplomatic, adding: 'Look, I bring forth my work to this job, and I do the best that I can.' Speaking out: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald star Ezra Miller has revealed 'none' of the actors were informed about Johnny Depp's controversial casting 'I would say that literally every single aspect of my reality, inclusive of a lot of things that are not fine with me, are fine with me.' Ezra, who plays repressed wizard Credence Barebone in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, added: 'It's amazing how far the banner of all good can extend.' The casting of Depp in the role of Gellert Grindelwald was marred with controversy, as fans expressed their disappointment after he was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife Amber Heard, 32, last year. In December 2017, Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling said the claims 'deeply concerned' her, and that she and director David Yates did consider recasting the role for the second film in the franchise. Okay with it: The actor, 26, was diplomatic, as he added: 'I would say that literally every single aspect of my reality, inclusive of a lot of things that are not fine with me, are fine with me' Having faith: Ezra, who plays repressed wizard Credence Barebone (pictured) in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, then added: 'It's amazing how far the banner of all good can extend' However she added while she understood not all fans will be satisfied, she was 'genuinely happy' to have Depp - who is set to reprise the role in the forthcoming third film - play the leading character. Rowling wrote in a statement: 'When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he'd be wonderful in the role. 'However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise. 'Harry Potter fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role. Controversial: Fans expressed their disappointment at Depp's casting as Grindelwald after he was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife Amber Heard, 32, last year Defending the choice: In December 2017 J.K. Rowling (pictured in April 2018) said while the claims 'deeply concerned' her at the time, she was 'genuinely happy' to have him in the role 'As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting.' The author said she understood why 'some have been confused and angry' that Johnny was not recast, and that not being able to speak openly with fans about the issues 'has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful'. She added: 'However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. 'Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.' Keeping him in: Rowling revealed that she and director David Yates did consider recasting the role for the second film in the franchise but then decided against it She continued: 'I've loved writing the first two screenplays and I can't wait for fans to see The Crimes Of Grindelwald. 'I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn't governable by committee.' Rowling concluded: 'Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing.' At the time, Warner Bros also issued a statement in support of the decision to keep Depp in the film. Melissa Gorga dazzled at Lisa Vanderpump's 3rd annual Lisa Vanderpump Dog Foundation charity gala in Hollywood Thursday. The reality star, 39, turned heads as she hit the red carpet wearing a formfitting black dress scattered with glitter for a celestial effect. The spaghetti strap top of the Real Housewives Of New Jersey star's look also showcased her gym-toned arms. Scroll down for video Sparkling: Melissa Gorga turned heads in a shimmering little black dress during the 3rd annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala in Hollywood on Thursday Continuing the glamour, She pulled her hair back into a slick ponytail and accessorized with large hoops. A Cartier Love Bracelet and countless rings were added as accessories. The Montville, New Jersey native's makeup included a smoky eye and glossy nude lip. She tied everything together with strappy nude heels. Puppy love: Melissa was happy to embrace the gala's mission as she played with a tiny pooch at the charity event for The Vanderpump Dog Foundation Digital: Later on the brunette beauty showed off her style with an Instagram video Melissa was happy to embrace the gala's mission as she played with a tiny pooch at the charity event for The Vanderpump Dog Foundation. ater on the brunette beauty showed off her style with an Instagram video. Melissa opened up about family during a chat with Cosmopolitan November 7, talking about how sister-in-law Teresa Giudice is dealing with her husband Joe's deportation. In the family: Melissa opened up about how sister-in-law Teresa Giudice (together in 2016 above) is dealing with her husband Joe's deportation during a chat with Cosmopolitan November 7 She said Teresa has her full support, telling the outlet: 'Its a very personal thing. Its very hard when it involves kids. Its hard to even talk about, so were all praying and hope that it turns around. Were all just here trying to help and figure out whats next.' The Real Housewives Of New Jersey's ninth season kicked off earlier this month. It airs weekly Wednesdays at 9pm on Bravo. She was recently accused of getting a bum lift by fans, despite her public vow to ditch plastic surgery for good. But Marnie Simpson proved she was unaffected by the speculation, as she proudly flaunted her pert posterior in a tiny thong bikini during a sun-soaked getaway toGreece. The Geordie Shore star, 26, displayed her noticeably rounded derriere in the seriously skimpy two-piece as she lounged by the pool on Wednesday. Bum's the word! Marnie Simpson flaunted her VERY pert posterior in a tiny thong bikini in Cyprus... after being accused of a bum lift despite vowing to ditch plastic surgery Marnie certainly turned heads in her string swimwear, which drew attention to her flat stomach and cosmetically-enhanced cleavage as well as her derriere. Letting her statement bikini do all the talking, the reality star accessorised simply with a belly button piercing and silver earrings. Styling her long dark hair in a simple, straight side-parting, she wore minimal make-up for her poolside outing. The reality star, who is rumoured to have reunited with her boyfriend Casey Johnson recently, went for a solo dip in the water. Looking good: The Geordie Shore star, 26, displayed every inch of her surgically-enhanced curves in the skimpy two-piece as she lounged by the pool Making a splash: Marnie certainly turned heads in her string swimwear, which drew attention to her flat stomach and cosmetically-enhanced cleavage as well as her derriere Turning heads: Letting her statement bikini do all the talking, the reality star accessorised simply with a belly button piercing and silver earrings The reality star's outing comes after she was accused of having a bum lift after sharing shots of her perfectly rounded bottom with Instagram followers. She prompted a mixed response from fans while promoting a muscle stimulator on social media, with two of the stick on devices firmly attached to her buttocks. Marnie recently confessed to regretting her long list of surgical procedures, which includes liposuction, a nose job, lip fillers and a boob job, and is terrified to go 'under the knife' again. Glam: Styling her long dark hair in a simple, straight side-parting, she wore minimal make-up for her poolside outing Down time: The reality star, who is rumoured to have reunited with her boyfriend Casey Johnson recently, went for a solo dip in the water The MTV star, who has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia, has said that she's 'learned a big lesson' from her numerous cosmetic procedures. The brunette beauty told Closer in a new interview: 'I regret my lips. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have touched them. I haven't had lip fillers in a long time - I got them all removed. 'A doctor told me I've destroyed my natural lip line from the constant fillers, so I'll never be completely happy with my lips. Obviously, I've learned a big lesson and it's tough.' Hmm: The reality star's outing comes after she was accused of having a bum lift after sharing shots of her perfectly rounded bottom with Instagram followers Interesting: Marnie has previously had a non-invasive bum lift - but hasn't responded to speculation that she's had implants Then and now: Marnie has had liposuction, a nose job, lip fillers and a boob job, and recently claimed she is terrified to go 'under the knife' again (right, in 2013) Who's that girl: She has undergone a dramatic image transformation since shooting to fame on Geordie Shore in 2013 As well as accepting the pitfalls to her plethora of procedures, Marnie admitted that the idea of going under the knife again terrifies her after learning of British mother-of-three Leah Cambridge death following her bum lift in Turkey in August. She said: 'It really affected me, hearing about the things that have happened to young girls, so I'm scared to ever do it again myself. Surgery is just too risky.' Marnie's made numerous dramatic changes to her look since joining Geordie Shore in 2013 and despite her recent comments she told The Sun in 2017 that she would never stop going under the knife. Regret: The MTV star, who has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia, has said that she's 'learned a big lesson' from her numerous cosmetic procedures Oh dear: The brunette beauty told Closer in a new interview: 'I regret my lips. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have touched them. I haven't had lip fillers in a long time - I got them all removed' Fears: As well as accepting the pitfalls to her plethora of procedures, Marnie admitted that the idea of going under the knife again terrifies her after learning of British mother-of-three Leah Cambridge death following her bum lift in Turkey in August She told The Sun: 'Once you go down that route you can't stop it. You want to perfect everything which is impossible. 'So if people were to come to me and ask about plastic surgery I always say, "don't do it because it's a road that you'll never come back from". 'But if you've got something you really hate then get it fixed. Otherwise you'll never ever be happy with it.' During the summer, she ran into difficulty when she struggled to make it through an automatic face recognition machine due to the difference between her passport picture and current look. Risky: She said: 'It really affected me, hearing about the things that have happened to young girls, so I'm scared to ever do it again myself. Surgery is just too risky' She's the dotting mother-of-three who's rarely seen without her children. But Kourtney Kardashian enjoyed a kid-free lunch with some of her friends in West Hollywood, Los Angeles on Thursday. The 39-year-old beauty kept things casual in a plain T-shirt and trousers. Chic style: Kourtney Kardashian covered up her gym-honed physique when she stepped out for a lunch date with friends in West Hollywood on Thursday Kourtney opted for an eggshell colored shirt that hid her incredibly gym-honed physique. She teamed the look with loose-fitting mom jeans and a pair of heels. Her brunette tresses were styled out effortlessly and she accessorised with a watch and a pair of trendy shades. No need to flaunt her bod! Kourtney opted for an eggshell colored shirt that hid her incredibly gym-honed physique Natural beauty: Kourtney appeared to be wearing a very minimal amount of makeup for the lunch date Kourtney appeared to be wearing a very minimal amount of makeup for the lunch date. Earlier on Thursday, the eldest Kardashian sister took to social media to share a throwback shot of her ex Scott Disick, 35, with their sons Mason, eight, and Reign, three. The raven haired beauty flaunted he incredible physique in a bikini top and a pair of green flare trousers. Family fun! Earlier on Thursday, the eldest Kardashian sister took to social media to share a throwback shot of her ex Scott Disick, 35, with their sons Mason, eight, and Reign, three Little mini-me: Kourtney and Scott are also parents to daughter Penelope, six Kourtney and Scott met in 2006 and had an on/off relationship for years until they finally called it quits in 2017. The pair are also parents to daughter Penelope, six. Meanwhile, Kourtney is the latest of her famous reality clan to get a waxwork made by Madame Tussauds. The reality star revealed on Wednesday that she was having her measurements taken for the museum. Previously Kourtney's sisters Kim, Khloe, Kylie and Kendall have all had their waxworks made by the company which has locations all over the world. Taking measurements: Meanwhile, Kourtney is the latest of her famous reality clan to get a waxwork made by Madame Tussauds Cate Blanchett was spotted adding her personalised touch of glamour to the streets of Barcelona on Friday, as she shoot a new campaign for Giorgio Armani. The Oscar-winning Australian actress, 49, looked typically chic as she stepped out in the Spanish city in a plunging red sequinned gown with a sweetheart neckline. Keeping herself warm in between takes, the blonde beauty covered her shoulders with a fluffy white bathrobe and matching slippers as she walked through the bustling metropolis with a glam squad and camera crew. Model behaviour: Cate Blanchett was spotted adding her personalised touch of glamour to the streets of Barcelona on Friday, as she shoot a new campaign for Giorgio Armani With her golden locks styled in voluminous waves, the star highlighted her natural good locks with a pop of deep pink lipstick. However, her full day of filming came to an abrupt end, when a torrential downpour forced the star and crew to run for cover. Just a day earlier, Cate turned heads when she arrived at the IWC Filmmaker's photocall in Shanghai on Thursday. Chic: The Oscar-winning Australian actress, 49, looked typically chic as she stepped out in the Spanish city in a plunging red sequinned gown with a sweetheart neckline Under wraps: Keeping herself warm in between takes, the blonde beauty, who resides in the UK, covered her shoulders with a fluffy white bathrobe The day before, the first global beauty ambassador for Giorgio Armani attended the Si Passione Perfume event. When the award-winning star was announced as part of the Armani team, the luxury fashion house said in a statement: 'Luminous and sophisticated, her natural elegance and distinguished beauty are striking. 'I am pleased to deepen our longstanding relationship. A true representative of the values and aesthetic of the brand', they added. Cate's latest movie The House With A Clock In Its Walls was released in September, with the acting talent busy promoting the children's horror in recent weeks. Natural beauty: With her golden locks styled in voluminous waves, the star highlighted her natural good locks with a pop of deep pink lipstick She stars in the family fantasy movie alongside Jack Black and film director Eli Roth- who some viewers may think as an unusual choice given the fact he usually works on harder films within the horror genre. Cate has insisted that Eli's addition as director only gave her more reason to star in the film, where she plays the role of Florence Zimmerman, the mysterious companion of Jack Black's warlock character Jonathan Barnavelt. The children's movie is based on the 1973 novel of the same name and tells the story of an orphan sent to live with his warlock uncle and their thrilling adventure to track down a magical clock that has the power to destroy the world. Standing tall: The day before, Cate flashed a glimpse of her bra under a plunging embellished tuxedo at he IWC Filmmaker's photocall in Shanghai, China Shes known for her role as Patsy Mount on hit BBC1 show Call the Midwife. But on Friday, Emerald Fennell ditched the nurses uniform in favour of a lilac swing coat and coordinating hat to portray Camilla Parker Bowles as she filmed scenes for The Crown in Caernarfon, Wales. The British actress, 33, has taken on the role the Duchess of Cornwall in her earlier years for season 3 of the popular Netflix series. Transformed: Emerald Fennell, 33, slipped into a lilac swing coat and coordinating hat to portray Camilla Parker Bowles as she filmed scenes for The Crown in Caernarfon, Wales Emerald's double breasted coat was adorned with an eye catching gold flower brooch, with rubies in the centre. Ensuring she could wrap up warm between takes, the actress carried a black coat in her arms as she strolled about the set in black fluffy-cuffed biker boots. Emerald displayed a pale complexion, with a grey smokey eye, thin brows and a pink lip. Her blonde tresses were styled into a pinned up-do, tucked beneath her lilac hat, which featured a soft layer of overhanging french lace. Prepared: Ensuring she could wrap up warm between takes, the actress carried a black coat in her arms as she strolled about the set in black fluffy-cuffed biker boots Speaking about her new role as Prince Charles second wife, Emerald said: Im absolutely over the moon, and completely terrified, to be joining so many hugely talented people on The Crown. 'I absolutely love Camilla, and am very grateful that my teenage years have well prepared me for playing a chain-smoking serial snogger with a pudding bowl hair cut.' Emerald previously played nurse Patsy for four years in Call The Midwife, a role she stepped down from last year. The role: The British actress has taken on the role the Duchess of Cornwall (pictured) in her earlier years for season 3 of the popular Netflix series Meanwhile, the third and fourth series of The Crown, which is set to follow the monarch's rule across the 1960s and 1970s, will see an older Prince Charles played by Bafta nominee Josh OConnor, 28. Broadchurch star Olivia has taken over the lead role from Claire Foy and was confirmed to be playing Queen Elizabeth II in October. Delighted at her casting, Olivia said at the time: 'I'm so thrilled to be part of The Crown. I was utterly gripped watching it. 'I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius - she's an incredibly hard act to follow. I'm basically going to re-watch every episode and copy her.' It's over: Emerald previously played nurse Patsy for four years in Call The Midwife, a role she stepped down from last year Excited: Speaking about her new role as Prince Charles second wife, Emerald said: Im absolutely over the moon, and completely terrified' Filming began at the start of the July - with Emerald and Josh recently seen in their first scenes together. The pair will follow in their predecessor's footsteps and play the Royal couple for two seasons before the cast will change once again, in order to portray the characters accurately as they age. They are joined on the star-studded cast list by Helena Bonham Carter, who will star as Princess Margaret, and Jason Watkins as former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The new series is expected to land on the online streaming site in 2019. She is preparing to wed her fiance of four years Greg Shepherd in the Maldives in May next year. And Billie Faiers, 28, looked giddy to be wedding dress shopping with her sister Sam, 27, and her mother Sue, 48, on Friday in London. The TOWIE original looked casually chic in a blue and white striped jumper which showcased her enviably-lean legs as she stepped out with her family - including Sam's one-year-old daughter Rosie. So much fun! Billie Faiers, 28, looked giddy to be wedding dress shopping with her sister Sam, 27, and her mother Sue, 48, on Friday in London Displaying her fashionista credentials, the blonde bombshell beamed as she made her way to the wedding dress shop, clad in edgy black ankle boots. Adding some glitz to her low-key ensemble, Billie teamed her look with large golden hooped earrings and a Saint Laurent monogram quilted pebbled-leather clutch. The beauty favoured a flawless make-up look and pinned her short blonde locks back from her face in a half down and half up 'do. All the giggles: The TOWIE original looked casually chic in a blue and white striped jumper which showcased her enviably-lean legs as she stepped out with her family Style: Displaying her fashionista credentials, the blonde bombshell beamed as she made her way to the wedding dress shop, clad in edgy black ankle boots Lovely: Sam nailed her autumnal vibe with a chic shirt and thigh high boots, teamed with light wash jeans Sam nailed her autumnal vibe with a chic shirt and thigh high boots, teamed with light wash jeans. The reality star left her brunette locks in loose waves, and wore a light palette of make-up to highlight her pretty features. The siblings larked around as they perused wedding dress' on offer along with their mother, who sported a navy cardigan and jeans combo. Billie's sweet display with her family comes after the Faiers have made a triumphant return to our screens in the new series of The Mummy Diaires. Chic: Billie favoured a flawless make-up look and pinned her short blonde locks back from her face in a half down and half up 'do Meanwhile: Sam left her brunette locks in loose waves, and wore a light palette of make-up to highlight her pretty features Give us a kiss! Billie looked the adoring auntie as she cuddled with Rosie who sat in her pram Adorable! Sue was a doting grandmother as she larked around with her youngest grandchild Billie and her fiance Greg Shepherd along with their children Nelly, four, and Arthur, one, join Sam - 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. Hey! The shopping assistant for the wedding boutique looked ecstatic when he saw his client All in the details: Adding some glitz to her low-key ensemble, Billie teamed her look with large golden hooped earrings He's been back in the UK filming scenes for the new Fast and Furious spin-off. And Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson left some of his fans stunned over the weekend as he headed to a gym in Doncaster to tone up his muscular physique. The 46-year-old Hollywood heavyweight happily posed with the owners of the World Fitness Gym as he took break from filming Hobbs and Shaw, which is set for release in July 2019. Surprise! Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson left many of his fans stunned over the weekend as he headed to a gym in Doncaster to tone up his muscular physique Dressed in casual grey tracksuits, Dwayne enjoyed a 90-minute workout at the gym before taking some time to pose for snaps with fans, who were stunned to see the former wrestler at their local leisure centre. The Hercules star has been in Doncaster to film at the decommissioned Eggborough power station near Selby, after spending a week shooting in Scotland last month. Dwayne's incredibly muscular physique was difficult to miss, as it was revealed that only a few fans were present for the outing. Special guest: The 46-year-old Hollywood heavyweight happily posed with the owners of the World Fitness Gym as he took break from filming Hobbs and Shaw Alicia Carrera, who runs the gym with her husband Craie Carrera, told the Doncaster Free Press: 'We only knew half an hour beforehand that he was coming. When he walked in, people couldn't believe it. 'A few weeks ago, we were visited by a bodyguard who said he had a famous client who was filming in the area and was interested in using the gym. 'He said he couldn't say who it was and we didn't ask. He took some photos and details of the gym and said he would get back to us when he had spoken to his client.' Big surprise: Alicia Carrera, who runs the gym with her husband Craie Carrera, told the Doncaster Free Press: 'We only knew half an hour beforehand that he was coming' Dwayne is set to reprise his role as Luke Hobbs in the upcoming spin-off alongside Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw, with the film also starring The Crown's Vanessa Kirby and Luther's Idris Elba. Last month, Dwayne gave fans a first look of the movie as he shared a snap of him and Jason, staring each other down. 'We either gonna get along or we gonna get it on. F**k getting along (devil emoticon). Great first week of shooting our Fast & Furious spin-off, "HOBBS & SHAW" with my ace @jasonstatham. We're havin' a blast disrupting the norm to deliver something fresh, cool, fun and bad a** for the fans.' Demi Rose had her incredibly ample assets on full display in a plunging black satin suit on Friday as she hosted an influencers brunch at The Elan Cafe in London. The 23-year-old Instagram model chose to forego an undershirt with the co-ords in favour of a matching black bra, with her glossy brunette tresses in effortless curls. At the event Demi was joined by Love Island's Gabby Allen and Kaz Crossley as she strove to create her own networking event for similar social media promoters and interested brands. Amazing: Demi Rose had her incredibly ample assets on full display in a plunging black satin suit on Friday as she hosted an influencers brunch at The Elan Cafe in London Demi had her incredible figure on full display in the low-cut black silk blazer and matching flared trousers, finished the look with sparkling pointed-toe heels. The social media star, who boasts 7.7million followers on Instagram, had her long brunette tresses styled into loose glossy curls and added a cheek pop of colour in the form of a statement red lip. Speaking about her decision to host the event, Demi explained she wanted to widen the opportunities for social media influencers such as herself to connect with various brands. Incredible: The 23-year-old Instagram model chose to forego an undershirt with the co-ords in favour of a matching black bra Beautiful: Carrying a matching snakeskin bag, Demi finished off her look with matching pointed-toe heels Stunning: The social media star added a pop of colour to her look in the form of a pillarbox red lip Passionate: At the event Demi explained that she wanted to host the event on social media influencers to increase their networking opportunities Amazing: Demi looked as stylish as ever posing at a fashion wreath outside the influencers event 'There wasn't anything like this going on so I thought I would take the lead and get something going,' Demi said. 'Influencer-led marketing is such a big part of everyday life now and as such we need more events like this to connect people. 'It was so nice to have such a great and diverse bunch come together and share ideas. 'I'm really looking forward to our next event in the new year where we can open this up to more people.' Sensational: Also in attendance for the evening was Love Island beauty Gabby Allen, who put on a leggy display in a printed shirt dress Gorgeous: The Liverpool-born star stood out in the frock boasting an array of different prints, teamed with thigh-high mesh boots Dressed to impress: Gabby had her signature blonde bobbed tresses in a side-swept straight style as she accentuated her tanned skin with a dewy makeup palette All dressed up: Gabby's outing came after she was slammed by fans for posting a racy bikini snap on Remembrance Sunday, in the middle of the minute's silence Also in attendance for the evening was Love Island beauty Gabby Allen, who put on a leggy display in a printed shirt dress. The Liverpool-born star stood out in the frock boasting an array of different prints, teamed with thigh-high lattice boots. Gabby had her signature blonde bobbed tresses in a side-swept straight style as she accentuated her tanned skin with a dewy makeup palette. Fashion forward: Fellow Islander Kaz Crossley was also oozing glamour in a forest green silk jumpsuit and brown tassel jacket, pulling her ombre tresses into a sleek topknot Standing out: The stunning girlfriend of Josh Denzel finished her outfit with clear perspex strapped heels and a simple black handbag Dark and sultry: Kaz also included an extra level of autumnal chic in her look, by rocking a statement berry red lip Happier than ever: Fans have warmed to the Josh and Kaz love story after the LADBible presenter controversially left Georgia Steel alone to pursue a romance with his now-girlfriend Fellow Islander Kaz Crossley was also oozing glamour in a forest green silk jumpsuit and brown tassel jacket, pulling her ombre tresses into a sleek topknot. The stunning girlfriend of Josh Denzel finished her outfit with clear perspex strapped heels and a simple black handbag, adding some autumnal chic with a berry-coloured lip. Fans have warmed to the Josh and Kaz love story after the LADBible presenter controversially left Georgia Steel alone to pursue a romance with his now-girlfriend. Josh described himself as 'public enemy number one' in an interview with BBC Breakfast once departing from the villa. Yet the duo won over Love Island fans with their genuine feelings for one another when Kaz returned with Josh from Casa Amor. She is no stranger to flaunting her incredibly honed physique in an array of scanty ensembles. And oozing body confidence as she stepped out in London on Friday, Gabby Allen looked sensational as she put on a very leggy display in a sassy pair of knee-high lattice heels. The Love Island star, 26, attended an influencer brunch at The Elan Cafe in London and had all eyes on her, thanks to her glamorous appearance. Stunning: Gabby Allen looked sensational as she put on a very leggy display in a sassy pair of knee-high lattice heels Gabby ensured she was dressed to impress for the occasion, as she slipped into an abstract shirt dress that boasted a colourful design and came with a thigh-skimming hemline. She paired her fun-loving number with her statement heels and made sure to highlight her svelte frame by adding a leather belt around her waist. Gabby wore her short blonde locks swept over to one side in a sleek style - tucking one side of her mane behind her ear to reveal her stylish earrings. Delightful: The Love Island star, 26, attended an influencer brunch at The Elan Cafe in London and had all eyes on her, thanks to her glamorous appearance Leggy display: Gabby ensured she was dressed to impress for the occasion, as she slipped into an abstract shirt dress that boasted a colourful design and came with a thigh-skimming hem She finished off her look with glamorous make-up, that favoured bronzed cheeks and a nude lip, and posed up a storm on her arrival to the bash - where she joined the likes of model Demi Rose and Kaz Crossley, who starred on Love Island's fourth series. Gabby's appearance at the brunch comes after she came under fire for posting a bikini snap to Instagram on Remembrance Sunday during the minute silence. It's claimed the reality starlet deleting the shot that saw her performing the splits in her minimal beach attire, before later re-posting it at a different time. In the hours that followed, Gabby posted a snap of a remembrance poppy on Armistice Day - commemorating military personnel who died in the war. Beauty: Gabby wore her short blonde locks swept over to one side in a sleek style - tucking one side of her mane behind her ear to reveal her stylish earrings In good company: She joined the likes of model Demi Rose and Kaz Crossley, who starred on Love Island's fourth series Meanwhile, Gabby is preparing to jet off on holiday with boyfriend Myles Stephenson for their first romantic break together in December. The duo, who went public with their relationship shortly after Gabby's exit from the Celebrity Big Brother house, confirmed the milestone on Instagram - sharing their excitement over booking their getaway. Myles told his followers: 'Booked our first holiday, countdown to December @gabbydawnallen,' while Gabby commented: 'See ya we're off... (end of December) @mylesraksu love you.' Their whirlwind romance has already seen the pair move in together, with Myles insisting that he and girlfriend Gabby are in the 'honeymoon period' in an interview with Daily Star. Under fire: Gabby's appearance at the brunch comes after she came under fire for posting a bikini snap to Instagram on Remembrance Sunday during the minute silence Smitten: She is currently dating Rak-Su star Myles Stephenson - with the pair confirming their romance shortly after Gabby's exit from the CBB house He gushed: 'I've moved in to hers and have marked my territory. We are loved-up and are in the honeymoon period at the moment so she can't get rid of me. 'I've got my own wardrobe space and one corner of the room where I'm allowed to put my bag and trainers but I get told off if they spread out of there.' The X Factor star, who won the show with band Rak-Su in 2017, added that he enjoys being able to spend time with his girlfriend when he gets home each night. It comes as Gabby's ex-boyfriend Marcel Somerville appeared to hit out at the blonde, as he confirmed his new relationship. Marcel told MailOnline he had been with the 'wrong person' in his past romance, as he expressed his hopes that he had finally found the 'right one' with his new love. Exciting: Gabby is preparing to jet off on holiday with boyfriend Myles for their first romantic break together in December Speaking at the Investing in Ethnicity Awards held in London, the former Blazin' Squad star said: 'Im very happy in my own company but at the same time I do like the company of a beautiful lady alongside me. 'I am currently seeing someone, but Im not giving too much away. I like to keep my cards close to my heart. Its gotta be the right one.' He said: 'Obviously in previous relationships Ive been with the wrong person, so its gotta be the right one next time. 'Its terrifying starting a new relationship in the public eye, because I think to myself: "is this person with me for this reason, that reason, whatever it is. Moving on: Meanwhile, Gabby's ex-boyfriend Marcel Somerville appeared to hit out at the blonde, as he confirmed his new relationship 'But, at the same time, I think any relationship I have will be in the public eye because everyone wants to know whats going on with me.' Gabby and Marcel split in May after she learned he had cheated on her while the duo were holidaying together in Mexico. The rapper previously confessed to the cruel betrayal, saying it's a decision he will 'regret forever'. Gabby and Marcel first met on the 2017 series of summer smash Love Island and quickly forged a romance. They finished in fourth place on the third series of the show. Felicity Jones showed off her vintage sense of style in a classic red floral midi dress on Thursday, as she attended an honorary BAFTA Los Angeles reception at the British Consul Generals Residence. The 35-year-old British actress looked effortlessly chic in the statement frock with a pretty white flower print, accessorised with brown strapped heels. It comes as Felicity is set to be honoured with this year's Variety Award at the British Independent Film Awards, after receiving much acclaim for her performance as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in On The Basis Of Sex. Sensational: Felicity Jones showed off her vintage sense of style in a classic red floral midi dress on Thursday, as she attended an honorary BAFTA Los Angeles reception Felicity had her trim figure on full display in the red figure covered in frills and matching pearl buttons, which only stood out more thanks to the white floral print. The Theory Of Everything star finished her simple outfit with the brown strapped heels, and her brunette tresses in light waves. Also out to support her was Felicity's husband Charles Guard, after the duo tied the knot in June of this year. Stylish: The 35-year-old British actress looked effortlessly chic in the statement frock with a pretty white flower print, accessorised with brown strapped heels Proud: Also out to support her was Felicity's husband Charles Guard, after the duo tied the knot in June of this year It was also recently confirmed that Felicity would be honoured with the Variety Award at The British Independent Film Awards, for putting an 'an 'international spotlight on the UK.' Speaking about the recognition, Felicity enthused: 'Its an incredible honour to receive this Award and, in doing so, to join such an illustrious and inspiring group of filmmakers and actors. 'To support the British film industry on the global stage is a huge privilege and something I feel very proud and lucky to be a part of,' she stated. Praised: It comes as Felicity was honoured with the reception for her recent acclaimed body of acting works, including On The Basis Of Sex Steven Gaydos, Varietys Vice President and Executive Editor, couldn't resist gushing over Felicity, stating: 'When actress Felicity Jones first appeared on your radar, you probably knew she was destined for greatness but you probably didnt know she would impact so forcefully on all sizes of screens in all kinds of projects.' On The Basis Of Sex will be released on December 25 in the US and hit UK screens on February 8. The rest of the BIFA 2018 nominations will be unveiled at the ceremony on Sunday 2nd December and will mark the awards' 21st anniversary. It's one of Germanys biggest and oldest celebrity awards show. And Liv Tyler looked every inch the leading lady as she attended the 2018 BAMBI awards ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on Friday night. The Lord of the Rings actress, 41, looked sensational for the star-studded event as she wore a black velvet peep hole front dress. Gorgeous: Liv Tyler looked every inch the leading lady as she attended the 2018 BAMBI awards ceremony in Berlin , Germany, on Friday night Liv's sensational choice of evening gown also featured crepe material detailing on the neckline and a daring slit at the front, she teamed it with a classic pair of black heels. Adding a splash of colour, the actress accessorised her look with jade green pendant earrings and a matching coloured wrist cuff. Liv, whose father is rocker Steven Tyler, oozed Hollywood glamour as she styled her brunette locks into a blow-dried hairdo, which was swept away from her face. She added a slick of red carpet ready make-up, which included a smokey eyeshadow and a subtle pink lipstick. Work it: The Lord of the Rings actress, 41, looked sensational for the star-studded event as she wore a black velvet peep hole front dress Glamorous: Adding a splash of colour, Liv accessorised her look with jade green pendant earrings and a matching coloured wrist cuff Also attending the star-studded event were the likes of Penelope Cruz and Dua Lipa On the personal front, Liv has been with her current partner, Dave Gardner, since 2014 and they have two children together. But back in the early 2000s rumours swirled that Liv Tyler and her Lord Of The Rings co-star Orlando Bloom were getting close on set. According to the actress, however, it was all gossip and they 'never, ever ever' dated. Star-studded: Also attending the star-studded event were the likes of Penelope Cruz (left) and Dua Lipa (right) Recently, Liv was making an appearance on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live!, when a fan called in to ask her about the rumours. 'No, never ever, ever,' responded the Empire Records star. He is one of my oldest friends. Obviously we grew up together and we're in Lord Of The Rings together, but no we never dated.' She added she was about 21-years-old at the time but felt so young. 'We all flirted,' admitted Steven Tyler's daughter. Smitten: On the personal front, Liv has been with her current partner, Dave Gardner, since 2014 and they have two children together But then added, 'I was with Royce then, my first husband, and madly in love with him, so I wasn't on the market.' Liv began dating her first husband Royce Langdon in 1998, and they became engaged in February of 2001 - filming for the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, began in October 1999. Liv and Royce had one child together, Milo, in 2004, but got divorced in 2008. The Strangers actress began dating Gardner in 2014, and though they are not married, the couple have two kids together, Lula, two, and Sailor, three. 'Kitten' inspired eyes: Keira Knightley and Lisa Eldridge Keira Knightley, left, and Lisa Eldridge, right. Lisa specialises in the celebrity kitten eye look Double take: Lisa specialises in the Celebrity Kitten Eye, using flicks of eyeliner at the outer corners, as well as heavy brows and red lipstick. She recently posted on Instagram a snap of Keira looking glamorous and, err, very much like her as she applied her make-up for a premiere. Lisa has said: Keira has gorgeous skin she is as divine [on film] as she is in real life. Who's the make-up magician? Lisa, 44, has come a long way since she worked on the Lancome counter in Harrods. Her big break came from doing Cindy Crawfords make-up in the Nineties. Since then, Eldridge has made her name as a make-up artist to many stars and as a YouTuber: 1.8 million have subscribed to her tutorials since she started uploading videos in 2009. This week, she announced shes finally launched her debut make-up range of just three limited-edition red lipsticks which emulate the texture of velvet. She is married to Robin Derrick, British Vogues creative director, and they live with their children in a converted piano warehouse in London. Other clients: Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall, Sophie Dahl, Vanessa Redgrave, Yasmin Le Bon, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Hurley, Victoria Beckham. Glossy and glowing: Meghan Markle and Grace Lee Meghan Markle, left, and Grace Lee, right. Cheek to cheek, the similarities take centre-stage Double Take: The day before Meghan Markle married Prince Harry back in May, Lee, her make-up artist in Toronto, posted a snap of herself with the soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex. Cheek to cheek, the similarities in their glowing complexions, glossy hair and dark eyeliner take centre stage. Simple, soft neutrals and that clever no-make-up make-up look seemingly bare, radiant skin, glossy lips and glowing cheeks, a la Meghan are Lees signature look. Taking to Instagram before the Royal Wedding, she wrote alongside the photo: Wishing this beauty the most magical day . . . and of course a lifetime of happiness and lots of babies! Who's the make-up magician? Canadian Lees beauty obsession began at the age of nine, when she discovered Maybellines Great Lash Mascara. While studying communications at York University in Toronto, she got a part-time job as a professional make-up artist in a MAC Cosmetics store. Then, in 2012, she became the official make-up artist for Maybelline NY in Canada. Other clients: Eva Longoria, Justin Timberlake, Anna Paquin, Jack White. Magic tricks of the trade: JK Rowling and Charlotte Tilbury J.K Rowling, left, and Charlotte Tilbury, right. She uses her 70 Magic Cream on Rowling to give her dewy skin Double take: When J. K. Rowling appeared on the red carpet at the premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald this week, even Harry Potter himself would have struggled to tell her apart from her make-up artist, Charlotte Tilbury. Especially since the authors hair is now the same shade of red. Tilbury, who shared on Instagram a picture of Rowling at the event, created the look entirely with her own range of products, including a lipstick that starts at 24. On Rowling, she uses her 70 Magic Cream to give her dewy skin, defines her brows with the 22.50 Brow Lift and uses the 49 Filmstar Bronze & Glow for sculpted features. Who's the make-up magician? Tilbury, 45, says she wants to make every woman the most beautiful version of themselves or, in Rowlings case, it would seem, a near mirror-image of herself. She has said of the author: I adore her, shes so beautiful. Hours after posting the picture of Rowling, Tilbury shared another snap this time of her receiving her MBE, with her film producer husband George Waud, who, she admits, has never seen her without make-up, and her parents, Lance and Patsy. When Tilbury was 11, her mother introduced her to Mary Greenwell, make-up artist to Princess Diana (see box, below), beginning her obsession with beauty. Since Tilbury launched her eponymous brand in the UK in 2013, its become one of the fastest-growing cosmetics labels in history. She lives in Notting Hill with Waud and her sons, Flynn and Valentine. Other clients: Amal Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss (who is also godmother to both Tilburys boys). Ladies in red (lipstick): Isla Fisher and Katey Denno Isla Fisher, left, and Katey Denno, right. They have similar red hair and a love of charitable causes Double take: They have similar red hair and a love of charitable causes. Denno is known for natural beauty, radiant skin and strong lips or eyes but rarely both. In May, she posted on Instagram a picture of Fisher having her make-up done luscious red lips and alluring lashes adding: The many faces of this tiny pretty ginger. Who's the make-up magician? She spent a decade as a social worker in the HIV clinics of New York and only started out in the beauty industry 13 years ago, after meeting a make-up artist at a dinner and being so intrigued that she retrained. But, whatever the colour of her make-up, it must be green. As a social worker, I was a big advocate of teaching clients the importance of knowing what you put into and onto your body. That translated into my work as a make-up artist, she says. Other clients: Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, Amanda Seyfried. Girl-next-door glamour: Katie Holmes and Bobbi Brown Katie Holmes, left, and Bobbi Brown, right. Bobbis brand is synonymous with natural beauty Double take: With their understated brunette locks and girl-next-door looks, theres a striking resemblance between actress Katie and her make-up guru, despite a 22-year age gap. Bobbis brand is synonymous with natural beauty and she has a reputation for fixing everyday problems, such as dark circles and sparse eyebrows. Who's the make-up magician? Chicago-born Brown is 61, but is still the ultimate poster girl for the everyday prettiness thats become her trademark. Bobbi was working as a freelance make-up artist when she launched her cosmetics brand in 1991, frustrated by the gaudy neon cosmetics that were fashionable at the time. Rather than plastering on make-up to hide imperfections, Brown prefers to use a light touch and pretty colours to enhance a womans best features. In 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge wore Bobbi Brown products on her wedding day, and, in 2013, Katie Holmes became the face of the brand. Brown lives in the U.S. with her husband, the attorney and property developer Steven Plofker. They have three grown-up sons. Other clients: Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Susan Sarandon, Claudia Schiffer. Natural beauties: Cate Blanchett and Mary Greenwell Cate Blanchett, left, and Mary Greenwell, right. She has described Cate as the kindest, most intelligent, most sincere person you could meet Double take: Yikes. Squint a little and you cant tell these two apart. Mary is all about making skin look flawless and eyes gorgeous, using lots of natural colours. She has described Cate as the kindest, most intelligent, most sincere person you could meet. Who's the make-up magician? At 18, Mary moved to LA and was basically a hippy, until a friend asked her to work on the make-up counter of a Fiorucci store. I was 23 and Id never worn make-up in my life, she says. But I agreed and they sent me to New York for training. She went on to work with the original supermodels and even persuaded Princess Diana to switch her trademark blue eyeliner for prettier beiges and browns. Mary recently did a series of online make-up tutorials for M&S and, though shes 59, could easily pass for a decade younger: the same age as Blanchett. Other clients: Uma Thurman, Kate Moss, Jessica Chastain, Cindy Crawford, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Advertisement Shayne Lynch has been crowned the winner of this year's Strictly Come Dancing Children In Need special. Dancing a sensational quickstep with partner Luba Mushtuk, the Irishman took to the floor alongside his Boyzone bandmates, as they celebrated 25 years performing together. This year's annual telethon proved to be a spectacular display with a special surprise for a Doctor Who superfan and EastEnders' annual musical medley also taking centre stage. He won! Shayne Lynch has been crowned the winner of this year's Strictly Come Dancing Children In Need special Shayne Lynch showed off his incredible dancing skills as he joined Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Michael Graham in training for a group routine. After a week of training with their respective female partners the boys all took the floor with an array of dance styles, before coming together to finish the number as a group. The judging panel were then left with the decision of who would receive the Pudsey glitterball trophy. Well done! Dancing a sensational quickstep with partner Luba Mushtuk, the Irishman took to the floor alongside his Boyzone bandmates, as they celebrated 25 years performing together Speaking about their respective dances, Shirley Ballas said: 'Keith you really got into at the beginning, very suave, a beautiful lift, well done Keith.' Bruno Tonioli added: 'Don't you think the boys got into the dance zone beautifully? I think so, but I have to say Shayne starting like a true leading man and then he was off like Lewis Hamilton, fast, very confident and a very nice quickstep.' And Craig Revel-Horwood, the judge usually known for his acid-tongued critiques, instead had some kind words following Michael's fusion routine, saying that he was 'fantastic.' Lavish: He was joined on the floor for alongside Michael Graham, who danced with Strictly regular Katya Jones, and Ronan Keating dancing with Gordana Grandosek Dramatic: Meanwhile Keith Duffy was partnered with Nadiya Bychkova for the routine Darcy - who was also revealed to be a Boyzone super-fan - added: I can't believe you're on the Strictly dancefloor, I have to point out Ronan and your American Smooth you were oozing style, very nice work.' It was then down to the judging panel to make the final decision of who would be crowned the winner, and they decided to awarded the trophy to Shayne and Luba. Lifting the prize he said: 'It's been an absolutely amazing week working with everybody, but it's all about the giving not about the trophy you know that!' Deciding: It was then down to the judging panel to make the final decision of who would be crowned the winner, and they decided to awarded the trophy to Shayne and Luba Angry: Shayne's victory comes after many fans were furious to discover that the winner of the charity special had been leaked online This year's annual TV special had no shortage of stars proved to be an epic display with an array of different sketches to encourage viewers to donate, as it remained to be seen whether they could beat last year's 50 million total. Many were seen making their arrival for the annual appeal night, including Call The Midwife's Jennifer Kirby and Helen George, Vogue Williams and her husband Spencer Matthews, TOWIE's James 'Arg' Argent, Michael Ball and Jamie Cullum. Marvin and Rochelle Humes also teamed up to host part of the show, alongside Tess Daly, Ade Adepitan, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc and Robb Beckett. Beaming: New parents Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews joined this year's array of stars who were in attendance for the grand telethon Beautiful: The Irish model dazzled in a sequinned jumper and floral frilled skirt, but added a casual twist in the form of black trainers Gorgeous: Many were seen making their arrival for the annual appeal night, including Call The Midwife's Jennifer Kirby and Helen George Mr and Mrs: Marvin and Rochelle Humes also teamed up once again to host part of the show, joining a star-studded lineup of presenters Pals: Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc were every inch the dynamic duo as they presented part of the show together, which opened with a sensation musical number featuring many of the BBC's stars Stylish: Tess Daly looked sensational in a black and silver jumpsuit as she kicked off Friday's telethon Friends: James Argent and Liam Gatsby were also spotted backstage ahead of the launch Star-studded: Ellie Harrison and Michael Ball were also in attendance for the appeal event, with the Countryfile presenter putting on a leggy display in a black and white star-printed dress Look who it is! Children's TV icons Dick and Dom put on a jovial display as they made a guest appearance at the telethon Legs for days: Georgia Toffolo showed off her amazing figure in a pretty gold leopard print velvet dress and black pointed toe heels Loved-up: Love Island couple Megan Barton-Hanson and Wes Nelson also made an apparance in the show, taking part in the game Who's Behind You? Girls out: Nadine Coyle (left) and Anne-Marie (right) also appeared at the live show The telethon saw all manner of special sketches, including one special surprise for a Doctor Who superfan in nine-year-old Anna, who has battled cystic fibrosis since birth and has to take 35 different medicines each day. For being so brave - and as such a massive Whovian - Anna was invited to visit the set in Cardiff by the Doctor herself Jodie Whittaker, and even earned her own version of the famous costume. Little Anna was close to speechless after meeting her idol in the touching moment, as she gushed how much she loved having a female role model in the Doctor. Big treat: The telethon saw all manner of special sketches, including one special surprise for a Doctor Who superfan in nine-year-old Anna Amazing: For being so brave - and as such a massive Whovian - Anna was invited to visit the set in Cardiff by the Doctor herself Jodie Whittaker Lovely: Little Anna was close to speechless after meeting her idol in the touching moment, as she gushed how much she loved having a female role model in the Doctor And no stranger to a sensational performance, the cast of EastEnders performed an amazing Disney-themed medley to celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday. While many were disappointed that Danny Dyer didn't show off his singing skills, the performance featured Beauty and the Beasts' Belle, Aladdin's A Whole New World and the Frozen hit Let It Go. Kat Moon's Jessie Wallace delivered a spell-binding version of the winter-centric hit, complete with a blue gown and her dark tresses in the signature side-braid. Jaw-dropping: And no stranger to a sensational performance, the cast of EastEnders performed an amazing Disney-themed medley to celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday Spell-binding: The performance featured Beauty and the Beasts' Belle, Aladdin's A Whole New World and the Frozen hit Let It Go Big hits: While many were disappointed that Danny Dyer did not show off his singing skills, we did see a hilarious reincarnation of the Genie played by Lorraine Stanley In a show which saw the children of this country take centre stage, Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne and Zoe Kravitz under the influence of some naughty bosses, who ordered them to complete hilarious tasks while wearing an earpiece during a live interview on The One Show. And Liam Payne also took to the stage to perform his hit single Polaroid with Jonas Blue and Lennon Stella, along with Jamie Cullum who sang this year's Children In Need single. Boyzone also took to the stage again, as they prepare to split from good next year after an anniversary tour. Funny: In a show which saw the children of this country take centre stage, Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne and Zoe Kravitz under the influence of some naughty bosses Cheeky: The film star duo were ordered to complete hilarious challenges while wearing an earpiece Big star: Liam Payne also took to the stage to perform his hit single Polaroid with Jonas Blue and Lennon Stella Vocal dream: Jamie Cullum delivered a stunning performance of this year's Children In Need single Songstress: Sheridan Smith also delivered an amazing performance in white as she took to the stage Among the array of celebrities who appeared at the event, many were there to take part in the hilarious game Who's Behind You? which pitted Marvin and Rochelle against fellow wedded couple Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews. Tasked with who and what was taking place behind their respective other, the results were hilarious as some of the scenes included Georgia Toffolo and James 'Arg' Argent having a pillow fight, and Love Island couple Megan and Wes enjoying a spot of hula hooping. The game ended up finishing in a draw as both couples were vastly successful in guessing what was behind them, and ended up sharing the trophy as they danced along to the baby shark song. Head-to-head: Among the array of celebrities who appeared at the event, many were there to take part in the hilarious game Who's Behind You? which pitted Marvin and Rochelle against fellow wedded couple Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews Entertaining: Among the array of stars behind the curtain were Georgia Toffolo and James 'Arg' Argent, who nearly knocked the blonde to the ground in a hilarious pillow fight Glamorous: Showing off her new silver tresses, Megan Barton Hanson joined beau Wes Nelson in a spot of hula-hooping And as an incredible night of fundraising when it came to the final total being revealed, many wondered whether last year's record-breaking total could be beaten. It turned out that that was the case, as the final figure was a staggering 50,595,093, up on last year's 50,168,562. Closing out the night, Marvin, Rochelle and Rob told viewers that they hoped to have done late founder Sir Terry Wogan proud with their hard work, after the DJ - who also presented the telethon for 30 years - passed away in 2016. Kathryn Boyd Brolin is thanking her lucky stars after learning her home was 'spared' by the fires raging through Southern California. The new mother and wife of Josh Brolin updated fans in an Instagram of her with infant daughter Westlyn overlooking the family's scenic Malibu property. 'We are so grateful. Our nest was spared by the fires, our babe is healthy and growing, and we had a calming safe haven to escape to while our neighborhood and community took a major hit,' the former personal assistant wrote. Thanking above: Kathryn Brolin, actor Josh Brolin's wife, shared a 'grateful' message with followers on Friday, announcing her home was 'spared' by the Southern California fires currently ravaging the area In the photo Kathryn's post-partum belly was on display while she held her little one in a sling. Her blonde appeared in naturally tousled waves. The adorable infant was already sporting a thick layer of black hair on her head. 'So incredibly proud to live where we do and see the way people came together to help one another when it meant the most,' Kathryn continued. 'This postpartum experience has been one for the books, completely new, different than anything I had expected, and Im able to see now more than ever what truly matters in the end. Just one week after giving birth to their first child, Westlyn, actor Josh Brolin and wife Kathryn Brolin were forced to evacuate their Malibu home due to the wildfires. Safe family: Kathryn Brolin reveals on Instagram that she, her husband Josh Brolin and one-week baby Westlyn had to evacuate due to the raging wildfires Newborn Brolin: Kathryn Brolin revealed exactly one week ago that her first child with husband Josh Brolin, Westlyn, was born Kathryn, 31, took to Instagram on Sunday, sharing a photo of little Westlyn sleeping on her, while Josh, 50, sleeps alongside her, while sharing a heartfelt message. 'The end of our first week with our little Westlyn was spent evacuating. We made a scary drive north to try and escape the traffic, declining air quality and of course, the reckless trajectory of the fires,' Kathryn said. 'Life looks so different when theres a baby attached to you' Kathryn added, before revealing they still don't know the fate of their own home. 'Were still north, waiting on pins and needles to hear any kind of update on our beloved home, but the unfortunate updates roll in with more and more news of friends having lost everything,' she said. 'Like so many others, were in a state of excruciating worry and a bit of shock,' Kathryn continued. Helpful Kathryn: 'We are working to get high-need items to children affected by the ongoing Camp Fire, Hill Fire & Woolsey Fire in California,' she began in one of her Instagram story posts 'So Ill keep referring to this photo of my little family, in its newest and purest state before the chaos began, in our cozy home that lays in the balance. So much love and prayers to my friends and neighbors who are hurting,' she concluded, with the hashtag #malibustrong. Like many others affected by the Woolsey Fire and other blazing wildfires in the area, Kathryn also took to her Instagram story to try and help those affected. 'We are working to get high-need items to children affected by the ongoing Camp Fire, Hill Fire & Woolsey Fire in California,' she began in one of her Instagram story posts. 'Help us put diapers, wipes, blankets and other essentials into the hands of these families who lost everything,' she continued. Helping hand: Kathryn also tagged @onelovemalibu in another Instagram story post, adding, 'You can help families who have lost homes in fires' She also added that those willing to help can purchase items from the Baby2Baby registry. Kathryn also tagged @onelovemalibu in another Instagram story post, adding, 'You can help families who have lost homes in fires.' She also captured another Instagram post that revealed Air BnB is, 'offering free stays until November 29 for anyone affected by the fires, including first responders.' Hometown heroes: Kathryn also revealed that she spoke with her neighbors, and their neighborhood, dubbed Paradise Cove, 'is completely fine and still standing because 10 members of our community stayed and protected our homes' Kathryn also revealed that she spoke with her neighbors, and their neighborhood, dubbed Paradise Cove, 'is completely fine and still standing because 10 members of our community stayed and protected our homes.' 'They got hoses and spent the whole night saving it. No fire trucks stopped. Hometown HEROS,' she said. Josh Brolin and Kathryn Brolin, the actor's former assistant and model, got married in September 2016. Bahrain is seen as an important ally of the United States, whose military base in the strategically located gulf state hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet The US Senate on Thursday rejected a long-shot effort to block $300 million in arms sales to Bahrain, as the bill's opponents stressed the island nation was a critical ally hosting an American naval base. The effort, led by Republican Senator Rand Paul, failed as the Senate voted 77 to 21 to table the measure, essentially killing it. Paul is a fervent critic of the war in Yemen. He said Bahrain is a member of the US-backed Saudi-led coalition waging the war, and that Congress ought to block the sales as a way to show its disapproval. "I'm only saying stop one sale of arms to send a message that we are done with the war in Yemen, that we are no longer going to sell weapons to countries that are fighting this war in Yemen, that the war must come to a close," Paul said in a floor speech. "Unfortunately, the Senate voted against taking a stand to help stop the loss of innocent life" in Yemen, Paul added in a post-vote tweet. Critics of the bill warned that punishment of Bahrain would be misplaced, especially as 7,800 US military personnel are deployed there on a base that hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, which helps protect US interests in the region. Bahrain is strategically located between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Senate Democrat Bob Menendez said he supported blocking a massive arms sale deal with Saudi Arabia, but not with Bahrain. "Its willingness to host our naval forces also places Bahrain at greater risk from attack from Iran and terrorist groups seeking to do harm to the United States," Menendez said. North Korea's official news agency released only one picture to accompany its report on the weapons test, one that gave few clues as to what kind of device was involved North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon", Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, a move seen by analysts as more of a political message than a serious provocation. It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began a delicate diplomatic process with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, quoting an unidentified government source, said the weapon could be a long-range cannon that the North has been developing for many years. "Kim Jong Un... visited the test ground of the Academy of Defence Science and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test," said the official Korean Central News Agency. It said the test was successful but did not specify the type of device involved. Pyongyang's suspension of testing for atomic weapons and ballistic missiles has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korea-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met at a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Hours after the KCNA report, the US State Department said it was "confident" the process remained on track. Kim Jong Un says the latest 'tactical weapon' test marks a 'decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity' of North Korea's military "At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and Chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearisation and creating a brighter future for North Korea," a statement said. "We are talking with the North Koreans about implementing all of those commitments. We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled." Progress since Singapore has stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the document's meaning. A return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. But analysts all but ruled out the North having broken its promise to suspend nuclear or missile launches while negotiations are underway with the US. There was no immediate indication any such test had been detected by the South. "We don't see it as a military provocation of any significance", a defence ministry official told journalists without saying what the device was. - 'Political message' - Shin Beom-chul, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, said the test was likely aimed at sending "a political message" to Washington about the current stalemate. "Generally, tests of new high-tech weapons are conducted in secret," Shin said. "But North Korea announced it publicly to show its frustration." North Korean reach KCNA released only one photograph to accompany its report, showing uniformed men taking notes as Kim talked. The background gave few clues to what kind of weapon was involved. Kim expressed "great satisfaction" and said the test marked a "decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capacity" of the North's military, KCNA said. The weapon had been developed over a long period and its "great success serves as another striking demonstration of the validity of the Party policy of prioritising defence science and technology and the rapidly developing defence capability", it added. The news, which came almost a year after Pyongyang's last test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, recalled the repeated announcements of 2017. Those included by far North Korea's most powerful nuclear blast to date and rockets that brought the whole of the US mainland into range. Soon afterwards Kim declared the development of his nuclear arsenal -- which Pyongyang has long said it needs to defend itself against a possible invasion by the US -- complete. Trump and Kim met in a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula The Winter Olympics in the South then triggered a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the peninsula, heralding the Singapore meeting and three summits between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. A second encounter between Kim and Trump is expected in the new year. But Pyongyang is demanding sanctions imposed against it over its weapons programmes are eased and has condemned US demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". Washington insists the measures should stay in place until the North's "final, fully verified" denuclearisation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul told AFP the test was "a signal to the US sent ahead of the high-level talks that its own patience is also wearing thin". Demonstraters protest against violence against women during a march in El Salvador in 2010 -- last year, the country topped all others in the region for the highest rate of murders of women El Salvador has earned a grim distinction: it is the country with the highest rate of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2017, with more than 10 killings for every 100,000 women. Across the region, at least 2,795 women aged 15 and older were murdered last year due to their gender, the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Thursday. In absolute terms, Brazil had the most murders of women with 1,133, but given El Salvador's much smaller population, its rate easily outpaced that seen in other countries. Femicide "has a scope in El Salvador that is seen nowhere else in the region," the organization said as it released the report from its Gender Equality Observatory. Even though 18 Latin American countries -- including Brazil and El Salvador -- have changed their laws to make killing women a crime, the situation continues unabated. "Femicide is the most extreme expression of violence against women," said ECLAC's executive secretary, Alicia Barcena. "Neither the criminal classification of this offense nor the efforts to make it statistically visible have been enough to eradicate this scourge that alarms and horrifies us on a daily basis." Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia have also seen high rates of murders of women of at least two per 100,000. In the region, only Panama, Peru and Venezuela had rates under one murder for every 100,000 women. ECLAC called on leaders to "consider women's diversity and the varied ways in which violence against them is manifested," as crimes against women also usually have economic, age, racial and cultural components. Head of the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, pictured centre, was among the top Libyan invitees Italy's Libya talks this week laid bare deep divisions between the key power brokers, threatening attempts to resolve the country's ongoing crisis, analysts say. Two days of meetings in the Sicilian capital Palermo saw some delegates refuse to sit side by side, while a meeting held on the sidelines sparked a diplomatic spat. "The dynamics between the four Libyan delegations attending the Palermo conference regrettably show that the rifts are still very deep," said Claudia Gazzini, a Libya analyst at International Crisis Group. Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar showed up, only to snub the main conference and organise separate talks with international leaders. Heads of State, ministers and special envoys attended two days of talks on Libya in the Sicilian capital Palermo Such a move was "a slap in the face to the Libyan politicians at the conference", said Gazzini. Haftar, whose self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) holds much of eastern Libya, held a meeting with representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, France and Russia. One of his main rivals, UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, also attended the "informal talks", but Qatar and Turkey were not invited. Their exclusion prompted Ankara to pull out of the main conference in protest. LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari later accused Turkey and Qatar of travelling to Palermo "to protect the interests of the terrorist groups which they are supporting in Libya". Khaled Saleh el-Kuafi, a professor at the University of Benghazi, said the outcome "illustrated the extent of the crisis, the divisions in Libya and the fragility of the situation". Haftar "succeeded in being the star of the conference" by refusing to meet some of his rivals and sidelining Turkey and Qatar," he added. - Rivalry within Europe - The Palermo talks followed a Paris meeting at which Libyan leaders agreed to prepare for elections this December. Such a timeline was widely viewed as unrealistic, however, and preparations for polls have now been pushed back to 2019. For Khaled al-Montasser, a professor at the University of Tripoli, international meetings cannot succeed "while the international parties are putting the Libyans under pressure and while they put forward solutions to the crisis which suit themselves and them alone". It should be up to the Libyans, he said, to "agree on the subjects that they must discuss". But, as Montasser noted, the Libyan leaders themselves are "not ready to accept each other and to tolerate differences of opinion". Weeks of clashes in September between rival militias in the capital Tripoli killed at least 117 people and wounded more than 400 Just as in May, the top Libyan invitees to Palermo were Haftar, Sarraj, who heads the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, the eastern parliament's speaker Aguila Salah and Khaled al-Mechri, speaker of a Tripoli-based upper chamber. But the Italy talks were not really focused on improving relations between the rivals, according to Libyan analyst Emad Badi. It was instead "an attempt by Italy to both react to the French initiative and to reposition itself as a power broker", he said. Despite the conference being viewed as a failure by numerous analysts, some have underlined the importance of meetings organised by the United Nations a few hours before the formal talks opened. Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar showed up, only to snub the main conference and organise separate talks with international leaders Those discussions focused on economic and security issues in Libya, where residents have seen their currency's value plummet and endured years of violence. Weeks of clashes in September between rival militias in the capital Tripoli killed at least 117 people and wounded more than 400, prompting Sarraj's government to introduce reforms. The UN's Libya envoy, Ghassan Salame, this week welcomed the participants' backing for the new measures and their "unanimous support" for a national conference early next year. The 2019 talks are intended to give Libyans a chance to spell out their vision for the future, with elections slated for a few months later. However, "numerous Libyans are still not certain of the format and aims of that conference," said Crisis Group's Gazzini. China's President Xi Jinping will attempt to woo Pacific island allies in Port Moresby ahead of the APEC summit Chinese leader Xi Jinping will sit down with seven Pacific island allies Friday, doling out attention and perhaps some largesse in the hope of convincing more nations to drop recognition of Taiwan. While countries have vied for resource contracts and influence along vital Pacific shipping routes, the region has also become a frontline in the diplomatic war between Beijing and Taipei, which is struggling to retain support amid China's dramatic economic rise. "Xi is not going to show up empty handed" when he meets leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu in Port Moresby on Friday, said Jonathan Pryke of Australia's Lowy Institute. "Almost a full third of Taiwan's remaining support base is in the Pacific islands region. Chequebook diplomacy is alive and well in this part of the world." For small countries, it has become more and more costly to forego relations with China, the world's second-largest economy -- a fact Beijing has been keen to exploit. "China has been much more aggressive in picking off Taiwan's support base," said Pryke. Some Latin American countries have switched sides in recent years. El Salvador's leader recently received a hero's welcome in Beijing -- complete with red carpets and military band -- after his country decided to switch recognition. Taiwan's dwindling support base means it has less leverage to join multilateral organisations and less support inside the ones it has already joined when Beijing decides to turn the screw. Only 17 countries remain in Taiwan's diplomatic circle as the self-ruling democratic island struggles to fend off Beijing's growing influence around the globe. Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are among those that recognise Taiwan. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold. The dam is expected to reach a height of 335 metres (1,099 feet) in a decade, becoming the world's tallest hydro-electric dam Tajikistan on Friday inaugurates a $3.9 billion hydro-electric power plant, a mega project that will enable the impoverished country to eliminate domestic energy shortages and export electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Built on the Vakhsh River in southern Tajikistan, the plant championed by President Emomali Rakhmon is expected to reach a height of 335 metres (1,099 feet) in a decade, becoming the world's tallest hydro-electric dam. The first of six turbines in the Rogun hydroelectric dam goes online on Friday, with the power plant expected to reach capacity of 3,600 megawatts -- the equivalent of three nuclear power plants -- when completed. At present, Rogun still resembles a vast construction site, with rocky earth covering the territory from which the powerful Vakhsh flowing through the Pamir mountains was diverted. Rogun still resembles a vast construction site, with rocky earth covering the territory from which the powerful Vakhsh flowing through the Pamir mountains was diverted In 2016, Rakhmon, who is a former collective farm boss, climbed into a bulldozer at a groundbreaking for the dam, in a sign of the president's personal attachment to the project. It will double energy production in the country of nearly nine million people, alleviating a long-lasting, debilitating national energy deficit. Surplus energy will be sold to neighbours such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Plans to build a dam in southern Tajikistan date back to the Soviet era, but the project was scaled up following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 2017, Tajikistan raised $500 million from an inaugural international bond to help finance the construction. Authorities hope that once the dam goes online it will generate money to finance further construction. - 'National consolidation' - Observers say the project is hugely significant for a country that lost tens of thousands of people in a civil war in the 1990s when rebel groups including Islamists rose up against the government. Authorities hope that once the dam goes online it will generate money to finance further construction Rogun has become "a concept for national consolidation," political analyst Abdugani Mamadazimov told AFP. There have been calls by public figures to rename the dam after Rakhmon. Saidjafar Usmonzoda, chairman of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan which is represented in parliament, told AFP such a tribute would only be fitting given Rakhmon's "heroic accomplishment" making Rogun a reality. If it ever reaches the planned height of 335 metres, the dam will be 30 metres taller than the recently-built Jinping-I Dam in China and 35 metres taller than Tajikistan's own Soviet-era Nurek dam, also on the Vakhsh River. The project overseen by the Italian company Salini Impregilo has a number of risks. Geopolitical tensions surrounding the project have, for the moment, subsided in a region that suffers from water scarcity Observers warn that the Tajik authorities do not appear to concern themselves with the environmental sensitivities of Rogun, given Rakhmon's close involvement. Rogun is located "in a highly seismic area, and several geological studies have warned about the risks of building such a large dam in this setting," Filippo Menga, a lecturer in human geography at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told AFP. Geopolitical tensions surrounding the project have, for the moment, subsided in a region that suffers from water scarcity. Uzbekistan's late leader Islam Karimov once hinted that his downstream agriculture-dependent country might go to war over Rogun and a similar project in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. But Uzbek opposition to the dam has evaporated since Karimov's death in 2016 and in an incredible turnaround, the 32 million population could become one of Rogun's early clients. The dam will double energy production in the country of nearly nine million people Speaking ahead of the launch, deputy head engineer Sukhrob Ochilov summed up the celebratory mood surrounding the keystone project. "I have been waiting for this moment," he said. "Rogun coming online means the construction of new factories, economic progress and jobs for our people." Iron ore is stored at BHP's Port Hedland facility in Western Australia before export Brake failure was Friday blamed for a runaway train laden with iron ore that sped through the Australian outback for almost an hour and had to be derailed remotely by mining giant BHP. The train moved off on its own after the driver got out to make an inspection, travelling at speeds of up to 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour towards the town of Port Hedland in Western Australia's Pilbara in early November. Following a preliminary internal investigation, BHP said the train initially stopped due to a disconnected cable controlling the braking system, but then started moving as the emergency brake was not engaged. At the same time, the braking system that halted the 268-wagon train "automatically released after one hour while the driver was still outside", Western Australia Iron Ore asset president Edgar Basto said in a statement. Basto did not say why the emergency brake was not engaged. BHP, which owns the four-locomotive train, derailed the train before it reached Port Hedland, causing the carriages to crash off the rails, damaging around 1.5 kilometres (a mile) of track but hurting no one. Aerial images published by The West Australian showed a trail of twisted wreckage after the incident, with some wagons covered by their loads. "As a result of these initial findings, we put in place a range of safety controls," Basto said, adding that the world's largest miner had since restarted rail operations. "Regulatory investigations are ongoing and we are working with regulators to learn from this incident. Our focus remains on the safety of our people and our operations." Australia is one of the world's major sources of iron ore. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is also investigating the incident. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was only able to take his place after he entered the assembly ringed by police officers and parliamentary staff Sri Lanka's political crisis escalated Friday with the sacked prime minister demanding his job back shortly after passing another no-confidence motion against his controversial successor amid unprecedented rioting in parliament. The Indian Ocean nation has been paralysed since October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as premier and replaced him with former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse. With a second no-trust vote against Rajapakse Friday despite raucous scenes that involved his supporters throwing chilli powder at their opponents, Wickremesinghe demanded the restoration of status quo prior to October 26. "Let the status quo come back," Wickremesinghe told Colombo-based foreign correspondents at his Temple Trees residence where he remained holed up after refusing to accept his sacking three weeks ago. "The country needs stability. That is the main issue." He said he was also ready to work with Sirisena despite their bitter personality clash that triggered the unprecedented constitutional crisis last month. There was no immediate comment from Sirisena. -Speaker attacked- On Friday speaker Karu Jayasuriya was blocked from taking his chair for almost an hour by a group of legislators backing Rajapakse. Finally, Jayasuriya entered the red-carpeted chamber protected by dozens of unarmed officers and parliamentary staff. Rioting MPs took away the ornate ceremonial chair, but staff carried in an ordinary office chair as a makeshift replacement. However, rioters grabbed that chair too, breaking it into pieces that were then used as projectiles to attack rivals and police. A former parliament staffer said Friday's scenes were never seen before. "We haven't had a situation where the speaker was prevented from entering the chamber," former sergeant-at-arms Wijaya Palliyaguruge told AFP. "This is also the first time that the speaker had to come in with police protection." The British High Commissioner (ambassador) James Dauris echoed international concern over violence in Sri Lankas parliament, a legacy from British colonial rule that ended in 1948. "Sri Lankans have again seen deplorable behaviour by some MPs, unbecoming of them and of their noble institution," Dauris said on Twitter. "No parliament can perform its role when its own members stop it from doing so." - No confidence - Standing in a corner with a human shield of khaki-clad constables, the speaker, in his usual black and gold robes, used a wireless microphone to take a voice vote on a revised no-confidence motion against Rajapakse. Rajapakse lost a similar vote on Wednesday, but refused to step down saying that vote was not taken properly. His party had acknowledged that they did not command a majority in the 225-member assembly despite attempts to engineer defections. President Sirisena, who has the power to appoint a new prime minister, told political parties representing a majority of legislators on Thursday night to submit an amended motion to confirm the toppling of Rajapakse. On Thursday MPs moved another resolution against Rajapakse, this time to reject his call for snap elections. That vote could not go ahead after parliament descended into chaos, as punches and projectiles flew. Rajapakse himself stayed away from the rioting and walked out of the chamber after the no-trust motion was passed against him. A Rajapakse loyalist was seen throwing chilli powder at rival legislators and police. At least 11 constables and several legislators were taken to the parliament's medical centre for first aid. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a legislator from Wickremesinghe's party, said he was among those treated after chilli mixed with water was thrown at his face. Leftist lawmaker Vijitha Herath said he suffered a forehead injury when a rival hit him with a hard-cover copy of the constitution that was on the speaker's table. "I was also attacked with chilli water," Herath said. "Usually, chilli powder or water is the favourite weapon of bank robbers and gangsters." Another legislator Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he saw a Rajapakse supporter assaulting a parliament employee guarding the speaker's chamber. Rajapakse's spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella denied they attacked police or staff, but blamed the speaker for the chaos. No caption The United States on Friday donated military vehicles and boats worth $1.3 million to Chad as part of a campaign against Islamist militancy in the country. Chad is one of several West African states engaged in Western-backed operations against Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State in a region where militants have gained a foothold. US officials donated six boats and six trucks to Chad's military brigade operating in the Lake Chad basin, Richard K. Bell, US embassy charge d'affairs, said. A group of 13 Chadian soldiers are in training in the United States, Bell said at a ceremony in the Chadian capital N'Djamena. "The threat from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa is centred mostly in the waters and rivers of the Chad basin and the northeast of Nigeria," Samantha Reho, a spokeswoman for AFRICOM, the US military's command in Africa. The most recent attack by Boko Haram in Chad was last month when eight soldiers were killed. Chad is a member of the G5 Sahel military group, a French-backed scheme conceived in 2015 to roll back jihadism and lawlessness in five states on the Sahara's southern rim. Bringing together Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, it aims to become a 5,000-man joint force to restore authority in areas grappling with jihadists and brutal gangs. The US donation to Chad marks an improvement in relations after a crisis in 2017 when the Trump administration put Chad on a blacklist of countries failing to share security information. Chad was taken off the list in April after then US State of State Rex Tillerson visited N'Djamena and said the country remained an "important partner" in the fight against jihadists. Members of the Yemeni pro-government forces are pictured on the eastern outskirts of the port city of Hodeida The UN envoy for Yemen said Friday he intends to convene peace talks "shortly" in Sweden in a bid to end a war that has driven millions to the brink of famine. The Saudi-backed government and the Huthi rebels have shown a "renewed commitment" to work on a political solution and have given "firm assurances" that they will attend the talks, Martin Griffiths told the Security Council. "With this in mind, I intend to reconvene the parties shortly and to do so in Sweden," he said. "I believe we are close to resolving issues to make this happen." The Saudi-led coalition has agreed to "logistical arrangements" to pave the way for talks including medical evacuations out of rebel-held Sanaa, he added. Griffiths announced he was close to reaching a deal on an exchange of prisoners and detainees, in a further sign that confidence-building measures were being taken ahead of planned talks. "This is a crucial moment for Yemen," he said, warning that a flareup of fighting on the ground could derail the peace effort. No date for the talks was announced. The United Nations had announced talks in Geneva in September that never materialized after the Huthis put forward last-minute demands. Griffiths plans to travel to the rebel-held capital of Sanaa next week to finalize arrangements and offered to travel with the Huthi delegation to Sweden "if that's what is needed." - Half the population at risk of famine - The United States and other western powers have called for a ceasefire and talks on ending the war, which has unleashed the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Eight million people are affected by severe food shortages, according to UN officials, who warn that up to 14 million - or half of Yemen's population - are at risk of famine. Back from a visit to Yemen, the head of the UN World Food Programme warned Friday that Yemen faces a full-blown famine in about six months because of the economic collapse from the war. "This is not on the brink of catastrophe, this is a catastrophe," David Beasley told reporters. The Saudi-led coalition has been waging a war in Yemen since March 2015 to push back the Iran-backed Huthis and restore to power Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognized by the United Nations. As pressure mounted on the warring sides, Yemeni pro-government forces have suspended an offensive on Hodeida, a major entry point for humanitarian aid and vital goods to Yemen. The UN envoy said he will travel to Hodeida next week to discuss plans for the United Nations to take over control of the port and oversee the arrival of aid deliveries and supplies. This would address concerns from the coalition that the weapons are being smuggled into Yemen for the Huthis through the port. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - As Sri Lanka's president met with opposition lawmakers over a no-confidence vote against his newly appointed prime minister, thousands rallied in support of the prime minister he ousted, burning coffins representing what they called the death of democracy in the Indian Ocean nation. Earlier Thursday, rival lawmakers exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament after disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by a voice vote. That happened Wednesday when lawmakers convened for the first time since a political crisis began Oct. 26 with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's ouster. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya told the chamber that the country had no government and there was no prime minister. Rajapaksa disagreed, saying "a vote should have been taken. Such important motions should not be passed by a voice vote." He accused the speaker of partiality toward his party, the United National Party, led by Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa also repeated his call for new elections, suggesting that it was the best way to resolve the crisis. The brawl erupted after the opposition asked for a vote on Rajapaksa's statement, with some lawmakers supporting him gathering in the middle of the house while others rushed Jayasuriya, tussling for his microphone. In this image made from video, Sri Lanka's lawmakers scuffle at the parliament in Colombo, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Rival lawmakers have exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament as the disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. (AP Photo) Rajapaksa ally Dilum Amunugama was taken to a hospital with injuries to his hand incurred while trying to take the microphone from the speaker's table. Several dozen lawmakers in white robes in the 225-member house engaged in the melee, some throwing water bottles, pitching trash cans and landing kicks. Those opposed to Rajapaksa surrounded Jayasuriya to protect him. The commotion went on for about half an hour before Jayasuriya adjourned the house. "The speaker was under complete siege, he came very close to being physically assaulted by MPs supporting Rajapaksa," said Chandani Kirinde, a senior correspondent of the Sunday Times, a weekly paper in Sri Lanka. "While clashes have happened in the house, this is probably the first time the speaker came under so much intimidation and abuse." Similarly on Wednesday, Jayasuriya took a voice vote on the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa after the chamber descended into chaos. Hours after the parliamentary clashes, President Maithripala Sirisena held an emergency meeting with the leaders of the opposition parties that voted for the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa. Sirisena asked that Parliament take up the no-confidence motion again, striking the part that decried Wickremesinghe's ouster and Rajapaksa's appointment as unconstitutional and allow it to be debated and a roll call vote to be taken. Sri Lanka has been in crisis since Oct. 26, when Sirisena suddenly fired Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa, a former president, is considered a hero by some in the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending a long civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil Tiger rebels. However, his time in power was marred by allegations of wartime atrocities, corruption and nepotism. Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe and another Cabinet member of plotting to assassinate him, a charge Wickremesinghe has repeatedly denied. Sirisena also had suspended Parliament, apparently to allow Rajapaksa time to gather support among lawmakers. But Wickremesinghe insisted his firing was unconstitutional. He refused to vacate his official residence and demanded that Parliament be summoned to prove he still has support. The Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended Sirisena's order to dissolve Parliament and hold new elections next month. The political turmoil in Sri Lanka has drawn statements of concern from Western governments since Sirisena ousted Wickremesinghe. The United States said Thursday that it was closely following developments and urged all parties "to adhere to the rule of law." "There is much at stake, and a prolonged crisis will jeopardize Sri Lanka's democracy, economic progress and international reputation," the State Department said. ___ Associated Press writer Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed to this report. Supporters of the United National Party (UNP) and ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe protest against the government of disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Sri Lanka has been in a crisis since Oct. 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly fired Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Sirisena had also suspended Parliament, apparently to allow Rajapaksa time to gather support among lawmakers. But Wickremesinghe insisted his firing was unconstitutional. He refused to vacate his official residence and demanded that Parliament be summoned to prove he still has support. (AP Photo/Rukmal Gamage) Supporters of the United National Party (UNP) and ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe burn coffins to represent the death of democracy during a protest against the government of disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Sri Lanka has been in a crisis since Oct. 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly fired Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Sirisena had also suspended Parliament, apparently to allow Rajapaksa time to gather support among lawmakers. (AP Photo/Rukmal Gamage) In this image made from video, Sri Lanka's lawmakers scuffle at the parliament in Colombo, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Rival lawmakers have exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament as the disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. (AP Photo) Sri Lankan disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaks at the parliament chamber in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Rival lawmakers exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament on Thursday as disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) Sri Lankan Lawmakers surround speaker Karu Jayasuriya during a session at the parliament chamber in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Rival lawmakers exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament on Thursday as disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) Sri Lankan Lawmaker Dilum Amunugama is helped by colleagues after he sustained an injury during a fight in the parliament chamber in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Rival lawmakers exchanged blows in Sri Lanka's Parliament on Thursday as disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the speaker had no authority to remove him from office by voice vote. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) LONDON (AP) - The Latest on Britain's departure from the European Union (all times local): 5:30 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May says if politicians reject her Brexit deal, it will set the country on "a path of deep and grave uncertainty." Defiant in the face of mounting criticism, May said Thursday she believed "with every fiber of my being" that the deal her government struck with the European Union was the right one. Two Cabinet ministers have resigned in the 24 hours since the government backed the deal announced Tuesday. An increasing number of lawmakers from May's Conservative Party are calling for a no-confidence vote on the prime minister. She told reporters she isn't planning to give up and would resist a leadership challenge, saying "Am I going to see this through? Yes." Anti-Brexit supporter Steve Bray from south Wales, runs after a car carrying former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Thursday Nov. 15, 2018. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. the Houses of Parliament in London, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham) ___ 3:20 p.m. Businesses and trade groups have given tentative approval to the draft Brexit deal while also calling for more details, highlighting lingering questions about the final agreement. It's a "positive step," said Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a U.K. auto industry trade group. However, he added that businesses still seek "certainty and ambition when it comes to securing a competitive future." Airbus CEO Tom Enders said the draft agreement "is a welcome first step forwards but there clearly remains much work to do." The European plane maker said in June it would have to reassess its long-term plans for Britain if there were no Brexit deal. "We look forward to further clarity and the removal of uncertainty as soon as possible so that Airbus, like every business in the U.K., can properly plan for the future," Enders said in a statement. ___ 1:55 p.m. A leader of the pro-Brexit faction in Britain's Conservative Party has confirmed that he's filed a letter of no-confidence in British Prime Minister Theresa May and that he thinks former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson would be a strong candidate to replace her. Speaking outside Parliament, Jacob Rees-Mogg said he expected enough letters to be sent to the committee that oversees Conservative leadership elections to trigger a challenge to May's leadership. Under party rules, a no-confidence vote takes place if 15 percent of Conservative lawmakers write to the 1922 Committee asking for one. That number stands at 48. Rees-Mogg's letter is likely to spur others to do the same, especially from the European Research Group of Brexit-supporting backbenchers that he leads. Rees-Mogg identified former Johnson and former Brexit Secretary David Davis as potential leaders, among others. He said a leadership contest could take place in weeks. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. ___ 1:35 p.m. Authorities in Gibraltar are welcoming the draft Brexit deal between Britain and the European Union, saying it makes no concessions to Spain's claims on the tiny outcrop at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said in a statement that the agreement "contains absolutely no concessions on sovereignty, jurisdiction or control." He adds that there are "no issues of bilateralism that can cause any concern." Voters in Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union in the U.K.'s Brexit referendum in June 2016. Local people were worried that Brexit could force closure of the border with Spain, preventing some 10,000 workers crossing each day. The draft Brexit agreement establishes a series of joint Spanish-British committees to consult and exchange information on issues such as workers' rights, taxation and policing. ___ 1:20 p.m. A pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers says one of its leaders, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is formally calling for a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May. The European Research Group of Brexit-supporting backbenchers says Rees-Mogg is sending a letter to the committee that oversees Conservative leadership elections. Under party rules, a no-confidence vote is triggered if 15 percent of Conservative lawmakers writes to the 1922 Committee asking for one. That number stands at 48, but only committee chief Graham Brady knows how many have been sent. When Rees-Mogg sends a letter, others are expected to follow. The Brexit-backers oppose the draft divorce deal May has struck with the European Union because it does not deliver the clean break with the bloc that they want to see. ___ 1 p.m. Cyprus' president says he's certain the Brexit agreement between Britain and the European Union safeguards the legal rights of all Cypriot and other Europeans living and working inside two sovereign British military bases on the east Mediterranean island nation. President Nicos Anastasiades also said the draft Brexit deal protects the rights of the Cyprus Republic because EU law will continue to apply on bases territory. Anastasiades said Cyprus wants to strengthen the already close historic, economic and social bonds it has with Britain. Some 11,000 Cypriots are estimated to live and work inside two military bases that Britain retained after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Anastasiades said the draft Brexit deal includes a section on the British Bases that was the product of negotiations between the Cyprus, the EU and the UK. ___ 12:35 p.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she's happy that negotiators were able to come to agreement on a draft Brexit deal. Speaking at an event in Potsdam, Merkel told reporters that it is now up to the British Parliament and the parliaments of the 27 remaining EU member nations to analyze the deal. She says "I am very happy it was possible to come up with a proposal after long, and not easy, negotiations." Merkel did not comment on the resignations in the British government following the deal. On Thursday, a swathe of ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, quit their posts in protest at the deal May secured with the EU. ___ 11:45 a.m. The top Brexit official at the European Parliament has welcomed the draft Brexit deal with Britain as "the best agreement we could obtain." Guy Verhofstadt, who leads the Brexit steering committee, said that, under the draft withdrawal agreement, disruptions will be kept to a minimum, and that there will be no "hard border" between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. He also said the deal protects the rights of citizens currently residing in each other's nations and is a good basis for future relations between the EU and Britain. The European Parliament must approve any deal and Verhofstadt predicted that could be done at the start of next year, well in time of the March 29, 2019 exit. ___ 11:40 a.m. A leader of the pro-Brexit faction in Britain's Conservative Party has threatened to call for a no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Theresa May. Jacob Rees-Mogg said in Parliament that the draft Brexit deal did not live up to promises May had made. He asked rhetorically, "should I not write" to Graham Brady, who heads a committee governing Conservative leadership contests. A letter from Rees-Mogg would likely be followed by others from pro-Brexit lawmakers. Under Conservative rules, a confidence vote in the leader is triggered if 15 percent of Conservative lawmakers - currently 48 - write a letter to Brady, head of the party's so-called 1922 Committee of backbenchers. If May lost a vote of the 315 Conservative lawmakers, she would be replaced. If she won, she would be safe from challenge for a year. ___ 11:35 a.m. Londoners are expressing skepticism over the Brexit deal that has been secured by Prime Minister Theresa May but that has already led to a swathe of resignations from her government. The resignations, which have included Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, make it even more difficult for May to get her deal through Parliament. Even before the resignations, Patrick Bolster, who works in Westminster, the seat of government, said the "parliamentary arithmetic looks very tricky indeed, so it's very hard to call." And Robert Voykovic, a 54-year-old civil servant, said that "it (the vote) still remains to be seen whether it will go ahead as planned. "I have a sneaking suspicion that we might be headed for a second referendum or a general election at some point." ___ 11:30 a.m. The Northern Ireland party that props up Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government has condemned her draft Brexit deal, saying it could lead to the breakup of the U.K. May has relied on the Democratic Unionist Party's 10 lawmakers to win votes since she lost her parliamentary majority in 2017. But the party opposes proposals in the Brexit deal to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. The DUP says the plans would treat Northern Ireland different to the rest of the U.K. in trade terms with the EU, weakening the bonds that hold the U.K. together. The DUP leader in Parliament, Nigel Dodds, said the "choice is now clear: we stand up for the United Kingdom, the whole of the United Kingdom, the integrity of the United Kingdom, or we vote for a vassal state with the breakup of the United Kingdom, that is the choice." ___ 11:10 a.m. Romania's government says the deal Britain struck to leave the European Union will provide security for hundreds of thousands of Romanians living in the country. The foreign ministry welcomed the deal which "guarantees the protection of the rights," of Romanians in Britain who'll be able to keep on working, living and studying there after Dec. 2020 when Britain is set to leave the European single market that guarantees the free movement of anyone in the EU. In a statement sent to The Associated Press, the ministry said the deal "limits the negative consequences" of Brexit for business and foreigners living in Britain. Romanian officials estimate about half a million Romanians live in Britain, although just 190,000 are officially registered there. ___ 10:55 a.m. British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn says Prime Minister Theresa May must withdraw her "half-baked" Brexit deal with the European Union or Parliament will reject it. Labour Party leader Corbyn says Parliament "cannot and will not accept a false choice between this deal and no deal." May is fighting to keep the divorce agreement with the EU alive. It has drawn strong opposition from pro-Brexit members of her Conservative Party, and several government ministers have resigned to oppose the deal. Corbyn signaled that Labour would also oppose it if it comes to a vote in Parliament. ___ 10:45 a.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May is defending her besieged divorce deal with the European Union, saying she has taken "the right choices, not the easy ones." May is addressing Parliament after a flurry of resignations from her government by ministers opposed to the deal. The departures - including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab - have undermined May's authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. She told lawmakers that they would get a vote on the deal before the U.K. leaves the bloc, and she would ask them to back it "in the national interest." ___ 10:30 a.m. More ministers have quit the British government, piling pressure on embattled Prime Minister Theresa May. Junior Brexit Minister Suella Braverman and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a junior education minister, have quit. They follow Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey. All are staunch supporters of Brexit and say the deal agreed between Britain and the bloc does not deliver the firm break with the EU that voters chose in a 2016 referendum. May says the deal honors the referendum result while also maintaining close ties with the EU, Britain's main trading partner. But her ability to get it through Parliament - and to remain as prime minister - are now in doubt. ___ 10:10 a.m. A second British Cabinet minister has resigned in protest at Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed Brexit deal with the European Union. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey quit, saying the deal "does not honor the result of the referendum" in which Britain voted to leave the EU. She resigned an hour after Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab also quit, saying he could not "in good conscience" support the deal. The resignations leave May's Brexit deal, and her leadership of the Conservative Party, in peril. ___ 9:15 a.m. The pound has fallen sharply after Britain's Brexit minister resigned from the government, saying he did not agree with the deal the country had struck with the European Union over the terms of its departure next March. The currency dropped 1 percent, a relatively large decline for an established currency, to $1.2870 within minutes of a tweet by Dominic Raab saying he "cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU." Prime Minister Theresa May faces a political backlash over the deal, which is considered insufficient by Brexit backers as well as those who wanted to remain in the EU. Parliament needs to approve the deal and it is unclear whether May has the numbers to push it through. May, who had persuaded a majority of her cabinet to back the deal, is addressing lawmakers Thursday morning. ___ 9:05 a.m. Britain's Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has resigned, saying he "cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU." The resignation is a big blow to Prime Minister Theresa May, who is due to address lawmakers later this morning on the draft Brexit deal. She is already facing an uphill struggle to convince enough lawmakers in Parliament to accept the agreement with the European Union. May made some major concessions to the EU to achieve the deal: Britain, for example, will remain tied to the European Union's customs union during the transition period and potentially for much longer. Raab said the agreement was unacceptable, and that "no democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime." ___ 8:35 a.m. British lawmakers are struggling to summon much enthusiasm for the proposed Brexit plan that Prime Minister Theresa May has agreed with the European Union, with the opposition Labour Party signaling it will vote against. The opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer told the "Good Morning Britain" television program that the deal was a "miserable failure of negotiation," signaling that May is unlikely to be able to count on the main opposition to make up for those from her own Conservative Party who look set to vote against. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC's Radio 4 that lawmakers should back the draft divorce agreement because the alternatives were "ugly." "Ultimately this allows us to take back control," he said. ___ 8:25 a.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May will start on a campaign to sell a Brexit deal agreed with the European Union to Britain's divided Parliament. May, who has persuaded a majority of her cabinet to back the deal, is addressing lawmakers Thursday morning over the terms of the proposed divorce deal. Many in her own party oppose the deal for leaving Britain too closely tied to the European bloc and opposition parties have said they'll vote against. Pacifying some in her own party will be a challenge and on Thursday Shailesh Vara quit as Northern Ireland Minister, saying he could not support May's agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation." ___ 7:45 a.m. European Union chief Donald Tusk has called for a summit of leaders to take place on Nov. 25 so they can endorse a draft Brexit deal that has been reached with the British government. Following an early Thursday meeting, Tusk heaped praise on the EU's Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, who had "achieved the two most important objectives" - limiting the damage caused by Britain's impending departure and maintaining the interests of the other 27 countries that will remain in the bloc after Brexit. While British Prime Minister Theresa May is trying to win support within her fractured party as well as Parliament, the EU has held the line behind Barnier during the negotiations. A motorist makes their way North along the old Belfast to Dublin road on the Irish border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic close to the town of Newry,, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey sensationally walked out of the Government the morning after Cabinet agreed a draft EU withdrawal agreement in a stormy five-hour meeting. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Raab said the deal represented a "very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom" because of provisions for Northern Ireland. He also said he could not accept "an indefinite backstop arrangement" for the Irish border. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the Houses of Parliament, in London, Thursday Nov. 15, 2018. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) In this grab taken from video, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement on the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement, in the House of Commons in London, Thursday Nov. 15, 2018. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. (PA via AP) Political artist Kaya Mar holds a painting depicting British Prime Minister Theresa May sinking in 'a sea of Brexit' in London, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a political backlash Thursday over the deal, which is considered insufficient by Brexit backers as well as those who wanted to remain in the EU. Parliament needs to approve the deal and it is unclear whether May has the numbers to push it through. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Pro-Brexit, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, second right, gestures as he speaks to the media outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. A pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers says one of its leaders, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is formally calling for a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham) EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, left, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, center and European Parliament Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt leave after a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Thursday, Nov.15, 2018. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) Britain's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 file photo, Britain's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey leaves after a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London. British Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigns over Brexit; the second Cabinet minister to step down Thursday Nov. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, right, and European Council President Donald Tusk prepare to address a media conference at the Europa building in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. In a hard-won victory on Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May persuaded her fractious Cabinet to back a draft divorce agreement with the European Union. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland walks past Parliament in London, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a political backlash over the deal, which is considered insufficient by Brexit backers as well as those who wanted to remain in the EU. Parliament needs to approve the deal and it is unclear whether May has the numbers to push it through. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Pro-Brexit, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, second right, gestures as he speaks to the media outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. A pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers says one of its leaders, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is formally calling for a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May. Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU - a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham) THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) - Greek officials say lenders have agreed to scrap a major round of government funding cuts planned for next year after the country outperformed budget targets set to help protect public finances. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said the government received "very positive news from Brussels" on Thursday, when bailout creditor representatives met to discuss Greece's draft 2019 budget. Greece exited its third successive international bailout in August but had committed to creditors' demands for more austerity measures in 2019 and 2020, including pension cuts. Tsipras' left-wing Syriza party is trailing conservatives in opinion polls ahead of a general election next October and is keen to avoid unpopular measures following years of hardship for many Greeks. PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AP) - As world leaders land in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's president. A huge sign in the capital, Port Moresby, welcomes Xi Jinping, picturing him gazing beneficently beside Papua New Guinea's leader, and his hotel is decked out with red Chinese lanterns. China's footprint is everywhere, from a showpiece boulevard and international convention center built with Chinese help to bus stop shelters that announce their origins with "China Aid" plaques. On the eve of Xi's arrival for a state visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, newspapers in the country ran a full-page statement from the Chinese leader. It exhorted Pacific island nations to "set sail on a new voyage" of relations with China, which in the space of a generation has transformed from the world's most populous backwater into a major economic power. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. With the exception of Papua New Guinea, those island nations are not part of APEC, but the leaders of many of them have traveled to Port Moresby and will meet with Xi. The APEC meeting, meanwhile, is Xi's to dominate. Headline-hogging leaders such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are not attending. Trump's stand-in, Vice President Mike Pence, is staying in Cairns in Australia's north and flying into Papua New Guinea each day. Australia's new prime minister, Scott Morrison, the country's fifth leader in five years, is barely known abroad. "President Xi Jinping is a good friend of Papua New Guinea," its prime minister, Peter O'Neill, told reporters. "He has had a lot of engagement with Papua New Guinea and I've visited China 12 times in the last seven years." In this Nov. 15, 2018, photo, a woman crosses the street near a billboard commemorating the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's President Xi Jinping. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Pacific island nations, mostly tiny, remote and poor, rarely figure prominently on the world stage but have for several years been diligently courted by Beijing as part of its global effort to finance infrastructure that advances its economic and diplomatic interests. Papua New Guinea with about 8 million people is by far the most populous, and with its extensive tropical forests and oil and gas reserves is an obvious target for economic exploitation. Six of the 16 Pacific states still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a sizeable bloc within the rapidly dwindling number of nations that recognize the island regarded as a renegade province by Beijing. Chinese aid and loans could flip those six into its camp. A military foothold in the region would be an important geostrategic boost for China, though its purported desire for a base has so far been thwarted. Beijing's assistance comes without the oversight and conditions that Western nations and organizations such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund impose. It is promising $4 billion of finance to build the first national road network in Papua New Guinea, which could be transformative for the mountainous nation. But experts warn there could also be big costs later on: unsustainable debt, white elephant showpieces and social tensions from a growing Chinese diaspora. "China's engagement in infrastructure in PNG shouldn't be discounted. It should be encouraged but it needs to be closely monitored by the PNG government to make sure it's effective over the long term," said Jonathan Pryke, a Papua New Guinea expert at the Lowy Institute, a think tank in Sydney. "The benefits of these projects, because a lot of them are financed by loans, only come from enhanced economic output over a long time to be able to justify paying back these loans," he said. "The history of infrastructure investment in PNG shows that too often there is not enough maintenance going on," Pryke said. "There's a build, neglect, rebuild paradigm in PNG as opposed to build and maintain which is far more efficient." Some high-profile Chinese projects in Papua New Guinea have already run into problems. A promised fish cannery hasn't materialized after several years and expansion of a port in Lae, the major commercial center, was botched and required significant rectification work. Two of the Chinese state companies working in the country, including the company responsible for the port expansion, were until recently blacklisted from World Bank-financed projects because of fraud or corruption. Xi's newspaper column asserted China is the biggest foreign investor in Papua New Guinea, a statement more aspirational than actual. Its involvement is currently dwarfed by the investment of a single company- ExxonMobil's $19 billion natural gas extraction and processing facility. Australia, the former colonial power in Papua New Guinea, remains its largest donor of conventional foreign aid. Its assistance, spread across the country and aimed at improving bare bones public services and the capacity of government, is less visible. But its approach is shifting in response to China's moves. In September, the Australian government announced it would pay for what is typically a commercial venture - a high-speed undersea cable linking Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands that promises to make the internet and telecommunications in the two island countries faster, more reliable and less expensive. Earlier this month, Australia announced more than $2 billion of funding for infrastructure and trade finance aimed at Pacific island nations and also agreed to joint development of a naval base in Papua New Guinea, heading off feared Chinese involvement. It is also boosting its diplomatic presence, opening more embassies to be represented in every Pacific island state. "The APEC meeting is shaping up to be a faceoff between China and Australia for influence in the Pacific," said Elaine Pearson, the Australia director of Human Rights Watch. That might seem a positive development for the region, but Pearson cautioned that competition for Papua New Guinea's vast natural resources has in the past had little positive impact on the lives of its people. "Sadly exploitation of resources in PNG has fueled violent conflict, abuse and environmental devastation," she said. ___ Associated Press writer Jim Gomez contributed to this report. In this Nov. 15, 2018 photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's President Xi Jinping. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) In this Nov. 15, 2018 photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's President Xi Jinping. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila) In this Nov. 14, 2018, photo, a woman carrying a bundle of sticks on her head walks past a building being built by Chinese state-owned construction firm China Railway Group Limited in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's president. With both actions and words, Xi Jinping has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) In this Nov. 14, 2018, photo, cranes rise above a building with banners in Chinese and English and being built by Chinese state-owned construction firm China Railway Group Limited in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's President Xi Jinping. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) In this Nov. 15, 2018 photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As world leaders arrive in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's President Xi Jinping. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila) WASHINGTON (AP) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will not willingly travel to the United States to face charges filed under seal against him, one of his lawyers said Friday, foreshadowing a possible fight over extradition for a central figure in the U.S. special counsel's Russia-Trump investigation. Assange, who has taken cover in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been granted asylum, has speculated publicly for years that the Justice Department had brought secret criminal charges against him for revealing highly sensitive government information on his website. That hypothesis appeared closer to reality after prosecutors, in an errant court filing in an unrelated case, inadvertently revealed the existence of sealed charges. The filing, discovered Thursday night, said the charges and arrest warrant "would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter." A person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case had not been made public, confirmed that charges had been filed under seal. The exact charges Assange faces and when they might be unsealed remained uncertain Friday. Any charges against him could help illuminate whether Russia coordinated with the Trump campaign to sway the 2016 presidential election. They also would suggest that, after years of internal Justice Department wrangling, prosecutors have decided to take a more aggressive tack against WikiLeaks. A criminal case also holds the potential to expose the practices of a radical transparency activist who has been under U.S. government scrutiny for years and at the center of some of the most explosive disclosures of stolen information in the last decade. FILE - In this May 19, 2017, file photo, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange greets supporters from a balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London. The Justice Department inadvertently named Assange in a court filing in an unrelated case that raised immediate questions about whether the WikiLeaks founder had been charged under seal. Assange's name appears twice in an August 2018 filing from a prosecutor in Virginia in a separate case involving a man accused of coercing a minor. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) Those include thousands of diplomatic cables from Army Pvt. Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning, secret CIA hacking tools, and most recently and notoriously, Democratic emails that were published in the weeks before the 2016 presidential election and that U.S. intelligence officials say had been hacked by Russia. Special counsel Robert Mueller, who has already charged 12 Russian military intelligence officers with hacking, has been investigating whether any Trump associates had advance knowledge of the stolen emails. Assange could be an important link for Mueller as he looks to establish exactly how WikiLeaks came to receive the emails, and why its dump of stolen communications from Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta - beginning just after a damaging video of Trump from a decade earlier publicly surfaced - appeared timed to boost the Trump campaign. Assange, 47, has resided in the Ecuadorian Embassy under a grant of asylum for more than six years to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he was accused of sex crimes, or to the United States, whose government he has repeatedly humbled with mass disclosures of classified information. The Australian was once a welcome guest at the embassy, which takes up part of the ground floor of a stucco-fronted apartment in London's posh Knightsbridge neighborhood. But his relationship with his hosts has soured over the years amid reports of espionage, erratic behavior and diplomatic unease. Barry Pollack, a Washington lawyer for Assange, said he expected Ecuador to "comply with its obligations" to preserve asylum for him, though he acknowledged a concern that the county could revoke his asylum, expel him from the embassy and facilitate an extradition to the U.S. "The burden should not shift to Mr. Assange to have to defend against criminal charges when what he has been accused of doing is what journalists do every day," Pollack said. "They publish truthful information because the public has a right to know and consider that information and understand what its government and institutions are doing." The charges came to light in an unrelated court filing from a federal prosecutor in Virginia, who was attempting to keep sealed a separate case involving a man accused of coercing a minor for sex. The three-page filing contained two references to Assange, including one sentence that said "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." It was not immediately clear why Assange's name was included in the document. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the Justice Department's Eastern District of Virginia said, "The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing." The filing was discovered by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism expert at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, who posted it on Twitter hours after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department was preparing to prosecute Assange. The case at issue concerns a defendant named Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, a 29-year-old teacher who has since been indicted on charges of enticing a 15-year-old girl to commit sex acts and to produce child pornography. There doesn't appear to be any connection between Assange and Kokayi. The since-unsealed document, a motion filed in late August, mentions Assange in two boilerplate sections, suggesting a copy-and-paste error or that his name was inadvertently left in a template used for the common filings. The filing suggests prosecutors have reason to believe they will be able to arrest and extradite Assange. Ecuadorian officials say they have cut off his high-speed internet access and will restore it only if he agrees to stop interfering in the affairs of Ecuador's partners, such as the U.S. and Spain. He is allowed to use the embassy's WiFi, though it is unclear if he doing so. Officials have also imposed a series of other restrictions on Assange's activities and visitors, and ordered him to clean after his cat. Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer in Ecuador, said he suspects Ecuador has been maneuvering to kick Assange out of the embassy through the stricter new living requirements it recently imposed. He said possible U.S. charges, however, are proof his client remains under threat, and he called on Ecuador's government to uphold Assange's asylum protections. He said Ecuador would be responsible if anything happened to Assange. With shrinking options - an Ecuadorian lawsuit seeking to reverse the restrictions was recently turned down - WikiLeaks announced in September that former spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson, an Icelandic journalist who has long served as one of Assange's lieutenants, would take over as editor-in-chief. In a brief interview in Reykjavik, Iceland, Hrafnsson called the U.S. news "a very black day for journalism." ___ Associated Press writer Raphael Satter in Paris, Chad Day in Washington and Egill Bjarnason in Iceland contributed to this report. Link to court filing: http://apne.ws/Me9YxB9 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Lawmakers in Sri Lanka's Parliament supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa threw books, chairs and chili powder mixed with water to try to block the proceedings on Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival lawmakers worsened political turmoil in the island nation. The lawmakers approved a second vote of no confidence against Rajapaksa but Sirsena refused to accept it, saying his advice was not followed, according to his spokesman, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. Police who escorted Speaker Karu Jayasuriya into the chamber held boards around him to protect him from being hit by the angry Rajapaksa loyalists, who did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Several opposition lawmakers and policemen were wounded. Sri Lanka has been in a political crisis since Oct. 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe says he still has the support of a majority in Parliament. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, conducted the proceedings while standing on the floor of Parliament, which for the second time passed a no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa and his government by a voice vote. Jayasuriya first offered to take the vote by name, but was unable to do so because of the commotion and opted for a voice vote. He then adjourned the house until Monday. Lawmakers supporting disputed Prime Minister Rajapksa throw a chair towards police officers escorting the speaker inside parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Pandemonium reigned in Sri Lanka's Parliament as lawmakers supporting Rajapaksa violently demonstrated in the house to prevent the proceedings from taking place on Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival legislators. They threw books and chairs at police who escorted Jayasuriya into the chamber and did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, adjourned the house until Monday. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) Lawmakers loyal to Rajapaksa hooted and continued to hurl abuse at Jayasuriya until he left the chamber. Arundika Fernando, a lawmaker allied with Rajapaksa, sat in the speaker's chair while others shouted slogans. In a tweet, Sirisena vowed not to dissolve Parliament and called upon "all parties to uphold principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times." Sirisena dissolved Parliament a week ago and ordered new elections, but the Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended Sirisena's directive. Opposition lawmaker R. Sampathan accused Rajapaksa loyalists of preventing a roll-call vote on the no-confidence motion, as requested earlier by Sirisena. On Thursday, Sirisena held an emergency meeting with the leaders of the opposition parties that voted for the first motion against Rajapaksa and asked them to take up the motion again and allow it to be debated and then put to a roll-call vote. Sirisena held the meeting following the chaos in Parliament on Thursday, when rival lawmakers exchanged blows, leaving one injured, after the speaker announced the country had no prime minister or government because of Wednesday's motion against Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa has refused to accept the no-confidence motion, also saying it should not have been done by voice vote. He also insisted the speaker had no authority to remove him and said he is continuing in his role as prime minister. Rajapaksa, a former president, is considered a hero by some in the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending a long civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil Tiger rebels. However, his time in power was marred by allegations of wartime atrocities, corruption and nepotism. Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe and another Cabinet member of plotting to assassinate him, a charge Wickremesinghe has repeatedly denied. Lawmakers supporting ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and policemen form a cordon around Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, in black robe, inside parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Pandemonium reigned in Sri Lanka's Parliament as lawmakers supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violently demonstrated in the house to prevent the proceedings from taking place on Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival legislators. They threw books and chairs at police who escorted Jayasuriya into the chamber and did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, adjourned the house until Monday. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) Lawmakers supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa hold placards and shout slogans against Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, as they occupy the speaker's seat inside parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Pandemonium reigned in Sri Lanka's Parliament as lawmakers supporting Rajapaksa violently demonstrated in the house to prevent the proceedings from taking place on Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival legislators. They threw books and chairs at police who escorted Jayasuriya into the chamber and did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, adjourned the house until Monday. Placards read, from left to right, "Shame of you Karu", "we do not want Karu the cheater," "Murderer Palitha," "Arrest murderer Palitha," referring to a lawmaker supporting Wickremesinghe. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) Policemen escort Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, in black robe, inside parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Pandemonium reigned in Sri Lanka's Parliament as lawmakers supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violently demonstrated in the house to prevent the proceedings from taking place on Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival legislators. They threw books and chairs at police who escorted Jayasuriya into the chamber and did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, adjourned the house until Monday. (AP Photo/Lahiru Harshana) COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (AP) - Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday, a day after government authorities postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. United Nations officials and international aid agencies praised the government of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who hopes to retain power in elections next month, for upholding a commitment not to force the repatriation. Hasina has repeatedly discussed the toll on Bangladesh of hosting more than a million Rohingya - including more than 700,000 who fled military-led violence in Myanmar since August 2017 and tens of thousands of others who escaped previous bouts of violence and persecution. Residents of Cox's Bazar district often complain that they have been undercut by refugees willing to work illegally for lower wages. Thousands of acres (hectares) of national forests usually roamed by wild elephants have been taken over by the cramped and unsanitary camps. But Hasina's decision not to force the repatriation is unlikely to hurt her bid to win a third term in December, according to Pinak Chakravarty, India's former ambassador to Bangladesh and a fellow with the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation. "The people of Bangladesh are sympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya. Apart from the fact that they're refugees, they're fellow Muslims. She understands that these feelings are strong, and that is why I think she would not force anyone to go," he said. A Rohingya refugee cries as he prays with others inside a mosque at Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) As it became apparent that refugees were unlikely be sent back, tensions eased in the camps. The checkpoints at the entrance to Unchiprang, one of the refugee camps near the city of Cox's Bazar, were temporarily left unguarded on Friday morning as about 500 people crowded into a mosque for Friday prayers. One of the imams, Abdul Hakim, told the devotees that the government could not force Rohingya to go back without Myanmar guaranteeing them protection and civil rights, to which they raised their hands and replied, "Amen." Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state since last year to escape killings and destruction of their villages by the military and Buddhist vigilantes that have drawn widespread condemnation of Myanmar. Bangladesh's refugee commission had planned to begin a voluntary repatriation process under a United Nations-brokered deal with Myanmar by escorting about 150 refugees across the border on Thursday, despite calls by U.N. officials, Human Rights Watch and others to wait until the Rohingya's safety in Myanmar could be assured. U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said earlier this week that the agency continues to receive reports of ongoing violations of the rights of Rohingya remaining in Rakhine, including "allegations of killings, disappearances and arbitrary arrests," as well as widespread restrictions on freedom of movement, health and education. Fearful of returning home, some people on Bangladesh's repatriation list left their shanties and disappeared into other camps. After a demonstration involving about 1,000 Rohingya broke out at Unchiprang, Refugee Commissioner Abul Kalam said plans had been shelved because no refugees were willing to return. Kalam did not immediately return calls and messages on Friday, and it was unclear when the process would begin again. Nabi Hossain, 45, left his shanty at Unchiprang camp late Wednesday with his wife, Jamila Begum, and six other family members after noticing extra security at the camp. "We heard they will come and take us. We were in a panic," Hossain said, adding that the family slept outside and didn't eat much because they didn't want a cooking fire to attract attention. They returned Thursday after hearing about the protest. "If they allow us to have our rights, our citizenship, we want to go. But if we are forced, if our rights are not given, it is better to crush us under the wheels of cars or be thrown in a river," Hossain said. Not everyone who fled Unchiprang has returned. Johara, 30, a mother of five, said her husband left five days ago with their 6-year-old daughter, who was traumatized after witnessing Myanmar soldiers ransack their home village. "My daughter is terrified. She told her father to take her with him," she said. Johara, who goes by one name, said her husband left to find his parents at another camp after she gave an interview to aid workers, and the family found out they were on the government's repatriation list. While Johara waited for her husband and daughter to return, activity at Unchiprang returned to normal, with little sign of the aid workers, journalists or government officials who had swarmed the camp earlier in the week. Even as refugees in Bangladesh protested against repatriation, concerns grew that another Rohingya exodus from Myanmar by sea may be in the works. Authorities in Myanmar arrested 106 people, believed to be Rohingya, whose boat drifted to shore Friday morning in Kyauktan township, south of Yangon, during what they said was an effort to sail to Malaysia. One of the people detained, who did not give his name, told reporters that the group came from a displacement camp for Rohingya near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine. He said the group departed on Oct. 25, and one passenger, a 20-year-old woman, had died of hunger. The boat drifted to shore after they decided to return to Rakhine because of the lack of supplies and tried to turn it around, he said. Sittwe is a frequent exit point for Rohingya seeking to make the dangerous and illegal voyage by sea to Malaysia, which is a Muslim majority country which generally tolerates their arrival. In 2015, a mass of such journeys caused a regional crisis, especially as the policy of some nations, especially Thailand, was to turn away the boats, even when those aboard were in desperate circumstances. Unknown hundreds of refugees are believed to have perished at sea. Several boats made the same voyage in April this year. Another boat believed to be carrying Rohingya refugees was sighted Friday near Indonesia. Muhammad Nasir, who heads a disaster mitigation office in the northern part of Indonesia's Sumatra island, said fishermen reported seeing a wooden boat carrying about 80 people believed to be Rohingyas. Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said Friday that the continued Rohingya flight from Myanmar shows that Bangladesh's repatriation plans should remain shelved. "Myanmar might claim that it is ready to receive the refugees, but the truth is that the conditions are not safe, and the Rohingya cannot make a decision about voluntary returns until human rights protections are guaranteed with international monitoring, and there is accountability for the horrible abuses by the military," she said. ___ Associated Press journalist Min Kyi Thein in Kyauktan, Myanmar, contributed to this report. Rohingya refugee woman Johara, 30, a mother of five children, speaks to the Associated Press in Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. Johara, who goes by one name, said her husband left to find his parents at another camp after the family found out they were on the government's repatriation list. Johara's husband left with their 6-year-old daughter, who was traumatized after witnessing Myanmar soldiers ransack her home village. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) A Rohingya refugee cries as he prays with others inside a mosque as government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar inside Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Rohingya refugee woman Johara, 30, a mother of five children, breaks down while talking to the Associated Press in Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. Johara, who goes by one name, said her husband left to find his parents at another camp after the family found out they were on the government's repatriation list. Johara's husband left with their 6-year-old daughter, who was traumatized after witnessing Myanmar soldiers ransack her home village. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Rohingya refugee woman Jamila Begum holds her daughter Sameera as the family speaks with the Associated Press inside their shelter in Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. Begum and her family fled their shanty at the camp on Wednesday fearing they would be repatriated back to Myanmar but returned upon hearing news of protests against the process. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) MOSCOW (AP) - The Russian military said nearly 270,000 Syrian refugees have returned home in recent months, a fraction of the estimated 5.6 million Syrians who have fanned out across the world fleeing the seven-year conflict. Moscow and the government in Damascus have been encouraging refugees to repatriate, arguing that the violence has subsided. Russia launched military operations to help Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2015, changing the tide of the war in his favor. Western governments have, however, argued that it's too early to encourage return. Rights groups and the U.N. fear refugees would face persecution returning to government-controlled areas in the absence of a comprehensive political agreement. Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev of the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters Friday that nearly 6,000 people have returned to Syria in the last week alone, according to data collected by Russia. He said they are seeing large waves of refugees returning home. The conflict has caused nearly half of Syria's population to be displaced, with an estimated 6 million internally displaced and 5.6 million fleeing to neighboring countries and Europe, and registering with the United Nations Refugee Agency. FILE - This Thursday, June 28, 2018, file photo, Syrian refugees gather in their vehicles getting ready to cross into Syria from the eastern Lebanese border town of Arsal, Lebanon. The Russian military said Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 that nearly 270,000 Syrian refugees have returned home from exile in recent months, including 6,000 in the last week alone. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, File) Russia has negotiated local cease-fires that have greatly reduced the fighting, but the causes of the conflict have not been addressed. The Syrian government has regained control of nearly 60 percent of Syrian territory. But armed opposition, some backed by Turkey, and Islamic State militants remain holed up in areas in the north and south of the country. The violence has not completely stopped. On Friday, the U.N. Children agency UNICEF said the first nine months of 2018 saw the highest number of children killed since the conflict began in 2011, putting it at 870 till September. "These are only verified cases, with actual numbers likely to be much higher," UNICEF said in a statement Friday. The agency said it is alarmed by recent reports of the killing of up to 30 children in the last IS-held pocket in eastern Syria where the U.S-led coalition and its local allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces, have been waging an offensive for over two months. UNICEF didn't say how the children were killed, but reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights - the Britain-based group monitoring the war - said more than 30 children were killed last weekend in coalition airstrikes on Shafaa village held by the extremists. The coalition says it checks reports of civilian casualties, describing its airstrikes mostly as targeting IS installations or posts. PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - A former prime minister who fled Macedonia while facing prison for a corruption conviction entered Montenegro from Albania on Sunday but left the same day, Montenegro's police said Friday. Nikola Gruevski passed through Montenegro on Nov. 11, when he wasn't the subject of arrest warrants or any kind of detention advisory, police said. An international warrant for Gruevski's arrest was issued two days later, and he now is in Hungary. Montenegrin media reports said Gruevski traveled on to Serbia, which borders Hungary. He wrote Tuesday on Facebook that he was in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, seeking political asylum. Macedonia has said it wants Hungary to extradite Gruevski, 48, a close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Macedonia has no extradition agreement with Hungary, but can seek application of the European Convention on Extradition that binds members of the Council of Europe - to which both countries belong. Macedonia's current prime minister, Zoran Zaev, said police in Albania and Montenegro have provided documentation confirming Gruevski's route through the two countries. FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 file photo, Nikola Gruevski, former country's Prime Minister and now a lawmaker of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE, looks on in Macedonian Parliament in the capital Skopje. Macedonia says the country will seek the arrest with an international warrant of conservative former prime minister Nikola Gruevski after confirming he fled to Hungary to avoid serving a two-year prison sentence for corruption. The ministry responded nearly five hours after Gruevski announced he was in Budapest in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Nov. 13 as police continued searches in the capital Skopje to try and locate him. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski, file) The ex-prime minister, Zaev said, traveled in a car with diplomatic license plates from Hungary. "Maybe he was kidnapped," he said sarcastically. The Hungarian government has said it did not assist Gruevski in his departure from Macedonia and that his asylum request would be treated "purely as a legal issue." Gruevski fled after Macedonian police tried to arrest him to serve a two-year prison sentence. He was convicted in May of unlawfully influencing Interior Ministry officials over the purchase of a luxury vehicle. ___ Testorides reported from Skopje, Macedonia. WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's leading composer and conductor, Krzysztof Penderecki, is celebrating his 85th birthday with a weeklong festival of his music in Warsaw. A concert of Penderecki's 2nd Cello Concerto and his "Songs of Reflection" and Nostalgia are opening the festival on Friday at the National Philharmonic. Running until Nov. 23, the festival features symphonies, choral works and compositions for voice. Concerts also are being held at the Royal Castle, the Royal Theater and at the Polish capital's opera house. Among the works performed will be the choir-and-orchestra pieces "Dies Illa" and "Credo," and the violin concerto "Metamorphosen", which was written for and will be played by German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter with Penderecki conducting. Other performers include cellist Ivan Monighetti, violinist Agata Szymczewska and conductors Leonard Slatkin and John Axelrod. Born Nov. 23, 1933, in Debica, southern Poland, Penderecki uses unconventional forms and sounds that evoke classical associations. In this file photo taken Sept. 16, 2013, Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki attends a news conference in Warsaw, Poland. Poland's largest music publisher is commemorating the centennial of the country's independence by hosting concerts abroad that feature the work of modern Polish composers. The 11 concerts scheduled to take place on Sunday in foreign venues that include London, Melbourne and New York will highlight the music of composers such as Henryk Mikolaj Gorecki, Wojciech Kilar and Krzysztof Penderecki. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) ______ This story has been corrected to show the violinist's first name is spelled Anne-Sophie, not Ann-Sophie and the concerto's title is "Metamorphosen", not Matamorphosen. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - As Dutch children anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, critics and fans of his helper, Black Pete, are gearing up for protests that have become another fixture of the festive season in the Netherlands. White people often daub their faces with black paint when they dress up to play the character. Opponents say the annual recreations of Black Pete promote racist stereotypes. Supporters defend the sidekick of Sinterklaas, the white-bearded, red-robed Dutch version of St. Nicholas, as a traditional children's character. A nationally televised arrival parade takes place Saturday in the picturesque village of Zaandijk, north of Amsterdam. Sinterklaas and his helpers are set to arrive on a boat and then tour the village. One group unsuccessfully tried in court to keep Pete from the party. Geralt Lammers, a spokesman for Zaandam municipality, which includes Zaandijk, said four groups, two in favor and two against Black Pete, have said they plan demonstrations. The municipality has assigned specific areas for the protests to avoid possible confrontations between the pro- and anti-Pete camps. The most prominent group, Kick Out Black Pete, said on its Facebook page that it is organizing weekend demonstrations in 18 Dutch municipalities, but not in Zaandijk. In this Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, file photo, a child dressed as Black Pete waits for the arrival of Sinterklaas, in Dokkum, northern Netherlands. As many Dutch children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, opponents and supporters of his controversial helper Black Pete are gearing up for protests. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. Supporters see him as a traditional children's character, while opponents decry him as a racist stereotype. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) The far-right Netherlands People's Union is one of the groups planning to demonstrate in support of the Christmas character. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte entered the debate Friday, calling on all protesters not to spoil the festivities for children. "I think society agrees on one thing: we grant children the magic of the Sinterklaas party," Rutte said at his weekly press conference. NTR, the public broadcaster responsible for the televised event, said the Black Petes in this year's parade will have faces made up in various shades. In recent years, the color of the character's face has been attributed to smudges of soot from going up and down chimneys to deliver gifts. "The more often a Pete has been through a chimney, the more soot he or she has on their face," NTR said in a statement earlier this year. Anti-Pete protesters took their arguments to court this week, arguing the character was racist and discriminatory. Afro-style wigs are part of some costumes as well as blackface makeup, though fewer than in past years. But a judge refused the request to keep Black Pete out of the parade. "Black Pete is undoubtedly changing," judge Antoon Schotman said. "Some think that the process is moving too slowly and that's fine. Others believe the process is moving too quickly. There is no objective way of measuring it. What is important is that the conversation continues." In this Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 file photo, a Black Pete interacts with children during the arrival of Sinterklaas in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016.As many Dutch children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, opponents and supporters of his controversial helper Black Pete are gearing up for protests. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. Supporters see him as a traditional children's character, while opponents decry him as a racist stereotype. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) In this Friday Dec. 5, 2014 file photo three-and-a-half-year-old Ita Krans, left, talks to Black Pete, the black-faced sidekick of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, during a short ceremony at the mayor's office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As many Dutch children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, opponents and supporters of his controversial helper Black Pete are gearing up for protests. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. Supporters see him as a traditional children's character, while opponents decry him as a racist stereotype. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) In this Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, file photo, Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus and traditionally played by a white person, arrives in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As many Dutch children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, opponents and supporters of his controversial helper Black Pete are gearing up for protests. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. Supporters see him as a traditional children's character, while opponents decry him as a racist stereotype. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) In this Saturday Nov. 16, 2013, file photo Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, and "Zwarte Piet", or "Black Pete" arrive in Hoorn, north-western Netherlands. As many Dutch children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their country's version of Santa Claus this weekend, opponents and supporters of his controversial helper Black Pete are gearing up for protests. Black Pete is often played by white people with their faces daubed in dark makeup. Supporters see him as a traditional children's character, while opponents decry him as a racist stereotype. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - The United States sees "great promise" in developing energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean, a U.S. state department official said Friday, as ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Petroleum began exploratory drilling off Cyprus' southwestern coast. Francis Fannon, the Assistant Secretary of State responsible for energy matters, said the U.S. will continue advancing energy development in the region as a priority. "We view energy as a catalyst for cooperation and economic development to benefit all the people in the region and Cyprus has a meaningful role to that end," Fannon said after a meeting with Cypriot Energy Minister Georgios Lakkotrypis. "We're very excited about developments ongoing in the region and we see great promise." Fannon repeated Washington's support for Cyprus' own hydrocarbons search, adding that the ethnically divided country's resource wealth should be shared with all Cypriots equitably as part of a reunification deal. Turkey strongly objects to exploratory drilling off Cyprus because it claims it infringes its own rights and those of breakaway Turkish Cypriots to the ethnically split island nation's natural resources. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Francis Fannon, right, welcomes from Cyprus' Energy minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis for a meeting at the Energy ministry in Nicosia, Cyprus, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Fannon is in Cyprus as part of a three-country tour in the region as ExxonMobil is ready to start exploratory drilling in waters southwest of Cyprus. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) The Cypriot government - which Turkey doesn't recognize - says drilling is it's sovereign right and that any potential wealth will be divided fairly after a peace deal is reached. Fannon was in Cyprus as part of a three-nation visit that includes Israel and Egypt where significant offshore gas deposits that neighbor Cyprus' own waters have been discovered. In 2011, Texas-based Noble Energy discovered a field off Cyprus that's estimated to contain 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. Earlier this year, Italian energy company Eni also said it has found a gas field southwest of Cyprus, but hasn't given an estimate of its size. Meanwhile, the Cypriot energy ministry said that the drillship Stena-Icemax will drill to a depth of nearly two kilometers (1.2 miles) below the seabed at the Delphyne-1 site off Cyprus where ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum are licensed to drill. France's Total is also licensed to carry out exploratory drilling off Cyprus. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Francis Fannon, center, arrives at the Energy Ministry for a meeting with Cyprus' Energy minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis in Nicosia, Cyprus, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Fannon visited Cyprus as part of a three-country tour in the region as ExxonMobil is ready to start exploratory drilling in waters southwest of Cyprus. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) SAO PAULO (AP) - Brazil's Health Ministry said Friday that it will soon start selecting local doctors to replace the more than 8,000 Cuban physicians working in areas where medical services are scarce. Cuba announced this week it is recalling the physicians in the "More Doctors" program after Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro set conditions unacceptable to the island's government. He said the program could continue only if doctors get their full pay directly rather from the Cuban government and are able to bring their families with them. The doctors generally receive a fraction of the salary paid to the Cuban government. The ministry said it will start this month "to select professionals for the 8,332 positions that will be abandoned by the Cuban doctors." The government launched the More Doctors program in 2013 because local doctors could not be found for many positions. Earlier this week, former Health Minister Alexandre Padilha said Cuban doctors were in 2,800 cities and towns - and they were the only doctors in 1,700 of those towns. He said the pullout of Cuban physicians "will have an immediate and terrible impact on the health care system." Bolsonaro told reporters on Friday that the Cuban doctors should be required to prove the quality of their training by getting their diplomas validated in Brazil. Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro speaks during a press conference at the 1st Naval District in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. On Wednesday, Cuba said it was recalling its 8,332 doctors taking part in the "More Doctors" program after Bolsonaro said it could only continue if doctors directly received their salaries from Brazil and were able to bring their families with them. The country will soon start selecting Brazilian doctors to replace the more than 8,000 Cuban doctors working in areas where medical services and physicians are scarce. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) "I never heard of a Brazilian authority being treated by Cuban doctor," the president-elect said. "Must only the poor be treated by professionals whose qualifications are not guaranteed? This is unjust. It is inhuman." Australia said on Friday that it was taking legal action against India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, at the WTO over subsidies which it said caused a "significant downturn" in world sugar prices and hurt Australian producers. Australia alleges that the subsidies, which have seen Indian sugar production leap from an average 20 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes this year, far exceed the level of farmer assistance permitted under WTO rules. The action, known formally as a counter notification, comes after Australia has repeatedly raised the issue with India directly, ABC News reported. It means the issue will initially be discussed at the WTO's Committee on Agriculture meeting scheduled for later this month. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said it was time India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, was held accountable for its market distorting policies on sugar. "We have raised our industry's deeply held concerns on numerous occasions with senior levels of the Indian Government," Birmingham said. "We are disappointed our concerns haven't been addressed and now see little choice other than to ramp up our efforts to stand up for the rights of our cane farmers and sugar millers. "We will now engage in formal discussions with India and other WTO members regarding this issue at the upcoming WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting later this month." He expressed hope that India would reconsider its position in relation to what are more than USD 1 billion in additional subsidies for sugar producers, "which has pushed global sugar prices to a decade low". Australia is the third largest exporter of sugar. "So we are a significant player. We would expect and hope to have support in terms of our action from Brazil and other nations. And ultimately, this is about trying to ensure we get a fair go for our sugar farmers who play by the rules. And they just want to be able to compete," he said. Birmingham dismissed concerns the step could hamper Australia's efforts to ramp up trade with India. "Our relationship with India is much, much deeper than one issue." The announcement came two days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Singapore on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit during which the two leaders discussed the issue. Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri stating although the step doesn't resolve the subsidies, the government should be commended for flagging the issue at the highest global level. "It takes the very real difficulties of Australian farmers into an international forum and places further pressure on the Indian government to change its sugar policies," he said in a statement. Credit: Danny BaldwinBring Me the Horizon is releasing a limited edition blue vinyl version of the band's 2015 album That's the Spirit for charity. Fifty copies of the LP will be raffled off to benefit UNICEF's Children's Emergency Fund, which provides food, clean water, health care and education for children in need. To enter, you need to donate five British pounds -- just over $6 -- to UNICEF via Givergy.com. The more you donate, the more times you'll be entered to win. The raffle will be open until Monday, December 10. That's the Spirit is the most recent Horizon album, and features the singles "Throne" and "Happy Song." The British rockers will release their next record, titled Amo, on January 25. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday formally inaugurated HunarHaat, which has become a Credible Brand for empowerment of artisans and craftsmen, at PragatiMaidan in New Delhi. This HunarHaat is being organised from 14thNovember to 27th November, 2018 at IITF, PragatiMaidan. Naqvi said here that HunarHaat has proved to be Empowerment & Employment Exchange for master artisans and craftsmen. HunarHaat at PragatiMaidan, is a part of series of HunarHaat, being organised in various parts of the country under a mission to provide market and employment opportunities to master artisans and craftsmen. Naqvi said that master artisans, including a large number of women artisans, from across the country are participating in this HunarHaat. The artisans have brought with them very exquisite pieces of Handicraft & Handloom work products like Ajarakh, Bagh print, Bandhej, Barmer Ajrakh & Applique, Bidriware, Cane and Bamboo, Carpet, Chanderi, Chaniya Choli, Chikankari, Copper Bell Product, Copperware, Ceramic Products, Dry Flowers, GotaPati, Handloom & Home Furnishings from every corner of the country. Products such as Jute Craft, Lac stone studded Bangles, Lacquerware, Linen Products, Metalware, Mudwork, Mulberry Silk, Paithani Silk, Phulkari, Punjabi Jutti, Zari Bags, etc are also available. For the first time, products from Chhattisgarh and Namda & Chinnon Silk of Jammu & Kashmir are also available in this HunarHaat at PragatiMaidan. Naqvi said that the employment oriented programmes of the Modi Government like HunarHaat has significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master artisans which had been marginalised for a long time. Given the aim of big data is to find connections and patterns in the vast amount of information collected and then relate it to human behaviour, insights gleaned can lead to innovative ideas Knowledge is power and in this age of information technology, big data has become the real power. But how the power of big data is harnessed is crucial. Since the aim of big data is to find connections and patterns in the vast amount of information collected and then relate it to human behaviour, or understanding of complex systems, processes or institutions, insights thus gleaned can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. One such interesting innovation has been developed in Guizhou, a mountainous province in the southwest of China. Here, big data analytics have been applied in the judiciary to create a smart court. The Judicial Big Data Application Platform provides judges with case assistance, trial assistance and case analysis and has improved the efficiency of the judiciary. The judicial intelligent robot, helps to process and analyse the history of case data of courts at all levels and establishes a large database to provide intelligent assistance to the judges. At present, the Guizhou High Court is using this system to make better-informed decisions, say local officials. But what makes this innovation really novel is its judicial big data public consultation system. Here, the litigants can fill in the details of their case and the system analyses data of similar cases and judgments to guide them even before they come to the courts about their chances of winning or losing their case. This kind of system could be extremely useful for India where about 3.3 crore cases are pending in various courts in the country. According to a Law Ministry data, of all the pending cases, 60 per cent are more than two years old, while 40 per cent are more than five years old. In the Supreme Court, more than 30 per cent of pending cases are more than five years old. This is because the judiciary faces a shortage of over 6,000 judges, including over 5,000 in the lower courts. No wonder there are 2,76,74,499 cases awaiting appeal in the district and subordinate courts. On an average, there are 19 judges per 10 lakh people. A scientific collection of data across all courts and its intelligent use can bring down pendency and deliver speedy justice. At least then, justice delayed will not be justice denied. Big data has also been leveraged by Guizhou to achieve remarkable economic growth. Once considered industrially backward and poor because of its hilly topography, Guizhou has used big data technology to leapfrog from the fringes to register the third-fastest economic growth among Chinas 31 provinces in 2016. The number of big data related companies in Guizhou increased from less than 1,000 in 2013 to over 8,900 in 2017 and big data investment into Guizhou was approximately 35.28 billion yuan ($5.5 billion) this year. Its swanky high rise buildings and high tech infrastructure are a testimony to its upward mobility. In fact, Guizhous capital city, Guiyang was ranked as the best performing city in 2016 by the Milken Institute, a not for profit think tank which analysed Guiyangs growth in jobs, wages, gross domestic product, and foreign direct investment. Guizhou embarked upon its technology overdrive after the Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined big data technology as a priority in 2014. Guizhou has now the second highest data centres in China with over 70,000 servers. At the centre of this boom is the Guian, a newly developed 1,795 square kilometres suburb. Guian , which is just a hours drive from Guiyang, houses over 200 influential national and international companies. A slew of incentives, including rent-free office space, tax benefits, state support, lower costs and its natural temperate cool weather, have encouraged Apple, Microsoft, Huawei, Hyundai Motor, Tencent, Qualcomm, Dell, IBM and Alibaba to set up data centres here. Indias presence here is in the form of a training academy as a part of a strategic partnership between NIIT and the Guizhou provincial Government to train students, professionals and government employees in big data. Further, NASSCOM has established an IT corridor to facilitate Indian software companies set up office in Guizhou. Zeta-V Technology Solutions, an Indian start-up, has been funded by Guiyang Municipal Government to develop a Sino-Indian Digital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) to connect Indian and Chinese companies. In addition to creating employment opportunities, big data is contributing to Guizhous economic growth by increasing incomes and alleviation of poverty. State officials say that 6.7 million rural people have been lifted out of poverty over the past five years and the growth rate of disposable household income in the province is the highest in China. This, they say, has been possible by accumulating real time information on the poor population and using it to make targeted interventions. So by using big data, they track populations who are poor, their geographical locations, and their immediate and necessary needs to be able to provide the right support. One such way has been to create e-commerce platforms and use the data to help connect people from different provinces to sell their farm produce or handicrafts online and increase their incomes. In Guizhous Anshun city, the Pingba District Peoples Government and Guizhou E-Commerce Cloud,(the governments commerce department initiative), launched the E-commerce Poverty Alleviation District Managers in Action campaign to help farmers sell their rice to bigger markets outside the district. Big data was used to analyse consumer needs, forecast sales, manage the inventory and, help improve production efficiency. However, it was not just the excellent quality of the various varieties of Pingba rice that boosted sales. Endorsement of its quality by the local government added extra value leading to the sale of more than 150,000 kilograms online in a period of three months. It is being sold to over 100 cities located in 20 provinces and has boosted the incomes of 191 poor households. Official records state that Guizhou currently has 6,949 e-commerce service stations reaching out to 80 per cent of its towns and villages. In 2017, e-commerce platforms helped rural Guizhou secure sales of agricultural produce to the tune of 15.3 billion yuan ($2.2 billion). India too, has recently launched an online platform for its farmers. The National Agriculture Market (eNAM), is a single-window service that integrates agriculture markets or mandis online so that farmers and traders can view all agriculture produce market related information (buying and selling) and services. Farmers can bid for the best price across markets in 21 mandis in eight States. But poor internet connectivity and availability and a lack of understanding of digital media may throw a spanner in the works for rural farmers. Ensuring connectivity was also a challenge for Guizhou where 92.5 percent of its land is covered in hills. The Governments active push to ensure infrastructure has given almost 96 per cent of its villages access to fiber-optic broadband and 4G. Over 200 e-commerce training sessions by Guizhou E-Commerce Cloud, which reached out to over 100,000 people throughout the province, raised awareness of the power of this platform. Additionally, the Guiyang Big Data Application Demonstration Centre has been instituted to further understanding of big data usages. Also helping to show the practical use of big data is Duocaibao, a cloud based mobile application developed by Guizhou Colorful Treasure, a web portal of the Guizhou government service network. The app is based on the needs of the people as analysed by big data gathered by the network. Downloaded by 1.33 million people, this app is a handy one stop platform that integrates more than 100 Government services including real estate registrations, social security applications, seeking appointments for marriage registration, birth registration certificate, driving license applications etc. At the same time, it also allows citizens to make payments for water, gas and electricity bills. One of its most useful features, which should be adapted in India, is for the senior citizens. They no longer need to physically present themselves to get their pension or social security. All s/he needs to do now is use the app to send his/her photograph to the relevant government department and the pension will be transferred to his/her account. (The writer is a senior journalist) The Kochi International Airport was literally held to ransom for almost 13 hours on Friday by devotees of Lord Ayyappa who had gathered in large numbers to prevent social activist Trupti Desai, who flew down to Kerala, from entering Sabarimala Temple. The activist who reached the airport at 4.45 am could not come out of the terminal and was confined to the lounge till 6.50 pm when she told the media that she would return to Pune by a late night flight. The devotees sat in front of the arrival lounge and sang Ayyappa bhajans non-stop till Trupti announced her decision to return to Pune. Ill come back soon unannounced and will surely visit Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. Today no one is willing to help me to proceed to Sabarimala or to check into a hotel, said Desai, who was accompanied by six of her associates. Meanwhile, hectic activities are on to resolve the stand-off between the devotees and the Kerala Government as Travancore Devaswom Board decided to approach the Supreme Court with a stay petition. If the stay is granted, the Kerala Government may get some breathing space to implement the September 28 verdict of the SC. The prelude to the Mandala Puja (the 41-day festival when devotees throng the shrine after observing penance) took place on Friday evening at Sabarimala Temple. The evening saw Thanthri (chief priest) Kantararu Rajeevaru and head priest (mel shanthi) AV Unnikrishnan Nampoodiri opening the sanctum in the presence of hundreds of devotees and performing the traditional Puja. Later, the new head priest VN Vasudevan Nampoodiri assumed the charges from Unnikrishnan Nampoodiri. The new head priest was administered the sacred hymn by the Thanthri of the temple. The temple was closed after the evening Puja and will be reopened on Saturday early morning at 3.30 by the new head priest. Vasudevan Nampoodiri began his strict and strenuous regimen for the next one year on Friday evening. He has to stay in the temple premises for the next one year and is not allowed to go out anywhere from the shrine in the deep forests. Nampoodiris day begins at 3 am everyday and concludes by 11 pm with the night Puja. Devotees in large numbers have reached the foothills of Sabarimala by Friday evening. A heavy posse of policemen and women cops have been deployed in and around the shrine. The Kerala Government has taken all precautions to maintain the law and order in the shrine, which witnessed unprecedented protests by devotees as a follow-up to the September 28 Supreme Court verdict. Meanwhile, the TDB disclosed by Friday evening that it would move a stay petition in the Supreme Court on Monday asking for time to implement the September 28 verdict of the Constitution Bench that allowed entry of women into the temple. This was announced by TDB president A Padmakumar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that his government was committed to empowerment of women because the Bharatiya Janata Party believed that a country could progress only if the women were educated and had social security. "Our government has taken several measures to provide social security to women in the form of 1090 Women Power Line and 181 Women Helpline. Besides, anti-Romeo squad has been set up to instil confidence among women," Yogi said while addressing a function here on Friday. He said women were now holding important posts in the government and private sectors. "Lok Sabha Speaker, Foreign Minister and Defence Minister of India are women. Girls have performed exceedingly well in the field of sport. This is a welcome sign. But much more is needed to be done and this will be possible only if the women get full support from society," the Chief Minister said, adding that the need of the hour was to bring this positive change in society. "The governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh are working in tandem to bring a qualitative change in the lives of the fairer sex. The government has launched Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme. Under the Ujjwala Yojana, efforts have been made to safeguard the health of women by introducing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in their lives. The biggest achievement is construction of toilets," the Chief Minister said. He said the previous governments had damaged the system badly and he was trying to bring it back on rails. The Chief Minister also talked about the government's scheme to speed up paddy purchase. "This year, the government has announced MSP (minimum support price) of Rs 1,770 per quintal for paddy with an additional Rs 20 per quintal for cleaning. Similarly, the UP government has announced MSP for maize for the first time. The target is to purchase one lakh metric tonnes of maize," he said. Striking a strident anti-Dalit stance, six-time independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya on Friday said he would float a new party opposed to reservation in promotions and the "draconian" provisions of the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The former minister, who represents Kunda assembly constituency, said the new party would have 'Jansatta' (people's power) as its prefix. He said the Election Commission had been approached for the registration of the new party as "Jansatta Party", "Jansatta Loktantrik Party" or "Jansatta Dal". Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Raja Bhaiya said he was also opposed to immediate arrest in case of registration of FIR under the SC, ST Act. No investigation is required under the SC, ST Act before an arrest is made, he said, adding that this should change and the arrest should be made only after investigation. The MLA from Kunda said there should be no discrimination on basis of caste in the distribution of compensation and ex gratia to the rape victims. He said rape was a heinous crime and the victim, irrespective of caste and creed, should be compensated by the government. "Reservation in promotion for Dalits is inappropriate. Promotions should be based only on merit and seniority as people join state government services after passing tough competition," Raja Bhaiya said, adding that the wards of IAS and IPS officers should be barred from reservation as even the poor people were denied the Antyodaya ration cards meant for those below poverty line as they moved upwards in the economic ladder. Justifying the formation of a new political party, the independent MLA said there were already many political outfits and many more would come up in future but his party would focus on specific issues concerning the lives of the masses. "People are enthused over my floating a new party," he added. Asked whether his party would forge alliance with other parties, Raja Bhaiya said, "This question should be posed to other political parties, whether they want to ally with us on the issues we are focusing on." He said the main agenda of his new party would be to raise the issues related to disparity in the reservation system vis-a-vis non-Dalits and issues concerning the youths. Refusing to say anything when asked whether his party would contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019 or he would go for an alliance in the elections, the Independent MLA clarified that the decision on contesting the election would be taken after the ECI recognised his party. The MLA from Kunda, who completes his silver jubilee in politics on November 25, has already announced to hold a big rally in Lucknow on November 30. Asked about the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Raja Bhaiya refused to make any comment on the issue or on Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh and the Narendra Modi at the Centre. He, however, said, "We will accept the verdict of the Supreme Court on this issue." Reverting to his main agenda, Raja Bhaiya said. "My party will fight for the cause of the non-Dalits who face discrimination at various levels in government and its controlled institutions." SA 19-year-old boy, Varun, was beaten to death for trying to intervene after a heated argument broke out between his cousin Jatin and his friend Deepanker around 3.15 pm over parking issue in Outer Districts Sultan Puri on Thursday, police said on Friday. The victim was thrashed by two accused Mannu and Ravi and a few others who are yet to be identified, said sources, adding that Mannu and his friend arrived in the market on a scooty and stopped in front of them. A heated argument broke out between them and they started hitting Jatin, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Seju P Kuruvilla said. On seeing this, Jatins friend Deepanker ran to Jatins residence and his cousin Varun came to the spot and tried to pacify the situation, but Mannu called his brother Ravi and others on the spot and started beating Varun, the DCP added. After Varun became unconscious, the accused immediately fled the spot. The victim was admitted to Jaipur Golden Hospital where he died during treatment. He suffered injuries to his ribs and suffered severe internal bleeding. Initially a case of attempt to murder was registered, but after his death, a murder case was registered, said Kuruvilla, adding multiple teams have been deployed to arrest the accused persons, police official said. Following the incident, relatives and residents of Sultan Puri area protested outside the Sultan Puri police station. They blocked roads and threw stones at vehicles. Protesters alleged that Sultan Puri police staff are overlooking the illegal alcohol trade and gambling in the area due to which crime is increasing in the area. The situation was brought under control by police. Senior officials said teams have been formed to arrest the accused. Three Naxals, one of them carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, were arrested in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district, police said. The rebels were apprehended late on Thursday evening from a forest near Kongdam village under Errabor police station limits by the district police, a local police official said. The area is around 500 km south from Raipur. One of the arrested Naxals, Tutti Bhima (22), was a Jan Militia commander and carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, the police official said. The other two were identified as Sodhi Naga (40), head of Maraiguda Jantana Sarkar squad, and Sodhi Lachha (27). The three were allegedly involved in planting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target security forces and firing on police teams in Sukma district. Umesh Sharma, the arrested owner of a news channel was granted bail by the sessions court here on Friday. However, his release from the jail is uncertain as the police may produce him in a Ranchi court. On Friday, the court of additional sessions judge (I), R S Khulbe, granted conditional bail to Umesh Sharma. On the orders of Uttarakhand High Court ( HC) hearing in the court of additional sessions judge started on Friday. The counsel of Sharma pleaded that there is no concrete evidence against him but the police are trying to implicate him by fabricating charges. The prosecution however opposed bail on the grounds that Sharma can influence investigation. The court granted bail on a bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties and directed that Sharma should not leave the country and help in police investigation. Inspite of getting bail, Sharma is not likely to come out of jail soon as the police have received a warrant from a Ranchi court in a case of conspiring against the state. The police are most likely to produce Sharma in the Ranchi court. On the complaint lodged by one Ayush Gaur, Umesh Sharma was arrested in a joint operation of the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh (UP) police on Sunday from his Indirapuram based residence in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh on October 28, The police team also recovered cash, foreign currency and equipment used in sting operations. Large number of CDs, hard disks and other things were confiscated from his house. He was produced in the court on October 29 after which he was sent to Jail. The police sought to conduct Narco test on Sharma but the Uttarakhand HC on Friday ordered stay on these tests and directed the lower court to dispose of his bail application. Meet engaging Radio partners was organised by UNICEF in partnership with Sandhiya Samiti at Salini in Omkareshwar. Around 20 radio partners from Red FM, Radio Mirchi, Big FM, MY FM, Vanya Radio, representatives of community radio of Bhopal School of Social Work as well as five adolescents from Jhabua participated in the meet. Speaking in session of the meet, Michael Juma, Chief, UNICEF, and Madhya Pradesh said that Radio is a powerful medium of communication for empowering, informing and sensitising people particularly on advancing the rights of children. He expressed gratitude to Radio professionals who have been part of this event for commemorating World Childrens Day and request you to give air time on topical child rights issues inclusive of takeover of your social media by children. Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh, spoke about Convention on the rights of the child, and that rights are interdependent and indivisible. He said Radio can support in and stand for children and by children Dr Vandana Bhatia, Health Specialist, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh made presentation on new born care, causes of deaths of new born, importance of breastfeeding, and infant and young child feeding practices and key messages which we as radio partners spread for child health. Pinky, Sheela, Sanju, Bablu, and Sunil from Jhabua from Jhabua spoke the issues which they face and how they as their children group in Jhabua talking about the issues. Radio participants drew child in them and shared and also will be used on their social media handles. Sumit Pathak of Sandhiya Samiti said engaging radio professionals for this social cause will amplify go blue and will ensure it reaches every household, sensitising them will help child rights awareness penetrate more. Senior leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state president Mahendra Nath Pandey, will hit the road on Saturday by taking part in the Kamal Sandesh Bike Rally to make people aware of the achievements of the Central and the UP governments. The bike rally, being organised in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, will be taken out in all the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state with Yogi leading the campaign in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will join the bike rally at Prayagraj (Allahabad) and Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma in Lucknow. BJP state president Mahendra Nath Pandey will lead the rally in his parliamentary constituency Chandauli and BJP general secretary (organisation) Sunil Bansal in Kannauj, the bastion of Samajwadi Party. BJP state general secretary and MLA Pankaj Singh, who is son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, will lead the bike rally in Gorakhpur, the native place of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The party leadership has directed the cadre and leaders to get at least five motorcyclists from each polling booth. All the party leaders, including parliamentarians, legislators and office-bearers, have been directed to ensure full participation in the rally, which will be a show of strength. There are about 1,60,000 polling booths in the 80 parliamentary and 403 assembly constituencies in 75 districts. The BJP leaders will highlight the flagship schemes like crop loan waiver, Ujjwala, Saubhagya, Swachh Bharat Mission and others among the people. "We are expecting participation of one lakh party workers and cadre in this mass mobilisation programme, which aims at creating awareness about the good works being done by the Central and the state governments," senior leader and party state spokesperson Chandra Mohan said here on Friday. "We are expecting at least 10,000 bikes and over 15,000 partymen in the rally in every parliamentary constituency," he said. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. As the mercury dips, the capital is warming up to food festivals and Horn OK Please has some Indo-western fusions like Chinese choley and Idli Italiano chaat on its platter. By Ayushi Sharma The word festival brings cheer and when you add food to it, you get the undivided attention of all gourmets. And a food truck festival in the capital is trying to do just that. Skewers of meat and paneer being barbequed on hot coals while customers line up with a chill beer or mocktail is a normal scene at this three-day annual market. The Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium has been transformed into small kiosks that smell of food and baked goods. We started our food journey at Horn Ok Please with sushis and dimsums, which tried to stay authentic to its Japanese origins, while an Italian food truck served pastas and pizzas nearby and given Delhis love for food from this Mediterranean country, a long line of waiting people was certainly not a surprise. The culture of food trucks is a norm in the US where young professionals step out of their offices to grab a bite for lunch and is catching up in India and has added colour and variety to the Indian food scene. A food truck, Wheelys, offered coffee on wheels with a twist where one got a chance to brew their own coffee. You could choose a flavour and add your favourite topping like crushed oreo, vanilla scoop, or whipped cream. Owner Abhay Singh Luthra said that they have over seven crore combination of coffee and toppings on offer. In my experience, when it comes to food festivals, the audience usually tries to explore disparate cuisine and delicacies and that is why I think keeping your menu completely Indian does not work because it is easily available everywhere. Its very difficult to judge the demands of the public which is why we keep trying out new thing, said Pulek Agrawaal, who runs Flip, which specialises in a variety of cuisine. I prefer using the ingredients, spices and even breads that are made inhouse, he said. The concept of bringing food from different parts of the country under one roof is not something unheard of. But the dishes laid out by vendors from more than 150 eatries across the city cant go unnoticed. And the festival scored not just on account of its rich traditional and contemporary flavours, but also due to the pricing where some of them were priced as low as Rs 40 per plate. And then there were those who were there for a cause. The Keshav Suri Foundation which aims to work towards the upliftment of the marginalised LGBTQ+ community, had painted their food truck in the rainbow colours. This caught the attention of the visitors and was a huge hit. This time we have Mexican dishes like, Crunchy fried avocado taco, Mexican sliders, Mexican chicken rice with brownie. I think food festivals are a good way of promoting and marketing your new ventures. We have also set up a pop up of Kitty Su, our nightclub, in addition to the food truck this time, said Prerna Thakur, assistant manager, marketing and communication of The Lalit group. This also a great trial space for fusion food. The brave can venture into unchartered territory like Chinese choley or a fusion like Idli italiano chaat that caught our eye but we shied away from this unexpected combination. However, you can try these at your own peril. A drawback of festivals is that it offers only the tried and tested brands. A food blogger Anamika Karmakar said, If Im attending a food fest, my focus is on trying and exploring things that are new and not available in the market. Why would I be heading for something which I can get easily in the market. Obviously, I would be looking for disparate delicacies which I havent tasted before. Like I would be really interesed to try something which is from Kolkata or from some other state, which I cannot get in Delhi. I think these food festivals need to change their concept in terms of getting cuisines across the globe and if not from across the globe then atleast from various states of all the countries. Apart from the cons, the festival is a really great way to enjoy a warm Sunday afternoon and an even better way to spend your Saturday evening grabbing few beers and plenty of scrumptious grub while hanging out with friends. Photo: Pankaj Kumar Baker Hughes, a GE company provides integrated oilfield products, services, and digital solutions worldwide. Its Oilfield Services segment offers drilling, wireline, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention services; and drilling and completions fluids, completions tools and systems, wellbore intervention tools and services, artificial lift systems, pressure pumping systems, and oilfield and industrial chemicals for integrated oil and natural gas, and oilfield service companies. The company's Oilfield Equipment segment designs and manufactures products and services, including pressure control equipment and services, subsea production systems and services, drilling equipment, and flexible pipeline systems; and onshore and offshore drilling and production systems, and equipment for floating production platforms, as well as provides a range of services related to onshore and offshore drilling activities. Its Turbomachinery & Process Solutions segment provides equipment and related services for mechanical-drive, compression, and power-generation applications across the oil and gas industry, as well as products and services to serve the downstream segments of industry. Its product portfolio includes drivers, compressors, and turnkey solutions; and pumps, valves, and compressed natural gas and small-scale liquefied natural gas solutions. This segment serves upstream, midstream, onshore and offshore, industrial, engineering, procurement, and construction companies. The company's Digital Solutions segment provides sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing and inspection, turbine, generator and plant controls, and condition monitoring, as well as pipeline integrity solutions for a range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, metals, and transportation. It serves through direct and indirect channels. The company is based in Houston, Texas. Baker Hughes, a GE company is a subsidiary of General Electric Company. Read More Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE:TCO) announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November, 9th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.49) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the Zacks' consensus estimate of $0.58 by $1.07. The real estate investment trust had revenue of $130.99 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $125.10 million. Taubman Centers had a net margin of 30.09% and a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 94.88%. The business's quarterly revenue was down 19.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.86 earnings per share. View Taubman Centers' earnings history. Aareal Bank AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides financing, software products, digital solutions, and payment transaction applications for the property sector and related industries in Germany and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Structured Property Financing, Banking & Digital solutions, and Aareon. The Structured Property Financing segment offers property financing and refinancing solutions for office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers, as well as retail, logistics, residential properties, and student apartments. This segment also provides deposits, registered and bearer Pfandbriefe, promissory note loans, medium-term notes, debt securities, private placements, other bonds and subordinated issues, mortgage Pfandbriefe, and public sector Pfandbriefe. The Banking & Digital solutions segment offers various services and products for the housing, commercial property, and energy and waste disposal industries. Its services include specialized banking, payment systems, and optimized business processes. The Aareon segment provides IT systems consultancy and related advisory services, enterprise resource planning systems, software solutions, hosting and software as a service, and in-house services. Aareal Bank AG was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited. Avianca Holdings S.A., through its subsidiaries, provides passenger and cargo air transportation services in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, Europe, South America, and internationally. It also offers aircraft maintenance, crew training, and other airport services to other carriers, as well as travel and cargo related services to its customers. In addition, the company is involved in the ground operations for third-party airlines, and aircraft leasing activities; and operates LifeMiles, a frequent flyer program. As of December 31, 2017, it operated a fleet of 186 aircraft, including 144 jet passenger aircrafts, 30 turboprop passenger aircrafts, and 12 cargo aircrafts. The company was formerly known as AviancaTaca Holding S.A. and changed its name to Avianca Holdings S.A. in March 2013. The company was founded in 1919 and is based in Panama City, Panama. Avianca Holdings S.A. is a subsidiary of Synergy Aerospace Corp. Read More Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. Within direct investments the firm specializes in expansion capital, management buyout, middle market, growth capital, add-on acquisitions, bridge financing, management buy-ins for experienced executives, corporate spin-offs, succession arrangements and generational transition in a family-owned business, small and medium-sized companies and pre-IPO stage investments. Within fund of fund investments the firm invests in private equity funds. It does not invest in start-up and early stage companies. The firm prefers to invest in automotive suppliers, industrial, mechanical and plant engineering, businesses develop, building supplier, measurement and automation technology, specialty chemical, support service providers, printing, media, broadband/telecommunication, IT services/software, healthcare and packaging sectors. It also prefer to invest in manufacture industrial components for very different customer sectors, produced machines and plants for various customer sectors, industrial support services, and logistics. It have accessed business models and invested very successfully in other sectors as well. The firm primarily seeks to invest in companies headquartered or having significant business relationships in Germany Mittelstand, DACH (Austria, Switzerland and Germany) France, Netherlands, United States of America, European neighboring countries, and in German speaking European countries. Within European Emerging Markets, it prefers to invest in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The firm typically invests between A10 million ($11.07 million) and A75 million ($105.61 million) in companies with revenues between A30 million ($55.33 million) and A500 million ($704.12 million) and enterprise value between A35 million ($35.26 million) and A300 million ($422.47 million), but may also consider investments in smaller companies or participating in larger transactions. In individual instances, it also prefers structure transactions, in which the enterprise value exceeds this range and which require equity capital investments of up to A200 million ($235.19 million). It can also co-invest with other firms. The firm seeks to take majority or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. It prefers to invest in split-offs of peripheral activities from large corporations, a sale from the portfolio of another financial investor, and a capital requirement to fund a company's growth. The firm seeks to take seats on the portfolio companies' advisory councils or supervisory boards. It typically holds its investment for a period of eight years. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG was founded in 1965 and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Pentair: Aplex Industries Inc., Aqua Membranes Inc. , Aquion, Aquion (Xi'an) Water Treatment Equipment Co. Ltd., Aquion Hong Kong Limited, Aquion Inc., Be the Change Labs Inc., Bylin Engineered Systems Inc, Century Mfg. Co., Chansuba Pumps Private Limited , Clean Process Technologies, ClearWater Tech L.L.C., ETE Coliban Pty Limited, Enviro Water Solutions LLC, Epps Ltd., Erico Global, Everpure Japan Kabushiki Kaisha, FARADYNE Motors (Suzhou) Co. Ltd , Faradyne Motors LLC , FilterSoft LLC, Fleck Controls Inc., Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Limited, Goyen Valve LLC, Greenspan Environmental Technology Pty Ltd, Haffmans B.V., Haffmans North America Inc., Hawley Group Canada Limited, Holding Nijhuis Pompen B.V., Hypro EU Limited, Infinite Water Solutions Private Limited, Jung Pumpen GmbH, Ken's Beverage, Lincoln Automotive Company, MECAIR S.r.L., McNeil (Ohio) Corporation, Milperra Developments Pty Limited, Mobile Pool Builder Inc., Moraine Properties LLC, Nano Terra Inc., Nijhuis Pompen B.V., Nuheat, PES Pty Ltd, PFAM Inc., PTG Accessories Corp., Panthro Acquisition Co., Pelican Holding Corporation, Pentair (NZ) Limited, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems Inc., Pentair Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pentair Canada Inc., Pentair Clean Process Technologies India Private Limited, Pentair Denmark Holding ApS, Pentair Environmental Systems Limited, Pentair Epsilon Limited, Pentair Federal Pump LLC, Pentair Filtration Sales & Service Company LLC, Pentair Filtration Solutions LLC, Pentair Finance Group GmbH, Pentair Finance Holding GmbH, Pentair Finance S.a.r.l., Pentair Flow Control International Pty Limited, Pentair Flow Services AG, Pentair Flow Technologies LLC, Pentair Flow Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd, Pentair Flow Technologies de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Pentair France SARL, Pentair Germany GmbH, Pentair Global Holdings B.V., Pentair Global S.a.r.l., Pentair Group (Thailand) Limited , Pentair Holdings Inc., Pentair Holdings S.a.r.l., Pentair Housing Inc., Pentair Housing LP, Pentair Inc., Pentair International (UK) Ltd, Pentair International Holding S.a.r.l., Pentair International Sarl, Pentair Investments Switzerland GmbH, Pentair Ireland Limited, Pentair Janus Holding LLC, Pentair Janus Holdings, Pentair Kenya Limited, Pentair Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Pentair Management Company, Pentair Manufacturing Belgium BV, Pentair Manufacturing Italy S.r.L., Pentair Middle East FZE, Pentair Nanosoft US Holdings LLC, Pentair Netherlands Euro Finance B.V., Pentair Netherlands Finance B.V., Pentair Netherlands Holding B.V., Pentair Pacific Rim (Water) Limited, Pentair Pacific Rim Limited, Pentair Philippines Inc., Pentair Residential Filtration LLC, Pentair Sales LLC, Pentair Services France S.A.S., Pentair Sudmo GmbH, Pentair Tamimi LLC, Pentair Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Pentair Transport Inc., Pentair Tubing Limited, Pentair UK Group Limited, Pentair UK Holdings Limited, Pentair US LLC 1, Pentair US LLC 2, Pentair US LP, Pentair Valves & Controls del Uruguay S.A., Pentair Water (Suzhou) Company Ltd., Pentair Water Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pentair Water Australia Pty Ltd, Pentair Water Belgium BV, Pentair Water Brazil LLC, Pentair Water France SAS, Pentair Water Group Inc., Pentair Water Holdings LLC, Pentair Water India Private Limited, Pentair Water Italy S.r.l., Pentair Water LLC, Pentair Water Latinamerica S.A., Pentair Water Operations Australia Pty Ltd, Pentair Water Polska Sp.zoo, Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc., Pentair Water Proces Technologie Holding B.V., Pentair Water Process Technology B.V., Pentair Water Purification Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Pentair Water Spain S.L., Pentair Water Treatment (OH) Company, Pentair Water Treatment Company, Pentair Water Treatment Private Limited, Pentair Water do Brasil Ltda., Pentair Water-Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Penwald Insurance Company, Pigeon Point Systems Inc., Plymouth Products Inc., Porous Media Corp., Procam Controls Inc., Rocean, Seneca Enterprises Co., Sta-Rite Industries LLC, Sta-Rite de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Sta-Rite de Puerto Rico Inc., Surface Logix LLC, Tupelo Real Estate LLC, Tyco Flow Control, Union Engineering (NingBo) Co. Ltd., Union Engineering A/S, Union Engineering Holding II A/S, Union Engineering Holding LLC, Union Engineering Latam Ltda, Union Engineering North America LLC, Urban Organics Pentair Group LLC, Urban Organics Schmidt Real Estate Group LLC, Urban Organics St. Paul LLC, Voltea Ltd., Water Ingenuity Holdings Corp., Webster Electric Company LLC, Wicor Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd., and X-Flow B.V.. The following companies are subsidiares of China Shenhua Energy: China Shenhua Overseas Development and Investment Co. Ltd., Guangdong Guohua Yudean Taishan Power Co. Ltd., Guoh ua Taicang Power Co. Ltd., Guohua Xuzhou Power Generation Co. Ltd, Hebei Guohua Cangdong Power Co. Ltd, Inner Mongolia Guohua Hulunbeier Power Generation Co. Ltd., Inner Mongolia Guohua Zhungeer Power Generation Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Guohua Chenjiagang Power C o . L t d ., Ningxia Guohua Ningdong Power Generation Co. Ltd., PT GH EMM Indonesia, PT. Shenhua Guohua Lion Power Indonesia, SHENHUA AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED, Sanhe Power Co. Ltd., Shaanxi Guohua Jinjie Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua (Tianjin) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Shenhua Baorixile Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua Baoshen Railway Co. Ltd, Shenhua Baoshen Railway Group Co. Ltd., Shenhua Baotou Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua Bayannur Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua Beidian Shengli Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua F inance Co. Ltd., Shenhua Fujian Energy C o . L t d ., Shenhua Ganquan R a ilw a y Co. Ltd., Shenhua Geological Exploration Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua (Beijing) Distributed Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua (Beijing) Gas Thermal Power Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua (Indonesia) Jawa Power Generation Co. Ltd, Shenhua Guohua (Zhoushan) Power Generation Co. Ltd ., Shenhua Guohua Beijing Electric Power Research Institute Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Guangdong Electricity Sales Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Guangtou (Beihai) Power Generation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Guangtou (Liuzhou ) Power Generation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua International Power Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Jiansu Power Sales Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Jiujiang Power Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Mengjin Power Generation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Ningdong Power Generation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Qingyuan Power Generation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Guohua Shouguang Power Generation Company Limited, Shenhua Guohua Yongzhou Power Co. Ltd., Shenhua Hong Kong Limited, Shenhua Huanghua Harbour Administration Co. Ltd., Shenhua Information Technology Co. Ltd., Shenhua Logistics Group Corporation Limited, Shenhua R ailway Transportation Co. Ltd., Shenhua Sales Group Co. Ltd., Shenhua Shandong Power Sales Co. Ltd., Shenhua Shendong Coal Group Co. Ltd., Shenhua Shendong Power Co. Ltd., Shenhua Sichuan Energy Co. Ltd., Shenhua Tianjin Coal Dock Co. Ltd., Shenhua Xinjie Energy Co. Ltd, Shenhua Xinzhun Railway Co. Ltd., Shenhua Yueyang Power Generation Co. Ltd, Shenhua Zhonghai Shipping Co. Ltd., Shenhua Zhunchi Railway Company Limited, Shenhua Zhungeer Energy Co. Ltd, Shenhua Zhunneng Group Co. Ltd., Shenwan Energy Co. Ltd., Shuohuang Railway Development Co. Ltd., Suizhong Power Co. Ltd., Tianjin Guohua Jinneng Power Co. Ltd., Tianjin Guohua Panshan Power Generation Co. Ltd., Yulin Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Guohua Yuyao Gas- red Power Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Guohua Zheneng Power Generation Co. Ltd.. By AM Friday, November 16, 2018 Share Tweet Share Share Email Music aficionado Christopher Owens mourns the death of Metal Ireland. The announcement on 13th November that Metal Ireland was no more, was an unpleasant one to wake up to this morning. Having written for the site since 2012 (and a forum user/viewer since 2007), it genuinely feels like the death of an old friend. Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. Follow Christopher Owens on Twitter @MrOwens212 More importantly, it's also the end of an era for Irish music.Beginning in 2000, under the name 'NI Metal Forum' (before switching to Metal Ireland not too long after), the site was a harbour for bands and fans of the heavier spectrum of music in this county (that was crucial, as it also took hardcore and neo-folk as seriously as it did black metal and grindcore). It covered bands from across the world, from major label darlings down to amateurs scraping up enough money for a demo tape run and didn't differentiate between them. Some hugely hyped albums got the slating they deserved, while Argentinean three track demos would be hailed as exciting propositions.It was this ability to see the wood from the trees, so to speak, that gave the site its name and reputation. Each review was an honest opinion, even if the reviewer didn't know what to make of what they were reviewing. In an era where reviews in mainstream magazines/sites are nothing more than re-written press releases with maximum points awarded (because who wants to alienate labels advertising with you), this was sorely needed and is needed more now than ever.What lay at the heart of the site was the Irish reviews. Chronicling the progression of bands like Gama Bomb, Primordial, Cruachan, Stormzone and Alter of Plagues from demo bands to international touring acts, the archive was a vested history of the Irish underground. The critiques were honest, never pulled punches and were (more often than not) completely right.While this gave the site a certain veneer, national notoriety was gained due to it's forum.While it was a haven to discovering new bands, it was also known, certainly in the early days, as a place which did not suffer fools gladly.Time and time again, deluded users would detail their hare brained schemes to the forum, presumably expecting to be patted on the back for their services to Irish metal. All too often, reactions were often the opposite, and the user would often publicly melt down in spectacular fashion.Over the years, there were so many classics they became hard to keep track of: Philfest ("it's not booked but it's definitely happening"), Mask Mantra (public masturbation and wrestling), Mean Bone ("Get our app for Android" says a band playing Christmas dinners), Creation's Tears ("for those oppressed by the female species") and Shoctopus (nuff said).The cries of "elitist" and "cliquey" were often fostered upon the forum. Both of these were, and remain, ridiculous concepts for the following reasons:you have access to the internet, so why not click on the link with the music being discussed and make up your own mind instead of being put off for some weird reason.the term "clique" (to me anyway) suggests deliberately excluding others. Something the site did not do.Unfortunately, as I have discovered over the years, some fans of metal/hardcore have a complex relationship with the Irish underground. Some don't know it exists at all, some are afraid to venture near it for some imagined reason, and some see it as "elitist"As a result, and because of a number of other reasons (low population, conservative attitudes etc) the Irish underground is always in a state of becoming. It produces great bands and, every few years, a healthy scene develops before burning out, leaving the same 40-50 diehards flying the battered flag of metal. And those people are in their 40's. Doesn't bode well for the future.But then, maybe that will be the future.While there are plenty of young bands, budding reviewers and an overabundance of photographers, Ireland is a very different place than it was in 2000. Then, the novelty of forums and websites could be utilised by the tech savvy to build a fan base and tour the rest of the country and places like England.Today, bands can utilise YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify, Soundcloud, Twitter and Facebook to get their music out there. If they want to make money, they can go on Twitch and get sponsored to play video games. So maybe labels will be a thing of the past in the underground. Maybe criticism will be reduced to YouTube 'reaction' videos or snarky tweets.Carrie Twomey very kindly pointed me to this article inabout the state of music blogs in 2018. I fear there is much to agree with.The internet is constantly developing, the way people consume music is constantly changing, and it's very easy to become someone out of time with the rapid pace of the developing technology. Bear in mind, 2004 saw the popularity of the iPod. Today, it's virtually obsolete. Yet this device single handily defined popular music for the '00's!Music websites like The Quietus and Pitchfork will still exist for the time being, but their appeal will be even more niche than before. However, what they can offer is thoughtful coverage on albums and live shows so they'll attract the more devoted music fan. Bloggers, in my experience, had a tendency to chase after whatever was popular and bet heavily on acts that went nowhere, but had the right connections.What makes it even more interesting is that a lot of younger bands have grown up in this era: where bloggers set trends, and there's no music press to speak of, so they have no concept of morals, ideology or even art in some cases. Even though the music press could be full of shit at times, I do genuinely believe that it kept bands on their toes.Ultimately, the relationship between bands and critics is a complex one. Both are art forms in themselves, both (when done well) stay in the memory bank and both cannot exist without each other.Critics are not meant to give you their opinions as FACT. They exist to challenge what you think yourself, and help inform your own opinion. And that, I think, is the prime factor for bands getting bent out of shape over reviews. That good critics can see beyond the bluster, and get to the heart of what works and what doesn't.And this, ultimately, is why Metal Ireland will be missed. It's a loss not only to Irish metal, but to reviewing in general. I'm very sad to see it go, as I know the front page was getting higher views than ever, and the forum (while nowhere near as busy as previous years) still drew in views.I suspect the malware attack that took place during the summer finished the owner's enthusiasm for the site. Can't blame him. As already stated, the web is constantly evolving and getting young people to interact with the site was beginning to be a challenge.Still, 18 years isn't a bad run by any stretch of the imagination.Metal Ireland, thank you for everything. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Read More William Lyon Homes (NYSE:WLH) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November, 6th. The construction company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the Zacks' consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.07. The construction company earned $466.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $487.15 million. William Lyon Homes had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 6.98% and a net margin of 3.04%. The business's revenue was down 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.68 earnings per share. View William Lyon Homes' earnings history. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF's stock was trading at $52.04 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWY shares have increased by 53.8% and is now trading at $80.03. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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. 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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. St. Clair Major Leacock, MP for Central Kingstown Constituency, laments that we are still falling short of making any headway in combating the crime and violence that currently plague our society. Parliamentary Representative for the Central Kingstown constituency - St. Clair Leacock said that despite efforts to lead persons away from crime, the nation is still falling short in finding solutions to the rising crime here. Leacock was on hand in Redemption Sharpes, a stronghold in his constituency, to show solidarity with the family of Sabitree Lyttle who was shot and killed on Wednesday. He expressed sadness on the death of Lyttle. "The politicians have spoken, the church has spoken, the community has spoken, the government has spoken, the opposition has spoken, there have been all sort of prescriptions, there have been some admission, but we are still falling short of solving the problem of crime and violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said Leacock. He said that the criminals are bringing fear in "our land. The MP described the deceased as a quiet lady whose husband "is very close to him. In fact, Leacock said, he and the husband had had a long discussion over the weekend. "I mean, if you rob a person, you have to proceed to the next step to kill a person? And it has no boundaries. Its a shop keeper today, its a drug dealer tomorrow, it could be .. the journalist, it could be the politician, it could be the innocent person just passing by. When is it going to stop? questioned Leacock. He added that a church recently had crusade and he witnessed the pastor calling up persons to look at the victim of crimes to see if it can help prompt people to turn their lives around. "But nothing seems to be working. Its very, very sad. This is a peaceful community, its probably one of the most Christian communities, said the area representative. Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. engages in the manufacture of thermoplastic corrugated pipe, which provides suite of water management products and drainage solutions for use in the construction and infrastructure marketplace. It operates through the following segments: Pipe, Infiltrator, International, and Allied Products & Other. The Pipe segment manufactures and markets thermoplastic corrugated pipe throughout the United States. The Infiltrator segment provides plastic leachfield chambers and systems, septic tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. The International segment manufactures and markets pipe and allied products in regions outside of the United States. The Allied Products & Other segment manufactures and markets products throughout the United States. Products include StormTech, Nyloplast, ARC Septic Chambers, Inserta Tee, water quality filters and structures, Fittings, and FleXstorm. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Hilliard, OH. Read More GlaxoSmithKline Plc is a healthcare company, which engages in the research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceuticals R&D; Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. The Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on developing medicines in respiratory and infectious diseases, oncology, and immuno-inflammation. The Pharmaceuticals R&D segment focuses on science related to the immune system, the use of human genetics and advanced technologies, and is driven by the multiplier effect of Science x Technology x Culture. The Vaccines segment produces pediatric and adult vaccines to prevent a range of infectious diseases including, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, typhoid, influenza, and bacterial meningitis. The Consumer Healthcare segment develops and markets brands in the oral health, pain relief, respiratory, nutrition and gastro intestinal, and skin health categories. The company was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of PPG Industries: AIPCF V Texstars Blocker Inc., AkzoNobel, Alermac Inversiones S.A. de C.V., Alpha Coating Technologies LLC, Alpha Coatings Inc., Broad Range Development Limited, Brown Brothers Distribution Limited, CG Holdings Manufacturing Co., Centro de Investigacion en Polimeros S.A. de C.V., Chemfil Canada Limited, Chorlton Trade Paints Limited, Comercial Mexicana de Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Comex, Comex Industrial Coatings S.A. de C.V., Consorcio Comex S.A. de C.V., Cristacol S.A., Cuming Microwave Corporation, Deutek SA, Dexmet Corporation, Dexmet Holding Corporation, Distribuidora Kroma S.A. de C.V., EPIC Insurance Co. Ltd., Eberle Design Inc., Empresa Aga S.A. de C.V., Ennis Canadian Holding Company, Ennis Flint Soluciones Seguras Para Trafico, Ennis Highway Traffic Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Ennis Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Ennis Paint Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Ennis Paint Boya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Ennis Paint Canada ULC, Ennis Paint Germany GmbH, Ennis Paint Netherlands Holdings LLC, Ennis Paint U.K. Holding Company Limited, Ennis Prismo Italio S.r.l., Ennis Traffic Safety Solutions Pty Ltd, Ennis Flint Mexico, Ennis Flint New Zealand, Ennis Flint New Zealand Holding Pty Ltd, Ennis-Flint, Ennis-Flint Africa (Pty) Ltd, Ennis-Flint Inc., Foshan Bairun Chemicals Co. Ltd., Fpu Industrial S.A. de C.V., Grupo Comex S.A. de C.V., Hemmelrath Automotive Coatings (Jilin) Co. Ltd., Hodij Coatings B.V., Homax Products, Industria Chimica Reggiana I.C.R. SPA, Johnstones Paints Limited, Kalon Investment Company Limited, Kalon South Africa Proprietary Limited, Manchester Thermoplastics LLC, Masterwork Paint, MetoKote Canada Limited, MetoKote Corporation, MetoKote Mexico Holding Inc., MetoKote UK Limited, MetoKote de Mexico S. de RL de CV, PPG AC - France SA, PPG ALESCO Automotive Finishes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PPG AP Resinas S.A. de C.V., PPG Aerospace Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Architectural Coatings (Puerto Rico) Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Ireland Limited, PPG Architectural Coatings Italy S.r.l., PPG Architectural Coatings UK Limited, PPG Architectural Finishes Inc., PPG Asian Paints Private Ltd., PPG COATINGS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., PPG Canada Inc., PPG Cieszyn S.A., PPG Coatings (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, PPG Coatings (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., PPG Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Thailand) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Wuhu) Company Ltd., PPG Coatings (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings B.V., PPG Coatings Belgium BV, PPG Coatings Danmark A/S, PPG Coatings Deutschland GmbH, PPG Coatings Europe B.V., PPG Coatings Manufacturing SARL, PPG Coatings Nederland BV, PPG Coatings S.A., PPG Coatings South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PPG DYRUP S.A., PPG Deco Czech a.s., PPG Deco Polska sp. z.o.o., PPG Deco Slovakia s.r.o., PPG Deutschland Business Support GmbH, PPG Deutschland Sales & Services GmbH, PPG Distribution S.A.S., PPG Europe B.V., PPG Finance B.V., PPG France Business Support S.A.S., PPG France Manufacturing S.A.S., PPG Guadeloupe SAS, PPG Hellas S.A., PPG Hemmelrath Coatings Inc., PPG Hemmelrath Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Holdco SAS, PPG Holdings (U.K.) Limited, PPG Holdings Argentina USA LLC, PPG Holdings Latin America USA LLC, PPG Iberica S.A., PPG Iberica Sales & Services S.L., PPG Industrial Coatings B.V., PPG Industrial do Brasil - Tintas E. Vernizes - Ltda., PPG Industries (Korea) Ltd., PPG Industries (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Industries (UK) Ltd, PPG Industries Argentina S.R.L., PPG Industries Australia PTY Limited A.C.N. 055 500 939, PPG Industries Colombia Ltda., PPG Industries Czech Republic s.r.o., PPG Industries Delfzijl B.V., PPG Industries Europe Sarl, PPG Industries France S.A.S., PPG Industries International Inc., PPG Industries Italia S.r.l., PPG Industries Kimya a Sanayi VE Ticaret AS, PPG Industries LLC, PPG Industries Lipetsk LLC, PPG Industries Middle East FZE, PPG Industries Netherlands B.V., PPG Industries New Zealand Limited, PPG Industries Ohio Inc., PPG Industries Poland Sp. Z.o.o., PPG Industries Securities LLC, PPG Industries de Mexico S.A. de C.V., PPG Italia Business Support S.r.l., PPG Italia Sales & Services S.r.l., PPG Japan Ltd., PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes Canada LP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.K. LLP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.S. LLC, PPG Luxembourg Finance S.aR.L., PPG Luxembourg Holdings S.aR.L., PPG Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Mexico S.A. de C.V., PPG Packaging Coatings (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Paints Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Performance Coatings (Hong Kong) Limited, PPG Powder Coatings (Shanghai) Limited, PPG Romania S.A., PPG SSC Co. Ltd., PPG Switzerland GmbH, PPG Trilak Kft., PPG Vietnam Co. Ltd., PRC-DeSoto Australia Pty Ltd., PRC-DeSoto International Inc., PT. PPG Coatings Indonesia, Painter's Supply, Paintzen, Peintures de Paris SAS, Plasticos Envolventes S.A. de C.V., Polymeric Systems Inc., Prismo Road Markings Limited, ProCoatings B.V., ProCoatings BV, Protec Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 007 857 392, Reno A&E LLC, Revocoat France SAS, Revocoat Holding SAS, Revocoat Iberica SLU, Revocoat S.A.S, Road Infrastructure Investment Holdings Inc., SEM Products Inc., Sealants Europe SAS, Sierracin Corporation, Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sigma Marine & Protective Coatings Holding B.V., SigmaKalon (BC) UK Limited, SigmaKalon Group, SigmaKalon Middle East B.V., Sikar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, United International Business NV, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, Worwag Coatings, and Zaganite Industries Pty Ltd. 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. Avient Corp. engages in the business of thermoplastic compounds. It specializes in polymer materials, services, and solutions with operations in specialty polymer formulations, color and additive systems, plastic sheet and packaging solutions and polymer distribution. The firm is also involved in the development and manufacturing of performance enhancing additives, liquid colorants, fluoropolymers and silicone colorants. It operates through the following segments: Color, Additives and Inks; Specialty Engineered Materials; and Distribution. The Color, Additives and Inks segment provides custom color and additive concentrates in solid and liquid form for thermoplastics, dispersions for thermosets, speciality inks, plasticols, and vinyl slush molding solutions. The Specialty Engineered Materials segment makes polymer formulations, services, and solutions for designers, assemblers, and processors of thermoplastic materials. The Distribution segment distributes engineering and commodity grade resins, including PolyOne-produced solutions, principally to the North American, Central American, and Asian markets. The firm's products include polymer distribution, screen printing inks, and thermoplastic elastomers. Its services include IQ design and color services. The company was founded on August 31, 2000 and is headquartered in Avon Lake, OH. Read More Aumann AG manufactures and sells specialized machines and production lines for components of electric and classic drive chain systems in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, and internationally. It operates through E-Mobility and Classic segments. The E-Mobility segment develops, produces, and sells specialized machines and automated production lines for the electrification of vehicles; solutions to produce electric motors and mechatronic modules for traction and auxiliary drives, and sensors; and special-purpose machinery and production lines for the production of electric and hybrid vehicles, including energy storage systems. It also provides solutions for product-related services, such as maintenance, repair, spare parts, and engineering services. The Classic segment develops, produces, and sells special-purpose machinery and automated production lines for the automotive, consumer goods, agricultural, general, aerospace, rail, consumer electronics, and clean technology industries. Its solutions include machinery for the production of classic drive components in combustion engines, including assembled camshafts, camshaft modules, assembled cylinder activation and deactivation modules, and components for valve control systems; and lightweight structural components that enable its automotive customers to reduce the CO2emissions of their fleets. This segment also offers winding machinery, welding systems, assembly solutions, inline measuring machines, and general automation solutions; and supplementary services comprising maintenance, repairs, spare parts, surveying, and prototype development, as well as first fabrication and small-batch production. The company was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Beelen, Germany. Read More Brent Lyttle leads his son away from the cordoned off area around the family home. Inset: Sabitree Lyttle, of Guyanese origin, was described as a peaceful woman. Hollywood, USA is known for producing great movies. On the other hand, Hollywood in Redemption Sharpes, SVG, seems to be developing a reputation for creating scenes of real live shootings. In the past 6 months, the small community, which is sometimes referred to as Paul Over, has seen three major shootings. Jesse Bess was shot nine times in late May while in his Ital shop. About two weeks later, Hutcher Bute was shot while sitting in the verandah of a family members home. Both men survived but the most recent shooting incident proved fatal. Last Wednesday, November 14, Sabritree Lyttle, a 56-year-old shopkeeper also known as Ileen, was shot and killed while she was in the shop that she and her husband operated in Hollywood. The shooting is said to have taken place around 1 pm. The shop is located in the upper level of the family house, which Lyttle shared with her husband and their three children two boys and one girl. The deceased was described as a peaceful woman who was committed to her family and her business. She was originally from Berbice, Guyana, but had family connections in Trinidad and here in Mesopotamia. Three men Six gunshots According to police report, Lyttle was in the family owned provision shop when she was approached and shot. The police, on being summoned to the scene, found her body in a pool of blood in a balcony of the family home. And while police say it is too early in their investigations to put a motive to the killing, residents in Hollywood are convinced that Lyttle was shot during a robbery. A man who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting said that he saw three men in the area acting in a suspicious manner. The men disappeared, he said, but not after he heard two gunshots followed by what is believed to be Lyttle screaming for help. One of the men was seen running in a direction below the Lyttles home. He is said to have fired two more gunshots as he made his escape. Residents also reported hearing the sound of another two gunshots coming from the opposite direction but in close proximity to where Lyttle was killed, making a total of six gunshots being fired during the entire ordeal. THE VINCENTIAN was told that the second round of gunshot was fired at a male resident who had seen one of the men running. The resident said he had to take cover behind some blocks to avoid being shot. The Lyttles house is one of many in an area that can best be described as a cul-de-sac. The houses, interestingly, are all located on one side of the road and in close proximity to one another. "It is, according to one resident, "the last place anyone would expect something like this to happen, and worse, at the time of day it happened. Coming to grips with the reality Brent Lyttle, husband of the deceased, was reduced to tears. He was heard calling out to God for mercy as he exited the cordoned off area Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN as he manfully tried to show signs of being in control of his emotions, Brent said that his wife was everything to him and it would be difficult to function without having her around. Their relationship spanned some twenty-three years, twenty of which were spent as husband and wife, Brent said. They have been operating the shop for some fourteen years and had never before experienced anything like this, referring to the shooting. The man said that he last saw his wife when he bade her goodbye as he left for work at Coreas Distribution, around 6 that morning. He said he later received news that there was a robbery at the shop. He immediately got permission to leave for his home, and on arrival there, he saw his wife in a pool of blood on the balcony. A number of draws inside the shop were emptied, and it appeared, Lyttle said, that the criminals had taken whatever money they found. His real concern now, is the state of mind of their children, and to get justice for his wife. "Mercy of God, he cried as he tried to find answers as to why his wife had to go in such a manner. Among those on hand to show support for the family was MP for the area St. Clair Leacock and some of Brent Lyttle colleagues from Coreas Distribution. Leacock described the death as a very sad time for the community. (See more on page 28). Within hours of the incident, police issued a wanted bulletin for Jerroy Jay Jay Phillips, a young man who grew up in the same area. Phillips, the police said, was wanted for question in connection with the shooting incident in which Sabritree Lyttle was killed. By the afternoon of Thursday, the police issued another notice to say that they had apprehended Phillips and he was in their custody. Phillips is known to the court system here, having been spared a prison sentence when he and Anthony Hope of Belair were given suspended sentences of 18 months in March this year, this after the two were found guilty of inflicting damage to the St. Hill Business Centre, Kingstown. Sabritree Lyttles death brings the number of homicides for the year so far to 31. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft operates as a life science company worldwide. It operates through Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science segments. The Pharmaceuticals segment offers prescription products primarily for cardiology and women's health care; specialty therapeutics in the areas of oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology; and diagnostic imaging equipment and contrast agents, as well as cell and gene therapy. The Consumer Health segment markets nonprescription over-the-counter medicines, medical products, medicated skincare products, nutritional supplements, and self-care solutions in dermatology, nutritional supplements, pain and cardiovascular risk prevention, digestive health, allergy, and cold and cough. The Crop Science segment offers chemical and biological crop protection products, improved plant traits, seeds, digital solution, and pest and weed control products, as well as customer service for agriculture. This segment also provides breeding, propagation, and production/processing of seeds, including seed dressing. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft has a collaboration agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center to develop oncology drugs; research and license agreement with Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular and gynecological diseases; collaboration agreement with Exscientia Ltd, Foundation Medicine Inc., and Evotec AG; research collaboration with Arvinas Inc. and Forschungszentrum JAlich GmbH; strategic research partnership with University of Oxford to develop novel gynecological therapies; and research collaboration agreements with Haplogen GmbH and Kyoto University to identify new drugs candidates for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The company distributes its products through wholesalers, pharmacies and pharmacy chains, supermarkets, online and other retailers, and hospitals, as well as directly to farmers. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany. Read More Whitbread has been the subject of 7 research reports in the past 90 days, demonstrating strong analyst interest in this stock. According to analysts' consensus price target of GBX 3,715.56, Whitbread has a forecasted upside of 24.9% from its current price of GBX 2,976. Whitbread has received a consensus rating of Buy. The company's average rating score is 2.90, and is based on 9 buy ratings, 1 hold rating, and no sell ratings. 4.7 Community Rank Outperform Votes Whitbread has received 821 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Whitbread has received 346 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Whitbread has received 70.35% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Whitbread and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe WTB will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe WTB will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next 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 The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW France Finance Alpha S.A.S., ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MOA Enterprises Inc, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V.. Left:Dr. Roxie Irish receives award from Lions Club District Governor Audrey P. Doorn. Right: Vincentian Lion Ingrid Andrews-Campbell with husband, Daniel Campbell (both of Belair), after honor ceremony. Central Brooklyn Lions Club Inc., two Saturday nights ago, honored the president of the United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB), Dr. Roxie Irish, among five outstanding community figures during its 30th anniversary gala celebration at Siricos Caterers on 13th Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The other honorees were: Boys and Girls High School principal Grecian Harrison-Walker; Haitian American United for Progress (HAUP) president Johanne Jacques; Crown Heights Youth Collective founder Richard Greene, and Haitian-born New York Police Department (NYPD) officer Joseph Jaquet. The club also presented Lifetime Member awards to Vincentian Ingrid Andrews-Campbell, Marjorie Walters, Beverley Campbell, Benita Malloy and Barbara Moody. "Congratulations to all the honorees and Central Brooklyn life members, said the clubs Jamaican-born president Jerusha Jacobs in her remarks. "We wish each one of you continued success in your future endeavors. Referring to her biography, Dr. Irish a former national netball star, who was born in Vermont and raised in Campden Park said she did not want to be famous, "I want to be effective. "I dont belong to the Lions Club but to the tribe of Judah, added the Youth Minister at Miracle Temple Ministries in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. "I congratulate you on your anniversary, and I pray good things for the Central Brooklyn Lions Club. Irish graduated with a doctorate degree in Christian Education in 2008 from the New Greater Bethel Bible Institute located in Queens Village, New York. She is a prolific speaker, and has been traveling extensively on speaking appointments at various conferences (Youth, Womens and motivational events). In 2003, she founded UVCGB, which she said is "committed to providing medical supplies and other charitable donations to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. UVCGB also provides donations and/or support to other nations in times of disaster or severe crisis. The group has conducted four medical mission trips to date. Andrews-Campbell, who was born in Belair, said she has a passion for service to her community, especially "Hands-on-Service. She said she came from a family of service-minded individuals, who were active in the church, various organizations and the community. As a child, Andrews-Campbell said she fed the hungry and cared for the underserved with her grandparents in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and continued this as a student at the Barbados Community College. She said she was introduced to Lionism by her lecturer, who saw her passion for serving others and her leadership skills while serving on the students guild, representing the students in the division of health sciences. Andrews-Campbell started her career in Lionism in May 1984 as a Lioness in the Lioness Club of Bridgetown, Barbados; then as a Charter member of St. Michael Lions Club, in Barbados and has been involved in Lionism for 34 years. She transferred to the Central Brooklyn Lions Club in 2006. Since becoming a member, shes received several awards, including Lion of the Year. At the district level, she received the PMJF, International President Certificate and International President Leadership Medal. "I am humbled and grateful to be selected by the Central Brooklyn Lions Club, Inc. to receive the Life Member Award for my 34 years of community service, which spanned three countries St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and New York, she told THE VINCENTIAN. "Who would have thought from my humble beginnings in the village of Belair on a small island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that I would receive a certificate of special congressional recognition from United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of the United States Congress, and a certificate of recognition from New York City Council, Council Member Mathieu Eugene on the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Central Brooklyn Lions Club? she asked. "Thanks to my extended family, Lions family in New York City, from Barbados, who joined me in the celebrations, she added. "It has been a long journey of service that began as a child when my grandmother, Iris Edwards-Andrews, of Belair would send me to take food to the elderly in my village or to share a meal, books, clothing or household items with my neighbors children. Andrews-Campbell said her service to the community continued when she migrated to Barbados and lived with my mom, Jean Andrews-Williams. "She was the one who encouraged and supported me, when I started as a Lioness, and then as a Lion, and I know that she is smiling down from Heaven on me, her only child, Andrews-Campbell said. "Getting this achievement would not have been possible without her inspiration. She saw the passion I had for serving others. "I give God thanks in ordering my path along the way, as I seek to bring comfort and relief to the underserved, she added. "I do what I do for the love of helping others, not to be rewarded but to lead a more fulfilled life being a champion of humanity and giving selflessly, she concluded. Columbus Energy Resources plc engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Cyprus, St Lucia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the Goudron Oilfield located in south-eastern Trinidad. The company was formerly known as LGO Energy plc and changed its name to Columbus Energy Resources plc in June 2017. Columbus Energy Resources plc was incorporated in 2006 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Federated Investors, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors. Through its subsidiaries, it manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, balanced and money market mutual funds along with separate client-focused equity, fixed income, money market, and balanced portfolios. Through its subsidiaries, the firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The firm makes its fixed income investments in ultra-short, short-term, and intermediate-term mortgage-backed, U.S. Government, U.S. corporate, high yield, and municipal securities. It employs both fundamental and quantitative analysis to make its equity investments. Federated Investors, Inc. was founded in 1955 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with additional offices in New York City and London, United Kingdom. Read More Conifex Timber Inc. primarily manufactures and sells lumber products in the United States, China, Canada, Japan, and internationally. It is involved in the timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest management activities; manufacture of finished softwood lumber from spruce, pine, and fir logs; manufacture, sale, and distribution of dimension lumber; processing logs into lumber and wood chips, as well as by-products or residues, such as trim blocks, sawdust, shavings, and barks; and providing value added lumber finishing services. The company also develops bioenergy and bio products; and operates a 36 megawatt biomass power generation plant, which produces renewable energy for commercial sale. The company was formerly known as West Fourth Capital Inc. and changed its name to Conifex Timber Inc. in June 2010. Conifex Timber Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More The Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS) is, for the second year running, winner of the Secondary Schools Idea Category of the 2018 NTRC I2 Competition. In fact, the PBSS took the top two positions in that category, with PBSS Inventors, comprised of Nyron Collis and Phyziah Craigg, repeating as winners. The PBSS second team, Young Inventors, made up of Kazel Ellis, Rachael Robertson and Leon Robertson, took second spot. NUSS Conquerors 2 from the North Union Secondary School placed third in this category. "The team has been working very hard and even before coming, they said that they were working hard to win, so I am glad that their effort has paid off, Stanley Jocelyn, the teams mentor, told THE VINCENTIAN. The PBSS Young Inventors presented an idea to assist persons with disabilities to detect if a particular area is disability friendly or not. It was inspired by team member Rachael Robertson whose sister is now disabled. The school has proven itself in previous competitions, winning the Secondary Idea Competition in 2015 and 2017, and Jocelyn said that this ought to encourage the other students at the PBSS to push themselves and become more involved in IT. SVGS again! Meanwhile, in the Secondary Mobile App Category, Team Titans of the St Vincent Grammar School, comprising Myles Jones and Noah Horne, took the top spot followed by Skai Secure from the St Josephs Convent Kingstown in second and NUSS Conqueror 1 third. Jones and Horne, both Form 2 students, presented a mobile app aimed at assisting agriculture producers and buyers. Mentor Jason Alexis said that the students conducted their own research and interviews, and presented the application themselves. "I could tell they were passionate about the application and what they were doing, he said, adding that he was proud of the students. Last year, Jared Nichols and Stanislaus Gomes of the SVGS then 12 and 11 respectively won the category for an app aimed at assisting users at the Argyle International Airport. "At the school (St Vincent Grammar School), we like to expose the younger students. I am pleased that the younger guys were able to win the mobile app category, and hopefully, if we enter next year, we may see another set of young students, he said. Going beyond the competition And in the Open Category, Janika Johnney and Gerwren Fairbairn of team Mad Lab Pro were first, with Dawati Techs second and We Are Creators third. Johnney and Fairbairn, employees at the Laboratory at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, explained that the app they created was aimed at empowering the Vincentian public on the dos and donts before coming to have a test done. Fairbairn elaborated saying that as employees, they have recognized that individuals coming to have tests conducted often are not aware what they should do in order to prepare themselves, which results in them having to return. "They have to repeat the task and that is emotionally tasking and financially burdensome, so this app hopes to assist the public, Fairbairn said. The duo say that they have already pitched the idea to their employers, who they say are fully supportive. According to Fairbairn, the next step will be to do some further development before the app is fully launched. Winners in each category were awarded cash and in-kind prizes, compliments, among others, King Computer, Flow, Digicel, The St. Vincent Brewery and the National Insurance Services. (DD) The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO ENERGY, XTO Energy Canada, and XTO Holdings LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Franklin Resources: AdvisorEngine, AdvisorEngine Inc., Alumcreek Holdings LLC, Athena Capital Advisors, Balanced Equity Management, Balanced Equity Management Pty. Limited, Benefit Street Partners, Bissett & Associates Investment Management, Brandywine Global Investment Management Europe Limited, CCPF GP Holdco No.2 Limited, CCPF No.2 (GP) Limited, CCPF No.2 LP, CP Industrial Management LLC, CP Intermediate Holdco Inc., CRM Software LLC, Clarion Gramercy (Deutschland) GmbH, Clarion Gramercy (UK) Limited, Clarion Gramercy Limited, Clarion Partners Europe Ltd., Clarion Partners Holdings LLC, Clarion Partners LLC, Clarion Partners Securities LLC, Clarion REIM South America Holdings LLC, Clarion REIM South America Invsetimentos Imobiliarios Ltda, ClearBridge RARE Infrastructure (North America) Pty Limited, ClearBridge RARE Infrastructure International Pty Limited, Darby - Hana Infrastructure Fund Management Co. Ltd., Edinburgh Partners, FT FinTech Holdings LLC, FT Opportunistic Distressed Fund Ltd., FTC Investor Services Inc., FTCI (Cayman) Ltd., FTPE Advisers LLC, Fiduciary International Holding Inc., Fiduciary Investment Management International Inc., Fiduciary Trust (International) Sarl, Fiduciary Trust Company International, Fiduciary Trust Company International of Pennsylvania, Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada, Fiduciary Trust International LLC, Fiduciary Trust International of California, Fiduciary Trust International of Delaware, Fiduciary Trust International of the South, Franklin Advisers GP LLC, Franklin Advisers Inc., Franklin Advisory Services LLC, Franklin Marketplace Loan GP LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC, Franklin SystematiQ Advisers LLC, Franklin Templeton Alternative Investments (India) Private Limited, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Franklin Templeton Asset Management Mexico S.A. de C.V. Sociedad Operadora de Fondos de Inversion, Franklin Templeton Austria GmbH, Franklin Templeton Capital Holdings Private Limited, Franklin Templeton Chile SpA. V., Franklin Templeton Companies LLC, Franklin Templeton Digital Advisory Services GmbH, Franklin Templeton Fund Management Limited, Franklin Templeton GSC Asset Management Sdn. Bhd., Franklin Templeton Global Investors Limited, Franklin Templeton Holding Limited, Franklin Templeton International Services (India) Private Limited, Franklin Templeton International Services S.a r.l., Franklin Templeton Investment Management (Shanghai) Limited, Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited, Franklin Templeton Investment Services GmbH, Franklin Templeton Investment Services Mexico S. de R.L., Franklin Templeton Investment Trust Management Co. Ltd., Franklin Templeton Investments (Asia) Limited, Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited, Franklin Templeton Investments Australia Limited, Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Franklin Templeton Investments Japan Limited, Franklin Templeton Investments Poland sp. z o.o., Franklin Templeton Investments South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Franklin Templeton Investor Services LLC, Franklin Templeton Investimentos (Brasil) Ltda., Franklin Templeton Luxembourg S.A., Franklin Templeton Magyarorszag Kft., Franklin Templeton Management Luxembourg S.A., Franklin Templeton Overseas Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Franklin Templeton Private Equity LLC, Franklin Templeton Services (India) Private Limited, Franklin Templeton Services LLC, Franklin Templeton Servicios de Asesoria Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Franklin Templeton Slovakia s.r.o., Franklin Templeton Social Infrastructure GP S.a r.l., Franklin Templeton Strategic Investments Ltd., Franklin Templeton Switzerland Ltd., Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Private Limited, Franklin Templeton Turkey Advisory Services A.S., Franklin Templeton Uruguay S.A., Franklin Venture Partners (Talos Cayman GP) LLC, Franklin Venture Partners LLC, Franklin/Templeton Distributors Inc., ITI Capital Markets Limited, K2 Advisors, LM (BVI) Limited, LM Holdings 2 Limited, LM Holdings Limited, LM International Holding LP, Legg Mason & Co (UK) Limited, Legg Mason & Co. LLC, Legg Mason (Chile) Inversiones Holdings Limitada, Legg Mason Asset Management Australia Limited, Legg Mason Asset Management Hong Kong Limited, Legg Mason Asset Management Singapore Pte. Limited, Legg Mason Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Legg Mason Holding (Switzerland) GmbH, Legg Mason Inc., Legg Mason Investment Funds Limited, Legg Mason Investments (Europe) Limited, Legg Mason Investments (Switzerland) GmbH, Legg Mason Overseas Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor LLC, Legg Mason Royce Holdings LLC, Onsa Inc., RARE IP Trust, RARE Infrastructure Limited, REDROSE Caesar S.a r.l., Random Forest Capital, Random Forest Capital LLC, Rensburg Sheppards plc, Riva Financial Systems Limited, Royce & Associates GP LLC, Royce & Associates LP, Royce Fund Services LLC, Royce Management Company LLC, TSEMF III (Jersey) Limited, TSEMF IV (Jersey) Limited, Templeton Asset Management (Labuan) Limited, Templeton Asset Management (Poland) TFI S.A., Templeton Asset Management Ltd., Templeton Global Advisors Limited, Templeton Global Holdings Ltd., Templeton International Inc., Templeton Investment Counsel LLC, Templeton Restructured Investments III Ltd., Templeton Restructured Investments IV Ltd., Templeton Restructured Investments L.L.C., Templeton Turkey Fund GP Ltd., Templeton Worldwide Inc., Templeton do Brasil Ltda., Templeton/Franklin Investment Services Inc., WHITEROSE Caesar S.a r.l., Western Asset Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Western Asset Management (Brazil) Holdings Limitada, Western Asset Management (Cayman) Holdings Limited, Western Asset Management Company Distribuidora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios Limitada, Western Asset Management Company LLC, Western Asset Management Company Limited, Western Asset Management Company Pte Ltd., Western Asset Management Company Pty Ltd, and Winfield & Company. 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 Galway Metals Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. It explores for zinc, gold, copper, silver, and lead. The company holds a 100% interest in the Clarence Stream project that covers an area of 61,000 hectares located in south-western New Brunswick, Canada. It also holds a 100% interest in the Estrades mine, related Newiska concessions, and adjacent Casa Berardi claims covering an area of 20,915 hectares in western Quebec, Canada. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More 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 Oliver Samuels has one of the most recognizable faces among Caribbean entertainers, cultural artistes, you name it. (Credit: Jamaica Gleaner) The Washington-based Institute for Caribbean Studies (ICS) says it will bestow the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award on Jamaican comedian, actor and playwright - Oliver Samuels during its 25th Caribbean-American Heritage Awards Gala, on November 16. Dr. Claire Nelon, Jamaican-born founder and president of the ICS, said that the Jamaican was being honoured, "for his outstanding body of work, and for bringing Brand Jamaica to the performing arts locally and internationally. Samuels will be awarded the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala, which has as its theme, A Celebration of Excellence and Service, Dr. Nelson added. Oliver Samuels is widely considered to be one of Jamaicas, if not the Caribbeans, "thespian luminaries, according to Dr. Nelson. According to his biography, Samuels was born on November 4, 1948, in Harmony Hall, St Mary, Jamaica. He grew up on a banana plantation, where his father worked as a casual labourer and his mother sold items on the estate. His introduction to drama began, he said, at the age of seven when he "and the other children on the plantation would sing and recite poetry on Friday nights. Destined for the stage, the adult Samuels trained at the Jamaica Theatre School from 1971 to 1973. Since his graduation and venture into full-time acting, Samuels has appeared in no fewer than 13 national pantomimes, playing major roles. He has also appeared in 20 other productions, including "The Fight Against Slavery, the British Broadcasting Corporations television series, which aired in 1974. His popularity outside of Jamaica grew exponentially with his own three-episode own television series the unforgettable Oliver, Oliver at Large and Large and in Charge. His acceptance of a management arrangement with Fab Five Inc. resulted in the release of the album Oliver Yu Large which has done well on the local and overseas market. Samuels more recent acting roles include the soap opera "Royal Palm Estate in which he played "Son-Son. He has also appeared in Canadian, Italian and German films. Currently, Samuels is dedicating his time writing his own theatrical material. His latest piece, 56 East Avenue opened in Miramar, Florida, on September 1, to very enthusiastic response. (Source: CMC) There is not enough analysis data for Dividend 15 Split Corp. II. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Dividend 15 Split Corp. II has received 4 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Dividend 15 Split Corp. II has received 1 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Dividend 15 Split Corp. II has received 80.00% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Dividend 15 Split Corp. II and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe DF will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe DF will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Informa plc operates as a business-to-business exhibitions and events, learning, and information services company worldwide. It operates through five divisions: Informa Connect, Informa Intelligence, Informa Markets, Informa Tech, and Taylor & Francis. The Informa Connect division provides content-driven events and digital platforms that allow professionals to meet, connect, learn, and share knowledge. This division operates events in finance and investment, biotech and pharma, and other specialist markets. The Informa Intelligence division offers digital intelligence and data-based products, consultancy, and research services in the areas of pharma, financial, maritime, and asset intelligence, as well as Barbour ABI, a provider of construction market intelligence and building project leads for built environment specialists. The Informa Markets division creates platforms for international markets, which provide businesses to research trends, find and showcase products, generate leads, and complete sales through exhibitions, virtual events, specialist digital content, and data solutions to customers operating in specialist markets to meet and trade. The Informa Tech division offers research, media, training, and events that inform, educate, and connect businesses and professionals working in technology. The Taylor & Francis division publishes books for upper level university students, researchers, and academic institutions in a range of specialist subjects; and journals under imprints such as Routledge, Taylor & Francis, and Cogent OA. This segment has a portfolio of approximately 160,000 book titles and 2,700 journals. The company was formerly known as T&F Informa plc and changed its name to Informa plc in August 2005. Informa plc was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Inphi Corporation provides high-speed analog and mixed signal semiconductor solutions for the communications and computing markets in China, the United States, Thailand, and internationally. Its analog and mixed signal semiconductor solutions offer high signal integrity at various data speeds and reduce system power consumption. The company's semiconductor solutions address bandwidth bottlenecks in networks, maximize throughput and minimize latency in computing environments, and enable the rollout of communications and datacenter infrastructures. Its solutions provide a high-speed interface between analog and mixed signals, and digital information in high-performance systems, such as telecommunications transport systems, enterprise networking equipment, and data centers. The company also provides 25G to 600G high-speed analog and mixed semiconductor solutions for the communications market. Its products perform a range of functions, such as amplifying, encoding, multiplexing, demultiplexing, and retiming signals at speeds up to 400 Gbps. Inphi Corporation sells its products directly through its sales force, as well as through a network of sales representatives and distributors to original equipment manufacturers. The company was formerly known as TCom Communications, Inc. and changed its name to Inphi Corporation in February 2001. Inphi Corporation was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Read More Genesis Healthcare, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates skilled nursing facilities and assisted/senior living facilities in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Inpatient Services; Rehabilitation Therapy Services; and Other Services. It also provides a range of rehabilitation therapy services, including speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and respiratory therapy. In addition, the company offers other specialty medical services, such as physician, staffing, and other healthcare related services. As of December 31, 2020, it provided inpatient services through a network of approximately 341 skilled nursing facilities and assisted/senior living communities in 24 states; and supplied rehabilitation and respiratory therapy to approximately 1,400 healthcare locations in 42 states, the District of Columbia and China. The company was formerly known as FC-GEN Operations Investment, LLC and changed its name to Genesis HealthCare, Inc. in February 2015. Genesis HealthCare, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Read More (L-R): Taiwans Ambassador H. E. Calvin Ho and Minister of Information Technology Hon. Camillo Gonsalves seal the deal of cooperation towards improving the Electronic Document and Records Management of the government of SVG. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines/Republic of China (Taiwan) relationship reached another milestone with the introduction of technology aimed at improving the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) of government, thanks to the government of Taiwan. Taiwans Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines His Excellency Calvin Ho, at a launching ceremony on Monday, expressed confidence that the venture will "provide a positive impact on the lives of Vincentians. Ho recounted the three-year incubation period, and was satisfied that it was time for implementation. He is happy that his country can share and transfer methods of advanced technology so that SVG can have a better quality of life. He regards the collaboration as a "symbol of partnership between the two nations, and promised that "We (Taiwan) will continue to assist this country in ways necessary for its overall development. The measures have been grafted into sectors of government. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology, lamented the "antiquated nature of the colonial government structure, and said that the "solution is technology. Gonsalves pointed to the "cost attached to "inefficiency which he contends, "retards the development of the country. The Finance Minister is anxious to advance, and cited: "We are in a hurry to develop. We cant afford the cost in each step of the way. A card system has been deployed in government departments which allows for faster, more reliable ways of doing business. The Finance Minister is hoping the card becomes mandatory and "becomes second nature in the public service. Gonsalves praised the Taiwan for delivering the service. He projects that Information and Communication Technology transforms life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (WKA) 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 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 32.6% and is now trading at $51.04. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. provides technical, professional, and construction services. The company's Aerospace, Technology, Environmental and Nuclear segment offers scientific, engineering, construction, nuclear, environmental, and technical support services to the aerospace, defense, technical, and automotive industries. Its Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities segment develops/rehabilitates plans for highways, bridges, transit, tunnels, airports, railroads, intermodal facilities, and maritime or port projects; develops or rehabilitates critical water resource systems, water/wastewater conveyance systems, and flood defense projects; and provides engineering design, construction management, design build, and operations and maintenance. This segment also designs and constructs buildings; offers consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and delivery services for life sciences clients; and provides services relating to modular construction and other consulting and strategic planning services, as well as offers services in containment, barrier technology, locally controlled environments, building systems automation, off-the-site design, and fabrication of facility modules. The company's Energy, Chemicals and Resources segment offers services relating to onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities, processing facilities, gathering systems, and transmission pipelines and terminals; feasibility/economic studies, technology evaluation, conceptual engineering, front end loading, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and commissioning services; and engineering, procurement, and construction solutions. This segment also provides services, such as manufacturing complex, expansions, modifications, and management of plant relocations; construction management and field construction services; and services to operate and maintain facilities. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). Luxoft Holding, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides software development services and IT solutions to multinational corporations. The company offers application software development, software architecture design, performance engineering, optimization and testing, process consulting, and software quality assurance services; functional specification and mock-up, product design, engineering, automated testing, maintenance, support, and performance engineering services; and IT strategy, software engineering process, and data security consulting services. Its products and platforms include Populus, a tool chain for human machine interface (HMI) design and development, and the deployment of automotive user interfaces for distributed embedded systems; Qt Automotive Suite, which enables developers to create stunning user experience and ease the integration toward the system backend; AllView, an user-experience demonstrator; software tools and consulting services focused on scheduling analysis, architecture optimization, and timing verification; Pelux, a base development platform; and ARP, an automotive hardware reference platform. It serves financial services, automotive and transport, healthcare and life sciences, travel and aviation, technology, telecom, energy, and other industries. The company operates in North America, Europe, Russia, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. Luxoft Holding, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Luxoft Holding, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of IBS Group Holding Limited. Read More There is not enough analysis data for PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II. 4.8 Community Rank Outperform Votes PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II has received 105 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II has received 41 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II has received 71.92% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe PFN will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe PFN will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union and those in solidarity with that institution wind up a week of activities with a picnic at Mt Wynne Beach tomorrow, Saturday 17. That will be a cool down to events which commenced Sunday with an Ecumenical Service at the Hope For Life Ministry, Arnos Vale. Mondays exercise came in the form of the annual C.W. Prescod Memorial Lecture, a centre piece on the Unions calendar. Former Girls High School Principal Andrea Keizer-Bowman presented the keynote address. The Union chose the theme: The right to education means the Right to a qualified teacher. Keizer-Bowman acknowledged that the concept was "thought-provoking. She accepted the thrust of the Union towards teacher advocacy and academic education, but as far as Keizer-Bowman was concerned, that narrowed the delivery of education to someone in the classroom. And the lack of qualified teachers does not undermine the right to education, Keizer-Bowman surmised. She noted that "our education authorities have advanced a policy of education for all.. with at least an aspirational glance at the education of the differently abled. Keizer-Bowman admitted that "access to this education at all levels and stages is not seamless and is dependent on a number of economic, political and socio-cultural variables. Nearly ninety percent of primary school teachers are qualified, with 63 percent at secondary institutions. Keizer Bowman pointed to a 57 percent rate at the specialised outlets, and commended the Teachers Union for their advocacy which resulted in the figures. "But does being steeped in the theories of pedagogy mean that a teacher is sufficiently qualified to allow students to access that which has been deemed the students right .. to education? the former Principal posed. "Is teaching certification equivalent to sufficient teacher certification and preparedness for the classroom, Keizer asked. She condensed the rhetorical nature of the questions as , and provided examples of "experienced teachers who taunted children with comments like, I dont care if you submit this assignment. I am getting paid at the end of the month. She pointed to the situations in which teachers have to deal with "recalcitrant and difficult students who compound the feeling of frustration that teachers may be facing. Keizer-Bowman highlighted some traits that characterise certain teachers as not suitable for the profession. Those were few, Keizer-Bowman admitted, but her recommendation was that such persons be relocated. Still she indicated three pillars of the real teacher: honesty, empathy, and confidentiality. In real terms, the "teacher has to be "caringly qualified, Keizer-Bowman advised. The audience included a batch of C.W Prescod School students whose rendition of an appropriately arranged choral mix on the man after whom their school is named, received nods of approval. C. W. Prescod School, located in the heart of capital city Kingstown, marks its 30th anniversary next year. (WKA) American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at contact@marketbeat.com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. engages in the acquisition and operation of multifamily properties in select targeted markets throughout the United States. It operates through the following segments: Multifamily Communities, Financing, New Market Properties, Preferred Office Properties, and Others. The Multifamily Communities segment consists of company's portfolio of owned residential multifamily communities. The Financing segment refers to the portfolio of real estate loans, bridge loans, and other instruments deployed by the company to partially finance the development, construction, and prestabilization carrying costs of new multifamily communities and other real estate and real estate related assets. The New Market Properties segment covers portfolio of grocery-anchored shopping centers, as well as the financial results from the retail real estate loans. The Preferred Office Properties segment relates to the portfolio of office buildings. The Others segment includes deferred offering costs. The company was founded by Leonard A. Silverstein and John A. Williams on September 18, 2009 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Carnival Co. &: 1972 Productions Inc., 6348 Equipment LLC, A.C.N. 098 290 834 Pty. Ltd., A.J. Juneau Dock LLC, AIDA Kundencenter GmbH, Adventure Island Ltd., Air-Sea Holiday GmbH, Alaska Hotel Properties LLC, Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU, Bay Island Cruise Port S.A., Belize Cruise Terminal Limited, CC U.S. Ventures Inc., CCL Gifts LLC, CSSC Carnival Italy Cruise Investment S.r.L, Carnival (UK) Limited, Carnival Bahamas FC Limited, Carnival Bahamas Holdings Limited, Carnival Corporation & plc Asia Pte. Ltd., Carnival Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Carnival Corporation Korea Ltd., Carnival Corporation Ports Group Japan KK, Carnival Finance LLC, Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited, Carnival Investments Limited, Carnival Japan Inc., Carnival License Holdings Limited, Carnival Maritime GmbH, Carnival North America LLC, Carnival Port Holdings Limited, Carnival Ports Inc., Carnival Support Services India Private Limited, Carnival Technical Services (UK) Limited, Carnival Technical Services Finland Limited, Carnival Technical Services GmbH, Carnival Technical Services Inc., Carnival Vanuatu Limited, Costa Crociere PTE Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Costa Cruceros S.A., Costa Cruise Lines Inc., Costa Cruise Lines UK Limited, Costa Cruises Shipping Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, Costa Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Costa Cruzeiros Agencia Maritima e Turismo Ltda., Costa Group Digital & Strategic Services GmbH, Costa International B.V., Costa Kreuzfahrten GmbH, Cozumel Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Creative Travel Lab Ltd., Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V., Cruise Terminal Services S.A. de C.V., Cruiseport Curacao C.V., D.R. Cruise Port Ltd., Ecospray Technologies S.r.L., F.P.M. SAS, F.P.P. SAS, Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services International Limited, GXI LLC, Gibs Inc., Global Experience Innovators Inc., Global Fine Arts Inc., Global Shipping Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Grand Cruise Shipping Unipessoal LdA, Grand Turk Cruise Center Ltd., HAL Antillen N.V., HAL Beheer B.V., HAL Cruises Limited, HAL Maritime Ltd., HAL Nederland N.V., HAL Properties Limited, HAL Services B.V., HSE Hamburg School of Entertainment GmbH, Holding Division Iberocruceros SLU, Holland America Line Inc., Holland America Line N.V., Holland America Line Paymaster of Washington LLC, Holland America Line U.S.A. Inc., Ibero Cruzeiros Ltda., Iberocruceros SLU, Information Assistance Corporation, International Cruise Services S.A. de C.V., International Leisure Travel Inc., International Maritime Recruitment Agency S.A. de C.V., Milestone N.V., Navitrans S.R.L., Ocean Bahamas Innovation Ltd., Ocean Medallion Fulfillment Ltd., Operadora Catalina S.r.L., P&O Princess American Holdings, P&O Princess Cruises International Limited, P&O Princess Cruises Pension Trustee Limited, P&O Properties (California) Inc., P&O Travel Limited, Prestige Cruises Management S.A.M., Prestige Cruises N.V., Princess Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Princess Cays Ltd., Princess Cruise Corporation Inc., Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Princess Cruises and Tours Inc., Princess U.S. Holdings Inc., RCT Maintenance & Related Services S.A., RCT Pilots & Related Services S.A., RCT Security & Related Services S.A., Roatan Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Royal Hyway Tours Inc., Santa Cruz Terminal S.L., SeaVacations Limited, SeaVacations UK Limited, Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Shanghai Coast Cruise Consulting Co. Lda, Ship Care (Bahamas) Limited, Sitmar Cruises Inc., Spanish Cruise Services N.V., Sunshine Shipping Corporation Ltd., T&T International Inc., Tour Alaska LLC, Transnational Services Corporation, Trident Insurance Company Ltd., Westmark Hotels Inc., Westmark Hotels of Canada Ltd., Westours Motor Coaches LLC, Wind Surf Limited, and World Leading Cruise Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of Kroger: 84.51 HQ Building Company LLC, 84.51 LLC, Alpha Beta Company, Ansonborough Square Investors I LLC, Ansonborough Square Retail LLC, Ardrey Kell Investments LLC, Bay Area Warehouse Stores Inc., Beech Tree Holdings LLC, Bell Markets Inc., Bleecker Ventures LLC, Bluefield Beverage Company, Box Cutter Inc., Brier Creek Arbors Drive Retail LLC, CB&S Advertising Agency Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods Inc., Cheeses of All Nations Inc., Country Oven Inc., Crawford Stores Inc., Creedmoor Retail LLC, Dillon Companies LLC, Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc., Dillons, Distribution Trucking Company, Dotto Inc., Edgewood Plaza Holdings LLC, Embassy International Inc., FM Inc., FMJ Inc., Farmacia Doral Inc., Food 4 Less GM Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings Inc., Food 4 Less Merchandising Inc., Food 4 Less of California Inc., Food 4 Less of Southern California Inc., Fred Meyer, Fred Meyer Inc., Fred Meyer Jewelers Inc., Fred Meyer Stores Inc., Glasswing Labs LLC, Glendale/Goodwin Realty I LLC, Grubstake Investments LLC, HT Fuel DE LLC, HT Fuel NC LLC, HT Fuel SC LLC, HT Fuel VA LLC, HTGBD LLC, HTP Bluffton LLC, HTP Plaza LLC, HTP Relo LLC, HTPS LLC, HTTAH LLC, Harris Teeter, Harris Teeter LLC, Henpil Inc., Home Chef, Hood-Clayton Logistics LLC, Hughes Markets Inc., Hughes Realty Inc., I.T.A. Inc., IRP LLC, ITAC 119 LLC, ITAC 265 LLC, Inter-American Foods Inc., Inter-American Products Inc., J.V. Distributing Inc., Jondex Corp., Jubilee Carolina LLC, KCDE 2012 LLC, KCDE 2013 LLC, KCDE-2 LLC, KCDE-3 LLC, KCDE-4 LLC, KCDE-5 LLC, KGO LLC, KPF LLC, KPS LLC, KRGP LLC, KRLP Inc., KV Anderson LLC, Kee Trans Inc., Kessel FP, Kiosk Medicine Kentucky LLC, Kirkpatrick West Retail LLC, Kroger Community Development Entity LLC, Kroger Dedicated Logistics Co., Kroger Fulfillment Network LLC, Kroger G.O. LLC, Kroger LM Real Estate Holdings LLC, Kroger Limited Partnership I, Kroger Limited Partnership II, Kroger MC Holdings LLC, Kroger MTL Management LLC, Kroger Management Co., Kroger Management Corryville LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Athens I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Champaign I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Champaign II LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Cincinnati I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Dallas I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Danville I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Logansport I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Missouri I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Oak Ridge I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Olney I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Omaha I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Portsmouth I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Starkville I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Topeka I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Warrenton I LLC, Kroger NMTC Fremont I LLC, Kroger OZ1 Inc., Kroger OZ1 LLC, Kroger OZ2 Inc., Kroger OZ2 LLC, Kroger OZ3 Inc., Kroger OZ3 LLC, Kroger Opportunity Fund I Inc., Kroger Prescription Plans Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion AL LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion TX LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy FL 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 2 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 3 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings I Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy LA LLC, Kroger Texas L.P., LCGP3 Home Cooking Inc., Latta Village LLC, Local Mkt LLC, Main & Vine LLC, Matthews Property 1 LLC, Mega Marts LLC, Michigan Dairy L.L.C., ModernHealth LTC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays LIC LLC, Murrays Table LLC, Pace Dairy Foods Company, Paramount Logistics LLC, Pay Less Super Markets Inc., Peyton's-Southeastern Inc., Plum Labs LLC, Pontiac Foods Inc., Queen City Assurance Inc., RBF LLC, RGC Southeast Properties LLC, Ralphs Grocery Company, Relish Labs LLC, Rocket Newco Inc., Roundy's, Roundys Acquisition Corp., Roundys Illinois LLC, Roundys Inc., Roundys Supermarkets Inc., Second Story Inc., Shop-Rite LLC, Smiths Beverage of Wyoming Inc., Smiths Food & Drug Centers Inc., Southern Ice Cream Specialties Inc., Stallings Investors I LLC, Sunrise R&D Holdings LLC, Sunrise Technology LLC, TLC Corporate Services LLC, TLC Immunization Clinic LLC, TLC of Georgia LLC, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, The Little Clinic LLC, The Little Clinic Management Services LLC, The Little Clinic of Arizona LLC, The Little Clinic of Colorado LLC, The Little Clinic of IN LLC, The Little Clinic of Kansas LLC, The Little Clinic of Mississippi LLC, The Little Clinic of Ohio LLC, The Little Clinic of TX LLC, The Little Clinic of Tennessee LLC, The Little Clinic of VA LLC, Topvalco Inc., Ultimate Mart LLC, Ultra Mart Foods LLC, Vine Court Assurance Incorporated, Vitacost, Vitacost.com Inc., Woodmont Holdings LLC, and YOU Technology. Alberto Yellow Charles is seeking compensation for an item, his property, that he said was disposed of over the Independence weekend. According to Charles, he is seeking compensation in the amount of EC$3,000 for a metal table that he uses in plying his trade as a vendor, which he alleges was thrown away by workers associated with the Kingstown Town Board. Charles has been operating from a spot at the front (Back Street side) of the Kingstown Market for over 10 years. He claims to have been granted permission to vend there by the then Warden of the KTB, with an arrangement that does not require him to pay any fees as the other vendors do. He started off selling music (CDs), but has since expanded to selling electronics, shades and other items, which he displays on the table in question. He pays someone to move the table on weekends, and that that individual reported that on October 26, while attempting to move the table, he was attacked by a security officer attached to KTB and the table was taken and eventually dumped. Attempts to retrieve the table from the landfill were unsuccessful, Charles reported. "I paid EC$2,000 to build my stall, he told THE VINCENTIAN. No one listening, bills mounting Charles explained that he resorted to vending as a means of being self- sufficient, and complained bitterly that since he lost the table, business has not been good. "My bills are packing up because of the negligence. it is really frustrating, he said. Charles said that he has taken up his issue with a number of people - , officials at the KTB, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Works, which has responsibility for the KTB. Even the Minister of Works, Senator Julian Francis, and the Prime Minister have been contacted on the issue, Charles said. He is not pleased with the response, concluding that no one wants to listen to him. And in the meantime, he contends that on top of monthly utility bills, his daughter who has been diagnosed with cancer, needs to have tests done, but he cannot afford to pay for them. Not having a table is preventing him from earning a living, he says, and it is the responsibility of the KTB to compensate him for the loss of his stall. KTB responds When contacted, Warden (Ag) of the KTB - Benson Plaugh-Feddows said that it has been the policy of the KTB to have vendors move their stalls on weekends. This is to accommodate cleaning of the area. He said that the vendors have the spaces to themselves from Monday to Saturday, and all the KTB was asking was that during the times that Kingstown is not populated, i.e. Sundays or public holidays, that vendors clean up the area they occupy, which includes the removal of stalls, tables, tents etc. Regular announcements are made to remind persons of this, and during the recent Independence weekend, an extra effort was made to get the word out to vendors. Flyers were printed, paid advertisements aired on radio stations the message was sent, Feddows assured. Yet some individuals refused to move their items. Charless case According to the KTB Warden (Ag), the items belonging to Charles were still on the compound of the Kingstown Market after 11 into midnight on the eve of Independence which, he said, suggested that he had no intention to move the stall. These items were thrown into a truck with the intention of taking them to the landfill located at Diamond. "I cannot fault the guys, he said. Feddows said that he saw the area looking clean on Independence Day, but was told that not everyone had complied, and that there were items including tent frames and tables that had been dumped taken to the landfill. He admitted that, had he been present on Friday night during the clean-up, he would have organized for the items to be stored temporarily in the market. Nevertheless, Feddows said that he was able to intercept the truck before it got to the landfill, and individuals who thought their items may have been dumped, were instructed to go to a location in Diamond to retrieve them. According to Feddows, Charles was unable to be contacted and by the time he (Charles) was eventually contacted, it was already too late the stall was already gone. Feddows further stated that Charles was not being honest, saying that he was barred from operating in the market because of his failure to pay the daily fees. He was in fact, according to Feddows, "squatting. He further said that the KTB was trying to clean up Kingstown, but that vendors often left items behind such as tent frames, anchor stones and the like. Even the issue as it relates to individuals playing amplified music in Kingstown needed to be addressed, Feddows indicated. "There are so many things that need to be fixed, he said. (DD) Antonio Que Pasa Gellizeau stares at possible confiscation of some EC$10 million in assets, following his release from prison last week Thursday, on completion of a ten-year sentence. THE VINCENTIAN has been informed that confiscation proceedings against the businessman are expected to be held at the High Court Tuesday, November 20 and Wednesday, November 21, 2018. Those proceedings were pending since Gellizeaus convictions in 2012, and were to form part of his sentencing hearing, but were adjourned due to a number of factors, including pending appeals, in relation to the matter, and because some lawyers involved in the case died or opted out, resulting in the newly retained lawyers needing time to prepare. The application for a confiscation order in relation to some EC$10 million in assets, believed to be Gellizeaus proceeds of criminal conduct, was prepared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in conjunction with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and filed following Gellizeaus convictions at the Serious Offences Court March 2012, in connection with the biggest ever money laundering case in the Eastern Caribbean. Those assets include houses, vehicles, yachts and cash. Gellizeau was charged with bringing into the country, on the yacht Jotobin, US$1.73 million in cash, approximately close to EC$5 million, the proceeds of his criminal conduct, and concealing the cash. The cash haul, said to be the largest ever in the Eastern Caribbean, was netted by local Law Enforcement in Vincentian waters, April 2008. Sonya Young, then Chief Magistrate, had committed Gellizeau and Bermudian seaman Winston Franklyn Robinson to the High Court for sentencing, after convicting them in connection with the matter following a trial. Robinson and Kent Andrews of Trinidad and Tobago were charged jointly with bringing in the cash which was the criminal proceeds of another, and concealing it. Andrews was acquitted at the trial, and on July 22, 2013, Justice Wesley James sentenced Gellizeau to ten years in prison on each count, to run concurrently. Robinson was sentenced to five and a half years October 7, 2013, but the Court took into account the five and a half years he had already spent in custody, resulting in him being released. Gellizeau appealed his convictions, but the Appeal was dismissed by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, April last year. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN shortly after the dismissal, then DPP Colin Williams said, "The intention of the state is to dispossess through confiscation proceedings, all Gellizeaus ill-gotten gains. He expressed the view that the work done in the case could serve as a model for similar investigations and prosecutions. THE VINCENTIAN had no knowledge of the Privy Councils status, in relation to the case, up to press time Wednesday. When contacted this week, Gellizeaus lawyer Samantha Robertson told THE VINCENTIAN, "I have been advised not to comment, and he (Gellizeau) will also not be commenting. Efforts to reach Acting DPP Sejilla Mcdowall, were unsuccessful, up to press time Wednesday. 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 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.. By Trend Azerbaijan is a reliable and serious partner for European countries, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Javid Gurbanov said. He made the remarks Nov. 15 at a business meeting on the topic Railways and digitalization. How artificial intelligence and big data will change the railway industry held with the organizational support of the Austrian-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (ATAZ), Azerbaijan Railways CJSC said in a message. The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) Andreas Mattha, Vice President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Christoph Matznetter, members of the ATAZ, businessmen and representatives of the press. Matznetter touched upon similar features between Azerbaijan and Austria and noted that both countries are important for the region. He said that the routes passing through Azerbaijan are important in the overland connection of the Chinese market with Europe, as well as in the implementation of cargo transportation in both directions. Gurbanov spoke about the work done in Azerbaijan on the further development of the railway transport system, which is one of the priority areas of the non-oil sector. It was noted that the wide use of the capabilities of modern information and communication technologies in order to increase the safety of transportation and increase the competitiveness of transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan is one of the main priorities. He also spoke about the role that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North-West, the North-South and the South-West transport corridors can play in cargo transportation to Europe. The following companies are subsidiares of Brinker International: BI INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LLC, BI MEXICO HOLDING CORPORATION, BIPC GLOBAL PAYROLL COMPANY LLC, BIPC INVESTMENTS LLC, BIPC MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER AIRPORTS LLC, BRINKER ALABAMA INC., BRINKER ARKANSAS INC., BRINKER ASIA INC., BRINKER BRAZIL LLC, BRINKER CANADIAN HOLDING CO. ULC, BRINKER CANADIAN RESTAURANT CO. ULC, BRINKER CB LP, BRINKER CB MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER FHC B.V., BRINKER FLORIDA INC., BRINKER FREEHOLD INC., BRINKER GEORGIA INC., BRINKER INTERNATIONAL PAYROLL COMPANY L.P., BRINKER LOUISIANA INC., BRINKER MICHIGAN INC., BRINKER MISSISSIPPI INC., BRINKER MISSOURI INC., BRINKER NEVADA INC., BRINKER NEW JERSEY INC., BRINKER NORTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CARROLL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CECIL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OKLAHOMA INC., BRINKER OPCO LLC, BRINKER PENN TRUST, BRINKER PROPCO FLORIDA INC., BRINKER PROPERTY CORPORATION, BRINKER PURCHASING INC., BRINKER RESTAURANT CORPORATION, BRINKER RHODE ISLAND INC., BRINKER SERVICES CORPORATION, BRINKER SOUTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER TEXAS INC., BRINKER VIRGINIA INC., CHILIS BEVERAGE COMPANY INC., CHILIS INC. a Delaware corporation, CHILIS INC. a Tennessee corporation, CHILIS INTERNATIONAL BASES B.V., CHILIS OF BEL AIR INC., CHILIS OF KANSAS INC., CHILIS OF MARYLAND INC., CHILIS OF WEST VIRGINIA INC., Grady's Inc., MAGGIANO'S OF ANNAPOLIS INC., MAGGIANO'S OF HOWARD COUNTY INC., MAGGIANO'S OF KANSAS INC., MAGGIANOS BEVERAGE COMPANY, MAGGIANOS HOLDING CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS INC., MAGGIANOS OF TYSONS INC., MAGGIANOS PROPERTY CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS TEXAS INC., PEPPER DINING HOLDING CORP., PEPPER DINING Inc., and PEPPER DINING VERMONT INC.. The following companies are subsidiares of Marsh & McLennan Companies: 8WORKS INC., 8WORKS LTD, A. Constantinidi & CIA. S.C., A.C.N. 000 951 146 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 001 572 961 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 076 935 683 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 102 322 574 Pty Limited, ACE Insurance Agents Limited, ACE Insurance Consultants Limited, ACE Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Limited, AD Corretora de Seguros, AFCO Premium Acceptance Inc., AFCO Premium Credit LLC, Access Equity Enhanced Fund GP LLC, Admiral Holdings Limited, Agnew Higgins Pickering & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd, Aldgate Investments Limited, Aldgate Trustees Ltd, Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited, Alpha Consultants Limited, Alta SA, Altius Real Assets (GP) LLC, Amal Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Anda Insurance Agencies Pte Ltd, AssetVal Pty Ltd, Assur Conseils Marsh S.A., Assurance Capital Corporation, Assurance Services Corporation, Australian Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Australian World Underwriters Pty Ltd., BBPS Limited, Barney & Barney Orange County LLC, Beaumonts (Leeds) Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Services Limited, Beneficios Integrales Oportunos SA, Benefitfocus Inc., Blue Marble Micro Limited, Blue Marble Microinsurance Inc., Bluefin, Bluefin Insurance Group Limited, Bluefin Insurance Services Limited, Boulder Claims LLC, Bowring (Bermuda) Investments Ltd., Bowring Marine Limited, Bowring Marsh (Bermuda) Ltd., Bowring Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Bowring Marsh Asia Pte. Ltd., Bowring Marsh Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Bowring Marsh Limited, Broderick Piller Pty Ltd, Broker 2 Broker Limited, BuildPay LLC, Burke Ford Trustees (Leicester) Limited, C.T. Bowring Limited, CMC-Belgibo NV, CPRM Limited, CPSG Partners LLC, Carpenter Marsh Fac Chile Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Carpenter Marsh Fac Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Carpenter Marsh Fac Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.C., Carpenter Marsh Fac Re LLC, Carpenter Turner Cyprus Ltd, Carpenter Turner S.A., Cascade International Holdings C.V., Cascade Regional Holdings Limited, Central Insurance Services Limited, Charter Risk Management Services LLC, Chartwell Healthcare Limited, Chronos Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Claims and Recovery Management (Australia) Pty Limited, Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Limited, Client Provide Limited, Colombian Insurance Broking Wholesale Limited, Consultores 2020 C.A., Cronin & Co Insurance Services Limited, DVA - Deutsche Verkehrs-Assekuranz-Vermittlungs GmbH, Dawson Insurance, DeLima Marsh S.A. - Los Corredores de Seguros S.A., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Managing General Agency Corporation, Dovetail Technology Service India Private Limited, Draw Connect Limited, Draw Create Limited, Draw Group London Limited, Eagle & Crown Limited, Echelon Australia Pty Limited, Echelon Claims Consultants Sdn Bhd, Echelon New Zealand Limited, EnBW Versicherungs Vermittlung GmbH, Encompass Insurance Agency Pty Ltd., English Pension Trustees Limited, Epsilon (US) Insurance Company, Epsilon Insurance Company Ltd., Eustis Insurance & Benefits, Evolution Management Ltd, Exchange Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Exmoor Management Company Limited, Faulkner & Flynn LLC, Freedom Trust Services Limited, GC Genesis LLC, GCube Insurance Services Inc, GCube Underwriting Limited, Gama Consultores Associados Ltda., Gem Insurance Company Limited, Global Premium Finance Company, GrECo International Holding AG, Gracechurch Trustees Limited, Gresham Pension Trustees Limited, Group Promoters Pty Limited, Guy Carpenter & Cia (Mexico) S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter & Cia. S.A., Guy Carpenter & Co. Labuan Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company AB, Guy Carpenter & Company Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Guy Carpenter & Company Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company GmbH, Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd./Guy Carpenter & Compagnie Ltee, Guy Carpenter & Company Participacoes Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company Private Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Proprietary Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Pty. Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A. (Uruguay), Guy Carpenter & Company S.A.S., Guy Carpenter & Company S.r.l., Guy Carpenter (Middle East) Limited, Guy Carpenter Bermuda Ltd., Guy Carpenter Broking Inc., Guy Carpenter Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter Insurance Brokers (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Guy Carpenter Japan Inc., Guy Carpenter Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, HAPIP GP 2009 LLC, HAPIP GP LLC, HSBC Insurance Brokers International (Abu Dhabi) LLC (in liquidation), Hamilton Bond Limited, Hansen International Limited, Hayward Aviation Limited, INSIA Europe SE, INSIA SK s.r.o., INSIA a.s., INSURANCE BROKERS OF NIGERIA LIMITED, IRC Asia Insurance Brokers Limited, InSolutions Limited, Industrial Risks Protection Consultants, Ingeseg S. A., Ingeseg S.A., Insbrokers Ltda., InsurTech Alliance LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC [BAHRAIN BRANCH], Insure Direct - Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, International Catastrophe Insurance Managers LLC, International Loss Control Services Limited, International Risk Consultants (Asia) Limited, Invercol Limited, Irish Pensions Trust Limited, Isosceles Insurance (Barbados) Limited, Isosceles Insurance Company Limited, Isosceles Insurance Ltd, Isosceles PCC Limited, J&H Marsh & McLennan Limited, J.W. Terrill Benefit Administrators Inc., JI Holdings Limited, JIB Group Holdings Limited, JIB Group Limited, JIB Holdings (Pacific) Limited, JIB Overseas Holdings Limited, JIB UK Holdings Limited, JL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co. KG, JLM Verwaltungs GmbH, JLT (Insurance Brokers) Limited, JLT Actuaries and Consultants Limited, JLT Advisory Limited, JLT Affinity Colombia Solutions SAS, JLT Agencies Limited, JLT Asesorias Ltda, JLT Asia Holdings BV, JLT Asia Shared Services Sdn Bhd, JLT Belgibo, JLT Benefit Consultants Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Bermuda Ltd, JLT Brasil Holdings Participacoes Ltd, JLT Chile Holdings SpA, JLT Colombia Retail Limited, JLT Colombia Wholesale Limited, JLT Consultants & Actuaries Limited, JLT EB Holdings Limited, JLT EB Services Limited, JLT Employee Benefits Holding Company (PTY) LTD, JLT Employee Benefits SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Financial Planning Limited, JLT France Holdings, JLT Group Services Pty Limited, JLT Holdings (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Holdings (NZ) Limited, JLT Independent Insurance Brokers Private Limited, JLT Insurance Agencies Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited ( Shanghai Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Beijing Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Guangzhou Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Ireland Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers SA, JLT Insurance Group Holdings Ltd, JLT Insurance Management Malta Limited, JLT Intellectual Property Limited, JLT Intellectual Property [UK Branch], JLT Interactive Pte. Ltd., JLT Investment Management Limited, JLT LATAM (Southern Cone) Wholesale Limited, JLT Latin American Holdings Limited, JLT Life Assurance Brokers Limited, JLT Management Services Limited, JLT Marine (Pty) Ltd, JLT Mexico Holdings Limited, JLT Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., JLT Netherlands BV, JLT Norway AS, JLT PLA, JLT Pension Trustees Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Holdings Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Limited, JLT Peru Reinsurance Solutions Limited, JLT Peru Retail Limited, JLT Peru Wholesale Limited, JLT QFM Services Limited, JLT RE Brasil Administracao e Corretagem de Resseguros Ltda, JLT Re (French Branch), JLT Re (Northern Europe) AB, JLT Re Argentina Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.U., JLT Re Labuan Limited, JLT Re Limited, JLT Re Pty Ltd, JLT Reinsurance Brokers GmbH, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited [French Branch], JLT Risk Management Limited, JLT Risk Solutions AB, JLT Risk Solutions AB Branch - Germany, JLT SA IB Holdings Company (Pty) Limited, JLT SCK Affinity Administracao e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., JLT SCK Corretora e Administradora de Seguros, JLT Secretaries Limited, JLT Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerlii A.., JLT Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., JLT Specialty France, JLT Specialty Insurance Broker A/S, JLT Specialty Limited, JLT Specialty Limited [DUBAI BRANCH], JLT Specialty Pte. Ltd., JLT Towner Insurance Management (Anguilla) Limited, JLT Trust Services (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Trustees (Southern) Limited, JLT Trustees Limited, JLT UK Investment Holdings Limited, JLT Vantage Risk and Benefit Consulting Private Limited, JLT Wealth Management Limited, JLT do Brasil Corretagem de Seguros Ltda, JLTPCS Holdings Pte. Ltd., JMIB Holdings BV, JSL Securities Inc., Japan Affinity Marketing Inc., Jardine IBR Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson (Proprietary) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Asia Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited (UK Branch Office), Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance Consultants Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Inc., Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Holdings Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Unlimited Company, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Korea Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited [Macao Branch], Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS (Dubai) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS SA, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Sdn Bhd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Valencia y Iragorri Corredores de Seguros SA, Jardine Pension Trustees Ireland Limited, Jardine Risk Consulting Co. Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited [Macao Branch], Jardines PF- Consultoria Em Gestao De Risco Limitada, Jelf, Jelf Commercial Finance Limited, Jelf Financial Planning Limited, Jelf Insurance Brokers Limited, Jelf Limited, Jelf Risk Management Limited, Jelf Wellbeing Limited, John Lampier & Son Ltd, Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda) Limited, Johnson & Higgins Limited, KESSLER & CO AG, Kepler Associates Limited, Kessler & Co Inc., Kessler Consulting Inc., Kessler Prevoyance Inc., Key Underwriting Pty Limited, Kroll, Lambert Brothers Holdings Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Employee Benefits) Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Hong Kong) Ltd, Laterlife.com Limited (in liquidation), Lavaretus Underwriting AB, Lavaretus Underwriting AB (BRANCH - Denmark), Libra Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Lloyd & Partners Limited, Local Government Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Lomond Macdonald Limited, Lynch Insurance Brokers Limited, M&M Vehicle L.P., M.P. Bolshaw and Company Limited, MAG JLT SpA, MERCER ALTERNATIVES LIMITED, MM Risk Services Pty Ltd (for dissolution), MMA Mid-Atlantic Employee LLC, MMA Securities LLC, MMB Consultores S.A., MMC (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd., MMC 28 State Street Holdings Inc., MMC Borrower LLC, MMC Brazilian Holdings B.V., MMC Capital Inc., MMC Cascade Regional Holdings LLC, MMC FINANCE (EUROPE) LIMITED, MMC FINANCE HOLDINGS LTD, MMC Finance (Australia) Limited, MMC Finance (Singapore) Limited, MMC France Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., MMC GP III Inc., MMC Group Services sp. z o.o., MMC Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, MMC Holdings (New Zealand) ULC, MMC Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC International Finance (Barbados) SRL, MMC International Holdings LLC, MMC International Limited, MMC International Treasury Centre Limited, MMC Middle East Holdings Limited, MMC Poland Holdings B.V., MMC Realty Inc., MMC Regional Asia Holdings B.V., MMC Regional Caribbean Holdings Ltd., MMC Regional Europe Holdings B.V., MMC Regional LATAM Holdings B.V., MMC Securities (Europe) Limited, MMC Securities LLC, MMC Treasury Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC UK Group Limited, MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited, MMOW Limited, MMRC LLC, MOW Holding LLC, MPIP III GP LLC, MPIP IV GP LLC, MPIP V GP LLC, MPIP VI GP LLC, Mangrove Insurance Europe PCC Limited, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC Limited, Manoel Management Services Ltd, Marchant McKechnie Insurance Brokers Limited, Marine Aviation & General (London) Limited, Marsh & McLennan (PNG) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agencies AS, Marsh & McLennan Agencies Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency A/S, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Marsh & McLennan Agency Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency Pty Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Argentina SA Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh & McLennan Colombia S.A., Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Funding Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Asia Pacific Treasury Center Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies BVBA/SPRL, Marsh & McLennan Companies Finance Center (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies France S.A.S., Marsh & McLennan Companies Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Marsh & McLennan Companies Regional Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Services B.V., Marsh & McLennan Companies UK Limited, Marsh & McLennan Europe S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan GP I Inc., Marsh & McLennan Global Broking (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Holding GmbH, Marsh & McLennan Holdings (Canada) ULC, Marsh & McLennan Holdings Inc., Marsh & McLennan Incorporated (for dissolution), Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings II, Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Limited, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Services Limited, Marsh & McLennan Ireland Limited, Marsh & McLennan Management Services (Bermuda) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Servicios S.A. De C.V., Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Canada Limited, Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Corporation, Marsh (Bahrain) Company SPC, Marsh (Beijing) Risk Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Marsh (China) Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh (Insurance Brokers) LLP, Marsh (Insurance Services) Limited, Marsh (Malawi) Limited, Marsh (Middle East) Limited, Marsh (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh (Pty) Ltd, Marsh (Risk Consulting) LLP, Marsh (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Marsh A/S, Marsh AB, Marsh AG, Marsh AS, Marsh Advantage Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd, Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd., Marsh Africa (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Argentina S.R.L., Marsh Associates (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Austria G.m.b.H., Marsh Aviation Insurance Broking Pty Ltd (for dissolution), Marsh B.V., Marsh Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh Brockman y Schuh Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Marsh Broker Japan Inc., Marsh Broker de Asigurare-Reasigurare S.R.L., Marsh Brokers (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh Brokers Limited, Marsh Canada Limited/Marsh Canada Limitee, Marsh Company Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Compensation Technologies Administration (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Isle of Man Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Malta Limited, Marsh Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Marsh EOOD, Marsh Egypt LLC, Marsh Emirates Consultancy LLC, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage LLC, Marsh Employee Benefits Limited, Marsh Employee Benefits Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd, Marsh Eurofinance B.V., Marsh Europe S.A., Marsh FJC International Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh For Insurance Services S.A.E., Marsh Franco Acra S.A., Marsh GSC Servicos e Administracao de Seguros Ltda., Marsh GmbH, Marsh Holding AB, Marsh Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Marsh India Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Marsh Insurance & Investments LLC, Marsh Insurance Brokers, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Macao) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers AO, Marsh Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh Insurance Consulting Saudi Arabia (in liquidation), Marsh Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers LLC, Marsh Intermediaries Inc., Marsh International Broking Holdings Limited, Marsh International Holdings II Inc., Marsh International Holdings Inc., Marsh Investment B.V., Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited, Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited (UK Branch), Marsh Ireland Holdings Limited, Marsh Israel (1999) Ltd., Marsh Israel (Holdings) Ltd., Marsh Israel Consultants Ltd., Marsh Israel Insurance Agency Ltd., Marsh Israel International Brokers Ltd. (in liquidation), Marsh JCS Inc., Marsh Japan Inc., Marsh Kft., Marsh Kindlustusmaakler AS, Marsh Korea Inc., Marsh LLC, Marsh LLC Insurance Brokers, Marsh LLC [Ukraine], Marsh Lda., Marsh Limited, Marsh Limited [Fiji], Marsh Limited [New Zealand], Marsh Limited [PNG], Marsh Ltd. [Wisconsin], Marsh Management Services (Bahamas) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Dublin) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Labuan) Limited, Marsh Management Services (MENA) Limited, Marsh Management Services (USVI) Ltd., Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Management Services Guernsey Limited, Marsh Management Services Inc., Marsh Management Services Isle of Man Limited, Marsh Management Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Marsh Management Services Malta Limited, Marsh Management Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marsh Management Services Sweden AB, Marsh Marine & Energy AB, Marsh Marine Nederland B.V., Marsh Medical Consulting GmbH, Marsh Mercer Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Marsh Nest Inc., Marsh Oman LLC, Marsh Oy, Marsh PB Co. Ltd., Marsh Philippines Inc., Marsh Privat A.I.E., Marsh Private Client Life Insurance Services, Marsh Pty. Ltd., Marsh Qatar LLC, Marsh RE S.A.C. Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh Rehder Consultoria S.A. (MRC), Marsh Rehder S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Marsh Resolutions Pty Limited, Marsh Risk Consulting B.V., Marsh Risk Consulting Limitada, Marsh Risk Consulting Ltda., Marsh Risk Consulting S.L., Marsh Risk Consulting Services S.r.L., Marsh Risk and Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, Marsh S.A. Corredores De Seguros, Marsh S.A. Mediadores de Seguros, Marsh S.A.S., Marsh S.p.A., Marsh SA [Argentina], Marsh SA [Belgium], Marsh SA [Luxembourg], Marsh SA [Uruguay], Marsh SIA, Marsh Saldana Inc., Marsh Saudi Arabia Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Marsh Secretarial Services Limited, Marsh Semusa S.A., Marsh Services Limited, Marsh Services Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Marsh Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Szolgaltato Kft., Marsh Takaful Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Treasury Services (Dublin) Limited (in liquidation), Marsh Treasury Services Limited, Marsh Tunisia S.a.r.l., Marsh UK Limited, Marsh USA (India) Inc., Marsh USA Borrower LLC, Marsh USA Inc., Marsh Uganda Limited, Marsh Venezuela C.A. Sociedad de Corretaje de Seguros, Marsh Vietnam Insurance Broking Company Ltd, Marsh Zambia Limited, Marsh Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited, Marsh d.o.o. Beograd, Marsh d.o.o. za posredovanje u osiguranju, Marsh for Insurance Services - Jordan, Marsh i-Connect (Pty) Ltd, Marsh s.r.o., Matthiessen Assurans AB, Mercer (Argentina) S.A., Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer (Austria) GmbH, Mercer (Belgium) SA-NV, Mercer (Canada) Limited/Mercer (Canada) Limitee, Mercer (China) Limited, Mercer (Colombia) Ltda., Mercer (Danmark) A/S, Mercer (Finland) OY, Mercer (France) SAS, Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer (Ireland) Limited, Mercer (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mercer (N.Z.) Limited, Mercer (Nederland) B.V., Mercer (Norge) AS, Mercer (Polska) Sp.z o.o., Mercer (Portugal) Lda, Mercer (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer (Sweden) AB, Mercer (Taiwan) Ltd., Mercer (Thailand) Ltd., Mercer (US) Inc., Mercer Administration Services (Australia) Pty Limited, Mercer Africa Limited, Mercer Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Mercer Asesores de Seguros S.A., Mercer Asesores es Inversion Independientes S.A. de C.V., Mercer Broking Ltd., Mercer Career Unipessoal Lda, Mercer Consultation (Quebec) Ltee., Mercer Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Mercer Consulting (France) SAS, Mercer Consulting (India) Private Limited, Mercer Consulting B.V., Mercer Consulting Group Inc., Mercer Consulting Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Mercer Consulting Limited, Mercer Consulting Middle East Limited, Mercer Consulting S.L.U., Mercer Consulting Venezuela C.A., Mercer Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Mercer Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercer Danismanlik Anonim Sirketi, Mercer Deutschland GmbH, Mercer Employee Benefits - Medicacao de Seguros Unipessoal Lda., Mercer Employee Benefits Limited, Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Financial Services Limited, Mercer Financial Services Limited liability company, Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited, Mercer Global Investments Europe Limited, Mercer Global Investments Management Limited, Mercer HR Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer HR Services LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, Mercer Holdings Inc., Mercer Holdings Inc. [Philippines], Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltda, Mercer Human Resource Consulting S.A. de C.V., Mercer ICC Limited, Mercer Investment Consulting Limited, Mercer Investment Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mercer Investment Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Investments (Australia) Limited, Mercer Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer Investments (Japan) Ltd, Mercer Investments (New Zealand) Limited, Mercer Investments LLC, Mercer Ireland Holdings Limited, Mercer Italia Srl Socio Unico, Mercer Japan Ltd., Mercer Korea Co. Ltd., Mercer LLC, Mercer Limited, Mercer MC Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer Master Trustees Limited, Mercer Mauritius Ltd., Mercer Oliver Wyman Holding B.V., Mercer Outsourcing (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Outsourcing S.L.U., Mercer Pensionsfonds AG, Mercer Pensionsraadgivning A/S, Mercer Philippines Inc., Mercer Private Investment Partners IV General Partner S.a.r.l., Mercer Private Markets AG, Mercer Private Markets Advisers (US) AG, Mercer Services Poland Sp. z.o.o., Mercer Sigorta Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Mercer South Africa (Pty) Limited, Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited, Mercer Switzerland Inc., Mercer System Services LLC, Mercer Technology Acquisitions Limited, Mercer Treuhand GmbH, Mercer Trust Company LLC, Mercer Trustees Limited, Mercer WorkforcePro LLC, Mercury Insurance Services Pty Ltd, Moola Systems Limited, Mountlodge Limited, Muir Beddal (Zimbabwe) Limited, NERA Australia Pty. Ltd., NERA Economic Consulting GmbH, NERA Economic Consulting Limited, NERA S.R.L., NERA SAS, NERA UK Limited, NERA do Brasil Ltda. (for dissolution), National Economic Research Associates Inc., NetComp Insurance Corp., Neuburger Noble Lowndes GmbH, Normandy Reinsurance Company Limited, Northern Alliance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), OWL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co.KG, OWL Marine Verwaltungs GmbH, Oliver Wyman (Bermuda) Limited, Oliver Wyman (Hong Kong) Limited, Oliver Wyman AB, Oliver Wyman AG, Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting Inc., Oliver Wyman B.V., Oliver Wyman Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Oliver Wyman Consultoria em Estrategia de Negocios Ltda., Oliver Wyman Energy Consulting Limited, Oliver Wyman FZ-LLC, Oliver Wyman Group KK, Oliver Wyman Inc., Oliver Wyman LLC, Oliver Wyman Limited, Oliver Wyman Limited Liability Company, Oliver Wyman Limited/Oliver Wyman limitee, Oliver Wyman Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pte. Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pty. Ltd., Oliver Wyman S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman S.A.S., Oliver Wyman S.L., Oliver Wyman S.r.l., Oliver Wyman SNC, Oliver Wyman SPRL/BVBA, Oliver Wyman Sdn. Bhd., Oliver Wyman Services Limited, Oliver Wyman Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman sp. z o.o., Omega Indemnity (Bermuda) Limited, Organizacion Brockman y Schuh S.A. de C.V., Osbornes Insurances Oxford Limited (in liquidation), PFT Limited, PI Indemnity Company Designated Activity Company, PT JLT Reinsurance Brokers, PT Jardine Lloyd Thompson, PT Marsh Indonesia, PT Marsh Reinsurance Brokers Indonesia, PT Mercer Indonesia, PT Nexus Asia Pacific, PT Oliver Wyman Indonesia, PT Quantum Computing Services, PT Quantum Investments, PT Quantum Support Services, Pallas Marsh Servicos Ltda., Pavilion Alternatives Group (Singapore) PTE. Ltd, Pavilion Financial Corporation Holdings UK Limited, Pavilion U.S. Investments Holdco LLC, Pension Trustees Limited, Pensionsservice Benefit Network Sverige AB, Perils AG, Personal Pension Trustees Limited, Pet Animal Welfare Scheme Limited, Portsoken Trustees (No. 2) Limited, Portsoken Trustees Limited, Potomac Insurance Managers Inc., Premier Pension Trustees Limited, Premium Services Australia Pty Limited, Professional Claims Handling Limited (in liquidation), Profund Solutions Limited, Promerit AG, Promerit Hungary Kft, Promerit Schweiz AG, Pymetrics Inc., R G Ford Brokers Limited, R R B Beratungsgesellschaft fuer Altersversorgung mbh, R. Mees & Zoonen Holdings B.V., Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters LLC, Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters Limited, Resource Benefit Associates, Rightpath Reinsurance SPC Ltd., Risk Management Australia Pty Limited, Rivers Group Limited, Rockefeller Risk Advisors Inc., Rutherfoord International Inc., SAFCAR-Marsh, SBJ Holdings Limited, SCIB (Bermuda) Limited, SCM Global Real Estate Select GP LLC, SCM Infrastructure General Partner S.a r.l., SCM International Private Equity Select III GP LLC, SCM LT General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE II GP Ltd., SCM PE II Scotland GP Ltd, SCM Strategic Capital Management (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., SICAR Marsh S.a.r.l., SME Insurance Services Limited, Sail Insurance Company Limited, Scalene Re Ltd, Seabury & Smith Borrower LLC, Seabury & Smith LLC, Secure Limited, Sedgwick (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Consulting Group Limited, Sedgwick Dineen Group Limited, Sedgwick Financial Services Limited, Sedgwick Forbes Middle East Limited, Sedgwick Group, Sedgwick Group (Australia) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Group (Bermuda) Limited, Sedgwick Group (Zimbabwe) Limited, Sedgwick Group Limited, Sedgwick Internationaal B.V., Sedgwick Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Singapore) Pte Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (UK) Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Group Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited, Sedgwick Overseas Investments Limited, Sedgwick Private Limited, Sedgwick Re Asia Pacific (Consultants) Pte Ltd (for dissolution), Sedgwick Trustees Limited, Sedgwick UK Risk Services Limited, Sedgwick Ulster Pension Trustees Limited, Settlement Trustees Limited, Shanghai Mercer Insurance Brokers Company Ltd., Shorewest Insurance Associates LLC, Sirota Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Sirota Consulting UK Limited, Smith Long Term Disability Management Group Inc., Societe d'Assurances et de Participation Guian SA, Software Underwriting Systems Limited (in liquidation), Southern Marine & Aviation Inc., Southern Marine & Aviation Underwriters Inc., Sudzucker Versicherungs-Vermittlungs GmbH, Sumitomo Life Insurance Agency America Inc., Sylvite Financial Services, TBX Solutions Limited, Talent Tech Labs LLC, The Benefit Express Holdings Limited, The Benefit Express Limited, The Carpenter Management Corporation, The Insurance Partnership Holdings Limited, The Insurance Partnership Services Limited, The Positive Ageing Company Limited, The Purple Partnership Limited, The Recovre Group Pty Ltd, Thomsons Online Benefits (HK) Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits Inc., Thomsons Online Benefits Limited, Thomsons Online Benefits Pte Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits S.R.L, Torrent Government Contracting Services LLC, Torrent Insurance Services LLC, Torrent Technologies, Torrent Technologies Inc., Tower Hill Limited, Tower Place Developments (West) Limited, Tower Place Developments Limited, U.T.E. AMG, U.T.E. Marsh - Caja Castilla La Mancha Junta de Comunidades, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus (in liquidation), U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus 2012, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Vila-Seca 2010, UAD BB Marsh Lietuva, Vezina & Associes Inc., Vezina Assurances Inc., Victor Insurance Europe B.V., Victor Insurance Holdings Inc., Victor Insurance Italia S.r.l., Victor Insurance Managers Inc., Victor Insurance Managers Inc./Gestionnaires d'assurance Victor inc., Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd., Victor O. Schinnerer & Company Limited, Victoria Hall Company Limited, Wellnz Limited, William M. Mercer (Canada) Limited/William M. Mercer (Canada) Limitee, William M. Mercer AB, William M. Mercer Comercio Consultoria e Servicos Ltda., Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, everBe SAS, and realright GmbH. 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.. By Azernews By Leman Mammadova The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine exceeded $ 616 million in January-October 2018, the State Statistical Committee of Ukraine told AZERTAC. According to the report, Azerbaijan exported goods amounting to $ 257.689 million to Ukraine in 2018. During the same period, imports from Ukraine to Azerbaijan amounted to $ 359.49 million. Azerbaijan and Ukraine enjoy sustainable prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields. Azerbaijan is considered one of the main trade partners of Ukraine among the CIS countries. Last year, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries reached $ 810 million, which is 2.4 times more than in 2016. Azerbaijani oil amounted to $ 376.877 million of the total $ 442.219 million worth oil imported by Ukraine in 2017. Azerbaijan imports from Ukraine meat, dairy and confectionery products, construction stones, medicines and etc., while Ukraine mainly buys oil and oil products from Azerbaijan. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has arrived in the city of Sumgait for a visit. The president laid flowers at a statue of the national leader in Heydar Aliyev Park in the center of the city of Sumgait. Head of Sumgait City Executive Authority Zakir Farajov informed President Aliyev of the work carried out in the city. President Aliyev gave relevant instructions. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of a construction chemicals plant in Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev informed President Aliyev of the work carried out in Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park as well as its entities. Director general of the plant, Adam Yayla, informed President Aliyev of the facility. Products to be manufactured at the plant will be exported to Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Iran. The facility will create 60 permanent jobs. President Aliyev launched the plant. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of a non-ferrous metals and foundry plant owned by Baku Non Ferrous and Foundry Company LLC in Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. Chairman of the supervisory board of Baku Non Ferrous and Foundry Company LLC Rasim Mammadov informed President Aliyev of the third phase of the project that will see the construction of a plant manufacturing products used in mechanical engineering, agriculture and mining industry. The non-ferrous metals and foundry plant will have the annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of ferrosilicon and 72,000 tons of ferrosilicomanganese. For the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, this plant will produce ferrosilicon, ferrosilicomanganese and ferrochrome. The plant, which cost $51 million, will create 230 jobs. President Aliyev launched the plant. Azizi Developments, one of the leading private developers in the UAE, said work was moving at a steady pace on its Dh470-million ($128 million) Azizi Aliyah Residences coming up in the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). Providing a project update, Azizi said construction is almost complete with the conclusion of the mobilisation and structure phases, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works and finishes are well underway. The internal and external structure painting works are progressing rapidly, it stated. Azizi Aliyah Residences will offer a total of 346 fully serviced residences with 191 studios, 135 one-bedroom apartments, and 20 two-bedroom apartments, along with upscale retail space of 16,000 sq ft within DHCC. The healthcare city is home to the academic institution Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center, and close to 160 clinical partners including hospitals, outpatient medical centre and diagnostic laboratories across 150 plus specialties with licensed professionals from almost 90 countries. Residents of Azizi Aliyah Residences will also enjoy panoramic views of the city, leisure activities, family amenities, and the finest healthcare facilities the country has to offer. CEO Farhad Azizi said: "Dubai Healthcare City offers a prime location because of its access to Dubais key shopping malls, recreation centres, and its proximity to the historic Dubai Creek, in addition to being a high profile hub for health and wellness." "This is why we have a set of projects in the pipeline in this area. With Azizi Aliyah Residences, we are bringing a premier real estate project with high-quality building design and contemporary style residential apartments to homebuyers and investors," he noted. In addition to the convenient proximity to iconic Dubai landmarks, Azizi Aliyah Residences will be surrounded by green spaces, making it a beautiful and relaxing location for families and working professionals.-TradeArabia News Service Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia and highlighted prospects for strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two sides, as well as investment opportunities in Dubai and other matters of mutual interest. The Saudi delegation included the chairman and board members from the kingdoms Asharqia Chamber (the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry), said a statement from the organisation. The meeting, held at Dubai Chambers premises, highlighted prospects for strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two chambers, as well as investment opportunities in Dubai and other matters of mutual interest, it said. The 19-member delegation was received by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber, and headed by Abdul Hakim bin Hamad Al Ammar Al Khalidi, chairman of Asharqia Chamber. Al Ghurair described the meeting as constructive and noted that several avenues of cooperation were explored by representatives from both chambers, adding that such efforts would help build on the strong trade links that the UAE and Saudi Arabia already enjoy. In addition, Al Ghurair briefed the delegation on Dubai Chambers international expansion strategy and best practices implemented by the chambers various departments, as well as the wide variety of smart services that it provides to the business community in Dubai. TradeArabia News Service The Lufthansa Group airlines welcomed around 13.2 million passengers in October, reflecting an increase of nine per cent compared to the previous years month. The available seat kilometres were up 8.9 per cent over the previous year, at the same time, sales increased by 9.4 per cent. Consequently the seat load factor increased by 0.4 percentage points to 81.7 per cent as compared to October 2017. Cargo capacity increased by 5.0 per cent year-on-year, while cargo sales decreased by 1.9 per cent in revenue tonne-kilometre terms. As a result, the Cargo load factor showed a corresponding reduction, decreasing by 4.6 percentage points to 65.6 per cent. Network Airlines with around 9.6 million passengers The Network Airlines including Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS and Austrian Airlines carried around 9.6 million passengers in October 7.4 per cent more than in the prior-year period. Compared to the previous year, the available seat kilometres increased by 7.0 per cent in October. The sales volume was up by 7.3 per cent over the same period, with an increasing seat load factor by 0.3 percentage points to 81.8 per cent. Double-digit growth at Vienna Hub In October, the strongest passenger growth of the network airlines was recorded at Vienna hub with a double-digit growth of 11.7 per cent, followed by Zurich with 9.8 per cent. The number of passengers increased by 9.1 per cent in Munich and 3.6 per cent in Frankfurt. The underlying offer also increased strongest in Vienna by 15.6 per cent. In Munich, the increase in available seat kilometres was 12.6 per cent, in Zurich 11.4 per cent and in Frankfurt only 1.2 per cent. Lufthansa German Airlines transported around 6.4 million passengers in October, a 5.8 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. A 4.5 per cent increase in seat kilometres in October corresponds to a 4.1 per cent increase in sales. Furthermore, the seat load factor was 81.4 per cent, corresponding 0.3 percentage points below last years level. Eurowings welcomes 3.7 million passengers Eurowings (including Brussels Airlines) carried around 3.7 million passengers in October. Among this total, 3.4 million passengers were on short-haul flights and 280,000 flew on long-haul flights. This amounts to an increase of 13.4 per cent in comparison to the previous year. October capacity was 17.9 per cent above its prior-year level, while its sales volume was up 19.0 per cent, resulting in an increase of seat load factor by 0.8 percentage points to 81.4 per cent. On short-haul services the airlines raised capacity by 13.4 per cent and increased sales volume by 14.1 per cent, resulting in a 0.5 percentage points increased seat load factor of 82.1 per cent, compared to October 2017. The seat load factor for the long-haul services increased by 1.6 percentage points to 79.8 per cent during the same period, following a 28.2 per cent increase in capacity and a 30.7 per cent rise in sales volume, compared to the previous year. TradeArabia News Service Singapore: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the price of oil at $70 per barrel suits Moscow, while promising to cooperate with Saudi Arabias call to cut output in an effort to bolster prices. The situation as it is now, at around $70 (per barrel), suits us completely, Mr Putin said at a summit in Singapore. As you know, we have a budget expenditure based on $40 (per barrel), he added. Crude oil prices have shed a fifth of their value over the past month due to oversupply and signs of a softer-than-expected impact from sanctions on Iranian crude exports. The price of oil fell below $70 on Friday for the first time since the beginning of April and stood at around $66 at 1100 GMT on Thursday. This week Saudi Arabias energy minister called for a global output cut of one million barrels per day to re-balance the market, as Riyadh unveiled plans to cut production by 500,000 bpd from December. So far I cannot say if production should be limited we have to be very careful, every word is significant here, Mr Putin said. But the fact that we need to cooperate (with the Saudis) is obvious, he added. US President Donald Trump has pressed Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) to produce more oil to offset the impact of sanctions on Iran. Mr Trump has also granted liberal waivers to eight major oil importers taking the sting off the sanction. This week Opec trimmed its global oil demand forecasts for this year and next. Mumbai: Terming farm loan waiver and free power supply as mere "temporary and populist" steps, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday made a pitch for long-term solutions like infrastructure support and cheap credit to improve the agriculture sector. Delivering the Laxmanrao Inamdar Memorial Lecture here, Naidu also called for suitable changes in the laws governing the cooperative sector in view of changed techno-economic and business scenarios to make the cooperative institutions "viable and vibrant". The University of Mumbai had organised the lecture to mark the birth centenary late Laxmanrao Inamdar, who was instrumental in the formation of Sahakar Bharati in 1979. "There are many challenges in the agriculture sector. You cannot have temporary solutions to agriculture. Loan waiver, free current ... they are temporary," he said. "What is needed is remunerative price, infrastructure support for agriculture and cheap credits. Unfortunately for political reasons, we move to populistic, temporary measures," Naidu said adding that the governments should rather focus on long-term solutions. He said since agriculture was becoming unviable, people were moving to urban areas from rural parts. "You cannot reverse urbanisation, even if you want to ... Even today, 56 per cent people depend on agriculture. "The best method of (improving) agriculture according to me is the strengthening of the cooperative movement. This has to be understood by all including the planners, NITI Aayog, political parties, Parliament, people and media," he said. "The prime minister promised to double farmers' income by 2022. This is a noble idea, but it is not simple. The government has raised the MSP of most of the crops. Cooperatives can help small and marginal farmers in taking the benefits of higher MSPs," he said. Terming India's cooperative movement as the "biggest" in the world, he said it has led to tremendous progress in several sectors of the Indian economy. "I am told 75 per cent of rural households have been covered through a network of over 8.50 lakh cooperatives with a membership of well over 25 crore," he said. Naidu, however, lamented that in recent years, the cooperative sector has faced structural challenges like dormant membership, lack of active participation of members in the management, politicisation of cooperatives and bureaucratic control. Similarly, low level of participation by women and youth is a challenge and needs to be addressed, he said. "Mounting dues in cooperative credit institutions, inadequate mobilisation of own resources, over-dependence on governmental and institutional support, lack of professional management have proved harmful to their growth. There have been instances of mismanagement and absence of monitoring," he said. "Probably, the time has come to bring requisite changes in the relevant laws governing the cooperative sector in the context of changed techno-economic and business scenario to make the cooperatives viable and vibrant enterprises," the vice president said. Mumbai: With Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh completing their two-day nuptials in a location overlooking the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, Ranveer's Mumbai residence has been decked up with serial lights and flowers to welcome the newlyweds. While the entrance of the house was covered in a string of golden lights, branches of trees in the area were also seen lit up to celebrate the occasion. B-Town's power couple tied the knot in Lake Como in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14, while a Sindhi wedding was organised on November 15, both of which were attended by close-knit relatives of the two actors. Reel-life Bajirao and Mastani had announced their wedding dates on October 21 on social media after dating for over 6 years. The couple, who is expected to return to India later this week, will reportedly host two grand receptions for their relatives and friends- one in Bengaluru and the other in Mumbai. Mumbai: Actor Michael B Jordan had created quite a stir when he made remarks about lack of black mythology and the "Black Panther" star has now clarified those comments. The 31-year-old actor told Vanity Fair last month that black community "don't have any mythology, black mythology, or folklore". The comments, however, did not go well with many on the social media. Jordan has now clarified his remarks, saying that such stories are not presented in the cinema. "I meant we don't have black mythologies and folklore that's on the big screen and small screen, period," he told GQ. "And I want to help bring those to the masses, the same stories, bedtime stories, that I was being told of Anansi the Spider and the story of Hannibal and Mansa Musa and all these historical figures!" Jordan added. The actor is currently waiting for "Creed II" which will hit the theatres in the US on November 21. 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. During questioning Anumulu told officials that he had sourced drugs from a person in Visakhapatnam and was smuggling it to Maharashtra.(Representational Image) Bengaluru: Two drug rackets were busted in separate raids the city on Thursday and six people have been arrested in this connection. In the first incident the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested three people from Andhra Pradesh and seized 110 packets of ganja, weighing 223.84 kg from their car, which was being smuggled to Maharashtra. The accused have been identified as Anumulu Prasad alias Guru, S. Ramakrishna and K. Rajesh. Anumulu is a timber merchant, but is also involved in inter-state drug racket. He had employed the other two accused to drive the car and offered them Rs 10,000 for the trip. According to the officials, based on a credible tip off, a team intercepted the car at Devanahalli toll gate and found drugs, which were concealed in packets. During questioning Anumulu told officials that he had sourced drugs from a person in Visakhapatnam and was smuggling it to Maharashtra. He told them that he usually goes to Maharashtra via Telangana, but as the security was tightened due to forthcoming election, he had taken Bengaluru route. The police have seized drugs and booked the three and taken Prasad into custody for five days.3 held at BTM Layout In the second incident the Mico Layout police arrested three drug dealers, while they were selling drugs to college students and software engineers in the city. The police have seized 12 kg ganja from them. The accused have been identified as Vishnuvardhan, 23, and Rajesh, 22 from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and Junedh Ahmed, 24, a resident of Bannerghatta. According to the police, based on a tip off, they rushed to BTM Layout 2nd stage, where they found the accused at a deserted place next to Veeranjaneya temple. The police arrested them and seized ganja in their possession. The police said that Vishnuvardhan and Rajesh used to bring ganja from Kurnool for lower price and then with the help of Junedh Ahmed, sell them at a higher price to the college students and software engineers in BMT Layout and Bannerghatta Road. Parts of the house were damaged in the attack and a car and three bikes parked outside his home were also vandalised. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) New Delhi: Over 20 armed men attacked the house of Aam Aadmi Party municipal councillor Jitendra Kumar on Thursday evening, police said. The attackers also allegedly fired several bullets and tried to break in the house. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack that put the life of his partys councillor from Sangam Vihar in danger. "What is going on in Delhi?" Kejriwal tweeted. According to a report in Hindustan Times, Jitendra Kumar said he was present in his home with his relatives, who had come to attend his wedding scheduled on November 19, when the firing started around 6:30 pm. "There were 20 to 25 men. They not only fired bullets but also tried to break in. They threatened to kill me before leaving, Kumar told news agency ANI. Parts of the house were damaged in the attack and a car and three bikes parked outside his home were also vandalised. Following the attack, a team of Delhi police surrounded the house and secured the site. Kumar alleged that the attack was politically motivated. The AAP also claimed that the attack on its councillor was driven by political motivations. Multiple rounds fired on the house of Jitendra Kumar AAPs councillor from Sangam Vihar (ward 83S), who hails from UP. (It) Appears to be a politically motivated attack. If such is the case of elected representatives, one can only imagine the plight of a common man in this lawlessness, AAPs south Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in-charge Raghav Chadha said in a tweet. Meanwhile, the police said that an investigation is underway to nab the accused. Deepika and Ranveer, who tied the knot in two ceremonies according to Konkani and Sindhi tradition looked breathtakingly beautiful and made our hearts skip a beat. (Photo: Instagram | sabyasachiofficial) Mumbai: The wedding pictures of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are finally out and its hard to take our eyes off them. The long wait for the pictures got over Thursday evening after the celebrity couple posted a set of two pictures on their respective Instagram from the two wedding ceremonies they had. Sabyasachi, the designated wedding designer, also shared the pictures on his Instagram. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh head-to-toe in Sabyasachi for their wedding in Lake Como, Italy, the designer wrote. He also wished the couple with a beautiful message saying, All of us at Sabyasachi wish the lovely couple all the very best for a wonderful and happy married life. Deepika and Ranveer, who tied the knot in two ceremonies according to Konkani and Sindhi tradition looked breathtakingly beautiful and made our hearts skip a beat. (Photo: Instagram | sabyasachiofficial) Draped in gold and orange silk saree, Deepika looked an epitome of South Indian bride for the Konkani wedding. Heavy traditional jewellery, a maatha patti, a tiny bindi and a coordinated dupatta covering her head completed her look. Ranveer was the perfect partner for her in white kurta and dhoti. For the Sindhi wedding, the onscreen Ram and Leela opted for traditional red. Deepika wore a heavily embroidered red lehenga while Ranveer wore a red sherwani and leheriya safa. A traditional nose ring and maang teeka made Deepika the perfect bride. However, it was Deepikas dupatta that deserves a closer look. Apart from beautiful intricate embroidery on the border, the words "sada saubhagyawati bhava (Have a blessed destiny always)" were also woven on it. The entire wardrobe for the couple was custom designed by Sabyasachi and we think he did a great job. Also Read: Deepika, Ranveer share first wedding pictures as husband and wife The couple, who was dating for almost six years, took the wedding vows in two traditional ceremonies at the Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy. The ceremonies were an extremely private affair with only family and close friends in attendance. With the wedding pictures out, the wait is now to see what comes out from the closet of the couple for their two receptions in India - one in Deepika's hometown Bengaluru on November 21 and another for their friends from the film fraternity in Mumbai on November 28. Bengaluru:The recent busting of Ambidant scam has brought into focus a large number of ponzi schemes in the city, where fly-by-night operators try to swindle the gullible by making them part with their hard-earned money by enrolling them in phony get-rich-quick schemes. Ambidant Marketing Pvt Ltd, run by a father-son duo Syed Fareed Ahmed and Syed Afaq Ahmed, had itself cheated more than 15,000 investors to the tune of `900 crore. The modus operandi adopted by these operators is more or less the same. They lure investors by promising good returns and even offer them the same in the initial stages to gain their confidence. Later the word gets around and more people join. But once the inflow of money ebbs they start skipping payments and later vanish, leaving thousands in the lurch Other than Ambidant, there are many more such companies that had collected investors money and vanished. Companies such as Aala Ventures, Capitol, Morgenall, Burraq, Nafia, Injaz and many others have cheated investors and the total amount of money swindled is estimated to be more than Rs 500 crore. In most of these companies the minimum investment required is Rs 50,000 and many have deposited in crores. Once a company goes bust, the small investors come forward to file police complaint, but those who had parked their unaccounted money lie low. Expert said these companies wind up mainly because they rely solely on the money brought in by new investors, which they use to make payouts to old investors, whose investments need to be redeemed. Once the new investments taper off or stop, the company has no choice but to close down or issue false promises, as was done recently by Heera Gold, a Hyderabad-based firm with thousands of members. All ponzi schemes run till the inflow of money from new members is greater than the payouts for old ones. The moment this ratio changes, the scheme collapses. ED investigation Ambidant came under Enforcement Directorate lens in January this year after it allegedly invested huge sums in crypto-currency. Since then Ambidant stopped payouts to its customers and even not returned the invested amount, forcing many to lodge police complaints. As of now, over 1,000 complaints have been lodged against Ambidant and Fareed and his son Afaq were arrested in this regard. During the investigation, Fareed allegedly told police that mining baron and former BJP minister Gali Janardhana Reddy had offered to help him get off the EDs hook, but demanded `20 crore. Following this revelation, the CCB had arrested Reddy. Clerics used to woo investors Interestingly both Ambidant and Heera Gold had roped in Muslim clerics to attract investors. These companies positioned themselves as those dealing only with Halal investment and made clerics speak in their favour. One of the investors with Ambidant who pledged her jewellery and invested Rs 1 lakh, claimed it was her sole savings. "I am a widow and have no son who can take care of me. I had jewellery, which I pledged thinking I could get about Rs 10,000 a month. All that is now lost," she said. Ambidant initially paid as much as 50 percent to its investors. Later when more investors joined, it paid 25 percent, then it came down to 11 percent and the last payout was in January (9 percent). Those who had made huge investments were also provided flats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move 'still rankles' them as the money 'stashed under beds and in sacks' was taken away in a single stroke. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh): Returning the Congress' "a chaiwala could become prime minister due to Nehru" barb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dared it to make someone "from outside the family" as its chief for him to believe the late leader created a true democratic system. PM Modi also charged the Gandhis with still not being able to come to terms that a "son of a poor mother" could become the country's prime minister. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, PM Modi slammed the opposition party for crediting his occupying the Prime Ministerial post to Nehru instead of people in the country. He also hit back at the Congress also for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke. The Prime Minister asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said it was due to the institutional structure created by Nehru that even a "chai wala" (tea seller) could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. "They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a chaiwala became the prime minister," PM Modi said. "If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said. "If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said. PM Modi's fiver-year tenure remark was apparently in reference to Sitaram Kesri who was the Congress president in the 90s, but did not have a five-year term. He held the post from September 1996 to March 1998. The "contract of democracy" of the country was not given to a family, he said, adding the (Gandhi) family felt the Britishers had named India after it. Without naming the Gandhis, Modi said they were unable to come to terms that Modi has been a prime minister for four and a half years now "after their four generations ruled the country". "They still keep crying. How could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the 'raj gaddi' (throne of power)," he said. PM Modi said people have disproved that it was the "right of only one family" to speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. "You can't understand the difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can," PM Modi said in a veiled attack on the Congress and the Gandhis. "They (Congress) have kept the country in the dark with their lies which are ingrained in their minds," PM Modi said, not mincing words to target the principal opposition party and its top leaders. He also hailed the impressive turnout in the first phase of polling held in the state on November 10. "People of Bastar in Chhattisgarh gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase," he added. The second phase of polling in the state will be held on November 20 and the election results will be out on December 11. Temple priests said they will shut the temple if women between 10 and 50 enter the temple premises. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Kochi: Devotees on Friday evening thronged to Sabarimala temple as it opened its door for the 62-day long Mandala Pooja-Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season. On Friday morning, activist Trupti Desai who reached the Kochi International Airport faced stiff protests by local BJP activists who had congregated outside the airport along with several protesters. Desai, accompanied by six of her colleagues, was unable to get out of the airport. Following a more than 12-hour wait, she said that she does not wish to cause violence and so would be heading back. Desai had, earlier in the week, sent an email to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security during her travel to the hill shrine. The Sabarimala temple opened around 5 pm today for the third time after the Supreme Court September 28 verdict that lifted the centuries-old ban on entry of women between the ages 10 to 50. On Thursday, the Kerala Chief Minister held an all-party meeting on Sabarimala, aimed at discussing the row over the entry of women of menstruating ages at the Sabarimala temple, ahead of the two-month long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' or the pilgrimage season, set to start on November 17. After the nearly three-hour long meeting, dubbed as a farce by the Opposition, Vijayan said his government was duty bound to enforce the apex courts verdict allowing women of all ages to pray at the hill temple of Lord Ayyappa as it had not been stayed. Here are the updates from today's Sabarimala temple opening: 07:19 pm: "Protesters threatened taxi drivers from providing us services.Hotel staff was threatened of damage to hotels if rooms were given to us. It saddens me to see that people who call themselves Ayyappa devotees are abusing and threatening us", said Trupti Desai at Kochi airport. Protestors threatened taxi drivers from providing us services.Hotel staff was threatened of damage to hotels if rooms were given to us. It saddens me to see that ppl who call themselves Ayyappa devotees are abusing&threatening us: Trupti Desai at Kochi airport. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/Q9CZrJZsPc ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 06:29 pm: Activist Trupti Desai will return to her hometown Pune tonight, reported news agency ANI. She has been at the Kochi airport since morning as protesters did not allow her to proceed to the Sabarimala Temple. #Kerala: Visuals of Trupti Desai from Kochi airport; she will return to her hometown Pune tonight after protesters did not allow her to proceed to #SabarimalaTemple. pic.twitter.com/EUHG3CIH9U ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 6:17 pm: Trupti Desai says police have asked her to return to Pune. The activist said she will announce her decision by 6:30 pm. Desai, who reached Kochi airport at around 4:40 am, has been unable to come out of the airport in over 12 hours, with the protesters saying her group would not be allowed to proceed to the Sabarimala temple. 05:40 pm: Devotees throng to Sabarimala Temple. The temple will be open for the 62-day long Mandala Pooja-Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season. #Kerala: Devotees throng to #SabarimalaTemple as it opens for 62-day long Mandala Pooja-Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season. pic.twitter.com/wzOcekQzbh ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 05:27 pm: Sabarimala Karma Samithi holds protest against activist Trupti Desai in Kerala's Trivandrum. 04:58 pm: Sabarimala Temple opens for 62-day long Mandala Pooja-Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season. 04:33 pm: Lord Ayyappa devotees throng base camp Pamba in Pathanamthitta to begin trek to Sabarimala temple. Heavy security deployed in the area. Visuals from Pamba in Pathanamthitta: Lord Ayyappa devotees throng base camp to begin trek to #SabarimalaTemple. Heavy security deployed in the area. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/G47MNETaPx ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 03:39 pm: "Trupti Desai should go back. She will have to step on our chests and walk over us if she wants to enter Sabarimala temple," said activist Rahul Easwar protesting outside Kochi airport. 03:35 pm: Kerala Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar called Trupti Desai an "RSS activist". Also Read: 'She is an RSS activist': Kerala minister on Trupti Desai's Sabarimala plan 12:40 pm: Trupti Desai and her associates have been held up inside the airport for over seven hours. 12:37 pm: No private vehicles will be allowed to Sabarimala only Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will transport the pilgrims to Pamba. 12:35 pm: Heavy rains are lashing Sabarimala and nearby areas and devotees have not yet been allowed to leave for Pamba, a key base camp enroute to the temple, reports news agency PTI. 12:30 pm: IGP Vijay Saleem has asked police personnel to follow strict dress code at Sabarimala, while exemption has been given to cops at the holy 18 steps. 12:25 pm: Over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, would be deployed during the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine. 10:56 am: "Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan'," says Trupti Desai. 10:55 am: "We reached Cochin Airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," Trupti Desai said. 09:55 am: Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, having breakfast at Cochin International Airport as she has not been able to leave the airport yet due to protests being carried out against her visit to Sabarimala temple. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) 09:25 am: Temple priests said they will shut the temple if women between 10 and 50 enter the temple premises. 09:15 am: Section 144 imposed around the Sabarimala temple 09:10 am: To prevent women of menstruating age from entering the Lord Ayyappa shrine, protesters are gathering in large number outside the Kochi airport. They are also checking hotel rooms and vehicles. Protesters are asking hotels not to accommodate women of the "banned" age group. 09:00 am: Police were deployed in large numbers at Kochi airport to control the situation. Police officers held discussions with Desai and protesters but both sides stick to their stand, reports news agency PTI. Also Read: Activist Trupti Desai, on way to Sabarimala, faces protests at airport 08:55 am: Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, at Cochin International Airport. Protests are underway outside the airport against her visit to Sabarimala temple. Kochi: Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, at Cochin International Airport. Protests are underway outside the airport against her visit to #SabarimalaTemple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/T3y1JEj8ZH ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 08:10 am: "Protestors should not resort to violence. Once we reach there, we'll see what level of security state gives us. Even if the state doesn't give us any security, we'll still go, but I can be attacked. I have received so many threats of attack and killing," Trupti Desai said. Protestors should not resort to violence. Once we reach there, we'll see what level of security state gives us. Even if the state doesn't give us any security, we'll still go, but I can be attacked. I have received so many threats of attack & killing: Trupti Desai. #Sabarimala pic.twitter.com/AAVKTqfuWg ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 08:08 am: Protesting local BJP leaders at the Kochi airport, alleged that Desai and her team came to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that restricts entry of women between 10 and 50 years, reports news agency PTI. "She (Desai) came here not for darshan but for disturbing a peaceful Sabarimala pilgrim season beginning Saturday," PTI said quoting protesters. 08:05 am: "Won't allow Trupti Desai to go out from airport even if she being escorted with police vehicle or other government means. Airport taxies also won't take her. If she wants, she can use her own vehicle. There will be agitations all along her way even if she goes out from airport," MN Gopi, BJP, outside Cochin airport. Won't allow Trupti Desai to go out from airport using police vehicle or other govt means.Airport taxies also won't take her.If she wants,she can use her own vehicle.There will be agitations all along her way even if she goes out from airport: MN Gopi, BJP, outside Cochin airport pic.twitter.com/sRoT0kZtUj ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 08:02 am: Protesters gather outside Cochin International Airport. Trupti Desai, the founder of Bhumata Brigade, has arrived at the airport from Pune. Security has been heightened. She had written to Kerala Chief Minister seeking security for her visit to the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa on 17 November. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) (Photo: Twitter | ANI) (Photo: Twitter | ANI) 08:00 am: The Sabarimala temple is set to open between 5 and 5:30 pm today. Vijayawada: In an unprecedented move, the Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn general consent given to the CBI, restricting its activities in the state. In the last few days, AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been vocal about the controversy surrounding CBI saying the Modi government was misusing agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and income-tax I-T department to intimidate and harass Opposition parties. Mr Naidu has alleged that TD leaders and businessmen linked to the ruling party have been subjected to income-tax raids after his NDA pullout. Subsequently, the AP government had decided against providing police cover to I-T officials for conducting raids. Following the withdrawal of general consent, the CBI is barred from investigating and carrying out raids in the state, including questioning Central government employees working in the state and private individuals residing in AP. It can only do so after securing permission from the state government. CBI officers have to take prior permission from the AP government to operate in the state. The general consent is given to the CBI to investigate into crimes and conspiracies covering around 187 Sections of the IPC and 63 Central Acts. The CBI was constituted under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946. State governments periodically issue notifications giving general consent for the CBI to conduct its operations in the state. Such a notification was last issued by the AP government on September 3. On November 8, the state government issued a confidential GO, which came to light on Friday, withdrawing the general consent. Government sources said the GO was issued after a Vijayawada-based advocate, Mr Y. Ved Vyas, wrote to the Chief Secretary urging the government to withdraw general consent, pointing to the recent happenings in the CBI which had dented the image of the agency. The government decided to withdraw general consent in the wake of recent happenings in CBI and the controversies surrounding the investigating agency. Certain states like Karnataka have been following the same method of asking the CBI to take prior permission before conducting raids or any other activity. We are going to face the Centre on the issue, said state home minister, Nimmakayala Chinarajappa. The image of the CBI has been dented with the top officials being booked in cases against the each other. The Union government too has been misusing agencies like CBI and ED for political gains. In this background I wrote a letter to the state chief secretary. As per section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment, a state government can take such an action, said the advocate. Kochi: The Kerala high court Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter the Sabarimala temple when the shrine was opened for monthly puja in October after the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 into the Lord Ayyappa shrine. The activist was booked by the police in Pathanamthitta on the basis of a complaint filed by Radhakrishna Menon alleging some of her Facebook posts hurt religious sentiments. She was booked under Section 295A of IPC. Anticipating arrest, she moved the high court seeking anticipatory bail. Dismissing the bail plea, the court directed that the police can take appropriate steps in the case. Fathima, a model and activist who was part of Kiss of Love movement in Kochi in 2014 against alleged moral policing, was among the two women who had reached the hilltop on October 19 but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests by Ayyappa devotees. Fathima and Hyderabad-based journalist Kavitha were taken to the hills with heavy police protection. Meanwhile, the Kerala high court has granted bail to six people arrested for allegedly attacking police and preventing devotees at Nilackal, near Pamba, when the temple doors were opened for monthly puja last month. Several journalists were attacked by devotees when the temple was opened for six days on October 17 for the first time after the Supreme Court order. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, but a section of devotees is protesting the decision. After 14 hours of confusion and tension at the Kochi international airport at Nedumbassery, womens rights activist Trupti Desai, chose to return to Pune without offering prayers at Sabarimala temple on Friday. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Kochi: After 14 hours of confusion and tension at the Kochi international airport at Nedumbassery, womens rights activist Trupti Desai, chose to return to Pune without offering prayers at Sabarimala temple on Friday. Hundreds of protesters chanting Ayyappa hymns remained outside blocking her from emerging out of the arrival terminal of the airport. We are going back not because we are afraid of the protests staged by them, but because the Kerala police has requested us. They said if we continue our journey or stay here, there will be violence and disruption of law and order. To break the law and order is not our motive anyway. And we dont want the citizens of Kerala to suffer because of this, Ms Desai told media at the airport before boarding a flight bound for Mumbai. Its very sad to be back to Pune from where we had earlier declared that we would not come back without having darshan at Sabarimala temple, she said. She also said that they will come back after some days to offer prayers at the temple. Earlier, we had publicly announced about our pilgrimage, but we wont do that again, she told the media. Ms Desai had stuck to her decision to visit the temple during the whole day. Mob gathered even before Desais landing Ms Desai and six other women pilgrims, all aged under 50, had landed at the airport by an Indigo flight from Pune at 4.40 a.m. The group of seven could not even step out of the airport for almost 14 hours as there was a huge protest outside the domestic arrival section at the airport. The number of protestors kept increasing every minute. The gathering, organised by the BJP, had started long before Ms Desai landed at the airport. Several teams of police personnel led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police J. Himendranath were deployed at the airport since morning. Ms Desai had planned to take a cab from the airport to Kottayam from where she was to proceed to Sabarimala on Saturday. But no prepaid taxi operator was willing to take her anticipating the violent protest on the way. Recently, a group of protestors had attacked the car of our colleague which was carrying a television channel reporter and cameraman to Pampa. But no one, including the transportation network company claimed the loss and gave any compensation, an online taxi driver said. We are afraid of an attack in the same way if we carry them to Kottayam, he added. The cops also tried for a couple of hours to find a private taxi to transport her to Kottayam but no one was willing. 'The BJP and the Congress are anti-poor, anti-farmer, anti-Dalit, anti-downtrodden, and anti-weaker sections', she said. (Photo: File) Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday ruled out the possibility of tying up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Congress to form the government in Chhattisgarh, asserting that her alliance with Ajit Jogi's party would get absolute majority. "When our alliance is fully confident of getting an absolute majority (in the 90-member House), where does the question of a post-poll tie-up with the BJP or the Congress arise?" the Dalit leader said when asked about which way her party would go in such a scenario. "This is a mischievous question. The question does not arise. The second phase of the polling is yet to take place," the BSP supremo told a news channel. Dismissing the suggestion as hypothetical, Mayawati said the alliance -- with Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) -- would prefer to sit in the Opposition if it could not form the government on its own. "At present the question of extending or taking support from any party does not arise," she told NDTV. Describing the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress as "saap nath" and "naag nath" (snakes), the 62-year-old leader said there was no question of having any truck with either of the two. "The BJP and the Congress are anti-poor, anti-farmer, anti-Dalit, anti-downtrodden, and anti-weaker sections." To a question as to why her party could not forge an alliance with the Congress, Mayawati said she had already spoken in detail about it in the past. In a snub to the Congress, the BSP had announced its decision to contest the state election in alliance with the JCC, declaring Jogi as the chief ministerial face of the coalition. The JCC is contesting 55 seats, while the BSP is in the fray in the rest. In the outgoing House, the BSP has only one seat. While 18 assembly constituencies in the state went to polls in the first phase on Monday, voting will take place in the remaining 72 seats next Tuesday. The results will be on December 11. Janardhan, speaking to the media along with Mr Suddala Devaiah and former minister Vijaya Rama Rao, criticised AICC leader R.C. Khuntia and TPCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy (in the pic) saying they had made maya in the name of Mahakutami. Hyderabad: A rebels front is forming in the state to take on the parties that disappointed them in the upcoming elections. All major political parties have denied tickets to leaders who have decided to contest as rebels. The rebels are planning to fight the elections with a common symbol. Rebel candidates from the Congress and TD held separate meetings to decide their future course of action. Former minister and Congress leader Boda Janardhan who was denied the Chennur ticket has taken the initiative to bring all rebels onto one platform. He held the first meeting of rebels on Thursday night and a follow-up meeting on Friday. TD rebels met at a hotel at Jubilee Hills and discussed what they would do next. Mr Janardhan, speaking to the media along with Mr Suddala Devaiah and former minister Vijaya Rama Rao, criticised AICC leader R.C. Khuntia and TPCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy saying they had made maya in the name of Mahakutami. Mr Janardhan said 40 rebels had attended his meeting. He said the initial plan was to form a front of disappointed Congress aspirants, but those from the TRS and TD were also approaching them. Mr Vijaya Rama Rao said the selection of Congress candidates was not done in a transparent manner. Tickets were given to candidates who did not even have party membership, he said. Mr Vijaya Rama Rao alleged that Congress tickets were given to rowdy sheeters, bank robbers and to those who make settlements. Rebel candidate Dharmapuri Ravindar said that in the name of wining horses, the Congress had given tickets to lame horses. Back in 1991, long after Rajiv Gandhis mortal remains were immersed in holy rivers and some time after the ballot boxes were sealed in the parliamentary election that was hyphenated by his assassination, a few journalists sat in a sparse room in the BJP office which doubled as dwelling and office for K.N. Govindacharya. The scribes had just begun indulging in data-data games with friendly politicians adept with numbers. Mr Govindacharyas figures were on his fingertips, albeit exaggerated, and he projected the seats the BJP would win from which state and why. At this rate, you will replace the Congress, one of us said incredulously. He paused, and said with a typical guffaw: Why replace, we will be the next Congress. Cut to October 2015, to the launch of a book on the Indian economy with a former Union minister, a one-time editor (not the one in the news recently) and just about beginning-to-turn-crusader against the Centre Arun Shourie. His scathing attack of this government ended with an apt turn of phrase, this government was Congress Plus Cow. As one read the Congress manifesto for Madhya Pradesh, these two episodes came flooding back into my mind. The more you read promises reflecting the soft-Hindutva line of the party, with several references to Ram Path Gaman the path Lord Ram is supposed to have taken, the commercial production of cow urine, gaushalas in every panchayat and allocating separate funds for them, establishing temporary camps to treat injured bovines and, if necessary, perform their last rites; the more one is convinced that the punch lines of Mr Govindacharya and Mr Shourie have been turned on their heads. If ever a Congress government is installed in Madhya Pradesh or anywhere else, it will be a BJP minus Modi-Shah sarkar! At least, this is the prognosis the manifesto promises. From being the other way around, the Congress is on its way to becoming the BJPs B-team. Let us begin with just one Congress pledge, and understand what this is symptomatic of. The Ram Path Gaman is a mythical route, believed to have been taken through two contemporary states Uttar Pradesh and MP. In the former, this is supposed to be from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot, where the legendary hero-turned-god is considered to have spent a part of his 14 years in exile. The pathway, from modern Faizabad (soon to be legally renamed Ayodhya), passes through the districts of Kaushambi, Allahabad, Pratapgarh, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Sultanpur and Ambedkarnagar in central UP before reaching its destination in the Bundlekhand region. People in MP too believe that a significant period of these 14 years were spent in their state, and the Ram Path there traverses through the forests of Satna, Panna, Shahdol, Jabalpur and Vidisha. The Congress has assured speedy completion of this project, unfulfilled by the BJP government despite being in the works since 2007. Initially in their Ayodhya agitation, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and BJP leaders claimed they would prove the place as Lord Rams birthplace. Later, they said there was no need as Ram was a matter of faith. The Congress manifesto, and many other practices over the past few years, establishes that the party too has accepted the matter of faith argument. Last year, Rahul Gandhi began temple-hopping in Gujarat and there has been no stopping. Possibly, the party is eager to shed what his mother called the pro-Muslim image. This time he visited temples more unabashedly. Consequently, it boiled down to a question which should not feature during elections in a pluralistic country: whose Shiv Bhakti is greater the Congress presidents or the Prime Ministers? There are many reasons for Congress leaders being more daring in displaying religiosity in the course this round of polls. In the three Hindi heartland states now voting, the Muslim population does not match their electoral significance in Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. These states are more bipolar than the two. Consequently, the Congress thinks it can take the 6.57 per cent, 9.7 per cent and 7.17 per cent of Muslims in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for granted. It is debatable whether the Congress could have performed better had it voiced minority concerns in Gujarat or if its tally was bolstered because it did not to articulate their angst. But the Congress decision to play along with Hindu sentiments and make promises aimed at appeasing them, and thereby trying to shed its pro-minority tag, is a reflection of a paradigm shift in the countrys political culture. Post-Independence India lived through different eras, with politics being dominated by one predominant idea. Every party aspiring for power voiced their position around this central theme. For the first three decades or so, the dominant belief was socialism in its various shades Nehruvian socialism, Lohiaite socialism and Marxist varieties. Even the Jan Sangh, with Ekatm Manavaad or Integral Humanism and Deen Dayal Upadhyays promotion of antyodaya (although scholars claim this was not his original formulation), stopped cosying up with right-wing Swatantra Party to enter the political mainstream. From the late 1970s, with religion playing an increasing role in politics, secularism emerged as the primary pivot around which political lines were drawn parties were either secular or communal. Once again, there existed several types of secularism the Congress variety, the Janata Parivars (which later splintered into several other shades) and the Communist form of secularism. Like socialism ran its course and became outdated slowly, secularism as a focal point too faded away from the polity. Gradually, Hindutva became the primary idea. Narendra Modi, in 2014, declared with no trace of embarrassment that he was a Hindu nationalist something unthinkable earlier. But as with all political ideas, Hindutva too is not unidimensional. Instead, a Hindu nationalistic rainbow has appeared on the horizon. Euphemistically, there are various hues of saffron that of the RSS, the BJP, the fringe forces and the Congress. Political parties navigate their course through this landscape dazzled by the hues on the skyline. Time will determine if darkness will follow, or if there will be a new dawn. H08 Americas President Donald Trump has picked up a wacky reputation for lightning fingers on his Twitter handle day and night. That not be such a good thing as he is impulsive sometimes, and not too well versed with facts to send off to Tweeple at odd hours. While his acolytes may love whatever he tweets, the discerning may examine it more carefully, as some did when he tweeted on Diwali, but didnt seem to know it was a Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with gusto the world over. The White House was also a bit tardy, the festival lit up 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue a whole week late. The spirit of Diwali may not have been so let down though as the assemblage was jolly enough as Mr Trump complimented Indians for being good negotiators. Why blame the US President for not getting his facts right on Diwali when our own Supreme Court judges didnt know the difference between Diwali, which marks the homecoming of Lord Ram after slaying Ravan, and Deepawali, which celebrates the slaying of Narakasura by Lord Krishna, who sent his Sudarshana Chakra to behead him. The wise judges had ruled Diwali firecrackers could be burst only in a two-hour timeframe on the evening of the festival across India. They were then politely reminded that in South India the tradition is very different, and people wake up early to celebrate another epic tale of the victory of good over evil. All stories around Diwali and Deepawali had a happy ending, except maybe in the air over the nations capital, which turned toxic. H08 The matter of the Rafale fighter aircraft purchase by the present government, after what seems to be a carefully camouflaged repudiation of an earlier agreement reached by the earlier UPA government that smells suspicious, is before the Supreme Court, where it was heard in some detail on Wednesday. From the averments made so far, it is not clear what direction the hearings may take, but the importance of the issues at stake can hardly be overstated. The political sensitivities at stake were adequately adumbrated by the bench, led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, as also in the submissions of advocate-general K.K. Venugopal. While addressing the substantive issues, it is necessary to bear in mind that ranged on the other side of the government are BJP stalwarts Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, both Cabinet ministers in the first BJP-led government of late PM Atal Behari Vajpayee. They have found an ally in eminent Supreme Court lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan, who is arguing for the trio. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, as may be expected of the leader of the main Opposition party, has alleged high-order corruption. But this is not a subject between the Congress and the Modi government in which the Opposition is acting out of pique, as has been sought to be painted in BJP circles. The Supreme Court had asked the government to submit to it a record of the process involved in the scrapping of the earlier Rafale deal and the signing of the new one. When the court required the government to submit the price details, the government with reluctance agreed to do so in a sealed cover. This is naturally at the heart of the alleged coverup. The Chief Justice has reserved his order on a Supreme Court-supervised probe in laffaire Rafale, which is what the petitioners have asked for. The A-G, at Wednesday's hearing, laboured the fact of the importance of keeping price details secret. The argument is that their revelation might lead the countrys enemies to figure out the India-specific technical configurations of the fighter jet. The A-G seemed so frightened that he told the court that he himself had not looked at the pricing details, fearing that his office might be blamed in the event of a leak. This speaks of an extraordinary level of anxiety in the government when the plain fact, as highlighted by Mr Bhushan and Mr Shourie in court, is that all the technical parameters are part of the request for proposal (RFP), prepared before international bids are invited. The Chief Justice has said the court will consider the question of a probe when it decides on whether the price parameters can be made public. But given the importance and sensitivity of the case, a probe may be unavoidable. H08 The large-scale renaming of place names in Uttar Pradesh (so far that is the only state on a renaming spree) also suggests that the party, unable to showcase its governance, is keen on proving its Hindutva credentials and to show Yogi Adityanath as a proactive chief minister. Unable to construct the Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya, the ruling BJP finds itself in a quandary. Earlier, when it came to power, its excuse for not the Ram temple was that it had to follow the compulsions of coalition dharma, but when it gets a majority of its own it would bring in a law to facilitate the construction of the temple. It has run a government under Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi at the Centre for four and a half years now. What is more, it also has a majority government in Uttar Pradesh, where Ayodhya is located. Yet it has not been able to build the Ram temple it had promised to the faithful. The reasons for its inability are many. The primary reason being that the land where the temple is to be located is disputed. The adjoining area, which is not disputed, has been acquired by the government on the orders of the Supreme Court, which has also banned any construction there. So what does the BJP do? It shows the faithful that it is still devoted to Lord Ram and that if it cannot construct a temple at Ayodhya, it can do other things to promote his glory by renaming Faizabad district as Ayodhya, setting a Guinness World Record by lighting over 300,000 oil lamps in Ayodhya for Diwali and building the tallest statue ever of Lord Ram in Ayodhya on the Sarayu river. This, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has pointed out, will help people in the darshan (viewing) and smaran (remembering) of Lord Ram. The strategy seems to be that if the party in power cannot construct the temple at the disputed site, then it can at least convert the entire district of Faizabad, now Ayodhya, into a memorial for Lord Ram. The party is also happy that some people have objected to the renaming of Faizabad, claiming that it was the first capital of Awadh under Nawab Sadat Ali Khan-I. This allows them to please their followers by asking the rhetorical communal question: Is their Nawab more important and bigger than our Lord Ram? This displacement strategy, conscious and well thought out, unlike the Freudian concept, serves several political purposes. It tries to convey the commitment of the BJP to those members of its core constituency who might be getting disillusioned with it because of its inability to build the Ram temple. The renaming of the district and the promise of a Lord Ram statue is a defensive strategy to keep the flock together. The large-scale renaming of place names in Uttar Pradesh (so far that is the only state on a renaming spree) also suggests that the party, unable to showcase its governance, is keen on proving its Hindutva credentials and to show Yogi Adityanath as a proactive chief minister. UP is where the main battle of the 2019 general election will be fought, and the BJP must prevent the alliance of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and dalits, represented by the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, if it wants to win. The Hindutva-laced campaign is for them too. The renaming and the Ram temple issue appeals to the common religious identity of the OBCs and dalits. Simultaneously the BJP also addresses the stratification within caste groups by appealing to those who feel that the dominant castes (Yadavs amongst OBCs and Jatavs amongs dalits) have cornered the benefits of reservations. The BJP has tried to attract these smaller castes by its alliance with these groups such as the Kurmis (Apna Dal Sonelal), the Rajbhars (Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party) or the Nishads (Rashtriya Mahan Gantantra Party). Those sub-castes which do not have a formal political party are given representation by the BJP by fielding them as candidates in various elections. It is important for the BJP to retain the loyalty of these non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav dalits through its renaming and Ram temple moves. Whether this strategy will trump the erosion of their social and economic position by government policies is an entirely different issue. The renaming strategy, however, is also an offensive strategy against the cultural power of the liberal intelligentsia. The more loudly they oppose the BJPs renaming and statue-building plans in the name of cultural diversity and secularism, the more the BJP stands to benefit. From the BJPs point of view, their railing against its renaming spree helps the party project them as pro-minorities. By reducing the secularism of the liberal intelligentsia to nothing more than a pro-minority stand, its members can be projected as biased adjudicators of Indian public life. Indian liberal public intellectuals, therefore, need to think deeply about how to respond to this offensive strategy of the BJP before coming up with knee-jerk reactions. If the renaming and Ram statue strategy is seen to be paying off even marginally in UP, there is every possibility of it being used to prepare the public mind for nasty communal developments as the general election nears. The large-scale gathering of the Hindu faithful for the Kumbh at Prayagraj, earlier Allahabad, in January may provide just the context for fanning the communal flames. It could provide the perfect context for the assertion of Hindu identity over their caste identity among both the OBCs and the dalits. This will suit the BJP electorally. If there is one lesson the BJP would have learnt from the recent Karnataka byelections, it is that when the Opposition unites it will be pushed on the defensive. In those states where the BJP vote has been concentrated and where it has done exceptionally well in 2014, such as in Uttar Pradesg, the partys first attempt, therefore, will be to prevent the formation of an Opposition alliance. But failing that, it will attempt to divide the social base and the caste-equations of the Opposition parties. Hindutva and communal polarisation through changing place names, Ram statue politics and a Ram temple agitation are being tested as potential instruments to break the Oppositions caste and community equations. H09 The Indian Air Force was hoping for a minimum of four squadrons of Rafale fighters, but the Narendra Modi government has kept the initial order down to 36 fighters in a flyaway condition for 7.8 billion euros or $9.13 billion (@1 euro=$1.17). Commenting on this, Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (Retd), the officer who was a part of the intensive selection process that led to the choice of Rafale for the original 126-fighter deal, observed: The original MMRCA tender was cleared for $10.5 billion for 126 aircraft. That is the crux of the issue. Is India paying too much for this fine fighting aircraft? The Modi government has begun to pay French vendor Dassault 7.85 billion euros for 36 Rafale jets, or an average-per-fighter cost of 217 million euros. That is 40 per cent higher per aircraft than Dassaults quote of 19.5 billion euros for 126 fighters or 155 million euros per Rafale that it submitted in response to an eventually aborted tender issued in 2007. And, most important, its not a government-to-government deal as incumbent defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman suggested. She may not be in the loop or even knowledgeable about such matters. It is well known that her predecessor Manohar Parrikar had concerns on how this deal was being pushed, and some believe that this is why he decided to go back to Goa to get away from the mess. There is another good reason for this suspicion. The Rafale deal is now very closely linked with Prime Minister Modis actions, though the controversy has now moved on to other issues. The PM had showed extraordinary interest in the deal, like announcing the purchase a full month (April 10) before the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by then defence minister Manohar Parrikar could decide on the Acceptance of Necessity (AON), a pre-requisite for an actual confirmation of purchase. It took place on May 13. Finance minister Arun Jaitley, not very helpfully to Mr Modi, chirruped that it was a post-facto decision and that this was quite all right. We have a tradition in India, actually a discipline, that officers in uniform dont take part even in political discussions, let alone debates, which are mostly about scoring points. But we recently saw that tradition breached when two senior Indian Air Force officers spoke to television about the ongoing contretemps over the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters. The then IAF vice-chief, Air Marshal S.B. Deo, an accomplished officer who designs and builds smart weapons in his front yard for a hobby, told the media on the sidelines of a Centre for Air Power Studies and Confederation of India Industries seminar not long ago: Those criticising the deal must understand the procurement procedure. It is a beautiful aircraft. It is a very capable aircraft and we are waiting to fly it. That might well be so, but what causes concern is the well-established procurement procedure that was flouted by the Prime Minister. What also adds to concern is the manner in which his deputy chief, Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar, told the media: Those who are claiming such numbers, I think they are misinformed and probably not aware of the facts that are known to us in the Indian Air Force... We are the ones who were very much part of the negotiations with the French government. We have the facts with us. And I dont think what are being alleged matches up with the facts at all. I can tell you that the Rafale we have gone for is substantially lower than the price that was on the table in 2008. He is talking rubbish. The decision to buy 36 Rafales was made without consulting the Air Force. Even the then foreign secretary, who was travelling with the PM, didnt know. But more important than that is that Air Marshal Nambiar was thus imputing, wittingly or unwittingly, that the previous price was substantially inflated. Air Marshal Nambiar even ventured the figure now as being 40 per cent cheaper. Above all, it was not a government-to-government deal, so whom was the IAF talking to? What made him put himself squarely in the centre of a political fracas is probably best known only to him. Now something about the next controversy about the India-specific capabilities built into these 36 Rafales. In the Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQR) provided by the Indian Air Force, there were 13 India-specific enhancements demanded by India during the 126-aircraft MMRCA contract. These included radar enhancements, helmet mounted display, towed decoy system, low band jammer and the ability to operate from high-altitude airfields. That these were the same for the 36 Rafales ordered by Mr Modi is made clear by the joint statement of April 10, 2015 issued by then French President Francois Hollande and PM Narendra Modi, which reads: The aircraft and associated systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as has been tested and approved by the Indian Air Force. In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court directed IAF officials to inform the bench headed by the Chief Justice about the deal. My concern is that once again IAF officers are not exactly covering themselves with glory. Foolhardiness is different from courage. When Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked when the last induction of advanced fighter jets had taken place, Air Vice-Marshal T. Chalapati testified this was in the 1980s, in the shape of Mirage aircraft. No wonder Chief Justice Gogoi said: That means from the 1980s till date there have been zero additions. This testimony is blatantly false. This interaction took place in the presence of Air Marshals Anil Khosla (vice-chief) and V.R. Choudhari (deputy chief), and defence ministry additional secretary Apurva Chandra. They were quiet. The IAF inducted SU-30MKIs from the mid-1990s onwards and has over 240 of these fighters. The more recent deliveries have electronics comparable with the current state-of-the-art warplanes. The aircraft may be classified as 3.5 Gen by the AVM, but that is because it was designed in that time period. But to impute that the same plane made in 2010 is limited to that eras capabilities is also rubbish. Technology moves on and even airframes, while essentially the same, change to enhance aerodynamics and stealth capability. For that matter, the Rafale prototype was up and flying in the late 1980s. I saw it in Farnborough in 1988. So how is it 4+ Gen? That was the year the SU-27 the forerunner of the SU-30 and SU-35 made its debut in Paris. Where incidentally it crashed during the flying display. Air Vice-Marshal Chalapati also suggested that the existing fighters do not have stealth capability. This is also misleading. Radar signatures have been progressively getting smaller and only the American F-117 is truly stealthy but because of its design it can do less and its cost is exorbitant. The Su30s have stealth built into them with composite materials and even radar-absorbing paint. Even the upgraded MiG-29s too now have more stealth built into them. Finally, to insist that allowing the overall unit price to be known will reveal the true capabilities of the new Rafales is a complete concoction, and a figment of the imagination. Its just a lie. What the price will reveal, since the India-specific capabilities havent changed since 2013, is how much the Narendra Modi government has padded up the cost. H09 In what could be politically significant ahead of the 2019 polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance government is all set to bestow reservations to the Maratha community. This became evidently clear when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Maratha community should be ready for grand celebrations on December 1. The statement of the chief minister came hours after the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSSBC) submitted its report to the Maharashtra government. Justice (Retd) N G Gaikwad, the chairman of MSSBC had over the past few months conducted a series of public hearings and had gone through two lakh documents, letters, affidavits. The Bombay High Court had set November 15 as the deadline for submission of the report. MSSBC member-secretary DD Deshmukh handed over the voluminous report to Maharashtra chief secretary D K Jain. We have received the report from the MSSBC on the economic and social status of the Maratha community. We will study the report and it will be tabled before the Cabinet, which would proceed further, Jain said. Though the contents of the report have not yet been made public, it is learnt that it is favourable to enabling the state to grant reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and educational institutions without disturbing the quota granted to Other Backward Classes (OBC). Of the total 52% reservation in the state, SCs and STs account for 13 and 7%, respectively, OBCs get 19%, VJNT, Special Backward Class and Nomadic Tribes account for 13%. The Marathas comprise 33% of Maharashtras nearly 11.25 crore population and the demand for reservation goes back several decades. We have received the report on the Maratha reservation (demand). In a fortnights time, we would complete the formalities, Fadnavis said in the temple town of Shani Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district. Some people are fighting to take credit. Some people are calling for protest on November 26, some on 27... why all this? Be ready for jallosh (grand celebrations) on December 1, Fadnavis said. India is now set to add pedal power into its outreach to Africa, beginning with gifting 250 e-rickshaws to Senegal. India will soon provide 250 e-rickshaws with lithium-ion batteries to Senegal, in response to the request of President Macky Sall of the West African nation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday handed over two of the e-rickshaws to Senegals Ambassador to India, El Hadji Ibou Boye, in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan in New Delhi. Swaraj and Boye took a short ride on an e-rickshaw during the ceremony. The e-rickshaws, which India is providing to Senegal, are made in India by Goenka Electric Motors Vehicles (Pvt) Limited and procured through HMT International Limited. India has seen a surge towards battery powered e-rickshaws in the recent past. The supply of 250 e-rickshaws is expected to assist Senegal in adopting clean and efficient energy sources in the area of urban public transport, said MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar. Indias relations with Senegal are marked by regular high-level contacts and cooperation, including in the multilateral forums. The bilateral trade between India and Senegal during 2017-18 was at a record US $ 1.28 billion. Indias Line of Credit (LOC) projects in Senegal (both ongoing and completed) are estimated to be worth more than US $ 300 million. India is committed to fulfil its role as an important partner for Africas development, especially through the initiatives under the India-Africa Forum Summit, said Kumar. India on Thursday joined United States, Japan and Australia to reach out to the other nations in Indo-Pacific region, with offers for partnering with them to counter the hegemonic aspirations of China. The diplomats of India, US, Japan and Australia met on the sideline of the East Asia Summit in Singapore for consultation on Indo-Pacific. They agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote a free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a press release here. The calls for a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as for rules-based order in the region are among the phrases, which have often been used by the international community to oppose China's moves to spread its geo-strategic influence in the region and beyond, particularly through its controversial Belt-and-Road Initiative. The meeting among the diplomats of India, US, Japan and Australia in Singapore on Thursday was the third of its kind after the four nations re-launched the 'Quad' in Manila in November 2017 ostensibly to create a bulwark of democratic nations to contain communist China in Indo-Pacific. The diplomats of the four nations on Thursday once again reaffirmed the centrality of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific apparently to allay the concerns that the Quad might undermine the 10-nation bloc in the region. Several South East Asian nations frowned upon the move by India, US, Japan and Australia to revive the Quad, which had first come into existence in 2007 but had fizzled out soon. Russia too had conveyed to India and the other nations its opposition to the revival of the Quad. The discussions among the diplomats of India, US, Japan and Australia in Singapore on Thursday focused on cooperation in areas such as connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and maritime and cybersecurity to promote peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected Indo-Pacific region that the four countries share with each other and with other partners, stated the MEA. They also committed to strengthening connectivity and quality infrastructure based on sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of all nations, as well as transparency, economic viability and financial responsibility. New Delhi has been opposing the ambitious cross-continental Belt and Road Initiative of China. India is particularly opposed to the BRI's flagship component China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will link Kashgar in Xinjiang in north-western China and a deep sea port at Gwadar in Balochistan in south-western Pakistan. New Delhi has been opposed to the corridor, as it is proposed to pass through parts of Kashmir that India claims as its own and accuses Pakistan of illegally occupying it. The BRI is also drawing flak from around the world for its controversial financing mechanism, which allegedly makes the participating nations land in the death trap of China. China has been accused by US, Japan and other nations of undermining the rules-based order in Indo-Pacific. The communist country's territorial disputes with its maritime neighbours in East and South China Sea and its reluctance to resolve the disputes in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) often prompted the US and the other nations, not only to criticize it for not adhering to the international laws and flexing military muscles, but also to call for rules-based order in Indo-Pacific. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who was a vocal critic of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) and the controversies surrounding the project when he was in the Opposition, remained non-committal on taking action, now that he is in power. Kumaraswamy was on Friday responding to BJP general secretary C T Ravis demand that the Congress-JD(S) coalition should implement a Joint House Committee report on the alleged irregularities in the BMIC project by its promoter Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises. Ravi accused Kumaraswamy of adjustment politics. NICE owner Ashok Kheny is now a member of the Congress, Kumaraswamys coalition partner. It was the BJP that taught me the adjustment, Kumaraswamy told reporters. In 2006, I wanted to scrap the project and moved the proposal before the Cabinet. Then, about 16-17 BJP ministers led by deputy chief minister (B S Yeddyurappa) boycotted the meeting. Why didnt they act then, he asked. ALSO READ: On NICE road, show statesmanship A Joint House Committee headed by then Law Minister T B Jayachandra submitted its report on alleged irregularities in the BMIC project in 2016. NICE has been accused of violating the framework agreement with the government while implementing the project. While the agreement was inked in 1997 and construction began in 2004, only 41 km of peripheral road, 8.5 km of link road and 4 km of the expressway have been constructed and tolled. As an Opposition leader, Kumaraswamy had demanded the BMIC project be taken over by the government. He had even charged that NICE was given hundreds of acres of valuable land around Bengaluru in violation of the framework agreement. I want to state clearly that my government will not stand by any illegal activity or protect anyone involved in it, Kumaraswamy said. Asked if that meant he would implement the Joint House Committee report on the BMIC project, he said: The report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly. MEDIA COURTHOUSE- A correctional officer is facing felony contraband charges for allegedly selling drugs to an inmate at the county George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland announced Thursday. Now behind bars himself, Antonio Woods, 32, of the 200 block of MacDade Boulevard in Collingdale, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and contraband, both ungraded felony offenses. Because of his affiliation with the county prison, Woods is being held at a facility in Philadelphia, according to Emily Harris, spokeswoman for the district attorneys office. Instead of doing his job of ensuring the safety of inmates and his coworkers, Antonio Woods breached the trust of his colleagues, putting their safety at risk by bringing narcotics into his workplace, Copeland stated in a prepared release. As a correctional officer, we hold Antonio Woods to a higher standard of conduct. An undercover investigation was conducted by Detective Steven Bannar of the Delaware County District Attorneys Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Narcotics Unit with assistance from county prison investigators and Darby Township Police Officer Heather Myers. According to the district attorneys office, an investigation was launched by Bannar following information received regarding a correctional officer at the prison who was allegedly bringing contraband narcotics into the prison for the inmates. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Antonio Woods, a correctional officer, would obtain a phone number of a relative or acquaintance of an inmate, make contact, and arrange to meet them at a location outside of the prison, the release states. Woods would charge a fee of approximately $1,000 to bring the narcotics into the prison and the individual paying the fee would have to supply the narcotics. Woods sometimes would offer a discounted price of $900. In a prepared statement, prison Warden David Byrne said, Our internal investigative team worked closely with the countys investigative division to bring this matter to a swift resolution. The officer in question was immediately suspended, pending termination proceedings. Copeland lauded prison investigators for their assistance, as well as Bannar and Myers for their efforts leading to the arrest. We commend the administration at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility for their continued vigilance and daily efforts to ensure the safety of inmates and our community by preventing drugs and contraband from entering the prison. Working together, we will continue to root out and arrest those individuals who attempt to do so, she said. Woods was preliminarily arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Gregory J. Loftus who set bail at ten percent of $500,000, which he failed to post. A preliminary hearing is listed for Nov. 29 before Magisterial District Judge Walter Sonny Strohl. It was not immediately known if Woods had retained an attorney. Here is a list of schools letting out early: DELAWARE COUNTY Academy of Notre Dame de Namur: Dismissing at 10 a.m. Haverford Area High School: 1:30 p.m. BERKS COUNTY Boyertown School District: Early Dismissal All afternoon and evening activities are canceled Daniel Boone School District: Early dismissal Exeter Township School District (Berks) Closing at 10:45 a.m. St Catharine of Siena Mt. Penn (Berks) Closing 3 hours early. BUCKS COUNTY Bucks Learning Academy (Bucks) Closed. Central Bucks School District (Bucks) Closed. Council Rock School District (Bucks) EARLY DISMISSAL. Grey Nun Academy (Bucks) Closed. LifeWorks Academy-Doylestown (Bucks) Closed. LifeWorks School-Doylestown (Bucks) Closed. New Hope-Solebury School District (Bucks) EARLY DISMISSAL. St Katharine Drexel Regional Catholic (Bucks) Closing 3 1/4 hours early. Tiny Tots Nurs School Solebury (Bucks) Closed. CHESTER COUNTY Chester County Courthouse: Closing at 2 p.m. Camphill Special School-Beaver Run (Chester) Closing 3 1/4 hours early. Owen J. Roberts School District 3 hours early. Secondary at 11:15 AM and elementary students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM. No afternoon kindergarten. Students will be provided with lunch. All after school activities are cancelled today. Phoenixville School District: Dismissing at 12:30 PM Tredyffrin-Easttown School District: Early dismissal MONTGOMERY COUNTY Abington School District: Early dismissal Cheltenham School District.: Early Dismissal Eastern Ctr for Arts and Technology: Closing 3 hours early. Colonial School District: High School Dismissing at 10:30 a.m., Middle School at 11:15 a.m., Elementary Schools at noon. Hatboro-Horsham School District: Dismissing 3 hours early Lower Merion: Dismissing 3 hours early Lower Moreland Township School: Closing 2 3/4 hours early. Norristown School District: Following early Tuesday schedule North Penn School District: Early Dismissal Methacton School District: Check website for dismissal times Owen J. Roberts School District: Dismissing 3 hours early Perkiomen Valley School District: Early Dismissal- 11am secondary and 11:45am Elementary Pottstown School District: MS @ 11:15, HS @ 11:30, Elem @12 Pottsgrove School District: Dismissing 2hrs. Early Spring-Ford Area School District: No afternoon kindergarten. No other changes to dismissal or evening activities are planned at this point. Souderton Area School District: Secondary at 11:30, Elementary at 12:30, NO PM Kindergarten Upper Perkiomen School District: Dismissing 2hrs. Early Upper Merion School District: early Wissahickon School District: Middle/High 12 p.m. & Elementary 12:50 p.m. UPPER DARBY An an elementary school secretary in the Upper Darby School District has nabbed a statewide award. Denise Kennedy, a secretary at Garrettford Elementary School, has been named the Pennsylvania State Education Associations 2018 Education Support Professional of the Year. The announcement came during American Education Week when communities across the nation show their appreciation for educators and support professionals in our schools. Kennedy is a secretary at Garrettford Elementary School, where she has worked for the past 22 years. She is also a dedicated leader in her local association and PSEA. Colleagues and friends know her as someone who goes the extra mile in her job, in her association, and in her community. PSEA is proud to count Denise Kennedy as a member, said PSEA Vice President Rich Askey. She is a tireless advocate for public education, for the students she serves, and for the colleagues she cares about. She understands the tremendous impact that support professionals like her have on students every day, and she is using that opportunity to make a difference. I am honored to be named PSEAs Education Support Professional of the Year, Kennedy said. I am inspired daily to do my best, and every day I am reminded of the power my actions have. In the office of my school hangs a sign that reads, We shape the lives of Garrettford kids every day we are here!' Kennedy said support professionals play many critical roles during the school day, often behind the scenes. Our support professionals are like the glue that holds our schools together, she said. Very often, we have that one-on-one connection with students. We help to keep them safe and supported and challenged every day. As PSEAs Education Support Professional of the Year, Kennedy will be recognized at the PSEA House of Delegates in Philadelphia on Dec. 1. She will also be in the running to be the National Education Associations Education Support Professional of the Year. Education support professionals include school bus drivers, food service workers, clerical and secretarial staff, maintenance staff, paraeducators, and IT professionals, among others. This is such an exciting thing to happen to me, but I am mindful that I was chosen not because I am better than anyone else but because I am a good representative of the thousands of other education support professionals across this state who every day make a difference in the lives of our students, schools, and communities, Kennedy said. I dont work alone; none of us do. I give it my all every day because I know all around me there are other educators and support professionals giving their best, too. And together we are all doing the important work of shaping young lives. An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents approximately 181,000 future, active, and retired teachers and school employees, and health care workers in Pennsylvania. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia this week did something the Pennsylvania Senate could not do. That would be deliver a measure of justice to childhood victims of sexual abuse. Or at least the archdioceses version of justice. Officials this week rolled out something they call their Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program. It will offer financial compensation to credible victims of childhood sexual abuse by Catholic priests. The archdiocese sent letters to nearly 350 credible victims inviting them to take part in the program. The move comes in the wake of the latest damning state grand jury report that laid bare again the sins of the fathers. The grand jury reported more than 300 priests abused more than 1,000 children in six Pennsylvania diocese for decades. It echoed similar findings reported by previous grand juries that probed priest abuse issues in the Philadelphia and Altoona-Johnstown dioceses. Even worse, it found the same pattern of secrets, cover-ups and shuffling of problem priests by bishops who clearly were more interested in protecting the church than innocent children. The most recent grand jury under the charge of Attorney General Josh Shapiro also made several recommendations. One of them was for the Legislature to open a window for past victims of abuse by priests in cases where the statute of limitations has long since expired to have their day in court. Legislation to do just that passed the House, but stalled in the Senate. In addition to the two-year window, it would make several important changes in the law as it pertains to all future abuse cases eliminating the statute of limitations to file criminal charges and expanding the window for civil action. Most experts urged the moves since they noted it often takes victims well into their adult years to come to grips with what happened to them as kids. Republican leaders in the state Senate objected to the measure, which was vehemently opposed by the church and the insurance industry. They instead backed a fund set up by the church and operated by a third party. The House-passed bill never even made it onto the Senate floor for a vote. That brings us to this weeks announce of the compensation program. Lynn Shiner, a victim support facilitator who will work with the program, did not mince words when asked what the program might accomplish. This program isnt about bringing closure or about making victims whole, Shiner said at a press conference at which the panel was introduced. Sadly, that will never happen. Nor is it about restoring their faith in the Catholic church. Its about acknowledging the pain, the unjust harm and the archdioceses failure to protect them. Pretty strong words. Kenneth Feinberg, who served as special master of the September 11 Compensation Fund, and Camille Biros, another 9/11 Fund veteran, in determining the amount of the awards. They made clear there is no cap on the amount that can be awarded. There is, however, one very large string attached. In order to take part in the program, credible victims must sign a waiver forfeiting the right to take any other action against the church. Victims groups and abuse advocates have opposed the measure. They again are calling on state legislators to address the situation and approve the grand jury recommendations. But that process now must start all over, with a lot of new faces in both the House and Senate. Money cant buy back a wounded persons wholeness, said Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput in a statement. But what compensation can do is acknowledge the evil done and meaningfully assist survivors as they work to find greater peace in their lives. Ironically, all of this comes as the nations bishops were gathering about a hundred miles down the road in Baltimore. Astoundingly, the group apparently under orders from the Vatican is not yet ready to embrace that notion. Bishops fully expected to vote on several reform efforts to address the issue of abusive priests and bishops who failed in their mission to adequately address the problem, and in fact in many cases actually enabled it. But bishops soon learned after arrival that Pope Francis was ordering them not to take any votes on a slate of reform proposals, an effort to address an issue that has created fissures in the pews and roiled the Catholic community, including many priests and bishops. We still support legislation that will create a window for victims of decades-old abuse to have their day in court. We urge passage of the changes in state law that would eliminate the statute of limitations and expand the time period to sue in all future cases, and that it be applied to all cases of abuse, not just those involving the Catholic church. We acknowledge that this weeks announce of a compensation fund is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, thats a step too many church leaders are still reluctant to take. SALT LAKE CITY Utah public school enrollment has reached nearly 660,000 students, according to new figures released Thursday by the offices of the Utah State Board of Education. The Oct. 1 head count of 659,909 students represents a slight increase over the previous year's enrollment of 652,348. Numbers of Utah students attending public schools, in both traditional schools and charter schools, climbed by 7,561 over the previous year a 1.16 percent increase. According to the State School Board, student population growth is in line with the 1.18 percent growth in 2017 and 1.22 percent in 2016. When compared to the Beehive State's population of just above 3.1 million people, 1 in 5 Utahns is a public school student. The head count released Thursday does not include school-age children who attend private schools or are home-schooled. One-third of Utah students are considered economically disadvantaged and 12 percent are identified as having a learning disability. Seven percent of students statewide are identified as English language learners. Growth in charter school enrollment is continuing, increasing by 3.7 percent or 2,817 students to a total of 78,384 students. Charter school students comprise nearly 12 percent of Utah public school enrollment. The number of children enrolled in Utah charter schools rival the head counts of the state's largest school districts. Alpine School District continues to be the state's largest school district with 80,218 students, followed by Davis at 72,263. Three school districts in Salt Lake County round out the top five largest districts: Granite with 64,281 students, Jordan at 54,865 and Canyons with 34,135 students. The largest public school statewide is Alpine School District's Westlake High School, which had a headcount of 3,283 on Oct. 1. The state's smallest school, which is not an online school or specialty school, is Box Elder School District's Grouse Creek Elementary and Secondary, with an enrollment of 4 students. Utah's public school population is: 74 percent white. 17 percent Hispanic. 3 percent multiracial. 2 percent Asian. 2 percent Pacific Islander. 1 percent African-American. 1 percent American Indian SALT LAKE CITY As he contemplates the approaching Thanksgiving and Hanukkah holidays, Rabbi Samuel L. Spector has more to be grateful for than ever before. One year ago, Rabbi Spector was in Los Angeles. His synagogue was dealing with budget cuts. Job security wasn't certain and honestly, he was "sad and scared." Since then, Rabbi Spector has survived a grueling hiring process to be named the new rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami, the largest Jewish congregation in Utah. "Out of that experience, which I remember as such a dark place, I found my dream job and live in a place where I'm happier than I've ever been," he said. "One year ago I didn't even know Congregation Kol Ami existed and I didn't know a single person. Now I'm surrounded by so many people who are there to support me and have become like family to me." Rabbi Spector isn't the only faith leader feeling grateful this month. Ahead of Thanksgiving, many of the men and women in charge of Utah congregations are giving thanks for their communities, their work and the opportunity to serve God. The Deseret News spoke with leaders from a variety of faiths this week about gratitude and Thanksgiving. Here are their thoughts. Deseret News: Define gratitude what does it mean to you? Rev. France A. Davis, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church: Gratitude means to be thankful, to show that you are thankful and to rejoice for what has been done. It means being excited about the blessings you have received and acknowledging that God is the giver of all good gifts. Rabbi Spector: For me, gratitude is about being able to recognize the blessings that we have in our lives. Maybe we don't have everything we want. However, when we look at where we've come from, we do have things to be thankful for. I always try to think that the important thing in my faith is that tomorrow can be better than today. I also think that if we think long and hard about it, there's always some way in which today might be better than yesterday. The root of the word, "Judaism," means gratitude. And so I think being grateful is an incredibly important part of what it means to be Jewish. Rev. Steve Klemz, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church: Gratitude is that place in my heart that comes alive whenever and wherever I discover anew God's unimaginable gifts of life and love. Elder Craig C. Christensen, president of the Utah Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Gratitude is a genuine attitude of appreciation and thankfulness. More than a simple expression we celebrate around Thanksgiving time, gratitude is an eternal principle which strengthens individuals and families during times of abundance as well as times of trial and despair. Rev. Elizabeth McVicker, pastor of First United Methodist Church and Centenary United Methodist Church: Gratitude is the understanding that the things we have are blessings from someone else and blessings from God. Deseret News: What are you most grateful for in your ministry? Rabbi Spector: I'm grateful for so many things. I'm grateful that people welcome me into their stories, and that I get to be a part of people's stories. That's an incredible honor. Every day I get to do what I love, which is really to just be myself. I'm professionally Jewish. It's amazing. Rev. McVicker: I'm grateful that God is working through me and in front of me and behind me. I'm grateful that I don't have to rely on my own power to work toward the vision that I have for the world, that as I work towards God's vision I can rely on God's power as well. Imam Shuaib Din, leader of the Utah Islamic Center: I am most grateful for having a satisfying profession, and I'm not speaking in terms of wages or salary. A lot of people have good incomes from their jobs but, according to surveys, they're not satisfied with their work. I am grateful for the benefit I'm providing people. As I often say, I'm busy, but good busy. Rev. Davis: I am most grateful to be able to be an instrument to help others reach their fullest potential the elderly to have housing, the young to have scholarships for school, and everybody to have their spiritual needs met. Elder Christensen: I am most grateful for life and teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ, for the blessings of His Atoning sacrifice. Sharing this message with God's children is both rewarding and reassuring. Rev. Klemz: The people of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Quietly, almost unwittingly, over time, God works in and through them with the gifts of forgiveness and faithfulness, generosity and graciousness, hope and hospitality. Deseret News: Why does gratitude matter? Elder Christensen: Having a spirit of gratitude helps us find peace and tranquility in a world seemingly filled with chaos and challenges. It seems that disasters, both natural and man-made, are ever-present and its important to continually remember that God loves us and has a plan for our lives, to be thankful for the blessings we enjoy both great and small. The Book of Mormon teaches that we should live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which (God) doth bestow upon (us)" (Alma 34:38). Living in thanksgiving daily requires that we recognize Gods hand in our lives, and express our gratitude to Him in both word and deed. Notwithstanding our personal circumstances, we are much happier when we choose to be grateful and express that gratitude in ministering to and serving others. Rabbi Spector: Without gratitude, we would never be able to see the progress we make. I think gratitude allows us to live happy lives. Otherwise, we would just be looking at what we don't have and what we're aspiring towards, which is really important. But at the same time, if we can't stop and say, look what I have achieved, look what I do have in my life, life wouldn't be enjoyable. Imam Shuaib: We often take for granted the biggest blessings of God in this world, which are having enough provisions to provide for your family and having safety and peace. There are parts of the world, countries in the world, where you cannot step out of your house knowing whether you'll return safe or not. Rev. Klemz: Gratitude moves us from scarcity (there is not enough) to generosity (God provides enough for all). From my faith tradition, Jesus performs an act of gratitude, taking and blessing bread so that 5,000 people are fed with food left over. Imagine life lived in gratitude. Rather than scarcity and fear, immigrants and refugees would be welcomed. Rather than living against 'the other,' all people would be cherished and received as Gods beloved children. Rev. McVicker: Gratitude helps us to see a bigger picture beyond ourselves. It helps us see that the things we have come from more than just the work of our own hands. There is a spiritual power at work in the world that brings us blessings. We're called to join with that power and bring blessings to others. Deseret News: What other thoughts or experiences do you want to share about gratitude? Rev. Davis: We should all be grateful because our ability is limited but God is able to deliver us in every situation. Even our extreme needs are met by the grace of God. To be grateful is the minimal response for what we receive. Rev. McVicker: I think Thanksgiving is an opportunity to think of our nation as a blessing and be grateful for the way of life we have as Americans. Rabbi Spector: For the Jewish people in a few weeks, we're not only going to celebrate Thanksgiving but we're also going to celebrate Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a reminder to us of a time when everything seemed hopeless but in which we found hope, and where people tried to take away our religious freedoms and we were able to maintain them. Hanukkah takes place at the darkest time of the year. Despite that, we light candles and all of the sudden a tiny light will illuminate an entire room. Being aware of what we're grateful for allows us to, even in our darkest moments, create a little light for ourselves and then use that light to illuminate the world. Imam Shuaib: Muslims pray five times a day. We put our forehead on the ground five times a day as a way to show our gratitude to our maker, for all that he has given to us and done for us. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Fairpark had a record-breaking year of success after a running list of improvements, including its new $17 million rodeo arena. And yet Fairpark leaders plan to go the Utah Legislature again for more money in 2019 to the tune of about $550,000 to keep the park on a path toward independent financial stability while it continues to tackle deferred maintenance. "Even though we had a great year, I think we're one or two years away from being self-sustaining," said Larry Mullenax, the Fairpark's executive director. Mullenax and Roger Beattie, chairman of the Fairpark's board of directors, reported to the State Fair Park Committee on Thursday highlighting a more than 10 percent increase in attendance during the 2018 State Fair, and gross revenue up more than $1.3 million from the previous year. But in light of such a "banner year," Beattie said Fairpark leaders worry state leaders might get the impression that the park is ready to be financially independent. "That right now would be a dangerous position for the state," Beattie warned. Beattie said the park still needs to tackle deferred maintenance and a list of upgrades in coming years to maximize its potential for future financial health. "At the end of the day, this is going to be something that the state of Utah can be proud of," Beattie said. "This is something that ought to stay here. It's our history. It's our heritage." For the 2018 Utah State Fair, Mullenax reported more than 283,000 attended the fair an increase of 10.6 percent over 2017. Carnival ride revenue also exceeded "historical best," Mullenax said, and became one of only three fairs in the ride operator's history to exceed $1 million. Net earnings for the Fairpark was up more than $537,000 over the prior year, Mullenax reported. The park's year-to-date gross revenue was more than $5.2 million in 2018, versus about $3.9 million in 2017. "It wasn't easy to get those numbers," Mullenax told lawmakers. "There were a lot of sleepless nights." Next year, Fairpark leaders hope to fund $256,000 more in improvements including $70,000 for new exterior siding on the guest services building, $20,000 for deferred maintenance on the entertainers' trailer, $25,000 for a ticket kiosk system, $43,000 for food trucks to service the arena, $36,000 to install heat in a barn, and $35,000 to expand the arena announcer's booth. Lawmakers on Thursday's committee were supportive of Fairpark leaders' ask, though they did not make a formal motion to support the legislative request. "Two years ago, our conversations were very different," Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, referencing talks that threw the park's future in question. "But look what two years can bring." Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, praised Mullenax and Beattie for their work to put the Fairpark on a healthier track. "I'll be honest I thought it was crazy" to put more money into a failing park, Shultz said, crediting Fairpark leaders for helping "turn me around on that" and "laying out the vision and what was possible." Sen. Kevin Van Tassell, R-Vernal, said the Fairpark's story "will be a great story to share" with the Legislature's appropriations committee early next year, and offered his support to the $550,000 ask. PROVO A former longtime director of a Utah County youth orchestra program was charged Thursday with sexual misconduct with a teenage musician several years ago. Brent E. Taylor, 70, of Provo, is charged in 4th District Court with forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony. He retired last year after more than four decades with the Utah Valley Youth Symphony. Taylor was the focus of a Deseret News investigation published in April outlining sexual misconduct accusations from six men. Three of them said Taylor either sexually abused them or inappropriately touched them when they were teenage employees of the orchestra. A fourth man also recalled sexual interactions with Taylor as a young teen and said the man provided him with alcohol and marijuana. Another accuser filed a police report in 2011 alleging that his brother-in-law had been abused by Taylor as a youth. A sixth man, also a former orchestra employee, described lewd activities at Taylor's home when he spoke to police in 2011. The alleged victim in Thursday's criminal charge is not one of those six men. Taylor's attorney, Cara Tangaro, said Thursday her client denies the allegations. The executive director of the youth symphony, Kameron Conley, declined to comment, saying he didn't know anything about the charge. "There is nothing else for me to respond on as Brent Taylor is no longer a part of the organization," Conley said. On April 30, two days after the Deseret News story was published, the man told investigators about repeated sexual encounters with Taylor during his high school years, from 2002 to 2006, when he was a member of the symphony, charging documents state. "Given that Mr. Taylor was an adult who occupied a position of special trust, and that (the musician) was under 18 years old, these sexual acts were perpetrated without (the teen's) consent," prosecutors wrote in the charges, noting that Taylor was in his 50s at the time. The symphony leader's authority "enabled him to exercise undue influence" on the boy, the charges state. The man told investigators that when he was a teenager, Taylor offered and requested oral sex from him, and he "relented" and allowed Taylor to perform oral sex on him in 2004 or 2005 before stopping Taylor about five seconds later, according to the charges. He "described that other male members of the symphony were involved in these sexual activities sometimes," investigators wrote in the court documents. Officers previously received complaints from four other men who described "similar sexual activity" with Taylor when they were teenagers, the charges say. "Offenses alleged by those people had expired under the statute of limitations and could not be pursued," investigators wrote. Sandy police detectives are reviewing similar allegations against Taylor and plan to meet with prosecutors next week to discuss their evidence, Sandy police spokesman Jason Nielsen said Thursday. The alleged victim in the case filed Thursday described a "sexual grooming process," telling officers that Taylor invited him and other male symphony members to his Provo home, providing them with alcohol, pornography and sex toys "to use while in his residence and presence. This progressed to incidents of group masturbation involving multiple boys, as well as mutual manual stimulation" between the teen and Taylor, charging documents state. Taylor reassured him by telling him "it was natural for boys to be sexually curious and experimental," according to the charges. The man recalled in the police interview that he and Taylor would massage each other before and after removing their clothing and Taylor would invite him into the hot tub "while both of them were naked." Taylor also allegedly invited other boys into his hot tub, discussing sex with them, the man reported. The man's allegations include several instances of forcible sexual abuse, but the statute of limitation expired in 2013, the charging documents say. MURRAY A nonprofit organization that assists refugees is urging Utah schools to adopt model policy to help prevent incidents of Muslim girls in Utah schools being harassed for wearing hijabs, or in one girl's case, forcibly removed by a fellow student. Representatives of the Refugee Justice League said they searched the country for model policies on bullying, cyberbullying, hazing and retaliation. The best policy they found is that of the Davis County School District, said attorney Jim McConkie, a league founder, during a press conference Thursday. With the help of former Salt Lake City School District Superintendent McKell Withers, a member of the Refugee Justice League's advisory board, the organization is recommending that school districts statewide adopt specific language "to further educate and protect students." The language says, in part, that "school officials should make appropriate exemptions to dress codes and reasonably accommodate students who wear hairstyles, clothing, headwear, jewelry, cosmetics or other apparel as a personal expression of sincerely held religious beliefs." The suggested policy also recommends that school officials "accommodate student requests not to wear certain gym clothes and/or uniforms that students regard, on a religious basis, as immodest." Withers, who was also a top-level administrator in the Granite School District before becoming the Salt Lake City School District superintendent, is well acquainted with school superintendents across the state, so that should help open doors and minds to school boards revising policies to include language on religious attire, McConkie said. "I hope that will take the edge off of it, like 'Well, here comes these attorneys.' He'll be able to open the door and we'll be able to assign our attorneys out to speak to teachers and students about religious clothing in general, religious rights and how important they are, just raise the sensitivity and level of understanding," McConkie said. Maram Al-Shammari, 11, joined Withers and McConkie at the press conference. She said she her hijab was forcibly removed by "bullies" during recess at her Granite School District elementary school. "It made me feel like they were taking away my privacy," said Maram, who is an Iraqi refugee. "That's not acceptable." The incident occurred two years ago when she was in fourth grade. Now a sixth-grader, Maram explained that she made a deliberate choice to wear a head scarf because it is a symbol of modesty and privacy in her Muslim faith. Ben Horsley, spokesman for the Granite School District, said the incident was addressed by Mill Creek Elementary School administrators two years ago. "In this particular case, it was not carried out by a group of students. It was carried out by one young boy. In this particular case it was not deemed to be any act of religious harassment despite the assertions of this group. This was a 9-year-old acting like a 9-year-old," Horsley said. The student is also a refugee, he said. Not only did the school administer "appropriate correction and discipline with the student, more importantly, we actually pulled him aside and helped him understand why pulling this religious garb off this student's head was insensitive and culturally inappropriate," Horsley said. "Policies are great and education is even better," he added. Horsley said Granite officials believe the school district's policies are written to protect any student who faces harassment, bullying or targeting for any reason. "When you start making lists, invariably somebody gets left off that list who needs protection," he said. Horsley said he thinks the Refugee Justice League's goal is noble but he questions why this particular student's experience was held out as an example "because it is clearly not a case of religious harassment." SALT LAKE CITY A proponent of Utah's newly passed medical marijuana initiative who's helping draft legislation state lawmakers will consider in its place offered them "political cover" to get the measure passed. "If your social media feeds are anything like mine, I'm being called all sorts of names right now for talking to you, doing this," Connor Boyack, president of Libertas Institute, told House Republicans on Wednesday. "I imagine you guys are getting plenty of emails saying, 'Don't touch Prop. 2.'" Boyack said he and DJ Schanz, director the medical marijuana legalization initiative campaign called the Utah Patients Coalition, are making good on their agreement "to help in any way we can, to give political cover, to help sell this and give cause to the public for why we should move forward down this route." Boyack and Schanz were and continue to be among those involved in talks with legislative leaders, the Utah Medical Association, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others on what has widely been called a compromise bill. The Legislature will consider the proposal in a special session Dec. 3. Libertas, the largest in-state donor to the ballot initiative, posted on its website a list of 10 ways the legislation is better for patients than Proposition 2. But it also addresses what to call the new medical cannabis proposal. "Some have called it a 'replacement bill,' while most call it a compromise. But is it a compromise?" according to Libertas. "The word implies taking Prop. 2 and watering it down somewhere in the middle," Libertas continued. "And while several aspects do result in less than what Prop. 2 had take the number of dispensaries, for example this cannot be said of the entire proposal." During the House GOP caucus, one lawmaker suggested another name for the legislation. "May I propose we call it an implementing bill, not a compromise, said Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem. The Health and Human Services Interim Committee will hold a hearing on the proposal Nov. 26. Rep. Ed Redd, R-Logan, told House Republicans the bill is a work in progress, and the various groups have found "all sorts" of things that need to be changed from the original compromise bill. He credited outgoing Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, for bringing the sides together, noting hes taken lots of hits from people who are angry about the situation. SALT LAKE CITY Heres a look at the news for Nov. 16. A judge has questioned why Rep. Mia Love sued only Salt Lake County over an election results. Read more. Is it possible to live without a car in Salt Lake City? We tried. Heres what happened. Our columnist Jay Evensen said we shouldnt bring the Olympics back to Salt Lake City. Read more. A former Salt Lake City mayor is threatening a lawsuit over the Proposition 2 compromise. Read more. Utah musicians talk about the dangers of playing with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Read more. A look ahead to your weekend: A look at our most popular: A look at national headlines: SALT LAKE CITY A federal judge has frozen the assets of a Utah rare coin dealer after the Utah Department of Commerce and others accused the business and its owner of defrauding at least 200 people of more than $170 million since 2013. A federal complaint was filed Thursday in Utah by the Securities and Exchange Commission against Rust Rare Coin, Inc. and owner Gaylen Dean Rust. The Utah Department of Commerce says the company and Rust have defrauded customers in Utah and 16 other states, including receiving "at least $42 million from investors in a pool that purportedly bought and sold silver," according to a press release issued Friday by the Commerce Department in conjunction with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Division of Securities. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell issued a restraining order freezing the assets of Rust Rare Coin and allowing state and federal officials to "inspect all relevant records," according to the statement. The company is accused of tricking investors since 2008 into believing it was "pooling investor money for the purpose of entering into contracts of sale for silver. (Rust Rare Coin) told investors and prospective investors that they would sell silver held in the pool as market prices rose and buy silver for the pool as market prices fell; thereby increasing the amount of silver held in the 'Silver Pool,' as well as the value of each investors share in that pool," the statement said. The Silver Pool, however, was a "sham," according to the statement. Rust Rare Coin, however, "generated extraordinarily high profits, averaging 20 to 25 percent per year and sometimes as high as 40 percent per year or more. The defendants provided investors with false account statements." As alleged, for at least a decade, the defendants defrauded their friends, customers, and business associates out of more than $170 million. The defendants allegedly concealed their fraud with false account statements and Ponzi payments," Director of Enforcement James McDonald said in a prepared statement. Rust Rare Coin "misappropriated investor funds and used these funds to make payments to other investors in the manner of a Ponzi scheme, transfer money to other companies owned by Rust, and pay personal expenses," according to the statement. SALT LAKE CITY North Korean state media say the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, has been supervising a successful test of a new high-tech and "ultra-modern" tactical weapon, BBC News reported. The news agency KCNA did not provide any additional details about the weapon. However, the news agency said the tech device has been in development for a long time. "Chairman Kim Jong Il had chosen personally and directed step by step with his special attention paid to it was born at last," the KCNA article said. Why it matters: The creation of a new weapon suggests North Korea is slowly moving back toward a more militaristic relationship with the U.S., said Josh Pollack, senior research associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterrey, to CNN. "He's tiptoeing towards a more aggressive posture in negotiations with the U.S. and he's signaling that he's not going to give way and can simply return to his old practices if (the U.S.) don't change their approach," he said. History: This is the first time in about a year that North Korea has issued an official weapons report. Tensions surrounding North Koreas weapons building have slowed since the U.S. and North Korea held a summit between their two leaders earlier this year. At the time, North Korea agreed to denuclearize. However: Recent reports showed there were missile bases scattered around the country, according to The New York Times. A step back: A government source from South Korea told CNN that the weapon is "likely to be a multiple rocket launcher." "As it is a tactical weapon test, we do not view it as a North Korean military provocation," the source told CNN. SALT LAKE CITY He gave a woman drugs and took pictures and video of her after she passed out naked in his motel room, a jury found. But an appeals court has thrown out a man's voyeurism convictions because he didnt hide the camera. Vratislav Roger Bilek, 64, is serving a prison term on a heftier drug distribution charge. But earlier this month, the Utah Court of Appeals tossed the two counts of voyeurism, a class A misdemeanor. The court in its opinion states that when he was charged in 2014, Utah law required a camera to be concealed or disguised in order to fit the crime of voyeurism. A similar reversal is unlikely in future cases. As part of a 2017 Utah law against using drones to spy on others, legislators removed the requirement that a camera must be hidden in order to fit a charge of voyeurism. The decision knocks off up to two years from Bilek's longer prison term. But it doesn't alter much in the big picture, said Nathan Evershed, the Salt Lake County prosecutor on the case. "When it comes to the practicality of him being held in prison, it doesn't affect that," Evershed said. "He is where he needs to be." Bilek, of Sandy, is serving a term of up to 15 years on the drug charge. That's on top of an equal sentence in a prior kidnapping case that began with allegations of rape from two women. Bilek reached a plea deal with prosecutors in the case after the women disappeared, pleading no contest to a kidnapping charge in 2015. He was placed on probation, but a judge sent him to prison for violating terms of his release when he was convicted in the more recent case. At trial in 2016, prosecutors said Bilek paid bail for a 20-year-old woman and lured her to his extended stay motel room, promising drugs. Investigator found photos and videos of the naked and unconscious woman on Bilek's cellphone, court documents say. Evershed argued he engaged in a pattern of preying on vulnerable women after giving them drugs and a place to stay. The jury sided with prosecutors, finding the fact she was incapacitated supported the voyeurism charge. Jurors also returned guilty verdicts against Bilek on charges of distribution of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. He was acquitted of one count of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. Bilek said the cases were a plot orchestrated by his ex-wife, that his public defender failed him and that law enforcement had manipulated prosecutors and police. His attorney did not immediately return a request for comment on the appeals court's decision. The dominant subject at this weeks AfricaCom was, as it has been many times before, connecting the millions of Africans who still have no access to any kind of network. Multiple speeches and panels were devoted to the subject, with ministers from Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe sharing the policies of their Governments at a seminar hosted by Huawei. South Africas Minister of Telecoms and Postal Services Dr Siyabonga Cwele made it clear that his governments IT policy was aimed squarely at facilitating digital transformation across the country to overcome inequality. He noted that the countrys e-government and ICT strategies had been finalised last week ahead of their reveal this week. He added that the digital strategy would be agreed upon later this month. Meanwhile, African Telecoms Union Secretary General Abdoulkarim Soumaila emphasised that all people must be able to access the internet to enjoy a better quality of lifegovernments have a responsibility to ensure that internet access is available to all. Soumaila noted that the challenges in building rural networks continue to be regulatory regimes, economic disparity between urban and rural, and a lack of electricity. To this end, he recommended that energy ministers should be included in ICT policy making. The GSMAs Head of SSA operations Akinwale Goodluck drew a round of applause from the audience when he declared that the best time to connect everyone in Africa is yesterday. The next best time is today, and the next best is tomorrow. He emphasised that connectivity is now a safety and security issue and that governments need to look at issues around taxation to address affordability issues and encourage investment. Namibias ICT Minister, the Honourable Tjekero Tweya, outlined her governments Vision 2030 strategy and said that while today more than 70% of Namibians are connected to a mobile network, very few enjoy mobile broadband as it is prohibitively expensive. Explaining that MTC Namibia had been rebranded to Make The Connection, she also added that her governments priority was to help operators become profitable without being overtaxed, noting that they would be encouraged through their own successes to pay their taxes. She noted that regulations for infrastructure sharing mean that players of all sizes can share infrastructure, preventing one single operator from becoming too dominant. The idea that infrastructure sharing should be encouraged was echoed by Zimbabwes Minister of ICT and Courier Services, The Hon Supa Mandiwanziram, who claimed: There is absolutely no reason why you should go to top of a mountain and find three towers, three diesel gensets and three security guards. However, he added that it has proven a challenge to convince operators of the advantages of sharing infrastructure as they want to own their own. Nonetheless, the government strongly believes that sharing is now global best practice and has implemented regulations to encourage it. Meanwhile, World Telecom Labs (WTL) issued its annual survey about rural telephony in Africa. WTLs surveys provide the latest insight and opinions from operators, ISPs, Governments and vendors building networks across rural Africa. The surveys findings were mixed, revealing an air of cynicism amongst industry stakeholders. In answer to the question Which African operators are really trying to build networks in rural areas? 33% of respondents said that no operators were really trying whilst 40% said MTN was the most proactive. However, there is a clear push towards commercially sustainable networks in the rural telephony space, with 94% saying that every element of a rural network could and should be shared and that network sharing, spectrum sharing and neutral wholesale players all offer a way to spread the CAPEX costs of rural networks. The question What do you think Governments in Africa should do to speed up the rollout of rural networks? offered several options as potential answers, and responses were split across these, with the following percentages of respondents answering that governments should: Legislate, giving operators targets: 10% Establish policies to allow all types of infrastructure sharing: 10% Allow the creation of dedicated MVNOs for rural service: 10% Ensure that roaming agreements in rural areas are in place: 16% Collaborate with local municipalities to support and facilitate the deployment of shared infrastructure: 9% Subsidise the backhaul infrastructure: 12% Reduce the industry-specific supply tax rate: 10% Build open access networks: 11% Offer fair and non-discriminatory access to public infrastructure: 11% Other: 1% Food for thought for all ministers at AfricaCom this week MTN Groups CEO Rob Shuter is optimistic about settling its ongoing dispute with Nigerias telecom authorities, which claim that the operator owes the country $10.1 billion. Nigerias attorney general has alleged that MTN owes $2 billion in unpaid taxes, while the countrys Central Bank maintains that the group has illegally repatriated $8.1 billion from Nigeria over several years. MTN will appear in court next month over the tax claim. Speaking to South Africas Fin24, Shuter said that the firm is looking to settle the issue out of court. To this end, MTN is investigating possible legal avenues while holding talks aimed at resolving the matter with Nigerias Central Bank. MTN will be keen to resolve the dispute amicably; Nigeria is the South African operators largest market, and while the heavy fines have been a source of woe, MTN remains steadfast in its plans for launching an IPO of its Nigerian unit. The Mexican communications ministry has delayed the tender process for the countrys shared network. Having originally released terms for the bidding on 29 January, the ministry has cited the time required to deal with the number and complexity of queries and requests for clarification submitted by the contestants as the cause for the delay. The Secretariat of Communications and Transport has postponed a meeting intended to provide responses to these inquiries. Originally scheduled for 22 March, it has now been delayed to 6 April in turn, this has shifted the deadline for proposals by a month, sliding from 8 August to 8 September. The winning bidders will now be announced on 28 September rather than the originally scheduled 24 August. Participants must have assets worth at least $890 million as well as a clear projected 10-year plan. Firms known to be interested include Alestra, Cisco/Ericsson, China Telecom, Huawei, Motorola Solutions and Nokia. The shared network will use 700MHz spectrum that has become free following Mexicos digital switchover, which concluded in December 2015. Nokia has deployed its 5G site for the South African operator rain in time for the operator to launch 5G services ahead of AfricaCom 2018. The launch and subsequent rollout are aligned with the governments strategy to connect the unconnected and improve the lives of citizens, and match rains objective to provide affordable broadband internet to the masses in South Africa. The full network deployment is set to start in the first quarter of 2019, and services are expected to launch mid-2019 when standards-based 5G NR devices become available in the country. rain is in a unique position to offer 5G as they already have access to 5G spectrum. As an early adopter of 5G, rain will roll out the technology in South Africa, ahead of many other countries globally. During the launch, Nokia and rain will showcase the impact of 5G and how it can provide even remote locations access to high-quality education. The classroom of the future will embrace virtual reality technology run on 5G networks to give South African citizens access to world-class education. This will not only improve the education system in the country, but also stimulate economic growth. 5G promises to enable faster speeds, massive connectivity, decade-long battery life for sensors and super-responsive and reliable networks for customers. This will unleash on-demand virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, driverless vehicles, medical monitoring, advanced industrial automation services, and more - all requiring ubiquitous low latency connectivity. Marc Rouanne, president of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: Nokia believes that 5G will change the connectivity landscape in South Africa and the entire continent. It will connect the unconnected and reshape services such as education and health, with the introduction of more connected things. 5G is a key investment and innovation and the connectivity it offers is critical to digital transformation. As part of rains 5G project Nokia will deploy its AirScale radio access network solution in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal as well as the Mangaung (Bloemfontein) regions. AirScale offers a new modular way of building radio access networks that deliver services with high capacity scaling and low latency. The company will also provide professional services for the deployment of the solution. Users will now be able to talk to the businesses with which they have connected via their Business Profiles within the Google Maps app itself. This development is an expansion to last years feature in which the company allowed its users in select countries to message businesses from their Business Profiles on Google Search. The company has not mentioned the countries in which this update will be rolled out, and there is no word whether the feature will come to India. Now youll see your messages with the businesses you connect with via Business Profiles within the Google Maps app, where youre already looking for things to do and places to go or shop. Youll find these messages in the side menu of both Google Maps for Android and iOS. With these messages in Maps, youll never have to worry about accidentally sending I love you, Mom to that shoe store youve been sending messages to, Aditya Tendulkar, Product Manager, said in a blog post. The feature will work if the business has agreed to accept messages. Businesses that want to accept messages from customers can install the new Google My Business app from Google Play or the App Store to sign up and enable messages. "The new Google My Business app makes it easier for businesses to stay in touch with their customers in real-time and on the go. Whether youre looking for the best burger in town or a restauranteur trying to get your new burger in front of neighborhood tastemakers, Google Maps helps bring you together, Tendulkar added. Users can search for businesses location on the Maps by typing in the name or search by Plus Codes (if you are aware of the Plus Codes for the business). Once the business is located, touch the menu icon on the top left of the screen. In the list of options, you will see Messages option. Tap the option and write to the business directly. People can also search for businesses on Google Search. A judge from New Hampshire state in the US has ordered Amazon to turn over two days of Amazon Echo recordings that could help the authorities in the ongoing investigation of a double murder in which a man has been accused to have killed two women at a house on January 27 last year. The judge is said to believe that the Amazon Echo device may have made some recording from January 27, the day the women were killed, until January 29, when the police found the victims tucked beneath a tarp under the porch. Prosecutors believe that recordings from an Amazon Echo may yield further clues to their killer. The police have already seized the Echo when they secured the crime scene but the recordings are stored on Amazon servers. According to TechCrunch, the order granting the search warrant said that there is probable cause to believe that the Echo picked up audio recordings capturing the attack and any events that preceded or succeeded the attack. Amazon has also been directed to turn over any information identifying any cellular devices that were linked to the smart speaker during that time period. Amazon reportedly has told the Associated Press that it wont release the information without a valid and binding legal demand properly served on us. Amazon is also said to follow Apples footsteps by making users privacy a priority. According to The Washington Post, an Amazon spokesman indicated that the company would not turn over the data so easily, appearing to prioritize consumer privacy as it has done in the past. Voters would have forgiven Cameron for failing to hold an EU referendum, study shows Many voters would have forgiven David Cameron if he had failed to deliver on his campaign promise to hold an EU referendum, a study suggests. Cameron would not have been seen as less competent by the electorate if he had failed to give them a say on Britain's EU membership, according to the University of Exeter research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Just 28 per cent of people questioned in a survey said their view of Mr Cameron would have been significantly diminished if he hadn't held the referendum, while 70 per cent said his reputation would have been untarnished. The results suggest MCameron could have effectively justified a decision to not go ahead with the referendum by citing internal or external political pressures the survey found 30 per cent of participants would not have thought of him as less competent if he had put forward those reasons. Dr Catarina Thomson, a member of the research team, says, "Failed promises, backing down on threats or flip-flopping on policy positions are often assumed to lead to a loss in support. But in the case of David Cameron, going back on his campaign promises meant this loss could have been manageable." The experts conducted a survey just after the 2015 UK general election, almost six months before the EU Referendum Act was approved in the House of Lords, to test people's responses to a scenario put to them where Mr Cameron didn't go ahead with the referendum. The results show that less than 30 per cent of participants would not have approved of the decision, regardless of the justification used to not hold the referendum. Dr Gabriel Katz, another member of the research team, says, "Although it is impossible to know what the actual effects might have been, how Cameron's Eurosceptic backbenchers would have reacted or whether the government could have successfully managed to control how backing down was framed, the immediate political costs might not have been necessarily substantial. "Choosing to hold the referendum ultimately cost Cameron his job, but our main finding is simple: had Cameron backed down from his campaign pledge to carry out the EU referendum, the costs might have been manageable." Professor Dan Stevens, from the research team, says, "The results of our study suggest governments can mitigate the risk of going back on their promises if they are able to justify why they have done so, especially when the blame can be placed on factors outside their control." Dr Travis Coan, also part of the team, adds that, "Our results do indicate that had the external pressure justification remained part of the discourse, the negative impacts might have been mitigated." The survey was carried out online with 1,830 British citizens drawn from 571 constituencies throughout England, Scotland and Wales. They were asked about their class, political identification, media consumption habits, political knowledge, attitudes towards immigration and party identification. A control group was told that the pledge to hold an EU referendum would likely be honoured as promised, while people in three other groups were told the new government was likely to renege on the party's campaign promise. Participants in one of these three groups were given information which blamed the internal political opposition faced by the Tories. Another group were told the reason was because of external opposition, and that the vote was unlikely to be held due to the strong objections of other EU members. A third had information blaming the new government, explaining that it did not intend to hold the referendum and that the pledge was seen as an attempt to attract potential UKIP voters before the election. All participants were then asked if they approved of the action David Cameron was about to take, and their assessment of this competence. Their responses were coded on an 11 point scale. A little justification goes a long way: audience costs and the EU referendum is published in the International Journal of Political Science. Gardai investigating the disappearance of Lithuanian woman Giedre Raguckaite carried out a search on a site in Bettystown yesterday. However, LMFM has reported that nothing was found. Earlier this month, Gardai held a press conference in Dundalk to launch the murder investigation into the 29-year-old Lithuanian woman's death and revealed that the Garda Technical Bureau were examining a house in Laytown, Co. Meath. At the briefing on November 3, Gardai revealed that the 29-year-old woman was last seen at a house in the Laytown area with two men on 29th May 2018 at about 11pm. (She had previously resided in 37 College Heights, Dundalk and moved out of that property on 23rd May 2018.) Gardai believe Giedre was unconscious when she entered the property with the two Lithuanian men and said that the two males were known to her. Ms. Raguckaite has not been in touch with anyone via her phone or social media accounts since May 30, 2018. Whilst the two men were seen leaving the house by a witness, Giedre was never seen leaving and was not there when Gardai examined the property the following day. A spokesperson at the garda press office told the Dundalk Democrat that the murder investigation was "ongoing". Any persons with information on Ms. Raguckaite is being asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station at 0429388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. This week was a interesting week in small business news. A franchise CEO stepped down, an expert wrote about the importance of a story and we heard from a military duo who became entrepreneurs. Dynamic business chose the top snippets of the week. Entrepreneur steps down as CEO of KX pilates KX Pilates founder Aaron Smith has stepped down from his position as Chief Executive Officer eight years after he founded the award-winning fitness franchise. Smith will continue to serve as the sole shareholder of the company and will play an important role in the overall brand direction of the company. Replacing Smith will be Selina Bridge, the former General Manager of Curves Oceania. The types of stories that boost customer loyalty It seems every second business article is about storytelling these days. But which stories boost customer loyalty? And how do you go about collecting and developing those stories? From military to entrepreneurship 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. Enjoy the weekend! WAKEFIELD Registration is now open for the 10th edition of Planet Textiles which will take place at the heart of the giant ITMA textile exhibition which is expected to attract up to 120,000 visitors from 147 countries. First launched back in 2009 in Hong Kong, the focus of next years Planet Textiles will be sustainable innovation and technology and is expected to be a seminal event where apparel retailers, brands and buyers can network with an unrivalled gathering of experts from the textile manufacturing sector. Delegates to Planet Textiles will also get special discounted access to ITMA where they can view the latest in textile production technology in action. A limited number of Planet Textile curated tours of ITMA will be available so that delegates can see new innovative technology with a positive environmental impact. Register HERE. As in Vancouver earlier this year, Planet Textiles is being supported once again by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and will detail disruptive new textile technology, expert insight from leading industry CEOs, retail and apparel brands and NGOs involved in the environmental space. It takes place on June 22nd 2019 at the Fira Barcelona Exhibition Conference Centre, which right in the middle of the 8-day ITMA exhibition. Planet Textiles was informative, inspiring, and uncompromising in challenging the textile industry and apparel brands to become environmentally sustainable, noted Matthew Dunchuk from Tentree Canada after the last event, which took place in May 2018. While Lisa Diegel from NY fashion label Marc Jacobs called it, Inspiring and informational, fun and full of networking opportunities. Special sessions at Planet Textiles 2019 will feature the ZDHC Foundation and Fashion for Good, along with breakout sessions on what denim and textile production will look like in the second half of the 21st Century and how to reduce their environmental impact. Eric Hopmann, CEO of DyStar, Xander Wessels, CEO, Archroma and Leo Bonnanni, CEO of Sourcemap which developed the new Open Apparel Registry have already confirmed their participation. More speakers to follow soon. Reasons to attend: Details of breakthrough environmental technologies. Delegates eligible to 7-day discounted ITMA exhibition pass (saving 75). Limited curated ITMA exhibition tours for delegates. Network with top retailers, brands and manufacturers. CEO panel discussions. Special ZDHC panel on textile chemistry. Find out how denim will be produced in the future. How to finance disruptive technologies. Innovation showcase. Event app, live polling and interviews. For a decade, this leading international event on textile sustainability has been a springboard for executives to implement practical, real, tangible change within their supply chains Planet Textiles 2019 promises even more of the same. Current supporters include: Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Lenzing, ZDHC Foundation, and KenDor Textiles. This event will sell out very quickly. Only 420 tickets available. REGISTER NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Interested to speak? Final call for speakers here. For more detailed information about the event, please visit: www.planet-textiles.com The psychological impact of digital technology on K-12 students has been the subject of considerable research. Internet addiction, video game violence, and cyberbullying have received much attention. The impact of digital life on childrens cognition is less familiar to young users, their parents, and teachers. Yet, new technologies have altered key aspects of cognition. Writing, reading, focusing, and remembering have all been transformed, dictating new realities in the classroom and beyond. A large proportion of interpersonal communications among those old enough to have a cellphone occurs over text messaging platforms. As early as 2012, teens between 14 to 17 years old were sending a median of 100 texts a day , according to the Pew Research Center. Much of these communications are in a language that bears little resemblance to the one they are being taught in school. This comes at a cost: It is difficult to convey meaning without the paralinguistic cues of gesture, facial expression, emphasis, and intonation, and this problem is hardly addressed by the creative addition of emoticons or bitmojis to convey feelings. Highly interpretable, the abbreviations, symbols, and pictograms of e-language cannot fulfill the role of language to express with precision and nuance specific facts or states of mind. Yet, digital-based communication is the new lingua franca. With all manner of information at students' fingertips, why memorize anything?" This is compounded by the dumbing down of content. The primacy of speed in electronic communication results in missives that try to squeeze the most into unrealistically short sentences (if they can still be called that). The physical limitations, even for agile, well-trained fingers, to typing on a small screen also conspire against extraneous detail or background, grammatical demands, or social niceties. The result can be an avoidance or oversimplification of complexity and exchanges that are reduced to decontextualized opinions, abrupt declamations, or rapid transactions. Linguists may celebrate these changes as signs of a language that is alive and evolving. The same process that transformed it is to its may be transforming laughing out loud to LOL. Still, the speed with which written expression is changing is unprecedentedLOL itself seems passe among young texters, having been replaced by pictures and various iterations of the smiley face. The abandonment of even acronyms can be seen as a sign of language regression, a sort of evolution toward a neo-hieroglyphic age, with real cognitive implications. Reading is similarly transformed. Some eye-tracking experiments suggest that people read a page differently onlinein a scanning F pattern superimposed on the page, rather than top to bottom and left to right. Research from University College London suggests that online readers scan, flick, and power-browse their way through digital content, constantly looking for distractions in the form of other online material they could be reading. These issues would seem more acute for digital natives who may have never had enough practice with traditional reading. As happened with writing, we have invented new ways to read, perhaps cognitively rewiring our brains along the way. Attention, another pillar of cognition, is also compromised. The rates of attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, including in very young children, have risen, in a manner that raises questions about the role of early and very frequent screen exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the estimated number of children and adolescents who have ever been diagnosed with ADHD increased from 4.4 million in 2003 to 6.1 million in 2016 . Other studies that directly assessed the link between ADHD and excessive screen time point to a strong association. This was highlighted in a large meta-analysis of 15 studies that explored the association between ADHD and internet addiction. It concluded that internet addiction in adolescents and young adults was associated with more severe symptoms of ADHD. Of course, such data pose a chicken-or-egg question: Do digital technology addicts develop ADHD because their attention spans shorten online, or are kids with ADHD attracted to the internet because its pace matches their compromised attention? While the answer remains elusive, the correlation is there and may have contributed to the increase seen in the number of stimulant prescriptions: Drug usage statistics suggest that the number of prescriptions for the stimulant methyphenidatesuch as Ritalin and Concertahas risen by over 27 percent between 2004 and 2014 in the United States, and the number of psychostimulants prescribed in the United Kingdom has more than doubled over the same time period. If attention shrinks, students cognitive universe, almost by definition, will shrink. With all manner of information at students fingertips, why memorize anything? This is not a silly question, and students increasingly ask it of their teachers. After all, whatever knowledge nugget they might be after, it is highly likely that a quick search will yield it. Traditionally, education involved storing information into students heads. The search engine has made it so that learning is increasingly about mastering how to navigate databases. If, in this new paradigm, downloading has replaced retrieving information from a students internal library, what does it purport for digital natives memory neurons? There is still plenty that neuroscience does not know about how memories form and are accessed, but might we compromise in any way the capacity to remember if we stop exercising it? Or is this tremendous neuronal power simply rechanneled toward other goals, thereby making new achievements possible for todays students? The answer is largely unknown, which is why this new emphasis on the search engine rather than engine of memory would seem to amount to a gambling act. In many ways, this is the best time to learn. Never have students had more books available than what is scanned online. Never have there been more informative TED talks they can watch, or more MOOC courses by star lecturers they can enroll in. Yet, many potential consumers of this immense body of knowledge may be too distracted to truly benefit from it. If they lose the taste for words, develop an allergy to grammar, compress their attention spans, and become impatient with the time and space it takes to develop an idea, all the big data at their fingertips may prove of limited value, like a wasted resource for a generation that wont know what to do with it. A frowny emoji would seem apropos here. Moribund terror organization targets children A member of the PKK terrorist group surrendered to Turkish security forces, confessed that PKK ringleaders have been abusing children who were tricked into coming to their training camps. A PKK terrorist, who surrendered to Turkish security forces, confessed that so-called ringleaders of the terrorist organization sexually abused minors and women who were tricked into coming to its camps. DRUG ADDICTION, SEXUAL ABUSE... According to the testimony of surrendered PKK terrorist codenamed "Amed", those who resisted or hampered sexual abuse were executed by the terrorists, or accused as traitors and tortured in dungeons in caves. The terrorist said the PKK members would force the young people and children to have an addiction to drugs so as to easily take them to conflict areas and prepare them for sexual abuse. In 2015, Amed -- as a new recruit to the terrorist organization -- witnessed another newly recruited woman terrorist codenamed "Darsin" being sexually abused in the Daglica district of Hakkari province. In 2016, Amed was sexually abused by another terrorist of Iran origin codenamed "Sahan" in northern Iraqs Zap region, the terrorist confessed. Despite making complaints on the issue, Amed was accused of "spying, telling lies and slander" and was placed in Kuker prison of the Zap terror camp. RINGLEADER KARAYILAN'S PERVERTED BEHAVIORS Amed also said that the so-called ringleaders of the PKK in the Qandil region of northern Iraq were known for their "perverted" behaviors, adding: "Especially Murat Karayilan and Duran Kalkan were known for their deviant behavior towards children and women." The terrorist added that children who were deceived, forced and kidnapped for joining the camps of the terrorists stayed in fear of execution, while some who found the opportunity managed to escape. Trump looks for means to extradite Gulen to Turkey The White House is exploring legal methods of extraditing Fetullah Gulen to Turkey in order to soften Turkish pressure on Riyadh over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, NBC News reported Thursday. Last month, the Donald Trump administration instructed the Justice Department and the FBI to reopen the leader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) extradition case, and also asked for information on his legal status from the Department of Homeland Security, four sources, including two senior U.S. officials, told NBC. The administration reportedly asked the Justice Department and FBI to reopen Turkey's requests for Gulen's extradition and asked the Department of Homeland Security to provide information about the terrorist leader's residency status. FEDERAL AGENCIES TO FIND LEGAL MEANS TO EXTRADITE GULEN "The requests on Gulen in mid-October mark at least the second time the Trump administration has reexamined Turkey's extradition request since taking office," NBC wrote. The news agency reported that a Turkish official said the extradition case is not linked to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed by Saudi operatives after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "We definitely see no connection between the two," the official told NBC. "We want to see action on the end of the United States in terms of the extradition of Gulen. And we're going to continue our investigation on behalf of the Khashoggi case." FETO, led by Gulen, orchestrated the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. SEATTLE (November 16, 2018) - Asthma is a complex disease, and it can be a challenge to keep up with your child's medications and treatments. New research being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting shows children of caregivers with poor asthma knowledge were four times more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay. A "prolonged" stay was defined as more than two days. "We studied 72 children ages 2-17 who had been hospitalized with asthma," says allergist Deepti Deshpande, MD, MPH, ACAAI member and lead author on the study. "Their caregivers completed a questionnaire when their child was admitted, when they were discharged and again four to six weeks after discharge. If the caregiver had poor asthma knowledge when their child was admitted, the odds were four times greater that the child's length of hospital stay would be longer than two days. If caregiver asthma knowledge was good, the odds were strong that the child's hospital stay would be less than two days." Asthma education during the hospital stay for children and their families included interactive material that covered general asthma knowledge as well as asthma triggers and ways to control them. During their child's stay, caregivers were given demonstrations on correct inhaler technique and learned how to use an asthma action plan. "We focused on providing families with a better understanding of medications, their use, side effects and correct technique for use of devices to help improve use," says Dr. Deshpande. "After the education program, caregivers showed an increase in their general asthma knowledge from admission, to four to six weeks after discharge. Additionally, at 4-6 weeks after discharge, 90 percent of caregivers were able to correctly name their child's rescue medicine and 73 percent were correctly able to name the controller medicines." Many people aren't aware that allergists can work with you and your child to bring asthma under control and reduce symptoms. Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your asthma, so you can live the life you want. ### Abstract Title: Caregiver Knowledge as a Predictor of Length of Stay in Children Hospitalized with Asthma Exacerbations Author: Deepti Deshpande, MD, MPH For more information about asthma and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Meeting is November 15-19, 2018 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. For more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom - and follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI18. About ACAAI The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Crude oil markets were higher Thursday morning as they tried to bounce from a series of declines, yet concern about mixed economic indicators and oversupply prevented a stronger recovery. United Press International reports in its article Crude oil prices try to stabilize after recent string of declines that Brent crude future prices traded at $66.49 per barrel, up 0.6 percent, while WTI prices traded at $56.30 per barrel, or up 0.1 percent, as of 9:35 a.m. EST. "Oil prices are trying to stabilize once more, after halting the bloodletting of 12 consecutive down days yesterday," Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData, told UPI. "Although broader market sentiment is downbeat amid mixed economic indicators and Brexit concerns, last night's large build from the API report means that a lot of the potential bearish news from this morning's EIA report is already baked into the cake," he added. The EIA will provide a weekly status report at 10:30 a.m. EST. Figures on inventory levels are normally different from what the American Petroleum Institute reports a day earlier. Brent crude oil prices were down from a peak of $86 per barrel on October 3 to $70.18 per barrel last week, when there was expectation among traders that a decision by oil producing countries to reduce output could have been announced during a weekend meeting in Abu Dhabi. However, the only agreement was to monitor markets, consider all factors and discuss changes again in the next OPEC and non-OPEC meeting to be held December 6 in Vienna. Prices had climbed in the months leading to October on expectations that U.S. nuclear-related sanctions against Iran, announced in May to take effect on Nov. 5 would reduce crude oil supplies. There were also concerns that Venezuelan production was declining, amid economic and political problems in the country. Prices fell during most of October as Saudi Arabia announced it planned to increase production as needed to keep the market well supplied and cover any potential disruption from any potentially lost Iranian output. On Nov. 5 the United States announced waivers to eight nations so that they could continue to buy Iranian crude oil. This led to concern that the oil market was left unbalanced with excess supply. The declines were extended this week, in part fueled by a comment by U.S. President Donald Trump that prices could be "much lower" amid oversupply concerns. Brent front-month futures crude prices were quoted at $66.81 per barrel Thursday just before 9:00 a.m. SEATTLE (November 16, 2018) - Although parents often focus on peanuts as the food allergy they need to worry about most, cow's milk is the most common food allergy in children under the age of 5. New research being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting found that over two percent of all U.S. children under the age of 5 have a milk allergy, and 53 percent of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a cow's milk allergy. "Children in the U.S. spend their early years drinking milk, so it's important to know that many of them - at least in the first few years - may be allergic," says Christopher Warren, PhD(c), lead author of the study. "Our findings suggest that while milk allergy is relatively common during infancy, many children are likely to outgrow their milk allergies. We observed that while an estimated 53 percent of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a milk allergy, the number drops to 41 percent of 1-2-year-olds, 34 percent of 3-5-year-olds and 15% of 11-17-year olds." The study surveyed more than 53,000 parents in households with children across the U.S. The survey was done over a one-year period from October 2015 to September 2016. "We know confusion exists over what a real milk allergy looks like," says Ruchi Gupta, MD, ACAAI member and study author. "A child may have a milk intolerance that his parents mistake for a milk allergy. It's important that any child suspected of having a milk allergy have the allergy confirmed with an allergist. A food allergy of any kind can have a big effect on a household, including food costs and quality of life. A child with a milk allergy should receive counseling on how to avoid milk, but also on what it means to unnecessarily cut out foods. You don't want to get rid of necessary nutrients." According to the study, only 26 percent of milk-allergic children in the US have a current epinephrine auto-injector prescription - the lowest reported rate among the top nine food allergies. "Parents need to make sure they have an epinephrine auto-injector available and should talk to their child's allergist if they have any questions," says Dr. Gupta. Allergists are trained to help you live the life you want by working with you to treat allergic diseases and avoid severe reactions. ### Abstract Title: The Epidemiology of Milk Allergy in U.S. Children: An Update Authors: Christopher Warren, PhD(c) and Ruchi Gupta, MD, ACAAI member For more information about food allergies and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Meeting is November 15-19, 2018 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. For more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom - and follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI18. About ACAAI The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. SEATTLE (November 16, 2018) - People with food allergies know eating at a restaurant means using multiple strategies to make sure your order doesn't contain something that could send you to the hospital with anaphylaxis - a severe life-threatening reaction. New research being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting examined what tools people who have food allergies use to prevent allergic reactions at restaurants. Members of a food allergy network were given a 25-question survey that examined specific behaviors used in preparation for restaurant dining. "The most frequent preventive strategies were speaking to a waiter on arrival (80 percent) and ordering food with simple ingredients (77 percent)," says Justine Ade, MD, lead author of the study. "The least used strategies were placing allergy orders separately (23 percent) and using a personal allergy card (26 percent). We found when those with food allergies used more strategies in a restaurant, the result was fewer reactions. People who used an average of 15 strategies when eating out tended to avoid having a severe allergic reaction. Those who did experience an allergic reaction were using an average of only six strategies at the time of their most severe reaction. Those same people increased their average number of strategies to 15 after experiencing a severe reaction." The most and least used strategies among families were: Top five: Speak to waiter on arrival (80%) Order food with simple ingredients (77%) Double check food before eating (77%) Avoid restaurants with higher likelihood of contamination (74%) Review ingredients on a restaurant website (72%) Bottom five: Place food allergy order separately (23%) Use personal allergy card (26%) No longer eat at restaurants (39%) Choose a chain restaurant (41%) Go to restaurant off peak hours (44%) "Eating out at a restaurant is a challenge for people with food allergies," says allergist Leigh Ann Kerns, MD, ACAAI member and study co-author. "Checking ingredients in the dishes that the restaurant offers ahead of time and finding strategies that work for you or your child can help to minimize the risk of reactions. If you think that you or your child may have a food allergy, see an allergist for testing. Allergists are specially trained to help you to manage your food allergies so that you can stay safe while enjoying life." ### Abstract Title: Preventing Food Allergy Reactions at Restaurants: Comparing Strategies Used Between Reactors and Non-Reactors Author: Justine Ade, MD For more information about food allergies and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Meeting is November 15-19, 2018 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. For more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom - and follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI18. About ACAAI ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. The Bureau of Reclamation has released a report that identifies innovative approaches to improve drought resiliency within the Washita Basin in Oklahoma. The study specifically looked at Foss and Fort Cobb Reservoirs, and the approach can be applied anywhere across the Western United States. The study showed that a repeat of paleo droughts could have far greater impacts on reservoir yield than the observed drought of record. The study also predicted the probability of paleo droughts being worse than the observed drought of record, and hence quantified the risks of a reservoir not fulfilling its intended purposes under different drought scenarios. For Foss Reservoir, the firm yield, as determined by the observed 1970s drought of record, is 19,700 acre-feet per year. Through the Enhanced Drought Response Reservoir Operations model, it is predicted that the reservoir firm yield under five paleo drought scenarios would range from 14,000 to 7,400 acre-feet per year. If the maximum demand were to be placed on the reservoir, the demands would need to be reduced between 32 and 66 percent in order to prevent the reservoir from going dry. The probability of a paleo drought being worse than the observed drought of record was found to be about 30 percent. For Fort Cobb Reservoir, the firm yield as determined by the observed 1950s drought of record, is 19,200 acre-feet per year. Through the model, it is predicted that the reservoir yield during the five paleo droughts will range between 18,700 to 15,300 acre-feet per year. If the maximum demand were to be placed on the reservoir, the demands would need to be reduced between 36 and 53 percent to prevent the reservoir from going dry. The probability of a paleo drought being worse than the observed drought of record was found to be about 10 percent. This information will better inform long-term planning efforts and preparation for the next drought. The new modeling tools developed for this study also can be used in real-time during a drought to inform decisions on how much demands need to be curtailed to prevent a reservoir from going dry. Firm yield is the amount of water a reservoir can reliably deliver to customers. The challenge to water managers is that the observed hydrologic record encompasses a narrow period of time. This study combined existing tree ring data and reconstructed the annual Palmer Drought Severity Index over a 600-year historical period to generate new inflow sequences that were used to calculate reservoir firm yield. By having the longer historical record, a more robust calculation of a range of reservoir firm yields that can be used to assist water managers to inform decisions that affect water supply reliability. Foss and Fort Cobb Reservoirs are located in central Oklahoma and are responsible for 90 percent of the surface water supply in the area, providing municipal water for about 40,000 people. Although Reclamation maintains ownership of the dam and conveyance facilities, operations and maintenance responsibilities have been transferred to the Foss and Fort Cobb Reservoir Master Conservancy Districts. ### This release was previously made available to internal stakeholders so they may understand the research findings prior to being released publicly on Nov. 15, 2018. This study was conducted as part of Reclamation's Reservoir Operations Pilot Initiative, which aims to identify innovative approaches to improve water management strategies in the Western United States. This program assists stakeholders to develop guidance for identifying and implementing changes that increase flexibility in reservoir operations in response to future variability in water supplies, floods and droughts. The full report may be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/pilots/. It is part of Reclamation's WaterSMART Program. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation works cooperatively with states, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply through investments to modernize existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Visit https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart for additional information about the program. Their fur was used as a raw material for coats; their fat was used for oil lamps and cosmetics: right up to the end of the nineteenth century, millions of seals were being hunted and killed every year worldwide. The consequences of this episode of commercial hunting for today's seal populations is the subject of a study published today (16.11.2018) in Nature Communications. Population geneticists at Bielefeld University and the British Antarctic Survey have found that eleven seal species only narrowly escaped extinction. The scientists managed to include nearly all of the species alive today in their research. The study nevertheless reveals that most species survived the heyday of seal hunting in sufficient numbers to retain most of their genetic diversity. 'Hunting, epidemics, and climate change all have the potential to reduce the number of individuals in a population to the point where genetic diversity is lost,' says Professor Dr Joseph Hoffman, head of the Molecular Behavioural Ecology research group at Bielefeld University and sub-project manager in the Transregio Collaborative Research Centre NC that is studying animals and their individual niches. 'These extreme population reductions are known as bottlenecks and can affect a species' potential to survive'. 'When a species lacks genetic diversity, it has a lower chance of adapting to changing environmental conditions or protecting itself against parasites or pathogens. You can compare the gene pool with a toolbox: the fewer tools you have, the less well-equipped you are for different situations,' says Hoffman. The researchers analysed which seal species passed through bottlenecks due to overhunting. They carried out this research in cooperation with colleagues in ten different countries. 'This enabled us to collect genetic data on thousands of seals from 30 different species,' says Martin Stoffel, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student in Joseph Hoffman's research group. As there are 33 different seal species alive today, this makes the study the most comprehensive work on the genetic diversity of seals. For example, it even used data from a study of the Antarctic fur seal that lives on Bird Island (South Georgia) in the Sub Antarctic. This research on fur seals is part of the work at the Transregio Collaborative Research Centre NC. In their analyses, the researchers used computers to simulate how much genetic diversity would be expected in each seal species if that species were hunted to the brink of extinction around a hundred years ago. They compared these computations with the genetic data from animals living today. The result: seal hunting around a century ago led to the near extinction of almost one-third of the species studied. 'Most species have recovered and are still genetically quite diverse despite strong population declines' says Martin Stoffel. 'However, there are four exceptions: the northern elephant seal, the Mediterranean monk seal, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the Saimaa ringed seal,' says Stoffel. 'The genetic material of individual animals within these species is very similar. These four species only have up to 20 per cent of the genetic diversity of those species that have been hardly or not hunted at all. In the northern elephant seal, for example, only few dozen individuals survived hunting to rebuild the current population of over 200,000 animals.' Stoffel is an expert on the northern elephant seal. To study them for his dissertation, he went on an expedition to the Islas San Benito, an uninhabited group of islands off the Mexican Pacific coast. Which factors explain why certain species suffered more from being hunted than others? The study confirms that 'species that bear their young on land declined much more strongly as a result of excessive hunting than species that give birth on ice,' says Stoffel. 'This is probably because those giving birth on ice tend to live in remote Arctic and Antarctic areas where they were out of reach of hunters.' Population bottlenecks can also be found in those species where a single male defends a harem of several dozen females during the breeding season. 'This is the case with the northern elephant seal and the southern elephant seal just as much as the Antarctic fur seal,' says Stoffel. 'Their mating systems result in dense aggregations of breeding animals, making them easier for hunters to kill.' Whereas at the end of the nineteenth century, millions of seals were still being killed by hunters, the German animal protection society (Tierschutzbund) reports that nowadays, 750,000 seals are killed each year for commercial purposes. Most of these seals are now being hunted in Canada, Greenland, and Namibia. ### The Collaborative Research Centre Transregio NC Why do animals behave in completely individual ways when choosing their own, distinctive place in the ecosystem, their ecological niche? How do they adapt to this niche? When do they shape it by themselves? And how can we understand these processes? These are the central questions being addressed in the Transregio Collaborative Research Centre (CRC/TRR) 212 with the abbreviated name 'NC'. In this CRC, the universities at Bielefeld, Munster, and Jena are linking together behavioural biology and evolution research with theoretical biology and philosophy. The German Research Foundation (DFG) started funding NC in January 2018 for an initial four-year period during which it will receive roughly 8.5 million euros. The speaker is the behavioural researcher Professor Dr Oliver Kruger from Bielefeld University. Original publication: Stoffel, M.A., Humble, E., Paijmans, A.J., Acevedo-Whitehouse, K., Chilvers, B.L., Dickerson, B., Galimberti, F., Gemmell, N., Goldsworthy, S.D., Nichols, H.J., Kruger, O., Negro, S., Osborne, A., Pastor, T., Robertson, B.C., Sanvito, S., Schultz, J.K., Shafer, A.B.A., Wolf, J.B.W. & Hoffman, J.I.: Demographic histories and genetic diversity across pinnipeds are shaped by human exploitation, ecology and life-history. Nature Communications, http://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-06695-z, published on the 16th of November 2018. Further information: 'Scent matters to fur seals' (11.08.2015): https://bit.ly/2Quhi7ma Academics claim that the political domain in Germany "lacks a concept" when it comes to dealing with conflicts to do with religious policy. "Whether it is the building of mosques, the headscarf or the crucifix, church employment law, shechita or circumcision, the political domain often reacts without a concept when there is a dispute over the rights, symbols and practices of religious communities - without clear political ideas as to how religious interests can be negotiated constructively". This is the point made by political scientist Ulrich Willems and publicist Viola van Melis from the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics" at the WWU, and historian Daniel Gerster of the Centre for Religion and Modernity, the editors of the new general volume Religionspolitik heute. Problemfelder und Perspektiven in Deutschland (Religious Policy Today: Problem Areas and Perspectives in Germany). "Whenever there is a conflict, courts are called upon again and again. Although many individual cases are decided in this way, there is no attempt to address the fundamental conflicts underlying them". The book, published by Herder, brings together for the first time in this form positions and analyses on religious policy from the academic world, from politics, as well as from religious communities and other groups with a particular worldview, and provides an overview of the long-neglected political field of religious policy in Germany. "We want to stimulate debate and help people to be less unprepared should they stumble into conflicts to do with religious policy". Open discussion formats on concrete questions of living together, such as the newly conceived Islam Conference in Berlin at the end of November, are important, but should not be limited to the federal level and to just a few dates a year. "After all, we have long had to protect members of religious minorities such as Jews and Muslims from violence in many German cities". The 32 contributions in the book assume historical, systematic, normative and international points of view to illuminate current conflicts and possible solutions, as well as fundamental questions, in the area of religious policy. They deal with issues of conflict such as the building of mosques, the burka, blasphemy, and circumcision, as well as with religious freedom, the corporate status of religions, and religious issues in employment law, social law, and media law. And they describe the positions of the German parties with regard to religious policy as well as positions abroad. "Ideas of what religious policy should look like in the future are sometimes so far apart that Germany will not be able to manage without conducting broad discussions on the issue", say the editors. This is shown in the book by the broad range of assessments from different disciplines, and by the sheer diversity of contentious interests expressed by political parties and religious communities. The demand for reform is already growing louder: "Lobbyists representing Muslim groups are much more confident than they were a few years ago in demanding access to the same resources that are available to the Christian churches. At the same time, though, a public critical of religion is audibly rejecting religious practices such as wearing the headscarf and circumcision". Surveys have shown that the population has not yet become accustomed to "the transition from a homogeneously Christian to a religiously heterogeneous society". Crucial here is that we conduct debates that are free of emotion. The editors cite as an example to follow here Canada's Quebec province, which, together with the philosophers Charles Taylor and Gerard Bouchard, conducted a nationwide debate on religious policy. Findings from the volume Religionspolitik heute Inequalities in religious policy. The range of religious communities and other groups with a particular worldview is broader today than ever before in German history. Against this backdrop, the challenges and polarizations regarding religious policy have been growing for years, as the editors make clear in the book's first two contributions. They provide a survey of the main features and current directions of German religious policy, as well as tracing changes to the religious landscape in recent decades. As a consequence mainly of migration, there are now more than 200 religious communities in some German cities. "A largely homogeneous religious landscape shaped by the Christian church, as it existed in the 1950s, has long since disappeared". The volume editors criticize the privileging of the Christian churches. The approximately four million Muslims living in Germany and the growing group of those without a denomination are disadvantaged since there is a "strong list towards religion, Christianity, and the major two churches", says political scientist Ulrich Willems. "Integrating Islam into the religious and political order of the Federal Republic usually happens only as a means of preventing fundamentalism: with Islamic religious teaching at school and Islamic theology at universities". While the state shows its creativity here, it lacks in other cases the capacity to compromise, such as when it comes to granting the status of a public body (Korperschaftsstatus) to Islamic groups. Parties and polarizations. Political scientist Ulrich Willems also criticizes in his contribution the failures of the political parties regarding religious policy: "If you look at recent election and party programmes, then you will found in the SPD a friendly disinterest in changes to religious policy, and in the Christian Democratic Union a courageous desire simply to maintain the status quo". Such timidity, coupled with a privileging of Christianity, have led to a sharper distinction between a "Christian Europe" on the one hand and Muslims on the other. "Scepticism towards Islam and the anti-Islam politics of the AfD are also emanations of the fact that religious policy has been neglected". The political domain must take action before the religious and political climate becomes so poisoned by recent escalations that proper and sustainable debate can no longer take place. Protestant theologian and social ethicist Arnulf von Scheliha analyzes the current positions of the parties on religious policy, such as in the general election campaign of 2017. He finds there a great deal of "historical interpretation motivated by ideology", unanimous support for religious freedom, and very different views on Islam. He sums up by arguing that, while "there is certainly some movement in religious policy, we cannot expect to see any major shifts". International comparison. Philosopher Hermann Lubbe uses his contribution to compare religious policy in Germany and the USA. In contrast to Germany, the USA has long perceived religion as an important factor in domestic and foreign policy, and the country is much more open to new faiths. Lubbe warns in the German case against forcing migrant religions such as Islam to organize themselves according to the law governing state-church relations. He advises against attempting to achieve religious-cultural integration if that means that religious traditions are forced to relinquish their "special features". If, for example, a ban on wearing the headscarf were followed by a ban on the wearing of religious clothing by members of a religious order, then this obligation not to express differentness publicly would be "damaging" - for both the old and the migrant (religious) cultures. Religious developments since the 1950s. The editors of Religionspolitik heute show how radically the landscape has changed with regard to religious policy: while in 1950, 44.3% of the West German population was Catholic, and 51.5% was Protestant, in 2010 it was only 36.5% and 31.9% respectively. By contrast, the number of those without a denomination has increased massively as a result of constant de-churchification, and accounts today for about one third of the population. Finally, a further 5 to 7% of the German population belong to other religious communities and other groups with a particular worldview, and include followers of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as representatives of esoteric and neo-religious groupings. The largest group among the religious minorities comprises the approximately four million Muslims currently living in Germany. Against this background, contemporary historian Thomas Grobolting traces the emergence and development of the regime of religious policy in the young Federal Republic. He shows how the legal regulations governing religion in the Weimar Constitution were incorporated into the Basic Law, and embeds this in the political culture and mentality of the 1940s and 1950s. Religious freedom under pressure. In her contribution, Catholic theologian and social ethicist Marianne Heimbach-Steins presents the right to freedom of religion, worldview and conscience as a "constituent part of the rights of freedom pertaining to every human being", a right that protects the faith of the individual just as much as it does the practice of religion by individual and society, positive as well as negative religious freedom. However, this human right is coming under attack in religiously and ideologically pluralistic societies from two directions: from the suspicion that it serves only particular interests or privileges; and from the attempt to appropriate religious freedom in the pursuit of particular religious interests or to use it politically. Heimbach-Steins calls on all actors in state and society who deal with religious policy to mount a vigorous defence of the right to religious freedom. Legal scholar Thomas Gutmann also emphasizes that the right to religious freedom as "a fundamental dimension in the development of human freedom in a liberal society" should not be disputed. At the same time, according to Gutmann, religious freedom is a significant achievement of the secular state, since religious freedom necessarily presupposes the secular state's ideological neutrality. Gutmann uses examples to show how religious freedom competes with other legal rights, and thereby works out where its borders lie. He denotes the equal freedom of belief a "fragile good": in practice, he sees deficits in the equal treatment of all religions and "strong tendencies to defend the hegemony of organized Christianity". Public-body status. Constitutional expert Hinnerk Wimann argues that granting the status of a public body to religious communities is just one of several ways that religion can be organized, and that its long-term viability must first be proven in the face of increasing religious plurality. Automatically creating special regulations for religious communities with the status of a public body (the much-discussed "bundle of privileges") should be checked according to its functionality. In the future, for example, certain rights could be removed, and religious communities without public-body status could apply for recognition. Wimann emphasizes that "the demand for all religions to be treated equally cannot be met through uniformity". Coming from the perspective of religious studies, religious scholar Astrid Reuter agrees in principle with Wimann's verdict, and denotes the debate around public-body status as an "imaginary giant". It symbolizes in the debate precisely what the traditional legal system governing state-church relations urgently needs to reform, if not abolish entirely. The fields of discussion on the welfare state, labour law, media law. Political scientist Philip Manow and Catholic theologian and social ethicist Karl Gabriel investigate the religious influences shaping the emergence of European welfare states. Protestant social ethicist Hartmut Kre and Protestant theologian Thorsten Moos discuss church labour law, while communications scholar Tim Karis and publicist Viola van Melis investigate how religious diversity is dealt with in public broadcasting. They point out that many religious minorities are simply not represented in broadcasting councils and in the broadcast of religious messages, and identify a need for action with regard to religious policy. This, according to van Melis, could also have a positive effect on the coverage of religious diversity and thus promote debates in society that have a strong foundation. Current conflicts - the building of mosques, the burka, blasphemy, circumcision. Political scientist Claus Leggewie traces the political and social conflicts that have flared up in recent decades with the increased construction of mosques in Western countries. In order to avoid future escalations, it is important to give the cases of dispute a new institutional and communicative "form". Political scientist Ulrike Spohn examines the emotionally charged legal bans on the burka in European democracies, and asks why, despite extensive criticism from the academic world, initiatives to ban the burka repeatedly achieve political success. She sees this as grounded in a fundamental "discomfort on the part of European societies with the concealment of the face", and notes that the bans do not help to calm the conflicts. Political scientist Klaus von Beyme addresses the issue of blasphemy, an issue that most European societies thought that they had long left behind. Its explosive power in society has been proven again in recent years, though, such as in the dispute over the 'Muhammad caricatures' or criticism of the beliefs held by evangelical Christians. Adopting the point of view of Islamic jurisprudence, Cefli Ademi outlines the debate on the religious circumcision of boys, a debate triggered by the verdict of the Cologne district court in 2012. Ademi's contribution can be understood as a plea against an Islamophobia that disguises itself as a general criticism of religion. Actors shaping religious policy. The contributions to the book by actors shaping religious policy from the political domain as well as from religious communities and other groups with a particular worldview are unanimous in their view that the fundamental right to freedom of religion and conviction should be protected absolutely as a valuable good. Beyond this consensus, though, there is a wide range of contested opinions and statements of interest with regard to current religious policy in Germany. a) Positions from the political domain. Five politicians whose parties represented factions in the 18th parliamentary term of the German Bundestag (2013-2017), the period in which the book was predominantly written, each take a position on religious policy. Political scientist Ulrich Willems and social ethicist Arnulf von Scheliha also consider in their contributions the statements related to religion made by the FDP and AfD parties, which have also moved into parliament with factions since the federal elections of autumn 2017. Among the authors who have their say in this volume are (former) members of the Bundestag: Volker Beck (Alliance 90/Greens), Christine Buchholz (Left), Kerstin Griese (SPD), and Johannes Singhammer (CSU), as well as Thomas Sternberg (CDU), who was a member of the North Rhine-Westphalia Landtag until May 2017. For the editors of the volume, the contributions from the political domain also reflect in the scope of their thematic differences the degree to which the parties have dealt systematically with issues of religious policy: Alliance 90/Greens, for example, have gone through a nationwide process of discussion lasting several years and have presented a final report adopted by the party congress which takes a stance on numerous fields of religious policy; the Left, which initially presented secular demands, is now seeing in the party the emergence of debates with a more differentiated range of themes and opinions. The SPD and the FDP are currently beginning their own reflections on religious policy, but these have not yet materialized as reform papers. The CSU, on the other hand, does not argue for reform, but pleads instead for the preservation of the status quo, which Singhammer praises as a "careful balance between church and politics"; finally, while the CDU emphasizes the tenability of the law governing church-state relations, it does at the same time support, as Sternberg calls it, "important further development" when it comes, for example, to Islamic religious education at school. According to the volume editors, the contributions provided by the politicians reveal one thing: namely, that the sooner they plead for recognizing plurality as a reality, the more they reveal the problems of religious policy - but also the possible solutions, be it to public-body status, to church labour law, to the services provided by the state, to religious instruction, or to the theologies at public universities. b) Positions from religious communities and other groups with a particular worldview. According to the volume editors, the choice of authors from religious communities and other groups was dictated by their wish to show as diverse a range of opinions as possible and to provide a glimpse of the multifaceted nature of the religious spectrum in today's Germany. But, given the high number of religious communities and their respective denominations and currents, to achieve completeness and representativeness in this area is impossible from the outset. As examples, the volume gives voice to Rabbi Achivai Apel of the Orthodox Rabbinical Conference, Michael C. Bauer of the Humanist Association of Germany, Mohammad Dawood Majoka of the community Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Germany, Antonius Hamers of the Catholic Office NRW, Mohammed Khallouk of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Armin Pikl of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Michael Schmidt-Salomon of the Giordano Bruno Foundation, and Irmgard Schwatzer, President of the Synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany. According to the volume editors, it is the representatives of minority religions that usually formulate the concrete need for action with regard to religious policy. For example, those representing Islam deal at length with the issue of public-body status, and emphasize that, without such status, Islamic communities cannot take care of the many needs specific to religion that Muslims have "from cradle to grave" in pastoral care, social welfare, and education. Moreover, other contributions mention the disadvantages that the Jewish community experiences in everyday life in Germany. ### Ann Arbor, November 16, 2018 - New research shows improved smoking cessation outcomes can be achieved within the Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) population by supplementing telephone counseling with access to nicotine-replacement patches and moderate financial incentives that are not contingent on outcomes. The group that received these additional services was more likely to make a quit attempt and remain smoke-free, both short- and long-term. This study also adds to the evidence that modest financial incentives can be an effective smoking cessation intervention for a low-income population. This research was published in a special supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, guest edited by Steven A. Schroeder, MD, Department of Medicine, Smoking Cessation Leadership Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, which describes components of California's Medi-Cal Incentives to Quit Smoking (MIQS) Project, its successes, and ongoing initiatives. Key points: The MIQS Project produced impressive increases in motivating low-income smokers to call and enroll in quitline services and modest, but significant increases in quit attempts and successful quits. There was a 70 percent increase in calls to the quitline by Medi-Cal smokers, achieving a quitline reach of 4.5 percent, which exceeds the national quitline reach of 1 percent. Smokers assigned to the nicotine patch plus financial incentive group were more likely to make a quit attempt than the usual care (counseling-only group) and more likely to report six-month prolonged abstinence. The MIQS Project also demonstrated that offering nicotine patches plus a financial incentive to Medi-Cal smokers who call the quitline is cost-saving. In a study of statewide outreach for the MIQS Project, led by Elisa K. Tong, MD, of the Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA, promotion through health care channels increased the utilization and reach of quitline services to maximum levels. "Healthcare channels were an important referral source, as more Medi-Cal callers than non-Medi-Cal callers cited providers and plans rather than media," Dr. Tong observed. "MIQS may be sustained with coordination and prioritization across plans, providers, and public health partners." Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess which approach was most helpful in getting Medicaid smokers to quit. They randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: usual care, consisting of smoker quitline counseling and assistance in obtaining quitting aids through Medicaid; usual care plus nicotine patches mailed directly to participants' homes, and usual care plus mailed patches and financial incentives of up to $60 per person. Compared to usual care, people offered nicotine patches and financial incentives were more likely to: Make a quit attempt (68.4 percent vs. 54.3 percent) Be abstinent for 30 days at 2 months (30.0 percent vs.18.9 percent) Six-month prolonged abstinent at 7 months (13.2 percent vs. 9.0 percent) Medicaid expanded eligibility under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, increasing the population of smokers on Medi-Cal. An analysis of datasets from the California Health Interview Survey led by Shu-Hong Zhu, PhD, of the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA, showed that between 2012 and 2016, the number of smokers in California's Medi-Cal program nearly doubled from 738,000 in 2011-2012 to 1,448,000 by 2016, raising the proportion of state smokers covered by Medi-Cal from 19.3 percent to 41.5 percent. Compared with smokers with private insurance, those in Medicaid were more likely to have chronic disease and experience severe psychological distress. In 2016, 51.4 percent of adult smokers with chronic disease conditions and 57.8 percent of those in severe psychological distress were covered by Medi-Cal. "The growing concentration of smokers in Medicaid highlights the need for more effective approaches to reduce smoking in this population," said Dr. Zhu. "I hope this study captures the attention not just of public health officials, but also of their counterparts in Medicaid. Reducing the toll of tobacco in this population should become an urgent priority for all Medicaid programs and plans." In a cost-benefit analysis that assesses the economic impact of supplementing usual care of quitline services with mailed nicotine patches and financial incentives of up to $60 per person, investigators found that compared to usual care alone, offering these adjunctive services to Medicaid callers will reduce future healthcare expenditures due to increased number of quitters. This will produce a net savings within five years with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.18. The net savings will accumulate over time with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.90 over 10 years. "Our study demonstrates that investment in an effective smoking cessation intervention for Medicaid smokers can reap large savings down the road," stated Hai-Yen Sung, PhD, of the Institute for Health & Aging, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. "Providing modest financial incentives and mailed nicotine patches to Medicaid smokers who call the quitline is cost-saving. For every $1 invested in these adjunctive services to Medicaid callers, there will be $1.90 savings in healthcare costs within 10 years." This research is part of a five-year, $10 million grant awarded to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2011 and was part of an initiative exploring the use of incentives to change health behaviors in the Medicaid population. This research was designed to accelerate successful quitting by: increasing use of a well-established and effective phone counseling service, the California Smokers' Helpline (CSH); decreasing barriers to obtaining nicotine replacement patches; and offering economic incentives to encourage quitting. Led by the Department of Health Care Services, collaborators included the University of California San Diego (where the Helpline was developed and is currently housed); University of California Davis; University of California San Francisco; and the California Department of Public Health. This strategy was based on evidence showing that quitlines do improve the chances of quitting and that Medicaid smokers are motivated to quit, although their quit rates are somewhat lower than the general population. "There is no single magic bullet to reduce the burden of smoking. The results of individual efforts, such as general or targeted mailings, free nicotine replacement therapy, referral to telephone quitlines, and financial incentives (all used in MIQS), as well as taxation, smoke-free legislation, and counter-marketing (all occurring in California as a backdrop to MIQS) may be relatively modest, but each contributes to driving down smoking rates. In the case of California, even a small percentage drop in smoking, when applied to almost 1.5 million Medicaid smokers, could save thousands of lives and millions of dollars," concluded Dr. Schroeder. ### Long electricity blackouts have a big impact on a country's economic activities, social stability and security. Latin America's energy infrastructure currently lacks the resilience to deal with the increasing frequency of climate-related extreme weather events and natural disasters that cause power supplies to fail. Scientists working in the UK and Chile on a project called strengthening energy infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and natural disasters have won funding through the Newton Prize for Chile. They are using new mathematical models to strengthen power systems in Chile and other countries vulnerable to environmental hazards. The models will help energy providers prevent or reduce wide scale electricity outages when power systems are exposed to high-impact, low-probability events. They inform planning practices to help shape a robust, cost-effective and low-carbon Chilean transmission network. Pierluigi Mancarella, UK Principle Investigator on the project, said: "The Newton Prize will enable further improvement of our advanced resilience assessment and planning tools and, importantly, facilitate their application to more developing countries which face varying threats related to extreme weather and natural hazards." The application of this research will benefit power system planners, regulators and policy makers, contributing to the development of a more resilient, affordable and clean energy supply. Already, the Chilean independent system operator has included resilience as an explicit factor in its system planning for the first time and has proposed resilient network investments worth 50 million US dollars. Jane Nicholson, Associate Director at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said: "This project is a great example of how engineering and physical sciences can help address real challenges. It will use mathematics to plan and design electricity grids that are more resilient to extreme weather events and the harsh environment of Chile. This joint UK-Chile research will help reduce the disruption power cuts cause and the knowledge gained will benefit other countries in the region too. The Newton Fund is making connections that bring people closer together worldwide." National and international networks developed through the project have built the capacity of researchers in the wider region, and the potential impact of this project could benefit countries affected by extreme weather and natural hazards worldwide. Project delivery partners: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT). 2018 Newton Prize The Newton Prize is an annual 1 million fund developed to showcase how UK science and innovation partnerships are helping to solve global development challenges. The Newton Prize also incentivises researchers and innovators to participate in the Newton Fund as partners with the UK to work on the most important challenges facing developing countries such as poverty, climate change and public health. This year 140 Newton funded projects, fellowships or other awards applied for the Newton Prize. Four prizes of up to 200,000 each will be awarded to winning projects with the eligible Latin American countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. The funding allows researchers to take their Newton projects to the next level, for example by translating their project from the lab into the field, through expansion and/or improvements to their original project, by bringing in more capacity or gaining higher profile; all increasing the likelihood of success. Sam Gyimah, the minister of state for science, research and innovation: "The annual 1m Newton Prize builds upon, celebrates and further encourages research partnerships. It's great to see this year's applications representing the breadth of the Newton Fund's work from public and private sector organisations based around the world. "The uniqueness of the Newton Fund is the partnership working between the UK and partner country at all levels from government to government, delivery partner to delivery partner through to project lead to project lead. From energy and healthcare, to agriculture and digital, the Newton Fund demonstrates how bringing researchers together has enormous potential to change lives for the better across the world." The Newton Prize was judged by a distinguished and independent Newton Prize committee with expertise in the development sector, the Latin American region as well as science and innovation. It was chaired by Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society and Nobel Laureate. The committee reviewed the short-listed applications, along with feedback from over 400 expert peer reviewers, and chose the winners. ### For media enquiries contact: EPSRC Press Office, tel: 01793 444404, e-mail: pressoffice@epsrc.ukri.org Notes for Editors: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. EPSRC is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. By investing in research and postgraduate training, we are building the knowledge and skills base needed to address the scientific and technological challenges facing the nation. Our portfolio covers a vast range of fields from healthcare technologies to structural engineering, manufacturing to mathematics, advanced materials to chemistry. The research we fund has impact across all sectors. It provides a platform for future UK prosperity by contributing to a healthy, connected, resilient, productive nation. SEATTLE -- Nov. 16, 2018 -- A majority of the HIV-infected cells that persist in HIV-infected individuals even during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) originated from cellular proliferation, not viral replication, according to new research published in Nature Communications. Reducing the population size of this "reservoir" of infected cells represents the largest challenge for cure of HIV. Based on these results, study authors believe reducing cellular proliferation could help to deplete the reservoir and potentially lead to a functional cure. Led by Drs. Dan Reeves and Josh Schiffer in the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the research team combined mathematical models and immunological insight to understand how the genetic signature of HIV-infected cells could explain their origin. "Our approach was inspired by ecology," said Dr. Reeves, the study's first author and research associate in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch. "We adapted tools to characterize the reservoir of HIV-infected cells more realistically, inferring the mechanism of generation from the proportions of unique and identical genetic signatures." When HIV infects a healthy cell, it inserts its own DNA into the human chromosome, leaving behind a unique genetic signature. If the virus replicating itself were the cause of latent HIV reservoirs, the study authors suggest, this genetic signature would contain unique integration sites and different mutations in the DNA of infected cells. In fact, they found a majority of genetic signatures were identical, indicating that persistence within HIV reservoirs is the product of normal CD4+ T-cell mitosis. Both to maintain a stable population of cells and in response to foreign antigens, CD4+ T cells routinely undergo proliferation every few months. HIV DNA is copied into daughter cells along with human DNA each time this normal process occurs. ART has been an effective tool in helping HIV-positive individuals live healthy lives since the late 1990s. HIV researchers have since been working to understand why reservoirs of HIV-infected immune cells remain at low levels during ART treatment, and how to identify and purge infected cells. The study authors believe that reducing proliferation of specific immune cells, CD4+ T cells, could greatly deplete HIV reservoirs and potentially lead to a functional HIV cure. Possible approaches for depleting the infected cells might be gene editing, cellular immunotherapy or latency reversing agents. Dr. Schiffer, senior author of the study and Associate Member in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch commented, "We see parallels in achieving functional cures in both HIV and cancer; for example, the difficulties of remission and relapse, and how combination therapies could be successful in bringing either disease to undetectable levels in the body." Schiffer and colleagues are conducting a clinical trial to test whether the lymphocyte anti-proliferative drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could be effective at stopping the proliferation of HIV-infected immune cells in people undergoing ART. MMF is already licensed for use in preventing graft-vs.-host disease following stem cell transplant and reducing the risk of rejection after organ transplant. Schiffer refers to this approach of adjusting the rate of division as a "compound interest cure," which, if successful, could significantly deplete or eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. ### The study used state-of-the-art sequence data from leading groups at the University of Washington/Fred Hutch, University of Sydney and Johns Hopkins University. All other data supporting the findings of the study are available within the study, which is available through a creative commons agreement. Dr. Reeves is supported by a Washington Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. This work was also supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Virology Research and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Study authors report no conflicts of interest. Media Contact: Claire Hudson O: 206.667.7365 Email: crhudson@fredhutch.org At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch's pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation's first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women's Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. DETROIT - Many parents probably think nothing of sucking on their baby's pacifier to clean it after it falls to the ground. Turns out, doing so may benefit their child's health. A Henry Ford Health System study found that babies whose parents sucked on their pacifier to clean it had a lower level of the antibody that is linked to the development of allergies and asthma. Researchers theorize parents may be passing healthy oral bacteria in their saliva that will affect the early development of their child's immune system. The study is being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology meeting in Seattle. "Although we can't say there's a cause and effect relationship, we can say the microbes a child is exposed to early on in life will affect their immune system development," says Eliane Abou-Jaoude, M.D., a Henry Ford allergist fellow and the study's lead author. "From our data, we can tell that the children whose pacifiers were cleaned by their parents sucking on the pacifier, those children had lower IgE levels around 10 months of age through 18 months of age." The retrospective study is believed to the first of its kind in the United States to evaluate the association between pacifier cleaning methods and the antibody Immunoglobulin E, or IgE. IgE is linked to the development of allergies and asthma. The findings are compatible with those from a 2013 Swedish study, which reported an association between parents sucking on their baby's pacifier with a reduced risk of allergy development. The Henry Ford study involved 128 mothers who were asked about how they cleaned their baby's pacifier: Sterilizing it in boiling water or dishwasher, cleaning it with soap and water and sucking on it. Among the three methods, 30 mothers sterilized it, 53 cleaned it with soap and water and nine sucked on the pacifier. Researchers compared the babies' IgE levels at birth, six months and 18 months for each cleaning method, and found a "significantly lower level IgE level for babies at 18 months" whose mothers sucked on the pacifier to clean it. Additional analyses indicated the differences were first seen at about 10 months. Dr. Abou-Jaoude cautions parents from concluding that sucking on their baby's pacifier to clean it will lower their child's risk of developing allergies. More research is needed to examine that potential correlation, Dr. Abou-Jaoude says. ### The study was funded by Henry Ford Health System. MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz 313-874-4094 David.Olejarz@hfhs.org">David.Olejarz@hfhs.org BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Philanthropic Venture Fund, which provides capital to faculty, students, alumni and staff at all IU campuses to help them further develop their research and innovations into startup companies, has invested in Vascugen Inc., a regenerative medicine company. Vascugen is focused on finding therapies to repair human tissue damaged by reduced blood flow due to disease or injury. The company has received additional investment from other Indiana-based investors, including Indianapolis entrepreneur Dr. Donald Brown. Brown founded Interactive Intelligence, which he sold in 2016 for $1.4 billion, and LifeOmic, a precision medicine company. Vascugen CEO Carter Cliff said the Philanthropic Venture Fund's investment enables the company to refine and scale processes to produce a clinical-grade product. "It also helps us support our pharmaceutical partnerships and further develop our intellectual property estate, including technology recently licensed from the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office," Cliff said. Teri Willey, IU Research and Technology Corp. managing director and fund manager, said Vascugen was selected for the investment for several reasons. "Vascugen is developing regenerative medicines based on technology developed at Indiana University," Willey said. "The company has assembled a world-class team to advance a pipeline of new therapeutics with the potential to address multiple unmet medical needs that afflict patients in Indiana and globally." The IU Philanthropic Venture Fund was originally envisioned in the Bicentennial Strategic Plan as part of the university's continuing efforts to contribute to the economic vitality of Indiana. It is initially capitalized at $15 million but has the potential to reach $50 million or more, and it will be funded in large part with designated, tax-deductible gifts to the university. Funding is put to work through equity investments primarily at early stages of company development. To qualify for investment, companies must commercialize IU intellectual property or be led by an IU alumnus plus exhibit clear commercial potential, and have the ability to attract follow-on funding and experienced management. ### About the Indiana University Philanthropic Venture Fund The IU Philanthropic Venture Fund is an Indiana University-affiliated fund launched in 2018 through the vision and generosity of IU alumni and friends supporting IU discoveries best developed through a new venture. The fund is managed by IU Research and Technology Corp. personnel who work with the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office; alumni, faculty and staff and the venture and economic development communities to identify and develop IU opportunities for investment. About Vascugen Inc. Vascugen is a regenerative medicine company engaged in the development of advanced therapies to treat incurable conditions caused by loss or degeneration of blood vessels. The company has exclusive, worldwide rights to a broad patent portfolio for its platform technology that enables the functional restoration of blood vessels in any organ or tissue, as well as rights covering related products and services for research, diagnostics, therapeutics, tissue engineering, organoid and 3D bio-printing applications. Driven by innovation and a team of scientific and clinical thought leaders, Vascugen was founded by Dr. Mervin C. Yoder, a pioneer and noted expert in the field of vascular stem cell biology. Many foreign investors regret investing in free economic zones (FEZ) of Uzbekistan, results of a study conducted by the Development Strategy Center in conjuction with the Swiss Foundation PeaceNexus show. This study was conducted in the Novoi and Angren FEZ in September-October of 2018. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev set the task to attract $5.800 billion of direct foreign investments this year. In order to achieve this goal, a decree On radical improvement of investment climate in Uzbekistan was issued. Decree's final goal was to stimulate attraction of direct investments, to strengthen investor's confidence in state policy and to increase responsibility of government agencies that work with investors. However, these goals weren't fulfilled. Experts of the Development Strategy Center, together with the Swiss Foundation PeaceNexus, conducted studies to identify problems in the economic, social and environmental areas of Uzbekistan's FEZ. Uzbekistan has recently created 21 free economic zones. Three of them - Navoi, Angren and Dzhizak have been created in 2008-2013. The main goal of these free economic zones is to saturate domestic market with products, introduce new scientific and technological developments into production sphere, improve employment rate, as well as solve regional policy problems. In their search for preferential conditions, international investors consider free economic zones to be favorable areas where they can get increased profits. However, investors who have invested in development of production in Uzbek free economic zones are dissatisfied with results of their work. They determined several problems they face, including difficulties in obtaining work visas and excessive red tape. Study notes that one of the respondents said that he had been waiting for approval of the State Ecological Committee for six months and wasn't able to receive a building permit for three months. Necessary logistics services haven't been created in these free economic zones. Representatives of the Navoi FEZ explained this by the fact that only registered participants can pursue business activities in the FEZ territory. Enterprises face several problems when they try to buy necessary raw materials through the Uzbek Commodity Exchange. This is one of the main reasons why investments in the country are decreasing, investors can't develop their businesses. In addition, there's no information about procedures necessary for obtaining permits in English. Respondents also spoke about difficult situation with logistics. FEZ don't have necessary services, and prices of transportation of goods are often too high. For example, transportation of one 40-foot container to 25 km distance from the Tinchlik station in Navoi to the territory of the Navoi free economic zone costs $500. Foreign investors also complained that no social infrastructure has been created in FEZ. After visiting a company, many businessmen want to leave for the capital on the same day. If they had the opportunity to turn back the time, they wouldn't have invested in FEZ, but in Tashkent or the Tashkent region, despite lack of privileges and preferences. Reviews of businessmen regarding free economic zones of Uzbekistan objectively characterize situation. Businessmen often have things they can compare them to - many of them have experience working in free economic zones in other countries. Situation is even worse in non-free economic zones, with the exception of Tashkent and the Tashkent region, where prospects for business development are clearly better due to important role in the country's economy, despite several difficulties," expert of the Oriental Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Science, expert of the Valdai Club, Alexander Vorobyov, said. At the same time, Tashkent and the Tashkent region have become only regions capable of becoming locomotive of the country's development in shortest time possible. Only these regions have necessary conditions like infrastructure, logistics, qualified working force, energy, legal support, education and medical care for further development. Technology first used by NASA to grow plants extra-terrestrially is fast tracking improvements in a range of crops. Scientists at John Innes Centre and the University of Queensland have improved the technique, known as speed breeding, adapting it to work in vast glass houses and in scaled-down desktop growth chambers. The ability to work at these scales gives scientists greater opportunities than ever before to breed disease resistant, climate resilient and nutritious crops to feed a growing global population. The research is published in the peer reviewed journal Nature Protocols. Speed breeding uses enhanced LED lighting and day-long regimes of up to 22 hours to optimise photosynthesis and promote rapid growth of crops. It speeds up the breeding cycle of plants: for example, six generations of wheat can be grown per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods. By shortening breeding cycles, the method allows scientists and plant breeders to fast-track genetic improvements such as yield gain, disease resistance and climate resilience in a range of crops such as wheat, barley, oilseed rape and pea. Being able to do this in a compact desktop chamber enables affordable, cutting-edge research on a range of crops to take place before the experiments are scaled up to larger glass houses. The latest advances come at a crucial time for European crop development. They follow a decision this summer by the Court of Justice of the European Union which ruled that crops improved using modern gene-editing techniques should be classed as genetically modified organisms. The decision was greeted with dismay among many leading plant scientists, breeders and farming industry leaders in the UK, because it frustrates efforts to meet the challenge of a growing world population. Dr Brande Wulff a wheat scientist at the John Innes Centre and one of the lead authors on the paper explains that European crop research and breeding will become more dependent on speed breeding in the light of these developments. "Speed breeding allows researchers to rabidly mobilise the genetic variation found in wild relatives of crops and introduce it into elite varieties that can be grown by farmers. The EU ruling that heavily regulates gene editing means we are more reliant on speed breeding to grow sturdier, more resilient crops." Dr Wulff's team at the John Innes Centre has developed techniques such as rapid gene discovery and cloning that, alongside speed breeding, would allow crop improvements via a non-GM route. Collaborators in Australia - currently experiencing one of the worst droughts on record - are using the technology to rapidly cycle genetic improvements to make crops more drought resilient. Dr Wulff predicts the speed breeding technology will become the norm in research institutes: "We know that more and more institutes across the world will be adopting this technology and by sharing these protocols we are providing a pathway for accelerating crop research." The refinements, outlined in this study, aim to optimise the technology as a research tool. Changes to soil/media composition, lighting, temperature, spacing of plants and premature seed harvest have led to the team cutting down the seed-to-seed generation time in wheat to just eight weeks. This means the speed breeding technology allows six generations of wheat to be grown per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods. Sreya Ghosh, first author on the paper, from the John Innes Centre, highlights the benefit of making the technology accessible to more researchers. "It was important to us that we developed something that could be bought quickly and set up with minimum skill. "This scaled down cabinet means the technology is accessible and democratic. Researchers all over the world can set it up on their desk to get the benefits of speed breeding for their research programme." Generation time in most plant species represents a bottleneck in applied research programmes and breeding. Tackling this bottleneck means scientists can respond quicker to emerging diseases, changing climate and increased demand for certain traits ### The full report: http://dx.doi.org./10.1038/s41596-018-0072-z. Pictures/Media and captions: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_XPwbsHqcnfswDL4tAUkB4jYsXSNecUU Video content: https://youtu.be/QAUJqmOkmKk -- Notes for Editors Contacts Press Contact: Adrian Galvin - Adrian.Galvin@jic.ac.uk">Adrian.Galvin@jic.ac.uk">Adrian.Galvin@jic.ac.uk">Adrian.Galvin@jic.ac.uk Tel: 01603 450238 About the John Innes Centre The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science and microbiology. Our mission is to generate knowledge of plants and microbes through innovative research, to train scientists for the future, to apply our knowledge of nature's diversity to benefit agriculture, the environment, human health, and wellbeing, and engage with policy makers and the public. To achieve these goals we establish pioneering long-term research objectives in plant and microbial science, with a focus on genetics. These objectives include promoting the translation of research through partnerships to develop improved crops and to make new products from microbes and plants for human health and other applications. We also create new approaches, technologies and resources that enable research advances and help industry to make new products. The knowledge, resources and trained researchers we generate help global societies address important challenges including providing sufficient and affordable food, making new products for human health and industrial applications, and developing sustainable bio-based manufacturing. This provides a fertile environment for training the next generation of plant and microbial scientists, many of whom go on to careers in industry and academia, around the world. The John Innes Centre is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The John Innes Centre is also supported by the John Innes Foundation through provision of research accommodation and long-term support of the Rotation PhD programme. For more information about the John Innes Centre visit our website http://www.jic.ac.uk About BBSRC The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. Funded by government, BBSRC invested 469 million in world-class bioscience in 2016-17. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes Academic researchers have examined raw data from a company-funded safety evaluation of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. They discovered an effect on the brain architecture of the exposed laboratory animals at all tested doses, which was not included in the reported conclusions. Karolinska Institutet in Sweden led this independent study, which is published in the scientific journal Environmental Health. All pesticides must be evaluated in terms of their safety and potential risks for human health before they can officially be approved. Normally the companies that manufacture the products cover the cost of such evaluations and commission test laboratories to perform the necessary animal tests. Assistant professor Axel Mie at Karolinska Institutet, Christina Ruden at Stockholm University and Philippe Grandjean at Harvard School of Public Health have examined a case in which independent research and company-funded tests deviated, at least in terms of the conclusions drawn in the industry-funded study. The company-funded animal test was performed to ascertain how neural development is affected by the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which is used on a wide variety of crops around the world, including some 20 EU countries. The test laboratory concluded that there was no such effect, even at high doses. "We have looked at the study design and raw data from the manufacturer-funded study and found several weak points," says Axel Mie, assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Research and Education at the Stockholm South General (Soder) Hospital. "For instance, we observed a clear effect on the height of the cerebellum in young rats that were exposed to the substance while still at the fetal stage, even at the lowest tested dose. This was reported neither in the study's summary nor in its conclusion." Extensive independent research has also previously indicated that chlorpyrifos adversely affects brain development, including childhood IQ, even at the low doses that consumers are generally exposed to through food. "One conclusion we draw is that there is a risk that the results of industry-funded toxicity tests are not reported correctly," says Dr Mie. "This makes it difficult for the authorities to evaluate the pesticides in a safe and valid way. We also conclude that independent academic research should be given a higher status in the evaluation of the safety of chemicals." The researchers did not receive any external funding for the study. ### Publication: "Safety of Safety Evaluation of Pesticides: Developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl". Axel Mie, Christina Ruden and Philippe Grandjean. Environmental Health, online 16 November 2018, doi: 10.1186/s12940-018-0421-y Polymer pelts made of the finest of fibers are suitable for many different applications, from coatings that adhere well and are easy to remove to highly sensitive biological detectors. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) together with scientists in the United States have now developed a cost-effective process to allow customized polymer nanofibers to grow on a solid substrate through vapor deposition of a liquid crystal layer with reactive molecules. The researchers report on their innovative method in the journal Science. (DOI: 10.1126/science.aar8449) Surfaces with specially aligned fibers are quite abundant in nature and perform different functions such as sensing, adhering and self-cleaning. For example, the feet of geckos are covered with millions of hairs that allow them to adhere to surfaces and pull off again very easily. The synthesis of such surfaces from man-made materials opens up new perspectives for different applications. However, methods previously available for the production of polymer pelts on solid bases have been costly. What's more important, the size, shape and alignment of the fibers can only be controlled to a limited extent with conventional methods. Researchers at the Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG) of KIT, as well as at the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, have now developed a simple and therefore cost-effective process that allows polymer pelts to grow in a self-organized way. The research group led by Professor Joerg Lahann, Head of the Department of New Polymers and Biomaterials at KIT's IFG and Director of the Biointerfaces Institute of the University of Michigan, present the new process in the journal Science. First of all, they cover a carrier with a thin layer of liquid crystals, which are substances that are liquid, have directional properties and are otherwise used especially for screens and displays (liquid crystal displays - LCDs). Next, the liquid crystal layer is exposed to activated molecules by vapor deposition. These reactive monomers penetrate the liquid crystalline layer and grow from the substrate into the liquid in the form of fine fibers. As a result, polymer nanofibers are created that can be customized in length, diameter, shape and arrangement. The complex but precisely structured polymer pelts formed by the fibers are attractive for many different applications, especially for biological detectors, bioinstructive surfaces that interact with their environment, and for coatings with new properties. This also includes surfaces with dry adhesion properties similar to those of gecko feet, although adhesion in nanofibers is based on a special spatial arrangement of the atoms in the molecules (chirality - handedness). The German Research Foundation (DFG) funded the work at the "Molecular Structuring of Soft Matter" Collaborative Research Center (CRC). In the 3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O) cluster of KIT and the University of Heidelberg, which will be funded in the Excellence Strategy by the federal and state governments from January 2019, the focus will also be on customized materials. The 3DMM2O Excellence Cluster, in which the Head of KIT's IFG, Professor Christof Woll, is involved as one of the main researchers, combines natural and engineering sciences, focusing on three-dimensional additive production technologies from a molecular to macroscopic level. ### Original publication: Kenneth C. K. Cheng, Marco A. Bedolla-Pantoja, Young-Ki Kim, Jason V. Gregory, Fan Xie, Alexander de France, Christoph Hussal, Kai Sun, Nicholas L. Abbott, Joerg Lahann: Templated Nanofiber Synthesis via Chemical Vapor Polymerization into Liquid Crystalline Films. Science, 2018. DOI: 10.1126/science.aar8449 As "the Research University in the Helmholtz Association", KIT creates and conveys knowledge for society and the environment. The aim is to make significant contributions to global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility and information. To achieve this, around 9,300 employees are working together on a broad disciplinary basis in natural sciences, engineering, economics, humanities and social sciences. KIT offers research-oriented studies to prepare its 25500 students for responsible tasks in society, economy and science. Innovations at KIT bridge the gap between knowledge and application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity and the preservation of our natural resources. This press release is available on the internet at: http://www.sek.kit.edu/presse.php A Lancaster academic has played a central role in a major initiative designed to improve corporate reporting, due to be launched by leading global companies at an event in New York today Lancaster University supports global initiative to calculate 'value' of employees in major step towards more responsible capitalism A Lancaster academic has played a central role in a major initiative designed to improve corporate reporting, due to be launched by leading global companies at an event in New York today. With the collective power and diversity of the entire investment chain, the Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) involves companies that represent $30 trillion of assets under management and almost 2 million employees right around the world. EPIC and the 'big four' global accounting firm EY was set up with the intention of making corporate reporting more useful by developing a framework and metrics to better articulate the long-term value created by businesses. Dr Anthony Hesketh of Lancaster University Management School was invited by EPIC to work side-by-side with the leading global corporations for eighteen months to develop a new framework for understanding and reporting the contribution made by employees - or 'human capital' - to the success of their organisations. Building on a framework developed by previously funded academic research, Dr Hesketh and his team examined the human capital reporting practices of the globe's top 700 firms by revenue with results now endorsed by leaders of the global financial community. In addition to a number of prominent CEOs, speakers at today's launch in New York will include Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, Governor John Kasich and Senators Rob Portman and Mark Warner. This follows a dinner held last night for Embankment Project participants, attended by former President Bill Clinton. Dr Hesketh's research established a clear economic case for businesses to engage in deeper and more transparent reporting of their human capital practices. Findings demonstrated: Human capital disclosers perform better. Those firms with higher levels of disclosure about their human capital are disproportionately represented in the highest performing firms. The deeper the disclosure, the greater the economic returns. Using a human capital disclosure index developed by Hesketh and endorsed by EPIC participants, analysis established how firm financial performance increases in step with human capital reporting intensity. Human capital disclosers focus on value creation over the long term. Firms with higher levels of human capital disclosure on average secure higher levels of operating margin and retain higher levels of earnings to reinvest in the future returns of their businesses. Establishing the return on investment (ROI) from human capital. Dr Hesketh has also developed a financial equation endorsed by EPIC participants to enable firms to calculate the returns generated from their investment in human capital. This demonstrated the return on invested talent (or ROIT) for those firms with deeper and wider levels of human capital reporting (3.17 for every 1 invested) were nearly three times those with those lowest levels of human capital disclosure (1.17). Human capital reporters let their numbers do their talking. Evaluating recent developments in corporate narrative reporting, Dr Hesketh's research also revealed how those firms with greater levels of human capital disclosure use three times less words in their narratives than other firms. EPIC has endorsed Dr Hesketh's findings and human capital reporting indicators. Lancaster University's Dr Anthony Hesketh said: "The accounting profession has failed to properly appreciate the value of employees for half a millennium. "Changes in the way society values our largest firms, and the role people play in this value creation, demands a higher level of transparency from firms about how they enable their employees to thrive at work. People are less motivated to work for firms whose levels of human capital disclosure fall beneath the standards of their peers. "Reporting standards are currently running behind the demands of workers and wider society, but EPIC has opened the conversation to address this anomaly and we are looking forward to taking the EPIC framework on to the next level as firms deepen their understanding about their intangible value." Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, said: "There has been a lot of focus recently on short-term pressure in our capital markets and a lively discussion around quarterly reporting, but what we report is as important as how often we report it. It is time to update how we value companies and measure their impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. EPIC brought together companies and investors to help define how firms create long-term value and offer potential ways to measure and report on that." The health of corporations and financial markets - and public trust in both - is critical to economic growth. Our collective future strongly depends on vibrant and sustainable capital markets. Market participants have a role to ensure long-term value creation that benefits all. Today, a company's value is increasingly reflected not just in its short-term financial performance, but also by intangible assets such as intellectual property, talent, brand and innovation, as well as impacts on society and the environment that are not fully captured by traditional financial statements. To understand this value, participants in EPIC believe it is essential to focus on and measure: Talent: the way companies manage their human capital when it comes to compensation and benefits; recruitment; training and development; diversity and inclusion; well-being and creating a purpose-driven culture of engagement. Innovation: fulfilling unmet needs and maintaining focus on the end user during the innovation process and fostering trust in the organization. Society and environment: the impact on external stakeholders and communities by contributing to business-relevant social and environmental goals. Governance: the effectiveness of the board in providing appropriate oversight, governance mechanisms to ensure board quality and independence, and the ability of leadership, in conjunction with the board, to develop and assess long-term strategy. The report released today, which is available at http://www.eEPIC-value.com, outlines several of these intangible assets and possible metrics for helping companies communicate their ability to generate long-term value to both investors and society as a whole. The group believes that these findings serve as a contribution to ongoing discussions around long-term value creation and, at the same time, serve as an impetus for discussions that have yet to begin. ### Notes to Editors Embankment Project participants: ASSET OWNERS Allianz The Allstate Corporation ATP CalSTRS CalPERS Canada Pension PLan Investment Board The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America MetLife Washington State Investment Board ASSET MANAGERS Amundi Asset Management Aetna Barings BlackRock Investec J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management Neuberger Berman Nuveen Schroders State Street Global Advisors Vanguard COMPANIES AetnaBASFDowDuPontEcolabJohnson & JohnsonNestleNovartisPepsiCoUnilever About the Embankment Project The 18-month, evidence-led project, sought to demonstrate that through collaboration across the investment chain, a new reporting mechanism is a valuable tool for corporations to drive long-term shareholder value through the credible measurement and comparisons of activities affecting all material stakeholders. About Dr Anthony Hesketh Anthony is Senior Lecturer in the Management School in the Department of Work and Technology at Lancaster University Management School. Ant's research focuses on exploring how we understand, develop and articulate value in organizations. Dr Hesketh was a participant in the EPIC Human Capital Disclosure Working Group. He is a Critical Eye Global Thought Leader. He is available for interview and can be contacted through Lancaster University's press office - 01524 510998 The number of critically endangered animals has been increasing in recent years. According to data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 1375 avian species are categorized as being endangered animals, and around 12% of the endangered species are avian. The conservation of endangered species is an important task for our next generation in order to maintain genetic diversity. The Okinawa rail, which is a species endemic to northern Okinawa Island, is an example of an endangered (EN) avian species. The Okinawa rail is categorized EN on the IUCN red list, because its individual numbers are estimated to be approximately 1500. As part of the cellular conservation of endangered avian species, our group initiated a primary cell culture project aimed at preserving endangered avian species in Japan, such as the Okinawa rail. However, primary cells cannot be cultured indefinitely because of cellular senescence and stresses caused by cell culture. To overcome these cell culture limitations, primary cells have to be immortalized. Although immortalized cultured cells are useful for various functional assays or transcriptome analysis, highly efficient and reproducible immortalization methods have not been developed in avian-derived cells. We firstly introduced the simian Virus 40T antigen (SV40T) and human papillomavirus (HPV)-E6E7 to chick and Okinawa rail (endangered species) derived fibroblast. However, neither the SV40T nor E6E7 genes could induce avian cell immortality. Accordingly, we attempted to use a recently developed immortalization method, which involves the co-expression of mutant CDK4, Cyclin D and TERT (K4DT method) in these avian cells. Cellular division until the senescence was significantly extended by K4DT although the K4DT method could not induce the efficient immortalization in mass cell population. As a result, we succeeded to obtain the immortalized avian cells with K4DT expression. We conclude that the K4DT method is useful to extend the cell division and immortalization of avian-derived cells. ### The research is published on November 11, 2018 in Journal of Cellular Physiology. Article: Katayama M, Kiyono T, Ohmaki H, Eitsuka T, Endoh D, Inoue-Murayama M, Nakajima N, Onuma M, Fukuda T. Extended proliferation of chicken and Okinawa rail derived fibroblasts by expression of cell cycle regulators. Journal of Cellular Physiology. DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27417 Under line: Wildlife Genome Collaborative Research Group in National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan. Contact: Manabu Onuma National Institute for Environmental Studies 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506 Japan monuma@nies.go.jp Masafumi Katayama National Institute for Environmental Studies 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506 Japan katayama.masafumi@nies.go.jp Tomokazu Fukuda Iwate University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering Iwate University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Molecular Genetics 4-3-5, Ueda, Morioka-city, Iwate Prefecture, 020-8551, Japan tomof009@iwate-u.ac.jp For the first time scientists have identified how to halt kidney disease in a life-limiting genetic condition, which may pave the way for personalised treatment in the future. Experts at Newcastle University, UK, have shown in a cell model and in a mouse model that gene editing could be used for Joubert syndrome to stop kidney damage in patients who have the CEP290 faulty gene. Joubert syndrome is a brain disorder, causing varying degrees of physical, mental and sometimes visual impairments. The condition affects approximately one in 80,000 newborns, and one third also get kidney failure. Not all patients with Joubert syndrome carry the CEP290 gene, but those who do will develop kidney disease during their lifetime and may require a transplant or dialysis. Significant breakthrough The study, which was funded by Kidney Research UK, has found it is possible to use a strand of engineered DNA to trick the cells' own editing machinery to bypass the CEP290 mutation that causes kidney damage - a technique known as 'exon-skipping'. Professor John Sayer, from the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, led the research that is published online today (Friday, November 16) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). He said: "This is the first time that gene editing within the kidney has been performed, even in a mouse model, as the design and delivery of the gene editing to the kidney has previously been thought to be too difficult. "Our research is a major step forwards as we now know how we may be able to offer a therapy that corrects the gene mistake within kidney cells and prevent the development of genetic kidney disease. "This work paves the way towards personalised genetic therapies in patients with the inherited kidney disease." The European study used kidney cells from patients with Joubert syndrome and a mouse model to progress the research. Experts used urine samples to grow kidney cells in the laboratory to see how the cells responded to gene editing. They also performed gene editing to halt kidney disease in a mouse that had Joubert syndrome and rodents suffering from kidney cysts and kidney failure. Challenging disease Professor Sayer, a Consultant Nephrologist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The treatment of genetic kidney disease is challenging, as this requires both the correction of the underlying gene defect and the delivery of the treatment. "We have shown that the kidney disease in a mouse can be dramatically improved using this exon-skipping gene editing technology. "This will mean that we can edit out genetic mistakes that are leading to inherited kidney diseases such as Joubert syndrome and we are testing this technology in other mouse models before we move into patient studies. "We expect that we will start to test treatment of patients with exon-skipping within the next three years." Scientists are now looking to work with a drug manufacturing company to bring the exon-skipping technology into patients' clinics. Patient's story Teenager Asher Ahmed has Joubert syndrome and is likely to need a kidney transplant in the future. Asher, of Fenham, Newcastle, was diagnosed with kidney damage five years ago and is on a number of drugs to keep him well. The 19-year-old has a range of medical issues due to his Joubert syndrome, including visual impairment, communication problems and difficulties with balance and coordination. The teenager has been instrumental in helping further the research as he has provided many samples over the years, allowing the Newcastle scientists to grow kidney cells - without these the research would not have been possible. Asher's mother, Nabila, a Civil Servant, says she welcomes the findings of the Newcastle University-led study as it will help give patients a better quality of life in the future. Mrs Ahmed said: "It is very important that research is done into Joubert syndrome and the linked kidney damage as this will hopefully prevent patients in the future needing a kidney transplant. "All throughout Asher's life, he has lived with the effects of Joubert syndrome and five years ago he was diagnosed with kidney disease as he has the CEP290 gene. "Asher is on a number of tablets to keep him well and this is an added complication to an already difficult condition. We know he will likely need a transplant in the future and this is a worry. "We were happy for Asher to provide samples for the study as anything that helps further understanding into the condition is well worth doing, so it's great to see the study's positive results." ### Reference Targeted exon skipping of a CEP290 mutation rescues Joubert syndrome phenotypes in vitro and in a murine model Simon Ramsbottom et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Mount Sinai Health System, New York's largest integrated academic medical center, announced today a historic agreement with Taikang Healthcare in China to provide clinical and management knowledge transfer services, and education and training programs for Taikang's Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in east central China. Mount Sinai will also provide guidance in implementing high-quality medical care delivery standards, developing clinical centers of excellence, and establishing best practices in hospital management. "Our mission is to enable our international partners to raise the standards of healthcare delivery in their communities by leveraging Mount Sinai's repository of medical knowledge, cutting-edge clinical innovations, and educational resources," said Arthur Klein, MD, President of Mount Sinai Health Network. "Taikang shares this mission and is committed to improving healthcare outcomes for their patients. Taikang is an ideal partner to for us in China, and we are excited to play an important and critical role in expanding innovative healthcare in this region." "Among a vast array of domestic organizations currently involved in hospital development in China, Taikang really stands out," noted Szabi Dorotovics, MD, President of Mount Sinai International, the division of the Mount Sinai Health System responsible for global collaborations. "Taikang is focused on the health and wellness of the communities it serves and prioritizing access and care excellence first. This is wholly consistent with Mount Sinai's international goals and we are proud to partner with them to transform care for the patients they serve." Dr. Benjamin Liu, Vice President of Taikang Insurance Group and CEO of Taikang Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiaryof the Taikang Insurance Group which oversees healthcare and senior living community development and operation, noted, "During the last 165 years, Mount Sinai has forged its reputation in the USA as a healthcare pioneer. Taikang Healthcare is, admittedly, a much younger organization, but we also consider ourselves a healthcare and senior living sector'pioneer' in the emerging landscape in China. We believe that when two such 'pioneers' join forces, we can, together, truly advance transformation of the Chinese healthcare industry." ### About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system encompassing seven hospital campuses, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The System includes approximately 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 380 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in six other specialties in the 2018-2019 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology and 44th for Ear, Nose, and Throat, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. About Taikang Insurance Group & Taikang Healthcare The Taikang Insurance Group owns Taikang Life Insurance, Taikang Assets, Taikang Pension, Taikang Health Investment, Taikang Health, Taikang Online, and other subsidiaries. The Group's business scope covers a wide range of areas including Life Insurance, Internet Property Insurance, Enterprise Annuities, Asset Management, Medical Pensions, Health Management, and Commercial Real Estate. As of the end of 2017, Taikang's assets under management exceeded RMB 1.2 trillion. Since its establishment 22 years ago, the Group has serviced a total of 225 million individual customers, and over 340,000 service enterprise customers in China. Taikang has been ranked among the "Top 500 Chinese Enterprises" for 14 consecutive years. In 2018, Taikang Insurance Group ranked No. 489 in the Fortune Global 500 list, with an operating income of US$24.085 billion, marking Taikang's entry into the ranks of the world's largest insurance financial services groups.The Taikang Insurance Group has always adhered to the concepts of "professionalism, market-focus, and standardization", thereby deepening the life insurance industry's value chain through 3,900 offline physical networks, online internet platforms, and 700,000 employees and sales professionals across China. Taikang is committed to becoming the world's leading insurance financial services group, making insurance more secure, more convenient, and more affordable, thereby allowing its customers to lead a healthier, longer, and richer life. The Taikang Group has also invested in the operation of Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital in Nanjing - the provincial capital of Jiangsu Province, the construction of the Taikang Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and the launch of the Taikang Southwest Medical Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, among the Group's other efforts to develop a range of medical education and research-integrated medical centers. Russian scientists and veterinarians have developed hind leg prostheses for pets, which ensure a full recovery after surgery Veterinarians from Novosibirsk have conducted Russia's first osseointegrable prosthetics of the hind leg in a dog. Shans the dog lost his leg due to an accident. Especially for him, doctors made an individual prosthesis with a biocoating so it would take root better. Currently, the biocoating developed by Tomsk Polytechnic University scientists is under patent pending. Veterinarian Sergei Gorshkov tells: 'An implant was tailor-made for the dog based on a patented prosthetic technology (SerGoFIX by S. Gorshkov, BEST clinic, Novosibirsk, Russia). The technique implies a tailor-made prosthesis with the biocoating which is implanted into the bone and fuses with the tissues ensuring reliable fixation without infection,' says Sergei Gorshkov, a veterinarian from the BEST pet clinic. Initially, veterinarians conducted a computed tomography scan of the patient's hind legs. Then they made a 3D model of the prosthesis and after adjusting and testing all parameters it was 3D printed using selective laser sintering. The main part of the prosthesis is made out of a titanium-nickel-vanadium alloy and, for example, guide systems for resection (removal - ed.) - out of a biocompatible photopolymer. As.Prof. Sergey Tverdokhlebov from the TPU Veinberg Research Center says: When we received the implant, our task was to apply a calcium phosphate coating on it. This is necessary to ensure the integration of the implant with the bone since this material seems to be deceiving the body and making it to perceive as its own. Due to this, the pet has complete freedom of motion after the surgery. We had developed with our partners an advanced microarc oxidation facility to apply such coatings. In this case the complexity was in selecting technological modes for the modification of porous 3D products.' After the implantation, the veterinarians fixed the prosthesis with an external exprosthesis made out of polycaprolactone. As Novosibirsk veterinarians point out, Shans the dog feels well and uses the prosthesis '100% of the time with full support'. Now it is under the patronage of the Varezhka charity fund and waits for a new owner. ### A newborn baby's brain responds to being touched on the face, according to new research co-led by UCL. Babies use this sense of touch - facial somatosensation - to find and latch onto their mother's nipple, and should have this ability from birth. Premature babies often have difficulty feeding, and underdevelopment of their facial sensitivity may be one of the main causes. Researchers from UCL, Imperial College London, UCLH and Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma developed a new method to study this sense of touch in babies and how their brains reacted using electroencephalography (EEG). Current methods of evoking brain activity in response to touch aren't suitable for a newborn's face, so academics have developed a device - based on a transducer - worn on the fingertip, covered by a clinical glove. The baby can be lightly tapped on the cheek, and then brain responses are measured as well as the force of the tapping. The report, 'A novel sensor design for accurate measurement of facial somatosensation in pre-term infants', is published in the journal PLOS ONE. Dr Lorenzo Fabrizi (UCL Biosciences) said: "This research provides a way of understanding how pre-term babies process touch information, and could help medical professionals to make informed decisions relating to their development. "We've proved that we can record the sense of touch from the face. This means that for premature babies, it is possible to study how they process the tactile information that they receive from the face, how this changes as they mature and whether disruption of this process might lead to longer-term feeding problems." Babies' brains develop quicker than at any other point in life. Facial somatosensation is necessary for breastfeeding; for example if a newborn baby's right cheek is lying on their mother's breast, the baby uses this information to turn its head to the right in order to feed (rooting). Therefore finding a way to measure brain responses to facial touch is important for understanding brain development in newborns. Professor Etienne Burdet (Imperial College London) said: "We had to develop a stimulating system that was safe to use on the delicate face of the babies and acceptable to their parents. We used an iterative design approach to develop a seamless wearable device that can measure a natural finger tap to the skin. "After we found that conventional sensors were not practical, we developed a dedicated sensor and packaging using 3D printing." The study looked at seven babies who were on average seven days old at UCLH's postnatal and neonatal wards, each one having been born prematurely (before 37 weeks). The research was supported by the UK Medical Research Council, European Commission grants, and a UK EPSRC MOTION grant. The force transducer was developed at Imperial College London and the trial was carried out at UCL and the UCLH Elizabeth Garrett Anderson wing. Ethical approval was obtained from the NHS Research Ethics Committee along with informed parental consent for each baby. ### Notes to Editors For more information or to speak to the researchers involved, please contact: Kate Corry, UCL Media Relations. T: +44 (0)20 3108 6995, E: k.corry@ucl.ac.uk Kimberley Whitehead, Lorenzo Fabrizi, UCL Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology; Franck Gonzalez, Elizabeth Wilhelm, Etienne Burdet, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine; Alessandro Donadio, Domenico Formica, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma; Judith Meek, University College London Hospitals. The paper will be embargoed until Friday 16th November at 7pm GMT (2pm EST). The paper will be available here and includes a video showing one of the experiments. About UCL (University College London) UCL was founded in 1826. We were the first English university established after Oxford and Cambridge, the first to open up university education to those previously excluded from it, and the first to provide systematic teaching of law, architecture and medicine. We are among the world's top universities, as reflected by performance in a range of international rankings and tables. UCL currently has over 39,000 students from 150 countries and over 12,500 staff. Our annual income is more than 1 billion. http://www.ucl.ac.uk | Follow us on Twitter@uclnews | Watch our YouTube channel YouTube.com/UCLTV A new study funded by Cancer Research UK and led by the University of Birmingham has found that the standard chemotherapy used to treat a specific type of throat cancer remains the most effective. The findings of the trial, which aimed to compare for the first time the outcomes of using two different kinds of treatment for patients with Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive throat cancer, are published today (November 15th) in The Lancet. Throat cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in Western countries. In the UK, incidence was unchanged between 1970 and 1995, then doubled between 1996 and 2006, and doubled again between 2006 and 2010. The rise has been attributed to HPV, which is often a sexually transmitted infection. Most throat cancers were previously caused by smoking and alcohol and affected 65 to 70 year old working class men. Today, HPV is the main cause of throat cancer and patients are middle class, working, have young children and are aged around 55. HPV-positive throat cancer responds well to a combination of cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and patients can survive for 30 to 40 years, but the treatment causes lifelong side effects including dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste. The De-ESCALaTE HPV study, which was sponsored by the University of Warwick, compared the side effects and survival of 164 patients who were treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin, and 162 who were given radiotherapy and cetuximab. The patients were enrolled between 2012 and 2016 at 32 centres in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Patients were randomly allocated to be treated with radiotherapy and either cisplatin or cetuximab. Eight in ten patients were male and the average age was 57 years. Importantly, the results found that there was very little difference between the two drugs in terms of toxicity in patients and side effects such as dry mouth, however, there was a significant difference in the survival rates and recurrences of cancer in patients taking part in the trial. They found that the patients who received the current standard chemotherapy cisplatin had a significantly higher two-year overall survival rate (97.5%) than those on cetuximab (89.4%). During the six-year study, there were 29 recurrences and 20 deaths with cetuximab, compared to 10 recurrences of cancer and six deaths in patients who were treated with the current standard chemotherapy cisplatin. And cancer was three times more likely to recur in two years following treatment with cetuximab compared to cisplatin, with recurrence rates of 16.1 per cent versus six per cent, respectively. Study lead Professor Hisham Mehanna, Director of the University of Birmingham's Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, said: "Many patients have been receiving cetuximab with radiotherapy on the assumption that it was as effective as cisplatin chemotherapy with radiotherapy and caused fewer side effects but there has been no head-to-head comparison of the two treatments. "Cetuximab did not cause less toxicity and resulted in worse overall survival and more cancer recurrence than cisplatin. "This was a surprise - we thought it would lead to the same survival rates but better toxicity. Patients with throat cancer who are HPV positive should be given cisplatin, and not cetuximab, where possible." Dr Emma King, Cancer Research UK Associate Professor in head and neck surgery at the University of Southampton, said: "Studies like this are essential for us to optimise treatments for patients. We now know that for HPV-positive throat cancer, the standard chemotherapy treatment remains the most effective option. "However, we must keep testing new alternatives to ensure patients always have access to cutting-edge and kinder treatments. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can leave head and neck cancer patients with long term pain and difficulties swallowing, so we should always strive to minimise side effects." Professor Janet Dunn from the University of Warwick, whose team ran the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial, said: "In the current trend for de-escalation of treatment, the results of the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial are very important as they were not as we expected. They do highlight the need for academic clinical trials and are an acknowledgement of the key role played by Warwick Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Warwick as the co-ordination and analysis centre for this important international trial." The patients on the De-ESCALaTE trial Steering Committee endorsed the importance of research findings. Malcom Babb, who is also President of the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs, said: "From a patient perspective, De-ESCALaTE has been a success by providing definitive information about the comparative effectiveness of treatment choices." ### For more information please contact Emma McKinney, Communications Manager (Health Sciences), University of Birmingham, Email: e.j.mckinney@bham.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0) 121 414 6681, or contact the press office out of hours on +44 (0) 7789 921 165 or pressoffice@contacts.bham.ac.uk Notes to Editors The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries. Mehanna et al (2018). 'Radiation with cisplatin or cetuximab in Human papillomavirus-related low risk oropharyngeal cancer - the De-ESCALaTE HPV trial'. The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/ S0140-6736(18)32752-1 When the paper publishes, it can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32752-1 The DeESCALaTE study (Determination of epidermal growth factor receptor-inhibitor (cetuximab) versus standard chemotherapy (cisplatin) early and late toxicity events in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma). * The research was carried out in collaboration with Newcastle University; University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield; University of Warwick; St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds; Castle Hill Hospital; Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre; St James' University Hospital; Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; Royal Surrey County Hospital; Luke's Hospital, Dublin, with Cancer Trials Ireland and St Lukes Institute of Cancer Research; Cheltenham General Hospital; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; James Cook University Hospital; Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board; Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust; University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust; Western General Hospital, Edinburgh; University Medical Centre, Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands; Royal Marsden Hospital; Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London; and University of Oxford About Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. Cancer Research UK receives no funding from the UK government for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on vital donations from the public. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. The head of Iran's naval forces has said he plans to soon send a fleet to visit Italy, where the U.S. Navy and the U.S.-led Western military alliance have critical command posts. Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, commander of the Iranian navy, expressed the desire during a meeting with Italy's deputy naval commander on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in the southwestern port city of Kochi, India. Khanzadi said the two countries should work more closely together on military affairs, according to Iranian media reports, which said the Italian military official agreed. Newsweek reports in its article IRAN SAYS IT WILL SEND ITS MILITARY TO ITALY, WHERE U.S. COMMAND IS BASED that Khanzadi said that "a fleet of warships of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy will be sent to Italy for a visit and interactions in the near future," according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. "We are always trying to have cooperation and interaction with the world states' navies and the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy as a powerful force in the sea is much important and influential to us," the Italian official was quoted as saying. Iran is one of 23 member states within the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, while Italy is one of the nine observer countries. Italy was a supporter of the 2015 nuclear deal signed by the U.S. and Iran, along with China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom, and has continued to do so after President Donald Trump pulled out in May. Iran and Italy have fostered ties despite the former's traditional hostility toward Western powers. Two decades after the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted a West-backed monarchy in Iran, Iranian President Mohammed Khatami chose Italy and the Vatican as the venue for his revolutionary Shiite Muslim power's first state visit to the West in 1999. Tehran went another 16 years before sending another head of state to the West and, in January 2016, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also visited Italy as he sought to promote business cooperation in the absence of U.S. sanctions. In April of that year, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited Iran and, in September, Italy sent a warship there as a part of an antipiracy mission. The vessel docked in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and conducted joint military exercises. Italy, however, is a close defense ally of the United States, one of Iran's top foes. Though ties briefly warmed under former President Barack Obama, Trump's decision to scrap the landmark nuclear accord in response to Tehran's support for armed groups abroad and ballistic missile development has severely heightened tensions between the two. As U.S. sanctions were again imposed, Italy was named as one eight countries to be granted a six-month waiver. The southern Italian city of Naples serves as the headquarters for the United States Sixth Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe, both based at the Naval Support Activity Naples installation near Naples International Airport. In addition, Naples hosts NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples. U.S. military assets in Italy have been used as part of a mission to defeat the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, two countries where Iran has also contributed extensively to fighting the jihadis. While the rivals both back the Iraqi government, they support competing factions in Syria's seven-year civil war. Following the most recent round of U.S.-led strikes against the Syrian government, an ally of Russia and Iran, Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris warned in April that nuclear Virginia-class submarine USS John Warner should not be allowed to pass through his city's harbor as it posed a risk to residents. Research is an important component of academic medicine, but many family medicine departments have struggled with barriers ranging from departmental culture to the lack of resources needed to advance the field. It doesn't have to be that way, according to a paper published in the journal Family Medicine. Researchers report key factors that can boost the creation of knowledge, including leadership commitment to research and building a team approach to research that is relevant to family medicine. "Primary care is the largest delivery platform in the United States, but we spend so few resources on determining how to improve it, how to make the delivery efficient, effective and equitable," said Dr. Winston Liaw, clinical associate professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine and chairman of the Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences. "A lot of the evidence we use to make decisions about primary care comes from research done in specialty clinics or highly specialized medical centers, which is a different patient population than those who come to primary care clinics." Liaw led the research, which identified eight family medicine departments from across the country that regularly produce authoritative and relevant research, and conducted interviews to determine why these so-called "bright spots" succeeded. "Bright spot departments had leaders that value research and committed resources to support it," the researchers wrote. "The chairs did not need to be researchers, but needed to understand the research process, potential sources of revenue and infrastructure. They viewed challenges and crises within the department and institution as opportunities to conduct research." In addition to Liaw, coauthors included Aimee Eden, a researcher with the American Board of Family Medicine; Megan Coffman, health policy director at the Robert Graham Center; Meera Nagaraj, an undergraduate student at Davidson College; and Dr. Andrew Bazemore, director of the Robert Graham Center. The UH College of Medicine will focus on training primary care physicians to address a shortage in Houston and across Texas, while improving access to health care in underserved urban and rural communities. Research will be part of that mission, Liaw said. "Doing research in primary care is important to improving the health of people who come to primary care centers, which is a large percentage of our population." He knows that won't happen automatically. Earlier research has shown that 80 percent of family medicine faculty spend a half day or less per week on research and, on average, publish less than once per year. But the findings reported in Family Medicine suggest a path to get there, as researchers identified several keys: Leadership that is committed to research Research built around teams of researchers, with interdisciplinary teams facilitated by partnerships that allow the family practice department to tackle complex problems, supported by mentorship and resources The convergence of researchers and clinicians to ensure the research is relevant to family medicine A departmental culture of trust The findings suggest collaborations between the College of Medicine and other health-focused colleges and departments at UH - from psychology and the fundamental sciences to the colleges of optometry and pharmacy - will be an important part of the solution. But Liaw said the researchers also discovered that primary care clinicians can provide important ideas and observations to further the research of colleagues. "That's important for students, to know that even if they're not a researcher, their questions can be very important," he said. ### Research by scientists at the University of Liverpool suggests that being raised communally makes mice more competitive when they're older. It is well known that in many animals, including humans, early-life experiences have long-lasting effects on the development of behaviours later in life. In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers at the University's Institute of Integrative Biology have investigated the effects of communal rearing on competitive and exploratory behaviours in adult male house mice. "Female house mice pursue two flexible social strategies, either raising their offspring in communal or single nests. This makes them an ideal model species to study how these different approaches shape future development," explains lead researcher Dr Stefan Fischer. The decision to care communally can vary according to local conditions and has been hypothesised to occur more frequently when social competition is intense. However, it is unknown whether communal rearing of young influences adult behaviours under competitive conditions. Using a controlled experimental approach, the researchers found that when compared to single reared males, communal reared males were more competitive towards unrelated males than towards related males. In tests of competitive scent marking, only communally-reared mice discriminated between related and unrelated rivals, depositing more scent marks in close proximity to unrelated males. Communally-reared mice also displayed higher exploratory tendencies, with, for example, an increased probability of crossing a water barrier. Dr Fischer said: "Since exploration tendencies and discrimination between kin and non-kin are likely to be advantageous when dispersing from the natal territory or in a high-density population, our findings suggest that communal rearing prepares male house mice for a competitive social environment." Senior author Professor Paula Stockley added: "Our results add to growing evidence that the early social environment influences the development of important behavioural competences to cope with social challenges later in life." ### For decades, scientists have examined how regions of the brain communicate to understand autism. Researchers at University of Utah Health believe the symptoms of autism may result from sustained connections between regions of the brain. The details of their study are available November 16 in the journal JAMA Network Open. "People with autism do not like unexpected stimuli, and it may be because brains are not as efficient at rapidly shifting between ideas or thoughts," said Jeff Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., professor in Radiology at U of U Health and senior author on the study. "We wondered if we could see how local circuits in the brain react in patients with autism." To explore the duration of connections, Anderson and his team used a new fMRI technique (multiband, multi-echo resting-state functional MRI), to take pictures of the brain faster than once per second to examine where activity synchronizes across more than 300 regions of the brain. The approach measures how long, on average, functional connectivity persists between brain regions. "We don't have good methods for looking at the brain on these time scales," Anderson said. "It's been a blind spot because it falls in between typical MRI and EEG studies." Their work shows that patients with autism experience prolonged connection compared to typically developed individuals. The researchers believe the enduring connection may be an explanation for the symptoms of autism, because the brain does not shift from one activity to another easily. "Now that we are looking at finer timescales, we've found a consistent story," said Jace King, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research associate in the Brain Network Lab and first author on the paper. "It provides us with new tools to figure out the mechanisms that may underlie autism." The study was conducted in two parts. The initial study consisted of fMRI scans performed on 90 male participants (52 with autism between 19 to 34 years of age and 38 controls between 20 to 34 years of age). Patients with autism were matched to controls by age but not IQ. Anderson and his team compared the findings from his study to the findings from 1,400 participants (579 autism patients (80 female and 499 male) and 823 controls (211 female and 612 male)) in the ABIDE (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) study. The results from ABIDE support the initial study, which showed sustained brain connectivity in patients with autism. According to Anderson, brain connection fades out more quickly for patients without autism, but it remains synchronized for up to 20 seconds for individuals with autism. The team also found that the severity of autism symptoms increased with the duration of synchronization. "Individuals with autism who have greater social dysfunction have an increase in synched activity in their scans," said King. While the results offers a new perspective in how autism works in the brain, the initial portion of the study was limited to only male subjects within a narrow age range. Despite the limitations, Anderson believes they are on an exciting path of discovery. "We want to compare the results from this analysis to more traditional methods," said Anderson. "This is a whole new perspective into how autism works in the brain, and can help us develop strategies for treatment and finding medications that might be more effective to ease the symptoms of the disorder." ### The work received funding from National Institute of Mental Health. Anderson and King were joined by Carolyn K. King and Brandon A. Zielinski at U of U Health; Molly Prigge, Jubel Morgan, Douglas C. Dean III, Abigail Freeman, Joaquin Alfonso M. Villaruz, Karen L. Kane, Andrew L. Alexander and Janet E. Lainhart at University of Wisconsin-Madison; Erin D. Bigler at Brigham Young University; and Nicholas Lange at Harvard University. University of Utah Health provides leading-edge and compassionate medicine for a referral area that encompasses 10 percent of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health touts a $356 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah's physicians and more than 1,250 health care providers each year at its Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Health. With more than 20,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and four hospitals. For eight straight years, U of U Health has ranked among the top 10 U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, including reaching No. 1 in 2010 and 2016. Think of Facebook as a metaphor for the complex networks of interacting molecules in a living cell. Genes and proteins regulate the flow of information within a cell similar to people posting, liking, and disliking updates. But, how is it possible to understand and predict the function of these complex networks of genes and gene mutations within a living cell? Virginia Tech and Colorado State University researchers have been awarded a $1.52 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop new algorithms and mathematical models with the goal of predicting the effects of novel combinations of gene mutations in living cells. They will apply this computational framework to models of cell growth and division in budding yeast. T.M. Murali, a professor of computer science in the College of Engineering and associate director of the computational tissue engineering interdisciplinary graduate education program, is the lead investigator of this grant. His research group focuses on problems in computational systems biology. Murali is collaborating with John Tyson, University Distinguished Professor of biological sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, and Jean Peccoud, the Abell Chair in Synthetic Biology in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Colorado State University on this grant. Up to this point, computational cell biologists have constructed predictive mathematical models of many of the processes in a cell, but the potential of these models to predict the phenotypes of novel combinations of gene mutations has not been fully realized. Murali and Tyson's research groups will create a unique, integrated framework that will systematically generate informative predictions from mathematical models. They will devise techniques that prioritize these predictions. Subsequently, they will develop new algorithms that will streamline the design of experiments to test thousands of model predictions. "We will be using computational strategies to understand the complex rules by which proteins control each other and quickly construct, test, and validate a cell growth model with high-throughput experiments. This transformative approach is general purpose and can help to streamline and accelerate the mathematical modeling cycle for any process in the cell," said Murali, who is also a core faculty member in the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. Peccoud's lab will test the predictions of the mathematical models in cost-effective high-throughput genetic cross experiments in yeast. Their results will provide information to Murali and Tyson's team to rapidly reconcile inconsistencies between the model and the experiments. "My group has been collaborating with Drs. Murali and Tyson for more than 10 years. Initially, we were limited to testing a handful of genetic mutations. With this transformational award from the NSF, we will be able to design large-scale experiments to collect big datasets to validate and refine their models," said Peccoud. The modeling and high-throughput experiments developed by the researchers will be applicable in the future for drug development in such systems as animal and human cells. The grant will also infuse computational thinking into biology education at both universities on the undergraduate level and encourage students with backgrounds in life science, engineering, or computation to consider systems biology as a career choice. Each year, the researchers will offer a 10-week summer research institute on Computationally-Driven Experimental Biology to six undergraduate students, which will consist of lectures on project-related topics and a single collaborative research project. ### I have been dealing with European Watch Company for over ten years, and have purchased several wrist watches, including IWC, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. They were not only fairly priced but arrived in like-new condition, fully warranted by European Watch Company. This company has an attentive, knowledgeable staff, a large inventory, and is a genuine pleasure to deal with. P.V. Pawel Just completed my 7th transaction with EWC and for the 7th time the transaction was smooth, flawless and quick. Joshua is quick to respond to any e-mails and answer any questions. Ashley knows how to complete the necessary paperwork to avoid any delays at Customs as I am located in Canada and all paperwork needs to be completed perfectly which she is an expert at. You only want to deal with the best and the team at EWC is the best. There is a Yiddish word to describe the people at EWC and that word is mensches which translates to people of integrity and honour. Jeff B. Winnipeg, Canada After a lengthy search I located the Patek Philippe I desired at EWC, but the decision to make a high dollar purchase over the internet was a difficult one. Through numerous emails with Justin and looking at reviews of EWC I made the decision to proceed and I am now ECSTATIC. The watch is exactly as described and pictured. It was perfectly packaged and shipped FedEx overnight. My watch collection now includes the watch I have been seeking for over a year.In summary, you can deal with the EWC staff with confidence. They are professional, honest and you will receive a quality watch which will put a smile on your face. Chuck J. Phoenix, AZ I live in San Francisco but the EWC website is the first place I check once I get an impulse for a particular watch. EWC's website is cozy and feels like home. I enjoy the photos, presentation, description and historical notes of each item and really like their next day delivery, so I stay loyal to them. Sometimes I must wait awhile for a watch to become available but can usually find anything I want. Then there are the watches you never knew you wanted until you see them here. Scott Blalock San Francisco this news is not available Virendra Gupta, Founder & CEO, Dailyhunt and Umang Bedi, President, Dailyhunt were honoured with the exchange4media Influencer of the Year Award. CVL Srinivas, Country Manager, WPP and the winner of the 2017 exchange4media Influencer of the Year award and Raj Nayak, COO Viacom18 who was the winner of the 2016 exchange4media Influencer of the Year award presented the award to the duo. On working together with Gupta and the win, Bedi said, "Its been the most amazing enterprenuial journey. Viru and I have been brothers because we are so aligned in our thinking. He understands bharat at the grassroots level and I understand the scale of businesses. We are so complimentary in our skill-sets. In life you need an elder brother. And for me, that's what he stands for." An elated Gupta said, "On the behalf of team Dailyhunt, I humbly accept this award. As you know, our vision is to bridge the digital divide and we proud ourselves as one of the companies that is trying to fight off the digital prominence of Facebook and Google. We are 150 million monthly active users and till next year, we should be 300-350 monthly active users. This award is a belief by all of you in us and we are just getting started." Beginning in 2016, the exchange4media group initiated the Influencer of the Year award. The award honours visionaries who have transformed the industry and inspired the next level of growth while progressively using innovative technology for business achievements. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Following the week, it will be distributed to all other e-commerce portals, modern and general trade stores nationwide Sunfeast Yippee!, ITC Food Divisions popular instant noodle brands, has tied up with online grocery store Bigbasket for its new My range. As part of the partnership the four variants from this range (My Crazy Chow, My Madly Manchurian, My Mystery Masala and My Truly Chicken) will be available exclusively at the online grocery for over a week. Following this. it will be distributed to all modern and general trade stores nationwide. With this one week tie-up the brand hopes for an instant feedback from the 25 cities (where Bigbasket has a presence). Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive Foods Division, ITC Ltd, explains, People will taste it and then post it. That gives me the confidence of continuing with all four variants. Is there something thats lacking? Can I do some quick fix around that? With Yippee! My range, the brand expands its portfolio to young consumers with unique offerings that reflect their consumption choices and provides a new twist with unique flavour combinations. With Yippee Malliks focus is entirely on kids and insists on creating a new generation with the same. We found that there is a generation which has been brought up on Maggi. I need to create a new generation. In kids TG we are the most preferred brand. As they are growing up We have been there for seven-eight years. So my TG has also grown up and are now 15-16 years old. I want to make sure my new variants cater them" he added. When asked about the target Malik answers, We are looking to grow faster than the industry rate of 8-9 per cent. Each pack is of 60gms and all vegetarian variants are available for Rs 15 while the non-vegetarian, Truly Chicken variant is priced at Rs 18. The promotion for this tie-up is happening only on digital. On the site of Bigbasket its landing page informs about the exclusive launch with a contest and combo offer. Hari Menon, Co-founder and CEO, bigbasket said Product marketing is witnessing a paradigm shift in India. Many players are also launching their products online thanks to the surge in e-commerce in the country. We are delighted to be partnering with Sunfeast Yippee! to launch the new variants of their widely loved instant noodles exclusively on the bigbasket portal. It is a never-before offer which will not only catapult the popularity of the brand but also resonate with bigbasket's policy of bringing new and exciting offers to our customers. Our endeavour is to make the customer experience better at every step and this partnership will do that and more. Menon shared that they are looking at this partnerships with other brands and are aiming for a launch every quarter. The promotion and mainstream marketing for My range will start in a month after Sunfeast has achieved a certain amount of distribution. The brand will also work with 80-100 micro-bloggers across India for them to try and taste it. Let them try, taste, cook it and give their feedback. In fact, our whole TVC is around that as well, Malik informs. For the Foods Division of ITC Ltd ecommerce platforms contributes to almost 1.5 per cent of the overall sales. To put it in perspective modern trade is about 13-14 per cent. As marketers, we have to make sure that in every channel our presence is there so that at every access point the consumer is able to get our product. Malik is quite content with the progress Yippee has made in the packaged noodles segment. It is Rs 1000 crore brand with 22 per cent market share. He confesses of the category undergoing through a tough time and feels these developments will benefit the category overall. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) In the aftermath of the spate of minister resignations, odds fr the various Brexit outcomes have changed. According to Oddschecker, Brexit bets are being taken for another EU Referendum to be held before April 1st 2019 at 11/5 on Friday 17th November. Domestic Politics Pivotal in Pound Sterlings Value With the Brexit deal crisis deepening it seems that all sides, both domestic and in the wider Eurozone, have at least some reservations surrounding the proposed Brexit draft agreement. Aspects of the French and Dutch press have voiced objections to the agreement, complaining the EU is offering too many concessions. Domestically the opposite is the case, with hard-line Brexiteers claiming the proposed draft falls short of their envisioned autonomy for the UK. Despite receiving Cabinet approval on the 14th November, criticism is forthcoming from friend and foe alike for PM May. In an article published today, Hantec Markets Richard Perry spells out the difficulty PM May is likely to face in getting approval for the deal, it will be almost impossible for her deal to be voted through. The math seems to agree. Above: May Faces An Uphill Battle Getting Deal Through parliament Speculating on the fallout from the ongoing political mayhem, Perry outlines his expectations and the probabilities therein; - Another General Election (30% probability) - A so-called Peoples Vote, AKA a Second Referendum (15% probability) - No Deal/hard Brexit (50% probability) - Vote of No Confidence With regards to the latter, Government whips have been called to convene at Parliament today in what is being speculated as the lead-up to a vote of no confidence in PM May. Regarding the market impact the on-going situation entails, Perry speculated that market reaction is shifting from bullish Sterling moves on Brexit progress and bearish runs on setbacks to a more domestic focus, the situation is evolving quickly and it is no longer the prospect of a deal that is driving sterling, it is the arithmetic of a Theresa Mays own party and that of Parliament which is key. The issue is that there are so many permutations for markets to consider. Uncertainty is not a friend of sterling right now. Following the rout on the Pound yesterday, sparked by Dominic Raabs (among others) resignation, Perry sees the resignations as increasing the possibility of two potential outcomes which represent a continued threat to the Sterlings value. The first being a hard no deal Brexit, the second a Jeremy Corbyn Labour Government which would both contain significant uncertainties for the UK economy and fiscal position and therefore sterling sold off. 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. The Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia hosted a scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 200th birth anniversary of Mikhail Nikiforovich Katkov - an eminent publicist, public figure, publisher, literary critic and teacher. The fact that this event hosted by the Diplomatic Academy is not accidental. Mikhail Nikiforovich built this building, created here one of the best educational institutions of the Russian Empire, and headed it for many years, the rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Yevgeny Bazhanov, said. Russian Bulletin edited by Katkov was one of the leading literary and socio-political magazines of the second half of the 19th century, where the works of Lev Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Saltykov-Shchedrin, Fet, Tyutchev and many others were published for the first time. The conference was co-organized by the Alekseevsky Stavropegial Convent "Mikhail Katkov and his wife were buried on the cemetery, on the territory of which the current Alekseevsky Stavropegial Convent is located. Unfortunately, during the Soviet totalitarianism and atheistic ideology domination, in the 1930s, the cemetery was completely destroyed, although many prominent figures of Russian culture and Russian history were buried there. The monastery is now trying to restore their memory, and in particular, the memory of Mikhail Nikiforovich Katkov ", the editor-in-chief of Nashe Naslediye magazine, Alexey Saveliev, said. Mikhail Katkov was an editor of the Moscow Gazette for a long time. He is claimed to be the founder of Russian political journalism. Katkov, without exaggeration, can be called a dominant influence of several generations. For more than 30 years he stood on the captains bridge of the Moscow Gazette, carried his watch, being the mouthpiece of the Russian autocracy, Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov said. The Lyceum, named after the eldest son of Alexander II, who suddenly passed away, was one of the centers of public education and training of well-educated and patriotically brought up youth. The head of the Center for Public Diplomacy, Professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Natalya Maslakova-Klauberg remarked: The Diplomatic Academy can boast of its students, but we forget who were graduates of the Katkovsky Lyceum in general. Many members of the State Council, in particular, Prince Lobanov-Rostovsky, Andreevsky, Chief-Procurator of the Most Holy Synod Volozhin, chairman of the Second State Duma Golovin, artist Grabar, historian Bakhrushin, future patriarch Alexy I studied in the Katkovsky Lyceum". PARADISE, Butte County Authorities made a distressing revelation Thursday as firefighters gained ground in containing the worst blaze in California history: the number of missing has skyrocketed to 631. The news, delivered at a news conference Thursday evening by Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, came after search crews recovered the remains of seven more victims, bringing the death toll in the disaster to 63. Earlier in the day, the Sheriffs Department released a list of nearly 300 people who were unaccounted for. By evening, Honea said the doubling of the number of missing individuals was the result of a comprehensive review of 911 calls or other early reports of people who could not be located. Its possible many of those people have not been in contact yet with family or friends, he added. Firefighters made progress on controlling the 141,000-acre wildfire, increasing containment lines to 40 percent Thursday. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials have said theyre looking at the possibility that it was sparked by electrical equipment. But Thursday, they revealed that they have identified a possible second origin of the blaze near Concow. They provided no additional details. Meanwhile, officials said that more than a dozen patients including three firefighters have been treated at Northern California burn centers in the days after the fire that started Nov. 8 leveled Paradise and surrounding Butte County communities. In addition, officials were alerted that President Trump planned to visit the disaster area Saturday to meet with individuals impacted by the wildfires, according to a White House statement. On Thursday, officials at the Oroville headquarters of the Sheriffs Department began collecting DNA samples from people who may have lost loved ones. Several families arrived in the morning to submit cheek-swab samples to help authorities possibly identify their loved ones. The samples are needed because, in many cases, fire victims were burned beyond recognition. The county has brought in a Colorado company, ANDE, to expedite the process. Honea said that of the 63 victims, authorities have tentatively identified 53 but are waiting for DNA results to confirm who they are. ANDEs technology, which looks like a large microwave oven, can analyze DNA within about two hours, a lot faster than older methods. The FBI authorized the companys technique as part of the Rapid DNA Act of 2017 for use in solving crimes or assisting in war zones. This is the first time the firm has been called to a natural disaster, said spokeswoman Annette Mattern. Were just honored we could in some small way be helpful, Mattern said. The search and recovery effort is a huge undertaking. It includes nearly 500 crew members who have been sifting through debris for signs of remains. In Paradise and the neighboring community of Magalia, search workers wearing white hazardous-materials suits and face masks and carrying rakes scoured properties Thursday. Toward the center of each town, crews worked furiously to bring evacuated residents one step closer to returning to their properties to assess the damage. But there is still a great deal to do before authorities can consider repopulating the fire zone and opening the checkpoints, officials said. Melted power lines must be replaced, along with wooden utility poles that are now broken into pieces, some suspended from wires. Trees that burned from the inside out threaten to crash to the ground. People cant come into these areas until the power lines and the trees are rendered safe, said Capt. Chris Vestal of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Typically repopulation is allowed in phases. Once an area is out of danger, people can go back. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. workers were out in force replacing power equipment as authorities installed stop signs to replace ruined stoplights. Piles of debris were still smoking around the towns. Complicating recovery efforts Thursday was an officer-involved, fatal shooting in the evacuation zone near Paradise. A man wanted in connection with two homicides in 2014 was located in a parking lot and subsequently led authorities on a car chase that ultimately ended with the suspect shot and killed after he appeared to point a metallic object at officers, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey. A Sutter County sheriff police dog named Bandit was killed in the encounter, as was a pit bull that was with the suspect. As of Thursday, the blaze had destroyed 11,862 structures, including 9.700 homes, Cal Fire said. Smoke from the wildfire continued to plague Northern California, closing down schools across much of the Bay Area as well as cable car lines in San Francisco. Chronicle staff writers Nanette Asimov and Evan Sernoffsky contributed to this report. Sarah Ravani, Jill Tucker and Gwendolyn Wu are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com, jtucker@sfchronicle.com, gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: Twitter: @sarravani, @jilltucker, @gwendolynawu The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers disputes the contention made by Rice University researchers that the Corps used out-of-date storm and modeling information in its preference for a 70-mile coastal barrier known as the Ike Dike. The agencys modeling system used state-of-the-art storm simulations to test how its proposed barrier would hold up against the worst possible storms along the Texas coast, Dr. Kelly Burks-Copes, the project manager for the Army Corps study, said in an interview Wednesday. We did not use the FEMA flood mapping model, Burks-Copes said, referring to comments made to the Houston Chronicle by Larry Dunbar, a project manager at Rices Severe Storm Prediction, Education & Evacuation from Disasters Center. At issue are two proposals that would create a coastal barrier to protect the Houston and Galveston region from devastating storm surge during hurricanes. The preferred plan from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office would create a complex 70-mile system of levees and sea gates running from High Island to the San Luis Pass at a cost of $31 billion. The alternative plan proposed by Rice professors and environmental groups is 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. The mid-bay system's estimated cost is between $3 billion to $5 billion. Dunbar and Jim Blackburn, a Rice professor and co-director of the SSPEED Center, told the Chronicle that the Army Corps of Engineers 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. Dunbar added that Rice researchers were using updated storm information while the Corps was relying on an out-of-date modeling system to make it. RELATED: Ike Dike raises questions from environmentalists, Rice University Those assertions were inaccurate, Burks-Copes said, noting that Dunbar was referring to an older system the Army Corps used for FEMA flood mapping and that the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center uses a state-of-the art Coastal Storm Modeling Suite. Burks-Copes said that the Army Corps uses a complicated sampling system to assess tropical cyclone events impacting the entire Texas coast and parts of the western Louisiana coast. They formulated 100 storms, and we just ran another 75 this month that potentially have never occurred before, a lot of model storms, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5, which, she added, included the rarest, 10,000-year event storms. We actually funded ERDC to build brand new models with a new mesh underneath a mesh is basically a topographic map of the bottom of the ocean all the way up to land, Burks-Copes said. That mesh is brand new and then we put the (simulated) storm on top of that. So basically what its capturing is all the geomorphological changes that occurred since the FEMA flood mapping. Blackburn, speaking on behalf of the SSPEED Center, said their main issue with the Corps' coastal barrier proposal is that it does not adequately protect Harris County and that the barrier would take more than a decade to complete, leaving the region vulnerable to major storms in the meantime. "The SSPEED Center's issue with the Corps' proposed alternative plan is that it does not provide adequate protection to Harris County and the city of Houston, especially in the ship channel area, against large storm events," Blackburn said. The SSPEED Center has proposed a mid-bay sea gate that would be built in Galveston Bay as a supplemental project to the Ike Dike to protect the Houston Ship Channel and Harris County from major storm surges. "Of great concern to us is the 2035 construction timeframe," Blackburn added. "We think we can get protection for Harris County and the ship channel and the Clear Lake area in north Galveston County built much faster than 2035." Burks-Copes said that some of these misunderstandings about the 440-page coastal protection study will be further clarified when the Army Corps holds its public meetings along the Texas coast. I havent gone out and actually explained how the Corps process worked and how we have to make decisions based on engineering whether its environmentally acceptable, whether its economically feasible those types of things will come out in the public meetings, Burks-Copes said. The first of six public meetings is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27 in Port Lavaca and will continue through December with meetings in Corpus Christi, Port Isabel, Winnie, Galveston and Seabrook. A 75-day public comment period began Oct. 26. For more information on the meetings and how to submit public comment, go to the Army Corps of Engineers website. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office released the first phase of the coastal protection study in October. Plans 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. Nick Powell covers Galveston County for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and send him tips at nick.powell@chron.com Kazakhstan looks set to benefit from an influx of Indian based investment over the coming years as more and more Indian businesses seek to capitalize on the countrys strategic location, favorable agribusiness climate and highly-skilled workforce. Digital Journal reports Indian businesses look to capitalize on Kazakhstans growing investment potential that more than 50 Indian companies are attending a major investment forum as they look to profit from Kazakhstans attractive business environment. The Kazakh-Indian Invest Forum, which is being held in New Delhi between November 12th and 14th, is being attended by Indias Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of External Affairs, as well as representatives from dozens of major Indian companies. The forum, which is being hosted by Kazakh Invest, the national company for attracting inward investment to Kazakhstan, includes a plenary session and themed sessions, during which Kazakh entrepreneurs will describe the investment projects that are currently underway in the country. Heading the Kazakh delegation is Saparbek Tuyakbayev, the CEO of Kazakh Invest. The heads of 10 leading Kazakh companies are also in attendance. In a further sign of the attention Kazakhstan is placing on one of its largest neighbors, the Kazakh Government has agreed to work together with its Russian counterparts to attract tourists from India and China and promote the development of tourism in the region. Kazakhstans relationship with India goes back 26 years, and the two countries have cooperated in a broad range of areas, including IT, fintech, oil and gas and banking. The Tengri Bank in Almaty said it had opened more than 80 Indian company accounts over the past two years. India is only the latest country looking to increase investment in Kazakhstan. Over the past 10 years, more than $250 billion in FDI has poured into the country as companies look to take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them. Kazakhstan, which is the largest economy in Central Asia, accounts for more than 70 percent of all foreign direct investment in the region and was ranked 28th in the Doing Business report for 2019 - a climb of eight places - reflecting the governments success in cultivating a highly attractive business environment. In the first six months of 2018, the volume of foreign direct investments rose by 15.4 percent on the previous year, amounting to $12.3 billion compared to $10.5 billion in 2017. Kazakh Invest, which is hosting the Kazakh-Indian Invest Forum, has been vital in supporting the governments efforts to create a favourable investment landscape and in promoting Kazakh investment projects to the wider world. Kazakh Invest was established by the Government of Kazakhstan to attract foreign direct investment into the country. From establishing links with local companies to supporting project maintenance and coordination, it provides a wide range of services to facilitate investment, acting as a one-stop shop for all investment queries and needs. Texas children lag behind their peers across the country in educational opportunities, access to health care and financial secruity, according to a report released Thursday. Ahead of the 2019 legislative session, the State of Texas Children report, compiled by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, recommends ways to close gaps in childrens opportunities based on race, ethnicity, gender and class. The Austin-based left-leaning advocacy group laid out a set of priorities using the Kids Count Data Centers annual report last summer, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which ranked Texas 43rd among states in child well-being. Chief among them should be a fair and accurate census in 2020, to ensure that under-counting doesnt cost Texas federal dollars or representation in programs that improve childrens quality of life, the CPPP report said. READ ALSO: Health insurance program has staying power as enrollment opens In Texas, 30 percent of children under 5 live in a census tract that is considered hard to count, increasing the risk the census will miss them, the reports authors said. Funding for education, school nutrition, and programs like Head Start, Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program could be insufficient if those children arent counted. A legacy of discrimination racial and economic segregation due to policies, laws and community practices continues to influence how children fare, limiting their access to educational opportunities and other resources, CPPP research analyst Kristie Tingle said Thursday in San Antonio. One in three Bexar County children and one in four Texas children live with at least one parent who is not a U.S. citizen, Tingle said. That includes parents who are legal residents. Policymakers should remove barriers to educational, medical and nutritional resources for immigrant families, keep immigrant children with their families and pass a national DREAM Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, the CPPP report said. More than two dozen states have sued the federal government to try to stop it from adding a question about citizenship status to the census, concerned that households with undocumented immigrants wont participate. The report also urged legislators to implement policies to ensure sufficient wages and benefits for workers to meet their familys needs, such as a higher minimum wage and increased access to paid sick leave. The San Antonio City Council passed an ordinance mandating paid sick leave for nearly all workers in August, though state legislators this session are expected to target it and a similar ordinance enacted in Austin. One in five Texas children live in poverty, as defined by federal guidelines. That includes 108,000 children in Bexar County. Black and Hispanic children and those in single-mother households are disproportionately likely to be in poverty, according to the report. READ ALSO: Medicaid is essential for a healthy Texas In Bexar County, 21 percent of children dont know where their next meal is coming from, Tingle said. Policies that expand access to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (still commonly called food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families help keep families out of poverty and lessen its impact on children, the report states. While the proportion of Texas children who are uninsured has been cut in half since 2008, dropping from 18 percent to 9 percent, Hispanic children are still twice as likely to be uninsured as non-Hispanic children, the report found. Nearly one-quarter of Texas parents lack health insurance, compared to 9 percent nationally, and the state has the highest rate of uninsured working-age adults in the country. To address those disparities, the report recommended expanding access to health insurance and family planning services and protecting Medicaid and CHIP from cuts. Twenty-four percent of women of childbearing age are uninsured in Texas, twice the rate nationally, which contributes to poor maternal health care and poor outcomes for their children, the report said. CPPP is also advocating for changing the way Texas pays for education, expected to be a priority for legislators. The states share of public school funding has declined in the past 10 years, and the increased reliance on local property taxes exacerbates disparities among school districts, the report said. Texas school finance system should mitigate inequities created by vast differences in property wealth between districts, the report said. Legislators should also expand access to full-day pre-kindergarten, and implement targeted supports to close gaps between groups of students, it said. Hispanic and black students are still less likely then white, Asian and multiracial students to graduate high school in four years, the report said. The helicopter pilot who crashed while ferrying a newlywed couple from their wedding in Uvalde to their honeymoon smashed into a 1,400-foot hill about 100 feet from the apex, according to a preliminary report of the crash from the National Transportation Safety Board. The groom and bride, William Byler and Bailee Ackerman Byler, both 24, were killed upon impact, just after midnight on Nov. 4. The helicopter pilot, 76-year-old Gerald Lawrence, was also killed. ON EXPRESS-NEWS: Newlyweds and their veteran pilot mourned after chopper crash The preliminary report released by the NTSB on Tuesday does not list a definitive cause for the crash. According to meteorological data gathered by the safety board, visibility was at 10 miles and cloud conditions were clear. Winds were at about 6 knots, a light breeze. The hill Lawrence crashed the Bell 206B helicopter into is located about 5 miles east of the Byler's ranch, from which the group departed, and about 71 miles west of the San Antonio International Airport, their destination. Shortly after the collision, "the Uvalde County Sheriff's Office was notified of a possible downed aircraft northwest of Uvalde, Texas," reads the report. "A search effort of authorities and local volunteers found the wreckage about daybreak." At a press conference the day after the crash, Game Wardens Dennis Gazaway and Rachel Kellner described the search. They said an automatic distress signal from the helicopter alerted authorities at about 1:30 a.m., an hour and a half after the crash. At daybreak, they used ATVs to reach the crash site. They found the helicopter totally destroyed, its wreckage scattered over about 100 yards of the hillside. RELATED: Helicopter pilot in Uvalde crash that killed newlyweds is identified "The helicopter was in a terrible state, multiple pieces," Kellner said. Authorities pronounced all three victims dead at the scene. Craig Hatch, the NTSB investigator-in-charge, and technical representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturers inspected the crash site. According to the preliminary report, they had to use ropes to steady the wreckage and keep it from tumbling down the hillside. "The hillside also prevented a detailed examination of the wreckage on site," the report notes. After investigators documented as much of the wreckage as they could, the helicopter was taken to a salvage facility for further examination. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns HONDO The political roller coaster in Congressional District 23 continued Thursday when Gina Ortiz Jones campaign turned its attention to election officials in Medina County. Commissioners in Medina declined to certify the countys results, temporarily raising the possibility of a recount in the Republican stronghold. The commissioners were given two different figures for the number of absentee voters 1,034 and 1,010. Jones trails incumbent Republican Will Hurd by around 1,000 votes in the race, which remains too close to call. Theres no other choice but for this department to have a recount, Republican Commissioner Tim Neuman said after finding the variation. But a couple hours later, Medina Elections Administrator Lupe Torres said they were able to identify the discrepancy and would reschedule the canvassing for Monday, a plan Neuman said he agreed with. Counties have until Tuesday to certify their results. The Hurd-Jones race has commanded attention in South Central Texas since the Nov. 6 election, when the apparent winner of the race flipped twice due to a reporting error in Medina County. Hurd appeared to secure a relatively comfortable victory in the perennial swing district, and the Associated Press called the race for him around 11 p.m. But in the early morning hours after that, it appeared Jones had pulled off a come-from-behind upset by 282 votes. Torres said he manually entered the wrong numbers that night. Once that error and another in Culberson County was corrected, it gave Hurd a lead of just over 1,000 votes. Hurd has declared victory in the race, and his campaign has called his lead insurmountable. On Thursday, 10 of the 29 counties in the district gave the Express-News updated results, showing 88 more votes for Jones. Jones has vowed to ensure every vote is counted, and she has clashed with election officials several times. On Tuesday, a state judge rejected her argument that the Bexar County elections chief was illegally withholding a list of provisional voters. On Thursday, the campaign accused Medina County of breaching protocol after counting 981 mail ballots on election night. Early voting ballot boards are the small, bipartisan groups charged with reviewing and qualifying those ballots, along with provisional votes. At the end of the night, the ballot board usually turns off the machine it used to count the ballots, as is protocol, according to affidavits from the two Democratic-appointed board members, which the campaign provided. Instead, Torres told them to leave the machine running. Torres told them he needed to run 29 limited ballots through the machine, bringing the number to 1,010. Limited ballots are cast by people who have recently moved from another county but have not switched their registration. Torres initially denied those claims, but he later said he would correct himself and admitted it happened. When asked why about the denials, he said: Thats what I thought had happened. Torres said he didnt believe it was a breach of protocol. He said he is fully confident in the integrity of the election. The secretary of states office did not respond to a request for comment. Sandra Young, chair of Medina County Democrats, was one of the people questioning Torres about the issue. I think the numbers are correct, she later said, adding: I still have a problem with them doing that. Every now and then, one of Donald Trumps spit-balling tweets crosses so many lines of human decorum that even his most loyal political allies cant muster a defense. That was the case last Saturday, when the president responded to the devastating wildfires that have engulfed California taking nearly 60 lives thus far and reducing 9,000 homes to ash and rubble with a snarky attack and a threat. There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires, Trump tweeted, except that forest mismanagement is so poor. 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. Purely from a policy perspective, the tweet demonstrated stunning ignorance. After all, the current wildfires are not based in Californias forests and, besides, the majority of that states forest acreage is owned by the federal government, with the state and local governments holding only three percent of that land. Even if Trumps assertion had been factually correct, however, it would have been appalling for the empathy deficiency it demonstrated. After all, you dont berate a person dying in a hospital bed of lung cancer for their smoking habit. It takes a special mind set to verbally kick people while flames are raging around them and emergency workers are frantically searching for the bodies of missing persons. Brian Rice, the president of the California Professional Firefighters Association, called Trumps tweet a shameful attack on California and said it was ill-informed, ill-timed and demeaning to those who are suffering. To be sure, it was all those things. It also was an unwitting argument for the abolition of the Electoral College. Trump might not understand the causes of Californias fires, but he comprehends electoral politics. By that metric, California is basically worthless to him. In 2016, Trump lost California to Hillary Clinton by more than four million votes. That Pacific Coast blowout single-handedly swung the 2016 popular vote to Clinton, making Trump one of only five American presidents to reach office while losing the popular vote. Given Trumps bottom-line, what-can-you-do-for-me mentality, its little wonder that California serves as one of his favorite political punching bags. He seems to regard the state in much the same way he views Canada or NATO as a drain on the United States and an impediment to his America-first agenda. Last year, he told then-Fox News host Bill OReilly that California is out of control. He also threatened to defund California if it becomes a sanctuary state. We give tremendous amounts of money to California, Trump said, as if he were talking about foreign aid. This tone is markedly different from the way Trump talks about Texas, a state he carried by 9 percentage points in 2016. When Hurricane Harvey prepared to hit the Gulf Coast in August 2017, Trump tweeted this about Texans: Spirit of the people is incredible. Thanks! There were no tweets blasting Houstonians for building on flood plains. He visited Texas twice after Harvey hit. Three wildfires have struck California since he took office last year and on Saturday hell make his first visit there to survey fire damage. The scenario would be different with a popular-vote system for electing presidents. In that situation, every single vote would carry equal importance. As it stands now, if a candidate runs up a big score in one state, the actual vote total means nothing. Carrying Texas by one vote gets you more than carrying New York by 3 million votes. And thats absurd. With a popular-vote system, Trump would have to worry if his support in California slipped. It would make a major difference to him if he got 3 million instead of 4 million votes there. Presidential nominees would need to connect with voters outside of the dozen or so swing states that currently decide the electoral-college winner. To steal a phrase from a recent U.S. Senate candidate who got a fair bit of national attention, no one would be written off and no one would be taken for granted. As Democrats prepare to take over the U.S. House, theyre considering a package of electoral reforms, including automatic voter registration (an idea proposed this week at the state level by San Antonio-based state Rep. Ina Minjarez), full restoration of the Voting Rights Act and public financing of elections. Abolition of the Electoral College, while an undeniably heavy lift, needs to be a part of that effort. It isnt about helping one party over another, because the electoral-vote system doesnt discriminate in favor of a particular party. It just discriminates against anyone who happens to live in a nonswing state. @gilgamesh470 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 When French President Emmanuel Macron denounced populist nationalism recently and called on world leaders to support institutions such as the United Nations that defend the common good of the world, liberal elites cheered. The speech was seen as a rebuke of President Donald Trump, whose opposition to globalism and embrace of nationalism are held up as signs of the decay of American conservatism and U.S. global leadership. Sorry, but American conservatives were opposing the globalist project long before Trump arrived on the scene. Back in the early 1990s, President Bill Clintons soon-to-be deputy secretary of state, Strobe Talbott, said openly that all countries are basically social arrangements (that) are all artificial and temporary. He added, Within the next hundred years nationhood as we know it will be obsolete; all states will recognize a single global authority. Conservatives, as opposed to liberals such as Talbott, dont see America as a temporary social arrangement. They recognize the march toward supranational global authority as fundamentally undemocratic, because it represents a growing concentration of power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats presiding over unaccountable institutions further and further removed from the people affected by their decisions. As Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman explained in his 1962 classic, Capitalism and Freedom: If government is to exercise power, better in the county than in the state, better in the state than in Washington, because if I do not like what my local community does I can move to another local community. If I do not like that my state does, I can move to another. If I do not like what Washington imposes, I have few alternatives in this world of jealous nations. Where, exactly, is one supposed to move when one does not like what global institutions impose? American conservatives believe in international cooperation to address common challenges. But they refuse to cede American sovereignty to supranational institutions, or to see America tied down with thousands of Lilliputian threads spun out of treaties and institutions that constrain her freedom of action. They understand that what stopped the march of Nazism and communism in the 20th century was not international law but the principled projection of power by the worlds democracies led by a sovereign United States. And what prevents China from invading Taiwan, or North Korea from attacking South Korea, today is not fear of U.N. censure but fear of the U.S. military. A strong America is the only guarantor of world peace. Thats why President George W. Bush withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and refused to join the International Criminal Court, and why Trump is withdrawing from pacts such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty today. There is also nothing inherently wrong with populism. American conservatives have always been populists, because we believe that millions of individuals can make better decisions about their own lives than a cadre of elite central planners ever could. American conservatives have always been nationalists, but while European nationalism is based on blood and soil, ours is a creedal nationalism built on an idea the idea of human freedom. That is why America can make the audacious claim that we are an exceptional nation. While a family of immigrants can live in France for generations and still not be accepted as French, when immigrants jump into the Great American Melting Pot they become indistinguishable from any other American within a generation. European nationalism is inherently exclusive; American nationalism is inherently inclusive. The problem we face today is not the rise of populism or nationalism. It is that the bigots of the alt-right are seeking to foist European-style blood-and-soil nationalism on to the American body politic. It wont work, because blood-and-soil nationalism is inimical to our founding principles. The Declaration of Independence says that all men not all Americans or all citizens are created equal. America has no Volk. The American body politic will reject the false nationalism of the alt-right like the foreign virus that it is. But it does not follow that we must also reject American-style nationalism or embrace the globalist project. If that does not please, Monsieur Macron, tant pis! @marcthiessen. It has been long rumored that the Republican Party has a woman problem, so much so that a few years ago GOP congressmen sent aides to classes on how to talk to and about women. Republicans didnt learn much. Their articulation issues just got much worse, and theres a name for it: Donald Trump. In addition to his many dubious accomplishments, Trump has succeeded in nearly purging Republican women from the House of Representatives. If this was supposed to be the year of the woman, it has been the year only of Democratic women. The blue wave washed away a significant number of strong female candidates on the GOP side, both incumbents and newcomers, likely leaving just 13, down from 23. (Some races were still pending Thursday.) According to Cook Political Reports Dave Wasserman, of the projected 31 members of the rising Republican freshman class, only one is a woman, compared with the Democrats projected freshman class of 61, of which 35 are women. Which means the Republican House just became a lot more of what it didnt need to be more male. Democratic women cleaned house in suburban districts. With just over a dozen women, this also means several committees and subcommittees will have no Republican women on them. Trump, naturally, has blamed Republican losses on some candidates failure to accept his embrace. At least they werent asked to kiss his ring yet. In postelection remarks last week, the president mocked those who lost their races, naming, among others, Utah Rep. Mia Love (who hasnt officially lost yet), and Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock. Of Love, he ickily said she gave me no love. And she lost. Too bad. Sorry about that, Mia. For the record, votes were still being counted as Trump was making these remarks. Love waited until Election Day to use a phone recording he had made for her campaign. Comstock, who won in 2016 in a district that went for Hillary Clinton, inarguably lost this time because of the president. Her opponent, Democrat Jennifer Wexton, waged her campaign primarily on an anti-Trump platform. If anything, Love and Comstocks good judgment probably made their races closer than they otherwise wouldve been. Let there be no doubt, the midterms were about one thing Trump and Republican losses should be chalked up to him. He owns this election. Embracing the president was by no means a fast track to victory. In some cases, when candidates did accept Trumps love, they might as well have received the kiss of death, too. Many lost, anyway. Rep. Martha McSally, a former fighter pilot (and dog lover), wore Trump like a medal of honor in Arizona, yet lost to Democrat Kyrsten Sinema in their Senate race. Although Sinemas was a squeeze-by victory, as so many races were, Trump was plainly no help to her opponent. The House seat McSally relinquished to run for the Senate also went to a Democrat former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. Republican men, too, suffered losses after accepting, presumably, a man-hug from Trump. Rep. Dave Brat lost in Central Virginia; Kris Kobach, who was endorsed by Trump in the Kansas governors race, came up short. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher in California and Rod Blum of Iowa, both supported by Trump, also lost. Thus, it would appear that the Trump embrace carries about as much magic as a blind-worms sting. If Midas turned everything to gold, Trump seems to turn things blue. He may have noticed this himself, which may explain his petulance and his familiar dismissiveness toward losers, or those who reject his affections. He mocked men, as well, including Republican Reps. Erik Paulsen and Peter Roskam, who lost races in Minnesota and Illinois, respectively. Ultimately, though, this election was about women and Trump, a verdict that likely only feeds his narcissism. But this analysis would be incomplete without also mentioning the medias role as Trumps creators and enablers, with the Democratic Party as beneficiaries. Every time Trump does what he does, which is to provoke, the media sets its 24-hour news cycle on auto-pilot, and Democrats count their blessings. Trump is the Democrats biggest fundraiser. He essentially financed the blue-and-pink wave to the detriment of his own party, especially women. Contrary to town criers coast to coast, the future doesnt belong to women at all. It belongs to Democratic women and Trump owns that, too. kathleenparker@washpost.com This year, the researcher, genealogist, full-fledged member of the International Academy of Genealogy Eldar Ismailov's book 'Azerbaijanis in the convoy of Russian emperors' was published. The book tells about the history, traditions, stationing, selection principles and personnel of one of the His Imperial Majesty's Own convoy's units - a team of Muslims, which was formed in 1839 and in 856 became the 4th (Muslim) platoon of Life Guards Caucasian Squadron of the His Imperial Majesty's Own convoy. For 42 years, until the abolition of the Life Guards Caucasian Squadron of the His Imperial Majesty's Own convoy in 1881, Azerbaijanis served in this division of the Russian Guard. A considerable part of the book is focused on biographical essays of officers, as well as lower ranking soldiers serving in the team and a platoon of Muslims: more than 200 lower ranking soldiers from the ranks of this unit were made officers of the Russian army. Today, Eldar Ismailov ' visited the studio of Vestnik Kavkaza and talked about writing this book and features of the service of Azerbaijanis in the imperial convoy. - Let's start with you telling us about your work with sources. - My main sources are archival materials. 70-80% of this book's materials are documents of the Russian State Military Historical Archive and other archives, including the city archives of St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the National Archive Department of Azerbaijan. As well as publications of military historians of the 19th century and more recent ones. Most illustrations are from the collection of the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature in Baku. Unique photos relating specifically to the convoy were identified there. In addition, I used photographs already published in other scientific journals and materials from the Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive located in Krasnogorsk. - Your book says that, starting from the 1830s, mainly Russian officers were in charge of the Muslim cavalry, but already by the 1870s Muslims, in particular Azerbaijanis, were also among officers. When did this transition take place and why? - Muslim horse regiments were regular units created in the Caucasus during the period of military actions. That is, they were recruited for certain military campaigns. After the cessation of hostilities, the Muslim horse regiments were mainly disbanded. In the Russian army, mainly professional military men were in charge of regiments, that is, those who had gone through a certain military school. For the period when Muslim horse regiments were formed (late 1820s - early 1830s), there was no professional military in the Russian army among Azerbaijanis. The officer corps included Azerbaijanis, but it was Russian officers, military professional officers, who were in charge of regiments. The change occurred in the second half of the 19th century. People from the Caucasus, including Azerbaijanis, began to enter military schools. They received training, finished military schools, colleges; their career was connected precisely with the army. Having passed a certain school, they could be in charge of regiments. This was at the time of the 1877 Russian-Turkish war. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were a sufficient number of such professional soldiers among those who came from the Caucasus, including Azerbaijanis. - There were cases in the history of the Russian imperial army when lower ranking adherents of a different faith were awarded St. George's crosses. However, not many officers among them were awarded the Order of St. George. In your book you mention several officers awarded the Order of St. George. In particular, Hasan Bey Agalarov was awarded the Order of St. George of the Fourth class for suppressing the 1848-1849 Hungarian revolution. Can it be regarded as a sign of special respect for merits of people from Transcaucasia? - The history of the Order of St. George occupies a special place in the Russian award system. This is the most honorable military order in the Russian Empire. Its lower class is the Decoration of the Military Order of Saint George, which was renamed the Cross of St. George in 1913. It was established for the lower ranks, that is, non-officers. The Order of St. George is officer's award. About 10 years ago I published a book in Moscow titled 'Azerbaijanis - holders of the St. George Cross'. It describes the biography and history of service in the Russian imperial army. These were 19 people. 19 Azerbaijani officers of Russian army were awarded the Order of St. George of the Fourth class. Three of them were awarded the Order of St. George of the Third class. This is the highest award received by immigrants of Muslim origin from the Caucasus. In the entire history of this order, only four military leaders ( the Third class is a fairly high degree, the so-called general order) were awarded the Order of the Third class, and three of them were Azerbaijanis. And the first of them was awarded this order in the rank of lieutenant colonel. It was nonsense for the Russian imperial army. - You mentioned that many Azerbaijanis, who served in the imperial convoy, could stay in military service. In particular, Javad-Khan Shirvansky, who joined the Caucasian-Gorski half-squadron, ended up serving in the famous Life-Guards Hussar Regiment. Can we say that the service in the imperial convoy was a kind of social elevator for many immigrants from Azerbaijani people? - You are right, it was a certain 'social elevator'. The service of Azerbaijanis in the convoy was unique because Muslims were not subject to military conscription. They were not called out for active military service, I mean lower ranking soldiers. Regular regiments, regular units were formed locally in the Caucasus for the period of hostilities, and then were disbanded. The convoy is the regular part of the Life Guards, that is, the Guards unit. Many people from Azerbaijan, Georgia and the North Caucasus could join this unit and serve in St. Petersburg. A period of four years was set for the lower ranks in this unit. After this time, initially they were made to the cornets of cavalry, that is, they get a commission. It was up to them to decide their fate. They could continue the service, having shown desire, abilities, or could return to their homes in the Caucasus. The situation changed in 1869, only those who had passed the exams could be commissioned as cornet in cavalry divisions. Having passed the exams, he became a cornet and was transferred to certain regiments of the regular Russian army. Those who did not pass the exam were transferred to the police ensigns - these are the same irregulars. Their fate can be also different. They could continue their military service as warrant officers and rise to some new heights, or could remain with this rank until the end of life. Many of them have joined the ranks of Caucasian officials, police officials, Transcaucasian guards. Others continued service in the regular regiments, there are interesting names, interesting personalities among them. - Many Russian officers were interested in the culture of the mountaineers in the years of the Caucasian war, in particular, they wore their national clothing. How do you describe relations of the Azerbaijani irregular cavalry with the Russian military units? - Judging by the memories of Russian officers, as relationships between coworkers. Enough flattering memories about it were left in memoirs. - Your book says that Ali-Mardan Topchibashi's father served in the imperial convoy. Could his relative's service in the imperial convoy influence Topchibashi's fate and political views? - It couldnt influence political views, because Topchebashi was at a very young age when his father passed away. But it probably influenced his further life. When enrolling the St. Petersburg University, it was taken in account that your father was an officer, and not just an officer, but served in a convoy. He served in the convoy four years like others, and then continued to serve in the Caucasus, seconded to the Caucasian Cossack units. The topic of the descendants of the ranks who served in the convoy is a separate topic for research. For example, the parents of the First State Duma's deputy Ibrahim-Bek Gaidarov, who later emigrated to Turkey, served in the convoy. Rashid Behbutov's ancestor also served in the convoy. That is, it is a separate topic for research. - How do you generally assess Azerbaijanis' service in the Russian imperial convoy? - Reviews of this service are preserved in memories, in service records, which are published, and in the awards, which they wore proudly, I think. FAIRFIELD Two new faces will be at the helm of the towns board of education. Philip Dwyer, after a six-year stint as chairman, began the boards regular meeting on Nov. 13 by confirming he would not seek re-election within the board. Its my joy to have been chair of this board for the past six years, Dwyer said. The nine of us have a responsibility to make sure these children get a good beginning in life. The board members, who had just come out of an hourlong executive session, approved the nomination of Christine Vitale as the new chairman in a unanimous vote. Vitale is a Democratic, first-term board of education member. Nick Aysseh, Republican, was also unanimously voted in as the vice chairman of the board. Aysseh is replacing Jennifer Jacobsen. Jessica Gerber, a Democrat elected back in 2011, was unanimously re-elected as secretary, a position she has held since she first joined the board. Following the vote on all three officer positions, Vitale thanked the board and Dwyer. Its hard to fill someone who has been in the position for the last six years, Vitale said. Im counting on you all to guide me and working with Dr. Jones. The unanimous approvals marked a departure from previous board elections where decisions were often split. One of these included a walk-out protest in April 2017, a move meant to question the legitimacy of a board member and an item involving different interpretations of the town charter. humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com A $10,000 gift from Bank of America will match private donations to help fund the restoration of a large-scale piece of local artwork, the Fairfield Museum recently announced. The 8 by 20-foot mural, titled Old Black Rock Harbor has hung in the bank for nearly 70 years. Renowned Connecticut muralist Robert Lambdin was commissioned by the Black Rock Bank & Trust Co. in 1948 to create the mural, which hung in the bank at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Brewster Street until last year, when the long-abandoned building underwent a complete renovation. The Fairfield Museum worked with the buildings new owner Tom Quinn to rescue the mural, which had been damaged through years of neglect. Now Bank of America is the lead sponsor in its restoration. The restoration of Old Black Rock Harbor is being conducted by the Williamstown Art Conservation Center in Massachusetts, one of the top art conservation labs in the country. To date, $25,000 of the $30,000 cost of restoration has been raised through Bank of America, as well as the Black Rock Community Council, Bruce and Michele Hubler, and Jack and Kay Collins. Lambdin, of Westport, spent two months researching Black Rocks history at the Fairfield Historical Society (now the Fairfield Museum) and then three months working on the piece. It depicts Black Rock Harbor as he envisioned it in the early 1800s, with a ship unloading its cargo onto the docks and Black Rock lighthouse in the background. We hope to raise the final funds in time to unveil the restored mural as part of Black Rocks 375th anniversary celebration in 2019, Fairfield Museum executive director Michael Jehle said. Wine tasting fundraiser to benefit Caroline House Join Caroline House for a wine tasting fundraiser event on Nov. 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Penfield Pavilion, 323 Fairfield Beach Road. Enjoy a wide variety of wines and hors doeuvres. Live music and auctions will be part of this evening. Proceeds from the evening and a percentage of all wine orders placed that evening will benefit Caroline House, a literacy education center in Bridgeport. Sponsors includes New Canaan Wine Merchants and A Dash of Salt Catering. Tickets are $40 each and available at www.thecarolinehouse.org. This fundraiser event is open to the public but must be 21 years or older to attend. Business and individuals interested in sponsorship contact Christine Paine at cpaine@thecarolinehouse.org. Resident receives alumni award Richard Clarida, of Fairfield, along, along with six other recipients, has recently been awarded the LAS Alumni Achievement Award at the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a bachelors degree in economics in 1979. Clarida developed models to predict how the economy reacts when it is hit by shocks. The model he created with several co-authors has been picked up by virtually every central bank in the world. Clarida has most recently been confirmed as vice chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This achievement is really remarkable and we'd love to see coverage about in the Fairfield Citizen. Notre Dame Fairfield begins 26 Acts of Kindness campaign Notre Dame High School in Fairfield has begun its annual 26 Acts of Kindness campaign. Begun in the days following the tragedy in Sandy Hook in 2012, the campaign designates one act of kindness each school day over a six-week period while remembering the lives lost in Newtown. Acts include simple ways to show kindness such as Say Good Morning, Be Kind to the Environment Day, Embrace Your Mistake Day, and Be Positive Day. The campaign also includes a series of collections to benefit those in need in the local community. Items collected include blankets/sleeping bags, diapers, new socks, toiletries, childrens books, canned goods and pet food. The Notre Dame community also completes three letter-writing campaigns during 26 Acts, including Thank a Soldier, Thank a First Responder, and Thank a Teacher. Letters are then mailed by the school to the designated recipients. Principal Chris Cipriano, who started the campaign with the support of staff and students in 2012, said, Our goal is to spread kindness one act at a time. The belief is that what we do during these 26 days will last well beyond. Our world certainly needs as much goodness and kindness as it can get these days. The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. 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(Xian), Total System Services, TouchNet Information Systems Inc., UCS Terminal Joint Stock Company, United Card Service Joint Stock Company, VEPF III AIV VI-C Corp., VEPF IV AIV VII-C Corp., VFF I AIV IV-C Corp., Web Active Corporation Pty Ltd., Xenial, Xpient LLC, eWAY, eWay Europe Limited, eWay Payments Asia Pte Ltd., eWay Payments Inc., eWay Payments New Zealand Limited, eWay Payments North America Inc., and eWay Payments Pty Ltd.. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWL stock has increased by 40.6% and is now trading at $50.13. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF's stock was trading at $25.60 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 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This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and creditor and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its field sales force, advice centers, and online, as well as through independent insurance advisors and affinity relationships. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset, cash management, transaction banking, and treasury services to institutional clients; correspondent banking and trade finance services for financial institutions; and short-term funding and liquidity management services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, governments, and central banks. Royal Bank of Canada has a strategic partnership with Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Canada to support the needs of Canada's medical specialists. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, speaking at the 3rd Thessaloniki Summit 2018, attended by Bulgarian and Serbian PMs and the Deputy PM of Romania, said that Greece is actively promoting the initiative to continue building the Turkish Stream across the Greek-Turkish border. He noted that this way, the Turkish Stream will reach Europe through Greek territory. Tsipras recalled that the possibility of withdrawing a branch from the Eastern Mediterranean Natural Gas (EastMed) pipeline, which is a joint project of Greece, Israel, Italy and Cyprus, to the Balkans is being studied. "We are promoting significant prospects in Brussels for expanding the Turkish Stream gas pipeline to Greece," TASS cited the Prime Minister as saying. According to Tsipras, the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor is a project that is of paramount importance for Greece and also serves as an element of the EU energy strategy. He said that it is planned to connect the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) to the Gas Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria (IGB) and to the interconnecting gas corridor between Macedonia and Greece in order to supply natural gas to the countries of the Western Balkans. Theodora Georgieva, Executive Director of ICGB AD, the project company of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, said that the work to start the construction of the IGB was completed by more than 80%. Financial issues have been fully agreed, negotiations are underway regarding the preparation of an intergovernmental agreement between Bulgaria and Greece on tax matters for a period of 25 years. A leading analyst of the National Energy Security Fund, a lecturer at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Igor Yushkov, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the Greek route as the extension of the Turkish Stream does not seem to be a priority now, since running a second pipeline to Bulgaria would be the most cost-effective for Russia. "On the one hand, the intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Turkey says that the Turkish section of the second line will reach the border of Turkey and Greece, and then it will go through Greece. On the other hand, it is more profitable for us to pass the second line from Turkey to Bulgaria, using a pipe which supplies Russian gas to Turkey via Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria," he explained. "In this case, from Bulgaria the gas pipeline will go along the old route of the South Stream to Serbia, then to Hungary, and to Austria. Along the way, this line will probably export gas to Bulgaria as well, to Greece, Serbia and Hungary, and the remaining gas will be redistributed to the north and west. The main benefit of this option is that there is no need to design anything, there are agreements with local gas transmission system operators. However, there is also a minus of the Bulgarian direction: Bulgarians abandoned the South Stream project under pressure of the U.S. and Brussels, and there is no guarantee that we can hold confidential dialogue with them and agree on extending the Turkish Stream pipeline," Igor Yushkov said. "Two directions are possible through Greece: to the south of Italy (although gas consumption is low there and the Southern Gas Corridor is being built for this purpose) or to Serbia, from there through Hungary to Austria, but bypassing Bulgaria. I think the main battle for the Turkish Stream second line will begin after the construction of the Nord Stream 2. Unlike in the situation with the Nord Stream 2, it will be necessary to fight not with powerful Germany, but with very weak and independent South European countries. It will be much easier to disrupt this project," the analyst stressed. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. The United States segment consists of the financial business activity of BBVA USA in the country and the activity of the branch of BBVA SA in New York. The Mexico segment refers to banking and insurance businesses in this country as well as the activity of its branch in Houston. The Turkey segment reports the activity of Garanti BBVA group that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser extent, in Romania and the Netherlands. The South America segment comprises of operations in n Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The Rest of Eurasia segment includes the banking business activity carried out by the group in Europe and Asia, excluding Spain. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Read More 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].com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. James Hardie Industries plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and cement bonded building products for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Canada. The company operates through three segments: North America Fiber Cement, Asia Pacific Fiber Cement, and Europe Building Products. It offers fiber cement interior linings, exterior siding products, and related accessories; and fiber cement building materials for a range of applications, including external siding, internal walls, floors, ceilings, soffits, trim, decking, and facades. The company also provides planks and flat panels; fiber gypsum and cement-bonded boards for interior applications, such as dry lining walls, walls in timber frame buildings, and flooring solutions; and cement-bonded boards for use in exterior and industrial applications, and fire protection. Its products are used in various markets comprising new residential construction and commercial construction markets. The company was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of General Dynamics: 42SIX LLC, ARMA Global Corporation, Advanced Technical Products, Aeromil (Australia) Pty Ltd, Aeromil Aircraft Engineering Pty Ltd, Aeromil Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Aeromil IT Services Pty Ltd, Aeromil Marine Pty Ltd, Aeromil Pacific Pty Ltd, American Overseas Marine Company LLC, Anteon International Corporation, Applied Physical Sciences, Applied Physical Sciences Corp., Ascend Intelligence, Australian Avionics Pty Ltd, Autonomic Resources LLC, Avion Logistics Limited, Avjet Corporation, AxleTech International, Axsys, BATH IRON WORKS CORPORATION, BP-HP Pte Limited, Bath Iron Works, Bath Iron Works Australia Corporation, Bath Iron Works Canada LLC, Bluefin Robotics Corporation, Blueprint Technologies Inc., Braintree I Maritime Corp., Braintree II Maritime Corp., Braintree III Maritime Corp., Braintree IV Maritime Corp., Braintree V Maritime Corp., Buccaneer Computer Systems & Service Inc., CSC Computer Sciences Venezuela S.A., CSRA, CSRA (Costa Rica) S.A., CSRA (Guyana) Inc., CSRA (Middle East) LLC, CSRA Argentina S.R.L., CSRA BH d.o.o., CSRA Bahamas Limited, CSRA Bahrain S.P.C., CSRA Belgium SPRL, CSRA Bolivia S.R.L., CSRA Brazil Servicos de Tecnologia Ltda., CSRA Canada Inc., CSRA Caribbean Inc., CSRA Chile SpA, CSRA Colombia SAS, CSRA Commerce 2010 LLC, CSRA Consular Services Holding Company LLC, CSRA Consular Services Inc., CSRA France SARL, CSRA Guatemala Solutions Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Honduras Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Inc., CSRA Information Systems LLC, CSRA Information Technology Spain SL, CSRA Ireland Limited, CSRA Italy S.R.L, CSRA Kosovo L.L.C., CSRA LATAM LLC, CSRA LLC, CSRA Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., CSRA Netherlands B.V., CSRA Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Panama Inc., CSRA Peru S.R.L., CSRA Senegal SARL, CSRA South Africa (Pty) Ltd, CSRA State and Local Solutions LLC, CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC, CSRA Trinidad & Tobago Limited, CSRA Turkey Bilisim Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi, CSRA Uruguay S.R.L, CSRA Visa Services Israel Ltd., CSRAIT - Information Services Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Centauri Solutions LLC, Command System, Computing Devices International, Concord I Maritime Corporation, Concord II Maritime Corporation, Concord III Maritime Corporation, Concord IV Maritime Corporation, Concord V Maritime Corporation, Convair Aircraft Corporation, Convair Corporation, Creative Technology, Customer Services Ecuador CSRA S.A., Devcor, Diamond Fortress Technologies, DynPort Vaccine Company LLC, EB Groton Engineering Inc., EBV Explosives Environmental, ELCS-CZ s.r.o., Eagle Enterprise Inc., Earl Industries - Ship Repair and Coatings Division, Ebv Explosives Environmental Company, Electric Boat - Australia LLC, Electric Boat - UK LLC, Electric Boat Canada LLC, Electric Boat Corporation, Electric Boat France LLC, Electrocom Inc., Engineering Technology, Expro Finance Inc., FBD Fahrzeug und Bremsendienst GmbH, FC Business Systems, Fidelis Cybersecurity, Force Protection, Force Protection Europe Limited, Force Protection Inc., ForeSight Technology Services LLC, Freeman United Coal Mining Company LLC, GD Brazil Holdings LLC, GD European Land Systems - Steyr GmbH, GD European Land Systems Holding GmbH, GDOTS Services Corporation, GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., GPS Source Inc., GTE Government Systems, GWA-Datatrac FAST LLC, Galaxy Aerospace Company, Gayston Corporation - Defense Operations, General Dynamics - OTS (Global) Inc., General Dynamics AIS Australia Pty Ltd, General Dynamics Canadian Finance Inc., General Dynamics Canadian Holdings Inc., General Dynamics Commercial Cyber Services LLC, General Dynamics European Finance Limited, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Austria GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Bridge Systems GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Czech s.r.o., General Dynamics European Land Systems - Denmark ApS, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Deutschland GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - FWW GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Mowag GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems Romania S.R.L., General Dynamics European Land Systems S.L., General Dynamics Global Force LLC, General Dynamics Global Holdings Limited, General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies Inc., General Dynamics Government Satellite Services LLC, General Dynamics Government Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Government Systems Overseas Corporation, General Dynamics Information Technology Canada Limited, General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., General Dynamics Information Technology Limited, General Dynamics Installation Services LLC, General Dynamics International Corporation, General Dynamics Itronix LLC, General Dynamics Land Systems - Australia Pty. Ltd., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Services Inc., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canadian Services Limited, General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection Inc., General Dynamics Land Systems Customer Service & Support Company, General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., General Dynamics Limited, General Dynamics Marine Systems Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems International Limited, General Dynamics Mission Systems Overseas Company LLC, General Dynamics Motion Control LLC, General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (California) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (DRI) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (Niceville) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (Pennsylvania) Inc., General Dynamics One Source LLC, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Canada Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Canada Valleyfield Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Simunition Operations Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., General Dynamics Overseas Systems and Services Corporation, General Dynamics Properties Inc., General Dynamics Robotic Systems Inc., General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies Inc., General Dynamics Satcom Technologies Asia Private Limited, General Dynamics Satellite Communication Services LLC, General Dynamics Saudi Holdings S.L., General Dynamics Shared Resources LLC, General Dynamics Support Services Company, General Dynamics Swiss Financial Management Limited, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, General Dynamics Worldwide Holdings Inc., General Dynamics-OTS Inc., General Motors Defense, Gulfstream 100 Holdings LLC, Gulfstream Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (CA), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (DE), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GA), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (OK), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation of Texas, Gulfstream Aerospace Hong Kong Limited, Gulfstream Aerospace LLC, Gulfstream Aerospace LP, Gulfstream Aerospace Ltd., Gulfstream Aerospace Services Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Sociedad de Responssabilidad Limitada de CapitalVariable (S. de R.L. de C.V.), Gulfstream Do Brasil Servicos De Suporte E Manutencao A Aeronaves Ltda., Gulfstream International Corporation, Gulfstream Leasing LLC, Gulfstream Product Support Corporation, Gulfstream Services Corporation, Gulfstream Tennessee Corporation, Gulfstream-California Inc., Hawker Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Hawker Pacific Aircraft Management Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Airservices Limited, Hawker Pacific Airservices Pvt Ltd, Hawker Pacific Asia Holdings Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Asia Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Australia Pty Ltd, Hawker Pacific Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Hawker Pacific NZ Limited, Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd, IPWireless, IPWireless PTE. Limited, Information Services Consulting Limited, Interiores Aereos S.A. de C.V., International Manufacturing Technologies Inc., Itronix, Janteq Australia PTY Limited, Janteq Corp., Jet Aviation, Jet Aviation (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd., Jet Aviation (Bermuda) Ltd., Jet Aviation (Hong Kong) Ltd., Jet Aviation (Malaysia) SDN BHD, Jet Aviation 125 Services LLC, Jet Aviation AG, Jet Aviation Brazil Holdings Inc., Jet Aviation Business Jets (Hong Kong) Limited, Jet Aviation Business Jets AG, Jet Aviation Business Jets FZCO, Jet Aviation California LLC, Jet Aviation Dulles LLC, Jet Aviation Flight Services Inc., Jet Aviation France SAS, Jet Aviation Holding GmbH, Jet Aviation Holdings USA Inc., Jet Aviation Houston Inc., Jet Aviation International Inc., Jet Aviation Malaga SA, Jet Aviation Management AG, Jet Aviation Netherlands B.V., Jet Aviation Savannah Holding LLC, Jet Aviation Services GmbH, Jet Aviation St. Louis Inc., Jet Aviation Teterboro LP, Jet Aviation Texas Inc., Jet Aviation of America Inc., Jet Aviation/Palm Beach Inc., Jet Professionals LLC, Kylmar, Longreach Energy LLC, MAYA Viz, Maricom Systems Incorporated, Material Service Resources Company LLC, Matthews Land Company, Mediaware International, Mediaware International Pty Ltd, Metro Machine, Metro Machine co, Midwest Properties Sales LLC, NASSCO, NASSCO Holdings Incorporated, NES Associates LLC, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, Network Connectivity Solutions Corp., Newberry Holdings LLC, OOO Jet Aviation Vnukovo, Open Kernel Labs, Page Europa Srl, Patriot I Shipping Corp., Patriot II Shipping Corp., Patriot IV Shipping Corp., Plane 79 LLC, Praxis Engineering Technologies LLC, PrimeX Technologies, Prodelin India Private Limited, Proyectos Prohumane Mexico S.A. de C.V., Quincy Maritime Corporation III, Raven Acquisitions LLC, SENTECH INC., SRA International Inc., Saco Defense, Santa Barbara Sistemas S.A., Savannah Air Center LLC, Signal Solutions LLC, Southern Illinois Recovery Inc., Spectrum Astro, St. Marks Powder Inc., Stabilo Pty Ltd, Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug AG & Co KG, Sydney Jet Charter Pty Ltd, Tadpole Computer, Tecnologias Internacionales de Manufactura S.A. de C.V., Tenacity Solutions Incorporated, The Depth of Ideas for General Trading LLC, TriPoint Global Communications, Vangent, Vangent Servicios de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Veridian, Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH, ViPS, Vulnerability Research Labs LLC, and Weco LLC. 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 Hertz Global's quiet period expires on Monday, December 20th. Hertz Global had issued 44,520,000 shares in its IPO on November 9th. The total size of the offering was $1,291,080,000 based on an initial share price of $29.00. During Hertz Global's quiet period, insiders and underwriters involved in the IPO are restricted from issuing any earnings forecasts or research reports for the company because of regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the end of the company's quiet period, the brokerages that served as underwriters will likely initiate research coverage on the company. Austria fully supports the Brexit deal, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said before the meeting with the EU Council head Donald Tusk in Brussels. The current chair of the European Council insisted that the agreement brokered this week is a "good deal for both sides.' "Nobody has been cheated," Yahoo cited Kurz as saying. "This deal prevents a hard Brexit. Therefore it helps us in Europe, but even more so it helps GB because a hard Brexit would hit GB significantly more severely," he added. In a message to British MPs, then Chancellor added: "I sincerely hope there will be some necessary support in the British parliament, that would lay the foundation for an orderly withdrawal." This week UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced that her Cabinet had backed a draft agreement on Britain's departure from the European Union. The EU has set out a series of meetings leading up to 25 November when it plans to approve the Brexit agreement. Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates in Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWL stock has increased by 40.6% and is now trading at $50.13. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Unum Group is engaged in providing financial protection benefits. It operates through the following segments: Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, Closed Block and Corporate. The Unum US segment comprises of group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The Unum International segment engages in the operations of UK business, which includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental lines of business that include dental, individual disability, and critical illness products; Poland business primarily includes insurance for individual and group life with accident and health riders. The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products. The Closed Block segment consists of individual disability, group and individual long-term care, and other insurance products no longer actively marketed. The Corporate segment refers to investment income on corporate assets and other corporate income and expenses not allocated to a line of business; and interest Read More A dismembered body of a Georgian citizen was found in Sweden's Kalix on the bank of the river, local media reports. The detained suspect said that it was a murder of self-preservation. Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs is in contact with the Swedish side to obtain the details into the case. The motives and circumstances of the crime are not known yet, 1TV reported. Two of Britains most innovative potato breeders have been awarded with an annual accolade which recognises the sector's unsung heroes. Doug Harley, who heads up Cygnet PB, received the Potato Industry Award award at the Seed Industry Event in St Andrews, Scotland. After completing a degree in Agriculture, Mr Harley joined the family business - Alexander Harley Seed Ltd based in Kinross, Scotland and then later launched the Cygnet brand, which focused on limited generation seed production on a commercial scale. This was an innovative process as it drastically reduced the number of generations of potato seed which needed to be grown before it could be used as a commercial crop. Mr Harley said: The old system took nine generations before you could use the seed commercially, the mini tuber technology we pioneered allowed us to multiply up seed in a disease free environment, decrease the number of generations needed to three, and at the same time reduce disease and increase yields. The company now breeds, produces and exports both seed and ware potatoes across the world. New potato varieties, like the recently launched Kingsman, which can be used as a fresh or processing variety and grows equally well in cool and hot climates, help them satisfy varied markets. Mr Harley added: Im honoured to receive this award. I have watched a few of my peers win and to be among such an illustrious group is a privilege. I feel I still have a lot more to achieve and I have absolutely no intention of slowing down any time soon. 'Above and Beyond' Alongside him was a second prize winner, Gerald Croft, who took home the Above and Beyond Award which recognises those farmers who go the extra mile to make a positive impact on the potato supply chain. Mr Croft has spent his 36 year career in the seed potato sector after studying Agricultural Botany at Nottingham University. He initially worked for Pattullo Higgs and stayed with the company when they were taken over by Greenvale AP. Based in Yorkshire his current work involves the marketing of seed of new and existing potato varieties. Mr Croft was instrumental in the foundation of the British Potato Trade Association, was President from 2010 to 2012, during which he oversaw the rewriting of the seed terms and conditions, and now chairs the Legal Committee. Im delighted to have won this award, he said. Ive always been passionate about seed potatoes and over the years Ive always really enjoyed being a part of teams bringing new and improved varieties to market. I was involved with Cara in the early days, helped Caithness establish their variety Harmony and more recently have worked with HZPC in developing their variety Sagitta. "Establishing new varieties brings together a lot of my skills, like sales, science and agronomy, and seeing those varieties succeed is a great reward, Mr Croft added. Farmers have said the UK should look at maintaining or increasing sheep numbers despite a report calling on livestock numbers to reduce. The sheep industry has called a report on climate change which favours a reduction in UK livestock numbers as "hugely frustrating". Released on Thursday (15 November), the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) calls for a reduction in livestock numbers to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. The CCC says a 20-50% reduction in beef and lamb pasture could release 3-7m hectares of grassland from the current 12m hectares in the UK, which could be put towards woodland growth and land for biofuel. But the National Sheep Association (NSA) has opposed their recommendation, pointing out the benefits of sheep farming. The organisation even says the UK should be seeking to increase sheep numbers, depending on market demand. Putting sheep back into arable rotations would also result in a natural regeneration of soil quality and fertility, which is "sorely needed". NSA Chief Executive, Phil Stocker says: Sheep play a huge part in regenerative agriculture which in turn contributes to keeping our uplands in a good condition and improving our lowlands in terms of soil quality and a return to mixed farming. 'Hugely frustrating' Sheep farmers also dispute the science on which standard carbon footprint calculations in the report are based. The NSA cites two main reasons; the report does not consider full life cycle analysis and does not consider the role of animals, pasture and carbon sequestration; and the report confuses what is essentially a natural carbon cycle that has been going on for "thousands of years" with an industrial carbon cycle that is dependant on the use of fossil fuels and land use change. Mr Stocker says it is "hugely frustrating" that a body like the CCC "refuses to accept" the "natural aspects" of the carbon cycle. He adds: Some people seem hell bent on portraying sheep as the enemy, but they deliver far more than just high quality and nutritious meat, and could be argued to be the ultimate in renewable technology. MPs have called on the Government to prioritise the development of co-operatives in farming as a means of creating a "more resilient" UK agricultural sector. A Labour Party amendment to the Agricultural Bill made on Thursday (15 November) looks to provide grant and loan funding to co-operatives and place a new duty on the Defra Secretary to promote the sectors expansion. At present, more than 140,000 British farmers are members and co-owners of over 400 agricultural co-operatives, with a combined turnover of 7.7bn. These organisations encompass all aspects of the supply chain from production to marketing, with profits either reinvested or returned to the farmer-owners. With Britains withdrawal from the EU likely to result in market shocks that leave small-scale, independent farmers particularly exposed, the amendments backers argue an expansion in the co-operative sector is the best way to safeguard the viability of British farming over the long-term. They argue that co-operatives already make a valuable contribution to UK agriculture by providing cost-savings, opportunities for farmers to share best practice and a means for them to retaining value throughout the supply chain. 'Fair and resilient' Commenting ahead of the Bill Committee, Labour MP and Shadow Defra Secretary, David Drew said co-operatives will create a "fairer" sector. Labours commitment to doubling the size of the co-operative sector is particularly important in farming, where co-operative models are key to tackling the commercialisation of our countryside, creating a fairer and more resilient sector, and ensuring consumers get good value, good quality British food in supermarkets, he said. This amendment puts a new duty on the government to promote and support co-operatives in British farming after Brexit. Andrew Barraclough, a dairy farmer in Cumbria who is one of Arla's 2,400 member-owners in the UK, said being a part of a co-operative means farmers receive a "fair price". Membership of a co-operative ensures that farmer owners receive a fair price and are helped to remain viable even in times of market uncertainty, Mr Barraclough said. Membership of Arla brings with it practical support and advice, and being a co-operative ensures the profits the company generates are retained by the farmers and shared equally among its farmer owners both here in Britain and abroad. He added: Steps to maintain and expand the role of co-operatives can only be a good thing for the long-term future of the agricultural economy in our country. Decline However, the number of farmer co-operatives operating in the UK has fallen for the fifth consecutive year, down to 420 from a 2014 high of 445. The number of farmer owners overall is also in decline, according to the Co-operative Economy published in June this year, with a drop of 2.6% to 142,999. This trend is in stark contrast with the UK's European neighbours and important farming nations further afield. The market share of the UKs farming co-operatives, at just 6%, is a fraction of other European Union nations including Germany (45%) and France (55%). The sheep industry is a step closer to a standardised carcase clarification system, after more than a decade of farmers urging Government to make the change. Defras intention to make the move to a mandatory carcase classification system came in its response to its consultation on changes to carcase classification and price reporting by abattoirs in England, which was triggered in part by the NFUs deadweight market transparency work. The consultation response outlines intentions for a standard dressing specification, the end of rounding down carcase weight, published prices and processing charges, and the use of the EUROP grid to assess conformation and fat. NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay said: It has been a longstanding ambition of the NFU to improve transparency and productivity within the UKs sheep sector, and this consultation is a huge step towards achieving that goal. Sheep meat needs to be brought in line with cattle and pig meat which has mandatory price reporting based on a standard dressing specification and classification, and it is encouraging that Defra have recognised this in their response. A standardised system will go some way to ensuring that farmers are paid for what they produce. In turn, this will help drive consistency and quality, and enable producers to compare processors based on the base price quoted. Mr Findlay added: However, the response could go one step further in recognising that the only price deduction producers should suffer is the statutory levy, as deductions currently include the running cost for the processors business, not the farmer. Additionally, these deductions should be built into the base price, or itemised consistently so farmers can compare plant by plant. Growing sugar beet in Scotland could create jobs, report says Crop would also help with net zero goals Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Iraqi President Barham Salih will arrive in Iran on November 17 in order to expand and promote bilateral ties. During his two-day visit, Salih is scheduled to meet and hold talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and a number of Iranian officials with the aim of discussing the development and promotion of bilateral relationship, regional and international issues. A number of cooperation documents are expected to be signed in the presence of the presidents. In the end, Salih and Rouhani will respond to the questions of journalists, Mehr News Agency reported. After an extravagant wedding near the pristine Lake Como in Italy, Bollywoods Bajirao and Mastani became man and wife. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were dating each other for more than half a decade before getting married to each other and their beautiful relationship stepped up a level after they tied the knot yesterday. Their wedding pictures have broken the internet with over one million likes in no time and we are more than happy for the duo. With wishes pouring in from all directions, DeepVeer are currently continuing their vacay in Italy before they head back to India.Almost everyone back home is waiting for the newlyweds with baited breaths and weve got our hands on some information about when the couple will be returning to Mumbai. It has been reported that the couple will leave for Mumbai on 18th November. After which they will be hosting three receptions. One will be on 21st November in Bengaluru, the other on 28th December in Mumbai, while the final one will take place on 1st December will the top guns of Bollywood in attendance. We wish Ranveer and Deepika a happy and smooth sailing married life. Here's Why DeepVeer Invited Katrina Pinkvilla quoted a source as saying, "Ranveer and Deepika do not believe in holding on to the past. They both together decided to send invites to all irrespective of the equation they shared with them back in the days. Much to the surprise of everyone, an invite has been sent to Katrina Kaif, with whom Deepika shared a cold shoulder, thanks to their common past with actor Ranbir Kapoor." Anushka Is Invited Too! "Apart from Katrina, an invite has been extended to Anushka Sharma too, whom reportedly Ranveer Singh was once dating. But that is now history. While Anushka has moved on and is now married to Virat Kohli, Katrina Kaif is happily single." Recently, Katrina Hinted That She Would Love To Attend Their Wedding "In fact, Katrina's confession of being excited to attend Deepika's wedding on Koffee with Karan too hasn't gone unnoticed," informs a source. DeepVeer Send An Invite To Priyanka Chopra As Well "As far as Priyanka Chopra is concerned, while Ranveer Singh shares a very close bond with the actress, Deepika again shared a cold shoulder with the lady, post the success of Bajirao Mastani and their subsequent debuts in Hollywood." All Is Well Between Priyanka & Deepika? The source further added, "However, things now seem to be fine between the ladies and a reception invite has been sent to PeeCee. But, knowing that Priyanka herself is getting married on December 2 in Jodhpur, she would be missing out on DeepVeer's reception that is reportedly being held just a day before her own marriage." Reportedly, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are also expected to attend the wedding together. The Groom's House Ranveer Singh's plush residence in Mumbai has been decorated with lights to add more to the celebration. Stunning! The main gate has been decorated with lights and white flowers and we just can't take our eyes off it. One More Picture The beautifully-decorated gate is definitely grabbing our attention the most. Lights All Over Not just his house, beautiful lights were also hung from the trees outside the house. Well, the celebrations have just begun for DeepVeer. An Italy Wedding For DeepVeer After dating for about six years, Ranveer and Deepika got hitched at Lake Como, in Italy on 14th and 15th November, as per Konkani-Brahmin and North Indian traditions. Red Is The Color As per a report in Elle Magazine, Nick will wear an ivory suit while his bride Priyanka will be clad in red. The Bridesmaid Will Be Donning Ralph Lauren Outfits The report further stated that the bridesmaid will be in Ralph Lauren outfits for the Christian Wedding because the couple wore the same brand at the 2017 Met Gala in their first public appearance. This Person Will Be The Maid-Of-Honour Priyanka has asked her friend Mubina Rattonsey to be her maid of honor, reported The Sun. Priyanka's Bridal Shower Recently, Priyanka Chopra enjoyed a lavish bridal shower at Tiffany's Blue Box Cafe hosted by her bridesmaid Mubina Rattonsey and Anjula Acharia. Why Should Boys Have All The Fun? The actress even jetted off to Amsterdam with her girlfriends for a fun-filled bachelorette trip and left her fans asking for more with her constant updates on Instagram. We Just Can't Wait To See Them In The Bridal Outfits A TOI report stated that Priyanka-Nick's wedding festivities will continue for three days from November 30 to December 2 in Jodhpur at the Mehrangarh Fort. Rating: 3.0 /5 Star Cast: Vijay Antony, Nivetha Pethuraj, Daniel Balaji, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, Muthuraman Director: Ganeshaa Continuing his success streak as an actor and going in the path of churning out decent and engaging movies, Vijay Anthony is back with yet another movie, Thimiru Pudichavan. After the super success of Bicchagaadu, the Telugu-dubbed version of Pichaikaran, Thimiru Pudichavan has got a simultaneous release in the Telugu states as Roshagaadu. Thimiru Pudichavan is an old-school commercial potboiler flick, which is said to offer complete value for money to the audience. Vijay Anthony as the strict, eccentric and honest cop works for his department on the lines of integrity and cracks at many current happenings such as juvenile crimes and takes on the antagonists. He is not only on a mission to set things right in his area, but also inspires fellow cops as to how an ideal cop should be. He is seen getting into the action of cleaning the city from criminals and even drainage and thus, setting an example. Heroine Nivetha Pethuraj, who plays the love interest of our hero, too is a police officer and hence, travels along with Anthony throughout the movie. Vijay Anthony has yet again rendered another decent and adequate performance in line with the script requirement. He knows his pros and cons as an actor and has just balanced the line without going overboard nor undermining himself. Nivetha is gorgeous and at the same time is convincing as a sub-inspector. She is sure to earn some handy number of fans post this movie. The rest of the casting just fits the bill right for the movie. Vijay Anthony is not just the actor who has done his job religiously, but has scored quite good as the music director and producer of the movie as well. Both the music and production values are apt to the movie. Director Ganesh, an associate of SS Rajamouli once upon a time, has come out with a convincing package. The first half is gripping and entertaining, while the second half retains the interest held by the first half. This is a case of a typical commercial movie that caters good service to the B & C centers and often reminds the audience of a Hari's commercial movie. Editing and Cinematography by Richard are adequate on an overall scope. Thimiru Pudichavan is a simple, straightforward and a no-logic entertainer. This one can be enjoyed by the masses and audience who are fans of such commercial entertainers. The Wedding Ceremony Mumbai Mirror reported, "The celebrations will kick off with a Mata ka jagran at Kapil's sister's residence on December 10. This will be followed by mehendi and sangeet ceremony at the bride's place the next day. A five star hotel has been booked for the big fat Punjabi wedding on December 12. It will be followed by a reception party on December 14 at another five-star in Amritsar." His Show To Get Postponed? According to Pinkvilla's latest report, Kapil Sharma's Mumbai reception is scheduled to take place on December 24, which is one day after the second season of The Kapil Sharma Show is reported to hit the television screens. Now that the Mumbai reception date is revealed, we wonder if his show's premiere will be postponed? Ginni Is A Huge Support In Kapil's Life Kapil Sharma first made his relationship with Ginni official on social media in 2017. Previously, while talking to Hindustan Times in an interview, Kapil was quoted saying, "I am ecstatic to be with Ginni and I know this marriage will be a huge change in my life. Discipline aayega. She takes good care of me and is a huge support in my life." The Announcement! When he announced his relationship with Ginni, he shared a picture of theirs on his Instagram handle and captioned it as, "Will not say she is my better half .. she completes me .. love u ginni .. please welcome her .. I love her so much." - (sic) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2018) - Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE) (OTC Pink: SLVRF) (FSE: BRK1) ("Silver One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of voting at its annual general meeting ("AGM") of shareholders which was held on November 15, 2018, in Vancouver, British Columbia. All items submitted to the shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular, both dated October 17, 2018, were approved by the requisite majority of votes at the AGM. The details of the voting results for the election of directors are outlined below: Director Votes For Votes Withheld # % # % Greg Crowe 21,631,961 99.09% 199,737 0.91% Luke Norman 21,645,911 99.15% 185,787 0.85% Barry Girling 21,660,661 99.22% 171,037 0.78% Claudia Tornquist 21,696,175 99.38% 135,523 0.62% Raul Diaz Unzueta 21,645,825 99.15% 185,873 0.85% A total of 37,513,802 common shares representing 38.59% of the votes attached to all outstanding shares as at the record date for the meeting were represented at the AGM. In addition to the re-election of the directors, shareholders also approved the re-appointment of BDO Canada LLP as auditors of the Company, set the number of directors as five and approved the renewal of the Company's stock option plan. Detailed voting results for the AGM are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About Silver One Silver One is focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The Company holds an option to acquire a 100%-interest in its flagship project, the past-producing Candelaria Mine located in Nevada. Potential reprocessing of silver from the historic leach pads at Candelaria provides an opportunity for possible near-term production. Additional opportunities lie in previously identified high-grade silver intercepts down-dip and potentially increasing the substantive silver mineralization along-strike from the two past-producing open pits. The Company has staked 636 lode claims and entered into a Lease/Purchase Agreement to acquire five patented claims on its Cherokee project located in Lincoln County, Nevada, host to multiple silver-copper-gold vein systems, traced to date for over 11 km along-strike. In addition, the Company also holds a 100% interest in three significant silver assets located in Mexico - Penasco Quemado, Sonora; La Frazada, Nayarit; and Pluto, Durango, acquired from First Mining Gold, one of the Company's largest shareholders. For more information, please contact: Silver One Resources Inc. Monica Hamm, VP, Investor Relations Phone: (604) 974-5274 Email: mhamm@silverone.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2018) - Affinity Metals Corp. (TSXV: AFF) (the "Company") announces that it intends to extend the exercise term of certain outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company. These warrants were originally issued November 21, 2017 and are exercisable at a price of $0.15/share until November 21, 2018. The Company proposes to extend their term by one year such that the warrants will be exercisable until November 21, 2019 at an exercise price of $0.15/share. All other terms of the warrants will remain unchanged. The proposed amendment to the term of the warrants is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. On behalf of the Board of Directors Robert Edwards CEO and Director of Affinity Metals Corp. Tel: 604-227-3554 Email: redwards@affinity-metals.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. LONDON, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the Bitcoin BCH network upgrade on November 15, a hash war has begun with miners voting between Bitcoin SV and Bitcoin ABC - two competing implementations of the BCH protocol. As fully expected, Bitcoin ABC appeared to take a temporary lead on the first day by receiving an artificial boost from temporary, "rented" hash power subsidized by Roger Ver's organization Bitcoin.com, which announced it would use its pool customer hash on BCH for just 24 hours, and from ABC's main supporter Bitmain Technologies, the Chinese manufacturer of crypto mining rigs. However, Bitcoin SV has strong support from CoinGeek, the largest BCH miner, and nChain, the leading blockchain research & development firm. CoinGeek and nChain have the resources to fight long term with their own sustained hash, long after Bitmain cannot afford to bleed money for rented hash. Therefore, the BCH hash war will not be decided in 1 or 2 days,but over many days and possibly weeks by on-going miner votes with sustained Proof of Work.Until a dominant chain emerges, cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet and service providers are advised to remain neutral, and to run a Bitcoin SV node to be prepared for the best interests of users. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/786041/CoinGeek_Table.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/786042/Hash_Rate.jpg ) CoinGeek founder Calvin Ayre expressed his determination to fight the BCH hash war as long as it takes: "CoinGeek and nChain are in this battle for the long haul. We will mine BCH and fight as long as it takes to protect the original Bitcoin from Bitmain, Jihan Wu, and their Bitcoin ABC development group who all want to change BCH into some alt-coin Wormhole token technology. Roger Ver's company Bitcoin.com is subsidizing hash for only 24 hours, taken from his own customers. As for Bitmain, to keep up with us in this hash war, Bitmain will have to spend millions of dollars a day from its investors' money and shareholder assets, while also trying to raise more investor money for its shaky IPO. This will bleed Bitmain's cash and cryptocurrency reserves, because we are prepared to fight for months and months. If I were a shareholder or investor in Bitmain, I'd be asking why Jihan Wu is spending all your money to control BCH when Bitmain's business supports multiple cryptocurrencies." Bitcoin SV is the new full node implementation for Bitcoin Cash that seeks to restore the original "Satoshi Vision" for Bitcoin and allow it to massively scale. For the November 15 upgrade, Bitcoin SV's feature set is not compatible with that of competing client Bitcoin ABC. When there is a disagreement between rule sets, the original Bitcoin white paper described the "Nakamoto consensus" method for miners to vote with their computing power (1 CPU = 1 vote) to enforce any rules: "The majority decision is represented by the longest chain, which has the greatest proof-of-work effort invested in it." The current hash war is the world's first test of Nakamoto consensus. After the November 15 upgrade, Bitcoin ABC appeared to temporarily lead with a higher portion of the BCH network's total hash power. But ABC's perceived first-day advantage comes from a sudden burst of hash presumably rented from the Bitcoin Core (BTC) network to move over to BCH. By November 14, the day before the hard fork, Bitcoin SV's support consistently grew for weeks and dominated with a clear 72-78% lead over ABC (18-22%): Bitcoin ABC even dropped to tying for 3rd place with Bitcoin Unlimited, another implementation which is compatible (as a configurable option) with both Bitcoin SV and Bitcoin ABC rule sets. Yet suddenly on the November 15 upgrade date, a huge wave of hash magically came to support Bitcoin ABC. This came from Bitcoin.com's pool which announced it was boosting its BCH hash for only 24 hours, by moving customer hash from the BTC chain. In addition, Bitcoin ABC is receiving more support from "rented" or subsidized from BTC mining pools controlled by (Antpool.com, BTC.com, ViaBTC) or friendly (BTC.top) to Bitmain. To obtain rented hash, Bitmain must pay to subsidize the difference in lower revenue miners receive on the BCH chain when total hash rate grows, compared to mining on the more profitable BTC network. BTC.top's CEO Jiang Zhuoer estimates this can cost over 100 million yuan or USD $14 million per day. The rented hash supporting Bitcoin ABC is temporary, and will leave the BCH network when not subsidized. This is a losing proposition for Bitmain; each day a hash war continues, Bitmain must pay millions of dollars to give Bitcoin ABC an artificial advantage. But when Bitmain can no longer afford to pay for it, the rented hash will leave BCH and Bitcoin SV will again dominate by virtue of its long-term, sustained hash support. In contrast, Bitcoin SV's support comes from CoinGeek and nChain's BMG mining groups, which are 100% dedicated to support Bitcoin SV with their genuine hash. SVPool, a personal initiative of nChain Chief Scientist Craig Wright and the newly-formed Mempool also run Bitcoin SV; those pools gather miners supporting the Satoshi Vision and do not pay added subsidies to miners beyond the amount actually earned from participating in their pools. Ayre explained why sustained hash power should decide: "Bitcoin is about Proof of Work (PoW), not Proof of Rented Hash (PoRH). To decide which chain should be the true Bitcoin BCH, you should pick the longest chain with the most legitimate, sustained Proof of Work invested. It is ridiculous to count transient, rented hash which comes onto BCH artificially for short bursts of time because it is subsidized to do so, but then disappears and does not really sustain Proof of Work on the network. That is like paying a person to show up in a foreign country to vote in a political election, without meeting citizenship requirements to vote. At CoinGeek's BCH Miners Choice Summit on November 2, we were offered thousands and thousands of petahash to rent for this battle. While we can afford to pay for more rented hash than Bitmain can, we decided to set a better precedent for Bitcoin and fight with honest hash invested to support BCH long term." This week, Israel voted in favor of a United Nations resolution calling for a global moratorium on death penalty in an effort to abolish the practice altogether. Jerusalem on November 13 was one 123 countries that supported Resolution A/C.3/73/L.44, which "expresses its deep concern about the continued application of the death penalty" and "welcomes the steps taken by some states to reduce the number of offences for which the death penalty may be imposed." Thirty-six countries opposed the motion. Thirty abstained. The resolution, discussed biannually by the UN General Assemblys Third Committee, welcomes "initiatives and political leadership encouraging national discussions and debates on the possibility of moving away from capital punishment through domestic decision-making." It also hailed the fact that an increasing number countries decided to "apply a moratorium on executions, followed in many cases by the abolition of the death penalty." The resolution calls on states to progressively restrict the use of the death penalty and to decrease the number of offenses punishable by death, The Times of Israel reported. Mozambique has approved a three-year plan for 2018 - 2021 to kick start implementation of the long-term NDC Roadmap 2020-2025 to deliver its commitments to the Paris Agreement by fast-tracking climate action. The government's plan aligns short- and medium-term needs for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures with resources and support from eighteen NDC Partnership members through their existing and planned projects. MAPUTO, Mozambique, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government has elaborated a long-term implementation plan - the 2020-2025NDC Roadmap that informed the short-term, results-based Needs Plan 2018-2021 to address needs prioritized by the government. This was a result of a thorough and extensive participatory process coordinated by the Ministry of Land, Environment, and Rural Development (MITADER) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and involved 21 government institutions and 18 NDC Partnership members in the sectors of Agriculture, Civil Aviation, Energy, Early Warning Systems, Forestry, Health, Transport, Urban Mobility, Waste, and Water. The Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Land, Environment, and Rural Development, Celmira Silva, explained that "this was a participatory process that began with consultations at the local level to listen to priorities and actions intended to cover 2020 to 2025 that contribute to creating climate resilience and adaptation, while also promoting low-carbon sustainable development. Additionally, national sectoral consultations were held with the aim of consolidating government priorities." Engaged on climate action even before the Paris Agreement, Mozambique has based its current NDC implementation plans on the previous National Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy (2013- 2030). The National Climate Change Strategy aims "to increase resilience in communities and the national economy including the reduction of climate risks, and promotion of low-carbon development and the green economy through the integration of adaptation and mitigation in sectoral and local planning". In its NDC, the government highlights an ambitious mitigation commitment to reduce about 76,5 MtCO 2 eq from 2020 to 2030, conditional on the provision of financial, technological and capacity building from the international community. The World Bank Country Director Mr Mark R. Lundell noted that, "Climate change is a serious threat to efforts to end poverty. The NDC Needs Plan will contribute to enhancing Mozambique's resilience, and its contribution to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Addressing climate change is a corporate priority for the World Bank, and we have been mainstreaming resilience and mitigation in our portfolio in Mozambique." The newly developed 2020-2025 NDC Roadmap is a detailed implementation plan and monitoring framework that guides the operation of low-carbon and resilient development, unpacking the NDCs sector-specific priorities. The Road Map was elaborated through a whole-of-society approach conducted at local and national levels and is currently being finalized for the approval of the Council of Ministers. The Partnership Plan addresses short-term priority needs set by the government for implementation of the NDC Road Map. The plan aligns the needs of 21 government institutions with ongoing actions and planned projects of 18 development partners. The Plan includes: Development of pipelines of bankable climate change-related projects; Resource mobilization and project financing; Strengthening institutional coordination; Strengthening regulatory and institutional environments; Capacity enhancement for mitigation and adaptation actions across sectors; MRV systems and data management; Budget coding and Tracking systems; Private sector engagement. "In response to a specific request from the government, Mozambique is the first country where FAO is supporting the NDC consultation process, with particular emphasis in the Agricultural Sector," confirmed Mr. Olman Serrano, FAO Representative. He also added that "FAO's support also ensured the engagement of a National Coordinator in the country to support the development and implementation of the NDC Needs Plan. This is a clear sign of recognition by Development Partners and the Government of Mozambique of the importance of the agrarian sector in responding to the challenges posed by climate change," he concluded. The partners supporting Mozambique's NDC Needs Plan include the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Belgian Embassy, the Delegation of the European Commission (EC), the Federal Republic of Germany (through GIZ and KfW), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Spanish Cooperation, the Swedish Embassy and Sida, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment), the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the World Bank, and World Resources Institute (WRI). The Ambassador of the European Union to Mozambique, Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar, stated: "Climate action is at the forefront of the EU's priorities. The COP 24 climate conference in December will be important to implement the Paris Agreement, and in this context the EU is committed to increase its cooperation with all partners around the world, including with Mozambique. The EU welcomes Mozambique's determination to implement decisive and ambitious actions on climate change, and in this regard the EU will continue to support Mozambique's efforts to effectively implement its NDC Roadmap." The Vice-Minister stated that the "Government appreciates the commitment of 18 partners and members of the NDC partnership to support the needs presented. We hope that with the detail of the actions contained in the Needs Plan, more partners and members of the Partnership and other Cooperation partners may also indicate areas in which they can provide support". The Vice-Minister emphasized that "with these planning instruments, the conditions are created for Mozambique to fully implement its Nationally Determined Contribution, while achieving national priorities for a resilient, sustained and low-emission development; as well as the international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals". To conclude, the Vice-Minister invited "everyone to embrace this commitment of the Government of Mozambique in order to improve the living conditions of Mozambicans." About the NDC Partnership: The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions committed to transformational climate action, co-chaired by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Morocco. The Partnership has grown to 100 member countries, 19 institutional members and nine associate members since its launch in November 2016. Mozambique was one of the first countries in Africa to join the NDC Partnership and formalized its request for technical assistance in August 2018. The NDC Partnership is supporting more than 30 developing countries to enhance and implement their NDCs through technical assistance; capacity building; knowledge sharing and access to finance. Members give specific support to one another to strengthen policy frameworks; mainstream climate actions into national, sectoral and sub-national plans; develop budgeting and investment plans; share knowledge and resources and build more robust monitoring and reporting systems in line with country-driven requests. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785890/NDC_Partnership_Vice_Minister_Celmira_Silva.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785891/NDC_Partnership_Workshop_Participants.jpg LONDON, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gas Insulated Transformer Market Forecast 2019-2029 Forecasts by Installation Type (Indoor, Outdoor), End-User (Utility, Non-Utility) and by Transformer Type (One/ Two Phase, Three-Phase, Poly-Phase) Plus Profiles of Leading Companies and Regional and Leading National Market Analysis The increased focus on a more efficient energy grid infrastructure has led Visiongain to publish this timely report. The market of power transformers is expected to flourish in the next few years because of the need for efficient energy usage and also a greater renewable energy penetration into the energy mix is expected to feed through in the latter part of the decade driving growth to new heights. If you want to be part of this growing industry, then read on to discover how you can maximise your investment potential. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg ) 6 Reasons why you must order and read this report today: 1) The report provides detailed profiles of key companies operating within the Gas-Insulated Transformers market: ABB Ltd. Arteche Fuji Electric Co. Ltd General Electric Hitachi Ltd. Hyundai Heavy Industries Ltd. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd Nissin Electric Co. Ltd. Siemens AG Toshiba International Corporation 2) Our report forecasts the Global Gas-Insulated Transformers Market 2019-2029 Gas-Insulated Transformers Marker: PEST Analysis Gas-Insulated Transformers Market Forecast by Installation Type 2019-2029 Gas-Insulated Transformers Market Forecast by End User 2019-2029 Gas-Insulated Transformers Market Forecast by Transformer Type 2019-2029 3) Our report contains analysis and forecast of the leading national markets in the Gas-Insulated Transformers market from 2019-2029 US forecast 2019-2029 Canada forecast 2019-2029 China forecast 2019-2029 Japan forecast 2019-2029 India forecast 2019-2029 Rest of Asia Pacific forecast 2019-2029 Russia forecast 2019-2029 Germany forecast 2019-2029 Rest of Europe forecast 2019-2029 Saudi Arabia forecast 2019-2029 Others forecast 2019-2029 4) Our analysis also forecasts the Gas-Insulated Transformer market by Phase 2019-2029 Three-Phase forecast 2019-2029 One/Two Phase forecast 2019-2029 Poly-Phase forecast 2019-2029 5) Our analysis also forecasts the Gas-Insulated Transformer market by End-User 2019-2029 Utility forecast 2019-2029 Non-Utility forecast 2019-2029 6) Our analysis also forecasts the Gas-Insulated Transformer market by Submarket 2019-2029 Indoor forecast 2019-2029 Outdoor forecast 2019-2029 This independent, 247-page report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. With 240 tables and figures examining the Gas-Insulated Transformer space, the report gives you a visual, one-stop breakdown of your market. PLUS revenue forecasts for each subsegment, as well as analysis, from 2019-2029 keeps your knowledge that one step ahead that you require to succeed. This report is essential reading for you or anyone in the energy sector with an interest in Gas-Insulated Transformers. Purchasing this report today will help you to recognise those important market opportunities and understand the possibilities there. I look forward to receiving your order. Key questions answered What does the future hold for the gas-insulated transformers industry? Where should you target your business strategy? Which applications should you focus upon? Which disruptive technologies should you invest in? Which companies should you form strategic alliances with? Which company is likely to success and why? What business models should you adopt? What industry trends should you be aware of? To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun atsara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website:https://www.visiongain.com/report/gas-insulated-transformer-market-forecast-2019-2029/ Did you know that we also offer a report add-on service? Emailsara.peerun@visiongain.com to discuss any customized research needs you may have? ABB Alstom Arteche Axpo Power Bernecker Cerius China XD Electric Chung-Hsin Electric & Machinery Mfg. Corp (CHEM) E.ON EGEMAC EKZ Exim Bank of China Fluor Fuji Electric Company Gazprom General Electric (GE) Hitachi T&D Hyosung Power & Industrial Systems Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Iberdrola Ingenieria Kanohar Electricals Ltd Karpowership Koncar Electrical Industries Inc. Krishnapatinam UMPP Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) Power Transmission & Distribution Lucy Group Ltd. Mitsubishi Electric Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Nissin Electric Co. NTPC Ltd. PT&D Rainer Industrie-Electronik GmbH Romande Energie Rte RTS Holdings Rural Utilities Service RusHydro Seeboard Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution Stromnetz Hamburg GmBH TBEA TenneT Toshiba International Corporation XD-EGEMAC High Voltage Electric Equipment Co. Organisations Mentioned Central Electricity Authority Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Grid Company (FSK) Government of India (GOI) Iraqi Ministry of Electricity Japan Electric Manufacturers' Association (JEMA) Kenya Power National Grid Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd Saudi Electricity Company Scottish Power The Federation of Electric Power Companies (FEPC) Toronto Hydro-electric Systems Unified Gas Supply System (UGSS) of Russia United Illuminating Company (UI) To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun onsara.peerun@visiongain.com ALBANY, New York, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to TMR's analysis, the global oncology information system market was estimated to be worth US$2,285.6 mn in 2017. By 2022, the market is prognosticated to rise to US$3,293.8 mn. Over the forecast period 2017 to 2022, the global oncology information system market is anticipated to exhibit a 7.8% CAGR. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Higher Accessibility to Critical Data to Push Growth Basically, oncology information systems contain a product is used to conceive treatment results, plan the treatment of the patient appropriately, and exchange cancer quiet information among the general medicinal services organizations. These advantages upgrade the proficiency and security of cancer growth treatment for the patients. The oncology information systems help the specialists and doctors to pick the most reasonable treatment to upgrade the cancer patients' survival rate. Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18659 The oncology information systems market is foreseen to see an unobtrusive development in the years to come by virtue of the advantaged given by oncology information systems over the customary methods of treatment arranging and record keeping. The openness of a scope of cancer treatments, including radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and the presence of large patient pool are the key elements powering the development of the market. High Adoption by Doctors, Government Support to Augment Opportunity Inferable from increment in the quantity of cancer patients, it is imperative doctors and human services suppliers to monitor the silent information and plan treatment procedures. The oncology information system programming causes doctors to enhance the administration of patient information. In developed nations especially, the market has picked up from the relentless development in the field of cancer research. Dispatch of novel procedures to fight the perilous disease likewise quickens the market's pace. Request a Sample of Report athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=18659 Besides, government help encourages smaller hospitals and clinics to enhance their general nature of patient consideration. Government support to research engaged with the revelation of novel disease medicines has made a situation helpful for the market's development in developed regions. Inactive lifestyle and the surge in unhealthy lifestyle factors are different components aiding the growth of the market. Be that as it may, the steep management and support costs and absence of health insurance IT specialists can hamper the growth of the oncology information systems market over the coming years. Request For Discount On This Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=18659 Due to a high prevalence of cancer, regional markets of Asia pacific and Europe are expected to witness high growth opportunity in the global oncology information system market in the coming years. Based on type, the segment of patient information systems held nearly 35% of the overall market share in 2017, and is expected to remain a key segment over the forecast period. The global market for oncology information systems is forecasted to witness bountiful growth in the forthcoming years, according to a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The global market comprises of a large pool of vendors, who are competing fiercely among themselves. A key strategy adopted by market vendors is adoption of strategic partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions. Several vendors are also foraying into intense research and development activities, and investing towards the production of technologically advanced oncology information systems. This is expected to further intensify the rivalry in the global oncology information market over the coming years. Browse Press Release - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/oncology-information-system-market.htm Leading vendors operating in the global oncology information system market include Varian Medical Systems Inc., Mckesson Corporation, Cerner Corporation, Flatiron Health Inc., and Koninklijke Philips N.V., among others. Browse MoreHealthcare Market Research Reports Popular Research Reports by TMR: Health Care Information Systems Market (Application - Hospital Information Systems (Electronic Health Record, Electronic Medical Record, Real-time Health Care, Patient Engagement Solutions, Population Health Management), Pharmacy Information systems (Prescription Management, Automated Dispensing Systems, Inventory Management), Laboratory Information Systems (Medical Imaging Information System, Radiology Information Systems, Monitoring Analysis Software, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), Revenue Cycle Management; Deployment Type -Web Based, On-premise, Cloud Based; Component - Software, Hardware, Services; End use - Hospitals, Diagnostics Centers, Academic and Research Institutions): https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/health-care-information-systems-market.html Clinical Decision Support System Market (System - Knowledge based Systems, Expert Laboratory Information System, Machine Learning Systems; Mode of Advice - Passive CDSS, Active CDSS; Application - Drug Databases, Care Plans, Diagnostic Decision Support, Disease Reference; Delivery Model - On premise, Web Based, Cloud Based; End Use - Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Clinics, Retail Pharmacy): https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/clinical-decision-support-system-market.html Medical Imaging Information System Market (Modality - Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, Ultrasound, X-RAY, and Mammography; End User - Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs); Software Type - PACS System Management, Radiology Information Systems, and Integrated Software Solutions): https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-imaging-information-system-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: https://theglobalhealthnews.com/ NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK COMMODITIES INCOME INVESTMENT TRUST PLC 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Commodities Income Investment Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 77.32p Capital only 78.66p Including current year income Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 3. Following the Buyback of 37,897 ordinary shares on 22 October 2018, the Company now has 116,126,515 Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding 2,839,485 Ordinary Shares which are held in Treasury). 4. For the latest daily net asset value, previous month end performance statistics, asset allocation and ten largest holdings of the BlackRock managed Investment Trusts; see BLRKINDEX on Reuters or page 8800 on ICB (Topic 3). NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK GREATER EUROPE INVESTMENT TRUST PLC 5493003R8FJ6I76ZUW55 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 343.67p Capital only (undiluted) 343.67p Capital only (Diluted for treasury shares) 343.93p Including current year income (undiluted) XD 343.93p Including current year income (Diluted for treasury shares) XD Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 3.Following the purchase of 50,000 ordinary shares on 12th November 2018, the Company now has 86,409,691 Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding 23,919,247 Ordinary Shares which are held in Treasury). 4. For the latest daily net asset value, previous month end performance statistics, asset allocation and ten largest holdings of the BlackRock managed Investment Trusts; see BLRKINDEX on Reuters or page 8800 on ICB (Topic 3). NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK WORLD MINING TRUST PLC LNFFPBEUZJBOSR6PW155 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock World Mining Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 392.04p Capital only (undiluted) 402.97p Including current year income (undiluted) Notes: 1. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 2. Following the buyback of 25,000 ordinary shares on 23 October 2018, the Company has 176,330,242 ordinary shares in issue, excluding 16,681,600 which are held in treasury. 3. For the latest daily net asset value, previous month end performance statistics, asset allocation and ten largest holdings of the BlackRock managed Investment Trusts; see BLRKINDEX on Reuters or page 8800 on ICB (Topic 3). 4. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK THROGMORTON TRUST PLC 5493003B7ETS1JEDPF59 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 521.87p Capital only 529.97p Including current year income 521.87p Capital only (adjusted for treasury shares) 529.97p Including current year income (adjusted for treasury shares) Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. The Company's issued share capital comprises 73,130,326 Ordinary Shares and 7,400,000 Treasury Shares. 3. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK EMERGING EUROPE PLC 549300OGTQA24Y3KMI14 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Emerging Europe plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 413.51c per share (US cents) - Capital only 323.40p per share (pence sterling) - Capital only 425.21c per share (US cents) - Including current year income 332.56p per share (pence sterling) - Including current year income Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value. 3. Following the cancellation of 5,000,000 treasury shares on 09 November 2018, the Company's share capital consists of 35,916,028 Ordinary shares carrying one vote each. There are no shares held in treasury. 4. As announced on 19 October 2018, the Company has published proposals which will result in the liquidation of the Company's assets subject to approval at a General Meeting to be held on 15 November 2018. The daily valuation includes an accrual in respect of expected costs associated with the liquidation. This accrual accounts for costs directly attributable to the liquidation. It is expected disposal costs will also be encountered while selling down the portfolio however such costs cannot be reliably estimated until the sale is executed. Consequently disposal costs have not been accrued in the valuation at this point." NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK NORTH AMERICAN INCOME TRUST PLC 549300WWOCXSC241W468 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock North American Income Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 174.00p Capital only 175.79p Including current year income Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 3. Following the share issuance of 100,000 ordinary shares on 14 November 2018, the Company has 68,974,044 ordinary shares in issue, excluding 31,487,261 which are held in treasury. NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK LATIN AMERICAN INVESTMENT TRUST PLC UK9OG5Q0CYUDFGRX4151 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 647.54c per share (US cents) - Capital only 647.77c per share (US cents) - Including current year income 506.44p per share (pence sterling) Capital only 506.62p per share (pence sterling) - Including current year income Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 3. Following the Buyback of 20,000 ordinary shares on 24 May 2018, the Company now has 39,259,620 Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding 2,181,662 Ordinary Shares which are held in Treasury). 4. For the latest daily net asset value, previous month end performance statistics, asset allocation and ten largest holdings of the BlackRock managed Investment Trusts; see BLRKINDEX on Reuters or page 8800 on ICB (Topic 3). NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK INCOME AND GROWTH INVESTMENT TRUST PLC 5493003YBY59H9EJLJ16 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 187.32p Capital only (undiluted) 192.41p Including current year income (undiluted) Notes: 1. Following the buyback of 41,500 ordinary shares on 08 October 2018, the Company has 24,059,668 ordinary shares in issue excluding 8,874,264 shares in treasury. 2. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis, with the exception of the holding in Patisserie Valerie which has been valued at a directors' valuation following its suspension from trading on AIM on 10 Oct. The portfolio's holding in Patisserie Valerie at 15th November 2018 represents 0.16% of the Company's total portfolio following this revaluation 3. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC 549300MS535KC2WH4082 The unaudited net asset values for BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 1390.38p Capital only and including debt at par value 1383.82p Capital only and including debt at fair value 1404.65p Including current year income and debt at par value XD 1398.09p Including current year income and debt at fair value XD Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. The total number of ordinary shares in issue excluding treasury shares is 47,879,792. The total amount of ordinary shares held in treasury is 2,113,731. 3. For the latest daily net asset value, previous month end performance statistics, asset allocation and ten largest holdings of the BlackRock managed Investment Trusts; see BLRKINDEX on Reuters or page 8800 on ICB (Topic 3). NET ASSET VALUE BLACKROCK FRONTIERS INVESTMENT TRUST PLC 5493003K5E043LHLO706 The unaudited net asset values for the ordinary shares of BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust plc at close of business on 15 November 2018 were: 165.55c Capital only USD (cents) 129.48p Capital only Sterling (pence) 172.72c Including current year income USD (cents) 135.08p Including current year income Sterling (pence) Notes: 1. Investments have been valued on a bid price basis. 2. Revenue items included in net asset value, with dividends payable deducted on the ex-dividend date. 3. Following the share issuance of 500,000 ordinary shares on 12th November 2018, the Company has 203,991,108 ordinary shares in issue. FULLER SMITH & TURNER PLC - Directorate Change Press Release16 November 2018 Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC - Directorate Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC ("Fuller's"), the London brewer and premium pub company, today announces the appointment of Deborah Stevenson as Interim Finance Director, with effect from 19 November 2018. Since we have secured a highly qualified interim replacement for James Douglas earlier than anticipated, James will leave the Company - and step down from his role as Finance Director and from the Board - today [16 November 2018], a few weeks earlier than originally planned. Deborah Stevenson is a qualified chartered accountant and corporate treasurer with two decades' experience in senior financial roles, generally at CFO level. She has worked in a broad array of sectors, including global manufacturing, logistics, publishing, asset management and business services. James Douglas announced his decision to step down from his position as Finance Director in September as he and his family are moving to Germany, where his wife, Dr Anke Hoeffler, has been awarded a prestigious Humboldt Professorship. He leaves a well-established and extremely proficient Finance Team behind him, which will support Deborah in her interim role. James leaves with the Board's very best wishes and thanks for his contribution over the last 11 years. The search for a permanent replacement is underway and progressing well. We look forward to updating shareholders in due course. For further information please contact: Georgina Wald 020 8996 2198 georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk Justine Warren 020 7457 2020 Justine.Warren@instinctif.com SAN JOSE, California, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Microland, a digital accelerator for global enterprises, today announced that it has signed a global agreement to provide Managed Private Cloud solutions on the FlexPod platform. FlexPod is a converged infrastructure platform developed by Cisco and NetApp that hosts infrastructure software and business applications in virtualized and bare-metal environments, to enhance the agility and flexibility of enterprises. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/717242/Microland_Logo.jpg ) The new FlexPod Managed Private Cloud solution built on FlexPod enables customers to realize a cloud-like, As-a-Service model for their on-premises IT. The FlexPod infrastructure would be located on-premises but managed remotely, securing critical customer data and advancing cloud-capabilities for both partners and their customers. Microland's innovative solutions including Applications to Containers (a2cs), Container as a Service, etc. are available through catalogues on the FlexPod environment, thereby accelerating the time to deployment after FlexPod procurement. Utilizing current generation technologies like Terraform, Microland also provides options for bare metal provisioning which is one of the key asks across multiple clients for high performance computing. "The new Managed Private Cloud solutions enhanced and configured with Microland's managed services enable us to further accelerate digital transformation, drive profitability, improve efficiency and advance process and system effectiveness for customers across Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East and North America," said Pradeep Kar, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Microland Limited. "We are excited by our relationship with Cisco and NetApp to enable faster adoption and consumption of innovative solutions based on FlexPod platform." "We are proud of our continued innovation as we further expand FlexPod's powerful capabilities with support for industry-specific applications and new consumption models," said Siva Sivakumar, Senior Director, Data Center Solutions, Cisco Systems. "We are excited that Microland will deliver Managed Private Cloud solutions on FlexPod. This new offering will help organizations accelerate deployment of their business-critical applications and provide a secure, robust, and flexible private cloud infrastructure that has the speed and simplicity of public cloud." "There are many technical and organizational obstacles that can hinder private cloud adoption," said Ranjeet Sudan, Vice President of Converged Infrastructure at NetApp. "By working with Microland we are making it easier for organizations to drive superior performance for their business-critical applications with a managed private cloud solution built on a trusted, high-performance converged infrastructure solution." About Microland: Microland accelerates the digital transformation journey for global enterprises enabling them to deliver high-value business outcomes to their clients. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Microland has more than 4,000 professionals across its offices in Australia, Europe, India, Middle East and North America. Microland enables global enterprises to become more agile and innovative by integration of emerging technologies and the application of automation, analytics and predictive intelligence to their business processes. For more info: https://www.microland.com AbbVie, a multinational biopharmaceutical company, was recently certified as one of the best places to work in Croatia for 2018. Best Places to Work program is an international program providing employers in different countries the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and satisfaction of their employees and honor those who deliver an outstanding work experience. Additionally, The Best Places to Work certification is only awarded to companies with the highest standards of excellence in terms of working conditions. AbbVie received outstanding scores across several aspects of their workplace, where team members are encouraged to grow their careers, contribute with ideas and work hard in keeping AbbVie a high-performing, metrics-driven organization. "The biggest strength of Abbvie is that the strategies and the course, where the company is headed, are clear and communicated to all employees. Such straight approach brings out the best in people and allows each team member to understand the set goals and why it is important to reach them," said Ljubisa Mitof Visurski, General Manager of AbbVie Adria. "What I consider to be the most valuable part of being an Abbvie team member is the opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. The company is aware how important it is to generate opportunities for the employees to develop themselves, while the employees understand the benefit of making the most out of the offered learning options. Such a trustful employee-employer relationship creates a good working atmosphere, which, in the end, results in amazing achievements," said Tjasa Amon, HR Director of AbbVie Adria "Abbvie Croatia is an organization that enables and encourages employees to develop their potential in a diverse culture based on trust and integritysaid John Sladden, Program Manager for Europe ABOUT BEST PLACES TO WORK PROGRAM The Best Places To Work Program certifies and recognizes leading workplaces in many countries including leading programs in Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The program focuses on 8 Workplace factors including workplace culture, opportunities for growth and overall employee satisfaction with the company's people practices. An HR audit is also conducted to examine HR Practices within the organization. For more information, please visit the program website at www.bestplacestoworkfor.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005205/en/ Contacts: Best Places To Work Program Communication Office Patrick Bouazo Email: info@bestplacestoworkfor.org Tel: +44 203 129 5354 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, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2018 / Gratomic Inc. ("GRAT" or the "Company") (TSX-V: GRAT) (FRANKFURT: CB81, WKN: A143MR) announced that it has granted 5,200,000 options to Directors, officers and consultants exercisable at $0.13 with a 5 year term to December 18, 2023. About Gratomic Inc. Gratomic Inc. is an advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products most notably high value graphene based components for a range of mass market products. For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact: Arno Brand, Co-CEO +1 416-561-4095 abrand@gratomic.ca "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, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). SOURCE: Gratomic Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/530932/Gratomic-Announces-Grant-of-Options Israel will hold early elections after a disagreement in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition about the replacement for Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned on Wednesday. Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu party then left the country's ruling coalition, thus leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a fragile majority. The meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett earlier in the day resulted in the decision to hold early general elections in Israel, Haaretz reports, citing sources close to Bennett. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post specified that the date of the election would be agreed upon on Sunday by the heads of the coalition's parties. Daimler's Beat intends to outpace competitors through speed, focus, innovation and culture MEXICO CITY, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Beat , a leading ride-hailing app formerly known as Taxibeat, today announced that it will extend service to Mexico City in Q1 2019. Backed by Daimler Mobility Group, Beat is opening its offices in Mexico City and anticipates recruiting thousands of drivers by launch. The addition of Mexico City makes it the fourth Latin American city in which Beat operates in. Beat is one of the world's fastest-growing ride-hailing apps with over 5 million registered passengers and 200,000 registered drivers worldwide as of today. Headquartered in Athens, Greece where it also provides service, Beat has focused its growth strategy in Latin America where it operates in Lima (Peru), Santiago (Chile), and Bogota (Colombia). In Lima, Beat's agile strategy along with others has helped the company become the number one ride-hailing app locally, beating out the competition. In Mexico City, Beat will compete with big global players, among other local upstarts. "This is actually not our first time in Mexico City. We experimented briefly with the market five years ago and quickly discovered how challenging this market is. We didn't have the resources back then to succeed," said Nikos Drandakis, founder and CEO of Beat. "Now that we have more experience and honed our competitive strategy with Lima, we believe Beat has what it takes to carve out a sizable piece of the Mexico City market. We've beaten bigger players before and we intend to do it again." With a population of 21.3 million, Greater Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area of the Western Hemisphere and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. "The opportunity in Mexico City is ten times the size of your average market in Latin America," said Drandakis. "There's easily room for a number one, two, and three player." Beat is currently in the growing its Mexico City team and planning a number of brand building and awareness campaigns that implement PR, marketing, and digital strategies to recruit drivers and passengers. "At Beat, we fundamentally believe in our ability to grow in South America. We are an app that focuses solely on the region of Latin America and invests in understanding local culture and local market needs like no other. As an organization we might be smaller, yet more agile, and capable of innovating faster than our larger global competitors," said Drandakis. "Our company culture is radically different from other ride-sharing companies. As an example of this, our gender ratio is split equally -50 percent men and 50 percent women- and that extends to our senior leadership team." About Beat Beat creates a new ride experience by connecting thousands of passengers with nearby available drivers in real time. Through the app, you can request a driver 24/7. Beat is more than an app that takes you from A to B. Our mission is to become part of people's everyday life by making transportation in the city more affordable, convenient, efficient and safe. The company was founded in 2011 and was acquired by mytaxi, Europe's top taxi-hailing app (Daimler Mobility Services GmbH, part of Daimler Group) in February 2017. Beat is currently available in Athens (Greece), Lima (Peru), Santiago (Chile), Bogota (Colombia) and has plans to expand to more cities in Latin America over the next year. More about Beat at https://thebeat.co. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785062/Beat_Logo.jpg Appoints New Chief Financial Officer Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2018) - New Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: ENRG) (OTC Pink: NEMCF) ("New Energy Metals" or the "Company") announces that it has signed a letter of intent (the "Letter of Intent") with Wealth Minerals Ltd. ("WML"), whereby WML or its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively, "Wealth") can acquire a 70% interest in the Company's Cristal copper project (the "Project") located in northern Chile. Letter of Intent The Company, through its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary, has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Project pursuant to an option agreement entered into with a third-party vendor (see news release dated March 1, 2018). Subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by Wealth and acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange of the transaction contemplated by Letter of Intent, the parties expect to enter into a definitive assignment and assumption agreement (the "Assignment Agreement") for the assignment of a 70% interest in the Project to Wealth upon terms to be agreed upon by the parties. Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer The Company also announces the appointment of David Cross and the resignation of Blaine Bailey as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2018. Mr. Cross is a CPA, CGA and is currently a partner at Cross Davis & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, which provides accounting and consulting services to publicly traded companies. Mr. Cross has over 21 years of accounting experience and has been a partner of Cross Davis for eight years. The Company also announces that it has relinquished its option to acquire its Atacama lithium project, located in the Salar de Atacama district, Chile (see news release dated May 30, 2018). The lithium project will no longer represent a financial obligation for the Company, which will allow New Energy Metals to focus on entering into strategic agreements and acquiring projects that deliver the highest shareholder value. About the Company New Energy Metals is focused on the exploration and development of energy metals in Chile. The Company's assets include the Cristal copper project located in northern Chile and several prospective cobalt projects in Chile's past producing San Juan cobalt district. On behalf of New Energy Metals Corp. Marla Ritchie, Corporate Secretary T: 604.638.3886 E: info@newenergymetals.ca W: www.newenergymetals.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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into the Assignment Agreement, the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and otherwise, anticipated results from exploration activities, the Company's expectation that it will be able to obtain the necessary permits to exploit, develop, produce and export copper, cobalt or lithium, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities for the Company's projects generally, actual results of exploration activities, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, copper and lithium, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants or processes to operate as anticipated, other risks of the mining industry, the inability to obtain any necessary governmental and regulatory approvals (including acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange for the filing of the Assignment Agreement), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risks and Uncertanties" in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / Wi2Wi Corporation ("Wi2Wi" or the "Company") (TSX-V: YTY), a leading global developer and manufacturer of end to end Wireless Connectivity Solutions, high precision Frequency Control, Timing, and Microwave Filter devices announces that Dr. Fraser C. Henderson Sr., M.D has resigned as a director from the Board of Directors. Dr. Henderson a world renowned Board-certified Neurological Surgeon and a retired US Navy Commander has been a member of the Board Directors of the Company since February 16, 2016. Dr. Henderson resigned to continue his practice and research and for personal reasons. "The Board expresses its profound appreciation to Dr. Henderson for the business and technical expertise he brought to the board of directors over the past year and a half and his help in the management of the company," said the Chairman of the Board Mr. Michael Sonnenreich. For further information, please contact: Dawn Leeder Chief Financial Officer 608 203 0234 dawn_l@wi2wi.com About IoT and M2M Essentially, IoT and M2M describe the network of physical objects or "things" embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data. Driven by several factors including the growth in the availability of Broadband Internet, which reduces the cost of connecting, and the related increase in Wi-Fi capabilities as well as sensors built into myriad technologies, this has been described as the "perfect storm" for the IoT. Almost any device with an on and off switch that can be connected to the Internet (and/or to each other) - anything from cell phones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices, cars, as well as machine components in the engine of a jet airplane or the drill of an oil rig. According to analyst firm Gartner, by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices. Others think this figure could be too conservative by a factor of four. About Wi2Wi Corporation Wi2Wi is a vertically-integrated technology company which designs, manufactures and markets high performance, low power wireless connectivity solutions, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) modules, and frequency control devices. The Company's products and services address numerous applications in the markets of Internet of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine (M2M), Avionics, Space, and Government Sponsored Projects. Wi2Wi's products and value-added services provide highly integrated, rugged, robust, and reliable multiprotocol wireless actuators with embedded software, along with customized timing and frequency control devices for customers, worldwide. The Company was founded in 2005 and is strategically headquartered in San Jose, California with satellite offices in Middleton, Wisconsin and Hyderabad, India. Wi2Wi's manufacturing operations, its laboratory for reliability and quality control, together with design and engineering for timing and frequency control devices are located in Middleton, WI. The branch office, located in Hyderabad, India, focuses on the development of wireless connectivity; both hardware and software. Wi2Wi's strategic objective is to service the unique needs of each customer by providing end to end wireless integration solutions and highly customizable timing and frequency control devices. Wi2Wi distinguishes itself from commodity grade products, with best in the market performance, highly reliable, low power wireless connectivity products with integrated software that supports broader temperature ranges and a longer product life cycle. Furthermore, Wi2Wi's end to end product solutions helps the customer substantially reduce their end product expense, certification cost, and overall R&D investment, in addition to substantially reducing the time to market. Wi2Wi has partnered with best in class global leaders in technology, manufacturing, and sales. The Company uses a wide network of manufacturer's representatives, worldwide, to promote its products and services, and has partnered with world class distributors for the fulfillment of orders along with direct sales. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including management's assessment of future plans and operations, and the timing thereof, that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the ability to access sufficient capital, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and overseas, industry conditions, stock market volatility. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that the Company will derive there from. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website ( www.sedar.com ). Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Wi2Wi Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/528254/Wi2Wi-Announces-the-Resignation-of-Dr-Fraser-C-Henderson-Sr-MD-from-the-Board-of-Directors ESSEX, England, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Haag-Streit UK (HS-UK) and Ellex recently hosted the 15th European Ultrasound Course at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel, London. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/786166/Haag_Streit_UK.jpg ) The event was well-attended with 49 delegates from 10 different countries present on the day. The course was chaired by Hatem Atta, Consultant Ultrasound Lead, Moorfields Eye Hospital. Other guest speakers, included; Andrzej Dmitriew , Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Poznan University of Medical Sciences Jens Folke Kiilgaard, Chief Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon & Ocular Oncologist at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Tarek El -khashab, Ophthalmologist & Lead for Ophthalmic Ultrasound Services, Mid-Cheshire NHS Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust -khashab, Ophthalmologist & Lead for Ophthalmic Ultrasound Services, Mid-Cheshire NHS Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Rizwana Siddiqi , Director of Clinical Affairs, Boomo Medical The packed one-day programme covered all aspects of ophthalmic ultrasound, including; anterior imaging using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM), posterior B-scans for the diagnosis and evaluation of vitreoretinal disorders as well as optical biometry and the use of immersion ultrasound biometry for patients with dense cataracts. The practical workshops gave attendees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. The workshops covered a range of different examination techniques, including; the performance of accurate IOL calculations using ultrasound biometry, imaging ocular tumours using posterior B-scans, the use of ultrasonography in vitreoretinal pathologies and imaging the mechanisms of primary angle closure glaucoma using UBM. Grant Duncan, HS-UK Clinical Training Manager, said, "HS-UK were delighted to have another opportunity to host this prestigious ultrasound event in the UK. We worked very closely with Ellex to deliver a packed agenda with interesting and valuable lectures from our expert faculty." Grant continued, "We have had some fantastic feedback from delegates. The hands-on sessions were particularly well-received, with the posterior B-scan workshop proving extremely popular. Attendees also praised the excellent organisation of the meeting." The Haag-Streit Academy has a comprehensive calendar of events planned for 2019, including Advanced Ultrasound Courses. For more information, please visit https://hsuk.co/eventbrite or email academy@haag-streit-uk.com Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2018) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced settled charges against two companies that sold digital tokens in initial coin offerings (ICOs). These are the Commission's first cases imposing civil penalties solely for ICO securities offering registration violations. Both companies have agreed to return funds to harmed investors, register the tokens as securities, file periodic reports with the Commission, and pay penalties. According to the SEC's orders, both CarrierEQ Inc. (Airfox) and Paragon Coin Inc. conducted ICOs in 2017 after the Commission warned that ICOs can be securities offerings in its DAO Report of Investigation. Airfox, a Boston-based startup, raised approximately $15 million worth of digital assets to finance its development of a token-denominated "ecosystem" starting with a mobile application that would allow users in emerging markets to earn tokens and exchange them for data by interacting with advertisements. Paragon, an online entity, raised approximately $12 million worth of digital assets to develop and implement its business plan to add blockchain technology to the cannabis industry and work toward legalization of cannabis. Neither Airfox nor Paragon registered their ICOs pursuant to the federal securities laws, nor did they qualify for an exemption to the registration requirements. "We have made it clear that companies that issue securities through ICOs are required to comply with existing statutes and rules governing the registration of securities," said Stephanie Avakian, Co-Director of the SEC's Enforcement Division. "These cases tell those who are considering taking similar actions that we continue to be on the lookout for violations of the federal securities laws with respect to digital assets." "By providing investors who purchased securities in these ICOs with the opportunity to be reimbursed and having the issuers register their tokens with the SEC, these orders provide a model for companies that have issued tokens in ICOs and seek to comply with the federal securities laws," said Steven Peikin, Co-Director of the SEC's Enforcement Division. Today's cases follow the Commission's first non-fraud ICO registration case, Munchee, Inc. The Commission did not impose a penalty or include undertakings from Munchee, which stopped its offering before delivering any tokens and promptly returned proceeds to investors. The orders impose $250,000 penalties against each company and include undertakings to compensate harmed investors who purchased tokens in the illegal offerings. The companies also will register their tokens as securities pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and file periodic reports with the Commission for at least one year. Airfox and Paragon consented to the orders without admitting or denying the findings. The investigation into Paragon was conducted by Pamela Sawhney of the Enforcement Division's Cyber Unit and was supervised by Robert A. Cohen, Chief of the Cyber Unit. The investigation into AirFox was conducted by Colin D. Forbes, Emily R. Holness, and Michael J. Vito and supervised by Celia D. Moore, Amy S. Gwiazda, and John T. Dugan of the Boston Regional Office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Massachusetts Securities Division. Rig 2 Cuts Gold Bearing System 1 km North of Eastern Trend St. John's, Newfoundland--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2018) - Sokoman Iron Corp. (TSXV: SIC) ('Sokoman' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that it has received assay results for five of seven holes completed to date in the Eastern Trend, part of the Phase 2 drilling on the Moosehead Project, Central Newfoundland, and that diamond drilling is continuing with two drill rigs. Approximately 5,000 metres in 19 holes have been completed property wide thus far in Phase 2. Program highlights include: Eastern Trend high-grade mineralization extended in two step-outs to the north of MH-18-01; MH-18-17 returns 24.90 m core length grading 33.56 g/t Au (15 m step-out north of MH-18-01); MH-18-01); Rig #2 cuts gold bearing vein system 1 km north of the Eastern and Western Trend area. Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President and CEO, states: "Early results from the Phase 2 drilling have expanded the extent of high-grade gold mineralization in the Eastern Trend, as well as discovering a potentially significant new zone of gold mineralization in MH-18-103, one km to the north of the Eastern Trend. The drill holes have also demonstrated that the orientation of the structure hosting the Eastern Trend mineralization is different than initially thought, and that future drill testing of the Eastern Trend would be more effectively completed during the winter from the ice on North Pond. This will result in shorter drill holes required to intersect and define the lateral extent of the Eastern zone, than drilling from the west of North Pond. Moosehead is a complex system and we are learning with every hole. Rig #2 has made a potentially significant discovery in MH-18-103, located approximately 1 km to the north that requires further testing in an area with little previous drilling." A total of 2,493 metres in seven holes, MH-18-16 to 22, have been completed in the Eastern Trend by Rig #1 following up on results from drill hole MH-18-01 that returned 11.90 m grading 44.96 g/t Au (Sokoman Iron News Release July 24, 2018). Two step-out holes (MH-18-17 and MH-18-20), drilled 15 and 30 metres respectively to the north of MH-18-01 (see plan attached), intersected multiple zones of visible gold bearing quartz veins hosted in altered and mineralized sediments highlighted by MH-18-17 that returned a core length of 24.90 m grading 33.56 g/t Au. Drill holes MH-18-16, and 18 and 19 on the Eastern trend gave weak to moderate gold values over variable core lengths (see Table) with additional assays pending from hole 20. No drilling has yet been carried out to the south of MH-18-01, but holes are planned in the coming weeks. The Phase 2 drilling also indicates that the Eastern Trend mineralization appears to be moderately north to northeast dipping, not a subvertical, west dipping structure as initially thought. This new structural interpretation also suggests that the Eastern and Western trends may be linked, with deformation and therefore gold mineralization, stronger in the Eastern Trend area. The idea of this linkage was initially proposed in a structural report on the Moosehead property by previous operators in 2016. Seven holes totaling 777 metres have been completed in the Western Trend following up on results from Phase 1 that included 2.28m grading 42.36 g/t Au from MH-18-08 (Sokoman News Release August 29, 2018). Results for holes MH-18-21 and 22 (Eastern Trend), and MH-18-23 to 29 (Western Trend) are pending. Table 1 If you cannot view this Table, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/41116_sokomon1enhanced.jpg Note: Core length intercepts reported are 50 to 90% of true thickness. Rig #2 has completed five holes (1,331 metres, holes MH-18-101 to 105) testing targets up to one km to the north of the Eastern and Western Trend areas (see attached plan). These include a zone of historical anomalous soil and float samples with values ranging from less than 5 ppb Au to a maximum of 64 ppb Au in soils, and from less than 5 ppb Au to a maximum value of 180 g/t Au in rock float samples* outlined over a 400 metre strike length by previous operators. A 2002 drill hole, MH-02-39, in the vicinity of the historical anomalies, reported an eight metre zone of brecciation and veining with maximum assays of 552 ppb Au over 2.3 m* in a broader zone of anomalous gold values.*Values reported are historical in nature and not verified by Sokoman Iron Corp. Sokoman drill hole MH-18-103, collared 30 metres ahead (west) of MH-02-39, intersected the historical brecciated zone, but continued beyond the termination of the 2002 drill hole and intersected a second, more strongly mineralized vein zone, 2.40 m in core length (true thickness unknown at this time). This lower zone, with 3-5% pyrite, sphalerite and sulphosalt (boulangerite) with visible gold, lies approximately 30 metres beyond the termination of the 2002 drill hole. The lower vein zone is similar to high-grade mineralized veins in the Western Trend, located one km to the south, and to the high-grade boulders located just west of the collar. Sokoman believes this second vein zone is the source of the high-grade float found in this area immediately to the west of the collar. Additional drilling is ongoing in this area, which represents the northernmost holes drilled on the property. QA/QC A total of 1300 samples, including duplicates, blanks and standards, have been submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold and ICP analysis. Samples with possible visible gold were submitted for total pulp metallics and gravimetric finish. All other samples were analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Eastern Analytical is an accredited assay lab that conforms to requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Total pulp metallic analysis is a result of a whole sample being crushed to -10 mesh and pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is then weighed and screened 150 mesh. The +150 mesh fraction is fire assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150 mesh fraction is fire assayed for Au. A calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample is reported as well. The Company included in the sample stream one blank and one industry approved standard for every twenty samples submitted, as well as random duplicates of selected samples. This is in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policy of Eastern Analytical. QP This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO for Sokoman Iron Corp. Drilling services is being provided by the Diamond Drilling Division of Springdale Forest Resources Inc., a diversified natural resources-focused company based in Springdale, NL. The Company would also like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for approving the Moosehead Program for 2018 JEA Funding. About Sokoman Iron Corp. Sokoman Iron Corp. (TSXV: SIC) is a discovery-focused company with projects in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Sokoman's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects in Central Newfoundland. The Company also has interests in early-stage gold, base-metal and antimony projects in Newfoundland, as well as a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe/V/REE) project in Western Labrador. To learn more, please contact: Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President & CEO 709-765-1726 tfroude@sokomaniron.com Cathy Hume, Investor Relations 416-868-1079 cathy@chfir.com Website: www.sokomaniron.com Twitter: @SokomanIron Facebook: @SokomanIron 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 Statements: Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Iron Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Iron Corp. Plan Map Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/41116_3bb505aca48eda2e_003full.jpg Figure 2 To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/41116_3bb505aca48eda2e_004full.jpg Figure 3 To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6079/41116_3bb505aca48eda2e_005full.jpg Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) ("Ship Finance" or the "Company") announces that it has agreed to sell the 2002-built VLCC Front Falcon to an unrelated third party. Delivery to the new owner is expected later this quarter, and the net sales price will be approximately $30.7 million. The Company does not expect a material book effect from the transaction. Divesting of older vessels is part of Ship Finance's strategy to continuously renew and diversify its fleet. Following this transaction, the Company has three VLCCs remaining on charter to a subsidiary of Frontline Ltd. November 16, 2018 The Board of Directors Ship Finance International Limited Hamilton, Bermuda Questions can be directed to Ship Finance Management AS: Investor and Analyst Contacts: Harald Gurvin, Chief Financial Officer, Ship Finance Management AS +47 23 11 40 09 Andre Reppen, Senior Vice President, Ship Finance Management AS +47 23 11 40 55 Media Contact: Ole B. Hjertaker, Chief Executive Officer, Ship Finance Management AS +47 23 11 40 11 About Ship Finance Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) has a unique track record in the maritime industry, being consistently profitable and paying dividends every quarter since 2004. The Company's fleet of more than 80 vessels is split between tankers, bulkers, container vessels and offshore assets, and Ship Finance's long term distribution capacity is supported by a portfolio of long term charters and significant growth in the asset base over time. More information can be found on the Company's website: www.shipfinance.bm Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Ship Finance management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Ship Finance believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Ship Finance cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions. Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this presentation include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Ship Finance International Limited via Globenewswire Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2018) - CENTURION MINERALS LTD. (TSXV: CTN) ("Centurion" or the "Company") announces that its non-brokered private placement, initially estimated at up to $275,000 and priced at $.02/Unit, has been oversubscribed and the Company has closed a first tranche in the amount of $292,000 and issued 14,600,000 Units. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable for 2 years and priced at $.05. Shares issued will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring on March 17, 2019. Finders fees of $4,200 and 210,000 broker warrants, having the same terms as the subscribers have been issued. As news released on October 24, Centurion expanded the private placement and has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to raise up to $320,000. The Company anticipates completing the remaining amount shortly. Proceeds from this financing are estimated to be used by the Company as follows: Operating capital-Ana Sofia Project- $75,000; Audit fees - $51,000; legal fees- $15,000; accounting- $10,000; rent- $10,000; office overhead- $21,000; promissory notes interest- $50,000; management and administration- $15,000; regulatory filing fees-$3,000; working capital- $42,000. ABOUT THE ANA SOFIA PROJECT The Ana Sofia Project includes an agri-gypsum open pit mine and processing facility having a current design capacity of 4,000 tonnes/month. Gypsum is extracted from near-surface, flat-lying beds within the sedimentary formation that extends throughout the Ana Sofia Property, located in Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina. The gypsum rock is fed into primary and secondary crushers, then screened and sorted into two agri-gypsum fertilizer products. The plant is designed to produce a pellet-sized granular product and a fine powder product (comprised of a minimum 85% gypsum content) that are each packaged into one tonne tote bags. Agricultural gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) is a valuable plant nutrient and plays a vital role in maintaining soil structure and nutrient balance in South American soils, resulting in enhanced crop yields. The Project comprises two mining concessions totalling 50 hectares (ha) in size within a larger (approximately 600 ha) exploration permit area. The Project is well situated within a region where other small producers are currently extracting agricultural gypsum and selling to fertilizer distributors and farmers. An initial inferred gypsum resource for the Project was estimated (news releases - October 31, 2016 and December 16, 2016) to comprise 1.47 million tonnes averaging 94.1% gypsum, using an 85% cut-off grade that is the minimum required gypsum content for commercial-quality agricultural gypsum products in Argentina. For additional updates, follow our operations at: Centurion Minerals - Twitter Account and Demetra Fertilizantes - Instagram Account ABOUT CENTURION Centurion Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based company with an international focus on the development of agri-mineral fertilizer projects. For additional information on the Ana Sofia project and applications of agri-gypsum, visit our website: www.centurionminerals.com "David G. Tafel" President and CEO For Further Information Contact: David Tafel 604-484-2161 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. This news release contains forward looking statements concerning future operations of Centurion Minerals Ltd. (the "Company"). All forward-looking statements concerning the Company's future plans and operations, including management's assessment of the Company's project expectations or beliefs may be subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual performance and exploration and financial results may differ materially from any estimates or projections. Such statements include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents and other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to construction activities and operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals of operations; the ability of the Company and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the availability of financing for proposed transactions, programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms; the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions. The Ana Sofia project has not been the subject of a feasibility study and as such there is no certainty that a potential mine will be realized or that the processing facility will be able to produce a commercially marketable product. There is a significant risk that any production from the project will not be profitable with these risks elevated by the absence of a compliant NI 43-101 feasibility study. A mine production decision that is not based on a feasibility study demonstrating economic and technical viability does not provide adequate disclosure of the increased uncertainty and specific risks of failure associated with such a production decision. The Company has undertaken market research and studies to try to mitigate these risks. The work carried out to date is of a preliminary nature to assist in the determination as to whether the mineral product is suitable for sale and if there are markets for the mineral product. General risks inherent in the Project include the reliance on available data and assumptions and judgments used in the interpretation of such data, the speculative and uncertain nature of exploration and development costs, capital requirements and the ability to obtain financing, volatility of global and local economic climates, share price volatility, estimated price volatility, changes in equity markets, exchange rate fluctuations and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. The Ana Sofia mineral resource estimate is reported in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 and has been estimated using the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated November 23rd, 2003 and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated May 10th, 2014. Due to the relatively wide spacing of the historical quarries and the 2016 test pits, which varies between 40 m and 300 m, the Ana Sofia 2 resource described herein is categorized entirely as an inferred mineral resource. Inferred Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There has been insufficient exploration to define the inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource, however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. (ASX:AU8) Thanks for tuning into The Finance News Network, I'm Jessica Amir. Today I'm with AuMake InternationalExecutive Chairman, Keong Chan. Keong, welcome to the network.Hi. Thanks for having me, Jessica.Thanks for coming.Thank you.So for those who aren't familiar, just give us a quick introduction to the company.Sure. Yeah, AuMake has 13 retail stores in Sydney, Australia. We are the biggest one in this market. We also have an online store, which is growing. We sell Australian and New Zealand products to our Chinese customers, primarily Daigou and Chinese tourists, and we sell a lot of the popular products, Blackmores, a2 milk, Bellamy's, but we also sell our own products and less well-known products in this market.Thanks, Keong. Now can you tell us about the market for Australian and New Zealand products in China?Yeah. Jessica, it's a huge market. There's a handful of brands which dominate the market, A2, Bellamy's, Blackmores, I think most people are familiar with them, but we actually think that the market is far bigger than just a handful of brands and that's what AuMake is here to do, is to effectively incubate new brands and products for the Chinese market.Keong, now to the products and distribution. Just tell us about your products.Yes, sure. We sell five main categories of products. There's skincare, there's health supplements, milk formula, honey, and we also sell wool. So it's that which is an interesting product, coming into the Chinese winter. We have our own products within each of those categories except for milk formula, which we're currently working on, and there's significant scope within each of those product categories for new products, which is something that people may not truly understand, is that Chinese consumers are always looking for new things, the next new skincare product, and the next new health supplement, so that's what we do,And now, what can you tell about the sales and distribution?Yeah, interestingly with our business, 30 per cent of our sales come through online, and what we mean by that, for us, is through WeChat. Now, for anyone who knows about the Chinese market, WeChat is a really big thing, and the majority of our customers use it. So what we mean by that is they order through WeChat, they pay through WeChat, and they organise delivery through WeChat. So for us, what that means is our customers don't need to come into our stores. They may come once, they may come twice, but in the end, they will keep buying through online, and that's why we're expecting to see a larger percentage of our sales, moving forward, coming through online.Now to the finances and share price. Just start off by telling us where the company is at financially.For September quarter, we've done AUD$10 million in sales for the quarter at 17.5 per cent margin. Why that's important is that for financial year 2017, we did 10 million for the whole year, so we've effectively done, in one quarter, what we did in one year. What that's showing is the growth in our business. We expect December, as well, to be really strong for us, and we're approaching break-even around FY19, so we're making huge strides in that respect. We also have a really strong balance sheet. We've got AUD$12 million in current assets at the moment, which we'll use to execute our growth strategies moving forward.Thanks, Keong, and well done. Now can you give us a snapshot of your share price?We listed in early October last year, 2017 at 8 cents, so we're currently, depending on market conditions, we trade somewhere between 25 to 35 cents, which values us at between AUD$70 to AUD$100 million in terms of market capitalisation.We expect our share price to continue to increase as we continue to deliver strong and sustainable financial performance in the coming months. We can see visibility in that respect, so we're anticipating a similar increase.Zooming out, Keong, now can you tell us about your strategy and progress?Yeah, we're looking at our interstate growth plans now, so we're looking at Cairns, Gold Coast and Melbourne, Australia and New Zealand, which is a really strong market for us. We believe that the Chinese tourist is actually a big part of what we do. A lot of people focus on Daigou, which, understandably, but Chinese tourists, when it comes to what's influenced and also what's popular in China, they're a really big deal, and particularly those Chinese tour groups. Strategically, we're focusing very much on that area. We're looking at expanding our national footprint, obviously, and as a consequence of that, we believe that the AuMake brand, as it grows in Australia, we can use that back in China, to work with online and offline distributors.And lastly, where would you like to see the company this time next year, Keong?Yeah, this time next year, I mean, similar to what we've done in the last 12 months, the business would be significantly different again to what we see today. What we mean by that is both in terms of operational performance and financial performance. We are very fortunate, we are the only ones listed in our market, and we have the opportunity right now to be the biggest and the most well known. I think, when it comes to China, having that position gives us so many options to grow, domestically and also back in the Chinese market.Keong Chan, thank you so much for your time, and thanks for the introduction.Thanks, Jessica. Horticultural company Costa Group Holdingshas signed a conditional agreement for the acquisition of the farming operations of Nangiloc Colignan Farm in North West Victoria.The farm is a grower of high quality citrus and grapes across 567 hectares.The transaction agreements have been entered into in conjunction with a subsidiary of CK Life Sciences International Inc.Under the agreement, the CK Life Sciences group will acquire the farm and subsequently enter into a 20 year lease of the farm to Costa.The principal activities of CK Life Sciences are investment holding and the activities of its subsidiaries include investment in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture-related products and assets.The acquisition is expected be completed in late 2018.Costa Group Holdingsshares are up 7.6 per cent t $6.63. Chairman of the Russian Federation Councils Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said that Kiev is trying to provoke Russia into taking harsh measures by detaining vessels for visiting Crimea. "Kiev believes it is crucial to provoke Russia into imposing countermoves that are as harsh as possible, preferably with the use of force so that it could then appeal to European agencies with allegations about Russian aggression. Judging by Europes recent statements, we can see that this scheme might work," TASS cited the senator as saying. He added that the Europeans "have already expressed concern over legitimate inspections of foreign vessels by Russian agencies." However, the Europeans have failed to mention the fact that relations between Moscow and Kiev had been marred through the fault of Ukraine, which arrested the Nord vessel and illegally detained its captain, Kosachev stressed. "Of course, retaliatory measures are needed. They should be within the framework of laws, the way it has been until now, and with clear repercussions for the Ukrainian pirates, so that Kiev realizes that lawlessness at sea will result in damage to Ukraine itself and this is what is actually happening now," Kosachev explained. Kosachev noted that if the situation showed no signs of improvement, the Foreign Affairs Committee would discuss the issue at a meeting with law enforcement agencies, as was the case after the Nords seizure. Headhunters revealed to Firstpost that they have been receiving feelers from Flipkart ever since the Walmart acquisition of the firm. Myntra Jabong CEO Anant Narayanan on Friday rejected media reports claiming that he was on his way out following the resignation of Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal recently. "I'm very excited about Myntra. I certainly intend to continue," Narayanan said. Was he indeed planning to move out or was there something that prompted him to change his mind? According to sources in Flipkart, when Walmart took over Flipkart in a $16 billion deal, the US retail giant offered handsome employee stock ownership plan (ESOPs) to key employees in the management team. Narayanan was one of them. Leaving now would mean that he loses it, said the source. Bansal had his team working at Flipkart who owes allegiance and loyalty to him. Some of them who spoke with Firstpost said that with the e-commerce firm now being run by Kalyan Krishnamurthy it would prove to be a game-changer. Krishnamurthy is said to be a professional whose only focus is results. He quietly goes about doing his work, rarely interacts with the media so much so that there is no new image of the guy seen in the media except the oft-repeated one which is also old. Krishnamurthy is emotionless and the kind who wants to improve the bottom line. Anyone who does not fit that goal will be asked to go, said a former executive of Flipkart. More heads are expected to roll at Flipkart post-Bansals exit. Sources told PTI that CFO Dipanjan Basu has put in his papers. Some core members of Narayanan's team have followed suit. The cultural change brought in by Walmart will make it difficult for many Flipkart loyalists to continue, said sources to Firstpost. Indias retail home-grown giant Flipkart never made money. But Walmart is a retail business and it is all about cutting unnecessary expenditure and managing costs. I recall going to meet a Walmart official in their Bangalore office years ago, said an analyst. He reached the office at 12.30 pm for the meeting and at 1 pm, he found the peon coming in and switching off all the lights. The Walmart official said that was a practice they followed as 1 pm is lunch hour and everyone is in the canteen. There is no need to keep the lights on in the office, he told the analyst. "That is how conscious Walmart is about managing costs, he said. Flipkart employees will find it difficult for some time to get used to the cultural change, said the analyst. They will make sure that costs are aligned to make the venture profitable, he said. This will also see many quitting their jobs, said a source. Checks and balances will be tightened at Flipkart and the tone from the top will change. There will be financial rigour and operating managers will not have much leverage. With Binny Bansal out, there is not much protection of sorts available to his men, he said, adding many of them who continue will not find it enjoyable working in the changed environment. There will be redundancies as a result of the integration of the back-end functions of Myntra and Jabong like technology, marketing, finance and creative and many have been asked to go. Detailing the ongoing integration of back-end functions, CEO Narayanan said to PTI that the process began last year and the job losses are across various functions. He, however, declined to quantify the number of people who have been asked to leave but said the sacked employees are being given three-eight months' salaries, assistance in placements and extension of medical insurance. As a retail-driven company, Walmart is not big on tech but focussed on operations and logistics. There wont be any scope for innovation and neither will it be encouraged. That will see a few people leaving Flipkart, the source said. Senior management look for new jobs CxO-level hiring experts revealed to Firstpost that they have been receiving feelers from Flipkart ever since the Walmart acquisition of the firm. However, post-Bansals resignation, the hiring agencies have been getting more calls. The job scenario has improved substantially and there are opportunities available for those who seek a change, said Kris Lakshmikanth, chairman and managing director at The Head Hunters India a CXO-level headhunting firm; and visiting faculty, Institute of Management, Ranchi. The current salaries of vice presidents at Flipkart is around Rs 2 crore-plus annual salary including ESOPS while senior directors get over Rs 80 lakh. Those who are from Silicon Valley can expect to get similar salaries in other firms as well. The Flipkart employee tag at such senior-levels is an added incentive, said Lakshmikanth. The distress calls received from Flipkart are from functional heads who are finding it uncomfortable to work in the changed work environment, said James Agrawal, managing director, BTI Executive Search, the search arm of PERSOLKELLY. Though stories of senior executives seeking jobs are spreading like wildfire, the response is mixed, he said. Agrawal said that with the Indian e-commerce segment still in the growth stage, companies are in a hurry to spot talent and do whatever they can to retain them. Of those who have been approaching BTI Executive Search for jobs, 20 percent have been placed in other firms. But it is not a panicky situation for anyone, said Agrawal. Companies are in a hurry to spot talent and retain them. Those who want to seek a change are also able to get jobs as the ecommerce sector is still growing in India, he said. If the Walmart acquisition had taken place last year, the job scenario would not have been as promising as it is now, said Lakshmikanth. People were willing to take 20 percent to 30 percent salary cuts then, he said. The Tatas, which already run two carriers-the full-service Vistara in a joint venture with Singapore Airlines and AirAsia India in a similar arrangement with Air Asia of Malaysia, have widely speculated to be planning a complete takeover of the Naresh Goyal-run airline with its international partner Singapore Airlines. The expectation that there will be a deal announcement post-Tata Sons board meeting regarding a buyout of struggling carrier Jet Airways has been dashed to the ground with the Tatas stating that it has held only "preliminary" discussions on the matter. "We would like to clarify that any such discussions to take over Jet Airways have been preliminary and no proposal has been made," a statement from the diversified conglomerate said after a board meeting. There was much speculation in the past few days that Tatas, which already run two carriers -- the full-service Vistara in a joint venture with Singapore Airlines and AirAsia India in a similar arrangement with Air Asia of Malaysia -- is planning a complete takeover of the Naresh Goyal-run airline with its international partner Singapore Airlines. The speculation has sent the Jet counter soaring over 40 percent in the past five trading sessions alone. The counter closed over 8 percent at Rs 346.85 on the BSE, whose index jumped 0.56 percent to 35,457.16. The Jet stock opened with an over 14 percent gap in the morning expecting a positive outcome from the Tata Sons board meeting. The rumour of the rescue deal by the Tatas, reportedly being brokered by the government, sent Jet shares zooming 26.41 percent on Thursday. The Tata Group wants to buy the entire company or its aircraft and infrastructure, the Economic Times had reported earlier. "The Tatas are interested in buying out the entire airline and significantly scaling up the existing business," a top official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. According to some news reports, Goyal has agreed to give up control in the airline depending on the premium Tatas will pay the founder and chairman of the beleaguered airline. Jet Airways' deputy chief executive and chief financial officer Amit Agarwal earlier this week had admitted that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion as well as selling six of its Boeing 777 planes along with a stake in its loyalty progarmme Jet Privilege. There could also be a possibility of the Jet brand being phased out if the Tatas decide to extend the reach of Vistara, according to report in the Business Standard. Chairman and promoter Naresh Goyal along with his family owns 51 percent stake in the airline, while Gulf carrier Etihad Airways owns 24 percent in the cash-strapped airline, which earlier this week reported Rs 1,261 crore in loss for the September quarter against a profit of Rs 71 crore y-o-y, making it the third straight quarters of heavy losses. This had the airline also putting as many as six of its Boeing 777s on sale to part-fund liquidity. Media reports suggest that the parent company of Vistara, Tata-Singapore Airlines, is looking at an all-stock merger of Jet as part of the Tata group's plans to board Goyal's full-service carrier. In an exchange filing on Thursday, Jet Airways described the media reports as speculative. --With PTI inputs On Thursday, shares of Jet Airways had zoomed up to 26 percent on bourses. New Delhi: Shares of Jet Airways on Friday surged over 14 percent on bourses ahead of a meeting of Tata Sons' board, which is likely to discuss buyout of the cash-strapped airline. The stock cracked nearly 7 percent to hit a low of Rs 299.75 apiece in morning trade. It recovered from its opening losses and rose to an intra-day high of Rs 356.60, which is 11.23 percent higher from the previous close. At the National Stock Exchange, the shares of the airline rose as much as 14.35 percent to an intra-day high of Rs 366.95. "Tata Sons board is meeting Friday to consider the proposal to bid for Jet Airways," people in the know of the development had told PTI. On Thursday, shares of Jet Airways had zoomed up to 26 percent on bourses. A section of media had reported that Tata group was conducting due diligence of Jet Airways to buy the full-service carrier from its owner, Naresh Goyal. Jet Airways, however, termed media reports of Tata group carrying out due diligence to acquire the airline as "speculative". In a response to the clarification sought by BSE on the news reports, Jet Airways said, "...the subject news is speculative in nature and that there is no discussion or decision in the board which would require a disclosure..." The Wealth Creator Awards has been conceptualised with the aim to honour the companies, the people and the leaders behind creating this robust financial services sector Mumbai: Moneycontrol, financial and business media platform is set to host the first edition of the Wealth Creator Awards on Friday at Taj Lands End in Mumbai. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation will attend the ceremony as the chief guest. The Wealth Creator Awards has been conceptualised with the aim to honour the companies, the people and the leaders behind creating this robust financial services sector that has kept the country on its feet even at the worst of times and enabled the nation to touch greater heights. For the first edition of the awards, KPMG has come onboard as the process advisor and evaluator and Acquist Marketing & Information Solutions Pvt Ltd. as the Research Partner. Setting the tone for the evening, there will be a one-on-one session between Gaurav Choudhury, Delhi Bureau Head, Moneycontrol and the Prabhu on the Long-term wealth creation strategy in India through investment into high-quality businesses at par with the rise of the startup ecosystem and boosting entrepreneurship. Apart from the felicitation ceremony, there will also be a panel discussion on the The importance of Wealth Creation to position India as an economic Superpower. Commenting on the announcement of this award, Manish Maheshwari, CEO, Network18 Digital, said As Indias economy takes bold strides, marching confidently into a new world, so does its industries and services across the board. Crucial, however, to the overall health of the economy is its financial sector, contributing over 6% to the GDP. The financial sector, forms the backbone for the economy when it comes to creating wealth of not only the country, but also for its citizens. Through Wealth Creator Award, we applaud the world of finance and the people who make India the most financially stable economy to invest in. We strongly believe that strong financial fundamental is critical for a diverse economy like India to grow into a superpower. Commenting on the announcement of the Wealth Creator Award, Gautam Shelar, Business Head, Moneycontrol said, With a market of over 1.2 billion people, the opportunities of India as a great investment destination and a financial powerhouse isnt lost on anyone in the biggest global platforms. The respect it got in the recently concluded 49th Davos Summit is just a glimpse of the kind of authority that India as an economic superpower is likely to hold in the future. Creating that powerhouse with a rock-solid base will mostly be thanks to its sound fiscal policies and financial structures. It is with that in mind Moneycontrol, through the Wealth Creator Awards, aims to felicitate these pole bearers of financial services that have many-a-time set global best standards, forcing the biggest and the strongest around the world to sit up and take note of India. The winners were selected during a grand jury round that was held on 18th August 2018. The jury panel comprised Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC; Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, SBI; Rashesh Shah, Chairman & CEO, Edelweiss Capital; Ramesh Damani, Member, BSE; A Balasubramanian, CEO, Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund; Bhargav Dasgupta, CEO, ICICI Lombard; Tarun Davda, Partner & Managing Director, Matrix Partners; Upasana Taku, Founder, Mobikwik; Rahul Joshi, CEO - News & Group Editor in Chief, Network18; Manish Maheshwari, CEO, Network18 Digital and Santosh Nair, Managing Editor, Moneycontrol. Some of the categories for the Wealth Creator Awards 2018 include Best Bank of the Year, Best Broking Firm of the Year and Social Impact Investment Firm of the Year. (Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes Firstpost and Moneycontrol.) The two sides are inching towards a two-step transaction that would first see Jet merging with Tata-SIA that runs Vistara through a share swap to form a new JV, which will have the Goyal family, Etihad, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as partners Will Tatas make a bid for the beleaguered Naresh-Goyal airline, Jet Airways? Media reports suggest a meeting will be held today (16 November) between the board of Tata Sons to vet a proposal to buy out the cash-strapped Jet Airways, which sent its share prices soaring over 26 percent, according to people familiar with the development. The deal may fructify only on the condition that Jet Airways' founder-chairman Naresh Goyal gives up control, according to a report in the Business Standard. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal and his wife currently own 51 percent of the stake in the airline, while Etihad owns 24 percent stake in the company. The Tata Group wants to buy the entire company or its aircraft and infrastructure, the Economic Times had reported earlier. "The Tatas are interested in buying out the entire airline and significantly scaling up the existing business," a top official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. According to some news reports, Goyal has agreed to give up control in the airline depending on the premium Tatas will pay the founder and chairman of the beleaguered airline. The two sides are inching towards a two-step transaction that would first see Jet merging with Tata-SIA that runs Vistara through a share swap to form a new JV, which will have the Goyal family, Etihad, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as partners. The $103-billion Tata Sons is already in the airline industry through joint ventures with Singapore Airlines which operates Vistara, and budget airline Air Asia. Tatas has 51 percent stake each in full-service airline Vistara and budget carrier AirAsia India -- where 49 percent is with Malaysia's AirAsia Berhad. The proposal for snapping up stake in Jet Airways also comes at a time when Vistara is looking to fly overseas. Sources said that Vistara could be looking at having a stake in Jet Airways, which operates on a significant number of foreign routes. There could also be a possibility of the Jet brand being phased out if the Tatas decide to extend the reach of Vistara, the BS report said. Saurabh Agarwal, chief financial officer of Tata Sons, is leading the discussions while Jet Airways is represented by its chairman Naresh Goyal, the Mint newspaper reported earlier, citing the sources who it said asked not to be identified as the talks are private. An in-house team of Tata Sons is currently conducting due diligence on Jet Airways, which is expected to continue for the next few weeks, the newspaper quoted one of the two people as saying. The airline's deputy chief executive and chief financial officer Amit Agarwal earlier this week diffused the news report by admitting that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion as well as selling six of its Boeing 777 planes along with a stake in its loyalty progarmme Jet Privilege. However, people in the know of the development told PTI that "Tata Sons board is meeting tomorrow (Friday) to consider the proposal to bid for Jet Airways." Both -- Tata Sons and Jet Airways -- refused to comment on news reports. "We do not comment on speculation," a spokesperson at Tata Sons, which originally owned the present national carrier Air India, said when asked for confirmation. However, the news made it big on the market with the Jet Airways counter soaring. The rumour of the rescue deal by the Tatas sent Jet shares zooming 26.41 percent on the NSE to settle at Rs 326. In the past four trading sessions, the stock gained over 32 percent. Meanwhile, there have been talks about government nudging the Tatas to bail out the struggling airline in the social media. But an aviation ministry official denied that government is brokering a deal which may include the lenders and other stakeholders of the Naresh Goyal-run airline taking a haircut. Stating that the ministry is not "involved" in any such process at this stage, aviation secretary RN Choubey said that "the aviation ministry is not involved in this process so far. Hence any question of haircut (by banks and other stakeholders) etc does not arise." Jet Airways on Monday reported a whopping Rs 1,261 crore in consolidated net losses for the three months to September against a profit of Rs 71 crore in the same period year ago, impacted by higher fuel cost and the ongoing plunge in the rupee. On a standalone basis, the Naresh Goyal-promoted airline, which has been facing cash crunch for some time leading to delayed payments, reported a net loss of Rs 1,297.46 crore against a profit of Rs 49.63 crore a year ago. Jet, which has about 16,000 employees, including 2,000 pilots, has been facing a cash crunch due to which it has been delaying salaries of its employees. The airline has been delaying salary disbursement to its senior management, pilots and engineers since August. While it has paid 25 percent amount of the September salaries to these categories of staff on 25 October, the remaining 75 percent of the amount is yet to be paid. Besides, there are salaries for the month of October. -- With inputs from agencies By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Air Line Pilots Association told U.S. safety regulators on Thursday the union was concerned about 'a potential, significant aviation system safety deficiency' in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, one of which crashed last month in Indonesia By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Air Line Pilots Association told U.S. safety regulators on Thursday the union was concerned about "a potential, significant aviation system safety deficiency" in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, one of which crashed last month in Indonesia. Boeing Co and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued guidance about the 737 Max's aviation system last week after a Lion Air jet crashed in Indonesia on Oct. 29, killing all 189 people on board. But the pilots union's president, Tim Canoll, said in a letter to the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board made public on Thursday that "the lack of critical safety information being provided to the air carriers and frontline operators is concerning." Boeing, asked for comment on the letter, said it was "taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this incident, working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved." The company added that it was "confident in the safety of the 737 MAX." ALPA, the largest U.S. pilots union, represents 61,000 pilots at 34 airlines in the United States and Canada. Its letter said that it wants agencies working with Boeing "to communicate all relevant information to the operators to ensure the continued safe operation of this aircraft." In its airworthiness directive last week, the FAA warned airlines that erroneous inputs from the aviation system's sensors could lead the Boeing 737 MAX to automatically pitch its nose down even when autopilot is turned off, making it difficult for pilots to control the jet. The system was designed to prevent the jet from stalling, according to information provided by Boeing to airlines. "Based on recent reporting about the 737 Max, we are concerned that a potential, significant aviation system safety deficiency exists, and we are writing to ask for your immediate help and assistance in clarifying the issues with respect to the pitch control system of the aircraft," the union letter said. Indonesian investigators said on Monday the situation the crew of the doomed Lion Air jet was believed to have faced was not addressed in the aircraft's flight manual. U.S. pilot unions were also not aware of potential risks, two pilot unions previously told Reuters. In its letter, ALPA said that information about "this system was not provided to the frontline airline employeesthe flight crews and maintenance technicians" and it "appears to be a significant information gap." The FAA did not comment on the letter but said it "will take further appropriate actions depending on the results of the investigation." The agency said earlier this week that the "FAA and Boeing continue to evaluate the need for software and/or other design changes to the aircraft including operating procedures and training as we learn more from the ongoing investigation." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The CBI can only enter Andhra Pradesh, whether for raids or other investigations, after been given permission by state authorities. The CBI's functions will have to be carried out by the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) henceforth. The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday withdrew the 'General Consent' letter, which grants jurisdiction to members of Delhi Special Police Establishment in the state, for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enter the state without permission. This means that the CBI can only enter Andhra Pradesh, whether for raids or other investigations, after been given permission by state authorities. The CBI's functions will have to be carried out by the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) henceforth. CNN-News18 spoke to TDP leader Lanka Dinakar, who said that the decision has "nothing to do with politics." Instead, he cited the ongoing Supreme Court battle between CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, saying that the state government has lost confidence in the investigation agency. Andhra Pradesh Government has withdrawn the General Consent given to the members of Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers & jurisdiction in the state. In the absence of this permission, CBI can't interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of AP pic.twitter.com/bUgvB3hgBD ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 In the same vein, Dinakar also accused the BJP for using the CBI for its political purposes. The state government's decision comes amid an ongoing spat with the Centre, after the ruling TDP withdrew from the NDA earlier this year over the Centre's refusal to grant the state special status. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also been rallying for a united Opposition against the saffron party. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has adjourned hearing in the CBI case to coming Tuesday (20 November) after CVC demanded extra time to complete their investigation into corruption charges made against CBI director Alok Varma. The apex court on 29 October had granted time till 1 December to the Maharashtra Police to file the charge sheet in Bhima Koregaon violence case. New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday adjourned to 3 December the hearing on the Maharashtra government's plea challenging the Bombay High Court order by which the extension of time granted to the state police to conclude probe in the Bhima Koregaon violence case was set aside. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph deferred the matter to enable the counsel for the Maharashtra government to file a rejoinder affidavit in the case. The apex court on 29 October had granted time till 1 December to the Maharashtra Police to file the charge sheet in Bhima Koregaon violence case. A Pune special court, on the expiry of 90-day deadline for filing of the charge sheet on 2 September, had extended the time by another 90 days for filing the probe report in the case by taking note of the state police's plea. The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson in June for their alleged links with Maoists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court decision was set aside by the Bombay High Court leading the state government to approach the apex court. The top court stayed the Bombay High Court order, which had set aside the lower court's verdict allowing extension of time to police to file the probe report against the rights activists arrested in the case. The bench had issued notice to the rights activists on a plea of the Maharashtra government, seeking their replies within two weeks, and stayed the operation of the high court order. The bench stayed the order, paving the way for extension of time to file the charge sheet in the case. It had also issued notice on another plea of the Maharasthra Police challenging the Delhi High Court's order quashing the transit remand in the case of activist Gautam Navlakha. Earlier, the apex court had refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case and declined to appoint a special investigation team (SIT) for a probe into their arrest. The arrests had followed raids at their residences and offices in connection with the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on 31 December last year, which the police had claimed had led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. In the present case, the Pune Sessions Court had granted the police the additional 90 days, following an application from the investigating officer (IO) and written submissions made by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP). Gadling had challenged this, saying the report and the submissions came from the police, not the prosecutor. Under the UAPA, the report should be filed by the prosecutor, he had said. The Maharashtra government's petition filed in the apex court had said the IO had filed an application in the trial court under his signature, giving reasons for extension of time, on August 30. "On the very same day, the public prosecutor submitted her report/application, carving out the grounds for extension of time. The public prosecutor, by way of abundant precaution, took the signature of the investigating officer. "But the high court was carried away by the signature of the investigating officer and arrived at a conclusion that the report/application was not by the public prosecutor," the plea had said. It had also said the high court should not have been carried away by the mentioning of names of the parties in detail. The Press Council of India on Thursday said that 'a blanket ban on the usage of the word Dalit was neither advisable nor feasible', deciding against an advisory of the I&B ministry seeking a ban on the usage of the word Dalit in the media How much damage can the word like 'Dalit" do? Apparently so much that in August, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to all private satellite TV channels, urging them to refrain from using the nomenclature 'Dalit' for people belonging to Scheduled Castes in compliance with a Bombay High Court directive. The Press Council of India (PCI), however, has decided against issuing a directive to the media prohibiting the use of the word "Dalit". The PCI, which regulates the media in India, said that it had an in-depth deliberation on the order of the Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench, and found that "a blanket ban was neither advisable nor feasible". Our reading of the Bombay High Court order is that it did not seek a ban on the word Dalit. We deliberated on the order and have come to the conclusion that it is advisable not to issue directions/orders prohibiting the use of word Dalit, PCI chairman Justice CK Prasad said, according to The Hindu. "The order of the Bombay High Court was forwarded to us. The Council discussed that and has taken a decision that to prohibit the use of the word 'Dalit' in all circumstances will not be advisable," he said, adding that the use of the term 'Dalit' has to be judged on a case by case basis. "We cannot have general guidelines that in no circumstances, the expression 'Dalit' can be used," he added. According to The New Indian Express, the PCI also provided a hypothetical example of regulating the usage of the word Dalit on a case to case basis. It said, "If the word is being used to harass a person, then the use of the word in reporting is fine; but if a person is involved in an accident and is then identified as a Dalit in a news report, it may not be appropriate." As Firstpost had noted earlier, "The I&B ministry's advisory urging media to refrain from using the nomenclature 'Dalit' for people belonging to Scheduled Castes is seemingly benign at the surface. But at its roots is a rather longstanding aversion of those in power to let the word Dalit take root as a distinct identity of the millions of lower-caste Indians, oppressed through the centuries". And before one jumps the gun of conclusions, it's important to not that the "ideological bent of the party or alliance doesn't matter" in the aversion to the word Dalit among those in power. In fact, both the Congress (in pre and post-independence India) and the BJP have constantly made efforts to come up with an alternative name to strip the narrative of the word Dalit. You can read the etymology of the word Dalit here. In its advisory, the I&B advisory also cited a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment circular of 15 March, advising the Central and state governments to use the term 'Scheduled Caste'. With inputs from PTI As reported by Firstpost on 12 November, CBI director Alok Verma may face a further probe into serious allegations levelled against him by his deputy special director Rakesh Asthana New Delhi: As reported by Firstpost on 12 November, CBI director Alok Verma may face a further probe into serious allegations levelled against him by his deputy special director Rakesh Asthana. A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in an order on Friday said some charges are complimentary. Some are uncomplimentary and some are extremely uncomplimentary as per the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report. Before taking any decision on Verma's fate, the Supreme Court ordered that a copy of CVC report to be given to his counsel, so the petitioner (Verma) can file a response to the report in a sealed cover by 1 pm on Monday. Firstpost had reported that the CVC probe has not given a clean chit to Verma and had raised some questions that required a separate and detailed probe. "Before taking any decision, we are of the view that CVC report should be served to petitioner Alok Verma. It will be open for Verma to file his response in a sealed cover," the Supreme Court said on Friday. Earlier, while sending Verma on leave on 23 October, the CVC in an eight-page note (018/DPT/013-Vig-IX) had said two allegations besides others were serious in nature, and needed an immediate probe: 1. Allegation regarding payment of Rs two crore as a bribe by Sathish Babu Sana to the director CBI to avoid further interrogation/action in the Moin Qureshi case. 2. Alleged undue interference and efforts of the CBI director to exclude one of the main suspects, Rakesh Saxena, from the IRCTC case. It is also alleged that instructions were passed by the CBI director CBI to Joint Director Vineet Vinayak not to conduct a search at the premises of Lalu Pasad Yadav. It was alleged that Verma was persuaded by the concerned officials in view of the extant court order and Vinayak was allowed by him at the last moment to take flight by a private airline to conduct a search at Lalu's premises. Considering the seriousness and the source of allegations, the commission served three separate notices under Section 11 of the CVC Act 2003 on 11 September this year to Verma to produce files and documents before the CVC through authorised officials on 14 September. The CBI on 14 September wrote a letter to the CVC requesting for more time to enable it to produce the files before CVC. The CVC considered the request and adjourned the matter to 18 September. The CBI that day wrote a letter to the CVC stating that Asthana's complaint against Verma should not be taken seriously as his integrity is doubtful. "It is stated that that CBI has found evidence of his (Asthana) criminal misconduct in at least half a dozen cases and the officer is aware of possession of evidence of his criminal misconduct by the bureau. The CBI requested that Asthana's complaint should be viewed as a desperate attempt by a tainted officer to intimidate the officers of the various ranks in the CBI. The agency also requested the commission that such complaint may not be entertained. Irrespective of these facts, without any prejudice, the CBI further stated that if the CVC is asking for perusal or inquiry of the files, the bureau will make it available to the commission at the earliest time possible. The CBI also sought to know the identity of the complainant," the CVC's letter said. The commission, subsequently, considered the request of the CBI and clarified that the identity of the complainant cannot be disclosed by the commission and the verification of content is more important than the identity of the complainant considering all the aspects of the matter. The commission finally reiterated its earlier notices and required Verma to produce all the documents and records on 20 September at 2 pm. "The commission observed that allegations made against Asthana in a secret note handed over in the meeting of the selection committee on 21 October, 2017 was referred to the CBI director by the commission on 9 November, 2017, seeking a report. The commission is yet to receive a report from the CBI despite several reminders. This matter could be taken to its logical conclusion only after the receipt of a report from the CBI. Further, the commission through a letter dated 25 September this year also desired that the CBI director furnishes an interim report to the commission bringing out the investigation carried out so far and the outcome of the investigations conducted so far on the secret note dated 21 September, 2017," the CVC said in an order issued on 23 October. The CBI on 19 September informed the CVC that documents related to Moin Qureshi are being collected from the respective branches and will be produced in due course. The CVC then asked the CBI to produce the original note sheet and records on 24 September. The agency on 24 September informed the CVC that records run into thousands of pages and files are scattered at various places like branches, malkhanas, courts etc and are being sought and will be produced before the commission in three weeks. The CVC considered the request, however, asked the CBI to produce the note sheet files maintained in CBI headquarters by 29 September. Amidst back and forth communications, Asthana made several oral and written representations alleging that Verma was prejudiced and biased against him and trying to implicate him in certain cases. The CVC sent another letter on 25 September to Verma stating that the probe report against Asthana hasn't been filed despite a lapse of 10 months and asked that the interim report bringing out investigations carried out so far should be filed on 3 October. As there was no response, another letter on 3 October was sent to Verma requesting him to participate in a meeting with the CVC on 4 October to discuss the representation of Asthana, but the CBI director did not attend. Subsequently, the CVC sent another letter on 15 October regarding apprehensions raised by Asthana. In the meantime, the feud between Verma and Asthana escalated and the CBI registered an FIR against Asthana and others alleging the officer took a bribe to scuttle probe in Moin Qureshi case. The Asthana faction hit back on 22 October alleging that a bribe to the tune of Rs two crore was paid to Verma and a note from senior CBI officer was submitted to the CVC just hours before the midnight coup in which both Verma and Asthana were sent on leave by the government. Russias President Vladimir Putin congratulated Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov on his 60th birthday. Puitn hailed Jeenbekovs contribution to the development of allied and strategic relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to the promotion of mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian space. The Russian president noted that he is looking forward to continuing the constructive dialogue and fruitful joint work on the bilateral and international agenda. In addition, Putin wished Jeenbekov good health, happiness, prosperity and success. Chandrababu Naidu's move, while not unprecedented, comes at a time when the CBI is wound up in litigations of its own, with its credibility on the line. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has decided to withdraw 'General Consent' to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enter the state. Naidu's move, while not unprecedented, comes at a time when the central investigating agency is wound up in litigations of its own, with its credibility on the line. The agency's number one and number two officials, who were embroiled in a bitter feud and are currently being probed for corruption. The timing of Andhra government's order is such that it might instantly tie up to the Opposition's claim that CBI is a 'caged parrot' being used to settle scores with former allies and opposition leaders. And Naidu's decision, although unclear, seems to be a byproduct of this anxiety around the CBI's inner feud. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, backed Naidu on this move, which further cemented the link between the so called loss in CBI's credibility and the non-BJP state governments' anxiety around the agency's intentions in probing state administration and senior functionaries. However, a less visible aspect of this is another litigation, which seeks to decide the consent aspect of the Act that establishes CBI and details out its power and jurisdiction. Is state's consent necessary for CBI probe? The answer is, yes. Law and order being a state subject, CBI does not have the power to investigate a case within the jurisdiction of a state government. However, as per the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, the CBI may probe a case registered under a state's jurisdiction with the prior consent of the respective state government. Such consent can be given by a state government either generally for a category of cases or specially in a particular offence. But so far, most states have granted 'General Consent' to the CBI to investigate suo moto corruption offences against central government servants within their respective state areas. Some states even let the CBI probe any and all cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh is tied up in a legal battle with the CBI on this very aspect. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had granted Singh interim protection from arrest, interrogation or filing a charges by CBI on account that the disproportionate asset case against him was under state jurisdiction, hence the central agency could not have proceeded without his nod. "CBI or the central government cannot arrogate to itself the power that whatever happens in a state, it will investigate. That will destroy the federal structure of government," Singh's lawyers had argued. The CBI, however, has challenged this argument saying the order was seriously hampering its investigation. Can the state withdraw its consent? Yes. According to the law laid down by three judges of the Supreme Court in Kazi Lhendup Dorji versus CBI (1994) (Supp [2]) SCC 116), general consent issued by a state under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 can be withdrawn, with prospective effect. A Sikkim High Court order further seals the fate of the matter by ruling that even the Parliament cannot unilaterally extend CBI's jurisdiction, without the concerned state's jurisdiction. "Under the legislative scheme, Parliament has no competence to extend power and jurisdiction of DSPE to any other state without consent of the concerned state., the high court said. CBI says its seeking legal opinion: Does it have a legal remedy available? The Supreme Court's ruling in the Kazi Lhendup Dorji versus CBI (1994) case means that any offences that are already being investigated by the CBI under Andhra Pradesh's general consent operational till today will continue to be within CBI's powers, lawyer Malvika Prasad explains. Although there are no hard and fast regulations supporting this, but a state government's move to withdraw consent in order to block an ongoing CBI investigation is generally frowned upon in the law. Since the exact scope of Naidu's order, whether or not it extends to any ongoing investigation remains unclear, it is not prudent to speculate whether or not the central agency can actually move court against the Andhra Pradesh government's order. Moreover, another factor relevant in analysing whether the state of Andhra Pradesh's revocation of consent is valid in law is the designation of the official being investigated, Prasad further adds. The nature of consent depending on the designation of the official is an open question of law currently being heard by the Supreme Court in CBI versus Virbhadra Singh case. More to Naidu's order than CBI vs CBI feud The law, open to Supreme Court interpretation, as of now says that the CBI can probe employees of the central government of the level of joint secretary and above. It may also probe such officers as are appointed by the Centre in corporations established by or under any central Act, government companies, societies and local authorities owned or controlled by that government. Now, by withdrawing his consent, Naidu essentially ruled out any fresh future investigations against its officials, ministers, and bureaucrats of the state. This brings to mind the political ramifications of Telegu Desam Party's fall out with the NDA. Ironically, the timing of the move also coincides with political realignment of the TDP, which has of late amplified its attempts to join the anti-BJP front. Until only few months back, TDP was in bed with the BJP. Now as TDP moves closer to the 'united' Opposition front, it may as well want to strip BJP of the chance to hit back at it using old secrets of the good old days. Authorities said Cyclone Gaja crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam districts between 12.30 am and 2.30 am with wind speeds of about 110-120 kmph. Severe cyclonic storm Gaja, which crossed the Tamil Nadu coast early Friday, has claimed 11 lives, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said. Authorities said the cyclone crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam districts between 12.30 am and 2.30 am with wind speeds of about 110-120 kmph. So powerful were the gales that the roof sheets of the Nagapattinam railway station were damaged, reported IANS. Speaking to reporters at Salem, Palaniswami said relief work will be taken up on a war-footing and that the work was already underway. "The government has received information that so far 11 persons have died," he said without divulging further information. He said the families of the deceased will be provided with a solatium of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF). Those with severe injuries will be provided with Rs 1 lakh each while people who had sustained simple injuries will get Rs 25,000 as a relief, he added. The damage caused by Gaja, including to the fishing sector, was being assessed, he said. According to the chief minister, the Fisheries Department will estimate the damage to the fishing boats before paying compensation to the fishermen. Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday spoke to Palaniswami over the current situation in the state after it was hit by the cyclone, ANI reported. Singh tweeted, "Spoke to CM EK Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone-affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the Home Secretary to monitor the situation and provide all help to the state administration." Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm Gaja crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam early Friday, bringing with it heavy rains in the coastal regions. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. Other districts like Cuddalore and Puthukottai also bore the brunt of the cyclone. RB Udhyakumar, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, said all the trees felled by the cyclone were being removed. Relief centres were set up in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Thiruvarur on Thursday itself. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rains till Friday evening. The government snapped power supply on Thursday night as a precaution. The cyclone damaged some 12,000 power poles. Several universities in Tamil Nadu have postponed their exams slated for Friday. Similarly, schools will remain closed on Friday in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Thiruvarur and several other districts in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry including Karaikal. Isolated rains are likely over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, north Kerala and interiors of south Karnataka. Gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph is very likely in central parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during the next six hours. Powerful winds are also likely in the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and the Palk Strait, which divides Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Cyclone Gaja has caused major damage in Thanjavur districts Pattukottai and Adirampattinam and in Pudukkottai and Karaikal districts. Chennai: Cyclone Gaja finally touched the shores of southern Tamil Nadu during the early hours of 16 November, near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district. Gaja made landfall with higher wind speed than forecast by the India Meteorological Department. Coming in at 120 kmph, as opposed to the 90-100 kmph that was anticipated, Gaja caused more damage than expected, according to government authorities. As of this morning, over 1 lakh people from the seven high-risk districts of Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Pudhukottai, Ramanathapuram and Karaikal have been sheltered in 520 relief camps across the state. Among them are 20,000 children. Evacuation efforts have been on since Friday and were stepped up over the night as the storm continued to intensify. More than 15,000 disaster management personnel have been pressed into rescue work in these areas. The storm has caused major damage in Thanjavur districts Pattukottai and Adirampattinam and in Pudukkottai and Karaikal districts. The damage was particularly severe in the banana plantations and paddy fields. Pudukkottai district collector S Ganesh said that while the coastal district was prepared for the cyclone, they didnt expect it to be as severe in that district as it was in Nagapattinam, where it made landfall. "But we immediately intensified rescue efforts during the night," he said. "The rains have just stopped and people are being sent home on Friday. Those who have lost their homes will continue to be accommodated in these relief camps. Evaluation of losses and compensation are underway. In Nagapattinam district, Vedaranayam and Kodiyakkarai witnessed the most destruction. Almost 50,000 homes lost EB connection and officials say that the power can only be resumed after a couple of weeks, because a majority of the EB poles have sustained damaged. Roofs of many homes and commercial establishments were damaged by the gusting winds, and even the famous Vellankanni Church has sustained damages in the cyclone. Almost all the mobile networks lost their connection in Nagapattinam district and the communication came to a halt completely. Scenes such as a family cooking on the roadside and a fisherman inspecting the wreckage of his ships are coming out of the district As of noon, 11 people had died, including four members of a family in Pattukottai when their old brick house collapsed on them amidst the severe rain and winds. In addition to this, a seven-year-old girl was killed in Adhirampattinam, two died in Cuddalore (one each in Kurinjipadi and Virudhachalam), one in Seyyar in Thiruvannamalai, one in Sivaganga and two people in Thirvarur. A total of 26 people are said to have lost their lives due to the cyclone. On Friday, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh per family to those who have died in the cyclone. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that due to the efforts of the Coast Guard, no fishermen were reported to have died at sea off the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Thanjavur district collector A Annadurai said that he has been unable to reach the affected areas because of obstruction of roads due to fallen trees. Currently across the coast, rescue work is focused on clearing these trees and making roadways accessible again. Electricity poles are being replaced and damaged mobile phone towers are being repaired. Some stray rescue operations of those trapped in buildings are also being carried out. The chief minister has instructed work to be done on a war footing to restore normalcy in these affected areas. Revenue and disaster management minister RB Udhayakumar, speaking to reporters this morning in Chennai, said that because the wind speed was so high, damages are more than expected. Particularly banana plantations and paddy fields have been the worst affected. Many parked fishing boats, especially in Karaikal and Nagapattinam, have taken a beating. Over 5,000 trees have been uprooted. About 12,000 electrical wires along the coast have come down and have to be replaced. The precautionary action taken by the government of Tamil Nadu ensured that over 85,000 people were housed in relief centres even before the cyclone hit, he said. "The revenue and fisheries departments are currently surveying the extent of the damage and the concerned ministers have rushed to affected areas. Consultations are ongoing with the chief minister regarding further relief measures." The Tamil Nadu chief minister, who held a press meet on Friday from his hometown in Salem, announced that he would be travelling to the affected areas on Friday to assess the impact of the cyclone. Puducherry chief minister V Narayanaswamy is currently in Karaikal supervising rescue efforts. Close to 1,200 trees were brought down by the storm in the union territory and over 5,000 people were evacuated to relief camps. Venkatesh, who is staying in a relief camp in Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam, said that the government has taken adequate precautionary measures against the cyclone. "Since we arrived at the camp before the storm hit, we are all safe. We are not experiencing any difficulties here; we are being given food at the right times and the children are frequently being given milk and biscuits. We thank the government for their work. We have been advised to stay here until this evening and we will return home after that," he said. Chennai meteorological department director Dr S Balachandran, speaking at 10 am on Friday about the status of Cyclone of Gaja, said, ''The cyclone had crossed the coastal area completely by 6 am. Presently Gaja is travelling through Dindigul district with a wind speed between 60-70 kmph. Over the next three hours, Gaja will continue moving west as its intensity gradually reduces. There will be no more impact of Gaja on the coastal districts but we continue to keep track of the movement of the cyclone. With inputs from V Dhanabalan (The author is a Chennai-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.) Cyclone Gaja made landfall in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu around 1.40 am on Friday. The state has been put on high alert and more than 76,000 people have been evacuated, according to reports. Cyclone Gaja made landfall in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu around 1.40 am on Friday, and is expected to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by 8.30 am, the India Meteorological Department said. The state has been put on high alert and more than 76,000 people have been evacuated, according to reports. With Gaja's landfall, heavy rain lashed Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Thanjavur, uprooting trees in several regions. Electricity supply was also disconnected Nagapattinam and in several other coastal regions, reported India Today. Tamil Nadu: Trees uprooted and houses damaged in Nagapattinam in the overnight rainfall and strong winds which hit the town. #GajaCyclone pic.twitter.com/9ObvcqJlDD ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 However, the Tamil Nadu government has put its machinery in full alert in vulnerable districts to face the effects of the natural calamity. Four teams each of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been already deployed in Nagapattinam district, while two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in Cuddalore district. The Indian Navy has also been put on alert for relief efforts. Two Indian Naval ships - Ranvir and Khanjar - are on standby to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, and logistic support, including the provision of medical aid. Around 29, 000 permanent cyclone shelters have been made and food is being provided to those who are residing in it. The government has also made 233 shelters in schools, colleges and marriage halls. Holiday has been announced for schools and colleges in Nagai, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore, and Pudukkottai districts, reported Times of India. Ariyalur collector also announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Friday. The Tamil Nadu government has announced helpline numbers 1070 (state-level) and 1077 (districts) for those who may need assistance. Apart from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh is also bracing for the impact of the cyclone, which is likely to bring heavy downpour and strong winds to several parts of the region for the next couple of days. With inputs from agencies Sabarimala Temple opens for 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakku today, Supreme Court will hear CVC report on Alok Verma, Cyclone Gaja is predicted make landfall today - here are the day's top stories Sabarimala to open for 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakku at 5 pm; prohibitory orders imposed The Sabarimala Temple will open at 5 pm on Friday for its 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakku when two new melsanthis (chief priests) ML Vasudevan Namboodiri (Ayyappa temple) and MN Narayanan Namboodiri (Malikapapuram) will assume charge. Though devotees will be allowed inside the shrine from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, pujas and 'neyabishekams' (ghee offering) will be held only when the temple opens at 4 am on 17 November, the first day of Malayalam month of Vrischikom, according to a TDB release. Ayyappa pilgrims, who visit the Sabarimala temple, will not be allowed to stay back at the 'sannidhanam' at night after darshan, DGP Loknath Behara said on Thursday. Police presence in and around the hill shrine would be doubled this year compared to last year, he said. An all-party meeting on Thursday failed to end the deadlock over the Supreme Court verdict that lifted the ban on entry for women of menstrual age to Sabarimala temple which was wrapped in an unprecedented security blanket on the eve of its opening for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. Amid fears of fresh protests against the verdict, officials said prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC banning assembly of four or more people would be in force in Sabarimala in Kerala from midnight on Thursday for a week. At the meeting, the Kerala government took a firm stand it would implement the verdict, prompting the opposition to walk out in protest. SC to hear CVC report on Alok Verma The Supreme Court on Friday is scheduled to hear CBI director Alok Verma's plea challenging the Centre's order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of allegations of corruption against him. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, is also likely to consider the report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), placed before it in a sealed cover, with regard to the probe into the allegations of corruption against Verma. The bench is also likely to consider the report of acting CBI director M Nageswara Rao, also filed in a sealed cover in the court, with regard to the decisions taken by him from 23-26 October. Besides the plea filed by Verma, the court is also seized of the PIL filed by NGO Common Cause, which has sought a probe by special investigation team against CBI officers. Cyclone Gaja makes landfall, over 76,000 people evacuated Cyclone Gaja made landfall in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu around 1.40 am on Friday, according to reports. The state has been put on high alert, with more than 76,000 people being evacuated. According to latest information from the Indian Meteorological Department (released at 5.30 am Friday), Gaja was expected to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during the next three hours. Around 29,000 permanent cyclone shelters have been made and food is being provided to those who are residing in it. The Indian Navy has also been put on alert for relief efforts. Two Indian Naval ships Ranvir and Khanjar are on standby to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, and logistic support, including the provision of medical aid.A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in many districts on Friday. Rajasthan polls: Congress releases first list of 152 candidates The Congress late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the 7 December Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk. Gehlot and Pilot had on Wednesday made their intentions clear that they would contest the Assembly polls along with senior state leaders. Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader CP Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara Assembly seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. Narendra Modi to address rallies in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi will crisscross poll-bound Madhya Pradesh from Friday starting with a public meeting in Shahdol district, over 500 kilometres from Bhopal, a senior BJP functionary said on Thursday. The prime minister will address two public meetings, mostly on alternate days, starting Friday, state BJP chief Rakesh Singh said. After the rally at Shahdol, Modi will be in Gwalior to address another rally before flying back to Delhi, Singh informed. He will return and address public meetings in Chhindwara and Indore on Sunday before returning to Delhi, Singh added. Rupee closes on a two-month high at Rs 71.97 Continuing its recovery momentum, the rupee vaulted 34 paise to close at a two-month high of 71.97 against the US dollar on Thursday on robust foreign fund inflows amid low crude oil prices. Dealers said the strength in the rupee was also supported by increased selling of the greenback by exporters and banks. At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened firm at 72.04 and rose further to 71.87 per US dollar. It touched a low of 72.18 before finally finishing at 71.97, up by 34 paise. The last time rupee breached the 72-level was on 14 September when it had closed at 71.84. OnePlus 6T Thunder Purple variant to go on sale at 2 pm The Thunder Purple variant of the OnePlus 6T, which has been doing the internet rounds ever since the phone launched in China, will be available for sale in India starting 2 pm today. The Thunder Purple variant is priced at Rs 41,999, which is the same as the Mirror Black version with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. As far as specifications are concerned, everything remains the same as the regular OnePlus 6T. Pa Ranjith to make Hindi directorial debut with Birsa Munda biopic Kaala director Pa Ranjith will direct the biopic on the life of Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter in the modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand in the late 19th century. On the occasion of Munda's 143rd birth anniversary on Thursday, the makers announced Ranjith would be making his Bollywood directorial debut with this yet-to-be-titled film. Birsa Munda single-handedly raised an army of tribals and fought against the British for their rights to ownership of land, a press release read. The deceased identified as Sohanveer Singh (35) was posted at Nand Nagar Police Station in Delhi. He was a resident of Bihari Pur village. Singh shot himself at around 5 am this morning while he was on duty. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. New Delhi: A head constable shot himself dead with his service revolver in the VIP parking lot of the Delhi Secretariat on Friday morning, allegedly owing to domestic discord. The deceased identified as Sohanveer Singh (35) was posted at Nand Nagar Police Station in Delhi. He was a resident of Bihari Pur village. Singh shot himself at around 5 am this morning while he was on duty. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police have also recovered a suicide note from the incident spot. In an official statement, the Delhi Police said, "A PCR call was received at 5:53 am. Head Constable Sohanveer Singh, aged 35 years, committed suicide, on duty at Secretariat, by shooting himself with his service pistol. A suicide note has been recovered, indicating domestic discord as the prima facie reason of the suicide. Further investigation in the matter is underway." According to police sources, Singh was beaten up by his in-laws some days back in full public view, and some people even made a video of the same. In his suicide note, Singh has mentioned that the family members of his wife are influential people. There is an almost deliberate attempt on Indias part to play down the security angle of the quadrilateral meeting and place it within the larger context of ASEAN primacy. The subtext is clear: any third nation (read China) need not feel threatened. India-US bonhomie is in the air. Donald Trump got into a slight (needless) controversy over a Diwali tweet but everything else has been all sugary sweetness. The US president felt both countries are very close, closer than ever before and proclaimed that he is grateful for his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even went to the extent of calling Indians very good negotiators which in Trumps book must be the highest form of praise. His deputy, Mike Pence, has been similarly gracious during his recent meeting with Modi in Singapore. He praised Modi for providing strong leadership and called India a positive factor in regional and international relations. For his part, Modi thanked Trump for hosting Diwali event at White House and called Washington Indias time-tested friend a moniker that New Delhi has historically reserved for Russia. Delighted to have met you in Singapore, @VP Mike Pence. India and USA are time tested friends, who are cooperating on several subjects. Our talks today will further enhance the strong relations between our countries. https://t.co/tJ7GMVu4No Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2018 Not quite in the league of higher than the highest mountain yet but clearly, optics and rhetoric have not been in short supply. However, for all the stress on shared values, shared commitment to democracy, shared commitment to a rules-based order and shared commitment to constitutional processes, a fundamental, stubborn dissonance between the two remains evident over tackling the threat of China. While the Trump administration has recast its China strategy to adopt a more confrontationist posture to mitigate Beijings belligerence and craft, India, of late, has been more circumspect, and the post-Wuhan sentiment is now hardening into a policy. Expression of this change in policy is subtle yet unmistakable. While the US has blown the Cold War bugle and has promised not to back down until it succeeds in effecting a change in Chinese behavior, India has been cautious almost to the point of paranoia in trying not to rub China the wrong way. The post-Doklam aggression has turned into Wuhan spirit. Ghosts apparently carry a lot of weight. There are plausible reasons behind Indias shift in policy (not the least because we have a general election coming up and it helps to have some quiet at the border). China has been turning on the charm offensive, carefully avoiding Indias red lines. Beijings motivations range from trade war against the US to a realisation, as ORF points out, that Western opinion is turning against it rather rapidly and it needs partners which can help it alleviate some of these challenges. India is keen to introduce a modicum of stability in ties with China. The fulcrum of its engagement with China rests on an assumption that a reset will provide it the space to reduce its asymmetries with China, including by enhancing its military and economic capabilities, according to Warontherocks.com. That said, the structural asymmetries in India-China relationship are likely to stay, the capability gap wont erase in a few decades. Indias threat perception vis-a-vis China has not undergone any revision. It still forms the logic behind India's close strategic embrace of the US. This calls for a diplomatic equivalent of walking on water, and this exactly what India has been trying of late. As officials from like-minded democracies Australia, India, Japan and the US held the third meeting of Quadrilateral (Quad) 2.0 on Thursday on the sidelines of the East India Summit in Singapore, all four nations stressed on the need for connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and maritime and cyber security. But while Indias mention of the need for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific was comparatively understated, the US and Japan were more upfront about it. Lets take a look at the three different press statements released by the US, Japan and India. Washingtons readout of the quad straightaway makes it clear that senior officials from the four nations reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintain and strengthen a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in which all nations are sovereign, strong, and prosperous. They further highlighted the complementary visions for the region held by their four countries, grounded in a shared support for a free, open, and inclusive region that fosters universal respect for international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable development. There are several references to the word good governance in strengthening the rules-based order. The references to regional economic development, cooperation on maritime, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and cyber issues and centrality of ASEAN come much later. The statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on quad takes a similar approach in mentioning that senior officials from Japan, Australia, India and the US reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintain and strengthen a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in which all nations are sovereign, strong, and prosperous. They further highlighted the complementary visions for the region held by the four countries, grounded in a shared support for a free, open, and inclusive region that fosters universal respect for international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable development. There is equal stress on good governance and reference to maritime, counterterrorism, non-proliferation, and cyber issues as well as support for ASEAN are pushed down the order. The statement released by India's external affairs ministry, however, takes the opposite approach. It did not refer to officials as senior and stated upfront that discussions (were) focused on cooperation in areas such as connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and maritime and cyber security, with a view to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly interconnected Indo-Pacific region that the four countries share with each other and with other partners. The delicate placing of the words and the lack of emphasis on Indo-Pacific are evident. The statement then goes on to refer to reaffirming the ASEAN centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. They agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote a free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence. There is an almost deliberate attempt on Indias part to play down the security angle of the quadrilateral meeting and place it within the larger context of ASEAN primacy. The subtext is clear: any third nation (read China) need not feel threatened. This motif is also reflected in the Modi-Pence interaction and subsequent reactions from the leaders. While the US vice-president stressed on the Indo-Pacific vision and highlighted shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Modis tweet, mentioned above avoids the reference. Important discussion with Indias Prime Minister @narendramodi while in Singapore. Spoke about our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific & reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen security and counterterrorism cooperation and coordination. #VPinAsia #ASEAN pic.twitter.com/Cjqkr0RQWr Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 14, 2018 In the subsequent news conference after the Modi-Pence meeting, Indias foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale mentioned it in passing, as: Obviously the Indo-Pacific did come up for discussion. (The) prime minister referred to his speech here in Singapore in June at the Shangri-La Dialogue in which he had outlined Indias vision of the Indo-Pacific. We conveyed to Vice President Pence that this vision of Indo-Pacific was gaining acceptability and that we should utilise the upcoming East Asia Summit to further build up on that. Indias paranoia on linking the quad to a security architecture on Indo-Pacific is so acute that Raveesh Kumar, the official spokesperson of Indias external affairs ministry, refuted a report during a media briefing that referred to quad as the meeting between leaders of four nations. Kumars reaction was: The report is factually incorrect. No such meeting is taking place. As has been the practice on the last two occasions, India, Australia, Japan and the United States will hold consultations on issues of common regional and global interest at the level of Joint Secretary in the respective Foreign Offices. He was, of course, not denying the quad meeting, but stressing on the fact that it will be just another multilateral meeting between joint secretaries. The subtext, once again, is meant for China. It remains to be seen if Indias approach works. Pandering to Chinas sensibilities is a bottomless and quite often a non-reciprocal exercise. New Delhi must not overdo it. Khan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will have a private meeting, followed by the delegation-level talks. The two countries enjoy warm brotherly relations founded in mutual respect friendship and understanding reinforced by strong cultural and religious affinities, the Foreign Office said in a statement. Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Malaysia next week where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package. The foreign office said that Khan would be accompanied by a high-level delegation during his official trip to Malaysia on 20 and 21 November. This would be Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia. Khan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will have a private meeting, followed by the delegation-level talks. The two countries enjoy warm brotherly relations founded in mutual respect friendship and understanding reinforced by strong cultural and religious affinities, the Foreign Office said in a statement. Khan's visit "would provide an opportunity to further cement the existing friendly and cordial bilateral relations by enhancing economic, trade and commercial ties, for our mutual benefit," the statement said. Pakistan was facing a $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year. The Pakistan government is keen to minimise the amount borrowed from the International Monetary Fund by getting loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia as officials here believe that the global lender could attach tough conditions. Early this month, Prime Minister Khan visited China, which reportedly agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to Pakistan. Last month, Saudi Arabia said it would provide Pakistan with a $6 billion rescue package during Khan's visit to the Gulf Kingdom. Meanwhile, Malaysia's High Commissioner to Pakistan Ikram Bin Mohammad Ibrahim called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here and discussed a wide range of issues. Qureshi briefed the High Commissioner about Prime Minister Khan's upcoming visit to Malaysia. He also highlighted that the prime minister's visit would help further strengthen bilateral relations between two countries and open new avenues of bilateral cooperation. The Malaysian diplomat assured his government's full support to enhance bilateral relations with Pakistan and said that the Malaysian leadership looks forward to Khan's visit. Given the complexities of the situation in Manipur, there is no easy solution to the insurgency in the state. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on eight Meitei extremist organisations active in Manipur for five more years for their continued involvement in violent activities. As per the MHA notification, the organisations banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are, Peoples Liberation Army also known as PLA and its political wing, Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples Army (MPA), Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, Red Army, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called Red Army, Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK). These eight Meitei organisations were involved in 756 violent incidents in the past five years from 1 January, 2013, to 31 July, 2018, during which they killed 86 people, including 35 security forces personnel. The notification issued by the MHA said that these groups had openly declared their objective as the formation of an independent Manipur by secession from India, employing armed means to achieve their aims while making contacts with foreign sources to influence the public opinion. While immigration legal as well as illegal is at the root of most of the conflicts in the North East region, the transformation of these conflicts into insurgencies coincides with a radical reinterpretation of the respective histories of each tribe in which the Indian State is often projected by the insurgents as an external agency. Complexities of geography and demography have further heightened the problem of insurgency. Manipur has an area of 22,000 square km, of which 1,843 km area is covered in the valley situated at the centre, while the rest are hills surrounding the valley. Nearly 60 percent of the population reside the valley area, while the rest are spread in the sparsely populated hills. Ethnically speaking, there are three major ethnic groups -- Meiteis, Nagas, and Kukis. Two-third of those living in the valley belongs to the Meitei ethnicity. The hills are inhabited mainly by different Naga and Kuki tribes. And they are closer to the peoples of northern Myanmar than they are to those of mainland India. Violent Meitei insurgencies had emerged in Imphal and the surrounding valley areas by the late 1970s which continued to remain hot till the beginning of the present century. Aggressive paramilitary campaigns backed by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act proved fairly successful in countering insurgency. However, it has also raised voices against the use of force by security agencies. But the security forces maintain that the AFSPA is a prerequisite and necessity in countering insurgency. Like many other insurgencies in the North East, Manipurs extremist groups penchant for criminality has seriously weakened their legitimacy in recent years amongst large segments of the population. But the insurgencies persistence owes to many factors the culture of fear insurgents have been able to spread over the years, connivance of corrupt elements of some state institutions, shelter given by the neighbouring countries, ethnic rivalries and internecine squabbles. It would be hard to dispute the fact that political-administrative structure in the North East is quite susceptible to abuse by extremist and militant organisations which have been able to mobilise support, build networks and make recruitment by operating through front, cover and sympathetic organisations. It is true that the intensity of insurgency has been contained to a great extent in Manipur. Through intelligence-based operations, the security forces have ensured that insurgent camps in Manipur are eliminated and their activities contained. But, the militants continue to take advantage of the hilly terrain and porous border with neighbouring Myanmar to conduct terror attacks. After retaliatory strikes by the Indian Army in 2015, militants moved their camps across the border in Myanmar. Though Myanmar has been cooperative, there are certain limitations in joint cooperation between the two armies. Another grave threat posed by the militant groups is the disruption of the peace process, which is reflected by the regular recovery of sophisticated weapons and apprehension of their cadres. In a recent interaction with the journalists earlier this month, a senior army official ruled out an early solution to the insurgency problem in Manipur due to the multiplicity of militant groups and their different sets of demands. Since Independence, what attention the North East has received from the Indian government has mostly come in the field of security. The regions insurgencies, and their links with neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China shaped a policy framework that prioritised counter-insurgency and border security. During the last one decade or so, New Delhi seems to have placed greater emphasis on infrastructure development and regional connectivity. However, due to the very weak connectivity between northeastern India and Myanmar, the vision of a well-connected India-ASEAN remains incomplete. Manipurs border post at Moreh handles most of the formal and informal overland trade between India and Myanmar. Since the Modi governments Act East policy accords great importance to Manipur which is set to emerge as a key centre with the Asian Highway linking India to the ASEAN it is important to ensure security along this highway. Moreover, a 16-km Free Movement Regime between Manipur and Myanmar border, allowing free movements of local residents, adds to the responsibility of security forces. The Naga problem also has direct ramifications on the security situation in Manipur. As recently pointed out by Indian Army Chief, Bipin Rawat, The resolution of Naga insurgency can be a forerunner to the Manipur insurgency situation. There are some linkages between the two. But, if that resolution does not satisfy Manipuris then the insurgency in that state will take a different turn. He was referring to the intricacies involved in the demand for a Greater Nagaland, which will have to be addressed in the final Naga agreement currently under negotiation. In 2015, the Central government signed a framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) to end the Naga insurgency after it agreed to give up the demand for sovereignty. The demand for Greater Nagaland includes all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas including several districts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. In February this year, the governments Naga interlocutor RN Ravi had assured that Naga peace agreement is yet to be finalised and it will not compromise the territorial integrity of any state. However, the government informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee in July that some special arrangement would be made for the Nagas. The 213th report on the security situation in the northeastern states tabled by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha had mentioned: On being asked what the special arrangement will be, the committee was told that with respect to Nagaland... Article 371A of the Constitution makes it clear that they are special and a special status has been accorded to them. A similar kind of status, with some local variation, and some change to the Nagas in the neighbouring States can be explored. According to the report, Ravi informed the committee that the Nagas had now reached a common understanding with the government that boundaries of the states will not be touched and some special arrangements would be made for the Nagas, wherever they are. This has understandably added to the apprehensions in Manipur, giving an opportunity to the militant groups to spread their violent propaganda. A unity rally was organised on 31 October in Imphal for the territorial integrity of Manipur, while Naga groups held a blockade in the hills on the same day in opposition. Given the complexities of the situation in Manipur, there is no easy solution to the insurgency in the state. But an early resolution to the Naga issue will certainly remove a major roadblock in this direction, and shape the behaviour of various players of Manipurs political economy by minimizing the deadly impact of neglect syndrome. Needless to emphasise that a stable and prosperous Manipur will make Acting East a reality. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Maharashtra is playing with multiple fires. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Maharashtra is playing with multiple fires. And these fires are not restricted to the state but also have the capacity to singe the BJP elsewhere. On one hand, various communities have agitated for reservations since this government came to power in 2014. On the other, those in the general category or already in the quota list have resented their share getting reduced. The Sangh parivar has been aware of hardening of stance and growing cynicism over reservations on both sides of the divide on the issue. There is particular disenchantment among the upper castes, whose hopes soared after RSS called for review of the reservations policy in 2015. In recent months, the saffron fold has been on the horns of a dilemma on rising apathy towards it among upper castes. Mohan Bhagwat's recent call to his cadre to campaign against NOTA for it benefits the "available worst" instead of electing the "available best" is indicative of the extent of the parivar's worry of losing support of traditional voters. His worry stems from significant sections of savarns or upper castes turning cynical of politics over reservations. In addition, they have joined forces with OBCs in several states in opposing the amendment to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. For protesters, overturning the Supreme Court judgment despite strong evidence of misuse of the law to target non-Dalits was little but another form of 'politics of appeasement'. Upper castes traditionally backed BJP and in recent years, the party made inroads among significant OBC sub-castes. Despite remaining core BJP supporters, as Bhagwat's campaign demonstrates, they have increasingly exhibited signs of opting for NOTA because of disinterest in voting for a party 'placating' Dalits. Upper caste concern would also rise post Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' announcement that Marathas would have reason to cheer up this 1 December. In the likelihood of the chief minister fulfilling his assurance of providing reservations to Marathas over and above what is already being given to other castes, it would infuriate the upper caste because this significantly shrinks the 'general' quota. This could be extremely damaging to the BJP in 2019 and in the impending state elections, especially in constituencies witnessing tight contests. It is a different matter that his regime may not be able to deliver what has been promised. Yet, in an election season, it is likely to be considered as another instance of the BJP pursuing the politics of pacification like the Congress. The only difference being that instead of minorities, the BJP will be seen cultivating new vote banks who are 'challenging and marginalising' upper castes. Its impact has the potential of spreading beyond Maharashtra and becoming widespread nationally, as a reaction to the amendment to the SC/ST Act showed. The BJP is armed with the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission's recommendation that Marathas are socio-economically backward and meet all parameters for being accorded backward class status. The MSBCC report shows that the percentage of Marathas who are either below the poverty line, have small and marginal land-holdings or even live in mud-dwellings is more than the base necessary to be entitled to reservations. Savarns argue that many among them are similarly placed. The announcement will also anger Dalits in Maharashtra for they have been at loggerheads and at the receiving end of Marathas for long, and are opposed to the dominant community being extended the same privilege. The BJP's problems are compounded by sections of Marathas being resentful of Dalits and other beneficiaries of reservations as they have acquired economic and political clout. The Fadnavis government declared it does not intend to include Marathas in the existing OBC list and instead make special provisions beyond the constitutionally permissible 50 percent cap. However, any such legislative move will unquestionably face legal and judicial challenge. Presently in Maharashtra, 52 percent reservation is already being provided to SCs, STs, OBCs and VJNTs (Vimukta Jati and Nomadic tribes). After 16 percent reservation for Marathas, the general category will decline from 48 to 32 percent, which will further infuriate them. The Marathas too will watch the situation keenly before extending support to the BJP in the state, now facing a resurgent Congress and Nationalist Congress Party. In 2014, the Congress-NCP government extended 16 percent reservation to Marathas through a hurriedly issued Ordinance. This was struck down by the Bombay High Court after the Fadnavis government assumed office. Marathas could also conclude that this is another election gimmick like the Congress-NCP decision in 2014. There is a possibility that the Fadnavis government may add its law granting reservations for Marathas in the Ninth Schedule of Constitution, sparing it of judicial scrutiny. This a double whammy for two reasons. First off, it will annoy OBCs already availing benefit of reservations, Dalits, as well as the upper caste because socially dominant Marathas will be further empowered. Secondly, inclusion in Ninth Schedule is a risky proposition as the apex court in 2007 held that no blanket immunity can be provided by inserting new laws in this Schedule in the Constitution. Besides Maharashtra, the issue of dominant castes seeking reservation citing economic and educational backwardness has dominated political agenda in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana too. There is no knowing when this issue will surface in other states as competition increases for a share of the shrinking pie. The Fadnavis government's announcement will give fresh impetus to the Patel stir in Gujarat and the demand of Jats in Haryana. As the anti-Patel stir in Gujarat backed by the significant Thakor community showed, every pro-reservation agitation has spawned a counter. The BJP government in Rajasthan, with an eye on the impending polls, issued orders in July, making five castes, including Gujjars, eligible to receive reservations under the OBC category. Its impact will be tested in the Assembly polls. Since 2014, the BJP has failed to grapple with socially dominant castes in various states willing to 'climb down' the social ladder with the objective of securing reservations and consequently recovering their economic and political clout. The issue of reservations is multi-layered and after having made a brave beginning to discuss the issue in totality, the Sangh parivar too has opted to act only when faced with a crisis. The manner in which the scenario unfolds in Maharashtra will significantly shape political and electoral narrative in the coming months. Turkey's prosecutors have completed an investigation of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlovs assassination in December 2016, Anadolu Agency reported. According to the agencys sources, an indictment into the case is ready, and, once it is approved by Ankara Prosecutors Office, the case will be sent to the court. Andrei Karlov was killed on December 19, 2016, during a speech at the opening of a photo exhibition in Ankara. Security forces finished off the attacker right on the spot. Turkish law enforcement officers arrested two men in connection with the case. They are Hayreddin Aydinbas, the CEO of Guru media group, and Mustafa Timur Ozkan, the organizer of the photo exhibition at the opening of which Altintas shot and fatally wounded Ambassador Karlov. The Maharashtra government will have to consult the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) before taking a policy decision on granting reservation to the Maratha community. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will have to consult the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) before taking a policy decision on granting reservation to the Maratha community, according to a law passed by Parliament earlier this year. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) on Thursday submitted its report on the social and economic conditions of the Marathas, with a government source saying the panel has "favoured" grant of quota to the community. Section 338B, sub-clause 9 the 102nd constitutional amendment bill passed in both the houses of Parliament in August this year states, "(9) The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission (National Commission for Backward Classes, NCBC) on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes." This means the state government will have to consult the NCBC before it goes ahead with granting reservation to the Maratha community based on their social and educational backwardness. An official from the state law and judiciary department said the government is unsure about the NCBC accepting the government decision to grant quota to the community in jobs and education. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had Thursday said all statutory formalities over the quota issue will be completed in the next 15 days and that the Maratha community should get ready to celebrate on 1 December. A senior BJP Cabinet minister has said the MSBCC report is likely to be tabled before the pre-winter session meeting of the state cabinet on 18 November. The NCBC has now been granted constitutional status on par with the National Commission for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. The Maharashtra State Backward Classes Commission has suggested reservation of 16 percent for the Marathas, stating that the community is socially and economically backward, however, the Maharashtra government may find it impossible to implement the suggestion, especially keeping in mind the restrictions on caste-based reservation in India The Maharashtra State Backward Classes Commission has suggested reservation of 16 percent for the Maratha community, stating that the community is socially and economically backward, however, the Maharashtra government may find it impossible to implement the suggestion, especially keeping in mind the restrictions on caste-based reservation in India. Sources told News18 that the commission headed by retired Justice MD Gaikwad, found the Marathas, who comprise 30 percent of the state's population to "fit all the 25 criteria of backwardness", and has suggested the additional reservation quota of 16 percent for them. Currently the reserved quota in Maharashtra stands at 52 percent, which includes communities from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) as well as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other special categories. This is already above the 50 percent limit set for caste-based reservations by the Supreme Court in 2008. Besides, the commission's report, itself presents a hurdle to the state government. According to sources, the report also noted that the 16 percent reservation for Marathas has to be provided without touching the existing quota reserved for Other Backward Classes. What this means is, the only option in front of the government in order to grant reservation to the Maratha community is to either cut reservation quota for other communities, or violate the Supreme Court order both of which are problematic. Here, it's also important to remember that in 2014, the then Congress-NCP government had announced 16 percent reservation for Marathas and five percent reservation for the Muslims. However, the Bombay High Court stayed the decision in response to a PIL. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis may face a similar situation. The Fadnavis government in Maharashtra, however, seems confident of passing the legal hurdles by end of November. Speaking to reporters in Akola district on Wednesday, the chief minister had said that the government will try to complete all legal formalities by the end of November to grant the Maratha community reservation. It was speculated that the Maratha government may announce its decision on Maratha reservation issue in the two-week Winter Session of the Maharashtra Assembly that starts on 19 November. On Thursday, Fadnavis reiterated his stance at a rally in Ahmednagar, informing the community to prepare to rejoice on 1 December, in what appears to be a likely date for announcement of the reservation quota. According to ANI, Fadnavis also confirmed that the govt has received the report on Maratha reservation. He said: We have received report on Maratha reservation from Backwards Commission. I request all of you to prepare to celebrate on December 1: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at a rally in Ahmednagar pic.twitter.com/MxsJ4zYf9B ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 Sources told PTI that the commission went through two lakh memorandums, surveys of about 45,000 families and empirical data on social, financial and educational backwardness of the Maratha community. "It went through historical records, old verdicts, constitutional provisions, writings by renowned anthropologist and sociologist Irawati Karve and reports of organisations such as the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics," a source said. Maratha organisations had staged agitation for quota across the state in July and August this year. With inputs from PTI Almost exactly a month ago, on 17 October, MJ Akbar resigned as Minister of State for External Affairs following massive pressure from the media and civil society. A number of activists and journalists on Friday slammed the Editor's Guild of India for allowing MJ Akbar, who is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, to remain a member. This was shortly after the organisation uploaded an updated members' list, which included Akbar's name. Please find the updated members list of the Editors Guild here- https://t.co/d2xZWN8nPQ Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) November 16, 2018 Almost exactly a month ago, on 17 October, Akbar resigned as Minister of State for External Affairs following massive pressure from the media and civil society. On Friday, the Twitter handle @IndiaMeToo, which seeks to "amplify voices from the second wave of #MeToo", questioned why Akbar remains part of the Editor's Guild. Journalist Nidhi Razdan also put out a post asking why this was so. Why is MJ Akbar still a member? https://t.co/3h0ESrprYh #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) November 16, 2018 Some other Twitter users also pointed that Tarun Tejpal, who has been charged with rape, also continues to be a member of the guild. Last month, Akbar filed a private criminal defamation complaint in a court in Delhi against Priya Ramani: who had first made allegations against him on social media, spurring at least 15 other women to come out against him. Akbar told the court in his statement that "immediate damage" has been caused to him due to the "scurrilous", concocted and false allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him. Expressing her readiness to fight the defamation allegations, Ramani said, "Rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment." With inputs from PTI Speaking with Firstpost, Kumar rebutted the charge that the VHP demand is tantamount to defying the Supreme Court and is aimed at polarising the electorate before next year's general election. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is ready go full steam ahead with their demand for the Ram temple. VHP working president Alok Kumar said the outfit has charted a clear course of action, and that the Hindus have waited for far too long. Speaking with Firstpost, Kumar rebutted the charge that the VHP demand is tantamount to defying the Supreme Court and is aimed at polarising the electorate before next year's general election. Why the rush for the Ram temple now? Almost 500 years have passed since the demolition of Ram temple in Ayodhya. For the past 68 years, weve been contesting the case in the courts. For the past seven years, the case has been in the Supreme Court. As the earlier Supreme Court bench headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra was hearing the case, the sadhus of Uttar Pradesh Dharma Sansad decided to wait for the judgment. It didn't happen and the court still hasn't settled the issue. While it is one of the most important cases, it seems it isn't a priority for the apex court. We have to look for an alternative. The Hindus have waited for a long time, so it's unfair to say we're in a hurry. Were clear that the construction of Ram temple must be initiated through legislation. On 5 October, a large number sadhus, including those from Ayodhya, met in Delhi and said Hindus couldnt wait an eternity. They demanded that the government introduce legislation and gave a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind. Does the demand have to do with the 2019 polls? Critics say it is aimed at polarising the electorate... That's not our intent. However, a movement of such magnitude has a collateral effect. A Congress leader at a press conference described Rahul Gandhi as janeu dhari Hindu (one who wears the Brahmanical thread) and the latter publicises his visit to temples, Kailash Mansarovar and offers milk on Shiv ling at Mahakaleshwar shrine in Ujjain. The manifesto of Madhya Pradesh Congress promises that if the party comes to power, it will open gaushalas and talks about gau mutra. So, whos attempting to polarise? Our advice is that the party (Congress) must take a logical step forward and support the bill (on the construction of Ram temple). The construction of Ram Mandir is a legitimate demand of Hindus, and if a party raises pitch against it, it is inviting polarisation. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, during the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, announced tickets for 97 Muslim candidates. That was meant to polarise voters. Our only demand is: Give us the temple and well go back to our barracks. Are you prepared to defy the Supreme Court? No, were not defying the court. Parliament and judiciary have different jurisdictions and powers. Parliament has the jurisdiction to make laws. Weve recently seen how the apex court judgment in the SC/ST Act case had a wider implication and led to huge public outrage. The government filed a review petition and during the pendency of the case, the Act was amended by Parliament. In the Shah Bano case, Parliamentduring the tenure of the Rajiv Gandhi governmentreversed the SC judgment under pressure from orthodox Muslims. Are you ready with a plan of action? Yes. Were meeting the sadhus, all Members of Parliament, all political parties and will seek their support. Rallies will be held in all the 543 parliamentary constituencies across the country to create awareness. Three big rallies are scheduled in Nagpur, Ayodhya and Bengaluru on 25 November. At the Ayodhya rally, were expecting more than one lakh people. All these rallies will culminate in a mega public rally at Ramlila Maidan on 9 December. It has already taken the shape of a movement. Besides VHP, the BJP, the RSS, the Sangh Parivar affiliates and all Hindu groups and general public will be a part of this historical rally and the movement. Many parties outside the NDA may find it difficult to oppose the demand. As Lok Sabha election is expected in May 2019, one has to answer the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Do you think it is easier because a majority of the states are with the BJP? Were seeking a substantial majority of both Houses in this Bill. Well get it. Those in the BJP are Ram bhakts. The BJP has been pursuing this issue for years. LK Advani ji, as the then president of the BJP, took out the Ram Rath Yatra for the construction Ram Mandir way back in 1990 from Somnath to Ayodhya (but was arrested in Bihar). Lots of people in BJP, VHP and Sangh Parivar have made sacrifices and waited for decades. Now, if its the right time and things are in our favour, why not? Are you sure to get support on this Bill from non-BJP parties? Except Muslim League and the Left parties, all other political parties will find it difficult to oppose the Bill. They cant afford to antagonise the majority: Hindus. Congress MP Ashok Chavan said on 13 November the Ram Mandir issue doesnt have emotional connect with the people anymore. On the same day, a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh called the RSS a terrorist organisation. Your take? By making such statements, the Congress is making a mockery of itself and self-destructing. Either they are oblivious of the ground realities or they are pretending to be secular. Hindus, in general, wont appreciate it. Bangladeshi writer and women's rights activist Taslima Nasreen on Friday tweeted on the ongoing Sabarimala row. Amid the Sabarimala row, Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on Friday tweeted that she did not understand why women activists are so eager to enter Sabarimala and that they ought to focus on villages where domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse is rampant. Nasreen's comments come on a day when high drama was witnessed at the Kochi airport as activist Trupti Desai remained confined there since her arrival early Friday morning enroute to Sabarimala, following protests by devotees and others opposing the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 in the Lord Ayyappa temple. Tensions ran high at the Nedumbasser airport, about 50 kilometres from Kochi, as devotees and others, including BJP workers, remained firm that Desai and six other young women who accompanied her would not be allowed proceed to Sabarimala temple, which reopened Friday evening. Desai, who is based in Pune, landed around 4.40 am. She initially said there is no question of her going back without having darshan at the temple, which opens for the third time after the Supreme Court order on 28 September allowing all women to enter the famous shrine. Amid the continuing stand-off, the BJP demanded that Desai and her colleagues be sent back to Pune. Later Friday, the police, who were present in large numbers, registered a case against around 200 devotees who can be identified for preventing the free movement of the activists, but did not make any attempt to remove them. With inputs from PTI Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Sabarimala row. Amid a stand-off with devotees and others at the airport in Kochi vowing not to let her proceed to the Sabarimala shrine, activist Trupti Desai said police have asked her to return to Pune. Kochi: Amid over a 12-hour stand-off with devotees and others, including BJP workers, at the airport in Kochi vowing not to let her proceed to the Sabarimala shrine, activist Trupti Desai said police have asked her to return to Pune. The development comes even as the doors to the Lord Ayyappa temple opened for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja. The activist, who reached here around 4.40 am along with six young women en route to the hill temple, has been unable to come out of the airport, with the protesters saying her group would not be allowed to proceed to the Sabarimala temple. Desai said police officers held a meeting with her. "Police have requested me to return to Pune," she told reporters. Desai said she will announce her decision by 6.30 pm. Protesting local BJP leaders at the airport said the devotees, including women, would not let Desai and her colleagues to come out of the airport and proceed to Sabarimala temple. They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. Talking to the media over phone, Desai earlier said she would not go back without darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple. The Kerala High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Rehana Fathima, an activist who tried to enter Sabarimala Temple when the shrine opened in October. The high court instructed the Kerala police to go ahead with necessary action against Rahana. The Kerala High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Rehana Fathima, an activist who tried to enter Sabarimala Temple when the shrine opened in October. The high court instructed the Kerala Police to go ahead with necessary action against Fathima. Meanwhile, six people, who were arrested in relation to the Sabarimala protests were granted bail, according to reports. On 30 October, Rehana moved the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail, after the Pathanamthitta police on 22 October filed a case against Rehana for putting up social media posts that are allegedly communally divisive in nature. A case was registered under IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), Pathanamthitta CI Sunil Kumar told The News Minute. The case was registered after a complaint was filed by Sabarimala Samtakshana Samithy alleging that some Facebook posts of Rehana hurt religious sentiments, reported Times of India. After her attempt to enter the shrine on 19 October, the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council had also expelled Fathima from the Muslim community for "hurting sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees". According to PTI, in October, the activist's house in Panampilly Nagar was allegedly vandalised by unidentified people while she was away trying to climb the holy hills. Fathima, a model and activist who was part of the 'Kiss of Love' movement in Kochi in 2014 against alleged moral policing, was among the two women who had reached the hilltop but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests by Ayyappa devotees. A mother of two, the activist had kicked up a row last year by posing for photos topless with watermelons to protest against a Kozhikode-based college professor's statement comparing women's breasts to watermelons. A case had been registered by police in Pathanamthitta against the activist for hurting religious sentiments. The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups and temple tantri and officials ever since a Supreme Court verdict on 28 September, allowed women of all ages to pray at Lord Ayyappa temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. The Sabarimala Temple will open at 5 pm on Friday for its 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakku. With inputs from agencies 'Don't expect miracles' in a huge country like India, the Supreme Court said, refusing to further hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of the Right to Education Act. New Delhi: "Don't expect miracles" in a huge country like India, the Supreme Court said Friday, refusing to further hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act to bring 3.5 crore poor kids into the formal schooling system. The apex court had earlier asked petitioner 'Akhil Delhi Prathmik Shikshak Sangh', a registered society, to give a representation to the Centre on implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, also known as the RTE. Refusing to monitor the RTE implementation in the country, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "Don't expect miracles. India is a huge, huge country. Priorities are many and certainly, education is one of the priorities." The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, took note of the fact that the Centre has given the response after taking note of the representation. "Heard counsel for the petitioner and perused the relevant material. We are not inclined to interfere. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed," it noted in the order. It had earlier asked senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the organisation, to give representation to the Centre and had said that the government would "assist the court with regard to the implementation" of the RTE. The apex court had also asked the Centre to apprise it of decision taken on the issue. However, it today declined further hearing on the PIL. The teachers' body, in its PIL, had sought implementation of the right to education of children aged between six to 14 years. The plea had said the children are suffering as government schools are shutting down and around 9.5 lakh posts of teachers are vacant in these schools. It had referred to reports "showing systematic and widespread violations of children's right to education across the country, including violations of numerous specific requirements of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009". The petition had said that according to data, there were 14,45,807 government and registered private schools imparting elementary education in the country and as on 2015-16, there were approximately 3.68 crore children who were not in school. It had sought a direction to all the states and UTs to identify the children, as mandated under the RTE Act, within six months to ascertain as to how many of them should be brought in the formal schooling system. The plea had also sought a direction to identify "all schools whether government, private, aided or unaided" which did not have proper infrastructure such as "all-weather building with at least one classroom for every teacher, barrier-free access, separate toilets for boys and girls, teaching staff and teaching learning material (TLM). It had asked for a direction "to ensure that unaided private primary recognised schools admit the children of economically weaker section (EWS) category in their first level to the tune of 25 per cent quota as enshrined in the RTE Act". The states and the UTs should recruit, train and employ 9.5 lakh additional teachers fill the vacancies within two years, the plea had said. The privilege that English enjoys in the Supreme Court needs to be diluted in order to make its portals accessible to those who speak languages different from the clipped and accented English of foreign-educated but exorbitantly expensive lawyers "You are a judge and you can't speak in English? You may hold court in Hindi, write your judgments in Hindi but once you come to SC you must speak in English." Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to an Additional Judge who was arguing his case in Hindi Tahir Abbas, a journalist colleague, had a delectable anecdote about his father. The latter once attended a meeting addressed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lucknow before Partition. He returned quite dismayed at the great leaders anglophile conduct. But the maulvis who attended the conference were quite impressed because, they all agreed, Mian, Angrez bhi aisi Angrezi nahi bol paate (even Englishmen can't match his English-speaking skills)." Jinnahs linguistic skills, though largely incomprehensible for his target audience, endeared him to the clergy and the masses, revealing that the influence of English is far more pervasive and overweening than we are conscious of or ready to acknowledge. That persists even today, and disconcertingly, is practised with complete constitutional sanction by the Supreme Court of India. That is why Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogois above-mentioned reprimand of an additional judge does not come as a surprise. The details of the incident are not as relevant as the larger issue it exposed, the issue of the language of the law. It was, of course, not the first time the choice of language in conducting the business of the apex court made news. Maverick politician, Raj Narain, wanted to intervene in a case relating to socialist leader Madhu Limaye, but the judges of the Supreme Court objected to his usage of Hindi, and his intervention was cancelled. Of course, the law is on the side of Chief Justice Gogoi. English is the officially the lingua franca of the Supreme Court. This stems from the Constitution. Article 348 (about Language to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc.) states that (a) all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court... shall be in the English language. This reflected the challenges, at the time of the Constituent Assembly debates, of building a nation in a multilingual setting. The constitution, however, has been amended several times over but this colonial hangover has survived unchallenged. Many high courts have officially switched to the regional language of the state after seeking assent of the President. The issue is not that this language-apartheid entered the Constitution. The issue is that it has stayed there for seventy years without as much as a murmur for linguistic democratisation of the apex court to keep in step with the evolution of the country. The other two pillars of our democracy the legislature and the executive which were allowed to practice similar language discrimination, have requited themselves in this matter. Though Article 348 also mandates the use of English language for "the authoritative texts", all bills/Acts of the central and state legislatures, as well as ordinances, legislatures not only conduct business in a variety of tongues even the bills and Acts of the Parliament are published in English as well as Hindi (and other languages). If the Parliament or state legislatures had retained those features and insisted on the primacy of English as the Supreme Court has willy-nilly putting a premium on the erudition of language rather than of the law Indias transition from Nehru to Lal Bahadur Shastri would not have been possible. The legacy of the Raj was so overpowering for decades that it was difficult for the institutions of State to shed them in a hurry. Yet the democratisation of the polity ensured that the Indian legislature and the bureaucracy gradually transformed into multilingual entities in consonance with the features of the Indian society. But the highest judiciary assiduously insulated itself from the process. This splendid isolation from the rest of the institutions of the state is often justified on the assumption that the knowledge of law and its complexities flows from ones ability to understand or speak English in the court. This and other such assumptions form the basis of the 216th report of the Law Commission, in 2008, whose very title is: Non-feasibility of introduction of Hindi as compulsory language in the Supreme Court of India.' The Committee of Parliament on Official Language had then proposed to amend Article 348 and dilute the English-only mandate. A reference was made to the Law Commission which sought opinions of retired chief justices and judges of the Supreme Court, senior advocates and bar associations in different states. Based on the views of the fraternity, the panel recommended against introducing Hindi in the apex court. Among other things, the Law Commission report stated: "At any rate no language should be thrust upon the judges of the higher judiciary and they should be left free to deliver their judgments in the language they prefer. It is important to remember that every citizen, every court has the right to understand the law laid down finally by the apex court and at present one should appreciate that such a language is only 'English'. Ground reality, on the other hand, could not have been more contrary to this Macaulay-inspired position. Acknowledging every citizens right to understand the law laid down by the apex court is a praiseworthy sentiment, but English would be the most inappropriate choice for the purpose. According to the 2001 census, India had only 2,26,449 people, or 0.02 percent of the total population, who reported English as their first language. Adding even those who claimed English as second language and also those who said it was their third language, the total still comes to barely 12.18 percent. Whereas Hindi, for example, covers 53.16 percent of the population considering all three types of speakers. Indeed, Hindi has the third highest number of speakers in the world (after Mandarin Chinese and English) but will remain sidelined at home. Of course, this is not to make a case for Hindi, in particular, but for Indian languages, in general. Yet, the myth of the necessity of English in the higher judiciary is deliberately perpetuated. This has made the higher courts the exclusive domain of a privileged few who speak in a language incomprehensible to the masses, just like what Sanskrit did to Hinduism. Hindu rituals are conducted in Sanskrit and only the professional pandits can perform the rituals. Their clients have no clue of what business is being conducted on their behalf. Similarly, English has Brahminised the higher judiciary. Unlike in religious matters, the language bar in courts comes with consequences. Firstly, it has raised the cost of justice so high that the higher judiciary is nearly inaccessible even for a reasonably rich person, let alone the common person. Secondly, the restricted pool of resources judges and lawyers who can converse in Queens English has led to a gargantuan pendency of cases, delaying and thus denying justice in a plethora of cases. Remember the plight of a former secretary of the government of India, HC Gupta, who preferred to go to jail rather than pay to hire a lawyer in his protracted battle against corruption charges levelled by the CBI. His lament was simple: I cannot pay the lawyers; so send me to the jail and let me avoid ignominy of going through this process. Gupta was known to be a bureaucrat of integrity till the Supreme Court-mandated inquiry by the CBI implicated him in the coal scam. Guptas plight is not an isolated case. Except for big corporate houses, bureaucrats with dubious credentials or politically high-profile cases, the exalted portals of the Supreme Court are prohibitively expensive to enter. Contrast this with the evolution of the legislature and the executive, and you would know the difference. In the early years of the republic, the elites in the Parliament and the executive found it easier to converse in English than any Indian language. But over the years Hindi and other regional languages contended for that space and enriched the debates by dipping into the wisdom of members who spoke Indian languages. This linguistic democratisation of the polity and legislatures paved the way for the evolution of powerful regional satraps and transformed Indian politics. Leaders like Raj Narain, Chandrashekhar, HD Deve Gowda, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, Mulayam Singh, Lalu Prasad, Mayawati, NT Rama Rao, M Karunanidhi to name just a few, are stark examples before us. Similarly, the character of the bureaucracy has undergone complete transformation ever since candidates appearing for the civil services exams were allowed to take the test in regional languages. The rise of the subaltern in the legislature and the executive is frowned upon by the traditional elites. That is why leaders who cannot speak English fluently like say Shashi Tharoor or Mani Shankar Aiyar are often mocked. But that hardly affects their politics. These grassroots leaders never vied for any endorsement from Indias anglophile class to establish their political credentials. Ironically enough, Naveen Patnaik who belonged this elite class successfully de-classed himself (to borrow a Marxist terminology) to establish himself in Odisha politics. Similarly, there are few bureaucrats in the capital whose eloquence in English is not the attribute for being successful. But the higher judiciary has remained insulated from the rise of the subaltern. It has also resisted reservation in judges appointment on the basis of social backwardness, a thesis which it endorsed for the bureaucracy. This is why the law ministry has often broached the issue of inadequate representation of women and various sections of the society in the high courts and the Supreme Court. Similarly, the Right to Information (RTI) Act which is applicable to all institutions of the state is quite restricted when it relates to the higher judiciary. In essence, Indias higher judiciary fits into a classical definition of othering the other institutions of the state like the legislature and the executive in such a way as to reinforce and protect self. The privilege that English enjoys in the higher judiciary needs to be diluted in order to make its portals accessible to those who speak languages different from the clipped and accented English of foreign-educated but exorbitantly expensive lawyers. The rise of the vernacular in the higher echelons of the judiciary is not only long overdue but also imminent. As only a constitutional amendment can launch the process of change, a renewed debate on the linguistic question between the legal fraternity and the rest is the need of the hour. A version of this article appears in the latest issue of Governance Now At the heart of both art and activism is the idea of vulnerability of surrendering oneself and being fearless, said TM Krishna at Tata Literature Live! The serene expression on TM Krishnas face on the afternoon of 16 November was a complete antithesis of the events that had occurred merely 24 hours before. An event in Delhi where he was to perform, organised by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and SPIC MACAY, was cancelled in the wake of opposition from right-wing accounts on Twitter. They raised an objection to his involvement, citing his political views. I dont know if it is divine intervention or mere coincidence, he said during his talk at Tata Literature Live!, that the subject I will be speaking about today is Art & Activism. Though he has been called an ideologue by many, TM Krishna openly rejected that tag right at the start of his talk; in fact, he shows a resistance towards any sort of label, because of how limiting they can be. The artist has to be a floater some who hopes to cross limitations, hopes to take up the challenges that come up during ideation, in the spirit of finding something precious. The label that is most in vogue these days is that of an activist typically associated with anyone who takes to the streets to shout slogans which the musician described as a flawed way of thinking. Activism is not a job title. It is not a function or profession, he said. He says that one of the problems with the way art is understood today is that it is often simplified to being something pretty something thats beautiful, that you attach value to. We have to perceive it with more complexity. Art is no accident, it is a human endeavor. Why did humanity think of this endeavor? Why are there paintings on the walls of huts of the poorest people? Humans realised that there is some effect that art has some effect on us, and I think that is where the spirit of art lies." Also read on Firstpost: No country for TM Krishna: India has plenty of room for sycophants, but none for a musician with spine For that moment, in the intersection of the individual and the art, something spectacular and profound happens, he says. "It can be a moment of revelation, if the artist allows it to be. When we engage with art, we come into contact with that part of us which is non-judgmental and capable of empathy. Art is empathetic. There can be no art without empathy. Empathy allows you to be detached from the equation of the experience and still share in the feeling, he says. When people practice art, they experience that possibility within themselves. And it is from that possibility that I stand before you with an extra little tag that of an activist," he said. He spoke about how he arrived at one of the greatest questions he has had to face: Why was it that he was unable to retain all the feelings associated with and resulting from art once he got off stage? Was it even possible to do so, to retain that sense of empathy? Another question he had to joust with was about the art itself: Was it just cultural habituation? "Was it practised by and limited to a certain class of people? Is it all just an illusion? I realised that I was asking questions about identity, about community, about communication. This is when my work went beyond being just music." But he found that beyond these constrictions and conventions, there was still something precious about the music. "Which means that the music can still transcend, even after I ask the difficult questions," he concluded. He spoke candidly about two types of fear that he has confronted over the course of his career. The first of these is aesthetic. I feared if there would come a day when I wouldnt find any meaning in art if I continued asking questions Would I find that it is purely a form of upper caste hegemony? The second fear is a professional one. I wondered about whether I had an audience, because people criticised me for practicing 'impure' music, for 'destroying culture'." To Krishna, the very fact that we are alive is enough to call ourselves activists. Being alive and aware and responsive is part of being an activist. If you dont engage with yourself and the world, are you alive? he asked. To feel, in his opinion, is not to belong to one type of identity. It is to engage with and feel for things that are beyond and outside of ones identity. The spirit of activism is to feel for people you dont associate with. And isnt art the same experience? he asked. He said that art and activism have overlaps, that they are intrinsically linked to each other. At the heart of both institutions is the idea of vulnerability, he said. The kind of vulnerability where one is completely stripped of connections to all the psychological and social systems that govern community identities. Art can happen only in freefall the kind where there is no limit. The most difficult thing about vulnerability is fear about the lack of control, he says. We are designed to control, and art asks for the very opposite of this tendency. It demands that you surrender and lose control. It asks for fearlessness as a way of being, where one is fully enveloped in that state. Today, activists are seen as being anti-national or anti-establishment, he argued. If you are fighting against caste, it is assumed that you know nothing about the Manusmriti. If you are an environmentalist, it is assumed that you are against development. This is true of anyone who asks difficult questions and acts on this line of questioning, he added. He spoke of the work being done by Bezwada Wilson and the Safai Karmachari Andolan for manual scavengers. "Isn't he asking for vulnerability, to notice the unnoticed in society?" Also read on Firstpost: To lose TM Krishna to intolerance, is to lose ourselves; only an annihilate vanity can make this sacrifice thinkable The idea that art is transformative or transcendental is rubbish. Human beings created art, it didnt fall from the sky. Just as art is man-made, so are the resultant power mechanisms, he says; the tools used to exclude people who are different from the group that claims to have an ownership on the art. This group also promotes the notion that to have access to art, outsiders must be like them, because they are superior. An artists objective, instead, should be to find the ugliness in the beautiful, to find what troubles us, he said. There is then the hope that art may happen. Dancer Sonal Mansigh, who was to perform at the same AAI event, wrote in the Indian Express that TM Krishnas views are not those of an artist but those of a political activist. In a sort of rebuttal to such criticism, the singer said that there is activism in all of his performances. He said that when people say that they are only musicians, that they stick to Carnatic traditions, they still dress a certain way, they behave a certain way on stage, and they choose to sing certain songs. This is still a political and social statement, entrenched in class, gender, caste, language, dialect and even regional identity. The biggest danger art faces is the claim that it is apolitical. We need to politicise art. To be political is to be engaged, he said. Interagency teams with members from the Pentagon, State Department and intelligence community have held a series of bilateral meetings with key European allies, preparing partner nations for Washingtons eventual withdrawal from a key non-proliferation pact with Russia. The teams have met with several allied nations in the region, providing key information on the reasoning behind the Trump administrations proposed plan to pull out from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces or INF, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Andrea Thompson said. She declined to comment on the nature of the talks between European allies and the American interagency teams, except to say that after recent discussions, "key partners and allies are on board," the Washington Times reported. "We are talking through next steps making sure there is no gap between [allies] once the president makes the decision" to eventually pull out of the missile pact, Thompson said. U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the U.S. from INF Treaty in October after accusing Russia of violating the agreement multiple times. TM Krishna engages with the wonderful and the un-wonderful with remarkable felicity, and foregrounds tradition not as an impoverished relic of a forgotten past but a paradigm with which politics itself can be re-thought and reimagined In a city as muted of its radical music as Delhi, a figure such as TM Krishna is an impossible rarity. Yet, in a commensurate effort between SPIC MACAY and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) titled Music in the Park, this impossibility was promised. Its infamous annulment following a tempest of outrage makes listening to TM Krishna difficult in two disparately mortised registers. Of these, the first is trivial and concerned merely with presence it has become difficult to listen to TM Krishna because his arrival, much like his music, has become an act of politics. A certain politics, now impenetrably ascendant, leaves, by its presence, no space untouched by vitiated assault this forces upon TM Krishna and many others of this rapidly multiplying assortment, an absence. It has become difficult to listen to TM Krishna because he is absent, or so would one surmise on preliminary appraisal. One calls this reading superficial because in apportioning Krishnas absence from our parks, auditoria, and other such palates of aural faculty, we fail to ask not what Krishna loses by his absence but what we lose in the unbearable difficulty of listening to him. This, one realises, is a difficult question to ask, because in the scattered but perniciously unitive spaces of outrage against Krishnas promised performance, the unbearable is a recurring motif TM Krishnas presence inspires outrage, makes itself unbearable, and so he must be forced into absence. Among other tantalising allegations, it might be instructive to begin with the prosaic TM Krishna is unbearable because, over the tumultuous course of his political posturing, he has marked himself as an antagonist of the present political dispensation and more fundamentally, its configuration of politics as Hindutva. Beyond the strictly popular, however, Krishna has also been castigated for his assimilation of Islamicate and Christian themes into a richly classical and self-representatively monolithic tradition of Carnatic music. It is held, from the position of this reason, that in his incessant aphorisms on caste and its connexions with the historical practice of his music, Krishna violates the vaunted sanctity of this tradition. In his impulse towards political activism, such as in his iconic reclamation of the Tamil poromboke as a prayer to preserve the creek as an ecological site of the community, Krishna, it so goes, refuses the necessary destiny of classical music as an exercise of sublime abstraction; Krishna is unbearable because he plots the pitiable descent of classical music into the world of the mundane and dastardly. This is a facet Krishna rarely acknowledges, but it should be under-girded that to construct any classical tradition, the erasure of dissonant un-classical traditions is but imperative as the necessary furniture of producing such a tradition. This makes impossible the effortless passage of unblemished tradition across time (it often shows, for instance, what claims to be ancient, to be beguilingly modern) so is, therefore, problematic when Krishna proclaims that my music is 600 years old. Once produced, a classical tradition only implicitly aware of its factitious primordial existence must consign itself to abstraction if it is to exist uncontested; Krishna breaks this difficulty brokered vigilance. Report: TM Krishna's Delhi concert rescheduled; will now be held at Garden of Five Senses on 17 November But what makes TM Krishnas presence truly unbearable so unbearable, indeed, that to even let this Carnatic artist arrive in the national capital with his music and his musicians is sacrilege is the reckoning he forces upon Hindutva by his merely performative existence. TM Krishna is unbearable, and absent, because he forces Hindutva to look at how constructed it is. His invocation of the Islamicate and the Christian in the carefully negotiated bounds of a Hindu classical tradition to a point of such rupture that the certitude of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian blurs unto strange dissolution harks ceaselessly to South Asias intricate and inseparable traditions of thinking (of) the divine and the musical. This, as we well know, is a certitude Hindutva needs for bare existential survival. Furthermore, and trenchantly, Krishna does not, in the romance of these intricate and inseparable traditions, unsee that they are forever doubled by caste and the terrible exclusions it fosters in both paradigmatic movements of religious traditions and quintessential acts of quotidian musical practice. This is an acknowledgement Hindutva, in its fanatical search for the glorious, can never make. Krishna, on the other hand, engages with the wonderful and the un-wonderful with remarkable felicity, and in the greatest gesture, foregrounds tradition not as an impoverished relic of a forgotten past but a paradigm with which politics itself can be re-thought and reimagined. What, then, does the difficulty of listening to TM Krishna mean what makes it so very unbearable? To lose TM Krishna to intolerance, or, to take Ramachandra Guhas word, barbarism, is to lose ourselves. Only an annihilate vanity can make this sacrifice thinkable. Social activist Trupti Desai, who announced that she will attempt entering the Sabarimala shrine on Saturday, was stranded at the Kochi airport after protesters gathered there and threatened to vandalise her cab. Social activist Trupti Desai, who announced that she will attempt entering the Sabarimala shrine on Saturday, was stranded at Kochi airport after protesters gathered there and threatened to vandalise her cab. Desai landed at the Kochi airport at 4.40 am on Friday, where she was surrounded by a huge mob of protesters opposing the Supreme Court's order allowing women between the age of 10 and 50 years to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine, News18 reported. The group, reportedly, could not make an exit from the airport even three hours after their arrival. The Ayyappa devotees comprising women and BJP workers, assembled in large numbers outside the airport, continued their protest chanting Ayyappa mantra. Desai told ANI, "Protestors should not resort to violence. Once we reach there, we'll see what level of security state gives us. Even if the state doesn't give us any security, We'll still go, but I can be attacked. I have received so many threats of attack and killing." Speaking to News18, Desai said that the BJP will be responsible if something happens to her and the six other women accompanying her. She said that it was BJP and RSS workers that had gathered outside the airport and not real Sabarimala devotees. Meanwhile, protesters from the BJP gathered outside the airport said that they won't let any vehicle ferry Desai to her destination. They alleged that Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries--old custom of the temple that prevents entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. "She (Desai) came here not for darshan but for disturbing a peaceful Sabarimala pilgrim season beginning Saturday," they said. "We won't allow Trupti Desai to go out from airport using police vehicle or other govt means.Airport taxies also won't take her. If she wants,she can use her own vehicle.There will be agitations all along her way even if she goes out from airport," MN Gopi of the BJP told ANI. Desai had planned to take a cab from the airport to Kottayam from where she wanted to proceed to Sabarimala on Saturday. However, the group's attempts to secure a vehicle have been futile so far as no taxi driver has come forward to take the group. Taxi drivers at the airport said they would not take Desai and her colleagues outside the airport due to the threat posed by the protesters. This was the case despite a huge police presence at the domestic terminal of the airport to deal with the situation. "We have been trying for over a couple of hours to find a private taxi to transport her to Kottayam but no one has volunteered yet. As time goes by the the number of protesters is swelling and their demand is also changing, said J Himendranath, Deputy Commissioner of Police told The Hindu. Desai had written to the Kerala chief minister on Wednesday announcing her plans and seeking police protection to visit the shrine. Desai informed Pinarayi Vijayan that she along with six other women would be arriving in Kerala on Friday for a visit at the temple on Saturday. She sought police protection right from the time she lands in Kerala till they leave the state, saying "we will visit the temple whatever be the resistance". "Some devotees of Ayyappa Swamy/some party activists may try to create a disturbance. And they can put blame on us that we are responsible for these disturbances. Therefore, the request of police to closely monitor everybody's action (sic)," Desai's letter read. Desai has also sent a mail to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure security for her trip to the hill shrine. She has been spearheading the campaign for women to be allowed into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah, the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple. "We will not return to Maharashtra without darshan at the Sabarimala temple," she said, adding, "We have faith in the government that it will provide security for us." The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups and temple tantri and officials ever since a Supreme Court verdict on 28 September, allowed women of all ages to pray at Lord Ayyappa temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. While Rahul Eashwar, President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, which is among the organisations protesting against the entry of women of all ages into the shrine, said he and his officials along with Lord Ayyappa's true devotees would ensure that none were able to break the tradition of the temple. "We will lie down before the women who come to break the temple's tradition." The temple will open on Friday evening for the Mandala Mahotsavam and she has asked to be escorted right from the airport to their rooms in Kottayam, where they will rest for the day. The police must then provide protection when they head for the hilltop temple on Saturday. Vietnam is involved in maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, but has been steadfast on resolving issues through dialogue on a one-on-one basis "If any country wants to gang up, use force or trying to use force, then it goes against the position of Vietnam," said newly-appointed Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau on Thursday, in response to a question about his country's view on the India-Australia-Japan-US quadrilateral or 'Quad' as it has been dubbed. At first glance, this looks like quite the snub from one of India's most important partners in Southeast Asia. First glances are deceptive, particularly in this case, so it's well worth taking a closer look. Chau, who presented his credentials to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, was quoted by news reports as saying, "Vietnam welcomes any initiative for maintenance of peace, security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. However, we do not want to see a military alliance formed because we believe that it is not conducive to the security environment in the region." His remarks came in the wake of this week's spree of summits most importantly, the East Asia Summit and sidelines meetings in Singapore. Among these, was a meeting of the Quad. It's instructive, at this point, to examine the sort of statements that emerged from Quad members following their meeting on Tuesday. As this article explains, India's takeaways from the four-country meeting seemed a lot more restrained than those of Japan and the US. The author notes, "There is an almost deliberate attempt on Indias part to play down the security angle of the quadrilateral meeting and place it within the larger context of ASEAN primacy. The subtext is clear: Any third nation (read China) need not feel threatened." That is essentially the position reiterated by Chau two days later. Vietnam, which like many of its neighbours in the region, is involved in some sort of maritime or territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, has been steadfast on resolving issues through dialogue on a one-on-one basis. This dovetails nicely with India's position that rejects the interference of third parties in disputes. Also, much like Hanoi, New Delhi too has a desire not to ruffle any more feathers in Beijing than it absolutely has to. Furthermore, it is worth noting that unlike India, Japan, Australia and the US, Vietnam actually sits in the heart of the Indo-Pacific a maritime zone that the Quad seeks to safeguard. Implications of a 'ganging-up' on China will be felt most acutely by countries in the 'theatre' and it is therefore important for the Quad to take them on board with its plans. Among the countries in the Indo-Pacific, Vietnam is arguably among the most important in India's scheme of things. Chau, in a recent interview, stated, "(The) India-Vietnam strategic partnership is the key to maintaining peace and stability not only in Southeast Asia but in the entire Indo-Pacific region." This vision is reflected in the recent joint statements issued by the two countries, as also the growing defence and security ties between the duo. With Kovind set to arrive in Vietnam on Sunday in what will be the third high-level meeting between the two countries this year, convergences and commonalities between the two countries look likely to grow. Harichand Thakur, a Hindu monk, is known to have worked for uplifting the untouchables in Bengal. He founded the Matua sect, mostly comprising members of the Namasudra community. After his death, one of his sons, Guruchand Thakur, helped in organising the sect and its people. 'We have already set up a college named after PR Thakur (another stalwart in the community). Thakurnagar: The West Bengal government will set up a university named after Matua community founders Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, as a mark of tribute to the sect leaders, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday. Harichand Thakur, a Hindu monk, is known to have worked for uplifting the untouchables in Bengal. He founded the Matua sect, mostly comprising members of the Namasudra community. After his death, one of his sons, Guruchand Thakur, helped in organising the sect and its people. "We have already set up a college named after PR Thakur (another stalwart in the community). Now, we have decided to set up a university named after Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, an 8.8 acre land for which has been identified at Chandpara in North 24 Parganas," Banerjee said. Matua Sangha has always worked for the welfare of the poor, the CM said here at a programme, organised to observe the birth centenary of the community's present matriarch Binapani Thakur, popularly known as 'Boro Maa'. Banerjee also said that state government will honour the 100-year-old matriarch with 'Banga Bibhushan' award. 'Banga Bibhushan' award is the highest honour conferred on individuals by the West Bengal government for their contributions in various fields. "The proposed university will be of help to the students of Chandpara region. Additionally, people will also know about the contributions of the Matua community and their movement," she said. The state government has already distributed over 10 lakh caste certificates to people from the community, even as states such as Maharashtra have stopped providing certain facilities to them. "In our state, adivasis, SC/STs, minorities, general castes, all live together in harmony. There is no discrimination. I have heard that many facilities for the scheduled Matuas have been stopped in Maharashtra. I will inquire into this," she added. The chief minister, on this occasion, also said that the tourism department will erect two gateways for Matua Bari (residence of the sect leaders) at Thakurnagar and that the entire area would be decorated with lights. "We will develop the area as a global tourist site. Live with your heads held high, with pride. I am one of you. I am here to work for you," Banerjee added. The Matuas, with an estimated population of nearly 30 lakh in the state, mostly live in Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata and Hooghly districts of the state. In Chhattisgarh, for the 90-member Assembly, the Congress gave tickets to 13 women, one less from the last Assembly elections. On 12 August, Rahul Gandhi had told Congress workers at Ramlila Ground in Jaipur that he would not let any parachute candidate secure ticket in upcoming state elections and would also ensure that the maximum number of women candidates are nominated by the party to contest. Before every election, parachute candidates come and take tickets. This time I guarantee that not one parachute candidate will get tickets. I will cut strings of parachute candidates, the Congress president had said. On 8 August while speaking at Mahila Adhikaar Sammelan organised by the Congress women wing at New Delhis Talkatora stadium Rahul had said, I want to tell you all that in the future, women of India will have at least 50 percent posts in the Congress party. This will not happen overnight, but this is our aim because we are not ready to believe that if women have 50 percent population, if women contribute 50 percent to run the country, then our political organisation should also have the same space for them. Ahead of the Karnataka elections, Rahul in February had spoken the same thing that half of the party posts and tickets will be given to women. Earlier he had proposed that Congress should shortlist candidates through a laid out process like American primary. All through August and September the Congress president in his public programmes in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh repeatedly thundered against parachute candidates, turncoats and rebels from other parties and raising high hopes to women ticket aspirants. But all these were conveniently forgotten when tickets to party candidates were actually distributed with his sign and seal. Consider this -- in 152 candidates (out of a total of 200 seats) for Rajasthan which Congress announced late on Thursday, only 19 were women. Contrary to the repeated claims made by the Congress president about denial of tickets to parachute candidate, the party gave tickets to at least four such persons Harish Meena, Habib UR Rehman, Sona Devi and KL Jhawar. Reports suggest that Jhawar joined Congress party minutes ahead of the announcement of tickets. Turn to Madhya Pradesh for a 230-member state Assembly the Congress has given tickets to 28 women candidates, roughly 12 percent of the total number of seats. Then there were some parachute candidates who happily accepted a Congress ticket. Most prominent of them being the 78-year-old BJP leader Sartaj Singh (denied ticket due to 75-year retirement formula) who got a Congress ticket barely half-an-hour after quitting BJP and joining Congress. Rahul didnt cut the strings of the parachute as he had promised earlier. In Chhattisgarh, for the 90-member Assembly, it gave tickets to 13 women, one less from the last Assembly elections. The situation is no better in BJP, both for the number of women candidates fielded and number of turncoats getting the party nomination. But why the Congress is being questioned here not the BJP is because its president Rahul had made tall claims on multiple occasions on various platforms. In contrast to that BJP president Amit Shah did not many any such claim. Shah had kept it straight -- winnability of a candidate as principal criteria in ticket distribution. Rahul cant take the plea that the party he presides does not listen to him. His control over the party is supreme. Every party candidate has to present the certificate (commonly called ticket) with sign and seal of party president before the returning officer at the time of nomination. That facilitates allocation of party symbol for polling. What nine-time Lok Sabha MP Kamal Nath said on Thursday was perhaps a strong rebuttal to his party president's observations. Nath said the party did not pick up many women candidates for quota or for sajawat (decoration) making it clear that it's only winnability which decides the tickets and neither gender nor 'outsider' are factors. The BJP's foray into the North East has faced a challenge after the Centre's move to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which has faced opposition in Assam. The BJP's foray into the North East has faced a challenge after the Centre's move to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The saffron party is likely to face testing times in Assam during the panchayat election early next month. The panchayat elections are seen as a test for political parties in Assam ahead of the Lok Sabha election. The BJP's popularity has now dropped after having soared to unprecedented heights after the publication of the final draft of the NRC on 30 July. State Election Commissioner HN Bora, announcing the panchayat election schedule at a press conference held on 5 November, said that the exercise will be held in two phases on 5 and 9 December. There are 2,200 panchayats in Assam. The election is being held at a time when the state is going through a turbulent phase due to the resurfacing of an old fault line between Bengali Hindus and the Assamese people, after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016. The Bill aims at providing citizenship to illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis or Christians. However, it does not have a provision for Muslim sects like Shias and Ahmediyas, who also face persecution in Pakistan. The Centres move has brought back the fear among indigenous tribes and ethnic groups of becoming minorities. These fears have been aggravated due to the Centres recent notification to register Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian infiltrators from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as Indians in 16 districts across seven states in India. Though the order is related to districts which do not belong to Assam, we see the move as something clearly in opposition to our demand to detect and deport illegal migrants, irrespective of their religious affiliations, All Assam Students Union general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi had told Firstpost in an earlier report. The BJPs image as the saviour of the indigenous tribes and ethnic groups in the region, which it cultivated carefully over the years, has taken a beating after the Centres move to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi immigrants. A delegation of all the student unions of the region had recently met the Union home minister and demanded that the Bill should not be further pursued. However, many Bengali organisations had supported the Bill. The rift between the two communities over this issue resulted in sporadic violence, and also bandhs called by both Bengali and Assamese organisations. On the night of 1 November, five innocent men were killed by unknown assailants in Tinsukia district. The impasse may escalate soon, as 70 organisations representing various tribes and ethnic groups in Assam have decided to launch a massive protest on 16 November in front of the Assam Legislative Assembly. Bhaben Handique, one of the leaders of the protest, said that people from all corners of Assam would reach the Assam Assembly and take part in a bike rally. The objective of this protest is to either compel the central government to drop the Bill or to compel the Assam government to resign, he said. A few months ago, the situation for the BJP-led government in Assam was different, and it enjoyed good popularity due to the publication of the final draft of the NRC. At the time, people at many places distributed sweets, as the publication of the list marked the success of a 40-year-old struggle. The credit of this success, without doubt, went to the BJP-led state government. However, the move to introduce the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has brought the saffron party's march in Assam to a halt. It has reversed the gains that the BJP had achieved ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election and the 2016 Assembly election, by consolidating the votes of both Hindu Bengalis and Assamese people. With elections for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly a few days away, senior BJP and Congress leaders will soon start making beeline for votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, are a few of the prominent faces, who are going to travel to the poll-bound state on Friday to address political rallies. With elections for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly a few days away, senior BJP and Congress leaders will soon start making beeline for votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, are a few of the prominent faces, who are going to travel to the poll-bound state on Friday to address political rallies. Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on 28 November, and the results will be declared on 11 December. The prime minister is expected to address a rally in Shahdol at 1 pm, after which Modi will head to Gwalior to address another rally at 5 pm before flying back to Delhi, state BJP chief Rakesh Singh said. Modi has two to three visits scheduled in the next week. On Sunday, the prime minister is expected to address public meetings in Chhindwara and Indore. Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh again on Tuesday and address public meetings in Jhabua and Rewa districts. Three days later, he is expected to address public meetings in Mandsaur and Chhattarpur districts, party sources said. On 25 November, the prime minister is scheduled to address rallies in Vidisha and Jabalpur districts. BJP chief Amit Shah will reach Khajuraho by 11.30 am on Friday and will address a gathering at Tikamgarh around noon. He will then hold meeting with party members in Sagar city at 1.30 pm, followed by another election rally in Damoh. At 4 pm, Shah is expected to reach Khajuraho, before returning to Delhi. According to a report in The Times of India, the BJP chief will continue his poll campaign. On 18 November, Shah is scheduled to reach Singrauli at around noon. He will address rallies in Umaria, Ghurhat, Devtalab and also participate in a roadshow in Maihar. The BJP chief will continue his poll tour across the state on 19, 23 and 24 November, the report said. He will reach Narsinghpur on 19 November and address rallies in Betul, Khategaon and two constituencies of Bhopal. On 23 November, Shah is expected to launch the poll campaign in Jabalpur and address rallies in Lakhnadaun, Chhindwara, Balaghat and Sehora. On the last day, the BJP chief will reach Gwalior to address the public in Ashoknagar. Shah will also address public meetings in Neemuch, Kukshi (Dhar) and Sanver (Indore). He will also participate in a roadshow in Ratlam during the day, BJP state chief Rakesh Singh told the newspaper. Rahul Gandhi in Bundelkhand today Rahul, who kickstarted Madhya Pradesh campaign in September, will visit Bundelkhand followed by Deori town of Sagar district at noon on Friday. The Congress chief is expected to reach Seoni city at 1.30 pm, and then travel to Madla at 3.30 pm. He will conclude his day in Shahdol city around 5 pm. https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1063301554634076160 Rahul kickstarted his Madhya Pradesh campaign with Sankalp Yatra. The roadshow, according to estimates, was about 10-km in length with Rahul and top Congress leaders in a bus in the lead. In September, Rahul also addressed meetings of party workers in Bhopal and said that the accused in the Vyapam recruitment and e-tendering scam would be behind bars if the Congress comes to power in the upcoming assembly election. Making it clear that the next Congress government in Madhya Pradesh would be a worker's government, Rahul said that if a chief minister or a minister does not give an ear to workers, he would cease to be a chief minister or minister "within 15 minutes" of doing so. I am looking out and have been wanting to set an example on this count, he said. In October, the Congress president officially launched the election campaign in Bhopal, known to be the BJP's bastion. Painting him as a devout Hindu follower of Lord Shiva, Congress cadre had lined the city with posters of Rahul pouring water on Shiva ling. According to News18, a nine-member core committee has chalked out Congress' key strategy ahead of upcoming polls. The idea is focus on propagating Narendra Modi government's failures on economic grounds. Apart from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram have their scheduled Assembly election later this year. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041535618222682114 Farmers in Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari and Balod districts are anticipating a repeat of the 2017 severe drought situation this year too. Farmers in Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari and Balod districts are anticipating a repeat of the 2017 severe drought situation this year too. Harvest season has already started, and the farming communitys worry about the yield is as evident as their resigned acceptance of the lack of support from the government. Though the farmers who have incurred losses due to the almost zero harvest during the Kharif season in 2017 have crop insurance under the Centres two-year-old Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima scheme, majority of them in at least five districts are still awaiting any payment of the insurance amount for the crop loss. The crop insurance schemes objective is to support a farmer financially in the event of a crop loss. A premium is also cut every time a loan is given by the local agriculture credit co-operative society. The society cuts a certain amount every time we take a loan. Many times, the officials do this without even letting us know, says Arun Mahendra, of Dhamtaris Patharidih village. Across the state, farmers are unhappy with the on-ground performance of the scheme; whether it is the complete non-payment of the due insurance payout, or the payment of an amount that is inadequate. In some villages, a few people have received insurance amount while others have not. In Dhamtaris Kukrel village, Khurwara Markam received Rs 6,000 as insurance amount for the loss of paddy crop in his three acres in 2017. I spent around Rs 10,000 per acre, which comprises the cost of seeds, fertilizer, manure, labour and the like. The insurance amount is not even enough to cover the expense of the fertilizer, he complains. The village, which is nine kilometres from the Gangrel irrigation dam in the district, does not have any facility for irrigation or groundwater. Most villages like ours completely depend on the rain for agriculture, so when the crop fails like it did last year, our debt burden becomes heavy, says Ahalya Netam, a 65-year-old farmer. She adds, The co-operative society cuts premium from our accounts, but when the time comes to pay us the insurance amount with which we can manage our daily expenses from in times of a crisis, they are lax and unorganised. This disorganisation is emphasised in the problem described by the farmers in Balod districts Mokha village. A simple clerical mistake has cost at least half of the farmers in the village their entire insurance amount. The farmland of around 60 farmers of the village are in the area of the neighbouring village, Dhanapuri. After the drought was declared last year, an official in charge of land-related matters (pattwari), surveyed the damage and drew up a report, as per the process. The amount of insurance amount granted to every farmer is based on the pattwaris report. The farmers of Dhanapuri got insurance amount for the loss they suffered, but the farmers from our village who have their land in the same village, did not get any insurance payment, alleges Omkar Sahu, a farmer in Mokha. When the affected farmers wrote to the district administration pointing out this issue, they received a reply saying that the official documents showed that the farmlands are in the village where they live, Mokha. Because they listed the location of the land incorrectly, the damage we suffered never got surveyed and so, it was not included in the pattwaris report at all, Omkar adds. The farmers have not pursued the matter further. According to the letter, nothing can be done. We have lost the insurance amount for last year. The least now we can do is to ensure that the documents have the correct details, says Dhanoram Sinha, another farmer of Mokha village. About 400 farmers of six villages are in deep crisis and have not received any insurance payment due to such a mistake. Guledram Katendra, a 70-year-old farmer in Mokha, says his three acres of land yield at least 12 quintals of grains in a season with good rainfall. In 2017, he got only three quintals. The entire crop was destroyed because scanty rainfall. I salvaged what I could, and used the rest of the crop as fodder for my livestock, he says. Deendayal Sinha, who runs a farm equipment shop in the village and also a farmer himself, explains the importance of such a relief amount for debt-ridden farmers. The farmers usually buy fertilizer and manure from me on credit, and pay me after they harvest their crop. Last year, there was no crop and in such a situation, so how can I ask them to pay my outstanding dues?, he asks. In Mokha, the farmers say a few of them were planning to take the issue of 'clerical errors' to the court. However, most of the farmers were not ready to spend any money in it apparently fearing the possible delay. It is too much of a risk for farmers to invest in legal recourse, they get scared about whether they will get the money back or not, says Nandini Sahu, a social worker with Khoj, a voluntary organisation. Dhamtari and Balod districts will go to polls in the second phase of the state Assembly elections on 20 November. Currently, the Sanjari-Balod constituency seat is being held by the Congress partys Bhaiyyaram Sinha. Bhaiyyaram Sinha comes to our village often for shows and other occasions, says Katendra. We have spoken to him about the insurance payment problem and he said he would look into it, but nothing has happened after that, he adds. For the upcoming Assembly elections, however, the party has fielded Bhaiyyaram's wife, Sangeeta Sinha. Mokhas farmers firmly rely on the election manifestos released by the Congress and Ajit Jogis Janta Congress Chhattisgarh. In my opinion, the BJP has become weak when it comes to their policies related to farmers' welfare, says Markam. Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India, adding it would be proved that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'robbed the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich'. Sagar: Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India, adding it would be proved that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "robbed the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich". Addressing a campaign rally for the 28 November Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi does not talk about being a "chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. "If Modi says he is a chowkidar, people will respond that chowkidar chor hai," he said, addressing a rally at Deori in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi claimed that Modi "cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane" without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. "The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal," the Congress chief said. "Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done," Gandhi said. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens to stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. "He (Modi) allowed the rich like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya to flee the country with your money and made you stand in queues outside banks. Time will prove how Modi had robbed you and gave your money to few rich," he said. "These days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi said. Modi had claimed that he will be the chowkidar (watchman) of the country but he turned out to be chowkidar of a few industrialists, like Ambani, he said. The Congress on late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the 7 December Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat. New Delhi: The Congress on late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the 7 December Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat. The Opposition party's list comes after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had released its first list of 131 candidates on 11 November, while the second list of 31 candidates was announced on 14 November. In the second list itself, the party denied tickets to 14 sitting MLAs and three ministers. Gehlot and Pilot had on Wednesday made their intentions clear that they would contest the assembly polls along with senior state leaders. Out of 200 candidates, 19 are women including former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas, who will contest from Udaipur, and Commonwealth Gold medallist (Discus) Krishna Punia, who will contest from Sadulpur. Senior party leader CP Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. The party's central election committee general secretary Mukul Wasnik released the list after hectic deliberations with senior state leaders and the party leadership. Sources said the list was reportedly delayed over differences on the distribution of party tickets. The notification for the polls was issued on Monday. With inputs from PTI The Trump administration is looking for ways to remove exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen from the United States in order to appease Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trend reported. The White House asked federal law enforcement agencies to look at legal ways of removing Gulen from the United States in order to persuade Erdogan to ease pressure on the Saudi government over the death of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, two senior officials and two others briefed on the requests told MSNBC. The report indicates directives were issued to both the Justice Department and FBI to reopen Turkey's case for Gulen's extradition, as well as a request for information from the Department of Homeland Security about Gulen's legal status. As things stand the ruling party in West Bengal is well on top of the situation, notwithstanding the Congress state units declared intention to fly solo. The political temperature in West Bengal seems to be rising briskly, which is distinctly odd, given that the Lok Sabha elections are over five months away. The contestants are either not leaving anything to chance or are peaking a little too soon. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been sensing something, though it is not easy to identify what chimaera is chasing. Whatever it is, the party has embarked on an ambitious programme of mobilisation: its key elements are a three-pronged rath yatra, and a two-pronged campaign centring on the demand for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in emulation of the exercise in Assam and the promotion of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, destined soon to become an Act of Parliament if the BJP has its way. We shall return to these in a bit. The Trinamool Congress, too, seems to be in election mode. A few things of note have marked the beginning of its campaign: the first is a series of intra-party meetings and public programmes which, it has planned, will culminate in a grand rally of forces opposed to the BJP to be held in January; the second is its Matua outreach embodied in a visit by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the communitys headquarters on Thursday; and, finally, there has been a concerted attempt to win over voters from north India, mainly Bihar, over the past few days. Lets begin with the Trinamool and its Matua outreach. On Thursday, Banerjee went to Thakurnagar, the Matua headquarters. The Matuas constitute Bengals second largest scheduled-caste community and are migrants from East Bengal/East Pakistan/Bangladesh. They have a presence in six (by some reckonings eight) districts in south Bengal and in 78 Assembly constituencies but are concentrated in North 24 Parganas especially in the Lok Sabha constituencies of Basirhat and Bongaon, which have seven Assembly segments each. On Thursday, during her visit to Thakurnagar, Banerjee announced that the government would set up a university a few kilometres from the Matua headquarters, for which a plot of land has already been identified and set aside. It will be called Harichand Guruchand Thakur University after the founder of the Matua sect and his son. She also announced the beautification of the area around the Matuas main temple and conferred the highest state government award on Boroma (Binapani Devi), the current preceptor of the socio-religious community, who just turned a hundred. According to some reports, however, she will turn 98. Nevertheless, the Trinamool has fast-tracked the celebrations. Banerjee successfully brought the Matuas into the Trinamool fold in 2009. Since then the combined efforts of the BJP and the Left have not succeeded in impairing this connection. There may have been some apprehension amongst the ruling party leadership that the BJP campaign over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill could wean away a significant section of the Matuas given that many of them have not yet been granted citizenship; the amendment could facilitate the process. Banerjees attempt to court the north Indian or Bihari voters of Bengal, showed an ugly face, however. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, she claimed she participated in the festival and pointed out that she had had several ghats repaired to help devotees perform the necessary rituals. Thats all very well, though some would say that these repairs were more important to ease the travails of passengers who used ferry services on a daily basis. The problem was that a Trinamool minister, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay was complicit in holding the puja in the Dhakuria lake. Last year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned devotees from performing any rituals at the lake, because of its ecological fragility and importance the area is known as the lungs of South Kolkata. It had relented in response to an eleventh-hour petition but imposed a long list of donts on devotees. This year, the NGT had simply banned any observances at the lake. Nevertheless, hordes of devotees descended on the lake, in turn simply ignoring not just the ban but last years list of donts, including the lighting of firecrackers. The damage done to the ecology and biodiversity the lake host many migratory birds is incalculable. The costs are still being counted, but the preliminary assessment is that it will take months for the lake to recover from this onslaught. The administration is responsible for allowing it to happen. The police, who were present in numbers, twiddled their thumbs. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) which is (nominally) the custodian of the lake apparently did not even know that this attack took place. On Thursday, that was what it unconvincingly claimed in a letter to the police. A public-interest petition has been filed, which, inter alia, prays that the KMDA be stripped of its guardianship. The only possible conclusion is that nobody bothered to implement the NGT order because the ruling party, in election mode, wants to court a constituency known thus far to vote for the BJP. This substitution of one kind of identity politics for another, at the cost of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of ecology and the environment, could, or should, backfire on the Trinamool Congress. The BJP on its part is up to its usual business of trying to polarise the state along religious lines. Except for the fact that the Bengal unit has suddenly found a kite to fly in the form of a proposal that party president Amit Shah should contest from a constituency in the state in the 2019 elections. Considering that Shah has chosen the Rajya Sabha route to a seat in Parliament when he could have found a safe seat in Gujarat or elsewhere, it does seem to be something of a stretch to imagine that the master strategist will submit himself to such uncertain electoral demands. The BJPs proposed rath yatra also seems to be becalmed for the moment. The plan was that the yatras would originate from Tarapith, a shrine in Birbhum district, Gangasagar, the site of an annual religious fair in South 24 Parganas, and Cooch Behar, in north Bengal on the 3, 5 and 7 December, followed by a massive rally at the end of January. The problem is that the administration has not yet responded to missives seeking permission for the yatras. Though the state BJP has appealed to the Union home minister and the Election Commission and has plans of moving court if the necessary permission is not forthcoming, the uncertainty seems to have taken the edge off its preparations. One hopes that BJP leader (and film star) Locket Chatterjees threat that those who try to stop the yatra will be crushed under the wheels of the chariot is metaphorical, but it hasnt noticeably raised saffron morale. As for the NRC and Citizenship Bill, the BJP seems to be backpedalling. Reports in Bengali news channels have suggested that the state unit is reconsidering an aggressive campaign and has written to Shah in this connection. If these reports are true there is no corroborative evidence yet it could well have been occasioned by the lukewarm response to the idea. The Matuas were supposed to have been logical targets for such a campaign, but Banerjees announcements on Thursday could well have wrested the initiative. With significant rallies planned by both sides early next year, it is unclear whether the rising political temperatures will drop as winter progresses. But as things stand the ruling party in Bengal is well on top of the situation, notwithstanding the Congress state units declared intention to fly solo, a project that can only culminate in a disastrous crash-landing. Alleging that genuine Muslim ticket aspirants have been ignored, senior Telangana Congress leader Abid Rasool Khan on Friday quit the party. Alleging that genuine Muslim ticket aspirants have been ignored, senior Telangana Congress leader Abid Rasool Khan on Friday quit the party. A former chairman of the state Minorities Commission, Khan said the Congress should give tickets to Muslims in one constituency each in the 10 old districts of the state where the party have chances to win. "Can they not do that much?" the state Congress vice-president asked in a poser to the party's central leadership. The Congress has so far announced candidates in 75 constituencies, which include four Muslims, for the 7 December polls to the 119-member state Assembly. The party has forged an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Under the seat-sharing formula announced by the Congress, the TDP would contest in 14 constituencies, TJS in eight and the CPI in three. The Congress would field nominees in 94 segments. Khan, who had first threatened to quit the party on Thursday, said that of the four Muslim candidates announced by the Congress, two have joined the party only recently and one was not even a member of the outfit. "We (Muslim leaders of Telangana) are very upset. Our president, Rahul Gandhi, has time and again said he will take care of genuine workers, and he will not allow paratroopers to enter the party and take out the cake. Things are totally happening on the other side (to the contrary)," he told PTI. Muslims constitute 30-35 per cent of the population in some of the district headquarters like Nalgonda, Nizamabad and Khammam, Khan said, adding that leaders of the Reddy community had established themselves there and "don't want to leave the seats at any cost, because Muslim votes come easily to them". The Congress leadership, he insisted, has to shift the Reddy community members from these towns and give tickets to Muslims. "They (Reddy community members) can win from anywhere, as they are strong financially, but Muslims cannot win from other seats." Khan added that if the Congress leadership was "so helpless", they should give a commitment that all nominated MLC (member of legislative council) seats would be given to Muslims and Christians. "You don't want to give us nominated positions, don't want to give us political opportunities, you just want our votes. What is the difference between our party and the BJP? "It is a party which says it is secular, but acts in a communal manner. They are saying they are secular, but they are acting in a communal manner. Really, we cannot differentiate," he said. "If Rahul Gandhi really wants to win Telangana for Congress, he should sit down and set right this anomaly immediately," he said, warning that the party would be in a bad situation in all the districts if the Congress chief do not act. "If things are not set right, as far as I am concerned, I am going to resign", Khan had said on Thursday. With inputs from PTI tech2 News Staff Facebook Inc chairman and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday defended his response to Russian election meddling on the worlds largest social media network and issued a new plan aimed at stifling misbehaviour while maintaining a vibrant hub for online speech. His comments in a conference call with journalists and in a Facebook post followed a New York Times report on Wednesday that contended that he and other executives tried to deflect criticism internally and in Congress about Russian propaganda spreading through Facebook during the last three years. Zuckerberg drafted an article titled Blueprint for content governance and enforcement, which is the second in a series of articles which Zuckerberg will be writing about. The series will focus on the challenges Facebook faces and the progress it has made. The first in these series of articles was Preparing for Elections, which was published in September. Zuckerberg spoke about how the massive social network had shown him the good and bad parts of humanity and he was faced with the challenge of balancing things. "What should be the limits to what people can express? What content should be distributed and what should be blocked? Who should decide these policies and make enforcement decisions? Who should hold those people accountable?" wrote Zuckerberg saying that his job would be to ensure there is less misuse of the platform, as it would be naive to expect the network to be completely free of malicious elements. Many US lawmakers said after the NYT report that the government must regulate or investigate Facebook, which has become a daily source of information for more than 2 billion people globally. Zuckerberg said on Thursday that he has acted swiftly to combat the Russian challenge and supports regulation that would encourage companies to reduce the prevalence of harmful content. He announced several self-regulatory measures, including rough plans to create an independent body by the end of 2019 to review appeals from users who contend their content was wrongly banned. Users also would get a new choice on whether they want to view borderline content in their news feeds, he said. "In the next year, we're planning to create a new way for people to appeal content decisions to an independent body, whose decisions would be transparent and binding. The purpose of this body would be to uphold the principle of giving people a voice while also recognising the reality of keeping people safe," said Zuckerberg. He went on to justify using an independent body by stating that it would create accountability and oversight and provide assurance to users that decisions were made keeping in mind the wellbeing of the community rather than profits for Facebook. Ive increasingly come to believe that Facebook should not make so many important decisions about free expression and safety on our own, Zuckerberg wrote. Facebook shares fell 0.3 percent on Thursday, plus an additional 0.3 percent after hours. Increased regulation is among the biggest threats to Facebook, along with increasing user unease about the service being a safe and secure place to converse, according to financial analysts. Company profit margins have narrowed in recent quarters as it executes Zuckerbergs initial plan to combat misbehaviour: spending aggressively on people and technology to bolster monitoring. New Plan, New Data Facebooks appeals process would expand to enable people who complain about content to seek second opinions if it is not removed initially. In addition, Facebook would become transparent about their rationale as well as policy changes, he said. His announcement came as part of an update on Facebooks Transparency Report, which discloses how the company deals with inappropriate content and requests for user data by governments. For the first time, Facebook on Thursday revealed data on bullying and harassment content, saying it had identified about 2.1 million such posts on its service between April and September, with about 15 percent found proactively before user complaints. Other notable updates included sharp rises during the first half of this year in censorship demands from Russian and Pakistan authorities and user data requests from Indian authorities, according to Facebooks statistics. Facebook has been under for fire for the last two years for its self-admitted sluggishness in developing tools to combat extremist content and propaganda operations. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump by undermining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Russia has denied any meddling in the election. Western countries issued coordinated denunciations of Russia last month for running what they described as a global hacking campaign, which Russia has also denied. The New York Times report, which revealed Facebooks use of a public relations firm to attack critics and rivals, prompted fresh criticism. US Senator Amy Klobuchar said she will ask the Justice Department to look into whether the PR firm engaged in undisclosed political activity as lawmakers weighed new rules on Facebook. Facebook stopped working with the firm Wednesday when Zuckerberg said he became aware of it. Scott Stringer, head of New York City Pension Funds, which holds Facebook shares, renewed a call for an independent board chair to replace Zuckerberg. Facebooks board in a statement on Thursday credited Zuckerberg and chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg for making considerable progress fighting misuse of the social network. On the aspect of regulation Zuckerberg touched upon the importance of having the right kind of regulations in place as well so that content respected local laws. "Without clear definitions, people rely on individual examples of bad content to understand if a service is meeting its overall responsibilities. In reality, there will always be some harmful content, so it's important for society to agree on how to reduce that to a minimum -- and where the lines should be drawn between free expression and safety," said Zuckerberg. Facebook would be working with the French government to work on a new approach for content regulation. The idea is to eventually work with the European Commission and other governments to create a framework for Europe in the next couple of years. While agreeing that it could go against the core principles of many internet companies, Zuckerberg says that individual companies should not be handling issues related to free expression and public safety on their own and that it has to be a partnership between industry and the governments to find the right solutions together. With inputs from Reuters tech2 News Staff In a long post on her official Facebook page, the chief operating officer at Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg explained that she was unaware of an agency that ran smear campaigns that targeted George Soros mentioned in an earlier New York Times report. Sandberg in her post also claimed that she respected Soros and acknowledged that she and founder Mark Zuckerberg were too slow when it came to spotting and understanding Russian interference in the 2016 elections. But she denied the allegations that Facebook was trying to hide or prevent investigations into Russian meddling, stating that they were simply untrue. Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook. Image: Reuters She explained that it was only after the elections that Facebook became aware of the widespread misinformation campaign run by the Russia-based Internet Research Agency (IRA). The COO also explained in her post that the social network fired the PR and research agency, Definers, claiming that she did not know when Facebook hired them nor knew about the work that they were doing. You can read the full text of the lengthy Facebook post below: I want to address some of the claims that have been made in the last 24 hours. On a number of issues including spotting and understanding the Russian interference we saw in the 2016 election Mark and I have said many times we were too slow. But to suggest that we werent interested in knowing the truth, or we wanted to hide what we knew, or that we tried to prevent investigations, is simply untrue. The allegations saying I personally stood in the way are also just plain wrong. This was an investigation of a foreign actor trying to interfere in our election. Nothing could be more important to me or to Facebook. As Mark and I both told Congress, leading up to Election Day in November 2016, we detected and dealt with several threats with ties to Russia and reported what we found to law enforcement. These were known traditional cyberattacks like hacking and malware. It was not until after the election that we became aware of the widespread misinformation campaigns run by the IRA. Once we were, we began investing heavily in more people and better technology to protect our platform. While we will always have more work to do, I believe we've started to see some of that work pay off, as we saw in the recent US midterms and elections around the world where we have found and taken down further attempts at interference. I also want to address the issue that has been raised about a PR firm, Definers. Were no longer working with them but at the time, they were trying to show that some of the activity against us that appeared to be grassroots also had major organizations behind them. I did not know we hired them or about the work they were doing, but I should have. I have great respect for George Soros and the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories against him are abhorrent. At Facebook, we are making the investments that we need to stamp out abuse in our system and ensure the good things people love about Facebook can keep happening. It wont be easy. It will take time and will never be complete. This mission is critical and I am committed to seeing it through. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg drafted an article titled Blueprint for content governance and enforcement, which is the second in a series of articles which Zuckerberg will be writing about. The series will focus on the challenges Facebook faces and the progress it has made. The first in these series of articles was Preparing for Elections, which was published in September. tech2 News Staff Chinese smartphone maker Vivo today listed and launched a new variant of its Vivo X23 smartphone called the Symphony Edition on its official China website. The new Symphony Edition is priced lower, comes with a mid-range Snapdragon 660 SoC and packs in an upgraded selfie-camera with price tags starting from CNY 2,798. The smartphone that will go on sale from 23 November in China comes in two new gradient colour options, Starry Black and Arctic Pink. And both of these look great especially at the back because theres no fingerprint reader out here thanks to the hidden in-display one that's available on the front. The handset features a massive 6.41-inch AMOLED display as the regular X23 but with a FHD+ resolution. Inside, the internals get downgraded from a Snapdragon 670 to a 660 SoC with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The Vivo X23 Symphony Edition features a dual camera setup at the back with 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture primary camera and 13 MP, f/2.4 aperture secondary camera. The front camera surprisingly gets an upgrade (on paper at least) with a 24.8 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture. Everything else pretty much remains the same as on the Vivo X23 with a 3,400 mAh battery, a microUSB port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and the Funtouch OS with Android 8.1 Oreo as the base software. As of now, it is unclear whether Vivo plans to bring this smartphone to India. But the V11 sold in India pretty much matches up to it for now. tech2 News Staff Today's Google Doodle is celebrating the 44th anniversary of the Arecibo message sent in 1974 for letting any extra-terrestrial life know that we are also a part of the universe. A group of scientists had gathered near the Arecibo Observatory located in the tropical forests of Puerto Rico to let the cosmos know of our presence. The Arecibo message happens to be a three-minute long radio signal consisting of 1,679 binary digits which could be arranged in a grid 73 rows by 23 columns. The message was written by the late Carl Sagan along with Dr. Frank Drake and many others. Although the message is intended to receive by any other intelligent life in the universe, the signal was aimed at a star cluster M-13 which happens to be 25,000 light years away from earth. The Aricebo radio telescope had a diameter of 1000-feet and it had an antenna which was 305 meters long, making it the most powerful radio transmission device at that time. "Since the Arecibo Message will take roughly 25,000 years to reach its intended destination (a group of 300,000 stars in the constellation Hercules known as M13), humankind will have to wait a long time for an answer. How long? In the 44 years since it was first transmitted, the message has traveled only 259 trillion miles (416 trillion kilometers), only a tiny fraction of the 146,965,638,531,210,240 or so miles (23,651,826,857,6372,032 kilometers) to its final destination," Google explained. The UN spokesman declined to give details of the joint operation against ADF rebels in Congo, but said it was linked to efforts to combat the outbreak of Ebola. United Nations: Seven peacekeepers were killed and 10 others were wounded during a joint military operation with troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo against rebels in the east of the country, a UN spokesman said Thursday. Another UN peacekeeper is missing from the fighting near the city of Beni in North Kivu, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing in a statement and called on armed groups to disarm immediately. Six peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Tanzania were killed during the operation Wednesday against rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group blamed for a series of attacks. "Initial reports indicate that ten additional peacekeepers were wounded, and another one is missing," said Dujarric, adding that several Congolese soldiers were also killed or wounded during the operations. The UN spokesman declined to give details of the joint operation but said it was linked to efforts to combat the outbreak of Ebola. "As you know there is an Ebola outbreak in this area and insecurity has been an obstacle to the response to the outbreak," he said. The ADF, operating in North Kivu province near the Ugandan border, has been blamed for the deaths of hundreds of civilians since 2014 as well as of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers last December. The UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO has about 17,000 troops and police. By Sarah N. Lynch and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump endorsed a bipartisan U.S By Sarah N. Lynch and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump endorsed a bipartisan U.S. House bill on Wednesday intended to reform the federal prison system and help inmates prepare for life after release, but the legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The original First Step Act, co-sponsored by Republican Doug Collins of Georgia and Democrat Hakeem Jeffries of New York, passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives in May and only focused on reforms aiming at reducing recidivism. The new version, however, contains some sentencing reform measures that several key senators have long supported. The bill in its current form would have to pass the Senate by year's end before the new Congress is seated in January, and supporters hope that the endorsement by Trump, who has made the theme of law and order a central aspect of his presidency, will prompt Senate Republicans to act. "Today I'm thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our communities safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I urge lawmakers in both (the) House and Senate to work hard and to act quickly and send a final bill to my desk, and I look very much forward to signing it," he added. The First Step Act directs the federal Bureau of Prisons to assess which inmates should earn credits towards completing their sentences in halfway houses or home confinement. It also broadens employment opportunities for inmates and expands compassionate release programs for the terminally ill. The bill would do away with the "three-strike" provision that requires mandatory life sentences for third-time drug offenders, making the sentence 25 years instead. A White House official, speaking to reporters after Trump's remarks, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had urged proponents to wait until after the Nov. 6 congressional elections to pursue the bill and said he would ensure it made it to the Senate floor if there were enough votes in the 100-member chamber to pass it. The official said he was optimistic they would obtain "way more" than 60 votes for the measure. 'IMPORTANT STEP' Kevin Ring, the president of FAMM, a group that pushes for criminal justice reform, said the bill "will keep more families together, strengthen communities, and keep crime low." Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley has pushed his own criminal justice reform bill for years that is more comprehensive than the original House version because it would also reduce harsh prison sentences for non-violent offenders. On Wednesday, he praised the First Step Act as "an important step in our shared effort to promote safe communities and improve justice ... by ensuring that punishments fit the crimes, we can better balance the scales of justice." Earlier this year, Grassley was stunned when then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions wrote a letter condemning his legislation as a "grave error" that would reduce prison terms for "a highly dangerous cohort of criminals," leading to a feud between the pair. Trump forced Sessions to resign last week and replaced him with acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker. The White House official said that with support for the First Step bill from Democrats and Republicans, it could be possible to do further steps on prison reform in the future. (This story corrects to add "original" to second paragraph to distinguish bill from predecessor; deletes paragraph 3 to remove reference to not including sentencing overhaul; adds detail on new version in paragraph 3.) (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Makini Brice; Editing by Chris Sanders and Clive McKeef) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Terray Sylvester PARADISE, Calif. (Reuters) - The search for victims of the deadliest wildfire in California history expanded on Thursday, as the White House said that President Donald Trump, who has blamed the state's fires on mismanagement by forestry officials, would visit on Saturday. Crews were working through the town of Paradise a week after it was incinerated, as 56 people were confirmed dead in Northern California's Camp Fire By Terray Sylvester PARADISE, Calif. (Reuters) - The search for victims of the deadliest wildfire in California history expanded on Thursday, as the White House said that President Donald Trump, who has blamed the state's fires on mismanagement by forestry officials, would visit on Saturday. Crews were working through the town of Paradise a week after it was incinerated, as 56 people were confirmed dead in Northern California's Camp Fire. More than 9,000 personnel from many U.S. states are fighting that blaze, as well as the Woolsey Fire hundreds of miles to the south. Authorities attributed the high number of casualties to the staggering speed with which the wind-driven flames incinerated Paradise. Nearly 8,700 homes were destroyed and 15,500 buildings threatened, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said on Thursday. Cal Fire said that 40 percent of the Camp Fire had been contained, up from 35 percent, even as the blaze grew 2,000 acres to 140,000 acres (57,000 hectares). The White House said Trump would meet with people displaced by the fires. He stirred controversy over the weekend with a tweet that said, "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor." Trump blamed the fires on "gross mismanagement of the forests" and said, "Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" U.S. National Guard troops are in Paradise, a town of about 27,000 in the Sierra foothills about 175 miles (280 km) north of San Francisco, looking for remains of victims. One hundred thirty people, most over the age of 65, were still listed as missing. Authorities fear that in the crush to flee the fast-approaching flames, some elderly residents may have been left behind. At least 22 cadaver dogs are part of the search. The local, state and federal agencies involved in fighting the fire scheduled a news conference for 6 p.m. PST. Those who survived the flames but lost their homes were adapting to a refugee lifestyle and many found a haven at a still-open Walmart in Paradise. A section of the store's parking lot was roped off for use as a distribution centre for clothes, food and coffee, while people who fled their homes set up dozens of tents in an adjacent field or slept in their cars in the parking lot. Portable toilets were brought in. Evacuees milling in the parking lot faced morning temperatures that dropped into the mid-30s and many wore breathing masks for protection from lingering smoke. Nicole and Eric Montague, along with their 16-year-old daughter, went to the Walmart parking lot for free food but have been living with extended family in Chico, about 12 miles away, in a one-bedroom apartment filled with 15 people and nine dogs. "WE DIDN'T HAVE TIME" They said they were aware a fire was coming towards Paradise last week but were stunned by how quickly it arrived. "We didnt have any time to react," Eric said. "The news didnt even know the fire was coming. It just happened so quick." Nicole said she decided to flee once her home's mailbox caught fire and neighbours' propane tanks began exploding. With approaching flames and immovable traffic, her evacuation with her daughter was so harrowing that she called Eric to say they were going to die. "I called him and said, 'Honey, I'm not going to make it, I love you,'" Nicole said. Paradise's ghostly expanse of empty lots covered in ash and strewn with twisted wreckage and debris made a strong impression on Governor Jerry Brown, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and other officials who toured the devastation on Wednesday and were due to visit the scene of the Woolsey Fire on Thursday. Paradise's police department stepped up patrols after arresting three people on charges of looting. The department is relying on equipment from other police departments and is running off a generator, Sergeant Steve Bertagna told KRCR TV. Thirteen of the department's 30 officers have lost their homes, KRCR TV said. The blaze, fuelled by thick, drought-desiccated scrub, has capped two back-to-back catastrophic wildfire seasons in California that scientists largely ascribe to prolonged drought that is symptomatic of climate change. The high winds have eased, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott told reporters late on Wednesday, but vegetation around the Camp Fire remained critically dry and conditions were dangerous. The Butte County disaster coincided with blazes in Southern California, including the Woolsey Fire, which has killed at least two people, destroyed more than 500 structures and at its height displaced 200,000 people west of Los Angeles. Cal Fire said the Woolsey Fire was about 57 percent contained on Thursday, up from 52 percent, and some mandatory evacuation orders in Ventura County were lifted. Crews battling the fire were hoping for a help from the weather on Thursday with light onshore winds expected to bring slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels. The Camp Fire also stands as one of the deadliest U.S. wildfires since the 19th century. More than 80 people perished in the Big Burn firestorm that swept the northern Rockies in August 1910, consuming 3 million acres. GRAPHIC: Deadly California fires (https://tmsnrt.rs/2Plpuui) (Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Jonathan Allen in New York; Writing by Nick Carey and Bill Trott; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Steve Orlofsky) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday that 'design errors' were found in a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in March at Florida International University, killing six people and injuring eight By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday that "design errors" were found in a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in March at Florida International University, killing six people and injuring eight. The board's investigation update said there were errors in the design of part of the 174-foot (53 metre) Miami span, and that resulted in overestimating the capacity of a critical section. The NTSB said concrete and steel specimens tested met the projects build plans' minimum requirements. A crack in the bridge that was observed prior to the collapse and previously disclosed was "consistent with those errors," the board said. The 950-ton, $14.2 million bridge, which crossed an eight-lane highway adjacent to Florida International University (FIU) in Miami-Dade County and linked the campus to the city of Sweetwater, collapsed five days after it was installed. In March, FIU said engineers and state and university officials had met hours before the new bridge collapsed, but concluded a crack in the structure was not a safety concern. In August, the NTSB released photos of larger cracks from before the collapse that had been previously known. (https://reut.rs/2FqFW89) The NTSB said Thursday it had not made any conclusions about the probable cause of the collapse and that the "investigation continues to examine the design, review, and construction processes as well as the actions taken once the cracking was observed." A spokesman for Florida Senator Bill Nelson said Thursdays findings did not address the question of "whether there was proper oversight by regulators in the design and construction of the bridge." FIU said in a statement it continues "to fully cooperate with the NTSB" and added it hoped "the results of the investigation will help bring closure to the families and loved ones of the victims." FIU has not said if it will rebuild the bridge, a spokeswoman said. The Florida Department of Transportation said in a statement it was assisting the NTSB but did not comment on the findings. The assessment of design errors was made by the Federal Highway Administration, the NTSB said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Jesus Zambada, brother of the cartel's co-head, the still-at-large Ismael Zambada, detailed the eye-watering costs of protecting cocaine shipments that originated in Colombia and travelled to the US via Mexico with payments amounting to $300,000 per month in Mexico City alone. New York: Drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman paid huge bribes to Mexican prosecutors, police, military and even Interpol to ensure smooth operations for his Sinaloa cartel, a key informant said at his US trial on Thursday. Jesus "El Rey" Zambada, brother of the cartel's co-head, the still-at-large Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, detailed the eye-watering costs of protecting cocaine shipments that originated in Colombia and travelled to the US via Mexico with payments amounting to $300,000 per month in Mexico City alone. Zambada, who worked for the cartel from 1987 until his arrest in 2008, was returning to the witness stand on the third day of a trial expected to last about four months. He told the court that as the head of the organization's operations in the capital city, he personally paid bribes to the attorney general's office, the federal highway police that also operates bridges and airports, federal, state and local police forces, and Interpol. "The bribes for officials in Mexico City were about $300,000 per month," the 57-year-old said, wearing a blue prison suit with an orange shirt. Zambada added he once paid a $100,000 bribe to General Gilberto Toledano, in charge of the state of Guerrero, at Guzman's request. "I was going to import cocaine from Colombia through the state of Guerrero... and El Chapo told me 'Go and meet General Toledano, he's my friend, and give him $100,000 from me,'" Zambada said. Guzman, wearing a dark suit and tie, listened attentively to the testimony of his former ally. Brought to the US almost 22 months ago, Guzman, 61, is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over 25 years and faces life in prison if found guilty. His lawyers argue he has been scapegoated by Mexico's "corrupt" government and the US Drug Enforcement Agency, and that the cartel's true chief was Ismael Zambada. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - Florida election officials on Thursday completed an initial recount of ballots in close races for the U.S. Senate and governor's seat but did not immediately release updated statewide figures. The recount concluded after U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida, cleared the way to include ballots from as many as 5,000 people across the state who submitted ballots by mail that were rejected by election officials. A Georgia federal judge issued a similar ruling as that state worked to resolve a close governor's race. In Florida, the recount of close races from the Nov. 6 elections and attendant legal disputes over the validity of votes have stirred memories of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, when the U.S. Supreme Court stopped an ongoing recount in the state and sent George W. Bush to the White House. Initial counts before the recount showed Florida's outgoing governor, Republican Rick Scott, leading in his bid to unseat U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. Republican Ron DeSantis led Democrat Andrew Gillum in the governor's race. The state did not immediately provide updated results, but the Scott campaign in a statement said its margin of victory increased moderately. The Nelson campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In both races the initial margins of victory were below the 0.5 percentage point threshold at which state law requires a recount of ballots. If the margin is below 0.25 percent by the end of the electronic recount, a second round of recounting by hand will follow. Walker grew testy during a series of Thursday hearings about lawsuits over the recounts, voicing frustration about how to handle uneven progress in different counties and also the Florida legislature's response to historic election problems. "We have been the laughing stock of the world election after election," Walker said. "But we've still chosen not to fix this." Separately, a federal judge in Georgia ordered state election officials to count some previously rejected ballots in that state's governor's race, where ballots are still being tallied but Republican former Secretary of State Brian Kemp has declared victory over Democrat Stacey Abrams. Overall control of the U.S. Senate is not at stake in the Florida race. President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans extended their majority in the chamber while Democrats took a majority in the House of Representatives. But both the Senate and governor's races are being closely scrutinized as Florida is traditionally a key swing state in presidential elections. The Democrats' majority in the new House expanded by another seat on Thursday when the Maine Secretary of State's office declared Jared Golden the winner of a race against incumbent Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin. That race represented an early test of a new state ranked-choice voting system, designed to prevent candidates in races with three or more contenders from winning office without majority support. LEGAL SKIRMISHING In Florida, Nelson's lead attorney in the case, Marc Elias, praised the judge's ruling on Thursday to allow voters to fix signature-matching issues. Republicans, who have also filed lawsuits challenging the process, decried the ruling, and the Scott campaign filed an appeal. "Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice," Scott said in a statement, calling on Nelson to end the recount process. It was not clear that additional ballots allowed in either Florida or Georgia would tip the races in question. Pre-recount tallies from Florida show Scott leading Nelson by 50.07 percent of the vote to 49.92, with DeSantis holding 49.59 percent to Gillum's 49.18 percent. Georgia's results show Kemp leading Abrams 50.23 percent to 48.83 percent. The election was a three-way race that included a Libertarian candidate who drew close to 1 percent of the vote, and if Kemp's total ended up dipping below 50 percent, he and Abrams would proceed to a runoff next month. Just three of 15 consequential recounts of statewide U.S. elections from 2000 through 2015 resulted in a change of winner, according to a 2016 analysis by FairVote. Those recounts resulted in an average margin swing of just 0.019 percent - less than the margins in any of the three races currently being recounted, according to the nonpartisan group. This year's campaigns went down as the most expensive midterm elections in U.S. history, with some $5.25 billion spent on advertising, up 78 percent from the last midterm elections in 2014, according to a Kantar Media analysis released on Thursday. Spending was 20 percent higher than the 2016 presidential election. (Reporting by Letitia Stein, writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - Florida election officials on Thursday ordered a hand recount of ballots in a closely fought U.S By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - Florida election officials on Thursday ordered a hand recount of ballots in a closely fought U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and his Republican challenger, Governor Rick Scott. Nelson trailed Scott by about 12,600 votes, or 0.15 percent of the more than 8 million ballots cast following an electronic recount. Under state law, the Florida Department of State must trigger a manual recount if an electronic recount of ballots finds a margin of victory of less than 0.25 percent. Elections officials were expected to inspect by hand any ballots that were designated undervotes or overvotes, cases where the machine that reviewed the ballot concluded that a voter had skipped a contest or marked more than one selection. If the voter's intentions are clear on review by a person, the ballot could be counted. The order came after U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida, cleared the way to include ballots from as many as 5,000 people across the state who submitted ballots by mail that were rejected by election officials. A Georgia federal judge issued a similar ruling as that state worked to resolve a close governor's race. In Florida, the recount of close races and attendant legal disputes over the validity of votes have stirred memories of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, when the U.S. Supreme Court stopped an ongoing recount in the state and sent George W. Bush to the White House. State election officials said the machine recount of ballots in the governor's race pitting Republican Ron DeSantis against Democrat Andrew Gillum showed DeSantis with an 0.41 percentage point lead, below the threshold to trigger a manual recount. Gillum signalled that he had not yet given up. "A vote denied is justice denied the State of Florida must count every legally cast vote," Gillum said in a statement after the machine recount concluded. "We plan to do all we can to ensure that every voice is heard in this process." The Scott campaign in a statement called on Nelson to concede. "Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice," Scott said in a statement. Overall control of the U.S. Senate is not at stake in the Florida race. President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans extended their majority in the chamber while Democrats took a majority in the House of Representatives. But both the Senate and governor's races are being closely scrutinized as Florida is traditionally a key swing state in presidential elections. 'LAUGHING STOCK' Walker grew testy during a series of Thursday hearings about lawsuits over the recounts, voicing frustration about how to handle uneven progress in different counties and also the Florida legislature's response to historic election problems. "We have been the laughing stock of the world election after election," Walker said. "But we've still chosen not to fix this." Separately, a federal judge in Georgia ordered state election officials to count some previously rejected ballots in that state's governor's race, where ballots are still being tallied but Republican former Secretary of State Brian Kemp has declared victory over Democrat Stacey Abrams. This year's campaigns went down as the most expensive midterm elections in U.S. history, with some $5.25 billion spent on advertising, up 78 percent from the last midterm elections in 2014, according to a Kantar Media analysis released on Thursday. Spending was 20 percent higher than the 2016 presidential election. (Reporting by Letitia Stein, writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier in November and met Xi and Chinese premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. Islamabad: Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally China, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report quoted Prime Minister Imran Khan as saying on Friday. Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier in November and met Xi and Chinese premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat. During an interaction with journalists at the Prime Minister House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying. The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said. Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a $6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad. After his talks with Khan on 3 November, Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis. Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied." "No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed. Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by 2019. "The next three to six months are difficult, but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said. Commenting on theongoing money laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Khan said, "We have traced $15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan." "Work is under way to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said. While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson." "We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted. Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly ruled Friday morning, CNN is reporting, that the White House must immediately return CNN journalist Jim Acosta's press credentials taken away abruptly last week after a heated exchange between the US president and the CNN reporter. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly ruled Friday morning that the White House must immediately return CNN journalist Jim Acosta's press credentials taken away abruptly last week after a heated exchange between the US president and the CNN reporter. This is an "interim relief", not a final order but a big win for CNN which has repeatedly been attacked by US president Donald Trump as "Fake News". Reporters at the courthouse say the judge was succinct in his ruling and said in as many words that he is not granting CNN a "victory". Trump loses CNN v. Trump because of a longstanding precedent the government cannot restrict press access because it disagrees with what the press reports. Ari Melber (@AriMelber) November 16, 2018 "Great day for journalism and the First Amendment!", said CNN's lawyers while Acosta emerged from the courthouse, thanked his colleagues in the media and the judge and then closed off with "let's get back to work!" This does not mean the White House face off with the media or CNN in particular is going to wane. Since the judge's ruling Friday is only a temporary order, it leaves enough room for the White House to whip up a new set of rules that govern reporters' access and limits inside the White House grounds. Kelly, a Trump appointee, took his decision after hearing arguments this week from lawyers representing CNN and the Justice Department. The news network was seeking an immediate restraining order that would force the White House to hand back Acosta's credentials, which grant reporters access into the 18-acre complex. Acosta has clashed repeatedly with Trump and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in briefings over the last two years. But the dynamic devolved into a near-shouting match during a combative press conference last week following midterm elections in which Republicans lost control of the House. The judge said the government could not say who initially decided to revoke Acosta's hard pass. The White House had spelled out its reasons for revoking his credentials in a tweet from White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and in a statement after CNN filed its lawsuit. But the judge said those "belated efforts were hardly sufficient to satisfy due process." The judge also found that Acosta suffered "irreparable harm," dismissing the government's argument that CNNcould just send other reporters to cover the White House in Acosta's place. The judge told attorneys to file additional court papers in the case by Monday. At last week's press conference, which followed the midterm elections, Trump was taking questions from reporters and called on Acosta, who asked about Trump's statements about a caravan of migrants making its way to the U.S.-Mexico border. After a terse exchange, Trump told Acosta, "That's enough," several times while calling on another reporter. Acosta attempted to ask another question about special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and initially declined to give up a hand-held microphone to a White House intern. Trump responded to Acosta by saying he wasn't concerned about the investigation, calling it a "hoax," and then criticized Acosta, calling him a "rude, terrible person." The White House pulled Acosta's credentials hours later. The White House's explanations for why it seized Acosta's credentials have shifted over the last week. Sanders initially explained the decision by accusing Acosta of making improper physical contact with the intern seeking to grab the microphone. But that rationale disappeared after witnesses backed Acosta's account that he was just trying to keep the microphone, and Sanders distributed a doctored video that made it appear Acosta was more aggressive than he actually was. On Tuesday, Sanders accused Acosta of being unprofessional by trying to dominate the questioning at the news conference. (With reporting by Associated Press) Pences comments follow a major speech in October in which he flagged a tougher US approach towards China, accusing it of malign efforts to undermine US president Donald Trump and reckless military actions in the South China Sea. Singapore: The South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, US vice-president Mike Pence said on Friday, in a challenge to China which claims the waterway. The United States has conducted a series of freedom of navigation exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering China, which says the patrols threaten its sovereignty. The South China Sea doesnt belong to any one nation, and you can be sure: The United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows and our national interests demand, Pence said. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of shipborne trade passes each year. Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations there was no place for empire and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to Chinas rise. Speaking to a regional summit, Pence directly criticised Chinas action in the South China Sea, according to a transcript of his remarks. Let me be clear: Chinas militarisation and territorial expansion in the South China Sea is illegal and dangerous. It threatens the sovereignty of many nations and endangers the prosperity of the world, he said. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said no country, including the United States, had ever provided any evidence of problems with freedom of navigation or overflight in the South China Sea. May I trouble you to remind Mr Pence, that the United States has yet to ratify the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS), Hua told a daily news briefing. If the United States can at an early date ratify and abide by UNCLOS, then I think this will benefit even more the protection of peace and stability in the South China Sea area. The 1982 convention defines how coastal states are allowed to establish sovereignty over territorial seas and exclusive economic zones. China has signed and ratified it. Pences comments follow a major speech in October in which he flagged a tougher US approach towards China, accusing it of malign efforts to undermine US president Donald Trump and reckless military actions in the South China Sea. Narendra Modi also congratulated Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him 'the very best for his tenure'. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration ceremony of Maldives president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday. This will be Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. "I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr. Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity and human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets. He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future. "We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said. He also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure". Modi had recently accepted the invitation extended by Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony. North Korea on Friday said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the United States. Seoul: North Korea on Friday said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the United States that came even as it announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified "ultramodern" weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile US figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on 16 October for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the "manipulation" of the US Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the North's spelling of the man's name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. The North's decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious US response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong un's 12 June summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed US soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," though it didn't describe what the weapon was. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at US-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including US military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the US first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. But Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of US and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test won't completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearisation. US Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done." Pence stressed that UN sanctions had to remain enforced. - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." By Fiston Mahamba GOMA, Congo (Reuters) - At least seven U.N. peacekeepers were killed in clashes with militias in an area that is at the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo's worst Ebola epidemic, United Nations and diplomatic sources said on Thursday. 'Our peacekeeping colleagues tell us that six peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Tanzania who are part of the U.N By Fiston Mahamba GOMA, Congo (Reuters) - At least seven U.N. peacekeepers were killed in clashes with militias in an area that is at the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo's worst Ebola epidemic, United Nations and diplomatic sources said on Thursday. "Our peacekeeping colleagues tell us that six peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Tanzania who are part of the U.N. peacekeeping operation in the DRC ... were killed yesterday, in Beni territory, in North Kivu," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. Eastern Congo has been plagued by banditry and armed insurrections for more than two decades since the fall of military ruler Mobutu Sese Seko, but the past year has seen a surge in violence around North Kivu. Beni and the surrounding villages are also suffering an Ebola epidemic that has infected over 300 people and killed two-thirds of them. This makes it the third worst outbreak ever, after a 2013-2016 outbreak in West Africa, when 28,000 people were infected, and in Uganda in 2000, when there were 425 cases. Repeated armed attacks by at least two rebel groups are hampering international efforts to contain the virus, by preventing medical workers getting to Ebola victims. A U.N. spokesman said that Secretary General Antonio Guterres "calls on all armed groups to stop their destabilising activities, which continue to add to the suffering of the population and complicate the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak". (Reporting by Fiston Mahamba in Goma, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations and David Lewis in Nairobi; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Kevin Liffey) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The country appeared politically rudderless after the speaker of parliament declared there was no functioning prime minister or cabinet due to a no-confidence vote on Wednesday against Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom President Maithripala Sirisena appointed last month in controversial circumstances. Colombo: Sri Lankas president on Thursday called for a fresh no-confidence motion against the prime minister he appointed last month, a move that could help break a political gridlock in the south Asian country hit by a constitutional crisis. The country appeared politically rudderless after the speaker of parliament declared there was no functioning prime minister or cabinet due to a no-confidence vote on Wednesday against Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom President Maithripala Sirisena appointed last month in controversial circumstances. But late on Thursday Sirisena met Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and leaders of some political parties, urging them to hold a new motion on Friday and drop their position that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was unconstitutional. The president informed them to show their majority in parliament in a proper way following parliamentary procedure, and agreed to act according to the constitution, Sirisenas media team said in a statement after the meetings. It was not immediately clear if the call for a new motion meant Sirisena was willing to acknowledge that Rajapaksa did not enjoy broad parliamentary support. Reuters could not immediately contact the political parties the president met with. Parliament had passed a no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa and his government with the backing of 122 of the 225 lawmakers in a voice vote, followed by a signed document. Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and naming Rajapaksa to the job, dissolved parliament last week and ordered elections to break the deadlock. But the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that decree on Tuesday until it had heard petitions challenging the move as unconstitutional. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration is exploring possible ways to remove U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a foe of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, to convince Turkey to ease pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing of a Saudi journalist, NBC News reported on Thursday. NBC, citing four sources, said Trump administration officials asked federal law enforcement agencies to look into whether Gulen, accused by Erdogan of instigating a failed 2016 coup, could legally be forced out of the United States. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration is exploring possible ways to remove U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a foe of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, to convince Turkey to ease pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing of a Saudi journalist, NBC News reported on Thursday. NBC, citing four sources, said Trump administration officials asked federal law enforcement agencies to look into whether Gulen, accused by Erdogan of instigating a failed 2016 coup, could legally be forced out of the United States. Erdogan has long demanded that Washington extradite Gulen, who denies any involvement in the attempted coup and has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. U.S. officials have said the courts need sufficient evidence to extradite the elderly cleric. A White House official told Reuters the NBC story was "not accurate" but did not elaborate. A senior Turkish official declined to comment. Gulen's media adviser, Alp Aslandogan, said he was not aware of any new U.S. inquiry. Erdogan ramped up pressure on Saudi Arabia after U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi rulers, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where he had gone to pick up documents related to his upcoming marriage. Saudi Arabia is considered critical to President Donald Trump's effort to curb Iran's growing influence in the region. Turkey has said it has recordings related to the Khashoggi killing. Erdogan has insisted the killing was ordered at the "highest levels" of the Saudi government and has continued to keep pressure on de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including demanding the extradition of 18 suspects it believes are connected to the killing. "The White House has not been involved in any discussions relating the extradition of Fethullah Gulen to the death of Jamal Khashoggi," the White House official said. A second senior Turkish official told Reuters that Turkey's extradition request and its Khashoggi investigation are separate issues "not connected in any way, shape or form." NBC News said the Trump administration had directed the Justice Department and the FBI to reopen Turkey's case for Gulen's extradition. The administration also asked the Department of Homeland Security for information about Gulen's legal status, NBC said, citing the four sources. NBC News said one option the administration was considering was trying to force Gulen to relocate to South Africa. The Justice Department declined comment. NBC said career officials at the agencies had pushed back at the White House requests. "At first there were eye rolls, but once they realized it was a serious request, the career guys were furious," NBC News quoted a senior U.S. official as saying. (Reporting by David Alexander, Matt Spetalnick, Humeyra Pamuk and Sarah Lynch in Washington and Daren Butler in Ankara; Editing by Susan Thomas) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors are preparing to pursue a criminal case against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, escalating a long battle targeting his anti-secrecy group. According to a Thursday filing in an unrelated criminal case in a Virginia federal court, prosecutors have obtained a sealed indictment against Assange. The charges were not immediately clear. Thursday's filing had been sealed, but was made public this week for reasons that were also unclear, according to a person familiar with the matter. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Alexandria, Virginia, said the filing was made an error. Wikileaks said it a Twitter post that it was an "apparent cut-and-paste error." Assange could not be reached for comment. Lawyers for Assange and others have said his work with Wikileaks was critical to a free press and was protected speech. "The notion that federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set, Barry Pollack, a U.S. lawyer for Assange, said in a statement. The disclosure came as U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigates possible Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and possible collusion by U.S. President Donald Trump's White House campaign. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia obtained material through hacking, and Mueller's office has brought various criminal charges against Russians and Trump associates. For its part, Wikileaks has faced scrutiny for publishing emails hacked before the election from the Democratic Party and the campaign chairman for Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated. Trump and Moscow have denied any interference or collusion. Assange has lived since 2012 in Ecuador's embassy in London, since receiving political asylum from the South American country, to avoid possible extradition to Sweden in a separate sexual molestation case. Criminal charges in the United States would add pressure on Britain to extradite Assange, an Australian national. U.S. officials have acknowledged that federal prosecutors in Virginia have been conducting a lengthy criminal probe into Assange and Wikileaks. Thursday's filing related to a criminal case involving a 29-year-old man charged with enticing a 15-year-old girl. The judge wrote in a detention memo that the defendant, Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, "has had a substantial interest in terrorist acts." Reuters was unable to locate Kokayi. According to the filing, prosecutors sought to keep the charges confidential until after Assange's arrest, to ensure he did not evade or avoid arrest and extradition. Any procedure "short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant, and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged," the filing said. Greg Barns, an Australian lawyer advising Assange, said in a statement it was "no surprise" that the United States was seeking to charge Assange, and Australian officials should allow Assange to return there. Assange was initially welcomed at Ecuador's embassy, but Ecuador said last month it would no longer intervene with Britain on his behalf. In a statement on Friday, Wikileaks said Assange was willing to work with British officials as long he was not extradited to the United States. Ecuadorean officials had no immediate comment on Friday. Wikileaks gained prominence in 2010 after publishing a classified video showing a 2007 U.S. helicopter attack in Iraq that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. It has also released thousands of classified U.S. military documents, among other disclosures. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Wikileaks a "hostile intelligence service," making that comment in April 2017 when he ran the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Trump praised Wikileaks during his 2016 campaign. (Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Michael Holden in London; Additional writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Bernadette Baum) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. American prosecutors have obtained a sealed indictment against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whose website published thousands of classified US government documents, a US federal court document showed on Thursday. Washington: American prosecutors have obtained a sealed indictment against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whose website published thousands of classified US government documents, a US federal court document showed on Thursday. The document, which prosecutors say was filed by mistake, asks a judge to seal documents in a criminal case unrelated to Assange, and carries markings indicating it was originally filed in US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia in August. A source familiar with the matter said the document was initially sealed but unsealed this week for reasons that are unclear at the moment. On social network Twitter, Wikileaks said it was an apparent cut-and-paste error. US officials had no comment on the disclosure in the document about a sealed indictment of Assange. It is unclear what charges Assange faces. But Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the prosecutors office which filed the document that was unsealed, told Reuters, The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing. Reuters was unable to immediately reach Assange or his lawyers to seek comment. Prosecutors sought to keep the charges confidential until after Assanges arrest, the document shows, saying the move was essential to ensure he did not evade or avoid arrest and extradition in the case. Any procedure short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant, and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged, the document reads. It adds, The complaint, supporting affidavit, and arrest warrant, as well as this motion and the proposed order, would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter. US officials have previously acknowledged that federal prosecutors based in Alexandria have been conducting a lengthy criminal investigation into WikiLeaks and its founder. Representatives of the US administration of President Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have publicly called for Assange to be aggressively prosecuted. Assange and his supporters have periodically said US authorities had filed secret criminal charges against him, an assertion against which some US officials pushed back until recently. Facing extradition from Britain to Sweden to be questioned in a sexual molestation case, Assange six years ago took refuge in Ecuadors London embassy, where initially he was treated as a welcome guest. But following a change in the government of the south American nation, Ecuadorean authorities last March began to crack down on his access to outsiders and for a time cut off his internet access. Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Asia Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with president Trump last week. Washington: A top Republican Senator has urged US president Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was release from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges. Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with president Trump last week. "I've been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. I've talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here," Paul told CNN in an interview. A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum. "President Trump should invite Ms Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise," Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week. Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, the last surviving senior leaders of the communist group that brutally ruled Cambodia in the late 1970s, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. They are already serving life sentences after being convicted in a previous 2011-2014 trial of crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and disappearances of masses of people. A UN-backed war crimes court on Friday said that Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime committed "genocide" during its reign of terror from 1975-1979 in a historic ruling and sentenced two former leaders to life imprisonment. "The chamber... finds that the crimes of genocide... were committed" against ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslims, presiding judge Nil Nonn said. This is the first time the court has issued such a ruling. Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, the last surviving senior leaders of the communist group that brutally ruled Cambodia in the late 1970s, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The tribunal convicted Samphan under the joint criminal enterprise rule of the genocide law. It found Chea guilty of genocide based on the principle of command responsibility. They are already serving life sentences after being convicted in a previous 2011-2014 trial of crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and disappearances of masses of people. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead, their radical policies led to what has been termed 'auto-genocide' through starvation, overwork, and execution. Chea was brought by ambulance and Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Chea and Samphan were being judged on charges of crimes against humanity, such as murder, extermination, enslavement, torture and persecution on political, racial, and religious grounds; genocide, for the killings of members of the Vietnamese and Cham ethnic groups; and more breaches of the Geneva Conventions, including willful killing, torture, or inhumane treatment. The large crowd of spectators attending Friday's session included members of the Cham, a Muslim ethnic minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Friday's session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life under their rule in 1975-79, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Chea and Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodia's long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to have more extensive proceeding has discomfited some observers, but others point to the tribunal's accomplishments. "International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations," said Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal. "But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line." With inputs from agencies Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday made light of his penchant for daytime dozes after his office said 'power naps' had caused the gruff leader to miss a number of key meetings at a Singapore summit. Singapore: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday made light of his penchant for daytime dozes after his office said "power naps" had caused the gruff leader to miss a number of key meetings at a Singapore summit. Duterte is attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting alongside a string of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and US Vice-President Mike Pence. But on Wednesday, the mercurial leader missed four of the eleven meetings he was slated to attend, as well as a gala dinner hosted by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. "What's wrong with my nap?" the 73-year-old told reporters as he arrived at the summit venue on Thursday morning for another long day of meetings. Asked if he felt fully rested he replied: "Still not good enough, but enough to sustain the endurance for the last days." Duterte's no-shows on Wednesday prompted a statement from his office explaining he had only had three hours of sleep the night before. "He took power naps to catch (up) on sleep," presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said, adding that "some quarters are making a big fuss of the president skipping a few meetings". "We assure the nation that his aforementioned absence has nothing to do with his physical health and wellbeing which have been the subject of speculation," he added. The outspoken leader remains popular at home even as he pursues a deadly drug war that has seen thousands killed and horrified western allies. But he has regularly prompted theorising about his health by skipping events or discussing his ailments in public since taking power in 2016. Duterte has said previously that he suffers from daily migraines and ailments including Buerger's disease, an illness that affects the veins and the arteries of the limbs, and is usually due to smoking. Despite his deadly crackdown on drugs, he also revealed in 2016 that he used to take fentanyl, a powerful opiate painkiller, because of a spinal injury from previous motorcycle accidents. He is the oldest person ever to be elected president in the Philippines, but he is far from the most veteran world leader attending ASEAN. That accolade goes to Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is 20 years older than Duterte and currently the world's oldest leader. "I don't know how I manage," Mahathir told AFP at the end of the summit when asked how he manages to keep up with the frenetic diplomatic schedule. "I always attend meetings. It's my duty. If I can, I will. If I'm sick, I won't," he added. Samsung has just pushed the One UI beta based on Android 9.0 Pie in the US soon after it went live in South Korea. In the US, the beta program is available for T-Mobile and Sprint and to those using an unlocked Galaxy S9 or S9+. The Korean version of the Galaxy S9 series has been updated with Android Pie Beta and One UI. pic.twitter.com/9Btf58XER1 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) November 15, 2018 It is unclear when other carriers in the USA would start the beta testing. To register for the beta, head over to the Samsung+ app and tap the notice that says One UI with Android 9.0 on Galaxy S9/S9+. The update can then be downloaded by going into the Settings app, tapping Software update, then hit the Download updates manually option. Apart from the One UI visual changes, there are many other changes and new features. Some of the new features include new adaptive themes for the keyboard that change based on the app youre currently using, charging information in Always On Display, Scene Optimizer for the Camera app, and the ability to run DeX with a USB Type-C to HDMI cable while also being able to use the phone when DeX mode is active. It also brings November security patch update. The update is around 2GB in size and since it is beta testing, there will be bugs and if you wish to roll back to Oreo, data wipe will be required, so it is best if you back up data before proceeding. Source 1, 2 By continuing to browse our site you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy. > Privacy & Cookie Policy I Agree October, as you've probably heard by now, was the worst month for energy stocks all year, as oil prices posted their biggest monthly declines since 2016. As usual, oil and gas production companies like Hess (NYSE:HES) were hit far harder than integrated majors like ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM). Some of that market pessimism bled into earnings season, as oil and gas producers that posted impressive or even extraordinary quarterly earnings results saw their shares barely budge, or even sag. Hess was one of them. But the stock market is clearly ignoring these key details from Hess' Q3 earnings report on Oct. 31. Production is up, not down Hess reported quarterly production of 279,000 barrels of oil equivalents per day (BOE/D). That was lower than in Q3 2017, when production was at 299,000 BOE/D. But that isn't because Hess is underperforming. Instead, it reflects the company's numerous asset sales over the past year. In August 2017, Hess sold its Permian Basin assets, which was somewhat surprising, since most companies are looking to enter the red-hot Permian, not leave it. However, Hess's Permian position was small: It only amounted to about 3,000 BOE/D during Q3 2017. Then, in August of this year, Hess sold its assets in the Utica Shale of Ohio, leaving its Bakken Shale assets as its sole onshore U.S. play. In spite of those sales, though, the company's onshore U.S. production increased by 11,000 BOE/D, a testament to the strength of its Bakken assets. Elsewhere, Hess exited its 20,000 BOE/D position in Norway and its 27,000 BOE/D position in Equatorial Guinea in 2017, leaving a single field in Denmark and assets in Libya -- which has been beset by civil unrest -- as its only European and African assets. So, in spite of its divestiture of assets producing about 60,000 BOE/D in Q3 2017, production only decreased by 20,000 BOE/D. All of the company's remaining assets (excluding Libya) saw production increases. Malaysia performed particularly well, with production there increasing by 121.4% over the prior-year quarter. Better yet, because none of Hess' production is located in the Permian Basin, it doesn't need to worry about the transportation constraints that are hurting Permian providers. Production guidance is up even higher A spike in production in a single quarter would be good news, but Hess anticipates that it will continue to increase. Many analysts have been focused on the company's leading position in the Bakken Shale. But management seems especially excited about the opportunities in its joint venture with ExxonMobil in Guyana. The 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block, off the coast of Guyana in South America, has been an embarrassment of riches for the two companies. Exxon and Hess had already discovered eight significant oil fields within the block. In Q3, a ninth field was found, as the Hammerhead-1 exploration well discovered about 200 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone. The Hammerhead discovery brings the total number of recoverable barrels of oil equivalents discovered within the block to more than 4 billion, with the potential for billions more to exist. That oil and gas should start flowing in early 2020 when the first oil field, dubbed Liza-1, will begin production through 17 wells, with production capacity of 120,000 BOE/D. A second, larger development of the Liza oil field will come on line in mid-2022, and will have production capacity of 220,000 BOE/D. Hess and Exxon are currently planning a third development to start production in 2023, with capacity of 180,000 BOE/D. Because all this petroleum -- up to 520,000 BOE/D, of which Hess has a 30% stake -- won't begin coming on line until 2020, Hess hasn't begun including it in the company's official guidance. But the company is now suggesting that its production for 2018 will come in at the top end of its guidance range at about 255,000 BOE/D. But costs are down Hess' management is very clear about reporting its costs on a per-BOE basis. The company's "cash operating costs" -- which, according to Hess, include operating costs and expenses, production and severance taxes, and E&P general and administrative expenses -- were $11.41/BOE in Q3. That's a 17% reduction from the $13.77/BOE the company reported in the prior-year quarter. That means Hess is not only benefiting from higher oil prices, but also lower costs to pump each barrel. The company attributes these savings to increased low-cost production in the Gulf of Mexico and Malaysia and sales of higher-cost assets. In other words, by selling off the assets it did, which cost more per barrel, and ramping up low-cost production, Hess may be producing slightly less oil overall, but is making higher profits on the oil it is pumping. That's a winning combination while oil prices are high, but is also good for the company if prices begin to slip. For now, though, it's allowing Hess to generate gobs and gobs of cash -- $423 million in Q3 2018, to be precise. That's up 380.7% from the $88 million it generated in Q3 2017. It's already used $250 million of that cash to buy back shares as part of a $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization that it expects to complete by the end of the year. One thing it hasn't done, however, is significantly pay down debt, although its cash on hand of $2.6 billion does make its debt of $5.7 billion seem slightly less worrisome. Its debt-to-capital ratio of 37.5% is in line with its peers'. What the market missed Hess has made impressive progress in streamlining its operations. It has successfully jettisoned higher-cost projects and increased lower-cost/higher-margin alternatives. Its joint venture with ExxonMobil in Guyana looks set to pay dividends for the company for many years. And -- perhaps most importantly -- it's rewarding stockholders through share buybacks (and even pays a decent 1.7% dividend to boot). Given all of this, you'd expect the market to have rewarded the stock at least a little bit, but you'd be wrong. Hess' shares are down slightly from where they were before it reported earnings to the time of this writing. If you're looking for some oil production exposure in your portfolio, now is an excellent time to consider buying into Hess. Last year, aggressive competition from Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) in California caused unit revenue declines -- and severe margin erosion -- at Alaska Air (NYSE:ALK). However, during 2018, the two low-fare airlines have started to pull back in each other's core markets. This process of "detente" continued this week, as Southwest Airlines abandoned a plan to serve Paine Field, a secondary airport near Seattle that will get commercial service early next year. Instead, Southwest will transfer its slots to Alaska Airlines, allowing the latter to further solidify its position as the leading carrier in the Seattle area. Calling a truce Whereas Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines were battling for market share (primarily in California) during 2017, the two carriers have been more focused on returning to unit revenue growth this year. This has entailed giving up on costly market share battles. For example, back in the spring, Alaska decided to cut its unprofitable routes from Dallas Love Field -- Southwest's hometown airport -- to New York's LaGuardia Airport and Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport. It then leased all of its slots at LaGuardia and its short-haul slots at Reagan to Southwest Airlines for a 10-year term. That allowed Southwest to expand at both slot-restricted airports earlier this month. On the flip side, Southwest Airlines recently dropped its flights from San Francisco -- which is now a key focus city for Alaska Airlines -- to Portland, Oregon, and Orange County, California. All of these route network changes are likely contributing in a small but meaningful way to the unit revenue improvements expected at both Alaska and Southwest starting this quarter. Alaska and Southwest strike another agreement Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines both announced plans to serve Paine Field, an airport in Everett, Washington (about 25 miles north of Seattle). A small commercial terminal is set to open there in early 2019, but with just two gates, the new terminal will only be able to support 24 daily round-trips. As the leading carrier in the Seattle area, Alaska Airlines sees Paine Field as a logical place to expand. Commute times from the northern suburbs to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can easily exceed an hour, so offering flights from Paine Field will allow the carrier to better serve its customers. As of January, Alaska planned to operate 13 daily flights from Paine Field to eight destinations in the western U.S.: Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County; Phoenix; Portland; San Diego; San Francisco; and San Jose, California. The other 11 slots were claimed by United Continental -- which plans a total of six daily round-trips to its Denver and San Francisco hubs -- and Southwest, which had planned to operate two daily flights to Las Vegas and three daily flights to Oakland, California. In a route network update released on Thursday, Southwest stated that it no longer plans to fly from Paine Field. Citing undisclosed "business considerations," the carrier said that it had agreed to transfer its five slots to Alaska Airlines. This will allow Alaska to operate 18 daily round-trips at Paine Field. Better schedules should drive better results If it had been limited to 13 daily round-trips at Paine Field, Alaska Airlines would have had to offer just one daily flight to several of its eight intended destinations. The five extra slots it is getting from Southwest will permit more frequent service. On Thursday, Alaska announced its initial Paine Field flight schedule. The flights will phase in gradually between Feb. 11, 2019, and March 12, 2019. By mid-March, the carrier will offer four daily round-trips each to Los Angeles and Portland; two daily round-trips each to Las Vegas, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco; and single daily flights to Orange County and Phoenix. This schedule will enable Alaska Airlines to operate fairly frequent service to Portland and Los Angeles -- two key business markets for which it will be the only carrier with nonstop flights from Paine Field. Customers will be able to connect to dozens of additional destinations via Portland. Meanwhile, offering twice-daily service in four other major markets will allow Alaska to provide more convenient schedules for business travelers compared to flying those routes just once a day. The biggest weakness of Alaska's earlier Paine Field plans was the lack of schedule options. The recent agreement with Southwest Airlines will go a long way toward addressing that issue. As a result, this 2019 expansion opportunity looks like it will be an attractive way to build on Alaska Airlines' strong franchise in the Seattle area. U.S. oil giant Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE:APC) has shifted its strategy in recent years from growing production to enhancing shareholder value. One result of that pivot is that the company has been focusing its investments on its best opportunities, which is not only improving its returns, but is also freeing up money that it can return to investors through dividends and buybacks. The company expects this trend to continue in 2019, and that's evident in its recently released spending plans. Drilling down into Anadarko's budget Anadarko Petroleum plans to invest between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion into capital projects in 2019. That range is slightly lower 2018's $4.5 billion to $4.8 billion spending plan, mainly due to the company's not-yet-closed sale of its remaining midstream assets to Western Gas Partners (NYSE:WES). Because of that, Anadarko's midstream spending will decline from around $650 million last year to just $130 million in 2019, with that amount due entirely to when the transaction with Western Gas Partners gets finalized. In addition, Anadarko is also cutting its deepwater Gulf of Mexico budget by $300 million, which will give it enough capital to keep its production in the region roughly flat. Meanwhile, it plans to ramp up spending on its U.S. resource plays: 70% of its capital earmarked is to those assets. The bulk of the investment will go into the Delaware Basin and the Denver-Julesburg Basin, though the company also plans to continue appraising its position in Wyoming's Powder River Basin. Those investments will enable the company to grow its oil production by 10% this year, a slight deceleration from the 13% growth it expects to deliver in 2018. Another noteworthy budget inclusion is the $200 million it has earmarked toward its Mozambique liquified natural gas (LNG) project. Anadarko noted that it's on track to make a final investment decision in the first half of next year. If it does approve the project, it will likely adjust its capital budget to reflect the increased spending needed to build that facility. Plenty of cash to go around Anadarko noted that it could fully fund its 2019 capital budget as long as oil averages $50 a barrel, which is about $8 a barrel below the current price. Meanwhile, if crude averages $60 a barrel over the next year, the company estimates that it can produce $1.6 billion in free cash flow. Add that excess cash to the $2 billion the company will receive from selling its midstream assets to Western Gas Partners, and the $1.9 billion in cash on its balance sheet at the end of the third quarter, and the company has plenty of money to return to shareholders. It plans to do that in three ways. First, the company has boosted its share-buyback authorization by $1 billion to a total of $5 billion. It has already spent $3.5 billion of that over the past year, reducing shares outstanding by 10%. It expects to complete the remaining $1.5 billion in buybacks by the middle of 2020. In addition to that, the company will increase its dividend another 20% to $0.30 per share on a quarterly basis. That brings its year-to-date payout increase to an impressive 500%. Of note, with the latest raise, Anadarko Petroleum's dividend is now above the level it was in 2015 before the company slashed it by 82% to conserve cash during the oil market downturn. Further, it will boost the company's dividend yield to 2.2%, which is higher than the 1.9% average of dividend-paying stocks in the S&P 500. Finally, the company plans to retire another $500 million in debt in the next year, bringing its total debt repayment to $2 billion. While that might not seem to offer an obvious benefit to investors (since the company is sending the cash to creditors), the move will reduce its interest payments, which will increase cash flow and shareholder value. One other thing worth pointing out about these moves is that they'll all increase Anadarko Petroleum's growth rate on a per-share basis. The company noted that production should expand by 15% per debt-adjusted share, which takes into account the lower share count from the buyback as well as its falling debt level. Set up to thrive even if oil continues to dive Anadarko Petroleum continues to put a priority on returning cash to shareholders. That's why the company is remaining disciplined in its capital spending, with a goal of keeping it to the cash flow it can produce on $50 a barrel oil. With this strategy, the company has positioned itself to generate significant excess cash when oil prices are higher. In combination with its cash-rich balance sheet, that should give it ample funds with which to reward its shareholders in the next year. Advertorial* Boschung Global recently added a Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero to its growing warbird aircraft inventory. This rare Japanese fighter is not just an airplane; it is aviation heritage preserved thanks to an authentic restoration. One of the Second World Wars most iconic aircraft and a symbol of Imperial Japans naval airpower, the Zero was a Japanese design representing a clever compromise between capability and limited engine power. Its speed, excellent climb rate, impressive range, unmatched maneuverability and good armament, meant the Zero came as somewhat of a shock to the Allies and it soon became a feared opponent. For Japan, the Zeros supremacy occurred at the right time for it to spearhead a remarkable carrier-borne assault over a huge area, in a very short space of time. However, with the new generation of US Navy fighters appearing from 1943 and tactics developed to counter the Zeros maneuverability, the type began to suffer from the design sacrifices which had made it such a formidable foe during the early war years. Nevertheless, the Zero was still a fighter to be respected through to the last days of the war. The Zero was produced in greater numbers than any other Japanese wartime aircraft; however, eight decades on, airworthy examples are few and just as rare are opportunities to purchase one of these famous aircraft. Fortunately, Boschung Global Ltd is now in a position to offer a fine example to anyone who has a passion for history, is looking to get into the cockpit and experience the spirit of the Samurai, or simply wants to secure a living investment which will continue to appreciate in value. Mitsubishi A6M3 ZERO (SN 3858, REG. N553TT) is an aircraft which has come a long way since it was manufactured in 1942. Little is known of its wartime history other than it was assigned to the 3rd Naval Air Group, however it is certain to have seen much action prior to it being damaged and eventually abandoned on Babo airstrip, New Guinea. Here it would remain among the wrecks of its brothers, bearing silent witness to the tumultuous events of a time long past. It was in the 1990s that an aircraft salvager visited and secured rights to recover some of these decaying treasures, and in a combined salvage effort, Zero 3858, along with two others, made their way to the Museum of Flying, Santa Monica. Following assessment and the realisation that the severely challenged wrecks would need a complete rebuild it was decided to strike a deal with Flight Magic Inc. of Santa Monica and ship the relics off to Russia where Flight Magic already had new build Yak fighters in production. Fortunate to be able to consult a complete set of original drawings, the Russian engineers got to work in recreating the Zeros design, shape, weight and flight characteristics. With the goal of returning these old warriors to the skies, safety of the pilot and the aircraft could not be compromised, consequently new load bearing structure was essential. Original parts were used wherever possible in areas such as the cockpits, which have an authentic period finish. The rebuilt Zeros returned to the USA in 1997 where they were fitted with engines. Given serviceable original Sakae engines were just as rare as the aircraft themselves, it was decided to install a similar sized power plant to remain true to the sleek lines of the fighter. This came in the form of one of the most reliable radial engines ever built, the Pratt & Whitney R-1830, which was specially modified to accommodate the tight-fitting cowlings. The result was what can only be described as a refresh of an old Legend! Zero 3858 flew once again in 2000 and found itself a star of the big screen, flying many hours for the movie Pearl Harbor and today it retains the colour scheme seen in the film. In 2010 the fighter was once again under Japanese ownership and that owner was determined to return the Zero to its homeland and fly it to honour its heritage and all those who flew it in a time of war. Following a year of duty displaying the fighter at special events, the owner returned the aircraft to the USA and has now decided that it is time to pass the aircraft on to a new guardian. He has placed the sale of his beloved machine in the hands of a company he trusts, Boschung Global Ltd. The Zero is offered with a detailed log book listing all work and certifications and the option of a separate original Sakae engine. With such a rarity making its way on to the market, it is a certainty that it will only be available for a very limited time. If you are tempted to become the new caretaker of this piece of history, it would be wise not to hesitate the opportunity to secure another example will not likely arise again for a very long time! The Zero is not the only treasure in the Boschung Global Ltd inventory; they also have numerous other top of the line rare and historic machines looking for proud new owners. These include airworthy examples of famous German, Russian, American and British fighters and trainers, and even an Avenger torpedo bomber. For those who like to roll their sleeves up and get involved in the craftsmanship required to return these beauties to flight, Boschung Global Ltd is also offering some amazing project aircraft. Make Boschung Global Ltd your first option if you are looking for warbirds which are iconic, exotic, or just plain exciting! Visit www.boschungglobal.com *An advertorial is an advertisement in the form of editorial content. Events for Faith Focus should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Rick Cousins can be reached at rick.cousins@galvnews.com Nov 16, 2018 | By Cameron Theres been quite a bit of BIG 3D printing news recently, such as the unveiling of the largest transportable FGF 3D printer and the first 3D printed steel bridge. But dont expect the big 3D prints to slow down. In fact, the big 3D printers are getting bigger and faster, and well be seeing more and more gigantic pieces. Another large-format project to watch is the worlds largest plastic 3D printer printing the first printed plastic pedestrian bridge. Polymaker just released footage of Shanghai Construction Groups 3D printer in the process of producing the bridge, which will take 30 days to complete as it will be 15 meters long and weigh 5,800kg. SGC has a reputation for going big as they built the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower. The 3D printer was built by Shenyang Machine Group and the extruder system was manufactured by Coin Robotic (who also built the bed), together totaling some $2.8 million in investment. Polymaker Industrial will be supplying the ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) plastic for the print, a material chosen for its favorable properties of weather and chemical resistance, thermal stability, and toughness. To determine the best plastic for the job, Polymaker 3D printed a 5-meter version of the bridge with several different compounds before choosing AS100GF for its overall strength and printability. The bridge will be rated to hold 13 tons or four people per square meter, so strength is vitally important. The plastic is 12.5% glass fibers by weight, adding strength and also reducing the warping effect that plagues large 3D prints. 3D Printing bigger isnt as simple as just making a bigger printer because so much of 3D printing is related to heat retention and even heating, which becomes a trickier task the bigger the print/printer. In this case, the build chamber is 24 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 1.5 meters high, with a planned expansion to 3 meters high. Thats 144 cubic meters to keep heated, which is achieved by a large bellowed tent that moves with the gantry. The tent is heated to 38C and blankets are placed on top of the print to slow the cooling process, allowing the polymer chains to relax without warping; the blankets also protect the print from dust. Yes, the build chamber is so large that technicians work inside the 3D printer while its operating to monitor the print and move the blankets. But heating is only one 3D printing issue thats exacerbated by increasing scale as theres also layer levelness as well as bed and layer adhesion. For layers to bond well, they should be joined when theyre at a similar temperature; on this print, each layer takes an hour, so the previous layer has cooled significantly by the time the extruder comes back around for the next layer. The blankets and the glass fibers help slow this cooling, but the print head does a lot of work here by reheating the print with four 600C hot air guns aimed around the extruder. The air guns ensure the print is always hot around where the extruder is working for maximum layer adhesion. The layer levelness issue is solved here by a novel approach not seen on other 3D printers: tamping. Nozzles are round, meaning their extrusion is round, and when pushed flat as a layer they have a tapered top, which is not ideal for layer adhesion. For a desktop 3D printer with a nozzle size of 0.35mm, the taper is small enough to mostly not notice, but the SGC 3D printer uses a nozzle over 14x that size at 5mm so the tamping of the plastic right after its extruded makes a big difference in layer levelness and adhesion. And considering that, despite its gargantuan size and the fact that its extruding up to 8kg of plastic per hour, the printer is accurate to 0.1mm, those differences in levelness really matter. To get the first layer to adhere to the print bed, ASA pellets were glued to wooden planks that were then clamped to the steel bed. Sometimes the low-tech solution is the best solution. A pedestrian bridge over a lake is a great way to showcase the largest 3D printed plastic object as its both an everyday, practical application and an interactive one that involves people touching and even relying upon (to keep them from getting wet) a 3D printed thing. Many people have never touched a 3D printed object and they still think of it as part fantasy and part future tech, so projects like this do a lot of good in terms of exposing the public to the reality and the possibilities of 3D printing. Posted in 3D Printer Maybe you also like: Just Me wrote at 11/17/2018 5:53:50 AM:An interesting project, but I have to wonder why... vs normal building methods.. does not seem to make sense. Perhaps is a proof of concept. Sill looking forward to seeing the finished bridge.Bill wrote at 11/16/2018 5:07:18 PM:The tamping approach is certainly not novel. The BAAM from Cincinnati Incorporated and ONRL, you know, the one that made the first 3D printed car... well it does exactly the same thing... in fact, this looks like a direct copy of that machine. It was like a way to hell! Georgian student about California wildfires - GeorgianJournal With its quieter surroundings and family-run shops paired with top-notch restaurants and a strollable, tree-lined downtown, Lafayette manages to combine the best aspects of the Bay: access to the outdoors, farm-to-table dining, and a less frenetic energy. And even if you're not visiting Lafayette the one weekend a year when the population explodes for a popular art and wine festival, the city still beckons with small-town charm and big-city amenities worthy of whiling away a few days. Where to Eat in Lafayette Sandwiches and burgers inspired by international flavors and family recipes reign supreme at Batch & Brine. (Chris Andre) American Eats Hidden off the main dining stretch in Lafayette, The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe (3406 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) serves lunch and dinner but is best known for its bustling brunch business, which often draws a wait (make it more bearable with a mimosa in hand). Expect elevated comfort food: The beast of a waffle sandwich is a staple, with a chicken-fried steak, cheddar cheese, and an over-easy egg sandwiched between two waffles and smothered in sausage gravy; the harvest scramble offers a slightly less gut-busting option, with seasonal veggies and goat cheese. If you do make it for dinner, consider the honey-fried chicken, and then cap off your evening with a cranberry bread pudding (free with a check-in on Yelp). // Many a local bemoaned the closing of Lafayette institution Petar's in 2013, but luckily its replacement, The Cooperage (32 Lafayette Cir.), delivers well-executed new American dishes and a seasonal cocktail selection to rival any bar in San Francisco. Menu standouts range from the warm shaved Brussels sprouts to the Brown Derby, which feels like a slightly lighter Cobb salad, to the very photogenic trio of riffs on the traditional gin and tonic, served in giant wine glasses and adorned with flowers and spices. // Beloved Danville restaurant Sideboard (3535 Plaza Way) opened a Lafayette location in 2016, bringing its largely house-made, farm-to-table fresh fare to a relaxed, farmyard-esque space. For breakfast/brunch, the poached eggs on levain toast, freshly made beignets, and chilaquiles are favorites, whereas dinnertime diners should opt for comfort-food classics such as the meatloaf sandwich, mac 'n' cheese, or Thai chicken salad. Act like an insider and come on Friday night for the fish fry, or to order off the secret menu, which leans deliciously unhealthy with items such as nachos, a bucket of fries, and a cinnamon roll sundae. When movies are screened in the Plaza Park over the summer, you can reserve a picnic basket meal, borrow a few blankets, and cuddle up for dinner and a flick. // Meat lovers head to Bonehead's Texas BBQ (3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) for juicy brisket, smoky ribs, and spicy barbecue sauce, but stick around for the cornhole, weekend live music, and Wednesday night open mic. For a true taste of Texas, Bonehead's moves more than 700 pounds of meat a week sourced from Harris Ranch (the only independently owned restaurant to get it direct) through its smoker only after it's spent 72 hours soaking in the dry rub. // The cozy interior of American Kitchen (71 Lafayette Cir.) brings to mind dining in a good friend's home, in part because the restaurant is housed in a historic 80-year-old farmhouse in downtown Lafayette, but also for the feeling of conviviality around the fire pit on the outdoor patio. Comfort food reigns supreme across the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, with fun theme nights through the week (breakfast for dinner on Tuesday, Sunday night grilled cheese). Flavors of Italia Lafayette mainstay Postino (3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) has managed to stand the test of time not only for its expertly executed Italian-inflected dishes, but also for its unparalleled service and impressive wine list. Tucked in an ivy-shrouded building complete with exposed brick interior, this white-tablecloth restaurant remains the top choice for celebratory and special-occasion meals, and the attentive servers are more than happy to help you decide between tender braised short ribs, pan-roasted duck breast, or seared yellowfin tuna. // Sure, you definitely won't go wrong ordering one of the blistery, wood-fired pieswhich combine Italian flavors with fresh California ingredientsfrom Pizza Antica (3600 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). But the dish that keeps us up at night (or at least slaving to recreate it) is the warm Brussels sprouts salad laced with bacon, hard-cooked egg, and caramelized onions. Swing by the first Friday of the month for the chef's porchetta, done in the Tuscan tradition with fennel pollen before being rolled and roasted into porky goodness, or for weekday happy hour to score $5 small bites and discounted wine and beer pours. // Blink-and-you'll-miss-it Locanda Positano (1005 Brown Ave.) evokes the Amalfi coast with its blue and yellow tiled accents, a bright and airy all-weather outdoor patio, and congenial staff that'll have you swearing you've been transported to a seaside Italian town. The menu follows suit, with many of the recipes handed down from family of inspired by the owner's Italian upbringing. You can't say no to Mamma Carmela's meatballs, gnocchi, or lasagna (Mamma herself often travels over from Italy to oversee the kitchen), but you also won't go wrong with the thin-crust pizza or meat-forward secondi options either. Around-the-World Dining Restaurant Row newcomer Batch & Brine (3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) sprang from the combined wisdom of life-long restaurateurs, and the truly family-run restaurant (from parents to children to siblings to cousins) draws upon the combined knowledge of its members, transforming passed-down recipes into globally-inspired dishes served up in an artsy, patio-bedecked interior. Burgers and sandwiches are the main eventwe suggest the falafel, fried chicken, and Greek-inspired kuftawith loaded fries (think hatch chile and pork or duck and cheese), capped off with boozy milkshakes and s'mores ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Make sure you check out the bathroom for graffiti art provided by LA artist Berk Visual, who also did the street artinspired murals in the interior. // Peruvian restaurant Barranco (3596 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) not only occupies an enviable airy, patio-adorned spot on Mount Diablo Boulevard, but capitalizes on the indoor-outdoor atmosphere with transportive dishes tinged with Latin American flair. The selection of ceviche and other chilled dishes burst with freshness, but it's the dishes that get a healthy lick of flamewhether the grilled Spanish octopus, slow-roasted pollo a la brasa, or pan-seared day boat scallopsthat let the complex flavors truly shine. Sip a pisco sour or two and save room: It'd be criminal to not end the meal with the tender and crumbly alfajores filled with dulce de leche. // It's worth springing for a stay at the chateau-inspired Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa at least once, but if you want a taste of provencal France without committing to an overnight, head to the hotel's The Park Bistro & Bar (3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). Inside the French farmhouseinspired interior, you'll find farm-to-table California cuisine with a French twist, including smoked salmon deviled eggs, an unctuous French onion soup, and braised short rib over polenta spooned with bordelaise. The outdoor fire pit proves an especially nice respite from the craziness of the week, especially when paired with one of the bar's award-winning cocktails such as the Chimney Sweeper, made with California-produced vodka, amari, orgeat, and activated charcoal and served in an atomized Laphroaig glass. // No frills, decades-old Mexican joint El Charro Mexican Restaurant (3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) manages to capture south-of-the-border flavor at a reasonable price point that locals clearly love, since the oft-packed dining room often spills over onto the covered patio. But don't expect a run-of-the-mill cantina or taqueria: Classic dishes such as smothered enchiladas, crispy fish tacos, and chimichangas come on colorful earthenware dishes; the house margaritas are a step above your standard cocktail; and even the unlimited chips and salsa come with the perk of a piquant cheese dip. // Comfortingly consistent, Uncle Yu's (999 Oak Hill Rd.) gets top marks for upscale Chinese with a modern twist, with classics such as juicy potstickers, rainbow chicken, honey-walnut prawns, and peking duck turned out with reliably high-quality precision. Celiacs and gluten-free diners can also rest easy with an entirely gluten-free menu. // Hidden between a fro-yo shop and a Whole Foods in Lafayette's main strip mall, Blue Ginkgo (3518 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) still manages to be your best bet for familiar Japanese fare, with Japanese izakaya bites and a solid menu of rolls and sashimi. Drinks, Snacks + Sweets The air is heavy in the Bay Area this week as the Camp Fire rages on, closing schools and forcing us all indoors. Lighten the mood with a few Bay Area headlines you may have missedsome of them totally lack gravitas, we promise. (Courtesy of @kanyewest) Kanye and Zuckerberg Sang Backstreet Boys at This SF Karaoke Bar, SF Eater Apparently Ye and Zuck were yucking it up recently at YamaSho. And they want it that way. Read more. A Model T, Abandoned as Paradise Burned, Emerges With Barely a Scratch, The New York Times Paradise resident Ron Westbrook lost his home to the Camp Fire. He garage collapsed, and the two cars inside were burnt to a crisp. But parked in the driveway, his 103-year-old collectible Ford Model T survived the fire with nary a scratch. Read more. Drag-Queen Nuns Crash Stormy Daniels' San Francisco Gig, Canonize Her a Saint, KQED The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence bestowed their highest honor upon the president's porn star nemesis. Read more. Are Organic Farms Ruining California's Rural Coast?, Pacific Standard Conservationists say that California's eat local and sustainable ethos may be damaging our grasslands. Read more. UN expert: San Francisco's homelessness crisis is a human rights violation and suggests 'a cruelty that is unsurpassed', Business Insider The UN's Leilani Farha compares San Francisco's homeless crisis to the slums of Mumbai, Jakarta, Mexico City, and Manila. Yep, that's bad. Read more. The news coming from Butte County is weighing heavily on us all. To support the relief efforts, check out our list of ways to help the fire victims. | BY Ricki Green | Beefeater Gin together with Blue 449 has taken the scent of summer into Bondi Junction station and Adshels in Melbourne to promote the launch of Beefeater Pink in Australia, which offers a bold, new strawberry twist on the classic Beefeater London Dry Gin. Beefeater Gin is widely known in Australia with a strong London heritage and is looking to build on their successful gin brand awareness by appealing to a younger demographic who are entering the gin category. The Gin category in Australia is booming and is the largest contributor to glass spirits delivering an enormous $54M to the category. Pink Gin is taking off in Australia with a tremendous surge in the light and fresh category, with over 35% of all gin innovation in the last 12 months being pink. To launch Beefeater Pink, Blue 449 carried out research which showed the majority of the target audience are based in metro Sydney and Melbourne with two key consumption platforms being OOH and digital, with a strong focus on social. Beefeater and Blue 449 activated a station domination at Bondi Junction with the area surrounding the escalators and entrance and exits in a sea of delightfully scented strawberry pink. Adshels in Melbourne were completely wrapped in Beefeater Pink panels and the same strawberry scent can be activated in these by the push of a button. The original Beefeater London recipe has been enhanced with soft fruit and strawberry flavour, tuned perfectly with classic notes of juniper and citrus to produce a finely balanced contemporary gin. Expertly distilled and crafted in the heart of London, Beefeater Pink is a delicate and refreshing gin and one that is a visually vibrant pink shade, which appeals to an increasingly younger audience for gin in Australia. Says Eric Thomson, marketing director of Pernod Ricard Australia: For the launch of Beefeater Pink, we wanted to have a media approach that was creative and as disruptive as possible, taking a twist on traditional media to capture the attention of our millennial audience on their city commute. We looked into an innovative use of strawberry-scented posters from our UK counterparts, to create a truly multi-sensory campaign that is not only highly visual but brings to life the vibrancy of Beefeater Pink. We also hyper-localised our creative to the Bondi space to really personalise our creative to our millennial audience who expect brands to make that extra effort. At a time where gin popularity continues to soar in Australia and younger consumers embrace pink as the colour of their generation, this activation timed perfectly with summer to demonstrate our brand attitude. By Matthew Tucker, Investment Analyst at Quantum Advisory The text runs to 585 pages and covers three main areas: (i) the financial settlement; (ii) the rights of EU citizens; and (iii) the Northern Ireland border. (i) The financial settlement deals with the outstanding liabilities the government faces with respect to its EU obligations, as well as contributions to the EU budget during the transition period. Although an exact figure has not been specified, initial estimates suggest this may reach 39 billion. (ii) The protocol on citizens rights deals with the rights of EU citizens and their families to reside in the UK, and their entry into and exit from the country post Brexit. EU nationals who have been living in the UK for five years will be able to apply for permanent residency, and many, if not most, of the guarantees enshrined in the EUs freedom of movement laws will be safeguarded. (iii) The third, and ultimately most contentious, issue relates to the Northern Ireland/Ireland border and the desire of both sides to avoid the re-establishment of a hard-border and uphold the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Whilst the exact details of the future relationship will be negotiated during the two year transition period, the withdrawal text legislates for a backstop an insurance policy which guarantees that even in the event of a no deal scenario, the border would remain open. This would entail the UK remaining in a temporary customs union with the EU to ensure the free movement of goods, and Northern Ireland aligning its regulatory infrastructure with the EU, effectively keeping the province in the Single Market. The Resignations Less than 24 hours after news broke that a text had been agreed between the government and the EU on the Withdrawal Agreement, two cabinet ministers, including Dominic Raab, the Brexit Secretary, had resigned along with a number of junior ministers and Private Parliamentary Secretaries. Mr Raab, who explained in his resignation letter that he could not support the proposals contained within the deal despite being the minister charged with negotiating it, was swiftly followed by Esther McVey, the Work and Pensions Secretary and a selection of other outspoken arch-Brexiters from the European Research Group (ESG), the shadowy subgroup of Conservative MPs who have been pushing for a No-Deal Brexit. Parliamentary Approval Whilst the cabinet has approved the draft deal (although apparently, only just), the Parliamentary arithmetic doesnt look good for the Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer QC, the Shadow Brexit Secretary, has confirmed that the Labour Party will vote against the deal, as will the Liberal Democrats and the nationalist parties. More worrying for the Prime Minster, however, will be the loss of votes on the government benches. Arlene Foster, the DUP party leader, has explicitly rejected the deal, stating that anything which creates a border in the Irish Sea would breach her partys red line of no regulatory divergence with Great Britain. This would also effectively end the confidence and supply arrangement the party has with the Conservatives. Furthermore, the cohort of MPs in the influential ERG are likely to vote against the deal en masse. Whilst the exact membership of the group is unknown, estimates range between forty and eighty MPs; a testy session in Parliament on Thursday saw many well-known ERG members speak out against the deal, berating the Prime Minister for not securing a cleaner break with the EU. Should the Prime Minster fail to gain the support of her Eurosceptic backbenchers, the deal is unlikely to pass through Parliament. What Next? A rejection of the withdrawal agreement would likely see the financial markets react negatively; UK equities would likely suffer and the pound would likely face renewed selling pressure. There are number of scenarios which could conceivably play out: 1. The removal of Theresa May as Prime Minister and the installation of a caretaker Prime Minister; 2. The UK crashing out of the EU with no deal; 3. Parliament forcing the government to re-open negotiations with the EU (although they will likely reject this); 4. A vote of no confidence in the government; 5. A general election; and/or 6. A second referendum. Many of these are premised on the UK extending the Article 50 period, something which would have to be approved unanimously by all 27 remaining member states. However, the negative effects of a no-deal scenario would likely see approval granted subject to certain constraints. What happens next is anyones guess. However, the likely rejection of the withdrawal agreement would see the country face a constitutional crisis unseen for decades. After his now-famous clash with Esteban Ocon during the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and his team claimed that a lot of damage was done to the RB14 which made it impossible for Max to catch up to Lewis Hamilton; but how damaged was the car really? Verstappen's car wasn't absolutely tattooed by the collision with Ocon, but there was some very visible damage to the right side of the RB14. Let's hear what Verstappen himself described the damage as. "The bottom of my car was severely damaged, a part was torn out, we lost 50 points downforce," he told SpeedWeek. "That's huge. Usually we complain to drivers if we lose two or three points. Honestly, I thought my race was over. I had to optimize everything in the vehicle so that I got as much downforce as possible, but it was not ideal." 50 points of downforce, Red Bull's engineers explained, is about ten per cent of the total downforce, which makes all the difference in a sport which is all about the margins. Still, Verstappen got closer and closer to Hamilton with his damaged car, but he was still over a second behind when the checkered flag waved. The fact that Verstappen still got closer shows that tyre management is the most important thing in F1, more than losing a bit of downforce. Verstappen has proved to be an excellent manager of his compounds this season, as no blisters were showing on his supersofts compared to Hamilton's, who were all over the place at the end of the race. Rahul Clears Line For Ponnala? After hectic lobbying, decks seems to have been cleared for the candidature of former Pradesh Congress Committee president and senior leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah from Jangaon assembly constituency in the ensuing assembly elections in Telangana. Lakshmaiah, who has been running around the high command in Delhi, met party president Rahul Gandhi and told him that that he was only BC candidate who contested from the same constituency for four times and the chances of winning would be difficult if it is allotted to any other leader. The seat was allotted to Telangana Jana Samithi as part of Maha Kootami and TJS president Prof M Kodandaram is getting ready for contesting from Jangaon. He even got his campaign ratham ready for the same. Following a call from Rahul, Kodandaram went to the national capital to meet the former. Apparently, Rahul convinced him to sacrifice the seat for Ponnala because of the caste equations. He asked Ponnala to have discussions with Kodandaram and come to an understanding. It is learnt Kodandaram agreed to give up the Jangaon seat to Ponnala, provided he is shown a suitable alternative constituency. In fact, after the formation of Maha Kootami, Kodandaram told the Congress leaders that he would contest from Kothagudem or Warangal East constituencies. But, following discussions over changed political equations, the TJS chief decided to contest from Jangaon. Now, he is forced to give up even Jangaon. It remains to be seen which constituency he would be offered now. In case it is not suitable for him, Kodandaram might even drop out from race and will confine himself to campaigning. Click Here for Latest Direct-to-OTT Releases (List Updates Daily) Bahrain signed an agreement with a Bell Helicopter to buy 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters under a $912 million contract, the country announced at the Barhain International Airshow. A US Marine Corps AH-1Z Zulu attack helicopter (Credit: Bell Helicopter) According to local medias, the first batch of AH-1Z helicopters will be delivered to Bahrain by the end of 2022. In April 2018, Bahrain requested 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 26 T-700 GE 401C engines, 14 AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles, and 56 Advance Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS-II) WGU-59Bs through the US Foreign Military Sales program. This request also includes 15 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) w/Standard Positioning Service (SPS), 12 M197 20mm gun systems, 14 AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, 26 Helmet Mounted Display/Optimized Top Owl, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, 15 APX-117 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), 15 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 15 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Sets, 15 APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, and other related elements of logistics and program support. "This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO ally which is an important security partner in the region. Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force plays a significant role in Bahrain's defense," the DSCA then stated. "Bahrain will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense," the Agency added. The principal contractors will be Bell Helicopter and General Electric Company. The AH-1Z Viper, also called "Zulu Cobra", is a twin-engine attack helicopter. Based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, the Viper features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system. Its two redesigned wing stubs are longer, with each adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launchers. Patria Helicopters AS has received an order for NH90 helicopters heavy maintenance taking place in Bardufoss, Norway as the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO) has released the first option of one year from April 2019 onwards. A RNoAF NH90 helicopter (Credit: Royal Norwegian Air Force) Patria and the NDLO signed an agreement in 2017 on the support of the Norwegian Defence Forces NH90 helicopters maintenance in Bardufoss. The agreement was for two years and included an option for extensions. Estimated value of the agreement, including options, was approximately 100 million NOK. This follow-on order is an important milestone for Patria in Norway as it shows Patrias capability in supporting military programs with cost-effective solutions in long-term and is considered by us as a sign of trust from the customer, says Jukka Holkeri, President of the International Support Partnerships business unit from Patria. Norway had ordered a total of 14 NH90s in 2001. As of today, six of the 14 aircraft had been delivered. GREENWICH Greenwich children who need medical attention will now have better access to top care with the official opening of a new pediatric specialty center and outpatient clinic in town. The office opened in space at 500 W. Putnam Ave. in a collaboration between Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Childrens Hospital. The specialty center can handle allergy issues, cardiology, craniofacial surgery, neurology, respiratory issues, neurosurgery and oncology with top specialists on hand. The clinic can handle 4,500 child patients a year, many of whom will be underinsured or uninsured. Take it from me, Im a grandfather and I love the fact that we have these services right here in Greenwich and my grandchildren have the opportunity to take advantage of it, said Norman Roth, president and CEO of Greenwich Hospital. By teaming with Yale New Haven Hospital, it created the most comprehensive pediatric services in the region. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday night, even though the facilities have been open and seeing patients for a week. The crowd at the ceremony included some special guests patients who have benefitted from the care they received from the Yale New Haven Childrens Hospital. Kristin Updike, a Greenwich mom, took part in the ceremony with her children Grayson, 6, and Harper, 3. Harpers health challenges caused a major burden, but Updike said that working with Yale New Haven and Greenwich Hospital meant so much to the family. To see other families gain access to that care made Updike happy, calling it a gift to the community. The care my children received and the support I received went beyond doctors appointments and office hours, Updike said. I had a team of nurses I could call any time, and I had access to doctors to get us through the scarier times. I remember many late night phone calls and email exchanges, and for that I am forever grateful. Kids will feel comfortable in the new center, with its bright color scheme and art on the walls. There is an interactive video screen in the waiting room, with games and televisions and an area where families can sit down, relax and enjoy a snack. The challenge was to create something bright and light but not childish so older children would feel comfortable there, too, said Cynthia Sparer, Yale New Havens senior vice president of operations and executive director of the childrens hospital. We want kids to still be kids when theyre here, Sparer said. We have what are known as child life specialists. Their job is to gear this toward a particular age range so we can have the right atmosphere for everyone from a toddler to a school age child to an adolescent and beyond. Often times its not just the children who are scared. Parents can be scared to death, too, and we want to be able to meet their needs. Greenwich resident Meg McQuillan attended with her 13-year-old son Luke and 15-year-old daughter Genna. When Luke was 8, a sudden fall led to a diagnosis of a brain tumor. After beating cancer, he is now a thriving student at Eastern Middle School. Luke also gives back with fundraisers for other kids undergoing treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital. The local office will help a lot of families, they said. There were times when not only myself but other families that we met had to go up to Yale in the middle of winter in a snowstorm to get needed life-saving treatment like transfusions and chemotherapy, Meg McQuillan said. That can be disruptive to your whole family and to have it right here is extraordinary. Construction took place over the past year for the $3.5 million project, which was three years in the planning. The partnership between Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven was highlighted throughout the ceremony. This truly is the product of a collaboration, said Sparer. We are able to use the great talent of the doctors and nurses and the rest of the team to bring pediatric, medical and surgical specialists here to Greenwich Hospital. The building was developed by Greenwich Hospital, and we worked together to produce this. Children from around this area and the broader geography, instead of having to travel up to New Haven or go to Manhattan, can see world-class doctors from Yale right here in Greenwich. The doctors will not work in shifts; they are committed to seeing their patients in Greenwich and putting their primary responsibilities in town, Sparer said. Local pediatricians can refer young patients to the doctors in the new office, and families will feel confident receiving care there. The center is one of seven throughout the state for Yale New Haven Hospital. The Greenwich center is based on a model thats worked in Norwalk, New Haven, Old Saybrook and Trumbull, Sparer said. Greenwich Hospital had previously worked with Yale to establish 24/7 pediatric emergency medical care, making it the only hospital in the region with the service. Sparer said there were already 44 Yale physicians working at Greenwich Hospital. Overall, 15 medical and surgical specialties will be a part of the new center. The local office means less travel and less strain on families during difficult times. A child diagnosed with cancer might have to undergo surgery and then go through weeks if not months of chemotherapy, Sparer said. Up until now, that family would have had to travel Interstate 95 to go to get those chemotherapy sessions done, she said. Now we have an infusion center and the oncologists right here in this center. They can get all their chemotherapy right close to home. The new center will serve the entire region. Dana Marnane, vice president of public relations for Greenwich Hospital, said 53 percent of its patients come from Westchester County, N.Y. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Every founder who travels knows how it feels to be stuck at the airport. Theres so much to do at your destination -- but in the meantime -- all you can do is make calls and send emails. Your hands are tied -- or are they? Long airport layovers are not fun, but savvy entrepreneurs know how to turn every challenge into an advantage. Whether youre delayed in Houston or scheduled for a five-hour break in Denver -- use these travel tips to turn any layover into a business opportunity: 1. Flaunt your brand. Airports are filled with people. The longer you stay in one place -- the more people will see you -- your bags and your clothing. Why not take the opportunity to do some marketing? Wear branded clothing, carry branded luggage and give out samples or swag to anyone who gets curious. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, recipients of promotional products keep their gifts for an average of eight months. Rather than sulk at your gate and refresh your emails -- put on a smile and see if anyone wants to talk shop or take hone a small gift. Airport people are busy -- they wont talk to just anyone. To get the right kind of attention youll need to follow the next tip, too. 2. Dont look sloppy. Founders are more connected to the brands of their companies than ever before. When aren't dressed well your company looks bad. Take the time before you fly to pack hygiene and grooming essentials so you can look sharp no matter how long your layover lasts. Sure, its more comfortable to fly in sweats than in a suit, but uou don't have to be in a suit -- just look nice. If you dont have to talk to anyone until the day after you arrive -- you can look like a slob. However, potential connections will treat you with more respect if you look like you're earning it. Even if you plan to throw on headphones and ignore everyone around you -- Psychological Science reports that people who dress better enjoy a cognitive boost. Related: Never Underestimate the Business Advantages of Dressing Well 3. Leave the airport. A two-hour layover doesnt give you enough time to go exploring. Five hours, though, leaves plenty of time to grab an Uber and check out the surrounding area. Have you spoken to any prospects in your layover city? What about your business customers? Call them up and offer to drop by. Dont pop in unannounced -- youll come off as rude at best or desperate at worst. I've also found that a quick lunch meeting face to face helps grow relationships 10x faster than any email could ever do. If youd rather stick to people you know, call up a current client or partner and offer to buy lunch. Small gestures like this can pay off in big ways when contract renewals roll around. Related: Email Is Great But Face-to-Face Meetings Are 34 Times More Successful 4. Play the travel rewards game. If you must travel -- you might as well pay less for the privilege. Credit card rewards programs can combine with your existing loyalty accounts to earn you free flights, higher status, free checked bags, lounge access and all sorts of other perks. Southwest Airlines, for instance, counts the 50,000 points earned by a credit card signup bonus. Use these points towards the 110,000 points required to earn a companion pass for the next year. If you already fly Southwest, but dont travel often enough to earn the perk, consider signing up for either a personal or business credit card. This will earn you free flights for your co-travelers for a full year. Some credit cards offer higher bonuses in the airport or during the flight than they do online. If an agent presents you with an offer -- do a quick Google search to see how it compares to the standard online promotion. Related: What I Learned by Spending $650,000 on My Credit Card Last Month 5. Read When your Wi-Fi is down, it's the worst but gives you some needed relaxation time. Throw on your headphones and dive in to a book. Theres a reason top CEOs make time to read more than 60 books a year -- and its not because theyre all lovers of fiction. Always keep a book or two on you when you travel. You can crack one open during a break and absorb the knowledge of someone you admire. Check out this list of books preferred by billionaires if you arent sure where to start. Your next layover might not be a thrill ride, but it doesnt have to be an unproductive waste of time, either. When your flight gets delayed -- take the opportunity to make good impressions -- educate yourself and find new ways to push yourself (and your company) a little bit further. Related: How to Be Productive During Long (or Short) Airport Layovers How to Find a Deeper 'Why' Expedia Acquires 2 Venture-Backed Hospitality Startups Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved NORWALK Last year, Elizabeth was living in New Haven and looking for ways to escape an abusive relationship. After her daughter was born, she felt even more of a push to break free from her childs father, but the young single mother had no familial support and felt like she had no options. She used Google search in hopes of finding a reprieve and found Malta House, a nonprofit that provides services to pregnant and parenting mothers. Theres a great deal of stigma for a single mother that is financially unstable, she said. Nobody wants to rent a room to a woman with a child. There were several places I applied for and they either told me that they found someone else or that there were different barriers, Elizabeth said. Some people said they flat out wouldnt accept a Section 8 tenant. Elizabeth lived at Malta House for 16 months before she transitioned into her own apartment on Friday morning. Malta House is at 5 Prowitt St. In January, it start a fundraising campaign to move into a larger home by 2020, with 15 beds instead of 10. It is the only home for pregnant women older than 18 in Fairfield County, and its one of few programs for young homeless mothers and their babies. The idea for the nonprofit came from a young father who, in 1998, felt there werent enough services for homeless and pregnant women. The mission is to provide hope for life to new and expectant mothers and babies. Malta House has served more than 500 mothers and their babies since its founding, said Carey Dougherty, director of development and strategy. No homeless pregnant mother in need should be turned away. Each year in Connecticut, there are more than 300 births to unmarried women aged 18 to 24 who are living below the poverty line and having their first or second child, according to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. About 80 percent of women who request housing are put on a waiting list, according to 211. Malta House has five full-time staff, two childcare workers and five resident advisers. In addition to free childcare, it offers GED, parenting, budgeting, banking, child development and cooking courses, free diapers and formula, clothing and group counseling sessions. Through its separate outreach program it gives diapers, wipes and baby formula to 200 economically disadvantaged families in Norwalk. As the need for services continues to increase, Malta Houses new home will help it serve more women. Malta House is starting a campaign to raise money for it January. Dougherty said she hopes the organization will move by 2020. Malta House has an exodus program, which supports mothers after they move out. Its a big transition, Dougherty said. Our whole program is trying to give them a hand up, not a handout. Malta House will turn 20 on Dec. 8. It doesnt get state or federal funding. Financial support comes from individuals and private and corporate foundations. To donate to Malta Houses new home or to its year-end giving campaign, visit www.maltahouse.org. The war in Yemen, and the humanitarian crisis it has inflamed, is usually thought of as Saudi-led and controlled. But the reality is more complicated, and involves a major role by the United Arab Emirates. That's why a meeting in Abu Dhabi this week between the leader of the U.A.E. and the heads of the main Sunni Islamist political party in Yemen is a dramatic development, and could be a crucial step toward ending the war. The conflict has killed at least 10,000 people, put millions under threat of starvation, worsened the global refugee crisis, and divided Arab governments from each other and from their allies in the West. Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. intervened jointly in Yemen in 2015 in response to the takeover by Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the capital, Sanaa, along with large amounts of territory. Since then, though, the conflict has diverged into two separate but overlapping campaigns. The Saudis and their Yemeni allies are concentrating their efforts in the north of the country and are mainly opposing the Houthis. That's where the war has turned into a desperate quagmire. But in the south, the U.A.E. and its more effective Yemeni allies have largely driven out Houthi forces and have been concentrating on a counterinsurgency against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State, often in coordination with U.S. special forces. A key ideological division has emerged between the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia in how to end the conflict. The U.A.E. is categorically opposed to all forms of political Islam. Saudi Arabia detests the terrorist groups and is wary of most Islamist parties, but is not as rigid as the Emirates. In particular, Riyadh has been willing to work with the Yemeni party al-Islah, which is associated with the oldest and most established Islamist network in the Middle East, the Muslim Brotherhood, because they share an uncompromising antipathy towards the Houthis and their Iranian backers. The Saudis think al-Islah's cooperation can help stabilize the situation, especially in the northern parts of the country where the kingdom is most influential. And they're optimistic about al-Islah's claim to be part of a post-Islamist wave of religiously-oriented political groups that are getting rid of the revolutionary, conspiratorial and transnational aspects of Islamism and re-emerging as law-abiding conservative nationalists. The U.A.E., by contrast, has continued to view al-Islah and all Brotherhood-oriented parties with suspicion, and dismisses any claims about a post-Islamist tendency as opportunistic hypocrisy. But as pressure from the West increases on Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., the coalition's leaders are clearly trying to think through an exit strategy. Saudi Arabia has been pressing the U.A.E. to join Riyadh in putting aside doubts about al-Islah and working with the group to craft a domestic political alternative to Houthi domination. So when al-Islah Chairman Mohammed Abdullah al-Yidoumi and Secretary-General Abdulwahab Ahmad al-Anisi suddenly appeared in Abu Dhabi this week to meet with the de facto ruler of the U.A.E., Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, something significant was going on. After all, bin Zayed could have met al-Islah leaders quietly if he wanted to. Indeed, relatively senior Emirati officials have sat down with Yemeni Islamists in Saudi Arabia on more than one occasion over the past two years in response to prodding by Riyadh. But on this occasion, the senior U.A.E. leader met publicly in his own capital with the heads of the Yemeni Muslim Brotherhood group and publicized it aggressively on all forms of media, including through his own Twitter account, complete with pictures and mainly in Arabic. The message was not primarily aimed at Washington, but at regional neighbors and his own domestic audience. It was intended to show Saudi Arabia that the U.A.E. is serious about helping Riyadh work with al-Islah to stabilize those parts of Yemen in which its influence predominates, and possibly to signal a willingness to cooperate with the group in Emirati areas of influence as well. There's every reason to hope that this is a signal that both the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia are seeking a way to get out of Yemen, as Washington and most of the world are increasingly demanding. - - - Ibish is a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. YANGON, Myanmar - A memo sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last summer gave the greenlight for a tough U.S. response to systematic slayings and mass expulsions against Myanmar's minority Rohingya Muslim population. Key bureaus inside Foggy Bottom signed off on the memo's conclusion: Myanmar's military and its allies committed "crimes against humanity" in a series of actions documented in a State Department report, over a year in the making. Such a declaration would have been a powerful warning shot to Myanmar's leaders and military, signaling that the United States would side with other nations calling for harsh punishments that could include international prosecution. It also would have marked a turning point in U.S. policy toward Myanmar, after largely celebrating its gradual steps toward democracy since 2011. But the recommendations in the August memo did not ultimately become U.S. policy, according to several people familiar with the process. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. There was no determination of "crimes against humanity." The State Department assessment was held back and a summary was quietly released in late September - a month after the United Nations took the lead in calling for possible prosecution against Myanmar's generals. Now, months later, major questions persist over Pompeo's handling of the Myanmar report, a $1.4 million undertaking. A bipartisan push in Congress seeks to obtain the full version of the report and get explanations on why Pompeo did not follow the memo's recommendation for a "crimes against humanity" designation. At the State Department, meanwhile, officials have initiated a diplomatic security investigation seeking to identify the person who leaked to a Politico reporter details of the deliberations on the "crimes against humanity" label, said the people familiar with the process. A State Department spokesman declined to comment on the leak investigation or the internal memo. Myanmar and its de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, faced strong pressure at regional summits this week in Singapore, where some in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations pushed on the rushed return of refugees from Bangladesh and finding a solution to the crisis there. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday took direct aim at Suu Kyi, saying she was trying to "defend the indefensible" over the Rohingya abuses. A day later, Vice President Pence, in a tense meeting with Suu Kyi, said that violence against the Rohingya was "without excuse" and pressed her on accountability for those responsible - the most senior U.S. official to meet the Myanmar leader since the crisis. Still, Pence and other officials have shied away from labels like "crimes against humanity" that could force the United State to act more strongly - giving Myanmar continued breathing room at a critical time. Inside the State Department, meanwhile, regional specialists and human rights experts grimaced at what they viewed as a missed opportunity for the United States to throw its full weight behind growing international denunciations of Myanmar for the abuses, which drove out more than 700,000 Rohingya to refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh. The report, packed with damning details, was ready to go Aug. 17, the same day the United States sanctioned Myanmar generals and military units responsible for the atrocities. Its delay and quiet after-hours release over a month later launched another round of criticism of the Trump administration as unpredictable and erratic on human rights issues on the global stage. In late August, a United Nations fact-finding mission found that Myanmar's campaign against the Rohingya bore the hallmarks of genocide and called for military generals to be investigated and prosecuted. Following the U.N. report, Canada's legislature in September voted unanimously to call the actions there genocide, and the European Union is considering removing Myanmar from a preferential trade status. The United States, however, has struggled to define its position on Myanmar and decide on action to take in response. The part of the State Department report made public - a 20-page executive summary released after hours on Sept. 24 - does not hold back. It noted a "pattern of planning and premeditation," punching holes in Myanmar's narrative that it was simply responding to attacks by Rohingya militants. Almost half of the Rohingya interviewed witnessed rape, and almost all witnessed killings. "In some areas, perpetrators used tactics that resulted in mass casualties, for example, locking people in houses to burn them, fencing off entire villages before shooting into the crowd, or sinking boats full of hundreds of fleeing Rohingya," the report said. Still, some lawmakers demand to see the full report, not just the executive summary. Rights groups, meanwhile, complain that it fails to spell out any next steps against Myanmar's leaders. "While the facts of the State Department investigation are strong, what's missing is a clear indication of how the U.S. government intends to respond," said Sarah Margon, Washington director at Human Rights Watch. In a rare bipartisan initiative, Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Robert Menendez, D-N.J., have taken the lead in calling for more answers from the Trump administration. In late September, the two senators sent a letter to Pompeo noting that the State Department report "did not specifically define these atrocities as genocide or crimes against humanity." It went on to request a formal legal determination regarding the "actions of the Burmese military to Congress without delay," using another name for the country. The State Department has not yet responded to the letter, a committee aide said. When asked about why the report included no determination on crimes against humanity, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan told reporters in September that "there weren't legal judgments expressed in it because that wasn't the point of the report." "It was basically a forensic examination of what happened," he said. Several people familiar with the report, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media, speculated that Pompeo was upset by a leak of a speech intended to coincide with the report's planned release in August and that it prompted him to cancel the rollout. The same day the report was released, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, announced $185 million in aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and those who remain in Myanmar. Haley announced on Oct. 9 that she would be resigning from her post by the end of the year. Some congressional aides attributed the change of State Department thinking to national security adviser John Bolton's hard-line opposition to the International Criminal Court. The United States is among several dozen nations, including China, India and Israel, that do not recognize the ICC, based in The Hague. If the United States had formally accused Myanmar of crimes against humanity, Washington would have come under pressure to refer the allegations to the ICC through a U.N. Security Council resolution. "It would've put the administration in an awkward position, that it's okay for the ICC to go after Burma but not the United States," said a congressional aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss government deliberations. Myanmar is also known as Burma. A State Department spokesman denied the United States had stumbled, pointing to Pompeo's call for Myanmar to take "concrete steps" to investigate the human rights abuses chronicled in the U.S. and U.N. reports. "The United States will continue to work with our allies and partners to help promote . . . justice for victims, and [ensure] that those responsible for mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities are held accountable," the spokesman said. - Hudson reported from Washington. Nokia will fly fans to its next event to celebrate its new Community site Nokia is extending an exclusive invitation to its fans to come join it in person for its upcoming December 5 event in Dubai. Under the pretext of the launch of its new Community forum, Nokia Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas asks that fans leave a comment in the thread over at Nokia's Community page. A lucky few will then be selected for a 48 hour round trip to Dubai. It's still a thing of mystery what Nokia will unveil at its December 5 event. We have our hopes to finally see a true Nokia flagship - hopefully in the form of the penta-cam Nokia 9. Rumors also points to a possible Nokia 8.1 unveiling. Source Haiti - Cap-Haitien : Death threats against deputy mayors Yvrose Pierre and Ezai Lefrant, the deputy mayors of the city of Cap-Haitien, denounce death threats for unconfessed reasons, which thay are the subject for a week. Recall that last November 11 Audelyn Lefrant, (33 years), the son of the Deputy Mayor was murdered with machetes in the suburbs of Conassa at the gate of the city. According to Ezai Lefrant they are the same individuals who threaten him with death. For her part, Deputy Mayor Yvrose Pierre indicates that unidentified individuals fired in front of her home on November 11 and she fears for her life. Recall that last October 17, individuals have tried to set fire to the mayor of Cap-Haitien... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25676-haiti-flash-bandits-attack-a-road-workers-team-in-cap-haitien.html TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : Inauguration of a training center in clothing technology This week in the presence of Haitian and foreign officials was held the inauguration of the Training Center in Apparel Technology of Industrial Park of Caracol, a joint initiative of the Government of Haiti and that of South Korea. It's the Korean government that, through its agency Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) fully financed the construction of the building and the acquisition of equipment to the tune of $3.6 million. Recall that in 2017, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Commerce, KOICA and the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) entrusting it with the technical and operational management of the Training Center of the Park of Caracol for an initial period of 24 months. The activities of the Center are financed with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance from a fund of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) managed by the Technical Implementation Unit (UTE). Note that this Center is the second of its kind to be managed by the ADIH after the launch last year of the TASC Textile Training Center at the Metropolitan Industrial Park (public-private partnership, through the Local Business Strengthening Project). and the "LEVE" Value Chain, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) where several hundred young people have been trained https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23467-haiti-economy-inauguration-of-a-training-center-for-the-textile-sector.html HL/ HaitiLibre By Emily Mayer The election was over, but the slugfest continued. Much to the disappointment of the Havre Plaindealer, Republican candidates backed by the Non-Partisan League won both sheriff, that being Matthew McLain, and county attorney, that being C. R. Stranahan. W. B. Rhoades squeaked out his bid for District 18 judge, winning by 151 votes. But some serious damage had been done. Regular readers of this column will recall a couple of weeks ago, there was a legal publication in the Nov. 2, 1918, Plaindealer accusing the Rev. E. J. Huston of libel over a circular he had written and was paid for and circulated by the Non-Partisan League. Huston stated L. C. Trump shined up Glasss lamp, to which Trump declared is false and untrue, as the said L. C. Trump has never had any altercations, trouble, fight or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever with the said George W. Glass. Trump, I believe, was a local railroader (Ill get back to readers on that one, I did a little checking because I was curious of the name) and the clerk of the district court, G. W. Glass, who would remain in this position as his office was not up for election in 1918. W. B. Rhoades was also a target in the circular, titled The Black Record of the Havre Gang, of which the Rev. Huston could prove every assertion made by him in the publication, and County Attorney Griggs says that he will give him an opportunity to do so in the district court. Huston wasnt the only one facing the charge of political criminal libel. L. E. Brady (or Boss Brady as the Plaindealer liked to call him) and Walter Wiese, both of Gildford, Axel Olsson of Joplin (who ran for public administrator and won), Henry Kurtz of Chester and Havre attorney O. G. Larson were also being charged with the same felony. The circular contained false statements and charges reflecting upon the morality character and integrity of W. B. Rhoades and It is also alleged that the publication was made without serving a copy upon W. B. Rhoades at least 15 days before its publication as required by the corrupt practices act. The corrupt practices act makes this crime a felony and the penalty upon conviction is from one to three years in the state penitentiary. All this was found in the Nov. 9, 1918 edition of the Plaindealer. The following week Nov. 16, 1918, the Plaindealer ran a lengthy column continuing the saga. Not only was Reverend Huston putting up his dukes with W. B. Rhoades, he was also taking jabs at Reverend L. J. Christler, minister of St. Marks Episcopal Church, and Rev. P. H. Case, minister of the Presbyterian Church. Huston was minister of the Methodist Church. He challenged them to prove his allegations were untrue, but if they were true, Huston would pay them $200, to which both ministers accepted the challenge but waived the sum, instead stating it should go to the United War Fund. The two then went to all attorneys in Hill and Blaine counties to ask them if they thought the allegations were true. Of the 24 attorneys between the two counties, 18 said the allegations were not true, none voted yes, and five refused to answer. According to the Plaindealer: In the interim, the Rev. Huston evidentially learned that the legal profession were signing up against him, came out with another statement and German-like in his diplomacy, tried to place other conditions upon his challenge, by asking that the Rev. Christler and Rev. Case meet him in his study to arrange for further conditions. However, this request was not complied with in view of the fact that the conditions of the original challenge were very clear and did not call for the arrangement of any further conditions. The issue was squarely met, the legal profession showed no hesitancy in voting upon the matter and by an overwhelming vote declared for Judge Rhoades, there by repudiating the charges made by the Rev. Huston in his famous Black Record of the Havre Gang circular, as false. The public wait with considerable interest to see whether or not the Rev. Huston makes his word good and pays over the $200.00 to the United War Fund. Those refusing to vote were H. S. Kline, R. E. Hammond (candidate against Rhoades), W. B. Sands, F. N. Utter and C. R. Stranahan. O. G. Larson could not be found when the two ministers arrived at his office. The column concludes A feature of the incident which was especially noticeable to the decent and respectable people of Havre was the insulting, undignified, and unministerial attitude taken by the Rev. Huston in the matter and the dignified and professional attitude assumed by Rev. Christler and Rev. Case who state in so far as they are now concerned the incident is closed. In other election news. Mrs. R. X. Lewis, Republican candidate for Hill County clerk and recorder, failed in her bid for office, with John H. Devine retaining his position. The count was 2,991 for Devine and 1,070 for Lewis. She was a pioneer nonetheless, with she as the first woman to run for a county office outside that of county superintendent of schools. For which the incumbent, Laura Lovett, was trounced by challenger Elizabeth Ireland in one of the most unbalanced results of the ballot 674 for Lovett, 3,429 for Ireland. Because of the war news and local bickering, a couple of other issues have been overlooked, those being the Spanish flu epidemic and the deaths of two of Havres pioneers. More war and Spanish flu news will be the subject of next weeks column. But I would be remiss not to include the announcements of the deaths of two of Havres pioneers. In the Nov. 2, 1918, edition of the Plaindealer, it was announced August DesCelles had passed away. Here is the column in its entirety: HAVRE PIONEER DIES IN CALIFORNIA HOME August DesCelles Came in Days of Buffalo and Indians Word has been received here of the passing away of August Des Celles, which occurred in California on the 27th of October, 1918. Mr. Des Celles was the pioneer resident of Havre, having originally owned the townsite of Havre. Mr. DesCelles came to the country long before the days of the railroad, when the buffalo and the Indians held almost undisputed sway. Whole soul, liberal and public spirited citizen, he was loved by all who knew him, and was familiarly known by all his old acquaintances as Gus. He lived the three score years and ten allotted to man and up to a few months ago resided in Havre the past thirty years. His remains were interred in California where he had recently purchased a home and where he resided with his wife, Mrs. DesCelles, to pass his few declining years. He is survived by his wife and by his son, August Des Celles, Jr. who resides in Harlem. The following week, in the Nov. 16, 1918 edition of the Plaindealer, came the announcement another pioneer had gone to his great reward. Here is the column in its entirety, complete with misspelling: HAVRE PIONEER LAID TO REST IN CALVARY The funeral services over the remains of Louis Shambo, the Havre pioneer, who had died in this city Monday, was held from the Kay undertaking parlors Tuesday. Rev. Father Sullivan conducting the same, and interment was made in Calvary cemetery. Louis Shambo was born in Graceville, Minn., in 1846, and was one of the greatest scouts blazing the trail to civilization known to the west. Hew as a government scout and guide with General Miles during the time of the capture of Chief Joseph in the Bear Paw mountains district in 1876. After this he served in the capacity of scout and interpreter for the government. He was a special friend of General Pershing in the early 90s at Fort Assinniboine in his official capacity of interpreter and government scout. Shambo was very reticent in his demeanor, silent and reserved, friends only in his reminiscent mood could get him to divulge his experiences of the early days. Volumes could be written of private history related in his personal experience. He lived as a boy among the Chippewas of Minnesota, grew to manhood among the manners and customs of the aborigfines, graduated in the school of frontier life, thus becoming a valuable servant to the government in later years as one of the most valiant and reliable scouts that this country has ever known. He is survived by this daughter, Mrs. Maggie Burch, and a son Edward Shambo, both of Dodson. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said today that test results from three deer harvested in Blaine County have come back positive for chronic wasting disease. The deer were harvested within the 2018 priority surveillance area, which includes the northern half of Blaine County. FWP said Blaine County north of U.S. Highway 2 has been designated a CWD-positive area due to the test results. Liberty County already had that designation after a deer harvested in the northern part of the county in 2017 tested positive and a deer harvested in southern Liberty County tested positive this month. FWP has notified the hunters who submitted the samples, the agency said. To prevent the spread of CWD to other portions of Montana, the brain and spinal column of deer, elk or moose harvested within either CWD-positive area cannot be transported outside of the associated transport restriction zone, or TRZ, which included Toole, Liberty and Hill counties and has been expanded to include Blaine and Phillips counties after this latest detection. Hunters are not to leave the expanded TRZ with whole deer, elk or moose carcasses from either CWD-positive area but should consider processing the animal within the TRZ or only removing quarters and deboned meat with no spinal column or head attached, FWP said. The agency also said hunters need to be aware that, because of this new detection of CWD, FWP is relying on collecting more samples from the area to determine disease prevalence among the deer population and its potential distribution. This information is critical for FWP in developing a plan for managing the disease. Before last year, the only animal detected with CWD in Montana was in a game farm near Philipsburg in 1999. Last year, in addition to the deer harvested in Liberty County, several animals harvested Carbon County also tested positive for the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters who harvest deer, elk and moose in CWD-positive areas have the meat tested before consumption. Although there is no known transmission of CWD to humans, the World Health Organization and the CDC recommend not consuming meat from an animal known to be infected with CWD. FWP said it would like hunters who harvest deer, elk or moose within the priority surveillance area, which includes the Hi-Line from the Blackfeet Reservation to the North Dakota border and HDs 210, 212 and 217 in western Montana, to submit the animals for CWD testing. This can be done by visiting surveillance area check stations, which are open on weekends, or by contacting or visiting the FWP regional office in Great Falls at 406-454-5840, Glasgow at 406-228-3700, Havre at 265-6177, Missoula at 406-542-5500, or Billings at 406-247-2940 during the week. As a reminder, the head of the animal is needed for testing. The standard test is to look at an animals retropharyngeal lymph nodes or brainstem for evidence of CWD. Check station locations that will sample for CWD are: Glasgow Malta Hunters can also bring animals into the Havre and Glasgow offices during the week Laurel Chester Shelby Great Falls office during the week South of Hall South of Phillipsburg. This Thanksgivings fundraising campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line will have an extra incentive with aspirations of another expansion to the facility. Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line Resource Director Carrie Aageson said they have plans to increase their own transportation to and from the facility. What we found out is the kids in the housing projects arent coming, HELP Committee Executive Director Krista Solomon said. So we had meetings over there, and we met with families and we said, Well give you free memberships if that will help. They said, Thats not the problem; the problem is the ride home at the end of the day. Club Director Tim Brurud said the interviews were conducted with the families in August. The club has 360 kids signed up as members, he added. Solomon said the club has a partnership with Havre Public Schools in which the district drops off the kids at the Boys & Girls Club after school, but some parents still may have trouble picking up their kids. This years Festival of Trees will focus on raising funds to fix this issue. The club is hoping to raise enough money to build a garage for its bus, Solomon said. Aageson added they already have one full-time bus driver and are in the process of adding two more drivers. The Festival of Trees is in its 11th year and will feature 16 uniquely designed trees that come with various gifts. Attendees can bid on the trees in the auction. They also can play the Five Golden Rings game, for a chance to win five rings from Heirloom Jewelry and J.M. Donovan Designs in Fine Jewelry valued at more than $5,000, Solomon said. Our donors who put those trees together spend just an unbelievable amount of time and money putting those together to help support the club, she added. All items available for auction are based of the festivals theme which, is 12 days of Christmas, Solomon said. Staff member Krystal Steinmetz said each donor picks their tree theme and decorates accordingly. Karen Vosen, coming off of having quilts selected once again for showing in an international festival, is donating a quilt to the festival for the 10th year. The quilt will be sold in a reverse auction. Aageson said that in a reverse auction, an item starts out at the maximum bid and then starts to get lower and lower. She added that it also works like a raffle in that every dollar amount equates to a certain number of tickets for the auction. Say for instance $5,000, she said. So if we get a bidder for $5,000, for this particular event, that bidder will have 50. So a ticket per every $100. That person would have 50 chances to win that raffle item. Then the auctioneer will go down to maybe like $4,500, $3,000 or $3,500 and get as many people in at each of those amounts. All of that money goes in. Its cumulative. Vosen, who this year had two quilts juried in for selection at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, has been making quilts for the event for 10 of the 11 years. Vosen said she likes making the quilts for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line because her own children went there, and she likes the work the club does. The Festival of Trees is the signature fundraising event for the year Aageson said. Solomon said that last years festival raised about $60,000. Aageson said that some of the alumni from the Boys & Girls Club come back to attend the festival to help out and talk about what the club has helped them to accomplish. Solomon added they are in the process of creating an alumni group to help former members keep in touch. The festival provides a good opportunity for people from the community to come in and see the Boys & Girls Clubs facilities and see the services that the staff provides, Aageson said. Aageson added that people who attend the auction will have a chance to cast a vote for their favorite tree design to be awarded the Peoples Choice award. Staff members of Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Line said they would like to thank the community and the donors for all their support throughout the years. Havre Police Department Jacob James Bauer of Havre, 36, was issued a summons on a charge of partner or family member assault after a 15th Avenue caller reported a disturbance Thursday at 11:46 a.m. -- A caller at a First Street West business Thursday at 12:24 p.m. reported a theft. -- A juvenile at Havre Middle School was issued a summons on a tobacco violation reported from the school at 4:10 p.m. Thursday. -- Someone stopped at the police station Thursday at 6:15 p.m. asking to speak with an officer about a past assault. -- Jesse Lee Schoening of Havre, 29, was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer or other public servant and probation violation, after a Havre area caller reported a possible probation violation Thursday at 11:10 p.m. -- An arrest was made this morning after a 4:59 a.m. caller at a First Street West business reported an intoxicated man. No details on the charges were provided. Hill County Sheriff's Office Gary Clayton Standingchief Jr. was arrested on a probation violation charge after a deputy investigated suspicious activity on U.S. Highway 2 East near the former outdoor movie theater Thursday at 11:07 a.m. -- A caller at North Star School reported suspicious graffiti at 12:32 p.m. Thursday. -- Thursday at 2:28 p.m. a caller at a U.S. Highway 2 West business reported a theft, forger or fraud. -- A Fifth Street North caller reported suspicious activity at 3:19 p.m. Thursday. -- An arrest was made after callers at 4:56, 5:18 and 5:51 p.m. reported an erratic driver on U.S. Highway 2. No details were provided on the charges. -- A caller at 11:03 p.m. Thursday asked for a well-being check of someone on Second Street Northwest. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical personnel responded to four calls Thursday. Havre Animal Shelter The Havre shelter this morning held two medium-hair cats, one short hair cat and one long-hair cat all of unknown gender; one short-hair female cat and one long-hair female cat; and five 8-week-old kittens were being fostered until adoption. -- 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 21-week-old puppy, a male Labrador retriever dog, a male mixed-breed 11-week-old puppy, a female mixed-breed 9-month-old puppy, a male Labrador retriever-border collie 26-week-old puppy, a female mixed-breed 11-month-old puppy and a female Australian shepherd-German shepherd dog. Reward for high school threat info upped to $900 Havre Police Department announced Havre/Hill County Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to $900 for information on a threat discovered in Havre High School. Todays announcement comes the day after a threat was found in North Star High School in Rudyard. The threat discovered Thursday in Rudyard, written on a high school lab wall, said a shooting would occur Wednesday, Hill County Sheriff Jamieson Ross said this morning. As it was found after the fact, it was determined not to be credible. In a letter to the parents of North Star students, Superintendent Bart Hawkins said th... Genesis 2: 2 - 3 Out our way, one learns to take the time to do it right and sometimes that means slowing down and tsking a rest. Charlie and I, if we were riding in rough country on a hot day, knew that now and then we needed to give Doc and Jet a rest if we expected them to make it through the rest of the day. We didnt mind having some time off as well, although the horses really did all the work. For Charlie and me, pushing cows was not a daily thing maybe only once or twice a month except when things got really busy. Same was true of our mounts. Truth be known, we were all a bit out of sh... ShareBar Comments must be on-topic and civil in tone (with no name calling or personal attacks). Any promotional language or urls will be removed immediately. Your comment may be edited for clarity and length. Growing up with dogs is linked to a lower risk of asthma, especially if the dogs are female, a new study from Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University in Sweden shows. However, the researchers found no relation between allergy friendly breeds and a lower risk of asthma. The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. Earlier studies have demonstrated a link between growing up with dogs and a lower risk of childhood asthma, but it has not been known whether this association is modified by dog characteristics. In this new study, the researchers have interrogated how variables such as sex, breed, number of dogs or size of dog are associated with the risk of asthma and allergy amongst children raised in a home with a dog during their first year of life. The sex of the dog can affect the amount of allergens released, and we know that uncastrated male dogs express more of a particular allergen than castrated dogs and female dogs, says Tove Fall, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Sciences Molecular Epidemiology at Uppsala University, who led the study with Professor Catarina Almqvist Malmros at Karolinska Institutet. Moreover, some breeds are described anecdotally as hypoallergenic or allergy friendly and are said to be more suitable for people with allergies, but there is no scientific evidence for this. Over 23 000 children born in Sweden The study included all children born in Sweden from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2004 who had a dog in their home for the first year of life (23,600 individuals). Data from the Swedish population and health data registries were linked anonymously to two dog-owner registries from the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Kennel Club. The dogs were classified by sex, breed, number, size and alleged hypoallergenicity. The researchers then studied the relationship between the dogs characteristics and the risk of asthma and allergy diagnosis or the prescription of asthma or allergy drugs at the age of six. The statistical analyses controlled for all known confounders that could affect the risk of developing asthma or allergies, such as parental asthma/allergy, geographical location and number of siblings. Their results showed that the prevalence of asthma at age six was 5.4 per cent. Children with only female dogs at home had a 16 per cent lower risk of asthma than those raised with male dogs. However, living with a male dog did not correlate with a higher risk than living with no dog at all. Children living with two or more dogs had a 21 per cent lower risk of asthma than those who only lived with one dog. Hypoallergenic breeds associated with higher risk of allergy Children of parents with asthma/allergies more often had breeds described as hypoallergenic than children of parents without asthma/allergies 11.7 per cent versus 7.6 per cent. Exposure to these breeds was associated with a 27 per cent higher risk of allergy but no increased risk of asthma. The likely explanation for this higher risk is that families with a history of allergy to furred pets more often choose these dogs, and also that allergy friendly dogs do not in fact release less allergens, says Catarina Almqvist Malmros, Professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet and Consultant at Astrid Lindgren Childrens Hospital. The finding should be treated with caution as we can say nothing about any actual causality, she continues. More studies are needed to monitor differences over time, measure the risk of allergies using biomarkers, and take account of the microflora. Facts: The study was financed with grants from the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Initiative for Research on Microdata in the Social And Medical Sciences (SIMSAM), Agria, Forte, the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (Formas), the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, Stockholm County Council (ALF funding) and the Strategic Research Programme in Epidemiology (SFO-epi) at Karolinska Institutet. Publication: Dog characteristics and future risk of asthma in children growing up with dogs. Tove Fall, Sara Ekberg, Cecilia Lundholm, Fang Fang and Catarina Almqvist. Scientific Reports, online 15 November 2018. Uppsala University New research from The University of Queensland has found non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals can significantly promote the spread of antibiotic resistance via bacterial mating. A study led by Dr Jianhua Guo from UQs Advanced Water Management Centre said while antibiotics were known to promote antibiotic resistance, it wasnt known if non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals could also increase bacterial conjugation. Bacterial conjugation is the exchange of genetic material between bacterial cells by direct cell-to-cell contact or by a bridge-like connection between two cells, he said. Its believed bacterial conjugation, or bacterial mating, is one of the major pathways to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Recently, we started wondering if non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals such as carbamazepine a prescription drug used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain can accelerate the transmission of antibiotic resistance through bacterial conjugation. More than 1,000 tons of carbamazepine is consumed worldwide each year. It can accumulate and remain in various environments for years because of its resistance to biodegradation. UQ PhD student Yue Wang said the research found carbamazepine significantly enhanced the bacterial conjugation not only within the same bacterial species, but also across bacterial genera. This discovery provides strong evidence that carbamazepine at environmentally relevant concentrations directly promotes the transfer of multi-antibiotic resistance genes, Dr Guo said. Further work is required to investigate if similar effects have been caused by carbamazepine in human gut microbiota. The discovery, along with previous studies by the group on triclosan and fluoxetine, is a warning to re-evaluate the potential roles of non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to public health globally with approximately 700,000 people a year dying from antimicrobial-resistant infections. The finding coincides with World Antibiotic Awareness Week, which aims to increase global awareness of antibiotic resistance. The study has been published in The ISME Journal (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-018-0275-x). AWMC researchers Ji Lu, Dr Likai Mao, Professor Zhiguo Yuan and Dr Philip Bond were also involved in the study, which was funded by the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship, and the UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards. The University of Queensland Mike's expands next door, adding beer, evening hours Mike's on Main has expanded into the old Flat Rock Ciderworks space and now serves beer along Mike's menu at night. At Mikes on Main, where you get a hefty side of nostalgia with your burger and fries, diners sometimes want to order a beer. I say, Ive got root beer, said Aubrey Hollar, a partner in the old Justus Pharmacy space at 303 N. Main St. Now I can say I got it. Mikes on Main has expanded next door, into the space that Flat Rock Ciderworks had occupied since 2016, and is now serving hard cider, craft beer and wine along with the entire Mikes on Main menu, plus chicken wings. Were leaving same atmosphere there, said Hollar, a retired State Highway Patrol trooper who was stationed in Hendersonville and Asheville. Weve added several different craft beers and more premium wine and the main thing is you can get Mikes on Main food over there. A new sign is scheduled to go up soon and a new awning is on order. Pattys been looking to get that building since she gave it up with the arcade, he said of co-owner Patty Adamic. When I joined as her partner in April we discussed opening something like that upstairs. When we heard Jim (Sparks) was going to be giving up his lease, we contacted Stuart Rubin, the owner of the building, and of course he was excited to lease us the building. The two restaurants will share a kitchen and patrons can order off the same menu except that Mikes 305 will offer cold deli plates after 8 p.m. The new space also has added chicken wings. This week its advertising barbecue, mango habanero, Buffalo, Hawaiian spicy mango and Carolina reaper (hot!) at 10 for $8.95. Hollar plans to upgrade the wine selection with premium selections in addition to a house wine, priced at $6.50 a glass. The owners also plan to add a 100-inch TV screen for ballgames. Otherwise, they plan to keep the decor of old wood, historic apple crates and vintage signs. They plan to add more taps to the 12 existing ones and will stock bottles and cans for an even greater variety of porters, IPAs, ales and other craft beers. Mike's 305 will still serve as the taproom for Flat Rock Ciderworks' hard cider. We already had a good Saturday, Hollar said this week. They plan live music on weekends. His son, Dean, will manage Mikes 305. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Berketex Bridals store in the Jervis Centre and the notice in the window A bride-to-be was left in tears after discovering on social media that the shop she ordered her 1,500 wedding dress from had suddenly closed its doors. Berketex Bridal, a UK chain with a store in the Jervis Shopping Centre, announced on Tuesday that its 12 outlets would close with "immediate effect". Katie Devereux (25), from Clondalkin, was one of hundreds of brides who bought from the chain, and had no idea it had gone into administration before reading a notice online. "It was my instant dream dress when I bought it in June," she said. Sobbed "It was the only dress I tried on. I went and had a think about it, but I couldn't get it out of my head. "When my mam showed me the news on Facebook, I just sobbed. "I thought maybe it was just in the UK, but as I continued reading I felt this pit in my stomach." Katie, who will marry her fiance David Lynch next April, said she did not hear anything from the Dublin store, so went on to the Berketex website to check the news. "I emailed them as soon as I found out and they got back to me," she said. "I was told if it was paid in full they could try to sort the dress, and deposits on a bank card might come back through the provider. "But as I paid my deposit in cash I was added to a creditors' list." Katie put down a deposit of 400, which has been lost now that the company is in administration. "That's a lot of money this side of Christmas," she said. "It seems so stupid to cry about a dress, but I'd been originally told it takes the guts of a year for your dress to be made and come into the shop. That's where my panic came from. "I really feel for girls in worse situations than mine. "I was lucky I saw the news online or I would've presumed my dress was fine. "I just felt sorry for the staff that worked there. They were all so lovely and left in the dark." A statement from Berketex Bridal said the company had closed all its outlets. It apologised to customers affected by the sudden closure and advised them to contact a helpline for updates. Protection "A notice of intention to app-oint administrators was filed on November 9 in the High Court of Justice," the statement said. "This provides protection for the company from the actions of its creditors, meaning no enforcement action should be taken in recovery of liabilities without leave of court." With her big day coming up, Katie did not want to leave it any longer to find a replacement dress. She went shopping with her mother on Wednesday and found a new dress similar to the one she had chosen. "They asked me if I wanted to put down a deposit or pay in full and bring it home on the day, so I paid in full," said Katie. "I couldn't leave it behind this time after all this." A medical secretary caught burgling a hospital to steal prescriptions had become addicted to sleeping tablets while trying to deal with the "gruesome" killing of her mother. Kym Dunleavy developed a 20-tablet a day dependency after her brother James (41) was jailed for beheading and dismembering their mother Philomena (66) in 2013. Blanchardstown District Court heard she had been unable to cope following the "gruelling ordeal" of the trial and the tablets "changed her personality". Judge David McHugh jailed Dunleavy for six months. Dunleavy (44), of St Joseph's Place, Dublin 7, admitted multiple counts of burglary, handling stolen property and possessing false prescriptions. Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said Dunleavy entered a secretary's office in the Mater Private Hospital on December 19, 2016, and walked out with a prescription pad and doctor's stamp in her hand. On May 25, 2016, she went into a nurses' station at the Mater and tried to put a prescription pad into her bag. She left without taking it but was identified on CCTV. Dunleavy was also caught trying to pick up sleeping tablets from several pharmacies using forged prescriptions. She had 38 previous convictions. Denleavy's mother was killed in 2013 and her body was found by a walker in Edinburgh, her barrister said. The 2014 trial was described as a "gruelling ordeal". "The means of her death was somewhat gruesome" and there were "body parts to be identified", the court heard. "Ms Dunleavy was not in a position to deal with what was happening to her family at the time and never quite came to terms with it," she said. Dunleavy realised the medication had changed her personality and "made her do things she wouldn't ordinarily have done". Comfort The tablets were a "psychological comfort blanket" and her focus had been to get more of them to get through the day. Judge McHugh noted the accused had been given a suspended sentence previously for similar offences. James Dunleavy killed his mother following a row at his flat in Edinburgh. He was convicted of culpable homicide due to diminished responsibility in 2017 and jailed for nine years. Michael Doherty is accused of taking 520 from a garage A Dublin man has been sent for trial accused of threatening filling station staff with a hammer before taking 520. Michael Doherty (39) is alleged to have stolen the cash from a filling station shop in the west of the city. He was sent for trial after a book of evidence was served on him at Blanchardstown District Court Mr Doherty, of Kilclare Crescent, Jobstown, Tallaght, is charged with robbery. The offence is alleged to have taken place at a Maxol filling station in Newcastle Road, Lucan, on March 31 last year. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to the case being dealt with at district court level, but Judge David McHugh decided the case was too serious and refused jurisdiction. When the case came back before the court, a State solicitor said the book of evidence was ready and had been served on Mr Doherty. The DPP was consenting to the accused being sent for trial to the current sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Alibi Judge McHugh gave the accused the formal notice that he must provide any alibi details to the prosecution within 14 days. He granted free legal aid to cover a solicitor and a barrister in the circuit court. He also made an order for copies of the accused's garda interview video to be furnished to the defence. Mr Doherty was remanded on bail under existing terms and conditions. He will appear in the circuit court on December 7. Mr Doherty - who has not yet indicated how he intends to plead - did not address the court during the brief hearing. Previously, the court was told it would be alleged that the accused parked up at a nearby pitch-and-putt club and walked to the filling station. It was alleged that Mr Doherty partially covered his face and entered the filling station shop with a hammer. There were two members of staff in the shop and it was alleged that he threatened them before taking 520. Neither member of staff was hurt, but "they were traumatised," the court heard. Dublin Bus driver Dave Fitzsimons had to have tests for hepatitis at St Jamess Hospital after the attack A Dublin Bus driver has told how a furious cyclist threw his bicycle at his bus and then spat in his eye. Dave Fitzsimons, a bus driver in the capital for 11 years, said the attack was just one of many he had faced. The cyclist was weaving in and out of traffic in front of the bus but became violent when Mr Fitzsimons signalled at him to be careful. "This guy was out on his bike in front of me. He was on his phone with not a care in the world," he said. "I slowed down and he did it again so I gave him a beep to say if you go under the bus there's no coming back out of it. "He threw the bike in front of the bus and came around to the side window. "It was open about three inches, he stuck his face in and basically spat right in my eye. "When it happened it felt like a lifetime. I was stunned and I just froze," he said. The driver was interviewed on RTE's Sean O'Rourke show yesterday as the number of attacks on public transport were highlighted. A spokesperson for the National Bus and Rail Union said attacks were becoming more frequent, with four serious assaults on bus drivers in the past month. The NBRU is calling for a dedicated transport division within An Garda Siochana to deal with the issue. Mr Fitzsimons was advised by his GP to attend St James's Hospital to make sure he had not contracted any diseases. "Some of it was dripping and I was a little bit stunned so I didn't know if it went into my mouth or what to do," he added. "My doctor advised me to go straight to A&E and they put me on a priority list and I just sat there for four hours. Infected "I had to get blood tests to make sure I didn't have hepatitis or something else. "It felt like getting a punch but I'd say it was worse not knowing if he was infected with anything. That was my biggest fear," said the driver, who thankfully was uninjured. Anti-social behaviour has also been on the rise on trains in recent years, with 705 cases reported in 2017. Some 15 of those were assaults on staff. A revenue protection officer with Irish Rail said a policing unit was urgently needed on trains to combat a growing number of gangs using the trains as a "training ground". "Every day you're faced with the threat of violence, sometimes twice or three times a day," said Brian Byrne. "The trains are becoming a training ground for antisocial behaviour. They know they can just get off and walk away. "A female colleague of mine had her fingers broken. Some colleagues have had their ribs cracked. "I have had hot drinks and cold drinks thrown at me, I've been spat at. I wish I was making it up but this is the reality every day, and the other passengers are left terrified." The Bottom of the Hill in Finglas village was gutted by a fire The cause of a blaze which destroyed a landmark Finglas pub early yesterday morning has yet to be established by investigators. Fire crews battled to prevent the flames at the Bottom of the Hill bar from spreading but the building was extensively damaged. The blaze broke out shortly after 1am in the pub, situated at the end of Finglas village. Peel Four units of Dublin Fire Brigade from Finglas, Phibsboro and Tara Street were at the scene all night, and only left at 7am yesterday, having fought the fire for six hours. A metal roof on the building began to peel back from the heat of the flames, and emergency crews had to remove a section of it in order to make the building safe. A specialist turntable ladder was brought in from Tara Street Fire Station, with which the crews could fight the flames from above. The fire could be seen rising from the roof of the popular pub, and it is believed a strong breeze fanned the flames, making it even more difficult for the emergency crews tasked with trying to extinguish the raging fire. The building is also occupied by a fast food takeaway at ground level on one side, and a Chinese restaurant at first floor level on the other side. There is also a betting shop on the site. Gardai have now preserved the scene and a technical examination was being carried out to help determine the cause of the fire. Evidence All aspects of the site will be examined to establish where the fire started, and if it was in the pub itself or one of the other businesses. Members of the Garda Technical Bureau spent hours at the scene yesterday gathering evidence, and photographed the property from all sides as well as internally. There was no indication that the fire was anything but an accident, but a forensic examination is part of the investigation protocol when a large blaze occurs. A garda spokesman confirmed yesterday that there were no injuries arising from the incident. Gardai seal off the scene of the shooting in Leixlip, Co Kildare last night A 50-year-old man has become the 19th victim of the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud after being shot twice in the head in a gun attack last night. The victim, who was named locally as Clive Staunton, was shot in a housing estate in Leixlip, Co Kildare. Sources said he had Hutch family connections but was not believed to have been involved in any criminality. Staunton was originally from the Greek Street flats in Dublin's north inner city, but had been living in the Leixlip area. It is understood the innocent street trader may have been working outside the Republic of Ireland friendly at the Aviva Stadium earlier on in the evening. It is understood he had no criminal convictions. Speed A white car was seen being driven at speed from the scene of the shooting and was later found burnt out. In a statement last night, gardai said they were called to the scene of an incident outside a house at Glen Easton Way following a report of a shooting at about 9.15pm. A man was treated at the scene for serious injuries but was later pronounced dead. The scene was last night sealed off pending the arrival of garda crime scene examiners and the office of the State Pathologist was notified. There was shock in the close-knit community last night. A young woman in her 20s was seen walking along the road near the house in a distressed state shortly after the incident. Neighbours reported hearing sounds "just like fireworks". "When I heard it, it sounded just like bangers, maybe not as harsh as fireworks but something like that," said neighbour Rita Sanga. "But I am used to that from Halloween being so recent. Then afterwards everyone was on the street watching. "It's a very safe place around here. I'm from Malawi and I'm always careful where I live but this place was always fine." Sources said that the dead man was a close pal of Anthony Fitzgerald, from Gloucester Place in Dublin. Former professional boxer Fitzgerald, who was at the Regency Hotel when gangster David Byrne was shot dead in February 2016, avoided prison despite attacking a bus driver in a case that was heard in April last year. Fitzgerald, a close pal of gangland murder victims Gareth and Gary Hutch, had previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. He received a suspended sentence. The last person to die in the feud was Jason 'Buda' Molyneux (27), who was gunned down last January 30. He was considered one of the most dangerous criminals in the city. Molyneux, of North William Street, was murdered after he went to meet someone at the James Larkin House flats. The Clarence Hotel is among businesses objecting to the plan The four-star Dublin hotel owned by U2's Bono and The Edge is objecting to a drugs centre in the heart of the city. The plan for the State's first medically-supervised injecting centre was submitted last month by Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI). The application involves the redevelopment of the charity's Riverbank building at 13/14 Merchant's Quay in D8. The centre will cater for about 60 heroin and cocaine addicts in seven injecting rooms. The Clarence Hotel - co-owned by Bono and The Edge - is one of 99 businesses and business organisations opposing the plan. General manager Michael O'Connor said the centre should be located on a medical campus, not in the city centre. Other hotels opposing the plan include The Morgan, The Trinity City and The Westin, all of which are part of the MHL Hotel Collection owned by US billionaire John Malone. Pubs opposing the plan include The Porterhouse and The Temple Bar, one of the best known - and most profitable - pubs in the country. The Temple Bar Company, the Dublin Business Alliance and the Licensed Vintners Association also oppose it. St Audoen's National School, which stands just 300m from the Riverbank building, also objects. The city council has received a submission from the HSE office on Merchants Quay outlining its concerns over the plan. In the objection lodged by The Clarence - which has been trading for 25 years - Mr O'Connor said: "The location of [the injecting centre] is less than 500m from our premises and we believe that if granted, it will have significant negative impacts on the surrounding area up to and including Temple Bar - an area with an annual footfall of 22 million." He said that for the centre to work, gardai would have to turn a blind eye to drug possession around the centre. "This will create significant anti-social behaviour within the immediate vicinity," he said. "Drug users must pursue whatever illegal means necessary to access money to feed their habit. This will lead to an increase of crime in the area. "Our businesses have already been negatively impacted by the levels of anti-social behaviour which is visible daily along the quayside. Tourism "This can be directly attributed to the large number of drug addicts availing of the current services at Merchants Quay and other similar services located within the city centre." Mr O'Connor said that "if this is a medical facility, then it should be located on a medical campus, not in a city centre building beside the country's largest tourism centre". A city council decision is due on MQI's application next month. Seven days of horror end with two ex-cops and two little girls dead (The Nosher via JTA)-Egyptian Jews comprise one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. There have been waves of Jewish immigration to Egypt over centuries: Sephardic Jews arrived during the Spanish inquisition, Ashkenazi Jews fled there from Eastern Europe during the pogroms of the 19th century, and Jewish traders from the Ottoman Empire settled after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. In the 1950s, Egypt began to expel its Jews following the creation of the State of Israel. Like many stories of diasporic cuisine, Egyptian Jews brought their dishes with them to new places. In middle school, one of my good friends was the daughter of an Egyptian Jew. I remember the first time going to her house and smelling the incredible smells coming out of their kitchen. Everything was new to me-their food was made with spices I had never even heard of. It sparked a lifelong interest in Egyptian Jewish food with its North African, Middle Eastern and European influences. Spices like turmeric, coriander, fenugreek and cardamom are all common in Egyptian cooking, and there are dishes of stuffed vegetables, vibrant salads, and beautiful soups and stews. I came across an Egyptian Jewish recipe that jumped out at me in the Copeland Marks book "Sephardic Cooking." Batata Bel Lamoun (Golden Potato Soup) is a soup that the Egyptian Jewish community commonly prepared for Shabbat. I have found only a few other recorded recipes for this soup, but each one includes a small list of simple everyday ingredients: potatoes as the base, turmeric for its golden color, and aromatics like onion, celery and garlic. The most surprising part of the soup comes from fresh lemon juice that is added at the end. The soup becomes even sunnier, the acidity and freshness complement the creaminess of the potatoes and make the turmeric-stained golden color seem even. Some of the recipes call for chicken stock as the base of the soup, but it is easy and delicious to make this with just water for a vegan/vegetarian version. These simple ingredients simmered together result in something much greater than their individual parts. Batata Bel Lamoun is a golden silky soup, filling without being too rich, full of flavor and deeply aromatic, and it's a great dish for a cold night after a long week. Ingredients: Olive oil, as needed 2 medium yellow onions, chopped 3 ribs celery, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon ground turmeric 3 pounds (6-7 medium large) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed in about 1-inch pieces 8 cups water or chicken stock (if using water you can add a vegetarian bouillon cube) Juice of 1 large lemon, about 1/4 cup, or to taste Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery and carrot to the pot. Saute until very softened and the onions are completely translucent and starting to get golden, about 10-12 minutes. 2. Add the minced garlic and saute for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is softened and fragrant but not beginning to brown. Add the turmeric and a generous amount of salt and pepper, and saute for an additional minute or until all of the vegetables are well coated in the spice. 3. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, and the water/stock to the pot. Bring the liquid up to a simmer, then lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked. Remove the soup from the heat. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender or blender at this point and puree the soup. 4. Off the heat, add the lemon juice, stir and taste. Add more lemon juice, salt and/or pepper to your liking. Soup can be made in advance and freezes well. Serves 6-8. Sonya Sanford is a chef, food stylist and writer based out of Los Angeles. The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com. When Daniel Zahn was applying to college, he felt very stressed. The essays, the questions, the decisions he had to make it all seemed overwhelming. But Zahn had two older siblings who had gone through the process, as well as the support of seasoned parents and teachers. After applying to more than 10 schools and for a handful of scholarships, Zahn landed a spot at one of his top choices: Penn State, where the 19-year-old is now a junior. It was only once he got to college that Zahn realized how lucky he was by comparison. Many of his classmates did not have experienced family members to guide them through the applications and financial aid forms. In some cases, students didn't even have the money necessary to apply. It was during a conversation during his freshman year with a friend who was the first in his family to attend college that Zahn decided to do something to help. "I was eating lunch with my friend and future co-founder, Cory Steinle," Zahn recalled. "He brought up the idea of starting some sort of organization to help underprivileged kids go through the application process. And I just loved his idea. The ability to harness what current college students already know about the application process and use that knowledge to help others seemed amazing." The two started working together, and with the help of friends launched a program that uses a network of college volunteers to serve as mentors for underprivileged high school students. The mentors give the students feedback on their college essays, help them navigate the application process, and share information with them about scholarship opportunities and best ways to obtain financial aid. Steinle and Zahn called their program F.O.R.M. Consulting, an acronym for Future Opportunities Reached by Mentor. The mentors usually work with students in one-on-one sessions, but F.O.R.M. also hosts group workshops at local high schools. "For me, it was assumed my whole life that I would go to college," Zahn said. "But for first-generation college students, the application process is very different. We want to make sure that less fortunate people can benefit from what we've learned." In just over a year, F.O.R.M. Consulting has assisted more than 100 students from six Pennsylvania high schools apply to college, helping place many in top-ranked schools. F.O.R.M. says it also has helped students obtain more than $250,000 in scholarship funds. "We want to help make sure they don't go into heavy debt," Zahn said. A growing number of high schools has discovered the program, and Zahn wants to expand F.O.R.M. to other universities across the country. Zahn recently was named one of the 2018 winners of the Diller Tikkun Olam Award for Teens. Zahn credits his team of volunteers for F.O.R.M.'s success. "The people who volunteer with us are so dedicated, and so many people are giving their time," he said. "I really feel they deserve all the credit." Olivia Pierce, a Penn State junior who currently serves as F.O.R.M.'s president, says her experience working as a mentor has been transformative. "A story I love to tell is about a student I mentored last year," she said. "There was one session that we spent around two hours going through his common app essay word by word and phrase by phrase, and I could see how dedicated he was to his own future. I think of him now as the model student for the work we do. Every student deserves an opportunity to be excited about his or her own future." Zahn says the driving force behind his project is the "culture of giving back" that he learned growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and which he considers part of his Jewish identity. "F.O.R.M. isn't specifically Jewish, but the tzedakah aspect has come to form part of my Jewish identity on campus," Zahn said. Now in his second year leading the program, Zahn is working on improving it and partnering with more high schools. He also wants to expand F.O.R.M. and take it national. "Nobody should have to go through the college applications process alone," he said. This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with the Helen Diller Family Foundation, which sponsors the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, annually awarding $36,000 to Jewish teens demonstrating exceptional leadership in repairing the world. Nominations/applications for 2019 are now open. This article was produced by JTA's native content team. (JNS)Bar-Ilan University prohibited a student group on campus from distributing pro-Israel advocacy material about the nakba (catastrophe) and the Palestinian refugees. The ban occurred earlier this week ahead of the universitys student group fair, an event where students on campus were invited to present their groups to others. One of the student groups, Im Tirtzu, was denied permission by the university from distributing its Nakba Nonsense and The Palestinian Refugee Lie booklets, which according to Im Tirtzu are its most popular booklets and have been distributed for years in Israeli universities without issue. Im Tirtzus Bar-Ilan University branch was notified of the universitys decision via email on the evening prior to the fair, despite having submitted its material for review two weeks prior as is required by the university. The universitys email did not provide explanation as to why it barred Im Tirtzu from distributing its booklets. The group was also initially denied permission to distribute complimentary bags to IDF reservists, but got permission hours before the fair after petitioning the university. According to Bar-Ilan Universitys guidelines for public activities, the university is required to provide student groups with an answer regarding their materials within three days of submission, in order to provide the group with enough time to appeal the decision if necessary. The universitys conduct is unfitting and goes against its very own guidelines, said Carlos Bigio, the deputy head of Im Tirtzus Bar-Ilan University branch. It is unfortunate to see how the university administration, which is supposed to promote discussion and social activities, is working to silence students and prevent their freedom of expression We will continue to be the spearhead of Zionist activity on campus and to ensure that the Zionist spirit continues to flourish on campus, added Bigio. Bar-Ilan University responded in a statement: Bar-Ilan University believes in freedom of expression and that dialogue can be held between differing viewpoints in a respectful way. Unfortunately, the booklets in question do not meet this principle and, therefore, we did not approve their distribution. Both bookletsNakba Nonsense and The Palestinian Refugee Liecontain material that is offensive to an entire community. Beyond its title, Nakba Nonsense includes many contemptible expressions. The Palestinian Refugee Lie was not approved because of the caricature that appears on its cover. This drawing contains elements that could be considered racist. Said the university: If such booklets were distributed on a college campus abroad, with an Israeli flag or a Star of David hanging on someones nose, we would all agree that it is anti-Semitic and racist material. As the inaugural event for this year's visiting author series and Central Florida Jewish Book Festival, New York Times bestselling author Brian Kilmeade will be at The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. He will be signing his latest book, "Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans." Kilmeade is a Fox News television personality. Weekdays, he co-hosts Fox's morning show, Fox & Friends, along with Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt. He has co-written several fiction and nonfiction books, and hosts the Fox News Radio program Kilmeade and Friends on WDBO radio FM 96.5. Coming on Friday, Dec. 21 to the series will be Jonathan Weisman, author and deputy Washington editor of the New York Times. Weisman's book "(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in the Age of Trump," explores the current state of anti-Semitism at the intersection of American culture and politics, addressing the rise of anti-Semitic violence and verbiage since the 2016 election. He provides a look toward the future, and a suggestion of a Jewish community united in defense of the vulnerable, to help us move forward together. At the event, there will be a VIP dinner with Weisman beginning at 6 p.m., and the talk will begin at 7 p.m. Other authors visiting The Roth Family JCC this year include David Litt, former senior presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama and author of "Thanks Obama"; Leah Rachel Berkowitz, author of the children's book "The World Needs Beautiful Things"; Sally Kohn, CNN commentator and author of "The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity"; B.A. Shapiro, New York Times bestselling author of "The Art Forger" and "The Collector's Apprentice"; and Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of "Those Who Save Us" and "The Lost Family." These visiting author events, and the three-day Jewish Book Festival in February, feature a lineup of Jewish authors representing a variety of literary styles and backgrounds, including humor, fiction, and contemporary history. The Central Florida Jewish Book Festival and visiting author series are organized in collaboration with Writer's Block Bookstore of Winter Park and the Jewish Book Council. Keith Dvorchik, CEO of The Roth Family JCC, is excited about the potential these literary events hold for increased presence of arts and culture in the Central Florida Jewish community. "It's thrilling to see this exciting lineup of authors coming to Central Florida and participating in the third annual Central Florida Jewish Book Festival. The Festival itself includes a diverse group of well-regarded authors, while our visiting authors throughout the year provide additional opportunities to engage with some of the best and brightest literary figures of today. I look forward to building on this list as we see an even larger growth in the literary area of Jewish Cultural Arts." The cost of the literary event with Brian Kilmeade is $20, which includes the book. The cost of the event with Weismann is: JCC members, $10; nonmembers, $15. VIP Shabbat dinner ticket price TBA. Contact LeahS@orlandojcc.org or 407-645-5933 x282. (JNS)A controversial bill that would execute Palestinian terrorists found guilty of murdering Israeli civilians or soldiers was given the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. The prime minister gave coalition party heads the go-ahead in a legislative agenda meeting, where he said opposition from Shin Bet security services and Israel Defense Forces officials should not prevent lawmakers from advancing the bill, which has been stalled since January. Though Israel does allow for the death penalty, it was only used oncein 1962 for the execution of Nazi official Adolf Eichmann for his part in engineering the Holocaust. The death penalty is technically available for certain cases of high treason, and in martial-law situations in Judea and Samaria, but the penalty requires the unanimous agreement of three judges and has never been handed down. The new bill would allow a simple majority of judges on a panel to impose the death penalty. The bill was authored by Defense Minister Avigdor Liebermans Yisrael Beiteinu Party, but has also been backed by Education Minister Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Jewish Home party. According to reports, however, Lieberman himself has held up the legislation, which was only reintroduced to the prime ministers docket after a push by Bennett, who said Lieberman had ruined Israels deterrence since taking office. They know their homes wont be demolished, that their families will receive NIS 12,000 per month [a salary given by the Palestinian Authority], and they will be heralded as martyrs, Bennett tweeted Sunday. What Lieberman isnt willing to do via the Defense Ministry, we will do today via legislation. However, Lieberman responded that it was actually the Jewish Home Party that had been thwarting the passage of the death-penalty bill, and that his party would support any bill that aids the fight against terror. The bill will now be brought to the Knessets Constitution and Law Committee prior to a vote in the plenary. (Palestinian Media Watch via JNS)-Palestinian Media Watch director Itamar Marcus spoke to members of Dutch Parliament yesterday documenting the many ways in which the Palestinian Authority in itself is the fundamental impediment to peace. Marcus documented PA's vicious Antisemitism, its indoctrination of children to hatred and terror, as well as the PA's continued monthly payments to terrorist prisoners and families of killed terrorists. Members of Dutch Parliament expressed their condemnation of these PA activities and discussed steps that should be taken to stop the funding by their own government. MP Kees van der Staaij: "I think it's also important to have now further steps [by the Netherlands] and to stop each payment to Palestinians as long as there is no real progress." [Parliament of The Netherlands, Nov. 7, 2018] The MPs were also addressed by Kay Wilson, a British-born Israeli tour guide who survived a brutal terror attack in 2010. Kay was bound, gagged, and stabbed 13 times with a machete and left for dead, while her Christian friend, Kristine Luken, was murdered. Kay Wilson: "I watched in horror as a Palestinian terrorist butchered my Christian friend to death right in front of me only because he thought she was a Jew. A second Palestinian terrorist stabbed me 13 times with his machete, snapping my ribs and shattered more than 30 bones. The PA's rewarding of those two killers and all the other thousands of terrorists in prison is both morally abhorrent and incomprehensible." [Parliament of The Netherlands, Nov. 7, 2018] Following previous PMW meetings and lectures with Dutch MPs, the parliament passed three different resolutions in 2013, 2015, and 2016, calling on the government to stop or condition funding of the PA until they stop rewarding terror. However the government has never implemented these resolutions. MP Kees van der Staaij addressed this issue: MP Kees van der Staaij: "All that's done until now [to stop PA payments to terrorists], it's too soft, it's not effective, and further and stronger measures are necessary." Wilson's words left a strong impression on the MPs about the urgent need for foreign governments to stop supporting the PA's rewarding terrorists: MP Joel Voordewind: "I was very impressed with the story of Kay Wilson, that she survived 13 stabbings in her body. This makes Itamar Marcus' appeal even stronger, that the [PA's] paying of convicted terrorists should stop, and we'll put this forward in our Parliament again." [Parliament of The Netherlands, Nov. 7, 2018] MP Voordewind was optimistic that the parliament would pass stronger legislation this time: MP Joel Voordewind: "We'll try it again; we're now part of the government, part of the coalition, so we'll try to convince other coalition parties to support this resolution now." MP Voordewind wants the legislation to be very specific about how much funding to cut: MP Joel Voordewind: "Hopefully the other parties will agree to cut the budget from the PA, by the amount they're spending on the terrorists." See the full report at PMW. Nation of Islam leader and prominent anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan chanted "Death to America" and claimed that "America has never been a democracy" on Sunday during a solidarity trip to Iran, ahead of the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions on the country this week. According to Iran's semi-official state news agency Mehr, Farrakhan said at a meeting with the Secretary of Iran's Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei that America is conspiring against Iran. He also compared President Donald Trump to Satan. "The Christians say that Satan is a liar, and every day they keep a count of Trump's lies," Farrakhan said in the meeting. "Only Satan was created by a lie." "I understand how the enemies have plotted against the Iranian people and I would like to stay alongside you to stop their plots," he said. He also blasted American support for Saudi Arabia, Iran's arch-rival in the region, and added, "Satan seeks to divide Muslims and wants them to kill each other, while God tells us in the Quran to be united." Farrakhan has referred to Jews as the "synagogue of Satan." In his remarks, he condemned the new American sanctions on Iran that will take effect on Monday. "Today, I warn the American government that sanctioning Iran is a big mistake," he said. In addition, he stated that African-Americans are part of Iran's Islamic revolution. According to the Farsi language Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, he also spoke to students at the University of Tehran law school and fulminated against Israel, praised women's rights in Iran and the Islamic laws demanding they cover themselves. He claimed, "America has never been a democracy and has always leaned towards the wealthy and powerful class." At the end of his talk, Farrakhan chanted the common Iranian slogan "Death to America," and was joined by members of the audience. A long history of anti-Semitic statements Farrakhan, perhaps the most notorious black supremacist in America, has a long history of anti-Semitic statements. Most recently, he referred to Jews as "termites." Several prominent American activists and politicians have been linked to Farrakhan in recent years. Tamika Mallory, a leader of the Women's March, praised him as "GOAT" or "Greatest of All Time." Linda Sarsour, another leader of the March, attended an event with Farrakhan and has repeatedly refused to condemn him. Illinois Democratic Representative Danny K. Davis said of Farrakhan, "I don't regard Louis Farrakhan as an aberration or anything, I regard him as an outstanding human being who commands a following of individuals who are learned and articulate and he plays a big role in the lives of thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of people." Recently, a photograph surfaced of former President Barack Obama meeting with Farrakhan in 2005 while he was a senator. World Israel News contributed to this report. (MEMRI via JNS)Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan visited Iran as the Islamic Republic celebrated the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Iran in 1979. During a speech at Tehran University, Farrakhan said that the United States is gloating over new economic sanctions. He said that nothing happens without the will of Allah, and added: Is it not true that you have called America the Great Satan? If you believe that, then wouldnt Satan be actively involved in trying to destroy a nation that is set up on... submission to the will of God? He also called on Iranians to persevere and to carry forward the Revolution. Part of Farrakhans speech aired on IRINN TV on Nov. 4, 2018. Following are excerpts: Louis Farrakhan: I am coming to you from the United States of America, that is gloating over the fact that the President of the United States is going to place on the Islamic Republic the most stringent sanctions that have ever been placed on any nation before. [...] Nothing happens but by the active or permissive will of Allah. [...] So one who is spiritual, or believers in Allah, might ask the question: Why is Iran suffering so much, particularly from the United States of America? [...] Is it not true that you have called America the Great Satan? [...] Well, if you believe what you say, than would not Satan be actively involved in trying to destroy a nation that is set up on the belief and practice of submission to the will of God? [...] So we should not be surprised at what Satan does to ill-affect the righteous. [...] All that your elders have sacrificed will mean nothing if you do not pick up the revolution and carry it forward. [...] America is making it very hard for Iran to successfully carry out its mission. [...] But if you have the strength to persevere under these hard trials, the victory will be yours. (JTA)Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections held Nov. 6, with Jewish Congress members poised to take key leadership roles. Republicans looked to increase their majority in the Senate. Five Jewish Democrats are set to chair key House committees, including three representatives from New York: Jerrold Nadler, the Judiciary Committee; Eliot Engel, Foreign Affairs; and Nita Lowey, Appropriations Adam Schiff of California will head the Intelligence Committee and John Yarmuth of Kentucky (brother of Orlandos Bob Yarmuth) will lead the Budget Committee. Democrat Jared Polis will be the first Jewish and first gay governor of Colorado, and J.B. Pritzker, a Jewish Democrat, will be the next governor of Illinois. And two Jewish military veterans won upset Democratic victories in House races: Max Rose in New York and Elaine Luria in Virginia. In the Senate, U.S. Rep. Jacky Rosen, a Democrat and a former synagogue president, defeated the incumbent Republican, Dean Heller. Here are more results in races of significance to Jewish voters: House of Representatives In Michigan, Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, won her race in District 13. Tlaib favors a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has opposed U.S. aid to Israel. She will also be one of the first Muslim women in Congress, along with Ilhan Omar, who won in Minnesota. Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin, who was raised on a farm and worked for the CIA, edged Rep. Mike Bishop by a 49-48 percent margin to win a seat that had been considered a lock for the Republicans. Bishop conceded in a phone call at about 1 a.m. And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive millennial from New York City who won an upset primary win earlier this year, will become the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Ocasio-Cortez, 29, has criticized Israels West Bank occupation and called its clashes with protesters in Gaza a massacre. Leslie Cockburn, the Democratic House candidate who wrote a book sharply criticizing Israel, lost her race in Virginia. Republicans who charge that the Democratic Party has departed from its pro-Israel bona fides pointed to Cockburn, Tlaib, Ocasio-Cortez and Omar as proof. Rep. Lee Zeldin, one of two Jewish Republicans in the House, fended off a challenge in his New York district by a Jewish Democratic challenger, Perry Gershon. The race on Long Island pitted Zeldin, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, against an opponent who reviled the president. The two Democratic military veterans flipped Republican districts. Rose, 31, who won medals for his service as an Army officer in Afghanistan, unseated Republican Rep. Dan Donovan in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Luria, a Jewish former Navy commander, won her race in a coastal Virginia district that encompasses the Norfolk U.S. Navy base. She once organized a Passover seder on an aircraft carrier. Dean Phillips, a Jewish Democrat in Minnesota whose father was killed in the Vietnam War before he was born, won his race in a Republican district. Susan Wild, a Jewish Democrat in Pennsylvania, flipped her Republican district. She became involved in Jewish activism after her son urged her to join a local synagogue. She is on the local Jewish federations board of directors. Lena Epstein, a Jewish businesswoman who invited a defrocked Messianic rabbi to address a rally headlined by Vice President Mike Pence, lost her House race in Michigan. The result is a Democratic pickup of a House seat. Epstein, a Republican with roots in the suburban Detroit Jewish community, chaired Trumps 2016 presidential campaign in Michigan. In North Carolina, Democrat Kathy Manning, a philanthropist and longtime Jewish organizational leader, lost her House race. She was the first woman to chair the Jewish Federations of North America and was a founder of Prizmah, an umbrella association for Jewish day schools. In Washington state, the votes in the race between Democrat Kim Schrier, a Jewish pediatrician, and Republican Dino Rossi were still being counted on Wednesday morning. With 64 percent of the vote counted, Schrier was leading 52.9 percent to 47.1 percent to fill the seat of retiring Republican Rep. Dave Reichert. Schrier has said she was partly inspired to run after seeing the 2017 neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Arthur Jones, the neo-Nazi who won the Republican nomination on Chicagos South Side, lost his race, as expected. He had won his nomination unopposed and was repudiated by his party, but still managed some 30,000 votes. And Steve King, the Iowa Republican, won re-election in a close race. The National Republican Campaign Committee had said it would not support him. Senate Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, a Democratic pro-Israel stalwart, beat back a challenge from businessman Bob Hugin. Menendez voted against the 2015 agreement on Irans nuclear program, going against President Barack Obama and his own party. Menendez had been hampered by a corruption trial that ended in mistrial last year. Governors races and ballot initiatives Pritzker, a centrist Democrat, is a billionaire venture capitalist, handily won the governors race in Illinois, unseating Republican Bruce Rauner. Polis, 42, a former tech mogul, will succeed John Hickenlooper as governor of Colorado. His campaign has focused on renewable energy, education and income inequality. In Florida, Republican Ron DeSantis narrowly beat Democrat Andrew Gillum for the governorship. DeSantis, a close ally of Trump, was a leading voice urging the president to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He also accused Gillum of being anti-Israela charge Gillum deniedand Israel featured prominently in one of their debates. Also in Florida, voters passed a ballot initiative to restore voting rights to 1.5 million former felons, which could work to Democrats advantage in future elections. Jewish groups led the charge to pass the initiative. (JTA)More than 75 percent of Jews voted for Democrats on an Election Day that was also good to Jewish congressional candidates. A poll conducted by GBA Strategies, a Democrat-aligned pollster, and commissioned by the liberal Israel lobby J Street, found that 76 percent of Jewish voters voted for Democrats, while 19 percent voted for Republicans. A CNN exit poll found that the Jewish split was 79 percent to 17 percent. According to The New York Times, 51 percent of American voters overall cast ballots for House Democrats, versus 47 percent for Republicans. The J Street poll surveyed 1,139 Jewish voters with a margin of error of 3.3 points. The CNN sample of Jewish voters was much smaller, at 375. Beyond being a good night for Democrats, who took control of the House of Representatives and won several governorships, Tuesday had good news for Jewish candidates. According to a spokesman for the Jewish Democratic Council of America, all 23 Jewish incumbents who ran for reelection, 21 of them Democrats, won. In addition, eight Jewish candidates entered the House, two Jews won governorships (in Illinois and Colorado) and one, Jacky Rosen, won her Senate race in Nevada. All are Democrats. The next House of Representatives will have a total of 28 Jews, and there will be nine Jewish senators. The number of Jewish Republicans in Congress remains two: Rep. Lee Zeldin in New Yorks 1st congressional district, and Rep. Lee Kustoff in Tennessees 8th Jewish voters strong preference for Democrats was driven by their disapproval of President Trump, and their blaming him, specifically, for helping influence the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue two weeks ago, said Jim Gerstein, GBAs pollster. Seventy-five percent of Jewish voters disapprove of Trump, versus 25 percent who approve, and 72 percent of Jewish voters hold Trump very or somewhat responsible for the Pittsburgh shooting, in which 11 people died. Gerstein said that Jews reflect the polarization in the rest of the electorate: While supporters of Trump appreciate his close relationship with Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his detractors insist that doesnt soften their disapproval for the presidents rhetoric or behavior. While the country is extremely polarized, American Jews are firmly in one of those two camps, Gerstein said on a call with reporters Wednesday. Theyre firmly in that Democratic camp, that anti-Trump camp ... Trumps embrace of Netanyahu doesnt mitigate the concern people have over anti-Semitism. These things are operating on completely different planes. Jews voted for Democrats at a higher rate than any religious group, according to the Pew Research Center. Pew reported that this years Jewish Democratic share was lower than during the last midterms under a Republican presidential administration, in 2006, when 87 percent of Jews voted for Democrats. But it was higher than in the most recent midterms, in 2014, when 66 percent of Jews voted for Democrats and 33 percent for Republicans. In 2016, 70 percent of Jews voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton and 25 percent voted for Trump. Liberal Jewish groups are also celebrating. JStreetPAC, the political action committee affiliated with the liberal Mideast policy group, spent $5 million in midterm contributions and saw 128 of its 167 endorsees, all Democrats, win their races, including 22 new House members and 14 of 17 senators they endorsed. Forty-seven of the 58 candidates endorsed by the JDCA won. We like to think of it as pulling the emergency brake on the out-of-control administration and president weve been under for the past two years, Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Streets president, said on the conference call. He noted that more than half of the Houses incoming class is endorsed by J Street. The 2018 midterm elections were a clear referendum on President Trump, and a rejection of his hateful policies and rhetoric, JDCA Executive Director Halie Soifer said in a statement. Jewish voters overwhelmingly and decisively rejected Republicans because they have enabled an agenda that is a betrayal of Jewish and American values. Despite the results in the House, Jewish Republicans were cheering their partys gains in the Senate as well as wins in a few key House races and governorships. The Republican Jewish Coalition raised a total of $3 million for candidates. A majority of its 25 endorsees won or are leading. In particular, the group noted the victories of Kevin Kramer over Sen. Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota, Brian Fitzpatricks House victory in Pennsylvania, and Denver Riggleman beating Leslie Cockburn in Virginia. Cockburn is the co-author of a 1991 book that harshly criticized Israel. Historically, the party holding the White House loses seats in Congress during the midterm election, RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said in a statement. This year Republicans did well in a tough environment and increased their share in the Senate. One bright spot for Republicans nationally was Florida, which saw Republican candidates for governor and senator prevail in close, high-profile races. As of Wednesday, Rep. Ron DeSantis beat Andrew Gillum for governor by less than one percent, and Gov. Rick Scott was 0.4 percent ahead of Sen. Bill Nelson in the Senate race. Florida Jews appear to have backed the Democrats in large numbers. Gerstein said that, while the sample size was small, GBAs poll found that 70 percent of Florida Jews voted for Democrats on Tuesday. (JNS)The second round of American sanctions on Iran will took effect on Nov. 5. Thats been the plan since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States in May from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which lifted those sanctions. The upcoming round will include targeting Irans energy, shipping and the ship-building sectors, as well as the provision of insurance and transactions involving the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions, said State Department spokesperson Rob Palladino on Wednesday. Iran still will be able to maintain limited access to the international financial transaction system known as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, commonly referred to as SWIFT, for solely humanitarian purposes, said Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in a conference call with reporters on Friday. Initially, there were reports that America would not sanction any Iranian access to SWIFT. But Mnuchin said on Friday that the United States will expect SWIFT to disconnect financial institutions designated for sanctions. Humanitarian transactions to non-designated entities will be allowed to use the SWIFT messaging system as they have done before, but banks must be very careful that these are not disguised transactions, or they could be subject to certain sanctions, he said. This is the same as the pre-JCPOA sanctions in 2012-13, Richard Goldberg of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told JNS. The worry, of course, is that Iran will use and abuse any channel we leave open to evade U.S. sanctions. In response to the SWIFT exception, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is expected to introduce legislation that would mandate sanctions related to SWIFT, sources familiar with the legislation told The Washington Free Beacon. Even if Irans access to the financial messaging-services system is not blocked during the second round of sanctions, the president can take action by fiat. Additionally, although the United States has sought to eliminate all Iranian oil exports, exemptions for importing Iranian petroleum will be made for countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, India, Iraq, Turkey and several other countries, an official list of which will be released on Monday. These waivers expire in March. Seeking to avoid oil price hikes, after this period, #US export capacity will rise, also expected lower demand growth in 2019, tweeted Sara Vakhshouri, president of SVB Energy International. Market would be ready for zero #Iran #oil import by then. Mnuchin also announced that the Treasury Department will add more than 700 names to our list of blocked entities. This includes hundreds of targets previously granted sanctions relief under the JCPOA, as well as more than 300 new designations. This is substantially more than we ever have previously done. The first round of reimposing sanctions occurred in early August, targeting the regimes access to converting the rial to U.S. dollars, in addition to automobiles and gold. The second round will complete the snapback of all sanctions lifted under the nuclear deal, said Mnuchin. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was also on the call, stated: Maximum pressure means maximum pressure. (Israel Hayom via JNS)-Until a few weeks ago, Jair Bolsonaro, now the president-elect of Brazil, was a little-known legislator. No one thought he would go on to become the leader of the country. But on Wednesday, a week after he astonished everyone by winning the presidential election in Brazil-the largest democracy in Latin America-Bolsonaro chose Israel Hayom for what appears to be his first interview with the foreign media, and made it clear that his support for Israel and promises about Jerusalem were not just an election gimmick. This is part of Bolsonaro's desire to lead Brazil on a new path and free his country of the policies that he believes to be outdated-policies instated by the left, which has been in control almost continuously since the early 2000s. Bolsonaro is under attack for his blunt, politically incorrect style, but that's exactly what prompted the Brazilian masses to put their trust in him as their new leader. They wanted a leader that would make them proud of their country, which is currently plagued with violence and economic distress. Many believe, incorrectly, that Bolsonaro is an extreme right-wing nationalist. But he isn't bothered by the misperceptions and says that the claims that he will end democracy say more about his opponents than they do about him. Israel Hayom Editor-in-Chief Boaz Bismuth spoke to Bolsonaro by telephone, with the help of an interpreter. Q: Did you know that your name, Jair, means "bringing light" in Hebrew? "Yes, I was informed not long ago. I have the moral compass of a man who intends to do his best for his country and intends to tighten relations with other countries that think the same way we do and champion democratic elections, liberty and respect for others. "I was in Israel two years ago, and I intend to return. The Israeli ambassador to Brazil [Yossi Shelly] visited me twice this week, and I've always had excellent relations with him. I'm very happy that I'm treated so warmly and that the official envoy of the State of Israel treats me this way, and it is truly mutual. I love the Israeli people and Israel. You can depend on the fact that I will promote closeness and fruitful cooperation between us starting in 2019." Q: You've said several times that you intend to relocate the Brazilian Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Will you? And do you intend to change the status of the Palestinian Embassy in Brasilia? "Israel is a sovereign state. If you decide on your capital city, we will act in accordance. When I was asked during the campaign if I'll do it [relocate the embassy] when I was president, I said yes, and that you're the ones who decide on the capital of Israel, not other people. "As for the Palestinian embassy, it was built too close to the presidential palace... No embassy can be so close to the presidential palace, so we intend to move it. There's no other way, in my opinion. Other than that, Palestine first needs to be a state to have the right to an embassy." Q: Can Israel expect fairer, more supportive votes from Brazil in international forums, such as the United Nations, on matters involving Israel? "You can count on having our vote in the U.N. I know that often the vote is almost symbolic, but it helps to define the position a country intends to take. Rest assured that you can depend on our vote in the U.N. on almost all the issues having to do with Israel." Q: To what do you attribute your electoral victory, and what is your administration's general plan? "The victory is down to a number of things-the weariness of politicians who made politics a profession here in Brazil; corruption; contempt for family values; and the previous governments' very close ties to socialism and communism, and of course, to the fact that we flew the flag of truth." Q: Were you surprised by the popular support, the results, and your [party's] increased representation in the National Congress? "Our party had one member in parliament and now we have 52, despite the fact that we don't get any television coverage or [government] funds. The campaign relied heavily on social media, and now we're 10 percent of the parliament and we've managed to get the support of other parties as well as independent lawmakers, so governing isn't a problem. "I wasn't surprised, because I started crisscrossing Brazil four years ago. Brazil is very large. Israel is smaller than our smallest state [Sergipe], so imagine if you were 26 times bigger. Over the course of four years, we managed to get to every part of Brazil. By speaking the truth, we gained the sympathy and trust of the Brazilian electorate, and even though I was in the hospital for 23 days, and at home for another 20 and couldn't go out [following an attempt on his life], we won by a large margin of votes." Q: Are you proud of the long political road you've traversed, and will the assassination attempt affect your presidency? "For 28 years, I've been part of a parliament that receives no support from the public. It is a parliament that has turned its back on the people long ago. But the fact is that I'm a survivor of that parliament. Before I entered politics, I was in the Brazilian army for 17 years, and as far as I know in Israel almost everyone has military experience... [In the military,] one experiences nationalism. It shapes your values and principles-gives you responsibility, patriotism, sacrifice and meaning. All of this molds your personality." Q: Why do you think people are saying that you pose a threat to democracy? "They can't go after me for being corrupt. Meanwhile, their government [the previous left-wing government] operated in a number of ways-controlling the public with the media; rewriting the constitution; nationalizing assets, which lowered the value of private property; submitting to dictatorships all over the world. That's what the left does, as it walks around carrying Lenin's works on communism under its arm. The left always blames others for the very things it does itself. But the Brazilian population, which has been liberated from the traditional media, trusted my word and my past." (Los Angeles, CA)StandWithUs has launched a wide-scale campaign to hold National Students for Justice in Palestine accountable for spreading anti-Semitism, supporting violence, and violating free speech. The campaign features a petition to the U.S. Department of Education and higher education governing bodies in Canada, letter from StandWithUs and Alums for Campus Fairness to every university with a registered SJP affiliate, social media content educating the public about SJPs extremism, op-eds, and more. We are putting all relevant government bodies and institutions of higher education on notice about a serious threat to free speech, academic freedom, and student rights on campus, said Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs. National SJP represents the new anti-Semitism, seeking to isolate and eliminate the worlds only Jewish state and targeting Jewish students simply because they support Israels right to exist. Universities must condemn SJP for spreading hate and prevent its affiliates from violating student rights. One of the biggest reasons weve built such a large following on social media is to mobilize people of good will to fight back against those who support terrorism and promote anti-Semitism. Were proud to say that we have already reached 800,000 people with this campaign, said StandWithUs International Digital Director Emily Schrader. Everyone who cares about academic freedom and protecting students from discrimination should sign our petition and educate their peers about this issue, said Ron Krudo, executive director of Campus Affairs at StandWithUs. SJP has a deeply disturbing record of extremism and we are speaking out to ensure that they are held accountable. National SJP is an organization with dozens of chapters and affiliates across North America, a support network of off-campus hate groups, and a long record of spreading anti-Semitism, supporting violence, and violating free speech. In its 2018 national conference themes & goals, National SJP openly calls for the destruction of Zionism and supports efforts to silence speakers who believe in Israels right to exist. The group receives funding and other forms of support from NGOs that are tied to multiple designated terror organizations, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. National SJP conferences have featured lectures from terrorists like Khader Adnan, an Islamic Jihad leader who called for suicide bombings against Israeli civilians. SJP also spearheaded a campaign to glorify and raise money for Rasmea Odeh, who helped carry out a PFLP terrorist attack which killed two Israeli civilians. The group frequently expresses support for an Intifada, creating a hostile climate for Jewish and Israeli studentsparticularly those who lost friends and family during the brutal suicide bombings of the Second Intifada. Some activists affiliated with SJP have even threatened violence against Jewish students and others who believe in Israels right to exist. Moreover, SJP members frequently shout down speakers they disagree with, resulting in numerous criminal and university investigations into violations of free speech and illegal activity. Lastly, SJP spreads hate against Jews and Israelis on campus on a far too regular basis. Much of their rhetoric falls under the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, which has been adopted by the EU, US Department of Education, and the Government of Canada. This includes denying Israels right to exist, demonizing Israelis, and attacking Israel using classic anti-Semitic tropes. SJPs political agendato eliminate Israel and strip away Jewish rights to self-determinationis a prime example of the new anti-Semitism. To sign the petition, please go to standwithus.co.il/action-center/no-hate-on-campus. (JNS)-The controversial Canary Mission-an anonymous campus watchdog group that exposes organizations, academics and activists that demonize Israel on college campuses-recently came under fire when the San Francisco Jewish Federation indicated that it would no longer facilitate private-donor funding of the group. Articles in The Forward blasted the organization as "shadowy" for refusing to identify its leadership and sources of funding. Yet for pro-Israel student activists who are actively fighting against intensifying bigotry and intimidation on universities throughout North America, the work of Canary Mission provides useful tools in the war against campus anti-Semitism. Ezra Katz, a senior at Kent State University in Ohio, wholeheartedly supports the website's mission. "I'm a fan of good reporting, and Canary Mission does just that," he says. "The number of anti-Semites on campus is rather alarming, and their actions even more so. Exposing institutionalized and tolerated anti-Semitism isn't done often enough, and as someone who has seen such rampant anti-Semitism on campus, I think it's more than appropriate to have a supporting site." People need "to take a step back and look at what they're angry at," adds Katz. "Why are they mad at a site for exposing anti-Semitism, and ignoring the students and faculty who call Zionists 'pigs and dirty colonists?' Why are we neglecting, and passively tolerating, such hatred?" Meyer Grunberg, a senior at Florida International University in Miami, echoed Katz's sentiment. "I support Canary's Mission because there is a need to call out folks who claim to stand for 'justice for all... except Zionists and those who support them,'" he says. "That sort of double-standard is rarely accepted in any scenario, yet seems to be tolerated when it comes to Israel because Palestinian rights and narratives are higher up on the echelon of the 'suffering olympics.' " "A blacklist like Canary Mission does not give a bad impression of the pro-Israel community because the people on there are there for a reason, and that is because they are adamant and unashamed of their hate," explains Grunberg. "If supporters of Israel simply sat back and did nothing while people with power and influence vilify Israel on a daily basis, how would people know the truth about what's really happening on the ground? Why should we simply sit back and allow the hate to fester, when no other country in the world deals with such a level of double-standards and revisionist history?" At the same time, he continues, "I strongly encourage anyone who visits Canary Mission to double- and triple-check that everything on there about the person they are searching is accurate." Phillip Yurchenko, a junior at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., says "I think that the Canary Mission is constructive and super helpful, especially for college students. I am a strong supporter of free speech, but that's not mutually exclusive with accountability." 'Pro-Israel students are fighting a difficult battle' Canary Mission claims to be an apolitical organization that aggregates information from publicly available sources, exposing groups and people that participate in "anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry on the far-right, far-left and among the array of organizations which constitute the BDS movement." According to its website, "If you're racist, the world should know." In D.C., George Washington University's Shep Gerszberg notes that while Canary Mission's research on professors is almost always beneficial, profiling pro-BDS students can have unintended consequences in the growing trend of claiming victimhood. "Organizations like Canary Mission can help Jewish students know which professors to avoid for their bias," he says. "But when they go after students that are anti-Israel/pro-Palestine, it just contributes to their ability to portray themselves as victims." Katherine Dolgenos, a former president of the Israel Alliance at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., says "the default viewpoint on many campuses, especially liberal-arts schools, is that Israel is an illegitimate apartheid state. Many students attend what they understand to be pro-Palestinian solidarity events without fully understanding the conflict." Dolgenos warns, however, that some students arrive at Students for Justice in Palestine meetings without necessarily understanding what the organization actually stands for and may become bystanders who then find themselves targeted by Canary Mission as anti-Israel activists. "Anti-Zionism on campus is an intractable problem, and pro-Israel students are fighting a difficult battle," she says, noting that sometimes Canary Mission "finds and publishes personal information about students with dubious anti-Zionist connections; for example, some students on the website have merely attended Students for Justice in Palestine meetings and are not necessarily members of the club." Dolgenos suggests that such targeting can be "counterproductive." She thinks that "pro-Israel students should try to convince anti-Zionists that engaging in dialogue and exercising their right to free speech" is a more altruistic and effective methodology for combating intimidation than "publishing their opponents' personal information and exposing them to threats." Brooke Goldstein, executive director of the Lawfare Project, says the targeting of students and campus professionals alike is fair game in the fight against anti-Semitism. "Why do we have to be afraid to publicly expose those who are rabidly anti-Semitic? Have we learned nothing from our tragic past? When we remain silent, we are trampled on." Goldstein, whose organization runs the Campus Civil Rights Project, which according to the Lawfare Project's website was created "to preserve and defend the civil rights of Jewish and pro-Israel students and faculty members at America's colleges and universities," adds that "if you want the world to respect your basic civil rights to equal protection under the law and to a campus environment free of hostility and unlawful discrimination that targets Jewish students, then you have to be willing to stand up publicly and proudly against those who target Jews." "Insinuating that we should somehow be embarrassed of a website that merely states the facts is ludicrous. The only people who should be embarrassed are those featured on the website for their racism," says Goldstein. According to Noah Pollak, a prominent writer who serves as executive director of the Emergency Committee for Israel, "Canary Mission is a standing reminder that the BDS movement really is that bad-that it is comprised of anti-Semites, Hamas supporters, and advocates of violence and war." He says "Canary Mission is highly effective against the BDS movement, and it is also hated by some Jewish progressives. I believe these two facts are not unrelated. There is a minority of Jewish progressives who wish to believe that BDS, which often employs social-justice rhetoric, isn't that bad." Controversy over funding The controversy surrounding Canary Mission's activities became prominent when The Forward reported that two local Jewish Federation chapters opted not to direct future grants to Canary Mission, following recent one-time gifts. Canary Mission continues to keep its sources of funding anonymous. According to media reports, the Los Angeles Federation previously transacted $250,000 by an anonymous donor to Megamot Shalom, which allegedly operates Canary Mission. In 2016, San Francisco Federation transacted a $100,000 grant by Helen Diller Family Foundation, a major philanthropic group in the Bay Area, through the Central Fund of Israel, earmarked to support Canary Mission. Both have indicated that they will not continue funding Canary Mission. Kerry Philp, San Francisco Federation's senior director for strategic marketing and communications, tells JNS that "Federation seeks to support the philanthropic needs of our donors and the broad range of views that they represent. To ensure that all grants are consistent with our mission to be a force for good in the world, we implemented guidelines in 2010. "A one-time grant was made in 2016 by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Federation, to the Central Fund of Israel and earmarked to support the work of the Canary Mission," explains Philp. "In 2017, we strengthened the implementation of our review process and determined that the Central Fund of Israel is not in compliance with our guidelines, which apply to donor-advised funds and supporting foundations. Both the Helen Diller Family Foundation and the Federation will not support the Canary Mission in the future." Apparently, gifts like those made to Canary Mission are left to each local chapter. Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago spokesperson Joel Schatz explains that such grants are strictly reviewed "on a case-by-case basis, and the decision is made by the volunteer committee." The national umbrella organization Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) said that the decisions to suspend funding were made at the local level and were not part of a national directive. "We very much support the right of our Federations to make grant decisions. Each Federation is independent and diverse," says JFNA spokesperson. Furthermore, JFNA notes that the funds were not initially given directly from Federation budgets, but rather from external philanthropists that rely on Federation recommendations. "It is important to note that both instances were not reflections of Federation allocations, but grants from Foundation or donor-advised funds," states the spokesperson. Both The Forward and Haaretz used the local chapters' decisions to make the grants one-time only events into major news articles without analyzing the impact that Canary Mission has for Jewish students who are exposed to anti-Israel sentiment and intimidation. Commenting on the articles published by The Forward and Haaretz, Pollak notes that "these critics have never been able to show that Canary's profiles are inaccurate, so instead they pound the table and use words like 'blacklist' to delegitimize a watchdog that compiles examples of BDS activists celebrating Hitler and Hamas on social media." "Canary Mission is indispensable in the fight against BDS, and I am grateful for it," he says. "We should all be grateful for it." Quotes "Canary Mission is a standing reminder that the BDS movement really is that bad-that it is comprised of anti-Semites, Hamas supporters, and advocates of violence and war." Noah Pollak, a prominent writer who serves as executive director of the Emergency Committee for Israel "Many students attend what they understand to be pro-Palestinian solidarity events without fully understanding the conflict." Katherine Dolgenos, a former president of the Israel Alliance at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. (JNS)In the wake of the synagogue shooting last week in Pittsburgh, activists from several mainline Protestant churches came under fire for promoting a culture of anti-Semitism in their churches, especially the United Methodist Church. The worst offenders are usually activists affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC). But this year, the activists and officials from the United Methodist Church took on a leading role by hosting the controversial Christ at the Checkpoint Conference in Oklahoma. The political goal of the conference was to flip American Christian support for Israel to the Palestinians. The conference soon took on a more sinister tone. At one point, a speaker put up a slide of U.S. President Donald Trump surrounded by three of his advisers. The speaker asked the audience what was wrong with the picture. Audience members answered that the problem was that they were Jews, apparently angry that the American president had Jewish advisers involved in the effort to achieve a peace deal. Dexter Van Zile, a Christian scholar for CAMERA, reported about the conference. He told JNS: At the time, when the audience was complaining about Jews in the Trump administration, I was disgusted at their flagrant anti-Semitism. But now, after hearing that the Pittsburgh gunman said the American government was infested with Jews, I feel more than shaken by how it echoes what I heard at the Methodist-organized conference. The notions of Jewish cruelty, corruption and infestationthose were all themes at the conference, said Van Zile. Its now, literally, lethal rhetoric. The United Methodist Churchs struggle with anti-Semitism goes back several years. Methodist Pastor James M. Wall, for example, was an editor of the popular mainline magazine Christian Century while also being affiliated with an anti-Semitic website called Veterans News Now, which promoted the writings of David Duke. In response, Van Zile has written a letter to Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck, asking her to consider the possibility that the United Methodist Church has helped create an atmosphere in which anti-Semitic rhetoric has become normalized in American society. Asked why he sent the letter, Van Zile replied: Its too dangerous for me to keep silent about. The drumbeat of one-sided, anti-Israel stories in mainline churches is producing a climate of anti-Jewish suspicion and hate, he said. The connection between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is becoming too obvious to deny. Its time for a reckoning. California wildfires damage synagogues, camps and day school (JTA)The fires racing through Southern California have led to the evacuation of more than 260,000 people, burned over 83,000 acres and destroyed more than 170 homes, as well as damaged several Jewish institutions. The Jewish institutions, including several synagogues, turned to their social media pages to distribute information and offer support. Many held Havdalah services on Saturday night at other nearby sites, most livestreamed on their social media pages, in order to provide support and healing for their members At the Ilan Ramon Day School in Agoura, fire destroyed the schools computer lab, administration building and a bathroom. Our school, at its core, has never been about the physical space or the buildings in which the children learn. Our school is a sacred and special community, the head of school, Yuri Hronsky, wrote Friday in a Facebook post. Our school is about heart and soul, not about brick and mortar. I wish I had better news to share as we enter Shabbat this evening. The school launched a GoFundMe page on Friday titled Help Rebuild Ilan Ramon Day School, with a goal of $750,000. The fire also reached the Shalom Institute, a camp and conference center located in the mountains of Malibu. In a message sent Saturday, institute leaders said in a letter that the fire had caused damage to the facility but it was not yet known how serious. The staff, animals and Torah scrolls located on the campus of the institute were safely evacuated on Friday, according to the message signed by Gil Breakman and Rabbi Bill Kaplan, the president and executive director, respectively, of the Shalom Institute, and Joel Charnick, director of Camp JCA Shalom. We know this news is upsetting to hear and we share your sadness, the message said. Camp is magical, but its magic transcends the buildings and structures. The magic comes from the loving community that we create when we are together. Though these losses may be painful, we know that the memories, friendships and joy that this place brings to so many lives on. Camp Hess Kramer, a camp owned by the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, said in a message to camp families that at least some structures at the camp were consumed by the fire. The camps Torah scrolls were evacuated ahead of the fire, and the camp is fully insured, according to the message. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the first responders working so hard to protect life and property and to those who are suffering. May we begin a new week with them and each other in our prayers, read the message, posted on Facebook and signed by the synagogue and camp leadership. The Reform Congregation Or Ami of Calabasas on Friday set up a Kid Camp and Adult Hangout at a nearby high school, which was scheduled to continue on Sunday. For anyone needing support, food, or simply a space to be, the synagogue said on its website. We will provide breakfast, snacks, and lunch. We also have games and activities for kids, as well as spaces for adults to gather and process. Teens: come be with your friends, or hang out with kids. There will be counselors available for support for anyone who wishes it. On Friday, the rabbi and president of Temple Adat Elohim, a Reform synagogue in Thousand Oaks, located in the same neighborhood as the Borderline Bar and Grill, the site of a deadly shooting on Wednesday night, managed to enter the synagogue on Friday and remove its four Torah scrolls as mandatory evacuations were underway. The synagogues cantor, David Shukiar, on Saturday posted on the synagogues Facebook page that the grounds of the synagogue had been burnt but that the temple is in great shape. He noted that the homes in the area of the synagogue were burnt to the ground. Some 175 families who make up the congregation of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue were evacuated from their homes, as was the synagogue. On Saturday, the synagogue posted on its Facebook page that the building remained unharmed. The Torah scrolls had been removed a day earlier as a precaution to the Kehillat Israel synagogue in Pacific Palisades, which played host to a bar mitzvah that had been scheduled for the the Malibu Jewish Center. The family of the bar mitzvah invited the entire congregation to gather at the synagogue and celebrate with them. In a message titled We are here for you posted Friday on the website of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, federation CEO Jay Sanderson, wrote: The past few weeks have tested our strength and resolve as a community and a nation. I want to assure you that we are doing all we can to help our community as this natural disaster affects our Jewish institutions and homes, he also wrote. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Friday for families and institutions in Calabasas, Malibu and Thousand Oaks Strong winds were forecast to pick up in the area on Sunday, which combined with little moisture in the air and extremely dry ground from months of drought could cause the fires to continue to spread, according to Accu-Weather. California camps vow to rebuild in aftermath of still raging wildfires (JTA)Two camps that suffered major damage in the wildfires that have raged in Southern California sent a message addressed to the camp family: We will rebuild and we will endure. On Sunday evening, the leaders of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles and the camps it runs, Hess Kramer in Malibu and Gindling Hilltop, said that although the full extent of the damages wont be determined for some time, we know that it is severe. The night before, the temple hosted a special camp-style Havdalah ceremony. The message said that among the buildings and areas lost at Hess Kramer are two halls, the climbing wall, a library and the ark, along with several staff residences and all but two of the cabins. At Hilltop, all the structures were lost with the exception of two cinder-block staff housing units. The staff and Torah scrolls had been evacuated from the camps before the fire spread. Saturday nights Havdalah gathering poignantly reminded us that camp is really about the people and what we do together, the message said. The location will be a different and temporary one, but we will be together this summer. There will be camp. Then, we will rebuild. Hess Kramer and Hilltop will endure. The message used the hashtags #KramerNeverStops #HilltopNeverStops. At the Havdalah ceremony, the rabbi of Camp Hess Kramer, David Eshel, said fire has played an important role in Jewish history. The service was live-streamed on Facebook. Before he knew the extent of the damage to the camps owned by the temple, Eshel told the campers, current and going back many decades: We remember God spoke to Moses through the burning bush to inspire our people to freedom. God led us through the wilderness with a pillar of fire. This flame will not destroy rather this flame will light our way to a bright, bright future. Campers shared their memories in the comments, all expressing great sadness at the extent of the destruction. So many wonderful memories of years as a camper and CIT, especially at Hilltop, Leslie Cole wrote. One of my very favorite places is Rabbi Wolfs Inspiration Point. I used to hike up there, look around and just feel at one with God and the world. Camp was such a formative part of my Jewish identity. Those memories will always be with me and with my kids, who have been and are JCA campers and counselors. Our community is strong and full of life and we will rebuild, as we carry the old memories and make new ones. Two people have died in the Southern California blazes called the Woolsey and Hill fires. The fires have destroyed some 90,000 acres and are responsible for the destruction of 179 homes and other buildings, while another 57,000 remain threatened. In Northern California, Camp Fire has left 29 people dead and destroyed 113,000 acres as well as 6,453 homes and 260 other structures, including the entire town of Paradise. As of Monday morning it was about 25 percent contained. More than 300,000 people in total have been forced to evacuate their homes in the northern and southern parts of the state, some 170,000 in Los Angeles County alone. More than 300 rockets from Gaza rain down on southern Israel, hitting a bus and homes JERUSALEM (JTA)More than 300 rockets and mortars fired from Gaza rained down Monday evening on southern Israel, including one that hit a bus, seriously injuring a young man. The Israel Defense Forces responded by launching attacks on Hamas sites in Gaza. The man, 19, was on the bus when it was hit by what was identified as an anti-tank missile. Moments earlier the bus had been full of some 50 soldiers. He was evacuated to Beershebas Soroka Medical Center. He was later identified in reports as an Israeli soldier. At least 29 Israelis have been were injured by shrapnel and flying glass, and dozens traumatized, the public broadcaster Kan reported. Rockets directly hit a home in Netivot, and homes were hit in Sderot and Ashkelon, where the house caught fire. A gas leak in Sderot next to a corner supermarket was ignited by a rocket and firefighters were working to put out the fire. In addition, a gas depot in Sderot took a direct hit. An apartment building in Ashkelon was hit by a rocket, injuring several people. About 60 of the rockets fired from Gaza were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Extra batteries had arrived in the area earlier in the day following clashes on the border after an Israeli army special forces operation was exposed on Sunday night. The rockets set off Code Red sirens throughout southern Israeli communities, including for the first time in decades in Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea. The rockets began falling at 4:30 p.m., with more than 100 fired by 6. The IDF called on residents of Gaza border communities to remain in place in their bomb shelters and safe rooms, and on the residents of the northern Negev, including Beersheba, to remain near their shelters. Later Monday, the IDF said in a statement that it struck more than 20 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in Gazahours later upping the number to more than 70using warplanes, combat helicopters and tanks. Targets included military compounds, observation posts and high-trajectory rocket launcher, according to the military. Later on Monday evening, Israeli bombers destroyed the Hamas-affiliated Al Aqsa TV station, after firing warning missiles, to encourage the evacuation of the building. Palestinian sources reported that three Palestinians, including two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and one from Islamic Jihad, were killed in the strikes. Israel and others consider both groups terrorist organizations. The IDF warned Hamas, with its spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis, saying in a tweet that the terrorist group will feel the power of the IDFs response in the coming hours. The attempt to harm civilians is unacceptable, he said, and we will continue to respond with force. Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing anti-establishment figure who has promised to upend the status quo in the country, including improving ties with Israel. (JNS)-Dubbed the "tropical Trump," Jair Bolsonaro's victory on Sunday appears to have imbued much of Brazil's population with renewed hope for a better economy and less corruption. The win by the right-wing, anti-establishment figure may also upend the country's foreign policy, which has brought renewed hope for better relations between the Latin American country and Israel. Indeed, during his campaign, Bolsonaro said he would make Israel the first country he visits as president and would move Brazil's embassy to Jerusalem. He also promised to close the Palestinian embassy in Brazil because "Palestine is not a country." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Bolsonaro in a phone call, saying, "I am certain that your election will lead to a great friendship between our nations and to a strengthening of Israel-Brazil ties. I'm looking forward to your visit to Israel." An Israeli official also said that it is "highly probable" that Netanyahu will attend Bolsonaro's inauguration on Jan. 1, in what would be the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister would visit Brazil. Netanyahu also tweeted his congratulations. "I spoke this evening with the president-elect of Brazil, @jairbolsonaro. I congratulated him on his victory. I told him I'm certain his election will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and a strengthening of Brazil-Israel ties. We are waiting for his visit to Israel!" 'Evangelism there is growing' Speaking with JNS before the elections, Dina Siegel Vann, director of the American Jewish Committee's Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA) in Washington, D.C., said, "We can only base ourselves on his public statements, his campaign promises. He's been very clear. He wants to take the relationship with Israel to new levels. He is saying he wants to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and he said his first trip abroad would be to Israel. Given his background, chances are that he will fulfill these promises." Siegel Vann pointed out that Bolsonaro's strong religious affiliation with evangelical Christianity means that there is also a religious motivation involved. "Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world, and evangelism there is growing," she said. Although there have been a few hiccups along the way, such as when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Israel during the 2014 war in Gaza, the two nations have excellent bilateral ties from decades beforehand. Brazil's domestic needs have sometimes forced it to look beyond Middle East politics. "Israel has a lot to offer many large countries," said Siegel Vann. "And many other larger countries that have made offers to Latin American countries never came through. Israel is perceived more and more in Latin America as a country that can provide cyber security, water management and more. These are things Latin Americans need, and that's why many of these [Latin American] countries grew their bilateral ties with Israel in past years." 'What might change is the tone' Arie Kacowicz, from the department of international relations at Hebrew University, told JNS "in terms of the tone of relations, it is clear that we will probably see a significant improvement. In terms of substance, we will see." Kacowicz said that "if you look at the larger context, Brazil is a country that has very strong diplomatic relations with Iran. Its foreign-policy approach has always been multilateral. Brazil has to keep good relations with the other side." For this reason, Kacowicz is skeptical that Bolsonaro will be able to fulfill all of his campaign promises. "I don't see Bolsonaro moving the embassy immediately," he said. "It might be easier to close the Palestinian embassy." In the past, relations with Israel were not the most cordial. There were several crises and non-diplomatic declarations, such as when, in 2015, Brazil rejected Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan as Israel's choice of ambassador to Brazil. "What might change is the tone," said Kacowicz. "Bolsonaro will align himself very closely with Trump. And this means he will improve relations with Israel." "From an Israeli standpoint," Kacowicz concluded, "we are going to see an improvement." Just hours after the largest massacre of Jews in America in U.S. history, the Atlantic Monthly posted a piece by Franklin Foer. In his Prayer for Squirrel Hill, and for American Jewry, Foer wrote, Any strategy for enhancing the security of American Jewry should involve shunning [President Donald] Trumps Jewish enablers. Their money should be refused, their presence in synagogues not welcome. They have placed our community in danger. That is, in the shadow of the blood-drenched synagogue, Foer declared war on his fellow Jews. Between a quarter and 30 percent of American Jews voted for Trump. Foer wants them all to be ostracized because, he says, they are dangerous. Taken to its logical conclusion, Foers statement was also a declaration of war against the Jews of Israel. For as much as Foer and his totalitarian comrades hate Trump, Israeli Jews support him. More than 75 percent of Israeli Jews consider Trump a great friend. Foers comrade Julia Ioffe from GQ magazine made clear the animosity these leftist/anti-Trump American Jewish media figures harbor toward Israel. In a post on Twitter that was at least as incendiary as Foers essay, Ioffe wrote, And a word to my fellow American Jews: This president makes this [massacre] possible. Here. Where you live. I hope the embassy move over there, where you dont live was worth it. In other words, Trumps support for Israel enables him to persecute American Jews. By supporting Trump for supporting Israel, Israeli Jews and Republican Jews enabled the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Are they right? Do Israeli Jews and politically conservative American Jews facilitate anti-Semitism in America by supporting Trump? Is Trump an anti-Semite who covers his malign intentions toward American Jewry by supporting Israel? Although these questions are absurd on their face, now that The Washington Posts Dana Milbank feels comfortable claiming that Jews are not safe in Donald Trumps America, it is important to consider them. So let us consider what Trump has done and said and compare his actions and statements with those of his immediate predecessor, Barack Obama, who most of the American Jews who now blame Trump and his Jewish supporters for the massacre in Pittsburgh supported. The first question we need to address is, what are Israels interests in its relations with the U.S. and how do those interests impact American Jews? Israel has an interest in working in alliance with the United States to counter common threats. Trump shares this interest, and has acted to advance it on multiple fronts. Trumps decision to abandon his predecessors policy of appeasing Iran in favor of a policy of working with Israel and the Sunni Arab states to counter Irans regional aggression and power, and block the regimes efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, represents a fundamental shift in U.S. foreign policy. It was welcomed by Israel as well as by the Sunni Arab states of the Middle East. Is this a good or bad thing for American Jewry? Obamas nuclear deal gave Iran a guaranteed path to nuclear armament within a decade. Since the Iranian regime has repeatedly pledged to annihilate Israel, the deal posed an existential threat to Israel. To secure Senate approval of his scandalous deal, the Obama White House directed a media and political strategy of intimidation of lawmakers and American Jewish leaders, abounding with anti-Semitic demonology. Democratic senators that opposed the deal were under the influence of nefarious foreign money. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was transformed in Obamas media echo chamber into the enemy of America. AIPAC lobbyists who campaigned against the deal were branded as agents of a foreign powertraitorsseeking to undermine U.S. interests for the benefit of a hostile foreign powerthat is, Israel. The Obama administrations aggression against Jewish Americans exercising their lawful right to petition their government was unprecedented. The fight it waged against the American Jewish community left the community weakened and vulnerable to attack from the Left as never before. By disavowing the nuclear deal and endorsing the view of the Jewish community, Trump delegitimized Obamas bigoted assault against American Jews. Obviously, this is a good thing for American Jews. Israel has an interest in securing its position in the world and ending its second-class status in the international community. That second-class status was long emblemized in the U.S.s abject refusal to locate the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Israels capital city Jerusalem. That longstanding American refusal to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the City of David legitimized the systematic persecution of Israel at the U.N. and in other international arenas. Since Jerusalem has been the center of Jewish life and faith for 3,000 years, it is concrete proof that Israel is not a colonial implant and that Jews are the native people of the land. By refusing to recognize Israels sovereignty in Jerusalem, the U.S. joined the rest of the world in calling into question its very right to exist and lend credence to the anti-Semitic claim that Jews are foreigners in their historic homeland. Trumps decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and his subsequent decision to subordinate the American Consulate in Jerusalem to the U.S. Embassy was a total renunciation of this long-standing bigotry against the Jewish people. Trumps action was self-evidently a good thing for American Jews. No longer do American Jews need to justify their attachment to Israel. No longer do American Jews need to come on bended knee to the White House and entreat the president to recognize the historical record. Contrast Trumps actions with Obamas actions. Not only did Obama refuse to transfer the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, he rejected even symbolic acceptance of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem. The Obama State Department erased all the captions on archival photos of American dignitaries in Jerusalem that referred to the location as Jerusalem, Israel. This petty act demonstrated a deep-seated hostility to the history of the Jewish people and was nothing if not bigoted. Yet, by the lights of Foer, Ioffe, Milbank and their fellow American Jewish Trump-haters, Obama was a friend of American Jews, and Trump and his Jewish supporters are their enemies. Likewise, Trumps decision to remove the U.S. from the anti-Semitic U.N. Human Rights Council, which Obama joined despite its open bigotry against Jews; his ending of funding to the genocidal, anti-Semitic U.N. Refugee Works Agency for the Palestinians, which Obama expanded; and his decision to cut funding to the terrorist-financing Palestinian Authority, which Obama increased; and close the PLO diplomatic mission in Washington, which Obama upgraded, were moves of historic significance in the fight against anti-Semitism and for Jewish rights. Trump is the first president in a quarter century to make the Palestinians and their international enablers pay a price for their rejection of peace and facilitation of terrorism and armed aggression against Israel and Israeli Jews. Are these actions bad for American Jewry? When Trump says that Israel has a right to defeat its enemies and respond to aggression, is he harming American Jewry? Of course not. Trumps Jewish antagonists in the U.S. media and their partner, ADL executive director and former Obama White House official Jonathan Greenblatt, insist that under Trump, anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. have risen 57 percent. But as David Bernstein demonstrated this week at Tablet magazine, the ADL data everyone is citing tells the exact opposite story. The claim that anti-Semitic incidents have risen under Trump is not supported by the ADL data. What the data do show is that violent anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S. have decreased significantly since Trump took office, while they increased significantly during Obamas presidency. What is clear is that Trump has spoken far more seriously about anti-Semitism and the need to combat it than Obama ever has. In January 2015, an Islamic terrorist massacred and held Jews hostage at the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris. Obama refused to acknowledge that it was an anti-Semitic attack and that the victims were killed because they were Jews. Instead he referred to them as a bunch of folks in a deli. Following Saturdays massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Obama issued a statement that once again made no mention of the fact that the victims were Jews, and that they were killed because they were Jews. All of us have to fight the rise of anti-Semitism and hateful rhetoric against those who love or pray differently. And we have to stop making it so easy for those who want to harm the innocent to get their hands on a gun, he emptily tweeted. Obama notably also said nothing after Louis Farrakhan called Jews termites last month. Trump in contrast, couldnt be clearer in his condemnation of anti-Semitism and his willingness to defend Jews from bigotry and violence. Saturday, after calling the synagogue massacre an anti-Semitic act, Trump said, Anti-Semitism and the widespread persecution of Jews represents one of the ugliest and darkest features of human history. The vile, hate-filled poison of anti-Semitism must be condemned and confronted everywhere and anywhere it appears. There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America or for any form of religious or racial hatred or prejudice. Later Saturday, Trump stated the point even more sharply. This evil anti-Semitic attack is an assault on all of us. Its an assault on humanity. It will require all of us working together to extract the hateful poison of anti-Semitism from the world. The scourge of anti-Semitism cannot be ignored, cannot be tolerated and cannot be allowed to continue. As Prime Minister Netanyahu noted, no non-Israeli leader has ever made such a strong commitment to fight Jew-hatred. This then brings us back to Foer and his fellow Jewish American Trump-haters. What are they trying to protect as Jews when they call for Trump to be shunned and his Jewish supporters to be kicked out of Jewish life in America? The answer is blindingly clear. No Jewish interest is served by standing against the friendliest president American Jews have had. No Jewish interest is served by weakening the president most supportive of Israel in the history of U.S.-Israel relations. Indeed, far from serving the American Jewish community, these Jewish Trump-haters are harming the community and endangering its future. After watching these powerful American Jews abuse Trump for standing with Israel and standing up to the anti-Semites at home and abroad, no future president will have any impetus to even pay lip service to the U.S. alliance with the Jewish state and the fight against Jew-hatred. Originally published at The Jerusalem Post. Last week marked the 80th anniversary of one of the single most infamous anti-Semitic days in history. Observing and understanding this anniversary is all the more critical in the wake of the anti-Semitic Pittsburgh massacre. While hatred of Jews is sadly not new, one thing new today is the solidarity among Jews and Christians standing united against anti-Semitism. By contrast, in the 1930s, many church leaders openly supported the rise of Nazi anti-Semitism. Known as Kristallnachtthe Night of Broken Glasson the night of November 9, 1938, Germans egged on by five years of increased rabid anti-Semitism, sanctioned and inspired by the ruling Nazis, destroyed more than 1000 synagogues, burned and looted more than 7500 Jewish businesses, and desecrated many Jewish cemeteries. Conservative estimates are that more than 100 Jews were murdered (some say 1500), many more were beaten, and more than 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and taken to concentration camps. The Nazis hatred was known, but by 1938 they had not come up with the Final Solution, the systematic attempt to murder all the Jews of Europe. There is well-documented evidence that the Nazis tested the waters with the progressive implementation of increased anti-Semitic propaganda and hate, the racist 1935 Nuremburg laws, and actions behind them like Kristallnacht. They watched the worlds tepid response and concluded that they could deal with the Jews as they wished. Shy of some sincere but muted protests and news reports of the violence, the world was largely silent to the plight of German Jews. This emboldened the Nazis to continue their plotting against German Jews, and all European Jewry. Nazis and other anti-Semites around the world were also emboldened by this, fanning the flames of hatred in their own communities by seeing how easy it was to persecute Jews with no substantive response from the rest of the world. Today, the world is at a similar juncture. Two significant differences are that today there is a Jewish state, and that in the past decades a flourishing of Christian love for Israel and the Jewish people, turning on its head the theology of the church just 7-8 decades ago. Yet, while it is the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel, and restoration of Jewish sovereignty in the State of Israel in which so many Christians see God fulfilling His promise, Israel has become a lightning rod, and excuse for, increased anti-Semitism. Eight decades ago, Christians openly stood against the Jews and today Christians openly stand with Israel and the Jews. The difference could not be more profound. What brings us to a point that we are at a similar juncture today as we were in 1938? Then it was the complete acceptance of anti-Semitism and how that became synonymous with German nationalism. This godless ideology was rooted in racial hatred that contradicted the reality that God created humans in His image. Its inconceivable that any church supported this, but they did. Today, the world is subject to normalization of anti-Semitic hate on many fronts. First and foremost, regarding Israel; not just its existence that has been challenged and threatened every day for 70.5 years, but the anti-Semitic hatred thats espoused by its Arab and Islamic neighbors. They literally not only delegitimize Israels right to exist, but they do so by literally dehumanizing Jews. Like the Nazis, the do so but upending the Bible and creating their theology of hate. Yet, while there are many people who decry the anti-Semitic threats Israel faces, for many, anti-Semitic targeting Jews in Israel is considered normal or even legitimate. Even former US presidents like Jimmy Carter have jumped on board the hate wagon. Anti-Semitism has become normal as an outgrowth of many organizations that exist presumably to fight for rights of Palestinian Arabs but in fact unleash vile anti-Semitism throughout the US and across the west. Its gotten so bad that Jewish students on campus are harassed and threatened. Thats become perfectly normal, and anti-Semites are allowed to spread their hatred public ally without any substantive challenges. In addition, beyond the familiar Arab anti-Semites and terror groups, many repugnant anti-Semites like Louis Farrakhan, Linda Sarsour, and others make a living by targeting Jews. Of course, this is a problem. But worse is the normalization of their anti-Semitic views by people who should know better, whether they be former presidents Clinton and Obama who shamelessly allowed their photos to be taken together with Farrakhan, and Maxine Waters and others, or through anti-Semitic groups as Students for Justice in Palestine or the BDS movement, the U.S. Womens March, and even Ben and Jerrys for promoting a new flavor using Sarsour as a poster child. The list goes on and on. Edmund Burkes remark has been repeated by many, The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Whats a good person to do? Call out and delegitimize anti-Semites and those who provide support for these haters. Please, do not universalize or simplify anti-Semitism just as another form of hate or violent extremism. We need steadfast resolve, not intersectionality. In the wake of Pittsburgh many Christian friends are asking why, how, what can I do? Prayer is first and foremost. But prayer alone is not enough. It needs to be followed by action. Next week I will be speaking in Orlando about combating anti-Semitism. Please feel free to join, or be in touch, and I will be glad to share my practical comments. Despite the mourning hardly ended in Pittsburgh, two colleges on opposite coasts have the hubris to host anti-Semitic speakers without any shame. Some are calling for protest, some for legal action, others that federal and state funds be withheld. All I know is that these cannot be allowed to pass without a direct challenge. The same way that the Nazis watched the worlds response, todays anti-Semites are boldened by lukewarm resolutions, and Facebook status posts. Lack of response puts a wind in their sail. We must let the wind out now, so in the future others will not have the forum much less hubris to spew their hatred. All is not lost. I was inspired this week visiting with a pastor from the US who had come to lead an interfaith tour. We were talking about the Pittsburgh massacre and I mentioned something about early anti-Semitism being rooted in replacement theology of the early church. He had never heard of replacement theology. Our conversation progressed regarding modern forms of anti-Semitism and I mentioned how BDS and SJP mask their purported claims to stand with Palestinian Arabs, but in fact are feeding grounds for overt anti-Semitism. He had never heard of BDS or SJP. In the face of outrageous anti-Semitism, how will you stand with the Jewish people? Please share your comments, suggestions and heart with me so that I may be able to share with others. 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. I know a thing or two about underdogs, having lived for some time in an underdog town in an underdog country. The town: Kiryat Shmona. The country: Israel. To the north and to the west, beyond a ridge of high hills, lay Lebanon. To the east, beyond majestic Mount Hermon, stretched Syria. I was hired for the crew of an American television broadcasting and news gathering operation headquartered in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon. This was a good three decades ago, and in those days, the south of Lebanon amounted to Israels security belt. The Lebanese in the region called it Christian Free Lebanon. Thats because the whole country was embroiled in civil war, coinciding with Israels invasion of the country (under Menachem Begin), aimed at putting an end to the regular rain of Katyusha rockets that for many years had plagued Kiryat Shmona and other northern Israeli communities. What Begins government called Operation Peace for Galilee turned into a quagmire, but in the midst of the carnage, the Lebanese Christians were able to carve out their own autonomous region, having suffered murderous attacks at the hands of Shiite and other radical Muslim militias, intent on turning what had been the jewel of the Mediterranean into an Islamic republic. Among my jobs (being the only member of the crew who spoke Hebrew) was to procure from the Israel Defense Force permits to pass from northern Galilee into Lebanon. Every day I drove to work wearing a flak jacket, and after my late shift, I drove back to the border of Israel, my heart pounding for fear that I might be assaulted from out of the shadows in the dead of night. During the course of my employment, I witnessed things I never imagined. A Lebanese teenage girl drove a pickup full of high explosives into a convoy of Israeli troops, blowing herself to smithereens and taking 13 young IDF soldiers with her. I was tasked with videotaping the gruesome aftermath of the attack, as Israeli choppers landed in the broad valley and soldiers with large plastic bags fanned out to collect body parts. Then there was one of my good buddies, Bill, who helped out at the TV facility, and who had brought his whole family to live, not in Galilee, but in Lebanon, for the purpose of taking in a number of Lebanese children, orphaned during the bloodshed, and creating what amounted to a makeshift orphanage. Bill, being a Christian, also understood what its like to be an underdog in the Middle East. Unfortunately for him, he was associated by the Shiite militias in the region with the Israeli underdogs south of the border. That was a problem, since Israel had long lost its underdog status. In Israels case, bullied underdogs are sometimes prone to stand up and fight for themselves. And Jewish Israelis, having been bullied perhaps more than any people on earth, decided that they had had enough. They stood up and fought. But then an odd thing happened. The oppressed were labeled as oppressors, precisely because they stood up. Historys quintessential underdogs now became aggressors in the eyes of the world. A new narrative was born. Call it Underdogma. Its a kind of mob mentality, with deep roots in Marxism (not to mention the French Revolution), that divides all of humanity into oppressors and oppressed. Of course, oppressed peoples, worldwide, must throw off the yoke of oppression. How? Unleash the mob, and create social and political revolution. Anything is justified to that end. Historically, those who resisted were sent to the guillotine, or worse. But now, the state of Israel was seen by a new international mob as the new oppressors. My buddy Bill, whose heart was with the Christian Lebanese and who had barely set foot in Israel, was viewed by the Lebanese Shiite mob in the region as an Israeli agent. The mob warned him to leave. He turned to me one day and said, You know, the Good Book says Go ye. I dont recall that it ever said Go back. Bill stayed. One evening, as he gathered his family and the orphans for devotions, a Shiite militia mob came to his door. Barging in, they grabbed his wife and the children, tied them up in one of the bedrooms, and dragged Bill into the bathroom. They put a single bullet in his back and another in his neck, leaving him in the bathtub in a pool of blood. The next morning I watched a feed from CNN in horror, as his body was carried out on a stretcher. So much for Bills orphanage. The mob had prevailed, and over time, the will of the Israelis, who had taken more than their share of casualties, was broken. A slow retreat ensued, leaving Lebanon to new militias and ultimately, the tyrannical Party of GodHezbollah. As for me, I was more than happy to come home. Today, Christian Free Lebanon is neither Christian nor free. The Christian Lebanese of the security belt have been crushed and decimated. Israel for its part is more isolated than evera victim of the new anti-Semitism, which amounts to a modern manifestation of metastasizing underdogma, being spurred on by the hard left under the mantle of progressivism. In todays politically correct climate, reasoned argument is worthless. Israel is racist, apartheid, and of course, Nazi. Most obscenely, underdogma masquerades as social justice. Theres certainly nothing wrong with social justice, enshrined as it is in the Torah (tzedek, tzedek tirdof: Justice, justice shall you pursue). But to modern progressives, social justice has come to mean something entirely different. It is a radical egalitarianism, born of Marx and Engels, intent on redistributing wealth and personal property to the worlds underdogs. Shout it loudly enough and long enough, and most people, who are after all creatures of the herd, will believe it. Get the international media on your side, and resistance becomes futile. Those who disagree with the mob are shunned, shouted down, or even assaulted. The mob, who claim to represent the underdogs, have become the new bullies. Support for Israel may by now have become a classic lost cause. Yet, when Mr. Smith famously went to Washington, he remarked, Sometimes lost causes are the only ones really worth fighting for. The very least we can do is to advance the cause of the most bullied nation on earth, to be upstanders. Kenneth Hanson, Ph.D., is a scholar of Hebrew language and literature, the history of biblical lands, and Jewish and early Christian culture. He is the author of six books. View his YouTube courses at https://bit.ly/1R3YlBm. 39 years later Khmer Rouge leaders found guilty of genocide Justice delayed is not justice denied. In Cambodia, former Khmer Rouge leaders Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, have been handed life sentences for their roles in the murder of get this up to 30% of Cambodian population; 2.8 million people. Nuon Chea, 92, was Pol Pots number 2. Samphan, 87, was head of state. Pol Pot Brother Number One ran Democratic Kampuchea from 1975 to 1979. He and his supporters turned Cambodia into a land of blood and tears, where the State organised murder, rape, forced marriage and torture in the pursuit of an agrarian paradise. Now two of the swine are in the dock. You see their ages and wonder. Should we bother to try them, these old men? Yes. Never give up. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), established in 2006 with both Cambodian and international judges, has cost $300m. It has convicted three people: In 2010 it convicted Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, who was in charge of the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre and prison in Phnom Penh. He is serving a life sentence. Former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary was a co-defendant with Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea but died before judges delivered a verdict in the first of the two sub-trials in 2014. His wife Ieng Thirith, the regimes social affairs minister and the fourth co-defendant, was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial and died in 2015. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphany enjoyed long and healthy lives. They looked blessed. But now see the butchers brought to their reckoning. That they lived long enough to face the music is our blessing. But why did it take so long to get them? And why not go for all the killers, not just the men and women at the top? This was not the pairs first trial. They are serving separate life sentences following earlier convictions for crimes against humanity. So many escaped justice. But these two got it twice. Does that strike anyone as lazy and convenient? The former UN secretary generals special expert on assistance to the Khmer Rouge trials and former US ambassador at large for war crimes, David Scheffer, tells The Guardian that these latest verdicts are comparable, in Cambodia, to the Nuremberg judgment after World War Two. After the Second World War, we were given the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but nothing to give it bite. The Declaration told people and nations to keep human rights constantly in mind. Or what? How did the the killers get away with it for so long? In September 1979, the UN voted to retain Khmer Rouge representation in the General Assembly, a post the Khmer Rouge occupied until 1991 The United States whose intensive bombing of areas with communist bases during 1969-73 arguably did much to bring Pol Pot to power pursued a hands-off policy, turning a blind eye to Chinas continuing support of the Khmer Rouge and the shady activities of the Thai military, which gave its protection to Khmer Rouge top-brass throughout the 1980s and 1990s For anyone interested in what crimes against humanity means, The Rise and Rise of Human Rights by Kirsten Sellars is really good. Photo: Images of the Ba Chuc massacre at a Vietnamese museum as the massacre was one of the events that prompted the 1978 Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea Anorak Posted: 16th, November 2018 | In: Key Posts, News Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Prevailing democracy thrust upon Nepal and India is not real democracy but it is joint- dictatorship : Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale Kathmandu : Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale, national Guide of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) recently met Shri. Manishkumar Mishra, the President of Rashtriya Vidyarthi Sangh which is a branch of Rashtriya Janata Party of Nepal. Shri. Mishra presented his thoughts on condition of Hindu Dharma and politics in Nepal. Sadguru (Dr.) Pingale said about the present democratic governance thrust upon Nepal and India that the prevailing democracy was not real democracy but it was like joint-dictatorship. Here, few people come together and form Constitution. Few people unite to form Constitution without taking peoples sentiments into account and those few people thrust their own decisions on others; they try to appease minorities; ignoring majority population. In prevailing democracy, persons having power, take care of only own selfish interests. The country which promoted secularism and democracy, still has House of Lords and House of Commons and their country also officially follows certain religion but they do not want our Hindu nation. This attitude needs to be pondered over. Process of removal of personality defects and ego needs to be practised for becoming fearless : Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale Kathmandu : Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale, national Guide of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) addressed a meeting organized by Shri. Vishnu Bahadur Kshetri, a local businessman. He said in his guidance that distorted history was presented to the world by hiding glorifying history of Hindus. Attempts are made to show Hindus as backward. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) is therefore, trying to present to the world, importance of Dharma-shaastra by studying it in scientific manner. It has been proved with the help of scientific equipment that divine energy created due to chanting destroys negative energy in aura of that person, leading to peace of mind. Sadguru (Dr.) Pingale said while answering queries related to spiritual science and fear that fear would remain if introspection was carried out with personality defects and ego. If study remains only at words level, fear will not go. Fear will remain till we do not practise what we study and get experiences. It is necessary to follow the process for removal of personality defects and ego. In an answer to another question, he explained characteristics of true Saints. He said that scholars have ego of their knowledge and they keep on arguing which results in creation of Tama-Guna. While answering questions also, one should feel that God gave us knowledge and doubt of other person was clarified without taking doer-ship for the same. Professor Dr. Surendra K. C. and Dr. Rajesh Ahiraj etc were present on the occasion. The debate on whether or not to censor information has been going on for centuries. The term censor in Roman times originally referred to the function of special magistrates assigned to supervise public morals and, so long as this remained the remit, the norms governing society provided the guidelines. But as governments, which have for eons used censorship as an instrument to control the flow of information to its citizens, expanded the definition of censorship to help them combat, for example, the spread of seditious ideas, attempts to fan communalism and the spread of terrorism, the debate has become more complex. Governments have, over time, used different methodologies and, in some cases, including in democracies, their objective was often to prevent the flow and dissemination of ideas that could be inconvenient to those in authority. None of these efforts, despite short periods of gain, succeeded. The fine line between censorship and restricting content that offended society, however, got progressively blurred with citizens, including creative sections of society, accusing governments of violating their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The other powerful argument against censorship is that it inhibits access to knowledge and stunts innovation. At the same time, governments today are confronted with complex situations where threats to human life and society have got magnified. This is more the case when a country is flanked by hostile neighbours. In India, for example, terrorism and threats posed by hostile elements intent on creating communal violence challenge the resources of the government. These have the advantage of surprise and, often, anonymity. The governments objective of preventing violence or spread of terror necessitates the monitoring and tracking of communications to detect terrorists and their plans and prevent situations from spiralling out of control. Authoritarian and repressive states have traditionally focused on establishing strong and effective internal security services to control their populace and retain their monopoly on power. They use censorship to control what information can be accessed by their populace and augment that with propaganda. The rapid advances, especially in the last two decades, in telecommunications technology has intertwined interception, hacking of the Internet and censorship. Undoubtedly, in this process, privacy is eroded. Even authoritarian governments like the Peoples Republic of China, who have invested huge amounts in the instruments of control, including Big Data, and have achieved a measure of success in censoring the Internet, have not been entirely successful. Hackers and information technology specialists have found ways through the Great Firewall and their citizens continue to find new ways to circumvent state controls. With the evolution of technology, censorship is increasingly moving from the realm of print to cyberspace. Censoring the Internet or hacking communications or for that matter even the mobile telephone will become increasingly difficult with the refinement of encryption services. Some private service providers even today claim that they are unable to access content passing through their systems. This technology has made it difficult for government agencies to monitor or censor content without the collaboration of private telecommunication companies. The existence of multiple channels of communication and sophisticated software to defeat normal methods of interception or hacking have added to the security of communications systems. The advent of Quantum technology has placed the telecommunications industry on the cusp of tectonic change. At least two new studies state that recent experiments with Chinese and European satellites have the brought the prospects of a space-based almost unhackable Quantum Internet closer to reality. Work has begun on a Quantum Internet using hardware based in space. Communications will be encrypted end-to-end and the channels of transmission, and, therefore, content, will not be vulnerable to interception. It is possible to envisage that within years the public Internet will be space-based. In other words, communications will flow directly from mobile handsets to transponders in satellites. Data will be stored on the cloud where the two biggest service providers are American and Chinese Google and Chinas Alibaba. With the close linkage between Alibaba and Chinas security apparatus, the latter will retain access to data stored on the cloud. So will the US, but other countries who lack the software and hardware capabilities will be severely handicapped. In addition to the danger of unauthorised access to information, this technology opens the possibility of other countries intercepting and censoring content that will increasingly be carried over Internet. The danger of allowing ingress to nationally critical sectors, like telecommunications, to countries that are not friendly must now be a matter of immediate national concern. Jayadeva Ranade is a former additional secretary in the cabinet secretariat, Government of India, and is presently president of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy The views expressed are personal Before he was the legend. Before he filled arenas with cheering fans and anthemic hits. Before there was Queen, or even Freddie Mercury, there was Farrokh Bulsara, a quiet boy born to Parsi parents in the British protectorate of Zanzibar (now in Tanzania) and dispatched to boarding school in a hill station not far from Bombay. For Ajay Goyal and Subhash Gudka, who studied at St Peters School in Panchgani and knew Mercury, the memories are fresh, though never before shared publicly. The Bulsaras were relatively wealthy Mercurys father was a cashier at Zanzibars British Colonial Office and could afford to send their son to a British-style boarding school across the Arabian Sea. There were about 60 of us East Africa students travelling to India to study then, recalls Gudka, 73, who attended the school from 1958 to 1962 and would have been a few classes ahead of Mercury. For the school year, wed take the same ship to India, he boarding at Zanzibar and me at Mombasa. Id join him in First Class. Id heard of Freddie Mercury, of course, but I never made the connection with Farrokh. I only discovered it was him from our school alumni page a few years ago, says Goyal, seen here at his Gurugram home. (Parveen Kumar / HT) 5 things you might not know about Queen 1. He was born Farrokh Bulsara. But the name on his passport? Frederick Mercury. 2. Mercury certainly made enough money to fix his prominent overbite. But he didnt get surgery in case it affected his voice. 3. He had a degree in design, and created the bands crest. It incorporates the astrological signs of the four members: two Leos, one Cancer and one Virgo. 4. Queen was hesitant about releasing their song Another One Bites The Dust. They only did so after Michael Jackson convinced them it would be a hit. 5. Mercury owned as many as ten cats at one point and had paintings made of them. Mercury was at the school between the ages of 8 and 12. Like everyone else from the time, Gudka remembers him as shy, not terribly chatty, but already displaying a flair for music. Goyal was in class with Mercury for two years and says every batch had three to five kids whod signed up for music lessons. I took up the violin but he was already good at piano. Both remember the five-member school band, The Hectics. It was the era of Cliff Richards, Elvis Presley, Connie Francis and Pat Boone, says Goyal. Other members Derrick Branche, Bruce Murray, Farang Irani and Victory Rana ended up pursuing careers in film and television, music, restaurants and the military. No one would have guessed that one would grow up to be among the worlds greatest rock stars, a man with millions of fans, throwing parties at which dwarves walked around with trays of cocaine on their heads. He was shy, but never a nobody, Goyal recalls. Wed call him Bucky for his protruding teeth, but only because we were kids who didnt know any better. Its probably why, in the only picture I have of him, hes kneeling, happy to avoid the attention. Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in the Hollywood film Bohemian Rhapsody, out in theatres now. Mercury moved back to Zanzibar a few years later and in 1964, the family fled East Africa for London during the Zanzibar revolution. I remember that he didnt want to leave India, Gudka says. Mercury would get a diploma in Art and Graphic Design in England, sell second-hand clothes at the Kensington Market and hold a job at Heathrow Airport while learning to play the guitar. Hed join a series of bands (with unsavoury names like Wreckage and Sour Milk Sea) before joining guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, and turning their band Smile into Queen. When they got famous, I recognised him immediately, says Gudka. Id like to think that his time in school had given him the independence and confidence he displayed. Goyal, on the other hand, didnt know his classmate was famous until three years ago, when he made the connection between Farrokh and Freddie on the schools alumni page. Id heard of Freddie Mercury, of course, but Id never made the connection with Farrokh. I was living in Montreal, Canada, when Queen played there. I would have attended the concert if Id known it was him, he says with regret. It was a sad moment to have discovered at the same time that a childhood friend had reached the top of his game but had also passed way, in 1991, of complications from AIDS. I wish Id met him, Goyal says. Pre-poll alliance between the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is likely to get rolling after the announcement of assembly election results in five states on December 11, according to BSP leaders familiar with the developments. BSP president Mayawati on Friday ruled out the possibility of a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Congress to form the government in Chhattisgarh. The BSP-JCC alliance will get absolute majority in Chattisgarh, she said. Terming the Congress and the BJP anti-poor and anti-Dalit, a senior BSP leader, who did not wish to be named, said: Behenji (Mayawati) has made it clear that BSP will not have any truck with the two parties in poll-bound states as well as in the Lok Sabha elections. Seat-sharing talks are on between the SP and the BSP, he said, adding that the alliance was likely to take a concrete shape after the announcement of assembly election results in five states Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. Mayawati has directed the office-bearers of the state unit to hold meetings in all the 75 districts of UP and collect feedback from the party cadre about the SP-BSP alliance. The leader cited above said the district unit leaders had been directed to inform the workers that the decision for alliance had been taken to regain the partys lost political ground and check the BJP from grabbing power. BSP state unit president RS Kushwaha has completed meetings in 60 districts where the office-bearers have been directed to constitute booth, sector, Vidhan Sabha and district committees. Mayawati will review the working of all the committees in the first week of December. The leader said enthusiastic BSP workers had composed songs to highlight that the Mayawati-Akhilesh alliance would create ripples during the 2019 Lok Sabha election and check the magic of Modi and Yogi. A zonal coordinator of the BSP, on condition of anonymity, said the BSP was planning to project Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate of the alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, and claimed that the SP, JD(S), INLD and JCC had agreed to it. After making their fans wait for what felt like ages, actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs wedding photos have finally arrived. Deepika and Ranveer shared the photos from their twin wedding ceremonies -- according to Konkani and Sindhi traditions -- that took place in Italys Lake Como on Wednesday and Thursday. Deepika captioned the photo of the two with heart emoji. She is seen wearing a red Kanjeevaram saree with heavy necklaces, earrings and mathapatti. Ranveer is also seen in a traditional white outfit in one photo and a red sherwani in another. Their entire outfitfrom head to toeis designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Deepika and Ranveers Konkani wedding ceremony The couple tied the knot on Wednesday in a traditional Konkani ceremony at Villa del Balbianello. Their guests arrives in motorboats to the venue and walked all the way to the terrace where a mandap was set up, adorned with white roses. The relatives were all dressed up in shades of white and beige while Deepika could be spotted in a bright red Kanjeevaram saree. After their wedding, the couple walked to the boats, shielded in dark umbrellas. Guests at Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs Konkani wedding at the Villa Balbianello in Lenno, Como lake, northern Italy, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. (AP) Ranveer, Deepikas Sindhi wedding ceremony The ceremony took place on the lower terrace of the Villa del Balbianello in Italys Lake Como, the same place where the couple tied the knot on Wednesday. The lower terrace and the mandap were decorated with red roses, with Ranveers favourite Bollywood songs playing. According to local sources, a number of large boats left for the luxury Casta Diva resort to pick up the wedding guests and the couple. The baraatis arrived dancing to Bollywood songs and most male members of the family were seen in red pagris. The female relatives all wore shares of red and pink to the wedding. Guests arrive to attend Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs wedding at the Villa Balbianello. (AP) The security measures at the wedding have been compared to that provided for world leaders, with drone interceptors in the sky and guests being made to wear special wrist bands and scan unique QR codes on their phones to gain entry. Therefore, pictures from the ceremony have been hard to come by. #WATCH: Latest visuals from Villa del Balbianello at Lake Como, the wedding venue of Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh, in Italy's Lombardy. pic.twitter.com/kICPHl4sxE ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 Earlier, Associated Press shared a video that showed the two at the villas patio with their families. The video also showed the guests arriving for the wedding in boats. The couple had announced their wedding on October 21 after dating each other for six years. Bollywoods Bajirao and Mastani have been dating since Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ramleela that was released in 2013. Follow @htshowbiz for more Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have finally shared their wedding pictures, bringing respite to their millions of fans who had been flooding social media with their requests. And the ones theyve shared were definitely worth the wait. The actors shared two pictures on their social handles one each from their Konkani and Sindhi wedding ceremonies. While the functions were well colour coordinated, fans cant stop gushing over the bride, who looked stunning in a red Sabyasachi lehenga during the Sindhi ceremony. While everything from her henna-laden hands to her traditional heavy jewellery drew our attention, her dupatta was the major highlight. The Sanskrit quote Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava can be seen written in gold on the border. The quote is often used in Hindu households as a blessing by the elders and translates to May you always be lucky as a married woman. Indeed, the actor has been showered with blessings and wishes from her industry friends and fans, who took to social media to share their warm wishes for the couple. Reminding us of her Padmaavat days, Deepika donned heavy traditional jewellery, also designed by Sabyasachi, with a huge mang-tika adorning her forehead, and several rings on her henna laden hands. The Bengaluru beauty also sported kaleere usually worn by Punjabi brides. In the wedding picture shared by the couple, Deepika and Ranveer can be seen lost in a brief conversation during the Sindhi rituals. The groom was dapper in a red sherwani, paired with a heavy sequinned stole, and sported a red silk turban along with precious jewels adorning his neck. Both the functions were held at the picturesque Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como, Italy. The Konkani wedding was an all-white affair as everyone except the bride was dressed in white. The wedding venue was also decorated with thousands of white flowers which were changed to red for the Sindhi rituals the next day. Ranveer Singh and his family members were spotted in white during the Konkani wedding ceremony. (AP) #WATCH: Latest visuals from Villa del Balbianello at Lake Como, the wedding venue of Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh, in Italy's Lombardy. pic.twitter.com/kICPHl4sxE ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 Follow @htshowbiz for more Mohalla Assi Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi Cast: Sunny Deol, Sakshi Tanwar, Ravi Kishan Rating: 2/5 Mohalla Assi, like the country whose spirit it is trying to capture, is a volatile and unwieldy mess. At its best, it is a combination of faith, philosophy and politics; at its worst, it is just sound and fury signifying nothing. Mohalla Assi in Kashi -- or Benares, or Varanasi is a microcosm for India in the film. Set in the early 90s, the film directly pits us into a tumultuous time for the country with the Mandal agitation and the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi issue raging. When the hurly-burly was over, India emerged a different nation and it is that transition that the film wants to capture. It is a shame then that Mohalla Assi fails so spectacularly. It could have been the film for our times after all, the seeds of present-day India were sown during those turbulent months in December 1992. There are moments where director Chandraprakash Dwivedi lays bare what the country is and what it was, before he completely loses the thread. The films narrative is uneven, its feel dated and the director Chandraprakash Dwivedi feels the need to underline every point he is trying to make. Watch the Mohalla Assi trailer here The film begins with Sunny Deols Pandit Dharmanath Pandey, a rigid and conservative priest who practices on Assi ghat and prefers to live in the past. While others in Kashi like Ravi Kishans tourist guide are on the get-rich-quick path by marketing exotic India to foreigners, Pandey refuses to let them even enter his mohalla. He prefers to live in poverty and gets shot in the leg when he goes for karseva to Ayodhya. Sakshi Tanwar, as his wife, is steeped in the same ethos but is clear-headed and knows right from wrong. She is not afraid to give her husband a piece of her mind, either. Pandey realises too late that the world has changed and he has been left behind. His attempts to catch up dont end well but they come with self-realisation of the religious kind. Sakshi Tanwar plays Sunny Deols wife in Mohalla Assi. Bringing a Shakespearean chorus-like effect to Mohalla Assi is the melange of characters that meets at the neighbourhood chai ki dukan. Only, in Kashi, this humble establishment is considered a parliament where the peoples will and thoughts rule important issues of the day are discussed, a dyed-in-saffron karyakarta is given many a lesson on the spirit of India, and Kashis reputation as a centre of learning is upheld. In the first half of the film, some of the most vibrant moments take place in this run-down tea shop. It is here that the chants of Har Har Mahadev that have been ringing in Kashi for generations are gradually replaced by Jai Shri Ram. The scene is quite telling in itself but the director makes sure a character points it out anyway. While the film gets its cast spot-on -- it is delightful to see Ravi Kishan having fun with his character and Sakshi Tanwars firebrand wife -- Sunny Deol is completely miscast. He neither gets the accent right, nor does he capture the nuances of his characters spiritual dilemma. Sunny Deol is miscast as a priest in Mohalla Assi. There are many who have pointed out the use of swear words in the film but this is something you get used to. In a way it stands for the place the film is trying to portray -- a balance between profane and pious. Mohalla Assis heavy-handed approach is its biggest problem. Despite the films dated feel and its censorship troubles, it could have been a good film, an important film. Kashinath Singhs novel, on which it is based, is as relevant today as it was when it was written years ago. So is its central issue -- the changing ethos of India and how it balances consumerism with faith, pluralism with rise of right-wing extremism. However, the script loses the finer nuances in translation and the first half, with a few good moments, gives way to a completely boring second half. Mohalla Assi ends up a lot like what a seer predicts for India in the film -- it will speak more and think less.Touche. (see related stories on budget) (ANSA) - Brussels, November 16 - Austrian Finance Minister Hartwig Loeger on Friday called on the European Commission to take action after Italy failed to meet a request to make substantial changes to its budget plan for 2019. "We have not encountered any movement from Italy, so we expect a clear reaction from the Commission," Loeger said as he arrived at an ECONFIN meeting in Brussels. He added that other States agreed with this position. While poetry and technology may seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, for Eran Hadas, it is all in a days work.Hadas is an Israeli poet, software developer and new media artist who creates hypermedia poetry using software algorithm. The Tel Aviv-based Hadas is famous for building computer-based poetry generators that utilize the internet for their input to create Augmented Poetry. He has also created a headset that generates poems from brain waves, and a robot that can interview people. Hadas has written seven books on technology and writing, one of which is a Wiki version that lets readers enter the website and modify the poems. He is also a lecturer at Tel-Aviv University and Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art, among other institutions, where he teaches how to bind art, computer science and digital culture. He will be speaking at Tata Literature Live about gendered fiction, and are we ready for computer-generated literature. Excerpts from an interview with Eran Hadas: Most people feel that poetry and technology are dissimilar streams. What are the similarities between poetry and coding? For me, poetry and coding are two branches of the same tree. Not only are they based on language, form and structure, but there is a constant effort by creators from both fields to reach beauty, to go beyond the functional needs (of text or of the program requirements) onto something that grants the creator a sense of reaching perfection. How challenging was it to get a machine to generate poetry? I started with very simple rule-based generators. I selected templates (e.g. noun, verb) and a bank of words (a list of nouns such as poet and dream, and verbs), and populated a template with words from the bank (e.g. poets debug dreams). I went on to use statistical methods and Deep Learning algorithms, but for me this is a mere technicality. What challenges me is how to utilize available resources and techniques, even if they are limited, to create works that deal with humanity. Christies recently sold Portrait of Edmond de Belamy, an AI-generated artwork painted using an algorithm for $4,32,000. Do you think there is a lot of potential for technology to be combined with the arts? The advent of photography made painting shift in a certain way, as painters felt less enthusiastic to compete against photography when it came to realism. I think a similar shift may happen to visual arts, as artists will turn to areas in which the computer is not as proficient. Im interested in the relationship between visual images and text, and I think it has a great potential for both visual arts and poetry. The Electronic Curator is a collaboration between Eyal Gruss and me, where two AI entities represent a painter and a curator. They collaborate to generate a vegetable face portrait and a curatorial statement. The Electronic Curator examines whether a computer can generate art and also evaluate its quality. It is a dialog between two competing neural networks, representing a painter and a curator. The dialog between the competing networks represents the artistic process. Using cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks (CycleGAN), the networks are trained together, each getting better in its own task. The painter-network learns to create vegetable-face portraits from face images. You have also created a headset that generates poems from brain waves, and a robot that interviews people. What fascinates you about hypermedia? For me, poetry should be alive in and outside the page. Therefore, I create interactive projects, but the focus is always on text and language. I am fascinated by the potential technology brings to language, as it can enable us to reach ideas we could never discover by ourselves. I feel technology helps me to have better control of language and, as a result, also of my consciousness. However, in the age of big data, large corporates and governments are taking control of our data using digital media. While they still dont read our brainwaves, they know more about us than we imagine. It is important that artists address this topic from a critical point of view. Tell us about your books and the subjects you write on. My books always revolve around a single concept, usually related to technology and writing. One book had a Wiki version; my editor Roni Hirsch and I got to a final version, but from that moment anyone can enter the website and modify the poems, just like entries on Wikipedia. Another book is a computer rewrite of the Torah in the form of Haiku. My new book uses Augmented Reality to show the relationship between technology and books. What are you working on currently? I have a new poetry book, titled Half Reading, dealing with the declining interest young people find in reading traditional books, and their rising interest in technology. So, each poem is half-text, half-augmented reality. In order to read it, one has to both hold the book and position their phone over it. Eran Hadas will be part of two panel discussions: Imagination is an Algorithm will be held on November 17, 10.30am at Title Waves, Bandra; He Said, She Said will be held on November 17, 6pm, at Little Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. Log on to: tatalitlive.in/speakers/eran-hadas Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Jet Airways India Ltd. has already played a part in the decline of Etihad Airways PJSC. Could Tata Sons Ltd. be the next business empire to enter its dangerous web? PM Narendra Modi has sought Tatas help to rescue the struggling airline, people familiar with the matter told Anurag Kotoky and Bhuma Shrivastava of Bloomberg News this week. The conglomerates board would want state banks and Indias airports to take a haircut on some of Jets commitments to them before going ahead, one of the people said. That caution over this bout of national service is hardly surprising. Jet has built up a substantial position in Indias domestic aviation market: Its the biggest full-service carrier and the largest outright after the terrifyingly dominant budget carrier Interglobe Aviation Ltd., better known as IndiGo. Still, the smaller positions that Tata has staked out in joint ventures with Singapore Airlines Ltd. and AirAsia Bhd. are a much more sensible way of taking on the challenges of making money from getting India airborne. Etihad thought its bottomless pockets would be enough to offset those problems and give it a toe-hold in one of the worlds fastest-growing markets. The bet turned out to be as bad as its other purchases of stakes in struggling airlines, and may yet result in a stricken Etihad in turn being swallowed up by its rivalrous compatriot Emirates. The main problem for the countrys aviation sector is that its sandwiched between a profitable and ebullient budget carrier with a market share north of 40 percent IndiGo and a perennially loss-making but still substantial state-owned airline, Air India Ltd. Squeezed from both sides, the industry suffers such strong downward pressure on ticket prices that even a rate of passenger growth thats outstripping the capacity of Indias domestic aircraft hasnt been enough to drive up average fares. Its a very bad idea for a full-service carrier ever to engage in a price war with a budget airline, given that it must hand out free food and drinks and generally treat its passengers like human beings. But thats more or less what Jet has been doing against IndiGo and SpiceJet for the best part of five years. No wonder its revenue is hardly ever enough to cover costs. The approach of Tatas existing aviation ventures its fancy Vistara operation with Singapore Airlines and the cheap and cheerful AirAsia India has been to carve out relatively niche positions with ties to international carriers. Put together, these two have less than 10 percent of the market, compared with more than 15 percent for Jet and its tiny Jet Lite budget carrier. Still, that cautious approach is probably better than going head-to-head with IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India, the dangerous space in which Jet is playing. One option would be for Tata to swap its position in the struggling AirAsia India for a stake in Jet, which is probably a better fit for Vistara. Just such a deal is being worked on, the Economic Times reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Thats not going to be enough, though. Indias aviation market has been struggling for years, and Jet is in a singularly difficult position to make money. All but a handful of routes are short-haul, and the low-income marginal customer isnt very inclined to pay extra for 90 minutes of pampering, so budget carriers have a built-in advantage. The passengers who are prepared to pay for full-service quality typically find that Jet is a bit better than the cancellation-prone, complaint-heavy Air India, but not quite enough to command a consistent premium. Right now, Indias aviation market resembles that of the US from the 1980s to the 2000s. There are too many carriers fighting for space, and a discount carrier a la Southwest Airlines Co. is quietly demolishing the business models of the major players. The crisis in North America was ultimately resolved by the major airlines consolidating into a cosy cartel thats been able to pump out extraordinary profits once it stopped competing so hard for customers. But squashing Jet and Vistara together isnt going to be nearly enough to achieve that outcome while SpiceJet, Indigo, Air India, AirAsia India and GoAir are still duking it out for supremacy. Tata Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran should tread carefully. The current market is great for value-conscious passengers. For circumspect investors, though, its still a bloodbath. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Under BJP rule, MP has become synonymous to Maximum progress: PM For 55 years Congress were in power. During all those years, Madhya Pradesh was termed Bimaru.Under Shivraj Chouhans leadership, in the last 15 years, definition of MP has changed. It has now become Maximum Progress, said PM Modi. Our party has worked towards ensuring OROP to the jawans of the country: PM Congress party used to hand over lollipop to the people of the state over OROP (One Rank One Pension). Our party has worked towards ensuring one rank one pension to the jawans of the country, said PM Modi. PM dares Congress to name its CM candidate in MP If Congress has courage, then it should name its CM Candidate. The party which cant decide its head in the city, how will it change your fate, PM Modi attacks Congress If its not me, cant be anyone else, too- this is Congress life mantra: PM If its not me, cant be anyone else, too - this rule is Congress life mantra, said PM Modi The contribution of Vajpayee, Scindia and Thakre to this land is invaluable: PM I offer my tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, Rajmata Scindia Ji and Kushabhau Thakre Ji. Their contribution to this land is invaluable, said PM Narendra Modi PM Narendra Modi arrives in Gwalior PM Narendra Modi arrives in Gwalior, will address a rally shortly. If one wants to become the president of the Congress, they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family: Shah Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family. An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea sellers family but is now the prime minister, he said. Cong didnt care for nations security when it ruled: Shah The Congress did not care about the countrys security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives, said Amit Shah. PM Modi has worked to get honour to the country globally: Amit Shah PM Modi has worked to get honour to the country globally, said Amit Shah People of MP should give chance to BJP for the fourth time: Amit ShH The people of Madhya Pradesh should give chance to BJP for the fourth time. We want to make MP a developed and prosperous state, said Amit Shah. BJP has worked to bring in change in MP: Amit Shah BJP has worked towards bringing in change in Madhya Pradesh, said Amit Shah. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has worked to ensure 24 hours electricity in every MP village: Amit Shah In 15 years, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has worked to ensure 24 hours electricity in every village of Madhya Pradesh, said Amit Shah. Congress neither has a leader nor any policy: Amit Shah At one side, there is the government of Shivraj Chouhan which has made Madhya Pradesh in a developing state and then there is Congress, which neither has a leader nor any policy, said Amit Shah. Amit Shah addresses public meeting in Madhya Pradeshs Damoh BJP national president Amit Shah addressing public meeting in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. Fight against corruption wont end: PM Modi Even today, the Congress cries fowl of demonetisation. Why is it so? Because they faced the heat of demonetisation. I promise the people that our fight against corruption wont end. Those who have looted the poor, must return what they have looted, said PM Modi in Shahdol. Congress never speaks of good done under Shivraj Chouhans leadership: PM Modi Congress would never speak of the good being done in Madhya Pradesh under Shri @ChouhanShivraj Ji's leadership. They would never mention about the women empowerment measures being taken by the state government: PM @narendramodi narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) November 16, 2018 People are aware, they know about lies: PM Modi Congress manufactures lies and spreads it. But now people are more aware. They know about Congress lies, said PM Modi in Shahdol. Elections are about welfare of people of MP: PM Modi These elections are not about who would win or who wont win. These elections are about welfare of the people of Madhya Pradesh, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a public meeting in Madhya Pradeshs Shahdol. Rahul Gandhi calls demonetisation biggest scam Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India, adding it would be proved that PM Narendra Modi had robbed the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens to stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. We empowered poor, gave them access to bank accounts: PM Modi Congress nationalised the banks in the name of poor but what is the reason that the poor did not have any access to banks? What is the reason that the poor did not have even a bank account? When we came to power, we empowered the poor, opened their bank accounts, said PM Modi while addressing rally in Ambikapur. We give a report card everyday: PM Four generations of Congress ruled but they have nothing to tell the people. We are giving a report card everyday of what we have done in last four years, says PM Modi. I want to challenge Congress to have a party president outside of one family: PM Modi I want to challenge them, let some good leader of Congress outside of the family become the party president for 5 years, then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic system there, says PM Modi in Ambikapur, reports news agency ANI. Congress speaks about democratic ideals and say it was due to Pt. Nehru that Modi, a 'Chaiwala', is the Prime Minister today. But if they make someone their party president who is not from that one family, I would agree they value the democratic ideals: PM @narendramodi narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) November 16, 2018 Congress still hasnt come to terms that I am the PM: Modi These people still have not come to terms that I am the PM, it has been nearly four and a half years. They are still crying, how can a 'Chaiwala' become PM?. Now they say a 'Chaiwala' became PM because of one great person: PM Modi in Ambikapur #ChhattisgarhElections pic.twitter.com/ffYa3nBr7Z ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 Our mantra is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: PM Modi Motto of every government must be welfare of all, not a select few. Our mantra is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and we are committed that fruits of development reach every citizen, said PM Modi. PM attacks Congress Atal Ji created Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It was a peaceful division and both the states are progressing rapidly today. But look at what the Congress did at the time of creation of Telangana, said PM Modi in Ambikapur. PM urges for high voter turnout PM Modi appreciated the people of Bastar for turning up in large numbers in the first phase of Chhattisgarh elections held on November 12. He further urged for an even higher voter turnout in the second phase of elections to be held on November 20. BJP is the only unbiased party: PM Modi BJP is the only unbiased party, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Ambikapur. PM Modi plays drum during rally in Ambikapur. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi plays a traditional drum during a rally in Chhattisgarh's Ambikapur. pic.twitter.com/rh7MAplnZ7 ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 An extraordinary moment in the United States should give us in the Indian media serious envy, shame and pause. Multiple news organisations bitter competitors in the market and of distinct and varying ideologies have united to protest against the Trump administrations decision to withdraw White House credentials to CNNs Jim Acosta. A very trenchant face off between the US President and Acosta at a press conference triggered a false allegation from Trumps team that he had crossed the line with a female staffer and the subsequent suspension of his press pass. Now the American media is backing CNNs decision to sue the Trump regime. Indian journalists have all cheered on the exemplary media moment without reflecting on how embarrassingly establishmentarian, sycophantic and divided we in India appear by contrast. But even beyond the evident difference in our institutional freedoms, there is another compelling lesson from America. At the core of the CNN battle with Trump is the belief that the denial of access to information and news is also a form of media intimidation and a contravention of the First Amendment. In India, where we have so easily capitulated to the assumption that not all governments will give all journalists access, this is critical. Acosta teaches us that access is worth fighting for. The much abused phrase, Access Journalism, needs to be re-examined. Not because journalism is ever about official handouts; but because to allow any politician to exercise the lever of control over a fundamental right to information is the first step to surrender. Access and not just to media conferences, but also off-record briefings, meetings with sources and the right to report your beat freely without fearful officials looking over their shoulders is the right of every reporter. Irrespective of whether a political party likes you or not, this elementary access should be guaranteed and not treated as favour bestowed by dispensation A or B. The cliched and reductionist discourse about Lutyens Media led ironically by some leading lights of Indian journalism suggests that the demolition of this access for some reporters is a long-overdue cleanup of the system. This is actually nonsense. All that has happened is that one set of journalists with access has been replaced by another set of journalists with access, a new Lutyens media, as it were, banal though I find the phrase. Tomorrow if there is a new government, the same cycle will set into motion again. This is unhealthy for democracy. Who is in power should be absolutely irrelevant to the basic practice of journalism. Take the Modi governments decision to end the practice of journalists flying with him on board Air India One. In the narrative that was constructed by the BJP hardline base, this used to be unseemly largesse for spoilt journalists. When it was curtailed, they saw it as a sort of Swachata Abhiyan of the previous governments patronage of media. Frankly, this is a convenient distortion. Other than the seat on the plane, reporters always paid for hotel, food and all other expenses. I am pretty sure most new organisations would have been willing to pay the airfare as well. The larger concept behind accompanying the Prime Minister on these trips was the opportunity for her or his office to interact freely with journalists. Ahead of sensitive meetings like delicate encounters with Pakistan heads of state it was also a chance for the government to explain the contours of a complex story. And then of course there was the customary on-board press conference by the Prime Minister, in which anyone on the flight could pitch a question. Romanticising the end of these press interactions intrinsic to any thriving democracy is bewildering. Mr Modi has not held a single press conference so far, while choosing to give individual interviews. Before him, Manmohan Singh held an annual conference but avoided sitdown interviews. In my view, the adhoc nature of media policy, the fact that it can change with changing governments, can only be a disadvantage for the press. What we should be fighting for is written-in-stone freedoms that are assimilated into the larger political culture of the country. Otherwise, we are stuck with what is already happening: the BJP shuns some reporters; the Congress boycotts some channels; and the media gets more and more politically polarised. The most powerful statement from America is that even the right-wing television network Fox News (many of its anchors are open supporters of Trump) stood up to be counted with its support for CNNs legal suit for basic access to the White House. This would never happen in India where journalists are too busy weakening each other, leaving politicians to have the last laugh. Barkha Dutt is a journalist and author The views expressed are personal Exactly 101 years after the 19th Amendment granted American women suffrage, a record 116 women, including the first Muslim, the first Native American and the youngest ever, were voted to the US Congress. India, too, has the highest number of women MPs in its history -- 62 of 543 elected in 2014, nudging our representation up from a measly 11% in the previous Parliament to a measly 11.65 in this one. The 2014 election was the one in which, to trumpeting headlines, female voter turnout surpassed male turnout in half the states and union territories. Women have since continued to outperform men as voters in several assembly elections, including Bihar and Odisha, point out Milan Vaishnav and Jamie Hinston for this newspaper. Political parties that speak loudly about womens rights should, by now, be reflecting this enthusiastic political participation by fielding more women. Right? Wrong. In the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, women are 10% of all candidates, finds the Association of Democratic Reform. The UP elections last year had 9.2% women candidates who won 10% of seats. In Himachal Pradesh, women were 6% of candidates and won 5.9% seats. Theres no shortage of talent. For over two decades, women have occupied 33% of seats in panchayats and done so well that states like Bihar bumped up their quota to 50%. In a series for IndiaSpend, researcher Bhanupriya Rao documented how women sarpanches in Tamil Nadu are transforming villages by focusing on core issues, investing an average 48% more than their male counterparts in capital outlays like building roads. Yet almost none graduated to state-level politics. Salma was that rare sarpanch who actually got a DMK ticket to contest the 2006 assembly polls but lost because her partymen worked against her. Men dont want to share, she told Rao. Winnability is the reply parties give when you ask them about their reluctance. You need money and muscle to win elections one in every four of Chhattisgarhs 90 constituencies has three or more candidates with criminal cases; 23% of candidates are crorepatis, says ADR and women tend to have both in shorter supply than men. And, so, elections remain an all boys club that does on occasion admit the odd daughter, daughter-in-law and sundry favourites of male dynasts. When in power, these women dont necessarily create space for other women. Despite her various schemes like the cradle scheme to curtail female infanticide, the late Jayalalithaas AIADMK in 2014 fielded only 10% women candidates, barely above the national average of 8%. But clearly women matter, which is why Narendra Modi takes credit for banning triple talaq and implementing schemes like Ujjwala and Beti Bachao. It is why Rahul Gandhi promises to install women chief ministers in half of all Congress-ruled states. It is why Odhisa chief minister Naveen Patnaik promises 600,000 free smart phones to womens self help groups. Parties need to move beyond mixies and mangalsutras to talk about true power sharing with women. After all, we have for the first time in our history a real weapon: the ballot box. Namita Bhandare writes on social issues The views expressed are personal Mala Lakhani had moved to her Vasant Kunj Enclave house eight years ago from Green Park. The family, which owns the property in Green Park from where Lakhani ran her boutique, said they knew her for over 18 years and remember her as a soft-spoken and kind woman and a smart entrepreneur. The family lives on the first floor, right above the boutique. Alka Sehgal, a school teacher, said that she had a very friendly relationship with Lakhani but regrets she doesnt have the phone number of any of Lakhanis family members to condole her death. I came back from school at 3pm and learnt about her death. She had also made dresses for us. We had known each other for 18 years. We had a friendly relationship. She always came across as a soft-spoken and a kind person, Sehgal said. It is hard to imagine she was not paying her employees on time which could have led to the murder. She never even delayed paying the rent, Alka said. Police have said that Anwar claimed he planned the murder because Lakhani had not been paying him on time the last few months. Sehgals son Arjun, who runs an e-commerce website, also recalls how her domestic help Bahadur was very protective about Lakhani. He was also very particular about her belongings and always accompanied her from her house to the boutique, Arjun said. Alka added that Lakhani had a sister living in Gurugram whose daughter studies in the school in which she teaches. One of her sisters lived in Dubai, Sehgal added. Lakhani spent most of her time at her boutique Tulsi Creations in Green Park which specialised in womens and bridal wear. A 35-year-old head constable of Delhi Police shot himself dead in the VVIP parking lot of the Delhi Secretariat on Friday morning, police said. A statement released by the police said a suicide note recovered from Sohanveer indicated that domestic discord was the reason behind his suicide, adding that a probe into his death is on. Sohanveer was on duty at the secretariat and that he used his service revolver to kill himself, the statement said. It said a call about the shooting was received at the IP Estate police station at 5.53am. Sohanveer succumbed to his injury before he could be taken to a hospital. Former Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Ankiv Baisoyas admission was cancelled by the universitys Department of Buddhist Studies on November 14, a day before he stepped down from his post and the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) suspended him pending an inquiry. Officials said the admission cancellation was carried out after the department received confirmation from Tamil Nadu-based Thiruvalluvar University that an undergraduate certificate submitted by Baisoya to seek admission to the Delhi University (DU) was fake. HT has accessed a copy of the response sent by the Thiruvalluvar Universitys controller of examinations B Senthil Kumar to DUs Department of Buddhist Studies on November 13. A scanned copy of the letter, written by Kumar on a university letterhead, had been emailed to the DU on the same day. With reference to your inquiry, it is informed that the copy of the certificate of following candidate (Ankiv Baisoya) has been verified and found that the said certificate is not genuine. It is a fake certificate, Kumar said in the letter. Officials at the department, including department head KT Sarao, and DU registrar Tarun Das confirmed that they received Thiruvalluvar Universitys response on November 13. While Sarao refused to comment further, officials at the Department of Buddhist Studies said a meeting had been called on November 14 wherein Baisoyas admission was cancelled. We received the response from Thiruvalluvar University on the night of November 13 hence we could not take action on the same day. We, however, called a meeting the next morning and cancelled Baisoyas admission, said an official, requesting not to be identified. Under DU norms, Baisoya was automatically removed from the post of DUSU president as soon as his admission was cancelled by the department on November 14. The ABVP on Thursday said they asked Baisoya to step down citing intent to maintain the genuineness of the student union. The party also suspended him from the organisation till an inquiry is conducted. Officials at Department of Buddhist Studies said they also informed the DU registrars office about the cancellation of admission. However, the DU registrar confirmed that the department had also sent a communication to the proctors office. As per University norms, such matters are sent to the proctors office and they look into it. The proctors office has received a communication from the department and they are looking into it. The university will take whatever action is required as per rules and regulations, Das said. Despite several attempts, DU proctor Neeta Sehgal did not respond to calls and messages. Delhi Police has investigated several cases of students using forged and fake degrees to get admission. Submitting a fake degree is listed as a crime under the Indian Penal Code. Harender Singh, additional DCP (north), meanwhile, confirmed that the police had received a letter from the head of Department of Buddhist Studies. He has written a letter to registrar informing the cancellation of admission. A copy of this has been given to SHO. We have written to the registrar. If any communication is made by any authority, we may take legal action, he said. Soon after Baisoyas election as DUSU president on September 13, Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI) had accused him of submitting a fake degree to secure admission in the DU. NSUI had later moved the Delhi High Court seeking cancellation of Baisoyas admission. Anjum Begum, 55, said she woke up on Thursday to find the news of her sons arrest flashing on TV news channels. She said she had last seen her estranged son Rahul Anwar three weeks ago, when he paid an unusual visit to their house in Rangpuri Pahadi, a slum located not more than a kilometre from the bungalow where Anwar allegedly murdered his 53-year-old employer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadur. Standing outside her one-room house made of un-plastered bare bricks and covered in sheets of plastic, Anjum said, He left the house around four years ago after regular fights with his father. His father objected to his addictions to liquor and gambling. He regularly stayed at his friends houses here and there and visited us only once in a while. He barely stayed in touch. Around 11 am, a neighbour came to our house and said Anwar had been arrested, Anjum said. Anwars family, hailing from Munger in Bihar, have been living in the area for the past 20 years. We switched on the TV and got the confirmation about his arrest, said Mohammad Anwar, Anwars father, who too, was a tailor until an ankle injury in 2014 rendered him bed-ridden. Anwar is second among four brothers and two sisters. His elder brother works as a tailor while the one younger to him works as a gym instructor, his mother said. Anwars father recalled how Anwar had assaulted him about a year ago when he scolded Anwar for consuming liquor and being in the company of local gamblers. I threw him out the house. He didnt take care of his ageing parents and family. He also did not contribute to the familys income. He had got the job through someone known to the madam. But I dont know much about his work as he never visited home when I was there. Maybe he earned about Rs 1,500-2,000. We even tried to get him married but he did not agree, he added. Anjum said she refuses to believe her son could be a murderer. Police said that Rahul also has a case of sexually assaulting a minor, but family members claimed that the sexual assault charges were falsely levelled against him by a neighbour. In 2017, one of our neighbours had a fight with my daughter. My son had intervened and during the argument, a neighbours minor daughter was also there. She had then lodged a complaint about being manhandled and assaulted, she said. Less than 10 metres away from their house lives the family of Mohammad Rehmat, also accused in the twin murders. Rehmats mother, Mehroon Khatoon, a homemaker, and father Mohammad Salauddin, a tailor, said that hours before the alleged murders, their son had dinner at their house as usual. We had dinner together. After that we went on to sleep and he left the house. We asked him where is he was going, but he did not reply and said he would be back soon. It was only on the TV on Thursday morning that we heard about him, said Salauddin. Rehmats family hails from Madhepur in Bihar. His father said that Rehmat dropped out of school in Class 7 and had started working as a house painter. My son did odd jobs as a labourer and at times visited that womans (Lakhani) house because he knew tailoring and helped Anwar. I have three sons and a daughter. Rehmat is the eldest. The third accused, Wasims lives in a same area. Neighbours said Wasim, too, was a tailor and often helped Anwar stitch clothes for Lakhani. Police said Wasim works as a tailor for another Vasant Kunj resident. His house was locked on Thursday. She wound up a long conversation with her sister, saying she would call back after watching Bigg Boss but that was never to be. About an hour later, fashion designer Mala Lakhani was killed, allegedly by her tailor who she had helped get out of jail, her sister Aarti Sharma said on Friday. Standing outside the Safdarjung hospital mortuary to claim the body of her 53-year-old sister, who was found brutally stabbed to death along with her domestic help Bahadur in her bungalow in upscale Vasant Kunj Enclave in the early hours of Thursday, Aarti was inconsolable. I had spoken to her at around 8.15 pm (on Wednesday). I spoke to her again and we ended up talking till 9.50 pm. She wanted to speak to my daughter but later said she will call us after Bigg Boss gets over. But she never called back, Aarti told PTI. Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder -- Malas master tailor Rahul Anwar (24), his cousin Rahmat (24) and his friend Wasim (25). It was Meenu, as Mala was known in her family, who helped get Rahul out of jail when he was arrested for molestation, Aarti murmured, almost as if talking to herself. Anwar was arrested in 2017 for allegedly molesting a minor girl in Rangpuri Pahari area, police said. She would always say that Anwar is like my bachcha, Aarti said. It is hard to believe that Rahul stabbed her so brutally and did not even spare her face, Aarti said, standing outside the hospital with her husband Rahul Sharma, the first person to see the bodies with multiple stab injuries in the workshop of the sprawling home. The bodies of Mala, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, and 50-year-old Bahadur, a Nepalese national, were found with at least 18 stab injuries each. After the killings, allegedly following a long-standing dispute over unpaid dues, the accused looted jewellery worth lakhs of rupees and ransacked the house, police said, estimating that the incident took place between 10 pm and 11.30 pm on Wednesday. Around 2.45 am on Thursday, the three men went to the police station to confess to the crime. They had even inflicted stab injuries on her face and it was hard to recognise her. She was very conscious about her appearance but look what they did to her... Bahadurs intestines were visible. The workshop where the murders took place had blood splattered all over the floor, Rahul Sharma told PTI. The Lakhani family -- Malas two sisters Deepika and Aarti and her brother Gope -- were waiting at the mortuary along with a host of relatives and friends. Rahul Sharma said Mala had even bought Anwar a motorcycle so he could commute to work. Aarti also ran a boutique. About a year ago, Anwar visited her boutique to ask for work and did not inform her that he worked with her sister. I only learnt about it recently when one of my employees told me. I had never met Anwar in person before, she said. She said she was aware about the monetary dispute between her sister and Anwar and had discussed it in detail with Mala. Anwar wanted extra money for every cloth he stitched. They wanted some Rs 50 extra per piece for stitching. Since it was a meagre amount, we would have sorted it. We had never thought they would hatch a conspiracy to kill her over it. In fact, it was Anwar who told police about Aarti and her boutique. Thats how police contacted me to inform me about the incident, she said. The sisters had planned to meet on Sunday but an unexpected visit from a relative meant that they could not. Meenus winter clothes had been kept in a cupboard in the storeroom where Bahadur used to sleep. The storeroom was next to the workshop where the incident happened. She was opening those cupboards on Wednesday to take out her things. Anwar must have thought she had kept cash in those cupboards, which is why they ransacked that room after killing Meenu and Bahadur, Aarti said. Police informed the family that the three accused allegedly searched Bahadurs room for money and were expecting to get Rs 30 lakh-40 lakh but did not find any cash. I would speak to Meenu at least four times in a day and we met once a week, she said. The family would caution Lakhani against keeping so many people in her house since she lived alone but she would always say, my home is my mandir. (ANSA) - Rome, November 16 - The former head of Rome's flying squad Renato Cortese and the then head of the capital's immigration office Maurizio Improta were sent to trial by a Perugia judge Friday for the alleged abduction of the wife of a Kazakh dissident, Alma Shalabayeva. Also indicted were justice of the peace Stefania Lavore and four police officers barring Laura Scipioni, who was cleared. Also cleared were three functionaries at the Kazakh embassy whose diplomatic immunity was recognised. Prosecutors in February 2017 requested the indictments of Cortese, Improta, the 5 police officers, the justice of the peace and the three embassy functionaries for the alleged kidnapping of Shalabayeva, wife of Kazakh dissident and oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov. Italian police officers allegedly gave photos from a fake passport seized from Shalabayeva to Kazakh embassy officials who subsequently used them for the passes for the 2013 deportation of the woman and her daughter Alua, according to the Perugia prosecutors. Furthermore, top cop Cortese, Rimini police chief and immigration chief Improta and two other officers are suspected of deliberately failing to identify Shalabayeva as Ablyazov's wife. As a result they are under investigation for failing to perform their duty and falsehood, as well as involvement in abduction. Three other police and justice of the peace Stefania Lavore are also under investigation. In July 2014 Italy's supreme Cassation Court ruled that the deportation of Shalabayeva and her daughter was "manifestly illegitimate". Italy rescinded the deportation order after the May 31, 2013, expulsion of Shalabayeva and Alua, who were seized in a nighttime raid and put on a private jet with Kazakh diplomats, was brought to light. According to Shalabayeva, some 50 plain-clothes officers mistreated and verbally abused her and her daughter during the operation before turning the two over to the government of Kazakhstan, which has been criticized for human rights abuses. Ablyazov, who is wanted in Kazakhstan and Russia, is an outspoken critic of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Kazakhstan claims Ablyazov, a banker, is not a dissident but an outlaw wanted for a multi-billion-euro embezzlement case at his BTA Bank. Shalabayeva and her daughter returned to Italy six months after their controversial deportation, which caused an international scandal. They were able to leave Kazakhstan after the authorities in Astana lifted restrictions on their movements, following strenuous lobbying from former Italian foreign minister Emma Bonino. "Today I have faith in the Italian judicial system which is seeking those responsible and I thank the Perugia prosecutor's office which has been very autonomous and diligent in its investigations," Alma Shalabayeva told ANSA recently. "A very serious job has been done to get at the truth behind the abduction of myself and daughter". Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Ankiv Baisoya, who allegedly furnished a fake graduation degree at gain admission at DU, stepped down from his post on Thursday following directions from the Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The RSS-affiliated ABVP also suspended him from the organisation till the Delhi University (DU) concludes its ongoing inquiry against him. Soon after the ABVP announced Baisoyas suspension, he issued a statement saying, Keeping in mind the mandate given by thousands of DU students and the duties of a DUSU president, I resign from the post of universitys students union president. I request the university administration to conclude the ongoing inquiry against me and put an end to the controversy. I assure you all that I will prove all baseless allegations levelled against me wrong. The move came two days after the two-month period for a possible re-election for the Delhi University students body panel lapsed on Monday. As per the Lyngdoh committees recommendation, re-elections can be held for a post if a students union office bearer falls vacant within one month of the election results being announced. Now, since the two-month period is over, DUSU vice-president Shakti Singh also from the ABVP will automatically take charge as the president of the students union. DU vice-chancellor Yogesh Tyagi and registrar Tarun Das did not respond to calls and messages. An official in the vice-chancellors office, familiar with the development, confirmed having received Baisoyas resignation letter. HT could not confirm if the administration had accepted the resignation till the time of filing of this report. Despite setting up a committee to probe the matter, the DU administration so far hasnt taken any action Baisoya so far. Delhi University has passed the buck to Thiruvalluvar University for not officially if confirming Baisoyas degree is a fake despite several requests. Soon after Baisoyas election as DUSU president on September 13, the Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI) had accused him of submitting a fake degree to get admission in DUs department of Buddhist studies. NSUI had later circulated what they claimed was Baisoyas bachelors degree along with a letter from Thiruvalluvar University that said it was a fake. A row erupted on October 3 when Thiruvalluvar University wrote to the Tamil Nadu principal secretary of education stating that Baisoya had never been their student. The NSUI also moved the Delhi High court following which the court had on October 30 directed the DU administration to wrap up the inquiry by November 12. However, DU on Monday sought more time from the court and was then told to file its report by November 20. ABVPs state secretary Bharat Khatana said the decision was taken to maintain the genuineness of the Delhi University Students Union. ABVP is committed to the students cause. This incident is continuously tarnishing the image of DUSU and also raising question on students mandate. So we request DU administration to complete the verification process as soon as possible and must produce the result in public domain If Ankiv is found guilty then he must face all the legal actions which are expected in this case. The NSUI, however, demanded fresh elections. The ABVP supported by the DU administration waited for two months in an attempt to retain the presidents post. They could have asked Baisoya to resign immediately when the matter had come to light. It was all pre decided and the administration was hand in glove with the ABVP, NSUI national spokesperson Ruchi Gupta, said, adding, the NSUI will soon submit a memorandum to the DU vice chancellor demanding fresh elections. We knew Deepika Padukone would be wearing two different outfits for her and Ranveer Singhs twin Konkani and Sindhi wedding ceremonies at Lake Como, Italy -- but no one predicted they would be so stunning. The bride wore two bespoke Sabyasachi looks with a traditional yet fashion-forward feel for the twin weddings on November 14-15 -- a saree for the Konkani ceremony, and a lehenga for the Sindhi ceremony. For the first wedding on Wednesday, while Ranveer was a classic Konkani groom wearing ivory and gold veshti, kurta and angvastram by Sabyasachi, Deepika donned the most gorgeous red, rust and gold tissue saree. Deepikas opulent saree is a classic -- typical of a Konkani bride -- and will no doubt set bridal trends for the future. The beaming bride accessorised her wedding saree with jaw-dropping traditional jewellery -- a statement mathapatti, layered necklaces and jhumkas in jadau, pearls and emerald -- from the Sabyasachi Heritage Jewelry collection. Her striking wedding look appropriately reflects her heritage, while embracing her Bollywood star and style icon status. In comparison, it seemed obvious that Deepikas second wedding outfit at the Sindhi ceremony on Thursday would go in a completely different direction. And voila! Here are Deepikas two wedding looks, side-by-side: Although, Deepikas bridal looks are similar in their colour choices -- given that she opted to wear red at both ceremonies -- the two could not be more different in their style. Deepikas red Sabyasachi lehenga hand-embroidered with golden tilla felt a bit more complex in its design: In the fine details and in the overall silhouette and drama of the look, it was absolutely stunning. Deepikas red lehenga is in keeping with the traditional Sindhi bride, but also is given a fresh touch with exquisite styling. The innovative details on her chowki design aari-taari dupatta -- it featured a heavy border with the age-old saying Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava written in Devnagri, arguably the most special part of her wedding look -- and inclusion of multiple statement pieces in her wedding jewellery -- a maang tikka, jhumkas, a bridal chuda, a nath (nose ring) and beautiful golden kalire designed by jewellery designer Rahul Luthra worn with a gaggle of bangles and rings -- added drama and visual interest to Deepikas second bridal style and made it more forward-thinking than her first. As for Ranveer, he impressed as a Sindhi groom. He opted for a red and gold brocade sherwani exuberantly layered with luxurious multi-strand, multi-layered tourmaline necklaces and an uncut diamond and emerald necklace. The look was accessorised with a tissue maheshwari safa. So, how did Deepika Paukones Sabyasachi saree at her Konkani wedding with Ranveer Singh compare to her red bridal lehenga at the Sindhi wedding ceremony? Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Surrounded by family and close friends, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married in lavish twin wedding ceremonies -- a Konkani and a Sindhi -- at Lake Como, Italy on November 14-15. Shorty after the ceremonies, the Padmaavat actors posted two wedding photos to Instagram on Thursday, revealing that their gorgeous wedding attires were, unsurprisingly, by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Both Deepika and Ranveer wore head-to-toe Sabyasachi to their wedding ceremonies at the picturesque Villa del Balbianello: For the Sindhi wedding on Thursday, Deepika chose a unique red lehenga, while Ranveer opted for a tailored ensemble consisting of red and gold brocade sherwani. Deepikas bridal lehenga was created specifically for her and it is a triumph of personal style equal parts traditional and appropriately fashion-forward, just like the Bajirao Mastani actor herself. Deepikas red gharara, hand-embroidered with golden tilla details, was paired with a chowki design aari-taari dupatta, complete with a heavy border with the age-old saying Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava written on it in Devnagri. Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava is considered a blessing to newlyweds, which translates to may you forever be married. Along with a huge engagement ring, Deepika wore 22-karat gold and uncut diamond jewellery -- a statement maang tikka, jadau jhumkas, a bridal chuda, a nath (nose ring) and beautiful golden kalire worn with a gaggle of bangles and rings -- embedded with with baroque pearls, emeralds and rubies from The Sabyasachi Heritage Jewelry Collection. Ranveers wedding look wasnt exactly understated either. His sherwani was exuberantly layered with luxurious multi-strand, multi-layered tourmaline necklaces and an uncut diamond and emerald necklace. The look was accessorised with a tissue red and golden maheshwari safa. Deepikas Sabyasachi saree at her Konkani wedding on Wednesday, couldnt feel more regal; she looked positively radiant in a classic tissue saree with hand-embroidered border paired with traditional style temple jewellery from the Sabyasachi Heritage Jewelry collection. While Ranveer as a Konkani groom looked utterly timeless: He wore an ivory and gold veshti, kurta and angvastram. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Director - David Yates Cast - Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Zoe Kravitz, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler Rating - 2/5 JK Rowling is headed the way of George Lucas. Keeping aside the many similarities of their Harry Potter and Star Wars series, both Lucas and now Rowling have displayed an annoying tendency to not let their creations be. It began with Lucas tinkering with the visual effects of his old Star Wars movies, and before you know it, he was altering mythologies and erasing the existence of entire characters. His reputation among fans - the same ones who once worshipped him - became so venomous that he was forced to sell the Star Wars franchise to Disney. With Rowling, the changing cultural climate has informed her poor decisions. Her Harry Potter books have a stunning lack of diversity - surely too off-brand for a writer as liberal-minded as Rowling. But in her panic to retroactively correct her (in my opinion) perfect series of books, she has fallen into a trap of her own making, as if knocked out by a Confundus charm cast by Ron Weasleys spello-taped wand. Watch the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald trailer here She makes many unnecessary revelations in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and I suspect nearly all of them will be tremendously annoying to die-hard fans. Indeed, when the film pulled the final rabbit out of its hat - in basically its final scene - I let out a groan of disbelief and despair. Virtually every character who is introduced by name in the film is the ancestor of someone from the Potter series, suggesting perhaps that the wizarding community might have an inbreeding issue. It also betrays a rather narcissistic and hesitant approach to writing this new story - Rowling seems to be so convinced of the greatness of her own world, and so terrified of messing it up, that she inadvertently makes pandering decisions. Did you care if Albus Dumbledore was gay or straight? Probably not. But now that you know he is gay, do you want proof? Again, not really. But hang on, heres a vague flashback anyway. Youre welcome. Arent I woke. Claudia Kim, who has one line in the film, and Ezra Miller, who utters his first words an hour into the movie, in a scene from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. (AP) The Crimes of Grindelwald is the weakest entry in the Potter film series, which now falls under Rowlings newly created umbrella corporation, the Wizarding World. And most of the blame can be directed towards Rowlings script, thin as a piece of yellowing parchment, discarded in the bins of Flourish and Blotts. An hour had passed and the plot was still yelling Up! at its broomstick, which was rolling around feebly on the ground, simply refusing to take flight. Instead, several characters - old and new - had crossed each others paths, love stories I am willing to bet no one would be interested in had been introduced, and several lines of clunky exposition delivered. The finest example of this was when Newts brother, Theseus Scamander feels the need to remind his girlfriend, Leta Lestrange that Your brother Corvus is dead. Really? Her brother, you say? I wonder if she knew. Brother Newt and Theseus Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, left and Callum Turner in a scene from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. (AP) It feels terrible to say this - Rowling is a personal hero, and one of the greatest writers the world has ever seen, and Harry Potter has been tremendously influential on not just me, but millions of others. But The Crimes of Grindelwald takes barely five minutes to announce its mediocrity. The signs begin to show in the first scene itself - a murky, nighttime escape staged by Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard played by Johnny Depp, who was captured at the end of the first Fantastic Beasts movie by the unlikely hero, Newt Scamander. It has none of the visual clarity of those similar aerial battle scenes in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. Its incoherently edited, has too many inconsequential characters to keep up with, and ends with a switcheroo that feels like a cheat. Johnny Depp is easily the best thing about Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. (AP) To say that Depp is by far the best thing about this film would be an understatement, but it is also a very uncomfortable realisation to have. The jurys still out on whether or not he is guilty of committing the crimes that he has been accused of, but the least one can say about his performance here is that he earns the right to call himself the title character. His Grindelwald is unusually understated, despite his loud appearance. And even though the script does him no favours, he finds subtle ways to add subtext to very ordinary lines. His fight for what he perceives as freedom has an added emotional punch, considering the restrictions he has had to face in his past, particularly in matters of the heart. Jude Law as the young Dumbledore, meanwhile, is basically playing Jude Law - with a mild Irish accent, perhaps to honour Michael Gambons very aggressive take on the future Hogwarts headmaster. Jude Law plays Jude Law in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. (AP) Speaking of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I counted precisely one good scene in the entire two-hour-thirteen-minute film, and even that was a gentlemans six out of 10. It happens to be the one in which we return to Hogwarts, and suggests perhaps that director David Yates should confine himself to the school; that is where he is most comfortable. You can sense him trying to bring some coherence to Rowlings scattershot screenplay - there is no grace to how scenes transition in this film, and instead a needlessly provocative disregard for certain cinematic laws - but despite his trademark European visuals, and a dependably excellent score by James Newton Howard, he fails. The Crimes of Grindelwald is at once dense with lore, yet strangely lean on plot. It cant seem to make up its mind if wants to be a Fantastic Beasts sequel or a Harry Potter prequel. It is bogged down by too many minutes of inactivity, an almost criminal lack of action, and comes dangerously close to earning comparisons to the first Hobbit movie, based on how much time it wastes on pointless stuff. But perhaps Grindelwald said it best. It is, to steal his words, not disposable, but of a different disposition. Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday has decided to stop the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from investigating cases in Bengal, the second state after Chandrababu Naidus Andhra Pradesh to prevent the federal agency from operating within their respective state. The move is seen to be triggered by perceptions in the two states ruled by opposition parties who have frequently accused the CBI of acting at the behest of the BJP-led national coalition at the centre. If you see the developments in last 2-3 months, CBI is being misused for political purposes, Andhra home minister N Chinarajappa said to explain his governments order. He said the governments decision to block the CBI from operating arose out of a sense that the agency was being misused by the Centre. Naidus Telugu Desam Party was a part of the national coalition till March this year but the two parties had a bitter falling out over special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Since public order and police comes under the state government under the constitutional scheme of things, the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act the law governing the CBI requires states to give the central agency a general consent to act against central government employees within the state. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had been one of the first ones to cheer Chandrababu Naidu when news of his decision came in public domain. He did the right thing. We should also think about it. Instructions (to the agency) are given from BJP offices, Mamata Banerjee said at a meeting of the Trinamool Congresss core committee meeting during the day. She followed up on her comments and summoned a high-level meeting soon after. Sources said it was at this meeting on Friday evening that the government decided to follow in footsteps of Andhra Pradesh and restrict the role of CBI officers in the state. In 1989, the Left Front government gave a general consent for the CBI to operate here. The government is withdrawing the consent, said a senior state government official. The government order withdrawing consent does not apply to CBI investigations conducted on court orders. In Bengal, CBI is investigating a few high profile cases such as Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams and the Narada sting operation in which about 20 Trinamool leaders -- ministers, MLAs and MPs -- are allegedly involved. Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, a CPM leader and former mayor of Kolkata told HT that too much was being made of this consent. Withdrawal of general consent is nothing but a populist jargon. The rule is, if CBI has to investigate anything dealing with any matter in a state, the consent of the government is necessary. But the consent is not required if the agency is dealing with any matter of the central government, said Bhattacharyya, also a senior advocate. But first Chandrababu Naidus initiative struck a chord among some opposition-ruled states. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi: Chandrababu has done the right thing. Modi is misusing the CBI and Income Tax Department. Kejriwal went one step to advise Naidu to banish the Income Tax Department from the state too. Almost all opposition parties have confirmed participation in the January 19 rally in Kolkata being organised by the Trinamool Congress, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday, in what is billed as her show of strength to unite opposition against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Banerjee told party leaders to start holding booth level meetings and create wall graffiti to draw crowds for the rally that was first announced on July 21. All parties except one or two have confirmed participation. Block level presidents should begin booth level meetings right away to prepare for the meeting. There should be at least 30 wall graffiti at each booth level, the chief minister told the leaders at a meeting. Leader of the opposition in Bengal Assembly and Congress MLA Abdul Mannan said the decision on participation will depend on the party high command in Delhi. CPI(M) central committese member, Rabin Deb said, CPI(M) leaders will certainly not attend. As far as we know, Left Front allies such as CPI and RSP will also stay away. Going by Mamata Banerjees statement on attendance, it appears that the Left parties including the CPI(M) are the only ones yet to assure her of her presence. Though she is dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister by uniting opposition leaders, it will remain a pipe dream, said BJP Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh. Significantly, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is supposed to meet Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on November 19 to persuade her to attend the meeting of the opposition leaders in Delhi on November 22 he is organising. On July 21 this year, when she announced the rally of non-BJP parties in the city, Mamata Banerjee said that she will invite Kerala chief minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan though the Indias biggest communist party has been her bitterest opponent down the years. Training her guns for the first time at the BJPs rath yatra in Bengal that is supposed to start on December 5, she directed Trinamool leaders to organise processions of the people in each area on the following day. These processions should be held just the next day along the same route to purify the road through which the rath would travel, she said. She ridiculed the saffron exercise as a Ravana yatra and said, These are no chariots. These are air-conditioned busses with 5-star luxury. She is increasing our honour by deciding to follow us. It shows how seriously she is taking us, said Dilip Ghosh. Trinamool is afraid of the growing popularity of BJP in Bengal. Let them follow us, said BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha. Trinamool to contest in Assam, Jharkhand During a 45-minute speech, the Bengal chief minister also said that her party will field candidates in Assam and Jharkhand and appointed leaders to oversee the party organisation in the states of Assam, Tripura (Bobby Hakim), Mizoram, Manipur (Derek O Brien), Jharkhand, Bihar and Maharashtra (Dinesh Trivedi). We will focus on the areas where Bengalis are concentrated, said a minister after the meeting. She also told Trinamool leaders said during the Lok Sabha elections they should check the EVMs thrice to ensure the machines are working properly. On polling day, and hour before polling starts, the presiding officer in each booth invites polling agents to demonstrate that the EVMs are working perfectly. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday that people who criticise others seven days a week, cant complain that their own freedom of speech was in danger, and asserted that if the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, it would collapse as technology does not permit press censorship any longer. Jaitley said he had not been able to understand criticism by those who criticise the maximum. Well, your speech cant be in danger if you are criticising seven days a week, he said. Speaking at the National Press Day celebrations, organised by the Press Council of India, Jaitley said the biggest challenge for the media is to retain its credibility so that it continues to be an opinion maker at a time when the perils of fake news and paid news were on the rise. If the Emergency [imposed by Indira Gandhi government in 1975] was ever to be reimposed because it is fashionable to say it is another Emergency it would collapse for the simple reason that one of the strengths of the Emergency was press censorship. And technology does not permit press censorship, Jaitley said, pointing out that one can now access information through platforms that no government can control. Jaileys comments appeared to be a response to sections of the Opposition and activists who contend that the freedom of the press is under threat in the country. The minister conferred the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award to the chairman of the Hindu publishing group, N Ram, at the event. Jaitley said in his speech that every political viewpoint is able to find space in some section of the media or the other. With multiple media forums now available, nobody can seriously complain my speech is in danger. Neither the viewer or the reader, nor the one who wants to convey [information]. You have alternatives available, he said. He compared this with the past, recalling that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru amended the law to restrict free speech if it adversely affected the countrys relations with a foreign country, saying it was brought in after a pact between Nehru and Pakistan prime minister Liaquat Ali pact led to a fierce political debate and Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee led a campaign against it. The Assam government has decided to stop marking members of the Gorkha community as suspected foreigners and referring them to foreigners tribunals, a top state official familiar with the development said. The state government will also move the high court for relief to members of the community whose cases are pending with the tribunals, said the official who did not wish to be named. The move comes after a federal ministry of home affairs circular to the Assam government that members of the community who are citizens of India or who have Nepalese documents cannot be marked as suspected foreigners and referred to foreigners tribunals to prove their citizenship. The electoral registration officers (ERO), in case they are not satisfied with the documents of a member of the Gorkha community, will not include that name in the electoral rolls. They will be directed to not refer it further as a suspected foreigner, the government official said on Monday. The official explained that there are two ways in which a name is marked as a suspected foreigner or a Doubtful Voter (D Voter) and referred to one of the 100 foreigners tribunal in the state where the suspect has to prove his citizenship. One way is if the ERO thinks someones documents are suspect, it refers it to the superintendent of police, Border Organisation, who in turn refers it to the FT (foreigners tribunal). Or the Border Organisation itself finds suspects in its survey and refers them, the official said. In case of the Gorkhas, this official explained, the names were being marked as suspected foreigners or Doubtful Voters (D voters) through the EROs. As for those whose cases are already pending with the tribunals, the state government will make an assessment and move the high court citing the home ministry circular. We will seek relief that those names be referred back to the EROs who can then decide to include or exclude them from the rolls, the official said, adding this could ensure they dont face the harassment of going through tribunals. Asked how the government will identify Gorkhas, the official said, From their names and by taking the help of the Gorkha organizations. In July, the All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) had submitted a memorandum to home minister Rajnath Singh. According to Prem Tamang, the president of AAGSU, the memorandum demanded relief for the community as they were being marked as D Voters and facing harassment at the tribunals. The home ministry then wrote a letter to the state government on 24 September. The ministry of home affairs on 10 October issued a statement quoting from the letter: The letter dated 24th September, 2018, stated that the members of the Gorkha community who were Indian citizens at the time of commencement of the Constitution, or those who are Indian citizens by birth, or those who have acquired Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization in accordance with the provisions of The Citizenship Act, 1955, are not foreigners in terms of section 2 (a) of The Foreigners Act,1946 as well as The Registration of Foreigners Act,1939, therefore, such cases will not be referred to the Foreigners Tribunals. Marking people as suspects by the Border Organisation of the Assam Police or the EROs and referring their cases to foreigners tribunals is a parallel citizenship determination exercise which has been going on beside the ongoing exercise of updating of the National Register of Citizens. According to the NRC rules and orders of the Supreme Court, D Voters and those whose cases are pending with foreigners tribunals cannot be included in the NRC till their cases are resolved. Meanwhile, those whose names will be out of the final NRC list, too, will have to go to the foreigners tribunals for determination of citizenship. There are more than 20,000 Gorkhas who were wrongfully marked as D voters despite having all documents, said Tamang, adding that 150,000 Gorkhas are out of the NRC draft because of various reasons, including the fact that many have been wrongly marked as D voters. We demand that all those who have documents prior to 1971 their names should be removed from the list of D Voters and they should not face harassment at the foreigners tribunals, Tamang said, adding the matter has been discussed at the highest level including in tripartite meetings which also included central and Assam government officials. NRC and foreigners tribunals are to keep out Bangladeshis, Tamang said, adding if the government has decided that Gorkhas cannot be marked as D Voters that would eventually solve the problem of 1.5 lakh who are out of the NRC draft, too. A bullet-riddled body of a 20-year-old man, who was abducted by a group of militants from his village in Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian, was found from Pulwama early this morning, police said. Nadeem Manzoor was kidnapped from his village Safnagri on Thursday. The body was recovered from Pulwama village, around eight kilometres from the place of abduction, police said. So far no militant group has claimed responsibility for the killing but police said Manzoor was killed by militants. Police and army have launched a search operation in the area. To control Indias millions of common monkeys, the rhesus macaques, that have become more numerous and bolder, resulting in tragic and gruesome incidents such as the one in Agra this week when an infant was snatched from the mother and killed by a monkey, the government is considering vaccines that can make them sterile, although experts arent convinced this will work. They point to failed attempts to combat the monkey menace through sterilisation in Himachal Pradesh and Agra and say the most significant way to handle the issue is to prevent people from feeding them, and also stop their access to leftovers. Thats easier said than done in a country where monkeys are considered holy and worshipped in some parts. Usually, populations of wild animals are limited by availability of food and predators. Feeding monkeys also encourages them to attack humans whom they see as people who provide food. Himachal Pradesh has sterilised at least 1.4 million monkeys since 2006, resulting in a fall in their numbers from about 3.2 million in 2004 to about 2.1 million in 2015, but the programme has had mixed results and the numbers themselves arent authoritative. The state has declared monkeys as vermin under the Wildlife Protection Act in 2017 in 10 districts, allowing for their culling. No monkey population surveys have been done in other states. A lack of understanding of monkey behaviour and biology has led to conflict escalating and monkeys becoming even more aggressive, say experts. Its obvious that sterilisation didnt lower conflict, which is why even with a reduction in numbers, Himachal had to declare monkeys to be vermin. We know that monkey bite cases increased after sterilisation. Catching them to sterilise them destroys a very complex social structure. They start imprinting humans and become even more aggressive. They are not like dogs, who like humans, said activist Gauri Maulekhi, trustee of Union minister Menaka Gandhis non-profit organisation, People for Animals (PFA). She is a petitioner in a number of cases on animal rights. In a very old case called New Friends Colony residents Vs Union of India, the court suggested sterilisation of monkeys in Delhi. But we recently submitted that immuno-contraception may be a safer idea, she added. According to research by PFA based on the pilot sterilisation project carried out in Agra, sterilisation can cost up to Rs 37,000 per monkey. Jaysimha Nuggehalli, animal rights lawyer and head of Humane Society International in India, said none of this may work. You have to understand that monkeys are not territorial.They move in troops. Sterilisation works if they are contained in one place and other monkeys are not moving in from other places. They will come wherever there is easy access to food. Plus, since they imprint humans, they lose their fear. I dont think immuno-contraception will work either because they will keep moving. I think the only way to stop this is to stop feeding them and to stop leaving food waste on roads. Singapore solved its primate problem by changing the design of their dustbins for example. There are other problems in immuno-contraception as well, according to Satish K Gupta, emeritus scientist, National Institute of Immunology who is working on developing contraceptive vaccines for wild animals like elephants and monkeys. He says targeting monkeys with dart guns to vaccinate them will be extremely difficult. Other modes of administration need to be considered. So successful has the rhesus monkey been in adapting to urban conditions that it has spread to southern India from its habitual haunt in the north. Sindhu Radhakrishna, professor and dean of animal behaviour and cognition programme at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore along with other primatology experts says: They are being seen more than bonnet macaques which was the dominant population in Hyderabad and parts of Andhra Pradesh. We believe this could be due to indiscriminate translocation of rhesus macaques. They are also coming out to be the more dominant species among macaques because of their close association with human habitation in both urban and rural areas. She agrees that sterilisation hasnt worked, and immuno-contraception also may not yield results. Population control is a long-term strategy. The sterlised monkeys are going to be around and will continue to interact. Immuno-contraception is also a very difficult process because targeting them can be complicated. The main problenm is that monkeys have attractive, easy energy rich food in human areas because humans either provision them or have food waste lying around. Monkeys will obviously not forage vast areas when food is available. There is ample scope for foraging, she added. In other words, monkeys like to hand around humans because they have easy access to food. But the result is more conflict. Another problem with sterilisation that authorities didnt foresee is that monkeys have very strong, stable matrilines. When an animal is pulled out of a group its broken from the matriline and their social hierarchy. After sterilisation when they are put back, individuals often end up with new groups or families leading to aggressive behaviour amongst themselves, Sindhu explained. (ANSA) - Rome, November 16 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has said that the Italian people would not accept it if the European Commission imposed penalties over the government's budget plan for 2019. "They want to penalize us, but this will end up being more damaging to the EU than to us," League party leader Salvini told some Italian dailies. "They are crazy if the really do open an infringement procedure. "60 million Italians would rise up," The European Commission may open an infringement procedure over the budget plan, which sees Italy running a deficit of 2.4% of GDP next year, saying it breaches the Stability and Growth Pact. The government has said an expansive budget is needed to finance key pledges and boost sluggish growth. Over the past few months, theres a certain routine Congress president Rahul Gandhi follows when he arrives at a city, town, or village for a rally he has spoken on several occasions since September 1. Gandhi calls a local, grassroots, booth-level party worker and asks him if he is attending. Allowing Gandhi to do this is a software the Congress president has named Vidya, a nod to the data-enriched knowledge that can be pulled out from it. The platform is powered from a stuffy room at the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road in New Delhi. There, the partys data analytics department head, Praveen Chakravarty, presides over a team tracking each booth in election-bound Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Telangana. Thats around 1.72 lakh booths; each booth is coloured one of three shades, indicating the density of dedicated Congress workers in that area. The workers themselves are listed in order of their political activity. Over the past two months, the data team has geo-tagged millions of such Congress workers and their mobile phone numbers. Gandhi, before reaching the rally venue, swipes through the software on his phone (the front-end of this database) to find the toppers and calls them directly. Its unbelievable to many booth-level workers that Rahul Gandhi himself has called him or her. So, we often get complaints that someone pretending to be the Congress president has called workers, laughs Chakravarty. The use of such technology by the Congress rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wouldnt surprise anyone. Indeed, as Hindustan Times first reported in late September, the key to that partys campaign for 2019 is the cell phone pramukh, and there will be one for each of the 927,533 polling booths in the country. This person is expected to drive the BJPs extensive WhatsApp-based campaign for the election, and each such person will have a smartphone given by the party. This is the first time, though, that the Congress is using such tactics at the booth level. The BJPs plan for 2019, too, revolves around booths and a booth action plan prepared by party president Amit Shah, who has already asked state units to compile a list of smartphone carrying voters in every polling station. In the states going to polls, Congress nominees are given details of the booths where the party is strong and also workers who can be depended upon in each booth. Not surprisingly, there is a mad rush from our candidates asking us to give them the details of the workers, says Chakravarty. The Congress new efforts come even as the BJP has a clear playbook for reaching out to its ground force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently interacts with BJPs booth-level workers across the states via video conferencing. Senior BJP leaders have also been asked to hold regular meetings at the gram panchayats to get genuine feedback from the people and party workers. Vidya, the Congress database, is derived from another online platform Shakti which the party uses for enrolling workers and giving them more voice. After enrolment, a worker is given different tasks such as attending a rally or participating in a door-to-door campaign for the party. Each activity carries certain points. The points indicate who is the most active and who should be considered as the best assets at a booth, says Chakravarty. The Congress also used Shakti extensively for candidate selection in the upcoming assembly polls, and insiders claim that in many seats the poll results decided the fate of the candidate. Nearly 70% of new candidates are also the ones who did really well in Shakti, adds a senior leader. Shakti has about 4 million members. Shakti feeds into Vidya, which operates at the booth-level, the most important node in the political chain, according to experts. For many others, the ongoing elections might be about four big poll-bound states. For Chakravarty and his team, its an election season involving 172,345 booths The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has been very complimentary on some charges levelled against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma by his deputy Rakesh Asthana and very uncomplimentary on some, the Supreme Court noted on Friday, indicating that the top vigilance watchdog has not given a clean chit yet to the head of the Indias premier investigating agency. The bench, comprising chief justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph, ordered that a copy of the report be handed over to Verma, whom it asked to file a response in a sealed envelope by 1pm on Monday. The court said it would take up the case on Tuesday, November 20. CVC has filed an exhaustive report with documents. It can be categorised into four parts. One, it is very complimentary on some charges, not so on others, very uncomplimentary on some and with regard to some, CVC requires further investigation, the bench told Vermas counsel, senior advocate Fali S Nariman, after perusing the report that was handed to it on November 12 in a sealed envelope. CVC told the court its probe of the corruption charges levelled against Verma by Asthana was still incomplete. The top court had on October 31 directed CVC, which has jurisdiction over the CBI, to enquire into the charges levelled against Verma on the directors petition challenging a government order sending him on leave, and asked the commission to submit its report within two weeks. The inquiry was conducted under the supervision of retired Supreme Court judge AK Patnaik. Verma and Asthana were divested of their responsibilities on the intervening night of October 23 and 24 after their running feud threw the federal investigating agency into disarray. Asthana wrote to the cabinet secretary on August 24, alleging interference by Verma in sensitive cases and claiming that the director had taken a bribe. The cabinet secretary then asked CVC to look into the matter. Subsequently, CBI filed an FIR against Asthana to investigate alleged instances of corruption. We have perused the report of CVC. We are of the view that, at this stage, and before taking any decision thereon a copy of the report of the CVC (along with Annexures thereto) should be furnished by the Registry of this Court, in sealed cover, to the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. It will be opened for the petitioner to file his response to the said report of the CVC again in sealed cover, the court ordered. The above course of action has been considered necessary by the court keeping in mind the need to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the institution of the CBI and public confidence in the said institution, said the court, noting the peculiar facts of the case. Sealed copies of the report would also be given to the offices of the Attorney General (AG) and Solicitor General (SG). While the AG, KK Venugopal, is appearing for the Centre, SG Tushar Mehta is representing the CVC. You are the author and you do not know what is in it, CJI Gogoi said in a lighter vein when Mehta asked for a copy. At Narimans request, the court said all parties receiving the report shall maintain utmost confidentiality in the matter and not make it public. The court declined the Centres request for its response to the CVCs findings and also refused to provide a copy to Asthana. At this stage, we are not inclined to call upon either the Union of India or any other party to submit any response or reply to the said report of the CVC and the only response the Court is permitting is that of the petitioner, ordered the bench. Asthanas lawyer, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi insisted on a copy of the report. The CVC probe against Verma had been at the behest of Asthanas complaints, Rohatgi argued. No chance. You will not get the report, the bench said. When Rohatgi contended that it was his client who complained to the cabinet secretary, the CJI retorted: Under what authority did you send him the complaint?. You wont get it. I can complain, Rohatgi responded, prompting the CJI to say: Anybody can go and complain. The bench told senior lawyer Dushyant Dave, appearing for co-petitioner, NGO Common Cause, that it had not filed a list of policy decisions taken by acting CBI director M Nageshwar Rao. Dave claimed that despite the courts order restraining Rao from taking important policy decisions, the acting director had taken some. We will presume that he [Rao} has not taken any major policy decision because you have not given us a list of decisions taken by him, the bench said, noting Rao had already filed in the court a list of decisions taken by him from October 23 till October 26. In so far as the decision taken by acting director is concerned, we have considered the details of the decisions that he has taken up to the date of the order. While it would be open for any party to supplement the list we defer consideration of the matter to November 20, the court said. CBI deputy superintendent of police AK Bassi, who was part of the investigation team Verma had constituted to probe corruption charges against Asthana and was transferred during the midnight orders, pressed his application questioning his new posting in Port Blair for a hearing. Port Blair is a nice place, CJI Gogoi responded, and said his case too would be heard on Tuesday. Similarly, Congress Lok Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharges application to be made a party to the case would be taken up at the next hearing. As a leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Kharge is a member of the selection panel to choose the CBI chief. The Prime Minister heads the committee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dared the Congress on Friday to choose someone from outside the Gandhi family as its president for five years, saying he would then accept that Indias first PM Jawharlal Nehru truly left behind a legacy of democracy. I want to challenge themlet some good leader of Congress outside the Gandhi family become the party president for only five years, then I will say that Nehruji really created a truly democratic system, Modi, who has often attacked the Congress for deifying the Nehru-Gandhi family, said at a rally in Chhattisgarhs Ambikapur. His remarks came three days after United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the legacy of Nehru. She had also urged people to honour the late leader by fighting with determination to safeguard democracy. Nehrus precious legacy is being undermined daily by those who rule us today. They express disdain and contempt for Nehru for all that he did to build the India that they are bent upon changing for the worse, she said in her address at the launch of the new edition of Congress MP Shashi Tharoors 2003 book Nehru: The Invention of India on November 13, the eve of Nehrus birth anniversary. At the same function, in a remark directed at Modi, Tharoor said that if a chaiwala (tea-seller) could become prime minister of India, it was because Nehru created the institutional structures through which any Indian can aspire to rise to the highest office in the land. Modi has in the past accused the Congress of practising dynastic politics and of exalting members of the Nehru-Gandhi family at the expense of other leaders such as Sardar Patel, to whom he dedicated a 182-metre statue, the worlds tallest, in his (and Patels) home state of Gujarat , on October 31. Sonia Gandhi was president of the Congress party between March 1998 and December 2017, when she was succeeded by her son Rahul Gandhi. On Friday, Modi reacted to Tharoors remark without naming him. Modi said the Congress had still not come to terms with the fact that he is prime minister more than four years after he rose to the nations highest executive office by leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a majority in the Lok Sabha on its own. They are still crying, how can a chaiwala become PM? Now they say a chaiwala became PM because of one great person, said Modi, who was in Chhattisgarh to campaign for the BJP ahead of the second phase of state assembly elections on November 20. After Modi, then a prime ministerial candidate, revealed that he sold tea at a railway station when he was a boy to help his family make ends meet, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar referred to him as chaiwala ahead of the 2014 general elections. Modi and his BJP parlayed this into a campaign issue by launching chai pe charcha or conversations over tea where Modi and other leaders informally met voters over tea. The PM said that the Congress was not willing to give credit to the BJP and himself for ending dynastic politics. This is the result of their undemocratic thinking. For this too, they want to give credit to Nehru, he said. The PM said the Congress was to blame for the underdevelopment of the country, Congress nationalised banks in the name of poor, but what is the reason that the poor did not have any access to banks? What is the reason that the poor did not have even a bank account? When we came to power, we empowered the poor, opened their bank accounts, he said, referring to the financial inclusion drive his government has spearheaded. Reacting to Modis remarks, the Congress said he should read history. Firstly, who is Modi ji to decide the Congress president? It is the (Congress) worker who will decide the president. Secondly, Modi is misleading people as Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pandit Mandan Mohan Malviya , Sardar Patel , Jagjeevan Ram and many others (outside of the Nehru-Gandhi family) were Congress presidents Modi ji should read history first, said RP Singh, senior Congress leader and party spokesperson. In the second and final phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on November 20, 72 seats are up for grabs. Eighteen seats went to the polls on November 12. Assembly elections are also due to take place in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana. Ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping on the margins of the G20 Summit in Argentina this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke of the need for contacts between India and China to build a Great Wall of Trust and Cooperation. Modis remarks came in the form of a message read out to participants of the China-India Youth Dialogue 2018 at the Chinese embassy. Chinese envoy Lou Zhaohui, in his speech at the event, spoke of the need to synergise Indias Act East policy with Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, which New Delhi doesnt endorse. The youth dialogue was billed by the Chinese embassy as part of the build-up to the first meeting in December of the China-India high-level people-to-people and cultural exchange mechanism co-chaired by the foreign ministers. The mechanism was one of the outcomes of the informal summit between Modi and Xi in Wuhan in April. In his message, Modi said the youth dialogue will provide a great platform for the youth of both the nations to build a Great Wall of Trust and Cooperation between the two countries. Such synergy between young people, he added, will spur enhanced people-to-people contact and lead to increased cooperation. Modi and Xi are set to meet for the fourth time this year during the G20 Summit. They have met twice since Wuhan on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in June, and the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in July. Noting that Modi had focused on investment, trade and connectivity during his engagements at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore this week, Luo spoke of the need to synergise Indias Act East Policy and Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. We focus more on the concrete cooperation, so thats why I really think that Act East and One Belt, One Road is quite natural. How do you synergise these two strategies together between the two countries and between the two leaders and benefit from cooperation and development? he said. That is the right direction...and I am quite optimistic, he added. OBOR, he said, is Chinas national policy and accepted by almost 100 countries. Connectivity and free trade had become the policy of every country, and China and India too share the same policy on connectivity, on free trade, he added. Luo described the Wuhan Summit as a historic milestone in bilateral relations and said: China-India relations are at one of the best periods in historyBoth sides are implementing the consensus reached by the leaders. The meeting in Wuhan helped the two sides reset their ties after they dipped to a low during the 73-day military stand-off in Doklam last year, with Modi and Xi agreeing on prudent management of differences. In recent months, China has also sought to work closely with India on trade issue in the wake of its trade war with the US. The envoy also referred to connectivity projects that India and China were jointly working on, such as the BCIM (Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar) economic corridor. The two sides had reached consensus on BCIM in 2013, and the economic corridor is going well, not quite well, but well, he added. Meanwhile, Indias outgoing envoy to China, Gautam Bambawale, has said New Delhi will have its own interests in mind while negotiating the tricky waters of geopolitical rivalry between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific. As part of the Quad bloc with the US, Japan and Australia, India is often seen especially by China as a tool used by Washington to counter Beijings increasing influence in the region. In an interview to state-run China Global Television Network, Bambawale countered that argument. The only side India is on is Indias own side. In other words, our foreign policy and all our policies are geared towards meeting Indias interests and Indias national interests, he said. So, we have managed to keep excellent relations not only with China and Russia and Japan but also completely changed our relationship with the US. We will do whatever is in Indias best interests. Bambawale, who will retire this month and be succeeded by Indias current ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri, said the Wuhan Summit removed several misconceptions between the two sides. Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time, he said. He said both countries were beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary of globalisation like China. He added the issue that divides the two countries is the unresolved boundary question. (With inputs from Sutirtho Patranobis in Beijing Amid speculations of RLSP chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwaha gearing up for an exit from NDA over differences with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, a coup is staring in the RLSP with both its MLAs, Lallan Paswan and Sudhanshu Shekhar, keen on staking claim of the party as an ally of the BJP led coalition. We are with NDA and shall continue to stay with it. I have been in touch with large number of supporters of Kushwaha and if he exits from the BJP led coalition, we will move the election commission to seek recognition of our group as the original RLSP, said, Chenari MLA and estranged RLSP leader, Lallan Paswan. Paswans statement assumes significance as he is one of the two MLAs of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) in Bihar assembly with Sudhanshu Shekhar, MLA from Harlakhi, being the other party legislator. Sudhanshu could not be contacted for his comments. Few days back, Sudhanshu Shekhar had met JD(U) national vice president Prashant Kishore setting off speculations that he might switch allegiance to the JD(U) with Upendra Kushwaha accusing the Bihar chief minister of trying to poach his MLAs to damage his party. There were reports that the two RLSP MLAs have already held talks with JD(U) and BJP leadership over forming a separate group and that they could be elevated as ministers in the proposed cabinet reshuffle by Bihar chief minister. Speculations of a cabinet expansion has been rife for some time with Nitish himself asserting it would be done at a proper time. The possibility of two RLSP MLAs getting ministerial berths looks credible as sources in NDA said the two legislators have already written to the Speaker, Bihar assembly Vijay Kumar Choudhary requesting the latter to treat them as a separate group . Experts said the anti-defection law would not apply on the two RLSP MLAs as they have the required number for forming a separate entity. Lallan Paswan denied having written any letter though he asserted he would write to the Speaker on the matter, soon. I am closely watching the situation and if need be, I and Sudhanshu would seek recognition as a separate group in the assembly by writing to the Speaker, Paswan said. Bihar assembly speaker said he had not received any letter from the RLSP legislators so far. I will take a decision only after I receive any communication from them, said Choudhary. RLSPs Sitamarshi MP, Ram Kumar Sharma is also said to be in close contact with the NDA leaders and likely to join the splinter group of RLSP, if Kushwaha decides to switch over to the grand alliance comprising Congress, RJD, HAM(S) and Loktantrik Janata Dal led by Sharad Yadav. Evidently, RLSP chief Kushwaha appears to have been cornered in the NDA for his hard posturing over seat sharing and face off with the chief minister. Kushwaha had been blowing hot and cold against the JD(U) strongman for sometime and their tiff intensified recently when Kumar apparently took a jibe at the RLSP leader referring him as aneech( lowly person) though it was denied by BJP senior Sushil Kumar Modi. Kushwaha has stepped up his attack on Nitish demanding that he should make his political DNA public, evoking strong reactions from the JD(U). The RLSP appears to be heading towards a split as its legislators might stay with NDA. If that happens, Kushwahas political standing in Bihar would take a hit and weaken his bargaining power as a regional leader , said a senior NDA leader, wishing not to be quoted. Amid a bitter standoff between the state government and protesters over the entry of women, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala opened for 64-day annual pilgrimage season on Friday even as Travancore Dewasom Board (TDB), which runs the temple, said it will move the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its September 28 verdict. Tantri (supreme priest) Rajeevaru Kandarau opened the temple doors at 5 pm as torrential rains lashed the hilltop amid heavy police deployment. We have decided to move the apex court with a plea to seek more time to implement the verdict. The petition will be moved either Saturday or Monday. The TDB is with devotees and committed to safeguard customs of the temple, said A Padmakumar, TDB president, at the hilltop. It is clear sign that the government is mellowing its tough posture to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage season. When the temple opened twice after the Supreme Court verdict allowed women of all ages entry, its two base camps, Pambha and Nilakkal had witnessed large-scale violence. But with the government and TDB softening its posture there is relief all around. However, the BJP and other opposition parties said they will continue their protest till they get an assurance from the government that it will not take women to the temple top. We cant trust TDB because it a mere puppet in the hands of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. We have to get an assurance that the government will not allow women till the Supreme Court takes up review pleas, said BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai even as the tantris family hailed the TDB move. The Supreme Court will on January 22 reconsider its September judgment that allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. Though many devotees from the state kept away fearing violence, thousands of pilgrims from other states thronged the temple. Many pilgrims complained lack of basic facilities and police frisking at several points, saying they never wanted one of the most secular temples in the country should be turned a hot spot. Due to the standoff, preparations have suffered badly. Even basic facilities are missing this time. The government should have used its energy in rebuilding flood-ravaged base camps rather than burning its fingers on women entry, said a Nagraj Reddy, a small-time trader from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, who had reached Erumeli, a small town in the foothills, on Thursday but was blocked by police the whole day and allowed to move a day after. Despite tight security and restrictions, many protesters managed to sneak into the temple and were keeping a strict vigil on women in 10-50 age group. At least 5,000 of our men are camping in different sites. We will not lower our guard despite the TDBs olive branch. We are ready to die to protect our temple, a member of fringe outfit explained about the preparedness. During the one-day Chithirayattam festival on November 6, police were forced to seek the help of an RSS leader to prevail over angry protesters. In case of any violence there could be chances of a stampede, intelligence agencies warned the government. Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Rajendra Pratap Singh was left red-faced after being caught on camera getting his sandal cleaned by a staff member on Thursday. The incident took place at the at Budhdha PG college ,Kushinagar, where the minister had gone to attend a plantation programme. The picture taken by photo journalists, shows the minister holding up his jacket and pants while his staff member is cleaning the sandal with a cloth. Soon afterwards , as the minister headed towards his car, he was surrounded by reporters who sought his reaction to which he replied, I dont remember anything. Nobody cleaned my sandal. Defending him an official seated next to him said, Mantriji cleaned the sandal himself. I saw him clean it with a red cloth Responding to him the minister added, Yes, I cleaned the sandal myself after water fell on it. In tribal dominated Dindori district, 470 kilometres south east of Bhopal, the dashgotra or 10th day ritual after a death is an opportunity that political parties wouldnt miss. The event is well attended to show support to the bereaved. Party workers use it as an opportunity to mingle with the adivasis. In Jhabua, another tribal dominated district 341 kilometres south west of Bhopal, a khantla sabha, or a meeting between political candidates and adivasis usually over tea and snacks, is set to begin over the weekend. As campaigning heats up in Madhya Pradesh, which goes to polls on November 28, the two main parties in the fraythe Bharatiya Janta Party and Congresshave pulled out all stops to win over the scheduled caste and tribe voters. The reason: central to gaining power in the state is 82 reserved seats, 47 for scheduled tribes and 35 for scheduled castes, out of the total 230. This includes tribal-dominated regions such as Shahdol, Dindori, Mandla, Alirajpur and Jhabua, and scheduled caste-dominated areas include Bhind, Morena, Tikamgarh, Rewa, and Raisen among others. As per the 2011 census, scheduled castes constitute 15.6% and scheduled tribes 21.1 % of the states 7.26 crore population. In the 2013 assembly elections, BJP won 59 of these seats31 ST and 28 SC reserved seats, while Congress won 15 and four respectively. In the 2008 assembly elections, when Congress had improved its performance in comparison to 2003 state polls, the BJP had won 54 SC/ST seats, compared to the Congresss 26. The BJPs dominance over these seats began in the 2003 assembly elections, when due to a strong anti-incumbency wave against Congress, BJP won as many as 67 of the SC/ST seats, while Congress won only five that year. Any party which wins about 60 of the 82 seats can be confident enough to form its government, said a senior BJP leader who did not wish to be named. He said that the BJP is focussed on retaining the SC/ST seats, given that anti-incumbency could mean that the party may not be able to increase its tally in the state. I will vote for a party which can bring about a change in our life and protect us from moneylenders malpractices, said Gannalal Parmar, an adivasi from Jhabua. The BJPs dominance over these seats is attributed to the work that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, as well as its affiliated organisations like Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad have been doing in these areas. Central government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna and state schemes like Ladli Laxmi Yojna and the Sambal Yojna, which was introduced this year offering a number of benefits like financial assistance during and after delivery, are touted by party workers, said a senior BJP leader who did not wish to be named. State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the party manifesto promises lease rights to adivasis and nutrition allowance for most backward adivasi groups to be raised to 1,500 from the existing 1,000. A former office-bearer of Gondwana Gantantra Party Dheerendra Dheeru said whatever the political parties said about their ideologies and principles, they mainly wooed tribal votes through money and liquor. The Bahujan Samaj Party which got four seats in the 2013 assembly elections hopes to win a good number of seats this time. The weaker section has realised that whether its BJP or Congress they have betrayed them, said BSP state chief Pradeep Ahirwar. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India, adding it would be proved that PM Narendra Modi had robbed the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich. Addressing a campaign rally for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi does not talk about being a chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. If Modi says he is a chowkidar, people will respond that chowkidar chor hai, he said, addressing a rally at Deori in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi claimed that Modi cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal, the Congress chief said. Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done, Gandhi said. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens to stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. He (Modi) allowed the rich like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya to flee the country with your money and made you stand in queues outside banks. Time will prove how Modi had robbed you and gave your money to few rich, he said. These days, PM Narendra Modis speeches dont have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power, Gandhi said. Modi had claimed that he will be the chowkidar (watchman) of the country but he turned out to be chowkidar of a few industrialists, like Ambani, he said. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) At the end of his work day, L Sailo likes to unwind with a few pegs of whiskey. Despite a limit imposed on the purchase of alcohol, the 26-year-old who operates a two-wheeler taxi in Mizorams capital, is able to manage on most days. But that could change once the results of November 28 Mizoram assembly polls are announced. A change in government could bring back old times, when the state was under prohibition. I hope the ban on liquor is not re-imposed. It would just lead to smuggling of liquor into Mizoram from neighbouring states and we would have to pay exorbitant amounts to procure them illegally, said Sailo. In 2015, the states Congress government lifted a ban on liquor imposed since 1997 and allowed opening of bars, liquor shops and started issuing cards to those above 21 who were allowed to purchase alcohol, within limits. At present the state with a population of 1.1 million has around 30 liquor shops and two bars. Those who have liquor cards can buy 6 bottles of liquor and 12 bottles of beer every month. One needs to pay Rs 500 as registration fees to get a card and an annual renewal amount of Rs 300. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, who has been at the helm since 2008, feels lifting of the ban has not only improved the states revenue earnings but has brought down alcohol-related deaths. Prior to lifting of prohibition there was a lot of deaths due to drinking of spurious liquor as quality alcohol was not available, the CM said while adding the Congress would continue with the present policy. But theres opposition to lifting of the ban. Two regional parties, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), vehemently oppose the sale of liquor and have promised to re-impose the ban if they come to power. More than 500 policemen and nearly 6,000 civilians have died in Mizoram due to consumption of liquor in the past three years. Theres a sudden rise in the number of widows. We will ban liquor, said former chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga. A study sponsored by the ruling government on impact of lifting of ban on liquor found 19% of all deaths recorded in four large hospitals in Aizawl during the financial year 2016-17, were alcohol related. The powerful church bodies in Christian-majority Mizoram also want sale of liquor to be banned. Lifting of the ban has become a big problem for Mizo society. Number of alcohol-related deaths went up, people became drunkards and indulged in anti-social activities, said Rev. R. Lalbiakmawia, general secretary of Mizoram Peoples Forum, a church-sponsored election watchdog. We want the government to discontinue sale of liquor and ensure enforcement of the ban strictly with proper coordination among the NGOs, the church bodies and government authorities, he added. (ANSA) - Rome, November 15 - Rome is set to curb polluting motor vehicles from January, according to an accord sealed between Environment Minister Sergio Costa and Lazio Governor Nicola Zingaretti on Thursday. From January 1 there will be limitations to the circulation of the most polluting vehicles, the accord said, as well as a network of charging columns for electric cars, the obligation for boilers to be low-emission, and the promotion of alternative fuels. The accord aims to improve air quality in Rome, surrounding towns and the Sacco Valley, sources said. The crime branch on Thursday arrested a 55-year-old Bollywood choreographer in connection with a prostitution racket being run in Nairobi, Kenya. According to police, the accused, Agnes Hamilton, allegedly sent a few girls abroad with job prospects, but they were forced into prostitution. Hamilton runs a dance class in Adarsh Nagar, Andheri. The case was registered with the Sahar police on Thursday after a 25-year-old woman approached the crime branch and narrated her ordeal. The victim in her statement said she approached Hamilton in July this year for a job. Hamilton told her that her friend, Rajiya Patel, lived in Nairobi, Kenya and ran two dance clubs and she could get a job there. The victim agreed and after completion of formalities, she was sent to Kenya in July this year. The victim was promised Rs 1.5 lakh salary per month, a crime branch official said. The victim told police that they were made to dance from 8pm to 4am, where people would come and shower money on them. However, the victim claimed that Rajiya took all the money and she was not paid after she refused to dance in the club, the officer said. The incident came to light after Kenyan police raided the club and found several girls, few of whom were Indians. The victim and others were deported to India in September this year. The victim then approached the crime branch and after her statement, the anti-extortion cell (AEC) and unit 5 of the Mumbai crime branch started investigation and brought Hamilton for inquiry. A case was registered against her at Sahar police station and she was arrested under the charges of immoral trafficking and exploitation, criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code. During inquiry, we learned that Hamilton had sent five to six girls to Kenya. We are trying to ascertain claims made by the complainant. After reaching Kenya, the girls were allegedly forced into prostitution. Hamilton has been arrested and inquiry is on said Dilip Sawant, deputy commissioner of police, crime branch. Within a year of the November 26, 2008 attacks, the state government, in what seemed like a knee-jerk reaction, put together an elite police commando force. The idea was to have a specialised unit of officers trained to take on the kind of terrorists who attacked the city. The initiation of this elite unit called Force One, however, didnt inspire much confidence. The shortlisted commandos underwent a two-week physical training camp, where they were made to run and complete a few obstacle courses on the Pune campus of the State Reserve Police Force. This was followed by 60 days of firing practice, a four-day course at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, where they learnt how to make and diffuse improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and another four-day course on smaller explosives by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). They were also trained in the Israeli martial art of Krav Maga, a form of unarmed combat. When, finally, Force One was inaugurated on November 25, 2009, one commando had fainted during the inaugural parade, while another was pictured holding an assault rifle incorrectly with one hand on the barrel of the gun which was laughed at by the National Security Guard (NSG) officers invited to watch the parade. But, Force One was not going to take its duty lightly after all, they were trained to be the citys first line of defence if ever it was attacked again. Dressed in navy blue overalls and maroon beret caps, Force Ones commandos today are admired for their level of training. We have seen them train, and they are doing really well, said one NSG officer posted in Mumbai. Their headquarters, spread across 96 acres inside the Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon (East), has one of the finest firing ranges in India. The commandos are constantly training, so that they are ready to be put into action at any given hour, said an IPS officer, and added that the selection process was gruelling. Only 5% of those who apply get through. There are several steps to qualify, prime among them being physical fitness. Only the best are selected, the officer said. This rigour has not only won Force One several competitions, but has also seen the unit train personnel from others forces. Force One commandos recently trained the Mozambique police, and regularly train Quick Response Teams (QRT) of all units in Maharashtra, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and also the Jammu and Kashmir police, said another IPS officer. The force, however, still faces one possible setback it has never dealt with real combat. The difference between a commando of the Special Action Group (SAG) of the NSG and Force One is the former is a serving, battle-hardened Army personnel, who has seen action in Kashmir or the North-East, said a serving Indian Army officer, who did not wish to be named. How effective Force One commandos will be in a real-life situation cannot be gauged yet. The proposition becomes different when you have bullets whizzing past your ears. The Janata Dal (United) leadership on Thursday suspended Kumari Manju Verma from the party, even as Bihar police hunt for the absconding former social welfare minister continues with success still eluding them. A team led by DSP Suryadeo Kumar on Wednesday raided the house of one Hemant Verma at Shankarpuri locality falling under Kazipur police station of Muzaffarpur district and interrogated him about Vermas whereabouts. Officials participating in the raid said they havent got any substantial clue about her from any of the places they have raided so far. Hemant is said to be cousin of Manjus husband. The unexpected delay in tracking down a lady, who as served as a minister, has taken political overtones with opposition leaving no opportunity taking jibes at the chief minister and his government for their inaction. Former chief minister Rabri Devi while reacting to a controversy over installation of a high definition (HD) camera atop the CMs residence that allegedly breaches her sons privacy minced no words asserting that the absconding minister was in the CM residence and if a HD camera was installed inside the walls of the CM residence, she could be easily located. The government hasnt reacted to Rabri Devis allegations yet. The raids to located Kumari follows the rejection of her anticipatory bail by the Patna High court on October 9. Police said the MLA had gone trace less after the arrest warrant was issued in her name. Begusarai SP Awakash Kumar confirmed the raids conducted across different cities in Bihar. Verma has been keeping chief minister Nitish Kumar and his government on its toes causing them much embarrassment. Arresting the absconding JD (U) legislator has become the biggest challenge for the state police. Verma, Who represented Cheria-Bariarpur constituency in the state assembly, has been on the run for nearly three months since she and her husband were booked in an Arms Act case, which was lodged after recovery of a huge cache of ammunition from her residence during a raid by the CBI sleuths, probing the Muzaffarpur case. Bihar police have over the last couple of months carried extensive raids at Vermas native village, besides relative houses at Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Nalanda, Khagaria, Patna and Vaishali but to no avail. Supreme Court also asked the Bihar police to arrest the legislator after she went into hiding while the state government forced her to resign from the post on August 8. The Bihar police subsequently set up a special team which has been conducting raids in several places to arrest her. The apex court has now set November 27 deadline to arrest her, failing which the state DGP has to appear in person to clear his stand on the issue. The apex court had on November 12, rapped the two top most senior officials of Bihar asking why a former minister linked to the probe could not be traced. The Begusarai court subsequently issued an arrest warrant against Verma on October 31. Jaipur Pink Panthers rode on a solid all-round performance to beat UP Yoddha 45-28 in the Inter Zone Challenge Week of Pro Kabaddi Season 6. Deepak Hooda scored 10 points whereas Sandeep Dhull and Sunil Siddhgavli got a high five each to lead Jaipur to a comfortable win. Nitesh Kumar scored seven points for UP Yoddha but didnt get enough support from his defence. Jaipur Pink Panthers made a swift start as they led 4-1 after three minutes. UP Yoddha were finding it tough get going but a super tackle in the 5th minute bought them to 3-5. Ajinkya Pawar made a two-point raid in the 6th minute as Jaipur led 8-3. In the next minute, Jaipur inflicted an all out to extend their lead to 11-4. Deepak Hooda scored a raid point in the 10th minute as Jaipur led 14-6. UP Yoddha fought back with a super tackle in the 16th minute as they trailed 10-19. Rishank Devadiga got a two-point raid in the 18th minute with UP Yoddha trailing by five points. At the end of the first half, Jaipur Pink Panthers led 20-15. Jaipur Pink Panthers were looking in control of the match in the second though UP Yoddha tried their best to make a comeback. A super tackle in the 27th minute by UP Yoddha saw them cut the lead to just five points. Ajinkya Pawar then scored with two quick raids to give Jaipur 27-20 lead in the 31st minute which was followed by an all out on UP Yoddha. The all out knocked the wind out of UP Yoddha but Rishank Devadigas two-point raid in the 34th minute again reduced the deficit to just seven points. Jaipur Pink Panthers were in no mood to relent as Deepak Hooda got his raiding act together in the last minutes. Hooda scored four raid points in three minutes as Jaipur Pink Panthers inflicted another all out in the 38th minute to lead 42-27. In the end Jaipur Pink Panthers won the crucial points and ran out comfortable winners. The filing of nominations for the December 7 assembly polls turned into a carnival of sorts on Thursday, when 116 candidates submitted papers from 86 constituencies. So far, 266 candidates have filed nominations. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s candidate from Civil Lines constituency, social justice & empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi, kicked off the proceedings on the fourth day by submitting his papers at the district collectors office around noon. He was flanked by his wife, parliamentarians, legislators and BJP workers, and was later greeted by Union minister of state Mahesh Sharma. A total of 12 BJP candidates, including Chaturvedi, filed their papers on Thursday. But it was Navin Pilanias nomination that kicked off proceedings of a different kind of grand arrivals. Pilania, who Tuesday quit the National Peoples Party (NPP) and joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to contest from the Amber constituency, rode an elephant to the collectors office. Pilania praised his daughter Aastha, who accompanied him, for being a motivation in his life. My daughter and youngsters like her are the future of the country. Aastha is very lucky for me and she has always motivated me to serve the people, especially the women, the BSP leader said. Aam Admi Party (AAP)s Jugal Kishore Sharma, who filed his nomination from Jhotwara assembly seat, reached the district collectors office on a camel. Sharma was accompanied by four people, said to be his supporters, who were carrying brooms (the partys election symbol). They made use of it sweeping the area outside the collectors office while waiting for nearly two hours after it became known that Sharma had forgotten some documents. Six more candidates of the AAP submitted their nominations on the day. Shankar Lal Kumawat of Jan Kranti Dal, who will contest from Vidhyadhar Nagar, rode a horse. A candidate for Jago Party, Trilok Tiwari filed his nomination from the Malviya Nagar constituency. Tiwari came barefooted and was seen wearing a firoza bracelet, made popular by Bollywood star Salman Khan. On being barefoot, Tiwari said that he has given up on shoes for the past three months and would wear them only after winning the election. Among others to file their nominations on the day included seven candidates of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and three of the Janata Dal (United) . The process of filing nominations will go on until November 19 whereas the election commission will scrutinise the eligibility of the submissions the day after. Candidates will have until November 22 to withdraw their nominations. Results after the voting on December 7 for the 200-member assembly will be declared on December 11. The news of their marriage was the highest talking point since they (finally) announced their November wedding. But last night, as soon as the newlyweds uploaded their first official wedding pics, it broke the internet. No kidding! There was a lot of speculation over the wedding, the locales, the decor and the bride and grooms trousseau as soon as the wedding was announced. A series of who they would wear, what their wedding would look like and a lot more, the couple finally released the much-awaited pictures on their social media pages. We cant even begin to tell you how touched we were just looking at the love and warmth oozing from the pictures. Deepika Padukones bridal outfit designed by Sabyasachi, her million dollar smile complemented Ranveer Singhs energy in every way. The actual ceremonies (their Konkani and Sindhi wedding ceremonies) took place in the scenic Villa del Balbianenno at Lake Como, Italy. The special-invite-only guests were hosted in a private resort in the village of Blevio. Deepika Ranveers wedding location has previously hosted many popular Hollywood films, including big banner names like Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002), Oceans Twelve (2004) and Casino Royale (2006). Needless to say, the reception images are as eagerly awaited as the wedding pictures were! Watch this space for all updates! The newly-wed couples been receiving a lot of love from friends in the film fraternity as much as their fan clubs. Here are some B-town reactions: Love and happiness forever.....these are such a full of pyaar wala pictures! For those of us who dont have a life partner its a very "haiiiiiiiii" wala feeling! https://t.co/h1dtYel2be Karan Johar (@karanjohar) November 15, 2018 Wishing you both a world of happiness and a beautiful journey together. May the love & respect you have in each other, grow leaps and bounds. And welcome to the club @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 15, 2018 Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrashekhar Raos son KT Rama Rao may be the scion of the Kalvakuntla family, but in the upcoming assembly elections, he must, like any other candidate, work hard to keep his seat from Sircilla constituency. The 42-year-old IT and industries minister won his first election in 2009 on a wafer thin majority of 171 votes over KK Mahender Reddy, a former TRS politician who fought as an Independent. KTR vacated the seat when the Telangana movement was at its peak, but won the by-elections held the following year with a much larger margin over the same rival. In 2014, he retained his seat. KTRs clout extends to the urban areas of Siricilla, where 70 per cent of the 1.84 lakh voters are powerloom weavers from the Padmashali community, an OBC group. The town is known for a spate of weaver suicides up until a few years ago. KTR has got a textile park sanctioned for Siricilla to provide employment and skill training for weavers. Wide roads, street lighting and government hospital have come up in his constituency in the past few years. In the rural areas of Siricilla however, all is not well. Residents have complained about rampant illegal sand mining. There were several accidents involving trucks transporting sand illegally from Mid Manair reservoir. The violence following the death of a villager in an accident at Nerella on July 2 last year changed the political landscape. Dalits and OBCs, who were subjected to police torture for opposing the sand transporters, are now opposing the TRS government. Even during the peak election season, KTR has not visited the villages so far, K Narsaiah, a Dalit from Nerella, said. Mirzapur Cast - Pankaj Tripathi, Divyendu Sharma, Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal Rating - 2/5 Bhaiya is a loaded word in the Hindi language. In its most literal state, it means big brother. But depending on where you are in India - especially in Mirzapur - its interpretation could vastly vary. In the northern part of the country, it is used (and accepted) as a term of mild respect. We call autowallahs bhaiya and we call our actual brothers bhaiya. The man who delivers your Amazon package is bhaiya and so is your local shopkeeper. But head further south and youd find - particularly in a few states - that calling someone bhaiya would be akin to insulting their sister, and then setting their home on fire. These derogatory undertones were attached to the word even in Maharashtra, where immigrants from states such as Bihar or Uttar Pradesh were addressed as such for some time. Watch the Mirzapur trailer here Virtually every character in Mirzapur, the new Indian series on Amazon Prime Video - spearheaded by the same team that produced its first - has the word bhaiya attached to their name. And in a convenient example of the sort of nuances I am referring to, no two characters bhaiya bears the same level of respect. Mirzapur is set in UP, the north Indian state infamous for violence of both the communal and physical kind. It was recently reported by the Times of India that eight women on an average are raped everyday in the state. The same report said that more than 11,000 FIRs related to crimes against women are registered every year. The ensemble cast of characters in Mirzapur is comprised almost entirely of psychopaths. Theres Kaleen Bhaiya, a local crime lord played by the great Pankaj Tripathi, and his hot-headed son, Munna Bhaiya (Divyendu Sharma). Their dynamic is similar to the one shared by Tripathis character and his son in the fabulous Neo-noir, Gurgaon. And then there are the brothers Guddu and Bablu, played by Ali Fazal and Vikrant Massey - both of whom are in form as the aspirational sons of a local (and crucially) straight-laced lawyer. Kaleen Bhaiya sees them as the perfect balance of brains and brawn, and sensing potential, hires them to join his gun-running operation, much to the jealousy of the deeply unhinged Munna, and the dismay of their father. Ali Fazal is playing majorly against type in Mirzapur. Mirzapur tells a tale of Hindi heartland violence that intersects between the world of politics, of law enforcement, and of middle class India. It unfolds with almost zero nuance, and has a death count that would put Liam Neesons Taken character to shame. Under more assured hands, this is a story that would have made for a poignant and timely dissection, but sadly, Mirzapur has neither the intelligence nor the empathy to make any sort of meaningful statement about this very real, and very upsetting reality. Instead, it makes the most egregious mistake of glorifying certain aspects of UP gangland culture. Even before the opening credits have rolled in episode one, a gang of goons in their Scorpio (a brand of vehicle whose reputation has been permanently damaged by the hoodlums who like to drive it, just like the soup Toyotas in for inadvertently producing cars that appeal to terrorists), drive over a severed finger. A mans gun backfires and decimates his dominant hand. And a groom perched atop his ghodi is mistakenly shot in the eye. All this happens within the first 10 minutes. The rest of the nine episodes seem to suggest, with frightening nihilism, that being bad is good. Everyone is corruptible when enough money is dangled before their faces, and since theres no point in standing up for what is right, one might as well make some money doing what is wrong. Mirzapur is a show without a moral centre, which is problematic - not only ethically, but narratively. Without a single character to latch on to, the show is left with no option but to revel in the violence, which is often needlessly over-the-top. In a rare example of visual flamboyance, blood spatters on the camera lens every time someone slits a throat, pops a vein, or empties a clip into an innocent civilian. Vikrant Massey plays the Tom Hagen character in Mirzapur. But thats sort of the tone the show settles into. Everything is taken to an extreme - every emotion, every line of dialogue and every scene. Once, when a goon expresses a desire to do some drugs, he ends up doing all of them. Lines of coke are snorted, joints are rolled and heroin mainlined. And yet, the bhaiya lives. But doing three different drugs in one sitting is emblematic of Mirzapur as a show. Its gives the impression of having been directed by a first-timer; someone whos overjoyed at the opportunity, overflowing with cinematic knowledge, and terrified of not getting a second chance. So they pile all their eggs into one thali. Its abundantly clear that directors Karan Anshuman and Gurmeet Singh have consumed an unhealthy amount of Anurag Kashyaps films -- the cultural impact of his Gangs of Wasseypur movies is often overlooked. A scene in the show, set inside a movie theatre, will even remind some of you of that AIB sketch. But Mirzapur has none of the flair of a Kashyap joint; the dialogue has none of the poetry, there is no glint in its eye, only the rusty smell of a desi katta hanging damply in the air. And while Kashyaps Netflix show, Sacred Games - he co-directed the first season with Vikramaditya Motwane - was always intended for a global audience, Mirzapur, it seems, is aimed mostly at a local crowd. Certainly, thats where its sensibilities lie. Pankaj Tripathi is magnetic in Mirzapur. Both shows share actors Rajesh Tailang, who will appear in Netflixs Selection Day soon, and Pankaj Tripathi, who is, as he often tends to be, the best thing about whichever project he associates himself with. Some of his scenes are jarringly unbalanced because of his formidable skills, and his co-actors inevitable inability to keep up with him. Together with Rasika Dugal, whom we last saw in Manto, their on screen battles of wit and power are easily the highlight of this otherwise very familiar show. Mirzapur doesnt aim high, and yet it fails to hit its target. A more mature approach to the violence and a more focused plot would greatly benefit the second season, were there to be one. They should probably hurry, because the way things are going in UP, Mirzapur might need to be retitled. Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar Narcos: Mexico Cast - Diego Luna, Michael Pena, Joaquin Cosio, Teresa Ruiz Rating - 4/5 Narcos: Mexico opens with a young man riding his rickety bike across the Mexican countryside, over green hills and on dirt roads. Hes being chased by the police. He takes refuge in a church, like an illegal immigrant knocking on the doors of his countrys embassy in a foreign land. Rafael Quintero knows that even in the lawless badlands of Sinaloa, the police dare not murder someone in the House of God. As the police forms a circle outside the church, a man approaches. He looks important, starts barking orders. Betraying the inner compliance that curses every human being when confronted with authority, the police captain gives in. The man enters the church, and exits with Rafa in his capture. Ill handle it from here, he says, and drives off with his friend. Watch the Narcos: Mexico trailer here The man is Felix Gallardo, future leader of the Guadalajara Cartel, and his friend, Rafa, is the man whos going to help him get there. Rafa has created a new strain of marijuana, in a country where weed grows like wheat in the Punjabi countryside. This new strain of marijuana is delicate. It needs to be cultivated away from other fields, so as to keep it pure, uncontaminated by the common stuff. Felix Gallardo senses an opportunity, and like Gus Fring in Breaking Bad, puts all his resources into facilitating Rafas skills. He is a businessman, and after earning a significant amount of money in his life, he is open to bending the laws. It helps that he comes from the town of Sinaloa, notorious for having birthed some of the most legendary drug lords of our times. In Sinaloa -- and indeed, in many parts of Mexico -- tombs are erected for drug lords, who are seen as Robin Hood-like figures that bring economic prosperity to their towns. But this is just one side of a rusty coin. In 2017, it was reported by Sky News that a record 25,000 people died in drug related violence in Mexico. Diego Luna in a still from Narcos: Mexico. (Carlos Somonte/Netflix) The Mexico of 2018 is a troubled place, caught in the centre of a multi-billion dollar illegal drug war that it was instrumental in starting. Effects of what began in the 80s, during Ronald Reagans War on Drugs, can still be felt to this day. Some believe, like climate change, for the impact to be irreparable. There is an immense responsibility on Netflix and Narcos: Mexicos shoulders to not in any way glamourise this reality - something that our very own Mirzapur, which releases on the same day on Amazon Prime, fails spectacularly at. Now in its fourth season, these new set of episodes -- five out of 10 were made available for preview -- can also be seen as a spin-off, a show that tells a plot that runs parallel to the previous seasons. Real world consequences of the story that Narcos is telling have already been felt. Just a couple of years ago, the brother of Pablo Escobar, who was played so wonderfully by Wagner Moura in seasons one and two, issued a chilling threat to Netflix. If we dont receive $1 billion, we will close your little show, he said. Nothing happened, but to receive a threat from the former hitman of the Medellin Cartel must surely have called for emergency meetings. Diego Luna plays Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo in Narcos: Mexico. (Carlos Somonte/Netflix) But the show suffered its most tragic setback in 2017, when a member of the crew - the veteran location scout Carlos Munoz Portal - was killed under mysterious circumstances while working on this season. His bullet-ridden body was found in one of the most violent regions of Mexico. Diego Luna, who plays Felix Gallardo in the show, told me that Carlos death is related less to Narcos and more to a very dangerous country, that is living a war that has affected every level of society. He said the crew owes it to Carlos to tell this story in the most responsible manner possible. And this new season is a tremendous tribute to Carlos work. The authenticity of its locations is striking -- you can almost feel the dry dirt, the heavy sweat, and the harsh Mexican sun. Its crucial, too, that more than most other stories such as this, which sadly begin and end with the escapism of newfound wealth, Narcos: Mexico devotes almost an entire episode to show how the other side has been impacted by this terrible war. Michael Pena as Kiki Camarena in Narcos Mexico. (Carlos Somonte/Netflix) Michael Pena plays Kiki Camarena, a man who DEA agents of today see as their patron saint, someone who -- spoiler alert -- sacrificed his life for the future of all humanity. Kiki goes undercover to investigate the rumblings that have been felt around Guadalajara about Felix Gallardos growing empire. As someone who has become accustomed to bureaucratic red tape, Kiki doesnt inform his bosses of his plan. He gets on a bus, where everyone is quietly blindfolded until they arrive at one of Felix Gallardos majestic plantations. With no one to watch over him but the Mother Mary painting on the bus dashboard, Kiki is stunned to learn of the scale of the operation. All day, he works in the fields with people who are essentially modern-day slaves, gathering intel bravely. Watching these people toil away, the lowest and most expendable rung of a global operation, you cant help but be reminded of the reality that most empires are built on the backs of the poor. Felix Gallardo is a clinical businessman in Narcos: Mexico. (Carlos Somonte/Netflix) The fact that Rafas crop needs to grow in isolation serves as a metaphor for Kiki and Felix Gallardos parallel journeys in the show. Theyre both loners, despite being always surrounded by others. To achieve their goals, they know that they must work alone. Its a classic set-up, to pit an immovable object against an unstoppable force. Heat did it. The Dark Knight did it. And so did Sacred Games. Those whore aware of how this story played out would know that a reboot can be expected in the next season. But Narcos: Mexico lays enough seeds for the future, whether it is in the introduction of new characters and successors to Felix Gallardos empire, or the return of certain old ones. For the blow go on, the violence must be weeded out first. Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar China supports the Myanmar governments efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the countrys leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US vice president Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washingtons strongest condemnation yet of Myanmars treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that persecution by her countrys army was without excuse. Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, Chinas Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. The Chinese side supports Myanmars efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation, the ministry cited Li as saying. China is willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard, he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmars Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on Oct. 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are not yet conducive for returns. China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. Chinas statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. Tunisia-Libya towards agreement on oil in exchange for goods Tunisian foreign minister tells parliamentary commission (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, NOVEMBER 16 - A Tunisian delegation is currently in Libya to finalize an agreement to exchange Libyan oil for Tunisian consumer goods, Tunisia's Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui said during an audition at the parliamentary commission on rights, freedom and external relations. He added that ''talks are still ongoing but we have agreed with the Libyan brothers on a return to exchange operations with oil for consumer goods''. Over the past few months, Tunisian Trade Minister Omar Behi had announced an accord on ''Oil for food'' with Libya, sparking a controversy with the Libyan side and forcing the Tunisian government to clarify the statement. (ANSAmed). Muhammad Hammad Azhar, one of the youngest ministers in Pakistans new government, is the latest in a long line of officials to face a problem that undermines his countrys development: getting people to start paying income taxes. Ending a culture of rampant tax evasion is expected to be high on the agenda in negotiations this month with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks a second bailout since 2013. As state minister for revenue, Azhar, 37, says he is planning for long-term reforms. But first, he is banking on improved technology to allow the government to tap existing financial databases to help identify tax dodgers in a nation where less than 1 percent of the population even files income tax returns. There is a lot of catching up to do, Azhar told Reuters in an interview. One of the worlds lowest tax collection rates partly help explain the shoddy state of Pakistans hospitals and schools, and why the illiteracy rate hovers above 40 percent in the mainly Muslim nation of 208 million people. PM Imran Khan, who took power in August, has vowed to double tax collection by reforming the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), an institution he has called totally corrupt. One of Khans first acts as premier was to replace the FBR chief. In recent months, the FBR has launched a crackdown on 350 wealthy people targeting landlords and owners of luxury cars, as well as individuals who have a trail of large business transactions and business deals but dont file tax returns. But Pakistans history is littered with statements by incoming governments announcing crackdowns and pledging tax reforms that fizzle out because of a lack of political will to force the rich and powerful to pay taxes. Reforming the tax system in a country like ours is a gigantic task, said Yousuf Nazar, a former head of emerging market equity investments at Citigroup in London and author of a book on Pakistans political economy. Powerful interests in the establishment, big business and large land owners are not serious about tax reform. To widen the base of payers, Revenue Minister Azhar said the government plans to use a carrot and stick approach: intensify targeting of evaders while at the same time making it easier for payers by allowing them to file taxes under a single window, where all the relevant information would be stored. Azhar says his team is using existing government data on car purchases, bank transactions and air travel histories to build a database that will identify and profile wealthy tax dodgers. But it would take a few months for most of the disparate data on the governments books to be brought under one platform. Sales Taxes Such efforts are likely to go down well with the IMF, which in return for bailing out Pakistan, is expected to demand it carry out structural reforms, including widening the income tax base. The previous government increased the tax-to-GDP ratio to around 13 percent from 10.1 percent - but that is still far below the 34 percent average among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Much of the increase was due to import duties, sales taxes, and other indirect taxation, which accounts for nearly 63 percent of Pakistan government revenue. Critics say this kind of taxation is regressive and disproportionately hurts the poor. As of last year, only 1.6 million people in the country filed tax returns. Out of them, 400,000 showed income below the levels that tax cuts in, another 200,000 had minimal tax, and only 950,000 paid tax of any significance. There is political will among the new government to push through changes and go after non-filers but it is not unanimous across Khans party and may not last forever, according to Zeeshan Merchant, a tax expert. We dont need rhetoric. We need action, he said. Key tax reforms kicked off last week when Khans cabinet separated tax policy from revenue collection. This effectively took away policy-making powers from the FBR, which has a history of imposing indirect taxes to help hit year-end targets. One of the biggest potential prizes for Azhar is capturing Pakistans black economy, in which property, goods and services are sold for cash to avoid taxation, and which many people believe is bigger than the formal $310 billion economy. We really have to discourage the cash economy, Azhar said. All this money is handed in cash under the table, and thats something we want to make difficult. Sri Lankas president on Thursday urged the speaker of parliament and some political parties to seek a fresh no-confidence motion against a prime minister he appointed last month, creating political instability in the south Asian country. Parliament on Wednesday passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government with the backing of 122 of the 225 lawmakers in a voice vote, followed by a signed document. President Maithripala Sirisena has rejected the view of parliament that Rajapaksas appointment was unconstitutional. Sirisena has called for a new motion on Friday. The president informed them to show their majority in parliament in a proper way following parliamentary procedure and agreed to act according to the constitution, Sirisenas media team said in a statement. Two brothers murdered their teenaged sister and a male cousin in an honour killing in Pakistans Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday. Police said that the brothers suspected that their 15-year-old sister was in love with the 27-year-old cousin who was already married and had four children. They first shot dead the cousin while he was working in a field and later went home to gun down their sister. After the double murder they fled the area. The incident occurred in the Laray area in the remote northern district of Shangla where police lodged an FIR and launched a manhunt to arrest the killers. The killers were upset after they reported the matter to local elders who a few days ago decided that the two should be married. Shangla is one the most impoverished and remote mountain districts where a strict code of so-called honour is followed in matters regarding women. They are seldom allowed to marry of their free will and even an innocent act of photography or video can put them in danger. A few years ago a group of girls were killed after a video of them dancing during a marriage was leaked. Protests have flared across Ireland this week triggering a viral campaign online after a defence lawyer showed a 17-year-old girls thong or G-string in court as alleged proof of her consent in a rape case. The outrage has included a female lawmaker brandishing underwear in parliament and women posting pictures of their thongs online with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent. It might seem embarrassing to show a pair of thongs in this incongruous setting, said member of parliament Ruth Coppinger -- pulling the underwear from her sleeve against the objections of the speaker on Tuesday. But the reason Im doing it -- how do you think a rape victim or a woman feels at the incongruous setting of her underwear being shown in a court? She was referring to a rape case in the republics southern city of Cork, where a girls underwear was shown to jurors. The 27-year-old defendant was acquitted, Irish media reported. A barrister actually told a jury to look at the way she was dressed, that she was open to meeting someone because she was wearing a thong with a laced front, Coppinger added. Women in this country are getting a little bit weary at the routine victim-blaming going on in Irish courts. Protests have now taken place in the cities of Dublin and Cork as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland -- with women appearing brandishing pairs of underwear and placards emblazoned with the phrase This is not consent. Protestors are calling for a reform in Irish rape prosecution laws to deny the defence practice which they say reflects a culture of victim-blaming. Bringing rape myths into a sexual violence case is to bring misogyny into a sexual violence case, Cliona Saidlear of Rape Crisis Network Ireland told AFP on Friday. She said culture places enormous pressure on women and girls to be sexualised and to present sexually -- but that rape trials then often punish that same behaviour with the use of such evidence. Clothing, as well as fake tan and contraception, have all been used as alleged proof of consent in recent rape trials, Coppinger said Tuesday. These latest protests follow demonstrations in Ireland and Northern Ireland after the so-called Belfast rugby rape trial -- when Ireland players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of raping a woman in 2016. More than 4,000 protesters gathered in Dublin after the pair walked free in March. Madrid's Prado hosts 200th anniversary retrospective To be inaugurated Monday by royal family (ANSAmed) - MADRID, NOVEMBER 16 - The Prado Museum in Madrid is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a large commemorative exhibition titled "Prado Museum 1819-2019: A Place of Memory", which will be inaugurated on Monday, November 19, by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, kicking off a year of celebrations. The Prado opened its doors on November 19, 1819, as the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture, hosting 331 paintings from the royal collection, all by Spanish artists. The retrospective exhibition was curated by Javier Portus, head of Conservation of Spanish Painting (through 1700) at the museum. Portus presented the show on Friday in a press conference along with Pedro Perez-Llorca, president of the the museum's board of trustees, and Miguel Falomir, the museum's director. "The show intends to launch two messages: that the Prado has been a living institution and a place of memory in these past 200 years, one that has generated a sense of belonging and collective pride in Spain," Portus said. The show follows a chronological path "through the country's becoming" and its main challenges: the transformation from royal collection to national museum, the incorporation of a thousand works from the Museum of Trinidad, the War of Independence, the creation in 1912 of the board of trustees, the impact the museum and its collections have had on Spanish and international artists in the 19th and 20th centuries and as a space of reflection and inspiration for successive generations. Works by foreign artists such as Renoir, Manet, Arikha and Pollock are placed among Rosales, Saura, and Picasso. Goya's "La Maja Desnuda" is placed in dialogue with Picasso's interpretation of the same work in "Desnudo Recostado". The exhibition is divided into eight sections, one of which is dedicated to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), which is the only room without paintings, presided over by two three-metre-tall photographs. In all, the show includes 168 original works on display, 134 of which are part of the museum's own collections and 34 on loan from various national and international institutions, including from the US, France, Hungary, the UK, Israel, Germany, and Russia. The exhibition kicks off the museum's official bicentennial celebration, and the museum will offer free entrance as part of the inauguration festivities on November 23, 24, and 25.(ANSAmed). TUNIS - A Tunisian delegation is currently in Libya to finalize an agreement to exchange Libyan oil for Tunisian consumer goods, Tunisia's Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui said during an audition at the parliamentary commission on rights, freedom and external relations. He added that ''talks are still ongoing but we have agreed with the Libyan brothers on a return to exchange operations with oil for consumer goods''. Over the past few months, Tunisian Trade Minister Omar Behi had announced an accord on ''Oil for food'' with Libya, sparking a controversy with the Libyan side and forcing the Tunisian government to clarify the statement. Now Open 16 November 2018 Today, Tapestry Collection by Hilton welcomes its first property in the state of Illinois to its portfolio of upscale, unique hotels, with the opening of The Rose Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The new build hotel will be operated by Chicago-based Janko Hospitality. Designed by The Gettys Group, The Rose Hotel is a 165-room hotel that incorporates fine art-inspired elements, coupled with a contemporary design and unique features. The lobby encompasses a Zebra wall that is 44 ft. long and over 11 ft. high, as well as two abstract wallcoverings featuring the Chicago skyline leading to eight, modern meeting and event spaces - each named after roses - totaling 6,000 sq. ft. of functional, flexible space. Located in Rosemont's Pearl District and just one mile from O'Hare International Airport, The Rose is one of the closest properties to the airport, second to Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, and also offers a complimentary shuttle every half hour from 5:00 a.m. to Midnight to the airport, as well as regular shuttles to nearby public transit for guests looking to explore downtown Chicago and beyond. On the go business travelers, meeting and event attendees and guests traveling for leisure can each enjoy on-site amenities including a large fitness center as well as locally-inspired dining and drink options, including R Bar, offering new American cuisine, craft beer and hand-crafted cocktails, in-room dining or enjoy grab and go options at The Market. Launched in 2017 with Hotel Skyler in Syracuse, New York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has since added 13 additional hotels to the portfolio, with 43 in the pipeline. In just over a year, the brand has experienced impressive growth, including the recent announcement of its first international signings of two hotels in Lima, Peru, slated to open in 2021. This growth reinforces Tapestry Collection by Hilton's commitment to expanding its portfolio to provide travelers with the opportunity to stay in original, unique hotels both domestically and internationally, that are backed by the reassurance of Hilton and connected to its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Rebranding 16 November 2018 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Hokkaido Alpine Resort Management GK, an affiliate of LimeTree Capital, for a 91-room Hyatt House hotel in Niseko, Japan. The upscale, extended stay hotel will be rebranded as Hyatt House Niseko on December 16, 2018. Situated in the very heart of Hirafu Village and within a short distance to Hirafu's main ski lifts, Hyatt House Niseko will allow guests to easily access the area's world-class powder snow and village attractions. The Hyatt House brand is rooted in extensive consumer insights indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable, seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines. To embody this, the brand offers casual hospitality and purposeful service in a smartly designed, high-tech and contemporary environment. New Chitose Airport, Japan's fifth busiest airport, serves Niseko and accommodates international flights from 14 major Asian cities, including Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, and Beijing. In 2015, international visitor arrivals increased from 800,000 in 2009 to more than 2.1 million, a compound annual growth rate of 17.7 percent over a seven-year period. The new Hyatt House Niseko will be comprised of 91 rooms, lobby lounge and bar, restaurant, and a fitness center. Situated at the center of Hirafu Village, guests will have easy access to a number of traditional Japanese dining outlets, boutique shops and Hirafu's main ski lifts. Event January 14-24, 2019 The General Managers Program is a ten-day learning experience for hotel general managers and their immediate successors, held on the Cornell University campus in picturesque Ithaca, NY. In the past 34 years, the Cornell GMP has hosted more than 1,800 participants representing 120+ countries and is known as the hospitality industry's elite career-advancement program for hotel general managers and their immediate successors. The General Managers Program is a ten-day learning experience for hotel general managers and their immediate successors, held on the Cornell University campus in picturesque Ithaca, NY. In the past 34 years, the Cornell GMP has hosted more than 1,800 participants representing 120+ countries and is known as the hospitality industry's elite career-advancement program for hotel general managers and their immediate successors. Participants gain an invaluable connection to an international network of elite hoteliers from within the program, and affiliate membership in Cornell's extensive alumni network of more than 12,000 School of Hotel Administration graduates. The on-campus experience is the beginning of a lifelong connection to Cornell and its expanding base of knowledge and relationships. Cornell General Managers Program (GMP) is organized by Cornell Execed At least 40 hurt in Gaza border conflicts, sources say Hamas kept thousands of demonstrators under control (ANSAmed) - GAZA, NOVEMBER 16 - At least 40 Palestinians were injured on Friday during clashes at the border with Israel in another demonstration called by Hamas as part of its so-called March of Return to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, local medical sources said. Three of the wounded are in serious condition. Local sources said an Egyptian intelligence delegation arrived in Gaza to verify that demonstrations stayed under control and didn't lead to further violence with Israel. After two days of harsh fighting this week, a ceasefire was agreed upon between Hamas and the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas security forces on Friday prevented the estimated 8,000 to 10,000 demonstrators from reaching border fences where Israeli military were stationed, sources said. Some demonstrators burned posters of Avigdor Lieberman, the Israeli defence minister who resigned this week in protest over the ceasefire, which he called a "surrender to Hamas".(ANSAmed). Press Release 16 November 2018 Madrid, Spain - Following the first edition held two years ago, the 2nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Historic Routes (15-16 November) concluded today in Sofia, Bulgaria. In the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage and the EU-China Tourism Year, the event explored how tourism along historic routes can help to safeguard and promote tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Advertisements Organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria, the congress explored the role of national and regional public bodies in enhancing of historic routes, particularly across nations. It gathered Ministers from four continents, as well as public and private experts representing iconic cultural tourism routes including Route 66, the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago), the Phoenicians' Route and the Silk Road. "Historic routes can play a major role in revealing the unique history, culture and natural assets of territories along them, becoming a powerful promotional tool and a unique instrument to increase tourism competitiveness for many destinations", said UNWTO Deputy Secretary-General Jaime Cabal opening the event. Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, outlined her plans to advance cultural tourism in Bulgaria. "Cultural tourism can play a key role in turning Bulgaria into an all-year-round tourism destination. We are considering creating an ancient civilizations' route incorporating UNESCO monuments, which would better acknowledge and promote the Balkan region as a tourism destination," she said. Discussions centred on identifying best practices in tourism development, management and promotion that can help to harness the tourism potential of historic routes, enhance the value of their cultural heritage, and preserve their authenticity. Successful examples were exchanged of well-developed and managed historic routes, with a focus on ways to maximize tourism's socio-economic impacts for local communities and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. In recent years cultural tourism has emerged as a major driver of demand, in line with travellers' growing interest to immerse themselves in tourism 'experiences' such as local rituals and traditions. The congress produced a useful set of recommendations that can provide guidance to all tourism stakeholders interested in harnessing the potential that cultural heritage routes offer for enhancing the attractiveness and competiveness of destinations. Video recordings of the 2nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Historic Routes will be uploaded early next week. The XO camp has been working relentlessly hard with each member of the roster dropping a project this year. 88GLAM was relatively quiet for the majority of the year since releasing their 2017 debut, but they were clearly getting to the bag and working on their follow-up project. Last week, they released their first single off of 88GLAM2, the Lil Yachty-inspired single, "Lil Boat." The Toronto duo released their long-awaited sophomore project today which includes the Gunna-assisted single, "Racks." Co-produced by Maaly Raw and Cubeatz, 88GLAM recruit Gunna for their murky strip club anthem, "Racks." The song is one of the few songs on the project that have a guest appearance. Derek Wise, 88CAMINO, and Gunna's autotune-laden vocals mesh well with each other on this highlight off of 88GLAM2. Gunna's been building a solid reputation with the XO camp. He's worked with NAV, who also features on 88GLAM2, on numerous occasions including Reckless cut "EAT" and Drip Season 3 cut, "Car Sick" alongside Metro Boomin. Quotable Lyrics Cut me a check Only ones talkin', I know ain't a threat I'm a big boss, I could double the bet She mad 'cause I keep ignoring her texts YSL XO, family 'til we dead I fell asleep with two hoes in my bed Get what you want and you don't gotta beg Bean had me geeked so I poured up some red Cardi B's Fashion Nova capsule launch was a huge success. Considering the amount of love Cardi has continually shown the online fashion house over the years, it made sense that it sold out instantly the second it arrived online. "So my Fashion Nova collection sold out a couple of hours ago, and I would like to say thank you [to] everybody that purchased and I'm sorry for anybody that couldn't get to it," she said on Instagram. "We will be restocking some items for Black Friday. And we will restock the collection in two or three weeks." Cardi hit the stage for a special performance during her launch party and before she played "one of her favourite songs" from her debut album, she shared a few words about some other industry cats. "All [your favourite artists] got writers," she told the crowd. "Even the ones that be saying they dont, they lying." She later added that no matter, at least she's getting paid. Check out the video and tell us what you think. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqNFEg-H8_E The mixed signals we were getting from basecamp are seemingly getting cleared up. For the longest time, there was a reason to believe Drake and Birdman had grown distant, the belief being: Drake was searching for his autonomy and Birdman was standing in his way. To make matters even more confusing, Drake has supported Lil Wayne through thick and thin, without putting himself in the line of fire. I shouldn't have to remind you how close Birdman's sketchy business conduct came to ruining his relationship with Lil Wayne, and, by extension his dealings with Drake, who remained loyal to Lil Wayne behind the scenes (we've come to know). Even though the truth usually prevails, there no reason to cause alarm, if all the constituents have gone to bed "with their decision." This afternoon, Drake posted a selfie portrait with Birdman, communicating that a "leaf had been turned." In essence, as soon as Lil Wayne's freedom was granted, there was cause to celebrate - even forgive Birdman, for breaking his inflexible Scrooge character. Drake, always noted for his zeal and people-pleasing skill, chose to do the same: forgive and move on. Some issues are bigger than industry politickin'. Golden State Warriors' All-Stars Draymond Green and Kevin Durant have told reporters that they're done talking about their recent feud, which began with an on-court argument on Monday night and then carried over into the locker room. Green was ultimately suspended for one game without pay as a result of "conduct detrimental to the team." That said, details of their intense dispute are still surfacing and this story doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. According to Yahoo Sports' Chris B. Haynes, the decision to suspend Green came in response to him challenging Durant to leave in free agency next summer. The former Defensive Player of the Year reportedly told KD during their heated exchange, "We don't need you. We won without you. Leave." Haynes writes: "But what ultimately led to Green's suspension, sources said, was a remark in which he dared Durant to bolt in free agency next summer. Durant has a player option for the 2019-20 season, and the Warriors want their superteam intact for the opening of their new arena, the Chase Center, in San Francisco next season. Green blurted to Durant something along the lines of, 'We don't need you. We won without you. Leave,' sources said. That stance couldn't be any further from how the franchise views its odds of competing for titles in the future without Durant. The Warriors desperately want to re-sign the 7-foot small forward, and such a divisive incident in front of the entire team from one of their most influential players was deemed grounds for discipline." Speaking with reporters prior to last night's blowout loss in Houston, Green told the media, "Kevin and I have spoke, we're moving forward." After last night's game, KD was also asked about the incident but he simply told reporters, "Don't ask me about that again." https://twitter.com/_/status/1063279909165064192 There's been a lot of celebrities homes in California that have been broken into in recent times. French Montana's home was hit during the summer by two armed robbers while the rapper was inside of his home. French ended up hiring a task force to protect his home after the incident at his California mansion, but they're now coming after the rapper for an unpaid bill. According to The Blast, French Montana owes a pretty penny to the security company he hired after his luxury mansion was victimized in a home invasion. Tier 1 Consulting Group filed documents against French over breach of contract and unjust enrichment for allegedly failing to pay a bill sent to him. In July, French Montana's home was broken into around 5 a.m. while he was at home and allegedly ended up stealing property. Tier 1 claims French hired from August 11 - October 23. The agreement between French and the security company promised that the rapper paid them $60/hour which summed up to $35,040. Now, they've accused French of holding out on payment and are taking legal action against the Coke Boys rapper. Shortly after, the rapper hired a new security team for the job. Despite Tier 1's lawsuit, sources said that French and the company are expected to reach a settlement today. We will keep you updated on the case. Over the Summer, Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside went out and purchased a $50,000 Colt M16 assault rifle equipped with a silencer, some ammunition and a rifle bag, according to a report by Andy Slater. Shortly thereafter, Whiteside's new toy was stolen out of his unlocked Rolls-Royce. After leaving Johnsons Firearms in Miami on that July day, Whiteside reportedly headed to the University of Miami for workout before returning home. It wasn't until the next day that he realized his newly purchased rifle had gone missing. The 29-year old center believed that the M16 was stolen while he was at The U, but a police investigation proved otherwise. According to the report: "After reviewing surveillance video, Coral Gables police determined that the gun was not stolen on campus, as he believed. Whiteside was the only person seen to go in and out of his unlocked $400,000 car." "About two weeks later, Whiteside and his attorneys spoke with detectives. During that conversation, Whiteside remembered that he had left the just-purchased rifle unattended in his unlocked car when he went back inside the gun store." "It was determined that the gun was stolen at that time, and not on UMs campus." The rifle was reportedly discovered weeks later in a stolen car in North Miami. Although the incident occurred in early July, news of the theft has only just surfaced. According to the Miami Herald, Whiteside released the following statement through the team. I have a license for the gun that was stolen from me over the summer, Whiteside said in a statement. I should have secured it better and Im glad it was recovered. It wont happen again. It is now locked in a safe and I only use it at the gun range. https://twitter.com/_/status/1063469427453292545 Millad Mesriani was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago but managed to stay positive and distract himself from the harsh realities of his battle through his sense of style, specifically a strong passion for Air Jordans. Through Make-A-Wish Foundation, Mesriani recently made a trip to Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon where he linked with designers to create a 1-of-1 Air Jordan 1 PE. The special edition kicks feature a reflective white upper accompanied by black overlays and metallic blue accents, as well as a golden sword hangtag and sword detailing debossed near the heel. "I found confidence through my sense of style," writes Mesriani on Instagram. "As long as I had my new Jordans on, everything would be okay. Sneakers and fashion became a way for me to escape the reality of cancer." "This is much more than just a sneaker. To me, this is a symbol of my fight. These sneakers are the literal light at the end of the tunnel." Take a closer look at the special edition Air Jordan 1s in the IG post embedded below. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOQ0Q-A4vQ Kanye West recently delayed the release of his upcoming album Yandhi because it's not ready. While we could only imagine that he's been locking some serious time perfecting the Ye follow-up, it looks like he took some time off of recording and producing to do some karaoke with one of the leading CEO's in the tech world. Kanye West chose Mark Zuckerberg as his karaoke partner last night. The artist took to Twitter to share a photo of himself and the Facebook CEO having a bit of fun at karaoke while singing a classic hit by the Backstreet Boys. "We sang Backstreet Boys I want it that way," 'Ye wrote on Twitter. According to Eater SF, Kanye West and Mark Zuckerberg's little karaoke sesh took place at a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco called YamaSho that simultaneously serves as a karaoke bar. Unfortunately, no video evidence of their karaoke session has emerged, nor is there any information pertaining to what they talked about during their time together. Kanye West and Mark Zuckerberg have an interesting relationship, at least in the public's eye. Back in 2016, Kanye West took to Twitter to ironically ask Zuckerberg to invest $1B into "Kanye West ideas." Zuckerberg indirectly responded to 'Ye's request by liking a Facebook post calling out 'Ye for reaching out to the Facebook CEO on Twitter. Antonio and Kawana Spivey have worked at the Port of Houston for four years, unloading steel-laden ships that come from all over the world. But recently, the ships have come far less frequently, cutting the married couples monthly hours and earnings by some 35 percent. Starting in late June, that loss of income forced them to tap into $12,000 they had started saving earlier this year to buy a home. We depleted it all the way, said Antonio Spivey. The Spiveys are among the longshore workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the steel tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, another example of how the protection of one industry and its workers can reverberate through the economy to hurt others. In the three months between July and September, imports of steel and iron, as well as products made of them, have plunged 23 percent at the Port of Houston from the same period a year earlier, according to the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, the longshore union estimates that its members hours unloading steel, pipe and coil which had only recently recovered following the oil bust that ended in 2016 have plummeted 33 percent in the fiscal year that ended September 30. Its economic warfare, said Charles Montgomery, vice president of the executive council for the International Longshoremens Association. My guys are being a casualty. BRACING: Texas industry fears economic hit from Trump tariffs Trump, who made protecting U.S. manufacturing a key promise of his campaign, imposed the first round of tariffs in March, arguing that foreign steelmakers, subsidized by their governments, were dumping cheap steel on the U.S. market and undercutting U.S. companies. The administration initially placed 25 percent duties on steel imports from the vast majority of countries, including China, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Vietnam, then followed up in June by extending the tariffs to Mexico, Canada and the European Union. Houston is the countrys top port for receiving steel. And the main categories affected by tariffs - which include pipe for drilling, rebar to reinforce concrete and coils that are unwound and then made into finished products - saw combined imports fall 9 percent to 5.5 million tons through the first nine months of this year, according to the Commerce Department. Free trade advocates have argued that industries that rely on imported steel have far more jobs than the companies that make it in the United States. The American Institute for International Steel, an industry group that advocates for free trade of steel products, claims there are 10 times as many maritime jobs in the steel supply chain than jobs in U.S. steel production. Local dock workers and stevedoring companies hired to unload vessels are the first to handle the imported slabs of steel and drill pipe as they enter the country. At the Port of Houston, steel and steel products are unloaded by cranes and moved to a laydown or storage area until they are transported to the next link in the supply chain. When times are good, such as last year, when the oil and gas industry gobbled up steel for drilling, the storage areas are stacked with steel. But on a recent fall day, Montgomery, the longshore union official, noted the emptiness of the storage areas at the Turning Basin, one of four public terminals operated by the Port of Houston Authority where steel is unloaded. A dozen fewer ships called on the Turning Basin in October compared to a year earlier. Through the first 10 months of the year, 34 fewer ships have docked there compared to the same period in 2017. That looks like it is going out of business, he said, pointing to one of the storage areas. There are a lot of areas that are usually brimming with steel, and theyre not. The Turning Basin is the only local terminal where union longshoremen unload steel. Montgomery, 67, has worked on the waterfront as a longshore worker and union official for 50 years. As he looked at the empty laydown areas, he was reminded of the hard times that began in 2002, when President George W. Bush imposed his own steel tariffs. Over the next year, steel moving across the public docks operated by the Port of Houston Authority plunged more than 20 percent. Hours were cut. People with less seniority couldnt find work. Some, including Montgomery, went to Corpus Christi, where the military work provided hours. Dave Morgan, now president of Houston stevedoring company Cooper/Ports America, oversaw a different companys New Orleans operations in 2002 when the steel tariffs hit. He recalled the volume of steel entering the port plunging by more than 30 percent, which dramatically cut the hours of longshore workers. RELATED: Oil companies struggle to navigate Trump on steel tariffs Thats what were afraid of this go around if something isnt negotiated, Morgan said. So far, his companys overall steel volumes in Houston have yet to be affected by the Trump tariffs, but Morgan said hes beginning to see worrisome signs. Japanese steel imports have slowed significantly, falling to about 9 percent of the steel his company handled in the third quarter, from 16 percent at the end of last year. How fast and how far steel imports may decline remains unclear. The Houston Port Authority said volumes handled on the four public docks it oversees are up 27 percent in the first 10 months of the year compared to the same period in 2017. Those figures dont include the many private docks that operate along the Houston Ship Channel, which would be included in the broader Commerce Department statistics. In addition, the ports figures were bolstered by reoccurring steel shipments that recently shifted from private terminals to those operated by the port. Even though we havent seen the downturn yet, theres a good possibility that its going to slow down, said Port of Houston Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther.Whats going to happen in 2019 is kind of unknown right now. Skip Hastings, commercial director for Kansas-based Watco Cos., is expecting a steel slowdown. Watco owns Greens Port Industrial Terminals located on the Houston Ship Channel, which has docks for unloading massive vessels and barges, storage yards for the various commodities and 3.3 million square feet of indoor warehouse space. Watco, which uses non-union dock workers, also has terminal operations for handling and storing steel commodities at the Turning Basin. Hastings first noticed steel shipments were slowing in June, and hes expecting a larger drop due to a sharp decline in imports from South Korea, which avoided Trumps tariffs by agreeing to limit its steel exports to the United States. South Korean vessel lines and steel mill operators recently told Watco executives to expect certain steel items coming into Houston to plunge by up to 50 percent throughout 2019. Hector Duran has worked on the public docks for 10 years. A year ago, Duran had all the work he needed. Now, he finds himself standing in line at the union hiring hall hoping to land a job until the stevedoring company he usually works for gets another ship of steel to unload. Duran is not sure when the work will pick back up, and that makes him nervous. Everything, he said, depends on the metal. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/andrearumbaugh ISTANBUL - Turkish investigators have a second recording of the killers of Jamal Khashoggi registered some 15 minutes before the reporter arrived at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, in which commando members allegedly sent by Riyadh for the operation ''discuss how to kill'' the journalist, Hurriyet reported on Friday. The report contradicts the conclusions released yesterday by the Saudi general prosecutor, which denied that the murder was premeditated. It is still unclear, however, how Turkish authorities obtained the alleged recording. In the audio, the members of the commando ''revise their plan, which had been previously prepared, and remind each other of their tasks'', the newspaper wrote, confirming allegations that Ankara has a recording of the phone call between the killers and Riyadh after the murder, as recently reported by the New York Times. CHICAGO - As a computer security researcher, Steve Manzuik says he's "a little more paranoid" than the average person when it comes to his credit and debit cards. He's familiar enough with ATM skimmers - devices that mimic an ATM's card reader to swipe card data - to say he could probably make one, if he desired. But even Manzuik, 42, director of security research at Duo Security, couldn't escape getting caught by one. One morning in December, he got an email saying about $600 was withdrawn from his account at an ATM in Beverly Hills, Calif. Manzuik - at home in Las Vegas - immediately called his bank. The bank canceled his card, and a new one arrived about four days later. Getting his money back took about a week and a half, he said. "I was lucky I didn't need that account," said Manzuik. Fraud involving ATM skimming devices isn't new but is on the rise, according to data from FICO Card Alert Service, which monitors transaction data for bank clients. FICO doesn't release specific numbers but recently reported a nearly 550 percent increase nationwide in the number of ATMs compromised by criminals in 2015 compared with 2014. Skimming is by far the most common way fraudsters obtain card data, according to FICO. Each of those incidents took less time than in 2014 and affected about half the number of cards, which T.J. Horan, vice president of fraud solutions at FICO, attributed to criminals taking a "quick hit" approach. There are a wide variety of ATM skimming devices, but many involve a card reader that can be affixed on top of the genuine card slot to "skim" card details from the magnetic strip on the back of a card. Since debit cards typically require a four-digit personal identification number, an ATM with a skimming device also often has a false keypad or pinhole camera to record digits as customers punch them in. A sharp-eyed customer might be able to spot a skimming device, but as they get smaller and more sophisticated, sometimes even a bank employee could struggle to notice the difference, said David Tente, executive director of the ATM Industry Association's U.S. and Latin America chapters Upgrades that will let ATMs read the chips in newer credit and debit cards, similar to those already being rolled out in card readers at store checkout counters, will likely cut down on use of tough-to-spot skimming devices, according to payment industry experts. But they said fraud could rise in the meantime as criminals try to wring more dollars from skimming before it becomes less lucrative. "I think what we're seeing is an indication it's imperative we make the change," said Doug Johnson, senior vice president of payments and cybersecurity at the American Bankers Association. "Criminals are realizing it's a window that's going away, and we need to make sure it does go away." FICO's report found criminals were increasingly targeting nonbank ATMs, such as those in convenience stores, which may be less closely monitored, Horan said. Nonbank ATMs accounted for 60 percent of all compromised ATMs in 2015, up from 39 percent the year before, according to FICO. Customers are generally reimbursed for fraudulent transactions as long as they're reported within 60 days. The new chip technology, known as EMV, being rolled out at in-store terminals is also coming to ATMs. Oct. 1 marks the first of two dates that will shift liability for fraud from the financial institutions issuing cards to either ATM operators or the issuing institutions, depending on which has less up-to-date EMV technology. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. ATM operators said they expected at least 75 percent of their ATMs to accept chip cards by the end of 2016, according to a survey by the ATM Industry Association. All of Wells Fargo's ATMs accept chip transactions. Chase Bank has been upgrading its ATMs over the past year, and many machines are already taking chip transactions, Holevas said. Nationwide, 27 percent of ATM operators said at least half of their machines had been upgraded by the end of 2015, while 48 percent of operators said none of their ATMs were chip-ready, according to the ATM Industry Association survey. Replacing an ATM costs about $2,000, but the cost of skimming fraud is a big incentive to upgrade, said Julie Conroy, retail banking research director with Aite Group. ATM operators estimated losses from a skimming device placed on a single ATM ranged from $5,000 to $100,000 and averaged $650 per card, according to the ATM Industry Association's 2015 Global Fraud Survey. In countries that have already made the transition to chip cards and readers, ATM skimming fraud has declined, industry analysts said. The European ATM Security Team reported a 27 percent drop in ATM skimming incidents between 2014 and 2015 but said losses from use of stolen European card data outside the region - largely in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region - were the highest they'd been since 2008. Since Manzuik's card details were stolen, he said he's more careful to shield the ATM keypad with his wallet as he types in his PIN. But even he doesn't bother trying to spot skimmers on ATMs. "Some are so small now you wouldn't notice unless you were prying around to see if anything's loose, which is suspicious behavior in front of an ATM," Manzuik said. "I try to be as careful as I can, but I'm not doing anything silly or losing sleep over it." The oil bust that devastated Houstons energy sector also served to invigorate it. In the years since crude markets crashed and forced hundreds of thousands of layoffs, many of the citys most prominent oil and gas companies have embraced technology as a means to become nimbler and more competitive as energy needs change. They have built internal teams to vet and perhaps invest in promising technologies and partnered with the likes of Google and Microsoft to make better use of their data. Now, some of Houstons biggest companies are trying to foster a startup scene as they look to develop a pipeline of innovative ideas and products. But they face the same challenge that has long flustered entreprenuers, investors and economic development officials: how to build a launch pad for emerging companies in a city where the tech sector has remained stubbornly second-tier. Those tracking the sectors transformation agree that Houston has made substantial progress in leveraging some of its strongest attributes its economic strength, university programs and engineering talent to build a culture of innovation geared toward its industrial base. More startups are taking root, sometimes with help from experienced workers laid off during the bust. Venture capital investors are starting to focus on energy. And oil and gas companies have, to varying degrees, become more open to disruption and talking with competitors to encourage experimentation across the board. How do we make sure this is sustainable? said Jose Silva, lead strategist for advanced analytics and emerging technologies for Anadarko Petroleum in The Woodlands. The ecosystem is starting to flourish, and now we need the ability to expand on those ideas to scale them up and see the returns. Silva took charge of Anadarkos search for partnerships with startups and other emerging companies in early 2017 as part of a team created to accelerate the oil producers use of new technologies. He and his team now oversee pilot programs with seven startups using biotechnology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and other capabilities. The key to building an innovation sector, said Silva, will depend on energy companies sharing what they learn about new technologies, with the idea of helping startups forge connections with potential customers to develop their products and services. Gaby Rowe, CEO of Station Houston, the citys most prominent startup hub, said almost all of the citys oil and gas companies are exploring the tech scene to some degree. None of us want Houston to be the post-industrial giant that once was, Rowe said. The obstacles, however, are deeply ingrained. Houston is not a top destination for tech-focused graduates. The energy industry is often perceived as conservative and insular. And key players in the tech sector startups, investors and customers are spread throughout a city notorious for its sprawl, making collaboration more difficult to foster than it is in places such as Austin and Silicon Valley. On top of that, Houston has a spotty track record when it comes to venture capital investments. Rice University's McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation earlier this year reported that the city attracts less than 1 percent of U.S. venture capital, putting it at risk of being shut out of Americas future innovative economy. Dozens of startups have charged forward despite those challenges, with a growing number turning their attention to business applications rather than the sort of consumer technology that dominates Silicon Valley. Rowe said more than half of Station Houstons 200 companies are developing applications for oil and gas and other industrial sectors. DataGumbo, based in The Cannon, a startup hub in West Houston, is developing blockchain technology to make offshore operations more efficient, essentially by connecting operators, contractors and subcontractors with smart contracts that provide a common view of services rendered and other data. Right now, that information is often stored separately by the various companies supplying and operating rigs, making it challenging to execute contracts and improve efficiency. The company in August secured $1.35 million in seed funding from investors in Houston and Silicon Valley. Its working with the Houston company Diamond Offshore Drilling to roll out its system across Diamonds fleet of rigs. It has four other customers and dozens more in the sales pipeline. William Fox, DataGumbos chief product officer, said about half of the companys 25 employees were bought out, laid off or otherwise displaced from oil and gas companies during the energy bust. Thats part of the reason we were able to snap up people with 15 or 20 years of experience, Fox said. Other startups have faced more of a challenge in finding talent. The Houston metro area employed only about 20,000 software systems and applications developers last year, according to the U.S. Labor Department, considerably less than the national average. Expedi, a Houston startup building an online marketplace for rig parts and equipment, has grown rapidly since launching in August of 2017. It started with two employees CEO Tim Neal and COO Jonathan Hamilton who delivered the parts themselves, logging 3,000 miles a week in pickups barreling across West Texas. The company in July secured $2.25 million in seed funding from investors in Houston and New York, allowing it to open a warehouse in Odessa and hire 18 more employees. It now services 35 rigs and 10 other industrial customers. Neal said Houstons pool of software developers and technical talent has grown through Station Houston and similar organizations, but acknowledged that it isnt as deep as it is in places with more established innovation cultures. When you compare Houston to other cities, there is still not that culture of people leaving college and wanting to go work for a startup, Neal said. You still need to look for talent. Investor interest, however, is starting to pick up. Blue Bear Capital, which invested in Expedis seed round, was founded early last year to focus exclusively on startups developing technology for the energy sector supply chain. The firm, which has offices in Houston, Los Angeles, London and Norway, only invests in companies that have a customer base and reliable source of revenue. Expedi is the only Houston company in Blue Bears portfolio, but Tim Kopra, a partner, said Blue Bear is eyeing several more young companies in Houston. There is capital to go around for the companies that are able to demonstrate their value, he said. Its definitely a growing sector. Houston energy investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., has made energy technology a focus of its advisory business. Maynard Holt, its CEO, last year hired John Gibson, formerly of Halliburton, to get to know the citys emerging technology companies and learn how their ideas could benefit the banks energy clients . On any given day, young entrepreneurs pass through their offices, pitching the duo on sometimes-lofty plans for making the industry cleaner or more efficient. To better understand the industry itself, you have to understand technology, Holt said. The city has worked to develop an innovation district to foster collaboration among local universities, business districts and tech incubators to create a node of activity to appeal to larger tech companies and investors. The goal is to integrate cutting-edge startups among existing research and business hubs between the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston. Rice has said it will invest $100 million to transform the old Sears building in Midtown into a tech hub. Silva, Anadarkos tech strategist, said much work needs to be done in the interim. He has worked with Station Houston to brainstorm a forum in which startups, investors and energy companies could together discuss whats needed to meet the industrys technology needs. We have to enable it now, he said. If we wait until the innovation district is done, it might be too late. katherine.blunt@chron.com twitter.com/katherineblunt Cheniere Energy this week began production of liquefied natural gas at its massive Corpus Christi complex as the Houston exporter prepares to ship its first LNG cargo from Texas. Cheniere completed construction of its first processing unit this summer and spent the past few months putting the equipment into service. Crews started LNG production on Wednesday and are using a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker named Golar Tundra to test the facilitys dock and export equipment. If the tests are successful, the tanker could be loaded with up to 170,000 cubic meters of LNG that will be sold to whoever pays the highest price. Under current market conditions, Cheniere executives said, the most likely buyers would come from East Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea or China. Cheniere on Thursday marked the milestone with a celebration that drew dignitaries from eight nations, as well as Texas Gov. Greg Abbot and U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Texas is the energy capital of world and thanks to Cheniere, it just got bigger, Abbott told a crowd of about 400 people. Cheniere became the first company to export LNG from the United States in Feb. 2016, when it shipped from its Sabine Pass complex in Louisiana, and has led the burgeoning U.S. LNG industry. Record natural gas from Texas and other U.S. shale plays is spurring billions of dollars of investment, most of it focused on the Gulf Coast. Only one other company, Dominion Energy of Richmond, Va., has begun exporting LNG from the United States, but others are expected to follow in the coming months, including two Houston firms, Kinder Morgan, which is completing an export terminal in Georgia, and Freeport LNG, which will operate a Gulf Coast terminal at Quintana Island. Several companies, including Sempra Energy of San Diego and Tellurian of Houston, are working on projects expected to start up in the coming years. Over the past two years, Cheniere has emerged as the largest consumer of natural gas in the United States, buying as much as 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from hundreds of companies from the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and production areas in 22 other states. Natural gas, in a process known as liquefaction is supercooled into a liquid to make it easier to transport. Cheniere is investing $15 billion into three processing units, called trains, for the first phase of development at its Port of Corpus Christi export terminal. Once at full capacity, the first unit will be able to process 750 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Representatives of Chenieres utility company customers from China, Indonesia, Australia, Spain, France, Portugal and Poland attended Thursdays event. In a short speech, Ross called the facility an example of American technology and innovation. This new LNG facility is an outstanding example of American ingenuity, Ross said. This plant embodies our great and long-standing American spirit. We create vast new opportunities from the early seeds of innovation. Cheniere Energy CEO Jack Fusco said that demand for LNG is strong, particularly in Asia.. China has continued to consume about 50 percent more LNG than they did the year before and they consumed 50 more than the year before that, he said. The facilitys opening comes as the Port of Corpus Christi has emerged as an export hub for crude oil and refined products. Port of Copus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge said LNG is the next growth opportunity for the Port. Port officials are raising funds for a $326 million project to widen and deepen the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to 54 feet deep and 520 feet wide. Although the ports ship channel depth can accommodate fully loaded LNG tankers, Strawbridge said Cheniere would benefit from channel improvements, which would make it easier for ships to turn and allow for two-way traffic. sergio.chapa@chron.com twitter.com/sergiochapa Somewhere in Fort Bend County, someone is stealing people's credit card information by skimming it from a credit card reader. But police say they can't disclose where the theft is occurring just yet. That's because for the last several months, four people have been going from store to store in Houston and using that stolen credit card information to buy thousands of dollars worth of gift cards, personal accessories and clothes, according to Sgt. David Schultz, who works in the financial crimes unit at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Schultz said the sheriff's office does not know who these four individuals are just yet, and if he publicized where the criminals are getting the information, that might compromise the sheriff's investigation. But he said the sheriff's office is seeking the public's help in identifying the individuals, whose images were captured by surveillance camera. Information leading to their arrest could lead to a $5,000 reward. All Schultz can say is that victims' credit cards are being "captured by a card reader at a merchant in Fort Bend County." "We don't want the crooks to know that we know where they're getting the credit card information," Schultz said. Going after credit card skimmers has become routine for law enforcement in Houston, Schultz said. He said Fort Bend County alone receives upwards of 100 cases a year. "In Houston and across the United States, it's very common for people to be victims of card skimming," said Leah Napoliello, senior director of investigative services at the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston. Schultz said this particular investigation goes back four months, when purchases using the stolen credit card information began. Authorities said the suspects are producing fake credit cards. He said it was not clear if the person stealing the information was among the four who were using the cards to make illegal purchases of merchandise and gift cards. Consumers can take some basic precautions to lessen the possibility that their credit cards will get skimmed, though Schultz noted that determined criminals can usually work around everything. Schultz said it is important to know who is swiping your card. Napoliello said to keep them in sight. She said consumers should notify businesses and authorities if they note anything out of the ordinary. "Basically, if you're going to swipe your card, just be sure to inspect the card reader," she said. "If it looks damaged, or bulky or if it can be removed easily, that might be something to watch out for." Fort Bend County officials said information leading to charges against those involved in this latest case can bring a cash reward. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477). NEW YORK The assassins bullet whizzed past Jesus Zambada Garcias ear and knocked him to the ground. He wasnt dead, just wounded. The gunshot sliced a deep, red groove into his head. Ambushed by his attackers at a Mexico City store, Zambada stumbled to his feet and came up shooting. With a panicked spray of gunfire, he hit one of them. The other ran away. Im alive, he told a jury on Thursday, because the bullet did not penetrate my skull. This tale of an attempted hit came on Zambadas second day as a witness against his former boss in the Sinaloa drug cartel, Joaquin Guzman Loera, the Mexican crime lord known as El Chapo. After testifying Tuesday about the cartels financing and smuggling methods, Zambada spoke Thursday about the two most notorious aspects of the trafficking organization: its taste for violence and talent for corruption. For nearly five hours, he told the jury front-line stories from Mexicos brutal drug wars among them, his own close brush with death in 1994, when he was hunted down by gunmen from the Arellano-Felix gang, one of his cartels most bitter rivals. His account was delivered in a gritty style that might be described as narco-Gothic. He gave the jury an insiders view of well-known crimes in Mexico, including the killing of a Roman Catholic cardinal, a blood bath in a Puerto Vallarta nightclub and the assassination of a competing trafficker, who was shot in the neck. They always end up with deaths, Zambada said about the battles he had been through. There are a lot of deaths. It was the first time during Guzmans drug-conspiracy trial, which is being held under extremely tight security at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, that the testimony turned grisly. But the violent nature of the tales was undercut by the tellers blase manner. Even as he spoke about his favorite type of pistol (a .38 caliber) and the killing of one of his brothers, Zambada seemed relaxed, stroking his chin and casually spinning in his chair. His narrative began in the early 1990s when Guzman and his Sinaloan partners including Zambada and his brother, Ismael Zambada Garcia went to war with another pair of brothers, Benjamin and Ramon Arellano Felix, who ran a cartel in Tijuana. The hostilities broke out after Ismael Zambada parted ways with the Arellano Felix brothers and joined one of Guzmans allies. After the split, Zambada told the jury, the Arellano Felix brothers closed the Tijuana border to the Sinaloan traffickers, an order that the stubborn Guzman ignored. The Arellano Felixes were outraged. And in 1992, Zambada said, Guzman tried to take revenge. Prosecutors say that in the early morning of Nov. 8, 1992, a band of Guzmans armed assassins burst into Christine, a discotheque in Puerto Vallarta, drawing weapons from their coats and shooting out the lights. Zambada said that Guzman had planned that night to kill Ramon Arellano-Felix. While the intended target survived the attack, some of his gunmen and several bystanders did not. The following year, Ramon Arellano Felix sought vengeance. In one of the most storied killings in Mexican history, Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo was killed in 1993 at an airport in Guadalajara. And in court Thursday, Zambada claimed Arellano Felix was to blame. He testified that the trafficker had personally killed the cardinal accidentally while trying to kill Guzman. It took another decade for the bloody circle to finally be closed. In Feb. 2002, Arellano Felix was stopped by officials in the Pacific Coast resort of Mazatlan. A firefight ensued, and the Tijuana drug lord fled toward a hotel. But before he got there, someone put a bullet in his neck. Mexican officials later blamed the death on police, but Zambada, in another courtroom shock, testified Thursday that the officers who killed Ramon Arellano-Felix were working with the Sinaloa cartel. Guzman was thrilled by the death of his antagonist, he said. If anything had really given him pleasure, Zambada told the jury, it was to have killed Ramon Arellano. Before he offered up this litany of gore, Zambada confessed to yet another crime. Every month, he said, for more than a decade, he had personally paid $300,000 in bribes to Mexican officials. Acting as a cartel bagman, Zambada said he bribed military officers, municipal and federal police, officials at airports and seaports, officials in the attorney generals office, even representatives from Interpol. These illicit handouts were particularly useful, he said, when Guzman escaped from prison for the first time in 2001, hidden in a laundry cart. Working with his brother, Zambada said he helped the kingpin flee from his pursuers by arranging for a helicopter to ferry him to safety. Once Guzman was finally in the clear, Zambada said, he and his brother drove the boss to the heart of Mexico City, the territory Zambada ran for the cartel. He had arranged in advance for police to escort them. But Guzman suddenly got nervous when a squad car and a motorcycle unexpectedly pulled up. Zambada put his friend at ease. I said, Dont worry,' he recounted to the jury. 'These are our people. Theyre here to protect us.' This article originally appeared in The New York Times Dennis Bonnen, a Republican state representative from Angleton, is deeply committed to the well-being of the Texas Houseand its independence. He also has a high tolerance for disagreement and no sympathy for fools. In other words, Bonnen is an excellent choice to succeed longtime Speaker Joe Straus, who is retiring at the end of this year. And his colleagues think so, too. Thats good news for Texas. Read more: Dennis Bonnen says he has the votes to be the next Texas House Speaker The 150 members of the Texas House wont officially elect a speaker until the state Legislature convenes for its regular session in January. But on Monday, Bonnen announced that 109 of his colleagues had pledged their support, including most of the chambers Republicans and 28 of the Democrats. The speakers race is over, he said, at a press conference. No one has challenged that claim. The other representatives who had filed as candidates for speaker dropped out of the race and threw Bonnen their support. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement congratulating him, as did Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate. And Strauss most vociferous critics scrambled to cast Bonnen, one of Straus key lieutenants, as the candidate of their choice, too. That was amusing and telling. Grieder: Mourning in Texas after Joe Straus decides hes done Since Straus announced his decision to retire, Republicans have argued that his successor should be chosen by the members of the GOP caucus, who continue to hold power in the Texas House even though Democrats picked up a dozen seats in the midterm election. In fact, the Texas Republican Party asked GOP candidates for speaker to sign a pledge to that effect. Bonnen did no such thing. In fact, he went out of his way to make it clear that he had sought the support of his Democratic colleagues in his bid for the speakership, even though in the end he didnt need it. The speaker is elected by a simple majority, meaning 76 votes are sufficient to win; 81 of the 109 members on the list Bonnen unveiled Monday are Republicans. That detail helps explain why hard-liners were quick to herald Bonnens announcement, and why many Democrats and centrists were discomfited by it. A number of Republicans had filed as speaker candidates this year. Some of them were hoping to build a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats, as Straus did. It would appear that Bonnen, who is a conservative, took the opposite approach. He won the support of his fellow Republicans, including most of the members of the House Freedom Caucus. Bonnen then drove a wedge in the Democrats, many of whom had been hoping to play a more decisive role in the speakers race by sticking together in support of a moderate Republican candidate. I have a different read on the situation, though, based on my experiences covering the Texas Legislature in 2015. The state had a new governor and lieutenant governor that year for the first time in a decade. Both Abbott and Patrick had campaigned as conservatives, and Patrick, as lieutenant governor, tweaked the rules of the Texas Senate in order to further dilute the power of the chambers Democratic minority. As a result, I spent most of my time in the Texas House. And during the course of the session, I was impressed by Bonnens independence as well as his intelligence. Democrats who worked with Bonnen on major legislation that year or served along side him on key committees may similarly have been impressed by how deftly he navigated the new political dynamic. So I wasnt surprised to see a number of the Texas Houses most experienced Democrats among the representatives who pledged to support Bonnen. It really was a strange session in 2015. The states right-wing activists were emboldened by Abbott and Patricks deference to the partys base. And anyone could see that those activists had no influence on Bonnen, the Ways & Means chairman. Grieder: Texas Republicans cant defend decision to censure Joe Straus Bonnen is a conservative; theres no question about that. But, as noted, he has no sympathy for fools. He also has no need to worry about being unseated in the primary or general election. The 25th district, which runs from Brazoria County to the coast, is deeply red. But Bonnen has represented it since 1996 and voters are clearly fond of him. In fact, Bonnen won the Republican nomination by more than 50 percentage points this year, despite a challenge from the right. Challenger Damon Rambo was backed by the activist group EmpowerTexans, which has now heralded Bonnens success in the race to succeed Straus. Democrats who were hoping for a more moderate Republican should be reassured by that, rather than discomfited. Bonnen will be the speaker of the Texas House, unless he slips on a banana peel. He wont be its king. And its possible that Bonnen will seek to lead the chamber in a more conservative direction, but clearly, thats up to him. erica.grieder@chron.com Migrants: 20 reported dead in shipwreck off Cadiz Additional body found near Trafalgar lighthouse (ANSAmed) - MADRID, NOVEMBER 16 - The death toll from a migrant shipwreck off Caos de Meca (Cadiz) on November 5 has risen to 20 after another body was found on Friday morning, Guardia civil sources deployed in the operation said. The body was found on the beach of Marisucia, near the lighthouse of Trafalgar and the site of the shipwreck. A total of 22 people, including several minors, survived. The pilot and co-pilot of the boat, on which over 40 Moroccans were travelling, were arrested by national police on charges of violating the rights of foreign nationals. (ANSAmed). FORT WORTH - A California man has been convicted in Texas for participating in a multi-state theft ring that planted illegal devices at gas stations, enabling the group to steal 38,000 debit and credit card numbers and then siphon $100,000 from bank accounts. Aleksandr Goukasian, 52, of Los Angeles, faces up to life in prison for four counts of unlawful possession of an electronic intercept device and one count each of unlawful use of electronic communications, engaging in organized criminal activity and fraudulently possessing or using identifying information. Goukasian's theft ring planted skimmers - homemade electronic devices that intercept credit card information - inside gas pumps in Mojave, Calif., Las Vegas, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston over a few months in 2010. Goukasian recoded gift cards with those numbers and used the gift cards to withdraw money at ATMs from hundreds of customers' accounts, prosecutors said. Trial interrupted After Goukasian was arrested in a Fort Worth suburb, 13 skimmers with the same unique markings were discovered throughout North Texas. His trial started June 12 but was delayed Tuesday when Goukasian did not show up for court. Officials later found him nearly unconscious in his residence, and he was hospitalized for an apparent overdose of prescription sleeping pills. The trial resumed Friday after he was released from the hospital and returned to court. Goukasian's attorneys, Abe Factor and Gerard Kardonsky, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment Saturday. Two others on docket Two other suspects in the theft ring, Arkadi Minassian and Arin Mehrabian, are awaiting trial in Houston, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office in Fort Worth. At least two others remain at large. Goukasian also was charged in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas and reached a plea bargain that has been sealed, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. According to court records, Goukasian pleaded guilty in August to one count of unauthorized use of a device to access account and credit card information. Goukasian faces up to 10 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines in that case but has not been sentenced. The federal indictment accused him of using five credit cards to obtain nearly $10,000. The two men glanced over their shoulders at the passing Harris County deputy as they entered a gas station on Thompson Road in far eastern Harris County. The pair had exited Interstate 10 abruptly that morning on Jan. 20, 2017 when Deputy R.L. Wade started watching them. When they stopped at a second gas station but didn't pay for gas, Wade activated his emergency lights to pull them over. That's when gift cards started flying out of the passenger window into the bushes below, according to court documents. The two men were eventually arrested, accused of stealing bank account information from 10 people with what police believed were skimming devices, which are commonly are used to extract credit card data. RELATED: Where the most card skimmers have been found in Houston so far in 2018 The arrests were among more than 100 skimming cases in Texas in the past two years, a crime so widespread that the Texas Department of Agriculture will be pushing state lawmakers in the upcoming 2019 legislative session starting to allow make the state the statewide clearinghouse for reporting skimming cases. Most of the skimming originates at gas stations. "Houston is one of the largest hotbeds for gas-pump skimming in the country," said Sgt. Joshua Nowitz of the Harris County Sheriff's Office financial crimes unit. "One skimmer can easily compromise millions of dollars worth of data in a week. That doesn't mean use, but compromise." What is skimming? Skimming generally involves a device that extracts data from a credit card at the point of sale. They are most commonly found on ATMs or inside gas pumps. ATMs usually require a skimmer on the exterior of the machine, while thieves can access gas pumps by placing a skimmer inside the machine linked directly to the motherboard. From there, the skimmer siphons information from the credit card reader when someone buys gas. Because of improving technology, a thief does not have to physically access the skimmer after installation the data can be gathered remotely through long-range Bluetooth capabilities, Nowitz said.= "Someone can be across the street when they want the data," he said. Thieves typically "clone" the stolen credit card information onto any card with a magnetic strip. In years past, thieves would largely use the cards to buy electronics, which then were sold for cash. Recently, they have been caught purchasing diesel fuel with credit or fuel card information, then selling it on the black market to truckers or trucking companies, Nowitz said. "Fuel cards you're not going to see that at an ATM," he said. "It's just been so successful for them in terms of the devices they're using." The sheriff's office works with the Houston Area Fraud Task Force and federal partners, including the U.S. Secret Service, which typically focuses on transnational groups involved in organized financial crimes. Many skimmers have ties to other countries, officials said. William Smarr, the deputy special agent in charge at the U.S. Secret Service in Houston, said state or local agencies often notify the Secret Service about repeated suspicious activity on a person's credit card, or areas with a rash of credit card fraud reports. Catching the thieves can be difficult, he said. "It's not impossible to a catch these folks," he said. "But it does take something out of the ordinary or something to alert law enforcement that something's going on." A clearer picture The Texas Department of Agriculture, which inspects all gas pumps in the state for accuracy and fuel quality, received 1,424 complaints of possible skimming devices at gas pumps since December 2016, but found only 77 skimming devices attached, according to data obtained by the Houston Chronicle. The data doesn't define the scope of the problem in Texas, however, prompting officials to prepare legislation that would funnel all skimming reports through the agriculture department so that data could be collected statewide, said Mark Loeffler, a department spokesman. "Any time you can have a consolidation of data, you can get a clearer picture of what's going on," he said. "Because if you asked me right now how many skimmers were found in the Austin or Houston area over the last week, I couldn't really tell you. I can tell you how many we've found." Loeffler said the agency hopes to have all gas station owners report a skimmer directly to the Department of Agriculture, which would then file a report with police and send an inspector to the site. Ultimately, skimmer reporting requirements could boost cooperation among gas station owners who normally don't report skimmers to police or thoroughly inspect the pumps, he said. For Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, it's a logical step to alleviate the pressure on the banking industry, which reimburses most of the fraud claims. "Somebody's got to do it," Miller said. "These banks are really getting ripped off. We've got to get those station owners to take responsibility for themselves." Tracking the problem For now, it's difficult to determine how many cases are handled each year. The sheriff's office doesn't have a specific offense code for cases involving credit card skimmers, so there's no way to filter those cases in a search, sheriff's spokesman Jason Spencer said. The district attorney's office also doesn't track cases in a way that highlights credit card skimmers, according to spokesman Dane Schiller. RELATED: Police tout app that detects credit card skimmers after two found at Friendswood gas station Skimmer-related cases usually end up classified as fraud, credit card abuse, forgery or criminal mischief. Nowitz, who recently took over in the financial crimes unit, has instructed his investigators to respond to every report of a credit card skimmer "so we can keep track of this specifically," Spencer said. The Houston Police Department likewise doesn't have a specific offense code for skimmer complaints, though the department can filer out cases where credit card skimmers are found. Those discoveries, however, may be part of a larger investigation, said department spokeswoman Jodi Silva. For example, Houston police found a skimmer at a smoke shop in June while investigating a report of misdemeanor drug possession, records show. In another case, officers found a skimmer while taking inventory of a car from an auto theft report. So far in 2018, at least 141 credit card skimmers have been found in Houston, most of which have been concentrated on the city's west side, according to data obtained through an open records request. Federal agents, meanwhile, removed more than 60 devices from pumps in Houston in October, Smarr said. In the case involving the erratic drivers in 2017, one of the defendants pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of deferred adjudication, a form of probation that will not leave a conviction on his record if he completes the terms. The charge against the other defendant was dismissed. Protecting yourself Convenience store owners and consumers can apply some basic precautions to alleviate the risk. Routine daily inspections, alarms and anti-tamper tape on the pumps are among the simplest ways for convenience store owners to protect against the devices, experts say. The tape is designed to alert people when someone opens the pump. RELATED: Three credit card skimmers found at a gas station at Chevron in Katy "Some gas stations are better than others at maintaining the anti-tamper tape," Nowitz said. "Some use it, some don't." Consumers can reduce their risk by using pumps closest to the entrance or a store, or paying inside. The banking industry and fraud investigators also recommends people check their bank statements routinely for unusual charges. Pinning down the scope of the problem, however, with statewide data can help make consumers more wary, Loeffler said. "That's what all of this is about," he 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 The University of Houston will build its medical school on campus, regents decided Thursday, a location pivotal to the role it plans to serve in the Third Ward. The Board of Regents selected a 43-acre tract of undeveloped property just southeast of the campus proper over a building in the Texas Medical Center for the planned college, which would be the first new medical school in Houston in nearly half a century. Were thinking ahead, said Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the UH regents. We want to have a footprint in the Texas Medical Center, but we feel very good about being here on campus, with the infrastructure and the ability to grow for years to come. After a closed session, the board approved the site without discussion. The selection of the site is the latest step in UHs journey to create a medical school, a longtime dream. Plans call for it to focus on training primary-care doctors, half of them minorities, to practice in underserved areas, a huge need in Houston and the state. Texas ranks 47th out of 50 states in the ratio of primary care doctors per person and the shortage is expected to get worse. Despite recent pushes to increase the pipeline of doctors in Texas rural and urban areas, a significant number of counties and communities, such as those in the Third Ward, continue to be classified as medically underserved. Dr. Stephen Spann, the founding dean of the proposed UH school, has said disparities are so bad in some of those communities that their health problems are similar to those of Third World countries. UH officials in December plan to submit an application for accreditation from the Liaison Committee for Medical Education, an important hurdle. The school was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. UH is targeting fall 2022 for the buildings opening, two years after it hopes the liaison committee allows the medical school to open. Until the new building is constructed, students would take classes in an existing UH health sciences building, UH officials have said. UH President Renu Khator said after the vote that putting the school on campus makes sense given the schools mission to serve the community and plans to integrate with existing scientific and medically related programs on campus. This is the only medical school in Houston school thats part of a comprehensive university system, Khator said. We want to make it a value-added experience for not just the medical students but everyone else as well. The other medical schools in Houston are Baylor College of Medicine, a freestanding private school, and McGovern Medical School, which is part of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. McGovern was the last to open in 1972. UH can now begin negotiating and executing contracts for the schools design and construction. Preliminary plans call for a 150,000-square-foot, four-story building that will cost an estimated $65 million. The university will pay for the building with institutional capital funds earmarked for construction projects, UH officials said. It will request $40 million from the Texas Legislature over 10 years, including $20 million in the 2019 session. UH officials are still determining the exact location on the tract of land, which is next to the MacGregor Park/Martin Luther King Jr. METRO rail station. A spokesman said it will be at least a few hundred feet north of the intersection at Old Spanish Trail and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Khator emphasized that UH still plans a footprint in the medical center. She said UH will renovate a building it owns there on Moursund Street at Braeswood Boulevard the site not chosen for the medical school and utilize it for educational and research programs. The board also approved the establishment of tuition and fees for the doctor of medicine degree at $23,755. They said thats on par with such degrees at existing Texas public universities and less than half the $55,000 to be charged at Sam Houston State Universitys planned osteopathic medical school. Sam Houston officials will hold ground-breaking ceremonies on its facility in Conroe Friday. Full tuition and fees for the inaugural class will be funded by an anonymous $3 million donation, which was announced in July. A second gift, from the John M. OQuinn Foundation, will cover full tuition and fees for a third of the second class. Enrollment is initially expected to be 30 students and eventually grow to 120 students per class. Beto O'Rourke exposed a blue spine in Texas politics that could remake the state's congressional delegation and affect President Donald Trump's re-election prospects in 2020. By making a strong showing in the 21 counties along the Interstate 35 corridor from Laredo to the Oklahoma border, the U.S. Senate candidate from El Paso defied 30 years of political history in the Lone Star State. O'Rourke didn't just become the first Democratic Senate candidate in Texas to win the majority of votes along the corridor since the 1980s. He pounded U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz along the route, flipping counties that had not voted for a Democrat for statewide office since Ann Richards first ran for governor in 1990. Even in the counties O'Rourke lost, his defeats were often much narrower than those of past Democratic candidates. "This is a major structural problem for the GOP going forward," said Jay Aiyer, a political science professor at Texas Southern University in Houston. Texas's population growth has been dramatic in the urban and suburban communities along I-35, while areas that the GOP has long relied on in West Texas and East Texas are losing both population and voters. In other words, the Democratic base is expanding significantly, while the GOP's base is growing less or even shrinking, Aiyer said. Cruz narrowly won re-election by about 219,000 votes, out of more than 8 million cast, a margin of less than 3 percentage points, according to unofficial results. That's the closest U.S. Senate race in Texas in 40 years. Republicans had won the last four Senate races in Texas by 1 million votes or more. Cruz hung on by running up big numbers in the Texas Panhandle, East Texas and the northern Houston suburbs. For subscribers: How Ted Cruz survived Beto ORourke and the blue wave But while Cruz stuck with a tried-and-true Republican playbook, O'Rourke revealed untapped opportunities for Democrats. Four years ago, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn won the I-35 corridor by nearly 350,000 votes over his Democratic opponent, David Alameel. But O'Rourke carried those same counties by more than 440,000 votes. That is a nearly 800,000-vote swing in just four years. And the impact of the blue spine went well beyond O'Rourke's race: Five Republican candidates for Congress in Texas, almost all of them big favorites, won with less than 51 percent of the vote. All five of their districts are along the I-35 corridor, making them all but certain to be targeted by Democrats in 2020. In the Texas House, Democrats flipped 12 seats previously held by Republicans. Ten of those districts are along I-35. In the Texas Senate, Democrats flipped two seats, both along I-35. And they nearly took a third seat north of Dallas, where Republican Angela Paxton won just 51 percent of the vote. Those results were no fluke, says Manny Garcia, deputy executive director of the Texas Democratic Party. He said even in 2016, Democrats could see how suburban and urban cores along I-35 were changing, which prompted the party to be more aggressive in recruiting candidates there, even in districts that were considered solidly Republican. More Information A shift in demographics, and politics In 2018, the collection of counties along Interstate 35 voted for Democrats more than Republicans for the second straight election cycle. The two demographic trends with the largest impact in that region are increased diversity and a more educated populace. Non-white voters have been the base of the Democratic Party and, since 2016, progressives have found success pulling college educated voters away from the GOP. Amid rapid growth along Interstate 35 from 2010 to 2018, voter registrations went up accordingly and Democrats successfully turned out those voters in the midterm. - Matt Dempsey See More Collapse "The fundamentals of Texas are shifting," Garcia said. What's changing I-35 is what's changing the state, said Aiyer. The state is growing more diverse and more urban. As major cities become more crowded and more expensive, people are moving to surrounding counties for cheaper housing and taking their political views with them, he said. There is a clear trend line since 2014. That year, Cornyn won the I-35 corridor by almost 350,000 votes. Two years later, Hillary Clinton won it by just over 115,000 votes. This year, O'Rourke won by an even bigger margin: 440,000. In 2014, 11 of the 16 congressional districts that touch I-35 were held by Republicans, including 10 in which the Republican won 60 percent of the vote or more. This year, only two of those 11 Republicans topped 60 percent. If Republicans are going to win along I-35 now, they will need to get away from their old strategy of pressing to the right and counting on their most loyal supporters to turn out in large numbers, said George Seay a Republican Party analyst and donor from Dallas. Seay says Republicans need to move toward the political center for broader appeal. "This is a bugle call to all Republicans to start talking about the issues all Texans care about," Seay said. Democrat ORourke won in the I-35 corridor The Democratic candidate for Texas senator, Beto O'Rourke, won the highest number of votes in the 22-county trail along I-35, though his opponent Ted Cruz won more counties overall. The map below shows how each candidate fared in this region's fast-growing counties. Source: Texas Secretary of State | Created by Jordan Rubio That means more focus on jobs, health care, transportation and education and less on social and cultural issues aimed at core voters, such as same-sex marriage and immigration. Democrats drawing up new plays For decades the Democratic playbook in Texas was consistent: win big in the cities, drive up numbers in the Rio Grande Valley and try to minimize losses elsewhere. But O'Rourke, who refused to hire political consultants, took a different route. For sure, he mined votes in those traditional targets. But he spent a lot more time along I-35 in places such as Waco, San Marcos and Round Rock than past Democratic candidates. Just over the last 12 days of the campaign, O'Rourke made at least 25 stops in counties along the corridor, compared to three for Cruz. And O'Rourke's campaign invested heavily in field staff to get out the vote along I-35. Chris Evans, O'Rourke's communications staffer, said the campaign didn't start out with that strategy, but it emerged as the candidate and his aides kept returning to places where they saw the most energy, such as Waco in McLennen County and Plano in Collin County. The campaign created what they called "pop-up" get-out-the-vote offices in Collin, Denton and McLennen counties, something that was unthinkable four years ago when Republicans trounced Democrats in all three. O'Rourke lost all three of those counties, but by dramatically smaller margins in two of them. In Denton County, O'Rourke did 50,000 votes better than Cruz's last opponent. In Collin, he fared almost 70,000 votes better. Fast-growing Williamson County, just north of Austin, has been Republican turf almost exclusively since 1990 when Richards won the county in her first race for governor. Cruz carried the area by 30,000 votes during his first campaign in 2012. But O'Rourke wiped out that deficit, winning there by nearly 6,000 votes. How the parties have performed in statewide races in the I-35 corridor This animated map shows the winning party in each county along I-35 over time. Counties shaded red went Republican while those in blue voted for Democrats. Source: Texas Secretary of State | Created by Jordan Rubio What O'Rourke did in San Antonio was equally impressive. Just four years ago, Cornyn carried the county by almost 40,000 votes. This year, O'Rourke won it by 110,000 votes, the most dominating performance for a U.S. Senate candidate in the Alamo City in decades. Between San Antonio and Austin, Hays County flipped big for O'Rourke. While Cruz and Cornyn both won the county easily by between 6,000 and 7,000 votes in 2012 and 2014, O'Rourke won it by about 12,000 votes. That surge in Hays County had a lot to do with new voters. No county in Texas saw a bigger jump in new voter registrations from the March primary elections to November. While counties such as Harris and Bexar saw a 2-percent jump in voter registrations, Hays County registrations went up 8 percentage points. "The demographics here are massively changing," said Don Inbody, who teaches political science at Texas State University in San Marcos. The same is true in other counties along I-35, where U.S. Census data show a shift toward an older, more diverse, better educated and wealthier electorate since 2010, changes that favor Democrats. Trouble for Trump? Down ticket, the blue spine shook up the Congressional delegation. Some districts that haven't been decided by less than 20 points in past cycles suddenly became the scene of tight battles. Seay said it had to be a startling night for a lot of longtime Republicans who have never seen a competitive race. "I think the application of smelling salts to a lot of these guys isn't a bad thing," Seay said. In Williamson and Bell counties north of Austin, U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, had won his 2016 election by 22 percentage points. The Cook Political Report in Washington, D.C., which tracks all 435 House districts in the nation, didn't even list it among 82 potentially competitive seats. But then Air Force veteran MJ Hegar caught fire with a viral ad and an aggressive campaign that put Carter on the ropes. She quickly became one of the most well-funded Democrats in the state. Carter survived, barely, with 50.6 percent of the vote. Further north on I-35, U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant, a Republican from the north Dallas and Fort Worth suburbs faced underfunded Democratic opponent Jan McDowell. She raised just over $100,000 in a district that Marchant had won easily every two years since 2004. But this year, Marchant won just 50.7 percent of the vote to earn a new term. If the Democrats had a stronger candidate, Dave Wasserman, an analyst for the Cook Political Report, said the party could have picked up another seat in a fast-changing district that he says is now majority non-white and that gave President Trump just 51 percent of the vote in 2016. If Trump runs for re-election, he'll likely have to pay more attention to Texas' I-35 corridor and the suburbs. Where Cruz struggled, Trump is apt to struggle too, said Inbody. "The problem the president has is in those counties up and down the corridor," he said. "You get a few miles off the corridor and you get a whole different story." Inbody said if Texas is at play in a presidential election, that's a big problem for Republicans. Reliably Democratic California and New York have a combined 82 electoral votes. Republicans need the combined 67 electoral votes in Texas and Florida to act as counterweights. If Democrats were to win California, New York and Texas, a presidential election would quickly become an electoral college landslide, even without Florida. Aiyer said there is no doubt Texas is still a red state, "but it looks like something much more competitive than it was before." Data editor Matt Dempsey and staff writer Andrea Zelinski contributed to this report. jeremy.wallace@chron.com AUSTIN Advocates are pushing lawmakers to change how Texas funds special education resources, and a recent court ruling may help their cause. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sharply criticized the way Texas calculates how much to spend on special education, saying in an opinion that there is potential for future abuse, and the states method for allocating funds creates a perverse incentive to minimize a students needs. For example, Texas provides the same amount of money for a student in a regular classroom who needs services such a note-taking assistance as it does for a student with a significant disability who needs a full-time staff member to provide one-on-one academic and behavioral support. Thats because schools get the bulk of their funding based on where a child is receiving instruction, not on the severity of the childs needs. School districts generate more special education funds when a student is provided instruction outside of a general-education classroom, like a resource room or self-contained special education classroom, regardless of their needs. No other state allocates the funding that way. Special education advocates have consistently argued that the Texas formula is outdated and insufficient, leaving school districts with huge budget gaps since most students with a disability are in mainstream classrooms. Educators are now hoping the extra pressure from a federal court could push the issue forward in the upcoming legislative session. Were back at saying, you cant wait. We need to tackle this funding problem at the same time as all of these others, said Kristin McGuire, the director of governmental relations at the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. Dont just keep adding kids to a broken system. Urgent education needs are piling up for the Legislature. Overall state funding for education has dropped to less than 40 percent in recent years. Its a top priority for Gov. Greg Abbott and House and Senate leadership to reshape how schools are funded and add more state money, thus reducing the reliance on property tax revenue. Fixing the outdated special education funding method is yet another high-dollar item. The state is already working to overhaul its special education system after the federal Department of Education determined 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. In response to the federal probe, the state has enacted reforms requiring better communication with parents and tougher oversight of schools. But the biggest impact will likely be a surge of students needing special education services. Texas Education Officials estimated in August that they may need $3.2 billion in the next three years to meet those needs. Retooling the funding formula would mean even more money for special education. It is something that we are going to have to pay for, and we owe it to those populations of students to pay for it, said Rep. Dan Huberty, a Houston Republican and the chairman of the House Education Committee. Its part of the deal. A service, not a place Federal law requires schools to educate students in the least restrictive environment. That often means providing instruction in a mainstream classroom with extra supports, like an instructional aide. But when Texas wrote its funding formula in the 1980s, it gave schools more money based on a childs placement. Elsewhere, schools often get state and federal dollars based on the level of services required to meet their needs. Some states will give schools more money based on the type of disability. Others will reimburse districts for a portion of their special education costs. TCASE and Disability Rights Texas proposed changing Texas formula so it centers on the intensity of services needed, as in other states. They say children with dyslexia should also receive state special education resources, which are not now available to them. They want the state to create three different funding levels based on the minutes of specialized instruction or supports that a student receives in a school day. Special education is a service, not a place, McGuire said. The state has already been penalized by the federal government because of its funding method for special education. States are prohibited by federal law from reducing funding for special education services. If states spend less, the U.S. 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. Texas fought the Education Departments decision to withhold the funding, arguing the costs of providing special education services had gone down, so it allocated less money that year. In a 13-page ruling released last week, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit called the states argument unpersuasive, and upheld the $33 million penalty. The state has not indicated whether it will appeal that decision. The state currently spends about $3 billion per fiscal year on special education. Retooling the formula alone could cost an additional $1.65 billion per year, according to the advocacy groups. They presented their proposal earlier this year to the Commission on Public School Finance, a group of lawmakers and officials tasked with recommending school finance reforms to the Legislature. A final proposal is due by the end of the year, but so far TCASE and Disability Rights Texas have not seen any recommendations to fix the special education funding problem. Huberty, one of the lawmakers on the commission, said hes committed to reforming the way Texas funds special education. The formula should be simplified and students with dyslexia should also receive state funds, he said. But Huberty does not believe the formula needs a total overhaul, as the advocacy groups say. The various groups that are out there, they all have very good ideas on how to fix these things, Huberty said. And we may have different perspectives, and we will come together during the legislative session to talk to them about that, but no decisions have been made. Charities often ask for donations around the holidays because thats when people are likeliest to be feeling generous, but hunger runs rampant every month of the year, and it actually peaks for children in the summer when school is out. Food banks in particular tend to time their drives around Thanksgiving, because so many people are out stocking up for the big dinner that it doesnt seem like too much of a sacrifice for shoppers to throw an extra package of stovetop stuffing, a can of concentrated soup or a box of cake mix into the food bin at the door of their local supermarket. This is a good deed, and no one should be dissuaded from attempting to make a local familys holiday dinner a little fuller or sweeter. In fact, Im usually the one doing the nudging, asking readers to be generous because a whopping 40 million Americans, including more than 12 million children, experience food insecurity or day-to-day hunger. But in the 13 years Ive been urging generosity at turkey time, the scope of the problem and of the solutions has expanded in many directions. The percentage of the U.S. population experiencing low or very low food security has gone up over the past decade due to the failure to recover from the Great Recession, the decrease in the number of high-paying middle-skill jobs and the rise of low-paying service-sector occupations. And the world is burning up. Thats not hyperbole. If you think it is, try telling that to the people who are fighting to survive the California wildfires, which, as of this writing, had claimed 59 lives, left hundreds missing and rendered untold numbers displaced. Which is where the food banks come in. Feeding America, the nations largest hunger-relief organization, works year-round to position emergency food supplies throughout the country. So when earthquakes, hurricanes or wildfires hit, member food banks are ready to deploy food, water, equipment and supplies with a network of 2,400 trucks. Then the organization stays in communities to help them with long-term disaster recovery efforts. Right now, the organization is coordinating in California with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, as well as with FOOD Share, Inc. and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, among many others. Sue Sigler, executive director of the California Association of Food Banks in Oakland, told me theyre supplying food to shelters and evacuation centers, and coordinating with local governments and first responders to ensure the right type and quantity of food gets to those who need it. Unfortunately, because we saw this type of devastation during the Tubbs Fire almost exactly a year ago, we know that there is a long-term recovery that needs to be supported with food, Sigler said. Folks who have lost homes and employment will take many years to become self-sufficient again, so there is both an immediate and long-term need for food assistance. Most people experiencing food insufficiency are well past the point of just needing a can of crispy fried onions to sprinkle on top of a green-bean casserole. The reality is that the enormity of the need requires sophisticated logistics to transport fresh milk, meats, fruits, vegetables and other foods and staples long distances from corporate donors and bulk sellers in far-flung warehouses to the people who need them. This is why, generous readers, if you really want to make an impact on the lives of people who dearly need nourishment, please open your wallet. With respect to how people can help, cash donations are the most preferable, Sigler said. Food banks obtain food at far below retail cost, and have many other costs as well, such as extra staffing, transportation costs, and much more. Please find a way to donate the cost of a box of cereal or a value pack of mac n cheese to your local food pantry (locate it here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank]). Or find a little extra in the months budget to donate to the tens of thousands of people who wont have a home for Thanksgiving because of the California fires or other disasters. Giving your extra dollars via website or text or app may not feel as good as plunking packaged food into a bin at the grocery store, but it will go further, and help more people than you can imagine. Cepedas email address is estherjcepeda@washpost.com, or follow her on Twitter: @estherjcepeda. China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has ordered an investigation into a string of hotels that were exposed as allegedly having serious hygiene issues. Interior view of newly opened Le Royal Meridien Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai. [File Photo: IC] The ministry said it was highly concerned about the cases and has ordered local culture and tourism authorities in Shanghai, Beijing and provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guizhou to investigate. Cleaners in several posh luxury hotels were caught on cameras washing cups, sinks and mirrors with dirty cloths, towels and sponges, causing public concern. Most of the affected hotels are part of big international hotel chains. Among them are Conrad Beijing, Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, Shangri-La Hotel Fuzhou. Some have apologized. The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration said the investigation was underway and it would support law enforcement authorities in severely punishing hotels found responsible. Photo of the footage taken by a hidden camera that exposed several luxury hotels for using unsanitary cleaning practices. [Guandian video/Screenshot] The Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development said they had summoned managers of the four hotels involved for explanation and investigation. The city's health authorities have started collecting samples from the hotel premises for testing and the result will be published soon, the authorities said. Similar investigations are underway in Fuzhou and Guiyang, capital cities of Fujian and Guizhou provinces respectively. The ministry called for culture and tourism authorities at all levels to tighten monitoring on tourism service quality and vowed to seriously deal with behaviors that gravely impact the quality of tourism services. ANSAmed - Weekly diary from November 19 to November 25 (ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 16 - Weekly diary of the main events scheduled in the Euro-Mediterranean area from November 19 to November 25: MONDAY NOVEMBER 19 MADRID - 3rd edition of Italian Cuisine Week kicks off (until 25/11). BRUSSELS - EU, Council of Agriculture and Fishing Ministers (also 20/11). BRUSSELS - EU, Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers (also 20/11). TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20 BRUSSELS - EU, speech by High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini on the occasion of Human Rights Week to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21 No major events scheduled. THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22 ROME - 4th edition of "Mediterranean Dialogues" begins (until 24/11). ANKARA - High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini participates in the EU-Turkey High Level Political Dialogue. ISTANBUL - Theatre Festival begins (also 23/11). LAS PALMAS (SPAIN) - EU, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker participates in the 23rd Conference of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23 ROME - EU, International Symposium on Agricultural Innovation for Family Farmers organised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, with Commisioner Neven Mimica. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24 No major events scheduled. SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25 VARIOUS CITIES - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.(ANSAmed). Last year, a London-based reception was sent home from work after she refused to wear high heels. Nicola Thorp then launched a petition online which in turn prompted the UK government to conduct a review of workplace dress codes. Guidelines were published which warned employers not to demand gender-specific clothing (such as high heels) or ask employees to dress provocatively in a bid to cut down on sexual harassment. The new legislation made shockwaves across the globe, sparking a heated debate over what employers are allowed to ask of their staffs attire. But do employees really resent being told what to wear? Or is it part and parcel of office life? According to a report from Robert Half, one fifth of workers said theyd prefer to work for a company with a less formal dress code, whilst 32% want a casual dress code or no dress code at all. And whilst this may seem like a fickle subject, its been proven that a more relaxed dress code is actually linked to higher levels of productivity. A report from Stormline found that 61% of employees feel more motivated when their office dress codes are relaxed, whilst over half of jobseekers admitted they have a negative impression of a company who enforces a strict attire. iciHaiti - Humanitarian : $5M donation to feed vulnerable families As part of the Bilateral Cooperation between Haiti and Taiwan (Republic of China (Taiwan)), the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) was chosen to manage Taiwan's contribution of US $ 5 million. This funding will be spread over a period of 3 months in equal installments and will enable the Government to contain the food insecurity of the most vulnerable families in the country. At a ceremony, FAES received the first installment, a check of just over $1.6 million (1,666,666). IH/ iciHaiti Indian Coast Guard aims to foster relationship with fishermen, conducts workshop November 14,2018 | Source: The Hindu The Indian Coast Guard District, Karnataka, on Wednesday organised a workshop for effective management of search and rescue (SAR), primarily aiming at increasing the involvement of fishermen community and to foster them as friends. In his introductory remarks, Coast Guard Karnataka Commander, DIG, S.S. Dasila, said no human life was lost during the recent cyclones and heavy rains in the sea following active coordination between various agencies concerned, including fishermen, district administrations, coastal police, NMPT and others. Given the vast search and rescue region of 4.6 million square km and with multiplicity of stakeholders, Mr. Dasila said Coast Guard recognises fishermen as a very powerful asset. "They are our eyes and ears not only for coastal security mechanism, but also to keep the coast safe." Indian Coast Guard is entrusted with the task of coordinating SAR in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISSR). India acceded to the International Maritime Organisation SAR Convention, 1979, in the year 2001. The accession provided much needed impetus for regional and international cooperation in SAR operations, he said. ICG is the nodal agency for maritime search and rescue in ISSR under the convention. Mr. Dasila noted that ICG is also mandated to provide protection to fishermen including assistance to them at sea while in distress and safety of life and property as per the Coast Guard Act, 1978. Necessary regulations are introduced under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to ensure communication equipment carriage requirement and operation of radio equipment by all sea going vessels necessary for carrying out SAR missions. The Commander said ICG, Karnataka, has saved 828 lives with 200 SAR missions since its inception in 2000 and up to November 13. 2018 The Hindu Theme(s): Others. Confronting climate change, New England fishermen collect data on changing oceans by PIEN HUANG November 13,2018 | Source: WCAI New Englands fishermen are feeling the effects of climate change in fundamental ways, as fish populations respond to changes in the ocean environment. For scientists trying to understand this dynamic system, one big challenge is getting enough data. To address that problem, a number of scientific projects are building on an unlikely collaboration, enlisting data collection from the men and women who are out on the water most. Jim Violet has been fishing for 37 years. On a typical trip, he leaves from Newport, Rhode Island for the long ride to the Outer Continental Shelf. At the end of an 18-hour fishing day, he takes one extra step - for science. He and his crew drop a small white cylinder off the deck of the boat to the ocean floor - 200-300 feet deep - and haul it back up with a winch. It weighs about 30 lbs, and its designed to measure the temperature and the salinity of seawater, up and down the water column. When the probe returns to the surface, the data it collects gets stored on an iPad. When Violet gets home from a fishing trip, he uploads the information to a database. It contains over 500 other profiles of the water column, taken by other New England fishermen, at different times over the past four years. It's a project called the Shelf Research Fleet, organized by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation in partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Collectively, the fishermens data is providing a rich, detailed picture of whats happening on the Northeast Continental Shelf. 2018 WCAI Theme(s): Others. Danish Ambassador visited Burmese fishing communities by Lrke Weensgaard Denmarks Ambassador to Myanmar John Nielsen visited local fishing communities in Dawei, Myanmar, during the first week of November. The Ambassador visited the fishing communities because they are pilot sites for Danish support to sustainable coastal fisheries in Myanmar, according to the Embassy of Denmark in Myanmar. Denmark supports the establishment of fisheries co-management committees which will work together with the Department of Fisheries in developing plans for more sustainable use of fisheries resources. Activities includes combating illegal and unregulated fishing as well as support to better handling and processing of fish after capture so losses will be reduced and quality improved. 2018 ScandAsia. All Rights Reserved. Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. PARIS - The Paris City Council cabinet has approved a document in support of Riace Mayor Domenico Lucano, stating that "the decision by the Italian justice system to suspect the mayor of Riace from his post as mayor is an unacceptable political decision". The cabinet also said it hopes Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will invite Lucano to Paris in a "show of support by the city of Paris". In the document, it praises the "exceptional acts of solidarity undertaken by Domenico Lucano" in welcoming migrants. "Through these actions, the mayor of Riace showed that this type of politics is possible at the city level and that it is compatible with the respect, dignity, and well-being of its residents," the document said. The text also invites Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to "write to the Italian Embassy to share the concern of the Paris City Council with respect to the treatment suffered by Domenico Lucano". She is also called on to "talk to her Italian mayor counterparts" to reaffirm "the necessary protection for local representatives and show solidarity with the mayor of Riace". The initiative in support of Lucano was sponsored by the groups Communistes-Front de Gauche, Groupe ecologiste (Gep) e Generation.s. The final version of the document is now up for approval in the city council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Artesia City Council approved ordinances set forth during a pair of public hearings at their regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday at City Hall. The first hearing concerned an amendment to Section 12-2-2 of the Artesia City Code: Penalty Assessment Misdemeanors; Definitions and Schedule of Assessments. The council had approved changes to uniform traffic ordinance violation fines in this section at a previous meeting but had adopted only what was sent to the city by the New Mexico Municipal League. We didnt address what was in our existing one, so we need to merge those two, city clerk Aubrey Hobson said. The council unanimously approved, with all councilors present. The second hearing was for a final plat on the Joy Subdivision, which requested the division of Tract A into Tracts 1-4. The subdivision is located on the north side of blocks 2000-2500 on Fairgrounds Road and is owned by Richard and Patricia Joy. Community Development director Jim McGuire said the approval of the final plat was a formality, as the preliminary plat was approved at the councils last meeting. That ordinance was also unanimously approved. Fire Chief Kevin Hope provided the council with an update on the departments efforts to fill the six EMT positions for which funding was recently granted by the Eddy County Commission. We tested last weekend, and from that, we have four on the list one certified, three non-certified, Hope said. We should have some names for the next council meeting. In Community Development, McGuire informed the council the city is working to finalize its contract for the Artesia Aquatic Center with United Pools, and work at the Center is continuing to come along. Infrastructure director Byron Landfair stated the pre-bid process for the Hermosa Drive Reconstruction Project begins today, with bid opening scheduled for Nov. 28. Landfair said the department hopes to award the bid at the councils first meeting in December. Hobson requested the councils approval of a trio of resolutions, the first concerning budget adjustments to the 2018-19 budget for revenues provided by the county and Artesia General Hospital for the six EMTs and new ambulance for the Artesia Fire Department and other items, such as the bond project and safety pay for city employees. The second resolution included confirmation that municipal elections would continue to be conducted on Municipal Officer Election Day in March of even-numbered years, while the third was to correct misspellings and other minor errors on the Utility Lien Resolution. All three resolutions were approved unanimously. The council also ratified a letter written by Mayor Raye Miller and sent to the Bureau of Land Management asking for support for items being presented by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Associations in the BLMs Draft Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. At the request of Councilor Bill Rogers, the council also tentatively set a mid-year budget workshop for 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Councilor Kent Bratcher asked that people keep the residents of California in their thoughts as they deal with the effects of wildfires and the recent mass shooting, and all councilors expressed their wishes to one another, city employees, and the public for a happy Thanksgiving. The council will not convene again until their singular meeting in December: Tuesday, Dec. 11. As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the council gave permission for: approval of a second amendment and extension of a commercial lease for the City Planning Offices, 801 W. Bush Ave. the hiring of Kevin Hernandez as a firefighter/EMT I at a pay rate of $3,487 per month and Braeden Haeck as a police Community Service Officer at a rate of $2,037 per month. two finance and administration employees to attend the New Mexico Government Finance Officers Association Winter Conference in Albuquerque. one fire employee to attend a Medical Direction Committee meeting in Albuquerque. one solid waste employee to attend transfer station certification training in Truth or Consequences. one police employee to attend Supervising the Toxic Officer training in Rio Rancho. one police employee to attend Use of Force Instructor training in Hobbs. the cancellation of the Nov. 27 council meeting and setting of the December council meeting for Tuesday, Dec. 11. Members of the Newspaper Editors' Council of Bangladesh staged a protest demanding sweeping amendments to a newly enacted digital law that journalists and rights groups say will curb freedom of expression. Credit: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP Welcome to the monthly e-bulletin of the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN). The next bulletin will be sent on December 15, 2018, and your inputs are most welcome. We encourage contributions to let others know about your activities; to seek solidarity and support from SAMSN members for your campaigns and initiatives. To contribute, email Ujjwal Acharya at: ifjsouthasia@gmail.com Please feel free to distribute this bulletin widely among colleagues in the media. This e-bulletin and South Asia related content are available at the SAMSN Digital Hub: https://samsn.ifj.org In this bulletin: India: Two journalists killed in separate attacks in less than 24 hours Pakistani journalist killed for reporting on drug mafia Concerns for media safety in Sri Lanka amid political crisis Restrictive broadcasting bill endorsed by Bangladesh government Nepal government withholds Cabinet decisions from the media Journalist attacked and injured in West Nepal SAMSN Blog Economy of Bangladeshs Digital Media, by Pulack Ghatack Barkha Dutts open letter to #MeToo critics Photojournalist Shahidul Alam granted bail [The Daily Star] Private papers receive 50 percent subsidy [Bhutan Media Foundation] How Pakistans legal system failed the murdered journalists? [Freedom Network] Maldives: Anti-defamation law repealed [Maldives Independent] Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act challenged in Pakistan [Daily Times] Getting Away with Murder; CPJs Global Impunity Index released The Rise Of Digital Authoritarianism; Freedom on the Net 2018 [Freedom House] Journalists covering conflict: How to stay safe and live to tell the story! [Free Speech Collective] India: Two journalists killed in separate attacks in less than 24 hours In less than 24 hours, two journalists have been killed in attacks in Chhattisgargh and Jharkhand, India on October 29 and 30. Video-journalist Achyutananda Sahu was killed as he covering preparations for upcoming state elections in Chhattisgargh. Sahu was part of a media team from government-run Doordarshan, embedded with local police. He was killed from crossfire when the group came under attack from a Maoist militant group. In a separate incident, Chandan Tiwari, a journalist with Aaj News was last seen on October 29 in the Chatra district of Jharkhand. Tiwari was found unconscious in the jungle and rushed to hospital where he was declared deceased. Tiwari had lodged two police complaints over threats he had received with police. Read more. Pakistani journalist killed for reporting on drug mafia Pakistani journalist Sohail Khan was shot and killed just days after filing a story about drug mafia on October 16. Sohail had just left the District Police Office (DPO) in Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when he was shot at several times. He died at the scene. He was at the DPO filing an application for protection after receiving multiple death threats following his report on drug mafia in Pakistan. Read more. Concerns for media safety in Sri Lanka amid political crisis Newsrooms of the state-owned media in Sri Lanka were targeted and editorial staff harassed following the controversial appointment of former president Mahinda Rajapaksha as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26, 2018. After Rajapaksha was sworn-in on October 26, members of the unions loyal to Rajapakshas Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) moved in to take control of state-owned institutions. Senior editorial staff at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), the Independent Television Network (ITN), the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) kept away from the offices. A group of SLPP loyalists within ANCL barged into the layout section of the Daily News on October 26 night and changed the layout telling that they were acting under orders from the PMs office. Similarly, the staff at the Sunday Observer, were pressured to publish a story of Rajapaksa being sworn in, and warned not to report any stories regarding Wickremesinghe. Read more. Restrictive broadcasting bill endorsed by Bangladesh government The Bangladesh Government has endorsed the Broadcasting Bill in a cabinet meeting on October 15, raising concerns over restrictive provisions. Under the draft legislation, media outlets that publish material deemed to be harmful to the countrys history and image, public interest or law and order will be punished with a maximum of seven years jail and a fine of BDT 50 million (USD 588,000). Under the draft legislation, a broadcasting commission would also be established to help regulate the electronic media in keeping with the international practices and standard for ensuring objectivity, neutrality and accountability of mass media. The broadcasting commission would be responsible for licenses for private media outlets, and under the proposed bill, airing materials that may pose threat to national security and sovereignty or may appear satirical to national ideology will be prohibited. Read more. Nepal government withholds Cabinet decisions from the media Nepal government withheld the decisions of the meeting of the Council of Ministers from the media on November 11. Nepal Governments spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota told the media that the decisions will be known in due time and didnt read out the decisions breaking a long practice. He added that the Council of Ministers had decided to adopt a managed procedure to make decisions public. The decision was taken as the Cabinet unanimously felt that revealing these decisions immediately faced widespread criticism from the public and occasionally faced legal challenges in the Supreme Court. Read more. Journalist attacked and injured in West Nepal A dozen cadres of ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) attacked journalist Lokendra Khanal of Nagarik daily in Rukum district in west Nepal on November 9. Lokendra Khanal was attacked by a dozen assailants with knives while on his way to a religious ceremony at Magma of Bafiyakot in Rukum on the evening of November 9. Khanal, also the secretary of district chapter of NPU, sustained injuries to his head and needed a few stitches during treatment. Police has made no arrest in connection to the case. Read more. SAMSN Blog Economy of Bangladeshs Digital Media, by Pulack Ghatack Bangladesh saw massive growth of newspapers as well as the digital media in last few years. Pulack Ghatack analyses the situation of media in Bangladesh vis-a-vis the issues and challenges posed by the growth of digital platforms. Read more. Barkha Dutts open letter to #MeToo critics Indias #MeToo movement is a powerful social campaign led by women. But not everyone is a supporter. Veteran senior journalists Tavleen Singh, Manjeet Kripalani and Seema Mustafa have openly criticised #MeToo, dismissed it as elitist and in some cases blamed the women making the allegations. Journalist Barkha Dutt questions them in her first video column for ThePrint, India. Read more. Photojournalist Shahidul Alam granted bail [The Daily Star] Internationally acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam has secured bail after staying behind bars for over three months. There is no legal bar for Shahidul to get released from jail following the High Court verdict. The High Court granted his permanent bail considering his age and the time he spent behind bars. The photographer was sent behind bars on charges of spreading propaganda and false information against the government while doing live coverage of street protests in Dhaka on Facebook. Shahidul was picked up by law enforcers on the night of August 5. Read more. Private papers receive 50 percent subsidy [Bhutan Media Foundation] The Bhutan government approved 50 percent subsidy for the private papers in the country. In April this year, Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) had notified that the private English newspapers to print a minimum of 1,200 copies of each publication. Dzongkha private newspapers had to print a minimum of 600 copies. The subsidy was approved from the month of July this year for two years. Read more. How Pakistans legal system failed the murdered journalists? [Freedom Network] Of the 26 journalists murdered in Pakistan during the last five years for their journalism work, the cases of only 16 journalists went to court for trial of which prosecution and trial was concluded in six cases only and conviction handed in one case only. This was revealed in a new research study tracking and examining the failure of the justice system in prosecuting and punishing the killers of all journalists killed in Pakistan during May 2013 and May 18, released here on the eve of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2 every year. Read more. Maldives: Anti-defamation law repealed [Maldives Independent] Maldivian Parliament passed a bill to repeal the draconian law that re-criminalised defamation on November 14.The 2016 law was abolished with 38 votes in favour and 13 against with 51 MPs present from the 85-member house. Earlier this week, MPs voted 48-17 with two abstentions to send the bill to a committee for review. As pledged by president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the repeal legislation was submitted in the wake of the joint opposition candidates decisive victory over President Abdulla Yameen in Septembers election. Enacted in August 2016, the widely-condemned law introduced hefty fines and jail terms for journalists and individuals found guilty of slander. Read more. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act challenged in Pakistan [Daily Times] The Pakistan Press Foundation has challenged the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 as being ultra vires to the constitution, especially Article 19, which gives every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression. In a petition, lawyer Yasser Latif Hamdani has argued that despite a lapse of two years the ministry is yet to frame rules under Section 37 of the PECA and continues to block online content with impunity and in violation of the requirements of the law. Read more. Getting Away with Murder; CPJs Global Impunity Index released Impunity is entrenched in 14 nations, according to CPJ's 2018 Global Impunity Index, which ranks states with the worst records of prosecuting the killers of journalists. Among the 14 nations, four are South Asians Afghanistan at sixth position, Pakistan in ninth, Bangladesh in 12th, and India on 14th. Somalia tops the list for the fourth year in a row. Read more. The Rise of Digital Authoritarianism; Freedom on the Net 2018 [Freedom House] The internet is growing less free around the world, and democracy itself is withering under its influence, according to the annual Freedom on the Net 2018 report by the Freedom House. Disinformation and propaganda disseminated online have poisoned the public sphere. The unbridled collection of personal data has broken down traditional notions of privacy. And a cohort of countries is moving toward digital authoritarianism by embracing the Chinese model of extensive censorship and automated surveillance systems. As a result of these trends, global internet freedom declined for the eighth consecutive year in 2018. Read more. Journalists covering conflict: How to stay safe and live to tell the story! [Free Speech Collective] The tragic death of Doordarshan cameraperson Achyutanand Sahu near Nilawaya village, Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh, has put the spotlight on the perils of journalism in conflict zones. Journalists in Bastar have spoken about the problems they have faced, targeted by the police for investigating atrocities by security forces against the villagers. Journalists have been arrested on trumped up charges, face court cases for sedition charges and when they venture into the forests, face gruelling interrogation from the security forces on their return. Covering Bastar is very tenuous and a situation fraught with danger. Trusting the right sources, maintaining ones independence from the government, the security forces, the Maoists and the vigilante groups and still managing to move about in conflict zones, meeting villages and getting the story is a really difficult task. But, it is possible, with these simple guidelines. Read more. *** SAMSN is a network of journalists trade unions, press freedom organisations and journalists in South Asia that works together to support freedom of expression and association in the region. For further information on SAMSN, visit: https://samsn.ifj.org/us/ If you have information on a press freedom violation or matters relating to media freedom and journalists rights in South Asia, contact staff at IFJ Asia-Pacific so that action can be taken. To contribute to this bulletin, email ifjsouthasia@gmail.com The deeply reported New York Times piece on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sheryl Sandberg that came out yesterday is a number of things. Troubling. Shocking. Disastrous. And a portrait of utter ineptitude. It's also such a failure of purported principle that it is an important lesson for business leaders. These days, when you pretend to be one thing and act differently, eventually it's going to come out. It's going to ruin your reputation, even if your job is safe. And it will never go away, because you're the one responsible.. If you haven't read the Times piece, you really should to see how not to handle a crisis. The three words in the headline give away the basic concept: delay, deny, and deflect. These may seem like smart moves, but only to amateurs, and, sadly, both Zuckerberg and Sandberg fell flat on their faces. If you don't have the time, here's the key takeaway list. First, Facebook knew about Russian activities on its platform even while Zuckerberg publicly denied it. Even if you have questions about how much of a role foreign interference played in the 2016 election, realism says that it's a major issue in the U.S. that upsets many. Lying about it was beyond foolish. It was outright stupid. If that ever came out--and look, it did--it would be devastating to the reputation of connection and caring that Zuckerberg has tried to cultivate. People might have said he looked like a robot. Now they'll think a lot worse. Sandberg was supposed to be brilliant. She had major political experience and connections. This was the "adult" put in to help make things run smoothly. But it's not enough to be technically good at this level. You must understand business nuance and take the right path and separate good advice from bad. Sandberg completely failed, along with her boss. The campaign to attack critics was like taking the worst of political plays from Democrats and Republicans and turning them into a toxic brew. Here's a sample from the Times's summary: Facebook hired Senator Mark Warner's former chief of staff to lobby him; Ms. Sandberg personally called Senator Amy Klobuchar to complain about her criticism. The company also deployed a public relations firm to push negative stories about its political critics and cast blame on companies like Google. Those efforts included depicting the billionaire liberal donor George Soros as the force behind a broad anti-Facebook movement, and publishing stories praising Facebook and criticizing Google and Apple on a conservative news site. One of the things both Sandberg and Zuckerberg agreed to was asking a Jewish civil rights group to call some of the criticism anti-Semitic. And then they turned around and had a consultancy label critics as being funded by George Soros, which has become a standard tool in not only right-wing political but anti-Semitic playbooks. They tried to smother coverage of the Cambridge Analytica fiasco and instead found that not only did Republicans and Democrats start to hate them, but tech rivals were able to use the disaster as a way to attack the company. So Facebook reportedly worked with other consultants to plant negative stories on a conservative news site. But read the original full story. It's unbelievable. Over at Recode, Kurt Wagner asked a great question: Who does Facebook fire after a bombshell New York Times investigation? Although it seems unlikely to happen, the answer should be Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg. With two deadly wildfires still burning large swaths of homes and businesses in Northern and Southern California--and displacing an estimated 300,000 residents--it's hard to go on with business as usual. "Any business here in L.A. is impacted to some degree," says Sean Kelly, co-founder and CEO of SnackNation, a Culver City, California-based company that delivers curated boxes of healthy snacks to businesses. At least five of his 170 employees have been forced to evacuate their homes. The company is coordinating product donations to firefighters. "It's not just the community members, it's also the firefighters and the people who are really responsible of containing the flames, who we could argue are in need of more help and support than anything." SnackNation is also carrying out an employee donation campaign to collect supplies--water and masks--for those who need them. It organized a company-wide volunteer drive too, with its staff spending two half days this week helping out at Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization based in Chicago. "Obviously we want to make sure that the efforts that we put forth are welcomed and are needed," Kelly adds. Kelly is just one of many California business owners who are pitching in during this incredibly difficult time in the state's history. Besides the death toll, which now counts 66, and the estimated 239,000 acres of scorched earth, towns as far away as 100 miles from burn zones have seen power and internet outages, as well as air quality alerts. Governor Jerry Brown has said California is "pretty well maxed out" fighting to contain the fires. Among those providing help is Airbnb, which deployed its Open Homes program to offer free housing to evacuees and first responders in California until November 29. Other tech companies including Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are donating money to relief organizations, like the American Red Cross. To be sure, business owners are still largely grappling with the horror of this moment; some have even lost homes in the blazes. It has become personal for many--even for those who are still as yet, untouched by the fires. That's true for Lawrence Nolan, founder and CEO of Hardcore Fitness, a chain of gyms with 18 locations across the U.S, half of them in Southern California. He says it's important for business owners to pay it forward and "utilize this time to build community." Every year his customers donate money and time to put together Thanksgiving boxes to support single mothers. This year, he has enlisted the help of former firefighters to compile a list of items generally required in these emergencies, things like deodorants and sanitary pads, for example. He's sharing that list with his clients. "They're going to put together these care packages and bring them to the gym," Nolan says. "And we'll distribute them to the fire stations." Similarly wanting to help is Hope Horner. The co-founder of Lemonlight, a video startup based in Marina del Rey, California, is organizing a blood drive, and donating products on hand, like leftover beef jerky from a shoot. "For us it's really just trying to figure out how we can give back," says Horner. Dame Emma Thompson has recalled shooting her first-ever sex scene. Appearing on the wildly popular podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno, the actor spoke about filming the Richard Curtis rom-com The Tall Guy, in which she starred alongside Jeff Goldblum My first film was called The Tall Guy and there was a sex scene in it, she said. Because it was a comedy sex scene, we were shagging on the piano, we were shagging in the breakfast things. There was shots of my arse with bits of toast stuck to it. Two f***ing days of being nude on set. The best films of 2018 (so far) Show all 17 1 /17 The best films of 2018 (so far) The best films of 2018 (so far) The Guardians From its slow-burning beginning, The Guardians develops into an epic melodrama. Its a wartime story in which, for a change, the men are relegated to supporting roles. It follows in a tradition of French rural family sagas like Jean De Florette or Manon Des Sources. The landscapes and the changing seasons play as much of a part in the story as the main characters. The best films of 2018 (so far) Dark River Dark River offers little such consolation. It has some lyrical and delicate moments but the mood is generally overwhelmingly bleak and lugubrious. Incest and abuse dont leave much space for any comic interludes. This is a powerful film with a grinding intensity about it. Light relief it isnt but Dark River still has quite an impact. Alamy The best films of 2018 (so far) Zama Late on in Argentinean director Lucrecia Martels startling, highly original new feature, Zama, a character who has just had both his arms cut off, is advised to shove your stumps in the sand if you dont bleed out, youll survive. Its a grisly, darkly humorous moment in a film that continually surprises us with both its brutality and its lyricism. The Match Factory The best films of 2018 (so far) The Breadwinner The most dispiriting aspect of this otherwise enrapturing Oscar-nominated animated feature is that its storyline still seems so current. The film depicts an Afghan society in which women dont have a face. It is set during the Taliban rule, which lasted from the mid-1990s until late 2001, but this doesnt feel like a period piece. Seventeen years after the Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan following the US invasion, the plight of women in the country appears hardly to have improved. GKIDS The best films of 2018 (so far) BlacKkKlansman Spike Lees work sometimes risks sensory overload. He fires off so many different ideas and storytelling styles that audiences can become bamboozled by his scattergun approach. BlacKkKlansman is one of his very best films because the digressions are as entertaining as ever but dont get in the way of the main story. AP The best films of 2018 (so far) Early Man Much of the pleasure in Aardman films has always lain in their gently ironic, Alan Bennett-like humour. They take very exotic characters and subject matter but then deal with them in a matter-of-fact fashion. They make a virtue out of their own relative modesty. Early Man isnt the flashiest animated feature that youll see this year but it is certainly the most likeable. The best films of 2018 (so far) Isle of Dogs Like all of Wes Andersons work, Isle Of Dogs is very stylised, very offbeat and characterised by its extremely dry and often ironic humour. This Japanese-set stop-motion fable is also gorgeous to look at packed full of intricate visual detail. It deals with some weighty themes (ethnic cleansing, fascism and corruption) but does so in an idiosyncratic fashion. The best films of 2018 (so far) Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri Writer-director Martin McDonagh has a host of award-winning plays behind him but his movies havent always lived up to his stage work. This one certainly does. It shares some of the dark and nihilistic humour found in McDonaghs previous film, Seven Psychopaths. The best films of 2018 (so far) A Quiet Place In an era of wearisome poltergeist movies, haunted house stories and torture porn, A Quiet Place is a refreshingly pared-down and very original affair. Director John Krasinski relies on editing, sound effects and off-screen action to crank up the tension. We do see the creatures from time to time, sometimes even in extreme closeup. They are very grotesque, bigger versions of the polyp-like succubus which exploded out of John Hurts stomach in Alien. However, the most terrifying moments here come when the humans are waiting for them to appear, desperately hoping that they wont. Paramount Pictures The best films of 2018 (so far) Lady Bird Lady Bird is one of the best American coming-of-age films since Barry Levinsons Diner. Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, it offers an utterly winning mix of humour, poignancy and sharp-eyed social observation. Gerwig approaches her subject matter with the same tenderness and affectionate irony with which the adolescent Lady Bird regards Sacramento. Gerwig also shows Lady Birds heroism as the young heroine strives against the odds to become the very best version of herself she can be. A24 The best films of 2018 (so far) Phantom Thread If Phantom Thread is indeed Daniel Day-Lewiss final film as an actor, he is going out on a wondrously bizarre note. This must be the oddest film in his career, one in which he gives a typically commanding but very idiosyncratic performance. Almost everything here is jarring but generally in a very positive way. The best films of 2018 (so far) First Reformed It is not so long ago that Paul Schrader seemed to be giving up on cinema. The American writer-director (whose credits include Taxi Driver, American Gigolo and Affliction) had taken to making movies like the sour Hollywood satire The Canyons with Lindsay Lohan and the cartoonishly violent Dog Eat Dog, shot cheaply, aimed at a VOD audience. The former had a montage of closed-down movie theatres. In interviews, Schrader struck a gloomy note about the future of the industry. This is why First Reformed is so refreshing. This is not just Schraders best film in a very long while. It is also a re-affirmation of the directors belief in the medium. Rex The best films of 2018 (so far) The Happy Prince Oscar Wilde goes to ruin in Rupert Everetts debut feature as director. Everett also wrote and stars in the film, giving a grandstanding performance as the Irish writer at the end of his life, after his release from prison, where he has been doing hard labour for gross indecency. This is a moving and surprising biopic that squeezes out every last drop of pathos from its subject matter. BBC Films The best films of 2018 (so far) Black Panther Black Panther is not only one of the most entertaining recent superhero films but has an intelligence and a political dimension that such inchoate offerings as Suicide Squad and Justice League completely lacked. It is an action movie which touches on Pan-Africanism and which owes as much to Malcolm X as it does to Batman or Captain America. Marvel Studios/Disney The best films of 2018 (so far) Sicilian Ghost Story Sicilian Ghost Story is a genre-bending affair that combines elements of teen romance, gothic psycho-drama and political thriller. It is loosely based on a true story of a boy called Giuseppe Di Matteo whose father, an ex-member of the Sicilian Mafia, turned grass against his erstwhile associates. The Mafia responded by kidnapping Giuseppe and keeping him in captivity for nearly 800 days. Altitude The best films of 2018 (so far) First Man First Man is all about understated heroism. Its affecting precisely because Armstrong (played with quiet intensity by Ryan Gosling) doesnt feel the continual need to boast about his mission. The film is a tearjerker but a very subtle one. AP The best films of 2018 (so far) Dogman Dogman is one of the best Italian films of recent times, a modern day neo realist fable that bears comparison with the great work of Fellini, Rossellini, De Sica et al. Its main character, the dog groomer Marcello (Marcello Fonte), is a wonderful creation: loveable, vulnerable, seedy and comic all at the same time. Curzon Artificial Eye And when the campaign came out, the Campaign Against Pornography said that if they were to show their children a sex scene, they would show that one, because it was fun, and funny, and full of humour. Because I noticed at the time that all sex scenes, everyone was so angry. Theyre angry! You look at peoples faces, you look at Basic Instinct. Sharon Stone livid! So cross! The scene in question does indeed show a piece of toast stuck to Thompson as she rolls around frivolously with Goldblum, even smashing a tea pot over his head. The 1989 film was Thompsons first on screen role; her performance was met with praise while the romp itself receiving middling reviews. There is much to enjoy in the Sweeney Todd-style structure of Inside the Foreign Office (BBC2). After all, the audience knows from the beginning that the protagonist, in this case the foreign secretary Boris Johnson, will not be alive by the end of it. This documentary wisely imitates what is well known to have been life inside the Foreign Office under the tenure of the worst person ever to run it his civil servants quickly come to run this show entirely by themselves, just as they did their organisation. For those who know what happens next, which is everyone, there are almost Shakespearean levels of dramatic irony in its opening scenes. Foreign Office staff are summoned to the grand Durbar Court to hear from the foreign secretary, a few days after the general election in which his government committed slow-motion harakiri, heralding his arrival with the kind of subtly underwhelming applause of which only the professionally polite are truly capable. It is no secret that, for the entire timespan covered in the first episode of this three-part series, Foreign Office staff were counting down to what they themselves called Liberation Day from Boris Johnson, which came scarcely a year later when the countrys chief diplomat failed to turn up to host a summit in London for Western Balkan leaders who had flown in for the purpose. The purpose of the programme is also made clear, right at the start. How do the countrys diplomats uphold Britains place in the world when its voters have voted to diminish it? How can Britain continue to exert its influence when, for example, it has chosen to leave the European Union and so no longer attend the regular meetings of all of Europes leaders? And, moreover, when it has chosen to be led in this task by a man once generously described by the comedian John Oliver as a shaved orangutan? But his zookeepers do emerge with much credit. In one notable meeting, senior Foreign Office staff discuss how they might best exercise their leverage over a request from Russia to use British money to help rebuild Syria. Mercifully, Johnson scarcely gets a word in edgewise. The opening episode heavily intimates at a greater role for the Foreign Offices permanent secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, in next weeks instalment, though given the project would not have gone ahead without his say so, his closing comments are worth remembering. Diplomacy, he says, is about making people feel theyve been taken into your confidence, but, in the end, without actually telling them anything. A bit like House of Cards, the filmmaker Michael Waldman asks him: You might say that, I couldnt possibly comment. Is that what ministries are like? McDonald only says there is less murder. Which for now is at least literally true, if not figuratively. Dozens of countries including China and Russia are pursuing environmental policies that would lead to global warming-linked temperature rises exceeding 5C by the end of the century, a new study shows. Researchers warned of a collective lack of ambition that threatened to see a potentially dangerous rise in global temperatures, with current US carbon commitments on course to push global temperature rises to 4C compared with pre-industrial levels. The study, by researchers at the Australian-German Climate & Energy College, University of Melbourne and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, is the first to assess the ambition of countries by their climate change pledges to the UN. The report collates the temperature rises that would be seen globally if the emissions pledge of any one country were applied around the world. The UKs efforts rank averagely compared with other EU nations. Were the rest of the world to follow the British governments lead, projected global temperatures would climb by 2.9C, the data shows. Several other nations, including Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina are set to top 5C rises on their current trajectory, the report published in Nature Communications found. Researchers hope the study will make it easier for members of the public and climate lobby groups to take legal action against governments who are failing to tackle the environmental threat. It will also help policy makers to assess what more needs to be done to meet the global emissions targets under the Paris Agreement. As part of that accord, the decision was made to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. In total, 195 countries signed the accord and 173 have become party to the document which aims to curb global carbon emissions and contain global warming. However, Donald Trump withdrew the US from the agreement last year, claiming it put American workers particularly in the coal industry at an economic disadvantage". Donald Trump says he thinks climate change will 'change back' Although the agreement aimed to keep global temperatures well below 2C above pre-industrial times, the more ambitious target of 1.5C is seen as the best way to avoid the harmful impacts of climate change. These include devastating natural disasters such as droughts and flooding, which are increasingly being directly linked with rising temperatures. The data shows that much of sub-Saharan is on track to fall well below the 1.5C target, with most at or below 1.2C. But much of Asia, the Middle East and North and South America are due to far exceed the 1.5C target that experts agree is the best way to avoid the harmful impacts of climate change. A man makes his way at a village which locates next to cooling towers of a coal-fired power plant in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, China (Reuters) The greenest countries on this assessment are the least developed, Yann Robiou du Pont, co-author of the study, told The Independent. Given that they pollute so much less, have polluted so much less and have low per capita GDP, they could increase their emissions to some extent, and that would be fair. Recommended Only 16 countries matching ambitious climate pledges of Paris accord But he added: Many industrialised countries perform poorly. After all, we know that industrialisation brought climate change. That does not mean that industrialised countries cannot act on it. Also, some are performing significantly better than others. The EU does better than the US, Canada or Australia. But again, this only reviews the commitments, and does not say whether countries will actually meet them, or maybe even over perform. Mr Robiou du Pont said world emissions are not on track at all to limit warming to 1.5C but added that there were still reasons to be optimistic, including an increase in legal proceedings against governments accused of inaction. Increased involvement by local and regional governments, such as states and cities, to aid the fight also give cause for hope, he said. The full map and data can be accessed here. It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is no wardrobe staple quite like the little black dress. The LBD, as it is fondly known, soared in popularity after Coco Chanel freed it from the shackles of the clergy in the mid-1920s, declaring it a uniform for all women of taste. Then in 1961s Breakfast at Tiffanys, Hollywood darling Audrey Hepburn gave a masterclass in pairing one with a statement necklace and updo. Nowadays theyre everywhere, in all manner of styles, colours and textures and rightly so. The LBD neednt be boring. Theres a little black dress for every budget. That said, its easier to justify a splurge on something thatll last you years. LBD's can be dressed up differently using colourful blazers, shoes and accessories, or dressed down with trainers, ankle boots and leather jackets. Christmas party season is fast approaching, meaning its high time we went shopping for the best. It's all about the fit, so weve tried these on to gauge how true to our usual size they are. There are some pretty plus-size, petite and maternity options on this list, too. Some are suitable for going straight from the office to a sophisticated drinks do; others are sexier and designed for the dance floor. Enjoy strutting your stuff! Zara Sequinned Fringe Dress: 39.99, Zara Shake your tail feather in this fabulous fringed dress from our high street favourite, Spanish retailer Zara. Covered in bang-on-trend black and gold sequinned tassels that shake as you dance, it would look beautiful teamed with strappy heels, a nude lip and lashings of eyeliner. Its loose-fitting for easy movement, so if in doubt go for the smaller size. Getting dressed is easy; just undo the top button at the back and slip it over your head. It has a high neck at the front, a slight dip at the back and falls to just above the knee. Delicate black mesh sleeves emphasise the detailing. Its comfy on and not at all tight around the middle, but expect it to feel a tad itchy under the arms until youre a couple of proseccos down, that is. If youve got a Great Gatsby-themed New Years Eve party in the diary, this dress is fit for a Daisy. Sizes XS-XL. Buy now LK Bennett Eline Black Dress: 225, LK Bennett This beautifully-made sheath dress is one of the most flattering on our roundup thanks to contouring seams that hug your silhouette. Designed by luxury high-street go-to LK Bennett, the material is stretchy enough to avoid being tight and uncomfortable. Its a smart buy if youre hunting for something classic thatll never go out of fashion. Its cut to mid-length, lined and has a subtle back zip for easy dressing. The cute cap sleeves, chic v-neckline and slight slit at the hem give it a conservative yet contemporary edge. LK Bennetts fashion experts recommend leaving your necklace at home and letting the statement collar shine. Its also available in navy and comes in a petite fit for women measuring 53 and under, too. Go for your usual size. Sizes 4-20. Buy now H&M Velour Dress: 8.99, H&M For a cheap and cheerful LBD, look no further than H&M. They have a huge range in store but our top pick is this velvety number that looks simple and stylish on. It falls mid-thigh, without being so short you fear to bend down, and is sleeveless so you wont get too sweaty in the club. It pulls on easily without the need for a zip. The neckline is high at the front but plunging at the back, which looks sexy but means youll need a backless bra. The skirt gently flares for fun spin factor when dancing. For less than a tenner, you cant expect much from the unlined material, but its soft to touch. It comes up true to size and is also available in festive red and green. Sizes 4-18. Buy now Adrianna Papell Ruffle Crepe Drape Dress: 112, House of Fraser Go from desk to dinner in this upmarket sleeveless shift dress from New York womenswear brand Adrianna Papell. Made from a softly textured crepe, it features a chic popover bodice and a playful ruffle down the centre. It has broad straps, a silky lining and does up with a hidden back zip. It hangs at any office-appropriate knee-length and looks amazing with big stud earrings, strappy heels and an updo. Its pricey enough to be high quality without breaking the bank, especially as youll wear it so often. Opt for the size that normally fits you best. Sizes 6-18. Buy now Quiz Curve Black Bardot Knot Front Dress: 29.99, Debenhams Designed for plus-size women, this alluringly feminine dress has a knotted front and off-the-shoulder Bardot neckline that draws the eye upwards and accentuates your bust. Its pretty dip hem that falls just below the knee and swooshes about as you dance. Simply pull it on over your head its stretchy enough and position the sweet short sleeves over your upper arms. Itll look gorgeously glam teamed with statement dangly earrings and your favourite pair of party heels. This LBD is so fun to wear you wont want to take it off, but luckily it also comes in deep berry and bottle green. Sizes 16-26. Buy now Twinset Milano Mesh, Lace and Plumetis Dress: 172.86, Twinset Milano Girls with a grungy edge to their romantic style will be besotted by this stunning mesh, lace and plumetis (a lightweight fabric woven with raised dots) dress from Italian clothing brand Twinset Milano, which opened its first UK store on the Kings Road this summer. The intricately-patterned lace cap sleeves are our highlight, though be careful not to catch them on anything! Its a textural delight that falls mid-thigh, with a round neckline and non-itchy jersey lining. Itll more than hold its own as a party dress, but we also plan to wear ours in the day with a leather jacket and buckled ankle boots. If you want it in another colourway, buy the nude pink and light grey combo too. Plump for your usual size provided its within the limited range on offer. Sizes XXS-L (6-14). Buy now Pretty Little Thing Black Asymmetric Strap Midi Dress: 18, Pretty Little Thing For a dress that looks far more expensive than its budget price tag, look no further than this elegant little number from the online retailer of the moment, Pretty Little Thing (yes, the one all those Love Island stars are ambassadors for). Made from a figure-hugging stretchy fabric, it has one asymmetric shoulder strap and falls to just below the knee. It looks fabulous teamed with statement earrings and strappy gold heels. Flaunt your best assets, particularly if they include your bum! Its meant to fit tightly, so go for your usual size or one below. This is an LBD made for dressing to impress at a fashionable festive soiree. Sizes 4-16. Buy now JoJo Maman Bebe Black Lace Maternity Swing Dress: 39.20, JoJo Maman Bebe Being pregnant neednt mean missing out on all the festive fun. Maternity wear retailer JoJo Maman Bebe knows that and stocks this party-ready swing dress with pretty lace sleeves and neckline. Its been specially designed to make the most of your figure using a soft and stretchy jersey fabric that doesnt cling to your bump. The optional tie allows you to define your waist to fit your changing shape over the course of nine months and wear it afterwards, too. Its on the shorter side, falling mid-thigh, and does up with a back button keyhole fastening. The size you usually were pre-pregnancy should prove the best fit. Grab this while its in the sale. Sizes XS-L. Buy now & Other Stories Frill Mini Dress: 69, & Other Stories If youre not one to cover up too demurely, this frill mini dress from high street hit & Other Stories will catch your eye. Its ruffled neckline lets everyone know youre ready to party without being brash and the thin spaghetti straps let you show off your shoulders. It hides cleavage but theres a cheeky side slit up one thigh. In case youre worried about squeezing it on, theres a hidden zip up the middle off the back and we found it true to size for a slim fit. Designed in Los Angeles, this flirty mini will be a firm favourite both for Christmas dos and summer nights on holiday. Its worth trying if youre petite, too, though obviously, itll fall closer to the knee. Sizes 34-42. Buy now Hobbs Harriet Dress: 149, Hobbs For a touch of gothic glamour, try this delicate crepe dress from understated British brand Hobbs. Its floaty, smocked bell sleeves look ethereal holding a glass of fizz It has a high neck at the front and back and falls to knee length. Consider choosing the next size down as its a loose-fitting tunic cut. Its lined but bear in mind that the material is thin so youll need to wear a t-shirt bra underneath. The concealed zip runs all the way down the back so there wont be any struggle to get it on. Its not at all clingy a good choice for a Christmas dinner! and feels lovely and cool to dance in. Its smart enough for a professional meeting, too. Sizes 6-18. Buy now Dorothy Perkins Billie & Blossom Curve Black Sequin Shift Dress: 32, Dorothy Perkins Its sequins at dawn with this party-starting sequin shift dress from the Billie & Blossom range at high street brand Dorothy Perkins. It has three-quarter length sleeves with sequined cuffs and will catch every shard of light the glitterball throws your way. Simply slip it over your head and fasten the button at the top of the high back. Comfortable and liberating to wear, it falls at knee-length and requires little accessorising bar a pair of shiny heels and lick of red lipstick. Considering we cant count all those sequins, its great value too. Sizes 18-28. Buy now Peacocks Women's Envy Black Lace Racer Dress: 30, Peacocks Fresh from the new Envy range at affordable clothing retailer Peacocks, this bold and glitzy dress will add sparkle to any Christmas celebration. Its made from a lined, lacy black fabric adorned with sequins and has a racer neckline that flatters the bust. Theres a hidden zip down the back for slipping it on faff-free and once done up, it has a bodycon fit. If youre planning on going out-out and dont want to worry about spilling red wine down a luxury buy, this LBD is a strong contender. Simply add big hoop earrings and high heels and youre ready. It also comes in bright cherry red. Sizes 8-18. Buy now The Verdict: Best little black dresses Its tough to pick one winner from the above, but Zaras Sequinned Fringe Dress ticks all our boxes when it comes to choosing a party dress thatll stand out from the crowd, be enjoyable to wear and wont make our bank balance cry. That said, if its a classic LBD youre after, LK Bennetts Eline Dress comes out on top but it will set you back a fair bit more. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Black Friday, the annual scramble for discount Christmas presents, takes place once again on 26 November, with in-store purchases expected to resume after the sales bonanza became almost exclusively an online event in 2020 because of the social restrictions then in force to combat the coronavirus at the height of the pandemic. A media favourite for the outbreaks of chaos that usually erupt in the aisles as squabbling bargain-hunters engage in tugs-of-war for flat screen TVs and step over their grandmothers to snatch a cut-price XBox, the day unofficially marks the beginning of the festive retail season. Whatever you think of it, Black Friday has become an annual fixture and appears to be here to stay. The name itself has been used around the world since at least the mid-19th century to refer to days of national calamity. Perhaps the most famous examples of this are the Black Friday of 10 November 1910, when 300 suffragettes marched on the Houses of Parliament in London to call for the right to vote and were violently beaten back by the Metropolitan Police and the Black Friday of 25 October 1929, following Black Thursday, when the New York Stock Exchange collapsed, bringing about the Great Depression. In Britain, it has commonly been used by the emergency services to refer to the final Friday before Christmas, when the majority of office festive parties take place, resulting in a busy night for ambulance crews caring for sickly HR managers who have unwisely over-indulged on seasonal good cheer. The reason the modern discount feeding frenzy has been given the same sinister moniker is that it always takes place the day after the Thursday of Thanksgiving in the US, when workers frequently call in sick to secure a four-day weekend, a calamity for the American economy only alleviated if families use their additional ill-gotten leisure time to hit the stores. The first recorded use of the term to identify this annual phenomenon appeared in the November 1951 issue of the industrial trade journal Factory Management and Maintenance, so Black Friday as we understand it today can be traced back at least that far. The phrase gradually caught on and by November 1975 it was being used by The New York Times to refer to the atrocious traffic congestion seen in Philadelphia as shoppers raced out for bargains in the hope of spreading the cost of Christmas over a broader time period. An alternative explanation offered by accountants is that the day is the moment at which stores make so much money that they cease operating at a loss and move from the red into the black. But Black Friday has only really caught on as a label within the last 20 years, with retailers becoming ever-more strategic about their approach to the day, offering major sales promotions and extending their opening hours, often to midnight. Amazon has been credited with bringing this very American event to the UK since it first began offering Black Friday deals in 2010. Asda, owned by US giant Walmart, followed suit in 2013 and the craze has snowballed from there. Previously Brits enjoyed smugly watching the hyper-capitalist carnage unfold in Target, Radio Shack and Toys R Us megastores on YouTube. Dozens of Brazilians reach for television sets in a store in Sao Paulo, Brazil (EPA) More recently, weve been drawn into the thick of it on our own high streets and the grins have been definitively wiped from our faces. Some UK chains have moved to distance themselves from Black Friday in the wake of the particularly raucous scenes that unfolded in 2014, which led to in-store security finding themselves overwhelmed and the police having to intervene. The day has meanwhile been criticised in the US for the strain it places on staff at the big stores, the safety risks associated with large-scale crowd management and the occasional shady business practices involved. This last might include stores artificially inflating prices on goods in advance, only to then slash the cost back down to its original value or temporarily laying on inferior products just to meet the ravenous demand for loot. The madness has nevertheless spread around the world. France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa have all embraced the mania in recent years. Ezra Miller's status as a sartorial renegade has been gathering pace in recent months, but his ranking reached new heights at this year's Met Gala. The annual event's "Camp" theme might as well have been chosen in honour of the American actor, who arrived covering his face with a mask of, um, his own face, only to then reveal his true profile, which was dotted with surrealist eyes. Complete with a swish of scarlet lipstick, a bouffant hairdo and a rhinestone corset, Miller's look was a theatrical display of flamboyance, artistry, ebullience, and everything in between. The 26-year-old has been hailed for his weird and wonderful ensembles in the past, which subvert sartorial norms and championing a gender-neutral way of dressing. Miller has worn everything from floor-length puffer coats to feathered capes on the red carpet and pulled it all off with aplomb, making him one of the most sought after celebrities by designers, with everyone from Givenchy to Valentino battling to dress the actor. Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Show all 103 1 /103 Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lady Gaga Gaga wore not one but four outfits for the event, designed by friend and former stylist Brandon Maxwell. Unveiling her outfit layer by layer, Gaga showed off a hot pink dress, which layered over a black strapless dress, a pink skintight ensemble, and then a sheer pair of bejewelled fishnet tights and underwear. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lady Gaga Gaga's second look for the evening. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lady Gaga The singer's third ensemble of the night. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lady Gaga And the grand finale. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Cara Delevingne The British model opted for a sheer rainbow-striped playsuit by Dior for the 2019 Met Gala. The 26-year-old finished the look with a Swarovski cane, platform heels and a dramatic headpiece that featured everything from bananas and false teeth to a fried egg. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Cardi B Cardi B arrived on the Met Gala pink carpet wearing a dramatic red gown that took 35 people more than 2,000 hours to make. The dress, which was designed by Thom Browne, was also decorated with 30,000 burnt and dyed coque feathers. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Newlyweds Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner wore co-ordinating outfits to the Met Gala, both opting for colourful Louis Vuitton looks. Jonas sported a graphic roll neck top and trousers while Turner wore a sequin jumpsuit and black heels. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Donatella Versace The Italian fashion designer wore a neon green gown that featured the words "divine" and "more" in sparkling pink sequins. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Dua Lipa The British singer attended the Met Gala for the very first time wearing a multi-coloured Versace gown and matching boots. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks RuPaul RuPaul walked the Met Gala's pink carpet in an eye-catching pink and black zebra-stripped suit. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Regina King The If Beale Street Could Talk star wore a shimmering gold Oscar de la Renta gown with a large ruffle detail down the side. King revealed that her dress was inspired in part by the fictional character Dominque Deveraux from ABCs soap opera Dynasty. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Tessa Thompson The Creed actor opted for a Chanel look from the autumn/winter 2016 couture show. The actor wore her hair as a whip that was several feet long. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Serena Williams The tennis champion attended the event, which she co-hosted, wearing a neon yellow gown designed by Versace and matching Nike trainers. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Chloe Grace Moretz The American actor attended the event wearing a giant-collared Louis Vuitton mini-dress and curled hair. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Mindy Kaling Kaling wore a gold sequinned gown and dyed her hair an icy blonde shade to match. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kelela The singer wore a Paco Rabanne chain mail dress to this years Met Gala. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Nicki Minaj The American rapper opted for a pale pink gown with crystals designed by Prabal Gurung. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Irina Shayk The Russian model wore a plunging velvet Burberry gown designed by Riccardo Tisci. The navy blue dress featured built in gloves along with a cluster of jewels adorning the front and back. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Jennifer Lopez The singer and actor opted for a silver fringe beaded Versace dress featuring a thigh-high slit and plunging neckline. She teamed the look with a matching fringe headpiece. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Zendaya The Greatest Showman star dressed up as Disney's Cinderella for the 2019 Met Gala. The actor wore a bold blue gown by Tommy Hilfiger which, after a wave of her stylist Law Roachs wand, began to light up. True to the fairytale's plot, Zendaya also left her glass shoe on the pink carpet. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Laverne Cox Cox stunned in an oversized black dress with a train designed by Christian Siriano. She teamed the look with pale turquoise hair. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Hailee Steinfeld The American singer and actor wore a Viktor & Rolfe gown that was emblazoned with the words "No Photos Please". Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lupita Nyong'o The Us actor wore a multi-coloured dress that featured a sheer sparkly gown and rainbow wings. She accessorised the look with gold Afro picks in her hair and a giant fan. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Cody Fern American Horror Story actor Cody Fern wore a beige trouser suit complete with a sheer shirt, black gloves and bright blue cowboy boots PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Ella Balinska The British actor made her Met Gala debut in a voluminous silver gown with pleated ruffles by Tory Burch. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Hari Nef Gucci muse Hari Nef wore a Gen-Z Yellow dress designed by creative director Alessandro Michele for the event. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Penelope Cruz The Spanish actor wore a vintage black and white Chanel gown from French fashion the houses Spring 1987 Couture collection. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Ezra Miller The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them star concealed his face at the Met Gala with a mask on a stick. Miller went on to bare his true identity, revealing that his face had been painted with five optical-illusion eyeballs. He wore a pinstripe Burberry suit that featured a long train and a pearl corset. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Richard Madden The Bodyguard actor wore an all-black draped tuxedo from Dior Mens Fall 2019 show. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Solange Knowles The singer opted for a python bodysuit and matching thigh-high boots by Salvatore Ferragamo. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Emily Blunt Blunt wore a gold sequinned gown designed by Michael Kors. The whole look comprised 510,000 sequins and 1,344 gold crystals. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Harry Styles and Alessandro Michele Styles and the Gucci creative director wore matching Gucci for the night. The singer wore a black pussy-bow blouse, black trousers, and a single pearl earring, designed by Michele. Meanwhile, the fashion designer chose a pink ruffled suit and jewelled headband for the occasion. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Ciara The singer attended the event wearing a beaded emerald Dundas gown with a feathered train and matching gloves. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lizzo The American rapper arrived wearing a white gown and neon pink feathered cape by Marc Jacobs with bright hair to match. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Celine Dion The singer wore an Oscar de la Renta metallic bodysuit with fringe-detailing and a plunging neckline. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Karlie Kloss The American model wore a gold mini dress with oversized puffed sleeves. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Bee Shaffer and Anna Wintour Wintour wore a Chanel couture pink sequined gown and feathered cape. Meanwhile, her daughter wore a black suit with a red-coloured rosette and train designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Billy Porter Porter arrived on the red carpet carried on a litter carried by six shirtless men, dressed in a custom 'Sun God' ensemble, created by The Blonds. The look included a bewjelled catsuit made with 10ft wings, a 24-karat gold headpiece, and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Harry Styles Styles wore an all-Gucci ensemble for the evening, consisting of a black pussy-bow blouse, black trousers, and a single pearl earring. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble Jenner wore a navy jumpsuit and a bold-shouldered organza coat. She also showcased a new platinum blonde bob that she said was chosen by her daughter Kylie. Gamble opted for a classic tuxedo with a sapphire-coloured tie. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Aquaria Ru Paul's Drag Race star Aquaria wore a deconstructed silk gown and painted white wig. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Yara Shadidi Shadidi wore a beaded bodysuit and tights paired with a dramatic black coat. AFP/Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Jordan Roth The theatre aficionado made a dramatic entrance wearing an Iris Van Herpen cape. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lily Collins The actor channeled her inner Priscilla Presley wearing a a ruffled white gown trailed by a floor-sweeping train by Giambattista Valli. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kim Kardashian West The reality star-turned-entrepreneur arrived wearing a gown inspired by Sophia Loren's scandalous wet dress from the 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin. The nude sheer knee-length ensemble featured gathered details and a plunging neckline. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Winnie Harlow The American model wore a gold crystal-encrusted gown, black feather boa, and a headpiece. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Rachel Brosnahan The Marvelous Mrs Maisel actor Rachel Brosnahan wore a custom Erdem gown in fuchsia silk. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Gemma Chan The British actor attended the event with Tom Ford, wearing a sleek silver dress and oversized headpiece by the designer. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Emily Ratajkowski The US model and actor wore a metallic dress that featured a cut-out at the torso by Peter Dundas. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Riley Keough The actor wore a white mini-dress with a black leather belt by Louis Vuitton. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Caroline Trentini The Brazilian model wore a pearl-encrusted skeleton dress by Thom Browne. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Sara Sampaio The Victoria's Secret model wore a voluminous white dress with silver beadwork. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Awkwafina The American rapper wore a gold pleated gown with oversize ruffle sleeves by Altuzarra. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Ryan Murphy The American screenwriter wore a dramatic cape by Christian Siriano covered in pearls and crystals. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Liza Koshy The social media star wore a custom Balmain for the occasion. Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Sienna Miller The British actor wore a chainmail dress from Julien Dossenas latest collection for Paco Rabanne. REUTERS Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Gwyneth Paltrow The actor arrived wearing a sheer lemon yellow gown complete with a ruffled high-neck. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kristen Stewart The actor wore an all-sequin monochrome ensemble by Chanel. Stewart added a boost of colour with her sprightly pink updo, presumably dyed for the occasion, while bleached eyebrows added a camp-y twist. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lily Rose Depp The model and actor arrived wearing a sophisticated black and gold gown adorned with gold chain detail. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner The reality TV superstars wore twinning feathered gowns by Versace for the occasion. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Gigi Hadid The American model arrived with designer Michael Kors in a look inspired by Elton John and Cher. Hadid's white and silver bodysuit was accessorised with a swimming cap-like hat and a billowing cape. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Kacey Musgraves The American singer won praise for her Barbie doll-inspired ensemble that came complete with a hair dryer handbag. Yes, really. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Pom Klementieff The French actor opted for a sheer bubblegum pink look that consisted of a double-breasted jacket dress with a sheer overlay. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Julianne Moore The Oscar-winning walked the red carpet alongside Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli in a metallic green gown. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Maria Sharapova The tennis champion opted for a structured black and red dress with a tulle pleated skirt. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Tracee Ellis Ross Moschino designer Jeremy Scott transformed the actor into a work of art for the occasion by creating a black gown complete with gold picture frame. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Bella Hadid The model stepped out in a bejewelled frock by Moschino with cut-out detail at the hip. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Gal Gadot The Israeli actor attended the gala with Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller, who designed Meghan Markle's wedding gown. For the Met Gala, Waight Keller created a monochrome lace look. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Zoe Kravitz The Big Little Lies star chose a black sequin gown by Saint Laurent for the event that boasted a heart-shaped cut-out on the torso. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Janelle Monae It took 15 sketches to compile the singer's avant-garde and surrealistic Met Gala look, which was designed by Christian Siriano. Monae's stylist, Alexandra Mandelkorn, revealed that it was inspired by Picasso and Salvador Dali. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Naomi Campbell The British model brought an assistant to fan the feathers of her Paolo Piccioli for Valentino Haute Couture dress. Campbell accessorised the candy pink look with lace tights matching strappy sandals. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Amber Valletta The American model chose a high-leg bodysuit by Saint Laurent, which she paired with sheer tights and a feathered fluorescent green bag. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Diane von Furstenberg The American fashion designer opted for a Statue of Liberty-inspired look that featured a crown, torch and a print of her own face on the frock itself. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Maggie Rogers The American singer made her Met Gala debut in a caped floral gown by Coach. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Candice Swanepoel The South African model chose a sky blue strapless frock by Prabal Gurung. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Katy Perry Among the most talked-about red carpet moments is Katy Perry's chandelier gown. Designed by Moschino, the look consisted of a strapless beaded mini dress and three rows of candles circling around the singer. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Laura Love The model wore a pink tulle gown printed with bows. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Elizabeth Debicki The actor wrapped herself in a bow for the occasion in this pink floor-length gown by Salvatore Ferragamo, which she accessorised with long white gloves. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Alexa Chung The British fashion designer has described her vintage jacquard look as "Jane Austen goes disco" having designed the mini dress herself after feeling inspired by a 1760's jacket she saw at London's Design Museum earlier this year. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Elle Fanning The American actor packed a peachy punch in this look. Fanning paired her wide-leg trousers with a matching crop top and a generous collection of trinket-style necklaces. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Liu Wen The Victoria's Secret model channelled a 1990's vibe in this yellow tartan jacket dress that boasted black and white fringing. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Rosie Huntington-Whiteley The British model chose a classic Hollywood look for the occasion, wearing a keyhole cut-out cream gown that came complete with a feathered cape. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Omari Hardwick Proving that men can have just as much fun with their dressing up garb was Hardwick, whose custom Gucci jacquard suit was sight for sore eyes. AFP/Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Jemima Kirke & Lena Dunham The Girls duo attended in tandem wearing matching fetish-inspired looks by Christopher Kane. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen The fashion design duo wore matching leather outfits for the event, both of which were vintage Chanel couture. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Aurora James The Brother Vellies founder wore a straw-skirted frock for the event with a structured bodice and a matching headband. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks TIffany Haddish Another Michael Kors creation came via Haddish, whose flared zebra print suit certainly fits the camp bill. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Jared Leto It's not every day you see someone using a replica of their own head as a fashion accessory. But this is the Met Gala. And anything goes. Leto's unusual accessory makes a little more sense when you consider it was designed by Gucci's Alessandro Michele (co-host of the Gala), who famously sent models down the runway in February 2018 carrying severed heads. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Lili Reinhart The Riverdale actor shunned red carpet conventions in this blue satin playsuit that she paired with a floral headpiece. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Carey Mulligan The British actor's Prada ensemble might not have been as eccentric as some others, but its success lies in the details: crimson sequins, fuchsia satin, and a tousled blonde bob. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Hailey Bieber Head-to-toe millennial pink is a look that most of us wouldn't dare trying, but Bieber wears hers effortlessly. Designed by Alexander Wang, this open-back gown glistened with wet look sequins that perfectly matched the sprightly hue of the pink carpet. FilmMagic Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Charli XCX The British singer opted for a neon yellow ruffled gown with a thigh-high split and a rope-like belt. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Florence Welch The 'You've Got The Love' singer arrived in an angelic medieval pastel ensemble by Gucci. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Frank Ocean Ocean shunned the flamboyant theme altogether in this black hooded jumper by Prada, paired with black trousers and smart boots. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Hamish Bowles The Vogue editor-at-large went all out for his Met Gala look. Clad head-to-toe in purple in a look designed by John Galliano, Bowles also sported a green haircut and velvet court heels. PA Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Madelaine Petsch The Riverdale actor channelled her inner Tinkerbell in this fairy-like turquoise tulle gown. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Tommy and Dee Hilfiger The fashion design duo paid homage to Hilfiger's all-American aesthetic in matching stars and stripes outfits. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Natasha Lyonne The Russian Doll star chose a structured Jean Paul Gaultier jumpsuit that featured razor-sharp shoulder pads and two-tone panels. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Saorise Ronan The Irish actor looked armed for battle in this multi-coloured sequin gown with flaming shoulder detail by Gucci. Getty/The Met Museum/Vogue Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Ruth Wilson The British actor wore a ruffled tulle pink gown with a black belt. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Taylor Hill The Victoria's Secret model chose a strapless silk pink gown with a matching feather boa. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Constance Wu The Crazy Rich Asians star wore a grey sheer frock by Marchesa for the occasion, which she attended with Georgina Chapman, the label's co-founder. Getty Images Met Gala 2019: Best red carpet looks Alessia Cara The singer wore a frothy pink gown by Giambattista Valli. Getty Images Miller has been on the Hollywood scene for some time: film fans will recall his stellar performance in the 2011 film We Need to Talk about Kevin. He also played a small but memorable role in Amy Schumers comedy, Trainwreck, which came out in 2015. But the New Jersey-born actor acquired a new kind of mainstream fame after he played the ominous character of Credence in the first Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film, which forms part of a series of Harry Potter prequels written by JK Rowling. Hes spent the last few weeks doing the promotional rounds for The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second film in the franchise, and has cemented himself as a bona fide fashion darling with his idiosyncratic and playful looks, all of which are a far cry from the average male celebritys wardrobe. (Getty Images (Getty Images) For the world premiere in Paris, the quirky film star struck a startling silhouette in a full-length hooded puffer dress from Monclers collaboration with Pierpaolo Piccioli, which prompted a sea of praise on social media. Was it a reconstructed duvet? Was it a "sassy sleeping bag"? Or, was it alien garb sent down to earth from another planet? These are the kinds of questions that keep Millers fans coming back for more. and making copious memes. Some people praised the outfit, which Miller paired with dark red lipstick, for its sheer eccentricity, while others lauded the actor for veering away from gender norms and shunning the tradition suit and tie uniform that dominates mens red carpet fashion. Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Show all 21 1 /21 Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Wearing Givenchy at the UK Premiere of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald" at Cineworld Leicester Square on 13 November 2018. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Clad head-to-toe in Moncler at the premier of the fantasy film 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' on 8 November 2018 in Paris. AFP/Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the 15th annual CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on 5 November 2018 in New York. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Playing the piano as he helps celebrate Wizarding World Day at Parkside Middle School on 1 November 2018 in Baileyton, Alabama. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At a promotion for "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" on 28 October 2018 in Beijing. REUTERS Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Dressed in a Toadette costume from the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise, with Alison Sudol at the Warner Bros. Theatrical panel for "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" on day three of Comic-Con International on 21 July in San Diego. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At a screening of "Another Happy Day" at Sunshine Landmark on 14 November 2011 in New York City. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the Warner Bros. Pictures "Justice League" Presentation during Comic-Con International 2017 at San Diego Convention Center on 22 July 2017 in San Diego, California. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Attending the Vivienne Westwood show during London Fashion Week Men's June 2017 collections on 12 June 2017 in London. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Speaking alongside co-star Eddie Redmayne at the Apple Store Soho presentation of Meet the Cast: "Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them" at Apple Store Soho on 9 November 2016 in New York City. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the European Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Odeon Leicester Square on 3 August 2016 in London. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the European Premiere of "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" at Odeon Leicester Square on 22 March 2016 in London. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Posing for a portrait at the Village at the Lift Presented by McDonald's McCafe during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on 27 January 2015 in Park City, Utah. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Arriving at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch on 12 January 2013 in West Hollywood, California. AFP/Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At a screening for "The Amazing Spider-Man" New York Special at Regal Union Square Theatre, Stadium 14 on 28 June 2012 in New York City. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the "Red Lights" New York Screening at Sunshine Landmark on 25 June 2012 in New York City. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Arriving alongside Emma Watson at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards at Staples Center on 6 September 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the "Ocean's 8" world premiere at Alice Tully Hall on 5 June 2018 in New York City. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Pictured at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre on 3 June 2012 in Universal City, California. Getty Images Ezra Miller's best fashion moments Posing at the "We Need To Talk About Kevin" photocall during the 55th BFI London Film Festival at Vue West End on 17 October 2011 in London. Ezra Miller's best fashion moments At the premiere of "Beware The Gonzo" during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center on 22 April 2010 in New York City. For the London premiere, the actor opted for an all-white Givenchy couture ensemble, complete with a feathered cape and silver eye makeup. (Getty Images (Getty Images) A few fans said the actor was channelling his inner Hedwig, the famous owl character from the Harry Potter books, a theory which was supported by several Twitter users. Miller did not clarify whether or not this was his intention. Most recently, he made headlines for starring in a photoshoot for Playboy, in which he dons the magazines famous bunny ears in a number of flamboyant gowns and jumpsuits, pairing them with stiletto heels and fishnet tights, naturally. To say the images were well-received would be a drastic understatement. Ezra Miller is an angel on this Earth that we dont deserve, wrote one person on Twitter. How blessed are we all to exist at the same time as all of these pictures of Ezra Miller, enthused another. One flick through our gallery of Millers best fashion moments and youll see the actor has been a savvy clotheshorse since his We Need to Talk about Kevin days, but its only recently that his wardrobe has become particularly wacky, prompting a number of fashion designers to take notice. Its been a long time since a celebrity has amassed such a cult following thanks to their dress sense; not since the days of Lady Gagas famous meat dress has the red carpet seen the level of sartorial playfulness Miller is duly providing. In a world where the reading the news feels a bit bleak and the political landscape seems more volatile than ever, stars like Miller are needed now more than ever to offer up a slice of sweetness and light amid the doom and gloom. Long may his reign as a style king, queen and everything in between continue. Gigi Hadid is one of the most successful models on the planet, but the 23-year-old has revealed she struggles with the everyday pressures of being in the limelight. Speaking at an event in Sydney to promote her new collaboration with Reebok, the Victorias Secret model explained how shes found ways to deal with the high expectations people have of her, saying: Just because people see you as being perfect, that doesnt mean thats the pressure you have to put on yourself. She went on to address some of the criticisms she has faced throughout her career, touching on the backlash she received for fronting the cover of Vogue Arabia in an embellished Hijab, People told me Im not Arab enough, she said. Recommended Gigi Hadid defends her decision to publish paparazzi snap on Instagram But Im half Palestinian. Im just as much Palestinian as I am Dutch and I want to embrace that. The young model reflected on being chosen to front Reeboks "Be More Human" campaign, which she said prompted questions from fans asking what made her human when they all thought of her as perfect, Yahoo reports. But thats the point, she said. Regardless of who you are, or what you do, you always are allowed to give yourself room to screw up and learn and grow. Hadid went on to explain how making mistakes can be fundamental to a person's career. Im a human and someone that can make mistakes, she said. But I can still learn and grow and be better. The model was speaking at an event held at Carriageworks alongside three Australian women, including paralympic athlete Kelly Cartwright, diversity activist Amna Karra-Hassan and award-winning dancer Amrita Hepi. Hadid announced she would be releasing a new capsule collection for Reebok on Thursday, which has been inspired by sportswear from the 80s and 90s. She offered fans a first glimpse of the trainers she has designed for the line, named Future Nostalgia, on a press tour in Tokyo Japan. One pair is black with yellow laces and the other is white and hot pink. Both have a retro-inspired feel to them, having been inspired by the brands famous Freestyle Hi sneaker, which was first released in 1982. This collections is about looking at the past and reinterpreting that creative boldness for today, for women who define their own style boundaries and arent afraid to challenge convention, Hadid said of the collection. The autumn/winter Reebok x Gigi Hadid capsule collection is available worldwide from 7 December. Shortlist Media has announced it will be shutting down the UK's biggest men's magazine, ShortList. ShortList had a circulation of 503,000, with free copies distributed each week to commuters. The ShortList brand will continue online as a men's lifestyle title but will cease to exist in print. Recommended Cosmopolitan Australia announces closure of magazine after 45 years According to the advertising and media title Campaign, staff at the magazine will be informed later today whether they would lose their jobs as a result of the closure; it's likely that around 20 roles will be cut. The publisher is renaming itself The Stylist Group, Campaign reports, to focus on its women's title, Stylist. CEO Ella Dolphin has said The Stylist Group will focus entirely on promoting its female-targeted title Stylist in a bid to strengthen its position as a contemporary media brand for women. "In a radical restructure, the company will focus entirely on being the leading media brand for women across all platforms." "Family, The Stylist Group creative agency has seen a 40 per cent uplift in female-targeted creative partnerships against the same period last year. The agency will now prioritise building authority on urban, affluent women." William Sitwell resigns from Waitrose food magazine for threatening to 'kill vegans' Under editor-in-chief Lisa Smosarski, the Stylist brand will expand with a US digital operation and will continue to produce events for its readers, such as Stylist Live, which took place last week and saw 22,000 readers attend Kensington Olympia for the three-day programme. Staff have already been hired in the US to build an American audience. Dolphin comments: For the last 10 years Stylist has consistently grown in strength. "The new business will expand into fresh territories and areas outside of publishing to serve the Stylist audience further. "Brand development, launches and acquisitions are a priority The restructure will see the launch a high-profile awards' evening named The Remarkable Women Awards, which will take place in March 2019. According to Dolphin, this will be a "prestigious agenda-setting event celebrating women who have used their power and platform to support other women, and advance the pursuit of true gender equality." The group will also launch a new Stylist-branded fitness offering in 2019, which will "capture the spirit of the times, fusing female empowerment with a strength-oriented exercise proposition. As well as content, the brand will comprise of an event, fitness studio and a product range." Smosarski adds: Stylist has always inspired intelligent women who want more from their world and served as a spirited, brave, advocate for our audience. Never before has this message and momentum been so important and relevant, and we are excited to be leading the charge as we enter our 10th year. The news of ShortList's closure comes just days after publishing house Hearst revealed that their monthly men's glossy magazine, Esquire, would produce just six issues a year as of February 2019. The change will also see a price increase of 38 per cent, with each issue costing 6. Esquire's editor-in-chief Alex Bilmes said the new bi-annual business model would ensure we will be the mens magazine brand of decades to come. When the Arecibo message was sent into space in 1974 blasting the most powerful signal ever broadcast deep into the universe it was a pioneering attempt to reach out to aliens, wherever they might be. When a response came back in 2001, it was a hoax that showed just how much some people hope we can actually communicate with extraterrestrials. But that fake reply might actually be the message we ever get back from aliens. That's because some of the greatest minds on Earth fear rather than hope for contact with extraterrestrial life. Because the real reply to the Arecibo message might actually be something far more terrifying. 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 The hoax "Arecibo answer" or "reply" was a crop circle that was found in a field in the UK in 2001. Pressed into a field in Hampshire, it seemed to mirror the look of the original Arecibo message, which gave a host of information about life on Earth that the originators hoped would be decodable to people anywhere in the universe. Where the original Arecibo message had shown blocks of information including depictions of important chemicals like carbon, an illustration of DNA and a picture of a human being. The hoax reply was probably too perfect: carbon was swapped for silicon, the DNA was altered and the human being was replaced with a big-headed alien of the kind seen in science fiction. Recommended Arecibo Message anniversary honoured in Google Doodle It was of course a hoax: among other questions, sceptics wondered why aliens wouldn't simply have sent a radio message, as we did, rather than dropping down to Earth to press a picture of themselves into crops and then failing to actually alert anyone. But it was a demonstration of the way the original Arecibo message and the search for alien life that it grew out of continues to occupy the minds of people around the world. Scientists don't ever expect to actually receive a reply to the Arecibo message: it was powerful but specific, pointed at a galaxy cluster that will actually have moved out of the way by the time it travels the 20,000 light years to its destination. It was probably most useful as a demonstration of the technology and a thought experiment that led people to think about what such a message might actually need to say. Similar efforts have been launched that could have more positive results, however. A new initiative called Breakthrough Message part of a broader group supported by a Russian billionaire and Stephen Hawking, which aims to find life elsewhere in the universe has invited people to consider how best to write and send a message out into space, though has cautioned that for the moment it will not send out those messages. But some fear that a response wouldn't come in the form of a message at all. Instead, it would be something altogether more dangerous and that's why they advise that we shouldn't send further signals like the Arecibo message, for fear that they would only put us in peril. Stephen Hawking, for instance, famously said that we should be wary of sending out messages into the universe for fear that they could be answered by someone looking to wipe us out or, perhaps worse, someone who might wipe us out purely by accident. "If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didnt turn out well for the Native Americans," he said in a 2010 documentary. And such criticism was even in place when the Arecibo message was first sent. Just days after the dispatch was shot into space, the Royal Astronomer of England, Martin Ryle, launched an intense blast of criticism at the idea, arguing that it might only alert aliens who are "malevolent or hungry", and asking the International Astronomical Union to ban any future messages. Matthew Whitaker, Donald Trump's interim replacement for Attorney General, once backed a time-travel cryptocurrency, according to a report. Time Travel X sought bitcoin donations in 2016 in order to "make time travel a reality" and was backed by Florida-based firm World Patent Marketing. The now defunct company paid Whitaker at least $10,000 in 2014, according to court filings seen by Mother Jones, in order to serve on its advisory board as it attempted to market the cryptocurrency project, as well as a series of other bizarre inventions. The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against the World Patent Marketing last year, citing people who had ended up in debt or lost their life savings as a result of their involvement with the firm. In May, a Florida court ordered the company to shut down and pay a $25 million settlement. The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Show all 14 1 /14 The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Time for a break-up? Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Sometimes simplicity works best. The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Theres no place for Trump's other policies in our society. Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Many were quick to point out that in the UK, Trump means 'fart'. Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Some people were looking out for The Queen Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests There's a Mean Girl's quote for every occasion Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests There were a lot of hair references at the march toupee. Sorry, today. Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Frack off. The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Try and read this out without singing it... Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests A message all Brits will understand. Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Simple, and to the point Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests We don't entirely understand this one, but we do rather like it Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests The Inbetweeners sends a hilariously petulant message Harriet Hall The best anti-Trump placards from the London protests Never underestimate Cher Horowitz Harriet Hall Mr Whitaker appeared in promotional videos for World Patent Marketing, as well as provided quotes of endorsement in press materials. "As a former US Attorney, I would only align myself with a first class organisation," he said in a 2014 press release issued by World Patent Marketing. "World Patent Marketing goes beyond making statements about doing business 'ethically' and translate those words into action." Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in Des Moines, Iowa, 14 November, 2018 (REUTERS) The Time Travel X endeavour appears to have also had the backing of Dr Ronald Mallett, a theoretical physicist and faculty member of the University of Conneticut. "For years, Dr Mallett has conducted research on time travel based on Einsteins Theory of Relativity," a video published in 2016 by World Patent Marketing (WPM) explained. "WPMs founder and successful entrepreneur Scott Cooper has built a financial instrument to fund Dr. Malletts research. Time Travel Technologies gives you the opportunity to fund the research that will help to make time travel possible." The Independent reached out to Dr Mallett for a comment on Time Travel X but is yet to receive a response. Whitaker, who was appointed acting attorney general by President Trump on Wednesday, could also not be reached for comment through the US Department of Justice. Samsung may have figured out a way to make its forthcoming flagship smartphone, presumably called the Galaxy S10, a completely full-screen device that doesn't feature a notch design. A new patent submission shows a phone design that uses a small circle in the top left of the screen in order to incorporate a front-facing camera. The patent, first spotted by Dutch website LetsGoDigital, shows what the South Korean electronics giant may have in mind for its 2019 flagship phone. Slightly different design iterations both featured a small hole in the corner of the screen (LetsGoDigital) When Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, Samsung made fun of the front notch that was included at the top of the screen. In a widely publicised advert, Samsung showed a man standing in a line outside an Apple store with a notch-shaped haircut. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Show all 12 1 /12 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Apple's design also allows the iPhone maker to cram in facial recognition technology it is not clear if or how Samsung's new design will include this. It is not the first sign that Samsung's next smartphone will be a genuinely all-screen device, with several alleged prototypes shared on social media showing a full-screened phone. A concept design for the Samsung Galaxy S10 (Creative Commons, mobil-helden) Other rumours surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S10 include a self-healing screen, which could put an end to scratched displays. A Samsung patent from August describes "an anti-fingerprinting composition having a self-healing property, and a film, and a device including the anti-fingerprinting composition, " for use in a "portable electronic device such as a smart phone or tablet." The patent did not specifically mention the Galaxy S10 by name, and a focus on the screen's functionality in a foldable device hints it could feature in Samsung's forthcoming folding phone. The Galaxy S10 is also expected to feature an improved camera, potentially with a vertical alignment of lenses. The Samsung Galaxy S10 could include a triple-lens camera (Creative Commons, mobil-helden) The triple-lens camera arrangement would put it alongside the Huawei P20 Pro, improving upon the dual-lens design of its predecessors. The expected release date for the Galaxy S10 is early 2019, with Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February touted as the potential host for the launch. Amy Schumer has revealed on Instagram that she had to receive medical treatment in hospital after suffering from severe sickness during her second trimester of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, the condition that Schumer is experiencing, also affected the Duchess of Cambridge during all three of her pregnancies. While nausea and sickness is common during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum affects around one in 100 pregnant women and involves acute cases of nausea and vomiting, the NHS explains. Recommended Amy Schumer announces pregnancy with comedic Instagram post A person with the debilitating condition may vomit up to 50 times a day, and could be at risk of low blood pressure, dehydration and ketosis, a metabolic state that occurs when there isn't enough glucose for the body to break down and use as fuel. Schumer, who announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Chris Fischer last month, has discussed having to cancel stand-up performances in Texas due to the condition. Posting a photo of herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, the comedian apologised to those who were expecting to see her at the shows. I am in the hospital. Im fine. Babys fine but everyone who says the second trimester is better is not telling the full story, she writes. Ive been even more ill this trimester. I have hyperemesis and it blows. She also thanked the doctors and nurses for taking care of her in the post. For anyone who's experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, Baby Centre UK advises accepting cravings for certain foods, avoiding sights or smells that may make you feel nauseous, staying hydrated and eating regularly in small quantities. Mothers meeting their newborn babies Show all 9 1 /9 Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies A number of people have been sending their well-wishes to Schumer underneath her Instagram post. "Sorry you're feeling ill. Rest up, your body needs it," writes Guardians of the Galaxy actor Zoe Saldana. "Oh mama. Feel better soon!" writes 8 Simple Rules actor Amy Davidson. "Growing a human is no joke!" Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events When the news of the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy was announced in 2017, Kensington Palace revealed that she was experiencing the same condition for a third time. "As with her previous two pregnancies, the duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum," the statement issued by the palace read. "The duchess is being cared for at Kensington Palace." Ready your bobble hats, pick up a new puffer, and stow away the deckchairs: a chill wind is blowing through the nation. By mid-November the average temperature has dropped by around 11C since high-summer, and its only going to get worse. In some parts of the UK and Ireland, winter has arrived early, moved into the spare room, and made itself a cup of cold cocoa. The cold brings with it seasonal dangers: excess winter mortality as it is known, accounts for around a 20 per cent rise in fatalities between December and March. A lot of these arent from cold-related maladies, but even in highly developed countries with well-heated homes and public services, many die of hypothermia every winter. So, heres your one-stop guide to the symptoms of hypothermia, how to spot it in others, and what to do if you suspect a loved one might have it Prevention is better than cure Put simply, hypothermia occurs when people get too cold. If your body begins to lose heat more quickly than it can generate it, then your internal temperature starts to sink. If it drops below 35C (from a norm of 37C), then youre likely in trouble. Particularly at risk are the elderly, babies, drug users and the physically unfit anyone whose body loses heat at a higher-than-average rate. And the most at risk group: anyone who has fallen into cold water. A cold dip followed by cold clothes is a potentially lethal combination get them inside, dry, and re-clothe them as quickly as possible. How to spot it Hypothermia comes with a variety of potential symptoms from the seemingly innocuous to the clearly catastrophic. A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin Show all 15 1 /15 A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Sara Shevlin/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) A Walk through Winter Wonderland by Alan Schaller and Sara Shevlin (Photo: Alan Schaller/The Independent) Mild hypothermia (32-35C) can manifest with symptoms like shivering, shallow breathing and clumsiness, as well as more distinct symptoms like slurred speech, confusion, and a weak pulse. Hypothermia sets in gradually and sufferers probably wont be aware of their condition, so in potentially dangerous situations you should keep half an eye on your company. In severe cases (when the body drops below 32C), the afflicted may lose consciousness altogether. Call 999 immediately. What to do (and what not to) Hypothermia patients will be best served by the emergency services, but there are plenty of things you can do before they arrive. You need to warm up your subject but gradually. Perhaps strangely, shock treatments like hot baths or lying limbs on radiators are to be avoided, as in severe cases the sudden temperature change can induce cardiac arrest. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Get them out of the elements any sort of shelter is a good start and pile on as many blankets as you can find. Once they resemble E.T on the front of his bicycle, a warm cup of hot chocolate is a good next move. And under no circumstances listen to your grandmother when she recommends a shot of brandy or rum. Alcohol makes you feel warm by drawing heat away from your core not what the doctor ordered for someone suffering from excess cold. In Oliver Shahs excellent, and given what has occurred, presciently-titled book on Sir Philip Green, Damaged Goods, there is a section devoted to the retail tycoons friendship and business partnership with Simon Cowell. It tells how the X Factor and Britains Got Talent mogul first met Green in 1999, at the Monaco Grand Prix; how Cowell was a guest at Greens 55th birthday party (PG55, as it was branded with typical understatement); and how, in 2009, Greens wife Tina paid 3m to organise Cowells own 50th celebration. The bash was held at Wrotham Park, a stately home in Hertfordshire. The 450 guests were greeted by a giant image of Cowell projected on to the building; the waiters wore Cowell masks; Michelangelos The Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel was recreated on the ceiling, with the image of God replaced by Cowell. Music was from Earth Wind & Fire, and dancers came on dressed as giant vaginas. Virgin Media and EE have been fined a combined 13.3m for overcharging nearly half a million customers who wanted to leave their phone and broadband contracts early. Regulator Ofcom hit Virgin Media with a 7m fine, while EE must pay 6.3m after both companies charged excessive amounts when customers left and for failing to make clear at the outset how much exit fees would be. Virgin Media is appealing what it claimed was a disproportionate penalty, while EEs fine was reduced by 30 per cent because the company admitted the breaches and agreed to settle. Recommended Virgin Media hikes prices for 5 million customers Both companies have reduced their exit charges and made changes to their terms and conditions. For almost a year, Virgin Media charged early-exit fees that were higher than customers had agreed to, the regulator said. The company overcharged almost 82,000 customers by an average of 34 a total of 2.8m. Ofcom found that 6,800 customers were overcharged by more than 100. Virgin Media also failed to publish clear and up-to-date information on its website to help customers understand the fees. Both companies excessive early-exit charges made customers less likely to switch to another provider, Ofcom said. EE did not clearly set out the exit charges its mobile customers would have to pay and over a six-year period 400,000 customers were overbilled by a total of up to 13.5m. Not all affected customers paid the excessive charges, as some were waived by the company. Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice said everyone affected should receive a refund. She added: Yet again mobile and broadband companies have been caught overcharging their customers. Our own research exposed mobile providers for knowingly overcharging customers for phones they already own by 500m. This is another in a long line of failings in the mobile and broadband industry we need an independent consumer champion to stick up for customers and stop this from happening. Virgin Media customers who move house to an area not covered by the companys network have to pay an early-exit fee. The company will now make that fact clearer in its contract terms, on its website and in conversations with customers. Those who move to an area within the companys network will no longer have to choose between signing up to a new minimum-term contract or paying early-exit charges. Instead, they can continue their existing contract at their new address. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Gaucho Rasmussen, Ofcoms director of investigations and enforcement, said: EE and Virgin Media broke our rules by overcharging people who ended their contracts early. Those people were left out of pocket, and the charges amounted to millions of pounds . That is unacceptable. These fines send a clear message to all phone and broadband firms that they must play by the rules, in the interests of their customers. Tom Mockridge, chief executive of Virgin Media, said: A small percentage of customers were charged an incorrect amount when they ended one or more of their services early and for that we are very sorry. As soon as we became aware of the mistake we apologised and took swift action to put it right by paying refunds, with interest, to everyone affected. Lodi Gyari escaped Chinese oppression in Tibet as a child, then spent his life as a tireless advocate for his native land and people, becoming an emissary of the Dalai Lama in negotiations with the government of China. Born in a tent surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Gyari (pronounced Gary) was descended from a long line of chieftains and resistance fighters, including his grandmother and an aunt who raised him. He was considered a reincarnated lama in the Buddhist religion and, as a child, helped guide his family out of their homeland after China seized control of Tibet in the 1950s. He and his family fled to northern India, where many Tibetans formed an exile community in Dharamsala, under the spiritual guidance of the Dalai Lama. Gyari, who studied in monasteries in Tibet and India, was drawn from an early age like his ancestors to the cause of Tibetan freedom. In 1970, he helped found the Tibetan Youth Congress, which remains the largest political organisation of Tibetans in exile. Gyari, who became a skilled English language writer and speaker, was a translator for Tibetan resistance fighters training in the United States, then became the editor of a Tibetan-language newspaper and an English-language publication, now known as the Tibetan Review. At first, he was an advocate of complete sovereignty for Tibet, which had been an independent nation before Chinas communist-led revolution of the late 1940s. He became active in the Tibetan government-in-exile in India and, at age 30, became the speaker of its parliament and later a cabinet officer. The exile government the Central Tibetan Administration is not an officially recognised body, but it carries considerable moral authority in the West. Gyari became, in effect, the leading diplomat of the global Tibetan exile community. As China tightened its control over Tibet, Gyari sought to draw attention to the plight of his people, first at the United Nations and later in Washington, where he was posted as the Dalai Lamas special envoy in 1990. Tempering his earlier calls for Tibetan independence, Gyari became a champion of the Dalai Lamas more moderate Middle Way approach, which sought political and cultural autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the Chinese constitution. In Washington, Gyari coordinated the Dalai Lamas visits to the United States, including meetings with several presidents. He also carried Tibets message to the state department and congress. He helped secure congressional funding for the Tibetan people and their causes, totalling almost $200m from 1991 to 2011. He was also a leading advocate for the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, which established a special coordinator for Tibetan affairs at the state department and called for a dialogue between China and representatives of the Dalai Lama. Lodi Gyari, right, with the Dalai Lama in Washington in 2001 (Getty) He was instrumental in putting Tibet at the centre of US-China relations, said Bhuchung Tsering, vice president of the International Campaign for Tibet and a member of Gyaris negotiating team. I found that Mr Lodi Gyari worked steadfastly to foster the aspirations of the Dalai Lama, and he was able to do that in ways I havent seen in others. At the Dalai Lamas request, Gyari opened discussions with Chinese officials, holding nine rounds of talks between 2002 and 2010. He considered the Chinese responses to his pleas for Tibetan self-determination to be inflexible, if not hostile. Gyari, who was allowed to return to Tibet only under close monitoring by Chinese officials, described his homeland as in every sense, an occupied nation, brutally occupied. In 2008, China imposed a deadly crackdown on a Tibetan uprising and charged the Dalai Lama with attempting to foment an insurrection. The more you suppress, the more the resentment, Gyari told NPR at the time. We can provide them legitimacy, but if and only if the Tibetans are also given the opportunity to live in dignity. His discussions produced few lasting results, except for greater recognition of the Tibetan language in what is called the Tibet Autonomous Region. In 2011, when the Dalai Lama yielded political authority to the democratically elected government-in-exile, Gyari resigned as special envoy. Far from fading away, Gyari wrote in the South China Morning Post in 2010, the Tibetan political movement will reinvent itself in the absence of the current, Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and become something far more complex and unmanageable in the process. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari was born on 25 August 1949, in the Nyarong region of Tibet. His father was a local chieftain who was imprisoned for a time by the Chinese government. His grandmother, Gyari Chime Dolma, was executed after fighting against Chinese warlords at the turn of the 20th century. She was later was honoured in song and became an inspiration to future generations of Tibetan freedom fighters. At the age of three, Gyari was identified as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama and began his schooling in monasteries. During the 1950s, his aunt who he considered his mother because she cared for him as a child led a group of Tibetan resistance fighters on horseback raids against Chinese forces. In 1957, Gyari was pulled out of a monastery as his family and others began a long journey into exile. They travelled at night to escape detection by Chinese forces. Despite his young age, Gyari was held in a position of respect because of his standing as a monk. He conducted religious rituals and performed divinations regarding the most auspicious time to travel and recited mantras to stop the blizzards, he wrote in the 2016 book Himalaya: Personal Stories of Grandeur, Challenge, and Hope. Chinese troops pursued us and I witnessed many violent gun battles, he wrote. On two occasions, in the darkness and through whirling snow, men riding ahead of me were shot before my eyes and crashed from their horses to the ground. We couldnt stop, or we would all have been lost. He and his family crossed the Himalayas on foot. When they finally reached the border of India, Gyari had only one shoe, the other having been left behind in the mud of his homeland. Survivors include his wife of more than 40 years, Dawa Chokyi of McLean, Virginia; six children; his mother; three sisters; four brothers; and five grandchildren. While serving as the Dalai Lamas special envoy, Gyari was also president of the International Campaign for Tibet from 1991 to 1999. He later was chairman of the board before being succeeded in 2014 by actor Richard Gere. In addition to his work on behalf of Tibet, Gyari helped found the Allied Committee, which aims to draw attention to the repression of minority groups in China, including Tibetans, Uighurs and Mongolians. He was also a founder of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation, which seeks to give a voice to ethnic minorities and stateless groups and to spread democratic principles throughout the world. Before his death, Gyari spent time in Thailand, writing his memoirs. It is because of the tragic loss of the cultural identity of my people in Tibet, he wrote in Himalaya in 2016, that I feel there is such importance and urgency in doing whatever one can to restore it, in whatever way possible. Lodi Gyari, special envoy to the Dalai Lama, born 25 August 1949, died 29 October 2018 Washington Post The Leonid meteor shower is about to light up the sky above the UK and elsewhere. The spectacular should be visible over the weekend, as small space rocks collide with the Earth's atmosphere and light up into shooting stars. But it could be spoiled, at least in the early hours of Saturday morning, by clouds that will clog up the sky and block out the view. Either side of that there should be an opportunity to see the spectacular, however. The meteor shower occurs when meteoroids, small rocks, fall towards the Earth after breaking off from the Comet Tempel-Tuttle. 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 These burn up and vaporise before they hit the Earth's surface - causing a streak of hot air which we see as a shooting star. Displays are better when the Tempel-Tuttle comet, which takes 33 years to orbit the sun, is closer to the Earth, an occurrence which is next due in about 15 years' time. Dr John Mason, from the British Astronomical Association, said: "If you are in the countryside you may see a few meteors, if it is the town or city, you may not see any at all." This particular celestial event is called the Leonids because it appears to come from the Leo star constellation. Meteor spotters should watch from a vantage point with as little light pollution as possible and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the dark. Dr Mason said a much more spectacular display is due over the UK with the Geminids meteor shower due on 13 December. Additional reporting by agencies. This article was originally published in 2018 Mars once flowed with vast floods that burst and spread over its surface, according to scientists. Those surging waters carved canyons in the red planets surface that are still visible to this day, images show. The new findings help answer a long question about how the deep craters could have formed on Mars and other planets without plate tectonics like on Earth. It found they are affected by catastrophic geologic processes that could have substantially altered the planets surface. 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 On Mars surface, there are a host of lakes that are now dry but once would have held vast amounts of water. Sometimes, they would become so full that they overflowed, bringing catastrophic floods that would have caused the canyons in just a matter of weeks. Recommended Mars sunrise captured by Opportunity rover turned into music That helps answer the puzzle over whether the canyons were formed over a length of time or in a series of dramatic events. The shape of the rock formations suggest it was the latter, said Tim Goudge, lead author on the paper published in the journal Geology this week. These breached lakes are fairly common and some of them are quite large, some as large as the Caspian Sea, said Mr Goudge. So we think this style of catastrophic overflow flooding and rapid incision of outlet canyons was probably quite important on early Mars surface. Satellite images show that Mars has hundreds of craters that were once flooded with water. More than 200 of them have what scientists refer to as paleolakes, with outlet canyons that flow into vast channels of water. Now scientists have established, using Nasa imagery that showed the details of the outlets, that those were formed quickly as vast amounts of water flowed through them. On Earth, such dramatic changes happen over millions of years as the tectonic plates move. But on Mars they happen far quicker and then can be preserved for billions of years. The landscape on Earth doesnt preserve large lakes for a very long time, co-author Caleb Fassett said. But on Mars ... These canyons have been there for 3.7 billion years, a very long time, and it gives us insight into what the deep time surface water was like on Mars. A gang of six men has been jailed for a total of 101 years after sexually exploiting five vulnerable teenage girls in Rotherham. The complainants previously told the court in statements the men had destroyed them and taken away their childhoods. One of the victims said that by the time she was 16, she had had sex with at least 100 men. Another described how she was gang-raped in a forest and threatened with being abandoned there. As the victim impact statements were read aloud in court, defendant Tanweer Ali appeared to fall asleep with his head tilted back and his mouth open. Recommended FGM orders granted to protect Rotherham girls from practice The jury in the trial, which finished last month, heard how girls now in their 30s were lured by the excitement of friendship with older Asian youths but then sexually assaulted and passed between men. At Sheffield Crown Court on Friday Judge Sarah Wright told the men: Each in your own way perpetrated, facilitated or encouraged the sexual abuse of these young girls. Each of the complainants in this case were groomed, coerced and intimidated. Each of them was groomed. Each of you, groomed. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 November 2021 The scene at a recycling centre in Stert, near Devizes in Wiltshire after a large blaze was brought under control. The fire broke out on Wednesday night the fire service has said and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to large amounts of smoke PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2021 The sun rises over South Shields Lighthouse, on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2021 ancer Maithili Vijayakumar at the launch of 2021 Diwali celebrations at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 15 November 2021 Forensic officers work outside Liverpool Women's Hospital, following a car blast, in Liverpool Reuters UK news in pictures 14 November 2021 Wreaths by the Cenotaph after the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London PA UK news in pictures 13 November 2021 Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of detainee Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, is ending his hunger strike in central London after almost three weeks. Ratcliffe has spent 21 days camped outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London without food. He began his demonstration on 24 October after his wife lost her latest appeal in Iran, saying his family was caught in a dispute between two states PA UK news in pictures 12 November 2021 Peter Green protesting outside the Cop26 gates during the official final day of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2021 Seagulls fly around the statue entitled 'Tommy', a first World War soldier by artist Ray Lonsdale at dawn in Seaham, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 10 November 2021 Climate activists dressed as characters inspired by the Netflix series Squid Game protest as they ask Samsung to go 100% renewable energy, outside the venue for COP26 in Glasgow Reuters UK news in pictures 9 November 2021 A deer statue silhouetted at Loch Faskally in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 8 November 2021 Sunrise over St Mary's Lighthouse at Whitley Bay on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2021 Activists from Friends of the Earth during a demonstration calling for an end to all new oil and gas projects in the North Sea outside the UK Government's Cop26 hub during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2021 Protesters take part in a rally organised by the Cop26 Coalition in Glasgow demanding global climate justice PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2021 Final touches are made to a life sized Sir David Attenborough cake surrounded by animals as part of a display created by a group of cake artists during Cake International at NEC Birmingham PA UK news in pictures 4 November 2021 A spectacular display of the Northern Lights seen over Derwentwater, near Keswick in the Lake District PA UK news in pictures 3 November 2021 Police and demonstrators at a Extinction Rebellion protest on Buchanan Street, during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 2 November 2021 A person walks along the Basingstoke canal near to Dogmersfield in Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 1 November 2021 Sir David Attenborough delivers a speech during Cop26 in Glasgow Reuters UK news in pictures 31 October 2021 Extinction Rebellion activists protest in Edinburgh as the Cop26 conference begins in Glasgow Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2021 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with Mapuche leader and Minga Indigena Lead Coordinator Claflin Lafkenche (right) alongside indigenous delegates at a ceremonial gathering at the Tramway in Glasgow in a symbolic gesture to mark a unified demand for climate justice PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2021 Ocean Rebellion put on a display of puking oil heads ahead of climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow EPA UK news in pictures 28 October 2021 A man dressed as Santa Claus outside Selfridges in London as the department store unveils its Christmas windows on Oxford Street PA UK news in pictures 27 October 2021 Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during a visit to Fourpure Brewery in Bermondsey, London, after the chancellor announced a cut to beer taxes in his budget PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2021 Activist Steve Bray demonstrates with a toilet outside the gates of Downing Street, after MPs voted in Parliament against the Environment Bill, allowing companies to pump raw sewage into UK rivers and seas, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 October 2021 Second World War veteran James White, 96, at the opening of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, marking the start of the remembrance period PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2021 Richard Ratcliffe holds up a photo of his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as he protests outside the Foreign Office while on hunger strike, part of an effort to lobby the UK foreign secretary to bring his wife home from detention in Iran Getty UK news in pictures 23 October 2021 Partner of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Stella Morris and Editor in Chief of WikiLeaks Kristinn Hrafnsson attend a protest ahead of the appeal hearing over Assange's extradition, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 22 October 2021 Palace Gardener Justine Howlett adds the finishing touches to pumpkins bearing the face of Henry VIII and his wives, at Hampton Court Palace. PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2021 Flooded fields near Lingfield in Surrey, after southern England was hit overnight by heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Aurore moving in from France PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2021 A wing surfer enjoys the strong winds as they surf in the sea off of Hayling Island in Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 19 October 2021 Actor Jude Law holds hands with Little Amal, a 3.5-metre-tall puppet of a nine-year-old Syrian girl, as it arrives in Folkestone, Kent, as part of the Handspring Puppet Company's 'The Walk' PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2021 A view over Southend-on-Sea in Essex, which is set to become a city in tribute to Sir David Amess MP, who spent years campaigning for the change Getty UK news in pictures 17 October 2021 Members of the Essex Bangladeshi Welfare Association pay their respects by floral tributes laid at the scene where Sir David Amess MP was killed at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea Reuters UK news in pictures 16 October 2021 Boris Johnson, Sir Keir Starmer, Priti Patel and Lindsay Hoyle pay respects to Sir David Amess at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea, the site of his death EPA UK news in pictures 15 October 2021 A person lays flowers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery. A man has been arrested and officers are not looking for anyone else PA UK news in pictures 14 October 2021 A red deer stag during rutting season in Bushy Park, Richmond, south west London, which is home to over 300 red and fallow deer PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 6 October 2021 A protester, wearing a mask of Johnson, holds a sign reading Question it all on the final day of the Tory conference Getty UK news in pictures 5 October 2021 Members of Insulate Britain outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, before a hearing over the injunction banning the environmental activists from blocking the M25 PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2021 A delegate passes a street cleaner on the second day of the annual Conservative Party Conference being held at the Manchester Central convention centre AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA Passing sentence on the gang, Judge Sarah Wright told the men: These offences were committed using sophisticated grooming of your victims. They were well planned. You can have been in no doubt that the complainants were vulnerable in the extreme. These defendants destroyed me Victim You were clearly not immature evidenced by the fact you all indulged in cynical manipulation and exploitation of your victims which showed a maturity well beyond your chronological age. She added: They continue to suffer considerable trauma and will continue to suffer throughout their lives as a result of your actions. A victim impact statement to the court on behalf of one of the complainants said: The men in this trial have had a massive effect on the person I am. I hope the court realises these defendants destroyed me. I hope they do go to jail to send a message to abusers. Another victim said in a statement: What happened to me as a child has made me overprotective towards my own children who do not regularly enjoy the same freedoms as many of their friends of the same age. I genuinely believe I lost part of my childhood or at least had it taken from me by adults. Two of the victims did not make victim impact statements because it would make me feel worse than I already do. Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, 37, from Rotherham, was labelled by the judge as the ring leader. He was jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of one rape, one charge of aiding and abetting rape, three indecent assaults, one charge of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse with another and one sexual assault. The bully of the gang, Nabeel Kurshid, 35, of Weetwood Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of two rapes and one indecent assault and was sentenced to 19 years in prison. Iqlak Yousaf, 34, of Tooker Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of two rapes and two indecent assaults and was jailed for 20 years. Recommended Gang of seven men convicted of sexually exploiting teenage girls Tanweer Ali, 37, of Godstone Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of two rapes, two indecent assaults and one charge of false imprisonment and was handed a 14-year sentence. Salah Ahmed El-Hakam, 39, of Tudor Close, Sheffield, was found guilty of one rape and was jailed for 15 years. Asif Ali, 33, of Clough Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of two indecent assaults and was jailed for 10 years to run concurrently with his existing 12-year sentence. The case is the first major prosecution arising out of Operation Stovewood, the National Crime Agencys (NCA) inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation in the South Yorkshire town which has identified more than 1,500 victims. This investigation was set up in the wake of the 2014 Jay Report which laid bare the shocking scale of exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 and failure of police and social services to intervene. A British Airways customer is suing the airline for damages of up to 10,000 after he was allegedly sat next to an obese man the size of Jonah Lomu. Stephen Prosser from Penygraig, South Wales, claims he suffered injuries after being forced into a position of unnatural posture by the hulking passenger for the entirety of a 12-hour flight from Bangkok to Heathrow in January 2016. The 51-year-old civil engineer told Pontypridd County Court the passenger was so large that when he placed his arm down at times it would rest on my armrest and he would accidentally turn the volume of my audio. I sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was over spilling into my seat by some inches, Mr Prosser said. I was immediately aware that this was going to be problematic for me and I could feel the weight of his pure bulk putting lateral pressure on my upper body. Mr Prosser told the court that he chose not to take issue with the passenger because he seemed self-conscious. He said that he instead flagged his concerns with cabin crew, who allegedly told him there were no other seats available on the plane and did not allow him to swap with another passenger. He claims the incident left him with a continual back spasm and an injury to his sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his spine for the following three months. Stephen Prosser compared the man on the flight to rugby legend Jonah Lomu (Getty) The 5ft 3in company director is now seeking damages and the loss of earnings he claims he experienced after being unable to work. But, British Airways has rejected Mr Prossers claims--stating he did not display any signs of injury when leaving the flight. Chris McLindon, the customer service manager on board the flight, said in a witness statement that Mr Prosser did not seem to be in any discomfort and at times he was asleep. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Jack Harding, representing British Airways, said Mr Prosser was exaggerating by comparing the other passenger to late New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu, who was 6ft 4in and weighed 19 stone. Mr Harding said: You say the man reminded you of the late rugby player Jonah Lomu. Would you say thats a colourful explanation? An exaggeration? Mr Prosser replied: Not at all. The hearing continues. Additional reporting from PA Easter Island is to demand the UK return one of the remote Polynesian territorys famous giant head statues taken 150 years ago, which is currently held by the British Museum. A delegation from the volcanic island will arrive in London next week to petition the museum to give back a seven-foot basalt moai figure removed in 1868. The statue, known as Hoa Hakananaia, meaning lost or stolen friend, is believed to date from around 1200 AD. It was among 900 carved by islanders between 1100 and 1600 AD. The delegation will offer to swap the Hoa Hakananaia for another moai carved from stone by the contemporary local sculptor Bene Tuki. A spokesman for the British Museum said it was always willing to consider loaning out objects from its collection subject to the usual conditions. We believe that there is great value in presenting objects from across the world, alongside the stories of other cultures at the British Museum, the spokesman said. Hoa Hakananaia is free to view and is among the most popular and most photographed exhibits with our six million visitors each year. Easter Island was annexed by Chile in 1888 and became a special territory in 2007. The countrys heritage minister, Felipe Ward, who will attend the meeting on Tuesday said he had a glimmer of hope the statue could be returned as the museum had signalled it was willing to discuss the case. Hoa Hakananaia, the figure in question, which means lost or stolen friend in the local Rapa Nui language (The Trustees of the British Museum) The Hoa Hakananaia was taken from the island, located 2,480 miles west of the Chilean capital Santiago, by Richard Powell, the captain of HMS Topaze, and presented to Queen Victoria, who passed it on to the British Museum in 1869. Birds and stylised human figures are among the carvings on the back of the figures head and body. Easter Islands giant head statues are carved out of volcanic rock (Reuters) The statue is one of many artefacts British explorers and dignitaries acquired from around the globe that are displayed in the British Museum. But a number of these treasures have become the subject of intense debate and requests for their return by their countries of origin. Among these are the Grecian antique sculptures known as the Elgin Marbles and the Benin Bronzes from modern-day Nigeria. Detail from the back of the sculpture the delegation is seeking to have returned (The Trustees of the British Museum) Moai are in danger of being destroyed by years of tropical rains and wind as well as islanders, visitors and farm animals. Experts have called on the international community to commit funds to preserve the monoliths, which are a major draw tourists to the worlds most remote inhabited island. Additional reporting by Reuters The United Nations has condemned the British government's "punitive, mean-spirited and often callous" treatment of the country's poorest and most vulnerable, in a damning report. The UN's special rapporteur said policies and drastic cuts to social support were entrenching high levels of poverty and inflicting unnecessary misery in one of the richest countries in the world, adding that Brexit was exacerbating the problem. The United Kingdoms impending exit from the European Union poses particular risks for people in poverty, but the government appears to be treating this as an afterthought, said the UN's expert on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, at the end of a 12-day visit to the country. The report goes on to document a series of findings which combine to present a withering assessment of Britain's approach to its poorest citizens, detailing a predicted 7 per cent rise in child poverty, a 60 per cent increase in homelessness since 2010 and exponential growth in the number of food banks. During my visit I have spoken with people who depend on food banks and charities for their next meal, who are sleeping on friends couches because they are homeless and dont have a safe place for their children to sleep, who have sold sex for money or shelter, children who are growing up in poverty unsure of their future, Mr Alston said. Ive also met young people who feel gangs are the only way out of destitution, and people with disabilities who are being told they need to go back to work or lose benefits, against their doctors orders." He said successive governments had overseen a systematic dismantling of the social safety net, suggesting the introduction of universal credit and significant reductions to support had undermined the capacity of benefits to relieve poverty. British compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach, he said. As a digital by default benefit, universal credit has created an online barrier between people with poor digital literacy and their legal entitlements. And the test and learn approach to the rollout treats claimants like guinea pigs and can wreak havoc in real peoples lives. Delivering the report in London on Friday, Mr Alston said not nearly enough was being done to address the challenges and described a state of denial by ministers regarding the state of poverty in the UK. He added: [Ministers] have an overriding set of objectives to cut the welfare system, cut what they see as dependences. I cannot believe that they are as happy with the system as they told me they were. Referencing reforms to the benefit system, the UN rapporteur said universal credit was a "sudden tonne of bricks approach" that is "utterly inconsistent with the essential underpinnings of not just human rights, but the whole British sense of community and the values of justice and fairness". He added: "The system epitomised by universal credit, but not limited to that, is in fact driven by the desire to get across a simple set of messages: the state does not have your back any longer. You are on your own. The governments place is not to be assisting people who think they cant make it on their own. The governments place is an absolute last emergency order, and what goes along with that is a sense that we should make the system as unwelcoming as possible. The command and control approach reflected in universal credit is that sanctions should be harsh, immediate and painful and yet all of the evidence that Ive seen indicate that sanctions are usually counter-productive, that they create fear and loathing among claimants and they impose immense hardship." When asked about the kind of future the UK faces, Mr Alston said: Britain is heading towards an alienated society where you have pretty dramatic differences between the upper classes and the lower classes. The era of connectivity, social media and so on make it much less sustainable to have these two dramatically different societies - of people living the high life but people on the other hand not able to afford a tin of banked beans. Describing the state of affairs for poor groups on a local level, he said local authorities, which he said performed a "vital role" in providing a social safety net, had been "gutted" by a series of government policies. Mr Alston added: The public land that is being sold off, the libraries that are being closed down, the youth services that are being sized down. Soon, there will be nowhere for them to go. They will find themselves living in an increasingly hostile society because community roots are being broken. There is real reason for concern. When asked by The Independent to what extent the government's immigration policies contributed to poverty, Mr Alston condemned the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK and urged ministers to consider giving people seeking asylum the right to work. Expecting asylum seekers to survive without any access to government services on 37 a week is unrealistic and very punitive. Enabling those people to seek work is a minor concession that should be contemplated, he said. Responding to the findings, Labours shadow work and pensions secretary Margaret Greenwood urged the government to listen to the people being pushed into poverty by its policies. Universal credit is failing miserably, leaving families in debt, rent arrears and at risk of becoming homeless. Three million children are growing up in poverty despite living in a working household," she added. Labour will stop the roll out of universal credit, end the benefit freeze and transform the social security system so that it supports people instead of punishing them. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 21 November 2021 London-based midwife Sarah Muggleton, 27, takes part in a 'March with Midwives' in central London to highlight the crisis in maternity services PA UK news in pictures 20 November 2021 Police officers monitor as climate change activists sit down and block traffic during a protest action in solidarity with activists from the Insulate Britain group who received prison terms for blocking roads, on Lambeth Bridge in central London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 19 November 2021 A giant installation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson made from recycled clothing goes on display at Manchester Central, as part of Manchester Art Fair, in a 'wake-up call for the Prime Minister to tackle textile waste' PA UK news in pictures 18 November 2021 The scene at a recycling centre in Stert, near Devizes in Wiltshire after a large blaze was brought under control. The fire broke out on Wednesday night the fire service has said and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to large amounts of smoke PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2021 The sun rises over South Shields Lighthouse, on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2021 ancer Maithili Vijayakumar at the launch of 2021 Diwali celebrations at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 15 November 2021 Forensic officers work outside Liverpool Women's Hospital, following a car blast, in Liverpool Reuters UK news in pictures 14 November 2021 Wreaths by the Cenotaph after the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London PA UK news in pictures 13 November 2021 Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of detainee Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, is ending his hunger strike in central London after almost three weeks. Ratcliffe has spent 21 days camped outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London without food. He began his demonstration on 24 October after his wife lost her latest appeal in Iran, saying his family was caught in a dispute between two states PA UK news in pictures 12 November 2021 Peter Green protesting outside the Cop26 gates during the official final day of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2021 Seagulls fly around the statue entitled 'Tommy', a first World War soldier by artist Ray Lonsdale at dawn in Seaham, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 10 November 2021 Climate activists dressed as characters inspired by the Netflix series Squid Game protest as they ask Samsung to go 100% renewable energy, outside the venue for COP26 in Glasgow Reuters UK news in pictures 9 November 2021 A deer statue silhouetted at Loch Faskally in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 8 November 2021 Sunrise over St Mary's Lighthouse at Whitley Bay on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2021 Activists from Friends of the Earth during a demonstration calling for an end to all new oil and gas projects in the North Sea outside the UK Government's Cop26 hub during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2021 Protesters take part in a rally organised by the Cop26 Coalition in Glasgow demanding global climate justice PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2021 Final touches are made to a life sized Sir David Attenborough cake surrounded by animals as part of a display created by a group of cake artists during Cake International at NEC Birmingham PA UK news in pictures 4 November 2021 A spectacular display of the Northern Lights seen over Derwentwater, near Keswick in the Lake District PA UK news in pictures 3 November 2021 Police and demonstrators at a Extinction Rebellion protest on Buchanan Street, during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 2 November 2021 A person walks along the Basingstoke canal near to Dogmersfield in Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 1 November 2021 Sir David Attenborough delivers a speech during Cop26 in Glasgow Reuters UK news in pictures 31 October 2021 Extinction Rebellion activists protest in Edinburgh as the Cop26 conference begins in Glasgow Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2021 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with Mapuche leader and Minga Indigena Lead Coordinator Claflin Lafkenche (right) alongside indigenous delegates at a ceremonial gathering at the Tramway in Glasgow in a symbolic gesture to mark a unified demand for climate justice PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2021 Ocean Rebellion put on a display of puking oil heads ahead of climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow EPA UK news in pictures 28 October 2021 A man dressed as Santa Claus outside Selfridges in London as the department store unveils its Christmas windows on Oxford Street PA UK news in pictures 27 October 2021 Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during a visit to Fourpure Brewery in Bermondsey, London, after the chancellor announced a cut to beer taxes in his budget PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2021 Activist Steve Bray demonstrates with a toilet outside the gates of Downing Street, after MPs voted in Parliament against the Environment Bill, allowing companies to pump raw sewage into UK rivers and seas, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 October 2021 Second World War veteran James White, 96, at the opening of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, marking the start of the remembrance period PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2021 Richard Ratcliffe holds up a photo of his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as he protests outside the Foreign Office while on hunger strike, part of an effort to lobby the UK foreign secretary to bring his wife home from detention in Iran Getty UK news in pictures 23 October 2021 Partner of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Stella Morris and Editor in Chief of WikiLeaks Kristinn Hrafnsson attend a protest ahead of the appeal hearing over Assange's extradition, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 22 October 2021 Palace Gardener Justine Howlett adds the finishing touches to pumpkins bearing the face of Henry VIII and his wives, at Hampton Court Palace. PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2021 Flooded fields near Lingfield in Surrey, after southern England was hit overnight by heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Aurore moving in from France PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2021 A wing surfer enjoys the strong winds as they surf in the sea off of Hayling Island in Hampshire PA UK news in pictures 19 October 2021 Actor Jude Law holds hands with Little Amal, a 3.5-metre-tall puppet of a nine-year-old Syrian girl, as it arrives in Folkestone, Kent, as part of the Handspring Puppet Company's 'The Walk' PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2021 A view over Southend-on-Sea in Essex, which is set to become a city in tribute to Sir David Amess MP, who spent years campaigning for the change Getty UK news in pictures 17 October 2021 Members of the Essex Bangladeshi Welfare Association pay their respects by floral tributes laid at the scene where Sir David Amess MP was killed at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea Reuters UK news in pictures 16 October 2021 Boris Johnson, Sir Keir Starmer, Priti Patel and Lindsay Hoyle pay respects to Sir David Amess at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea, the site of his death EPA UK news in pictures 15 October 2021 A person lays flowers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery. A man has been arrested and officers are not looking for anyone else PA UK news in pictures 14 October 2021 A red deer stag during rutting season in Bushy Park, Richmond, south west London, which is home to over 300 red and fallow deer PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 6 October 2021 A protester, wearing a mask of Johnson, holds a sign reading Question it all on the final day of the Tory conference Getty UK news in pictures 5 October 2021 Members of Insulate Britain outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, before a hearing over the injunction banning the environmental activists from blocking the M25 PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2021 A delegate passes a street cleaner on the second day of the annual Conservative Party Conference being held at the Manchester Central convention centre AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS In a series of recommendations, Mr Alston said the government should ensure local governments have the funds needed to tackle poverty at the community level, conduct an independent review of the effectiveness of reforms to sanctions introduced since 2012, and immediately explore less punitive approaches to encouraging compliance. He said the five week delay in receiving benefits under universal credit should be eliminated, separate payments should be made to different household members, and weekly or fortnightly payments should be facilitated. His final recommendation states that, as the country moves toward Brexit, the government should adopt policies designed to ensure that the brunt of the resulting economic burden is "not borne by its most vulnerable citizens". Cabinet ministers are planning a final push to remould parts of Theresa Mays Brexit strategy in a bid to find a way through the political crisis engulfing the government. Brexit-backing members of Ms Mays team will meet within days to discuss their approach, with a drive to change the text of the UKs withdrawal agreement not ruled out. It emerged as Ms May sought to shore up her leadership following a wave of resignations, by appointing staunch ally Amber Rudd back to the cabinet six months after she was forced to resign over the Windrush scandal. Downing Street is on high alert as rebel backbenchers submitted further letters calling on Ms May to quit, ahead of a possible vote of no confidence next week. The Independent understands that House of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom is set to convene the meeting of Brexiteer frontbenchers to decide how Ms Mays strategy might evolve ahead of a critical European summit in just over a week. Michael Gove is also among their number having decided not to follow Dominic Raab and Esther McVey in quitting the cabinet. As it emerged he would continue in post, the environment secretary said: I think its absolutely vital that we focus on getting the right deal in the future. Others in the group include Liam Fox, Penny Mordaunt and Chris Grayling, and there are efforts to bring in Liz Truss, Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt. Conservative MP Steve Baker: MPs who backed Theresa May's Brexit deal cannot run as future leader They will look at how they can allay deep concerns within the party about the backstop mechanism, which binds the UK into a customs union with the EU if no trade deal has been reached by the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020. Many Conservative MPs wanted the UK to have a unilateral option to withdraw from the arrangement, something Ms May had concluded is unobtainable. One cabinet source explained that several members of the group do still want changes to the text of the withdrawal agreement, and believe it may become easier to convince the PM of their case as the prospect of defeat in the commons looms. But the source explained that they are also realistic about the chances of success. Another insider told The Independent others were more focussed on achieving a stronger settlement in the future framework outlining the UKs final post-Brexit trading relations with the EU which is still to be hammered out ahead the special EU summit on 25 November. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" The prime ministers spokesman said on Friday that the focus of negotiations will now be on the future trading arrangement and not the withdrawal agreement that includes the backstop. But he added: Nothing is agreed, until everything is agreed. The EU have been less equivocal, with German chancellor Angela Merkel saying there is no question of reopening talks as a document is now on the table. Ms Rudds return to the cabinet is a boost for Ms May, given that she has backed the current form of the prime ministers withdrawal agreement. After her new job as work and pensions secretary was announced, Ms Rudd told Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 5 Live: It is quite exciting this proposal, and I certainly hope the cabinet back it. I think its the right combination. Its a compromise. Everybody knew it was going to have be a compromise, and the people who are throwing mud at it from either side are looking for something perfect. Perfect was never going to be on offer. Earlier in the day Eurosceptic MP Steve Baker sought to pressure cabinet members by warning that any who backed Ms Mays approach could forget about becoming party leader with Mr Gove, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Hunt and Mr Javid believed to harbour ambitions. But a push from Mr Baker and other members of the European Research Group (ERG) of backbenches to secure a vote of no confidence in the prime minister appeared to have some way to go, with the MP making differing statements during the day on how many letters had been submitted 48 are needed from MPs to trigger a vote. Tory whips held a meeting on Friday ahead of a potential challenge, while Ms May conducted a conference call with Tory association chairs as she tried to build support for her Brexit deal. Cabinet minister Liam Fox has sought to defend the prime ministers Brexit proposals by claiming that a deal is better than no deal. The international development secretarys comments mark a change in stance from the previous no deal is better than a bad deal line, taken by Theresa May since early 2017. The comments from Dr Fox, who has been seen as a leading Brexiteer, come as the prime minister appeared to have at least temporarily stemmed the flow of resignations from her front bench that began on Thursday. Claims that there were also now enough letters from Tory MPs calling for Ms May to resign were also being called into question on Friday, with a vote of no confidence looking unlikely until next week. In a message apparently aimed at rebel MPs, Dr Fox said: I hope that we all take a rational and reasonable view of this. We are not elected to do what we want, we are elected to do whats in the national interest. Ultimately I hope that across parliament we recognise that a deal is better than no deal. Businesses do require certainty, confidence as they go forward for their planning. And there are those round the world who are waiting to get certainty also to begin to discuss trade agreements with the United Kingdom. It is in our national interest. Catherine Stihler, Labour MEP and Best for Britain champion, said the comments served to underline why there is need for new referendum on Brexit. What do New Yorkers think of Brexit? She went on: This is a rebuke to the hardline Brexiteers who want to push Britain over the cliff-edge. It demonstrates the extent of the civil war engulfing the Tory Party. A no-deal scenario would undoubtedly be more calamitous than a deal approved by EU member states, costing hundreds of thousands of jobs. But there is no such thing as a good Brexit deal. The only way to protect jobs and grow our economy is as part of the EU. Ms Mays defacto deputy David Lidington also hit the airwaves to tel Tories plotting against her they should instead rally behind the Prime Minister in the national interest. Cabinet Office minister praised Ms Mays resilience in carrying out the absolutely back-breaking job of delivering a Brexit deal for the United Kingdom. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" Earlier in the day it emerged that environment secretary Michael Gove was now not likely to quit, amid speculation that he would follow Dominic Raab and Esther McVey in resigning over the draft Brexit plan. Former Brexit minister Steve Baker a leading member of the European Research Group which is at the forefront of attempts to now depose Ms May said he believed they were close to getting the 48 letters of no confidence needed to trigger a vote on her future. People have been ringing me and they are telling me that they are putting letters in. I have spoken to colleagues as well and I think we are probably not far off. I think it is probably imminent, he told BBC2s Politics Live. He acknowledged he had sent a WhatsApp message to colleagues earlier saying that his count was over 48, with around a dozen probables, but admitted the number was probably inaccurate. He said that only Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, knew the true figure. Mr Baker added: My number will be inaccurate because people will withdraw letters, they will tell me they have put letters in when they havent, they will take them out and not tell you they have taken them out. Brexiteers who remain in the Cabinet rather than resigning in protest at Theresa May's Brexit deal will not be considered as Tory leadership candidates, a leading Eurosceptic has warned. In a move that will come as a blow to the likes of Penny Mordaunt and Michael Gove, Steve Baker said ministers who chose to hold onto their jobs would not be "plausible" leadership contenders. Mr Baker, a former Brexit minister, is an influential figure in the European Research Group (ERG) of anti-EU Tories. On Thursday he was among backbenchers who demanded a vote of no confidence in Ms May, and called on others to do the same. Recommended Government whips ordered to return to Westminster Eurosceptics are believed to be close to the threshold of 48 signatures needed to secure a no confidence vote in the prime minister. With two cabinet ministers already having resigned in protest at the proposed deal, Mr Baker said others must follow suit if they are to realise their leadership ambitions. He told Sky News: "For those people who are in Cabinet today, it is perfectly noble and reasonable of them to prioritise the stability of the government, to prioritise - particularly for Michael [Gove] - no deal prep, because Defra is one of the more affected departments. "That is perfectly reasonable and noble. But it does mean, I think, that they will not be one of the plausible candidate should a contest come up." He said Eurosceptic MPs would not put forward ERG leader Jacob Rees-Mogg as their candidate because he has "no experience in government". He also ruled himself out of running. Instead, he said he wanted to see a candidate who is "charismatic and determined, who believes in leaving the European Union and who can carry this country through it". Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" Both Mr Gove and Ms Mordaunt were reported to be considering their positions following the resignations of Brexiteer colleagues Dominic Raab, the Brexit secretary, and Esther McVey, the work and pensions secretary. Both, however, have since decided to stay. Reports suggest they will join with fellow Eurosceptics Liam Fox, Chris Grayling and Andrea Leadsom in trying to convince Ms May to shift her stance on Brexit. Mr Baker is understood to be co-ordinating letters calling for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. He said he did not know exactly how many had been sent to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 committee of Tory MPs, but added: "My count is a little over 48 with perhaps another dozen probables." The current situation was "extremely grave", he said, adding: "It gives me no pleasure to be doing what we're doing". In a scathing attack on Ms May, Mr Baker said Tory MPs must vote to oust the prime minister if they want the party to win the next general election. He said: "The thing that people will need to remember is that we went into [the 2017] general election with a poll lead so great that the serious concern of journalists and commentators was that we would be going into a one-party state. "That was all thrown away and every member of Parliament has had to live this awful hung parliament, where if half a dozen MPs decide they don't like any policy, you can't get it through, and the government has to fold again and again and again. He added: "This is not the way our country needs to be governed, and it's governed this way because we had a disastrous general election. "Every [Conservative] member of Parliament will face a secret ballot if the vote comes, in which they will have to ask themselves, 'do I want to repeat that?' and the answer for most of them is going to be no." A key Commons committee has criticised the governments plan for giving MPs a vote on Theresa Mays withdrawal deal, in a further blow to No 10s prospects of forcing the agreement through parliament. The influential Procedure Committee, which has been considering how to ensure MPs are given a meaningful vote on the proposed deal, slapped down ministers plan to change normal parliamentary procedures to make it harder for the Commons to bind Theresa Mays hands. Instead, the committee said, the Commons should vote on proposed amendments to the governments motion before deciding whether or not to approve the exit deal. Recommended Brexiteer ministers seek concessions from Theresa May That means the Commons would be able to add a range of conditions for example, that there should be a fresh public vote before approving the deal. Any amendment calling for the public to be given the final say via a referendum would be likely to receive significant support from MPs, although it would need Labours backing in order to pass. The Independents petition in support of a Final Say vote has been signed by more than a million people. The latest significant development comes a day after The Independent reported that ministers were heading towards an admission that MPs will have to vote on amendments before they vote on the governments motion. The order of the votes to be held on the proposed deal has been a matter of fierce debate, with some anti-Brexit MPs insisting the Commons must be allowed to vote on proposed amendments to the government motion before voting on the deal itself. However, the government hoped to have the deal approved and only then let MPs debate potential amendments. After hearing evidence from MPs, constitutional experts and the government, the Procedure Committee dismissed ministers proposal. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" In a report, it said: The government has argued that MPs must have the opportunity to approve or reject the governments motion as tabled. This would depart from the usual practice of voting on amendments to the motion before the main motion, amended or not. The Procedure Committee recommends that, when considering the section 13 motion, the House should not depart from its usual practice of voting on amendments before voting on the main motion. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Act, passed earlier this year, the Commons must vote to approve the draft Brexit deal and a statement on the future relationship between the UK and EU if the withdrawal agreement is to be formally ratified. MPs on the Procedure Committee said there were three options for holding a meaningful vote on the deal. The first would see the Commons follow its usual practice of voting on amendments before voting on the motion itself. However, the process would be adapted to allow for a much lengthier debate than the usual 90 minutes and to ensure that more than the usual one amendment is voted on. The second option would involve voting on the substance of the motion and then deciding on possible amendments. This was rejected by the committee. A third possibility would see MPs vote on a series of non-binding motions expressing varying views, before holding the binding vote on the main motion. Brexit deal: Theresa May's draft withdrawal agreement explained Charles Walker, chair of the Procedure Committee, said: The decision that MPs will be required to make on any motion to approve a withdrawal agreement will be one of the most momentous decisions ever taken both for the House of Commons and for the country. However it is clear that there are divergent views on how the procedure should operate. Todays report sets out three potential models for MPs to consider, with a recommendation that the House should not depart from its usual practice of voting on amendments before voting on the main motion. Ultimately the Commons itself will decide what form the votes take. The government will table its proposal in the form of a business motion and put it to a vote of MPs. The Procedure Committee said this discussion should be given a whole day in the parliamentary timetable, and should take place at least two days before the proposed debate on the deal itself. MPs have previously demanded that the debate on the deal should be given at least five days. Mr Walker said: The committee expects the government to arrange a debate on a Business of the House motion to determine the procedure the House will use for the decision. It is essential that MPs are able to make a thorough assessment of the various issues at play in order to reach a decision on the procedure used to ratify the withdrawal agreement. Close Theresa May tells LBC that the NHS 'will get an extra 394 million a week' Theresa May faces another tough day as she battles to cling onto her job after a flurry of ministerial resignations and a growing campaign to unseat her by Conservative MPs unhappy about her Brexit deal. As No 10 gears up for a potential vote of no confidence, government whips were recalled to Westminster from their constituencies. Ms May began the morning with a 30-minute phone-in on LBC, where she insisted she would carry on as prime minister and defended the Brexit deal that has infuriated many of her MPs. She was speaking minutes after former culture secretary John Whittingdale became the latest to announce he had submitted a letter of no-confidence in her. Having lost senior cabinet ministers Dominic Raab and Esther McVey, pressure on Ms May was heightened after leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg submitted his letter calling for a vote of no-confidence on Thursday afternoon. A number of other Tory backbenchers publicly followed suit. If the number of letters hits 48 (15 per cent of the parliamentary party) Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, will automatically trigger a confidence vote in Ms May. There is growing speculation of further cabinet resignations, with Michael Gove considering whether he should step down after apparently refusing to take the Brexit secretary job. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" Mr Gove is believed to have demanded that Ms Mays draft agreement is renegotiated and for the 25 November summit with the EU to be cancelled. Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, is also thought to be still considering quitting and met with Ms May yesterday to discuss. There is no question of further Brexit negotiations if the deal struck by Theresa May is rejected, Angela Merkel has said. Speaking in Berlin, the German chancellor welcomed the deal but warned a chaotic exit was still possible as a worst case scenario. We have a document on the table that Britain and the EU 27 have agreed to, so for me there is no question at the moment whether we negotiate further, the Chancellor said. The warning follows EU officials close to talks saying the controversial document, which has been panned on all sides in Westminster, is the best we can do given the prime ministers red lines and the blocs own rules. Ms May has publicly stood by the plan, but the Huffington Post reported on Thursday night that allies of the prime minister are trying to win over Brexiteer rebels in the Conservative party with the offer of further concessions from Brussels if they fall in line. Speaking at a news conference ostensibly about her governments digital strategy, Ms Merkel told reporters: I am very happy that after long negotiations which were not easy, a proposal has been pulled together. You have to see the alternatives and then ask: is what we have a basis? So I hope that this can be such a basis. The worst case, and most disorderly, is that there is no kind of no deal. It comes as Westminster waits with baited breath to see whether the prime minister will be subject to a no-confidence vote over the plan. This would be triggered if 48 Tory MPs write to party authorities requesting one, a number that is thought to be close. In Brussels, ambassadors of the 27 remaining EU member states are meeting to put the finishing touches to the future relationship part of the deal, which unlike the withdrawal agreement could still change. An account of one meeting on Friday reported by the BBC says EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier paid tribute to Ms Mays conduct in talks, but that he warned the EU should not compromise its principles even if there is a difficult situation in the UK. He is said to have warned that even though the UK wants to avoid a no-deal, it should not engage in bargaining echoing a message similar to that stated by the German chancellor in public. Ambassadors are set to meet again on Sunday ahead of a meeting of EU ministers on Monday, which will make preparations of the planned Brexit summit on the 25 November where the deal will hopefully be finalised. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" Leaked diplomatic notes from meetings today and yesterday show member states still have a raft of concerns about the plans. Spain, France, Belgium and other countries are concerned about the ability of the UK to extend the transition period, according to the memos obtained by news website BuzzFeed. France and other countries are also understood to be worried about giving the UK access to the customs union through the so-called backstop without a solid deal granting them access to British fishing waters. Instead, the agreement states that such a deal will be negotiated. The accounts suggest that the future relationship part of the deal could yet change before it is fully signed off potentially causing more grief for Ms May. European leaders could be willing to renegotiate a Brexit deal to keep the UK in the single market if Theresa May fails to get her draft agreement through the House of Commons, Nicola Sturgeon has said. Scotland's first minister said at the moment it was difficult to see how the prime minister could get the necessary votes to get her proposals through parliament. Instead of just waiting for it to be defeated, right now we should be looking to get a better alternative on the table, she said. Recommended A confidence vote would be a distraction at such a critical juncture Speaking at the Scottish Federation of Small Businesses annual dinner in Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon again stated that crashing out of the European Union is not inevitable and she argued it was time to get something sensible on the table as an alternative. She said: People will say the EU is not going to negotiate any other deal, well I dont suspect they will want to go back to the drawing board. But if the UK was to come forward with what I think is the sensible option, what we in the Scottish Government have argued all along, that the UK is leaving the EU but is going to stay in the single market, all of it, and the customs union, I think there would be a willingness to negotiate that on the part of the EU. Such a move might require the Article 50 deadline of March 2019 to be extended by a little bit, she added. But she said: Worse things than that believe me have happened. So we will continue to argue as hard as we can for that sensible option. Donald Tusk: 'We are also prepared for a no-deal scenario but of course we are best prepared for a no-Brexit scenario' The Scottish National Party leader spoke about her profound concern that making special provisions for Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit plan would give that country unfettered access to the European market, leaving Scotland at a competitive disadvantage. She told the audience: I as First Minister spend a lot of time talking to companies that are considering investing in Scotland, employing people in Scotland, expanding existing operations, and we do really well at attracting companies to come and invest here, were the best performing part of the UK outside of London for attracting inwards investment. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" But every business that is thinking of setting up here will be looking at other places as well across the UK, perhaps across Europe. In recent years one of the most competitive places has been Belfast. If we find ourselves in a position in the future where we are competing for business and a company looking at Scotland is also looking at Belfast, and Belfast will have unfettered access to the whole European single market that they wont have in Glasgow or Edinburgh or Fife or wherever Scotland, then we are going to be at a serious competitive disadvantage and it is really important we dont allow that to happen to us. Press Association In a dim and distant Golden Age, the people of Middle England knew where they stood: they knew what was right, what was wrong and who the saboteurs were. But nearly three whole months have passed since then. The sands of time have eroded the old certainties and now, for readers of the Daily Mail, the saboteurs are a different group altogether. Under the helm of editor Paul Dacre they were told the saboteurs were the game-playing remoaners who would be crushed by the new Iron Lady Theresa May. Recommended Paul Dacre warns new Daily Mail editor about changing Brexit stance Crush the saboteurs, cried the front page on 19 April 2017, as the Mail cheered on the PMs plan to call the bluff of the game-playing Remoaners in a snap election which didnt exactly turn out as Ms May, or Mr Dacre, expected. But two and a half long months after Mr Dacre vacated the editors chair, it seems the saboteurs are now the preening Brexiteers. Daily Mail, April 19 2017 Under the new stewardship of pro-Remain editor Geordie Greig, the newspaper chose on Friday to respond to the chaos descending on Ms Mays attempts at Brexit by telling readers: As preening Tory saboteurs undermine the PM, their party, Brexit and Britains future the Mail asks simply . Have they lost the plot? Brexiteers plotting to topple Theresa May faced a ferocious Tory backlash last night, said the news story, as the front page editorial denounced the peacocking saboteurs Daily Mail, November 16 2018 The old king had warned of what might happen should there be even a hint of cooling ardour for Brexit at the Daily Mail. As he prepared to step down, Mr Dacre wrote an article in The Spectator that many chose to interpret as a not-so-coded warning to his successor Mr Greig. "Support for Brexit," he wrote, "Is in the DNA of both the Daily Mail and, more pertinently, its readers. Any move to reverse this would be editorial and commercial suicide. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" Supportive readers of Fridays front page could, of course, point out that for all the difference in who gets called a saboteur these days, there has been no shifting of support for Theresa May and her efforts to achieve Brexit, and no change in the papers opposition to the no-deal option. But that didnt stop some in the old-guard readership taking to Twitter to complain that the paper was Basically turning into The Guardian" even though they probably cant expect to see Polly Toynbees column appearing in the Mail any time soon. So what of the foretold commercial suicide? A senior executive, who declined to be named, spoke of the possibility that there may even be a Dacre detox dividend, adding that the idea of the old editor having had a unique and magical connection with Middle England has been exposed already. One news media specialist, who asked not to be named, said: There has certainly not been a catastrophic collapse in circulation so far following Dacres departure as Mail editor and an apparent softening of the papers Brexit stance under Greig. The latest ABCs show its circulation at 1.23m copies a day in October, which is down from August (1.27m) and September (1.25m), but this is the shrinking print market after all, and the Mail is quick to point out that its market share is up. The companys press release states that the Saturday edition is in particularly rude health, out-selling even The Sun by more than 234,000 copies, and that the paper had increased its share of Monday to Friday sales to a record 24.1 per cent. In the endless debate as to whether the news media reflect the views of their readers or lead their political opinions, it may be that the people of Middle England arent all furious Brexit die-hards after all. Time will tell, and the influence of the mighty Mail, and its new tone, should perhaps not be underestimated. As for Mr Greig, well, hes delighted, according to the press release. Of course: there was a time when Tony Gallagher, now editor of The Sun and once deputy to Dacre, was favourite for the Mail job himself. Theresa May has revealed the insulin she uses to treat her diabetes comes from the European Union and she therefore understands the importance of securing a Brexit deal. Speaking during a public phone-in while appearing on a LBC radio show, the prime minister was asked if the government was making provisions about the access to medicine in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal. Ms May responded by saying that this was an issue that affected her personally and that the Department of Health was taking steps to ensure there were ample supplies. She said the insulin she used to treat her type one diabetes was manufactured in Denmark. This is an issue that affects me personally. I am a type one diabetic, I depended on insulin every day. As it happens my insulin is produced by a company in the EU, Ms May said. I know that this is an issue that is a matter of importance to people and that the Department of Health is ensuring that it is taking all the steps. Ms May faced questions from members of public about her Brexit deal, her future as prime minister and the ministerial resignations that have taken place over the last week. When quizzed on the infamous Brexit claim that the NHS would receive an additional 350 million a week, she referred to announcements from Phillip Hammonds budget last month Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" When we leave the EU we wont be sending the vast amounts of money to the EU every year that we do at the moment, Ms May said on LBC. That means we will have money to spend on priorities like the NHS. This is our number one spending priority and we have already committed to spending more money on the NHS over the next five years. It will mean 394 million more a week going into the NHS. However, the PM repeatedly refused to condemn former foreign secretary Boris Johnson for campaigning for Brexit in front of the bus that bore the 350m claim. The prime minister was also subjected to repeated calls to stand down, to make way for Brexit-supporting politicians, told the Conservative Partys coalition partners the DUP would withdraw support unless there was a change of leader, and she was compared to former prime minister Neville Chamberlain, who attempted to make peace with Nazi Germany ahead of the Second World War. In the lengthy appearance, Ms May defended her plan, admitted there had been compromises, but maintained her belief the plan was the best deal for the UK. One Conservative-supporting councillor Dan, from Louth, said Ms May should stand down, saying he "commended" the PM for trying to strike a Brexit deal with the EU, but "sadly that has not worked". He said: Please Prime Minister, tell me why do you think you should stay on as PM when you have failed - despite your no doubt honourable intentions - to (deliver on) the referendum result? "If you cannot do that, I respectfully ask you to do the right thing in the national interest and stand down to allow someone from the Brexit camp to take the lead. There is still time to sort this out." Ms May responded by going through details of the draft withdrawal agreement. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events She said: You're absolutely right that for a lot of people who voted Leave, what they wanted to do was make sure that decisions on things like who can come into this country would be taken by us here in the UK, and not by Brussels, and that's exactly what the deal I've negotiated delivers. During her half-hour appearance on the show, host Nick Ferrari also told the prime minister DUP leader Arlene Foster had said the party was ready to withdraw support unless there was a change of prime minister. Theyve raised some questions with us, theyve raised some concerns with us, Ms May conceded, and added she believed she still had the DUPs support for the Brexit deal. Agencies contributed to this report At least 71 people are confirmed to have died in a catastrophic wildfire in northern California while a further 1,000 are still missing, officials have said. What was already the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the states history now ranks as one of the most lethal wildfires in the US Authorities attributed the high death toll from the so-called Camp Fire, which erupted last Thursday in the drought-parched Sierra foothills 175 miles north of San Francisco, in part to the staggering speed with which the wind-whipped flames raced with little warning through Paradise, a town of 27,000. Recommended Incoming rain could help firefighters tackle deadly California fire Nearly 12,000 homes and buildings, including most of the town, were incinerated hours after the blaze erupted, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has said. Three other people have died in a fire in southern California. Thousands of additional structures were still threatened by the Camp Hill fire, and as many as 50,000 people were under evacuation orders at the height of the blaze. An army of firefighters, many from distant states, worked to contain and suppress the flames. 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 Donald Trump, who has been criticised for politicising the fires by casting blame on forest management, plans to visit the fire zones on Saturday to meet displaced residents, the White House announced. The number of people unaccounted for grew from 631 on Thursday night to more than 1,011 on Friday, but Sheriff Kory Honea said the list was dynamic and could easily contain duplicate names and unreliable spellings of names. He said the list probably includes some who fled the blaze and do not realise they've been reported missing. The sheriff added that he was making the list of missing public so people could see if they were on it and let authorities know they were safe. The chaos that we were dealing with was extraordinary, Mr Honea said of the early crisis hours last week. Now were trying to go back out and make sure that were accounting for everyone. The sheriff asked relatives of the missing to submit DNA samples to hasten identification of the dead, but acknowledged some of those unaccounted for may never be conclusively found. The Butte County disaster coincided with a flurry of smaller blazes in southern California, including the Woolsey Fire, which has been linked with three fatalities and has destroyed at least 500 structures in the mountains and foothills near the Malibu coast west of Los Angeles. Cal Fire said that 40 per cent of the Camp Fires perimeter had been contained, up from 35 per cent, even as the blaze footprint grew 2,000 acres to 141,000 acres (57,000 hectares). Containment of the Woolsey fire grew to 57 per cent. Night vision military drone shows Camp Fire tearing through California The latest blazes have capped a pair of calamitous wildfire seasons in California that scientists largely attribute to prolonged drought they say is symptomatic of climate change. The cause of the fires are under investigation. But two electric utilities have said they sustained equipment problems close to the origins of the blazes around the time they were reported. Additional reporting by agencies A Republican politician has been caught on video saying making it harder for liberals to vote is a great idea. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a state senator in Mississippi facing a runoff election later this month, was filmed speaking to a small crowd in Starkville, a town 25 miles west of Columbus. And then they remind me that theres a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who that maybe we dont want to vote, the 59-year-old said, in footage shared on social media. Maybe we want to make it just a little more difficult. So, I think thats a great idea. Her comments came following a midterms election cycle engulfed by a series of voter suppression controversies most notoriously in Georgia. Ms Hyde-Smiths campaign team told The Washington Post she was talking about the issue of polling stations on college campuses to a group of students on 3 November. Thats what she said was a great idea, spokeswoman Melissa Scallan said. Someone pointed out that college campuses were liberal and thats when she made the joke about not wanting everyone to vote. That was a joke. The polling places on college campuses is what she said was a great idea. The senator absolutely is not a racist and does not support voter suppression, she added. Ms Scallan claimed the video was "selectively edited" and accused the liberal media of using the controversy to avoid talking about Ms Hyde-Smiths Democratic opponent, Mike Epsy. 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 The video, which was not edited, was posted on Twitter by local journalist Lamar White Jr, who earlier in the week shared footage of Ms Hyde-Smith telling a crowd at a separate event she would be on the front row if invited to a public hanging by one of her supporters. Her campaign team insisted she was using an exaggerated expression of regard. On Wednesday, three days after her comments on voter suppression were made public, it emerged Ms Hyde-Smith had accepted a $2,700 donation the maximum individual contribution allowed by Peter Zieve, who authorities say is a notorious racist. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Zieve is being sued by Washington state for discriminating against ethnic minority applicants and imposing his racist views on his employees at his aerospace company, Electroimpact. Ms Hyde-Smith is facing Democrat Mike Epsy in a runoff on 27 November, after neither candidate won more than 50 per cent of the vote in a special four-way vote in the midterms. For a state like Mississippi, where voting rights were obtained through sweat and blood, everyone should appreciate that this is not a laughing matter, Danny Blanton, a spokesman for Mr Epsy, said. Mississippians deserve a senator who represents our best qualities, not a walking stereotype who embarrasses our state. The Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been charged under seal with unspecified offences in the US, prosecutors have accidentally revealed in an unintentional court filing. Federal prosecutors had hoped to keep the indictment prepared against Mr Assange a secret due to the sophistication of the defendant, and the publicity surrounding the case, and so that Mr Assange would no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter. Wikileaks said on social media that the US Justice Department had accidentally revealed existence of sealed charges (or draft of them) against [Mr Assange] in apparent cut-and-paste error. The document that reveals the charges, which prosecutors say was filed by mistake, asks a judge to seal documents in a criminal case unrelated to Mr Assange, and carries markings indicating it was originally filed in a US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia in August. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency the document was initially sealed but unsealed this week for reasons that are unclear at the moment. And Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the prosecutors office which filed the document that was unsealed, told Reuters: The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing. According to the document, any procedure short of sealing, will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant, and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. It adds: The complaint, supporting affidavit, and arrest warrant, as well as this motion and the proposed order, would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter. The Washington Post reported that the document had been penned by the assistant US attorney Kellen S Dwyer. US officials have previously acknowledged that federal prosecutors based in Alexandria have been conducting a lengthy criminal investigation into Wikileaks and its founder. Mr Dwyer had also been assigned to the WikiLeaks case, according to The Washington Post. US media quoted sources familiar with the matter saying that what Mr Dwyer was disclosing was true, but unintentional. Representatives of the Trump administration, including secretary of state Mike Pompeo, have publicly called for Mr Assange and Wikileaks to be aggressively prosecuted over the 2010 release of classified diplomatic cables. Prosecutors are reported to have reopened their investigation into whether charges should be brought for the 2010 leak since Donald Trump came to power. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events And separately, special counsel Robert Mueller has also looked into WikiLeaks publication of emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clintons then-campaign chairman, John Podesta, ahead of the 2016 election. Officials have previously claimed the emails were hacked by Russian spies and transferred to Wikileaks. Mr Assange entered the Ecuadorian embassy in London six years ago, to avoid extradition to Sweden to be questioned in a sexual molestation case. Sweden has since dropped its request to extradite Mr Assange, but he still faces arrest by the Metropolitan Police if he leaves the embassy on a charge of skipping bail. Mr Assange was initially treated as a welcome guest in the embassy, but his relations with Ecuadorian officials have become strained over time and he has often complained of his living conditions. He and his supporters have periodically said US authorities had filed secret criminal charges against him, citing them as one of the reasons he must stay in the embassy an assertion that US officials have pushed back against until recently. A tweet over Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's choice of clothing has sparked a backlash after a journalist suggested she was a woman who struggles with money. The tweet from Eddie Scarry of the Washington Times came after it was revealed Ms Ocasio-Cortez could not afford to rent a flat in Washington before her Congressional salary kicks in in January. The picture, taken of Ms Ocasio-Cortez from behind said:: Hill staffer sent me this pic of Ocasio-Cortez they took just now. Ill tell you something: that jacket and coat dont look like a girl who struggles. Recommended Youngest congresswoman struggles to afford Washington apartment The backlash was swift and Mr Scarry has since deleted the tweet which had thousands of replies with criticism for the creep shot, as Voxs Liz Plank called it. Even Dictionary.coms Twitter account took a swipe at Mr Scarry for calling the 29-year-old New Yorker a girl, quote-tweeting him with the definition: Girl. Noun. A female child, from birth to full growth. E.g. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not a girl. Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who has been taking Instagram followers along with her in a series of behind-the-scenes videos of the freshman Congress class orientation sessions, also responded. She has made no secret of her upbringing in a working-class neighbourhood of the Bronx borough of New York City and just until a year and a half ago was serving tables at a restaurant when she began her bid for the US House seat. 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 She tweeted no matter what she wore, critics of the socialist Democrat would find something to say. If I walked into Congress wearing a sack, they would laugh & take a picture of my backside. If I walk in with my best sale-rack clothes, they laugh & take a picture of my backside, she wrote. She added: Dark hates light - thats why you tune it out. Mr Scarry attempted to defend himself from the onslaught and said in a follow-up tweet his original message was misinterpreted. He said he simply meant she looked elegant...despite suggestions shes struggled. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events At one point Mr Scarry had posted an Amazon link to his book Fraud and Fiction: The Real Truth Behind Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The page was subsequently flooded with one-star reviews. Donald Trump's acting attorney general has reportedly said Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia will continue. Matthew Whitaker told Republican senator Lindsey Graham the special counsel's probe would proceed, according to a person familiar with the conversation, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Mr Trump appointed Mr Whitaker acting attorney general last week, which some critics have said is unconstitutional, since the lawyer has not been senate-confirmed. The meeting with Mr Graham and Mr Whitaker on Thursday comes as a bipartisan group of senators push for legislation to protect Mr Mueller's job. The senators are concerned about Mr Whitaker's past criticism of the Mueller investigation, which is also looking at alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have called for Mr Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the probe. A Justice Department spokeswoman said earlier this week Mr Whitaker will follow department protocols and consult with senior ethics officials "on his oversight responsibilities and matters that may warrant recusal". Donald Trump's reaction as he sees Vladimir Putin at WW1 Remembrance service reveals a lot Democrats have also called for the special counsel bill to be added to a year-end spending bill that must pass in December to avoid a partial government shutdown. The bipartisan legislation, introduced more than a year ago, would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing and put into law existing Justice Department regulations that a special counsel can only be fired for good cause. On Wednesday, Republican senator Jeff Flake said he would not vote to confirm judicial nominees unless Republican leaders hold a vote on the Mueller protection legislation. 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 Mr Whitaker is now overseeing the Mueller probe, which had previously been overseen by deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein. Mr Rosenstein told congress he saw no reason to fire Mr Mueller. Recently ousted attorney general Jeff Sessions had recused himself from overseeing Mr Mueller because he had worked on Mr Trump's Republican campaign and failed to disclose to congress meetings with Russia's ambassador a decision that infuriated Mr Trump and led to Mr Sessions resigning at the president's request. Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised Mr Mueller and called the investigation a hoax. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In a rambling series of tweets which made a number claims without accompanying evidence, Mr Trump wrote: "The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. "They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want. They are a disgrace to our Nation and dont care how many lives the ruin. "These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They wont even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!" Additional reporting by agencies At least 20 people have died after Cyclone Gaja made landfall in southern India on Friday morning, bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 125kmph (75mph). More than 80,000 residents had been evacuated from low-lying areas on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu state, the local government said, but Gaja hit with the force of a severe cyclonic storm. Gaja has since weakened to a cyclonic storm and is passing across the southern tip of India to the west, a bulletin from the Indian Meteorological Department. It is likely to weaken into a deep depression by Friday night as it brings heavy rain to Kerala before moving off into the Arabian Sea. Recommended Hundreds of thousands flee homes as deadly Cyclone Titli hits India Those who died were mostly killed by trees uprooted by the strong winds, or collapsing roofs and walls. A three year old boy was believed to be the youngest killed, at Adiramapattinam, while a A 67-year-old retired man died when he was hit by a falling tree in Pulangudi. Schools have been shut across the state and with rough seas, fishermen have been advised not to enter the Bay of Bengal since Sunday. More than 470 relief centres have been receiving evacuees across six districts. The storm also felled a number of power lines, and authorities disconnected electricity from some of the worst-hit areas to avoid electrocutions. Heavy rain damaged paddy crops and strong winds uprooted banana and papaya trees along the coastline, while many roads also suffered damage. Vehicles remained off the highways in most parts of Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. Speaking to reporters in a news conference in Salem, Tamil Nadus chief minister K Palaniswami said relief work had already begun and that the state was on a war-like footing, with thousands of workers on standby. They include two naval ships deployed to the coast with divers, helicopters and inflatable boats. He also announced that the families of the deceased will be provided Rs 100,000 (1,085) each from a public relief fund. Southern Indias cyclone season runs from April to December. In October, Cyclone Titli killed at least two people in Odisha state. In late 2017, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were hit by Cyclone Ockhi, the most powerful storm to hit the region in the past three years, causing an estimated 2.3bn in damage and killing around 250 people. Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala braced for renewed clashes in the controversy over a Hindu temple where a ban on women of menstruating age was lifted by order of the Supreme Court. The Sabarimala temple, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, opened on Friday evening for its two-month pilgrimage season, when millions trek up to its lofty setting among the Western Ghats mountain range. This year, for the first time, a group of womens rights activists have said they want to be a part of the pilgrimage to the temple, whose devotees have historically refused entry to women between the ages of 10 and 50 on the basis that the temples presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is celibate. Recommended Female reporters attacked at Indian temple amid dispute over ban The Supreme Court ordered authorities to lift the ban in September, saying it discriminates on grounds of gender, but protests by the temples followers have until now prevented any women from visiting the site, even when accompanied by police protection. Broader protests against the Supreme Court decision have taken place across the state, during which some 3,700 people have been arrested. The court has agreed to hear a review of its decision in January, but refused to stay the lifting of the ban until then. Around 700 women have signed up to take part in the pilgrimage, including a small group of activists who want to make the journey first on Saturday. On Friday, a prominent womens rights activist flew to Kerala to lead the renewed efforts to enter the temple. Trupti Desai was a leader of the Right to Pray movement in another state, Maharashtra, where activists successfully won court orders allowing them to enter the inner sanctums of three temples. But thousands of protesters gathered at Kochi airport to intercept her and another six activists on arrival and, blocking all exits, refused to let them leave on their way to Sabarimala, the Reuters news agency reported. Protests are being held outside the airport and the police have said that we cant go outside now, Ms Desai said. We booked taxis three or four times, but drivers said they were threatened their vehicles would be vandalised if they offer us a ride. Ms Desai said she still planned to make the journey to the shrine on Saturday, despite police advice. We wont return until we have darshan, Desai said, referring to the opportunity to view the image of a deity. This kind of bullying and hooliganism are unacceptable. MN Gopi, a local member of Indias leading Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, told the ANI news agency: [We] wont allow Trupti Desai to go out from the airport using a police vehicle or other government means. Airport taxis also wont take her. If she wants, she can use her own vehicle. There will be agitations all along her way, even if she goes out from the airport. We will not let activists go inside Sabarimala. We are willing to die protesting, but will not move an inch from here, a female Hindu protester outside the airport told television channel CNN NEWS18. Thousands of police officers, many in riot gear, lined the route of the five-hour trek up to the entrance to the shrine on Friday night, local media reported, as queues of pilgrims stretched back from the temple gate. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Keralas Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led state government has tried to bring calm to the state and avert expected clashes on Saturday by arranging talks with opposition political parties and the temple administration. Keralas chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, held several meetings on Thursday but the sides failed to resolve the impasse. Mr Vijayan made clear that while his government respected the feelings of worshippers, it had to obey the court. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, said it had approached the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its order, although a response was unlikely to come in time to prevent tensions rising further on Saturday. The only two surviving leaders of Cambodias brutal Khmer Rouge regime have been found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, in a historic ruling by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan have been sentenced to life in prison. They become the first Khmer Rouge leaders to be held to account by an international court for a campaign of genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities in Cambodia in the 1970s. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. Recommended From Newcastle and New Zealand to the Killing Fields of Cambodia The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead, their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offences comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes, included wilful killing, torture and inhumane treatment. Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom-built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Both defendants were present, as Judge Nil Nonn opened the proceedings, but Nuon Chea suffers heart problems, so was granted permission to later move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. A large crowd of spectators attended Fridays session, including members of the Cham minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from the eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Fridays session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life during those years, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav known as Duch who, as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system, ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. Additional reporting by AP More than 100 fleeing Rohingya Muslim refugees have been detained on a boat off the coast of Myanmar, officials said. The boat was bound for Malaysia when it was stopped by authorities early on Friday morning around 20 miles south of Yangon, Myanmars largest city, an immigration officer said. The group had boarded the vessel from internal displacement camps outside Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, Kyaw Htay said. He added: The boat was stopped after the engine failed. 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 Fears have now been raised of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages being undertaken by those fleeing the country, similar to those seen after a crackdown on people smugglers in 2015. Recommended Mass protests among Rohingya halt efforts to send them back to Myanmar More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh from western Rakhine state to escape brutal killings, gang rapes and the burning of their villages by the military and Buddhist vigilantes. A UN-mandated investigation has accused the Myanmar army of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, arguing security forces were battling terrorists and responding to attacks by Rohingya insurgents. Cate Blanchett has urged the UN not to fail the Rohingya again Officials earlier said they were ready to accept Rohingya who wanted to return from Bangladeshi refugee camps, but plans to repatriate several thousand fell through after the refugees protested, saying they did not want to return. A stranded boat used by Rohingya Muslims at Thande village beach outside Yangon (Reuters/Myat Thu Kyaw) (Reuters) UN officials and aid agencies also opposed the plan, saying conditions in Myanmar were not safe. There were 50 men, 31 women and 25 children among the refugees intercepted at sea, said Aye Mya Mya Myo, a politician for Aung San Suu Kyis ruling National League for Democracy party. She posted pictures on Facebook of a rickety boat crammed with people. The boat resembled those typically used by Rohingya to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine, where they are denied free movement, education and healthcare. 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. But the perilous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded 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. Additional reporting by Reuters Europes press watched on in horror as once-stable Britain was plunged into yet another political crisis over its relationship with the EU on Thursday. The Irish Independent warned in a headline that Brexit bedlam had engulfed Theresa May, with bruising attacks against her from her own party over her deal. The newspaper reported that the British prime minister is battling to save her career as a string of her ministers jumped ship in a rapidly unfolding crisis. Plans for no deal are continuing unabated in Dublin, it said. In France, daily newspaper Le Figaro said Ms Mays Brexit is hanging on a wire, adding: An end-of-reign atmosphere has taken hold of Westminster. But, like Queen Elizabeth, Theresa May does not abdicate. Italian newspaper la Repubblica, perhaps forgetting to check its calendar, branded Brexit a midsummer nights nightmare in a comment piece. The outlet said the tale of Britains latest problem is an extraordinarily complicated story. Rai, the Italian public broadcaster, said Theresa May suffered the longest and most difficult day of her premiership, partly at the hands of Jacob Rees-Mogg one of the most inflexible advocates of Brexit. But it said the PMs passionate intervention at a press conference was worth noting. German newspaper Die Welt said Britain has been plunged into a deep political crisis and that Theresa Mays fate and that of Brexit itself are hanging by a thread. Meanwhile Die Zeit wearily noted that the chaos that has been battling the British government since the Brexit treaty was published came as no surprise on account of the fact that it was in outline exactly what the hard Brexit supporters had rejected months ago. A comment piece in Die Presse, an Austrian newspaper, said that the behaviour of chief Brexit negotiator Dominic Raab was particularly grotesque. The piece continued: Can Mr Raab be asked whether he was present not only physically but also mentally in these negotiations with the representatives of the union? Or did he merely take up his role in the cynical calculation in order to be able to accelerate the overthrow of the prime minister from within? Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" In Spain, El Mundo carried a piece admonishing Brexiteers, who it said barely paused to consider that the British divorce threatens both the unity of the United Kingdom with the likely worsening of the problem of Scottish separatism and the fragile peace process in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister now looks likely to face a no-confidence vote from her own party over the deal. Even if she survives, the parliamentary maths for the agreement passing looks, from her perspective, lamentable. A team of United Nations experts has cut short a trip to Hungary, saying it had been illegally denied access to camps where refugees are detained. It marks a new low in relations between Hungary and the UN, which Budapest has accused of spreading lies about the country and harbouring a pro-immigration bias. UN human rights experts have taken the unprecedented step of suspending an official visit to Hungary after they were denied access to the Roszke and Tompa transit zones at the border with Serbia, the UN said in a statement on Thursday. The Hungarian government did not immediately comment. 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. Hungary, which lies on the southern edge of the European Union, has taken a staunch stand against immigration under the countrys right-wing prime minister, Viktor Orban. His government fortified its southern border with a razor wire fence in the wake of the 2015 refugee crisis, which saw more than a million refugees arriving in Europe. When hundreds of thousands of refugees transited through Hungary, Budapest began taking new arrivals into custody at container camps set up at two border crossings while their asylum claims were pending. Viktor Orban re-elected as Prime Minister of Hungary We have received a number of credible reports concerning the lack of safeguards against arbitrary detention in these facilities which called for a visit, said Elina Steinerte and Setondji Roland Adjovi, members of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The European Court of Human Rights stepped in earlier this year when Hungary was found to have been refusing food to some asylum seekers at the two camps on the Serbian border. Unimpeded access to all places of deprivation of liberty including these transit zones must be guaranteed to independent international, regional and national organisations, the experts said. This is vital for the protection of the human rights in a country governed by rule of law. The UN also cited an international agreement that guarantees access to any detained persons for its experts. Hungary rejects asylum applications from migrants arriving via safe countries. It was also the first European country to quit a UN agreement which aims to make migration safe and orderly amid issues of national sovereignty and international cooperation, following a similar decision by the United States last year. Israels embattled prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been forced to deny reports that he had agreed to call early elections, as his government faces collapse amid reports that more members of his ruling coalition had resigned. Emerging from crisis talks with Naftali Bennett, the countrys far-right education minister and key coalition member, on Friday afternoon, it was announced that the prime minister will assume the role of defence minister. On Wednesday, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned from government over a ceasefire deal for Gaza. Mr Lieberman took his party with him, and the five crucial parliamentary seats of his Yisrael Beiteinu party, leaving Mr Netanyahu with a single seat majority in parliament. Mr Bennett had coveted the defence role for himself, and a source close to the leader of the Jewish Home party said that after his meeting with Mr Netanyahu it became clear ... there was a need to go to elections as soon as possible with no possibility of continuing the current government. After the meeting with Mr Bennett, the premier then spoke by phone with the rest of his coalition partners, urging them to make every effort not to bring down the right-wing government and to prevent the left from getting into power, the spokesman said. Recommended Netanyahu is paying the price for his aggression towards Gaza An election date would be decided on Sunday, the source close to Mr Bennett said. Mr Bennets religious nationalist Jewish Home party had said on Thursday that should Mr Netanyahu not give their leader the defence portfolio they would quit the alliance, meaning the coalition would lose eight more seats The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct, Mr Netanyahus spokesman said in a statement. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised the importance of making every effort to preserve the right-wing government. But the statement was issued shortly after a source close to Mr Bennett said the two had agreed that it would be senseless to continue within the same coalition. Israeli defence minister Avigdor Lieberman arriving at the Knesset on Wednesday (AFP/Getty) They will set a date for elections when they meet with the [other] coalition partners on Sunday, that source had said. Another source said that Mr Bennett wanted a vote as soon as possible. The prime minister had previously said that a one-seat majority coalition would leave an unstable government. But it remains unclear if Mr Netanyahu was able to convince his rival to stay on board. The premier has faced mounting criticism in Israel over a decision to agree to a ceasefire with armed factions in Gaza after the worst flare up of cross-border violence since the 2014 war. Fighting erupted after a botched Israeli intelligence raid into south Gaza last weekend turned into a firefight which left seven Palestinians, including a Hamas commander, and an Israeli lieutenant colonel dead. In just 24 hours, Gaza militants fired more than 460 rockets into southern Israel: the heaviest bombardment in the last four years. Israel responded to the rocket fire by striking more than 160 targets in Gaza, sparking fears both sides were on the brink of a new war. On Tuesday the militants announced an Egypt-brokered ceasefire, which was met with dismay by many factions in Israel who called for tougher action against Hamas. Mr Lieberman quit after refusing an end to the strikes on Gaza saying a truce at that moment would be capitulating to terror. Hundreds of Israelis took to the streets in protest in Sderot, an Israeli border town which suffered the heaviest rocket fire but had actually voted for Netanyahus Likud party during the last elections. Dozens of rockets being fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians On Thursday in Tel Aviv hundreds more protested against the truce, which, together with Mr Liebermans resignation, was celebrated by Gaza as a victory. Mr Netanyahu was left in an impossible bind. Israel is loath to initiate a fresh war as it faces a potential conflict on its southern borders with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Iranian factions within Syria. In the last war in 2014, 65 Israeli soldiers were killed, the armys heaviest losses in a Gaza conflict. In a speech on Thursday, Mr Bennett did not reiterate the resignation threat but made his case for why he should get the defence post. The most dangerous thing for the state of Israel is that we begin to think that there is no solution to terrorism, to terrorists, to missiles, he said. There is a solution. When Israel wants to win, we will win. Hundreds gathered beneath a grey, rainy sky for a funeral service to mark the passing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a historical mosque in Istanbul on Friday, praying before an empty slab of marble where his missing body should have lain. Khashoggis friends, colleagues, political fellow travellers as well as local and international media, crowded into the courtyard of the 15th-century Fatih Mosque on Istanbuls European side, to hold a jenaziya; the traditional Muslim prayer held before burial. Similar ceremonies were held in Mecca and Medina to mark the passing of the 59-year-old Washington Post columnist. Khashoggis sons, in an interview with CNN, asked Saudi authorities to reveal the location of his body, which has yet to be recovered. Khashoggi was killed on 2 October by a team of Saudi security officials dispatched from Riyadh to confront him in the consulate in Istanbul. On Thursday, Saudi chief prosecutor Saud al-Mujeb announced that 11 of the 21 suspects detained in the Khashoggi murder had been indicted and that five would face the death penalty. Mourners gather before an empty funeral slab to perform an absentia burial ceremony for Jamal Khashoggi (Tara Todras-Whitehill) (Photos Tara Todras-Whitehill) He also absolved Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful 33-year-old heir to the Saudi throne, of culpability in what he described as a planned kidnapping operation that turned into a murder. Few at the ceremony on Friday bought the Saudi narrative. We will continue to search for the truth, Yasin Aktay, a friend of Mr Khashoggi and an adviser to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told those assembled. You have to hide as an animal and go to sleep, and forget your dream about freedom Nouredin Abdul-Hafez, Egyptian journalist living in exile in Istanbul We are not looking for vengeance while searching for the truth, he added. We are only pursuing justice. The fact that we performed funeral prayers does not mean that we will give up asking questions about what happened to his body. Some came from abroad to pay their respects. Its a way for me to protest and say that I dont agree with what happened to him, said Ishraq Achouri, 25-year-old engineer from Montpellier, France. [Khashoggi] represents freedom of expression. People present at the funeral included friends, colleagues and members of the media (Tara Todras-Whitehill) Why has Jamal been killed? I am looking for an answer, said Nouredin Abdul-Hafez, a 55-year-old Egyptian journalist living in exile in Istanbul. Khashoggis murder has terrified Arabs whove found a measure of refuge in Turkey, which supported many of the 2011 uprisings across the region. This is the language now, Mr Abdul-Hafez said of Khashoggis murder. Its your life against your opinions. Your life against your words. You have to keep silent. You have to hide as an animal and go to sleep, and forget your dream about freedom. Khashoggi was an opponent of Prince Mohammed, who has strong ties to Western governments including the White House, who view him as a cornerstone for both an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan they hope to unveil and a confrontation with Iran, which they have aggressively promoted. NBC reported late Thursday that White House officials floated a plan to hand an exiled Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, back to Ankara in exchange for easing pressure on Saudi Arabia for the killing. Mr Gulens religious movement has been accused of backing a 2016 coup attempt that left hundreds dead and threatened the countrys stability. But Turkish officials said they would never consider such a deal. Turkeys pending request for Fetullah Gulens extradition from the United States and the investigation into Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggis murder are two separate issues, a senior Turkish official said in a statement distributed to journalists. At no point did Turkey offer to hold back on the Khashoggi investigation in return for Fetullah Gulens extradition. We have no intention to intervene in the Khashoggi investigation in return for any political or legal favour. Rome is introducing a new set of rules to curb bad behaviour in the Italian capital. The Code of Civil Coexistence was announced by the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, on 14 November. She said the rules, approved by the council, will make the city more beautiful, safe and welcoming. Recommended Rome bans eating and drinking around its famous fountains Alcohol consumption, bathing in fountains, Centurions and graffiti are all affected by the code, which will come into force in 14 areas of Rome, including the historical centre, Ostia, San Lorenzo and Prati. The new rules will give local police new means of intervention and sanctions to apply to offenders, including banning them from certain areas of the city for 48 hours. While the tradition of throwing coins into the Trevi fountain is upheld, taking a bath in one of Romes historic fountains or using them improperly throwing in objects, spilling liquids or substances, dunking animals, or climbing on them is strictly forbidden. Fountains covered by the ban include Fontana di Trevi, the Fontana dei Leoni in Piazza del Popolo, the Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna and the Fontanone del Gianicolo. Theres a big push to control alcohol sale and consumption too, with a whole new raft of rules concerning when and where you can buy and drink booze. Organised pub crawls and alcohol tours that are centred around drinking at breweries, pubs and wine bars are banned. Its prohibited to buy alcohol from a shop or drink in public from 10pm to 7am, and even clubs have to stop serving alcohol after 2am. The Centurions people who dress up as ancient Roman soldiers found around tourist attractions in Rome have long been a thorn in the authorities side. The new code stipulates they are now forbidden from receiving money for posing for photos or indeed any other activity. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ticket touts who often overcharge tourists for tours and attractions, promising them the chance to skip the queue, are also banned from selling or promoting tours, museums, theatre performances or any other activities that are not expressly authorised. Rummaging through bins, graffitiing the Unesco World Heritage-protected part of the city, flyering, stickering and dropping cigarette butts on the floor are all banned too, while those with dogs must carry bags with them and clear up after their pets. The measures are going before the Capitoline Assembly for final approval before being implemented. Raggi has stated that she aims to up law enforcement from 6,000 people to 8,000 to help enforce the new rules and equip the local police with the forces it needs to guarantee the citys security and decorum. It comes as Raggi is rename streets in Rome that honour infamous fascists. Just wait until we get a deal; it will change everything, one close ally of Theresa May told me a week ago. He predicted the pound would rise, a relieved business world would endorse the deal and the momentum behind it would persuade wavering Tory MPs to support it in next months crucial Commons vote. Things have not quite gone according to plan. The cabinet gave the deal only lukewarm support; two members and two junior ministers resigned. Business figures briefly welcomed the deal, but are now pressing on with preparations for the no-deal exit they are desperate to avoid. The pound has slumped. May cut an isolated figure in the Commons when she tried to rally Tory MPs behind her deal, while Labour backbenchers gave no sign of rescuing her. The tide is running against, not for, the deal. Everyone at Westminster knows it will be shot down. Even worse for May is the very real prospect that her critics will soon have the required 48 Tory MPs needed to trigger a vote of confidence in her as party leader. It could take place as early as Monday or Tuesday. If she failed to win a majority (158) of Tory MPs, she would have to resign, and could not stand in the ensuing leadership contest. Although May allies believe she would win a confidence vote, it could be much too close for comfort. Such a ballot is secret. This matters because those on the governments payroll ministers, parliamentary private secretaries, MPs with party positions can vote against May, which they cannot do in a Commons vote without resigning. If May survives a confidence vote, she cannot be challenged again for another 12 months. But this rule might persuade the MPs who have had enough of her and wanted her out after March they are not confined to Eurosceptics to act sooner. They might decide to try to oust her now rather than allow her another year (and perhaps to claim a mandate to stay on longer). May would soldier on even if she won by only one vote. It would damage her if more than 100 oppose her (about third of Tory MPs). They would be voting against her deal, further proof it cannot clear the Commons hurdle. Michael Goves decision not to resign is a much needed boost for May. If he had left, others would probably have followed, and it could have been the beginning of the end for May. Thats probably why Gove didnt quit: after knifing his ally Boris Johnson during the 2016 Tory leadership contest and failing to win the crown himself, he does not want to be Mays assassin. That would not be a good look if he were ever to run for leader again. Announcing he will carry on as environment secretary today, Gove pointedly avoided journalists questions about whether he supports the draft withdrawal agreement. He turned down the chance to succeed Dominic Raab as Brexit secretary because May would not allow him to seek a better deal. But Gove will now likely lead cabinet moves to persuade May to do just that perhaps telling the EU the agreement will not win Commons approval unless the UK can unilaterally leave the single customs territory under the proposed backstop to prevent a hard Irish border. The ministers promoting the deal on the media so far are loyalists such as James Brokenshire and Damian Hinds, rather than big hitters such as Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt. Their silence to date is ominous for May. She admits the backstop plan is difficult, even for her. On LBC radio this morning, she acknowledged fears that Northern Ireland could have different regulations to the rest of the UK. We are looking at those what we can do in the UK to help reassure the people of Northern Ireland, she said. Naturally, the EU is making clear the deal on the table is as good as it gets. It would say that, wouldnt it? Perhaps May will have to endure the pain of losing the first Commons vote on the deal, to show the EU she has tried her best. Then, perhaps, the EU might tweak the withdrawal agreement. It might also offer May some help when the political declaration on the future UK-EU relationship is firmed up before the EUs planned summit on 25 November. Mays position is so perilous that we cant yet be sure that meeting will go ahead. If she loses a confidence vote next week, the Brexit process would have to be paused while the Tories choose a new leader. An election would normally take two months but could probably be crunched into two or three weeks. May is still alive, and we shouldnt underestimate her ability to survive. Her nightmare is that, no matter how hard she works to sell her withdrawal agreement, her fate is not in her own hands. It lies with the cabinet, Tory MPs and then parliament. And none of them like her deal. Some people get the future spectacularly wrong. On the eve of the 2015 General Election, David Cameron tweeted Britain faces a simple and inescapable choice stability and strong government with me, or chaos with Ed Miliband. It seems developments in politics since have conspired to ensure the opposite. And so it is today. At the time of writing, rumours abound that 1922 Committee chair Graham Brady has received the 48 magic letters to trigger a no confidence vote of Conservative MPs. Meanwhile, remaining Brexiteers in Theresa Mays cabinet, who include Liam Fox and Michael Gove, have made a public show of their loyalty and their desire to give Mays deal the most Brexity lick of paint they can manage. A shaky foundation to be sure, but when no rival can command the affection of rebellion-minded Tories nor are willing to take charge of the dogs dinner May has on her plate, it will do and is likely to see her through for now. The precarity of Mays position, however, is compounded by the low chance she has of getting the deal through the Commons. Intensified crisis awaits if/when the deal falls, and this will surely mean curtains for her premiership. But in this case crisis does not have to mean paralysis. There is an alternative: a general election. Now, getting an election through the Commons seems even less of a go-er than Mays deal. By hook and by crook she needs a simple majority of honourable members, a fresh election requires two thirds. And, unlike early 2017, the Tories are going to be less than bullish about voting for another one. But ultimately, this is the only way out because only an election can remodel the landscape. Labours position has been maddening and frustrating to some, but it has been about accepting the referendum result and seeking to shape what kind of Brexit we should get. There are then three key reasons why the party, its representatives and its supporters should be pushing for another contest. The first is quite simple. Regardless of Brexit, half-hearted Brexit, or no Brexit, the Conservative Party is the greatest danger to the stability of this country. A general election during the most important negotiations the UK have been involved in since the Irish peace process in the 1990s, not to mention a programme of cuts that sucked the life out of the post-crash economic recovery and tens of thousands of premature deaths just go to show it is not to be trusted. This is less a party of responsible government and more a decadent cabal of the well-heeled who are prepared to trash the country for the most sectional and inconsequential of interests. How can you trust a party that gambled the UKs membership of the European Union for the sake of denying UKIP a couple of seats at the 2015 general election? The obvious lesson of the last decade is you cannot. The second is Labours alternative. The 2017 manifesto was never going to storm the Winter Palace, but it did mark a significant sea change in the political narrative. If Corbyn was the star of Labours campaign, the manifesto was his trusty and dependable sidekick. Again, deal or no deal, only Labour has an economic programme that can put the country on its feet. Any Brexit shocks require an active and interventionist state willing to put resources where they are needed to protect jobs, strengthen markets, and make sure services are kept going. Unimpeded by Tory dogmas and short-termism, Labour will do what is required to ensure the cost of Brexit is borne by those with the broadest shoulders. Lastly, Labour would bring a new seriousness and alternative perspective to the negotiations. The party has been clear from the outset that it wants a permanent customs arrangement and a close alignment with the European single market. It is uninterested in the fantasies of swashbuckling around the globe grabbing bilateral trade deals here, there, and everywhere. Going into a snap election it should advocate an immediate pause to the Article 50 process, followed by a re-opening of negotiations and then a final referendum on the deal it comes back with, which should be a simple choice between its deal and the status quo. Would Labour have an easy time of it? No. There is always the possibility a general election outcome could be indecisive, but when the stakes are this high and parliament looks down the barrel of Brexit paralysis, the more necessary a political steer from the electorate becomes. If the House of Lords cant see the injustice of what they have done in respect of the Lord Lester inquiry, and reverse their decision, then it adds to the argument that they must be replaced. An old boys club meting out justice to suit their friends should be anathema to all decent people. Arthur Streatfield Bath As an active member of the Lib Dems, I am beyond disgusted that the House of Lords has voted not to suspend Lord Lester and it would appear that the party has still not learned the lessons of the Rennard debacle. I am even more appalled that members of our party in the Lords voted against the suspension, even if his membership of the party is currently suspended. It is absolutely hypocritical for the Liberal Democrats to claim that we fight for equality and want more women MPs and councillors when our peers act in this fashion. Peers who voted to retain the privileges of Lord Lester should have the whip withdrawn. Nothing else will do. Chris Key Address Supplied Thousands are dying in wars now lets remember them too When I was younger I idolised the medic in war films running to save a fallen comrade or rescue an innocent civilian. I wanted to be that hero, to rescue people, to make a difference, and so I joined the Royal Army Medical Corp (RAMC) as a combat medic. I had the privilege to work with the 16 Close Support Medical Regiment and the 2nd Parachute Regiment, and as well as operational tours I got to go on battlefield trips learning the history of the RAMC. In Afghanistan I realised quickly that war is never about good v evil, it is often under the pretence of religion, idealism, honour, but is actually about resources, power and profit. War is in fact only about one thing people dying, not just soldiers but men, women and children, all victims of greed. How else do you explain the UKs weapons deals with countries known to abuse the human rights of millions. This Remembrance Day was the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War. This was meant to be the war to end all wars; a part of history never to be repeated. Yet today we can be blissfully unaware in our somewhat narcissistic culture that there is an estimated 150,000 people dying every year from the ongoing conflicts around the world. Ethnic cleansing and armed conflict is currently happening in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Burundi, China, Colombia, the Congo, India, Indonesia, Israel, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tibet and Uganda. So this Remembrance Day I not only thought about the soldiers of the First and Second World Wars or the friends I lost within 2 Para B company in Afghanistan, I thought of all those dying needlessly around the world and thought of ways to make a difference I hope you did too. Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed by a sniper whilst deployed on operations in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Tuesday 1 March 2011. His dog Theo died from a broken heart an hour later. Lance Corporal Kyle Cleet Marshall, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed when an IED exploded while he was deployed on an operation to reassure and provide security for the population in an area in the south of the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Monday 14 February 2011. Private Martin Simon George Bell, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed by an IED explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province in Afghanistan on Tuesday 25 January 2011. I remember them. Christopher Ward Darlington A message to Theresa: theres still time to change your mind I am truly sorry to hear you are leaving, but the people of this great land increasingly want to stay. I keep hearing you spout the nonsense that you are following the will of the people, with no regard whatsoever to the fact that over one million people have now signed the Final Say petition, and you apparently have no regard whatsoever for the increasing number of opinion polls which show the ground is shifting beneath your feet. It seems that Great Britain is being held to ransom, not by the European Union but by you and your Tory government (to be fair, I really dont believe it would be any different if we had a Labour administration with Corbyn at the helm). You say you are following the will of the people, but this worries me deeply. I wonder why you fail to see the reality which should be fully apparent by now. For reasons I dont understand, when you took over as our PM you decided to accept the challenge of beginning the process of leaving the EU against your previous judgement that there was more to be lost than gained by embracing Brexit. This makes me think there are unspoken reasons why you decided to support Brexit. Reasons that you have not been honest enough to announce either in the Commons, or to the people of Britain. I dont know about you prime minister, but I find this concept incredibly worrying, and more than just routinely dishonest. So dear prime minister, at this 11th hour, there is still time to do what you always knew needed to be done and back away from a process which is more likely now than at any previous time to result in Britain crashing out of Europe with all the major ruinous impacts which I am sure you understood when you campaigned to remain. With the added insult of your likely replacement by an incompetent egotist and arch liar like Boris Johnson as the next prime minister. David Curran Feltham, west London Brexit is an imperial mirage Its clear Leave campaigners believe the mess we are in is everyones fault but theirs, yet this shambles is the direct consequence of their Little Englander delusions. They assumed Northern Ireland was irrelevant and that German car manufacturers would bully Brussels into giving in to the demands of imperial Britain. After their sleazy campaign won, they treated half the nation with contempt, refused any compromises and opened up an unprecedented generational gulf in UK politics. Worse still, they demanded a precipitous invoking of Article 50 without a clue what came next and now the ship of state is sinking, they jump off like the rats they are. You couldnt make it up! Rev Dr John Cameron St Andrews Its unbelievable that the future of our country is being driven by a backstabbing powerplay between a tiny group of childlike politicians in the Conservative Party. In fact, childlike is the wrong word: most children behave far better. Unlike these politicians, and the strident Little Englanders who want an extreme Brexit, most people in this country are grownups used to teamwork, loyalty and compromise. Lets leave this little group of spoilt kids to scream in their own corner. We dont have to listen to them: lets take back power and stop this Brexit nonsense now. Dr Bob Banks Grindleford, Derbyshire Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) during Operation Barracuda, a training exercise simulating a terrorist attack, at Dublin City University (Brian Lawless/PA) A major emergency training exercise simulating a terrorist attack has taken place in Dublin to prepare authorities in the event of a potential incident in the capital. Garda specialist personnel, first-responders and some 50 actors were involved in playing out a fake attack on the grounds of Dublin City Universitys campus on Friday evening. The Garda led the multi-agency training exercise, which involved specialist police response units, the National Ambulance Service, the Defence Forces and Dublin Fire Brigade. It was designed to test the response capabilities of Irelands primary responders. The staged university attack started with a car being driven into by-standers on the campus. Expand Close Actors play the roles of terrorists and casualties during Operation Barracuda (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actors play the roles of terrorists and casualties during Operation Barracuda (Brian Lawless/PA) At first it was reported to Garda control centre as a road traffic collision but within minutes it was elevated to a terrorism incident when a number of assailants exited the car and starting stabbing and shooting people. In the real-time tiered response system, local Garda units responded followed by members of the Armed Support Unit and the Emergency Response Unit, as well as multiple ambulances and Dublin Fire Brigade units. One of the assailants was shot dead in the simulation before two other terrorists retreated into a nearby a building and took a number of people hostage. As part of the training exercise, armed gardai stormed the building and they managed to shoot the two assailants and retrieve the hostages safely. Gardai described the exercise, dubbed Operation Barracuda, a success. The focus of the exercise was on saving lives. All of the hostages were liberated. It was designed to replicate the resources that would by typically available on a Friday night. Expand Close Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit take cover as a victim lies on the floor (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit take cover as a victim lies on the floor (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Donal ODriscoll from the Gardas special tactics and operations command said one of the reasons it had gone well was because Ireland was ahead of the curve when it came to identifying potential issues responding to an attack because the Garda was operationally experienced in counter-terrorism. He said they had also adopted successful strategies that police in France and UK had found useful during actual terrorist incidents in those countries. Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said the agencies had come together to prepare for a potential real-life emergency. Its about how communications work in a real life incident, he said. We know there would be difficulties and challenges, we know that information would be changing by the second. Its about how we manage all that. Expand Close The exercise took place at Dublin City University (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The exercise took place at Dublin City University (Brian Lawless/PA) He said each agency had prepared for the training exercise individually over the past 18 months but the simulation was about making sure they can work together quickly and effectively. Its hugely important and critically important that we know the challenges were going to face and the only way we can do it is by doing exercises like these, Mr Twomey added. Superintendent Liam Geraghty said important lessons can be learned from such simulations. We learn whats may have gone wrong and what has gone right and we learn and develop a framework going forward, he said. He said the current threat level of a terrorist attack in Ireland had remained unchanged at moderate. The threat level here for Ireland at the moment remains at moderate which means an attack is always possible but is unlikely at this stage, he added. But we always keep that under review. The Government is ramping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit amid massive uncertainty over whether or not the proposed withdrawal agreement with the UK will be passed in Westminster. Planning is continuing across all Government departments for the possibility that the UK could crash out of the EU without a deal. Revenue said it could accelerate the hiring of customs officers in such a scenario. Tanaiste Simon Coveney said the Government was preparing for all outcomes, including "the worst case scenario of a no-deal" while still seeking "a sensible, managed, controlled Brexit". Mr Coveney said the Government must carry on setting money aside for a disorderly Brexit. "All of that work continues because we can't take anything for granted, that's for sure," he said. However, the Government remains coy on what those plans are exactly. A statement from the Department of Health said it and the HSE were engaging in "intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning". This includes plans for minimising disruption to health services, including cross-Border arrangements and ensuring the continuity of supply of medicines, medical devices and manpower. Other departments, including Finance, Transport, and Justice, referred questions on no-deal contingency planning to Mr Coveney's Department of Foreign Affairs. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was co-ordinating a "whole of Government approach" to a range of Brexit scenarios, including a no-deal outcome. It did not offer specifics on measures relating to a no-deal scenario but insisted: "As a responsible Government, preparedness for different types of Brexit is well underway." The statement mentioned the Government's 'Getting Ireland Brexit Ready' public information campaign and plans to recruit up to 1,000 customs and veterinary officers for ports and airports to deal with the East-West impacts of Brexit. Fears of a "doomsday" no-deal Brexit were raised at the Dail's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with Revenue chairman Niall Cody being quizzed about his organisation's preparations. He said that current Brexit planning would see up to 270 additional customs officers in place when the UK is due to leave the EU in March. There would be 600 hired by the end of the proposed Brexit transition period up to the start of 2021. Mr Cody said that in the event of a no-deal scenario the Revenue could speed up the recruitment process. He also insisted that Revenue's upgraded ICT systems would be able to cope with "significant multiples" of the current customs entries it deals with. Fianna Fail TD Shane Cassells predicted that British Prime Minister Theresa May will be forced out of office. He asked if there will be enough trained officials by March 29 to "deal with the doomsday scenario and that we're not going to require a 'Dad's Army'". Mr Cody said: "I am satisfied Revenue will be in a position to support trade in April next year." He also said: "I don't want people to come away from here saying everything will be alright. If it happens, there'll be big challenges. There'll be a lot of work involved but that's what we'll have to deal with." Sinn Fein's David Cullinane asked what Ireland's immediate obligations would be in relation to customs under World Trade Organisation rules if the UK crashed out of Europe with no deal. Mr Cody refused to "speculate" but said there are "policy implications", and "political decisions" would be made by Government. Elsewhere, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said his department was "preparing for all eventualities". Mr Creed said the Budget provided for infrastructure and staffing arrangements relating to ports and airports and IT systems. He insisted: "We are well advanced across the whole of Government in dealing with all those issues." He also pointed to two 300m loan schemes aimed at helping businesses and farmers to prepare and the allocation of 115m in the Budget for Brexit measures across a number of Departments. This includes supports for enterprise agencies to help open up new markets and funding to expand Ireland's diplomatic presence around the world. The so-called 'Irish question' emerged at the centre of the Brexit negotiations, and the draft treaty agreed this week deals extensively with several key areas. Here we break down what the treaty says about key Irish issues, including the special conditions necessary to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. The backstop: As expected, the Northern Ireland backstop has been wrapped into a UK-wide "customs territory" that would come into effect if no deal can be agreed before the end of the transition period in 2020. The text stipulates that the backstop will remain in place "unless and until" a new agreement on the future relationship supersedes it. It ensures that the UK will remain aligned with customs rules while the backstop is in place but there will be a deeper relationship between Northern Ireland and the EU in order to remove the need for Border checks on goods. Brexiteers are concerned that the draft agreement will leave the UK in a position where they are subject to EU controls with no say on them. Theresa May told the House of Commons yesterday that there can be no deal without a backstop, although she acknowledged concerns about it. The review mechanism: The treaty provides for a review mechanism if either the EU or the UK considers there is a case for allowing the protocol to fall away, in full or in part. To achieve this, notice must be given to a joint committee which will comprised EU and UK members, outlining the reasons for this. Failure to reach a mutual agreement will see a complex process of arbitration triggered where the dispute will be resolved by fully independent experts in international law. The absence of a means whereby the UK can unilaterally end the backstop has emerged as a major problem among MPs. The Common Travel Area: The section of the treaty dealing with the Common Travel Area is brief and essentially outlines that Ireland and the UK are free to continue to make arrangements about the freedom of movement of citizens of both countries. Extensive work is under way between Irish and UK officials - separate to the Brexit negotiations - to ensure that the Common Travel Area is upheld. Border down the Irish Sea: There will be a need for additional checks on goods coming from Britain to Northern Ireland under the terms of the deal despite the creation of the shared customs territory. The EU says industrial goods can "mostly take place in the market or at trader's premises" by UK officials. For agricultural products, checks at ports and airports that are already in place will be increased. Transition period: The transition period will last for 21 months from March 29 when the UK will formally leave the European Union. A new addition to the treaty which was not seen in previous drafts is that the UK can request an extension (although only once) to the transition period. The period for which any extension could last has not been decided and it is hoped that may be pinned down ahead of the November 25 summit. Stephen Barclay who has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health, Downing Street said Photo credit should read: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament (Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0))/PA Wire Amber Rudd made a dramatic return to Theresa May's Cabinet as the Prime Minister sought to bolster her position following the backlash to her Brexit deal. Meanwhile, Leave-supporting Stephen Barclay has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health. The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted he still has confidence in Mrs May who has suffered a series of setbacks following the publication of her draft Brexit deal with Brussels. She has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. The rehabilitation of Ms Rudd, who quit in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. Mr Barclay's appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: "I absolutely do." He added: "I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain." A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May was "very pleased" that Mr Gove will stay on and "continue doing the important work he is doing". Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Over three days this week, President Donald Trump met with his legal team to discuss his written responses to special counsel Robert Muellers questions, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. The questions center on alleged Russian meddling during the 2016 election cycle, which Mueller is tasked with investigating, according to ABC News sources. The nearly year and a half long probe by the special counsel stems from allegations that Russia may have coordinated with members of the Trump presidential campaign. Sources told ABC News the president was irritated with a handful of the questions -- a sentiment his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani shared with the Washington Post. There are some that create more issues for us legally than others, Giuliani told the Washington Post. He said some were unnecessary, some were possible traps, and we might consider some as irrelevant. The president's legal team declined to comment when reached by ABC News. Some 32 individuals and three Russian businesses have been indicted by Mueller and his team of prosecutors on charges ranging from computer hacking to obstruction of justice. Those indictments have led to six guilty pleas and three people sentenced to prison. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! Theresa May has revealed she is personally affected by concerns over post-Brexit medical supplies as her insulin is made in Denmark. The Prime Minister, who has Type 1 diabetes, said she appreciated the importance of ensuring medicines from the European Union could continue to reach the UK. The Danish firm which manufactures Mrs May's insulin said it was stockpiling supplies in the UK in case of a hard Brexit in March 2019. Mrs May's comments came after reports Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the crunch Brexit Cabinet meeting that he was was unable to guarantee people would not die in the event of a no-deal Brexit due to problems accessing medicine. Mrs May told LBC: "I'm not sure that's exactly what Matt did say. "This is an issue that I feel personally - as it happens my insulin is produced by a company in the EU, Denmark, so I know this is an issue that's a matter of importance to people. "The Department of Health is ensuring it is making all the steps if we go to no-deal ... But I believe we've got a good deal." Pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk's general manager Pinder Sahota told the BBC: "Over the past few months we have been preparing for the hard Brexit eventuality. "We have been putting plans in place to more than double our stocks so that we can continue to supply all our medicines to the patients we serve." He said stock levels were being doubled to 16 weeks "not only on insulin but all our medicines". Mr Sahota told Radio 4's World at One: "Clearly we are anticipating border delays so all our planning including our stock provision really takes that into consideration - supply chain processes and potential delays. We have factored all those in, we believe." He added: "We are reassured that Theresa May and her Government do take this seriously and we have been working with the Department of Health to ensure that Novo Nordisk can continue to supply insulin and our other medicines." Mr Sahota said he had not spoken to Number 10 about Mrs May's treatment: "That's really a matter for her and her physician." The risk of a no deal Brexit is substantial, and there is no point pretending otherwise, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has warned. Commissioner Hogan told delegates at the European Dairy Associations Annual Convention in Dublin Castle that Ireland, which is one of the most exposed countries to the consequences of Brexit has to be prepared for the worst-case scenario of a no deal. The risk of a no deal Brexit is still substantial, and there is no point pretending otherwise. I have been a strong and consistent advocate for Ireland to be fully prepared for all possible outcomes, particularly the worst case scenario, he said. No country has as much exposure to Brexit as Ireland, and our agri-food sector is particularly at risk. He pointed out that 98pc of UK dairy imports come from EU countries and that 10,500 lorries pass through the port of Dover every day. In a no-deal scenario, he said that a seven-minute additional waiting period for inspections would add 10 hours of delays and additional cost of 111 per container. The channel tunnel carries 27pc of French products by value into the UK, and 42pc of French imports back from the UK, he added. The simple reality is that free and frictionless trade will require the UK to retain a high degree of convergence with EU rules. A full 70pc of UK agri-food imports came from the EU in 2017. I hope that these very stark statistics help to clarify minds in London. The rubber is finally hitting the runway this week, and reality is starting to bite, lets hope that reality starts to bite in London. Mr Hogan said that the EU should take heart from a document published by the Commission this week which outlined its preparedness for a no deal Brexit and to swiftly list the UK as a third country. On climate targets, Commissioner Hogan said that its time that farmers become part of the solution rather than always being seen as the problem and reminded delegates of the requirements on them to meet Paris Climate Agreement targets by 2030. We have to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 40pc by 2030 thats not far away. All member states are signed up to this. The question is what are we going to do about our targets? he said. How are we going to inform our farmers and how are we going to be clear-sighted enough to make sure agriculture faces up to this challenge? The backdrop to these agreements cannot be ignored, and if you ignore them, you ignore them at your peril. This is the new reality that faces every farmer in Europe. Telecoms infrastructure company Cignal is to invest 25m in building telecom towers in Ireland. The investment will see it build 300 new towers, improving the availability of high-speed wireless broadband in rural areas, and helping mobile phone operators to address coverage blackspots. Cignal currently has a portfolio of over 450 towers, representing almost 20pc of the Irish market for infrastructure that supports mobile, wireless broadband, and broadcast services. "We are pleased to announce our plans to invest 25m to add 300 towers to our existing portfolio," said CEO Colin Cunningham. "Through our strategy of hosting equipment for multiple operators on each tower they can provide a much more cost-efficient service." The latest planned investment will cover every county in Ireland, with sites constructed on 'Build to Suit' contracts, and then leased back to mobile phone and wireless broadband operators. The announcement was welcomed by the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Sean Canney. "The construction of 300 new towers represents a significant investment in network infrastructure, which will assist in addressing mobile phone coverage blackspots and the availability of wireless broadband across rural Ireland," Mr Canney said. Cignal's investment has been supported by its majority shareholder Infravia Capital Partners, a specialist infrastructure investor managing more than 4bn in assets. Included in its assets is the Mater Private and nursing homes operator CareChoice. The news comes as Eir earlier this month announced that it is to invest 150m in rolling out 4G mobile broadband that will cover 99pc of Ireland's geographical territory within two years. This is the first time that a mobile operator has offered universal land coverage. The World Cup heroes with Eadba Ni Chathasaigh and her mother Lisa Ni Larliathe and (left) Nicci Daly and Nicola Evans with Dawn Fahy (4) and Holly Carroll (3) Pure Telecom is planning to raise a total of 250,000 for Our Ladys Childrens Hospital through a number of initiatives over the next five years. Funds raised by the Irish telecoms provider will be directed through the fundraising body for Crumlin-based hospital and National Childrens Research Centre, CMRF Crumlin. Mary ODonovan, director of fundraising at CMRF Crumlin, said that partnerships such as this are vital as the group receives no government funding and relies solely on donations. "Every year, over 150,000 children and their families visit Crumlin Childrens Hospital from across the length and breadth of Ireland," she said. Set up in 2002 by Paul Connell and Alan McGonnell, Pure Telecom provides fixed line, broadband and cloud telecoms to businesses and consumers. Earlier this year, the firm handed more than 120K to Make-A-Wish Ireland following its fundraising efforts for the charity. Last month, Pure Telecom signed a multi-million euro contract with BT Ireland, giving it access to 4,300km of nationwide. The group announced a 1.8m investment in the creation of 32 new jobs last year, while it also agreed a 35m infrastructure deal with open eir in 2017. CEO Wim Verbraeken says he is satisfied with the banks performance both commercially and financially KBC Bank Ireland is to launch a new service that will allow users to manage accounts at other banks via the KBC app. European legislation means other banks have to co-operate, under rules designed to open up the provision of payment services. The bank hopes the app will encourage people to open accounts with it, CEO Wim Verbraeken told the Irish Independent. He said KBC would not charge a fee or use advertising to monetise the service. He was speaking after the bank announced third-quarter results, posting a net profit after tax and impairments of 33.6m for the quarter, a massive jump on the equivalent figure of 2.6m for the third quarter of last year. It has added 60,000 new customer accounts in the first nine months of the year. Mr Verbraeken said the bank has no plans to sell any more portfolios of non-performing loans. A previously announced sale of 1.9bn (par value) of non-performing loans, is due to close in the coming weeks, he said. "We are satisfied with the results both commercially and financially for the year to date. "Clearly as the economy's growing there's greater scope and greater demand for financial products, whether it's on the banking, insurance or asset management side." The KBC boss has previously spoken about plans to expand its offering here in insurance. It already offers insurance products as an intermediary, with the products coming through other firms such as Zurich and Irish Life. "As our customer base is growing we are in a position to offer protection to a growing base of our own customers. It's really in the DNA of KBC Group globally to be a bank-insurer. "And that's why I was referring to our ultimate calling to be a bank-insurer and have our own insurance products offered to our customers here in Ireland. "And that is still what we are studying, and we are looking for the potential of that in future periods, but it's not imminent." The bank has put a big focus on digital innovation as a driver of growth. Mr Verbraeken said the experiences customers have with other ecommerce businesses like Amazon or Google is translating into demand for digital banking products. A company controlled by developer Joe O'Reilly is looking to build more than 400 homes at a site in Shankill, south Dublin. The planned development has been notified to An Bord Pleanala under the Housing Act, which is designed to fast-track large housing developments, with consultations now taking place with the planning watchdog. The plan to build the 428 residential units is being progressed by a company called Aeval, which is owned by Mr O'Reilly and fellow Castlethorn Construction director John Fitzsimons. The site on which the proposed development is to be built is at Woodbrook in Shankill. In 2010, Davy wrote to clients who had invested in the site that was to be developed by Aeval, advising them that they should liaise with the Revenue Commissioners to offset losses on their investment in the site against any gains. The site was determined at the time to have negligible value. Davy had received advice from KPMG for investors in relation to the site. Investors were advised at the time to file what is known as a "negligible value claim''. This allows the investors to claim their capital had effectively been wiped out in the deal so the resulting loss could be offset against other gains. The investors, according to the advice provided to Davy by KPMG, could make the claim even though the site at Woodbrook, hadn't actually been sold. The investors in the site were told at the time that their investment wouldn't be repaid if the site was sold at that time, and bank loans repaid. The investors have seen their investment written down to a nominal value of just 0.05. Aeval has been an unlimited company since 2009 and is a subsidiary of Castlethorn Construction. However, the final set of accounts for the company that were filed publicly before it became unlimited showed that it controlled 52 acres of residential-zoned land at Woodbrook, as well as just over six acres of residential-zoned land at Shanganagh Castle in Co Dublin. At the end of June 2007, Aeval's sites were valued at 192m. It owed creditors 216m, including 126m in bank loans at the time. AIB, First Active, Ulster Bank, Castlethorn Construction and Davy Property Holdings all held charges over the lands, which had been acquired by Aeval from Sir Henry Marc Sursock Cochrane in 2006. Mr O'Reilly's firms were among the largest borrowers in Ireland, and his firms owned Dundrum Shopping Centre and the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords. Loans from his Castlethorn and Chartered Land vehicles were acquired by Nama in 2010. Capital fight: The Bank of England at dusk in the City of London sterling took a hammering over much of the day yesterday Irish exporters are facing mounting pressure as continued Brexit uncertainty and an increasingly unstable UK government battered sterling, with analysts predicting it could plunge further. The rapidly unfolding Brexit crisis also hammered Irish shares, leaving top tier constituents including Ryanair and Bank of Ireland deeply in the red. Ireland's Iseq Overall Index suffered the ignominy of being the worst performer in Europe yesterday, as investors fled shares likely to be most impacted if the UK government and embattled Prime Minister Theresa May can't get the Brexit deal across the line. Brexiteers fear that the UK government will be handing too many concessions to Brussels, while Remainers want another referendum. The key resignation of Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab yesterday morning gave sterling the first real pummelling of the day, while the prospect of a leadership challenge cast further doubt over the UK's future relationship with the EU. The Irish share index had plunged more than 3.8pc by the end of the session, with shares in Ryanair having sank more than 6.5pc and Bank of Ireland down 7.8pc. A slew of other companies were dragged into the maelstrom, with housebuilder Cairn Homes, packaging giant Smurfit Kappa and building materials giant CRH all seeing steep declines. Sterling tumbled as much as 2pc against the euro. It was the steepest decline for the pound since 2017. ING bank predicted yesterday that sterling could fall by another 3pc to 4pc as investors will be able to demand greater risk premia for UK assets. "Until there is some clarity on a leadership challenge, there is a risk that we end up with a more Brexit-leaning leader," said ING. "Such an outcome would increase the chances of a 'no deal', on the assumption that a new leader would be unlikely to secure any further concessions from Brussels." ING said that with a leadership challenge, sterling could drop to 91p per euro. Yesterday, the euro was worth 88.7p. In London, shares in Ulster Bank parent Royal Bank of Scotland fell more than 10pc at one stage as speculation mounted that a UK general election now would open the possibility that the state-controlled lender may face an uncertain future under a left-leaning Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn. Shares of other Irish firms with sole listings in London were also hit. Grafton Group, the company that owns Woodie's DIY in Ireland but generates the majority of its revenue and profit in the UK, fell 3.5pc. Shares in DCC, the diversified sales to marketing and distribution group, fell 2.8pc. Markets had priced in some opposition to the draft Brexit deal negotiated by Theresa May, but the latest round of resignations unleashed a fresh wave of volatility that sent investors to the relative safety of government debt. British financial regulators contacted major banks asking for feedback on market conditions because of sharp falls in the pound, sources said. Additional reporting: Reuters Claimants have one month from the time of an incident to advise businesses that they are considering making an insurance claim, if they want to use CCTV footage to support their claim. This is according to Junior Minister for financial services and insurance Michael D'Arcy, who was speaking at an Oireachtas Committee yesterday. After a month, a business must delete its CCTV footage of customers under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Claimants will still have up to two years to make the claim. GDPR, which came into effect in May, is an EU law on data protection and privacy. The Minister also told the committee that the average cost of motor insurance was down 23pc based on figures for October from the Central Statistics Office. However his comments on the cost of insurance premiums were met with scepticism from Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty, who described the Minister as being "out of touch" with what was happening in the sector. "The insurance industry is rolling you over," he said. "People are being fleeced by cartel-like activities. "You are completely out of touch with what is happening and are not playing hardball with the industry," he added. The Minister responded by saying that it was Mr Doherty who was "out of touch", adding that the Donegal TD did not "deal with the facts". Mr D'Arcy went on to say that too many people in Ireland stay with the same insurance company or broker, and that there is much better value if they shop around more. He also confirmed that the next payments to claimants following the collapse of Setanta Insurance would be made in November/December. "For the people who have not settled with the liquidator it is beyond our control," he added. Close to 70,000 people were insured with the company, mainly small firms that have vans. But there were also a number of car drivers who had private motor insurance. The insurer had been based in Dublin, but was headquartered in Malta and regulated from there. Over the course of a robust Committee session Mr D'Arcy said that he had to strike a balance between protecting consumers and having a competitive market. Sicilian writer/director Luca Guadagnino is among the leading lights of contemporary Italian cinema, the author of such stylish and starkly individualistic dramas as I Am Love and Call Me By Your Name, which won an Oscar last year. He takes risks, which don't always come off, but the results are always interesting: Suspiria is no exception. It is, in one sense, a remake, of a moody 1977 Dario Argento horror film, whose star, Jessica Harper, makes a brief cameo here. It's Dakota Johnson (of 50 Shades fame, but let's not hold that against her) who heads up this production, playing Susie Bannon, a young American dancer who comes to West Berlin in the late 1970s to audition for a prestigious dance company. The Markos Company is run by a legendary former dancer, Madame Blanc (Tilda Swinton), an elegant, stately female who'll accept nothing less than excellence. She thinks she's found it in Susie, who hails from an Ohio community of Mennonites and has no apparent experience but delivers an electrifying audition. She's accepted and moves into the company's old building. But meanwhile, one of the other dancers has gone missing, and it's not long before Susie suspects something is amiss. It's witchcraft, folks, and nasty things lurk in the basement. For the most part, Suspiria is beautifully put together, wreathed in shadows, charged with looming dread. It sucks you in, and a series of darkly erotic dance sequences promise the unfolding of a truly special film. But it never materialises, and after an auspicious start, Suspiria descends into lurid Guignol. Miss Swinton plays several roles, including an elderly male psychiatrist, but that seems like a meaningless gimmick, and the story's underlying themes of unleashed feminine power and sexuality are only fitfully explored. At times beautiful, at others grotesque, it's ultimately superficial. (18, 153mins) Victoria Beckham found fame with the Spice Girls but will not be joining the band on tour (Neil Munns/PA) BACK AND BOLD: Clockwise from front, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm, Victoria Beckham (wholl miss the reunion) and Melanie Brown. Picture: PA The Spice Girls have announced a date at Croke Park next summer. Mel B, Emma Bunton, Mel C, and Geri Halliwell will be the first female pop group to take to the stage at the Dublin city centre venue when they perform on May 24 2019. Their Croke Park date is the first they have announced outside of the UK. They first announced six dates across the UK earlier this month but added a further six due to demand. They have all already sold out. Demand for tickets in the UK was so high that they smashed Ticketmasters records for the busiest sale ever. The Spice Girls last played together with original member Victoria Beckham - at the London Olympics in 2012. However, Beckham has confirmed she will not perform with the band on the forthcoming Spice World tour. Jess Glynne will support the group on the tour, which will kick off at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester in March 29. The news of their Croke Park date comes just three weeks after Westlife announced two Croke Park concerts for July 5 and July 6 next year, with both dates selling out in minutes. Having formed in 1994 the Spice Girls hit global stardom two years later with their debut single Wannabe which hit number one in 37 countries. Video of the Day They released three albums; Spice, Spiceworld, and Forever, and have sold 85 million records and are the most successful female pop group of all time. The foursome famously filmed the video for their hit Stop in Dublin's Stoneybatter in January 1998 and the following month they kicked off their Spiceworld tour in Dublin, with two concerts at the then Point. They first split up in 2000. Tickets go on sale this Thursday November 22 at 9am via Ticketmaster. A couple blocked from getting married due to suspicions their relationship was a sham have issued High Court proceedings against the Civil Registration Service and the HSE. A registrar objected to the union after forming the belief it would be "a marriage of convenience". Such marriages have been prevalent in Ireland in recent years and generally involve a man from outside the EU marrying a female EU citizen, with whom he had no prior relationship, to secure the right to live and work in Ireland. According to gardai, fees of up to 20,000 can be paid for arranging such marriages However, the couple involved in the High Court action, an Indian man who has sought asylum in Ireland and a woman originally from the UK, say they are in a loving relationship. They vehemently deny their proposed marriage would be a sham. The couple are seeking orders directing the Superintendent Registrar of the Civil Registration Service to make a decision on their case. Under legislation introduced in 2016 to clamp down on sham marriages, registrars can object to a proposed marriage. They are obliged to make a report to a superintendent registrar, who then decides the matter. The couple in the case before the court allege the superintendent registrar has failed or refused to comply with their duty to make a decision "as soon as practicable". They are now seeking orders directing that a decision be made. The judicial review proceedings were initiated on an ex-parte, or one side only, basis earlier this month. According to documents filed with the High Court, the couple lodged a notification of intention to marry in November 2016. Under the Civil Registration Act, a couple must give three months' notice of their intention to marry. The man attended for an interview with a registrar in October last year, but was informed two months later that the registrar was of the opinion the proposed marriage was "a marriage of convenience". The man subsequently sought a copy of the file containing the basis on which the opinion was formed. While the file was largely released in April of this year, it is alleged certain relevant information was withheld. According to court papers, these documents were eventually released after separate High Court proceedings were initiated during the summer. Siobhan Conlon, a solicitor representing the couple, made submissions to the superintendent registrar in July. But according to court papers, the solicitor has received no response to a number of requests for information on when a decision may be reached. The woman involved in the case is said to have a medical condition and it is alleged the failure or refusal to make a decision is infringing upon family and privacy rights. The Civil Registration Service has not yet filed any papers in response. The case is due to return to the court in January. A trusted employee admitted the theft of more than 400,000 from a credit union and spending the cash just to impress others. Judge Sean O Donnabhain told Moira Coughlan (55) the breach of trust she committed was "phenomenal" as she pleaded guilty to withdrawing funds from the accounts of deceased credit union members in an elaborate scheme over seven years. The mother of one appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to a total of 592 charges in respect of Synergy/Fermoy Credit Union, Co Cork. The charges involved theft, unlawful use of a computer and false accounting. Judge O Donnabhain warned that, irrespective of compensation raised, he could not deal with the case on a fully suspended sentence basis. "This was a phenomenal breach of trust. The level of culpability, the level of fraud involved in this case is on the phenomenally high (level)," he said. Defence counsel Patrick O'Riordan BL asked for sentencing to be adjourned. He said his client hopes to be able to offer up to 200,000 in compensation through an inheritance, a pension and other means. Judge O Donnabhain remanded Coughlan in custody. Mr O'Riordan told the court his client had suffered greatly from her actions. "There was a robbing of Peter to pay Paul element. All the money is dissipated. She wanted the money to fund lifestyle expenses," he said. "She was spending the money to get positive attention from others. There were others willing to benefit from her largesse." Detective Garda James O'Shea told the court a Synergy Credit Union official first became concerned about a transaction in 2016. The defendant worked as an insurance officer for the credit union, a senior and very trusted position which allowed her access to the accounts of members who had died pending the accounts clearing probate. Over the seven-year period, she withdrew a total of 407,441.94. The lowest total annual withdrawal from such accounts was 6,000 in 2009 and the biggest was 107,350 in 2016. "She would make a transaction from (one) deceased (member) account to pay off a (deceased member) account when it finished probate," he said. Synergy had since refunded all unauthorised withdrawals. "No member of the credit union was left out of pocket," Det Gda O'Shea said. The defendant, of The Stables, Mineville, Knocknahorgan, Sallybrook, Glanmire, Co Cork, will now be sentenced on February 8. Fradulent road traffic accident claims are costing insurance companies an estimated 90m a year, a spokesman for the industry has claimed. Cyril Moloney, on behalf of Allianz Ireland, was speaking after a Latvian national, described by a judge as "a liar" and a man not to be trusted, had lost a 60,000 damages claim for injuries he allegedly suffered in a road traffic accident. Barrister Grainne Larkin, for Allianz Insurance and its insured, Stuart Scott, of Clonuske Park, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, told the court that when asked in writing prior to the case if he had been involved in any previous accident, Edgars Peka had confirmed he had received 6,500 for an accident in 2013. In evidence in the Circuit Civil Court, Peka told Ms Larkin that this had been the only accident he had been involved in apart from the one before the court for which he was seeking 60,000 damages. However, the court heard he was involved in another road traffic accident in 2015, and had received compensation of 10,000. Ms Larkin had told the court that liability had been admitted in the September 2014 accident, but the defendant was questioning the extent of Peka's injuries and his credibility. Peka, with an address at Belfry House, The Oaks, Ridgewood, Swords, Co Dublin, had claimed 60,000 damages for injuries arising from a rear ending at a roundabout near the Pavillion Shopping Centre Swords in September 2014. Judge Jacqueline Linnane, in dismissing Peka's claim and awarding costs against him, said she had been satisfied he had brought a fraudulent claim. The judge described Peka as a liar and a man not to be trusted. Exaggerated After her judgment, Cyril Moloney, on behalf of Allianz, issued a statement in which he said the outcome of the case vindicated Allianz Ireland's ongoing zero tolerance stance with potential fraudsters who may either have exaggerated their case or made spurious claims. "Insurance fraud has grown with one in 10 road traffic accident claims in Ireland now thought to be spurious or exaggerated," Mr Moloney said. This year alone Allianz had challenged more than 1,500 court claims, he said. A FATHER-of-six has been accused of carrying out a crude circumcision on a 10-month-old baby boy who had to be hospitalised and was lucky to be alive. Philip Ogbewe (54), calling himself Dr Philip but without any medical training, injured the infant while performing a home circumcision with a surgical blade, it is alleged. He was refused bail at Dublin District Court after gardai objected. Mr Ogbewe (54), a Nigerian national of Greenlanes, Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with assault causing harm to the infant at an address in the midlands on a date in December, 2015. Garda Sergeant Paul Carney told Judge John Coughlan when charged, Mr Ogbewe replied: I am sorry I committed such an offence. Objecting to bail, Sgt Carney said it was alleged the accused performed the circumcision at the childs home. The infant required surgical intervention at Mullingar and Crumlin hospitals, to correct the bleed and receive a blood transfusion. Surgical blades, vaseline and cotton wool were found in his possession and seized, along with a mobile phone that had the number used by the alleged victims mother to communicate with the accused before and after the circumcision, Sgt Carney claimed. Mr Ogbewe had been living in Ireland for 20 years and had three children with his current partner and another three with his ex wife, his defence barrister Niall Flynn said, applying for bail. The gardai had no evidence that he would flee if granted bail, Mr Flynn said. The accused was presumed innocent. The child in question is very lucky to be alive due to intervention at Mullingar Hospital, Sgt Carney said. Mr Flynn said if granted bail Mr Ogbewe would undertake not to perform any circumcisions or contact any witnesses. Mr Ogbewe had co-operated with the gardai, Mr Flynn said. Sgt Carney agreed there was never any manhunt or search to source the accuseds location. Mr Flynn accepted it was a very sinister alleged offence and the court would be concerned by the evidence but the accused was in the country 20 years and was prepared to abide by strict bail conditions. Judge Coughlan refused bail and, granting legal aid, said it was a unique, very unusual case and a very serious case. The court heard the offence carried a maximum potential sentence of five years on conviction and the DPP was considering further serious charges. The accused has not yet indicated a plea. Michael Healy-Rae has been refused planning for apartments in a vacant public house in Tralee. The TD, who represents Co Kerry, is already the Dail's biggest landlord with up to 10 rental properties. His proposal for the part conversion of Nancy Myles Pub, opposite the old Army headquarters of the Munster Fusiliers in Tralee, has met with strong local opposition. The original application was for change of use of most of the ground floor and extension to Nancy Myles public house to nine residential units. Following a revised application, permission for four apartments was given by Kerry County Council. However, more than a dozen residents of Ballymullen and surrounding areas lodged appeals and observations about the plans. The nearby residents said the redevelopment would injure their amenities and devalue their properties. However, Mr Healy-Rae, through his agents, said the target market was professional people working in the nearby hospital and renovating the vacant property would enhance the area. Bord Pleanala inspector Kevin Moore, who visited the site, said that although the zoning was residential "there are serious concerns about the nature and extent of development for this site". The council permission was for four apartments to the rear of the public house at ground-floor level. "This means that the public house at ground-floor level immediately forward of apartments one and two is to remain a public house. "This development will provide a substandard form of accommodation for the occupants of the proposed apartments and would most likely have serious adverse consequences for the functioning of the remainder of the building in terms of meeting basic standards for residents and the needs of a public house," Mr Moore concluded. The board ruled in accordance with its inspector and refused permission for the development. On my head, son: Nathan Thompson with his son Mason (age 2) from Coolock, Dublin, with Tentacles for Tinies at a celebration of premature infants born at Dublins Rotunda Hospital to mark World Prematurity Day. Photo: Conor Mccabe Fewer elderly are now entering nursing homes and by the time they become residents most are highly dependent with complex needs, a new report has revealed. The numbers applying for the State-subsidised Fair Deal scheme has dropped. Around 194 fewer residents had their nursing home fees supported by the Fair Deal scheme at the end of June compared to December 2013. Over 18 months to June this year, there has been a 329 drop in numbers availing of Fair Deal. The analysis was presented to the annual conference of Nursing Homes Ireland, which represents private providers. "When Fair Deal first started, the average length of stay was approximately four years. But at the end of 2014 it reduced to 1.9 years in public and private facilities," it said. More than half of nursing home residents are over the age of 85, said Michael McGlynn, of Nursing Homes Ireland, which compiled the report. "The last CSO censure shows the cohort of 'older population' availing of nursing home care has actually decreased. "In terms of utilisation, Ireland is below the norms of counterparts such as Germany, France, Norway and Sweden," he said. More older people are staying at home for longer either through family support, a HSE homecare service or increasingly privately paid-for homecare. The report said there has been a "significant escalation" in the number of people leaving the Fair Deal scheme. Some 964 more people left in 2017 in comparison with 2013. These residents passed away. The report said that, overall, it is clear the increase in our older population is not corresponding with the rise in numbers availing of nursing home care. The organisation stepped up its campaign to end what it calls the discrimination against State payments made to private nursing homes under the scheme than those given to HSE-run homes. Chief executive Tadhg Daly said the payments to HSE-run homes annually are 68,812 per resident, compared to 35,114 in a private home. The difference does not affect the contribution a resident pays under the scheme, but it has been cited as one of the reasons why some private homes are charging unpopular "top-up" charges for extras such as social activities. Mr Daly said a Department of Health report on the issue is "17 months past that deadline. The pricing review remains outstanding". He said the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which agrees fees with nursing homes under the Fair Deal scheme, "monumentally failed in its duty to fulfil the obligation placed upon it by the State to review the pricing mechanism for nursing home care". "Who holds it accountable? All the while, a pricing mechanism continues to operate that applies gross and unprecedented inequality in utilisation of public expenditure," he said. As the trolley crisis is set to peak, he said the report shows around 114,000 bed days were lost within our acute hospitals last year arising from delays in accessing long-term nursing care. "There needs to be early and ongoing engagement between those responsible for discharges within our acute hospitals and nursing homes to facilitate timely transfers back into the community," he said. "Member nursing homes report engagement can be haphazard and disjointed. "We are urging the Minister for Health Simon Harris, Department of Health and the emergency department taskforce to begin engagement to ensure timely discharge of patients during the winter period and all year round. "We must focus upon ensuring the hundreds of people awaiting discharge to long-term nursing care are supported to avail of it without delay, wherever possible. "This is particularly pertinent given 60pc of people awaiting discharge from our acute hospitals are awaiting such care." There are over 610 patients occupied by patients who no longer need to be in hospital but have nowhere suitable to go. The HSE is to start transferring these patients from hospital to home or transitional beds from the beginning of the month in a bid to free up beds in preparation for the post-Christmas and early January surge. People suffering from cystic fibrosis, who have a particular genetic form of the condition, are to be offered fresh hope with a new drug. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has received EU market authorisation for the medicine Symkevi. Under a deal with the HSE the medicine will now be available to suitable Irish people with cystic fibrosis. Health Minister Simon Harris said the decision will result in Irish patients having access to this important drug. "I am delighted to see that a new treatment has been approved for Cystic Fibrosis patients in Ireland and their families. "Over the next number of weeks the HSE will work with Vertex to ensure timely access to this new treatment for Irish patients. "This is a really important development and a significant day for patients with cystic fibrosis." Symkevi can help with the treatment of people with cystic fibrosis aged 12 and older who either have two copies of the F508demutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, or one copy of the F508del mutation and a copy of one of 14 mutations that result in residual CTFR activity. It is the first medicine in the EU to treat the CFTR protein defect in patients. A man on trial for murdering his partner told gardai at the scene that he heard a boom, boom, boom before finding her at the bottom of their staircase. Renars Veigulis (32) of Old Bridge Street in Freshford, Co Kilkenny has pleaded not guilty to murdering Rita Apine (29) at their home on or about May 14, 2017. Mr Veigulis told ambulance staff that his partner fell down the stairs, while prosecuting lawyers have told a Central Criminal Court jury they will hear evidence that her injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Opening the trial on Tuesday, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Vincent Heneghan SC, said the accused and the deceased were from both Latvia. Mr Veigulus came to Ireland about five years ago, followed six months later by Ms Apine, and in 2016 they moved to Freshford, about 20 miles from Kilkenny City. Garda James Keogh gave evidence to Mr Heneghan yesterday that he preserved the scene in the apartment and spoke to Mr Veigulis. Garda Keogh said Mr Veigulis was unsteady on his feet so he sat him down at the kitchen table. The accused told the garda that he had been playing with his daughter in the living room when he heard a boom, boom, boom and Ms Apine crying. Mr Veigulis told the garda that he went into the hallway where he found Ms Apine at the end of the stairs. Kilkenny County Councillor, Andrew McGuinness, gave evidence to Mr Heneghan that Ms Apine had come to his clinic in June 2016 seeking assistance in finding accommodation for herself and her daughter. She was also seeking assistance in getting a lone-parent allowance. Cllr McGuinness said he gave a verbal reference for Ms Apine in respect of a private property on Old Bridge Street, in Freshford. It was part of his role as a public representative and there was nothing unusual about it. Stanley George, a taxi driver in Kilkenny, gave evidence to Mr Heneghan that Ms Apine called him three days before the incident giving rise to the trial. She wanted him to collect an airline carry-on case and two plastic bags and bring them to Mr Veigulis at the Kilkenny Design Centre, where he worked. Mr George said one of the bags was full of shoes and the other contained uniforms. He said the carry-on case weighed around 15 or 16 kilograms. Mr George told the jury that he was unable to deliver the items to the Kilkenny Design Centre, as requested by Ms Apine. It was the day Prince Charles was visiting Kilkenny and Main Street was closed. That evening, he brought the items back to Ms Apine. Landlord Sean Power gave evidence to Mr Heneghan that he owned the apartment rented by the couple in Freshford. He told Michael Bowman SC, for the defence, that they seemed like a pleasant couple and there were no difficulties at all. The trial continues on Monday before a jury of seven men and five women with Ms Justice Tara Burns presiding. The jury has heard that paramedics resuscitated Ms Apine at the scene and took her to hospital but she died later that day. A garda at the scene noticed blood spatter that he did not think was consistent with a simple fall down the stairs and an investigation began. A forensic team found further blood spatter which they say was inconsistent with a fall and evidence that blood had been wiped from a wall prior to the arrival of paramedics and gardai, the jury heard. Mr Heneghan said forensic scientists examined Mr Veigulis's clothing and found, on his top, evidence of blood spatter which was not consistent with the version of events he put forward. He told the jury they would hear a post mortem examination showed the deceased had suffered severe blunt force trauma that was not consistent with a fall down the stairs, Mr Heneghan said. During garda interviews the accused maintained that Ms Apine died as a result of the fall. The jury heard on Wednesday the audio of Mr Veigulis 999 call. Speaking to an emergency call-taker with the National Ambulance Service, the jury heard Mr Veigulis say: "Hello can I talk with Kilkenny ambulance. Please, my wife has fallen down the stairs. The emergency-call taker accepted, under cross examination from Michael Bowman SC, for the defence, that Mr Veigulis was clearly distressed and anxious. The jury could hear he was breathing heavily. "Please, please very fast. All blood on the floor, please," the defendant was heard telling the emergency call-taker. The front window of the store was smashed in. Photo: Liam Mulcahy Kennedys' Centra in Stepaside, Co Dublin, was the fourth store to be broken into in the area in the last two weeks. Photo: Liam Mulcahy A shop owner said he was "devastated" after his business in south Dublin was broken into overnight. Des Kennedy woke up after 4am this morning to calls from gardai to notify him of a break-in at the Centra store in Stepaside. Mr Kennedy said that a sum of money was taken and that the windows were smashed in. Photos from the scene show glass spread across the ground and an empty cash register on the counter. The shocked owner said it was particularly devastating because the shop had recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Im absolutely shaking from it. I live about eight minutes away and when I arrived, the damage had been done, Mr Kennedy told Independent.ie. Were absolutely devastated, but were hoping to have it back up and running this morning. Gardai have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the incident. Gardai are investigating a burglary at a retail premises in Stepaside Dublin 18 that occurred on 16/11/18 at approximately 4:14am. A window was smashed and a number of items were taken, a garda spokesperson told Independent.ie. Expand Close It is understood that a sum of money was taken from the store. Photo: Liam Mulcahy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp It is understood that a sum of money was taken from the store. Photo: Liam Mulcahy No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing. Minister Josepha Madigan described the incident as disturbing and said her thoughts are with Mr Kennedy. Expand Close Shop owner Des Kennedy said he was "shaking" when he got the call. Photo: Liam Mulcahy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shop owner Des Kennedy said he was "shaking" when he got the call. Photo: Liam Mulcahy "I'm saddened and angry to see that another shop has been broken into overnight, Ms Madigan said. This time it was Des Kennedys Centra shop at 4am. My heart goes out to him. Such despicable acts of thuggery in a lovely village like this is disturbing. Transport Minister Shane Ross, visited the shop this morning and spoke to Mr Kennedy about the incident. Minister Ross said on Twitter: "Outside Des Kennedy's Stepaside shop after 4am break-in last night. Typically Des reacted 'At least no one in the community was hurt.'" Outside Des Kennedy's Stepaside shop after 4am break-in last night. Typically Des reacted " At least no one in the community was hurt" pic.twitter.com/1kTaT0oYkM Shane Ross (@Shane_RossTD) November 16, 2018 Last week, three Stepaside businesses were targeted in an early morning raid on November 6. The gang first attempted to break into the Flemings butcher shop, before making their way to Simply Fresh fruit and vegetable shop next door. CCTV footage obtained by Independent.ie shows a raider using a hammer to hit the glass more than a dozen times before kicking it in. He then walked into the shop, spending a minute there, before coming out, getting back into the car, and being driven around the corner to the Borza take-away. A man in his 20s appeared at the Central Criminal Court in relation to the three burglaries on November 6 and was charged on November 7, gardai confirmed. A dissident republican weapons haul containing guns potentially used in police murder bids has been discovered in a residential boiler house that caught fire in Belfast. Two AK47 assault rifles, two sawn-off shotguns, a high-powered rifle with a silencer fitted, three pipe bombs and more than 100 assorted rounds of ammunition were stored in the building that went on fire on Rodney Drive in west Belfast on Wednesday. Police believe the weapons belonged to the so-called 'New IRA' and may have been stored in the outhouse without the knowledge of the resident of the home. Detective Superintendent John McVea, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's terrorism investigation unit, said: "We firmly believe these weapons belong to the New IRA." The guns, bombs and bullets were stored on top of an operating domestic boiler and officers believe the blaze may have been triggered when one ignited due to the heat. "It beggars belief that anyone would store items as volatile as bombs and bullets in a hot environment," said Mr McVea. "This is simply reckless, it is stupid and it shows total disregard for the safety of local residents. "Anyone with an ounce of sense would have known that live ammunition and pipe bombs mixed with heat is a recipe for carnage." Expand Close Weapons discovered following fire at Belfast home / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Weapons discovered following fire at Belfast home Police believe the AK47s may have been used in two separate dissident attacks on police - one in the Rossnareen Avenue area of west Belfast in November 2015 and the other on a garage forecourt on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast in January 2017. Armoured plating and bulletproof glass was credited with saving the lives of the two officers inside the vehicle when they were ambushed. In the second attack, a policeman survived despite being shot three times in the arm when gunmen opened fire on him as he got out of a parked police car at the Crumlin Road garage. Officers said it was miracle no members of the public were also shot as bullets flew across the busy petrol station forecourt. Mr McVea said: "The Crumlin Road shooting in particular was reckless and showed total disregard for members of the public as bullets entered the filling station shop, narrowly missing customers and passing motorists." The detective said he believed the weapons were moved into the boiler house on Monday evening after 9pm. He urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the alleyway behind Rodney Drive to come forward. "We are lucky there hasn't been significant injury as the fire developed," he said. Mr McVea said the violent renegades who owned the weapons were "beneath contempt". "I am asking the community to stand up against these parasites," he added. Mr McVea said it was possible the resident of the property was unaware and had been "exploited" by the terrorists. Expand Close Weapons discovered following fire at Belfast home / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Weapons discovered following fire at Belfast home The detective said a neighbour first reported the fire, with the occupant of the house then also calling the emergency services to alert them to the blaze. A 35-year-old man who was arrested under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday was subsequently released unconditionally. Mr McVea said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation but said it was possible one of the illegal items stored on top of the boiler had sparked it. "It is no surprise to me that when you store pipe bombs and ammunition on top of a hot boiler, that is just a recipe for carnage, so that might well be the cause (of the fire), but that's still under investigation," he said. The investigating officer declined to be drawn on the suggestion the weapons had been moved ahead of another planned attack on police. "The one thing I am pleased about is that these weapons are no longer in the hands of the terrorists and they have been put beyond use," he said. He added: "It's a significant haul of weapons in today's terms within terrorism and it is with pleasure that these weapons are no longer in the hands of these terrorists." Mr McVea said the New IRA still posed a "severe threat" despite the weapons seizure. In the first attack, a police car patrolling Rossnareen Avenue was riddled with up to eight bullets. Closed down: The statement on the window of the Berketex Bridal store in Jervis Shopping Centre. Photo: Kyran OBrien The sudden closure of a popular wedding dress store in Dublin has shocked brides-to-be and staff alike after it announced its last trading day earlier this week. Berketex Bridal, a UK bridal chain with one store in Ireland in Jervis Shopping Centre, announced on Tuesday that its 12 outlets were to close with "immediate effect". The bridal chain also had stores in major UK cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London and Glasgow. It's understood its Dublin store employed three full-time staff, and one part-time staff member. Located on the upper first floor of the Jervis Shopping Centre, it is understood the store had been a favourite among Irish brides for a number of years and had received positive online reviews from customers. According to its own website, the company had been "making wedding dreams come true" for over 50 years. The store was shut yesterday, with a statement from the company pinned to the front of the door. Bridal dresses from its 2019 collections were still on display inside. A statement from Berketex Bridal said the company closed on November 13 and encouraged brides to contact its helpline for updates, through Wilson Field Limited. "Wilson Field Limited, of the Manor House, 260 Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PS, has been instructed to assist the company," it said. "A notice of intention to appoint administrators over the company was filed on November 9, 2018 in the High Court of justice, Manchester. "This provides protection for the company from the actions of its creditors meaning no enforcement action should be taken in recovery of liabilities without leave of court." Distressing The statement concluded with an apology from the director. "The director of the company wishes to express his sincere apologies for the abrupt closure of the store and any subsequent inconvenience this may cause to customers of the company. "Wilson Field Limited appreciates that this will be distressing for the customers of the company and will deal with individual queries as quickly as possible, however we anticipate a high volume of calls and therefore ask for your patience in advance." A number of other bridal stores across the UK have offered Berketex customers a discount on their collections through the Berketex Bride Facebook page. The four-star Dublin hotel co-owned by U2's Bono and The Edge is one of dozens of Dublin businesses to lodge an objection against a planned injecting centre for chronic heroin and cocaine addicts. Last month, Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) lodged its plans with Dublin City Council for the State's first medically supervised injection centre that is to cater for around 60 addicts a day. The application involves the redevelopment of MQI's Riverbank building at 13/14 Merchant's Quay in Dublin 8, including the provision of seven planned injecting rooms in the basement of the building. In total, 99 objections have been lodged against the plan, with a host of businesses joining with Bono's and The Edge's Clarence Hotel voicing their opposition against the contentious plan. They include one of the best known - and one of the most profitable - pubs in the country, The Temple Bar pub in Temple bar, The Porterhouse pub, The Temple Bar company, the Dublin Business Alliance, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and The Morgan, Trinity City and the Westin hotels, which are part of the MHL Hotel Collection owned by US billionaire, John Malone. A decision is due on the application next month. The remains of one of two burnt out vehicles at Ballyfolan near Manor Kilbride following a shoot in Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 A van containing bullet holes is removed from the scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 The scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 Clive Staunton (50) was killed in shooting in Leixlip, Co Kildare GARDAI say the reasons why a street trader who was brutally gunned down last night left early from his stall outside the Aviva Stadium, will form part of the murder inquiry. The 50-year-old has become the 19th victim of the Hutch-Kinahan feud after being shot twice in the head in a Co Kildare housing estate. The man, who was named locally as Clive Staunton, was shot in the Glen Easton housing estate in Leixlip at approximately 9.15pm last night. Speaking in Leixlip this afternoon, Superintendent, Gerry Wall said that Clive Staunton's father, Stan was in the house at the time of the shooting. However, it's understood he did not witness it. Mr Staunton's son is understood to have been out of the country at the time of the shooting. The scene earlier near Kilbride, Wicklow where two cars believed to be used in the murder of Clive Staunton were found burnt out. Around 40 minutes away from the murder site in Leixlip pic.twitter.com/xKSqgaaRk4 Robin Schiller (@11SchillRob) November 16, 2018 The victim's partner had passed away two years ago. Supt. Wall said 30 detectives and uniformed members worked through Thursday night on the murder. He added that gardai are particularly interested in the movements of a Volvo S40 car which they believe may have taken the perpetrators to and from the scene. We know that Clive worked as a street trader last night for the Ireland versus Northern Ireland match outside the Aviva Stadium. His stall was at the Bath Avenue junction, Shelbourne Road, probably known as the Beggars Bush junction, he said. We know that Clive left there shortly after 8pm and he drove his white Mercedes van with distinctive red lines on it. He drove that van from Bath Avenue here to Glen Easton in Leixlip to his home. He arrived there between 9 and 9.15pm. As he left his van to enter his house, a gunman approached him and shot him on several occasions and left him to die on the roadway outside his house. Asked about Mr Staunton not staying around the stadium until after full-time, he said: That would form part of our inquiry, of why he left early, if he did leave early. But, as we know, people do things for various different reasons. But we do know about that and we're certainly looking into that as part of our inquiry. Supt Wall said that no firearm has been recovered by gardai so far. Mr Staunton was originally from the Greek Street flats in Dublin's north inner city but had been staying in the Leixlip area recently. He had no previous criminal convictions but had some Hutch family connections. The victims body was removed from the scene earlier today. Expand Close A Garda looks on as the remains of Clive Staunton are taken from the scene where he was shot dead and placed in an ambulance at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Garda looks on as the remains of Clive Staunton are taken from the scene where he was shot dead and placed in an ambulance at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 A blue tent had covered the remains of Mr Staunton, a father-of-one, as local officers waited at the scene for the arrival of the State Pathologist to carry out a preliminary post-mortem. A large white Mercedes van, close to Mr Stauntons body, was removed by gardai following an examination. The window on the driver's side of the vehicle was shattered with what appeared to be a bullet hole visible. There were also bullet holes in the windscreen. Expand Close The scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 Gardai are also examining a car that was discovered burnt out at Ballyfolan near Manor Kilbride in Co Wicklow. A second car that was found at the scene was removed last night. Gardai do not believe the countrys latest gangland victim had any involvement in the ongoing gangland feud. Investigators at this stage suspect that Staunton was targeted because he is related to the Hutch family. A neighbour of the victim described how he was talking to Mr Staunton just hours before he was gunned down outside his house. I was only talking to him earlier in the day. He was always in great form, had a smile on his face when you say hello to him, his neighbour Shane Cody told Independent.ie. You could always have a chat with him. Its a nice area and stuff like this doesnt happen. Im shocked, he added. Asked what mood Clive Staunton was in earlier that day, Mr Cody said he appeared fine as he always was. He described how the murder victim would regularly seen returning with his van after street-trading in the city. Expand Close The scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scene of the fatal shooting at Glen Easton in Leixlip. Pic Steve Humphreys 16th November 2018 Throughout the morning shocked residents passed the scene in the quiet Glen Easton estate. Several parents passing the murder site were with their children, who looked on in shocked. Locals said Mr Staunton, who was originally from the inner-city, had been living in the area for several years. He was also a regular sight outside Ireland home games at the Aviva Stadium where he sold merchandise. It is understood that he had been returning from the stadium when he was shot dead at around 9.15pm last night. A white car was seen fleeing the scene of the shooting and was later found burnt out. The scene at Glen Easton Way was sealed off last night with a strong Garda presence. Neighbours reported hearing a sound "just like fireworks" after nine o'clock. One neighbour said she was used to hearing children on the street and assumed it was some fireworks left over from Halloween. She added that area was very safe. Another young woman was seen walking along the road near the scene in a distressed state. The latest death in the feud is likely to lead to increasing tensions in the inner city. The last person to die in the deadly feud was Jason 'Buda' Molyneux, who suffered six gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach in January. His murder in Dublin's north inner city came just days after Derek Coakley Hutch was gunned down outside Wheatfield Prison on January 20. Mr Coakley Hutch was a nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, and was the fourth member of the family to be shot dead in just two years. The feud between the Hutch family and the Kinahan cartel erupted in September 2015 when Gary Hutch - another nephew of Gerry Hutch - was murdered in Spain. Gardai are asking anyone who saw Clive Staunton or his van a white Mercedes sprinter 96D22788, which has a distinctive red stripe on both sides, between Bath Avenue, Dublin 4 and Leixlip Co Kildare between 8pm and 9.15pm on the 15th of November 2018, to contact them. Gardai would also like to speak to anyone who was in the Glen Easton estate Leixlip between 8.30pm and 9.30pm to contact Leixlip Garda Station. They are also appealing for information on the movement of a silver/grey Volvo S40 (old style square back) between Leixlip Co Kildare and Manor Kilbride Co Wicklow. Anyone with information is asked to contact Leixlip 6667800 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111or any Garda Station. Tanaiste Simon Coveney has insisted that there are no contingency plans being prepared for a hard border on the island whether there is a deal or not. He said that the way to avoid a hard border is to support the deal that has been agreed by the EU and the UK. But he warned that coming to a solution that would maintain the soft border if Britain crash out wont be easy, however he refused to be drawn on how a hard border could be avoided. Weve been very clear that there is no eventuality where Ireland would prepare for border infrastructure between the two jurisdictions on our island, he said. In the absence of that deal being approved and agreed and followed through on well of course it would be difficult to put an alternative to that that prevents a hard border but we will do that if necessary, he said. Mr Coveney pointed to how British ministers, including Karen Bradley, have said that deal or no deal we will avoid border infrastructure. "Obviously if we are forced into that situation we will have to look at ways in which that can be avoided but that wont be easy," he said. "It is a far more sensible approach to support what has been negotiated over the last two years as a way that we know provides the guarantees that we have looked for and insisted on that there will be no physical border infrastructure or related checks or controls on this island," he said. Pressed on how a hard border could be avoided in a no deal scenario he said: "Im not going to start speculating on that certainly not with the media. That is not where we want to be, weve made it very clear that our contingency plans include east west trade preparations, we are not going to prepare for border infrastructure on this island." Asked about the uphill battle getting the deal ratified in Westminster amid attacks on the deal from MPs on both sides of the Brexit debate, he said he still believed a no deal was an unlikely scenario. Mr Coveney insisted that the government is preparing for a no deal scenario but said much of that planning will need to be done in tandem with the EU - including in the areas of trade, agriculture, fisheries and financial services. If it looks like we are heading toward a no deal Brexit of course there will have to be very direct conversations around how we avoid border infrastructure on the island of Ireland - but thats not going to be an easy discussion, he said. We have negotiated a way to solve this problem and we would be very foolish to move away from that negotiated position that has taken two years to put in place. Mr Coveney also said he would like to see Sinn Fein vote on the deal in Westminster and noted that if it fell on just a handful of votes there would be serious questions asked of them. He restated his confidence that the November 25 summit would take place and said this deal was the best that could have been negotiated. Remediation work begins this weekend on two of three primary schools in Dublin which have been limited to their ground floors because of concerns about structural safety. Work at Tyrrelstown Educate Together and the neighbouring St Lukes National School, will continue for a number of weeks, both after school hours and over weekends, Education Minister Joe McHugh said. Mr McHugh said work would also get underway in the immediate short term at Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan, for which a solution was still being finalised. All three schools have had to relocate some pupils to alternative accommodation because of the restrictions imposed by the installation of protective measures, arising from structural assessments conducted. Expand Close Tyrrelstown Educate Together and St Lukes NS . Photo: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tyrrelstown Educate Together and St Lukes NS . Photo: Mark Condren Mr McHugh acknowledged that Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada was under pressure because of the nature of its arrangements around temporary accommodation. The three are among 42 schools built by he same contractor, Western Building Systems, which were assessed after concerns about structure emerged about the Phase 1 building Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, which has closed. The minister said further checks were being conducted on 19 other schools that were cleared to open after the initial assessments but with external precautionary protective measures . This work will continue into the New Year. Read More No interventions were required in another 19 schools. Mr McHugh said he was seeking a supplementary estimate to cover the cost of work being undertaken this year, and was also speaking to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe about additional money for 2019. He would not speculate on how much may be required to complete the programme, but said it will be big money. The minister indicated again that they would be pursuing the contractor for the recoupment of costs I am conscious that we are in a space where extra money will be needed and it is unfortunate we are in this situation. I am also conscious, and something I have very publicly stated, of where culpability, responsibility lies; that is where the money should be coming from," he added. He said they were continuing to engage with their legal team and the Chief State Solicitors Office on the matter. WBS has consistently maintained that each of the 42 schools was previously certified for completion as being free from defects and suitable for use by the Department and its employed professionals. The Department of Education has countered this assertion by stating that a certificate of completion is not a certificate of compliance with building control regulations. Keynote speaker: Dublin football star Philly McMahon talked of how suffering makes you stronger at the Zeminar youth forum at the RDS yesterday. Photo: David Gannon Photography Dublin footballer Philly McMahon says his weekly visits to prisoners at Mountjoy Prison are helping to turn their lives around. The 31-year-old businessman and GAA star, from Ballymun, who has racked up six All-Ireland medals, has been mentoring inmates at the prison's progression unit twice a week since last spring. He believes his work has been making a difference. "The idea is to try to change the individual's belief system so that we can impact on the culture in the prison," McMahon said. "It's very unique and it's the first of its kind. "What we're trying to do is to shine a light on the good culture. "It's restorative justice so we're basically looking at these guys and try to make sure that when they reintegrate into society that they don't go down the same route. "We're having a huge impact on the prison," he told the Irish Independent following his talk as a keynote speaker at the Zeminar youth forum at the RDS yesterday. "There's some really good stuff that's been done already and there are a lot of people in there that have a really good mindset about being open to helping these people, but also knowing where the limit is and making sure they do their job," he said of his colleagues at the Irish Prison Service. Meanwhile, he urged young people to learn from the school of hard knocks. Despite his success on and off the pitch - in which he runs several gyms, owns a health food company and published his autobiography 'The Choice' last year - he has also suffered major losses along the way. He lost his older brother John to a fatal heroin addiction in 2012 followed by the loss of his father Philip Sr to cancer last summer. Yet despite the losses, McMahon said the key to his success is using adversity to his advantage. "With every pain and suffering you have, it makes you stronger," he told students aged 15 to 20 attending the annual conference. It's a one-of-a-kind brandy that costs typically 3,000 a bottle - but Dubliners can try Remy Louis XIII Cognac in a hotel bar for a little under its regular asking price. While a full shot of the top-shelf tipple will set drinkers back 160, the Morrison Hotel on Lower Ormond Quay is hoping to broaden its appeal. To do so, bar manager Simon Smyth will be offering Dubliners three different measures of the delicious digestif. Acknowledging that it wouldn't be in everyone's price range, Mr Smyth said that it was more likely people might splash the cash if they were true brandy lovers. Expand Close sorchh22 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp sorchh22 "Most places sell it for about 200 - but we are doing it for 160 for a 35ml shot," he said. However, Mr Smyth added that it was possible to try it for less - with a 15ml shot costing 60, and a 25ml shot costing 110. "So you have your taster, your treat to yourself, and if you have the money to splurge, there's a 35ml shot to spend a bit on something you've always wanted to try," he said. "It's a one-of-a-kind cognac which comes from Grande Champagne in the Cognac region. I don't know any other way to say it - it is just top-of-the-range cognac. "It's the best value in Dublin," he added. The unique cognac is kept under lock and key when it isn't sitting pride of place on the top shelf of the hotel's bar. Mr Smyth said it could take over a year for it to be drained - and it could still be worth over 500 even when it is empty, although he said the hotel "has not thought about making a huge amount of money on it". Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams attend the Pride of Britain Awards 2018 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 29, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) Vogue Matthews and Spencer Matthews attend the British Takeaway Awards, in association with Just Eat at The Savoy Hotel on November 05, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Vogue Matthews and Spencer Matthews attend the British Takeaway Awards, in association with Just Eat at The Savoy Hotel on November 05, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Spencer Matthews had never considered getting married until he met Vogue Williams. The 30-year-old reality star met the Irish model on 'The Jump' last summer and the tied the knot in June this year, three months before welcoming son Theodore into the world, and he knew as soon as they got together their relationship was "different" to anything he'd experienced in the past. He said: "I'd never given marriage any thought before meeting Vogue - I didn't see any of my previous relationships heading to the finish line as I was just a young man experimenting. "But I knew from the moment Vogue and I started dating that it was going to be totally different." Expand Close Vogue Matthews and Spencer Matthews attend the British Takeaway Awards, in association with Just Eat at The Savoy Hotel on November 05, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vogue Matthews and Spencer Matthews attend the British Takeaway Awards, in association with Just Eat at The Savoy Hotel on November 05, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) And since welcoming their son, who is affectionately known as Teddy, into the world, Spencer has only fallen more in love with his wife. Speaking to Closer magazine, he gushed: "Vogue's a fantastic mum. She's super organised. Watching her being the great mother that she is just makes me fall more and more in love with her. I think we'd like four kids ideally." Read More The former 'Made in Chelsea' star welcomed turning 30 over the summer and is enjoying the new stage in his life. He said: "I do feel very grown up, but it's welcome. As a little kid I thought it would be lovely if you had your life set by the time you're 30 and, as it turned out, a lot happened the year I turned 30 - I got married and had a child. I couldn't be much happier." Spencer was known for his womanising ways on 'Made in Chelsea' but insists there was a lot less "drama" in his life once he quit the show after four years in 2015. Expand Close Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews' baby son Theo. Picture: Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews' baby son Theo. Picture: Instagram Video of the Day He said: "Given that it was my job to provide drama on 'MIC', I'd like to think I did a good job. It's not that my relationships on the show were fake, it's just the drama was exaggerated - everything would be strung out." Health workers have been forced to open up a new and particularly perilous front after 28 people died of Ebola in and around Butembo (stock picture) A surge in new Ebola cases has been reported in a densely populated Congolese city, adding a dangerous dimension to the worst outbreak of the virus in the country's history. Health workers have been forced to open up a new and particularly perilous front after 28 people died of Ebola in and around Butembo, a city of around 1.2 million people in the heart of the country's most volatile regions. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo admitted this week the country's 10th Ebola outbreak is now officially its worst ever, after the number of confirmed infections crossed the 300 threshold. The virus has killed 211 people. Unlike previous outbreaks, which have been restricted to fairly remote, rural areas, the present epidemic has swept through populated parts of north-eastern Congo, a lawless area that is infested with rebel groups, freelance militias and armed criminal gangs. Epicentres Already struggling in conditions more challenging than previous outbreaks anywhere in Africa, health workers are now trying to deal with an outbreak that has multiple epicentres. But nowhere is as worrying as Butembo, where a blend of insecurity, suspicion of aid workers and a large, mobile population have created an ideal landscape for the rapid spread of the disease. "We are worried," said Axelle Ronse, emergency co-ordinator for Medecins Sans Frontieres, which runs an Ebola treatment centre in Butembo. "It is a big area. There is a big population where people move about a lot and there are some areas which are difficult to access due to a large number of armed groups." Daily Telegraph London Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] An investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct into the vetting process and employment of Naude found there was no case to answer for misconduct for any individual officer (stock picture) A paedophile British police officer who raped a teenage girl was named as a suspect in three cases before he was appointed to the force, it has emerged. Ian Naude (30) was a serving constable when he was arrested in November 2017 following a report of the rape and sexual assault of the 13-year-old, who he met after being called to a domestic incident at her house. The father-of-one, who groomed teenage girls online, had been due to join Cheshire Police as a student officer in January 2017. The force said the recruitment process was put on hold following an allegation he had raped a woman. But when no further action was taken in the case, a decision was made by the vetting department to allow the process to continue and Naude was appointed to the force in April that year. When police began to investigate Naude following his arrest, they found he had also been a named suspect in two child grooming allegations which were reported to Staffordshire Police and West Mercia Police in January and February 2017. Those two reports became part of the Cheshire investigation, which saw Naude plead guilty to 30 charges, including inciting children to engage in sexual activity and making indecent photos of children. He was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and five offences relating to arranging the commission of a child sexual offence. An investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct into the vetting process and employment of Naude found there was no case to answer for misconduct for any individual officer. Cheshire's acting chief constable Janette McCormick, who has personally apologised to the family of the rape victim, said the case had prompted a lot of "soul searching" among officers. She said: "He didn't join to be a police officer, he joined as a predator." A jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Naude guilty of rape and sexual assault, as well as four charges of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence and one charge of arranging a child sex offence, relating to five complainants aged between 12 and 15. He was described during the two-week trial as a "selfish and cruel paedophile". Naude will be sentenced on December 13. Khieu Samphan, left, and Nuon Chea are already serving life sentences (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s have been convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison, the same sentence they are already serving after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and mass disappearances of people. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic group whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. Expand Close Khieu Samphan, centre, former Khmer Rouge head of state, sits in the court room before the hearing at the UN-backed war crimes tribunal (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Khieu Samphan, centre, former Khmer Rouge head of state, sits in the court room before the hearing at the UN-backed war crimes tribunal (Mark Peters/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offences comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included wilful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. Expand Close Nuon Chea, who was the Khmer Rouges number two leader (Nhet Sok Heng/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nuon Chea, who was the Khmer Rouges number two leader (Nhet Sok Heng/Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia/AP) The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Both defendants were present as Judge Nil Nonn opened the proceedings, but Nuon Chea suffers heart problems, so was granted permission to later move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. A large crowd of spectators attended Fridays session, including members of the Cham minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Fridays session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life in those years, he said. Expand Close Both men were sentenced to life in prison (Heng Sinith/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Both men were sentenced to life in prison (Heng Sinith/AP) The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodias long-serving, autocratic prime minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Mr Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Fridays verdicts. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. Jamal Khashoggi: The journalist and dissident was murdered in Turkey Five Saudi Arabian officials face the death penalty for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was dismembered inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - the nation's de facto ruler - was not involved, the kingdom's prosecutor said yesterday. The announcement follows growing international outcry over the killing of Mr Khashoggi, the 'Washington Post' columnist and critic of the Saudi rulers who was last seen entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage. Mr Khashoggi died after being drugged and then dismembered, a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office said in the country's first confirmation of how he was killed. Agent The journalist's body parts were then handed over to an agent outside the consulate grounds. And the spokesman denied Crown Prince Mohammed had any knowledge of the murder. The deputy chief of Saudi Arabia's intelligence, General Ahmed al-Assiri, gave the order to repatriate Mr Khashoggi - and "the head of the negotiating team" that flew to the Istanbul consulate had ordered his murder, the spokesman said. After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted in mid-October that Mr Khashoggi had been murdered at the compound, but blamed it on a "rogue" operation. The prosecutor has requested the death penalty for the five who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals", said an official statement released by state news agency SPA. It said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, 11 of whom have been indicted with investigations to continue into the others. Turkey had earlier called for an international investigation into the murder. Ankara has already shared voice recordings linked to the murder with a number of countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States and its Western allies. Mr Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. After first insisting Mr Khashoggi had left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl before finally accepting what Turkey had said virtually from the start - that he was killed in a premeditated hit. Murder Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to murder Mr Khashoggi came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government. The global fallout over the murder has tainted the image of 33-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed despite persistent Saudi denials that he was involved. Mr Khashoggi's murder has also led to increased scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemen war, a conflict which has pushed the impoverished country on the southern coast of the Arabian peninsula to the brink of famine. The journalist went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Crown Prince Mohammed. A speaker at an event organised to mark the 40th day of the death of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi (Neyran Elden/AP) The United States imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials on Thursday for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five suspects in the murder. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctions were the first concrete response by the Trump administration to Khashoggi's death in the Saudi consulate in Turkey in October. Among those sanctioned were Saud al-Qahtani, who has been removed from his position as a top aide to the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi Consul General Mohammad al-Otaibi and members of a 15-person team Turkey has identified as being involved. The measure was unusual for Washington, which rarely imposes sanctions on Saudi nationals. The sanctions do not target the Riyadh government, an important U.S. security and economic ally. It also allows the administration to stop short of action that might affect lucrative U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia that President Donald Trump has vowed to preserve. The sanctions limit access to the U.S. financial system and freeze people's assets. They will be implemented under an act which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption. "These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions," Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement. Canada, which had a major diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia this year over human rights, welcomed the U.S. sanctions and said it was weighing similar action. The U.S. government did not impose sanctions on Saudi officials over the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, in which 15 of the 19 hijackers were from the kingdom. A U.S. government commission found no evidence that Saudi Arabia directly funded al Qaeda, which carried out the attacks on New York and Washington. The panel, however, left open whether individual Saudi officials might have. Khashoggi, a royal insider turned critic of Saudi policy, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. He was a U.S. resident and columnist for The Washington Post and his killing has provoked a political crisis in Saudi Arabia as well as friction with Western allies. Some members of the U.S. Congress said that even with the sanctions the administration has not been tough enough, specifically in regard to the Saudi crown prince. Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said: I remain concerned that the administration is enabling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its effort to protect Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from accountability." Later on Thursday, senators from both U.S. parties introduced legislation that, if it became law, would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia as punishment for Khashoggi's death and for its role in Yemen's devastating civil war. Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, then offered contradictory explanations including that he was killed in a rogue operation. Saudi deputy public prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan said on Thursday Khashoggi died by lethal injection after a struggle. Without naming them, Shalaan said the Saudi prosecutor had requested the death penalty for five people "charged with ordering and committing the crime, and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals". He said 11 of 21 suspects have been indicted and will be referred to court. Shalaan said Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed over to an unidentified "local cooperator." Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said the order for the operation came from the highest level of Saudi leadership but probably not King Salman, putting the spotlight instead on his 33-year-old heir. Turkey wants the 15-man team that it says killed Khashoggi to be tried there. Trump has suggested ultimate responsibility lies with the prince. Shalaan said Khashoggi was murdered after "negotiations" for his return to the kingdom failed. When asked why such a large team capable of poisoning and dismembering a body was used for a supposed extraction, Shalaan said the lead negotiator had surveyed the consulate before Khashoggi entered and decided it was unfeasible to remove him, so instead they killed him. Among others cited in Thursday's U.S. Treasury announcement are General Maher Mutreb, an aide to Qahtani who has appeared in photographs with Prince Mohammed on official visits this year to the United States and Europe. Absent from the sanctions list were four officials fired last month along with Qahtani: General Ahmed al-Asiri, the deputy head of foreign intelligence, and three other intelligence deputies - General Rashad bin Hamed al-Hamadi, General Abdullah bin Khaleef al-Shaya, and General Mohammed Saleh al-Ramih. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for an explanation of why they were not included. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said there could be further U.S. measures. "Its a step in the right direction. It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken for a full accountability. We will continue to work diligently to ascertain the facts, she told a news briefing. Some details provided by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday again contradicted previous versions, none of which mentioned a drug-induced death and one of which called the killing premeditated based on information provided by Turkey. Turkey says it has recordings related to the killing which it shared with Western allies. One Turkish official told Reuters that officials who heard the recordings, which include Khashoggi's killing and conversations leading up to the operation, were horrified but their countries had done nothing. Emergency services stand near to a burnt out bus (AP) More than 40 people have been killed in a bus accident in Zimbabwe, police said. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said that at least 20 more were injured, some with severe burns, in the accident on Thursday night. Ms Charamba said she does not have details about the cause of the accident. Zim Red Cross first aid teams responded to a horrific accident around midnight at the 56km peg from Gwanda towards Beitbridge involving a South African bound bus. A total of 24 people have been ferried to Hospital while the number of deaths is still to be confirmed. pic.twitter.com/GSu3xRHFB7 Zimbabwe Red Cross (@ZrcsRed) November 16, 2018 Photos posted on Twitter by the Zimbabwe Red Cross show the remains of a bus that was completely incinerated. The accident happened in Gwanda district, about 340 miles south of Harare, Zimbabwes capital. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said: Combustible material was allowed on to the bus, thus causing a conflagration which entrapped, scalded and consumed innocent passengers. He added that the government should take appropriate measures which comprehensively deal with this growing menace on our roads. New Zealand police and customs officials said on Friday they seized 190 kg (420,000 pounds) of cocaine with a street value of up to NZ$36 million that arrived in Auckland in a shipment of bananas, the country's largest-ever drug bust. A 41-year-old man was arrested in neighbouring Australia in connection with the seizure, New Zealand authorities said in a statement. Police put the street value of the cocaine at between NZ$28 million and NZ$36 million (16.8 million-21.6 million). The haul followed an Australian investigation into an organised crime group. Officials there said a potential shipment of illicit drugs was heading to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, after leaving Balboa, Panama, on August 4. The shipment arrived in Auckland on Aug. 20. Authorities inspected the container and found five duffle bags on top of banana boxes that contained 190 blocks of cocaine, each weighing around a kilogram. The joint investigation between New Zealand and Australian authorities concluded in the past 24 hours with the arrest of the unidentified man in Sydney, the statement said. Police said the drugs were destined for Australia. It was a heartwarming tale of generosity - a fundraising drive to thank a homeless man who had sacrificed his own meagre funds to help out a stranded motorist. The story of how Johnny Bobbitt gave his last $20 to Kate McClure and her crowd-funding initiative to repay his act of kindness went viral online, with donations pouring in from thousands of well-wishers. But it has now emerged the entire story was an elaborate scam, as prosecutors in New Jersey charged Ms McClure and her boyfriend Mark D'Amico, who raised $400,000 (350,000) in alleged donations for Mr Bobbitt. The couple, along with Mr Bobbitt, have been charged with theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft. Burlington County prosecutors outlined the allegations against the trio last night and said they had evidence that they knew each other for at least a month before they set up the scheme. Mr Bobbitt (35) was arrested and taken into custody in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Mr D'Amico and Ms McClure surrendered to authorities on Wednesday. Investigators searched the home of Mr D'Amico (30) and Ms McClure (28) in September after questions arose about how the money they raised through a GoFundMe page was being spent. They have previously denied any wrong-doing and yesterday their lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. The couple's problems began over the summer when Mr Bobbitt filed a lawsuit against them, claiming they had refused to hand over the majority of the funds to the homeless veteran and instead spent it on themselves. The pair denied the claims, but in August a US judge ordered them to hand over the remainder of the funds. The couple started the crowd-funding attempt in 2017 ostensibly to thank Mr Bobbitt, a homeless veteran, who they claimed came to the aid of Ms McClure when she ran out of petrol on a motorway. Ms McClure wrote that she was launching the online appeal to help the former marine "get into a home". She added: "I wish that I could do more for this selfless man, who went out of his way just to help me that day. He is such a great guy, and talking to him each time I see him makes me want to help him more and more." The overwhelming response led to donations from more than 14,000 well-wishers, but the couple's relationship with Mr Bobbitt eventually soured as they accused him of using the money to feed a drug habit. In an ensuing law suit, New Jersey Judge Paula T Dow ordered the couple to transfer the money into an account and hire a forensic accountant to review the financial records. As Democrats ratcheted up their attacks on Georgia Republican Brian Kemp, he claimed that results certified by county election officials confirm he has an "insurmountable lead" in the governor's race. At a news conference, Georgia Democrats cast doubt on the legitimacy of any election count that ends with the former secretary of state being certified as the winner of a fiercely fought election against Stacey Abrams, who's seeking to become the first black woman elected governor in the US. "We believe that Brian Kemp mismanaged this election to sway it in his favour," said Ms Abrams's campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo, surrounded by Democratic lawmakers at the Georgia Capitol. Democrats beyond Georgia have started to echo the notion that a Kemp victory would be illegitimate. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said on Wednesday that if Ms Abrams loses it's because Republicans stole the election. "If Stacey Abrams doesn't win in Georgia, they stole it. I say that publicly, it's clear," said Mr Brown, speaking at a briefing for the National Action Network. Mr Kemp's campaign, which has repeatedly called on Ms Abrams to concede, repeated that call, saying Ms Abrams and her supporters have used "fake vote totals", "desperate press conferences" and "dangerous lawsuits" to try to steal the election. "After all of the theatrics, the math remains the same," Kemp campaign spokesman Cody Hall said in an email. "Abrams lost and Brian Kemp won. This election is over." Since he declared himself governor last week and resigned as secretary of state, Mr Kemp's lead has narrowed as counties have tabulated more ballots. And the numbers could change again as federal courts issue new guidance on counting certain provisional and absentee ballots. Ms Groh-Wargo said on Tuesday that the Abrams campaign believes she needs a net gain of 17,759 votes to pull Mr Kemp below a majority threshold and force a December 4 run-off. Mr Kemp's campaign said even if every vote that Ms Abrams campaign is arguing for is granted by the courts and counted for her, she cannot overcome his lead or force a run-off. Meanwhile, US District Judge Steve Jones on Wednesday ruled that the secretary of state must not certify the state election results without confirming that each county's vote tally includes absentee ballots on which the voter's date of birth is missing or incorrect. The order stems from a request in a lawsuit filed on Sunday by the Abrams campaign. But Mr Jones also rejected the campaign's other requests. He declined to extend the period during which evidence could be submitted to prove the eligibility of voters who cast provisional ballots. He also declined to order that provisional ballots cast by voters who went to a precinct in the wrong county be counted. The lawsuit was one of several election-related complaints filed before multiple federal judges. US District Judge Leigh May ordered Gwinnett County election officials on Tuesday not to reject absentee ballots just because the voter's birth year is missing or wrong. She also ordered the county to delay certification of its election results until those ballots have been counted. Mr Jones's ruling effectively extended Ms May's order to the other 158 counties in Georgia. US District Judge Amy Totenberg late on Monday ordered state officials not to do their final certification of election results before 5pm today. State law sets a November 20 deadline, but secretary of state's office elections director Chris Harvey testified last week that the state had planned to certify the election results on Wednesday, a day after the deadline for counties to certify their results. He said that would allow preparations to begin for any run-off contests, including those already projected in the races for secretary of state and a Public Service Commission seat. Ms Totenberg's order left untouched the county certification deadline. Drug baron Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman ordered hits on his own family and his weapons of choice were a diamond-encrusted pistol and a gold-plated AK-47, a US court has heard. Guzman, considered the world's largest drug trafficker since the death of Colombia's Pablo Escobar, is on trial in New York under draconian security arrangements after twice escaping from prison in Mexico. Prosecutors branded Guzman a ruthless criminal boss who murdered in cold blood, with Assistant US Attorney Adam Fels claiming Guzman used a small private army consisting of hundreds of men "armed with assault rifles" to take out his rivals. "He ordered his hitmen to locate, kidnap, torture, interrogate, shoot and kill those rivals," Mr Fels told the court. "Not even Guzman's own family members were immune." Guzman's defence team have sought to paint him as the "scapegoat" of a cartel that bribed Mexican presidents. The substantive phase of the case began with opening statements in what is expected to be one of the most expensive trials in US history. Guzman faces 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges that will likely see him incarcerated for the rest of his life in a maximum security US prison if he is convicted at the end of the more than four-month trial. He is accused of leading the Sinaloa cartel, turning it into the world's largest criminal group and of smuggling enough cocaine "for 328 million lines" - equivalent to more than one per every person in the United States. The defence alleged that Guzman's co-defendant who remains at large, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, was the real culprit. "The truth is he (Guzman) controlled nothing, Mayo Zambada did," Jeffrey Lichtman told the US federal court. Zambada, he alleged, bribed everybody, "including the very top, the current president of Mexico and the former," he added in reference to Mexico's outgoing president Enrique Pena Nieto and his predecessor, Felipe Calderon. Both Mr Calderon and Mr Pena Nieto swiftly denied taking any bribes from the Sinaloa cartel, the former calling the allegation "absolutely false and reckless" and the latter saying it was "completely false and defamatory". Guzman, who has been held in solitary confinement for nearly two years, is a "scapegoat," Mr Lichtman added. "Why does the Mexican government need a scapegoat? Because they're making too much money being bribed by the leaders of drug cartels." Prosecutors say from 1989 to 2014, the Sinaloa cartel smuggled 154,626kg of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14bn (12.4bn). "Money, drugs, murder; a vast global narcotics trafficking organisation. That is what this trial is about and that is what the evidence in this case will prove," Mr Fels told the court. Guzman, he alleged in his opening statements, had his "own private army" of hundreds of armed men, as well as his own diamond-encrusted pistol branded with his initials and a gold-plated AK-47. US prosecutors have spent years accumulating more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 recordings in evidence against Guzman. They claim that Guzman ordered or committed at least 33 murders. "You'll see how Guzman pulls the trigger," Mr Fels told jurors. "He was indeed the boss of his organisation." Prosecutors promised to lay out "this global narco empire in his own words", from text messages and letters, and from witnesses detailing how he would receive $10m from a single shipment of cocaine. More than a dozen of those who are expected to testify are in witness protection programmes or already in jail. Guzman's beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, with whom he has been banned from having any direct contact, attended court. Exiting the building, she stopped to take a couple of selfies. Row: Donald Trump with wife Melania in Paris last weekend for the Armistice Day Centenary ceremony. Photo: AP US President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton's top deputy will leave the White House, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has said. The news came just a day after US First Lady Melania Trump called for the official to be sacked. Deputy National Security Adviser Mira Ricardel "will continue to support the president as she departs the White House to transition to a new role within the administration," Ms Sanders said. "The president is grateful for Ms Ricardel's continued service to the American people and her steadfast pursuit of his national security priorities." But Ms Sanders didn't say what Ms Ricardel's new job would be, and didn't respond to follow-up questions. Ms Trump issued an unusual public statement demanding that Ms Ricardel leave the White House after clashes between Mr Bolton's deputy and the first lady's staff over her trip to Africa last month. A transoceanic staff crisis that engulfed the National Security Council this week is partly rooted in a bureaucratic dispute over the seating arrangements aboard Ms Trump's plane to Africa last month during her maiden solo trip abroad. As the East Wing prepared the flight manifest for the marquee trip, Ms Ricardel became angry that seats on the government jet were assigned to a larger-than-usual security entourage and a small press corps with none for Ms Ricardel or another NSC staffer, according to current US officials and others familiar with the trip and its aftermath. Policy experts from the NSC and State Department were advised to fly separately and to meet the first lady's party on the ground, a practice the State Department had often used, but Ms Ricardel objected strenuously, those people said. She threatened to revoke NSC resources associated with the trip, meaning no policy staff would advise the first lady during her visits to Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and Egypt. Bad blood between Ms Ricardel and Ms Trump and her staff continued for weeks after the trip, with the first lady privately arguing that the NSC's No 2 official was a corrosive influence in the White House and should be dismissed. But Mr Bolton rebuffed the first lady and protected his deputy, prompting the first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, to issue an extraordinary statement to reporters effectively calling for Ms Ricardel to be fired. "It is the position of the Office of the first lady that she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House," Ms Grisham said of Ms Ricardel in the statement. Ms Trump and Ms Ricardel have never met, sources added. The first lady signed off on Ms Grisham's statement, according to two people familiar with the matter. Mr Bolton hired Ms Ricardel in April from the Commerce Department. She previously worked in the Defence Department under President George W Bush. While Mr Bolton likes her, according to Trump administration officials, Ms Ricardel is widely disliked among other White House staff. She's regarded as inflexible and obsessed with process, which some officials complain has complicated co-ordination between the NSC and cabinet agencies. Ms Ricardel's ouster comes as Mr Trump considers a range of changes to his administration. He said on Wednesday in an interview with the 'Daily Caller' that he'll soon "be making a decision" on Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who has reportedly fallen out of favour with the president over what he's described as an illegal immigration "crisis" at the US border with Mexico. Ally But Ms Nielsen remained in her job on Wednesday, two days after the 'Washington Post' first reported that Mr Trump planned to remove her, and she travelled to the border with Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to review the work of US soldiers Mr Trump deployed before the midterm elections last week. Ms Nielsen is a close ally of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, who preceded her at the Department of Homeland Security. It's possible her departure may lead to his, though he has said he will serve through Mr Trump's re-election contest in 2020. Mr Trump was seen talking to Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, at an election night gathering last week, according to two people familiar with the matter - an encounter that's fed rumours among Trump associates that Mr Ayers may replace Mr Kelly. North Korea has said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the US that came even as it announced the test of a new ultramodern weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest Pyongyang wants to keep alive dialogue with the US even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile US figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Expand Close A photo showing North Koreas missile launch is displayed at the Unification Observation Post in Paju (Ahn Young-joon/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A photo showing North Koreas missile launch is displayed at the Unification Observation Post in Paju (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on October 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators he was under the manipulation of the CIA. A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. Expand Close South Korean soldiers at the border fence (Ahn Young-joon/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp South Korean soldiers at the border fence (Ahn Young-joon/AP) The Norths decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the US this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious US response, had some fearing war on the Korean peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Uns June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed US soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The US, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to win diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Mr Warmbier and other American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. The latest detained American is likely to be a man South Korea deported last year, according to South Korean police. In November 2017, a 58-year-old man from Louisiana was caught in South Korea after spending two nights in the woods in a civilian-restricted area near the border with North Korea. The name written in his passport was Lowrance Bruce Byron, said police at Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency. Before his deportation, the man told interrogators that he knows lots of people in the Trump administration so that he wants to work as a bridge between the United States and North Korea to help improve their ties worsened by Warmbiers death, said one of the police officers who investigated the man. Earlier on Friday, KCNA said Mr Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon, although it did not describe what the weapon was. It did not appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the US. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Experts say the weapon test was probably an expression of anger by North Korea at US-led international sanctions and small-scale military drills between South Korea and the US. It is the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Mr Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November last year, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry. Russian cargo ship Souz FG with the Progress MS-10 takes off from the launch pad at Russias main space facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan (Roscosmos/AP) A Russian Soyuz rocket has sent a cargo ship on its way to the International Space Station, a successful launch clearing the way for the next crew to travel to the space outpost. The launch of the Russian Progress MS-10 resupply ship from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan marked the fourth successful lift-off of a Soyuz since a launch with crew members had to be aborted last month. A Soyuz-FG rocket carrying Nasa astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos Alexei Ovchinin failed two minutes into its flight on October 11, activating an automatic rescue system that ensured a safe landing of their capsule. Expand Close CSA astronaut David Saint Jacques, Russian cosmonaut leg Kononenko and US astronaut Anne McClain are the next crew who will be launched in a Soyuz (Pavel Golovkin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp CSA astronaut David Saint Jacques, Russian cosmonaut leg Kononenko and US astronaut Anne McClain are the next crew who will be launched in a Soyuz (Pavel Golovkin/AP) A Russian investigation attributed the failure to a sensor that was damaged during the rockets final assembly. Since the mishap, two Soyuz rockets were launched successfully from Plesetsk in northwestern Russia, while a third lifted off from French Guiana carrying satellites into orbit. They were of a different subtype than the rocket that failed in October, but the one that lifted off Friday was the same version. The Progress ship is set to dock at the space station on Sunday, delivering almost three tons of food, fuel, water and other supplies to the crew, Nasas Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian Sergei Prokopyev and German Alexander Gerst. Russia's Progress cargo craft blasted off on its way to the station today at 1:14pm ET. It will arrive at the orbital lab Sunday with about 6,000 pounds supplies and goodies for the crew. https://t.co/dtUGpS6U3G pic.twitter.com/CxuByrSI7J International Space Station (@Space_Station) November 16, 2018 In a separate supply mission, Northrop Grummans Antares rocket with Cygnus cargo spacecraft is scheduled to lift off on Saturday and dock at the station on Monday. The current crew is scheduled to return to Earth next month after the arrival of their replacements. American astronaut Anne McClain, Canadian David Saint-Jacques and Russian Oleg Kononenko are set to go up on December 3. A beautiful vehicle, cant wait to take it for a few spins around the Earth! https://t.co/hOERGY8XEj Anne McClain (@AstroAnnimal) November 12, 2018 Speaking on Thursday at the Star City space training centre outside Moscow, Ms McClain voiced confidence in the Soyuz despite Octobers aborted launch. We trust our rocket. Were ready to fly, she said. I think what we learned from the inside in October was how safe this rocket was. A lot of people called it an accident or an incident, or maybe want to use it as an example of not being safe. But for us its exactly the opposite because our friends came home, the systems worked and they worked exactly as they were designed. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. In 2016, during an interview, Deepika Padukone spoke about Ranveer Singh (Her boyfriend then) and said, "He is my best friend. I am emotional, sensitive and vulnerable and I hurt easily. I can be so naked in front of Ranveer... and I know he will never hurt me or take me for granted. That is the kind of trust and understanding we have." In an industry where everything changes every single day, maintaining relationships is one of the toughest things. Both Ranveer and Deepika didn't just date for six years but together, they built a foundation for the kind of love you only hear about in books and see in films. The romance between the couple sparked on the sets of Bhansali's film in 2012. Many speculated and thought just like other on-the-set flings, this one would fizzle out in oblivion just as soon as the film ends. What they didn't see coming was a love story that they would all together celebrate in 2018. Today, one day after they were officially announced man and wife, we only have best wishes for the couple who solemnized their affair and are on their way to make their love last forever. Also read: 11 Quotes By Ranveer & Deepika That Prove They Deserve The 'Best Couple' Trophy!) Even though we all were far away from their celebrations in Italy, we did get all the updates-thanks to social media. From stalking Ranveer-Deepika's team on social media to waiting for their official pictures with bated breath, here is all that we loved about the #DeepVeer wedding (Clearly the most hashtagged event of the year) 1. Two people who enjoyed the most at their wedding were-Ranveer and Deepika themselves! Pinterest 2. A destination wedding with ONLY close friends and family members. Because weddings are supposed to be for people who actually matter. 3. Apart from all the designer couture and lavish jewellery, the couple followed all the traditions. 4. The couple made sure that the wedding was a private affair-Guests were requested to not click any photos and post on social media sites. 5. The couple decided to not accept any gifts, instead, they requested the guests to donate the money to Deepika's Live Love Laugh foundation. Instagram 6. Ranveer, like always was in his full form. From dancing on cheap Bollywood songs to making a 'Dhamakedaar filmy' entry, Ranveer Singh was indeed the filmiest groom we had ever seen! 7. The inclusivity and acceptance of each other's traditions. The couple tied the knot twice- once following the traditions as per Konkani traditions and the next day, Sindhi wedding ceremony took place. 8. Food (Because weddings are ALL ABOUT FOOD, isn't it?): From Mangalorean cuisine to Sindhi food that included Sai Bhaji, Sindhi Curry and Pooran Poli, a dedicated team of chefs was appointed to give all the guests and family members a special gastronomic experience. 9. Deepika's love for roses and water-lilies became a major inspiration for the wedding decor. 10. A lot of things at their wedding were EXTRA and we loved every bit of it. From groom entering the wedding venue in a sea-plane to an exclusive deal that was signed by the Chefs t hat the food menu would not be prepared anywhere else. Pinterest 11. The media wasn't invited to cover the wedding but as a part of a sweet gesture, Ranveer and Deepika sent out thank you notes with sweets to their media friends. Now, that's sweet, right? 12. Ranveer Singh didn't shy away from expressing his emotions to his lady-love. According to reports, Ranveer went down on his knees during the Sangeet ceremony to propose Deepika once again. (Also read: Film Fraternity Pours In Wishes For Ranveer-Deepika, Congratulates Them For New Beginnings!) Netflix has denied the report that it has agreed to filter its content in India. The report in The Print stated that Netflix India has agreed to self-regulate content on its streaming platform after a meeting with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry that was held on 25 October. Speaking to HuffPost, Netflix spokesperson denied the companys presence in any such meeting. Also Read: Why You Won't Hear F***, S***, B**** Or Even 'Fattu' On Netflix & Other Video Services In India "The information quoted is inaccurate and entirely false. Netflix was never in this meeting," the statement said. Citing sources from the Ministry, The Print report said, "Yes, there was a discussion of self-regulation and Netflix and Hotstar agreed that they should regulate their content." Amazon Prime has censored content on its online platform. Netflix so far has not resorted to any form of censorship. Netflix Original Sacred Games featured graphic depictions of sex, nudity and violence. While Ghoul made references to a dystopian state facing a communal bloodbath. Three Muslim plaintiffs in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit have claimed that their community members were feeling unsafe and insecure and may be thinking of leaving the city. The development comes as Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Shiv Sena have proposed to carry out massive rallies in Ayodhya. While the VHP plans to hold a "sant sammelan" in Ayodhya on November 25, the Shiv Sena has slated the same day for holding a massive rally to be addressed by its supremo Uddhav Thackeray, who would reach here a day earlier to felicitate over 100 Hindu seers. The right-wing outfits have claimed that Hindus in massive numbers would come out and participate in the rally. PTI Talking to PTI, three Muslim plaintiffs of the Ayodhya land dispute suit -- Iqbal Ansari, Haji Mahboob and Mohammad Umar -- claimed that their community members were fearing threat to their lives and demanded security for them. Reacting to the Muslims' fears, Faizabad City Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Singh sought to assure them of complete safety and security to their lives and property. "No one needs to be afraid of anything. We are arranging heavy security on the days for the proposed functions," he said. Expressing the Muslims' fears, Ansari said on November 14, "As the VHP and Shiv Sena are gathering their activists in large numbers in Ayodhya, the Muslim community here is feeling very much insecure. We might migrate from Ayodhya." "We demand from the government to deploy special forces to protect the lives and properties of Muslims against the hooliganism of the VHP and Shiv Sena activists. They may attack us to serve their hidden agenda of making Ayodhya free of Muslims," he added. Another litigant Haji Mahboob too echoed Ansari's fears. "The Muslims of Ayodhya still remember December 6, when they were attacked. It is a fact that the Muslim population here is under the grip of fear against the possible attack by the activists of the two outfits. They are feeling quite insecure," he said. Yet another plaintiff to the Ayodhya land title suit, Mohammad Umar too endorsed the duo's assessment. "We do not want any disturbance here as we want to live in peace. Ayodhya is our birthplace, we are here since generations. But we still remember how the VHP and Shiv Sena activists attacked Muslims after the demolition of Babri Masjid here on December 6, 1992" he said. A groundnut farmer has been hailed a hero by fellow residents after he drove a burning tractor into a lake, to prevent the inferno from spreading to over 100 houses in Jammanakatti village, 25km from Bagalkot, in North Karnataka. Yenkappa, 28, could have abandoned the tractor, laden with burning hay, but instead, he accelerated and with the heat singeing his back, plunged into the lake and jumped to safety. The incident occurred around 4pm Monday, and won Yenkappa appreciation from all quarters for his quick thinking and selfless act. bccl I could have escaped to safety, but the tractor would have destroyed several homes and shattered families. I just had to act, and I did, Yenkappa told TOI over phone. Yenkappa was driving the tractor home through a narrow road flanked by houses, when a bale of hay came into contact with an overhead electric wire. The hay was stacked 30ft high on the tractor. Sparks flew and within seconds, the hay caught fire and began to spread. While some residents screamed and rushed to bring vessels filled with water to extinguish the fire, Yenkappa knew he was running out of time. bccl I was aware that I was not in a position to avert a mishap by pouring water on the burning hay. Sitting in the drivers seat, I could feel the heat, but I had to act before the fire spread to the nearby houses, Yenkappa said. He changed gear, pushed the gas pedal hard and drove towards a lake, 500 metres from the clump of houses. By then, a few locals had pulled out their mobile phones and started recording the incident. Several villagers, including kids, were filmed running behind the burning tractor and pleading with Yenkappa to drive faster. Undeterred by the heat, Yenkappa drove the tractor into the lake before jumping out. The water gushed in, extinguishing the fire with a loud hiss. The vehicle was pulled out of the water using an earthmover summoned from a neighbouring village. Sanjeeva, a resident of Jammanakatti village, said: "The incident happened in less than 20 minutes. One mistake would have landed the whole village into trouble, we would have lost houses and livestock. What Yenkappa did was extraordinary. There are around 450 houses in the village. Yenkappa said he had incurred a loss of Rs 30,000, following the incident. We have requested the tahsildar to help us, and will request our MLA, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, for financial help," he said. If you're going to delete a compromising photo from your phone, maybe just don't click it in the first place. Two white hat hackers have managed to score a massive $50,000 payout for discovering a flaw on the iPhone X that allows access to recently deleted files. The bug bounty hunters discovered the flaw during the recent Mobile Pwn2Own contest in Tokyo. Richard Zhu and Amat Cam have already passed information on the exploit along to Apple, but it'll probably take a few days to fix. Also Read: iOS Has A Glitch That Lets A Hacker Easily Brute Force Their Way Past Your iPhone's Passcode The two found the loophole in iOS's just-in-time (JIT) compiler, when connected to a malicious WiFi access point. And this exploits a way files are deleted on the iPhone. When you first hit delete in iOS, the file doesn't leave your phone exactly. Instead, it sticks around in your memory for 30 days, after which it's permanently deleted. While hackers can't get their hands on any deleted files after that 30-day mark, this particular exploit let the two access recently deleted photos, and possibly more. It's still unclear though if the hack is applicable to other iPhones as well or just the iPhone X. Hopefully though, Apple has taken notice and is already working on a fix. Or maybe just don't take compromising photos with your phone? If you really must, Polaroids are a unhackable alternative. The Indian IT industry is booming, thanks to emerging technologies in the sector, and we're going to soon have a lot of jobs up for grabs. In fact, experts estimate there may be as over 14 lakh jobs available by 2027, across various technology sectors. The International Data Corporation (IDC) in its new report says there will be a 46 percent growth in jobs driven by digital skills, some of the most popular of which will include cybersecurity, machine learning engineers, IoT designers, and even social media administrators. The report shows that, of the 9.1 million IT jobs available in 2017, 5.9 million were for "new-age" roles concerning emerging technology. IDC expects another 5 million such jobs to be added globally by 2027. Also Read: 50,000 AI & Data Science Jobs Are Vacant In India, As Candidates Don't Have The Required Skills "This calls for upskilling the employee skill sets through certification programs to upgrade their knowledge and grow the organization from within," the survey wrote. Basically, that IT professionals need to immerse themselves in cutting-edge technology in order to remain relevant. In 2017, nearly a fifth of employees self-funded their certification courses while about 50 percent of them underwent some training in 2017. Meanwhile, the study points out that at least 89 percent of employers said they trusted a potential employee more if they had certifications. More importantly though, there's still an employee deficit for these jobs, one that IDC says will increase by as early as 2021. So if you're going to be looking for a technology job in the near future, you might want to get some training in some of these fields right now. One of the worst punishments that a teacher can give is to not allow a student from using the bathroom. It's a traumatic experience to say the least, and we all have at some point during our school days, dealt with this. But this one student shut his ruthless teacher in the best way possible. Reuters A Reddit story about a student's savage response to a teacher who stopped him from using the loo is now going viral. Also Read: This Teacher Explaining Her Hearing-Impaired Student That Others Can Hear Him Fart Is Hilarious One day during cursive lessons this kid named Joseph asked to use the bathroom. She (teacher) told him he should've used the bathroom during morning recess and would have to wait until lunch. A little while later he started squirming in his seat and again asked to use the bathroom, this time with more urgency," wrote the user on Reddit. reuters At this point, our teacher starts berating the kid by telling him he is a little baby for not holding his bladder like a big boy and suggesting that he should wear diapers. Joseph gets tired of her shit, stands up from his seat, stares her directly in the eye and proceeds to unleash the most epic man-sized piss he could muster, the user added. Quite obviously, the student's 'thug life' response left the teacher was dumbfounded by the students response before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him to the principals office. Picture For Re[resentation After that incident, all students sabotaged the strict bathroom rule and the teacher retired the following year. Also Read: Major Oops! Teacher Accidentally Ends Up Playing Porn To A Class Full Of Shocked Students Alcohol and Marijuana are passe, it seems. There's a revolting new 'drug' that teens across Indonesia are getting high on. Sanitary pads! In a dangerous new trend, drug users boil either used or unused sanitary towels then gulp down the drink which they describe as bitter but something that gets them high. Instagram A report on Jakarta Post, says the teens experience hallucinations and feel like they're 'flying'! Some even got to the extent of boiling diapers and drinking the liquid. A teen who is an addict told the Jakarta Post that the pad first needs to be unwrapped then dipped into boiling water. Picture For Representation Also Read: To Stop Plastic Pollution, Fully Biodegradable Low-Cost Sanitary Pads Launched For Girls National Narcotics Agency, Senior Commander Suprinarto told Straits News,'The used pads they took from the trash were put in boiling water. After it cooled down, they drank it together. Sanitary pads contain sodium polyacrylate, a chemical meant to help absorb liquid which, when ingested, can bring on a certain high, state reports. Sodium polyacrylate According to local reports, a member of the Indonesian Child Protection Commision (KPAI), Sitty Hikmawatty says that this is a new way for those who want to get high but cant afford alcohol or drugs. Also Read: Chandigarh Teens Are Raising Awareness By Making & Distributing Sanitary Pads In Rural Areas Sholay and Hichki will be screened for the visually impaired at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2018 in Goa. These films will be screened with audio descriptors. (photo provided) The poster for Singh, a short film detailing an incident in the life of Sikh American Gurinder Khalsa and a movement that spawned from it. Khalsa appears with his mother, Surjit Kaur Sandhu, on the poster. (Singh The Short Film/Facebook photo) Sushant Singh has been hosting the crime-based show Savdhaan India since the beginning and has now been associated with it for six years. (photo provided) According to the indictment, from 2014 through at least 2016, the defendants conspired with India-based call centers to extort money from U.S. residents by impersonating IRS officers. (representational image/pixabay.com) Indian American Rep. Pramila Jayapal poses with her WMC Progressive Womens Voices IMPACT Award during the 2018 Womens Media Awards Nov. 1, 2018 in New York City; Saru Jayaraman attends The 2018 MAKERS Conference at NeueHouse Hollywood Feb. 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Womens Media Center; Rachel Murray/Getty Images for MAKERS) Infosys Chief Financial Officer M.D. Ranganath during a press conference organized to announce the company's Q2 results in Bengaluru Oct. 16. Ranganath is stepping down as CFO and will be replaced by Jayesh Sanghrajka. (IANS photo) Attendees of International Antimony Association Day in Brussels on 13-14 November said that despite the minimal scientific support based only on studies made on animals, the debate to replace antimony trioxide in flame retardants could induce policy-making that trades off chemical and fire risk. "There is no evidence from the antimony field that antimony provokes cancer. Over the past 40 years Campine employees never had cancer issues as a result of handling or interacting with antimony trioxide," Hans Vercammen, the business unit manager for the specialty chemicals business unit at Campine, told Fastmarkets. Concerns of the effect of this specialty chemical to human health, related to its potential carcinogenicity, has continued to feed the debate for removing it in flame retardants. Professionals from the industry say there should be no trade-off between toxicity and flame retardancy, emphasizing that safety in both is needed. The reduction of antimony trioxide in flame retardants increases the risk of flammability and greater exposure to fires in households or workplaces, other antimony industry professionals told Fastmarkets at the event. "Antimony trioxide makes the use of bromine more resource and cost-efficient, increasing the performance of the flame retardant polymer containing these, while reducing the volumes of flame retardant material needed," Caroline Braibant, secretary-general of the International Antimony Association, told Fastmarkets. The question of whether antimony trioxide is harmful to human health was put forward in the United States by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in 2016. The NTP started a cancer hazard assessment of antimony trioxide on September 9, 2016. It looked at the exposure to antimony trioxide in the workplace, when using consumer products containing antimony trioxide or when breathing contaminated air. The NTP study concluded on October 19, 2018, that based upon evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals and supporting evidence from mechanistic studies antimony trioxide is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Yet the same study concluded that the data available from studies in humans was inadequate to evaluate the relationship between human cancer and exposure to antimony in general. No official policy has called for the reduction of antimony trioxide consumption in Europe so far and demand growth for this specialty chemical is anticipated to remain stable in the years to come, producers and consumers at the conference told Fastmarkets. The use of flame retardants in buildings in China, a country known for having low requirements for flame retardancy in infrastructure, could trigger increased consumption of antimony trioxide in the future due to the growing Chinese housing market. This is yet to happen, producers and consumers at the conference told Fastmarkets. Fastmarkets assessed antimony trioxide, typically min 99.5% Sb2O3, prices as unchanged week on week at 6.50-6.80 ($7.40-7.74) per kg in-warehouse Antwerp and Rotterdam on Tuesday November 13. Antimony trioxide is widely used across different consumer products, including halogenated flame retardants, plastics, rubber and textiles. Flame retardants account for 50% of the end use of this specialty chemical application. Global production of antimony trioxide is almost 110,000 tonnes per year, with China the largest single producer. Gold & Silver Eye Downside: Elliott Wave Analysis EW-Forecast.com - 1 hour ago Metals are in sharp sell-off as USD turns higher with yields following Biden's decisions to re nominate Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chairman. Gold made very sharp and strong sell-off through 1830... ^XAUUSD : 1,796.57 (-0.44%) ^XAGUSD : 23.888 (-1.16%) Livestock Report Walsh Trading - Mon Nov 22, 6:32PM CST Cattle breaks out to new high while Hogs and Feeders in positive territory Interior head: Chaco protections millennia in the making AP - Mon Nov 22, 5:31PM CST CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, N.M. (AP) A few big rigs carried oilfield equipment on a winding road near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, cutting through desert badlands and sage.... $SPX : 4,682.94 (-0.32%) $DOWI : 35,619.25 (+0.05%) $IUXX : 16,380.98 (-1.16%) Corn Closes Black on Monday Barchart - Mon Nov 22, 4:44PM CST Front month corn futures ended the Monday session with gains of 6 to 7 1/2 cents. New crop prices were slower to start the week, gaining 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cents. USDA saw 618,490 MT of corn shipped during... ZCZ21 : 574-2 (-0.43%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.6213 (+1.09%) ZCH22 : 581-2 (-0.51%) ZCZ21 : 574-2 (-0.43%) ZCPZ21US.CM : 5.6649 (+1.16%) Monday Rally for Wheat Barchart - Mon Nov 22, 4:44PM CST Wheat futures ended the session with double digit gains to start the week. Chicago futures closed 17 to 23 1/2 cents in the black. KC HRW led the complex with 2.61% to 3.34% gains of at least 21 1/2 cents... ZWZ21 : 842-0 (-0.44%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.9707 (+2.93%) KEZ21 : 859-2 (-0.29%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.4006 (+3.28%) MWZ21 : 1022-4 (-0.10%) Chart of the Day: Dorman - String of All-Time Highs Barchart - Mon Nov 22, 4:39PM CST The Barchart Chart of the Day belongs to the vehicle replacement parts company Dorman Products (NASDAQ: DORM ). I found the company by sorting Barchart's All Time High list first by the highest... DORM : 121.77 (+3.21%) People Jill Beggs, president of E&S lines at Munich Re Specialty Insurance, tells IBA how her new unit is making the most of the current market conditions Lackawanna Insurance Group is composed of Lackawanna Casualty Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Lackawanna American Insurance Company and Lackawanna National Insurance Company. All three will be purchased by Group1001 as part of the holding companys plans to expand its Clear Spring Insurance brand of insurance companies. Following the transaction, Lackawanna Insurance Group will continue to operate out of its offices in Wilkes-Barre, PA. All employees will remain in their current roles. Lackawanna Insurance Group has grown from a company with written premium of approximately $8 million in the late 1990s to $120 million today, said Lackawanna Insurance Group president and CEO Kenneth Weaver. Our growth is a testament to our talented employees, key broker network relationships, and prudent approach to managing our business. We have owned and operated Lackawanna for more than 75 years, and because of Kenneth Weavers fine leadership and the dedicated and exemplary work of the companys managers and staff, Lackawanna is rightly regarded as a premier workers compensation insurance company with a well-deserved reputation for excellence, commented Michelene Pagnotti, chairman of the boards of Pagnotti Enterprises and Lackawanna Insurance Group. This transaction represents a reaffirmation of Group1001s expansion and growth strategy. We will pursue opportunities to bring new products and services to a wider range of people and continue with our commitment to deploy capital at attractive return levels, added Group1001 CEO Dan Towriss. Related stories: BusinessFirst Insurance expands into another state SafetyNet expands in four more states The Massachusetts Senate has scheduled two oversight hearings next month on issues stemming from the September natural gas explosions and fires in three communities. Senate leaders say the first hearing, planned for Dec. 4 in Boston, will examine the overall state of the natural gas industry and existing infrastructure in Massachusetts. A second hearing will be held in the Merrimack Valley on Dec. 17 and will focus on the disaster itself. One person was killed, about 25 injured and dozens of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Thousands remain without gas service. Lawmakers say the date for the onsite hearing was chosen so as not to interfere with restoration efforts, which Columbia Gas says is promising to complete no later than Dec. 16. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Massachusetts The U.K.s hardline Brexit backers are making their move. If they get their way on new trade arrangements, theyll face a test of gravity. Many of those plotting to oust Prime Minister Theresa May also favor reverting to basic World Trade Organization rules thereby creating new barriers with Europe arguing that it would supercharge economic activity with other, faster-growing countries further afield. Thats at odds with the theory of trade gravity, which states that the level of commerce between two countries is in proportion to their size and proximity. The idea is that a twofold increase in the distance between countries leads to a corresponding decline in trade volume by half. According to research by the London School of Economics, it helps explain why the U.K. has far greater trade with Germany than Canada a nation with which it shares more historical and cultural links. Its also the reason along with its current membership in the single market that aims to remove all barriers why the U.K. sent 236 billion pounds ($300 billion) of total exports to the EU in 2016. That compares with sales of 100 billion pounds to the U.S., an economy of similar size to the combined countries of the bloc. When it comes to the new relationship, trade gravity is a key dividing ground between those economists who predict it will be difficult for Britain to replace its commerce with the EU with other, faster-growing markets after Brexit, and the smaller group who espouse the benefits of a clean break. Earlier this year, pro-Brexit advocates Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson the most prominent critics of Mays plans presented research from the anti-EU Economists for Free Trade which dismissed the gravity model and argued that the risks had been overstated. In a series of tweets on Monday, U.K. lawmaker John Redwood returned to the theme, pointing out that non-EU trade had been growing at a faster rate than within the bloc. The EU currently accounts for a just under half the U.Ks trade, and research from Bloomberg Economics using a gravity model showed that striking deals with the U.S., India, China, Australia and New Zealand wont be enough to compensate for the economic losses from leaving the worlds largest single market. What Economists Say You dont need a gravity model to see that countries that are close together trade more intensely with one another. Its also partly why trade patterns change only slowly over time. Through that lens, the U.K.s ambition to re-orientate itself away from Europe looks like a significant challenge, said Dan Hanson, Bloomberg Economics. The gravity theory extends to trade in services as well as goods, research from Jonathan Eaton and Samuel Kortum, joint recipients of the 2018 Onassis Prize in International Trade, showed in September. That has particular implications for the U.K., where services make up about 80 percent of the economy. Given that Europe is both big and close, most economists would argue that the U.K. will never get a better Brexit trade deal than the one it already has as an EU member. The idea of trade gravity is just a statement of fact, said Grant Lewis, an economist at Daiwa Capital Markets and a former Treasury official. The only true free-trade agreement is that within the EU, where you have no regulatory barriers and no trade barriers that doesnt exist anywhere else. With assistance from Zoe Schneeweiss and Lucy Meakin. Related: Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Europe Uk Brexit Hamilton Re Ltd., the Bermuda platform for Hamilton Insurance Group, announced that David Roache has joined the company in the position of senior vice president, head of Risk XS. Roache, who will report to reinsurance chief underwriting officer, Tim Duffin, joins Hamilton Re from Hiscox Re where he was head of Risk XS worldwide. Roaches 10-year tenure at Hiscox Re was notable for his steady promotion to increasingly senior positions. Joining the organization in 2008 as a pricing/portfolio management actuary, he moved to underwriting in 2010. In 2015, he was promoted to head of Risk XS at Hiscox Bermuda and, in the following year, was given responsibility for overseeing risk excess on a worldwide basis. Roache began his career in the industry in 2004 when he joined Rosemont Re as an actuarial intern. He subsequently joined Ariel Re in 2005, which used Rosemont Res infrastructure to establish a new billion-dollar insurance and reinsurance company. He was one of 11 original members of Ariel Re. Roache is a graduate of the University of Torontos Rotman School of Business. He holds a bachelor of commerce degree with a specialization in finance. He also holds Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Reinsurance (Are) designations. Source: Hamilton Re A Michigan man who pled guilty to participating in a multi-state staged auto accident/insurance fraud scheme has been sentenced to prison, according to the United States Attorneys Office. Marvin David Ramirez, 45, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to 37 months in prison by United States District Judge Paul L. Maloney. He pled guilty in June of this year to conspiracy to commit mail fraud related to a staged automobile accident ring that operated at Primary Rehab Center in Wyoming. The court also ordered Ramirez to pay restitution of $298,992.29 to the automobile insurance companies that he defrauded. Ramirez and his cohorts operated a sophisticated scheme over several years in our community, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge. The well-deserved sentence imposed by the court reflects the leadership role played by Ramirez and the fact that he greatly profited from this fraud at the expense of Michigans automobile insurance system. The staged automobile accident ring operated at Primary Rehab from December 2011 to May 2014. Federal prosecutors said the ring recruited and paid cash to individuals to stage automobile accidents and obtain police reports so that insurance claims could be made with their automobile insurance companies. The managers of the clinics and others working with them then told the accident participants what symptoms to present to physicians affiliated with the ring so that they would sign a prescription for physical therapy. The accident participants then sought unnecessary therapy treatment at the clinics. Typically, after a few therapy sessions, the accident participants signed blank therapy treatment forms that were later signed by massage therapists to make it appear as if the accident participants obtained treatment when they truly did not. The therapy clinics then used the treatment forms to send false insurance claims through the United States mail to automobile insurance companies for therapy treatment that was either not necessary or not actually provided. The clinic billed automobile insurers over $1,000,000.00 and obtained fraudulent payments in excess of $600,000.00. Three other individuals were also convicted and sentenced in conjunction with the staged auto accident insurance fraud scheme at Primary Rehab Center: Maria Del Carmen Ramirez-Rodriguez, 64, Wyoming, Michigan, part-owner of Primary Rehab (40 months imprisonment) Alder Hernandez, 45, Tampa, Florida, part-owner of Primary Rehab (37 months imprisonment) Osvaldo Rivas-Martinez, 46, Port Richey, Florida, patient-recruiter for Primary Rehab (3 years probation) The sentencing of Marvin Ramirez completes a multi-year prosecution of individuals in West Michigan engaged in defrauding Michigan automobile insurers. Previously sentenced for their roles at three other clinics, Revive Therapy, Renue Therapy, and H&H Rehab, were: Belkis Soca-Fernandez, 58, Tampa, Florida, part-owner of Revive Therapy and Renue Therapy (135 months imprisonment) David Sosa-Baladron, 43, Tampa, Florida, part-owner of Revive Therapy and Renue Therapy (120 months imprisonment) Antonio Ramon Martinez-Lopez, 35, Tampa, Florida, manager of Revive Therapy (87 months imprisonment) Gustavo Acuna-Rosa, 30, Versailles, Kentucky, manager of Renue Therapy (32 months imprisonment) Yoisler Herrera-Enriquez, 31,Wyoming,Michigan, manager and massage therapist, H&H Rehab (57 months imprisonment) Eduardo Pardo-Oiz, 35, Nashville, Tennessee, recruiter and accident participant (2months imprisonment) Dolis Rojas-Lopez, 31, Wyoming, Michigan, recruiter and accident participant (3 years probation) Yosvany Gonzalez-Duran, 42, Lansing, Michigan, recruiter and accident participant (1 year probation) The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, conducted the investigation of the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ronald M. Stella and Timothy VerHey handled the prosecution. Source: United States Attorneys Office Topics Auto USA Florida Fraud Michigan An angry Flo, an unusually sullen Jake, a less-than cheeky Gecko and a hawkish duck stood outside the National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting in San Francisco on Thursday in protest to call out the industry for its investments in fossil fuel assets and its coverage of companies and projects that produce carbon. Its taking a bit of liberty who was also there, by the way by emoting some of the insurance industrys most recognized advertising icons. Flo from Progressive, the Gecko from Geico, Jake from State Farm, The Aflac Duck, The Hartford Deer and Lady Liberty from Liberty Mutual were represented outside at the meeting by staff from environmental and consumer groups. The protest and the NAIC meeting, the groups noted, were occurring under a haze of smoke as wildfires raged across California, which they believe is a hint of what runaway climate change will look like. Were trying to make it real for people, explained Ross Hammond, senior strategist with the Sunrise Project, one of the activist groups that organized the protest. Consumer Watchdog, the Rainforest Action Network and Insure Our Future were other groups involved. The push to get insurers to divest from fossil fuels and stop insuring companies and projects that produce carbon or that support the carbon economy is far from new. Numerous large insurers in Europe have pledged to divest from fossil fuel assets, stop insuring projects and companies that generate carbon, or both. The Allianz Group has said it plans to have phased out both its proprietary investments in coal-based business and its insurance coverage of such risks by 2040. Munich Re has also said it will stop investing in bonds and shares of companies that generate more than 30 percent of their sales with coal-related business. Axa, one of the first insurers to begin divesting from coal, earlier this year warned that private property below ground in places like New York and Mumbai may be uninsurable in the next decade if climate change advances. Now the groups involved with Thursdays protest want U.S.-based insurers to follow their overseas counterparts, and they say they plan to hold more public protests to exert pressure on U.S. insurers to fall in line. This is a public warning shot that next year theres going to be more active campaigns, Hammond said. Those campaigns are actually already well underway. The groups behind Thursdays protest have already called out the U.S. insurance industry as a major contributor to climate change for investments in fossil fuel companies. The groups have been building a track record of success so far, at least in encouraging public entities to take a stand on carbon. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors became the first U.S. municipal body to try to force insurance companies to stop insuring and investing in fossil fuels with a resolution to urge the city to screen insurers for their investments in coal and tar sands. And Hammond said theyll work to get more cities to follow suit with San Francisco. Were starting to talk to cities and companies around switching their insurers, Hammond said. Theres lots of choices. According to Hammond, the groups are already in talks with several cities about passing resolutions similar to the one passed by San Francisco, though he declined to name the cities. Were going to be looking to replicate that in some of the big U.S. cities, Hammond said. Id say more to come on that. David Kodama, assistant vice president of policy and research analysis for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, noted that insurers already have oversight of their investments. Insurer investments are highly regulated and monitored by state insurance regulators and rating agencies, Kodama said. Additionally, insurers are actively engaged, implementing effective catastrophe risk management strategies and mitigation efforts that help policyholders and communities in every region prepare and prevent damage from extreme weather. The percentage of most large insurers portfolio investments in fossil fuels may actually be relatively small. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in May announced the results of a climate-related financial risk stress test and analysis of insurance companies investments in fossil-fuels. The analysis of insurers in Californias insurance market with more than $100 million in annual premiums showed they have more than $500 billion in fossil fuel-related securities, issued by power and energy companies, $10.5 billion of which consists of investments in thermal coal enterprises, according to the analysis. By comparison there are more than $5 trillion in assets held by insurers operating in California. Hammond agreed thats small a percentage in a large collective portfolio of investments, but he believes that should make it all the easier for insurers to divest. Im not aware of an insurance company that has more than 4 or 5 percent of fossil fuels as their portfolio, Hammond said. So from a fiduciary perspective and from a moral perspective they should do it. Thats certainly what were hoping. And were hoping that this pressure will yield results. Past columns: Topics Carriers California USA Climate Change Energy Market Oil Gas Liberty Mutual has introduced a new distribution model for the U.S. in an effort to improve broker access to the insurers full suite of commercial and specialty insurance products. Shaun Kelly, president Global Risk Solutions Distribution, said in a statement that company has organized the U.S. into six geographic regions, and each region will be managed by a regional executive. Each region will have a number of branch executives who will oversee broker relationships on a local level, Kelly said. This structure provides distribution partners access to the full capability of Liberty and Ironshore more easily, and will create new opportunities for us to work together in a multiline, collaborative way. The new regional executives are: Ron Gleason, South Central Regional Executive Chris Johnston, Midwest Regional Executive Amy Lochhead, Southeast Regional Executive David Russo, Mid Atlantic Regional Executive Bob Thomas, Northeast Regional Executive Adam Witten, Western Regional Executive In addition to the regional executives, Liberty Mutual has named Ben Johnson as Wholesale Distribution Executive. Johnson will focus on optimizing relationships with wholesale distribution partners across North America. Liberty Mutual is the 5th largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2017 gross written premium, with nearly 50,000 employees in 30 countries. Source: Liberty Mutual Topics Excess Surplus Commercial Lines Mel Anderson, deputy commissioner at the Arkansas Insurance Department (AID), has received the Robert Dineen Award for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the State Regulation of Insurance from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). A 20-year veteran of the Arkansas Insurance Department, Anderson currently heads AIDs Finance Division as deputy commissioner for Financial Regulation. The primary goal of the Finance Division is to protect Arkansas insurance consumers through effective solvency regulation. This is performed by monitoring the financial condition of all domestic and foreign insurance companies in the state. Anderson previously served as deputy commissioner and chief examiner of the Indiana Department of Insurance. This marks the second time an AID staff member has received the Dineen Award. Former Insurance Commissioner Lenita Blasingame won the award in 2014. Mel Anderson is the best kept secret in financial regulation across the nation, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr said in the agencys announcement. He has been integral in recruiting new insurance business to Arkansas during my time as Commissioner. This national award is a testament to the incredible professionalism exhibited by Mel and his Finance Division team on behalf of Arkansas insurance consumers. In June 1989, the NAIC established the Robert Dineen Award in honor of the founder of NAICs Support and Services Office. The award is designed to honor a staff member of an insurance department who has made an outstanding contribution to state regulation of insurance, and exhibits an attitude and performs activities fostering the advancement of the insurance regulatory profession. Source: AID Topics Legislation Worldwide Facilities, a national wholesale insurance brokerage, managing general agent and program underwriter, has added Angela Davis as a healthcare broker to its brokerage team. Davis began her insurance career in 2003; prior to joining Worldwide Facilities, Davis served as vce president of Professional Lines and Regional manager at Hiscox USA. While at Hiscox, Davis managed a team of five professional liability underwriters and oversaw the expansion of the Allied Healthcare, Architects and Engineers, and Miscellaneous Professional lines of business for the Southeast. She also co-facilitated sales training, building a highly successful team. Prior to that, Davis worked as an Assistant Vice President of Healthcare Regional Manager at Ironshore. She secured consistent double-digit annual growth throughout the southeast territory, participated in the executive advisory group and sat on the founding board of the Healthcare Professionals of Tennessee. Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker, managing general agent and program underwriter that has been in business since 1970. Its brokers and underwriters specialize in a range of specialty lines, with extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas. Topics Agencies Professional Liability A Kentucky woman was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution for crop insurance fraud. The U.S. attorneys office in Lexington said 63-year-old Debra Muse of the Wallingford community in Fleming County was sentenced in September in U.S. District Court. Muse pleaded guilty in April, admitting she helped farmers file false tobacco crop insurance claims and created false documents to help farmers hide their crop production. The U.S. attorneys office said in a news release that the documents led to inflated payments from crop insurers, which are reinsured by the federal government. Judge Joseph M. Hood found that Muse caused the federal government to pay out $5.9 million in indemnity payments to producers who werent entitled to them. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Fraud Agribusiness Kentucky A tour bus overturned on an icy highway ramp south of Memphis on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and several others injured as a pre-winter storm blasted parts of the South with an early shot of sleet, light snow and freezing temperatures. DeSoto County sheriffs deputy Alex Coker said the bus carrying about 50 people overturned just after midday in that northern Mississippi county near Memphis, Tennessee. The county coroner, Josh Pounders, said two people were confirmed dead at the scene where Interstate 269 meets with Interstate 22 on the outskirts of that west Tennessee city. The injured were taken to hospitals, some in critical condition, Pounders said. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reported icing on roads and bridges in 10 north Mississippi counties from the storm, which prompted school closings in west Tennessee and postponed by a day the planned launch of an unmanned cargo rocket in Virginia as the storm took aim at the South. After days of heavy rain and storms along a cold front, flurries left a thin layer of snow atop vehicles in western Mississippi overnight, and a Mississippi River bridge turned white in Greenville, Mississippi. Light snow or freezing rain was possible as far south as northwest Alabama, officials said, but no accumulation was expected there The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for Louisiana through western Alabama as far south as the Gulf Coast from Wednesday night into Thursday. Forecasters say temperatures could drop into the upper 20s (- 6 Celsius). A flash flood watch remained in effect for north Georgia and the Carolinas, which forecaster say could get another 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain. With wind chills in New Orleans predicted to drop as low as 29 degrees (-1 Celsius), officials activated the citys freeze plan Wednesday, arranging for free shelter at several locations for homeless people. There was a different problem northeast of Atlanta, where officials were testing creek water after an estimated 188,000 gallons (710,000 liters) of storm runoff and sewage spilled out of a manhole in Forsyth County on Monday because of heavy rains. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mississippi Tennessee Personal loans from friends, family, or employers fall under common categories of debt that can be discharged in the case of bankruptcy. A discharge releases individual borrowers from the legal obligation to pay previously existing debts. Other types of dischargeable debt include credit card charges, accounts from collection agencies, medical bills, past due utility bills, and dishonored checks and civil court fees not deemed fraudulent. Dischargeable debt also includes business debts, money owed according to lease agreements, some attorney fees, revolving charge accounts, Social Security and veterans assistance overpayments, and, in rare cases, student loans. However, some types of debt are not dischargeable, including taxes, child support, and alimony. Key Takeaways There are different types of dischargeable debt, as well as different types of bankruptcies. Often personal loans from friends and family can be discharged. Some debt might not be discharged in bankruptcy, such as student loans and taxes. Filing for Bankruptcy There are two primary ways that individuals can file for bankruptcy. One is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves the cancellation of most or all debts, depending on which debts are deemed dischargeable. It is possible that in the case of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee liquidates or sells the property of the debtor filing for bankruptcy to repay all or a portion of their debts to creditors. Some personal property is exempt from liquidation in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, though there are limits on the value of the exemption. Examples include: Homestead Motor vehicle Personal property Retirement accounts Health aids Jewelry Chapter 13 bankruptcy is sometimes called reorganization bankruptcy. In the case of a Chapter 13 filing, a court-mandated repayment plan is put into place. If the plan is executed to the satisfaction of the court, additional debt may be canceled or forgiven. The debtors property is not confiscated or sold to raise money in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As of April 1, 2019, debtors cannot owe more than $419,275 of unsecured debt or $1,257,850 of secured debt to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Code makes provision for an increase to these limits every three years. Unsecured debts may be wiped clean in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but not in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Differences Between Types of Bankruptcy Chapter 7 bankruptcy differs from Chapter 13 bankruptcy in important ways. Most notably, in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy the debtor keeps their property with the understanding that they are required to pay back all or a portion of the debts over a three-to-five-year period. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows the debtor to retain assets and recover from bankruptcy quickly, provided the debtor is able to meet the eligibility requirements, such as earning enough income to repay the debt in a timely fashion. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be more devastating to a debtor with a sizable asset base, but it is a preferable option if the debtors asset base is small and the amount of debt is seemingly insurmountable. It can allow debtors to very quickly discharge a large amount of debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is usually reserved for people with little income who cannot pay back a portion of their debts. With a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, unsecured debts are wiped clean once the court has approved the filing. This process can take several months. With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, unsecured debts are not wiped clean. Instead, payments have to be made according to a plan mandated by the court. Once you reach the end of the plan and all payments have been made, any remaining debt is wiped clean. Mississauga, Ontario - November 15, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Bee Vectoring Technologies ("BVT") (TSXV: BEE) (OTCQB: BEVVF) announced today that it has been named by the Swiss State of Fribourg as one of its Agri & Co Challenge winners, as well as being recognized as the COREB Award winner. BVT and 15 other companies beat out more than 150 other ag-tech companies from 53 different countries for the award. The Agri & Co Challenge, hosted by the State of Fribourg, Switzerland, was established in an effort to foster collaboration and enable technology innovation among organizations within the agriculture, food and biomass industries. As a "relocation program" winner, BVT will receive CHF 30,000 and will have two-years of free access to lab space at the Agri & Co Innovation Center located in Saint-Aubin, Fribourg, an area with a flourishing ag-biotech community. "To be recognized as one of the top ag-focused innovators in the world is a great honor for BVT," said Ashish Malik, President & CEO of BVT. "BVT's precision, biologic-based technology is well-suited for use within European sustainable agriculture practices, and this award is a proof-point that top global organizations and influencers see the value that BVT's products offer growers. The partnership with Agri & Co Innovation Center will allow us accelerate our developments aimed at commercialization in Europe, including Switzerland where we have already submitted for regulatory approval." In addition to being one of the ten relocation program winners, BVT was singled out as the COREB Award winner, with an additional cash prize of CHF 5,000. COREB is an association of communities within the Broye region of Switzerland that supports technology companies and encourages them to establish a presence in the region. The COREB Award is voted on by the public and is based on the perceived viability of technology, likelihood of success, and mission of the organization. The BVT system uses bees to carry plant protection products directly to key areas of target plants using significantly less product than you would with traditional spray applications with an added benefit to the grower of reduced consumption of water and fossil fuels. BVT is also actively securing country registrations, including a recent Swiss submission, for its own proprietary active ingredient, Clonostachys rosea CR-7 for the control of plant fungal diseases. The European fungicide and insecticide market is approximately CDN $9.0 billion, of which around $1.0 billion is a target for BVT's bee delivery system. "We are honored to be an Agri & Co Challenge and COREB winner and proud of our efforts to establish BVT as an integral member of the European Ag-biotech community", said Christoph Lehnen, BVT Business Manager, Europe. "These awards provide both awareness and provenance that that can aide research, funding, and collaborative partnerships that would otherwise be very difficult to secure." BVT plans to establish a European office in the Agri & Co Innovation Center in the spring of 2019. Contact: Ashish Malik, President & CEO marketing@beevt.com Babak Pedram, Investor Relations Virtus Advisory Group Tel: 416-995-8651 bpedram@virtusadvisory.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. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, "annual revenue potential", are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including: planted acres of strawberries in Florida, selling price of competitive chemical pesticides and the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These factors include changes in law, competition, litigation, the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities, state of the capital markets, the availability of funds and resources to pursue operations, new technologies, the ability to protect intellectual property rights, the ability to obtain patent protection for products, third-party intellectual property infringement claims, regulatory changes affecting products, failing research and development activities, the ability to reach and sustain profitability, dependence on business and technical experts, the ability to effectively manage business operations and growth, issuance of debt, dilution of existing securities, volatility of publicly traded securities, potential conflicts of interest, unlikelihood of dividend payments, the potential costs stemming from defending third-party intellectual property infringement claims, the ability to secure relationships with manufacturers and purchasers, as well as general economic, market and business conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Filing Statement dated May 29, 2015, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. All figures are in Canadian dollars. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Almost a year to the day since Anna Cassidy died gasping for breath, the drug which had helped sustain her has finally been secured for life for 19 patients who, like Anna, suffer from genetic emphysema. It is a bittersweet victory for her family, and for the family of Marion Kelly, who also died during a period last year when none of the then 21 patients who took part in a clinical trial could access the therapy. Marions family, who are also approaching the first anniversary of her death, welcome confirmation that the battle to access Respreeza is over for the remaining patients, but say her death was needless. Anna Cassidy with daughter Lorraine, son-in-law Mervyn and husband Alan on Lorraines wedding day. However, notwithstanding the needless loss of her life and all it has done to our family, today we are hugely consoled by the fact that the others, Marions friends and companions in this fight, can be at ease after the HSE finally listened and agreed to put this drug back on, her family said in a statement. Annas family said that while they welcome the long-awaited HSE decision to supply and administer Respreeza, the news comes with sadness for us as a family, as it will be a year on the 18th November, since Anna tragically passed away, followed by Marion Kelly, both during the period of time without Respreeza. We know that Anna would be delighted with this news for the other patients and their families, the Cassidy family statement said. We as a family have campaigned together with Marion Kellys family, the Alpha-1 Foundation and alpha patients themselves to achieve this goal. We would like to thank the HSE for finally doing the right thing, and we will continue to plead for other Alpha-1 patients that arent included in this group. Marion Kelly A further 40 patients stand to benefit from the treatment should the State approve full reimbursement. Respreeza, the only drug proven in a clinical study to slow the progression of genetic emphysema known as Alpha-1 was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2015. It is available in 12 European countries, but the Irish State had refused to reimburse it after the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) said its cost-effectiveness has not been demonstrated. The States refusal meant that 21 patients, who had availed of Respreeza for more than a decade via clinical trial, had to go without when a row erupted between the HSE and the drugs manufacturer, CSL Behring, last year. CSL Behring had continued to make the drug available to trial participants after the trial ended under a compassionate-use programme intended, it said, to bridge the gap until the HSE made a decision on whether to reimburse the drug. However, when agreement could not be reached on what represented a fair price circa 66,000 per annum per patient the patients lost out. The final decision not to reimburse was made in December 2016 after which patients had compassionate access until the end of September 2017, when CSL said it was no longer prepared to cover the cost of administering the weekly infusions. The HSE also refused to pick up the tab. During this standoff, when patients had no access to Respreeza over a six-week period, and while the drug sat in a warehouse in Dublin, Anna Cassidy passed away, aged 68, on November 18, 2017. Two weeks later, on November 1, Marion Kelly, aged 53, lost her fight for life. Within 24 hours of Marions death, the HSE agreed to pay for the administration of Respreeza. Since then, campaigners such as the Kelly family and the Cassidy family and the Alpha-1 Foundation and Johnny Hannan from Mallow, Co Cork, who has Alpha-1 and is a member of the Alpha-1 Patient Action group, have lobbied tirelessly to have the drug reimbursed. Yesterday, Johnny said news that the drug will be reimbursed indefinitely is fantastic. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders, he said. However, victory was tinged by the loss of two wonderful women, Anna, from Mountcharles, Co Donegal, and Marion, from Nenagh, Co Tipperary. They would probably be here today, only for the intransigence of the HSE, said Johnny. Geraldine Kelly, chief executive of the Alpha-1 Foundation, said that while they welcomed the decision by the HSE/Department of Health and CSL Behring to approve the continued supply and administration of the life-changing therapy for 19 patients, there were a further 40 or so patients who would benefit from this treatment. For these patients, the wait continues until a re-submission by CSL is made to the NCPE for full reimbursement approval, Ms Kelly said. Marions family said the agreement to provide the drug on a long-term basis to 19 patients meant her death was not entirely in vain. This is a campaign that Marion started and was very passionate about while she was alive and would have wanted us to fight until a positive resolution was found for her fellow Alpha 1 patients they said. Thankfully, today that fight ends and Marion can rest in peace. Yesterday. the HSE said it was finalising an agreement to continue with the compassionate access arrangement in relation to this group of patients at the request of their clinician, Prof Gerry McElvaney at Beaumont Hospital. The Fine Gael Ard Fheis is underway this evening in Dublin, with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opening the conference with a welcoming address. Mr Varadkar will speak to members as they plan for what will be a turbulent year politically. Ann O'Loughlin A company has launched a High Court action aimed at preventing a hotel in Co Leitrim from being used to house refugees. The action has been brought by Paradub Limited, which wants to develop the Shannon Key West Hotel at Rooskey on the Leitrim/Roscommon border into a tourist hotel, against businessman James Kiernan, who owns the 39-room property. The company claims it has an agreement to buy the hotel, which closed in 2011, from Mr Kiernan, which they allege he has failed to complete. In recent days the company discovered from local media reports that a plan has been put in place to use the property to house refugees. The company claims this breaches the purchase agreement and is an attempt to frustrate the sale of the property. In its proceedings, Paradub seeks orders including an injunction restraining the defendant from entering into any agreement to lease, transfer and dispose of the property to any other person other than the plaintiff. Paradub also seeks an order restraining the defendant from carrying on works at the property pending the determination of the proceedings. The case was briefly mentioned before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds today. The judge, on an ex parte basis, granted Paradub permission to serve short notice of the proceedings on the defendant. The case will come back before the court next Tuesday. Richard Kean SC, said his client had brought proceedings aimed at compelling the defendant to specifically perform the sale agreement for the hotel. It had recently learned that the hotel. which his client wants to redevelop, is to be used for other purposes which the company seeks to block. In a sworn statement Ashton Doherty a director of Paradub said that in 2016 an option agreement for the sale of the hotel was entered into between the company and Mr Kiernan of Glenart Avenue Blackrock, Co Dublin for almost 600,000. The allegedly agreed option was to be exercised by December 2017. When the company decided to exercise the option in October 2017 it claims Mr Kiernan ignored their requests to issue draft contracts. This resulted in the company initiating legal proceedings against Mr Kiernan in 2017, and it issued a Lis Pendens, an official notice to the public that a lawsuit involving a claim on a property has been filed, against the hotel. Mr Doherty said that earlier this year it appeared Mr Kiernan was attempting to enter into a lease agreement with another party who was applying to the Department of Justice for the purpose of using the hotel to house refugees. However, Mr Kiernan, it is claimed, gave an interview in March to local radio stating he was not going ahead with the plan to use the property as a centre to house asylum seekers and that he fully intended to sell the property, but was frustrated with the pace of the sale. Despite this interview, Mr Doherty said Mr Kiernan did not communicate with the buyers, who he said had funding available to complete the purchase. Despite the assurances given last March Mr Doherty said the company became aware in recent days that the plan to use to the hotel to house refugees had been resurrected. This left the company with no option other than to seek relief from the High Court. By Fiachra O Cionnaith, Elaine Loughlin, and Daniel McConnell Irish fears are growing that the Brexit deal could collapse after a raft of resignations from British prime minister Theresa Mays cabinet and a tsunami of formal calls for a no-confidence motion in her tenure. Tanaiste Simon Coveney voiced the concerns last night by saying Ireland, the EU and other parties must stand up and defend the deal from the onslaught as Ms May attempted to face down her opponents by insisting it is this deal or nothing. Just hours after a mammoth cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where she said her government collectively signed off on the deal, Ms May awoke yesterday to a flurry of resignations from her government. In a day of drama, six ministers including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, pensions secretary Esther McVey, and three junior ministers stepped down before 11am, with speculation over environment secretary Michael Goves position after he declined to replace Mr Raab unless he can renegotiate the deal. Dozens of Conservative MPs also handed in no-confidence letters demanding May resign, including arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, who said that Mr Raab, Ms McVey, or former Brexit secretaries Boris Johnson and David Davis should lead the party. And while Ms May faced down her opponents yesterday evening, insisting leadership is about taking the right decisions, not the easy ones, the chaos has led to growing fears the deal and Mays future is now on the line. Speaking on RTE News last night, Mr Coveney called on hard-line Brexiteers to actually read the deal and accept Britain leaving the EU is a complex situation that cannot be easily achieved by spin and slogans alone. .@simoncoveney says he hopes people who were worried that #Brexit would have an unintended consequence that would be very negative for them can be reassured by the comprehensive text pic.twitter.com/JITrYs6v9C RTE News (@rtenews) November 15, 2018 Mr Coveney said the problem is that what is happening in Westminster right now is hard-line Brexiteers are being confronted with the reality of Brexit and rowed in behind Ms May by saying: Those of us who fought so hard to get the text agreed need to defend it now. We need to explain it, and ensure that people who mightnt even have read it yet and have rejected it are actually challenged in terms of the political choices that theyre making. A spokesperson for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar declined to comment on the crisis yesterday, saying the Taoiseach set out his views last night at Wednesdays Brexit deal press conference. However, Mr Varadkar spoke by phone yesterday to Ms May to offer his support. Mr Coveneys staunch defence of the deal and the sight of the deputy Irish leader rowing in so firmly behind Ms May has underlined concerns in Ireland that the long-fought-for deal is now at risk of collapsing due to the chaos in Britain. Should Ms May be faced with a no confidence motion in her leadership in the coming days a move triggered by 48 Conservative MPs formally requesting leadership change she would face an immediate vote. It is unclear if Ms May or her opponents have enough support to win the battle. Theresa May calls on her party to unite behind her #Brexit deal, warning of "deep and grave uncertainty" if they don't Live updates: https://t.co/jLlmrZaE8p pic.twitter.com/h5kQwlDmEm BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) November 15, 2018 However, if she loses, it will plunge the Brexit deal into fresh turmoil and almost certainly cancel the now confirmed EU summit on Sunday week. Even if Ms May stays in power, a narrow victory would risk severely weakening her position before the crucial House of Commons and House of Lords Brexit deal votes next month. And with European Council president Donald Tusk last night insistent there is no room for further negotiation, a Brexiteer-instigated snap election in Britain cannot be ruled out. Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street yesterday evening, a defiant Ms May said simply it is her deal or nothing. I believe with every fibre of my being that the course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people. Fine Gael members will have more power to stop the party from going into government, under plans to be considered at its Ard Fheis. Under the proposal, TDs and Senators would have half of the say when Fine Gael is considering Government arrangements with the rest of the vote in the hands of other members. It comes as talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail on the future of the confidence and supply deal continue. Fine Gael's Ard Fheis takes place over the next two days at the CityWest Hotel in Dublin, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to give an address tomorrow evening. The party says extending the Confidence and Supply Agreement until the Summer of 2020 is badly needed for stability around Brexit. The party's Ard Fheis will follow a day-long meeting between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail negotiating teams on what happens when the deal runs out. Fine Gael Party Chairman Martin Heydon says Brexit will be high on the agenda across the weekend: Mr Heydon said: "It will be one of our biggest attendances at an Ard Fheis, with in excess of 2,500 people expected to attend. "We will look to discuss a whole range of issues from forging new alliances in a post-Brexit Europe, using our role at the heart of the influential European People's Party which has been important to our negotiations in Brexit as well as forging a new relationship with the UK and US." Three suspected members of an organised crime gang in Kerry are being questioned in relation to a major money-laundering operation. The arrests of the three men, all related, are part of an operation, codenamed Tarmac, involving the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and gardai from the Kerry division. The gang has been described as a group of rogue tradespeople who operate across the country targeting vulnerable, often elderly, people in isolated areas. Last November, CAB and local officers conducted a search operation across 11 homes in the Killarney area. CAB seized nine luxury vehicles, including BMW X5 SUVs, Mercedes, Audi, and a high-end VW. Initial estimates put the value on the cars at 500,000. Over 100,000 in euro and sterling cash was confiscated, as well as jewellery, including Rolex and Cartier watches. A number of bank accounts were frozen and CAB also took away an amount of documentation for analysis. The joint investigation between CAB and Kerry gardai had been going on for around a year. The gang is based around two extended families. An estimated 130 offices took part in the operation, comprising members of CAB and the local division and the regional Armed Support Unit. Sources said Operation Tarmac is continuing and that other matters are being pursued. The three men, who were arrested early yesterday, were detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. It is understood that the three men are being questioned in relation to separate issues. Gardai will need a supplementary budget of 75m to cover it for the rest of the year, despite the cancellation of overtime. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the request, which has gone to the Department of Justice, was due to a continuing trend of excess expenditure. In a report to the Policing Authority, the commissioner also flagged an 18% rise in violent property crime to the end of September, with particular increases in robbery of the person, and an ongoing rise in assaults. The October report shows there was a total net expenditure of 1.19bn, which was 25.8m more than its profiled spend. However, the report said that, because of timing delays in a number of the expenditure subheads, a more accurate picture shows that the overspend for the year to date was approximately 52m. Given the continuing trend of excess expenditure, it is recognised that a supplementary budget will be required for 2018, the report said. Based on current predictions, a supplementary estimate of approximately 75m will be required but following the implementation of additional controls on expenditure, it is planned to moderate this figure over the remainder of the financial year. Immediately on taking up the position at the start of September, Commissioner Harris said the organisation had to get its overspend back into line and soon after ordered an end to overtime, with any requests for such subject to more stringent oversight and authorisation by a regional assistant commissioner. The most recent figures show 83.7m had been spent on overtime to the end of August, which was 20m in excess of the profiled budget. A series of measures are being put in place to address budgetary pressures currently experienced, the commissioners report for September said. With effect from September 18, all discretionary expenditure across all subheads has been cancelled. Budget holders have been requested to examine all line items, to consider whether the expenditure is absolutely essential for the delivery of critical services and where not, to defer expenditure. This includes subheads for overtime, travel and subsistence. In relation to building developments, it said the Department of Justice was in discussions with the National Development Finance Agency regarding Public Private Partnerships at Sligo, Macroom, Clonmel and the custody suite at Anglesea St Garda Station. Other works include: A new immigration facility and garda station at Transaer House, Dublin Airport, due to be completed by Q1/early Q2 2019; The old Kevin Street Garda Station is being refurbished to house the Special Tactics and Operations Command (STOC), which is part of Security and Intelligence, with completion of the project expected for Q1 2019; The OPW is expected to complete an extension to the Forensic Science Ireland facility at Garda HQ by Q1 2019 to provide accommodation for 21 staff. The report said property crime was down 6% for the year to September, with decreases in all areas except the Southern Region. Despite that, there was an 18% jump in violent property crimes, with notable increases in robbery from the person and robbery of an establishment. The report said that 35 members were currently suspended and that two had been dismissed. The Garda Internal Affairs Section has 1,205 discipline files before it and a total of 426 breaches of discipline has been recorded so far this year. Investigations and incidents involving gardai The commissioners monthly reports for October and September details many investigations and incidents involving gardai, many of them not publicly known. - In September, the first proceedings were directed in relation to new offences regarding the purchase of sex. The Director of Public Prosecutions issued the directions to bring charges against two individuals for the new offence. The offences are contrary to Section 7A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 as inserted by Section 25 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. This relates to the payment for sexual activity with a prostitute. The direction followed an investigation by the Operation Quest team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. The commissioners report said: This is the first time proceedings have been directed under this legislation. - In the early hours of September 9, an Armed Support Unit (ASU) provided assistance to uniformed members responding to a call of a female in distress. Following some reports by witnesses, the ASU located the flat and on approach, the female ran from the premises visibly distressed with a number of injuries to her face and body. The Garda members went to the flat and confronted the male suspect, subduing and arresting him. He was subsequently charged with criminal damage, burglary and two counts of assault causing harm and remanded in custody. - On September 14, a woman landed at Dublin Airport accompanied by a child, whom she identified as her son. Border ManagementUnit personnel attached to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service were not satisfied with the information provided by the female and they contacted the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The female was arrested under the Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000 and charged under the Criminal Justice (Theft & Fraud Offences) Act 2000 and remanded in custody. Tusla staff attended at Dublin Airport and the child was taken into care. The DPP directed that the woman be further charged with trafficking. - On September 20, a report was received by gardai in Maynooth, Co Kildare, concerning the wellbeing of a 61-year-old male who had not been contactable for some days. Gardai attended his address and made the decision to enter the premises. The man was found in an upstairs bedroom in a collapsed state. Emergency medical assistance was sought and the man was taken to a hospital, suffering from severe dehydration. - On August 30, specialist officers from the National Negotiation Unit and the Dublin ASU were deployed in support of members from Kevin Street Garda Station to an incident at an apartment in Dublins south inner city. A male was threatening to set himself and the apartment on fire. Attempts to de-escalate the situation through negotiation were successful. Following advice from an on-call medical expert a decision was made by the on-scene commander to force entry, which the ASU with the assistance of Dublin Fire Brigade. The male was subdued and detained under the Mental Health Act 2001. No garda was injured but some were treated on site for symptoms connected to the inhalation of petrol. - On August 31, three units of the Dublin ASU responded to reports that a group of males had been observed in the Bluebell area of Dublin in possession of a firearm. They established a cordon and observed a male on a bicycle acting suspiciously. He discarded a carrier bag and attempted to escape. He was arrested and the bag was recovered, containing a shotgun and ammunition. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody. - On August 28, gardai on routine patrol observed and followed a vehicle driving in excess of 100kph through a village in Donegal. The car failed to stop when directed to so do. The vehicle rammed the garda vehicle and made its escape. The garda members received minor injuries. Gardai identified the driver and he was subsequently arrested, charged before the courts and released on bail. Tanaiste Simon Coveney has insisted Ireland has no hidden agenda over Brexit and is not seeking any constitutional change when it comes to the place of the North. His comments came after a backlash from unionists last night after Mr Coveney and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar both warned there was no alternative deal for Brexit. Speaking at the opening of the Fine Gael conference in City West, Dublin, the Foreign Affairs Minister praised European negotiators and also sought to deny accusations about Irelands agenda. The Government has no hidden agenda, he told delegates at the conference after a dramatic week in which the EU-UK deal, including the backstop for Ireland, was released. Mr Coveney said Ireland had not asked for Brexit and that questions around the North only arose after Brexit. The Government had spent two years trying to put a sensitive agreement in place. Nonetheless, despite claims from Tories, Mr Coveney insisted that Irelands actions on Brexit were not about seeking constitutional change but about seeking protection of the status quo. Amid applause from the Fine Gael audience, Mr Coveney praised the work of EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. Ireland owes him a great debt of gratitude, he said. Mr Coveney earlier called on Sinn Fein to take their seats in Westminster and be involved in any debate on the divorce deal in the British parliament. Speaking to reporters ahead of the conference opening, he said the debate taking place in Westminster has a direct impact on Ireland. I would certainly like to see Sinn Fein giving the perspective of the people that they represent in Northern Ireland in the context of the Brexit debate, he said. And I would certainly like to see Sinn Fein being part of the voting on the deal that has been signed off. If this vote in Westminster is lost by two or three votes and Sinn Fein are standing outside speaking to the media but not voting and using their six or seven votes, I think people will rightly ask some serious questions of them. However, his remarks and those of Mr Varadkar that there is only one deal sparked a backlash. Unionists slated them as brash behaviour. Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann warned that the Government should be careful. Despite repeated warnings to tone down the language and act like good neighbours, the brash behaviour of the Irish Government led by Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney may yet lead to a place where none of us want to go, said Mr Swann. A no-deal Brexit isnt in anyones interests. But if they continue to pursue an aggressive stance in future negotiations, they will continue to raise the hackles of even the most mild-mannered of unionists across the United Kingdom. Highlights Election preparations, housing, and health problems and the televised leaders speech will be among highlights of the Fine Gael Ard Fheis this weekend. This could be Taoiseach Leo Varadkars last chance to rally party troops if there is a general election in the new year. Brexit and the North will dominate proceedings. There will also be a motion for a special conference to consider coalition options. Another motion will seek a dispute resolution authority to deal with party fall-outs. A number of Irish MEPs have welcomed a European Parliament vote calling for better diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. The bacterial infection is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world, spread by ticks, with the HSE estimating that there are up to 200 cases here each year. Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan is calling on the HSE and the National Parks and Wildlife Services to roll out a Tick Aware campaign. Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly says he first heard about the disease over a decade ago in Dingle, County Kerry. He said: "If they are not removed within 48 hours then they can cause difficulty, the poison can get into your system and it can have devastating effects. "If it is dealt with early, then it can be treated 100%, but if it is dealt with too late, then it can be fatal. I think the message obviously, here will be to create more awareness of it and then to do more research on how to prevent it." Midlands North West MEP Mairead McGuinness also welcomed the focus on Lyme disease, saying: "Regrettably, knowledge about Lyme disease is limited to those immediately affected, as they struggle to get a clear diagnosis and effective treatment. This disease is on the increase." Lyme disease (Borreliosis) is the world's fastest-growing infection spread by insects or ticks, and is transmitted to humans via bites from infected ticks with typical symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. Ms McGuinness said "The debate and vote marks an important first step in acknowledging the suffering of people affected by Lyme disease at EU level. "Tick Talk Ireland is made up of passionate volunteers working to raise awareness and wanting to provide accurate information about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease. Because of the broad nature of the symptoms, diagnosis of the disease can be difficult and is often delayed, leading to much more severe health implications for sufferers, including the spread of the infection to joints, heart and nervous system. The MEP said the risk is higher from citizens who engage in leisure pursuits in the countryside, especially woodlands, but also professionals working outdoors. However, there is also a risk in urban settings and climate change is impacting on the movement of insects. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is providing fact sheets, tick-maps and information sharing. - Digital Desk By Joe Leogue, Padraig Hoare, and Ray Managh The minister tasked with reforming the insurance industry has defended his work to date amid angry Oireachtas exchanges and said premiums are high because of the amounts awarded in compensation. At a combative hearing of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Michael DArcy hit back at accusations that little had been done since the Cost of Insurance Working Group (CIWG) issued a report on motor and public liability insurance costs. Mr DArcy said that fraudulent and exaggerated claims are pushing up the costs of doing business, which is being passed onto customers. He said the range of payouts as set out by the Book of Quantum are up to five times as much as comparable awards in the UK. If somebody is getting five thousand in the UK, theyre getting 25,000 here, the minister of state told the committee. Its tax-free, and its very lucrative. So even the best of people, who have been impacted through no fault of their own, will pursue a case because the Book of Quantum is at the level, the threshold that it is at. Thats why this market is not competitive, thats why you dont have 15 or 20 insurers in this market. Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said consumers were being fleeced by a market which is operating like a cartel. Pearse Doherty Mr DArcy said Mr Doherty was ignoring figures from the CSO that indicate that premiums have reduced by 23% since peaking in July 2016. He also said the problems were multifaceted. I dont have a magic wand to instruct the guards, the DPP, the Courts Service, the Central Bank, the State Claims Agency, PIAB [Personal Injuries Assessment Board], and the other departments within the sector, he said. Its a big, broad sector deputy and were moving in the right direction. Senator Rose Conway Walsh said it was unimaginable they wont even tell people when a claim is made against them, to which Mr DArcy fired back in a bad-tempered exchange. I have five other pieces of legislation far more important than that, he said. This is a very small issue you are talking about if you think this is the big stuff, senator, you dont know what you are talking about. Meanwhile, an insurance industry spokesman said fraudulent road traffic accident claims are costing companies an estimated 90m a year. Cyril Moloney, on behalf of Allianz Ireland, was speaking after a Latvian national, described by a judge as a liar and a man not to be trusted, had lost a 60,000 damages claim for injuries he allegedly suffered in a road traffic accident. The Revenue Commissioners has launched 20 investigations into multi-millionaires suspected of attempting to avoid tax payments, including one found with millions of euro in cash hidden in their home. Revenue chairman Niall Cody confirmed the investigation, divulging 90 high wealth individuals with individual net assets over 50m are paying less tax than someone on the average industrial wage. Speaking during a four-hour Public Accounts Committee meeting, Mr Cody said that, since January 2017, officials have launched 20 tax investigations, 34 audits, 30 profile interviews, and more than 1,000 secret case appraisals. Mr Cody said the investigations have clawed back almost 2m in unpaid taxes this year, with significant evidence of tax evasion or suggestions of significant tax managing needed to launch an investigation. However, he said a number of cases are complex in terms of the source of the money and whether it can be taxed, including one individual found with millions of euro in their home that carried a tax liability of 19m. Mr Cody was asked by Sinn Feins Jonathan OBrien to clarify the case and explain how much money would someone need to have to incur a 19m tax liability. The deputy said it sounds like there was tens of millions of cash in their attic and that even the Central Bank wouldnt have an attic that big. Despite confirming the case relates to money found at the appellants dwelling over the course of an audit which the respondent contends relates to un-taxed self-employment income accumulated over a number of years, the Revenue chairman declined to provide details. However, he later said a calculation could be found by dividing the tax liability by three and multiplying it by 10, indicating a 63m fortune. Mr Cody and Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy had earlier confirmed at the same meeting that, out of 334 people the Revenue Commissioners classes as a high wealth individual, 90 have an effective income tax rate less than the national average. The issues are likely to raise fresh questions over tax cases in Ireland, just two months after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was urged to tackle the controversy in the lead-up to Budget 2019. I would ask the kids, Are you happy to be born? They would respond, No! Why did my parents bring me into this world if theyre not going to take care of me? Capernaum will close the Cork Film Festival with a moving tale of poverty and childhood, writes Helen Barlow. Lebanese writer-director Nadine Labaki is an effusive 44- year-year-old who recently became the first female Arab director to win a major prize, the Jury Award, in the Cannes festival. That prize-winning Beirut-set tale will also close Cork Film Festival on Sunday. Ive never felt a special situation of being a female filmmaker, Im just a filmmaker, Labaki insists. Ive never felt I have more or less privilege. Ive been lucky to be in that situation, but I also understand its not that way for other women in my country and for women in the rest of the world too. Ever since she burst on the international scene with 2007s Caramel, about the intersecting lives of five Lebanese women, Labaki has been entrancing us with highly charged socio-political stories of ordinary but very special people. Her follow-up, 2011s Where Do We Go Now? focusing on a group of Christian and Muslim women who band together to ease the tensions in their village further burnished her reputation. Capernaum will likely take Labaki to the Oscars as the film has been gaining momentum since Sony Picture Classics picked it up for the US market in Cannes. If you love films with kids, Capernaum is a heartbreaker. It follows an impoverished Beirut boy, Zain (played by Syrian refugee Zain Al Rafeea) who is suing his parents for bringing him into this world, given what he has had to endure in the slums of Beirut. For starters he has no official papers and even his parents do not know his official age, which doctors ascertain as 12. We watch in flashback and learn what led him to this position and to his current predicament as he is currently serving a five-year sentence for stabbing someone. It turns out he fled his cramped family home after his drug-dealing parents sold his beloved sister to their landlord for a few chickens. He ended up living with Rahil, an Ethiopian refugee working illegally and living and in a slum with her infant son, Yonas. The crux of the story shows how when Rahil is detained by the authorities, the resourceful Zain takes care of Yonas (played by Boluwatife Treasure Bankole). Labaki cast non-actors with experiences close to their characters and says the secret to the films success is that she had a long period of time to work with her young leads. We decided to produce the film ourselves so we could have this freedom, she explains of herself and her husband, Khaled Mouzanar, also the films composer. I wanted to be able to shoot one more hour or spend the whole day waiting for Yonas to smile or to do whatever we needed him to do. I was so fascinated with who these people are, with their reality, that I never wanted them to act. I just wanted them to be themselves. So I adapted my story to their reality and not the other way around. Labaki says the story of Lebanons neglected children had been working on me for some time. This is a sight you see every day, children who are excluded from the system who are completely invisible. I wanted to learn more. She visited prisons for minors and attended court proceedings dealing with their cases. In my four years of research I talked to many kids and at the end of the conversation I would ask them, Are you happy to be born? They would respond, No! and with lots of anger. Why am I here, why did my parents bring me into this world if theyre not going to take care of me? Every once in a while a film comes along that gets deep into your heart and soul. #CAPERNAUM is one of those films. Directed & written by @NadineLabaki -- recipient of MFF's 2018 Visionary Award. @sonyclassics #FilmsThatMatter pic.twitter.com/t0dq1wAvob Middleburg Film Fest (@middleburgfilm) November 5, 2018 The premise of Zain taking his parents to court may stretch credulity (Labaki plays his lawyer as she has been his supporter in real life and helped him relocate to Norway where he now lives with his family.) Yet any stretch of the imagination is forgiven as her casting is impeccable. Finding the kids was almost a mission impossible, she admits. Our casting director found Zain on the street. He was playing with his friend and they engaged in some discussion and filmed them. It took me two minutes when I was watching the rushes to understand Id found Zain. "Treasure is the real treasure of the film. Shes just amazing and she was almost living the same situation in that shes the daughter of migrant workers who were working illegally in Lebanon. Treasure didnt have papers but now she does. She went back to Kenya and can go to school but until the film she was non-existent. Capernaum is the closing film of Cork Film Festival on Sunday at the Everyman. Archaeologist Enda Flaherty has been documenting abandoned schoolhouses, thus providing a snapshot of those forgotten places where many of our predecessors were taught, says Dan MacCarthy. They are the places that are seared into our subconscious like nothing bar our homes. They are the places we went five days a week, dragged from the bosom of our family at a very young age, to sit regimented and have thousands of years of learning poured into us. How much did we absorb? They are the places where we met lifelong friends, where our imaginations were nurtured, where lifelong skills were drilled into us, often by rote. They were our almost-homes where we learned reading, riting and rithmetic. The finer points of the modh coinniolach were teased out for us or poems about Timbuktu indicated a fabulous world of somewhere else. Most of these schoolrooms are still intact but many more are derelict, now just sad reminders of our huge population. Where do all these people and their families go? Well the usual suspects: emigration, old age and death. The ruined schools are everywhere: up a boreen, around a forgotten corner, over a hill, on an island, in the middle of a bog. All once had devoted teachers and attentive ears. Archaeologist Enda OFlaherty has been documenting these structures for some time and has now had the fruits of labours published in a handsome book by Collins Press. Only some of the schools are recorded in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Local authorities used different criteria to decide whether a school should be included or not. So what is included in Co Clare may not be included in Co Kilkenny. They are afforded varying degrees of protection on architectural merit only, says OFlaherty. On a visit to Slievereagh National School, Ballyvourney, Co Cork, we take a look at one such time capsule. When the N22 linking Cork to Killarney was built in the 1980s, the stretch of road which led to this school was cut off thus isolating the school and pushing it back in time. The school had long since closed by then but this was another distancing measure. More behind the scenes shots! This is Deserted Schoolhouses of Ireland by @eanna81, a poignant look at the schoolhouse ruins all around our country & how such a central part of a community came to be abandoned. Available in all good bookshops from 17 Sep! https://t.co/GtcOgApaQR pic.twitter.com/K1zSeZ6ClH The Collins Press (@CollinsPress) September 9, 2018 The windows are boarded up and a lot of slates are blown off the roof. A desk has half-collapsed through the floor. Nature is creeping in through every available opening, with nesting birds now being the main occupants of the collapsing structure", writes OFlaherty of Slievereagh School. There are two classrooms with matching fireplaces. The hallway is tiled, and numbered castiron hooks for coats are lined up on a wooden board. There is a few inches of cowdung in the middle of one of the classes. Various objects protrude among the detritus and ferns: an old rocking horse, a milkchurn coated in lichen, a galvanised bucket. Some of the wainscotting is still in place and an iron ventilation system in the corner would have allowed good circulation of air when the fire was lighting. There is a palpable sense of the past here, where children learned and teachers taught. A one-room schoolhouse is defined as one classroom where a single teacher taught academic basics to several grade levels of elementary-age boys and girls. The one-room schoolhouse is to be found in many countries both in Europe and overseas, but is characteristic of rural areas with sparse populations, for example Ireland, Shetland, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Canada and Australia. Many of the schools date from the mid-19th century when the national school system was established. Prior to this, formal education was denied to Catholics and this was particularly true during the 18th century when Catholics were forbidden to be educated under the Penal Laws from 1695 to 1782, writes OFlaherty. Catholic children were educated in hedge schools, usually taught by an educated person from the vicinity, or a travelling schoolmaster. The First Report of the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry, published in 1825, showed how education was used as method of social control. Delighted to see the blog Deserted Schoolhouses of Ireland by @eanna81 is now available as a book from @CollinsPress https://t.co/w7ltCg56dP pic.twitter.com/NDarSkANzH National Heritage Week (@HeritageWeek) September 21, 2018 The prescient commission declared that the origin of most of the sectarian violence that plagued Ireland was caused by educating Catholic and Protestant children separately and recommended that in future public money should be given only to schools where Catholic and Protestant pupils were taught together. Plus ca change. The recommendation was a resounding success and schools sprang up everywhere with the aim of providing education to that sector of society formerly denied it. Between 1833 and 1849 the number of schools increased from about 800 to about 4,300. A phenomenal success. And by 1900 there were almost 8,700 national schools in the country with around 746,000 pupils enrolled. Emigration had an enormous impact on the schools and where once village populations thrived, now villages were deserted in their droves with no children to attend the schools. Again, plus ca change. Between 1966 and 1973, the number of one- and two-teacher schools was reduced by about 1,100. The stories of the schools are the stories of our past. At Coolmountain National School near Dunmanway Co Cork the one-room, corrugated asbestos structure is nearly completely overgrown. It was a rebuilt school from a much older school but itself ceased as a school in 1969. Local man Jerome Kiely started school there in 1949 . He says the building was heated by a means of a small cast-iron stove and the students themselves brought in the fuel. A lovely story from the FarranforeValentia Harbour line in Co Kerry recalls the time when schools did not have clocks, and the schoolchildren of Bunglash National School would know the time when the steam-powered locomotive chugged daily along the tracks and sounded its whistle as it passed over Curraheen level crossing at 10.15am. When OFlaherty visited the school he found some old textbooks and a cassette by Saint Saens, Carnival of the Animals, which is still on the primary school arts curriculum, One of the more dramatic schools was Gola Island National School, Co Donegal. Dramatic, not for its renowned thespians, but for its geographical location where the sea almost comes up to the door. A name plaque over the door has weathered away a metaphor for the process. Such diminutive schools were fixtures on the landscape in about 40 of our islands. A few schools had a mere handful of students; Inishmurray in Co Sligo and Island Eddy, Co Galway. The schools produced some famous people of course. John James Doherty, attended Knockastolar National School in Co Donegal and was fluent in Irish German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Latin and Greek. He put theses skills to good use in Bletchley Park in World War II where he helped decode Nazi messages for the war effort. OFlaherty has photographed over 240 of the ruined schools, researched their histories and interviewed some of the former students who attended them. He walked down those overgrown boreens, kayaked to islands, tramped through woods and across bogs. In some of them old schoolbooks could still be found. Others have old desks with inkwells and blackboards. In many cases nature has wrought her fury and caved in the roofs, ruptured the floors and burst the plasterwork or sent trees growing in one window and out the other. In writing about buildings that were once integral to our communities OFlaherty has done for schools what Tarquin Blake did for our mansions, churches and castles. Deserted Schoolhouses of Ireland, Enda OFlaherty, Collins Press,25. As the legendary house night in Sir Henrys marks 30 years, Des ODriscoll looks back on the Cork dance club that defined a generation. The story of Sir Henrys and its famous Sweat night has been well told in the past. How a weekly dance night in the Cork venue grew into one of the best house events in Europe in the 1990s, attaining quite a reputation for its amazing atmosphere and the quality of music on offer. What is really incredible, however, is that the tale of Sir Henrys is still being told. And the two men most responsible for its success, Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson, are still mixing top quality house music. Several events to celebrate 30 years since the first Sweat will culminate this weekend with two sold-out parties at Dali in Cork. But where did it all begin? Back in the recession-ravaged days of the late 1980s, Cork was a city of emigration, and links with the UK should never be under-estimated in the development of local music culture. While visiting emigrant siblings in London, Johnson would go to the Record and Tape Exchange in Notting Hill and dip into the shops slowly-expanding house music section, alongside his regular hip-hop browsing. Back in Cork, Dowling, a Dubliner, had been building a reputation among the citys alternative set for playing music that was a whole lot more attractive than what was on offer at the more conventional meat market discos. Introduced to Johnson, he was struck by the enthusiasm and knowledge of this younger record collector. The Dubliner ended up asking the Bishopstown teenager to play a few tunes at a night he was running in Redz on Liberty Street. A few weeks later, Dowling was invited by Sir Henrys manager Sean ONeill to try a new Thursday night at the South Main Street venue. And so Sweat was born in November 1988. FISH MARKET Later the duo would start producing their own music under the Fish Go Deep moniker, a name that originated in a record stall they had set-up in the fish section of the English Market. The rent on the stall was cheap, but it was an incongruous one to have nestled in among the fish shops long before the market took on the trendy foodie reputation it has today. As Corks burgeoning crew of clubbers would gather to hear the latest vinyl imports, restraint was required on the volume so as not to upset shoppers and fellow stallholders. Oh yknow... just soundchecking... pic.twitter.com/BIP7gnt8hv Fish Go Deep (@fishgodeep) October 26, 2018 Again, English contacts came in handy for sourcing stock. Dowling had been to Manchester where he hooked up with Russ Marland, a record importer with access to much of the best house music coming out of the US. He used to provide a lot of the records for the likes of Mike Pickering at the Hacienda, so it meant we were tapping into the same supply as them, says Johnson. There was so much good music coming out at the time that the one or two boxes wed get in every week would always have a couple of classics in them. Hence the excited huddle of Sweat enthusiasts awaiting each box to be opened, eager to spend about 8 on what would often be only a handful of the 12 copies of the track in all of Europe. Not surprisingly, mixtapes became a solution for people who wanted to hear this music outside of the club, as it was still an underground phenomenon unserved by radio stations. SOUND AND VISION While the importance of Dowling and Johnson to the club was obvious, a lesser-known component of the Sir Henrys tale is the venues sound system. As the Sweat began to take off, venue owner Jerry Lucey despite those in the rock establishment who claimed this dance music phenomenon would be a shortlived phase decided to bypass the weekly rental of a sound system and take a punt on a longterm investment in a proper PA. Owner of Sir Henrys, Jerry Lucey. Lucey, who passed away last year, had been in the business for decades, had dealt with the likes of Don King and brought such acts as Bill Haley and Roy Orbison to his Cork venues. To source his PA, Lucey headed off to a trade fair in Paris with his trusted team of sound engineer Denis Herlihy and company accountant Catherine Cogan. Cogans daughter Natalie, a UCC student on an Erasmus scheme near Antibes, was drafted in as translator and Herlihy soon set his sights on a Nexo SI 2000 rig. Its 10k of power came with a price tag of about 17,000. A lot of money in those days? You bet, especially given the less-is-more outlook of most Irish venue owners of that era. We definitely ended up with the best sound system in the country, remembers Herlihy. We were also the first in Ireland to fly the PA from the ceiling when others were still groundstacking. It gave us amazing clarity and great coverage. While Herlihy had a slightly-nervous first few weeks eyeing the heavy speakers hanging over the crowded dance floor, the DJs were loving the experience. The sound was so clear we never had to ram the music down peoples throats, remembers Johnson. So, when styles got faster or harder in other clubs and cities, the Sweat duo didnt have to follow the herd. Anyway, the system was a perfect fit for some of the more subtle, stripped-back tracks that they favoured. Sometimes tracks would take a few weeks of playing to really reveal themselves, both to us and the crowd, says Johnson. Its a factor which also helps explain why some tracks were huge in Cork without gaining much traction elsewhere. DYNAMIC DUO While Dowling and Johnson will be forever associated with Sir Henrys, its worth remembering that their departure in 2001 means the duo have been playing away from the venue as long as they were in it. Since then, theyve produced dozens of their own tracks, done numerous remixes for other artists and continue to do their bit behind the decks in Ireland and on the international circuit. As Fish Go Deep, their ongoing embrace of contemporary sounds ensures theyve dodged any elder lemon status, and a whole new generation of DJs, producers and clubbers still look to the duo as a reference point. The beat really does go on. This is an updated version an article first published in 2013 Dali (former Pav) in Cork will host Sweat 30 next Friday and Saturday. Some tickets will be available on the door for the Friday Upcoming releases from Fish Go Deep include Give In To Wonder on San Diego label Seasons; and Drip Down on Swedish label Brandy. A selection of tunes from the Sir Henrys era can be found in the Spotify playlist Sir Henrys Sweat Cork classics. On next Friday, this page will have a piece from writer Lisa McInerney reflecting on her times in Sir Henrys. Ultimately, it may be Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans own words that come back to haunt him as he stands trial in the US accused of drug trafficking, write NJ Burkett and David Alire Garcia. Opening statements concluded and testimony began this week in the high-security trial of infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Tonnes of cocaine from Colombia arrived in Cancun aboard speedboats and was then smuggled over the United States border in tanker trucks, according to a witness who detailed a strict hierarchy that routinely bribed Mexican police commanders, highway patrol officers and government officials. The testimony offered the jury a first fascinating inside look into the alleged operations of the Sinaloa drug cartel through the eyes of one of its former top lieutenants. Jesus Zambada is one of the governments key witnesses in their sensational case against Joaquin Guzman, the alleged drug trafficking kingpin better known as El Chapo. Zambada is the brother of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, Guzmans alleged partner in the Sinaloa cartel and its de-facto leader who remains at large in Mexico. In the prosecutions opening statement, Assistant US Attorney Adam Fels told jurors how the man who got his start in a modest marijuana-selling business in Mexico ruthlessly turned it into a blood-drenched smuggling operation that funnelled cocaine and other drugs as far north as New York. Fels said Guzman sent killers to wipe out competitors and waged wars against longtime partners...including his own cousins. The evidence likely to be presented at the New York trial of Guzman will paint a picture of a Robin Hood figure, albeit a brutal one, who amassed a $14 billion fortune by bribery, murdering rivals and smuggling huge amounts of drugs. Colourful claims have been made against Guzman made by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) in pre-trial documents. They say Guzman started as a teenager cultivating marijuana and growing poppies for heroin production, going on to become the main leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, the worlds largest and most prolific drug trafficking organisation. While he was guarded by a virtual army of enforcers and cartel assassins, Guzman was also known to carry a gold-plated AK-47 assault rifle and a diamond-encrusted pistol for his own personal protection. In 2001, Guzman famously escaped from prison, purportedly in a laundry cart with the assistance of prison officials whom he had corrupted. He escaped again in 2015, from a maximum security prison via a tunnel of more than a mile long that emerged in the bathroom in his cell. The complexity and cost of the plan is part of the DoJs case that he was a very powerful figure in Mexico. Guzmans enforcers were tasked with a wide-range of murder, assault, kidnappings, torture and targeted assassinations designed to promote and enhance his prestige, reputation and position within the Sinaloa Cartel and to protect the cartel against challenges from rivals. During one specially violent turf battle over the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, one of Guzmans assassins oversaw a house specially designed for murder with plastic sheets covering the walls to minimise messes as well as a drain in the middle of the floor to quickly clean up blood. El Chapos wrath against rivals could be hyper-violent, prosecutors said. Allegedly on his orders, trafficker Julio Beltran was gunned down on the streets of the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan using so many rounds of ammunition that Beltrans head was almost completely separated from his body. By some, he was viewed as a modern-day Robin Hood, popular with the down-trodden and extolled in popular songs. There were protests in the streets of Sinaloa after his arrest. While the DoJ documents does not explain why he enjoyed that status, for years stories have emerged in Mexico of Guzman helping poor communities by paying for roads and other infrastructure projects, including contracting helicopters to install posts for the electricity system of his mountainous home town of Badiraguato, Sinaloa. The geographical reach of Guzmans drug empire was vast as his Sinaloa Cartel moved into lucrative methamphetamine trafficking starting around 2000, driving him to establish suppliers for precursor chemicals in Africa, China and India. Among his many Spanish-language nicknames was El Rapido, or Speedy, due to his uncanny ability to move massive drug shipments originating from South America across the US-Mexico border using land, air and sea routes while returning laundered drug proceeds to mostly Colombian partners in record time. During his opening statement, Assistant US Attorney Adam Fels, left, gestures to Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, second from right, sitting next to his attorney Eduardo Balazero, at Brooklyn Federal Court, as Guzmans high-security trial got underway in the Brooklyn borough of New York, on Tuesday. Picture: Elizabeth Williams via AP. Massive bribes to corrupt politicians and security officials were largely responsible for the success of his business model, including a $1 million cash bribe for just one drug deal. The bribes often secured armed police escorts for shipments headed to the United States. Mr Fels said Guzman used some of his wealth to pay off the Mexican military and police and to finance assault rifles, grenade launchers and explosives to engage in war after bloody war. He accused the defendant of personally shooting two men and having their bodies burned. Guzmans lawyers told jurors it would have been impossible for him to be in charge of the cartel since he was either in jail or hiding out in the Mexican countryside during the entire time US prosecutors claim he was the leader. Some of the co-operators will tell you he has no money, Mr Lichtman said. But it is Guzmans own words which may come back to haunt him. While on the run in 2015, he granted Hollywood actor Sean Penn an interview from his mountain hideaway. In the interview, later published by Rolling Stone, Guzman told of how he grew up in a very humble family, very poor in Mexico and at age 15 decided to make money selling marijuana. The only way to have money to buy food, to survive, is to grow poppy, marijuana, and at that age, I began to grow it, to cultivate it and to sell it, he said. He later told Penn he was the kingpin of the drug cartel. He told Penn in words that may hurt him in court: I supply more heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana than anybody else in the world. I have a fleet of submarines, aeroplanes, trucks and boats. But he denied he was a killer. Look, all I do is defend myself, nothing more. But do I start trouble? Never, he said. Some friends lost a cherished family dog recently. She was enormously loved, but, at 10 years of age, had been ill for a while. In the space of a few weeks, she went downhill. Despite medical interventions, she eventually had to be put down. They are heartbroken. They are also left with a hefty veterinary bill of thousands of euros. Its a struggle, but I dont think they regret that expenditure, given that the dog had been so much a part of their family life for so long. Massive vet bills are not something you tend to factor in when considering getting a dog. With Christmas approaching, households all over the country are considering getting a dog. I love dogs. Give me any opportunity and I will bore for Ireland on what an incredible addition they can be to your life and even more so to your childrens lives. Our Max, at 12 and a half years old, is the apple of my eye, and he knows it. A few weeks ago, he passed a veterinary check-up with flying colours. I do appreciate there comes a time when it can be unfair to keep a dog alive. But, equally, I could imagine attempting to remortgage the house if he developed an ailment that we were told could be successfully, but very expensively, treated, if it gave him another few years of being my companion. (I work from home, and he follows me around the house adoringly.) But while I will extol the virtues of canine companionship, I will also warn against anyone getting a dog, especially a puppy, when they havent thought through the time, cost, and responsibility that it involves. I also think that it is the worst idea to get a dog at Christmas, when you havent thought beyond the happy reaction on Christmas morning to the toilet training, the chewed furniture, and the rows over who is going to take the dog for a walk, let alone who will pick up the poo along the way. A parenting rule of thumb is that no matter how old the child, or how many promises they make, they will never, ever pick up after the dog. If you insist on a Christmas puppy, please, please dont get him or her from a puppy farm. We read in this newspaper, earlier in the week that 45% of Irish people dont take any steps to ensure their dog hasnt come from a puppy farm. While almost three-quarters said they would be deterred from buying a dog from a puppy farm, almost 40% did not visit the place where their puppy had been born. All too often, people will opt for the convenience of having a puppy delivered to their home or will meet someone in a carpark, having seen an ad for puppies online. Those statistics came from a survey by Dogs Trust Ireland, which launched a poignant campaign, entitled How is that Doggie in the Window?, to highlight the horrible reality of puppies being born into deprived conditions on puppy farms. We take in hundreds of elderly dogs over the winter months and your donations make it possible Help us ensure dogs like Dasher aren't left lost, alone and unloved this Christmas https://t.co/S3YlMQwfBw pic.twitter.com/NQNzV1CngD Dogs Trust (@DogsTrust) November 14, 2018 Ireland has the dodgy distinction of being known as the puppy farm capital of Europe, because of puppy smuggling. Independent TD Tommy Broughan says the UK, in an assessment of animal welfare post-Brexit, identified Irish breeders bringing puppies into the UK through nefarious means. British secretary of state for environment and rural affairs Michael Gove says he will introduce legislation to ban the third-party sale of dogs and cats, including those bought in petshops, and only allow these to take place through a legitimate breeder or a pet charity. Weve been grappling with this issue for years now. All the while, so-called designer breeds, including beagles, bichon frises, French bulldogs, or King Charles spaniels, have been kept in horrendous, overcrowded, filthy conditions in poor health. The mothers are treated as breeding machines, given no time to recover between litters and discarded when they can no longer produce. The puppies are born into these conditions and receive no affection or petting from humans to get them socialised, and often they are taken from their mothers way too soon, under eight weeks old. Animal welfare organisations have previously estimated that some Irish farms have more than 500 breeding bitches. Without proper standards being enforced by the authorities and prospective buyers not bothering to check out where exactly their new puppy comes from, its been all to easy for these traders in cruelty to operate unchecked. The publication of the Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines, earlier this year, definitely contributed towards improvements, but its only a step. New guidelines are to come in the new year, because, as Mr Broughan points out, we fall far short on enforcement and inspections of the places where dogs are bred commercially. These are places with six or more bitches over six months old, capable of being used for breeding purposes. Our sponsor dogs have made their Christmas lists! Some are hoping for a new toy, others would like new beds To make their wishes come true we're giving you 10% off their specially chosen doggy gifts until 3rd December https://t.co/2gflYfeLC2 Thank you for your supawt! pic.twitter.com/Jsf4zO8lir Dogs Trust (@DogsTrust) November 15, 2018 Minister of state for rural affairs Sean Canney, who has responsibility for this area, published figures that showed there were 258 registered dog-breeding establishments in 2017, an increase of 10 on the previous year. There were 275 inspections last year, compared to 250 the previous year. So, if you are intent on getting a pedigree dog for Christmas, it can be a good idea to ask a local vet if he knows any reputable breeders or to contact the Irish Kennel Club. But what could be more worthwhile than going to an animal shelter and rescuing a dog that needs a home? As the Irish Society of Prevention for Cruelty to Animals says: Adopt, dont shop. Think about what sort of dog suits your family and your lifestyle, and, for instance, how long you might be absent during the day. Frankly, its unfair on a dog to be left on their own for hours on end and it eventually results in behavioural difficulties. Dogs Trust just sent out an advent calendar, featuring 25 recently rescued dogs, who, as they put it, had churned out litter after litter at the same breeding establishment. When found, they had long, matted, filthy fur, and some had painful and itchy skin, and eye and ear conditions. Dogs Trust is asking people to sign a petition to end the cruelty behind bad breeding, with the introduction of tougher enforcement and more prosecutions. Surely, thats the least that we can do for these adorable animals, who give us so much love. 45% of Irish people dont take any steps to ensure their dog hasnt come from a puppy farm. It is hard to imagine Theresa May surviving as British prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party, in light of the chaos unleashed by the resignation of her ministers opposed to the deal she agreed on Brexit. The most contentious part of the agreement is the mechanism for ending it the backstop. It is to the prime ministers credit that she ratified an agreement on a backstop arrived at last December when she could have repudiated it, as many within her party and the DUP wanted. However, she has showed the same kind of political naivety that led her to call a general election last year with disastrous results for the Conservatives. Since then, 14 members of her cabinet have resigned, most of them over Brexit. It is equally hard to imagine that a Conservative prime minister could unite almost the whole of the House of Commons on anything yet she appears to have done just that by alienating all sides, with the result that Brexiteers and Remainers are now in an unholy alliance of opposition to the deal reached. Ms May is fighting on three fronts: Concern among her remaining cabinet, discontent among Conservative and Labour MPs in the House of Commons, and strident opposition from the DUP, the party that holds the balance of power in parliament. The DUPs reaction to the deal has been borderline hysterical. Speaking in the House of Commons, the partys Brexit spokesman, Sammy Wilson, described it as a case of Northern Ireland being put on a platter as an object to surrender to the EU. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds put it even more trenchantly, declaring: The choice is now clear: We stand up for the United Kingdom, the whole of the United Kingdom, the integrity of the United Kingdom, or we vote for a vassal state with the breakup of the United Kingdom. It is ironic that the DUP is demanding that Northern Ireland be treated the same as Britain when it comes to Brexit while, at the same time, insisting on maintaining legal differences in terms of education, labour law, access to abortion services, gay rights, and gambling. It even sought to align corporation tax rates with the Republic. The chaos in the Commons has excited political commentators far and wide, not just in the UK and Europe, but beyond. Writing in The New York Times, British political analyst Helen Lewis asks: Would members of Parliament really let a no deal Brexit go ahead? The terrifying possibility is that they might not be able to stop it, simply because it is the only option left. In fact, it isnt. There is an alternative voiced by former prime minister Tony Blair who is urging a second referendum, now that the people of the UK would be able to make a more informed decision. There is no certainty, of course, that a second poll would reverse the vote of 2016 but, whatever the outcome, it would at least bring a halt to the current chaos. Arts Music for Activists: Photos of Dead, Missing Thais Inspire Album Environmental activists protest in front of the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand, September 4, 2018. / Reuters BANGKOK Photographs of dead and missing Thai rights activists have spurred a Canadian composer to create a music album and invite string quartets around the world to perform to draw attention to the violence campaigners face. More than 59 land and environmental activists have been killed or have disappeared in Thailand over the last 20 years, according to advocacy group Protection International. British photographer Luke Duggleby visited their families to collect their portraits, then took pictures of those photographs in the place where the activists were last seen. His photo exhibit of 37 activists has been shown across Europe and in Thailand over the last two years. Frank Horvat, who read about the exhibit in 2016, said he was so moved, that in just a month he composed The Thailand HRDs, comprising a two-minute movement for each photograph, using musical pitches or letters from the name of each victim. This music is not intended to be purely melancholic but have a tinge of defiance so that these deaths do not mark an end, but a continuation of the fight for justice, Horvat said. New York City-based Mivos Quartet performed Horvats composition in August in Toronto and the album is due to be released on Friday. It will hopefully spur listeners to find their inner activist and fight for what they feel is important in this world, he said in a statement on Thursday. A global campaign entitled Music for Human Rights Defenders or #music4HRDs, invites string quartets to videotape themselves playing a movement from the album and posting it on social media. The aim is to bring the classical music community together to support activists, and raise awareness of an issue that has received little attention in the West, said Horvat. In Thailand, evictions of villagers and indigenous people from forests and farmland have risen to make way for mines, power plants and national parks. Laws governing forest management and land acquisition do not offer adequate protection for the poor, leaving them vulnerable to violence while defending their homes and land, said Pranom Somwong at Protection International in Thailand. Among those featured in the photographs is Charoen Wat-aksorn, who led a campaign against a coal-powered plant. He was shot dead in 2004 after testifying to a parliamentary committee. Very few perpetrators have been held accountable for these and other killings and disappearances, Pranom told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. If we dont hold them accountable, it will keep happening. Arts Stunning Landscapes from Across the Globe Now Exhibiting at The Secretariat A exhibition-goer views photography on display on the first day of the One World Through My Lens photography exhibition by Ye Naing Wynn. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy Asia Aaalysis: Trump's Summit No-show Draws Asian Nations Closer Together East Asia Summit leaders gather for a group photo at the East Asia Summit in Singapore, November 15, 2018. / Reuters SINGAPORE US President Donald Trump didnt make it to this weeks summit of Asian nations in Singapore, but his influence was still keenly felt among the leaders who gathered in the city. One prime minister warned that the trade war between Washington and Beijing could trigger a domino effect of protectionist steps by other countries. Another fretted that the international order could splinter into rival blocs. The most important and talked-about leader, President Trump, is the only one that did not turn up, said Malcolm Cook, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. And yet, in Trumps absence, countries from South to East Asia pressed on with forging multilateral ties on trade and investment among themselves, including with China. Chinas representative at the meetings, Premier Li Keqiang, egged them on. Now the world is facing rising protectionism. It is all the more important for us to come together and respond to the complex world situation to uphold multilateralism and free trade, Li said on Thursday. The US presidents lack of engagement with Asian nations came just days after a trip to France for World War One commemorations at which he appeared isolated from NATO allies. Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said Trump was inadvertently bringing Asian nations together. Not necessarily by design, but because he is not being a consistent and reassuring presence, and because his policies have tended to fracture the natural order that Asia is dependent upon, he said. Asians are trying to figure out what else they can do without relying on America too much. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Two Powers: Two Strategies As well as the summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asian nations in Singapore, Trump will also skip the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Papua New Guinea at the end of the week. At APEC on Friday, President Xi Jinping will showcase Chinas Belt and Road initiative to Pacific leaders, several of whom are expected to sign up to the infrastructure investment drive. Xis multi-billion-dollar plan, which aims to bolster a sprawling network of land and sea links with Asian neighbors and far beyond, is viewed with suspicion in Western capitals as an attempt to assert Chinese influence. Trump attended both the ASEAN and APEC meetings in 2017, and his decision to stay away this year has raised questions about Washingtons commitment to a regional strategy to counter China. Vice President Mike Pence, who represented Trump in Singapore, told the meeting that United States commitment to the Indo-Pacific is steadfast and enduring. Asia presents the Trump administration with some of its most pressing foreign policy challenges, including its strategic rivalry with China and efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program. Washington has touted what it calls an Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at greater regional cooperation, notably with India, Australia and Japan, to counter Chinas influence, including in the disputed South China Sea, where it conducts naval patrols to challenge what it sees as Beijings excessive territorial claims. Pence said on Thursday without naming China that there was no place for empire and aggression in the Indo-Pacific. His comments follow a major speech in October in which he flagged a tougher approach by Washington toward Beijing, accusing China of malign efforts to undermine Trump and reckless military actions in the South China Sea. A US State Department spokesman said: We welcome contributions by China to regional development, so long as it adheres to the highest standards the people of the region demand. We are concerned by Chinas use of coercion, influence operations, and implied military threats to persuade other states to heed Chinas strategic agenda. Shortly before Pence spoke in Singapore, the US Navy announced that two of its aircraft carriers with around 150 fighter jets were conducting warfare drills in the Philippine Sea, a show of force in waters south of China and within striking distance of North Korea. Taking Sides Pence told reporters in Singapore that he had been struck in conversations with world leaders by the connection that President Trump has made with them through his vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. However, analysts say that countries across Asia are waiting for the United States to put substance behind its Indo-Pacific rhetoric, and Trumps absence from the summits only served to heighten concerns among Southeast Asian states that Washington no longer has their back. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday it was very desirable for ASEAN not to have to take sides with world powers, but there may come a time when it would have to choose one or the other. Some Southeast Asian nations may be quietly impressed by the United States robust approach to Beijing on trade, intellectual property issues and the South China Sea, but others have made it clear they already see Chinas rise as inevitable. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, asked on Thursday about the US Navy drills, noted that China already occupies contested South China Sea islands and added: Why do you have to create frictions that will prompt a response from China? But Cook said Southeast Asian states hedging and unwillingness to publicly criticize Chinese aggression have contributed to Washingtons posture shift in Asia. This change is certainly not all because of Trump, he said. The choices of Southeast Asian states in the end bear some responsibility. Asia China Offers Myanmar Support over Rohingya Issue after US Rebuke Myanmar's State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and US Vice President Mike Pence hold a bilateral meeting in Singapore, November 14, 2018. / Reuters BEIJING China supports the Myanmar governments efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the countrys leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washingtons strongest condemnation yet of Myanmars treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that persecution by her countrys army was without excuse. Meeting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, Chinas Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. The Chinese side supports Myanmars efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine State issue via dialogue and consultation, the ministry cited Li as saying. China is willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard, he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmars Rakhine State, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on Oct. 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are not yet conducive for returns. China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. Chinas statement cited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. News Boat of Refugees Destined for Malaysia Brought Ashore Near Yangon Over 100 fleeing Rohingya refugees were found aboard a boat in the Gulf of Martaban south of Yangon early on Friday morning. / Aye Mya Mya Myo / Facebook YANGON More than 100 Rohingya Muslims found aboard an overcrowded boat destined for Malaysia early on Friday morning are being held in a cyclone shelter in Thante village in Yangons Kyauktan Township, according to a regional lawmaker. Local authorities found a boat carrying 106 Rohingyaincluding 25 children, 50 men and 31 womennear Thante village, inland from the Gulf of Martaban, at around 4am, according to Daw Thet Thet Mu, Yangon regional lawmaker of Kyauktan. The lawmaker said a few passengers on the boat who can speak Burmese explained they had fled from a refugee camp in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State in a bid to reach Malaysia. The refugees were lured by a broker who said he could get them to Malaysia where they could make substantial earnings. Suffering from food shortages and financial hardships in their camp in Sittwe, they decided to take the opportunity and set out on the voyage as a group of 107. When local authorities in Kyauktan found them, they had been on the boat for 20 days during which time one woman had died on the boat. They have no food. They carry nothing with them, said Daw Thet Thet Mu. The locals of Kyauktan cooked for the refugees and distributed food at the shelter this morning, she said. Local police did not immediately respond to telephone calls from The Irrawaddy. The lawmaker said Yangon Regions minister for security and border affairs was at the shelter and told her they will deal with the refugees in accordance with the law. Burma Lawmaker Urges Scrutiny of Railway Purchase from China Commuters come and go next to a passenger train at Yangon Central Railway Station. / The Irrawaddy NAYPYITAWA lawmaker sounded a warning on Thursday about the governments plan to purchase railway carriages from China using loans from Beijing, saying steps must be taken to ensure that the price of the carriages is fair. Lawmakers in the Lower House on Thursday discussed the Ministry of Transport and Communications plan to accept a no-interest loan of 80 million yuan (about 18.5 billion kyats) from China in order to buy the carriages. Lawmaker Daw Cho Cho of Oktwin Township urged officials to scrutinize the cost carefully. Though the loan is interest-free, we are obliged to purchase the carriages from the lender, so it is important that the products are of good quality, reasonably priced, and will not cost us far more than similar products from other countries. Because we will have to repay the loan, with or without interest, Daw Cho Cho said. The loan would be disbursed over five years. Myanmar would have to begin repayment five years after the last of the money is received. Repayment would be in installments of 10 percent, 8 million yuan, a year for the following 10 years. So the total repayment period would be 20 years. Daw Cho Cho stressed that the carriages should be new, and not refurbished models. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, a total of 28 carriages14 ordinary and 14 first classwill be purchased for use on the Yangon-Mandalay railroad. More than 1,000 commuters use the route daily, with one carriage earning as much as 3 million kyats a day, Transport and Communications Minister U Thant Zin Maung told the Union Parliament on Monday. New carriages mean better safety and greater convenience for commuters. This will enhance the image of Myanma Railways [MR] while increasing revenue, he said. U Mya Sein, a Lower House lawmaker for Dagon Seikkan Township, called for a tender process to be launched in line with normal procedures. Other lawmakers stressed the need for MR to improve its services. A former MR official told The Irrawaddy on condition of anonymity that such deals are a good way for Myanmar to import new transport technologies, as China is a world leader in railway systems. The Myanmar Railways Strategy 2018 jointly drafted by the Asian Development Bank and the Myanmar government, calls for the purchase of 60 new locomotives, 500 new passenger carriages and 800 freight carriages by 2027. Burma Peoples Party to Align with Ethnic Political Parties U Ko Ko Gyi (center) and members of the Peoples Party. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy NAYPYITAW U Ko Ko Gyi, one of the leaders of the newly established Peoples Party, said the party will align itself with ethnic political parties as its partnership policy. The politician submitted a list of the partys central executive committee to the Union Election Commission in Naypyitaw on Thursday. According to him, the party has 23 members on its central executive committee and a strong membership of some 10,000. We will maintain friendly alliances with ethnic political parties that we established some 30 years ago. We are also ready to cooperate with other like-minded parties that share the same views with us on democracy and federalism, said U Ko Ko Gyi. Dr. Aye Maung, an ethnic Arakanese leader, also said during his trial for high treason and other charges in Sittwe on Monday that he would like to establish alliances with other ethnic parties and Bamar parties like U Ko Ko Gyis in order to form a coalition government in the 2020 general elections. The idea of forming a coalition government has grown following the Nov. 3 by-election in which ethnic parties and the opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won three seats each, although the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) secured seven. It is still just an idea. No discussions have been held yet. The fact that democratic groups might form an alliance should be welcomed. It will happen, I think. But the two major parties assume that they can cover the whole country, so they dont have clear policies regarding party alliances, said spokesperson U Sai Nyunt Lwin of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy. Vice chairman of the Lisu National Development Party U La Mar Lay said the party does not want to establish alliances with political parties outside of ethnic regions. But the party is willing to cooperate with a government led by any party for regional and national development, he added. We believe that it is impossible to forge alliances because we are a small party. Some have urged us to partner with them, stating that they would give us rights. But it is impossible as the election draws near. Each party has their own greed and we have our own greed, he said. The Peoples Party still has not considered which particular parties it will partner with but it has firmly decided to work together with like-minded parties, U Ko Ko Gyi told The Irrawaddy. A third party alliance is likely to materialize but is unlikely to be viable, according to political observers. I dont think a third force alone can win the 2020 election. It will have to partner with either the NLD or USDP. Thinking about it the other way, if either of these two main parties partners with ethnic parties, they will be able to elect the president in the 2020 election, said former Hsipaw Township Lower House lawmaker and political analyst U Ye Htun. Currently, no other party besides the NLD and the USDP with its close ties to the military will be able to elect the president. The USDP will be able to elect the president if it wins 26 percent of the vote and the NLD will need to secure 51 percent of the vote to do so, he added, referring to the 25 percent of seats reserved for the military party in Parliament under the military-drafted Constitution. Critics say public support for the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is declining, as the party failed to realize its campaign promises and bring about tangible changes more than two years into its administration. Ensuring equality for ethnic people and establishing a federal Union is the most fundamental part of nation-building. We have to try to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, said U Ko Ko Gyi. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. Burma RCSS and Govt Peace Negotiators Hold Informal Meetings in Chiang Mai Government peace negotiators led by former Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo, the secretary of the Peace Commission and the RCSS chairman Yawd Serk met for informal talks on Nov. 16, 2018 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. / Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy CHIANG MAI, ThailandGovernment peace negotiators and representatives of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) met informally in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand on Friday as part of a series of informal peace talks led by the government with four major ethnic armed organizations this weekend aimed at finding ways to move forward with the peace process. The government negotiators will meet the Karen National Union (KNU) on Saturday. They will also separately meet the non-signatories Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) on Sunday. The RCSS had stopped participating in meetings with the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC), an implementation body of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) this month, following the KNUs decision not to take part in the formal peace negotiations. After Fridays talk, both sides (the RCSS and the government) told reporters that their discussions focused on seeking different approaches in order to be able to move forward the process within the NCA path. U Zaw Htay, director general of the State Counselors Office told reporters in Chiang Mai after the 80-minute meeting that their talk focused on finding the best possible approach to reducing conflict. Both sides said they had thorough discussions on the aspects of the NCA that are not possible to implement. U Zaw Htay said, Our discussion focused on preventing conflict from being escalated and losing trust. We do not want any trouble on our NCA path. Sai Ngern, secretary of the RCSS also said they had good results from these informal discussions. He said they raised their concerns and desires based on their statement released on Nov. 12 and discussed how to overcome those obstacles as well as the single-army issue and non-secession. The RCSSs statement on Monday said they are committed to the NCA principles but they have not made a pledge to non-secession as it is not stipulated in the NCA text. On the issues of a single army, the RCSS said they would find a way through the informal talks. It demanded a meeting with Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) leaders in order to have a mutual understanding on the JMC and only after that they would decide whether they will continue participation in JMC meetings. It was discussed in Fridays talk, but Sai Ngern did not elaborate on the details of it, saying further informal meetings would be conducted. The RCSS had also pushed for a change to the JMC structure, mechanisms and terms of references and for the consideration of a role for international experts in the JMC. The government delegation is led by U Khin Zaw Oo, secretary of the Peace Commission, accompanied by commission members U Aung Soe, U Zaw Htay, U Kyaw Lin Oo, and advisor U Hla Maung Shwe. RCSS chairman Gen. Yawd Serk led the talk, accompanied by the RCSS deputy commander-in-chief Brig-Gen Pao Khay, secretary Col. Sai Ngern and the spokesman Lt-Col Sai Meng. U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy they would have open discussions with the three other groups over the weekend because we accept there are problems which need to be solved. He expects the informal talks this weekend will yield a solution which is acceptable by both sides. News Minister Claims Refugee Returnees Intimidated by ARSA Rohingya refugee women and children look out across the Balukhali camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh on November 15, 2018. / REUTERS YANGONMinister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Myat Aye has claimed the Rohingya who want to return to Myanmar are being discouraged by threats from affiliates of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). In an exclusive interview published in state-run newspapers on Friday, the minister, who is also chairman of the committee of acceptance and resettlement of returnees, said those who wish to come back from the refugee camps in Bangladesh directly contacted officials on the Myanmar side through Viber to say they have been prevented from doing so, and even prevented from filling out forms required for their repatriation. Among those in the camps over there who want to return, some were tortured and killed in some cases, the minister said, adding that the threats discouraged those who want to voluntarily return to Myanmar. Last year, nearly 700,000 Rohingya fled to nearby Bangladesh after security forces clearance operations in the area following ARSA attacks on police outposts there. The government denounced ARSA as a terrorist group, while the UN has called the Myanmar militarys operations ethnic cleansing. In October, Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed to start the repatriation process for the first group of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar this week. Myanmar has prepared to accept 150 people per day at the repatriation center in Maungdaw Township, northern Rakhine State, starting from Thursday, yet no refugees opted to come back. Minister U Win Myat Aye, accompanied by his deputy U Soe Aung, Minister of Immigration and Population U Thein Swe, and Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu, were waiting for refugees at the Taungpyo Letwei repatriation center. At a press conference held late on Thursday in Naypyitaw regarding repatriation, the Myanmar government said the process has been opened and they will accept anyone who is ready to come back voluntarily. Hundreds of Rohingya protested in the refugee camp of Unchiprang in Teknaf, in Bangladesh, from where the first batch of the Rohingya families were supposed to leave on Thursday. They demanded justice and a guarantee of security and citizenship. Speaking on Thursday to reporters in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, U Win Myat Aye said the government understands the concerns of the refugees, adding that they can guarantee the safety of the returnees if they abide the countrys existing laws. U Win Myat Aye, who also chairs the governments Implementation Committee for Recommendations on Rakhine State, added that the government is working on a citizenship verification process as well as providing freedom of movement as their priorities. News New Zealand to Support Suu Kyi in Finding Resolutions to Rakhine Issues Myanmars state counselor and New Zealands prime minister pose for a photo after their bilateral meeting in Singapore on Wednesday. / Myanmar State Counselors Office / Facebook YANGONNew Zealands prime minister offered to assist Myanmars state counselors efforts in finding resolutions to the Rohingya crisis during a bilateral meeting held during the ASEAN Summit in Singapore this week. The support came amid mounting international pressureincluding the recent revoking of a human rights award from Amnesty Internationalon the Myanmar leader over her handling of the Rohingya issue. At the ASEAN and East Asia Summit on Wednesday, the pair had a brief meeting just before the state counselors met US Vice President Mike Pence who issued the United States strongest rebuke against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yet. New Zealands prime minister Jacinda Ardern said her country shares the international communitys concern on Rakhine States security and development and the ongoing Rohingya repatriation process but also raised New Zealands willingness to assist and to help find a resolution. We, of course, share the concern of the international community around what has happened in Rakhine State, and the ongoing displacement of the Rohingya, Ardern said. She said New Zealand would raise human rights concerns continually but is always willing to help Myanmar. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for neighboring Bangladesh since last August, as a result of the Myanmar militarys clearance operations which followed attacks by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on military and security outposts in northern Rakhine State. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government has faced accusations of whitewashing war crimes committed by the military in Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states, according to the UN fact-finding report released in August this year. The report said the state counselor has not used her de facto position as head of government, nor her moral authority, to stem or prevent the unfolding events or seek alternative avenues to meet her responsibility to protect the civilian population. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also faced strong condemnation during the ASEAN Summit during which she met with a number of country leaders who brought up the militarys persecution under the government she leads. Just one day into the summit, Amnesty International officially withdrew her Ambassador of Conscience award, the highest honor awarded by the rights group, for what their statement said is a shameful betrayal of the values she once stood for. Malaysias prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was trying to defend the indefensible, and that he was very disappointed by her failure to defend the Rohingya. In a meeting which followed that with New Zealands prime minister, US vice president Mike Pence told Daw Aung Suu Kyi that the persecution by Myanmars military was without excuse. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi responded, We can say that we understand our country better than any other country does. And Im sure you will say the same of yours, that you understand your own country better than anybody else does. On Thursday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held a meeting with Chinas premier Li Keqiang who said his country will continue to support the Myanmar governments efforts to protect domestic stability and their approach in resolving the Rohingya issue. On the same day, Bangladesh and Myanmar were to start the repatriation process of the first batch of verified displaced persons. Instead, a group of Rohingya held a protest saying they would refuse to return to Myanmar without being granted official citizenship. The Myanmar government has said no refugees have returned yet but that the repatriation process is still open. According to New Zealand media reports, Ardern said she did not face any defense from the state counselor during the meeting and that they shared concerns over the Rohingya crisis. Theres no doubt that the situation is complex, incredibly complex, Ardern is quoted in a New Zealand media report. But for international actors, its all about making a position on those human rights issues heard and then seeing what we can do to facilitate support. Pences latest comments follow a major speech in October in which he flagged a tougher approach by Washington towards Beijing, accusing China of malign efforts to undermine US President Donald Trump and reckless military actions in the South China Sea. Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations on there was no place for empire and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to Chinas rise. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of shipborne trade passes each year. The South China Sea doesnt belong to any one nation, and you can be sure: The United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows and our national interests demand, Pence said. The United States has conducted a series of freedom of navigation exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty. SINGAPORE US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route. An aerial view of the China occupied Subi Reef at the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. / Reuters An aerial view of the China occupied Subi Reef at the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. / Reuters World Pence Says South China Sea Doesn't Belong to Any One Nation Finance For Electricity Access Too Little, Too Dirty: Energy Body 24-Hour Electricity in Rakhine to Be Delivered by End of Year Ten Things to do in Yangon This Week Millions of Small Asian Farmers Miss Out on Seeds Resilient to Climate Change: Study UN Will Not Help Myanmar with Long-term Camps for Rohingya: Document Foreign Investment in Myanmar on the Rise: Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance Rohingya Repatriation to Myanmar Will Not Begin on Thursday: Sources US Returns 'Bells of Balangiga' to Philippines a Century After Clash Two Badly Burned as Fireworks Fall on Crowd at Balloon Festival Govt to Name Finalists For Yangon Elevated Expressway Project This Month Pence Says South China Sea Doesn't Belong to Any One Nation We do not encourage viewing this site in this width. Please increase the size of your window. Commentary Lack of Constructive Ideas on Display at Pence, Suu Kyi Meeting State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence hold a bilateral meeting in Singapore on Nov. 14, 2018. / Reuters Remarks about Rohingya refugees by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of this weeks ASEAN summit in Singapore have caused a stir in Myanmar. Delivering the Trump administrations most high-profile criticism to date of the persecution of Rohingya Muslims, Pence said at a press briefing attended by the two that state violence against the group was without excuse. Im anxious to hear about the progress that youre making, holding those accountable who are responsible for the violence that displaced so many hundreds of thousands and created such suffering, including the loss of life, he said. Some in Myanmar bristled at the vice presidents remarks, viewing them as patronizing, and took offense at the sight of a foreigner lecturing their leader about an issue their country is grappling with. On the other hand, at least one aspect of his comments was met with amusement here. The punch line for many in Myanmar came when Pence expressed concern about freedom of the press in Myanmar, raising the issue of the arrest of two Reuters journalists last year. In America, we believe in our democratic institutions and ideals, including a free and independent press, Pence said. Given the fondness of the current occupant of the White House for mocking and insulting journalistsnot to mention his condemnation of those who would hold him accountable as enemies of the people and their reporting as fake newsPences comments are hard to swallow. People took to Facebook and other social media to drop a line or two on what they thought of the vice presidents comments. Some suggested that rather than Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, his preaching on democratic institutions and ideals would best be aimed at his own boss. Unsurprisingly, they applauded Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for standing up to Pence: In a way, we can say that we understand our country better than any other country does and Im sure you will say the same of yours, that you understand your country better than anybody else does, she said. So, we are in a better position to explain to you what is happening and how we see things panning out. However, she was not free from criticism herself. Some were astonished by the directness of her comments; others said she had been undiplomatic. Rather than adopting Pences confrontational tone, they said, she should have explained that Myanmar is going through a difficult time, especially with regard to the Rohingya, and asked for greater collaboration from the U.S. to tackle the issue. By failing to do so, some said, she missed an opportunity. The brief exchange between the leaders could have been very different if Pence had come up with a more positive approach, rather than informing the State Counselor that Im anxious to hear about the progress you are makingholding those accountable who are responsible for the violence. Instead of waiting to hear on the progress of efforts to facilitate the Rohingyas voluntary return, the U.S. should collaborate more not only with Myanmar but also with Bangladesh, the UNHCR and the UNDP to help speed the repatriation process, which is experiencing hiccups. Only this approach can make a positive difference. As for Myanmars leadership, caution is required with every stepespecially at this time when the international community has very little sympathy for Naypyitaw over the Rohingya issue. As an example of this, one need only look at the last-minute warnings from the UN and rights groups regarding the repatriation process, which came despite the governments repeated announcements that it is ready to welcome those who return voluntarily. At the same time, as we understand our country better than any other country does, Myanmar should keep searching for ways to facilitate repatriation that are in line with the countrys existing laws. The process must be implemented in tandem with Kofi Annans Advisory Commissions other recommendations, which call for a roadmap for the development of the whole of Rakhine State. Successful implementation of those 88 recommendations would probably be the only way for Myanmar to earn international trust on the issue. This would be more likely to happen if the majority of the international community showed understanding and took a helpful approach toward Myanmar, as some other countries have. For Myanmar itself, it would be wiser to seek more supporters, rather than risk further alienation by resorting to harsh words. Halloween and Christmas have no end of themed movies to watch, but, tucked in-between, poor Thanksgiving has a more limited list. So we racked our bird brains and stretched our wings to scratch up 20 essential movies that fit the bill. Some are full-on Thanksgiving classics, others contain just an important scene or two set at the holiday. Others are simply about food and/or dysfunctional families. No matter how chaotic or peaceful your holiday winds up, youll find something on this list to make the day a little lighter. Recent delectables Private Life (Netflix) Netflix Richard (Paul Giamatti) and Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) try just about everything to have a child in Private Life. Director Tamara Jenkins last gave us The Savages (2007) and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay, but for some reason, she didn't or couldn't make a follow-up until the equally excellent Private Life (2018), 11 years later. A Netflix original, this movie about a middle-aged New York couple trying every conceivable method to have a baby contains a wonderfully awkward Thanksgiving scene that will be worth re-watching for years to come. Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn play the couple, Richard and Rachel, flitting back and forth between adoption centers and fertility treatments, until they come upon a plan. Uneasy with the idea of an anonymous egg donor, their sort-of niece Sadie (Kayli Carter)the child of Richard's brother's wife from a former marriagebegins to look like a good candidate. To their joy, Sadie agrees, but then the fallout starts. Jenkins is brilliant at juggling the unruly emotions of smart people, and somehow making their stories universal, funny, and heartbreaking. This is a wonderful film. John Carroll Lynch, Molly Shannon, and Denis O'Hare co-star. Lady Bird (Amazon Prime) A24/Focus Features Danny (Lucas Hedges) invites Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) to Thanksgiving, much to her mother's chagrin, in Lady Bird. Already an established star of indies and "mumblecore" films, Greta Gerwig made her directing debut with Lady Bird (2017), a quirky little character study that received heaps of acclaim and earned five Oscar nominations. She also wrote the original screenplay, and like her earlier Frances Ha, this one allows itself to move almost as if by impulse, following whatever character or action feels the most interesting, or weirdly funny, at the time. Saoirse Ronan is wonderful as the title character, who gave herself her own nickname and clashes constantly with her mother (an equally great Laurie Metcalf). As she tries to figure out how to get out of Sacramento and into college, she frequently gets herself into trouble, meets a couple of boys (Lucas Hedges, Timothee Chalamet), and attends a peculiar Thanksgiving party inside a huge, beautiful house she has always dreamed of living in. The great playwright and actor Tracy Letts co-stars as Lady Bird's kindhearted, unemployed father. Boyhood (Netflix) IFC Films Mason (Ellar Coltrane) spends the night with his divorced dad (Ethan Hawke) in Boyhood. This masterpiece from director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, School of Rock) might seem daunting, given that it was filmed over the course of 12 years, from 2002 to 2014, charting Mason (Ellar Coltrane) from ages 5 to 18, and runs three hours. But every minute is well-deserved, and it's bursting with life and joy as well as a little taste of the bittersweet. Boyhood (2014) follows Mason as he maneuvers through life with his divorced parents (Ethan Hawke and an Oscar-winning Patricia Arquette) and his sister (Lorelei Linklater), and dealing with his mother's drunken boyfriend, bullies, and girls, as well as a brief, but awkward Thanksgiving dinner. There are dozens of little moments that seem ordinary, but taken within the context of the big picture, they become unforgettable. "Life don't give you bumpers." Krisha (Amazon Prime) A24 Troubled Krisha (Krisha Fairchild, right) spends an unpredictable Thanksgiving with her family in Krisha. Trey Edward Shults directed this incredibly penetrating, vivid drama based on his own short film and featuring members of his own family. Krisha (pronounced "KREE-sha" and played by Shults' aunt Krisha Fairchild, in a magnificent performance) shows up for Thanksgiving, apparently recovering from drinking or drug problems, or worse. Overweight and huffing and puffing, and draped in curtains of fabric, the needy, unhinged Krisha causes the rest of her family (all played by members of the real-life clan) to be on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Shults directs Krisha (2016) in a strange, grimy mix of realism highlighted by long, sustained takes, and moments of nightmarish insanity. Especially explosive, tense moments play out in slow-motion or in spinning whirligigs. It's a searing work, but packed into a tight, pulsing 83 minutes. Off the Beaten Turkey Path Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Netflix) The Weinstein Company Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) think they've found a solution for their money troubles in Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Despite its title, Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) is, surprisingly, a candidate for Kevin Smith's best film, and easily the equal of Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. It does have its fair share of rude humor and nudity, of course, but it's also genuinely emotional and mature in the way that it deals with sex and love. It focuses on lifelong platonic friends Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (a great Elizabeth Banks, allowed to be loopy and funny). The night before Thanksgiving, they attend a high school reunion and run into a former bully (Brandon Routh), who is now dating a gay porn star (Justin Long). When their finances dwindle to a dangerous low, Zack and Miri are inspired to make their own porn movie to raise some quick cash. The result is occasionally crude, but often sweetly funny, embracing the awkwardness that emerges from this decidedly non-sexy film shoot. Craig Robinson, Jeff Anderson (from Clerks, no relation to me), Jason Mewes, former porn star Traci Lords, current porn star Katie Morgan, and legendary horror make-up and effects man Tom Savini co-star. The Stepfather (1987) (Amazon Prime, Hoopla, TubiTV) Shout! Factory Terry O'Quinn plays a man forever searching for the perfect family unit, at any price, in The Stepfather. This classic, but still largely unsung horror/thriller stars Terry O'Quinn as the squeaky-clean Jerry Blake, who woos and marries widows, hoping to form the perfect family unit. Hitchcock made movies about ordinary-looking psychopaths walking among us in plain sight, but The Stepfather (1987), written by crime novelist Donald E. Westlake and directed by Joseph Ruben, goes several steps further. With playful black humor, unexpected smarts, and a dash of honest-to-goodness horror movie stabbings, it slices away at the conformity of suburban life and the nuclear family, going so far as to include a perfect, twisted Thanksgiving sequence. Shelley Hack co-stars as Jerry's newest conquest, Jill Schoelen plays the teen daughter who doesn't quite trust Jerry, and Stephen Shellen plays a vengeful former brother-in-law on Jerry's trail. Classic feasts Avalon (RentaliTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, etc.from $2.99) TriStar Pictures Little Michael Kaye (Elijah Wood) lives through turbulent times with his immigrant family in America in Avalon. The third in Barry Levinson's "Baltimore" series, Avalon (1990) is a sweet, sentimental trip through time, focusing on routines as well as on bumps in the road, and smoothly coated in Allen Daviau's lush, Oscar-nominated cinematography. It begins as Sam Krichinsky comes to America in 1914, on the Fourth of July, wandering the streets lit up by fireworks. (He's wonderfully played by Armin Mueller-Stahl in the present day.) He and his four brothers begin to raise their families in the new world. There's a Thanksgiving ritual in which one brother is always late; one year he is a bit too late, which starts a small feud ("You cut the toikey witout me?"). Older cousins Jules (Aidan Quinn) and Izzy (Kevin Pollak) attempt to capture the American dream by opening a department store. Little Elijah Wood would have been about 8 or 9 here, playing Jules' son. The overall effect is warm, sweet, and sad, all at once. Other Oscar nominations included Best Screenplay, Best Score (Randy Newman), and Best Costume Design. Home for the Holidays (Starz, rental) Paramount Pictures Claudia (Holly Hunter) goes home for a chaotic Thanksgiving, shared by potential new flame Leo (Dylan McDermott) in Home for the Holidays. Written by the brilliant W.D. Richter, and directed with spirit and soul by Jodie Foster, Home for the Holidays (1995) is a wonderful, big-hearted, messy Thanksgiving story with poor Holly Hunter suffering the worst holiday of her life. She plays art restorer Claudia Larson who loses her joband comes down with a coldjust before flying home for Thanksgiving. (Worse, she loses her stylish coat and must borrow a hideous, out-of-date, lumpy one.) Her family is typically insane, if not totally dysfunctional. Some members are uptight, and some are more carefree. An aged aunt (Geraldine Chaplin) is a little loopy, and dad (Charles Durning) is more complicated than he seems. In a beautiful scene, Claudia catches him watching old home movies, openly joyful and weeping. Though the great cast is all exceptional, Robert Downey Jr. especially shines as Hunter's hilarious, uninhibited brother. Weirdly, the movie flopped in theaters, but has become something of a holiday cult classic since. The Ice Storm (Rental Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, etc. from $2.99) The Criterion Collection The Hood family, Ben (Kevin Kline), Elena (Joan Allen), and Wendy (Christina Ricci) have a topsy-turvy 1973 Thanksgiving in The Ice Storm. The Taiwan-born, but decidedly international filmmaker Ang Lee has made films about mismatched partners, tortured souls, and characters displaced within their environments, searching for solace. In The Ice Storm (1997), these elements come together all in one film. Based on the novel by Rick Moody and set in 1973, in an era when husbands and wives were playing at "key parties," a typically cracked family assembles for Thanksgiving. The father (Kevin Kline) is having an affair, the mother (Joan Allen) is having a spiritual crisis, the 14-year-old daughter (Christina Ricci) likes to play sexual games, and 16 year-old son (Tobey Maguire) is sexually inexperienced but obsessed with a pretty girl at school (Katie Holmes). Lee provides succinct dialog readings and scenes that sum up great waves of emotions and conflict. Most striking is the ice storm of the title, wherein one of the characters finds himself in awe of, and at odds with, the beautiful, bitter landscape. Sigourney Weaver is magnificent as a woman of many affairs. Pieces of April (Amazon Prime, Hulu, Epix) MGM/United Artists April (Katie Holmes) prepares to cook Thanksgiving dinner for her visiting family in Pieces of April. Screenwriter Peter Hedges made his directing debut with this, another of the all-time best Thanksgiving movies. Katie Holmes is April, the black sheep of the Burns family, who had the nerve to move to New York and shack up with an African-American boyfriend, Bobby (Derek Luke). Her family has loaded up the car and prepares to drive to April's cluttered, unsophisticated apartment for the holiday meal. Holmes is by herself in many of her scenes, and creates a vivid, memorable character, but Patricia Clarkson is particularly great as the mother, diagnosed with terminal cancer and having reached an "honest-is-best" stage. Oliver Platt plays her husband, banking on the fact that dinner will be awful and stocking up on Krispy Kremes. Beth (Alison Pill) is the good daughter, while son Timmy (John Gallagher Jr.) cheerfully photographs everything. Hedges shot on digital video, and it feels honest, falling into wonderfully human gray areas. Happily, this chatty movie also knows when to shut up, as it does in the poignant final scenes. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (RentalAmazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, etc.from $2.99) Paramount Mismatched pair Neal (Steve Martin) and Del (John Candy) struggle to get home for the holidays in Planes, Trains & Automobiles. John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) could have gone wrong in so many ways, but the superb casting, and touches of intelligence and tenderness, make it a beloved classic and one of the best of all Thanksgiving movies. Steve Martin plays an uptight, snobby businessman trying to make it home for Thanksgiving when his flight is canceled. He ends up reluctantly paired with a cheerful, obnoxious loudmouth shower-ring salesman (John Candy), and together they attempt a difficult, miserable, but hilarious road trip. Some of their more memorable scenes ("Those aren't pillows!") have already gone down in movie history. The sweet, heartbreaking final payoff is well earned. In one of the more embarrassing incidents in MPAA history, this sweet, innocuous movie earned an "R" rating thanks to one scene in which Steve Martin loses it, launches into a tirade, and uses the "f" word 18 times. Click here for nine more of our favorite Thanksgiving flicks! The Federal Government is yet to properly define in its encryption bill what a systemic weakness means, and the question came up more than once for discussion during the second hearing on the bill before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Security and Intelligence. Labor Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus raised the question of a definition with Dr Vanessa Teague, a researcher from Melbourne University, who was appearing before the panel in an individual capacity, along with her colleague, Dr Chris Culnane, in Sydney on Friday. Dr Teague was more inclined to follow the definition handed out by the head of the Australian Signals Directorate, Mike Burgess, during the committee's first hearing on the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 on 19 October. Burgess had said: "A systemic weakness is one that would be available to everyone. It would be one thing to ask for assistance to get access to something, but the action undertaken to provide that in that targeted case might actually jeopardise the information of other people as a result of that action being taken." Dr Teague said the definition floated by Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo was much narrower. "...'systemic' intrinsically means 'pertaining to the whole system'. It is something that operates at the level of the system," was his take, again made on 19 October. The draft bill says that "A technical assistance notice or technical capability notice must not have the effect of: "(a) requiring a designated communications provider to implement or build a systemic weakness, or a systemic vulnerability, into a form of electronic protection; or "(b) preventing a designated communications provider from rectifying a systemic weakness, or a systemic vulnerability, in a form of electronic protection." Dreyfus also raised the issue of whether the encryption bill, if passed in its current form, would get in the way of Australia being able to negotiate a deal with the US under its Cloud Act. The Cloud Act, passed in March, has changed US law so that law-enforcement warrants apply to data stored anywhere in the world by US-based tech firms. But the companies have the right to challenge warrants in court, based on privacy laws in the specific country where the data is stored. Neither Daniel Weitzner, who appeared on behalf of the Internet Policy research Initiative of the Masschusetts Institute of Technology, nor American cryptography fellow Riana Pfefferkorn were able to provide a clear answer to that one. Weitzner pointed out that secrecy provisions of the bill created a new class of security risk. It would result in situations where service providers would have to lie about the quality of the service they were providing, he said. He also stressed the fact that it was only openness and transparency that would lead to any vulnerabilities in code being discovered. Introducing vulnerabilities in order to compromise an individual or a group and then keeping it secret would probably end up with the vulnerability being discovered anyway and used by the so-called bad guys. Margaret Stone, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Commonwealth Ombudsman Michael Manthorpe and Australian Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow also appeared before the panel during the morning session. Data centre operator Data Exchange Networks has appointed 20-year industry veteran John Duffin to its board as a non-executive director as the company expands its modular data centre solutions. A statement from DXN said Duffin had most recently been the South Asia managing director of the Uptime Institute, a trusted and adopted global standard for the design, build and operation of reliable data centres. Duffin is a chartered engineer who has experience in mechanical and electrical engineering design, consultancy and business operations in Asia, Japan, Australia and the UK. DXN chief executive and co-founder Peter Christie said: John has unparalleled experience within the Asian data centre industry which will help inform and drive our aggressive expansion plans into the burgeoning Asian data centre market. "He has a vast network and wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to Data Exchange Networks strategic business operations. Duffin said, Ive been immersed in the data centre industry in South East Asia for over two decades and Data Exchange Networks globally innovative data centre approach is particularly well placed to capitalise on the exponential growth in demand for agile and flexible data centre solutions in the Colocation and Edge Markets. "Im looking forward to working with the DXN management team to assist with their strategic operations as they embark upon their next stage of development. DXN claims it will soon be the only developer able to deliver Tier-III and Tier-IV, pre-fabricated modular data centres. It is currently building two colocation centres in Melbourne and Sydney with additional centres slated for development throughout 2019/20. The emergence of Vaporworms a new breed of fileless malware with wormlike properties that allow it to self-propagate through vulnerable systems global Internet disruption and rogue AI chatbots are among the security threats predicted to hit the world in 2019, according to a new report. Security firm Watchguard Technologies says a takedown of the Internet itself is a threat in 2019, along with ransomware targeting utilities and industrial control systems. WatchGuards Threat Lab research team developed the predictions based on an analysis of major security and threat trends over the past year. Cyber criminals are continuing to reshape the threat landscape as they update their tactics and escalate their attacks against businesses, governments, and even the infrastructure of the Internet itself, said Corey Nachreiner, chief technology officer at WatchGuard Technologies. The Threat Labs 2019 predictions span from highly likely to audacious, but consistent across all eight is that theres hope for preventing them. Organisations of all sizes need to look ahead at what new threats might be around the corner, prepare for evolving attacks and ensure theyre equipped with layered security defenses to meet them head-on. Heres WatchGuard Threat Labs 2019 Security Predictions for 2019: 1. Vaporworms or fileless malware worms will emerge. Fileless malware strains will exhibit wormlike properties in 2019, allowing them to self-propagate by exploiting software vulnerabilities. Fileless malware is more difficult for traditional endpoint detection to identify and block because it runs entirely in memory, without ever dropping a file onto the infected system. Combine that trend with the number of systems running unpatched software vulnerable to certain exploits, and 2019 will be the year of the vaporworm. 2. Attackers will hold the Internet hostage. A hacktivist collective or nation-state will launch a coordinated attack against the infrastructure of the internet in 2019. The protocol that controls the internet (BGP) operates largely on the honour system, and a 2016 DDoS attack against hosting provider Dyn showed that a single attack against a hosting provider or registrar could take down major websites. The bottom line? The internet itself is ripe for the taking by someone with the resources to DDoS multiple critical points underpinning the Internet or abuse the underlying protocols themselves. 3. Escalations in state-level cyber attacks force a UN cyber security treaty. The UN will more forcefully tackle the issue of state-sponsored cyber attacks by enacting a multinational Cyber Security Treaty in 2019. 4. AI-driven chatbots go rogue. In 2019, cyber criminals and black hat hackers will create malicious chatbots on legitimate sites to socially engineer unknowing victims into clicking malicious links, downloading files containing malware, or sharing private information. 5. A major biometric hack will be the beginning of the end for single-factor authentication. As biometric logins like Apples FaceID become more common, hackers will take advantage of the false sense of security they encourage and crack a biometric-only login method at scale to pull off a major attack. As a result, 2019 will see strong growth in the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added protection among groups with more security knowledge, particularly push-based authentication and MFA for Cloud application defence. 6. A nation-state will take fire sale attacks from fiction to reality. In the Die Hard film series, a fire sale was a fictional three-pronged cyber-attack, targeting a city or states transportation operations, financial systems, public utilities and communication infrastructure. The fear and confusion caused during this attack was designed to allow the terrorists to siphon off huge sums of money undetected. Modern cyber security incidents suggest that nation-states and terrorists have developed these capabilities, so 2019 may be the first year one of these multi-pronged attacks is launched to cover up a hidden operation. 7. Hackers will cause real-world blackouts as targeted ransomware focuses on utilities and industrial control systems. Targeted ransomware campaigns will cause chaos in 2019 by targeting industrial control systems and public utilities for larger payoffs. The average payment demand will increase by over 6500 percent, from an average of $300 to $20,000 per attack. These assaults will result in real-world consequences like city-wide blackouts and the loss of access to public utilities. 8. A WPA3 Wi-Fi network will be hacked using one of the six Wi-Fi threat categories. Hackers will use rogue APs, Evil Twin APs, or any of the six known Wi-Fi threat categories (as defined by the Trusted Wireless Environment Framework) to compromise a WPA3 Wi-Fi network in 2019, despite enhancements to the new WPA3 encryption standard. Unless more comprehensive security is built into the Wi-Fi infrastructure across the entire industry, users can be fooled into feeling safe with WPA3 while still being susceptible to attacks like Evil Twin APs. The US Justice Department is getting ready to prosecute WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange and is increasingly confident that it will be able to extradite him to the country so that he can be questioned in an American court. A report in The Wall Street Journal cited people in Washington who are familiar with the matter as saying they were encouraged by recent developments around Assange who has been taking refuge in Ecuador's London embassy since June 2012. It said over the last year, US officials had discussed various charges that could be levelled against Assange. The WikiLeaks publisher had had restrictions on his Internet and telephone use placed on him by Ecuador and filed a case against it which he lost. His lawyers are appealing the verdict. Ecuador cut off Assange's Internet access and phone lines in March, but said recently it would restore them if he adhered to some conditions. Assange has said that he fears being extradited to the US if he leaves the embassy in London. Last year, US officials said arresting him was a top priority. The WSJ report said there had been thought given to publicly indicting Assange in order to provide Ecuador with a reason to evict him from the London embassy. The charges were not specified but the sources involved said they could include the US Espionage Act. Assange's problems began when he visited Sweden in August 2010 to attend a conference where he was scheduled to give a talk. During that visit, he had sex with two women whom he met. The pair filed rape and molestation complaints against him later, claims that he denied. He was questioned by Swedish authorities and cleared. He could have left the country then and there, but stayed for a while, in case the authorities decided to question him again. Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest on 20 November 2010. On 27 November, Assange surrendered to authorities and appeared before a Westminster judge. He was granted bail in December after his backers provided 240,000 in cash and sureties. A legal back and forth eventuated and went on until June 2012, when Swedish prosecutors sought his extradition. Assange's lawyers, among them the world-renowned Australian Geoffrey Robertson, replied that if he agreed to the extradition request, then he could be flown to the US from there. On 19 June 2012, he jumped bail and took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy, seeking asylum in the South American country. British police surrounded the building and blocked any chance of his leaving. Ecuador granted him asylum in August 2012. He has had to stay inside the four walls of the embassy since then. He was granted Ecuadorian citizenship by a former president of the country, Rafael Correa. The Australian Labor Party says Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has finally dumped his original plan to abolish the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman after the government put forward a list of recommendations that it said would strengthen the role of the TIO. "Its no secret the ministers original option was part of a devious plan to install his Liberal mates at the head of a much diminished complaints body that would have left consumers to fend for themselves," Labor Shadow Communications Minister Michelle Rowland claimed in a statement. "That ridiculous plan lasted all of five months about the same period of time it seemingly takes the minister to pick up papers in his in-tray." The government on Thursday announced it had made a further 32 recommendations as outlined in Part A of the Consumer Safeguards Review. The three-part review, announced in April 2018, examines how to better protect telco customers in a landscape that the government says has seen massive change over the last two decades. Rowland said Fifield had now produced a "mish-mash of recommendations", many of which, she claimed, "fail to explain how the proposed changes will improve the lived experience of consumers". "What is clear is that despite the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison Government now being in its sixth year, Mitch Fifield continues to be a weathervane in search of a policy principle," Rowland said. "Labors position on consumer protection has been consistent and simple: we believe industry incentives and accountability must be aligned firmly with consumer outcomes. Our priority is to address the incentives and root causes which give rise to complaints this means clear lines of accountability and less complexity. "This is why Labor has announced it will establish an NBN Service Guarantee, with clear incentives and penalties to improve outcomes for consumers and small businesses. Only Labor will continue to put consumers first because that is what we stand for." The government consultation paper for Part B of the review, Reliability of Telecommunications Services, was also released on Thursday and submissions are due by 21 December. Part B is based on the fundamental principle that all Australians should be able to connect to, and stay connected to, a reliable fixed service. These job seekers include 27 and 16 senior execs from Myntra and Jabong respectively. Some 700 employees of Myntra and 519 employees of Jabong, the fashion and lifestyle brands of Flipkart, too have posted their CVs on the job portal. Bengaluru: Something is not quite right at the countys e-com rockstar, Flipkart, after it hit a $16 billion Walmart jackpot in May this year. If sheer data is anything go by, over 6,500 employees of Flipkart and its subsidiaries, including Myntra, Jabong, PhonePe and Ekart, are actively job hunting on the countrys top notch career site, Naukri.com. A research found that some 5,275 Flipkart employees, across all profiles and seniorities, have floated their CVs on the portal of which 2,031 are from the companys home-town, Bangalore. If you take a close look at the profiles of these applications, some 188 are senior professionals and directors (deputy, senior, associate) earning above `30 lakh plus per annum. Some 700 employees of Myntra and 519 employees of Jabong, the fashion and lifestyle brands of Flipkart, too have posted their CVs on the job portal. These job seekers include 27 and 16 senior execs from Myntra and Jabong respectively. Though strange, it looks like almost 50 per cent of Jabong employees are on a career search. Some of these profiles include logistics, testing, business analysis, software development and data analysis. Meanwhile refuting media reports of a possible exit of Ananth Narayanan, the CEO of Myntra and Jabong, the company said he will continue to lead the team. Interestingly, some 80 per cent of these job applications have come on the portal in the last two to three months, observe recruiters. Also, the number of Flipkart employee profiles out in the job market could only go up if other job portals and career platforms are researched, say recruiters. B.S. Murthy a top tech hirer and CEO of Leadership Capital said, Looks like Indias e-com poster boy Flipkart is heading towards a serious attrition issue if employee concerns and career future issues are not addressed immediately. A senior Flipkart executive said, Prior to the Walmart deal, there was a lot of hype and hope about being part of a global giant. Few employees are positive now. Internal sources say, a bunch of senior execs in Binnys coterie may be asked to leave by CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy. With reference to the recent speculation about a half of Jabongs workforce would get pink slips, the temp staffing firm TeamLease said this move was just an indication and outcome of the merger. Reel-life Bajirao-Mastani announced their wedding dates on October 21 on social media after dating over 6 years. Mumbai: With Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh completing their two-day nuptials in a location overlooking the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, Ranveer's Mumbai residence has been decked up with serial lights and flowers to welcome the newlyweds. While the entrance of the house was covered in a string of golden lights, branches of trees in the area were also seen lit up to celebrate the occasion. B-Town's power couple tied the knot in Lake Como in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14, while a Sindhi wedding was organised on November 15, both of which were attended by close-knit relatives of the two actors. Reel-life Bajirao and Mastani had announced their wedding dates on October 21 on social media after dating for over 6 years. The couple, who is expected to return to India later this week, will reportedly host two grand receptions for their relatives and friends- one in Bengaluru and the other in Mumbai. The KMSS and Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) on Thursday urged the government to release the arrested protesters. The Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia on Thursday warned that administration would take strong steps against anyone trying to break the law. (Photo: PTI) Guwahati: Fearing unruly scene during the protest march to what they are calling Sankalpa Shikha Jatra by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti having the support of 70 indigenous organisations against citizenship bill on Friday, the state administration has imposed Section 144 banning the assembling of more than five people at once place in the capital city area. The Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia on Thursday warned that administration would take strong steps against anyone trying to break the law. We are keepin g a close watch on the situation, he said. The KMSS led by noted RTI activist Akhil Gogoi which had launched a mass contact journey all over the state to create awareness against the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 is determined to conclude his protest march in Dispur on Friday. The state administration has not granted them permission to hold the concluding rally in Guwahati but leader of these organisations have threatened to defy the government order by gathering in large number near Dispur capital complex to register their protest. Earlier during the day, police arrested the protesters from Sadia, Dhubri and Diphu at Tamulpur and Sipajhar while they were proceeding towards Guwahati. The KMSS and Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) on Thursday urged the government to release the arrested protesters. They also claimed that the protesters didnt cause any trouble and peacefully marching towards Guwahati. The KMSS leaders claimed that protestors belonging to 70 indigenous groups from all over the state would assemble near Janata Bhawan the capital complex on Friday. We had sought the permission to hold this protest march but police turned it down because of political reasons, he said adding that even after that they are determined to hold the protest march on Friday. It is significant that section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibits assembly of more than 5 persons, agitation, demonstration, processions and shouting slogans in the entire West Police District covering areas under Bharalumukh, Fatshil Ambari, Gorchuk, Jalukbari and Azara Police Station without prior permission from the competent authority. The KMSS leaders also feared that that BJP and RSS workers are also planning to attack the protesters on Friday in Guwahati. The home ministry sources said the earlier decision of withdrawing such cases during the tenure of former CM Mufti was an isolated incident. Last month an Army jawan was killed in the Valley by the stone pelters evoking sharp reaction not just from Gen Rawat but the security establishment as well. (Representational image) New Delhi: Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have decided not to grant any further relief to those involved in incidents of stone pelting, even if they are first time offenders. The home ministry sources said the earlier decision of withdrawing such cases during the tenure of former CM Mehbooba Mufti was an isolated incident and no amnesty from now on would be given to stone pelters. Earlier this year both Centre and the J&K Government, in which BJP was a coalition partner, had decided to grant amnesty to 9,730 stone pelters after it was decided to withdraw 1,745 such cases majority of which were of first time offenders. But sources said now that the State is under governors Rule both home ministry and the state administration have decided to take a tough line against stone pelters and have decided that no further amnesty would be provided such offenders in future. Even Army Chief Bipin Rawat also in the recent past has come out strongly against the role of stone pelters specially when the target security forces during an ongoing operation. Last month an Army jawan was killed in the Valley by the stone pelters evoking sharp reaction not just from Gen Rawat but the security establishment as well. In fact, sources added, now that J&K was under Governors Rule security forces want that stone pelters and those protestors obstructing security forces during an ongoing anti-terror operation should be booked under stringent provisions of the law. We have already requested both the Home Ministry and the State administration that cases against these stone pelters should be lodged under strict provisions of the law so that it sends out a strong message. Clearly, the earlier amnesty scheme failed to stop incidents of stone pelting so now we need to take a tough stand against them. Both Army and para-military forces involved in counter insurgency operations in the Valley are on the same page on this issue. Centre and State have assured us that no further relief from now on would be given to these stone pelters, a senior security official added. Centres interlocutor on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, who also happens to be the former chief of Intelligence Bureau, is also not likely to make any recommendation which would provide any relief to stone pelters or similar offenders. SEXSMITH, Alberta, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angkor Gold Corp. (TSXV: ANK and OTC: ANKOF) (Angkor or the Company) President J.P. Dau is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling on its Banlung Property in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia. The current drilling campaign underway at Banlung is part of a commitment by Hommy 5 Resources Inc. (Hommy Resources) to fund up to $3.65MM USD of exploration work on the Property. Angkors Banlung property includes the Okalla East high sulphidation gold/porphyry copper target and the Okalla West low sulphidation epithermal gold target. We are very pleased to now be drilling the gold targets developed in the previous auger programs conducted by Angkor on the Banlung property, said J.P. Dau, Angkors President. Hommy Resources has been an excellent fit to our team and we are very much looking forward to the drill results. Exploration Program Highlights: The drill program will consist of approximately 3250 metres of RC and AC drilling on a linear gold anomaly within a previously identified alkalic intrusive complex at Okalla West. The anomaly to be tested is approximately two kilometres in length from north to south and some 1.5 kilometres wide from east to west. Mapping and a continuation of the auger sampling program are currently underway testing the south of the anomaly. An aerial survey is planned using state-of-the-art eBee drone equipment over both the Okalla East high sulphidation gold/porphyry copper target and the Okalla West low sulphidation epithermal gold target. The survey will provide important relative topographical control. Banlung Project Highlights Angkors Banlung property includes two primary prospects - Okalla West and Okalla East. The styles of mineralization and alteration observed during Angkors previous exploration at Okalla West and Okalla East are typical of mineralization associated with alkaline systems. Both display an epithermal style gold mineralization system containing elevated gold values in addition to other base metals in structures without abundant quartz. Approximately USD $1.2 million in exploration work has been done at Banlung since the beginning of 2017, including shallow drilling to investigate and better understand the underlying structure. In addition to drilling, the entire license area has previously been the subject of an aeromagnetic survey, satellite imagery geological interpretation, with reconnaissance field truth mapping and multi-element stream sediment geochemical survey, as well as extensive grab sample, termite mound and auger sampling. The Company previously reported a bonanza zone in 2011 which included an intercept of high grade gold at Okalla East of 86.0 gpt Au over 1m, at 101m to 102m in drill hole BL11-026 (see Company press release of March 1, 2018). Note that this is a selected interval of mineralization and is not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property. A link between gold mineralization and alkaline rocks can be found in many cases around the world, including some of the largest gold deposits such as the Cripple Creek deposit in Colorado, Brucejack Gold mine in Canada and Porgera in Papua New Guinea. ABOUT ANGKOR GOLD CORP. ANGKOR Gold Corp. is a public company listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange and is a leading mineral explorer in Cambodia with a large land package and a first-mover advantage building strong relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders. ABOUT HOMMY 5 RESOURCES INC. Hommy 5 Resources Inc. is a private company based in Alberta, Canada. It is a family fund of Canadian investors experienced in the resource sector. The Banlung Property is being explored under a USD $3.65 million earn-in exploration agreement with Angkor Gold Corp. announced September 19, 2018. Dennis Ouellette, B.Sc, P.Geo., is a member of The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA #104257) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). He is the Companys VP Exploration and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. On behalf of the Board, Mike Weeks Executive Chairman, Angkor Gold Corp. CONTACT: Stephen Burega, CEO Telephone: +1 (647) 515-3734 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: http://www.angkorgold.ca or follow us on Twitter @AngkorGold. 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. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute forward-looking information. In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The BJP chief also lambasted Mr Gandhi for seeking account of the four years of the Modi government. Bhopal: BJP national president Amit Shah on Thursday took a jibe at his Congress counterpart, Rahul Gandhi, for bashing Prime Minister Narendra Modi day-in-day-out. Rahul Baba seems to be suffering from Modi phobia, he said. Launching his second phase campaign for BJP from Barwani in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Shah said, Rahul Baba utters Mr Modis name every time and everywhere, no matter what issue he talks on. He sees Modi everywhere. But I do not find fault with him since he finds Mr Modi in the hearts of people wherever he goes in the country, Mr Shah quipped. The BJP chief also lambasted Mr Gandhi for seeking account of the four years of the Modi government. He dared him to reel out the achievements of Congress governments at the Centre and in the states since independence. Why dont you tell the pe-ople of the country how many scams were done by the previous governments under the Congress at the Centre since independen-ce, he said, throwing down the gauntlet at Mr Gandhi. He said the NDA government at the Centre had undertaken several welfare measures to improve the lives of poor, women, and other weaker sections in the country in the last four years. Lauding CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan for transforming MP from a bimaru or sick state to a developing one in the last 13 years, he said the CM has become synonymous with development. MP was turned into a backward state during the Congress rule earlier. The raja, maharaja, and industrialist cannot ensure progress of the state, he said, while referring to the Congress trio Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Kamal Nath. Mr Shah is scheduled to address a series of public meetings across the state in the coming six days, ahead of MP going to Assembly polls on November 28. TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euro Sun Mining Inc. (TSX: ESM) (Euro Sun or the Company) is pleased to announce that its mining license for the Rovina Valley Project has now been published in the Official Monitor of the Romanian Government.1 Official Gazette no. 0970 of 2018 Act no. 900 of 09 November 2018 Issuer: Government of Romania Decision regarding the approval of the Concession License no. 18.174 / 2015 of the mining activity of copper ore containing gold in the Rovina perimeter, Hunedoara County, concluded between the National Agency for Mineral Resources and SAMAX ROMANIA SRL (unofficial translation) Through publication in the Official Monitor, the mining license is now legally granted by Romanian law to Euro Suns 100% owned subsidiary, SAMAX Romania SRL, and concludes the ratification process of its exploitation permit and mining license. The mining license is granted for 20 years and can be renewed in five-year increments. G. Scott Moore, President and CEO stated: Once again we would like to thank the National Agency for Mineral Resources for their support of this important project for Euro Sun and for Romania. We are focused on moving this project forward as quickly as possible to the benefit of all stakeholders. 1.Monitorul Oficial nr. 0970 din 2018 Actul nr. 900 din 09 Noiembrie 2018 Emitent: Guvernul Romaniei Hotarare privind aprobarea Licentei de concesiune nr. 18.174/2015 a activitatii miniere de exploatare a minereului de cupru cu continut de aur in perimetrul Rovina, judetul Hunedoara, incheiata intre Agentia Nationala pentru Resurse Minerale si Societatea Comerciala SAMAX ROMANIA - S.R.L. About The Rovina Valley Project The Rovina Valley Project is one of the largest mineral deposits in the European Union and consists of three porphyry deposits: Colnic and Rovina, two at surface deposits and Ciresta, an underground deposit. The Rovina Valley Project hosts measured and indicated mineral resources of 7.2 million ounces of gold and 1.4 billion pounds of copper in 406 million tonnes at 0.55 gold grams per tonne and 0.16% of contained copper. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information pertaining to the metallurgical studies presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Randall Ruff, Vice President Exploration for Euro Sun, who is a Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Euro Sun Mining Inc. Euro Sun is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed mining company focused on the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Rovina Valley gold and copper project located in west-central Romania, which hosts the second largest gold deposit in Europe. Further information: Investor Relations at +1 416.309.4299. Caution regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding publication of the Euro Sun mining license in the official monitor of the Government of Romania; and the timetable to advance the development of the Rovina Valley Project. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks inherent in the mining industry and risks described in the public disclosure of the Company which is available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.eurosunmining.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Identifies Multiple Sulphide Zones and BHEM Anomalies within the Grasset Ultramafic Complex Discovers Extension of Vortex Gold Zone on Detour East Property Completes Sale of Fenelon Mine Property Royalty VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balmoral Resources Ltd. ("Balmoral" or the "Company") (TSX: BAR; OTCQX: BALMF) provided an update on the fall 2018 exploration program on its Detour Gold Trend Project in Quebec, along with updates on activities on its other exploration properties in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Grasset Ultramafic Complex Drill Program (Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-PGE) Drilling continues with two drills still active on Balmorals Grasset and Fenelon properties in Quebec targeting nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum-palladium mineralization within the Grasset Ultramafic Complex (GUC). One drill is actively working to expand the Grasset nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE deposit, which currently features an open-ended Indicated Mineral Resource estimate of 3.45 Mt @ 1.56% nickel, 0.17% copper, 0.03% cobalt, 0.34 g/t platinum and 0.84 g/t palladium (see NR16-04; Mar 7, 2016). The Grasset deposit has been delineated to a vertical depth of just over 500 metres (see Figure 1), below which it remains open for expansion. Approximately 2,500 metres of drilling has been completed to date as part of the 2018 resource expansion program at Grasset. This includes a > 1,000 metre long pilot hole whose primary purpose is to serve as a platform for the evaluation of the Grasset deposit at vertical depths of 500 to 750 metres via a series of wedge cuts. Six to seven kilometres northwest of the Grasset deposit Balmoral has completed five holes, totaling 2,900 metres, testing a series of targets within both intrusive and extrusive phases of the GUC. Initial borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) work on a number of these holes has successfully outlined EM conductors directly - or interpreted to be - associated with recently discovered zones of sulphide mineralization. These anomalies are high priority targets for follow-up drill testing. Initial analytical results from the GUC drill program are anticipated within the next three to four weeks. The current drill program will continue into late November before taking a hiatus to allow for completion of logging in the area being explored. The planned logging activities will increase the Companys access for follow-up drilling. Detour East Property (Gold) On the Detour East property Balmoral announced that it has identified the extension of the Vortex Gold Zone discovered by the Midland Exploration Inc./Soquem Inc. joint venture on the adjacent Casault property. A single drill hole collared approximately 195 metres west of the eastern boundary of the Detour East property (see Figure 2) has successfully intersected the Vortex Gold Zone Extension, returning a downhole intercept grading 1.60 g/t gold over 7.00 metres (from 352 to 359 metres down hole) including, 4.01 g/t gold over 0.69 metres. With the confirmation of the Vortex Extension onto the Detour East property, gold mineralization has now been traced for 1,600 metres across the two properties and remains open to depth and to the west on ground controlled by Balmoral. The Vortex Gold Zone occurs along the sheared contact between interpreted tholeiitic and calc-alkaline volcanic sequences, immediately south of a distinct magnetic horizon which can be traced west across the Companys holdings for at least 3,500 metres. This extensive new zone of gold mineralization occurs within the same regional scale deformation corridor that hosts the nearby Detour Lake Gold Mine. RUM and Gargoyle Properties (Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-PGE) The airborne magnetic-electromagnetic (AEM) survey of the RUM nickel properties in Quebec has commenced. The survey has progressed slowly due to very poor weather conditions in the region which appear set to continue in the near term. To date approximately 8% of the planned survey has been completed and the Company has not received any results. The AEM survey of the recently acquired Gargoyle and Goblin nickel properties in Ontario is due to commence on or about November 12, 2018. The commencement of this survey is also contingent on weather conditions. Northshore Joint Venture (Gold) Balmoral has been advised by the operator of the Northshore property joint venture, GTA Resources and Mining Ltd. (GTA:TSXV) that a 1,000+ metre diamond drill program is set to commence on the Northshore property located near Schreiber, Ontario. The first two holes proposed are designed to evaluate the Afric Gold deposit on the property at or below the 350 metre vertical level, which will represent the deepest tests of the deposit to date. Given the limited scope of the drill program, and minor dilution to its current 46% joint venture interest which will result, Balmoral has chosen not to contribute to this program. Results from the program are anticipated in early 2019. Hwy 810 Property (Gold and Base Metals) The previously disclosed geophysical program on the Hwy 810 property (see NR18-11, August 30, 2018) has been completed. Induced polarization anomalies were identified on all five grids surveyed, several of which correlate with airborne EM anomalies and/or interpreted structural corridors on the property. The surveyed areas, which contain either gold or base metal targets, are now drill ready. The Company may proceed with initial drill testing of the Hwy 810 property in 2019, or look to find a partner to aid in the advancement of this large property, which is strategically located between the producing Casa Berardi gold mine and the former producing Selbaie zinc-copper-gold silver mine in Quebec. Sale of Fenelon Mine Property Royalty The sale of the 1% NSR royalty held by the Company on the Fenelon Mine Property in Quebec, announced on October 10, 2018 (see NR18-15; Oct. 10, 2018), has been completed. The Company received a cash payment of $500,000 as well as 1,000,000 common shares of Ely Gold Royalties Inc. and common share purchase warrants which the Company may, at its discretion, exercise over a period of 18 months from November 2, 2018 to acquire up to an additional 1,000,000 common shares of Ely Gold Royalties Inc. at a price of $0.10 per share. Qualified Persons Mr. Michael Tucker (P. Geo. B.C., Ont. and Restricted Permit, Que.), Project Geologist for the Company, is the non-independent qualified person for the technical disclosure concerning the Grasset and Fenelon properties in this release. Mr. Tucker is currently supervising the fall 2018 drill program on those properties and has worked on the Grasset and Fenelon properties since 2014. Mr. Darin Wagner (P.Geo. B.C., Ont. and Restricted Permit, Que.), President and CEO of the Company, is the non-independent qualified person for the balance of the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Wagner has supervised the Companys exploration activities since inception. Both individuals have reviewed the technical content of this release. About Balmoral Resources Ltd. www.balmoralresources.com Balmoral is a well-funded, multi-award winning Canadian-focused exploration company actively exploring a portfolio of gold and base metal properties located within the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt. The Companys flagship, 1,000 km2 Detour Gold Trend Project hosts the resource stage Bug and Martiniere West gold deposits and the Grasset nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE deposit. Employing an aggressive, drill focused exploration style in one of the worlds preeminent mining jurisdictions, Balmoral is following an established formula with a goal of maximizing shareholder value through the discovery and definition of high-grade, Canadian gold and base metal assets. On behalf of the board of directors of BALMORAL RESOURCES LTD. Darin Wagner President and CEO For further information contact: John Foulkes, Vice-President, Corporate Development Tel: +1 (604) 638-5815 / Toll Free: +1 (877) 838-3664 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the anticipated length of the current drilling program, the utility and usefulness of certain geophysical surveys, the correlation of geophysical anomalies to mineralization of interest to the Company, the assay results from sulphide or other mineralization intersected in on-going drilling and anticipated results and timing of the Companys exploration programs in general are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believes, expects, anticipates, intends, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, 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. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include those related to the mineral tenor of mineralization intersected on the properties, the success or failure of the geophysical contractors to survey individual drill holes and interpret the results from the surveys, factors relating to weather, staffing and costs which may be beyond the control of the Company, metal prices and economic considerations related to mining and exploration, access to financing to continue the Companys exploration activities and the financial stability of the other companies mentioned and the market fluctuations in prices for securities of exploration and mining stage companies. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties. This news release contains information with respect to adjacent or similar mineral properties in respect of which the Company has no interest or rights to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such properties, and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Companys properties. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. Two top leaders of Cambodias Khmer Rouge regime were found guilty of genocide on Friday, in a landmark ruling almost 40 years after the fall of a brutal regime that presided over the deaths of a quarter of the population. The Khmer Rouges former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87, and Brother Number 2 Nuon Chea, 92, are the two most senior living members of the ultra-Maoist group that seized control of Cambodia from 1975-1979. The reign of terror led by Brother Number 1 Pol Pot left some two million Cambodians dead from overwork, starvation and mass executions but Fridays ruling was the first to acknowledge a genocide. The defendants were previously handed life sentences in 2014 over the violent and forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975. But Fridays judgement at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) also found Nuon Chea guilty of genocide against the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minority group, among a litany of other crimes. The chamber finds that Nuon Chea exercised ultimate decision-making power with Pol Pot and therefore finds Nuon Chea is responsible as a superior for all the crimes, presiding judge Nil Nonn said. This includes the crime of genocide by killing members of Cham ethnic and religious group. Khieu Samphan was also found guilty of genocide against ethnic Vietnamese, though not against the Cham, he added. Both parties were sentenced to life in prison, merging the two sentences into a single term, Nil Nonn said. Hundreds of people, including dozens of Cham Muslims and Buddhist monks, were bussed into the tribunal, located in the outskirts of Phnom Penh to attend the hearing. Cambodias Nuremberg The events covered by the verdict span the four years of the Pol Pot regime, and include extensive crimes against humanity. The verdict is essentially the Nuremberg judgement for the ECCC and thus carries very significant weight for Cambodia, international criminal justice, and the annals of history, said David Scheffer, who served as the UN secretary generals special expert on the Khmer Rouge trials from 2012 until last month. The revolutionaries who tried to recreate Buddhist-majority Cambodia in line with their vision of an agrarian Marxist utopia attempted to abolish class and religious distinctions by force. Forced marriages, rape, the treatment of Buddhists, and atrocities that were carried out in prisons and work sites throughout the country fall under the additional list of charges which the two men were found guilty of as well. (The verdict) will affirm the collective humanity of the victims and give recognition to the horrible suffering, said Youk Chhang, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia a research organisation that has provided the court with evidence. It could also provide a sense of closure to a horrible chapter in Cambodian history. The hybrid court, which uses a mix of Cambodian and international law, was created with the backing of the UN in 2006 to try senior Khmer Rouge leaders. Only three people have been convicted by the court, which has cost more than $300 million. Former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife died without facing justice, while Brother Number 1 Pol Pot passed away in 1998. The number of allegations against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan was so vast the court split the trials into a series of smaller hearings in 2011. Many believe Fridays decision will be the last for the tribunal, which has been marred by allegations of political interference. Prime Minister Hun Sen himself a former Khmer Rouge cadre has repeatedly warned he would not allow more investigations to proceed, citing vague threats to stability. The court has launched investigations into four more Khmer Rouge cadres, though one was dismissed in February 2017, highlighting the difficulties of bringing lower level members of the brutal regime to justice. Scheffer said that challenges of efficiency, funding, and access to evidence are issues that plague all international criminal courts, but argued the successes of the Cambodian tribunal should not be diminished. burs-dhc/joe/sls Two senior Khmer Rouge leaders were today found guilty of genocide in a historic ruling. Nuon Chea, the infamous regimes Brother Number Two, and former head of state Khieu Samphan, who were already serving life sentences for crimes against humanity in their first trial at the Extraordinary Chambers in the courts of Cambodia, also known as the Khmer Rouge tribunal, were handed another life sentence. Nuon Chea was found guilty of genocide of both the ethnic Vietnamese and the Cham Muslims, while Khieu Samphan was found guilty for the genocide of the ethnic Vietnamese. Both were also found guilty of a slew of crimes against humanity including murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment and torture. Genocide against Vietnamese and Muslim Cham With regards to the Cham, Nuon Chea was found guilty on the basis of superior responsibility despite judges being unable to establish genocidal intent. Khieu Samphan did not actively assist or facilitate the execution of the genocidal policy against the Cham, presiding Judge Nil Nonn said, reading from the courts decision. Among the widespread crimes against humanity included crimes committed at the notorious S-21 prison in Phnom Penh. The Trial Chamber found that Nuon Chea acted as a direct supervisor to prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, who is serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity in the tribunals first case. Since the early stages of S-21s operations, Nuon Chea knew and was involved in the arrest, detention, torture and killings of cadres targeted for purges, Judge Nonn said, referring to Nuon Chea as Pol Pots right hand man. The Chamber finds that Nuon Chea was among those who decided who was arrested and sent to S-21. Nuon Chea ordered executions [of] large groups such as those arriving at S-21, he said. Although the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge that led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians have long been referred to as genocide, this is the first time the UN-backed tribunal has found any former officials from the communist regime guilty of this crime. Despite widespread use of the term, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan could only be found guilty of genocide in respects to the Cham and ethnic Vietnamese. The UNs Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. In the absence of such intent, crimes committed against ethnic Khmer by a regime that was itself Khmer fall under the umbrella of crimes against humanity. Recommended reading Cambodia: What will be left of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal? During the mammoth trial, that consisted of 283 hearings and 185 testimonies, the court heard harrowing testimonies relating to massacres of both Cham and ethnic Vietnamese. In one particularly gruesome account, Him Man, an ethnic Cham, explained the arrest and massacre of hundreds of his people at a pagoda in Kampong Cham in 1977. I heard the screamingOh my Allah, please help me, Mr. Man told the court in 2015. I believed that the screaming for Allah, for help, perhaps belonged to my mother and older brother. He then escaped and spent the next eight days hiding near the pit his mother had been killed. I was trying tosurvive. Sometimes I could smell the stench bad smells and if the dead bodies were floating in the river and I could reach them, I may have eaten those dead bodies because of hunger, he told the court. A particularly important witness for the prosecution with regards to the ethnic Vietnamese was Seng Soeun, a former Khmer Rouge soldier who told the court that killings were ordered as part of an effort to cleanse the country of ethnic minorities. A disputed legacy The tribunal has come under widespread criticism for lengthy delays, government interference, and corruption. Prime Minister Hun Sen himself a former Khmer Rouge commander has long been outspoken against the prospect of further trials, claiming it could plunge the country back into civil war. While some argue the court has delivered long-awaited justice in a country where impunity of the powerful is rife, others have dismissed it as expensive waste of time due to convicting just three people in 12 years. Craig Etcheson, a prominent researcher who served as chief of investigations in the Office of the Co-Prosecutors at the Khmer Rouge tribunal for six years, said he believed that the tribunal had succeeded in the face of many adversities. I have been working on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in one capacity or another for more than a quarter century, and in that time, I have had scores, possibly hundreds of people soldiers, diplomats, bureaucrats, journalists and others insist to me that it would never happen, he said. But we made it happen, and as a result, we have achieved a small measure of symbolic justice for the crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime, along with a solid historical narrative which speaks to the single most pressing question on the minds of every survivor: Why? However, Ou Virak, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge and founder of the Future Forum think tank, said he felt Cambodians had lost interest in the court a long time ago. I think theres no sense of real justice brought about with the verdict by the tribunal so far and I think that most of the Cambodian people are giving up on the hope for justice or even for closure, he said. Speaking outside the court, Man Sos, a 69-year-old ethnic Cham from Kampot, called the decision acceptable but said the ruling could not compensate for his losses at the hands of Pol Pots communist party. I lost my village, my house, my rice farm and I lost my family, he said. I do feel some reliefbut I want to feel something that compensates for all that we lost. PM Modi has gone as far as to sabotage his own nations interests in favour of his crony capitalist friends, says Randeep Surjewala. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising national interests on the Rafale issue, with party chief Rahul Gandhi alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the Rafale cupboard is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. The latest skeleton to tumble out of the RAFALE cupboard: No Guarantee by the French Government backing the deal. BUT, our PM says theres a letter from the French promising to be faithful. Thats enough to call this a Government to Government deal? he wrote on Twitter. Echoing his party president, chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, while addressing a press conference, said the only forum to investigate acts of omission, commission and corruption in the biggest defence scam of India is to have a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe. PM Modi has gone as far as to sabotage his own nations interests in favour of his crony capitalist friends, Mr Surjewala said, adding, PM Modi enhanced the benchmark price for Rafale by Euro 3 billion i.e `22,743 crores. Sudhanshu Mohanty, head of finance, ministry of defence (uptil May 2016) has spilled the beans indicting the Modi government for corrupt practices in fixing a higher benchmark price i.e from Euro 5.2 billion (`39,422 crore) to Euro 8.2 billion (`62,166 crore) for Rafale aircrafts. The government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that no sovereign guarantee was given by the French government on the deal for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. The French government has, however, given a letter of comfort to India which would be good enough governmental guarantee, Attorney General Mr. K K Venugopal told the court. On Wednesday the Congress claimed that the French government has never done a government-to-government contract on defence and such a deal has only been done in the United States under the Foreign Military Sales route (FMS). This is not a government-to-government contract, adding that there is no such procedure in France. Hansraj Bhardwaj targets Cong for indulging in politics of religion. New Delhi: Once known as a Gandhi clan loyalist, former law minister Hansraj Bhardwaj on Thursday targeted the Congress for indulging in politics of religion and made it clear that he does not consider Congress president Rahul Gandhi a leader yet. When asked that the Congress is trying to counter the BJP by indulging in politics of religion, he said, That is why the Congress is losing. Politics in the name of religion is wrong. Whether Jawaharlal Nehru or Indira Gandhi, they never practiced communal politics, he added. He said Mr Gandhi is still learning and will become a leader only when the public accepts him. This is not the first time that Mr Bhardwaj has been critical of the Congress and Mr Gandhi. In 2015, the former Union law minister had said the Congress was too weak to counter the ruling BJP at the Centre. He has said that the Congress and Mr Gandhi were out of touch with the ground reality. In 2016, he had alleged that some of his Congress colleagues had asked him to influence the judiciary during his time in office under the first Manmohan Singh-led UPA government from 2004 to 2009. He was referring to a 2005 Supreme Court verdict, which stopped the UPA government from imposing Presidents Rule in Bihar when a JD(U) and BJP coalition was attempting to form a government. Since Mr Bhardwaj demitted office as the governor of Karnataka, he has been questioning the Congress president. Interestingly the Congress has also not given him any post in the organisational setup. Even when Mrs. Sonia Gandhi was the party chief Mr. Bhardwaj was on the sidelines. Though, most of his life he has been a family loyalist but now it seems he has run out of favor with the current dispensation of the Congress. Shashank reportedly sought the deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the state. The EC sent a deputy election commissioner to Aizawl to talk with the agitators. (Representational image) New Delhi: Accepting the demand of some civil society groups, the Election Commission on Thursday removed S.B. Shashank as chief electoral officer of poll-bound Mizoram and appointed IAS officer Ashish Kundra in his place. The order came after some civil society groups in Mizoram demanded Mr Shashanks ouster over a row on allowing Bru voters lodged in Tripura relief camps to exercise their franchise from there. The Election Commission of India in consultation with the government of Mizoram hereby nominates Ashish Kundra as the chief electoral officer for the state of Mizoram with immediate effect, a notification issued by the EC said. The poll panel had earlier asked the Mizoram government for a panel of names to replace Mr Shashank, who has been camping in Delhi since the agitation against him began a fortnight ago. Mizoram goes to the polls on November 28. The NGO Coordination Committee, the apex body of civil societies and students organisations in Mizoram, has been demanding that Mr Shashank be replaced as chief electoral officer and transferred outside the north-eastern state. It also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters 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. The committee had called for Mr Shashanks exit from the state shortly after the EC removed the states principal secretary (home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo. Mr Shashank reportedly sought the deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the state. This did not go down well with the committee. Earlier this month, CM Lal Thanhawla wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. As people have lost faith in him (Mr Shashank), the only solution for the smooth conduct of the Assembly elections 2018 would be removal of CEO S.B. Shashank from office forthwith, he said. The EC sent a deputy election commissioner to Aizawl to talk with the agitators. Thousands of people from the Bru community fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes. They have since been living in six relief camps in Tripura. Civil society organisations have opposed the Election Commissions decision to conduct an electoral revision of Bru voters in Tripura relief camps in the past too. They urged the EC to disenfranchise all Bru voters who chose to stay back in Tripura and did not return to Mizoram. Deepika and Ranveer took wedding vows in two traditional ceremonies at Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy. Deepika and Ranveer, who tied the knot in two ceremonies according to Konkani and Sindhi tradition looked breathtakingly beautiful and made our hearts skip a beat. (Photo: Instagram | sabyasachiofficial) Mumbai: The wedding pictures of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are finally out and its hard to take our eyes off them. The long wait for the pictures got over Thursday evening after the celebrity couple posted a set of two pictures on their respective Instagram from the two wedding ceremonies they had. Sabyasachi, the designated wedding designer, also shared the pictures on his Instagram. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh head-to-toe in Sabyasachi for their wedding in Lake Como, Italy, the designer wrote. He also wished the couple with a beautiful message saying, All of us at Sabyasachi wish the lovely couple all the very best for a wonderful and happy married life. Deepika and Ranveer, who tied the knot in two ceremonies according to Konkani and Sindhi tradition looked breathtakingly beautiful and made our hearts skip a beat. (Photo: Instagram | sabyasachiofficial) Draped in gold and orange silk saree, Deepika looked an epitome of South Indian bride for the Konkani wedding. Heavy traditional jewellery, a maatha patti, a tiny bindi and a coordinated dupatta covering her head completed her look. Ranveer was the perfect partner for her in white kurta and dhoti. For the Sindhi wedding, the onscreen Ram and Leela opted for traditional red. Deepika wore a heavily embroidered red lehenga while Ranveer wore a red sherwani and leheriya safa. A traditional nose ring and maang teeka made Deepika the perfect bride. However, it was Deepikas dupatta that deserves a closer look. Apart from beautiful intricate embroidery on the border, the words "sada saubhagyawati bhava (Have a blessed destiny always)" were also woven on it. The entire wardrobe for the couple was custom designed by Sabyasachi and we think he did a great job. The couple, who was dating for almost six years, took the wedding vows in two traditional ceremonies at the Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy. The ceremonies were an extremely private affair with only family and close friends in attendance. With the wedding pictures out, the wait is now to see what comes out from the closet of the couple for their two receptions in India - one in Deepika's hometown Bengaluru on November 21 and another for their friends from the film fraternity in Mumbai on November 28. After the talks, Mr Mitra called on Chinese State Councillor and defence minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday, the release said. Beijing: A year after the Doklam standoff, top defence officials of India and China have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace in the border areas while implementing the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan. The ninth annual defence and security dialogue on November 13 was held over a year after the 73-day military standoff in the Sikkim sector. The talks were held between the two defence delegations headed by defence secretary Sanjay Mitra and Chinas Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission Lt. General Shao Yuanming, a press release by the Indian Embassy here said on Thursday. Asked about the outcome of the defence and security dialogue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the two sides have exchanged ideas on the management of border affairs and upholding peace and tranquillity. We believe the two sides will try to follow the consensus between the two leaders to ensure peace and tranquillity at our border areas and ensure stability of our bilateral ties, she said. At the talks, both sides agreed on enhancing defence exchanges and interactions at different levels between the two militaries, the press release said. After the talks, Mr Mitra called on Chinese State Councillor and defence minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday, the release said. Mr Mitra was accompanied by senior officials of the ministry of defence and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The annual dialogue did not take place last year following the tense standoff between the two militaries at Doklam, which was triggered by the Chinese PLAs plan to build a road close to the narrow Chickens Neck corridor connecting Indias northeastern states in an area also claimed by Bhutan besides China. The standoff ended when Chinese troops stopped the road construction after which both countries stepped up efforts to normalise relations leading to the informal summit between Modi and Xi at Wuhan in April this year. The defence dialogue was also held ahead of the 21st round of border talks between the Special Representatives of the two countries in the Chinese city of Dujiangyan on November 23-24. National security adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi are the designated Special Representatives for the border talks. Besides efforts to work out a solution to resolve the dispute on the border spanning 3,488 kms, the border talks also focussed on discussions on other aspects of India-China relations. The two militaries are due to hold the annual Hand-in-Hand drills next month in China after gap of one year. During the dialogue, both sides also agreed on specific defence exchanges for 2019. Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and interactions through reciprocal high-level visits between the two ministries of defence as well as between military commands, joint training exercises, mutual visits by defence personnel including mid-level and cadet officers were also agreed upon, the Indian embassy release said. They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas, implementing the consensus reached between Mr Modi and Mr Xi and specific additional confidence building measures at the operational level, it said. The two nations also had an exchange of views on regional and global issues. Both sides underlined the importance of this dialogue as an important mechanism between the two countries for consultations on defence and security matters. They emphasised the need to further strengthen military-to-military ties in order to strengthen political and strategic mutual trust between the two countries, it said. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue at a mutually convenient time in India in 2019. MEDFORD, Ore. -- A Medford man says he's thankful his family members living near Paradise, California escaped the fire. Kristopher Sanchez said his cousin, Cynthia Anspach, her sister, daughters and fiance, lost everything when the fire swept through. They lived up a mountain near Concow, California. Anspach and her family had just moved to her sister's house from Pennsylvania five days before the fire broke out. Anspach said she had just gotten to her job in Sacramento when she learned the fire was getting close to her home. She said her family managed to escape the flames and had to drive 15-20 minutes down a mountain with flames and heavy smoke around them. Anspach said it hasn't been easy since losing everything, but her daughters are giving her the strength to move forward. "They're the main ones helping me and my fiance keep it together and keep striving, every single day trying to figure anything out for some money so we can end up having a home eventually," Sanchez said. She said she was home-schooling one of her daughters and the fire destroyed her home school supplies. Sanchez said he is devastated for his family, but hopes people will come together to help out them out. "I can only hope that my community in Oregon and their community down there in California can kind of merge together and get them some kind of relief," Sanchez said. The family has a GoFundMe page set up. You can click here to donate. JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. Police are asking for help in finding answers regarding the disappearance of a Josephine County man nearly one year ago. On November 22, 2017 the day before Thanksgiving Richard Hillmann attended a gathering at a friends house on Pleasant Valley Road in Josephine County. He was seen leavin the party between 8 - 9 p.m. in his green 1997 Toyota SR5 pickup (OR License VWT 361) and has not been seen since. Hillmann's home is within five miles of the Pleasant Valley address where the gathering took place. The Oregon State Police (OSP) adopted the case in March of 2018 and has interviewed many witnesses, friends, and neighbors. OSP says that Hillmann had few close friends and mostly kept to himself. Investigators believe that Hillmann is the victim of foul play, and that the people involved may have been known to him. OS investigators are asking for the publics help in locating Hillman and/or his vehicle. If anyone has seen Hillmann, the vehicle, or have any information regarding his disappearance they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or *OSP and reference case number SP18-076662, Detective John Anderson. MEDFORD, Ore. Thursday marked another cougar sighting in Southern Oregon but it may not be where you'd think. "This cat's coming out from the front door and going across the driveway and back out to Archer," said Mark Dewey, a Medford resident. His video of a cougar sauntering down the front pathway of a house was taken at 2:50 a.m. this morning. "We were alerted by our little camera system that there was something on the cameras," Dewey said. The security system at Dewey's mother's house (where the cougar was sighted) is motion-activated. At first they thought it was just a house cat. "My wife checked it out and there was a cougar on my mother's front porch," Dewey said. When Dewey called his mom, she said "the dog's been barking nonstop in the middle of the night." This has Dewey thinking that the cougar's Thursday morning visit isn't the first time. "We think it might be around, but we aren't sure. This is the first time we've caught it on camera," Dewey said. Cougar sightings are much more common in Ashland. "I've run into cats in my lifetime here and I was born and raised here so I've seen them more towards Anderson, but not downtown where there's a lot of people," Dewey said. His mother's house is close to South Medford High School on Columbus and Archer. "It's pretty busy, lots of houses in my mother's neighborhood it's a neighborhood so it's house after house, it's pretty cookie-cutter stuff over there," Dewey said. Medford Police Department says if you spot a cougar in the middle of the night call 9-1-1 and they will handle it. If it's during the day call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). For tips on what to do if you encounter a cougar, see the flyer from ODFW below. CLICK HERE to find the Ashland interactive wildlife map. CHICO, Calif. Taking a no-doubt well-earned break from patrolling the burned remnants of Paradise, firefighters from the Rogue Valley Strike Team had a chance on Thursday to visit pets that were rescued from the Camp Fire. "Though we cant share a lot about the fire activity in California, we were approved to share this heartwarming story that the ST7-Rogue Valley crews experienced today," Jackson County Fire District 3 (FD3) posted on Facebook. A veterinary clinic in the Chico area has been caring for pets recovered from the Camp Fire many of them with burns or other injuries. "Visiting the local veterinary clinic was a wonderful opportunity for firefighters to see the impact of their work while also having some downtime with a number of happy four-legged friends getting back on their feet," FD3 said. CLICK HERE for more on our local firefighters' experience on the Camp Fire. The firefighters thanked the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal for allowing them to share the story. "It is always uplifting to hear a story like this in the midst of tragedy. #petsarepartofthefamily #weloveourpets #wildfire," FD3 said. NewsWatch 12's own Rachel Tiede is traveling down to the Camp Fire on Friday and will be bringing you more stories of Oregon's firefighters, relief efforts, and stories from survivors throughout the weekend. The RLSP had fought on three seats in 2014 and won all. The state sends 40 members to Lok Sabha. New Delhi/Patna: Stepping up his campaign against Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over his alleged neech remark, RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha on Thursday sought to draw a parallel between his charge against the JD(U) chief and Prime Minister Narendra Modis attack on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in 2014. The Union Minister, who has accused Nitish Kumar of referring to him as neech (lowly) a charge rejected by Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) took a dig at Bihar deputy chief minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi over his defence of the chief minister over the issue. In a series of tweets, the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) leader, who has been sulking over the Lok Sabha seat-sharing issue, asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was wrong in his attack on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is sister of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, over her neech rajnitii (lowly politics) jibe against the saffron party during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. She had used the term neech rajniti to attack the BJP, and Mr Modi, then his partys prime ministerial candidate, had invoked his backward caste origins to accuse her of targeting his background. Mr Kushwaha has been targeting Nitish Kumar over his remark at a function that the level of discourse should not be lowered (itna neeche mat giraiye), after his reaction was sought on the RLSPs growing discomfort within the NDA. The RSLP leaders fresh offensive came amid signs that he was drifting away from the BJP-led NDA due to his unhappiness over seat sharing arrangement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls. Referring to the bitter political slugfest between Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar over the Bihari DNA issue during the 2015 Assembly polls when the two leaders led rival camps, Mr Kushwaha added that Sushil Kumar Modi should have backed Bihar chief minister even then and said that the Prime Minister was wrong. Mr Modi, while attacking Nitish Kumar at a rally, had said there was some problem with Nitish Kumars DNA, while referring to the changes in his political allegiance. Mr Kumar had built a campaign against the Prime Minister over his DNA barb at him, linking it with Bihari pride and had asked his partymen to collect samples of hair and nail to be sent to Delhi for DNA test. After the RLSP leader last week accused Nitish Kumar of describing him as neech, Sushil Kumar Modi had tweeted on November 12 that the CM had never used such a word but some people are trying to become martyrs, an indirect reference to Mr Kushwahas alleged eagerness to quit the NDA and join the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. Mr Kushwaha, who is said to be upset over BJP president Amit Shahs proposal that his party contest fewer number of seats in 2019 than it did in 2014, also said on Thursday that he will be discussing the seat-sharing issue with Mr Shah. The RLSP had fought on three seats in 2014 and won all. The state sends 40 members to Lok Sabha. I am leaving Patna for Delhi. I will try to talk on the seat-sharing arrangement in a meeting with BJP president Amit Shah, Mr Kushwaha tweeted. With the BJP going all out to keep the Bihar chief minister in good humour, political observers believe it has not gone down well with Mr Kushwaha, who has long had a bitter relationship with him. Mr Kushwaha had joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the 2014 election. The JD(U) had walked out of the alliance in 2013 after 17 years. However, the JD(U) returned to the NDA in 2017 after quitting the grand alliance which it had formed with the Congress and the RJD. Meanwhile, RLSP national general secretary and spokesman Madhaw Anand hit out at Nitish Kumar saying reports the Kushwaha-led partys MP Ram Kumar Sharma being wooed by the JD(U) confirm our charge that Nitish Kumar is involved in poaching . We hear that a CCTV camera has been installed to keep a tab on the movements of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The chief minister should install one inside his own residence which would expose his devious designs before all the people of Bihar, Mr Anand said. Earlier, RLSP MLA Sudhanshu Shekhar had met JD(U) national vice-president Prashant Kishor, triggering speculation of his joining the JD(U). 78 Shares Share I came across Dr. Kevin Tollivers post, Beware the Limits of Telemedicine, and found it to gloss over the benefits of telemedicine and the opportunities that increasing telemedicine uptake can afford to the patient and provider. With this post, I aim to show that these opportunities for systemic change to the health care delivery model particularly driven by telemedicine surpass the listed limitations of telemedicine. The prior post lists potential risks that apply to nearly all new tech services not just telemedicine. Though the tech industrys routine disregard for legal requirements does not grant carte blanche to offer health technologies with the same regulatory disrespect, it does not mean all patients are better off heading to [their] PCPs office or an urgent care center. Take rideshare companies as an example. Uber and Lyft saw a gap in service and an opportunity to offer something to the benefit of the consumer greater access. Telemedicine fits a similar bill. Rideshare services exploited this opportunity to transport consumers. Telemedicine exploits this opportunity to virtually transport your doctor to you. Lack of regulation rarely stops an early adopter from trying a new tech service, so what makes telemedicine different? The referenced blog post names the following limitations of telemedicine: geography, malpractice, standard of care, data breaches, and fraud and abuses. To the author, geography, malpractice, and standard of care come down to a lack of standards dictating the expectations of care provided by telemedicine. If telemedicine can cross state borders, which malpractice laws apply? Without a standard of care established, how can a patient file a malpractice claim? When adopting new technologies, these are the risk consumers take and this process helps regulators to determine what regulations are needed. As for data breaches, each time we input a password or log onto the internet, thats a risk we take. Thats even how the author frames it, There is risk of data breach with any internet-based service. Yet, given the ubiquity of this risk, its telemedicine-specific limitation is just that: limited. Fraud and abuse offers the greatest risk to the patient with the possibility that patients receive a lower standard of care from a virtual provider lacking credentials. Still, there are opportunities to avoid this without avoiding telemedicine altogether. Seeking telemedicine services through known providers or large medical care providers can reduce the likelihood of being exploited by non-credentialed virtual providers. Further, requiring initial in-person visits with a provider may reduce the potential for abuse. These limited limitations do not counteract the opportunity for telemedicine to transform health care delivery models across the world. This transformation is long overdue. According to a 2015 Journal of the American Medical Association article by Moses et al., fewer than 30 cents out of every $100 spent on medical care is spent on improving the way care is delivered. With the rapidly growing population, including those in older age and with chronic conditions, transformation of health care delivery models through telemedicine is necessary to ensure patients can reach providers. In fact, those with chronic conditions account for 80 percent of the health care expenditures in the United States according to the NIHCM Foundation. Studies have demonstrated telemedicines ability to reduce health care costs. The key to this transformation lies not in mentioning all the drawbacks, but increasing adoption and requiring reimbursement for these services. Anyone over 65 years old is eligible for Medicare, yet Medicare only reimburses for telemedicine services for areas where there is a shortage of health professionals. Yet, access to health professionals is not merely a problem of shortage but also ability to travel to those providers. For many older adults, reaching a health care professional can be an all-day task. Monitoring visits, prescription renewal, referrals, or simple questions should not require the lost time and wages of an in-person visit. Peruse clinicaltrials.gov and you will find a plethora of randomized control trials testing the efficacy of telemedicine visits in comparison to in-person visits. These findings will help support the investment that many large organizations are already embracing. Despite Medicares limited coverage, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided more than 2 million virtual visits in 2014. Mayo Clinic plans to virtually serve more than 200 million patients from around the world by 2020. Any concern about medical malpractice or data privacy that may concern providers should be dissuaded by the huge investment being made in transforming the medical industry through virtual provision. Rather than turning away from this opportunity, providers should embrace it and engage in the process. If not, they may find that they show up at their PCP practice or urgent care center without any living, breathing humans to evaluate. Katey Webber is a public health student. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 175 Shares Share Patients legally using medical marijuana (cannabis) at home may be stunned if they are admitted to a hospital because many hospitals may prohibit them from using it. In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 31 states, and research shows that medical marijuana can effectively treat pain but patients beware. The issue of medical marijuana is a complicated one, and patients may be precluded from using it on hospital property. Even though its legal in some states, marijuana is in the same class as heroin its a Schedule 1 substance with a high potential for abuse and with no currently accepted medical use. Additionally, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved marijuana as an effective and safe drug for any use. In a California hospital, the dont ask, dont tell policy has been adopted. In New York, according to California Healthline (produced by Kaiser Health News), Some have a dont ask, dont tell approach, said Devinsky, who sometimes advises his patients to use it. Dr. Orrin Devinsky is director of NYU Langones Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, but David Harlow, health care attorney and consultant, who blogs at HealthBlawg.com, cautions this practice. A hospitals dont ask, dont tell policy runs the risk of being sanctioned by surveyors for licensure and governmental certification, or for accreditation by the Joint Commission, which requires that the hospital safely control all medications brought into the hospital by the patient or the patients family or independent licensed practitioners, he explained in an email interview. If a facility is willing to risk these sanctions, then there are state law issues to contend with, he added. However, some hospitals are addressing the issue of medical marijuana use. Strong Memorial Hospital University of Rochester Medical Center in New York has designed a policy for medical marijuana use. The policy for medical marijuana includes an exemption. According to the policy, An attending physician may request an exemption to this policy to permit use of medical marijuana for a patient during an inpatient admission. Harlow explains that some state laws permit facilities to design policies that allow patients to use medical marijuana. There are times when patients bring in their own medications from home, and they follow the standards set forth by the hospital and The Joint Commission. The problem with medical marijuana is that it is a Schedule 1 substance, by federal law, its not a legal substance. The question is, can an illegal substance be permitted to be used in a hospital? Some hospitals like Strong Memorial Hospital have designed their policy, but hospitals could face sanctions. Virtually all hospitals in the U.S. contract with the federal government as Medicare providers and/or with states as Medicaid providers Medicaid is a federal-state jointly-funded program, Harlow explains. Since any use of marijuana is illegal under federal law this is a fundamental problem, at least in theory, and any program designed to enable inpatients to use medical marijuana (and any program that gives a facility possession of medical marijuana) jeopardizes Medicare participation and could invite sanctions, he added. Other hospitals addressing medical marijuana use include Johns Hopkins Medicine and Penn Medicine. John Hopkins Medicine has a policy that bars medical marijuana use even though medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, while Penn Medicine has a limited exception policy when it comes to patients using medical marijuana. It states on its website that the use or possession of marijuana in any form is prohibited, including medical marijuana in all facilities with limited exception Self administration is prohibited. Only a designated caregiver may be permitted to administer medical marijuana during inpatient admission. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicines news release reports that the committee found evidence to support that patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids were more likely to experience a significant reduction in pain symptoms. If research supports the therapeutic effects of medical marijuana, and it can help treat pain effectively, are patients needs being met if they are unable to use it during their hospital admission? Its clear that some hospitals are designing their own policies and addressing the needs of the patient. Its imperative that hospitals gain insights from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and attorneys. If hospitals arent addressing patients needs, a gap in care and treatment may develop. If a gap evolves, quality patient care can suffer. How can nurses and physicians adequately care for patients, and demonstrate excellence in patient care, if they are precluded from continuing their treatment in a hospital? Medical marijuana is a complicated issue, and its clearly at the intersection of medicine, law, and politics. If the research is accurate and medical marijuana does indeed effectively treat pain, perhaps the first step ought to be to include accepted medical use by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A bipartisan bill has been introduced by New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand along with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY), to recognize that marijuana has accepted medical use and that it is the states responsibility to set medical marijuana policy. Due to the complexity of this issue, many hospitals that I contacted for an interview declined to comment. This complex topic needs insights from health care professionals who are at the forefront of patient care and pain management. Barbara Ficarra is a journalist, speaker, and founder, Healthin30.com. Image credit: Shutterstock.com EUGENE, Ore. -- A Cottage Grove man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal drug charges after a hash oil lab explosion last year. Eric L. Scully, 35, was charged with endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. "Manufacturing hash oil is extremely dangerous and poses a grave risk of injury or death to producers and unknowing, innocent victims, said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Cottage Groves police and fire departments responded to an explosion at a storage facility Nov. 16, 2017, according to court documents. Officers found Scully at a local hospital being treated for burn injuries. Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched the storage facility and found a large, sophisticated and unlicensed butane hash oil extraction lab. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana. Agents found more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana, 728 marijuana plants and more than 80 pounds of marijuana extract. While manufacturing BHO, one of Scullys machines was located in a room with combustibles and caught fire, causing the explosion. Investigators said three other individuals were inside the facility at the time of the explosion. Scully faces up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, $5 million fine and four-year term of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement, Scully will play restitution to each victim and will forfeit $25,980 in criminal proceeds, as well as a pickup truck and trailer used in the crimes. PARADISE, Calif. -- A firefighter crew from Lebanon was able to salvage an important family heirloom from the Camp Fire in Northern California. As the strike team was wrapping up their day on Wednesday, they were approached by Captain Bill Williams of the Modoc County Sheriffs Posse. Hes leading search and rescue efforts in the town of Paradise where his brother lives. VIDEO: A Look at Paradise After the Camp Fire Williams had just pulled a smoldering safe from his brothers home and asked the team to help extinguish it. The firefighters told Williams they could also open the safe, and used some axes and tools to pry it apart. Inside, almost all of the contents were burned, but a small box remained intact. Williams grabbed the box, almost burning himself in the process, and opened it up. The firefighters said they fell quiet as Williams choked up. RELATED: Springfield business collects supplies for Camp Fire victims The box contained two pistols that his grandfather was given as a present in the 1930s when he retired as sheriff of Temecula, Calif. Williams said he now has a new story to tell his family about these historic weapons. The Lebanon firefighters said while working on a fire with a lot of death and destruction, this has been a bright spot in the mission and has helped life their spirits. EUGENE, Ore. -- There are about 5,000 students at the University of Oregon who call California home. Of those students, 150 have permanent addresses in cities impacted by the fires. The Woolsey Fire is one of the largest on record for Los Angeles County. It has damaged at least 500 homes and buildings and 57,000 more are threatened. Some students had to figure out if their house was still standing by watching the news. "You hear about fires happening and devastations happening all over the world at different times, but you never actually expect it to be in your hometown," senior Carly Grossman said. For Madison Marer, a senior at the University of Oregon, this fire meant more than just losing her house. "Since I lost my mom and literally all I have are pictures [and] jewelry. Like thats all in my house. Thats all I kept thinking about," Marer said. "Theres obviously not much I have left of her, and my dad knew that was important. Thats honestly so important to me that those are just kept safe and nowhere near the fire because everything else can be replaced." The University of Oregon has many services for students affected by the fires, such as counseling, a wellness center and financial aid staff to help answer questions. Residence halls will also be open Thanksgiving weekend for students who cannot go home. The accused has been identified as Lagan Sharma, a resident of Najafgarh, police said. The accused looted Rs 3.16 lakh and fled with the gun of the guard, he said. (Representational image) New Delhi: The main conspirator of the Chhawla bank dacoity-cum-killing was arrested on Thursday from Dwarka, police said. The accused has been identified as Lagan Sharma, a resident of Najafgarh, they said. On October 12, police received a call regarding a dacoity in Corporation Bank in Khaira village. They were told that six armed men entered the bank and fired at the cashier, Anto Alphonse, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka), said. The accused looted Rs 3.16 lakh and fled with the gun of the guard, he said. The injured cashier succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. On Thursday, police received a tip-off that Lagan Sharma, the mastermind of the crime, would come to Dwarka. They laid a trap and arrested him at around 2:30 pm from near Dhulsiras Chowk, the DCP said. MASON CITY, Iowa - A North Iowa family is sharing the story of the loss they went through due to cancer during the 11th annual Children's Miracle Network Radiothon. Dani Gentz's nephew Xavier was about to turn 3 when he was diagnosed with nephroblastoma (also known as Wilms' tumor), a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. Despite surgeries and treatments at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, he passed away a year later. Gentz says that the donations raised through the radiothon truly mean so much to families who need to go to Iowa City for care. "We just want people to know that there are so many children out there that need this care. There are so many families that need this support, from the Children's Miracle Network. And by sharing Xavier's message, we want people to know that it happens everywhere. Be the person to make a little bit of a difference." "The $15 a month that they were talking about, it doesn't seem like a lot, but it can provide... it will add up and it will help with so many other services that they provide for families like ours." The Children's Miracle Network of hospitals help raise money to cover the cost of children's care. DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) Hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers have been told they were overpaid after a year-long deployment to the Middle East and that they must make plans to repay the money. The 248th Aviation Support Battalion held a homecoming ceremony on Nov. 2 to celebrate returning from Kuwait and Iraq. The next day, about 366 of the battalion's 400 soldiers were informed of the money issue, The Quad-City Times reported . The overpayments range from $2 to $4,500, according to Lt. Col. Michael Wunn, a spokesman for the Iowa National Guard. The amounts vary based on a soldier's rank, years of service, entitlements and the duration of the payment error. The problem seems to have originated from an issue at the demobilization station at Fort Hood in Texas, Wunn said. Some battalion members continued receiving active-duty pay or entitlements after their active duty ended, he said. Officials are giving soldiers multiple options to repay the funds, and many have already taken steps to do so, Wunn said. Soldiers can write a check to repay their debts, have the Army keep all of their monthly checks until they're paid off, or have monthly or weekly payments deducted from their pay. "We understand this creates a hardship for those affected," Wunn said, noting that soldiers don't have to repay the full amount by the end of the year. Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack said it's unacceptable that a payroll error could cause soldiers financial hardship. "The Army must work with each individual soldier to ensure that they do not face any financial harm or difficulty," he said. "I encourage any service member in Iowa who was affected by this failure at the Department of Defense to reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance." ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A St. Paul kindergarten teacher has been suspended after one of her 5-year-old students was found wandering nearly a mile from the elementary school. The Pioneer Press reports that Como Elementary teacher Angela Birchland told investigators that the boy may have walked out of school on May 7 while students were preparing to go home. Birchland told investigators that she usually relies on her educational assistant to watch students in the hallway near the end of the school day. The school's employee discipline letter says Birchland initially disregarded a teaching assistant's request to contact the school office after she noticed the boy was missing. Birchland has been working for the school district since 1998 and has never been disciplined before. She declined to comment to the newspaper. MASON CITY, Iowa - A 26-year-old Mason City man is facing a third-degree sexual abuse charge for allegedly having a relationship with a 15-year-old. Justin Haubrich is accused of having sexual conduct with the victim between April and September of this year, according to court documents. Authorities say Haubrich was aware the victim was 15 years old at the time of their relationship. He is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail. STEWARTVILLE, Minn. - Grisim School Bus has been transporting Stewartville students for the last 35 years, but the owners tell KIMT that this school year, they've seen more drivers breaking the law and endangering children getting on and off the bus than ever before. According to Grisim School Bus's manager Bryan Runkle, the amount of people illegally passing a school bus has recently drastically increased. "In a normal week, we have 1 or 2 but in the past month, we have had maybe 6 to 8, and so that's really increased and it's bothersome to us." Superintendent of Stewartville Public Schools Belinda Selfors put out a letter on Twitter due to the increase to remind people of the laws and why they're so important to follow. "We're terrified of a student being injured or worse and so what we want to impress upon all of our community members is the importance of making sure that we need to share the road with our school buses and make sure that we're doing everything we can as a community to keep our students safe," she says. When a school bus's lights are flashing amber, the bus is preparing to stop. It's not illegal to pass a bus at this time, but it's safest to slow down or stop completely. Once the school bus's lights are flashing red and the stop arm comes out, all traffic must stop 20 feet away from the bus, according to Minnesota Statute 169.444. Drivers must stay put until the bus driver retracts the stop arm and the red lights are off. Grisim's buses are equipped with cameras that record violations. A vehicle's license plate can be found in the footage, or a driver or students can shout out the vehicle's license plate or type of vehicle and the audio is recorded. This footage helps law enforcement track down violaters. "It really is a traffic criminal offense. If you pass through a stop sign, it's a $300 fine and a misdemeanor. Just a few years ago, it did get enhanced to a 500 dollar fine is students are outside of the bus," explains Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Deputy Mike Strelow. If a child is struck while getting off or on the bus, law enforcement will investigate the situation and the driver could face even more consequences. Deputy Strelow also has advice for parents: "We want to encourage parents to talk to their students about crossing the streets, being safe in that regard, that just because the stop arm is out, they still want to keep on the look out for these drivers out there." On Stewartville school buses or around the community, you may find signs with a message that Stewartville Public Schools, Grisim School Bus, and the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office are trying to spread: "It's not just a stop sign. It's a child's life." LED TV, coconut water, mineral water crates and household items among prohibited things found in cell. New Delhi: LED TV, coconut water, crates of mineral water, badminton rackets and household items were among the prohibited things found in the prison cell of Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra and his brother Ajay, lodged in Tihar jail for allegedly cheating home buyers. This was communicated to the Delhi high court by additional sessions judge Ramesh Kumar-II, who carried out inspection on September 4 following complaints from other inmates that Chandra brothers and others jailed for white collar crimes were enjoying luxurious lifestyle. He said in a report that the circumstances indicated corruption and grave misuse of power on the part of DG Prisons and Tihar jail officials. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V.K. Rao on Friday issued notice to the AAP government, director general (DG Prisons) and senior officials of Tihar jail seeking their stand on the matter by February 1, 2019. In the report, Kumar-II has recommended that an FIR be registered against DG Prisons and officials of Tihar Jail as such activities also pose an extra burden on the public exchequer. He has said that apart from household amenities, including mattresses, mustard oil, foot-mats and stools, in their cell, the brothers also enjoyed a separate office room having a computer with Internet, a printer as well as eatables and Aquafina mineral water. On the brothers claim that they had bought the Aquafina mineral water from the jail canteen, the judicial officer found that only Bisleri was sold there. Apart from that, the steel nets in the barracks housing the Chandra brothers were covered with blankets and boards to avoid smell or outer air from going into their cell, the report said. It also said that such facilities cannot be provided to any inmate without the involvement and knowledge of the DG Prisons and other officials of Tihar jail and proved as positive the complaint made by 25 inmates of Tihar Jail in their letter. The report also indicates that the jail officials had told the ASJ that the letter was written by the inmates to pressurise them into providing extra facilities to the other prisoners which was not permissible under the jail manual. The report also said that some of the complainant inmates were shifted to Mandoli jail after they had sent the letter. The high court took suo motu cognisance of the report and the letter written by the inmates and turned it into a public interest litigation. The inmates in their letter had claimed that while those arrested for financial crimes, like the Chandra brothers, were enjoying an extra luxurious life in Tihar jail with a separate VIP ward for them, other prisoners were allegedly not getting sufficient food, drinking water, fruits and other necessities, including medical treatment. However, those arrested for white collar crimes were getting specialised medical treatment for even minor ailments and enjoyed a luxurious life, the letter said. If you work for a company that still offers a pension, youve probably been told many times how lucky you are. If you dont and instead have a 401(k) or 403(b) through your employer, you may have realized by now that you may need to create your own luck. Its up to you to help grow that money and then make it last through your retirement, and thats no easy concept. That wasnt quite so obvious back in the early 1980s, when defined-contribution plans first came on the scene, and then later, when they began replacing defined-benefit plans. An Early Love Affair with 401(k)s Though most workers would have preferred to keep their pension while adding a 401(k) as a separate perk as some companies still do the idea of having control over ones own assets, with the potential to amass more wealth, has always been appealing. Plus, there was the enticement of the employer match, often touted as free money. Workers were encouraged to start contributing to their 401(k)s as early as possible and to contribute as much as they could, and many did. It was easy, thanks to payroll deductions, and people liked that they didnt have to pay taxes on that income especially if they were high earners in a high tax bracket. A Looming Tax Issue Later But people seemed to forget they will owe some of that money to the IRS. They just keep letting those tax-deferred accounts grow, ignoring the fact that someday theyll have to pay taxes on their contributions and earnings. Those who do think about the tax aspects mostly assume that when they retire, theyll have fewer expenses and less need for income, thus a lower tax rate than when they worked. Thats the conventional wisdom. It hasnt quite worked out that way, though. Unlike their parents and grandparents, who thought of retirement as a time to wind down and spend less, the Baby Boomers retiring now have no intention of slowing down. They dont want to downsize their lifestyle; they want to add to it with travel, hobbies, concerts, dinners out, boats and vacation homes. Which means that when they retire, many Baby Boomers need the same income or more, not less, and they end up in the same tax bracket or a higher one. Worried About the Wrong Thing I meet 401(k) investors who are worried about asset allocation and portfolio diversification every time the market goes up or down. What they dont seem to consider when they look at their monthly statements is asset location and tax diversification. Instead of separating their money into three tax buckets one thats taxed-deferred (IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s), one thats taxable (brokerage and bank accounts) and one thats tax-free (Roth accounts and indexed universal life insurance) they tend to keep almost all their wealth in the tax-deferred bucket. As a result, taxes are quietly eating away at their hard-earned nest egg. And now, as the oldest Boomers are getting into their 70s, theyre also finding out about the impact that required minimum distributions (RMDs) can have. They feel as though theyve been put in tax handcuffs forced to withdraw and pay taxes on money they might not even need. Were actually starting to see people in their 70s who are paying more in taxes than when they were in their 60s. And they arent happy about it. This savings tool that was supposed to help workers build a better retirement could potentially jeopardize their lifestyle if they havent put a tax plan in place. Take a Pre-Emptive Strike Now to Solve the Problem There is a way to unwind the problem, however, and as with so many aspects of retirement planning, its all about timing. Once you hit age 59 and can access those funds without a penalty, it can make sense for 401(k)-focused savers to start shifting tax-deferred money to the tax-free bucket by converting some of it to a Roth IRA and/or indexed universal life insurance. Theres no time like the present to get it done. Heres why: If you retire entirely on taxable and tax-deferred income, youll be subject to the changes of the government. Many of the reforms passed in 2017 will sunset in 2025. Its likely the government will raise tax rates at that point if not sooner, if theres a change in the administration. You also might lose some tax deductions in the future. We lost several deductions with the 2017 reform, and that could happen again. Most people also lose deductions as they age: when they pay off their home, their kids grow up and move out, or when one spouse dies. The government might tax more things. Its pretty clear that theres going to have to be some kind of Social Security reform in the future, and one answer could be to raise taxes. I often ask the people I see, In your heart of hearts, do you think taxes will be higher or lower 15 to 20 years from now? Everybody says higher. If thats your expectation, why would you want all that money and growth in your tax-deferred bucket? Why wouldnt you look at doing some tax planning now? The Bottom Line for Your Plan Even if youre younger than 59, you can do something to keep from paying more later. I encourage everyone to contribute to the employer match on their 401(k), but to also take advantage of todays lower tax rates with a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k). Youll pay taxes on your money on the front end, but once its in your account, the money will grow tax-sheltered. Then at retirement, qualified withdrawals will come out tax-free. I come from Wisconsin, and there are lots of farms up there, so Ill go with the old analogy that its usually smarter to pay taxes on the seed than the harvest. If youve been carefully tending the money in your 401(k), youve likely watched it grow over the years. Dont let it get away from you in retirement. Keep making your own luck and keep taxes in mind as you move forward. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Heise Advisory Group are not affiliated companies. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions. Heise Advisory Group is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency. 614438 Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. Joyce Lee, Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the test site of a new tactical weapon in his first public field inspection since last year, hailing it as a display of our rapidly-growing defense capabilities, state media said on Friday. The Norths first mention of a new weapons development in months threatens to sour the political atmosphere as negotiations between Pyongyang and the United States appear to have stalled. This result today is a justification of the partys policy focused on defense science and technology, another display of our rapidly-growing defense capabilities to the whole region, and a groundbreaking change in strengthening our militarys combat capabilities, Kim said. The only picture released by state media showed Kim standing on a beach surrounded by officials in military uniforms, but no weapons were visible. International weapons experts said the officials included a leader of the artillery corps of the Korean Peoples Army. The test was successful and the weapon could protect North Korea like a steel wall, KCNA, the North Korean news agency, said. However, the understated announcement was more likely aimed at reassuring the North Korean military rather than trying to torpedo diplomatic talks, said Choi Kang, vice president of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. North Korea is trying to show its soldiers that they are becoming high-tech and keeping a certain level of military capability, while trying to eliminate dissatisfaction and worries inside its military, he added. The test may also have been a response to recent joint military drills by the United States and South Korea, which Pyongyang said violated recent pacts to halt to all hostile acts, said Yang Uk, an analyst at the Korea Defence and Security Forum. Kim said the weapons system tested was one in which his father, Kim Jong Il, had taken a special interest during his lifetime, personally leading its development. Kims last publicized military inspection was the launch of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on November 29 last year, though he engaged in at least eight other military related activities this year, the Souths Unification Ministry said. STALLED TALKS Kim this year declared his nuclear force complete and said he would focus on economic development. North Korea has continued to showcase its conventional military capabilities, including at a large military parade in Pyongyang, its capital, on September 9. But any testing of new weapons threatens to raise tension with Washington, which has said there will be no easing in international sanctions until North Korea takes more concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons or long-range missiles. At Kims unprecedented summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in June, the leaders agreed to work toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, and establish new relations with each other. The agreement was short on specifics, and negotiations have made little headway since, however. The White House referred questions about the latest development to the State Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pyongyang has increasingly expressed frustrations at Washingtons refusal to ease sanctions, and recently threatened to restart development of its nuclear weapons if more concessions were not made. A meeting in New York planned this month between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Koreas Kim Yong Chol, a senior aide to Kim, was postponed. On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Trump planned to meet Kim again in 2019 and will push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyangs moves to end its arms programs. South Koreas defense ministry said it was preparing a statement on the North Korean test, but did not have an immediate comment. A North Korean delegation is visiting economy-related sites in the South as part of reconciliation efforts between the two. Trump on Tuesday criticized what he called inaccurate media reports that North Korea had not declared an estimated 20 missile bases and added in a tweet: I will be the first to let you know if things go bad! Reporting by Joyce Lee and Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Jeongmin Kim in Seoul, and Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom in WASHINGTON; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall and Clarence Fernandez OTTAWA (Reuters) - Donald Trump is so unpopular in Canada that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is using the specter of the U.S. president to attack his conservative rival ahead of a national election set for next year. Trudeau, whose ruling Liberals have a 12-seat majority in the 338-seat parliament, calls Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer a climate change ideologue who stokes fear and division on immigration. Only 25 percent of Canadians have confidence in Trump, a fraction of the 83 percent garnered by former President Barack Obama two years ago, according to a Pew Research Center survey published last month. Trudeau and Trump have traded barbs. The U.S. president tweeted in June that the Canadian leader was very dishonest and weak and later threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian-made cars that he said would be the ruination of Canadas economy. The Conservatives led in the polls in March, but the Liberals drew ahead in July after Trudeaus spat with Trump and now hold a one-point lead in the latest survey by Ipsos Public Affairs. Its political manna from heaven (for Trudeau) to have a fight with Donald Trump, said a source familiar with the thinking of the Conservative leadership. Party officials are concerned that comparisons with Trump could turn off supporters, the source said. Scheer, still relatively unknown to voters after taking over as party leader last year, is choosing his words carefully on issues like climate change and immigration, while Trudeau is attacking his rivals position on the environment as being tantamount to Trumps. The U.S. government announced last year that it intended to formally withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord. Canada, a major oil and gas producer, remains committed to the agreement. Trudeau, 46, portrays Scheer as someone - like Trump - who denies climate change is man-made. Polls show Canadians overwhelmingly agree climate change is real and must be tackled. Trudeau plans to tax carbon emissions, a measure which Scheer opposes on the grounds it will force suburban moms and dads to spend a lot more money on gas. [nL2N1X30XO] Speaking in Ottawas National Gallery in front of a wall-sized picture of an old-growth forest on Oct. 29, Trudeau said Scheers criticism shows the Conservatives want to make pollution free again. The phrase mimicking Trumps Make America Great Again campaign slogan has since been repeatedly used by Liberal ministers and legislators. Scheer, 39, does not deny climate change and has said he will present his own strategy to combat carbon emissions without raising taxes by the time Canadians are due to vote on Oct. 21, 2019. While the Conservative source said the attempts to link Scheer to Trump were calculated, an official close to Trudeau declined to comment. The official said Trudeaus characterization of Scheers position on climate change is very factual. PRESSURE ON IMMIGRATION Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said the Liberal strategy to paint Scheer as a northern Trump could work in the ruling partys favor given Canadians very poor view of the U.S. leader. Scheer is also under Liberal pressure on immigration. In July, the Conservative Party withdrew an ad that had been posted on its Twitter feed showing a black asylum seeker entering Canada through a broken fence while walking over the text of a 2017 Trudeau tweet that read: Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength. The ad alleged that Trudeaus tweet lured thousands of people into Canada from the United States to file refugee claims. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the Conservatives were peddling false information to stoke fear. Canadians view of Trump, who has adopted hard-line policies on immigration, was highlighted earlier this month when the mere presence of former Trump strategist Steve Bannon at a Toronto debate drew hundreds of protesters, resulting in 12 arrests. The protesters were calling the audience fascists and taking their pictures and threatening to put them online, Bannon said in an interview. It was a tough audience. They hated Trump. Palladium prices hit a record high Thursday and at one point were within $30 an ounce of gold, Commerzbank says, although the spread has since widened again. Nevertheless, palladiums recent gains may have been excessive, Commerzbank says. We attribute the price surge which happened very quickly to buying on the futures market, as the trading volume yesterday was twice as high as on average in recent months, Commerzbank says. In a small, partly illiquid and still very tight market, this buying caused the price to react accordingly. The fact that lease rates are still high reflects the tightness on the market, even though palladium ETFs [exchange-traded funds] have seen hardly any more outflows in the last three weeks. We regard the price rise palladium has soared by nearly 40% since mid-August as excessive. Thanks to its strong upsurge yesterday, the palladium price has come to within a good $30 of the gold price for a time, something we would not have believed possible just a few months ago. The spread has widened back to around $65 early Friday, basis the spot market. In the futures market, December palladium peaked Thursday at $1,161.50 an ounce. Commerzbank analysts comment that clouds over the auto market, which uses palladium for catalysts, are becoming darker and darker after weaker car sales in the China and European Union lately, in addition to a decision by the Chinese government against halving the purchase tax for cars. Given that the Chinese auto market is gasoline-dominated and may well see the first decline in sales for the year as a whole in over 20 years, palladium demand shouldnt really increase in the next few months, Commerzbank says. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com Bannockburn: Markets Scaling Back Fed Expectations For 2019 Investor expectations for monetary tightening by the Federal Reserve next year are being scaled back quietly and without much fanfare, says Marc Chandler, chief market strategist with Bannockburn global forex. Over the past week, the implied yield for next June and December [has] eased by around a dozen basis points, he says. Roughly half of the decline can be accounted for by shifting expectations for as early as Q1 19. The implied yield of the April contract [has] fallen about seven basis points this week. Fed Chair [Jerome] Powell's speech this week acknowledged potential headwinds that could emerge next year, but he gave no reason to think the Fed would not hike next month and the early part of next year. Meanwhile, some market participants are taking note of comments made Thursday by Fed officials Raphael Bostic and Neel Kashkari. Chandler points out that both expressed concern about the slowing of world growth as a reason for the Fed to pause. Yet these are among the most dovish regional presidents, who have opposed every rate hike or nearly so, Chandler continues. The foreign slowdown story is only their latest arguments. And part of the problem with the global slowdown story is that the contraction in the world's third- and fourth-largest economies (Japan and Germany, respectively) were anomalies and both economies appear to have resumed their expansion at the start of Q4. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com SP Angel: Gold Gets Safe-Haven Boost From Brexit Uncertainty Safe-haven assets such as gold are being underpinned by uncertainties surrounding the political situation in the U.K. as the country deals with the Brexit issue, as well as the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, says commodities brokerage SP Angel. Gold remains on track for the first weekly gain in three as [U.K.] British Prime Minister Theresa May is defying demands to quit as she battles to keep control of her fractious government long enough to deliver a Brexit deal, SP Angel says. Spot gold was up $2.60 an ounce to $1,215.60 as of 8:05 a.m. EST. (Adds details, foreign investment relaxation) By Gayatri Suroyo JAKARTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Indonesia's government is tightening requirements to force companies to repatriate revenue from the export of natural resources, a minister said on Friday, as authorities seek to support a fragile rupiah currency. Special accounts will be created for exporters to deposit export revenue at local banks to allow for better monitoring by the government, Darmin Nasution, coordinating minister for economic affairs, told reporters. The new regulation due to take effect Jan. 1. Companies would be barred from exporting if they do not repatriate earnings but would be allowed to keep earnings in dollars, though there would be tax incentives if they convert earnings to rupiah, he said. Nasution said companies would be allowed to use the repatriated proceeds to fund imports or foreign debt payments. "It is mandatory to repatriate the earnings and deposit them in the (banking) system. The earnings can still be used for the companies needs, but supporting documents must be provided," he said. "We have to formulate policies to give confidence to fund owners so that they will flow into the country, whether it is short-term capital inflow or foreign direct investment," Nasution said. Indonesia has required exporters to receive their earnings through onshore banks since 2012. Central bank data shows while 90 percent of such earnings already flow through local banks, only 15 percent of these funds are converted to rupiah. The rupiah has strengthened 1.5 percent over the past two days, driven higher by Bank Indonesia's surprise interest rate rise on Thursday and climbing off from levels not seen since the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis. On Friday, the government also said it would relax foreign investment restrictions to help boost investment. Nasution said 54 business sectors previously partially closed to foreign ownership would be opened for full foreign ownership. These included fabric printing, weaving, and certain dairy processing industries, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said. The policy package will also include the expansion of Indonesia's tax holiday programme. (Writing by Fransiska Nangoy Editing by Ed Davies and Kim Coghill) Reuters Messaging: fransiska.nangoy.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) NEW DELHI/SHANGHAI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - India's Vedanta Ltd has been selling copper concentrate on the spot market from stockpiles at its Sterlite smelter, a company official said, after the facility was forced to stop operating earlier this year amid pollution concerns. The company is disposing of around 70,000 tonnes of copper concentrate that have been lying unused since the closure of the plant, the official told Reuters on Thursday. He declined to be identified, saying it was against company policy. The Tamil Nadu state disconnected the smelter's power supply in May following anti-pollution protests that turned violent and culminated in the police opening fire, killing 13 protesters. The company has denied that the plant, India's second biggest copper smelter located in the port city of Thoothukudi, pollutes the area. The closure of the plant has disrupted Asia's copper market. But traders expect it to restart in 2019, saying the selldown of stockpiles was likely to be because the company is looking to raise cash and square its books before year-end rather than a sign the facility would not reopen. "A few weeks we had got some enquiries (from Vedanta)," Birla Copper CEO J. C. Laddha told Reuters. "If they are selling and it makes sense for us commercially, we would definitely be interested." Spot treatment and refining charges (TC/RCS), which miners pay smelters to process their metal, have moved to two-year highs at $91.50 and 9.2 cents according to Asian Metal, up by a quarter from five-year lows touched in April. That is higher than benchmark terms for next year that were agreed this week. Chinese copper smelter Jiangxi Copper and miner Antofagasta agreed 2019 copper treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) at $80.80 a tonne and 8.08 cents a pound, three sources familiar with the matter said. (Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj in NEW DELHI, Tom Daly in SHANGHAI and Melanie Burton in MELBOURNE; Editing by Joseph Radford) +613 9286 1421; Reuters Messaging: melanie.burton.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) (Kitco News) - Fifteen market professionals took part in the Wall Street survey. Nine respondents, or 60%, predicted higher prices by next Friday. There were three votes, or 20%, for both lower and sideways prices. Meanwhile, 502 people responded to an online Main Street poll. A total of 311 respondents, or 60%, called for gold to rise. Another 123, or 26%, predicted gold would fall. The remaining 68 voters, or 14%, see a sideways market. Wall Street Bullish Bearish Neutral VS Main Street Bullish Bearish Neutral For the trading week now winding down, 60% of Wall Street was bearish, while 48% of Main Street voters were bullish. Around 11:05 a.m. EDT, Comex December gold was 1.1% higher for the week so far at $1,221.40 an ounce. I am bullish and looking for $1,250-ish, said Afshin Nabavi, head of trading at trading house MKS (Switzerland) SA. Sean Lusk, director of commercial hedging with Walsh Trading, also sees more gains, suggesting some short covering and bargain hunting may be occurring, especially with gyrations in the stock market and uneasiness with European politics. Were getting a good bounce here, Lusk said. We are seeing more flows coming into safe havens despite a [U.S.] dollar that is heavily bid. Further, Lusk pointed out that market psychology is shifting toward an expectation that the U.S.-China trade dispute eventually will be resolved. A resolution should help gold since the standoff previously boosted the U.S. dollar and weighed down gold as a result. Adam Button, managing director of ForexLive, also said higher, commenting that persistent uncertainty in broader markets is adding to gold's attraction. George Gero, managing director with RBC Wealth Management, sees gains on short covering. Adrian Day, chairman and chief executive officer of Adrian Day Asset Management also sees more upside ahead for gold. The growing tension in the U.S., which the incoming House Democratic majorityseeming intent on devoting their time to investigating President Trump--as well as the increasingly uncertain future of so-called Brexit deal and potential disruption to the EU [European Union], supports gold, even if the latter also boosts the dollar, Day said. Meanwhile, Mark Leibovit, editor of the VR Gold Letter, is bearish, commenting that we are going to break under $1,172 before year end. Bob Haberkorn, senior commodities broker with RJO Futures, looks for traders to sell into price upticks until the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee changes its tune and is no longer hawkish. The markets are expecting another Fed rate hike next month. I think gold traders have to be on the defensive and sell rallies, Haberkorn said. NewstalkZB reports: Michael Avenatti, who skyrocketed to fame as a critic of President Donald Trump and the lawyer for porn actress Stormy Daniels, was arrested Wednesday and booked on a felony domestic violence charge, Los Angeles police said. The alleged victim in the case had visible injuries, according to Officer Tony Im, a police spokesman. But Avenatti slammed the allegation as completely bogus and fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation in a statement released by his law firm. Avenatti, who has said hes mulling a 2020 presidential run, posted $50,000 bail and was released about four hours after he was arrested Wednesday on the same block where he lives in a skyscraper apartment. Police declined to provide any details about the alleged victim, including that persons relationship to Avenatti. As he left the police station Wednesday, Avenatti said he had never hit a woman and said hes been an advocate for womens rights his entire career. Maha backward class commission submits report on Maratha reservation. Mumbai: Chief minister Devedra Fadnavis on Thursday said that the government will take a decision on providing reservation to Maratha community within 15 days. The CMs announcement came after the Maharashtra state backward class commission submitted its report on the social and economic conditions of the Marathas on Thursday. A government source said that it has favoured quota for the community. The commission handed over the report to Maharashtra chief secretary D.K. Jain. Appropriate decision will be taken after studying it, he told reporters. We have received the report. Now all statutory formalities will be completed in the next 15 days, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Earlier in the day, at a rally in Ahmednagar district, Fadnavis said some people had threatened to launch a fresh agitation for quota on November 26. Why do you want to do such things to take credit? Instead of agitating, be ready for celebration, he said, indicating that the demand will be fulfilled. According to a government source, the report has made favourable recommendations on the Maratha community's demand of reservation in government jobs and educational institutions without tampering with the existing quota for the OBCs. The politically dominant Maratha community constitutes over 30 per cent of the states population. There was a widespread agitation for quota in July and August this year. A senior BJP minister said the government could table the reservation bill during the winter session of the state legislature which will start next Monday. The report will be tabled before the cabinet Sunday where the decision on reservation bill will be taken. Legal opinion will be sought as to whether a new bill should be introduced or the previous bill (ordinance) which was challenged in the HC and was stayed, should be amended, he said. According to a source, the commission, headed by justice N.G. Gaikwad (retired) went through two lakh memorandums, surveys of about 45,000 families and empirical data on social, financial and educational backwardness of the Marathas. The BJP minister said the party cannot afford to lose OBC votes, and therefore the Maratha quota has to be separate. A case of accidental death has been registered for the moment but police are not ruling out any possibility, police said. Thane: A 72-year-old retired government official was on Wednesday found dead with bullet injuries in his bungalow in neighbouring Palghar's Maswan locality, police said on Friday. Police identified the victim as Pandarinath Sankhe, a retired Tehsildar of Vasai. "Four bullet wounds were found on the temple of the victim. He had just come back from a morning walk on Wednesday. His wife and security guard heard gunshots and rushed in to see the victim lying in a pool of blood. A licensed revolver was lying close to him," a Manor police station official said. Sankhe was declared dead on arrival by local hospital authorities, the official said, adding that the body had been sent to state-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai for autopsy. A case of accidental death has been registered for the moment but police are not ruling out any possibility, he added. A guard post in South Korea's northeastern border county of Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, is destroyed, Thursday. The South is removing 10 guard posts near the border area by the end of this month, as part of an inter-Korean agreement to ease tension. / Joint Press Corps By Lee Min-hyung South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Yoon-je Tami Silverman is the president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. She may be reached at iyi@iyi.org or on Twitter at @Tami_IYI. All of them were arrested on June 6 for having links with banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Pune: The Pune police Thursday filed a chargesheet against the five activists arrested for their alleged Maoist links i.e. Shoma Sen, Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Mahesh Raut and Rona Wilson. Dr K. Venkatesham, poli-ce commissioner, Pune ci-ty, said, The Pune police on Thursday filed a charge sheet of 5,160 pages aga-inst five activists who were arrested on June 6 this year. The police is also filing a charge sheet against five underground activists i.e. comrade M. Deepak Milind Teltumb-ade (central committee member), Kishan da alias Prashant Bose (secretary, eastern regional bureau, CC member), Prakash alias Naveen alias Ritupan Goswami, comrade Deepu, and comrade Manglu. All of them were arrested on June 6 for having links with banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). The police could not file the charge sheet within the stipulated period of 90 days which got over on September 30. However, the Pune court granted an extension of 90 days to file the charge sheet. The activists lawyers ap-proached the Bombay hi-gh court which stayed the Pune court order. Howev-er, the Supreme Court aga-in allowed the extension. Dr Venkatesham said, The Pune police has taken action against urban Naxals after meticulous investigation. A total ten people (five underground and five arrested) have been charge sheeted. The charges against them are of being members of and supporting the banned CPI Maoist organisation, criminal conspiracy, planning to conduct unlawful activities, promoting enmity between different groups, making statements towards public mischief, and raising funds for banned organisation. The tiger shooting caused considerable anger, and raised questions over the nature of the killing. Mumbai: The orphaned cubs of a man-eating tigress killed in a state-sanctioned hunt have been spotted in a forest in Maharashtra and could be rescued and rehabilitated, officials said Thursday. The mother was shot dead in early November after being accused of killing more than a dozen villagers, capping off one of the countrys most high-profile tiger hunts and angering conservation activists. The months-long search deployed 200 hunters using paragliders, infrared cameras, sharpshooters on elephant back, and even Calvin Klein fragrance to lure the big cat. The state forestry departments A.K. Mis-hra said the cubs were healthy and are surviving and that specialists would assess whether they had acquired a taste for humans from their mother. The cubs may or may not have become man-eaters, depending on their proximity to their mother when she attacked humans, he said, adding, But we are hopeful of rescuing and rehabilitating them. Supreme Court had sanctioned the hunt in September, saying the big cat could be shot dead if tranquillisers failed. Several appeals were lodged by animal activists who said the tigress dubbed T1 by forestry officials but Avni by her advocates said the mother was merely acting in defence of her young cubs. The tiger shooting caused considerable anger, and raised questions over the nature of the killing. Maneka Gandhi, a Cab-inet minister and passionate animal lover, even accused her counterpart in the forestry ministry of sanctioning a ghastly murder for sport. The tigress was shot dead by Asghar Ali Khan, the son of Indias most famous hunter Nawab Shafath Ali Khan. Villagers in a Maharashtra district where the tiger had roamed celebrated her death by setting off firecrackers, local media reported. India has launched a major campaign to boost tiger numbers. At the last tiger census in 2014 the population had risen to more than 2,200 from a low of less than 1,500. But as urban areas have expanded in the country of 1.25 billion, conflict between humans and tigers has worsened. The cubs will be shifted to an enclosure in Pench tiger reserve, meant for raising tiger cubs. Mumbai: After the forest department has confirmed the sighting of two cubs of the tigress Avni who was shot earlier this month in forest area of Yavatmal district, the forest department has been making several preparations to lure the cubs. The forest officials stated that a team of 200 personnel from the department including veterinarians have been deployed in Vihirgaon area of the Pandharkawada forest in Yavatmal district, where the cubs were seen. We have deployed personnels from Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) and foot patrolling staff. The personnels from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) will also be assisting the team, said a senior official from the forest department. To lure the cubs, several measures have been taken including using the voice recording of a tigress calling her cubs and keeping mutton pieces in the Vihirgaon range of the forest. We have set up around 100 camera traps in the forest range. Our teams will be monitoring these on shift basis, he added. The forest department has also decided that when captured, the cubs will be shifted to an enclosure in Pench tiger reserve, meant for raising tiger cubs, after the approval from the special committee. The enclosure is of 10 hectares in area, and have been set up for the orphaned tiger cubs, the official said. The forest department has maintained that the cubs were healthy and are surviving and that specialists would assess whether they had acquired a taste for humans from their mother. The mother was shot dead in early November after being accused of killing more than a dozen villagers, capping off one of Indias most high-profile tiger hunts and angering conservation activists. The months-long search deployed 200 hunters using paragliders, infrared cameras, sharpshooters on elephant back, and even Calvin Klein fragrance to lure the big cat. Calvin Klein, an American brand of mens cologne, contains civetone procured from the scent glands of a civet, was found to attract wild cats, according to scientific research. (ST. JOSEPH, Mo) A St. Joseph family is hoping to be reunited in time for the holidays after health problems took their tool on two separate occasions. "As of now, were struggling," Claire Bowers, daughter, said. The 19-year-old should be focused on studying to be a teacher. Instead, she has to support her entire family after both of her parents suffered an onslaught of health issues. Bowers said it all started last January when her mom, Tina Bowers, had a brain aneurysm. Tina Bowers was taken by helicopter to the University of Kansas Medical Center for treatment. During surgery, she suffered a stroke, and is now disabled. "She cannot work any longer," Bowers said. "Shes tried to go back, and it was just very hard on her and her body." In October, Hurricane Michael ravaged the Gulf Coast. Bowers father, Clarence Bowers, headed down to Florida to assist with relief efforts. According to Bowers, thats when her fathers health took a turn, "Before they could even start working, he was feeling ill," Bowers said. Bowers said she was informed by doctors in Florida that low sodium levels were to blame. When they tried to restore them, Clarence Bowers' health further deteriorated. When doctors performed a CAT scan, they found he had suffered two strokes. Bowers said the strokes left her father unable to speak, move, eat or breathe on his own. Clarence Bowers is now stuck in Florida unless the family can come up with $10,000 necessary to bring him home. The Bowers have set up a GoFundMe account and even reached out to media figures such as Kansas City radio DJ Johnny Dare and television's Ellen DeGeneres for help. Faith, Bowers said, is whats keeping her going. Shes hoping it will lead to a miracle this holiday season. "I just hope the power of prayer still works for him." Bowers said. To donate to the Bowers' GoFundMe account, click here. Donations will also be accepted at the Bliss Salon at 720 Felix St, in downtown St. Joseph. (St. Joseph,MO) After weeks of evaluation the United Way has decided to reduce their annual contribution to the Salvation Army by over $60,000. On Monday representatives from the Salvation Army met with the United Way Board of Directors to discuss future funding. "This was a step in a process that's been going on for several months to help develop a recommendation for funding for the Salvation Army going forward," United Way President Kylee Strough said. The Salvation Army received $106,356 in 2018 from the United Way and will be allocated $41,950 for 2019. Strough said the board has been working with the Salvation Army to gain a more information on the future of the emergency shelter and the finances of the organization. "The board did elect to fund the Salvation Army at an amount that helps them through their transition plan through next year," Strough said. The United Way will contribute $21,950 to help support emergency assistance programs. "We are helping to fund with that is their emergency assistance programming that they have always done, those are the programs you see like Christmas and the Back-to-School drive and utilities assistance and their food pantry and their clothing vouchers,"Strough said. Strough said the board decided to scale back funding for emergency housing to $20,000 in 2019 while the Booth Center is under construction. "Twenty-thousand dollars a year is what's set up for 2019 to help underwrite some of the costs associated with the four apartment units that they have families currently living in and will continue to have homeless families live in over the course of the next several months,"Strough said. The United Way also allocated a $11,666 stipend for the remained of 2018. The stipend will help the Salvation Army cover the costs associated with housing four homeless families in apartments since June. Strough said the United Way will continue helping the Salvation Army fund for local programs and the board will reevaluate the yearly allocations after the completion of the renovations at the Booth Center. Local officials at the Salvation Army refused to comment on the reduction of funding from the United Way. The remaining funds that were previously put on hold for the Booth Center will be returned to the United Way Community Investment Fund to provide grants for other non-profit organizations in the community. Speaker announces that the island nation now had no government. Rival members of the Sri Lankan Parliament gesture at each other next to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya (right) in Colombo. (Photo: AFP) Colombo: Sri Lankas political crisis descended into farce Thursday with MPs throwing punches and projectiles in Parliament, a day after voting the disputed Prime Minister out of office and leaving the country without a government. Meanwhile, police said tens of thousands of people took part in a rally in Colombo in support of Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose sacking as Prime Minister plunged the Indian Ocean nation into turmoil almost three weeks ago. It was difficult to make out immediately who was hitting whom, but several were hurt, but not seriously, an official in Parliament told AFP. The Speaker adjourned the House till tomorrow (Friday). The official said an MP from toppled premier Mahinda Rajapaksas party injured himself trying to rip out the speakers microphone and had to be taken to hospital with a bleeding hand. On October 26, President Maithripala Sirisena fired Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister and replaced him with Rajapaksa, Sri Lankas divisive and seasoned political bruiser. Two weeks later, Sirisena dissolved the strategically important Indian Ocean nations Parliament and called snap elections for January. However, these moves were suspended by the Supreme Court on on Tuesday pending an investigation. Day-to-day administration in Sri Lanka remains paralysed as the crisis drags on. Parliament reconvened on Wednesday and legislators approved a motion of no-confidence in what they called Rajapakses purported Cabinet, also passing motions declaring Sirisenas moves illegal. Thursdays routine Parliament session, the first since Mr Rajapakse and his disputed administration were deposed, began with the Speaker announcing that the country now had no government. As of now, there is no Prime Minister, no Cabinet ministers and no government in Sri Lanka, said Karu Jayasuriya, wearing his black and gold robe. I do not recognise anyone as Prime Minister. The vote ousting Mr Rajapakse and the Supreme Courts rulings were a major boost to Mr Wickremesinghe. The four-time Prime Minister, popular with Western countries for his economic reforms, had refused to leave his official residence after being fired by the President. Mr Wickremesinghes party was also staging a mass rally in the capital later on Thursday to demonstrate his public support. Hundreds of supporters were being bussed into Colombo for the rally, party officials said. Addressing parliament on Thursday as an ordinary member, Mr Rajapakse asked the house to end the crisis by holding a national election. Lets go for an election. We want an election, a general election, Mr Rajapakse said. But Mr Wickremesinghes party immediately moved a resolution rejecting Mr Rajapakses call and demanded a vote that triggered angry protests from legislators loyal to Mr Rajapakse and Mr Sirisena. The Senate chairman found the minster guilty of inciting uproar in the Parliaments ongoing session. Islamabad: Pakistan Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani Thursday barred Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry from attending the Upper House proceedings unless he apologizes to the opposition for hostile remarks. The Senate chairman found the minster guilty of inciting uproar in the Parliaments ongoing session. As the session began the opposition bench protested against Mr Chaudhrys remarks. Senior leader Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Raja Zafarul Haq said the Senate chairmans instructions were regularly ignored. The conversation does not end despite staff turning the mic off. Pakistan Peoples Partys Sherry Rehman chided Leader of the House Shibli Faraz for apologising on behalf of Mr Chaudhry. We have seen similar scenes during dictatorships. The disrespect to parliament is unacceptable. PPP Senator Maula Bux Chandio pointed out that disregarding agenda of the Parliament by speaking out of turn was against the decorum. Blaming leader of the house for providing cover to Mr Chaudhry, the opposition then staged a walkout with National Partys Mir Hasil Bizenjo stressing that the session will not begin until the PTI leader apologised. To placate the situation, the Senate chairman adjourned the session for a short while to deliberate over Mr Chaudhry conduct in the upper house of the parliament. After recommencement of the session, Mr Sanjrani held the information minister responsible for disrupting the house and ruled Fawad Chaudhry will be barred from attending the session until he tenders an apology, said the Senate chairman. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) on Thursday decided to release whitepaper to highlight failures of Prime Minister Imran Khan-led central government in first hundred days of its tenure. The torch-bearer of change had increased difficulties for laymen instead of providing them relief, said a PML-N leader. The PTI-led federal government is all set to complete its first 100 days in the ongoing month. US placed sanctions on 17, including two top aides of Prince Mohammed as well as the Istanbul consul general at the time of the killing. Prosecutor spokesman Shaalan al-Shaalan rejected allegations that Crown Prince Mohammed directed the murder and said the prince had 'no knowledge' of Khashoggi's killing. (Photo: File | AFP) Riyadh: The Saudi government exonerated the country's powerful crown prince of involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Thursday as death-penalty charges were announced against five men and the US placed sanctions on 17 suspected of involvement. Riyadh prosecutors announced indictments against 11 people and said a total of 21 individuals were in custody in connection with the killing, which outraged Saudi allies and placed massive pressure on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to come clean about the murder. The Saudi prosecutor said execution would be recommended for five principals who "are charged with ordering and committing the crime." But prosecutor spokesman Shaalan al-Shaalan rejected allegations that Prince Mohammed, whose father is King Salman, directed the murder. The prince had "no knowledge" of Khashoggi's killing, Shaalan said. And Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told journalists in Riyadh that the prince was not involved. "Absolutely. The crown prince has nothing to do with this issue," Jubeir said. Prince's aides blacklisted Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post and other international media, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2. The murder was carried out by a team of Saudis who travelled to Istanbul for that purpose, according to Turkish and US assessments, and was allegedly directed and led by close aides of the prince. The Saudi prosecutor, in the country's newest account of what happened, said agents were dispatched to Istanbul to bring Khashoggi home "by means of persuasion" but ended up killing him with "a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose." The Saudi prosecutor did not name any of those indicted in the murder. But the US sanctions announced on Thursday included two top aides of Prince Mohammed, Saud Al-Qahtani and Maher Mutreb, and Mohammed Alotaibi, who was the consul general in the Istanbul consulate when Khashoggi was murdered. The US Treasury said Qahtani, Prince Mohammed's long-time right-hand man, "was part of the planning and execution of the operation" to kill Khashoggi. The US statement made no mention of the crown prince. Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said that her country "welcomes the US action" and that Ottawa "is actively considering" following suit. Crisis for crown prince Khashoggi's killing has plunged the world's top oil exporter into its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. The criticism has shaken the 33-year-old Prince Mohammed, who has moved with brash confidence since becoming heir to the throne in June 2017 in a shakeup undertaken by King Salman to secure power for his wing of the sprawling Saudi royal family. The country's allies and critics alike are pushing for an independent investigation into Khashoggi's murder, with Turkey at their helm pointing a finger directly at Prince Mohammed, widely known as "MBS". But Jubeir on Thursday dismissed the calls for an international probe. "This is now a legal case and is thus in the hands of Saudi Arabia's judiciary," he said. On Thursday, the Saudi prosecutor's office said the kingdom had requested that Turkey sign a "special cooperation mechanism" on a probe. But Turkey said the Saudi response fell short and insisted the murder had been "premeditated." "We find all those steps positive, but insufficient," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. In Washington State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called the Saudi announcement a "good first step," while denying there was any link with the Treasury announcement of sanctions just two hours later. "We regard the announcement that they made as a good first step, it's a step in the right direction," Nauert told reporters. "It is an initial investigation finding. It is important that those steps continue to be taken toward full accountability." US legislators: sanctions not enough But senior US politicians and the Washington Post said the moves on Thursday were far from adequate. "In announcing actions against 'those responsible' for Jamal Khashoggi's murder, the Saudi and US governments are asking the world to take their word for it that this settles the matter," said Post publisher and chief executive Fred Ryan. "From the start, the Saudi 'investigation' has been an effort to shield those ultimately responsible for this heinous crime when there is every reason to believe that it was authorized at the highest levels of the Saudi government." "The US government should be demanding an independent investigation that gets to the truth about the murder of an innocent journalist." Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the US sanctions on the 17 Saudis were not enough. "Everyone who had a hand in Khashoggi's brutal murder should be subject to strict sanctions, and, as I review this list, it's clear that it is not comprehensive," she said in a statement. "There must be further sanctions on Saudi leadership who ordered this assassination. We must send a clear message that the United States stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values." Kingdom sacked 2 top aides to Crown Prince as well 3 intelligence officials and arrested 18 Saudi suspects, in Khashoggi's killing. But casting doubt on the claim that Khashoggi was killed during a fist fight, the Washington Post reported on Saturday that the CIA had listened to audio recordings from Turkish officials that show he was brutally killed and dismembered by a team of Saudi agents. (Photo: File | AP) Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's admission -- after emphatic denials -- over the killing of critic Jamal Khashoggi is aimed at shifting the responsibility away from the powerful crown prince, whose position so far appears unshaken, analysts say. The kingdom sacked two top aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well three intelligence officials and arrested 18 Saudi suspects, in what some analysts called a scapegoating to quell the global outrage over Khashoggi's killing. After 17 days of vehement denials, the kingdom's assertion on Saturday that the journalist was killed in a "brawl and fist fight" inside a Saudi consulate in Istanbul -- without revealing the whereabouts of his body -- fell on sceptical ears around the world. Saudi Arabia had previously roundly rejected allegations by Turkish officials that Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents who dismembered his body, insisting he had walked out of the consulate alive. "Here is Saudi Arabia's biggest problem," said Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the Royal United Services Institute. The inconsistences in the Saudi statements "now totally undermines their position," he said. Aside from the crisis of credibility, the international furore over Khashoggi's disappearance prompted fevered speculation that the 33-year-old prince, widely known as MBS, was at risk of being unseated from power by other royal family members. But that danger appears to have subsided, analysts say. The prince has amassed power to a level unseen by previous rulers after sidelining potential rivals, with only 82-year-old King Salman -- the prince's father -- in a position to oust him. But the monarch issued a royal decree on Saturday to form a ministerial committee -- headed by the prince -- to revamp the kingdom's intelligence services, indicating that he was keen for him to stay. "Despite speculation that the crisis spells the end of Mohammad bin Salman, the recent announcements prove that the king still believes that the current line of succession is suitable," said Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy. The unprecedented crisis apparently prompted the king -- who appears to have handed over day-to-day affairs to MBS -- to intervene, including handling a diplomatic outreach with Turkey and the United States. 'Aiming For Accountability' The king also ordered the sacking of deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, both part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle. "The decision to remove members of Mohammad bin Salman's inner circle is designed to demonstrate real accountability in the process and distance the crown prince from the murder," Eurasia Group said. But the dramatic moves early Saturday have yet to stem the tide of global condemnation of Prince Mohammed, whose image as a modernising Arab reformer has been tarnished with his crackdown on dissent. It has also tainted his reform program known as Vision 2030 -- to prepare the kingdom for a post-oil era. "Dismissing Saud al-Qahtani and Ahmad al-Assiri is as close to MBS as it is possible to go," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States. "Interesting to see if these moves prove sufficient to end the crisis. If the drip-drip of additional details continue, there's no buffer to shield MBS any longer." US President Donald Trump also appears to have thrown his weight behind the prince, swiftly endorsing Saudi Arabia's explanation about the death of Khashoggi and calling it an "important first step". But casting doubt on the claim that Khashoggi was killed during a fist fight, the Washington Post reported on Saturday that the CIA had listened to audio recordings from Turkish officials that show he was brutally killed and dismembered by a team of Saudi agents. US authorities have so far officially denied listening to any recordings. 'No Cover-Up' Pro-government Turkish media have also repeatedly claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad. One Saudi agent identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of Prince Mohammed, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times. The kingdom's sudden admission on Saturday appears aimed at taking the heat off its rulers. But people close to the Saudi leadership insist there was no cover up. "The removal of two top officials, a cabinet ranking, very powerful and close advisor of MBS and the deputy head of intelligence ... cannot be written off as a cover up," tweeted Ali Shihabi, head of pro-Saudi think tank Arabia Foundation which is said to be close to the government. But Shihabi himself contradicted the Saudi narrative, saying "Khashoggi died from a chokehold during a physical altercation, not a fist fight", citing a senior Saudi source. Meanwhile, global calls are growing for Turkey to call on the UN secretary general to authorise an independent, international investigation in the case. Turkey, on its part, vowed Saturday to reveal all it knows about the death of Khashoggi, but has yet to divulge details about the investigation. "The Saudi regime must not be allowed to hide behind lies in order to literally get away with murder," said Summer Lopez, senior director of free expression at PEN America. About 1,000 Rohingya men, women and children protested against repatriations, shouting 'We want justice'. Not a single Rohingya from the 720,000 estimated to have fled a military crackdown in August last year has volunteered to return under a Bangladesh-Myanmar repatriation deal. (Photo: AFP) Dhaka: Not one Rohingya refugee crossed back into Myanmar from Bangladesh on Thursday under a disputed repatriation programme, officials said, with Yangon blaming Dhaka for bungling efforts to start returning the stateless minority. Bangladeshi officials waited hours at a border transit point where the first returnees were expected to cross into Myanmar, despite the United Nations warning the displaced Muslims risked fresh persecution if they went back. But not a single Rohingya from the 720,000 estimated to have fled a Myanmar military crackdown in August last year came forward, with hundreds instead staging a demonstration shouting "We will not go". "No one turned up voluntarily," Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP, adding they were awaiting instructions from the foreign ministry as how to proceed. With the UN and international aid groups also fighting the controversial plan, Rohingya leaders said many on a Bangladesh repatriation list of 2,260 people had gone into hiding. Bangladesh expected 150 refugees to volunteer to return Thursday, with five buses waiting to carry them to the border. But they remained empty, and instead about 1,000 Rohingya men, women and children protested against repatriations, shouting "We want justice". Tajul Mulluk, 85, who is on the repatriation list, said: "They killed two of my sons. I escaped to Bangladesh with two others. Please don't send us back. They will kill the rest of my family." "We can't go back," added Mohammad Amin, 45, who was among the protesters. Violations risk "They (Myanmar) have tortured us, killed our people. If we go back without any justice, they will repeat the same thing. That's why we protested today." The United Nations had urged Bangladesh to suspend the programme, with rights chief Michelle Bachelet saying it would send the Rohingya "back to the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades." Many of the Rohingya who fled Myanmar last year have recounted horrific tales of murder, rape and razed villages. The UN has said a genocide investigation is warranted. Kalam, the refugee commissioner, said his team was "completely ready" to start sending back Rohingya but stressed that only volunteers would go. "If we get anyone willing to go, we will carry them to the border point with respect and dignity." Kalam cknowledged that the UNHCR refugee agency had found no family ready to go. "None feels safe to go back now," Kalam told AFP. On the other side of the border Myanmar officials also waited all day, said Myint Thu, permanent secretary at the foreign ministry. "We will continue waiting on our side and will be on standby," he told reporters. But he lashed out at Bangladesh for being "weak regarding the logistical arrangements" and accused the UN refugee agency of interfering with the process. "We think the UNHCR should not be a barrier for those who really want to return," he added. 'Reckless' The two countries agreed in November last year to start repatriations but the plan never took off. With Myanmar refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing in its treatment of the Rohingya, the operation faced mounting opposition abroad and stoked anxiety in the refugee camps. US Vice President Mike Pence told Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi at a summit on Wednesday that the violence against the Rohingya was "without excuse". He added Thursday that securing justice for the victims of "atrocities" in Rakhine state was a condition for better Myanmar-US relations. The most recent influx of refugees joined the roughly 300,000 Rohingya who had previously fled violence in Myanmar for camps around the Bangladesh city of Cox's Bazar. It has left the poor South Asian nation struggling to cope with about one million Rohingya. UN agencies say they have received only a fraction of the billion-plus dollars needed to pay for their operations for the year. As the deadline day for repatriation loomed, Rohingya leaders said nearly all those on the returnee list had gone into hiding. A confidential UNHCR document seen by AFP said the agency would only provide aid if returnees were allowed back to the villages they had left or to other locations chosen by them. Amnesty International on Wednesday called the planned repatriation "reckless". Human Rights Watch had also called on Bangladesh not to send back the Rohingya. "The Bangladesh government will be stunned to see how quickly international opinion turns against it if it starts sending unwilling Rohingya refugees back into harm's way in Myanmar," said Bill Frelick, HRW refugee rights director. Mgr Warduni, auxiliary bishop of Baghdad, warns that the problem is real and serious. The government has so far stopped 50 sham sales, but at least 350 transactions are involved. The Catholic Church has tried to help in getting properties returned but it faces with powerful people. Baghdad (AsiaNews) "The numbers are unclear but this is real and serious. For some time, Christian houses and properties have been the object of seizures or illegal occupations and this is unfair", said Mgr Shlemon Audish Warduni, auxiliary bishop of Baghdad, reacting to a recent investigation by al-Sumaria, an Iraqi Arabic-language TV network that ran a story about the illegal seizure of at least 350 Christian-owned properties. For the right-hand man of the Chaldean patriarch, this is especially tragic since it comes on top of the tragic flight or emigration Christians had to endure in the past few years. Forced seizure or illegal occupation are in fact taking place in the Nineveh Plain, where thousands of families fled following the arrival of the Islamic State (IS) group in 2014. "The Church has tried to tackle the problem to get homes and assets returned to Christians, Mgr Warduni said. In some cases, our intervention has led to restitution; in others, nothing could be done. We ran up against powerful people. According to the TV investigation, the Niniveh plain has "the highest number of crimes", disproportionately against Christian properties, especially private homes. Thugs and fraudsters have taken advantage of the absence of the legitimate owners to take over buildings, falsifying papers to make restitution difficult. Local Christians have been especially targeted, more than any other group. A source cited in the investigation said that "around 100 properties were transferred to people under false names". In addition, "dozens of properties in other cities that have been taken by influential figures or local bosses and have not been returned to their legitimate owners." The authorities have tried to address the problem, stopping the purchase and transfer of Christian-owned properties in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Nineveh and Basra (southern Iraq). The steps taken include greater checks and stricter rules. The sale of some 50 Christian-owned homes and buildings was cancelled in various parts of the country. However, this is only a small part of a much wider problem that has been going on for some time, as the former auxiliary bishop of Baghdad had previously reported to AsiaNews when he spoke of "targeted seizures and attacks". For the prelate, criminals take advantage of poor and desperate people" in a context of widespread illegality because of the "lack of control and oversight" by the proper authorities. "Many people tell me, tears in their eyes, that they have lost their homes and cannot do anything about it. The patriarch and the bishops have tried to intervene and help but it is not always possible to correct certain situations." Nevertheless, "The problem of abuse, violations, and stealing must end, the auxiliary bishop of Baghdad said. It is the task of the government, both central and local administrations, to solve this emergency. We have had enough with the corruption and stealing. Iraqs revival requires proper institutions, public authorities and officials. They wanted to create an "atheistic and homogeneous" society, eliminating "all ethnic, religious, racial, class and cultural differences". The special court, established in 2006, has only sentenced three people to date. Hun Sen wants it to end. Phnom Penh (AsiaNews) - A UN tribunal today sentenced two Khmer Rouge leaders to life imprisonment for "genocide". They are Nuon Chea, 92 (right in the picture), the deputy of the leader Pol Pot, and Khieu Samphan, 87 years (left in the photo), who was president of the Democratic Kampuchea, the state founded by the Khmer Rossi from 1975 to 1979. The two are already serving life imprisonment for "crimes against humanity" operated on the Cambodian population. Today is the first condemnation of "genocide" and refers to the plan to destroy the ethnic Cham Muslim group, the Vietnamese in Cambodia and other religious minorities. The sentence states that the Khmer Rouge wanted "to establish an atheistic and homogeneous society, suppressing all ethnic, religious, racial, class and cultural differences". The two convicts denied the atrocities committed. It is estimated that up to two million people were killed in the short but brutal period of their rule. The Khmer subjected the population into forced labor in the camps, imprisonment, torture and massacres. But the killing of Khmer by other Khmer was not considered "genocide". The ruling today instead denounces the plan of Pol Pot to eradicate "the Vietnamese to the last seed", as well as the Cham ethnicity. According to the testimonies that emerged at the trial, between 1975 and 1979, between 100,000 and 500,000 Cham were killed with massacres, burnings, beheadings, rape, forced marriages and cannibalism. The special court of Cambodia for the Khmer Rouge crimes was established in 2006 and has so far only sentenced three people. In 2010 it condemned Kaing Guek Eav, called "Duch", responsible for the famous torture center of Tuol Sleng, today home to the genocide museum. Duch has become a Christian in prison and is the only one to have recognized his crimes and have asked for forgiveness. Accused along with Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, there was Leng Sary, who however died in 2014, before the conclusion of the first trial. His wife, Leng Thirith, Kampuchea's social affairs minister, also accused, was judged to be unhealthy and died in 2015. Pol Pot, "brother number one", died in 1998 without undergoing any trial. Although there are accusations against other Khmer Rouge, premier Hun Sen has often disagreed with the continuation of the trials He too was a leader in the organization. According to the premier, the Cambodian people want to turn the page and forget that period of violence. In fact, most Cambodians do not care about the process. Above all, young people want their country to be known for something other than massacres. Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. Manama has signed an agreement with Bell Trident Textron Inc. for $ 912 million. Air Force Commander: "the latest and most advanced in the world" means "added value". On the internal front, repression continues: sentences of up to 10 years for six activists. Manama (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Bahrain has signed a $ 912 million deal with the American Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, for the purchase of 12 next-generation AH-1Z Viper helicopters. As the air force commander Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Khalifa points out, Manama "is the second nation in the world to use these [innovative] means after the United States". Commenting on the sale, Al Khalifa explains that "these vehicles are the most recent and the most advanced in the world" and will constitute "an added value for Bahrain's air force" and its "potential in combat". The delivery of the first lot is expected by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, the repression of opponents and pro-human rights activists continues in the country. In recent days, a court sentenced six people to sentences up to 10 years in prison, because they were involved in the explosion of a homemade bomb in front of the central bank (Bchr) headquarters last year. They will also have to pay a fine of 500 thousand dinars (about $ 1.3 million). In recent years, the authorities have arrested and condemned Shiite activists and religious leaders and suspended the activities of Al-Wefaq, the main Shiite opposition group. The accusation is of "terrorism, extremism and violence" as well as links with a foreign power (read Iran). The executioner has also been active: several young men were executed in front of a firing squad for (self-proclaimed) anti-government activities. Bahrain is a Gulf monarchy governed by a Sunni dynasty in a country where the majority of the population (at least 60-70%) is Shiite and has long called for constitutional changes and social and economic rights. In 2011, in the wake of the Arab spring, there were riots that the king -allied to Washington and supported by Riyadh - quashed with troops sent from Saudi Arabia. Japan and Australia are trying to counter Chinese activism in the Pacific through closer economic and military ties. The Japanese leader pays tribute to the victims of the worst foreign attack against Australia. This was followed by the inauguration of US$ 34 billion pipeline project. Darwin (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit this morning to Darwin some 75 years after Japans Imperial Air Force bombed the northern Australian city. Mr Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the city, which was bombed in 1942-43 in Australias worst foreign attack. The highly moving ceremony saw the Japanese leader lay a wreath at the Darwin Cenotaph dedicated to the victims of the attack. The event, ahead of tomorrows APEC meeting, seems however more focused on trade than on remembrance. In fact, Abe met his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison to talk about trade and greater defence cooperation. Also on Friday, Abe attended another ceremony marking the opening of a US$ 34 billion pipeline project, in which Japans Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator. The Ichthys LNG project began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australias position as Japans main energy supplier. According to some analysts, the rapprochement between Tokyo and Canberra and the tribute to the victims of Japans aggression must be seen as a way both seek to contain China. Beijing is very active in the Pacific region, in economic and military terms, and this is viewed with suspicion by both Japan and Australia. Beijings Belt and Road initiative, seen as Chinese President Xi Jinpings attempt to revive the ancient Silk Road, includes a huge network of infrastructures, railways, roads and sea lanes - the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Silk Maritime Road as well as gas and oil pipelines to connect China and the Far East with the rest of Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. Fr. John Lee Tae-seok entered the seminary after his medical studies. Shocked by the war in the African country, he asked to be able to serve as a missionary. He helps all involved, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He died of cancer in 2010 and is the only foreigner to be present in Sudanese school books. Seoul (AsiaNews) As of today the life of Korean missionary Fr. John Lee Tae-seok is in school textbooks in South Sudan. The missionary, belonging to the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, provided medical assistance in the country devastated by war for a decade, until his death by cancer in 2010. South Sudan Education Minister, Deng Deng Hoc Yai, announced last year that the life of the missionary would be told in the book of social studies for elementary schools, and two pages of the civics education book for secondary schools. It is the first time that South-Sudanese textbooks include the story of a foreigner for his volunteer service in the country. From an early age when he was still in elementary school, Fr. Lee saw a video about the life of Fr. Damian, the Belgian missionary and apostle of the lepers in Molokai. At that moment he felt a strong vocation and decided to follow in the footsteps of Fr. Damien. On graduating in medicine from the University of Inge, South Korea, Fr. Lee studied theology at the University of Gwangju and at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest in Seoul in 2001 and in the same year he decided to leave for Africa, inspired by the stories of a confrere. He carried out his missionary work as an educator and doctor in the village of Tonj, in the province of Warap, South Sudan. As the only doctor in the area, Fr. Lee built a small hospital where he cared for up to 300 people a day. He led a vaccination program for the 80 villages around Tonj and also established a school, where he taught mathematics and music. Despite the ethnic-religious conflicts that bloodied Sudan and cause about two million deaths, Fr. Lee cared for anyone who needed his help. Christians, Muslims, Protestants and even the militia were treated, who out of recognition for the priest spared his village from the fighting. The local Church "is considering" the opening of a cause of beatification for Fr. Lee. New Delhi, November 16: All telecom operators, except Reliance Jio, failed to meet call drop benchmark in drive test conducted by sector regulator Trai on different highway and rail routes, says a report. According to a Trai report published Thursday, while network performance of telcos differed on highways, none of them, except RJio, could meet call drop benchmark on the three rail routes covered under the test. "Only RJio is meeting quality of service benchmark of drop call rate ...," the report said. According to the quality of service rules, not more than 2 per cent of total calls in a telecom circle on a network should automatically get disconnected. The highways between Asansol to Gaya, Digha to Asansol, Gaya to Danapur, Bengaluru to Murdeshwar, Raipur to Jagdalpur, Dehradun to Nainital, Mount Abu to Jaipur and Sri Nagar to Leh were covered in the test. Railway routes between Allahabad to Gorakhpur, Delhi to Mumbai and Jabalpur to Singrauli were covered. Either 3G or 2G network of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and state-run BSNL failed to meet call drop benchmark on four highway routes and all the three rail routes. Reliance Jio Diwali 100% Cashback Offer: New Rs 1699 Annual PrePaid Plan With 547.5GB Data Announced. Trai also named Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTL) network for not complying with service quality norms on select highways. The report found that TTL, which is in the process of merging mobile business with Airtel, failed to even complete call connection as per benchmark betwen Bengaluru to Murdeshwar, Dehradun to Nainital and Gaya to Danapur and on the three rail routes. Airtel could not meet call connection rate or call setup success rate (CSSR) on Gaya to Danapur highway and the three rail routes. Vodafone Idea network could not meet CSSR rate on Raipur to Jagdalpur highway and all the three rail routes. Trai has mentioned Vodafone and Idea separately in the result as some tests were conducted before completion of their merger. Both the companies completed their merger on August 31 and now operate as Vodafone Idea Ltd. New Delhi, November 16: The government is likely to propose a new set of regulations for the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) so that it can closely supervise the functioning of the Central Bank. Reports inform that the new regulations are believed to aim at making the RBI, a board-managed institution. According to a tweet by Bloomberg Quint, the government proposes changes to enable closer supervision of the RBI. The Narendra Modi-led government recommends that the RBI board draft regulations will enable the setting up of panels, reports inform. The newly formed panels will then closely monitor the functions of the RBI including financial stability, monetary policy transmission and foreign exchange management. Finance Ministry Dismisses Charge of Seeking Rs 3.6 Lakh Crore From RBI, Says 'Govt's Fiscal Math on Track'. Take A Look at The Tweets: Indias government proposes changes to enable closer supervision of the RBI, reports Bloomberg. pic.twitter.com/R15Fy0AS9C BloombergQuint (@BloombergQuint) November 16, 2018 Reports inform that the government is likely to move to establish the authority of the RBI board via new regulations. As per details by the sources, the proposal could be discussed at the crucial RBI board meeting which is scheduled for Monday. They further added saying that these proposed changes may not need amendments to the RBI Act. Modi Govt Trying to 'Capture RBI' Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, This Will Be 'Catastrophic': Chidambaram. According to a tweet by CNN, Former RBI Governor C Rangarajan batted for RBI's autonomy and said that the Central Bank's board should only offer advice and not try to give governor directions. Rangarajan warned that the government will send wrong signals if it uses Section 7 of the RBI Act to get its way, which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor. Taking a jibe at the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI. Banerjee claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Raghuram Rajan on RBI vs Govt Feud: 'Autonomy of Central Bank Must be Respected'. In the recent past, tensions between the central bank and the government have escalated, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussions under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor. On November 27, RBI Governor Urjit Patel is scheduled to appear before a parliamentary panel to brief it on various issues, including the stand-off with the government, status of the economy and demonetisation. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2018 09:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The monk, who spent 33 years in re-education camps and regular prisons, is refusing invasive medical treatment. At 85, I am happy and blessed to have lived this long, he said. Dharamsala (AsiaNews) The people of Tibet people at home and in the diaspora are apprehensive about the ever-deteriorating health of Lama Palden Gyatso, who spent 33 years of detention and torture in Chinese prisons for refusing to repudiate the Dalai Lama. The 85-year-old monk, who has been bed-ridden for weeks in the Kirti Jepa monastery, has asked not to be subjected to more invasive medical treatment. I am happy and blessed to have lived this long, Gyatso told those who visited him. I was blessed in prison as well when I almost starved to death but survived unlike many of my friends who died in front of me. Born in 1933 Panam, Tibet, the monk entered the monastery of Gadong as a novice in 1943. At the invitation of the 14th Dalai Lama, he moved to Drepung to complete his studies of Dharma and receive full ordination as a Gelugpa monk. In 1959, when China cracked down on Tibet, he was arrested for protesting against his country's occupation. This was followed by 33 years in Chinese prisons. In both regular prisons and labour camps, he was forced to work and was tortured leaving him with serious permanent injuries. Upon his release in 1992, he joined the Tibetan diaspora in Dharamsala (India) and since then has dedicated himself to denouncing the conditions in which his fellow Tibetans live under Chinese rule and the violence that takes place in Communist prisons against Tibetans. Beirut, November 15: The Indian Army for the first time has commanded a foreign army contingent during the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon. A company of Kazakhstan Army has been co-deployed with 11 JAT Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army. The Kazakh company arrived at Rafik Hariri International Airport at Beirut was received by 11 JAT. Troop reinforcement will also be routed through India. There are about 120 Kazak troops out of 900 troops deployed in the region. India One of The Largest Contributors in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions; Around 2,00,000 Indian Troops Deployed Till Date According to reports, 30 Kazak soldiers will be part of Battalion Headquarters which will take decisions on the operational and administrative issues. The Kazak Company is commanded by Major Ayan Nurkassov, whereas Colonel Jeevan B is Commanding Officer of the 11 JAT and is also the overall commander of the unit located in Marjayoun area. The Indian Unit in Lebanon is deployed about 40 kilometres out of the total 121 kilometres of the Blue Line which demarcates the border between Lebanon and Israel. UN Peacebuilding Efforts Held Back by Lack of Funding: India Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of Defence of Kazakhstan Nurlan Yermekbayev flagged off the ceremony of the Kazakhstan contingent which will join the Indian Army battalion in Lebanon. Indian and Kazakhstan have strong defence ties. Kazakhstan defence personnel used to undergo training at various Indian army institutes including Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academies. (With inputs from ANI) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2018 10:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Peshawar, November 16: Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar. A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun. Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border. Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns. Pashtun Council Canada Protests Against Pak Atrocities. Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence and Pakistan Army for the brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/DkMFmpAjRm pic.twitter.com/MSfRsRw4mx ANI Digital (@ani_digital) November 16, 2018 Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle. He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder. The Forest Department tore down the homes of the poor but spared those of high castes, forcing those displaced to live in the forest for months. Several have died as a result of the hardships. An NGO pleads with national and international authorities so that the law protects the properties of tribal people. Sonbhadra (AsiaNews) The Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has made an urgent plea to Indias highest authorities and to international humanitarian organisations to "support children who face starvation, death, torture and forced displacement as internally displaced persons". The pro-Dalit Varanasi-based NGO denounced police torture and the demolition of scores of homes in the Sonbhadra district (Uttar Pradesh) inhabited by Dalits and Muslims. This is the result of State authorities claiming ownership of tribal lands. In Dakhin Tola, a village in the Churk Bazar area, the homes of tribal people were demolished a few months ago; those of high caste people were spared. In the first incident (September 2017), the Forest Department displaced 50 families who had been living and farming local land (account number 00387). In the second case (August 2018), the Forest Department and the Provincial Armed Constabulary demolished the homes of 35 Dalit families. Some 350 people are involved, PCVHR executive director Lenin Raghuvanshi told AsiaNews. This is a clear case of social and religious discrimination. Furthermore, the law was violated." Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (2006 Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, tribal groups recognised in the Constitution have the right to occupy and harvest forest land. They have the right to forest produce within or without village boundaries and to other resource, but they must also protect biodiversity and preserve forest resources. Despite legal protection, State authorities have tried to get people to sign away land to have access to its resources. When they cannot reach agreements with tribal groups, the easiest option is to simply seize the land and tear down residents homes. Those displaced in Uttar Pradesh have camped out in the forest near the village, exposed to the weather and forest animals. This has led to the death of the weakest, including four children. Activists complain that the authorities moved in without any prior notice or information [and] started to demolish the houses. When the local people protested then they were beaten by the police in an inhuman way and charged with the case. When many other people [who] belong to upper caste occupied the land near to this settlement and opened their shop, [. . .] they were not removed. Ultimately, for the NGO, the human rights of these domestic refugees have been violated, especially those of children whose fate is particularly tragic. "They are marginalised without access to education, forced to walk long distances to work and some four kilometres to get water. Today, we want to present to you Turkey visa requirements for Nigeria. Checkout the lists of necessary documents, useful tips and all the essential information you need to avoid further problems, entering Turkey. We have collected information valid for different types of visa according to the current legislation of the Republic of Turkey. What are Turkey visa requirements for Nigeria? There are some Turkey visa requirements for Nigerian citizens that must be followed. The general ones are: passport valid for at least 120 days at the time of arrival; confirmed reservation of the hotel or apartment; return ticket; medical insurance; financial guarantees: a statement of the card or bank account is sufficient, as well as cash, the total amount is at least 300 US dollars; Photo: medium.com In practice, any documents other than the passport are rarely asked, but if the border guard asks for the papers, and they are not available, the guest may not be allowed into the country. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 60 days, you can apply for a visa at the embassy in advance (pre-register for admission). For this you need to go there in person and take the following documents with you: Photo: hotels.ng READ ALSO: UK visa requirements for Nigerian citizens valid passport; completed application form with attached photo; photocopy of passport page with personal data; booking confirmation; bank statement or income statement. Documents must be submitted at least two months before the trip, as the embassy sends a request to Turkey. Photo: thestylishtrotter.com Turkey business visa requirements for Nigerian citizens Under current law, there are two ways to obtain a work permit in Turkey: By getting a work visa in the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Turkey. Foreign citizens who have a work visa do not need a work permit. Directly obtaining a work permit by submitting the relevant documents to the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Turkey. Obtaining a work visa in the embassy of the Republic of Turkey. The employee must personally contact the embassy or consulate for obtaining a work visa, where he will be assigned the application number for a work visa. Photo: allafrica.com The employer, using the application number assigned to the employee, must make an online registration and apply for a work visa on the website of the Ministry of Labor of Turkey by downloading scanned copies of the necessary documents. This registration and application are possible only with the use of a work visa application number issued by the Turkish embassy. Within ten days after registration, the employer must submit the original scanned documents to the Turkish Ministry of Labor. After reviewing and evaluating the submitted documents, the Ministry of Labor notifies the relevant embassy or consulate of the result of the consideration of the application. If approved, the employee receives a work visa after paying the fees charged by the embassy. With a work visa, an employee can enter Turkey. Photo: raptim.org According to the amendments to the immigration legislation, since April 2014, foreign citizens who have a work visa are exempted from obtaining a residence permit for the duration of the visa. A foreign citizen with a work visa has no restrictions on the number of exits and entries from/to Turkey. Below there is a list of documents required for obtaining a working visa: The original letter of offer and employment contract signed by the employee and the employer, with the official seal of the employee. People invited to the position of general managers and official representatives of legal entities must also provide documents certifying their authority. If the papers were drawn up in a foreign language, a notarized translation into Turkish is required. A passport (the validity of which will be completed at least three months after the intended expiration of the work visa) with a notarized translation into Turkish. Photo: lagostelevision.com READ ALSO: How much is Canada visa fee in Nigeria 2018? Document confirming the qualification of the employee. Qualification should correspond to the position of the employee specified in the labor contract. Photo (size must be relevant for Turkish embassy in Nigeria). A completed application form for obtaining a work permit (including the original signatures of the employee and the employer). This document can be printed after online registration and downloading scanned copies of the above documents. Photo: immigrationspecialists.co.za Information about the employer (balance sheet, profit and loss statement of the employer for the past year, certified by the tax authorities, also a notarized copy of the publication of the newspaper of the Turkish Trade Register, indicating the capital and composition of shareholders for the next period). A letter of appeal to the Minister of Labor to issue a work permit with the originals of the employees and employer's signature, indicating the position and duties of the employee and the address of the employer. Turkey tourist visa requirements for Nigeria According to the new legislation, tourist visas can only be obtained through the e-visa system. What is e-Visa? e-Visa is an official document allowing entry and travel in Turkey. Foreign citizens can receive e-Visa after filling out an electronic form of application and paying visa fees with Mastercard and Visa bank cards. What is needed to apply for an e-Visa? Photo: independent.co.uk The main requirement is a passport with a validity period of at least six months from the date of application for e-Visa. Depending on citizenship there may be additional requirements. After the introduction of information on citizenship and the expected period of stay in Turkey on the e-Visa registration site, information about other requirements will appear on the screen. After completing the filling of the electronic application form, a link to download your e-Visa will be released automatically. Besides, the same download link for e-Visa will be sent to the email address provided in the form.You can apply for e-Visa at any time before the start of your journey, however, we recommend taking these actions at least 48 hours before the start of your journey. READ ALSO: NIGERIA AND TURKEY RELATIONS Source: Legit.ng Today, we are going to review South Korea visa requirements for Nigerian citizens. There are several most common types of Korean visa, and the requirements are quite the same. But anyway there are some slight differences and peculiarities, that are necessary to take into consideration. General South Korea visa requirements for Nigerian citizens Here is the list of visa requirements for Nigerian citizens to South Korea: passport (valid for at least six months on the date of submission to the embassy); a copy of the first page of the passport with the tourist data; 1 color photo 3,5 x 4,5 cm, on a light background; 2 visa application forms filled in in English or Korean, signed personally by the applicant; the original invitation from the host or booked hotel; certificate of employment on company letterhead, indicating the position, period of work in this organization and salary; program of stay in the country (by day!) confirming that responsibility for the actions of tourists lies with the travel agency or the inviting person. Photo: willflyforfood.net READ ALSO: List of visa-free countries for Nigerian citizens in 2018 It is also advisable to provide a copy of round-trip tickets (but this is not included in the list of required documents). Additionally, it is necessary to issue a medical insurance policy for the entire trip. Students must provide a certificate from the school. Pensioners must provide a copy of their pension certificate. If the child travels with one adult or accompanied by a third person, it is necessary to provide the original and a copy of the consent to take the child out of the remaining parent. South Korea business visa requirements for Nigerian citizens Photo: en.wikipedia.org A standard package of documents for a visa consists of the following items: a valid passport and its copy; an application form filled out in the prescribed pattern. You can find one on the official website of the Embassy (its electronic form becomes available only after passing the registration procedure); an invitation from a Korean company is relevant if the applicant seeks to obtain a work visa for official employment; an invitation to a business meeting or to participate in a related event (in the second case, you will need to provide a program of the event); certificate from a bank account with a sufficient balance or a letter from the sponsor; certificates, confirming the education, profession, degree or qualification of the applicant. South Korea tourist visa requirements for Nigerian citizens To obtain a 3-month tourist visa at the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea you need: passport valid for at least six months on the date of filing of the application; a copy of the first page of the passport and visa stamps of the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia, if any; 2 visa application forms filled out in English or Korean; Photo: angelotheexplorer.com READ ALSO: France visa application in Nigeria booking a hotel from one of the accredited travel agencies or an invitation from a citizen of the Republic of Korea with the address of residence, a copy of his passport and confirmation of financial solvency, if he sponsors your arrival; an extract from a bank account or a certificate of employment indicating the position, length of service and salary; 1 photo measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm, taken no earlier than six months before the application was submitted; consular fee. Photo: thestylishtrotter.com Also for the successful receipt of a tourist visa for 3 months at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, it is recommended to attach: tickets with departure date from South Korea; a detailed travel plan that explains the need for a visa and confirms that either an accredited company or a citizen of the Republic of Korea is responsible for your long guided tour. South Korea student visa requirements for Nigerian citizens Photo: jestherbas.com There are several types of student visa in South Korea: Visa C-3. A C-3 visa is usually called a tourist visa. You can get it if you plan to study for more than three months. If you plan to study for more than one semester, then documents are submitted for a D-4 visa (a study visa allowing you to stay in Korea for the entire period of study). D-2 visa. A long-term student visa is issued to all those who intend to study at a Korean school, college, university, graduate school or graduate school. D-4 visa. A short-term student visa must be obtained by all those who intend to visit Korea for a short-term language (or other) internship. Photo: passporthealthusa.com As a rule, a student visa to South Korea is issued with a standard set of documents. It is advisable to specify a specific list at the embassy so that the list may be supplemented. Mandatory documents in 2018 include: valid passport; 2 high-resolution color photos. application form filled in English / Korean. notarized photocopy of certificate/diploma. confirmation of the South Korean university of enrollment in a particular faculty (a visa to study in Korea is obtained after the official admission); confirmation of tuition fees; guarantees of the financial viability of the student or his guarantor; medical insurance. READ ALSO: Italy visa application in Nigeria Source: Legit China food regulatory conference offers to clear pathways to trade THE ChemLinked Food Regulatory Conference Oceania 2018 is taking place in Melbourne on Tuesday, bringing together industry professionals and local practitioners to discuss China food regulations. ChemLinkeds website aims to provide one-stop information service to help remove the regulatory barriers and facilitate Asia Pacific especially China market access. Chemlinked says its the perfect choice to reach domestic and international companies, professionals and government bodies within the China and AP region. Tuesdays event at Melbournes Marriot Hotel, 8.30am-6pm, is ChemLinkeds first offline event in Australia, offering answers to regulatory questions, along with effective strategies to successfully enter the China market. What to expect? This one-day conference provides an opportunity to focus on China food regulatory requirements and the latest trends. Eight powerful theme speeches on the most concerned issues and pivotal regulatory topics Q&A sessions and one-on-one consultations with our experienced experts, opportunity to share your experiences and find solutions to challenges; Networking opportunities with representatives from the regulatory and food industry during the evening drinks reception. Who should attend? You will specially benefit from this conference if your business is aligned with the following: Food Import & Export, Food Marketing, Food Safety Management & Supervision Food Regulatory Affairs, Food Traceability, Food Production, Processing & Packaging Compliance Management, Organic Farming, Natural & Health Foods Dairy Products & Infant Formula, Food Contact Materials, Government Food Regulatory & Policy Making Cross-border E-commerce Visit the event page for more information. - Senator Florence Ita-Giwa says she dumped the APC for the PDP because of the crises that has reportedly taken over the party - Ita-Giwa promises to deliver Cross River state to her new party in 2019 adding that the APC treated top members with disdain - Chief Soni Abang, who joined the APC in 2015, says he is happy to be back home to the PDP Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser on National Assembly matters, and a one-time ambassador of Nigeria to Mali, Chief Soni Abang, were among some top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who moved to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, November 15. The others who defected include a former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Enerst Irek, and thousands of their supporters. This Day reports that the defectors were received at a rally held at the Calabar Municipal Grounds. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Chief Uche Secondus, the national chairman of the PDP, said at the rally: These men who have come back today, went to the APC thinking it was a party but rather it was a collection of wicked, greedy, heartless and vengeance taking people who meted out hunger in the land. I can tell you that these people have seen it all in the APC. On behalf of our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party, let me tell you that we are on a mission to rescue Nigeria. The report quoted Ita-Giwa as saying she dumped the APC because she was not happy over the crises that had hit the party as well as the alleged ill-treatment of some top members. There are a few many things I cannot understand about the APC and it is for this reason that I have chosen to return to my original party the PDP, Ita-Giwa said as she added that her exposure makes her have a good understanding of how politics works or should work in Nigeria. She, however, lamented that the APC had thrown up some posers that she cannot, with all her political experience, decipher. The former presidential aide promised to work very hard to deliver her state in 2019. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Abang, a former chairman of the PDP in Cross River state, said his return to the party was because he had missed the political organisation. Abang, who joined the APC in 2015, said he was happy to return to the PDP as he described the governor of the state, Ben Ayade, as a wonderful person. In January, 2018, Legit.ng reported that Senator Florence Ita-Giwa on Monday, January 21, declared that she has no intention of leaving APC. Ita-Giwa said she was committed to APC, adding that she would ensure its success at the polls next year. Theres No Big Deal About Searching Atiku - Rtd Customs Officer - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Adams Oshiomhole insists Nigeria has the capacity to pay workers' salaries - The APC chairman noted that refusal to pay salaries will only lead to low productions - He, however, noted that the country still has problem with ghost workers The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that Nigeria can afford to pay wages and called on governors to do their duties. The Nation reports that the former governor said non-payment of salaries leads to low production. READ ALSO: We are in top gear to end Boko Haram - Buratai He said when he was governor, he reiterated to his colleagues that salaries was a means of enhancing the potential of the states. Oshiomhole, however, said one problem the country faced was the issue of money being stolen in the name of salaries. He said: My views are clear, that payment of wages is not an act of kindness for an employer to pay the employees wages at the end of the month Even the Holy Bible says that the laborer is entitled to its wages. I think, again, this is where President Buhari stands out clearly. He has publicly asked public sector employers; how do you sleep when you have not paid your employers for one year. But he did not stop at lamenting it, he went on to provide the much-talked about bailout fund and said, please use this money to pay your workers and pay pension arears. And even the deductions from states that was done under the PDP in the name of settling our foreign debts, they went into state treasury and they over deducted; that was done under the PDP. But under President Muhammadu Buharis government, even inspite of the huge financial challenges that he faces, decided that in order to assist the states to meet up with their social obligations, to begin to pay what is now referred to as Paris Club refund. He has done that two, three instalments and each time the governors are told that you must use this money, among other things to settle pension arrears and be up to date in the payment of salaries. But I am very proud that this President has rich conscience, he recognises that the Nigerian worker deserves his wages and that is why he has publicly lamented that there are governors who have not paid salaries as at when due, whether they are PDP or APC, it is immaterial. And in seeking to deal with it he has also provided support across party divide and I think that is statesmanship at its best. As for my views on the minimum wage, I tried to deal with it as a governor. I told my colleagues then that wage is not a burden in the society. In economics, when people work and get paid, purchasing power is enhanced and because purchasing power is enhanced producers will respond to that by seeking to produce more goods and services. And in the process they will recruit more hands. My being in government or now chairman of a party cannot change what I believe in. The real problem in the public sector is money being stolen in the name of salaries, I find it embarrassing when we talk about ghost workers. And I ask the question, who counts ghosts. It is only in Nigeria that ghosts are known. Legit.ng had reported that the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) says it will re-strategize and dialogue with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issues associated with the proposed N30, 000 minimum wage. To drive the process, the forum has constituted a committee to meet the president to work out a formula to quickly resolve the issues. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, told newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting of the governors on Wednesday, November 14, in Abuja that payment of N30,000 wage was impracticable. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Yari, however, said the proposed wage would be paid if labour would agree to downsizing of the workforce across the country or federal government itself accedes to the review of the national revenue allocation formula. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Minimum Wage: Is N30,000 Too Much for FG to Pay Workers? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng News Once again, famous Lagos hotelier Ehi Ogbebor has come out to blast her billionaire husband, Ken Bramor. It could be recalled that the couple got married on November 18, 2017, in a lavish ceremony in Benin City but close to a year after, Ogbebor is no longer interested in the marriage. In an interview with Stella Dimoko Korkus, Ogbebor revealed that marrying the billionaire was a curse as she regrets ever accepting his proposal. According to her, she accused Bramor of belonging to an occultic group as he once tried to kill their daughter, Ibuere. About her crashed marriage, Ogbebor revealed that Bramor was the one telling people close to them that their marriage was no more as she was the last to know about. Adding to that, she said that her billionaire husband has found a new lover, Shirley. READ ALSO: Lagos big girl Ehi celebrates her billionaire husband, shares adorable video She said: Ken was busy going around telling people that him and i were over and i was the last person to know that the Marriage was over...I did nothing to this man, God knows i did nothing...Ken has to recycle his women, it is something he has signed with his Occult people.....Does it even make sense that he is married...I am even still Married to him cos he has not returned my bride price. We got engaged last year and married same time last year but now he is engaged to someone else. The lady he is presently engaged to is named Shirley and, I heard he was dating her while he was dating me...He has a list like a queue, once one is out another one comes in. He is a mad man. He tried to kill my child, I don't know how i am going to say this to you but i have enough proof...Immediately i prayed back to sender, Ken found himself in hospital on Oxygen.........I have a video of my daughter in ICU in America. She was ill for one week and Ken did not call me all through because he knew what he had done and he will die before his time. I said it, if I did anything to Ken to deserve what he did to me, then he will live a good life but if I didn't do anything, Ken will die a miserable death. A slow painful one for everything he did to Ibuere. He deprived my daughter of a naming ceremony and dedication.. Hes a lunatic...Ibuere is his 10th child and out of his 10 children from six different women, Ken does not see over 6 of them. There is a child that is 3 years old and Ken has not seen that child...I used to ask him these things and he will lie to me that the women tried to harm him or juju him and every woman he has been with Tomba, Ese, Vivian that had children for him are so frustrated now and cannot afford to pay their kids school fees. He has abandoned them. The young lady did not end there but further revealed how God saved her from Bramor. Ogbebor added that he doesnt sleep at night as his cult groups are requesting for blood but hers isnt available. She also gave an account of the near death experience her baby suffered seven days after Bramor set his eyes on her. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group Ogbebor said: God removed me from that man because he tried to use my star, Ken is a devil and does not sleep at night. He cannot even sleep with his light off because when he is sleeping, something is pressing his neck, he shouts in his sleep because they have asked him for blood. He is just going to marry this new lady i pity because they need someone and it couldn't be me. Ken cannot even look me in the face, he is running because he tried to use my daughter.....Even before i had my child, my pastors called me and told me ''do not let your husband know when you go into labour but i didn't understand what they meant, I was like, what do you mean, he is my husband but i didn't know. Seven days after i had my baby she almost died and since then he has been running away from her. After i saw Ken recently in Benin, God is my ultimate witness, this is Morning and I have not brushed. After i saw Ken recently, my daughter was crying and fighting things in her sleep, she lost so much weight and became like a different child, this is ten days after she set her eyes on the evil bastard called Ken Bramor. I am not the person that these people have portrayed me to be...I was angry and in a very sad place. You know how it is having a child for a man that begged for the child, married you and then abandoned you and the child. It was a very sad and frustrating place for me but trust me, I am so fine now and all i feel for him is pity. He will not last, he cannot last, he is a serial husband and has over depressed so many women but you will not know until you become his victim. He has even married peoples wives..he married his very good friends wife whom he snatched. Her name is Tombra Smooth, she was married to his best friend of 30 years and had three children for his best friend but Ken snatched her, married her, she had two kids and he abandoned her. When Ken heard that my daughter came out of ICU and didn't die, you could tell he went into shock. What kind of man would hear or see his child is in ICU and still stay away? A child he supposedly named after the mother he killed for money? Cos it was after his mum died at the age of 43 that he started making money. The hotelier further revealed how Bramor made her stage the apology she posted on Instagram after her first outburst. She added that, they are 12 in their occultic group. Bent on spilling every detail, she also explained how Bramor maltreats his family members and how she has peacefully moved on from the cursed marriage. Ken Bramor's alleged new lover, Shirley Source: UGC READ ALSO: Couple reportedly give out new cars as wedding souvenirs She said: The reason he staged the makeup which i posted was because i was going to expose him to the World and he knows it is true that he is an Occultic bastard. There are 12 of them in the cult. Someone tried to expose me to what was going on then but I didn't know, now I do. My child was suffocating and bringing out her tongue but nothing was physically pressing her neck..this was a seven day old child.. I can send you an invoice of 36 thousand dollars that i paid in Hospital. I paid that money cos they did over 25 test but nobody could find anything wrong with her, it was spiritual and since then he has been running and the only time he saw her my child went into crisis again acted like someone sleep walking, fighting with people in her sleep. He will not even see her again until maybe she is ready to get married,that is if he is still alive to see it...Bloody devilish Occultist. I can give you his sisters number, his blood sisters, I can give you his fathers number, his father does not talk to him and his sisters live in pathetic conditions. His three younger sisters Edith, Alade and Blessing all live poor and I sent them money just last week to start Okrika business. Occultic beast that cant help his family but can help outsiders, he doesn't sleep at night, very restless. Soon the world will know Kenneth dog Bramor for the he goat that he is. If he loves Timi his first wife so much how come he just got engaged on the 2nd of Nov to another 40 years old Auntie. This he goat abandoned his child n has seen her once in 6 months so has he done to other kids before he. I have moved on in peace am so grateful to God for my new found peace of mind...Being married to Ken was a curse! Ken is an occult beast like I said before. He knows I know him so well that's why he is running. He will never find peace till he confesses. He just engaged one Shirley girl. This is less than a year we got married. So u can see the whole marriage was a cheating spree. I honestly feel pity for her cause ken is a destiny killer and destroyer. He has done what he did to me 2 more than 5 women. But I guess God will use me to expose the evil in him. I have a lot to say and trust me am not bitter. I was rescued by God. This man wanted to use I n my baby for rituals and soon I will tell the world what really transpired. I laugh when they say I married him for money. What money. Ken doesn't give his women money. Stella U are a blogger. Do your findings right. The other women can barely pay his kids school fees. His family and I mean same father same mum siblings still use keke Marwa round Warri. He is a narcissist. A devilish one. Soon I would grant a press briefing n expose the scum of a man that ken Bramor truly is. But I know in God's time I will be vindicated. I really need the world to know am not his wife anymore. The man is a nut head. Right from the onset he told me that him and his first wife Timi were separated. I even spoke to her and she confirmed it. I never wanted to marry ken. He begged me to marry him n I thought I had no choice cause I was pregnant. God is my witness and some Friends of mine and his. See photos of other baby mamas below: It is well! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Uche Jombo interview at Star Chat: Nollywood Should Be Taxed Less | Legit TV. Source: Legit.ng An unidentified man was on Thursday, November 14, reportedly killed by a stray bullet alleged to have been shot by policemen at Emenike Junction, by St. Andrews State School, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Vanguard said the deceased, who sold popcorn, lay in a pool of blood when its correspondent visited the scene. READ ALSO: APC Primaries: Izunaso, others ask court to disqualify Okorocha I had barely left the spot when the unfortunate incident happened about 3pm, an eyewitness was quoted to have said. It was not clear which police team fired the shot or which the direction it came from, Legit.ng gathers. The state commissioner of police, Zaki Ahmed, and police public relations officer, Nnamdi Omoni, were yet to confirm or respond to the incident when contacted, Vanguard states. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that two suspected bombers were arrested by the security operatives of Imo police command when they were attempting to detonate bomb in Orlu community of the state. The arrested suspects, a 28 year-old Friday Echereobia, and 30 year Ozioma Nwosu, were nabbed and paraded in Owerri on Wednesday, November 14, by the state commissioner of police, Dasuki Galadanchi. The bomb-carrying suspects were reportedly busted during a routine search operation by the operatives of mobile police belonging to 18 squadron. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The commissioner of police, while parading the suspects, said: "The operatives of the police mobile force 18 squadron, during a routine stop and search duty at their checkpoint by the UBA junction in Orlu, arrested the suspects, who were on a motorcycle and in possession of a suspicious looking object." NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better See the faces of newly arrested criminals in Lagos state - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - A clergyman has been arraigned in Edo state for abducting a church member - The cleric was also accused of having carnal knowledge of the church member who is married - He, however, pleaded guilty to the charges and was granted N200,00 bail - The case was adjourned to November 29, 2018, for definite hearing A 34-year-old pastor identified as Joseph Igwemon has been arraigned before an Oredo magistrates court in Benin, Edo state, for reportedly abducting and having carnal knowledge of one of his church members. The accused who is the pastor of the Global Influence Ministry was said to have committed the offence on October 15, 2018, in the Mission Road area of Benin metropolis, The Punch reports. The victim was said to be a chorister in Igwemons church and was wedded to her husband by the accused. READ ALSO: APC Primaries: Izunaso, others ask court to disqualify Okorocha Legit.ng gathers Igwemon was arraigned on two counts of abduction and an act likely to cause the breach of peace. It was alleged that the pastor had carnal knowledge of the victim inside his church. He was also accused of keeping the woman in his house in spite of her marital status. The prosecution said the offence contravened sections 249(d) and 361 of the Criminal Code applicable in the state. Read the charges in part: That you, Pastor Joseph Igwemon, on October 15, 2018, at noon in your church, Global Influence Ministry, at 16, Owoseni Street, off Mission Road, Benin, did conduct yourself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by having carnal knowledge of one Stella George, who is a chorister in your church, having wedded her and her husband, one Paul Nosakhare, and thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, as applicable in Edo state. That you, Pastor Joseph Igwemon, on the same date, time and place, in the aforesaid magisterial district, did abduct one Mrs Stella George by keeping her in your house for months, knowing that she is married and thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 361 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, as applicable in Edo state. But Igwemon reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges. The presiding magistrate, Mrs Isi Iyoha, granted the pastor bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum, who must be gainfully employed. The case was adjourned to November 29, 2018, for definite hearing. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, A UK-based Nigerian pastor Gbenga Samuel working under Winners Chapel in Dartford, England has been exposed by an undercover reporter after claiming he can cure people from being gay. Legit.ng gathers that an ITV News investigation revealed that gay conversion, or gay cure, therapy is taking place in UK churches. During the investigation, the ITV undercover reporter said he found that pastors at the Pentecostal Winners Chapel in Dartford, UK, claimed they could cure people of homosexuality. The reporter secretly recorded one of the pastors, Gbenga Samuel, while spinning him (the reporter) around, telling him: Let there be a release! Let the fire come upon him! This reportedly happened shortly after the reporter disclosed he is gay. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Meet Port Harcourt-based Nigerian pastor who is changing the lives of the poor nationwide | Legit TV Source: Legit - Director-general of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, has spoken about 2019 election - Amaechi said presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, can not compete with his candidate in the election - He claimed that as soon as PDP elected its presidential candidate, Nigerians' discussion was centered on corruption Director-general of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, does not have all that it takes to contend with his candidate in 2019 election. This Day reports that Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state, who made this known on Thursday, November 15, said the PDP doesnt offer any alternative. Amaechi said the campaign organisation would decide on whether to advise Buhari to participate in the debate for 2019 election when the time comes, adding that it will be based on its assessment of the situation. READ ALSO: Payment of workers salaries should not be considered act of kindness - Oshiomhole As soon as PDP elected its presidential candidate, the first thing that went to the social media was corruption. I am not saying whether he is corrupt or not, but the first battle you had in the social media was to battle the issue of corruption and those issues of corruption were the things said by ex-President Obasanjo. There are two issues that we will be focusing on, corruption; Nigerians will have to decide whether to go back to the stealing, where Nigerian government was borrowing money to pay salary. We are not borrowing money to pay salary now; where we were importing tomatoes, when we can plant tomatoes at home; when we were buying about 500,000 eggs per day from South Africa; and now that we are producing the eggs. The reason is that there are too many issues to debate about. For 16 years, vice president Abubakar was in power for eight years, did they do anything on railways, the answer is no. I saw in my office, contracts awarded by the last government, to Nigerians who do not know anything about railways. To build a narrow gauge, how much was spent? That is why I said I would not pay and I wont pay, when I leave the next person can pay them because these Nigerians did nothing and they are asking to be paid for having rehabilitated the narrow gauge. On the forthcoming campaigns, Amaechi said it will be issues-based. He denied that the party ever promised to make naira equivalent to dollar during the 2015 elections. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Amaechi said: We will be telling Nigerians the same thing dont let thieves come to power again. The president never said he will make naira equal to dollar. We are not that cheap economists, we dont practice voodoo economy. The president was clear during his campaign. I will ensure that insecurity is tackled; I will ensure that we rebuild the economy and create employment; I will ensure that corruption is tackled because corruption is the basis in which we are finding ourselves into these entire problems. I give you this example, by the time we assumed office, we discover that PDP had taken $2 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and we followed the money. It was in everybodys private pockets. The railway line from Lagos to Kano is $2.6 billion. So, we would have had two times that project with the money. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Professor Danny McCain, ambassador, Global Scholars from the United States of America, said President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar must accept the outcome of the 2019 presidential election to avoid bloodshed in the country. Speaking on Friday, October 12, in Abuja, at the 9th annual Independence lecture with the theme: The Nigeria of our Dream, organised by The Change we NEED Nigeria Initiative, McCain said every vote must count, Nigeria Tribune reports. He said the outcome of the election must reflect the aspirations of the people. He further expressed optimism that the next election would be peaceful as demonstrated by the former president Goodluck Jonathan when he accepted defeat and stepped down. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV: Source: Legit - Abdulaziz Yari has been accused of recruiting 8,500 youths to stabilise the forthcoming election in the state - The governor was accused of plans to disband the local vigilante under the guise of Civilian Joint Task Force to cause confusion in the state - The allegation was made by the chairman of the Senate committee on petroleum Kabiru Marafa The governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari, has been accused of recruiting 8,500 youths with an aim of destabilising the forthcoming election in the state. The chairman of the Senate committee on petroleum, Kabiru Marafa, alleged that the governor was planning to destabilise next years general elections in the state. A statement released by the Senator on Thursday, November 15, said he (Marafa) had uncovered a plot by the Yari to recruit 8,500 armed youths under the guise of Civilian Joint Task Force to cause confusion in the state. READ ALSO: APC primaries: Chieftain asks court to disqualify Okorocha from senatorial race Marafa decrying the motive said the governor's decision to ban activities of self-help groups otherwise known as local vigilantes was aiding banditry in the state. From our findings around his political circle, Yari decided to recruit the 8,500 youths solely to execute his plot to (allegedly) destabilise the 2019 elections in Zamfara state," Marafa said. The recruitment is to cause mayhem, terrorise innocent voters and steal election materials to actualise his desperate desire to hold onto power beyond 2019 by proxy. The plan by Yari to use federal might through security agencies to manipulate next years elections has been stalled by the decision of INEC not to receive any list from APC for Zamfara state. Yari has therefore decided to arm innocent youths in the state to upturn the will of the people in 2019, since his popularity cannot win a ward for him in the state," he added. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, , said the party will approach the court on its ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from fielding candidates for elective positions in Zamfara in the 2019 general elections. Oshiomhole while briefing journalists in Abuja said that INEC cannot disenfranchise the people of Zamfara from participating in any of the elections in 2019. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari Reacts To APC Senators Betrayal | - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The leadership of Peoples Democratic Party has reportedly met in Abuja over the commencement of the partys presidential campaign - The meeting which was held at the PDP presidential campaign office (Legacy House) was attended by notable members of the council - Abubakar Atiku was said to have formally informed the party's members of his desire to run a broad-based campaign devoid of acrimony Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and members of the partys presidential campaign council were on Wednesday, November 14 met behind a closed doors in Abuja to brood over commencement of the partys presidential campaign. The meeting, which was held at the PDP Presidential Campaign office (Legacy House) was attended by notable members of the council including Prince Uche Secondus; director-general of the PDP presidential campaign council, who is also the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki. The Punch reports other present at the meeting include the governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, zonal coordinator; and a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose. READ ALSO: Payment of workers salaries should not be considered act of kindness - Oshiomhole Others were the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; a former minister of special duties and Inter-governmental relations, Kabiru Turaki, and governor of Akwa Ibom state, Emmanuel Udom. Sources at the meeting said Atiku formally informed the members of his desire to run a broad-based campaign devoid of acrimony and that he would want the campaign to be issue-based. The source said: We have all accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism. Thats why we said the person being suggested as spokesman should not do it. Though he is a good candidate and has the ability to do the job, but his state of origin worked against him. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app This is because Saraki who is the DG of the campaign council is from Kwara state while the national publicity secretary of the party is from Kogi state. The two states used to be one and both are from the north cenrral . Thats why we are beaming our searchlight on another person. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Senate president Bukola Saraki; presidential candidate of t PDP, Atiku Abubakar; and the party national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, led a host of other chieftains of the opposition party in a meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to fine-tune their campaign strategy ahead of the November 18 commencement date. The special strategy session, which started on Thursday, October 25, in the Middle East city, is meant to put finishing touches to some of the PDPs plans aimed at defeating Buhari at the next poll. Sources close to the meeting disclosed that Atiku is also using the forum to perfect his comprehensive policy document, detailing how he intends to improve Nigeria. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: PDP Convention: Atiku Elected as Presidential Candidate | - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - A Boko Haram insurgents holding facility is being constructed by the Nigerian Army in Borno - The facility is to help improve detainee management of insurgents during investigations - According to the Army, the facility is for the insurgents who must be properly catered for in accordance with international best practices The Nigerian Army says it has embarked on the construction of a holding facility in Borno to improve detainee management of insurgents during investigations. Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the director of Army public relations, said this in a statement on Friday, November 16, in Maiduguri. Chukwu said that the project had become imperative to enhance the management of detained insurgents, in accordance with international best practices. The statement said that Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, was represented at the foundation-laying ceremony of the project by Major General Enobong Udoh, the chief of logistics, Army headquarters. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Buratai said that the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East had necessitated the arrest and detention of suspected insurgents, who must be properly catered for in accordance with international best practices. The quest for a functional safe holding facility, with adequate sanitary conditions for effective management of suspected insurgents for further investigation, is the driving force behind the execution of the project. To relieve the frontline units of the responsibility of administering arrested suspects, there is the need to have a facility where suspects will be kept and properly managed. This is the reason why the Joint Investigation Centre was established, he added. READ ALSO: Pastor arraigned for abducting, sleeping with married choir member in Edo Buratai said that the facility would also serve as transit holding and detention centre for suspected insurgents before handing them over to the relevant prosecution or rehabilitation agencies. Markus Dolder, the head of sub-delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), lauded the project, describing it as indication of compliance by the Nigerian Army with global best practices. Dolder said that the project would strengthen the cooperation between the Army and other stakeholders in the management of suspects under investigation. I am very much impressed about the efforts that have been launched over the last few months; they are more than what we actually thought could come, and this is more than what we could potentially dream of, he said. He called on the Nigerian Army to keep its own part of the bargain by striving to meet global best practices in ensuring the welfare and well-being of detainees. The event was attended by Maj.-Gen. Abba Dikko, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigaduer General Abdulmalik Biu, the acting general officer commanding, 7 Division, and Brigadier General Ibrahim Salihu, the commander, Joint Investigation Centre. Others at the event include Inuwa Garba, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prison Service, Borno Command, and Amro Ibrahim, ICRCs deputy head of sub delegation in Borno, as well as representatives of the police. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the government of the United Kingdom has restated its commitment to support the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram and terrorism in the northeast. The UK Secretary of State for Defence, Garvin Williamson, gave the assurance when he visited the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Abba Dikko. Chukwu quoted Williamson as saying that the UK military would sustain the existing mutual relations with its Nigerian counterpart. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. Theres No Big Deal About Searching Atiku - Rtd Customs Officer - Nigeria Street Gist | - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Two surviving leaders of Khmer Rouge have been found guilty of genocide - The two leaders have been sentenced to life imprisonment - The Khmer Rouge is a brutal political movement in Cambodia, between 1975 and 1979, that sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes More than 40 years after an estimated 1.7 million people were killed during the Khmer Rouges rule in Cambodia, an international tribunal for the first time found two surviving senior leaders of the regime guilty of genocide for their role in the bloodshed. The UN-backed war crimes court sentenced the two senior leaders to life in prison on Friday, November 16, in a historic ruling, Aljazeera reports. What you need to know about The Khmer Rouge Khmer Rouge was the name popularly given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea and by extension to the regime through which the CPK ruled in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead, their radical policies led to what has been termed "auto-genocide" through starvation, overwork and execution. Khmer Rouge regime committed "genocide" during its reign of terror from 1975 to 1979. The conviction Former Khmer Rouge leader and head of state Khieu Samphan (L) stands during his verdict in court at the international tribunal in Phnom Penh. Credit: Getty Images Source: UGC "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, are the last surviving senior leaders of the communist group that brutally ruled the Southeast Asian nation. The tribunal found them guilty of genocide, committing crimes against humanity and other breaches of the Geneva Conventions. The presiding judge Nil Nonn said: "The chamber ... finds that the crimes of genocide... were committed" against ethnic Vietnamese and Cham Muslims. Cambodia: Khmer Rouge 2 surviving leaders found guilty of genocide, sentenced to life imprisonment Source: UGC READ ALSO: Pastor arraigned for abducting, sleeping with married choir member in Edo Legit.ng gathers that the leaders are already serving life sentences after being convicted in a previous 2011 to 2014 trial of crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and disappearances of masses of people. The Khmer Rouge: A personal experience Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province took his wife and four young granddaughters to the trial session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Sath said just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life under their rule. According to him, the Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour. He recalled how his younger brother was killed by the Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. The tribunal reportedly has carried out just one other prosecution resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch. Duch was the head of the Khmer Rouge prison system and ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in the capital, Phnom Penh. However, Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen has reportedly declared he will not allow further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen himself was reportedly a Khmer Rouge commander who defected and was later installed in government after the group was removed from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Meanwhile, Theary Seng, a human rights lawyer and Khmer Rouge survivor whose parents were killed, said she welcomed the verdict but questioned why only three people from the regime have been tried. "The verdict is really the accumulation of years and years of waiting, we're talking about crimes committed over 40 years ago," she said. In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported how a 49-year-old Rwandan-born man was sentenced by a Swedish court to life in prison after being found guilty of playing a role in the 1994 genocide in the African country - 24 years after committing the crime. Theodore Tabaro was jailed after being found guilty of assassination, attempted murder and abduction of members of the Tutsi ethnic group "with the intention to destroy the whole or part of the Tutsi group." Tabaro, who is a Swedish national, was said to have also urged others to commit crimes. According to the court, Tabaro participated in several attacks in southwestern Rwanda and took part in an attack against a school, a chapel and a monastery where "several hundred people were killed." KT Press reports that while Tabaro was in Winteko suburb with other Hutu militia on April 9, 1994, he took part in the killing of numerous civilians and raping of women and girls. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Which country would you leave Nigeria for? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Stefan Rotter/Shutterstock Kevin Pimbblet, University of Hull How much is a kilogram? 1,000 grams. 2.20462 pounds. Or 0.0685 slugs based on the old Imperial gravitational system. But where does this amount actually come from and how can everyone be sure they are using the same measurement? Since 1889, countries who are members of the General Conference on Weights and Measures have agreed to use a standard block of metal kept near Paris to define the kilogram. But although the modern block is stored in a highly controlled environment, its weight can change by tiny amounts as wear and tear causes it to lose mass and dirt causes it to increase. To address this problem, scientists around the world have spent nearly two decades discussing how the kilogram could instead be defined in relation to constant measurements of nature. And now they have finally reached a decision. The first kilogram (originally called a grave) was defined in 1793 by a commission of the French Academy of Sciences, who wanted a better standard than the fixed amounts of grain that had traditionally been used. The commission decided that the new measure would be the mass of one cubic decimetre of distilled water at 4 (the temperature at which water has its highest density under standard conditions). This had the advantage in that most properly equipped labs would be able to reproduce this standard. Subsequently, a prototype of this mass was cast in brass. Unfortunately, this definition of mass depended upon another variable measurement, the metre. At this point, the metre was only provisionally defined as part of the distance from the North Pole to the equator. Once the value of the metre and the temperature of water at its densest were more accurately defined, the kilogram also had to be replaced. And a new prototype was cast in platinum to represent this mass. Eventually, this was replaced with the international prototype kilogram (IKP) used today, cast from a mixture of platinum and iridium to make it very hard and prevent it reacting with oxygen. The IPK and six copies are kept by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in the Pavillon de Breteuil, Saint-Cloud, near Paris in France to act as a reference to measure against. Copies of the IPK are transported across the world to ensure all participating countries use the same standard. But even the modern IPK can gradually change in mass. Radically, the answer from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures is to overhaul the definitions of a kilogram, as well as all the other basic units of measurement used in science (known as SI units, from the French for international system). Instead of measuring the kilogram against a block stored in a vault, we can define it based on precise values of constants of nature. Agreeing a definition has taken a long time because we needed to be able to measure these constants to exacting standards with an uncertainty of 30 parts per billion (meaning the measurements are accurate to 0.00000003 of a unit). Japs88/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Scientists have actually already done this for time and length. A second is no longer a fraction of the time it takes the Earth to revolve, which can change as the globe speeds up or slows down. Instead, a second is now defined by the time it takes for a certain amount of energy to be released as radiation from atoms of Caesium-133. Specifically, one second equals 9,192,631,770 transitions in the hyperfine ground state levels of Caesium-133. This is the same no matter when or where it is measured. Scientists were then able to redefine the metre in relation to the second and another natural constant, the speed of light in a vacuum (c), which scientists have calculated as 299,792,458 metres per second. So one metre is now the length travelled by light in 1/c seconds. The new definition of the kilogram uses a measurement from another fixed value from nature, Plancks constant (h), which will be defined as 6.626070151034 joule seconds. Plancks constant can be found by dividing the amount of energy a particle of light or photon carries with its electromagnetic frequency. The constant is usually measured in joule seconds but this can also be expressed as kilogram square metres per second. We know what a second and a metre is from the other definitions. So by adding these measurements, along with an exact knowledge of Plancks constant, we can get a new, very precise definition of the kilogram. Other units Part of the reason creating the new definition has taken so long is because scientists have had to create very precise devices to measure Plancks constant with a high enough degree of accuracy. The method has also been controversial because it will break the link that the kilogram has to other base SI units, particularly the mole, which measures the amount of a substance in terms of the number of particles its made from. Some scientists have proposed alternative methods as a result. But following a symbolic vote, the new definition of the kilogram will be used by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and national measurement institutes around the world, along with new definitions of the remaining base SI units, the mole, the kelvin (temperature), the ampere (current) and the candela (luminous intensity). For most people, everyday life will carry on as normal despite the redefinitions. One standard bag of sugar will contain as much sugar as it ever did. But some of these changes, for example to the kelvin, will mean practical advantages for scientists making very precise measurements. And to answer the question how much is a kilogram, we will no longer have to compare blocks of platinum or worry about scratching them. Kevin Pimbblet, Senior Lecturer in Physics, University of Hull This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. - Shehu Sani mocks Nigerian governors for claiming they cannot pay N30,000 minimum wage to workers in their states - Sani, a senator, wonders why the governors say they cannot pay the minimum wage when they have enough money to spend on frivolities - The senator says governors spend money on their political loyalists, appointees and others and should not complain about minimum wage The Senator representing Kaduna central district at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, on Friday, November 16, came tough on state governors over their claim of inability to pay the N30,000 minimum wage demanded by the organised labour. Sani, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a protracted political battle with Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna allegedly culminating in his failure to secure the partys ticket ahead of 2019, described the governors as frivolous in their spending. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The senator alleged that the governors spend money when they have to reach out to their appointees and for political campaigns. He wondered why they would say they cant pay workers in their state. There is enough money to pay elected officials. There is enough money to pay political appointees. "There is enough money to pay campaign officials and foot soldiers. There is enough money to fund campaigns and elections. There is not enough to pay workers 30k wages without retrenchment, he said. Legit.ng had earlier reported that Nigerian governors said they cannot afford to pay workers a minimum wage of N30,000 unless the organised labour wants its members to be sacked in massive job cuts nationwide. This was contained in the communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting by the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) in Abuja on Wednesday, November 14. The NGF said labour should be willing to agree to job cuts or the federal government accedes to a review of the national revenue allocation formula. The chairman of the NGF who is also the governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari,read the communique on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting. Legit.ng also reported that the leadership of the organised labour on Tuesday, November 13, issued a December deadline for the full implementation of N30,000 as new national minimum wage. Theres No Big Deal About Searching Atiku - Rtd Customs Officer - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit Several kidnap cases have been reported in Nigeria, some are lucky to come out of the unfortunate situation unhurt but others end up stuck if their families do not meet up to the requirements of the abductors. Kidnappers of the Zamfara twin sisters have come out to reveal that if their families do not meet up with the N15 million ransom, one of the twin girls would be killed. It was reported that the twin girls, Hassana and Hussaina, were abducted in October, in a town called Dauran while distributing their wedding invitation cards. The kidnapped twins girls Hassana and Hussaina Source: UGC READ ALSO: Allow your husband to take charge of the home - Dolapo Badmus schools feminists A family member, Ibrahim Abubakar, who spoke with Daily Nigeria, disclosed that he spoke with the kidnappers and the twin girls via a phone call. He said: We are only able to get N6m selling our properties and receiving contributions from family members, politicians, traders and ordinary people. The phone conversation was followed by an audio clip of one of the twin girls, Hussaina. She was heard sobbing and asking everyone to please raise funds for them to be released as soon as possible. She was heard saying: I am battling with headache. We are in dire situation, they are about to kill us. The beat us every morning. Please help rescue us. Even yesterday, they slaughtered some people in our presence. We are starving. Please get contributions even from the general public. However, during her conversation one of the kidnappers disclosed that the family should be fast in paying up the ransom or else one of the twin girls would be killed. PAY ATTENTION: Join Africa Love Aid today for your daily relationship tips and advice Legit.ng earlier reported that chairman of Zurmi local government area of Zamfara, Awwal-Bawa Moriki, offered to give N5 million to anyone with useful information on the female twins kidnapped in Dauran town in October. This announcement was made on Tuesday, November 13, speaking with newsmen in Zurmi. It is well! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigerians speak angrily about alleged kidnappers caught in Lagos | Legit TV. Source: Legit Nigeria - 14 citizen observers will be deployed for the bye-elections in Katsina, Bauchi, Cross River and Kwara states this weekend - The observers will be deployed by YIAGA Africa through its Watching The Vote (WTV) project - YIAGA Africa is the largest citizen movement committed to credible elections in Nigeria and Africa YIAGA Africa says it will deploy 14 citizen observers for the bye-elections in Katsina, Bauchi, Cross River and Kwara states this weekend. YIAGA Africa is the largest citizen movement committed to credible elections in Nigeria and Africa. It's Watching The Vote (WTV) project has been an integral part of recent elections in the country and beyond. On Saturday, November 17, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct bye-elections in Katsina state for Kankia/Kusada/Ingawa federal constituency, Toro federal constituency of Bauchi state, Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero federal constituency of Kwara state and Ikom II state constituency of Cross-River state. This is the last set of elections to be conducted by INEC before the 2019 general elections and will be a litmus test to assess the level of preparedness of the commission to conduct the elections. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Legit.ng gathered that the citizen observers will be armed with election day observation checklist to observe deployment of INEC officials and materials to polling units, commencement of accreditation and voting, sorting and counting. Having built a structure of 822 long term observers across 36 states and 774 local government areas in Nigeria, YIAGA AFRICAs WTV says it will be leveraging on observers located in the states where the elections are being held. In a statement sent to Legit.ng by the executive director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, he said: Two (2) members of the WTV board have also deployed to Bauchi and Kwara states for oversight and to engage with the media and election stakeholders in the states. All WTV accredited observers will be visiting a minimum of five polling units within their local government areas and are expected to spend at least two hours at each polling unit. In a bid to follow the process till the end, WTV observers will proceed to various local government collation centre to observe the result collation. Watching The Vote Citizen observers will be sending real time information on the entire election day process including any critical incident which may hinder the credibility of the process to a data center that is hosted in Abuja. READ ALSO: 2019: Governor Yari plotting to destabilise elections in Zamfara - Marafa Meanwhile, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Equity International Initiative (EII), has called on INEC to reinstate omitted names in the voters register ahead of the 2019 election. Ambassador Chris Iyama, country Director, EII, made the call on Thursday, November 15, while briefing journalists on the state of the nation ahead of the 2019 elections in Abuja. According to him, INEC omitted of over 2.7 million names of eligible Nigerians from the voters register published. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We keep evolving to serve our readers better. 'Nobody can stop Buhari in 2019, Atiku cannot win' - Nigeria Street Gist - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Popular Nigerian bloggers go to war over exclusive content - Blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus has come for fellow blogger Linda Ikeji on social media - The woman had claimed that Linda Ikeji used her exclusive content on her blog without giving credit to her It is common practice to give credit to people when an idea or content that brings profit to them is being used for another person's gain. In the communications industry, it is right to always give credit to authors that original contents are gotten from. This issue of giving credit or not giving credit to whom credit is due has become the root of a brewing social media war. A popular Nigerian blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus has alleged that fellow blogger Linda Ikeji used her content without giving her credit. The popular woman who is known for spilling the beans on top secret scandals on her blog, claimed that Linda Ikeji had used an exclusive content on her blog without giving her credit. READ ALSO: Couple who cant smile because of rare condition fall in love after meeting online According to her, the content was an interview she had personally done. She noted that the interview was allegedly posted on LindaIkeji'sblog like it was not done by an interviewer. She further warned Linda Ikeji to never take her exclusive content without giving her the credit she deserves. Korkus expressed that her keeping quiet doesn't mean she had nothing to say. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Read post below: "Linda the next time you want to lift an interview I did,there is something called GIVING CREDIT. The next time you try it again I will teach you that two can play. Enough already. Quoting an interview I did as if the interviewer does not exist is wrong. This is me talking. I fear no one and keeping quiet doesnt mean I dont wanna talk. Enough said!" PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Women need to work ten times harder to get noticed in the Nigerian music industry - on Legit TV Source: Legit - Segun Sowunmi, a spokesperson of Atiku Campaign Organisation, said Atiku Abubakar will hand over government to a young person after serving only one term - Sowunmi said Atiku is ready to sign any document to prove that he won't exceed one term in office The spokesman of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Segun Sowunmi, has said the Peoples Demoratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will only use four years in office if elected as president in 2019. Sowunmi said like Nelson Mandela did in South Africa, Atiku is ready to use one term in office and hand over to a younger person. Sowunmi made this statement while speaking with Osasu Igbinedion on The Osasu Show, The Cable reports. READ ALSO: FG declares November 20 public holiday to celebrate Eid-El Maulud He said: On the one-term thing, I am being extremely honest with you. His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar was the one who said it himself, nobody forced him to say, nobody asked him to say, nobody pushed him to say it. I think he said, if the foundations are laid well, one term is more than enough to get the country ready. And he is also probably reacting to the fact that he is hearing that young people are also eager to take charge of their own country. He is asking them, okay guys, I hear you, you want to take charge of your country, you have the right to take charge of your country, but it is too divided now, and its a mess. Let me stabilise it for you, let me bring about 40 percent of you, men and women, so you can learn exactly the nuances; what it looks like from outside and what it looks like from inside are two different things. Come and learn, and after four years, I can do a Mandela. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, came out, he did four years, he did one term, and left power to a younger person, Thambo Mbeki, and the country is making progress. What he is saying is: give me a legal document and I would sign it. If you are too cynical to believe, if you bring that document, he would sign it. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that director-general of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, does not have all that it takes to contend with his candidate in 2019 election. Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state, who made this known on Thursday, November 15, said the PDP doesnt offer any alternative. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - The 2019 general elections will be fiercely contested among different political parties in Nigeria - Different political parties have been making arrangements so as to ensure that they coast home to victory during the polls - A political party identified as United Progressive Party has promised to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate for the forthcoming elections The United Progressive Party (UPP) has assured of adopting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, as its candidate for the 2019 polls on Tuesday, November 20. This was disclosed by the chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, after a closed-door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Punch reports. Legit.ng gathers that Chief Okorie stated that Igbo leaders never met formally to endorse former vice president and presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda In a previous report by Legit.ng, a former special adviser on inter-parliamentary affairs, protocol and special duties to the Senate president Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Moshood Mustapha, has said that his decision to stay in the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by his belief in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari. Mustapha, who stated this in Ilorin, Kwara state, on Wednesday, September 26, explained that as the coordinator for Buhari/Osinbajo campaign organisation in the state in 2015, he was not ready to dump the ship in the middle of the sea and look for a way to sail out. He said: There are ways we can manage our mistakes. It is not about abandoning. If you say that your wife offends you, she will always offend you and you will also offend her. But you have to manage your mistakes, otherwise you will keep marrying everyday." Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, October 13, in Abuja, insisted that the All Progressive Congress (APC) deserved re-election in 2019, in view of the achievements of the party in Nigeria. Buhari then advised religious leaders and traditional rulers to encourage their adherents and subjects to read every political partys manifesto carefully and vote wisely in the 2019 general elections. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Speaking at the Interfaith Conference on Religious Harmony in Nigeria, organized by the Interfaith Initiative for Peace, the president urged religious leaders to desist from partisan politics in order not to lose their value in the society. 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.ng - President Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated his commitment of a free, fair and credible elections in the country - The president stated this on Friday, November 16, when he met with a delegation of Imams and senior Islamic scholars - President Buhari stressed the need for community and religious leaders to play a part in identifying criminals in their midst As the nation moves into election mode with the commencement of election campaigns next week, President Muhammadu Buhari has again reassured of a free, fair and credible elections in the country. The president stated this when he met with a delegation of Imams and senior Islamic scholars in Abuja on Friday, November 16. He disclosed that a number of measures put in place had seen the gradual improvement of elections, as in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. He said these were different from what he described as dismal and unacceptable levels witnessed in Rivers and Kogi States. READ ALSO: UPP to adopt Buhari as its presidential candidate What I want to assure Nigerians is that I will continue to pressure the Police and other agencies to do their best to ensure a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections, he said. On the issue of security raised by the religious group, Buhari said he would continue to direct security agencies to find lasting solutions to it. He, however, stressed the need for community and religious leaders to play a part in identifying criminals in their midst. He thanked the religious leaders for recognizing the various achievements of the administration especially in dealing with security, fighting corruption and progress in agriculture. I am not satisfied with the reporting of agriculture. Millions of our citizens have returned to the farms with many leaving white collar jobs for opportunities in agriculture, he noted. The leader of the delegation, Dr Khalid Aliyu, who is the Secretary General of the Jamaatul Nasril Islam, had praised the Presidents achievements. Aliyu said that the president has performed in key areas of his campaign promises in 2015 in the areas of security, corruption and the economy. So far, so good, government has gone a long way in meeting its promises, he added. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app In a previous report by Legit.ng, President Muhammadu Buhari says his vision and objectives for Nigeria are very clear and he is on course to achieving them. The president stated this when he received members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Reverend (Dr,) Samson Ayokunle in State House, Abuja, on Friday. President Buhari stated that he had been doing his best to fulfil his electoral promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and resuscitating the economy. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Is President Buhari Really Doing Badly As Nigeria's Leader? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit - The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has destroyed a former tactical headquarter of Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) Sect at Sabon Tumbun in the Lake Chad Green Fringes - The attack was conducted pursuant to credible human intelligence reports indicating that the BHTs were regrouping in a group of buildings The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed a former Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) Tactical Headquarters at Sabon Tumbun in the Lake Chad Green Fringes. Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, announced this in a statement on Friday, November 16, in Abuja. According to Daramola, the operation was carried out on Thursday, November 15. READ ALSO: FG declares November 20 public holiday to celebrate Eid-El Maulud As Operation Green Sweep entered Day two on Nov.15, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE conducted air strikes that led to the destruction of a former tactical headquarters of the Al-Barnawi faction of Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) Sect at Sabon Tumbun in the Lake Chad Green Fringes. Daramola said the attack was conducted pursuant to credible human intelligence reports indicating that the BHTs were regrouping in a group of buildings in the middle of the settlement. Accordingly, following confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the ATF detailed an Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the settlement with direct hits recorded on the target. The attack has led to the obliteration of the identified buildings and neutralisation of its BHT occupants, he said. Watch the video of the operation below: He said the NAF, working in concert with surface forces, would sustain the tempo of operations with a view to destroying all remnants of the terrorists in Borno. The NAF through the ATF on Wednesday commenced Operation Green Sweep, an air interdiction targeting selected BHT locations within the fringes of Lake Chad as well as areas around the Alagarno Forest near Sambisa in Borno. The NAF said the operation was aimed at further degrading the remnants of the terrorists, curtailing their freedom of action and denying them bases from which they could launch attacks. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app In a previous report by Legit.ng, in continuation of Operation Green Sweep, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole, on Wednesday, November 14, destroyed a Boko Haram terrorist camp at Buk along the Ajigin-Talala-Buk axis near Alagarno forest. The operation was conducted after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the discovery of a new camp with structures hidden under the thick vegetation, including a suspected Boko Haram tactical command and control centre. Accordingly, an Alpha Jet aircraft and two Mi-35 attack helicopters were detailed to attack the camp, inflicting significant damage to the command and control centre. 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 South Bethlehem's historic Grace Mansion has a new owner who wants to restore it to its former beauty and convert it into office space and high-end apartments. Lehigh University grad and developer Dallas Basha bought the stately brick home at 114 W. Fourth St. in June for $485,000 after another developer's plans for the site fell apart. Basha's exterior restoration plans are slated to go before the South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission on Monday. His submission to the board details the extensive repairs the mansion requires, like brick repointing, window restoration or replacement and replacing rotted wood. "It is really just restoring the property to its true natural colors and its historic heritage," Basha said Thursday. Earlier this year, the historic board balked at developer Robin Reshetar's plans to restore the mansion, tear down a garage and one-story addition to construct a five-story apartment building to the rear. The board felt it overwhelmed the mansion and did not fit in with the neighborhood. Basha jumped at the chance to buy the property when it became available, he said. "There was nothing like this in the South Side. There's only one Grace Mansion," Basha said. "It was a very interesting project to me." Basha proposes keeping all of the Mansion standing and converting the building into two first-floor office spaces and four luxury apartments. The office space would front onto Fourth Street and renters would enter the apartments from the rear. Plans call for one unit on the first floor, two on the second and a third-floor penthouse unit, Basha said. "They would be market-rate apartments, not necessarily geared towards students, potentially professors," he said. "It is high-end apartment living. Everything is going to be remodeled preserving all of the natural wood." From 1902 to 1906, former Bethlehem Steel Corp. President Eugene Grace called the mansion home. While many are more familiar with Grace's West Bethlehem mansion on Bonus Hill -- now home to Holy Family Manor -- the South Bethlehem Queen Anne home, perched on a corner, is an important building in the local historic district. It was most recently the Italian restaurant Anna Mia. "We'll be reviving the property and revitalizing it and really adding something positive in the community," Basha said, noting he's enjoying the challenge of historic restoration. "It hasn't been taken care." Basha has set an aggressive timeline for the project, hoping to finish the exterior work and first floor renovation by the end of the year and complete the other floors by the end of February. He also has historic board and city planning commission approval to build a four-story apartment building with first-floor retail around the corner on West Morton Street. Basha hopes to break ground on the project next spring and wrap up construction in by the end of 2019, he said. The historic commission meets at 7 p.m. Monday in conference room B504 in Bethlehem City Hall. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A deadly chain-reaction accident Wednesday on Interstate 78 left two people dead, three injured and shut down the westbound highway in Berks County for more than 12 hours. It was the second crash in the area within minutes, according to Pennsylvania State Police and a Friday morning report by The Reading Eagle. The Eagle reported no injuries in the first accident, which happened about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Tilden Township, near Hamburg, about 25 miles west of Allentown. The second crash was reported at 2:38 p.m. in Windsor Township, just east of Hamburg. A tractor-trailer was unable to stop for the slowed traffic ahead and hit a passenger vehicle, pushing it into another tractor-trailer ahead, state police said in a news release Friday. Three more tractor-trailers were reportedly involved. Heavy fire burned two of the trucks and the passenger vehicle, state police said. Smoke rises from the scene of a fiery crash Nov. 14, 2018, at mile marker 32.5 of Interstate 78 in Windsor Township, Berks County. (Bill Uhrich | The Reading Eagle) The victims have not yet been identified, said Trooper David C. Beohm, public information officer the state police troop based in Reading. The highway was shut down in both directions for hours. One lane of eastbound traffic began moving about 7 p.m. that day. The westbound lanes were not reopened until 3:30 a.m. Thursday. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. By Martin Boland, Senior Lecturer of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Charles Darwin University Shutterstock/Amani A The chemical weapons convention (CWC) is one of the most successful arms control treaties in existence. It outlaws the production, stockpiling or research on offensive lethal chemical weapons. Yet chemical weapons have recently featured in the news such as the recent Novichok poisonings in the UK and the convention is facing questions. The 193 signatory nations to the convention will assemble from November 19 this year at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague for the latest periodic review of the chemical weapons convention. As reported today in Science, this is an important opportunity to get some key things back on track. Read more: What we know about Novichok, the 'newby' nerve agents linked to Russia The chemical weapons convention is a legacy of the end of the cold war. The collapse of the Soviet Union reinvigorated the long-dormant chemical weapons control process. This culminated with most nations signing and ratifying the chemical weapons convention, which came into force in 1997. Each nation is responsible for the destruction of its own stockpile of weapons (either alone, or with the help of others), with compliance monitored by OPCW. So far about 96% of declared stocks of chemical weapon agents have been eliminated, including all of Russias declared stockpile. Fit for the mid-21st century? Most nations accept that chemical weapons are an anachronism, with only limited military value against an enemy of similar technological sophistication. But there has been a rise in recent years in the use of chemical weapon agents against civilian populations, as in the Syrian civil war, and as tools of assassination, such as in the murder of Kim Jong-nam and the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury in the UK. So are chemical weapons climbing out of the grave we thought we had consigned them to? What is a chemical weapon? Its important to clear up a common misconception about the chemical weapons convention and how it handles lethal chemical agents. Under the convention, the use of the pharmacological effects (what the chemical does to the body) of any chemical to achieve a military outcome (death or permanent disability) makes that a chemical weapon. This means that novel agents, such as the Novichok (or A-series) chemicals alleged to have been used against the Skripals, are illegal, not because of their structure but due to the attempt to use them to kill. This definition can create some complexities. If we take as a given that many chemicals are potentially lethal its the dose that makes the poison how do you regulate compounds that are likely to be used as weapons? How should these be distinguished from those that could be fatal, but arent typically applied for ill-purpose? For example, the anticancer drug mustine also known as nitrogen mustard is a schedule 1 weapon under the chemical weapons convention (under the codename HN2). Police action or short cut to new weapons? Riot control agents are those such as pepper spray, 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (better known, slightly erroneously, as CS-gas). These compounds are designed to cause the victim discomfort. But the effects dissipate soon after the victim is removed from exposure similar to if you get capsaicin in your eyes while cutting chillies, you can wash the compound away with lots of water or milk. These agents are only lightly regulated under the chemical weapons convention. Their use is allowed as part of normal law enforcement, but prohibited in war. Different to these, incapacitating agents are defined as those that cause the victim to lose consciousness, or otherwise become systemically incapacitated but the effects of these are not reversible by removing exposure. Examples include chemicals that cause massive sensory hallucinations and prevent the victim from recognising reality. There is much debate about the ultimate safety of riot control agents, but in general they are seen as safe unless incorrectly used. On the other hand, a Russian incapacitating agent is believed to have caused many of the fatalities during the 2002 Moscow theatre siege. So how can these agents be legal, while the agent used in Salisbury is immediately considered illegal? What is an appropriate level of chemical force that should be acceptable when applied to a person as part of civilian policing? What level of research into, or stockpiling of, such compounds would suggest the goal is no longer to develop countermeasures, but is part of an offensive chemical weapons program? The CWC was written to outlaw these things, but has its success only moved the goalposts? These are open questions that the review should address. Responsibility of scientists Questions about how responsible a scientist is for the use of their work probably go to Fitz Haber and beyond. The 1918 Nobel Prize winner is generally considered the father of modern chemical warfare for his suggestion that the Imperial German Army use chlorine, the first lethal chemical weapon of World War I. Today there are several questions about how scientists should interact with the world, using their knowledge to educate the public through the media, while avoiding drawing attention to possible misuses of that knowledge (or allowing their messages to be manipulated to cause panic). Is it a greater good for society for me to explain that nitrogen mustard (from the example above) treats cancer, than the risk that someone will now try to steal some mustine from the oncology clinic to misuse it? There is also the problem of dual use technologies. These are techniques that can equally be used develop a new pharmaceutical, or could be applied to develop a new nerve agent. How much regulation of day-to-day research and commerce is acceptable to prevent those who would do us harm having access to materials and knowledge? In the 20 years since the ratification of the CWC, we have made discoveries and improved access to technologies that may make it easier to create a truly effective improvised chemical weapon. The chemical weapons convention has almost reached the initial goal of the signatories, the elimination of chemical weapons. Now the convention needs to move with the times, to prevent backsliding from the prevailing culture that considers chemical weapons to be unspeakably barbaric. Martin Boland has received funding from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the Australian Research Council. Originally published in The Conversation. Developer J.B. Reilly and his wife, Kathleen Reilly, were joined by their three children for a ceremony Thursday recognizing their major gift to Lehigh Valley Health Network. Thanks to the donation, one of the largest in network history, the ongoing expansion and consolidation of children's health care services at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township is going to be known as Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. It wasn't always a certainty that the Reillys' daughters, Tricia and Maggie, would even be alive today, the couple revealed. Tricia, now 24, and Maggie, now 26, were both saved by Lehigh Valley Hospital's care in the face of serious problems. Tricia had had a major choking incident. Maggie was recovering from the flu when she went into cardiogenic shock due to a blockage in her heart. Both ended up at the Cedar Crest emergency department, where staff saved them and stabilized them for transfer to a children's hospital in Philadelphia. "We are truly grateful to you all," Kathleen Reilly told a crowd, including their son Jack, who is 22, gathered for the naming celebration Thursday at the Cedar Crest campus. "And we're also grateful just to be able to support the children's hospital. The services and programs of the hospital are wide-ranging and comprehensive." The amount of the Reillys' gift was not disclosed. Those in attendance Thursday included Lehigh Valley Health Network leadership, staff, state Sen. Pat Browne and other local officials. "With the consolidation into a true children's hospital, we will grow services and touch even more lives," Physician-in-Chief of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital J. Nathan Hagstrom said in a statement prepared for Thursday's event. "Just as these kids are growing fast, so are we." Lehigh Valley Health Network is creating the five-story Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital adjacent to the emergency department on the Cedar Crest campus. The children's hospital had opened there in 2012, though pediatric care is nothing new to the network. "This generous gift does not mark the start of specialty health services for the children of our region," LVHN President and CEO Brian Nester said Thursday. "Rather this gift allows us to enhance radically the services we will provide at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital, care that we've been providing since the 1970 in the Lehigh Valley." The Reillys' gift brings more than 30 pediatric specialties, from childhood cancer to cystic fibrosis, all under one roof, according to Lehigh Valley Health Network. It funds updates to the hospital's Level IV neonatal intensive care unit -- described as the highest-level NICU in the area -- as well as the construction of a new pediatric inpatient unit, complete with 30 private rooms and child-friendly touches. The region's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit will be expanded to 12 beds with additional spaces for families, and more Child Life Specialists will be hired to help kids cope emotionally while they're in the hospital, LVHN announced. A new designated entrance for Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital also will be built, and the Children's ER -- the only one of its kind in the region -- will grow by 14 beds and open in 2021, according to LVHN. This is not the first time the Reillys have given to Lehigh Valley Health Network. In 2016, the family donated to what became the Reilly Children's Surgery Center, which focuses on minimally invasive and state-of-the-art technologies for the hospital's youngest patients. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A row home roof collapsed in Bangor early Friday, leaving all six homes in the row condemned and leaving 17 people with no place to stay, according to the borough police chief. The homes were 302 to 312 S. Main St., according to borough police Chief Scott Felchock. He said 308 S. Main St. was already condemned before the roof caved in. That home sustained the worst damage. The home sustained a "roof to basement collapse," according to A.J. Suero, the regional communications manager for the Red Cross's Lehigh Valley/Bucks office. Six row homes from 302 to 312 S. Main St. in Bangor are condemned after a roof collapse on Nov. 16, 2018. "It's fortunate there weren't any injures," Felchock said. Suero said the Red Cross was summoned to the roof collapse around 5 a.m., so the collapse was shortly before that. Felchock said wet, slushy, piled-up snow and poor structural integrity are to blame for the collapse. All the homes were condemned by the borough code officer, he said. Since row homes are built at the same time, they also decay at the same rate, Felchock noted. "If one isn't well maintained, that can be the straw that breaks the camel's back," he said. The home that sustained the worst damage was vacant, Suero said. One other home was unoccupied, he said. He said four families were displaced by the collapsed roofs. The Red Cross will provide them with temporary lodging, Suero said. The #RedCross is responding to a building collapse in Bangor, providing assistance to multiple families. RedCrossEasternPA (@RedCrossEastPA) November 16, 2018 Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Wicklow woman who stole over 30,000 from the hospital where she worked as an administrator is to be sentenced in a year's time. Laura Byrne (40), from Ardglass, Baltinglass, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on November 15 on 92 signed guilty pleas from the District Court. She affirmed her guilty pleas to eight sample counts of theft and two counts of deception by the use of a false instrument, namely false HSE receipts, between April 16, 2015 and October 21, 2016. Byrne admitted stealing a total of 30,413 during the period outlined from two wards at Clonskeagh Hospital which provides care and post-surgery rehabilitation to elderly outpatients. The court heard that patients pay 5 a day to attend these daycare units, covering the cost of a meal and transport. The money stolen was an accumulation of these 5 payments. Garda Ray Lyons told Grainne O'Neill BL, prosecuting, that each daycare ward had its own cash book secured by an administration staff member. During 2015 and 2016, the money from patients was typically collected by Byrne, who was expected to lodge receipts to the HSE and also to keep an electronic record. Concerns were raised when the cashbooks were found to contain some unofficial receipts signed by Byrne, and a number of weeks where no receipts had been filed at all. Clonskeagh Hospital analysed its files and reported 30,413 as being stolen from Cairde Padraig Ward and Willows Ward. Gardai arrived at Byrne's home where she claimed to be surprised, but subsequently attended at a garda station by arrangement for interview. She produced a pre-prepared statement admitting to the theft, apologising and explaining her circumstances. Byrne said in the statement that her husband had suffered a serious accident at work and had been out of his job for two years, mostly without pay. She said her husband had only been back at work a short while when he suffered a heart attack, leaving her to manage the household finances and deal with debt and bills. My back was against the wall, she wrote in her statement, adding that she knew it was wrong but was under extreme stress and pressure at the time and was suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. It was always and still is my full intention to repay every cent, she said, emphasising how sorry she was and that she had a full record of all the payments. Byrne has no previous convictions. Garda Lyons agreed with Luigi Rea BL, defending, that Byrne was extremely distressed and affected by her difficulties. The garda also agreed that were it not for the misfortunes she had experienced, one would not expect to see someone like Byrne in court. Mr Rea said his client had made the fatal mistake of thinking she might solve her financial problems on a temporary basis and was planning to repay the money when a High Court claim being made by her husband came through. Byrne bought 3,000 to court to begin her repayment and her counsel said she wanted to clear the balance owed as soon as her husband's claim is processed. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the matter for 12 months to allow time for a probation report to be prepared and for Byrne to continue to make restitution for the monies stolen. She's due to be sentenced on November 18 next year. Cheap drugs and homelessness are driving an increase in service users attending a drugs treatment centre in Newbridge, a local councillor believes. Independent Cllr Paddy Kennedy, a former member of the Board at Abbey Regional Addiction Services (ARAS) in Newbridge, says the number of clients has doubled since this time last year at the centre. Cllr Kennedy recently stepped aside from his duties at ARAS, where he was a Board member for five and a half years. The large increase in service users this year more so than any other year, I think is down to the actual fact of having a more serious problem with drugs abuse. Weve always had the alcohol abuse and that kind of stays at the same level, but drug abuse, I believe and this is just my personal opinion, is where drugs have got a lot cheaper on the street, said Cllr Kennedy. The ones where they were paying a 100 last year for, theyre getting them for 20 now. Drugs are more readily available at a cheaper price which causes a serious problem, he added. The homeless situation has added to it big time, Im chair of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) in the council so Im dealing with the homeless situations on a regular basis, homelessness is one part that also affects people with addiction mental health is another. If you asked me why weve had such a big increase in clientele coming into ARAS, its because of the homeless situation, I definitely think its because of that myself. ARAS, which was in danger of closing down in 2013, is a community project for people living with a drug or alcohol addiction, and their families. Project workers liase with people and put in place plans tailormade to suit each service user. Family programmes are also offered. People can also avail of the drop in services, and laundry facilities. Cllr Kennedy said a new Board of Members was put together in 2013 to bring the project forward. The first three years were very tough, and the Government brought in cuts to funding. So every year we had to come up with between 5 and 15% in the shortfall in funding. Were funded by the HSE through the South Western Regional Drugs Task Force, and we would of had to come up with cuts in funding. Funding is down less now than it was in 2009/2010. Savage cuts of between 5 and 20% made were between 2009 and 2016. And then the last two years we had no reduction in funding, but the previous cuts were never really reinstated so we were always left that we had to find our own devices of raising funds. We have made no cuts to any of the services we provide, and this is down totally to the support we get, financially and otherwise, from the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal Council, the Outreach services of the HSE and their team, the KWETB help us with a lot of courses, and Newbridge Silverware and Horse Racing Ireland have been very good, as well as Judge John Coughlan, the Probation services and Courts services, and the National Lottery. Cllr Kennedy said the centre also has a serious problem trying to hold on to staff, due to pay cuts, and recruiting is difficult because any new staff taken on would start off on the very lowest salary scale. Sinn Fein Cllr Mark Lynch previously told the Municipal District meeting that the serious drugs issue in Newbridge had grown severe. He said begging is a huge issue in Newbridge the last few months, and that it is going to get worse. Cllr Lynch recently called on Kildare County Council to seek proper funding for drug rehabilitation services in the Municipal District. He said the council should call on the Minister for Health and HSE to provide the Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force with an increased budget. SEE ALSO: Beast from the East 2? weather forecaster expects Siberian blocking high STAFF of Adare Manor were present at a special Irish tourism business event in London. Tourism Ireland teamed up with Failte Ireland and Tourism NI for a business-to-business event held in the British capital. Some 44 tourism businesses from across Ireland were present at the event, which was attended by 45 top British meetings and events professionals. Codenamed Ireland Meets the West End, the event brought with it a valuable opportunity for the companies from Ireland to showcase and sell their product and to convince the British buyers to confirm their meetings and events in Ireland for 2019 and beyond. Julie Wakley, Tourism Irelands head of Great Britain, said: Tourism Ireland was delighted that so many top British meetings and events professionals took the time to attend our Ireland Meets the West End event and meet our partners from Ireland demonstrating their commitment and interest in the island of Ireland for 2019 and beyond. Business tourism is the most lucrative form of tourism, with visitors travelling to Ireland for business purposes spending almost three times more than the average visitor, industry-led statistics show. Corporate meetings and association conferences continue to be the focus of Tourism Irelands business tourism promotions in Britain. BEST CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Optel Group Optel is the worlds leading provider of traceability systems and the only company with the ability to offer end-to-end traceability solutions, providing true visibility across the entire supply chain, from extraction of raw materials to the consumer. Its Irish base is in Raheen, and it has facilities in Canada, India, USA and Brazil, as well as employees worldwide. Optel has expanded significantly in the past few years to meet growing industry needs and to support its humanitarian values. SL Controls SL Controls was founded in Sligo in May 2002 by managing director Keith Moran and chief technology officer Shane Loughlin. The company has grown rapidly over the past 16 years and has offices in Castletroy, Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Birmingham and Florida. SL Controls has had a presence in the Mid-West since early 2013 and opened new offices in October 2017 at the National Technology Park in Plassey, SL Controls has evolved into an internationally-recognised industry leader in equipment system integration and system support, working with large indigenous and multinational companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare and food and beverage sectors who require high-level expertise in integration and regulatory compliance. SL Controls employs 97 people nationally, 40 of whom are in its Limerick office. Cube Printing Established in 1996, Cube is an indigenous Limerick company, based at the Ballysimon Road, and a leading supplier of design, print and packaging solutions in Ireland. Print procurement is a cumbersome and time-consuming task for purchasing managers and buyers, from finding a suitable, high quality print supplier to managing the artwork, delivery and storage of the printed product. With a motivated team of almost 35 highly skilled people, Cube crafts custom solutions that are responsive to its customers graphic design, print and packaging needs, budgets, lead times, storage capabilities, quality requirements and goals. BEST EMERGING BUSINESS Electricity Exchange Electricity Exchange is a virtual power plant, licensed by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The firm aggregates large industrial electricity consumers that have the ability to operate onsite generation and reduce their consumption of power at short notice. The distributed generation and demand reduction capacity is sold to the electricity market and traded in a similar manner to a conventional power station. Founded by Paddy Finn and Duncan OToole, Electricity Exchanges client base includes Keelings, Boston Scientific, Dairygold, UCD, SuperValu, and Pepsi. In August 2016, Bord na Mona acquired 50% of the company as part of a deal that provides access to significant working capital to support the expansion of the company. Troy Studios Troy Studio is a facilitator offering infrastructural space and locations to enable the film and television sector to produce high-end TV and feature films. Since taking a long-term lease at the old Dell plant at Castletroy in 2016 Troy Studios has invested some 6.5m into the building, and in 2019 will build a new fourth sound stage, adding 33,000 square feet of international standard space. When complete it will position Troy as the largest international standard film and TV studio in Ireland with the potential to double the level of inward production and jobs. Five people work permanently in Troy, but recent productions like Nightflyers brought hundreds of staff to the area daily. Metis Ireland Metis Ireland is a financial planning firm. It provides a financial road map to put its clients in the best possible position to achieve their life and financial goals. Metis Ireland has a service led model where its income is aligned with the long-term interest of our clients. This approach, they say, enables it to forge long-term relationships with its clients while constantly adhering to its core values. BEST SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISE DesignPro Automation DesignPro is a group of three distinct companies that is a leading provider of precision automation and machine build services to a number of industries such as automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, electronics and renewable energy. Within the group is DesignPro Automation, DesignPro Renewables and DesignPro Robotics. Based in Rathkeale, the firm works with other companies to reduce cost, improve efficiency and deliver return on investment all within specified time frames and budgets. Resource Kraft Based in Henry Street, ResourceKraft specialises in technology-driven, end-to-end, hardware and software solutions designed to assist organisations, to measure and manage their energy usage. Founded in Limerick by Liam Relihan and Frank Casey in 2007, the firm delivers innovative smart energy solutions to over 100 large clients globally. JJ OToole A long-standing Limerick company, Raheen-based JJ OToole is Irelands leading supplier of packaging and design solutions with over 2,000 customers throughout Ireland and Britain. Traditionally suppliers of plain packaging materials, the 104-year-old family business, now provides a comprehensive service of high quality graphic design through to packaging production and delivery. Among JJ OTooles clients are Selfridges, Brown Thomas, Dunnes Stores, Newbridge Silverware, Avoca, Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Harvey Norman, Diesel and Blarney Woolen Mills. BEST LARGE BUSINESS Shannon Group The Shannon Group comprises four entities: Shannon Airport, which offers 31 direct services to destinations across Europe and North America. Shannon Commercial Properties, meanwhile, is a developer of commercial property, which manages one of the largest portfolios in Ireland, and provides property solutions that enable FDI and indigenous businesses to develop in the Mid-West. The Shannon International Aviation Centre is charged with developing Irelands largest aerospace and aviation cluster with more than 60 of the industrys companies based in the Shannon Free Zone (SFZ). Finally, Shannon Heritage is the largest operator and developer of heritage tourist attractions in Ireland. A semi-state company, Shannon Group operates with a commercial mandate. More than 650 people work for the group. Fexco Fexco employs over 2,300 people across its suite of companies headquartered in Killorglin, Co Kerry. Founded in 1981, Fexco now has operations in 29 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America. Fexco serves some of the worlds biggest brands across multiple industries, predominantly in the payments and foreign exchange sectors. First Names Group First Names Group is a leading independent provider of corporate, real estate, trust and fund services with a network of strategically located offices across the globe. In Ireland, the groups main focus is on providing corporate services for international clients restructuring their business/organisation or expanding into the Irish and European markets across a range of industry sectors ICT, pharma, biomedical, manufacturing, aircraft leasing, food and beverage and financial services, among others. BEST RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY Masterchef Masterchefs Hospitality is one of Irelands leading corporate and events catering companies. Over the past 18 years, it has catered events in most of the countrys prime locations and has a history of catering for some of Irelands most prestigious social events along with managing several blue chip contracts. Its portfolio of services ranges from contract catering, event catering, weddings, corporate and outdoor catering. Absolute Hotel The Absolute Hotel is a leading four-star hotel in Limerick city. Accommodation comprises 99 bedrooms, eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre for guest use and an 80-seat restaurant, Harrys on the river, which overlooks the Abbey. Onsite also is the privately-operated Vanilla Browns hair and beauty salon which has six treatment rooms. The Absolute hotel is the number one-ranked hotel on TripAdvisor in Limerick and is in the top ten best hotels in Ireland as voted by TripAdvisors traveller choice awards. Matthew Stephens Matthew Stephens is a family business which has been in OConnell Street for over 40 years. Its a three level luxury jewellers with a dedicated bridal floor as well as a fashion floor. Specialising in selling fine diamonds, Matthew Stephens also sells watches from the premium brands of Omega and Rado down to the fashion brands of Michael Kors and Daniel Wellington. BEST NOT FOR PROFIT Novas Novas is a voluntary organisation and approved housing body working with families and single adults who are disadvantaged and socially excluded, primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. It provides a range of services and accommodation for marginalised households throughout Ireland, offering client-centred services, based on empirical evidence of 16 years experience of working with people who are homeless. The Blue Box The Blue Box creative learning centre at Roxboro works with schools and families in Limerick city and around, to provide trained professionals to help children through difficult times. Their slogan is Sometimes when a child is feeling sad or hurt it is good to have a safe place and someone to help you. A non-profit organisation, Blue Box is driven by innovative arts therapy programmes. Founded in 1997, it is a creative arts psychotherapies project supporting children from marginalised and impoverished backgrounds in Limerick. Its located in LEDP, Roxboro Road in Limerick. Rape Crisis Centre Rape Crisis Midwest, formerly the Limerick Rape Crisis Centre is a regional organisation founded in 1980. From humble beginnings, it began when a small group of dedicated people began to offer rape crisis support in hotel lobbies, and using their cars as counselling rooms. A small grant in the 1980s allowed the movement to get off the ground and rent a premises on Mallow Street. It has moved a number of times during that time, but has now been based at Phoenix House, Punchs Cross since 2004. BEST EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGION Collins Mc Nicholas Collins McNicholas recruitment and HR services group is an award-winning Irish company which celebrates 28 years in business. Headquartered in Galway, it has a nationwide presence with offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Athlone and Castletroy - employing nearly 60 full time employees. It was founded by two former HR directors, Colman Collins and Val McNicholas in 1990. H and MV Engineering A trusted name in the electric power transmission industry H and MV is a leading specialist in high voltage transmission and distribution systems. Its main expertise is in the design and build of substations up to 400 kV. Working across many sectors transmission, distribution, renewables, data centres, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to name a few, H&MV is currently operating in Ireland, Britain, Europe, South Africa and Asia. Three Ireland One of Irelands leading mobile operators with 35% of market share and over two million customers. The company operates 2G, 3G and 4G networks, with 97% 4G coverage nationwide. Three has over 1,400 employees throughout Ireland, including 450 in its award-winning Customer Care Centre in the National Technology Park. Led by Robert Finnegan since 2005, he and the other seven members of the senior management team split their time between Threes Dublin and Limerick offices. A MOTORIST who was delivering pizzas in his own car in Limerick avoided a driving ban after he was convicted of driving without insurance. Robert Hannon, aged 29, of Grianan, Westbury, was prosecuted before Limerick District Court in relation to a detection at Locke Quay, in the city at around 11.30pm on March 16, 2017. Garda Geoffrey Kenny of the divisional roads policing unit said he stopped the defendant after he observed him holding a mobile phone while driving. Mr Hannon told him he was delivering pizza for Four Star Pizza and was looking for an address when he was stopped. Garda Kenny told Judge Marian OLeary the defendant was insured and had a full driving licence. However, the policy specifically excluded the use of the car for the carriage of goods in connection with any trade. Mr Hannon, he said, expressed surprise on the night and informed him that he believed he was insured under the companys policy. Solicitor Tom Kiely said his client had been informed, in 2014, by Four Star Pizza that he could use his own vehicle and would be covered under the terms of its policy. He said Mr Hannon, who was paid an hourly rate and per delivery was given a letter and details of an insurance policy which indemnified employees driving their own vehicles. Mr Kiely said while the companys policy ceased to exist some time afterwards, his client was never informed or told that he was no longer insured. He was misled and taken advantage of. He had an honest and reasonable belief that he was insured, he said adding that Mr Hannnon immediately stopped working for the company following the incident. Noting the unusual circumstances of the offence and noting that Mr Hannon requires his car and licence to travel to and from work, Judge OLeary said she would exercise her discretion and would not impose a disqualification. She imposed a 400 fine, giving the defendant 12 months to pay. While not a matter for the court, the offence also attracts five penalty points. MINISTER of State Patrick ODonovan remains hopeful that a solution will be found and the threat of sanctions against Aughinish Alumina lifted and the jobs safeguarded. We are continuing to work through our diplomatic channels, he told the Limerick Leader . The situation hasnt changed. It is as it was and only the date has moved. We have heard nothing for us to have any alarm. Last month, Rusal which owns Aughinish, had its licences to trade with the US extended to December 12 to allow the company to come up with a solution to address Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaskas interest in the company. Now that deadline has been pushed out to January 7, according to a media report earlier this week. The US authorities originally introduced the sanctions last April, targeting Russian individuals and businesses, among them Mr Deripaska, the majority shareholder in EN+Group which owns 48 per cent of Rusal, which in turn owns Aughinish. The sanctions were initially intended to punish Moscow for alleged interference in US elections. The Irish government has since waged a diplomatic and political offensive in a bid to ensure that Aughinish, with its 450 jobs in the plant and hundreds of other downstream jobs, avoids those sanctions. According to Minister ODonovan, it is a case of continuing along this path. We are continuing with discussions with the Office of Foreign Assets Control, the US Treasury and members of Congress, through our embassy and through intervention at ministerial level but we are taking nothing for granted. Earlier this week, the Irish Times reported EN+Group chairman, Lord Barker as saying that time was running out for a deal which would cut Mr Derispaskas stake and lift the threat of sanctions from the group. It was hoped, the report stated, that US treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin would agree to a settlement after last weeks mid-term elections. However, it said, the deadline has again been extended, this time to January 7. THE LIMERICK dad of actress Evanna Lynch has urged hurling fans travelling to Boston this weekend to vote for his girl in Dancing with the Stars. Evanna, who played Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter, avoided the double elimination this week and is now the final four of the hit show. Proud father, Donal Lynch, from Murroe, paraphrased Shane Dowling who said after beating Cork, I really hope were not just going to get to the final to march behind the band. Like Limerick, were in the final and were not going to LA just to listen to the music. As Shane might have added, were here to win, said Donal, who asked fans going to Boston for the Fenway Classic and Limerick people living in America to vote for Evanna. Their support would bring in a huge Irish vote in America and when its all done and dusted maybe we could get a picture of the Mirror Ball and the Liam MacCarthy side by side. Wouldnt that round off the year nicely? said Donal. He says they can vote online on Monday night for Evanna and her dance partner Keo Motsepe by logging on to dwtsvote.abc.go.com and following the instructions on the screen, or dialling 1 800 868 3405 FREE. I think that Limerick isnt done winning in 2018 just yet! said Donal. On Monday night Evanna wowed the judges and audience with a foxtrot and contemporary number, dedicating the latter to the late Irish director Simon Fitzmaurice with whom she worked on My Name is Emily. Simon passed away last from motor neuron disease aged just 42. I thought it was pure poetry. I texted her immediately to say that she had immortalised Simon - everything about your performance was a tribute of the highest order, carrying his message to America and to the world. My sister, Mary, in Seattle summed it up well when she said that Evanna danced like a fairy, said Donal. Evanna said on the show: I never got to say goodbye I want this dance to be as if he were directing this dance. The finale of Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC on Monday at 8pm ET. JOHN SHINNORS was by his easel, poised to paint an image of a woman carrying John the Baptist heads in a plastic bag when it dawned on him that he was an illustrator, just like the ones behind the famous Lady Bird books that his children were reading. I just questioned myself. I can paint anything. I could forge Vermeer if you wanted it, and you probably couldnt tell the difference. And so can hundreds of thousands of artists who are representational. That was how the 68-year-old saw himself, as representational, before his brush strokes evolved into the signature, abstract Shinnors motifs, often in triptych palette, with which the art world has become so familiar and fetched upwards of 70,000 on the open market at one time. Speaking at an intimate talk in Ormston House recently, the Limerick native revealed a self-portrait of an artist who had, and not so long ago, been choked with the malady of painters block, as he puts it. Colourful tales from the city & county by John Shinnors at todays Workspace Social. Looking forward to his new book Adult Stories at an Artists Bedtime launching later this month @HuntMuseum #Limerick #weareculture pic.twitter.com/m1xyk6UvgP Ormston House (@OrmstonHouse) November 1, 2018 Shinnors was open, unrestrained and unapologetic about this problematic experience. After it all, it was what led to his upcoming book, Adult Reading at Artists Bedtime, an exploration of the artists life through the medium of sketches. He had an idea of the title, but had no book. That all changed when he discovered compressed charcoal pencils around a year and a half ago. And upon returning to the drawing board, figuratively and literally, that is when memories of when I was a child and my school days, etc, were coming back. There is a variety of memories the acclaimed artist shared with those gathered in Ormston on a Thursday lunchtime to hear Shinnors speak. Included among them are being born at the maternity hospital in Bedford Row and the time his mother had enough of their home in Merchants Quay after a rat fell through the ceiling and onto the kitchen table. But there are more pivotal, deeply-personal experiences resting in the memory of his youth that came to light during this talk in front of more than 20 attentive spectators, all sitting in a circle around the artist. The first that comes to mind is when Shinnors first walked through the doorways of art college, aged 17, and moved to London over the summer holidays to live with his aunt. I said I would go back to the art school after Christmas, you never know. They werent checking up on you anyway. I was just one less hippy, but I wasnt a hippy really. I didnt like hippies, you know what I mean? They were all over the place, you know, free love and all that stuff, he recalled. I came home that Christmas, and I was back in the house. I was back in my bedroom, and after a day or two I put my hand up on the wardrobe. Before I went to London, I had about 10 rolled up drawings, which I thought were quite good. There were about five life drawings and five from the antique. I put my hand up on the wardrobe and felt nothing, no rolls, but flat pieces of paper, so I scoop them down and there they were, torn in quarters. They were large scale drawings. I wasnt none too pleased, to tell you the truth. He probed his mother about it and she said: I think youll have to ask your father about those, John. And though he could never prove that it was his father, he knew because he was that type of man. So one St Stephens Night, while walking over Sarsfield Bridge, John noticed he had his fathers favourite briar pipe in his pocket and chucked it into the Shannon. I was so enraged at the time. If he was behind me I would have thrown him in, too, he quipped, drawing laughter. Educated at CBS Sexton Street and LSAD, he was born in Limerick on April 14, 1950. He made a comeback to the art world in 2017 with his first full collection following a five year hiatus, during which he spent three months in hospital after being knocked down on a motorway. The abstract artist has created headlines on many occasions for his outspoken nature, including most recently in the Irish Mail on Sunday with his forthright comments about travellers. The artists new book, which will be launched this weekend at the Hunt Museum, comprises half text, half illustration, he explained. The word illustration triggers a question from the audience about his unique, cryptic style, and how that inception occurred. It was a Friday morning, sometime in the 1980s, and John had left Franciscan Church, only to have his eye caught by a slab of mackerel on a platter across the street. Ive seen mackerel before. I have seen thousands of them. But the design of the mackerel, their colouring, shape, almost Cubista style of painting that I never likedbut it had everything that sort of sparked me. And with this burst of inspiration, the artist bought three mackerel, hopped on the William Street bus homeward, and placed them outside on a stone wall in order to photograph them. After a cup of tea and a smoke, he noticed that they were gone. I even looked up to the sky. Next thing the laurels were moving, and I said: That little bollix. His dog Pig had been in the process of burying the mackerel, but after exhuming them, he painted them during the week. You are creative by nature, you will find many avenues to express your creativity. Painting is not only my livelihood, but its a process that I totally enjoy. But nothing gives me greater pleasure than say, pointing to a large space on the wall, take that wall for example, and to see a painting of mine on that. I derive great satisfaction from that. There are two things that dont satisfy the man, however, and they are electric or digital art and photographs. The idea of the electric image, he says, is alien to him. I firmly believe that to create, you create with your hands. The carver carves. The composer uses an instrument, creating compositions. The painter uses the same tools that have been used since the last 500, 600 years. So anything to do with plugging in, it is not creativity to me. I dont like photographs either! As the 30-minute talk drew to a close, a question for the artist was heard: John. The pipe. Did your dad ever find out about the pipe? No, was the answer, though his mother clarified that he went totally mad for three weeks searching for it. But, likewise, his father never mentioned the destroyed roll of sketches. - Adult Reading at Artists Bedtime will be launched by poet John Liddy at the Hunt Museum, with a wine reception, at 4pm this Saturday First Comes Marriage: My Not-So-Typical American Love Story By Huda al-Marashi Prometheus. 294 pp. $24 --- Huda al-Marashi was 6 when she met Hadi Ridha, the boy her family expected her to marry in their close-knit Iraqi American community in California. Whether to have an arranged marriage or an American love story forms the core of "First Comes Marriage," her charming, funny, heartbreaking memoir of faith, family and the journey to love. If Jane Austen had grown up as a first-gen daughter of Iraqi parents in the 1990s, she might have written this. Keenly observed, with indelible characters, al-Marashi portrays the complex mores and manners that govern life and love in the immigrant community of her youth - from the kindly if baffled Baba, her elderly father, to Huda's formidable mother and the endearingly hapless Hadi, who loves Huda for years, hampered by propriety and his mullet. Loosely constructed around a series of firsts - first meeting, first kiss - the memoir recounts Huda's ambivalent exploration of traditional courtship, even as it reveals the appeal of "life made rich by rituals." Al-Marashi weaves a mesmerizing tale of an American overachiever, whose devotion to excellence extends to the realm of love. "Deep down, I wanted to marry the Iraqi, Shia boy that would make my parents proud," she writes. Her journey to marriage is comic but also instructive, correcting stereotypes about devout Muslims. Islam is sex positive; women are encouraged to achieve: "Our community of brain-drain Iraqis was filled with women just like Mama. Women who were doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and engineers: they got married young, had their children, and worked. Even the women who stayed at home ... still whispered to their daughters, 'Study. Study. Become something.'" All of it dovetailed with the idea of American success, save one aspect: "In America, you had to fall in love." Huda longs for American romance but shows that arranged marriage is rooted in affection, too: in love of family, faith, community. Love stories typically end with a wedding, but al-Marashi pushes past celebration into tougher terrain. Honeymooning in Spain, the couple argue over whether Huda may wear a bathing suit. She settles for wearing his oversize T-shirt and shorts. "I looked ridiculous, I felt ridiculous, and as we walked along the water, I pointed out every topless woman and every G-string and said, 'You really think people would've been looking at me when there are people here like her?'" The marital consummation scene is like an outtake from "Bridesmaids": "We talked about the best position from which to proceed as if we were two naked co-workers assigned to the same project." Independent, educated and ambitious, Huda is a character we root - and fear - for, as she discovers marriage's restrictions. Forgoing graduate school offers to follow her husband to medical school in Mexico, she meets Muslim American women who have not felt pressed to marry, who have chosen to pursue educations, without fear of losing their shot at love. In her struggle to find a middle path between her American love story and Muslim one, she's ultimately restored by a love greater than romance. --- Levy is the author of "Love, in Theory," which won the Flannery O'Connor Prize. A sold-out crowd took over the McNay Art Musuem as the Guerrilla Girls, feminist activist artists, made a stop in San Antonio to take on gender and ethnic bias. Thursday's night lecture included topics of the double standard between genders, as well as the corruption in politics, art, film and pop culture, according to their event page. Pokemon Go is still alive and well in San Antonio, and it's celebrating its existence this weekend with a festival. PokeFest SA is returning for its second year in the Alamo City Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Norris Conference Centers. After record-breaking cold earlier this week, San Antonio is gearing up for a sunny Saturday with highs in the low 70s perfect weather for National Take a Hike Day. The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department maintains more than 150 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails, and there are plenty more in the area that are maintained by other entities. Government Canyon State Natural Area, a 12,000-acre wilderness on the northwestern side of San Antonio, boasts more than 40 miles of trails and the infamous 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks. RELATED: 11 beautiful cabins and cottages near San Antonio available for a quick getaway In Boerne, the Cibolo Nature Center campus has a range of trails as well as horseback riding, picnicking, birding and more. Hikers looking to experience the Hill Country can choose from ten different hikes at Garner State Park in Concan, some of which end with a birds-eye view of the Frio River canyon. Click through the slideshow to see state park hikes in Texas where you might find fall foliage. 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 3 1 of 3 Bryan Thomas/New York Times Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Karen Warren/Staff Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The National Council of Teachers of English is hosting its annual conference this year in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The weekend event brings together thousands of literacy educators from across the country, including bestselling authors, to share best practices and strategies for making education more engaging and how to best inspire young readers. Soldiers began placing barbed concertina wire overnight at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge. The military has been dispatched to Laredo and other U.S.-Mexico border cities for the potential arrival of a caravan of thousands of migrants. Most of the migrants in that caravan, however, are headed for California. But "there still remains the possibility of another wave of migrants heading towards any other part of our southern border," Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz and Acting City Manager Cynthia Collazo said in a statement Thursday night. "We are told by federal authorities that threats could conceivably materialize within hours depending on the mobility modes undertaken by the caravan." READ ALSO: Photos: U.S. Military prepare for migrant caravan in Laredo The Trump administration has dispatched more than 5,900 active-duty troops to the border to buttress U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers processing asylum claims. Federal law and Pentagon policy limits the scope of what the troops can do, though the military has said they could be asked to fly CBP officers in helicopters to less secure parts of the border if the caravan attempts to enter the country there. While Saenz and Collazo said they appreciate "reasonable and timely border security measures," they were concerned with the potential impact of the military operations. "Our city, just like every single border town from Brownsville to San Diego, depends on international travel and shoppers from Mexico to stimulate our local economy especially during the holidays," they said. "Our Laredo city leaders are very concerned that these operations, if not properly weighed, may have a lasting detrimental impact on our image, tourism, and international business. RELATED: Laredo City Council, authorities discuss 'migrant caravan' plan of action "The City of Laredo has for years worked tirelessly with other border communities to dispel misinformation about the Texas border being unsafe and a war zone. We will continue to have conversations with our federal agencies and representatives to see how best we can help address the issue of border security in a way that is effective and does not harm the way of life for our border communities." The international bridges in Laredo will remain open, and the Sisters Cities said they want to remind residents and visitors to "continue with daily life, enjoy cross border traffic and international commerce as usual." The Washington Post contributed to this report. On Nov. 7, Katy Area Retired Educators held its monthly meeting with Yvonne Streit, founder of Brookwood, as their guest speaker along with Jana Mullins. Streit shared her book Everybodys Got a Seed to Sow - The Brookwood Story. From 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 27, KARE will host a Spirit Night at 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza located at 24600 Katy Freeway, Suite 800. Participants are required to tell the clerk at checkout, they're supporting the KARE Scholarship Fund. 1000 Degrees Pizza will donate 10 percent of participants' checks to benefit scholarships for graduating Katy ISD students. KARE will meet for its Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 10 at Brookwood, which is located in Brookshire. KAREs next meeting will be held on Jan. 16, 2019, and will feature Kevin Fechner, AMBA Benefits for Retired public school employees. All public school employees who retired under the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) are welcome to attend and bring a retired educator, friend or neighbor who is not a current member. KARE represents anyone who has worked in a school district and retired through TRS. This includes all employees from custodian to superintendent. Others interested in supporting the goals of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) are welcome to join as associate members. Reservations are required. Call Lee Ann Nuckles at 832-594-7533. KARE meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, Room 144, located at the West Entrance. For more information about the Katy Area Retired Educators check out its website at www.localunits.org/KARE. Democrat Stacey Abrams ended her campaign for governor of Georgia on Friday, lamenting voting irregularities that she said tainted the election but conceding that former Georgia secretary of state Brian Kemp would be declared the winner. Abrams, who had hoped to become the nation's first elected female African-American governor, had worked to force a runoff with Kemp, who as of late Thursday led by 54,801 votes out of 3.9 million cast. Kemp's 50.22 percent of the tally put the Republican just above the 50 percent-plus-one-vote threshold required to avoid a runoff election in December. Abrams said that she planned to start an organization to fight for more equitable voting laws and would soon bring "a major federal lawsuit against the state of Georgia for gross mismanagement of this election." "Let's be clear, this is not a speech of concession," she said. It was, however, the end of a campaign whose outcome had remained uncertain for days as Abrams pressed for the counting of ballots that had been rejected for minor errors. Kemp drew criticism from Democrats for championing a controversial voting law disproportionately affecting black voters and, days before the midterms, launching an investigation into Democrats, alleging a "hacking" attempt into the voter registration system. Earlier Friday, Abrams was considering filing a separate lawsuit contesting the results and demanding a new election. That would have been based on a provision in Georgia law that allows losing candidates to challenge results. But she said Friday evening that she did not want to gain an office if she had to "scheme" to get it. Kemp's campaign had called the move "sad and desperate" and had called on Abrams, the former Democratic leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, to concede. "Since the beginning, our campaign has been dedicated to lifting up the voices of every community," Lauren Groh-Wargo, Abrams' campaign manager, said in a statement early Friday. "We have heard from countless Georgians about massive irregularities wrought by a Secretary of State who ran his own election to crown himself governor. We have been transparent that we have looked into multiple legal strategies to count every vote in our state - and that work continues as we decide our next steps." Kemp, who declared victory two days after the Nov. 6 election, has said he is moving forward with his transition plans. "Gov.-elect Brian Kemp earned a clear and convincing victory on Election Day. The campaign is over, and Kemp's focus is on building a safer, stronger future for Georgia families," Kemp campaign spokesman Ryan Mahoney said. "Stacey Abrams's latest publicity stunt is sad and desperate. Elections in America aren't decided in the courtroom. They're decided fair and square by the people, at the ballot box." Abrams, 44, and Kemp, 55, have long clashed over voting rights. Four years ago, Abrams founded the New Georgia Project, with a goal of adding hundreds of thousands of people of color to the voting rolls. Abrams is no longer affiliated with the group that she says signed up more than 200,000 potential new voters, but most of them never made it onto the rolls. Kemp accused the group of voter fraud and launched an investigation that found no wrongdoing. He has pursued restrictive voter registration and identification laws and has purged more than 1 million voters from the rolls in recent years - actions that Abrams and activists say amount to suppression. Several of those laws have been successfully challenged in court as violations of the federal Voting Rights Act, including rulings that have come down before and since the Nov. 6 election. During the past 10 days, the Abrams campaign, through court filings and news conferences, has shared stories of individuals who had trouble casting ballots. Voters told of having waited up to four hours to vote, not receiving absentee ballots that they requested and getting inaccurate information from county elections officials. The lawsuits also have revealed a lack of uniformity in how counties address problems with absentee and provisional ballots. Although some counties try to contact voters to fix mistakes and omissions in their voting documents, others simply reject the ballots. Kemp's victory was made possible through a come-from-behind surge in the Republican primary earlier this year, in which he received the endorsement of President Trump and aired a series of provocative TV ads in which he wielded guns and pledged to round up "criminal illegals" in his pickup truck. Abrams had received support from former presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter as well as media mogul Oprah Winfrey. She made health care a major focus of her campaign, as did other Democrats around the country in this year's midterms. The issue of race loomed large over the campaign in its final weeks, however. A racist and anti-Semitic robo-call targeting Abrams began making the rounds about a week before Election Day. The call was produced by the Road to Power, a white-supremacist group based in Idaho. Kemp's campaign also came under criticism for an election-eve tweet attempting to tie Abrams to a radical group, the New Black Panther Party. The razor-thin margin between Abrams and Kemp is reflective of Georgia's march from once-solid Republican terrain toward becoming a purple state. Trump won Georgia by five percentage points in 2016, but Democrats' increasing strength in the suburbs bodes well for their chances in future statewide races. --- The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged under seal, prosecutors inadvertently revealed in a recently unsealed court filing - a development that could significantly advance the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and have major implications for those who publish government secrets. The disclosure came in a filing in a case unrelated to Assange. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen Dwyer, urging a judge to keep the matter sealed, wrote "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." Later, Dwyer wrote the charges would "need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested." Dwyer is also assigned to the WikiLeaks case. People familiar with the matter said what Dwyer was disclosing was true, but unintentional. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia said, "The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing." An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia have long been investigating Assange, and in the Trump administration had begun taking a second look at whether to charge members of the WikiLeaks organization for the 2010 leak of diplomatic cables and military documents which the anti-secrecy group published. Investigators also had explored whether WikiLeaks could face criminal liability for the more recent revelation of sensitive CIA cyber-tools. Special Counsel Robert Mueller III has also exploring the publication by WikiLeaks of emails from the Democratic National Committee and the account of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. Officials have alleged the emails were hacked by Russian spies and transferred to WikiLeaks. Mueller has also been exploring, among other things, communications between the group and associates of President Donald Trump, including political operative Roger Stone and commentator and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi. In July, his office charged 12 Russian military spies with conspiring to hack DNC computers, steal the organization's data and publish the files in an effort to disrupt the election and referred in an indictment to WikiLeaks, described only as "Organization 1," as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. A spokesman for the special counsel's office declined to comment. It was not immediately clear what charges Assange would face. In the past, prosecutors had contemplated pursuing a case involving conspiracy, theft of government property or violating the Espionage Act. But whether to charge the WikiLeaks founder was hardly a foregone conclusion. In the Obama administration, the Justice Department had concluded that pursuing Assange would be akin to prosecuting a news organization. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, though, had taken a more aggressive stance and vowed to crack down on all government leaks. Barry Pollack, one of Assange's attorneys, said, "The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange. Obviously, I have no idea if he has actually been charged or for what, but the notion that the federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set." The filing in the Eastern District of Virginia came on August 22, in a case that combines national security and sex trafficking. Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, 29, was charged with enticing a 15-year-old girl to have sex with him and send him pornographic images of herself. But he was detained in part, according to the court filing, because he "has a substantial interest in terrorist acts." His father-in-law, according to the filing, has been convicted of terrorist acts. The case involves previously classified information, according to government filings, and prosecutors plan to use information obtained under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Kokayi was indicted last week and is set to be arraigned Friday morning. The case had been sealed until early September, though by itself it attracted little notice. On Thursday evening, Seamus Hughes, the deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University who is known for scrubbing court filings, joked about the apparent error on Twitter - which first brought it to the attention of reporters. Even if he is charged, Assange's coming to the United States to face trial is no sure thing. Since June 2012, Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy, afraid that if he steps outside he will be arrested. When he first sought asylum in the embassy, he was facing possible extradition to Sweden in a sex crimes case. He has argued that case was a pretext for what he predicted would be his arrest and extradition to the United States. In the years since, the Swedish case has been closed, but Assange has said he cannot risk leaving the embassy because the U.S. would attempt to have him arrested and extradited for disclosures of U.S. government secrets. Throughout that time, the U.S. has refused to say whether there are any sealed charges against Assange. If Assange were to leave the embassy and be arrested by British authorities, he would likely still fight extradition in the British courts. - - - The Washington Post's Rachel Weiner and Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. A Butte County man was fatally shot by deputies after a confrontation and high-speed chase through the Camp Fire evacuation zone on Thursday morning, officials said. The 48-year-old man, whose name was not immediately released pending family notification, was shot at 11:05 a.m. after he pointed a metallic object at deputies from Butte County and Shasta County sheriffs officers, officials said. A preliminary review of dashcam footage of the shooting is consistent with statements to investigators from the involved officers, said Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea during a Friday night news conference. The man was a suspect in a 2014 double murder in Butte County, officials said. A warden with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife was also involved in the confrontation. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey detailed the moments leading up to the fatal shooting in a Thursday night press conference at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. He said a sheriffs deputy patrolling the Yankee Hill area was contacted by a resident who said there was a suspicious man who had been staying in a vehicle in the parking lot of the Pines Yankee Hill Hardware store on Miller Flat Road for the past three days, Ramsey said. The deputy approached the vehicle and found the suspect asleep behind the wheel, Ramsey said. The deputy ran the license plate number and learned the man had been known to the Butte County Sheriffs Office as a potentially armed and dangerous parolee who was a suspect in a double-murder that occurred in December 2014, Ramsey said. The deputy called for backup and responding deputies surrounded the vehicle, he said. When the suspect came to, police said the suspect jammed his hand into his right jacket pocket as if he had a concealed weapon. Deputies said they moved back and ordered the man to get out of the car, Ramsey said. Ramsey said the suspect said something to the effect of You guys should have left me alone and Im not going back. Authorities told investigators they heard a metallic click consistent with the cocking a gun. The suspect then hit the gas and crashed into a civilian vehicle before leading officials on a chase on Highway 70 toward Oroville, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph. After driving over a spike strip deployed by officials at Cherokee Road and Highway 70, his tires flattened at the intersection of Pentz Road and Highway 70. The suspect continued driving about a half mile until the rims started scraping against the highway. Sutter sheriffs deputies released their K9 named Bandit in an attempt to take town the suspect, but he allegedly rapidly advanced toward Bandit and the deputies, prompting them to open fire. He did not shoot at officers but pointed a metallic object at officers at the time of the shooting, officials said. Bandit was shot when deputies opened fire but still tried to bring the man down, Ramsey said. He said a pitbull emerged from the suspects car, attacked the K9 and was shot by a single deputy, killing it. The suspect died at the scene. He was shot in the head and torso, Ramsey said. Six officers opened fire on the suspect, with two handguns and four rifles, Ramsey said. The deputies were not immediately identified on Thursday night. Bandit died from gunshot wounds. Ramsey said Thursday night that investigators served a search warrant at the suspects Berry Creek residence sometime after the December 2014 double-murder and found a shotgun, handgun and pipe bomb. He was arrested later that day inside a Canyon Creek store with an AK47, brass knuckles, and a dagger stuffed into his jacket. He was convicted of building a pipe bomb and possession of methamphetamine among other felonies after being found incompetent to stand trial. He was sentenced to seven years and four months in state prison in November 2016 and later paroled in May 2018. In July 2018, he stopped reporting to his parole officer and became a parolee-at-large. He had been missing until the day he was fatally shot on Thursday morning, officials said. Ramsey said Highway 70 would be closed Thursday night while investigators scour the crime scene. He said officials called a bomb squad to investigate a pipe found at the scene. Lauren Hernandez and Ashley McBride are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com; lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com A federal judge refused Thursday to dismiss the indictment of a Russian firm accused by Special Counsel Robert Mueller of funding part of a Russian effort to influence the 2016 U.S. election. Concord Management and Consulting - owned by Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a Russian businessman known as "Putin's chef" because of his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin - had asked to dismiss the case, saying prosecutors "made up a crime" to criminalize election trolling and political speech. In a 31-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected that argument, saying prosecutors properly charged Concord with conspiring to obstruct the lawful functions of the U.S. government by evading foreign election and lobbying disclosure requirements and concealing its interference in the American political process. The company is accused of using a far-reaching fraudulent social media campaign to influence the election. "Concord's concerns amount to a single attack: that the government has charged Concord based on conduct that is not illegal," Friedrich wrote. "But Concord cannot escape the fact that the course of deceptive conduct alleged is illegal." Friedrich added: "The key question . . . is not whether the defendants' agreed-upon conduct violated [disclosure laws] - or any other statute - but whether it was deceptive and intended to frustrate the lawful government functions" of the Justice and State departments and Federal Election Commission, which regulate foreign involvement. "At this stage, that is more than enough," she said. The win for the special counsel came as President Donald Trump and his legal team continue to review a list of written questions posed by Mueller's team, Trump attorney Rudolph Giuliani said Thursday. There are at least two dozen questions, all of which relate to activities and episodes from before Trump's election, according to Giuliani and others briefed on the questions. "There are some that create more issues for us legally than others," Giuliani said. He said some were "unnecessary," some were "possible traps," and "we might consider some as irrelevant." Trump spent more than four hours meeting with his attorneys Monday and 90 minutes Wednesday night, according to people familiar with the sessions. Giuliani said the special counsel has not imposed a firm deadline, but he added that Trump's answers "could be tomorrow." Separately, the decision by the federal judge Thursday contained a caution to prosecutors. Concord's attorneys, led by Eric Dubelier, had argued that Mueller's office "made up a crime to fit the facts they have," seeking to invent a way to police "what people say on the Internet." The government could not show Concord knew or willfully avoided disclosure requirements, Dubelier added, calling them vague. Friedrich said that while there was "plenty" of evidence of deceit - including "impersonating U.S. people and entities online, using stolen identities to hide the source of online payments, using computer infrastructure to evade detection, and destroying evidence" - the difficulty for the government would be connecting that deceit to existing federal disclosure laws. "The government may ultimately have to prove that the defendants agreed to a course of conduct that, if carried out, would require disclosure" to the Federal Election Commission or Justice Department, Friedrich said. Concord has pleaded not guilty to a February indictment charging it, 13 Russian individuals and two other companies with conspiracy in an effort to trick Americans online into following and promoting Russian-fed propaganda that pushed 2016 voters toward then-Republican candidate Donald Trump and away from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The operation was allegedly run by Internet Research Agency of St. Petersburg, and other co-defendants include Prigozhin and his related Concord Catering business. Concord is the only defendant to appear in U.S. court. Separately, the Justice Department announced in October it had charged Concord's accountant and Prigozhin's bookkeeper, Elena Khusyaynova, 44, alleging the conspiracy was ongoing and seeking to interfere with the 2018 U.S. midterm elections by sowing "discord in the U.S. political system" by pushing misinformation online about divisive political issues, including race relations, immigration and gun control. Mueller's office charged a dozen Russian military intelligence officers in July with hacking the Democratic National Committee's computers, stealing data and publishing files to disrupt the 2016 election. Prigozhin and Concord were hit with U.S. sanctions over Russia's occupation of Crimea and military actions in Ukraine in 2016, and they were hit again in March based on "malicious cyber-enabled activities." A month-long trial alleging the state illegally warehoused more than 3,600 intellectually or developmentally disabled Texans in nursing homes wrapped up Thursday, but a ruling is not expected until the first part of next year. Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia of San Antonio said it may be a while before he decides the matter because he has to pore over the testimony of a multitude of witnesses and evidence presented during the non-jury trial. Following closing arguments Thursday, the judge also ordered additional legal briefings over at least the next month. I know the issue is incredibly important, the judge said. I will review everything carefully, the briefs. ...We will take the necessary time to decide the matter. The plaintiffs, disabled persons represented by organizations that include The Arc Texas and the Coalition of Texans With Disabilities, first sued state officials in 2010 alleging the states actions violated federal law and kept disabled persons from a better quality of life. The case was later certified as a class action, and the Justice Department joined the suit as an intervenor in 2012, siding with the disabled plaintiffs. In 2013, the state and the plaintiffs reached an interim settlement agreement that in part called for Texas to expand community services and create a service team for each disabled person. In return, the suit was put aside for two years, according to testimony. But the agreement was ended in 2015. We were on different planets. I think the planets were always far apart, Elizabeth Brown Fore, deputy chief of the general litigation division for the Texas Attorney Generals Office, told the judge in response to a question during her closing arguments. There was an effort so that an agreement could be made, but...some of the stickier issues were left to the end. The stickier issues should have been handled at the beginning. But, she added: We dont believe federal law requires what they believe federal law requires, and thats what it boils down to. She further argued that the state is abiding by federal laws and goes beyond what requirements say, but that the actions failed to appease advocates. Everyone who has asked to leave a nursing home, or be diverted instead, and who has met the criteria and is safe, according to treatment officials, to be moved into the community and has requested it, has been moved into the community, Brown Fore said. It feels like every time we make a step, they say, Ok, but its still not quite enough. Trial testimony included expert witnesses dueling it out about what current or best practices are for dealing with the disabled, the varied care in nursing facilities and what federal law or regulations, including amendments over the years, say or mean. Some of the disabled plaintiffs or their relatives also testified about how the disabled persons suffered setbacks wearing diapers because they were unable to use the bathroom, gaining weight and developing diabetes from inactivity, for example when they were placed in nursing homes. A community setting, like being placed in a group home, gave them access to better quality of life, such as being able to get a job, take in a movie, visit with friends and family and attend church services. Lawyers for the plaintiffs and the Justice Department said in closing arguments that the state violated the Americans With Disabilities Act, Medicaid rules and other federal laws through a series of shortcomings that included: An inadequate screening process to ensure that people who did not need to go to nursing homes instead got diverted into a community setting, or that if they were placed in a nursing facility, they did not get specialized services and that they were not even given adequate information that they had the option of seeking a community setting. The plaintiffs want the judge to find that the state violated federal law and issue an order instructing officials to comply. The crux of our case is what is happening to 3,600 developmentally disabled people who are in nursing homes throughout Texas, attorney Steven Schwartz with the Center for Public Representation, said in closing arguments. They should be receiving specialized services while there in the nursing home facility, active treatment and the opportunity to move out into the community. Schwartz and attorney Alexandra Schandell with the Justice Department, gave examples of disabled persons who languished in nursing facilities only to flourish when they were moved to a community setting. Among them was Richard Krause, a disabled 38-year-old man who Schwartz said had no support, rehabilitative treatment or specialized services that were required while he was in a nursing facility from 2001 until 2014. He went from sitting or lying in his nursing home bed, not being able to use the bathroom on his own and wearing diapers to working, getting around in a wheelchair, and going to the bathroom on his own when he was finally placed in a community-based setting with necessary support. It was only because of the advocacy of Disability Rights Texas, (pressure from his father)...and because he was a named plaintiff that his life changed, Schwartz said. For the other 3,600 people still in nursing homes, little has changed. 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 Alex Wong, Staff / Getty Images AUSTIN Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton jumped into Florida's messy recount battle Thursday, arguing a federal judges ruling on the nations most high-profile vote recount is threatening the authority of states to regulate their own elections. At stake is the potential to damage the integrity and perceived legitimacy of the election results and the ultimate winner, argued Paxton and Republican attorneys general from Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana in a friend of the court brief filed Thursday with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Perhaps you are familiar with the French phrase plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose, which translates, of course, as the more things change, the more they stay the same. This thought can be comforting to those, which is almost everyone, who abhor change. Most of us would agree that change is hard. As time and the world ebbs and flows, we try to latch on to some certainty, some permanence even though we know our time is limited. We continue, like Sisyphus, rolling the stone up the hill day after day because that is at least familiar, somewhat the same from day to day. For many, change, the unfamiliar, becomes the enemy. Indeed, I have heard and read over the years that San Antonio has one of the largest groups of C.A.V.E. in the country. This acronym/abbreviation (it is both) stands for Citizens Against Virtually Everything, also referred to as Cavers. I have no experience nor have done any research comparing different cities to know for sure that our group is one of the largest, but some research of the history of San Antonio will show many instances of organized resistance to change, from opposing freeways, street closures, place or institution name changes to changes at the Alamo, to cite a few. I decided to explore the idea of change further by using the technique of living history. That history would be me. (Note to Grammar Police: I know would be I is technically correct, but I choose not to use that.) When I was a teen, my family moved from France to Laredo. That was quite a change in and of itself. In reply to bumper stickers touting Native Texan and such, instead of saying I got here as soon as I could, I prefer to say, Texan by choice, not chance. Obviously, I didnt have a choice about arriving, but I did choose to stay. At that time it was against state law to speak Spanish in public schools. This law was not well enforced in Laredo, however. Also, one had to pay a poll tax to vote. I recall it was something like $2, which would be about $15 to $20 today. Liquor by the drink was unavailable, except for the wealthy at private clubs. Many counties were totally dry, which made for good bootlegging. In the spring of my freshman year at Southwest Texas State ( changed later to Texas State), I was part of a student Senate that had meetings about the imminent desegregation of the college. This was many years after the Supreme Court ordered school desegregation. A small group of young African-American women were enrolled by a federal court order with, thankfully, no incidents. If a college student became pregnant, she was required to leave school. Public school teachers were required to take leaves when their pregnancies became apparent. On the geopolitical front, amid atomic bomb air-raid drills in schools, missile crises and the draft, the Berlin Wall went up. The Soviet Union seemed engraved forever in history. But both the wall and the union fell. These are just a few vignettes of the times, but what do you think? Is it true that the more things change, the more they stay the same? John Eubanks is author of the book Life Support of Another Sort, and a former teacher and actor who lives in Converse. He can be reached at joneu62@gmail.com A charitable trust focused on pet care has benefited from the generosity of a local family, who provided it with a base in Silverdale. The Coast Pet Care Charitable Trust brings together the work of two other Trusts Cats n Care and North Auckland Animal Rescue. Recently the organisation set itself up in East Coast Road, Silverdale, opening a charity shop to raise funds for pet care. It hopes to be able to open a centre offering low cost desexing and microchipping services next year. A local family of philanthropists, who wish to remain anonymous, is funding rental of the building. Trustees Helen Stancliffe and Janene Stokes say that their work over many years in this field made it clear that desexing is critical to reducing the overpopulation of pets. They say cost is a key reason that people dont have their pets spayed or neutered. Our previous organisations were ambulances at the bottom of the cliff, dealing with rescued, stray and abandoned animals, Helen says. Now we have a chance to set up a community desexing and microchip clinic that can provide its services at cost for low income people. That fills a gap at the top of the cliff. The Trust has space for the community vet clinic, but a lot of work lies ahead to get it up and running. To properly fit it out, several pieces of very expensive equipment are needed, as well as vets to volunteer their time and expertise. Helen says several vets and vet nurses have already expressed an interest in the clinic. Sponsorship from businesses is currently being sought. Helen says its important to note that the clinic is not competing with local vets, as they will focus solely on desexing and microchipping. This will be a community asset, Helen says. It could enable the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney to be one of the first areas in New Zealand to substantially reduce our populations of stray animals. Info: phone Helen, 027 407 0659. 14th November 2018, the ISPCA, and Respect for Animals, both of which are members of Fur Free Alliance, are highlighting the necessity for a ban on fur farming in Ireland on animal welfare, ethical and moral grounds and are backing a Bill recently introduced in the Dail by Solidarity TD, Deputy Ruth Coppinger. Today, the weight of public support for a ban on fur farming is revealed. An opinion poll of people in Ireland conducted by Red C Research in October 2018 showed that 80% agree that farming and killing of animals for their fur in Ireland should be banned. Mink are essentially wild animals and not suited to be kept in tiny, barren wire cages and bred intensively in fur farms simply for luxury fashion items. The animals are deprived of the ability to exhibit normal behaviours like swimming, running, digging, foraging or hunting. As a result, they exhibit stress related physical or behavioural symptoms (stereotypic behaviour) such as repetitive circling, fur-chewing, self-mutilation which often causes serious injuries and open wounds which can become infected. The cages are never longer than a persons arm to enable handlers to grab them at the time of killing. In Ireland, there are three fur farms located in Donegal, Kerry and Laois containing up to 200,000 mink, farmed in tiny wire mesh battery cages (typically measuring 90x30x45cm) only to suffer a cruel and inhumane death by gassing. Mink are semi-aquatic and highly evolved physiologically to hold their breath so they are prone to hypoxia, which means they will potentially suffer during gassing. Dr Andrew Kelly, ISPCA CEO said: There is overwhelming scientific evidence that fur farming is cruel. Mink are essentially wild animals and keeping them in small cages in which they are deprived of the ability to express their normal behaviours such as swimming and foraging is not acceptable. Every year approximately 150,000 mink are killed in Ireland solely for a non-essential fashion item which is simply unacceptable. We are calling on the government to put an end to this inhumane practice. Many EU member states have already adopted legislation to prohibit or limit fur farming and we want Ireland to put an end to this barbaric practice which should be consigned to the dustbin of history. Mark Glover, Respect for Animals & Fur Free Alliance said: In 2015, Respect for Animals published a comprehensive scientific review of animal welfare standards for mink on fur farms. This report found that the welfare of mink farmed for their fur is seriously compromised by ALL existing fur farming practices. It further concluded that farming systems for mink fail to satisfy any of the Five Freedoms and do not provide a Life worth Living as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council. A ban is the only viable solution to the serious welfare concerns caused by the fur factory farming of mink. Governments around Europe are legislating to end this cruel practice, which contravenes the European Directive concerning the animals kept for farming purposes and the Council of Europe recommendation concerning fur animals. Fur farming is a disaster for animal welfare and it is clear from the opinion poll results released today that such a ban has huge support from the Irish public. The fur industry is keen to promote fur as a green product, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality fur production is a highly chemical and energy-consumptive process. Escaped mink have a serious impact on the environment and native species and are listed in the top 100 most invasive species by the International union for Conservation of Nature Minister encourages primary schools to get involved and explore the wonderful world of science The Primary Science Fair to take place at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition from 10th -12th January 2019 Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh, TD, today welcomed the announcement that The Primary Science Fair will once again take place at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition from the 10th-12th January 2019. The Primary Science Fair has been an exciting part of the internationally renowned BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for over 15 years, and it continues to play a pivotal role in the primary academic calendar in Ireland. The Fair is designed to instil an early love of science in primary school students across Ireland. Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh said, I am delighted to help launch The Primary Science Fair at the next exciting BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January 2019. I want to see more and more students take an interest in science, and it is renowned events like this that should provide the inspiration. Science is critical to our everyday lives and students taking part, exhibiting and competing at the Exhibition are the leaders of the future, so we have to do everything we can to motivate, encourage and support with events like The Primary Science Fair. I am really looking forward to visiting the Fair in January and seeing the innovative and exciting projects come to life. Shay Walsh, MD BT Ireland and Organiser of the Primary Science Fair said, We are delighted that the annual Primary Science Fair will, once again, take place alongside the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January. By running in tandem with the overall Exhibition, the students will enjoy everything that this festival of science and technology has to offer; from its 50,000 plus spectators, including leading political and celebrity figures; to mind-blowing science shows and unparalleled publicity for their school and local community. Participating students will also see first-hand from a young age the limitless possibilities that an interest in science can offer and that it all starts here at The Primary Science Fair. Were very much looking forward to welcoming our young young scientists to the RDS in January and seeing what eye opening projects they will have on display. Applications for The Primary Science Fair are now open, and schools can submit their entries at: https://btyoungscientist.com/ the-primary-science-fair-at- btyste/ For more information visit www.btyoungscientist.com #BTYSTE @BTYSTE Our brother Stephen Gerard Coyle (42) from Cloughernal, Granard, was the apple our family's eye from the minute he was born to the minute we lost him in a motorbike accident in Vietnam at the start of the summer. He was the baby of the family, and after three girls, our parents had pretty much given up on ever having a boy. He arrived into the world on April 13, 1976, just after we had all moved into our newly built bungalow on our farm in Cloughernal - three miles from Granard, in an idyllic country setting. Our father, Terry, brought home the good news to us from Mullingar Hospital. He lined all of us up in a row and asked each of us to guess what we thought the new baby was - a boy or a girl? Of course, along with Dad, we were so excited when we heard that we had a new baby brother. I still remember us all looking up at the hospital's second floor window to see Mum holding up the new baby for us all to see our little brother. He was named Stephen Gerard, Stephen after a baby that there was a sad story about in the English press, and Gerard after Saint Gerard. I was the closest in age to Stephen and I immediately began wetting the bed on his arrival! I was not a happy camper to have the attention taken off me, and Mum wondered why Steve was upset when she left the room at times, until she returned one day to catch me poking him in the eye with my finger! I was a cheeky monkey even at three and a half. From the moment he was born, he never gave our parents or his three sisters a moment's trouble. He was a quiet, happy baby and Mum said she loved getting up to him at night-time to see him smiling up at her from his cot. He loved to play with his cars and toy farm animals outside the back door, and when he started school in Aughnagarron N.S., Mum really missed him. He was a blue-eyed, blond little boy and we, along with everyone else who met him, absolutely doted on him. Like my sisters, I adored him - once I got over my initial jealousy - and we probably drove him mad, fussing over him. No wonder he ended up moving to the other side of the world! When I got a perm at the age of 15, I thought I was the bees knees, but he never let me live it down. There were lots of poodle jokes down through the years, even up to earlier this year. I retaliated with some brillo pad jokes about his own mop. There was a river running along the border of our farm; it's also the border of County Longford and County Cavan and we loved wading over and back from county to county. Catching tiny fish and tadpoles in jam jars was another favourite pastime. Once I dangled my brother upside down over the side of the river and told him I had put frogs down his pants. Poor Steve, he was only about 7 - you could hear the screams out of him docking around the three neighbouring Reilly farms. When he saw Chris O'Dowd's TV series Moonboy - set in County Roscommon - for the first time, a few years ago, about three girls and a boy growing up in rural Ireland, he said, "That was my childhood completely." He thought Colm Meaney's character's line in it was hilarious, "No-one gets to bully our boy, except maybe Sinead [the annoying older sister]". He sent me an email saying, "Substitute Sinead with Angela!" As well as being the biggest Liverpool FC supporter ever, Steve was also a brilliant and witty writer, even from an early age. My two older sisters went to live in London after they graduated, and Steve would write them the funniest letters. They would pass them around their friends to have a good giggle. We always said he should write a book, in the Joseph O'Connor, An Irishman - at home and abroad style. It would have been a best seller for sure! After finishing in the Convent of Mercy secondary school in Granard, Steve studied electronics in Dundalk Institute of Technology, and worked in a number of electronics companies in Dublin and Italy after completing his studies. Motorola closed in Swords, and he was kept on by Celestica, the manufacturing company taking over the plant. When that too closed it doors a couple of years later, Steve and his mates got their redundancy, and a few of them headed off to Oz, with a few month's travelling through South East Asia on the way out. Steve brought his Celestica top with him, and always delighted in pointing to the logo and telling people he met that "this trip is sponsored by Celestica". He always made his family, friends and colleagues laugh so much - he had so many one liners, always delivered with a wry smile. He was 'happy go lucky' and in his element when he was discovering new places and people who were always happy to be in his company. I remember before he left, and after our father had passed away, he told me that he wanted to live life to the full. He moved to Vietnam in the summer of 2003, following his year in Australia, and he lived there for 15 years. Having studied and worked in electronics in Ireland before emigrating, he certainly found his true calling when he began teaching English in private schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Highly respected for his style of teaching, he won numerous awards for the schools that he worked in and his shelf in his apartment reflected this. Steve arrived in Vietnam pre-recession in Ireland, and it was a time when it was not so common to settle there; most travellers would head to Thailand instead as their natural choice of country to reside in if wishing to stay on in South East Asia. Steve was highly regarded within the circles he moved in, in Vietnam, especially in the teaching and ex-pat communities, and the outpouring of grief, that followed his sudden passing, reflected this. Our brother helped many Irish and international newcomers to Vietnam, advised them on living in the country, found them jobs, lent them money if they were stuck - never putting pressure on them to hand it back, and used his knowledge and experience of the country to help them as much as he could. He did this without a second thought and he expected nothing in return. As he told his girlfriend, Nhung, "Always be nice to people and they will be nice back to you." Steve died suddenly, following a motorbike accident, in the seventh district of Ho Chi Minh City, close to where he lived, on Friday, May 25 (local time) or Thursday, May 24 (Irish time). We had no idea how many friends Steve had all around the world, and how loved he was among these friends, as well as his work colleagues - past and present, friends and associates in Vietnam and elsewhere. The outpouring of grief we witnessed following Steve's sudden passing, reflected the love felt for Steve in Ireland, Vietnam and wherever his friends resided, or where he had travelled to, all around the world. We were so lucky to have The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to assist in getting Steve back home to us safely and speedily on June 3. Thank you for sharing our news on Totalrecoyle: a weekend for Steve in Granard, from November 16-18, with fundraising for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. This organisation aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating their loved ones - who have died abroad in sudden and tragic circumstances - back to Ireland. We are delighted to welcome Kevin's father, and co-founder of the KBRT, Colin Bell, to Granard, for Steve's weekend. To remember Steve, there will also be fundraising events in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, November 17. This follows a number of very successful fundraising events in HCMC over the summer so thanks to all involved in organising all of this. Please follow the Granard Community Facebook page for more updates on the weekend for Steve. You can donate for the KBRT here: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/stephencoyle Also see Granard notes on Page 32 and www.longfordleader.ie for information on Totalrecoyle: a weekend for Steve. Read Also: Fundraiser to take place in Granard in memory of Stephen Coyle If a post master or post mistress wishes to retire or passes away, the Independent TD for the Roscommon-Galway constituency Michael Fitzmaurice fears that the game could be up for another 230 post offices. Earlier this year, a total of 390 post offices were offered exit packages by An Post which led to 160 post masters and mistresses opting to retire. However, Deputy Fitzmaurice is hugely concerned that the remaining 230 outlets are still on the chopping block and that it is only a matter of time before some of these are also closed once their existing contracts expire. Having received a response from An Post regarding a number of his concerns, Deputy Fitzmaurice said: Lets be clear here; if a post master or post mistress wishes to retire or passes away, the future of that post office is not guaranteed. An Post has confirmed that it will deal with each situation on a case by case basis. While An Post maintains that it will take the presence of a customer base, transaction levels and the proximity to other outlets into account when making a decision, this is still a huge blow for rural parts of Ireland. Have those living in rural Ireland not lost enough of services already? Where will this end? An Post has continuously stated its commitment to endeavour to ensure that 95% of the population in rural areas will be within 15km of at least one post office and that settlements with over 500 people will have a post office. But given the current standard of public transport services in rural Ireland, how can we expect people with no form of personal transport to travel 15km? Of the 160 post offices which opted to close, a total of 44 outlets are located in Connacht. Continuing, the independent TD added: Now the facts are out. It is clear for everyone to see that this Government is failing rural Ireland, while Fianna Fail sits on its hands and does nothing. If this trend is allowed to continue, people in rural Ireland will be left without a Garda Station, a post office or even a local pub. Those living in rural parts of Ireland have been forgotten about by this Government. Will this Government not be happy unless the majority of rural Ireland is covered in forestry?, he concluded. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 Defendants Allegedly Fraudulently Operated Brooklyn Medical Clinic Jamaica Wellness, P.C. as Part of $1 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme. New York, NY - November 16, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced a 61-count indictment charging David Safir, 48, of Brooklyn; Dr. Alexander Haselkorn, 78, of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Roberta Haselkorn, 61, of Franklin Lakes, NJ; attorney Nadezdha Ursulova, 63, of Brooklyn; and Theron Grinage, a.k.a. Timothy Russell, 52, of Brooklyn for their alleged participation in an auto insurance fraud scheme that cheated no-fault insurance carriers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Code-named Operation Dr. Know, a joint investigation by the Attorney Generals Auto Insurance Fraud Unit and the New York City Department of Investigation revealed that Safir, aided by his co-conspirators, allegedly illegally incorporated and operated Brooklyn-based clinic Jamaica Wellness, P.C., encouraged patients to fabricate and exaggerate their injuries, and submitted fraudulent claims to insurance carriers for treatment provided and prescribed by unlicensed individuals. As we allege, the defendants illegally operated a medical clinic and took advantage of car accident victims in order to line their own pockets, said Attorney General Underwood. We have zero tolerance for those who try to scam New Yorkers and take advantage of our insurance and healthcare systems and my office will continue to prosecute those who break the law. New York City Department of Investigations Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, Medical insurance fraud drives up costs for everyone. This investigation exposes how one scheme resulted in a spectrum of fraudulent conduct, including money laundering, grand larceny and the unauthorized practice of medicine, according to the charges. DOI is pleased to have partnered with the State Attorney Generals Office on this important investigation. The National Insurance Crime Bureau would like to applaud the staff of the New York State Attorney Generals Office for their continued efforts in addressing insurance fraud in New York, said Kevin Gallagher, Regional Director of the Northeast Region of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The cost of insurance fraud is shared by all consumers and this investigation sends a strong message to others who may be contemplating engaging in insurance fraud. We look forward to our continued partnership in combatting insurance fraud for all New Yorkers. In New York State, a person injured in a motor vehicle accident is automatically covered by the Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act, commonly referred to as the no-fault law. No-fault insurance provides for payments for all medical expenses to persons injured in automobile accidents, up to a total of $50,000 per person, when such services are deemed medically necessary and provided by a duly licensed medical professional. Under New York State Law, only a medical clinic owned and controlled by a licensed medical professional can bill for no-fault reimbursement. According to the Attorney Generals indictment filed today in Kings County Supreme Court and statements made by prosecutors at arraignment, between July 2016 and July 2017, David Safir, who is not a licensed physician, allegedly unlawfully owned and controlled Brooklyn-based medical clinic Jamaica Wellness Medical P.C. Safir allegedly directed treatment protocol for motor vehicle accident (MVA) victims, encouraged MVA victims to fabricate or exaggerate their injuries, and paid runners, including co-defendant Theron Grinage, to solicit MVA victims to the clinic. To entice unsuspecting victims, Grinage allegedly misrepresented to MVA victims that he was an attorney. Prosecutors further allege that attorney Nadezhda Ursulova, Esq. aided Safir in illegally incorporating Jamaica Wellness by engaging in a sham transfer of clinic ownership from one incapacitated medical doctor to another. Co-defendant Dr. Alexander Haselkorn was an owner of the clinic in name only and allegedly did not actually treat patients at the clinic. Instead, patients were allegedly diagnosed and referred for thousands of dollars of treatment, diagnostic testing, and medical supplies by Dr. Haselkorns wife, Roberta Haselkorn, who is not a licensed medical provider. Ursulova also allegedly concealed Safirs illegal ownership and Alexander Haselkorns incapacity from insurance companies. Between July 2016 and July 2017, Safir and his co-conspirators allegedly fraudulently obtained over $1 million through their operation of Jamaica Wellness. To further conceal his illegal ownership of the clinic, Safir allegedly cashed over $380,000 in checks payable to Jamaica Wellness at a Brooklyn-based check-casher in a one-year period. The Attorney Generals 61-count indictment, unsealed today in Kings County Supreme Court, charges various defendants with Money Laundering in the Second Degree (a class C felony), Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree (a class D felony), Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class D felony), Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (a class E felony), Unauthorized Practice of a Profession (a class E felony), Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (a class E felony), Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (a class E felony), and Practicing or Appearing as Attorney-at-Law without being admitted and registered (a class A misdemeanor). If convicted of the top counts charged, David Safir faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison. The Haselkorns, Ursulova, and Grinage each face up to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison. David Safir and Theron Grinage were arraigned on November 13, 2018. Dr. Alexander Haselkorn, Roberta Haselkorn, and Nadezhda Ursulova were arraigned today in Kings County Supreme Court. The Honorable Judge Danny Chun set bail in the amount of $1 million bond or $250,000 cash for defendant Safir; $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash for defendant Ursulova; $15,000 bond or $7,500 cash for defendants Dr. Alexander Haselkorn and Roberta Haselkorn; and $10,000 bond or $5,000 cash for defendant Grinage. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Attorney General thanks the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York City Police Departments Internal Affairs Bureau, the New York State Department of Financial Services, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and insurance carriers Met Life & Home, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and Amica Mutual for their assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Carey Spitalnick and Sarah Cohen of the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, with the assistance of Supervising Legal Analyst Paul Strocko, Legal Analyst Caitlin Carmody, and Legal Analyst Yuriy Kurbatov. The Auto Insurance Fraud Unit is led by Unit Chief Gabriel Tapalaga. The Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton and Deputy Bureau Chief Joseph G. DArrigo. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Margaret Garnett. Former Daycare Owner Arrested for Stealing More than $70,000 Worth of Medicaid Benefits, DA Singas Says Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 Singas: Yvette Diaz-Juarez and Carlos Juarez, both of East Meadow, allegedly stole over $70,000 in Medicaid benefits and failed to pay over $36,000 in taxes. DA Singas reports the arrest of (L to R) Yvette Diaz-Juarez, 49, and Carlos Juarez, 49, both of East Meadow, for allegedly stealing Medicaid benefits and failing to pay taxes. Mineola, NY - November 16, 2018 - Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that the former owner of a Brooklyn day care center was arrested Monday for allegedly stealing more than $70,000 worth of Medicaid benefits and failing to pay more $36,000 in taxes. The defendants husband is also accused of failing to pay taxes. Yvette Diaz-Juarez, 49, of East Meadow , was arraigned yesterday before Judge Eileen Goggin and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Second-Degree (a C felony) and one count Grand Larceny in the Second-Degree a (C felony) and Personal Income and Earnings Taxes; Repeated Failure to File (an E Felony). The defendant was conditionally released to probation and is due back in court on November 28. If convicted, she faces a maximum of three to 15 years in prison. Carlos Juarez, 49, of East Meadow, was arraigned yesterday before Judge Eileen Goggin and charged with Personal Income and Earnings Taxes; Repeated Failure to File (an E Felony). The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on November 28. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two to four years in prison. As these defendants earned a comfortable income from their Brooklyn daycare business, they allegedly defrauded the taxpayers by claiming public assistance to which they were not entitled, DA Singas said. Medicaid funds lifesaving medical care for those in need, and we have no tolerance for anyone who steals undeserved benefits from government programs that provide a safety net. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, My administration is 100 percent committed to preventing the unlawful use of assistance resources and recovering every taxpayer dollar lost through fraud and abuse. While more than 99 percent of public assistance recipients provide true and accurate financial and employment information, there are still those who try to cheat the system and steal money from those who are eligible for help. We want to ensure that all eligible recipients receive the benefits they need and will continue to support the important work of District Attorney Singas and her office. DA Singas said Yvette Diaz-Juarez, the former co-owner of Raindrops Daycare in Park Slope, allegedly stole $72,046.29 in Medicaid payments from the Nassau County Department of Social Services from June 2009 to December 2015 by falsely filing recertification forms and documentation where she knowingly underreported her household income. During the fraud period, her yearly gross income ranged between $47,463.00 to $234,671.00, amounts that made her ineligible for benefits. Because of these alleged false filings, NCDSS paid $72,046.29 in benefits to which the defendant was not entitled. Additionally, Diaz-Juarez and her husband/co-owner of Raindrops Daycare in Park Slope, Carlos Juarez, allegedly failed to file personal income taxes for three consecutive tax years between 2011 through 2013 and failed to pay the approximately $36,000 in taxes owed on their household income of more than $600,000. Following an investigation, the Nassau County Department of Social Services referred the case to the NCDA in December 2017 for prosecution. The defendants surrendered to NCDA investigators on November 12. The defendants are accused of spending the money on daily expenses such as their mortgage, car payment and trips to Las Vegas and Florida. Senior Assistant District Attorney April Montgomery of DA Singas Financial Crimes Bureau is prosecuting this case. The defendants were represented by the Legal Aid Society at arraignment. School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Turtle Hook Middle School in Uniondale. Uniondale, NY - November 16, 2018 - The ninth annual Holiday of Giving celebration, co-sponsored by Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D The ninth annual Holiday of Giving celebration, co-sponsored by Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D Freeport ) and Glory House Rec. Inc. and hosted by Turtle Hook Middle School is just around the corner and theyre calling on residents to join in the efforts to bring smiles and cheer to scores of deserving children in the First Legislative District. Before the event, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Turtle Hook Middle School in Uniondale , Legislator Abrahams and his staff are collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. The holidays should be a time when families can enjoy the company of loved ones, but financial pressures often get in the way. By supporting our Holiday of Giving, you can help lift that burden for families and replace it with joy, Legislator Abrahams said. In addition to holiday gifts for children, photos with Santa, raffles and prizes, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, refreshments, vendors with free giveaways and much more are planned as part of the Holiday of Giving event. School & Education, Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 Legislation to restore funding that was previously provided through FEMAs SAFER tuition assistance program. Mineola, NY - November 16, 2018 - After learning that Nassau County has been denied critically important federal funding that assists volunteer firefighters and EMS workers with college tuition costs, Nassau County Legislators Siela A. Bynoe (D - After learning that Nassau County has been denied critically important federal funding that assists volunteer firefighters and EMS workers with college tuition costs, Nassau County Legislators Siela A. Bynoe (D - Westbury ) and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove ) are co-sponsoring legislation that would direct the County to restore funding that was previously provided through FEMAs Staffing for Adequate and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) tuition assistance program. Any Nassau County college student who enrolled with a participating fire company or EMS squad is eligible to potentially receive thousands of dollars in tuition assistance through the SAFER program. However, Nassau County was recently denied funding for the balance of 2018 and the entirety of 2019. The bill filed by Legislators Bynoe and DeRiggi-Whitton on Thursday, Nov. 15 would correct this shortfall by directing the County to provide funding for the SAFER tuition assistance program to the extent that funding from outside sources is not available. Not only does the SAFER program reward courageous volunteers and encourage college students to become stakeholders in their communities, these funds can play an integral role in helping a young person set themselves on the path to a bright and successful future, Legislator Bynoe said. We must do all we can to ensure this scholarship program remains solvent so that future volunteers may reap the just rewards of their service. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 Trustee Perry Pettus allegedly accepted a cash bribe to promote Richard Holland to deputy chief in May 2018, DA Singas says. Nassau DA Singas announced that (L to R) Hempstead Village Trustee Perry Pettus and Hempstead Police Deputy Chief Richard Holland have been indicted on bribery charges. Mineola, NY - November 16, 2018 - Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a grand jury has indicted Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a grand jury has indicted Hempstead Village Trustee Perry Pettus and Richard Holland, the Deputy Chief of the Village of Hempstead Police Department, on bribery charges related to Pettus accepting a cash bribe to promote Holland to deputy chief of the department in May 2018. Perry Pettus, 62, was arraigned today before Judge William OBrien and charged with Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree (a D Felony) and one count of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor). The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on December 4. Richard Holland, 47, was arraigned today before Judge William OBrien and charged with Bribery in the Third Degree (a D felony). The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on December 4. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. If convicted of the top charge the defendants face a maximum sentence of 2-1/3 years to seven years in prison. This ongoing investigation has uncovered shocking corruption at the highest levels of Hempstead Village government and law enforcement, DA Singas said. The criminal allegations against Trustee Perry Pettus and Deputy Chief of Department Richard Holland raise serious concerns about these officials leadership within these institutions that serve the public and I ask anyone, especially Hempstead officers and employees, to come forward with any information that may assist this investigation. DA Singas said that the Nassau County District Attorneys Office initiated an investigation into Perry Pettus a Trustee for the Village of Hempstead, former deputy mayor of the village and owner of Hempstead Hub Towing at the beginning of this year after receiving credible information about an alleged bribery scheme. Separately, beginning in April 2018, three police chiefs retired from the Village of Hempstead Police Department. In May 2018, the Village of Hempstead Board of Trustees began interviewing potential candidates for the positions and Lieutenant Richard Holland was among the people who applied. In the Village of Hempstead, the board is responsible for appointments and promotions within the police department. Holland and Pettus allegedly met in the parking lot behind Spices Negril Restaurant in South Hempstead on May 14. While both defendants were in their respective cars, Holland allegedly passed cash wrapped in a newspaper to Pettus. In exchange Pettus voted to promote Holland from lieutenant to deputy chief of the department on June 5, 2018. Following the June 5 vote, Holland was appointed as acting deputy chief of police, and was sworn-in as deputy chief on June 7. In July and October of this year, Pettus was arraigned on three separate grand jury indictments related to bribery and extortion schemes of local business owners. The investigation is ongoing. Senior Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Berk and Sarah Nadeau Balducci of DA Singas Public Corruption is prosecuting this case. Scott Druker, Esq. represents Pettus and Greg Madey, Esq. represents Holland. Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2018 Administration will develop plan for public use and preservation. Mineola, NY - November 16, 2018 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today joined with Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello and members of the Nassau County Legislature to sign a local law which will require public access to all active parkland and open space in Nassau County where appropriate. Curran included funding to support the local law in her 2019 capital budget. I support access to Nassau Countys beautiful parks and open space. We need to ensure that our residents rights to safely enjoy these precious county resources are protected, said Curran. This amended legislation affords our public access to parkland and open spaces while recognizing that our departments must be also be able to manage these county assets in a fiscally and environmentally responsible way. Nassau County has 6,000 acres of open space or active parkland that are open to the public. Some areas will remain protected for environmental and public safety considerations, including critical fresh and tidal wetlands that contain ecologically sensitive vegetation. A bill originally introduced by the Majority was amended after consulting with the Curran Administration and officials from the Department of Public Works. Through the amended local law, Nassau County will conduct a 60-day assessment of open space to determine necessary accessibility and signage. Additional information will be offered online, which residents can utilize when planning to visit a park or preserve. Open space in Nassau County is limited and precious, and it is critically important to embrace every opportunity to preserve these natural assets, said Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams. By ensuring Nassau County residents are able to fully enjoy our open space acquisitions while protecting environmentally sensitive land, this legislation strikes the right balance. I am proud to have worked with my partners in the Legislature on this local law, while taking into account the concerns expressed by my administration and various members of the public regarding the need for safeguards, said Curran. Going forward, the Curran Administration will move with all due diligence to quickly evaluate all active parkland and open space owned or operated by Nassau County, to determine where openness and accessibility to the public may be inappropriate due to the nature and characteristics of the property and parking requirements. 100 years ago, the world was shaken by the October Revolution. We rightly celebrate this heroic act as the first instance of workers power in history. But how exactly did the Bolsheviks and the working class exercise a power never-before wielded by the proletariat? What problems did they face economic, administrative, political and military, from within and outside Russia and how did they meet them? Derek Gunby provides an analysis and balance sheet of 1918: the first year of the Russian Revolution. 1918 proved to be one of the most tumultuous and violent years the world had ever seen. Not only were vast armies from all countries and continents fighting a gruesome World War but also the victorious Russian Revolution of October 1917 was facing a huge wave of internationally financed armies, Russian and Foreign, dedicated to its overthrow. By the end of the year the World War was over. The Bolshevik-led workers and peasants government of Russia had withstood all possible trials to secure a vital foothold for the revolution and begin the long task of defeating all the elements of armed counter-revolution. Much remained to be done and it wasnt until 1921 that Soviet power had been fully consolidated in all of Russia. This article traces the key events and identifies the main challenges facing the revolution in 1918, the decisive role of the Bolshevik Party and its leaders and the lessons that remain for us today. The Bolshevik-led workers and peasants government of Russia withstood all possible trials to secure the revolution / Image: public domain A revolution involves a tremendous clash of class interests, as has happened at various junctures throughout human history, such as the English Revolution of 1642, the French Revolution of 1789, the Paris Commune of 1871 and then the Russian Revolutions of 1917. These are rare events that are important to understand for all those interested in human affairs, but especially Marxist revolutionaries who seek to change the world bourgeois order to a working class order that will pave the way for a classless society. Revolutions are the highest expression of historical change. They mark a qualitative change in the development of human society. During such revolutions the masses enter into direct political action. In the normal course of events politics is conducted by relatively small numbers of people representing class interests. But, in a major revolution, such as occurred in Russia in 1917, large numbers of ordinary people throw off such inhibitions and directly participate to achieve a transfer of power. However, it also requires a conscious and clear-headed political agency with a political programme to channel and direct this creative energy to transform society. As revolutionaries, our aim is to be a part of that critical political agency. We need to arm ourselves with past experiences to guide future action. We need to understand the processes that occur during a revolutionary period. These lessons cannot be applied mechanically but must be refracted through the prisms of subsequent history and our current experience. Nothing is ever repeated exactly. We take from the past and test its relevance and application today to see how this may offer some guidance as to how to adapt effectively to our own age. Russia at the end of 1917 The Russian Empire at the end of 1917 was a huge conglomeration of nationalities and ethnic groups covering millions of square miles from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Baltic and Black seas in the west. With a population of over 178 million people it was overwhelmingly a rural and agrarian society. Eighty percent of the population was composed of peasants living for the most part in scattered villages with poor communications between them. To the Russian peasants, the village and surrounding fields was, for all practical purposes, their world. Whilst in 1861 the peasants had been freed from serfdom, the legislation doing so had failed to modernise and develop agriculture and the conditions of the peasants still lagged way behind most other comparable European countries. Russia in 1918 was mostly a rural and agrarian society / Image: public domain Industry was concentrated in a few areas such as St. Petersburg and Moscow, with oil production in Baku in the south and coal mining in the Ukraines Donets Basin. A great proportion of the industrial capital was owned by foreign interests especially in St Petersburg, and the national capitalist class was both weak and divided, with much of it heavily dependent on the state. Some of its factories were very modern and even by world standards extremely large, especially in the capital St. Petersburg. This created a relatively compact and concentrated working class, much of it recruited relatively recently from the villages. Nationalities The Russian Empire consisted of a large number of different nations that had, over the years, been conquered and suppressed by the Russian Tsarist state. These comprised, among others, the Baltic States, Poland, Finland, the Ukraine, the various Caucasus States such as Georgia, Belorussia, Bessarabia, and a number of Asian States such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and others. Nationalism was, therefore, a potent force within Russia and something that required a response from all socialist parties. This issue had provoked considerable debate in Marxist circles. It demanded creating federated socialist states on the basis of of international socialism in addition to the more immediate question of throwing off the yoke of Russian imperialism. Lenins approach was practical. He recognised, unlike Rosa Luxemburg, that in order for the working class to achieve victory in an empire of oppressed nationalities, they had to win over those masses, often peasants and other petty-bourgeois classes, by adopting the principle of the right of all nations to self-determination. Without this approach the task of the Socialist Revolution in Russia would have been impossible. The Russian Orthodox Church The power and wealth of the Russian Orthodox Church was considerable. But it was strongly linked to the Tsar and the old Imperialist order. Whilst it had held tremendous sway over the peasant masses, the experience of the First World War and the growing disapproval of the Tsar caused a significant loss of its authority. During the counter-revolution and civil war the Church unreservedly backed the reactionary forces, leading to an even greater weakening of loyalty from the masses. Its power, wealth and influence were considerably reduced by new Bolshevik government decrees confiscating Church land and privileges and restricting its operations and influence. During the counter-revolution and civil war the Church unreservedly backed the reactionary forces, weakening the loyalty of the masses / Image: public domain Classes and conditions in Russia in late 1917 Russia in late 1917 was clearly in crisis. The country had been involved in a devastating World War for three years. The soldiers were weary and rebellious, prone to mutiny, with many deserting and returning to their peasant homes. The Provisional Government that followed the February Revolution failed to tackle any of the acute issues of war, food or land and was plainly ineffective. The economy and general morale of the country was in tatters. The motor for change in Russia was the relatively small but powerful working class. They had organised themselves in Soviets that became a parallel power to the Government. The old governing structures of the State and local Dumas became the last redoubts of the bourgeois class, allied with some of the remnants of the old aristocracy. The Provisional Government that followed the February Revolution failed to tackle any of the acute issues of war, food or land / Image: public domain The bourgeois class the bankers, capitalists, big business managers and senior civil servants was small, though relatively wealthy and with access to resources. However, it lacked the weight and history of similar classes in Western Europe and the USA. The Russian bourgeois had been denied a full place in government due to the backward nature of the Russian state. Whilst they gained leading positions in the first Provisional Government after the February Revolution, they proved weak and ineffective. The vast peasantry was not homogenous but, rather, split into rich, middle and poor peasants with the poorest, often landless, by far the larger proportion. Most peasants were poorly represented in governing structures. Local administration remained in the hands of the large landowners and their supporters, including rural merchants and businessmen and kulaks (rich peasants). The Red Guards Armed workers militias, known as the Red Guards, had emerged at the time of the February 1917 Revolution, often in spontaneous form. Various factories and political parties sought to encourage and develop such units. The Bolsheviks were the most successful and ardent in promoting the idea of armed workers militias. There was a suppression of the Red Guards after the events of July 1917 but this was reversed in September in the face of the threat to the Provisional Government by General Kornilov, and the forces under his command, who were then threatening Petrograd. The Bolsheviks were entreated to assist the resistance and rapidly mobilised and armed 25,000 Red Guards. After that, the Red Guards remained a key feature of future struggles in all the major cities and at the moment of the October Revolution, numbered 200,000. After the revolution, the Red Guards performed the functions of the police and army until such times as new police and Red Army units were constituted, sometimes quite late into 1918. After the revolution, the Red Guards performed the functions of the police and army until new police and Red Army units were constituted / Image: public domain Political Parties and Leaders By the autumn of 1917, the Bolsheviks had gained a majority following among the urban working class but had a minority position in the countryside. The Bolshevik Party had a number of strong distinguishing features that gave it a unique strength in the conditions of Russia in late 1917 and into the turmoil of 1918. They had a grounding in Marxist theory, especially dialectical thinking, which allowed them to analyse events from all angles and uncover the underlying forces that such events represented. There was no culture of rigid and uniform thinking in the Bolshevik Party. In the heat of the revolution there were initially several splits and occasionally resignations and later re-joining. Lenin, outstanding as the most sober, the most realistic, the chief dialectician, and Trotsky, also a great dialectician, proved to be head and shoulders above all other Bolshevik leaders in their capacity to analyse events and urge decisive action. Within the Party there was a strong tradition of internal democracy and debate. Leaders were acknowledged but opposed if they were thought to be wrong. Conversely, leaders accepted decisions that went against them, even if continuing to oppose them in debate. This pertained even in the darkest hours and throughout 1918 and up to 1924, when Lenin died and Stalin took the reins and changed this key Party principle. Once Lenin arrived back in Russia in April 1917, the Party developed great elan and confidence, which they transmitted to the working class and spurred heroic efforts to protect and advance the revolution. The Bolsheviks embodied the aspirations of the most advanced layers of the working class and utilised their skills and energy. This convinced ever-widening layers of workers, soldiers and poor peasants of the value and aims of the Bolsheviks. By the autumn of 1917, the Bolsheviks had gained a majority following among the urban working class but had a minority position in the countryside / Image: public domain The Social Revolutionary Party (SR) was founded in 1902 and was a member of the Second International. The Party was an amalgam of various influences, including some Marxism and some of the ideas of the old populist and terrorist group the Narodniks, but were primarily a reformist party with a focus on land reform. Unlike the Bolsheviks, the SRs placed an emphasis on individual, rather than collective outcomes for successful land reform. It was essentially a peasant-based party and thus tended to vacillate between the classes in its positions, since the peasantry is composed of scattered and heterogeneous elements, some much richer than others. In 1917 it was the majority party of the countryside with strong support among ordinary soldiers, who were in the main of peasant origin. They played a major role in the formation and leadership of the Soviets, albeit in most cases playing second fiddle to the Mensheviks. After the February 1917 revolution the SR Party became a major component of the new Provisional Government. As that Government moved to the right under the pressure of events and Kerensky took the reins of power, the left faction of the SRs, led by Maria Spiridonova, began to establish a separate position, more sympathetic to the Bolsheviks. At the Second Congress of Soviets in October 1917, when the Bolsheviks proclaimed the deposition of the Provisional government, the split within the SR Party became final. The Left SRs stayed at the Congress and were elected to the permanent Soviet Executive (initially refusing to join the Bolshevik government), while the Right SR Party and their Menshevik allies walked out. Later, the Left SR Party joined the Bolshevik government, obtaining three ministries. The Right SRs thereafter moved into opposition to the new Bolshevik-led government, eventually taking up arms and attempting uprisings and later linking with the reactionary White armies. The Mensheviks were a socialist and Marxist party, but their Marxism was of a rigid and mechanistic form. Along with the Bolsheviks they had originally been part of the Russian Social Democratic Party. They split with the Bolsheviks over the definition of membership of the Party. But, in fact, the deeper cause for the difference between the two factions lay in the Menshevik belief that socialism could not be achieved in Russia due to its backward economic conditions, and that Russia would first have to experience a bourgeois democratic revolution and go through a capitalist stage of development before socialism was technically possible and before the working class could develop the necessary consciousness for a socialist revolution. Thus, the Mensheviks were opposed to the Bolshevik idea of the party and the pursuit of socialist revolution in Russia. Their opposition to revolutionary Marxism led inexorably to a path of reformism and eventually, for most of them, opposition to the October Revolution. The Mensheviks gained a considerable following among the working class in the run up to the February Revolution and often held majorities in Soviets and a strong presence in local Dumas. But their support for the War and their participation in an increasingly unpopular Provisional Government saw their support melt away throughout 1917. Following the October Revolution they split between the majority right faction, led by Tsereteli, who favoured action against the Bolsheviks and the left faction, led by Martov, who tended to support the Reds in the civil war but refused to break completely with the right section. Many of the most militant Mensheviks joined the Bolsheviks. The Anarchists were relatively small and unpredictable. At times supporting the Bolsheviks, at times opposing / Image: public domain The Anarchists were relatively small and unpredictable. At times supporting the Bolsheviks, at times opposing. In the Spring of 1918 they were disarmed following attempts to stage an uprising within Russia. Initially the Anarchists were principally urban and drawn from the ranks of the intellectual and other petty-bourgeois elements, but in the Ukraine anarchist bands of guerrillas rested on the peasantry. There they eventually coalesced into a large force under Makhno, who fought all-comers, mainly the Germans, but later also the Whites and eventually the Reds. The Constitutional Democratic Party (Kadets), formed in 1905, was the main bourgeois party, representing capitalist interests. They were broadly liberal, favouring a constitutional monarchy and bourgeois democracy. Following the February Revolution they held five portfolios in the first Provisional Government, including that of Prime Minister (Prince Lvov) and Foreign Minister (Miliukov). Their position steadily eroded as opposition mounted to the Provisional Governments War Policy. Following the October Revolution they called for the overthrow of the Bolshevik regime and supported counter-revolution. As a consequence they were banned in December 1917. Consolidating gains, October to December 1917 It is not the task of this article to go into any detail of the seizure of power in October 1917. Leon Trotsky has brilliantly captured this event in his History of the Russian Revolution, John Reed in Ten Days that Shook the World and many other pieces, including recent articles from In Defence of Marxism. The fact of the matter is that the resounding slogan of the Bolshevik Party, "All Power to the Soviets! received an immediate and overwhelming endorsement from the soldiers and working class in virtually every town and city throughout the Russian Empire. In fact, in Tallin, Estonia the Soviet seized power two days before the revolution in Petrograd, and on the day of that insurrection, successful transfers of power were also achieved in Minsk, Novorod, Ivanovo-Voznesensk and Tartu. Within eight days of the declaration of a new workers state, a further 21 towns and cities had achieved Soviet-led power. Resistance from either the Provisional Government forces or from hostile class forces was, initially, universally weak. The exception to this was Moscow, where poor planning and preparation by the Bolsheviks and the local Soviet, coupled with a strong resistance from armed Kadets, meant that taking power involved some serious fighting over six days, leading to the loss of some 400 lives. But, by the end of 1917, most of the provincial areas of Russia had declared for Soviet power, usually under the leadership of the Bolsheviks. However, the separate nationalities in the Ukraine, the Baltic States and areas of southern Russia around the Don and in the Caucasus Region proved more resistant to socialist revolution and these were to be acute zones of struggle for years to come. The first steps of the counter-revolution While the taking of power proved relatively easy, the counter-revolution soon commenced and various attempts were made to turn back the tide of socialist revolution. In Petrograd, the first, ill-fated attempt to thwart the revolution was undertaken by military cadets, known as Junkers (sons of the bourgeois and middle class), who mounted an armed struggle against the Bolsheviks. After a short conflict, the Red Guards easily disarmed them. More problematic for the new state was the effort by Kerensky, the former head of the Provisional Government, to wrest back control of the capital by using elements of the Cossacks. Having fled Petrograd in disguise, Kerensky tried to galvanise the Imperial Army from the Northern Front headquarters at Psov. However, the Imperial Army was divided and only General Krasnov agreed to organise an expedition against Petrograd. He set off with 700 Cossacks, hoping others would join him on the way. These forces, lacking morale and any sizeable infantry support, were defeated by Red Guards, recruited from the Petrograd factories, on the Pulkovo Heights, just a few kilometres from Petrograd. These events occurred only five days after the successful revolution in Petrograd. This marked the end of Kerenskys direct role in Russian events and he fled to Paris. Krasnov was arrested but later released and went on to participate in the civil war on the side of White Russian counter-revolution. Laying the foundations for a new socialist order Following the defeat of these first attempted coups, the new Bolshevik Government was given some breathing space and proceeded to lay down the foundations for a new, socialist system. Lenin drove the pace of change relentlessly. Only a few months prior to the October Revolution, Lenin had completed one of his outstanding works, State and Revolution. This spelled out with great clarity the Marxist view of the state as an instrument of class domination and the need for a successful proletarian revolution to transform the machinery and practice of the state into a vehicle of working-class rule. Lenin knew that it was vital to establish the outlines of a new workers state immediately after taking power / Image: public domain Lenin knew that it was vital to establish the outlines of a new workers state immediately after taking power. Part of his thinking was that the revolution was unlikely to succeed unless and until revolution broke out in one of the advanced capitalist countries. It was therefore imperative to lay down all the markers of a new order so as to establish a guide for the future. Decree after decree was promulgated. By the end of 1917, just over nine weeks after the successful seizure of power, 25 major decrees had been passed, covering such issues as peace, land, the press, civic rights, abolition of estates and titles, right of recall of elected representatives, the judicial system, internal security, economic planning, workers control in industry, unemployment insurance, nationalisation of the banks, civil marriage and so on. Many more decrees followed in 1918. In December, the government established the Economic Planning Council to direct production and distribution. Resistance to revolutionary change: the old classes and the reformist parties Efforts to establish the new order were carried on amidst the mounting fury of the old order, frantically scrabbling to get a purchase on the situation. Unable, at this stage, to secure any military support against the new government, the old classes resorted to sabotage and non-compliance. Many of the higher-ranking civil servants refused to cooperate with the new powers unless forced at gunpoint. The first Council of Peoples Commissars, established in late October 1917, comprised solely Bolshevik Ministers. The Left-SR Party was invited to take some government posts but refused on the grounds that they wanted a government that included all parties represented in the Soviets. This demand was taken up by the Right-SR Party and the Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks could not agree to this, as some parties were continuing to oppose the revolution and seek the overthrow of the government. The Mensheviks used their dominant position in the Railway Workers Union Executive Committee to pressure the Bolshevik government to accede to the demands for a broad Coalition Government. This was no idle threat, as the railways were key to transport and the movement of arms, goods and other vital necessities. Moreover, they used this muscle to sabotage and disrupt the Bolshevik governments operations as much as they could. For instance, they refused to allow trains to send troops to assist the revolution in Moscow. They also sought to mobilise other trade unions against the Bolshevik government, many of whom had backward, bureaucratic structures led by Mensheviks. 12 Bolshevik members of the cabinet, including Zinoviev (pictured), argued for an all-socialist government in "broad coalition" / Image: public domain While the majority of Bolshevik leaders rejected the idea of a broad coalition, Zinoviev, Kamenev, Rykov, Nogin and Milyutin all members of the Bolshevik Central Committee supported this demand, going so far as to resign from the committee when they lost the vote on 14 November. Shortly afterwards, five out of the 12 Bolshevik members of the cabinet, including three of the above, resigned their posts and published a manifesto calling for an all-socialist government. Lenin responded robustly. He pointed out that the Left-SRs had been offered places in the government and had declined, and that the purely Bolshevik government had been created and unanimously ratified by the Congress of Soviets. Lenin denounced Zinoviev and Kamenev as deserters and pointed out that they had behaved in a similar strike-breaking fashion before the uprising. In the end, the reformist parties had no support among the broad mass of workers, nor in the Soviets, and the idea of a broad coalition collapsed. While this set the scene for future battles with the Right-SRs and Mensheviks, the Left-SRs, under pressure from a Peasants Congress in late November, agreed to participate in the Bolshevik government and fuse with the Soviet Executive Committee. By the end of 1917, the Left-SRs received three places in the cabinet. The Constituent Assembly and the issue of democracy Holding elections for a Russian Constituent Assembly had long been a key demand of all socialists, including the Bolsheviks. It was seen as a popular demand to challenge the power of the aristocratic and upper-bourgeois classes entrenched in Dumas (the parliaments and city councils that operated prior to the establishment of the Soviets). The Provisional Government endorsed the demand after the February Revolution and eventually set the time for elections in late 1917. After the October Revolution, when power had passed to the Soviets, Lenin took the position that the elections should be postponed. He argued that an elected Constituent Assembly represented the highest level of democracy in a bourgeois republic, but once power had been won by the workers on the basis of all power to the soviets, this new proletarian democracy represented a higher level still. While socialists subscribe to democratic processes and indeed demand ever-improved ways of representing the mass of people, the precise form of democracy is not set in stone but must be chosen on the basis that the rights and needs of the exploited are fully and constantly represented. The new workers democracy that emerged in revolutionary Russia was not some formal, bureaucratic, once-every-five-years type of system, but a living, breathing, everyday democracy, where delegates were regularly changed in response to new events and new opinions. The right of recall meant that 50 percent plus one of the electorate could recall their delegate at any time. Lenin was also against holding Constituent Assembly elections on very practical grounds, arguing that to hold the elections on the basis of out-dated electoral rolls did not reflect the split in the SR Party that had led to effectively two parties Left-SRs-and Right SRs and therefore could not accurately reflect political reality at that time. Moreover, he argued there was a need to lower the voting age to 18 and to outlaw counter-revolutionaries who were determined to overthrow the soviet government by force. Without these changes, the election would favour the declining forces of Right-SRs and Kadets. But he was out-voted by the other Bolsheviks, the majority still clinging to a formal notion of democracy. As Lenin had predicted, the Constituent Assembly in the conditions of late 1917 was at best an irrelevance / Image: public domain In the event Lenin was absolutely correct. The elections were held before the revolution had been consolidated. The result was that the SRs were by far the largest party, with the Bolsheviks some way behind in second place. But the result also confirmed two further facts. The first was that the whole country was overwhelmingly left oriented. Moderate socialists, including the SRs, gained 62 percent of the vote; and the Bolsheviks, as revolutionary socialists, around 25 percent. The main bourgeois party, the Kadets, achieved less than 5 percent and the Mensheviks, once so powerful, were reduced to 3.3 percent; much of this vote concentrated in the Caucasus, and Georgia in particular. While these results seemed to show a powerful position for the SRs, it needs to be borne in mind that the Left-SRs were scarcely on the ballot, due, as Lenin said, to out-dated rolls and candidates. Had the Left-SRs been properly represented there is little doubt the result would have looked very different. In addition, the Bolsheviks won overwhelmingly in all the urban areas and their immediate periphery, and among many of the key soldier and navy units based in the north. Socialist Revolutionaries who dominated the Constituent Assembly represented the political confusion and indecision of the petty bourgeoisie in the towns and the millions of peasants who were relatively distant from the capital and industrial centres. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many peasants were fully behind Bolshevik policies without realising they were Bolshevik, and also thought Lenin and other Bolshevik leaders were German spies. This latter, insidious lie was widely spread by the bourgeois and Right-SR leaders and their press to confuse peasant voters. As Lenin had predicted, the Constituent Assembly in the conditions of late 1917 was at best an irrelevance and at worst provided another basis for seeking to overthrow the Bolshevik government. He set out his view with great clarity in an article in Pravda in December 1917. The Theses on the Constituent Assembly hammered home in 19 points the basic arguments Lenin had advanced to the Bolsheviks prior to the elections. He was to take up the issue of bourgeois and proletarian democracy again in a polemic he wrote to counter Kautskys revisionist pamphlet, The Dictatorship of the Proletariat, at the end of 1918. Delegates to the Constituent Assembly began to arrive in the capital in December. Tension was high as the counter-revolution was underway in the Ukarine under General Kaledin and steps were also afoot to start a White Army in the Don region. The Kadets support for an armed counter-revolution led by Kaledin led the government to ban the party and the arrest of some of its leaders. The Constituent Assembly met in January 1918. The Right-SRs were aware of the opposition they faced from the Soviets and the Bolsheviks and tried to prepare a defence, with a Military Organisation and a Committee for the Defence of the Constituent Assembly. They also had a paper (The Grey Overcoat) and the support of two regiments, plus other soldiers recalled from the front. They also had a strong terrorist group. Their main supporters, the peasants, did not seem very concerned about the outcome as they had primarily seen the SR Party and the Constituent Assembly as a means of getting land, which had already by then been promised by the Bolshevik Government through an important decree. A Right-SR terrorist group had infiltrated the headquarters of the Bolshevik Party and laid plans to kidnap or assassinate its key leaders, Lenin and Trotsky. The leadership called this off when it became apparent that the plan had been leaked. A right-wing demonstration was held on 5 January, attended by the ranks of the citys petty bourgeois: clerks, intellectuals and so on. They were easily dispersed. It was a sort of botched insurrection. The two regiments that originally supported the SR Party came over to the Bolsheviks. It was against this tense background that the first and only meeting of the Assembly took place. Sverdlov, on behalf of the Soviet Executive Committee, seized the presiding officers bell, declared the meeting open and proceeded to propose a long resolution endorsing all the actions and decrees taken by the Soviet government so far. This was ignored by the Right-SR majority, which proceeded to the election of a president. Chernov, of the Right-SR Party, achieved 244 votes, as against 153 for Marie Spiridonova, the Left-SR, whom the Bolsheviks supported. Speeches were then made to a background of boos and catcalls from the soldiers in the gallery. When the Assembly refused to discuss Sverdlovs motion, the Bolsheviks withdrew. The Assembly rambled on, passing three laws on land, a similar one to the Bolsheviks on peace (agreeing to the armistice) and finally proclaiming a democratic federative republic. At 5am, the Assembly was ordered to close, as the guards were tired. It dispersed, never to meet again, as the All-Russian Soviet Executive Committee dissolved the Assembly, saying that it served only as a cover for the overthrow of the Soviets. There was popular indifference to this move and the Assembly faded into history. By the end of 1917, the October Revolution had managed to survive and defeat all the initial forces ranged against it. Moreover, the spirit and mood of the workers and soldiers still coursed with energy. The flames of the revolution, far from sputtering into darkness were burning brightly. But major obstacles to a lasting victory remained. One of the most pressing in the new year of 1918 was the matter of how best to end the war with Germany and the Central Powers. Taking control of finance and the economy The Banks were the first important industries to be nationalised. The state bank refused to pay out money to the new government and the managers went on strike. Eventually, after threatening the officials, the government managed to retrieve 5m roubles. Private banks also refused to assist the new government, leading to their forcible seizure and opening of their vaults. At end of December 1917, all banks were nationalised and fused with the state bank. Withdrawals were limited to no more than 250 roubles per week. Large houses were taken into public ownership and industrial enterprises that refused to abide by workers management were generally taken over. All gold held privately was confiscated by the state. In January, all payments of dividends and dealings in shares were made illegal. In February, all foreign debts were repudiated. Big industry was not immediately nationalised but certain individual concerns of strategic interest were, such as the electricity industry, the Putilov munitions factories and the Belgian Metal Company. Wages and salaries became the main source of income for all. The government took steps to equalize these. To establish a precedent, the salary of the Peoples Commissars was made equal to the average of a skilled worker (500 roubles a month), with an additional 100 roubles per month for each dependant. Lenin, Trotsky and other leading Bolsheviks set a strong example of austere living. Proletarian organisation Victor Serge in his book, Year One of the Revolution, mentions that Lenin had urged that miracles of proletarian organisation must be achieved in order to overcome the many-headed resistance of the bourgeois class. Only in this way, especially in these early stages, could their resistance and opposition be overcome. Lenin urged that miracles of proletarian organisation must be achieved in order to overcome the many-headed resistance of the bourgeois class / Image: public domain In fact, in the months after the revolution, the policy of the Soviet government consisted principally in awakening, stimulating, sometimes guiding, but more usually simply endorsing the initiative of the masses. The Peoples Commissars were ordered, by decree, to work in close contact with the mass organisations of working men and women, the sailors and soldiers. Workers took initiatives in many diverse ways. Certain trade unions, for example, undertook to organise sections of industries. In many enterprises, offices as well as factories, employees found that they had to manage their places of work as their superiors had abandoned their positions. This was regularised in a decree legalising the intervention of workers in the management of industry and other workplaces. Workers control of industry and offices became widespread. Some degree of planning and coordination, however, was vital and in December the government established the Supreme Economic Council. This body had the task of coordinating all the activities of local and central organs, which managed and controlled production and distribution. This was the beginning of a centralised planning system that would supplant the rule of the capitalist market. The press The Bolsheviks, in common with many socialists, had called for the freedom of the press under the restricted and repressive conditions of the old order. Certainly, it was the early intention of the Soviet government to allow general press freedom. In an early decree on the press, reference was made to the fact that some suppression of the bourgeois press had been undertaken in the immediate period of the revolution. The slogan freedom of the press concealed the fact that it was freedom for the propertied class, as they had taken hold of the lions share of the press to poison, unhindered, the minds and obscure the consciousness of the masses. The decree went on to state: As soon as the new (socialist) order has been consolidated all administrative pressure on the press will be terminated and it will be granted complete freedom within the bounds of legal responsibility, in keeping with a law that will be broadest and most progressive in this respect. Meanwhile the Bolsheviks reserved the right to suppress publications that called for open resistance to the new Government, used slander or distorted facts. In fact, the bourgeois press was operating, relatively freely, as late as May 1918, despite the pressures on the regime. This press remained vicious and slanderous. As conditions deteriorated, press freedoms were curtailed for a number of bourgeois publications and some of the SR publications. This was extended as the civil war intensified and foreign armies intervened in the civil war. Later in July 1918, the new Constitution of the Soviet Union stated in article 14: In order to ensure genuine freedom of expression for the working people, the RSFSR abolishes the dependence of the press on capital, and places at the disposal of the working class and the poor peasantry all the technical and material requisites for the publication of newspaper, pamphlets, books and all other printed matter, and guarantees their unhindered circulation throughout the country. State security and the Cheka As Lenin had spelled out in State and Revolution, the state is at root an instrument of class rule that depends on force to ensure its survival. In the last analysis, this is achieved through having available armed bodies of men, such as the army, police and security forces, to ensure the will of the ruling class. The transfer of one class rule to another is a process of immense struggle that has always involved armed confrontation. The new workers state therefore had to have its own bodies of armed men. The Bolsheviks established the Extraordinary Commission for Struggle against Sabotage and Counter-Revolution, otherwise known as the Cheka, and placed in charge the Bolshevik leader Dzerzhinsky / Image: public domain These took time to establish. In the first instance, they took the form of workers militias, which became known as the Red Guards. They acted as both the shock troops of the revolution and the upholders of order within the towns. In terms of internal security, every state deploys its own specialist services. The Bolsheviks established the Extraordinary Commission for Struggle against Sabotage and Counter-Revolution, otherwise known as the Cheka, and placed in charge the Bolshevik leader Dzerzhinsky. In the early stages this organisation proved relatively mild and in the first few months of the revolution there were remarkably few executions or instances of draconian action. However, as the struggle with the reactionary and imperialist forces intensified, the Cheka accrued additional powers and met force with force, achieving a formidable reputation. Social and cultural changes Early soviet decrees highlighted the desire of the new order to radically transform social, cultural and religious norms. Central to this was the release of women from their position of legal subservience and oppression in law. In future, only civil weddings were to be recognised by the state and divorce was to be made freely available to either partner. Men and women were given full juridical equality. Children born out of wedlock were to be given the same rights as offspring of marriages. The criminal code that outlawed homosexual activity was abolished, making Russia among the first in the world to do so. Early in 1918, a law was passed that separated the church from the state. It declared the right of any citizen to profess any religion or none. Religious oaths were abolished, as were church schools. Churches were not allowed to own property and all such property was declared the property of the people, with local and state authorities having the right to hand over buildings of worship to religious societies for free use. Under Lunacharsky, radical artists were promoted and Russia's rich cultural heritage was made available to the masses / Image: public domain In further efforts to align Russia with the modern world, it was agreed to end the use of the Justinian Calendar and, from February 1918, to adopt the Gregorian and West European calendar. This added 13 days to the year and the Revolution of 25 October was subsequently celebrated on 7 November. The Cyrillic script used in printing materials was also simplified. The orator and somewhat maverick intellectual, the Bolshevik Lunacharsky, was appointed Commissar of Education. His brief also included protecting and advancing the cultural heritage of Russia. He proved a brilliant choice for this office. He was able to cajole and persuade reluctant teachers and academics to continue their teaching and research work under the new regime, despite many of them opposing the new direction. Under his leadership, a major programme to combat illiteracy was embarked upon and he proceeded to reform teaching procedures in a progressive libertarian spirit. New ideas, including Marxism, were introduced into curricula. His approach aroused considerable international interest. He sought to popularise the arts, taking music, drama, literature and the visual arts to the masses. He was not afraid of the avant-garde and promoted the likes of Chagall and Tatlin to key academies, alongside the work of Eisenstein, the radical filmmaker. Justice and administration Justice systems also reflect class rule and so there was an early wholesale change to the Russian justice system. All the general judicial institutions were abolished. Justices of the Peace (JPs) were replaced with local courts represented by a permanent local judge, elected on the basis of direct, democratic suffrage, and two alternate assessors selected by local Soviets. Former JPs and judges were not disbarred from standing for the new posts. Similar changes were made to district and higher courts. Other detailed changes were made to court procedure. Local government had been largely run by city and council dumas and these were effectively replaced by local and regional soviets. Other local committees and structures also became important, especially the various peasant committees and later the committees of the poor. Local co-operative structures also gained more power after the revolution, although these waned somewhat during the harsh exigencies of 1918 when increased central control was exerted in all aspects of administration. In July 1918, the All-Russian Soviet agreed a new constitution for The Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic. This was arranged into the following main articles: Declaration of rights of the labouring and exploited people. General provisions, which set down a number of key principles. Organisation of Soviet power. The right to vote. The budget. The coat of Arms and Flag. This is an important document as it marked the formal and encoded establishment of a new workers state with all its key principles and operating mechanisms. Although, given the acute crises facing Russia at this time, it was not possible to fully implement all its aspects, it nevertheless marked a highpoint of the struggle to overcome the old capitalist state. It was amended and enlarged in 1924 to take account of the creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other matters but its key principles remained, until amended by Stalin in 1936. Peace and war The Russian Revolution took place during World War One: war and peace were critical issues. The overthrow of the Tsar and the establishment of a democratic government in February 1917 were regarded by the Provisional Government, and by the SR and Menshevik majority in the Petrograd Soviet, as a justification for continuing the support of the war effort in the name of the defence of the revolution. In practice, this meant defence of the bourgeoisie, since they were the class most empowered by the first Revolution in 1917. The Bolshevik Party insisted that war must end and peace must be achieved on the basis of no annexations or indemnities. Most Bolsheviks supported this. However, there were some in the party, notably Kamenev, who openly espoused the need for continuing the war on the basis of defending the revolution. Lenin opposed this position in his April Theses, recognising that the masses were desperate to see an end to war. He further argued that the position of revolutionary defencism within a bourgeois state was a confidence trick upon the workers and pandering to patriotism and jingoism. From April to October, the Bolsheviks maintained that a Bolshevik revolution, the ending of the war with a democratic peace and proletarian revolution in Europe, were all parts of a single process and in practice inseparable. Internationalism and revolutionary war The Bolshevik Party tradition was unreservedly internationalist in outlook. It believed that nationalism was part and parcel of the capitalist system and that wars were an inevitable consequence of that nationalism. They also took seriously the original Marxist international slogan, workers of the worlds unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains. In addition, the Bolsheviks were also strongly of the view that a Russian socialist revolution could not be sustained without one or more advanced capitalist countries also becoming socialist and linking up with the Russian proletariat. Lenin opposed a 'revolutionary war', but was in a minority within the party leadership / Image: public domain Bolsheviks believed that the ending of capitalism and landlordism in Russia would raise the morale of workers and peasants and make them stronger than any opponent. This new class war would rouse the masses internationally. This position was crucial to understanding why the party adopted various positions over the peace negotiations and the issue of revolutionary war. After the establishment of a workers and peasants state Lenin was not, in principle, against waging a revolutionary war against the imperialist powers but, looking at concrete reality, he understood the masses did not want to fight, even for a workers state, at this stage. In any event, the fledgling state had insufficient resources to wage a war of any kind and by December 1917 was faced with civil war. Therefore, Lenin implacably opposed a revolutionary war at this stage. But a majority in the party leadership did not. This set the scene for a prolonged and, in the end, damaging struggle within the Bolshevik Party, which was only finally settled in March 1918. The peace decree and the armistice with Germany One of the very first decrees, issued a day after the October Revolution, by the new government was on peace. It called upon all belligerent countries to halt the war immediately on the basis of a just and democratic peace with no annexations or indemnities, and to allow all nations the right of self-determination on a free vote. At the same time, the decree abolished secret diplomacy, calling for open and transparent negotiations, and annulled all secret treaties agreed by the old regime, stating that such secret treaties would be published. Finally, the government called for an immediate armistice. A temporary armistice between Russia, Germany and her allies was agreed on 2 December 1917 / Image: public domain After initial negotiations between the Soviet delegation and those of Germany and her allies, an armistice was agreed on 2 December. It allowed 28 days before full peace negotiations took place. It was agreed to maintain current military positions, and further agreed that Germany would not send troops to the western front because of the armistice and would allow a degree of fraternisation between troops. Trotsky, after some resistance on his part, was appointed Commissar for Foreign Affairs and would eventually lead all negotiations, which were to take place in Brest-Litovsk: a small town on the Russian-Polish border, now in Belarus. Foreign policy, under Trotsky, comprised largely of appeals to workers and revolutionary groups throughout the world to organise a world revolution. He paid scant attention to the traditional role of a Foreign Secretary, saying, My job is to publish the treaties, issue some revolutionary proclamations and shut up shop. Former secret treaties were quickly published, ambassadors recalled and new ones sent out. Money was made available for international revolutionary organisations. Agitational newspapers were published, aimed at foreign workers and prisoners of war. For their part, foreign governments rebuffed Russian attempts to obtain friendly responses and all countries opposed any rapprochement with the Bolsheviks. However, there were contacts between Russia and foreign ambassadors and initially the allies hoped to persuade Russia to continue fighting Germany. When this failed, their opposition to Bolshevik Russia noticeably stepped up. Negotiations at Brest-Litovsk and Bolshevik splits Following the armistice agreement, negotiations re-started at Brest-Litovsk, with Joffe initially leading the Russian delegation. These discussions were inconclusive. The Soviet delegation put forward their positions on annexations and the rights of nationalities to enjoy political freedom and ending colonies. The Central Powers (Germany, Austro-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria), led effectively by the German General Hoffman, played lip service to these demands as they had no intention of giving up Poland or those Baltic states under their control. Moreover, they now included in their delegation representatives of the Ukrainian Rada (a nationalist-led parliament), weakening the Soviet claim to represent all Russian territories. The Red offensive against the armed nationalists in Ukraine was only just underway. Trotsky took over as leader of the Soviet delegation to the peace negotiations at Brest-Litovsk in 1918 / Image: public domain Trotsky took over as leader of the Soviet delegation in the New Year, and hoping that delaying tactics would work in their favour, used the negotiations as a platform for propaganda. There were definite signs of revolt among workers in Austria and Germany and among their soldiers and sailors. Strikes occurred in Austria in mid-January and later in the month there were serious strikes in Berlin, Hamburg, Danzig and Kiel. Eventually, the Central Powers sought to break the deadlock by stating their demands for the Soviets to cede all territory currently occupied by Germany in the North and to negotiate the southern boundaries with the Ukrainian Rada. Trotsky decided that he now needed to return to Petrograd to discuss with the leadership the best response. There then began a series of debates and votes. In the first meeting, 63 leading Bolsheviks debated the issue of peace. Lenin argued for taking peace at any price to secure the bridgehead of the revolution and wait for better times. Despite Lenins prestige, he got only 15 votes. 32 votes, mainly Moscow Bolsheviks led by Bukharin, were for a revolutionary war against Germany and her allies rather than accepting their terms. Trotsky took a third position of neither war nor peace but to continue to delay the proceedings as long as possible in the hope revolution would break out in Germany of Austria and if necessary declare peace unilaterally when pressed. He got 16 votes. A few days later the Central Committee of the party met and Lenin again called for immediate peace. Only Stalin was clear in his support so Lenin agreed to Trotskys delaying position and this passed 12-1. Only two, Bukharin and Dzerzhinsky, supported pursuing a revolutionary war. Trotsky returned to the negotiations later in January, but after spinning it out as long as possible he made a unilateral declaration to end the war. He then walked out of the talks. Seven days later the German High Command announced it was going to resume hostilities. The Bolshevik unilateral declaration of peace was intended as a signal to all workers and soldiers involved in the war to rise up and oppose their leaders and join the struggle. This did not occur and the Central Powers immediately renewed hostilities. Meeting little resistance, they quickly advanced on all fronts. Meanwhile, the Bolshevik Central Committee was in almost continuous session. Lenin again called for seeking terms with the Germans, but got only 4 votes against 6, with Trotsky voting against. Lenin then posed the question: what if the German army advanced and there was no revolution in Germany and Austria? By 6-1, with 4 abstentions (Trotsky went over to Lenin) it was agreed that, in that event, peace should be made. But the Germans were already advancing. The issue was debated the following day. Despite some movements, the vote for Trotskys hesitation again carried 6-5. But by evening it was clear the German advance was strong and Russia was threatened. At this point Trotsky went over to Lenin and the Central Committee agreed to ask for peace negotiations by 7-5. Other party and Soviet bodies rapidly ratified this decision, although not without division, and a telegram was sent off agreeing to a renewal of the peace negotiations. The final Brest-Litovsk Treaty and its ratification However, Germany was in no hurry to accept and took full advantage of its position, advancing deep into the Ukraine and other areas. Eventually, the Germans came up with new, much harsher terms than before: Soviet withdrawal from Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland and the ceding of territory to Turkey in the south. The treaty also demanded Soviet recognition of the Ukrainian Nationalist Government or Rada. The implications of the Treaty for the economy of Soviet Russia were immense. They lost some of the most productive areas of Russia, especially in the Ukraine with its large assets in coal, industry and agriculture. In all they lost 40 percent of industrial capacity, 45 percent of fuel, 90 percent of sugar, 70 percent of the metal industry and 55 percent of wheat potential. The demand to withdraw the Red Guards from Finland led to a German-backed counter-revolution of considerable ferocity. So harsh were these terms that many leading Bolsheviks, especially in the Moscow Region, again resisted acceptance and ratification. There followed another heated debate in the Bolshevik Central Committee. Lenin moved acceptance, this time saying he would resign if he didnt gain the vote. Trotsky opposed but, in the end, abstained, as did Dzerzhinsky, Joffe, and Krestinsky, giving Lenin a 7-4 majority. In early March, the Soviet Government signed the new terms of Brest-Litovsk. Full internal ratification had to go through various bodies and the debates raged on. At the Seventh Bolshevik Party Congress in March 1918, Trotsky again reiterated his opposition to accepting such harsh terms but declared he would not vote against Lenin. This was then carried by 28 votes to 9. At the all-Russian Central Executive Committee, after a speech by Lenin it was carried 116 votes to 84. On 16 March, the All Russian Congress of Soviets, after two days of stormy debate, ratified the governments decision by 784-262. The Germans demanded Soviet withdrawal from Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland, ceding of territory to Turkey in the south and recognition of the Ukrainian Nationalist Government or Rada / Image: public domain These details are recounted to illustrate the tradition of debate and internal democracy within the Bolshevik Party and Soviet Russia at this time. This tradition, although necessarily curbed in the acute conditions of Civil War later in 1918, nevertheless remained at the heart of the Bolshevik Party as long as Lenin and Trotsky remained at the helm. It is instructive, in view of the later cult of the personality around Stalin, that Lenin, despite his immense standing in the party and among the workers, was consistently opposed by many leading comrades throughout this process. When he was defeated he accepted it and fought on with unflinching argument in meetings and in writing. In fact, a notable feature of Lenin throughout is that at every stage and moment of the Revolution he was not only driving the process in practice, with attention to every detail, but also writing articles, resolutions and even longer works. It is true that, in the final stages of the debates on Brest-Litovsk, Lenin threatened to resign if his views were not accepted, but this was after months of exhaustive debate and at a critical moment for the survival of the revolution. Lenin always considered it vital, at this stage of world developments, to keep the core of the revolution secure. The left wing of the party, around Bukharin, openly stated that they were prepared for a split in the party and were willing to sacrifice the revolution on the altar of an international revolutionary war. Lenin considered this absurd posturing and wrote a biting critique in February 1918, called Strange and Monstrous. In this piece Lenin shows how the process of debate within the party was carried out. He vigorously defends the left-wings right to express its view: It is quite natural that comrades who sharply disagree with the Central Committee over the question of a separate peace should sharply condemn the Central Committee and express their conviction that a split is inevitable. All that is the most legitimate right of party members, which is quite understandable. But, he did not fail to condemn their reasoning as strange and monstrous, nor hesitate to call them out for revolutionary phrasemaking. Immediately after the conclusion of this drawn out process of Peace he wrote a substantial text on the broader issues it raised and called it, Left-Wing Childishness and Petty-Bourgeois Mentality. He was to return to this theme two years later in 1920 when he wrote Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder. Soviet foreign policy in 1918 Before returning to the immediate issues at home it is worth noting another issue that split the Bolsheviks at this stage and it again illustrates the division between the realists and what Lenin called a petty-bourgeois mentality. This occurred over the approach the Soviet Government should take in confronting the capitalist powers. The left wing around Bukharin, stated that they were prepared for a split in the party over the question of revolutionary war / Image: public domain The notion widely held at one time, that a workers government would have no truck with any capitalist power, proved untenable and unrealistic. The capitalist states were not a uniform bloc and divisions could be exploited. The leftists, led by Bukharin, refused to contemplate any deals with the capitalists. Lenin and Trotsky tended to operate on the pragmatic and realistic side, although, as we have seen, Trotsky sometimes took longer to reach the same conclusions as Lenin. Occasionally, it was the other way around, with Lenin acknowledging that Trotsky had been correct. In the Central Committee in February 1918, Trotsky argued in favour of accepting arms from any country, even capitalist ones, on the one condition that no political obligations were given to these countries in return. This was hotly debated and only carried 6-5 with Lenin not attending but supporting the proposal. In the end, this proposal was without effect because the vague offers of support from USA, Britain and France were predicated on keeping Russia in the war so as to keep Germany pinned down in the east. Once the Brest-Litovsk Treaty was finally signed the other imperialist powers declined Russia any assistance. In the wake of the Brest-Litovsk Treaty a dual, inter-meshed foreign policy emerged: to promote world socialist revolution and defend the national security of the Soviet Republic. This would last as a consistent and integrated approach throughout the civil war and until the fight against the aggression of the allied powers finally ended in early 1921. Stalin later tried to portray a split between Lenin and Trotsky over the issue of world revolution or socialism in one country. In fact, this is entirely false and distorts the real split, which was between Lenin and the left communists that included Bukharin, Radek and Uritsky. Lenin, like Trotsky, remained a powerful advocate of world revolution and indeed frequently said that it was the only hope for the long-term success of the Russian Revolution. Lenin said that if necessary he would be in favour of sacrificing the Russian Revolution for a German Revolution, if it occurred, which would be on a much higher level and would hasten world revolution. The difference between Lenin and Trotsky was essentially one of balance. Trotsky was slower than Lenin to realise that the German Revolution would take time to mature, over-estimating the prospects for revolution. Early struggles on the periphery The general headquarters of the Russian Army, a veritable citadel in a time of all-out war, was situated away from Moscow and Petrograd. Here the Bolsheviks were weak. The soldiers Committee of the Armies, which had been elected at the beginning of the February revolution, was controlled by the SRs and had a cosy relationship with the generals. Six days after the October Revolution, they decided to oppose the Bolsheviks and march on Petrograd. But the mood of the soldiers, who welcomed the revolution, prevented this. When Lenin then called on the soldiers to elect new delegates and organise for an armistice with Germany, the old army establishment was doomed. These elections were held on 18 November. Following these elections, General Dukhonin, the supreme army head, who had defied the Bolshevik Governments orders, was arrested and executed. From October to March, the strong tide in favour of the Bolshevik-led Soviet Government had swept most urban and working-class areas of Russia. Even in the strongly nationalist areas of the Ukraine, parts of the Caucasus and the Don region, Red forces had been triumphant. Local soviets had sprung up everywhere. Most of the troops were with the Bolsheviks and the peasantry were broadly supportive as they saw their land needs being addressed. But from that point on the situation for the government became more and more difficult. The ending of the First World War proved a key factor in the west, as German troops occupied so much of the land that was highly productive for all parts of the economy. The Germans and their allies were keen to weaken Russia as far as possible and also to undermine Bolshevism by arming and encouraging nationalists and elements of the old order in Russia, principally the old Tsarist generals and officers, so that they could mount an effective counter-revolution. This, in effect, was the start of three years of brutal civil war. Anti-Bolshevik, White forces in Russia, 1918 / Image: public domain A number of generals and officers of the Imperial Army fled south to the Ukraine, where the Government was nationalistic and anti-Bolshevik. An Army of Volunteers, as the first White force was called, led by General Kornilov, gathered in the south, with more officers than men. Ukrainian nationalism, infused with certain elements of socialism, attempted a form of self-government under the old parliament, called the Rada. Eventually, struggles broke out between Bolshevik supporters in Kiev and the nationalists; the Reds took Kiev in January. Ukraine fell largely under Bolshevik control by February 1918. After November there was a general strike in Finland. This was largely victorious but there was no revolutionary workers party prepared to take power. So, the workers took matters into their own hands and took power in Helsinki, driving out the bourgeois government. Still, the social democrat leaders failed to drive through a revolution and opted for radical but piecemeal change. The Russian Government passed a decree giving independence to Finland at the end of 1917. Momentum gathered in 1918 and by February a new constitution was established providing for an elected assembly every three years along with other highly advanced features. The Finnish social democracy attempted the highest ever form of bourgeois democracy. But, in the circumstances, it was utopian and met with fierce armed reaction. The bourgeois launched a White terror, using a battalion of Finns in the German army. Red Guards and soviet supporters flocked to support the working class. Soviet forces had to withdraw under the terms of the Brest Litovsk Treaty. Vicious fighting then led to extreme white terror and the defeat of the Red forces. Up to a quarter of the proletariat were subsequently killed and murdered (100,000). The Caucasus area was complex with many nationalities and conditions. This proved a difficult area for the pro-Bolshevik, revolutionary Red forces who were initially defeated by a combination of so-called socialist Georgians and reactionary Turks and Tartars. In the Don region, another complex war occurred, involving several old imperial generals, complicated by divisions within the Cossacks population. The Cossack cavalry had traditionally been used by the Tsarist regime as a force for reaction. When the October Revolution, occurred the Don Cossack Council declared independence. General Kaledin welcomed former officers and some soldiers from the old imperial army and thus began the formation of a White army that was to play a lasting role in the ensuing civil war. In December 1917, the Soviet government sent a Red Guard force to assert Soviet control. At this stage, the White forces were ill-equipped, poorly organised and unable to resist the Red forces. As a result, the Don Cossack Council agreed to yield to the Soviet forces, causing General Kaledin to commit suicide. The tide turned in May 1918 due to the German invasion in the west and the growth of the White forces under Generals Kornilov and Alekseev. The Cossack leadership rebelled against the Soviet administration and, with the improved White forces, armed and supplied by the French and British, were able to defeat most Red forces and resume control over large areas. In the process, there were many massacres and atrocities against Bolsheviks and the working class generally. In Siberia and in the Central Asia regions Bolsheviks also achieved early success in the main centres, only to suffer reversals at a later stage. The White Forces The White movement and its armies were so-called because the colour white was associated with the Tsar. They represented the old defeated classes of the monarchy and the bourgeoisie. The movement, as such, did not have a strong social base. It drew in various elements dissatisfied with the Bolshevik regime, usually reactionary nationalist elements. Few wanted to see the Tsar restored, except the leaders and especially the army leaders, who became, in effect, petty dictators. The Red Army, under Trotsky, achieved a strong, centralised leadership and had a clear purpose of defending the revolution / Image: public domain In general, the White leadership was against separate national states and desired a return to a united empire. There was also a strong current of antisemitism within the White armies. Western sponsors expressed dismay at this, especially as the Bolsheviks had prohibited antisemitism and appeared more progressive. Winston Churchill personally warned General Denikin, whose forces effected pogroms against the Jews, that my task in winning support in Parliament for the Russian Nationalist cause will be infinitely harder if well-authenticated complaints continue to be received from Jews in the zone of the Volunteer Armies. One of the abiding weaknesses of the White forces was their lack of unity. The leaders squabbled and there were many who joined the umbrella of the Whites simply because they opposed the Bolsheviks, rather than having a united vision of what they wanted. Ultimately, this played into the hands of the Red Army, which, under Trotsky's command, achieved a strong, centralised leadership, and, of course, always with the clear purpose of defending the revolution. Backs against the wall Whilst the broad mass of the working class continued to give their support to the Bolshevik Party, activists within the party were often split on crucial issues. The issue of whether or not to wage a revolutionary war against Germany and its forces of occupation proved one of the more divisive questions that very nearly led to a complete split in the party. The division started in February, when the Moscow Region Committee took a left position and called for non-acceptance of the Brest-Litovsk Treaty and the heroic sacrifice of the Russian proletariat on the altar of internationalism. Lenin provided a powerful critique of this position, calling them Communists of misfortune and talking despair. By March this tendency had crystallised into an organised faction and were called Left Communists. They were led by Bukharin with the support of Radek and Uritsky, among others, and published a paper called the Kommunist. Several members of the faction were elected to the Central Committee but they refused to serve. The two tendencies faced off at the 7th Party Congress in March 1918. Lenins position on peace was supported by Zinoviev, Smilga and Sverdlov. Trotsky also sided with Lenin but urged war in Ukraine against the German occupiers. Lenin, whilst not against such a move, argued for space and time to build up forces. It was at this Congress that the name Communist Party (Bolshevik) was adopted and it was agreed to review the Programme of the Party. In April 1918 Lenin published The International Position of the Russian Soviet Republic and the Fundamental Tasks of the Socialist Revolution. In it, Lenin argued that at that time a brief respite existed when all efforts had to be made to tackle the issue of organising the new Soviet system in an administrative sense. This required honest accounting, no stealing and strict labour discipline. The most class-conscious workers must lead the drive to implement these slogans among the masses. The aim was to establish a productive and efficient system that began to address the accumulated chaos of the war years and restore some order and benefits for people weary and close to despair. In the conclusion Lenin stated the situation clearly: An extraordinarily difficult, complex and dangerous situation in international affairs; the necessity of manoeuvring and retreating; a period of waiting for new outbreaks of the revolution which is maturing in the west at a painfully slow pace; within the country a period of slow construction and ruthless tightening-up, of prolonged and persistent struggle waged by stern, proletarian discipline against the menacing element of petty-bourgeois laxity and anarchy: these in brief are the distinguishing features of the special stage of the socialist revolution in which we are now living. Trotsky struck the same note in March when he gave a speech to a Party Conference. He emphasised the need for labour, discipline and order and urged that specialists be given a role in managing industry. In the same vein, he justified abandoning the principle of the election of officers in the Red Army, arguing that it was now a proletarian army and the need to challenge the Imperial officers through elections no longer applied. They needed the best, most-skilled and experienced to fill officer roles. The Left Communists published a critical response in their paper, Kommunist, which opposed the army reforms and at the same time called for the faster expropriation of capital and the cooperative organisation of production and distribution based on full workers control and management. Lenin replied in a series of articles in Pravda in May 1918, called Left Infantilism and the Petty-Bourgeois Mentality. Lenin replied to the Left Communists in a series of articles in Pravda in May 1918 called 'Left Infantilism and the Petty-Bourgeois Mentality' / Image: public domain The major debates that ensued through the Spring and Summer within the Party are important and instructive but require a more detailed analysis than can be offered here. Suffice it to say that, having lost the vote at the March Congress the Left Communists then lost their positions on the Supreme Council of National Economy and shortly afterward lost their control of the Moscow and Urals regional organisations. When the Soviet government, under different conditions, nationalised all large industrial enterprises in late June, many Left Communists considered this to be a correct economic policy and shifted their support back to Lenin. By the end of the summer, the Left Communists no longer existed as a distinct opposition group. Political opposition outside Bolshevism Efforts to overthrow the Bolshevik Government at home had not disappeared. In fact, in the harsh conditions of spring and summer 1918, when famine stalked the land, their efforts grew. Although the bourgeois parties, such as the Cadets and the Octobrists, had little support, there was lots of intrigue and rumour with foreign powers seeking to find suitable organisations to back. Several right-wing organisations and conspiracies were attempted. The Right or Moscow Centre (businessmen, landowners and conservative and liberal politicians) had a military department but was weak and disorganised. The National Centre, which split off from the Right Centre in June 1918, was a rallying point for the Cadet Party. Overall there was no real drive or unity between any of them and they were easily and, relatively leniently, dealt with by the Cheka. The petty-bourgeois parties, which included the SRs of Left and Right, the Anarchists and the Mensheviks, did have a potential mass base given the weight of the peasantry in the country, and could have posed a serious problem for the Bolsheviks. But, as Lenin pointed out, the petty-bourgeois parties, like the class they represented, wavered and vacillated at every turn, becoming revolutionary one moment and, when things got difficult, siding with the bourgeoisie, or turning to terrorism. Not surprisingly the mass of peasants was largely uninterested. The Right SR Party, lacking their base in the Constituent Assembly, had nowhere to go except an alliance with the White forces. This they did in a more and more overt fashion. In the spring of 1918 Savinkov, a veteran SR conspirator, helped to establish the Union for the Defence of the Motherland and Freedom. It claimed to have 5,500 members, but they were scattered all over the country. Its objective was to overthrow Soviet power and establish a military dictatorship. They had financial support from several imperial powers, notably France. Several leading members were arrested in May 1918 and its planned actions were foiled. Savinkov and others remained at large and tried to organise armed uprisings in several towns in July 1918, but these were easily overcome and the organisation faded away. Savinkov and other Right SRs re-emerged in the short-lived Samara Government on the Volga (described in more detail below). The All-Russian Soviet Executive had representatives of all parties that participated in local and regional Soviets. Thus it had left Mensheviks, Left SRs and others. But in June, as the struggle for survival became paramount it was agreed to expel all those parties who were instigating civil war against the Soviets. This was both logical and necessary. This removed Right SRs and Mensheviks and left only Left SRs and Bolsheviks. The terrorist wing of the Right SR Party, the so-called Battle Organisation, had one last throw of the dice at the end of August 1918 when they sought to assassinate a number of leaders, including Lenin and Trotsky. Lenin was shot by Fanny Kaplan and was lucky not to have been killed. Although struck in his shoulder and neck he survived and recovered after the operation and a short convalescence. The plot to kill Trotsky failed when he altered his planned route to Kazan at the last moment. Uritsky, the President of the Petrograd Cheka, was less lucky and was killed. The Left SR Party ostensibly represented the poor peasantry but in practice tended to base themselves on the middle peasantry. They had a significant position in the Soviets. They left the government over the Brest-Litovsk Treaty in March 1918 but continued to offer critical support to the Bolsheviks for a period. At the Fifth All-Russian Congress of Soviets in early July 1918, the Left SRs had 353 delegates out of 1,164. Nothing illustrates the vacillating and intemperate nature of petty-bourgeois revolutionaries better than the debates at this Congress, where the Left SRs hysterically attacked the Bolsheviks for their determination to maintain discipline in the Red Army on the border with Ukraine. The Left SRs had been agitating amongst these units, inciting them to join guerrilla bands inside the Ukraine and attack the German occupiers. Calling for discipline, Trotsky asked for approval of an order to shoot those responsible for fomenting such division and adventurism. The Left SRs erupted with fury but were soundly defeated in the vote. When Dzerzhinsky, the Cheka leader, confronted the Left SR Committee in Moscow they arrested him and proceeded to use Cheka forces they controlled to occupy key parts of Moscow. With this act, they effectively 'committed suicide' / Image: public domain Later, one of their leaders, Maria Spiridonova, made wild accusations against the Bolsheviks and was calmly rebutted by Lenin. Then news arrived at the Congress that Left SR agents had infiltrated the German Ukraine headquarters and assassinated the German ambassador, Count Mirbach. When Dzerzhinsky, the Cheka leader, confronted the Left SR Committee in Moscow they arrested him and proceeded to use Cheka forces they controlled to occupy key parts of Moscow. In the event, they lacked any popular support and the rebellion was put down in a day. Arrests and some executions followed. As Victor Serge says in Year One of the Revolution, The Left SR Party had committed suicide. Anarchist groups were also present in most towns, but many were self-styled and close to banditry. They had gained some support, generally fighting with the Reds in November. They had their own Black General Staff, and were armed. In the period after March, they assumed a more anti-Bolshevik position and moved to violence. However, disarming them proved easy as they had little broad support. Hundreds were arrested but most of those who were genuine anarchists by conviction were released and allowed to operate more or less freely with their organisations, press and clubs. The anarchist movement in the Ukraine led by Makhno is a different story and is dealt with in a later installment. After the October Revolution, the Menshevik Party became a shadow of its former self and had split into left and right factions. The weakness of the Mensheviks is revealed in the elections for the Constituent Assembly, when they only managed 3 percent of the vote. However, they were relatively strong in the Caucusus region, where they had taken a strongly pro-nationalist line. They had a majority position in Georgia and from May 1918 led an independent government, under the general permission of the Germans, known as the Democratic Republic of Georgia. Nationally, most Mensheviks who had not joined the Bolsheviks increasingly sided with counter-revolutionaries. Martov and the left faction continued to operate in a more principled fashion but became increasingly hostile to the Bolsheviks. The end of the Romanovs A brief mention should be made of the denouement of the Tsar and his family, the Romanovs, which occurred in the summer of 1918. In July 1918, Ekaterinburg (where the Romanovs were being held) was virtually encircled by White forces and the Urals Soviet decided to execute the Tsar and his family / Image: public domain After February 1917, the Romanovs had been held in comparative ease at the imperial palace at Tsarskoe Syelo. But after the July 1917 days of upheaval, the Provisional Government decided to place the family deeper into Russia in the remote Siberian town of Tobolsk. After the October Revolution, the question of what to do with the Tsar and his family became a more burning topic, as they clearly provided a rallying call for the counter-revolutionary forces. After a White Army approached the Tobolsk in April 1918, the Bolsheviks moved the imperial family west to Ekaterinburg in the Urals. In July, Ekaterinburg was virtually encircled by White forces and the Urals Soviet decided to execute the family. The economic crisis and feeding the urban population Prior to Brest-Litovsk and the German occupation of Ukraine, the Russian economy was already in a poor state. The effects of years of war and then the upheaval of revolution meant that production and distribution were massively disrupted. Moreover, as in all belligerent countries, the economy had become heavily oriented to the needs of war and the millions of troops that were required. The loss of the valuable economic areas of Ukraine, Caucasus and later the Don region provoked a major crisis after March 1918. The primary and immediate problem was the need to obtain sufficient grain to feed the people, especially in the urban areas. The harvest was still to come. People were hungry and desperate. Riots and uprisings over lack of bread were not uncommon. Lenin said at this time, To get bread, that is the basis of socialism today. This called for desperate measures. The first of these was the creation of the Food Commissariat with sweeping powers (decree of 27 May) to supply the population with objects of primary necessity. The Food Commissar was Tsurupa, and among his powers was the ability to remove local commissars, override local soviets and in certain circumstances institute court proceedings against disobedient representatives of local soviets. What ensued was a battle between the consuming, needy provinces and the producing provinces that held surpluses of food, often hoarded. Special armed detachments, recruited predominantly from Bolshevik-supporting factories, were attached to local food committees in the producing districts. Wealthy peasants, known as kulaks, were those mainly responsible for hoarding grain and other food resources. On 11 June, the Soviet regime set up Committees of the Poor all over the country. These committees were empowered to distribute grain, products of prime necessity and agricultural machines and to cooperate with local food brigades in taking surplus grain away from kulaks and other richer peasants. Incentives were offered to the poorer peasants to participate in this process. There was provision to exclude from any expropriation the slightly better-off peasants who possessed just a few livestock and hired one or two labourers, as long as they were basically self-sufficient. This was reinforced in August 1918 when a letter was circulated to try to prevent the alienation of middle peasants. Certainly, there were many excesses and ferocious battles. 26 peasant uprisings were recorded in July, 47 in August, and 26 in September. In some cases, old scores were settled. In some instances, bandits and thieves joined the committees; and in some, genuine local communists were driven out of important and potentially lucrative posts such as the collection of local taxes. But, the tactic of splitting the villages on class lines was broadly successful. In regions where there was much poverty among the peasants the actions against kulaks and others were more severe. In areas closer to the big cities, there was greater control and order. At their height, the Committees of the Poor numbered tens of thousands and as a policy they prevented a complete breakdown of society. There was famine and great hunger but it would have been much worse without such drastic, organised intervention. By November 1918, the crisis was passing and the Committees of the Poor were dissolved and there were new elections for local soviets, which included the best representatives of the old Committees. The two bodies were in effect fused. On 8 November 1918 Lenin declared Soviet policy in the village would be: To reach an agreement with the middle-class peasantry, not relaxing for a moment the struggle against the kulak and relying firmly only on the poor. The impact of the continuing food shortages can be seen in the major loss of population suffered by the towns and cities where people moved to the countryside to find food. Petrograds population, for example, declined from 2.3m in November 1915 to 1.4m in July 1918. Meeting the military threat: Trotskys role as head of the army The first soldiers of the revolution were the Red Guards, largely recruited from the working-class and Bolshevik soldiers and sailors. But in order to bring order and unity, a stronger and larger force was necessary. In the first stages of the revolution, no conscription was possible. The Bolsheviks had pledged peace and the old army was disintegrating and going home. A decree on 28 January 1918 laid down the basis for recruiting a voluntary Red Army. There was an Initial sign-up for three months, and a salary of 150 rubles a month, along with some privileges and exemptions for the family. More than 100,000 recruits signed up in the next two and half months but efficiency and quality were often very low. The troops were liable to be ill-disciplined, to endlessly debate orders and make impossible demands. In addition, some criminal elements joined. This early Red Army was capable of defeating poorly organised, internal dissidents but no match for the German Army in Ukraine, nor the emerging White armies. The Supreme War Council was set up on 1 March 1918 and took over the organisation of the Red Army. On 5 March, Trotsky was appointed chair. In early April, Trotsky was also appointed Commissar of War. He got to work immediately, determined to create a disciplined armed forces, in sufficient numbers and led by competent officers, with good planning and organisation. In these aims, he met plenty of opposition both from within and outside the Bolshevik Party. In April, Trotsky was appointed Commissar of War. He was determined to create a disciplined armed forces, in sufficient numbers and led by competent officers / Image: public domain Trotskys immediate task as the new Commissar of War was to conjure a new army out of practically nothing. Of the Imperial Russian Army, only the division of Latvian Riflemen was useful and reliable, and thus retained. The remnants of Red forces opposing the Whites on the various fronts often acted as scattered bands of partisans with little control and discipline. Red forces generally were poorly trained, equipped and led. But Trotsky rapidly transformed the Red Army into a disciplined, effective fighting force comprising several Red armies fighting on multiple fronts. Trotskys first pronouncements on military policy in March 1918 were directed primarily at the party and the Soviets and called for Work, discipline and order. He noted that, in its first assault on power, the Bolsheviks had necessarily been anti-militaristic and had pressed for democracy in the army, electing commanders and challenging orders etc. But the new situation required a new approach that would enable the workers to defeat the enemy. This meant accepting former Tsarist officers who pledged to assist the Soviet government. Not only were they skilled in leadership but also often possessed technical and military knowledge lacking in the largely working-class layers that formed the Red Guards. However, many within the Bolshevik Party, especially the Left Communists, fiercely resisted Trotskys proposals. Stalin, and some of the established Red military leaders, also opposed these ideas. Lenin and a majority of party leaders understood the necessity of adopting Trotskys position. Indeed Lenin took Trotskys theme of discipline, order and utilising skills from the within the old classes and adopted it in a much wider social and economic context, supporting the use of managers, professional and technical experts in running factories and other vital parts of economic life. For Lenin, as with Trotsky, the politics of the moment dictated the course of action. Lenin laid his plans before the All-Russian Soviet Executive in April and they agreed on proposals for military training, new disciplinary codes and utilising the skills and expertise of former Tsarist officers. On 22 April, the government set out the policies in a Decree. Under this policy, all workers and peasants who did not hire labour would receive 12 hours of training over an 8-week period every year. The practice of electing officers was abolished and refusing to obey orders became a punishable offence and capital punishment was reintroduced for the most serious breaches of discipline. In seeking to improve army organisation, Trotsky created provincial, county and township war commissariats responsible, among other things, for the general military training of the adult population. Trotskys scheme for a new Red Army did not pass without serious opposition. In April 1918, when he laid his plans before the All-Russian Soviet Executive, he met with opposition from many quarters. His decision to recruit former army officers provoked much outrage from Mensheviks and Left SRs. Martov accused Trotsky of paving the way for a dictator. More seriously, there was opposition from within the Bolshevik Party. The Left Communists rejected the idea of a centralised standing army and saw the recruitment of former officers as a compromise with the old regime. Although the partys Central Committee backed Trotskys plan it was not without misgivings and much behind-the-scenes complaining. Trotskys position on the issue of hiring former officers and specialists touched on a wider issue of relations with the old order. Trotsky and Lenin recognised the reality that the new state lacked skilled professionals, technicians and managers from among the working class. The choice was to ignore the resources available and build from scratch, or to employ such resources on behalf of the revolution and use such people to help train new generations. However, utilising these elements, who were inevitably conservative in outlook and sceptical of the revolution, carried dangers. Some officers were White sympathisers and later defected. But, in the crisis situation of the summer of 1918, the young new state had little practical alternative. To help offset the bias or deviation of the officer corps, political commissars were attached to all the levels of command in a form of dual power. To prevent officers from sabotage or deserting to the Whites, a register was kept of the officers families to be held as possible hostages. The first to volunteer from the old Imperial Army was General Bonch-Bruevich, who was made head of General Staff. Trotsky discussed with other officers and they came over later in April. At the same time, Trotsky always sought to appoint communists and revolutionaries as officers if they had proven to be effective and disciplined leaders in military combat. Nevertheless, eventually the majority of officers were from the old army, and by the end of 1918, 30,000 former officers of the Tsarist Army were serving in the Red Army. Some proved to be traitors or unreliable and Trotsky used serious disciplinary measures if they stepped out of line, including the death penalty and using the officers family as hostages. As well as creating a strong and centralised army, Trotsky set about establishing improved administration, equipment and supplies. In the conditions of 1918, this was difficult but gradually began to have an impact. This was greatly aided by the fact that Trotskys Deputy at the Supreme War Council, directing its day to day activities, was the brilliant organiser Sklyansky, whom Trotsky described as the Carnot of the Russian Revolution (Lazare Carnot was dubbed the Organiser of the Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars following the French Revolution of 1793). By mid-1918, efforts to re-organise and invigorate the Red Army were still on-going and meeting resistance / Image: public domain Finally, Trotsky laid great store in developing intensive educational and propaganda programmes to instil into the new army conscripts a spirit of commitment and devotion to the cause of the revolution. Agitprop techniques in drama, poster art and other methods were an integral element in creating a determined mood in a fighting, disciplined Red Army. Forging an effective army was one matter but Trotsky also succeeded in reorganising the whole supply and administrative apparatus; again, not without struggle. Once the scale and urgency of the situation was realised, he was able to convince the government of the need to ensure the army was properly equipped and armed. This took time, but the process was started as soon as he took over as amy supremo. It was also quickly realised that a volunteer army was going to be insufficient to build the army rapidly to the level needed. This became apparent by the summer of 1918 and measures of conscription were introduced for working class and peasants only. Before conscription, Trotsky made appeals, especially to the Petrograd and Moscow workers, to volunteer, and many did so. These layers formed the heart of the new army, as they were committed and had self-discipline. In May 1918, the Soviet government resorted to partial mobilisation as a response to the crisis caused by the Czech Legion turning against the Bolsheviks. The country was still war-weary and most of the peasants could not be relied upon, so the order applied only to conscript workers in Moscow and Petrograd, plus some in the regions most affected, such as the Don and Kuban areas; 51 counties in Siberia; the Urals and in the Volga Provinces. In July, orders were made to force those from bourgeois backgrounds aged 18-45 to undertake hard and dirty, non-combative tasks on the home front. This was sometimes carried out harshly. The formerly well-to-do classes in towns and countryside were forbidden to bear arms. Eventually, the principle of mobilisation was extended to young workers and peasants throughout the country. In August 1918, the Red Army numbered 331,000. This increased to 550,000 by September and 800,000 by end of the year. In October Lenin, foreseeing the end of the First World War, called for an Army of 1 million. By mid-1918, efforts to re-organise and invigorate the Red Army were still on-going and meeting resistance. Luckily, the White forces were also ill-organised and fractious, whilst the imperial powers were still locked into the First World War. The initial foreign interventions were all peripheral at Murmansk, Archangel and Vladivostok. In central Russia, the Bolsheviks were able to consolidate their power in comparative safety. The Czech Legion and the deepening civil war By the end of March, Germany and her allies had occupied all the areas ceded under the Brest-Litovsk Treaty. There was no certainty they would stop at the agreed treaty line. Feeling that Petrograd was threatened, the Soviet government was moved to Moscow. One fall-out of the peace agreement was the position of a Czech nationalist force, augmented by 30,000 Czech prisoners of war, that had fought with the Russian army. They were now trapped in Russia. Masaryk, the Czech nationalist leader, wanted to deploy them in France, so as to gain allied support for an independent Czechoslovakia after the war. To that end, he ordered them to make their way across Russia by the Trans-Siberian railway to Vladivostok for embarkation. Until this point, the relationship between Bolsheviks and the Czechs was reasonably good and there had been some collaboration against the advance of Germans into the Ukraine. But, despite an agreement on partial disarming and passage through Russia to the East, relations deteriorated. The more reactionary elements of the Czech leaders, urged on by Russian army officers who also served in the Czech army, led to resistance and a revolt by the Legion in May 1918. The British and French were only too eager to exploit Czech discontent to spark opposition to the Bolsheviks and thus establish new White fronts in the central and eastern areas of Russia. In this they succeeded. A plan by the Soviet Government to split the Czech forces as they made their way to the east led to tension, which boiled over in late May, and the Czech forces revolted, easily taking over several key towns along the Trans-Siberian railway. In many areas the Soviet power was weak and the Red forces lacked discipline and strong leadership. In May, the Czech forces revolted, taking towns along the Trans-Siberian railway / Image: public domain By June 1918, the French had moved from apparent neutrality to actively encouraging the Czech forces to stay and assist anti-Bolshevik elements. They saw the role of the Czechs to secure the Trans-Siberian railway in advance of a Japanese intervention from the East. By July, the Czech force had declared itself to be a new eastern front against Bolshevism. Resistance by Red forces in far eastern Siberia was stronger and the Czechs only managed to secure the areas around the railway near Vladivostok. Two quasi-governments emerged following the success of the Czechs. The Western Siberian Commissariat announced its existence on 1 June. It derived its claim to authority from SRs who had been members of the Constituent Assembly. They declared for democracy, goods exchange and the re-establishment of the Constituent Assembly; and the autonomy of Siberia with its own flag. The general assessment of Siberia is that the peasants and workers were largely passive, not having the main concerns of war, hunger and so on of their western counterparts. They were not especially hostile to the Bolsheviks, but Bolshevism was weak in these territories. The initial Western Siberian Government, which had a radical tinge, was soon replaced by more conservative and reactionary elements and by July a purge and oppression of soviets and left elements began in the areas under its control. The second quasi-government to emerge in the central/eastern region became known as the Samara Government, after a town in the Middle Volga where it was set up. Initially comprising SR Party activists it joined up with parts of the Czech Legion and rapidly Boston-based 90+ Cellars is releasing two limited-edition wines that give back to New England nonprofits. The company is kicking off ski season with a limited-release wine that will help fund a new scholarship program for Vermont students. And in Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Food Bank will benefit from the sale of 90+ Cellar's newest bubbly beverage. The company has released a limited-edition Ski Vermont Cabernet Sauvignon, and $1 of each bottle sold will benefit nonprofit Ski Vermont and its new scholarship program for students. "Ski Vermont and its 20 alpine and 30 cross country area members have long been committed to delivering the top ski experience in the East," Molly Mahar, president of Ski Vermont, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to collaborate with 90+ Cellars, a New England-based company that shares our appreciation for all that makes this corner of the country so special. This partnership allows us to directly invest in the employees and leaders of the future, so they can continue to deliver the topnotch experience that visitors to Vermont's world-class resorts have come to expect." This 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from California is full-bodied and textured with hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, blackberry and warm oak spices. Its label features artwork from one of Ski Vermont's official posters. 90+ Cellars is also releasing Boston Bubbly, a special release Val de Loire Brut that gives back to the Greater Boston Food Bank. The label features a festive illustration of the city's iconic skyline by a local artist. ENFIELD -- Reeling from the loss of anchor stores and mostly empty except for Target, Enfield Square Mall will be sold at auction Dec. 10, according to a posting on the real estate website Loop.net. Banker J.P. Morgan Chase has owned the mall since foreclosing on former owner Centro Enfield defaulted on a $240 million loan. Bidding will be online here. Last year the town, along with Springfield-area business boosters, pitched the site as a possible location for the new Amazon headquarters projects. But the proposal was never a finalist. Earlier this week, Amazon announced plans to build in Virginia and in Queens, New York, and in Tennessee. Centro bought the property in 2006 for $82 million, according to Enfield records. Today, its appraised at $27.5 million. The starting bid at the auction is $3.8 million. The 677,000-square-foot mall was built in 1971. In those days it had G. Fox, JC Penney and Steiger's of Springfield as anchors. Today, Target is all that is left. The Target location at Enfield Square is owned by the mall, not the store, and Target has eight more years left on its lease, according to information provided to bidders by online auction site Ten-X. Additionally, Target recently invested in renovating the store inside and out. Ten-X pitches the Target store as a major moneymaker for the property, indicating that it would likely stay open no matter the redevelopment plans the new owner would bring forth. The auction site says the property is 57.5 percent occupied, a figure that would include the Target, movie theater and Panera restaurant. Macy's, which closed its Enfield location in 2016, still owns the store there, according to Enfield town records. The Mall property includes 66 acres of land. And the auction house tells potential bidders that their plans to rebuild on the site will be enhanced because they will buy it much cheaper than previous owners bought it. Owners of Springfield's Eastfield Mall have disclosed plans to demolish much of that property and create Eastfeild Commons. Eastfield Commons would be a mixed-use residential, office, retail and service complex modeled on West Hartford's Blue Black Square. A federal judge this week sentenced a former Bank of America executive and her husband after the pair pleaded guilty to a $2.7 million embezzlement scheme. Prosecutors say the Rockland couple, who married in 2009, used some of the funds for a $17,000 Kawasaki motorcycle and a "lavish" birthday party. According to court documents, a 40th birthday party at Boston's Liberty Hotel came with a tab of up to $8,000, which included a trip to Mohegan Sun in a rented limo the following day. Palestine "Pam" Ace, a 45-year-old who started as a teller before rising to the level of a senior vice president in Bank of America's global wealth and investment management division and earning $110,000 a year, was sentenced to one year and a day in prison. Her 46-year-old husband Jonathan Ace, a union carpenter, was sentenced to two years in prison. US District Court Judge Allison Burroughs also ordered her to pay $2.7 million in restitution while he was ordered to pay $1.8 million. In February 2018, they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, several counts of wire fraud and multiple counts of engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction. Authorities say the pair set up an embezzlement and kickback scheme that ran from October 2010 to April 2015, defrauding Bank of America through false donations to eight different Boston-area nonprofits. Money was also diverted to nonprofits in Georgia. "As part of the scheme, Palestine Ace used her position as a Senior Vice President at Bank of America to misappropriate funds from a marketing budget and transfer the money to non-profit organizations," US Attorney Andrew Lelling's office said in a release. "Specifically, Palestine Ace authorized 75 transactions, each under $50,000, to non-profit organizations in Boston and Atlanta," the office added. "Then, the couple, either directly or indirectly, informed the non-profit organizations that a substantial portion of the donated funds had to be returned in order to ensure that Bank of America would continue to fund the organization." Since losing her job at Bank of America, Palestine Ace has worked as a personal shopper, babysitter and house cleaner. Her attorneys wrote in a sentencing memo earlier this year, "She acted, in part, out of a desire to help the charities (and indeed gave money to two Boston charities without kickbacks), but there is no denying that she acted also for personal gain, and that her actions, even in diverting unauthorized funds where she did not personally gain, were a betrayal of the trust she had garnered through her decades of work at the bank." Prosecutors, in their own memo, noted that before the Liberty Hotel birthday party, Palestine Ace had a pair of shoes valued at $1,200 sent to her office for the event. She also bought a 2014 Lexus SUV. "The party, the Lexus, and the limousine had nothing to do with charity," prosecutors said in their memo. A young man lost a part of his leg in a wood chipper in South Yarmouth early Friday morning, police said. Police received a 911 call about a man who had lost a portion of his leg after being trapped and seriously injured in a wood chipper at a home on Highbank Road in South Yarmouth at about 9:49 a.m. The man is not being identified at this time. When police and firefighter arrived at the home they "found a young man....bleeding profusely and being treated by fellow landscaping company employees," police wrote in a news release. Emergency workers tied a tourniquet around the man's leg and rushed him to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Police described the man's injuries as life-threatening. Crews requested a medical flight, but the helicopter was unable to fly because of weather conditions, police said. "Our hopes and prayers are with the injured young man and all those involved with saving his life," police wrote in the news release. The Yarmouth Police detectives are investigating the incident and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified. BECKET - The man killed in a worksite accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike Thursday afternoon has been identified as 26-year-old Brian M. Simard of North Adams. The Berkshire District Attorney's office released the name of the victim Friday afternoon. The accident occurred about 1:45 p.m. All westbound lanes of Interstate-90 were closed for several hours at the 17.2 mile marker near Westfield, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The investigation is being conducted by state police detectives assigned to the district Attorney's office, the state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the state police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, the Crime Scene Service Section of the state police, state troopers assigned to the Westfield barracks, Mass DOT and members of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. SPRINGFIELD - For the past year Jesus Flores worked at Fantastico Restaurant doing prepping food, serving customers and doing anything else that was needed at the business. And he always did it with a smile and sometimes a joke, said Nino Settembre, the owner of the restaurant at Tower Square. Now Settembre, his employees and his customers are mourning the death of Flores, 48, who was wounded by gunfire on Nov. 3 and hospitalized with serious injuries. He died on Tuesday, said James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. "He was a super nice guy. He was really funny and so friendly with my customers," Settembre said. Springfield Police and the Hampden District Attorney's office continue to investigate the homicide, which is the 16th in the city this year. Flores was shot around 10:40 p.m. Police responding to an audio ShotSpotter activation found him injured on the sidewalk on Waltham Avenue, Leydon said. Settembre said he hired Flores a little more than a year ago after a friend and fellow restaurant owner told him Flores had worked for in the past recommended him for the open job. "He has been around the restaurant businesses for years," he said adding Flores had work in the past at 350 Grill in Springfield and Bru Burgers in Agawam. Flores grew up in Brooklyn but has been in Springfield for years. He told his boss that sometime after he graduated from high school he came to Western Massachusetts for a visit and landed a job while he was here, liked it and ended up staying, Settembre said. "We are stunned," Settembre said about his friend's death. "He was on the straight and narrow as long as I knew him." Flores lived in Springfield with his long-time girlfriend and was raising her 13-year-old boy who has autism, he said. Another friend who did not want to be named said Flores was hard-working and a dedicated father. "He was such a good guy. He was always smiling and laughing and he was into sports," she said. Funeral services for Flore are expected to be held in Brooklyn but some friends of his are planning a gathering in Holyoke to remember him. Plans have not been completed yet, Settembre said. District Attorney Anthony Gulluni also expressed his sympathies to the family of Flores, Leydon said. There have been no arrests in the homicide. Anyone who saw anything the night of the shooting or has any information about the crime is asked to call Springfield police detectives at 413-787-6355, he said. WEST SPRINGFIELD - A GoFundMe Page is seeking donations to help the Dominican nuns make $145,000 in repairs to their Monastery of the Mother of God. The fund-raiser, initiated by lay Dominicans of the Mother of God chapter, is to address water damage to a hall used by the Dominican Laity, resultant structural damage to the monastery's foundation and repairs to the chapel's steeple as well as removal of asbestos and mold, according to an article on iobserve.org. The GoFundMe Page notes a future hope is for a portable wheelchair ramp for the increasingly smaller group of nuns who wear the traditional habit of their community and live an enclosed life of common prayer, study and worship. The hilltop monastery overlooking busy Riverdale Street with the air of a medieval sanctuary has been home to the nuns since the late 1920s. Founded as a contemplative order by St. Dominic in 13th century France, the public may attend Mass at the monastery though many individuals are familiar with the monastery through the hand-made cards that may be ordered from the cloistered nuns for special occasions. Dominican Contemplative Nuns pre-date Dominic's founding of the Friars of the Order of Preachers whose members do not live in enclosed monastery. The Dominicans are mendicant orders, meaning their members take a vow of poverty and support themselves through donations and work. The Dominicans also follow the Rule of St. Augustine, which stresses a life of simplicity and community. Dominican Sister Mary of the Immaculate Heart, monastery prioress, told iobserve, part of Catholic Communications of the Springfield Diocese, that she is thankful to the Dominican Laity for the GoFundMe effort and her community is "most grateful for any and all donations towards what we dub an extraordinary maintenance project." Another member of the Massachusetts Environmental Police is under investigation. Patrick Robert, who made $84,190 as an officer in 2017, can be added to the number of people who have fallen under scrutiny at the scandal-wracked law enforcement agency. But the scrutiny is happening behind closed doors. Gov. Charlie Baker's energy and environmental affairs agency, which oversees the Environmental Police, isn't releasing what Robert's status is, the cause of the investigation, or whether it's a criminal or administrative investigation. According to the agency's website, Environmental Police officers enforce fish and game laws and handle "protection of natural resources, homeland security and law enforcement, safety education, and accident investigation." MassLive obtained an email from a union steward to Environmental Police officers, dated January 2017, saying that Robert is under investigation for "hunting/fishing without a license," essentially violating something he is tasked with enforcing. He was also being probed for "interfering with an active investigation." The union email claimed there was enough "drama" involved that it would take "3 pages" to type up. Robert did not respond to messages seeking comment. Peter Lorenz, a spokesman for Baker's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, run by Secretary Matt Beaton, said they could not comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The opaque response from the state agency comes after the ouster of Col. James McGinn, a retired State Police sergeant who served as Baker's campaign driver in the 2014 campaign. After the campaign, McGinn was tapped to head up the Environmental Police. During his tenure, the agency saw one scandal after another, from a controversial split-shift policy to allegations of political retaliation against an employee whose fiance was running as a Democrat against a Republican state senator. Beaton fired McGinn in October following an internal investigation that revealed McGinn was secretly spying on employees and involved in a ticket-fixing scandal. Robert had previously been identified in 2016 as part of a group of Environmental Police officers who stay "at home during their shifts, their take-home state trucks parked outside," WCVB-TV reported. When MassLive this past October put in a public records request for documents relating to Officer Robert and incidents from 2016, the legal counsel for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs asked for an extension past Nov. 2 in order to process the request. They asked for a delay until Nov. 9, three days after the state election. After some prodding, the legal counsel finally responded on Nov. 13, and said they are withholding records "because they are under consideration in an open investigation involving Officer Robert." The agency's attorney claimed "premature disclosure" of the records would jeopardize the investigation. BOSTON - A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted a Mexican national for the Sept. 23 murder of a crew member aboard a fishing vessel 55 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 27, is charged with single counts of second-degree murder, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to the office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew E. Lelling. Vazquez, who entered the United States illegally, was working as one of seven crew members on the Captain Billy Haver, a scallop vessel based in Newport News, Virginia. He is accused to killing one crewman, identified as Javier Rangel Sosa, 54, with a hammer and assaulting another with a knife. The attack caused the captain of the boat to broadcast a call for help over the distress channel. "Mayday mayday mayday! Can anyone hear me?" the captain can be heard in a recording of the distress call. "We have a man gone crazy here on the boat, man." A passing German cruise ship responded to give assistance. Vazquez was taken into custody by the U.S. Coast Guard in Boston. He remains in custody. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Vazquez entered the United States illegally 17 years ago. On March 9, he was arrested in Newport News, Virginia for abduction by force, intimidation, and deception. Those charges stem from a compliant from his wife that he attacked her. He was released on bail. If convicted he faces a charge of up to life in prison on the murder charge. If he is released from prison, he is subject to deportation hearings. HARDWICK -- Selectmen at a meeting Wednesday told the town's police officers that mold and asbestos problems inside the station require the permanent closure of the facility. Hardwick selectmen met jointly with their New Braintree counterparts to discuss the matter, as Hardwick police also patrol in New Braintree in accordance with an inter-municipal agreement. The two Worcester County boards agreed that for now, Hardwick police headquarters would be moved to New Braintree Town Hall. The force, which has been located for years in the basement of the municipal building at 307 Main St. in the Gilbertville village, was expected to begin relocating on Thursday, with operations up and running in New Braintree by the weekend, officials said at Wednesday's meeting. The meeting was prompted by a grievance filed by the Hardwick patrolman's union, which said the asbestos and mold dangers had rendered their workplace unsafe. Several officers spoke during the meeting, asking Hardwick selectmen what the long-term solution would be. State Sen. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, attended the meeting. She said she had filed legislation that Gov. Charlie Baker signed in August creating an "earmark" of at least $1 million in the form of a bond the governor can release in the future to construct a police station in Hardwick. The officers also quizzed selectmen about potential health risks to them posed by exposure to asbestos and mold. Selectmen said all police department employees, municipal employees who work on the first floor and anyone else that frequented the 307 Main St. building would be tested at the town's expense. The police matron, who is also the department's secretary, told selectmen: "The air is really bad and it has affected me." Alan Joubert told selectmen police officers in town have toiled in unsafe quarters for decades. He showed them his original appointment card, from 1976, when he was first named an officer with the Hardwick police department. After 42 years, "we still don't have a real police station," Joubert said. The officer subsequently enlisted with Massachusetts state police, and earned the rank of sergeant before retiring. An unused 60-foot by 60-foot wooden building the town owns on Lower Road was mentioned by selectmen and the officers as a potential site for a new station in Hardwick, with the idea being to renovate the structure. No decision was made on when, nor where, Hardwick police would return to a headquarters in their town. State Rep. Donald Berthiaume, R-Spencer, also attended the meeting. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) Ive always looked at my dogs as these conductors of happiness, like time spent with them is an escape from the real world. When I used to live at home with my parents, Id take my dogs into my room to decompress after a bad day. Now that Ive moved out I dont get to see them that much, which is probably why Ive followed about a dozen or so internet-famous dogs on Instagram, and why my Facebook timeline is pretty much just memes and photos now from groups like Heckin Big Group of Dank Doggos and our local version of Whos your pupper, senpai? Ive gotten so used to seeing doggos and puppers as memes as a breather from the increasingly dominant bad news on my social media feeds that watching Netflixs documentary series, Dogs, took me by surprise. I was expecting the 50-minute video equivalent of a meme, or an extended cut of those heartwarming videos from The Dodo. But Dogs is kind of the opposite of those things. Instead of letting me turn away from the harsh realities of the world, I found myself confronting them. And that isnt necessarily a bad thing. Produced by Glen Zipper and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Amy Berg, the 6-episode docu-series follows the stories of people (and the pups they love) from all over the world. In the first episode, The Kid with a Dog, we meet 11-year-old Corrine, who has a severe form of epilepsy, and who is days away from meeting Rory, her would-be service dog. Bravo, Zeus introduces us to Ayham, a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Berlin, whose best friend Zeus is a Siberian Husky who remains trapped in the middle of war-torn Damascus. In episode three, Ice on the Water, we meet Alessandro, a fisherman in a sleepy Italian town with a dwindling fish supply, and his 10 year old Labrador retriever, Ice, who accompanies him on his fishing trips. Episode four, Scissors Down, takes us back and forth between Japan and America and into the world of competitive dog grooming. In episode five, Territorio De Zaguates, were taken to Costa Rica, where a small group of people struggle to keep a sanctuary for over 1,000 street dogs, or zaguates, afloat amid money problems. Lastly, Second Chances takes us to New York and its community of animal rescuers and adopters. Dogs have been a part of human lives for as far back as 20,000 years ago. Some scientists even speculate that the earliest evidence of domestication dates back 40,000 years. Theres also evidence of parallel evolution between dogs and humans. All of that just means that the story of dogs is also the story of humans theyre inextricable. These creatures have accompanied us through time and have seen and, in one way or another, helped us face our biggest trials. That sounds like a mighty big statement, but that is the statement that underscores the series as, episode after episode, you see the lengths humans go to to take care of their furry friends, and why wouldnt they if dogs havent done the same for us? Take the people who run the Costa Rican sanctuary for dogs, for example. Despite having barely any resources but the vast land they own, the group continues accepting dogs into their sanctuary, sweeping the streets for abandoned pups. But I think Bravo, Zeus is the clearest example of this, as Ayhams friends in Syria risk their lives to protect and transport Zeus to Germany; all while forcing us to experience and understand the Syrian refugee crisis. For the most part, Dogs expertly weaves socio-political issues into its stories. For Alessandro, theres the looming threat of a depleting livelihood source in a small town. For the dog-obsessed women of Japan (featured in Scissors Down), theres the expectation to leave ones career for motherhood, which they whether consciously or not avoid by treating their dogs like the children they cant, or choose not to, have. Some stories are more intimate and personal, like that of Corinne and her service dog, Rory. For Corinne, Rory is a literal lifesaver, who has been trained to determine an incoming seizure by scent, and whose job is to alert her family so she can receive proper care. This episode is the biggest tear-jerker of all, though most of the others come close. You feel for Corinne, who just wants to live a normal life, be seen as a normal girl, and her family, who is constantly on edge because of the severity of her condition. Rorys arrival offers a remedy to both. Dogs is a surprising take on our relationship with these furry creatures a painfully relevant one. As we come to realize just how much turmoil is going on in our world, were forced to see that were not the only ones affected by our actions. But for all that it tries to tackle, Dogs is still a pretty easy watch. And yes, a hopeful one. There are many lighthearted moments and ones thatll make you squeal aww. My favorites are watching Ice fall asleep at the dinner table like an exhausted grandpa and seeing Zeus sing when Ayham video calls him. If youre a fan of dogs, youll quickly devour this series, albeit through tears and dozens of tissues. *** Dogs is out on Netflix Nov. 16. The slogan for Monte's March is "Two days. Three counties. 43 miles," and this year there's an added goal of surpassing the $1 million mark. Next week, the march is back for a ninth year raising money for and awareness of hunger in Western Massachusetts. On Monday and Tuesday, Monte Belmonte of WRSI 93.9 FM The River will be pushing a shopping cart 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise funds for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Every year Belmonte broadcasts live during his march, encouraging his listeners to donate. The walk pauses Monday night with a dinner at the Sierra Grille in Northampton. It concludes Tuesday night with a benefit concert at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. The walks began in 2010 and have raised a total of $883,000 for the Food Bank, which provides meals to people experiencing hunger. "The support we see from everyone, in every town, over the two days of Monte's March is absolutely amazing," said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank, who will join Belmonte for all 43 miles of the march. "It is truly inspiring to see everyone come together to help their neighbors in need and strengthen our community." More than 223,000 people in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties are affected by food insecurity, according to the Food Bank. Nearly 33 percent of those people are children under the age of 18, and approximately 15 percent are seniors over the age of 65. From Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018, the Food Bank distributed 11.6 million pounds of food -- the equivalent of approximately 9,676,000 meals. To participate in the walk or to donate, visit foodbankwma.org. All eastbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike have been shutdown following a multi-vehicle crash in Sturbridge. Massachusetts State Police told MassLive four tractor-trailers were involved and are blocking the roadway, shutting down all lanes. State Police said there were no injuries in the crash and cleanup was still underway as of 9 a.m. The National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency investigating Columbia Gas and the massive explosions and fires that hit the Greater Lawrence area on Sept. 13, on Thursday issued a series of safety recommendations labeled "urgent." Had the company acted differently, the incident likely could have been avoided, the agency added. Columbia Gas, the utility owned by parent company NiSource and accused of being behind the fires and explosions, had "omissions" in work documents for its project near South Union Street and Salem Street in Lawrence, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The agency called for a change in company policies. The explosions and fires damaged 131 structures, killed one person, drove thousands from their homes, and sent to the hospital at least 21 people, including two firefighters. At least 5 homes were destroyed the incident, which was likely caused by over-pressurization. A comprehensive review, along with the "seal of approval" from a professional engineer, would "likely have identified the omission of the regulator-sensing lines, thereby preventing the error that led to the accident," the NTSB report said. Neither the state nor Columbia Gas policy requires a registered professional engineer develop or review public utility engineering plans, according to the report. The NTSB, which is continuing its investigation, called for NiSource to make organizational changes as well as revise plans and review processes across all subsidiaries to ensure that plans are checked for accuracy and that documents or plans have the seal of approval from a professional engineer before the work begins. The federal agency also called on state officials to require approval from professional engineers for public utility work. The initial NTSB report drew a scathing response from US Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, who said Columbia Gas "failed to keep track" of projects and did not prioritize safety. "In response to our questions on how and why Columbia Gas could have been operating so blindly and so dangerously, the company has provided us with inadequate answers and tragically deficient company policies," the two Massachusetts senators said in a statement. "The families still without gas in freezing temperatures deserve answers, and we expect Columbia Gas to provide them when it testifies before the Senate Commerce Committee on November 26 in Lawrence," they added. "And we call on NiSource to implement these recommendations immediately." For its part, the company said in a statement they're reviewing the report. "Since the September 13th event, NiSource has identified, and moved ahead with, new steps to enhance system safety and reliability and to safeguard against over pressurization," the company said. "Some of these measures have already been completed and others are in process. The company said they've already committed to a $150 million proposal to install over-pressurization protection devices and remote monitoring of low-pressure systems "so that gas control centers have an ability to monitor pressure at regulator stations in real time, 24/7." "NiSource has an obligation to our customers, employees, and partners to continuously evaluate risk from a systemic perspective--and our commitment to safety remains steadfast," the company said. The company, which is also facing a federal criminal investigation, is aiming to finish service restoration efforts by mid-December. According to its Nov. 15 update, 3,835 residential meters have restored gas service, representing 52 percent of a total of 7,500 meters serving 10,000 dwellings. Among business meters, 70 percent of a total of 685 have restored gas service. The company said 1,805 families are in temporary housing and 382 families have returned to their homes with restored gas service. Connecticut state police are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of guitarist Oli Herbert of the Springfield metal band All That Remains, who drowned in a pond behind his Stafford Springs home last month. State police sources told The Hartford Courant they are treating Herbert's death as suspicious at this point. The Eastern District Major Crime Squad is investigating. Calls by The Republican to Connecticut State Police in Tolland assigned to the case have gone unreturned. While Connecticut's medical examiner's office ruled that Herbert drowned, it called the manner of death "undetermined." The manner of death is usually listed as homicide, suicide or accident. In a since deleted Facebook posting on Saturday, Herbert's widow, Beth, wrote: "Oli was apparently self-treating for manic-depression that has run in his family for several generations. Anti-depressants were found in his system, as well as a sleep aid. The psych meds found in his system were the same ones that a close relative has been prescribed for a long time, so he knew what to hunt down for the "treatment". Seeing how he was not going (and WOULDN'T GO) to a doctor to get diagnosed with the issue and was not being prescribed the medications and monitored on them, it explains his occasional erratic behavior here at home." The guitarist's wife of 14 years urged anyone with information on who provided her late husband with psychiatric medication to contact the Connecticut State Police, Troop C. in Tolland, Conn. Beth Herbert also stated a memorial service planned for Nov. 11 in Worcester was canceled because of concerns for her physical safety. Reached by Rock Feed on Thursday, Beth Herbert referred all questions to her lawyer. Some fans have espoused various theories surrounding the 44-year-old guitarist's death and a Facebook page, Justice for Oli Herbert, has 7,400 likes. Herbert began playing guitar at 14. His first paid gig was a Battle of the Bands on his final day of his senior year at Longmeadow High School. He made a name for himself in Western Massachusetts clubs with Netherworld, a thrash metal band he formed in 1991. Herbert co-founded All That Remains with Phil Labonte in 1998. Labonte told a radio interviewer he was shocked by the death of his bandmate. "He would go hang out with people and stuff, but he didn't really do a lot of drinking. ... He didn't do drugs, he didn't really drink a lot." NORTHAMPTON - A 53-year-old South Carolina man was found guilty of drugging and raping a woman in a Northampton hotel room in 2014, according to the office of Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan. Christopher F. Hoime of North Myrtle Beach was convicted by a jury on Friday of a single count of rape following a five day trial. According to prosecutors, Hoime managed to drug a woman following a night out in Northampton. He then brought her back to his hotel room and proceeded to rape her. The woman, whose name was not disclosed to the press, told police that during the rape she faded in and out of consciousness. After the verdict was announced, Hoime's bail was revoked and he was ordered held until sentencing. No sentencing date has been announced. The investigation was led by Sgt. Patrick Moody of the Northampton police, and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Suhl, Chief of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit. Courthouses across Massachusetts were overwhelmed with tears of joy as they celebrated National Adoption Day, an event that raises awareness of thousands of Bay State children in need of adoptive families. More than 130 children who had been in state foster care had adoptions. Some of the adoptive parents are relatives of the children -- grandparents, aunts, uncles and other extended family -- while others had been providing temporary foster care to the children. "Since its inception almost two decades ago, National Adoption Day provides a necessary and focused opportunity to support and celebrate the tens of thousands of children who have been adopted," said Lisa Funaro, executive director of Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange. During the ceremony at Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Springfield, State Rep. Michael Finn, D-West Springfield, told the crowd he was adopted by his parents in 1970. "As I stand here, at National Adoption Day, it's a reminder why adoption is so important and how blessed I am to have been given every opportunity in the world and every accomplishment that I have been able to have is a direct result from love and care that I was given as a young child," Finn said. "Western Massachusetts has probably the largest percentage of kids that need to be adopted," said Maurine Albano, Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange's child services coordinator. "It's increasing every day because we have a small population pool out here to pull from. "These kids have to wait the longest for adoptive families. We have to go to neighboring states like Connecticut, New York, Vermont and Rhode Island to find families for them. Unfortunately the process takes a long time for that to happen," Albano said. After the ceremony, a formal adoption ceremony followed. Judges and adopting parents signed the official adoption certificates, and children had the chance to bang the judge's gavel to make it all official in Juvenile and Probate & Family Court courtrooms. National Adoption Day is supported by the Massachusetts Court Improvement Program, which received federal funds and is administered by the Supreme Judicial Court. To learn more about adoption from foster care in general, visit www.mareinc.org, or call 617-964-MARE (6273). Through its Foster MA campaign, the state Department of Children and Families continues to grow its community of foster parents and pre-adoptive parents. Information is available at www.mass.gov/foster-care or by calling 800-543-7508. Commuters traveling east past Charlton are urged to avoid the Massachusetts Turnpike Friday morning. Massachusetts State Police told MassLive four tractor-trailers crashed in the eastbound lanes early Friday morning, blocking the roadway. A multi-mile backup formed and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation says all traffic is being diverted off Exit 8 in Palmer. State Police said there were no injuries in the crash and cleanup was still underway as of 9 a.m. It's unclear when the lanes will reopen. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced late Thursday that the speed limit has been reduced for travel along the Mass. Pike to 40 miles per hour between the New York border and Interchange 11 in Millbury. With recent reports raising concerns about mistreatment and unsafe conditions at several for-profit immigration detention centers, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, pressed private contractors Friday for details on whether they are meeting federal detention standards. The Democrats, along with other Senate colleagues, sent letters to GEO Group and CoreCivic requesting information on the immigration detention facilities they operate in the United States, including copies of their federal contracts, inspection records and waivers for cited deficiencies. The senators, in a second letter, called on Nakamoto Group, a private company responsible for auditing immigration detention facilities, to address questions raised about the effectiveness of its inspections and whether the company is complying with its government contract. Noting that nearly two-thirds of the 40,000 immigrants currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were held in private facilities as of September, Warren and Markey raised concerns about CoreCivic and GEO Group's "aggressive lobbying efforts" to secure federal contracts and promote policies that increase its profits. They pointed to money the companies spent lobbying Congress, political candidates and President Donald Trump in recent years -- donations which they argued "paid off" as the Trump administration's immigration agenda has "filled private facilities with migrant adults and children." CoreCivic, for example, has received taxpayer-funded contracts worth $225 million to manage ICE immigration detention facilities since 2017, while GEO Group and its subsidiaries have received over $4 billion from federal contracts in the last decade, including $560 million in just the last two fiscal years, the senators contended. Although CoreCivic and GEO Group have won such contracts, Warren and Markey said it is unclear whether they are serving as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and abiding by ICE immigrant detention standards. The senators pointed to Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General reviews that they said found "immigrant detention facilities had spoiled and moldy food, that detainees did not have access to hot water, some showers lacked cold water, detainees had limited access to prompt and adequate medical care and that detainees were not promptly given (or not given at all) basic hygiene products such as toilet paper and toothpaste." The senators said the inspector general also noted "deeply troubling" findings at facilities run by both GEO Group and CoreCivic, including violations that undermined the protection of detainees' rights, humane treatment and safe and healthy environment, among other things. It further found that ICE "inappropriately" granted waivers to exempt facilities from correcting violations, they offered. "These reports and the results of the OIG investigations indicate that the perverse profit incentive at the core of the private prison business model has resulted in GEO Group and CoreCivic boosting profits by cutting costs on expenditures including food, health care, and sufficient pay and training for guards and prison staff," the senators argued. Warren and Markey added that while detention centers are overseen by federal inspectors and a private auditor, "internal reviews from ICE employees suggest the Nakamoto inspections are 'useless' and 'very, very, very difficult to fail.'" The inspector general found that when government inspectors examined the same facilities as Nakamoto, the government often identified more than twice as many violations, the senators contended. "Ineffective and infrequent oversight raises questions about the severity of detention center conditions in your facilities and whether violations are underreported," they wrote, asking the companies to provide information on their detention center operations by Nov. 30. Specifically, they requested information about each of the immigration detention facilities operated by GEO Group and CoreCivic, including their inspection records, audit results and details about deficiencies cited in reviews. The senators further asked Nakamoto Group to respond with information about the company's compliance with its government contract and the effectiveness of its inspections. GEO Group spokesman Pablo Paez said Friday that the company had received the senators' letter and looked "forward to addressing the many misconceptions and misrepresentations contained in it." "While there has been a deliberate attempt to mischaracterize our role as a service provider to the federal government, our company has in fact never managed any facilities that house unaccompanied minors nor have we ever played a role in any policies related to the separation of families. Additionally, despite inaccurate claims to the contrary, our company has never advocated for or against immigration enforcement or detention policies," he said in a statement. "For over three decades, we have been a service provider to the federal government under both Democratic and Republican Administrations, managing special-purpose centers that deliver high quality services to adults in the care of federal immigration authorities in compliance with Performance-Based National Detention Standards set by the federal government as well as independent guidelines set by third-party accreditation entities." Johnny Choate, GEO Group facility administrator for the Aurora ICE Processing Center, said in an August The Hill op-ed that "charges of little accountability or oversight at (the company's) operations are flatly wrong." CoreCivic, in a June statement, meanwhile, stressed that it "cares deeply about every person in (its) care." "All of our immigration facilities are monitored very closely by the government, and each and every one is required to undergo regular review and audit processes that include ensuring an appropriate standard of living for all detainees," it said. "More than 500 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are currently assigned to CoreCivic's eight detention facilities. CoreCivic has partnered with the federal government to operate detention facilities for more than 30 years, and we've worked with both Democrat and Republican administrations to meet their detention needs." Other lawmakers to sign the Friday letters included: U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon; Kamala Harris, D-California; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York; Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut; Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont; Cory Booker, D-New Jersey; Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii; Tom Udall, D-New Mexico; and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon. Opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts are gradually declining, but the abuse of fentanyl is a growing and dangerous, problem, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Health. "We've made a lot of progress, but we still have a long way to go," Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday, a day before the statistics were released, speaking about opioid addiction at a conference of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans. The latest DPH statistics found a slight drop in opioid-related overdose deaths over last year. In the first nine months of 2018, there were 1,518 confirmed and estimated overdose deaths, compared to 1,538 in the first nine months of 2017. There were an estimated 474 deaths between July and September 2018, only the second quarter since 2015 that the number of overdose deaths in the state dropped below 500. The number of deaths also dropped by 4 percent between 2016 and 2017, indicating that the state may be moving in a positive direction after five years of massive increases. But at the same time, new drugs are causing more damage. Fentanyl, a strong synthetic opioid similar to heroin, can be prescribed for severe pain, but can also be manufactured illicitly. The use of primarily illicit fentanyl has skyrocketed in the last couple of years, and fentanyl is now found in 90 percent of overdose deaths for which a toxicology screen is available. By comparison, heroin, cocaine and benzodiazepines were each present in around 40 percent of deaths. Baker called fentanyl "terrifying and deadly," and said it is the most dangerous street drug now in Massachusetts. The Legislature this past session passed bills to help prosecutors better crack down on fentanyl trafficking. Baker has asked lawmakers for another $5 million to help municipal police coordinate to catch fentanyl dealers. Massachusetts lawmakers and Baker have also taken steps to reduce the prescription of opioids -- limiting the size of first-time prescriptions, bringing together medical schools to teach doctors about the dangers of addiction, allowing patients to partially fill prescriptions and requiring doctors to check a prescription monitoring service before issuing a new prescription. The number of opioid prescriptions in Massachusetts has declined over time, and the presence of prescription drugs in overdose deaths has also declined, to 17 percent last quarter. A disproportionate number of those who are dying of overdoses are men ages 25 to 44. There are also racial disparities. Overdose deaths rose by 44 percent among blacks between 2016 and 2017. The latest data show that 4 percent of all deaths so far in 2018 were Hispanics, but Hispanics represent 11 percent of opioid overdose deaths. Baker said, in his speech Thursday, that he believes one of the accomplishments of his administration is in reducing the stigma around addiction and encouraging organizations to experiment with ways of treating addiction. "One of the things we've tried to do as an administration is make it possible for people to talk more openly and forcefully about this stuff," Baker said, although he noted that many individuals and family members still do not feel comfortable seeking help. President Donald Trump said Friday that the White House is creating "rules and regulations" regarding reporters' decorum at news conferences following a recent clash with CNN correspondent Jim Acosta. Shortly after a federal judge ordered the White House to immediately reinstate Acosta's security pass, the president told reporters that officials were developing decorum standards to prevent future incidents. "We want total freedom of the press. It's more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect when you're at the White house," he said, according to White House pool reports. "When I see the way some of my people get treated at news conferences, it's terrible. So we're setting up a certain standard, which is what the court is requesting." Trump added that "if they don't listen to the rules and regulations, we'll end up back in court and we'll win." The president, who has repeatedly sparred with media outlets and referred to some as "fake news," further told reporters that he and other administration officials also "always have the option of leaving" news conferences. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also confirmed the administration's intent to draft rules regarding reporter conduct in response to the court's ruling. "Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter's hard pass," she said in a Friday morning statement. "We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House." U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the Trump administration Friday to return Acosta's press credentials, granting CNN's request for the reporter's White House access to be temporarily restored as a lawsuit over the revocation continued. The White House suspended Acosta's press access last week, claiming that he "put his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern." CNN, in response, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., alleging that Acosta and CNN's First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated by the ban. Fox News, the Associated Press, NBC News, The New York Times, USA Today, Politico, Bloomberg, The Washington Post and others offered support for CNN's legal challenge in a joint statement. "Our news organizations support the fundamental constitutional right to question the President, or any President. We will be filing friend-of-the-court briefs to support CNN's and Jim Acosta's lawsuit based on these principles," they said. Healthcare asset management offers a practical solution for the optimization and effective use of medical devices, managing inventory, reducing the chances of human error. Over the past few years, the healthcare asset management is growing pervasively mainly due to the growing healthcare sector and the increasing number of pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, the growing concerns of drug counterfeiting and the increasing acceptance of advanced technologies in the healthcare sector are escalating the market on the global platform. Get Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6335 Recognizing the impressive growth records, the market is witnessing currently, Market Research Future (MRFR) in its recently published study report asserts that the global healthcare asset management market will garner exponential accruals by 2023 registering a staggering CAGR of 18.2% during the assessment period (2018-2023). Vendors offering healthcare asset management services have been continually implementing the innovating ideas as a foray to improve the customer experience. Market players are targeting healthcare facilities of all sizes, offering affordable options for all users and their digital asset needs. These solutions provide low-cost options and the rapid deployment of services. However, to ensure security, pharma-companies need to comply with government regulations. The medical devices industry is gradually focusing on the digital medium to market their products. The popularity of the Internet and widespread use of mobile devices, along with rising online usages, together have encouraged companies to consider these solutions as an add-on factor to boost development initiatives. On the other hand, factors such as increasing concerns about patient safety, accuracy issues associated with the devices, expensive healthcare asset management tools, and poor implementation due to organizational and infrastructure problems are expected to impede the market growth during the assessment period. Healthcare Asset Management Market Segments The market can be segmented into four key dynamics for enhanced understanding; By Products : Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) Devices and Ultrasound & Infrared Tags among others. By Applications : Hospital Asset Management and Others. By End-Users : Hospital, Laboratory, and Pharmaceutical, among others. By Regions : Europe, North America, APAC and Rest-of-the-World. Healthcare Asset Management Regional Analysis Globally, the North American region accounts for the leading market for healthcare asset management with the largest market share. Factors substantiating the market growth include high adoption rate of advanced technologies, increasing demand for new technology to stop drug counterfeiting along with the presence of a huge network of healthcare service providers and a well-established healthcare system. With the substantial investments transpired into the field of technological development, fervent market players are offering cutting-edge technologies. Simultaneously, availability of a well-established infrastructure in the region provides impetus to the market growth, allowing faster implementation of advanced technologies. The U.S. and Canada are the markets in the region owing to the increasing technological advancements in these countries. The region is projected to retain its hegemony in the global market, continuing with the same growth trends. The European region accounts for the second-largest market for healthcare asset management owing to the demand from the burgeoning healthcare sector. Certainly, the resurging economy is playing a vital role in the growth of the market supporting the proliferation of healthcare facilities in the region. Moreover, factors such as government funding support coupled with increasing research and development in the healthcare sector drive the market growth in the region. Furthermore, increasing cases of drug counterfeiting is propelling the growth of healthcare asset management services The Asia Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a promising market for healthcare asset management, witnessing a healthy growth. Factors such as the growing healthcare sector increasing with population and urbanization coupled with the improving economy in the region foster the market growth. Growing markets of APAC countries such as China and India are driving the market growth, attracting the international players in the region. The high uptake of technology in the region is also one of the driving forces of the market growth. Asia Pacific market has been valuing greatly over the past few years which are likely to continue further over the forecast period. Furthermore, factors such as the increasing demand for easy to use asset management software, increasing digitalization, and investments in healthcare and expansions by market players in the region are fuelling the market growth. Browse Complete 85 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/healthcare-asset-management-market-6335 Healthcare Asset Management Market Competitive Analysis The healthcare asset management market is adorned by numerous major players having the geographical presence with the lions share in the market. Well-established vendors operating in the digital asset management market compete based on pricing, innovation, service, reputation. However, the significant growth and the immense revenue generation opportunities that the APAC market is demonstrating is attracting several entrants to the market. The cooperation strategy within the ecosystem is enabling the technology integrators to enter into a licensing agreement with the digital asset management technology providers. Key Players: The market leaders profiled in the MRFR analysis include Airista Flow, cenTrak, IBM Corporation, GE Healthcare, Infor Inc., Intelligent InSites, Tyco Security Products., Motorola Solutions, Inc., JADAK (a Novanta Company), Radianse, Sonitor Technologies, Siemens Healthineers, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., and Ekahau, Inc. Industry/ Innovation /Related News: October 12, 2018 First Health Advisory Solutions (US), a leader in medical device security services, and Zingbox (US), a leading provider of the most widely deployed healthcare Internet of Things (IoT) analytics platform, announced a strategic partnership to offer comprehensive security & operations solutions for connected healthcare assets. The partnership is expected to offer a unified approach to manage the ever-increasing reliance on the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). This will further relieve healthcare delivery organizations of operational and technical challenges of identifying, securing and maintaining all types of connected assets. 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 Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Devices Market Scenario The Global Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Devices Market is expected to show promising growth by the end of the forecasted period with a CAGR of 8.5%. Hearing screening and diagnostic devices are the instruments used in the treatment of deafness. Hearing loss can arise from hereditary as well as non-hereditary factors or due to certain complications during childbirth. The market for hearing screening and diagnostic devices is expanding worldwide due to driving factors such as increasing geriatric population, the rise in the patient pool due to increasing levels of noise pollution along with ear infections, birth complications, and genetic disorders. Furthermore, continuous technological advancements in medical devices and government fundings in clinical research has fueled the growth of the market. However, the high cost of the implant devices may hamper the market growth. Lack of awareness about the disease, unavailability of proper healthcare infrastructure, and unaffordability in middle-income countries are the major challenges to the market. Introduction of the cochlear implants and its high adoption rate will triumph the market growth during the forecast period. Unsatisfactory performance of some devices such as unidirectionality and discomfort associated with the utility are major challenges for the market. Get Sample PDF Illustration @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1570 Key Players for Global Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Devices Market Owing to the presence of the huge player in the market, some players are involve in the launching of the new products. Whereas, some major player are focusing on the acquisition and collaboration for the development of the market. The key players profiled in hearing screening and diagnostic devices are Abbott (U.S.), Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany), Audiology Systems (U.S.), Phillips Plastics Corporation (The Netherland), OTODYNAMICS LTD (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.K), Intelligent Hearing Systems (U.S.), Natus Medical Incorporated (U.S.), Otometrics (U.S.), Starkey Laboratories Inc. (U.S.), Vivosonic, Inc. (U.S.), Welch Allyn (U.S.) and others. Latest Industry Updates Being a competitive market, a number of different manufacturer are focusing on the product launch, and acquisition for the market development. Some of the latest development in the market are- Oct 2017, Sohum Innovation Labs, a MedTech company provides an affordable neonatal screening system for hearing impairment will soon launch a device for screening hearing impairment in newborns. June 2014, Natus Medical, a leading provider of medical devices, software & services for newborn care, neurology, sleep, hearing and balance markets introduced the Echo-Screen III hearing screener, which is an advanced handheld hearing screening device. Introduction of this product will help the company to strengthen their product portfolio to sustain its position in the market. Segments for Global Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Devices Market Global hearing screening and diagnostic devices market has been segmented on the basis of product, indications, and test. On the basis of the test, the market is segmented into a test for middle ear, pure-tone test, and speech reception threshold test (SRT), most comfortable listening level test (MCL), uncomfortable loudness level test (UCL), speech discrimination test, bone conduction test, and others. Test for the middle ear is further segmented into tympanometry tests, acoustic reflex measures, and static acoustic impedance. Pure-tone test is further segmented into visual reinforcement audiometry, and conditioned play audiometry. On the basis of the type of product, the market is segmented into screening devices, audiometric examination devices, and others. Screening devices are further segmented into OAE/ABR testing devices, screening audiometers, immittance screeners, and others. Audiometric examination devices are further segmented into diagnostic audiometer, screening audiometer. On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into a conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, combination hearing loss and others. On account of the end- user, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, personal use, and ambulatory care settings. To Browse Complete Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/hearing-screening-diagnostic-devices-market-1570 Regional Analysis for Global Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Devices Market Regionally, the global hearing screening and diagnostic devices market is segmented into: America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. America commands the major share of the market owing to the presence of leading companies, huge geriatric population and well developed technology. Additionally, high per capita income and increasing demand for the better devices will fuelled the market growth. Europe holds the second position in the global hearing screening and diagnostic devices market owing to availability of the funds and strong government support. Asia-Pacific is fastest growing market region for this market due to presence of huge patient pool, and rapidly developing economies. Whereas, the Middle East and Africa accounts for the least and slowest growing market due to the limited technological development and poor economic conditions. The Middle East is the major contributor for the market in the Middle East and Africa due to the presence of well-developed economies and huge healthcare spending. 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), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 by Les Luchter , Staff Writer, November 15, 2018 This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre, which I had always thought of as just 900 or so cultists drinking the Kool-Aid in a crazy suicide pact. Thats until I previewed Sundance TVs Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle,an ambitious, powerful -- and surprisingly timely -- four-part documentary airing over two nights this Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm ET. Terror in the title makes sense, both because Jonestowns 910 deaths marked the greatest loss of American civilian lives in any incident until the terror attacks of 9/11, and because Pastor Jim Jones was, at his core, a terrorist. He was also an egomaniac, a demagogue, and a habitual liar, who lusted after power, peddled conspiracy theories, craved adulation by his followers, and valued loyalty over all else. advertisement advertisement This cautionary tale about the dangers of enabling charismatic leaders and following them blindly is told largely by former members of Jones church, the Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ, including two of his adopted sons. One of those former members -- but lets call them survivors -- forms the emotional center of the documentarys narrative. Grace Stoen fled Jones oppression while Peoples Temple was still based in San Francisco, but had to leave her young child behind because Jones claimed him as, essentially, communal property. Stoen became more and more worried when Jones found property in South Americas Guyana, built Jonestown far from any other civilization, and brought his followers there en masse. My son was being turned against me, she recalls. Thats when I decided to fight for [him]. First, she sued Jones for custody. Although an arrest order was initially issued, the Guyanese government dropped the charges. Stoen then joined up with a group called Concerned Parents, which led to California Congressman Leo Ryan deciding to visit Jonestown on a fact-finding trip. I tried to warn Congressman Ryan, Stoen remembers. Ryan took along his legislative counsel, Jackie Speier, who 40 years later holds Ryans seat in Congress. Speier provided graphic testimony about the events that unfolded on November 18, 1978. Does Stoen get her child back? Does Congressman Ryan, like Speier, survive? If youre too young to remember, or if you never paid attention to anything but the Kool-Aid jokes at the time, this makes for riveting, edge-of-your-seat suspense. But back to that notion of a suicide pact. Many of the victims are injected with poison against their will. Others have had it drilled into their minds by their paranoid leader that the Guyanese army is about to massacre them, so it would be better to end their lives on their own terms. Revolutionary suicide, in Jones words. The pastor runs an audio recorder throughout the massacre, so you can hear the agonizing screams of his flock as theyre dying. It reminds me of the sounds of Nazi atrocities. Referring to the masses of bodies lying on the ground in the massacres wake, one commentator declares, Shades of Auschwitz. And I flash to Germans saying they were only following orders. I dont think the story is Jim Jones, says Jim Jones, Jr. The story is the people who followed Jim Jones to Jonestown. I look at the world today and I see parallels, warns another survivor. She notes that Peoples Temple began in a time of sociopolitical change that was also based on fear. We are in the same type of environment, if not worse, that can generate something much, much more dangerous than Jonestown. In the film, Congressman Ryan is shown speaking at a Jonestown gathering in front of a large sign. It warns the soon-to-be-massacred: Those Who Do Not Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat It. by Tanya Gazdik , November 15, 2018 JetBlue is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to launch a fully integrated biometric self-boarding gate for international flights. The gate, which uses facial recognition technology to verify travelers with a quick photo capture, will be available at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport for customers flying to select international destinations from Terminal 5. The launch comes on the heels of the airlines successful biometric boarding trials at Boston Logan International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and New York-JFK. This week, JetBlue also became the first airline to partner with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to launch a one-step biometric boarding experience for customers flying to Nassau, Bahamas from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. advertisement advertisement Since the programs launch in 2017, more than 50,000 customers have participated in biometric boarding on 500+ flights across all four cities. There is no pre-registration required. Customers can step up to the camera for a photo match and make their way onto the aircraft. Biometrics are the future of the airport and airline passenger experience, according to longtime travel industry analyst Henry H. Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group. "Our research shows nearly seven in 10 U.S. airline passengers are comfortable sharing their biometric data with airlines and governments for travel purposes, provided their data is kept safe and not used for marketing," Harteveldt tells Marketing Daily. "Biometrics can substantially increase the volume of passengers processed for security or customs, and speed up boarding. All of this means that long term, airport terminals can be more efficient, serving the same number of people in the same or even less space. That will help keep costs down for airlines which, in turn, helps keep airfares down for consumers." JetBlue plans to expand its biometric boarding program to more international flights from New York-JFK, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, and expects to pilot a biometric bag drop station at New York-JFK early next year. The success of JetBlues biometric boarding program is a testament to the airlines ongoing work to create a personal, helpful and simple experience, said Ian Deason, senior vice president of customer experience, JetBlue, in a release. The boarding touchpoint is an area that needs innovation, and we feel biometrics will change the future of air travel as we look to create a more seamless journey throughout the airport. This latest biometric enhancement complements JetBlues existing self-service efforts, including self-service lobbies with interactive kiosks that feature self-bag tag and self-bag drop capabilities. In other news from the airline, JetBlue recently celebrated World Kindness Day and JetBlue For Good Month by awarding grants to three nonprofits. The airline provided $75,000 in grants to Behind the Book in New York City; Detroit Public Safety Foundations Sisterhood: No Boundaries Program; and Heal The Planet in Fort Lauderdale. The designated charities each represent one of JetBlue For Goods three pillars: youth and education, the community, and the environment. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, November 15, 2018 New York-based media agency Generator Media + Analytics has established a West Coast presence for the first time since the agencys launch in 2002. The new office, headed by Debrianna Obara, is located in Costa Mesa, California. Previously, Obara was senior vice president, media for Newport Beach, CA-based Sandbox Agency. Earlier, she held roles at Rauxa and Razorfish. A West Coast operation has always been on our radar, coupled with the opportunity to better service West Coast clients and agency partners, said agency president Greg Messerle. The timing felt right. Like any agency today, we are investing slowly into this big, expensive market, but our measured approach has served us well as an independent agency. From the outset, Generator has often partnered with creative and specialist agencies on client business where it makes sense. With a West Coast team, we can bring our practice directly to clients, as well as collaborating with a new roster of independent, entrepreneurial agencies, Messerle said. In the last month alone weve collaborated with two great West Coast agencies on pieces of business, with more opportunities to follow. advertisement advertisement The agency in the final stages of contract talks with a California-based national brand, per Messerle. The agency now has 55 employees and a client roster that includes Jenny Craig, American Red Cross, Perdue, Freshpet, Miele, New York University, TheStreet, KOA Kampgrounds, DeLonghi and Mutti, the Italian tomato sauce marketer. The agency, which has a presence in the UK via a joint venture with London-based agency Media Campaign, also has outposts in Washington, D.C. and Denver. Facebook is fighting back against a bombshell story in The New York Times that suggests top executives at the company wavered over whether to tell the world about its Russian hacking problem. The story asserts that we knew about Russian activity as early as the spring of 2016, but were slow to investigate it at every turn, the tech titan states. This is not true. Earlier this year, Facebook cofounder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Congress that the company detected and dealt with several threats with ties to Russia, leading up to Election Day in November 2016. Unnamed sources tell The Times former Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos was dissuaded from publishing a report on Russian hacking in January 2017 by Joel Kaplan, Facebooks vice president, corporate public policy. advertisement advertisement No one ever discouraged Alex Stamos from looking into Russian activity, Facebook asserts. As for why Facebook chose not to name Russia in an April 2017 security white paper, the company says it decided it was preferable to cite a U.S. government report in a footnote about Russian activity. We felt that the U.S. Director of National Intelligence was best placed to determine the source, according to Facebook. The Times also reports that Facebook paid a Republican-linked consulting firm, Definers Public Affairs, to discredit critics such as Freedom From Facebook -- a coalition of advocacy groups that has pressured the Federal Trade Commission to break up Facebook into smaller companies. In this case, too, Facebook is crying fake news. The New York Times is wrong to suggest we ever asked Definers to pay for or write articles on Facebooks behalf -- or to spread misinformation, according to the company. Definers did encourage members of the press to look into the funding of Freedom from Facebook, the social giant admits. However, the intention was to demonstrate that it was not simply a spontaneous grassroots campaign, as it claimed, but supported by a well-known critic of our company, it insists. Despite such denials, Facebook severed ties with Definers, this week. The Times story also suggests that executives were at odds about whether or not to censor President Donald Trumps inflammatory comments on the Muslim ban -- another account that Facebook is rejecting. We did decide that President Trumps comments on the Muslim ban, while abhorrent to many people, did not break our Community Standards, the company notes. To suggest the internal debate around this particular case was different from other important free speech issues on Facebook is wrong. Facebook is also denying that Zuckerberg ordered all Facebook employees to use Android phones out of animus toward Apple and its CEO Tim Cook. Weve long encouraged our employees and executives to use Android because it is the most popular operating system in the world, Facebook insists. by Dave Morgan , Featured Contributor, November 15, 2018 Since television and TV advertising burst onto the scene in the middle of the last century, folks have known that its effects are wide, deep, lasting and in many ways, very hard to accurately measure. Television has always had a kicker effect that was bigger than TV itself. The impact was always there, whether it was cultural phenomena (could the hula-hoop craze have happened if much of it hadnt been televised?) or massive political realignments (would Nixon have resigned when he did without the televised Watergate hearings?) or stimulus for what to talk about at work when you dont want to talk about work: What would office water-cooler conversations be without television and its ads? Everyone in advertising and marketing knows about TVs kicker effect. Years ago, digital-first companies learned that when they ran TV ads and bought search ads on Google, Google ad conversions and yield went up. Facebook advertisers see conversion spikes when they have TV ads in flight. advertisement advertisement Of course, in both of those scenarios, marketers were receiving robust analytics and attribution from Google and Facebook, each claiming all the credit for all conversions from all folks they touched within significant attribution windows, whether 24 hours or 28 days. To be fair, thats what every media company does. They are only following trails well-trod by early media pioneers like Meredith and its new Time, Inc. brethren. However, television has not done so well here. Marketers might know on a directional basis that their TV campaigns are synergistic with their Google and Facebook campaigns, but they dont know how to separate out the kicker effect and build it into their pricing and return-on-investment analysis. Most TV companies dont know how to quantify this effect. They dont know how to prove it or get paid for it. Most TV companies are just learning to provide person and impression closed-loop reporting to sales and conversions. When will TV companies start getting at least partial credit for the kicker effect they provide to search and social ads? This is coming soon, I believe, and TV companies will be able to thank the explosive emergence of D2C marketers like Dollar Shave Club, Casper and Harrys for that change. Those brands are expert at buying ads on Google, Facebook and Amazon. They are maniacal about full-funnel measurement, attribution and ROI. If they cant see real signal and have a path to measure it on a de-averaged basis, most wont spend their money. D2Cs like TV. TV ad companies want D2C dollars. TV ad companies wont get all of the D2C dollars that they want, unless they can isolate out the TV to Facebook and Google kicker effect and prove their own contribution. Doing so will bring more D2C dollars to TV. This is the nature of capitalism and a competitive marketplace. What do you think? by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 15, 2018 Weighing in on CNN's battle with President Trump, the White House Correspondents' Association is urging a federal judge to reject Trump's view that he has absolute discretion to revoke the press credentials of journalists. Simply stated, if the President were to have the absolute discretion to strip a correspondent of a hard pass, the chilling effect would be severe and the First Amendment protections afforded journalists to gather and report news on the activities on the President would be largely eviscerated, the organization writes in a friend-of-the-court brief filed Thursday. White House correspondents would have to choose between avoiding reporting or questioning that could upset the President, on the one hand, and risking the loss of a hard pass -- a requirement to do their job -- on the other hand. advertisement advertisement The group's papers come one day after a White House lawyer said at a hearing court that the President has the right to revoke press credentials of journalists based on their reporting. The organization is asking U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly in the District of Columbia to reject Trump's "dangerous legal position" and order the White House to restore Acosta's press pass. The White House Correspondents' Association -- whose members include reporters from print, TV radio and online outlets -- is weighing in on a high-profile lawsuit filed this week by CNN and Acosta against Trump. The legal fight stems from the White House's decision to revoke Acosta's press pass following a contentious November 7 press conference. CNN and Acosta argue that the revocation violates the First Amendment and are asking for a court order requiring the White House to restore Acosta's hard pass, which allowed him to enter the White House and press offices. CNN and Acosta contend the press pass was rescinded based on the substance of their reporting. The White House argues it has absolute discretion to take away a reporter's press credentials. But the administration also makes a narrower argument -- that it had good reason to revoke Acosta's credentials because he was disruptive at the November 7 press conference. But initially, the administration suggested that the credentials were pulled because Acosta had physically placed his hands on a staffer. Soon after the press conference, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders posted a video that, in her words, appeared to show Acosta "placing his hands" on the staffer who had tried to take away the microphone. That clip had been altered to make Acosta's actions seem violent when they were not: The un-doctored clip -- accessible on C-SPAN -- shows Acosta trying to hold onto the microphone as the staffer tried to physically grab it away. The clip shows Acosta questioning President Trump about his pre-midterm election statements characterizing a caravan of migrants traveling north from Central America as an invasion. In the course of responding, Trump said: You know what? I think you should . . . I think you should let me run the country. You run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings would be much better. Acosta then attempted to ask follow-up questions as a female staffer tried to take the microphone from his hands. Acosta held on to the microphone and started to pose another question. Trump then called Acosta a rude, terrible person who shouldn't be working for CNN. Soon afterward, Acosta's press pass was revoked. Kelly is expected to issue a decision on Friday morning. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, November 16, 2018 M&C Saatchi Worldwide has purchased a minority interest in New York creative shop Technology Humans And Taste (THAT). Terms were not disclosed. The agencys clients include Nike, Michael Kors, IBM, Kayak, The Kraken Rum, DKNY, Casper Mattress and Grubhub. THAT was founded in 2016 by CEO David Kalvert and Chief Creative Officer Nathan Phillips. Managing director Dena Graham joined about a year ago. Per the terms of the agreement, THAT will work in tandem with Saatchis New York-based agency SS+K to serve clients in the North American region of the M&C Saatchi network. Phillips worked for SS+K from 2011 to 2013. THAT has a process for developing insights and problem solving that it calls Creative Dim Sum. It describes the process as as a series of strategic workshops in a dinner-party setting that inspire collaboration between subject matter experts, professional creatives and brand executives to drive breakthrough thinking. advertisement advertisement Commenting on the purchase, Moray Maclennan, Worldwide CEO at M&C Saatchi, stated: As a network, we are committed to bringing our clients creative solutions that address the constantly shifting communications landscape. THAT, he added has an approach that nets consistently unique ideas lots of them. Were confident that bringing them into the network will push us all to stretch creatively and bring truly modern solutions to our clients. The iconic Mickey Mouse watch is getting another cousin of sorts. Verizon is teaming with the Disney Co. to market a new Verizon GizmoWatch Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Edition smartwatch, aimed at kids -- but also targeted to parents who want a way to check up on what their little ones are doing. It officially debuted on Nov. 15 and retails for $179.99. The GizmoWatch Mickey Mouse edition will be the first 4G LTE kids smartwatch in the United States powered by Qualcomm, says Verizon, and its hitting a smartwatch market that is still relatively sparsely populated in this country. Qualcomm is bullish on the kiddie crowd, and theres a lot of room to grow. According to Londons CCS Insights, only one million smartwatches for kids were sold in the U.S. last year, compared to 25 million in China, Verizon claims to be the U.S. market leader. advertisement advertisement The GizmoWatch line is Verizons fourth iteration of a smartwatch for kids. The whole category doesnt draw much marketing firepower. But with the overall smartwatch market still growing, Verizon thinks a Disney-branded smartwatch might get mom and dads attention. Analysts speculate the market may not be robust because parents fret over privacy and security concerns for their little ones. Its a world filled with stranger danger, so Verizon and other kids smartwatch marketers emphasize all the protections, as in this online description of the Mickey Mouse watch's security features: Automated alerts and a GPS locator provide independence while still keeping you in the know." Parents can also set on-screen notifications and program up to 10 trusted contacts for 2-way voice calls and messaging. That way, even if a child gives his or her number to someone, that person must get parents' okay to start a phone relationship with the child. There are also 20 functional prepared text messages for kids to send to a list of approved recipients. And the watch comes with an alert when children go outside its GPS radius. And theres a to-do list function reminding kids of important things they have to do. The Mickey Mouse SmartWatch adds some fun for kids, too. Theres a voice changer that allows kids to sound like a robot or other characters (but none from the Magic Kingdom, apparently). Theres a fitness tracker and hopscotch tracker they can use with friends, and colorful bands that make it look kid-friendly. Otherwise, it looks a like the smartwatch mom and dad have. Thats pretty cool. Ancient Egypt was a civilization that lasted from 3300 to 525 B.C.E. This is probably where the concept of health started. Some of the earliest records of medical care come from ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed in prayer as a solution to health problems, but they also had natural, or practical, remedies, such as herbs. It was a structured society with tools such as written language and mathematics, which enabled them to record and develop ideas, and it meant that others could learn from them. Influences Share on Pinterest The ancient Egyptians had basic medical equipment, and they also believed that the gods controlled life and health. This picture shows Isis on a birthing stool, The ancient Egyptians thought that gods, demons, and spirits played a key role in causing diseases. Doctors believed that spirits blocked channels in the body and that this affected the way the body worked. They looked for ways to unblock these channels. They used a combination of prayer and natural or non-spiritual remedies. Most healers were also priests, but, in time, the profession of a doctor of medicine emerged. The fact that ancient Egyptians had systems of letters and numbers meant they were able to record and develop ideas and make calculations. Documented ancient Egyptian medical literature is among the oldest in existence today. The ancient Egyptians had an organized economy and system of government, a settled population, social conventions, and properly enforced laws. Before this, the local people mainly lived a nomadic life. This stability allowed medical research to develop. In addition, there were also relatively wealthy individuals in ancient Egyptian society. They could afford some health care and also had time to ponder and study. The ancient Egyptians were also traders. They traveled long distances, coming back with herbs and spices from faraway lands. Research and learning The ancient Egyptians practice of preserving deceased people as mummies meant that they learned something about how the human body works. In one process, the priest-doctor inserted a long, hooked implement through the nostril and broke the thin bone of the brain case to remove the brain. Kings and queens from faraway lands sought Egyptian doctors because of their reputation for excellence. Medical practice and the Ebers papyrus Archaeologists have found a number of written records that describe ancient Egyptian medical practice, including the Ebers papyrus. Share on Pinterest The ancient Egyptians probably learned something about the human body through mummification. This document contains over 700 remedies and magical formulas and scores of incantations aimed at repelling demons that cause disease. The authors probably wrote them around 1500 B.C.E., but the document may contain copies of material dating back to 3400 B.C.E. They are among the oldest preserved medical documents in existence. The scroll provides evidence of some sound scientific procedures. Doctors appear to have had fairly good knowledge about bone structure and some awareness of how the brain and liver worked. The heart: According to the Ebers Papyrus, the center of the bodys blood supply is the heart, and every corner of the body is attached to vessels. The heart was the meeting point for vessels that carried tears, urine, semen, and blood. Researchers writing in 2014 described ancient Egyptian understanding of the cardiovascular system as surprisingly sophisticated, if not accurate. Mental illness: The document describes in detail the characteristics, causes, and treatment for mental disorders such as dementia and depression. The ancient Egyptians appear to have seen mental diseases as a combination of blocked channels and the influence of evil spirits and angry Gods. Family planning: The scroll contains a section on birth control, how to tell if a person is pregnant, and some other gynecological issues. There is also advice about: skin problems dental problems diseases related to the eyes intestinal disease parasites how to surgically treat an abscess or a tumor In addition, there is evidence that doctors knew how to set broken bones and treat burns. Medical advice Some recommendations that physicians made then seem fairly sound to us now. They advised people to wash and shave their bodies to prevent infections, to eat carefully, and to avoid unclean animals and raw fish. Some, however, are less familiar. Putting a plug of crocodile dung into the entrance of the vagina, for example, was a method of birth control. People also used dung to disperse evil spirits. Dentistry The Egyptians also practiced dentistry. Caries and tooth decay appear to have been common. Remedies included: cumin, incense, and onion to treat swollen gums opium, possibly, to treat pain pain drilling holes into the jaw to drain an abscess However, they do not seem to have extracted teeth. Magic and religion Everyday life in Egypt involved beliefs and fear of magic, gods, demons, evils spirits, and so on. They believed that the gods created and controlled life. Heka was the goddess of magic and medicine, while Bes, another god, protected women during pregnancy. People called upon Serket if they had a scorpion bite. Angry gods or evil forces caused bad luck and disaster, so people used magic and religion to deal with these forces and to treat people. Priests and doctors were often one and the same. Many healers were priests of Sekhmet, an Egyptian warrior goddess and the goddess of healing, curses, and threats. As well as science, treatment involved the use of magic, incantations, amulets, aromas, offerings, tattoos, and statues. The religious and magic rituals and procedures probably had a powerful placebo effect, so they may have resulted in healing. Channel theory The channel theory came from observing farmers who dug out irrigations channels for their crops. It allowed medicine to move from entirely spiritual cures towards practical, natural ones. The doctors believed that, as in irrigation, channels provide the body with routes for good health. If blockages occurred, they used laxatives to unblock them. The heart was the center of 46 channels, seen as types of tubes. It is true that human veins, arteries, and intestines are types of tubes. However, the Egyptians did not understand that these channels had different functions. Blockages in the human channels were thought to result from the doings of Wekhedu, an evil spirit. When Wekhedu came to the surface of the body, it showed as pus. This idea that bodily function played a role in health was a breakthrough in the history of medicine. Channels and the heart The ancient Egyptians believed that the body consisted of a system of channels, or Metu. One researcher notes that they believed that bodily fluids could enter this system, including feces. This would have a negative effect, and enemas became an important method of treatment for many conditions, including malaria and smallpox. The Ebers Papyrus notes that vessels run from the heart to all four limbs and every part of the body. When a doctor, Sekmet priest, or exorcist places their hands on any part of the body, they are examining the heart, because all vessels come from the heart. Channel theory holds that: The heart is the source. It speaks out to each part of the body. When people breathe in through the nose, the air enters their heart, lungs, and then the belly. The nostrils have four vessels, two of which provide mucus and two provide blood. The human body has four vessels, which lead to two ears. The breath of life enters the right ear and breath of death enters the left ear. Four vessels that lead to the head cause baldness. All eye diseases come from four vessels in the forehead, which supply blood to the eyes. Two vessels enter the testicles and provide semen. Two vessels in the buttocks supply them with vital nutrients. Six vessels reach the soles of the feet and six lead down the arms to the fingers. Two vessels supply the bladder with urine. Four vessels supply the liver with liquid and air. When they overfill the liver with blood, they cause diseases. Four vessels also supply the lungs and spleen with liquid and air. The liquid and air that come out of the anus come from four vessels. The anus is also exposed to all the vessels in the arms and legs when they overflow with waste. Surgery Egyptian physicians underwent training and could successfully fix broken bones and dislocated joints. Basic surgery meaning procedures close to the surface of the skin or on the skin was a common skill, and doctors knew how to stitch wounds effectively. They used bandages and would bind certain plant products, such as willow leaves, into the bandages to treat inflammation. However, they did not perform surgery deep inside the body, probably because there were no anesthetics or antiseptics. Circumcision of baby boys was common practice. It is hard to tell whether female circumcision existed. There is one mention, but this may be a mistranslation. Surgeons had an array of instruments, such as pincers, forceps, spoons, saws, containers with burning incense, hooks, and knives. Prosthetics existed, but they were probably not very practical. People may have used them to make deceased people look more presentable during funerals or simply for decorative purposes. Injuries and illness Egyptian doctors said there were three types of injuries: Treatable injuries: They dealt with these immediately. Contestable injuries: The doctor believed these were not life-threatening and that the person could survive without intervention. The doctor would observe the patient. If they survived, the doctor would decide in time whether to intervene. Untreatable ailments: The doctor would not intervene. Common complaints included: the common cold digestive problems headaches A remedy for headaches, mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, appears to advise the following: Mash together flour, incense, wood of wa, waneb plant, mint, a horn of a stag, sycamore seeds, masons plaster, seeds of zart, water. Apply to the head. Another remedy is to use poppy seeds or aloe. Share on Pinterest People used aloe vera in ancient Egyptian times to heal burns and skin diseases. Other conditions and treatments include: Asthma: Honey and milk, sesame, frankincense Burns and skin disease: Aloe Pain: Thyme Digestive problems: Juniper, mint, garlic, and sandalwood Bad breath: Mint, caraway Epilepsy: Camphor Vomiting: Mint to stop it and mustard seeds to cause it The cure for a cold was an incantation. Early concepts of homeopathy Some treatments used products or herbs or plants that looked similar to the illness they were treating, a practice known as simila similibus, or similar with similar. Today, homeopathy follows a similar principle. In Egyptian times, people used ostrich eggs to treat a fractured skull. Public health Cleanliness was an important part of Egyptian life, and homes had rudimentary baths and toilets. Appearance and the use of make-up were important. The main aim was to meet social and religious requirements, although many people wore make-up around their eyes to protect them from disease. People used mosquito nets during the hot months, whether to protect against malaria and other diseases or to avoid bites. Malaria was a common problem. Priests washed themselves, their clothing, and their eating utensils regularly. This helped to protect their health, although they did it for religious reasons. There was no public health infrastructure as we know of today. There were no sewage systems, systematic medical care, or public hygiene. The medical profession The ancient Egyptians were probably the first people to have professional doctors, and it was a respected occupation. According to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, they had to be literate and clean in body and spirit. There were doctors all over Egypt. The earliest ever record of a male physician was Hesy-Ra in 2700 B.C.E. He was was Chief of Dentists and Doctors to King Dioser. The first record of a female doctor was probably Peseshet in 2400 B.C.E., the supervisor of all female doctors, but there may have been female doctors as early as 3000 B.C.E. The top doctors worked in the royal court. Below them, inspectors would supervise the work of other doctors. There were specialists, such as dentists, proctologists, gastroenterologists, and ophthalmologists. A proctologist or possibly the giver of enemas was called nery phuyt, which translates as the shepherd of the anus, according to an article published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. Cancer is a disease that causes cells to divide without stopping, leading to tumor growth and reduced function in the immune system. Many cancers are ultimately fatal if an individual does not receive treatment or if the cancer is incurable. As a general rule, the earlier doctors can confirm a diagnosis in a person with cancer, the more likely it is that treatment will have powerful effects. In this article, we examine the process for diagnosing cancer and the symptoms that can indicate when to see a doctor. Diagnosis Share on Pinterest Laboratory testing can help identify the presence of a cancer. Doctors will often use a combination of tests to determine whether a person has cancer. These tests indicate the presence of cancerous cells in the body and the extent to which these cells have spread. Some of these tests include: Biopsy: This involves taking a sample of tissue from a potentially cancerous lesion and sending it to a laboratory. A pathologist who specializes in diagnostic techniques will then examine the cells for signs of cancer. A biopsy sometimes involves using a needle to remove cells, but a doctor might use a surgical procedure in instances where a larger area requires examination. Imaging scans: These help a doctor identify cancerous lesions in the body. Examples of imaging studies include a CT, ultrasound, or MRI scan. Imaging machines have different methods of creating images and may be more sensitive to certain types of cancer, such as cancers of the soft tissue or bones. A doctor may order more than one imaging scan for this reason. Laboratory testing: Cancerous cells release compounds into the blood. A doctor may take samples of blood, urine, sputum, or other body fluids to check for these compounds. Lab tests are rarely a primary method for diagnosing cancer. However, they can be important for ruling out other conditions and confirming a diagnosis. A doctor will usually work with a team of specialists to diagnose cancer, including a radiologist and pathologist. Classification Doctors classify cancer using the site at which the cancer started or the type of tissue where the cancer originated. For example, a person can have breast cancer, which is usually a type of carcinoma, or cancer that arises from epithelial tissue. This is a type of tissue that forms a particular layer of the skin. Examples of cancer classifications by tissue type include: Carcinoma: This develops in epithelial tissues, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract or mucous membranes. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 80 to 90 percent of cancer cases are carcinomas. Leukemia: This is a cancer that arises in the bone marrow, which produces blood cells. This is a cancer that arises in the bone marrow, which produces blood cells. Lymphoma: This develops in the lymphatic system that includes the spleen, tonsils, and thymus. This system relates to immune activity and hormones. This develops in the lymphatic system that includes the spleen, tonsils, and thymus. This system relates to immune activity and hormones. Mixed types: Mixed cancers develop in two different types of cell from one category or multiple categories. Mixed cancers develop in two different types of cell from one category or multiple categories. Myeloma: Often occurring in the bone marrow, this type originates in plasma cells that circulate as part of the blood. Often occurring in the bone marrow, this type originates in plasma cells that circulate as part of the blood. Sarcoma: These originate in connective tissue, developing in areas such as the bones, muscle, fat, and cartilage. Sarcomas are more common in young people. Each type of cancer cell has a distinctive appearance that helps a doctor distinguish it from other cancers. Knowing the classification of cancer can help a doctor develop an effective plan for treatment. Symptoms More than 100 cancer types can occur. As a result, cancer causes a variety of symptoms depending upon the type. Some cancers might not cause symptoms until reaching a more advanced stage, which is why early detection methods, such as skin cancer checks and mammograms, are recommended. Share on Pinterest A changing mark or mole on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer. Cancer symptoms usually create changes in the body that do not relate to a specific or identifiable cause. A person might incorrectly dismiss these as age-related changes when they indicate an early symptom of cancer. Examples include: blood in the urine or stool changes to skin texture on the surface of a breast, nipple size, or breast shape vocal changes, such as hoarseness a persistent cough that does not respond to soothing measures difficulties in chewing and eating excessive tiredness and weakness profuse sweating during sleep urination problems, such as incontinence skin changes, such as a new mole or skin injury that does not heal stomach pain unexplained weight loss or gain While cancer can cause pain, it is not usually an early symptom of cancer. Seek a medical opinion if experiencing any of these symptoms without knowing the cause. Complications Cancer is often a dangerous condition, as cancer cells use up vital resources and space that would otherwise support other systems and functions. Cancer cells use up oxygen, blood, and energy stores. Tumors that form from cancer cells can lead to the creation of new blood vessels, diverting blood flow. Cancer also compromises the immune system, reducing a persons ability to fight other illnesses and diseases. In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death . However, cancer is by no means always fatal, and developments in treatment have led to vastly improved survival rates and longer periods spent without cancer. Outlook and stages After receiving a cancer diagnosis, people often worry about the next steps and the likelihood of their cancer being dangerous. Doctors use a system called staging to help determine a persons cancer prognosis and outlook. Staging takes into account many factors that determine the progression of cancer, such as tumor size and spread. By using a consistent staging system, doctors across the world can understand more about cancer simply by knowing the stage. Several factors come into consideration when staging a tumor, such as: the degree to which cells appear abnormal the spreading of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body the likelihood for the tumor to grow and spread the type of cells in the tumor the location of the tumor the size of the tumor Doctors use this information and place it into the TNM staging system. The components of the system are: T, for tumor: Doctors consider the size and extent of the main or primary tumor. N, for number: This refers to the number of lymph nodes that also show signs of having cancerous cells. A higher number of lymph nodes with cancer cells will mean a more advanced stage. M, for metastasis: Doctors consider if the cancer cells have spread to other body parts. Share on Pinterest Staging can help a person define the next steps in their treatment. An example of a tumor staging using this system could be T1N0MX. This means the primary tumor is identified, there is no cancer in the lymph nodes, and the doctor cannot measure the spread, or metastasis, of the cancer. The TNM system can be very detailed. Another staging method a doctor might use for some cancers ranges from 0 to IV. These stages mean: Stage 0: The doctor has found cancer cells or abnormal cells, but they have not spread to nearby tissue. Another name for stage 0 cancer is carcinoma in situ. The doctor has found cancer cells or abnormal cells, but they have not spread to nearby tissue. Another name for stage 0 cancer is carcinoma in situ. Stages I, II, and III: A higher the number suggests a larger tumor or a wider spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. A higher the number suggests a larger tumor or a wider spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. This is the most serious stage of cancer. Additional staging systems exist, and a doctor may use them based on conventions in the location of their practice and the type of cancer. Staging is an important part of defining the outlook for a person with cancer but does not provide the full picture of how likely that person is to survive. A doctor will also consider other factors, including: a persons overall health the type of cancer how long ago a person received the diagnosis When a doctor discusses the outlook with the person who has cancer, they might explain survival rates in various terms. Examples of these terms may include: Overall survival: This number refers to the percentage of people with a specific cancer type that survived for a certain period after their diagnosis. This number refers to the percentage of people with a specific cancer type that survived for a certain period after their diagnosis. Disease-free survival: The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who have not died from a specific cancer over a certain period. The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who have not died from a specific cancer over a certain period. Relative survival: This measurement compares the survival of cancer patients with the survival of people of the same sex and age who did not have cancer over a certain period of time. None of these are absolutes. Some people survive longer than their predicted outlook, while others do not. CASEVILLE It's not even entirely completed yet, but Caseville's Pointe Park project is already getting some positive attention. In a recent Michigan Out of Doors (MOD) episode, series co-host Jenny Olsen and crew visited Caseville to take a look at the city's robust fishing opportunities off the pier. The MOD crew were joined by local expert Paul Nienaltowski of Team Mermaid Fishing Charters of Port Austin, and fishermen Derek Simmons and Kenny Rutz. During a segment in last week's episode, officials met up at Pointe Park for some nighttime fishing in search of a unique fish called a burbot. "Burbot are something we don't see very often, but they are all over our Great Lakes," said Olsen to begin the segment. As scenes from popular fishing hot spot were shown, Olsen mentioned the city's Pointe Park project and how it has improved the look of the area and made it easier for fisherman to access the water where the Pigeon River meets Saginaw Bay. Winds of more than 20 miles per hour whipped as everyone made their way onto the pier during sunset. There were scenes of many local fisherman out that evening looking for walleye. Nienaltowski then explained the trick to catching burbot, which is using bait that you're going to use for fish on the bottom, such as catfish. He suggested a bucket of large dead minnows, and began fishing the channel in about 10 to 12 feet of water, where the burbot are coming into the channel to spawn. As scenes of the pier at dusk faded into darkness, Nienaltowski hooked the first burbot of the outing, as the group fished off the west sidewall of the pier to get relief from the strong east winds nearing 30 mph. "I think one of the most interesting things to me, when I was younger my dad had caught a Master Angler burbot out on the lake when we were fishing one day," said Nienaltowski of his love for burbot fishing. "They always just looked so fascinating to me the lines on them and the color and what they look like. It's just so different from all the other fish." Nienaltowski compared the taste of burbot to cod fillets or backstraps. Aside from Caseville, he said he also fishes for burbot in Port Austin off the breakwall and by the canal at Bird Creek. He also said fisherman are catching them in the canal at Sand Point. By the segment's end, the group had reeled in six fish and called it a night around 10 p.m. and the Caseville Pointe Park area got some quality exposure in the process. SANILAC COUNTY After launching a sector report focused on infrastructure, Michigans University Research Corridor will host its first-ever Infrastructure Innovation Tour, with a stop at the Sanilac Career Center. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corp.s Sanilac Career Center, located at 175 E. Aitken Road. CARO Outdated, inefficient and unsafe for staff and inmates is the conclusion of a study of the Tuscola County Jail. The National Sheriffs Association conducted the assessment of the jail. The 43-page study included several recommendations for improvements. The most notable was for major renovations, but a new jail facility was strongly recommended. The jail at 420 Court St., Caro, was built in 1966 with a 46-bed capacity. Several renovations were done over the years, but those are also showing age, and parts for repairs are difficult to find because of their age. The assessment showed its not practical to try and make the current jail into a modern facility that meets the current needs, said Sheriff Glen Skrent. Since the jail committee has been meeting for years, everyone is well aware of the need to do something. County commissioners once again gave permission for an architect to figure out the cost of building a new jail and/or renovations. That has been done a couple of times before over the years, said Skrent. Hopefully on this same site or next to it where the parking lot is now. Access to the courthouse through the (underground) tunnel is a safety (factor) and manpower saver. There have been several renovations to the jail over the years. In 1988, renovations were done to create 56 beds, and 1997 major renovations and an addition were done to create an 80-bed facility. And, interior renovations were done four years ago to create 12 more beds for a total of 92 beds because of constant over crowding. Doing something (for the jail) has been talked about for years, but never done, said Commissioner Tom Young, who serves on the commissioners jail committee. For several decades, commissioners have used a band-aid approach to fix the jails infrastructure issues despite recommendations over the years a new jail should be built but nothing was done because of finances. We cant keep kicking this (jail) issue down the road like we have been. A decision one way or the other has to be made, said Young, noting a goal of June 1 was set to made a decision. An addition, a new jail, financing, or whatever is decided, it will still take three to four years for it to be done. The assessment showed several areas need improvement. It suggests the county create additional space for inmates and operational needs, and look for a new facility or ways to expand on the current site, and more staff. It is suggested that the central control center be renovated and upgraded if the facility is left in its current design, but the existing control center is outdated (and) lacks upgrades to technological equipment, noted the report. It was recommended several times in the report an expansion and especially a new facility is needed for safety, security, efficiency and workflow and it notes more staff is needed. At the time of the study, 16 inmates were housed in other facilities at a cost of $30 per day per inmate because there wasnt room in Tuscolas jail for them. In previous years, the county has had to pay more than $250,000 to other counties to house Tuscolas overflow inmate population. Over the last few years, there has been an increase of female inmates being housed, and space to house them is also an issue here, Young said. Besides separating inmates by gender, they also have to be separated by security classification, risk and need, and custody level, and type of crime. The facility is not staffed as it could be to meet the requirements, said the report. The lack of staffing puts the staff and inmates population at a higher risk. County officials will have to make critical decisions about the jail to address understaffing, being outdated, inadequate size, security, space, and meeting new regulations. All counties are responsible for arresting and sentenced individuals. I think one or two counties in Michigan the smaller ones like Keewenah use another counties jail but are responsible for the bills, said Skrent. They still have to provide a lock up facility to hold (arrests) for 72 hours. Along with everything else, the jail needs constant repairs. The windows need to be replaced. The estimate on that is about $275,000, said county Controller Mike Hoagland. Even if that is done, it is still an old jail, and there are other repairs that need to be made. Under regulations, inmates now have to have a private conference room to talk to their attorney, service worker, clergy and individuals from various other agencies that require private discussions with inmates. A storage closet was converted for that use. It will take a millage though to pay for a new jail, Skrent said. To get everything together to do anything, the process will take a couple of years. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) The trend of President Rodrigo Duterte skipping diplomatic events continues. In an advisory sent to members of the media, Malacanang said that Duterte will skip the last day of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Papua New Guinea and will fly back to Davao City late Saturday evening. The APEC Summit starts Friday and will end on November 18. "Please be informed that PRRD will leave PNG on November 17 at 11:15PM , and arrive in Davao City on November 18 at 3:15AM. No more arrival statement, thank you," the Palace advisory said. There was no explanation given on why the trip is being cut short. Duterte met with the Filipino community in Papua New Guinea Friday night. Aside from his usual spiels, the President hinted at firing another ranking executive official soon. Duterte had previously been criticized for skipping some events in the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. He had excused himself by saying that he took power naps, and in his speech to the Filipino community said that he also does not eat breakfasts. READ: Duterte on skipping ASEAN events: 'What's wrong with my nap?' American cheese will never die. It has too many preservatives. But it's melting away. One by one, America's food outlets are abandoning the century-old American staple, with many replacing it with fancier cheeses. Wendy's is offering asiago. A&W's Canada locations switched to real cheddar. McDonald's is selling the Big Mac's soft, orange square of American cheese with a version that doesn't contain artificial preservatives. Panera Bread ditched its old-fashioned grilled cheese made with American and replaced it with a four-cheese combo of fontina, cheddar, monteau and smoked gouda. The result: higher sales. American cheese is "an ingredient we're looking to less and less in our pantry," said Sara Burnett, the chain's director of wellness and food policy. American (cheese) culture is at a crossroads. The product, made famous by the greatest generation, devoured by boomers on the go, touted as the basis for macaroni and cheese, and the well-documented love object of Gen X, has met its match with millennials demanding nourishment from ingredients that are both recognizable and pronounceable. Don't rely on anecdotal evidence. The data show it, too. U.S. sales of processed cheese, including brands like Kraft Singles and Velveeta, a mainstay of delicacies such as ballpark nachos, are projected to drop 1.6 percent this year, the fourth straight year of declines, according to Euromonitor International. The end of the affair is also evident at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where 500-pound barrels of cheddar used to make American cheese are selling at a record discount to 40-pound cheddar blocks, the cheddar that shows up on party platters. That's because demand for the cheese in the barrels has been dwindling for years, according to Alyssa Badger, director of operations at Chicago-based HighGround Dairy. American cheese isn't the point of a lot of the barrel production, Badger said. It's for the byproduct whey, a staple of pricey protein shakes. Decline is also evident when looking at the manufacturing landscape. The number of U.S. cheese factories increased 40 percent between 2000 and 2017, but the growth is from small, specialty cheesemakers, said Matt Gould, editor at Dairy & Food Market Analyst Inc. Prices at the grocery store for processed American cheese have been slipping, too, dipping below $4 a pound for the first time since 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Gayle Voss, owner of Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago, takes two slices of fresh-baked sourdough and fills them with not American cheese but Wisconsin-made butterkase cheese. Made in small batches by farmers who know the names of their cows, it's melty and slightly stretchy, and yes, buttery. It's what people want these days, she said. "I could buy preservative-filled cheese and butter," Voss said. "But I'm all-out on supporting small businesses and offering a good, quality product, and the minute people bite into it, they know -- because it's so good." Pause here to imagine taking a bite of crunchy bread and melted cheese that forms a string as mouth and sandwich separate. "People want to know where their food is coming from," she said, "and my sales reflect that." Voss said her husband will use Kraft Singles to whip up a quick sandwich for himself at home, something that cheeses her off. But it's what he grew up with, she said. Most Americans did. American cheese was born at a time when utility reigned. James and Norman Kraft invented processed cheese in 1916 and sold it in tins to the U.S. military during World War I. Soldiers kept eating it when they returned home and its popularity soared. It wasn't until 1950 that Kraft perfected the slicing. Soon after came a machine that could individually wrap the slices, and in 1965, Kraft Singles were born. Like Wonder Bread, society marveled at the uniformity of the product, the neatness of the slices, the long shelf life and its ability to stay moist even in the desert, in the middle of the summer, at noon. Ingredients include substances that sound like a chemistry set: sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, natamycin, modified food starch. And, of course, milk. Though 40 percent of U.S. households buy Kraft Singles, overall sales are flat, according to Peter Cotter, general manager of cheese and dairy for Kraft Heinz Co. Kraft has a 30-person research-and-development team working on ways to get American cheese into more homes, he said, offering qualities that healthier, more natural cheeses can't. For instance, "the melt." "Honestly, you can't get that in a natural cheese," Cotter said. "It's a very unique product. The creamy smooth texture and melt of the cheese. The natural cheeses, they just don't melt that way." The backlash to the backlash remains robust, with about $2.77 billion in retail sales this year, according to Euromonitor. Some trendy restaurants are going retro on their menus, hearkening back to somebody's idea of what a classic America might've been like before fancy cheeses ruined the youth. After all, Homer Simpson pulled an all-nighter eating 64 slices of American cheese -- not gouda, provolone or even butterkase, which, after all, just means butter cheese in German. Burger joint Mini Mott opened this summer in Chicago's trendy Logan Square neighborhood, and when diners order a cheeseburger they'll get American cheese and nothing else. Chef Scott Sax said he buys it in five-pound bricks from a supplier in Minnesota. "There's nothing pure or organic about it," Sax said. "The ingredients are very American." NEW HAVEN More than $6.5 million in federal grants will go toward ending youth homelessness in Connecticut. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein made the announcement Friday that Connecticut will use the grants to reach its goal of ending youth homelessness by 2020, according to a release. In light of the announcement, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Klein visited the Columbus House shelter in New Haven to understand how programs here have been successful and will benefit from the grant. The grants will fund new housing assistance programs for young adults as part of a coordinated effort to ensure youth experiencing homelessness receive the assistance needed to rapidly get housing and other critical supports. Columbus House in Middletown and New Havens Youth Continuum, a multi-service agency serving homeless and at-risk young adults, will get a piece of the grant to expand its rapid rehousing, crisis housing and youth navigators programs. This is a remarkable opportunity right now because there are so many young people who arent getting into housing because theres not enough available, Paul Kosowsky, chief executive officer of Youth Continuum, said. On any given day, between five and 10 young adults are on a wait list for a bed at a youth shelter because they would rather wait for a youth-specific bed than enter an adult shelter, he said. They prefer to be among their peers whenever possible because they dont identify with the older population, who often have more serious illnesses or mental health issues. The grant will allow the agency to provide 28 more rapid rehousing beds, 6 more shelter beds and two more youth case managers to manage homelessness intervention and family mediation. Potentially, with the extra rapid rehousing beds, Youth Continuum will be able to get all the young adults on their waits lists off the street when they come online next week, Kosowsky said. One of the biggest challenges in serving homeless youth is they dont want to be found, Kosowsky said. They couch-surf with friends and family, which puts them at risk of getting involved in crime and sex trafficking. Moreover, two of the largest populations of homeless youth are LGBTQ-identifying or are parenting. Nationally, 40 percent of homeless youths are LBGTQ and Youth Continuum serves many young women with babies. Of the 200 new youths ages 18-24 they see every year, 39 percent to 42 percent are pregnant or parenting. They are often whats called throwaway kids, Kosowsky said. They are kids who are being tossed out because the parents dont agree with their lifestyle and cant accept that their kids are LGBTQ or parenting out of wedlock. The grants will help these populations specifically since Youth Continuum not only places young adults into housing, but connects them with needed services, Kosowsky said. They need a tremendous amount of support and they crave it, he said. My case managers tell me all the time the kids never stop calling. They want the help and they use it actively. As long as they know someones out there, they really benefit. The grants helps expand some relatively new programs of Youth Continuum, but so far, about 60 percent to 70 percent of the youths who have come through crisis housing end up moving into permanent housing and staying, Kosowsky said. Of the youth who go through rapid rehousing in general, 80 percent dont enter the homeless system in the following two-year period. People are a paycheck or an illness away from being homeless, Klein said. We have an opportunity with this funding to ensure these young folks have the opportunity of getting back on the path of going back to school so their futures can be productive and they can be part of a community and lead productive lives. The state has reached goals in effectively ending homelessness among veterans and in matching all individuals to housing after which the state set a goal of ending both youth and family homelessness in the next few years. The grants were allocated as part of a competitive process through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments new Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. To date, the state has been awarded the largest grant of any jurisdiction in the country. It is a statewide effort, Blumenthal said. There is no community that is immune from this problem, no community that can claim they have no youth homeless. MIDDLETOWN Nine Connecticut citizens, including two locals, earned Parental Involvement Recognition Awards at the state Capitol this week to honor their contributions to their schools and communities. The Middletown-based State Education Resource Center on Roscommon Drive sponsors the Connecticut awards in collaboration with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children and Seniors, according to a press release. The event is held on National Parental Involvement Day, launched by St. Louis-based Project Appleseed. The 2018 winners include Stewart Semeraro of Cromwell, who is involved with the Montessori Magnet School in Hartford; and Camille Smith of Middletown, an advocate for her childs school, according to the release. School leaders, program coordinators and others from across Connecticut were invited to nominate parents and guardians who have shown active involvement and ability to make a difference in their childrens school or community; support of their local school and contributions to high-quality education for all children; and dedication and advocacy to ensure equity for all parents and their children, the release said. Smith was nominated by Donna Marino, community partnership coordinator at the Middletown School System. I have known Camille for the past nine years in many roles, including the time she has given to graduate from every parent leadership course offered in Middletown, which includes: People Empowering People, Parent Leadership Training Institute, Parents Supporting Educational Excellence and Voices for Families, she said in a prepared statement. Ms. Smith has successfully honed her skills and tools to be a dedicated school volunteer and a civically engaged city advocate. Middletown is fortunate to have Camille serve on many boards and committees. She has advocated to keep her child's elementary school open, helping with set up and clean up at the many meetings she attends, serving on interview team for school principal, and organizing teachers appreciation week, Marino said. Semeraro was nominated by Yesenia Rivera-Ortiz, family and community engagement liaison with CREC Montessori Magnet School in Hartford. Mr. Semeraro is an exemplar parent, and his involvement at school and in his community is worthy of admiration. He has been the president of our Parent Teacher Association twice in the past three years, but has been an active parent in our school community for over six years, with multiple children enrolled in our program, Rivera-Ortiz said in the release. Semeraro has led and contributed to successful fundraisers that help support teacher and parent initiatives in the classroom. The way he works collaboratively with his wife Cristina demonstrations to their kids how much they mean to them and how invested they are in their education. Mr. Semeraro has looked for resources that help him communicate with non-English-speaking families at the school so that all families feel included and to make sure all feel welcome in our school, she added. The State Education Resource Center is a quasi-public agency created to assist the Connecticut State Board of Education in promoting educational equity and excellence, according to its mission. SERC provides resources and professional learning to educators, families, and community members in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and other public and private partners. For information, visit ctserc.org. The number of U.S. troops currently at the southwest border to support the Department of Homeland Security is likely the highest it will get until the expected end of the mission December 15, a top defense official said Thursday. "I think we're pretty much peaked in terms of the number of people [at the U.S.-Mexico border]," Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters at the Pentagon. Homeland Security has requested troops remain through Dec. 15, but that "can always be amended," Shanahan said. There are roughly 5,900 troops currently stationed across Arizona, Texas and California. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited troops stationed in McAllen, Texas, on Wednesday, stressing to troops the necessity of their presence, even though they remain in a mission-support role only. Related content: "It's very clear that support to border police or Border Patrol is necessary right now," Mattis said. The secretary called the decision "a moral and ethical" mission, but said the Defense Department is still weighing what the long-term objectives are. "Short-term right now, get the obstacles in so that the border patrolmen can do what they've got to do ... longer term, it's somewhat to be determined," Mattis said. Shanahan could not say why reported troop numbers have fluctuated so radically in recent weeks. President Donald Trump and other top officials have said as many as 15,000 troops could deploy to the border, surpassing the number of troops currently stationed in Iraq and Syria, and nearly matching the number now in Afghanistan. Shanahan expressed uncertainty as to whether the troops' mission may shift to providing law enforcement or engaging with migrant civilians. "I would defer ... to Secretary Mattis" on whether that will change, Shanahan said. Troops have largely been involved in laying razor wire as the migrant caravan continues to approach the border. A group of roughly 400 migrants has broken off from the thousand or so people who for weeks have been headed toward the U.S. border to seek asylum. Many stayed in Mexico City, but the remainder reached the border city of Tijuana on Tuesday, Reuters reported. Trump tweeted in October that the caravan could be taken down by lethal force if clashes the situation became violent. "The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people," he tweeted Oct. 31. "Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable or unwilling to stop Caravan." The next day, he implied that troops should take retaliatory action if the migrants threw rocks at them. "We're not going to put up with that," Trump said during a White House press conference. "[If] they want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back. We're going to consider it -- and I told them, 'consider that a rifle.' When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police, I say 'consider it a rifle.' " He then revisited his remarks, saying he never said U.S. forces would shoot migrants. "What I don't want is these people throwing rocks. ... What they did to the Mexican military is a disgrace," Trump said. "They hit them with rocks. Some were very seriously injured, and they were throwing rocks in their face. They do that with us, they're going to be arrested, there are going to be problems. I didn't say shoot." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead The fathers of three Special Forces troops killed by a Jordanian First Sergeant in 2016 drew comparisons Friday between the incident and the alleged murder last month of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. "I believe the Jordanians no more are going to come clean on the killing of our boys than Saudi Arabia is going to come clean on killing Khashoggi," said Jim Moriarty, father of Army Staff Sgt. James Moriarty. The three fathers were at the National Press Club Friday for the announcement that a lawsuit was being filed federal district court for the District of Columbia, accusing the kingdom of Jordan "of complicity in the alleged terrorist incident and of attempting to cover it up." The lawsuit sought damages against the Kingdom of Jordan and Jordanian Air Force First Sgt. Ma'Arek al-Tawayha, also known "Abu Tayeh," who opened fire on the three Americans with an M-16 rifle, for amounts "to be determined at trial." "There's no amount of money that can take the place of my son, Jimmy," Jim Moriarty said. The main reason for the lawsuit was that "we want to know if there is anything else out there, any clues, as to why that Jordanian soldier targeted our sons that day." The federal complaint on behalf of the families charged that Jordanian officials were "hiding behind the defense that the Jordanian soldier who hunted down and brutally murdered their loved ones was acting within internationally accepted rules of engagement." The three American staff sergeants were part of the Fifth Special Forces Group based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and were among about 2,000 U.S. troops assigned to Jordan in 2016. Some of those troops worked with border artillery units, while others assisted the CIA-led training mission for rebels opposed to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the U.S. Army investigation. Moriarty, a former Marine sergeant and helicopter door-gunner in Vietnam, said there were still unanswered questions that could come out in a trial: "Did those sorry bastards treat my son with the slightest bit of respect" after he was shot twice in the chest, "or did they just let him die?" Moriarty's view was echoed by Chuck Lewellen and Brian McEnroe, the fathers of Staff Sgts. Matthew Lewellen and Kevin McEnroe. All three Gold Star fathers said that the alleged murder of Khashoggi and the killings of their sons were examples of betrayals and the shirking of responsibility by a close U.S. ally. Khashoggi disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct 2. Five Saudis are now facing charges that could bring the death penalty. Brian McEnroe charged that King Abdullah II, of Jordan, the closest U.S. ally in the Mideast after Israel, "has never apologized, not once, for the murder of our sons." On Nov. 4, 2016, the three Americans were in a four-vehicle convoy attempting to enter the gate at the King Faisal Air Base, about 150 miles south of the capital, Amman. A previous group of U.S. vehicles had passed without incident. None of the Americans was wearing body armor, according to the Army and the FBI. When the second group of vehicles approached, a guard raised the gate and then Abu Tayeh opened fire, Brian McEnroe said. He said his son died almost instantly and Staff Sgt. Lewellen succumbed about two hours later. Abu Tayeh then pursued Moriarty and another soldier, who took cover behind nearby cement barricades and returned fire with handguns, McEnroe said. At one point, Moriarty raised his hands and shouted, in Arabic and English, "we're American, we're friends, don't shoot," but Abu Tayeh kept firing, Lewellen said he was told by the FBI. Moriarty was mortally wounded before another U.S. soldier succeeded in wounding Abu Tayeh and subduing him, McEnroe said. In all, the attack lasted about seven minutes, according to a video obtained by the FBI, and Abu Tayeh fired a total of 79 rounds, McEnroe said. Jordanian officials initially called the incident a "tragic accident," and Jordanian media suggested that the Americans may have been drinking before they approached the gate. The three fathers said autopsies showed not a trace of alcohol or drugs of any kind. "Their memories were dragged through the mud," McEnroe said. Chuck Lewellen said he and his wife attended the trial of Abu Tayeh in Jordan. "That's one of the hardest things I've had to do, besides burying our young son," he said. At the trial, Abu Tayeh said he had just been doing his job, Lewellen said. "Well, if executing our boys was his job, then I guess he was doing his job," Lewellen said. Lewellen said the trial showed that at least 11 other Jordanian soldiers or intelligence officers were in the vicinity of the gate when the shooting began. "None of them did anything but hide," he said. Jim Moriarty said Abu Tayeh was sentenced to life imprisonment, but he expected the Jordanian would be released in less than 15 years. Jim Moriarty spoke of his last contact with his son in a phone call on the night before the incident. "Hey buddy, how's it going?" he said he asked. "Hey, Pops, been real busy," his son replied. "It kills me that I'll never hear that again," Jim Moriarty said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com. Key Regions containing this locality Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical Elements Detailed Mineral List: Chalcopyrite Formula: CuFeS 2 Reference: Frank Karasti Gold Formula: Au Reference: GEOLOGY AND ORE DEPOSITS OF The LEADVILLE MINING DISTRICT, COLORADO BY S. F. EMMONS, J. D. IRVING, AND G. F. LOUGHLIN. Page 168; GEOLOGY AND ORE DEPOSITS OF The LEADVILLE MINING DISTRICT, COLORADO BY S. F. EMMONS, J. D. IRVING, AND G. F. LOUGHLIN. Page 168; GEOLOGY AND ORE DEPOSITS OF The LEADVILLE MINING DISTRICT, COLORADO BY S. F. EMMONS, J. D. IRVING, AND G. F. LOUGHLIN. Page 168 'Limonite' Formula: (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) Reference: Frank Karasti Pyrite Formula: FeS 2 Reference: Frank Karasti Quartz Formula: SiO 2 Reference: Frank Karasti Siderite Formula: FeCO 3 Reference: Frank Karasti Sphalerite Formula: ZnS Reference: Frank Karasti List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification Group 1 - Elements Gold 1.AA.05 Au Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts Chalcopyrite 2.CB.10a CuFeS 2 Pyrite 2.EB.05a FeS 2 Sphalerite 2.CB.05a ZnS Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides Quartz 4.DA.05 SiO 2 Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates Siderite 5.AB.05 FeCO 3 Unclassified Minerals, Rocks, etc. 'Limonite' - (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification Group 1 - NATIVE ELEMENTS AND ALLOYS Metals, other than the Platinum Group Gold 1.1.1.1 Au Group 2 - SULFIDES A m X p , with m:p = 1:1 Sphalerite 2.8.2.1 ZnS A m B n X p , with (m+n):p = 1:1 Chalcopyrite 2.9.1.1 CuFeS 2 A m B n X p , with (m+n):p = 1:2 Pyrite 2.12.1.1 FeS 2 Group 14 - ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES A(XO 3 ) Siderite 14.1.1.3 FeCO 3 Group 75 - TECTOSILICATES Si Tetrahedral Frameworks Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO 2 with [4] coordinated Si Quartz 75.1.3.1 SiO 2 Unclassified Minerals, Mixtures, etc. 'Limonite' - (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) List of minerals for each chemical element H Hydrogen H Limonite (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) C Carbon C Siderite FeCO 3 O Oxygen O Limonite (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) O Quartz SiO 2 O Siderite FeCO 3 Si Silicon Si Quartz SiO 2 S Sulfur S Sphalerite ZnS S Pyrite FeS 2 S Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Fe Iron Fe Limonite (Fe,O,OH,H 2 O) Fe Pyrite FeS 2 Fe Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Fe Siderite FeCO 3 Cu Copper Cu Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Zn Zinc Zn Sphalerite ZnS Au Gold Au Gold Au References Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A) Emmons, S.F., Irving, J.D., Loughlin, G.F. (1927) Geology and Ore Deposits of the Leadville Mining District, Colorado. U.S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper 148, 368 pages. External Links This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. The Big Four mine is opened by a shaft whose collar is at an altitude of 11,348 feet (old datum). The shaft has been sunk to a depth of 600 feet, and from this point a drill hole was put down for an additional 600 feet.The records of the shaft are unsatisfactory, as no clear distinction has been drawn between the "transition shales" beneath the White limestone and the various porphyries which have been intruded into them. The geologic section must therefore be inferred largely from the information gained from the surrounding workings.The workings of the Big Four mine have not at any time been accessible to the writers, and the accompanying description is therefore compiled from the statements furnished by the management.The collar of the shaft is 20 feet south of the outcrop of the Colorado Prince fault. The fault here dips northward at an angle of 51. The geologic structure is shown by section BB', Plate 28. On the south side of the Colorado Prince fault the upper portion of the shaft is in the White limestone or the underlying "transition shales," which are turned upward at a steep angle against the Colorado Prince fault. It is probable that the rocks cut in the upper first 320 feet of the shaft belong mainly in the "transition shales" beneath the White limestone, although they are recorded by the company as porphyry. These shales have been frequently mistaken for porphyry.The workings of the third level of the Ibex mine, which have been visited, extend northward to the workings of the Big Four mine and clearly indicate the sedimentary nature of the geologic formations cut in the upper levels of this mine. The record of rocks cut by the drill' hole below the shaft is also open to question. The material supposed by the company to be the lower sheet of White porphyry and the quartzite beneath it may prove to be granite, and if so the succession conforms to that on the south side of the Rawlings fault.The country rocks north of the fault are not cut in any of the workings of the mine, all of which lie within the upturned strata on the footwall side of the fault. The Rawlings fault crosses the shaft at a depth of 190 feet. The dip slip along this fault has not been determined in the Big Four mine but is about 175 feet from the Fannie Rawlings mine. This fault meets the Colorado Prince fault at the bedrock surface immediately west of the Big Four shaft. Levels were run eastward and westward from the Big Four shaft at depths of 190, 246, 306, 385, 455, 524, and 599 feet. 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 Ford announced four separate recalls on Friday, Nov. 16, with the most notable being for about 38,000 new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to the risk the back row seats might come loose in a crash. In these affected Expedition and Navigators, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker says that the second-row center seats could be missing a "J-channel reinforcement bracket." Expeditions included in the recall were manufactured in Kentucky from March 14, 2017 to Aug. 18, and the Navigators in Kentucky from March 31 to Aug. 18. Ford says there are 34,946 of these in the United States, 1,900 in Canada and 955 in Mexico. Once owners are notified, dealers will inspect the seats and make necessary repairs free of charge. The automaker is not aware of any injuries or crashes related to this potential defect. Other recalls announced by the automaker on Friday include one for 160 2018 Ford Explorer SUVs due to a wrongly assembled fuel pressure sensor, one for four, yes four, 2019 Ford Super Duty Vehicles due to missing casting material and one for 271 2019 Lincoln Nautilus that need an air bag module replaced. To search active recalls, use the NHTSA's website to search your 17-character VIN at this link. VIN numbers are typically located under the driver's side windshield, or along the inside of the doors behind the seat or under the steering wheel. To sign up for NHTSA safety alerts for a specific vehicle, sign up at this link. ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI - Mark Krikorian said he likes having protesters at his appearances on university campuses. The director of the Center for Immigration Studies opened his speech Thursday at Washtenaw Community College lamenting the fact that no demonstrators disrupted a previous talk at Columbia University. "I'm actually kind of pleased there are protesters," he told the crowd of University of Michigan Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants, referencing some people passing out fliers outside the Towsley Auditorium. "I spoke at Columbia University to a small group a few weeks ago and there weren't any protesters. I mean, what am I, chopped liver?" A few minutes into his speech on limiting immigration into the United States, around 10 student-aged protesters interrupted his speech from the back of the auditorium with calls of "we will not be complicit." After protesters shouted for a couple of minutes, UM spokesperson Mary Masson read the university's policy on free speech and disruption to the crowd, noting that although "there are instances where some or many members of our community may find a speaker or the content of their speech reprehensible or hateful," a speaker's appearance "does not imply any endorsement." The protesters, met with boos from audience members hoping to hear what Krikorian had to say, were eventually escorted out of the auditorium. Later, some of those who jeered the protesters turned against Krikorian, groaning and booing after his more pointed rhetoric on limiting immigration primarily to family members of U.S. citizens. Talk in Ann Arbor disrupted by amateurs. Really lame chant Mark Krikorian (@MarkSKrikorian) November 15, 2018 Krikorian's speech was centered around whether there should be a limit on the number of immigrants the U.S. takes in on a yearly basis, and who should be allowed to enter the country lawfully. "All of these enforcement questions are sort of a secondary issue - they're important, because if you're not enforcing the rules it doesn't matter what the rules are," Krikorian said. "The question you really need to be asking first is: What should the rules be? "This is the first question you need to ask on immigration policy: Is it a right to move to the United States, or is it a privilege that we, the people, through our elected representatives, decide who can come and who can't?" Some in attendance who originally wanted to hear what Krikorian had to say became agitated as he provided anecdotal scenarios pitting immigrants against citizens in the labor force. In one scenario, he asked who an employer at Walmart would want to hire: "an American kid with Down syndrome" or an "adult immigrant with work experience." "He can do the job, but he needs a little more structure, because it's more labor-intensive," Krikorian said, referencing the child in the scenario. "The other is an adult immigrant with work experience, who doesn't need any supervision, and frankly, probably has a bunch of peasants he can recommend for other jobs that open up," he later added, to a variety of boos and hisses. "Who are you going to pick? It's a perfectly rational decision." Krikorian's examples and statistics, often from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), left some in attendance skeptical of his intentions, including Ypsilanti resident Barbara Walters. "I thought it was very simplistic: 'If we do this, then this will happen; if we do this, then this will happen,'" said Walters, who has attended multiple OLLI events focused on the topic of immigration. "It's much more complicated than that. I don't think his arguments were based on good research. The speaker we had last week laid out some of the same points, but they were much more cogent." OLLI member Jack Ridenour said he agreed with the basis for some of Krikorian's arguments, including the cost of "unlimited immigration." Krikorian cited NAS figures from 2016 that estimated native-born citizens benefit from immigrant labor to the tune of $54 billion. To generate that benefit, immigration has to reduce wages of natives in competition with immigrant workers by nearly $500 billion annually, Krikorian claimed, citing the NAS. "I thought he had a logical argument - that there is a cost to immigration," Ridenour said. "There is a cost of bringing in someone who is at a lower economic, education level, and bringing them up to our group level." Krikorian concluded that immigration in the U.S. should be limited to 400,000 people per year, in comparison to the nearly 1.1 million total visas issued in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of State. He also advocated for taking the pressure off the "bottom of the labor market" through immigration policy, while helping the nation's immigrants and their young children assimilate. "My contention is that times have changed, and our immigration policy needs to change with them," Krikorian said. "The current system of legal immigration that we have is not something anybody thought out. It's a result of political horse trading and pork barrel politics. "My basic contention is that mass immigration is incompatible with the goals and characteristics of a modern society, the way that wasn't true in the past." Krikorian has served as executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies since 1995. The center examines and critiques the impact of immigration on the U.S. The center says it's guided by a "pro-immigrant, low-immigration," vision which seeks fewer immigrants, but a warmer welcome for those admitted. Krikorian has been criticized for his support of ending birthright citizenship, and the Center for Immigration Studies has been labeled an anti-immigrant hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its record of publishing reports that "torture" data to exaggerate associations between immigrants and criminality. He also has written in defense of the separation of children from parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. In his latest publication co-authored with Alex Nowrasteh, "Open Immigration: Yea & Nay," Krikorian argues that the federal immigration program needs to adjust to the realities of modern America by scaling back the number of newcomers who are allowed to settle in the country. On Thursday, Krikorian argued family immigration should be limited to husbands, wives and children of U.S. citizens and that "skilled immigration" should be limited to "real Einsteins." "We underestimate how much people today want their kids to learn about America," Krikorian said. "It's not the immigrants, it's us. No immigrant is bringing his kid to school saying 'Please teach my kid to hate America.' We're doing that to ourselves. Until we can overcome that, taking in 1 million people a year is problematic." ANN ARBOR, MI - More than two decades into a lifetime sentence, a convicted killer now faces possible freedom. James Adrian, 41, was resentenced on Nov. 1 to 32 to 60 years behind bars as one of Washtenaw County's remaining "juvenile lifers," Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie confirmed. Adrian was identified as one of seven individuals in the county previously sentenced to life in prison without parole for crimes committed as juveniles. As the result of a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed such mandatory sentences cruel and unusual punishment - and a 2016 ruling that the decision be applied retroactively - Adrian and five others have received new sentences as a set number of years. Another so-called "juvenile lifer" faces an uphill battle for resentencing. Adrian was 17 when he and two others were accused in the 1995 fatal shooting of former Eastern Michigan University student Donte Flonnoy, 19, as he ran away from a robbery. Adrian and then-19-year-old Toronto Gardette were sentenced to life without parole in 1996. A third individual was acquitted. Adrian could be released on parole as early as 2024, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. An attorney for Adrian could not immediately be reached for comment, and Adrian could not immediately comment by phone. ANN ARBOR, MI - After 30 years staring at prison bars, Christopher Machacek now has a chance of freedom in sight. But not if prosecutors have anything to say about it. After a motion hearing Thursday, Nov. 8, Machacek, 48, will now make his case on Dec. 14 for a change in sentence as the final so-called "juvenile lifer" up for resentencing in Washtenaw County. Machacek is also the lone juvenile lifer prosecutors still want resentenced to life without parole. Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Darlene O'Brien denied motions by Machacek's attorney, Sofia Nelson, to deny a life-without-parole sentence "as categorically barred" by the U.S. and Michigan constitutions, Nelson said. O'Brien also denied a motion to impanel a jury to determine facts to support such a resentence and ruled that the victim's loved ones could testify at a so-called "Miller hearing" in December, she said. The first two motions were already ruled on by higher courts, prosecutors argued. The December hearing will determine whether the convicted killer - sentenced in 1988 to life without parole in the death of a 13-year-old girl - fits the U.S. Supreme Court's description of "the rare juvenile offender who exhibits such irretrievable depravity that rehabilitation is impossible and life without parole is justified." Seven individuals - including Machacek - initially sentenced as juveniles to life in prison without parole in Washtenaw County have been given shots at new sentences in the wake of the 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed such mandatory sentences cruel and unusual punishment. A 2016 ruling affirmed that the decision should be applied retroactively. In six of the Washtenaw cases, the prosecutor's office eventually agreed to new sentences set as a span of years for the convicted killers. That's not the case for Machacek. Machacek's crime was previously described as a "kind of a monster's act," by Chief Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Steve Hiller, and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office continues to request Machacek be resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nelson continues to fight the motion. She doesn't dispute that Machacek's crime was terrible, but said his prison record will show he's been rehabilitated. An expert in forensic psychology and juvenile brain science as well as a corrections expert are listed as potential witnesses for Machacek. Machacek was 16 years old in 1986 when he and another boy, Steven Stamper, put a blindfolded and partially-clad 13-year-old Mary Ann Hulbert against a tree in a Superior Township field and shot her six to seven times. Both had dated her in the past and they mistakenly believed she was pregnant. Hulbert's body was found a week later, and the two boys eventually pointed fingers at each other as to who pulled the trigger. One said she tried to run. The other said she'd been clutching a stuffed toy dog. Stamper was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole and remains incarcerated. ANN ARBOR, MI - Survivors of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida shared their experiences with hundreds of Washtenaw County teens Thursday night at the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor. A panel discussion hosted by the Washtenaw Youth Initiative on Nov. 15 featured anti-gun violence activists from Parkland, Florida and Chicago. The Washtenaw Youth Initiative is a student-led group advocating for tighter gun regulations. "We as youth are the mass shooting generation," said Alex Wind, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. "We are the people who are not surprised when we wake up in the morning and look at Twitter, Facebook or check the news just to see that there was another mass shooting. We have grown up in a culture of violence, but we are also going to be the people who stand up and say this is not going to be acceptable for our future children." Sophie Whitney, who graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas last spring, believes building empathy could eventually lead to gathering support for gun reform. "We seem to be in a society where money is valued more than people," Whitney said. "A lot of people see the statistics, but they don't feel the pain or see firsthand how gun violence truly destroys lives. The more we have these conversations and the more we share our stories, the more empathy will be built and more people will want to be part of the solution and not the problem." The Parkland activists were accompanied by Lamar Johnson, violence prevention coordinator for BRAVE (Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere), a youth program based out of St. Sabina Church in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, where Johnson grew up. Johnson said safe centers for youth like BRAVE and the Neutral Zone are essential to preventing violence. "Law enforcement is always the first answer to violence in my community, but law enforcement is not violence prevention," Johnson said. "We have to put time, money and energy into preventive services and initiatives. We need our law enforcement, but they cannot be the first solution." We have got to change what we put our money and our energy into, like providing safe havens for teenagers. If we invest in that, we're going to see results." Thursday's discussion was organized to highlight the Washtenaw Youth Initiative's accomplishments and launch the group's platform to address gun violence, said Saline High School senior Kat Andrade. Since February, the student-led group has coordinated demonstration in which 200 students lay down at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor for 6 minutes, and 500 students walked out of school across the county and gathered at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti. The group also hosted a community march of 4,000 people in Ann Arbor at Pioneer High School as part of the March for Our Lives demonstrations, Andrade said. During the question and answer portion of the event, a student in the crowd asked the activists how they respond to people who are against repealing the Second Amendment. "We're not," Whitney said. "Anyone who thinks we're trying to repeal the Second Amendment has not listened to a word we have said." Wind echoed Whitney's response. "We are not against the second amendment. We are for people's lives," Wind said. "Nothing we have advocated for infringes on the Second Amendment. We are advocating for safe, reasonable gun regulations. We are advocating for our lives, period." ANN ARBOR - Kids at Mott Children's Hospital came face-to-face with some exotic animals Thursday as the hospital kicked off a partnership with the San Diego Zoo. A blue-tongued skink, a 20-pound Flemish rabbit (the unanimous favorite), an Eastern box turtle and a hedgehog-type rodent called a tenrec were the guests of honor in the hospital's Family Room, which usually houses a therapy dog. Kids got the chance to learn about each animal as expert handlers from the Binder Park Zoo passed the creatures around. The visit introduced San Diego Zoo Kids, a closed-circuit television service designed for pediatric patients who otherwise might not get the chance to develop a love for animals. Mott partnered with both the zoo and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor to bring the CCTV program to patient rooms and waiting rooms. Debra Erickson, marketing director at the San Diego Zoo, said the program, which launched in 2013, has helped inspire and improve quality of life for thousands of kids at hospitals across the country. She told the story of Sadie, a patient at another hospital who had been quiet and hard to reach before the program was brought to her room. "Her whole life and attitude changed," Erickson said. "She started talking to the nurses about the animals she saw and asking them questions like 'How much does an elephant weigh?' "One day the doctors told her that, unfortunately, she would lose her leg," Erickson said. "Sadie said 'Animals in the wild lose their legs all the time and they're just fine, so I'm going to be just fine.'" ANN ARBOR, MI - Melvin Bell knew exactly who to call when he needed help coming up with $919 to pay his first month's rent at a new apartment. Bell spent 19 years working at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washtenaw County, where he helped people determine what types of government aid they qualified for and then helped them fill out the applications. He used that expertise when he was without a stable place to live this summer. But no one could offer him the money to help him move into a new apartment. "I'm a positive, productive member of society and here I'm in need of some assistance and no one is responding," said Bell, 60, who retired from DHHS in 2015. "I'm disappointed - not in terms of the programs they have to help the homeless, in terms of the actual advocacy that's being done." A combination of bureaucracy and insufficient funding makes it difficult for some Washtenaw County residents to find assistance in the face of a housing crisis. After contacting 11 social service agencies and sometimes getting conflicting information about his options, or simply not having his calls returned, Bell said he connected with Michigan Medicine's Housing Bureau for Seniors, which has access to various community funds and provided him with $279 to help with rent. Gaps exist in the types of assistance local agencies can offer -- often because they're distributing state and federal grants with specific stipulations on how the money can be used and who qualifies for assistance, said Marla Conklin, Salvation Army of Washtenaw County's director of social services. In need, but not needy enough A string of unfortunate events hit Bell, an Ypsilanti native, in the last year. Last September, he was injured in a fall while doing volunteer advocacy work for someone in Genesee County. In December 2017, his car was stolen and he borrowed money from his sister to buy a new one. In May, Bell moved out of his Ypsilanti apartment due to poor conditions. Still trying to catch up financially from some of the unexpected expenses of the prior months, Bell lived for about four months with a friend in Genesee County before deciding to move back to Ypsilanti. He spent four weeks in September in hotels and motels while looking for an apartment and help with paying for his first month's rent. Bell's fixed retirement income is too high to qualify for rent assistance from the state's emergency solutions grant, which is reserved for people making 30 percent of the area median income or less - about $19,500 for a person in Washtenaw County. Still, the $919 Bell needs each month for a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in Ypsilanti takes an outsized amount of his social security and disability checks, he said. If Bell had been living on the streets, he could have applied for the federal Rapid Rehousing program. If he had been evicted from his previous apartment, he could have applied for assistance through a federal Homelessness Prevention grant. But Bell's circumstances didn't qualify him for those. Washtenaw County shelters are full, Conklin said, and there's rarely a bed immediately available. So Bell - a problem-solver by nature - had to come up with his own solution. Due to the timing of his income checks, Bell told his landlord he would have to pay his rent late each month - which comes with a $50 fee. "I'm still in a crisis," he said. "I feel that more resources should be available to help individuals that are in my position." Filling the gaps in services Washtenaw County is aware of the gaps in services available to those in need. Housing Access for Washtenaw County, a Salvation Army hotline, is intended to be the first stop for people facing a housing crisis. 211, a hotline run by United Way, also refers people to local resources for various types of help. But Bell worries many people fall through the cracks. "When trying to navigate through the bureaucracy there's a lot of paperwork and legwork and running around that needs to take place," he said. "Most people don't have the coping skills and resources and ability to do that, and they just give up." Bell would like to see better case management that truly meets people's needs, even if their circumstances leave them ineligible for certain types of assistance. Washtenaw County's Barrier Busters -- a program Bell said he contacted -- aims to help people through a network of more than 100 local social service agencies and government entities. Barrier Busters' "emergency unmet needs fund" doles out about $225,000 annually from local sources, and every dollar is matched by $0.38 from other funding sources, said Moonson Eninsche, human services supervisor for Washtenaw County's Office of Community and Economic Development, which coordinates the program. In 2017, Barrier Busters responded to 363 emergency requests, 47 percent of which were related to housing stability, Eninsche said. However, Eninsche said Barrier Busters' local funding is often exhausted nine to 10 months into the year. "This year, we functionally ran out of funds by September," he said. "I'm not saying there isn't any funding available, but it's got to be more of a nickel-and-dime approach where you get $250 from one agency and $300 from another." FLINT, MI -- An advisory group created by Gov. Rick Snyder to address issues related to Flint water could be meeting for the last time on Friday, Nov. 16. An executive order that created the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee in April 2016 expires when Snyder leaves office at the end of his second term on Dec. 31. So do the terms of the 18 FWICC members who serve on the committee. Ari Adler, communications director for the governor, said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal that Friday's meeting will likely be the last to meet under the umbrella of the 2016 executive order. "Having said that, there has been some discussion about what should happen to the FWICC and the work it does under the new administration," Adler's email says. "I believe that will be one of the topics of discussion at (Friday's) meeting." MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach a representative of Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer for comment on the future of the group or if she plans to continue its work through another advisory organization. Snyder signed the executive order creating FWICC on April 22, 2016, and carved out positions on the committee for the mayor of Flint, representatives of Genesee County government, and of state government offices, including the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health and Human Services. Although the FWICC group addressed issues related to the Flint water crisis, including the cost of water here and service line replacement issues, its work slowed in 2018 and Friday's meeting will be just its third this year. The committee was slowed this year in part by breakdowns in collaboration between Mayor Karen Weaver and the Snyder administration. In April, the state cancelled one FWICC meeting after Weaver threatened to sue the state over issues including bottled water distribution in the city. Although the mayor said at the time that the city intended to file a lawsuit against the state, the threat has not yet materialized. FLINT, MI- Areas of the former Buick City factory site now have tested up to 540 times higher than state's cleanup threshold for PFAS. New testing by RACER Trust, the environmental response fund that is redeveloping the nation's closed General Motors properties, shows one sample of groundwater at the site reached up to 38,000 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS, a type of PFAS. Michigan's groundwater cleanup standard is 70 ppt, mirroring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's combined lifetime health advisory for consuming that chemical and PFOA, a related compound. "That's way over," said Dave Favero of ARCADIS Environmental Solutions, a RACER contractor, about the high level. "But the good thing is nobody is drinking the groundwater in this area (and) there is no current exposures that we're aware of." The results of new testing on the site for PFOS and PFOA was discussed with about 30 area residents Wednesday, November 14, during a meeting organized by RACER at Harding Mott University Center. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are fire resistant and repel oil, stains, grease and water. They're used in fire-fighting foams, stain repellents, nonstick cookware and waterproof materials, in addition to industrial applications like metal-finishing. The chemicals also are linked to several forms of cancer and other health risks. Representatives from RACER, ARCADIS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality answered questions residents had about the findings. They also released details on the test locations where PFOS results are 1,000 ppt or more: There are 19 areas scattered throughout the site that are above the cleanup criteria but below 1,000 ppt. "We looked at current exposures and addressed those," Favero said. "Now we're looking at potential future exposures." The PFOA and PFOS can be managed in part by not allowing people to use groundwater at the property as a drinking source, Favero said. "Which is not very likely here in the city of Flint anyway because they're going to get water from the city's public source," Favero said. The public intake is upstream from where the Flint River runs parallel to the Buick City property near I-475 between Stewart and Hamilton. Clarissa Camez, a Flint resident, raised some questions after the meeting about whether residents were potentially exposed to the PFOS and PFOA when the city was using the Flint River as its source for drinking water. "It'd be good to know when they tested it and if it was during the period when the city switched and what those levels were at the time," Camez said. "I want to know if they've retested since then and what those levels are. Also, if it was in the water, did those chemicals dissolve into the pipes and how can we get rid of it without redoing all the infrastructure?" The contaminants do have the potential to have entered the storm sewers and be discharged into the Flint River, but testing for that hasn't been done yet, Favero said. RACER will be testing nine storm sewers and 14 potential monitoring wells for PFOA and PFOS this week and next week. It will take between three weeks to a month for results to come back, RACER Cleanup Manager Grant Trigger said. PFAS testing has been done on fish in the Flint River, Christina Bush a toxicologist for the Michigan DHHS said. "PFOS is a specific chemical within the PFAS family and that is the one that builds up in fish, that's what we look for," Bush said. The MDHHS's Eat Safe Fish Guide for the Flint River advises the following: Once test results are back, the decisions RACER will have to make depend on the circumstances, Favero said. "If there is a continuing discharge to river, we have to figure out how to keep that from happening," he said. "If it's in the groundwater and really not migrating far or reaching the river, then maybe it'll just be monitoring and managing because there's no exposures to anybody, the river or wildlife." The Buick City property had been a factory for a century before it moved into RACER's control for cleanup and redevelopment after the GM bankruptcy. Cleanup is ongoing, and parcels have been sold to new industrial users. RACER is going to continue to market the old Buick City site but will not be closing on any deals until adequate testing for PFOA and PFAS testing is completed, RACER Deputy Redevelopment Manager Patricia Spitzley, said. If someone wanted to develop Buick City, the PFOS and PFOA levels in the ground water would be something they'd have to take into consideration, Favero said. The biggest issue with potential construction is the storm sewers, Favero said, businesses would likely have install waterproof pipes that wouldn't allow the groundwater to leak in. There are 13 storm sewer sites that discharge into the Flint River, some of those sewers aren't RACER property. Many of the storm sewers have been bolted to stop oil from discharging into the Flint River. This is part of RACER's initial cleanup efforts of the site. While there is some concern the storm sewers could leak into the groundwater because they're below the water level, it hasn't happened yet. They are being closely monitored, Chris Peters from ARCADIS said. Several communities members invited Trigger and his team to come give presentations at their individual neighborhood community meetings. Sherry Hayden, the vice president of the College and Cultural Center Neighborhood Association, said Trigger agreed to presenting at an upcoming meeting. Hayden said she was impressed by RACER's transparency about where they are in the project. Previous results from sampling for PFAS in Flint showed four locations at the former Buick City factory are contaminated, and one residence near the closed Coldwater Road Landfill has the chemicals in its well. RACER's next community meeting is going to be held Thursday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 930 E. Myrtle Avenue. FLINT, MI -- Citizen testing of the Flint water system this summer showed some areas remain vulnerable to disease-causing organisms if lines aren't flushed long enough, but a "good presence of chlorine residual" overall. "These results are very consistent, very satisfactory," Virginia Tech university professor Marc Edwards told the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee Friday, Nov. 16. "These would be considered very good results for any city in the country." Virginia Tech provided funding, analytical and technical support for the project while Flint residents Kaylie Mosteller, Matt Smith, LeeAnne Walters, Victoria Webber and Keri Webber developed a monitoring plan and carried out the front-line work, Edwards said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says chlorine residual is important because it shows both that sufficient chlorine was added initially to the water to inactivate bacteria and some viruses, and that water is protected from re-contamination during storage. Although no universal standard exists for residual chlorine, regulatory agencies typically recommend maintaining a free chlorine residual of 0.2 to 0.5 mg/L. Although 100 percent of samples collected by the city showed more than 0.2 mg/L of chlorine residual, Edwards said Flint flushes water until it reaches a level of certain level of coldness -- for 10 to 30 minutes -- before sampling. Overall, 79 percent of citizen samples showed chlorine residuals of more than 0.2 mg/L, and in total, 250 samples were collected from 14 sites from June through September. Walters said the group's testing showed some areas of the city had no residual chlorine after 5 minutes of flushing -- the amount of time citizen testers ran water before collecting samples. She said the purpose of the effort is to be a check and balance on similar testing by the city. Citizen testers used some of the same sites city testers use, according to Edwards. George Krisztian, assistant director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance, said the citizen testing is valuable. "It kind of underscores the importance of water usage and the challenges with over-sized infrastructure," Krisztian said. State officials said there is a correlation between water quality and water use in Flint because the system was designed to supply water to a much larger population than exists today. Without water circulating, water becomes stagnant and loses residual chlorine -- something that's been a concern in Flint since the city's water crisis was recognized by state and federal officials. In January 2016, a team from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported they found chlorine was present in the city water system but also found levels in some areas needed to be boosted even though no bacteria was found. GRANDVILLE, MI -- After years of construction and numerous delays, Grand Castle apartments reached a milestone Friday - its first tenants had signed their leases and were preparing to move in. "The dream is becoming a reality," said Aaron Dood, property manager for Land and Company, the firm behind the 15-floor apartment building that rises nearly 200 feet into the air near the intersection of 28th Street SW and I-196 in Grandville. Ten people were expected to sign leases Friday and begin moving into apartments on the second- and third-floor of the castle, which has 510 total units and is modeled after the famed Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany. More people who have already reserved apartments are expected to sign their leases over the next few weeks. "To say you get to live in the castle, I think that's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Matt Conflitti, 22, of Allendale, who signed his lease Friday morning and planned to move into his one-bedroom apartment over the weekend. Conflitti, works as a data scientist at Rutherford and Associates in Holland and will pay $915 per month in rent, says he wasn't a fan of the building at first, but once he toured a demo apartment he says he realized "this is where I need to be." And while some people may be turned off by the building's design -- many have called it an eyesore -- Conflitti says he "loves it." "Once you're inside, it's not like you're in a dungeon. You're in a luxury apartment." While the first tenants are now moving in, construction is ongoing in other parts of the building. As of Friday, the building had certificates of occupancy for 84 apartments on the building's second and third floor. Certificates of occupancy for the fourth, fifth and sixth floors are expected "any day now," Dood said. And construction on the remaining floors should be wrapped up before the end of the year, he said. The building's on-site fitness center is also expected to be completed by the end of 2018. With more than 500 units, the Grand Castle has room for a lot of people. Dood says he's confident Land and Company won't "have any trouble filling the place." "We really want to be able to offer an excellent product at not an incredibly high rent," he said. "I think we are going to appeal to renters that are looking for that, who want something very nice but don't want to have to break the bank over it." Apartments range in price from $725 for a studio to more than $2,000 for a three-bedroom unit. Prices for a dozen top-floor, multi-story penthouses, some of which boast private decks with sweeping views of the Grand Rapids skyline, ranges from $1,975 to $4,500. The move-in dates for the castle have been pushed back several times. The opening date was originally set for summer of 2017, but construction delays pushed it back. And in early September, officials said they hoped the building would be ready for its first tenants by mid- to late-October. But that date was again moved back. "The move in date kind of shuffled around a little bit, and so that made things a little frustrating," Conflitti said. "But I'm in here now, so that's all good." The castle has been a controversial project -- due to its design and size -- from the start, no doubt drawing a range of opinions from residents and the thousands of motorists who pass by it each day on I-196. Many have called it an "eyesore," while others say it adds a unique flourish to the area. Dood has heard that criticism, as well as questions over when the building would officially open. That the building is now open and accepting tenants speaks to how he and his colleagues have "stayed the course," he said. "We have just kept the rudder in place, moving the ship along," he said. "We've held to the vision, and we have just executed a plan. The fact that we've come this far is proof that we can finish and get to where we're headed." ALLENDALE, MI - For the second consecutive year, Grand Valley State University is asking state lawmakers to step up and help fund a new $50 million building to serve the computer information systems programs. "This is a very high-demand program and we need additional classrooms and labs to meet employer demand,'' Matt McLogan, vice president for university relations, recently told the Board of Trustees. Each year the state requires Michigan colleges and universities to file a comprehensive five-year capital outlay plan and identify their top priority project. The board approved the request for fiscal year 2020. "With this building, we are thinking about what the future needs are and it wouldn't be a traditional classroom building,'' said Maria Cimitile, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, during the Nov. 2 board meeting. "This is going to be an innovative place for our students. This building would be something for every single student on campus as well as CIS." The proposed new academic building would address the need for more classrooms, testing and teaching labs, and offices to accommodate the growth in electronic based information systems. The plan is to locate the building near Kindschi Hall of Science. "Employers of all kinds want us to produce more,'' McLogan said. "We are maxed out in capacity and need more classrooms, labs, and professors.'' Due to significant investment by employers in computer-based systems, information security has become a priority for the data of companies, hospitals and private industries, according to Grand Valley's major project request. Officials say information, security and related management employees are in demand and this demand is expected to continue. The state share of costs to fund university projects has traditionally been based on a 75/25 state, institution match. However, this match has been limited to a maximum state share of $30 million since 2010. Board Chair Mary Kramer said the market need for these types of programs is huge. She said employers can't find enough people. "Data analytics and cyber security are the two biggest things I hear in the market place,'' she said. The state has supported Grand Valley capital request in recent years. The new $70 million health building under construction now on Grand Rapids Medical Mile is receiving $29 million in state funding. In other board business, Grand Valley released its annual accountability report that tracks more than 40 separate measures of university performance with others in the state. Here are some highlights: Ninety-five percent of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school, and 86 percent are working in Michigan. Grand Valley's tuition remains in the bottom half of Michigan's 15 public universities. The current tuition is $12,484 for a full-time undergraduate Michigan resident. The university receives the second lowest funding per student - $3,151. The student loan default rate is the fourth lowest among state universities at 3.9 percent. The 2018-19 financial aid commitment was $52.3 million, up from $47.2 million. The retention rate for first year students is at 84.5 percent. Fall enrollment was the fourth highest in the state with 24,677 students, but down from 25,049 students in 2017. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A witness to a knife attack in downtown Grand Rapids told police the assailant 'made a lot of random and strange comments about the devil." Tyler Charles Benedict, 20, is charged with two counts of attempted murder, felonious assault and fourth-degree arson for the assault on three men early Saturday, Nov. 10. Police say the arson charge is related to a delivery van set ablaze at the Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, about an hour before the 3:07 a.m. attack on three men sleeping along Lyon Street NW near Monroe Avenue. The fire, reported about 2:20 a.m., actually damaged two vans because they were parked next to each other. The victims of the knife attack were sleeping under blankets and a tarp at a steam vent location near Fifth Third Bank. "Per one of the victims statements, the suspect made a lot of random and strange comments about the devil and the attacker emotionally stressed that these were 'his streets,'" according to a report from police. Soon after the stabbing, police located Benedict in a parking ramp near the Amway Grand Hotel and found a knife nearby. The assault victims -- two required hospital treatment -- have since been released from the hospital. Police say Benedict confessed to both the knife attack and arson. In a police interview about the arson, he allegedly told detectives he "was angry and wanted to see the world burn." GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A former Michigan State University student who suffered chronic anxiety and panic attacks is suing after her sorority house manager allegedly rejected her emotional-support animal, a Netherlands dwarf rabbit, Sebastian. The case is a little unusual but Wyandotte attorney Kerry Morgan said his client, Kayla Hicks, has a documented medical need for a support animal. He contends the defendants violated her right to reasonable accommodations for her disability. "This is a housing case, not a pet-accommodation case," Morgan told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Friday, Nov. 16. His client wants the sorority to "step up and do a better job going forward with other students." Hicks, who no longer lives in Michigan, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids against Tennessee-based Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Omicron Pi Properties Inc. Messages were left with the agency seeking comment. Morgan alleged his client suffered handicap discrimination under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, or FHAA. He says Hicks is considered disabled under the FHAA as well as the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. Hicks has suffered anxiety, including panic attacks, for several years. Her psychiatrist recommended she use an emotional-support animal. Hicks was accepted by Alpha's sorority chapter, Beta Gamma, provided paperwork for her support animal and moved in on Aug. 20, 2017, the lawsuit said. The rabbit was determined healthy and social by a veterinarian. Hick's registered the rabbit on the National Service Animal Registry at the property director's request, the lawsuit said. On Sept. 1, 2017, the defendants denied her accommodation request for the support animal. Hicks filed complaints with the Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid Michigan, Michigan Department of Civil Rights and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She brought the rabbit to the sorority house for her birthday that November, with approval of the house manager, but was soon told it had to go, the lawsuit said. Hicks had returned the rabbit to the sorority house when she was told just before Spring Break that headquarters had not approved her support animal. She was allegedly told she would be evicted if she brought it back after the break. When Hicks returned from the break, she moved the rabbit out. She said she was forced out of the sorority house. Morgan believed that his client's roommates were OK with the rabbit. It was small, and didn't make noise or bother anyone, he said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Police have identified the body of a man who was found last week in the Grand River near the 6th Street Dam in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids police said the body was of Eugene Troutman, 59, a longtime resident of Georgia. The death has been ruled an accident by the Kent County Medical Examiner's Office. Police were dispatched around 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, after fishermen discovered a human body submerged underwater. Patrol officers and Grand Rapids Fire Department river rescue units recovered the body and determined that the man had been "deceased beyond medical efforts." There did not appear to be any signs of foul play, according to police. On Friday, Nov. 16, police sent out a press release asking for help identifying the man, who didn't have any distinguishing tattoos or piercings. In less than three hours after the release went out, police reported a successful identification of the body. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A man provided fraudulent documents - Social Security and lawful-permanent resident cards - for sale in West Michigan, a federal investigator said. Benjamin Morales-Sales, with alleged ties to a Chicago group, is named in a federal criminal complaint alleging transfer of false identification document, a 15-year felony. If convicted, he could also be removed from the U.S. or have citizenship denied. The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids by Thomas Schifini, a special agent for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, was unsealed upon the arrest of Morales-Sales on Tuesday, Nov. 13. A judge on Thursday ordered the defendant held pending proceedings by a federal grand jury. Schifini said that a business card, with the image of Jesus on back, advertised a company name of Los Pancheros Painters and a telephone number. A man named "Erick" accepted the calls. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Office had provided the business card to Homeland Security while conducting an unrelated investigation. The investigation into the false-document operation began at the start of the year. On Jan. 19, a confidential informant, monitored and recorded by Schifini, called "Erick" at the phone number on the business card. The informant asked for a fraudulent lawful-permanent resident card and Social Security card. The caller was told it would cost $200. The caller texted a photo and fictitious background information. About a week later, a man - identified by police as Morales-Sales - showed up in a Toyota minivan and delivered the cards for $200, the investigator wrote. A few days later, Schifini obtained another business card with the same phone number as "Erick," but under a different name, "Ian." The card had a Spanish-language phrase roughly translated to "Pancho's Home Remodeling, Home Estimates, Good Prices," records showed. It contained the same image of Jesus as shown on the other business card. A second confidential informant told investigators that a man at the 28th Street Mega Mall provided a business card and offered to produce a fake lawful-permanent resident card and Social Security card for $200. The man told the informant to call the number, ask for "Ian," and say that the informant "received the business card at the Mega Mall," the government said. In early March, a confidential informant, or CI, called "Erick," and was told that the cost for lawful-permanent resident and Social Security would be $180 per set if multiple sets were bought. Morales-Sales, in a Mitsubishi Montero sport-utility vehicle, provided the documents two days later for $540, Schifini wrote. "The CI stated that the delivery person (Morales-Sales) had so many envelopes containing fake cards that he had to read the names off to confirm what cards the CI ordered," the investigator said. Morales-Sales also told the informant he was going to produce his own documents for sale. He allegedly told the informant that "Erick" leads the group but lives in the Chicago area. The group comes from Chicago to Grand Rapids to distribute fake documents. "Erick," he noted, likes to provide the cards in public places, like store parking lots, while Morales-Sales prefers private residences. Investigators obtained phone records that showed multiple calls between "Erick" and Morales-Sales, including calls made immediately after a confidential informant requested documents. Police also determined that Morales-Sales was living on Stafford Avenue SE. Police found a public Facebook page under his name that shows a photo of him by a minivan that appeared similar to the one used to deliver documents. Photos of him also matched images taken on covert surveillance video during undercover transactions, the investigator said. Homeland Security Investigations also conducted surveillance that showed Morales-Sales driving to an area home where another fraudulent-document investigation is underway, court records says. After he left, he allegedly met with a confidential informant in Wyoming and provided fraudulent documents for $220, the government said in court records. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Brookwood Elementary School third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students were in for a royal surprise Thursday. Medieval Times, based on a authentic medieval dinner and tournament show featuring heroic knights on horses and sword fighting, came to their school and awarded the students with a PlayStation 4 and a trip to Medieval Times in Chicago in May 2019. The royal event was a gift from Pamela Buschle, a retiring Brookwood Elementary School social worker and quadruple amputee. Buschle had a life-threatening bout with sepsis that left her a quadruple amputee became the inspiration for a community. She wanted to find a fun way to give back to her "knights in shining armor," students and school staff, who always support her. Buschle is retiring after working for 29 years at Brookwood Elementary School and Kentwood Challenger Elementary School. Buschle said she is sad about leaving but excited for the next chapter and plans on continuing to devote her time to children but on a volunteer basis. "I feel sad about leaving, I have loved every minute of being the school social worker at Brookwood Elementary School and in Kentwood," Buschle said. "It has been an absolute privilege to work with kids and their families and this wonderful staff." Ten years ago, Lorenzo Bradshaw, principal of Brookwood Elementary School, started taking the fifth graders on an annual trip to Chicago and one of the highlights of the trip was going to Medieval Times. Buschle said she had never been to Medieval Times before going with the fifth grade class and thought that it would be a fun way to end her experience by bringing Medieval Times to the school and surprising students. "They think it is so exciting," Buschle said. "I know that all the knights and the fighting, that's the exciting part to look at but the message that they're trying to portray through Medieval Times is the idea of showing acts of kindness, being honest, being hard working, that those are the important qualities of a knight." Four members of the Medieval Times spoke to the group of students. The students were able to practice sword-fighting skills with wooden swords, be knighted, and see a live performance of the two knights fighting with swords. As the students watched in amazement, the performance ended with the Medieval Times knights, queen and lord thanking Brookwood Elementary School for allowing them to journey to their school. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A 14-year-old girl who went missing Tuesday, Nov. 13, has been found safe. Alani Garcia was reunited with family. Grand Rapids police at 5:40 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 issued a plea for tips about her whereabouts, then at 6:35 p.m said she had been found. DETROIT - The body of Michael Dwyer, 55, who is the son of Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer, was found inside the remains of a burned-out house - 19 days after firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze. The younger Dwyer's body was found Wednesday in the home on Bramell Street near Puritan Avenue on Detroit's West Side, according to the FOX 2 news station. The fire occurred on Oct. 26. Detroit fire officials say the interior of the building collapsed in the blaze and the structure was too unsafe to do a thorough search. "There was no way to enter to even walk to do a search, and do a search of the interior of the building," Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones told the news station. Jones said they search the areas they can when something like this happens, using flashlights and other equipment. Some media reports described the home as being considered vacant when the fire call occurred. Authorities discovered Dwyer's body this week when they were investigating a missing person's complaint linked to the home on Bramell. DETROIT -- Fodor, one of the world's top travel publications says Detroit is one of the top cities to visit in the world in 2019. Luckily for us here in Michigan, we don't have to travel far to check it out. Fodor lists Detroit among the top destinations thanks to the many projects that have helped transform the city in recent years or have been announced. Highlights according to Fodor include upgrades made along the riverfront, developments and commitments from Bedrock of over $830 million and the recent announcement by Ford to take over the former Michigan Central Station. "Detroit has had several false starts, but it looks like America's favorite comeback city is finally making a legit comeback," writes Laura Itzkowitz. "There are so many urban planning and building projects underway that in a few years' time, the city will look completely different." Fodor recommends visitors stay at the Siren Hotel and the Detroit Foundation Hotel. The author does warn potential visitors that they should plan their travel for summer months, as winter can be brutally cold and last well into spring months. Michigan's recreational marijuana law is expected to take effect by Thursday, Dec. 6, according to state officials. That's exactly one month after 56 percent of voters said "yes" to Proposal 1, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. The reason for the delay is procedural: the law takes effect 10 calendar days after the Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the election results. The Board of State Canvassers is expected to meet Nov. 26, said Secretary of State Spokesman Fred Woodhams. That means the law will take effect Thursday, Dec. 6, said Woodhams and David Harns, spokesman for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. As of Dec. 6, adults over the age of 21 can possess and consume marijuana in the privacy of their homes. It remains illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. The state has one year to develop rules for a commercial marijuana industry in the state, and has to accept the first business license applications in December 2019. In the week since the election, a number of Michigan communities have decided to ban recreational marijuana businesses. Some have indicated the action is temporary as they await the state's rules and regulations. Meanwhile, universities and colleges are reminding their students, faculty and staff that their policies regarding marijuana use and possession have not changed despite the passage of Proposal 1 -- and that campuses are to remain drug-free. -- Amy Biolchini is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact her with questions, tips or comments at abiolch1@mlive.com. Read more from MLive about recreational marijuana. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating a shooting death on the first day of firearm season for deer hunting season Thursday in Antrim County. Thirty eight-year-old Justin Beutel of Sanford was pronounced dead on the scene when DNR officers arrived for a call around 1 p.m. for a hunting accident near the intersection of West Elder Road and Northeast Torch Lake Drive, near the village of Alden, roughly 20 miles northeast of Traverse City, according to the DNR. "Preliminary investigation reveals that Mr. Beutel was deer hunting on private property and was apparently shot by another subject hunting nearby," said Lt. James Gorno, a district law supervisor with the DNR. EMS workers administered first aid to Beutel, but he did not recover. Beutel was allegedly shot by a 45-year-old man from Gaylord who is not being identified by police. The men did not appear to know each other and the shooting appears to have been accidental. The Antrim County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police are assisting the DNR with the investigation and processing of evidence. JACKSON, MI - Michigan State Police are challenging residents from Jackson and Hillsdale to fill a patrol car with items to help those in need this holiday season. The MSP Jackson Post is hosting its annual "Stuff a Blue Goose" charity event in early December to collect unwrapped toys, personal hygiene items and nonperishable food to be donated to local charities. All toys collected are being donated to the Toys for Tots campaign. In Jackson, personal hygiene items, such as travel-size shampoo and deodorant, are being donated to Jackson's Martin Luther King Jr. Center and all other items, such as non-perishable foods, are being donated to Jackson's St. Johns United Church of Christ Food Pantry. Items collected in Hillsdale County will be donated to a charity there. The patrol car, a "blue goose," will be parked and waiting to be stuffed from: KALAMAZOO, MI -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains an important partner to remove dangerous people from the community, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller said. For the last year, Fuller has been working on a new written directive that will clarify how the county jail handles ICE requests to detain people up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released. The so-called "ICE holds" have been criticized by immigrant rights organizations pressuring Fuller to publicize the policy and end cooperation with the federal agency. Sheriffs in Wayne and Ingham counties announced last year they would not honor requests made by federal immigration officials to hold immigrant inmates past their release date. Fuller, who has served as sheriff since 2008, confirmed he is working on a policy but avoided specifics when discussing it with MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette Thursday. He said the goal is to clearly define what is expected of jail staff and "what the community can expect," but didn't elaborate on how it would change current practices. "I'm asking for people to understand that this is not a community that has ICE running around knocking doors and trying to find people that are not in compliance with their immigration status," Fuller said. "That's not happening here." Activists and attorneys held demonstrations and met with Fuller behind closed doors this year, seeking to sever Kalamazoo County's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement officials. Fuller said ICE is a legitimate law enforcement agency that has assisted local police in important investigations. At the same time, he is open to holding the agency accountable and acknowledged "significant changes" in how ICE operates under the Trump administration. "It's important that we come up with a way to continue to work with them in a way that is fitting for our community," Fuller said. "We have so many examples where ICE has been a partner to help our community ... remove people from the community who have been a menace to a part of the community." Federal authorities, including ICE and the Drug Enforcement Administration, made several arrests in June in connection to an alleged forged document scheme at a home on Westnedge Avenue. Fuller said the suspects were providing drug mules with fake identification. He also referenced a case this year involving a long-time resident arrested for retail fraud. ICE became involved after it found he was abusing family members. At a Wednesday YWCA event, activists publicly called on Fuller to stop honoring ICE detainer requests. An ICE detainer is a written request for a local jail to hold a person so federal agents have more time to put them in custody. Detainers are placed on people when ICE has probable cause regarding their immigration status and only kick in after they would otherwise be released from jail. Fuller said six people have been held on detainer requests in 2018, each of whom faced felony charges. The office honored a request to detain one person currently jailed for a "serious violent offense." The sheriff did not describe the process by which ICE detainers are approved, but said it's done on a case-by-case basis. "While upholding the law we're going to do what we have to do to not trample on human rights or individuals rights," Fuller said. "We can only do that by closely with other government agencies and other partners to help each other hold one another accountable." Fuller checks the inmate population at county jail "every day," he said, including any ICE detainer requests. "I know every person that comes into my facility," Fuller said. "When a hold is requested, I know it." However, the sheriff was not aware of an incident described by Nelly Fuentes, a volunteer organizer with Movimiento Cosecha Kalamazoo. Fuentes said a woman's abuser had her arrested during a fight at her home. Charges against the woman were dropped, Fuentes said, but an ICE detainer was granted by the county jail. The woman was transported to the Calhoun County Detention Center and issued an ankle monitor as she awaits a deportation hearing, Fuentes said. Fuller said he's asked for the woman's name but can't review her case without it. Choice or obligation? Susan Reed, managing attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, said sheriffs have no legal obligation to honor detainer requests. Speaking at a YWCA event Wedensday, Reed said Fuller has been open to receiving information that underlines how detainer requests are optional. Thursday, Fuller noted the law is being disputed in courtrooms across the country. He takes direction from a July case in Allegan County case that found a detainer request based on probable cause does not violate a person's constitutional rights. Allegan County Judge Paul Maloney ruled that when it comes to detainers, "cooperation by local law enforcement is optional." He said counties can refuse to cooperate. Even if there is no legal obligation to honor ICE detainer requests, local governments may have to decide if they can afford saying no. Literally. President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. Since Trump took office, new requirements were added to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program regarding immigration enforcement. The city of Kalamazoo's decided Wednesday to reject the $92,000 grant due to concern that requirements force cooperation with ICE. The sheriff's office would have received roughly $20,000 of the funds. Fuller said the DOJ grants have saved lives in Kalamazoo but didn't want to equate budget concerns with human rights. "At no point is anybody really looking at dollars versus people, they're trying hard not to do that and I'm right there with them trying to make sure we don't decide these lives are worth (a certain amount of) dollars," he said. The city and county passed similar resolutions this summer prohibiting resources from assisting federal agencies in separating undocumented children from their families and detaining people based on their immigration status. At the time, Fuller said he was comfortable with the resolution. Activists said he is taking too long to act on it. Fuller said the process is more complicated than expected. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security was authorized to carry out federal immigration law by Congress. This includes the power to deputize local law enforcement through formal agreements. Calhoun County brings in $6 million per year through a contract with ICE to detain people awaiting trial for their immigration status. Sheriff Matthew Saxon called the agreement "a boarding business" that generates revenue for Calhoun County. Kalamazoo County does not receive funds from ICE for honoring detainer requests. Fuller expressed a diplomatic understanding of his critics on the issue. Fuller took special care when referring to documented immigrants. "Under no circumstances do I want anybody calling a person, a human, an illegal," Fuller said. The sheriff, who advocated for the Kalamazoo County ID program and serves on its board, said he knows he's not a victim of protesters. "My heart goes out to all these families that have run into these issues. I recognize that it is obvious that there have been significant changes in how (ICE) has been directed to work in the last two years," Fuller said. "It's important we come up with a away we can continue to work with them in a way that is fitting for our community." KALAMAZOO, MI -- Pending criminal cases based solely on marijuana offenses that would be legal under Michigan's recently-approved Proposal 1 will be dismissed, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said. The new law, which Michigan voters approved on Nov. 6, will allow people 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, or 10 ounces in a secure location at their home, and to grow 12 plants or less for themselves at home. The move by the prosecutor's office to stop prosecuting cases that would be legal under Proposal 1 and dismiss pending cases comes before the new law takes effect, expected sometime in December once election results are certified. "We're trying to recognize what the people in the state of Michigan asked for, a change in the way marijuana is treated," he said. "It does not make sense to me to say because this happened Nov. 1, we're going to treat it differently than something that happens on Dec. 15." Getting said on Nov. 15 that he expects "several hundred" marijuana possession cases to be dismissed. "It's an 180-degree change of what state law currently allows," Getting said, noting that each case will be reviewed. "We're looking at cases individually to see they fall within the umbrella of Proposal 1 and if it does, we'll be taking action on those pending cases consistent with the law as written in Proposal 1," he said. It could also impact cases where small amounts of marijuana was exchanged for free and those with outstanding warrants who have not been arrested. He discussed the issue with colleagues around the state and attorneys and administrative staff at the prosecutor's office and considered both statewide and Kalamazoo County election results. "We discussed whether or not it was the best use of our resources and court resources to continue to prosecute those currently pending cases," he said. They determined they would no longer authorize any new marijuana cases that would fall into the parameters of Proposal 1, and would also dismiss pending cases that have not yet been adjudicated. It's a large project, Getting said. Staff is pulling pending cases for individual review, filing paperwork to dismiss any that fall under Proposal 1 and notifying defendants and their attorneys, he said. Cases that fall outside what is allowed under the new state law will still be prosecuted, he said, such as growing more plants than what it allows and selling marijuana for a profit. "We are going to treat our pending marijuana cases the same way they would be treated if the incident date was after Proposal 1 takes effect," he said. The new law will also change some current crimes to civil infractions, he said, and the prosecutor's office will review those cases as well and make adjustments. The prosecutor's office has notified police agencies around the county of the changes, he said, and the office is denying charges for those specific offenses from Nov. 6 forward. A 'weird time' for police Administrators at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety are digesting the news that marijuana will be legal and waiting for further clarification from the state on how to proceed once the new law takes effect, KDPS Assistant Chief David Boysen said on Nov. 14. "Right now, it remains illegal," Boysen said. "Nothing technically has changed until law takes effect. We're telling our officers to use a lot of discretion and to educate the public about what law is going to be." Officers are reminding people they still cannot use marijuana in public and cannot drive while high, he said, even after the law is in effect. Police are not being as strict on marijuana enforcement now compared to before Election Day, he said. Officers are using discretion about when to present a case involving marijuana or not, "knowing the courts are not going to view it very favorable" after seeing how Kalamazoo County residents voted on the issue. In the city of Kalamazoo, 20,620 voted for Proposal 1, while 6,613 voted against it. That's an approval rate of more than 75 percent. Boysen said KDPS is waiting for clarification from the state about how things will look in December, once the law is official. "We're trying to put a game plan together," Boysen said, and police officials have spoken with members of the prosecuting attorney's office and the city attorney's office about the issue. He said it is a "weird time" and police are in limbo after the ruling, awaiting clarification. "The law is vague in a lot of areas," Boysen said. He said police were instructed to use discretion because of the possibility that cases could be denied by the prosecutor. Getting confirmed that any new case submitted by police based solely on allegations of offenses that would be allowed under Proposal 1 would be denied. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said there is generally "very few" people in jail for mere possession of a small amount of marijuana. The new law will impact the department, he said, and deputies and other staff are going through training related to the changes. Sheriff's office staff were told they cannot use marijuana even in their private time, Fuller said. The sheriff's office has ordered signs to post at the jail to make it clear marijuana is not allowed inside, Fuller said. "As a sheriff's office we cannot be in possession of or housing someone's marijuana as property," he said, noting the substance is still federally controlled. "We're not going to be in violation of federal law by handing marijuana out to someone because they came to our jail with it," he said. Staff are being trained on how to handle a situation where they find an amount of marijuana that would have been illegal before the new law, Fuller said. The sheriff's office will continue its K9 Unit, Fuller said, and will keep at least one dog trained to detect marijuana to help with enforcement at schools. Police will still have to investigate complaints about marijuana even though some of the incidents will not result in criminal charges. He said police have to allow people to use marijuana if they are doing so legally, while also investigating complaints from people who want nothing to do with it. He does not expect their workload to be reduced because of Proposal 1. "We're going to be taking a lot more calls than we ever did before," Fuller said. The Michigan State Police said the state's criminal justice community will need to implement new policies and procedures that account for the legal use and possession of marijuana. The MSP will consult with the Michigan Attorney General's Office to determine specific impact on existing department policies and procedures, and will then train members to ensure the new law is applied appropriately, the agency said. Getting said he hopes it will reduce the number of cases his office has to prosecute, but it is impossible to predict. "We're very busy, we have limited resources as do the courts and police," he said. "Recognizing this is what the people voted for, and moving forward, it didn't seem right to me that we would continue to prosecute these cases knowing the voters have said not to." Getting, a practicing attorney for nearly three decades, said he was not surprised when Proposal 1 passed. "The reality is that I've been doing this now 28 years ... and I cannot honestly say that prohibition has made any difference in the use of marijuana by those persons who were choosing to use marijuana," he said. "I'm looking forward to see how this law impacts our community both positively and negatively," Getting said. "There are going to be positive impacts when we stop pursuing the possession of marijuana as a criminal offense." CASS COUNTY, MI -- A woman police said was reported missing out of Indiana was found dead in Cass County Wednesday. Michigan State Police Niles Post is investigating a body found in Milton Township about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, according to a press release from MSP. Police believe it is the previously reported missing woman, 54, out of St. Joseph County, Indiana. Foul play is not suspected at this time, the release said. The woman's identity will be released pending an autopsy, notification of the family and further investigation. WAYLAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 77-year-old Delton woman was killed Thursday when her car slid across the center line and struck an oncoming car. Frances May Engeseth was driving a Kia south on Patterson Road just before 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, when she lost control of the vehicle south of 131st Avenue, according to a press release from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office. Slippery roads were the likely factor in the crash, police said. Her vehicle collided with a Cadillac SUV, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Engeseth was pinned in the vehicle and was unresponsive when rescuers arrived at the scene. Two people in the Cadillac had minor injuries and they did not seek medical attention. Allegan County sheriff's deputies said the Cadillac driver could not avoid the collision because of a guardrail on the north side of the road and traffic in the southbound lane. The Cadillac struck the driver's side of the Kia. GALESBURG, MI -- A proposal to grant a private company oil and gas rights in a public park will remain on Galesburg City Council's agenda in December. With a narrow quorum of only four council members attending the Monday, Nov. 12, meeting, no action on the lease was agreed upon, according to the Galesburg City Clerk's office. Two motions were made at the meeting in regard to the lease, but both failed for lack of majority support. Galesburg's city charter requires a majority of those on the council to pass any motion, meaning all four members present would have needed to vote in favor of the motions. The council has seven seats. Currently, only six are occupied. Council members present at the meeting were Judy Lemon, Doug Smith, Rebecca Harmon and Keith Diller. The first motion was made by Harmon, who proposed rejecting the proposed lease, citing public opposition heard during a public information meeting on Nov. 8. Harmon's motion, which was not seconded, failed. A second motion, made by Smith, proposed the council table the lease for three months. This motion received three yes votes and one no, from Harmon, according to city officials. Smith's motion also failed, without the four vote majority required by the charter. According to the City of Galesburg Clerk's office, the lease proposal will remain in the "old business" section of the council's agenda for its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 3. Last week, over 80 residents of Galesburg and surrounding areas filled Galesburg City Hall to give feedback on the proposed oil lease. Most asked Galesburg City Council to reject the proposal. Citizens voiced concerns over water and air quality, and potential geographic disturbances if oil operations were conducted in the city. Some also referenced 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. Estimates of the cost of cleanup in the years since have exceeded $1 billion, and the EPA has described the incident as the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history. City Hall sits just north of 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 surface-only operation allowed through the lease would consist of seismic surveys, conducted by the company. Savoy Energy LP Proposed Oil Lease The company requested oil and gas rights to the 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 also owned by the city. The city park extends south from City Hall to the banks of the Kalamazoo River. Under the Savoy Energy proposal, the city would receive $200 per acre, or $4,506 total, plus one-eighth of any resulting royalties. Of the four city council members in attendance Monday, only two will still be on the council in January. Three new council members were elected in November, and Diller lost a bid for re-election as mayor to challenger Lori West. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN -- U.S. Rep. Fred Upton is confident in his ability to represent Michigan's 6th District in Congress despite earning less support than ever in last week's election. Upton, a Republican from Berrien County, was re-elected in the closest race of his long career representing Southwest Michigan. Though losing the race overall, Democratic nominee Matt Longjohn beat the 16-term incumbent in Upton's hometown of St. Joseph and became the first opponent to win Kalamazoo County in three decades. Upton said Thursday he was impacted by voters who wanted to "send a signal" to the Trump administration. The Cook Political Report predicted Upton would be re-elected by 4 percentage points and election night results showed Upton won by 4.4 points. "At the end of the day, we finished exactly where we thought," Upton said. Despite a narrower margin of victory than the congressman had achieved in previous re-election bids, Upton said this year's election doesn't show he is less likely to represent the interests of Southwest Michigan. Before Nov. 6, Upton had beat Democratic opponents by an average of 29 percentage points. Upton took 50.2 percent of the vote while Longjohn finished with 45.8 percent. It may have been expected that the Portage health official would do well in the district's most left-leaning areas, but Upton had confidently held on to Kalamazoo County by an average of 18 points since 1998. Longjohn didn't just win Kalamazoo County, he took it by 14 percentage points. Kalamazoo County Democratic Party Chair Jake Andrews said last week's election was a rebuke of Upton, Trump and, in general, GOP leadership in Congress. "I think Kalamazoo County proved that we don't stand with Fred Upton and the Republican Party," Andrews said. "I think we made a clear statement." Despite his gains in more populous areas of the district, Longjohn couldn't scale Upton's wall of support in more rural areas. Longjohn lost Allegan, Cass and St. Joseph counties by more than 20 points and lost Berrien and Van Buren counties by around 10 points. Kalamazoo County voters broke records for turnout and absentee ballot cast in a midterm election. Despite victories elsewhere, including two additional seats won by Democrats on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, Andrews admitted the result of the congressional race was frustrating for local Democrats. "Moving forward, we have to continue holding Upton accountable the way we have been the last couple of years," Andrews said. "We have to keep pushing him to one day hold a live town hall, to get an opportunity to hear from him instead of hiding behind his staffers. We need to continue making sure that (Upton is) listening to constituents and representing us adequately." The fate of healthcare dominated the 2018 election, nationally and in the 6th District. Longjohn, former YMCA national health director, entered the race soon after Upton cast a deciding vote to pass a House bill that would have replaced the Affordable Care Act. Upton opposed the bill until he added $8 billion to create high-risk insurance pools for people with expensive conditions. Longjohn argued that the "Upton Amendment" was only a fraction of what was needed, criticizing him for not protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Thursday, Upton said he will be pushing for a House version of legislation introduced by Senate Republicans to reinstate Obamacare rules prohibiting insurers from turning away people with pre-existing conditions. "I'm not going to vote for a bill that takes away pre-existing illnesses protections and I didn't before, despite all the mud that was thrown at me," Upton said. "It was, in fact, our provision that established if a state did drop it there would be funding to continue that protection." Before the election, Western Michigan University Political Science Professor Peter Wielhouwer said Upton has generally represented the 6th District well. Last week, he said Democrats are building energy with each election. "I think that we've seen frustration growing from the left on Fred Upton's record," Wielhouwer said. "Even though he's not the most polarizing person in Congress, the left has been increasingly frustrated." Democratic candidates have been slowly running stronger campaigns against Upton, Wielhouwer said, even though vote totals hadn't shown it before Nov. 6. Partisan PACs and independent groups poured $3 million into the race to benefit Longjohn this year. Upton said it contributed to an "ugly" campaign. His campaign committee unleashed a series of attacks on Longjohn's medical credentials, but the longtime congressman blamed most of the negativity on independent groups. Upton said he didn't want to "re-litigate" claims made during the campaign, but referenced "mudslinging" from his opponent about Upton's support of an Obamacare repeal bill in 2017. "We saw that it was a poisonous atmosphere, we saw that in races all across the country," Upton said. "It's now time to govern." The congressman expressed hope that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus will provide a model for compromise in Congress. He said the group is "stronger than ever" with the inclusion of more House Democrats. "As we made it pretty clear for the last number of months, this place has to change," Upton said of the House. "The dysfunction has to go." MUSKEGON, MI - The Lakeshore Museum Center will close its Michigan's Heritage Park at the end of the year after the outdoor museum failed to produce revenue to fund operations. The park is a living history museum at Hilt's Landing in Whitehall Township with a half-mile, handicap-accessible loop trail featuring historical exhibits along the way from 10,000 years of Michigan history. Exhibits include recreations of mastodon and archaeology sites, a Native American village, French fur trader and colonial cabins, Civil War and logging camps, a farm house and a camping area for the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park has hosted such events as a Pow Wow, Civil War reenactment and a haunted trail for Halloween. Local donors "poured millions of dollars" into the park, according to previous reporting by MLive\Muskegon Chronicle. The most significant investment came from the Hilt Family Foundation, which was consulted regarding the closure, according to a news release from the Lakeshore Museum Center. The 19-acre park, 8637 N. Durham Road, is closing because it costs more to operate than the revenue it brings in, said Annoesjka Soler, museum executive director. After four seasons, the park's annual revenue from the public has declined from about $45,000 to $17,000, she said. However, revenue from school trips has increased from about $5,000 to about $30,000. From the beginning, the park has not met expectations. Originally, then-museum executive director John McGarry expected to generate about $90,000 annually, which would have been enough to support the park. Programs and events will continue through the end of 2018, Soler said. Any previously scheduled 2019 events will be canceled. A survey of people who haven't visited the park found that it's too far out of the way and difficult to find, and that there are too many competing interests in downtown Muskegon and the White Lake area. In addition, weather has played a role in attendance, according to museum officials. The museum has a lease agreement with the township for the property, and will continue that through 2019 to process inventory and prep it for storage. The museum also expects to be part of the conversation with the township about future uses of Hilt's Landing. Hilt's Landing belonged to the family of George Hilt, co-founder of Quality Farm and Fleet, and it was donated to Muskegon County. The property was later sold to Whitehall Township. It was Hilt's dream and "final wish" to develop what was then called Heritage Trail on the property, according to Chris McGuigan, president of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. "Hilt's Landing's development was on George Hilt's final list to do," McGuigan told MLive in 2013. "He told me with tears in his eyes that funding of the heritage trail at Hilt's Landing was his final wish." Hilt's charitable trust donated nearly $2.5 million for the historic park, with a portion going to its development and another portion an endowment fund for its maintenance and operation. Hilt died in 2012 at age 96. Some artifacts from Heritage Park will be displayed at the museum, which officials plan to expand. The expansion of the main museum at 430 W. Clay Ave. in downtown Muskegon could triple its size, Soler said. While renderings haven't been drawn yet, a three-story building is envisioned, and there could be a third floor added to the existing building, according to the news release. Survey responses have shown a desire from the community for the museum to expand its offerings downtown, according to the release. Portions of Heritage Park already planned to be included in the expansion are the George Hilt exhibit, donor recognition wall and donor benches, according to the release. The park's living history programming also is expected to appear at the downtown museum. The expansion would be on two lots that the museum purchased about a year ago, Soler said. Houses on the lots have since been demolished. During 2019, museum staff will conduct studies on funding options, architecture and design, and needs and designs for exhibit and program spaces, according to the release. If there's space, the expansion will house about 50,000 artifacts that are currently stored at the museum's collection center on Terrace Street and its archive building on West Western Avenue, according to the release. If there's not enough room, artifacts from both buildings would be consolidated into one building. In addition to the main museum, park, archive building and collection center, the Lakeshore Museum Center owns the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave.; Scolnik House of the Depression Era, 504 W. Clay Ave.; and the Fire Barn Museum, 510 W. Clay Ave. How to Find The Perfect Place for You to Live in Mexico Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - So you've decided that you would like to live in Mexico. What's next? Before you start to work out your budget or enroll in that Spanish course, there's one very important first step: deciding just where in this vast and enchanting country you'd like to live. First, it's important to prioritize your necessities, and build a list of your non-negotiable requirements when it comes to the place you choose to live. After that, the fun begins! There are a variety of online resources you can use to learn about all the different cities and towns in Mexico, and ultimately, decide in which of them you'd like to live. Instagram Instagram is THE place for online visual content. Search hashtags like #livinginMexico, #Mexico, #mexico_maravilloso and other Mexico related tags. Another option is to find each city or town's official Instagram account. For example, @visitpuertovallarta, @oaxtravel, or @sanmigueldeallende. Cruising through Instagram is one of the best ways to get a good look at the cities that interest you. Pinterest Like Instagram, Pinterest is also a great place for visual content. Plus, Pinterest posts also link back to blogs and websites so you can read about the information behind the images. Use the search bar to search for cities or towns that are on your radar, and research away! Travel Blogs There are lots of fantastic travel blogs written by those who live, work, and play in Mexico. Pinterest is a great way to find travel blogs, but we have a few recommendations for you too. Check out Expats in Mexico, Sidetracked Travel Blog, and Roaming around the World. Facebook Believe it or not, Facebook's search bar tool is also a very powerful tool. Try searching something like "where to live in Mexico", or "best places to live in Mexico", and see what comes up. This platform is great for video content, and for personalized content from people who actually live in Mexico. Living in Mexico can be a dream come true for anyone who wants to give it a shot, and we're here to help. MEXLend is the most experienced residential mortgage broker in Mexico. We accompany you through the process of buying or selling a home, including securing home loans, Escrow services, and insurance, anywhere in Mexico. Sales Tax Rebates at the Puerto Vallarta Int'l Airport Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - If you have travelled through the Puerto Vallarta airport, no doubt you have seen kiosks advertising tax rebates on IVA (sales tax) for foreigner visitors. But what is this program and who applies? We have some answers about applying for sales tax rebates in Mexico. To be eligible you must: Be visiting Mexico on a valid tourist visa and be leaving the country by air or by sea. Shop at stores which advertise that they participate in the MONEYBACK program. Spend at least 1200 pesos using a credit card in a participating store to apply for a rebate and ask the business to provide you with a VAT receipt at time of purchase. It that applies to you and your purchases, visit a MONEYBACK kiosk in the airport or Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal with you VAT receipts and credit card receipts, tourist visa and passports to apply for the rebate, as well as the goods which you have purchased. Please Note: Items that are being shipped out of Mexico, rather than transported with you, are not eligible for tax rebates. If all the factors for eligibility are met, you will receive an 8.9% rebate on your purchases which will appear as a refund on your credit card in approximately 45 days. If you have a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta and come for short visits, sales tax rebates may save you a little money on your shopping when visiting your property in Mexico. Click HERE for more Puerto Vallarta real estate and lifestyle tips from Tropicasa Realty. Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) State prosecutors on Friday urged the Sandiganbayan to immediately issue a warrant of arrest against former first lady and Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos. They opposed Marcos's motion for leave of court which she filed to be able to take legal steps to fight her conviction for seven counts of graft for the misuse of funds in foundations she helped manage while she was in government. She was sentenced to 77 years in jail. Related: Imelda Marcos temporarily free as Sandiganbayan decides on her appeal for post-conviction remedies The anti-graft court deferred the release of an arrest warrant for Marcos as after she filed the motion following her conviction on November 9. "The warrant of arrest requested by the prosecution panel on 9 November 2018 (should) be issued immediately; and the bail originally posted by the accused remain forfeited in favor of the government and her request to post bail anew be denied," the pleading filed on Thursday read. Neither Marcos nor her lawyer were present when the verdict was handed down, in violation of the rules of court. In her motion, the lawmaker cited health reasons for her absence. Marcos claimed she was under strict orders from her doctor to avoid stressful situations. But prosecutors were unconvinced. They noted that the medical certificate attached to her motion was a mere afterthought since it was issued on November 12, days after the promulgation. "As a matter of courtesy to this Honorable Court, accused Marcos should have, at the very least submitted a written explanation before the scheduled hearing explaining her inability to attend the promulgation of judgment," they argued. They also challenged Marcos's ailments cited in the medical certificate, describing them as a "fiction" and a product of her doctor's "colorful imagination." Related: Imelda Marcos cites health issues for skipping court sentencing on graft case The prosecution pointed out that Marcos has been a congresswoman since 2010, meaning she occupies a stressful position. They also stressed that she even wants to run again and had filed her Certificate of Candidacy for Ilocos Norte Governor for next year's polls. "Suddenly, on the morning of 9, November 2018, accused Marcos became so obedient and conveniently followed the alleged strict orders of her physician to avoid stressful conditions and purposely missed-out in the scheduled promulgation on these instant cases despite being duly notified of the same," the prosecution lawyers noted. Finally, they called the court's attention to the fact that Marcos attended a party on the night of the promulgation. "To add insult to injury and with total disregard to the judicial system, in the evening of her conviction, accused Marcos precipitously forgot about the alleged strict orders again from her physician and determinedly attended the 63rd birthday party of her daughter Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos in high spirits," the prosecution noted. Marcos appeared before the Sandiganbayan Friday morning to personally explain her absence. During the hearing, Fifth Division chairman Justice Rafael Lagos also questioned her attendance to the party. The court still has to decide on Marcos's post conviction bail plea. While she had been found guilty, Rule 114 of the Rules of Court provides she can post bail while appealing her conviction. Q14. Denise Coates developed a sports betting platform and trading team to launch the business online in March 2001. The business borrowed 15 million from RBS against the family's betting shop estate which had been started by Peter Coates in 1974 and had been run by Denise Coates as managing director from 1995.Which online gambling company does she own? The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi informing about off shore betting websites and demanded action be taken against them. "One of the alarming issues that has come to our attention is that many online gambling and betting websites operated by companies based outside India in tax havens are luring and accepting bets from Indian citizens. These websites operating in India are not only causing citizens to be lured to the addiction and risk of gambling and losing their hard-earned money but also poses a national security threat as these transactions lead to outflow of money outside India through unaccounted and clandestine means," it said. There are nine websites mentioned. Some of the websites that are accused of doing the same and named in the letter send to the PM include betfair.com, jetwin.com, bodogindia.com, bet365.com and others. AIGF has further asked the central government to take steps to block the foreign websites accepting deposits from Indian players under the Information Technology Act and Rules. It has further asked Prime Minister Modi to direct the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct a comprehensive probe against the offshore gambling websites for violations of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2000 and other laws," said Jay Sayta, founder of Glaws.in, a website on gambling laws. Getting a call from a WhatsApp number with the logo of Kaun Banega Crorepati? Before you answer it, pause for a second. The excitement is understandable, but it may not be Big B on the other end, saying "Hello, main Amitabh Bachchan bol raha hoon Kaun Banega Crorepati se." Instead, it could very well be a scamster trying to con you off your hard-earned money. On November 13, this journalist received a WhatsApp call that had the logo of Kaun Banega Crorepati as its display picture from +923043994634. The country code (+92) is that of Pakistan. Realising that it was one of those scam calls, he cancelled it and blocked the number. On second thoughts, however, he decided to call back on the number to find what it was all about and figure out the modus operandi. We recorded the call to understand the nitty-gritties. Listen in to avoid falling prey and losing out on your money to such scamsters. After calling the number, the person on the other end said 25 people across India had won Rs 2.5 million in the Ghar Baitho Jeeto Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) competition, and this number was included on the list. He said a "paper" (message) would be sent in a bit, which details the procedure to receive the cash. Here's how the conversation went. (We had to speak in Hindi as the caller was comfortable in the language. In the background, another person can be heard talking to a prospective victim.) Following the call, the message (below) was sent: The caller then asked us to save this number 09036466227 and make a call via WhatsApp to one Vikram Singh, supposedly a branch manager at State Bank of India (SBI). He added that Singh was the person who would seek bank details to transfer the prize money. We probed a little and the person said he was calling from Churchgate in Mumbai, from the KBC headoffice. We assured that wed call the other number. Heres what happened on the other call: Now, this so-called Vikram Singh congratulated us and said the amount would be transferred the next day, as the bank was closed and internet banking was not available. We did tell him that transactions can be made 24X7, but he insisted that it was not possible at 6.30pm. Nonetheless, before we could share our fake bank account details with Singh, he said we would have to initially deposit a sum of Rs 15,000 to receive the cash prize as it was tax that needed to be paid to the government. At this juncture, we decided to call the scam, following which the person cut the call. The way such calls are being made to unsuspecting people, and WhatsApp that has end-to-end encryption being used as a mode, will such fraudsters ever get caught and people be saved from losing out on their hard-earned money? KBC runs a ticker and the show repeatedly warns viewers not to engage in such malicious calls. Moneycontrol contacted WhatsApp and heres what a spokesperson from the messaging platform had to say, "WhatsApp cares deeply about the privacy of our users - people rely on WhatsApp for all kinds of sensitive conversations, including with their doctors, banks and families. Scammers have no place on our platform and we encourage people to report such a problem so we can take action, including banning those accounts from WhatsApp. This is why when you receive a message from an unknown number for the first time, we display the option to report the number directly inside the chat." India-made cardiac stents which were often dismissed globally including by a section of our own doctors as inferior and not proven for safety and efficacy are finally breaking that mould. Indias largest domestic stent maker SMT in September published the outcome of clinical trials conducted in Europe that established the companys flagship drug-eluting stent (DES) Supraflex on par or 'non-inferior' to Abbotts blockbuster stent Xience on safety and efficacy at 12 months. Another Indian stent maker Translumina Therapeutics went a step ahead and published 10 years clinical data that found no significant differences between its stent Yukon Choice PC and Xience. The research findings of a randomised control trial called ISAR-TEST 4 were presented early this month at the prestigious 2018 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions at Chicago, in the presence of leading cardiologists from all over the world. This is for the first time that a decade-long research data has been presented for the efficacy and safety of DES since its launch in 2001, as no other research has published data of more than 5 years, said Gurmit Singh Chugh, Managing Director of Translumina. A cardiac stent is a device used to unblock clogged arteries. DES are coated with medicines that help lower recurrence of an artery narrowing after corrective surgery. While SMTs Supraflex is coated with immune suppressant drug called Sirolimus, Abbotts Xience uses Everolimus. Yukon Choice PC stents are manufactured at the Dehradun facility of Translumina Therapeutics, which holds around 15 percent share of the Rs 1,500 crore stents market in India. Armed with positive clinical trial data, Translumina believes it has a fair chance to take on MNCs in their backyard and will also help it to gain market share in India. Chugh said the company is in the process of partnering with a large US company by end of this year to do clinical trials and commercialise the Yukon Choice stent in that country. The company is also considering to aggressively participate in tender markets in Europe. Chugh said he is in the process of raising funds from PE investors for expansion. Both the US and Europe are lucrative markets with annual stent consumption of one million each. We are very price competitive, but lack of clinical data used to be a hurdle to win contracts. Now with the data in hand, we have a higher probability to bag tenders, said Ganesh Sabat, CEO of SMT. NPPA boost SMT was a major beneficiary of the Indian drug price regulator's - National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) - effort to rein in distorted trade margin of cardiac stents through price controls. NPPA in February last year has imposed pricing caps to lower prices of stents by as much as 85 percent to check unethical profiteering and exploitive pricing and to ensure fair, reasonable and affordable price for coronary stents. The most commonly used DES stent is now capped at Rs 28,000 per unit, excluding taxes, from up to Rs 150,000 earlier. NPPA found out that the trade margin enjoyed by distributors for sale to hospitals ranged between 13 percent and 196 percent, while the margin earned by hospitals was as high as 11 percent and 650 percent. It also imposed an 8 percent trade margin cap that would cover margins across the trade channels working from the level of manufacturers to the end user, even covering hospital-handling charges. While the NPPA decision caused heartburn to medical device makers and private hospitals and shrunk the overall size of the pie, that policy intervention has helped SMT emerge as the second largest stent maker in the country with a market share of 22 percent, trailing narrowly behind market leader Abbott which has a 25 percent share. Admitting that initiating the stake sale process of Air India was not right, Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, said that the airline is battling legacy issues. In a conversation with Gaurav Choudhury, Deputy Executive Editor, Moneycontrol, at the inaugural edition of Moneycontrol Wealth Creator Awards in Mumbai, Prabhu said that the airline still holds value despite the high debt levels. "The airline faces legacy issues and has an unsustainable amount of debt. Also, the timing of Air India divestment was not right. Air India has intrinsic strength and global footprint. The airline can become profitable if debt can be trimmed. IBC says that if businesses have unsustainable debt, it has to be restructured. Similar should be the case with Air India," Prabhu said. The government had originally proposed to offload 76 percent equity share capital of the national carrier as well as transfer the management control to private players. The buyer would have had to take over Rs 24,000 crore debt or the carrier along with over Rs 8,000 crore of liabilities. However, the stake sale failed to attract any bidders when the bidding process got completed on May 31. Representative image Exports of goods and services from Rajasthan rose to Rs 46,500 crore in 2017-18 from Rs 36,000 crore in 2015-16 to, a top state official said. Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), Rajeeva Swarup said that Rajasthan has experienced an exponential growth in local manufacturing and there has been a rapid improvement in the regulatory environment of business operations. He said that the share of industries in the state's economy presently stands at 27 per cent, registering an overall growth of 9 percent in the last five years. Delivering a keynote address, special secretary and member (Customs), CBIC, Pranab Kumar Das said that the initiatives of the CBIC have resulted in paperless export and import clearances as well as digital customs. India has jumped 66 places in trading across borders and 23 places in Ease of Doing Business on the back of these efforts, he outlined. Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that two independent agencies would be appointed for preparing a template to negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) in future. He said that the country would now have a completely new approach towards negotiating these agreements. "We are appointing two independent agencies, who will talk to all the stakeholders...it is a first major change. This will be a new template which will emerge for all future negotiations and we are working on it," he said here at a function. The announcement assumes significance as concerns have been raised by industry, exporters and trade experts on FTAs being implemented by India. They say that these pacts have significantly benefited India's trading partners but not Indian industry. Several sectors, including steel, have demanded that they be removed from the purview of such agreements as these lead to dumping and significant jump in imports. Under an FTA, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on majority of the goods traded between them. Besides, both countries liberalise norms to promote services trade and attract investments. India has, so far, implemented such agreements with ASEAN and countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. Several such pacts are also under negotiations with Australia, New Zealand, European Union, Israel, and proposed 16-member Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership (RCEP). Serious concerns have been raised on RCEP negotiations with China as one of the member nations. Several ministries, including steel and food processing, have said that the pact would result in flooding of goods from China. The trade gap with China has increased to USD 63.12 billion in 2017-18, against USD 51.11 billion in the previous financial year. India has trade deficit with 10 RCEP member countries including with South Korea and Australia. Prabhu said,"while we need FTAs, we make FTAs in a way that it will benefit India to begin with and also other countries. We cannot grow at the expense of India losing and, therefore, we are working on this strategy." This would also help in promoting the country's outbound shipments, he added. Talking about trade with the South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the minister said despite the closeness of the member countries, "our export in SAARC region itself is sub-optimal". Huge potential exists to boost exports in this region, he said, adding India is trying to work with the neighbouring countries to increase trade. Jet Airways owes banks nearly Rs 8,000 crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The government has sought Tata Sons' help to rescue cash-strapped airline Jet Airways, sources told Bloomberg. Tata Sons is reportedly in talks with the government about a potential haircut on Jet's loans, while Airports Authority of India (AAI) is likely to forego some of the troubled airline's dues. The Tata Sons board will deliberate on the matter on November 16, sources told the news service. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. If the deal is successful, Tata Group will secure Jet Airways' landing rights, routes and related infrastructure amenities. Read: In Jet Airways, N Chandrasekaran sees his vision for Tata's aviation business taking flight Media reports suggested that Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran is keen to work out the deal as it would strengthen the group's position in the aviation business and give it a much-needed heft. Jet Airways has a considerable presence on the ground with its 124 aircraft that operate nearly 700 flights a day. The airline flies to and from 66 destinations and has a market share of 15.8 percent. The deal would save Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration the embarrassment of staring at a business meltdown ahead of 2019 general elections, Bloomberg reported. Read Jet Airways stake sale: Investors keen, but talks stuck over Naresh Goyal's role The Naresh Goyal-controlled airline has been looking for investors to deal with the liquidity crunch that it has been saddled with. Jet Airways' deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Amit Agarwal had admitted earlier this week that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion, as well as selling 6 of its Boeing 777 planes and some stake in its loyalty programme Jet Privilege. While a potential structure for the deal has not been finalised as yet, media reports suggest the first leg of Tata Group's plan to acquire a controlling stake in Jet Airways may involve a merger of the beleaguered airline with Tata SIA Airlines, a joint venture between the Tatas and Singapore Airlines that operates Vistara. Read Opinion | With eye on Jet Airways, could Tata be biting more than it can chew? In the second leg, Singapore Airlines may purchase the entire stake of Jet Airways promoter Naresh Goyal's family in the combined entity, sources told the paper. They also said Etihad may choose to stay invested in the airline as a minority shareholder. Naresh Goyal and wife Anita Goyal own 51 percent in Jet Airways, while UAE-based Etihad Airways owns 24 percent. The market completely ignored the 40 percent growth in standalone sales reported by NBCC as it was worried about its falling operating margin and consolidation-related issues pertaining to its recently acquisition -- HSCL. And the companys intention to bid for Jaypee Infra's assets only added fuel to the fire. During Q2FY19, HSCL, which has an annual sales turnover of around Rs 1,500 crore, faced internal challenges related to employees, because of which accounts were not available for consolidation. NBCC indicated that these issues are now sorted and it hopes to consolidate these accounts in Q3FY19. This is one of the key reasons for why the consolidated sales number has fallen and is not comparable. That apart, the project management (PMC) segment, which accounts for close to 90 percent of the company's sales, witnessed a 900 basis-point drop in profit before interest and tax (PBIT) margin. The management explained that its margin in this segment has dropped because of a change in accounting norms. Earlier, NBCC used to recognize the advances made by clients as revenue, but this is now reported as advances and is only booked in revenue when the projects are commissioned, in the case of real estate projects. While the margin looks lower on the books of accounts, there should not be any correction considering it will be booked fully when sales are concluded. This drop in margin also impacted overall profitability. During the quarter under review, the company reported 16 percent growth in standalone profit. Revenue visibility The company's management has maintained its 35 percent revenue growth guidance for the current financial year, largely because of its strong order book of close to Rs 80,000 crore. The project pipeline remains strong and the company is also working to sort out issues pertaining to Delhi redevelopment projects and to start work on other real estate projects. These projects are expected to witness traction in the second half of the current fiscal year, considering NBCC is able to obtain the necessary approvals. That apart, profit should improve by Q4FY19 as the impact of deferred revenue recognition eases. Valuations The stock has corrected by around 8 percent after the company's Q2FY19 results, and is currently trading at Rs 60 a share, or at around 18 times its estimated earnings for FY20. While the valuation is reasonable, investors would need clarity on sticky issues such as progress on real estate projects, operating margins, consolidation of HSCL, and utilization of cash. NBCC is sitting on cash and cash equivalent of around Rs 1,400 crore. In a conference call with analysts, the management indicated that the company is evaluating various ways, including buyback, to utilize the cash on its books. Cash can be also preserved for real estate projects and bidding for Jaypee Infratech, which could be a big deal from NBCCs point of view. Jaypee Infratech has a land bank of around 3,000 acres and over 25,000 apartments and villas that are yet to be delivered. Follow @jitendra1929 Moneycontrol, Indias no. 1 financial and business media platform, hosted the first edition of the Wealth Creator Awards, where Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry, and Civil Aviation, graced the occasion as chief guest. Gaurav Choudhury, Deputy Executive Editor, Moneycontrol, had a one-on-one discussion with Prabhu on India's recent jump in the Ease of Doing Business rankings. Prabhu attributed India's frog leap in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Rankings by 53 positions to 77 to the leadership at the Centre. He said the overall mission of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is public good. Placing his trust in the central leadership, the Union minister said he is confident that India will come in the first 50 ranks in the next fiscal. Prabhu also announced that the government is creating 'sub-national' Ease of Doing Business parameters which will be measured at the district level because that is where the local industries are flourishing. "It is going to be bottom-up approach," he said. Choudhury also asked Prabhu the reasons behind India continuing to rank poorly in Resolving Insolvency and Paying Taxes parameters, despite the rollout of GST and enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. (IBC). To this, Prabhu pointed out that insolvency provides an opportunity to exit the business. "If you dont allow exit, then you are creating an entry barrier," he added. Giving an example of the textile industry, the Union commerce minister said, "Textile mills of the past did not regenerate because they did not have insolvency law in place to exit or recycle the business." Prabhu concluded his address by saying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has contributed to India jumping its rank in the Ease of Doing Business list and that next year "India will definitely cross into the top 50". India leapfrogged to the 77th rank in the World Bank's latest Ease of Doing Business rankings, jumping 23 notches from last year. The report, which came out last month, also recognised India as one of the top 10 improvers in this years assessment, for the second successive time. India is the only large country this year to have achieved such a significant shift. India has improved its rank by 53 positions in the last two years, and 65 positions in the last four years (2014-18). India's top hedge fund is exploring opportunities in state-run banks, a sector shunned by most investors till now, as valuations turn attractive and the backlog of bad loans that have riddled lenders start to dwindle. State-run banks will also benefit if the economy continues to grow at about 7 percent, Andrew Holland, chief executive of Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies LLP, said at the Reuters Global Investment 2019 Outlook Summit. Bad loans at Indian banks reached a record $150 billion at the end of March with state-run banks accounting for the lion's share. But the bad debt is declining, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in September. "I think we're coming to the end of the cycle in terms of the bad loans," Holland said, although he added that he would only buy state-run banks for short periods, because their management remained a concern. "I still take the view that the management of PSU banks change too quickly," Holland said. "So, you never really do a good job over a short period." "I'll be renting rather than owning them in 2019," said Holland, who manages over $900 million in two key funds. The state-run banking index has dropped nearly 25 percent in the past 12 months. Holland said he turned bullish for the first time last month after being "pretty negative from the global and local perspective" for most of the year. A correction since September has made valuations "more compelling", he said. Broader Indian markets hit a record high in August but have since plunged nearly 10 percent. Liquidity concerns at non-banking finance companies caused a credit crunch that spooked investors. "Large cap funds have fallen from anywhere between 10 to 15 percent and it's quality stocks which have taken a beating." Holland said. "So we've got that good opportunity to start deploying more." Holland said he would look to increase exposure to large infrastructure and capital goods companies in 2019 if the government continues to spend on development and reforms persist. "The private capex cycle should pick up in the second half of 2019. And that's what will drive the share prices," he said. Holland, however, said his bullish call was based on the assumption that India does not get a "messy coalition" government after national elections, set for May. Opinion polls show Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the front runner to win another five-year term, but his Bharatiya Janata Party has suffered reverses in recent local elections that have energised the opposition. Before the elections, Holland said, he might move back to cash unless it is clear who is going to win, since India's elections in the past have moved markets 20 percent up or down. But Holland said that he did not expect a new government to unwind structural policy measures such as the major tax reform introduced in 2017 and a new bankruptcy law. "I think India will continue to grow at 7 to 7.5 percent, earnings will continue to grow at 15 to 20 percent over medium term," said Holland, who has spent more than 20 years in India. "So, I'm not overly negative on India." live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More A strengthening rupee also boosted sentiment on D-Street, while investors shrugged off weak sentiment coming in from lower crude oil prices. The index failed to surpass previous day highs (10,651) and consolidated for most part of the trading session, but closing above 10,600 indicated that it could rally further in coming session, experts said. The Nifty after opening flat gained momentum to surpass 10,600 in morning itself followed by small correction to hit day's low off 10,557.50. The index gradually gained strength again in late morning deals and touched a day's high of 10,646.50 in afternoon. It closed 40.40 points higher at 10,616.70. "The key take away from Thursday's session can be a closure of Nifty50 above psychologically important resistance level 10,600 for the first time in this entire consolidation phase. Hence, a follow through buying in next session can result in a much awaited breakout above 10,650 levels," Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol. Big News: We are at the fag end of earnings season, but there are a few names that are yet to declare their September quarter results. Srei Infra, Supreme Infrastructure and Tourism Finance Corporation are the names that will be announcing their numbers. Investors will keep an eye on the movement of Indian rupee. The currency managed to strengthen past 72 per US dollar mark. Along with it, crude prices being in a bearish zone as Iran continued to supply oil to eight nations. Technical View: Nifty formed a small bullish candle kind of pattern on the charts. The index failed to surpass previous day highs (10,651) and consolidated for most part of the trading session, but closing above 10,600 indicated that it could rally further in coming session, experts said. The index has to continue to hold above 10,550 zones to witness an up move towards 10,650 then 10,750 zones while on the downside support exists at 10,500 then 10,450 levels, they added. Max Call OI: 11000, 10800, 10,700 Max Put OI: 10,200, 10,500,10,400 Stocks in news: Bank of Baroda: The Board has approved an issue of Tier-II capital bonds for up to Rs 1,500 crore IL&FS: The company was unable to service obligations on interest of Rs 4.7 crore due on NCDs ITC: looks to expand food portfolio to boost turnover RInfra Q2 net profit slips 49% to Rs 277 crore Technical Recommendations: We spoke IIFL and heres what they have to recommend: Maruti Suzuki | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 7,950 | Stop Loss: Rs 7,250 | Return: 6.5 percent Nestle India | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 11,170 | Stop Loss: Rs 10,075 | Return: 7 percent Titan Company | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 1,005 | Stop Loss: Rs 879 | Return: 9 percent : The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. November 16, 2018 / 03:34 PM IST Market at close: Indian indices ended on strong note on Friday with Nifty closed above 10,650 level. The Sensex was up 196.62 points at 35,457.16, while Nifty was up 65.50 points at 10,682.20. Barring metal, all other indices ended in green led by IT, energy, infra and pharma, while Nifty PSU bank index gained 2 percent. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, SBI, Hero Motocorp and HDFC are the top gainers on the Sensex. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today: Results on Friday: SREI Infrastructure Finance, Supreme Infrastructure India, Tourism Finance Corporation of India. Results on Saturday: Siemens, Anik Industries, PNB Gilts. Tata Investment Corporation: Board of directors will consider proposal for buyback of equity shares at its meeting to be held on November 16. Fund raising meet on November 17: Sical Logistics, Shalimar Paints Yes Bank - O. P. Bhatt has tendered his resignation from his duties as an External Expert of the Search & Selection Committee Glenmark Pharmaceuticals receives ANDA approval for Teriflunomide Tablets, 7 mg and 14 mg Infosys: Company announces Jayesh Sanghrajka as interim CFO. Current CFO MD Ranganath will step down on November 16 and board is in the process of selecting the next CFO. Venus Remedies: Company announced positive topline results in the Phase-3 clinical trials for its flagship product Elores. Elores is a novel, patented critical care antibiotic combination targeting unmet medical needs in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) space. IDBI Bank - S&P Global rating affirmed ''BB'' long term and ''B'' short term issuer credit ratings Sumeet Industries Q2: Consolidated loss at Rs 25.65 crore against profit at Rs 10.18 crore; revenue falls to Rs 214.12 crore versus Rs 288.35 crore YoY. Bannari Amman Spinning Mills: CARE reaffirmed its rating on credit facilities availed by the company from banks. Lemon Tree signs license agreement for a 76-room property in Odisha. The hotel will be operational by March 2020 SRF: Company's facility to produce agrochemical at Chemical Complex in Dahej, Gujarat has been commissioned and capitalised at a cost of Rs 257 crore. Tata Sponge board approves issuance of preference shares worth Rs 1,000 crore to promoter Tata Steel Bank of Baroda: Capital Raising Committee of the bank has approved issuance of Tier-II Capital Bonds compliant with Basel Ill Capital Regulations of the Reserve Bank of India for issue size not exceeding Rs 1,500 crore, with a base issue size upto Rs 500 crore and a Green shoe option to retain oversubscription upto Rs 1,000 crore, in single or multiple tranches. Aviation and Telecom: Finance ministry is working on sectoral analysis to fix issues in aviation & telecom sectors - CNBC-TV18 sources. IL&FS: Company was unable to service obligations on interest of Rs 4.7 crore due November 14 on NCDs. UltraTech Cement: Rajputana Properties requests committee of creditors (CoC) to not give effect to NCLAT order upholding Ultratech bid. Letter is addressed to CoC, IRP & UltraTech Cement - CNBC-TV18. Jet Airways: Company said reports of Tata eyeing merger of Vistara with company are speculative in nature. There are no discussions or decisions taken by the board. Bulk Deals Kotak Mahindra Bank: Government of Singapore bought 95,57,522 equity shares of the bank at Rs 1,130 per share while ING Mauritius Investments I sold 1,27,45,702 shares at same price on Thursday. (For more bulk deals, click here) Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings Narayana Hrudayalaya: Company's officials will be meeting several institutional investors November 16 in Mumbai. Sutlej Textiles & Industries: Company organised Investor and Analyst Meet 2018 to be held on November 22. Nishtha Finance and Investment: Board meeting is scheduled on November 22 to consider proposal to issue convertible warrants to promoters and non-promoters. Heidelbergcement India: Company's representatives namely, Jamshed Naval Cooper, Managing Director, Anil Kumar Sharma, Chief Financial Officer and Amit Angra, Senior GM - Finance will be meeting the representatives of Alquity Investments on November 16 at Gurugram. Vedanta: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/investors at CLSA India Forum, 2018 on November 16. Automotive Axles: Analyst/Investor Conference Call has been organised on November 16 to discuss on the financial performance for second quarter FY19. KSB: Company's officials will be participating in investor conference on November 16. MBL Infrastructures: Company is organising a Conference Call on November 16 to reply to the queries of various stakeholders on the operational and financial performance for quarter and six months ended September 2018. Bharat Road Network: Company will be hosting Q2 & FY19 earnings conference call on November 16 following the announcement of financial results for the quarter and six months ended September 2018. Marico: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/investors at CLSA meet on November 16. Shriram City Union Finance: Company's officials will be meeting mutual fund houses on November 16. : Annual General Meeting of the members of the company will be held On November 29. Small & midcaps, which were the wealth creators in 2017, witnessed selling pressure in 2018. They have fallen up to 80 percent since August 2018 when the S&P BSE Sensex touched a record high. Selling in some small & mid-cap stocks started in the beginning of 2018 also thanks to high valuations, but the pressure increased further post August on a host of global as well as domestic factors. Among the domestic factors which grappled the broader market in the past few months were resignation of auditors in the small & mid-cap companies highlighting lack of governance, stretched valuations, absence of earnings growth; and additional surveillance measures that were introduced by the market regulator to bring down volatility. In the S&P BSE 500 index as many as 15 stocks fell 40-77 percent since August which includes Infibeam Avenues, 8K Miles, Kwality, Dewan Housing, Central Bank of India, Bombay Dyeing, Navkar Corporation, Dish TV, Indiabulls Ventures, CG Power, Dilip Buildcon, Reliance Capital, Shankara Building Products, Jaiprakash Associates and Yes Bank. In the S&P BSE Smallcap index, as many as 32 stocks fell 40-80 percent since August, such as Ashapura Intimates Fashion, Goenka Business, Rolta India, Bombay Dyeing, Nitco, Navkar Corporation, Dish TV, Gitanjali Gems, etc. Should you buy? So does it make sense to put your money in the falling stocks? Well, the answer might not be a clear yes or a no. Yes, valuations have come down to a more reasonable level, but there are company-specific concerns which investors have to factor in while punching their buy orders. Our Sensex target for 2019-end is 45,000. And, at an aggregate level, we believe that largecaps offer a better risk-return profile, however, some individual stock names among small and midcaps look better, investors should stick to quality, Vivek Ranjan Misra, Head of Fundamental Research at Karvy Stock Broking told Moneycontrol. I think investors are better off by a staggered buying as more volatility is expected in the near term before elections, he said. However, if someone is looking to build their portfolio for the next 2-3 years then this is the right time to catch the falling knife but stock selection remain the key. A lot of stocks which have corrected significantly from their highs present a good opportunity for investors to add quality to their portfolio, suggest experts. Over the next 2-3 years, wealth will be created in select small and mid-cap stocks. Stocks with high weight in Sensex and Nifty will find it challenging to eke our earnings growth due to high base effect and downturn in the industry cycles they are present in, Dipan Mehta, Director, Elixir Equities told Moneycontrol. Select small and mid-cap stocks will continue to deliver earnings growth and as and when macro and political uncertainties are resolved, PE multiples for these segments will again expand, he added. Best bank of the year: Bandhan Bank | The Kolkata-based microlender made a stellar market debut in March. It is today the eighth largest bank in the country with a market cap of Rs 56,920 crore, more than 30 percent over its valuation at the time of listing. In the quarter ended September, Bandhan Banks net profit rose 47 percent, highlighting the quality of assets on its loan book. The bank was founded by Chandrashekhar Ghosh, who is its CEO and MD. To its credit, Bandhan Bank has not deviated from its stated mission of financial inclusion, with 87 percent of micro loans on its balance sheet. (Image: Moneycontrol) Best broking business of the year: Motilal Oswal Financial Services | The company was founded in 1987 as a small sub-broking unit by two visionaries Motilal Oswal and Raamdeo Agarawal. It has diversified to offer a range of financial products and services such as private wealth management, retail broking and currency broking. Motilal ended FY18 with its highest-ever revenue and profit of Rs 2770 crore and Rs 562 crore respectively. (Image: Moneycontrol) Most promising debut in the big league: HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company | HDFC Life, a subsidiary of HDFC was set up in 2001 and was one of the first private life insurers to enter the market. The third life insurance company to be listed on the stock exchanges, HDFC Life closed at a whopping 19 percent premium on the NSE when it debuted in November 2017. The insurer ended FY18 as the largest life insurer (by first year premium) and collected Rs 11,349.13 crore of new premiums. The Rs 8,695-crore public issue of HDFC Life was oversubscribed 4.90 times at the time of listing. (Image: Moneycontrol) NBFC wealth creator of the year: Bajaj Finance Limited | Bajaj Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is one of the fastest growing NBFCs dealing in Consumer Finance, SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and Commercial Lending, and Wealth Management. Founded by Rahul Bajaj in 1987, the Pune-headquartered NBFC is now led by Managing Director Rajeev Jain. In Q2 FY19, its consolidated net profit grew 54 percent to Rs 923 crore. Its assets under management grew 52 times over the last 12 years. (Image: Moneycontrol) Best insurance - Life insurance: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance | ICICI Prudential Life, a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings, began operations in 2001. The insurer has consistently been among the top three private life insurers since its inception. ICICI PruLife was the first insurer to be listed on Indian stock exchanges. In FY18, the insurer collected first year premiums of Rs 9,118 crore. With a market share of 15.4 percent, it was the third-largest insurer in FY18 (by first year premium). (Image: Moneycontrol ) Best insurance - General insurance: ICICI Lombard General Insurance | The insurer, a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, was set up in 2001. The first general insurance company to get listed on the Indian stock exchanges, ICICI Lombard is the largest private sector general insurer. In FY18, the insurer collected Rs 12,357 crore of gross premium. With a market share of 8.2 percent in FY18, it was the largest insurer among private sector peers (by premium). In October 2018, it zoomed past PSUs to become the second largest general insurer. (Image: Moneycontrol) Mid cap fund of the year: L&T Midcap Fund | L&T Midcap Fund has consistently outperformed in recent years, ranking among the top performers in its category over three and five-year time frames. It takes a risk-conscious approach and runs a highly diversified portfolio, limiting exposure to individual bets. With a superior risk-return profile compared to most of its peers, this fund has emerged a worthy pick in the mid-cap category. (Image: Moneycontrol) Large cap fund of the year: Axis Bluechip Fund | This fund has a reputation of favouring companies with improving cash flows and higher earnings visibility. The fund manager is comfortable taking large positions in some high-conviction bets with the aim of delivering greater returns. The fund is adept at containing the downside better than its peers. This has held it in good stead in the long term and the fund has proved to a dependable offering in the large-cap category. (Image: Moneycontrol) Best asset management fund of the year: Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund | Formed in 1994, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund is a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and the Sun Life Financial Inc. of Canada. The fund house offers sector-specific equity schemes, fund of fund schemes, hybrid and monthly income funds, debt and treasury products, and offshore funds. In the last three years, the fund house has increased its penetration into smaller cities and has been in the top AUM quartile consistently for the past 3 years. (Image: Moneycontrol) Fintech personality of the year: Harshvardhan Lunia, Founder of Lendingkart Technologies | As a banker Harshvardhan Lunia was intrigued by the question of why small business owners, who in spite of being credit worthy, were not served by existing lenders. Lunia co-founded Lendingkart Technologies with Mukul Sachan. The venture is revolutionizing the way small businesses access credit. The company uses technology and analytics tools, analyzing thousands of data points from various data sources to assess the creditworthiness of small businesses, rapidly and accurately. Now an SME can get a loan within 3 days. Lendingkart has helped over 12,500 small companies across 950 cities in getting loans and expanding their businesses. (Image: Moneycontrol) Social impact creator of the year: Anurag Agrawal, CEO of Aavishkar | Founded in 2001, the venture fund backs entrepreneurs in pockets in India that are underserved by financial institutions. By providing access to capital, Aavishkar helps them build sustainable and scalable enterprises. Over the last decade, Aavishkar has established a successful track record with over $155 million under management and a diverse portfolio of high impact businesses at various levels of growth. It has set itself the goal of investing in 300 startups in the next 10 years, coming to the aid of entrepreneurial talent in low income countries. Aavishkar aims to raise $1 billion in the coming decade. (Image: Moneycontrol) Myntra (Image: Company website) The chief of Flipkart Group's Myntra-Jabong fashion business on November 16 denied a media report that he will quit after a reshuffle in the ranks following the ouster of group CEO Binny Bansal. "I'm very excited about Myntra," Ananth Narayanan, the CEO of the business, told Reuters in an interview. "I certainly intend to continue." But he did say that there would be some job cuts in the Jabong arm of the unit. Narayanan's comments came after a report by the Times of India newspaper on November 16 that said he had decided to resign following a change in guard that made Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Flipkart's CEO, his new boss. Krishnamurthy is effectively the new head of the Flipkart Group after Binny Bansal resigned as group chief this week following an internal probe into what parent Walmart Inc said was "serious personal misconduct". The misconduct accusations followed an allegation of sexual assault, two sources previously told Reuters. Bansal denied wrongdoing. Narayanan said his relationship with Krishnamurthy was "very good". "I think the structural change will only help Myntra overall," Narayanan, a former McKinsey executive added. Narayanan did, though, confirm Indian media reports that Myntra's chief financial officer, Dipanjan Basu, had quit but added he was leaving because he had found "a great opportunity" elsewhere. Myntra-Jabong is the leader in India's small but fledgling online retail fashion industry. The unit, according to analysts tracking e-commerce, has helped the Flipkart Group maintain a market share lead over rival Amazon.com. Myntra, which bought Jabong in 2016, has a popular and profitable private brand portfolio comprising 17 labels. JOB CUTS Narayanan said some jobs will be cut at Jabong as the firm continues to integrate functions with Myntra, a process that kickstarted last year, beginning with back-end roles. Myntra and Jabong function as one business unit helmed by Narayanan but have separate staff, websites and mobile apps. "We are integrating some of the customer facing or the other functions as well which are around category, revenue, marketing etc," Narayanan said. He declined to give absolute numbers and said less than 10 percent of Myntra-Jabong's workforce will lose jobs. Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that nearly 200 jobs at Jabong are being cut. The thinking is that "there is redundancy in terms of roles, and overlap with the Myntra side," so there is room to cut and reduce costs, one of the sources said, adding that there have separately already been a few dozen recent cuts on the Myntra side. A closer integration of Myntra and Jabong is necessary to operate more effectively and innovate quickly as well to remain leaders in online fashion retail, Myntra said in a statement. It did not respond to a request for comment on the number of job cuts. File picture In a judgment passed by Delhi High Court, LOreal India won a lawsuit against e-commerce website Shopclues for selling counterfeit products. The website was restrained from dealing in LOreal products by way of a permanent decree after a 4-year long legal battle. In the domain of intermediary liability of e-commerce websites, the court observed that the websites and online marketplaces ought to operate with caution if they wish to enjoy the immunity provided to intermediaries. The court held that Shopclues was disqualified for the exemption under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 as the website's role was more than that of an intermediary. Counterfeits is a serious issue faced by the beauty industry in India across online and offline platforms. This verdict will help us fortify our fight against online counterfeiting rampant on such marketplaces. We understand the importance of consumer protection and are hence encouraged by this first-of-its-kind decision, said Amit Jain, Managing Director, LOreal India. The court also directed the website to disclose complete details of all its sellers and their addresses, obtain certificates from sellers stating that the products are genuine and obtain the brands permission before uploading any of its products for sale on their platform. Infosys11 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of Infosys gained 1 percent in the early trade on Friday after company appointed Jayesh Sanghrajka as interim CFO. The company has appointed Jayesh Sanghrajka as the interim chief financial officer (CFO) and key managerial personnel of the company with effect from November 17, 2018, company said in release. The current CFO, MD Ranganath, will step down on November 16. The board is in the process of selecting the next CFO. Sanghrajka is currently executive vice president and Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Infosys Foreign research house Morgan Stanley has maintained equal-weight call on the stock with a target of Rs 759 per share. Company board is still in the process of selecting the next CFO and it believes that the transition is likely to be a smooth one. The company reported 13.8 percent sequential growth in the second quarter consolidated profit at Rs 4,110 crore, while consolidated revenue grew by 7.7 percent to Rs 20,609 crore compared to Rs 19,128 crore in the previous quarter. At 09:17 hrs Infosys was quoting at Rs 661.30, up Rs 4.95, or 0.75 percent on the BSE. Angel Commodities' report on Soybean NCDEX Dec Soybean futures settled higher on Thursday after 2 - day lower closing as market participants short cover their position after reports of lower imports of edible oil in 2017/18 by SEA. In Oct and Nov, the price have been trending higher on expectation of improving soybean and soymeal demand from China in coming months. According to senior government officials, China is likely to open its doors to soybean from India after allowing the import of non - basmati rice and raw sugar. As per SOPA, India's soymeal exports in 2018/19 could jump as much as 70% from a year ago, buoyed by expected purchases from the world's biggest soybean buyer China. Moreover, govt. plans to procure 44 lakh tonnes of oilseeds and pulses from farmers at MSPs in the ongoing kharif marketing season. Outlook Soybean futures expected to trade sideways to higher on lower arrivals in physical market, expectation of government procurement at MSP and improving physical demand for new season crop from oil mills. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More Jet Airways owes banks nearly Rs 8,000 crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The board of Tata Sons is likely to meet November 16 to discuss a proposal to take over the Naresh Goyal-controlled Jet Airways, which is looking for investors to tide over liquidity crunch that it has been saddled with, according to people familiar with the development. Airline's deputy chief executive and chief financial officer Amit Agarwal earlier this week had admitted that the company was in talks with "multiple interested parties" for fund infusion as well as selling six of its Boeing 777 planes and a stake in its loyalty progarmme Jet Privilege. "Tata Sons board is meeting tomorrow (Friday) to consider the proposal to bid for Jet Airways," people in the know of the development told PTI. While a spokesperson of Tata Sons, which already runs two airlines-- the full-service carrier Vistara in a JV with Singapore Airlines, and the low-cost carrier AirAsia India in JV with Air Asia of Malaysia, refused to comment on "speculation," Jet did not respond to PTI queries on the same. "We do not comment on speculation," a Tata Sons, which originally owned the present national carrier Air India, spokesperson said when asked for confirmation. Besides Goyal, who along with his family owns 51 percent stake in the carrier, Gulf carrier Etihad Airways holds 24 percent stake in the cash-strapped airline which earlier this week reported Rs 1,261 crore loss for the September quarter against a profit of Rs 71 crore y-o-y, making it the third straight quarters of heavy losses. This had the airline also putting as many as six of its Boeing 777s on sale to part-fund liquidity. Media reports suggest that the parent company of Vistara, Tata-Singapore Airlines, is looking at all-stock merger with Jet Airways as part of the Tata group's plans to board Goyal's full service carrier. In an exchange filing, Jet Airways described the media reports as speculative. "...the subject news is speculative in nature and that there is no discussion or decision in the board which would require a disclosure...," the airline informed BSE. According to reports, the two sides are inching towards a two-step transaction that would first see Jet Airways merging with Tata-SIA that runs Vistara through a share swap to form a new JV, which will have the Goyal family, Etihad, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as its partners. "We are currently at various stages of discussions with multiple interested parties for both part stake sale in Jet Privilege and fresh equity infusion," Agarwal had told analysts during the post-earnings concall Tuesday. He had also said the company hired investment bankers and consulting firms to carry out these tasks. The cash paucity in the country's second largest airline by market share has resulted in delayed payments to some vendors and salaries to a section of its over 16,000 employees. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Tata Sons is reportedly looking to end its partnership with AirAsia Berhad as the company only wants to be engaged in one airline business -- Vistara, the joint venture with Singapore Airlines (SIA), the Economic Times reported. The Tata Group holding company is proposing to "exit AirAsia India and run the only full-service private airline in India, which is Vistara-plus-Jet," a person aware of the development told the paper. Currently, Tata Sons owns 49 percent of AirAsia India with the rest held by Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad. The airline has a fleet of 19 aircraft. The initial discussions in this respect have begun even as the Tatas are in talks to acquire Naresh Goyal-controlled Jet Airways. Read: In Jet Airways, N Chandrasekaran sees his vision for Tata's aviation business taking flight According to the report, Tata may find it difficult to find a suitable buyer because of AirAsia Indias small size, slow expansion, losses and, an ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into alleged lobbying and irregular transactions by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and other AirAsia executives. Alternatively, Fernandes may look to sell his stakes in the airline, another person told the paper. "With the cases against him, it is getting increasingly difficult for Tony to do business in India," another person said, adding that he wont leave without getting a good value for his airlines stake. EXCLUSIVE: AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes asked ex-CEO Chandilya to hire lobbying firm While a potential structure for the deal has not been finalised as yet, media reports suggest the first leg of Tata Group's plan to acquire a controlling stake in Jet Airways may involve a merger of the beleaguered airline with Tata SIA Airlines, a joint venture between the Tatas and Singapore Airlines that operates Vistara. In the second leg, Singapore Airlines may purchase the entire stake of Jet Airways promoter Naresh Goyal's family in the combined entity, sources told the paper. Naresh Goyal and wife Anita Goyal own 51 percent in Jet Airways, while UAE-based Etihad Airways owns 24 percent. Read Opinion | With eye on Jet Airways, could Tata be biting more than it can chew? Completely acquiring AirAsia India may not make too much sense for the Tatas, another person close to the development told the paper. "It would get very little in the airline except for the licence and slots as the reservation systems, infrastructure, accounting etc are all owned and managed from Malaysia by AirAsia Berhad or its companies," the person said. Earlier this year, Malaysia's flagship budget airline agreed to sell AirAsia's leasing operations for $1.2 billion to firms managed by BBAM Limited Partnership. The sale was a part of AirAsia's efforts to sell non-core assets and allow it to cut debt. Jet Airways live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Moneycontrol News Putting to rest the speculation over its interest in Jet Airways, Tata Sons on November 16 said 'any such discussions have been preliminary and no proposal has been made'. The statement was issued after Tata's board meeting to discuss the deal. Jet Airways had on November 15 denied a media report suggesting a likely merger with Tata SIA Airlines, the joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines that operates Vistara. The airline called such news "speculative in nature". Also read: As Tatas talk to Jet Airways, Etihad looks to drive a hard bargain It is so far unclear what will happen to Etihad's 24 percent stake in Jet Airways if Tatas step in. Jet Airways is also reportedly looking for bidders to buy a stake in its customer loyalty programme JetPrivilege. Private equity firms have expressed interest in JetPrivilege, according to media reports. The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu on November 16 said that government will release the e-commerce policy in the near future. Speaking at the Moneycontrol Wealth Creator Awards 2018, he said that the policy which was initially drafted by industry stakeholders was currently waiting for clearance from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. Prabhu said that the policy will be favourable for the domestic e-commerce companies. "We have prepared a draft for e-commerce policy. We want to promote domestic e-commerce as much as possible.E-commerce should be for the benefit of both companies and consumers," he said. The Union Minister said that although the government is willing to listen to the World Trade Organization, the policy will be made by the Indian government. "E-commerce rulemaking won't be done at WTO, we will make sure there are no monopolies," he said. The draft e-commerce policy was released in late August. Prabhu had tweeted that he had received concern regarding the draft policy. Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative, the former Railways minister said that the aspiration of the initiative was that the country's "share of industry should be 25 percent." "We have prepared a strategy to make sure it becomes 20 percent by the time India becomes a $5 trillion economy," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. "It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it. "What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added. Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing. "Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit. "Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said. "What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government. Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character". Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh." Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister. Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on November 16 said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now. "Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped. Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016. "They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said. He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system. "Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. New Delhi: Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot addresses a press conference, at AICC HQ in New Delhi, Monday, Oct 22, 2018. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav) (PTI10_22_2018_000034B) Rajasthan's Tonk assembly constituency is set to witness an interesting poll fight between Congress state unit chief Sachin Pilot and the BJP's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta. The northern state will go to polls on December 7. Mehta had won the seat, which has a sizeable number of Muslim voters, in the 2013 assembly elections with a margin of over 30,000 votes. "I am fully confident of retaining my seat. I am not under any fear or pressure. My supporters and party workers are quite excited about the poll battle with Pilot," the 53-year-old BJP leader told PTI. Mehta, who filed his nomination papers on Thursday, said developmental works worth Rs 2,000 crore were executed in the last five years in the state. "Illegal slaughter houses were the main problem in the city and I got them shut. Number of district hospital beds were increased from 200 to 275. New grid sub stations were installed, while a water pipeline was laid in Tonk to address water issues," he said. The BJP MLA said he was a "local" and Pilot was an "outsider" for Tonk. The Congress, meanwhile, is eyeing the assembly seats in eastern parts of the state with Pilot's nomination. Pilot is also seen as the party's chief ministerial candidate. Apart from Jaipur, Tonk district touches boundary with Ajmer (eight seats), Sawaimadhopur (four seats), Dausa (five seats), Bhilwara (seven seats) and Bundi (three seats). "Tonk is a good seat for me to contest which touches Ajmer and Dausa. Since I announced to contest the elections, there were requests from 13 to 14 districts and the party decided Tonk. We will win significant number of seats in the entire Rajasthan and particularly in the eastern parts," Pilot, 41, said. "The party workers have worked hard not only in this region, but in the entire state and the result of the election will make this clear. Not only Tonk, the party is going to win majority of seats in Rajasthan," he said. As many as nine candidates had contested from Tonk in the 2013 assembly elections where Mehta defeated his nearest rival Saud Saidi, a Congress rebel who had contested as an independent. The BJP leader had secured 46.96 per cent votes. The constituency has about 2.22 lakh voters, including around 43,000 Muslims and 35,000 people belonging to the Scheduled Castes, apart from a significant number of Gurjar, Jat and Meena voters, according to estimates by candidates. United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed is visiting India to meet senior government and UN officials in the country. The Deputy Secretary General, travelling from Kathmandu, will be in New Delhi on transit Friday and meet the senior government officials regarding the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as with the UN country team, the deputy spokesman for the Secretary General Farhan Haq told reporters. In Kathmandu, she had attended the 6th Global Campaign for Education World Assembly held from November 16 to 18. She also met senior government officials and the UN country team during her visit to the neighbouring country. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had travelled to India early last month for a three-day visit that coincided with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 2019. He met President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and attended the General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. Amit Shah BJP president Amit Shah will hold a roadshow here on November 21 in support of candidates fielded by the party in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly polls, a party functionary said on Friday. BJP district president Dr Satyaprakash Acharya said route of the roadshow will be decided in consultation with the candidates and party workers. The ruling party has released two lists so far of 162 candidates for the polls to be held on December 7 for 200 assembly constituencies. Names of more candidates are expected to be announced soon. The BJP had released its first list of 131 candidates on November 11, while the second list of 31 candidates was announced on November 14. Mahasamund: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses an election rally at Bemcha in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, Tuesday, Nov 13, 2018. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_13_2018_000042B) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India, adding it would be proved that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "robbed the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich". Addressing a campaign rally for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi does not talk about being a "chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. "If Modi says he is a chowkidar, people will respond that chowkidar chor hai," he said, addressing a rally at Deori in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi claimed that Modi "cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane" without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. "The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal," the Congress chief said. "Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done," Gandhi said. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens to stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. "He (Modi) allowed the rich like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya to flee the country with your money and made you stand in queues outside banks. Time will prove how Modi had robbed you and gave your money to few rich," he said. "These days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi said. Modi had claimed that he will be the chowkidar (watchman) of the country but he turned out to be chowkidar of a few industrialists, like Ambani, he said. Hindu devotees take part in a motorcycle rally as part of a protest against the lifting of ban by Supreme Court that allowed entry of women of menstruating age to the Sabarimala temple, at Nilakkal (Image - Reuters) Viju Cherian On November 16, the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Sabarimala, popularly known as the Sabarimala temple, near Pamba in Pathanamthitta in Kerala, will open for a two-month long pilgrimage, the Mandala Makkaravillakku. Unlike the many decades that have passed where the pilgrimage has been mostly peaceful, this time there is tension and anger in the air. To ensure that no untoward incidents occur, the district administration has imposed Section 144 in places around the temple. On September 28, in a 4:1 judgment the Supreme Court ruled that the ban on the entry of women between the age of 10 and 50 is unconstitutional and goes against the rights of Hindu women. Sections of devotees have objected to the verdict and have been protesting since then. Hindu religious groups, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), etc., have fanned devotees sentiments arguing that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala in trying to enforce the SC order is hurting the rights and traditions of the Hindu religion. Irrespective of the developments hereon, the Sabarimala protests are a watershed moment in Keralas political and religious history. Politically, it has given the BJP a golden opportunity in Kerala to re-enact a role it has been perfecting in the rest of India the role of the custodian of Hindu faith. For a party that was clueless of how to break the Kerala jinx until recently, this will help it make inroads into the state. The irony is that it is happening under the watch of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) which never misses a chance to boast that it is the only political force that can stop BJPs growth in Kerala. From a religious point of view, the Sabarimala protests have changed what was essentially a rights-based issue into a fight for ones faith. The protests have transformed what till now was a relatively peaceful pilgrimage into a frightening security issue. Swami Sharanam, the call by the devotees as they embark on the pilgrimage, has morphed from a chant into a slogan. In this process it has brought to the forefront a masculine and aggressive religiosity that is often associated with the Hindutva brand not prevalent in South India (except in Karnataka). The two aspects that the protests highlight are: one, the nonchalant attitude and unapologetic stand political parties take on communal lines to further their limited interests; and, two, how deeply misogynistic is Kerala. This first aspect highlights the unholy nexus between religion and politics. Kerala is not alien to communal politics. For decades now, Christian and Muslim groups have openly held sway over mainstream political parties, such as the Congress, the Left parties and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Its been a symbiotic relationship benefitting both sides. This is true of even Hindu groups in the state, such as the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), though to a lesser degree. Kerala is also not alien to violence involving religious groups, the clashes between the RSS and Left groups in north Kerala are an example. Due to a number of factors these clashes have been largely treated as manifestations viewed through a political prism, as a clash between two cadre-based groups. However, in the Sabarimala protests, the Pinarayi Vijayan government, in favouring the entry of women of all age groups into the temple, is seen as hurting Hindu faith and pride. It is perceived as the battle between the atheist and the believer, where the atheist is insensitive towards religious faith and traditions. This is an unfamiliar terrain for the Left. Perhaps the Congress and the BJP realised much earlier that this was a slippery slope and decided to oppose the SC verdict. While the BJPs politics is on expected lines, the Congress opportunism is sickening. The aggressive religiosity mentioned above neatly fits into the second aspect a deeply misogynistic Kerala. The chauvinistic, alpha man still gets to decide for the impure woman. The bogey of tradition when there have been numerous accounts of women between the age of 10 and 50 visiting and praying at Sabarimala is used to justify this prejudice. Its unfortunate that violence and intimidation is used to oppose the Supreme Courts decision. Its farcical that democratic institutions are seeking the views of an erstwhile royal family in such a debate. Its regrettable that political parties are fishing in troubled waters. Its absurd that in 2018 menstruating women are considered impure. Kerala takes pride in its high levels of literacy and political awareness, and high standards of living and healthcare. Sadly, these high indices are of no use when hypocrisy is in abundance and the faculty of reason is wanting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dared the Congress to make someone outside the Gandhi family the party president for at least five years. Modi said if Congress makes someone who is not from the (Gandhi) family as party president for at least five years, then he will believe that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru really created a truly democratic system there. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections scheduled on November 20, Modi said, "I want to challenge them. Let some good leader of Congress outside of the family become the party president for five years, then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic system there". Four generations of Congress ruled the nation and they should give an account of what they have done for the country, Modi said. "People have disproved that it was the "right of only one family" to speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi," he said. "You can't understand the difficulties faced by the poor but a chaiwalla can," Modi said in a veiled attack on the Congress and the Gandhis. "They (Congress) have kept the country in the dark with their lies which are ingrained in their minds," Modi said, not mincing words to target the principal opposition party and its top leaders. On the impressive turnout in the first phase of polling held on November 10, Modi said, "People of Bastar in Chhattisgarh gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase". The Congress released its first list of 152 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat. Gehlot and Pilot had on Wednesday made their intentions clear that they would contest the assembly polls along with senior state leaders. Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader C P Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. The party's central election committee General Secretary Mukul Wasnik released the list after hectic deliberations with senior state leaders and the party leadership. Sources said the list was reportedly delayed over differences on distribution of party tickets. Mahindra Atom is a three seater concept that will help the last mile connectivity. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Mahindra Group is not so keen on entering the electric two-wheeler market in India, given the concerns around high initial cost and fears of limited demand for its premium range. Interestingly, Mahindra is the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles in the country with a portfolio of hatchbacks, sedans and vans powered by batteries. On the sidelines of the launch of lithium-ion-powered electric three-wheeler Treo, a senior executive of Mahindra & Mahindra confirmed that there are no plans at the moment to get into the mass-market electric two-wheeler segment, and that the company would rather focus on cars and buses for the time being. "We have left out two-wheelers for now. We are focusing on four-wheelers and buses. What we are doing is not the electric scooters we see here. We are doing high end scooters and there cost will never be sustainable. As of now no plans to bring those electric scooters to India," said Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra. In the petrol-powered two-wheeler space, Mahindra is the smallest player in the country, with products such as the Mojo, Gusto, Centuro and Rodeo. It added the Jawa range to its portfolio this week. But despite its now popular brand presence in the electric vehicle space, the group has opted out of venturing into the electric two-wheeler category. On the other hand, Mahindra's peers are aggressively working towards electrifying their future range. Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Eicher Motors-owned Royal Enfield and Hero Motocorp are all developing electric motorcycles and scooters that will be launched in the beginning of next year. In addition to this, at least a dozen start-ups are either in their final lap of launching performance electric motorcycles and scooters, or are fast ramping up their research and development to make a splash in this segment. Some of these companies are Tork Motorcycles, Ampere, Ultraviolette, Emflux and Ather Energy. Mahindra & Mahindra already has an electric scooter on sale in the US, which was developed with developed markets in mind. Called the GenZe, the scooter is powered by lithium-ion batteries. Goenka also said that work on another electric scooter is underway for their European brand Peugeot. The scooter is being developed in Pune. "We have an electric scooter selling in the US called GenZe and also creating another scooter for Peugeot Motorcycles (PMTC) which is designed and developed in Pune but not to be sold in India," Goenka said. At a time when Facebook is embroiled in several controversies over its data practices, the social networking giant released its transparency report for the first half of this year, which saw the maximum number of Internet disruptions coming from India. Service disruptions, or "intentional restrictions on connectivity that limit people's ability to access the internet or specific websites and apps" stood at 29 in India, the highest number amongst the countries tracked. About ten of these were in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Facebook said the list was not exhaustive and the company tracked instances when Facebook services were disrupted. Other countries where service disruptions were recorded are Indonesia (1), Philippines (1), Sierra Leone (1), South Sudan, Sri Lanka and Chad. Facebook identified 48 disruptions of its services in eight countries in the first half this year, compared to 46 disruptions in 12 countries in the second half of 2017. Other research has also found that India has the highest number of Interet shutdowns in the world. Also Read: India record highest number of Internet shutdowns in the world Government requests "We always scrutinize each government request we receive for account data to make sure it is legally valid. If a request appears to be deficient or overly broad, we push back, and will fight in court, if necessary," said Chris Sonderby, VP & Deputy General Counsel at Facebook, in a blogpost. The highest number of content restrictions came from Pakistan, with 2203 restrictions, followed by Brazil, Germany, Turkey, Russia and India. Content restrictions requests in India were 1524 during the first half of this year, down from 1914 in the second half of 2017. Content restriction requests are made by governments when they believe that something on the Internet violates their laws, and approach companies such as Facebook and Twitter to restrict access to that content. Overall, government requests for account data increased globally by around 26 per cent compared to the second half of 2017, increasing from 82,341 to 103,815 requests, Sonderby said in the blogpost. "During the first half of 2018, the number of pieces of content we restricted based on local law increased 7 per cent, from 14,280 to 15,337," he added. India continued to be the second highest requestor of data from Facebook overall, only behind the United States. The US made 42466 requests in the first half of this year, while India made 16580 requests. In the previous reported period (second half of 2017) India made 17262 requests for data, while the US made 53625 requests. Transparency reports such as Facebooks Government request report have become the norm for most internet and technology companies including Apple, Google, Twitter, Microsoft and LinkedIn, in the aftermath of government surveillance revelations made by former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in 2013. Facebook releases the report biannually. The Pentawards Live Amsterdam will be hosting international speakers from a selection of the world's most renowned brands and Microsoft's Kevin Marshall is the latest speaker to be announced. Microsofts creative director of global packaging and content, Kevin Marshall. SOUTH AFRICA Winning packaging design from Pentawards 2018 Mauro Porcini Ann Chen Denise Siebert Pentawards Live speakers: Denise Siebert, vice president, design of the Global Kellogg Company, design and visual identity leader at Diageo; Ann Chen and Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo, chief design officer. How will it work? We have seen our Pentawards community grow at an exponential rate in the last 12 months. The 2018 competition saw an increase in participation by 15%, with entries coming from a staggering 64 countries. In addition, the Pentawards has successfully programmed conferences in Shanghai, New York and London to packed audiences, delivering content that has sparked debate and pushed the boundaries of innovation and creativity in packaging. Now, we are incredibly excited to be working with our Dutch colleagues at PI Netherlands, to launch Pentawards Live. The conference at Pentawards Live Amsterdam will be entirely brand focused, giving the audience a rare insight into the perspectives on packaging from behind the brand.As Microsofts creative director of global packaging and content, Kevin Marshall leads a world-class team of designers and is responsible for the vision and creative strategy of Microsofts packaging for its worldwide line of products including Surface, XBox, Hololens, PC Hardware and others.He believes that todays consumers expect intuitive, connected product journeys and well-crafted packaging is one of a brands most vital assets in creating meaningful and lasting consumer relationships.Prior to joining Microsoft, he was creative director of Marc Rosen Associates, a New York-based, award-winning design firm specializing in luxury, beauty and consumer packaged goods.Prior to that, he was global packaging design director for Avon Products, Inc. responsible for packaging across global brands. With over 25 years of packaging design experience, his passion is for leading talented teams that leverage the power of inspired design while launching memorable experiences that delight consumers and build brand equity.Other speakers that have been confirmed include:Mauro Porcini joined PepsiCo in 2012 as its first chief design officer. In this newly created position, Porcini is infusing design thinking into PepsiCos culture and is leading a new approach to innovation by design that impacts the companys product platforms and brands, which include Pepsi, Lays, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Tropicana, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker, Mirinda, Sierra Mist and SunChips. His focus extends from physical to virtual expressions of the brands, including product, packaging, events, advertising, retail activation, architecture, and digital media.Previously, Porcini managed 3M's design strategies and projects with teams based in the United States, Italy, China and Japan and collaborated with a broad variety of renowned external partners. He leveraged 3M's technology heritage and brands to produce innovation and growth through an "experience-driven" approach.The second international speaker to be announced for the Pentawards Live conference programme in Amsterdam was design and visual identity leader at Diageo; Ann Chen. Prior to joining the Johnnie Walker team at Diageo, Chen was an art director and designer in brand identity and packaging with agency-side experience across the USA. More recently, in New York, Chen led cross-disciplinary creative teams at Raison Pure NYC and designed packaging innovations and renovations across Diageos Reserve and Prestige portfolios, such as Mortlach and Johnnie Walker & Sons Odyssey.Motivated by the power of design and experience, Chen connects the dots between story, form, behaviour, and culture. As a design leader at Diageo, Chen ensures design has a seat at the table by partnering with marketing, supply, innovation, gifting and retail teams, inserting design expertise in direction, process and partnerships. Externally she seeks the right talent to partner with and sets up Diageo and creative agencies for success. Together we build memorable brands that when done right live in the hearts of the masses.Pentawards Live is also excited to reveal that Denise Siebert, vice president of design for the Global Kellogg Company was the first speaker to join the conference programme. Siebert, who is based at Kelloggs in the USA, joined the Kellogg team in August of 2017 following 18 years at Procter & Gamble. After a BS of industrial design at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning, she applied her design expertise to many global brands including Always, Crest, Pampers, and Oral B, and the P&G corporate brand including the Olympics Sponsorship.Siebert's end-to-end design mastery includes upstream innovation, brand positioning and concepts, iconic asset creation, product and packaging development, and in-store/e-commerce experiences. She also has a proven ability to build creative organizations, identify and attract top talent, develop design processes that are both creative and efficient, and nurture a positive and inspiring culture.The Passenger Terminal Amsterdam was made for Pentawards Live. The event will be divided into three areas, each with a different theme and purpose; Connect, Inspire and Learn. The beating heart of the event will be Connect on the Main Deck of the Passenger Terminal, where the interaction between design agencies, brand owners, and packaging experts in materials and technology will take place in a carefully curated exhibition style layout.The Promenade Deck will be dedicated to Inspire, where a selection of award-winning designs from the 2018 Pentawards competition will be displayed on the world-renowned Pentawards Winners Exhibit. Learn will be delivered on the Panorama Deck, where the worlds greatest influencers in packaging will take to the stage and challenge the international audience to think outside of the box.Adam Ryan, Pentawards project manager says:For more information visit the Pentawards Live website Infosys CEO Salil Parekh(C) with CFO Ranganath and CTO Pravin Rao (L) Three months after Infosys' chief financial officer stepped down, India's second largest information technology firm has been unable to find a replacement. On Thursday, Infosys appointed Jayesh Sanghrajka as the interim CFO, a day before Ranganath's last working day at the company. Sanghrajka is the deputy CFO at Infosys. Does this point to the IT firm's inability to lure talent for the top posts? Not necessarily, according to experts. A top headhunter said that in large IT firms, where the promoter is still hands-on in the business, strategic decisions like top-level appointments take time. The promoters in firms like Infosys are deeply concerned about the way business is done. Hence, they still have a say in who is hired for the top roles. Even promoting a candidate internally for CXO (top) positions sometimes takes a lot of time, which may dissuade candidates, he added. He did not wish to be named since his HR firm works closely with IT sector firms. Analysts have also pointed out that Infosys' larger problem is stemming its high attrition rate, which was 19.9 per cent in the September-ended quarter, and touched 20.6 per cent in the previous quarter. The company has said it is taking steps to bring attrition to an acceptable range. Infosys has been embroiled in controversy since last year when a war of words erupted between former CEO Vishal Sikka and the company's co-founder over issues of corporate governance and Sikka's lavish lifestyle. In August last year, Sikka stepped down and Capgemini veteran Salil Parekh took over the top job in January earlier this year. Analysts have told Moneycontrol earlier that Ranganath or Ranga's stepping down could give could Parekh a chance to do things his way. Ranga stepped down in August to pursue professional opportunities in new areas. Emkay Global, in a note to clients at the time, said Ranga's resignation could have been triggered because he wanted to pursue the CEOs role, which went to Salil Parekh. Infosys reversal in its strategy of choosing growth over profitability conflicts with CFOs function and exceptional payouts (over 100 percent in FY18/19) as against investments for future growth may not have gone down well, the note added. Media reports around the time also suggested that Sanghrajka was being considered for a promotion to Ranga's role. Sunil Goel, Managing Director, GlobalHunt, said that in large organisations like Infosys, there is always a debate on whether the companies should have an insider or outsider for a top position. Getting an outsider is a challenge because they need to consider whether he/she is a fit from a culture point of view. A lot of time goes in identifying who is the right fit. Apart, from the professional aspect, large firms like Infosys also look at the emotional aspects and whether the hires would be emotionally compatible with the company," he added. This is especially true after the Sikka controversy that impacted the sentiment about Infosys and stock price took a hit. NEW DELHI, INDIA - APRIL 4: Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari (C) with other leader Rajeev Babbar (L) addresses media persons on the issue of Delhi MCD election at Delhi BJP Office on April 4, 2017 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari Friday termed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as "a big example of an urban Naxal" and said the AAP and the Congress are chips of the same block. Tiwari, a Lok Sabha MP, asked the Congress to clarify its stand on controversial statements made recently by party leaders Raj Babbar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. "Some urban Naxals are plotting to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arvind Kejriwal is a big example of an urban Naxal," he said at a press conference here this evening. "Being a chief minister, he (Kejriwal) sat on a dharna to stop the Republic Day parade," the actor-politician said. Tiwari targeted UP Congress chief Raj Babbar for his reported statement describing Naxals as "revolutionaries" and also Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Sidhu for hugging the Pakistan Army chief during his visit to the neighbouring country. "Raj Babbar ji says Naxals are revolutionaries. On the other hand Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Pakistan and hugged Army Chief there. Congress should clarify its stand on both the issues," he added. The BJP leader said the Congress and the AAP are not very different from each other. "Congress and AAP are 'ek hi thaili ke chatte batte' (chips of the same block). Both parties had earlier formed a coalition government in Delhi. AAP is a B team of Congress," he said, hitting out at both the parties. Praising Chief Minister Raman Singh's government in Chhattisgarh, Tiwari said the ruling BJP has effectively tackled the menace Naxalism in the state and brought misguided people to the mainstream. "Efforts are underway to bring those who were misguided (and joined Naxal ranks) during the Congress rule, to the mainstream," he added. Tiwari was in the state to campaign for his party for the second phase of elections on November 20 covering 72 assembly seats. The first phase of polling, covering 18 seats, was held on November 12. Counting of votes will take place on December 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left social media in spilt with his comment about making tea from gutter fumes. At an event to mark World Biofuel Day, the PM claimed that he had once read about a tea seller in a small town who tapped into gas emanating from a gutter to make the beverage. Loosing on the fact, the PM unintentionally ended up inventing a new laughing gas for netizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of demonetisation decision, saying the Congress and the 'family' alone were "weeping" over note ban even after two years as "deposits of their four generations" were gone. Stoutly defending the note ban, dubbed as "the biggest scam" since independence by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Modi said demonetisation brought money into the banking system that is being used for public good and vowed to continue his fight against corruption. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi devoted a large part of his speech rebutting criticism of his government's controversial decision to scrap the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016. The exercise caused difficulties to common people only in initial days and it is not so now, the PM said. "Note ban has brought money into the banks. It is being used for public good. At the time of demonetisation, I had said publicly that it would create some small difficulties in the initial stage," he said. "Some had money under their beds. Some in sacks...in almirahs. Modi, with note-ban, brought this to the banks. This is your money," he said pointing at those attending the rally and added, "That is why toilets are being built... houses are being built." He asked the people attending the rally whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi targeted the Congress for criticising demonetisation. "They are feeling the pain (of note-ban). The Congress alone is weeping. This family is weeping. Why? Their four generations' deposits are gone. "Their tears are not drying up. An old man gets to terms after his young son's death in a year. But they have lost so much they are unable to cope up (with the loss) in two, three years," Modi said. "Is it not right to bring back the looted money. The work will continue. Give your blessings to me for continuing my fight against corruption," he said amid cheers from the audience. Speaking at a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, Gandhi had on Friday dubbed demonetisation as the "biggest scam" since independence. The Congress has been relentlessly attacking the government over the issue, questioning its claims of checking black money and corruption. Stressing that his government was working for the poor, Modi said," I have promised that every family will have a home by 2022 when the country celebrates 75 years of independence. Every family in the country will own a house by 2022." "Has anybody any doubt over my promise? No. Under the Prime Minister Housing scheme, 12 lakh houses have been handed over to the people," he added. Madhya Pradesh will have a single phase polling for its 230 assembly seats on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse". Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. "The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying. China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, U.N. agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on Oct. 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The U.N. refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns". China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. Sign of Ford is pictured at a car dealership in Mexico City Ford Motor Co Chief Executive Jim Hackett told Reuters the company was open to investment by automakers and others in its autonomous vehicle business, but cautioned that expanding partnerships with German automaker Volkswagen AG was a "delicate dance." Volkswagen's supervisory board is scheduled to meet on Thursday to review a 10-year strategic plan by Chief Executive Herbert Diess that is expected to propose using alliances with rivals to cut development costs for electric and autonomous vehicles and potentially other types of vehicles. Ford and VW have acknowledged that they are in discussions. Hackett said on Wednesday a previously announced partnership to share development of future light commercial vehicles was going better than we thought it would. Herbert and I had a great discussion, about the commercial vehicle business, Hackett said. However, Hackett said expanding collaboration to other areas, such as electric vehicles or consolidation in Latin America, would have to be done carefully, and no broader deal had been agreed. "We compete in a bunch of areas as well," he said. Ford's share price has sunk 22 percent this year, reflecting investor frustration with the company's pace of rolling out plans to restructure money-losing operations in Europe, Latin America and China, and a strategy for funding investments in autonomous and electrified vehicles. Ford earlier this year created a separate unit for its autonomous vehicle operations, which include a majority stake in self-driving car software company Argo AI. Potential investors could put money into either Ford's autonomous vehicle unit, or Argo, Ford executives said. Ford and Argo are currently testing vehicles in four cities -- Miami, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Washington, D.C. Argo Chief Executive Bryan Salesky said, and the companies plan to expand the number of test cities in 2019. Ford has said it expects to launch self-driving vehicles for sale by 2021, when a new vehicle architecture designed specifically for autonomous systems is expected to be ready. In the meantime, Ford is testing different ways in which self-driving vehicles can be used to carry people and goods. In Miami, for example, the company is collaborating with local businesses to test designs for vehicles that can deliver food, laundry or flowers. On Wednesday, Ford said it would work with Walmart Inc to design automated delivery services. "We see equal opportunity between moving people and moving goods," said Sherif Marakby, head of Ford's autonomous vehicle unit. Among the lessons Ford executives have learned from nearly a year of testing in Miami: Customers who live in high rise apartment buildings are less willing to make a trip to the street to pick up a package stored in a locker built into a vehicle, Marakby said. At the same time, people living in suburban neighborhoods are often interested in getting food or goods delivered from businesses in the city. Signs that the U.S. auto market is heading for a cyclical downturn, coupled with higher steel costs due to U.S. tariffs, have ratcheted up pressure on all three Detroit automakers. General Motors Co Chief Executive Mary Barra last month launched a sweeping cost-cutting program, including offering buyouts to 18,000 North American salaried staff, and warning of outright layoffs if not enough employees leave. Since May, GM and its Cruise self-driving car unit have landed $5 billion in investment commitments from Japan's SoftBank Group Corp and Honda Motor Co Ltd to develop a robot taxi service. Hackett acknowledged investor concerns, but said he wanted to be sure that Ford had worked out how to redesign its business before cutting anything. Hacking off limbs of the organization gets you nowhere, he said. Julian Assange WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was behind a massive dump of classified US documents in 2010, has been charged in the United States, WikiLeaks said Thursday night. Prosecutors revealed the existence of the sealed indictment inadvertently in a court filing in an unrelated case, WikiLeaks said. The exact nature of the charges against Assange was not immediately known. Isaac Stone Fish, senior fellow at the Asia Society's Center on US-China Relations says that the meeting with Kim is a huge gamble for Trump. He also says that in the event of the meeting not going well, Trump could lose a lot of credibility. (Image Source: Reuters) North Korea has decided to expel a US citizen who illegally entered the country last month, Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said on Friday. The man, identified as Lawrence Bruce Byron, had been in custody after crossing into North Korea from China on October 16, it said. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency," KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country," it added. A man with the same name was arrested in South Korea while trying to sneak over the inter-Korean border in November last year. Byron, who is in his late 50s and from Louisiana, was later deported back to the US. Media reports said he told South Korean officials he sought to facilitate talks between North Korea and the United States, although he is a private citizen. It is rare for North Korea to release an American detainee so swiftly and it comes amid stalled negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear programme. "This gesture means the North wants to keep up momentum for dialogue with the US," professor Yang Moo-Jin at the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. From journalists to missionaries, most Americans held by North Korea have been released after high-profile interventions. The reclusive regime freed three US detainees in May in an apparent goodwill gesture before a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three men travelled home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and were greeted by Trump on their arrival at an air base near Washington. Currently, there are no known US detainees held by the rigid communist state. The latest release also came after fresh allegations emerged last month that Otto Warmbier, a US student who died after being held in the North, was tortured in custody. The 22-year-old was jailed in the North for more than a year and was released in a comatose state in 2017 but died shortly after returning home. The exact cause of his death remains unknown but a recent US media report claimed there was new evidence that he was beaten by the regime. The director of the Pyongyang Friendship Hospital -- which treated Warmbier -- slammed the allegations as a "total distortion of the truth" in October. North Korea has denied torturing Warmbier and claims he contracted botulism in detention. At their historic Singapore summit, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Progress has since stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document. Also on Friday, KCNA reported that Kim had overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon". It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began the delicate diplomatic process with Washington. Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan wished all Hindu citizens on the occasion of Diwali. Prime Minister Imran Khan wishes a happy Diwali to all Hindu citizens, tweeted Prime Ministers Office in Pakistan. Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said. Prime Minister Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat. During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying. The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said. Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a $6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad. After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis. Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied." "No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed. Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said. Commenting on the ongoing money laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced $15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan." "Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said. While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson." "We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted. As per the data tabled in the Parliament this April, around 88 lakh (87.76 lakh to be precise) Indians work in the six Gulf countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); but, for every $1 billion they remitted back home to India in the six months of 2018, there were at least 117 deaths. This works out to 10 deaths per day. Venkatesh Nayak, research scholar and programme coordinator of Commonwealth Human Right Initiative (CHRI), who procured this information through right to information (RTI) applications and researching proceedings in Parliament, says, Not much is known about the human cost of such earnings which expand the countrys forex reserves quietly. Another revelation under RTI is that during the first half of this financial year alone (April-September 2018), Indian blue-collared workers in these countries had remitted $33.47 billion back home. In fact, as per the World Bank estimates, Indian workers in UAE had remitted $72.3 billion between 2012-2017 whereas Indians in the US remitted $68.37 billion, UK at $23 billion and a mere $17.3 billion from Canada, during this period. Observes Mr Nayak, It appears that blue collared workers are contributing more to Indias forex kitty than the white-collared workers in the developed countries. Mr Nayak filed an online RTI application in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The information he sought was the year-wise list of the names, age, sex, and occupation of Indian workers, who died in the countries of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE between 1 January 2012 onwards; and the cause of death as mentioned in the death certificates of every deceased Indian worker referred to at para 1 above for the same period. "The Central Public Information officer (CPIO) of MEA promptly transferred the RTI application to the CPIOs of the Indian embassies situated in the six Gulf countries. It appears that MEA does not maintain data about the deaths of Indian workers unless queries are raised in Parliament, Mr Nayak said. The CPIOs of the embassy of Kuwait (which had all this information on its website since 2014), Bahrain, Oman and Qatar provided the data. Strangely though, the CPIO as well as the First Appellate Authority of UAE refused information citing Section 8 (1)(i), which exempts the disclosure of personal information which may cause unwarranted invasion of privacy of the individual. Mr Nayak says, While the Indian embassy in Kuwait displays the good practice of proactive information, the embassy in UAE refuses even the basic data. The other Indian embassies have refused details regarding the deaths of Indian workers sought in the RTI application by either citing Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act or by claiming that the information was held in multiple files in disaggregate form. They are striving to adopt the lowest common denominator instead of following the sterling example of the Indian mission in Kuwait. In order to fill up the gaps in the data (between 2012-2013, which the Indian embassy in Kuwait did not display) and the data which UAE refused to disclose, Mr Nayak researched the websites of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in Parliament and found the required data, to compile a sordid picture of the vulnerability of blue collar workers to fatalities. The following are the trends, analysed by Mr Nayak: Available data indicates that at least 24,570 Indian workers died in the six Gulf countries between 2012 and mid-2018. This number could increase if the complete figures for Kuwait and UAE are made available publicly. This amounts to more than 10 deaths per day during this period Most number of deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia during this period while Bahrain accounted for the least number, i.e., 1,317 deaths. The most number of deaths occurred in 2015 4,702 whereas the smallest number was reported in 2012- 2,375 By July-August 2018, already 1,656 deaths had occurred Only the CPIO of the Indian embassy in Qatar provided some information about the cause of deaths. While more than 80% of the deaths have been attributed to natural causes, almost 14% of the deaths occurred in accidents. Almost 6% of these deaths were due to suicides. Comparing datasets of deaths with datasets relating to remittances, Mr Nayak observes that, while the World Bank publishes estimates of remittances from every country across the world, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website does not have information of country wise data regarding remittances. Here is the comparative analysis of the data regarding remittances received from Indians working in Gulf countries with the datasets relating to death: Indians working in the Gulf countries accounted for more than half of the remittances that India received from all over the world between 2012-2017. While India received a total of $410.33 billion in remittances from the world over, remittances from the Gulf countries accounted for $209.07 billion. According to World Bank estimates, UAE topped the list of Gulf countries from which remittances were received at $72.30 billion followed by Saudi Arabia ($62.60 billion); Kuwait ($25.77 billion); Qatar ($22.57 billion); Oman ($18.63 billion) and Bahrain came last with $7.19 Billion. When compared with the dataset regarding deaths of Indian workers obtained through RTI and parliamentary records, there were more than 187 deaths for every billion (US) dollars received from Oman during 2012-17; more than 183 deaths for every billion (US) dollars received from Bahrain and 162 deaths for every billion (US) dollars received from Saudi Arabia. Qatar accounted for more than 74 deaths for every billion (US) dollars received while the lowest figure of 71 deaths for every billion (US) dollars received was from UAE. Interestingly, while UAE was the source of the highest amount of remittances from Indian workers during the years 2012-2017 ($72.3 billion), it also had the lowest deaths per billion (US) dollars remitted to India (a little more than 71 deaths). Conversely, Bahrain, which came at the bottom of the list in terms of total remittances during the same period ($7.19 billion only), stands at the second place in terms of the number of deaths of Indian workers per billion (US) dollars remitted (a little more than 183 deaths). In other words every billion (US) dollars earned by Indian workers remitted from Bahrain cost much more in terms of deaths than a similar amount remitted from UAE. A comparison of the remittances data from Gulf countries with the remittances from the Indian diaspora in the advanced countries of the western world, namely, UK, US and Canada shows some interesting trends. Indian workers in the UAE remitted $72.3 billion between 2012-2017, while remittances from Indians in the USA were only $68.37 billion during this period. Remittances from the UK at $23 billion and a mere $17.3 billion from Canada compare poorly with the remittances that Indian workers sent from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait during the same period. However, the Indian diaspora in the developed world seems to wield more political influence in India than the Indian worker community eking out a living in Gulf countries. This phenomenon also needs a deeper examination from researchers and academics It appears that blue-collared workers are contributing more to Indias forex kitty than the white-collared workers in the developed countries. However, as a proportion of the total forex reserves at the end of the calendar year the share of the remittances seems to be declining in recent years. In 2012 remittances from Gulf countries were equal to 12.57% of the forex reserves (excluding gold and special drawing rights) declared by RBI for the week ending 29 December. In 2017, the remittances were only 9.97% of the year-end forex reserves declared by RBI . The above comparison is not an attempt to label the remittances from the Gulf as blood money. Instead, the purpose of this comparative analysis is to highlight the shockingly large number of deaths of Indian workers in the Gulf countries. This phenomenon requires urgent examination. It is hoped that the Central government will start this exercise by making more information about deaths of Indian workers in these countries public. There is an urgent need to commission experts to study the cause of deaths - especially the large number of deaths labelled in Qatar as natural deaths and examine the conditions under which Indians work there and identify measures that will prevent avoidable deaths. Mr Nayak has filed an appeal with the Central Information Commission to examine the good practice of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait and direct the other embassies to emulate their standard of proactive information disclosure regarding the deaths of Indian workers abroad. To my night prayers for good health and peace, I am adding a new prayer, to save us from our service providers. Whether it is the municipal corporation, water supply, electricity undertaking or telecom services, most of the government service providers harass citizens with their inefficiency, unaccountability, and one-sided rules that protect them, not the users for whom they exist. For donkeys years, I have been paying my telephone bill at the post office (PO) across the road, because it is convenient. I have a post office savings account, and the bill amount gets deducted automatically and quickly. This month, the PO refused to accept my payment, saying they are no longer authorised to do so. Checking with the supervisor brought the brusque reply that this change in rules is printed on the bill. I went home and checked the small print in the four-page bill document. It gives instructions for payment at post offices. So what is going on? I sent a complaint to the general manager of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the telephone services provider. Two days later comes the reply by email, You can pay through bank instruction. Ah yes, I know. I opted for electronic clearing services (ECS) payment some years ago, and had the horror of being billed Rs700 extra for a modem that I never ordered or received. Getting the charges reverses involved running around from one exchange to another for seven months; that taught me a lesson, and I now prefer to receive a monthly bill, check it, and pay at the PO. The GMs response offers no clarification on whether post offices are now barred from accepting payment. This is like the infamous French queen who said, Let them eat cake when informed that the poor people had no bread to eat. Instead of having my grievance addressed, why should I opt for ECS when I have had a bad experience with that option? This same BSNL also sends out bills dated 6th of each month, but the bills reach the customer only by 22nd or 23rd, the last date for payment. No one asks why a local letter takes two weeks to be delivered. So twice during this year, after waiting for the bill, I asked a friend to pay at the Bangalore One kiosk near her house, without a bill (I was undergoing hospital treatment, and could not go myself). The bill also says, Non-receipt of bill is no reason for non-payment. Many years ago, I had contested this clause and written in my consumer column about such one-sided rules that government services impose. Why is it that the department observes no accountability, and puts the onus of regular payments on the user? Without a bill, my advance payments at Bangalore One kiosk had to be on a rough estimate, so I was paying more than the actual bill. Why? What kind of service is this? I had sued a private telecom service provider under the Consumer Protection Act and received compensation as well as strictures from the magistrate against the company, for harassing customers. As a senior citizen undergoing treatment, even filing cases under the CPA becomes difficult. So what does one do? Eat cake, if there is no bread? (The insolent queen was beheaded for this statement; our government staff, however, goes scot-free.) The receipts for electricity and water bill payments are printed on thermal paper that fades and goes blank after some weeks. In case of problems, the blank receipt is no use. Service providers often claim arrears and slap penalties, so one has to preserve proof of payment, to protect oneself. Given the slothful state of even our consumer courts, how many citizens can afford the time and expense of making trips to courts for months, even years, to claim a refund of a paltry amount? We cannot do without services like electricity and water, which are monopolies. In the process of paying this BSNL bill, I have had to tear up the PO account cheque and write another for the Bangalore One payment, when a charge is collected for the wasted leaf. What a shoddy state of affairs! It is the same with most government services government clinics and hospitals are so woefully inefficient that even the poor prefer to go to private hospitals, even though they cannot afford it. Read: Banks, the (Dis) Service Providers ) As for government schools, the less said the better; children enrolled in class nine cannot even subtract properly; they merely copy what the teacher writes on the blackboard, without understanding. And the no detention policy ensures that they come to high school without even basic literacy. I have already written about the state of public sector banks, which now have non-performing assets (NPAs) running in to obscene figures. ( One aggrieved citizen, or even a handful, complaining about poor quality of services, gets us nowhere. We need massive mobilisation of users of telephones, water, electricity, banks and schools, to voice their concern, in large numbers, to get attention. Till that happens, all one can do is pray -- to save us from dis-service providers P.S. As I write, I have an update from the GM saying that it is the post office that is not accepting payment, so BSNL is not at fault. So where does a citizen turn, tossed between government owned two service providers? Shaky foundations Lessons Its a buddy-buddy system, a bunch of people who know each other and have worked together for years. It strips them of their capacity to question things that dont make sense. Up there with the worst The companys history, and its subsequent evolution and demise, are skillfully told in a new book Steinhoff: Inside SAs Biggest Corporate Crash, by former journalist James-Brent Styan. It is the story of a bold vision and ambition, entrepreneurial grit and guile, continuous innovation, relentless risk-taking, corporate hubris, and friendship betrayals.The extraordinary way in which Steinhoff grew from being a modest firm with a footprint only in Germany and South Africa to becoming a multinational behemoth straddling sectors such as furniture manufacturing, retail, logistics, consumer finance, building material, wood and vehicles with a global presence, is impressive.In its pursuit of growth, Steinhoff employed a two-pronged strategy. The first focused on creating a low-cost manufacturing base. This enabled the business to supply products at cheap prices to its target market of lower-to-middle income groups.The second pillar consisted of an aggressive acquisition of companies. A great deal of the acquisitions took place in European countries such as Germany, Poland and France but also extended to Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the US.The acquisitions were costly and the conglomerate paid above the market value for the shares. The rapid spate of takeovers saw the group expand to 12,000 stores across the world, employing 130 000 people. Ultimately, Steinhoff became a fully vertically integrated enterprise it was involved in all the value chain links from sourcing raw materials, to manufacturing and finally to distribution and sale of products.At the pinnacle of its success, the international business giant became the darling of investors, asset managers, analysts and financial journalists. They all feted its expansion into new ventures and countries. But, as it later turned out, its success was built on shaky foundations epitomised by unfettered greed as well as dodgy and unethical practices, including alleged accounting irregularities, tax evasion and lax corporate standards.The day before the Steinhoff groups precipitous crash, the corporation was worth R193bn. On the following day, its market value was decimated by a staggering R117bn. Among the victims of the financial carnage were financial South African services giants Coronation Fund, Foord Asset Management, Sanlam, Investec, Liberty, Old Mutual, Allan Gray, Discovery and the Nedgroup.The biggest losers were key investor and Pepkor chairman Christo Wiese (R37bn) and the Public Investment Corporation (R14bn), which manages the Government Employees Pension Fund. Overnight, millions of South Africans had lost billions of rands in pension funds.The book encompasses a diverse range of themes and proffers a number important business lessons. Some bear mentioning.The case of Markus Jooste, then Steinhoff CEO, shows that the cult of personality and Big Man syndrome is as ubiquitous in the corporate world as it is in politics. He comes across as an excessively dominant, forceful and feared boss. He brooks no dissent and only those subordinates who obsequiously defer to him benefit from his extensive patronage. To the detriment of the business, his leadership style fostered an institutional culture of uncritical subservience and self-censorship.A recurring question in the book is: Despite occasional red flags how could the analysts, investors, asset managers, directors and the Johannesburg Securities Exchange have been oblivious to the wrongdoing at Steinhoff?Part of the problem was the dominant view that the company could never go wrong. As long as the share price kept rising, and the good news kept flowing, there was nothing to worry about. There were, of course, some skeptical and dissenting voices, but they were too few to upend the prevailing consensus.The crucial lesson here is that the share price is not the only indicator of corporate performance; fundamental governance issues are equally, if not more, important.As Steinhoffs global expansion accelerated, its business model and structure became more complicated. Some market analysts have argued that the firms increasingly complex structure, coupled with the groups continual acquisitions, made it nearly impossible to analyse its books and to do year-on-year comparisons.Even so, there was a belief that as long as strong, charismatic and venerated business personalities such as Jooste and Wiese, Steinhoffs chairman at the time, were at the helm the business was in safe hands. This trust in Jooste and Wiese, as well as in management and directors, proved to be misplaced. As Warren Buffett has wisely counselled , never invest in something you dont trust.The Steinhoff board of directors, long viewed as one of the strongest and most dependable, has come under fierce criticism for failing to exercise its fiduciary duty. Describing the board, one fund manager stated that it was ineffective, not independent and was overwhelmed by Joostes strong personality.Criticism has also been directed at Deloitte, the firm that audited the companys statements for 20 years, for disregarding the irregularities and the danger signs preceding the crash. It is this milieu that prompted an analyst to describe what happened at Steinhoff in the book as follows:Styan must be commended for producing a cogently written and thoroughly researched book. In terms of its drama and catastrophic impact, the Steinhoff scandal is up there with the likes of Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, Freddie Mac, Bernie Madoff and other world infamous episodes of business malfeasance. As such, the book provides valuable insights and lessons that are universally applicable and comparable. It must be made compulsory reading in corporate boardrooms and business schools. Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group firms, on Friday said discussions on acquiring a stake in the financially troubled Jet Airways have been at a preliminary stage and that no such proposal has been made so far. In a statement issued here after its Board meeting, the company said: "Over the last few days there has been growing speculation in the print and electronic media about Tata's interest in Jet Airways." "We would like to clarify that any such discussions have been preliminary and no proposal has been made." On Thursday, Jet Airways dismissed recent reports of its likely merger with Tata SIA Airlines stating that there were no such discussion in the company's Board. Tata SIA Airlines, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, operates airline company Vistara. CBI Director Alok Verma was on Friday asked by the Supreme Court to respond to the Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) inquiry report on allegations of corruption brought against him. The allegations were levelled by his deputy, Special Director Rakesh Asthana. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sanjay Krishan Kaul and Justice K.M. Joseph said certain areas of the report were complimentary to Verma, while some were not so The bench added that there were some areas which needed to be further probed. Chief Justice Gogoi said that the CVC report would be given to senior counsel Fali Nariman in a sealed cover and the response to the report too would come in a sealed cover -- to be submitted before the next hearing on November 20. Nariman who appeared for Verma said they would like to file the response as early as possible, indicating a response by Monday. At time of writing, Sky and Space Global Ltd [ASX:SAS] is up 5%, trading at $.06. The rise came on the back of an announcement that the company had struck a deal with two Brazilian internet and communications providers. Sky and Space Global is a small-cap UK incorporated company that has plans to deploy nanosatellite to provide global communications infrastructure and services. Learn how to pick off major gains in Aussie small-caps, with this detailed guide. The free report is available here. Despite a tough year, Sky and Space Globals share price reacts to Brazil deal It has been a difficult year for the share price of Sky and Space Global, with it down 62.5% for the year: Source: marketindex.com.au Like many small tech stocks in the past, it came into vogue for a short period, rocketed up and then tapered off, albeit at an elevated level. The big question is if the companys business model can sustain profits in the future. The news of a deal with two Brazilian telecoms providers, AltaRede Corporation and Inovsat Telecom hints that this may be possible. Sky and Space Globals strategy to transform itself into a powerful profit making company hinges on its ability to deliver telecoms services to remote areas that cannot be serviced by traditional telecoms networks. Sky and Space Global positioning itself for growth These include rural/remote areas, or areas that have difficult terrain two growth regions in particular are Africa and South America. The news of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being struck with AltaRede and Inovsat underpins the growth potential the company has once it has implemented its plan of launching 200 nanosatellites by 2020. The company currently has three satellites in orbit and has signed MoUs with internet of things engineering firm Penteon, Indian technology services company Unizen Technologies, and Jamaicas Surge Telecom. So while the company has yet to turn a profit, it is quickly positioning itself for future growth. Certainly one to watch for the future. Regards, Lachlann Tierney For Money Morning PS: If you want to make a small-cap play you need to read our free report which gives you in depth investment guidance. Its available to download here. November 16, 2018 The White House Spat With Jim Acosta Is Not A First Amendment Issue, Julian Assange's Indictment Is One U.S. media support a questionable First Amendment case when one of the network reporters was rebuked by the White House. They are quiet on another case where the danger to the rights of a free press is much more serious. On November 9, during a White House press conference with U.S. president Donald Trump, CNN reporter Jim Acosta staged a confrontation. His 'questions' to Trump during the press conference amounted to political statements and personal accusations. The situation escalated when Acosta insisted to make more statement while the president invited other reporters to ask their questions. The first Acosta statement/question was about the so called caravan of immigrants that traveled through Mexico to the U.S. border. Trump had used it as a boogeyman during the midterm election campaign and had called it an "invasion". Trump answered the question by explaining that he wants immigrants to go through the legal immigration process and to not pass the border illegally. Acosta interrupted Trump's answer and asked a follow up, again in an accusing tone. Trump also answered that second question. Acosta made another attempt to involve Trump into a political discussion about the issue. The president rejected that by telling Acosta to do his job as reporter while he, Trump, would do his as president. He moved on to the next reporter. A White House aid got up to fetch the mobile microphone Acosta held in his hand. He more or less pushed her away and tried to ask another question, this time on the "Russian investigation". Trump told him "That's enough. That's enough." Acosta continued to ask. Trump relented and answered the question by saying that the whole "Russia investigation" is a hoax. Acosta tried another question, number five, asking if Trump was worried about indictments in the case. Trump turned away. Acosta finally gave up the microphone. Trump then told Acosta that he is a "rude, terrible person" and that CNN "should be ashamed" to have him as a reporter. Trump turned to another reporter to continued the press conference. While the next reporter asked his question Acosta got up again, interrupted the other reporter and again tried to get Trump into a discussion. He failed. A video of the full exchange is here. When I watched that segment on that day I found the behavior of Acosta obnoxious and primitive. He, and a few other reporters, did not ask questions to elicit answers, but tried to provoke Trump by making partisan political statements which were only superficially framed as questions. Acosta's behavior was impolite and disrespectful not only towards Trump but also to fellow reporters. Later that day the White House revoked Acosta's White House 'hard pass' which gives the holder expanded access to the White House. CNN went to court claiming that the revocation violated Acosta's first and fifth amendment rights. The First Amendment is about free speech. It has nothing to do with a 'right' to enter the White House. Neither does the right to free speech include a 'right' to get invited to press conferences. The Fifth Amendment is, among other things, about due process. CNN asked the court for a preliminary restraining order against the White House revocation of Acosta's 'hard pass'. It was granted today based on case law related to the Fifth Amendment due process argument. Preliminary orders are not final judgments. They are granted to prevent potential additional damage while a legal case goes on. The court seemed to disagree with the underlying precedence the CNN lawyers had cited: As [judge] Kelly began to offer his view on the components of CNN's request, he said that while he may not agree with the underlying case law that CNN's argument was based on, he had to follow it. "I've read the case closely," he said. "Whether it's what I agree with, that's a different story. But I must apply precedent as I see it." He left open the possibility that the White House could seek to revoke it again if it provided that due process, emphasizing the "very limited" nature of his ruling and saying he was not making a judgment on the First Amendment claims that CNN and Acosta have made. The judge seems to thinks that the White House was justified but acted in a too chaotic manner when it revoked Ascota's 'hard pass' without citing rules or regulations. It is most likely that the White House will now create such rules pertaining White House access and press conferences. It will then use those to again limit Acosta's access. I would be fine with that. The news value of White House press conferences has steadily been going down. That's to some part the fault of the White House press secretary. But it is also to a large part the fault of the press corps and the media who do not ask real questions but are unreasonably hostile and seem to be more interested in creating political strife than in facts. Some disciplinary measure may help to change that. The Trump administration is doing some horrible stuff in dismantling environmental and legal regulations. Its foreign policy is devastating whole countries. Its fiscal policies are catastrophic. There are many good question that could be asked about these issues, but they no longer come up. Instead the press corp, especially the network reporters, play gotcha and use the press conferences for political stunts. A number of other media organizations supported the CNN case by filing amicus briefs. That is probably a mistake. The legality of Acosta's case is quite dubious. The more the media engages on his site, the more will the White House push back by creating stricter regulations. These regulations, once they are laid out, will be used against all media. If not by this administration then by the next one. It would also be nice if these first amendment defenders would take up a real first amendment case instead of the phony Acosta issue. Julian Assange, the publisher of Wikileaks, has been indicted by the Justice Department for publishing truthful information about illegal and outrageous behavior of the U.S. government and U.S. politicians. I don't see any of those who defend the obnoxious behavior of Acosta, taking a first amendment stand in the case against Wikileaks and Assange. None of those media, who all reported on and profited from the material Assange published, has filed an amicus brief to his case. The indictment of Assange is a grave threat to press freedom. Where are the editorials defending him? Posted by b on November 16, 2018 at 19:43 UTC | Permalink Comments next page #LoeriesBrandRankings: How Sanlam took the top spot - again The Sanlam marketing team has had an exceptionally good year, coming out as top brand in the latest Loeries Rankings. Alistair King, CCO of agency King James Group and Mariska Oosthuizen, head of brand for Sanlam, explain how they got to that top spot for the second time in four years. Oosthuizen and King. Ever wondered about the work that goes into a successful ad agency-marketing brand relationship? Who better to ask than those behind the work that saw Sanlam top this years Loeries Rankings table? Not only that Oosthuizen herself also scooped the slot for best brand representative. Here, King and Oosthuizen share the behind-the-scenes work that got them to that top spot, as well as how to keep that working relationship running smoothly, and the industry relationship they personally admire Congrats on your top brand ranking at the Loeries ranking this year! Talk us through how you claimed that spot again. Congrats on your top brand ranking at the Loeries ranking this year! Talk us through how you claimed that spot again. Ever wondered about the work that goes into a successful ad agency-marketing brand relationship? Who better to ask than those behind the work that saw Sanlam top this years Loeries Rankings table? Not only that Oosthuizen herself also scooped the slot for best brand representative.Here, King and Oosthuizen share the behind-the-scenes work that got them to that top spot, as well as how to keep that working relationship running smoothly, and the industry relationship they personally admire 2-Minute Shower Songs. Im particularly thrilled that all five campaigns were primarily digital and integrated campaigns, which put us at the top of the digital agency ranking. That has been a huge goal and is affirmation that our evolution as an agency is paying off. Definitely. Your work together has done well throughout the year. Share a few of your other accolades. Definitely. Your work together has done well throughout the year. Share a few of your other accolades. Theres no denying the client-agency relationship is an important factor in getting out work that works. Comment on your working relationship together and how you keep things running smoothly. Theres no denying the client-agency relationship is an important factor in getting out work that works. Comment on your working relationship together and how you keep things running smoothly. There was no pitch we were offered it uncontested, based largely on the work we had done for Santam over the previous years. We hit the ground running, repositioned and relaunched them in four months, which is usually what it takes to conduct a pitch process. One Rand Man. Uk'Shona KweLanga. Advice on what brands and agencies alike can do to ensure a better working relationship? Advice on what brands and agencies alike can do to ensure a better working relationship? Lives of Grace. If I had to give one piece of advice it would be this: Look at what your competitors are doing, and don't do that: do it differently and do it better, and do it with more ambition. No one breaks new ground with cautious, incremental steps. When you raise the bar, you competitors have to raise their bar thats how entire categories are lifted from the mundane mass of work that exists out there. Mna Nam. H : Be Honest : Be Honest I : intellectual compatibility is important you need to be aligned in terms of values and thinking : intellectual compatibility is important you need to be aligned in terms of values and thinking The big C: Communicate, communicate, communicate Communicate, communicate, communicate The small c : Compromise meet each other half way : Compromise meet each other half way U : Understanding, theres always two sides of any story : Understanding, theres always two sides of any story P: Patience - respect each other, and sometimes bite your tongue Love that. Lets end by spreading more love: Which industry relationship do you most admire, and why? Love that. Lets end by spreading more love: Which industry relationship do you most admire, and why? The Family Fortune. Leigh Andrews' articles About Leigh Andrews Leigh Andrews AKA the Leigh Andrews AKA the #MilkshakeQueen , is former Editor-in-Chief: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com, with a passion for issues of diversity, inclusion and equality, and of course, gourmet food and drinks! She can be reached on Twitter at @Leigh_Andrews : It was a cracker year for us and an extraordinary team effort. And yes, it's the second time in four years that Sanlam has topped the brand ranking at Loeries.Five different Sanlam campaigns won 17 awards, including a Grand Prix and four Golds. Of course, Sanlam Two-minute Showers was our main winner on the night, but this wasnt a clean sweep by a one-off stroke of magic.All five campaigns were contenders, which just reassures me that our creative bar is very high across the board, and that warms my heart immensely.: Its been a huge year for us, particularly because weve spent most of it producing brand work to celebrate Sanlams 100th year. But our Whatsapp Drama, Ukshona Kwelanga, finally got the accolades it deserved by winning two Silver Lions at Cannes, two Creative Circle Ads of the Year and two golds at the Bookmarks.Sanlam Two-minute Showers won Prism PR Campaign of the Year and a handful of One Show Pencils, so we have felt like were styling this year, all with work that is decidedly very South African.: Everyone remembers winning Sanlam. It was the start of a massive reconfiguration of our studio and our very model of working.We literally threw the client and ourselves into uncharted territory from the get-go with work like the One Rand Man, and the intensity of the account has not waned since.Its very simple for me: The client either shares your appetite to create remarkable work, or they dont. And if they don't, you and the work are on a hiding to nowhere.This might sound obvious, but its crazy how many marketers are afraid to put a foot wrong. Innovative work, by its very nature, requires trying something new, taking a chance here and there, and Sanlam has always had that eagerness to go where other brands havent gone in a creative sense.I think the perfect client-agency relationship is when both share the same level of creative ambition for the brand, and will both give their all to make it something special.: Weve been working with King James since 2014, the year we repositioned Sanlam as Wealthsmiths. We have a good relationship, but like with any relationship things, are not always moonshine and roses.We have, however, always managed to find our way through the rocky times and have consistently created standout creative work. I sometimes think a bit of friction isnt a bad thing. Like Bruce Springsteen says, you cant start a fire without a spark.I attribute our success to the fact that both parties are passionate about the brand, believe in the power of creative ideas and have a respect for the contribution the other party makes.: By my definition, a good working relationship is when the work that is produced is excellent, not when everyone is all Kumbaya. Look, Id prefer it if it was all Kumbaya, but that's not really how great advertising works.In my experience, if theres no friction, someone is not pushing hard enough and so, every now and then we have to sit down with the Sanlam team, have a laugh and a few tequilas, and forgive each other for the stress of the previous few months.Its not necessarily healthy, but its damn effective, and when the work is great, relationships have a funny way of just cementing.: Again, its just like any relationship. Ever heard of the hiccup principle?: Im not going to dare to presume the health of another agencys relationship with its client, but I do respect a marketer that doesnt change their agency every four years because of a procurement mandate.Its no surprise that we are in our fifth year with Sanlam, and doing our best work ever. But Volkswagen remains the gold standard in this regard.I do like the film work being done on Chicken Licken and KFC at the moment. Id love to get my agency into the chicken wars. I do love a good brand-scrap!: I would say some of the longer-standing ones, like that of VW and Ogilvy Cape Town. Theyve been together for as long as I can remember and thats a long time and they still manage to consistently deliver amazing work. The American accountability office has dismissed the McCann Worldgroup's protest over its elimination from the US Army review. This brings an end to the IPG network's 12-year involvement in the review.Omnicom and WPP are now likely to take over the review from McCann. Following the latest development, the agency now plans to take its objections to federal court.Read more on this at AdWeek A dual U.S.-Irish citizen has pleaded guilty to charges arising out of a multi-year mortgage fraud scheme that caused $1.5 million in losses to mortgage lenders. Patrick Lee, formerly of Canton and Easton, Mass., pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction. He was extradited from Ireland in 2017 to face the charges. In the scheme, which ran between July 2005 and May 2007, Lee and others fraudulently obtained mortgage loans to buy five multifamily buildings in Dorchester and South Boston. The participants converted the buildings to condominiums and facilitated the resale of individual units to straw buyers they recruited. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) has confirmed expectations that the change in leadership in the House Financial Services Committee signals the end of easing banking regulations, according to a CNBC report. "Make no mistake, come January, in this committee, the days of this committee weakening regulations and putting our economy once again at risk of another financial crisis will come to an end," Waters said. Waters, who spoke ahead of remarks by Randal Quarles, the Federal Reserve's vice chair of oversight for the banking industry, said efforts to loosen regulations on financial institutions would not be tolerated if she becomes committee chair. Wells Fargo has announced that it will cut about 1,000 jobs across the country 900 of which will be in its home lending unit. The company is eliminating positions in its Consumer Lending and Payments, Virtual Solutions and Innovations groups, according to a NewsMax report. The cuts to the home lending unit are due to declines in mortgage application volume and the number of customers in default, bank spokesman Tom Goyda told NewsMax. Four hundred of the home lending cuts will come in Des Moines, Iowa, where Wells Fargo is the single largest private employer. Local Wells Fargo spokesman Steve Carlson told The Des Moines Register that the bank notified affected employees of the layoffs Thursday. Torchys Tacos is coming to downtown Odessa. The restaurant chain with locations in 12 Texas cities, Oklahoma and Colorado has become a must-stop for many travelers making the trip to Austin, Lubbock, the Metroplex or College Station. It is not the typical taco; its the modern take on street tacos with interesting names. Anyone wanting grilled sausage, pico de gallo and freshly grated cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce on a flour tortilla can ask for the Republican. If one is in the mood for shredded beef barboca, fresh avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro, onions and a lime wedge with tomatillo sauce on a corn tortilla can ask for the Democrat. There are other non-political choices Mr. Pink, Trailer Park, Crossroads, Alabama Shake and the standard Baja Shrimp, Beef Fajita and Fried Alvacado -- along with sauces, breakfast tacos and desserts. The Odessa City Council used a Chapter 380 agreement to bring this restaurant to the city. Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes municipalities to offer incentives designed to promote economic development such as commercial and retail projects, according to the States Comptrollers Office. Specifically, Chapter 380 allows offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity. The city has offered land near the still-to-be-completed downtown Convention Center and hotel, according to Lawanna Lawson, executive director of Downtown Odessa. Lawson said the expectation is that Torchys will spend $1.7 million on construction and maintenance and employ about 60 people for the next 10 years. The restaurant is expected to have 4,500 square feet indoors and a 1,500-square-foot patio. Internet speculation, including the Facebook site Maybe in Midland, had Torchys coming to Odessa but in the northeast corridor. Downtown is excited about having it before any other part of town, Lawson said. That is a feather in the cap for downtown. It is great for Torchys and incredible for downtown. Lawson said the hope is for a summer 2019 opening around the same time as the hotel and convention center. The councils passage of a Chapter 380 agreement shows their commitment to downtown, Lawson said. Whats next for downtown Whether other economic development agreements are in place remains to be seen, but Lawson expects downtown revitalization will see restaurants from outside the area following Torchys lead and recruitment of those that are already mainstays in Odessa. It will be healthy thriving environment of local and name brands, Lawson said. Having both creates cynergy that will make downtown explode. Along with the $90 million convention center/hotel project is the renovation of the Ector Theater. Plans are in place to make it a performance theater and connect it into the conference center. (Bloomberg) -- Ryan Byrd worked five years in oilfields from China to West Texas. But after the worst price rout in a generation left him jobless, hes not ready to jump back into the mix. Now working at a jail in Huntsville, Texas, the 33-year-old Byrd is happy to have a job that wont disappear under him. His advice to others looking to the oil patch for fat checks: "Just be prepared to one day wake up, go to work and find that the job is not there." Welcome to the next big Permian Basin bottleneck. A pipeline shortage slowed output this year, leading to a record 3,722 drilled-but-never-opened wells. But three major conduits set to open in 2019 are expected to solve that. The newest snag: Finding hundreds of workers over the next 18 months to open those wells, at a time when the firing of 440,000 workers between 2014 and 2016 remains a fresh and painful memory. RELATED: Panel: Constraints facing Permian oil output go beyond pipelines Its a huge concern for 2019," said James Wicklund, a Credit Suisse Group AG analyst in Dallas. "Its frankly today a bigger concern than oil prices, because oil prices are fine where they are. The availability of labor is not." By the time the new pipelines are fully in service, potentially adding more than 2 million barrels a day of capacity, the number of unfracked wells could reach 7,000, according to the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based consultant Spears & Associates. Now, theres 174 fracking crews in the Permian, according to Primary Vision Inc., with roughly 20 to 30 workers each. Colin Davies, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, expects that count to fall even lower. But once the pipes open, Davies believes as many as 100 more crews may quickly be needed. Schlumberger Ltd., the worlds biggest oilfield services company, said on a conference call last month that it was trying to hold tightly to some of its experienced oilfield workers by looking at shifting them to other jobs until theyre needed back in the Permian field. And the industry is starting to recruit broadly, focusing on areas well outside the Permian so as not to cannibalize companies and communities close to the oilfields. But its not an easy proposition. After being fired in the oil rout, many former oilfield workers, like Byrd, have settled into other jobs with much less volatility. Meanwhile, the U.S. jobless rate is at its lowest level in years. Were already underwater in regards to finding qualified talent in that area," said Amanda Dale, who is hoping to double the size of her Houston hiring firm, Energy Careers, to eight staffers in 2019, anticipating an oil industry buildup. RELATED: Trading platform aims to establish pricing for frac sand Cant Find People Rather than simply finding warm bodies to do the work, Dale said companies are pressing for experienced or qualified people. But shes having a hard time filling those requests, she said, mainly because workers just got sick of the inconsistency of a boom-and-bust industry. "The work is there, Dale said in an interview. "But they cant find the people. I can only imagine what its about to be in a year to year-and-a-half." The industry made a "giant mistake" in letting so many people go during the last downturn, said Chris Wright, chief executive officer at Liberty Oilfield Services Inc. "Our industry isnt sexy today," he said by telephone. "That piece of the story, the human piece over the next two years, is going be the biggest strain for the industry." Crystal Webb, chief executive officer of the oilfield recruiting firm Intent Houston LLC, said she believes the industry needs to change the focus of its worker search moving forward. While the industry has depended primarily on high pay in the past, it needs to add better working conditions, more affordable housing and better benefits to compete for workers in the current job environment, she said. Misses the Money Byrd, meanwhile, said he misses the money he made in the oil patch, noting he once felt free to pick up a $2,000 bar tab for friends. Now, his goal is to become a deputy as quickly as he can. "Do I miss it every other Friday? Absolutely," he says of his oilfield payday. There are kids out there getting paid $6,000 every 2 weeks. But law enforcement offers him the best job security," he added, because everybody is always breaking the law." (Adds company comment in the 11th paragraph.) To contact the reporter on this story: David Wethe in Houston at dwethe@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Simon Casey at scasey4@bloomberg.net, Reg Gale, Will Wade 2018 Bloomberg L.P. As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, its not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional struggles. Senior Link of Midland executive director Kathleen Kirwan Haynie discussed how the agency readies for the winter and how the community in general can help their older neighbors, friends and family. She also spoke about issues seniors face that may fly under the radar. This time of year is always a challenge. People start getting sick with cold weather or they are cold in their own home, she said. So, its vital that neighbors and family check on them in this weather. Staying warm is a major concern, and seniors may often do without heat for a variety of reasons. Many of them either can't afford to heat their houses, or dont have central heat or even forget to turn them on, she said. How to help --To volunteer for Meals on Wheels or to refer a senior for its programs, visit seniorlinkmidland.org. --The organization is planning its annual Warming Tree drive for area seniors. Donations of new heaters, blankets and socks will be accepted starting Monday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (except Thanksgiving) and 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. Friday at Senior Link of Midland, 3301 Sinclair Ave. See More Collapse She and her volunteers have learned that to save money, older residents may be using space heaters but not always the best ones. Haynie said the heaters may not be safe because they are old or have frayed wires or can also fall over and start a fire. This is where Senior Links Meals on Wheels steps in. For those on the program, not only do seniors get a daily meal, but a volunteer checks in with them. This goes together with Meals on Wheels because they will do safety checks. Theyll check if they are warm and healthy. If they have food. We can do checks on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Its more than just delivering a meal, she said. Senior Link currently is short on Meals on Wheels volunteers which often is the situation this time of year because regular volunteers arent available. For seniors not on Senior Link programs, Haynie looks to the community. Just introduce yourself, Haynie said. Some people are private about their business but making that effort to say Hi sometimes means a lot to people and can open the door to if they really need help. Neighbors, caregivers and family dont have to be alone in helping their elderly. Haynie advises people to reach out to Senior Link, a church or any other agency. Senior Link is constantly taking referrals for their programs said if her agency cant help, staff will find the agency that can. There doesnt have to be that stress, and particularly at the holidays, its harder and more stressful than normal. We dont compete with other agencies. Were all partners here, she said. Through Meals on Wheels, the organization has discovered that seniors will often put their pets needs before their own. To meet this challenge, Senior Link has Meals on Wheels for Paws. A quarter of our clients have pets and when they are financially insecure, they struggle to take care of them as well, or feed them their own food. This might be the only loved one they have, she said. A lot of people dont think about this. Through the FMH Foundation, we were granted money to fund this program, which purchases food, treats and kennels. During the holidays, we will bring a gift package to their pets. A larger issue is the economy. A problem across all demographics, she says many forget about seniors and their cost of living. We see this more and more. They struggle with turning their heat on or buying groceries or going to the doctor or pay their mortgage or property taxes. This can be a desperate situation. What they or their friends or family can do immediately is get in touch with legal aid. So many who have worked their whole life and want to enjoy their retirement, will put their head in the sand about this. But not every senior is in dire straits. For the healthy or financially secure, Haynie encourages seniors to try the organization. They find their passion to stay busy and stay active. There is still that need to be connected and have a sense of purpose. We provide more than 500 volunteers to agencies with our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), she said. Sometimes its helping an agency decorate for Christmas or reading to children. They find their niche and we can help them put that into action. Senior Link of Midland has also partnered with the West Texas Food Bank for senior aid. Read about the food banks endeavors to help the senior community next week. Editor's note: This is the first in a series on Midland agencies that address challenges faced by seniors during the winter months. #BlackFriday is here it's already one of the biggest stories, South Africa comes in at position 9 across the world with their interest in the savings. #HermanMashaba's #Ebola comment and subsequent apology also left social media in stitches @ThisIsAcumen @MediaShowAfrica pic.twitter.com/cctMrIED6t - Tonya Khoury (@ThisIsTonya) November 16, 2018 Acumen Media has listed this week's top trending news on social media.With Black Friday soon approaching, South Africans have been expressing their interest in the sale-centric day; reaching ninth across the world. In other news, #BarbaraHogan's testimony at the #StateCaptureInquiry was front and centre with many mentioning former president Jacob Zuma's mistreatment of Ahmed Kathrada.Malusi Gigaba remained topical, while Pravin Gordhan piqued everyone's interest after he was subpoenaed to court by the Public Protector. Other newsworthy social media topics included HermanMashaba's #Ebola comment and subsequent apology, the # Guptas' return as there may be an extradition treaty with the UAE which could amount to them being forced to return to South Africa; the #IndibalaChallenge left most fainting over social media and it is astonishing to see how big the story is; #NDPP took the bottom spot but certainly made an impact this week; and #LandReform just missed the top 10. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos is a free woman for now after she posted a bail of P150,000 on Friday. The Sandiganbayan allowed her to post bail while it is still deciding whether or not to grant her appeal for post-conviction remedies. The former first lady attended the hearing of her motion to be able to access legal remedies on her graft conviction after she failed to appear at her promulgation on November 9 despite the Sandiganbayan's notice, which the court initially said was "unjustified." Marcos who was accompanied by her children Bongbong, Imee, and Irene during the hearing was called to the the witness stand following her inconsistent reasons for not showing up at the court when the court announced its decision on her graft cases. She told Sandiganbayan she missed the promulgation because she didn't know about it, saying her cook placed the court notice on the desk of her secretary who was on leave. She said she only found out about her promulgation on the news on the same day she was found guilty for committing seven counts of graft. She added the day before the court decision, she was suffering from high-blood pressure and dizziness, which led her to wake up late on promulgation day. In the Motion for Leave of Court to Avail of Post-Conviction Remedies that her lawyer filed on November 12, the only reason they cited was the 89-year-old Marcos was "indisposed." Related: Imelda Marcos cites health issues for skipping court sentencing on graft case But, on the night of the case's promulgation that she skipped, she was photographed at the birthday party of Imee in San Juan. The former first lady of late President and strongman Ferdinand Marcos was confronted by Sandiganbayan Fifth Division Chairman Rafael Lagos on the controversial party, pointing out she even traveled from Makati to San Juan just to attend the festivities. Marcos defended herself, saying Imee insisted she attend her birthday party. "I only attended because my eldest, this is her birthday. She was crying and begging," Marcos said. A confused Lagos then asked Marcos for the real reason behind her absence, to which she replied that she didn't not know. LOOK: Imelda Marcos parties with Sara Duterte, officials on night of conviction The court has to approve this motion first before she can file a motion to reverse her conviction. If her reason is not accepted, the court may opt to cancel her bail or order her arrest. She also has to request for the reinstatement of her bail that she posted in 1991, as it was already canceled upon her conviction. The anti-graft court on November 9 sentenced Marcos known for her penchant for designer shoes and jewelry to a maximum of 77 years in jail for profiting from the foundations she and her husband established in Switzerland while working for the government. CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report. Presidents of War By Michael Beschloss Crown. 739 pp. $35 --- In 1846, President James Polk responded to an ambush of a U.S. military patrol near the Rio Grande by asking Congress to declare war on Mexico. Polk wanted to win control of California and New Mexico and extend slavery westward. But he hid these reasons from the public, and his ulterior purposes had profound implications for the American way of war. "Just a half century into the life of the American Republic, Polk had crushed the Founders' hope that their fresh new country would not indulge in the Old World monarchs' habit of manufacturing false pretexts for wars that they sought for other, more secret reasons," Michael Beschloss writes in "Presidents of War," his sweeping inside-the-Oval-Office account of how presidents waged America's major wars between 1812 and 1968. "Presidents of War" is a significant feat of historical synthesis. Beschloss is a deft researcher and a first-rate storyteller, and his book draws from not only other scholarship but also from diaries, memos, tapes and interviews to construct a pointillist canvas that plumbs the hopes, ideals, fears and delusions that prompted some presidents to lead the country into armed conflict. Rather than a paean to presidential courage in the tradition of Stephen Ambrose, "Presidents of War" is a sober-minded analysis that stresses the ways presidents wielded deception as a weapon. They hid the risks of war from soldiers and civilians, used false pretexts to fight their wars, and waged wars even though the republic's survival wasn't at stake. "With the too-frequent acquiescence of Congress, [presidents] have seized for themselves the power to launch large conflicts almost on their own authority," Beschloss observes. The idea that presidents have acquired imperial power, especially in war, is a familiar concept. Yet "Presidents of War" provides a deep history of how chief executives since the early 19th century have waged war under confused circumstances and often with secret motives. During the War of 1812, President James Madison set a precedent by failing to level with Americans that fighting Britain required tangible sacrifices. America's fledgling democracy was not under mortal threat, and Congress and the public were both divided over the wisdom of war. Madison's war leadership "lowered the threshold so that future Presidents and Congresses could - contrary to the spirit of most of the Founders - more easily enmesh the nation in sundry conflicts for lesser purposes," Beschloss writes. Presidents sometimes learned the wrong lessons from their forebearers. Polk followed in Madison's steps when he concealed his agenda of westward expansion during the war with Mexico. President William McKinley wanted to go to war with Spain in 1898, even though a faulty boiler, rather than Spanish sailors, probably caused the sinking of the USS Maine battleship in Cuba's harbor. McKinley also promised to liberate the Cuban people from Spain's occupation, but his war "became - without consulting the Congress or the American people - a struggle for an American empire." He grabbed the Philippines from Spain and ordered the conversion of Filipinos to Christianity. His war upended the nation's original notion of itself as a democracy devoted to upholding liberty and the principle of self-rule, with ulterior purposes reminiscent of Polk's. President Woodrow Wilson tried to inscribe democratic values into the world order during World War I. But his disdain for Congress and failure to educate the public about his wartime agenda backfired. He jailed his anti-war foes and faltered at persuading Americans to back his idea for a League of Nations. Beschloss cites two exceptions to this otherwise lamentable string of war presidents; neither is particularly surprising - Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. Lincoln and FDR, he says, waged the Civil War and World War II for higher moral purposes (saving the union, abolishing slavery, defending democracy from fascism), and they educated the public about why the country was sacrificing so many lives and so much treasure. (Beschloss does not shy from discussing FDR's internment camps and Lincoln's suspension of habeus corpus, among other wartime abuses of power.) "Presidents of War" is better at describing presidents' actions during these wars than it is at explaining how ideas such as racism, jingoism and anti-communism, to cite three examples, shaped how presidents thought about their wars and why they waged them. The physical and emotional toll inflicted on these war presidents is covered extensively, and Beschloss' section on Lyndon Johnson and Vietnam is particularly fresh and enlightening. He builds on previous books such as Mark Bowden's "Hue 1968" showing that Gen.William Westmoreland asked LBJ to put nuclear weapons in South Vietnam in case he needed to use them during the battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. Although LBJ wisely nixed Westmoreland's request, his leadership of the Vietnam War was, overall, abysmal. LBJ doubted early in his presidency that victory in Vietnam was even possible. His paralysis - he could not fully commit to waging war, nor could he defy hawkish advisers and critics, declare victory, and simply leave - is on vivid display. His war leadership was even more anguished, impoverished and ill-conceived than had been previously known. The Founding Fathers, Beschloss concludes, hoped that "all future Presidents would resist any temptation - which the Founders saw in the European despots they abhorred - to launch a major war out of lust to expand their own popularity and power." As this fine book demonstrates, the Constitution, for all its virtues, has proved unable to check presidents who become bent on waging war. Most of the wars described here were grounded in deception and, arguably, were unjust wars of choice. Beschloss drives this point home in his disquieting study. --- Dallek, an associate professor at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, is working on a book about the John Birch Society. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museums foundation is asking Illinois lawmakers for help paying off millions of dollars in debt to avoid having to sell parts of a collection that includes prized Honest Abe artifacts. At an Illinois House hearing less than a month from the states 200th birthday party, lawmakers questioned the museum foundation about its finances, including the $23 million it borrowed for the 2007 purchase of a trove of Lincoln and non-Lincoln artifacts. The Taper collection, as its called, included a beaver fur stovepipe hat that officials said Lincoln wore, though recent stories by WBEZ-FM 91.5 have raised questions about its authenticity. An official said further research into the hats provenance is ongoing. What has happened over the last several months is absolutely a shame, said state Rep. Tim Butler, a Springfield Republican. To have front-page stories in The New York Times making light of this great institution should not have happened. I dont know if youre going to get state funding, Butler said. But I have a hard time going to bat for state funding in the current environment. The collection also includes Lincoln eyeglasses, a billfold and gloves he wore to Fords Theatre when he was shot and killed on April 14, 1865. They carry some of the blood spilled when he was assassinated. Museum foundation officials say theyve approached auction houses for information about what some of the items might fetch if they cant come up with more than $9 million by next fall. A dress from Marilyn Monroe from the collection sold for $50,000 this year. This collection should stay here, at ALPLM, in Lincolns hometown, in the public domain for the world to appreciate, state historian Samuel Wheeler told lawmakers. Lawmakers wont start crafting their next budget until next year, after Democratic Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker takes office. And the request for state money to save Lincoln artifacts comes as the state is about $7.5 billion behind in paying its bills. On Tuesday, lawmakers questioned museum officials about its board and fundraising. The collection of more than 1,000 items came from Louise Taper of Beverly Hills, California, who also donated memorabilia in what was viewed as a big coup for the popular $145 million museum, which has drawn more than 4 million visitors since opening in 2005 in downtown Springfield. The states collection of tens of thousands of Lincoln artifacts draws researchers from across the globe and gives the public a chance to see up close big and small pieces of history tied to a person considered by many the greatest president in U.S. history. Meredosia officials are pondering how to spend about $150,000 in use-it-or-lose-it TIF funds before the money disappears in about three years. Meredosia village board members discussed distribution of the Phase 1 TIF tax money with Danny Little, former Morgan County Board of Commissioners head. The TIF district was established in 1999 with plans to build 75 houses in Meredosia, but only five homes were built. Little told the board the TIF money will amount to around $150,000. The village must use the funds before the 2021 sunset period or simply lose the money. Among the options are to: transfer $72,000 from the staff account into the village water fund; transfer $5,000 from the staff account to the Meredosia fire department; give $73,000 to the school district for building repairs or the purchase of computers; or distribute the money between the taxing bodies, including the library district, school district, fire department, road district, the junior college and the village. Whatever the village board decides to do with the money, all of the taxing bodies must meet and approve the villages decision. The board agreed by consensus for Mayor David Werries and Little to go to each taxing body to gain support for the villages proposal before the taxing bodies meet as a group. In other business: Werries told board members that the village Christmas party will be Dec. 7 at Naples Boat Club. Board member John Rentz made a motion for elected officials and employees to pay for their own meal of a pork chop or rib eye steak and donate the money saved to the Meredosia food pantry. The food pantry provides Christmas dinner for at least 50 people, he said, adding that it would be nice for the village to help those people at Christmas. The board voted 4 to 1 with Rentz being the 1 not to pay for their own Christmas dinner or donate the money. Board members decided to decorate the village for Christmas by putting up garland and bows on the downtownlight poles. The new light poles will not work with the lighted Christmas decorations the village has used in the past. Morgan County Housing Authority has been having problems with its water meter and value. The issue cost an estimated $5,000 to fix, and Morgan County Civic Services agreed to split the repairs expense with the village. Jerry Morath, who owns two business downtown with apartments in the back, told the board that he has been receiving four water bills, even though each business shares a water meter with the apartment behind it. The board agreed to begin sending Morath two water bills one for each building instead of four. Roger and Judy Haughton View Photos Tuolumne, CA At its annual awards banquet, the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce recognized local leaders in business, government and education. The sold out event was held Thursday evening at the Black Oak Casino Resort. The prestigious Citizen of the Year designation went to Roger and Judy Haughton. The Haughtons first purchased a cabin in Twain Harte in 1994 and relocated permanently to the county in 2008. Among the various organizations they have supported include Habitat for Humanity, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Stage Three, Hospice, Call to Inspire and the Park Foundation. They list their greatest accomplishments as raising four loving, happy, and successful children, who are great parents in their own right, in addition to helping the local organizations in the community. The Entrepreneurs of the Year are John and Brandi Ogle who have owned Mountain Oasis Purified Water since 2006. The business has notably expanded in recent years as they have more than quadrupled their product output and added two more large trucks to their fleet. The Business of the Year is Dodge Ridge Ski Resort owned by Frank and Sally Helm. When the Donnell Fire broke out over the summer they put their business and lives on hold to house and feed the firefighters who were working the fire. The business has also long helped generate tourism dollars and local jobs. The Excellence in Government award went to Duke York, a deputy director of the Public Works Department. He has lived in Tuolumne County for 50 years and he and his wife Debbie have been married for 36 years. They have raised five children and have four grandchildren. Throughout his career he has made customer service a high priority and takes extra time to respond to questions from community members. He also even meets people at their homes so they could point out issues like drainage problems or poor sight distance at intersections. The Non-Profit of the Year was given to Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County. The active organization has helped create new homes for local residents via its Parrotts Ferry Village. The Teacher of the Year was awarded to Sheri Gempler of Don Pedro High School. She has spent her entire teaching career in the Big Oak Flat Unified School District and has taught at all three of the schools. She is a wife of 25 years and has three children who were educated in Tuolumne County. She is also the adviser for the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group. Her efforts with this group have earned them an invitation to witness legislative action at the state capitol as well as an all-expense paid trip to the SADD conference in Washington D.C. Also, the students of the year awards were given to Shiloh Lloyd Connections Visual & Performing Arts Academy, Joshua Follmer Tioga High School, Kai Ayers Don Pedro High School and Trent Tanko Sonora High School. Yosemite Community College District logo View Photos Sonora, CA Whether Columbia College and Modesto Junior College faculties will be shortly walking picket lines may be known before weeks end. According to the Yosemite Faculty Association (YFA) website, plans are at tomorrows general faculty meeting to review and then vote on an emergency resolution calling for an Unfair Labor Practices Strike. YFA officials anticipate they will have the outcome by 10 p.m. YFA submitted a declaration of the emergency resolution to Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) yesterday at the trustees meeting. The move follows months and years of discord over labor negotiations. Following a YCCD offer made back in February of this year, YFA applied to the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) for a determination of an impasse in mediation, certified in April. Early last month, YFA filed an unfair practice charge, which Fifth District State Senator Cathleen Galgiani followed up with a letter on Oct. 29. Sacramento, YCCD Chime In In her letter, the senator informed Chancellor Henry C. V. Yong and Board of Trustees Chair Darin Gharat that she had met with YFA representatives, expressing deep concerns and disappointment over the negotiations climate between the group and YCCD that had resulted in a 95 percent approval by YCCD faculty to strike. Noting that after nearly three years of negotiations, YCCD gave YFA what it termed its last, best final offer back in February, she posed several questions to the district, stressing that she believed that answers and explanations were due to the public. At yesterdays meeting, YCCD Board Chair Gharat read a statement, later shared with the media, maintaining that the district provided a settlement offer to the YFA during the impasse negotiations process in another attempt to amicably resolve the ongoing labor dispute and found YFAs counterproposal unsuitable. Noting that the board could not publicly discuss the specifics of either document, Gharat maintained that YFA had never previously put in writing the exact percentage salary increase it is demanding. He asked, How can the district reach a settlement with YFA when the community has no information as to the fiscal impact such a settlement could have on the institution? At this time, the district calls upon YFA to publicly disclose the specific percentage increase to the salary schedule it is demanding in the interest of transparency and fiscal responsibility. The constraints of confidentiality and the applicable collective bargaining statutes do not preclude in any way YFAs ability to share the specific percentage increase to the salary schedule with the public and the financial costs associated with this demand. Faculties Maintain Their Position On its website, posted on a impasse-related FAQ page for students, YFA outlines that if its emergency vote to strike passes, full and part-time faculty at Columbia College and Modesto Junior College will participate in a two-day strike with dates to be shortly publicly announced. The group also maintains, First, again know we are doing everything possible to avoid this, but it will have an impact. No students will be dropped from a course, but a cancelled class may result in a credit loss. The FAQ also notes that if the strike goes on for any length of time, any cancelled courses that fail to meet the minimum hour requirements from the state stand to lose at least partial credit, which could affect graduation and transfers. It also states that faculty honoring the picket line will not be participating in any extra-curricular activities, or assigning or grading homework, providing office hours or conducting other work. YCCD has shared that under the its strike contingency plan, classes at both Columbia College and Modesto Junior College will continue and that updated details will be released as events develop. For its part, YFA questions the districts ability to fulfill its plans due to the number of certified faculty members it would require. Clarke Broadcasting reached out to YFA President Jim Sahlman for additional information and comment and did not hear back. While YCCD Chancellor Yong says he cannot speak to any discrepancies as differing information between the two entities or about the ongoing confidential negotiations, he is earnestly seeking a solution with YFA leadership and the district remains committed to the cause. Governor Jerry Brown surveyed wildfire damage in Butte County and held a briefing at the Incident Command Post in Chico with state, local and federal officials including U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. Brown and Zinke were KVMLs Newsmakers of the Day. The Governor issued an executive order to cut red tape and help streamline recovery efforts in communities impacted by the devastating wildfires that continue to burn across the state. We cant avoid catastrophe but we can prepare for it, we can recover from it and we will, said Brown. This community is pulling together the first responders, firefighters, sheriffs, police and everyone else, including neighbors helping one another. Now is the time for solidarity. Governor Brown also met with residents impacted by the Camp Fire at the Incident Command Post in Chico and visited the site of Paradise Elementary School, one of over 8,814 structures destroyed in the Camp Fire. The executive order issued includes provisions that: expedite cleanup and removal of debris from the fires; extend the states prohibition on price gouging during emergencies; expedite the use of suitable fairgrounds and state properties for temporary sheltering of fire survivors; suspend planning and zoning requirements and state fees for manufactured homes and mobile home parks to help displaced residents with housing needs; streamline regulations to allow hospitals and other health facilities impacted by the fires to remain open; and allow for the accelerated hiring of additional personnel for emergency and recovery operations. On Monday, Governor Brown announced that the state has secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the ongoing emergency response and help residents recover from fires burning in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. On Sunday, the Governor officially requested a major disaster declaration and joined leaders of the Governors Office of Emergency Services, CAL FIRE, California Highway Patrol and California National Guard to provide an update on firefighting efforts at the State Operations Center in Mather, which has been activated to its highest level and is coordinating with local, state and federal emergency response officials to address emergency management needs. A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles, Ventura and Butte counties due to multiple fires and late last week, California secured direct federal assistance to further support the impacted communities within 24 hours of making the request. Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits have also been made available for workers who lost jobs or had work hours substantially reduced as a result of the wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The part of Jeff Hill's story of being evacuated from Paradise, Calif. that most people know about is the story of a rescued horse. Among the devastating social media posts about the town and its homes being leveled by flames, Hill's story about saving a horse a mule, actually, as it turns out stood out. The mule had been stuck in the waters of a backyard swimming pool for an unknown number of hours, perhaps evading the flames of the Camp Fire, but eventually becoming trapped in the pool cover. The story of the mule's rescue went viral, a rare, happy instance among the other stories coming out of the fire. But what Hill's post only hinted at was that he was in the midst of his own personal struggles, and there was a different issue at hand when he and friend Geoff Sheldon first happened upon that mule. "Among all the sadness, I had a glimpse of happiness today!" Hill wrote at the time he told the story. But when Hill and Sheldon found the mule, what went unstated was the fact they had taken on a grim task. They weren't in the area to save local animals, but instead the two men were there to check on Sheldon's father, who had stayed behind with his home when evacuations began. Taking advantage of Hill's city work truck, which he uses in his job with the irrigation district, the men drove past the National Guard to the neighborhood where Sheldon's father lived, not knowing what they would find. "We were up there to check on his dad, and we were ultimately thinking we were going to find the remains of his dad," Hill told SFGATE. Thankfully, the house was still standing one of two houses that survived on a block of 15 and the two men discovered that Sheldon's father had left the area in time and was safe. That house was one of the few that managed to stay unscathed in a fire that claimed 56 lives and destroyed about 8,650 single-family homes as of Wednesday. Hill is among those dealing with the tragedy of losing his home to the fire. Hill and his extended family have long called Paradise home and he said that while everyone was able to evacuate safely with their pets, about 12 houses owned amongst family members were lost to the fire. "Usually if something happens, you go to your mom's house; or if that doesn't work out, your grandpa's house is always a safe haven and that's just not an option anymore," Hill said. "Between my family, we had 12 homes go, [displacing] about 35 people. We're all just really struggling: almost everybody lost jobs and we still have our bills." Hill is a father to two sons, and his girlfriend is seven months pregnant. Everyone is "sprinkled across Northern California" as they all figure out what happens next, Hill said, staying with other family members where they can, a few nights in one spot, a few nights in another spot. When asked how he is doing, Hill had no answer ready. "I don't know, honestly," Hill said. "Neither of us I just asked my girlfriend that, 'How are you doing?' and she's ... we don't know. We're just taking it day by day. Everybody says, 'What's your next step?' I don't know. My emotions are still kinda numb." "Devastation. I'm 29 years old and the entire town is gone it's where I grew up," Hill later added. "There's no more stores, no more churches, half of the hospital is gone. The infrastructure is totally just gone. There's nothing, there's nothing left, anywhere." Things are slowly moving along, however. Hill said he got hold of a trailer Tuesday. He spent all day on the phone with insurance trying to figure things out for the longterm. He's had to lean on the kindness of strangers the first days of the evacuation, existing on donated clothing and supplies, since everything he and his family owned was left behind and is now gone. His girlfriend received maternity clothes, and his kids also received clothing from shelters, and the family is hoping a small amount of money via a GoFundMe will help in the meantime. Hill's family was evacuated Thursday, and it was three days into this new reality when Hill and Sheldon happened upon that poor mule in the pool a story that eventually became a bright spot for Hill and the others who heard the story. How the discovery came about was the two men were alerted to the animal by a second mule, whom Hill said was pacing back and forth and didn't run away at the sight of the two men, unusual for that animal, Hill noted. It was then that they noticed the second mule in the pool, buoyed by the pool cover, but looking exhausted, with "a look of defeat." The two men worked to take the pool cover off, but the mule briefly went under in the water. They grabbed the pool cover and instead floated the animal to the shallow end until she could stand up. Grabbing a chain, Hill wrapped it around the mule's neck and guided her up the stairs, where she shook off the water. "She came over and let us love on her for a little bit, then after about a minute, she turned around and walked away, and as she was walking away she kinda looked back at us," Hill recalled. "I felt like it was kind of a reassurance, you know, a thank you. She was letting us know that it will be OK." Read Dianne de Guzman's latest stories and send her news tips at ddeguzman@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. Almost two months after Bexar County deputies caught a man having sex with a minor outside a San Antonio strip club, they arrested the man again when a continuing investigation uncovered he had been forcing the girl into prostitution and having her recruit others, officials said. Eric Taylor, 24, was taken into custody on one charge of continuous trafficking of persons. He remained silent as he was taken to the magistrates office. READ ALSO: Medical professor among 14 arrested or charged with child sex crimes in October in Bexar County Taylor was initially arrested during a prostitution sting at the MGM Cabaret, which deputies believed was a hot spot for prostitution. Deputies found him in his car with a 16-year-old girl who was a runaway from out of town, Salazar said. At the time, authorities believed Taylor's arrest was unrelated to the prostitution bust. But investigators continued looking into Taylor. And they kept interviewing the girl, knowing that often victims are willing to open up more over time. RELATED: Prostitution operation at San Antonio strip club leads to unrelated child sex crime arrest The girl told deputies Taylor would get her work at strip clubs across the state with fictitious documentation. She also said Taylor forced her into prostitution, making $1,000 a day off her, authorities said. To make matters even worse, Taylor was inducing her to recruit other young females," Salazar said. Detectives believe Taylor pimped out at least 10 women, some of whom are runaways and juveniles. The MGM has been shut down and heavily fined since the prostitution sting. Salazar said his team is not finished investigating that case. READ ALSO: 15-year-old girl sexually assaulted on San Antonio lazy river Were cautiously optimistic were going to make more arrests in this case, Salazar said. To anybody else that might find themselves as a codefendant, wed rather they approach us now as a witness before we come looking for them. Anyone with additional information on Taylor or any other instances of human trafficking is asked to call investigators at 210-335-6000. 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 David's Bridal, one of the largest wedding dress retailers nationally, announced Thursday it plans to file for bankruptcy protection "in the near future." However, brides and bridesmaids need not worry. The Pennsylvania-based company said it has sufficient funds to keep more than 300 stores open and will continue operations as usual through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows companies to restructure operations and finances while protecting them from creditors. "Orders will arrive on time, and bridal appointments will not be impacted," the company said in a statement. David's Bridal, which has two stores in San Antonio, said it reached agreements with most of its lenders and creditors to reduce the company's debt by more than $400 million. Lenders also committed more than $40 million in new financing that will help keep the company in business through the restructuring process. RELATED: David's Bridal faces bankruptcy; Houston stores still saying yes to the dress for now Bridal shops have struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive industry as millennials are marrying later and as some opt for less traditional wedding attire as rustic, outdoor weddings have come into style. David's Bridal's impending bankruptcy comes a little more than a year after Alfred Angelo abruptly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July 2017 and shuttered more than 60 stores nationwide, forcing brides across San Antonio to scramble to find new dresses. Earlier this year, Gap closed 13 Weddington Way shops nationwide, including one in Houston that had been open only two months. Weddington Way, an online startup that was acquired by Gap in 2016, sold bridesmaid dresses and accessories. J. Crew, which sold bridal gowns for more than a decade, in 2016 exited the wedding market, nixing its bride and bridesmaid lines. David's Bridal, which started 60 years ago as a small shop in Florida, has hundreds of stores throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The company hired Debevoise & Plimpton as its legal adviser, Evercore as its financial adviser and AlixPartners as its restructuring adviser. The company's parent company is Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, a New York-based private equity firm. The Houston region's first two-story H-E-B grocery store has been sold by Brixmor Property Group, according to a company report. The New York-based company sold the center on Bissonnet near Cedar for $17.25 million, the company said in a quarterly report. The buyer was not disclosed. H-E-B continues to occupy the newly built store under a long-term lease, according to HFF, which was hired to market the property in April. The 50,967-square-foot store opened in June. RELATED: H-E-B opens first double-decker store in Houston The Bellaire Market H-E-B replaced a longstanding multi-tenant shopping center where the San Antonio-based grocer had operated since 1994. It's the first of several urban H-E-B stores, with others coming up in the Heights, Meyerland and Upper Kirby areas. The deal represents the second H-E-B-anchored shopping center to change hands this year following American Realty Advisors' purchase of Tanglewood Court at 5895 San Felipe. HFF represented the seller, a partnership of Fidelis Realty Partners and BayNorth Capital, in that deal too. Such deals are rare as "H-E-B typically owns their stores," HFF broker Rusty Tamlyn said when the deal was announced in May. RELATED: H-E-B anchored Tanglewood shopping center changes hands During the third quarter, Brixmor also sold the Braes Link Center, a Walgreens-anchored property at Stella Link and North Braeswood, according to the report. The 38,997-square-foot fetched nearly $8.7 million. With the sales, Brixmor has 34 retail properties in the Houston market totaling more than 4.4 million square feet. Brixmor has 445 retail centers totaling 77 million square overall. Houston represents the company's third largest market behind New York and Philadelphia. A couple of San Antonio-area restaurants this week were caught storing food on the floor of their walk-in coolers by city health inspectors, but another problem area eateries seemed to have was how to handle tortillas. Only 11 area restaurants failed to score 90 or better during their health inspections this week, and, of those, three either had employees handling tortillas with bare hands, drinking from uncovered beverages while prepping them or were storing them in "Thank You" bags. Also of note in this week's inspection reports was one Northwest Side Mexican food place that had issues with a batch of barbacoa and had to discard it. LAST WEEK'S INSPECTIONS: Nov. 9, 2018 Check out the San Antonio restaurants that were cited by health inspectors this week in the gallery above. 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. 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 is 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. After two years, the doors to a West Side "hub" for coffee, community and creativity were shut. Sabinas Coffee House, which operated out of a two-story Victorian home at 2303 W. Commerce St., is "no longer," according to an update shared on the business' Facebook page. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick Bauer, NPASE West / U.S. Navy photo PACIFIC OCEAN Gunners Mate 3rd Class Daniel Zhang from Houston fires a shot line to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Mobile Bay is underway conducting routine operations as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 in the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations. A little-known provision of the Affordable Care Act has been stealthily contributing to higher health insurance premiums. Its called the Health Insurance Tax, or HIT and Congress is finally ready to do something about it. Earlier this summer, a bipartisan House majority voted to suspend the HIT through 2021. Now its the Senates turn to act. Billions of dollars in insurance premiums for consumers are on the line. Since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014, insurance companies offering conventional full-coverage policies have paid fees based on how much their premiums are. That includes employer-sponsored group insurance plans, individual plans on the Obamacare exchanges, and Medicare and Medicaid plans. The HIT served as an extra source of funding for the ACA. Unfortunately, insurers simply pass the Health Insurance Tax along to individuals and employers in the form of higher premiums. Thats particularly bad for small business owners, who cant deduct HIT fees from their overall tax liability. Meanwhile, most Americans buying health coverage in the individual market have no idea that part of their premium is just a pass-through tax. The HIT gets more burdensome every year. Fees from insurers totaled $8 billion in 2014 and $11 billion in 2015. Congress suspended the tax for 2017 and 2018. But if the federal government had collected the tax this year, the tab would have been over $14 billion. Theres no doubt the HIT has increased premiums. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the HIT inflated exchange plan premiums by two to three percentage points this year. According to an Oliver Wyman analysis, the tax accounted for $500 in annual premium costs for families obtaining coverage through an employer, $255 for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and $165 for people insured through the individual market. Without relief from Congress, the HIT will drive up average individual premiums by more than $2,100 and family premiums by $5,000 over the next decade. The HIT also knocks those least able to pay the hardest. Americans earning $10,000 to $50,000 a year pay more than half of the HIT. Large businesses can escape the Health Insurance Tax by self-insuring, or paying employee medical bills directly. But thats not an option for small businesses with fewer employees and volatile health care costs. Thats a big reason why small businesses have faced skyrocketing premiums. From 2010 to 2015, seven in 10 small businesses reported premium increases of more than 20 percent. The HIT will only continue harming small businesses, causing cuts in employee benefits and reduced hiring. According to one estimate, the HIT could put 163,000 workers at small businesses out of their jobs in the next ten years. The House measure to suspend the tax for three more years, H.R. 6311, would offer some relief. The Senate should support it. Better still, Congress should repeal the HIT once and for all. Doing so would be an easy way to lower Americans insurance premiums and protect the middle class. Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters (www.nahu.org). WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday said he has answered a set of questions from Special Counsel Robert Mueller "very easily," and his lawyers are signaling that the president expects to turn over his written answers in the coming days. Trump stressed that he has been "busy" and that it has taken some time to complete the answers, but he also expressed his concern about Mueller's purpose in obtaining them. "You always have to be careful answering questions for people who probably have bad intentions," he said of the team Mueller has assembled to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 election and any possible coordination with Trump's campaign. "I haven't submitted them. I just finished them." The president's comments, which he made to reporters gathered in the Oval Office for a bill signing, came after his lawyers postponed submitting his answers on Thursday, as they had considered doing. With the midterm elections now over, Mueller faces key decision points in his 18-month-old investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign - a probe that has led to charges against 32 people, including 26 Russians. Four aides to Trump have pleaded guilty to various charges, most recently former campaign chairman Paul Manafort in September. The special counsel's team has not indicated publicly that it has drawn any conclusions about whether Trump associates conspired with the Russians or whether the president obstructed justice. Trump's responses to a series of questions have been long sought by Mueller as part of his drafting of a confidential report expected to detail his overall findings. Rudy Giuliani, the president's lawyer, told The Washington Post on Thursday that the legal team was still deciding whether some of Mueller's questions it agreed to answer in September would cause legal problems for the president. According to people familiar with the delay, Trump's lawyers believe they have now resolved the problem they faced. Trump stressed Friday that he answered the questions personally, not his lawyers. "My lawyers aren't working on it. I'm working on it," Trump said. "My lawyers don't write the answers." The president has met with lawyers nearly every day this week in sessions to review his answers, including a four-hour session Wednesday that was frequently interrupted by other business. Trump spent more than four hours meeting with his attorneys Monday, broken up by phone calls the president had to take, and 90 minutes Wednesday night, according to people familiar with the sessions. Trump also was asked Friday about recent tweets that seemed to betray a sense of frustration. He called the Mueller probe "illegal" and said, without evidence, that Mueller's team was "screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want." "I'm not agitated," he said Friday. "It's a hoax." The questions, roughly two dozen focusing on five topics, all predate Trump winning the 2016 presidential election. Trump's lawyers have not yet agreed to answer a larger set of questions that relate to Trump's time as president-elect and then as president, Giuliani said. "There are some that create more issues for us legally than others," Giuliani said Thursday. He said some were "unnecessary," some were "possible traps" and that "we might consider some as irrelevant." Giuliani said the special counsel has not imposed a firm deadline, but he added that Trump's answers could be submitted Friday. Another person familiar with the effort said they expect Trump to turn over the answers before Thanksgiving. Texas health officials are warning parents to avoid giving infants honey because it may lead to botulism, a rare illness caused by toxins. Texas Department of State Health Services announced Friday that four babies were hospitalized in the past few months because of the illness. A single-car accident shut down part of westbound Wurzbach Parkway and left one man in critical condition Thursday evening on the North Side. San Antonio police said the man was driving on Wurzbach Parkway when he may have struck a barrier at about 8:30 p.m. and went off the road at the Nacogdoches off-ramp. The plans of a federal agent to plead guilty to child pornography charges in San Antonio have hit a snag. Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra rejected the plea deal signed by Richard Gratkowski, who spent 10 years with Homeland Security Investigations before he was arrested in January, because it is the judges policy to not accept conditional plea deals. Gratkowski, 40, had signed a plea deal last week in which he had agreed to plead guilty to a charge of receiving child pornography and a separate count of accessing child porn with intent to view it. The plea deal came with a condition that he could preserve any rights to challenge certain evidence via a motion to suppress. We had a conditional plea agreement which was not approved by (Judge Ezra), Gratkowskis lawyer, assistant federal public defender Marina Thais Douenat told U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad at a hearing Thursday. This is our only way to preserve our motion to suppress. My client chose to not have a trial by jury. ...Were willing to stipulate to the elements of the offense, but reserve our right to raise motions to suppress. Ezra referred the matter to Bemporad this week, and Gratkwoski told Bemporad that he agrees to have a bench trial in front of Ezra. Gratkwoski changed his plea to not guilty. The trial is tentatively set for next month. Gratkowski, who worked gang investigations, was caught as part of a probe by his own agency and the Internal Revenue Service into a child porn website on the dark web. His case was then referred to the FBI, which found he had allegedly been accessing child porn for months using the dark web and at least one social media application. 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 A man in his 60s was found dead in his living room Thursday afternoon on the East Side. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said family members made the discovery when they visited his home in the 1200 block of Burnet. "The family of the deceased male hadn't seen him since Tuesday. Came by the house to check on him and they went in they found him deceased," McManus said. See SAPD's McManus' full interview on YouTube. The man appeared to have blunt force trauma to his head, McManus said. The family told police that they last saw the man Tuesday. McManus said he may have been dead between a day to a day and a half. RELATED: Suspicious device found near Alamo Plaza was not an explosive No one else was at the residence when his body was discovered, police said. A woman who had been living with him is now being sought as a person of interest, the chief said. According to McManus, there had been a history of 911 calls to the home over the past few days. "It was a back-and-forth, assaultive-type relationship," McManus said. "Each time we came, there was not enough there to arrest anyone. On one occasion, no one answered the door when police knocked. In another service call, the man told police he did not want to pursue charges against the woman, McManus said. Police did not say how old the woman is but do know her identity. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA A top Gulf Cartel member wanted in connection to a May 2013 killing in Dallas was arrested by Mexican police in Monterrey, Mexico, according to a news release from the Department of Homeland Security. Luis Lauro Ramirez-Bautista, who is also known as "la Mora" and "la China," attempted to flee a police checkpoint Wednesday morning before he was brought into custody, according to the news release. Deputies arrested a man in San Antonio after he allegedly led them on a motorcycle chase through downtown San Antonio. The chase began around 11 p.m. when a deputy attempted to stop the suspect on Interstate 10 near New Braunfels Avenue. Deputies said the suspect didn't stop, and instead sped towards downtown San Antonio. A woman was arrested for drunken driving early Friday after a rollover crash on Interstate 10 on the Northwest Side of San Antonio Police responded to the crash at about 2:10 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the 9900 block of Interstate 10. Texas politics has changed. Both parties now need to take Texas voters seriously. The state did not experience the jolt of an improbable win by Senate candidate Beto ORourke he lost by 2.6 percentage points but the lack of a blockbuster headline obscures a very real shift in the electoral landscape of Texas. The results of the recent election show that Democrats made significant gains throughout the state. Once reliably red, Texas has taken on a purple hue, and the rest of the country should pay attention because Texas seems to be up for grabs. Although Gov. Greg Abbotts win over Lupe Valdez was never in doubt, it was much closer than the polls predicted. He won by 13 points, about eight points closer than the polls suggested and about eight points closer than his victory over Wendy Davis four years ago. Republicans had a clean sweep in other statewide races, but their average margin of victory was down from 23 points to seven, including three races with a margin smaller than five points. In races for the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats also did much better. They held the 11 seats that they won in 2016, including two open seats. Of the 25 seats that the Republicans won in 2016, Democrats were able to defeat two incumbents, Pete Sessions and John Culberson, and one race remains too close to call. In 2016, the Democrats did not even bother to field a candidate in eight of these districts, including the one held by Sessions. Among all 25 races, the Democrats did, on average, 27 points better. Setting aside the two seats that flipped and the one race that is too close to call, nine Democratic candidates kept the Republican victory margin to fewer than 10 points. Of those, four races were within five points. Some of these closest races were on everyones radar screen, such as M.J. Hegars challenge to John Carter, but few thought that Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, was in any real danger. The Democratic tilt was also felt in the Legislature. Democrats knocked off two Republican incumbents in the Texas Senate and won a total of 12 additional seats in the Texas House. Although Republicans still have a comfortable majority in both chambers, the margins are small enough that the Democrats will be more than a token opposition. And then theres Beto. Since Democrat Lloyd Bentsen last won a Senate seat in 1988, the Democratic candidates, on average, lost by 22 points. The slimmest margin during that time was 12 points in 2002 when John Cornyn beat Ron Kirk for the seat vacated by Phil Gramm. Not only did ORourke do better than any Democratic Senate candidate since then, he got the most votes ever for a Democratic candidate in the state. The Democrat with the second most votes in Texas history, incidentally, was Justin Nelson, who lost the 2018 attorney general race to Ken Paxton. There are a few clear lessons coming out of Election Day. First, Democrats performed remarkably well in the states urban centers and in the suburban areas. As our metropolitan areas grow and spread, Republicans should pay attention to these voters if they want to stay relevant. Its also clear that Democratic gains werent confined to the cities. Patrick Svitek of The Texas Tribune notes that six counties in Texas that were won by Donald Trump in 2016 flipped to ORourke in 2018: Brewster, Hays, Williamson, Nueces, Tarrant and Jefferson. This leads to our second point: Both parties should compete everywhere. Democratic candidates were no doubt buoyed by a popular Senate candidate, but their success was possible because they fielded serious candidates up and down the ballot, and then campaigned in every corner of our massive state. Dedicated candidates and staffers poured their hearts into long-shot races, and Texas politics is better off for their efforts. Both parties should be credited with boosting turnout in Texas, which grew from 4.6 million voters in 2014 to 8.3 million in 2018. The voice of our engaged and diverse electorate will only get bigger as our booming economy attracts more people to our state. The electoral landscape of Texas changed on election night, and its time for both parties to take us seriously. Sean Theriault is a professor of government at the University of Texas Austin. Bethany Albertson is an associate professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin. War Veterans in Mashonaland East Province have joined their Mashonaland West counterparts quest to recall Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa on allegations of sowing divisions and undermining their patron, President Mnangagwa. Cde Mutsvangwa also stands accused of alienating himself from the membership of the association after being appointed President Mnangagwas special advisor, a post he no longer holds. War veterans in Bulawayo said the decision required a national executive meeting, while Midlands chairperson Cde Virginia Mpaso said their executive would meet on Monday to discuss the issue. ZNLWVA Mashonaland East provincial chairman Cde Daniel Sigauke last night said their membership was disturbed by the allegations being levelled against their national chairman and were going to meet over him. He said it was unfortunate that Cde Mutsvangwa was sowing divisions at a time when the President was working towards reviving the economy. He said it was unfair that Cde Mutsvangwa would say negative things about President Mnangagwa who was only four months in office. As Mashonaland East, we are saying it is unfortunate at this hour; the transitional period where we are working to stabilise things that Cde Mutsvangwa says bad things. It is unfortunate that Cde Mutsvangwa says that Cde Mugabe was better after all what we as war veterans went through. We were victimised. As a province, we rally behind President Mnangagwa and his policies, mostly because there is opposition and land barons who do not want to expose corruption. He (Cde Mutsvangwa) is derailing development. We have called for an emergency meeting and among other issues, we will discuss Cde Mutsvangwas issue, he said. Cde Sigauke said if Cde Mutsvangwa said the things being attributed to him, then they consider that as his personal, but unacceptable opinion. The President has done a lot to realign the economy and it will be asking for too much to start complaining at this early stage, he said. Cde Mpaso said they were yet to decide on the matter. As Midlands, we have not yet met. We are meeting on Monday and we will also discuss this issue, she said. ZNLWVA provincial chairperson for Bulawayo Cde Cephas Ncube said the decision to recall national chairman Cde Mutsvangwa is a national issue, which requires a full national executive meeting. This is a national issue and we cannot handle it as a provincial thing because there is a constitution that has to be followed, he said. All I can say is that the national executive will take a position. Masvingo chairman Cde Ignatius Murindi confirmed that they would meet today (Friday) and a position would have been made by afternoon. Harare chairman, Cde Hoyini Bhila said while the province had not yet called for a meeting, the general feeling was that most members were siding with Mashonaland West for recalling Cde Mutsvangwa. He said Cde Mutsvangwa had deserted his fellow comrades and only became vocal when he would have been affected personally instead of fighting for the interests of the war veterans. Personally, I totally support Mashonaland West stance. If they (Mashonaland West) made observations, they have a right to recall him. Their observations are genuine and not allegations. Its unfortunate that when things were bad for the war veterans, Cde Mutsvangwa was busy travelling out of the country. He has not been attending meetings. He is someone who always comes out when personally affected. He is ego-centric and always raises issues that have nothing to do the welfare of the war veterans, he said. Efforts to get comments from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Cdes Sonny Mguni and Section Ncube respectively were fruitless as their phones were not available. The war veterans provincial leadership comprising the executive, national members from the province and district chairpersons met in Chinhoyi on Tuesday where the resolution was passed. ZNLWVA provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West Province Cde Cornelius Muoni confirmed the resolution by the war veterans. He, however, said that the provincial executive was yet to write to him. Responding to news of the Mashonaland West provincial executive decision to recall Cde Mutsvangwa, ZNLWVA national spokesperson Cde Douglas Mahiya said the resolution remains a desire until the national executive sat and ratified it. If it is their desire to recall the national chairman Cde Chris Mutsvangwa, their decision can only be respected if all the other provinces agree. It would have been wiser if they had consulted other provinces. Their desire can only be ratified by a full national executive meeting which the national chairman (Cde Mutsvangwa), who is the only one mandated by our constitution to call for meetings, calls for such. It is the prerogative of the national chairman to call for national executive meetings other than those that are already scheduled. As it is now, the Mashonaland West resolution remains wishful thinking. Bear in mind, Cde Mutsvangwa has a High Court order declaring him the chairman of the ZNLWVA until our national congress in 2022 or 2023, said Cde Mahiya. Herald Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) President, Nelson Chamisa has apologized the 1st August 2018 demonstrators whom yesterday had described their actions to flock into streets as ill-advised, un-strategic and premature as it left protesters vulnerable to manipulation. Briefing the media at his party headquarters, Chamisa blasted protesters who took it to the streets on the 1st of August saying the decision to demonstrate was very stupid. It was very stupid for people who demonstrated, to demonstrate for the results to be released, it was stupid because they then opened themselves for attacks and for manipulation.I think whoever demonstrated have their right but it was not called for and thats my view, Chamisa said. This, however, did not sit well with public who demanded an apology from the 40-year-old opposition leader. Writing on Twitter early Friday, Chamisa said his remarks created a wrong impression. My remarks to condemn those who killed or injured the innocent, burnt cars and destroyed property on 1 August used words that regrettably created the wrong impression. The people have a constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully. Any discomfort caused is sincerely regretted, Chamisa. Giving testimonies before the Kgalema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry into the 1st if August 2018 post-election violence, military generals, the police and Zanu PF aligned witnesses threw brick bats at Chamisas shoulders alleging he invited the public to demonstrate. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on the 1st of August to register a displeasure over what they described as a delay by the electoral mother body, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release presidential results. 263Chat Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Scores of people died from burns after a bus exploded in flames on Thursday night. A gas cylinder in the luggage compartment of the bus is thought to be the source of the deadly fire which engulfed the Brooklyn Bus at around 11PM in West Nicholson, Matabeleland South. The bus, carrying overnight shoppers headed for the South African border town of Musina, was coming from Zvishavane and had stopped in Filabusi. Police would require forensic analysis of the remains to determine the number of dead, but the death toll would be substantial, a spokesman said. It is the second bus disaster inside two weeks after two buses collided on November 7, killing 47 people. At least 27 people were admitted at Gwanda District Hospital after suffering burns. First there was a smell, we could smell gas. One of the passengers then went over and told the driver, whose first reaction was to turn on the lights inside the bus. At that moment there was a huge explosion and there was fire everywhere. The heat was intense, one survivor said. Survivors told of the desperation that followed as people tried to get out of the bus which was now a fireball. Many were burnt alive, their screams piercing the night calm. It was hell on earth. There was just nothing one could do to help. I have never seen anything like it, said motorist Khulekani Ndlovu, who arrived moments after the bus caught fire. The high cost of gas in Zimbabwe has forced many Zimbabweans to make the risky decision to take their gas cylinders to neighbouring South Africa for a refill. Zimbabweans pay an average $10 (bonds)/kg for gas, while South Africans pay just R25/kg. Kukurigo Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Jack Taylor/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appears to have been charged with a federal crime, according to newly discovered court documents filed by federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of Virginia. The revelation was inadvertently included in documents filed in an unrelated case in August. It was not immediately clear what Assange has been charged with. U.S. Attorney Kellen Dwyer filed a motion to seal a criminal complaint in a sex crime case in August. Within the report, while arguing for the specific details of the ongoing case to remain sealed, the complaint made mention of "Assange." In urging a federal judge to keep that unrelated case sealed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen Dwyer wrote: "Another procedure short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." Dwyer apparently failed to alter Assange's name in the document so it applied to the newer, unrelated case. The WikiLeaks founder's first name is not written in the document, but his last name was mentioned again later, regarding possible evasion or avoidance of arrest in the matter. "The complaint, supporting affidavit, and arrest warrant, as well as this motion and the proposed order, would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter," Dwyer wrote. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office said the court filing was "made in error." "That was not the intended name for this filing," the spokesperson said. An attorney for Assange told ABC News he has been given "no notice" of charges. It is inexplicable that the government would file in a public document a claim that Mr. Assange has been charged when no notice has been given to Mr. Assange, Assange's attorney Barry Pollack said. Assange fled to the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he sought asylum and has lived for years, after facing sexual assault allegations in Sweden. Sweden dropped the investigation into the alleged offenses in 2017, but Assange still faces possible fears of extradition. The mention of Assange's name comes as investigators with the special counsel, Robert Mueller, continue their probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. That year, WikiLeaks released thousands of emails from Democrats, which officials said had been stolen by Russian operatives. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. An angry opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, yesterday threw the gauntlet at both President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga challenging them to also testify at the official probe looking into the August 1 killings which saw at least six civilians being shot dead in Harare. This comes after Chamisa was asked to appear before the Commission of Inquiry which was set up by Mnangagwa to investigate the deadly shootings which followed ugly demonstrations in the capital soon after the disputed July 30 elections. This, in turn, followed the testimonies of army and police chiefs, who suggested this week that a militant wing in the MDC the Vanguard was responsible for the shootings. Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday, Chamisa said the spirit of fairness dictated that the Commission of Inquiry also called Mnangagwa and Chiwenga to come and answer to allegations that they had deployed the military in the capital to quell the August 1 violence. If they are to be fair, what is good for the goose must certainly be good for the gander. They must be able to invite Mnangagwa. They must be able to invite Chiwenga. That is why we have said there is folly in that commission because you cannot invite Mnangagwa so that you report to him. Mnangagwa cannot investigate himself because he has been implicated. We would like to see if Mnangagwa is invited. If he is not invited, why should I go alone? Chamisa asked rhetorically. We are extremely concerned by the attitude of the State institutions, particularly our army, particularly our police, in that they view the MDC a key national State actor as an opponent. We do not seek to replace the army. We do not seek to replace the CIO (Central Intelligence Organisation). We do not seek to replace the police. We seek to remove those at the top who are abusing these institutions because that is what the Constitution asks us to do, Chamisa added. We are not a prohibited organisation. We are represented in Parliament. In fact, we are a government in local governments. Mnangagwa can say that he was declared (winner), but to be declared there must be a contestant. So, we are part of the matrix of government. So in that context, you cannot try to bastardise or criminalise our activities, as has happened in the past, Chamisa said further referring to the arrest of the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo, who was tormented by ousted former president Robert Mugabe in the 1980s on accusations of training dissidents. Mnangagwa appointed the current inquiry in September, to probe the August 1 deaths which sullied the relatively peaceful July 30 national elections which had been widely hailed up to that point. The seven-member commission is led by former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe. The other members of the team are academics Lovemore Madhuku and Charity Manyeruke, Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) ex-president Vimbai Nyemba, Rodney Dixon of the United Kingdom, former Tanzanian chief of the defence forces General Davis Mwamunyange and ex-Commonwealth secretary-general Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria. Things at the probe got heated this week after security chiefs testified on Monday, wholly absolving the military of the killings in the process. The commander of the Defence Forces, Phillip Valerio Sibanda, and police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga, also appeared to blame the MDC and Chamisa for the deaths. In ominous remarks, Sibanda also said the military would soon be availing evidence showing that the army did not kill people on the fateful day instead, fingering an outfit called the Vanguard, which is a militant group linked to the MDC youth wing. The possibility of the Vanguard, the military group within the MDC Alliance youth league, having weapons and having used these weapons during the disturbances on that day cannot be overruled. There is no hard evidence that the army shot at the civilians, but it is also believed that members of the MDCs Vanguard could have been armed, the reclusive general told the commission. Matanga also told the commission that police had temporarily shelved plans to arrest Chamisa because of ongoing political talks which were aimed at giving the youthful politician a top post in Parliament. I still feel that it would be very improper to arrest the leader of the opposition party in the name of Chamisa because this is a position that was formed by the president. I still feel today that the presidents doors are open and (so) I cannot arrest Chamisa. But all the same, I can say crime does not rot like meat and anytime he can be arrested, he said. In the meantime, a defiant Chamisa told journalists yesterday that he was ready for any eventuality. We are ready for any eventuality. They can arrest me but they cannot arrest the economy. Problems are not solved by vindictiveness. Problems are not solved by revenge. They (security forces) searched Harvest House since this party was formed, but they have not found any arms. They have only found love. But now, they say you contested and defeated me in an election so I will punish you. If you look at all the witnesses, not a single citizen has an issue with Chamisa except some in the State, who are working on a scripted and well-choreographed narrative to try and say Chamisa must come, he said. How does Matanga speak about incitement and then say Chamisa has been given a position, and therefore we are waiting. Why should law enforcement be subjected to some of those vicissitudes of political considerations? It shows you there are issues to nudge me into a forced arrangement, into a forced marriage, into a rape. I want love not rape. This is why I have said we want dialogue in this country. We have said to Mnangagwa these are the issues at the table. We are ready anytime to engage, Chamisa said further. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News SOUTH Africa based businessman, Agrippa Boss Bvola Matambo, has denied dating raunchy dancer Beverly Bev Sibanda. The 35-year-old, who drove all the way from South Africa direct to our newsroom, was shocked by reports he was ready to pay lobola for the Sexy Angels boss. The Kwekwe-born miner said their relationship was purely business and nothing more as was claimed by sources. Firstly, I want to clear myself and set the record straight that I am not dating Beverly as was reported, said Boss Bvola. The story has really tarnished my image because I am actually dating a Zimbabwean girl in South Africa. The majority of Zimbabweans in South Africa now know the story and back home my parents were equally shocked that I was dating Bev. My real girlfriend was the one who showed me the link to the story and I had to drive straight away to Zimbabwe after learning about the story. I was very angry when I read the story and I want you to give me the source of information. Boss Bvola denied reports he had introduced Bev to some of his relatives. I was also shocked to hear that I introduced her to my relatives because Im dating a new girl. Of all the people in the world how can I date Bev really? he fumed. Asked how the pictures of him all over Bev leaked, Boss Bvola said: I hosted them in Witbank and decided to go for drinks with them like what I normally do with most artistes I host here like Nox and Ricky Fire. As we speak right now, Ricky Fire is at my house and I host him like a brother. In this case, Bev requested for the pictures as we were having drinks and I suspected she is the one who leaked them. If it is not Bev, then it should be one of my friends I had at that event. Boss Bvola suspects Bevs camp might have leaked them to seek relevance. I once heard that she was dating Andy Muridzo and following his (Andy Muridzo) drama with Mai Keketso, I suspect she might have leaked them to fix his ex. I also suspect she might have leaked them to gain relevance since I heard she loves cheap publicity. Despite the alleged affair with Bev which he said has tarnished his image, Boss Bvola said he would not stop assisting her. As I said that our relationship is purely business, I wont stop hiring her for shows but I will be a bit cautious this time around. I have known the other side of hers and I will be careful to protect my image. Business wise, Boss Bvola said the reports have also tarnished him. By the way, I am into coal and chrome mining in South Africa and other Zimbabwean businessmen were shocked. However, I am happy that I have managed to clear my name, he added. Back home, the mechanical engineer is also into property development in Kwekwe. He also pledged to invest in his homeland and he has interests in property and real estate. Meanwhile, South Africa based Nox Guni and Ricky Fire have composed songs which they dedicated to Boss Bvola. HMetro Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News HARARE businessman Genius `Ginimbi Kadungure was on Friday denied bail when he appeared at Harare Magistrates Court facing six counts, among them tax evasion and money laundering. Ginimbi was not asked to plead when he appeared before regional magistrate Bianca Makwande. Magistrate Makwande ruled that it would not be in the best interest of the public and justice to release Ginimbi on bail. She also said granting Ginimbi bail will undermine confidence of the public in the judicial system. Magistrate Makwande also ruled that Gimnimbi is a flight risk as he is established in South Africa. Bail is a right and is an entitlement if the individual does not interfere with witnesses, or disturb public order. Although the State had consented bail, it undermines the justice system as he is facing another fraud case before another court, in this case, Zimra is the complaint but he is alleged to have caused loss of revenue to the whole country so his release would undermine confidence of the public in the judicial system, said Makwande. Below are the counts: In the first count, it is alleged that during the period extending from February 2009 and May 2016, Ginimbi with the intention of evading tax made a misrepresentation to Zimra that his company had made total sales of $2 777 678 inclusive of Value Added Tax whereas in actual fact the company had made total sales of $9 092 951. In counts two to six, the State alleges that Zimra conducted a lifestyle audit on socialites after observing excessive expenditure which were not matching their tax declarations. In March 2016, Ginimbi was interviewed and revealed that he owns a house in Domboshava worth $200 000, a Rolls Royce valued at R4m a Bentle valued at US$50 000 a Range Rover worth Rlm a Benz S class worth RI m and a BMW worth US$3000. Ginimbi was asked to prove the source of his income but failed. Sabastian Mutizirwa represented the State. He is expected back in court on November 30. HMetro Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Gaius Publius, a professional writer living on the West Coast of the United States and frequent contributor to DownWithTyranny, digby, Truthout, and Naked Capitalism. Follow him on Twitter @Gaius_Publius, Tumblr and Facebook. GP article archive here. Originally published at DownWithTyranny Andrew Cuomos priorities (source) The worlds leading monopolists, Jeff Bezos and Amazon, after much thought (or in fact, very little thought) have picked two cities for their new HQ2, their second national headquarters. Those two cities, of course, were the obvious choices from the start, the only two that made any sense at all. If you were the worlds richest greediest person, looking to re-headquarter what aspires to be the worlds most powerful monopoly in cities with prime access to the nations greatest concentration of money and its greatest concentration of power, in which cities would you build? New York City and Washington, DC, of course. Amazon Plans to Split HQ2 Between Long Island City, N.Y., and Arlington, Va. SEATTLE After conducting a yearlong search for a second home, Amazon has switched gears and is now finalizing plans to have a total of 50,000 employees in two locations, according to people familiar with the decision-making process. The company is nearing a deal to move to the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, according to two of the people briefed on the discussions. Amazon is also close to a deal to move to the Crystal City area of Arlington, Va., a Washington suburb, one of the people said. Amazon already has more employees in those two areas than anywhere else outside of Seattle, its home base, and the Bay Area. Amazon executives met two weeks ago with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in the governors Manhattan office, said one of the people briefed on the process, adding that the state had offered potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies. Executives met separately with Mayor Bill de Blasio, a person briefed on that discussion said. Long Island City is a short subway ride across the East River from Midtown Manhattan. The announcement of Amazons new HQ2 sparked a frenzied bidding war among cities eager to be taken to the cleaners by Bezos and his company, and there are dozens stories about those offers, all cast as outrages. For example, one of the losers Atlanta, Georgia offered this: What Georgia offered Amazon: A state-funded academy to train its employees. An exclusive lounge with free parking at the worlds busiest airport. A dedicated car on MARTA. And more than $2B in publicly-funded incentives. #gapol https://t.co/cyG7ME6qhN Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) November 14, 2018 The winners were not the highest bidders, but nevertheless, they offered quite a bit more, beyond mere privileged access to the worlds greatest pool of money and its most plentiful supply of corrupt politicians. New York is giving, among other things, massive capital gains tax cutto Amazon investors and, of course, a helipad. Arlington, Virginia added something more politically useful, advance warning of FOIA requests so the company could file for pre-emptive protective orders. But the biggest prize in this story is the data delivered to Amazon itself by everyone involved in the bidding process. Keep in mind, 238 states, provinces and cities sent bids to Amazon. Heres what those bids contained: The big prize #Amazon has gotten out of its #HQ2 stunt is not the PR value of a bunch of city leaders singing its praises, or even the billions of $ in subsidies that it will extort from public coffers. Its the data. 1/ Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 Dozens of cities have shared reams of data with Amazon that their own citizens do not have access to. This includes intel on future infrastructure investments, land use patterns, planned policy changes, and so on. 2/ Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 Amazon will use this data to build out its empire: To site stores, warehouses, etc. To get in early on the right real estate. To beat out competitors because it knows things they dont. 3/ Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 In other words, Americas city leaders are accomplices to a monopolist. 4/ Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 This includes many political leaders who profess to be champions of equality and justice. 5/ Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 This is not about 1 city or 2 cities. Its about a corporation thats extending its tentacles in every direction to extract wealth, insert itself, dominate. 7/7 Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) November 6, 2018 Amazon exists, not just to sell its products, but to acquire data that gives them monopoly control of additional markets in which it has no current presence. More from David Dayen writing at In These Times: But the biggest suckers on HQ2 arent New York and Virginia; its the other 236 cities that bid on a headquarters they were never going to get. Those bids didnt just include the size of the bribe; they included a wealth of important data about plans for transportation, housing, education and workforce development. Amazon now has a treasure trove of non-public informationabout Americas future, in addition to knowing how much cash cities are willing to part with to land an Amazon facility. And it got all that, along with a giant PR benefit from the bidding war, for free. If you knew a city was going to build a road in a particular place, you could make a lot of money buying up the real estate there. Imagine that on a national scale and you can see how Amazon will grow far wealthier from the data it collected than even the raw dollars extracted from HQ2s big winners. In fact, this was the real reason Amazon orchestrated the whole charade. It can even potentially sell this data to other companies who long for similar deals, or at least start up a new business line in negotiating deals between companies and municipal governments. Monetizing of this new data trove will yield untold billions of dollars in value. It will also embed Amazon deeper and deeper into American life, committing politicians at the state and federal level to become human shields for the company. For example, no senator from New York or Virginia, with Amazon in its backyard, will want to speak too loudly about Amazons monopoly attempts. And no mayor or city council member, eager to secure that next warehouse, will have much to say either. [emphasis added] Theres no question that Amazon is evil. The only question is, was it born evil? To answer that, consider this Jeff Bezos story from 1995, the year after Amazons birth: Was Amazon born evil? The answer appears to be yes. 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. His Majesty the King of Spain will pay an official visit to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday, 21 November 2018. Media Advisory Programme of the visit 08:00 Arrival of Media NATO HQ South Gate, Boulevard Leopold III, 1110 Brussels 09:20 Last possibility to arrive at Media position 09:40 NATO Headquarters. Main entrance. Arrival of His Majesty the King of Spain Welcome Handshake by the NATO Secretary General Very Restricted Pool (2 Official photogs + 2 agency still photogs 09:45 Wreath-laying ceremony with His Majesty the King of Spain Open coverage for visual & print media. No press statement. Live webstream. 10:00 Meeting of the North Atlantic Council with His Majesty the King of Spain. Coverage by pool of visual media only. (Pool cards distribution at 9h20 at media position; No tripods allowed, no sound feed; TV lights provided; Video footage web-streamed live online, on closed-circuit tv to media work room and available in broadcast quality) Photos and b-roll video footage will be uploaded on the NATO website after the event. ACCREDITATION AND SECURITY CHECKS Media permanently accredited at NATO Media representatives in possession of a new 2018 NATO media pass can access to the NATO HQ directly by tapping their badge at the turnstiles (NATO HQ Guard House South - GHS, media entrance, NATO Headquarters, Boulevard Leopold III 1110). Media representatives not in possession of a new 2018 NATO media pass can replace their old 2018 permanent badge at the GHS. Ad-hoc accreditation (day-pass) Media representatives not permanently accredited and wishing to attend the event are invited to request ad-hoc accreditation online here: https://my.hq.nato.int/. Please find instructions on how to create a profile in Annex 1. Confirmations will not be sent. Deadline: no later than Tuesday 20 November 2018, 15h00 (Brussels Time). Requests entered after the deadline are considered late; they will be delayed and may be refused. Media representatives who have submitted the request for accreditation via the Internet are encouraged to bring a print-out of the request confirmation. The usual NATO accreditation procedures shall be applicable to this meeting. They are detailed here: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_83620.htm?mode=pressrelease. Media passes will not be mailed to applicants; they must be collected in person upon presentation of an ID card or passport and a valid national press pass (or accreditation letter from a recognized media organization) at the Guard House South, main Entrance, NATO Headquarters, Boulevard Leopold III 1110 from 08:00 AM. Passes must be worn visibly at all times, and security personnel may ask to see another form of ID at any time. Media representatives are informed that security personnel will examine and may test equipment and personal effects carried onto the site and are advised to arrive with sufficient lead time to clear security checks. CONTACT POINTS Overall Coordination Mr. Jean-Philippe Juneau juneau.jean-philippe@hq.nato.int Accreditation Mr. Angelo Pacifico (or weekend duty officer) NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int Telephone: +32 (0)2 707 83 46 TV & Radio arrangements on site and via satellite Mr. Henk Dekens dekens.henk@hq.nato.int Telephone: +32 (0)2 707 50 51 Mr. Serge Bosmans bosmans.serge@hq.nato.int Telephone: +32 (0)2 707 50 03 Mr. Eric Morel morel.eric@hq.nato.int Telephone: +32 (0)2 707 12 87 NATO Video on demand NATOChannel content@natochannel.tv +32 (0)2 707 12 27 +32 (0)2 707 12 27 Annex 1 How to create a new profile in MIT https://my.hq.nato.int/ : To create a new profile, please select the New user option in the home page: https://my.hq.nato.int/ (Chrome or Mozilla Firefox work better with the platform) Avoid using special characters (with accents, etc.) when you upload your information on your profile, and ensure that the filename of your photo also does not contain special characters Note that for your address, you must insert your street name and house number in separate fields. Both fields are mandatory and cannot be left empty The size of the picture you wish to upload must be less than 100 KB . Using larger pictures can stop the application from working . Using larger pictures can stop the application from working In case our site is blocked by your provider (most likely because of a firewall), it's best to use a device that uses a different channel to connect to the internet (4G or connection at home) Existing profiles: If you have previously covered an event at NATO HQ and have lost your credentials, your existing credentials can be recovered by sending an email to NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int. (Natural News) Like everyone else who has ever been associated with Donald Trump before he became president, the past couple of years have not been easy for POTUS confidant and GOP operative Roger Stone. He, as well as others within the presidents pre-White House orbit, have been targeted by various elements of the Deep State in an effort to not only disenfranchise them from POTUS but also punish them for Trumps mortal sin of beating Hillary Clinton, despite the fact that she was obviously the most corrupt nominee in modern history. In particular, Stone has been targeted by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his Russia investigation. Prosecutors have questioned numerous Stone associates to find out how the longtime political operative appeared to have advance knowledge that WikiLeaks would release information damaging to the Clinton campaign, The Daily Caller notes. Stone, 66, told the House Intelligence Committee, albeit reluctantly, in October 2017 that his backchannel to the Wikileaks release of emails that put the Clinton campaign in a bad light was Randy Credico, a New York talk radio host though Credico has publicly denied being the source. In addition, The DC reported, Credico told CNN that his own testimony to Muellers grand jury in September 2017 matched his public denials that he was Stones source. Now, however, after looking for months, Stone has finally uncovered evidence in the form of text messages that appear to support his claims while refuting those of Credico. Julian Assange has kryptonite on Hillary, Randy Credico texted to Stone on Aug. 27, 2016, according to messages that Stone provided to The Daily Caller, where he is a mens fashion contributor. You are not going to drag my name into this are you, Credico wrote on Sept. 29, 2016, in what appeared to indicate he was concerned that Stone might eventually identify him as his source for claims he was making publicly regarding Assanges and Wikileaks plans. [B]ig news Wednesday, Credico texted on Oct. 1, 2016, just a few days before WikiLeaks began releasing emails that were stolen from the account of John Podesta, Hillarys campaign manager. Now pretend u dont know me. Wikileaks began releasing Podestas damaging emails on Oct. 7. (Related: Roger Stone: Friend Jerome Corsi being squeezed hard by Mueller but he wont break.) The proof is in the texts Reported The Daily Callers Chuck Ross: Credico also suggested in the texts that his source for some information about WikiLeaks was one of the groups lawyers, who he said was one of his best friends. Stone has long claimed that the lawyer, Margaret Ratner Kunstler, was a source for Credico. Using the newly recovered text messages extracted from a cell phone he stopped using in 2016 as evidence, Stone said that Credico lied to the grand jury if he indeed denied being Stones contact to Assange. These messages prove that Credico was the source who told me about the significance of the material that Assange announced he had on Hillary. It proves that Randys source was a woman lawyer, Stone told the news site. Ross reports that it isnt clear if Mueller and his team have the texts. As for Mueller, Stone told NewsTarget in a statement, The text messages released yesterday prove that, as I testified under oath, Randy Credico was the source of both the explosive nature and October release date for the Clinton material that Julian Assange told CNN he had in June of 2016. They also prove that Credicos repeated claim that he could not have been my source in late July because he did not meet and interview the Wikileaks publisher until late August is irrelevant as Credico says the source of his tip is a Wikileaks lawyer who is one of my closest friends.' The text[s] also show that when the Assange held a Press event on October 2 but did not release any material, Credico urged me to be patient as the material would be released shortly and it was. In all fairness POLITICO had reported, Assange said the organization would publish documents on various subjects every week for the next 10 weeks, and vowed that the U.S. election-related documents would all come out before Election Day. If Credico testified contrary to any of this he committed perjury. Additionally it debunks the absurd claim that I sought to intimidate Credico to lie, he told NewsTarget. Roger Stone has been under serious legal assault for months and for no apparent reason other than his association with the president. Please consider a donation to his legal fund to help him offset these escalating costs. Visit StoneDefenseFund.com. Read more about the Deep States attack on POTUS Trump and his associates at DeepState.news. Sources include: DailyCaller.com NewsTarget.com (Natural News) A common aquatic parasite might one day inform us about the presence of dangerous metals in drinking water. The fish louse (Argulus japonicus) is being tested as a biological early warning system for water quality, an article in Science Daily stated. Agricultural, industrial, and urban activities produce harmful chemicals and substances that can contaminate drinking water sources. Metal pollutants are the most insidious of the lot due to the difficulty in detecting their presence. A water sample is limited to telling you about the state of the water during the time of its taking. A fish can accrue toxins over a period of time, but it also moves those pollutants to a safer part of its body, making them harder to find. University of Johannesburg (UJ) researcher Annemarie Avenant-Oldewage suggested studying parasites found in fish. A parasite absorbs large amounts of the metals from its host, making the pollutants much easier to detect. This means we can measure metals in them, long before it is possible to do that in fish or in water samples, remarked Avenant-Oldewage. So parasites can give us early warnings of pollution. (Related: Fruit and vegetable peels can be used to remove water pollutants.) A parasitical crustacean can warn you about toxins in drinking water Initial candidates included the tapeworm and the monogean Paradiplozoon. The former is an internal parasite that required its host fish to be killed, while the latter is an external critter that targets only two species of yellowfish. The UJ researchers settled on the fish louse. A distant relation of shrimps that can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater, it swims in search of a host, latches onto the skin of the fish, and drinks the blood of its victim. Unlike Paradiplozoon, which is attached to the gills of the yellowfish, a fish louse can be removed from its host without harming the fish. These qualities make it perfect for testing water pollution levels UJ researcher Beric Gilbert caught mudfish and yellowfish in the Vaal Dam near Deneysville, South Africa. He removed Argulus from those fish, froze the crustaceans, added fluorescent stains, and examined the fish lice with a special microscope. Underneath the microscope, the metal pollutants would glow yellow. The higher the amount of such toxins, the more intense the fluorescent signal. Fish lice used to test metal pollutant levels in water Gilbert reported that the metal pollutants were concentrated in the tough exoskeleton of the fish lice. Male and female Argulus specimens absorbed roughly the same amount of the toxins. However, they stored it in different parts of their bodies according to their sex. In male fish lice, the metals were concentrated in the bottom part of their bodies. For female lice that carried eggs, the pollutants were present in the jelly layer that surrounded their future offspring. This jelly is very sticky, and it is used by the female to glue its eggs to the surface of various objects in its habitat. Avenant-Oldewage stressed the need for further experimentation with the fish lice before the animals can be considered accurate and reliable indications. Our next step is to find out what mechanisms the lice use to protect themselves from metals, she explained. We also need to find out how they absorb metals in the first place. Still, the UJ professor has high hopes for the little critters. If they pass muster, fish lice could become a new tool in the arsenal of water quality inspectors, helping to ensure that our drinking water is truly safe. Worried about the safety of your local water supply? Visit CleanWater.news to find out if you are in the clear. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Journals.PLOS.org (Natural News) Scientists have designed a robot to hunt down lionfish and protect the coral reefs, as well as the fish that depend on it. The invasive species is considered a serious threat to native fish that live in coral reefs in American and Caribbean waters, an article in Popular Mechanics stated. The new robot was designed by researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic University (WPI). It is a small submersible drone armed with tiny harpoons. It will be operating on its own, using machine learning to identify its target. Its intended opponent is an import from Indo-Pacific and Middle Eastern waters. Lionfish are colorful fish that vaguely resemble the terrestrial lion. These traits make them popular aquarium fish. Experts believe that invasive lionfish trace their descent from pets that were thrown away by their owners. The eggs of these animals were carried by the Gulf Stream into Caribbean waters, where they hatched and began to flourish. Lionfish are predatory animals. They have been preying on more than 40 local species such as shrimps, smaller crabs, the endangered Nassau grouper, and yellowtail snapper. The large fins on their back and sides have hollow bones that can be filled with poison. They whip those fins at their prey, stabbing their target and pumping poison into them. (Related: Researchers create robot fish that can swim right next to real ones in coral reefs.) Robot submersible uses machine learning to identify and hunt lionfish WPI researcher Craig Putnam is part of the team that designed the lionfish hunting robot. He said their drone could help resolve the ecological problem of invasive lionfish. The goal is to be able to toss the robot over the side of a boat and have it go down to the reef, plot out a course, and begin its search, he explained. It needs to set up a search pattern and fly along the reef, and not run into it, while looking for the lionfish. The robot must be able to tell lionfish apart from the other fish. Furthermore, it must be able to tune out the many distracting sights and sounds found in a bustling coral reef. Machine learning techniques are employed to train the fish-hunting robot. The WPI students showed it many pictures of different species of lionfish that were taken from all kinds of angles and in various lighting conditions. They also showed it pictures of human divers so that the robot learned what it should never attack. After training, the robot could identify a lionfish 95 percent of the time. Lionfish are eating valuable seafood, so they will be hunted down and turned into food The WPI-designed hunting robot carries a revolving carousel loaded with spear tips. When it encounters a lionfish, the robot will stab its target with a spear, killing the fish in a manner similar to how it hunts. After its use, the spear will detach from the carousel. It remains buried within the body of the dead lionfish while the robot continues looking for more targets. A single robot can kill up to eight lionfish before needing reloads. This method of mechanical attack hampers the robots ability to float properly. To compensate for this problem, the researchers fitted it with a watertight chamber that adds more air every time a spear gets spent. The drone must also be able to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. Otherwise, it will not last for long. A new batch of WPI researchers will work on the navigation system. Once the drone is fully armed and operational, it will be provided to fishermen, who can sell the lionfish it slays to restaurants that consider it a local delicacy. Learn more about invasive species like the lionfish at Ecology.news. Sources include: PopularMechanics.com WPI.edu (Natural News) According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Justice Department is about to indict and prosecute Julian Assange, a journalist whose life has already been destroyed through his imprisonment in an Ecuadorian embassy for the last six years. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, a traitorous political mafia boss who sold out Americas strategic uranium supply to enemies while collecting speaking fee bribes from international oligarchs, is apparently not being prosecuted by anyone at all. Whats wrong with this picture? If anyone should go free today, its Julian Assange. And if anyone should be indicted and prosecuted for serious crimes, its Hillary Clinton. Yet, as the WSJ reports: U.S. prosecutors have discussed several types of charges they could potentially bring against Mr. Assange The exact charges Justice Department might pursue remain unclear, but they may involve the Espionage Act, which criminalizes the disclosure of national defense-related information. The difference between Julian Assange and Hillary Clinton Julian Assange is committed to transparency and truth. Hillary Clinton is committed to cover-ups and lies. Julian Assange went public with damning evidence of Americas treachery to try to make it stop. Hillary Clinton destroyed damning evidence and magnified Americas treachery to try to make it worse. Julian Assange would do anything just to breathe fresh air again and walk in a public park. Hillary Clinton would do anything to suffocate Americas freedoms and seize authoritarian power over the entire nation. Julian Assange wants people to live (and learn, and awaken). Hillary Clinton wants people to DIE (and sleep with the fishes). When peoples lives are at stake, Julian Assange goes public with important information to keep people informed. But when lives are at stake in the Middle East, Hillary Clinton pretends a terrorist attack isnt happening and refuses to send aid, making sure U.S. soldiers and ambassadors get murdered by a lunatic mob. Then she blames someone else for the entire thing with a made-up story of pure fiction. Coincidentally, thats exactly how Robert Mueller operates, too. Julian Assange exposed the truth about the DNC. Hillary Clinton hid the truth (about Benghazi and much more) and has peddled nothing but lies for the last three decades. Julian Assange located dark secrets and exposed them to the public in the name of transparency. Hillary Clinton took public truths and buried them inside layers of dark secrets in the name of deception and treason. Julian Assange is a well-meaning man with a deep commitment to share the truth. Hillary Clinton is a vindictive, vicious woman with a deep commitment to making sure anyone who opposes her ends up in a body bag. Julian Assange has been imprisoned in an embassy building for six years, unable to go outside for fear of being arrested. Hillary Clinton has been free to continue committing serious international crimes of corruption and campaign finance fraud, right out in public, with zero fear of being arrested or stopped because the entire judicial system treats her as someone is it above the law. Julian Assange dared to release truthful information that exposed the deep deception and electoral fraud taking place inside the DNC to make sure Hillary got the nomination. Hillary Clinton destroyed 30,000+ emails on her illegal server to make sure no one would ever find out how she betrayed America to seize power at any cost. If anyone should be indicted right now, its Hillary Clinton. Lock her up. And pardon Julian Assange in exchange for him sharing everything he has on the Clintons and the DNC. Read more at Clinton.news. Fire refugee Anna Goodnight sat on an overturned shopping cart Thursday in a Walmart parking lot as she ate scrambled eggs and tater tots while her husband drank a Budweiser. The couple was trying to put a good face on a weeklong ordeal that left them uncertain of the fate of their home and now had them camping next to the store with hundreds of others forced to flee from a deadly Northern California wildfire. But William Goodnight finally lost it and began to cry. "We're grateful. We're better off than some. I've been holding it together for her," he said, gesturing toward his wife. "I'm just breaking down finally." With the Goodnights' hometown of Paradise destroyed, thousands of homes gone and untold neighbors dead, uncertainty hangs over survivors like smoke still clouding the sky over Chico. For those who have turned a grassy lot next to the Walmart into an informal campground, the anxiety of what lies ahead is even greater. They have no roof overhead just a filament of nylon that provides privacy but little security. It's chilly at night and they wonder what will happen if it rains and where they'll go if the camp closes Sunday, as planned. "It's cold and scary," said Lilly Batres, 13, one of the few children here, who fled with her family from Magalia and don't know if they have a home to return to. "I feel like people are going to come into our tent." Word began to spread Thursday that efforts were being made to phase out the camp by gradually removing donated clothing, food and toilets. "The ultimate goal is to get these people out of tents, out of their cars and into warm shelter, into homes," said Jessica Busick, who was among the first volunteers when she and her husband started serving free food from their Truckaroni food truck last week. "We've always known this isn't a long-term solution." It's unclear what will be done if people don't leave Sunday, but city officials don't plan to kick them out, said Betsy Totten, a Chico spokeswoman. Totten said volunteers not the city had decided to shut down the camp. Walmart has added security to the location and is concerned about safety there, but it is not asking people to leave, spokeswoman LeMia Jenkins said. Some, like Batres' family, had arrived after running out of money for a hotel. Others couldn't find a room or weren't allowed to stay at shelters with their dogs or, in the case of Suzanne Kaksonen, her two cockatoos. Kaksonen couldn't remember how long she had been there, but said it felt like forever. "I just want to go home," she said. "I don't even care if there's no home. I just want to go back to my dirt, you know, and put a trailer up and clean it up and get going. Sooner the better. I don't want to wait six months. That petrifies me." Volunteers have shown up to help out and donations poured in. The informal nature of the camp was evident in the mix of order and disarray. Racks of used clothes ranging from sweaters to plaid flannel shirts and tables covered with neatly organized pairs of boots, sneakers and shoes competed for space with shopping carts full of clothes, garbage bags stuffed with other donations, boxes of books, stuffed animals yellow, purple and green teddy bears and a menagerie of other fuzzy critters sitting on the pavement. A sign tacked to a post says: "Short term help for evacuees. Please take what will help you through the next couple days. Be mindful of other evacuees!" Food trucks offered free meals and a cook flipped burgers on a grill. There were portable toilets and some people were used the Walmart restrooms. Someone walking through the camp Thursday offered free medicinal marijuana. Laura Whitaker, an evacuee from Paradise, said that while everyone had been helpful, she heard people were pretending to be evacuees and were selling drugs from tents. More than 75 tents had popped up in the space since Matthew Flanagan arrived Friday and still more were sleeping in cars. "We call it Wally World," Flanagan said, a riff off the store name. "When I first got here there was nobody here. And now it's just getting worse and worse and worse. There are more evacuees, more people running out of money for hotels." Information for contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance was posted on a board that allowed people to write the names of those they believed were missing. Several of those names, including Flanagan's, had the word "Here" written next to them. Melissa Contant, who drove from the San Francisco area to help out, advised people to register with FEMA as soon as possible and not to reveal too much information about whether they own or rent homes or if they have sufficient food and water, because that could delay aid. "You're living in a Walmart parking lot you're not OK," she told Maggie and Michael Crowder. Michael Crowder, a former sheriff's deputy, had left behind a rental home in Magalia, a Sierra foothills town also ravaged by flames, on his motorcycle with this wife following in a truck with their pit bull, Coco. They slept several nights in a Burger King parking lot and were running out of money and food when they went to buy a tent at Walmart and discovered the camp. Tents had sold out, but a pastor and some volunteers showed up with the shelters and blankets and cots. A volunteer pitched a red tent for the Crowders in the dark. "This is better than Burger King in some ways," Maggie Crowder said. "We were kind of scared to be part of this." AP journalist Terence Chea in Chico contributed to this story. What to Know The 1962 escape of three prisoners from Alcatraz remains unsolved The three men escaped through air vents at the back of their cells, and left dummy heads in their beds to fool the guards The heads currently on display are props from the 1979 movie "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood Carrying black cases marked "FBI," uniformed agents marched into a room on the top floor of the historic Alcatraz cellhouse, slamming the iron bars behind them with an echoing boom. "Good morning, and welcome to The Rock," began John Bennett, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's San Francisco field office. Spread out across tables in front of a crowd of reporters, the boxes contained what Bennett explained is both a museum attraction and a critical piece of evidence in an unsolved crime: painstaking re-creations of the dummy heads left behind when three men escaped their prison cells and left the island in the dead of night aboard an improvised raft in 1962. This morning at #Alcatraz, the @FBI announced a new development in a case as cold as the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay. https://t.co/c9SOXYpql3 Jonathan Bloom (@BloomTV) November 15, 2018 "Their bodies have never been found to this day," Bennett said. Convicted bank robbers Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin had been plotting their escape for months. All had previously attempted to break out of other prisons and Morris had succeeded, before being recaptured during a burglary. Using tools they made and stole from the prison workshop, the men slowly chiseled out the vent openings at the back of their cells, covering them with fake wall board, until they were wide enough to slip through into an unguarded utility corridor. The @FBI says the original #Alcatraz escape decoy heads, made of concrete, soap and electrical wire, were deteriorating badly. These exact replicas could be used for legal evidence if the cases ever go to trial. pic.twitter.com/fFzSrp1KLu Jonathan Bloom (@BloomTV) November 15, 2018 Prisoners at Alcatraz were counted over a dozen times a day including while they slept. In order for the plan to work, the men needed decoys good enough to fool the guards patrolling at night. They fashioned fake heads, covered with hair they collected from the prison barbershop, and left them in their beds as they slipped out under cover of darkness. They left behind a fourth prisoner, Allen West, who couldn't get out of his cell in time. The @FBIs announcement will pertain to the unsolved #Alcatraz prison break that happened in these cells in 1962. Here, you can see a replica of the fake head one of the escapees placed in his bed before crawling through the vent in his cell. pic.twitter.com/ANAvQx3GYM Jonathan Bloom (@BloomTV) November 15, 2018 In 1979, the FBI handed over its investigation to the U.S. Marshal Service, which continues to investigate thousands of tips even today. "We'll do so until we determine that one of the escapees is dead, or until their 99th birthday where we'll re-evaluate the case," U.S. Marshal Don O'Keefe said. In the meantime, Bennett said the FBI has a responsibility to preserve evidence in the case evidence that was rapidly falling apart. The @FBI has used its crime scene modeling technology to build exact replicas of the phony heads #Alcatraz inmates left in their beds when they escaped. The heads are 3D printed, with real human hair donated by FBI employees. pic.twitter.com/Z4ajz4ByP0 Jonathan Bloom (@BloomTV) November 15, 2018 "The decoy heads were made of soap, they were made of wax, they were made of plaster," he said. "I've seen them and I've touched them. They literally fall apart in your hands right now." In fact, the real decoys were on display for a short time in the 1980s, but museum staff quickly reconsidered when the island's humidity and salty air began accelerating their decay. They locked them away in climate-controlled cabinets, and replaced them with the props used in the 1979 movie, "Escape from Alcatraz," starring Clint Eastwood. The fake heads currently on display at #Alcatraz were made for the Clint Eastwood movie Escape from Alcatraz. The new @FBI exact replicas will ultimately be on display to the public here alongside the movie props. pic.twitter.com/I4edWYm2t0 Jonathan Bloom (@BloomTV) November 15, 2018 The new replicas are made with the latest in crime scene preservation technology, Bennett said. "The FBI sent a team of highly skilled people from our Quantico laboratory out here, to do 3D scanning of the original masks," he said. "The masks are 3D printed, but the hair and the paint on here is exactly what the prisoners did. The hair is actually from FBI employees at the laboratory, they were kind enough to donate." The Golden Gate National Recreation Area will hold the replicas in its archive while curators figure out how best to integrate them into the Alcatraz visitor experience alongside the movie props or until they're needed as evidence. "Because someday, potentially, this is going to go to court, and we're going to have to be able to produce this to a jury," Bennett said. If alive today, Morris would be 92 years old, Clarence Anglin would be 87 and John Anglin would be 88. Dozens of people have died and tens of thousands of Californians have been forced from their homes as massive wildfires continue to rage in the northern and southern ends of the state. The Camp Fire in Northern California's Butte County has become the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in recorded state history. The Woolsey Fire north of Los Angeles, meanwhile, has killed at least two killed and wiped out hundreds of structures. Here are some ways to help those impacted by the wildfires: DONATIONS Anyone who wants to help can text "CAWILDFIRES" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support RedCross disaster efforts. GoFundMe has also set up a page with fundraising campaigns for victims of the fires in both northern and southern California. Donations can also be made through the Salvation Army. North Valley Community Foundation is accepting monetary donations as well as supplies. Caring Choice, a nonprofit in Chico, is accepting donations to help offer relief to those affected by recent Northern California Fires. You can make a note in the memo whether you prefer your donation be used for, food, clothing, housing or other things. Among supplies needed are paper products (toilet paper, forks, spoons, paper plates, tissues, paper towels), and women's undergarments, as well as warm clothes, including shoe and socks, Butte County officials said. The North Valley Animal Disaster Group is taking care of animals and is accepting donations. Call 530-899-3873 or visit this site for more information. United Way of Greater Los Angeles has started a disaster relief fund for victims of the Hill and Woolsey fires. Similarly, United Way of Northern California has set up an option on its donation for page for people to put money toward Camp fire relief. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has also put out a call for donations to raise money to purchase hydration backpacks for firefighters. Donations can be made online at the organization's website. AirBnb was looking for host homes to open their spaces for evacuees of the Woolsey and Hill Fires through Nov. 29. More than 850 homes throughout the SoCal region, including dozens in San Diego County, were available. Those wishing to volunteer should fill out an application and wait for instructions. Notarized applications are required. Contact Caring Choices by calling 530-899-3873 or visiting them at 1398 Ridgewood in Chico. AT&T was waiving charges for those affected by the fires. See more information here. T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon are offering a similar deal, with more information available on their websites. T-Mobile support trucks were also to be in the greater Ventura area Monday and Tuesday to help those affected by the Woolsey fire. They would provide connectivity, USB cables, chargers, battery packs, masks and toiletries. See more information here. Additionally, NBC Los Angeles has a Southern California wildfires Facebook group with local information on ways to help. A robbery at San Jose State has triggered a warning, as the thieves in the case got some high-tech help with shared electric scooters seen on city streets. Several juvenile suspects on scooters assaulted and robbed a student Wednesday. The victim suffered minor injuries. Two of the suspects were arrested, but four others are still at large, campus police said Thursday. It was enough for university police to issue a campus-wide alert, warning students to be on the lookout. The scooters seem to provide a quick and easy way for would-be criminals to escape, police said. They zoom by, weaving in and out of crowds virtually in every Bay Area city. "Number one, theyre convenient. Number two, theyre cheap, and theyre everywhere," SJSU police Chief Alan Cavallo said. "So people are using them. Ive seen local drug dealers downtown on scooters, and I think it's more of a convenience than anything." Students were a bit on edge when hearing about the incident. "Yeah, thats scary because everyone has access to those scooters, and theyre being used for that," student Aly Thom said. Cavallo said he hopes the scooter company will share its usage data with them, so they can locate the other suspects involved. If not, he said he'll get a warrant to go after that information. A 52-year-old man died in a suspected homicide on San Francisco's Market Street late Wednesday night, police said. Bart Kylstra, CEO of Rio Mobility, a company that makes electric accessories for wheel chairs, was allegedly killed inside his office apartment. The homicide was reported at about 11:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of Market Street after a co-worker of Kylstra reported him missing. Upon arrival to his place of work, they found him dead. "That's unsettling too right next door not a great neighborhood but never had anything like that here," said neighbor Ron Rosen. "Three police cars and ambulance down there I didn't hear anything at all." Police did not release any information about how Kylstra died but they did arrest an employee of his Thursday night. A source close to the investigation said a Rio Mobillity employee allegedly tased and then beat the CEO to death after Kylstra accused the worker of embezzling $100,000. People who live in his SOMA apartment complex say they are stunned a neighbor who was always happy to help is gone. A friend says Kylstra was an engineer and problem solver who saw a need to improve the lives of people who use wheelchairs and dedicated himself to getting the company off the ground. The Defense Department has failed an audit almost three decades in the making, the Pentagon's No. 2 official said Thursday. But the results were expected and showed what the agency already knew that "more work lies ahead of us." Congress first required the Defense Department to undertake a comprehensive audit in 1990, but the agency didn't manage to get around to it until late last year, NBC News reported. "Everyone was betting against us that we would even do the audit," Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters, adding: "It was an audit on a $2.7 trillion organization. The fact we did the audit is substantial." The city of Lowell, Massachusetts is taking an unprecedented step as it continues to battle the effects of the opioid crisis. After discarded syringes have been found everywhere from parks to public mailboxes, officials are creating a city position to coordinate the clean-up. The job of syringe collection program coordinator will be a full-time position with a salary between $43,000 and $47,000 a year. It will be part of the health and human services department. The Lowell City Council voted unanimously to approve the job that will not only focus on searching for syringes but also educating the public about mobile pick-up and needle exchange programs. Lowell Fire Chief Jeff Winward applauded the new position saying his department gets a lot of reports of discarded needles, but they are too busy responding to overdoses. Earlier this year, they had 20 overdoses in three days. We worry if theres a needle nearby and someone gets stuck, they could be exposed to communicable diseases like HIV and hepatitis, Winward said. The risk is serious after reports of a recent HIV spike among addicts in Lowell. It is why needle collection has become an important part of what a group does through the Life Connection Center. They picked up roughly 2,000 syringes around the city in less than two hours last week. Its very, very sad when you see it in so much volume, Jaime Dillon, the executive director of the Life Connection Center said. Its something you just cant get away from. There is an urgency and I applaud the city for figuring this out. Advocates who help recovering addicts are also praising the decision. Bill Garr, CEO of the Lowell House, said they could always use money for more beds and treatment, but the investment in this position is just as important. Getting someone to coordinate the effort, getting everyone working together will save lives, Garr said. Trump confidante Roger Stone was told that Hillary Clinton's "campaign will die this week" six days before WikiLeaks began releasing her campaign chairman's emails, according to copies of text messages Stone provided to NBC News. The message came from Stone's friend, radio host Randy Credico, who told Stone he had insights into WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's plans through Assange's lawyer. The messages show that Credico appeared to be providing regular updates to Stone on Assange's plans ahead of the release of the hacked emails that changed the trajectory of the 2016 presidential campaign. Stone is a focus of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, sources have said. Stone has denied colluding with WikiLeaks and said the messages he shared support his claim that his only information on WikiLeaks came from Credico. Credico told NBC News that the messages don't show he "had any knowledge of anything that Assange was going to do because I didn't." Four people were shot one fatally Thursday night in a southeastern Wisconsin attack that has sent authorities hunting for a possible car involved. At 10:35 p.m., Kenosha County Sheriffs deputy officers responded to a shooting reported in the 31500 block of 71st Street in the Town of Wheatland, according to a statement from the sheriffs office. Two people inside the home had gunshot wounds. Officers were soon also called to the BP gas station in Paddock Lake, where two more people had been shot, the sheriffs office said. In total, four people were wounded, one of whom later passed away, police said. The other three were taken to hospitals. As of Friday morning, detectives were still searching for a black four-door car seen at the gas station with two of the wounded. Salem Lakes and Wheatland fire department responders assisted with the rescues. Wheatland Constable, Wisconsin State Patrol, Twin Lakes police and Kenosha police were helping Kenosha County deputies investigate. What to Know Authorities said the children were at the bus stop and the stop-arm on the bus was out when a vehicle hit them. Alyssa Shepherd, 24, faces three counts of reckless homicide and one count of passing a school bus when an arm signal device is extended Six-year-old twin brothers Xzavier and Mason Ingle, and their 9-year-old sister, Alivia Stahl, were killed. An 11-year-old boy was injured A northern Indiana woman accused of striking and killing three children with a pickup truck as they crossed a highway to board a school bus entered a preliminary not guilty plea Thursday. Alyssa Shepherd, 24, appeared before a Fulton County judge on three counts of reckless homicide. The Rochester, Indiana, woman also faces one misdemeanor count of passing a school bus when an arm signal device is extended, causing bodily injury. Shepherd was driving a pickup truck before dawn Oct. 30 when she struck four children who were crossing a two-lane road to board a Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. bus near Rochester, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Six-year-old twin brothers Xzavier and Mason Ingle, and their 9-year-old sister, Alivia Stahl, were killed. An 11-year-old boy who was severely injured in the crash remains hospitalized in Fort Wayne. A message seeking comment was left Thursday for Shepherd's attorney. Shepherd told authorities she didn't realize that she was approaching a stopped school bus, despite the activated stop arm and flashing lights. Court documents show Shepherd told police she saw the lights but didn't recognize the vehicle as a school bus until the children were right in front of her. Alivia's father, Michael Stahl, attended Thursday's hearing and said afterward that he prays for Shepherd's family. He asked that those who have made threats against her family to stop. "It's not helping the situation. It doesn't help the prosecutors. It doesn't help the justice system. It doesn't help us. And it doesn't do my daughter justice or the other people who are affected by this," he told WSBT-TV. Stahl said his focus is now his other daughter, who is 11 and was at a doctor's appointment on the day of the crash. He said she is struggling with emotions that no child should have to face. "A child that age shouldn't have to grow up that fast," he told the South Bend Tribune. A suburban animal shelter is part of a massive effort to save nearly a thousand animals that were facing euthanasia at a Texas shelter. Wright-Way Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Morton Grove, is taking in 40 small adult dogs and puppies as part of the partnership with the Best Friends Animal Society. The animals are coming from the Palm Valley Animal Center in Texas, and they will be ready to be fostered immediately upon their arrival in Illinois on Monday. According to a press release, the so-called Texas 40 will be ready for adoption in two weeks. Texas is responsible for 25 percent of Americas homeless pet population, according to the press release, and 70 percent of the animals brought to the Palm Valley Animal Center are euthanized. The organization cites limited or no access to low-price spay and neuter services in rural areas, as well as low population density, for the high euthanasia rates at the center. Those interested in adopting animals from the Texas 40 are encouraged to check back on the Wright-Ways adoption page in the next two weeks, and those looking to donate funds to the shelter to continue their work in saving animals can visit the groups website. For Connecticut motorists, having to exit to the left when driving on our highways can rattle nerves, slow traffic and lead to close calls. So why does our state have more of these exits than other states? Of the 880 exits in Connecticut, 56 of them are on the left, according to the state Department of Transportation. That figure includes four left exits from High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and two from mainline routes to HOV lanes. Massachusetts is the only other state in New England with a high number of left exits. Drivers will encounter 39 left exits in the Bay State, according to MASSDOT. By comparison, New Hampshire has five left exits. There are two in Rhode Island and Maine and Vermont do not have any. Current guidelines from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) say, Except in highly special cases, all entrance and exit ramps should be on the right. The reason is driver expectation, according to John Ivan, PhD, head of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut. We want to avoid surprising the driver because that just leads to unexpected maneuvers and that can be an unsafe condition, Ivan said. But those guidelines didnt exist when many of Connecticuts main routes were built. "At that time there wasn't a lot of thought yet about how to design highways. They built them as they went," Ivan said. In addition, Ivan said a lot of Connecticuts left exits were intended to connect to proposed highways that were never built. While right-hand exits are preferable, the DOT says there are challenges involved in moving a left exit to the right side of the highway. Stand-alone, we generally dont eliminate a left hand exit just for the sake of doing it. It can be costly, and have major impacts to established property owners, businesses and existing traffic operations, DOT spokesperson Kevin Nursick wrote in an email. But Nursick said large-scale reconstruction projects are a different story. The $2 billion reconstruction of the Interstate 95 corridor in New Haven included shifting the traffic pattern at the Interstate 91 interchange to remove the left exits. They were completely rebuilding it and so they had the opportunity to do whatever they wanted. And they had the land to take care of it," Ivan said. One of the designs under consideration for the reconstruction of Interstate 84 through Hartford, known as the Lowered Highway Alternative, would eliminate all left exits from Sisson Avenue to the tunnel. It depends on how much were willing to pay for our highways, said Ivan. Its always going to be a cost/benefit calculation. The state Department of Transportation has released new information on a preliminary study on tolls in Connecticut. A map, put out as part of the study, shows where electronic tolls or gantries would be if Connecticut goes forward for a plan to bring tolls to the state. The proposal puts a total of 82 gantries on all major highways including Routes 15, 8, 9 and 2. The study estimates tolls would generate more than $1 billion a year in revenue for the states transportation needs. "Youre basically paying and exclusively paying based on the distance youve traveled," Tom Maziarz, chief of planning at CT DOT explained. Based on the proposal, in-state drivers would get discounts and pay as low as 3.5 cents per mile. "Thirty percent of toll revenue would come from trucks," Maziarz said. On top of that about 40 percent of cars and trucks revenue would come from out of state." This is not the $10 million toll study Gov. Dannel Malloy has proposed - its a preliminary evaluation paid for by the DOT. Its been in draft for several months and was released yesterday. The Yankee Institute for Public Policy says: "The plan to offer in-state residents a discount on toll rates is a farce. A new tax on our residents is not a 'discount,' its just more money out of their pocket." NBC Connecticut reached out to the governors office for comment but has not yet heard back. Launched in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme is the largest African philan- thropic initiative devoted to entrepreneurship. The pro- gramme represents a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, grow and support 10 000 African entrepreneurs, em- powering them to create a mil- lion jobs and add $10 billion in revenues to Africas economy. The programme is inspired by three guiding principles, the inclusive economic philosophy of Africapitalism, based on the belief that a vibrant African-led private sector is the key to un- locking Africas economic and social potential, the commit- ment to drive African economic growth through the fostering of African entrepreneurship; and the mission to institutionalize luck and create an environment where home-grown Pan-African companies in various sectors can flourish. We are already seeing the results, says the founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Tony Elumelu. Our entrepreneurs have gen- erated over USD 52 million in revenue, an increase from just over $18 million recorded before the programme, and they have created almost 12 000 jobs so far. Now in its fourth year, TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered 4 470 entrepre- neurs, 4 000 funded directly by the Foundation and 470 funded by Partners of the Foundation. This year, 51 African countries were represented in the batch of selected 1 000 entrepreneurs, with Nigeria comprising of 26 percent. Western Africa ac- counted for 423 entrepreneurs from 16 countries, Eastern Af- rica had 392 entrepreneurs from 16 countries, 86 entrepreneurs were from Central Africa, 74 from Southern Africa - 29 from Botswana and 25 entrepreneurs were drawn from Northern Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foun- dation recognizes that one of the key challenges facing Africas entrepreneurs is the state of the overall enabling environment in which they operate. Those of us who have achieved success know that we have had a helping hand - luck- we need to create the platforms to institutionalise and democratise that luck, Elu- melu said last week at the fourth annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos. In addition to providing direct support to selected African entrepreneurs, the Foundations policy research and advocacy arm, the Africapi- talism Institute is engaging the 20 000 members of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Pro- gramme Network to ascertain key challenges they face, and develop solutions to improve their competitiveness. THE SURVEY The Institute found out in their recent surveys on African Entrepreneurship that start-up capital remains the greatest chal- lenge to entrepreneurs across the region. When asked what can be done to help entrepreneurs gain access to capital, the top sugges- tion from accelerators surveyed was that banks and other formal lenders should reduce the col- lateral requirements. Operating costs was another limitation, with 53 percent of respondents indicating that it was not easy to obtain the necessary machinery, equipment, technology or raw materials needed to operate, citing the high cost of land and office space as the primary cost concern. The second costliest operating expense is electric power, with 73 percent of re- spondents saying that govern- ments could incentivise small businesses by reducing power outages. With respect to the legal system and the resolution of contract disputes, 82 percent of respondents said that the lengthy time to resolve disputes was the biggest problem, and 70 percent cited corruption in the judicial system as a concern. Respondents also indicated that the cost of registration and the difficulty posed by the overall number and variety of govern- ment department involved in obtaining required permission was very problematic. More than half said that compliance with government regulations and operating requirements once the firm is established was only slightly burdensome or not burdensome at all. Fifty-eight percent of entrepreneurs said that it is not at all easy to start a business in their country, due to a variety of factors including access to capital, which is espe- cially important due to the high cost of core inputs. Sixty-five percent of entrepreneurs said that the availability of govern- ment incentives to, for example, reduce their tax burden and lower the cost of inputs such as land and capital was very important. Ninety percent of responding entrepreneurs said they were confident they will be able to find employees with the right skills for their businesses. However, although entrepreneurs said skilled labour is available, 62 percent stated that the high cost of employing them was prohibitive. The Tony Elumelu Foundation envisions unlocking obstacles that Africas entrepreneurs face as they grow their start-ups into small to medium enterprises (SMEs), their SMEs into national growth companies, and their national growth companies into African multinationals. We decided that national boundaries should not be a barrier in democratis- ing luck. These young Africans justify our confidence, our hope & most importantly, our trust. We realise that the more we do, the more we still need to do, Elumelu said. A federal judge in Connecticut has ruled that thousands of Navy and Marine Corps veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who developed post-traumatic stress disorder but were denied Veterans Affairs benefits can sue the military. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles Haight Jr. on Thursday certified a class-action lawsuit against Navy Secretary Richard Spencer by veterans who say they were given less-than-honorable discharges for minor infractions linked to untreated mental health problems. The discharge designation prevents them from getting VA health benefits. They also say the Naval Discharge Review Board, which handles applications from former sailors and Marines, unlawfully denied their requests to change their discharge characterization. The board granted 16 percent of discharge upgrade applications involving PTSD last year, compared with 51 percent approval of such applications by Army and Air Force boards, the veterans say. Navy officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday. The lead plaintiff, Marine veteran Tyson Manker, of Jacksonville, Illinois, called Thursday's ruling a victory for tens of thousands of military veterans. The veterans are represented by students with Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which filed a similar lawsuit against the Army last year. The lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, Marine veteran Tyson Manker, of Jacksonville, Illinois, said Americans need to know that hundreds of thousands of veterans with service-related mental health problems are being denied Veterans Affairs resources because of unfair discharge classifications. "It is a national disgrace," said Manker, who served during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. "By taking this action with the courts we intend to restore the rule of law along with honor for thousands of patriots who were treated so poorly by the nation they served." The New Haven-based National Veterans Council for Legal Redress, which includes veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, also is a plaintiff. "We made mistakes with how we treated the Vietnam generation, before PTSD was well understood, but now we are doling out the same injustice to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan," said Garry Monk, executive director of the council. A storm dumped up to 10-and-a-half inches of snow on Connecticut between Thursday night and Friday morning and state police said they responded 230 snow-related crashes between 4 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday. There were serious injuries in two crashes and one was fatal. State police said minor injuries were reported in 10 crashes. In all, state police responded to 1,341 snow-related calls for service. A Vernon man faces child abuse charges, accused of shaking his infant daughter and causing injuries that required brain surgery. Connecticut State Police arrested 28-year-old Michael Gonzalez Friday. The investigation into Gonzalez began in February 2016, after he and the victims mother took their infant daughter to the hospital with head injuries. According to the arrest warrant, Gonzalez and the victims mother brought the 7-week-old girl in because she was behaving strangely and experiencing seizures. She was admitted to Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. Doctors determined the child had bleeding in her brain and required emergency surgery. Doctors told the parents the childs injuries were consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, according to the arrest warrant. Police conducted multiple interviews with Gonzalez, who changed his story about how his daughter could have been injured several times, according to the warrant. At one point, he claimed she may have been hurt when she bumped her head against his collarbone. In another interview, he told investigators he dropped the baby when he slipped on ice. In another, he said he threw the baby in the air during playtime. During one 2018 interview detailed in the warrant, Gonzalez said the baby had been shaken, but claimed the baby's mother did it. When pressed on why he didn't report this information sooner, Gonzalez said he didn't report it because he didn't have proof. In an interview with the victim's mother, she claimed that she knew Gonzalez did something to the baby, but she didn't know what. She told investigators she knew this because she and Gonzalez were the only ones ever alone with the baby, the warrant said. The victim's mother also said Gonzalez had gotten physical with her and it led her to seek a restraining order. Based on the babys injuries, the interviews with Gonzalez and interviews with the victims mother, and other relatives and friends, investigators determined Gonzalez shook his daughter hard enough to cause serious injury. Gonzalez is charged with first-degree assault, risk of injury to a child and false statement. He was held on a $100,000 bond and is due in court Monday. A growing throng of Central American migrants resumed their advance toward the U.S. border in southern Mexico on Sunday, overwhelming Mexican government attempts to stop them at the border. Their numbers swelled to about 5,000 overnight and at first light they set out walking toward the Mexican town of Tapachula, 10 abreast in a line stretching approximately a mile (1.5 kilometers). Several hundred more already had applied for refugee status in Mexico and an estimated 1,500 were still on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River, hoping to enter legally. It was not immediately clear where the additional travelers had materialized from since about 2,000 had been gathered on the Mexican side Saturday night. They seemed likely to be people who had been waiting in the Guatemalan town of Tecun Uman and who decided to cross during the night. They marched on through Mexico like a ragtag army of the poor, shouting triumphantly slogans like "Si se pudo!" or "Yes, we could!" As they passed through Mexican villages on the outskirts of Ciudad Hidalgo, they drew applause, cheers and donations of food and clothing from Mexicans. Maria Teresa Orellana, a resident of the neighborhood of Lorenzo handed out free sandals to the migrants as they passed. "It's solidarity," she said. "They're our brothers." In the tropical heat, Besi Jaqueline Lopez of San Pedro Sula carried an improbable stuffed polar bear with a winter cap, the favorite and only toy of her two daughters, Victoria 4 and Elisabeth, 3, as they trudged beside her, all covered in sweat. A business administration graduate, Lopez said she couldn't find work in Honduras. She wants to reach the USA but would stay in Mexico if she could find work here. "My goal is to find work for a better future for my daughters," she said. Her husband, David Martinez, said they were tired, but had to push on to reach their goal of making it to the U.S. Olivin Castellanos, 58, a truck driver and mason from Villanueva, Honduras, said he took a raft across the river after Mexico blocked the bridge. "No one will stop us, only God," he said. "We knocked down the door and we continue walking." He wants to reach the U.S. to work. "I can do this," he said, pointing to the asphalt under his feet. "I've made highways." The migrants, who said they gave up trying to enter Mexico legally because the asylum application process was too slow and most want to continue to the U.S., gathered Saturday at a park in the border city of Ciudad Hidalgo. They voted by a show of hands to continue north en masse, then marched to the bridge crossing the Suchiate River and urged those still on it to come join them. The decision to re-form the migrant caravan capped a day in which Mexican authorities again refused mass entry to migrants on the bridge, instead accepting small groups for asylum processing and giving out 45-day visitor permits to some. Authorities handed out numbers for people to be processed in a strategy seen before at U.S. border posts when dealing with large numbers of migrants. But many became impatient and circumventing the border gate, crossing the river on rafts, by swimming or by wading in full view of the hundreds of Mexican police manning the blockade on the bridge. Some paid locals the equivalent of $1.25 to ferry them across the muddy waters. They were not detained on reaching the Mexican bank. Sairy Bueso, a 24-year old Honduran mother of two, was another migrant who abandoned the bridge and crossed into Mexico via the river. She clutched her 2-year-old daughter Dayani, who had recently had a heart operation, as she got off a raft. "The girl suffered greatly because of all the people crowded" on the bridge, Bueso said. "There are risks that we must take for the good of our children." In addition to those who crossed the river, immigration agents processed migrants in small groups and then bused them to an open-air, metal-roof fairground in Tapachula, where the Red Cross set up small blue tents on the concrete floor. Mexico's Interior Department said it had received 640 refugee requests by Hondurans at the border crossing. It released photos of migrants getting off buses at a shelter and receiving food and medical attention. On Sunday, federal police monitored the caravan's progress from a helicopter and had a few units escorting it. Outside Tapachula about 500 federal police briefly gathered along the highway on buses and in patrol units, but officers said their instructions were to maintain traffic on the highway not stop the caravan. They moved on toward Tapachula before the caravan reached them. Migrants cited widespread poverty and gang violence in Honduras, one of the world's deadliest nations by homicide rate, as their reasons for joining the caravan. Juan Carlos Mercado, 20, from Santa Barbara, Honduras, says corruption and a lack of jobs in Honduras has stymied him. "We just want to move ahead with our lives," he said Sunday. He said he'd do any kind of work. The caravan elicited a series of angry tweets and warnings from President Donald Trump early in the week, but Mexico's initial handling of the migrants at its southern border seemed to have satisfied him more recently. "So as of this moment, I thank Mexico," Trump said Friday at an event in Scottsdale, Arizona. "I hope they continue. But as of this moment, I thank Mexico. If that doesn't work out, we're calling up the military not the Guard." "They're not coming into this country," Trump added. Trump again hammered the Democratic Party over the caravan, tweeting, "The Caravans are a disgrace to the Democrat Party. Change the immigration laws NOW!" In a separate tweet, he said that "Full efforts are being made to stop the onslaught of illegal aliens from crossing our Souther (sic) Border." Trump added that the United States will turn migrants away if they do not apply for asylum first in Mexico. "The Mexican Government is fully engaged in finding a solution that encourages safe, secure, and orderly migration," State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday, "and both the United States and Mexico continue to work with Central American governments to address the economic, security, and governance drivers of illegal immigration." After an emergency meeting in Guatemala, presidents Hernandez of Honduras and Jimmy Morales of Guatemala said an estimated 5,400 migrants had entered Guatemala since the caravan was announced a week ago, and about 2,000 Hondurans have returned voluntarily. Morales said a Honduran migrant died in the town of Villa Nueva, 20 miles (30 kilometers) from Guatemala City, when he fell from a truck. After someone let the cat out of the bag last month, it looks like it's finally official -- Fort Worth Chief of Police Joel Fitzgerald is headed to Baltimore, according to a city official. In a statement, the city of Fort Worth said the city manager has been notified Fitzgerald is the final candidate for the police commissioner's job in Baltimore and that he's in discussions with them, but that at this time he has not submitted a formal letter of resignation. Meanwhile, WBAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Baltimore, reported Mayor Catherine Pugh confirmed Fitzgerald was the city's next police commissioner. NBC 5 has also learned Assistant Chief Ed Kraus will serve as the interim chief in Fort Worth until a permanent replacement has been found. Media reports announcing Fitzgerald's departure were first reported Oct. 19, though soon after officials in both Baltimore and the Fort Worth Police Department distanced themselves from those remarks. Pugh, via The Baltimore Sun, said last month she was still vetting candidates while the Fort Worth Police Department said the chief had not accepted any job offer. Fitzgerald joined the Fort Worth Police Department as chief in October 2015. He is a member of the Major Cities Chief's Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police. Before arriving in Fort Worth, Fitzgerald was chief in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 2013 and chief in Missouri City, Texas in 2009. He started at the Philadelphia Police Department. In September, Fitzgerald led the department while they dealt with the loss of fallen officer Garrett Hull. Hull was the only officer to die in the line of duty during Fitzgerald's time with the department. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price told NBC 5 that morning that Fitzgerald was leaving, saying "It appears he has taken the police chief spot in Baltimore. He's done a good job in Fort Worth and I wish him the best in this new position." Later in the day her office clarified her statement that she has not received a letter of resignation from the chief but that she gave an "appropriate response" to NBC 5's question about his future. Check back for updates on this developing story. NBC 5's Scott Gordon and Frank Heinz contributed to this report. An East Texas woman must serve nearly seven years in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling $1.8 million from some California companies and using the money to build a house. Federal prosecutors in Tyler say 49-year-old Lina Su, also known as Lina Perkins, was sentenced Thursday to 80 months and ordered to repay the money. The financial controller in June pleaded guilty to money laundering and wire fraud. Su split her time living in Hawkins, 100 miles southeast of Dallas, and Los Angeles. The thefts began in 2015. Prosecutors say Su illegally transferred funds from VIG Furniture, Airport Van Rental and ACE Medical Transport into her personal account to pay credit cards, buy land and construct a house in Texas. Su must also forfeit vehicles and land. AAA predicts this year will have the highest volume of Thanksgiving travel since 2005. The Florida-based travel association said last week more than 54 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the week of Thanksgiving. AAA estimates that will be 2.5 million travelers more than last year, just under a 5 percent increase. 4.1 million Texans will travel between Wednesday and Sunday, but the new trend is families getting an early start leaving on Monday to beat the rush. The vast majority of Thanksgiving travelers will hit the road. The travel group estimates that 48.5 million travelers will be driving. "Also airports, the bus station, train stations all of those will see an increase in travelers this year and the primary reason for that is we have a strong economy, consumer confidence is up and unemployment is low and families feel like they have the means to travel more for Thanksgiving to see their loved ones," said Daniel Armbuster with AAA Texas. In Denton, I-35E became busier as people headed to their destinations. "I grew up in Oklahoma City," said Taylor Harris of Dallas, who stopped for a break at the new Buc-ee's store in Denton. "We're going there to see my family. There's going to be about 22 of us in a two bedroom apartment." More than 4.2 million travelers will be flying, and just under 1.5 million travelers will be taking trains, buses or cruise ships. AAA, along with the analytics company INRIX, predicts that drivers in San Francisco, New York and Boston will see the biggest holiday-related delays almost four times normal drive times. What to Know Fire crews expanded the containment line around the deadly Woolsey Fire on Thursday. A red flag warning of heightened fire danger expired Wednesday afternoon. Conditions were also expected to improve into the weekend before offshore winds return Sunday afternoon. Aided by diminishing winds, fire crews expanded the containment line around the deadly Woolsey Fire on Thursday, while more evacuation orders were lifted and a firefighter was hospitalized after being run over by a vehicle while sleeping. Get the latest evacuation and road closure information here. A red flag warning of heightened fire danger expired Wednesday afternoon and onshore winds -- not the warm offshore Santa Ana winds that have been sweeping the region -- began blowing in the area Thursday afternoon. Conditions were also expected to improve into the weekend before offshore winds return Sunday afternoon. Since erupting last Thursday in Ventura County, the Woolsey Fire has charred 98,362 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, destroyed 548 structures and damaged 157 others. As of Thursday evening, the fire was 62 percent contained, with full containment anticipated on Monday. A firefighter from Washington state was injured early Thursday morning when he was struck by a vehicle, apparently while resting or sleeping at a camp area along Pacific Coast Highway near Dear Creek Road in Ventura County. According to reports from the scene, the vehicle was driven by a person who lives in the area, and ran over the sleeping firefighter. The firefighter was taken to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks with injuries that authorities said were not life-threatening. The firefighter is from South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Washington. Gov. Jerry Brown and U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke met with fire commanders in Camarillo Thursday morning to get an assessment of the damage and the continuing firefight. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump -- who initially lashed out at California's forest-management policies as a cause of the destructive blazes -- will visit the state Saturday to "meet with individuals impacted by the wildfires," according to White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters. His detailed schedule was not released, so it was unclear if his trip will include a stop in Southern California. More evacuations were lifted Thursday morning in a section of Malibu. Residents in the area of Pacific Coast Highway between Webb Way on the east to the 25700 block of PCH east of Corral Canyon, and from the ocean north to the Malibu city limit, were allowed to return home beginning at 2 p.m. Pepperdine University, however, remained closed, along with Puerco Canyon Road north of the hard gate, the Corral Canyon Park and Malibu Beach RV Park. Malibu Canyon Road was closed north of Civic Center Way. Fire officials warned people returning to their homes to beware of changing fire conditions and adhere to road closures and shifting evacuation zones. "Burned out power poles, burned and damaged homes, debris-filled roadways, broken gas lines and burned guard rails pose serious safety hazards to residents attempting to return to the area," according to a statement from fire officials. "... The Woolsey Fire is unlike any previous fire in the Santa Monica Mountains due to the vast destruction and devastation to homes and critical infrastructure." Some residents continued to express frustration at the slow process of repopulating the evacuated areas, but fire authorities said the slow process was due to efforts to protect the public. "With power and telephone poles burned, gas lines compromised and roadways destroyed, multiple agencies must work together to inspect the impacted areas and determine overall safety," according to a statement from incident commanders. The death toll from the fire appeared to rise to three on Wednesday, with the discovery of a charred body in a burned-out home in the 32000 block of Lobo Canyon Road near Agoura Hills. Family members said the victim was 73-year-old Alfred Deciutiis, a retired oncologist. His death hasn't been officially attributed to the fire, although sheriff's officials called it an "apparent fire-related death." Sheriff's officials said deputies went to the home in response to calls from relatives who said they were unable to reach the man. Deputies initially found no sign of him, but they brought in cadaver dogs, leading to discovery of the remains. The other two victims of the fire were found Friday in a burned-out vehicle on a long driveway in the 33000 block of Mulholland Highway. Authorities said they suspect the driver became disoriented amid the flames. An estimated 57,000 structures are still considered to be threatened by the flames. At its height, the fire forced the evacuation of more than 265,000 people in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. All remaining evacuation orders in Calabasas were lifted Wednesday. Residents were allowed to return to select areas of the city on Tuesday. Officials also lifted evacuations Wednesday in a swath of Malibu, all of which had been ordered evacuated last week. Evacuations were lifted in an area from Pacific Coast Highway between Carbon Canyon Road on the east to Webb Way on the west, from the ocean to the northern city limit. Residents of the Serra Retreat and Sweetwater Mesa neighborhoods were also allowed to return. A boil water advisory issued for the Malibu area was also lifted, the city reported. Evacuations were also lifted near Agoura Hills on Kanan Road from Cornell Road to Malibu View Court; the area southeast of Kanan Road, including the Saratoga Hills neighborhood; and Cornell Road from Kanan Road, north of Wagon Road. Despite the progress being made in certain areas, fire officials said there are still active flames burning. Cal Fire Assistant Chief Chris Anthony noted Wednesday there was significant fire activity overnight on the fire's western flank in Ventura County, particularly in the Sycamore Canyon and Point Mugu area. Anthony also said there was still a fire threat in the Malibu Canyon area on the eastern flank, and hand crews worked Wednesday to establish a containment line in that area from below the Ventura (101) Freeway south to Pepperdine University. Fire information for Los Angeles County can be found here. Malibu also has established a website to update fire information here. SCANNING THE SKY FOR SANTA? It is a time-honored tradition, one practiced by children and former children alike. Keeping an eye out for a sleigh, or a mound of wrapped gifts, or Rudolph's perfectly bright proboscis are all part of the sky-watchery, and believing you've seen something magical, up near the Big Dipper, can be part of that special seasonal magic. But, just after Thanksgiving, people around some parts of the California coastline skip the whole upwards-gazing bit and instead look to the water, and waves, for signs that the Jolly Old Elf is on his sleigh, er, way. For sometimes Santa likes to show up in the daytime, in the Golden State, and he doesn't ask his reindeer to provide direction. Rather, HE BOARDS A BOAT, or a surfboard, or outrigger canoe, all to make his, yes, splashy entrance. Where to find Mr. Claus is his more oceanic, H2O-wesome guise? Look to one of his traditional by-water, or close-to-water stops, which are just ahead. Those include Nick's Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages in Marshall, on Tomales Bay, where he will toot-toot in by boat on Sunday, Dec. 2. A toy drive (do show with a toy to donate, if you can) and gratis snaps with Santa are part of the joy. But happening even before that? CAPITOLA... will welcome Surfin' Santa in his outrigger canoe on Saturday, Nov. 24. Music, chats with Mr. C (post towel-off, natch), and more merriment shall ensue. And because Santa Claus is renowned for his powers of enchantment and moving about, hither and yon, in a flash, he'll also be at Seaport Village in San Diego on that same day. So surf to the shopping destination on Nov. 24 to see Santa in his board shorts and to grab a pic with him, too. Will he have his super rad surfboard nearby, for photos? Such is Surfin' Santa's vibe. More details are here. What to Know The San Ysidro port of entry processes only about 100 asylum claims a day, Associated Press reports. The wait for asylum seekers was approximately five weeks before the arrival of the most recent caravan. The bulk of the caravan appears to be about 350 miles from the border. As the first members of the migrant caravan arriving in Tijuana begin the asylum process, we take a look at what you need to know about the thousands of people making the journey to the U.S. through Mexico. What is the migrant caravan? Thousands of migrants have been traveling by foot or by vehicle from Central American countries through Mexico to the U.S.-Mexico border. Small groups who have obtained transportation have arrived in Tijuana ahead of the rest of the caravan. Many say they are fleeing rampant poverty, gang violence and political instability. How many will arrive in the Tijuana/San Diego area? Buses and trucks began bringing migrants to the Tijuana area on Sunday, Nov. 12. The numbers of new arrivals each day could be in the hundreds until the majority of the caravan arrives. As of Thursday, it was estimated there were 1,660 migrants in the Tijuana area. What's the asylum process? People who fear for their safety in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a group can request legal protection in the U.S. To be eligible, an individual must apply for asylum within a year of their arrival to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say they will process the migrants seeking asylum as space is available in the San Ysidro and Otay Port of Entries. The agency's employees also monitor shipping and trade, stop illegal drug and human smuggling and screen pedestrian and vehicle traffic through one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. Under current regulations, an applicant is allowed to stay within the U.S. while the case is pending. People requesting asylum are held in detention centers until they can be interviewed. Then, when they are released to the U.S. and waiting for a court hearing, they are outfitted with ankle monitors. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Nov. 9 to deny asylum to migrants who enter the country illegally. The plan was immediately challenged in court. What are U.S. troops doing along the border? As of Nov. 16, the Pentagon said there were 5,800 troops deployed as part of the mission to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Here is how the U.S. government describes the duties of the thousands of military personnel deployed to the border: "Department of Defense personnel are installing concertina wire, and pre-positioning jersey barriers, barricades, and fencing as requested by CBP under Operation Secure Line." Who is helping the migrants? Various religious organizations in Tijuana and San Diego have been preparing for the caravan's arrival. NBC 7 spoke with the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego who suggested donations may be dropped off at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in UTC area, 4321 Eastgate Mall. The group organizing the caravan, Pueblo Sin Fronteras, has a crowdfunding website collecting donations. Border Angels is providing a way for people interested in donating goods to order items from retail stores and request they be shipped to the organization's San Diego headquarters. North Korea on Friday deported an American citizen it says it detained for illegal entry, a U.S. official said, an apparent concession that came even as the reclusive nation announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified "ultramodern" weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States, even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile U.S. figures traveled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct. 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the "manipulation" of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the North's spelling of the man's name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday expressed appreciation for the cooperation of North Korea and the embassy of Sweden which handles consular issues for U.S. citizens in North Korea "in facilitating the release of an American citizen." His brief statement provided no further details. A U.S. official said the man had left North Korea and was on a flight back to the United States. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. He provided no other details. The North's decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious U.S. response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with Pompeo. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. The latest detained American is likely a man that South Korea deported last year, according to South Korean police. In November 2017, a 58-year-old man from Louisiana was caught in South Korea after spending two nights in the woods in a civilian-restricted area near the border with North Korea. The name written in his passport was Lowrance Bruce Byron, said police officers at Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency. Before his deportation, the man told interrogators that he "knows lots of people in the Trump administration so that he wants to work as a bridge between the United States and North Korea to help improve their ties worsened by Warmbier's death," said one of the police officers who investigated the man. He requested anonymity, citing department rules. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," though it didn't describe what the weapon was. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including U.S. military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea since the tensions of 2017 but said more had to be done. He stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. But North Korea's report was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility. Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. Associated Press writer Kim Tong-Hyung, Foster Klug and Annabelle Liang contributed to this report. In a stunning development, Broward County election officials said they uploaded their results two minutes past Floridas 3 p.m. deadline Thursday and the state is not using the recount results. Instead theyre using the first unofficial results that were submitted on Saturday. That means all of the recount efforts over the past five days were thrown out. Elections worker Joe DAlessandro told the canvassing board the delay was due to his "unfamiliarity with the website" used to upload the results. "We uploaded to the state two minutes late so the state has chosen not to use our machine recount results and they are going to use the first unofficial results as our second unofficial results," DAlessandro said. Earlier Thursday, election workers told the canvassing board they were submitting the results at about 2:50 p.m., ten minutes before the deadline. In addition, the county elections officials are trying to figure out why there was a 2,040 vote difference between the first results and the second results. "There was a co-mingling of ballots and that we did not correctly handle the ballot," DAlessandro said. Meanwhile, the county has to start preparing for a hand recount in the U.S. Senate and Department of Agriculture seats. That hand recount is scheduled to start Friday morning at 6 a.m. The deadline for the hand recount is Sunday afternoon. Editors Note: An earlier version of this story identified Manuel Marin as Presidente Supermarkets co-founder, instead hes a former owner of some Presidente stores. A former supermarket owner who went on the run after his wife's lover was found murdered in South Florida made his first appearance in a Miami courtroom Friday since his arrest in Spain. Manuel Marin, 64, wore a suicide prevention vent to the court appearance, where he was ordered to stay behind bars without bond. He was extradited to Miami from Spain this week to face charges including second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping. Marin is the former owner of some Presidente Supermarket stores. Marin is one of four suspects in the June 2011 murder of 43-year-old Camilo Salazar, the secret lover of Marin's wife Jenny Marin. Also accused in the plot are former mixed martial artists Alexis Vila Perdomo and Ariel Gandulla, and fight trainer and promoter Roberto Isaac. Vila-Perdomo and Isaac remain in custody in Miami-Dade, but Gandulla is believed to have fled the country. Salazar's body was found on a dirt road in the Florida Everglades in northwest Miami-Dade. He was bound, beaten, tortured, had his throat slashed and his body was partially burned, according to a police report. On Thursday, Marin's son, Yaddiel Marin, was arrested on a charge of accessory after the fact. Authorities say Yaddiel Marin, who owns and operates many of the supermarkets once operated by his father, helped the older Marin while he was on the run. Yaddiel Marin was also in court Friday to work out details of his release on $2 million bond. When released he'll be under house arrest with a GPS ankle bracelet. Florida's acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate is headed to a legally required hand recount after an initial review showed Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson separated by just a few thousand votes. But the highly watched contest between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appears to be over, with a machine recount showing that DeSantis' advantage over Gillum was big enough to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the race on Election Night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that "it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted." "This afternoon, the Secretary of State received the results of the machine recount from the Florida governors race. Those returns remain clear and unambiguous, just as they were on election night, and at every point throughout this process," DeSantis said in a statement. "I remain humbled by your support and the great honor the people of Florida have shown me as I prepare to serve as your next governor." The recount so far has been fraught with problems as one large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. "We gave a heroic effort," said Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours they would have made the deadline, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Counties were ordered this past weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see if there a way to figure out voter intent. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battle drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who slammed the state Thursday for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. "We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this," Walker said in court. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. "This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile," Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. "It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark." The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush v. Gore decision, by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in Tallahassee. Earlier Thursday, Walker ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will now be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Barack Obama refused the request, calling it "inappropriate." Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Republican Gov. Rick Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was 0.41 percent. Nelson and Democrats had wanted Walker to order the counting of all mail-in ballots rejected for a mismatched signature, arguing that local election officials are not handwriting experts. Walker said he could not go along with that suggestion. "Let this court be clear: It is not ordering county canvassing boards to count every mismatched vote, sight unseen," Walker wrote in his 34-page ruling. Lauren Schenone, a spokeswoman for Scott, called Walker's ruling "baseless" and said they were "confident" it would be overturned by the Atlanta-based appellate court. But the appeals court late Thursday turned that request down. The developments are fueling frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. What to Know Broward election officials said they uploaded their results 2 minutes past Floridas deadline Thursday and the state is not using them. Volunteers gathered around folding tables Friday to begin a painstaking hand recount in Florida's acrimonious U.S. Senate contest, with a goal of determining the intent of about 93,000 voters whose ballots for Republican Gov. Rick Scott or Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson could not be counted by machine. The hand recount is required by state law whenever candidates are separated by 0.25 percentage points or less. Unofficial results showed Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points, or fewer than 13,000 votes out of more than 8 million cast. In Broward County, officials relied on a color-coded system to tally some of the last ballots by hand. Ballots with clear votes for Republican Gov. Rick Scott went into a bin with a red tag. Clear votes for Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson went into one with a blue tag. Blank ballots went into a bin with a yellow tag. Anything that needed further examination by the canvassing board was dropped into one with a green tag. Dozens of volunteers sitting behind the bins stacked on folding tables in a Broward County warehouse cheered loudly when they finished their hand recount Friday morning. Results were not immediately announced. At the election supervisor's office in Tampa, volunteers were joined by observers from both political parties at 12 tables as the recount started. The ballots were in a locked wire basket on a rolling cart when they were delivered to the room. An elections office employee cut the lock off the basket, and the ballots were distributed to the tables, where teams of two volunteers examined each one. BALLOT PROBLEMS: Two examples of why they have to go hand by hand recounting votes. One voter circled their choice, another xd out one candidate and filled in the dot for another @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/2QQ8RXFWQX Dan Krauth (@DanNBC6) November 16, 2018 The hand recount does not review all votes. It involves ballots that were not recorded by voting machines because voters cast either two votes for one race, which is called an overvote, or appeared to choose no candidate, which is an undervote. The idea is to figure out a voter's intent. Broward County which experienced numerous problems throughout the election had the most overvotes and undervotes of any Florida county almost 31,000. At a Broward warehouse, dozens of volunteers sitting at folding tables cheered loudly when they were told they had finished the recount Friday morning and could go home for the day. Results were not immediately announced. Broward election officials said they uploaded their results two minutes past Floridas 3 p.m. deadline Thursday and the state is not using the recount results. Instead, state officials are using the first unofficial results that were submitted last Saturday for any county that did not turn in their results on time. Elections official Joe DAlessandro told the canvassing board the delay was due to his "unfamiliarity with the website" used to upload the results. The contest for governor appeared all but over Thursday, with a machine recount showing Republican DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Democrat Andrew Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race, which had a margin of 0.41 percent. Gillum, who conceded on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that "it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted." The overall recount has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida could not finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline because of machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. "We gave a heroic effort," said Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Broward County missed the deadline to submit its machine recount results by two minutes, but it finished its manual recount in just a few hours, which Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes attributed to the large number of volunteers assembled for the task. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. It's time for Nelson "to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served," the governor's statement said. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelson's campaign. But he said he expects it to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. Two election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee. The situation drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. "We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this," Walker said at a hearing Thursday. Incoming Florida Senate President Bill Galvano said Friday that lawmakers will discuss changes to the state's election laws. By the next election cycle, he said, "voters are going to want to have more in terms of assurance that their votes are going to be properly counted." Late Thursday, Walker rejected a challenge by Nelson and Democrats to the rules of the hand recount in the Senate race. Walker found the state's rules were reasonable and constitutional. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they haven't been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans challenged this order and were turned down by an appeals court. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mail-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will now be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. What to Know The Butte County Camp Fire has burned 141,000 acres and is 40 percent contained More than 5,600 fire personnel are working to control the wildfire burning in Northern California's Sierra Nevada foothills The blaze, which has been burning for one week, has wiped out more than 8,756 residences and 260 commercial buildings Cool weather helped fire crews gain ground Thursday against the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century, as the search went on for more bodies. At least 63 people were killed and 631 were unaccounted for a week after the flames swept through. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE LIST OF MISSING PEOPLE The nearly 220-square-mile blaze in Northern California was 40 percent contained, the state fire agency said, and firefighters succeeded in slowing the flames' advance toward populated areas. More than 450 searchers were assigned to look for remains in Paradise, which was all but destroyed Nov. 8, and in outlying areas such as Magalia, a forested town of about 11,000. Many of the missing were elderly and from Magalia. "If this town does recover, it's going to take many, many years," said Johnny Pohmagevich, an 18-year Magalia resident who lives up the road from many burned homes. Police drove around town, searching for those still in their homes and checking if they needed food and water. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Wednesday night that 130 people were missing. His office later released a list of 300 who were unaccounted for, though spokeswoman Miranda Bowersox said some of those may simply not have checked in with officials or family. At the other end of the state, crews continued to battle wildfires in Southern California, including a blaze of more than 153 square miles that destroyed over 500 structures in Malibu and nearby communities. At least three deaths were reported. Officials in Northern California put the number of homes lost there at nearly 8,800, and the sheriff said the task of recovering remains had become so vast that his office brought in 287 more searchers Wednesday, including National Guard troops. The search crews used 22 cadaver dogs. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke joined California Gov. Jerry Brown on a visit to Paradise on Wednesday, saying it was the worst fire devastation he had ever seen. "Now is not the time to point fingers," Zinke said. "There are lots of reasons these catastrophic fires are happening." He cited higher temperatures, dead trees and the poor forest management. The governor said officials would need to learn how to better prevent fires from becoming so deadly . It will take years to rebuild, if people decide that's what should be done, said Brock Long, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "The infrastructure is basically a total rebuild at this point," he said. While most of Paradise was wiped out, in Magalia there was a sharp dividing line between homes that burned and those that were spared. "Magalia has so many trees. I honestly can't believe it just didn't get leveled," said Sheri Palade, an area real estate agent. Tom Driver, the office manager and elder at Magalia Community Church, said he heard the church made it through the blaze, though he did not know whether his home did. "I've been able to account for all of the congregation," said Driver, who is staying with family in Oakland. "They're all over the place, but they got out in pretty good time." Kim Bonini, one of those who got out safely, left after hearing someone on a bullhorn two blocks over urging people to leave. The power in her home had gone out that morning, leaving her with only her car radio. "My cell didn't work, my house phone didn't work, nothing. Nothing except for me crawling into my car," Bonini said from her daughter's home in Chico. "If I wouldn't have heard them two blocks down, I wouldn't have known I had to evacuate." Associated Press writers Janie Har and Olga R. Rodriguez in San Francisco, Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California and Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon, also contributed to this report. What to Know The number of infected in the Rockland County measles outbreak continues to rise, with officials announcing Friday 74 confirmed cases Additionally, there are four suspected cases Rockland County is not the only local area dealing with a measles outbreak, as Brooklyn has faced confirmed measles cases in recent weeks The number of infected in the Rockland County measles outbreak continues to rise, with officials announcing Friday 74 confirmed and four suspected cases. Rockland County has been grappling with a measles outbreak in recent weeks even asking students who are unvaccinated to not attend school. Health officials announced Nov. 9 that they are expanding school exclusions from the current 70 percent to an 80 percent vaccination rate. This means, all schools within the Village of New Square and any school with less than an 80 percent MMR vaccination rate within the area affected by the measles outbreak will be required to keep un- or under-vaccinated students home until 21 days have passes since the last confirmed measles case in Rockland County. Some of the afflicted picked up the disease during travel to Israel, and others being infected after being exposed to a person with measles, officials said. Children who develop a fever and rash should be kept home from school or day care while they seek doctor's treatment. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Young children, the immunocompromised, and non-immune pregnant women are at highest risk for severe complications. Measles is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets, and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. Measles typically presents in adults and children as an acute viral illness characterized by fever and generalized rash. The rash usually starts on the face, proceeds down the body, and may include the palms and soles. The rash lasts several days. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before rash onset through the fourth day after rash appearance. Rockland officials encourage everyone to be up-to-date with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to help protect them in case of any future exposure to measles in Rockland. The Health Department held vaccine clinics in response to the growing number of cases. To prevent the spread of illness, the Rockland County Health Department advises anyone who may have measles to contact their health care provider, local clinic, or local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness. Rockland County is not the only local area dealing with a measles outbreak, as Brooklyn has faced confirmed measles cases in recent weeks as well. The last surviving leaders of the communist Khmer Rouge regime that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s were convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes Friday by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison, the same punishment they are already serving after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and mass disappearances. Cambodia has no death penalty. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. Nuon Chea was considered the main ideologist of the Khmer Rouge and the right-hand man of the group's late leader, Pol Pot, while Khieu Samphan served as the head of state, presenting a moderate veneer as the public face for the highly secretive group. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic minority whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. Members of the Cham community were among the large crowd of spectators who attended Friday's session. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for insuffient evidence, though he was convicted of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint criminal enterprise, which holds individuals responsible for actions attributed to a group to which they belong. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed "auto-genocide" through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offenses comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. One of the spectators at Friday's hearing was 65-year-old Sum Rithy, who said he had been jailed for nearly two years under the Khmer Rouge, who accused him of being a spy for the CIA. His life was spared only because he was a skilled mechanic who could maintain engines and generators for his captors. Rithy said three of his siblings were killed by the Khmer Rouge, also accused of being CIA spies, while his father died of starvation. "Today, I am very happy that the both Khmer Rouge leaders were sentenced to life in prison. The verdict was fair enough for me and other Cambodian victims," he said. "Last night, I could not sleep because I was afraid that Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan could die before this verdict was announced." Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van to the courthouse from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Nuon Chea, who suffers heart problems, was allowed to move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. Lawyers for Nuon Chea said they would appeal, and Khieu Samphan was expected to do the same. In addition to the two, the tribunal in 2010 convicted Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture center in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodia's long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to have more extensive proceeding has discomfited some observers, but others point to the tribunal's accomplishments. "International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations," Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Friday's verdicts. "But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line." What to Know A New Jersey couple as well as a homeless man in the GoFundMe controversy are all accused of making up the story, a source said. Mark D'Amico, Kate McClure and Johnny Bobbitt allegedly conspired with one another to make up a story in order to raise more than $400,000. The couple turned themselves in to Burlington County prosecutors Wednesday, the source said. The New Jersey couple and a homeless veteran at the center of a long-running $400,000 GoFundMe controversy have been charged with conspiracy and theft by deception for an alleged scheme that "hoodwinked an awful lot of people," authorities said Thursday. GoFundMe said immediately after charges were filed that all 14,000 donors to the campaign last year would be refunded in full. NBC10 first reported that Johnny Bobbitt Jr. and the South Jersey couple, Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico, would all face criminal charges of conspiracy and theft by deception on Thursday for the GoFundMe campaign that began in 2017. Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Burlington County, New Jersey, Prosecutor Scott Caffina alleged the three conspired with one another to make up a story and raise more from online donors. The GoFundMe campaign garnered national headlines and news segments, eventually raising more than $400,000. Authorities believe the three met at least a month before the campaign was launched, possibly on one of many trips McClure and D'Amico made to SugarHouse Casino. Bobbitt was homeless and often stayed near an Interstate 95 off-ramp near the casino. Handout Caffina said that, within hours of the three launching the campaign on the GoFundMe website last November, McClure texted a friend that the majority of the story was fabricated. "Ok, so wait. The gas part is completely made up. The guy isn't," McClure allegedly texted the friend after the campaign went live Nov. 10 with a photo of a smiling McClure and Bobbitt. "So shush about the made up stuff," she added, according to Caffina. D'Amico and McClure turned themselves in Wednesday to Burlington County prosecutors, the source said. On Thursday, James Gerrow, another attorney for McClure, released a statement on her behalf. Im confident that in the end the evidence will reveal that Kate had only the best intentions," Gerrow said. "She was used by Mr. DAmico and Mr Bobbitt and she thought throughout that this money was going to a homeless veteran. She was unaware that they had concocted this scheme. It wasnt until September when meeting with prosecutors that she came to realize that she had been used by both of them. The backbone of the story was that Bobbitt used $20 to help McClure get gas when her car ran out on I-95 at the Girard Avenue exit. McClure and D'Amico then launched a GoFundMe page to supposedly raise money for Bobbitt, and the page brought in over $400,000 from 14,000 contributors. At first, the account led to appearances for Bobbitt and McClure on national TV programs. But it turned into a dispute over the money. Bobbitt accused the couple of dipping into the funds and using them as a "personal piggy bank" to bankroll a lifestyle they couldn't afford. Bobbitt later sued the couple over mismanagement of the funds and a judge ordered sworn statements to determine what happened to the cash, which Bobbitt's attorney, Chris Fallon, said had disappeared. The couple denied any wrongdoing and accused Bobbitt of spending $25,000 in less than two weeks last year on drugs as well as paying for overdue legal bills and sending money to family. The couple's lawyer, Ernest Badway, later said Bobbitt had gotten about $200,000. But Fallon said his client had received only about $75,000. The couple also bought Bobbitt a camper with some of the cash and parked it on land McClure's family owns in New Jersey. But Bobbitt became homeless again after D'Amico told him in June that he had to leave the property. In September, police raided the couple's home in Florence, New Jersey, hauling away a new BMW on a flatbed truck. Badway said that all the couple's personal and business financial statements, along with jewelry and cash, were seized in the raid. At that point, officials said the couple was under investigation, though no charges had been filed. D'Amico was arrested in September in Burlington County on an unrelated $500 warrant for an October 2017 traffic stop, according to officials. At the time, he was driving on a suspended license and also had a broken tail light. He also failed to appear in court on two separate occassions, according to court records. After a homeless veteran lent them a hand, a New Jersey couple raised $400,000 for him online but, the veteran says, he never received all of the money. Instead, he accused them of spending thousands of it. On Tuesday, the man accused of misusing the funds appeared in court for an unrelated traffic violation and claimed the truth would... WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will not willingly travel to the United States to face charges filed under seal against him, one of his lawyers said, foreshadowing a possible fight over extradition for a central figure in the U.S. special counsel's Russia-Trump investigation. Assange, who has taken cover in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been granted asylum, has speculated publicly for years that the Justice Department had brought secret criminal charges against him for revealing highly sensitive government information on his website. That hypothesis appeared closer to reality after prosecutors, in an errant court filing in an unrelated case, inadvertently revealed the existence of sealed charges. The filing, discovered Thursday night, said the charges and arrest warrant "would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter." A person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case had not been made public, confirmed that charges had been filed under seal. The exact charges Assange faces and when they might be unsealed remained uncertain Friday. Any charges against him could help illuminate whether Russia coordinated with the Trump campaign to sway the 2016 presidential election. They also would suggest that, after years of internal Justice Department wrangling, prosecutors have decided to take a more aggressive tack against WikiLeaks. A criminal case also holds the potential to expose the practices of a radical transparency activist who has been under U.S. government scrutiny for years and at the center of some of the most explosive disclosures of stolen information in the last decade. Those include thousands of military and State Department cables from Army Pvt. Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning, secret CIA hacking tools, and most recently and notoriously, Democratic emails that were published in the weeks before the 2016 presidential election and that U.S. intelligence officials say had been hacked by Russia. Federal special counsel Robert Mueller, who has already charged 12 Russian military intelligence officers with hacking, has been investigating whether any Trump associates had advance knowledge of the stolen emails. Assange could be an important link for Mueller as he looks to establish exactly how WikiLeaks came to receive the emails, and why its release of the communications on the same day a highly damaging video of Trump from a decade earlier surfaced publicly appeared timed to boost his campaign. Assange, 47, has resided in the Ecuadorian Embassy under a grant of asylum for more than six years to avoid being extradited to Sweden, where he was accused of sex crimes, or to the United States, whose government he has repeatedly humbled with mass disclosures of classified information. The Australian was once a welcome guest at the embassy, which takes up part of the ground floor of a stucco-fronted apartment in London's posh Knightsbridge neighborhood. But his relationship with his hosts has soured over the years amid reports of espionage, erratic behavior and diplomatic unease. Barry Pollack, a Washington lawyer for Assange, said he expected Ecuador to "comply with its obligations" to preserve asylum for him, though he acknowledged a concern that the county could revoke his asylum, expel him from the embassy and extradite him to the U.S. "The burden should not shift to Mr. Assange to have to defend against criminal charges when what he has been accused of doing is what journalists do every day," Pollack said. "They publish truthful information because the public has a right to know and consider that information and understand what its government and institutions are doing." The charges came to light in an unrelated court filing from a federal prosecutor in Virginia, who was attempting to keep sealed a separate case involving a man accused of coercing a minor for sex. The three-page filing contained two references to Assange, including one sentence that said "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." It was not immediately clear why Assange's name was included in the document. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the Justice Department's Eastern District of Virginia said, "The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing." The filing was discovered by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism expert at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, who posted it on Twitter hours after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department was preparing to prosecute Assange. The case at issue concerns a defendant named Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, a 29-year-old teacher who has since been indicted in Virginia on charges of enticing a 15-year-old girl to commit sex acts and to produce child pornography. There doesn't appear to be any connection between Assange and Kokayi. The since-unsealed document, a motion filed in late August asking to keep Kokayi's case secret, mentions Assange in two boilerplate sections, suggesting a copy-and-paste error or that his name was inadvertently left in a template used for the common filings. The filing suggests prosecutors have reason to believe they will be able to arrest and extradite Assange. Ecuadorian officials say they have cut off his high-speed internet access and will restore it only if he agrees to stop interfering in the affairs of Ecuador's partners, such as the U.S. and Spain. He is allowed to use the embassy's WiFi, though it is unclear if he doing so. Officials have also imposed a series of other restrictions on Assange's activities and visitors, and ordered him to clean after his cat. Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer in Ecuador, said he suspects Ecuador has been maneuvering to kick Assange out of the embassy through the stricter new living requirements it recently imposed. He said possible U.S. charges, however, are proof his client remains under threat, and he called on Ecuador's government to uphold Assange's asylum protections. He said Ecuador would be responsible if anything happened to Assange. With shrinking options an Ecuadorian lawsuit seeking to reverse the restrictions was recently turned down WikiLeaks announced in September that former spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson, an Icelandic journalist who has long served as one of Assange's lieutenants, would take over as editor-in-chief. In a brief interview in Reykjavik, Iceland, Hrafnsson called the U.S. news "a very black day for journalism." The White House is looking for ways to remove an enemy of Turkish President Recep Erdogan from the U.S. in order to placate Turkey over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, two senior U.S. officials and two other people briefed on the requests told NBC News. Trump administration officials last month asked federal law enforcement agencies to examine legal ways of removing exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen in an attempt to persuade Erdogan to ease pressure on the Saudi government, the four sources said. Gulen has been living in Pennsylvania since the late 1990s. Career officials at the agencies pushed back on the White House requests, the U.S. officials and people briefed on the requests said. "At first there were eye rolls, but once they realized it was a serious request, the career guys were furious," said a senior U.S. official involved in the process. The FBI and a spokesman for the National Security Council declined to comment, as did a lawyer for Gulen. The departments of state, justice and homeland security did not respond to requests for comment. Harry Spencer realized that he was home. He'd grown uncomfortable with the direction of the Catholic Church, particularly since Vatican II. The doctrines had changed. The Mass had changed. So had all the traditions and rituals. Then, about seven years ago, Spencer started going to what would become St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Lower Windsor Township. It offers a traditional Latin Mass. The Rev. Virgil Tetherow, also known as Father Gabriel, leads the church. "I have never met a priest that I've felt more comfortable with in his religiosity and his ability to teach the religion of the Roman Catholic faith," Spencer said. "I love my religion. And Father Tetherow is a true Catholic priest." But that is not what the Catholic church says. In fact, Tetherow "is not recognized as a priest, is prohibited from presenting himself as clergy and is not associated with the Diocese of Harrisburg," said Mike Barley, a spokesman for the diocese, who encouraged the faithful to not attend Tetherow's services. Tetherow, 54, is among 301 "predator priests" named in the recent landmark grand jury report that details widespread sexual abuse in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania. He was arrested in 2005 after police found child pornography on two computers and he later pleaded guilty to criminal use of a communication facility. In a statement provided to the grand jury, he maintains his conviction isn't what it seems and that the grand jury report distorts the public record. He's never been accused of physical sexual abuse of children. Many of the clergy named in the almost 900-page report are dead. But Tetherow, who declined to be interviewed, is still actively running a church -- and there's nothing, and apparently no one, that can prevent him from doing so. A York Daily Record/Sunday News investigation based on dozens of interviews, Right-to-Know Law requests, court records and secret canonical letters reveals how he's been able to weave a narrative to discredit the conviction and keep loyal followers in his flock. 'NICE CLOTHES, FANCY CARS, AND A GORGEOUS PLACE TO LIVE' Virgil Bradley Tetherow was born on Aug. 25, 1964. He graduated from Hidden Valley High School in Grants Pass, Oregon, about four hours south of Portland. In his 1982 senior yearbook photo, Tetherow, wearing a plaid suit jacket and sporting a hairstyle typical of the time, looks out to the right, a mole on his right cheek, the name under his photo, "Brad Tetherow." Throughout the years, Tetherow has gone by other names, including Gabriel Tetherow, Brother Gabriel Francis Tetherow and Father Gabriel. In a 2009 interview with Connections magazine, a short-lived, digital-only publication in Lancaster County, Tetherow spoke about how he went from a glamorous life as a professional model to being called to the priesthood. He's told people that he modeled underwear for Calvin Klein. Tetherow, a fellow priest later reported, once said he was previously in the Screen Actors Guild, since he'd played the "Winnie-the-Pooh" character Tigger for Disney. A spokesman for the Walt Disney Co. said Tetherow never worked for the company. "I had everything in the world -- nice clothes, fancy cars, and a gorgeous place to live but I didn't have peace," Tetherow said in the magazine article, adding that he was once Mr. Oregon. In the story, Tetherow said he had an epiphany at an airport. He said he stepped off a plane and saw three nuns and two priests standing before him. "I looked at them and knew these people were living an authentic life that was externally visible to everyone," he said. "I felt so self-centered and realized, in that moment, I didn't want to be self-centered anymore." Next, Tetherow said, he flew home to Florida. He threw a party and gave away almost everything that he owned, except for his car and the clothes on his back. "I used to love a woman very deeply, but I have since become the godfather of her children," he said. In 1996, Tetherow joined the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. He was assigned to St. Leopold's Friary in Yonkers, New York, after taking his first vows. Tetherow helped renovate the friary and lived a life of prayer and mission. He left in 1998. Later, Tetherow talked with then-Scranton Bishop James Timlin about establishing a religious community within that diocese. Timlin signed off and the Servants Minor of St. Francis was started in 2001. Tetherow was ordained at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Denton, Nebraska, on June 29, 2002. He was incardinated in the Diocese of Scranton but never given an assignment, according to the grand jury report. It's unclear how or why he went from New York to Pennsylvania to Nebraska then back to Pennsylvania -- or where else he might have stopped along the way. In the Scranton diocese, Tetherow lived at St. Ann Catholic Church in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County. That's where he got into trouble with the law. 'HE ADMITTED THAT HE SOMETIMES MASTURBATED . AND VIEWED THE IMAGES' On Jan. 17, 2005, the Rev. Michael Kloton, the priest from St. Ann's, went to Pocono Mountain Regional police to file a report. According to police records, Kloton brought a 14-page list of computer data and a disc with images of "immoral material" that had been found on a church computer. Kloton told detectives that a man who was working on the church computers found the files, some of which had names that some might associate with child pornography. The man, Kloton reported, told him that he viewed an image of two young males engaged in sexual acts on the computer. Kloton told police that several people had access to the computer. A secretary, a woman named Vicky, most often used it. But Kloton named Tetherow as a suspect because of when the files were downloaded. Kloton did not respond to recent requests for an interview, instead referring questions to the Scranton diocese. Police examined the computer at the church and found more than 10 images of child pornography. They later learned of another computer at the church -- one Tetherow used in the room he sometimes occupied. Police took that one, too. About two weeks later, Tetherow went to police to give a statement. He "admitted that he downloaded and viewed images of child pornography" at the church for almost one year, between January and December 2004. Tetherow told police he used the computer that several people had access to and the one that was found in the room he sometimes used at the church. "He admitted that he sometimes masturbated while he sat at Vicky's desk and viewed the images," police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. A few days later, police examined the computer that Tetherow said he used in his room at the church to view child pornography. Police found more than 10 images of child pornography on that computer. Police learned that he used the name "Father Gabriel" to access the internet. A pediatrician reviewed the images for police and identified the children in the pornographic files as being boys between 9 and 14. On Aug. 16, 2005, Tetherow pleaded guilty to criminal use of a communication facility, a felony, and was later sentenced to serve two years of probation. Prosecutors moved to dismiss the remaining charges, including 10 counts of possession of child pornography. In a written form, Tetherow signed his name acknowledging that he understood all the elements of the crime to which he was pleading guilty. "I illegally used a computer in January 2005 in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County Pennsylvania," the document states. The York Daily Record requested court transcripts from the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. But in an order denying the motion, President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington wrote that "the raw notes of testimony, having never been transcribed, have been destroyed." The judge who presided over the case, Ronald E. Vican, died in 2014. Mark Love, Tetherow's former attorney, said he couldn't discuss how or why the plea agreement was reached because of attorney-client confidentiality. Tetherow had a "sterling reputation," he said, and a lot of people came forward to support him. Love said the case was appropriately handled. "When you hear about what's in the grand jury report, those things considering other people were far more serious," Love said. "There was no allegation that he touched anybody or did anything inappropriate with anyone else. His actions were solely on a computer." Rob Saurman, who prosecuted the case as an assistant district attorney in the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, said he recalled that the punishment for child pornography then wasn't as severe as it is now. Plea negotiations take place in cases, he said. Prosecutors have used criminal use of a communication facility to get convictions in drug cases in which dealers arranged transactions using a cellphone, he said. "It doesn't mean I'm not a drug dealer because I took that charge," Saurman said. "This guy is a felon for life as a result of using a church computer to look at child pornography," said Saurman, who's now a criminal defense, civil and family law attorney in Stroudsburg. "There's no exoneration there." 'HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND OR BELIEVE THAT HE WAS ADMITTING TO DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY' The York Daily Record obtained several letters containing private correspondence about the case against Tetherow. In a letter dated Sept. 21, 2006, J. Michael Ritty, Tetherow's attorney, wrote to Cardinal William Levada in Rome about the church's preliminary investigation into his client, asserting that Scranton Bishop Joseph Martino was overstating his case. Tetherow agreed to make an admission to "settle the charges against him without going through a lengthy public trial." "He did not understand or believe that he was admitting to downloading child pornography," Ritty wrote in the letter, adding that his client "understood only that he had admitted that he had illegally used a computer." Tetherow, the lawyer wrote, "in fact did not actually understand the full implication of what others would believe he had admitted to until I pointed out the various counts or charges that were involved in the discussion reaching the agreement with the Court." "As you may be aware, the internet is a dangerous place -- a person and his computer are exposed to viruses, spy-ware, misdirection from one site to another site, unwanted and automatic downloading of materials," Ritty wrote. "Parents of children in the United States are constantly on the alert because of the great abuse of the internet by those promoting pornography." Ritty wrote that it was not entirely clear what transpired with his client's use of a computer. But there were also circumstances in his life that could be considered "mitigating factors." For example, on Nov. 17, 2003, Martino ended the Servants Minor of St. Francis because Tetherow was the only member of the community, said Bill Genello, executive director of communications for the Scranton diocese, in an email. When the association was disbanded, Tetherow suffered depression and disorientation and began drinking to excess, Ritty wrote. In a letter dated Oct. 5, 2006, Ritty wrote that his client underwent a psychosexual assessment and appeared to place in the normal range of the population. Tetherow, the letter states, scored in the low range of a category, which "reflects him to be a low risk of developing attitudes and/or beliefs that would enable him to develop excuses and/or justifications to sexually molest children." He also did not match against any of the known categories of sexual offenders and pedophiles who've taken the screening, the letter states, or against those who molest children and attempt to deny the allegations. "It would appear that Mr. Tetherow's use of child pornographic materials on the Internet was not part of a fixed and persistent pedophilic interest towards minor children," David Humphreys with Tri-County Human Services Center Inc. wrote in a report. "However, it may, more likely, have been part of his overall pornography use, which included adults at that time, and that he allowed his curiosity to occur within the child pornography material." When reached by phone, Ritty said he does not discuss cases involving former clients. SAINTS PETER & PAUL ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION Claudia Drew and her husband, David, were among Tetherow's loyal followers and his most passionate defenders. They met him almost 20 years ago when he was a young seminarian, she recalled during a recent interview. "From what we saw, really, we just fell for him," she said. He was humble. He had a kind smile. And he was very charming. Back then, Tetherow had a beard and wore sandals -- very Franciscan looking. Drew recalled she and her husband were still traveling, sometimes two hours away, to have Mass in the traditional Latin rite. As traditional Catholics, they spent years traveling long distances for Mass, carting flowers and statues and other things with them. For a time, they met at a hotel in Lancaster County, Drew said. Traditional Catholics believe in an old way of doing things, the way Mass was performed before Vatican II, a meeting of Catholic hierarchy in the 1960s that modernized the church. That's why going to just any Catholic church isn't an option for traditional Catholics. Drew said she only ever went to traditional Mass before she moved to the United States from Nicaragua. When she raised her eight children, she never once took them to the new Mass. In the early 2000s, with their congregation growing, Drew said, members of her church wanted to find a building of their own. They found a former synagogue in York that was for sale. It needed substantial renovations but they made the purchase and did the work. In 2004, Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Chapel opened its doors at the corner of South Beaver Street and West Newton Avenue. Then, in 2005, Drew and her husband heard that Tetherow had been arrested. They reached out to his mother. When they heard from Tetherow that he had been framed, they sent him $500 to help him defend himself, Drew recalled. "To us, he was a persecuted priest," Drew said. She explained that it's not uncommon for priests who perform the Latin rite Mass and who don't follow the ways of Rome to be laicized and shunned by the church. She and her husband believed that's what happened to Tetherow. Tetherow told them he didn't understand what he had pleaded guilty to, that he didn't know what the word "download" meant. He told them he couldn't defend himself against the charges because he was protecting another priest who had confessed to him. "He had to protect the seal of confession," Drew said. They invited him to their church, and he came and stayed for a few weeks. But then he left suddenly, Drew said. He called them a short time later and he said he was going to a monastery to volunteer helping an elderly priest who was crippled and needed someone to say Mass for him and help take care of farm animals at his property. The Drews didn't know it at the time, but Tetherow was on probation. Letters from his attorney indicate that Tetherow had intended to spend his time on probation living in Susquehanna County with a fellow priest, Hieromonk Angelus Ferrara, whose legal name is Philip Ferrara. Ferrara was later convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy, according to the grand jury report. Years later, Tetherow returned to Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Mission to serve as its priest. Tetherow was working out well, until he started a school without permission from the church board, in the basement. The school was in violation of the city code, Drew said. That caused division in the church because many members wanted the school, but others believed it had to operate in accordance with the law, said Drew, who homeschooled all of her children. She and her husband sought counsel from their spiritual adviser, as they had in the past, about the division. The adviser told them to fire Tetherow. The Drews realized they had made a mistake. On May 14, 2010, the Board of Directors of Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Mission fired Tetherow. That's when their spiritual adviser told the Drews that he had investigated Tetherow and learned that he'd been misleading them. When Tetherow left the mission, most of the congregation followed him. Drew said she has no hard feelings toward those people. She'd even welcome them back. "I don't blame the people that follow him," she said, "because we did the same thing." 'REBIRTH OF A CHAPEL' In a book called "Rebirth of a Chapel," Dave Romeo, a founding member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, wrote that about 97 percent of the congregation followed Tetherow to Mass at the Yorktowne Hotel. Construction soon began on a basement chapel designed to hold up to 60 people in Dover. Within weeks, members began searching for a permanent building, according to the book. They eventually found one, the former Bittersville United Methodist Church, on Craley Road in Lower Windsor Township, purchasing the building for $100,000, according to York County property records. On July 17, 2011, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church held its first traditional Mass. In the book, Romeo wrote that the first words he heard Tetherow say from the pulpit were, "I am at odds with my bishop." Tetherow made it clear that he would not offer the new Mass so he became a "persona non grata" with his bishop and diocese. The decision, the book states, "would lead to years of personal assaults one would never wish on anybody." "While Our Lord was falsely accused and attacked by 'chief priests and scribes' for actions he never committed, Father Tetherow was persecuted by crackpots, hacks, and cowards with their own political agendas," Romeo wrote. Romeo wrote he's never seen Tetherow act in an inappropriate manner. Tetherow heard confessions while in the Scranton diocese, Romeo wrote. One, he wrote, would change the priest's life forever. "Father Tetherow could exonerate himself and fill in the missing pieces, but then he would have to violate the seal of the confessional," Romeo wrote. "Instead, we wait patiently, praying that the actual party will step forward and clear our priest's good name." The grand jury report was 'misleading and distorted the record' Pope Francis dismissed Tetherow from the clerical state on Jan. 23, 2015. It's unclear why. The Vatican did not respond to an inquiry about why it took almost 10 years from the time of his conviction to laicize him. In August, Tetherow was publicly named in the grand jury report. The document included his response to the investigation. In an interview, Marc Semke, Tetherow's attorney, said his client felt compelled to respond because he believed the report was "misleading and distorted the record." "Father Tetherow believed the report gave the false impression he was convicted of child pornography," Semke said. "As the record, however, demonstrated, he pled guilty to one count of misuse of a communication device and all other counts, including all child pornography counts, were dismissed." Tetherow feels that he's always been open and honest with the congregation regarding the charges, Semke said. But Tetherow's recollection of his prosecution isn't easy to follow. Semke said there was pornography on the church computer but that his client did not specifically remember seeing child pornography. But he was shown there were two pictures of children on his computer through the court process. Tetherow believes that his attorney at the time "indicated to the court that the basis for the plea was he viewed images he should not have," Semke said. "If he knew the factual basis was possession of child pornography, he would not have pled guilty," Semke said. Detective Sgt. Ken Lenning, the lead investigator for the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department, said Tetherow, after initially not telling the truth, was cooperative with the investigation and took responsibility for his actions. "He's definitely downplaying things," Lenning said. "He's supposed to be this truthful person that people look up to, you know? And that's not good. That's not what I look at as a priest or pastor or someone I would go to for guidance." Outside St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in September, Tetherow spoke with reporters for almost two hours but refused multiple times to talk on the record. In a Facebook post, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church later wrote "it has been called to our attention that a pestiferous reporter has been spamming individuals who are liking our page." "It's not the first time the dubious media has tried to attack the reputation of certain clergy and the 'independent of any diocese' status of St. Michael's," the post said. "Even at the local level, media is more interested in scandalizing than reporting fairly." 'HE'S FREE TO DO WHATEVER HE WANTS TO DO WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE LAW' Under the plea agreement, Tetherow wasn't convicted of a crime that resulted in him having to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law. He's no longer on probation. He can do what he wants, where he wants, without having to report to authorities. In an email, Sgt. James Thomas, the officer-in-charge at the Lower Windsor Township Police Department, said he's aware of no problems at the church. "The simple reality is, if he's not committing any crimes, then he's free to do whatever he wants to do within the confines of the law," York County District Attorney Dave Sunday said. St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church is part of the Guild of St. Peter ad Vincula, a loose affiliation of independent priests based in Ohio, providing support to traditional Catholics, said Father Bernard Hall, dean of the guild. The guild, he said, has no authority over the priests or churches that are part of it. He said he's "been aware of accusations made against" Tetherow for many years but was led to believe it was a set-up because he's a traditional priest and could be targeted. Tetherow described himself as a "neophyte" and stated that he didn't understand the meaning of the word "download" as it related to the child pornography, Hall said. Hall was not aware that Tetherow told police in 2005 that he masturbated to the images of child pornography found on a computer at a Scranton diocese church. "Yuck, yuck," Hall said. "Why would he ever admit to doing that? It's a private act." But Hall also questioned whether Tetherow had broken the law. For example, Hall said, if Tetherow just viewed it after someone else downloaded it, "and he said, 'Well, that was kinky,' and he had a private moment." Whatever happened back then, Hall said, Tetherow has been operating in two parishes in Pennsylvania, the one in Lower Windsor Township and one in Chester County, with "no complaints from the children in the parish, the families in the parish." Parishioners trust Tetherow and go to his church "to some extent at their own risk, and they all are quite aware of what Father Tetherow's history is as far as his brush with the law," Hall said. He gave no indication that he would break off Tetherow's association with the guild, providing no new accusations come to light. "The kind of work he's been doing in these parishes since, is sterling work," Hall said. "He does a lot of very, very good work. He does so much good that I would hate to see his name being put up on an article or anywhere else, on the internet or whatever." Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, who previously served as the vicar for priests in Scranton, doesn't buy Tetherow's explanation about not being able to break the seal of the confessional, saying it "doesn't even connect the dots." "That's a crock," Kopacz said. "But that's like, really, he's scrambling for some kind of credible story here." "He was found with the pornography. It was not planted on his computer." But once a priest is laicized, Kopacz said, he's fired. There's nothing that a bishop or diocese can do -- besides make a public announcement. "He plea-bargained," Kopacz said, "and then he reinvented himself." What to Know Students in NJ school district were forced to stay overnight after the season's first snowstorm plagued roads around the Garden State Buses and parents were unable to get to students and children in West Orange Staffers at the middle school tweeted out photos of students playing games, eating dinner, sleeping on gym mats and watching movies New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he has called for a thorough review of storm management in his state and understands the frustration of parents, students and commuters trapped in the throes of Thursday's snow chaos. Pausing to slam the Port Authority for its handling of the Manhattan bus terminal madness during the fray, Murphy said Friday the disaster -- one that saw 13-hour commutes and students sleeping in schools overnight -- was bad luck. "Unfortunately, the worst of the storm coincided with the early dismissals of schools and work places, meaning just when we needed our road crews out there most they were competing with folks understandably trying to get home as well," Murphy said, echoing similar comments made by Mayor de Blasio in New York City. "On top of that, the worsening conditions and multiple accidents further impacted our efforts." Also as in New York, the Department of Transportation said the problem was compounded when their plows couldn't clear the roads, because by the time they got there, it was too congested. The governor said there had been just shy of 1,000 accidents reported statewide as of Friday morning, including one fatality involving a car vs. train on tracks. At one point, Newark was virtually unreachable by car, with icy conditions shutting down major arteries through the city. Murphy, a Democrat, said "lousy" forecasts were partly to blame. He took a pounding on social media from people complaining about his handling of the storm, including one of his highest-profile constituents. Former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, tweeted at Murphy that it took him nearly six hours to travel roughly 30 miles. Murphy didn't respond directly to his predecessor. Gary Szatkowski, former chief meteorologist for the National Weather Service in New Jersey, said on Twitter that it was the state's poorly executed snow removal plan, not meteorologists, who screwed up. "They were planning to clean up while freezing rain/sleet were pouring down out of the sky. That's not a plan; that's a recipe for disaster," he tweeted. Mass transit and the evening commute got so bad during Thursdays storm that students in one district were forced to spend the night at school, with little hope of getting home until after sunrise. Kids at several West Orange schools, including Liberty Middle School and West Orange High School, were trapped because buses and their parents couldnt get to them during the historic storm. Staffers at the middle school tweeted out photos of students playing games, eating dinner, sleeping on gym mats and watching movies as they awaited their parents and guardians to pick them up, more than 12 hours after the final bell. "They put us in the cafeteria and gave us mattresses to sleep on," said student Maya Robinson. But things were more grim at the high school, where one parent sent News 4 photos of kids sleeping on top of cafeteria tables covered in what appeared to be tarps or emergency blankets. One man who lives in West Orange told News 4 about his 13-hour evening commute that ended Friday morning. If I could sum it all up in one word I will say treacherous, it was very treacherous, Glen Collins said as he was picking up his son at West Orange High School around 5:30 a.m. Friday. The school district said it will review what happened and pass its findings to the Board of Education at its next meeting. Stanley Nowak, a plumber from Colonia, never made it home from work Thursday night. He and his co-worker were forced to stay in a hotel after a treacherous drive in Essex County. "It was like a sheet of ice, everyone tried to come and just got worse and worse," he said. "People rolling down the hill hitting each other." They spent 14 and a half hours sitting in a truck before detouring to a hotel. "When I got out, I couldn't stand because I was sitting for 14 and a half hours," said Nowak. He added, "The saddest part was seeing little kids walking through the snow up the hill because they had to get home and abandoned their car." Murphy admitted the state could have done better but didn't apologize. Intead, he promised, "By the time the next storm is here, we'll be making different decisions and delivering the service everyone expects of us." Three people remained missing and 15 people were rescued off a fishing boat that caught fire about 28 miles south of Point Loma on Saturday night, including two who were badly burned, officials said. The survivors were rescued by crews from a nearby fishing boat, including the two burn victims. Three other people are still missing, the survivors told rescuers. Mike Koesterer was on a family fishing trip aboard his boat, the Time Machine, when he saw an orange flash through his binoculars. After he spotted smoke, he immediately called the Coast Guard around 9:35 p.m. At first, Koesterer thought it may be a training exercise, but the Coast Guard assured it wasn't. Thats when he sped his boat as fast as it could go, roughly 28 miles per hour, to the burning ship. We set our motors in neutral, so we could hear. We were close to the burning vessel, and then we began to hear people start screaming, Koesterer said. They arrived about 25 minutes after the boat caught fire, he told NBC 7. In the darkness, it was hard to spot the overboard passengers, Koesterer said. Even with a spotlight, we couldnt see them a hundred feet away. We could just hear them. The smoke from the burning boat and the night skies left little visibility for rescue efforts, said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Adam Scalesse. Koesterer quickly told his son, Reeve, to jump in and start bringing people to the boat. Hes a water man. Hes been in the water since he was 5. Started him young, its where he lives, he said about his 19-year-old son. Thats his passion to be in the water. When we got there, he didnt hesitate he went right in at night. Reeve pulled four people up onto the boat. They were close together, according to Reeve. The remaining people were more than 100 feet apart and had to be driven to separately and pulled up with life rings, Reeve said. Those aboard the Time Machine could see the severity of the injuries right away. Their hair was burned off. Their top layers of skin were burned off, Koesterer told NBC 7. It was hard to deal with that and very painful for them. Koesterer called the teamwork between is family and the Coast Guard unbelievable perfect. The Coast Guard responded with a 45-foot Response Boat and a helicopter while Mexico's Secretaria de Marina (SEMAR) also responded with two defender boats to assist. Its not always that we coordinate with so many different agencies. A lot of times around here, its nice that we have so many people around for a Good Samaritan type of rescue, Scalesse said. The Coast Guard's helicopter airlifted the burn victims to UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest. The victims suffered burns to most of their body and are in critical condition, officials said. The 13 survivors were transferred from the Time Machine to a SEMAR boat and taken to Ensenada, Mexico, according to the Coast Guards SEMAR has resumed the search for three missing people with the Coast Guard's assistance. Witness accounts and graphic photos of a Navy SEAL out of control while deployed to Iraq, U.S. Navy prosecutors said in military court at Naval Base San Diego. Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher arrived at court Wednesday in his uniform and handcuffs. U.S. Navy prosecutors accuse Gallagher of premeditated murder for the stabbing death of an injured ISIS fighter who they estimate was about 15 years old. The stabbing happened in Mosul, Iraq in May 2017. Gallagher is also charged with aggravated assault for shooting Iraqi civilians. Prosecutors want those charges increased to attempted murder. On Wednesday, the Navy outlined its evidence including cell phone photos that show Gallagher holding the severed head of the fighter during a reenlistment ceremony. That evidence is considered privileged and was not shown in court because it could be used as propaganda by enemies of US troops. The government also said it had a video of the Iraqi fighter before he was killed. An NCIS investigator testified about interviews with witnesses to the alleged stabbing death and other possible crimes. Gallagher's private defense attorney questioned conflicts in dates and testimony in court and Asked if investigators were able to determine if the ISIS fighter could have died from injuries suffered in an airstrike. The defense says Gallagher was turned in by his subordinates because he was too tough on them. Gallagher was arrested on Sept. 11 at the Camp Pendleton Intrepid Spirit Center. He is also accused of encouraging members of his platoon to stay quiet about what happened in Iraq, the Navy Times' Carl Prine reported. Those conversations allegedly took place in and around San Diego between April and September when he was arrested, he reports. Prine reports the NCIS investigation targets several SEALs who deployed to Iraq between 2017 and early 2018 as well as senior enlisted and commissioned leaders in Naval Special Warfare Group 1. The Navy SEALs Fund Brotherhood Beyond Battlefield has launched a fundraising campaign for Gallagher who served eight tours of duty with six as an elite special forces operator. Gallagher has served 19 years in the U.S. Navy and more than 14 years as a Navy SEAL, his attorney said. In 2017, Gallagher was ranked as the top SEAL chief and his platoon was ranked as the top SEAL platoon, the website said. It's not even Thanksgiving and D.C. is already embracing winter... maybe reluctantly after Friday's intense snow. But this weekend you'll find the National Gallery ice rink open, winter lights, National Habor's ICE! and many other events are kicking off the holiday season. Also check out: Free and cheap things to do in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Great music coming to D.C.: DC's Best Upcoming Concerts: Diana Ross, Beck u0026 More Here are our top picks for your weekend: Winter Wonderland ICE! featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas Through Jan. 1, National Harbor National Harbor's wintertime wonderland is taking inspiration from Charlie Brown this year. Bundle up and check out colorful ice sculptures, ice slides, walk-through attractions and a full Nativity scene. Tickets are discounted when you buy in advance online. On Value Days, including Friday, Nov. 16, tickets start at $32 for adults. On General Admission days, including most Saturdays and Sundays, tickets are $38 for those over 12 and $31 for kids over 4 years old. Stunning ice sculptures will transform into Charlie Brown and the gang at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, this holiday season. This year's theme, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," will feature scenes from the iconic Christmas special. ICE! will be open Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2019. LightUP Fest at One Loudoun Through Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., One Loudoun Center in Ashburn, Virginia The One Loudon Center went all-out this year, bringing in more than a million lights building a Chinese-style pagoda, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. You'll find 77 different installations, as well as performances each night from acrobats, dancers and musicians, food available for purchase and hands-on activities including calligraphy, portrait sketching and rice carving for all ages. Photos: LightUP Fest Brings 1 Million Lights to Loudoun County Winter Igloos at The Watergate Throughout winter, 4 p.m.to 11 p.m., The Watergate Hotel Reserve a cozy igloo on the rooftop of the hotel to hang outside with your friends over food and drink. You'll Melt for The Watergate's Cozy Rooftop Igloos Ice Skating Many rinks across the area are letting skaters lace up. Here's a full list. Note: Due to rough weather, the National Gallery of Art ice rink will open on Monday, Nov. 19. Weekend Events DC Cocktail Week Through Sunday, various restaurants and bars Dozens of D.C. restaurants are offering specials on a paired cocktail and snack. Doi Moi has a Thai tea and ginger beer-based drink paired with a Laotian-style pork belly dish for $15; Whaley's has three options, including one with dessert, starting at $10 and if you're near National Harbor, Jose Andres' FISH is serving a margarita with a shrimp cocktail for $30. Hopi Tribal Festival Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian The Hopi Tribe from northeast Arizona will be honored through an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. Dance performances, demonstrations of silversmithing, carving and weaving and a number of historical talks are scheduled. For the kids, there are crafts and storybook readings. Rodarte Exhibit Through Feb. 10, National Museum of Women in the Arts The work of sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy within their luxury fashion house Rodarte is on display. The exhibit showcases more than 90 looks in runway-ready presentation. Tickets to the NMWA are $10 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Teens and kids 18 and under can enter for free. Nature's Best Photography Through September, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour five continents of wild animals and scenes on the second floor of the Natural History Museum. This year's can't-miss winning shot from Nelis Wolmarans captures a mother gorilla holding a baby as she sleeps. World Press Photo Exhibition 2018 Through Nov. 25, 2018, Dupont Underground Catch some of the best photos taken over the last year in large format and projected versions in Dupont Circle's unique underground venue. ARTECHOUSE New Nature by Marpi Ticketed Daily through Jan. 13, 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. The interactive art space's newest exhibit takes you outside. Timed tickets cost $15 for adults. Artechouse's 'New Nature' Exhibit in DC Gives a High-Tech Look at the Outdoors Your Friday Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop Friday, 7:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center Vikki Tobak joins a panel and special guests to discuss her new book, which explores the history of hip-hop through photos. Scheduled guests include Chuck D, DJ Adrian Loving, Ernie Paniccioli, Janette Beckman, Danny Hastings, Fab 5 Freddy, Barron Claiborne and Rhea L. Combs. Tickets are $35. The Dollop podcast Friday, Nov. 16, The Lincoln Theatre The Dollop dives into a unique aspect of American history on every episode. Hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds are in D.C. for a live taping; tickets start at $35. Your Saturday "Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama" Saturday, Capital One Arena Tickets for Michelle Obama's stop to promote her book "Becoming" in D.C. have long been sold out, marking the huge buzz the former first lady's U.S. tour is getting. National Take a Hike Day Saturday Take some time to revisit your favorite local hike, or check the weather and strike out to Old Rag. Just be sure to check the forecast and with the park authority to make sure it's safe after Thursday's snow. We have some tips for a successful Old Rag hike: Do's and Don'ts: Hiking Old Rag Trail in Shenandoah National Park Your Sunday Strangers On A Brunch- Hitchcock Brunch Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Slash Run Nothing pairs better with brunch than a classic Alfred Hitchcock film. A judge ordered a suspected white nationalist from Washington, D.C., held in jail on federal firearms charges, telling him, "Seems like you were planning something." Jeffrey Clark Jr. pleaded not guilty Friday afternoon. An FBI affidavit says Clark admitted he was a member of white nationalist groups and told investigators he had contact with the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooter on social media, praising him as a hero. The affidavit says Clark connected with Robert Bowers on Gab, a social networking site. According to the affidavit, Clark openly discussed killing people of the Jewish faith, as well as African Americans. The affidavit said Clark spoke about Bowers, claiming the synagogue shootings were justified, because a same-sex Jewish couple was having an adopted baby circumcised that week. Clark's family took his guns and turned him in to authorities, the FBI said. Clark's attorneys said his posts are First Amendment free speech and he has never before been in legal trouble. They asked for him to be released into the care of his father Friday, but prosecutors called him a danger, referring to him as a bomb. When the judge asked if Clark's father was the person who turned him in, prosecutors said no. Federal agents said they found threatening messages by Clark on social media, including one calling the October mailed pipe bombs case a "dry run." Agents said they found body armor, helmets, hollow-point ammunition, a Nazi flag, a noose and a drawing of an individual pointing a rifle at a male figure wearing a yarmulke several items in Clarks home after his arrest. Body Armor, Ammo, Nazi Flag Found in DC Home of Suspected White Nationalist' According to court filings, federal agents investigated Clark and his brother Edward in early November after receiving a tip the two had been heavily involved in the white nationalist movement. According to prosecutors, Clark stated that he and his younger brother Edward started to get into firearms following the 2016 election because they believed there was going to be a civil war. Clarks brother committed suicide in D.C. on the same day of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, court filings say. Clark faces 11 years in prison if convicted. The chief of Prince Georges County Public Schools apologized to parents and families in a letter Thursday night, after the school district faced criticism for not closing amid icy and snowy weather. Responding to safety concerns from PGCPS parents, Monica Goldson, the interim CEO of Prince Georges County Public Schools, said the decision to keep schools open came after staff surveyed roads, sidewalks and school parking lots and consulted with the county government. "The weather forecast mainly predicted only rain for our region. With the information I had at that time, I made the decision to remain open. Our first buses hit the roads at 6 a.m. and the only precipitation reported was rain," Golson wrote in the letter. The Pat Collins Spring Snow Stick Challenge Is On! Thursday featured a wintry mix of snow, sleet and ice rain across the D.C. metro area, with some areas north of Washington receiving anywhere from two to 8 inches of snow. Prince Georges County experienced 2 inches or less of snow, and freezing rain, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said. Golson said she miscalculated the risk after the forecast changed and snowflakes started to collect. She confirmed that no bus accidents were reported, but her staff received multiple complaints from parents and other staff members. PGCPS later canceled all afterschool and evening activities due to inclement weather. Weather decisions are never easy. However, I will commit to erring on the side of caution for weather decisions moving forward, Golson said. Social media lit up on Thursday after the PGCPS Twitter account announced at 6 a.m. that schools would be open normally. You can close schools for heat, wind, but not because itll be sleeting all day....PGCPS youll be hearing from my lawyers after you pay for my hospital bill pic.twitter.com/89HUcgbaY2 - (@jmelomanie) November 15, 2018 Fairfax and Montgomery school districts both closed because of the weather, while D.C. Public Schools stayed open. A Catholic school that has educated children in Prince George's County, Maryland, for more than 60 years may have to close its doors if it does not overcome a six-figure deficit. Holy Family Catholic School in Hillcrest Heights needs $200,000 by February to stay open. "I'll be heartbroken. This school has really helped me academically and spiritually so I would hate for this school to close down," student Logan O'Neal said. Parents are scrambling to raise money for the school. "There has been plenty of sleepless nights trying to figure out what are we going to do because we're at the point now that if we don't have this money by February the 15th, we need to start looking at alternative schools for our children," parent Tasheika Wester told News4. About 130 students attend the school that serves grades pre-K through eighth. A decline in enrollment and in members at the Holy Family Parish have contributed to the deficit. "It's put us in a situation where we've been able to support the school for a number of years, but now we're in this place where that savings we had is gone and so we have to try to generate new income to try to keep the school open," said Rev. Matt Fish, pastor for Holy Family. "I want to see my daughter to graduate from here in the eighth grade and she's only in the first grade," Wester said. A GoFundMe page has raised nearly $9,000 so far for the school. If the school doesn't reach its fund-raising goal, the school will close in the spring at the end of the school year. An African-American woman says the owner of a Virginia Dunkin' Donuts kicked her out of the store and called police when she accused the owner of racially profiling her. Tirza Wilbon White said she was at a Dunkin' Donuts in Fairfax using the free Wi-Fi when a white woman who identified herself as the owner of the store told her and another person of color they would have to buy something if they wanted to stay. "I was dressed in a hoodie, yoga pants, no makeup," White said. "I felt racially profiled." White then started recording video of her encounter with the owner. "I need to ensure safety to my customers and I'm not saying that you're a problem, but I've had problems in the past," the owner can be heard saying in the video. "I hadn't commited a crime. I wasn't yelling. I wasn't disruptive. I wasn't rude," White told News4. As the confrontation escalated, White accused the owner of singling her out because of her race. "Don't get into racial profiling. You can leave my location. I find that offensive," the woman says in the video. The owner then called the police. When White asks the officer why she has to leave he says, "because she wants you to." A spokesperson for Dunkin' Donuts Corporate told News4 the company apologized to White for the incident. "We and our franchisees want every customer who walks into a Dunkin' restaurant to be treated with dignity and respect. This did not happen in a situation at a restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. We have apologized to the customer, but we know that is not enough," read the statement. News4's Mark Segraves went to the same restaurant on Thursday and sat in the store for more than 20 minutes using the Wi-Fi without being asked to leave. An employee at the store told Segraves he was not required to buy anything. However, a new sign in the store says that customers are required to buy something to sit inside. News4 has reached out to the store's owner for a response, but has not yet heard back. Democrat Stacey Abrams ended 10 days of post-election drama in Georgia's closely watched and even more closely contested race for governor Friday, acknowledging Republican Brian Kemp as the victor while defiantly refusing to concede to the man she blamed for "gross mismanagement" of a bitterly fought election. The speech Abrams delivered at her campaign headquarters Friday evening marked the close of the 44-year-old attorney and former lawmaker's unsuccessful attempt to make history as America's first black woman governor. Since Election Day her campaign fought on, insisting efforts to suppress turnout had left thousands of ballots uncounted that otherwise could erode Kemp's lead and force a runoff election. Kemp, the 55-year-old businessman who oversaw the election as Georgia's secretary of state, will keep the governor's office in GOP hands as the state's third Republican governor since Reconstruction. He responded to Abrams ending her campaign by calling for unity and praising his opponent's "passion, hard work, and commitment to public service." The kind words came just days after Kemp's campaign spokesman derided Abrams' efforts to have contested ballots counted as a "disgrace to democracy." Abrams made no such retreat from her criticisms of Kemp, saying she refused "to say nice things and accept my fate." Instead, she announced plans to file a federal lawsuit to challenge the way Georgia's elections are run. She accused Kemp of using the secretary of state's office to aggressively purge the rolls of inactive voters, enforce an "exact match" policy for checking voters' identities that left thousands of registrations in limbo and other measures to tile the outcome in his favor. "Let's be clear: This is not a speech of concession," Abrams said. "Because concession means to acknowledge an action is right, true or proper. As a woman of conscience and faith, I cannot concede that." The race grabbed the attention of the nation, with Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey campaigning for Abrams in the final days and President Donald Trump holding a rally for Kemp. Unofficial returns showed Kemp ahead by roughly 60,000 votes out of nearly 4 million cast on Nov. 6. Kemp declared himself governor-elect the next day and stepped down as Georgia's secretary of state, though thousands of absentee and provisional ballots remained uncounted. Abrams, meanwhile, sent volunteers across the state in search of voters whose ballots were rejected. She filed suit in federal court to force county elections boards to count absentee ballots with incorrect birthdates. Her campaign even planned for possible litigation to challenge the election's certified outcome. Abrams didn't take that route. She said she had concluded "the law currently allows no further viable remedy." Instead, she said she would fight to restore integrity to Georgia's election system in a new initiative called Fair Fight Georgia. "In the coming days, we will be filing a major federal lawsuit against the state of Georgia for the gross mismanagement of this election and to protect future elections from unconstitutional actions," Abrams said, though she gave no details. Kemp tried to move past the contentious campaign even if his opponent wasn't willing. "The election is over and hardworking Georgians are ready to move forward," he said. "We can no longer dwell on the divisive politics of the past but must focus on Georgia's bright and promising future." Kemp had been secretary of state since 2010. He was backed by and had embraced Trump as he tried to maintain GOP dominance in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the governor's mansion since 1998. Trump praised the Democrat in lauding Kemp's victory, tweeting: "Congratulations to Brian Kemp on becoming the new Governor of Georgia. Stacey Abrams fought brilliantly and hard -- she will have a terrific political future! Brian was unrelenting and will become a great Governor for the truly Wonderful People of Georgia!" Kemp stormed to the GOP nomination with ads featuring everything from the candidate cranking a chain saw and jokingly pointing a gun toward a teen male suitor of his daughter, to Kemp's offer to "round up criminal illegals" himself in his pickup truck. He's promised a tax cut and teacher pay raises and pledged to continue Georgia's refusal to expand Medicaid insurance under President Barack Obama's 2010 health care overhaul. Abrams' campaign sparked huge energy across the state and she became a national Democratic star. Election turnout among both sides' energized bases nearly equaled that of the 2016 presidential vote. Aides close to Abrams said that since the election she had been wrestling with competing priorities: She wanted to advance her assertions that Georgia's elections process which Kemp managed as secretary of state makes it too hard for some citizens to vote. But she also recognized that a protracted legal fight would harm that cause and potentially her political future. Kemp's victory is an important marker for Republicans ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Kemp's narrow margin already suggests that Georgia, a state Trump won by 5 percentage points in 2016, could be a genuine battleground in two years. Trump bet big on Kemp, endorsing him ahead of Kemp's Republican primary runoff and campaigning for him the weekend prior to the Nov. 6 election. Now, Trump will be able to return with an incumbent governor as he seeks a second term. Abrams' political future is less certain. She made believers of old-guard Democrats in Georgia who didn't think a black woman could compete in a general election, and she emerged as the party's clear leader. But the party also has plenty of other ambitious politicians who will want to take advantage of the path that Abrams' has charted. The next big shot for Democrats is a 2020 Senate race, with Republican Sen. David Perdue making his first re-election attempt. What to Know Broward election officials said they uploaded their results 2 minutes past Floridas deadline Thursday and the state is not using them. Volunteers gathered around folding tables Friday to begin a painstaking hand recount in Florida's acrimonious U.S. Senate contest, with a goal of determining the intent of about 93,000 voters whose ballots for Republican Gov. Rick Scott or Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson could not be counted by machine. The hand recount is required by state law whenever candidates are separated by 0.25 percentage points or less. Unofficial results showed Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points, or fewer than 13,000 votes out of more than 8 million cast. In Broward County, officials relied on a color-coded system to tally some of the last ballots by hand. Ballots with clear votes for Republican Gov. Rick Scott went into a bin with a red tag. Clear votes for Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson went into one with a blue tag. Blank ballots went into a bin with a yellow tag. Anything that needed further examination by the canvassing board was dropped into one with a green tag. Dozens of volunteers sitting behind the bins stacked on folding tables in a Broward County warehouse cheered loudly when they finished their hand recount Friday morning. Results were not immediately announced. At the election supervisor's office in Tampa, volunteers were joined by observers from both political parties at 12 tables as the recount started. The ballots were in a locked wire basket on a rolling cart when they were delivered to the room. An elections office employee cut the lock off the basket, and the ballots were distributed to the tables, where teams of two volunteers examined each one. The hand recount does not review all votes. It involves ballots that were not recorded by voting machines because voters cast either two votes for one race, which is called an overvote, or appeared to choose no candidate, which is an undervote. The idea is to figure out a voter's intent. Broward County which experienced numerous problems throughout the election had the most overvotes and undervotes of any Florida county almost 31,000. At a Broward warehouse, dozens of volunteers sitting at folding tables cheered loudly when they were told they had finished the recount Friday morning and could go home for the day. Results were not immediately announced. Broward election officials said they uploaded their results two minutes past Floridas 3 p.m. deadline Thursday and the state is not using the recount results. Instead, state officials are using the first unofficial results that were submitted last Saturday for any county that did not turn in their results on time. Elections official Joe DAlessandro told the canvassing board the delay was due to his "unfamiliarity with the website" used to upload the results. The contest for governor appeared all but over Thursday, with a machine recount showing Republican DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Democrat Andrew Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race, which had a margin of 0.41 percent. Gillum, who conceded on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that "it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted." The overall recount has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida could not finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline because of machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. "We gave a heroic effort," said Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Broward County missed the deadline to submit its machine recount results by two minutes, but it finished its manual recount in just a few hours, which Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes attributed to the large number of volunteers assembled for the task. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. It's time for Nelson "to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served," the governor's statement said. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelson's campaign. But he said he expects it to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. Two election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee. The situation drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. "We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this," Walker said at a hearing Thursday. Incoming Florida Senate President Bill Galvano said Friday that lawmakers will discuss changes to the state's election laws. By the next election cycle, he said, "voters are going to want to have more in terms of assurance that their votes are going to be properly counted." Late Thursday, Walker rejected a challenge by Nelson and Democrats to the rules of the hand recount in the Senate race. Walker found the state's rules were reasonable and constitutional. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they haven't been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans challenged this order and were turned down by an appeals court. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mail-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will now be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. President Donald Trump says he "very easily" answered written questions from special counsel Robert Mueller, though he speculated that the questions had been "tricked up" to try to catch him in a lie. He said he hadn't submitted his answers to investigators yet. "You have to always be careful when you answer questions with people that probably have bad intentions," Trump told reporters Friday in his latest swipe at the probe into 2016 election interference and possible ties between Moscow and the president's campaign. The president did not say when he would turn over the answers to Mueller, but his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, indicated it could happen next week. The special counsel has signaled a willingness to accept written answers on matters related to collusion with Russia. But Giuliani has said repeatedly the president would not answer Mueller's questions on possible obstruction of justice. During months of back-and-forth negotiations with the special counsel office, Trump's lawyers have repeatedly counseled the president against sitting down for an in-person interview. Trump's written response, though not yet delivered, signals a new phase in the Mueller probe, the year-and-a-half-long investigation that has produced guilty pleas and convictions from several top Trump aides even as the special counsel and the White House have engaged in lengthy negotiations about how or if the president would testify. Though he spent hours with his attorneys, Trump insisted: "My lawyers don't write answers, I write answers." The president's remarks were fresh evidence of his return to the ominous rhythms of the Russia probe after spending heady weeks enjoying adulation-soaked campaign rallies before the midterm elections. Despite Trump's insistence Friday that he's "very happy" with how things are going, his frustrations with the ongoing probe have been evident everywhere from his overheated Twitter feed this week to his private grousing that the special counsel may target his family. Adding to his grim outlook has been the barrage of criticism he's getting over his choice for acting attorney general and late-arriving election results that have largely been tipping toward House Democrats. "The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess," Trump tweeted Thursday as part of a series of morning posts. The investigators don't care "how many lives they can ruin," he wrote. A day later, he tried to put a rosier shine on the situation, telling reporters: "I'm sure it will be just fine." The president continued to maintain his innocence while launching new broadsides at the probe. He denied being "agitated" despite his outbursts the day before. After a relative lull in the run-up to the midterms, the Russia probe has returned to the forefront of Washington conversation and cable news chyrons. There has been widespread media coverage of two Trump allies Roger Stone and Jerome Corsi who say they expect to be charged. The president has expressed concerns behind closed doors that Mueller is closing in on his inner circle, including potentially his eldest son. For months, Trump has told confidants he fears that Donald Trump Jr., perhaps inadvertently, broke the law by being untruthful with investigators in the aftermath of a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer, according to one Republican close to the White House. Trump has also complained about efforts in the Senate by his longtime foe, Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, to introduce legislation to protect the special counsel, according to the officials and Republicans. Additionally, Trump has told confidants in recent days that he is deeply frustrated by widespread criticism of his choice of Matthew Whitaker for acting attorney general, according to four officials and Republicans close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity. Whitaker has been a vocal opponent of the special counsel probe. One argument against Whitaker was that he has not been confirmed by Senate. Trump, in turn, contended that the criticism was unfair since Mueller also was not confirmed for his post. The special counsel position does not require confirmation, and the former FBI director was confirmed for that previous job. The president also took note of news coverage of his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, arriving in Washington this week, potentially to meet with Mueller's investigators. Cohen has pleaded guilty to a series of crimes and has said under oath that Trump ordered him to make hush-money payments to cover up an affair. He has undertaken an unlikely public relations tour as he looks to make a deal to reduce his prison sentence. The renewed focus on the looming threat from Mueller comes as Trump settles back into the day-to-day routines of governing after the whirlwind campaign in which he spent weeks in front of adoring rally crowds while whipping up his base with harsh rhetoric about migrants moving through Mexico. He faced criticism from both sides of the aisle for his weekend trip to Paris, during which he scuttled a visit to a World War I ceremony due to bad weather and further strained ties with traditional Western allies. On other topics: Despite his insistence that Americans no longer have to fear North Korea's nuclear program, news of Pyongyang's persistent weapons program made headlines this week. And the White House is hurriedly stepping up efforts to prepare for a series of investigations certain to be launched by Democrats once they take control of the House in January. Even as Trump mused in the West Wing about making staffing changes, he pushed back against media coverage of his recent setbacks. "The White House is running very smoothly and the results for our Nation are obviously very good," Trump tweeted. "We are the envy of the world. But anytime I even think about making changes, the FAKE NEWS MEDIA goes crazy, always seeking to make us look as bad as possible! Very dishonest!" A man considered a suspect in connection with spray-painted swastikas found at a New Hampshire park gazebo and on a car has turned himself in to police. Manchester police had issued a warrant for 19-year-old Jamal Gray, of Manchester. They said Gray turned himself in to police headquarters on Friday afternoon. It wasn't immediately known if he had a lawyer. Police said the swastikas were found late last month. There also were other reports of graffiti spray-painted on a door and other vehicles. Police said at Wagner Park, trash cans were overturned and random lines of spray paint were in several areas, including a painted swastika on the floor of the gazebo. The symbol was washed away. On Veterans Day, community members held a candlelight vigil at the park. A former Connecticut College employee who was accused of embezzling more than $170,000 from the school has pleaded guilty. Michael Kmec, 40, of Marlborough, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Wednesday in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud related to an embezzlement scheme, according to the office of John Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kmec began working at Connecticut College in New London in 2006 and he was promoted in 2014 to director of auxiliary services of the college, overseeing the print shop, bookstore, vending machines, transportation, laundry services and residence halls as well as the Camel Card program, which is an identification and debit card used at the college, according to federal officials. They said Kmecs responsibilities also included overseeing approval of third-party reimbursements for services to the college. From 2014 until he was fired in April 2018, Kmec is accused of stealing $173,010 by receiving funds from the college through fraudulent billing, diverting checks to the college to a bank account he controlled, diverting money from the Camel Card program to bank accounts he controlled, misappropriating a college laptop and fraudulently depositing more than 80 reimbursement checks that a contractor for the college had issued to Connecticut College students into a bank account he controlled. Kmec is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12. Massachusetts could be just days away from the first pot shop opening up in the Commonwealth. Cultivate, a medical dispensary in Leicester, is waiting on one final green light to start selling to adults 21 and older. Mike Lazar, a staff member at Cultivate, explained some of the basics of cannabis that are seemingly foreign and intimidating to many potential consumers. Lazar said there are three main strains known as sativa, indica, and hybrid. And from those three strains, there are dozens of varieties with a host of names like Banana OG, Violeta, and Skywalk. Each variety offers different effects. "Sativas are those energizing, buzzy, racy, motivating strains. Indicas are in the couch strain, the full body relaxation," explained Lazar. "And hybrids somewhere in between." Consumers can buy flower to smoke or concentrate to vape. "Once you smoke, it will take about 3 to 5 minutes to affect you," said Lazar. He said there are also edibles, like brownies or cookies, that seem easiest to try. Lazar warns, however, that you won't feel anything for up to an hour and a half, leading many to consume more. "What happens is THC will lower your blood pressure -- what happens at that point, your body thinks your blood sugar is lowered as well, so your palms will start to sweat, your heart will race, you'll start thinking something is wrong and nothing is wrong," he said. "It's just your body telling you, you took too much." Lazar said consumers should arrive at dispensaries with questions, cash, and a photo identification and know the rules so they can enjoy with caution. Maine State Police say they helped corral a rather "unruly" pig on the run along Interstate 95. State police say in a Facebook post they were alerted to the "uncooperative" pig along the interstate in Palmyra on Wednesday. Police say the pig was spotted several times over the past week but had managed to elude capture. Authorities say Cpt. Rick Moody and Trooper Jeremy Caron moved the pig off the highway with the help of a town animal control officer. When asked if police read the pig its Miranda rights, police jokingly responded, "he waived the right to remain silent." No injuries were reported. The Diocese of East Anglia has an exciting opportunity for a Safeguarding Officer to join our diocesan team on a part-time basis. The Diocese of East Anglia has an exciting opportunity for a Safeguarding Officer to join our diocesan team on a part-time basis. Women's Specialist Practitioner vacancy The Magdalene Group has been supporting women, who experience sexual exploitation and coercion, for over 25 years; we have a track record of building trusted relationships with some of the most marginalised women in society. Read more Carols and prayer at historic Walsingham bakery A Walsingham couple are hosting a carol concert and charismatic prayer meeting in their historic home, with a few places left for others to join them. Read more Ashill actors create full immersion Christmas experience The Fountain of Life Church in Ashill is bringing Christmas alive with an all-senses journey through the Christmas story. Read more 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 Full house for Great Yarmouths Remembrance Festival 2018: Organisers of the Great Yarmouth civic Festival of Remembrance say they are delighted with the success of the event at the towns Hippodrome Circus on Armistice Day. The event saw thousands of poppies coming down from the ceiling during the two-minute silence, pictured above. It attracted an almost full house and warm praise from both the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and the former head of the Army, General Lord Dannatt. The Festival, which began at St.Georges theatre in 2014 to mark the centenary of the start of World War 1, was staged at the Hippodrome for the first time to commemorate the Armistice. It had a cast of around 70, almost all of whom were young people including the Orchestrate! Project youth orchestra and Norwich Young Voices choir under the direction of founder John Stephens. Local school children who had helped to make the poppy petals were also there to see them flutter down from the roof as the Hippodrome often described as East Anglias mini Albert Hall replicated the famous moment of the Royal British Legion Festival at the South Kensington venue, which had been attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal family and seen by millions on BBC the night before. Speaking at the end of the Great Yarmouth Festival the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Richard Jewson, who had also attended the British Legion event in London was full of praise for the standard of the Norfolk version. There is nothing that South Kensington can teach you here he said. Monday nights BBC Look East opened with excerpts of the Hippodrome event filmed by cameraman and director Tom Mallion. Lord Dannatt, who was appearing live on the programme, told presenter Stuart White : I think the county and this region in particular has really taken to heart this commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. And those evocative images of the poppies coming down in Great Yarmouth, I think that says it all. Many comments have been made on social media, including praise for local actress Judi Daykin, above right, who told the story of the courage and unshakeable Christian faith of Norfolk WW1 heroine Edith Cavell in her final hours before she faced a German firing squad, and 16 year old Scott Ribbons, below, who read some of the WW1 poems and a letter only recently discovered written by a young Yarmouth soldier from the front line. The Winterton Marine Cadets created the Drum Head altar, so often used by soldiers for services in battle areas; Dance Estelle youngsters including soloists Liam Sherwood and Ellie Lowe provided moving scenes; piper Simon Cater played Battles Over to begin the event and Joel Hayes performed the Last Post and Reveille to mark the silence and begin the poppy drop. Mayors Chaplain the Rev Albert Cadmore and local Royal British Legion secretary Irene Williams, below, led the Remembrance Service. British Legion standard bearers completed the cast. The Festival was the idea of Yarmouth Civic Events manager Laura Goodman who said she was so pleased with the way it had all come together, especially involving so many young people. A member of the audience, Dorothy McCabe from Gorleston commented: Congratulations to you and your team for a truly great 'mini-RAH festival of Remembrance. With Orchestrate and cadets it felt good for a new generation to be participating and passing the memory baton on to them. Just the right venue and we all felt very much part of it. Former Radio Norfolk broadcaster Tony Mallion, who directed and hosted the Festival, said: It was brilliant team work with everyone contributing and working so hard, especially with Estelle Clifton as choreographer and John Stephens as musical director. It came together so well at rehearsal and then performance. It was a long day but a fitting commemoration and celebration. I think it may have been me who dubbed the Hippodrome as a mini Albert Hall some years ago but on Sunday it truly was! Photos are courtesy of David Street, Streetview Marketing. Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in East Norfolk? Emilia Harris designed her own 'Sea of Flowers' display to commemorate the Armistice centenary A 14-YEAR-OLD school girl has proudly raised 60 for the Royal British Legion through an intricate poppy display at The Downs School. Emilia Harris created her own 'Sea of Flowers' display that she hand-made from felt poppies and forget-me-knots. Touched by poems she had read, stories from family members and items being covered in the media, Emilia was determined to create her own unique Remembrance tribute to mark the Armistice centenary. The year nine pupil was also inspired by a family trip to the Tower of London in 2014 when she saw the public art installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which commemorated the centenary of the outbreak of World War One. For a small donation, Emilia asked fellow students and friends to sign or leave a message on the back of the flowers, which she then sewed them onto her main display which now hangs in the library at The Downs. Malaria parasites know good times from bad and plan their offspring accordingly, scientists have found, in a development that could inform new treatments. Scientists have found that the reproduction strategy used by the disease-causing parasites is more sophisticated than previously thought, and is similar to that seen in more complex organisms. The findings could help researchers better predict how the parasites respond to adverse conditions, such as treatment with anti-malarial drugs. Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh and Toronto used a mathematical model, combined with experiments, to examine when malaria parasites opt to put greater efforts into reproduction. To survive in a host such as a person or animal, the parasites replicate asexually in the blood, causing disease. They must produce specialised sexual forms in order to reproduce and spread the infection to new hosts. The team discovered that parasites alter how much effort they invest in survival versus reproduction, according to how well they can grow inside a host. When conditions are good, and parasites are growing well, they can afford to reproduce and spread to new hosts, researchers found. In poor conditions however, parasites delay reproduction and divert efforts to replicating asexually, prioritising survival in the host. This can make infections harder to clear, the team says. If conditions are catastrophically bad and the parasite population plummets - following treatment with a strong dose of anti-malarial drugs, for instance - they invest as much as possible in reproduction in a last-ditch effort to spread to new hosts. Developing treatments that prompt parasites to invest more in reproduction and less in the disease-causing asexual stages, while also blocking their spread to other hosts, could help to combat the disease, the team says. The study is published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. It was supported by NERC, BBSRC, the Royal Society, the FNR of Luxembourg, Wellcome, the Human Frontiers Science Program, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Dr Petra Schneider, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences, who led the study, said: "It is really exciting to discover that these small blood parasites follow the same reproductive strategies as more complex animals, like insects, birds and mammals. Being able to predict how parasites balance reproduction and survival could improve the outcomes of treatment." In Newly Recognized Cause of a Pediatric Mitochondrial Disease, CHOP Researchers Find Long-Awaited Answers for Parents Over 30 years ago, Marsha and Allen Barnett lost their sons to a puzzling childhood disease that relentlessly attacked their nervous systems and sapped their energy. After five-year-old Chuckie died suddenly in 1981, doctors provided a name for the disease: Leigh syndrome. Leigh syndrome is a complex disorder typically caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the tiny batteries inside all cells that generate our energy. Two years later, the same disease killed Michael, Chuckie's older brother, when he was 10 years old. Chuckie Barnett at age 3 (left) and Michael Barnett at age 5 Earlier this year, Mrs. Barnett, who lives in southeastern Pennsylvania, received a phone call from a physician she knew, Marni J. Falk, MD, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where Barnett has long supported research in mitochondrial medicine. "She asked about Chuckie's and Michael's symptoms, then told me, 'I think we found the causal gene mutation,'" she said. Falk, the Executive Director of CHOP's Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Program, led a research team that identified the inherited mutation in the Barnett family, a change in one nuclear gene that arose spontaneously generations ago among both parents' Ashkenazi Jewish ancestors. Scores of different genes harbor mutations that may cause Leigh syndrome, by many different possible inheritance patterns. The mutation in this family was present on both copies of the same gene in both affected brothers, and was also seen in two other children in the study with Leigh syndrome who were not related to them. The study team, a research collaboration involving multiple centers to prove that the gene mutation definitely impaired mitochondrial function, published its findings in the October 2018 issue of Human Molecular Genetics. Falk's co-study leader was Michio Hirano, MD, of Columbia University, and the study's co-first authors were Rebecca D. Ganetzky, MD, of CHOP, and Emanuele Barca, PhD, of Columbia University. Leigh syndrome, named after a British neuropsychologist who first described it in 1951, involves metabolic strokes deep in the brain, with a loss of skills from stressors such as fever, illness and anesthesia. It has historically had a high mortality rate in childhood or adolescence. Over 90 different genes necessary for mitochondria to function properly are now known to cause it, with disease-causing gene variants rooted in DNA, either within a cell's nucleus or in the separate mitochondrial genome. Impaired cellular energy production in Leigh syndrome causes patients to experience progressive weakening of their muscles, heart and central nervous system. Both Chuckie and Michael eventually lost control of their eye muscles, for instance. Falk and colleagues analyzed data from four subjects affected with Leigh syndrome who did not have a specific genetic diagnosis: the Barnett boys and two unrelated patients from Ashkenazi families now living with Leigh syndrome who are followed by the CHOP Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Program. The team identified a common causative mutation in the nuclear gene USMG5, a gene not previously associated with any human disease. USMG5 encodes a protein component of complex V, the molecular motor within the mitochondrial energy system that directly generates ATP, each cell's chemical energy currency. The change in USMG5 is a founder mutation, one that originated by chance, most likely centuries ago in an unidentified individual from an Ashkenazi Jewish population, possibly in Eastern Europe. The mutation causes an autosomal recessive disease, so someone can carry the mutation in one of their pair of USMG5 genes without having disease symptoms. However, if both parents are mutation carriers--as is true of Marsha and Allen--each child has a 25 percent chance of inheriting the mutation on both copies of their gene, and being affected with Leigh syndrome. The youngest Barnett son, now 40 years old, does not have Leigh syndrome. Nearly 30 years ago Marsha and Allen Barnett established a foundation to support research in mitochondrial disease, which subsequently supported the recruitment to CHOP of mitochondrial medicine pioneer Douglas C. Wallace, PhD, where he established the Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine in 2010. Wallace holds the Michael and Charles Barnett Endowed Chair in Pediatric Mitochondrial Medicine and Metabolic Disease. Insights from the current research have implications for preventive medicine and genetic counseling, says Falk. The USMG5 mutation should be added to the list of mutations tested for at the time of prenatal genetic carrier screening in prospective Ashkenazi Jewish parents. The mutation is relatively common in the Ashkenazi population, where roughly one in 175 individuals are carriers. It should also be added to the list of genes to be evaluated in children with Leigh syndrome. "What we've learned from these four children recognized to suffer from USMG5 deficiency will enable future children diagnosed with this condition to be very carefully monitored and managed when they face stressors such as fever or anesthesia, to avoid decompensation," said Falk. Decompensation is a rapid medical deterioration that may occur when a patient's system is stressed. In the longer run, Falk and other researchers are working to realize precision medicines for mitochondrial disease. In the future, children known to have this gene disorder may be able to receive treatments targeted to their specific disease. "This work highlights the importance to families and medicine of continuing to work to solve cases that have never before been fully understood," says Falk. "The current revolution in genomic sequencing methods, combined with highly collaborative research investigations to validate genetic leads, continues to deepen our knowledge of mitochondrial disease, and with it, precision diagnosis, counseling, management, and therapies." When children are victims of crimes, the legal testimony they provide is known as forensic interviews. However, since victims are often traumatized and potentially abused by their caregivers they can be reluctant to come forward with accusations or disclose relevant information. As such, a protocol has been developed to carefully extract as much relevant information about a crime as possible. Yet, what if artificial intelligence could be a useful tool to help young victims tell their stories? What if AI could support interviewers with tools to help gather information in an appropriate manner? This is the topic of a paper presented at the 2018 ACM International Conference on Multimodal Interaction, recently in Boulder, Colorado. The paper, presented by doctoral students from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory, Victor Ardulov and Manojkumar Prabakaran Abitha, along with SAIL founder Shri Narayanan, documents a multidisciplinary effort in conjunction with USC Gould School of Law professor, and child witness expert, Thomas D. Lyon and his team, to determine if and how computer-aided tools can accurately assess the productivity of forensic interviews. In addition, the paper documents how researchers attempted to identify potential linguistic and paralinguistic influences such as emotions in the interview process. Ardulov, who is the lead author of the paper presented at the recent ACM conference, said the purpose of the study was to garner feedback about how children tend to reply based on subtle variations in questioning. The challenge for forensic interviewers is asking the right questions, in the right manner, at the right time in order to ensure that victims are forthcoming with relevant and unbiased information about perpetrated crimes. This is particularly important when children might be the sole witness to a crime. The key is to maximize productivity without re-traumatizing the child or coercing an inaccurate testimony. Scholars such as Lyon, who established USC's Gould Child Interviewing Lab, are aware how the rapport built among interviewer and interviewee, the tone in which questions are asked, pauses and even question order can impact how much meaningful information is shared. However, this is believed to be the first attempt to develop and apply custom software to automatically detect and categorize speech patterns in the course of the forensic interviews. For over two decades, Narayanan has been developing speech and language technologies for understating the speech and language of children, and in developing award-winning AI-based conversational interfaces for children. He says "... linguistically-informed data science and computational techniques offer a rich set of tools for helping understand not only what a child is trying to communicate but their emotional and cognitive state of being. These are the technologies our [SAIL] lab at USC is trying to develop with our collaborators." Viterbi's Narayanan met Gould's Lyon about a decade ago at multidisciplinary collaborative workshop among USC professors. The two only started to work on this project about a year and half ago with Narayanan's doctoral candidates Ardulov and Manoj Kumar taking the lead on finding ways to quantify particular factors in speech that could affect the output of the interview such as the frequency or length of an interviewer's pauses, the time allotted for a child to respond, and the extent to which the pace of the interviewer's speech mirrors the speech of the child being interviewed. Lyon became interested in Narayanan's work with the expectation that "technology can pick up on subtleties of an interview--qualities, that are harder to pick up and count." Findings of the Presented Paper The anonymous audio transcripts of two hundred forensic interviews that Lyon collected from child abuse cases were transcribed from audio files and then coded for a variety of dimensions. The researchers from the SAIL Lab, which has previously developed tools to automatically analyze speech (such as who spoke and for how long) and rich behavioral aspects (such as emotions), as well as how people interact with one another, developed custom models for each interview. Once this was done, the researchers would then look for patterns in the interviews and in the interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. In general, the findings by the researchers are consistent with previous studies in the field of legal psychology. Interviews are normally conducted in two phases--a rapport-building phase unrelated to the crime or abuse, and then a second interview focused on the alleged abuse. In this study, the way that children in these interviews responded was highly correlated to their age. For younger children, the emotional content of the interviewer's words had an impact on how much information they were willing to share during the phase of the interview. Older children were more influenced by the way interviewer's vocalized their words (the pitch and loudness). Next Steps The hope is that a computer aide for interviews could take various forms. First, it could be a means to train forensic interviewers--either by means of a virtual assistant that informs interviewers during an interaction, or as a simulated child interview. Both of these approaches hinge on the availability of large datasets of question and answer interactions and rigorous mathematical models of how children respond and are influenced by interviewer inputs. It is akin, Ardulov says, to how Google autocompletes the phrases you input and offers suggestions based on the huge number of historical inputs. Lyon imagines that these models could be great tools for those who work as child advocates. "It could provide additional information to structure and refine protocols," he says. Lyon says, "Imagine an automated transcription of an interview whereby an interviewer holding an iPad gets the highlighted words or phrases that might inform his/her next question and guide the interview." He adds that this would be a way for interviews not have to use notes, and the actual software could point out possible contradictions and inconsistencies. In order to do this, the next phase of research would be to create more sophisticated models whereby the researchers look at specific interactions, or particular sequences of questions to understand what yields the most relevant information from a child. Beyond working with the USC SAIL Lab, Lyon has worked with computer science professor and Institute for Creative Technologies researcher Jonathan Gratch to build an interactive test for interviewers. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center applauds new actions announced today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to limit the sale of most flavored electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to age-restricted locations and require age-verification for online sales to lower the use of these products in children. In addition, the FDA plans to restrict the marketing of these products toward youth. "Today's actions by the FDA represent a significant step toward protecting the health of our future generations," said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. "These flavored products often are appealing to children and adolescents, and we support measures to prevent young people from developing a lifetime of addiction to nicotine, which can lead to a variety of health problems and potentially future tobacco use." According to data today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3.6 million middle and high school students were current e-cigarette users in 2018, up more than 1.5 million relative to 2017. Recognizing this as an epidemic among young people in this country, the FDA proposed actions to curb youth appeal in September 2018. "While we have been encouraged by the progress made in lowering tobacco use, we remain troubled by the epidemic rates of e-cigarette use among our young people," said Ernest Hawk, M.D., division head and vice president of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences. "It's especially concerning because of the wide variety of products available, each with different ingredients and nicotine concentrations. We can't really be sure what these products contain, what they deliver to users or what the corresponding health concerns may be." According to the U.S. Surgeon General's report on e-cigarettes, the aerosol produced by these products is not a harmless vapor, but contains a number of volatile chemicals and known carcinogens. Further, the Surgeon General has affirmed a strong association between the use of e-cigarettes and conventional tobacco products. Nicotine itself is a highly addictive chemical that can disrupt adolescent brain development, impacting learning, mood and anxiety. Recognizing the importance of educating youth about tobacco use and its harms, MD Anderson has a variety of programs designed to prevent tobacco initiation. Researchers led by Alex Prokhorov, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Behavioral Science, developed A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience (ASPIRE), a youth-oriented tobacco prevention and cessation curriculum. The online program is designed to provide an engaging way for teens to learn about the dangers of tobacco products. Since its web-based launch in 2008, ASPIRE has reached 100,291 students in 8 countries. In 2018, the team launched an updated version of the curriculum, including new content focused on alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and hookah. Further, as founding partners of the CATCH Global Foundation, MD Anderson and UTHealth School of Public Health support distribution of a youth e-cigarette prevention curriculum, CATCH My Breath, to middle schools across the country. MD Anderson also has served as a resource for statewide tobacco control policies to protect the health of future generations. Through MD Anderson's EndTobacco program, MD Anderson collaborated with The University of Texas System to launch the system-wide Eliminate Tobacco Use initiative in 2016, which supports a variety of collaborative actions designed to advance a tobacco-free culture on all UT System campuses. This effort led to all 14 institutions of the UT System becoming tobacco-free as of June 2017. Additionally, EndTobacco has served as an educational resource to policy makers considering actions to limit youth tobacco exposure, such as raising the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products from 18 to 21 and a law adopted in 2017 to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors under 18. EndTobacco is an initiative of the cancer prevention and control platform, part of MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program, a collaborative effort to accelerate the development of scientific discoveries into clinical advances that save patients' lives. "Tobacco use remains the leading cause of cancer in the United States and, unfortunately, the leading preventable cause of death," said Hawk. "We would encourage parents and educators to learn more about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes and talk to children about avoiding these products. Together, we remain committed to advancing evidence-based programs and policies that will lower current and future tobacco use, with the goal of saving lives and reducing current and future suffering from tobacco-related conditions." Bartonella bacteria are disease-causing, blood-borne pathogens found in various mammal species. A study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases by Hannah Frank and colleagues at Stanford University, California suggests that humans play an important role in disease risk, infection patterns, and distribution of Bartonella, advancing current understanding of Bartonellas evolutionary history and how the bacteria may be transmitted between humans and other animal species. Circular phylogenetic tree of Bartonella. Credit: Frank, et al. (CC BY 4.0, 2018) Cross-species Bartonella transmission poses a threat to public health, wildlife, and domestic animals. However, the evolution of Bartonella strains and mechanisms of cross-species transmission are not well understood. To determine the bacterias evolutionary history and global distribution, researchers constructed global phylogenies using sequences accessed from public databases and built models to test their hypotheses. Additionally, they analyzed instances of Bartonella spillover from animals to humans using genetic isolates and case data collected from scientific literature. The authors note that phylogenetic inferences about the origin of infections should be interpreted with caution as they are heavily influenced by available data and the taxa that have been sampled. More data are needed to verify findings and fill in remaining knowledge gaps. However, their study advances scientific understanding of human impacts on the spread of infectious disease: "In thinking about disease transmission between animals and humans, we often focus on the animals as the source of new human infections and not the role of the humans in influencing their own risk. Our findings suggest that humans play a significant role in changing infection patterns not only for ourselves but for our domestic animals and wildlife, too." Source: https://www.plos.org Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), National Jewish Health and Centro de Neumologia Pediatrica in Puerto Rico have been awarded nearly $10 million as part of a 5-year grant from the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to address the root causes of asthma by studying 4,000 children in Puerto Rico, where asthma prevalence and deaths are among the highest in the world. The team plans to follow the children from birth through early childhood to study how genes and viral infections affect respiratory disease. The new study, named the Puerto Rican Infant Metagenomic and Epidemiologic study of Respiratory Outcomes (PRIMERO), will be one of the largest U.S. birth cohort studies ever conducted in a minority population. A birth cohort is a special type of study in which newborn infants are enrolled and followed through childhood and potentially beyond to monitor exposures in early life and the onset of illnesses. Because the rate of asthma is so high in Puerto Rico, it is expected that many children will develop asthma, providing useful information to researchers to understand the causes. "Creating a birth cohort is an extremely rare opportunity and uniquely positions us to answer fundamental questions about the early-life origins of asthma," said co-principal investigator Esteban G. Burchard, MD, MPH, of UCSF. "As a clinician, predicting development of asthma has been a challenge," said Jose Rodriguez-Santana, MD, FAAP, FCCP, of Centro de Neumologia Pediatrica in San Juan, Puerto Rico, also a co-principal investigator. "PRIMERO will help us discover why one infant can get very sick with a viral infection and develop asthma while another baby with the same viral infection has only minimal symptoms and does not develop asthma." Burchard and Rodriguez-Santana have collaborated for 20 years studying the genetics of asthma in Latin Americans. The new grant brings in researcher Max Seibold, PhD, of National Jewish Health, who has developed novel genetic techniques and strategies to easily obtain and analyze genetic samples from children's airways. "Our prospective design and the genetic techniques we have pioneered will allow us to identify biological drivers of disease and biomarkers that may predict outcomes well before they are traditionally diagnosed," said Seibold. "These discoveries can inform development of therapeutics for early intervention and prevention of disease." The current grant provides funds to recruit 4,000 pregnant Puerto Rican women and 4,000 of their newborn infants over the next two years and track these infants' respiratory health for five years. "This will make PRIMERO the first study to investigate how the airway develops in healthy and diseased states, from birth to childhood," said Sam Oh, PhD, MPH, director of epidemiology in the UCSF Asthma Collaboratory, who is leading oversight of the PRIMERO study design and logistics. "We hope that it will lead to new insights about how to reduce the asthma endemic to Puerto Rico." "With buy-in from their families, we hope to extend this study to follow these children for decades, chronicling their exposures and health outcomes in real time," Oh added. "Of course, that would depend on continued funding through the NIH or other sources such as philanthropy." The team also hopes that additional funding will enable them to go beyond collecting airway cells from PRIMERO infants to also collect multiple tissue samples, including stem cells, urine, stool, and placenta tissue, and to curate these samples in a large biobank as a unique resource to study the factors affecting the health of PRIMERO participants throughout their lives. Students who receive sexuality education, including refusal skills training, before college matriculation are at lower risk of experiencing sexual assault during college, according to new research published today in PLOS ONE. The latest publication from Columbia University's Sexual Health Initiative to Foster Transformation (SHIFT) project suggests that sexuality education during high school may have a lasting and protective effect for adolescents. The research found that students who received formal education about how to say no to sex (refusal skills training) before age 18 were less likely to experience penetrative sexual assault in college. Students who received refusal skills training also received other forms of sexual education, including instruction about methods of birth control and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Students who received abstinence-only instruction did not show significantly reduced experiences of campus sexual assault. "We need to start sexuality education earlier," said John Santelli, MD, the article's lead author, a pediatrician and professor of Population and Family Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "It's time for a life-course approach to sexual assault prevention, which means teaching young people - before they get to college - about healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships, how to say no to unwanted sex, and how to say yes to wanted sexual relationships." The findings draw on a confidential survey of 1671 students from Columbia University and Barnard College conducted in the spring of 2016 and on in-depth interviews with 151 undergraduate students conducted from September 2015 to January 2017. The authors found that multiple social and personal factors experienced prior to college were associated with students' experience of penetrative sexual assault (vaginal, oral, or anal) during college. These factors include unwanted sexual contact before college (for women); adverse child experiences such as physical abuse; 'hooking up' in high school; or initiation of sex and alcohol or drug use before age 18. Ethnographic interviews highlighted the heterogeneity of students' sex education experiences. Many described sexuality education that was awkward, incomplete, or provided little information about sexual consent or sexual assault. The research also found that students who were born outside of the United States and students whose mothers had lived only part of their lives or never lived in the U.S. had fewer experiences of penetrative sexual assault in college. Religious participation in high school did not prevent sexual assault overall, but a higher frequency of religious participation showed a borderline statistically significant protective association. "The protective impact of refusal skills-based sexuality education, along with previous research showing that a substantial proportion of students have experienced assault before entering college, underlines the importance of complementing campus-based prevention efforts with earlier refusal skills training," said Santelli. Activist Trupti Desai, who was held up at the Kochi airport for more than 13 hours due to protests, has agreed to return to Pune. Hundreds of protesters had said they won't let Desai go on the Sabarimala pilgrimage and protested outside the Kochin International Airport. Desai said she did not want violence in Kerala and had hence taken the step. Meanwhile, bus services have begun to ferry devotees from Nilakkal. The trek from Pamba to Sabarimala will also start soon. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Shobha Karandlaje asked Desai if she was carrying 'irumudi' (sacred offerings) and had observed 'vratham'. The MP said that the Supreme Court may have allowed entry of women of all age groups into the temple, but it did not ask devotees to break traditions. Hundreds of protesters had been raising slogans outside the airport's arrival gate and refused to let the activist out. Hindu Aikya Vedi vice-president K Haridas said that they were ready to stay at the airport for 41 days but would not let Desai go on Sabarimala pilgrimage. Kerala authorities also issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 in Elavumkal, Erumeli, Nilakkal, Pamba and Sabarimala from Friday till November 22. The state is bracing for fresh protests after the Sabarimala temple doors opened to devotees again for the main pilgrimage season. Conforming to rituals and traditions, rooted in myths, every pilgrim who wishes to undertake a trip to Sabarimala must observe a 41-day vow of abstinence, a period during which he/she is expected to lead the life of a 'brahmachari' (celibate). He/she must abstain from fish, meat and intoxicants, follow celibacy, refrain from cutting body hair and follow a rigorous regimen. The temple opened on Friday evening, for the third time since the apex court verdict on September 28 allowed women of all age group to offer prayers at the hilltop Lord Ayyappa temple though none could do so following stiff resistance from devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had held an all-party meeting on Sabarimala issue on Thursday, aimed at building consensus over the entry of women but it was a non-starter as the Congress and BJP refused to budge from their stand and the government saying it was duty bound to obey the Supreme Courts orders. Meanwhile, Kerala police has taken into custody Prithvipal, a leader of the Achara Samrakshana Samiti, from Pampa. He was accused of instigating violence in Sabarimala when the temple was opened earlier. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) President Rodrigo Duterte is in Papua New Guinea to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week. Duterte arrived Friday morning in the country, straight from attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore. The President will be joining leaders of the 21-member Pacific Rim group's meetings scheduled November 17-18 in Port Moresby. The APEC Leader's Meeting, chaired by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O' Neill, brings together the country leaders and officials of the 21 APEC member economies, which account for half of global trade and 60 percent of the world's gross domestic product. Home to around 40,000 Filipinos and 215 Philippine companies, Papua New Guinea is hosting the APEC summit for the first time. Among the events the President is expected to attend is a meeting with the Filipino community on Friday. DC's new Aquaman has a new sister, spilling out of The Becoming #3 The new Aquaman has a shocking surprise at the end of The Becoming #3 Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday blacklisted the possibility of forging an alliance with the BJP or the Congress to form the government in Chhattisgarh, describing the parties as "Saanpnath" and "Naagnath". Dismissing the idea of tying up with the Congress or the BJP as hypothetical, Mayawati said her alliance with Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) would get the absolute majority and if not they will prefer to sit in the Opposition. "When our alliance is fully confident of getting an absolute majority (in the 90-member House), where does the question of a post-poll tie-up with the BJP or the Congress arise?" Mayawati said when asked about which way her party would go in such a scenario. Read | Rajasthan Elections: Former DGP Harish Meena ditches BJP, joins Congress "This is a mischievous question. The question does not arise. The second phase of the polling is yet to take place," the BSP chief told NDTV. To a question as to why the BSP could not forge an alliance with the Congress, Mayawati said both the BJP and the Congress are "anti-poor, anti-farmer, anti-downtrodden and anti-weaker sections". Therefore, "there was no question of having any truck with either of the two," she asserted. In what could be a big blow to the Congress, the BSP had in September announced its decision to contest the Chhattisgarh election in alliance with the JCC, declaring Ajit Jogi as the chief ministerial candidate of the BSP-JCC coalition. While the JCC is contesting 55 assembly segments in Chhattisgarh, the BSP is in the fray in remaining 35 seats. In the outgoing House, the BSP has only one seat. Read | Chhattisgarh Elections 2018: 60-70 per cent voter turnout in phase one; seven Naxals killed across state Though Chhattisgarh has always been a straight fight between the BJP and the Congress this time the third front comprising Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), Mayawati's BSP and the CPI is expected to bing some significant changes in the post-poll scenario. While 18 assembly constituencies in the state went to polls in the first phase of Chhattisgarh elections on Monday, the second phase of polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 11, 2018. New Delhi: Describing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as a big example of an urban Naxal, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari on Friday said the AAP and the Congress are chips of the same block. Some urban Naxals are plotting to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arvind Kejriwal is a big example of an urban Naxal, he said at a press conference in Raipur. Being a chief minister, he (Kejriwal) sat on a dharna to stop the Republic Day parade, the Lok Sabha MP said. The actor-turned-politician also asked the Congress to clarify its stand on controversial statements made recently by its party leaders Raj Babbar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. Raj Babbar ji says Naxals are revolutionaries Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Pakistan and hugged Army Chief there. Congress should clarify its stand on both the issues, Tiwari said. According to the BJP leader, the Congress and the AAP are not very different from each other. The Congress and the AAP are `ek hi thaili ke chatte batte (chips of the same block). Both parties had earlier formed a coalition government in Delhi. AAP is a B team of Congress, he said. Tiwari also praised Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh for effectively tackling the Naxalism menace in the state. Efforts are underway to bring those who were misguided (and joined Naxal ranks) during the Congress rule, to the mainstream, he added. Tiwari was in the state to campaign for his party for the second phase of elections on November 20 covering 72 assembly seats. The first phase of polling, covering 18 seats, was held on November 12. Counting of votes will take place on December 11. The leader recently sparked a new controversy while addressing a rally Chhattisgarh. Taking a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Tiwari had reportedly said had Sonia Gandhi observed Chhath, she would have had an intelligent son. Condemning the BJP MP's remarks, Youth Congress activists staged a protest outside Tiwari's North Avenue residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Delhiites Friday woke up to a moderate air quality category. At India Gate, the Air Quality Index (AQI) on PM 10 level was at 182 according to the news agency ANI. The AQI has been moving from 'very poor to severe' for the past week. Similar conditions are likely to prevail in the coming days, according to SAFAR. ALSO READ | Rajasthan Elections: Congress releases first list of 152 candidates, Pilot to contest from Tonk Earlier, Bhure Lal, chairman of the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), recommended to the pollution watchdog CPCB that it should implement either the odd-even scheme or impose a complete ban on non-CNG private vehicles if the air pollution level in Delhi increases again. Lal reaction came on a day Delhi's air quality "improved significantly" since Diwali as overnight rains washed away larger pollutants and stubble burning in neighbouring states declined. The air quality, however, was "poor" with an AQI of 293. A couple of days ago, Lal had written to chief secretaries of Delhi and neighbouring states, asking them to consider a ban on private vehicles barring those running on CNG. In a letter to CPCB member secretary Prashant Gargava, Lal said all cities, which have similar emergency plans like Paris or Beijing include restrictions on private vehicles, adding that vehicles contribute as much as 40 per cent of the total emission load in Delhi and roughly 30 per cent in the region. ALSO READ | Five things to know about NASA InSight spacecrafts Mars landing AQI categories New Delhi: Aarti Sharma, sister of fashion designer Mala Lakhani who was brutally murdered along her domestic help allegedly by her tailor in New Delhi on Wednesday night, said the killer was arrested for molesting a girl, and it was Mala who had helped him get out of jail last year. Aarti, who claimed the body of her 53-year-old sister at Safdarjung Hospital mortuary on Friday, said her sister was murdered just a hours after she spoke to her. "I had spoken to her at around 8.15 pm (on Wednesday). I spoke to her again and we ended up talking till 9.50 pm. She wanted to speak to my daughter but later said she will call us after 'Bigg Boss' gets over. But she never called back," Aarti said. Mala was a fashion designer and ran a boutique in Green Park. She lived in a plush mansion with high walls and gates in Vasant Kunj. Her servant, Bahadur, would stay in the same house. Rahul Anwar, 24, the tailor employed by Mala, has confessed to killing her. He worked in a workshop in her home, and said she hadn't paid his dues. Besides Rahul, the police have also arrested his cousin Rahmat, 24, and his friend Wasim, 25. It was 'Meenu', as Mala was known in her family, who helped get Rahul out of jail when he was arrested for molestation, Aarti said. "She would always say that Anwar is like my 'bachcha'," Aarti added. The bodies of Mala and Bahadur were found with at least 18 stab injuries each. After the killings the accused looted jewellery worth lakhs of rupees and ransacked the house, the police said, adding the incident took place between 10 pm and 11.30 pm on Wednesday. Around 2.45 am on Thursday, the three men reached the police station to confess to the crime. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs nestled Konkani wedding at Lake Como had one thing missing-King Khans blessings! Given the only few special attendees invited to the matrimony of the now Mr and Mrs Singh, fans would have speculated Shah Rukh Khan to be one among the midst, but, as it turns out Mr Badshah wasnt. Intact, rumours have it that he wasnt invited. Before the wedding, the list of Bollywood luminaries to attend the wedding were listed, Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Leela Bansali, Aditya Chopra, Farah Khan among others at the Villa del Balbianello at Lake Como, Italy. Also Read | Malaika Arora breaks silence, talks about her equation with Arjun King Khan was spotted doing yoga with Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey However, turns out the reports were not true. But when its King Khan, no invitation? No Worries! In fact, Khan seemingly was having the time of his life yogaing. He was seen doing yoga with Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey to his Mumbai residence on , which clearly means he wont be cruising his way to Lake Como. Today @jack made me realise with his calm demeanour & composed, nearly meditative mindset...that all Work and no Pray, would make Jack a dull boy. Thx for dropping in & also team @Twitter for a lively evening. Have a happy stay in India. pic.twitter.com/melFfe8NKJ Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 14, 2018 During the trailer launch of his upcoming movie, Zero, Shah Rukh Khan had noted that the news of Deepika and Ranveers wedding was a very "special" moment for him. He said, "I called Deepika the other day and said be as happy as I have been in my married life. Lots of love to them. We will all be there celebrating. As a matter of fact, both Anushka and Deepika started their career with me so, it becomes more special to me," Continuing with his blessings of the now newlywed, he said, "I genuinely get really happy when my co-actresses gets married because first Sridevi ji and Madhuri ji got married when I started working in films then, I have only flowered as an actor and as a star because of the love, these ladies have given me. After them, the second generation came along who got married and now this is the third set of ladies who are getting married. I really get emotional when they get married." Also Read | Kedarnath: Sushant, Sara's cute chemistry in new song 'Sweetheart' According to reports, the duo had decided to make the matrimony very selective. Their intense, secretive wedding was said to have taken place in front of 40 close friends and families. Other reports also stated that the two had visited Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Farah Khan before leaving for Italy to seek their blessings rather than inviting them. No Bollywood personality was present at the wedding according to reports. Surprising! For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Friday described the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) probe report on allegations of bribery against the exiled Central Bureau of India (CBI) chief Alok Verma a mix. The court asked Verma to file his response on the CVC report in a sealed cover by Monday. Hearing the matter, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, told Alok Verma that the CVC report is "complimentary on some charges, not so complimentary on some charges and very uncomplimentary on some charges." The court also directed that the CVC inquiry report on Alok Verma will also be given to Attorney General and Solicitor General. However, it rejected special CBI director Rakesh Asthana's request that the CVC probe report be provided to him also. Also Read | Four 'suspicious' men arrested from outside CBI chief Alok Verma's house According to reports, the CVC has not found any evidence of taking bribery against Verma but observed "administrative lapses". Vermas deputy Rakesh Asthana had accused him of talking bribery from a Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana to clear his name from the Moin Qureshi case. Verma also accused Asthana of taking bribery from Sana. He produced Sana before a magistrate court where the latter claimed to pay Rs 3 crore to Asthana. The ugly infighting in the CBI came out in open after the agency registered an FIR against Asthana. Amid the controversy, the Centre on October 24 deprived the two warring CBI officers of their powers and sent them on an indefinite leave. Verma challenged the government's decision in the Supreme Court, which ordered the CVC to complete a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against the CBI chief in two weeks. Also Read | Facing credibility crisis, CBI to organise Art of Living workshop for staff to enhance competency, positivity' On November 12, the CVC had submitted the report in the Supreme Court. While hearing the matter today, the court said that it will take a decision on the matter after Vermas response on the report and fixed the matter for further hearing on November 20. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn the general consent accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), that basically means the agency cannot conduct raids or investigations in the state without permission. A confidential government order to this effect, issued by principal secretary (home) AR Anuradha on November 8, was leaked late Thursday night. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, Government hereby withdraw the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the latest GO said. With this move, the Andhra Pradesh government has also empowered the state investigation agency with the CBI's duties. On August 3 this year, the AP government issued the GO Ms No. 109 according general consent to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction in AP against officials of the central government, central government undertakings and private persons for investigating offences under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act. According to CBI rules, the agency has a complete jurisdiction over Delhi but can enter other states with the "general consent" of their government. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Now that the permission has been withdrawn, it will be interesting to see how the CBI reacts. Ever since Naidu snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, he had been alleging that the Centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents. India Today quoting sources within the CBI reported that the agency hasnt received any such notification from Andhra Pradesh. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended her support to move. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is right. The CBI receives instructions from the BJP," she said. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Cyclonic storm Gaja has claimed 20 lives in Tamil Nadu before crossing the coastal state early on Friday, said Chief Minister K Palaniswami. Gaja crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam, bringing with it heavy rain, and causing severe damage to communication and power infrastructure, mainly in Nagapattinam district. Speaking to reported in Salem,A Palaniswami said relief work will be taken up on a war-footing and that the work was already underway. The chief minister also announced that the families of those killed will be provided ac solatium of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF). Those with severe injuries will be provided with Rs 1 lakh each, while people who had sustained simple injuries will get Rs 25,000 as relief, he added. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also assured the Tamil Nadu government of all assistance to deal with the situation. He directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to monitor the situation in Tamil Nadu and provide all help to the state administration. #TamilNadu: Houses and electric poles damaged and trees uprooted due to #GajaCyclone in Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village pic.twitter.com/P7Q26DMDQF a ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 "Spoke to CM Shri K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the HS to monitor the situation & provide all help to the state admin (sic)," Singh tweeted. Spoke to CM Shri E. K. Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the HS to monitor the situation & provide all help to the state admin. a aaaaaa aaaa (@rajnathsingh) November 16, 2018 More than 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam early on Friday, bringing with it heavy rains in coastal regions. MK Stalin lauds Tamil Nadu government A MK Stalin, president of main opposition party DMK, on Friday lauded the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority for its efforts to tackle the severe cyclonic storm Gaja. Stalin, who is the leader of the opposition said in a tweet, Tamil Nadu has been affected by a cyclone again and this time 'Gaja.' "The way the @tnsdma (Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority) took preparatory efforts (to tackle the cyclone) is praiseworthy," he said. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prices of petrol and diesel continued to fall on Friday as well with a dip of Rs 0.18 and Rs 0.16 respectively, a litre in Delhi, according to news agency ANI. Petrol was pegged at Rs 77.10 a litre and diesel at Rs 71.93 per litre. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, petrol was being sold for Rs 82.62 per litre and diesel at Rs 75.36, a decrease of Rs 0.18 and Rs 0.17, respectively. ALSO READ | Rajasthan Elections: Congress releases first list of 152 candidates, Pilot to contest from Tonk Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi today are Rs 77.10 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.18) and Rs 71.93 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.16), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 82.62 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.18) and Rs 75.36 (decrease by Rs 0.17), respectively. pic.twitter.com/NwSHOImWct ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 The prices of petrol and diesel in Kolkata were Rs 79.21 and Rs 73.95, respectively. In Chennai, the prices were pegged at Rs 80.26 and Rs 76.19, respectively. The past two weeks have provided some relief to consumers battered by two months of relentless rate hikes. Petrol price has been cut by over Rs 4 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.33 in the past 20 days on softer international rates, a pace faster than the spike in prices witnessed in the two-month period beginning mid-August. Between August 16 and October 4, petrol price was hiked by Rs 6.86 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.73. On October 4, the government decided to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50 per litre each and asked state-owned fuel retailers to subsidise the price by another Re 1 a litre by reducing their margins. Subsequent to this, the petrol price came down to Rs 81.50 per litre in Delhi and diesel to Rs 72.95 a litre on October 5. In Mumbai, rates fell to Rs 86.97 per litre for petrol and Rs 77.45 in case of diesel. ALSO READ | Five things to know about NASA InSight spacecrafts Mars landing Before the price cut, petrol in Delhi had hit an all-time high of Rs 84 per litre while diesel was at record Rs 75.45. This came down to Rs 81.50 per litre for petrol and Rs 72.95 in case of diesel. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in poll-bound Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. Polling in Madhya Pradesh is slated for 28 November which will decide the fate of candidates in 230 constituencies across the state. The tenure of Madhya Pradesh assembly is scheduled to end on January 7, 2019. Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a campaign rally for the second phase ofChhattisgarh Assembly elections, He dared the Congress to make someone "from outside the family". Modi also charged the Gandhis with still not being able to come to terms that a "son of a poor mother" could become the country's prime minister. Addressing Modi slammed the opposition party for crediting his occupying the PM's post to Nehru instead of people in the country. PM Modi in Gwalior | Highlights: For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court's historic verdict allowing women of menstrual age group to worship at Sabarimala Temple was yet again disowned at the Kerala shrine Friday. As lakhs of devotee throng to Sabarimala owing to 62-day-long annual pilgrimage season this evening, Trupti Desai, social activist and founder of Bhumata Brigate, also set her eyes on Kerala's Lord Ayyappa Temple. However, Desai, who vowed to enter Sabarimala in 2017, was on Friday barred from entering the temple, preserving the centuries-old Hindu religious practice in the southern state. Desai had been stuck at the Cochin International Airport ever since she arrived at Kochi on Friday morning and later decided to return Pune following massive protests being carried out against her visit to Sabarimala Temple. In an address to the media at Kochi airport, Desai said that the cab drivers and hotel owners were threatened by the protesters of facing a law and order situation in case they provide her shelter. "It feels sad that the devotees of Lord Ayyappa are abusing and threatening us," she added. Read | Sabarimala Temple board to move Supreme Court seeking more time to allow entry of women "People who indulge in hooliganism are not Ayyappa devotees. This protest is a sign that protesters are scared of me and this also proves my victory. This is a fight for gender equality and I extend my gratitude to all media organizations for supporting me. I'm not going because I'm scared but it is on the request of Kerala police citing security threats. I also thank Kerala police and I'll return to Sabarimala but without prior announcement," Trupti claimed. "More than 500 women have done bookings to visit the Sabarimala Temple, I would appeal to the government to provide a security which can take women to the temple. Our fight is for equality. The Kerala police have requested us to go back. If we will stay here the violence can erupt. This was never our agenda," she told reporters. On Friday, Sabarimala Temple gates were thrown open around 5 pm for 62-day long Mandala Pooja-Magaravilaku, marking the annual pilgrimage season. In the view of raging controversy over Supreme Court's September 28 Sabarimala verdict, Section 144 was imposed in Nilakkal, Pamba and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. Security has been beefed up in and around the Kerala shrine to avoid any untoward incidents. Read | Supreme Court to review Sabarimala verdict in open court on January 22 Earlier on Wednesday, two days ahead of Sabarimala opening, Trupti dashed a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying that she would not leave the state in case she was not allowed to enter Sabarimala Temple. This is the third time that Sabarimala Temple is thrown open after Supreme Court in a landmark judgement had allowed women irrespective of their age, to enter the hill shrine in Kerala. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Punjab Police has issued an alert across the state after reports of four Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Zakir Moosaas presence in Amritsar. The police have released the posters of Moosa and requested people to stay alert and share any information related to the terrorist. "We had inputs about his movements near Amritsar. So, we have released wanted posters of him to make public aware & have requested public to tell us if they have any information," ANI quoted Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh as saying. Singh said that JeM terrorists, including Moosa, have infiltrated in Punjab through Freozepur. In wake of this, the police have taken precautionary measures and begun massive search operation across the state. aWe had inputs that some Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists have infiltrated in Punjab through Ferozpur. So, we have taken precautionary measures. Extra forces have been deployed. Checking is underway,a the SSP said. We had inputs that some Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists have infiltrated in Punjab through Ferozpur. So have taken precautionary measures. Extra forces have been deployed. Checking is underway: Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh. (15.11.18) pic.twitter.com/csBCKvoCjd a ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Cool wind and "fishes in gold" greet you as you enter Kanchanaburi in Thailand. The long row of tall posts with golden fishes atop along the road leading travellers inside this holiday destination lends a unique feature to the place. And, quiet float the white Water Lilies and the summer-style traditional houses on the serene River Kwai that flows through Kanchanaburi. A beautiful countryside, this travel destination is a peaceful and a pretty fairytale kind of place. Cute cottages, small lanes and dream resorts dot this tiny place in West Thailand. Breathtaking landscape with wooden houses along the foothills and the lush valley is a famous landmark in Kanchanaburi. The small, yet traditionally rich town boasts of having maintained the traditional Thai identity unlike the other more popular and commercial destinations like Phuket and Pattaya. If you want to see and taste traditional Thai ways of living, you must visit Kanchanaburi, a young and charming hostess at Hotel Novotel in Bangkok said as I stepped out to explore the place. Like the other holiday destinations in Thailand, Kanchanaburi too comes alive in the evening time with its night markets and cafes with exotic food and drinks to feast on and fancy things to shop. Tourists and visitors start filling up the traditional food joints and massage parlours by evening and late into the night. "My parlour opens till 2 am and tourists come for massage after a long day of touring around the place," said a petite lady who runs a parlour there. Besides the many delightful ventures one can explore, rafting a blissful journey on the dark river late into the quiet night is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences here. Of course, there are more to see and experience when in this beautiful province of World War-II history. The River Kwai remains symbolic of World War-II. , the river that runs through the town is lined by floating houses and restaurants packed with tourists and visitors. The mesmerising riverside beauty completely lures you to the place. And, the floating houses on the river makes for an idyllic setting--a bright and blissful afternoon or a romantic evening by the waterside. If you are on a short holiday and want to cover everything, make sure to stay in a hotel or resort near the River Kwai bridge, which is the main attraction of the province. It is a part of the railway line constructed during the World War-II that connected Burma and Thailand. After the war, the Thai Government renovated it in 1946. The railway line runs along the cliff on one side and the River Kwai below. The track connects to the River Kwai bridge which is worth visiting. If you are looking for a comfortable stay, opt for resorts as they have the best of amenities and are quite reasonable, especially during the offseason. Most of the resorts like the Dheva Mantra Resort and Spa are situated by the riverside. The green resort is uniquely built with a fusion of traditional and modern architecture and provides a great stay though it is tucked away from the main town. However, taxi services are available. If you have more days in hand, you can chuck the cars and trek around the place and experience the traditional Thai living. The best time to visit the place is anytime of the year. The weather here is always fine with a little shower of rain and drizzle every now and then. If one is looking to bust the stress with a relaxing and refreshing break, less-travelled Kanchanaburi is an ideal wellness destination. For all the Latest Lifestyle News, Travel News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: People across the globe have taken it to social media to share pictures of their underwear with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent, to show outrage over a 27-year-old man acquitted of rape charges in Ireland based on the teen survivors thongs. Also Read | Bachchan family's apple of an eye Aaradhya blows 7 candles, Amitabh, Abhishek share heartfelt birthday wishes The Irish Examiner reports that on November 6, the criminal court in the city of Cork declared the defendant "not guilty" of raping a 17-year-old. During the rape trial, a defence lawyer held up the teenager's underwear in court and told the jury: "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." Based on the evidence shown, the jury of eight men and four women let the accused man walk free. However, the people in Ireland were bewildered and shocked, which fired a spark of public outrage among the people. Many women objected to the idea of using underwear to imply consent. "We had hoped that as a society we had moved on from these archaic, victim-blaming rape myths," said Susan Dillon to CNN. Ms Dillon founded up the "I Believe Her - Ireland" Twitter page that came up with the 'This is not consent' hashtag. Also Read | Emraan Hashmi's Cheat India teaser released, another dig at Indian education system Since the outrage, several men and women across the world have been posting pictures of underwear to protest the trial outcome. Lace is not asking for rape, until I say yes it is a no. I stand with the strong young woman from Cork#ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/6yVMaKqDll keegs YiY (@keeganblain) November 15, 2018 Yep. Those are my pants. But this is not consent. . Underwear is not consent. Underwear does not cause rape. Rapists cause rape. Stop victim blaming!!!!!#ThisIsNotConsent #ibelieveher #metoo pic.twitter.com/wnd5MYGgCw Pamela (@MPDSMCKR) November 14, 2018 Remember when shopping for your pants that you are choosing whether you want to be raped or not girls!!! #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/kMZweDpsd3 Chloe (@wootton_chloe) November 16, 2018 To bring a victims underwear into a rape trial as a reason for the rape is beyond despicable. #ThisIsNotConsent #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/wZPOqLEzLJ SarahCailleach (@Starlanna) November 11, 2018 Counsel for man acquitted of rape suggested jurors should reflect on underwear worn by the 17yo complainant. Following this wholly unacceptable comment, we are calling on our followers to post a picture of their thongs/knickers to support her with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/ZkVU0GVAIN I Believe Her - Ireland (@ibelieveher_ire) November 10, 2018 If I was in a court room as a victim of sexual abuse, I cant imagine Id ever be asked if I was wearing boxers or briefs. #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/niS9xdR3CU Peter Tanham (@PeterTanham) November 14, 2018 Jurors in Cork were asked to consider the underwear a SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL was wearing when she was raped by a 27-year-old man. Join the cause in solidarity, cant believe this girl was subjected to these comments after such a traumatic event.#ThisIsNotConsent #Ibelieveher pic.twitter.com/PfkYERulgY Courtney Peterson (@_courtneymaria) November 13, 2018 Lacy but full or thong but not lacy, need someone to tell me which is less rapey... #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/jiA61qF7gB maireos (@maireos) November 13, 2018 To use a pair of a 17 year olds underwear, against her, at her own rape trial is disgusting!#IBelieveHer#ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/4TGTNi6DRY Leanne Byrne (@LeanneByrne2) November 14, 2018 Irish politician Ruth Coppinger too took her stand in protest against the jury decision and shared the lacy underwear picture on her Twitter handle with a caption that read, I hear cameras cut away from me when I displayed this underwear in #Dail. In courts victims can have their underwear passed around as evidence and it's within the rules, hence need to display in Dail." Also Read | DeepVeer Wedding: Ranveer, Deepika trolled for late posting of wedding pictures I hear cameras cut away from me when I displayed this underwear in #Dail. In courts victims can have their underwear passed around as evidence and it's within the rules, hence need to display in Dail. Join protests tomorrow. In Dublin it's at Spire, 1pm.#dubw #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/DvtaJL61qR Ruth Coppinger TD (@RuthCoppingerTD) November 13, 2018 Clothes are not consent. Here are some photos from the #ThisIsNotConsent rally earlier. #dubw pic.twitter.com/Tpo8M5IF9k Ruth Coppinger TD (@RuthCoppingerTD) November 14, 2018 Protests now being held across the country - in Galway, Limerick, Dublin, Belfast, and Cork - to support the social media campaign. The melancholy of the misogynist society is that it is trying to turn every possible stone to blame the survivor rather than punishing the rapist. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The head of the worlds largest hedge fund did not build his firm with a grand plan for domination. Instead, he started by compiling a record of his decisions. Ray Dalio, founder and chief investment officer of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates, discussed during a keynote speech Friday at the inaugural Greenwich Economic Forum conference his process for developing the fundamentals that underpin his companys operations. Those principles are also the subject of a bestselling book of the same name that has helped vault Dalio into the ranks of the most prominent management experts in financial services. When youre in your particular situation, if you take the time and think about how youre making decisions, almost like a diary, and you write down your recipe for making that particular type of decision, so thats your principle, then over a period of time, you can clarify that with people you work with and critique it, Dalio told a packed room at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor hotel. Failures spark the greatest insights, said Dalio, who founded Bridgewater in 1975. He cited as a formative experience an episode in the early 1980s in which he inaccurately assessed market indicators. He warned in a clip from a TV interview at the time, which he played for the audience, that theres such a reduced level of liquidity that you cant return to an era of stagflation. I could not have been more wrong; that was just about the exact bottom of the stock market and I lost money, Dalio told the audience. The assessment meant Dalio would have to lay off the handful of employees working at his nascent firm and borrow a few thousand dollars from his father to make ends meet. That was obviously very painful for me, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences that ever happened to me because it changed my approach to decision-making. It made me think How do I know Im right? Dalio said. The principles that Dalio developed now support what he described as an idea meritocracy at Bridgewater. Cultivating such a workplace culture depends on honest interactions among employees and embracing thoughtful disagreement, Dalio said. Somebody is going to be wrong, and how do you know that wrong person isnt you? he said. Its logical that you want to work that through, but most people have these emotional reactions to disagreement. So you have to understand the art of thoughtful disagreement. Bridgewaters performance reflects its values, its founder said. The firm manages about $160 billion for approximately 350 institutional clients including public and corporate pension funds, university endowments and charitable foundations. This meritocratic way and things Im mentioning were really the keys of our success, Dalio said. You all are still going to have to decide how youre going to deal with each other. I want an idea meritocracy that is in pursuit of meaningful work and meaningful relationships through radical truthfulness and radical transparency. Bridgewater has automated many of Dalios tenets by turning them into algorithms. Converting written words into algorithms is extremely powerful, whether thats in the markets or any other kinds of decision-making, he said. Youve got to write the principles down and then put them into systemized decisions. Bridgewater has received strong backing from state officials. It has qualified for up to $52 million in tax credits, loans and grants through the Department of Economic and Community Developments First Five Plus program. The firm employs about 1,625 in Connecticut, according to state data. Its main offices at 1 Glendinning Place in Westport stand in a bucolic section of the town, near its border with Weston. Dalio, a Greenwich resident, said his firm encourages feedback from all of its staff. He pointed to a 24-year-old colleague giving him low marks for his contributions in a meeting. The simple act of saying How do I know Im right? and not being unduly attached to ones opinion, creates an enormous possibility, Dalio said. That is the path. Any success Ive had has been more due to my knowing how to deal with my not-knowing than anything I know. Because theres so much more not knowing than anything I know. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott Despite his sermonizing about being a positive person, the late Roger Ailes left behind plenty of negatives. There was the divisive politicking that he did on behalf of various Republican politicians decades ago; there was the fearmongering programming that vaulted Fox News to the top of the cable-news pile; and, of course, there was the sexual harassment - a multi-decade spree that ultimately resulted in Ailes' ouster from the network in mid-2016. That's too much for anyone to explain in 107 minutes, as attempted by "Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes." The Magnolia Pictures documentary tries to visit all the Ailes waterfronts: There's tremendous archival footage and photography of Ailes in his early years as a producer on "The Mike Douglas Show" and Ailes alongside Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Mitch McConnell; there's superior clip selection of Fox News hosts attempting to push Ailes storylines on air; there's fine storytelling about peak-Ailes pettiness in attempting to take over a small town in Putnam County, New York. They're all sideshows. Of all the Ailes legacies - a divided country, eroded factual commonality, ratings-driven filth - none resounds so much as the first-person accounts of his victims. The names, by now, are familiar and numerous: Gretchen Carlson uncorked the gushing geyser with her July 2016 lawsuit claiming that Ailes had sexually harassed her. Then came more and more names, including then-star host Megyn Kelly and longtime Fox News employee Laurie Luhn, who had alleged a twisted form of torment applied by Ailes. New York Magazine's Gabriel Sherman counted more than two dozen accusers in September 2016. Showtime is doing an 8-part series on Ailes based on Sherman's book "The Loudest Voice in the Room," starring Russell Crowe as the network executive. Marketing consultant Kellie Boyle speaks in "Divide and Conquer" about how she revered Ailes. "I'd read his book and, in my industry, he was the man," she tells the camera. She had dinner in Washington, D.C., with Ailes, after which he said that he could help Boyle. But: "If you want to play with the big boys, you have to lay with the big boys," Ailes said, according to Boyle. She didn't accept Ailes' advances, and later found out that she had been blacklisted for a big job that she had hoped to secure. "I wasn't getting any of my calls returned," says Boyle. A friend figured out that she was on a "no-hire list." "That was the end of my career," Boyle recounts. The film, directed by Alexis Bloom, moves from that anecdote to a 1992 clip of Ailes telling interviewer Charlie Rose: "If you want to have tremendous political influence and still be a womanizer, drug abuser or an alcoholic, you only have one choice of career, and that's journalism, because journalists won't attack each other. They only attack all the rest of us." Rose - who these days often finds himself paired in news coverage with Ailes, Bill O'Reilly and other predator types - gets a good chuckle out of the remark. Alisyn Camerota, who escaped Fox News for a career at CNN, talked about her request for more responsibility. "I wanted to try to anchor - I think that he saw that as, 'What do I get out of that?' And so when I went to him to ask him for more opportunity, he said, 'Well, I'd have to work with you more closely ... I'd have to train you, give you sort of tutorials. People might be jealous, and so ... it would be best if we did it away from here, perhaps at a hotel sometime. Do you know what I'm saying?' " Camerota did know what he was saying, and she knew she would never do such a thing, as she explains: "I didn't know what was going to happen next. I didn't know if I was going to be fired if I didn't do it. I didn't know how he was going to make that happen. I mean, Roger was the king. His assistant was the head of (Human Resources). And so it didn't occur to me that there was somebody higher than Roger who could have done something. There wasn't." Former TV correspondent Lidia Curanaj talks about how Ailes, during a job interview, told her that a Fox News woman had to have "the entire package. People want to see a woman from head to toe. And he looked me up and down admiringly and said you definitely are beautiful enough to be here," recalls Curanaj, who said that Ailes requested the infamous "twirl" so that he could see all of her. "I just looked at him and laughed," she says. She didn't get the job. When the mushroom cloud of sexual-harassment allegations fell upon Fox News, it was craziness, as the film demonstrates. The situation is narrated by Karen Kessler and Warren Cooper of PR firm Evergreen Partners. These folks add a little perspective to the scramble to stack up favorable comments about Ailes by Fox News talent, particularly high-profile women. Kessler: "They said all statements will be run through Irena Briganti, the head of public relations for Fox, who he told us was a 'stone killer.' And she was intensely focused on getting as many of the highest profile, and frankly, best looking, women on Fox to say that indeed he was not a harasser ... And Irena was really proud that, in one day, she was able to enlist 22 people ... 'We're up to 22, Roger.' " Toward the end of the film, Kessler notes that she doesn't speak about her clients, though an exception was in order here: "In this case not only did we not have a contract, not only did we not have (a nondisclosure agreement), not only did we not have any legal reasons why we couldn't - or get paid - but it's wrong. It's so wrong, and I can't be part of that. And not only am I not going to be part of that, but I'm going to expose it so that these men one day can get some of what they deserve. Which is justice for their victims." Many of these stories have already appeared somewhere or other, often in news articles and features. They're particularly powerful, though, in long form, unfettered by comments from other parties, legal edits, middling prose and so on. The stories, too, are more recent than the other political and cultural waste left behind by Ailes. He'd been working in politics and TV since the 1960s. The full force of his atrocities against women emerged just over two years ago. Since the sexual-harassment crisis, Fox News has retooled its operation, a project that includes a brand-new HR operation designed to operate independently of powerful executives. When asked whether things have changed at Fox News, Camerota responds, "I don't know. I don't know. ... He casts such a long shadow that his vision can actually go on without him." To judge from Fox News's post-Ailes programming, it must go on without him. There was a time when Thomas Murtha was heralded as one of the top civil litigation lawyers in the country by Super Lawyers magazine.. But all that passed in September,2016 when he resigned from the bar amid allegations that he misappropriated nearly $1 million. That number rose to $2 million taken from at least 20 individuals according to an investigation by federal authorities. With his reputation already gone, Murtha, 62, formerly of Newtown and currently of Birmingham, Michigan, saw his freedom go. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford Friday sentenced Murtha to six and a half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Murtha, who operated Maher & Murtha LLC, a Bridgeport lawfirm, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May. He is free on bond pending the Nov. 26, 2018 start of his prison term. He tapped into every source available for money for his own gain and benefit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia told the judge in court papers. He betrayed his clients, he betrayed his friends, he betrayed even his family. Some of the stolen money came from friends and clients who were suffering from physical and mental health issues. Often Murtha submitted false or forged documents and even bounced checks to victims. He also incurred charges on credit cards in the names of others without their knowledge or permission. The investigation revealed that Murtha used some of the stolen funds in connection with the purchase of a $725,000 house in Birmingham, Michigan. He spent $35,000 on a diamond engagement ring for his new wife and spent approximately $245,000 for the purchase of a show horse as well as horse for a teenage step-daughter, court documents claim. Murtha practiced law in Connecticut for 35 years from 1981 to 2016. He is a graduate of Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University Law School. Assistant U.S. Public Defender Moira Buckley urged Shea to sentence Murtha to just three years in prison. She pointed out that his mother died as a teenager and Murtha took on much of the responsiblity for raising his siblings. Shea ordered Murtha to pay total restitution of $1,994,467.15, as well as forfeit his interest in the house in Michigan and a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring that the government seized. The FBI and the Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang assisted Laraia in the prosecution. Deerskin, the 17th century Japanese style trend with lasting effects Brandeis professor Xing Hang is examining 17th and 18th century deerskin trade Photo/The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public domain. Decorative Japanese armor from the 18th century that features deerskin. During the Tokugawa period in Japan, deerskin was in. And the fashion trend may have had effects that are still felt today. Deerskin first became popular as a decoration for samurai armor, and later on it was often used for slippers. The rise in popularity drove conflict between different status groups in Japan, created a rare instance of merchants from China and Europe competing for a market, and prompted deer hunting throughout Southeast Asia so rampant that it had a destructive environmental effect. "It wasn't just Europeans devastating the planet," said Xing Hang, a professor of history at Brandeis. Hang is part of a trio of scholars bringing together their expertise to examine all the facets of deerskin trade during the Tokugawa period, which spanned the 17th and 18th centuries. Hang is an expert on Chinese mercantile networks and ports; Daniel Botsman of Yale University is an expert on Japans outcaste communities; and Adam Clulow of Monash University is an expert on Dutch East India Company and trade in South East Asia and Japan. The project, funded by a two-year grant from the American Council of Learned Societies, will result in a journal article on the subject, an international conference, and eventually a co-authored book. We hope to uncover how communications across cultures and class worked to forge an integrated regional economy during the early modern period, Hang said. The three scholars will also be exploring whether this structure of trade worked to facilitate the emergence of industrial capitalism in maritime East Asia, a region that remains a dynamic participant in our globalized world. The historical international impact of the commodities demanded by European consumers has been closely studied and documented, but there is much to be examined when it comes to how consumer demand coming from within Asia transformed the region. The trade of deerskin affected hunters, shippers, artisans, and consumers across the region. Hang's research for the project will include fieldwork in China and Southeast Asia to examine temples, memorials and cemeteries in search of details about the people behind the trade of deerskin to Japan. These landmarks often have messages carved into stone and plaques that provide information about people and lineage. Hang teaches courses on subjects like "Silk, Silver, and Slaves: China and the Industrial Revolution, "Swashbuckling Adventurers or Sea bandits? The Chinese Pirate in Global Perspective, and "Frenemy States: Identity and Integration in East Asia. His work in the classroom has led him to more closely examine the deerskin trade, and his research advances his teaching. "It's been a mutual influence. It's very positive, there is a synergy, Hang said. I teach classes that span boundaries in disciplines and that has informed a lot of my projects, which also undoubtedly inform my approach in the classroom." Let's start this story with a poem in memory of a valiant, daring soul, Sam Patch. "Good people all, attendance give, And list, with mournful brow, If you have any tears to shed, Prepare to shed them now. Sam Patch is dead, that famous man, We ne'er shall see him more; He used to wear an old felt hat, With rim all torn before; His jacket was of iron gray, His heart was full of glee, They say he's killed by jumping off The falls of Genesee. Full six score feet they say he jumped, And struck upon his side. He sank beneath the roaring flood, And thus, Sam Patch he died." - Providence Journal, Nov. 26, 1829 America of today is used to the idea of the shooting star celebrity, a person rising from out of nowhere and grabbing the nation's attention, even if only for a short period. It is not a new phenomenon. The story of Sam Patch is such an example. An image of Sam Patch taken from the children's book, The Wonderful Leaps of Sam Patch. Born of modest origins in 1807 on a Massachusetts farm, he seemed destined to spend his life working in Eastern cotton mills. His life story would have been forgotten except he had a unique skill that would turn him into an early American legend: he could fearlessly jump into water from heights. He was America's first daredevil, and by the autumn of 1829 was mentioned in the same breath as Davy Crockett. He was a braggart, and exhibitionist and a natural showman. He was called "the Great Descender," the spurner of heights, and was said to be "half dust, half deity." His meteoric rise to fame came to sudden, tragic end at the Genesee Falls near Rochester. As a boy, he worked at a cotton mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where a popular form of recreation among the workers was leaping from a bridge into the Pawtucket Falls. Some of the more daring boys jumped from the roof of an adjacent mill, a plunge of over 100 feet. When he was older, he started his own cotton business, partnering with a man named Kennedy. But Kennedy & Patch came to an end after Kennedy skipped town with the company's funds, leaving Patch holding the debt. He went to New Jersey and worked at the Hamilton cotton mills in Paterson. He had just turned 20 and was becoming increasingly restless. "What could he do to gain renown?" a 1929 Rochester Times-Union story asked. "Fight a duel? Become President? No. Leap from the chasm bridge that had just been built across the Passaic River? Yes." Sam Patch leaping into Niagara Falls. A new bridge was being built across the rocky gorge above the falls. Patch had boasted that he would jump from there into the river below, about 80 feet. Local police arrested him, thinking he was mad. Upon his release, on Sept. 20, 1827, he approached the bridge. He knew that a crowd of people would be there to watch the progress on the structure. "Unannounced and unheralded, Sam Patch appeared suddenly beneath the old pine tree above the falls, waved to the crowd and jumped off into the rolling water," a New Jersey newspaper wrote in 1963. The crowd was at first horrified then broke into applause when Patch surfaced and swam to shore. He ate up the applause and as he dried himself, said he would make the jump again. He did twice more, on July 4 and Aug. 2. He had a hat passed around the spectators, earning $13 and then $15. And he added a touch of showmanship to his performance. The "Journal of Commerce" reported that he took off coat, vest and shoes, "and laid them carefully by, as if debating the question whether he should want them again." He made a short speech, bowed to his left and right, before he "ran forward and leaped into the abyss." The publicity from these jumps made Patch famous in New Jersey and New York. On Aug. 11, 1828, at Hoboken, 500 people lined the shore as he dove 90 feet into the Hudson River from a platform erected on the masthead of a ship. He was now the "Jersey Jumper" and he set his sights on the biggest jump of all, Niagara Falls, where no one had ever survived the plunge. Looking to increase tourism to the falls, a local committee invited him to jump on Oct. 6, 1829. The main attraction would be the "blasting of a rocky obstacle." Patch reluctantly agreed to jump but he hated the idea of getting second billing. He abruptly canceled, then promised he would jump the next day. "Some things can be done as well as others," he said, which would become his catchphrase and a slang expression used across the country. On Oct. 7, he successfully leapt from a platform on Goat Island, then returned 10 days later for something even grander. He had an even higher platform constructed built on top of two ladders on a cliff below Goat Island. Despite pouring rain, Patch boldly climbed the ladder, ignoring the tearful farewells from people in the crowd. A drawing shows Sam Patch on a platform high above Niagara Falls before his October 1829 jump there. He stood on the small, swaying platform for 10 minutes, displaying his poise and testing the platform. We waved his hands and kissed an American flag before plummeting into the water. "He's dead! He's lost!" yelled the crowd before silence. Seconds later his head appeared from the water and handkerchiefs waved and huzzahs were shouted. "There's no mistake in Sam Patch," he told the first admirer he met as he swam back to shore. His Niagara exploits made Patch one of the most famous men in America. "The jump by Patch is the greatest feat of the kind ever effected by man," the Buffalo Republican claimed. "He may now challenge the universe for a competitor." His story was told in every newspaper from Maine to Florida and crowds gathered just to hear him speak. Some editors even said he should run for Congress. (Davy Crockett had done so, and he never jumped into any falls!) The Saturday Evening Post, which had once called him a "hair-brained fellow," now said that by conquering Niagara Falls, he had "performed an act so extraordinary as almost to appear an incredible fable. Sam Patch has immortalized himself." He told his admirers he next wanted to jump off London Bridge in the spring of 1830. But first he wanted "astonish the natives of the west" one more time before he returned to New Jersey. He accepted an invitation to leap into the Genesee Falls at Rochester, a 95-foot plunge. An advertisement for Sam Patch's jump into the Genesee Falls. He arrived in Rochester in late October 1829. He was now accompanied by a pet bear which would join his act. On Nov. 6, all of Rochester turned out for his jump. "The crowd collected was greater than ever before witnessed in Rochester," the Daily Advertiser reported. "The high banks and the buildings generally on each side and the flats below the Falls were crowded for a couple of hours before the hour designated for the feat. It was probably within bounds to say that there were between six and eight thousand spectators." Patch's bear was pushed into the falls first. "The poor animal whirred through the air, and, reaching the water, sank, but soon swam ashore, and was caught for further torture." Patch followed the bear and made a successful leap. He should have been done with Rochester at that point, but he decided to do one more jump there. Accounts differ as to why. He may have enjoyed the huge crowds that turned out in the city or he may have been frustrated that the Genesee Falls leap garnered far less press than the Niagara jumps had. Patch decided to up the ante, a 25-foot platform was built to add to the danger November 13, 1829 (a Friday, of course) was almost a holiday in Rochester. Despite the cold weather, a shivering crowd of thousands (one account said 20,000) stood on the river bank. Muddy roads did not stop people from coming from Buffalo, Canandaigua, Batavia or Syracuse for the occasion. Special schooners carried more people from Canada and Oswego. Patch appeared dressed in white trousers decorated with a black silk handkerchief, a light wool jacket and a skullcap. He took a drink of brandy offered from a friend, then had another when he reached the top of the platform. An American Heritage magazine article in 1966 said "some spectators thought he staggered and lacked his usual aplomb." Some thought he was "reeling drunk." A view of what today are called the High Falls from the roof of the Genesee Brew House in Rochester. Ever the showman, Patch put aside any nerves and delivered a grand speech: "Napoleon was a great man and a great general. He conquered armies and he conquered nations. But he couldn't jump the Genesee Falls. Wellington was a great man and a great soldier. He conquered armies and he conquered nations and he conquered Napoleon, but he couldn't jump the Genesee Falls. That was left for me to do, and I can do it and will." The crowd was tense. One woman cried out, "If there's anything in dreams that man is dead." Supposedly a well-known citizen bit off the end of his own thumb. After his pet bear made another successful forced jump, Patch prepared to leap. Some spectators said Patch lost his balance on the platform and fell awkwardly, others said his dive looked as "straight as an arrow" at first before his body went limp and he hit the water on his side, with a "sickening smash." The crowd was stunned. "Such a shocking result had a strong effect on the immense crowd." The Daily Advertiser wrote. "After waiting in breathless anxiety for some time, the multitude disappeared with feelings that can better be imagined than described." In less than five minutes almost everyone had fled the scene, "silent, sober and melancholy." That night rescuers with torches searched the shore for any signs of Patch. His fans tried to assure themselves that he was OK, maybe this was part of the show. His body was not recovered. Newspaper editors praised his heroism while the nation's preachers ridiculed his vanity and folly. In Rochester, Josiah Bissell told his Sunday School students that they were "accessories" in Patch's death and "were murderers in the sight of God." Throughout the winter of 1830, rumors had Patch popping up almost everywhere. He was seen in Albany, Canandaigua and Pittsford. A rumor was started that Patch had discovered an eddy running under a shelving rock, where he had hidden clothes and food and was now living incognito. One widely published story, supposedly signed by Patch himself, declared his final Rochester jump had been a "capital hoax," a dummy made of straw, stones, sand and paint had been substituted. The grave of Sam Patch near Rochester. A proper headstone was not placed at the grave of the 19th century hero until 1948 But then, on St. Patrick's Day, 1830, a farmer chopped a hole in the ice of the Genesee River to give his horse a drink. The frozen corpse of Sam Patch bobbed to the surface. He was buried in Charlotte Cemetery near where his body was found. A wooden board was placed there. It read simply, "Sam Patch - Such is Fame." Patch entered national folklore. President Andrew Jackson named his favorite horse after him and there were countless poems, songs and stories written about him, like this one published in 1845: Poor Samuel Patch - a man once world renounded, Much loved the water, and by it was drownded. He sought fame, and as he reached to pluck it. He lost his ballast and kicked the bucket. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-427-3958. I will be writing some regular articles for Universe Today. Of course, I will still be writing my regular amount of Nextbigfuture articles. I will write about once per week over at Universe Today. My first article is about the most promising ways to start traveling faster than 1 million miles per hour. This is for larger spacecraft and not just ultra-light sails. The top two projects are the laser-powered lithium-ion drive and the positron catalyzed fusion drive. Both have NASA NIAC funded projects right now. The US military is spending billions to enable combat lasers. Those lasers will reach megawatt and multi-megawatt arrays. The Lithium-ion drive will have 50,000 ISP. This is 100 times more than chemical rockets and ten times more than current ion drives. NASA Jet Propulsion Labs (JPL) will prototype the first 50,000 ISP lithium-ion drive within 4 months. The design will power-beam 6000 volts of megawatts of energy around the solar system. This will enable direct use of the power for the lithium-ion drives. This will keep the system low weight with high acceleration. The positron catalyzed fusion system design avoids all of the huge problems with achieving antimatter or fusion drives. The huge problems are being unable to produce, store or use antimatter. The positron or anti-electron approach uses isotopes (Sodium or potassium) which naturally produce positrons. Isotopes can be bred in a process similar to uranium breeder reactors. Neutron sources are used to make more isotope. There is no storage of antimatter or anti-electrons. The propulsion system will use the positrons immediately. Contributed If you love history and classical music played as if it were the new music of the day, youll love Orchestra New Englands back-in-time Colonial Concert, happening for the 39th year on Nov. 24. The Concert of Mufick, as it was printed during the time of the Revolutionary War, will take place at 8 p.m. at the historic United Church on the Green at the corner of Temple and Elm streets in New Haven, led once again by maestro James Sinclair. When director Awoye Timpo first picks up a new play, a great story is the only sure thing keeping that script in her hands. I like watching people strive for things that may or may not be inside of what they are able to achieve, said Timpo, whos at the helm of Dominique Morisseaus Paradise Blue, which starts previews Nov. 21 at Long Wharf Theatre. Theres something really beautiful about watching people reach for something and wanting people to succeed, she said. Paradise Blue, which officially opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 16, takes place in Detroit 1949. Amid the migration of African Americans from the South to cities such as Chicago and The Motor City dwells The Paradise Club, a superlative jazz club in Black Bottom, a predominately black neighborhood in Detroits Near East Side named for its rich, fecund soil and not the popular dance of the 1920s. As Paradise Blue opens, Black Bottom is on the verge of gentrification without its citizens realizing it. Silver (Carolyn Michelle Smith), a woman for whom sultry beauty and business savvy seem in long supply, has designs for the club that are doubtlessly at odds with those of Blue (Stephen Tyrone Williams), who owns the joint and plays lead trumpet. Leon Addison Brown (Corn), Freddie Fulton (P-Sam), and Margaret Odette (Pumpkin) complete the cast. Yu-Hsuan Chen (set design), Lex Liang (costume design), Oona Curley (lighting design), Daniel Kluger (sound design), and Alphonso Horne (composer) are the design team. One of the things thats really exciting for me about this play, said Timpo, is that its about people who are kind of on the precipice of change. Morisseau, a 2018 MacArthur Fellow, includes Paradise Blue in her three-play cycle called The Detroit Project, inspired by August Wilsons American Century Cycle. The two other plays are Skeleton Crew and Detroit 67. Timpo, speaking before a rehearsal just prior to the recent midterm elections, said that the plays theme of adjusting to transition hits home today. I feel like were in a place now where everyday we get a piece of news that might be transformational for the rest of our lives, you know what I mean? she said. Were on the verge of having an election and putting people into office who can change the course of peoples lives on a statewide level, national level. Timpo pointed out that urban renewal projects were merely fledgling in 1949, and that the citizens of Detroit had no inkling of the overall effect of such a phenomenon. So I feel that what when I think about what it means to do this play right now, she said, its the decisions we make on an everyday basis (that) actually plants seeds of whats to come in the future, for both ourselves and also for the future generations. Paradise Blue captures Black Bottom, which was demolished in the early 1960s to make way for Lafayette Park, at the crest of its heyday, Timpo said. At this time there were 350 black-owned areas, she said, adding that city and state laws restricted where African Americans could live. So the black community kind of created this new neighborhood that was thriving economically. There were so many people moving up to the area seeking opportunities ... And people, of course, were able to create this thriving community in Black Bottom. Some people arrived in Black Bottom pursuing a love supreme, a catch phrase for dreams more enriching than lucrative, Timpo said. It means reaching for freedom; reaching for peace; reaching toward something thats ideal, she said. Something thats not haunted; something that is safe; something that is beautiful. Each of the characters is, in their own way, reaching for a love supreme. Whether its in seeking love; whether its in seeking opportunity; whether its seeking freedom from things that are haunting them in the past. Thats the kind of thing everybodys looking for, and I think it takes a great kind of bravery to dream toward something beyond yourself. Thats actually about connecting with the deepest part of yourself. That fact that the action in Paradise Blue is set nearly 70 years ago, Timpo suggested, gives the audience perspective on an issue that distinctly resounds today. Theres that great historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and she has this great quote that says ignore history at our own peril, Timpo said, referring to the esteemed biographer of Presidents Lincoln, Lyndon Johnson and both Roosevelts. I should think that the story of Black Bottom is almost more than a story about race relations in the country. Its almost more about what it means to have a space where an African-American community can thrive and kind of the tremendous capacity and beauty of the things that the black community built at that time and how outside forces were instituting racist, discriminating laws that weakened the capacity of what the community is and then sought to destroy it for their own capital needs. The story of Detroit, Timpo said, is actually the story of the American city. E. Kyle Minor is the Register theater writer. BRIDGEPORT - A New Haven man, accused of raping and robbing a woman as she walked home from the Fairfield train station, was found mentally incompetent to stand trial. Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin, following a hearing Friday morning, ordered Michael Fontaine committed to the Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital for 90 days after a psychiatric social worker testified that Fontaine cannot assist in his own defense. Blanche Grinowsky, a psychiatric social worker, also testified that Fontaine suffers from the delusion that he inherited a large amount of money. Fontaine sat looking down at the desk in front of him during the brief hearing. The judge continued the case to Feb. 13 when it will be determined if Fontaine can be restored to competency. Fontaine, 48, is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree robbery, third-degree assault and second-degree larceny. Fairfield police said on Dec. 17, 2016, the victim had taken the train to New York City, where she had gone with friends to the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. When she got back to the Fairfield Train Station at about 10 p.m., police said she decided to take the short walk to her home, not far from the Police Department. But Fontaine was apparently waiting in the shadows, police said. Neighbors reported hearing a woman screaming and called police. The woman, her clothes pulled off, managed to get to a house, police said. Officers began to track shoe prints in the freshly fallen snow along with a blood trail left by the suspect as a result of the struggle with the victim, police said. The trail led to Fontaine, who was hiding in bushes on Old Post Road with items he had allegedly stolen from the woman, police said. NEWTOWN BOROUGH >> The public will get its first look inside the newly-renovated Newtown Theatre at a series of private and public events during the first week in December. The towns beloved entertainment venue, dating back to the late 1800s, has been closed since August for its first major renovation in more than 50 years. And the anticipation is running high as the reopening... NEW HAVEN A 2018 graduate of Yale University has sued Yale, several officials and Yale New Haven Hospital, claiming that she was involuntarily held at the hospital after she admitted herself for depression and that Yale forced her to withdraw from the university. The female plaintiff, identified as Z.P. of New Jersey, went to see her religious adviser in November 2016 because she was upset about two suicides on campus that fall, according to the complaint. She was then referred to Yale Mental Health and Counseling and then advised to admit herself to Yale New Haven Hospital, according to the lawsuit. Z.P., a senior who was living on campus at the time, claimed a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act. She was later reinstated at Yale and graduated in 2018, the lawsuit states. Her attorney, Robert J. De Groot of Newark, New Jersey, told the Yale Daily News that Yale forced his client to withdraw because the university was concerned about further publicity after the two suicides. A message was left with De Groots office Friday. Z.P. also named Yale President Peter Salovey, Jonathan Holloway, then Yale College dean and now provost of Northwestern University, Dr. Lorraine Siggins, director of Yale Mental Health and Counseling, and several unnamed employees of Yale and the hospital. The lawsuit, which has not been served as yet, was filed with the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on Nov. 5. Z.P.s complaint says she was disenchanted about the campus returning to its business as usual atmosphere after the suicides. When she went to Yale New Haven Hospital, she was told that if she admitted herself, she would meet with a treatment team on the next business day but was not told that she could be held involuntarily, the lawsuit states. The hospital did apply to commit her involuntarily for up to two weeks under a physicians emergency certificate, the court papers state. But when her parents went to Yale Health Center to pick up her papers, there was no such certificate, according to the complaint. The lawsuit also claims the hospital illegally gave Yale University the plaintiffs medical information. While Z.P. was hospitalized, she was placed on medical leave from Yale, effectively withdrawing her from school, her complaint states. This decision was made despite the Plaintiffs improved mood and coping skills, the lawsuit states. On Nov. 11, Z.P. appealed the decision, calling Yale a refuge from her stressful home environment and that leaving Yale would be less conducive to her recovery, according to the court documents. In her appeal letter, the plaintiff wrote, Please let me continue to learn how not to be afraid, continue to grow and become an adult who is strong enough to make a better life for herself. Please let me return to Yale and continue to help myself, according to the complaint, which states that Holloway denied the appeal Nov. 15, 2016. In her lawsuit, Z.P. asserted that she would never physically hurt herself. Z.P. was discharged from Yale New Haven on Nov. 17 but was not permitted to finish the Fall 2016 semester or to start the Spring 2017 semester, the complaint states. She was unable to graduate with her class and Yales actions had the effect of ostracizing the Plaintiff from her peer group, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit asks for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys costs and fees. According to regulations in its online catalogue, Yale College reserves the right to require a student to withdraw for medical reasons when, on recommendation of the director of Yale Health or the chief of the Mental Health and Counseling department, the dean of Yale College determines that the student is a danger to self or others because of a serious medical problem, or that the student has refused to cooperate with efforts deemed necessary by Yale Health to determine if the student is such a danger. The catalogue says that a student who withdraws for medical reasons must normally remain away at least one full term before a return to Yale College, not including the term in which the withdrawal occurred. Comment has been requested from Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital spokesmen. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro is bullish of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis chances of becoming the next speaker of the House 100 percent, she said in an interview Thursday. Pelosi says she has votes to be speaker, despite dissidents But a part of her is wistful at the prospect that facing significant opposition among House Democrats, Pelosi might not make it. And if Pelosi is not elected by Democrats as the next speaker, DeLauro, D-Conn., acknowledges she too would fall from the pinnacles of leadership as one of Pelosis top lieutenants. Yes, I would miss it, DeLauro said of her role as co-chair of the Democratic caucus policy and steering committee. I enjoy being at the table. I expect I will be there. But if somebody else gets the job, theyll pick their own people. On the committee, DeLauro has a major hand in deciding policy recommendations for House Democrats and delegating all-important committee assignments. DeLauro, 75, just won re-election to her 15th term in Congress. The future of Pelosi, D-Calif., as speaker is not assured, even though no Democrat has stepped forward to challenge her. How the math will work out on Jan. 3 when House members vote for speaker is uncertain. Seventeen Democrats have signed a letter saying they will not support Pelosi. Two other House Democrats from Connecticut Rep.-elect Jahana Hayes, who replaces Rep. Elizabeth Esty, and Rep. Jim Himes have not said how they will vote on Pelosi. The loss of those 17 Democrats would be enough to deprive Pelosi of the 218 votes she needs to become speaker. But it is unlikely that Democrats would carry out their pledge to vote against Pelosi if it meant a minority Republican would become House speaker. DeLauro believes Pelosi, 78, has been victimized by Republican caricatures that have no substance. Younger Democrats are searching for voices of their own, but DeLauro said thats no reason to turn against a woman whom she considers a tested and effective leader. She brought it home, DeLauro said, referring to Pelosis role as speaker between 2007 and 2011 in passing the Affordable Care Act Obamacare and the stimulus package aimed at reviving the economy after the 2007-2008 Great Recession. She listens to everyone and she is one helluva negotiator, said DeLauro. You want the attributes of intellectual capacity, strategic acumen, compassion and core values. Add to that a spine of steel. DeLauro insists that whatever happens to Pelosi, her primary focus in the Democratic-controlled 116th Congress will be her role as chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Labor H in the language of Capitol Hill. As chair, she would have major input into how federal money is spent on a wide swath of social services and agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food & Drug Administration, and the Departments of Labor and Education. DeLauro sees this as her bread and butter the fulfillment of the Democratic Party vision of helping people through government spending. The chairmanship, she said, is a dream come true. Herself a cancer survivor, DeLauro said that directing funds to the variety of health and other programs under the subcommittees jurisdiction is my heart and soul. You can provide opportunities to people through education, health care, their jobs that, to me, is pretty extraordinary, she said. Looking for updated info on Black Friday 2019? Check out our Black Friday Sneak Preview, where you'll find all the latest Black Friday ads, rumors, predictions, and more! SEE ALSO: Black Friday Sneak Preview 2019: See All Our Deal Predictions! If you're in need of a holiday getaway, you can start booking your flights now! Check out our roundup of the best Black Friday airfare deals below, which are available today. Click here to see all the best Black Friday ads Best Black Friday Airfare Deals 2018 8-Night Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai Vacation with Air from $3,998 Why Buy It: Lowest price we could find by $200 Have a stress-free experience with an escorted vacation for two and see the best of Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai. This package is the cheapest we could find by $200, and includes roundtrip international airfare, as well as airfare between cities, daily breakfast, and hotel stays. Lowest price we could find by $200 United Airlines Fares to Hawaii from $336.60 at United Airlines via ShermansTravel Why Buy It: Save on a sunny vacation If you need a warm vacation to escape the cold, these roundtrip flights to Hawaii are the way to go. You'll save at least $17 on your airfare from select cities in the Continental United States. Save on a sunny vacation Air Canada 1-Way Fares to Toronto from $69.02 at Toronto Escapes via ShermansTravel Why Buy It: Seriously cheap flights to Canada If you prefer a trip to the Great White North instead, this deal offers the chance to do so at least a $5 savings. With such affordable ticket prices, you'll have plenty of cash left to gorge on poutine. NOTE: The information below was assembled before the Black Friday deals came out. Please refer to the deals above before making any shopping plans. Black Friday Airfare Deal Predictions Domestic destinations as low as $20 each way European destinations as low as $100 each way Free (or extremely cheap) airfare bundled with vacation packages The airfare sales you'll find during the Black Friday season won't be markedly different from the ones you'd find at any other time of year. But they'll be in line with the best prices of the year and include sales from every airline. Because airfare sales have limited dates and destinations, the number of sales on Black Friday means you get more vacation options. That makes Black Friday a good time to shop, even if prices aren't technically at their lowest. Expect one-way domestic fares to go as low as $20, with Frontier and JetBlue offering the deepest discounts. Expect one-way fares to domestic destinations to go as low as $20 each way, with budget-friendly airlines Frontier and JetBlue offering the deepest discounts. More mainstream brands like American Airlines and Southwest should offer fares from $40 to $50 each way. Deals tend to focus on large hub cities, with departure dates in the winter and spring. Here are a couple of examples of the prices you can expect: Philadelphia to Orlando for $24 one-way on American Airlines Las Vegas to Los Angeles for around $40 one-way on Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines This is also a good time to book travel to Europe, with airfare as low as $199 roundtrip. However, destinations for these budget fares are extremely limited, and you won't get the lowest prices for more desirable destinations. Last year we saw these offers: Baltimore to Reykjavik, Iceland for $200 roundtrip from WOW Air Boston to Oslo, Norway for $323 from Icelandair New York City to Milan, Italy for $447 from Emirates Airlines will also offer bargains on vacation packages. You may not think to check for them, but you can expect to save $100 to $400 by bundling your flight and hotel with your airline. And last year, Expedia offered the best airfare prices by throwing in flights for free if you booked a package to Orlando, New York City, or Chicago. Click here to see all the best Black Friday travel deals Click here to see all the best Black Friday deals If you're ready for a winter getaway, Black Friday is a great time to book travel. Deals are already starting, and many will be valid until the end of the month. Forget staying glued to your computer! Last year, only 7% of Black Friday travel sales lasted less than a day even the shortest offer was available for a full seven hours. Read on for the best Black Friday travel deals in 2018. Click here to see our guides about the best Black Friday deals Best Black Friday Travel Deals 2018 NOTE: The information below was assembled before the Black Friday deals came out. Please refer to the deals above before making any shopping plans. Black Friday Airfare Deal Predictions Domestic destinations as low as $20 each way European destinations as low as $100 each way Free (or extremely cheap) airfare bundled with vacation packages Click here to see our guide about the best Black Friday airfare deals Black Friday Hotel Deal Predictions Las Vegas stays from $20/night off the Strip and $30/night on the Strip New York City stays from $50/night, and from $97/night near Times Square Hotel chains offering discounts of up to 55% off Third-party sites offering discounts of up to 60% off Click here to see our guide about the best Black Friday hotel deals Click here to see our guides about the best Black Friday deals Campus News Architecture students break out of their comfort zone for Torn Space productions UB students choose gray limestone rocks from a local quarry for a stone and light sculpture they designed and built in the lot adjacent to Torn Spaces headquarters as part of "Light/Station." Photo: Chris Romano By DAVID J. HILL Its been unlike anything else Ive worked on in architecture schools. Morgan Mansfield, senior School of Architecture and Planning The materials were simple. A few large pieces of cardboard, rocks and sand, some string and ropes, sheets of fabric. The task given to a dozen UB architecture students working with two avant-garde theater companies was not so simple: work as a team, using little to no verbal communication, to build installations that will be incorporated into two limited-run theatrical performances being staged in Buffalo this weekend. Its been unlike anything else Ive worked on in architecture schools, says Morgan Mansfield, a senior in the School of Architecture and Planning who served as an architectural consultant for Manmade Earth, the show-in-development being created by Brooklyn-based 600 Highwaymen in collaboration with Buffalos Torn Space Theater. Manmade Earth will run in Buffalo Nov. 16-18, along with Light/Station, another performance that drew heavily from the creative contributions of UB architecture students. Both projects are centered around the idea of reconfiguring what performance space means while investigating how the audience engages with performance in different ways. Tickets for both are available on the Torn Space website. Both also draw heavily from the creative contributions of UB students, who worked under the direction of Christopher Romano, clinical associate professor of architecture, and Torn Space co-founders Dan Shanahan and Melissa Meola. Their latest collaboration with Torn Space is an outgrowth of one that took place last year when Romano engaged several students in the design of the facade for Torn Spaces new green room, design studio and conference space on Buffalos East Side. Romano designed the facade of the structure, which opened last fall, wrapping the former gas mart in deep-textured, perforated sheet-metal panels. This fall, Romano and a handful of his students played a key role in the creative components of Light/Station, an original Torn Space walk-through experience, and Manmade Earth, a new show in development by critically acclaimed 600 Highwaymen, comprised of theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone. The projects received lead funding from UBs Creative Arts Initiative, which also supported Torn Spaces first-ever residency grant, enabling 600 Highwaymen to spend three weeks in Buffalo. The students work is really amazing, Romano says. The students have been working collaboratively with artists and performance theater producers, which is exposing them to an entirely new way of thinking about space. A large rock is moved into position as part of the "Light/Station" light and stone sculpture. Photo: Chris Romano Light/Station, a public ritual Since 2012, Torn Space has used Silo City for site-specific performances. Now, the theater company is bringing the drama to its backyard with Light/Station, which incorporates the building Romano designed. The performance features a sort of public ritual. Theres a curated walking tour beginning at the historic Adam Mickiewicz Library, where Torn Space stages many of its works, and continuing through Buffalos historic Polonia neighborhood to St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Roman Catholic Church, where audience members will hear a private selection of Bachs music played on the churchs grand pipe organ. The performance ends with dinner in the Mickiewicz speakeasy. With Light/Station, theres this inversion where the architectural piece becomes an artistic piece folded into the experience of the building, and then the building into the city, Romano says. It fuses art, architecture and city in what I think will be a very provocative way. Light/Station utilizes the talents of UB architecture students, who designed and built a stone and light sculpture in the lot adjacent to Torn Spaces headquarters. Working as a design consultant, Mikayla Elliott, a senior dual major in architecture and psychology, says she developed a variety of new skills from the project. But the biggest thing Ive learned is the way we can design using nature without designing the nature itself. By this I mean, we speculated many design iterations involving the materials used without knowing specifically how this altar would come together, she says. Using natural material like gray limestone rocks plucked directly from a quarry made any design the students developed more of a theory or speculation as opposed to a direct design, Elliott adds. This allows for the rocks themselves to design Light/Station rather than us. Elliott and her classmates are looking forward to seeing the finished product this weekend. I cant wait to see the whole pilgrimage and performance, she says. The night as a whole will give a sense of eeriness, as well as a transcendental feeling while walking through the dark and proceeding to the church while being surrounded by light and sound and people. UB architecture students Anya Batista, Derek Chan, Rossella Giangreco-Marotta, Jenna Herbert and Timothy Zeng also worked on Light/Station. Students from Lafayette High School rehearse their performance of "Manmade Earth." Photo: 600 Highwaymen Manmade Earth explores structures that join, separate people A New Jersey State Trooper was struck by a car on the New Jersey Turnpike in Burlington County on Friday afternoon and flown to the hospital. The trooper, whose name was not released, was "awake, alert and talking" at Cooper University Health Care with a "non life-threatening" leg injury as of 4 p.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Lawrence Peele said. The trooper was hit around 3 p.m. near mile marker 47.7 in Springfield after he got out of his car to investigate an earlier crash, Peele said. The driver who hit the officer stopped and was cooperating with police, he said. "It's still very early in the investigation, but the important thing is that the trooper is OK and driver is cooperating in the investigation," Peele said. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. More than 91,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products has been recalled because a package has been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella, health officials said. A package of recalled Jennie-O Turkey recalled because it has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak. (U.S. FDA) Jennie-O Turkey says 91,388 pounds of the following varieties, all of which were produced on Sept. 11 are unsafe to eat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement on the recall Thursday. 1 pound packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 93% LEAN | 7% FAT" with "use by" dates of Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, 2018 1 pound packages of "Jennie-O TACO SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "use by" date of Oct. 2, 2018 1 pound packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 85% LEAN | 15% FAT" with a "Use by" date of Oct. 2, 2018 1 pound packages of "Jennie-O ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of Oct. 2, 2018 The products are possibly linked to a Salmonella outbreak that killed a person in California and sickened 164 people across 35 states as of Nov. 5. Of the people who have fallen ill, 35 had to be hospitalized, according to Center for Disease Control. Eight of the sick people are from New Jersey. The USDA says a patient in Arizona with a sample of Jennie-O brand ground turkey tested positive for salmonella and the sample from the turkey matches the outbreak strain. The raw turkey that has sickened the 164 is from a variety of sources. Health officials advise people not to thaw the turkey by leaving it on the counter, but rather by leaving it in cold water that is changed every 30 minutes. They also issued other standard precautions such as washing hands thoroughly before handling the meat and cooking it thoroughly. Salmonella most commonly leads to diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. Most people recover in 4 to 7 days. Consumers with questions can call Jennie-O at 1-800-621-3505. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. "Look Alive Twenty-Five" By Janet Evanovich (G.P. Putnam's Sons, pp 311, $28) Perhaps Ionesco or Kafka aren't the first artists who jump to mind when you think of Janet Evanovich. Yet the Jersey writer - raised in South River and educated at Rutgers - is a master of the absurd. Consider her beloved character, Stephanie Plum, who lives a rather absurd existence in Trenton. The 25th book starring Plum (hence the title) proves again that she is the unwitting ballast as absurdity swirls around her. She does, though, have a touch of the nonsense about her. That's not to say I don't appreciate or like her; I do. But any woman who is not going through the growth spurts of puberty or pregnancy and can eat and sleep the way she does and stay thin is incongruous. Add to that she is involved with two very sexy lawmen, has a tough grandma, wacky co-workers and the result is absurd. Evanovich remains a master of fun. Is this deep? No more so than a kiddie pool, and that's fine. Right now as we turn to comfort food and escapist television, why not a novel that is real enough in terms of place and time - Trenton, today - yet the mystery is kooky. Managers of a deli start disappearing in an alley when they put out the trash. All that remains of them is a shoe. Plum is a bounty hunter, though she lacks the muscle, a lot of know-how and may not be a great shot. Her sidekick Lula, an amply proportioned woman who prefers clothing intended for someone 10 sizes smaller, used to be a prostitute. Plum may catch more bail jumpers with her lack of guile than by employing any tool or entrapment. Their boss is a shady guy who dispatches them to retrieve suspects or carry out any of his ridiculous ventures. The bail jumpers are not always stable people with good jobs and a sophisticated understanding of how society is supposed to work. So Plum chases them to all-night concerts, trailers filled with chickens and breaks into houses to steal a cat. The ageless and hapless Stephanie Plum finds herself in the middle of shenanigans including abducted deli managers and psycho musicians in Trenton. She has some excitement in her life, but her preference is to live quietly in her apartment, which she describes as: "My furniture is mostly secondhand. My fridge contains beer, wine, Velveeta cheese slice, strawberry preserves ... I share the apartment with a hamster named Rex." Evanovich has the formula down pat. And much of a kick as I get out of her work, this feels just a little too pat. Fans know what they want and Evanovich delivers. Lola, who dresses wildly inappropriately and eats like stoned frat brothers, helps Plum. The beleaguered Plum is lovely but at best jinxed. More likely, she's just incompetent, but quite lovable. And many do, including a Trenton Police Department detective, her longtime beau. She has long rebuffed attempts to marry him because of his family. There's also Ranger, who runs a high-tech private security firm, employing men with useful, though not always legal skills. "His name was Randy, and he was a master electrician, a pickpocket, a locksmith, a safecracker, and a sharpshooter." Competent to a superhuman level and intelligent, Ranger has a limited vocabulary, usually saying, "babe." He assigns several of his men to watch over Plum; she needs an army. She is in danger. Her idiot boss put her in charge of a deli that she and Lula turn into the sort of place where ptomaine would be embarrassed to fester. Why the kidnappings happen seems preposterous, then again a reality show is woven into this and once reality shows enter the scene anything can happen. A lot of the action unfolds in the deli where Lula has turned standard sandwiches into vile emetics. After a few days of these sandwiches, more people disappearing and Lula's outrageous outfits, the diner makes the local news. Naturally much goes wrong while they're filming the segment. And when a cameraman finds his foot in the way of a knife, Plum apologizes, adding she hope this "won't reflect badly on the deli." "Lady, with reputation this deli is getting, a stabbing can only enhance it," the reporter told her. The various plots are woven together though at least one of the characters, Wulf, who appears and disappears in bursts of smoke, does not feel quite real. Then again, that's the thing with absurdity; it's not supposed to be realistic. FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: Miserable commute expected Friday in N.J. Latest updates on road closures, NJ Transit Call it Escape from Newark. New Jersey's largest city was essentially done in by a few inches of snow Thursday, as major roads, as well as Routes 280, 78, 21 and 22 remained closed as of 11 p.m, leaving people stranded in their vehicles in an unprecedented traffic jam with no way out of the city, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose Videos showed motorists hopelessly sitting in a gridlocked city for hours wondering if they would ever get home after a snowstorm turned their evening commute into a nightmare. The rain and sleet created dangerous icy conditions and resulted in dozens of collisions, which caused a "massive backlog traffic jam," Ambrose said. One of the people trapped Thursday evening was Mariel Loveland, of Ringwood, who was driving to pick up her boyfriend at Newark Airport around 3 p.m., but was still stuck on Broadway Street as 9:30 p.m. "In the last 3 to 4 hours I've gone maybe a mile," Loveland told NJ Advance Media. "I'm like starving and everything's closed here and I'm not going to leave my car in Newark. i've never seen anything like this." She said her boyfriend arrived on a flight into Newark Airport at 3:15 p.m. and was still sitting there waiting for her to pick her up. "I feel like I could have gone past Washington, D.C., in the same amount of time," she said. "Like, I'm 4 miles away (from Newark Airport) and I've been 4 miles away." The situation at Newark Airport is not much better as staff there were laying out cots for stranded travelers, according to social media accounts. Hi from the floor of Newark airport, where well prob spend the night bc of #WinterStormAvery. It took 3.5 hrs via NYC public transportation to get here, and weve been waiting on this @JetBlue flight for 4 hours. Highways are gridlock so were basically trapped. pic.twitter.com/rGuf4hXEi5 Chavie Lieber (@ChavieLieber) November 16, 2018 Another person said a plane that landed from Lisbon was stuck on the tarmac for over seven hours and another airport captive said there was an hour-long delay to board the AirTrain to get back to New York City. Over 400 flights were cancelled out of Newark Airport, and 300 flights were delayed by over an hour. Well try this again tomorrow Newark. pic.twitter.com/YvhNQmnveS Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) November 16, 2018 Police dispatched additional officers throughout the city and and the Newark Department of Public Safety's Emergency Operation Center was opened, Ambrose said. Flooding became a major problem in the city and Ambrose told people to avoid Norfolk Street, Orange Street, Nesbitt Street, McCarter Highway and a slew of other roads. Newark Communications Director Frank Baraff said NJDOT and city crews were out trying to clear the traffic. "If there's any place where cars are blocking, you tow them," Baraff said. "The police are out there, NJDOT is out there, emergency management is out there and public works is out there." Newark still suffering gridlock from 3 inches of snow. Sad to say @PhilMurphyNJ is getting shellacked over this but I dont think anyone saw it coming. So give him a goddamned break. Im still surprised @NJTRANSIT trains left NYC and got me home . pic.twitter.com/3Y8NgzbW1M Pre-dawn Raid (@icterid) November 16, 2018 Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- Jersey City Police Officer Carlos Melendez has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in an incident in which his vehicle struck two parked vehicles in Bergen County in April. On Oct. 18 the 30-year-old pleaded guilty to DWI, was fined $689, his driver's license was suspended for three months and he was ordered to spend 12 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, a Wood-Ridge Municipal Court official said Friday. The guilty plea was first reported by RealJerseyCity.com. A Breathalyzer test after the April 28 crash revealed Melendez had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit for driving in New Jersey. A officer responding to the crash spoke to a resident who said Melendez was driving the vehicle and that he "appeared messed up." Melendez told the officer he was texting and had looked down at the time of the crash, but the officer said he detected the odor of alcohol, a report says. Melendez did poorly on a field sobriety test, and before being taken to the police station he informed the Wood-Ridge officer that he was a cop and that his gun was in his vehicle's glove compartment, the report says. Melendez has been on the police force for more than five years. The location of Melendez's last drink is believed to have been Zeppelin Hall in Downtown Jersey City, the report says. Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers provide education on addiction and make evaluations to determine if there is a need for additional treatment intervention, according to the state Department of Human Services website. Jersey City spokeswoman Ashley Manz did not immediately respond to a request for information on whether Melendez's job status on the police department has changed as a result of pleading guilty to the motor vehicle offense. JERSEY CITY -- A Jersey City man who watched as his wife was fatally struck by a vehicle in October 2017 was already frustrated by delays in the prosecution of the driver. That frustration has only grown now that the matter has been moved from municipal court in Jersey City to Hoboken, with a hearing set for Dec. 6. "As long as I can walk and I'm breathing, I'm going to show up," said Patrick Andriani, 66, who's wife, Azucena Andriani, 73, was fatally struck by a vehicle as she crossed Baldwin Avenue at Newark Avenue on Oct. 10, 2017. "Now I go to Hoboken on Dec. 6 and I go through the whole thing again," said Andriani. "I'm never going to see her punished." Somani Gupta was driving a 2010 Mercedes Benz west on Newark Avenue when she turned left onto Baldwin Avenue, striking Azucena Andriani, who was in a crosswalk at the time, according to a crash report. Azucena Andrani had been sitting on a bench in front of the Brennan Court House with her husband when she got up to cross the street. Patrick Andriani was only feet away when he saw his wife get hit. At the last hearing on the matter in September, Jersey City Municipal Court Judge Carlo Abad noted that he purchased an engagement ring from Diamond Hut in the Newport Centre mall. The jewelry store is owned by Gupta's uncle. Abad said he would have to recuse himself from the case because of the purchase and said he had spoken to other judges, but they had possible conflicts as well. Abad then chose a new judge to take over the case in Jersey City but that apparently did not work out and the matter was then moved to Hoboken to avoid any semblance of impropriety. If found guilty, Gupta would face a fine and two points on her license, but she could also be the defendant in a potential civil lawsuit in the matter afterward. At the hearing in September, a civil lawyer was in court monitoring events for Gupta. Patrick Andriani said his wife paid the bills for them and after her death he learned he was several months behind in the rent and in all, owed some $5,000. The part-time deliveryman at John's Deli on Newark Avenue said he has received an eviction notice and does not have the money. "I see a roof over my head and it makes me happy because all my memories are there," Andriani said. "I lost my wife. I'm losing the apartment that makes me feel near to her. I'm getting to the point where I feel like giving up. I'm 66 years old." Andriani brought two witness to the hearing in September but the matter did proceed that day because of Abad's issue with the jewelry story. Gupta's attorney, Leonard Meyerson, declined to comment. JERSEY CITY -- A Jersey City couple has received a $7,500 settlement in a lawsuit that claimed they were manhandled and arrested for no reason by an enraged off-duty Jersey City police lieutenant. The lawsuit filed by Ryan McFarland and Georgia Cochran relates to a May 7, 2016 road-rage incident on Barrow Street and it also named Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Police Chief Michael Kelly, the city and the police department as defendants. The couple were walking to their car when a vehicle ran a stop sign and sped toward McFarland, revving its engine and "deliberately swerved toward him." At the last second, the vehicle swerved away and a shocked McFarland tossed a nearly empty coffee cup at it, the lawsuit said. The vehicle immediately stopped and Lt. Keith Armstrong emerged enraged, the lawsuit said. Without identifying himself, he charged at McFarland, pushed and grabbed him. McFarland asked to be unhanded, but was told "You're not going anywhere... I'm a police officer," the lawsuit says. According to the lawsuit, McFarland asked for an on-duty officer to respond, but Armstrong demanded to see his ID, so McFarland yelled to his wife to fetch it from their car. She was frozen with fear by what she saw as a random attack on her husband, the suit says. Armstrong then grabbed Cochran and McFarland tried to calm her enough to call a family member who was a city police detective, but Armstrong ran back to McFarland and pushed him into a fence, the suit says. On Armstrong's orders, other officers took Ryan into custody, the lawsuit said. He waited behind bars as the lieutenant took five hours to write the short arrest report charging him with interfering with transportation, criminal mischief and resisting arrest. Cochran was charged with offenses that included obstructing and disorderly conduct, the suit says. Armstrong then repeatedly failed to show up for hearings in the matter, making McFarland and Cochran miss work repeatedly. To put an end to the nightmare, McFarland pleaded guilty to a violation in municipal court and the charges against Cochran were dropped, the suit says. The lawsuit mentioned Armstrong had been placed on desk duty in 2007 after more than two dozen complaints were filed against him, mostly by the lieutenant's neighbors. A doctor's report at the time stated Armstrong had "blurred boundaries between his interests as a private citizen, and the responsibilities of a police officer." When asked to comment on the lawsuit, Jersey City spokeswoman Ashley Manz said Armstrong is still an active employee of the police department and the matter was handled in the city's municipal court. The settlement says the defendants admit no wrongdoing. Attempts to reach Armstrong for comment were not successful. Another child has died in the viral outbreak at a New Jersey pediatric care facility that has already claimed 10 lives. At the same time, the state Department of Health took the highly unusual step of seeking help from medical professionals across the state to assist in the crisis. Health department officials said a severely ill child with a confirmed case of adenovirus died Thursday night in a North Jersey hospital, becoming the 11th victim in a deadly viral outbreak that struck the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal also said the department confirmed another pediatric case of the virus, bringing the total number of exposed children to 34. "The grief from the loss of a child is overwhelming and we extend our deepest sympathies to this family and all of the families who have had to endure these terrible losses," Elnahal said. On Thursday, the commissioner ordered the department to put out a statewide call for volunteers from the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps to help isolate pediatric patients who remain in the nursing facility and have not taken ill. The department also requested volunteer respiratory therapists holding active licenses to assist with pediatric care, and is also seeking nurses and nurse aides with experience caring for pediatric populations with chronic illnesses. The Medical Reserve Corps is a network of nearly 5,000 volunteers who can be deployed to assist with public health emergencies. Health department officials said in addition to doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and counselors, the teams also include community health volunteers. The health department call for volunteers came after the state earlier this week issued an enforcement order closing the entire facility to new admissions and requiring the Wanaque Center to hire a certified infection control practitioner and a department-approved physician or physician practice with board certification in infectious disease. That decision resulted from a series of inspections that cited the nursing facility, which is licensed for 92 pediatric beds, for serious infection control failings. Wanaque Center officials have not responded to repeated requested for comment. Debbie White, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union which represents some Wanaque employees, thanked the health commissioner for listening to and acting on their concerns. "For the past few months, the tragedy of the loss of eleven children's lives has devastated the entire community, for the families, patients and healthcare staff who are grieving and struggling to ensure the safety of every patient in their facility," White said in a statement. "The administration at Wanaque has been unable to adequately staff their facility to effectively contain the spread of the adenovirus infection. Some staff have reached out to the Department of Health to report their concerns," White's statement said. "The (health) Department has diligently investigated and now taken the steps to address many of the concerns raised regarding staffing levels, inappropriate assignments and infection control." Separately, state Sen. Gerry Cardinale, R-Bergen, said he will introduce legislation requiring pediatric hospitals in New Jersey to develop plans to segregate patients who exhibit signs of potentially contagious infections. Cardinale said the deadly viral outbreak at the Wanaque Center "is an absolute tragedy for all of the families that are still struggling to understand what went wrong. We're learning that part of the problem was an inability to separate those who were showing symptoms of infection from those who were not. We need to ensure that every pediatric facility has a plan and the ability to cohort patients to prevent dangerous viral outbreaks from spreading." During a press conference Friday morning with Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday's storm, Elnahal said there has not been enough space inside Wanaque to separate infected children from non-infected children. "The limitations of the facility's ability to do that there has accounted for one of the most major reasons for the outbreak being as severe as it has been," Elnahal said. "Now due to decreasing census in the facility, it is," Elnahal said. "The moment I found out it was, we have taken aggressive actions to hold the facility accountable for doing so." The state has given a deadline of Wednesday to separate the patients inside the center, he said. "We have taken aggressive steps in recent days to mitigate the situation as much as possible given the circumstances we are facing," Elnahal said. "This is an a severely extreme strain of adenovirus that could not have occurred in a worse place, given the medically fragile patients that live at the Wanaque facility." The ongoing adenovirus outbreak at the Wanaque Center began when the first kids started getting sick on Sept. 26, according to the state health department, when the first child was diagnosed with a respiratory ailment. But it would not be until two children were already dead that the Wanaque Center notified local health department officials on Oct. 9 of a cluster of respiratory illnesses. The state did not send inspectors there until Oct. 21. Staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. School districts, like the rest of New Jersey, seemed to be caught off-guard by Thursday's snowstorm that left much of the state in transportation chaos. As the forecast shifted and the snow began to pile up early in the afternoon, most districts continued on with their regular school day. Some also continued on with after-school clubs and sports, keeping students in school until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. That proved disastrous for many students, who spent hours stuck on buses or waiting in schools for their parents to pick them up. UPDATE... ....some students taking advantage of the gym mats .....others are wide awake and ready for the next activity.....which may be breakfast with us raiding the cafeteria again....@woschools pic.twitter.com/AT5rXjl28e Liberty Middle (@Liberty_WO) November 16, 2018 Millburn's schools superintendent was among those who offered an apology to students, parents and teachers. "I can't apologize enough and send my sincerest regrets for today's events, and unfortunate confluence of weather conditions," Christine Burton, Millburn's superintendent, wrote in a letter Thursday. Burton said the weather forecast for her area of Essex County indicated students could stay in school for a full day Thursday. "According to the local data I had access to we expected the storm to start as a rain/snow mix and shift over to heavier snow later in the afternoon. I conferred with my colleagues in Summit, Livingston and Springfield, and we all agree that the weather forecast would allow for a full day of school," Burton wrote. "Obviously I was wrong, and I am sorry for not having called an early dismissal," she concluded. In some districts, including West Orange, students slept in schools overnight. As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, students were still waiting to go home in five West Orange public schools, including West Orange High School. "We are maintaining shelter in place for students in our care at the following schools due to the reoccurring snow and secondary road conditions: Roosevelt, Liberty, WOHS, Edison, and Redwood," the alert said. At Liberty Middle School in West Orange, students slept on gym mats in the auditorium and woke up to eat french toast prepared by teachers and administrators who stayed with them overnight in the school, according to the school's social media account. I do not recall ever reading about kids being stuck at school from 6 inches of snow. Serious lack of leadership and failure on so many levels as this crisis continues unto the late evening. https://t.co/AWBMgLRuyw Patrick Cassio (@PatrickCassio) November 16, 2018 West Orange students trapped on buses were taken to the Chit Chat Diner to eat dinner and wait out the storm. Why didn't more schools dismiss students early, before the snow began crippling the roads? In most cases, districts seemed to be relying on early forecasts that said the snow would be light or turn to rain in many areas. "The storm was worse (than) originally forecasted. We will not stop working until our roads are clear," Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday on Twitter. In the most Jersey story ever, when the kids got stranded at school due to ice and snow, the teachers took them to the Chit Chat Diner for dinner. https://t.co/C2uQKjw3FC Yaffa Fredrick (@yaffanyc) November 16, 2018 In some cases, dismissing students early did not work either because buses quickly got stuck on slippery roads or parents were unable to get home from work to pick up their children. Many parents took to social media to express their anger and frustration at school districts. Its after 11 and there are atill kids stuck on buses. Those drivers should get a nice long vacation! Posted by Stephanie Proulx Loibl on Thursday, November 15, 2018 How can children be stuck in school all night it tookme 4 hours to get home. Not sure what this mornings commute is going to be like Posted by Karin Delgado on Friday, November 16, 2018 Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. In anticipation of the Friday afternoon commute, transportation officials said most roads were in good shape and, except for a few exceptions, rail and bus service should be back to close to full service. "Roads are generally black and dry...we have concerns on freezing," said Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti at a press conference Friday morning, adding that crews were responding today to areas of highways that still needed more treatment, she said. This afternoon and tonight, salt spreaders will patrol and treat highways as necessary to prevent refreezing, said Stephen Schapiro, an NJDOT spokesman. 287 was mostly fine at 7.30 this morning (Bedminster to Florham Park). Slow and steady are the words of the day. Tammy Meyer (@tammylmeyer) November 16, 2018 "We are prepared to clear any downed branches and trees, however, as the winds diminish, it becomes less of a concern," he said. Service is expected to return on at least one of two NJ Transit rail lines that were suspended because of the storm. The Gladstone branch was expected to return to service. But it remains suspended thought the rest of the afternoon, according to NJ Transit. That line was closed after a train and car collided in a crossing in Murray Hill, killing a 61-year old New Providence woman who was driving. Officials had hoped to restore service on the North Jersey Coast Line, it will remain suspened until Saturday, NJ Transit said in an alert. That work is more complicated, because a tree came down on overhead wires that power trains, Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. Officials hope to have one track back in service in time for the afternoon rush hour, she said. One track was damaged by the falling tree, said Nancy Snyder, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. The agency expects to have enough bus drivers to provide service for the afternoon rush, she said. The agency was short staffed this morning because drivers who worked in to the late night had to take federally mandated eight-hour rest periods. NJ Transit continues to cross honor tickets between trains and buses and private bus carriers. Crews also have been at work, clearing snow and ice from station platforms and stairs, she said. Crews had to return to stations after the intense storm dumped snow and ice on stations that had been prepared for the winter weather, she said. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A 61-year-old woman was killed Thursday night when the car she was driving was struck by a New Jersey Transit train on tracks near the Murray Hill Station in New Providence, authorities said. The woman was identified by NJ Transit police as Susan Brown, of New Providence. New Providence Mayor Al Morgan said Friday the car had been traveling northbound on Union down a steep incline and it's possible the driver slid onto the tracks. "It's very possible she got stuck," Morgan said. "(The snow) was brutal. It came out of nowhere and we had traffic backed up everywhere." The crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at the intersection of Union and Rose avenues and is still under investigation, according to Jim Smith, spokesman for New Jersey Transit. Gov. Phil Murphy attributed the death to the fierce snowstorm during a press conference on Friday morning. Police have attributed at least one other fatal crash to road conditions during the storm. A 52-year-old doctor from Mullica Hill was killed when his car was struck by a pickup truck in Gloucester County. Smith said the Gladstone Branch train had left the station at 4:37 p.m. bound for Hoboken. "It struck the vehicle just west of the Murray Hill Station," Smith said. Police said the car was on the tracks as the lights began to flash and the crossing gates came down. Brown was taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 6:48 p.m., officials said. There were 100 passengers on the train at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported to passengers or crew, Smith said. The crash occurred as the storm brought several inches of heavy snow across the region. Hundreds of crashes were reported throughout New Jersey. Smith could not say whether the fatal crash was weather-related. "It's under investigation as to why the car was on the tracks," he said. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call New Jersey Transit Police Department at 973-378-6565 or the New Providence Police Department at 908-665-1111. It was a whopper and we were walloped. No one could have predicted the devastating impact of this horrendous noreaster... Posted by Mayor Al Morgan on Friday, November 16, 2018 Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the nearly week-long "truck holiday" starting Monday, Nov. 19, would have minimal impact on port operations. The DOTr said Thursday that only "small, independent trucking groups" would be joining the "Day of Rest," which is organized by some truckers and customs brokers to protest the truck phaseout and delayed releasing of empty containers. The department said bigger trucking companies expressed that they would not participate in the planned protest. Under Department Order No. 2017-009, the certificates of public convenience of trucks and buses, which are older than 15 years old, can no longer be renewed. "The road worthiness of bus type or truck for hire units cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy which is vital in ensuring the safety and convenience of our commuting public," the department order read. But, Inland Haulers and Truckers Association President Teddy Gervacio said old trucks are not dangerous. "Hindi ako naniniwala na ang mga truck ko na hindi nila tinanggap sa rehistro ay delikado dahil ito ay ginagawan ko nang maayos na preventive maintenance," Gervacio said Wednesday in a press briefing. [Translation: I don't believe that my trucks that they didn't allow to be registered are dangerous because I put them under proper preventive maintenance.] Gervacio and other truckers who would halt operations from Nov. 19-24 insist that roadworthiness should be the basis in the issuance of certificates of public convenience and franchises, and not the year the trucks were manufactured. However, Land Transportation and Franchise Regulatory Board Martin Delgra III said truckers have already agreed that units older than 15 years may still continue operating during the transition period. "These units, regardless of year model, will be allowed to operate during the transition period, should they pass the roadworthiness test of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) being procured by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)," Delgra said in a statement. Empty containers At least five truckers and brokers under the Alliance of Philippine Brokers and Truckers Associations (APBTA) have agreed to hold a Day of Rest beginning on Nov. 19 and would last until Nov. 24 if no government representative would come to negotiate with them. "Pagod na pagod na po kami sa kakasulat, kaka-attend ng mga meetings na pinapatawag kunwari ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno. Hindi namin alam kung pinaparating ba nila ang aming hinaing at suggestion sa kaalaman ng Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Kung pinaparating man, tama ba ang impormasyon?" the APBTA said Monday in a statement. [Translation: We are very tired of writing, attending meetings supposedly called by government agencies. We don't know if they are relaying our concerns and suggestions to the President of the Philippines. Even if they do, are they relaying the correct information?] Aside from the truck phase out, the APTBA is also protesting the delayed release of empty containers from ports which they say cause congestion. "Ang mga importers/exporters delayed na ang mga shipments. Customs brokers, truckers, drivers, pahinante abonado at gutom na. Pagod na pagod na at pagal na kami sa kahirapan na ayaw tugunan ng mga ganid na mga shipping lines kasama ang mga kasabwat nito ang empty containers congestion," it said. [Translation: Importers and exporters have delayed shipments. Customs brokers, truckers, drivers, porters are doing pro bono work and are hungry. We are very tired with this difficulty which greedy shipping lines and their cohorts in the empty containers congestion do not want to address.] The groups wanted the Bureau of Customs to "properly" implement a 2015 administrative order, which mandates that empty containers that arrive in the Philippines to be re-exported within 90 days from date of last discharge or else their owners would have to pay import taxes. The DOTr said Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago and DOTr officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Maritime Fernando Juan Perez have met with truckers on Wednesday to discuss their concerns. CNN Philippines Multi-platform Writer Xave Gregorio contributed to this report. A former bailiff with the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office pleaded guilty Thursday (Nov. 15) to one count of possession of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13, according to court records. Scott Cassard, 37, of Terrytown, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Pro Tempore William C. Credo of the 24th Judicial District Court ordered Cassard to serve the entire sentence without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. New Orleans man accused of shooting wife through windshield charged with murder Cassard was first arrested May 31, 2016, and booked with 13 counts of possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Louisiana Attorney Generals Cyber Crime Unit. Agents found sexually explicit images of children on a computer linked to Cassard, authorities said. The Sheriffs Office fired Cassard on the same day he was arrested. The Jefferson Parish district attorneys office file a bill of information earlier this year charging Cassard with one count of possession of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13. He changed his plea to guilty as charged Thursday. The New Orleans Police Department fired Sgt. Randi Gant this week after an internal probe found she violated an administrative policy by filing false records, an NOPD official said. The internal probe into the administrative violations has also led to a separate and ongoing criminal investigation into possible payroll fraud, said NOPD Public Integrity Bureau Chief Arlinda Westbrook. Specifically, Gants dismissal stemmed from an administrative investigations findings that she gave the department a false home address that allowed her to qualify for a take-home car, said Westbrook, whose unit conducts internal investigations. Gants actual address does not meet the requirements to take home a police vehicle, Westbrook said. She never lived at the address she gave to the department, Westbrook added, but used it because it was close enough to her place of work to qualify for the perk. Additionally, PIBs investigation found, Gant falsely reported the amount of mileage she drove in the take-home car, which repeatedly resulted in her paying less money out her paycheck to the City of New Orleans, Westbrook said. Gant owes the city approximately $2,630 as a result of the false records shes accused of filing, Westbrook 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 Internal investigators also found that Gant used a subordinates login and password information to input or adjust information in the departments computerized payroll system that affected her compensation, Westbrook said. NOPD sergeants are not permitted to adjust their own payroll information. The criminal investigation, which is not yet complete, sprung from the administrative investigation, Westbrook said. Gant, a 14-year veteran of the department, is being represented by New Orleans chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police attorney Donovan Liviccari, who said Thursday he has already filed an appeal of Gants dismissal. A panel of deputy superintendents from the Investigations and Support Bureau, Public Integrity Bureau and Management Services Bureau presided this week over a hearing regarding the sustained allegations and chose to dismiss Gant based on two different allegations related to the findings mentioned above. Providing a false home address led to one count of violating NOPD policy against filing a false record, Westbrook said. The false reporting of mileage led to 44 counts additional counts of violating policy against filing a false record, she said. Gant worked within the Investigative Services Bureau. A law enforcement source not authorized to speak publicly said Gant worked directly for the deputy chief of that bureau, including former ISB Deputy Chief and Rannie Mushatt, who retired this summer, and current ISB Deputy Chief John Thomas. An Orleans Parish grand jury on Thursday (Nov. 15) handed up indictments in two murder cases, including one involving the fatal shooting of a South Carolina Black Lives Matter activist. The grand jury also indicted two men in separate child rape cases. Those indicted, according to District Attorney Leon Cannizzaros office, were: Roosevelt Iglus, 27, was charged with second-degree murder in a Feb. 6 shooting that killed Muhiyidin Moye, 32. Moye, who went by the last name d'Baha,was shot in the thigh while riding a bicycle in the 1900 block of Bienville Street around 1:25 a.m. Iglus also was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation. Kevin Foots Jr., 32, was indicted on a second-degree murder charge in a July 13, 2017, shooting that killed Terrance Johnson. 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 Johnson, 44, was shot while driving with a passenger in the 3900 block of Ford Street around midnight. He died 19 days after the shooting. According to Cannizzaros office, before Johnson died he told police Foots shot him from a passing vehicle. Foots was arrested in July by a team of federal U.S. Marshals, NOPD officers and St. Charles Parish deputy sheriffs in the city of Ama. Foots also was indicted on a charge of obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation. Kendrick Nelson, 22, was indicted on a first-degree rape charge, based on accusations he sexually assaulted a girl who was between 6 and 9 years old while she was sometimes in his care. Michael Johnson, 58, was indicted on first-degree rape, obstruction of justice and purse snatching charges. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 2-year-old boy who visited Johnsons house with his mother. New Orleans police arrested a 26-year-old man accused of choking his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child and then firing his gun at her outside of a childs birthday, according to an arrest warrant. Brandell Thomas was booked Wednesday (Nov. 14) with attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, discharging a firearm during violent crime and domestic abuse battery in strangulation, police said. Around 9:50 p.m. on Oct. 28, a woman was at childs birthday party in the 4600 block of America Street (map) when her ex-boyfriend and father of her one-year-old daughter started to repeatedly call and demand to speak to her, police said. The woman told the police that she and Thomas were dating for two years and broke up in September. The woman walked outside with their daughter and saw Thomas sitting in the passenger seat of her car, which he had done without her permission, she told police. She got inside her car and put her daughter on her lap, according to the arrest warrant. Inside the car, she and Thomas started to argue about her being at the party and then he punched her in her cheek with a closed fist, police said. Thomas then got on his knees in the passenger side of the car and with began to choke his ex-girlfriend with force police said, with both hands around her neck. The woman told police that it was difficult to breathe and that Thomas yelled B----, you gonna die tonight as he choked her. The woman broke free, ran out of the car with her child and handed her daughter to a person standing nearby, according to the arrest warrant. She then ran to an unknown mans car parked nearby and used his phone to call the police. 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 Thomas then got out of the womans car and yelled Clear out. This has nothing to do with yall to bystanders in the parking lot, police said. The woman told police that she saw Thomas point a long-style type gun at her and she began to run. The woman heard multiple shots before she jumped into the passenger side of the unknown mans car, according to the arrest warrant. They jumped the curb and fled the scene. An officer found 24 shell casings in the area where the shooting occurred, police said. Police previously arrested Thomas on Sept. 25 and he pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and one count of felon possession of a firearm, according to the arrest warrant. Bail was set at $80,000 and Thomas was appointed a public defender, according to Orleans Parish Sheriffs office records. Edward Hynes Charter School plans to enroll approximately 75 kindergarteners in a new school set to open for the 2019-20 school year. The school, which will be named Hynes Charter School-UNO, will open in Gentilly in partnership with the University of New Orleans. The campus will eventually grow to include kindergarten to 8th grade classes with a focus on providing a core curriculum built on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, according to a news release. The Orleans Parish School Board said the school will be temporarily located at the Jean Gordon modular campus at 6101 Chatham Drive while Hynes awaits a land donation from UNO for a newly constructed building. Hynes CEO Michelle Douglas and UNO President John Nicklow said in statements that they are thrilled to serve more families at the new school. Douglas said nearly 1,000 students applied to Hynes' Harrison Avenue campus for 75 kindergarten seats in 2017. Nicklow added UNO looks forward to identifying a permanent site for the new school. UNO currently leases space on its Lakefront campus to Benjamin Franklin High School and The NET Charter School, an alternative education high school. UNOs ties with Hynes go back to 2006 when the university helped the charter reopen after Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures. The elementary school also partners with UNO for staff support and professional development. Two of the charters board members are also UNO employees. In a Thursday email to Hynes parents, Douglas wrote the charter will hire new faculty and staff for the second campus and it will reserve seats for new students. Hynes Charter, which teaches gifted pre-K through eighth grade at its Lakeview campus, has received "A" letter grades in Louisianas annual school performance scores for the past several years. The school ranked 146th among more than 1,300 public schools statewide in Louisianas latest school report card, which used a tougher grading system designed to hold students to a higher standard under the Federal Every Student Succeeds Act. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos visited the school in October while on a national tour of schools that are doing things differently and creatively to meet students' needs uniquely, according to a news release. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In a statement, OPSB schools chief Henderson Lewis Jr. said the district is very thankful to see this partnership. Parents will be able to apply for Hynes Charter School-UNOs traditional or French immersion program when the OneApp process starts Monday (Nov. 19). Hynes is hosting several open house tours for interested families at its Lakeview campus at 990 Harrison Ave. On-site registration will be offered at the tours. Those interested in registering their student on site must provide a photo ID. The tours will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on the following dates: Wednesday, Nov. 28 These 18 New Orleans schools got top marks on the state's latest report card 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. Parents from four New Orleans public schools are putting pressure on the school district out of frustration with what they call the citys charter school experiment. An Orleans Parish School meeting Thursday evening (Nov. 15) focused on charter school recommendations from OPSB superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. Lewis and other district leaders were confronted during the meeting by more than 100 parents and students of Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy, Medard H. Nelson Charter School, McDonogh 35 Senior High School and Cypress Academy. The board room was filled with so many people that dozens had to stand. Several were organized by the Families and Friends of Louisianas Incarcerated Children, a nonprofit advocating for children to receive equitable opportunities to thrive statewide. In a released statement, FFLIC organizers accused the OPSB of failing to meet the needs of parents citywide. 2 Algiers charter schools will close in 2019 amid failing grades, low enrollment With multiple members of the OPSB being CEOs of or having close ties with charter school companies, there is no doubt that these elected officials choose to serve other interests, according to FFLIC parent Lamont Douglas in a released statement. The complaints from parents are spurred by the citys education landscape: All but two of the citys 79 schools are charters, which are privately operated by organizations using public funds. Supporters say the charters provide school choice to families, but residents claim charter boards operate without accountability to parents. Charter authorizers like the OPSB have the power to close poor-performing charters, but parents contend that annual experience traumatizes children and disrupts their development and communities. In a letter, the FFLIC stated the citys experiment has disproportionately impacted approximately 87 percent of the public school students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch and 13 percent of children with disabilities. Is this helping our children? asked Ashana Bigard, parent and education consultant for FFLIC. Bigard spoke without submitting a public comment card, so a district staff member escorted her out of the room in an effort to bring order to the room. The OPSB announced in April it would stop enrolling new students at McDonogh No. 35 over the next six months to give administrators time to reorganize and improve the D-rated school. Parents and alumni who opposed the move stated the OPSB was basically starving the school until the district could charter it. Regardless, the district went on to halt enrollment at Harney, Nelson Charter, McDonogh 32 Charter School, and William J. Fischer Accelerated Academy in September. The district stated it didnt want these poor-performing schools to fill any more seats. In October, the Algiers Charter Schools Association announced it was closing Fischer and McDonogh No. 32 in 2019. Citing unacceptable pattern of problems at school, superintendent recommends closing Harney Lewis has also called on Harneys board members to surrender their charter so the OPSB can directly manage the D-rated school for the rest of the school year. Lewis doesnt want to renew its charter for because Harneys board has been cited for issues ranging from problems with its special education services to alleged financial mismanagement. Lewis on Tuesday recommended non-renewals for the charters at Nelson, Fischer and McDonogh No. 32, which are each F-rated schools. His recommendations followed his announcement on Monday that Cypress Academy students would get automatic enrollment at Foundation Preparatory Charter School for the 2019-20 school year. The district previously assured Cypress the OPSB would manage the C-rated school until mid-2020 after the Cypress charter board admitted Cypress had a budget deficit. However, Lewis called the schools financial situation dire on Thursday, so the administration decided transferring Cypress students to Foundation Prep would provide stability for parents. 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 Lewis on Thursday stressed the closures fall within his goal of reducing the citys amount of failing schools. He said the district has identified better schools nearby the closing schools that have enough seats for students from the closing schools. He also sought to assure parents the district would increase the citys number of high-performing public schools. Even so, parents on Thursday slammed the OPSB for closures that should not be the norm. The board tried to tell residents like McDonogh 35 alumna Armtrice Cowart to keep their comments on the boards agenda, but parents shouted at the OPSB to publicly address the issues parents claim are caused by the citys charter movement. At one point, the room of residents filled the air by chanting take back our schools and erase the board. Do your job. You work for us, not the charters you were just advocating for, Cowart said. Parents at Thursdays meeting issued a list of demands to the OPSB. They want the district to directly manage Cypress, Harney and Nelson. They also told the district to develop comprehensive plans at those schools with the parents. Parents also want the district to keep the leadership and teachers currently at each of the schools. They also want the district to provide the schools with financial and other support, including the implementation of parent evaluation teams at schools to recommend changes to leadership and faculty. Parents also want the district to work with the citys health department as well as Tulane Universitys psychology department and social services agencies to create specialized programming in training around trauma and special education in all schools. Parents Thursday stressed the school district board members must be recalled in an election if the OPSB fails to work and advocate on behalf of the children. The terms for each of the seven-elected board members end in 2020. State Sen. Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans, told the board he has heard on the street that the continued chartering of schools has left an impression among residents that the OPSB no longer wants to manage schools. Bishop, a McDonogh No. 35 alumni, told the board to work with the residents making demands in attendance. State Rep. Joseph Bouie, D-New Orleans, told the OPSB 41 percent of public Orleans schools are D and F schools. Rather than closing failing charters, Bouie told the board to take over those schools to manage them as a district. After tonight, please do not charter or close another school, Bouie said. Orleans School Board to merge Cypress Academy with Foundation Prep in 2019 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. A former Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club president who accused the organization of violating its constitutional bylaws when it suspended him and removed him as 2019 king earlier this year should be reinstated as a member of the club until a proper grievance hearing is held, a judge ruled Thursday (Nov. 15). Naaman Stewart, however, will not be reinstated as king. Stewart filed a petition for an injunction last month, saying a grievance committee did not conduct a proper hearing before his July 18 suspension. Members voted to remove him as king at an Aug. 5 meeting. The moves to remove Stewart came after he was accused of sexual harassment in a civil lawsuit filed June 28. Stewart was elected king May 27, and confirmed July 1. Civil District Judge Christopher J. Bruno ruled Thursday Zulu violated its own bylaws when it failed to hold a proper grievance committee before suspending Stewarts membership. Bruno said the lifting of Stewarts suspension is not permanent, as a grievance committee could again decide suspension is appropriate once theyve reviewed the allegations against Stewart. 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 Bruno denied Stewarts request to be re-instated as king, saying its clear hes caught up in the Me-Too movement. Bruno said he understands Zulus decision to replace him as king considering todays climate. He noted children will attend and participate in the clubs Mardi Gras parade, and said Zulu could have lost corporate and community partnerships if they kept Stewart on as king. Current Zulu president Elroy James said at the hearing Thursday after Stewart was accused of sexual harassment, a corporate sponsor suggested it would not continue the same level of support it had provided to Zulu over the years. That organization, which James did not name, gives Zulu thousands of dollars for its annual coronation ball and also provides products for the clubs annual picnic and Christmas party, he said. A community partner organization also said it would not support Zulu in its annual Lundi Gras party if Stewart reigned as king, James said. The civil lawsuit accusing Stewart of sexual harassment is pending. The federal program that provides flood insurance of last resort for storm-prone areas, including about 500,000 homes in Louisiana, is set to lapse Nov. 30. Because officials have yet to shore up its long-term finances, Congress is being asked to consider another six-month extension. Louisiana Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are among the sponsors of a bill to authorize the extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If its not approved before the end of the month, some home sales that require flood coverage in order to secure a mortgage -- including many in metro New Orleans -- could be held up. Lawmakers started their Thanksgiving holiday break Thursday (Nov. 15) and wont be back until after Thanksgiving week, leaving only a few days to get an NFIP extension worked out. Once again, Congress has dropped the ball, Kennedy said in a Wednesday teleconference with reporters. Authorization of the NFIP has been cobbled together through a series of extensions since fall 2017. The solvency of the program has been an issue dating back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In the interim, the increasing frequency of devastating natural disasters has led to an intense debate over whether the federal government should continue to pay out billions of dollars in flood claims, increase premiums and write stricter rules to limit its exposure. Moves toward more rigid, pricier access have been met with criticism that the insurance would be out of reach for those most in need. The National Flood Insurance Program needs to be comprehensively reformed to make the program more fair, affordable, efficient and solvent, Sen. Bob Menendez, R-N.J., said in a statement Thursday. He and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., are cosponsors of the extension with Cassidy and Kennedy. In a statement, Cassidy said the extension would allow the new Congress to buckle down and hammer out a long-term agreement that is good for Louisiana and taxpayers. Time would once again be critical for lawmakers, even with the extension; the NFIP would be set to lapse again May 31, 2019, a day before the next hurricane season begins. Kennedy said that if Congress does not approve the extension before Nov. 30, there is the chance it could be tacked on to a budget bill that needs to be approved Dec. 7 in order to avoid a partial government shutdown. Even then, home sales requiring flood insurance could not close during that one-week lapse. | BY Ricki Green | The Hong Kong Business of Design Week (BODW), Asias premier annual event on design, innovation and brands is set to take place in December 2018. Held across five days between 3 and 8 December 2018, Asias flagship architecture and design event will feature a stellar program of more than 70 leading design speakers, conferences, forums and exhibitions, and will host 130,000 delegates from more than 30 countries. Through Creative Victoria, the Victorian Government has exclusively selected fifty small and large businesses, as well as Victorian educational institutions to be part of the mission to showcase Victorias best creative designers. BODW will also provide opportunities for Victorian companies in this mission to gain exposure to the opportunities of Asian markets and building relationships in Hong Kong, China and beyond. Amongst carefully selected businesses as well as Victorian educational institutions, Mo Works Creative Agency will be among the pioneers in the creative and emerging tech space attending the event to explore business opportunities, exchange ideas and network. Trade mission participants will also gain access to potential buyers, stockists, partners, clients and media representatives from across the globe, whilst gaining valuable exposure to Asia. Victorias design sector contributes more than $5 billion to the local economy, including $400 million in international tradings. Victorian minister for creative industries, Martin Foley, said: From globally recognised success stories to our rising new design talents, Victoria has so much to be proud of and this program represents our largest ever design-focused international trade mission. This is an incredible platform to showcase Melbournes design strengths to an audience of potential collaborators and trade partners and we are proud to be backing our designers to take on the world. | BY Lynchy | New York Festivals Global Awards has released the 2018 award winners. Serviceplan South Korea and TBWA India have both picked up a Gold and Silver Award at the New York Festivals Global Awards for Healthcare and Wellness. Serviceplan South Korea earned a Global Gold Award and a Silver for Making the World Accessible, Dot by Dot for client Dot. The winning entry showcases how the portable smart translation device allows the user to store and carry 10,000 books, providing the visually impaired individual to access text books, magazines, and almost any content. Dots device uses AI to understand context and translate immediately to braille allowing for instant downloading of books. Blink to Speak, TBWA Indias campaign for Asha Ek Hope Foundation for ALS, received the Global Gold and Silver for their print and product innovation campaign that provided an accessible method of communication for patients with an alert mind but a paralyzed body via a book and downloadable e-book. The content provided an eye-language guide with a created alphabet using eight simple eye movements designed for patients, families, and caregivers to ease their difficulty in communication. FCB Health Network was picked up the Global Healthcare Network of the Year award for the second year running. The network was honored with 4 Global Gold Awards, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze and 15 Finalist Awards. Were thrilled to be recognized as Global Network of the Year, as this represents excellence across multiple agencies, pieces of work and clients, said Rich Levy, Chief Creative Officer of FCB Health Network. Our goal is to elevate the quality of the work, so we can elevate quality of the life for people all over the world. Area 23, an FCB Health Network Company, was named Global Healthcare Agency of the Year for the 2nd consecutive year earning 2 Global Gold Awards, 1 Silver, 5 Bronze and 9 Finalist Awards. A lot of people are going to be very happy about this, said Tim Hawkey, Executive Creative Director and Co-Managing Director of Area 23. By the numbers, Agency of the Year represents a lot of awards. But to the people behind it, it represents a lot of work Late nights toiling over the type on an ad when it was probably pretty good to begin with. Entire weekends swallowed up by the ambition to do something no ones ever done before and make sure we get it right. Extra plane trips to the client en masse. I firmly believe that what separates the good work from the great work is work and the amount of work you are willing to put in. And we have some of the smartest, most creative, hardest-working people in the biz. Congrats to all! The Worlds Smallest Booth, one of Area 23s many award-winning entries, was honored with 2 Global Gold Awards and a Silver Award for their creative for client LARTRUVO for the SGO annual meeting. Most people, including oncologists have not heard of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), an incredibly rare and deadly form of cancer that makes up only a tiny fraction of all 1.6 million cancer cases: 12,000 cases. The exact proportion of STS compared to other cancers is 1:133. To help the brand stand out and to call attention to STS, every detail, from the booth to the invite, was scaled down in size to the scale of 1:133, reflecting the exact proportion of the rare cancer within oncology. Energy BBDO Chicagos entry earned the top honor awarded this year, receiving the Grand Global for Prescribed to Death for humanizing the opioid crisis for the National Safety Council. The innovative campaign puts a face to the problem by turning data into facesengraving the faces of the 22,000 people that die each year from opioid overdoses onto pills. The powerful installation, which visited cities across the country and the Ellipse at Presidents Park (just a few hundred feet from the White Houses South Portico), illustrated the epidemic with a new pill being carved every 24 minutes to dramatize how often a person dies of a prescription opioid overdose. The installation also earned 3 Global Gold Awards. It is such an honor to be recognized with the top Global Awards for National Safety Councils Prescribed to Death. We are lucky to get to create work that is making a real impact in addressing the Opioid Epidemic in the U.S. Im incredibly proud of the passion behind this project and thankful to all of the people who contributed to making the work great, said Andres Ordonez, Chief Creative Officer, Energy BBDO. For the first time in 24 years the Global Awards honored entrants with three levels of awards, Gold, Silver and Bronze Global Awards. The 2018 Global Awards Executive Jury honored agencies and their creative work with 13 Gold Global Awards, 14 Silver, 14 Bronze, and 175 Finalist Awards from entries initially judged by the Grand Jury and six continental worldwide live juries submitted from 26 countries on 6 continents. Global entries from agencies on behalf of prominent Pharma (Rx) and Health & Wellness brands successfully engaged consumer and healthcare professionals by utilizing compelling installations, activations and live experiences, collaborative partnerships and innovations. FCB Health New York earned 2 Global Gold Awards for their unique depiction of the real burden of COPD. 5 Million Puffs, a campaign created for Stiolto Respimat. helped give previously jaded physicians and HCPs true empathy for their patients and allowed the brand to break through in a crowded and increasingly competitive category. CDM New Yorks entry Good Morning Peyton for National Organization for Rare Disorders was honored with a Global Gold Award and Silver. The campaign features ten-year old Peyton Madden who lives with a rare life life-threatening allergy to sunlight called xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), which highly restricts his ability to engage in typical daytime activities without extreme head-to-toe coverage. On August 4, 2017, the entire town of El Dorado (nearly 500 people) came together to transform evening into morning for Peyton: inviting him to engage in all that the community has to offer, but under the safety of darkness. RPA USAs Imaginary Friend Society Film Series for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation earned a Global Gold Award and a Silver for their series of 22 animated short films. The Imaginary Friend Society characters explain the different facets of cancer care kids might face, covering everything from What is an MRI? to Returning to School to more emotionally complicated topics like Feeling Sad, providing kids with a knowledge base to help them find a little bit of control and understanding in their fight against cancer. Langland UKs Aviation was in the spotlight earning 2 Global Gold Awards, 2 Silver and a Bronze their entry utilized to recruit 300 children and adolescents for the Autism Study was designed to help autistic children make better sense of the world by bringing to life three common idioms that children with autism may struggle with. Using intricate hand-made sets and puppets, this imagery was portrayed across a variety of print materials, brought to life in a stop-motion film, and used across a series of online banners. Australias Bravo! and The Communications Council hosted the annual Global Awards ceremony in Sydney Australia on November 15th. Australian agencies earned 3 Global Silver Awards and 2 Bronze. Saatchi and Saatchi Health Sydney was recognized with Global Silver and a Bronze for Blown Out of Action for Sanofi Pasteur Adacel; McCann Health Australia earned a Global Silver and Bronze for Gutsy for Metamucil; and BWM Dentsu was honored with a Global Silver Award for Project Revoice for The ALS Association. Multiple world-wide agencies were recognized with Global Awards. Global Silver Award Winners include: TBWA\WorldHealth USA for If you dont know what to say, give. TrinityKids Care (TKC) and McCann China A Warning from the Future Cervical Cancer Vaccine. Agencies earning Global Bronze Awards include: Saatchi & Saatchi GmbH Pet House for Elanco; Area 23 On Hudson, an FCB Health Network Company, Parkinsons House Call for Sunovion and Sunovions Neurology Innovation Platform; The Classic Partnership UAEs RX Prescription Stickers for Dubai Health Authority; and Medulla Communications Indias Last Laugh for client Palliative Care. Nam Do, Lycoming College student, (Pennsylvania), received the 2018 Young Global Award for his work on the Push Back on Opioid Use brief. Nam also was awarded paid internships with both Global Awards agency partner sponsors, Publicis Health/Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness New York and Calcium, USA. For 2018, Global Awards Executive Director, Fran Pollaro announced a special on-going partnership between the Global Awards and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. This year, in lieu of a reception, the Global Awards will donate to Partnership for Drug Free Kids. To donate in order to help provide families the tools they need to take effective action for their childs substance use and addiction, please click here. Julian Assange was in classic didactic form, holding forth on the topic that consumes him the perfidy of big government and especially of the United States. Mr. Assange, the editor of WikiLeaks, rose to global fame in 2010 for releasing huge caches of highly classified American government communications that exposed the underbelly of its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and its sometimes cynical diplomatic maneuvering around the world. But in a televised interview last September, it was clear that he still had plenty to say about The World According to US Empire, the subtitle of his latest book, The WikiLeaks Files. From the cramped confines of the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he was granted asylum four years ago amid a legal imbroglio, Mr. Assange proffered a vision of America as superbully: a nation that has achieved imperial power by proclaiming allegiance to principles of human rights while deploying its military-intelligence apparatus in pincer formation to push countries into doing its bidding, and punishing people like him who dare to speak the truth. Notably absent from Mr. Assanges analysis, however, was criticism of another world power, Russia, or its president, Vladimir V. Putin, who has hardly lived up to WikiLeaks ideal of transparency. Mr. Putins government has cracked down hard on dissent spying on, jailing, and, critics charge, sometimes assassinating opponents while consolidating control over the news media and internet. If Mr. Assange appreciated the irony of the moment denouncing censorship in an interview on Russia Today, the Kremlin-controlled English-language propaganda channel it was not readily apparent. [What you need to know to start your day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] The assassins bullet whizzed past Jesus Zambada Garcias ear and knocked him to the ground. He wasnt dead, just wounded. The gunshot sliced a deep, red groove into his head. Ambushed by his attackers at a Mexico City store, Mr. Zambada stumbled to his feet and came up shooting. With a panicked spray of gunfire, he hit one of them. The other ran away. Im alive, he told a jury on Thursday, because the bullet did not penetrate my skull. This tale of an attempted hit came on Mr. Zambadas second day as a witness against his former boss in the Sinaloa drug cartel, Joaquin Guzman Loera, the Mexican crime lord known as El Chapo. After testifying Tuesday about the cartels financing and smuggling methods, Mr. Zambada spoke on Thursday about the two most notorious aspects of the trafficking organization: its taste for violence and talent for corruption. [What you need to know to start your day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] The New York City Housing Authority is considering a plan to hand over the day-to-day management of 62,000 apartments to developers who would renovate and make repairs to the units, effectively privatizing the operation of more than a third of the stock in the nations largest public housing system. The authority may also sell unused air rights and speed up a plan to allow developers to build market-rate apartment buildings on land it is underusing at its housing complexes, according to details of the plan obtained by The New York Times. These aggressive measures would preserve low rents through federal subsidies and would generate at least $15 billion worth of urgently needed repairs. The plan comes as Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has made affordable housing the cornerstone of his administration, is under intense pressure to overhaul the agency. In June, federal prosecutors accused the Housing Authority of allowing its 175,000 apartments to deteriorate into barely habitable dens of mold, rodents and lead paint hazards while trying to cover up mismanagement. Facebook cannot be trusted to regulate itself, tweeted Rhode Island Representative David Cicilline on Wednesday night. Mr. Cicilline, who is likely to chair the House of Representatives Judiciary subcommittee that focuses on antitrust law, was responding to a Times investigation, one that painted a damning picture of how Facebook had handled the discovery of Russian misinformation campaigns on its platform. Based on interviews with more than 50 people, the investigation depicted Facebooks top executives including Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg ignoring and downplaying the extent of Russian skulduggery, even going as far as to stall the publication of internal findings. On Thursday, Facebook pushed back in a blog post that denied slow-rolling its response to foreign election interference. But familiar questions remain unanswered: How much did Facebook know, and when? The answers to those questions grow in size and seriousness as the breadth of the effort to befoul the democratic process becomes more and more apparent. In February, the special counsel Robert Mueller brought an indictment against an infamous Russian troll farm, the Internet Research Agency. In July, Mr. Mueller secured an indictment against 12 Russian intelligence officers for their roles in the hacking of the Democratic National Committees computers and those of Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. The same officers used both Facebook and Twitter to promote the stolen documents and emails. Theres a powerful moment at the start of Anne Applebaums recent essay in The Atlantic. Shes recalling a party she threw on Dec. 31, 1999, at her home in Poland. Many of the hundred-odd guests were Polish, but others flew in from around the world for a weekend together, to greet the new millennium. Most of the guests were conservatives which in those days meant being anti-Communist and pro-market, but also believing in international alliances like NATO. The party was a great success, lasted all night and continued into brunch the following day. Everybody felt a part of the same team. Nearly two decades later, Applebaum writes, I would now cross the street to avoid some of the people who were at my New Years Eve party. She estimates that half the people at that party are no longer on speaking terms with the other half. For example, in recent years Applebaum has not had a single conversation with a woman who was once one of her closest friends and is godmother to one of her children. She tried to reach out to this woman and suggested they get together, but the woman refused. What would we talk about? she texted. The truth may never be known, especially if the Saudi public prosecutor succeeds in obtaining the death penalty that he said hes seeking against five of the Saudi suspects, thus eliminating the main witnesses. But what is already clear is that the relationship between the oil-soaked kingdom and the United States needs to change. It is not simply that the furor over the crude assassination has put the House of Saud on the defensive, giving Riyadhs most important ally and arms supplier leverage to direct it more toward American objectives. What has changed is that the assassination and the pathetic attempts to cover it up have left the emperor (read crown prince) with no clothes. Almost from the creation of Saudi Arabia, the United States and Western powers thirsty for oil and hungry for Saudi investment dollars have largely closed their eyes to its systemic abuses of elemental human rights, including the suppression of women and freedoms of religion and expression. The blinkered approach was not limited to Saudi Arabia the West dealt with the Soviet Union and scores of other despotic regimes to prevent war, ensure supplies of oil and other raw materials and, in recent decades, to combat terrorism. But Prince Mohammed went too far, on too many fronts. Campaigning to contain the rival power of Iran, he launched an ill-conceived war in Yemen, which has blown up into a humanitarian disaster of unspeakable proportions in which America is complicit as provider of weaponry and military support; he blockaded Qatar; he detained the prime minister of Lebanon. The self-defeating outcome has been to make Saudi Arabia appear the main regional menace, rather than Iran. At home, the prince began what on first appearance were promising social and economic reforms, including the lifting of a ban on women driving. But he also detained a host of his princely cousins and other petro-billionaires to consolidate his power, and cracked down on dissenters leading, whether on his orders or not, to the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. FRONT PAGE Because of an editing error, an article on Wednesday about the crash of a Boeing Max 8 jetliner off the coast of Indonesia misstated the source of reports that Boeing had not adequately informed airlines about changes to the aircrafts emergency system. Flying Lessons, an industry blog by Christine Negroni, was among the initial reporters of the development, not The Wall Street Journal. INTERNATIONAL An article on Tuesday about the crash of a military aircraft in the Western Pacific misidentified the type of aircraft referred to in Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Nellers remarks in Washington earlier this year. General Neller was referring to an aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, not the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the type of aircraft that crashed earlier this week. An article on Thursday about the first group of migrants traveling in a caravan from Central America misspelled the first name of a man who arrived in Tijuana on Wednesday. He is Wisthon Jose Betancourt, not Wiston. The Ottawa Dispatch on Thursday about the prime ministers residence in Canada misstated when Justin Trudeau became Canadas prime minister. He took office three years ago, not two years ago. Instead of one new home, Amazon chose two. Two places, with waterfront views and organic shops and abandoned buildings, that will someday house tens of thousands of high-tech workers. We spent much of this week in those two places, Crystal City in Arlington, Va., and Long Island City in Queens, to capture life there as Amazon named them the winners of a 14-month-long beauty contest for its new headquarters. Together, the two areas both are neighborhoods, not actually cities could help make Amazon one of the largest private tech employers on the East Coast. Once Amazon fully moves in, neither will likely be the same. WASHINGTON On Thursday, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive and chairman, held a conference call with reporters to discuss how the social network manages problematic posts and its community standards. The call quickly went sideways. For more than an hour, the 34-year-old billionaire instead fielded questions about how he and his No. 2, Sheryl Sandberg, obfuscated problems such as Russian interference on Facebook and how the company had gone on the attack against rivals and critics. In response, Mr. Zuckerberg at times defiant and at times conciliatory defended the social network, Ms. Sandberg and his own record. The reality of running a company of more than 10,000 people is that youre not going to know everything thats going on, he said at one point. Yet even as Mr. Zuckerberg was making his case, a furor against his company was gathering momentum. In Washington, Republicans and Democrats threatened to restrain Facebook through competition laws and to open investigations into possible campaign finance violations. Shareholders ramped up calls to oust Mr. Zuckerberg as Facebooks chairman. And activists filed a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission about the social networks privacy policies and condemned Ms. Sandberg, the chief operating officer, for overseeing a campaign to secretly attack opponents. We are a baby Flint or a Flint coming. ALIYA MOORE, an artist in Detroit whose teenage daughter attends school in a building found to have high levels of copper and lead in the water. A former Alabama state trooper shot a district attorney outside his office building on Thursday, prompting law enforcement officials to kill the gunman, the authorities said. The prosecutor, Gregory Griggers, had returned from lunch and was sitting in his car in Demopolis, Ala., about 1 p.m. when he was attacked, the authorities said. The former state trooper, identified as Steven Smith Jr., opened fire, shattering a car window and injuring Mr. Griggers in the face, said Michael W. Jackson, the district attorney in the states Fourth Judicial Circuit, which neighbors Mr. Griggerss region. Two law enforcement officers standing nearby then shot at Mr. Smith, killing him, Mr. Jackson said. Mr. Griggers, the district attorney for Alabamas 17th Judicial Circuit, was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and was released, Jason Roberts, a captain with the State Bureau of Investigation, said at a news conference streamed by a local news site. By the spring of 2017, the family had received more than 700 vulgar and hateful messages, including death threats, many referencing the Holocaust. Some phone messages consisted solely of the sound of gunshots. The Southern Poverty Law Center filed the lawsuit on Ms. Gershs behalf in April 2017. Mr. Anglin sought to have it dismissed, and a magistrate judge, Jeremiah C. Lynch, ruled against him in May. Mr. Anglin filed objections to that ruling, which sent the case to Judge Christensen for additional review. David Dinielli, a lawyer for the law center, said in a statement that Judge Christensens ruling on Wednesday underscores what both we and our client have said from the beginning of this case that online campaigns of hate, threats, and intimidation have no place in a civil society, and enjoy no protection under our Constitution. In a phone interview, Mr. Dinielli said that the Gersh family had notified law enforcement of the harassment, but there have been no criminal charges. The organization now expects the civil case to go to trial. It has taken a long time because it proved impossible to serve Mr. Anglin with legal papers, Mr. Dinielli said. Mr. Anglins last known address was in Ohio, but his whereabouts have been unknown for nearly two years. He is still running the site, possibly from overseas. His lawyer, Marc Randazza, said that Judge Christensens decision was dangerous for free speech. The rule we lay down for the Nazi applies equally to the civil rights activist, Mr. Randazza said in a statement. And that ruling, if it stands, is not going to be good for anyone who engages in common outrage culture. Maybe thats a good thing, but I think not. The site has also faced two other lawsuits. Taylor Dumpson, the first black woman to serve as American Universitys student government president, filed a suit in May. She became an online target after a real-life incident: nooses and hateful messages left on campus a day after her inauguration. The suit was filed by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO Edward Gallagher was something special, even by the punishing standards of the Navy SEALs. Both a lifesaving medic and a crack sniper, he was repeatedly decorated for valor and for coolheaded leadership during 19 years of combat deployments. After his latest tour, fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq, he was named the top platoon leader in SEAL Team 7 and nominated for the Silver Star, the militarys third-highest honor. But now, less than a year later, Special Operations Chief Gallagher, 39, is locked in the brig, facing charges that during that same deployment his eighth he shot indiscriminately at civilians, killed a teenage Islamic State fighter with a handmade custom blade, and then performed his re-enlistment ceremony posing with the teenagers bloody corpse in front of an American flag. The Navy has charged Chief Gallagher with premeditated murder, attempted murder and nearly a dozen other offenses, including obstruction of justice and bringing discredit upon the armed forces. If he is convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Chief Gallagher denies all the charges. The case has sent waves through the secretive world of the SEALs, who prefer to operate behind the headlines in an atmosphere of silent professionalism. And the case may widen as the investigation implicates other SEALs who did not report what they knew. A lieutenant has already been charged. WASHINGTON After a popular bill to improve prison education and training programs breezed through the House last May, criminal justice reformers in the Senate faced a crucial choice: run with it or hold out for more far-reaching changes to sentencing laws. The two main proponents of a sentencing overhaul Senator Charles E. Grassley, the conservative Iowa Republican who is the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the liberal No. 2 Senate Democrat agreed between themselves to sit tight. They insisted that any final legislation must include proposals in a Senate bill to cut the mandatory minimum sentences imposed in an antidrug crackdown decades ago or there would be no legislation at all. We had worked so darned hard and got such an overwhelming vote to get the bill out of committee, why should we settle for less than the whole package we had been working on for two years? Mr. Grassley said in an interview. It paid off. President Trump on Wednesday endorsed a measure that included the sentencing provisions written by the two senators and a handful of others, including Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah. It was a major step forward for legislation that has united forces on the left and right but has still struggled to overcome resistance from Republicans who believe it goes against the partys tough-on-crime image. California Republicans suffered another blow on Thursday night as Representative Mimi Walters, who has represented Orange County for two terms, was defeated in her bid for re-election by Katie Porter, a law professor from the University of California, Irvine. The Associated Press reported the result. Democrats have now captured three of the four congressional seats in Orange County, a region that for a generation was a symbol of Republican power. The victory by Ms. Porter means California Democrats have won five of the seven Republican seats they identified as targets this year. Hillary Clinton defeated President Trump in all seven of those districts. [In Maine, Bruce Poliquin, the lone Republican in the House From New England, lost his re-election bid.] It appears the only successful Republican in the group is Representative David Valadao in Central California, who was declared a winner, though his lead over his Democratic challenger, T.J. Cox, has been shrinking as vote counting continues. The deadline for completing the count is Dec. 7. At least dozen lawsuits are still pending Mr. Nelson sued hurricane-ravaged Bay County where Mr. Scott won for the second time in 24 hours on Thursday, just one in the dizzying count of lawsuits filed. Collectively, the lawsuits challenge everything from Thursdays recount deadline, to ballots rejected for mismatching signatures, to votes received by email. The judge handling the federal cases said he expected to hold hearings every day, including over the weekend. The question now is, what happens to the lawsuits? I think fluid is the best word. A few will become moot, but the meatier ones that deal with process and standards and voter rights will linger after the election, said the University of Miami law professor, Frances Hill. And I expect even more lawsuits from both sides and public interest groups that will seek to enjoin the certification of the election based on access to vote, processes and procedures, some of the same things considered in the 2000 election. Some ballots rejected for mismatched signatures could be allowed Judge Mark Walker of the Federal District Court in Tallahassee ruled that voters whose mail-in ballots were rejected because of mismatches would have until 5 p.m. Saturday to resolve the problem and have their votes counted. The court ruled that the portion of voters it was not clear how many who were not notified in enough time to fix their signature problem would be given the additional time. In Georgias close race, Democrats hope for a runoff The pre-Election Day polls said Georgias race for governor was too close to call. Almost four million votes later, it is clear that the polls were correct. The Republican nominee, Brian Kemp, leads his Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams, by about 55,000 votes. Democrats do not expect to pick up all of those votes; instead, they are hoping to gain about 17,800 votes to force a Dec. 4 runoff, or the roughly 15,400 they need to set off a recount. The Abrams campaign, citing the extensive litigation and Georgias patchwork of elections procedures, has been adamant that it believes there are enough pending ballots to lead to a runoff. Mr. Kemps campaign has asserted that he has an insurmountable lead. Federal judges loom large The courts have been considering Georgias voting system since well before the first general election ballots were cast. But in the aftermath of Election Day, federal judges have been among the most important figures in determining which ballots are counted and how quickly elections officials can carry out some of their duties. The most consequential ruling, at least in terms of setting a timeline for the race, came late on Monday, when a judge in Atlanta ruled that the secretary of state could not certify the election results until at least Friday at 5 p.m. (The state had been expected to finalize the outcome on Wednesday.) Eight United Nations peacekeepers and at least 12 Congolese soldiers were killed in a joint military operation against rebels in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is facing a deadly Ebola outbreak, the Security Council said Thursday. Ten peacekeepers were injured and one was missing after Wednesdays operation that targeted Allied Democratic Forces rebels, said the United Nations spokesman, Stephane Dujarric. The Security Councils statement said seven of the peacekeepers who were killed were from Malawi and one was from Tanzania. The joint forces were attacked while conducting operations to dislodge the rebel fighters from a stronghold in Kididiwe, near the regional capital of Beni, a United Nations official said. The mission succeeded and a number of rebels were captured, the official added, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia Many of the foot soldiers for the Khmer Rouge remain in Cambodias remote reaches, each with a chronicle of the horror-soaked years in which Pol Pot and his Communist disciples turned the country into a deadly laboratory for agrarian totalitarianism. Mea Chrun, a former bodyguard in the Khmer Rouge, lives in the jungle-choked hills of northern Cambodia, in Anlong Veng. He is matter-of-fact about the weight of the slaughter. I think that one million people were killed, he said. Dont say three million. On Friday morning four decades after a total of at least 1.7 million people, a fifth of Cambodias population, were culled by execution, overwork, disease and famine an international tribunal for the first time declared that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Muslim Cham minority and Vietnamese. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea has tested a new tactical weapon, the Norths official news media said on Friday, reporting that Kim Jong-un witnessed the event in his first publicized visit to a weapons test site since the country test-launched its intercontinental ballistic missile last November. State media did not identify the weapon, and the test did not appear to violate the voluntary moratorium North Korea imposed on nuclear and long-range ballistic missile tests this year. Still, Mr. Kims renewed activities at weapons test sites could complicate the already stalled talks between North Korea and the United States over how to remove the Norths nuclear weapons. North Korea tends to use the prospects of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula as leverage when negotiations with Washington do not go in its favor. In recent weeks, it has issued vague threats that it might resume testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles should the United States continue to refuse to make concessions like easing sanctions. On Friday, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said Mr. Kim visited the testing ground of the Academy of Defense Science, the center of weapons development in North Korea, and supervised a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test. At some point this year, the board decided to eliminate the policy because it doesnt offer enough flexibility to strategically recruit and retain a talented and experienced work force, according to Amanda Hicks, a spokeswoman for the museum. The boards two principal figures said that keeping Mr. Lowry on was in the museums best interest. There is no better leader with whom we can expand upon MoMAs success, Ms. Heyman said Friday. Mr. Black added, Glenns gifted and innovative leadership is essential to MoMAs evolution. Mr. Lowry, a scholar of Islamic art and former director of the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, was 40 when he took over as MoMAs sixth director in 1995. Under his leadership, the museums endowment has quadrupled, to just under $1 billion. In 1999, MoMA merged with PS1, the experimental art center in Queens, and its principal home on West 53rd Street has expanded twice: first into the present building, which opened in 2004, and next year into an expanded campus designed by the firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Attendance has shot up, the collection has grown and diversified, and admission fees have climbed, too to $20 in 2004 and to $25 in 2011. He has won praise for his fund-raising skills, his management of large-scale building projects, and his global outlook, even as he has faced criticism for an expansionist mentality and protests from employees over wages and benefits. (Mr. Lowry, one of the museum worlds highest-paid executives, was awarded about $2.2 million in salary, bonus and benefits for the 2017 fiscal year.) The museum faced strong opposition in 2014 to initial designs for the expansion that called for the destruction of a neighboring building, the former home of the American Folk Art Museum. MoMA made significant changes to those designs, but the Folk Art Museum did come down. In the last few years, the museum has presented acclaimed exhibitions of Sigmar Polke, Isa Genzken, Bruce Conner, Marcel Broodthaers and Adrian Piper. In 2017, days after President Trumps inauguration, Mr. Lowry also signed off on a decision by curators to rehang MoMAs permanent collection with works by artists from the Muslim-majority nations subject to a travel ban. Mr. Pellegrin said that the sparseness of the Antarctic had encouraged a visual approach that he had been developing in his work of late. After years of grappling with the absence of a third dimension, building depth through the use of form and layers, I find myself doing the opposite, trying to eliminate, he said. He compared this new slant to a sculpture emerging from a block of stone, removing, removing, until you arrive at the center, at the essence, he said. The choice to photograph mostly in black and white served a similar purpose, he said. I think that subtracting an element of the real allows the photograph to express itself in more symbolic terms, Mr. Pellegrin said. Color is tied to our way of seeing, of perceiving the world, he explained, while the abstraction of black and white offers an additional expressive possibility. Image A self-portrait by Mr. Pellegrin in 2016. Photography is an active language that gives voice to the photographer, he said. Credit... Paolo Pellegrin/Magnum Photos Mr. Pellegrin said that he saw himself as part of a tradition and lineage of photographers who expressed themselves in black and white, including fellow practitioners whom he admired, like Robert Frank, William Klein and Gilles Peress. Mr. Peress worked with Magnum Photos, the international photographers collective that Mr. Pellegrin joined as a full member in 2005. Despite that veneration of black and white, Mr. Pellegrin shot some images of the central Italian city of LAquila, devastated in a 2009 earthquake, in color. The photographs were taken for a recent commission from Maxxi that would form part of a proposed contemporary art museum in the city. MILAN In the middle of Samuel Becketts bleak but endlessly wry play Endgame, a character tells a joke about a man who goes to the tailor to get a pair of pants. The tailor dithers and dawdles, making one tiny change at a time. Finally, the customer explodes: God made the world in six days, he screams, and you are not bloody well capable of making me a pair of trousers in three months! The tailor answers, But, my dear sir, my dear sir, look with a disdainful gesture at the world, and look lovingly, proudly at my trousers! The punch line had extra relish at the Teatro alla Scala here in Milan on Thursday when Fin de Partie, the eminent Hungarian composer Gyorgy Kurtags operatic adaptation of Endgame, had its long, long-awaited premiere. Mr. Kurtag, 92, has taken a protracted path to this patiently, perfectly tailored work, his first opera. The artist Ross Bleckner has accused a man who worked for him of attempting to extort him by threatening to portray their consensual sexual relationship as a case of sexual harassment. In a filing Thursday in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, lawyers for Mr. Bleckner said the man, Cody Gilman, threatened to damage Mr. Bleckners reputation by suing him for sexual misconduct unless he agreed to pay a $2 million settlement. But Mr. Gilman filed his own lawsuit Thursday in federal court in Brooklyn in which he accused Mr. Bleckner of weeks of unwanted sexual advances, harassment and assault earlier this year when he worked as a studio assistant and general aide at Mr. Bleckners East Hampton home. Mr. Bleckner, who had a Guggenheim retrospective of his work in 1995, initially met Mr. Gilman on a dating site several years ago, according to his legal filing, and they had a sexual relationship. They reconnected late last year, the suit says, and resumed their relationship this year after Mr. Gilman, a resident of California, moved to East Hampton in February and took a $750-a-week job helping Mr. Bleckner. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. If youre interested in hearing from The Times regularly about great TV, sign up for our Watching newsletter and get recommendations straight to your inbox. Ulterior Motives? Trevor Noah said he was excited to see that President Trump had thrown his support behind a bill making its way through Congress to overhaul criminal justice. But he said he was a bit suspicious about the timing: Democrats will take control of the House in January, giving them the power to issue subpoenas, and the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, is moving ahead decisively with his investigation into Russian election meddling. USEFUL PHRASES FOR IMMIGRANTS Stories By May-Lee Chai 146 pp. Blair. Paper, $16.95. LOVE SONGS FOR A LOST CONTINENT By Anita Felicelli 251 pp. Stillhouse Press. Paper, $16. In the title story of her new collection, Useful Phrases for Immigrants, May-Lee Chai writes, Why didnt people in movies complain about taxes and insurance and the cost of rent? The observation reads like the artists statement of purpose: Her fiction favors the quotidian over the spectacular, the small moments of violence or disappointment common to all. The book covers a broad range of territory. Its geographies include Beijing, New York, San Francisco, Iowa and Canada, its inhabitants academics, elderly immigrants, secretive parents and watchful children. The book is slender, containing only eight stories, but it might also be considered capacious, hard to reduce to a single theme or preoccupation. Image Chais style, the sole element that holds these distinct works together, is unaffected. Its as if the author is getting out of her own way, giving herself space to focus on the mechanics of one individual narrative at a time. Yet in each theres a sense of many other narratives just off the page, the lives and back stories we arent seeing. Short stories are by definition brief, but they neednt be small. This book, though, feels rushed. Too much of Storm Lake consists of broadsides, suppositional reporting and thinly drawn character sketches. Cullen has an unfortunate tendency toward armchair editorializing rather than grounded reporting. At one point, he asks, If youre a white male living in Storm Lake, what gives with the angry routine? A few pages later, he walks into a bar and grill in nearby Rockwell City. I rolled through the door and got the hairy eyeball from a guy my age in a crew cut and T-shirt, he writes. He then goes on to imagine what this gentleman must be thinking: He thinks people have been looking down at him since junior high school. Cullen imagines that the man worries his taxes will go up because of the influx of immigrants; that black men could be going to college tuition-free but riot in the streets instead; and that his future is slipping away. I could attempt to understand him, Cullen muses. Or I could just eat my cheeseburger. He chooses the cheeseburger. I wanted to shout: Youre a journalist! Talk to him! I share Cullens disdain for the odious Steve King, the Iowa congressman whose history of promoting white nationalist views recently drew a rebuke from the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and who happens to hail from Storm Lake, which has a population of 10,000. Yet when Cullen encounters King at a political gathering, he misses the chance to ask hard questions, writing, I approached King after he locked up the convention and asked for a happy quote. Ive been a journalist for 40 years and have never heard of a reporter making such a request. Im not even sure what a happy quote is. While Cullens writing is impassioned, a plea for the rest of us not to dismiss places like Storm Lake, the prose too often feels careless and imprecise. At one point he writes of the children born to immigrants in town: They are babies born to people who werent babies born here themselves. Such foggy prose doesnt serve Cullen well. I dont mean to sound cranky, but this book feels like a missed opportunity. Cullen and his brother are heroic figures, especially at a time when local journalism stands on such wobbly legs. Moreover, they live in a place that speaks to the dramatic changes in this country: Immigrants have settled in Storm Lake to take low-paying jobs at the local meatpacking plants (Cullen vigorously defends their right to be there), and white men and women who are rabid Trump supporters seem to vote against their own interests. The mayor of a nearby town refuses to speak to the paper because, he claims, it publishes fake news. I wanted to cherish this book, to feel I could pass it on to young aspiring reporters, to get them to consider working at papers like The Storm Lake Times. The next gambit went less well. Vasilenko and Platt met for drinks with an F.B.I. agent, known as Johnny Disco for the white suit he wore when teaching disco dancing, and a C.I.A. code clerk, known as Captain Dougie, at a waterside restaurant. Unfortunately, Johnny Disco couldnt hold his liquor. This here is real vodka, this here is a real K.G.B. guy, he loudly declared at one point, adding, Those are real C.I.A. guys and Im F.B.I.! Platt threw $100 on the table and ordered everyone to leave. Unfortunately, two men at nearby tables were colonels in Air Force intelligence. After they reported the incident, Platt managed, just barely, to salvage his career. Russos previous books include The Outfit: The Role of Chicagos Underworld in the Making of Modern America, and Dezenhall is the co-author of Damage Control: Why Everything You Know About Crisis Management Is Wrong. The fact that neither is a historian brings a certain freshness to their narrative. Fast-paced and lively, Best of Enemies is suitable for the general reader with an interest in Cold War espionage, although its chatty tone and the authors evident admiration for their subjects can become tiresome. Platt played a key role in the 2001 capture of the former F.B.I. agent Robert Hanssen, one of the most notorious traitors in American history. Moscow wrongly blamed Vasilenko for the loss of their agent, since his friendship and business links with Platt made him a prime suspect. Vasilenko was arrested in August 2005, the start of a five-year nightmare odyssey through the brutal Russian penal system, until he was traded for several captured Russian spies, including the glamorous Anna Chapman. Platt died in 2017 and Vasilenko now lives in the United States. Best of Enemies can be read as a lament for a world in which mutually assured destruction brought a strange kind of stability. The two nuclear superpowers may have fought proxy wars, but they always stepped back from the brink. The Cold War was a dangerous time, but it was a time with rules. Its almost inconceivable to imagine a Soviet leader authorizing the kind of slapdash operation that took place in Salisbury, England, when a deadly poison was used in an attempted assassination, then left in a perfume bottle to kill an innocent bystander. It was a world of rowdy soldiers, jocks, lotharios, Machiavellians, venal cops, bitter bureaucrats wearing porno mustaches and aviator frames, Russo and Dezenhall tell us. That world is long gone, leaving in its wake something much more perilous. Solving one of Keigo Higashinos fiendishly difficult mysteries must be very gratifying. (I wouldnt know, since this Japanese puzzlemeister consistently outwits me.) In Giles Murrays translation of NEWCOMER (Minotaur, $27.99), Higashinos fabled Tokyo Metropolitan Police detective, Kyoichiro Kaga, he of the razor-sharp mind and bloodhound nature, has been dispatched to the Nihonbashi precinct to investigate the inexplicable murder of a middle-aged woman who lived alone and seemed to have no enemies. Kaga directs his inquiries to Amazake Alley, a narrow street of small stores with loads of charm. (Few other districts in the capital had shops that specialized in wicker suitcases or shamisen lutes.) In each of these businesses, Kaga finds some minor mystery to solve: Why did the clock shop owners dog get lost on his walk? Who bought the cakes found at the crime scene? I notice details, Kaga explains. Thats the sort of person I am. The characters, it must be said, are thinner than the dough used to create those delicate pastries; but in a fair exchange, the author has succeeded in making problem-solving logistics sexy. Since Kaga plucks all his clues from minor background details, their trivial nature is itself important. As Higashino notes, The precinct detective had looked into things that the rest of them had dismissed as insignificant. Things like where you choose to sit in a taxi or whether you like sweets or who gave the victim a new pair of kitchen scissors. In addition to illustrating the subtlety of the authors narrative style, these minutiae add up to a tidy and quite credible solution. Not that I saw it coming. Explore the New York Times Book Review Want to keep up with the latest and greatest in books? This is a good place to start. Learn what you should be reading this fall: Our collection of reviews on books coming out this season includes biographies, novels, memoirs and more. See whats new in October: Among this months new titles are novels by Jonathan Franzen, a history of Black cinema and a biography by Katie Couric. Nominate a book: The New York Times Book Review has just turned 125. That got us wondering: What is the best book that was published during that time? Listen to our podcast: Featuring conversations with leading figures in the literary world, from Colson Whitehead to Leila Slimani, the Book Review Podcast helps you delve deeper into your favorite books. Stephen Kellys new Inspector Lamb novel, HUSHED IN DEATH (Pegasus Crime, $25.95), would seem to push all my buttons and possibly yours. Its a traditional mystery set in 1942 in a British country house thats been reconfigured as a sanitarium for military men suffering the traumatic effects of combat. Theres a murder on the very first page and plenty of suspects (or possible additional victims) among the patients and staff. Theres even a ghost! [ A Parkland survivor returns to the hospital that saved her. ] The pieces here do much more than rehash statements about the press as a defender of democracy. In their direct actions, their certitude and their honesty, the journalism students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas are a case study in what to do when things fall apart. In a particularly potent piece, Nyan Clark reports that the senior Kelly Plaur wrapped her legs around her teacher to help shield her from bullets as they huddled in a corner of the room during the shooting. I wanted to protect her because I knew she had kids of her own and a husband, Plaur later recalled. I was thinking, What if this was my mom? The class she was in was studying the history of the Holocaust. Elsewhere, the student journalist Rebecca Schneid despaired to learn that within days of surviving a school shooting, she was being called a fake and an enemy of the people. Yet this did not stop her. I have decided, she concludes, to focus on the immense amount of love we have received from around the world to energize me and push me to work even harder toward our goal. The hate would only get in my way, and we have too much to accomplish. Such pluck is childish to be sure, but here childishness is neither naive nor wrongheaded. These young journalists are as aware of the stakes and obstacles of the moment nationally as they are personally. In many ways speaking out was our form of grieving, Schneid later reveals. The only time I felt composed in any way was during those interviews. This unambiguity characterizes the book from beginning to end, elevating it above much more studied and complex treatises on this countrys perplexing moment. A collective decision was made, for example, to never mention the shooters name, on the undeniable logic that he does not deserve more coverage than his victims. One wishes that the adult media could just as easily access this uncomplicated level of moral instinct and understanding. Had we been able to, such a book may well have never been necessary in the first place. 4. It is all gone. More than 80,000 people have been forced to evacuate in the California wildfires. We asked readers to let us know how they escaped, what they took with them and what was left behind. We heard from dozens who fled many with family members, some with just the clothes they were wearing. Above, a family sheltering with friends in Chico, Calif. The official death toll from the fires is at 63, with more than 600 people missing. Specialists are combing the incinerated areas for human remains. I have no way of predicting what those final numbers are going to look like, one official told us. And after a week of fires, the air itself is a danger in Northern California its currently the dirtiest in the world, even worse than heavily polluted Chinese and Indian cities. Daniel Loeb is happy to play the barbarian at the gate. Hes got the money, about $3.1 billion. Hes got the office, a sleek white space that is a quintessential hedge fund aerie, with art by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. And in taking on the old-money family that owns more than 40 percent of Campbell Soup Company, hes found the perfect foil for his new-money ambitions. Third Point, Mr. Loebs hedge fund in Manhattan, is pushing for the sale or restructuring of Campbell, a slumping food giant that has called Camden, N.J., home for nearly 150 years. Hes up against the descendants of John T. Dorrance, a chemist who devised the formula for condensed soup at the turn of the last century. Dozens of family members depend on the dividends they receive from the company to underwrite their comfortable lives. And for the most part they find Mr. Loebs proposals anathema. Were interlopers whove come in, and theyve decided to stick with the status quo, Mr. Loeb said in an interview. A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to restore the press credentials of Jim Acosta of CNN, handing the cable network an early win in its lawsuit against the president and members of his administration. Presiding over one of the first major tests of press rights under President Trump, Judge Timothy J. Kelly of United States District Court in Washington ruled that the White House had behaved inappropriately in stripping Mr. Acosta of his press badge shortly after a testy exchange at a news conference last week. The administrations process for barring the correspondent is still so shrouded in mystery that the government could not tell me who made the decision, Judge Kelly said from the bench. Taking away the pass that gave Mr. Acosta access to the White House amounted to a violation of his right to a fair and transparent process, the judge ruled. Soon after the ruling, Mr. Trump said the White House would tighten its rules for how journalists must comport themselves at the White House. The 10-person bridal party, in long, autumn-inspired burgundy dresses, included Ms. Sagnia, and on the grooms side, Mr. Wu. Ms. Kaur wore a traditional white wedding gown in an A-line shape with a lace, boat-neck top, Mr. Mattson a royal blue suit. About 90 guests lined the pews, some who had made the trip from India. The following morning, at the Central Jersey Sikh Association in Windsor, N.J., there was a ceremony led by a Granthi Balwinder Singh, who read from the Sikh holy book known as the Guru Granth Sahib. Ms. Kaur wore a beaded, shimmering lehngha a long, full skirt in cranberry and a matching peplum top custom-made in Patiala, India, by the same shop that made wedding dresses for her mother and several aunts decades ago. Mr. Mattson wore a traditional Sikh wedding sherwani in gold silk and a burgundy head scarf, and carried a kirpan, or sheathed sword, a Sikh tradition. About 200 guests, all shoeless and wearing head coverings, sat on a carpeted floor in the gurdwara, or marriage hall. After initial prayers, accompanied by three turbaned, heavily bearded granthis playing hand drums and harmonium, the granthi placed a scarf worn by Mr. Mattson in Ms. Kaurs hands. Bride and groom were then instructed to stand and circle the holy book a total of four times, with pauses to sit and pray between each round. Ten male relatives standing at intervals around the holy book were there to symbolically pass off Ms. Kaur to Mr. Mattson, and make it known that they will continue to nurture and protect her once she leaves home. After the holidays, Ms. Kaur will move to Illinois and start looking for accounting work. Im really going to miss my family, she said. Its going to be different and its going to be difficult. But she is also sure that it will be worth it. I love Greg so much, she said at a reception held after the Sikh ceremony, at the Merion in Cinnaminson, N.J. She had removed the crown of flowers she wore at the Roman Catholic ceremony, and the babys breath she wove into her hair at the Sikh ceremony. But she still looked ethereal. I mean, its not fun, Susan Collins said, sitting in her Senate office on Tuesday. It was her first day back at work following last weeks midterm elections, and the Maine Republican was not quite radiating fresh-start and renewal vibes. Death threats are not fun. Protests are not fun. Being mobbed sorry, I know the media hates that word being mobbed when I go to vote. I do not enjoy that at all. I find that exhausting. Returning senators of either party could echo Collinss despair over the ruptured, strident and increasingly bellicose state of Trumps Washington; they would also share her foreboding over whats in store as subpoenas start flying, Mueller Time nears and the president swings into re-election rally mode, probably in the next week or so. But Collins, who is 65 and coming off two of the most punishing years of her Senate career, seems to be entering a particularly grim existential zone. As both parties have dug in, Collinss relative independence has made her the perennial essential vote on increasingly enormous questions of state. Her openness to bipartisanship has, paradoxically, made her a bipartisan target. Republicans catalogue Collinss RINO (Republican in name only) apostasies, as when she cast one of the three G.O.P. no votes against the Obamacare-repeal bill last year. Democrats hailed her heroic and courageous vote against the repeal, until she voted in favor of the Republican tax cut; for good measure, many women now regard the Republican, who is in favor of abortion rights, as a leading gender-traitor over her support for the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Collins has been maddening people across the political spectrum for years, of course; the main difference, maybe, is that people are just generally madder now. She represents an almost quaint archetype of the solemn centrist who was always deliberating very carefully over something or other. Her close friend and former colleague Joseph Lieberman was a vintage exemplar of the breed, as was her fellow Maine Republican Olympia Snowe. But these kindred spirits are gone now, Trump has raised the stakes and patience for quaintness has long since expired. People mock Collins for being serially troubled or saddened by the latest Trump outrage but never sufficiently so to actually do something about it. They accuse her of fashioning a shtick as a free-agent vote because she loves the attention (as opposed to those other senators who hate attention). Mr. Peters had produced numerous investigative reports that exposed significant failings in city agencies that were highly embarrassing to Mr. de Blasio, including lapses in performing lead paint inspections at the New York City Housing Authority, and the lifting of deed restrictions on a Lower East Side nursing home that permitted its sale to a developer of luxury condominiums. Mr. de Blasio on Friday said those investigations did not influence his decision. D.O.I. is meant to be critical of city agencies, Mr. de Blasio said at a news conference, before delineating the mistakes and abuses of power detailed in the independent report on Mr. Peters. The D.O.I. commissioner is supposed to be the most pristine of all. Mr. de Blasio said that he was not influenced by any continuing investigations. Mr. Peters had begun an investigation into whether City Hall sought to influence a review of the educational quality at some Jewish religious schools. He also said, however, that he regretted hiring Mr. Peters in the first place. Mr. Peters said in a brief statement that he would issue a fuller written response to his firing in coming days. He said that under his direction the department exposed corruption and misconduct and forced serious systematic reforms in multiple agencies. But in an email to his staff sent about two hours after he was fired, Mr. Peters suggested that the mayor fired him to prevent him from carrying out investigations. [What you need to know to start your day: Get New York Today in your inbox] For parts of his tenure, Mayor Bill de Blasio has been criticized for straying from his progressive roots, with some of his loyal supporters accusing him of failing to deliver on promises to help the homeless, or advance criminal justice reforms. Those grumblings turned into a full-throated roar this week, with the mayors enthusiastic backing of a billion-dollar incentive deal to bring Amazon to Long Island City, Queens. How could the liberal mayor of New York City who vowed to end the tale of two cities one rich, the other poor support this sort of development? The short answer, said some real estate developers and former political aides, is that he almost always has. Zeina Farhat, who takes a bus to Wayne, N.J., also said the crowds at Port Authority were intense. She arrived at 4 p.m., then waited in line for her bus for close to three hours, she said. When she was finally at the front of the queue, ready to board the next vehicle, the authorities shut down bus service so they could plow the roads, she said. After that, I did something I thought I would never do, Ms. Farhat wrote in an email. I sat on the Port Authority steps, and I considered myself lucky. Imagine how terrible your situation is to think of yourself as lucky to sit on the disease-infested floor of Port Authority. Ms. Farhat finally got a bus home four and a half hours after she arrived. When she finally reached her car, it was blocked in by heaps of snow created by snow plows. Ms. Hoyos, on the other hand, eventually gave up on her commute and sought refuge with a friend in Brooklyn, where she spent the night. That part of her journey, she said, was easy. We took the train to Brooklyn and grabbed an Uber, Ms. Hoyos said. No trouble at all. A cabdriver calls it a night Chibani Bennasr, 39, a New York taxi driver, said he got stuck on a block of East 46th Street for an hour and a half after snow and falling tree branches stopped traffic. William Goldman, who won Academy Awards for his screenplays for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the Presidents Men and who, despite being one of Hollywoods most successful screenwriters, was an outspoken critic of the movie industry, died on Friday in Manhattan. He was 87. The cause was colon cancer and pneumonia, said Susan Burden, his partner. In his long career, which began in the 1960s and lasted into the 21st century, Mr. Goldman also wrote the screenplays for popular films like Misery, A Bridge Too Far, The Stepford Wives and Chaplin. He was a prolific novelist as well, and several of his screenplays were adapted from his own novels, notably The Princess Bride and Marathon Man. In a business where writers generally operate in relative obscurity, Mr. Goldman became a celebrity in his own right; in his heyday, his name was as much an asset to a films production and success as those of the director and stars. Eight of his films each grossed more than $100 million domestically. Called the worlds greatest and most famous living screenwriter by the critic Joe Queenan in a 2009 profile in The Guardian, Mr. Goldman achieved renown in Hollywood in the late 1960s when he sold his first original screenplay, for Butch Cassidy, to 20th Century Fox for $400,000 (the equivalent of more than $2.75 million in 2018 dollars), a record for a screenplay at the time. Decades before genetic engineering raised the possibility of rapid generational changes in species, Lysenkos simplistic ideas catered to Stalins obsessive belief that Soviet agriculture could be made to leap forward (or even that Communist Man might emerge) under the proper environmental controls. Lysenko spent futile years trying to improve strains of wheat by refrigerating seeds over the winter, which he called vernalization, and using other techniques of seed preparation, planting and fertilization. By concealing his failures, suppressing academic rivals and pandering to Stalin, Lysenko survived for decades, although his influence began to wane in the 1950s. Scientific Bankruptcy Dr. Medvedev, an agrochemist at a Moscow university, believed, as did many of his fellow scientists and intellectuals, that Soviet agriculture had lagged far behind much of the world and that its science had been smothered in political ideology under Lysenkos influence, which continued after Stalins death in 1953 and throughout Premier Nikita S. Khrushchevs 11 years in the Kremlin. In 1961, Dr. Medvedev began writing a history of Soviet science that accused Lysenko of demagoguery and intimidation and of fomenting scientific bankruptcy in the Soviet Union. Although unpublished in his country, the history circulated among underground sources. In 1963, he joined Dr. Sakharov, the father of the Soviet hydrogen bomb, and other scientists in openly attacking Lysenkos doctrines. After Khrushchevs fall from power in 1964, the floodgates of criticism of Lysenko were opened, and by 1965, when Lysenko was removed from his post at the Soviet Academy of Sciences, the Kremlin quietly abandoned his agricultural notions in favor of more modern scientific techniques. Still, criticism of Soviet ideas was not tolerated by the government, which rigorously suppressed books, articles and speech. In 1969, Dr. Medvedevs book The Rise and Fall of T. D. Lysenko, was published by the Columbia University Press to wide acclaim and international attention. By then, he had published more than 100 scientific papers on the biosynthesis of proteins, heredity and the aging process, and had become a prolific contributor to the underground literature of protest. He had also acquired a growing reputation abroad. This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. The British government has a problem. The reality of leaving the European Union Brexit is turning out to be more unpleasant than its advocates promised. As a result, Theresa Mays government is at risk of collapsing, and its still not clear what will happen with Brexit. The core problem hasnt changed since the Brexit referendum passed in 2016. The advocates case revolves around unrealistic promises: that Britain could keep the benefits of European trade (easily selling products in other countries, for example) while getting rid of the downsides (like agreeing to continentwide rules). Now that Britain needs to negotiate the specific terms of its exit with Europe, the impossibility of a perfect solution is becoming clear. Thats why Mays proposed deal appears to lack the support it needs to pass and is being savaged by both anti- and pro-Brexit members of Parliament. To the Editor: Re New Saudi Slant on Istanbul Case (front page, Nov. 16): The decision to seek the death penalty for five Saudi agents reflects real fear among Saudi Arabias rulers that the killing of Jamal Khashoggi imperils future American support. The brutality and recklessness of that killing shone an intense media spotlight on the kingdoms other, newly aggressive actions that are destabilizing the region, as in Yemen. This has led to an astonishing convergence of opinion across the entire American political spectrum (except the presidency), raising serious questions about Saudi Arabias usefulness as an ally. The discussion at first focused on the need for American values to take precedence over Saudi national security interests, but it is those interests that are being recognized as also being under threat from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans policies. This crisis provides a real opportunity. A determined United States push at this moment of Saudi vulnerability could significantly change the kingdoms extremist behavior and priorities, to avoid any scenario that could threaten its royaltys hold on power. Indeed, this crisis should also lead to reassessing the benefits to the core, longer term United States interest that a less confrontational approach to Iran would yield. This wasnt only because of what he did in the 1930s. Mr. Levitas was determined to make sure that the lessons of the past were heeded today, in an age when racism and authoritarianism have returned to the forefront of politics in many parts of the world. His life told a story, often left out of official narratives, in which people can come together to take control of their fates. Image An undated portrait of Mr. Levitas. Credit... Levitas Family He was born in Dublin in 1915 to Jewish immigrants who had fled poverty and persecution in the Russian Empire. His relatives who stayed behind would later perish in the Holocaust. Max was the eldest of six children, five of whom survived into adulthood. His father worked as a tailors presser and the family lived in slum conditions. They were forced to leave Dublin in 1927 when Maxs father was blacklisted by the citys sweatshop owners for his trade union activism. The whole family was political: Maxs brother Maurice was also a union activist, and even volunteered for the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War. Max left school at the age of 12 to work in the tailoring industry, and he threw himself into the labor movement as a teenager, joining the Young Communist League. He remained a Communist throughout his life. It was never an issue to forge a Communist state like in the Soviet Union, he told an interviewer in 2011. We wanted to ensure that the ordinary working people of England could lead decent lives not to be unemployed, that people werent thrown out of homes when they couldnt pay their rent. Much of his campaigning centered on housing: In 1939, he organized a rent strike in his tenement block that lasted 21 weeks and would introduce him to Sadie, whom he married two years later. In 1940, during the Blitz, he led an occupation of the Savoy Hotel to protest the lack of air-raid shelters for people in the East End a campaign credited for the governments subsequent decision to let people shelter in London Underground stations. As a wave of radicalism swept Britain in 1945, Mr. Levitas was one of 10 Communist candidates elected to his borough council. He remained a councilor for 17 years and when I first met him in 2012, he was still able to point out housing estates that had been built as a result of local campaigns. Two years after our meeting, he was still at it, leading a delegation from his apartment block to protest unfair charges for repair work. He still spoke with all the fire of the young man at Cable Street, one of his neighbors recalled. It was astonishing, and none of the officials present dared to challenge him. He was 99 at the time. Many contemporary controversies over issues like voting rights and the scope of the government have their origins in the period following the Civil War. That era, known as Reconstruction, is one of the most contentious in this nations history, and also one of the most misunderstood. Congress can help fix that by passing the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act before the end of the year. The bill, passed by the House in September and now under consideration in the Senate, would empower the National Park Service to connect Reconstruction sites all around the country; encourage visitors to talk about Reconstruction at local historical sites; and help convey the full story of how America was remade after the Civil War. Reconstruction started in the early days of the Civil War. As United States forces entered the South, enslaved African Americans immediately pressed for freedom. They escaped to Union lines, demanded pay for their work, petitioned for their rights and served the Union war effort as laborers and soldiers. Some four million African Americans built new lives in freedom during the postwar Reconstruction era reuniting families separated by slavery, building churches, founding schools and serving in government. From 1865 to 1870, Congress passed, and the states ratified, the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, which permanently transformed the country. These Republican-led initiatives promised freedom, citizenship, due process and equal protection to everyone on American soil, and also prohibited racial discrimination in voting. These constitutional changes were so momentous that, in 2017, President Barack Obama called Reconstruction the nations Second Founding. Thea was 35 years old and 40 weeks pregnant when she went to her doctor for her final prenatal appointment. She was in good shape, didnt smoke and had received regular prenatal care, though she wasnt thrilled with the obstetrics practice shed chosen in Chicago. The doctors were more interested in protocols than people, she said. On that day, she was surprised to learn that her amniotic fluid was low, though the babys vital signs remained strong. The doctor informed Thea that shed need to be induced right away. Thea questioned this directive, asking about the success rates for induction and whether she should consider a cesarean section instead. The doctor said she had no choice. She then asked if she could go home to get her overnight bag. She was told, she said, that if she left she could be arrested for endangering the life of a child. Thea asked that I refer to her only by her first name because the details of her story are so personal. She also cautioned that in trauma, memory can be fragmented and skewed. But over a decade later, she remembers this confrontation with her doctor as the moment it became clear to her that in becoming a mother, she was no longer seen as a person: I really felt like I was a piece of meat , like I was not being considered in this. It was all about the baby. Ive been thinking lately about the remarkable ways in which American women continue to be devalued and disempowered through the prism of motherhood, even as we insist on the pre-eminence of mothers status. Alabama voters have just approved a constitutional amendment recognizing fetal personhood, a measure that could be used to further curtail the rights of pregnant women in favor of the safety of fetuses. The most common call, especially right after a major fire, is to restrict growth entirely in fire-prone areas. Practically speaking, that wont work: In the United States, we build and rebuild on earthquake faults, in tsunami zones, in Tornado Alley, along the hurricane-plagued Gulf Coast and in floodplains. New Orleans sits below sea level and its not going anywhere. California is already one of the most expensive states in the country because of a housing shortage, and restricting growth in fire-prone areas which includes most of the state will only exacerbate that shortage, raise prices and further marginalize the most vulnerable populations. Many residents of Paradise, the town at the center of the Camp Fire, lived there specifically because they had been priced out of nearby cities. Instead, we should take a cue from the Dutch. Much of the Netherlands sits below sea level and is therefore prone to flooding, but the Dutch cant exactly move en masse next door to Germany. So they have learned over the centuries that the solution is to stop fighting the sea, and build their cities and towns to maximize saving lives through smarter planning and infrastructure. We could do the same with wildfire. Some parts of the country already follow the Dutch model, intentionally or not. The southeastern United States has not lost significant numbers of homes or lives to fire, despite its vast expanse of the wildland-urban interface the mixture of rural homes and towns with wild vegetation. Thats not because the region is immune to fire. Its because, in part, the Southeast uses prescribed fire across millions of acres each year to reduce how much vegetation is left to burn, effectively using intentional fires to limit out-of-control wildfire. In California, some communities aggressively prepare residents for the eventuality of wildfire. Montecito, a community east of Santa Barbara, saw the need to address wildfire risk following the 1990 Painted Cave Fire nearby, which killed one person and consumed 427 homes. The Montecito Fire Protection District works with residents to reduce vegetative fuels along roadsides, create fuel breaks essentially areas where native shrubs have been thinned or removed at strategic locations on private property, and harden homes against embers by putting screens over vents and replacing siding and roofs with less flammable materials. Home security has come a long way from the days when hard-wired alarm systems were the only option for single-family homes or, in the case of apartment complexes, a security guard or two to patrol the grounds. Today, wireless or cellular all-in-one-systems allow you to check on your house from afar, and voice command capabilities let you tell a virtual assistant to shut the garage door while you cook dinner. As for apartment buildings, roving robots and sophisticated camera systems have improved security and also given residents more control by shifting video intercom access to cellphones. In co-op and condominium buildings, property management firms have been increasingly installing camera systems with 360-degree vision that can provide data analytics, according to Dino Iuliano, chief revenue officer at Planned Companies, a concierge, security, maintenance and janitorial services firm. These systems send video footage to electronic encoders at security monitoring centers either in apartment buildings or off-site locations run by a security firm. The encoders analyze and break down the video into data, and send alerts and responses when something is deemed out of the norm, Mr. Iuliano said. For example, a motion detector that has been triggered can turn on the lights at night; or, a package that has been left unattended in an area where it shouldnt be will signal the security firm to alert building staff. Annabels, the ultraexclusive club in London where Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II and Harry Styles have mingled, moved after 55 years. Under its owner Richard Caring, it reopened in April in a four-story Georgian townhouse two doors from the original on Berkeley Square in the Mayfair district. Everything in the club is brand-new, including all the furniture and glassware. So what happened to the old stuff? On Nov. 20, some 250 objects from the original Annabels will be auctioned at Christies London. There is something for everybody: Estimate prices range from $60 to $150,000. The red velvet corner sofa on which Naomi Campbell was photographed lounging? Thats for sale, starting at $2,700. The green-and-black wool coat that a doorman wore when refusing entry to the Beatles because they werent wearing shoes? Starting price is $65. And the bar stool where Frank Sinatra would drink his Jack Daniels? That, too, is being sold, Mr. Caring said ($660 to $1,100). Mr. Prunera said that he had been told that the venues were going to hold between 1,000 and 1,500 fans, something he realized was not true the moment he walked into The Underworld , which holds 500 people at capacity. But then the tour began and it was clear that Mr. Threatins fan base was not nearly as robust as he had claimed. I counted at that first show only seven people in the audience, and most of those people were from the band that went on before us, Mr. Prunera said. I said, you know what, all right, thats fine, its a stage, I love being on stage, I want to be onstage, it doesnt matter. The same thing happened at venue after venue. At no point do I think any of us thought, Oh hes faking all this, Mr. Davis said. The whole impression I had was that the management company and record label were smaller companies that were still trying to get him out there and gain traction. He said that he had hits in Europe, especially in Germany. So it was weird but nothing where you could say like, Oh maybe everythings being faked or maybe he's lying about everything. He played it off as being just as confused as we were. But an eruption of bad press after the show at The Exchange caused the band to disintegrate. (The venue had posted some of its findings regarding Mr. Threatin on Facebook.) Mr. Davis said that he first learned of news stories about Threatins faltering tour and faked fans a fter disembarking from the ferry to Belfast, where the band was to play on November 11. Mr. Davis, Mr. Prunera and the third hired hand, bassist Gavin Carney, began to text among themselves, trying to decide what to do. Mr. Davis and Prunera agreed that they would leave the band. I couldnt maintain being a part of a tour with people sort of associating me with Jered, as maybe being someone whos a part of the lies, Mr. Davis said. He and Mr. Prunera questioned Mr. Threatin. But Mr. Prunera said he kept saying that he was being targeted, he was being blamed, hes the one in the public eye. He was the one that was the victim here. So but in light of all the articles being published at the time, and what everybody was digging up, its hard to know whats real and not real, so I just took that with a grain of salt. Ms. Greene, a widely respected technologist and entrepreneur, said that after leaving Google Cloud, she planned to help female founders of companies by investing in and mentoring them. Ms. Greene joined Google in 2015 when it acquired Bebop, a start-up she had founded, for $380 million. She is best known as a co-founder and former chief executive of VMware, whose software for juggling many programs across many computers is widely used in corporate data centers. That kind of virtual machine software is one of the technologies that make computing clouds efficient and relatively inexpensive. Google said this year that its cloud business was generating more than $1 billion in revenue per quarter which is dwarfed by the tens of billions of dollars that Google generates quarterly from selling online advertising. When this journey started, some people would say that Google had great technology but they werent sure that customers would rely on Google as their enterprise partner, Ms. Greene wrote in the blog post. Now, no one is questioning our seriousness or our abilities. Until recently, Amazon barely involved itself in Seattles civic politics. Its growth was steady for more than a decade, only kicking into high gear the past few years. For a while, Amazons main involvement with city hall was more about small things like approvals for street vacations than major politics. That began to change in 2015, when Amazons real estate head, John Schoettler, who was deeply involved in the HQ2 search, led the local Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, Amazon publicly fought a new tax to pay for homeless services and affordable housing. But there was never a singular moment like this when Seattle got to ask: Do we want Amazon here? If so, do we want taxpayers to pay for it? When news of a split HQ2 broke, Mayor Jenny Durkan of Seattle said, Id call those branch offices. Its a good zinger, but while Seattle may want to call it a win, several experts pointed out to me that Amazon will now have three cities to pit against one another for decades to come. Talk about leverage. And Amazon is still calling the two new locations headquarters. We know there will be leaders and teams in all three headquarters as we map out the growth, Jay Carney, a senior vice president at Amazon, told me. We are already a company that spans the country, with employees in over 45 states. Im on the leadership team but live in D.C. and am in Seattle today. It reinforces what already exists for us. How that division shakes out will be interesting to track. The New York office is already home to much of Amazons growing advertising group, which has become almost an obsession among investors because of its high margins. Thats a mix of the technical and creative work thats already thriving in the city. Many had suggested that a Washington-area choice could signal a growing dependence on government contracts, like a $10 billion cloud deal for the Defense Department that Amazon is favored to win. But Amazons agreement with Virginia specifically states that the incentives Amazon gets will decrease if more than 10 percent of the work done at that location is for federal contracts, something that reflects the states goal of diversifying its economy away from government work. So whats Amazons vision there? In recent days, as Californias air pollution map shifted from healthier green and yellow to red and purple and then dark purple officials from Los Angeles to North California urged residents to stay indoors and wear white N95 masks when they could not avoid leaving their homes. Even in Los Angeles, where smoke from the Woolsey fire had subsided by late Thursday, the air was still hazy and many schools required children to take recess inside. For anyone who must go outside, the state public health department recommends P100 masks and N95 respirators, both of which are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for use by firefighters. But Sacramento will no longer distribute N95 masks, warning that for those not living next to the fire, their risks outweigh their benefits. Risks include increased heart rate. In the Bay Area, the National Weather Service said smoke would linger in the region into the coming week. The unhealthy air in Berkeley forced the California and Stanford football showdown to be pushed back until Dec. 1, the first postponement of the Big Game since the rivals 1963 match was delayed after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In the communities around Paradise, air quality is considered hazardous for everyone, and the county health department is urging people to remain inside. But this has been difficult for evacuees. More than 81,000 people have been forced from their homes and many are sleeping outside in tents, unable to find other shelter. PHILADELPHIA In a series of brazen attacks a few summers back, a man known as the ruthless robber stole money from his victims and then opened fire on them, leaving little behind but wounded bodies and ejected shell casings. The police did not know when the emboldened man might strike again. But a week after the fourth robbery, a 9 millimeter Glock handgun discovered during an unrelated traffic stop was matched to the spent bullets through a federal ballistics database, leading detectives straight to Amin Ackridge. This case would likely have gone unsolved if not for the bullet match, said Jason Grenell, an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia. He successfully prosecuted Mr. Ackridge last year for the 2015 robberies and shootings, which injured four people, including a man who tried to intervene and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Mr. Ackridge was sentenced to 178 years in prison. Across the country, police departments are increasingly turning to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, and its catalog of more than three million detailed images of spent shell casings, to connect dots and solve investigations that might otherwise have stalled. Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the database, also known as NIBIN, can identify whether the same gun was used in multiple shootings. We are finding that there are a lot of people who dont know that we are looking for them, the sheriff said. That is why we are publishing this list. Is there a pattern in the people listed as missing? Many are older. Of the 246 people for whom ages were given, more than 200 were over 60. The youngest person on the list is 20 and the oldest is 101. Eric Reinbold, the police chief of Paradise, the town worst affected by the fire, said the new list underscored how many older people may have been trapped by the fire. Like any community, we had elderly folks and some of them gave up driving or cant drive, Chief Reinbold said. Theres a number of reasons for people not having the ability to evacuate on their own. How reliable is the list? Like the escape from the fire itself, the search for the missing has been at times chaotic. An earlier list published by the sheriffs office included five people with ages listed at 119 years old. The five are still on the list of the missing but their ages have been removed. At least five names are listed twice and there are also question marks next to some people. Has anyone on the list been found? A search through Facebook seems to indicate that at least a dozen people who survived the fire are on the missing list. David and Frances Neil are listed as missing on the Butte County list, but the couples daughter-in-law, Domonique Neil, said they were safe and with family. Five days later, the New York archdiocese announced that Cardinal McCarrick had been removed from ministry after it received credible allegations that he had molested an altar boy 47 years earlier. Two New Jersey dioceses also publicly acknowledged for the first time that their offices had paid out settlements years before to two seminarians who accused the cardinal of sexual misconduct. A subsequent investigation by The New York Times found that a whistle-blower had tried to warn the Vatican about the cardinals behavior before he was made archbishop of Washington, a prominent seat. Then in August, a grand jury in Pennsylvania released a report finding 300 priests abused more than 1,000 children over 50 years, and alleging cover-ups by some sitting bishops. Attorneys general in at least a dozen states gradually opened investigations, and the federal government has ordered bishops not to destroy documents related to abusive priests. The summer of shame has marked a turning point in the way that Catholics, especially American Catholics, are perceiving the church, Cathleen Kaveny, a Catholic legal and moral scholar at Boston College, said at a symposium in Baltimore on Sunday, a day before the bishops started meeting. Many people are not seeing the sexual abuse crisis as an aberration within the system, but theyre seeing it as something that really runs throughout the system, thats enabled by the system. The bishops came to their meeting in Baltimore aware that they embody the system, and to demonstrate that they hear the cries of the laity for reform. Cardinal Sean P. OMalley, who was assigned to Boston in 2002 to clean up the scandal there and has become Pope Francis American point man on the abuse issue, told the bishops he agreed with them about how important it is that we come out of this meeting with some very concrete action, so that people will not be convinced that the church is incapable of governing ourselves. But they found themselves wedged between their impatient American parishioners and the Vatican bureaucracy. The bishops were startled to learn on Monday morning, as their meeting opened, that the Vatican had ordered them to delay voting on any of the measures they had proposed to make it easier to report, judge and discipline bishops accused of sexually abusing children or adults. Leading bishops speculated that the Vatican did not want the American bishops to get out ahead of a summit meeting in Rome next February for the presidents of all the national bishops conferences to discuss church polices on sexual abuse. Nevertheless, the American bishops proceeded to discuss the measures, saying they wanted to give their president a clear mandate to take to the Rome meeting. But it soon became clear that they were deeply divided, especially over a proposal to appoint a panel predominantly made up of laypeople to hear accusations of misconduct against bishops. ATLANTA Stacey Abrams ended her Democratic bid to become governor of Georgia on Friday, acknowledging that she did not have the votes to beat her Republican rival, Brian Kemp, but sounding a defiant note by declaring that an erosion of our democracy had kept many of her backers from the polls. The narrow defeat of Ms. Abrams, who would have become the first black woman to be elected governor anywhere in the United States, as well as the apparent loss of Andrew Gillum, who sought to become Floridas first black governor, at once illuminated the vestiges of Southern history and demonstrated how demographic changes have taken hold across the region and begun to reshape its politics. The two candidates ran as unabashed liberals and their strong showings in two pivotal states where Democrats have lately struggled is likely to keep the debate going within the Democratic Party over the best strategy for making gains in 2020. There is significant internal disagreement over which candidates the party ought to put forward and how they should run. The race between Ms. Abrams and Mr. Kemp pitted two versions of Georgia against one another. Ms. Abrams, 44, represented the diverse future of the state and its capital, Atlanta, home to black colleges and a hub of black political power. Mr. Kemp, 55, who bragged he had a pickup truck big enough to round up criminal illegals, played to the states rural voters and linked himself with President Trump. In the end, it was enough to allow the Republican Party to maintain its grip on power in Georgia, which has not elected a Democrat as governor since 1998. Good Friday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today. _____________________ Florida concluded the first phase of the tumultuous recount of its midterm election on Thursday, as the Republican Ron DeSantis appeared to have enough votes to become governor. But officials ordered a manual recount for the hotly contested Senate seat. The Trump administration sanctioned 17 Saudis accused in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, as it faced pressure for stronger action. Heres more on the sanctions, and on how Saudi Arabia is threatening five of its agents with the death penalty (while changing its account of the killing yet again). Senator Sherrod Brown, one of the few Democratic victors in Ohios midterms, seems to have solved the mystery of how to win in a right-leaning Midwestern state. But is that a viable path to success in 2020? Seamus Hughes, a terrorism expert at George Washington University who closely tracks court cases, uncovered the filing and posted it on Twitter. A Justice Department spokesman declined to say on Thursday what led to the inadvertent disclosure. It was made in a recently unsealed filing in an apparently unrelated sex-crimes case charging a man named Seitu Sulayman Kokayi with coercing and enticing an underage person to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Mr. Kokayi was charged in early August, and on Aug. 22, prosecutors filed a three-page document laying out boilerplate arguments for why his case at that time needed to remain sealed. While the filing started out referencing Mr. Kokayi, federal prosecutors abruptly switched on its second page to discussing the fact that someone named Assange had been secretly charged, and went on to make clear that this person was the subject of significant publicity, lived abroad and would need to be extradited suggesting that prosecutors had inadvertently pasted text from a similar court filing into the wrong document and then filed it. Another procedure short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged, prosecutors wrote. They added, The complaint, supporting affidavit, and arrest warrant, as well as this motion and the proposed order, would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter. The Justice Department has been studying how to charge Mr. Assange or WikiLeaks with some kind of criminal offense since the site began publishing its trove of secret military and diplomatic documents. Prosecutors, for example, toyed with the idea of charging Mr. Assange as a conspirator in Ms. Mannings crime of unauthorized disclosure of secrets related to national defense. And it eventually became public that a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia was investigating people with links to WikiLeaks. But even as the Obama administration brought criminal charges in an unprecedented number of leak-related cases, it apparently held back from charging Mr. Assange. Members of the Obama legal policy team from that era have said that they did not want to establish a precedent that could chill investigative reporting about national security matters by treating it as a crime. The divisions were on display on Thursday. At the Senate Republicans weekly caucus luncheon at the Capitol, Mr. McConnell acknowledged that the changes had influential supporters who had worked hard on the issue, but also invited two of its chief critics, Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and John Kennedy of Louisiana, to deliver remarks, two Republican congressional officials said. Mr. Cotton, who has been perhaps the loudest critic of the bills sentencing changes in the Senate, urged colleagues to slow down the process, saying that the bills impact and implications were too expansive to push through without hearings, according to another official familiar with his remarks. He stressed opposition by some law enforcement groups and warned that a draft version of the bill he had seen would lead to the immediate release of thousands of felons onto the streets. Mr. Cottons office also circulated a letter from groups representing elected sheriffs raising objections to the bill. Without changes, it said, the legislation creates a high-risk path for dangerous criminals with gun crime histories to early release from prison. Mr. Cotton also wrote an op-ed article in USA Today in which he called the legislation a misguided effort to let serious felons out of prison. The legislations advocates caught a break last week when Mr. Trump fired his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who had been one of the bills most vocal opponents within the administration. Mr. Sessionss temporary replacement, Matthew G. Whitaker, appears unlikely to exercise similar influence on the issue. In a recent phone call, Mr. Whitaker told Mr. Grassley that he would support the legislation backed by the president, according to George Hartmann, a spokesman for Mr. Grassley. The legislation, the First Step Act, builds on a prison overhaul bill passed overwhelmingly by the House this year, adding four additional changes to federal sentencing laws. It combines new funding for anti-recidivism programs meant to better prepare inmates to re-enter society and the expansion of early-release credits for prisoners, and reduces some mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, among other changes. Though its effect would be limited to federal prisons and offenses not state ones experts believe the legislation could shape the experiences of tens of thousands of current inmates and future offenders. The answers Mr. Trump gets to his question have varied, depending on whom he asks. Within the White House, most people he has talked to have assured the president that Mr. Pence has been a committed soldier, engaging in activities that Mr. Trump has eschewed, such as traveling to Hawaii to receive the remains of veterans of the Korean War, or visiting parts of the globe that Mr. Trump has avoided. But some Trump advisers, primarily outside the White House, have suggested to him that while Mr. Pence remains loyal, he may have used up his utility. These advisers argue that Mr. Trump has forged his own relationship with evangelical voters, and that what he might benefit from more is a running mate who could help him with female voters, who disapprove of him in large numbers. Others close to the president believe that asking about Mr. Pences loyalty is a proxy for asking about whether the vice presidents chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is trustworthy. Mr. Trump has been considering making Mr. Ayers the White House chief of staff to replace John F. Kelly, the retired Marine general a decision several White House officials say has been with the encouragement of his adult children. But the president has put off making a decision for now. The conversations were described in interviews with nearly a dozen White House aides and others close to Mr. Trump. But Hogan Gidley, the deputy press secretary, disputed that Mr. Trump had any misgivings, saying, The president absolutely supports the vice president and thinks hes doing an incredible job helping to carry out the mission and policies of this administration. Mr. Trump has never completely forgotten that during the 2016 campaign Mr. Pence issued a disapproving statement the day after the infamous Access Hollywood tape was made public, on which the president was heard making comments boasting about grabbing womens genitals. Amid a numbing succession of mass shootings, gun control groups outspent the National Rifle Association in the midterm election cycle, federal filings and additional reporting indicate, upending the usual order in the partisan battle over gun use. Two groups that are focused on gun control, Giffords and Everytown for Gun Safety, spent at least $37 million at the state and federal level in the midterms, compared with at least $20 million by the N.R.A. The figures are incomplete, because some of the spending done by such groups is not required to be disclosed, but all sides agreed that the N.R.A. was outspent, stemming a trend of financial dominance for the N.R.A. going back years. Despite being outspent in one election cycle, the N.R.A. remains a potent force in American politics. Much of the organizations impact comes in its ability to mobilize millions of members, and it continues to wield a prodigious fund-raising and lobbying machine, and a hold on the Republican Party that will make any advancements of gun control a challenge. But the N.R.A. has also arguably gained its most formidable counterweight since its emergence as a modern political force in the late 1970s. Last Friday, three days after being elected to the House of Representatives, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez invited over 600,000 people to chat as she made loaded macaroni and cheese in an Instant Pot. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, was streaming on Instagram Live, answering questions submitted through the live chat feature as she grated cheese and sang along to Janelle Monae. It wasnt too surprising to see her there, as her followers have watched each step of her journey since she announced she would be seeking a congressional seat in April 2017. WASHINGTON He canceled a trip to a cemetery in France where American soldiers from World War I are buried. He did not go to the observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. He has not visited American troops in Iraq or Afghanistan. And shortly after becoming commander in chief, President Trump asked so few questions in a briefing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., that top military commanders cut the number of prepared PowerPoint slides to three they had initially planned 18 said two officials with knowledge of the visit. The commanders had slotted two hours for the meeting, but it lasted less than one. Rhetorically, Mr. Trump has embraced the United States 1.3 million active-duty troops as my military and my generals and has posted on Twitter that under his leadership, the American armed forces will be the finest that our Country has ever had. But top Defense Department officials say that Mr. Trump has not fully grasped the role of the troops he commands, nor the responsibility that he has to lead them and protect them from politics. There was the belief that over time, he would better understand, but I dont know that thats the case, said Col. David Lapan, a retired Marine who served in the Trump administration in 2017 as a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. I dont think that he understands the proper use and role of the military and what we can, and cant, do. The agreement that is now embraced by lawmakers of both parties would apply only to the federal prison system, which houses less than 10 percent of the nations 2.2 million inmates. It includes one provision to address an issue that has been contentious for years, since the era when a mandatory minimum sentence would apply to a far smaller amount of crack cocaine than powder cocaine. The disparity, now widely viewed as racially discriminatory, was significantly reduced in 2010, but the change was not made retroactive, so between 2,500 and 3,000 people remain in prison on sentences that would have been much lower today. The bill would change the system going forward, with more than 2,000 people a year potentially able to avoid mandatory minimum sentences, out of some 60,000 admitted to federal prison each year. Some provisions, such as one that clarifies that prisoners are allowed to earn 54 days of credit off their sentence for good behavior each year instead of 47 days, would provide a small benefit to a large number of people. Others would give a large benefit to a very small number of people. The bill would end the practice of counting gun offenses for which the person has not yet been convicted as priors that could add 25 years to a sentence. Some advocates said measures that would not significantly reduce the prison population were counterproductive. Creating confusion over whats significant reform and what isnt, allowing them to portray minor improvements as major victories, enables them to preserve all of the key pieces of an infrastructure of mass human caging while making the public think theyre dismantling it, said Alec Karakatsanis, the executive director of Civil Rights Corps, a public interest law firm in Washington. Support for overhauling the criminal justice system has grown in recent years because the nation has incarcerated far more people than any other country in the world, while crime has been on the decline for more than two decades. Evidence has mounted showing that the countrys sprawling system of punishment was counterproductive, resulting in high recidivism rates. Studies showed that even brief stays in jail disrupt peoples lives and make them more likely to commit crime. And many states realized that without substantive change they would be spending an ever-greater portion of their budgets on prisons. Mr. Nelson had hoped to pick up as many as 9,800 votes in Broward County as a result of a large number of so-called undervote ballots those in which a voter cast a vote, for example, in the governors race, but not in the Senate race. Broward County was unusual in that it had reported more than 30,400 of the undercount ballots. If they were not miscounted, then the most likely explanation was that they were in fact left blank, possibly because of the way the ballot was designed, with the Senate choices on the bottom left corner of the page, tucked beneath the voter instructions. Many have said it made the Senate race easy to miss. Elections officials have not yet officially reported the new tallies, and in Broward, they said they would not do so until Sunday. But with the count incomplete, the Democratic official, who was not authorized to discuss the campaigns deliberations publicly, said it appeared that while Mr. Nelson had picked up some votes, they were not enough to put him over the top. It looks like this is the end of the line for the Nelson campaign. He was really relying on this undercount being due to machine error which, if that were the case, would have revealed more Senate votes, said Matthew Isbell, a Democratic data consultant from South Florida. Considering how blue Broward is, it would have netted him thousands of additional votes. Without Broward, there is no obvious way he can make the votes up. Mr. Scotts campaign quickly came to a similar conclusion. With the hand recount concluding in most counties across the state showing no significant change in the margin, its time for Bill Nelson to face reality and concede, Chris Hartline, a spokesman for the Scott campaign, said in a statement. HONG KONG A major city in China is cracking down on pet dogs, banning dog walking during the day and prohibiting many larger breeds, after a publicized fight between a dog owner and a bystander. The new rules in Hangzhou, in eastern China, were adopted after a dog owner was filmed pushing and shoving a woman who had kicked his dog. Before the fight, surveillance footage showed a young boy hiding behind her as the dog circled them without a leash. The harsh restrictions on dogs which hark back to anti-pet rules in earlier decades of Communist rule and reflect continuing tensions over the place of dogs in society officially took effect on Thursday. In addition to a dog walking ban from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., officials vowed to confiscate or kill dogs that were not properly licensed, fining negligent owners 5,000 to 10,000 RMB, or $720 to $1,440. Dogs found outdoors outside of the curfew would also be detained temporarily and their owners could be fined. The city has also banned 34 vicious large breeds, including Tibetan mastiffs, German shepherds, Great Danes, Chinese rural dogs and some mixed breeds. A volunteer involved in animal adoptions said this could make it difficult for dog owners who have already rescued large dogs. TOKYO When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan traveled to Darwin, Australia, on Friday and joined his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, to lay wreaths at a memorial commemorating the 250 people killed by Japanese bombs there during World War II, it was more than a moment of reconciliation between a wartime aggressor and its victims. The gesture, which took place at the beginning of Mr. Abes daylong visit to Australia, represented Japans effort to cement a relationship between two allies as it faces perilous headwinds closer to home. Arriving in Australia after two days in Singapore for a summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Mr. Abe demonstrated that Japan was determined to strengthen ties with its prosperous neighbor to the south. Taking sides is a delicate balancing act in Asia right now, as the influence of the United States under President Trump is waning, and Chinas power continues to rise. At the summit in Singapore, Mr. Abe sought to shore up relations with Southeast Asian countries that are increasingly turning to China for economic aid and investment. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea will deport an American citizen it detained a month ago for illegally entering the isolated country, state media announced on Friday, in an apparent gesture of good will amid the stalled nuclear talks with the United States. The Norths decision to release the American, whom it identified as Bruce Byron Lowrance, is likely to be welcomed by Washington as a conciliatory gesture. In the past, North Korea has held Americans on similar charges for prolonged periods, in some cases freeing them only after high-profile figures from the United States went to Pyongyang, the Norths capital, to ask for their release. Mr. Lowrance was detained on Oct. 16 while illegally crossing into North Korea from China, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported. Mr. Lowrance said he had entered the country under the direction of the Central Intelligence Agency, according to the report. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a statement on Friday, thanked North Korea for its cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden in facilitating his release. The Swedes look after American interests in North Korea because the United States does not have diplomatic relations with the country. AUCKLAND, New Zealand In the grand library of the Auckland War Memorial Museum on a Saturday morning in August, a small group of new and slightly nervous Wikipedia editors gathered for a day of training that would arm them to tackle New Zealands lackluster representation on the crowdsourced online encyclopedia. Leading the so-called Wikiblitz was New Zealands official Wikipedian-at-Large, Mike Dickison, 49, who has in some senses been preparing his entire life for this post. As a collector of things and knowledge, he has pursued a string of enthusiasms, beginning with insects, shells and feathers (he put together his own museum as a boy), then giant flightless birds (a Ph.D. on those), that ended, appropriately enough, with a job as the natural history curator at a museum. He once taught a class in knitting as therapy for stressed-out men after a major earthquake. For the moment, he was involved in something a little less fascinating, guiding the group through the process of adding photos from the museums collection to pages on Wikipedia. The new editors curious members of the public, many of whom had created their accounts the evening before were mostly women, a fact Mr. Dickison was pleased to note; Wikipedia records its editors as 90 percent male. Be bold! Dont be stymied by worry, Mr. Dickison told the group, assuring them that early in his Wikipedia career, he had accidentally blanked more than one entire page by mistake. Last summer, the chances of this outcome seemed minimal, wrote Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, a London-based research institute, in a briefing paper. But the odds have improved, he said, because the opposition Labour Party is now more positive about that notion if it cannot achieve its favored outcome, which is a general election. There are plenty of obstacles, of course. Right now there is no majority in Parliament for a second vote. The Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is not sympathetic. Holding one would almost certainly depend on the European Union granting Britain an extension on the current March 29 date for the countrys exit. And precisely what question, or questions, would be asked would provoke endless wrangling. There are also good political arguments against it. The last vote was close 52 percent to 48 percent and another one would in all likelihood be so, too. That risks a polarizing and angry referendum campaign with an outcome that would be no more definitive than the first vote. But according to several surveys, public opinion is finally shifting away from Brexit, and proponents of a rethink sense an opportunity. They want a plebiscite on the terms of an exit deal, with the option to remain, calling it a Peoples Vote a smart piece of branding designed to dispel claims that they are sore losers seeking to rerun the last referendum because they didnt like the result. This was a long-shot campaign when it started, said James McGrory, director of the Peoples Vote campaign. But the odds are getting shorter every day. All the momentum is with our campaign. It has been a long time coming. When Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to quit the European Union, few remainers believed that the decision could be changed. At first, the remain camp seemed shellshocked and, when some began to suggest a redo, it was accused of trying to undermine the will of the people and taunted in parts of the tabloid press as remoaners. ATHENS An effort by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of Greece to start severing cozy ties between the state and the Greek Orthodox Church, including taking priests off civil service payrolls, has opened up divisions within the church, which has played a dominant role in the countrys life for centuries. In a surprise news conference last week, Mr. Tsipras and the head of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, announced a tentative deal to remove clerics from the state payroll and to resolve a longstanding dispute over church property. The Holy Synod, the churchs governing body, whose approval would be required for the proposal to advance, held an emergency session on Friday to discuss the matter, rejecting out of hand any changes to priests pay status and calling for more dialogue on the other issues. Although the proposed deal would not essentially affect the wages of the roughly 9,000 Greek priests the state would pay an annual lump sum of around 200 million euros, or about $225 million, into a fund to be managed by the church they would no longer be civil servants. That prospect has stoked fears for job security in the debt-racked country, where most public sector positions remain all but permanent despite a series of cutbacks during the recent financial crisis. There were 15 of them. Most arrived in the dead of night, laid their trap and waited for the target to arrive. That target was Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi critic of his countrys government and its young crown prince. Since his killing in Istanbul, Turkish media has released a steady drip feed of evidence implicating Saudi officials. Weeks of investigation by The Times builds on that evidence and reconstructs what unfolded, hour-by-hour. Our timeline shows the ruthless efficiency of a hit team of experts that seemed specially chosen from Saudi government ministries. Some had links to the crown prince himself. After a series of shifting explanations, Saudi Arabia now denies that this brazen hit job was premeditated. But this reconstruction of the killing, and the botched cover-up, calls their story into serious question. Its Friday morning, Sept. 28. Khashoggi and his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, are at the local marriage office in Istanbul. In order to marry, hes told that he needs Saudi paperwork and goes straight to the consulate to arrange it. They tell him to return in a week. It all seems routine, but its not. Inside theres a Saudi spy, Ahmed al-Muzaini, whos working under diplomatic cover. That very day, he flies off to Riyadh and helps concoct a plan to intercept Khashoggi when he returns to the consulate. Fast-forward to Monday night into Tuesday morning. Saudi agents converge in Istanbul aboard separate flights. Muzaini, the spy, flies back from Riyadh. A commercial flight carries a three-man team that we believe flew from Cairo. Two of the men are security officers and theyve previously traveled with the crown prince. A private jet flying from Riyadh lands around 3:30 a.m. That plane is often used by the Saudi government, and its carrying nine Saudi officials, some who played key roles in Khashoggis death. Well get to Team 3 later on, and for now focus on these men from Team 2. This is Salah al-Tubaigy, a high-ranking forensics and autopsy expert in the Saudi interior ministry. Turkish officials will later say his role was to dismember Khashoggis body. Another is Mustafa al-Madani, a 57-year-old engineer. As well see, its no accident that he looks like Khashoggi. And this is Maher Mutreb, the leader of the operation. Our investigation into his past reveals a direct link between Mutreb and the Saudi crown prince. When bin Salman toured a Houston neighborhood earlier this year, we discovered that Mutreb was with him, a glowering figure in the background. We found him again in Boston, at a U.N. meeting in New York, in Madrid and Paris, too. This global tour was all part of a charm offensive by the prince to paint himself as a moderate reformer. Back then, Mutreb was in the royal guard. Now, he would orchestrate Khashoggis killing. And his close ties to the crown prince beg the question, just how high up the Saudi chain of command did the plot to kill go? Early Tuesday morning, Khashoggi flies back from a weekend trip to London. He and the Saudis nearly cross paths at the airport. The Saudi teams check into two hotels, which give quick access to the consulate. Khashoggi heads home with his fiancee. Hed just bought an apartment for their new life together. By mid-morning, the Saudis are on the move. Mutreb leaves his hotel three hours before Khashoggi is due at the consulate. The rest of the team isnt far behind. The building is only a few minutes away on foot, and soon, theyre spotted at this entrance. Mutreb arrives first. Next, we see al-Tubaigy, the autopsy expert. And now al-Madani, the lookalike. The stage is almost set. A diplomatic car pulls out of the consulate driveway and switches places with a van, which backs in. Turkish officials say this van would eventually carry away Khashoggis remains. From above, we can see the driveway is covered, hiding any activity around the van from public view. Meanwhile, Khashoggi and his fiancee set out for the consulate, walking hand-in-hand. In their final hour together, they chat about dinner plans and new furniture for their home. At 1:13 p.m., they arrive at the consulate. Khashoggi gives her his cellphones before he enters. He walks into the consulate. Its the last time we see him. Inside, Khashoggi is brought to the consul generals office on the second floor. The hit team is waiting in a nearby room. Sources briefed on the evidence, told us Khashoggi quickly comes under attack. Hes dragged to another room and is killed within minutes. Then al-Tubaigy, the autopsy expert, dismembers his body while listening to music. Maher Mutreb makes a phone call to a superior. He says, Tell your boss, and The deed was done. Outside, the van reportedly carrying Khashoggis body pulls out of the side entrance and drives away. At the same time, the Saudis begin trying to cover their tracks. While Khashoggis fiancee waits here where she left him, two figures leave from the opposite side. One of them is wearing his clothes. Later, the Saudis would claim that this was Khashoggi. But its al-Madani, the engineer, now a body double pretending that the missing journalist left the consulate alive. Yet theres one glaring flaw: The clothes are the same, but hes wearing his own sneakers, the ones he walked in with. Meanwhile, the van thats allegedly carrying Khashoggis body makes the two-minute drive from the consulate to the Saudi consuls residence. Theres several minutes of deliberations but the van eventually pulls into the buildings driveway. Again, its hidden from public view. Its now three hours since Khashoggi was last seen. The body double hails this taxi and continues weaving a false trail through the city. He heads to a popular tourist area and then changes back into his own clothes. Later, we see him joking around in surveillance footage. Over at the airport, more Saudi officials arrive on another flight from Riyadh. They spend just five hours in Istanbul, but were not sure where they go. Now we pick up Maher Mutreb again, exiting from the consuls house. Its time for them to go. Mutreb and others check out of their hotel and move through airport security. Al-Muzaini, the spy, heads to the airport too. But as theyre leaving Istanbul, Khashoggis fiancee is still outside the consulate, pacing in circles. Shell soon raise the alarm that Khashoggi is missing and shell wait for him until midnight. The alarm spreads around the world. Nine days later, the Saudis send another team to Istanbul. They say its to investigate what happened. But among them are a toxicologist and a chemist, who also has ties to the hit team. He and Tubaigy attended a forensics graduation days before Khashoggi was killed. Turkish officials later say that this teams mission was not to investigate, but to cover up the killing. Now the Saudi story has changed, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for several suspects in Khashoggis killing. But that doesnt include Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who many Western government officials are convinced authorized the killing. Khashoggis remains still havent been found. The departure of Britain from the European Union will almost certainly put pressure on the British economy and cause additional problems for the poor, especially for young people, because living costs will likely rise and money from Brussels will dry up, according to a joint assessment by seven leading childrens charities. The rapporteur was particularly scathing about bungled efforts to streamline the way welfare payments are made to individual recipients after delays in a shift to a new system, known as Universal Credit, led thousands of people to fall into poverty. The introduction of Universal Credit and significant reductions in the amount of and eligibility for important forms of support have undermined the capacity of benefits to loosen the grip of poverty, Mr. Alstons statement said. His remarks came at the end of a tour of nine towns and cities in Britain, where the rapporteurs team met with hundreds of welfare recipients, anti-poverty campaigners, officials and politicians. His findings were also based on analysis of nearly 300 written submissions from academics and members of the public. Although poverty rapporteurs typically spend most of their time in the developing world, Mr. Alston said it was important to visit Britain, the worlds fifth-richest country, because its policies were a litmus test for the politics of austerity. The U.K. was a world leader in social security after World War II, it was a world leader on privatization on a large scale, and it is a world leader right now in self-imposed austerity, he said in an interview earlier in his visit. And so it is an important case study to better understand the implications of an austerity approach. Koldo Casla, a poverty researcher who submitted evidence to Mr. Alston during his visit, welcomed his conclusions, in particular the way he drew a direct line between government policy and British poverty. We must hold those responsible accountable, said Dr. Casla, policy director at Just Fair, a poverty campaign group. These last two weeks, Alston has been an invaluable loudspeaker for hundreds of people that are too often paid very little attention to. JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has so far survived corruption investigations and the threat of bribery charges without much damage to his standing. But his government teetered on the edge of collapse on Friday as Mr. Netanyahus coalition partners pressed for new elections over his handling of Gaza. The call for new elections intensified after Mr. Netanyahu rebuffed on Friday a request by the hawkish leader of the Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett, for the defense ministers post, which opened this week with the resignation of the hard-liner Avigdor Lieberman. Mr. Bennetts party had threatened to leave if he was not given the job. Mr. Netanyahu has been working feverishly to shore up his governing coalition in the days since Mr. Lieberman quit his post over the governments acceptance of what he viewed as a humiliating cease-fire to end a fierce bout of fighting in Gaza. Mr. Lieberman pulled his party out of the government, leaving Mr. Netanyahus coalition with a precarious parliamentary majority of one. Mr. Netanyahu is also having to grapple with public fury. Protesters from Sderot, a southern stronghold of his conservative Likud party, and other border communities plagued by rocket fire from Gaza, have been burning tires and blocking main roads, seething over a truce they said resolved nothing and left them as vulnerable as before. WASHINGTON The families of three Army Special Forces soldiers who were fatally shot by a Jordanian base guard in 2016 said on Friday that they had sued the kingdom over false accusations that the Green Berets provoked the killings accounts disputed by a video of the attack. The three soldiers Staff Sgts. Matthew C. Lewellen, Kevin J. McEnroe and James F. Moriarty were stationed in Jordan as part of a C.I.A.-run program to train Syrian rebels. They were shot at close range by First Sgt. Maarik al-Tawayha, a guard in the Jordanian Air Force, when their convoy was stopped at the gate of the King Faisal air base after a training mission on Nov. 4, 2016. The lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court in Washington, seeks unspecified monetary damages from the Jordanian government. For life to work, we have to be willing to hold the powerful accountable, James Moriarty, the father of Sergeant Moriarty, said at an emotional news conference on Friday. He also urged the United States to re-examine its longstanding alliance with Jordan. 3 of 11 Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain faced a deep political crisis this week after two cabinet ministers quit, including her chief negotiator on withdrawal from the European Union. On Thursday, a high-profile member of Mrs. Mays Conservative Party announced he had submitted a letter of no-confidence in her, the first step in an obscure process that could lead to her ouster. What is the party members name? A 14-acre construction site at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., where Stars Wars-themed rides, shops and restaurants are being built. Disney There is nothing small about Walt Disney World. It is made up of four separate theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., near Orlando, with combined annual attendance of 56 million. The resort sprawls across 25,000 acres, an area nearly twice the size of Manhattan. A steel beam needed to build an Avatar attraction last year was so massive that Disney had to borrow crawler-transporters from NASA. Now Disney World and Disneys global vacation empire is about to get much, much bigger. With its television business facing significant challenges in the streaming age, and lots of popular movie franchises to put to use, Disney is spending billions to supercharge its theme park division, which has emerged as a surprisingly strong moneymaker. Disneys annual revenue growth % +10 +5 0 Parks Media 14 15 16 17 18 Disneys annual revenue growth % +10 +5 0 Parks Media 14 15 16 17 18 Disneys annual revenue growth % +10 +5 0 Parks Media 14 15 16 17 18 Source: Company reports For the 2018 fiscal year, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts had an operating profit of $4.5 billion, an increase of more than 100 percent from five years earlier. For comparison, Disney Media Networks, home to ESPN and ABC, had a profit of $6.6 billion, a 3 percent decline. Each of Disneys six theme park resorts around the world is undergoing major expansion, along with Disney Cruise Line. Michael Nathanson, a longtime media analyst, estimates that Disney will spend $24 billion on new attractions, hotels and ships over the next five years. Thats more than Disney paid for Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm combined. It cant just be special it has to be spectacular, Bob Chapek, Disneys theme park chairman, said during a hard-hat tour of a 14-acre construction site at Disney World where Star Wars-themed rides, shops and restaurants were taking shape. Overhead, crews were sculpting spires designed to look like the petrified remnants of once-towering trees on a distant planet. Mr. Chapek called the overall growth plan enhancement on steroids. Here is a look at what Disney is doing and why along with the risks involved in such an aggressive undertaking: A worldwide transformation is underway Spaceship Earth 1 Soarin Around the World 5 2 Imagination! 6 3 4 Epcot Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 1. Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster 2. Space restaurant 3. Skyway gondola station 4. Ratatouille ride 5. Future Showcase (overhauled) 6. Fireworks show (overhauled) Entrance Ratatouille: LAventure Totalement Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 3 1 4 2 Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallee, France 1. Frozen land 2. Star Wars land 3. Marvel superhero land 4. Iron Man roller coaster (overhauled) 1 Hyperspace Mountain 2 5 3 Main St. U.S.A. 4 Toy Story Land Hong Kong Disneyland Lantau Island 1. Avengers ride 2. Ant-Man attraction 3. Frozen land 4. Moana stage show 5. Castle and amphitheater (overhauled) Tower of Terror Chinese Theater Echo Lake 2 1 3 4 Hollywood Studios Lake Buena Vista 1. Mickey Mouse ride 2. Toy Story land 3. Star Wars land 4. Star Wars resort Entrance Hollywood Land Goofys Sky School 1 Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout! 2 California Adventure Anaheim, Calif. 1. Marvel superhero land 2. Pixar Pier (overhauled) Disney faces an enviable challenge: Even with steady price increases for peak periods single-day peak tickets at Disneyland in California now run $135 visitor interest often exceeds capacity at some properties. You can only let so many people in a park before you start to impede on satisfaction level, Mr. Chapek said. So Disneys expansion plan is more ambitious than building a Black Panther roller coaster here or introducing an Incredibles character there. The goal is transformation adding significant capacity to Disneys most popular parks (Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea) and giving others major upgrades (Epcot, Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris) to help attract visitors more evenly throughout the empire. Spider-Man will be a centerpiece of a new Marvel-themed ride at the Disneyland Resort. Disney An abundance of popular Disney film franchises makes this kind of mega-expansion possible, Mr. Chapek noted. Frozen and Marvel rides are coming to multiple resorts. Star Wars is in a galaxy all its own Inside an interactive Millennium Falcon. Disney In terms of attracting crowds and creating excitement, nothing quite compares to the Star Wars franchise. In 2019, Disney World and Disneyland will open matching 14-acre lands called Star Wars: Galaxys Edge. On one lavish attraction, guests will board an Imperial Star Destroyer, where roughly 50 animatronic stormtroopers await in formation. On another, guests will be able to pilot an interactive Millennium Falcon. Its a personalized intergalactic ride live your own Star Wars story, said Scott Trowbridge, the Disney creative executive overseeing the Galaxys Edge projects. If you crash into a wall, thats what you will see out the cockpit window. The Millennium Falcon ride will use real-time video rendering technology invented by Industrial Light & Magic that responds to the way guests use 200 cockpit controls. Increased investment means increased risk The theme park business will always be sensitive to swings in the economy, said Jessica Reif, an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Disney has greatly increased security in recent years, deploying undercover guards and installing metal detectors, but these teeming resorts could become relative ghost towns if a violent incident took place. Even so, Ms. Reif said she was pleased that Disney was spending so heavily on its parks. Its the highest return on investment that Disney has, she said. Disney Cruise Line will also nearly double in size by 2023. Disney has ordered three new ships costing an analyst-estimated $1.25 billion apiece. It is buying 746 acres on a Bahamian island to build a second Caribbean port. (Disney already has one private island port.) A seventh resort is an inevitability To set Hong Kong Disneyland apart from its newer counterpart in Shanghai, Disney is adding a new Frozen land, where rides will include a musical journey to Elsas ice palace and a roller coaster supposedly built by Wandering Oaken, a trader and sauna operator. Disney Robert A. Iger, Disneys chief executive, told analysts in May that there was an inevitability to Disneys building a seventh theme park resort in China or another country, although he cautioned that no plans were on the horizon. But were going to look, he said. Mr. Igers bullishness reflects the strong response to Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016 at a cost of $5.5 billion. With its growing middle class, China is a particularly important growth market for Disney. Even so, a couple of Disneys older overseas parks have never lived up to their promise, and Mr. Iger wants to fix those headaches once and for all. Thats one reason Hong Kong Disneyland is undergoing a $1.4 billion expansion, with half of the bill paid by the local government, which is a co-owner. The Hong Kong park, which opened in 2005, has lost money for three years running, in part because of a regional tourism slump. To turn the property around, Disney is adding two Avengers-themed attractions; building the entire Frozen kingdom of Arendelle, with two icicle-covered rides; and supersizing the parks castle. Cant travel to space? Disney brings it to you An immersive Star Wars hotel will simulate the experience of staying on a starship. Disney One of the most anticipated additions to Disney World is not a ride. Its a hotel one that will have no windows. The still-unnamed property, code-named Project Hubble by Disney Imagineering, will simulate what it might be like to sleep on board a luxury Star Wars starship as it zooms through the galaxy. Every window will be a video screen offering a space view. Guests will be encouraged to dress in Star Wars costumes. The hotel reflects a push by Disney to provide more immersive and personalized experiences. Now even your hotel stay becomes an attraction that is unique to Disney, that you cannot get down the street, Mr. Chapek said. He is applying the same thinking to Disney World transportation. Instead of relying on lumbering buses to get around, for instance, people can now use the Lyft app to hail a polka-dotted S.U.V. called a Minnie Van. Building the future, but living history During the opening of Toy Story Land in June. Scott McIntyre for The New York Times Change is not always welcomed at Disney parks. HOW DARE YOU, one Disneyland annual pass holder wrote in a letter to the company a few years ago in response to some simple tree pruning. I GOT ENGAGED UNDER THAT TREE. Beloved as they may be, these properties are businesses, and Disney must be mindful of relevance. Parents may have a soft spot for Epcots creaky, 36-year-old Spaceship Earth ride, but their children Disney customers of the future most likely do not. The bar for what our guests expect is getting higher, said Bob Weis, president of Imagineering, Disneys theme park design division. The relevance factor is one reason that Disney has built so many Toy Story attractions in recent years. A 360-degree view of Toy Story Land. Scott McIntyre for The New York Times Woody and crew are continuously freshened by new films; Toy Story 4 is set for release on June 21. The Disney executives working to upgrade Epcot say they are guided by a slogan Disney, Relevant, Timeless, Family. For his part, Mr. Chapek talks about relentless innovation across the board, using technology to make attractions more relevant wherever possible. We want to be the disruptor, not the disruptee, he said. In 1999, a trio of economists emerged from a conference at the University of California, Los Angeles, squinting without sunglasses in the unfamiliar sun, and began a slow walk through the hills overlooking the city. The three of them a Harvard economist-in-training, Daniel Benjamin, and the Harvard economists Edward Glaeser and David Laibson were reeling. They had just learned about a new field, neuroeconomics, which applies economic analysis to brain science in an effort to understand human choices. Now they were strolling through the taxonomy of midday joggers and dog-walkers in Los Angeles, talking all the while about how people become what they are. Benjamin recalls feeling very out of place. Everyone was so beautiful, he says. The economists spent the walk discussing what else they could measure across such a wide variety of human beings. By the time the sun began to set, the conversation landed on the very building blocks of life. If economists are studying the brain, Laibson asked, what about studying genes? At that time, the standard method for connecting genes to human outcomes was to look for connections between specific DNA clusters and specific conditions in the lives of people who share those genes. B.R.C.A., perhaps the best-known gene sequence in medical science, is associated with a high risk of breast cancer. The A.P.O.E. sequence seems to have a connection to your chances of developing Alzheimers. We thought we were going to find a few candidate genes that were the critical genes for impulse control or risk taking or cognitive ability, Benjamin says. But when Benjamin, Glaeser and Laibson began writing to the keepers of DNA databases, asking to partner up, they found the geneticists reluctant to join forces. And matching D.N.A. to social outcomes, like educational attainment or wealth, wasnt just ethically questionable, it was practically impossible. This was before the Human Genome Project had fully sequenced human DNA, so there just wasnt enough data to map it to the simplest biological outcomes, much less the subtler behavioral outcomes economists like to study. Today, Glaeser is best known for studying cities. Laibsons work is focused largely on behavioral economics. But Benjamin has remained committed to genes, and in 2007, as genome data became cheaper and more plentiful, a new method for connecting genes to outcomes emerged: genome-wide association studies (G.W.A.S.). With the candidate-gene method, you had to essentially guess which genes might be involved, and usually got it wrong. With G.W.A.S., you look at the whole genome and let the data tell you where theres variation, Benjamin says. Once a G.W.A.S. shows genetic effects across a group, a polygenic score can be assigned to individuals, summarizing the genetic patterns that correlate to outcomes found in the group. Although no one genetic marker might predict anything, this combined score based on the entire genome can be a predictor of all sorts of things. And heres why its so useful: People outside that sample can then have their DNA screened, and are assigned their own polygenic score, and the predictions tend to carry over. This, Benjamin realized, was the sort of statistical tool an economist could use. The first scientists to combine G.W.A.S. and polygenic scores used them to find associations with health outcomes. A 2009 study used polygenic scoring to assess the genetic risks of schizophrenia. Further studies created polygenic scores for everything from multiple sclerosis to height. The scores arent individually predictive, and the associations are statistically small, but for geneticists, theyre a powerful tool for studying medical outcomes across large groups. As an economist, however, Benjamin wasnt interested in medical outcomes. He wanted to see if our genes predict social outcomes. In 2011, with a grant from the National Science Foundation, Benjamin launched the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium, an unprecedented effort to gather unconnected genetic databases into one enormous sample that could be studied by researchers from outside the world of genetic science. In July 2018, Benjamin and four senior co-authors, drawing on that database, published a landmark study in Nature Genetics. More than 80 authors from more than 50 institutions, including the private company 23andMe, gathered and studied the DNA of over 1.1 million people. It was the largest genetics study ever published, and the subject was not height or heart disease, but how far we go in school. The researchers assigned each participant a polygenic score based on how broad genetic variations correlated with whats called educational attainment. (They chose it because intake forms in medical offices tend to ask patients what education theyve completed.) The predictive power of the polygenic score was very small it predicts more accurately than the parents income level, but not as accurately as the parents own level of educational attainment and its useless for making individual predictions. Like other G.W.A.S., this one reveals patterns but doesnt explain them. Illustration by Brian Rea And with a data set this big, the patterns provide a lot of information. The authors calculated, for instance, that those in the top fifth of polygenic scores had a 57 percent chance of earning a four-year degree, while those in the bottom fifth had a 12 percent chance. And with that degree of correlation, the authors wrote, polygenic scores can improve the accuracy of other studies of education. For 19 years, Benjamin and his colleagues were looking for fundamentals. Now, they say, theyve found them. The genes with which you are born travel during your life through a mediating layer of biology and social experience racism, puberty, vacations, illness, industrial accidents, sexual harassment, poverty, divorce that seems so complicated as to be unmeasurable. But their study, part of a field now called geno-economics, claims to measure, in part, the degree to which our genes determine who we become. How is that possible? And in an era of dramatic political divisions, predatory companies and systemic inequality, should we really be mapping genetics to social outcomes? The list of authors on Benjamins study is like an academic bus crash: sociologists and economists jumbled with epidemiologists, psychiatrists and geneticists. But Dalton Conley, a professor of sociology at Princeton, is perhaps the most personally and professionally complicated jumble of them all. I grew up as a white kid in a largely African-American and Latino neighborhood full of housing projects, Conley says. My parents were lefty artists. At a certain point they lied about our address to move me to a public school in Greenwich Village, so I had a daily commute across the socioeconomic landscape. In his memoir of that childhood, Honky, Conley writes that almost immediately he knew that based on the color of my skin, I would be treated a certain way. The social power of certain genes was obvious to him, he writes, because some kids got unique treatment for being taller or heavier than everyone else, but being whiter than everyone else was a different matter altogether. Conley describes his early academic work as lefty sociology. His Ph.D. thesis was on the black-white wealth gap and he dedicated his early career to studying the transmission of health and wealth between parents and children. At N.Y.U., Conley kept getting into disagreements with geneticists, arguing that their methods were dangerously naive. It seemed to him implausible that studying only twins the gold standard of genetics research was enough to teach us the difference between nature and nurture. But over time, he decided that it wasnt enough to just argue. Conley is an academic, and even within that tortured group he is something of a masochist. At that time he was a tenured professor, the kind of gig most people see as the endgame of an academic career, and yet he decided to go back and grind out another Ph.D., this time in genetics. He went into his program believing that our social environment is largely the cause of our outcomes, and that biology is usually the dependent variable. By the end of his time, he says, the causal arrow in his mind had pretty much flipped the other way: I tried to show for a range of outcomes that the genetic models were overstating the impact of genetics because of their crazy assumptions. He sighs. But I ended up showing that theyre right. Now he says hes convinced the benefits of studying polygenic scores are worth the risks. I still have some queasiness about what can be done with this research, how politically explosive it can be, he says. But as someone who wants to drill down into human behavior, I dont think we can ignore it anymore. Benjamin and his co-authors included a long F.A.Q. document that carefully explained the limits of their findings, not least that they shouldnt be used to create some sort of half-baked genetics-based educational policy. And the authors I spoke with talk openly about the risks that their work will be misinterpreted or misused, but they also speak of a desire to use polygenic scores to find genetically predetermined social gaps and compensate for them by other means. Its a theme Ive heard often in academic circles: If we can measure a gap in society, we can close it. (In a 2017 book, The Genome Factor, Conley and his co-author Jason Fletcher even propose the idea that genetics could someday be used to build not just personalized medicine, but personalized policy that takes into account the genotypes that influence whether you and I are receptive to certain methods of instruction, or punishment, or therapy.) But Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, argues that by measuring these social gaps, well-intentioned academics have in the past inadvertently pointed them out to those who want to exploit the gaps, or even make them wider. Alfred Binets idea was that we were going to use his I.Q. tests to find kids who need special learning environments so we can help them do better, she says. But soon, applying I.Q. tests was part of the eugenics movement in the United States. These things have real effects. And right now were talking about introducing these ideas in a time of increasingly blatant xenophobia and white supremacy. If what Benjamins study claims to measure is controversial, consider what it doesnt measure. The study only draws on the DNA of white people Europeans, Icelanders, Caucasians in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. And thats in part because only those groups, along with Chinese nationals, have given over their D.N.A. in large enough numbers to achieve the statistical power that geno-economics researchers need. I shared Benjamins paper with Jesus Hernandez, an urban sociologist who spent 30 years working for the state of California and at the University of California, Davis, and now runs his own research firm mapping the distribution of things like transportation, housing and education to predict social outcomes. Later, when I reached him by phone, he laughed bitterly. We always do white people first, he says, because its easiest. Its the cleanest bill of goods. They all have more like experiences. When we start testing out how to deliver a transit project, well put it in a white neighborhood first, because were going to make sure that it works. Does it meet the needs of a minority neighborhood? Hell no. But were going to put it there anyway, because it worked in this neighborhood. This is our thinking, and this kind of thinking perpetuates the scientific view, which is Science is pure! Illustration by Brian Rea But even if the same numbers of people from all races provided their data, one group would still have to be excluded from the study: people with recent genetic roots in Africa, which is to say both Africans, African-Americans and many Latinos. This racial exclusion has to do with the origins of modern humans. When a group of people on what is now the continent of Africa decided, some 50,000 to 70,000 years ago, to go see what the rest of the world was about, they formed what geneticists call a population bottleneck. The small group that walked off the continent formed the small gene pool from which all non-African people whether a Caucasian or a Han Chinese descend. So the genes of people within the much larger, much more ancient gene pool of Africa (including those brought to the United States and elsewhere by slavery) are so much more diverse that researchers would need a far larger sample at least two or three times as large, Benjamin says to even have a hope of finding measurable patterns. Benjamin and his collaborators in fact tried applying the polygenic score derived from European DNA to African-Americans and found the method didnt work well enough to be useful. Benjamin says he knows others will be tempted to try to use this method to compare genetic advantages between races, but that would be a misuse of the data. You just cant do that sort of comparison. But the good intentions of Benjamin and others in his field depend on being able to use their method on everyone, or no one. Several researchers involved in the project mentioned to me the possibility of using polygenic scores to sharpen the results of studies like the ongoing Perry Preschool Project, which, starting in the early 1960s, began tracking 123 preschool students and suggested that early education plays a large role in determining a childs success in school and life. Benjamin and other co-authors say that perhaps sampling the DNA of the Perry Preschool participants could improve the accuracy of the findings, by controlling for those in the group that were genetically predisposed to go further in school. But the participants in that study are black, which means they come from a gene pool that polygenic scoring cant yet handle. So in the meantime, will only white peoples educational standards be raised by this work? And if so, will the policy benefits for white people measured by geno-economics carry over to other groups? Even now, as scientists debate the ethics of this early research, the free market is ready to sell whatever it can. The seeming precision of genetics is irresistible, especially for those of us facing the stomach-churning uncertainty of disease, aging or new parenthood. This summer, I was approached by the representatives of a fertility clinic seeking to publicize a new product, the ability for parents to select eye color in their babies. And soon I was on the phone with Dr. Reza Radjabi, the founder and chief executive of Ferny, a fertility clinic in New York. Dr. Radjabi says he and his colleagues have developed a two-step process to be offered alongside the clinics more traditional I.V.F. services. First, with blood samples from the parents, he will tell them what possible eye colors they might produce. That screening will cost $1,200. Second, assuming the necessary variety is present, hell reveal which of the available eggs contain a high likelihood of which eye color. That part will be $12,500. What the parents choose next, he assured me repeatedly, is not for him to decide. But the implication was clear. We had a couple where she had wonderful blue eyes, and he, with dark eyes, said If we have embryos that have blue eyes Id love to know, Dr. Radjabi recalls. Most everybody wants blue or green eye color. He says his clinic is currently overwhelmed with demand for the procedure, with more than 200 people signed up for the process. Dr. Radjabis offering is part of a broader field known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or P.G.D., that is almost entirely unregulated. And in 2009, The Wall Street Journal reported that Dr. Radjabis business partner, Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg of the Fertility Institutes in Los Angeles, had promised his I.V.F. customers the chance to make a preselected choice of gender, eye color, hair color and complexion, along with screening for potentially lethal diseases. Steinbergs site no longer offers the chance to choose your kids skin color, but gender selection is prominently advertised. Those products are built on well-understood genetic mechanisms. But if we each begin receiving polygenic scores for social and behavioral traits, what will the moneymaking world do with that? John Hancock, one of the nations oldest insurers, recently announced its going to write discounted policies for people who wear devices that track their health and fitness. The 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA, makes it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate on the basis of your genes, but it might be that group-level predictions, like the ones that polygenic scores make possible, form a loophole in both GINA and the pre-existing condition protections of the Affordable Care Act. Technology simply moves faster than regulations can. And will the preselection opportunities of I.V.F. make it an irresistible means of creating the best possible child, the only choice of responsible parents? Who am I to deny my kids any conceivable advantage, no matter how statistically insignificant? If DNA can tell me and my wife which of her embryos has the highest polygenic score, we wont care whether the improvement is 10 percent or 5 percent or 1 percent. That kid will have a better chance at success. Doctor, weve talked it over. Well take that one. Science has to be slow if its going to merit the name: Do the research, compile the findings, publish it, wait for others to attempt the same thing, wait longer still to learn whether they found what you found. But business is fast. And as it becomes steadily faster, it seizes on incremental, unreplicated scientific findings and builds products, brands, whole industries out of them, before anything approaching a scientific truth can be established, and long before society can hash out its implications. The geno-economists seem confident that human genes have a measurable influence on human outcomes. But publicizing whatever predictive power does lie in our genes runs the risk of misleading the rest of us into believing that control of our genes is control of our future. Theyre adamant that their motives are in forestalling the dystopian implications of the work, in fighting off misinformation and misguided policies. The world in which we can predict all sorts of things about the future based on saliva samples personality traits, cognitive abilities, life outcomes is happening in the next five years, Benjamin says. Now is the time to prepare for that. Even so, the researchers themselves acknowledge that its hard to think about oneself clearly when subjected to this new tool. Benjamin, Conley and several others in the study went ahead and got their own polygenic scores measured. It was for fun, mostly, and no one was unhappy with their results. But at the moment I did it, I regretted doing it, Conley says. Its a cognitive trap. I immediately realized that at an individual level, it doesnt predict anything, but its human nature to want to know more about yourself. I dont know He pauses for several seconds. People parse meaningless distinctions. Benjamin is less conflicted. I dont regret doing it, he says. But Im an economist, so Im trained to always think more information is better. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has published its Bank Incentives Structures review, which found that incentives schemes in banks are highly sales focused, and the current controls appear to be ineffective at mitigating conduct risks. The FMA also found that boards and senior management do not search out or receive any significant amount of information on the conduct risks that incentives pose, and the changes banks are making to incentive schemes are not doing enough to prevent misconduct or risks of inappropriate sales. According to FMA director of regulation Liam Mason, banks are expected to design their incentive schemes in a way that doesnt put customer outcomes at risk. A cheese maker from the Emmental region of Switzerland has been experimenting with various musical genres to see if they can make his cheese taste better. Since September, cheese maker Beat Wampfler has been blasting musical masterpieces by legends such as Led Zeppelin and A Tribe Called Quest to his wheels of Emmental cheese, hoping to prove that music can influence the development, characteristics and, most importantly, the flavor of the cheese. He is convinced that humidity, temperature and nutrients are not the only things that can have an impact on the taste of cheese, and that sounds, ultrasounds and music can make an impact on flavor as well. Photo: Puzi/Pixabay While Wampflers idea may sound a bit crazy, he actually managed to get some scientists from the University of the Arts in Bern involved in his experiments. They were skeptical at first, but later learned that there was a field called sonochemistry that looks at the impact of sound on solid bodies and chemical reactions, and decided that the cheese maker may be on to something. We are trying to answer the question: in the end is there anything measurable? Or something that has an effect on the taste? Michael Harenberg, a music director at the University of the Arts, told AFP. To test out his theory, Beat Wampfler has been installing small speakers under the large wheels of Emmental cheese and split them into several groups, by musical genres. Some cheeses are aging to techno beats, others to ambient music, or classic pieces like Mozarts Magic Flute. The effects of rock and hip-hop on the taste of cheese are also being tested, with some wheels of cheese listening to Led Zeppelin or A Tribe Called Quest. Will the cheese taste better? Its hard to say, Wampfler said, adding that if it turns out that a certain music genre can make his Emmental taste better he hopes it will be hip-hop. A jury of expert cheese tasters will assess the effect of the various musical genres on Wampflers wheels of Emmental cheese, next year, on March 15. Yoshitaka Sakurada, Japans new cybersecurity minister, recently left the whole world dumbfounded after admitting that he has never used a computer. Sakurada made the stunning admission during a question and answer session with Japans Lower House cabinet committee. When asked about things like the power grid and malware, the newly appointed cybersecurity minister seemed overwhelmed, and at one point said that USB was basically never used in Japans nuclear power stations, which led many to believe that he didnt understand the technology at all. Most of his replies were met with laughter from the other politicians, but no one actually expected him to casually admit that he had never even used a computer before. Photo: geralt/Pixabay.com I dont use computers because since I was 25 I have been in a position of authority where secretaries and employees handle such tasks for me, Sakurada told the committee, according to the Japan Times. I give instructions to my aide and so I dont punch into a computer myself, but I am confident our work is flawless. Technically, Mr. Sakurada is right, as the minister is not really expected to have much hands-on responsibility in putting together or implementing the cybersecurity strategy, but his complete lack of knowledge of computers left everyone dumbfounded. I find it unbelievable that someone who is responsible for cyber-security measures has never used a computer, said Masato Imai, a politician from the opposition Democratic Party. Social media users were quick to mock Yoshitaka Sakurada for his flabbergasting answers, with some simply expressing their disbelief, and others joking that his lack of knowledge is probably the best kind of cybersecurity. If a hacker targets this Minister Sakurada, they wouldnt be able to steal any information. Indeed it might be the strongest kind of security! one person commented on Twitter. Today any company president uses a PC. He doesnt even know what a USB is. Holy cow. another person wrote. 68-year-old has been a member of the Japanese Parliament for a very long time, but was appointed minister last month. His duties include overseeing cyber-defense preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. We wish him good luck! Seventeen is the latest publication to be impacted by Hearsts new digital-first strategy. The magazine had already been cut from a monthly to six print issues per year. It will now publish an unspecified number of issues per year, pegged to news events and key moments in readers lives. The only confirmed issue for 2019 is one centered around prom season. Our focus will be on the brands two-plus million unique visitors and more than 12 million followers across social media, a Hearst spokeswoman told WWD. Seventeen has seen its readership fall significantly across most channels. Print and web readership are down 15 percent and 23 percent year-to-date according to figures from the MPA. While its mobile web viewership is up 10 percent, video viewership, which is on the rise at many publications, is down 42 percent. Art Media Holdings, the owner of ARTnews, Art in America, ANTIQUES and MODERN Magazine, has been acquired by Penske Media Corporation. Penskes stable of print and digital properties already includes Rolling Stone, Variety, WWD, Deadline and IndieWire. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. A statement from Penske says that the acquisition of the Art Media Holdings titles will open up opportunities for the company to create a data and analytics business and a B2B events business as well as augmenting its digital strategy. ARTnews has been published since 1902, and Art in America was founded in 1913. With the addition of the new brands, Penske says it will become the largest employer of art journalists in the world. The biggest winner in the midterm elections was the advertising industry. Kantar Media reports that $5.25 billion was spent on political ads during the recent election cycle, an increase of 78 percent over the 2014 midterms, and a jump of 20 percent over the amount spent on the 2016 presidential election. Local broadcast TV took in $3.1 billion and local cable accounted for $1.2 billion of the total. Digital ads came in third at $950 million, but that figure represents a 46 percent jump from 2016 and is almost four times as much as 2014s $250 million. Democrats spent a little more than Republicans (53 percent vs. 46 percent). Healthcare was the big focus of Democrat-funded advertising, while tax reform, immigration and record levels of employment dominated on the Republican side. Stormy Daniels joins Ray to talk about her alleged affair with Donald Trump and the non-disclosure agreement that she signed in the run up to the 2016 US Presidential Election, as she publishes her tell-all book, Full Disclosure. Commenting on her upcoming appearance, Stormy Daniels says: After falling in love with Ireland on my previous visit, I could not be more excited to return. I'm looking forward to speaking with Ray D'Arcy about this wild last year of my life and what I have planned next. Ray DArcy added: Im looking forward to having a chat with one of the most talked about women in the world at the moment. Also on the show this Saturday night, outspoken chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan joins Ray in studio to talk about hipster chefs, intimidation from vegans and why he thinks some British politicians are talking nonsense when it comes to Brexit. Ray chats to Mark Little about 'Fake News', the US political landscape, and launching his new News App. Ray meets 24-year-old Muhammad and 83-year-old Austin, two housemates who live together in East Wall in Dublin and are taking part in RTE One's Home Rescue. They tell Ray about moving in together, their unlikely friendship, and inter-railing together over the summer. And newly-crowned Mr Universe, Wexford man Loughlan (Lock) Gannon, joins Ray to celebrate last weekend's victory while also telling Ray how he overcame adversity in the form of both prostate and testicular cancer to compete and win the coveted Mr. Universe title. An Offaly site has today been announced as the 'best place' in Ireland. Lough Boora Parklands a nature and outdoor sculpture park has been named the winner of RTPI Irelands Best Places competition. The nationwide competition, organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute Ireland, celebrates the places protected, planned or improved by town planners for communities. Almost 12,000 people voted on a shortlist of 10 places. Lough Boora Parklands had an impressive 18% share of the total votes cast to become the winner. Tully Cross, a scenic village in County Galway, and Cork City Centre, the thriving and historic city centre, won second and third place respectively. Lough Boora Parklands attracts some 100,000 visitors a year. Once an industrial peat bog, its transformation includes the creation of a nature reserve maintained by the Irish Wildlife Trust that aims to ensure its natural resources and biodiversity remain for generations to come. A visitor centre, cafe and extensive trails encourage cyclists and walkers to explore the beautiful landscape and sculpture park, which displays sculptures from national and international artists. Damien English TD, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development said: The selection, by the public, of the Lough Boora Parklands in the RTPI Irelands Best Places competition demonstrates that even the most rural parts of our beautiful country mean a great deal to Irish people." "What is particularly striking about the parklands is how they demonstrate the potential of areas that were once used for a vibrant industrial purpose, fell into decline and now are in the process of being rediscovered for a new, exciting and sustainable purpose of great community, ecological and economic value. In many ways, the Lough Boora Parklands are a dynamic example of the potential that each and every part of our remarkable country can play in its sustainable development and as promoted by the National Planning Framework, English continued. John Acres, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute said: Lough Boora Parklands is an exemplar of partnership working. Several agencies Offaly County Council, Bord na Mona and the Irish Wildlife Trust came together to transform a disused site into a remarkable tourist attraction like no other in Ireland. This shows the real value of planners being able to integrate approaches which balance the differing needs, challenges and opportunities for the park. Andrew Murray, Senior Planner at Offaly County Council, said: Planners at Offaly County Council have had a long working association with Bord na Mona. Almost 25 years ago, representatives of the local community, the Council and Bord na Mona formed the Lough Boora Group. They completed a feasibility study that formed a blueprint for the subsequent development of the greater Lough Boora area, looking at the use of the site after the end of the peat harvesting." With their combined vision, Offaly County Council and Bord Na Mona worked collaboratively on securing funding for the delivery of the network of paved trails and in particular the spectacular Sculpture in the Parklands. To further complement the Discovery Park, Offaly County Council has, over the past year been delivering a cycle track along the Grand Canal from Tullamore to Lough Boora," he added. The Council planning team was particularly pleased to work with Bord na Mona in 2013 to find an optimal position and design for the excellent visitor centre and coffee shop. We look forward to continued collaboration. Marion Chalmers, Chair of RTPI Ireland, said, "This is a visionary project that has secured sustainable natural rural regeneration of a former major industrial peat bog right in the centre of Ireland. Of particular importance is the praise and respect Bord Na Mona has for the planners that have worked with them since the inception of the project." "Additionally impressive is the continued commitment of the Lough Boora Group to working together to further grow and invest in the asset of the Lough Boora Parklands as a resource and attraction of regional and national importance. It certainly merits achieving the Ireland's Best Place Award and RTPI Ireland looks forward to watching the Parklands develop and evolve far into the future." 1984 Anti-Sikh riots case: Witness identifies Sajjan Kumar during statement India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Nov 16: A witness Cham Kaur on Friday identified Congress leader Sajjan Kumar during her statement before Delhi's Patiala House Court in 1984 Anti-Sikh riots case. Cham Kaur, a prosecution witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case involving Sajjan Kumar and others had filed an application in a Delhi court in September. She sought police protection while alleging that she was approached by a stranger who asked her not to depose against the leader. Delhi court convicts 2 in killing of two Sikhs during 1984 anti-Sikh riots Sajjan Kumar's lawyer rejected the allegation as concocted and politically motivated. In the application, the witness, Cham Kaur, alleged that she was offered Rs 5 lakh if she agreed not to depose in court. Sajjan Kumar, along with four others, is facing trial in connection with killings in west Delhi's Sultanpuri area during the riots that erupted after former PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated. The court has framed several charges, including those of murder and rioting. 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi HC asks AAP govt about status of jobs for victims' kin The case will be next heard on December 20. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 14:09 [IST] After Saudi Arabia and China, Imran Khan to seek bail out assistance from Malaysia India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 16: After failing to get much assistance from China, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be visiting Malaysia next week to seek monetary assistance apparently to minimize dependence on International Monetary Fund's (IMF) bailout package which may ask for tough conditions before bailing out the country. Khan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will have a bilateral meeting followed by the delegation-level talks. Sources said that Pakistan prime minister reached China without any planning and official-level talks to deliberate upon seeking assistance which it failed to get. Moreover, China does not have any policy of providing add to any country. Khan was also very critical to Chinese presence in Pakistan so it would need some time for Chinese have confidence in Him. Meanwhile, Khan would be accompanied by a high-level delegation during his official trip to Malaysia on November 20-21. This would be Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia. Why does Pakistan need Kashmir; it can't even handle its 4 provinces: Shahid Afridi Actually Pakistan is facing a $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year. The Pakistan government wants to minimise the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from 'friendly' states like Saudi Arabia, China, Malaysia and some other as officials believe that the IMF could attach tough conditions due to US influence. Last month, Saudi Arabia said it would provide Pakistan with a $6 billion rescue package during Khan's visit to the Gulf country. Actually Pakistan is grappling with many issues including financial crisis up to bankruptcy level besides issues of internal security, radicals spreading all over and terror bases along the border. This is the reason that people have been voicing their concern that the country should focus more on to better its internal condition rather than interfering into matters like Jammu and Kashmir in India that causes the country huge financial bearings. Despite facing severe financial duress and desperately needing $12 billion to bail out its economy and China as it is called 'all weather friend' of Pakistan did not give even a single penny against the stated policy of China. Pakistan is not getting assistance from anywhere else as the money might be spent on spreading terrorism. Pakistan failed to get anything from China despite calling it all weather friend and China calling Pakistan as its Iron Brother. China just offers loan to any country on its own terms and conditions. Imran Khan govt sacks PTV top official but 'begging' blunder already did a big damage Meanwhile, IMF officials have already visited Pakistan to asses if Pakistan will be given loan or not and if yes how much will be given with what terms and conditions. Sources said that internal condition of Pakistan is very bad in all provinces whether Sindh, Punjab, Khaibar Pakhtunwa and Baluchistan where killing of civilians by Pakistani Army is continuing and human right volition is continuing unabated. Moreover, new terrorist organisations have started gaining grounds in the country which were protesting the release of Asia Bibi in a blasphemy case. Sources said that this is the first case that reached to a logical conclusion in the history of Pakistan where in most of the cases of blasphemy the accused was lynched. So the law and order in the entire country is a big issue. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 10:16 [IST] As Telangana polls draw closer, naxal resurgence at all time high: IB India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Hyderabad, Nov 16: As the election dates in Telangana are nearing, the Intelligence Bureau has unearthed another ploy by the naxalites to disrupt the polling process. Since October, at least five alerts have been sounded warning of a big naxal threat. The latest input suggests that nearly 30 naxalites have crossed over into the Bhupalpally district of Telangana from Odisha, with an intention of disrupting the elections. On their hit list are also some politicians of the TRS, the alert also states. How naxals are using coal transport contracts to fund their activities Acting fast on the information, the police launched a manhunt to nab the naxalites. However they were able to arrest only a few persons who had provided shelter to the naxalites. They are currently being questioned, Bhupapally Superintendent of Police, R Bhaskaran informed. The naxals have been looking to revive their movement in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. While in Telangana, they would look to target the TRS, in AP, their focus has been on the TDP leaders. Recently the naxalites killed Araku MLA, Bidari Sarweswar Rao and former MLA, Siveri Soma. The killings took place at Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam. The IB says that the naxalites had prepared a hit list and would look to execute it ahead of the polls. The Araku killings were a sign of this, the IB officer told OneIndia. Naxalite threat looms large over Telangana Assembly Elections In this backdrop the naxalites have called for a boycott of the Telangana elections. The Community Party of India (Maoist), Telangana secretary, Haribhushan termed the elections as fake and called for a boycott to ensure the success of the new democratic revolution. He also blamed K Chandrasekhar Rao for trying to establish a dynastic rule in Telangana. He further said that he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Election Commissioner, O P Rawat before dissolving the assembly. The IB says that the naxalites had prepared a hit-list of several Telugu Desam Party leaders over the past two decades. The IB says that the naxalites have been nursing a long standing grudge against the politicians and may look to target them. To earn their daily bread, how the urban naxals have spread The IB says that the the naxalites have been making big attempts to re-group. Anantpur had been a strong base for them, but in recent years, they have suffered losses. It may be recalled that a series of operations were undertaken in the hills of Anantpur and Nallamalla forests, following which the top rung was wiped out. The naxalites then scattered towards Odisha and the bordering areas of Karnataka. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 14:01 [IST] CBI war: SC set to decide Alok Vermas fate today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 16: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear today CBI director Alok Verma's plea challenging the government's order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of allegations of corruption against him. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, is also likely to consider the report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), placed before it in a sealed cover, with regard to the probe into the allegations of corruption against Verma. CBI war: Probe against Verma done, but some questions flagged by CVC The bench is also likely to consider the report of acting CBI director M Nageswara Rao also filed in a sealed cover in the court with regard to the decisions taken by him from October 23-26. Besides the plea filed by Verma, the court is also seized of the PIL filed by NGO Common Cause, which has sought a probe by a special investigation team against CBI officers. The court has issued notices to the Centre, CBI, CVC, special CBI director Rakesh Asthana, Verma and Rao asking them to respond to it by November 12. The CVC had on November 12 filed in the court its preliminary enquiry report. The allegations have been levelled against Verma by his deputy Asthana, against whom an FIR has been lodged by the CBI on graft charges. Asthana was also sent on leave by the Centre. The court had taken both the reports (CVC and Rao) on record on November 12. The CVC probe against Verma was supervised by former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik and the probe was completed on November 10. On October 26, the top court had appointed Justice Patnaik to supervise the ongoing inquiry of CVC against Verma. The court had issued notices to the Centre and the CVC seeking their replies on Verma's petition challenging the government's decision to divest him of his powers as CBI chief and sending him on leave. On October 26, it had also set a deadline of two weeks for the CVC to complete the preliminary inquiry against the CBI director. CVC report on CBI director: Nothing substantial say sources Besides, it had barred Rao from taking any major policy decision but granted him liberty to perform routine tasks that are essential to keep the CBI functional. It had said a list of all the decisions taken by Rao since October 23, including decisions with regard to transfer of investigations, change of investigating officer(s) etc, will be furnished to the court in a sealed cover on or before November 12, 2018, whereafter orders as would be appropriate will be passed by the court. The CVC was directed by the court to conduct an inquiry into the allegations made in the August 24 note/letter of the Cabinet Secretary with regard to Verma. Asthana has also moved the Supreme Court with a separate petition in the matter and has sought removal of Verma from the post of CBI Director. On November 4, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had moved the top court contending that divesting Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary". In an interlocutory application filed in the pending petition, Kharge, who is also a member of the three-member selection committee which appoints the CBI director, said that "as a concerned stakeholder he brings to the attention of the court the brazen and illegal actions" of the political executive in interfering with the independent functioning of the CBI director. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 6:19 [IST] Cop shoots self at Delhi Secretariat, domestic discord suspected to be reason India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Nov 16: A head constable of the Delhi Police committed sucide on Friday morning at the Delhi Secretariat. Head Constable Sohanveer reportedly shot himself with his service piston at around 5.53 this morning. Sohanveer shot himself in the VIP parking lot of Delhi Secretariat. A suicide note has been recovered and domestic discord is suspected to be the reason behind hi taking this extreme step. "A PCR call was received at 5:53 am. Head Constable Sohanveer, aged 35 yrs, committed suicide, on duty at Secretariat, by his service pistol. A suicide note has been recovered, indicating domestic discord as prima facie reason of the suicide. Further Enquiry is on," ANI quoted a Delhi Police statement as saying. Cop shoots self with service revolver in Delhi In April, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of the Delhi Police shot himself with his service revolver in the national capital. In the same month, the body of a constable was found in the police quarters at the Sadar police station, Ludhiana (Punjab). He seemed to have shot himself in the chest from his official AK-47 weapon. On March 19, a 54-year-old assistant sub-inspector, posted in a police control room unit, shot himself in the head inside the van in Civil Lines, Delhi. It was later reported that he was suffering from depression. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 10:51 [IST] CVC report on Alok Verma a mix, may need more probing says SC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 16: The Supreme Court has said that the Central Vigilance Commission's report on Alok Verma CBI director in exile has been very complimentary on some charges and not so complimentary on others. While making these observations the court said that the matter may need further investigation. The court has indicated that a further probe may be required into the matter. The next date of hearing has been fixed for November 20. CVC report on CBI director: Nothing substantial say sources The CVC report has been very complimentary on some charges and uncomplimentary on some. This led to the SC stating that a further probe may be needed. The court said that a copy of the CVC report should be given to Verma in a sealed cover. He will file his response in a sealed cover by 1 PM on Monday. This is being done keeping in mind the need to preserve the sanctity of the CBI and public confidence, the Bench also said. The court however refused a request made by Rakesh Asthana to get a copy of the CVC report. His counsel Mukul Rohatgi said that this case was based on a complaint first made by him, but the court remained firm. Justice A K Patnaik, the retired SC judge who monitored the CVC probe also filed a seperate note on the investigations. The court expressed its gratitude towards him. On the plea filed by CBI officer A K Bassi challenging his transfer to Port Blair, the Bench said, "be there for sometime, it is a very good place." Verma vs Asthana: How the CBI officers countered the allegations levelled against each other Bassi who was investigating the corruption case against Asthana had been transferred, following which he challenged the decision. He told the court that the new officer is now trying to derail the case against Asthana. The court has agreed to hear him on Tuesday. The court is hearing a petition by Verma, who had challenged the decision by the government to send him on leave following a public spat with special director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been exiled. CBI wars: Acted against Asthana to maintain integrity of agency says Verma The CVC had on November 12 filed in the court its preliminary enquiry report. The allegations have been levelled against Verma by his deputy Asthana, against whom an FIR has been lodged by the CBI on graft charges. Asthana was also sent on leave by the Centre. The court had taken both the reports (CVC and Rao) on record on November 12. Cyclone Gaja Updates: Heavy rains to lash Lakshadweep India oi-Madhuri Adnal Chennai, Nov 17: Cyclone Gaja has wreaked havoc in coastal Tamil Nadu and the death toll due to the cyclone has reached 35. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami yesterday and assured all possible help from the Centre. Cyclone Gaja hit Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu early on Friday morning, following which heavy rains and strong winds were reported. As the cyclone made its landfall at around 1.40 am, the intensity of the winds decreased for a brief while before rising again. People were vacated from low lying areas and sheltered at over 300 relief centres in six districts including Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruvarur, reported news agency PTI. A MET department bulletin issued at 3.15 said that though the centre of the cyclone is over, real sector of eyewall is still over sea. It would take an hour to move to land. The storm is likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during the next six, the MET department also said in its update. In an attempt to mitigate damage to properties and human lives, the state administration headed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has planned to evacuate around 20,000 people residing on the coastal line and moving them to relief camps. Helpline numbers: The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has opened district-level helpline 1077 for people to contact in case of emergency. The body's State helpline 1070 is also in use. Emergency contact numbers for the districts are: Nagapattinam - 9443500728, 9843810579, 9003322566 Cuddalore - 04142-220700 Tiruvarur - 04366-226623 Pudukottai - 04322-222207 Thanjavur - 04362-230121 Ramanathapuram - 04567-230060 Cyclone Gaja highlights: #WATCH: Strong winds and rainfall hit Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. According to MET, #GajaCyclone is expected to make a landfall tonight. pic.twitter.com/heqUK8Ho0A ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 Houses collapse, trees uprooted Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds as outer edge of the cyclone reaches shore. Roofs of many thatched houses damaged in Vedaranyam. Trees uprooted in Nagapattinam town as cyclone nears shores between Karaikal and Vedaranyam. 29,000 permanent cyclone shelters: TN minister for industries M C Sampath said,''Chief Minister had instructed district administration, so they are on alert at all places. There has not been a single incident. Cuddalore district has seen so many cyclones, so our preparation is very good.'' ''There are 29,000 permanent cyclone shelters, 233 shelters made in schools, colleges & marriage halls. More than 5000 people are present in these shelters, food is being provided to them,'' he further said. Schools, colleges to remain closed With the Tamil Nadu government already declaring that 30,500 rescue personnel were on standby, the district collectors of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram have declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Thursday Cyclonic Storm Gaja: Administration all set to evacuate people,Rescue Personnel Alert |Oneindia News Fishermen warned in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu Fishermen in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu have been warned not to venture in deep sea in view of Cyclone Gaja. Dilli Gupshup: Rahul too wanted to address from Red Fort so what if it was a replica India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 16: The Congress plans to address a rally against the BJP from the dais having a background of Read Fort was shelved by senior leadership of the party and opposition not agreeing to it. [Rafale issue: 'Modi government lies again', tweets Rahul Gandhi] Grapevine is abuzz that even UP CM Yogi Adityanath may contest Lok Sabha in 2019 to become national leader and deputy chief minister planning to field his son from the constituency relinquished by him for want of ministry but the most importantly some of MPs of the BJP in UP are so jittery about getting ticket denied that they themselves are asking probable candidates if they are interested. Lots of churning going on but some interesting read from the power corridor. Read on... Rahul too wanted to address from Red Fort so what if it was a replica: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attacked the Congress in a rally at Ambikapur that the party took a dig at him when he addressed a rally from the same place before 2014 Lok Sabha elections having Red Fort in the backdrop of the Dais. But interestingly recently when the Congress along with opposition organised a rally against the Modi government, the Congress tried to do a Modi at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi but the plan was dropped at the last moment as it was told message will not go down well. Second Opposition political parties also had some reservation. So copying the idea to say that it was ready with its leader to address from the parapet of Red Fort was dropped. Will Yogi Adityanath contest Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur? With more and more demand of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in the election-bound five states to address rallies, a section in UP BJP leaders, who are nurturing the dream of becoming CM, has started spreading this message that Yogi has grown big. He is the only leader who has the potential of replacing Prime Minister which might not go down well with the central leadership. It is being said that he will contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur to claim the second position in the central government if the BJP comes to power again. But people close to him sniffing a bigger design behind this rumor and he is very firmly placed in saddle in UP. Let's see which way things move. [Rahul targets PM on note-ban, Rafale as campaign reaches peak] Is Deputy CM want ticket for his son from Phoolpur Lok Sabha? The dynasty syndrome is catching up the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well. Grapevine is abuzz that deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prashad Maurya wants to field his son from Phoolpul Lok Sabha constituency held by him in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He resigned from the seat that has now been captured by the Samajwadi Party. But the party that has been opposing dynastic policy is falling into the same trap when local Satraps of the party looking for some pretty good share for their families too. Will this be allowed by the central leadership or not is the matter to be looked upon. Some BJP MPs jittery over getting ticket denied! Some of the ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government have been asked to prepare for the Lok Sabha elections but this has disheartened the sitting MPs on particular seat where they have been asked to be active. So such MPs are directly trying to know if he/she are really interested in contesting on particular seat. Activity of one such minister in a particular constituency forced a firebrand leader to visit the minister to ask if he is really interested in his seat and offered to give up his seat willingly but not to anyone else. The BJP planning to drop many sitting MPS will have to undergo many upheavals. In the centenary year celebration, iconic Raj Narain to be remembered in Varanasi India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 16: Some of the forgotten leaders of the country are being celebrated either by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or by people associated with it who have the credit of covering uncovered milestones in the Indian politics but they are somehow ignored. Among some such leaders, name of Raj Narain is quite important whose centenary year is being celebrated and a big programme is planned on December 16, 2018 in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi in which his political legacy and his brand of politics will be discussed. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Manoj Sinha are likely to participate in it. Raj Narain has the credit of changing political landscape of the country, who was opposed to policies and practices of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He contested 1971 Lok Sabha elections from Rai Bareli as an SSP candidate and was defeated but accused Gandhi of corrupt electoral practices filing a petition. Allahabad High Court on June 12, 1975 set aside election of Indira Gandhi and disqualified her to contest Lok Sabha election for next 6 years leading to imposition of Emergency. Emergency was lifted in January 1977 and Narain defeated Indira Gandhi from Rai Bareli constituency by a margin of more than fifty thousand votes. This was the turning point of Indian politics. PM Modi inaugurates first multi-modal terminal on Ganga river in Varanasi One of the organisers and former Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Ram Ashish Rai told Oneindia, "See this is the time when credibility of political parties and leaders is questioned. The way it is progressing with involvement of money, caste, nepotism and dynasty, in such an environment Ran Narain is the best example to tell the news generation that how selfless people like Ran Narain were in Indian politics." Rai said, "In such a situation, if anyone can be the symbol of clean politics, it was Raj Narain. He worked for the country, society and without money being involved in his brand of politics. He also kept away from nepotism and dynastic politics. So the matter will be discussed that how such people have been in politics who donated his land to poor. No one knows what his three sons do. This will send the right message in the society." So it is planned that such people must be projected among youths as their icons if change in politic has to be brought about. This will definitely help people to get involved in right kind of politics. Besides deliberations, discussions, seminars and other activities people involved with him and worked with him will be honored in in Varanasi. Arun Kumar. BJP MP Ashok Vajpayee, Anand Kumar, Dauji Gupta, Surendra Kumar, journalists, social workers and people in different political parties who had worked with him will join in Varanasi. "We have already organised programmes in every district for his centenary celebrations. The programme was launched in November 23 from Talkatora Stadium in Delhi which was represented by Union Ministers Suresh Prabhu and Manoj Sinha." Four years of Modi sarkar: #4SaalDeshBehaal? Such programmes are also scheduled to happen in Deoria, Gorakhpur, Patna and Kolkata. It is scheduled for November 18 in Mumbai. There is also a plan to bring out Raj Narayan Samagra but that would take little more time and is not possible by December, concluded Rai. Interview: People of Mizoram want change, says state BJP chief JV Hluna India oi-Shubham Ghosh Aizawl, Nov 15: Five states of the Indian Union have started going to polls in November-December of which one is from the Northeast. Mizoram is a state in the northeastern part of the country where the BJP is yet to make inroads fulfilling its slogan for 'Congress-mukt Bharat'. The Congress is in power in the state for the last 10 years, making it one of those rare states, though the BJP's state president - Professor JV Hluna - thinks it will all change this time and the party will win around 25 seats. Oneindia spoke to the 66-year-old leader over phone on Thursday, November 15, about the election which is scheduled on November 28 and here is what he had to say. Excerpts from the interview: Oneindia: What is the scenario before the election this time? Hluna: Mizoram has seen no development but only corruption in the last 10 years of Congress rule. People want a change this time. They only want development and hence change is likely this time because the BJP is capable of bringing development. Mizoram elections: Where all parties have allied with BJP, all claim to be anti-BJP! Oneindia: How many seats are the BJP contesting this time and what are the prospects of winning? Hluna: The BJP is fielding candidates from 39 seats this time and the number is much higher than any time in the past. One person could not file his nomination papers since he had applied for voluntary retirement from government job but his papers were not processed on time. In 2013, the BJP fielded only eight candidates but our organisation in the state is much bigger this time. Oneindia: Are you making any alliance this time? What about MNF, a member of the North East Democratic Alliance? Hluna: No, we are contesting it all alone this time. Oneindia: Does the BJP's Hindutva politics makes it difficult for the party in states like Mizoram? Hluna: No, it doesn't. Although the BJP is being seen as an anti-Christian party but we are explaining it to the people that our identity is not about that. We believe in positive secularism. Survey gives majority to Cong in Rajasthan, MP; close fight in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram Oneindia: Are the BJP's top leaders coming to the state for campaigning? Hluna: Yes, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be campaigning in Mizoram on Friday, November 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign here on November 23 while BJP national president Amit Shah will be here on November 20. Mizoram has 40 Assembly seats out of which the Congress won 34 in 2013 and the MNF won five. The remaining one went to the Mizoram People's Conference. The result of the election will be announced on December 11, along with those in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Chhattisgarh polls: Only 4 winners won with more than 30% of margin of victory Let's see if someone outside Gandhi family can become Congress president: Modi India oi-Vikas SV Raipur, Nov 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress in Chhattisgarh and said the grand old party is just not able accept that a 'Chaiwala' (Tea Seller) like him is the prime minister of the country. Prime Minister Modi has said many times that he used to sell tea at the Vadodara railway station during his childhood. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had last week said that it was because of the 'institutional structures' setup by Jawaharlal Nehru that even a 'Chaiwala' could become PM. Chhattisgarh elections: This candidate's income rose by 2,590 per cent "These people still have not come to terms that I am the Prime Minister, it has been nearly four and a half years. They are still crying, how can a 'Chaiwala' become PM?. Now they say a 'Chaiwala' became PM because of one great person," Modi in Chhattisgarh's Ambikapur today. "I want to challenge them, let some good leader of Congress outside of the family become the party president for 5 years, then I will say that Nehru ji really created a truly democratic system there," he added. Modi lauded people of Bastar in Chhattisgarh for coming out and voting in large numbers. "Shouldn't people of Bastar be appreciated for such high voting percentages? I will tell you a way to appreciate them, on November 20 you register even higher voting percentage than Bastar," he said. Ajit Jogi factoring into Chhattisgarh Assembly elections especially in plains "I am glad to be among the people of Ambikapur today. I remember when I had campaigned here during Lok Sabha elections, people here had made the background resembling the Red Fort," he further said. The Prime Minister said people voting amid attacks by Maoists shows their faith in democracy. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 13:32 [IST] Madhya Pradesh elections: Scindia compares 'Mama' Shivraj with Kansa, Shakuni India pti-PTI Guna (MP), Nov 16: With the poll battle heating up in Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken to Hindu mythology to attack Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alleging he was "Kalyug's Mama" similar to the characters of 'Kansa' and 'Shakuni' mentioned in the Mahabharata. Chouhan is popularly known as 'Mama' (maternal uncle) and he has often said that he endears this title that he earned by working for the upliftment of women and girl child in the state as a dutiful brother to the women of Madhya Pradesh. Kansa and Shakuni are two popular 'maternal uncles' from the Hindu mythology, who are mostly seen as negative characters. While Kansa was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle, Shakuni had the same relationship with Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Yogi Adityanath to address over 100 rallies in five election-bound states Addressing an election rally here late Thursday evening for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia said this is the time to uproot the "corrupt government" that is ruling the state for 15 years now. "Shivraj Singh Chouhan says he is mama (maternal uncle)...BJP says it is the sole protector of the Hindu religion...even if we agree to this, then what is written in religious books about the definition of mama?" Scindia asked. "One was 'Kansa mama' who left no stone unturned to eliminate his nephew (Krishna). Second was 'Shakuni mama' who did everything to destroy the kingdom of Hastinapur and now in Kalyug, the third mama is sitting in Bhopal's Vallabh Bhawan (the state secretariat)," Scindia said at the 'budheybalaji' grounds in his parliamentary constituency. 'Muslims of India want Ram Temple', says Muslim Rashtriya Manch; Plans massive gathering in Delhi The 47-year-old Congress leader also accused Chouhan of being anti-farmer and alleged the 'annadaata' (Hindi sobriquet for farmers who till the land and produce food) was shot at and killed in Mandsaur last year during protests and was cheated in the name of crop insurance. "Farmers tell me...like the Jallianwala Bagh, farmers were killed in Mandsaur by the Shivraj government. The crop insurance scheme for farmers has also not helped. The amount is deducted from farmers account and sent to companies which are owned by businessmen friends of Shivraj. This amount is Rs 6,000 crore," Scindia alleged. The BJP has earlier rejected these allegations. Scinda said, "When the Congress government comes in power we will end the entire business of private companies and will ensure that this insurance is given by government companies." He said, "The Congress... Shastri ji (former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri) gave the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' but the BJP's slogan is 'Mare Jawan, Mare Kisan'." "Aisa koi saga nahi jisko inhone (Shivraj) thagaa nahin (There is no friend whom he has not betrayed)," said the Member of Parliament from Guna-Shivpuri. Scindia, also the chief of the Congress campaign committee in the state, mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's style of saying 'Mitron' to say that the "inspiration" for demonetisation of two higher denomination notes in 2016 by the central government was nothing but like following the popular ad slogan of a cold drink brand "aaj kuch toofani kartey hain" (Let's do something thunderous), attracting a roaring applause from the crowd. Scindia, tipped to be one of the main contenders for the chief minister's post from his party, also talked about issues of rising fuel prices and fertiliser costs and said if voted to power, the Congress government will waive all farm loans in Madhya Pradesh within 10 days. He also talked about the Vyapam scam of the state, saying it ensured that a talented child of a poor man does not get a government job but an incompetent one of a rich person gets it. At another rally in Marki Mahu village of Guna, Scindia urged the voters to show their power by voting against the BJP on November 28. The 230 seats of the state will vote in a single phase on November 28. The BJP has been ruling the state since 2003 with Chouhan being the chief minister for the most part of this time after he took over from his party colleague Babulal Gaur who had similarly taken over from Uma Bharti. PTI #MeToo: Journalist CP Surendran steps down as director of literary fest after harassment allegations India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 16: After more than nine women stepped forward to accuse him of sexual harassment and misconduct during the ongoing #MeTooIndia movement, Writer and journalist CP Surendran has stepped down from his position on the board of directors of the Matrubhumi International Festival of Letters. The development was reported as several individuals, including the writer Nilanjana S Roy, questioned why Surendran was being allowed to continue associating with the festival in light of the allegations against him. #MeToo movement: Alok Nath expelled from CINTAA Surendran was among several journalists, media professionals, actors, writers and corporate executives who were accused of sexual harassment in the #MeToo campaign in India last month. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 17:59 [IST] Pathankot: No headway as yet in probe after 4 snatch SUV India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Pathankot, Nov 16: There appears to be no breakthrough in the investigations that were launched after four persons snatched an SUV from its driver at gunpoint near Madhopur in Punjab's Pathankot district. The incident took place Tuesday night when the driver stopped the car after one of the passengers complained of vomiting. "We are on the job to nab them," a senior Punjab Police official said Thursday. Jaish terrorists have infiltrated Punjab: State remains on high alert Several teams have been formed to crack the case, police said, adding that personnel in border districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar (Rural) and Tarn Taran have been asked to remain alert and maintain vigil. The instructions were issued as in 2016, terrorists, who had launched attacks on the Pathankot Air base, had snatched a Punjab Police officer's car to get to the air base. The Punjab Police is coordinating with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to trace the suspects. Several checkpoints have been set up in border areas and on highways, and vehicles are also being thoroughly checked, police said. Photos of the suspects procured from CCTV footage have also been given to the checkpoints, the police official said. The official said the vehicle's driver, Raj Kumar, a resident of Jammu, has told police that he did not see the weapon, he was threatened with. The police say that the four persons had conducted a recce before hiring the cab and even paid an advance of Rs 3,550. These persons hired the cab in the name of Major Sarvjeet Singh. The cab was Pathankot bound. It may be recalled that in 2016, the Pathankot air base was attacked by terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad after they had robbed a cab at gun point. After robbing the silver coloured Innova bearing the registration number JK 02 AW-0922 they stopped at Kathua for dinner. At the Lakhanpur toll post, the four occupants told the staff that they were from the Army and hence exempted from paying toll tax. The police say that they even asked the toll booth operator, why he had not checked their ID, if these persons claimed they were from the Army. The driver, Raj Kumar told the police that the four persons were speaking in Punjabi dialect, which is spoken in Pakistan's Punjab. The police say during the questioning of the driver, they were unable to get much information as he kept changing his statement. He will continue to be questioned for more leads. J&K: Two arrested for snatching weapons from security personnel While a terror angle is not being ruled out, the police in Jammu and Kashmir say that this could be the handiwork of some mischief mongers. All possibilities are being explored, an officer from J&K informed OneIndia. Meanwhile a high alert has been sounded in Pathankot as the leads suggest that the four men were bound to this place. The Army and Air Force authorities have been informed about the incident. Security around the Army ammunition dump in the Mamun cantonment has been stepped up following the incident. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 9:08 [IST] Rahul targets PM on note-ban, Rafale as campaign reaches peak India pti-PTI Seoni/Sagar/Mandla (MP), Nov 16: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Friday said the land acquired for industrialists will be returned to original owners if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, calling it the "biggest scam". [Dilli Gupshup: Rahul too wanted to address from Red Fort so what if it was a replica] Addressing rallies in support of his party candidates for the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, where campaigning has reached its crescendo, he said key laws targeted at disadvantaged sections of the society will be implemented in letter and spirit. Gandhi said the BJP, in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, is only working for a few rich people. He said the land acquired from tribals, farmers and the poor for industrialists during the 15-year BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh will be returned to them by his party when it forms a government after the polls. Addressing a public rally in Barghat, Seoni district, he said, "After coming to power the Narendra Modi government attacked three laws - tribal rights, land acquisition and PESA (Provisions of the Panchayats - Extension to Scheduled Areas - Act), but we did not allow it to happen." "We will protect your land after coming to power. Implement these acts in letter and spirit. We will give your land back to you...this is your right, we will make it happen and get the land returned to you," he said. Gandhi said Modi had asked his party's chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat to stop the implementation of land acquisition law (enacted under the UPA), which allows acquisition only after the consent of landowner and that too after paying four-times the land's cost. Instead, Modi told his party's chief ministers to "snatch" the land of the poor and hand it over to industrialists, he alleged. Modi had said he did not want to become the country's prime minister, but its 'chowkidar' (watchman), Gandhi said. "It was thought that he would become chowkidar of farmers, labourers, youths, mothers, sisters and weaker sections. But, he became a chowkidar of (industrialist) Anil Ambani," he alleged. Gandhi continued, "Chowkidar remained silent when Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi (all accused of committing financial frauds) escaped from the country after usurping thousands of crores." The Congress chief said money is being put in the pockets of 15-20 select industrialists. Addressing a public meeting in tribal-dominated Mandla district, Gandhi termed demonetisation as "the biggest scam" in the history of the country and reiterated that the note-ban exercise was undertaken to benefit a few industrialists. "Have you seen any big person like Ambani and others in the queue after demonetisation," he asked. Gandhi attacked Modi over notes ban at another rally in Sagar district and accused him of "robbing the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich". Gandhi said Modi no longer talks about being a "chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. Gandhi claimed that Modi "cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane" without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. [Rahul targets PM on note-ban, Rafale as campaign reaches peak] "The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal," the Congress chief alleged. "Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done," Gandhi alleged. Both the government and Ambani-led Reliance Group have vehemently charges of favouritism and any irregularities in the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. "These days, the prime minister's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi claimed. Madhya Pradesh will have a single phase polling for its 230 assembly seats on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. The BJP is seeking a straight fourth term, while the Congress is hoping to return to power in the state after 15 years. PTI What is Sabarimala Thantri's view over use of halal jaggery to prepare prasadam: plea in Kerala HC Sabarimala row: Activist Rehana Fatimas anticipatory bail plea rejected India oi-Vikas SV Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 16: The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of woman activist Rehana Fatima, who tried to visit Sabarimala Temple under police protection but was stopped a short distance away in October. Fatima had to turn back and return after the head priest of the shrine threatened to shut down the shrine and stop prayers on October 19. Fatima was among the two women who had reached the hilltop but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests. "How do i prove my devotion", asks activist who was not allowed to enter Sabarimala temple Police have registered a case against the activist for hurting religious sentiments. Earlier the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council had expelled Fatima from the Muslim community for "hurting sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees". On October 19, over a hundred cops led by Inspector General S Sreejith had given two women - Fatima and journalist Kavitha Jakkal - a security cover and escorted them along the trek to the shrine. But when head priest issued a threat, Sreejith reportedly spoke to these women and convinced them to return. "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn't allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason. Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee. You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I'm a devotee or not," Fatima had told the media on Oct 19. Union Minister Alphons questions motive of Christian, Muslim women trying to entering Sabarimala Fatima's house in Kochi was also ransacked after it came on news that she was enroute Sabarimala Temple where the entry of women is banned. There is a prohibition on entry of women aged betwee 10-50 into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. This practice is being followed for hundreds of years. The Supreme Court on Septembet 28 struck down this practice and ruled that women of all ages be allowed enter the temple. After this there was a massive protest in Kerala over this and many women expressed their willingness to enter the shrine to which the devotees have vehemantly opposed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 12:59 [IST] From nothing to 13,500 pages: How NIA prepared the detailed Pulwama chargesheet Delhi riots: Conspiracy grew in organic manner after formation of Muslim Students of JNU Urban naxals: How Dalits were mobilised, misled to destroy democracy India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Pune, Nov 16: The police filed its chargesheet in the much hyped Elgar Parishad case also known as the case invoicing urban naxalites. The chargesheet which runs into 5,160 pages speaks about many of the activities ranging from triggering unrest to a plot that involved the assassination of the Prime Minister of India. The chargesheet was filed in the special UAPA court against ten persons, including the 5 activists who were arrested on June 6 for organising the Elgar Parishad. Five underground naxalites belonging to the banned CPI (Maoists) were also charged for conspiracy to assassinate the PM and overthrow the constitutionally elected government. Urban naxals plotted to kill the PM, huge arms procurement planned says police The five persons chargesheeted are Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Surendra Gadling, Shoma Sen and Mahesh Raut. All these persons are currently lodged in the Yerawada jail in Pune. The police have alleged that the naxalites supported and funded the Elgar Parishad in Pune on December 31 2017. This was part of a larger conspiracy to create social unrest and overthrow the government, the chargesheet stated. It was the provocative and inflammatory speeches at the Parishad which caused the caste clashes at Koregaon Bhima on January 1, the police stated. The chargesheet also names five Maoist leaders believed to be underground: Dipak alias Milind Teltumbade, Kishan Da alias Prashant Bose, Prakash alias Rituparn Goswami, Deepu and Manglu. The larger conspiracy of CPI (Maoists) was to overthrow the democratic system in the country, and the accused were working in that direction, the charge sheet claimed. Anti national NGOs, urban naxals: The crackdown has begun The Elgar Parishad had been organised with "inspiration, money and directions" of Maoists, it alleged. "It is the policy of the CPI (Maoists)... to mobilise Dalit community's sentiments and mislead them and provoke them to take violent path against the system," it said. "As a part of this strategy, Sudhir Dhavale and other members of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM, a cultural group) spread hatred by giving inciting speeches, presenting distorted history and staging provocative skits and songs," it said. On the directions of CPI (Maoists) Dhavale and KKM, under the banner of Bhima-Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerana Abhiyan, galvanised Dalit organisations and organised Elgar Parishad on December 31, the charge sheet said. "During the conclave, inciting speeches were made, inflammatory songs and street plays were played...all these things aggravated the violence on January 1, 2018 at Bhima Koregaon (in Pune district) during 200th commemoration of Bhima Koregaon battle," it said. Urban naxal case: Review seeking SIT probe into arrest of activists rejected by SC Assistant Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar, the investigating officer, said Pune Police recorded the statement of surrendered Maoist leader Pahad Singh. "Singh gave details of Milind Teltumbade's role. He revealed that Teltumbade has the responsibility of spreading Maoist network in urban areas and he is particularly involved in mobilizing the Dalit community for Maoist activities," he said. Singh's statement is part of the charge sheet. Vishrambaug police here had initially registered a case on the complaint of Tushar Damgude who alleged that "provocative" speeches at Elgar Parishad led to violence at Bhima Koregaon in which one person was killed. In August, Pune Police arrested rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj, Telugu poet Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira and Gautam Navlakha in the case. The charge sheet does not name them. Does the govt even know 'what urban naxal' means, asks Romila Thapar Dalits at a commemoration event of the Bhima Koregon battle -- in which the forces of the Peshwa, ruler of Pune, were defeated by the British East India Company -- came under attack on January 1. While Dalits see the victory as an assertion of their identity as the British forces included Mahar (a formerly untouchable caste) soldiers, some Hindu right-wing organisations were opposed to the celebration. PM Modi to host President Putin: What to expect from the bilateral In UP, Nadda explains all the good PM has done for farmers Urban naxals plotted to kill the PM, huge arms procurement planned says police India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Pune, Nov 16: The Pune police has detailed in a 5,000 page chargesheet a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the naxalites. In the chargesheet filed, the police said that some of the naxal leaders were conspiring to kill the PM and had planned on procuring arms and ammunition with an intention of waging war against the country. The police also said that the Maoists are trying to mobilise and incite Dalits and the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune last December was part of this strategy. PM Modi assassination plot: Urban naxal-NE terror groups under radar The Maoist-backed conclave "aggravated" the violence at Koregaon Bhima on January 1, the charge sheet said. The over 5,000-page charge sheet named 10 persons, including activists Surendra Gadling, Mahesh Raut, Shoma Sen, Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhavale, all arrested on June 6. Besides, it named five Maoist leaders believed to be underground: Dipak alias Milind Teltumbade, Kishan Da alias Prashant Bose, Prakash alias Rituparn Goswami, Deepu and Manglu. Modi assassination plot: IB keeps a close eye on PLGA "Maoist leaders including...Rona Wilson and fugitive Kishan Da were conspiring the assassination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and waging war against the country for which they were planning to procure arms and ammunition," it stated. The police cited several documents seized from the Maoist leaders to make the claim on Modi's assassination plan. The larger conspiracy of CPI (Maoists) was to overthrow the democratic system in the country, and the accused were working in that direction, the charge sheet claimed. The charge sheet, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and IPC, was filed in the court of District & Sessions Judge Kishor D Vadane here. The Elgar Parishad had been organised with "inspiration, money and directions" of Maoists, it alleged. "It is the policy of the CPI (Maoists)... to mobilise Dalit community's sentiments and mislead them and provoke them to take violent path against the system," it said. "As a part of this strategy, Sudhir Dhavale and other members of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM, a cultural group) spread hatred by giving inciting speeches, presenting distorted history and staging provocative skits and songs," it said. On the directions of CPI (Maoists) Dhavale and KKM, under the banner of Bhima-Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerana Abhiyan, galvanised Dalit organisations and organised Elgar Parishad on December 31, the charge sheet said. "During the conclave, inciting speeches were made, inflammatory songs and street plays were played...all these things aggravated the violence on January 1, 2018 at Bhima Koregaon (in Pune district) during 200th commemoration of Bhima Koregaon battle," it said. Assistant Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar, the investigating officer, said Pune Police recorded the statement of surrendered Maoist leader Pahad Singh. "Singh gave details of Milind Teltumbade's role. He revealed that Teltumbade has the responsibility of spreading Maoist network in urban areas and he is particularly involved in mobilizing the Dalit community for Maoist activities," he said. Singh's statement is part of the charge sheet. Vishrambaug police here had initially registered a case on the complaint of Tushar Damgude who alleged that "provocative" speeches at Elgar Parishad led to violence at Bhima Koregaon in which one person was killed. In August, Pune Police arrested rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj, Telugu poet Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira and Gautam Navlakha in the case. The charge sheet does not name them. Dalits at a commemoration event of the Bhima Koregon battle -- in which the forces of the Peshwa, ruler of Pune, were defeated by the British East India Company -- came under attack on January 1. While Dalits see the victory as an assertion of their identity as the British forces included Mahar (a formerly untouchable caste) soldiers, some Hindu right-wing organisations were opposed to the celebration. Weather forecast for Nov 17: As Cyclone Gaja weakens, Chennai rains to fade away India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 16: Gaja, currently a cyclonic storm, which was moving westwards has now weakened into a deep-depression. This system is expected to continue moving westwards and weaken further into depression during the next 6 hours near Kerala and Tamil Nadu coast. Thus, rains are expected to continue over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka. Here is the weather forecast for Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram on November 17. Bengaluru: During the last 24 hours, the city of Bengaluru observed light rainfall activities. As per Skymet Weather, expectation of any good rains has now become bleak for Bengaluru as Cyclone Gaja has already crossed South Tamil Nadu coast and is presently moving towards Kerala across Interior Tamil Nadu. Isolated light rains is expected over Bengaluru but any moderate to heavy rain activity is ruled out as of now. Rains may increase marginally over the city on November 18 and 19. However, the maximum temperature will be recorded around 29 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 61 per cent. Delhi: Delhi was choked with hazardous pollution conditions between November 8 and 13. As per Skymet Weather, dry North-westerly winds have gained speed and are now blowing over the region (at a speed of 18-20 kmph) which has reduced the pollution further. However, another Western Disturbance is expected to approach around November 18 during which the winds may lose their strength. However, pollution levels will not increase immediately due to this. Chennai: Cyclone Gaja lashed Tamil Nadu with heavy rains during the last 24 hours, but the state capital of Chennai escaped the fury of the storm. The city only managed with light showers, with few intense spells over some isolated pockets. As per Skymet weather, Chennai rains would now fade away but chances of isolated showers cannot be ruled out. According to weathermen, weather in Chennai would now become dry for the next four to five days. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 31 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 76 per cent. Hyderabad: As per Skymet weather, during the next 24 hours, Light rains are possible over a few places of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 33 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 69 per cent. Thiruvananthapuram: As predicted, Kerala is all set to record good rains for the next 24 hours. In fact, the state has already started recording some rains. All credit goes to Cyclone Gaja which is presently over Interior Tamil Nadu. As per Skymet weather, fairly widespread rain and thundershower activities to lash most parts of Kerala especially the central and southern parts of the state during the next 24 hours. Thereafter, rains are expected to reduce significantly but scattered rainfall activity will still continue over isolated pockets of Kerala. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 30 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 76 per cent. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 16:25 [IST] Yogi Adityanath to address over 100 rallies in five election-bound states India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 16: With campaigning for Assembly elections in five states going on in full swing, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has emerged as one of most valuable star campaigners not only in the Hindi-speaking states but also in some other as well. Yogi Adityanath is likely to address rallies in Telengana and Mizoram Assembly elections as well. Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the UP CM is maximum in demand and it is likely that number of his rallies in these five state may cross over 100 rallies as more and more demand is coming from these states for him to address rallies there. Sources said that managing rallies for him little easy than managing big rallies. He will be addressing all kings of rallies and road show. Yogi Adityanath to address 21 rallies in Rajasthan between November 23 and November 30 Earlier demand for Yogi Adityanath was from Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan but now demands are coming from Madhya Pradesh, Telengana and Mizoram. But this is all happening because he has emerged as one of the biggest crowed puller after Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Gujarat, Karnataka, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. So states are asking for more of his programme. In Chhattisgarh, he is maximum in demand and he had even joined the nomination of chief minister Raman Singh who touched his feet in veneration of a saint before filing his nomination and starting poll campaign. He is regularly participating in rallies, public meetings and road shows in the state. He addressed around 26 rallies in the state so far. In Rajasthan, as per the demand made by the Rajasthan BJP, Yogi Adityanath would be addressing 21 rallies between November 21 to November 30. The firebrand leader is maximum in demand and party president Amit Shah wants states to take his services as much as possible where it can benefit the organisation. Right from the very beginning, it was indicated that he was maximum in demand. Yogi Adityanath will start his rally from the Kota region where he will address his first three rallies on November 23. Name changing spree in UP: Latest demand is for renaming Sultanpur to 'Kushpur' Sources further said that demand for his rallies is also coming from Madhya Pradesh and he will be addressing similar number of rallies as of Rajasthan due to a big area of Uttar Pradesh borders with Madhya Pradesh. Areas like Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand and Malwa where he is much in demand. The BJP does not have much stake in Telengana but there too he will address some rally to energies party workers for the Lok Sabha elections. Despite Mizoram being a Christian dominated state, the UP chief minister is likely to address a few rallies there as well. He was in demand in several areas in north-east. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 10:01 [IST] Jupiter looks like a delicious caramel latte: The image captures a several bright-white pop-up' clouds as well as an anticyclonic storm, known as a white oval, in Jupiter's dynamic North Temperate Belt. The image was taken on October 29 as the spacecraft performed its 16th close flyby of Jupiter. Jupiter show off Van Gogh-like clouds: At the time, Juno was about 7,000 kilometers from the planet's cloud tops, at a latitude of approximately 40 degrees north. Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran used data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager to create a colour-enhanced image of the planet's cloud, NASA said in a statement. JunoCam's raw images are available online for the public to peruse and process into image products. Juno's principal goal is to understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter. Underneath its dense cloud cover, Jupiter safeguards secrets to the fundamental processes and conditions that governed our solar system during its formation. As the primary example of a giant planet in the solar system, Jupiter can also provide critical knowledge for understanding the planetary systems being discovered around other stars. NASA Juno spots volcano on Jupiter moon Io With its suite of science instruments, Juno will investigate the existence of a solid planetary core, map Jupiter's intense magnetic field, measure the amount of water and ammonia in the deep atmosphere, and observe the planet's auroras. Data from Juno will help us understand how giant planets form and the role these titans played in putting together the rest of the solar system. Mysterious 'creature' spotted in Jupiter's clouds: Space enthusiasts have spotted what they claim is a mythical "creature" hidden in the swirls of Jupiter's cloud system. NASA captures these stunning images of colourful cloud belts of Jupiter About NASA's Juno spacecraft: Juno launched in August 2011 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket, with the ambitious mission of finally seeing beneath the dense clouds covering Jupiter. On July 4, 2016, the spacecraft finally reached the giant planet's orbit. Currently, the probe is in a polar orbit around Jupiter. (with PTI inputs) WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange has been charged in US International oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Washington, Nov 16: The founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange, who was behind a massive dump of classified United States documents in 2010, has been charged in the US. Washington Post confirmed secret charges against Julian Assange. The disclosure came in a filing in a case unrelated to Assange. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer, urging a judge to keep the matter sealed, wrote that "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged," as per the report. Also read: Donald Trump blasted for repeatedly targeting black women journalists The long-running grand jury into WikiLeaks started in April 2010 after the publication of a video revealing the slaying of two Reuters journalists in Iraq. Dwyer is also assigned to the WikiLeaks case. People familiar with the matter said what Dwyer was disclosing was true, but unintentional. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 16, 2018, 11:28 [IST] Photo: The Canadian Press Applications are finally starting to trickle in for the retail sale of non-medical cannabis in the Central Okanagan. Both West Kelowna and Lake Country have each received a single referral application from the province for a retail operation. Lake Country's director of community development Mark Koch says the referral is for a location at Turtle Bay Crossing. He says the applicant will require a variance, because the location falls within 400 metres of a daycare. However, Koch says the daycare is running with a temporary use permit, and is not permanent. He says various departments within the municipality will have to review and comment on the application before it makes its way to council. Koch expects that could take a few months. In West Kelowna, one application has also been forwarded from the province for consideration. West Kelowna has set a deadline of Jan. 2 for the receipt of applications. At that point, it will begin going through each one before they reach the council table. A maximum of four retail stores will be allowed in West Kelowna, two in downtown Westbank and two in the Boucherie area. In Kelowna, the city says some applications have started coming in, however, details aren't yet available. Kelowna is accepting retail applications until the end of November for the first wave of consideration. They will then be scored, with the top scoring applications getting the first crack at going before council. (CNN) Rohingya refugees who fled a brutal army crackdown last year say they are terrified of going back to Myanmar, as authorities begin the process of repatriating thousands of people living in crowded refugee camps near the Bangladeshi border. "I am scared, I was told that if we don't go back our house here will be broken," 60-year-old Rohingya refugee Rahima Khatun told CNN from Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. "I would rather eat poison or jump from the boat and die rather than go back." Bangladesh and Myanmar were set to start the repatriation of 2,260 Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State on Thursday, however by late afternoon no Rohingya families had volunteered to return, according to Bangladeshi authorities. "We have not found any volunteers. We will continue looking," Mohammad Abdul Kalam, Bangladesh's Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner said. "We cannot force anybody to go back." International rights groups have fiercely objected to plans to return the Rohingyas, for fear they'll continue to face persecution or be confined to permanent displacement camps without freedom of movement or the right to a livelihood. Bangladesh has repeatedly said that no one will be forced to go back to Myanmar, but with little information given to those living in a sprawling refugee camp at Cox's Bazar, the process has been steeped in rumor, fear and uncertainty. "We are scared to return to Myanmar because if we go they will kill us," 51-year-old Rohingya refugee Majeda told CNN. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR), which is not facilitating returns but has assessed the willingness of those chosen to go back, said the conditions in Myanmar are not conducive for refugees to be repatriated. More than 720,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh following a systematic campaign by the Myanmar military that began in August last year. A UN fact-finding mission described the assault, which included widespread reports of mass rape, murder and arson, as genocide. The Myanmar government has denied that its soldiers deliberately attacked unarmed Rohingya. 'Terror and panic' There was a heavier than usual army presence in the camp on Wednesday, with security forces stepping up checks on refugees and journalists. As word spread that some refugees were on a list of more than 2,000 approved by Myanmar to return, several families went into hiding, fearing they would be forced back. Two others attempted to kill themselves, the UN said. Mohammedul Hassan said his family fled to another camp after they found out they were included on the repatriation list and Bangladesh security forces told them to prepare to go back. "Everyday at least 10 to 12 officers came and told us," said 18-year-old Hassan. "My brothers were killed and I was shot. How can we go back to Myanmar without having justice?" Rights groups say Bangladesh has done little to allay the fears of refugees and aid workers that repatriations would be voluntary. There have also been reports of Bangladesh security forces threatening and physically beating refugees, raising concerns that they may be coerced into returning.CNN has sought comment from Bangladesh but is yet to receive a response. "This is a clear case where the Bangladesh authorities are failing to protect the refugee population, by allowing rumors to spread or fester, said Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer of human rights group Fortify Rights. "No refugee in Bangladesh should be forced into hiding because they think they will be forced back to Myanmar. Dhaka has responsibility to prevent that from happening." UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday that "we are witnessing terror and panic" among the refugees "who are at imminent risk of being returned to Myanmar against their will," and she called on the Bangladesh government to halt repatriations. What awaits returning refugees? Many Rohingya have said they are willing to go back but only under the right conditions. Rohingya leaders said these include the right to citizenship, the return of lands, and for military leaders to be held accountable for abuses. "We were tortured, female members in our family were raped and children were burnt alive," 39-year-old Rohingya refugee Dil Muhammad told CNN. "We don't want to go back until our demands are accepted." It is unlikely that any of these demands will be met. The stateless Rohingya have long been a persecuted minority in Myanmar that have been kept in apartheid-like conditions across Rakhine State, where they are subjected to restrictions on movement, medical care and even births. They are labeled as "Bengali" by many in the country who see them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Around 120,000 Rohingya remain sequestered in displacement camps around the state capital Sittwe following ethnic violence six years ago. Rights groups fear a similar fate will befall returning refugees. "This inhumane arrangement must not be allowed to become the status quo among any Rohingya refugees who may return to Myanmar," Save the Children's Asia Regional Director, Hassan Noor Saadi, said in a statement. Myanmar officials said those who return to the country would stay in temporary "transit centers" before being moved into villages. "Their stated addresses will be scrutinized and if found correct, they will be allowed to return to them," Union Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Win Myat Aye, told reporters on Sunday. Those without homes would be settled in "temporary residences located in areas nearest to their original homes." Rohingya advocates question how refugees can go back to these areas as entire villages were destroyed by fire and expunged of its Rohingya population. "Quite a lot of people are from places that don't exist anymore. So where are they going to go?" said Chris Lewa, director of the nonprofit Arakan Project, which advocates on Rohingya issues. Adding to woes is a requirement by Myanmar that refugees sign up for a national verification card, otherwise they will not be permitted to travel out of the transit camp or apply for citizenship. Rights groups say refugees are reluctant to accept the cards, fearing it will strip them of their Rohingya identity. "Rohingya families were burnt out of their homes, their people watched loved ones get massacred, there was systemic rape, so just a few months later to demand that this population work with the authorities and particularly with respect to issues of identity, it's not on the cards," said Smith. No meaningful changes By restricting access to northern Rakhine, Myanmar has made it almost impossible for independent monitors, journalists or humanitarian aid groups to build a clear picture of the conditions Rohingya will return to. Under a memorandum of understanding with the Myanmar government, the UNHCR and UN Development Fund (UNDP) were granted access to conduct initial assessments in 26 villages in Rakhine -- a tiny portion of the state. From reports of Rohingya who stayed following the crackdown, the picture is bleak. On a government-led tour to Maungdaw in September, CNN found that Rohingya villagers were living under strict curfews and movement restrictions. Rohingya were unable to speak freely, terrified of reprisals from security forces, which kept a close eye on them. "I have no job, no education. We can't go anywhere, the government keeps us like prisoners," 21-year-old Maung Amin told CNN by phone, because he was too scared to meet in person. Compounding fears that security conditions are not right for refugees to return, there are ongoing reports of alleged killings, disappearances and arbitrary arrests, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday. Rohingya are also continuing to flee across the border. There had been 11,432 arrivals in Bangladesh this year up until mid-June, according to the UN. "Myanmar authorities have made no meaningful changes to the daily lives of Rohingya left in northern Rakhine and other parts of the state," Fortify Rights' Smith said. Meanwhile, Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has made no comment on the repatriations. On the sidelines of a bilateral meeting in Singapore on Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told Suu Kyi that the persecution of the minority was inexcusable. Unwanted by the leaders of a country they cannot legally call their own, the Rohingya have a simple wish. "I want justice and we want our land and our property so we (can) live in peace," Rahima Khatun said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "'If we go they will kill us': Rohingya refugees fear repatriation to Myanmar." Photo: Contributed Do your own research when travelling. Those of you who do as much flying as I do you will be familiar with all the tricks the airlines use to get more money out of your pocket. Those of you who dont believe that happens, search Google for information on a class action lawsuit launched against almost all major U.S. airlines for collusion, some of which have already settled for astronomical amounts of money. That was simply for collusion, there is also price gouging which happens on a regular basis. I had to fly to New York this week for business and just before I left, I had a request for a meeting in Mexico City. Fair enough. We deemed it important enough to switch my schedule around. I had a return ticket to New York in the bag, so I did some research using some websites that are very helpful and one apparently top secret website. What I discovered quite quickly was that if I booked a trip to Mexico City and then back to my home destination, it was a lot of money. More than I was prepared to pay. Instead, I looked at a one-way fare for each leg and it was almost half of the originally quoted cost. That is a small clue if you travel regularly. Yield management on airlines ensures that it is difficult to find where the savings might be hidden, so do your homework. After spending 30 minutes researching, I called my loyal flyers hotline with my airline and explained my situation. I asked to book a leg to Mexico City and a separate leg back to Spokane. At first the client service rep had a hard time figuring out that I need to cancel my return leg from New York. She was trying to change it. She came up with a price that was way above what I had seen, so I explained that it was more advantageous to me to cancel my flight home and re-book. She argued initially, but then agreed to cancel the leg. By now, we were 30 minutes in to the conversation already. Finally, she gave me a price for a trip from New York to Mexico City. It was three times the price of my original round trip ticket to New York. I explained that I had three websites open and all were showing a value of about 20 per cent of her quote. She grumbled and indicated that I must have access to a very special website. I indicated that it was simply Google flights showing me their airline pricing for a one-way ticket. In frustration, she recommended that I book the ticket that way, even though I have a very high status with the airline. So I gave in and said check the Mexico to Spokane for me. She came back with a price for a one way ticket of $2,300. At this point I explained that I can fly first class to Europe for that price and did she not think that was a little strange. She explained that it was all her system was showing her. How was I getting my pricing of $400? She suggested I use my very special website, that must be top secret to get my pricing. I advised her that the top secret website was her airline website. Now, she had to save face, so said she was taking the issue higher to the overseas booking desk who could get us a better price with their very fancy top secret booking system. After another 30 minutes on hold, she came back and said they had confirmed that the best price ticket I could get from their airline would be $2,300. I thanked her for a her time and said I would book it. Ten minutes later, I had two one-way tickets booked for $500US total rather than $3,500 she would liked to have charged me. Exactly how many people on any given week are taken for a ride in more ways than one by the airlines in North America! Madison Erhardt The Salvation Army's 2018 Christmas kettle campaign got underway in Kelowna, Thursday. Community members gathered at the Salvation Army Community Life Centre in Rutland for the celebration. "We have set a goal of raising $800,000 over the next five weeks. We set that goal knowing there are going to be challenges, of course. Everyone's dollar is being called upon for various wonderful causes in our community," said Darryl Burry, executive lead pastor. All funds raised through the kettle campaign stay in the Okanagan. "We have over 20 locations all over the Central Okanagan where the bells will be ringing," Burry added. Visit www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca to lend a hand. Photo: Wayne Moore The Society of Hope's 22-year vision of bringing affordable senior's housing to Kelowna has been realized. To much fanfare, the ribbon was cut on the third phase of Apple Valley, a senior's complex on Benvoulin Court, Thursday morning. The 47-unit building brings to 199 the number of affordable senior's units in the development. Society executive director Luke Stack says the vision began with the donation of land in the Landmark Centre area in the late 1990s. The society sold that land, and used the proceeds to purchase what was at the time the Pettit family farm, where Apple Valley now sits. "It took many, many years to find this site, get it out of the ALR, rezone it, get the roads built. That added quite a few years to the project," said Stack. "But, it turned out to be a great decision because it's so well located now. It's perfect." Stack says the society is still trying to determine what to do with an additional two acres at the back of the complex. It's also constructing 21 family townhomes in Glenmore. In all, Stack says the vision is to build another 150 units of affordable housing in Kelowna over the next five years. Geraldine Barsetti is one of the residents who moved into Apple Valley 3 in October. She said she feels at home, and very safe, and has had no trouble meeting people and making friends. Total cost of the entire development came in at $38 million, with $15 million of that coming from all three levels of government. Photo: The Canadian Press The number of U.S. active-duty troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border has "pretty much peaked" at the current total of 5,800, the Pentagon's No. 2 official said Thursday. That is far below the 10,000 to 15,000 that President Donald Trump initially said would be needed to secure the border against what he called an "invasion" of migrants. Deputy Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan was asked about the military mission one day after his boss, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, visited troops near McAllen, Texas, and defended the use of the military for border security. Mattis said that within a week to 10 days, the troops currently deployed along the border in Texas, Arizona and California will have accomplished all the tasks initially requested by Customs and Border Protection, although he said additional requests were expected. Shanahan did not go into detail beyond saying substantial additional troops do not appear to be required. "We've pretty much peaked in terms of the number of people that are down there," he told reporters at the Pentagon. He noted that the current mission is scheduled to end Dec. 15, adding, "That could always be amended." Mattis, while on his way to visit troops along the border in south Texas on Wednesday, declined to provide an estimate of how much the mission will cost. In his most extensive remarks about the hastily arranged mission, Mattis argued that it fits an historical pattern dating to early in the 20th century. He noted that President Woodrow Wilson deployed tens of thousands of National Guard and active duty troops to the border in 1916 in response to a Mexican military raid into the U.S. led by Gen. Francisco "Pancho" Villa. He noted that more recently, National Guard troops were used in border missions ordered by President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, although not on the cusp of a midterm election. Mattis did not say how soon the mission might end. In addition to the 5,800 active duty troops in the border area, about 2,100 National Guard troops have been providing border support since April. Critics have questioned the wisdom of using the military on the border where there is no discernible security threat. Since the Nov. 6 election, Trump has said little about the matter, and no border threat has yet materialized. Opalesque Industry Update - FundRock Management Company S.A. has completed the acquisition of SEB Fund Services S.A. from Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB. The deal was first announced on May 22nd and concludes following regulatory approval of the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. SEB FS is offering third party management company services to Nordic asset managers with Luxembourg-based investment funds. The business in its entirety, including some 20 employees, is as of today transferred to FundRock. "This move is part of our five year plan and provides a strong foundation to reach our goal of becoming the premier independent Fund Management Company/AIFM in Europe with a full pan-EU offering in the three major fund centres; UK, Ireland and Luxembourg", says Revel Wood, Group CEO of FundRock. "Clients and their end investors are core and central to our business, and expect more and more from us as their long-term partner in Europe. This further enhances our ability to offer our clients a substantial, well-capitalised solution with deep and broad expertise in all the major European fund jurisdictions, packaged into a robust offering with strong connectivity, now also reaching into the Nordic markets. It further demonstrates our long-term commitment to invest in Fund Management as our core business offering clients solutions across their full fund range." he added. FundRock is a leading independent third party UCITS Management Company and AIFM (Alternative Investment fund Manager) providing services to Luxembourg, Ireland and UK based funds. The group handles more than 300 funds based in Luxembourg, the UK and Ireland with EUR 45 bn in assets under management, now extending to EUR 60bn with this acquisition. "We will continue to offer management company services via an exclusive cooperation agreement with FundRock thereby strengthening SEB's customer offering," says Goran Fors, Deputy Head of SEB Investor Services. "It will also be a good solution for our employees, who are now joining an operation of large scale with offices in the major fund centres that is fully specialised and focused in this service area", continues Goran Fors. Photo: The Canadian Press Lawyer Joey Zukran A class action lawsuit against McDonald's Canada arguing that Happy Meals and their accompanying toys illegally advertise to children can go ahead, a judge has ruled. Montreal lawyer Joey Zukran sought authorization for the lawsuit on behalf of a father who, according to court documents, spent hundreds of dollars on the meals during regular visits to the fast-food restaurant with his children. Zukran argues promotion of the popular children's meals contravenes Quebec's consumer protection law. Among the strictest in Canada, the law prohibits commercial advertising directed at children under the age of 13. The application was heard on Nov. 6, and Quebec Superior Court Justice Pierre-C. Gagnon cleared the way for the case to be heard on its merits in a decision Wednesday. The lead plaintiff is Antonio Bramante, a father of three who says he takes his children to McDonald's every two weeks. Because the Happy Meal toys are typically part of a collection, his children insisted on going back, court documents say. The toys were often linked to popular films such as Transformers, Minions and My Little Pony. "He was telling me about how much money he had spent on toys on his three children over the years," Zukran said in an interview Thursday. Zukran is seeking an injunction to end the practice of targeting children with toys. He will also ask for compensation amounting to the full cost of the toys and meals as well as punitive damages for a practice that has been going on for 25 years. In court documents, Bramante notes McDonald's displays the toys inside its restaurants in a display case at the height of a child's eyes. On its web site, he says, it attracts children with slogans such as "Fun's in the box!" and "See the toys!" Bramante claims McDonald's is acting deliberately "to the detriment of vulnerable consumers, their children and their families," the documents say. He says it is a commercial practice that is illegal in Quebec. A spokesman for McDonald's Canada denied the allegations brought in the action. "McDonald's Canada has received the ruling and plans to examine it carefully," Adam Grachnik said. "We are aware of our obligations under Quebec's advertising laws and reiterate that we do not believe this class action has merit." In court, McDonald's argued that it limits advertising of Happy Meals to restaurant interiors and drive-thrus, and the boxes the meals are packed in make no mention of toys. The restaurant chain also argued it abides by a voluntary agreement signed in 1985 with the province's consumer protection office in relation to child-oriented advertising. Corinne Voyer of the Quebec Coalition on Weight-Related Problems, a group that encourages healthy eating habits, said she's happy the case will move forward. "It will confirm whether this type of advertising is allowed in Quebec," Voyer said. "It's been a bit of a grey zone for us, so it will allow us to see if it will set a precedent for advertising to kids." 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The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real-time scenario.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Adult Skim Milk Powder : History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Adult Skim Milk Powder Market Industry Analysis and Forecast 2018-2025 and its commercial landscape Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations To understand the future outlook and prospects for Adult Skim Milk Powder market industry analysis and forecast 2018-2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.About UpMarketResearch:UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market Outlook with Expected 6.3% CAGR 2018 2023 | Global Key Players - Abbott, Advaxis, Bristol-Meyrs Squibb, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Merck, Pfizer Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market https://marketprognosis.com/sample-request/17180 https://marketprognosis.com/buyReport/17180 https://marketprognosis.com/enquiry/17180 https://www.marketprognosis.com Marketprognosis.com Publish a New Market Research Report On Global Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market 2018 - 2023 which contains global key players survey information and forecast to 2023.Overview of the Global Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market:The report spread across 111 pages is an overview of the Global Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market. These report study based on the Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market. It is a complete overview of the market, covering various aspects prevailing market landscape. It accumulates comprehensive information and research methodologies.The Global Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market are expected to register a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period, 2018 to 2023. North America dominates the market, due to growing prevalence of cervical cancer diseases and rising awareness regarding cervical cancer in the region.Get a Sample Copy of this Report @The United States assists with coverage and reimbursement on Pap test screening. Federal law has been passed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to mandate the coverage of cervical cancer screening tests. It is also supported by self-insured plans. Medicaid, the most popular government insurance program covers screening for cervical cancers. Medicare, another widely used insurance covers Pap test, pelvic exam, and a clinical breast exam for cervical cancer screening every two years for Medicare beneficiaries. There are also support programs like National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides cervical cancer screening to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost. According to the Federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, the US government is trying to include HPV vaccine in the insurance plans and include it as a part of federal Vaccine for Children (VFC) entitlement program. All these governmental initiatives toward cervical cancer prevention have led to the growth of the market.Asia-Pacific is expected to grow tremendously during the forecast period, owing to factors, such as high prevalence of cervical cancer. The high prevalence rate of cervical cancer among the population has attributed to factors, such as less awareness regarding sexual hygiene and precaution. High prevalence of cervical cancer, coupled with a greater government emphasis on screening and improvements in diagnosis of cervical cancer are anticipated to boost the market growth in Asia Pacific.Purchase this report online with 111 Pages, Top Key Players Analysis and List of Tables & Figure @Major Key Players:1 Abbott2 Advaxis, Inc3 Becton, Dickinson and Company4 Bristol-Meyrs Squibb Company5 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd6 GlaxoSmithKline plc7 Merck & Co., Inc8 Pfizer Inc. and MoreAny Query? Ask to our Expert @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What is driving this market?4 What are the challenges to market growth?5 Who are the key vendors in this market space?6 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?7 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of Cervical Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market.Table of Contents:1 Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Executive Summary4 Key Inferences5 Market Overview6 Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges Analysis (Droc)7 Market Segmentation8 Competitive Landscape9 Key Players10 Future Outlook of the MarketAbout us:We at Market Prognosis believe in giving a crystal clear view of market dynamics for achieving success in todays complex and competitive marketplace through our quantitative & qualitative research methods.We help our clients identify the best market insights and analysis required for their business thus enabling them to take strategic and intelligent decision.We believe in delivering actionable insights for your business growth and success.Contact us:ProgMark Pvt. Ltd.Thane 421501India.sales@marketprognosis.com+1 973 241 5193 Global Consumer Robotics Industry Share, Growth and Market Key Players Analysis (iRobot Corporation, Jibo, Inc., 3D Robotics, Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Bossa Nova Robotics, DJI, SoftBank Group)| Forecast 2018- 2023 Consumer Robotics Industry 2018-2023 https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/648095 https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/648095 https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/648095 www.orianresearch.com/ www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Consumer robotics is shifting from a phase of being largely dominated by cleaning robots, into robotic personal assistants or family companions. Also, robotic toys, which, until now, were largely gimmicky, are transforming into interactive connected play devices that have virtually limitless possibilities, as well as useful educational tools as a part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-based curriculum. The second phase of the consumer robotics revolution is well and truly underway, and the next 5 years will set the stage for how these robots fundamentally transform our homes and daily lives.For Sample Copy of this Report Visit @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Consumer Robotics in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.The declining price of personal robot owing to rapidly growing competition in market drives the adoption of consumer robot while augmenting its market growth. In addition, the growing demand for homecare owing to rapidly aging population and rising prevalence of diseases further propel the consumer robot market growth.Growing spending power of consumers and increasing need for convenience, especially in developed countries, is another major factor contributing to the growing consumer robot market. Other drivers include growing the rise in security threat, high speed innovation and growing number of players. However, the performance issue might hold back the market growth. High speed innovation is expected to augment the consumer robot market growth over the projected period.The worldwide market for Consumer Robotics 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 study.Global Consumer Robotics Industry is spread across 123 pages, profiling 07 companies and supported with tables and figures.Inquire more or share a question if any before the purchase on this report @Report Coverage:Top Manufactures/vendors of Consumer Robotics market: iRobot Corporation Jibo, Inc. 3D Robotics, Inc. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Bossa Nova Robotics DJI SoftBank Group Based on Type: Autonomous Semi-AutonomousBased on Application: Entertainment Security and Surveillance Education Telepresence Service OthersOrder a copy of Global Consumer Robotics Market Report 2018 @what does Report Include?Historic Data: What was the Consumer Robotics Market data (Size, competition, company share, YoY growth rate, etc.) from 2013 to 2018Current Market Status: A comprehensive analysis of current market Size, trends, growth drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and opportunities for playersMarket Forecast: Report will comment and provide details about market growth and forecast till year 2023.Customization: We can provide following things 1) On request more company profiles (competitors) 2) Data about particular country or region 3) We will incorporate the same with no additional cost (Post conducting feasibility).There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Consumer Robotics market.Chapter 1, to describe Consumer Robotics Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Consumer Robotics, with sales, revenue, and price of Consumer Robotics, 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 Consumer Robotics, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Consumer Robotics market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Consumer Robotics sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceAbout UsOrian 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 (415) 830-3727| UK +44 020 8144-71-27Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn: Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Global Growth Rate and Key Business Strategies : HCL Technologies Limited, TCS, Wipro Limited, EDAG Engineering GmbH, Cybage software, Kistler Instruments AG, Infosys Ltd Engineering Services Outsourcing Market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/engineering-services-outsourcing-market/request-for-free-sample https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/engineering-services-outsourcing-market/inquire-before-buying www.polarismarketresearch.com An exclusive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market research report created through broad primary research (inputs from industry experts, companies, and stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to present the analysis of Global Engineering Services Outsourcing Market By Type, , By Application, By Region - North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses the emerging trends along with major drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global Engineering Services Outsourcing Market. Additionally, the report also highlights market entry strategies for various companies across the globe.According Global engineering services outsourcing market is anticipated to reach more than USD 1.96 trillion by 2026.Get More Information Download Sample Copy atTop Companies Player :HCL Technologies Limited, IAV GmbH, P+Z Engineering GmbH, Tata Consulting Services Limited, Wipro Limited, EDAG Engineering GmbH, ASAP Holdings GmbH, FEV Group, Cybage software, Kistler Instruments AG, Infosys Ltd, among othersEngineering Services Outsourcing Market has been evolved from outsourcing of simple low-cost engineering services to capacity augmentation. These days companies are focusing more on reduced timelines, increased productivity and quality of outsourcing services. Countries such as India, China are the biggest market for ESO providers. Growing number of engineering professionals every year coupled with low cost of service have pushed the market for ESO in this region.The major factors which are driving this market is the access to low cost highly skilled resources which can work towards complex tasks of not only designing and testing but also on validation, simulation and execution. Companies are moving from business process outsourcing to knowledge process outsourcing and major industry verticals such as automotive, consumer electronics, semiconductors, aerospace and telecom are providing huge opportunities to the consulting companies. The traction of offshore outsourcing can be seen owing to the low cost and added capabilities from the service providers. There are pureplay ESO service providers which are not only providing basic services but also, they are jointly investing with the companies to expand their businesses in growing markets and geographies. Companies are also focusing on ESO services to expand their market reach along with faster turnaround times from these providers. These are some of the major advantages for the companies to outsource their services.Companies in North America and Europe are considered to spend more on these services however, Asia Pacific is the largest market for the ESO service providers. Countries such as India and China have pushed the market for ESO and are estimated to continue the trend over the forecast period. ESO applications in the automotive, telecom, consumer electronics and aerospace segments is considered to have large market share in 2017. There has been an increase in adoption in the offshore services as compared to onsite service due to low costs and highly skilled professionals on the offshore locations. The offshore outsourcing type would grow at a higher rate during the forecast period as compared to its counterpart. The major restrains this market is facing is the intellectual property theft specifically during the offshore outsourcing. This is the major problem faced by many companies, which eventually generates a loss for these companies. However due to strict laws and changing regulations, this challenge is expected to overcome during the forecast period.Else Place Any Inquiry Before Purchase Global Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Trends and and Geography Forecast, 2017-2026 About Polaris Market ResearchPolaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to our customers.Contact usMr. NeelCorporate Sales, USAPolaris Market ResearchPhone: 1-646-568-9980Email: neel@polarismarketresearch.comWeb: EVOH Films for Packaging Market: Soaring Demand Assures Motivated Revenue Share during 2018-2028 | Key Players are Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc., Kuraray Co. Ltd, Amcor Ltd, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1673 https://www.factmr.com/report/1673/evoh-films-packaging-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1673/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) films for packaging market in Europe has been witnessing excellent growth as innovation and resource efficiency have remained the backbone of the European packaging industry. Additionally, leading manufacturers of EVOH Films For Packaging Market in Europe are leveraging growth prospects of the European e-commerce sector for the economic growth of their businesses. Sensing the opportunities emerging in emerging markets of Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East, leading packaging companies are focusing on consolidating their position in these regions. For instance, Mondi Group an Austria-based packaging company recently announced its plan to acquire the Egypt-based National Company for Paper Products and Import & Export (NPP). The Mondi Group will invest over 24 million to consolidate a stronger position in the Middle East. Further, The Smurfit Kappa Group plc a leading packaging company in Europe revealed its plans to expand its business in the Americas to improve its geographical reach. The growing focus on establishing a global presence is likely to usher in a flurry of mergers, acquisitions, and collaboration in the packaging landscape.You can Get Free Sample Report of EVOH Films for Packaging Market Here -Increasing concern about the environmental damages caused due to plastic is influencing consumers to shift towards eco-friendly alternatives for plastic in the packaging industry. Leading manufacturers are considering the dynamic consumer demand for environmentally-friendly materials while adopting strategies to manufacture EVOH films for packaging market. Growing mandates by governments and increasing carbon-consciousness among consumers is influencing manufacturers to alter their production process. Many players have made a gradual shift from plastic to paper to comply with the evolving demand. The rising number of environmentally-conscious consumers and manufacturers making a shift towards paper packaging solutions may curtail demand for EVOH films for packaging market in the upcoming years.Multipronged Applications of EVOH Films in the Food Industry Create Sustained DemandEVOH films are commonly used in the food packaging industry as EVOH acts as a perfect barrier for oxygen to protect the food from contamination. EVOH films for packaging remain superior as compared to other plastic raisins at filtering oxygen out and retaining the flavor of the food product for long.. Leading stakeholders are focusing on manufacturing durable and moldable EVOH films that can ensure the long shelf life of food products. Thereby, though expensive, demand for EVOH films for packaging market is likely to increase with the rapidly growing food industry, in coming years.Preference for Sustainability and Flexible Packaging Represent Fundamental Market TrendsThe packaging industry is gaining momentum with increasing availability of a wide range of packaging solutions as per the end-user needs. Salient business strategies developed by leading manufacturers of EVOH films for packaging market hugely depend on the way consumers use packaged goods. Growing number of environmentally-conscious consumers are triggering demand for sustainable as well as convenient packaging solutions. The convenience of handling flexible packaging materials, such as packaging products made with EVOH films, their barrier properties, and recyclability of EVOH films are the primary factors to accelerate the global sales of EVOH films for packaging market.You can Browse Complete EVOH Films for Packaging Market Report In-Depth Here -EVOH films are among the most commonly used materials in retortable plastics used in most packaging solutions, and thereby, the rapidly growing packaging industry depict increasing applications of EVOH films for packaging market. The seal strength for EVOH film packaging solutions needs to high enough to protect the structural integrity of EVOH films when they undergo various high-temperature processes. Additionally, the oxygen permeability of EVOH films for packaging market deteriorates after retorting, which makes it the foremost need for manufacturers to improve the characteristics of EVOH films to withstand normal handling abuse and retort temperatures. As EVOH films are widely used in food packaging solutions, leading manufacturers of EVOH films for packaging market adopting advanced technologies to enhance performance properties of EVOH films to protect food products against external factors such as microbial invasion, light degradation, and moisture changes.Thriving Demand for High Barrier Properties of EVOH Films across Industries Bolsters the Market GrowthOwing to the moisture-resistant and oxygen barrier properties of EVOH films, they are among the most favorite choices of plastic raisins used in food packaging solutions. Apart from the food industry, EVOH films are also employed in the pharmaceutical industry, as the quality of packaging plays an important role in improving the shelf life of pharmaceutical products and minimizing losses. Due to its gas-resistant and light barrier characteristics, EVOH films for packaging market are likely to witness high demand in the pharmaceutical industry in the upcoming years. Furthermore, the excellent oil-resistant and chemical-resistant properties of EVOH films are boosting its applications as a fuel barrier layer in various automobiles as well as in portable gas containers. Such versatile applications of EVOH films for packaging market will create numerous business opportunities for manufacturers of EVOH films in the upcoming years.Competitive LandscapeThe EVOH films for packaging market report presents a detailed analysis of the revenue share contribution and key business strategies of all the tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 manufacturers of EVOH films for packaging market. This chapter in the EVOH films for packaging market report includes comprehensive information on each companys portfolio, SWOT analysis, key developments, and an assessment of strategic overviews of each manufacturer of EVOH films. The EVOH films for packaging market report features all the important stakeholders in the market including Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc., Kuraray Co. Ltd, Amcor Ltd, Berry Global Inc., Coveris Holdings S.A., Winpak Ltd., Schur Flexibles Holding GesmbH, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group, and FLAIR Flexible Packaging Corporation.Now Buy This EVOH Films for Packaging Market Report from Here -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400, Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog: Hands-Free Power Liftgate Market Expected to reach $ 1,490.96 Million by 2023 | Aisin Seiko, Autoease, Brose, Faurecia, Grupo Antolin Irausa S.A, Johnson electric, Magna International , Stabilus GmbH and Tommygate. Hands Free Power Liftgate https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/hands-free-power-liftgate-market?utm_source=OpenPR https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4089?utm_source=OpenPR https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4089?utm_source=OpenPR https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Hands-free power liftgate Market by Type and Application: Global Opportunities Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023, the global hands-free power liftgate market was valued at $ 1,069.06 million in 2016, and is projected to reach at $ 1,491 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2023.Access Full Summary at :Hands-Free Power Liftgate is a back-door system, the user of the vehicle controls the liftgate/tailgate opening and closing through the key located on the dashboard or through handheld remote device.In 2016, semi-automatic segment dominated the market, in terms of revenue, due to increase in demand for luxurious vehicle.Asia Pacific was the highest revenue contributor to the hands-free power liftgate market in 2016, accounting for around 32.00% share, due to rise in adoption of sensors and electronic based system/components across the automotive sector.These players have adopted various competitive strategies such as innovation, new product development, and market expansion to boost the growth of the market.Download Sample Copy:Key Findings of the Hands-free Power Liftgate Market:The semi-automatic segment accounted for the highest share in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2017 to 2023.Passenger cars application generated the highest revenue, accounting for $789.64 million in 2016.Asia pacific is expected to dominate the market, in terms of market share, during the forecast period.The report features a competitive scenario of the hands-free power liftgate market and provides a comprehensive analysis of the key growth strategies adopted by major players. The key players in the global market are Aisin Seiko co.ltd, Autoease Technology, Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG, Faurecia SA, Grupo Antolin Irausa S.A, Huf Hlsbeck & Frst GmbH & Co. KG, Johnson electric, Magna International Inc., Stabilus GmbH, tommygate.Enquiry Report:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Allied Market Research provides one stop solution from the beginning of data collection to investment advice. The analysts at Allied Market Research dig out factors that help clients to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The company amplies clients insight on the factors, such as strategies, future estimations, growth or fall forecasting, opportunity analysis, and consumer surveys among others. As follows, the company offers consistent business intelligent support to aid the clients to turn into prominent business firm.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: 2023 Bulimia Nervosa Market Size Growing Rapidly with Prestigious Players - GmbH, Philips Healthcare, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Stryker , General Electric Company , Covidien ltd, Penumbra, Inc. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1417 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/bulimia-nervosa-market-1417 This Market report Global Bulimia Nervosa Market Research Report 2018provides detailed insight covering all important parameters including Development Trends, Challenges, Opportunities, Key Manufacturers and Competitive Analysis.Global Bulimia Nervosa Market - OverviewBulimia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with eating a large amount of food in short time. People suffering from bulimia nervosa is increasing continuously around the globe. As eating disorders are triggered by negative energy balance accompanied by weight loss.Factors like stress, fat-shaming, nutrition education, pressure to be thin and many more are responsible causing this disorder. Diseases like diabetes and many other cardiovascular diseases are also responsible for increasing the market on bulimia nervosa.High cost of treatment is the major restraining factor for the growth of the market. Global bulimia nervosa market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during forecasted period 2017-2023.GET FREE SAMPLE REPORT @According to findings from the WHO in 2014, approximately 422 million people suffered from diabetes. Due to the increasing diabetic population across the globe there is a significant increase in the number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, increasing geriatric population and increasing healthcare expenditure have fuelled the growth of the market.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, over 17.7 million people died from cardiovascular diseases, representing 31% of all global deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), over 630,000 Americans died from heart disease each year, which accounted for 1 in every 4 deaths.According to findings from the WHO, in 2015, 82% of the total deaths were occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Beside this, globally 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in 2016, and 13% were obese.Global Bulimia Nervosa Market - Competitive AnalysisSiemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany), Philips Healthcare (U.S), Abbott (U.S), Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.(U.S), Stryker (U.S), General Electric Company (U.K), Covidien ltd (Ireland), AstraZeneca (U.K) Penumbra, Inc. (U.S) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Bulimia Nervosa Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Due to increasing prevalence of bulimia nervosa across the globe many of the companies are in the race to introduce better treatment for bulimia nervosa. Companies are using a trend of strategic alliance and acquisition to gain the market and minimize the competition in the market.AstraZeneca is a multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company headquartered in UK. Recently AstraZeneca has completed its collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health. This collaboration will help to discover the new and better drug treatment for distressing condition.AstraZeneca has also collaborated with Vanderbilt Center for the Neuroscience Drug Discovery which aims to discover new drug for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.OBTAIN COMPLETE 80 PAGES PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS ENABLED WITH RESPECTIVE 40+ TABLES AND FIGURES @Global Bulimia Nervosa Market - Regional AnalysisOn regional basis, North America has the leading bulimia nervosa market due to increasing prevalence of this disorder in North America. 6.2 million People are suffering with this bulimia nervosa in North America majority of them are young adults.Beside this unmet need of medication and technological advances is the other factor for growth of this market in North America.According to World Population Ageing Report, in 2017, there are an estimated 962 million people aged 60 or over globally, which is 13% of the total global population.According to the population reference bureau, the number of Americans ageing 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million in 2015 to over 98 million by 2060. According to the StastsCan, 2015, over 5.7 million Canadians have aged 65 and older, which was 16.1 % of Canadian population.According to Statistics Canada projections, this trend will only increase. By 2031, one in four Canadians will be over 65 age. According to the WHO, 2015, Asia's elderly population is projected to reach nearly 923 million by 2050. Growing geriatric is fuelling the number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases owing to the high susceptibility of this population pool to developing cardiovascular diseases.Increasing geriatric population will increase the market for cardiovascular devices since they are more vulnerable towards cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and other diseases. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure has provided fuel for the growth of the market.North America is followed by Europe in bulimia nervosa market. Increasing number of diabetic population, patents suffering from other cardiovascular diseases, technological advances and well developed healthcare sector has led to grow this market in Europe.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market due to a huge population base and increasing prevalence of diabetes and other bulimia nervosa causing disease. The Middle East & Africa has the least market for bulimia nervosa.Major Points form Table of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Bulimia Nervosa Market, By TypeChapter 7. Global Bulimia Nervosa Market, By TreatmentChapter 8 Global Bulimia Nervosa Market, By End UserChapter 9. Global Bulimia Nervosa Market, By RegionChapter 10 Company LandscapeChapter 11 Company ProfilesChapter 12 MRFR ConclusionChapter 13 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 Hpv Vaccines Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2025 | Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co, MedImmune Hpv Vaccines Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1436023-global-hpv-vaccines-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1436023-global-hpv-vaccines-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1436023 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1436023-global-hpv-vaccines-industry-market 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 Global Hpv Vaccines Industry 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 Hpv Vaccines Market. Some of the key players profiled in the study are Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co, MedImmune, LLC, Emergent BioSolutions, Inc, India Pvt. Ltd. (India), Johnson & Johnson, CSL Limited, Astellas Pharma Inc, Sanofi Pasteur & Serum Institute.The Hpv Vaccines market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important regions.Hpv Vaccines Market Overview:If you are involved in the Hpv Vaccines 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 Pediatric & Adult, , Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 & Type 5 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.Enquire for customization in Report @Hpv Vaccines 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]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: , Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 & Type 5Major applications/end-users industry are as follows: Pediatric & AdultSome of the key Manufacturers Involved in the Market are Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co, MedImmune, LLC, Emergent BioSolutions, Inc, India Pvt. Ltd. (India), Johnson & Johnson, CSL Limited, Astellas Pharma Inc, Sanofi Pasteur & Serum InstituteYou can get free access to samples from the report here:For 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 Hpv Vaccines 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)Buy this research report @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 Hpv Vaccines 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 Hpv Vaccines market growth?What are the recent trends in the regional market and how successful they are?Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Hpv Vaccines market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Hpv Vaccines market, Applications [Pediatric & Adult], Market Segment by Regions North America, Europe, China, Japan, Middle East & Africa, India, South America & Others;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, China, Japan, Middle East & Africa, India, South America & Others ], 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 Hpv Vaccines Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.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].About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Global Breast Implants Market Growth Analysis By Top Leading Players like GC Aesthetics, Sientra, Allergan, Mentor, Arion Laboratoires, Ideal Implant, Groupe Sebbin, Cereplas, Establishment Labs & more https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/568797/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/568797/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/breast-implants-market#2/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ The newly released research at Market Study Report titled 2017-2024 Global Breast Implants Market Report provides data, information, brief analysis, company profiles, statistics for past years and forecasts for next few years.Prominent industry players include GC Aesthetics, Sientra, Allergan, Mentor, Arion Laboratoires, Ideal Implant, Groupe Sebbin, Cereplas, Establishment Labs and HansBiomed. The industry players resort to strategic initiatives such as agreements, acquisition and strong emphasis on product development and innovation in order to broaden their product portfolio and strengthen industry presence. For instance, in June 2016, Establishment Labs entered into a ten year distribution agreement with Human Wellness Corporation to market its Motiva Implants.Request a sample of this premium report at:Breast Implants Market size is set to exceed USD 4 billion by 2024; according to a new research study.Rising number of breast augmentation procedures coupled with increasing breast cancer incidence will drive market size over the forecast timeframe. Augmentation procedures enable women to increase their breast size and improves bust and hip contour balance. Reconstruction procedures help to restore one or both breasts to near normal size, shape and appearance.High cost of implantation procedure will impede industry expansion. Risk of complications in the case of both saline and silicone implants further limits procedure adoption. Complications associated with the procedure include infection, scarring, capsular formation and contraction, sensation changes to breast and nipple and chances of implant rupture. Additional surgeries may be required for treating the same.Silicone implants accounted for the largest revenue share due to its resemblance to natural breast tissue. Other benefits such as reduced probability of rippling and wrinkling further boosts adoption. However, difficulty of detecting device rupture restrains segment expansion. The rupture can only be detected after conducting an MRI.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Anatomical implants are poised to grow at a lucrative pace owing to its sloped contour with more implant material located at the bottom that provides a more natural appearance. These inserts provide greater projection with same volume as compared to round shaped ones. However, risk of rotation and rippling coupled with higher costs restrains segment growth.U.S. breast implants market held significant industry share. Increasing number of women opting for augmentation procedures will drive growth. Increasing per capita expenditure on cosmetic procedures will serve to be a high impact rendering factor.South Korea breast implants market is slated to witness robust growth over the forecast years. Increasing number of clinics and hospitals catering to plastic surgery coupled with increasing number of plastic surgeons is driving industry growth. Increasing desire to look attractive for excelling in professional life further fuels demand. Furthermore, growing influx of overseas patients especially from neighboring countries augments industry expansion.Table of Content:Chapter 1. MethodologyChapter 2. Executive SummaryChapter 3. Breast Implants Industry InsightsChapter 4. Breast Implants Market, By ProductChapter 5. Breast Implants Market, By ShapeChapter 6. Breast Implants Market, By ApplicationChapter 7. Breast Implants Market, By End useChapter 8. Breast Implants Market, By RegionChapter 9. Company ProfilesFor More Details about this report 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: Fast-Casual Restaurants Market Trends and Key Players: KFC, McDonald's, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Subway, Starbucks, etc Fast-Casual Restaurants Market https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request_sample/103720 https://www.reportsmonitor.com/check_discount/103720 https://www.reportsmonitor.com/report/103720/Fast-Casual-Restaurants-Market Fast-Casual Restaurants MarketSummaryThe major purpose of this Fast-Casual Restaurants Market report is to provide an in-depth view and strategic analysis of the parent industry. The report examines each segment as well as their respective sub-segments present in the market in an all-inclusive manner. The report provides a deep insight into the industry parameters by evaluating the growth of the market, share, volume, projected industry trends, and the different variations in prices for the forecast year.It also consists of the methodical description of the various factors detailed in the market, such as the market growth, industry revenue, growth rate, share, technological advancements, production, and different strategies required for the growth of the market.To Enquire About This Comprehensive Report, Click Here:The report includes an in-depth analysis of the industrial value chain, which provides a detailed view of the Fast-Casual Restaurants Market. The Porter's Five Forces model for the market has also been studied, in order to help understand the competitive scenario in the market. The study includes market attractiveness analysis, wherein the end-users are standardized, on the basis of the market size, overall attractiveness, and growth rate.This Fast-Casual Restaurants market research report provides the existing competitive analysis of some of the major players profiled in the market, which includes: KFC, McDonald's, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, Pizza Hut, Firehouse Restaurant Group (Firehouse Subs), Five Guys Holdings, Panda Restaurant Group (Panda Express), Panera Bread, Hardee'sKey Regions for this market: North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.Avail up-to 50% discount while purchasing this report:Global Fast-Casual Restaurants Market: Type Outlook: Chinese Restaurant, Western Restaurant, Other.Global Fast-Casual Restaurants Market: Application Outlook: Self-Take, Take-Out Food.Technological AdvancementsThe latest and advanced technologies used in the Fast-Casual Restaurants Market can be helpful for collaborative seminars, meetings, lectures, and training for industry professionals. Furthermore, in order to introduce advanced products or solutions, leading competitors are expected to concentrate on product innovation through continuous investments in product development.Key Benefits:1.The research report provides a detailed analysis of the Chemical Software Market along with the current and future growth prospects so as to shed light on the prominent investment pockets.2.Information regarding key growth factors, constraints, and opportunities, along with their impact analysis on the Chemical Software Market is provided.3.Porters fives forces analysis elaborates the effectiveness of buyers and suppliers operating in the market, globally and regionally.4.The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market from 2018 to 2025 is provided to put forth the market potential.Overall, this Fast-Casual Restaurants market research report depicts thorough overview of the market, which, in turn, will help the industry participants, consultants, equipment manufacturers, as well as the existing key players searching for potential growth opportunities and the stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies in view of the on-going and projected trends in the coming years.Have Any Query or Specific Requirement? Ask to Our Industry Expert @Key questions answered in the report include:What will the market size and the growth rate by the end of the forecast period?What are the key industry trends impacting the growth of the market?What are the key factors driving and restraining the Fast-Casual Restaurants market?What are the challenges to market growth?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players in the market?Who are the leading competitors functioning in the market for Fast-Casual Restaurants?What are the key outcomes of Porters five forces analysis of the Fast-Casual Restaurants market?In the end, The main goal of this research study is to provide a clear picture and a better understanding of the market for Global self driving car sales market report 2018 to the manufacturers, suppliers, and the distributors operational in it. The readers can gain a deep insight into this market from this piece of information that can enable them to formulate and develop critical strategies for the further expansion of their businesses.Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like Asia, United States, Europe.About UsReports Monitor is a market intelligence and consulting firm with extensive experience and knowledge of the Market Research industry.Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact Us:Mr Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911 (U.S.)+44 203 318 2846 (U.K.)Email: sales@reportsmonitor.com This Remembrance Day was the first in my 60 years that meant so much to me. I have always worn the poppy, always been thankful for the sacrifices made by those who fought in the wars to make my life better. But none of that was personal, until this last year. I grew up in a Jewish neighbourhood in Montreal, and although nothing was ever said, there were times I could see the numbers tattooed on the arms of my neighbours. In school, I learned about the Nazis and read the Diary of Anne Frank, and I was ashamed of having any German heritage at all. I was teased, asked if I had a picture of Hitler in my living room. I hated my heritage and couldn't wait for the day when I would be an adult and I could change my name. At age 19, I moved to British Columbia where, for the first time, I met aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandfather. I saw the amazing people who shared the same last name and I was OK with it. However, being OK with your name and having pride in your heritage are two very different things. I began researching my family history a number of years ago. I wanted to be able to fill in the names of grandparents and great-parents on an ancestry tree. What I didn't realize is the impact those names would have on me. The more I learned, the more in awe I was of the strength, determination, resilience, faith and sacrifice that my ancestors went through. These were hard-working farmers, taking care of their families and neighbours, who suffered and sacrificed and endured so much. For me, this Remembrance Day was very different. I wore my poppy for: Stephen Lesmeister, my first cousin, twice removed, who was on the Arizona that fateful day at Pearl Harbor. He was 21 years old. Wendelin Stolz, who was conscripted into the Russian army and killed in action in 1914. Michael Stolz, who died a martyr at age 22 in Russia. Pius Stolz, arrested under false charges, tried, convicted and executed. He was 46 years old. Pius' wife Aloysia, who was evacuated with her three children to Germany and never saw her husband again. Peter Stolz, arrested and sentenced to seven years in corrective labor camps, which most people never came out of. All those ancestors who left Germany for a better life in France; generations later had to leave France for a promise of a better life in Russia; and generations later had to escape Russia or join the army or, as many of my ancestors, disappear, never to be heard from again. All my German ancestors Stolz, Zahn, Hittel, Engel who had the courage to get on ships, sail for weeks in horrible conditions, only to go to a land that they heard was better but had no idea what to expect. All the women, my mother Agatha, grandmothers, and generations of great-grandmothers, who kept the families going through everything. They hold my awe and respect forever. I wore my poppy for all the German people who fought for others, paid with their lives and opened the doors for me to live in a country like Canada. I honour you with love, respect and gratitude. Thank you for your courage and strength. Paulette Stoltz Virology Market provides a 10-year forecast, segmenting the market on the basis of product type, application, end-use, and region. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1150 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1150 Virology, the study of viruses, is an unparalleled branch of life sciences. With immensely high prevalence of diseases such as flu, hepatitis, AIDS, and STDs, the importance of virology is repeatedly highlighted. The global virology market is expected to grow over 2015-2025.FMIs research identifies growing infectious diseases as a key force driving the market throughout the forecast period.Key Drivers: Virology MarketEarly in 2016, the WHO officially issued a warning about the possible spread of zika virus to each Western Hemispheric region, as the disease vector Aedes aegypti was found to thrive strong in tropical and sub-tropical climatic conditions. This has been a key driver of market growth throughout 2016.The virology market is constantly catering to the prevention and cure needs put forth by the healthcare sector; however, several diseases continue to demand R&D of novel applications, driving the growth of virology market. Various treatments and diagnostic processes also employ virology applications, further fuelling the market growth.Request Sample Report@Burgeoning applications of virology research in gene therapy, phage therapy, formulation of vaccines, and synthetic biology is another factor fostering the overall growth of the virology market.Moreover, the field of virology is extending in various forms, including molecular virology, paediatric virology, computational virology, and many more, prompting at increasing research findings throughout the forecast period. Research prospects are high and FMI indicates a continuing need for trained virologists in the near future.Public awareness programmes conducted worldwide on flu, zika virus, STDs, AIDS, and Ebola virus are also a key factor increasing public awareness and eventually influencing the market.Key Restraints to Market GrowthMaintaining the quality and safety standards of viral a controlling therapy has been a longstanding challenge, which is anticipated to hamper the market in the forecast period as well. Moreover, stringent approval processes for antiviral drugs is also foreseen to be a restraint to market growth. Another factor identified for affecting the market growth includes resistance toward and side effects of antiviral drugs for new treatment options.Current Trends in the Virology FieldIn 2015, the virology industry was predominantly influenced by ebola, MERS, and hepatitis C viruses. In 2016, zika virus is dominating the research, with better prospects in the near future.Virologists are persistently investigating novel applications for viruses. Currently, an ongoing research is experimenting on the exploitation of viruses for plant production, aiming at the efficient production of high quality, eco-friendly food.Global Virology Market: Competitive LandscapeBy 2017 end, a few important patents are approaching expiry, including Tamiflu, Sustiva, Tenofovir, Combivir, Relenza, and Telbivudine. Following expiry of these blockbuster drugs, the market is estimated to discover a dynamic competitive landscape. The generic competition in the virology market will be at a high pace 2017 onward.Apart from expiring drugs, the market also has some late stage pipeline drugs, including Inavir, Elvitegravir, Vicriviroc, Rilpivirine, and Rapiacta. These drugs are set to enter the global market, fostering the competition globally.Virology Market: SegmentationFMI's research on the global virology market provides a 10-year forecast, segmenting the market on the basis of product type, application, end-use, and region.Based on product type, the global virology market is segmented intoDiagnosing TestDNA VirusesRNA VirusesPrions Diagnostic TestOther Viral TestsViral Infection Controlling MethodsImmunoprophylaxisActive Prophylaxis (Vaccines)Passive ProphylaxisAntiviral ChemotherapyVirucidal AgentsAntiviral AgentsImmunomodulatorsInterferonsCytokinesBased on application, the global virology market is segmented intoSkin and Soft Tissue InfectionsRespiratory Tract InfectionsGI Tract InfectionsUrinary Tract InfectionsEye InfectionsCNS InfectionsSexually Transmitted DiseasesPerinatal InfectionsAccording to the end-user, the market is segmented intoHospitalsClinicsLaboratoriesDiagnostic CentresBlood BanksPharmaciesRegional Outlook: Global Virology MarketNorth America is the largest virology market led by the U.S., owing to technological advancements such as rapid, portable diagnostics. N. America is expected to retain the top market position over the forecast period as well.Europe is projected to maintain the position as the second largest market globally. During the forecast period, Europe is anticipated to record the highest CAGR, attributed by enhanced healthcare infrastructure, facilitated access to diagnostics, and growing affordability of diagnostic tests for viral diseases.Japan is currently a growing virology market, which is estimated to grow at a remarkable CAGR through to 2025. However, APEJ and Africa are expected to witness the most promising growth opportunities during the forecast period. While China will be a leading APEJ market, India will contribute a considerable revenue share to the APEJ virology market.Request to View TOC@Segment-wise Market ForecastImmunoprophylaxis therapy and antiviral drugs are the fastest-growing market segments in the estimated forecast period.STDs, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections are currently dominating compared to other application types in the global virology market.On the basis of diagnosis tests, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other tests (influenza, ebola, and dengue) are estimated to attract the largest market shares globally.Hospitals and laboratories projected to continue the most dominating end-use segments, accounting for almost 50% market share globally.Key Players in the Global Virology MarketThe notable players identified in the global virology market include GlaxoSmithKline plc, Abbott Laboratories, Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, Merck and Co. Inc., Novartis International AG, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca AB, and Roche.Merck and Co. Inc. has several drug candidates in phase 2, including cancer, diabetes, cardiac arrest, and hepatitis C, and some candidates in phase 3, including breast cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzeimer's, ebola, and HIV. The company also has many other candidates, which are currently under review.Abivax, a high profile biotech company in Paris, France, has already successfully produced candidates against dengue and chikungunya viruses. The company has a few more candidates against HIV and ebola, currently under development.Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705 Galacto Oligosaccharides Market to Showcase Vigorous Demand during the Period until 2028 | Key Players are Yakult Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Royal Friesland Campina N.V, Nissin Sugar Co. Ltd., Ingredion Incorporated, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1707 https://www.factmr.com/report/1707/galacto-oligosaccharides-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1707/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ Strict regulations and legislations related to the use of prebiotic ingredient can be a key factor hampering use of galacto oligosaccharide. Any product before receiving the recognition as a prebiotic or probiotic, is consistently subjected to multiple validations and has to persistently prove its efficacy. It cannot be directly labeled as such, until and unless it is approved by the concerned agencies. Being operating in the food ingredient industry, galacto oligosaccharide is exposed to similar kind of legislations by various food regulation authorities such as FDA and food and agriculture organization. This might create hurdles for prosperity of galacto oligosaccharide, thereby impacting the Galacto Oligosaccharide Market landscape. Galacto oligosaccharide products are available in both liquid and powder form. The liquid galacto oligosaccharide is foreseen to sustain its supremacy and is anticipated to hold around 59% of the global market share by 2028. The liquid galacto oligosaccharide finds extensive applications across food products such as beverages, fermented milk, & so on. The powder galacto oligosaccharide is expected to grow on a relentless rate with its use as an additive in infant formula and nutraceuticalsDownload Free Sample of Galacto Oligosaccharides Market Research Report Here -Market Players Adopting Plant-based Galacto Oligosaccharide to Broaden their Lactose Intolerant Product PortfolioGalacto oligosaccharide (GOS) is gaining significant uptake in the infant nutrition industry on account of positive perception about its therapeutic effect on gut health and immunity development. Increase in the number of lactose intolerant population continues to be a challenge for policy makers. According to a journal published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2017, around 70% of the worlds population suffer from lactose intolerance due to a genetically programmed gradual decline in lactase expression, known as lactase non-persistence (LNP). The availability of plant-based galacto oligosaccharide has proven to be highly beneficial with regards to meeting the nutritional requirements of the lactose intolerant population. The infant nutrition industry will be looking to capitalize on the opportunity presented by commercialization of plant-based galacto oligosaccharides.FDA Approval Likely to Provide the Much-needed Fillip to Galacto Oligosaccharide DemandThe broader trends impacting the dietary fibers industry have a profound impact on the prospects of galacto oligosaccharide industry. The recent FDA approval on eight dietary fibers, including galacto oligosaccharide is likely to create a scramble for launching new products.. With this approval, key manufacturers are broadening the horizon of galacto oligosaccharide that could help them seize premium opportunities. Key dairy cooperative companies are using galacto oligosaccharide in beverages owing to its stability, as addition of fibers in beverages still remains a challenge due to their insolubility or grittiness.Use of Galacto Oligosaccharide in the Nutraceuticals Industry Gaining Strong MomentumThe demand for galacto oligosaccharide in nutraceuticals is likely to grow at a steady clip during the assessment period. The stability of galacto oligosaccharide in high temperatures and low pH applications makes it an ideal fit for neutraceutical products. Prominent nutritional supplement products such as Bimuno, which is meant for the well-being of gut health, contains galacto oligosaccharide in its ingredient profile., The composition for galacto oligosaccharide in neutraceutical products might vary according to the chain length and linkage type between the monomer units.Read Complete Information about Galacto Oligosaccharides Market Report Here -The competitive dynamics included in the report on galacto oligosaccharide market offers a deep dive into the competitive intensity of the market. The galacto oligosaccharide market is characterized by the presence of a limited number of players holding substantial shares. Some of the key players operating in the galacto oligosaccharide market, who have been profiled in the report include Yakult Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Royal Friesland Campina N.V, Nissin Sugar Co., Ltd., Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Inc., Quantum Hi-Tech (China) Biological Co., Ltd., Dairy Crest., Baolingbao Biology Co., Ltd., Samyang Corporation, New Francisco Biotech Company.The Yakult Pharmaceutical industry Co., a leading player in the galacto oligosaccharide market, is vying to expand its services in various countries such as China, Vietnam, USA, Brazil, India, Mexico, Myanmar and Middle East. The company had launched Yakult Light, a low-calorie variant of fermented milk, to offer product differentiation as per diverse customer needs.Royal Friesland Campina N.V., another prominent player in the galacto oligosaccharide market, established a new production facility for Vivinal GOS in Borculo, Netherlands for responding to surging demand of high quality ingredient in infant nutrition. Also, the company collaborated with Glycosyn to introduce next-generation infant nutrition products.Nissin Sugar Co., Ltd., an eminent player in the galacto oligosaccharide market, is concentrating on producing sugar substitutes which can be used by manufacturers to cater to the health-savvy demographic.Manufacturers operating in the galacto oligosaccharide market are extensively focusing on R&D activities to enhance their product portfolio and to keep up with the emerging trends of galacto oligosaccharide market.Buy Online Galacto Oligosaccharides Market Research Report Here -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400, Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog: Halloumi Cheese Market to Experience Significant Growth during the Forecast Period 2018-2028 | Key Players are Petrou Bros Dairy Products, Zita Dairies Ltd, Hadjipieris Ltd, Nordex Food A / S, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1753 https://www.factmr.com/report/1753/halloumi-cheese-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1753/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ Halloumi cheese production remains concentrated in northern and southern Cyprus. The producers in Cyprus export halloumi cheese to rest of Europe and other regions where consumption is significant. Considering the nature of the market, the top 4 companies, account for over 50% of revenue share of the market. These top 4 players include Petrou Bros Dairy Products, Zita Dairies Ltd, Pittas Dairy Industries Ltd, and Uhrenholt A/S. The Tier 3 category in the Halloumi Cheese Market is penetrated by a large number of unorganized players. These unorganized players cater to the domestic demand for Halloumi, with the Tier 1 companies accounting for the bulk of exports.You can Get Free Sample Report of Market Here -Halloumi cheese products have gained considerable popularity owing to positive perception about their authenticity and health benefits. However, frequent reports about proliferation of counterfeit Halloumi cheese that uses cow milk as an ingredient has dented some of the consumer confidence. These developments have led producers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the supply chain to clamor for tougher regulations. The clamor for granting PDO Status to halloumi cheese has reached a crescendo, and it is highly likely that such a step will change the demand-supply status quo. Considering the nature of the product, it is expected that the halloumi cheese marketplace will continue to be massively influenced by ever-evolving government regulations. The regulations may pose challenges to supply in the short-term, but experts are bullish on the long term impact of these developments.Supply-Demand Fluctuations Continue to Drive R&D InitiativesThe demand for halloumi cheese is on the rise and the popularity is not foreseen to decline anytime soon. Producers in Cyprus are focusing on increasing the total production, whereas key players are investing in R&D to keep up with this overwhelming demand. Genetic improvement of local goat and sheep breeds has been perceived to be one of the most efficient ways to meet the ever-increasing demand for halloumi cheese. Further, upgrading the quality and production of the animal feed is gaining the attention of producers. Market players are also relying on science to alleviate challenges posed by supply-demand fluctuations. For instance, researchers at the Edinburgh University are working in collaboration with farmers to formulate selective breeding programs. These breeding programs will be solely based on genetic dissimilarities linked to increased milk production.Organic Halloumi Cheese Gaining Popularity, yet Conventional Halloumi Cheese Holds Higher Revenue ShareDemand for conventional halloumi cheese continues to remain significantly higher than organic variants. This popularity of conventional halloumi cheese can be attributed to multiple factors including easy availability and cost convenience. However, the prospects of organic variants remain bullish, with double-digit growth projected for the period 2018-2028.You can Browse Complete Market Report In-Depth Here -The growing popularity of organic halloumi cheese can be attributed to the broader trends pertaining to organic and natural. Additionally, growing awareness among consumers about the health benefits of organic halloumi, especially the rich concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA), is also believed to boost its widespread adoption. The production of organic halloumi cheese using organic milk complements its nutritional affluence, thereby elevating its demand among the health-savvy consumers.Animal Welfare Commitments Continue to Influence Buying BehaviorIn addition to ingredient origin, animal-related claims have also evolved as a sought-after information amid consumers purchasing halloumi cheese. Sensing this trend, key stakeholders of the halloumi cheese market are voluntarily overseeing welfare of livestock involved in the production framework. Prominent stakeholders in the halloumi cheese market have started voluntarily identifying high standards of animal welfare that are achievable for their supply bases. Moreover, the industry stakeholders are also joining various animal welfare programs such as Red Tractor, Global G.A.P Aquaculture, and Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture to positively drive animal welfare.Brands Looking to Capitalize on Growing Popularity of Halloumi Cheese as an All-time Favorite SnackThe higher-than-normal melting point of halloumi cheese makes it a great option for grilling and frying, and it has emerged as one of the favorite snacking options. The demand for halloumi cheese is escalating at a rapid pace, by virtue of the fact that it is extremely unique from all other types. Food enthusiasts are getting to explore enticing variants like halloumi chips, thereby boosting the demand for halloumi cheese by a notable margin. This trend is projected to stand out as a prime opportunity for manufacturers of halloumi cheese to bank on.Traditional Marketing Pervasive as Most Halloumi Cheese Businesses Continue to be Family-RunA significant percentage of halloumi cheese manufacturers in Europe are family-based businesses who rely on traditional approaches to market their products. Many unorganized players in the market do not have an online presence, and there is a clear lack of effective marketing strategies, especially in the Tier 3 category. Although the growing popularity of halloumi cheese, and the shortage in UK markets brought international media attention to Halloumi, the penetration of online marketing channels is relatively lower in halloumi cheese marketplace.Now Buy This Market Report from Here -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400, Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog: Global Antidiabetics Market Brief Analysis by Top Key Players Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Aventis, Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim and Oramed Pharmaceuticals & more https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/467744/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/467744/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/antidiabetics-market https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-antidiabetics-market-2018-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ MarketStudyReport.com Adds New Antidiabetics Market 2017 2024 research report providing information and data By Product, By Application, Industry Analysis, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast spreading across 130 Pages with table and figures in it.Antidiabetics Market is set to reach USD 110 billion by 2024; according to a new research report. Increasing number of obese and diabetic patients coupled with rising patient awareness levels serve as high impact rendering factors for antidiabetic market growth over the forecast period.Request a sample of this premium report at:Rising geriatric population base, innovation of new drugs, increasing adoption of drugs and increased disposable income should further drive industry growth. Owing to the changes in lifestyle, even children between age group of 13-14 years are at high risk to get diabetes. It offers huge opportunities industry players.Long-acting insulin provide basal insulin coverage. Basal insulin suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and prevent increase in glucose level during fasting state in insulin-deficient patients. Long acting insulin analog includes insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin detemir (Levemir) which will drive industry growth.Advent of new technologies in products like long acting insulin analogs as well as rapid acting with increased effectiveness should drive industry growth over the forecast timeframe. The novel insulin pen technology permits low-pain and suitable daily insulin injection that should upsurge therapy sales. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has strong familial aggregation, the person with a parent or sibling with disease are at high risk. People with obesity, hypertension, or dyslipidemia and women with history of gestational diabetes are also at high risk to develop T2DM.U.S. antidiabetics market valued over USD 19.4 billion in 2016 and expected to grow significantly over the coming years. Increased healthcare expenditure along with availability of improved healthcare infrastructure and favorable reimbursement policies should drive antidiabetics market.UK contributed for significant revenue share in 2016. The growth is attributed due to wide range of funds offered by Diabetes UK for research related to the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In November 2016, the Prime Minister introduced new Diabetes UK office on World Diabetes Day.Japan antidiabetics market should grow at significant rate over the forecast period. Diabetic population is on rise due to lifestyle changes that will accompany economic growth and drive antidiabetic market growth. The Japan Diabetes Society (JDS) encourage progress and development of diabetes study and prevent people from disease in the country.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Some of the companies operating in antidiabetics market include Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Aventis, Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim and Oramed Pharmaceuticals.Table of Content:Chapter 1. MethodologyChapter 2. Executive SummaryChapter 3. Antidiabetics Industry InsightsChapter 4. Antidiabetics Market, By ProductChapter 5. Antidiabetic Market, By ApplicationChapter 6. Antidiabetics Market, By RegionChapter 7. Company ProfilesFor More Info On this Report At:Related report:Global Antidiabetics Market 2018 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023This report focuses on the Antidiabetics 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.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: Top Factors Driving the Automotive Electronics Market | A comprehensive study on Key Players: ZF Group, Valeo, Lear Corporation, Texas Instruments, Automotive Electronics Market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-electronics-market/request-for-free-sample https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-electronics-market/ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-electronics-market/inquire-before-buying www.polarismarketresearch.com Automotive Electronics Industry snapshotAsia-Pacific accounted for the highest share in the global automotive electronics market.The Global Automotive Electronics Market is anticipated to reach around USD 490.6 billion by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the passenger vehicles dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. In 2017, Asia-Pacific accounted for the majority share in the global Automotive Electronics market.Request for sample copy of this report @1. ZF Group2. Valeo3. Lear Corporation4. Texas InstrumentsThe increasing demand for passenger cars, and growing penetration of electric and hybrid vehicles majorly drives the market growth. The growing need to improve road safety, and introduction of stringent regulations to enhance vehicular safety and control emissions has accelerated the growth of the automotive electronics market.The development of autonomous vehicles along with growing demand for luxury and comfortable driving experience supports the growth of the market. Other factors driving the market growth include growing disposable income, technological advancements, and changing lifestyles. New emerging markets, and emerging consumer demographics would provide growth opportunities for automotive electronics market in the coming years.Browse Complete Summary of this report @Regional Analysis: - The introduction of stringent government regulations regarding vehicular safety and growing penetration of electric and hybrid vehicles accelerates the adoption of automotive electronics in the region. The strong growth in the automotive industry, technological advancements, and high investment in R&D are factors expected to drive the market growth in the region. The economic growth in countries such as China, Japan, and India, rising living standards and growing disposable income further increases the demand of automobiles in the region. Expansion of global players into these countries to tap market potential boosts the market growth.Application Analysis: The global Automotive Electronics market is segmented on the basis of application, vehicle type, sales channel, and geography. Based on application, the market is segmented into Powertrain, ADAS, Safety Systems, Infotainment, Body Electronics, and others. The sales channel segment is categorized into OEM, and aftermarket. OEM accounted for the dominant share in the global automotive electronics market in 2017. The vehicle types in the global automotive electronics market include passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles.Make Inquiry about this report @The well-known companies profiled in the report include Bosch Group, Atmel Corporation, Delphi Automotive, Hitachi Automotive, Texas Instruments, Infineon Technologies, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ON Semiconductor Corp., OMRON Corporation., and STMicroelectronics N.V. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers.Table of Contents1.Overview and Scope Research goal & scope Research assumptions Research Methodology Primary data sources Secondary data sources Key take-away Stakeholders2. Executive Summaryo Market Definitiono Market Segmentation3. Automotive Electronics Market Insights1. Automotive Electronics Industry snapshot2. Automotive Electronics - Ecosystem analysis3. Automotive Electronics Market Dynamics4. Automotive Electronics Market Forces5. Automotive Electronics Market Driver Analysis6. Automotive Electronics Market Restraint/Challenges analysis7. Automotive Electronics Market Opportunity Analysis8. Industry analysis - Porter's five force9. Bargaining power of supplier10. Bargaining power of buyer11. Threat of substitute12. Threat of new entrant13. Degree of competition14. Automotive Electronics Market PEST Analysis, 201615. Automotive Electronics Market Value Chain Analysis16. Automotive Electronics Industry Trends17. Competitive Ranking AnalysisAbout us Polaris Market ResearchPolaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities.Mr. NeelCorporate Sales, USAPolaris Market ResearchPhone: 1-646-568-9980Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.comWeb: Zipcar, Car2Go Profiled in Asia Pacific Car Sharing Market Report 2024 - Tribecar, Smove Systems and more Asia Pacific Car Sharing Market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1001/sample https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1001/inquiry-before-buying https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1001/APAC-car-sharing-market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1005/north-america-car-sharing-market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1003/europe-car-sharing-market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/ The research report Asia Pacific Car Sharing Market analysis based on Model, Business Model, By Application, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024 by Graphical Research. says, North America Cell Line Development Market size is set to surpass USD 2 billion by 2024.Request for a sample of this research report @The growing demand for advanced mobility options due to increasing traffic congestion will propel the Asia Pacific car sharing market growth by 2024.According to a report published by Uber Technologies, the people in the region are stuck in traffic for about 52 minutes per day or 13 days per year. The governments in the region are considering the introduction of advanced mobility options such as car sharing to reduce the traffic congestion.P2P car sharing market will propel over the forecast timespan due to a high degree of private vehicle ownership in the region. Considering the potential of the industry, several companies are investing in developing these services in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in countries including Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. For instance, iCarsclub, a Singapore-based P2P car sharing company has raised USD 10 million to expand their service offerings.One-way car sharing market is expected to witness a significant growth due to the high degree of flexibility offered by these services. These services are being availed by the customers who need to run daily errands such as grocery shopping. Furthermore, the customers are using these services in integration with the public transit systems. This has encouraged the governments to establish collaborations with the car sharing companies to develop services integrated with the public transit systems.The key participants in the car sharing market include Zipcar, Car2Go, BleuSG, Car Club, WhizzCar, Tribecar, and Smove. The companies are struggling to retain their customers and share in the industry and thus are investing in offering differentiated services to the customers such as loyalty discounts and fidelity cards.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Segments we cover:APAC Car Sharing Market Size by Business Model Roundtrip One wayAPAC Car Sharing Market Share by Model P2P Station-based Free-floatingAPAC Car Sharing Market Forecast by Application Business PrivateThe above information has been provided for the following countries: China India Japan South Korea Taiwan Australia Malaysia SingaporeBrowse key industry insights from this 2018 report in detail along with the table of contents @Related Reports:1. North America Car Sharing Market Size by Model (P2P, Station-Based, Free-Floating), By Business Model (Round Trip, One Way), By Application (Business, Private), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024Key players in this market are car2go, Getaround, The Hertz Corporation, Lyft, Zipcar, and Turo.2. Europe Car Sharing Market Statistics by Business Model (Round Trip, One Way), By Model (P2P, Station-Based, Free-Floating), By Application (Business, Private), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024Key players in this market are Zipcar, Ubeeqo, Car2Go and AutolibAbout Graphical Research:Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. We also provide custom reports that are tailored to the exact needs of the customer, with dedicated analyst support across the purchase lifecycle.Contact Us:Corporate Sales,Graphical Research,Email:sales@graphicalresearh.comWeb:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Global Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Analysis Focusing on Top Key Players Next IT Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Nuance Communications and eGain Communication https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/496328/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/496328/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/health-intelligent-virtual-assistant-market#2/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ The newly released research at Market Study Report titled 2017-2024 Global Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Report provides data, information, brief analysis, company profiles, statistics for past years and forecasts for next few years.UK held considerable regional health intelligent virtual assistant market share in 2016 owing to adoption of advanced healthcare technologies. Rising penetration of the internet of things coupled with increasing regulation act related to communication and data should drive business growth in coming years.Request a sample of this premium report at:Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market size is set to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2024; according to a new research study.Rising smartphone users worldwide coupled with increasing use of health apps and growing popularity of internet of things is set to drive health intelligent virtual assistant market growth. Mobile healthcare technology has gained immense popularity among populations all over the globe. The increased adoption of heath apps demonstrates the shift in trend in patient care; wherein service over mobile devices is being preferred over visiting the physicians.Growing popularity of internet of things is likely to further stimulate health intelligent virtual assistant business growth. The use of internet of things in healthcare has increased both the size as well as accuracy of medical data through variety of data collection, and expanded the reach of healthcare professionals beyond their limited facilities.Increasing lifestyle related disorders coupled with rising health consciousness should also drive the health intelligent virtual assistant market. Lifestyle diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Intelligent virtual assistants respond to the voice or text queries through mobile devices or health apps, thus increasing patient engagement and improving self-management skills for chronic disease. Thus, rising global chronic disease burden across the globe in healthcare industry should further augment health intelligent virtual assistant market growth in coming years.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Growing need to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of care will fuel health intelligent virtual assistant market growth. Promising improvements in healthcare infrastructure, patient experience will restructure the healthcare delivery over the coming years. To reduce the medical errors and improve the quality of healthcare has been the first preference of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).Japan health intelligent virtual assistant market attributed for over 30% of Asia-Pacific share in 2016, witnessing healthy growth over the forecast years. Increasing investment by market players for technological development and improved economic indicators should stimulate business growth. Growing aging population and rising uptake of intelligent virtual assistant solutions associated with healthcare should fuel the industry growth.Brazil held highest regional market share in 2016 witnessing lucrative growth over the forecast years. Rapidly growing economy and need for better healthcare should promote the adoption of health intelligent virtual assistant across different healthcare organizations.Some of the prominent industry players offering unique and advanced products include Next IT Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Nuance Communications and eGain Communication. Other notable industry participants are True Image Interactive, CodeBaby, Kognito, Medrespond, Welltok and CSS Corporation.Table of Content:Chapter 1. MethodologyChapter 2. Executive SummaryChapter 3. Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Industry InsightsChapter 4. Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market, By TechnologyChapter 5. Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market, By End-userChapter 6. Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market, By RegionChapter 7. Company ProfilesFor More Details about this Report: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: Global Rubber Additive Chemical Market 2018: Key Players Eastman, Kemai Chemical, Sunsine, Lanxess, Addivant Rubber Additive Chemical Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3357676-global-rubber-additive-chemical-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3357676-global-rubber-additive-chemical-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 SummaryWiseGuyReports.com adds Rubber Additive Chemical Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2023 reports to its database.This report provides in depth study of Rubber Additive Chemical Market using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization. The Rubber Additive Chemical 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 researches the worldwide Rubber Additive Chemical market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, China, Japan and other regions.This study categorizes the global Rubber Additive Chemical breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.This report focuses on the top manufacturers' Rubber Additive Chemical capacity, production, value, price and market share of Rubber Additive Chemical in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report:EastmanKemai ChemicalSunsineJiangsu Sinorgchem TechnologyLanxessShandong Yanggu Huatai ChemicalKUMHO PETROCHEMICALNortheast Auxiliary ChemicalAddivantPuyang Willing ChemicalsXian Yu-ChemAkzoNobelAgrofertSumitomo ChemicalNCICOUCHI SHINKO CHEMICALArkemaNOCILRubber Additive Chemical Breakdown Data by TypeRubber AntioxidantRubber AcceleratorsInsoluble SulfurOtherRubber Additive Chemical Breakdown Data by ApplicationTire & TubingConsumer GoodsConstructionElectrical InsulationOtherRubber Additive Chemical Production Breakdown Data by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsRubber Additive Chemical Consumption Breakdown Data by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaRequest a Sample Report @Major Key Points in Table of ContentGlobal Rubber Additive Chemical Market Research Report 2018-2025, by Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications1 Study Coverage1.1 Rubber Additive Chemical Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Rubber Antioxidant1.4.3 Rubber Accelerators1.4.4 Insoluble Sulfur1.4.5 Other1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Tire & Tubing1.5.3 Consumer Goods1.5.4 Construction1.5.5 Electrical Insulation1.5.6 Other1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Production2.1.1 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Revenue 2013-20252.1.2 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Production 2013-20252.1.3 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Capacity 2013-20252.1.4 Global Rubber Additive Chemical Marketing Pricing and Trends2.2 Rubber Additive Chemical Growth Rate (CAGR) 2018-20252.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)2.3.2 Key Rubber Additive Chemical Manufacturers2.4 Market Drivers, Trends and Issues2.5 Macroscopic Indicator2.5.1 GDP for Major Regions2.5.2 Price of Raw Materials in Dollars: Evolution..8 Manufacturers Profiles8.1 Eastman8.1.1 Eastman Company Details8.1.2 Company Description8.1.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.1.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.1.5 SWOT Analysis8.2 Kemai Chemical8.2.1 Kemai Chemical Company Details8.2.2 Company Description8.2.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.2.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.2.5 SWOT Analysis8.3 Sunsine8.3.1 Sunsine Company Details8.3.2 Company Description8.3.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.3.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.3.5 SWOT Analysis8.4 Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology8.4.1 Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Company Details8.4.2 Company Description8.4.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.4.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.4.5 SWOT Analysis8.5 Lanxess8.5.1 Lanxess Company Details8.5.2 Company Description8.5.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.5.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.5.5 SWOT Analysis8.6 Shandong Yanggu Huatai Chemical8.6.1 Shandong Yanggu Huatai Chemical Company Details8.6.2 Company Description8.6.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.6.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.6.5 SWOT Analysis8.7 KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL8.7.1 KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL Company Details8.7.2 Company Description8.7.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.7.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.7.5 SWOT Analysis8.8 Northeast Auxiliary Chemical8.8.1 Northeast Auxiliary Chemical Company Details8.8.2 Company Description8.8.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.8.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.8.5 SWOT Analysis8.9 Addivant8.9.1 Addivant Company Details8.9.2 Company Description8.9.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.9.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.9.5 SWOT Analysis8.10 Puyang Willing Chemicals8.10.1 Puyang Willing Chemicals Company Details8.10.2 Company Description8.10.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Rubber Additive Chemical8.10.4 Rubber Additive Chemical Product Description8.10.5 SWOT Analysis8.11 Xian Yu-Chem8.12 AkzoNobel8.13 Agrofert8.14 Sumitomo Chemical8.15 NCIC8.16 OUCHI SHINKO CHEMICAL8.17 Arkema8.18 NOCILAt any Query @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Address:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra,+91 841 198 5042 Standard Milk Formula Market: Future Forecast Indicates Impressive Growth Rate by 2027 | Key Players are Nestle S.A., Groupe Danone, the Kraft Heinz Company, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1708 https://www.factmr.com/report/1708/standard-milk-formula-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1708/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ Probiotics have been gaining significant traction in the wellness and nutrition sector across the globe. Probiotics, essentially live healthy bacteria, are being introduced in the infant formula space, on the back of their potential health benefits. Inclusion of probiotics in standard milk formula can promote the bacteria balance in the infants intestines in turn offsetting development of unhealthy organisms, particularly in babies in the age group of 0-6 months. Probiotics addition is likely to enhance the demand for standard milk formula, particularly among working women, in turn complementing the growth of the standard milk formula market.Request 100 Page Sample Report Here -Online platforms are transforming the retail sector, consequently providing potential avenues for producers of standard milk formula to market their products across tier II areas. With e-commerce on the rise, online platforms have facilitated a significant growth in sales of standard milk formula, consequently influencing the growth of the standard milk formula market in emerging economies. For instance, standard milk formula producers in China are adopting e-commerce platforms to enhance product sales. Moreover, with the introduction of two-child policy in China coupled with rising milk rates, dairy producers faced a shrinking market share. However, e-commerce boom resulted in a collaboration of domestic and foreign standard milk formula producers with online platforms leading to an extended product selling, from logistics to brand promotions which has translated in increasing standard milk formula sales by mitigating the impact of increasing milk prices.New Standard for Chloride Content in Standard Milk Formula Ensures SafetyBeing a highly regulated food product, examination of standard milk formula composition has become imperative for regulatory bodies. Along with nutritional labeling on standard milk formula packaging, stringent regulations have been laid by World Health Organization (WHO) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States). Largely focusing on the chloride content in standard milk formula, these regulatory bodies along with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) have developed the ISO 21422 | IDF 242 for chloride content determination, in a bid to ensure product safety.Unethical Standard Milk Formula Marketing Practices Continue to Dent Consumer ConfidenceThe IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network) has revealed several cases regarding unethical marketing of infant nutritional food products. Unethical practices adopted by medium and small scale standard milk formula players to market their products is likely to undermine the confidence among women that can breastfeed infants. Manufacturers of standard milk formula have been inducing a sense of uncertainty apropos to insufficient nutrient supply causing fussiness, perceived hunger and infant crying, and emphasizing on the point that standard milk formula can bridge the gap between needed and available nutrition, says IBFAN.View Full Global Market Research Report Here -Standard Milk Formula Demand Undermined by Ambiguities Over Nutritional Value of Infant Food ProductsManufacturers of standard milk formula are involved in marketing an increasing product range for various age groups, including products that feature additional nutrients in a bid to close on the effectiveness of breast milk along with products that claim to solve a broad spectrum of problems such as allergies. Yet, standard milk formula manufacturers are positioning their products in terms of new formulations in different markets that reveals the possibility of insufficient health considerations and less nutritional science being the product range. These ambiguities are likely to question the quality and efficiency of nutrition provided by standard milk formula, in turn challenging its markets growth.The standard milk formula market report includes detailed analysis on various key players operating in the market. Several facets of major players including Nestle S.A., Groupe Danone, the Kraft Heinz Company, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., and Mead Johnson Nutrition, to name a few have been covered in this section of the report.Major players in the standard milk formula market have been focusing on increasing their customer base by tapping new regions. For instance, Nestle S.A., has invested around CHF 30 million in developing its first infant formula plant in Russia in a bid to offer superior standard milk formula products to Russian consumers. In addition, the company has launched a global initiative to facilitate healthier lives for infants. It has aimed to support around 50 million infants by end of 2030 by providing right and adequate nutrition to children. On the other hand, giants such as Groupe Danone are relying on baby food sales to drive growth. Groupe Danone revealed a 3.3 percent rise in 2018 second quarter sales, underpinned with an immense demand from China. Likewise, players are collaborating with e-commerce platforms to push their sales turnovers, particularly in the emerging economies. For instance, Mead Johnson has partnered with JD.com to introduce a wide range of infant formula products, including standard milk formula, to consumers in China.Buy Useful Statistics about Global Market Report Here -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400, Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog: Residential Security Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players APX/Vivint, ASG Security, AT&T, Comcast Corporation, Central Security Group, Gardian Protection Services Residential Security Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1098698-residential-security-monitoring-recurring-revenue-market-share-analysis-market-shares-analysis-85b68b23-6a19-4f86-bea0-78fe1237b98d https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1098698-residential-security-monitoring-recurring-revenue-market-share-analysis-market-shares-analysis-85b68b23-6a19-4f86-bea0-78fe1237b98d https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1098698 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Residential Security Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players APX/Vivint, ASG Security, AT&T, Comcast Corporation, Central Security Group, Gardian Protection Services.Description:-Home security monitoring services offer basic and enhanced services to homeowners. Basic security services have wired and wireless sensors installed on windows and doors to detect unauthorized and forced entry. The sensors trigger alarms that notify a central station that then notifies the homeowner and the police if appropriate. Services operate 24/7, even during power failures, and can contact the fire and paramedic units. Revenue reported herein is for the ongoing monitoring service.High end home security monitoring services offer video surveillance. Mobile security solutions allow managing the security system from electronic devices. Personal emergency response may be part of the security package, where medical help can be summoned if needed. Energy management, environmental hazard monitoring, warning of water pipe bursts, and flooding generate alerts as wireless sensors trigger alarms that notify a central station. As with the basic service packages, the hardware is a large upfront cost that the customer initially pays only a small fraction of. Ongoing monitoring service is the recurring monthly revenue (RMR) that the companies receive. Thus, customers must be maintained for long periods of time to generate profits on each customer. Customer service and automatic payment methods are important for the profit margins of each company. Thus, maintaining customer is the most important part of this business.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAnalysis can be customized by location and type of facility, such as residential, small business, or commercial. In the US additional breakdown of the revenue is offered by metropolitan statistical area (MSA). This edition of the index is limited to residential revenue from US dwellings. Residential monitoring includes single family and multifamily dwellings, but not small business. Analysis of additional regions worldwide or alternate type of facility can be provided upon request.Companies ProfiledMarket Leader ADTMarket Participants APX/Vivint ASG Security AT&T, Inc. Comcast Corporation Central Security Group Gardian Protection Services Monitronics International Protection One, Inc. Stanley Black and DeckerContinuedEnquiry About Report @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsResidential Security Monitoring Recurring Revenue: Market Shares, Analysis, and Index, Worldwide, 2006 to Current, Quarterly (each quarter)Market Share 1st worksheetTables of yearly and quarterly market share revenue of each company in this sectorChart Yearly 2nd worksheetGraph of yearly market share revenue of each company in this sectoChart Quarterly 3rd worksheetGraph of quarterly market share revenue of each company in this sectorMethods 4th worksheetMarket segment definition, methodology, and about WinterGreen Research textMarket Analysis 5th worksheetText describing analysis of the market share revenue and market share index which discusses strengths and weakness of market participantsMarket Index 6th worksheetTable and Graphs of yearly market share index which shows the percent growth of the companies since 2006. Table of quarterly market share index is also presented.Company Profiles 7th worksheetText describing the strengths and challenges of each company described in market segment.Market Forecast 8th worksheetTable of yearly market share forecast in this sector from 2014 to 2022 with percentage growth rate.Chart Market Forecast 9th worksheetGraph of yearly market share forecast in this sector from 2014 to 2022.ContinuedBuy 1-user PDF @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Re: Drug bag found in alley The public shaming demonstrated in this article was appalling. The sarcastic attempt to reunite the makeup bag with its owner by displaying its contents for all to judge is a perfect demonstration of why the shame and stigma around substance use exists. The number of people dying as a result of the opioid crisis is significant because the culture of shame prevents people from coming forward for help. Stigma and shame are also why people often use and overdose alone, worried to tell anyone about what they are doing behind closed doors. In publishing flippant articles like this, you continue to encourage the false belief that the biggest problem associated with illicit drug use is the inconvenience of the associated paraphernalia that may be left behind. When you reference the need to clean up the streets of Kelowna by ridding them of people who take up space or treat it like their living room, youre dehumanizing the issue. Looking back, society was able to justify atrocities including slavery and the colonization of our Indigenous population because they denied those individuals their personhood. I encourage you to consider the vulnerable people and the trauma they have endured while trying to cope with homelessness, addiction, or many of lifes other challenges that none of us are exempt from. Treating people with respect and compassion rather than contempt is a much more likely way to ensure the safety of Kelowna and all of its residents. Tasha McAdam, Kelowna Dental Braces Market Estimation with Key Players like Dentsply, Ormco during the Forecast Period 2018-2025. Dental Braces https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/10046 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/10046 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/dental-braces-market https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/10046 www.upmarketresearch.com Dental Braces 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 @UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Dental Braces Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 96 pages which highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Dental Braces Industry research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Dental Braces 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 Dental Braces market analysis & forecast 2018-2023 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region-wise Analysis Global Dental Braces 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: Henry Schein 3M Unitek GC Orthodontics FORESTADENT Patterson Dental American Orthodontics Dentsply Ormco Dentaurum Dental Morelli Shanghai IMD Hangzhou Xingchen 3B DentalGlobal Dental Braces Market: Product Segment Analysis: Metal Ceramics Polymer MaterialsBuy Dental Braces Market analysis & forecast 2018-2023 Report along with complete TOC @Global Dental Braces Market: Application Segment Analysis: Conventional Orthodontic Treatment BeautyThe Report covers in-depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 AppendixGuaranteed Discount On This Report@Dental Braces Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. 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 Dental Braces 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 Dental Braces 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. 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E-Commerce Logistics Market | 2018 Global Leading Players Analysis Industry Forecast to 2023 http://bit.ly/2FpxFRz http://bit.ly/2z7K0o7 E-Commerce Logistics is a set of communication computing and collaborative technologies that helps to transform logistical processes to be consumer centric by sharing data, knowledge and information with supply chain partners. The ultimate aim of e-commerce logistic is to deliver right product in right quantities at right place and to the right customer.Increase of cross-border e-commerce activities and rise in the internet penetration are the major drivers which help in surging the growth of e-commerce logistics market whereas infrastructural challenges restrict the service of last-mile connectivity which act as a restraining factor for this market. Large amount of logistic from abroad and value-added services such as innovative tracking of parcel and route optimization will add new opportunities for this market in the coming years.Get Sample PDF Brochure of this report atThe "Global E-Commerce Logistics Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the e-commerce logistics industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global e-commerce logistics market with detailed market segmentation by service type, operational area, end-user and geography. The global e-commerce 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 Major Key Market Players:1. DHL International GmbH2. FedEx Corporation3. SF Express Co., Ltd.4. Amazon.com, Inc.5. United Parcel Service, Inc.6. Clipper Logistics Plc.7. CEVA Logistics8. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.9. Kerry Logistics Network Limited.10. Nippon Express Co., Ltd.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global e-commerce logistics market based on service type, operational area and end-user. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall e-commerce logistics market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 16 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Besides this, 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 exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.Inquire about this Report atAlso, key e-commerce logistics market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason To BuySave and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global E-Commerce Logistics Market-Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies-The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the global E-Commerce Logistics Market, thereby allowing players across the value chain to develop effective long-term strategies-Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets-Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it-Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to client products, segmentation, pricing and distributionAbout 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 Zika Virus Market Size, Insights, Trends, Outlook 2018 | Top Key Players: Bharat Biotech, Inovio Pharmaceuticals and GeneOne Life Sciences, Intrexon, Cerus, Sanofi https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1656651&req_type=smpl https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1656651&req_type=purch https://www.reporthive.com Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually dont get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.Global Zika Virus Market Report Covers a detailed Outlook and future prospects of the Industry. The Zika Virus Market report includes various topics like market size & share, Product types, applications, key market drivers & restraints, challenges, growth opportunities, key players, competitive landscape.Download PDF Sample Of this Report @Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and GBS.Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion are being investigated.Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys through a network that monitored yellow fever. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. From the 1960s to 1980s, human infections were found across Africa and Asia, typically accompanied by mild illness. The first large outbreak of disease caused by Zika infection was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007. In July 2015 Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barre syndrome. In October 2015 Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly.The Key Players Covered in this report: Bharat Biotech Inovio Pharmaceuticals and GeneOne Life Sciences Intrexon Cerus Sanofi and More....Our Market Research Solution Provides You Answer to Below Mentioned Question: Which are the driving factors responsible for the growth of this market? Which are the roadblock factors for this market? What are the new opportunities responsible for the growth in the coming years? What are the present and future trends in this market? Which are the main factors responsible for a new product launch? How big is the global & regional market in terms of revenue, sales and production? How far will the market grow in forecast period in terms of revenue, sales, and production? Which region is dominating the global market and what are the market shares of each region in the overall market in 2018? How will each segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these segments account for, in 2023? Which region has more growth opportunities?Click Here for Purchase Full Report with Full TOC @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Segmentation by product type: Sexual Transmission Blood TransfusionSegmentation by application: Hospitals Clinics Ambulatory Surgery Centers OthersResearch objectives To analyze the Zika Virus with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of Zika Virus submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies and MoreTable of Contents1 Scope of the Report2 Executive Summary3 Global Zika Virus by Players4 Zika Virus by Regions5 Americas6 APAC7 Europe8 Middle East & Africa9 Market Drivers, Challenges and TrendsTOC Continued.!Tables And Figures Figure Picture of Zika Virus Table Product Specifications of Zika Virus Figure Zika Virus Report Years Considered Figure Market Research Methodology Figure Global Zika Virus Consumption Growth Rate 2013-2023 (K Units) Figure Global Zika Virus Value Growth Rate 2013-2023 ($ Millions) Table Zika Virus Consumption CAGR by Region 2013-2023 ($ Millions) Figure Product Picture of Sexual Transmission Table Major Players of Sexual Transmission Figure Product Picture of Blood Transfusion and More.About Report Hive ResearchReport Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, and Industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of global Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. We help in business decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, sales & revenue, technology trends, competitive analysis, product portfolio & application analysis etc.500, North Michigan Avenue,Suite 6014Chicago, IL - 60611United StatesContact UsMike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312 604 7084 Demand for GPS Market is estimated to be higher in the 2022 | Top Major Companies are Involved - ID Quantique, SeQureNet, Quintessence Labs, MagiQ Technologies, Toshiba, QuantumCTek, Qasky GPS Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/116313 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/116313/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/116313 Global GPS Market Report 2018 explores future trends for supply, demand and market growth rate, market size, prices, trading, competition and value chain as well as Key Players of the industrys information with forecast from 2018 to 2022.Global GPS Market Overview:According to Market Analyst, Global GPS Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2022.Request Report Sample@Increasing penetration of smartphones along with rising GPS-enabled vehicles is projected to bolster the growth of the market during the forecast period. Moreover, surging use of social media across developing countries and a high number of mergers and acquisitions between component manufacturers and integrators are poised to stoke the growth of the GPS market. GPS is also used to improve response time in emergency situations across a vast array of industries. This helps to increase safety of resources in remote locations.The Global Intelligent Airways Transportation System market has been segmented on the basis of Product, Industry and Region. On the Basis of Product, Market is sub segmented into Automotive Systems, GPS-Enabled Mobile Phones, Aviation Systems, Marine Systems, GPS cameras. Based on Industry Segment, Market is sub segmented into Traffic Control, Security, Navigation, Position Tracking.Regionally, North America is expected to have the largest market size owing to high military expenditure by governments and high penetration of smartphone in the region. Asia Pacific is poised to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to rising number of smartphone users, growing adoption of broadband, and high investments in network infrastructure.Purchase this premium research report with 125 Pages and No. of Table of contents, List of table atThe Market is segmented and projected on the basis of major key players:1 ID Quantique2 SeQureNet3 Quintessence Labs4 MagiQ Technologies5 Toshiba6 QuantumCTek7 Qasky8 Garmin International9 MiTAC Internationa10 Novatel11 SiRF Technology12 KVH Industries Inc13 Navico And More..The Market is segmented and projected on the basis of major Region Segmentation1 North America Country (United States, Canada)2 South America3 Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)4 Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)5 Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @Key Questions Answered in this Report:1 What will the market size be in 2022?2 What are the key factors driving the GPS Market?3 What are the challenges to market growth?4 Who are the key players in GPS Market?5 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?TABLE OF CONTENTS1 GPS Product Definition2 Global GPS Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview3 Manufacturer GPS Business Introduction4 Global GPS Market Segmentation (Region Level)5 Global GPS Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)6 Global GPS Market Segmentation (Industry Level)7 Global GPS Market Segmentation (Channel Level)8 GPS Market Forecast 2018-20229 GPS Segmentation Product Type10 GPS Segmentation Industry11 GPS Cost of Production Analysis12 ConclusionAbout UsBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. 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.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Branded Generics Market to Rise of US$ 413.8 Bn by 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1260 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-1260 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/branded-generics-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Differential and innovative product strategies that are adopted by various multinational pharma companies have been fuelling the growth of branded generics market at a global scale. These strategies include establishing sustained local capabilities with the strong local talents, engaging in portfolio marketing, recalibrating regulatory affairs, bolstering sales force with the multi-channel engagement and enhancing contracting capabilities.Developing regions are witnessing a rapid increase in demand for branded generics on account of increasing affordability of the products and ease of regulations. Rising disposable income and changing lifestyle of consumers is also expected to augur well for growth of the branded generics market in the near future.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The study predicts that patent expiries of the blockbuster drugs are likely to create demand for branded generics during the forecast period. Increasing prevalence of the lifestyle and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes together with increasing purchasing power makes branded generics market attractive for investors. The study by Future Market Insights predicts that branded generics market is likely to register a healthy 7.3% CAGR over the forecast period, 2016-2026. Commodity generic products and huge competition from the branded drugs have prevailed as major challenges inhibiting the growth of branded generics market, in terms of price structure.Cardiovascular Diseases are likely to prove highly lucrative for revenue growth of branded generics market due to rising prevalence of diverse types of cancers and increasing comorbidities across the globe. Anti-hypertensive segment is expected to prove highly lucrative for the purpose of reducing premature cardiovascular disease. Oral formulations hold the largest demand from medical providers and patients for branded generics. This is mainly due to the benefits that oral formulation offers such as accuracy, dosing convenience and easy adherence to a medication plan.Parenteral formulations are likely to gain traction in branded generics market during the forecast period, with API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) being degraded in intestinal tracts, thereby driving the demand for parenteral delivery. The report predicts that APEJ and North America are likely to remain lucrative for parenteral formulations during the forecast period. Retail Pharmacies are expected to prove as the most lucrative distribution channel for branded generics, as the pharmaceutical companies manufacturers are highly dependent on this distribution channel for selling the products over-the-counter.Request customized copy of report @APEJ accounts for the largest revenue share in the branded generics market owing to lack of worldwide health coverage and higher out-of-the-pocket expenditure on healthcare. China, India and ASEAN countries are expected to pose lucrative growth opportunities for the new and existing key players in the forthcoming years. Most of the leading manufacturers in the global market are concentrated in Asian countries and have been working towards expansion of their production capacity, for catering to the existing and emerging global demands.Statutory regulatory bodies have been playing a significant role in the growth branded generics market in APEJ by providing approvals for products. Furthermore, growth through the adoption of inorganic approaches have been forming cornerstone of the branded generics drug makers in APEJ region. Latin America, Eastern Europe and North America will prove significantly lucrative for the branded generics market in the forthcoming years.Brand-name prescriptions are anticipated to remain ubiquitous amongst the aged people worldwide. Since geriatric demographics hold a larger portion of drug-consuming population across the globe, demand for branded generics are expected to rise substantially. Branded generics market has been projected to develop at a healthy pace as enormous number of the pharmaceutical products are expected to go off-patent within the assessment period of 2016-2026REPORT PAGE:About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: In Depth Analysis on Medical Marijuana Market| Top Players: Canopy Growth Corporation, Aphria, Aurora Cannabis Inc., GW Pharmaceuticals plc, Medical Marijuana, Inc. Medical Marijuana Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2836 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2836 Research on marijuana's potential for medicinal use is on an upsurge in various parts of the world. In February 2018, WeedMD, a licensed Canadian medical marijuana producer, announced its partnership with the cannabis database project controlled by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (TIT). The collaborative entity would research cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles of 25 of WeedMDs cannabis strains. Similarly, in 2017, Oxford University announced its partnership with private equity company, Kingsley Capital Partners, for developing novel cannabis treatments for pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases. These research studies will result in number of product approvals for various medical conditions and hence have a positive impact on the medical marijuana market growth.Request for a sample of this research report @Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis: Canopy Growth Corporation Aphria Aurora Cannabis Inc. GW Pharmaceuticals plc Medical Marijuana, Inc. United Cannabis Corporation MedReleaf The Supreme Cannabis Company CanniMed Ltd. Tilray Emerald Health Therapeutics Inc. Cannabis Sativa Inc Insys Therapeutics, Inc. Corbus Pharmaceuticals Namaste TechnologiesMedical marijuana pain management market held around 75% share of total application market valuation, accounting for a total value of USD 5,481.1 million 2017. Being one of the biggest health problems, Chronic pain management using marijuana happens to be its largest application area. According to past research studies, 1 in 10 adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year; with increasing success from marijuana in pain management, the demand for the same should increase multi-folds during the forecast period. Neuropathic pain captured the largest market share in 2017 due to increased number of peripheral neuropathy cases. Also, marijuana being an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, its use will further rise over the forecast timeframe.The medical marijuana market for skin-related conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, is estimated to show lucrative growth in near future; in fact, is estimated to expand at 37.4% CAGR from 2018-2024. Various research studies have shown that cannabinoids, one of the active ingredients of marijuana, may help regulate inflammation and immune function, hence increasing their application in due course of time. Millions of people affected with serious skin diseases should prove to be a potentially massive target market in near future.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @U.S. medical marijuana market valued USD 3,549.0 million in 2017 and will grow multi-folds in near future owing to increasing medical marijuana applications. As of 2018, 30 U.S. states and Washington DC have allowed the application of medical marijuana. Also, growing number of research studies in the US, supporting marijuana's use for medical purposes should supplement the North American medical marijuana market growth.Medical Marijuana Market by Application Pain Management Neuropathic Pain Cancer Pain Others Muscle Spasms Nausea Anorexia SeizuresMedical Marijuana Market by Route of Administration Inhalation Oral TopicalGlobal Market Insights Inc. is a global market research and management consulting company catering to leading corporations, non-profit organizations, universities and government institutions. Our main goal is to assist and partner organizations to make lasting strategic improvements and realize growth targets. Our industry research reports are designed to provide granular quantitative information, combined with key industry insights, aimed at assisting sustainable organizational development.Global Market Insights, Inc.4 North Main StreetSelbyville, Delaware 19975 USAPhone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email:sales@gminsights.com Tea Market 2924 | Starbucks Corporation, Associated British Foods, Akbar Brothers Ltd, https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114677/Tea-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114677/Tea-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114677/Tea-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/ According to a Research Report Insights (RRI) report, the global market for tea Market is estimated to surpass US$ 21 Billion, reflecting a 5% CAGR during the forecast period. The market is expected to reach 14.45 Billion by the end of 2016 up from US$ 13.85 Billion in 2015, registering a Y-o-Y growth rate of 4%.Most consumers demand good quality and unique flavor in tea. Tea producers across the globe are constantly focusing on developing unique and authentic flavors to offer highest consumer satisfaction. Tea producers are looking forward to introducing new blends and flavors in tea products such as mint flavor, lemon flavor, chocolate flavor, fruit flavor, and others. There are more than 500 varieties of tea Market found worldwide. Thus, tea lounges are offering varieties of tea product with variants of blend, color and flavor in order to attract more consumer. Moreover, increasing consumer awareness on health and fitness and the growing need for people to have more human interactions and unplug themselves is expected to support the growth of tea-specific beverage outlets across the globe. Therefore, increasing penetration of the tea cafes and rise of lounge culture, especially in regions such as Asia Pacific and Americas is further anticipated to sustain the market growth for tea in the near future.Request For Report Sample:The global market for Tea is estimated to reach US$ 21.33 Billion by the end of 2024Based on types, the global market for tea Market has been segmented into oolong tea, black tea, herbal tea green tea, and others. Black tea is expected to be the predominant segment, witnessing a robust growth, followed by the green tea segment. Factors such as growing consumption of tea-specific beverages amongst young adults in both developed and developing regions are two of the major factors influencing the overall growth of the market.Based on distribution channel type, the market has been segmented into convenience stores, online stores, hyper/super market, retail stores, and others. The hyper/super market segment is anticipated to witness a significant growth due to increasing consumer base and easy availability of different type of tea flavors in such market. Due to aggressive promotional strategies implemented by tea producers, awareness on health benefits from consumption of tea has spread vehemently across the globe. This, in turn, is appealing people to start drinking tea Market on regular basis, which is further fueling the demand for tea products globally.Request Report Discount:On the basis of region, the global market for tea has been segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The markets in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America are anticipated to grow at healthy rates during 2016 to 2024. In addition, North America is expected to account for a relatively higher value share of the market by 2016 end, followed by Europe and APAC respectively. The region is expected to continue its dominance, gaining 210 BPS and is estimated to account for over 37% share of the market in revenues during the forecast period. The market in Asia Pacific is also anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Further, increasing demand for non-GMO ingredients is a primary factor driving the tea market in the region. APAC countries such as China and India are set to witness a healthy growth of their domestic tea market.Vendor NewsKey participants in the global market for tea include Starbucks Corporation, Associated British Foods, Akbar Brothers Ltd, Tata Global Beverages (Tata Tea Ltd.), DAVIDs TEA, Unilever, WISSOTZKY TEA, Nestle S.A, The Republic of Tea.Report Analysis:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trends.Contact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Auto Injectors Market 2025 | Dickinson and Company, Sanofi, Pfizer, Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Bayer AG, Janssen Global Services, LLC, Antares Pharma, Inc., Amgen Inc. https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124713/Auto-Injectors-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124713/Auto-Injectors-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124713/Auto-Injectors-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com Auto-injector devices are defined as the new injectable, with a user-centric design approach that automatically injects a needle and performs the surgical procedures in order to increase self-injectable devices and reduce dependence on healthcare professionals. These are specialized instruments that can be used to avoid needle stick injury and reduce needle phobia among patients. These are the revolutionary instruments which are invented to ensure complete dosage with painless drug delivery. Factors such as rising prevalence of anaphylaxis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis is anticipate to increasethe consumption of auto-injectors over the forecast period. Factors like growing advancement in the drug delivery technology, growing patient preferences for Auto-injectorsin emergency care and increasing number of key participantsmanufacturing generic versions are anticipated to enhance the growth of global Auto-injectorsmarket over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample:Sale of Auto-injectorsis relativelyhealthy in the U.S. market in the recent years, making North America the most lucrative region globally.North America Auto-injectorsmarketis estimated to value at US$ XX.XMn in 2016, with the U.S. accounting for majority of revenue share. By product, PrefilledAuto-injectorsaccounted for higher revenue share in global Auto-injectorsmarketas compared to other product segments..By Indication type, anaphylaxis indication type segment accounted for highest revenue share and is expected to reflect CAGR the forecast period. The growing preference for injectable drug delivery is expected to fuel the market for sterile drugs globally. Self-administration of drugs through usage of pre-filled syringes is one such instance where patients can save on large caregiver fees. There is an increased demand for large molecule drugs in pre-filled syringes as compared to small molecule drugs in pre-filled syringes.Request For Report TOC :By Distribution Channel, Online Pharmacies segmentaccount for higher demand for Auto-injectorsas compared to other end user segments such as Drug Stores, Hospital Pharmacies and Retail Pharmacies segment.PrefilledAuto-injectorscherishsupportable demand for Online Pharmacies owing to the fact that Epipen Auto Injector which is used in anaphylaxis is made mandatory at several public places along with the first aid.Moreover certain change in prices made by Mylan N.V. by launching a generic version of Epipen is expected to drastically affect the sales revenue of auto-injectors market in the near future. The prices are dropped down to nearly half of the initial prices that will affect the sales revenue but will eventually support to build a strong volume base for auto-injectors market.Key players in the global Auto-injectors market include Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sanofi, Pfizer, Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Bayer AG, Janssen Global Services, LLC, Antares Pharma, Inc., Amgen Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company and others. Major market players are implementing different strategies and are focusing on product development through research. Many players have are yet to launch the auto injectors in the market and are soon expected to launch.Report Analysis:About UsResearch Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsContact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com IQF Fruits Market 2026 | Dirafrost Frozen Fruit Industry NV., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Uren Food Group Ltd., Danone, Rosemary & Thyme Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestle S.A, and Milne Fruit Products Inc https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114688/IQF-Fruits-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114688/IQF-Fruits-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114688/IQF-Fruits-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com The demand for individual quick freeze (IQF) fruits is largely influenced by the prominent wellness and health trends in the world. Also, the rising occurrence of pancreatic disorder due to overconsumption of poorly-preserved fruits is expected to stimulate the demand for IQF fruits among consumers globally. In2016, the global market for IQF fruits is anticipated to close in on US$ 8.0 Bn in terms of revenues, surpassing consumption of over 2.3 Mn tonnes of volumes.To asses optimal growth opportunities of the global IQF fruits market, Research Report Insights (RRI) provides key market perceptions in the report titled, Global Market Study on Individual Quick Freeze (IQF) Fruits: Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016-2026. According to the report, the market value of the global IQF fruits market reached US$ 7.4 Bn in 2015, and is expected to grow exponentially in 2016 and beyond.Growing awareness on the health benefits of consuming fruits with nutritional additives is one of the major factor driving the growth of the market. The consumption of natural and organic fruits assorted with artificial ingredients is surging, which has resulted in a positive impact on the demand for quick freeze fruits. However, the growth of the global market will face challenges owing to the lower acceptance of IQF fruits as an alternative for conventional fruit preservation processes.Request For Report Sample:By product type, the global market for IQF fruits is expected to exhibit dominance from strawberry segment. Strawberry additives will account for more than US$ 570 Mn revenues, while blueberry additives will be adopting a y-o-y growth rate of 10% and increase their revenue share by 2016-end. Increasing consumption of berries in preparation of smoothies and other fruit drinks will also influence the product growth in 2016 and beyond.On the basis of the buyers, the groceries and wholesaler outlets will continue to account for substantial share in the global market value. Dairy product manufacturers are also expected to increase their demand for IQF fruits in order to develop new edible and drinkable products. In 2016, cake shops and confectionary outlets will emerge as one of the key contributors for rising consumption of IQF fruits.Request For Report discount:The global market is further segmented on the basis of geographic regions, wherein North America is estimated to lead as the most lucrative region for the expansion of the global IQF fruits market. In terms of volume, North America shall solely account for consumption of more than 850 thousand tonnes of IQF fruits by the end of 2016, resulting into a y-o-y growth of 5.9% over 2015. Western Europe is also expected to join North America as one of the leading regions, procuring market value of US$ 1.3 Bn in 2016.The key fruit suppliers and consumer companies in the global market for individual quick freeze fruits include, Dirafrost Frozen Fruit Industry NV., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Uren Food Group Ltd., Danone, Rosemary & Thyme Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestle S.A, and Milne Fruit Products Inc., among others.The global IQF fruit market is projected to expand at a 6.5% CAGR in terms of revenues, during the forecast period 2016-2026. The global individual quick freeze fruits market is anticipated to be value at US$ 14.8 Bn by end of the forecast period.Report Analysis:About UsResearch Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsContact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Photo: Contributed A Spanish multinational company is taking over the snow-clearing and maintenance contracts for highways and provincial roads in the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen. Acciona Infrastructure Maintenance Inc. was awarded the South Okanagan and Okanagan-Shuswap zone contracts after an open bidding process, the Ministry of Transportation confirmed today. Acciona will replace Argo Road Maintenance in the South Okanagan zone, which spans from Oyama to the border and west to Alison Lake, including the Okanagan Connector from Peachland to the Pennask Summit. The new agreement comes into effect on May 1, 2019, meaning Argo will be responsible for provincially maintained roads until then. In the Okanagan-Shuswap zone spanning Fintry north past Seymour Arm Acciona replaces JPW Road and Bridge Inc. when their contract runs out on March 31, 2019. Twenty-six of 28 road maintenance contracts in B.C. are being tendered and awarded in 2018 and 2019 through an open bidding process. The Ministry of Transportation says the new contracts require higher standards and a more proactive approach to winter events. Improvements to the contracts include: Increased communication with the public about changing road conditions and other incidents affecting travel on B.C. roads. Return Class A highways to bare pavement within 24 hours of a winter weather event ending at pavement temperatures of -9 C or warmer, when deicing chemical use is safe and effective. The previous standard was 48 hours. Increase patrol frequency to 90 minutes on a Class A highway, like the Coquihalla, during a winter storm. The previous standard was four hours. When a weather event is forecast to occur, increase the patrol frequency to four hours. The previous standard was 24 hours. Argo has retained the Thompson zone contract, meaning it will continue to maintain the portion of the Coquihalla and Highway 97C around Kamloops. A winning bidder for the Nicola zone, which includes the lower Coquihalla, has not been announced yet. That contract is currently held by VSA Highway Maintenance, and is set to expire at the end of June 2019. The new contracts have a 10-year term with a five-year extension option for the province. Dollar values for the contracts have not been disclosed yet. Acciona has a presence in 30 countries, including offices in Vancouver, and is one of the main civil works contractors working on the Site C Dam. Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Market 2018, Overview, Analysis, Global Forecast up to 2023 https://researchreportsinc.com/sample-request/?id=179060 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=179060&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Market 2018 report focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the global key players. It also provides analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenueDownload Sample Copy of Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Market:Research objectives To study and analyze the global 2018 Top 5 Flexible Heating Element Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023. To understand the structure of 2018 Top 5 Flexible Heating Element Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa market by identifying its various sub segments. Focuses on the key global 2018 Top 5 Flexible Heating Element Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the 2018 Top 5 Flexible Heating Element Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of 2018 Top 5 Flexible Heating Element Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Buy Now:This report also splits the market by region:AmericasUnited StatesCanadaMexicoBrazilAPACChinaJapanKoreaSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaSpainMiddle East & AfricaEgyptSouth AfricaIsraelTurkeyGCC CountriesTable of Contents2018-2023 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Market Report1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered2 Executive Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Market 2018 report focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the global key players. It also provides analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption 2013-20232.1.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption CAGR by Region2.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Segment by Type2.2.1 Standard Non-Sealed Motorcycle Chain2.2.2 O-Ring Motorcycle Chain2.2.3 X-Ring Motorcycle Chain2.3 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Type2.3.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.3 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sale Price by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Segment by Application2.4.1 OEM2.4.2 Aftermarket2.5 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Application2.5.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.3 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sale Price by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption by Players3.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Revenue Market Share by Players3.2.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Revenue by Players (2016-2018)3.2.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Revenue Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.3 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sale Price by Players3.4 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players3.4.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Players3.4.2 Players Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Products Offered3.5 Market Concentration Rate Analysis3.5.1 Competition Landscape Analysis3.5.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2016-2018)3.6 New Products and Potential Entrants3.7 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion4 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption by Regions4.1 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption by Regions4.1.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Regions4.1.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value by Regions4.2 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Growth4.3 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Growth4.4 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries5.1.1 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)5.1.2 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value by Countries (2013-2018)5.2 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Type5.3 Americas Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Application5.4 United States5.5 Canada5.6 Mexico5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas Countries6 APAC6.1 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries6.1.1 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)6.1.2 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value by Countries (2013-2018)6.2 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Type6.3 APAC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Application6.4 China6.5 Japan6.6 Korea6.7 Southeast Asia6.8 India6.9 Australia6.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few APAC Countries7 Europe7.1 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption by Countries7.1.1 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)7.1.2 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value by Countries (2013-2018)7.2 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Type7.3 Europe Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Application7.4 Germany7.5 France7.6 UK7.7 Italy7.8 Russia7.9 Spain7.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few Europe Countries8 Middle East & Africa8.1 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption by Countries8.1.1 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)8.1.2 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value by Countries (2013-2018)8.2 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Type8.3 Middle East & Africa Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption by Application8.4 Egypt8.5 South Africa8.6 Israel8.7 Turkey8.8 GCC Countries9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends9.1 Market Drivers and Impact9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries9.2 Market Challenges and Impact9.3 Market Trends10 Marketing, Distributors and Customer10.1 Sales Channel10.1.1 Direct Marketing10.1.2 Indirect Marketing10.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Distributors10.3 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Customer11 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Market Forecast11.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Consumption Forecast (2018-2023)11.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Forecast by Regions11.2.1 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Forecast by Regions (2018-2023)11.2.2 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Value Forecast by Regions (2018-2023)11.2.3 Americas Consumption Forecast11.2.4 APAC Consumption Forecast11.2.5 Europe Consumption Forecast11.2.6 Middle East & Africa Consumption Forecast11.3 Americas Forecast by Countries11.3.1 United States Market Forecast11.3.2 Canada Market Forecast11.3.3 Mexico Market Forecast11.3.4 Brazil Market Forecast11.4 APAC Forecast by Countries11.4.1 China Market Forecast11.4.2 Japan Market Forecast11.4.3 Korea Market Forecast11.4.4 Southeast Asia Market Forecast11.4.5 India Market Forecast11.4.6 Australia Market Forecast11.5 Europe Forecast by Countries11.5.1 Germany Market Forecast11.5.2 France Market Forecast11.5.3 UK Market Forecast11.5.4 Italy Market Forecast11.5.5 Russia Market Forecast11.5.6 Spain Market Forecast11.6 Middle East & Africa Forecast by Countries11.6.1 Egypt Market Forecast11.6.2 South Africa Market Forecast11.6.3 Israel Market Forecast11.6.4 Turkey Market Forecast11.6.5 GCC Countries Market Forecast11.7 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Forecast by Type11.8 Global Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Forecast by Application12 Key Players Analysis12.1 Qingdao Choho12.1.1 Company Details12.1.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Product Offered12.1.3 Qingdao Choho Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)12.1.4 Main Business Overview12.1.5 Qingdao Choho News12.2 KMC12.2.1 Company Details12.2.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Product Offered12.2.3 KMC Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)12.2.4 Main Business Overview12.2.5 KMC News12.3 DAIDO KOGYO12.3.1 Company Details12.3.2 Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Product Offered12.3.3 DAIDO KOGYO Automotive Active Body Panel Consumption Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)12.3.4 Main Business Overview12.3.5 DAIDO KOGYO NewsAbout Us:Research Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwideWith our expertise and research offerings, we ensure we deliver on all your requirements, whether youre looking for industry analysis or market trends or anything else, first time and every time!Email us sales@researchreportsinc.comCall: US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424, UK : +4403308087757 Now that voters have approved Metros $652.8 million housing bond, the regional government is beginning to lay the groundwork for getting that money out the door. But the public wont start to see firm proposals for low-income housing developments until next year. Metros draft timeline, released Thursday, allows for a handful of demonstration projects to move forward in spring while Metro continues to negotiate agreements with the seven cities and housing authorities that will spend the bulk of the money. The housing bond program wont launch in earnest until early summer, once those agreements are in place and a Metro Council-appointed oversight committee is convened. New developments built with bond money wont open for months or years, even under the most optimistic construction timelines. But the bond proceeds also could be used to buy existing buildings and convert them to low-income housing, delivering units more quickly. The elected council, which sets policy for the regional government, referred the bond measure to voters earlier this year to direct more money to affordable housing. Voters in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties approved the measure 59 percent to 41 percent. It carried a majority of voters in all three counties, though voters in Clackamas County gave their approval with a margin of just two percentage points. A companion ballot measure asked voters statewide to amend the Oregon Constitution to allow affordable housing bond proceeds to be used for private development. That measure, which was approved with 57 percent of the vote, would allow those dollars to be combined with private financing and federal low-income housing tax credits. Depending on how quickly Metro and the regions housing authorities advance their plan, property owners could see the bond measure appear on tax bills next year, but they might not start paying for the bond measure until 2020, said Tim Collier, Metros finance director. The cost for property owners would be up to 24 cents per $1,000 in assessed value, Metro says, or $60 a year for a home with an assessed value of $250,000. -- Elliot Njus enjus@oregonian.com; 503-294-5034; @enjus SALEM Rep. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, will not seek another stint as leader of the Republican caucus in the state House. Rep. McLane has served as the House GOP Leader since 2012, wrote McLane spokesman Preston Mann in an email Thursday. He will not seek an additional term as leader. He looks forward to continuing to serve the people of House District 55 as their state representative. Republicans will choose a leader at their next caucus. McLane was just re-elected to his fifth two-year term representing a district that includes the southern and eastern portions of Deschutes County and all of Crook County. He was first elected to the House in 2010. The general election earlier this month gave Democrats a 38-22 supermajority in the House, making it possible for them to pass tax measures without making any deals for Republican support. Democrats also secured an 18-12 supermajority in the Senate. McLane is a partner in Lynch Conger McLane, a Bend law firm that includes Jason Conger, the former Republican representative from House District 54. McLane is an officer in the Oregon National Guard. House Majority Leader Tina Kotek, D-Portland, with whom McLane frequently sparred on the House floor, offered good wishes via Twitter. Thank you @MikeMcLaneOR for your dedicated service over the last 6 years to your caucus and our state. https://t.co/t2sDc9cxQY Tina Kotek (@TinaKotek) November 15, 2018 Thank you @MikeMcLaneOR for your dedicated service over the last 6 years to your caucus and our state, Kotek wrote. McLanes decision further weakens the power of Central Oregons delegation to Salem. Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, resigned in November 2017 to take an appointment by Gov. Kate Brown to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Ferrioli had represented Senate District 30, which includes a northern portion of Deschutes County and all of Jefferson County. He was replaced as the GOPs Senate leader by Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem. Rep. Gene Whisnant, R-Sunriver retired, and Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, made an unsuccessful run for governor. In their place, voters elected Republican newcomers Jack Zika of Redmond and Cheri Helt of Bend. Gary A. Warner | The (Bend) Bulletin Rampant overproduction in Oregons market for legal, recreational marijuana has produced a 50 percent decline in prices, according to state economists. That widely documented collapse has been hard on farmers and retailers but a boon for consumers. A new state analysis finds the price collapse sparked a big uptick in marijuana purchases and a corresponding increase in associated tax revenue. Lower prices are helping to drive the volume of sales higher and induce black and medical market conversions into the legal, recreational market, according to Josh Lehner of the Oregon Office of Economist Analysis. Recreational marijuana sales in Oregon will be nearly $543 million this year, according to the latest forecasts, up 29 percent from 2017 and well above economists expectations. Theyre raising their forecasts even more in future years. When Oregon legalized marijuana four years ago, expectations were huge for the newly legal market. The state created incentives for producers to leave the black market, leading to overproduction and the ensuing price drop. A state study found the retail cost of a gram of marijuana plunged from $14 in 2015 to $7 last year. Recreational marijuana remains a small industry, relative to the size of Oregons economy. For comparison, economists note that cigarette sales are 40 percent higher than marijuana sales. But legal marijuana is growing fast state forecasts suggest it will be a billion-dollar market in 2025. While Oregon famously has no general sales tax, it does levy a 17 percent sales tax on marijuana. Though the state is collecting less on each sale because of falling prices, the increase in volume is more than compensating. Marijuana taxes generated nearly $70 million in revenue last year and are forecast to generate nearly $90 million in 2018. Though tiny relative to Oregons roughly $37 billion annual budget, its much higher than anticipated. And state forecasters believe marijuana may eventually play a more important role in the states economy. The real economic impact from recreational marijuana will come not from the growing and retailing, which are low-wage and low value-added market segments, economists wrote in a revenue forecast issued Wednesday. It will come from higher value-added products like oils, creams, and edibles, in addition to niche, specialty strains. The rise of marijuana in Oregon could evoke the emergence of craft brewing in the state, the economists wrote, with value-added production augmented by a cluster of suppliers and support industries. The long-term potential of exporting Oregon products and business know-how to the rest of the country remains large, the economists wrote, at least once marijuana is legalized nationwide. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 The Me Too movement has raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault, but old attitudes stubbornly remain in place. An example: A defense attorney in a rape case in Ireland recently argued that because the top of a teenager's lacy thong underwear was visible it signaled she was "open" to a sexual encounter, The Guardian reports. "Does the evidence out-rule the possibility that she was attracted to the defendant and was open to meeting someone and being with someone?" attorney Elizabeth O'Connell said in her closing argument to the jury. "You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front." The "she" in this case: a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in an alley by a 27-year-old man. The defendant was acquitted unanimously by a jury. The defense attorney's remarks have sparked outrage across Ireland, leading to protesters outside the courthouse in Cork chanting, "My little black dress does not mean yes." Ruth Coppinger, a member of the Irish parliament, held up a pair of lace underwear in the chamber in solidarity with the protesters. The trial verdict came on Nov. 6, yet it took a couple of days before O'Connell's comments filtered out into the public space. "It didn't blow up at first -- it was almost a delayed reaction," Cork City Councillor Fiona Ryan said. But the reaction came, with activists decrying the suggestion that the girl's underwear may have made her responsible for the alleged assault against her. "It comes up very, very regularly: how someone was dressed, the amount of drink they had taken, why they hadn't screamed if they were in trouble," Dublin anti-rape activist Noeline Blackwell told the Irish Independent. "These kind of mythologies and stereotypes around rape come up again and again in court cases, because the defense to rape is that the sex was consensual. So anything the defendant can do to suggest there was consent will be used." In recent days, the protests have spread beyond Ireland thanks to social media, where pictures of underwear with the #ThisIsNotConsent hashtag have gone viral. Don't Edit Don't Edit Remember when shopping for your pants that you are choosing whether you want to be raped or not girls!!! #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/kMZweDpsd3 Chloe (@wootton_chloe) November 16, 2018 Don't Edit To bring a victims underwear into a rape trial as a reason for the rape is beyond despicable. #ThisIsNotConsent #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/wZPOqLEzLJ CailleachDorcha (@Starlanna) November 11, 2018 Don't Edit Counsel for man acquitted of rape suggested jurors should reflect on underwear worn by the 17yo complainant. Following this wholly unacceptable comment, we are calling on our followers to post a picture of their thongs/knickers to support her with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/ZkVU0GVAIN I Believe Her - Ireland (@ibelieveher_ire) November 10, 2018 Don't Edit Don't Edit 2nd high profile rape case on this island. Again woman is further victimised in court. It's so wrong. Feel need to share this article, again. A (potential) rapist doesn't care what a woman wears...https://t.co/UReHFXXn1P #IBelieveHer #ThisIsNotConsent Mary Mc (@MaryMc_31) November 13, 2018 Don't Edit Well done to the protestors in Ireland #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/Kj7iWDXBhl Lady Louisa (@IouisaLouisa) November 15, 2018 Don't Edit The victim should never be the one to blame, but the rapist. Whatever she was doing, whatever she was wearing cannot justify the reasons of the rape. The rapist should be the only one to blame the act for.#ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/nIDoo18Dfx (@pe_r_io_d) November 15, 2018 Don't Edit In Cork earlier today #ThisisNotConsent pic.twitter.com/q8WhhG9vxG I Believe Her - Ireland (@ibelieveher_ire) November 14, 2018 Don't Edit A rapist got away with raping a 17 year old girl due to her choice of underwear which was a lace front thong. Disgusting and shocked at the Irish justice system right now. Lets get this to re-trial with actual professionals!!! Poor girl #thisisnotconsent pic.twitter.com/osaj57p5v5 Katie Allan (@kkkatieallan) November 16, 2018 Don't Edit Don't Edit I hear cameras cut away from me when I displayed this underwear in #Dail. In courts victims can have their underwear passed around as evidence and it's within the rules, hence need to display in Dail. Join protests tomorrow. In Dublin it's at Spire, 1pm.#dubw #ThisIsNotConsent pic.twitter.com/DvtaJL61qR Ruth Coppinger TD (@RuthCoppingerTD) November 13, 2018 Don't Edit -- Douglas Perry A 35-year-old Cottage Grove man pleaded guilty Thursday to endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana after a butane honey oil explosion last year. On Nov. 16, 2017, police and firefighters responded to an explosion at a storage facility in Cottage Grove and learned that property owner Eric L. Scully was being treated for serious burns from the explosion at a local hospital. Two days later, federal agents searched the storage facility with a warrant and found a large, sophisticated and unlicensed hash oil extraction lab, according to federal prosecutors. The lab contained a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. Agents found more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana bud, 728 marijuana plants and over 80 pounds of marijuana extract. One of Scullys machines caught fire, an investigation found. The machine and combustibles exploded, injuring Scully. Two other people were inside at the time but no other injuries were reported. Manufacturing hash oil is extremely dangerous and poses a grave risk of injury or death to producers and unknowing, innocent victims. Federal authorities will continue targeting BHO producers and the illicit distribution networks providing them with butane gas. Together with our local partners, we will put an end to this severe public safety threat, Oregons U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said in a prepared statement. Under a plea deal, the U.S. attorneys office and Scullys defense lawyer will recommend that Scully face seven years in federal prison when sentenced on Feb. 21 by U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane in U.S. District Court in Eugene. Hes also agreed to forfeit $25,980 in criminal proceeds and a pickup truck and trailer used to help in the crimes. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A 21-year-old man who sent nine people to the hospital in one day was found guilty except for insanity and will go to the state mental hospital. Vesther JJ Brown has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and also was under the influence of cocaine on Aug. 20, 2017, the day he embarked on a puzzling rampage. While riding in the passenger seat of a car near Southeast 162nd Avenue and Division Street, Brown without warning stabbed a pen into the neck of the driver, who was his girlfriends father. Brown later told police that he thought his girlfriends father had a gun and was going to kill him. Brown then ran one block to his fathers apartment, where he shot his 24-year-old sister, grazing her in the chest. He also shot his 8-year-old brother in the abdomen and the back, then scooped the boy up and drove off with him in a pickup truck. Brown later told police that he didnt know why he shot them, and he was trying to rush his little brother to the hospital. Police suspected he was driving 55 mph to 75 mph when he struck a van full of disabled adults at Southeast 156th and Division Street. Seven of them went to the hospital for treatment, according to court papers. The man Brown stabbed in the neck didnt need to be hospitalized. On Wednesday, Multnomah County Circuit Judge Nan Waller found Brown guilty except for insanity for a long list of crimes, including attempted murder, because of his mental illness. For up to 20 years, Brown will be under the supervision of the states Psychiatric Security Review Board. It will oversee his future psychiatric care, including his stay at the Oregon State Hospital and any future placements, including at group homes. The board also could decide its no longer necessary to supervise Brown before 20 years is up. Hes 21 years old with no prior criminal history and was obviously suffering from schizophrenia, said defense attorney Downing Bethune. Twenty years to a 21-year-old is a lifetime to a young man. Vesther JJ Brown (right) sits next to defense attorney Downing Bethune on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, in Multnomah County Circuit Court. A report written by a Close Street Supervision deputy -- who was reviewing Browns case in order to make a recommendation about whether he should be released after his arrest -- detailed Browns tumultuous upbringing in a violent, dysfunctional and gang-riddled family. The report said Browns father was a founding member of the Hoovers gang and that police have contacted or arrested his father and his mother a total of nearly 300 times over the last several decades. Brown started using marijuana daily before age 11, and he thought he suffered from depression, according to the report. He nonetheless was able to hold down a job for two years at an adult care facility in Happy Valley, where he helped people with dementia. After Browns arrest, family members of those residents contacted authorities to say he was sweet and caring, the report said. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee They are the last two words people want to hear the week before Thanksgiving: turkey recall. On Thursday, Jennie-O recalled 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products that may be linked to salmonella outbreaks in multiple state, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. The raw ground turkey products were produced on Sept. 11, and shipped to stores nationwide, including Oregon and Washington. The products had a Use by date of either Oct. 1 or 2. While its long past those dates for consumption, officials are concerned about consumers who may have frozen the products after purchase. These are the recalled products (click here to see the package labels): 1-pound packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 93% LEAN | 7% FAT" with "Use by" dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018. 1-pound packages of "Jennie-O TACO SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. 1-pound packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 85% LEAN | 15% FAT" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. 1-pound packages of "Jennie-O ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018. The tainted products were shipped to the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. This image provided by Hormel Foods shows the production code information on the side of the sleeve of Jennie-O-Turkey that is being recalled.AP The salmonella outbreak, which began a year ago, is linked to raw turkey, and has sickened 164 people in 35 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Theres been one reported death, in California, as a result of consuming tainted turkey. While the recall doesnt affect whole turkeys, it raises concern among food-safety investigators about a drug-resistant strain of salmonella turning up in raw turkey just before the largest turkey consumption day of the year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say consumers can still eat turkey this Thanksgiving, but officials stress the importance of proper handling and cooking techniques. The cases have been surfacing at a steady rate and over a wide area. Illnesses have been linked to a variety of turkey brands, companies, processing facilities and retailers. Salmonella in food is estimated to be responsible for 1 million illnesses a year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and usually develop in 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Illness can last up to a week and most people recover without medical treatment, according to the CDC. More serious illness can develop in children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. An estimated 1.2 million cases of salmonella infections occur in the United States every year. -- Grant Butler gbutler@oregonian.com 503-221-8566; @grantbutler A 19-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to 16 years in prison for fatally shooting another teenager who punched him in the face earlier in the day. Cristian Martinez-Chavez became enraged when Jose Ricardo Morales hit him on July 29, 2017. Its not clear what the argument was about. Martinez-Chavez wanted revenge, so he went to the home of one of his friends and retrieved a gun, according to the prosecution. Martinez-Chavez and a carload of his friends then drove around searching for Morales. They found Morales at Southeast 187th and Stark Street in Gresham, but circled the area three times because there were witnesses in the area. When no one was around, Martinez-Chavez shot Morales in the shoulder. Police who responded to the area found Morales dead on the sidewalk. A police officer five blocks away stopped a Chrysler Sebring that he saw speed through a stop sign. Police soon realized young people inside were responsible for the shooting. Martinez-Chavez pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter last month and was sentenced Thursday. Martinez-Chavez apologized to Morales family. I wish the whole thing had played out differently, Martinez-Chavez said. And Im sorry. I wish it had as well, said Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Bergstrom. Martinez-Chavez, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, was a member of the Southside 13 gang, according to court records. Isai Guzman-Ramirez, who was 20 at the time, gave Martinez-Chavez the gun and showed him how to use it, the prosecution said. He was sentenced Thursday to 14 years for his role in the killing. Guzman-Ramirez was a member of the Surenos gang, court documents said. Obed Garcia-Antonio, who was 15 at the time and drove the car, was sentenced to 6 years on Thursday. The criminal case against a fourth teen, Francisco Martinez-Chavez, who was 16 at the time, is pending. Morales mother tried to read a statement in court, but instead broke down sobbing at a courtroom table. Celia Santiago kept her head resting on her arms at the counsel table for the rest of the hearing. It is an agonizing pain, as your honor can visibly see today, said Deputy District Attorney David Hannon. Hannon then read Santiagos statement, which described how she tried to stay strong for her other children after learning her son was dead. She mourns a future she will never have: Seeing her son marry, have children and build a life for himself. Hannon said it was difficult to reach a plea agreement, given that a teenager is dead, at the hands of another teenager. This was never a question of who done it, but a question of how we balance the loss and grief we see here today with the randomness of a single shot from a moving vehicle with three minors and one 20-year-old involved, some of whom have cognitive issues, Hannon said. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee President Donald Trump flew to Paris to represent the U.S. at Nov. 11 ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. He skipped the trip to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial because he couldnt fly by Marine One helicopter. He also missed honoring the 1,800 U.S. Marines who stopped the German Spring Offensive of 1918 at Belleau Wood with their lives. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau all seemed to get there just fine. Where was our president? Semper Fi. Bryan Gilham, Portland Photo: The Canadian Press At least 63 are now dead from a Northern California wildfire, and officials say they have a missing persons list with 631 names on it in an ever-evolving accounting of the missing after the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century. Officials were scrambling to pinpoint everyone's whereabouts and Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Thursday that the high number of missing people probably included some who fled the blaze and didn't realize they had been reported missing. Authorities were making the list public so people could see if they were on it and let authorities know they were safe, Honea said. "The chaos that we were dealing with was extraordinary," he said of the early crisis hours last week. "Now we're trying to go back out and make sure that we're accounting for everyone." Honea released the list as others questioned the chaotic evacuations of Nov. 8. Ten years ago, as two wildfires advanced on Paradise, residents jumped into their vehicles to flee and got stuck in gridlock. That led authorities to devise a staggered evacuation plan one they used when fire came again last week. But Paradise's carefully laid plans quickly devolved into a panicked exodus last week. Some survivors said that by the time they got warnings, the flames were already extremely close, and they barely escaped with their lives. Others said they received no warnings at all. Now authorities are facing questions of whether they took the right approach. It's also a lesson for other communities across the West that could be threatened as climate change and overgrown forests contribute to longer, more destructive fire seasons. Reeny Victoria Breevaart, who lives in Magalia, a forested community of 11,000 people north of Paradise, said she couldn't receive warnings because cellphones weren't working. She also lost electrical power. Just over an hour after the first evacuation order was issued at 8 a.m., she said neighbours came to her door to say: "You have to get out of here." Shari Bernacett, who with her husband managed a mobile home park in Paradise where they also lived, received a text ordering an evacuation. "Within minutes the flames were on top of us," she said. Bernacett packed two duffel bags while her husband and another neighbour knocked on doors, yelling for people to get out. The couple grabbed their dog and drove through four-meter flames to escape. In the aftermath of the disaster, survivors said authorities need to devise a plan to reach residents who can't get a cellphone signal in the hilly terrain or don't have cellphones at all. In his defence, Honea said evacuation orders were issued through 5,227 emails, 25,643 phone calls and 5,445 texts, in addition to social media and the use of loudspeakers. As cellphone service went down, authorities went into neighbourhoods with bullhorns to tell people to leave, and that effort saved lives. Honea said he was too busy with the emergency and the recovery of human remains to analyze how the evacuation went. But he said it was a big, chaotic, fast-moving situation, and there weren't enough law enforcement officers to go out and warn everyone. "The fact that we have thousands and thousands of people in shelters would clearly indicate that we were able to notify a significant number of people," the sheriff said. On Thursday, firefighters reported progress in battling the nearly 570-square-kilometre blaze that displaced 52,000 people and destroyed more than 9,500 homes. It was 40 per cent contained, fire officials said. Crews slowed the flames' advance in populated areas. Two Oregon prison inmates died in custody in five days, including one who was in hospice care. Aubrey D. Richardson, 76, died Thursday at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla, and Michael E. Krajeski, 60, died in hospice care Saturday at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections. The agency hasn't released any information on how either man died. In 2016, Richardson was sentenced in Linn County to six years and two months in prison for attempted rape and attempted sexual abuse. Krajeski was sentenced in Multnomah County to seven years and six months in prison in 2012 for robbery and burglary, court records show. Krajeski sued an Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution doctor, the corrections department's then-chief medical officer and others in 2016 saying they weren't protecting his civil rights and delayed necessary medical care. The lawsuit said Krajeski had been severely beaten by a cellmate in 2014 despite Krajeski asking to be moved beforehand after being threatened and prison staff knowing the other inmate had a history of beating his cellmates. According to the lawsuit, the attack caused Krajeski to lose some of his vision, memory and cognitive skills. He also had trouble speaking and required metal plates in his skull due to a severe brain injury, the suit said. Doctors at OHSU Hospital discovered Krajeski had hepatitis C while treating him and that he was likely suffering from cirrhosis because of it. OHSU turned over the records to state corrections department physicians, but they didn't advise Krajeski of his illness for more than a year, didn't assess how serious the hepatitis infection was and never provided Krajeski with antiviral therapy, the lawsuit said. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Krajeski said he'd been given two years to live and the department of corrections was refusing to give him any treatment for his illness. The state agreed in June 2017 to pay Krajeski $100,000 in a settlement, allow him to continue to receive all the medical treatment and evaluations he needed for as long as he was incarcerated and cover all payments associated with a potential liver transplant and immediate aftercare. It was estimated to cost up to $1.5 million. It's not clear if Krajeski received a liver transplant. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Two Deschutes County inmates on a work crew got drunk on the alcohol from hand sanitizer, then went joyriding on a stolen ATV until deputies caught up with them Wednesday, authorities say. Christopher G. Turre, 30, and Shawn D. McCallister, 34, were part of a four-inmate work crew at a ranch east of Bend feeding rescue animals and cleaning up the property. At some point, Turre and McCallister drank sanitizer from a container in the jail van, took off on a sheriff's office four-wheeler and broke through a ranch entrance gate on their way off the land, the sheriff's office said. It's not clear from the sheriff's office how much hand sanitizer Turre and McCallister drank nor if the other two inmates drank any. The amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer ranges from 45 percent to 95 percent, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Wine has 10 percent to 15 percent alcohol, and beer contains 5 to 10 percent. Most hand-sanitizing products have more than 60 percent ethyl alcohol, which is found in beer, brandy and whiskey. The deputy in charge of supervising the inmates noticed McCallister and Turre were missing around 11:25 a.m. and saw the gate had been forced open. Someone later called 911 and reported seeing the duo speeding in the area on the ATV and riding in circles, the sheriff's office said. Authorities used an Oregon State Police plane to help find McCallister, Turre and the ATV, described as green with "SHERIFF" written on it. Turre was found on national forest land around 12:30 p.m. McCallister was found about 35 minutes later. By then, McCallister had abandoned the ATV and run away. Officials found him trying to hide in a field, the sheriff's office said. Turre was sentenced in September to 100 days in jail for driving under the influence of intoxicants and fourth-degree assault. His driver's license was also suspended for life, court records show. He is now accused of first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree escape and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. McCallister, the alleged ATV operator, faces the same accusations as well as driving under the influence of intoxicants, attempt to elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering and driving while suspended. He was in the midst of serving a 90-day jail sentence after being convicted in August of first-degree theft, heroin possession, reckless endangering and driving while suspended. A judge at the time ordered McCallister's driver's license be suspended for 90 days. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey A Lincoln City man told police a stranger drove up to him on the street and shot a cellphone out of his hand, but he actually destroyed the device himself and grazed his nose when he accidentally fired a handgun while in his bedroom, authorities say. It took two days for Isaiah Padron, 20, to admit to investigators there was no drive-by shooting and the man who he claimed fired on him at random while driving a black four-door sedan didn't exist, according to a probable cause affidavit. It was after Lincoln City police confronted him about a reported stolen gun found in his bedroom, the court papers said. According to police, Padron initially claimed he was walking on the street around 3:35 p.m. Monday when the shooting occurred. He said he didn't know the alleged shooter. On Wednesday, someone who witnessed the actual shooting turned over the handgun to police, and it was determined to have been stolen from a home in Sisters, the affidavit said. Padron told police he bought the gun and 16 bullets for $400 from a stranger he met though a friend and said he didn't know it was stolen, the affidavit said. Padron said he was in his family's apartment when the gun discharged by accident. Padron remained held Thursday in the Lincoln County Jail on suspicion of first-degree theft, unlawful purchase of a firearm, reckless endangering, disorderly conduct and filing a false police report. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey The Oregon Court of Appeals struck down Thursday a record $65,000 penalty the state imposed on a petitioner backing an initiative to legalize marijuana in the state. In 2012, Secretary of State Kate Brown now Oregons governor slapped that penalty on Robert Wolfe. He had hired signature gatherers for an initiative to legalize marijuana in Oregon. (The proposed initiative failed to qualify for the ballot, though in 2014 voters approved a separate initiative that legalized recreational marijuana use.) Oregon law requires signature gatherers be paid by the hour, not by the signature, to discourage fraud. Court proceedings indicate Wolfes compensation policies were vague, but Browns office and a subsequent ruling by an Oregon administrative law judge concluded that he was effectively paying by the signature. In Thursdays ruling, the appeals court ruled Wolfe should have been permitted to present evidence challenging the states conclusions. The court reversed the penalty and remanded the case back to the secretary of states office. This is about a tremendous travesty of justice that was perpetrated by Kate Brown, said Portland attorney Dan Meek, who represented Wolfe. Debra Royal, chief of staff to current Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, said its too soon to say whether he will attempt to reinstate the penalty. Were still looking at it and evaluating how to move forward, she said. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 A sweeping Democratic victory on Election Day wasnt enough to prevent a post-election headache for one of Oregons most powerful party operatives and her Portland lawyer. Becca Uherbelau, executive director of Our Oregon, and Steve Ungar, the groups counsel, have until Wednesday to explain to state regulators why they turned in nearly 100 ballots the day after the Nov. 6 election deadline. The Secretary of States Elections Division opened an investigation after it received a complaint from Tim Scott, director of the Multnomah County Elections Division. Uherbelau and Ungar turned in the box of ballots on Nov. 7, preventing them from being counted in the midterm election. Defend Oregon, a political action committee affiliated with Our Oregon, apparently gathered the ballots in an aggressive and legal get-out-the-vote effort. Canvassers went door to door asking residents if they needed or wanted assistance delivering their ballots. Scott said in his letter to the state that Defend Oregon handed in other boxes of ballots in time to be counted. The one box had apparently been overlooked until Wednesday. Defend Oregon apologized in a written statement. We take voting and the right to vote very seriously at Defend Oregon, and so we were disheartened to learn that late on Election Day campaign staff failed to follow established ballot collection protocol, the organization said. When Defend Oregon learned of the mistake the next day, we immediately turned the ballots in to officials at the Multnomah County Elections office. We are deeply sorry for this mistake and breach of trust. The incident was first reported by OPB. In an election where ballots are still being counted in Florida and Georgia amid charges of fraud by President Donald Trump no less, Oregons vote-by-mail system has been presented by some national media as an honest and common-sense alternative. The notion of a highly partisan group like Defend Oregon collecting untold numbers of ballots could provide political hay to critics of Oregons system. In its statement, Defend Oregon said it was only trying to help, Oregonians who might otherwise face obstacles to turning in their ballots. Defend Oregon has rigid protocols in place to ensure safe collection and delivery of ballots. But unfortunately that protocol was not followed on Election Day. Now, the matter is in the hands of the Elections Division overseen by Republican Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. Debra Royal, Richardsons chief of staff, said the division sent Initial queries to the parties. Rival protests are planned Saturday in downtown Portland, which could draw several hundred people and potential conflict to a pair of parks near City Hall. An offshoot of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer scheduled a #HimToo rally and their left-wing opponents plan to hold counter demonstrations. The demonstrations once again provide an opportunity for rival political factions to confront each other in the center of the city, in this case only days after a failed attempt by Mayor Ted Wheeler to restrict violent protests that have become a fixture in Portland. The ordinance, backed by Portland police and business groups, failed to garner enough votes in the City Council. Activists panned the proposal, as did civil rights organizations and city leaders, who worried it would stifle free speech and give too much power to the mayor. Many of these critics will take to the streets Saturday. The Democratic Socialists of America have scheduled a rally in the Park Blocks outside the Portland Museum of Art starting at 11:30 a.m. and will march from there to Chapman Square, where Popular Mobilization has planned a demonstration. Those two groups, which count an array of progressive Portlanders among its supporters, aim to bring together survivors of sexual violence and other marginalized individuals who organizers say often remain silent about their abuse or trauma. The event is meant to counter the permitted #HimToo rally scheduled for 2 p.m. across the street at Terry Schrunk Plaza, which stands on federal property. That demonstration, planned by activists aligned with Patriot Prayer and its leader Joey Gibson, seeks to draw attention to men who have been falsely accused of sexual attacks. Like Gibson, the main organizer for the #HimToo rally, Haley Adams, has a conservative following that numbers in the thousands on social media. Previous Patriot Prayer rallies in Portland have also been criticized for attracting members of the far-right fringe. They've included outspoken anti-Semites and Islamophobes, white nationalists and neo-Nazis. Meanwhile, Rose City Antifa, a prominent antifascist group in Portland, has asked supporters to show up at Schrunk Plaza before the #HimToo rally begins. Portland police and federal law enforcement will both be watching over the demonstrations, said Robert Sperling, a spokesman for the Federal Protective Services. Sperling said federal agents will set up checkpoints and screen individuals who enter Schrunk Plaza. Those not participating in the #HimToo rally will be escorted out of the park, he said. Sgt. Chris Burley, a Portland police spokesman, said officers in the area will attempt to prevent physical injuries or property damage. The Portland Police Bureau on Friday published a news release that, in part, warned the public of the dueling demonstrations and reminded people of city codes and federal regulations. The agency said activity was set to start about 1 p.m. Saturday. "The intent of law enforcement during this and all demonstration events is to provide a safe environment for all participants, non-participants, and community members while ensuring the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment," police said. "To this end, there will be a law enforcement presence in the area of the demonstration. Persons attending any of the events should not bring any weapons or items that can be used as weapons to any of the events." Read the bureau's full release here. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh skavanaugh@oregonian.com 503-294-7632 II @shanedkavanaugh Jim Ryan of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report For the past half-century, H.H. Dow High students have entertained and demonstrated Charger pride in their annual variety show. This weekend marks the 50th year of Dow's Renaissance Fair, and the students are out in full force. "I'm really excited for all the people in it," stated senior Nicholas Bloom, one of the show's five emcees. "I like everyone that's doing acts and all our emcees are really fun. I think it'll be a really good time and it'll be enjoyable." Renaissance Fair, commonly known as "RenFair," began in 1968 when Dow High wanted to replicate the success of Midland High School's talent show, Rhapsody Rendezvous. The name of Dow's show was provided by a drama teacher, Peter Conarty, and meant to signify an awakening or new beginning of many different activities for the students. Since the mascot of Dow High is the Charger, a knight in shining armor astride a horse, the show's name also came to reflect a medieval tone. "Over time it just got shortened to 'RenFair.' For a long time the tickets would still say 'Renaissance Fair,' but no one ever called it that because it was too easy to mix it up with an actual Renaissance fair," stated show organizer and orchestra director Amanda Thoms. This year, the show's theme also reflects a mystical tone. The emcees decided to play off of the school's mascot and the idea of a Renaissance fair and decided to portray the show as a live-action role-playing game like Dungeons and Dragons. "We thought we'd take it back to that root. We added the role play twist to make it easier to have a more relatable plot," emcee senior Shane Hogan explained. While the premise ties the acts together, Thoms stated that none of the performers are expected to conform to the theme. "We don't want the students to feel like they have to match that. We just want them showing off the best that they have," she said. The 2018 RenFair is comprised of 22 groups of more than 350 students, half of which are school-based; the remaining acts auditioned to participate. Choirs, orchestras, bands, pom squads and staff will join rock bands, solos and musical duets, dances, poetry readings and a Chinese flute performance. "We have a good range this year," Thoms said. "It's kind of fun to see those people who aren't necessarily involved with drama, theater or choir come out singing or playing in a band. It should be a lot of fun to watch," Hogan said. Dow High's RenFair will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews, Midland. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available online at www.mfcta.org, by calling 989-631-8250 or by visiting the ticket office. The John Alden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored 12 area school seniors as Good Citizens at a recent Recognition Tea at St. John's Episcopal Church. Each student selected by their school as a DAR Good Citizen must exhibit qualities of dependability, service, patriotism, and leadership. Each winner received a DAR Good Citizen pin, certificate and wallet card. Maya Albright from Midland High School was chosen as the John Alden Chapter winner. Maya is the daughter of Eric and Monique Albright and her school sponsor is Julie Villano. Other DAR Good Citizens this year are Jack Owens of Beaverton, the son of Mark and Lynne Owens; Caleb Buda of Bullock Creek, son of Justin and Denae Buda; Carley Stothard of Calvary Baptist Academy, daughter of Ashley Stothard; Danielle Beauchamp of Coleman, daughter of Nathan Beauchamp; Nicholas Hare of Freeland, son of Debra Hare and Chris Hare; Grace Volmering of Gladwin, daughter of Jeff and Selena Volmering; Brennan Doyle of H.H. Dow, son of Jennifer and Dennis Doyle; Hunter Merillat of Meridian, son of Daniel and Angela Merillat; Emily Ann Coston of Midland Christian School, daughter of Steve and JoAnn Coston; Megan Ballor of The Midland Academy, daughter of Edward Ballor and Cristeta Ballor; and Danielle Scribner of Windover, daughter of Roberta Scribner. The guest speaker was Sarah Opperman, interim president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance. She retired from a 28-year career at Dow Chemical company in 2009 as vice president of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy. She continues to be involved in the community on various boards. Opperman stated that the negative talk about "this generation" focused on texting, video games and being non-engaged is wrong. She finds the generation to care about their work, wanting to make meaningful contributions and understanding the broader community. She chose to speak on the qualities of personal leadership, which she described as not a title, not a job, not a lofty concept, but a decision every day about who you are, what matters and how you choose to respond. She gave the students five pieces of advice. First, do the right thing. Have personal integrity, get the facts, listen, act when you know and decide not the easy, or politically correct answer, but the right answer. Second is to care. Care more than you should. We must engage and be passionate in areas that matter to us. As a leader, "people need to know that you care, before they care what you know." Thirdly, leave everything better than you find it not just the environment, but the organization, the people, the results. Fourth is to mentor. Give back to others, build your network. And lastly, be true to and kind with yourself, your talents, your passion, your leadership style. Opperman ended by saying: "We believe in you. Be strong, be confident, be humble, and please, please, please, help make this world -- and all within it --better than you found it. The DAR Good Citizens essay contest was on the topic, "Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It," with the focus question, "What new challenges will America face as we move forward into the future?" Maya Albright began her essay by quoting President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself," saying that the famous line has been looked upon to guide the actions America should take. "The United States of America was built on the idea that individual groups and people can come together in unity to create a powerful nation," she continued. "The prominent core value of freedom allows for differences between Americans: cultural, social and ideological. These differences have shaped America into a diverse country, but extreme differences, with a lack of understanding and respect, have the ability to become destructive. The United States can use these differences to strengthen or divide us. America will face the challenge of differing political viewpoints, cultural differences, and deciding on our role in the world as we move into the future; America's greatest challenge will be itself." The John Alden Chapter presented Albright with a Michigan flag that had been flown over the Capitol Building in Lansing, and a monetary award from the chapter. She also received a special tribute from the State of Michigan, signed by Sen. Jim Stamas. As the John Alden Chapter DAR winner, Albright will proceed onto the Michigan DAR competition. Photo: The Canadian Press Signs are taped to the front door of an illegal marijuana dispensary in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. The cannabis black market is alive and well, for now. The three surveillance cameras and the steady flow of people in and out of the small, nondescript grey building are the only hint of the brisk business this downtown Toronto cannabis dispensary does behind closed doors. Once inside, two men behind a white desk under a vintage chandelier ask patrons to provide government identification and fill out a membership form. Then, customers are allowed to enter another room through a steel door, where an array of pot products are on display in a glass case. When asked what has changed since Canada legalized on Oct. 17, one staffer said: "We're just busier." Among the many shoppers on Thursday, a fourth-year university student said he preferred to buy from this dispensary to avoid the delivery problems that bedevil the provincial cannabis store. Also, he didn't want the transaction to appear in his banking records. "It's just too much of a hassle... it's all about convenience for me," he said. It's been nearly a month since recreational pot was legalized across Canada, and despite raids by local police departments and government warnings to illegal pot shop operators to shutter their doors or face consequences, the black market continues on. Product shortages, delivery delays and other problems plaguing the roll-out have not helped, said Martin Landry, an analyst with GMP Securities. "It hasn't been perfect... And probably as a result the shift away from the black market has not happened as fast as most expected. But I think that's short term." Canada legalized cannabis for recreational use on Oct. 17 with the elimination of the black market as one of the Liberal government's main goals. There was little expectation that it would disappear quickly, as the illicit market has survived in U.S. states like Colorado and Oregon years after legalizing recreational pot. Statistics Canada estimates that during the fourth-quarter of this year there will be 5.4 million people wanting to purchase legal cannabis and 1.7 million continuing to buy illicit pot across Canada. Spending on pot during that period may range from $816 million to $1.1 billion while purchases of illegal cannabis may range from $254 million to $317 million, the agency estimates. But getting users to switch from illegal sources hinges, in part, on whether the legal offering is a competitive one. Meanwhile, in addition to limited amounts of legal pot products, cannabis-infused edibles are prohibited from sale until 2019. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter John Kennett. Tuesday, Nov. 13 12:30 a.m. -- Deputies were sent to a Homer Township business for a report of a man inside a vehicle sleeping or passed out. Upon arrival deputes made contact with the male driver. The man stated he stopped to make a phone call and send some text messages and fell asleep. 1:27 a.m. -- A liquor inspection was conducted in the 6200 block of Eastman Avenue. 2:20 a.m. -- A liquor inspection was conducted in the 2500 Block North Saginaw Road. 2:41 a.m. -- Deputies were sent to the City of Coleman for a report of a suspicious/possible verbal. Genesee County 911 called reporting a possible suspicious/verbal involving a woman and man at a residence in Coleman. Genesee provided a name and Midland County was able to make contact with the woman who advised she was in the City of Midland. A deputy and a Midland Police Department Officer made contact with the woman and two men. All three parties stated there was no problem at the house and everything was fine. 4 a.m. -- A larceny was reported in the 600 block of West Ellsworth Street. 9:04 a.m. -- A larceny was committed in the 2500 block of Washington Street. 10:01 a.m. -- Midland County Animal Control was dispatched to Warren Township in reference to a loose donkey. The donkey was secured and is being held until an owner can be identified. 12:44 p.m. -- Officers responded to a larceny in the 5900 block of West Wackerly Street. 9:48 p.m. -- A 34-year-old Lee Township man contacted Central Dispatch regarding questions about possibly having a PPO against him. It was determined that there was an un-served PPO protecting the 34-year-old man's ex-wife. Deputies attempted to serve a hard copy of the PPO at three different residences but were unable to locate the 34-year-old. Contact was made by telephone with a subject believed to be the 34-year-old man, who advised that he was aware he couldn't return to his Lee Township residence but refused to provide his whereabouts. 10:19 p.m. -- A deputy received a call from a 42-year-old Larkin Township man regarding his estranged wife locking him out of their residence. The deputy made contact with the female, who advised that she only locked him out of their bedroom. The woman is in the process of filing for divorce. Deputies handled a similar complaint two nights prior. The deputy re-contacted the complainant to advise that deputies wouldn't get involved in sleeping arrangements. 10:40 p.m. -- A 21-year-old Mount Pleasant man was arrested for DWLS/VCSA/Warrant Arrest after a traffic stop in Greendale Township. The 21-year-old was stopped for running a red light. A 37-year-old man from Weidman was also found in possession of marijuana and a warrant is being requested. The 21-year-old man was transported and lodged at the Midland County Jail. 10:40 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Jasper Township residence in reference to a suspicious situation. A 62-year-old Jasper Township woman advised that an unknown woman and man walked to her residence from a neighboring residence requesting to use the complainant's telephone. The unknown woman advised that she got into an argument with an unknown second man. The complainant advised that the subjects were acting very odd, so she questioned if they were on drugs and advised that she was calling 911. The two subjects immediately left, and a short time later got into a vehicle with another man and headed west. 11:13 p.m. -- Deputies were sent to a Lee Township location for a report of a man and woman outside yelling at each other. Contact was made with a resident who lived where the argument was reported to be occurring. The woman resident advised there was an argument outside, but she was not involved. The resident also advised the subjects arguing were associated with an SUV that was parked near her residence, but the SUV was now gone. 11:20 p.m. -- A 42-year-old Clarkston woman had a verbal dispute with her 40-year-old boyfriend at his residence. The woman agreed to leave the property for the evening. 11:32 p.m. -- A liquor inspection was conducted in the 6200 block of Eastman Avenue. Monday, Nov. 12 1:08 a.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Larkin Township in reference to a verbal argument between a 42-year-old man and his 40-year-old wife. The man advised that the woman would not let him sleep and they have been discussing divorce. Both parties agreed to leave each other alone for the remainder of the night and sleep in separate rooms. 9:38 a.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with a 31-year-old Sanford woman who wanted to report that her husband's ex-wife, a 29-year-old Bay City woman, is threatening to physically harm her. She said that she didn't want the deputy to contact the Bay City woman but wanted to make a report in case she was physically assaulted. 10:36 a.m. -- Officers responded to a case of larceny in the 2100 block of Bayliss Street. 12:40 p.m. -- An officer responded to a hit and run/resisting and obstructing/improper plate at South Saginaw and James Savage roads. 3:13 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to the area of East Gordonville and South Badour roads for the report of a traffic hazard of two teenage men pushing each other into on-coming traffic as they were walking home from school. The deputy checked the area, but the boys were gone on arrival upon the deputy's arrival. 5:36 p.m. -- Officers responded to a felonious assault in the 4000 block of Wellness Drive. 5:58 p.m. -- Officers responded to a crash in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard and made a warrant arrest. 8:57 p.m. -- A 37-year-old City of Midland woman was arrested for DWLS and an outstanding warrant after a traffic hazard was reported on US-10 in Jerome Township. The woman struck a hay bail in the roadway and her vehicle was damaged. The woman was transported and lodged at the MCJ without incident. Some hay bales were removed from the roadway. 10:33 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a Lee Township residence in reference to a possible threats complaint. A highly intoxicated 53-year-old woman was concern that her 53-year-old estranged husband was going to show up at the residence to collect some of his belongings. No report of threats were made. The complainant advised that she was going to contact the courts regarding the divorce process and a PPO. The 53-year-old woman was advised to call 911 if her estrange husband show up and she needed assistance. (CNN) The Chinese government has presented an offer to the United States to try to push forward stalled trade talks before the leaders of the two economic superpowers meet at the end of this month, according to two people briefed on the discussions. The opening bid falls short of many of the core demands the White House has repeatedly detailed as must-haves in trade talks with Beijing, including addressing technology transfers and intellectual property theft, according to one of the people briefed. Instead, the proposal has been described as a rehash of previous commitments Chinese leaders have publicly announced, like selectively lifting tariffs. "What they are offering is not new," this person said. "I think the two sides remain at an impasse. The channels are now open again, but there's a lot of work to get to whether it's a modest de-escalation or ceasefire." Beijing's proposal comes after U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He spoke by phone on Friday to jump start trade discussions ahead of an expected meeting between the two countries' leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will have a "good meeting" with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires later this month. Asked about the offer at a weekly news briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng would only reiterate comments from earlier in the week that "high-level communications on the economic and trade front have resumed" following a phone conversation between Trump and Xi two weeks ago. "Teams from both sides are in close contact to carefully implement the consensus reached by the two leaders in their phone call," Gao said. A U.S. Treasury Department spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment late Wednesday. It remained unclear in recent days whether the Chinese government would be willing to present any offer ahead of the planned dinner between the two leaders in Argentina. The United States was demanding that the Chinese come up with a clear offer before negotiations on a trade deal could start, while Beijing had been reluctant, seeking talks ahead of making any firm proposals. Both sides have been working toward a path to end the escalating trade war, which has left investors jittery over its impact on consumers and companies in the world's top two economies. "What the offer did is now create an opportunity for the U.S. government to respond," said the person briefed. Still, the reformulated offer which includes easing restrictions on foreign investment and eliminating requirements for joint ventures with Chinese partners in some sectors raises the stakes over whether the two sides will be able to strike a framework agreement in the two weeks ahead of the G20 summit. "They have a lot of work to do and they're going to have to find a way to make up for lost time," added the person, who described the bid as not "forward leaning enough" to push the negotiating process to a positive outcome. The offer was first reported by Bloomberg News. Even Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross raised doubts earlier this week over whether the governments could reach a deal anytime soon. "The issue with China is not just tariffs," Ross said at a Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit. "If it was just tariffs, I think we could work it out very, very, very quickly." "The real issue is intellectual property rights, forced technology transfers, industrial espionage, that kind of thing. We can't tolerate abuses of that sort," he said. Top U.S. officials have sent conflicting signals in recent weeks. The Trump administration has been divided between free traders including those with Wall Street backgrounds like Mnuchin and White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow and hardliners like U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. Just last week, Navarro took a shot at Wall Street, warning "globalist elites" against meddling with the Trump administration's policy on China. "If and when there is a deal, it will be on President Donald J. Trump's terms not Wall Street terms," Navarro, a former economics professor, said during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn Tuesday, Kudlow said that Navarro "misspoke" and "wasn't authorized" to speak on the matter. The Trump administration has already slapped tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products since July. The tariffs on $200 billion of those goods are set to increase to 25 percent from 10 percent on January 1, which would further escalate the conflict. China retaliated with tariffs on $110 billion of U.S. products and is likely to respond with more if the United States goes ahead with the increase at the start of January. Trump has made it a priority to take an aggressive stance against China for what he says are unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. He's threatened to escalate the trade war further by imposing tariffs on all the remaining goods that China sells to the United States. Many American manufacturers, farmers and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say they appreciate the administration's efforts to change China's economic policies. But some argue the tariffs aren't the best way to address the problems. They pose a dilemma for U.S. importers who must decide whether to absorb the higher cost of the goods or pass it on to consumers, and some exporters are hurting from China's retaliatory tariffs. This story was first published on CNN.com, "China makes opening bid to US on trade ahead of Trump-Xi meeting." Photo: The Canadian Press The Blackberry logo located in the front of the company's B building in Waterloo, Ont. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. BlackBerry Ltd. has signed a deal to acquire U.S. artificial intelligence and cybersecurity company Cylance for US$1.4 billion in cash. The Ontario-based company called Cylance a pioneer in applying artificial intelligence, algorithmic science and machine learning to cybersecurity software. "Cylance's leadership in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will immediately complement our entire portfolio, UEM and QNX in particular," John Chen, BlackBerry's executive chairman and chief executive, said in a statement Friday. In addition to the purchase price, BlackBerry will also assume Cylance's unvested employee incentives. Cylance will operate as a separate business unit. BlackBerry made its name as a smartphone pioneer, but has shifted in recent years to software and security services. The company is also growing its QNX business, which is focused on the automotive sector. BlackBerry said the deal to buy the California-based firm is expected to close before the end of its financial year in February 2019, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Last year, the shortest tenured national security adviser in American historywho was literally on Turkeys payrolltried to kidnap Turkish dissident Fethullah Gulen at the behest of the Turkish government. Per The Guardian: Donald Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is under investigation for involvement in an alleged plot to kidnap a Turkish dissident cleric living in the US and fly him to an island prison in Turkey in return for $15m, it was reported on Friday. The former national security advisers company, Flynn Intel Group, is allegedly under scrutiny for failing to register work it did for interests linked to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Flynn is in legal jeopardy for his statements to investigators about his contacts with representatives of the Turkish and Russian governments. Michael Flynn may be gone, but his ideas sure arent. The Trump Administration is now trying to repeat this plan, but instead of a direct payoff (as far as we know), its about placating a group of murderers. Per NBC: The White House is looking for ways to remove an enemy of Turkish President Recep Erdogan from the U.S. in order to placate Turkey over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two senior U.S. officials and two other people briefed on the requests. Saudi Arabia is critical to Trumps Middle East policy. The White Houses relationship with Prince Mohammed is key to Trumps goals of countering Iran and helping to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. Turkey is a NATO ally in possession of evidence about Khashoggis murder that positions Erdogan to stoke international outrage over Riyadhs culpability in and cover-up of Khashoggis murder. Not to mention, a few weeks ago, a Turkish group froze plans to hold a lavish event at a Trump hotel. What a crazy coincidence! Per ABC: In the midst of the tense diplomatic negotiations over the fate of an American pastor jailed in Turkey earlier this month, organizers of a Turkish-American business conference quietly moved to cancel an event that was set to take place at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., this week. To summarize how we got here: journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. What we know about it largely comes from leaks emanating from the Turkish who obtained this information by definitely not spying on the Saudis in Istanbul. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are not enemies, but theyre not exactly allies either, and Khashoggis murder has provided the Turkish with a prime opportunity to squeeze their regional adversaries. Now, it sure looks like Trump is trying to hand over a dissident that Turkey has wanted to imprison/murder for quite some time in order to get them to ease up on the Saudi murder of a dissident. This is what authoritarianism looks like. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle, from Sundance TV, speeds for Guyana as if it suspects were impatient. Shan Nicholsons four-part docuseries, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre, introduces Rev. Jim Jones fantasies of nuclear apocalypse 20 minutes into the first episode, when the members of his Peoples Temple decamp for California. At 28 minutes, were on to the Temples nationwide bus trips, designed to recruit the downtrodden in Los Angeles and Seattle, Houston and Detroit; at 35, we reach Jones abuse of amphetamines (to get through the long day) and tranquilizers (to come down from it); by the time the credits roll, the episodes raised the related specters of propaganda, conspiracies, paranoia, and fear-mongering. Such facts of the caseand far, far worse still to comeare essential, of course, to understanding the tragedy at Jonestown, the remote South American settlement where more than 900 people, including more than 300 children, died from cyanide poisoning on November 18, 1978, in a mass murder-suicide so unimaginable it we invented a new idiomatic expression in order to assimilate it. To drink the Kool-Aid, as the saying goes, is to submit willingly to ones own destruction, the ultimate erasure of the self: It is death by absorption, the part subsumed by the whole. As Terror in the Jungle is at pains to point out, the phrase is inaccurate and needlessly cruel. It was Flavor-Aid, not Kool-Aid, that masked the cyanides bitterness, and for many of the dead, there was nothing willing about its ingestion: In addition to the hundreds of dead minors, dozens of adult victims were forcibly injected with the poison, and those who drank it of their own volition did so surrounded by guards. Still, its tenacious lifeand, for that matter, the continuing use of Jones, Peoples Temple, and Jonestown as objective correlatives of the cult, writ largeis a potent example of pop cultures meager understanding of the phenomenon, one SundanceTVs disappointing docuseries ultimately reflects. From Cielo Drive to Waco, Tex., from Peoples Temple to Heavens Gate, we know of, even obsess over, the dangers of cults, their charismatic leaders and dramatic immolations. Its much less common to focus on the frightening solace of cults, the hopeful moment of their formation. Telling, then, that Nicholsons version, though adapted from executive producer Jeff Guinns outstanding The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple, should abridge Guinns discussion of Jones Indiana origins and the Temples California expansion in favor of the more well-known details of life and death at Jonestown. Coupled with a number of questionable aesthetic choicesthe ceaselessly foreboding score, for one, or the shadowy, increasingly mortifying re-enactments of key eventsthe result, as advertised by the title, is an unsatisfying portrait of terror without antecedent, only fitfully interested in the Temples appeal. Lost in the glare of Jones rock-star persona, with his sunglasses, coiffed hair, and adoring followers, is his application of old-fashioned machine politics in Indianapolis in the 1950s, by which he won practical victories for his mostly black, working-class congregants; his public commitment to racial integration and socialism at a time, in the 1960s, when both ideas had few vocal supporters in the halls of power; even the broader attraction of communal life, work, and worship in the 1970s, at a moment it seemed the American dream was coming apart. That Jones manipulated these factors to feed his megalomania, and later turned to outright physical, sexual, and psychological abuse (often glossed as brainwashing) to maintain his hold on the Temple, is not in disputenor is it, on a subject that has inspired at least five prior film/TV treatments, as instructive as Terror in the Jungle supposes. The problem with cults, at least as theyre depicted (or imagined) in popular culture, is this very tension, in which the urge to underscore the most sensational details is at cross-purposes with understanding cult members very ordinary, often sympathetic motives for joining. At the length of a film, from Rosemarys Baby to The Invitation, leaning into the former can generate the terror Nicholson promises, but at four, five, six hours (or more), its the latter, much harder to dramatize, that becomes most significant: Fiction or non-, limited or ongoing, the cult requires character development beyond the figure at its center, and vanishingly few of its recent iterationsincluding Aquarius, The Path, American Horror Story, and Wacomanage to do this successfully. (Even my beloved The Leftovers was at its best, in Seasons Two and Three, when its post-doomsday cult, the Guilty Remnant, moved to the margins of the narrative.) Demagogues can only hold one rapt for so long: Dear Leader may profess to be immortal, but in the endand there is always an endhe is necessarily, wretchedly human. If Terror in the Jungle races through its rich source material to reach that (admittedly engrossing) endclimaxing with the assassination of Congressman Leo Ryan and four others on an airstrip near the encampment, and the subsequent mass death at Jonestown itselfNetflixs Wild Wild Country, directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, slows almost to stopping, and finds no real end at all. The docuseries recounting of the establishment and abandonment of Rajneeshpuram, formed by devotees of the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in remote north-central Oregon in the 1980s, squanders an intriguing tale of the difference (or lack thereof) between community and cult on an interminable, punishingly detailed portrait of the gurus fiery fixer, mouthpiece, defender, and possibly usurper, Ma Anand Sheela. Its no surprise: The lightning rod for the conflict that emerges between the Rajneeshee, numbering in the thousands, and the neighboring village of Antelope (pop. 40), Sheela is, as Slates Inkoo Kang writes, deliciously combative, willing to rage against the real and perceived injustices facing the Rajneesh on The Merv Show, Nightline, Crossfire, and more. She is also, its alleged, a dangerous criminal, spiking beer with Haldol and salad bars with salmonella, and, as Rajneesh himself accused her, making off with millions. As with Terror in the Jungles lopsided structure, though, Wild Wild Countrys prevailing interest in Sheela crowds out more fascinating issues. The pitched battle between the (multicultural) Rajneeshee and the (predominantly white) residents of Antelope, Wasco County, and Oregon statewhich included a number of civil and voting rights abuses on the part of authorities, in addition to the more general prejudicebecomes an afterthought, and in the process, the docuseries loses any sense that its tale has broader implications. And, to echo Kang, seven or so hours of material offers no firm understanding of the Rajneeshees beliefs. Theres an apparent free love element, a violent release of energy known as dynamic mediation, a requirement to wear maroons and purples, even an embrace of free-market capitalism, but despite extensive interviews with Sheela and fellow members Jane Stork and Philip Toelkes, Wild Wild Country cannot suggest a single structuring principle, other than a vague sense of belonging, that might draw thousands of followers from across the globe to to an absent guru and his churlish lieutenant. In this, Wild Wild Country might be the ultimate warning against turning cults into television, which is that such artifacts often mimic the relationship between leader and member: so mesmerized by the figure at the center of the story that the depth of field disappears, the perspective narrowing to a treacherous pinprick. That neither Terror in the Jungle nor Wild Wild Country manages to elaborate an understanding of Peoples Temple or Rajneeshpuram that runs deeper than this hoary old trope ultimately hobbles the series: The former returns to familiar ground, while the latter relates a mostly forgotten tale but neglects to suggest the stakes of doing so. Arguably, cults fascinate us because theyre common, not because theyre rare. The millenarian tradition that fuels more modern forms of apocalypticism runs in our very marrow, and through evangelical voters has emerged as one of the most powerful political forces in the nation in the last half century. The yearning for place, and purpose, that stirs such commitment in the rank-and-file is one of the essential elements of the human condition. Rapacious leaders promising their followers heaven and earth in return for unflinching, uncritical allegiance are one of the few true constants of American life, from Pitchfork Ben Tillman to Donald J. Trump. What becomes clear reading The Road to Jonestown, or listening to Karina Longworths indispensable podcast You Must Remember This on Charles Mansons Hollywood, is that cults only leave the mainstream at the moment of their destruction. Jones curried favor with the likes of George Moscone, Angela Davis, Rosalynn Carter; Manson and his family were part of the same scene as the Beach Boys, Kenneth Anger, and Doris Day. Cults arent on the margins of American culture, theyre just beyond the footlightsand series that center Dear Leader, that approach the subject as a lurid exception, miss the irresistible question at the heart of our interest: Could I have been seduced and ensnared by these organizations, in the right circumstances? Could it have happened to me? In fact, its Longworths 12-part examination of Manson and his historical moment that presents another path, in which Manson is the main character, but not the only substantive one, and through which it finally becomes possible to see the Manson murders as contingent on time and place as well as persona, an expression of currents larger than any one man. To frame these stories otherwise is to grant cult leaders the very larger-than-life importance they so desperately sought, and so vociferously claimed. As such, Longworth includes a detailed account of the murders in the first episode of Charles Mansons Hollywood, as if to dispense with, rather than milk, its grisly titillations, and offers, in her introduction, a reading of Manson as more than a representative of the end of the Sixties. In noting that his life before Hollywood exposed the limits of the American dream, and that the paranoia infusing pop culture in the aftermath of the murders helped invent the Seventies, Longworth succeeds where Terror in the Jungle and Wild Wild Country fail: She recognizes that cults fascinate us most of alland remain stories worth trying to tell, and tell betterbecause they have a context, and because that context is necessarily, wretchedly our own. Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle premieres Saturday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. on SundanceTV. Wild Wild Country is now streaming on Netflix. Listen to the first episode of Charles Mansons Hollywood, from You Must Remember This, here. Matt Brennan is the TV editor of Paste Magazine. He tweets about what hes watching @thefilmgoer. Good Friday Morning, Fellow Seekers. Were going to end the week on a quirky note: With a camel, yes, an actual camel, who was stranded along Route 309 in the Lehigh Valley on Thursday, even as motorists battled the snow. As our longtime colleague Laurie Mason Schroeder of The Morning Call reports, the rogue dromedary was spotted near a pulled-over car on northbound PA. Route 309 near the Route 113 exit in Souderton, Bucks County. From Mason Schroeder: "In a tweet, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said the camel is named Einstein and was on its way to their Main Event at the Kimmel Center on Thursday evening. This is our camel! His name is Einstein and hes on his way to our Main Event at the Kimmel Center in Philly tonight. We have treats and a blanket waiting. https://t.co/HAz7S3DFPz JewishPhilly (@JFedinPhilly) November 15, 2018 A bit more: This storms not fit for man nor beast! Photo courtesy Chuck Buddy Thorpe of Bluebell about an hour ago, on northbound 309 just before the 113 Souderton exit. @mcall @jmisinco pic.twitter.com/pUNDnrCNEA LaurieMasonSchroeder (@LehighCourts) November 15, 2018 And one intrepid motorist even shot a bit of video: So howd the story end? Sadly Einstein the camel didnt make it to the Kimmel Center this evening. His ride got stuck in the weather and decided it was best for him to go home. Thank you for everyones concern. Einstein is safe and happy to be headed home to Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo. JewishPhilly (@JFedinPhilly) November 16, 2018 The rest of the days news starts now. Could Gov. Tom Wolf or U.S. Sen. Bob Casey be Democratic Veep picks in 2020? Its not as weird as you think. The Inquirer has the details. Four previously unidentified priests have been named in a dozen sexual abuse lawsuits against the Pittsburgh Catholic diocese, The Post-Gazette reports. BillyPenn explains how the #MeToo movement fell flat in Harrisburg. Months before his election, LG-Elect John Fetterman offered to resign as Braddock, Pas mayor and suggested that his wife could be appointed the communitys interim mayor, The Incline reports. Heres an appropriately snowy #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day: The trash-talking has already started in the Democratic primary race for Philly mayor, WHYY-FM reports. Democrat Susan Wild is headed to Congress early. The winner of PA-7 in the Lehigh Valley has also won the race for the soon-to-vanish 15th District, PoliticsPA reports. Provisional ballots protect voting rights - when theyre actually counted, Stateline.org reports. Is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross headed for the exits? Politico takes a look. Democrats' draft rules would restore some regular order to the U.S. House, Roll Call reports. What Goes On. Offices under the Governors Jurisdiction are on a three hour delay. House and Senate offices are on a two hour delay. WolfWatch. Gov. Tom Wolf has no public schedule today. Heavy Rotation. Heres an old fave from The Wanadies to get the weekend rolling. Its The You and Me Song.' Fridays Gratuitous Hockey Link. Montreal goalie Carey Price made a truly epic 43 saves as the Habs got past the Calgary Flames 3-2 at the Scotia Bank Saddledome on Thursday night. And now youre up to date. The story seemed too good to be true. The feel-good story about a New Jersey couple who started a GoFundMe campaign to help a homeless veteran who had helped a stranded driver was "predicated on a lie," Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced Thursday. All three are charged with theft by deception over $75,000 and conspiracy. In fact, the couple from Florence Township, Katelyn McClure and Mark D'Amico, met Johnny Bobbitt about a month before they cooked up the plan. The couple frequented the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia and Bobbitt panhandled nearby, Coffina said at a press conference in the Burlington County Administrative Building Thursday. The couple later texted each other that they wanted to help Bobbitt beyond the $10 they had given him when they last saw him. By Nov. 10, 2017, the three had come up with a plan, Coffina said. D'Amico, 39, took a photo of McClure, 28, and Bobbitt, 35 on the I-95 off-ramp and they used it on the GoFundMe page started a year ago as they claimed Bobbitt had used his last $20 to get gas for McClure when she was stranded. Just two weeks after the campaign was started while the three were doing a media blitz that helped bring in hundreds of thousands in donations McClure texted her friend that it was a lie. "I had to make something up to make people feel bad," she texted, according to a probable cause statement filed by the prosecutor's office. The story they concocted worked in a big way, Coffina said, bilking 14,347 donors out of just over $400,000. They planned to split the $367,109 that they made after GoFundMes fees, he said. Homeless vet and N.J. couple charged with cooking up scam sob story He declined to say which one of the three had first suggested the scheme, but noted that Bobbitt had posted something remarkably similar on his Facebook page in 2012. He posted that he had spent his last dollars to help a woman with a flat tire and no gas, Coffina said. Bobbitt, originally from North Carolina, at one point was living in a camper on the couples property, but then the relationship soured and he gave an interview to Philly.com, accusing the couple of withholding money meant for him and using it on luxuries and trips. If he hadn't made the accusation and later filed suit against them, the group might not have ever been found out, Coffina said. The couple, already in debt, had spent the money quickly, buying a car, clothing and trips, he said. By March, McClure and D'Amico were already texting each other concerned that they only had $10,000 left, but D'Amico texted that they would get a book deal and the money would be pouring in soon, Coffina said. In May, they used the car as collateral to get a high-interest loan for $10,085 in McClure's name. When Bobbitt told a reporter in August that the couple had spent the money meant for him, McClure and D'Amico denied the allegations on NBC News's Megyn Kelly TODAY. They did acknowledge withholding it from Bobbitt, saying he had an ongoing drug problem and blown through some $25,000 in just 13 days. But out of public view, the three were messaging each other about how to not get caught in the lie, according to the probable cause statement. The couple brainstormed ways to get Bobbitt out of Philadelphia. By the end of August, Bobbitt's attorneys discovered there was no money left. At the time, GoFundMe promised Bobbitt would get the cash he was owed. In a statement, GoFundMe said all donors will receive a full refund. A spokesman for the company also said the prosecutor's office is seeking to "recover every dollar withdrawn by Ms. McClure and Mr. D'Amico," but didn't mention money used by Bobbitt. Bobbitt remains held in Philadelphia jail waiting extradition after being arrested Wednesday night. McClure and D'Amico were booked and released by Thursday morning. The second-degree crimes they're facing generally are punishable by sentences of five to 10 years, Coffina said. The Department of Transportation, where McClure worked as a secretary, confirmed she is still employed there but did not disclose whether the charges had changed her work status. NJ Advance Media reporters Amanda Hoover and Joe Brandt contributed to this report. William Telles was arrested two years ago after police said he tried to make arrangements to rape a 9-year-old girl. The Wyomissing man was working at a preschool at the time. A recent ruling by a federal appeals court panel ensures Telles, now 30, isnt likely to obtain such a job again. Instead, in an opinion by Judge Kent A. Jordan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit upheld a lower court judges order that bars Telles from working in any field that would bring him into contact with minors during the 10 years hell spend on probation. Telles probation term wont begin until he finishes the 15-year federal prison sentence U.S. Eastern District Judge Lawrence F. Stengel slapped on him in January after Telles pleaded guilty to child pornography charges. On appeal to the state court, Telles argued that Stengels probation prohibition will deprive him of a chance to make a living. Jordan found that concern is trumped by the need to protect the public, especially children, from Telles. In pleading for a break, Telles stressed that he was an office worker at the preschool when was arrested after trying to arrange the 9-year-olds rape. As it turned out, the person with whom he was having those online discussions was an undercover cop. Jordan noted that Telles had previously been a substitute teacher. Police said that during his chats with the undercover cop Telles shared a video of the rape of a small boy. While there was no proof Telles ever abused a child, police said evidence showed he liked very hard core and violent child pornography, much of which involved prepubescent children and the rape of infants and toddlers. Jordan rejected Telles argument that Stengels order barring him from working where children might be present was unconstitutionally vague. He has exhibited a terrible desire to sexually exploit and victimize children, and he was, when caught, arranging to shift from voyeur to active abuser, Jordan wrote of Telles. He thus poses a particular danger to society. PennDOT has lifted the temporary speed limit restriction on all major roadways in central Pennsylvania. Since noon Thursday, PennDOT imposed a speed limit of 45 mph on all interstate highways and several major expressways in the south central region of the state. That restriction was a result of Winter Storm Avery dumping snow on the region and causing major traffic issues. Those temporary speed limits were lifted as of 7:30 a.m. Friday, according to an email from PennDOT. Photo: Contributed A professor at UBC Okanagan hopes to enter federal politics. Dr. Mary Ann Murphy, an associate professor with a cross-appointment in aging, is seeking the Liberal nomination in the Central Okanagan-Similkameen, Nicola riding. She previously worked at the United Nations in Vienna and spent 10 years working for national consulting firms on issues such as social research, urban and strategic planning, and community and new town development. I am excited to be in the running for this nomination. I hope to bring a fresh, optimistic, and innovative approach to federal politics for this riding," said Murphy. "I believe that voters are tired of divisive, partisan criticism, and prefer to see their representatives exchange ideas instead of insults. This riding is ready for progressive change in 2019. Murphy is a long-term resident of West Kelowna. Over the years, she has volunteered to assist veterans, families and organizations advocating for the needs of older adults. The Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola riding association has not yet set a date for a nominating meeting. The riding is currently held by Conservative Dan Albas. Four years after the employee died, a Commonwealth Court panel Friday upheld a ruling that found an Armstrong World Industries worker was poisoned by decades of exposure to toxic chemicals on the job. In an opinion by Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer, the court rejected a contention by the Lancaster-based flooring manufacturer that there wasnt sufficient proof Gene Cooper had contracted his ultimately fatal brain ailments at work. Instead, Jubelirer agreed with the state Workers Compensation Appeal Board that the illness which destroyed Coopers brain was work-related and that Armstrong must pay his medical bills and more than $100,000 in legal fees Coopers family incurred during its 11-year battle for workers comp benefits. Fridays ruling marks a turn-about in the Cooper familys fortunes. Two years ago, in a separate case, the state Superior Court ruled that Coopers wife Sandra had waited too long to file a lawsuit against Armstrong over her husbands illness and death. Armstrong also argued, unsuccessfully this time, that Gene Cooper had waited too long to file his workers comp claim. According to Jubelirer, Gene Cooper worked at Armstrong from 1974 to 2004. During that time, toxic materials including trichlorethylene, better known as TCE, were used for cleaning machinery and other purposes at the companys facilities. Gene Cooper worked at both the firms main Lancaster plant and at its Hempfield warehouse. At times his duties included cleaning machines, Jubelirer noted. Sandra Cooper testified during the workers comp hearings that she began noticing a change in her husbands personality in 2000 such as his regularly becoming irritable over nothing, the judge wrote. In 2003, after he was assigned to help clean up a massive chemical spill at the plant, her husband came home from work screaming, crying, swearing and coughing as (she) had never seen before, Jubelirer noted. Gene Coopers mental capabilities, including his ability to learn and to remember, kept deteriorating, the judge wrote, and he finally left work sick in April 2004 and never went back. By 2006 he was in a nursing home. He died in February 2014 at age 58. The workers comp claim was filed in 2007 after his wife saw a document from Armstrongs long-term disability insurer that included a doctors evaluation that Gene Coopers condition was work-related, the judge noted. Armstrong appealed to Commonwealth Court when the comp board, after years of hearings and arguments, finally granted Gene Coopers claim for benefits in July 2017. In its appeal, the firm insisted the Coopers missed a three-year deadline for filing the comp claim, which would have started ticking once Gene Cooper realized his work had made him ill. Jubelirer backed the comp boards finding that the filing deadline was met. The Coopers didnt know Genes illness was work-related until Sandra Cooper saw that doctors opinion in 2007, the judge noted, and the comp claim was filed a month later. Once that claim was filed, Sandra Cooper sought Armstrongs records regarding her husbands chemical exposure. Armstrong replied it could not produce these records becausethose records, along with other records requested, had been inadvertently destroyed during the demolition of numerous buildings at the Lancaster plant, Jubelirer wrote. The state court also rejected Armstrongs claim that the comp award was faulty because there was no proof Gene Cooper was exposed to dangerous amounts of TCE. Jubelirer agreed with the comp board and a workers compensation judge that TCE exposure was proven, as well as exposure to other chemicals that can be blamed for Gene Coopers toxic encephalopathy. Armstrong could appeal the Commonwealth Court ruling to the state Supreme Court. An attempt to reach W. Jeffrey Sidebottom, an attorney who represented Armstrong in the case, for comment was not immediately successful. Also on Friday, Jubelirer issued a separate opinion rejecting the Coopers claim that Armstrong had committed fraud during the comp battle. The family claimed they had located witnesses who stated Gene Coopers chemical exposure records had indeed been found in 2014 and that employees had been ordered to toss them in a Dumpster. Armstrong denied committing any fraud. It insisted Gene Coopers exposure records had indeed been destroyed during the building demolitions, Jubelirer noted. Any records supposedly discovered in 2014 would have had nothing to do with the Cooper case or included documents that already had been turned over to the Coopers, the firm claimed. Two other cases involving deaths of other Armstrong workers who claimed they were poisoned by toxins including TCE also were addressed in the state courts on Friday. The Superior Court refused to reinstate lawsuits filed by the survivors of those employees, Jeffrey Riley and Michael Moeller, after agreeing with a Lancaster County judges conclusion that their survivors missed the deadline for filing the complaints. Moeller died of blood cancer in February 2010 and Riley died of other forms of cancer in November of that year, court filings state. An Adams County man who investigators said solicited at least 20 boys for photos of their genitals and/or sex acts was sentenced Friday to 40 years in federal prison. U.S. Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner imposed that sentence after deeming Mason D. Powell, 30, of Biglerville, to be a serious danger to the community. Powell was arrested by Cumberland Township police in 2015 after they received a tip from a parent that he was having inappropriate chats with her 13-year-old son, U.S. Attorney David Freed said. He said an officer assumed that boys online identity and set up a rendezvous between Powell and the teen in Biglerville. Powell was arrested when he showed up at the meeting with two other children, Freed said. The case became federal after the police, the county district attorneys office and the FBI discovered inappropriate online messages Powell exchanged with other minors, he said. Freed said more than 1,000 child porn images involving children as young as infants were found on Powells phone. Powell pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child porn and to trying to coerce a minor to have sex with him. Saying that Powell is clearly a sexual predator, Conner rejected a defense request to sentence Powell to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars, Freed said. Speed limits are still temporarily reduced on several major roadways due to the inclement weather. The speed limit restrictions were put in place by PennDOT at noon Thursday as Winter Storm Avery pummeled the region with snow. As of 4:45 a.m. Friday, the speed limit remain reduced to 45 mph on the following roadways: Interstate 81 in Franklin, Cumberland, Dauphin and Lebanon counties Interstate 78 in Lebanon County Interstate 83 in York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties Interstate 283 in Dauphin County PA 283 in Dauphin and Lancaster counties US 22/322 in Dauphin County and Perry counties PA 581 in Cumberland County US 11 in Franklin and Cumberland counties US 15 in Adams, York and Cumberland counties US 11/15 in Cumberland and Perry County counties US 30 in York and Lancaster Counties US 222 in Lancaster County, from US 30 to Berks County line The Pennsylvania Turnpike has also reduced the speed limit to 45 miles per hour for most of the toll road. That includes from the Donegal Interchange (exit 91) in Westmoreland County to the Delaware River Bridge (milepost 359) in Chester County, as well as on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to the Lehigh Valley Interchange (exit 57) in Lehigh County. Susan Wild Susan Wild, Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, delivers a speech Nov. 6, 2018, in Allentown after defeating her opponent, Republican Marty Nothstein. (AP Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) With all ballots counted, U.S. Rep.-elect Susan Wild claimed victory Thursday in the special election for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Wild on Election Day, Nov. 6, won the new 7th Congressional District by nearly 10 percentage points, according to unofficial results. But in addition to the 7th District race, the Democrat also went up against Republican Marty Nothstein and Libertarian Tim Silfies in the special election to finish out the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent through year's end. Dent, a Republican, retired seven months ago after previously announcing he would not seek re-election. The initial count in PA-15 had Nothstein up by 58 votes, just two-hundredths of 1 percentage point. With all PA-15 provisional, military and overseas civilian ballots counted, unofficial figures from the Pennsylvania Department of State on Thursday showed Wild ahead by 759 votes, or 0.28 of a percentage point, over Nothstein. Wild's campaign issued a news release Thursday afternoon saying she had been "notified of her victory." "I'm honored that voters in Pennsylvania's 15th District have chosen for me to be their Congresswoman and finish out the term of former Congressman Charlie Dent," Wild stated. "I'm grateful for our county election officials who have been diligent and efficient to ensure that every vote is counted. "I'm very happy that I can get to work almost immediately for the people of the 15th and 7th districts, rather than waiting until January. There is much work to be done, and a head start will be an advantage for our region. The work starts right now." This week Im in Washington for orientation. My dad spent his whole career in the Air Force; my mom worked in the public sector. Im honored & humbled to be able to carry forward my familys legacy of serviceon behalf of PA-07, and for my kids and yours, lets get to work. pic.twitter.com/GXQCTNseL6 Susan Ellis Wild (@wildforcongress) November 14, 2018 Nothstein on Friday issued a statement on the final tally in the PA-15 special election: "I want to congratulate Susan Wild on her election victory and ask everyone to join me in wishing her good luck in her new role as the area's member of Congress." Following a redrawing of congressional boundaries deemed unfairly partisan, the 7th District covers all of Lehigh and Northampton and southern Monroe counties. PA-15 covers all of Lehigh and parts of Northampton, Berks, Dauphin and Lebanon counties. Here is the unofficial vote breakdown from the Department of State. The results will be certified by the state anywhere from two weeks to a month after Election Day, at which point Wild will be sworn-in to succeed Dent. Her swearing-in for the PA-07 seat, a two-year term, is scheduled Jan. 3 in Washington, D.C. 7th Congressional District Susan Wild: 137,365 votes (53.41 percent) Marty Nothstein: 111,933 votes (43.52 percent) Tim Silfies: 7,901 votes (3.07 percent) 15th Congressional District Wild: 130,353 votes (48.54 percent) Nothstein: 129,594 votes (48.26 percent) Silfies: 8,579 (3.19 percent) Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Some residents in central Pennsylvania will wake up without power in the wake of Winter Storm Avery on Friday morning. PPL Electric reported 4,182 outages as of 5 a.m. Friday - of those outages, 1,195 are reported in Lycoming County. Another 902 outages are reported in Dauphin County, and 320 are reported in Cumberland County. Another 745 outages are reported in Perry County, as well as 157 in York County. Met-Ed Electric reported at total of 42,850 outages as of 5 a.m., with 23,261 of those outages reported in Butler County in western Pennsylvania. Another 1,377 outages are reported for Met-Ed customers in Cumberland County, 890 in Franklin County, 784 in Lebanon County, 723 in York County, and only 10 in Dauphin County. Here are utility numbers to report outages: So heres some good news amit all our divided politics: Unofficial ballot returns show that more than 5 million Pennsylvanians, or more than 58.4 percent of the states registered voters, cast their ballots in the Nov. 6 midterm election. According to a new analysis by The Morning Call of Allentown, turnout levels rivaled the presidential years of 2016 and 2012, when 70 percent and 67.35 percent of registered voters, respectively, walked into the ballot box. Thats a marked improvement than the four previous midterms. According to the Morning Call, statewide turnout was 45.7 percent in 2002, 50 percent in 2006, 46 percent in 2010 and 42.9 percent in 2014. According to The Morning Calls analysis, 59 percent of voters in Dauphin County showed up on Election Day, a turnout that was higher than 57 percent of the states 67 counties. Voters were even more enthusiastic in Cumberland County, where 61.2 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. The turnout level in Cumberland County was higher than 78 percent of the states 67 counties, The Morning Calls analysis concluded. Statewide turnout was heaviest in the Philadelphia suburbs, with 67.6 percent of voters in Montgomery County casting ballots; Chester County finished second with 66.2 percent turnout and Bucks County finished third with 64.4 percent turnout, the newspaper found. Polling data helps explains why so many voters showed up. Republicans saw this months midterm as a chance to express their support for President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress. Democrats, conversely, wanted to send a message to the White House and flip control of the U.S. House of Representatives. That Democratic push was successful. This year was a banner year for women at both the congressional and legislative level. And with the election of Muslim, openly gay and Native American candidates, the next session of Congress will reflect the face of a changing, and increasingly diverse, United States. Of course, Trump wont always be on the ballot, and voter interest wont always be as high. But as weve noted in the past, a single person, standing in the voting booth on Election Day, commands as much influence as the most powerful among us. The ballot box remains the single, greatest leveling influence in our politics. And on Nov. 6, Pennsylvanias registered voters made their voices heard. That made Election Day 2018 an encouraging exercise in representative democracy. Now we just have to do it all the time. By John A. Tures President Donald Trump gets involved in a war of words with North Koreas leader. A few months later, hes having a friendly meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Do American presidents get a bounce in the polls from conflictual remarks and actions? My undergraduate students researched this topic in a class project, analyzing at cases of fighting and peace, from President George H. W. Bush to President Donald J. Trump. Our students researched the diversionary theory of war, something covered not only scholarly journals and books, something movies like Wag the Dog and Canadian Bacon covered. Presidents are alleged to wage war to get a burst of patriotism (a Rally Round the Flag Effect). But a local non-traditional undergraduate speculated that we should look at cases of public opinion on peace as well, something nobody in political science ever did. Katie Still gets the credit for coining the term Diversionary Theory of Peace. So we researched 44 cases from 1989 to 2018, 19 of which were conflict-based and 25 were examples where the U.S. negotiated with an adversary or mediated an attempt to end a fight between two other groups that fight (like North Irish Protestants and Catholics, or Israel vs Palestinians). The students looked at the weekly Gallup polls, one before the event and one afterwards (though in a separate study, they looked at three poll averages before and afteryou get a lot of math in my political science classes!). The students found that presidents dont get much of a boost from conflict overall (10 poll increases, and nine that resulted in zero or negative surveys). For cooperation, its not really better (12 poll increases, five unchanged, and 8 declines), with an average poll bounce of less than 0.125% for both categories, hardly a blip. GOP Presidents get a slightly better bounce from foreign policy actions (2.2 percent average increase) than Democrats do (1 percent average increase), though Democrats are more likely to go up (11 cases up, 4 unchanged, 6 cases down) than Republicans (11 up, 5 unchanged, 7 down). But the biggest shocker came from the timing of the cases. In cases of conflict before 9/11, presidents could average of a five percentage point increase, with five cases of approval ratings increase, two remaining the same and one declining). Peace cases before 9/11 also got a bounce, an average of three percentage points (as well as eight cases of poll jumps, two unchanged, two declines). But after 9/11, conflict polls only increase 0.3%, with peace getting a decline of 0.3% points, not even a one percent increase. Why is this the case? Are we more cynical after 2001? Do we care less about foreign affairs? Or does our 24-hour news cycle and social media keep so well informed that the moment an event happens seem anticlimactic? Its unclear so far. My undergraduate students didnt just work on this in class, or in their dorms. They also went down to the Georgia Political Science Association (GPSA) conference in Savannah, Ga., among professors and graduate students, to positive reviews from attendees. If youre interested in doing this kind of research, or have a son or daughter who would be, we would be happy to have them join our team at LaGrange College. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. Readers may email him at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2. Undergraduates Robert Allen, David Apiag, John Mitchell Benton, Thomas Bird, Crispin Cuttino, Lindsay Estes, Austin Fain, Correy Farrow, LaKel Hood, Jamaniac Joiner, Bryan Jones, Zach Lee, Michael Menhart, Jessica Noles, Wade Ray, Damir Rosencrants, Katie Still, Jason Timms, Andrew Valbuena, Kameron White, and Ronald Youngblood contributed to the research and statistics for this piece. Health official: 'Unlikely we will reach a level of immunity in the next few years' Last week the Health Department of Northwest Michigan announced it had reached 70% of its residents 16 and older who've received their first dose. Photo: Rob Gibson UPDATE: 10:15 a.m. Postal workers in Kelowna walked off the job at 9:30 a.m., following a national directive aimed at taking the corporation by surprise. Striking workers on the picket line say they wanted to catch management unprepared. Staff are reportedly picketing at the main sorting depot on Gaston Avenue as well as at locations across the city, including local MP Stephen Fuhr's office. ORIGINAL: 10:05 a.m. Canada Post workers walked off the job in Kelowna Friday morning. Rotating strikes across the country returned to Kelowna and Victoria, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers confirms. Castanet has a reporter headed to the picket line and will update with more details. Meanwhile, Canadians hoping to receive packages from international shippers may be waiting a long time. Britain's Royal Mail says it is suspending shipments to Canada as a result of the Crown corporation's labour dispute. Online marketing giant eBay says it has also received a similar notification from China Post. In a bulletin to its corporate customers, the Royal Mail says items shipped in the last couple of days bound for Canada are being held in its distribution centre until the dispute has been resolved. The U.K. mail service says it made the move at the request of Canada Post, which it says has told them it is now facing delays of at least 30 days in delivering packages. with files from The Canadian Press Mateos Uses Second Bullet to Bag Lead in partypoker CPP $10,000 High Roller November 16, 2018 Adam Lamers Another day at the Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas meant another day for a high roller tournament to get underway. Today, it was the Caribbean Poker Party $10,000 High Roller with a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool and the attendance was fairly substantial. A total of 81 entries took to the felt on Day 1 and with late registration staying open for the first four levels on Day 2, reaching the guarantee shouldn't be a problem. After eight levels were completed, Adrian Mateos finished on top of the leaderboard with 4,015,000 chips. He will lead the remaining 53 players into Day 2 along with any new entries that wish to join the field. For Mateos, things got off to a rough start as he blasted through his first 1,000,000 chips before the first break. It wasn't long before he was back on the felt and he made good use of his second bullet, running up a stack to over four times what he started with. One of the bigger hands the Spaniard played was with fellow high roller Jake Schindler where Mateos bet all three streets and finally made a straight on the river. Schindler also put chips in the bag but will be returning as one of the shorter stacks. Things got off to a slow start with only three players registered at the scheduled start time. The tournament staff decided to postpone the start until at least eight players were registered which happened about an hour later. However, the numbers started to escalate quickly as more players dropped out of the $5,300 Main Event. Through the first four levels, the action was held to a minimum, and nobody was able to distinguish themselves as a chipleader while the blinds were still small. It wasn't until the fifth level that Ali Imsirovic boasted a stack of over 3,000,000 as the field broke the 50 entry barrier. Joseph Cheong made an appearance at the top of the leaderboard in the sixth level, surpassing Imsirovic and he continued that momentum to the end of the day, bagging up 3,730,000 chips. Joseph Cheong Some other notables to make it through the opening day with sizeable stacks include Guillaume Diaz (3,825,000), Dominik Nitsche (3,220,000), Sam Soverel (2,745,000), Timothy Adams (2,495,000), and Justin Bonomo (2,405,000). Once again, the field had its fair share of partypoker members scattered throughout. Four of them found a bag at the end of the night. Isaac Haxton (2,725,000), Kristen Bicknell (1,535,000), Roberto Romanello (1,300,000), and Anatoly Filatov (855,000) will all be back for Day 2. partypoker CPP $10,000 High Roller Top 5 Counts After Day 1 Position Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Adrian Mateos Spain 4,015,000 161 2 Guillaume Diaz France 3,825,000 153 3 Dominik Nitsche Germany 3,220,000 129 4 Joseph Cheong United States 3,130,000 125 5 Laszlo Bujtas Hungary 3,010,000 120 The cards are expected to be back in the air at 1 p.m. local time tomorrow for another ten levels of play. As mentioned before, late registration will be open until the end of the dinner break which occurs after the fourth level. The blinds will begin on level 9 at 10,000/25,000 with a 25,000 big blind ante. The PokerNews live reporting team will be back to bring you periodic coverage of the partypoker Caribbean Poker Party $10,000 High Roller throughout the day. 181 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) A Democratic U.S. senator said on Thursday she will ask Facebook Inc and the Justice Department about a media report that the company hired an outside firm to attack critics, warning that such action could raise campaign finance issues. Senator Amy Klobuchar told the Senate Judiciary Committee she would send a letter seeking details about a New York Times article that named the Minnesota Democrat as a target of an aggressive Facebook lobbying campaign that relied partly on a Republican opposition research firm. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Klobuchar. But Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told reporters that he ended the companys relationship with the outside firm, Definers Public Affairs, after he became aware of it while reading the New York Times story. Definers did not respond to a request to comment. The New York Times said Facebook conducted an aggressive campaign to combat critics, shift public anger toward rival companies and fend off new regulations contained in proposed legislation that Klobuchar supports. This is a pretty serious matter for those of us on the receiving line, Klobuchar told the committee. I would like to know what was going on with elected officials, she said. If they in fact were taking actions against critics, this could be a campaign finance issue It could also have other legal ramifications. If Facebook spent money trying to influence the outcome of an election, it would have been required to disclose that spending to the Federal Election Commission and failure to do so would be a violation of the law. However, recent Supreme Court rulings have given companies leeway, requiring that they directly call for someone to be elected, or lose their office, to trigger the campaign finance laws. The Times report said Facebook hired the Republican firm to discredit activist protesters and lobbied a Jewish civil rights group to cast some critics of the company as anti-Semitic. Its issue with Klobuchar involved legislation known as the Honest Ads Act, which she has supported along with Democratic Senator Mark Warner and the late Arizona Republican Senator John McCain. The bill would compel Facebook and other internet firms to disclose the sponsors of political ads on their websites. (Reporting by David Morgan; Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson and Paresh Dave; Editing by Dan Grebler) 278 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) The Trump administration plans to set up a side-event promoting fossil fuels at the annual U.N. climate talks next month, repeating a strategy that infuriated global-warming activists during last years talks, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. As with the 2017 gathering in Bonn, Germany, the administration plans to highlight the benefits of technologies that more efficiently burn fuels including coal, the sources said. This years talks in Katowice, Poland located in a mining region that is among the most polluted in Europe are intended to hammer out a rule book to the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, which set a sweeping goal of ending the fossil-fuel era this century by spurring a trillion-dollar transition to cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power. Even as the Trump administration aims to promote energy strategies that could detract from those international goals, it also plans to let State Department officials continue negotiating the climate accord a recognition that the next U.S. president may drop the nations opposition to the pact. The White House seems to have taken the view that its important to let technocrats complete the work of the rule book. Its in the U.S. national interest to be at the table and see an outcome that emphasizes transparency, holds countries accountable, said one of the sources, who is familiar with State Department plans. The White House and the State Department did not respond to requests for comment. The United States, the worlds top oil and gas producer, is the only country to have announced its intention to formally withdraw from the Paris accord. The administrations resistance has come against a backdrop of increasingly urgent warnings from scientists about the threats posed by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. The panel will come less than two months after the U.N.s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in a report that the worlds use of coal for generating power will need to be nearly eliminated by mid-century to between 1 and 7 percent of the global mix, from around 40 percent now to help prevent deadly droughts, storms and floods brought on by climate change. Quite frankly, the U.S. is the only party to the convention that appears to be willing to push a rational discussion on the role of cleaner, more efficient fossil (fuels) and the role of civilian nuclear energy, said one of the sources, who is involved in the planning of the event for Katowice, likely to be held on Dec. 10. The source, who did not want to be named due to the sensitive nature of the issue, said the event will be dominated by proponents of coal and natural gas and likely advanced nuclear power, too. The panel will also likely feature a U.S. Energy Department representative. At this point plans do not include a renewable power industry representative, the source said. The event is expected to be led by Wells Griffith, Trumps international energy and climate adviser, the sources added. Griffiths main energy policy experience involves a year at a political job at the Department of Energy and helping to set up a deal last year to supply Ukraine with U.S. coal after the country lost control of mines to Russian-backed separatists. TWO-TIERED APPROACH Trump last year announced his intent to leave the Paris agreement, calling it harmful to the U.S. economy and casting doubt on the climate science underpinning the accord. As per U.N. rules, Trumps administration will not be able to leave the pact until a day after the 2020 presidential election, and U.S. officials recognize that finishing the rule book and making sure developing countries such as China are held to verifiable emissions cuts are in the national interest. Last year, the fossil fuels event set up by the White House drew widespread protest and condemnation from climate activists. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrote on Twitter that Promoting coal at a climate summit is like promoting tobacco at a cancer summit. At the same time, 40 career officials from the State Department and other agencies continued their work on the Paris pacts rule book. U.S. envoys to the Bonn talks were viewed by their counterparts as constructive and helpful, feeding hopes that the United States could eventually be drawn back into the accord, a possibility that Trump has held open. But much has changed since last year. Several Trump administration officials who supported keeping the United States in the Paris pact, although under different terms, have left the administration. They include top economic adviser Gary Cohn, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, and climate and energy adviser George David Banks. Now, economic adviser Larry Kudlow and national security adviser John Bolton are opponents of the Paris agreement, and Banks has been replaced by Griffith. Ex-CIA director Mike Pompeo, a vocal critic of efforts to combat global warming by past U.S. administrations, has become Secretary of State, replacing former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who supported U.S. participation in the Paris agreement. That places Trumps team more squarely behind his energy dominance agenda of boosting U.S. fossil fuel output and exports, in part by promoting low-emission technology for fossil fuels to other nations. The Energy Department has touted technologies including small scale modular coal plants that could burn the fuel more efficiently and step in when clouds and calm weather limit solar and wind power. Environmentalists should not get excited that any State Department cooperation in Poland signals the Trump administration is eyeing a return to the Paris agreement, one of the sources said. Its making sure U.S. interests are paramount, nothing more, nothing less. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Brian Thevenot) Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is greeted by Charles Abel, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks into this weekend's APEC leaders' summit with a chance to smooth over lingering sore feelings with some of Canada's key trading partners on the Pacific Rim. Trudeau will meet his counterparts from Australia and Japan, and have the opportunity to bump into leaders from the 21 countries in the hallways of the busy summit. Observers say Japan, Australia and the remainder of an 11-nation Pacific Rim trade pact are still upset over how Trudeau skipped a key meeting last year where the group was expected to agree on a final text. A deal did arise out of the fracas, namely the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP for short an outcome the Liberals believe is a sign that all is well among the countries. Observers say Trudeau's counterparts continue to have hard feelings about last year's incident. "I still think the APEC summit will be damage repair from the last summit almost pulling out the (CPTPP) and the Japanese upset with us and the Australians cursing us so I think there still needs to be some repairing of the relationship," said Carlo Dade, an expert on trade in the Pacific region from the Canada West Foundation. Canada became one of the first six countries to ratify the CPTPP, giving domestic businesses first crack to gain a foothold in overseas markets. Quickly ratifying the agreement could help mend relationships, Dade said. Trudeau arrived after dark in this island nation, walking a red carpet at the airport between two lines of traditional dancers before being whisked off to prepare for the opening of the summit on Saturday. At a news conference Thursday, Trudeau said he planned to talk about expanding trade in the region during the APEC summit. "There are certainly discussions to be had around the APEC table about how we will continue to strengthen these trade ties," Trudeau said. "The APEC summit is specifically an economic summit for partnership with Pacific nations and that's exactly what we're going to be focusing on." Looming over the summit will be an economic tit-for-tat between the world's two biggest economies the United States and China. U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, who is attending the summit in place of President Donald Trump, is expected to force countries to pick sides as China looks to use the summit to extend its influence to smaller Pacific island nations in attendance. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, an expert on the Asia-Pacific from before his time in the Senate, said the divide between the two biggest players at APEC poses an existential threat to the trade region APEC was formed to foster. Without the U.S., there is a need for a North American voice to champion trade around the Pacific, Woo said. "The only country that's able to take up this leadership role...is Canada and it would be important that the prime minister, I think, assumes some of this responsibility," Woo said. "There is no other player in the Americas that, I think, at this stage has either the will or the means to be a champion for the Asia-Pacific region." 147 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Paresh Dave SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) Facebook Inc Chairman and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday defended his response to Russian election meddling on the worlds largest social media network and issued a new plan aimed at stifling misbehavior while maintaining a vibrant hub for online speech. His comments in a conference call with journalists and in a Facebook post followed a New York Times report on Wednesday that contended that he and other executives tried to deflect criticism internally and in Congress about Russian propaganda spreading through Facebook during the last three years. Many U.S. lawmakers said after the report that the government must regulate or investigate Facebook, which has become a daily source of information for more than 2 billion people globally. Zuckerberg said on Thursday that he has acted swiftly to combat the Russian challenge and supports regulation that would encourage companies to reduce the prevalence of harmful content. He announced several self-regulatory measures, including rough plans to create an independent body by the end of 2019 to review appeals from users who contend their content was wrongly banned. Users also would get a new choice on whether they want to view borderline content in their news feeds, he said. Ive increasingly come to believe that Facebook should not make so many important decisions about free expression and safety on our own, Zuckerberg wrote. Facebook shares fell 0.3 percent on Thursday, plus an additional 0.3 percent after hours. Increased regulation is among the biggest threats to Facebook, along with increasing user unease about the service being a safe and secure place to converse, according to financial analysts. Company profit margins have narrowed in recent quarters as it executes Zuckerbergs initial plan to combat misbehavior: spending aggressively on people and technology to bolster monitoring. NEW PLAN, NEW DATA Details of the appeals body are evolving, but the goal is to increase accountability of removal decisions and ensure they are not being driven by commercial reasons, Zuckerberg said. Facebooks appeals process would expand to enable people who complain about content to seek second opinions if it is not removed initially. In addition, Facebook would become transparent about their rationale as well as policy changes, he said. His announcement came as part of an update on Facebooks Transparency Report, which discloses how the company deals with inappropriate content and requests for user data by governments. For the first time, Facebook on Thursday revealed data on bullying and harassment content, saying it had identified about 2.1 million such posts on its service between April and September, with about 15 percent found proactively before user complaints. Other notable updates included sharp rises during the first half of this year in censorship demands from Russian and Pakistan authorities and user data requests from Indian authorities, according to Facebooks statistics. Facebook has been under for fire for the last two years for its self-admitted sluggishness in developing tools to combat extremist content and propaganda operations. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump by undermining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Russia has denied any meddling in the election. Western countries issued coordinated denunciations of Russia last month for running what they described as a global hacking campaign, which Russia has also denied. The New York Times report, which revealed Facebooks use of a public relations firm to attack critics and rivals, prompted fresh criticism. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said she will ask the Justice Department to look into whether the PR firm engaged in undisclosed political activity as lawmakers weighed new rules on Facebook. Facebook stopped working with the firm Wednesday, when Zuckerberg said he became aware of it. Scott Stringer, head of New York City Pension Funds, which holds Facebook shares, renewed a call for an independent board chair to replace Zuckerberg. Facebooks board in a statement on Thursday credited Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg for making considerable progress fighting misuse of the social network. (Reporting by Paresh Dave in San Francisco; additional reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Phil Berlowitz) 257 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Last week, Democrats won the House back with a caucus that looks more like America than at any other time. Over 100 women will be in the House. Thanks to the women who ran, who worked to elect Democrats and the people who voted for them, Donald Trump will face oversight for the first time in his presidency. Progress that Trump has been trying to roll back will be protected. Nancy Pelosi had more than a little to do with making that possible. And yet, there is an organized effort to deny her the speakers gavel because the five white guys who organized the anti-Nancy campaign say its time for a change, for someone new, for someone more progressive. Balderdash! I believe we need someone who can hit the ground running, who can stand up to Donald Trump and spot Republican shenanigans a mile away. We also need someone with well honed negotiation skills and the capacity to bring diverse interests together. When Seth Moulton and his gang of five started this, they didnt have an alternative and equally capable leader in mind, primarily because there isnt one with anywhere near the demonstrated abilities of Nancy Pelosi. To date, theyre floating Marcia Fudge as a possible alternative because five white guys leading an insurrection to nominate another white guy as speaker would be a bad look. If this is about having a more progressive speaker, then why would they recruit someone who opposed a Federal ban on LGBT discrimination last year? The only other House Democrat who opposed the bill was Dan Lipinski. So much for the Moulton et als claim that this is about wanting someone more progressive. Frankly, Im sympathetic to some of their objectives, like Medicare for all, which isnt merely part of an ideological wishlist. It is about peoples lives. But for a bill to become law, you need a majority in the House, in the Senate and the President who will sign it. McConnell and the Republican majority in the Senate will not support Medicare for all and even if they did, Trump wont sign it. Call me crazy, but I like reality and miss it terribly after two years of alternative facts, conspiracy theories, obstruction of justice, corruption and destructive policies. There is no escaping reality, just ask Republican idealogues who couldnt get anything done even when they had single party rule. The one thing they did get done, the tax scam, was so unpopular they ran away from it. But, they did run on smearing Nancy Pelosi. No one scared Republicans as much as she did because they know, she can raise money, she knows how to pass legislation, she knows the House rules inside out and the thing they feared most is she could see right through them. So, Im not buying the time for a change argument primarily because the anti-Pelosi campaign plays right into the Republicans hands. I smell misogyny. Why else would a group of five white men go after a woman who won back the House with more women than ever before. I smell it when five white guys respond to the women by throwing a successful women under the bus. Nancy Pelosi and the women who ran and who worked tireless to get Democrats elected not only won the House, but with record numbers, with a caucus that looks, sounds and lives more like America than the Republicans can ever dream of. I smell misogyny when five white guys dont know who they want to replace the woman who made this happen. They only know they dont want the woman to lead. I smell misogyny when by their own admission, the five white guys know Nancy Pelosi is tough, capable and knowledgeable but they say, they just want someone new. I smell the misogyny because the five white men who are leading the campaign against Nancy are simply against Nancy, but not for someone else. So this isnt about wanting someone better. This isnt about wanting someone more progressive because the closest they have to an alternative to Nancy Pelosi is one of the two Democrats who opposes a federal ban on LGBT discrimination. In his Tuesday column, Charles Pierce nailed it this observation about Tim Ryan, one of Moultons gang of five white guys. After an election in which the Democratic Party continues to elect a demographically and politically diverse collection of new House members, Ryan is still insisting that the party needs to reach out to angry white men in places like Ohio when, in fact, if the midterms proved anything, it is that the Democratic Partys future is in places like Arizona and Nevada, and even Georgia and Florida, while, except for Sherrod Brown, god bless him, Ohio is a lost cause. Courting angry white men has nothing to do with progress, and everything to do with attacking Nancy Pelosi for having the audacity to succeed while being a woman. That, is the definition of misogyny. Pierce raised another point to chew on for anyone who thinks replacing Pelosi to pander to angry white men is a smart idea. The #FiveWhiteGuys seem to think they can scare Pelosi out of running, which is completely foolish. This is because, if its not a bluff, and Moulton really has these votes, it almost certainly means that hes cut a deal with some Republicans to get them. What part of throwing in with Republicans to block Pelosi sounds progressive to you? The fact is, nothing would please Donald Trump more than if misogyny within the Democratic Party succeeded where he and the Republican Party failed. If Moulton et al were to succeed, they would seriously weaken the Democratic Party. Youd never hear about the progressive agenda again because for the five white men, progressive ideas are nothing but bait to be used to secure support for a suckers deal, exactly like the caravan was bait for Donald Trumps base. 1.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard While many in the media speculate about what dirt Robert Mueller might privately have on Donald Trump, Rachel Maddow pointed out key ways the president has already committed crimes right before our eyes. Not only did Trump famously admit that the Russia investigation was the reason he fired former FBI director James Comey, but as Maddow highlighted on Thursday, he admitted he had the same motive for firing Jeff Sessions and replacing him with Matthew Whitaker. Trump just did the exact same thing about putting Matthew Whitaker in to replace attorney general Jeff Sessions, the dumbfounded MSNBC host said. Video: Maddow explained: The president can certainly replace anyone in his cabinet. There is nothing wrong with that in the abstract. But you cant do that sort of thing for the corrupt purpose of diverting or stymieing or getting some sort of advantage over an ongoing criminal investigation that the president fears might hurt him. But now today, like he did with the Comey firing, the president has simply and bluntly volunteered thats thats in fact what he did, that thats in fact what he was thinking about when he installed this new guy at Justice. Conservative website called the Daily Caller just interviewed President Trump and then released a full transcript of their conversation with him. You remember in the Leter Holt interview after Trump fired Comey, Lester Holt didnt ask Trump about the Russia investigation, just asked him about firing Comey. Trump volunteered to him, hey, you know, I was thinking about Russia when I did that. Trump just did the exact same thing about putting Matthew Whitaker in to replace attorney general Jeff Sessions. Trumps intent has always been clear As Maddow pointed out on Thursday, there is nothing wrong with a president firing and replacing any member of his or her cabinet. It happens with every administration of both parties. But the president cant do so with the intent to derail a criminal investigation, as is clearly the case with Trump. Certainly, in most instances, proving intent can be difficult for investigators when making an obstruction of justice case. But in this case it is not or at least it shouldnt be. Donald Trumps motive has always been clear because he has quite literally explained it to us all along. He wants to derail the special counsel investigation because hes terrified of it. In the process of doing so, he has repeatedly obstructed justice in plain sight. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. The inconceivable death toll in Paradise, Californias Camp Fire increased to 63 on Thursday, while an additional 631 people remained unaccounted for, according to county officials. Camp fire death toll climbs to 63, number of missing jumps to 631. Camp fire death toll climbs to 63, number of missing jumps to 631 https://t.co/NYc81I5cQk pic.twitter.com/nMlVBYTPdQ Los Angeles Times (@latimes) November 16, 2018 According to the Los Angeles Times, people in the community have vowed to rebuild. Jim Broshears, the Paradise emergency operations coordinator, told a town meeting that they definitely plan to rebuild the town which has been completely destroyed. Were determined to start rebuilding the community from you, up, he told the audience of Paradise residents. You are the foundation of the community. Hundreds of exhausted rescue workers are still continuing their search through the devastation left by the fire, which is the deadliest in the long history of California. And they are still fighting the fire, since according to officials it is just 40 percent contained. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told a news briefing that the increased number of missing persons was due to the continuing work by emergency response personnel. They have been going through reports trying to determine who is missing and who may be displaced in shelters throughout the region. He asked local residents to search at the list of those unaccounted for and to let authorities know if they are safe. The reason that that number went up is because after they went up, emergency officials didnt stop working, they continued to work into the night, Honea said. Im fine with that update, because I would rather get that information out than wait too much longer to do that. He continued: I want you to understand that there are a lot of people displaced and there are a lot of people who dont know were looking for them. Honea said that while recovery efforts remain difficult, increased resources have helped bring more order to the chaos that were dealing with. Brent Newman, chief of the California Highway Patrols Valley Division, said officials were more committed than weve ever been, adding that it had been a tough week, but authorities were set on providing the community outstanding support throughout the recovery efforts. According to the Times, By Thursday evening, the blaze had chewed through 141,000 acres and 11,862 structures, destroying an entire town in a matter of hours. Officials said it could take weeks to complete the search for victims. Thousands of survivors are now without homes and living in shelters and tent cities. Fire officials also said that high winds and dry conditions will be continuing, making the conditions even worse for containing the fire. The National Weather Service, said Wednesday that the agency expected some rain to arrive by the end of next week. President Donald Trump is expected to visit the areas affected by wildfires in California, although its unclear where he will go. 857 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The Department of Homeland Security watches. Thats a given. After all, we learn from an inscription in the wall outside the National Archives in Washington, DC, that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. But something is gravely wrong when the vigilance itself makes us less free. That is how it has been since last spring at the latest. The very department that protects us on our home turf has itself made us less free. Worse, plenty of would-be government contractors want to get paid to help. PoliticusUSA has obtained a list of those persons, presented at the end of this article. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security asked for bids last April on a contract for Media Monitoring Services, to be used by the National Protection and Programs Directorate (DHS and NPPD, respectively). This includes building a database of traditional and social media outlets and a disturbing variety of detail about each one. Among other things, the app will allow users to analyze the media coverage in terms of content, volume, sentiment, . . . reach, AVE [Advertising Value Equivalency a measure of how well a public relations campaign is working], top posters, influencers, languages, momentum, circulation. The project would mean tracking more than 290,000 global news sources and online, print, broadcast, cable, radio, trade and industry publications, local sources, national/international outlets, traditional news sources, and social media. And with this, the DHS wants to be able to build media lists based on beat, location, outlet type/size, and journalist role. Analyze sentiment, Analyze influencers. Build lists. Every systematic persecution in history has involved making lists of enemies, a list that eventually helps direct action against everyone on it. This kind of list is dangerous. That is why, for example, there is a law against compiling a list of gun owners. It would be too easy to use that list to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens. This prohibition protects our freedom under the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Why should the First Amendment be any different? Just the prospect of the database raised alarm bells in leading publications. Michelle Kaminsky of Forbes warned that details of the plan are enough to cause nightmares of constitutional proportions, particularly as the freedom of the press is under attack worldwide. And []attack[] is not hyperbolic. She continues, we are entering potentially dangerous territory with the government keeping track of the []sentiment[] of citizens and foreign nationals. Tyler Durden of zerohedge.com was far less optimistic. Journalists now know that if they criticize the DHS, they will come under the scrutiny. They are watching you. They know what you say about them. They know where you live, who you work for, and how to contact you. The message is clear. Watch who you criticize. Concerns were intense enough on Capitol Hill that Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) slammed the whole idea and demanded answers in a letter to DHS. Thompson, Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Committee, including how the DHS-NPPD will ensure that the data collected . . . is not used for purposes outside the NPPDs media monitoring program? And you know things are bad when even Snopes.com cant disprove it. For its part, the Department of Homeland Security poo-pooed these concerns early on. All we want to do is read news stories posted online and email reporters our press releases. That seems pretty harmless, said DHS Press Secretary Tyler Houlton in a draft April 2018 press release obtained by PoliticusUSA. He dismissed perfectly valid concerns as bizarre media interest that should baffle anyone who works in government, business and particularly journalism. Yet, DHSs recent public advertisement to secure the services of an ordinary []news clip[] company to aggregate stories from around the world has hijacked the overexcited imagination of some. Also, a tweet from Houlton was just plain nasty. [T]his is nothing more than the standard practice of monitoring current events in the media. Any suggestion otherwise is fit for tin foil hat wearing, black helicopter conspiracy theorists. The sarcasm is obvious and indicates hostility we can practically taste. A decent functionary, acting in the fullest of good faith, would have been nothing but straightforward and factual. His attitude shows exactly where his sympathies lie. They align perfectly with President Trumps claim that the media are the enemy of the people. Spin it as Houlton might, the database is a dangerous tool in the hands of an administration with an autocratish president surrounded by autocratish sycophants. But heres the kicker: Too many presumably decent and freedom-loving Americans are ready to help. Just as history teaches that lists lead to rampant persecution, history also shows that it takes accomplices to build those lists. Now we know some of the DHSs accomplices. According to information obtained by PoliticusUSA, some five dozen individuals and companies offered media monitoring services, including about 30 whose identities are being kept secret. PoliticusUSA has been unable to determine who won the contract, or, for that matter, whether anyone did. Sure, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Vigilance should have started with these folks. It didnt. Now its up to you. Watch them. ALQIMI Plasticity Inc. MAD Studios 1 Web 4 U, LLC Cision Thorad Barbaricum BWM Outcomes LLC Adrian Drockur and Genius EuroConsult Inc. 1ST Research Corp. IT Consulting Partners, LLC Vertiglo Software Ntrepid Corporation Otherwhere Enterprises Synertex LLC Nexus B1 MIREMS International Inc. Management Science & Innovation, Inc. Pluralviews Winvale Group LLC Orbis Technologies, Inc. LG-TEK S5 Solutions One Diversified The Rendon Group Metronome Software, LLC SYSTRAN Software, Inc. WaveLength Market Analytics Wolverine Group Thomas Joseph Downing 1.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard One of the most powerful people in Congress, GOP Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, now says that the Senate should have a floor vote on the so-called Mueller Protection Bill. The Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman said on Thursday that having a vote on the bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller from getting fired was the right thing to do. Its legitimate that the bill be brought up, he said. It would satisfy me if it became law because I voted for it. Key GOP chairman calls for Senate to vote on bill protecting Mueller after McConnell blocked it https://t.co/5M2NedKb2s pic.twitter.com/ypeOGeyjv6 The Hill (@thehill) November 16, 2018 The bill, called The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act was approved by Grassleys Judiciary Committee last April by a 14-7 vote in favor of it. And Grassley did vote for the legislation when it passed out of his Judiciary Committee. The senior Iowa senator made his comments after he was forced to hold over judicial nominees at a meeting of the Judiciary Committee because of opposition from Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). Flake said he would block Republican judicial nominees from coming to the Senate floor until the special counsel protection bill gets a vote on the Senate floor. Grassley said that while hes not at the forefront with Flake in pressuring McConnell, he does believe that the Mueller protection bill should be voted on, and he is in favor of it passing. Im not going to be in forefront with Flake advocating that the leader do so and so, but I wouldnt do anything to stop it, he said. Usually, a chairman of a committee if he doesnt want a bill brought up can object to unanimous consent. Flake on Thursday said the legislation would pass if it came to the floor. There are some who are not on the committee who will vote for this, he said of Senate GOP colleagues. It will pass on the floor. He said McConnell doesnt want to bring it to the floor because hes worried about angering President Trump. The legislation would codify existing Department of Justice regulations requiring that the special counsel can only be fired for good cause by a Senate-confirmed Justice Department official. It would also create a 10-day window for a judge to decide whether any termination of a special counsel is for good cause and stop the firing if it fails to meet the cause requirement. In a series of tweets on Thursday Trump renewed his criticism of Muellers investigation into his administration. After Trumps outburst, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, sounded the alarm, saying that Trump is interfering in the Mueller probe right in front of our eyes. 353 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, has been charged, according to a court filing that inadvertently mentioned his name. The court filing was with respect to a different case, unrelated to Assange. The New York Times reported that the filing was first spotted late Thursday. The reports did not disclose the exact nature of the charges Assange will face. The Washington Post, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that the disclosure about Assange being charged is true, but it was unintentional. A spokesman from the U.S. attorneys office in the Eastern District of Virginia told the Post that the court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing. The Times reported Thursday that the filing was first brought to light by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism expert from George Washington University, who posted the highlighted item on Twitter. It read, Another procedure short of sealing will not adequately protect the needs of law enforcement at this time because, due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. You guys should read EDVA court filings more, cheaper than a Journal subscription pic.twitter.com/YULeeQphmd Seamus Hughes (@SeamusHughes) November 16, 2018 It was assumed that prosecutors on the case did not want to publicize the charges because they were concerned there would be an attempt by Assange to evade arrest. The Post reported that the disclosure came in an unrelated court filing from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer who is also assigned to the Assange case. WikiLeaks responded on Thursday, calling it an apparent cut-and-paste error and that the website, which shares confidential government documents, has never been contacted by anyone from Special Counsel Robert Muellers office. A lawyer representing Assange, Barry Pollack, said that he hadnt been made aware of any new developments concerning his client, and he condemned the notion of prosecuting him. We have heard nothing from authorities suggesting that a criminal case against Mr. Assange is imminent, Pollack said. Prosecuting someone for publishing truthful information would set a terrible and dangerous precedent. The new information about Assange charges comes as Mueller is reportedly getting close to indicting Roger Stone, an informal Trump advisor. There has been a great deal of speculation concerning Stones role in the WikiLeaks release of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton in 2016. Bringing criminal charges would presumably add to the pressure on Stone, and Mueller may be trying to get him to cooperate and testify against Donald Trump. If Assange is charged with a crime in the United States, he would first have to be turned over by Ecuador to authorities in the United Kingdom, who would then extradite him to this country where he would be taken into custody. 1.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard George Democratic governor candidate Stacey Abrams is considering a new legal challenge that may force the state to hold a new election, according to the Associated Press. Such a move by Abrams would be highly unusual, and perhaps unique in the history of American politics. Such a legal challenge in the unresolved Georgia governors race would require that the Georgia Supreme Court decide whether there should be a new election for governor. Stacey Abrams campaign and legal team is preparing an unprecedented legal challenge that could force a court to rule whether another election is needed. #OnlyOnAP: Stacey Abrams campaign and legal team is preparing an unprecedented legal challenge that could force a court to rule whether another election is needed. https://t.co/6z6kNFdk0Y The Associated Press (@AP) November 16, 2018 The Abrams strategy apparently has a low chance of success, but the stakes are extremely high. She would rely on a statute thats never been used in a similar situation. As Georgia elections officials appear to be ready to certify Republican Brian Kemp as the winner of the bitterly fought governors race, Abrams probably has nothing to lose. Abrams and other Georgia Democrats believe that Kemp and his party have not played fair, and have attempted to suppress the votes of African American voters using many different time-tested techniques. She believes a request for a new election is justified because of the Georgia Republican Partys widespread electoral malfeasance. Abrams top advisers discussed the prospective legal case with the AP and stressed no decision has been made. She will finalize a decision about whether to proceed with the case after state officials certify Kemp as the victor, which could happen as early as Friday night. Abrams campaign chairwoman, Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, has a team of over 30 lawyers who will draft the petition over the next few days. In addition, they have collected large numbers of affidavits from voters and would-be voters who have testified that they were disenfranchised because of Republican voter-suppression efforts. Abrams might then be able to go to court. She would base the legal challenge on a Georgia election law that allows candidates who have lost an election to challenge the results based on misconduct, fraud or irregularities sufficient to change or place in doubt the results. According to a spokesperson for Abrams, her legal team is considering all options including filing a petition in federal court. Experts told the AP that in order to be successful Abrams would have to meet a very high bar to persuade the Georgia Supreme Court that they should intervene and force a new election. Without such a drastic move, Abrams chances of becoming governor do not look good. Current vote counts show Kemp with 50.2 percent of more than 3.9 million votes. He is about 18,000 votes over the threshold required to win by a majority and avoid a December 4 runoff. In her petition to the court, Abrams would claim that so many irregularities occurred that at least 18,000 Georgians either had their ballots improperly thrown out or were not allowed to vote in violation of state laws. Lawrence-Hardy told the AP that Abrams will weigh legal considerations along with her belief that many of her backers especially minority and low income voters who dont regularly vote ran into barriers that disenfranchised them. These stories to me are such that they have to be addressed, said Lawrence-Hardy, who was among the army of lawyers who worked on the Bush v. Gore presidential election dispute in 2000. Its just a much bigger responsibility. I feel like our mandate has blossomed. Maybe this is our moment. On November 11, authorities in the Russian-occupied, self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics (DNR and LNR) held elections with the apparent goal to legitimize the rule of the already-installed leaders of the proto-states, Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik. As Polygraph.info has previously reported, Russian state media has been quick to call those elections free and fair, with some experts seizing on them to support reintegration with Russia. Those elections have been roundly condemned by the Ukrainian and Western governments -- the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv called them a sham and the European Union issued a statement declaring them illegal and illegitimate. During a briefing on Thursday, November 16, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed the elections conformed to the main democratic standards" and "were organized within the framework of universal and equal suffrage," having been confirmed by numerous observers from more than 20 countries. Polygraph.info previously documented Russias long-standing use of unqualified election observers, including during the questionable November 11 vote. Despite many officials labeling the November 11 election a sham, Zakharova said polling helped avert chaos in southeastern Ukraine. Her full statement: After the murder of [former DNR leader] Alexander Zakharchenko under the conditions of a possible vacuum of power, there was a real risk of the total destabilization of the situation in southeastern Ukraine. This, against the backdrop of the trade and economic blockade imposed by Kyiv and the constant threat of the use of force coming from the Ukrainian leadership, could have negatively affected life in the Donbas and the settlement process in general. The holding of elections made it possible to avoid such a scenario. But her claims of stability comes amid reports of 16 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in eastern Ukraine over a 24-hour period on November 15 and 16, leaving two soldiers wounded. The press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation also said three occupiers were killed and another five were wounded. Russia claims the catalyst for a potential political vacuum was the murky assassination of former DNR head Aleksandr Zakharchenko. Mirroring Zakharovas language, Russian President Vladimir Putin said those who carried out the murder were making a dangerous bet on the destabilization of the situation in the Donbas. But writing for Spiegel Online, Christian Neef argued there is now a broad consensus that Zakharchenko was killed either by Russian security forces or by people from within his own camp. Russian reports looking to pin blame on Kyiv have only served to raise more questions than answers. In any case, violent transfers of power have become a common occurrence in the region. Like Pushilin, Pasechnik, previously LNR security minister, initially came to power not through democratic means: he became the LNRs acting leader after former LNR head Igor Plotnitsky fled to Russia following an armed putsch in November 2017. As Spiegel Onlines Neef noted, Igor Girkin, the onetime leader of the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and former DNR defense minister, said "bandits" had taken power in both self-declared republics. Girkin also asserted that the Donbas is "simply getting robbed." Many of the recent murders may have been part of a brutal battle for influence and riches, Neef wrote, adding that the markets and companies "nationalized" by Zakharchenko are now being returned to their rightful owners. Meanwhile, the Jamestown Foundations Vladimir Socor has argued that the violent removal of Plotnitsky and Zakharchenko contributed to the holding of the November 11 elections, but were not the determining factor. These were predictable and almost foreordained by the quadrennial electoral cycle that the Kremlin and the DPR-LPR need to perpetuate in the occupied territory, he wrote. The republics should at least pretend to observe some formal electoral procedures, and generate for their leaders at regular intervals the semblance of a popular mandate. This could strengthen their claim for acceptance de facto as negotiating parties (even short of formal recognition) and make it possible for Russia on the international level to portray its hand-picked proxies as emanations of the local population." Ultimately, Russia itself has been pivotal in fomenting and perpetuating armed conflict in eastern Ukraine since the start of hostilities in 2014. As Polygraph.info previously reported, there is abundant verifiable evidence of the presence of Russian military hardware, troops, intelligence agents, and economic aid from Russia in the Donbas conflict. President Putin himself once admitted to having some military personnel in the Donbas. Talking heads on Russia state media have similarly made an about-face and admitted the presence of Russian special services operating in eastern Ukraine, saying it would be stupid to deny that. Zakharova is essentially arguing that a conflict for which Russia has served as both the impetus and fuel risks spiraling out of control because the previous two leaders in the Russian-occupied territories were violently ousted, potentially at the behest of Moscow and/or its proxies -- and that now the situation has stabilized because those who were already operating with impunity have been legitimized by elections that much of the Western world condemned as a sham. Whether or not the arguments that Russia had a hand in the violent transfers of power are true, Russias violent military actions in Donetsk and Luhansk are the de-stabilizing force. And so we find that Zakharovas claim is false. In the wake to appoint top-notch leadership, OYO Hotels has picthed-in ex-President, IndiGo airlines, Aditya Ghosh. Ghosh, who received a proposal from Tata Sons to lead its planned acquisition of Jet Airways, chose to be the CEO of the hospitality startup OYO Hotels. OYO, who recently raised USD 800 dollars from Softbank, appointed Ghosh to head its business in its largest markets India and Nepal. His tenure at OYO will come into effect from December 1, 2018. Ghosh to join OYO following an outstanding stint at IndiGo as president and wholetime director before resigning earlier in April this year. A lawyer by education, Ghosh was with Delhis J Sagar Associates when he first came in contact with Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprise, which runs IndiGo. Ghosh later joined InterGlobe as general counsel and in May 2007 was inducted into IndiGos board of directors. In August the following year, Ghosh, with no prior experience of running an airline or even a company, became the surprise choice as IndiGos second president, replacing the highly respected Bruce Ashby. During the last five years, OYO Hotels and Homes has expanded its global footprints to over 500 cities in 7 countries, from Indonesia to the UK, with China and India as home markets. Its inventory boasts of over 12,000 franchised and leased hotels and over 330,000 rooms. The Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles have announced further postponement of the Container Dwell Fee. Following meetings on 22 November For years, a land-based Medal of Honor Museum was slated for Patriots Point. But since the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation announced in October that it would consider other locations, the future of the Patriots Point site has been uncertain. File/Provided rendering. Paul Bowers is an education reporter and father of three living in North Charleston. He previously worked at the Charleston City Paper, where he was twice named South Carolina Journalist of the Year in the weekly category. The state health department will not restrict how a small South Carolina town that had a massive sewer leak earlier this year gives out future taps into the system, the state agency said in a letter Tuesday. Hollywood, in southern Charleston County, spent almost two months earlier this year trying to plug a leak that let out millions of gallons of untreated sewage into a tributary of the Stono River. The spill potentially contaminated area shellfish beds, prompting the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to close the oyster beds in the peak of harvesting season. As the town grapples with what to do with sewer infrastructure that has been neglected for years, the area's legislator, Democratic state Rep. Robert Brown, asked DHEC in a letter to stop the town from giving away any more than 10 sewer taps at a time. Brown's letter was aimed at making sure that the roughly half of town residents without sewer service are hooked up before large, multi-home developments. Mike Marcus, chief of DHEC's water bureau, replied that the agency would need an engineering study and that restricting taps could worsen Hollywood's low-flow problem. In a low-flow sewage system, effluent sits for extended periods in pipes, creating corrosive gasses that break down metal and concrete machinery. "We don't want to take a step that's going to exacerbate their position," Marcus told The Post and Courier. Some residents in Hollywood's Poplar Grove neighborhood have been particularly resistant to new development in adjacent Dorchester County, where the town is considering allowing a developer to hook into the system with 32 new taps. But the 32 taps could prove a crucial bargaining chip in Hollywood's future, as the town seeks a larger utility to take over its entire crumbling sewer system and Dorchester has signaled they might be up to the task. First, Hollywood will have to fulfill the requirements of a consent order from DHEC. The town is tasked with coming up with a plan to address outstanding problems in the system by the end of the month. "We don't want to keep operating like this," Mayor Jackie Heyward said in a Thursday night meeting of the town's newly formed sewer study committee. "We want to protect our citizens. We want to have our residents on the sewer system." As a part of that order, the town was fined just under $9,000 but is only required to pay a tenth of that to the state, as long as it continues to comply with DHEC's requests. Hollywood could have been fined up to $10,000 for each day of its sewer spill. Town officials and Brown had argued that a hefty fine would only suck more money out of an already financially beleaguered system. Already, Hollywood's sewer fund is roughly $119,000 in the red less than halfway through the fiscal year, Heyward said. "Wed rather take the other $8,000 and spend it on the system," Marcus said. 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. Residents of Bamberg County filed a lawsuit on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 accusing the town of Denmark of using an unapproved chemical to treat drinking water from one of its wells for the last 10 years. File/Wade Spees/Staff Andrew Knapp is editor of the Quick Response Team, which covers crime, courts and breaking news. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor at Florida Today, Newsday and Bangor (Maine) Daily News. He enjoys golf, weather and fatherhood. You are the owner of this article. Assistant Columbia bureau chief Adcox returned to The Post and Courier in October 2017 after 12 years covering the Statehouse for The Associated Press. She previously covered education for The P&C. She has also worked for The AP in Albany, N.Y., and for The Herald in Rock Hill. Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India, had been an epoch-making part of the Indian history, who reigned the nation exceptionally. Unlike her booming career, Indira's personal life was hit by several rocks and landed her in a controversial space unnumbered times. Jawaharlal Nehru's personal secretary M.O. Mathai in his 1978 book 'Reminiscences of the Nehru Age' spilled the beans and disclosed many secrets of the Nehru family. A special chapter in the book named as 'She' based on his relationship with Indira Gandhi was omitted as it sparked controversy. Mathai, who penned the chapter verbosely, uncovered relations and his 12-year-long bond with Indira. Indira's relationship with husband Feroze Gandhi brought hiccups in her personal as well as political life. She loved to give and receive nicknames. She gave me the name of Bhupat the dacoit, and I promptly gave her the name of Putli, the decoitess, added Mathai. Credit: Reminiscences of the Nehru Age Disclaimer: The information was taken from the excerpts from the autobiography of M.O. Mathai. The Catchnews.com doesnt endorse or reject any views of the autobiography and is no way responsible for any misinformation in the autobiography. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Dept. of Justice's Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) SANTA MONICA, Calif. "The people have spoken" read the events ubiquitous decor in white capital letters nearly two stories high. This definitive slogan was tied to the Peoples Choice Awards, a Sunday night shindig that, after airing on CBS for 44 years, made its debut this year on E!, the network that famously turned the long walk into an awards show into a show in itself. "This is the first air-conditioned carpet I think Ive ever been on," Jimmy Fallon told reporters just before the show began at Santa Monicas Barker Hangar. "Im not melting like I usually am!" The rebooted ceremony distinguished itself from the usual awards show by including honors specifically highlighting online content. "I wouldnt say its about time, but more it was only a matter of time," said Jackie Aina, who was nominated for the newly added beauty influencer category. Ria Ciuffo of the nominated pop podcast Chicks in the Office added, "Its crazy weve spent our time interviewing the people who are here tonight, and now were their fellow nominees." But the winners of these groups werent announced during the two-hour live telecast. Instead, the cameras zoomed in on A-listers such as Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Silverman and the stars of a slew of shows in the NBCUniversal family of channels (which includes E!). Many of the evenings speeches paid tribute to the important issues of the particularly strenuous week. Multiple winners, including "The Spy Who Dumped Me" actress Mila Kunis and "Avengers: Infinity War" star Danai Gurira, called for donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department as it works to contain the wildfires blazing throughout California. "To the first responders, your courage, your bravery, what you do to serve those out there who need you is beyond words," said Gurira while accepting the award for Movie of the Year alongside Scarlett Johansson and Pom Klementieff. "Thank you for what you do." When Chrissy Teigen presented the women of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" with the Reality Show award, Kim Kardashian West alongside Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kris Jenner mentioned the fires as well as the Thousand Oaks tragedy earlier this week. "Our hearts are broken from the horrific shootings and those who have lost their lives and homes, as well as the hundreds of thousands of us that have been evacuated from the devastating fires that are currently burning," she said. "Our country is stronger when we come together, and we cannot face devastation alone. We must continue to reach out to each other in trying times." Melissa McCarthy used her Peoples Choice Icon acceptance speech to reiterate the importance of voting, especially in light of the recent midterm elections (and their uncalled results). "Im thankful to you because you actually engaged and you cared about things and you put the time and the effort to make your voice heard," said the actress. "Were never gonna agree on everything but tonight, your collective voice matters." And with a nod to Veterans Day, "Avengers: Infinity War" actress Johansson dedicated her win for Female Movie Star "to the armed forces who put their lives on the line every day so we dont have to." Blake Shelton, accepting the award for top country artist, wore a Veterans Day pin in tribute to his father. Long lines are the bane of the airline passengers existence, especially during peak holiday travel. A cascade of them, from check-in to security to boarding, and then through immigration and customs clearance, isnt just annoying: these lines can make you miss your flight, especially if navigating an unfamiliar airport, and more so if you arrive with little time to spare before take off, or your connection is tight. Even "fast lane" departure and arrival lines, meant for business and first-class passengers, when and where offered, provide no panacea. Lines are the great leveler, like death. You may have flown to London in first class but end up waiting in the same queue as the poor guy in the middle seat at the back of the plane by the lavatory. Here are some of the ways you can shorten the wait, or even eliminate waiting altogether. Government programs Youve probably already heard of TSA Precheck and Global Entry, but if not let me explain. Precheck ($85 for five years) sends passengers into shorter and quicker TSA lines, allowing you to keep your shoes on and your laptop and size-compliant liquids and gels inside your carry-on. I prefer Global Entry ($100 for five years) because it includes Precheck and also ensures a quick, line-free re-entry into the U.S. through immigration and customs (sometimes the customs inspection lines are worse than immigration Ive noticed). Other countries offer quick or automated immigration only for residents, but if you travel to the United Kingdom at least twice a year, own an eligible passport, and youre willing to pay the 70 pound annual fee, look into the Registered Traveller service, which allows automated processing through immigration at most U.K. airports as well as at Eurostar terminals. Airline offerings Airlines offer line-beating perks that you can buy when you book your airfare. For $10 JetBlue, for example, will let you use the same TSA security line that its first-class customers enjoy; for $15 Delta will let you board the plane along with its preferred frequent fliers, giving you early access to the overhead bins; and for the same price United will let you use the priority check-in line or board the plane earlier than your fare would otherwise warrant. If lines are horrendously long, these $10 and $15 upgrades can make the difference between catching your flight or not. Higher up the pecking order, United Airlines offers a "Signature Service" for VIP treatment at 11 airports, with prices starting at $250 per passenger. American offers its "5-Star Service" also at $250 per passenger in the U.S. and $300 overseas. Both programs include priority security lines and immigration processing, but Americans is only for business and first-class passengers. Or, for a lucky few, VIP service might cost nothing at all: it could be included in your airfare. Airlines such as British Airways and Emirates employ cadres of special service agents who wave their magic wands and make lines disappear for celebrities and uber-frequent-fliers. A few years ago, on a British Airways London-to-Los Angeles flight, I was asked to switch seats with Angelina Jolie so she could sit next to her son. Upon landing I enviously watched her and her son get met at the airplanes door and whisked through immigration by one of these facilitators. Not a celebrity? Neither am I, but when I flew first class on Air France not long ago an agent met me at check in, escorted me to the head of the TSA line, then to the lounge, then to the gate and just in case I might have imbibed too much Champagne in the lounge, I guess, all the way to my seat. On landing, I was met at the planes door, brought down to the tarmac, and handed over to a driver who sped me to the terminal. Not in first class? Air France offers a meet-and-greet service to any customer at four French airports with prices starting at 120 euros for the first passenger and 10 to 20 euros for additional passengers. VIP Airport Concierges But most of these programs dont help with security or immigration at airports outside the U.S., such at Heathrow, where I have spent many an hour zigzagging back and forth between crowd-control stanchions, in jet-lagged stupor, even with "fast lane" access. So thats where VIP airport concierges come in. For a fee these enterprises promise to meet you at the curb or at the airplanes door and "expedite" you through security and passport control, and, when airport policy allows, even ushering you to the front of the lines. Frankfurt Airport offers a VIP experience for any connecting passenger starting at 119 euros. It includes gate-to-gate transfer by electric cart or in some cases via a luxury car on the airports tarmac. Some other airports offer similar perks. Former Palau President Johnson Toribiong views his nations ties with the United States as a cherished relationship, calling the current Compact between Washington and Koror the best deal weve ever had in our history. Toribiong spoke to political science students at the University of Guam on Thursday night about the Compact of Free Association he negotiated with the U.S. government during his term as Palaus president between 2009 and 2013. Ahead of his lecture, he spoke to The Guam Daily Post about the agreement and his countrys relationship with the U.S. and role in the western Pacific. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. We signed the compact review agreement on Sept. 3, 2010, in Honolulu. Eight years later, it was funded, said Toribiong. It was a long wait. Palau did continue to receive roughly $13 million annually from Washington while waiting for the $250 million promised in the 2010 agreement which was finally authorized in March 2018. Toribiong said he believes the agreement, and the funding that comes with it, is a reflection of the irreplaceable value of Palaus geographical situation to the U.S. defense and Pacific policies. Its also a reflection of the U.S. concern about the growing presence of China in the region, said Toribiong. The fact that the U.S. government did appropriate money to fund the agreement is in part a reaction to the presence of China in the South China Sea, he said. He noted that the U.S. government is in the process of establishing two main radar systems in Palau. One is being installed on the main island of Babeldaob and another on the southern island or Ngeaur. The radar systems are capable of monitoring Chinese military activities in the skies and waters around Palau and beyond. The U.S. presence is more recognizable in Palau now, said Toribiong. And his country has paid a price for its close ties to the U.S. and its continued recognition of Taiwan. China backlash In 2013 and 2014, there was a tsunami of mainland Chinese visitors overwhelming Palau, said Toribiong. They overbuilt Palau to accommodate them. Suddenly, in 2015, that changed. China stopped direct flights to Palau and stopped promoting Palau as a tourist destination. They said it was because we didnt have diplomatic relations with them, said Toribiong. The number of tourists plunged, he said. Compact-impact aid He hasn't changed his view of the need to continue strong relations with the U.S. Yes, it is in Palaus long-term interest," he said. Toribiong also acknowledged that he is aware of and sensitive to the issue of Compact migrants and the cost imposed on Guam for providing services to them. I realize it's a big social, economic and political issue here, he said. But the best way to resolve it is for the federal government to provide funding to cover those costs, not by restricting Compact migration. "It's important for the U.S. to support Guam, to pay for the costs of accommodating the economic migrants from the (Federated States of Micronesia), Palau and the Marshall Islands, Toribiong said. At least one ship carrying Agent Orange stopped at Apra Harbor en route to Vietnam more than 50 years ago, but there is no evidence that indicates cancer-causing, military-grade herbicide cargo was offloaded on the island, a U.S. Government Accountability report released today states. The report does acknowledge the military has used commercial herbicides, rather than "tactical" herbicides, on Guam that contained a similar component found in Agent Orange. Certain veterans have claimed their illnesses stemmed from their military service on Guam where they believed they were exposed to toxic chemicals found in Agent Orange, prompting members of Congress to seek an investigation. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The GAO investigation found through records that the Department of Defense procured approximately 13.9 million gallons of the tactical herbicide, which was either used in U.S. military operations in Southeast Asia, for testing, or later destroyed, the report states. "Our analysis of the available logbooks for 152 of the 158 shipments approximately 96 percent of Agent Orange to Southeast Asia that we identified indicates that the vessels carrying tactical herbicides generally stopped at foreign ports and sometimes at U.S. ports en route to Southeast Asia," the report states. The report acknowledges documents on the movement of Agent Orange are incomplete. "However, based on the available information, we identified at least one ship carrying Agent Orange that stopped at Port Apra now Apra Harbor on Guam on its way to Vietnam, although we could not locate any evidence showing that any cargo was offloaded," the report states. "Further, while (Department of Defense) documents identify the use of commercial herbicides on Guam, they do not identify the use of tactical herbicides there." According to shipment documentation and the logbook, for the SS Gulf Shipper, it left the port of Mobile, Alabama, on Jan. 9, 1968, and stopped at Apra Harbor on Guam and offloaded a mariner for repatriation to the United States on Feb. 2, 1968, the report states. "We are unable to state with certainty whether there were reasons why this vessel stopped in Guam beyond what was reported in available shipment documentation and the vessels logbook," the report states. While the new report did not conclude that Agent Orange was offloaded and used on Guam, it does point out that draft environmental assessments written in 1999 and 2009 by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific indicate that "commercial herbicides containing 2,4-D were present on Guam, and that commercial herbicides containing 2,4,5-T, which included the contaminant 2,3,7,8-TCDD, had been used for weed control along power lines and substations through 1980" on the island. The GAO report includes testimonies from certain veterans who believe their exposure to Agent Orange on Guam during the Vietnam War caused their illnesses. The herbicides used by the military on Guam decades ago may not have a conclusive link to Agent Orange, but the GAO report acknowledged the military used commercial herbicides on Guam that contained 2,4,5-T, which is a component of Agent Orange. The herbicide 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 2,4,5-T has been banned from use in the United States since 1985. The World Health Organization has determined that dioxins are highly toxic and can cause a variety of illnesses, including reproductive and developmental problems and damage to the immune system. The World Health Organization reports that 2,3,7,8-TCDD, a human carcinogen, is the most toxic dioxin-related compound. The GAO report also mentions "Without a reliable list with complete and accurate information and a formal process for DOD and VA to coordinate on communicating this information, veterans and the public do not have quality information about the full extent of locations where Agent Orange was present and where exposure could potentially have occurred," it added. The GAO provided six recommendations: A "passing of the torch" ceremony to officially establish Thomas Krise, who came on board at the college in August, as the 11th president of the University of Guam was held Friday morning at the UOG Calvo Field House. The investiture ceremony was attended by rows of island dignitaries, former and current university regents and many government department heads. With his wife at his side and with a green, gold and black hood draped across his shoulders, a presidential medallion hung from his neck and the university mace a wooden staff placed in his hands, Krise was officially sworn in as the new leader of UOG by Chief Justice Katherine Maraman. Krise was presented with a resolution by the 34th Guam Legislature and symbolic gifts from the Student Government Association, the Faculty Senate, the Administrative Council, the Staff Council Committee and the University of Guam Alumni Association. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Introduced by former UOG President Robert Underwood as an "experienced academic" and "a great guy," and as the first UOG president to "not be from Guam," Krise was lauded for his many professional achievements and his background living and working in other islands across the globe in the Caribbean. Underwood also noted that Krise is the first president who isn't a "rookie." Krise served at the president of the Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, grew up in the Virgin Islands and taught in Jamaica. "We are investing in you our trust, our confidence, our hopes and our concerns," Underwood said, to his successor. "We are expecting in return the dividend of success and empathy and understanding and recognition of the unique role that this institution plays in the lives of this society." He isn't the first president "to be like any Tom, Dick or Harry, but he is the first coming of Krise," joked Underwood, to laughter from the audience. Krise's tone was at once solemn and lighthearted as he addressed and thanked those gathered to accept him into the fold of the university, and into the lives of those who have and will study and work at its seaside campus. He called the investiture ceremony a "celebration of UOG and all who have brought it to its current state of excellence." 'A welcomed outsider' "I come to Guam and UOG as a welcomed outsider," he said. His experience, he hoped, would "help UOG continue its upward climb." "As a career Air Force officer, I hope to be able to foster stronger bonds with Guam and the bases it hosts and on behalf of our many veterans," he said. Krise spoke about wanting to explore how elements of CHamoru and other island cultures can bring more "responsible stewardship of our islands." The "welcomed outsider" shared his hopes to attract more students from abroad, and for students from Guam to study and travel to other parts of the world and gain perspective by seeing their island "from the vantage point of others." He promised to do his best, and to work to increase in professional development and training in the future at the university. Krise ended his speech and officially began his tenure with the words, "Biba Tritons. Biba UOG." THE WORK ZONE More dysfunction is coming today, as we dig into why we often have so much trouble with workplace teams. Read more California Senator Kamala Harris is running for President, so a committee hearing is for her a sort of audition. Earlier today, Ronald Vitiello, President Trumps nominee to head U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, had a confirmation hearing before the Senates Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, of which Harris is a member. Harris used her time to suggest an equivalence between ICE and the Ku Klux Klan, which Vitiello emphatically rejected. This video captures the exchange: Democrat Senator Kamala Harris compares ICE to the KKK and appears to suggest that they are a terrorist group during a Senate hearing to consider the nomination of Ronald Vitello to be the director of ICE. 51% of ICE agents were Hispanic or Latino at the end of fiscal year 2016. pic.twitter.com/3coo3hljET Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) November 15, 2018 Three observations: 1) The asserted parallel between ICE and the KKK is both contemptible and absurd. But this, apparently, is what the Democratic Partys base wants to hear. 2) Notice how Harris begins by equating the KKK and ICE, but then backs away and concludes by asking Vitiello a completely different and more innocuous question, pretending that it was the same one she started with. 3) Have you ever seen anyone as smug as Kamala Harris? Well, yes, on reflection: Harris is the California version of Hillary Clinton. Go ahead, Demsnominate her! Its going to be fun watching the Democrats fight amongst themselves to be the most progressive in the next Congress and in the run-up to the 2020 election. Paul has already noted the challenge Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge may present to Nancy Pelosi. But lets not forget Her Magnificence, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (who has already being mentioned in the media as a possible future Speaker of the House), who has not only protested in Pelosis office, but also picked a fight with senior House Democrats about committee composition and jurisdiction. MSN reports: A fight broke out in a closed-door meeting of House Democrats over climate change as a powerful veteran lawmaker fought with freshman star Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members-elect over the creation of a special panel for the issue. New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, incoming chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee backed by a number of other committee members slammed the creation of the new climate panel, according to multiple sources in the room. Pallone argued that his committee and other existing panels within the House could take on the issue aggressively. But Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Rep.-elect Joe Neguse (Colo.) and some of the other progressive incoming lawmakers fought back, saying they ran on the issue and needed to do it. Ocasio-Cortez earlier this week pushed for a Green New Deal as she backed more than 200 young protesters at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis office. More from Politico: Veteran Democratic lawmakers are closing ranks against new members pushing the party to the left on climate change. Incoming chairmen say they want to address climate change, but they are bristling at the tactics of Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other newly elected Democrats who say the party needs to come up with a Green New Deal that would decarbonize the economy within a decade. . . The idea that in five years or 10 years were not going to consume any more fossil fuels is technologically impossible, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), whose in line to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told POLITICO. We can have grand goals but lets be realistic about how we get there. . . . Some lawmakers are looking for ways to harness the progressive energy within the existing congressional structures so everyone gets on the same page. Yeah, well, good luck with that. One of the themes of the media right now is how diverse the new House Democratic caucus is, but one aspect is studiously avoidedhow this election has shoved Democrats much further to the left. This mid-term election is indeed a watershed election much like the 1974 election that saw Democrats gain 47 House seats, but which marked a distinct turn to the hard left. The new Democratic members of that election were called the Watergate Babies. Im thinking we should just call this new class of Democrats babies, full stop. The Watergate Babies also set about the upend the House, in that case changing committee rules to oust a lot of long-serving southern Democrats. I wrote about the Watergate Babies in the first volume of my Age of Reagan: The official Democratic Party magazine, The Democratic Review, estimated that the incoming representatives were more than twice a liberal as the Democratic members they replaced. A Washington Post survey asked the incoming Democrats, What nation, if any, do you consider a threat to world peace? The largest plurality, 27 percent, thought the United States was the leading threat to peace, with only 20 percent naming Americas principal adversary, the Soviet Union, along with Israel. I suspect a similar survey today would report much worse numbers. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-16 10:03:01 Cryptaur has signed a partnership agreement with renowned companies ProximaX and NEM following the first public demonstration of their new gaming platform, X-game, in Dubai. Cryptaur Announces Partnership with NEM Cryptaur Hiroyuki Sakama info@cryptaur.com Cryptaur, a decentralized ecosystem for [..], has signed a partnership with ProximaX and NEM following the first public demonstration of X-game at GITEX Future Stars 2018. ProximaX will be used within X-game to host the ePassports of all users and to store the data of game characters and their elements. NEM, on the other hand, is used as a decentralized registry for Cryptaur users. The agreement was signed personally by Lon Wong, First President of NEM and Founder of ProximaX. For Cryptaur, the partnership comes at a time of exciting developments. X-game is an innovative blockchain-based game that implements a unique P2E (Play-to-Earn) concept to reward users for their time and efforts. X-game aims to reinvent the gaming industry by rewarding users rather than relying on hidden P2W (Pay-to-Win) models that currently dominate the gaming sphere. Dimitri Buriak, CEO of Cryptaur ProximaX will be an important element in ensuring user confidence in the Cryptaur platform. In the near future, we plan to implement the storage of personal documents of our participants based on ProximaX, reliably protecting them with modern encryption algorithms. The partnership signals an exciting expansion of the Cryptaur platform. 2018 has been a productive year for the Cryptaur team, who have been steadily overtaking their milestones throughout the year. X-game follows the successful launch of credit cards by Fintech United Group in June earlier this year, and the launch of automatic KYC at Fintech United Group in August. About Cryptaur Founded in 2017, Cyprus-based Cryptaur increases efficiency by eliminating the middleman from a wide range of social and financial transactions. The projects blockchain-based decentralized ecosystem supports peer-to-peer transactions, pay platforms, online gaming, and more. Cryptaur (CPT), the decentralized Ethereum-based ecosystem from Cyprus is pleased to announce that it will be listed on CoinBenes secure and trustworthy crypto assets exchange. Cryptaurs current number of CPT wallet users now stands at a minimum of 90,000 active users and this is indicative of an engaged crypto community. www.cryptaur.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-16 19:10:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / DIGATRADE FINANCIAL CORP. (OTCQB: DIGAF) an OTC digital asset trade desk for institutions and financial technology company today announced a clarification to the previous announced press releases dated Oct 9, 2018. The Company had reported the following:[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].The Company provides the following clarification and re-statement:During fiscal 2017 and up to November 14, 2018; funds raised via Convertible Promissory Notes "CPN'S" totalled approximately US$1.4m. One Note holder; Tangiers Capital LLC based in San Diego, CA, has a remaining principal balance of $1000 + interest and holds the option to convert into shares. All other current notes of maturity have been fully repaid; including principal and interest. The clarification that has been provided is the result of an accounting oversight by management.Additional information will be provided as it materializes.ABOUT DIGATRADE:DIGATRADE is Financial Technology "Fintech" 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: 2018-11-16 19:56:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 316 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 An experienced pulmonologist, Dr. Alex Lechin also serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Directly involved in clinical teaching, he believes that post-secondary education is a vital component to professional development.HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / Dr. Alex Lechin, President of the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders is excited to announce two scholarships valued at $500 (USD/CAD) each. To be eligible, an individual must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or college program and be pursuing a post-secondary degree in either business, science, or mathematics.The application process requires candidates to complete an online registration form and write a 500-word essay which details how they aim to make a significant impact in their chosen field of study. An application should explore how they plan to engage with their community and potential leadership roles they could fill.For the winter semester, the scholarship opens on November 19th, 2018 and students have until February 18th, 2019 to submit all required documentation. For the spring semester, applications will be accepted starting February 19th, 2019 with a deadline of April 19th, 2019.Individuals are required to submit proof of enrollment, and scholarship winners will be announced shortly after the deadlines via email or phone.To learn more about the Dr. Alex Lechin Scholarship Program and to apply visit https://dralexlechinscholarships.com About the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep DisordersThe Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders focuses on the treatment of various pulmonary diseases and conditions including ARDS (acute respiratory syndrome), COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and lung cancer. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Alex Lechin remains a leader in his field and continues to provide top quality medical care.For more information, please contact:Dr. Alex LechinPresident of the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disordersalexicumd@ gmail.com SOURCE: Dr. Alex Lechin PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-16 05:17:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 416 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Zamudio Law Professionals, the Griffith, Indiana based law experts with a focus on IP protection, have announced they can provide education and guidance on the new IP law. The Small Business Innovation Protection Act is changing how firms advise clients.GRIFFITH, INDIANA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2018 / Zamudio Law Professionals, based in Griffith, Indiana, have announced that they can provide clients with education and guidance for the new patent protection law. Recently, the Trump Administration passed the Small Business Innovation Protection Act, which is changing how law firms advise clients on patent protection and product development.More information can be found at: https://zlawpro.com The team at Zamudio explain that the act is intended to spread the word to small businesses on how they can protect their intellectual property from being stolen.The bill will ensure increased cooperation between the Small Business Administration and the US Patent and Trademark Office. This will help to improve intellectual property protections for small businesses.This is highly important, because protecting IP is crucial when it comes to innovation and economic growth. For entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives and inventors, it's important to protect intellectual property from theft.Zamudio Law Professionals is situated in the heart of Northwest Indiana. The team provides a client-based approach to legal representation, and understands that hard work, dedication and diligent preparation are the keys to success in any legal matter.While they handle many cases, the lawyers understand that excellent client communication is essential, and give all their clients the time and care they deserve.Daniel Zamudio of Zamudio Law Professionals, a law firm that specializes in handling patent protection and new product development cases for Indiana inventors, said: ''This is an exciting time for inventors. This new law truly informs inventors on patent protection.'' He added: ''Together with an increasing need for businesses to protect their new developments from theft, and there's a lot to be done in that area. The government is taking patent protection seriously and I'm warning businesses to do the same.'' The team at Zamudio Law Professionals have attorneys who are adept at advising clients on new product development risks and are ready to help inventors take advantage of the new law's resources.Full details can be found on the URL above.Contact Info:Name: Daniel ZamudioEmail: Send EmailOrganization: Zamudio Law Professionals, PCAddress: 233 South Colfax Street, Griffith, IN 46319, United StatesPhone: +1-219-924-2300For more information, please visit https://www.zlawpro.com SOURCE: Zamudio Law Professionals PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-16 15:02:02 Three-Year Data from the ANCHOR Registry Reiterate Applicability in Patients with Hostile Aortic Neck Anatomies DUBLIN and NEW YORK - November 16, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced new data on the Heli-FX(TM) EndoAnchor(TM) system, which demonstrated durability, safety and efficacy in patients with complex aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) anatomy, particularly those with hostile aortic neck anatomies. The new data were unveiled in presentations at the 45th Annual Symposium of Vascular and Endovascular Issues (VEITHsymposium) in New York. The findings are based on three-year data from the primary prophylactic and therapeutic revision arms of the Medtronic ANCHOR registry - a global, multi-center, multi-arm, post-market registry evaluating the real-world applicability of the Heli-FX EndoAnchor System. "With Heli-FX, our focus continues to be on improving the lives of patients with complex aortic disease by broadening applicability of endovascular repair to patients who have traditionally been challenging to treat," said John Farquhar, vice president and general manager of the Aortic business, which is part of the Aortic & Peripheral Vascular division at Medtronic. "These data further validate the use of EndoAnchor fixation as a long-term solution that enhances outcomes and durability in patients with complex aortic anatomies." Three-year follow-up data up from the ANCHOR registry were presented by Dr. William Jordan Jr., M.D., professor of surgery and chief, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Emory University School of Medicine and co-principal investigator of the ANCHOR registry. The clinical evidence demonstrates the Heli-FX EndoAnchor system provides additional security when used with approved endovascular stent grafts in patients with hostile infrarenal AAAs. To-date, more than 800 AAA patients treated with Heli-FX in combination with primarily Medtronic, Gore, Cook, and Jotec grafts have been enrolled in the ANCHOR Registry. The majority of patients enrolled received EndoAnchor implants prophylactically, while a smaller group received them following a previously failed endovascular repair (EVAR) treatment (therapeutic revision). The data presented today includes a subset of patients from these groups who were eligible for clinical and imaging follow up at three-years. Patients had short, hostile neck anatomies with median neck lengths of 11.2mm in the prophylactic group, and 10.2mm in the therapeutic revision group. Specific results through three years include: Low rates of Type Ia endoleaks: At three years: prophylactic = 1.7 percent (2/120); therapeutic revision = 2.4 percent (1/41) Positive sac stability and regression despite the hostile anatomy characteristics: At three years: prophylactic = 96.5 percent (111/115); therapeutic revision = 80.0 percent (32/40) High rates of freedom from secondary procedures to treat Type Ia endoleak based on Kaplan-Meier estimate: Through three years: prophylactic = 98.7 percent; therapeutic revision = 86.3 percent High rates of freedom from aneurysm related mortality (ARM) based on Kaplan-Meier estimate, which is notable given the short neck lengths: Through three years: prophylactic = 98.3 percent; therapeutic revision = 91.1 percent "Hostile aortic necks are frequently seen in clinical practice and have historically presented challenges for physicians treating patients through an endovascular approach," said Dr. Jordan. "With these data, we are continuing to validate that by using Heli-FX in these challenging cases, we have the ability to successfully treat this critical patient population and expand applicability of EVAR to those with complex aortic anatomies." In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers, and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services of the highest quality that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers around the world. About VEITHsymposium Now in its 45th year, VEITHsymposium provides vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists and other vascular specialists with a unique and exciting format to learn the most current information about what is new and important in the treatment of vascular disease. The 5-day event features rapid-fire presentations from world renowned vascular specialists with emphasis on the latest advances, changing concepts in diagnosis and management, pressing controversies and new techniques. Press will receive complimentary registration. Please visit www.VEITHsymposium.org or contact Pauline T. Mayer at +1-561-316-3330. About Medtronic Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 86,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. -end- 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: Medtronic plc via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-16 14:03:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 503 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN JOSE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2018 / Pacific Green Technologies Inc. (PGT) (OTCQB: PGTK), owner of the ENVI-Marine TM Exhaust Gas Scrubbing System, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Green Marine Technologies Inc. (PGMT), has executed an agreement for US$17.9m to manufacture and install ENVI-MarineTM Systems on six vessels owned by Ridgebury Holdings LLC.PGT's JV partner, PowerChina SPEM Company Limited, will manufacture the systems at one of its factories in Wuxi, China with CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, Shanghai, China installing between June and September 2019 in advance of the IMO legislations for stricter sulphur emissions standards that come into force on 1 January 2020.About Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.Pacific Green Technologies Inc. is focused on addressing the world's need for cleaner and more sustainable energy. The company's strategy is to build through organic development and acquisition, a portfolio of patented competitive cutting-edge technologies designed to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.For more information, visit PGT's website:Contact:Neil Carmichael, President and DirectorPacific Green TechnologiesT: +1 (408) 538-3373About Ridgebury Holdings LLCRidgebury is a dynamic and resourceful company with a growing fleet of crude and refined-product tankers.For more information, visit Ridgebury Holdings' website:About POWERCHINA SPEM Co. LtdPOWERCHINA SPEM is a subsidiary of POWERCHINA, the largest power equipment manufacturer in the PRC and owned by the Chinese Government. With abundant resources, expertise, strong manufacturing capacity, domestic sales channels and rich experience, POWERCHINA SPEM is in a strong position to deploy PGT technology throughout China.Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, that PGT's emission control system has significant potential to be a market leader in China.Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, general economic conditions, and the continuation of the JV with POWERCHINA SPEM resulting in definitive agreements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.SOURCE: Pacific Green Technologies Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-15 23:23:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 751 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 State Disavows Christie-Era Actions in Landmark Civil Rights SettlementBRIDGETON, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2018 / The largest American Indian tribe in New Jersey has securedrestoration of its status as a state-recognized tribe, concluding a controversy that drew national attention for its contentious litigation in federal and state courts and significance to tribes throughout the nation. The office of New Jersey's attorney general Gurbir Grewal has settled the tribe's civil rights lawsuits, conceding that the state officially recognized the 3,000-member Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in 1982 and regularly reaffirmed formal recognition over three decades.Attorneys general under former Governor Chris Christie permitted efforts to undermine the tribe's status in communications with federal and state agencies. The tribe lost access to federal grants to improve members' health, education and workforce preparedness and to contracts won by highly rated tribally owned businesses, as well as the right to label and sell elders' traditional arts and crafts as American Indian-made. The state will now actively reaffirm its prior recognition and assist the tribe in regaining the opportunities and rights it lost. The settlement also provides $2.4 million in financial compensation to enable the tribe to rebuild its cultural and economic development programs.Greg Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners PLLC, legal counsel for the tribe, stated, "If the character of a nation is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable people, then today we have reason to celebrate this restoration of justice, but we all must do much better by our Native brothers and sisters." The tribe's lawsuits alleged that the state's attempts to withdraw recognition were motivated by racial stereotypes attributing to all American Indian tribes a desire to conduct casino gaming, as well as irrational belief that state recognition leads to federal gaming rights. Most American Indian tribes do not conduct any casino gaming and the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape have always prohibited reliance on gaming and other vices for income. The earliest efforts to disavow the tribe coincided with the period of Donald Trump's ownership of Atlantic City casinos and the industry's misplaced fear that acknowledging tribes' continuing existence could lead to competition.The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape sued the attorneys general in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey as well as in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Mercer County, for violations of their federal and state constitutional rights to due process and equal protection. In a 42-page opinion denying the state's motion to have the case dismissed, District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb found the tribe's allegations of impermissible race-discrimination viable. The tribe identified dozens of instances over 30 years in which the state affirmed and celebrated the recognition of three tribes, including in two state statutes where the tribes are specifically named and referred to as "the three New Jersey tribes." By contrast, the tribe compelled the state to disclose documents revealing that top officials evaluating the tribe's status ignored the abundant record of prior recognition and instead allowed their consideration to be colored by racial stereotypes. The tribe recently moved for summary judgment in federal court with a 1,000-page filing, and the settlement was inked as a decision was pending.The litigation drew sustained national attention because of its implications for the hundreds of thousands of members of 61 other historical American Indian tribes that have received recognition by states but are not on the Bureau of Indian Affairs list of federally recognized tribes. State-only recognition is most prevalent in 16 states where European settlers first encountered indigenous peoples, but where violence, diseaseand 20th-century government-sanctioned racial discrimination took a heavy toll on Native populations and the ability of the tribes to prove their modern existence. Werkheiser observed, "The outcome of this dispute should put states on notice that even the most vulnerable tribes have constitutional rights to due process and equal treatment when it comes toofficial acknowledgment of their identity." Tribal Principal Chief Mark Gould stated, "This fight to restore recognition has been lengthy, costly and sad. But today, New Jersey has reaffirmed that American Indians are not only part of its storied past, but valued partners in a shared future. We are ready to do our part to rebuild our relationship with the state government." The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe is represented by attorneys Greg Werkheiser and Eden Burgess of Cultural Heritage Partners PLLC of Washington, D.C., and Frank Corrado of Barry Corrado Grassi & Gillin-Schwartz of Wildwood, New Jersey.CONTACT:Greg Werkheisergreg@ culturalheritagepartners.com 703.408.2002SOURCE: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation The Nigerian capital market would soon introduce the electronic initial public offer (e-IPO) system in the country, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Wednesday. The commission said it was also committed to engaging the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to facilitate identity validation and account validation to enhance market processes. It said the engagement with NIBSS on behalf of the capital market community on the issue was aimed at enhancing the e-dividend mandate and direct cash settlement initiatives in the market. Again, the commission said it would work with other major interest groups in setting up a committee to proffer solutions to problems around identity management in the Nigerian capital market. These were part of the resolutions by operators and interest groups during the third quarterly Nigerian Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting to discuss issues related to the development and growth of a modern capital market. A communique at the end of the meeting disclosed SEC was awaiting the final report of the e-IPO Committee to enable it issue guidelines and develop the rules for e-IPOs. The committee is expected to submit its report to the commission in two weeks, just as the committee on minimum operating standards submitted its final report. Acting director general of SEC, Mary Uduk, said a timeframe for implementation of the standards would soon be announced. Ms Uduk announced that only six trade groups have so far registered with the commission, in compliance with the directive to facilitate implementation of the complaints management framework in the capital market. Capital market operators (CMOs) are also expected to register with their respective trade groups. To eliminate underhand dealings, Ms Uduk said the commission would soon commence enforcement actions against persons engaged in trading in the shares of public unlisted companies outside recognized securities exchange as provided by the relevant regulations. On efforts to enhance investors confidence in the capital market, the acting DG said SEC was stepping up efforts to ensure public unlisted companies provide quarterly and annual performance reports to assist investors make more informed investment decisions. Other resolutions include the need to grow the market for trading in securities on unlisted public companies. The SEC boss said the commission was collaborating with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other interest groups to assist public companies yet to register their securities to do so without much difficulty. On efforts to institute a stand-alone capital market curriculum for basic and senior secondary education in the country, Ms Uduk said the commission was working with National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to achieve it. This collaboration has reached an advanced stage, as the Planning and Writing Workshop took place during the week. The respective Trade Groups resolved to honour their commitments towards funding the initiative, she said. Also, the Financial Literacy Committee, she said, has already developed a web page dedicated to providing relevant financial literacy material on the capital market and the financial sector for investors. She said a link has also been created on the commissions website. On the proposed arrangement to ensure public companies distribute electronic annual accounts to shareholders, the acting DG said report confirmed shareholders have largely accepted the new initiative and were willing to provide their email addresses for that purpose. During the meeting, a financial technology (Fintech) Roadmap Committee, chaired by Ade Bajomo, was inaugurated, with a mandate to develop a Fintech roadmap for the capital market within the next three months. The meeting, attended by capital market operators, featured presentations by various market technical committees, self-regulatory organisations and other interest groups. On the lingering issue of multiple subscriptions and forbearance for investors with multiple accounts, the CMC resolved to extend by another year, from December 31, 2018, the deadline to regularise their records. We expect investors to take advantage of this opportunity to claim their unclaimed dividends and bonuses, Ms Uduk said. To address challenges associated with transmission of shares related to the estate of deceased investors, the commission resolved to engage with and enlighten the probate registry on the issue to resolve the problems in the process of transmitting shares. Besides, the commission is considering developing rules around the timeframe for transmission shares and the fee structure in the market. The commission is also collaborating with the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) to update regulations on margin lending. To develop a vibrant commodities eco-system, the commission has commenced the implementation of measures to strengthen regulatory capacity by establishing a Commodities Division, the communique said. The Confab a satirical stage play that explores our nature as political beings will come alive at the Terra Kukture, Lagos this weekend. The play is being produced by Mabykay Productions and directed by Nwando Alayande. The story tells of delegates from the various geopolitical zones of the country who gather at the CONFAB, with the sole aim of sharing the National Cake. Speaking on the rationale behind the production, Ms Alayande, reiterated her commitment to using the art to elicit a lasting change in governance. She also added that her works explore topical issues because she is driven by an overwhelming desire to tell stories through plays. The Confab is a satire about Nigeria, fused with comedy and witty dialogue, she noted. The general attitude of Nigerians towards issues that affect our collective life is deeply worrisome. I was concerned about voter apathy, and the fact that people are not being held accountable. I am concerned about our leave-everything-to-God syndrome and the general do-as-you-like-but-dont-get-caught disposition, yet we complain about everything. I find it really funny that we like to compare ourselves with developed nations or nations that are getting things right, but we dont want to apply the same principles in action. For me, the drama is an imitation of life and it has a way of conveying an important fact in a subtle but entertaining way. The Confab mirrors society, and interestingly, there is no individual scapegoat, Ms Alayande said. The cast includes Patrick Diabua as Speaker; Diana Agbede as Madam Onoriode and Papa Sam as Terso. Others are Daniel Okezue as Mazi Obiora; Tobi Ilesanmi as Otunba Ajani; Victor Joe as Mallam Tank; Nosa as Rubbertainer and Olabanke Banjo as Chichi amongst others. With over 10 years of professional experience as a playwright, producer and director for both radio and stage, Ms Alayande is a three-time winner of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Best Radio Drama of the Year. Mama Wa, Felicia Akanke Obasa, nee Sodunke, passed on exactly five days after the Foundation that was established in her name about four years earlier had staged its first major public event. At that event, held in Abeokuta on September 25, 2018, the Foundation gave out 12 academic scholarships, and made donation of food items to select orphanages and a few other things beside. All through the ceremony, a frail and tired-looking Mama Wa could be seen nodding her head intermittently in what was no doubt her way of giving approval to the occasion. Looking back on that event now, it could not have been better timed. Mama Wa had been in poor health for much of the six months preceding that ceremony. Yet on that day, a flicker was visible in her eyes throughout, whenever she lifted her head to strain to hear a word, or made an effort to sing along with others during the programme. Given her passage five days later, the significance of that ceremony was that it provided a good opportunity to let Mama know how she would be remembered that her unfinished work will continue after her. When asked what he thought Mama would have made of the Abeokuta event, Lanre Oyenekan, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Salvation Pentecostal Church, the church Mama attended all her life, said politely that what would have mattered to Mama the most was not the ceremony. Rather, it was the acts that were carried out. In other words, Mamas approval would have been that people were being lifted from the cesspit of desperation through the small but important act of giving and other similar gestures of support. In writing this introduction, I am deeply conscious of the many kind words, the memories, and the small stories, contained in this publication about who Mama Wa was in life. In some, she appeared as what may be called a social butterfly, or the life of the party one who brings flavour and brightness to an occasion. In all the testimonies, she was the resilient trader, the protective mother, and the informal educator. Yet as Dr Oyenekan suggests, Mama Wa performed all those things without thinking about how they might be seen or perceived by others. For her, what mattered was the doing whether in her domestic or public life. In the remembrances on these pages therefore, we have the moving reassurances that Mama Wa lived what is described in all human philosophies and religion as a good life. That is the act of not passing by without lifting a hand for the common good. That is the lesson we hope that all who read this publication will keep and in so doing, help us to make the world a better place for all. The materials in this publication were put together by an editorial and production team under the leadership of Dapo Olorunyomi, with Ololade Bamidele, Benjamin Ukoh and Segun Balogun playing significant roles. Importantly, the support of the management and staff of PREMIUM TIMES made the publication possible. We are indebted to all of them. Femi Folorunso, Edinburgh, Scotland The World Bank on Friday said that it had granted $300 million to Tanzania to support its education sector, a statement from the countrys Directorate of Presidential Communication said. Hafez Ghanem, Vice President of the World Bank for Africa, announced the new grant during talks with Tanzanian President, John Magufuli at State House in the Dar es Salaam, according to the statement. The grant will be used for improvement of secondary school education in the east African nation including construction of classrooms, dormitories, laboratories and for buying educational materials, said Mr Ghanem. He assured Mr Magufuli of the World Banks continued support to Tanzanias development projects. The bank has a huge programme to support various development projects in Tanzania in the social sector and infrastructure to the tune of 5.2 billion dollars and the bank is impressed with the way these projects are being implemented, says Mr Ghanem. During the talks, Mr Ghanem praised Mr Magufuli for efforts undertaken by his administration toward improving the economy and the fight against corruption. The World Bank is proud of its partnership with Tanzania and the good results that have been achieved in terms of economic growth and in terms of economic stability, said the Word Bank official. We are also proud of the good results in fighting corruption and in improving public services. For his part, Mr Magufuli thanked the World Bank for its continued support and pledged that all the grants given by the bank will be spent in implementing development projects. (Xinhua/NAN) The U.S. Department of Defence has announced the realignment of Counter-Violent Extremist Organisation (C-VEO) personnel operating in U.S. Africa Command to support priorities outlined in the National Defence Strategy. Pentagon said that it would optimise its 7,200 military forces serving across Africa and did not plan to embark on any significant reduction of the personnel. It added that the realignment projects a reduction of less than 10 per cent of the 7,200 military forces serving in Africa Command in the next several years. Optimisation preserves the majority of U.S. security cooperation partnerships and programmes in Africa to strengthen partner networks, enhance partner capability and support ongoing programmes. It said C-VEO activities in several areas, including Somalia, Djibouti and Libya largely remained the same. In other regions, such as West Africa, Pentagon said, emphasis shifted from tactical assistance to advising, assisting, liaising and sharing of intelligence. Overall, optimisation efforts retain the flexibility to adjust, as required, to maintain a competitive posture in a dynamic, global environment, Pentagon added. (NAN) Family and friends of slain Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, offered funeral prayers in Saudi Arabia and Turkey on Friday for the repose of the soul of the late journalist, killed by agents of his own government. The case sparked global outcry and mired the kingdom in crisis. Reuters correspondent, Huseyin Aldemir, reported that people attended the symbolic funeral prayer for Khashoggi at the courtyard of Fatih Mosque in Istanbul on November 16. Mourners raised their hands in prayer outside Fatih Mosque as imam recited Quranic verses under a tent set up to protect them against rain, and Khashoggis friends eulogized him. What we heard yesterday from the Saudi public prosecutor is not the justice we were expecting or waiting for, but represents injustice itself, said Ayman Nour, a liberal Egyptian politician. Yasin Aktay, adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Saudi Prince Mohammed to distance himself from the legal proceedings, saying there is no chance to have a court proceeding that is independent from the crown prince in Saudi Arabia. Also, thousands of worshippers at Meccas Grand Mosque and the Prophets Mosque in Medina, Mr Khashoggis hometown, joined in prayers for the deceased, though the imams did not mention his name. For weeks, Khashoggis family urged Saudi and Turkish authorities to find his remains and hand them over for burial, but the Saudi prosecutor said their whereabouts were unknown. Islamic tradition places immense importance on proper handling of the dead, mandating quick burial. The revelation that the body was dismembered had thus been particularly disturbing. The decision to hold prayer services in the absence of a body suggests that the family does not expect it to be recovered. (Reuters/NAN) The protracted trial of medical officials accused of negligently causing the death of a woman and several babies was again adjourned on Thursday, for various reasons. The application, instituted in 2016, is yet to witness its first hearing over two years after it was initiated by an Abuja based law firm, Abalaka and Co. After several adjournments, the case was slated for hearing on Thursday, following the decision of the court, presided by a judge, Binta Nyako, to prioritise another matter involving multiple witnesses, in October. When PREMIUM TIMES arrived the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, venue of the matter on Thursday, several lawyers were seen picking future dates for continuation of their cases. A court clerk provided details of lawyers who appeared for the days proceedings, which showed that the plaintiff was not represented in court for their own application. The record of the days cases, as well as the lawyers and next date of adjustment is inside that course list, the clerk said, pointing at a document prepared for the days proceedings. Following that observation, PREMIUM TIMES made repeated attempts to contact the applicants principal partner, Charles Abalaka, without success. Mr Abalakas phone line could not be reached by this reporter. Another lawyer from the chamber, Richard Aneke, however alleged that an applicants counsel had appeared in court for the matter. No, someone was supposed to be there. I am sure he came, Mr Aneke told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview. The civil application was initiated on behalf Portia Sambo, the mother of late Sandra David, one of the deceased victims. The applicants demand a compensation of N500 million from the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja over alleged ineptitude by its officials in the hospitals treatment of the late victim, after she approached the medical centre for correction of a complication in her gallbladder. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how a sister of the deceased, Sophia, accused the hospital of causing the late Miss Davids condition to deteriorate beyond measures. We all expected the treatment and recuperation to take a short period and that she would return to work very quickly, recalled Sophia, late Ms Davids sister. But days ran into weeks and she was still at the hospital. Rather than tell us the truth about her situation, they waited and waited for my sister to die, said Sophia, in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Yet, two years after, neither the courts of law, nor the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council the regulatory body for the affected defendants have issued a definite statement on the matter. While the application in court has not witnessed a proper hearing, the investigation, which begun since 2016 by the council, has been adversely affected by the absence of a governing board responsible for the discipline of medical practitioners and adjudication of cases related to alleged negligence or ineptitude by its members. The board was only inaugurated in November, three years after the previous board was dissolved by the Nigerian government. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, to pay a fine of N495 million for alleged misappropriation of funds while he was governor of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007. The court on Thursday, however, reduced the 14-year jail term, earlier given to Mr Nyame by a High Court in Abuja to 12 years. The appeal court, however, said the law compels the court to add a fine for each of the various convictions. During an initial judgement of the lower court in April, the court jailed Mr Nyame 14 years for various crimes whose penalties were to run concurrently. But the appellate court in a fresh ruling on Friday said Mr Nyame ought to have been given a capital punishment, but for the constitutional constraint on the court to stick to the provisions of the law. THE SENTENCING In May, when Justice Adebukola Banjoko first sentenced Mr Nyame to jail, she summarised how she came about the judgement. In her address, the judge identified various confessions of fraudulent transactions and said the evidences against the defendant were overwhelming. According to the judge, even the defence witnesses alluded to the crimes contained in the charge against the defendant. She likened the conduct of the prescribed offences to the story of Alibaba and the forty thieves. Citing a memo which formed the basis of the fraudulent transactions, Mrs. Banjoko questioned the motive behind Mr Nyames ratification of the said memo, despite the former governors claim that he knew nothing about the fraudulent transaction. From the evidence alluded in court, transactions by the treasury of the Taraba State government begin with a memo. Now a memo has a root course that is traceable to a decision, said the judge who added that where the said memo becomes a proven source of questionable transactions, it would only be natural to trace the said memo to its source. The judge also questioned the failure of Mr Nyame to investigate the illicit flow of funds under his watch adding that Mr Nyame confirmed in court that he never conducted any such investigation. It is only under cross examination that the defendant said he did not carry out the investigation, because the EFCC was already carrying out a similar investigation. The judge further noted confessions by witnesses, including the managing director of Saman Global that the company was not involved in the delivery of stationaries. If Saman Global has no history of supplying stationaries into Taraba State, then their injection into the flow must have been questionable. Mrs. Banjoko narrated the testimonies of Mr Nyames commissioner of finance, Abubakar Tutari who spearheaded the many cases of administrative breaches in the transfer of the funds to Saman global. The judge said although the defendant denies knowledge of the transactions, it is either that he; (Nyame) or Mr Tutari has lied to the court. It is a question of Alhaji Tutaris words against that of the defendant. So the golden question is who lying among the two of them. Because somebody is lying. said the judge. It is imperative to bring to the fore, the background of Ababakar Tutari. According the defendant, he was serving a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. Alhaji Tutari said he had known the defendant since 1992 when he was speaker of the Taraba state house of assembly. Their relationship sprang from that time till when he was governor, in 1999. During this period, he served as commissioner in four ministries, namely; finance rural development water resources sport and youth development. So they were close, Mrs. Bankole said. Mrs Banjoko found the defendant guilty of 27 of the counts, bothering on allegations of criminal breach of trust, receiving of gratification, obtaining without due consideration and misappropriation of public funds. Before reading the verdict, the defence counsel prayed the court to consider the fact that the convict had never being convicted of such offences and that he was a family man who had served his state four at least eight years. The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe however urged the court to consider the effects of the charges on the people of Taraba and the need to set a precedence that would prevent future occurrences. Mrs. Banjoko while stating her ruling expressed disappointment at the conduct of the accused. But I must say that I am morally outraged by the facts of this case. The people of Traba State had elected the defendant, a clergy man, on three different occasions. There expectations must have been very high. How would he begin to explain to the people of Taraba State his actions? How would he explain such a colossal loss to the people? she queried. The judge said Mr Nyama continued the commission of the allegations, even after finding out that the commission was investigating his offences. She therefore sentenced the defendants to various terms based on the four category of offences, to a maximum of 14 years in jail, without an option of fine. The judge ordered the immediate return of forfeited funds from the treasury of the EFCC to that of Taraba State. At least nine women were reportedly abducted by suspected Boko Haram gunmen in attacks on farmlands around Bama within the last two days. Bama, a local government headquarters in Borno State, is about 68 kilometres Southeast of Maiduguri, the state capital. Those abducted comprise six women and three girls. Sources said farmers are now scared of going to outskirts of their town to harvest crops. It is customary in the state for women and grownup girls to participate in the harvest of crops like beans, millet and groundnuts grown by their male folks. On Wednesday, three girls were abducted by unknown gunmen after setting out to fetch firewood in the nearby bushes of Bama town. The gunmen who crept on the girls took them at gunpoint to unknown destination. Just as the residents of the recently liberated town were coming to terms with the development, news reached the town on Thursday that six women out in the field harvesting crops were also abducted. Their man who accompanied them was also killed in the field. An official of the Civilian-JTF, Baa Gonyi, who arrived Maiduguri from Bama, told PREMIUM TIMES that there has been palpable tension in the town. We are really petrified by the happening in Bama in the last 48 hours, he said. On Wednesday they abducted and left with three girls and yesterday (Thursday) six women were taken away by the same gunmen who attacked them in the farmlands. A man that was with them in the farm was shot dead. This has scared us badly and everyone is in the state of worry now. This is even more disturbing because the women were out in the bush to harvest crops from the farms while some of the girls were fetching firewood when they were kidnapped. Now many farmers whose crops have matured are scared of going to the farms for harvest. Honestly, we are all afraid and we want government to immediate action on this before it gets out of hand. And we dont even know what next will happen. Since the reclaim and liberation of Bama town by the military, after nearly two years of Boko Haram occupation, the town is not only surrounded by sand parapets but also surrounded by the combined force of soldiers and police officers. Despite such fortification, the Boko Haram gunmen still afford to take their attacks to the neighborhoods of Bama. Bama is surrounded by soldiers as I speak to you now; but these gunmen could still bring attack to us, said Mr. Gonyi. The military and the police are yet to issue official statements on the situations in Bama. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday unveiled the Buhari Unity (Wrist) Band and reiterated his administrations commitment to safe guarding the unity of the country. The president, who inaugurated the Buhari Unity (Wrist) Band, an initiative of the Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria in collaboration with the presidency, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, maintained that no nation could progress without unity. He, therefore, described the inauguration of the band as a token symbol of the federal governments determination toward ensuring unity among Nigerians irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds. I welcome you to this occasion of the unveiling/launching of the Buhari Unity Band which in collaboration with the Presidency is an initiative of a group of patriotic and politically active Nigerians, who believe in the unity of our country. This occasion is part of our commitment to the sustenance of unity and mature coexistence as one people united by shared history and shared destiny. It is our determination to see Nigeria succeeds as we come to agreement that no nation can truly make progress without unity. Our country has passed through difficult times on occasions threatening the foundations of our unity but with the help of God we have always emerged from each crisis stronger, he said. According to the president, the nation is still facing some pocket of issues threatening the nations unity but the country will overcome such challenges as Nigerians had resolved to remain united. He used the occasion to urge all Nigerians to sign up to the initiative by obtaining and wearing the Unity Wrist Band, saying people wearing the band would be known as Nigerian Unity Ambassadors. There is no doubt that we still have pockets of issues that question our unity but we are convinced that, with the determination of all Nigerians, we shall remain strong and united. The Buhari Unity Band is a visual and token symbol of our resolve to live in unity as one and to preach the message of unity wherever we live. Those who subscribe to the unity wristband will be known as Nigerian Unity Ambassadors. You will be building on the legacy of a number of our patriots who have, in the past, sacrificed so much, some even their lives, in defence of our nation. The national coordinator of the Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria, Felix Idiga, highlighted the importance of unity to the countrys growth and development. The high point of the event, which was witnessed by cabinet ministers and some prominent Nigerians, was the decoration of President Buhari with the insignia of unity. (NAN) The embattled director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Maihaja, has been accused of moves to evacuate and dispose about 6,779 metric tons of rice donated by the Chinese government for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons in the North-east. The accusation comes about a week after a House of Representatives committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness indicted Mr Maihaja for fraud, misappropriation and embezzlement of N33 billion released to the agency. On Thursday, the committee alleged that Mr Maihaja, in collaboration with the director, Relief Services, arrived in Gombe early Wednesday and contacted NEMA officers in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe and Taraba states to prepare and forge papers to claim that they received the items, while making effort to evacuate and dispose the items from the warehouse in Gombe. The committee said it discovered that hundreds of metric tons of the Chinese donated rice have been kept under lock and key in a private warehouse in Lagos, under questionable circumstances. We are intensifying efforts to unravel the mystery surrounding how the rice was diverted from the ports to the said warehouse, instead of being transported directly to the affected states for onward distribution to IDPs who are dying of hunger, starvation and malnutrition, the committee chairman said in a statement. The committee wants to use this opportunity to alert members of the public to watch out and be careful so that they dont buy or consume the rotten rice which will pose great risk to their health, the committee chairman said. In his reaction, the spokesperson of the agency, Sani Datti, in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES denied the allegations, describing it as ridiculous. From mere looking, you can tell where these reports are coming from. There is no iota of truth in these allegations he said. Two spokespersons of Nigerias ruling party on Thursday expressed divergent views on who is responsible for the crises rocking the party. The APC has been in crisis since it held primaries across the country to elect candidates for the 2019 elections. Following the primaries of the APC, governors of states like Ogun, Zamfara and Imo have turned against the national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who is blamed for the outcome of the primaries. As a result of these, there were allegations that Mr Oshiomhole was bribed to influence the outcome of the primaries. This rumour gained grounds as Mr Oshiomhole was grilled by the State Security Service over the controversial primaries. Mr Oshiomhole, however, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, on Thursday said enough is enough on the issue of him taking bribe to influence the partys primaries, describing the primaries as transparent. The statement was, however, promptly criticised by the deputy national publicity secretary of the party. Enough is Enough The chairman, in his statement released on Thursday evening, said he has had enough of these unsubstantiated allegations against him and threatened to take legal action against anyone or media who continues to make them. He said the primaries, which brought these issues, have come and gone and that those making these allegations are just losers exercising their right to protest. The statement was shared on the partys WhatsApp platform titled APC press, created by the deputy director publicity of the party, David Edegbe. The group, used to distribute messages to accredited journalists, has both the national publicity secretary of the party, his deputy and the spokesperson of the chairman on it. The National Chairman views the current attempts to tarnish his image as uncalled for and has vowed that he will seek legal redress against anybody or media, whether the traditional or in the social media, who makes such unsubstantiated allegations, henceforth. The primary elections of the APC, which were at the root of these malicious attacks, have come and gone, but it is understandable that those who lost out in the transparent exercise conducted by the party under the leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole, have been exercising their rights to protest, Mr Ebegbulem said. According to the statement, Mr Oshiomhole believes some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are ready to capitalise on this and are eager to get him removed. He also alleged that there is every possibility they are working with some members of his party. He, however, said no one should be allowed to get away with these actions, which he said, are capable of tarnishing the image of the party chairman. (It) is curious to note that some elements in the top hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear to be too eager to see the exit of the APC Chairman from office and may be working in tandem with certain APC members. While it makes sense for PDP to wish for cure for their headache that Oshiomole has become, it should not be taken for granted that anyone can get away with any action that is capable of tarnishing the unassailable integrity of the APC Chairman. The chairman alleged part of the strategies discussed in Dubai, where the PDP presidential candidate and some leaders recently visited, was to continue to dish out lies against top APC leader,. with a view to distract the leadership of the APC ahead the 2019 general election. But they have failed because the National Chairman and APC leaders are focused and will never be distracted, he said. He said it was time these irresponsible lies stopped otherwise, anybody who continues to make unsubstantiated allegations against the person and character of the national chairman should be ready to provide proofs in a court of law. It cannot be just a political game to smear the character of Oshiomhole by people whose track record (are) unenviable. The statement also said if the primaries of the party was about money, then the governors would have done better. He however, noted that was not the case as the leadership party sought after democratic processes. We want the public to note that if the exercise of the APC primaries were to be about money-taking or money-making, the state governors, some of whom are embittered about the outcomes in their states, were in a better position to dish out mega bucks. But the National Working Committee of APC, under the leadership of Comrade Oshiomole, was motivated by higher ideals and the pursuit of noble democratic principles. The chairman said rather than commend him for resisting criminal overtures to compromise him, he is being relentlessly harangued, abused and accused of receiving phantom bribes. He said this is wrong and wicked as his credibility is unassailable, right from his time as president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to his time as Edo State governor. He therefore called on the media to be cautious and not allow itself to be used. Enough is enough. We urge our respected media outfits to exercise caution not to be used by unscrupulous elements. Except such persons or media house can provide evidence. The deputy national publicity secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, however, promptly countered Mr Oshiomholes spokesperson. On the same WhatsApp platform, Mr Ebegbulem released his statement, Mr Nabena replied him, saying the media propaganda by the chairmans spokesperson should stop, as the damages from the primaries are still affecting the party. Simon, please stop all this media propaganda and face the reality on ground. The damages (are) affecting the party, he said. The response of Nabena further shows the extent of division in the party including its National leadership. Mr Oshiomhole has resisted calls for him to resign saying he has the support of majority members of the party. Nigeria has called on Israel and Palestine to end all forms hostilities between them and work towards peace in the region. Nigerias statement was delivered at the UN by Ibrahim Umar on the Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories. Mr Umar, who is Senior Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN said: Nigeria calls on Israel, Palestine and other Arab States in the region to work together in order to achieve the shared objective of a two-state solution based on the principles of relevant UN resolutions and international law. We reaffirm our unwavering support for a viable two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side-by-side in peace, with their respective capitals in the Holy City of Jerusalem, based on pre-1967 borders, he said. Nigeria reiterated its support to the numerous General Assembly resolutions on the matter. Nigeria notes with concern the negative implications of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and the Occupied Syrian Golan, as contained in the Report of the Secretary-General. The spike in the expansion and consolidation of settlements in the West bank, including East Jerusalem, among others, will have negative impact on the Middle East peace process as they affect the contiguity and viability of a future sovereign Palestinian State. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that demolitions, forced evictions, and threat of violence from Israeli settlers in Occupied Palestine and the Occupied Syrian Golan infringes on their right to life, liberty and the security of the Palestinian person. Nigeria expresses concern that the settlements, which displace and restrict the movement of Palestinians, have negative consequences on their human rights and quality of life, he said. Nigeria welcomed the conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary-General and called on Israel to halt and reverse all settlement development and related activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This includes East Jerusalem, as well as the occupied Syrian Golan in compliance with UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016. Nigeria calls on Israel to cease all settlement expansions for the simple fact that they are changing the character, status and demographic composition of the affected territories. We believe that the freezing of settlements by Israel is key to establishing peace between Israel and Palestine to co-exist side by side as two viable independent States, he said. Nigeria noted the alarming humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip. It said the situation in the Gaza Strip and the near collapse of its infrastructure being enforced by the Israeli blockade and military action should be of grave concern to the international community. The Nigerian delegation called for an end to the blockade and the restoration of movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-west zone, has urged governments at all levels on the need to also consider them in the implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage. The union, under the leadership of Kessington Odukola, made the call on Thursday in a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the union, held at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State secretariat, Agbarigo Onireke, Ibadan. The union leader, represented by the Oyo State secretary, Olusegun Abatan, said they were using the medium to call on all tiers of government to always do things in accordance with the Nigerian constitution. Labour was united for the first time in demanding for N30, 000 as a minimum wage for workers. However, the issue of minimum wage is on the executive list of the federal constitution of Nigeria, hence, it only needs a proper and adequate monitoring from the government side. The union emphasised that all governors must go along with the minimum wage issue in accordance with the Nigeria Constitution which stated precisely in Section 201(3) and 173(3) that pension should be concomitantly increased at any time wages and salaries are increased, or every five years or whichever comes earlier. The communique called on members across the South-west states to be ready for street protest if the increase failed to include them. We use this medium to alert all pensioners in all States of the South West and beyond that street demonstrations and all forms of protests should commence if this increase is not paid to pensioners. Our union President want us all to be wary of who to vote for come this general election, pensioners must shun any candidate that are not ready to pay pensions and gratuities as at when due, we are not voting for anyhow party but a credible personality, we are not going to shun voting exercise come 2019 but we will rather be a stakeholder to see to the peaceful conduct of the election. He lamented on the poor management and handling of the pensioners by some of the South-west governors, pointing out that, many of our members in the South-West have experienced untimely death due to unpaid gratuities in the last eight years. And this is the reason why we are using this communique to inform all pensioners, their families, to go for their permanent voters cards so they can vote for whoever they believe will have sympathy for the pensioners. (CNN) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that the United States will not require North Korea to provide a full list of its nuclear and missile sites before President Donald Trump meets with dictator Kim Jong Un for a second summit slated for early next year. Washington and Pyongyang have been locked in a diplomatic standoff for weeks over which side will make concessions first, but by relaxing its demands ahead of a second Trump-Kim summit, the U.S. may have just blinked first. Rather than requiring a declaration of nuclear weapons sites as a prerequisite to a second meeting with Trump, Pence told NBC News that the administration will insist on developing a "verifiable plan" to disclose those sites while the two leaders are in the same room. "I think it will be absolutely imperative in this next summit that we come away with a plan for identifying all of the weapons in question, identifying all the development sites, allowing for inspections of the sites and the plan for dismantling nuclear weapons," he said during the interview. "Now we need to see results," Pence added. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Thursday that the Trump administration's approach to dealing with North Korea will take time but bi-lateral engagement between the country's two leaders may be more likely to bring results than multilateral attempts of the past where negotiations became "bogged down" over disagreements where things "take a lot longer to get done." "President Trump and Chairman Kim came up with four sets and areas of agreement that they intend to work on. We have been hard at work on those four areas of agreement," Nauert said. "We take Chairman Kim at his word that he will work on this with us and when the President and Chairman Kim are next able to meet whenever that does take place, we think probably early in the next year, we expect those four elements of the Singapore summit will be addressed by the two leaders," she added. Hidden missile bases revealed Pence's comments come days after the release of new commercial satellite images identifying more than a dozen undeclared North Korean missile operating bases, another sign that Pyongyang is continuing to move forward with its ballistic missile program. That assessment comes as no surprise to American intelligence agencies which have long assessed that the North Koreans have stored much of their weapons capability, including mobile missile launchers, in underground mountain bunkers. Trump claimed Tuesday that his administration is aware of the sites and that the images offered "nothing new - and nothing happening out of the normal." But experts noted that the State Department's response to the report, which implored Kim to "follow through on his commitments -- including complete denuclearization and the elimination of ballistic missile programs" indicates that there is still a disconnect between the two sides. "North Korea is still building nuclear weapons. Kim is doing exactly the opposite," according to Bruce Bennett, a senior researcher who specializes in North Korea at the RAND Corporation. Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said Monday that the images once again show that Trump's comments on North Korea have been a "fabrication." "The North Koreans have not signed any document working out, laying out, what steps they are going to take to denuclearize," Hagel said. "There has been nothing stated, agreed to, framed signed, except what President Trump says they've said ... but now ... we have a whole different story, and it is the reality, it is not fantasy," he added. While North Korea claims that it has taken some steps toward denuclearization, experts say those moves are largely cosmetic and easily reversible. Kim's regime has shuttered a missile engine testing facility; destroyed the entrances to its nuclear test site; and promised to close the Yongbyon nuclear facility, where North Korea is believed to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons, if Washington takes what it calls "corresponding measures." Trump says he's 'very happy' Trump has insisted that he is "very happy with how it's going with North Korea," but US and foreign sources close to the talks have painted a starkly different image, describing a situation in which progress has been slowed by disagreements over sanctions relief and personal friction between working-level negotiators. A source familiar with the ongoing dance between officials in Washington and Pyongyang said that North Korea's stance is that the U.S. "must make a move before we make the next one." For the time being however, Trump remains optimistic about the possibility achieving his administration's goal of achieving denuclearization, even if that means being flexible on certain demands in an effort to rebuild trust between the two sides. "Certainly the administration is doing everything it can, within bounds, to get North Korea to trust them," Bennett told CNN. "But North Korea's terminology, what they are saying, is exactly the opposite, which makes it sound like what Kim is really trying to do is play the hard bargainer and extort as much as he can ... until the Americans decide (he is) not serious." Pence's comments may indicate that the U.S. is making a calculated attempt to break through that impasse, according to Adam Mount, senior fellow and director of the Defense Posture Project at the Federation of American Scientists. "Though it clearly wasn't the U.S. preference, setting aside a demand for a declaration is very much for the best," said Mount, who added that an inventory in itself would do little to address the nuclear threat from North Korea or add momentum to the talks. "North Korea is clearly signaling it is not willing to rapidly dismantle its arsenal, but it may well agree to important limits on its capabilities. Rather than symbolic steps that hint at total disarmament, the U.S. should lock in practical measures to limit the threat, especially agreed limits on reactors, missile tests and destabilizing military operations," he told CNN. "The administration's experts understand that they cannot go into another summit without an agenda, a tangible deliverable, or a road map for future working level talks," Mount added. Playing into Kim's hands? Pyongyang has often argued it is unable to provide comprehensive details about the locations of its nuclear and missile sites because that could serve as a target list should the situation escalate into an armed conflict. And the consensus among many North Korea watchers is Kim will likely never surrender a complete list of his nuclear and missile sites. "It was asking to be lied to, and would have led to months or years of vicious arguments about its completeness," said Mount, about making a declaration of sites a prerequisite for a second summit. "Every time the administration issues and then abandons an unrealistic demand, it loses some credibility and momentum," he said. While dropping that demand as a prerequisite for a second summit may help jump-start the stalled talks, some argue that administration could be playing into Kim's hands by moving forward with a second Trump-Kim summit without a plan in place for how that meeting will help advance working-level discussions. Lisa Collins, a fellow with the Korea Chair at CSIS, told CNN this week that "you can't get anywhere without these working-level talks because that's where the nitty-gritty stuff happens." "You can't get a verifiable list of anything unless nuclear weapons experts are part of the process," she said."Is President Trump going to create a list of all those facilities? Does he even know where some of these places are? I would be very skeptical." Bennett told CNN that he thinks that the administration is hoping to show they are open to a degree of compromise that will encourage the North Koreans will start to negotiate at the working-level again. If the North Koreans then still resist, U.S. officials would likely use that reaction as evidence to convince Trump of their true intentions. "If they do not, then that is a clear signal we can give to President Trump that they are not taking this all that seriously," he said, adding that message could also be interpreted as a personal affront to Trump and potentially prompt him to reconsider the upcoming summit. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Pence drops key US demand for Trump-Kim summit." The UK government on Friday restated its commitment to support the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram and terrorism in the northeast. According to a statement by Texas Chukwu, director of Army public relations, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Garvin Williamson, gave the assurance when he visited the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Abba Dikko. Mr Chukwu, a brigadier-general, quoted Mr Williamson as saying that the UK military would sustain the existing mutual relations with its Nigerian counterpart. The existing collaboration between the Nigeria and UK military will be sustained aside providing Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) training to troops in support of the operation. The UK will explore other areas of partnership with the Nigerian military, Mr Williamson was quoted as saying in the statement. The army said Mr Williamson commended the military for providing security and enabling environment for the people, UN humanitarian agencies and other organisations to carry out their activities in the theatre of operation. In his response, Mr Dikko, a major-general, lauded the British Liaison Support Team for their contributions in the fight against terrorism. Mr Dikko reiterated the commitments of the military to remain professional in the discharge of its constitutional roles as well as conduct of counter insurgency campaign in the northeast. Also, another major-general, Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations, Army, commended the UK governments support in the ongoing operations. (NAN) Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State, has filed defamation charges against Chidi Odinkalu and Ayisha Osori for the way they portrayed him in their new book on the alleged third term plots by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. In the suit, filed at the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court, Mr Odili said the contents of Too Good To Die: Third Term and the Myth of the Indispensable Man in Africa have earned him huge public ridicule and scorn. He demanded a published apology and N1 billion from Mr Odinkalu and Ms Osori, and that further publication of copies of the book must cease immediately. Mr Odinkalu told PREMIUM TIMES he would not be able to comment on the case because he had not been served a court notice and had not learnt of the proceeding by other means. In the defamation charges prepared for Mr Odili by Kanu Agabi, a senior lawyer, the former governor said he took note of excerpts of the book in which the authors narrated how late politician, Harry Marshall, was assassinated soon after they publicly fell out with each other in 2003. The book cited a letter which Mr Marshall had written to the police in Rivers at the time, expressing strong concerns about a growing spate of intimidation and violent attacks against members of the All Nigerias Peoples Party (ANPP) in the state. Mr Marshall said the attackers were loyalists of Mr Odili, and they had the support of the police (to) regularly unleash mayhem ahead of the 2003 elections. The book also painted vivid details of how Mr Odili helped bankroll the third term agenda which Mr Obasanjo pushed to perpetuate himself in power beyond the 2007 expiration of his constitutionally-approved two terms of eight years. Most of the cash distributed in support of the project were wrapped in bundles bearing the stamp of First Inland Bank. Unknown to most people, First Inland Banks history lay buried in networks of loyalty between some of the most influential leaders of the ruling party, including President Obasanjo himself, the authors wrote on page 162. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu writes in praise of dissent. The corporate trail however disclosed a deep financial bond between the president, Senator Ararume and the governments of Bauchi and Rivers States, then ruled, respectively, by two of President Obasanjos closest governorship acolytes, Adamu Muazu and Peter Odili, who were at the centre of shadowy, complex, unlawful and, almost certaining, criminal financial operations behind third term, the authors added. In his lawsuit, Mr Odili said the book cast him in a distasteful light before reasonable people across the world who have read it, including eminent scholars in the United States. The former governor listed scores of awards he has received from persons and organisations across the world throughout his career, and said there was no way he could have been involved in the slew of criminal exploits Mr Odinkalu and Ms Osori linked to him in their book, which was unveiled in September, 2018. The presidential candidate of the Liberation Movement party, Kriz David, says equity, and not restructuring as is being espoused by some political parties, is the solution to the myriad of problems plaguing Nigeria . Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday, Mr David said no matter how well structured a country is, if the foundation on which it rests is not fair, the country will not prosper. He explained that corruption and other societal ills are only symptoms of inequality. People who talk about corruption in this country dont even know what corruption means. Subverting due process in any institution is corruption and our act of inequality breeds this, he said. In this government, a lot of secret recruitment into government parastatals have happened but even those in charge of advising this government on corruption believe this is not corruption. When the right people dont get the right jobs based on meritocracy, corruption is bound to abound. He then took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari administrations fight against corruption, saying it lacks direction. Even the fight against corruption currently on going in the country lacks methodology and they say corruption is fighting back. Fighting corruption without methodology is not only dangerous but deadly, he said. To fight corruption, what I term the body, soul and spirit of corruption need to be dealt with. The spirit being inequality, the soul being weak systems and the body being stealing. Mr David, an economist, said if elected president he would build a country that offers a promise to all its citizens. He said his government would ensure that Nigerians are guaranteed the right to life, liberty, quality food and clean water, quality education, health care, electricity, quality and standard roads and rights to the internet. According to Mr David, who said he would run a smart government, these rights are all essential to building a viable nation set on the right values and achieving the Nigerian dream in the 21st century. In the Nigeria we have today, the right to life has become meaningless. People are merely existing in Nigeria, life means nothing. People can just wake up and get killed and nothing happens, he said. Electricity and the internet improve productivity and quality of life in the 21st century and if you know that as a government, you will not treat it as a commodity to be sold and bought but as essential to the development of your citizens and nation. To guarantee these rights, the first thing I would do in my smart government is to initiate the article of faith as contained in my book Smart Government :The preferred future. The article of faith talks about the values a nation espouses. I would initiate a truth and reconciliation summit where these values will be presented to all stakeholders and adopted as the guidelines on which the society and its operations will be built on. This article of faith will become what I term the rule of law after adoption. He said unlike Mr Buhari, who did not appoint a cabinet for six months after being sworn in as president, he would hit the ground running and would not let opportunity to reform the country pass him by. If you can recall, in the first six months after the election in 2015, the entire country was waiting for Buhari to change the narrative but immediately they perceived it was business as usual, everything went to hell all over again. If elected president, I would ensure that the summit happens within 30 days and by December 15, 2019, I would present Nigerians with what I term the peoples constitution. In so doing, the legislator that feels he is coming to continue business as usual will have a change of mindset and all hands can be on deck to drive positive narrative in our nation building. On job creation, Mr David said the best way to create job is through a prosperous private sector as no government can create enough jobs to accommodate the number of unemployed persons in the country. Mr David also said he is not very hopeful that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) would organise a free and fair election. However, he said division within the ruling elite will provide for a better chance at a free and fair election. The vow by the legislature, especially those that didnt get return ticket to ensure free and fair election will open up the space for a better chance at free and fair elections, he said. The National Chairman, United Progressive Party (UPP), Chekwas Okorie, says the party has adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate in the 2019 presidential election. Mr Okorie disclosed this while speaking with State House correspondents after leading a South-East group to a closed door meeting with Buhari on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Other people in the delegation were Azuka Okwuosa, an APC Chieftain from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Ugochukwu Okafor, National Publicity Secretary, Igboezue Cultural Organisation and Sadiq Masara, National Secretary, UPP. Mr Buhari is the presidential candidate of the APC. We came to pay the president not just a solidarity visit but intimate him on how we intend to get fully involved in his re-election bid. It will be recalled that UPP in August this year, took a decision by its National Executive Committee (NEC) that we will not present a candidate for the 2019 presidential election and we therefore resolved after due consultations and consideration of every factor to adopt President Buhari as UPP Presidential Candidate for the 2019 presidential election. This, we shall formally unfold on Tuesday when our NEC will meet and address a world press conference to that effect. In doing that, we are going to deploy all our ward, local governments and state/national structures to be actively involved in the campaign to make a pronouncement and go to sleep and wait for result to make itself. We will be part of that result; Igboezue Cultural Association is coordinating all the extant Igbo groups across the country for this same purpose. Mr Okorie said a situation where Igbo people had put their eggs in one basket for 16 years was not healthy as the people were almost out of the political radar. He said out of Mr Buharis benevolence, certain infrastructural activities were going on and funded without having to change the contractors. According to him, this is the time to make Mr Buharis re-election bid something of a national consensus so that every section will have a claim. Mr Okorie dismissed the reported endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the Igbo people, saying it was a fluke. I joined Ohaneze in 1976 as an undergraduate. Ohaneze is 42 years and I am 42 years old in the organisation. The original members that founded Ohaneze, they are only four living today including myself. All others, including those who lead Ohaneze now, came after that formation and I have been a member of the elders council; there was no where we met and agreed on the event that took place yesterday, he said. The UPP national chairman said Ohaneze had issued a statement to say it did not, as a body, endorse Atiku Abukakar. He said Ohaneze was a non-partisan pan-Igbo organisation and could not have endorsed Mr Abubakar. Mr Okorie said that he and other stakeholders were working towards changing the narrative so that Igbo people would be more involved instead of being out of government. (NAN) The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Laura Beaufils, on Friday advised the federal government to check the increasing number of out-of-school children through additional investment in education. The British envoy gave the advice during the 60th Founders Day of Grange School, Ikeja, Lagos State. She said the best gift in terms of investment any government could give to its citizens was investing in education, especially, on the girl child. I started my career as a civil servant, specifically as an education adviser; so to an extent, I know a thing or two about education. Investing in education is the best investment any government or anyone can make and investing in the girl child education is the most effective investment that can be made. Sadly, not all children have access to education; 20 per cent of the worlds out-of-school children are Nigerians, which is bad for the country with so much population. While education is a right, it is also a privilege; it is a right so that we can be heroes but it doesnt happen systematically. This is why I will implore you to always think of those without access to education, Ms Beaufils said. The British envoy charged government to also focus on other developmental goals since it was not certain that there would be jobs for graduating students. She added that education was not just about knowledge but creativity; confidence and not being afraid to voice out ones belief. The Deputy British High Commissioner further enjoined the students to be kind, compassionate and always show respect. Awuneba Ajumogbia, Chairperson, Grange School Governing Council, applauded both staff and parents for their dedication, partnership and support that had sustained the school since its founding 60 years ago. Mrs Ajumogbia added that the school would continue to contribute its quota towards reducing the number of out of school children. This will be done through scholarships and other projects which the school just kicked off, Mr Ajumogobia said. (NAN) The speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, has received the court judgment sacking a state lawmaker who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the House of Assembly has said. The sacked lawmaker, Idongesit Ituen, represented the Itu state constituency. Mr Ituen had filed a suit in September at a federal high court in Uyo to pre-empt the speaker of the assembly from declaring his seat vacant after his defection. But the court, in its judgment, dismissed the main suit and granted all the reliefs sought by the speaker, which included an order of the court restraining the speaker from further recognition of Mr Ituen as a member of the assembly. The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, was this morning served with an enrolled order conveying the judgement of the Federal High Court of Nigeria restraining him from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, the spokesperson for Mr Luke, Kufre Okon, said in a statement on Thursday. Being a declarative judgement, the Honourable Speaker wishes therefore, to state clearly that as a law abiding citizen, a lawmaker and a lawyer, he has abided by the court order. In effect, the speaker highlighted that Mr Ituen, going by the judgment of the court, has ceased to be a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and therefore not welcome in the assembly. PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm if the position of the House has been communicated to Mr Ituen. Mr Ituen did not respond to calls and text message from PREMIUM TIMES. Also, the speakers spokesperson, Mr Okon, did not respond to calls and text message from this paper. The lawyer to the sacked lawmaker had told PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday, his client was about to file an appeal against the judgment, as well as for a stay of execution. The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Friday ordered the reduction of the jail term issued against a former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, after deciding that the term did not comply with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA). Mr Dariye is accused of diverting N1.62 billion ecological funds while he served as governor of his state. He approached the appeal court, after a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, presided by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, sentenced him to various terms with the longest period of 14 years, all expected to run concurrently. In the appeal, Mr Dariye asked the court to determine 14 main issues. The former governor argued that a copy of his statement, cited to by the prosecution as evidence, was given under duress and should not have been regarded by the court. Mr Dariye also submitted that the judgement of the court was inconsistent because Mrs Banjoko had among other things, found him guilty of count 23, but failed to convict him, while the same court convicted the former governor for count 12, despite the fact that he was not found guilty of the said count. Mr Dariye also argued that the lower court was wrong in describing him as a public servant and questioned what he described as the failure of the court to differentiate between the elements contained in an allegation of criminal breach of trust, with that of an alleged misappropriation of funds which rendered its judgement defective. The former governor also contended that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against him at the lower court, and consequently faulted the decision of the court in many of the counts, where the convicted governor was found guilty. In a ruling delivered by a judge, Stephen Ada, the appeal court said Mr Dariyes complaint about the admissibility of his statement was null and void, since the complaint was not made at the start of his trial, from the records of the lower court. The law is trite that when an accused fails to contest the voluntariness of a statement, it cannot raise the objection at a later stage, Mr Ada ruled. The court also assessed the complaints made by the former governor against the decision of the lower court on counts 23 which bordered on the allegation that Mr Dariye withdrew part of the diverted funds, worth N250 million in July 2001 to purchase a London-based asset in September of that year. According to the appeal court, the prosecution failed to prove that the money removed from the Plateau State treasury in July, 2001 was the same money used for the purchase of the London asset. The fact that the money was taken in July, is not sufficient to prove that the money was the same as that used to purchase the house in September, Mr Ada said. The judge added that the lower court failed woefully in reaching its conclusion about the allegation of diversion, as contained in count 23. The court also overruled the conviction of Mr Dariye on count 12 of the charge against him. The appeal court ruled that although the decision of the prosecution to multiply the charges against the defendant is not allowed in law, the allegations against Mr Dariye were clearly brought and its particulars accurately placed before the lower court. It is my view that under sections 194, 195, 196 and 197 of the ACJA, the allegations were properly laid before the court and they have sufficient particulars, he said. The court dismissed the submission of Mr Dariye that he was not a public servant, saying the question of who he was did not arise. According to the judge, section 318 (1) of the Constitution clearly explains the public nature of Mr Dariyes office and he cannot begin to assume himself as different from that person. The court, however, added that despite the critical reasoning of the lower court to convict Mr Dariye, the former governor should not have been given a maximum of the entire period included in the charge against him, since the record before the lower court has shown that Mr Dariye was a first-time offender. The appellant is a first offender and should not have been sentenced to maximum punishment for the offence, for which was charged. The appellant was sentenced to maximum terms as contained in the laws. The sentences are therefore excessive and cannot be sustained, the judge said. The court upheld the judgement of the court in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 17, 21, 22 bordering on criminal breach of trust, but ruled that the jail terms for the court judgements will be reduced to 10 years. The court also reduced the jail term for the other counts, dealing with misappropriation to one year and added that the jail terms were to run concurrently. A United Nations delegation has met with the police commissioner in Kaduna State, Ahmad Abdur Rahama, on preparations for Nigerias general elections in 2019. A statement by the state police command issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Yakubu Sabo, said the UN delegation was led by Mohammad ibn Chambas. Mr Sabo said the delegation commended the police over its professional and prompt tackling of the recent Kaduna crises. Mr Chambas urged the command to apply the same zeal and expertise to ensure a safe and secured atmosphere for the conduct of 2019 elections. He stressed the importance of election security and the utmost need for a peaceful 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, assuring that the UN will play its roles to ensure that this is achieved In his remarks, the police commissioner thanked the UN delegation over the visit and their support to the Nigeria Police Force. Mr Abdur Rahaman reassured the team that the command would not relent in ensuring adequate security before, during and after the general elections. The police chief also briefed the delegation on the steps being taken to guarantee a secure environment for a free and fair elections in the state. (NAN) A former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Katsina State, Ibrahim Dankaba, has told a high court of the state the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) forced him to write his statement presented before the court by the agency. EFCC arraigned Mr Dankaba alongside a former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shema; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sani Makana; and former permanent secretary, Lawal Safana, before the court for alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and conversion of public funds to the tune of over N11 billion during the governorship tenure of Mr Shema. When the case was called on Monday, counsel to Mr Dankaba, Aliyu Ahmed, told the court the statement attributed to his client and tendered by EFCC as exhibit was obtained involuntarily. He prayed the court to allow trial-within-trial to ascertain whether or not the statement was obtained under duress. The counsel to the EFCC, O.I Uket, in his response, did not object to the application. The EFCC, through its counsel, Mr Uket, had sought to tender the statement as evidence. But after being shown the statement, the defendant objected to it and told the court through Mr. Ahmed that he made it under duress. A prosecution witness of the EFCC, Abubakar Buba, a senior detective superintendent, earlier told the court Mr Dankaba made the statement voluntarily on October 31, and November 16 and 17, 2016. He also said the third defendant, Lawal Safana, who was interrogated on August 6 and 7 2015, was fully cautioned before making his statement. The court earlier in a ruling admitted some documents which include bank statements as evidence in the matter. During a previous sitting, the witness had told the court that one of the petitions which formed the basis of EFCC investigation of Mr Shema and the three officials who served in his administration, was written by fictitious names without traceable address. EFCCs Mr Buba in his testimony told the court the association that wrote the first petition, Katsina Initiative and Sustainable Development, was not registered or has a traceable address. He said the petition dated August 12, 2014 was sent to the commission and all efforts by the team of EFCC investigators to trace the petitioners proved abortive. The second petition, according to him, was dated June 23, 2015 and was written by one Ahmed Fatima, on behalf of Katsina State Ministry of Justice. He said the petitioner gave the names of some officials of the state government to EFCC for investigation. The trial judge, Maikaita Bako, adjourned the case to November 28 for the commencement of trial-within-trial. One of the charges in the trial reads: You Ibrahim Shehu Shema whilst being the Governor of Katsina, Sani Hamisu Makana whilst being Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Katsina State, Lawal Ahmad Safana whilst being the Permanent Secretary for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Katsina State and Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba whilst being the Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Katsina State Chapter, between September 2012 and May 2015 at Katsina, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court were entrusted with certain property to wit; an aggregate sum of N4,463,600,000 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand Nairn Only) committed a criminal breach of trust in respect of the said sum by transferring it from Katsina State Joint Local Government Account domiciled at Access Bank , Katsina Branch to the account of ALGON domiciled at Union Bank, Katsina Branch and subsequently withdrew same and dishonesty convert it to your personal use (under various guises including funding security intervention fund to all the 34 local governments in Katsina State and falsely described in several payment vouchers and memos) and thereby committed and offence contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of Penal Code Cape 96 Laws of Katsina State, 1991. Following the fracas at the entrance to the Anambra House of Assembly on Thursday, the police in the state say they have sealed off the complex till further notice. A statement on Friday by the police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the sealing off was done by 6 pm on Thursday. The police had earlier, on Thursday, teargassed lawmakers, staff and supporters of various factions of the state House of Assembly as tempers flared over the leadership tussle in the house. The House became factionalised on Tuesday with the alleged impeachment of the speaker, Rita Maduagwu, by about 20 of the 30 members. She was purportedly replaced by Ikem Uzoezie who represents Aguata II Constituency. But, backed by some state officials, she later regained access into the chamber, and held a session with 11 members of the assembly. She also described her impeachment as a bundle of illegality. However, Mr Uzoezie, on Wednesday, said her impeachment was irrevocable. Interestingly, both speakers adjourned the sitting of the house till Thursday. But, in a bid to prevent outbreak of violence between both factions and their supporters the police cordoned off the complex. Over 300 armed policemen, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, cordoned off the complex from the Alex Ekwueme Square entrance, as early as 8am. This affected workers of the nearby judiciary complex and others who had businesses in the area as they were also denied entrance. Later, as supporters of both factions gathered at the entrance, the atmosphere became charged, forcing the police to disperse them with teargas. After the situation was brought under control, the Uzoezie faction held a sitting, with 25 members said to be in attendance. Later in the evening, the police sealed the complex to forestall breakdown of law and order. It claimed the leadership of the house requested that it sealed off the house. It was however, silent on which factions leadership wrote to it. Sequel to the breaches of public peace at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex on the 15th November, 2018, the Leadership of the Assembly has requested for the Police to take over, seal off and secure the entire premises of the Assembly in an official letter to the Commissioner of Police. The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general Public that it has sealed off the Assembly Complex with effect from 6:00pm of Thursday 15th November, 2018 as a proactive measure to avert possible breakdown of law and order in the Assembly, the statement said. The command further implored members of the public to stay away from the House of Assembly premises till further notice. The Command solicits the co-operation of Ndi Anambra in this regard and further assures all citizens /residents of its determination to provide adequate security in the State, please, the statement concluded. The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has resolved not to contest in the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State. Instead, the party said it will support the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Rotimi Paseda, in the election. UPN chairman in the state, Aminat Olatunbosun, disclosed this on Friday at a press conference at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta. Mrs Olatunbosun said after an assessment all the opposition governorship candidates in the state, her party found the SDP candidate best. She said the party found the manifesto of the SDP in line with our party ideology and philosophy of our founder, the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, of providing free education and qualitative healthcare system for the citizens. Mrs Olatunbosun recalled that Mr Paseda was the governorship candidate of UPN in the state in 2015 and he made good impression of himself by coming fourth in that election in less than six months of his joining our party. Ever since then, he has remained committed financially to our party and single-handedly sponsored all the 120 councillorship candidates of our party in 2016 local government elections that broke the political culture by producing two councilors despite the election being characterised with violence and manipulation. In view of the above, we are glad to accept his decision to cease to be UPN member and wish him well in his new platform. Today, we the members of UPN in Ogun State hereby ADOPT the SDP Governorship candidate as our candidate for the Governorship election in the state. Let it be on record that we have not collapsed our structure or decamped to SDP, UPN remains intact in the state. I therefore on behalf of all the 55, 230 registered members of our party declare our unflinching support for his gubernatorial ambition come 2019. Mrs Olatunbosun called on other progressive elements and political parties in the state to join hands in endorsing Mr Paseda as the next Governor of Ogun State. UPN said it will only feature candidates for the House of Assembly elections to allow us focus and channel our machineries to occupy the State Assembly in order to bring governance to the doorstep of the downtrodden in the state through robust legislature. The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mrs Irene Kokumo, on Friday said the state government paid N4.7 billion to local government pensioners between January and August. Mrs Kokumo disclosed this while playing host to members of Ogun House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who were on oversight visit to the bureau in Abeokuta. The permanent secretary, represented by Aduloju Akinbobola noted that the state government had paid the monthly pensions of the retirees up to the month of October. She explained that 474 new retirees were enlisted into the payroll of the bureau, saying that they all enjoyed the benefits of their monthly pensions. The permanent secretary added that gratuities for teaching and non-teaching retirees of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) had been paid up till August 2011, while that of the local government retirees had been paid up to November 2011. She said the bureau successfully completed 2017 biometric screening exercise which revealed that a total of 200 pensioners had become deceased. We have erroneously recovered funds paid into some deceased retirees accounts, she said. Responding, Tunde Sanusi, House Committee Chairman commended the bureau for the prompt payment of the pensioners entitlements. Mr Sanusi added that the assembly would not hesitate to support the bureau when necessary. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the committee included Akinpelu Aina, Harrison Adeyemi, Razak Oduntan and Olayiwola Ojodu. (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday urged Governor Ibikunle Amosun to support his ambition. Mr Abiodun, who described Amosun as his friend, made the plea in Abeokuta, the state capital after the partys stakeholders meeting. I want to appreciate the incumbent governor who is a friend of mine. We may have differences but that does not remove the fact that we are both members of one party and that is APC. He (Amosun) is a very good governor by far, he has done very well in the state, Mr Abiodun said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that although Mr Amosun s preferred candidate for the 2019 contest is Kunle Akinlade, Mr Abiodun, however, emerged as the partys candidate after the primary. The primary was conducted by a panel set up by the partys National Working Committee (NWC). The governorship candidate assured that he would build on what the governor had done if elected in 2019. We are promising the people of Ogun State good governance; we are going to focus on improving the lives of our civil servants. We will come up with programmes that will encourage developments that are good for them. Coming from the oil and gas background I understand how to generate power. We are going to encourage good power supply and by so doing, we will attract foreign and local industries, he said. He appealed to party members to forget about their individual differences and join him to work toward the partys victory in the forthcoming election. (NAN) For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. 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. "More people than ever before are concerned about how their food is raised and want to make choices that are in line with their values," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "This Thanksgiving, we urge all Americans to set a humane table and give thanks to American farmers and ranchers who provide food that is safe, abundant, affordable, and humanely raised under ethical, commonsense, and scientifically demonstrated standards." At the briefing, congressional leaders, top figures in farm animal welfare, individual farmers, and leaders of major organizations in food production outlined the importance of demonstrably humane agriculture. American Humane research shows overwhelming popular support for the humane treatment of farm animals and humanely raised foods. Its last poll of 5,900 Americans revealed that more than nine in ten (94.9%) said they were "very concerned" about farm animal welfare. More than three-quarters (75.7%) stated that they were very willing to pay more for humanely raised eggs, meat, and dairy products. And in a ranking of the importance of food labels, "humanely raised" scored highest over other labels including "antibiotic-free," "organic," and "natural." Impediments to people's choosing humane products was also explored: While one-third of those surveyed (35.3%) said they did purchase humanely raised foods, more than half (54.6%) said they were either not available (35.6%) or too expensive (19%). Nearly one in ten (9%) said they did not know the difference. Speakers at the briefing stressed the importance of verifiably humane agriculture. "Animals play a huge role in our lives, and it's so important that we treat them humanely and with respect for all they do for us," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), co-founder of the Congressional Humane Bond Caucus. "This Thanksgiving we want to give thanks to those who have made the humane choice for their animals, and we thank them for their dedication to animal welfare." "As the holidays approach us, it is important that we celebrate our farmers and ranchers who strengthen the bond between humans and animals and work tirelessly to put food on our tables in a safe, ethical and humanely raised manner," said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX), co-founder of the Congressional Humane Bond Caucus. Dr. Alice Johnson, Senior Vice President for Animal Well-Being at Butterball LLC, the iconic turkey brand that has been an American Humane Certified producer since 2013 underscored the importance of humane farming using verifiable standards and practices. "Animal care and well-being is central to who Butterball is as a company, and we are committed to maintaining the health and well-being of our turkeys," said Dr. Johnson. "It's easy for a company to say they are doing something and to promote it in a way that makes it seem like it's a priority, but it's entirely different for a company to commit to something and invite a third party in to review and validate that commitment. We strongly believe that third-party audits are important and that criteria used for these audits be scientifically based." Earlier in the day, Butterball worked to demonstrate its commitment to both people and animals by working with American Humane to deliver 3,000 pounds of humanely raised turkey to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. "We hope this donation will brighten the holidays for many in the Washington area," said Dr. Johnson. "Our goal is to inspire joyful experiences and bring people together over nutritious, healthy, and ethically raised food." Bart Vittori, Vice President and General Manager of Coleman Natural Foods spoke with great fervor about the value humane farming has for his organization. "Coleman has been around since 1875 one year before Colorado was a state," he said. "It is important that we carry on the family heritage of high animal welfare practices from the 1800s. Coleman Natural has earned American Humane Certification to provide further assurance of third-party audits and greater transparency of pork production, and Coleman is the first national retail pork producer to fully implement a crate-free hog environment both gestation and farrow crate-free, verified by a third party and with USDA approval." "In less than three generations, the United States has gone from a predominantly agrarian society to one where the family farm is the exception rather than the rule," said Byron Shaffer, Food Safety and Quality Manager for Kreider Farms, a third-generation family owned company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that has become the largest egg producer in the state. "Today, there are many with differing opinions on what farming and particularly what animal agriculture should look like," said Shaffer. "The Kreider Farms' team made the decision to begin to build cage-free layer houses in 2015 and after careful research and evaluation of the best available housing and equipment started construction. We are happy to be associated with a group that not only recognizes the need for the farmers of today but provides invaluable resources in making the practices transparent and based on what is best for all of the stakeholders. Like American Humane, Kreider Farms, and Americas' family farmers know that animal welfare is truly in everyone's best interest." "I have a lifetime of expertise caring for animals and I take the responsibility of providing a comfortable environment for my pigs everyday very seriously," said Pat Bane, an Illinois pig farmer who was recently named America's Pig Farmer of the Year. "I work closely with my employees to guarantee the best care for our pigs and I am excited to serve as an ambassador for humane practices. The public needs to know how we farm and, that every day, we are doing what is right to care for our animals." American Humane was founded around the issue of farm animal welfare in 1877 and has been at the forefront of improvements and protections for children, pets and farm animals for 141 years (see historic timeline). With a history of working positively and collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, animal advocates and the American public to create moderate, mainstream and commonsense solutions that work for both animals and people, in 2000 American Humane created the nation's first third-party farm animal welfare certification and auditing program with more than 200 science-based standards covering everything from adequate space to air quality, heat and lighting, humane treatment, and the ability for animals to be animals and express the natural behaviors of their kind. These standards for the resulting American Humane Certified program were built upon the internationally accepted values of the Five Freedoms, created by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as input from animal science experts, veterinarians and other animal husbandry specialists. These evidence-based standards are reviewed regularly by a Scientific Advisory Committee made up of some of the world's leading experts and animal advocates. Today the American Humane Certified program is the nation's largest third-party farm animal welfare certification program. More information about the American Humane Certified program can be found at www.AmericanHumane.org. About American Humane and the American Humane Certified program American Humane was founded in 1877 around the issue of farm animal welfare, and created the American Humane Certified program, the first and largest independent, third-party humane farm animal welfare certification and audit program. The 200 species-specific, science-based standards of the American Humane Certified program cover everything from adequate space to air quality, heat and lighting, humane treatment, and the ability of animals to express natural behaviors, and were built on the internationally accepted values of the Five Freedoms, created by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as input from animal science experts, veterinarians and other animal husbandry specialists. The program's standards are reviewed regularly by a Scientific Advisory Committee made up of some of the world's leading experts and animal advocates. For 141 years, American Humane has worked positively and collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, animal advocates, and the American public as a moderate, mainstream voice to create solutions that work for animals and people. For more information, please visit American Humane at www.americanhumane.org . SOURCE American Humane Related Links http://www.americanhumane.org LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Argentinian telcos scale down investments in response to harsh economic climate Argentina has an advanced telecom infrastructure though considerable investment is still required to update services in rural areas. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5257932 To meet pent up demand for telecom services the government has embarked on a large-scale National Broadband Plan. In August 2016 the state-owned infrastructure operator ARSAT launched a project to extend broadband services to some 1,200 rural communities. By mid-2018 this project was about 75% complete. Although there are numerous operators licensed to provide services, there remains insufficient competition. The provision of both broadband and mobile services is dominated by a few key players, including Movistar, Telecom Argentina and Claro. The broadband sector is dominated by Movistar and Telecom Argentina. The market saw some consolidation after Telecom Argentina acquired Cablevision, the cable broadband unit of Grupo Clarin, in January 2018. Grupo Clarin retains an interest in the mobile segment following its January 2016 acquisition of Nextel Argentina. Mobile penetration is about 138%, with a slight fall in the number of subscribers in recent years following a long period of steady annual growth. Many Argentineans own more than one SIM card though pricing competition among operators has reduced the incentive for multiple-SIM card ownership. Claro, Telecom Personal and Movistar closely compete in the market, with Nextel Argentina having a small market share. The regulator has encouraged the market entry of additional MVNOs to increase competition. Significant improvements to the capacity of mobile networks are anticipated during the next few years following the auction of spectrum in the 700MHz and 1700-2100MHz bands, which increased the available spectrum for operators to 380MHz. In addition, the regulator is aiming to reassign 600MHz spectrum from pay-TV services for mobile broadband use. Argentina has one of the highest broadband penetration rates in Latin America. The country's economic and political difficulties during the last decade have impacted on sector investments, though there have been steady improvements in recent quarters. A large tranch of investment has been earmarked to expand fibre networks beyond certain areas of the main cities. This work has had a positive effect on the delivery of services, with the average download speed having increased from 5.3Mb/s in the first quarter of 2016 to 13.2Mb/s by the second quarter of 2018. This report provides an overview of Argentina's telecom market and regulatory environment, accompanied by statistical data and analyses on recent market developments. The report also covers the fixed and fixed-wireless broadband markets, as also developments in the mobile voice and data segments. Key developments: Telecom Argentina scales down investment in response to macro-economic difficulties; Construction started on the ARBR submarine cable between Argentina and Brazil; Fixed-number portability finally rolled out; Telecom Argentina completes merger with Cablevision; Federal Fibre-Optic Network aiming to connect 2,600 localities across the country; Argentina develops local link to the Atlantic Cable System (ACSea) in partnership with Brazil; Report update includes the regulator's market update to March 2018, telcos' operating data to Q2 2018, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Claro, Nextel Argentina, Nuestro Movil, Libre.ar, Virgin Mobile, Tesacom, Movistar (Telefonica de Argentina), Telecom Argentina (Personal), Grupo Clarin, Cablevision, VeloCom, Netizen, Phonevision/Omnivision, Telpin, DirecTV, Supercanal, Telecentro, Red Intercable, ARSAT, MercadoLibre, IPLAN, IP-TEL, Fecotel, Fecosur, COTEL, Cotecal, INVAP. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5257932 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 Beat is one of the world's fastest-growing ride-hailing apps with over 5 million registered passengers and 200,000 registered drivers worldwide as of today. Headquartered in Athens, Greece where it also provides service, Beat has focused its growth strategy in Latin America where it operates in Lima (Peru), Santiago (Chile), and Bogota (Colombia). In Lima, Beat's agile strategy along with others has helped the company become the number one ride-hailing app locally, beating out the competition. In Mexico City, Beat will compete with big global players, among other local upstarts. "This is actually not our first time in Mexico City. We experimented briefly with the market five years ago and quickly discovered how challenging this market is. We didn't have the resources back then to succeed," said Nikos Drandakis, founder and CEO of Beat. "Now that we have more experience and honed our competitive strategy with Lima, we believe Beat has what it takes to carve out a sizable piece of the Mexico City market. We've beaten bigger players before and we intend to do it again." With a population of 21.3 million, Greater Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area of the Western Hemisphere and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. "The opportunity in Mexico City is ten times the size of your average market in Latin America," said Drandakis. "There's easily room for a number one, two, and three player." Beat is currently in the growing its Mexico City team and planning a number of brand building and awareness campaigns that implement PR, marketing, and digital strategies to recruit drivers and passengers. "At Beat, we fundamentally believe in our ability to grow in South America. We are an app that focuses solely on the region of Latin America and invests in understanding local culture and local market needs like no other. As an organization we might be smaller, yet more agile, and capable of innovating faster than our larger global competitors," said Drandakis. "Our company culture is radically different from other ride-sharing companies. As an example of this, our gender ratio is split equally -50 percent men and 50 percent women- and that extends to our senior leadership team." About Beat Beat creates a new ride experience by connecting thousands of passengers with nearby available drivers in real time. Through the app, you can request a driver 24/7. Beat is more than an app that takes you from A to B. Our mission is to become part of people's everyday life by making transportation in the city more affordable, convenient, efficient and safe. The company was founded in 2011 and was acquired by mytaxi, Europe's top taxi-hailing app (Daimler Mobility Services GmbH, part of Daimler Group) in February 2017. Beat is currently available in Athens (Greece), Lima (Peru), Santiago (Chile), Bogota (Colombia) and has plans to expand to more cities in Latin America over the next year. More about Beat at https://thebeat.co. SOURCE Beat Related Links https://thebeat.co 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,... SHANGHAI, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. ("Cango" or the "Company") (NYSE: CANG), a leading automotive transaction service platform in China, today announced that it plans to release its third quarter 2018 financial results after market-close on Thursday, November 22, 2018. The earnings release will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com/. Cango's management will hold a conference call on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 8:00 pm Eastern Time or Friday, November 23, 2018 at 9:00 am Beijing Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-902-4272 United States Toll Free: +1-888-346-8982 China Toll Free: 4001-201-203 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-905-945 Conference ID Cango Inc. The replay will be accessible through November 29, 2018 by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: +1-877-344-7529 Access Code: 10126484 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com/. About Cango, Inc. Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China connecting dealers, financial institutions, car buyers, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and engages car buyers through a nationwide dealer network. The Company's services primarily consist of automotive financing facilitation, automotive transaction facilitation, and after-market services facilitation. By utilizing its competitive advantages in technology, data insights, and cloud-based infrastructure, Cango is able to connect its platform participants while bringing them a premium user experience. Cango's platform model puts it in a unique position to add value for its platform participants and business partners as the automotive and mobility markets in China continue to grow and evolve. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com. Investor Relations Contact Caroline Li Cango Inc. Tel: +86 (21) 3183-5087 Email: [email protected] Jack Wang ICR Inc. Tel: +1 (646) 405-5056 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Cango Inc. HOUSTON and LAFAYETTE, La. and SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with its affiliates, "Clearlake"), a leading private investment firm, today announced the formation of Knight Energy Services ("Knight Energy" or the "Company") through the merger of its portfolio companies IronGate Energy Services and Knight Oil Tools. The newly-formed Knight Energy is one of the largest independent rental tool companies serving the North American oil and gas industry. Knight Energy, headquartered in Houston, Texas, provides a full suite of rental and tubular services, manufacturing packages, drilling jars, inspection, hardbanding, and safety training to onshore and offshore producers in the North American oil and gas industry. Dwight Gross, previously President and CEO of IronGate, serves as Knight Energy's President and CEO, and Kirk Brassfield, formerly the CFO of IronGate, serves as CFO of Knight Energy. "By combining the leading provider of rental and tubular services to E&P operators with one of the largest privately held rental tool companies in the oil and gas industry, we have created a full-service rental powerhouse that meets the end-to-end needs of the energy industry," said Gross. "Clearlake has brought tremendous strategic vision and financial support, and as a combined company with a stronger balance sheet, we look forward to new opportunities as we continue to provide our customers with the highest levels of attention and service." "IronGate and Knight are a natural fit, and we are pleased to bring these two companies together as Knight Energy, a new leader in the North American oil and gas industry," said Jose E. Feliciano, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, and Colin Leonard, Partner, at Clearlake. "With an experienced management team and greater financial strength, the new Knight Energy offers oil and gas customers a complete line of rental solutions. We look forward to building on this exciting platform as we leverage our proven O.P.S. approach and position the Company for its next phase of growth." About Clearlake Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is a leading private investment firm founded in 2006. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with world-class management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to dynamic businesses that can benefit from Clearlake's operational improvement approach, O.P.S. The firm's core target sectors are industrials and energy; software and technology-enabled services; and consumer. Clearlake has managed over $8 billion of institutional capital since inception and its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 100 investments. More information is available at www.clearlake.com. About Knight Energy Services Knight Energy Services, headquartered in Houston, is one of the largest independent rental tool companies serving the North American oil and gas industry. The company provides a complete range of rental products for drilling and production applications, handling tools, surface pressure control equipment, a comprehensive suite of casing and tubing services, manufacturing packages, drilling jars, inspection, hardbanding and safety training. Knight Energy prides itself on its high quality equipment and its dedication to customer service and safety. For more information, please visit www.irongatees.com and www.knightoiltools.com. Media Contacts: Blicksilver Public Relations Kristin Celauro 732-433-5200 [email protected] Jennifer Hurson 845-507-0571 [email protected] SOURCE Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. Related Links http://www.clearlake.com HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CRAVE Hot Dogs and BBQ are unique fast casual BBQ and Hot Dog establishments. There is an array of menu offerings including, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches and sliders, delicious sides such as baked fries, and of course our famous Self-Serve Beer wall. CRAVE stands out because they believe in allowing customers to create their own meals by adding their own toppings and condiments. Creativity is encouraged at CRAVE! The self-serve beer wall comes with anywhere from 18-32 tap handles. Customers can choose from an assortment of local draft and domestic beers as well as wine and cider. At CRAVE it's not just about the food, it's about the experience! At CRAVE you can order in our store with one of our friendly cashiers, or use the self-order kiosk. You can also use our APP so you can order ahead to pick up your meal or have it delivered. CRAVE can also cater your next event or party! CRAVE has signed 15 franchisees since going live this past March. By 1st quarter next year they will have sites in GA, OK, NC, FL, TX, DC and more. They plan to sell a total of 25 units this year with an expectation to double that next year. Salvatore and Samantha Rincione, Co-founders, have made the franchise process very easy for the existing franchisees and will continue to do so for the future ones. They assist with real estate selection, lease negotiations, oversee all construction, assist in ordering of all furniture and equipment, train for 3-5 weeks, have monthly LTO (limited time offers) in place and more. Their support staff and development team puts an extreme amount of time and energy into making the process as easy as possible for its franchise partners. With CRAVE you will find: Real Estate Assistance Training Programs Marketing Assistance Operational Support Systems in Place Ongoing Training For more information on owning your own CRAVE, please click below: my.officevp.com/s/27324 SOURCE CRAVE Hot Dogs and BBQ CHENGDU, China, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 13, the opening ceremony of the 10th China Pickles Food International Exposition was held by the People's Government of Dongpo District, Meishan City, Sichuan Province which is located in western China. It took "healthy food for world share and enjoyment" as the theme. The main role of this exposition -- Dongpo pickle is a kind of food pickled with salt and water in pottery jars. It is necessary for families in western China. In addition to the opening ceremony, 27 special activities were held here, including the 16th China Food Safety Annual Conference, Pickle Technology and Standardization International Forum, China Food and Produce Production, Marketing and E-commerce Development Conference, the signing ceremony of investment promotion for well-known Chinese food enterprises coming to Sichuan, Pickles Food Industry International Cooperation and Dialogue themed as "China Pickles-Connect the World", Pickle International Standards Seminar, live shows of making art works with pickles and mass cultural activities related to Dongpo pickle. During the period, delegates from 27 countries and regions attended the conference and more than 300 famous enterprises, business associations and dealers from home and abroad attended the exposition. At the same time, exhibition zones for Chinese pickles, international and Chinese food were set up in the newly-built exhibition center named "China Paocai City". More than 300 domestic and foreign pickle and food enterprises gathered here to display and sell their products. China Pickles Food International Exposition has been held for ten times successively since 2008. In recent ten years, the processing amount of Dongpo pickle has increased twice and the sales income has increased approximately 4.5 times. It has been sold to over 100 countries and regions. Its scale and development speed are amazing. To realize a better industrialization of Dongpo pickle, the agricultural department of local government implements the management system of "5 unities" in vegetable bases. Namely, companies and farmers seed, receive technical training, provide agricultural materials, manage fields and sell orders in a unified way. At present, the standardized pickle raw material bases built in Meishan covers an area of 460,000 mu, leading to an increment of over RMB 800 million for 220,000 local peasant households. Today, there are over 60 pickle condiment food enterprises in Dongpo District of Meishan City. Among them, 36 are above designated scale. In 2017, the pickle food enterprises in this district finished the processing of 1.602 million tons of pickle raw materials, with an output value of RMB 15.76 billion, accounting for one-third of China's total market share and one-half of Sichuan Province's total market share. There is no lack of famous enterprises among local pickle condiment food enterprises. The production and sales volume of Liji condiments for cooking fish with pickles rank first among similar condiment products in China. Ji Xiang Ju established a joint venture company with CJ Group, the largest food enterprise in South Korea, turning its competitor into a partner. Min Xixiang, General Manager of Ji Xiang Ju Marketing Company, told that over 100 types of products in 7 categories generated by the company commanded a ready market in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and other areas, and its annual production value exceeds RMB 1 billion. The company not only promotes Dongpo pickle around the world but also increases the income of local peasant households. "Recently, Ji Xiang Ju has solved the employment issue for over 1500 people and helped over 5000 people with their employment indirectly." Behind the "internationalization" is the continuous innovation of Dongpo pickle. In 2013, Sichuan Dongpo Chinese Paocai Industrial Technology Research Institute was established in Dongpo District, Meishan City. It initiated a method of utilizing special automatic control stainless steel fermenter to realize low-salt clean production without emissions, shortening the fermentation time greatly and stabilizing the quality of Dongpo pickle. Additionally, other advanced technologies like "low-salt continuous fermentation" contribute to the safety and delicious taste of Dongpo pickle. Dongpo pickle, fragrant, crispy and perfect in taste, not only tastes good, but also has wide varieties. Common vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber and turnip, fruits such as apple and peach and even meat can also be used for making pickles. The beneficial elements of the raw materials lose less due to the cold processing. Therefore, Dongpo pickle is rich in nutrition and low in calories, with the function of stimulating appetites and tonifying spleen. Moreover, Dongpo District of Meishan City has also achieved China's "six onlys" in the process of developing pickle industry: the only Paocai (pickle) city - China Paocai City, the only National Paocai Quality Supervision Center, the only Sichuan Dongpo Chinese Paocai Industrial Technology Research Institute, the only Paocai Museum, the only 4A tourist attraction in Paocai industry and the only Chinese Paocai Industry Standard approved and issued by the Ministry of Commerce. Meishan City is now cooperating with Japan and South Korea to guide the development of international pickle standard, truly putting Dongpo pickle on the tables in all countries around the world. SOURCE The Peoples Government of Dongpo District, Meishan City SEATTLE, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FLEXE, the leader in on-demand warehousing and fulfillment, today announced it ranked first in Washington State and 18th overall on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 , among the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. FLEXE grew 6,960 percent from 2014-2017. FLEXE Co-Founder and CEO, Karl Siebrecht, attributes the revenue growth to urgent market demand and adoption of the on-demand warehousing and fulfillment model. He said, "We are using technology to create an entirely new category, providing structural flexibility in the logistics industry. Our team of logistics and technology experts, combined with real-time performance and benchmarking data, helps the world's most innovative brands bring agility to their supply chains." "Congratulations to the Deloitte 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement," said Sandra Shirai , vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. "These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth." "Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics," said Mohana Dissanayake , partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloitte's audit and assurance practice. "This year's ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth." About Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About FLEXE FLEXE is a network of more than 1000 warehouses connected by a single software platform. Unlike traditional solutions, FLEXE makes warehousing available on-demand and uses software to streamline the entire process. FLEXE brings agility to the supply chain and helps retailers & brands easily resolve warehouse capacity constraints and dynamically expand their distribution and eCommerce fulfillment networks. Warehouse providers in the FLEXE network can create a new stream of revenue on space and resources that would otherwise go unused. For more information, please visit http://www.flexe.com/ and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter , and Medium . About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE FLEXE Related Links http://www.flexe.com/ HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gastar Exploration Inc. (OTCQB: GSTC) (the "Company" or "Gastar") announced today that it is extending its public marketing process for potential proposals to acquire the Company in conjunction with its court-supervised restructuring. The Company encourages all-cash proposals that can be closed quickly, as described below. As previously announced, the Company has commenced chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas and is seeking confirmation of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the "Plan"). The Company previously distributed a process letter seeking proposals and establishing a deadline of October 1, 2018 to submit proposals (the "Initial Bid Deadline"). As previously disclosed, the Company did not receive any actionable proposals by the Initial Bid Deadline. The Company has determined to extend the deadline for the submission of proposals to December 17, 2018 (the "Extended Bid Deadline"). The Company has distributed and publicly disclosed a process letter (the "Process Letter") setting forth the instructions and procedures for the submission of qualifying proposals (each, a "Proposal") in the extended marketing process. As set forth in the Process Letter, Gastar strongly encourages Proposals that contemplate all cash consideration to acquire 100% of the ownership of the Company in a transaction that would close on or before the expected effective date of the Plan in early January. Any Proposals predicated on restructuring or modifying Gastar's existing capital structure or any Proposals to combine Gastar with another entity where some or all of the merger consideration is proposed to be equity in the combined company will very likely be rejected as not viable. Any party interested in making a Proposal to the Company may do so at any time prior to the Extended Bid Deadline and should refer to the Process Letter or contact Michael A. Gerlich, Chief Financial Officer of the Company as provided below. Other Information Regarding Reorganization Proceedings Information related to the Company's restructuring is available from the Company's claims and noticing agent, BMC Group, Inc., via the information call center at +1 (888) 909-0100 or on the Company's restructuring website at www.bmcgroup.com/gastar. This press release is not intended to be, and should not in any way be construed as, a solicitation of votes regarding the Plan. CONTACTS: Gastar Exploration Inc. Michael A. Gerlich, Chief Financial Officer 713-739-1800 / [email protected] Kirkland & Ellis LLP Attention: Ross M. Kwasteniet, P.C. John R. Luze 300 North LaSalle Chicago, Illinois 60654 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Opportune LLP Attention: David Baggett 711 Louisiana, Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77002 E-mail: [email protected] About Gastar Exploration Gastar Exploration Inc. is a pure play Mid-Continent independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the United States. Gastar's principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties with an emphasis on unconventional reserves, such as shale resource plays. Gastar holds a concentrated acreage position in the normally pressured oil window of the STACK Play, an area of central Oklahoma which is home to multiple oil and natural gas-rich reservoirs including the Oswego limestone, Meramec and Osage bench formations within the Mississippi Lime, the Woodford shale and Hunton limestone formations. For more information, visit Gastar's website at www.gastar.com . Forward Looking Statements This news release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward looking statements express our current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward looking words including "may," "expects," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "estimate," "will," "should," and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although Gastar believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. These include risks described in Gastar's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . By issuing forward looking statements based on current expectations, opinions, views or beliefs, Gastar has no obligation and, except as required by law, is not undertaking any obligation, to update or revise these statements or provide any other information relating to such statements. SOURCE Gastar Exploration Inc. Related Links http://www.gastar.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Helios Wire, a satellite-enabled IoT connectivity company, announced today that its Pathfinder II satellite is scheduled to launch aboard Spaceflight's SSO-A SmallSat Express mission, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Nov. 19, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. This is the first satellite in a constellation of up to 28 smallsats that will provide global IoT coverage. Photo Credit: SpaceX "This is undoubtedly an exciting leap forward for us and a foundational component of our future constellation. We expect it will shake up the way people think about IoT connectivity, in terms of application types that can be layered on top of the network, specifically analytics and blockchain," explains CEO and co-founder, Scott Larson. "We're very grateful to our team and partners for helping us reach this milestone and we remain focused on expanding our market opportunities and completing our next group of satellites." By 2020, the IoT market is expected to be worth US$581B for information and communications tech-based spend, according to a 2018 McKinsey report. (With a compound Annual Growth Rate ranging between 7 and 15%.) The report anticipates that industries related to manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and utilities will spend $40B each on IoT platforms, systems and services. While IoT sensors become cheaper thanks to design innovations, IoT security, another pain point, can also be improved by combining blockchain capabilities. "The IoT industry is very much in a growth phase. For Helios, the goal isn't only to connect devices and aggregate data, it's also to improve the applications and services that can be layered atop the network. The ability to allow for not only machine-to-machine communication, but also machine-to-machine transactions using the blockchain, is very intriguing. It is the economy of machines and the service offering will add very real value," says Larson. Truly global connectivity has yet to be fully addressed economically by traditional providers, and with a space-based system, connectivity and data become even more secure and accessible. Ledgers and data can be backed up in space, while small data bursts can be leveraged by both small and large organizations operating across land and sea. "The key is finding the sweet spot in a system that is robust enough to offer the types of data rates that meet the needs of industrial applications, but also at a price point that actually allows for adoption by a wide range of customers." Helios intends to scale to 28 microsatellites over the next five years. Learn more at www.helioswire.com. About Helios Wire Helios Wire is bringing satellite-enabled, machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things connectivity to the mass market. This two-way global system will provide ultra-low-cost, short-burst data services connecting up to 5 billion sensors using priority mobile satellite system (MSS) S-band spectrum. The Helios system is designed for new and existing applications that monitor or control fixed and mobile assets. Those assets can be found across a broad array of applications related to transportation, supply chains, logistics, security/public safety, energy, industrial construction, agriculture, animal management, among other industries. Helios will blend its space-based connectivity infrastructure with traditional terrestrial networks by combining the datasets, allowing for data analytics and actionable insights. Media Contact Theras Wood [email protected] Related Links Helios Wire Media Assets SOURCE Helios Wire Related Links http://www.helioswire.com The company's technology assists medical practitioners with detecting and monitoring more than 30 medical conditions, including strokes, Alzheimer's, prostate cancer, lung cancer thyroids cancer, breast cancer, and joint disease. JLK's AI-enabled image analysis include those conducted in MRI, CT, X-ray and mammography format, with its technology casting a wide net over various diagnostic techniques. "We look forward to demonstrating our medical imaging system at RSNA," JLK Inspection CEO Won Tae Kim says. "We are excited to show how we are able to assist users with quantitative analysis of their medical images at their own convenience." These include neural network solvers and libraries with an on-site AI platform providing a real time, seamless connection through a user-friendly interface. This also means the JLK system is stable and interlocks with all other in-hospital systems. They also provide state-of-the-art multi-contrast MRI and multi-modality images. Not only are JLK's products created to be simple to use, but they provide objectivity of medical care based on quantitative AI analysis in a streamlined, easy-to-analyze format. For this, JLK Inspection has also developed an AI medical all-in-one platform called AI HUB. This month, JLK will debut the JBS-01K at RSNA 2018 which already received approval from the Korean FDA as a class III device. The system analyzes brain MRI images and clinical information to detect and present results of ischemic stroke diagnosis for users. The company's newest medical solution for stroke diagnosis is already in the process of gaining FDA and CE approvals in the U.S. and Europe, respectively. As a multi-diagnosis solution, the JPC-01K also aims at detecting and diagnosing prostate cancer by automatically detecting the exact location of the cancer, then providing the user with a rapid response and prompt diagnosis. Furthermore, the JPC-01K will also give medical professionals the ability to perform an MR-targeted biopsy while helping reduce risks such as injection, pain, etc. As a testament to its goals and efforts, JLK has raised over $17M in VC funding to date. The company has also worked hard to ensure numerous patents for their technology have been registered. The imaging solutions company is planning on going public in the near future, with a set IPO on the KOSDAQ in the second half of 2019. Part of JLK's current global operations include marketing offices in Silicon Valley and R&D and manufacturing facilities in Seoul, ROK. Along with heading to RSNA this month , taking place from November 25-30, JLK Inspection will also be present at the International Security Expo (ISE) in London, UK from November 28-29. The company will be attending the conference on behalf of their imaging technology JSS-01K, a security solution that detects storage devices (USB, smartphone, external hdd, and tablet pcs) in security x-ray images. About JLK Inspection Inc. JLK Inspection is a Seoul, South Korea-based medical solutions provider specializing in AI-based technology. JLK Inspection is a member company of the K-ICT Born2Global Centre. JLK Inspection's universal AI platform is created by a combination of big data, experts, and our own unique engines & algorithms. It provides the on-site/real-time service that is seamlessly connected to all systems. SOURCE JLK Inspection HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") is pleased to announce that in connection with previously announced long-term succession plans, the Main Street Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously elected Dwayne L. Hyzak as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the company. Mr. Hyzak succeeds Vincent D. Foster as CEO. Mr. Foster will continue to serve as Main Street's Executive Chairman. The Board also unanimously approved the promotion of David L. Magdol to President, succeeding Mr. Hyzak in that role. "Dwayne and David have been outstanding leaders of Main Street throughout their long careers with the company. Each of them has the vision and determination to sustain Main Street's past success. Dwayne and David have proven track records as investors and business leaders and have contributed significantly to Main Street's accomplishments," said Mr. Foster. "I have been honored to lead this great company as CEO since its IPO in 2007, and I look forward to my continuing role as Executive Chairman." Mr. Hyzak commented, "I'm honored to accept the promotion to CEO of Main Street and take the helm of the company that I've been privileged to serve for almost 20 years. I'm excited about my new role as well as the opportunity to continue to work with David and Vince and all of the company's valued employees and portfolio companies. Our goal is to continue to maximize Main Street's prospects and future opportunities. I also want to personally thank Vince for his long-term leadership of the company in addition to his mentorship and support he has shown me throughout my career with Main Street." Arthur L. French, lead independent director of the Board, stated, "The entire Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Vince Foster for his many years of exemplary leadership of Main Street. The company has achieved remarkable success under Vince's stewardship and we are very pleased that he will continue to serve as Executive Chairman. In addition to being most grateful for Vince's many significant contributions, we look forward to the future with Dwayne as CEO and David as President." These transitions are effective immediately. In addition to assuming the roles of CEO and Executive Chairman, respectively, Messrs. Hyzak and Foster retain their existing roles as members of the Board, with Mr. Foster continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Magdol continues in his existing role as Chief Investment Officer of Main Street in addition to assuming the responsibility of President. The Investment Committee and Executive Committee of management for Main Street shall each remain comprised of Messrs. Foster, Hyzak, Magdol and Curtis L. Hartman, Main Street's Vice Chairman, Chief Credit Officer and Senior Managing Director. ABOUT MAIN STREET CAPITAL CORPORATION Main Street (www.mainstcapital.com) is a principal investment firm that primarily provides long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle market companies and debt capital to middle market companies. Main Street's portfolio investments are typically made to support management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financings, refinancings and acquisitions of companies that operate in diverse industry sectors. Main Street seeks to partner with entrepreneurs, business owners and management teams and generally provides "one stop" financing alternatives within its lower middle market portfolio. Main Street's lower middle market companies generally have annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million. Main Street's middle market debt investments are made in businesses that are generally larger in size than its lower middle market portfolio companies. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. Any such statements other than statements of historical fact are likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under Main Street's control, and that Main Street may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual performance and results could vary materially from these estimates and projections of the future. Such statements speak only as of the time when made and are based on information available to Main Street as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Main Street assumes no obligation to revise or update any such statement now or in the future. Contacts: Main Street Capital Corporation Dwayne L. Hyzak, CEO, [email protected] Brent D. Smith, CFO, [email protected] 713-350-6000 Dennard Lascar Investor Relations Ken Dennard | [email protected] Mark Roberson | [email protected] 713-529-6600 SOURCE Main Street Capital Corporation Related Links http://www.mainstcapital.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MedEquities Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: MRT) announced that the Company's Board of Directors addressed the Company's dividend policy for the third quarter of 2018 and beyond. The transition agreements are now in place for Creative Solutions in Healthcare ("Creative Solutions") to take over the operations of the Texas Ten Portfolio effective January 1, 2019, subject to regulatory approval. The Board expects to declare in mid-January a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, which is expected to be the regular dividend amount declared for each quarter of 2019; however, all future dividends remain subject to the Board's discretion. The Board will not declare and pay a dividend for the third quarter of 2018. John McRoberts, Chairman and CEO of MedEquities Realty Trust, noted, "The only contingency we are expecting for the transition in the Texas Ten Portfolio to become effective is the typical regulatory approval of the transfer of operations to Creative Solutions. While that approval is beyond our control, we are highly confident that approval will occur on or about January 1, 2019 and provide the clarity the Board has required to forecast our next dividend." About MedEquities Realty Trust MedEquities Realty Trust (NYSE: MRT) is a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust that invests in a diversified mix of healthcare properties and healthcare-related real estate debt investments. The Company's management team has extensive industry experience in acquiring, owning, developing, financing, operating, leasing and monetizing many types of healthcare properties and portfolios. MedEquities' strategy is to become an integral capital partner with high-quality and growth-oriented facility-based providers of healthcare services on a nationwide basis, primarily through net-leased real estate investment. For more information, please visit www.medequities.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements include information about the timing and amount of any future dividends, the Company's ability to close under the new lease to Creative Solutions for the Texas Ten Portfolio under the terms described herein and to transition operations on the time schedule expected and other matters. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" and variations of these words and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and/or could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent uncertainty and may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false. For a description of factors that may cause the Company's actual results or performance to differ from its forward-looking statements, see the sections entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or actual operating results. SOURCE MedEquities Realty Trust, Inc. Related Links http://www.medequities.com "While Miami-Dade County has become a leading global destination for banking, technology, art and entertainment, tourism and trade continues to be the backbone of our economy," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "With more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. destination, there is no other world region more closely tied to our local economy, which is why we gladly welcomed the 2018 ACI-LAC Conference to our community this week." The 2018 edition of the conference featured a diverse schedule of presentations addressing the state of the industry and best practices for topics such as airport infrastructure and capital investment, passenger experiences, leveraging technology, and air cargo. Top industry executives such as ACI Director General Angela Gittens and Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Associate Administrator Winsome Lenfert were among the keynote speakers. "As the busiest gateway airport of the Americas, serving 79 percent of all passengers between the U.S. and the LAC region, MIA was proud to host the 2018 ACI-LAC Conference," said Lester Sola, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director and CEO. "In a year when MIA celebrates its 90th anniversary, it was fitting that we would serve as the host airport this year as well. I think the lessons learned and connections made during this year's conference will go a long way toward strengthening air travel across our region." ACI is the only global trade representative of the world's airports, and the ACI-LAC Annual Conference is widely regarded as the most important aviation industry event in the Western Hemisphere. ACI-LAC is the only professional worldwide association of airport operators, representing 60 airport operators and over 270 airports in 32 countries of the Latin America and Caribbean region. The organization's airports handle 95 percent of commercial air traffic in the area and represent over 584 million airport passengers, 5.1 tons of freight and more than 8.7 million aircraft movements each year. "We are very happy to have landed for the first time ever in Miami for this unique airport conference," said ACI-LAC Director General Javier Martinez. "The highly-anticipated conference, which brings together top senior airport and industry executives to discuss and review the region's key issues, was sold out three weeks in advance." Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America's third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and welcoming nearly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA's vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Chin 305.876.7017 [email protected] www.miami-airport.com SOURCE Miami International Airport Related Links http://www.miami-airport.com "Everything we do in supply chain is for the patient," says Cindy Gueltzow, Baptist Health's executive director of supply chain services. "When we reduce our expenses and meet our budgetary goals, it's easier for us to procure capital equipment such as MRI's and upgraded cardiac cath labs. Reducing costs by removing unnecessary clinical variation not only helps us meet our budget, it improves our delivery of care." Patients, System Win with New Savings Strategy Baptist Health, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., works with patients across the state, plus parts of southern Indiana, Illinois and Tennessee. The system's acute care hospitals offer 2,700 licensed beds and more than 300 points of care including outpatient services, urgent care, physician offices, occupational medicine, physical therapy, home care and diagnostics. "Medline and Baptist Health teams are constantly challenging each other to find new ways to drive behind-the-scenes savings to support clinicians and patients," says Senior Vice President of Acute Care at Medline Brian Motter. "Baptist Health has an evolving patient base and some demographic differences amongst its facilities. Our goal is to use the nimbleness of Medline to find even more ways to help the system over the next five years." Smart Solves for Everyday Obstacles Advanced supply chain logistics played a major role in the savings when the system implemented Medline Supply Chain Optimization solutions. Par optimization has been implemented at 90 percent of nursing floor storerooms at Baptist Health Louisville, the system's largest hospital. This helps ensure clinicians have the right amount of supplies based on actual demand. Additionally, Medline's Put-Away-Ready Program for low unit of measure cart supply delivery, is being utilized at Baptist Health Lexington, Baptist Health Louisville and Baptist Health Richmond hospitals. The ability to remove touchpoints from the distribution process and streamline delivery times across far-flung facilities has saved Baptist Health millions in spending on non-clinical items, which will be reallocated toward patient care. "The improvement in inventory management over the past few years has been remarkable," said Steve Oglesby, Baptist Health's chief financial officer. "A key benefit is improved customer service to our physicians and other clinicians by ensuring access to the right supplies at the right place, at the right time, at the right price. Accomplishing this requires efficient and effective daily management. The system has also benefited from lower inventory carrying costs as expired, damaged or lost items are reduced, as well as better expense-revenue matching, which improves financial statement reporting and cost accounting data." Co-Create for Future-State In addition to announcing the results to date of the partnership with Medline, Baptist Health also announced the next step of its supply chain transformation will focus on physician preference items traditionally difficult and costly for systems to manage. Baptist Health will implement non-traditional distribution using Medline's PriorityPath Physician Preference Item 3PL service. "We plan to inventory physician preference items at Medline's warehouse for daily hospital distribution, which is projected to save $500K-$1M annually in shipping and acquisition costs while enabling physicians to select specific tools and products they prefer," says Gueltzow. "We are excited to see what future, creative supply chain efficiencies Medline can help us realize. Baptist Health is well on its way to achieving a best-in-class supply chain." See how Medline and Baptist Health are working together to improve patient care through supply chain solutions at https://youtu.be/JmyizfmcXsg. Learn how Medline tailors solutions across the entire continuum of care as a strategic partner at https://www.medline.com/pages/supply-chain. About Medline Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the healthcare industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., the company offers 550,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,600 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels. About Baptist Health Founded in 1924 in Louisville, Ky., Baptist Health is a full-spectrum health system dedicated to improving the health of the communities it serves. The Baptist Health family consists of nine hospitals (eight owned and one managed); employed and independent physicians; more than 300 points of care in 75 Kentucky counties, seven counties in Illinois, six counties in southern Indiana and two counties in Tennessee, including: outpatient facilities, physician practices and services, urgent care and retail-based clinics; outpatient diagnostic and surgery centers; home care; occupational medicine and physical therapy clinics; and fitness centers. Baptist Health's eight owned hospitals include more than 2,400 licensed beds in Corbin, La Grange, Lexington, Louisville, Madisonville, Paducah, Richmond and New Albany, Ind. Baptist Health manages Hardin Memorial Health, a 300-bed hospital in Elizabethtown, which is expected to become part of the Baptist Health family in December 2018. Baptist Health employs more than 20,000 people in Kentucky and surrounding states. Baptist's physician network, Baptist Health Medical Group, has about 1,100 employed providers, including about 600 employed physicians, plus more than 2,000 independent physicians. SOURCE Medline Related Links http://www.medline.com "At PenFed, we believe that giving back is an important part of doing business and we are proud to support future business leaders who are committed to making their community a better place for everyone," said Jamie Gayton, PenFed Credit Union, Executive Vice President of Member Operations. "This is a unique project and truly a community effort that brings together organizations deeply committed to serving the military community." The Bellevue West seniors conceived the project in response to the dated playground equipment at the elementary school and wanted to give the students a better place to play. The high school students approached the local PenFed Nebraska Community Coordinator earlier this year to pitch their idea and request funding. The PenFed Foundation was highly impressed by the students' ideas and awarded them $50,000 to purchase the playground equipment. The PenFed Nebraska team helped to connect the students with Nebraska's Heisman winning Eric Crouch to supply the equipment through his company, Crouch Recreation. The 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base is also providing an in-kind labor donation through 40 volunteers that will work to construct the playground. Additional donations brought in through fundraisers conducted by the Bellevue West students covered the cost of landscaping. "We are grateful for PenFed Foundation's support in helping to build a better playground for Peter Sarpy students," said Jeremy Weber, Peter Sarpy Elementary School, Principal. "We are proud of our high school students as they have done an amazing job and worked incredibly hard over the past three years to see Project Playground through to fruition." The $50,000 check was presented to the high school students and Principal Weber by Gayton and members of the PenFed Nebraska team on behalf of the PenFed Foundation during a meet-and-greet event at the elementary school's library. The PenFed Foundation has provided over $30 million in financial support to the military community since its founding in 2001. The Bellevue West students will realize their vision this spring when the playground opens to Peter Sarpy Elementary School students during a dedication event. About PenFed Foundation Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to helping members of our military community secure their financial future. It provides service members, Veterans, their families and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, credit-building, home ownership, and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides. To learn more, visit https://penfedfoundation.org/. SOURCE PenFed Foundation Related Links https://penfedfoundation.org PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- After the first year of an innovative, five-year contract between the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and Independence Blue Cross (Independence), the health system is reporting a more than 25 percent cut in hospital readmissions the largest readmission reduction in both organizations' history. As part of the first collaboration of its kind in the United States between a health system and a health insurer, the two organizations have launched a new slate of innovations to reduce the number of patients who return to the hospital within a month of going home. The contract provided that Independence wouldn't pay for the resulting hospitalization in those cases. The new contract, which took effect July 1, 2017, marked UPHS's entry into a new way of working with Independence that is designed to encourage collaborative efforts by the insurer and health systems to improve quality of care and reduce health care costs for Independence members. Many factors contribute to a patient's likelihood of being readmitted, including disease progression, complications or infections that happen after an initial hospital stay, emergency room visits for management of chronic conditions, and miscommunications between patients or caregivers and medical teams regarding medications and other discharge instructions. These factors are often co-mingled, especially among patients with complex diseases like heart failure and cancer, or those who are managing multiple serious conditions. Making a dent in the number of patients who are readmitted is notoriously difficult: On average, hospitals' typical interventions only cut readmissions by approximately one percent annually. "To see such a drastic improvement just one year into our partnership with Independence serves as a great motivator to continue finding ways to bend the curve of rising health care costs," said Ralph W. Muller, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. "That can only happen if we work together to keep patients healthier, and in the first year of our new model, we're proud to have shown that we can achieve both goals." At the outset of the new initiative, Penn Medicine leveraged its electronic health record platform to identify patients at high risk of readmission, which includes many with cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal conditions, and sepsis. Risk of readmission varied greatly across these patients -- patients classified with a high risk of being readmitted returned to the hospital 16 percent of the time, while patients classified as low-risk were readmitted less than one percent of the time. Stratifying patients based on readmission risk helped Penn Medicine to focus their efforts on patients at the greatest risk of readmission. During FY18, approximately 15,000 inpatient admissions were for patients insured by Independence. New electronic medical record functions provided clinicians across Penn Medicine's many care settings, including emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and home care, with access to real-time insights on each high-risk patient. The platform helped clinicians take proactive steps to reduce common post-discharge hurdles and make more informed decisions to keep patients well at home. For certain patients with complex medication regimens, this included use of pre-packaged medication boxes that were developed through a joint Independence and Penn Medicine initiative to remotely monitor and ensure patients took their medications as prescribed. "These results are phenomenal and prove just how much we can achieve if we innovate together on purposeful programs to improve patient and member care," said Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO at Independence Blue Cross. "We hope our experience reinforces to others in the health care field how important it is to work together to find solutions that can positively impact the quality and coordination of care and fight rising health care costs for patients and members." An analysis of data sourced by both Independence and Penn Medicine from before the new effort began showed that 40 percent of readmissions occurred within seven days of discharge, underscoring the need to improve patient education and expand access to outpatient follow-up care and home health visits. Now, patients who are found to be at high risk of readmission receive a call from a scheduler who assists in setting up all their follow-up outpatient appointments typically combining them on the same day even before they're discharged from the hospital. Dashboards were developed to track follow-up visits at seven and 14 days after discharge to ensure patients receive timely follow-up care. Most patients now also leave the hospital with all their prescriptions in hand to avoid any delays in beginning new drug regimens. Additional efforts included: Focusing on improved coordination between the inpatient clinical team and outpatient follow-up and home health care providers to close any treatment gaps that put a patient at a higher risk for readmission. Implementing more robust home care services to provide new opportunities for disease management and medication teaching after patients are discharged from the hospital. Monitoring high-risk patients remotely after leaving the hospital a strategy Penn Medicine has also used to identify complications among heart failure patients and new mothers to quickly identify and treat any problems. Reviewing patient data daily and having a care coordinator reach out to the patient if indicators are trending toward trouble. As a result of the initiative, new services were also added to better care for patients without readmission. For example, data showed that many cancer patients were readmitted through the emergency room. In response, Penn Medicine developed an outpatient Oncology Evaluation Unit where patients can be seen as outpatients and effectively treated for common issues like dehydration. This program has been so successful that Penn Medicine is now reviewing other patient populations that would benefit from a symptoms management clinic. "Research suggests that 25 percent of all readmissions are preventable, so what we've been able to demonstrate in this first year working with our partners at Independence is that we can implement strategies that substantially reduce our readmission rates and improve overall patient care," said Patrick J. Brennan, MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. "When we treat patients at or close to home, we are giving them the best chance at staying healthy and staying out of the hospital. By lowering our readmission rates we are improving the patient experience from the moment they walk through our doors until well beyond the time they leave the hospital." "Additional enhancements to care delivery, such as remote monitoring, virtual interaction, and intensive management in post-acute care and home settings, will further improve access to well-coordinated and satisfying care for our members and Penn Medicine patients," said Richard L. Snyder, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Independence Blue Cross. "The creative energy of our two organizations to improve the experience and outcomes of care is truly energizing and rewarding." UPHS's contract with Independence includes the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Chester County Hospital, as well as care delivered in outpatient facilities, hospice, and home care services. SOURCE Independence Blue Cross Related Links http://www.ibx.com MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today announced the appointment of Remi Lalonde as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lalonde succeeds Jo-Ann Longworth, who will be retiring after a distinguished career, including the past seven years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Resolute. Remi G. Lalonde, Chief Financial Officer, Resolute Forest Products (CNW Group/Resolute Forest Products Inc.) Mr. Lalonde had been serving as Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, since May 2018. Previously, he was General Manager of Resolute's pulp and paper mill in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Before taking a leadership role in operations, Mr. Lalonde was Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations. He initially joined the company as Senior Counsel, Securities, following six years at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York. Mr. Lalonde holds bachelor's degrees in both law and civil engineering from the University of Ottawa. "Remi has distinguished himself as a leader and built a strong record of achievement since joining Resolute almost a decade ago. He has broad-based knowledge of the company and depth of financial acumen," stated Yves Laflamme, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The promotion of Remi to this critically important role reflects well on the development of internal talent here at Resolute. As part of our Executive Team, Remi's diversity of experience, rigorous approach and commitment to excellence will support the company's ongoing transformation." "On behalf of the Board of Directors and employees of Resolute, I would like to thank Jo-Ann for her years of service and valued counsel. She has played an important role in building a stronger, more profitable and sustainable Resolute," added Laflamme. Ms. Longworth will serve as a special advisor to Mr. Lalonde until January 31, 2019. About Resolute Forest Products Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada. Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Resolute has received regional, North American and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. Visit www.resolutefp.com for more information. SOURCE Resolute Forest Products Inc. Related Links www.resolutefp.com Since his big-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, Mickey continues to serve as the global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company. From the beloved Mickey Mouse Club to today's Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, the character's optimistic outlook and endearing personality continue to delight fans around the world. "Shinola is a company that believes in celebrating American success stories," said Shannon Washburn, President of Shinola. "We are proud to join Disney in honoring the magic of Mickey Mouse while also commemorating the five-year anniversary of our flagship watch, the Runwell." Mickey Classics is a collection of limited-edition and special-edition Shinola Runwell timepieces, leather goods, audio equipment, wall clocks and journals showcasing Mickey Mouse. We are offering five limited-edition Runwell timepieces featuring illustrations by Disney's character artist, Jeff Shelly. Each illustration is drawn specifically for these five Shinola watches, inspired by iconic Mickey Mouse moments such as the character's appearance in Plane Crazy and Steamboat Willie. Limited to 90 timepieces per style in honor of Mickey Mouse's 90th Anniversary, each Runwell comes with one of five framed original sketches of Mickey Mouse, as well as a special-edition Shinola sketchbook with a "How to Draw Mickey" instructional booklet. Additionally, both the leather Runwell backpackwhich includes a hand-stitched leather applique of Steamboat Willieand the leather tech portfolio are lined with a "How to Draw Mickey" illustration. The Mickey Classics journals feature a flip book that animates a scene from The Nifty Nineties (1941) created by Disney legend Fred (Freddie) Moore, whose design and animation of the spunky little star is considered seminal in Mickey's career. The Shinola x Disney Mickey Classics collection will be available on November 16, at Shinola.com and in Shinola stores, Disney stores and select specialty retailers. Prices range from $28 for a journal to $2,500 for a Shinola Runwell Turntable. For more, please visit shinola.com. Additional imagery can be found here. ABOUT SHINOLA At Shinola, we've made a lasting commitment to making lasting things. World-class watches, beautiful leather goods, high-integrity audio, thoughtful gifts, and a hotel. If it's made, we want to try to make it better. With relentless optimism, tenacity, humor and humility, we help people shine in an understated way. We are charged up by our communities and do our best to give more energy than we take. ABOUT DISNEY PARKS, EXPERIENCES AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings the magic of Disney's stories, characters and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create memories that last a lifetime. The company's iconic travel and leisure businesses include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's print publisher; Disney Store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform. These experiences are created by Walt Disney Imagineering, the innovative force responsible for overseeing the segment's world-class products and experiences -- from immersive lands to interactive toys, and everything in between. SOURCE Shinola Related Links https://www.shinola.com NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A glimpse into the future of American innovation and emerging technological trends from the nation's brightest young inventors from a steerable microcatheter to a reusable UV-radiation-measuring sensor were recognized and honored today at the 2018 Collegiate Inventors Competition, an annual Competition for college and university students and their faculty advisors. "We stand on the cusp of truly historic times for science and technology," said Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). "The USPTO is proud to host this Competition. The research and innovations of our greatest collegiate inventors will lead our nation to ever higher achievements." Finalist teams (five Undergraduate and six Graduate), consisting of 29 students from 11 colleges and universities across the United States, received an all-expenses-paid trip to the final round of the Competition held at the USPTO's Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. The teams presented their inventions to an esteemed panel of final-round judges composed of the most influential inventors and innovation experts in the nation National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees and USPTO officials. "The Collegiate Inventors Competition, held at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, showcases the process of invention in our nation's greatest young innovators leading through creative thinking, problem solving and determination," said National Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael Oister. "These teams had the opportunity to compete against the most cutting-edge collegiate inventors, and they also were inspired and mentored by the greatest minds and innovation game-changers in the world the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame." Established in 1990, the Collegiate Inventors Competition is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The Competition is sponsored by the USPTO, Arrow Electronics, LYCRA, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and Bridgestone Americas Inc. 2018 GOLD WINNERS Undergraduate: Rhino, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Team Members: Elizabeth Bianchini, Kyler Kocher, Ann McInroy, Sam Resnick; Advisor: Warren Seering Less Mortar Mess: Removing decaying, crumbling mortar from between bricks to subsequently replace it with new mortar is a messy, tedious and time-consuming job in the construction field. This process, joint raking, generates so much silica dust that workers must wear respirators and goggles for safety. Rhino is a masonry tool attachment that can be used with any traditional rotary hammer. It improves accuracy and safety of joint raking, allowing masons to cover 50 percent more area during a given time. Graduate: PionEar, Harvard University Team Members: Nicole Black, Michael J. Kreder; Advisors: Joanna Aizenberg and Jennifer Lewis Clearing Your Hearing: Ear infections are a leading cause of healthcare visits worldwide, affecting more than 700 million people annually. Ear tubes, used to treat chronic ear infections, have several limitations. As many as 40 percent fail due to issues including clogging, bacterial adhesion, premature extrusion and the inability to effectively transport fluids out of the middle ear space. PionEar uses a bioinspired combination of novel 3-D printed designs and a liquid-infused material to combat these issues with the goal of reducing unnecessary revision surgeries to replace failed ear tubes. 2018 SILVER WINNERS Undergraduate: Radiex, Johns Hopkins University Team Members: Jody Mou, Linh Tran, Kevin Tu; Advisor: Amir Manbachi Extending Brain Surgery's Reach: During brain surgery, a retractor with metal blades holds brain tissue apart to maintain a working channel. Existing retractors hinder tumor removal and can cause further injury from pressure on brain tissue. Radiex's cylindrical, compact design allows surgeons to access the brain through the smallest point of entry. Once in place, Radiex has the flexibility to gradually expand, increasing the surgeon's area of visibility without added pressure to tissue. Graduate: Neurotendo, University of California at San Diego Team Member: Gopesh Tilvawala; Advisor: James Friend A Brainier Approach: Unruptured aneurysms in the brain are found in one in 50 people in the United States. They potentially can be treated by minimally invasive surgery, but existing surgical methods are often ineffective. Neurotendo addresses the need for a controlled approach to navigation of brain arteries and treatment of cerebral aneurysms with a steerable microcatheter that translates a neurosurgeon's command into the motion of the catheter tip. This micro surgical medical device enables precise navigation, reduction of procedure times and a safer technique. Neurotendo also was the winner of the 2018 Collegiate Inventors Competition People's Choice Award. 2018 BRONZE WINNERS Undergraduate: CropDoc, Brown University Team Members: Abigail Kohler, Jack Roswell, Eli Silvert, Alex Zhuk; Advisor: Chandra Madramootoo Sensing Sick Crops: Pests and crop diseases kill 20 percent of all crops before harvest, causing an annual $990 billion loss in farm income. No current technology can identify specific diseases on farms. Using advanced optics and novel processing techniques, CropDoc provides farmers with actionable insights regarding the location and projected progression of pests and specific crop diseases weeks before visual symptoms manifest. Graduate: OSPRI, Case Western Reserve University Team Members: Sanjit Datta, David Pfau, Eric Salomon, Charit Tippareddy; Advisor: Daniel Lacks Color Your Water Clean: An inadequate supply of clean water accounts for 3.4 million deaths each year. Optimized Solar Purification with a Reusable Indicator, or OSPRI, was developed to address the need of low-cost clean water in the developing world. Used with solar disinfection techniques, OSPRI is a reusable UV-radiation-measuring sensor that changes color to notify a user that the treated water is safe to drink. OSPRI could increase access to clean drinking water worldwide, drastically reducing waterborne illnesses. About the Collegiate Inventors Competition The Collegiate Inventors Competition encourages and drives innovation and entrepreneurship at the collegiate level. A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this Competition recognizes and rewards the research, innovations and discoveries by college students and their advisors for projects leading to inventions that have the potential of receiving patent protection. Introduced in 1990, the Competition has awarded more than $1 million to students for their innovative work and scientific achievement through the help of its sponsors. For more information, visit invent.org/challenge. CONTACT: Ken Torisky National Inventors Hall of Fame [email protected] 234-901-6085 SOURCE Collegiate Inventors Competition Related Links http://invent.org/challenge MIAMI, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- U Scope, an innovative technology solution provider that develops software and mobile applications for the insurance and construction industries, announced today that its PHOTO iD app has been named as the 2018 Most Innovative App by the Wireless Technology Forum. U Scope was also chosen as a Top Innovator. The Wireless Technology Forum Top Innovators recognizes and showcases the hottest and most innovative mobile and wireless companies in the Southeast. Companies were selected by an advisory panel of experts at the Forum's marquee "2020 and Beyond: Annual Analyst Event" held November 15 at Atlanta Tech Village in Atlanta. Products also go through a rigorous testing process as part of their selection. "We're proud to showcase an innovative startup that can have a profound and meaningful impact on the community, especially in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricanes Florence and Michael and the recent California wildfires," said Rattan Bhavinani, 2018 president of the Wireless Technology Forum. "Our programs are designed to educate and inform the community, and our Top Innovators are carefully chosen for their creative use of mobile technology. PHOTO iD is an innovative solution that streamlines property inspections and increases inspector efficiencyresulting in swifter and more accurate reports." U Scope has utilized the recent technological improvements in mobile cameras and incorporated those advances into a user-friendly app experience. U Scope's PHOTO iD app allows inspectors to leave the damaged property with all images labeled, group sorted and organized on a detailed photo report without hindering their normal inspection process. The app also allows inspectors to share images and collaborate remotely with other team members via a web app in order to process claims faster. A video that illustrates how PHOTO iD works can be found here: https://youtu.be/QWyjQMNOW_c. "Receiving the award for Most Innovative App speaks to the hard work of our team and the groundbreaking technology it has developed," said U Scope Chief Sales Officer Steve Bachman. "It's rewarding to know that our technology is helping disaster victims get their claims processed quickly and accurately, and that it will be a huge asset to the industry overall by improving how inspectors gather and share photos throughout the insurance inspection process." About U Scope U Scope develops technology solutions, mobile applications and digital products for the insurance and construction industries. The company offers solutions to simplify the property inspection experience for insurance adjusters and contractors to estimate smarter, faster and more efficiently. U Scope also provides an affordable selection of reliable inspection equipment and tools that offer a safer and more efficient way to scope property damage in order to complete a final repair assessment. U Scope is a privately-held company founded in 2015 by experts in field services, software development and insurance inspection. For more information, visit www.uScopeCorp.com or visit the app stores to download PHOTO iD for Free! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uscope.photoid https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-id/id1277608552?ls=1&mt=8 Media Contact: Dana Cogan Carabiner Communications 678.372.2163 [email protected] SOURCE U Scope Related Links http://www.uScopeCorp.com "The addition of a top financial professional such as AJ Bishop represents our deep commitment to Women & Wealth, a key component of our core strategy, which not only includes a strong focus on serving women clients but also represents our efforts to recruit a new generation of talented women to join our organization," said Mortensen. "AJ's proven leadership skills, recruiting capabilities, and depth of financial industry experience will help us expand our team and our business in the important San Diego market." Bishop comes to UnionBanc Investment Services with more than 12 years of experience leading teams of licensed financial advisors in brokerage, insurance, managed money and advanced markets products. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President, Regional Brokerage Manager at Wells Fargo Advisors. Prior to that, she was Vice President, Market Director, at JPMorgan Securities. "UnionBanc Investment Services is building a valuable brand based on the expertise of its advisors and their commitment to providing quality advice and service to their clients," says Bishop. "I'm excited to work with Mike and the outstanding team in San Diego to help our clients realize their financial goals, while growing our business in the region." Bishop is committed to giving back to her community and often brings her passion for yoga to community service projects. She volunteers her time with the Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans Yoga Project and Africa Yoga Project. Bishop holds a bachelor's degree in business and organizational communications from Purdue University and a master's degree in organizational systems with a concentration in leadership and business administration from Seattle University. She holds Series 4, 7, 9, 10, 24, 53, 63, and 66 licenses; and California Life Insurance License. About UnionBanc Investment Services Whether you are new to investing or an experienced investor, UnionBanc Investment Services can provide the expertise, investments, trading tools and financial news and information to help you meet your specific needs and goals. Our experienced Financial Advisors can work with you to create a personal wealth plan and we're as close as the Investment Center in your local Union Bank office. Brokerage and investment advisory services available through UnionBanc Investment Services LLC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer, investment adviser, member FINRA/SIPC, and subsidiary of MUFG Union Bank, N.A.: Are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, the Bank or any Bank affiliate Are NOT insured by the FDIC or by any other federal government agency Are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. About MUFG Union Bank, N.A. As of September 30, 2018, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. operated 354 branches, consisting primarily of retail banking branches in the West Coast states, along with commercial branches in Texas, Illinois, New York, and Georgia, as well as 22 PurePoint Financial Centers. We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial, and retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers. We also offer an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for customers, including investment banking, personal and corporate trust, global custody, transaction banking, capital markets, and other services. With assets of $124.0 billion, as of September 30, 2018, MUFG Union Bank has strong capital reserves, credit ratings and capital ratios relative to peer banks. MUFG Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MUFG), one of the world's largest financial organizations with total assets of approximately 306.4 trillion (JPY) or $2.7 trillion (USD), as of September 30, 2018. The corporate headquarters (principal executive office) for MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, which is the financial holding company, and MUFG Union Bank, is in New York City. The main banking office of MUFG Union Bank is in San Francisco, California. 1 Exchange rate of 1 USD=113.6 (JPY) as of September 28, 2018 Wealth planning strategies have legal, tax, accounting and other implications. Prior to implementing any wealth planning strategy, clients should consult their legal, tax, accounting, and other advisers. SOURCE MUFG Union Bank, N.A. Related Links http://www.unionbank.com SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Zero Financial, Inc. (Zero) announces that it has raised a total of $16 million in equity and debt funding to date from leading investors including Eniac Ventures, NEA, Nyca Partners, and Silicon Valley Bank. Zero replaces your checking, savings, debit, and credit cards with a rewards-rich banking experience powered by the Zero mobile app and Zerocard. The app displays deposits, purchases, and transfers in one place with a real-time net balance, giving you one simple number to spend from and track. "Few people understand how complex it is to launch either a credit card or a checking account program, and I believe Zero is the first US startup to launch both. Zero creates an innovative debit-style experience, with an elegant design, and truly compelling rewards. It's a fabulous banking experience," said Hans Morris, Managing Partner of Nyca Partners and former President of Visa, Inc. Zero has four card levels: Carbon, Magnesium, Graphite, and Quartz. Zerocard Carbon customers can earn 3.0% cash back on purchases and additional rewards of 1.75% annually on average net balances. Magnesium, Graphite, and Quartz level customers can earn 2.0%,1.5%, and 1.0% cash back on purchases and additional rewards of 1.00%, 0.50%, and 0% annually on average net balances, respectively. To earn cash back and rewards beyond one percent, the balance on Zerocard needs to be paid in full each month from deposits in a Zero account. Zero makes this easy -- Debit-style Experience automates Zerocard payments and prevents spending that would make your net balance negative. Learn more on Zero's website, zero.app. "I started Zero because I was frustrated with the offerings from big banks. I was torn between using a debit card to stay on top of my spending and using a credit card to get rewards, and I wanted to manage my day-to-day finances from an app that's easy to use, beautiful, and powerful. Many other people shared my belief that banking could be far better and more rewarding, so I decided to start Zero," said Bryce Galen, Founder & CEO of Zero. Zero also announced today that it has launched to its first public customers. Zero will extend more invitations in the next few months to its 160,000-person waitlist. "We will offer the best banking experience by welcoming customers at a measured pace. Thank you to our waitlist members for your patience and support -- we're excited to invite you to apply when we reach your position," said Galen. "We have a fast-growing team experienced in building world-class tech and banking products, and after more than two years of business development, software development, and product testing, Zero has launched," said Joel Washington, Founder & COO of Zero. Team members come from Affirm, Apple, Capital One, Dropbox, First Data, Google, Postmates, Shift, Silicon Valley Bank, The Bancorp, Upgrade, Wells Fargo, and Zynga. Zero has partnered with WebBank, a Salt Lake City-based bank, to issue Zerocard. "With industry-leading rewards, innovative spending oversight features, and a beautiful and powerful app, Zero is a transformative banking experience," said Jason Lloyd, EVP, Strategy & Business Development at WebBank. Zerocard is a World Mastercard. Deposits are held at Evolve Bank & Trust (a Memphis-based bank and Member FDIC) and insured up to FDIC limits. About Zero Zero, headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a financial technology company that enables consumers to experience the things they like about debit cards -- such as having a clear idea of how much money they have to spend -- with the cash back and flexibility of a credit card. Zero doesn't charge membership fees, ATM fees beyond what the ATM owner charges, foreign transaction fees, minimum balance fees, overdraft fees or many of the other fees that you've come to expect from typical bank accounts. At the Carbon level, all ATM fees charged by the ATM owner are refunded. To keep up with Zero, get in touch on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , or visit zero.app . About WebBank WebBank, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and organized in 1997, is an FDIC-insured, state-chartered industrial bank that extends credit to borrowers throughout the U.S. and operates under federal banking law. WebBank is the bank behind many of today's growing, customer-centric brands. It is a national issuer of online consumer and small business loans through brand partners which include retailers, OEMs, and financial technology companies. In addition, WebBank is a leader in digital lending and driving innovation in financial products through strategic partner relationships. Providing customized credit products and solutions to both SMBs and consumers, WebBank is dedicated to being a best-in-class provider of compliance, capital, and oversight management for strategic partner platforms. For more information about WebBank, visit webbank.com . About Evolve Bank & Trust Evolve Bank & Trust, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, is an FDIC-insured, state-chartered bank that operates loan production offices and full-service retail branches in Arkansas and Tennessee as well as mortgage production offices across the country. Evolve's dedicated Payment Processing Division offers ACH, Debit Sponsorship, Remote Deposit Capture and other processing solutions to clients around the country. In addition to banking, mortgage banking, and payment processing services, Evolve is a nationwide Preferred SBA Lender and also offers trust and fiduciary services, equipment finance and leasing, and physicians lending to its customers throughout the U.S. For more information about Evolve, visit getevolved.com . For more information, contact: Jamie Radice, Zero (619) 890-8263 j [email protected] SOURCE Zero Related Links http://www.zerofinancial.com SAN RAMON, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- History has been made with this most recent election period, now drawn to an end and the dust is settling out. Colorado has its first black congressman, 117 women won congressional seats, and Nevada elected a man who had passed away about a month prior. Many recently elected officials spoke on the topic of student loans which clearly many voters related to. American Financial Benefits Center (AFBC), a document preparation service company that has helped many struggling student loan borrowers apply for federal repayment programs, says this recent midterm election will bring with it changes to the student loan playing field, one way or another. After the past couple of years, many policies from the previous presidential era have come, gone, and been changed. As usual, some people have benefited from certain policies more than others. Recently, an Obama-era rule was reinstated, giving more borrowers a chance to better help themselves. It will take time to see how well these newly elected officials hold to their goals and promises, keeping in mind that there is only so much each individual can do within a political sphere, but for many, this midterm season has been seen as a sign of hope. "Big changes are likely coming for student loans from this election, even if they're changes that won't really take effect for a few years yet," said Sara Molina, manager at AFBC. For borrowers that have needed help before these recent elections, companies like AFBC have been doing their part. Helping clients apply for federal income-driven repayment programs that have potentially lowered their monthly payments and gotten them on track for student loan forgiveness after 20-25 years of being in the program is just a part of the good AFBC has done for student loan borrowers. "We believe student loan repayment shouldn't have to be a struggle. That's why we're so dedicated to helping our clients and being a student loan advocate," said Molina. About American Financial Benefits Center American Financial Benefits Center is a document preparation company that helps clients apply for federal student loan repayment plans that fit their personal financial and student loan situation. Through its strict customer service guidelines, the company strives for the highest levels of honesty and integrity. Each AFBC telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). American Financial Benefits Center Newsroom Contact To learn more about American Financial Benefits Center, please contact: American Financial Benefits Center 1900 Powell Street #600 Emeryville, CA 94608 1-800-488-1490 [email protected] Related Images image1.png voting-boxes.jpg Voting Boxes microphoto1981/Bigstock.com Related Links American Financial Benefits Center SOURCE American Financial Benefits Center Related Links http://www.afbcenter.com CHICAGO, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Application Processor Market by Device Type (Mobile Phones, PC Tablets, Smart Wearables, and Automotive ADAS & Infotainment Systems), Core Type (Octa-core, Hexa-core, Quad-core, Dual-core, and Single-core), Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Application Processor Market is expected to be worth USD 29.0 billion by 2018 and reach USD 38.2 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.63% from 2018 to 2023. The growth of this market can be attributed to the high demand for application processors from the consumer electronics industry for use in devices such as mobile phones and PC tablets. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Don't miss out on business opportunities in Application Processor Market. Speak to Our Analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=129689032 Octa-core segment to hold largest share of application processor market in 2018 By core type, octa-core segment leads the application processor market. Mobile phones account for a major share of the application processor market. As octa-core application processors are the most commonly used processors in mobile phones, the dominant position of mobile phone applications also award octa-core application processors the leading position in the overall application processor market. Market for automotive industry to grow at high CAGR during forecast period The application processor market for the automotive industry is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. Europe and APAC are the 2 major regions generating high demand for application processors for use in the automotive industry. In the automotive industry, automotive ADAS and automotive infotainment systems are the primary application areas of application processors. Rising demand for ADAS is one of the main factors boosting the growth of the application processor market for the automotive industry. Browse in-depth TOC on "Application Processor Market" 35 - Tables 39 - Figures 112 - Pages APAC expected to hold largest share of application processor market in 2018 APAC is expected to hold the largest share of the application processor market in 2018. China, India, and Vietnam are the key countries contributing to the growth of the application processor market in APAC. North America is expected to account for the second-largest share of the application processor market throughout the forecast period. The US currently accounts for the largest share of the application processor market in North America, followed by Mexico and Canada. Ask for PDF @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=129689032 A few major players operating in the application processor market are Apple (US), Samsung Electronics (South Korea), Qualcomm (US), MediaTek (Taiwan), NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), Texas Instruments (US), NVIDIA (US), Toshiba (Japan), and HiSilicon Technologies (China). Please explore relevant report "Microprocessor and GPU Market" also. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Shelly Singh MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/application-processor-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com SOURCE MarketsandMarkets (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785867/Astana_Club.jpg ) The study was prepared by the team of experts of Institute of World Economics and Politics headed by its director Yerzhan Saltybayev. Study was based on the opinions provided by more than 30 global experts and politicians, including several former heads of states and Nobel laureates. Additionally, more than 1,000 experts from 60 countries also provided input through questionnaires. Among the notable authors of the study are geopolitical and strategic forecasting gurus and Nobel laureates - Robert Kaplan, senior advisor at Eurasia group, Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Mathew Burrows, director of the Atlantic Council's Strategic Foresight Initiative, Matthew Rojansky, director of the Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Rajendra Pachauri, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and president of the World Forum on Sustainable Development and Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1997-2009), Nobel peace prize winner in 2005. The study pinpoints the top 10 global risks for Eurasia in 2019 as being: Escalation of the confrontation between China and the US; full-scale expansion of trade wars; the Great War in the Middle East; further degradation of relations between Russia and the West; "defrosting" of hotspots in Eurasia; growth of separatism and ethno-confessional conflicts; intensification of environmental and water challenges; strengthening and evolution of cyber threats; the beginning of a new arms race; and risk of major nuclear and technological disasters. The majority of the experts who participated in the project warn of the world's increasing vulnerability to global risks. The two most serious risks are associated with two areas of confrontation between the US and China. The first is in the military-political environment - involving mutual distrust and growing competition for dominance in Asia. The US will strengthen its policy of containing China, strengthening the anti-Chinese consensus in the Asia-Pacific region. This will provoke a response from China, which will seek to counteract the pressure. The second area relates to the trade war between the two giants which started in mid-2018. Tariff restrictions are sure to be extended, resulting in a slowdown in both countries' economies. The effect of protective measures "overflowing" to other markets may be seen as a result also. A slowdown in global trade and investment will be caused by trade restrictions around the world. The consequences of the US withdrawal from a nuclear deal with Iran could trigger a large-scale war in the Middle East. In 2019, relations between Russia and the West will continue to deteriorate. Pressure on Moscow may be intensified by sanctions: the next targets may be the largest Russian banks, whose dollar assets may be frozen. The defrosting of Eurasia's hotspots - the conflicts in eastern Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh and Afghanistan - could exacerbate relations between the great and regional powers. There is a high risk of a fresh round of violence between Sunni and Shiite groups in the Middle East, and in the near future many thousands of refugees, especially Rohingya Muslims, are at risk of a humanitarian crisis. Geopolitical confrontation will grow into cyberwar, with power plants and grids, military-industrial complexes, and electronic networks coming under attack. Losses from the actions of cybercriminals are growing dynamically and nearing 1% of world GDP. A return to the arms race is another risk created by the critical decline in confidence among the great powers. President Nazarbayev proposed a number of measures to mitigate these risks, such as the establishment of a dialogue platform between the leading world powers (the US, China, Russia, and the European Union). He suggested using the Astana platform to conduct such negotiations. He also considers it necessary to update the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, to continue the dialogue on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to work out solutions to eliminate trade wars which lead to an imbalance in world trade. President Nazarbayev also spoke in favour of forming a collective security organization in Asia on the lines of the existing CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia). In the future, this organization together with the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) could work out a security zone throughout the Eurasian subcontinent, he said. "It is expedient to hold a conference in Astana devoted to security in Eurasia. And this can be done on the basis of our Astana Club," the President suggested. The Club is organized by the Foundation of the First President of Kazakhstan and the Institute of World Economy and Politics under the Foundation. More than 50 leading international experts, politicians and diplomats from 33 countries of the world participate in the Astana Club, including Austria, Afghanistan, Belgium, Egypt, Italy, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Iran, Spain, China, Norway, Russia, Croatia, USA, Sweden and Japan. Media Contact: Aida Haidar +7-700-782-0648 SOURCE Astana Club Next year marks 30 years since China and Bahrain established diplomatic relations. In advance of the pearl anniversary, Bahrain is set to further deepen economic ties with China. Today, Bahrain signed eight landmark agreements with Shenzhen in the areas of technology and transportation to include: An MOU between EDB and the artificial intelligence (AI) firm, Intellifusion Technologies to advance AI dynamic portrait recognition that can benefit China , Bahrain , and the Middle East . Additionally, the MOU aims to promote the exchange and development of AI technology by sharing experiences and information through seminars or forums as well as exploring the potential for establishing headquarters and an AI institute in the Kingdom , , and the . Additionally, the MOU aims to promote the exchange and development of AI technology by sharing experiences and information through seminars or forums as well as exploring the potential for establishing headquarters and an AI institute in the Kingdom EDB partnered with Shenzhen FinTech company, IAPPPAY, to establish a full mobile payment gateway in Bahrain and explore opportunities in cryptocurrency, the possibility of initiating FinTech Funds, the potential for the establishment of a Mobile Internet Incubator in the Kingdom to accelerate regional digital economic development, the promotion of investment opportunities in Bahrain to leading industrial players in China , as well as the establishment of a FinTech ecosystem between MENA and China and explore opportunities in cryptocurrency, the possibility of initiating FinTech Funds, the potential for the establishment of a Mobile Internet Incubator in the Kingdom to accelerate regional digital economic development, the promotion of investment opportunities in to leading industrial players in , as well as the establishment of a FinTech ecosystem between MENA and An MOU between EDB and Shenzhen Outbound Alliance aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, information exchange, and establishing a regular communication channel for business information, and investment opportunities An MOU between EDB and Softbank China Capital Wonder News aiming to encourage Softbank China Capital and their investment portfolio companies to establish a presence in Bahrain and use the Kingdom as a regional hub to cover the Middle East and use the Kingdom as a regional hub to cover the EDB and 4PX signed an MOU exploring the possibility of 4PX initiating and establishing funds together with Bahraini companies in order to invest in entrepreneurship in China and Bahrain and EDB and Shenzhen Cool-hi Network Culture Technology partnered to promote the development of E-sports between the Middle East and China including hosting E-sports events and exploring investment opportunities in E-sports downstream supply chain between MENA and China and including hosting E-sports events and exploring investment opportunities in E-sports downstream supply chain between MENA and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) signed an MOU with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Branch (CCPITSZ) to harness and enhance collaborative initiatives to promote trade and investments between the two countries Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) signed an MOU with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Branch (CCPITSZ) to harness and enhance collaborative initiatives to promote trade and investments between the two countries EDB and CCPITSZ signed an MOU to harness and enhance collaborative initiatives between Bahrain and Shenzhen , strengthening information exchange and cooperation in economic and business activities Since Manama the capital city of Bahrain and Shenzhen became sister cities in 2016, the two cities have forged a number of business links. In June 2018, Bahrain EDB inaugurated its representative office for Southern China in Shenzhen, aiming to facilitate more investments by Chinese companies in Bahrain. "Our partnership with Shenzhen was built on common heritage as open and innovative business hubs with shared economic interests. We are very pleased to see our ties with this vibrant city continue to strengthen and believe these agreements will help us move towards a new era of collaboration," said HE Sheikh Hisham Bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, said, "Shenzhen is the first city with which we established a sister city relationship in China. We see our partnership with Shenzhen as a model for forging wider and deeper business ties between our two countries. There are numerous opportunities for Chinese companies in the region, especially as the GCC markets continue to transform their economies. Bahrain's location as the Gateway to the Gulf, and given the fact that it is one of the key countries along the new Belt and Road route, along with our open and liberal lifestyle, competitive business landscape, and world class regulation makes the Kingdom the ideal location from which Chinese companies can access this $1.5 trillion GCC market." "Bahrain is known as the Pearl of Gulf and is an important port on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Bahrain is also one of the most open and dynamic country with top-ranking business environment in the Middle East," said Mr. Ai Xuefeng, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen. "Bahrain and Shenzhen are already partnering in a number of areas. We sincerely hope to further work together with Bahrain to achieve greater prosperity between the two countries, promoting cooperation in key areas including finance, ICT, innovation and startup, and tourism." Bahrain Shenzhen Business Forum was attended by 250 people. Shenzhen is the first stop of the Bahraini delegation's 9-day tour of China's principal commercial centres. The delegation will visit Hangzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Beijing as it continues to explore deeper economic ties with China ahead of the 30-year anniversary. About Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain's investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment. The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain's competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport. For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com. SOURCE Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) Related Links http://www.bahrainedb.com Members can participate in the Login Event until December 11th by logging into Bithumb and clicking on the enter event button. In this event, 15 Bitcoins (valued at USD 97,789 as of today) will be provided to one winner, who will be selected by lottery after the event has conclude. The winner is scheduled to be announced on December 24th. In the Air Drop Event, prize money is given to top 500 members with the greatest amount of accrued transactions in the previous week. As for prize money, 7 Bitcoins will be given to first place (1 person), 100 Ethereum coins for the second place (4 people), and 8,000 Ripple coins for the third place (10 people) every Wednesday. In addition, Bithumb is selling a coupon for 10,000 KRW that allows holders to use Jet Cash, Monero, Dash, Bitcoin Gold, OmiseGO (total of 5 Coins) for free for one hour. The Air Drop Event will continue, and further announcements will be made on the event conclusion date. Furthermore, Bithumb plans to extend the new membership event that it has been holding since last month for foreign members. Bithumb will give out 20,000 Bithumb cash for those who sign up for membership and pay for 20,000 KRW (based on Bithumb cash) worth of transactions within the event period, from November 15th to December 19th. According to Head of Marketing Department of Bithumb, Andy Choi, "Interest towards not just Bitcoin and Ethereum, but cryptocurrency as a whole is increasing worldwide." He also stated that "We are happy to hold various events in return to the support from Bithumb members who always trust and use our service." On the other hand, Bithumb joined forces with a US-based fintech company SeriesOne on the 31st of last month and plans to build a stock-type token exchange in the US during the first half of next year. It is strengthening its position as a global firm specializing in block chain by also opening a decentralized exchange site 'Bithumb DEX' on the 15th of last month through its foreign subsidiary. For inquiries, please email at [email protected] / +82-2-6978-7156 SOURCE Bithumb NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bode, a new hotel category created to meet the growing demand of group lifestyle travelers, today announces the opening of its first property located in Nashville, Tennessee at 401 2nd Avenue South. Occupying a former condominium complex, Bode Nashville offers residence-style hotel accommodations accentuated by lively common spaces for eating, drinking, working and playing. Catering to the next generation of travelers, the concept expertly balances the flexibility and authenticity of vacation rentals with the comfort and conveniences of a boutique hotel. Located at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard, Bode Nashville is just steps away from Downtown Nashville where the music, art and epicurean scenes collide. Designed with an emphasis on comfort and flexibility, Bode Nashville affords guests the option to book two- to five-bedroom units boasting spacious living rooms, chef-inspired kitchens, private balconies, and, in some cases, backyards. Traditional one-bedroom hotel room options are also available for independent travelers seeking to partake in the Bode experience. "Bode aims to serve the group lifestyle traveler - travelers who, whatever the occasion, covet local experiences and connectivity above all else," says Bode CEO, Philip Bates. "We could think of no better city to debut our brand in. Nashville is centered around community and craft culture, making it the epitome of everything Bode and the Bode guest value. We're thrilled to call this electric city our first home." Flexible Living Meets Sensible Design With a variety of multi-unit floor plans that range from one to five bedrooms, Bode Nashville appeals to today's jetsetter who is increasingly traveling in groups - whether with friends and family, or even colleagues. Spacious living rooms and private balconies offer a comforting experience akin to spending a weekend at a best friend's apartment, while chef-inspired kitchens equipped with appliances like Haier ranges and GE profile dishwashers allow for in-room drinking and dining at leisure. Premium units boast fenced-in backyards for intimate outdoor gathering. Designed by Dryden Architecture And Design (DAAD), an award-winning architecture and design studio based in Nashville, the property's design encourages relaxation and socialization without the pressures of the typical hotel. With color and material palettes that are simple yet eclectic, the 100 guest rooms (which can be converted into 40 unique units) are intentionally uncluttered allowing dwellers to adapt the space to feel like their own. Highlighting local creatives, DAAD tapped local artisans, such as Southern Lights Electric (lighting and lighting design), Emil Erwin (custom leather furniture pulls) and Kings Interiors (custom furniture), among others, to tend to even the most minute details. For overall brand design and visual messaging, Bode tapped branding agency FINE , who helped bring their vision to life. All Roads Lead to The Hub Bode Nashville's heart and soul is the Hub, an inviting and dynamic space for guests and locals alike to gather. Part cafe and part craft bar, the Hub is a day-to-night setting perfect for an early morning coffee and fresh pastry, an afternoon charcuterie plate, or a late-night local draft. An artisanal market anchors the Hub, equipped with essential groceries (including produce, dairy, beer and wine) for in-room use. All Hub products are locally sourced, and include coffee from Stay Golden , pastries from Dozen Bakery , bread from Frothy Monkey , regional cheeses from Bloomy Rind , locally crafted charcuterie from Nicky's Coal Fired , cocktail mixes from White's Elixirs , tea from Firepot Nomadic Teas , and more. Outdoor Spaces Built for Connectivity The Hub leads to a collection of cozy porches, situated within the building's previously existing carport. Serving as outdoor living rooms, the porches boast views of Nashville's skyline and overlook Bode's courtyard and stage, which will host intimate concerts from local up-and-coming musical artists. Beyond the Hub, Bode Nashville features additional outdoor breakout spaces for guests to frequent while on-property. Fire pits adorn the grounds and encourage spontaneous bonding, s'more-making and sing-a-longing. Games like ping-pong and cornhole encourage socializing among groups and beyond. And don't forget Otis, Bode's very own 1948 Ford F5 truck - a tailor-made spot for gathering, pre-and-post gaming, dining, and the occasional photo op. Nightly rates begin at $200 per night for a standard hotel room. Two-bedroom, two bath units and larger begin at $400 per night. To inquire and reserve, guests may visit www.bode.co . Follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Bode Nashville 401 2nd Avenue South Nashville, TN 37201 (844) 431-BODE About Bode: Bode is a new category of hospitality created to accommodate the ever-growing segment of group lifestyle travelers. Crafted with a focus on group-friendly spaces and floor plans, Bode is a flexible residence-style, self-guided hotel experience accentuated by lively common spaces for eating, drinking, working and playing. Catering to the next generation of travelers, the concept provides the flexibility and authenticity of vacation rentals without sacrificing the comfort and conveniences of a boutique hotel. Launching in Nashville in 2018, Bode will expand to a variety of sought-after destinations in 2019 and beyond, including, Chattanooga, TN, and three California properties in Palm Springs, Indian Wells and Orange County. Media Contacts: The Door | [email protected] Adeline Benge | [email protected] | 201.704.9968 Allyson Berkowitz | [email protected] | 610.416.6234 SOURCE Bode Related Links http://www.bode.co Bowmore 1965 is the latest expression in the Vaults Series, a collection of the rarest whiskies from the home of the No. 1 Vaults. The liquid was one of the first to pass through Bowmore's then-new steam heated stills in 1965, benefitting from smoother heating and greater control, enabling the distillery to craft a spirit that was perfectly primed to mature over many decades. The expression is a rich reward for those who value the importance of savoring time, with plenty of time spent carefully perfecting every single element of the whisky making process when creating the release. "Bowmore 1965 demonstrates the rewards of our meticulous aging process and showcases the quality of whiskies coming from our passionate and dedicated distillery team," says David Turner, Bowmore Distillery Manager. "The 1965 expression comes from a golden era of distillation and adds another fine single malt to the Bowmore portfolio. The latest addition in our 50 year old Vaults series is sure to obtain legendary status among collectors and whisky enthusiasts." Bowmore 1965 is the fourth expression to debut from the Bowmore 50 Year Old VAULTS SERIES, a collection honoring the rare single malts that were first distilled and began aging in the No. 1 Vaults during the 1960s, an era known for producing some of Bowmore's most collectible bottlings. Bowmore 1965 joins: 1966 50 Year Old (released November 2017); Black Bowmore 1964 50 Year Old (released June 2017); and Bowmore 1961 50 Year Old (released December 2016). TASTING NOTES Bowmore 1965, 42% alcohol by volume This remarkably rare limited-edition bottling has, over its 52-year maturation, unlocked the rich fruit and balanced smoke tastes distinctive of 1960s Bowmore whiskies, which have been savored by connoisseurs worldwide and are renowned as some of the most collectible Bowmore expressions. An outstanding expression, Bowmore 1965 has been elevated to legendary status through maturation that showcases the iconic fruit notes and deep flavors that are revered in Bowmore single malts. On the nose, Bowmore 1965 offers elegant bursts of fragrant fruits, sweet bees wax and intense dark chocolate, developing into burnt heather and a fresh spring flower finish. Perfectly balanced with a touch of jasmine, dried fruit and apricots, this single malt is best savored neat. THE 1965 BOWMORE BOTTLE AND WOOD CASE Sitting at the pinnacle of Bowmore's portfolio, Bowmore 1965 is presented in a hand-blown glass bottle boasting sterling silver adornments and is housed in a hand-crafted cabinet made from Scottish oak. ABOUT BOWMORE Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the 'Islands' in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt. Time is savoured at Bowmore and the distillery's adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln. Bowmore Distillery's close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault's sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling. It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore is "Time, Savoured" a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over. Bowmore domestic product range: Bowmore 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old. www.bowmore.com; Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: BOWMORE About Beam Suntory Inc. As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin, and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith and Roku gin, and Midori liqueur. Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and a vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. Drink Smart. Enjoy Responsibly. Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 42% alc./vol. 2018 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Beam Suntory Related Links http://www.bowmore.com PORTLAND, Oregon, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Surge in travel & tourism activities, increase in infrastructural investment by regional governments, and rapid growth of travel retail market are expected to propel the growth of the global business travel market Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Business Travel Market by Service (Transportation, Food & Lodging, and Business Activity), Industry (Government and Corporate), and Traveler (Group and Solo): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023". The report offers in-depth analyses of the industry by closely monitoring the key industry trends, drivers & opportunities, top investment pockets, top growth strategies, key player positioning, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global business travel market was worth $1,304 billion in 2017 and is estimated to reach $1,657 billion by 2023, registering a CAGR of 4.1% during 2017-2023. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Increase in travel & tourism and rapid globalization of businesses coupled with growth in SMSs have boosted the growth of the global business travel market. However, increased adoption of technology hampers the market growth. On the contrary, surge in infrastructural investment by regional governments and boom in travel retail market are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1605 Food & lodging segment to gain traction by 2023 Food & lodging segment dominated the market in 2017, contributing about half of the market share, owing to increasing involvement of hotel booking agents such as Airbnb, Inc., and Oravel Stays Private Limited. In addition, the region is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 4.7% through 2023. The other segments analyzed in the report include transportation and recreation. Corporate industry segment to portray highest demand through 2023 The corporate industry segment garnered the largest market share in 2017, contributing about 64.61% of the total revenue. It is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period due to increase in corporate activities such as client meetings, brand & product promotions, which involve a lot of business travel. The government industry segment is expected to portray gradual demand during the forecast period. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1605 Group traveler segment to witness fastest CAGR by 2023 The group traveler segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the study period, registering a CAGR of 4.8% through 2023. This is because service providers give discounted rates on accommodation and transportation for group travelers. In 2017, the group traveler segment held the largest share of the market, contributing more than half of the total revenue and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the study period. Moreover, the solo traveler segment would show gradual growth from 2017 to 2023. Asia-Pacific to govern the market through 2023 In 2017, the Asia-Pacific region garnered the largest share, contributing about 42% of the total market revenue. In addition, the region is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, owing to strong economic growth, which creates lucrative opportunities for investors. The other regions analyzed in the report include North America, Europe, and Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Major market players The leading companies analyzed in the report are Airbnb Inc., Expedia Inc., American Express Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Hogg Robinson Group, Fareportal, Inc. (travelong inc.), BCD Travel, Flight Centre Travel Group, The Priceline Group, and Wexas Travel. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Purchase an enterprise user license and get 1 month complimentary access to our Knowledge Tree subscription. Offer valid till 15th November 2018. (*Terms and Conditions apply) Get subscription: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout/424809 Similar Reports: Travel Retail Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 Low Cost Airlines Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017 - 2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research DT's target market is the international wholesale markets across China where the flow of trade funds is not smooth, the quality of the purchase is not stable enough, and not all trade participants understand the trade process and policy needs clearly. DT directly provides users with online international settlement of trade payment and integrated services. Global buyers through DT can complete purchase orders, payments, cross-border trade contracts, orders with multi-level suppliers, exchange settlements, real-time order controls, efficient promotion of cargo collection and customs clearance inspection processes, in addition to financial and tax settlement. "Trades in traditional wholesale markets in China is completely un-digital. What we are doing with DT is integrating information about funds, goods, logistics, and custom clearance online and linking all parties involved in the international trading process," said Carson Huang Mihan, Founder and CEO of Camel Financial. Doing trades in wholesale markets is not easy, but making payments and getting paid shouldn't be a headache. DT is making it easier to manage trade from one easy-to-use mobile application, giving global buyers and merchandise suppliers more time and resources to dedicate to growing their business. DT is supported and closely supervised by government regulations and banks. Regulatory authorities can clearly review and monitor the flow of funds, goods purchasing and export information. The trade route is very transparent and visible with DT. Also, Camel Financial's strategic and global cooperation with Mastercard greatly enhances DT's user experience. The strategic partnership is based on Mastercard SendTM, a cross-border payment product enabled by the leading payment technology company. The cross-border support services will provide fast, secure and efficient money transactions for DT users from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and other countries and regions. Camel Financial explores a new B2B payment business revolution. "We're on a mission to digitalize global trades," said Carson Huang. The launch of Digital Trader is the kick-starter of this journey. SOURCE Camel Financial PORTLAND, Oregon, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Growth of the commercial banks & retail sector, increase in demand for automated cash-handling products, and increased application areas would drive the growth of the global coin sorter market. Allied Market Research published a report, titled, Coin Sorter Market by Type (Small Size Coin Sorter, Medium Size Coin Sorter, and Large Size Coin Sorter) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2016-2023. The report provides extensive analyses of the top investment pockets, drivers & opportunities, competitive landscape, and key strategic moves by key players. According to the report, the global coin sorter market generated $3.6 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2017 to 2023. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Growth of the commercial banks & retail sector, increase in demand for automated cash-handling products, and increase in application areas drive the growth of the market. However, advent of digital transactions restrains the market growth. On the other hand, increase in demand for technologically advanced self-service machines and untapped potential in emerging economies would provide new opportunities to the market. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4532 Small size coin sorter segment remain dominant by 2023 Small size type accounted for nearly half of the total market share in 2017, owing to the rapid emergence of infrastructural money handling requirements, increased application areas, and surge in the number of cash-intensive environment facilities. This segment is expected to maintain its lead through 2023. However, large size coin sorter segment would register the highest CAGR of 7.6% from 2017 to 2023 due to their increased utilization in large cash-sensitive businesses and technological advancements. The medium size coin sorter segment would witness moderate growth during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific to grow the fastest through 2023 The trend of using automation for handling cash and increase in presence of highly cash-intensive businesses have enabled the Asia-Pacific region to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.7% from 2017 to 2023. However, North America contributed more than one-third share of the total revenue in 2017, owing to heavy inflow of investments in the R&D sector and advancements in sorting technologies. This segment is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4532 Leading market players The leading players analyzed in the report include Giesecke & Devrient, Laurel, Glory Global Solutions Limited, Baija Baiter, Delarue, Cummins Allison, Royal Sovereign, Suzhou Ribao Technology Co., ltd., BCash, and CT Coin. These players have adopted various strategies including collaborations, joint ventures, partnerships, expansions, and others to gain a strong foothold in the industry. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Purchase an enterprise user license and get 1 month complimentary access to our Knowledge Tree subscription. Offer valid till 15th November 201 8 . (*Terms and Conditions apply) Get subscription: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout/127721 Similar Reports: Note Sorter Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017 - 2023 Online Banking Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017 - 2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research ROYAL OAK, Mich., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- After 92-years, one of Michigan's oldest and steadfast farmers markets is in jeopardy from the Civic Center project that will eliminate more than 200 of the free surface parking spaces surrounding the lot. A lack of transparency from the City has many farmers worried about the future of their businesses. A dedicated website has been set up for the Farmer's Market, visit www.savethefarmersmarket.com for more information. "The city is all screwed up," said Dominic Cinzori of Cinzori Organic, who has been at the market for 20 years. "Cities all over Michigan and the U.S. are working to develop local farmers markets and Royal Oak is trying to destroy one of the oldest and purest markets in the state." The Take Back Royal Oak Coalition is working with many of the market vendors in advocating for the city to revisit the idea that would add additional floors to the police station, which would save more than 100 desperately needed spots near the farmers market while providing parking for area businesses. Ken Penzien a fourth-generation farmer operates Penzien's Farm & Greenhouses in Imlay City and has been a fixture at the market for 31 years. "Financially, it's been a significant hit every weekend, not just for me but for almost everyone, which is why we need to express our concerns on behalf of the people of Royal Oak because this is their market," said Penzien. Don and Jan Van Houtte have carried on a four-generation family tradition of selling at the Royal Oak Farmers Market since the 1920s. "The city back then really had a vision. But now, I think the city is missing its mark with its planning, the lack of parking and belief that shoppers will walk to a parking structure because they told us they won't," said Jan Van Houtte. Concern about Royal Oak City Hall's transparency has grown from a group of business owners to a grassroots citizen effort and now includes vendors from the Royal Oak Farmers Market. SOURCE Take Back Royal Oak Coalition Related Links http://www.savethefarmersmarket.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Suisse AG announced today that it will implement a 1-for-20 reverse split of its VelocityShares 3x Inverse Natural Gas ETNs ("DGAZ"), expected to be effective as of November 26, 2018. The reverse split will be effective at the open of trading on November 26, 2018. DGAZ will begin trading on the NYSE Arca on a reverse split-adjusted basis on November 26, 2018. Holders of DGAZ who purchased such ETNs prior to November 26, 2018 will receive one reverse split-adjusted ETN for every twenty pre-reverse split ETNs. In addition, such purchasers that hold a number of ETNs not evenly divisible by twenty will receive a cash payment for any fractional ETNs remaining (the "partials"). The cash amount due on any partials will be determined on November 30, 2018 based on the closing indicative value of DGAZ on such date and will be paid by Credit Suisse AG on or about December 5, 2018. The closing indicative value of DGAZ on November 23, 2018 will be multiplied by twenty to determine the reverse split-adjusted closing indicative value. Following the reverse split, DGAZ will have a new CUSIP, but it will retain its current exchange ticker symbol. The reverse split will affect the trading denomination of DGAZ, but it will not have any effect on the stated principal amount of DGAZ, except that the stated principal amount of DGAZ will be reduced by the corresponding aggregate amount of any cash payments for the "partials." Illustration of a Reverse Split The following table shows the effect of a 1-for-20 reverse split on 100,000 ETNs: Number of ETNs Hypothetical Closing Indicative Value Aggregate Closing Indicative Value Pre-Reverse Split 100,000 $5.00 $500,000 1-for-20 Post-Reverse Split 5,000 $100.00 $500,000 The above table illustrates the effect of the reverse split on the number of ETNs and the hypothetical closing indicative value of the ETNs. Note that the closing indicative value is not the same as the trading price of the ETNs. None of the other exchange traded notes issued by Credit Suisse AG are affected by this announcement. Reverse Split Exchange Ticker Symbol Current CUSIP / New CUSIP VelocityShares 3x Inverse Natural Gas ETNs due February 9, 2032 DGAZ 22542D373 / 22542D282 Press Contacts Karina Byrne, Credit Suisse AG, telephone +1 212 538 8361, [email protected] Credit Suisse ETNs Telephone +1 800 320 1225, [email protected] Credit Suisse AG Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). Our strategy builds on Credit Suisse's core strengths: its position as a leading wealth manager, its specialist investment banking capabilities and its strong presence in our home market of Switzerland. We seek to follow a balanced approach to wealth management, aiming to capitalize on both the large pool of wealth within mature markets as well as the significant growth in wealth in Asia Pacific and other emerging markets, while also serving key developed markets with an emphasis on Switzerland. Credit Suisse employs approximately 45,560 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse AG's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com. SOURCE Credit Suisse AG Related Links http://www.credit-suisse.com CHICAGO, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "CRISPR Technology Market by Product (Enzymes, Kits, gRNA, Libraries, Design Tools), Service (gRNA Design, Cell Line Engineering), Application (Biomedical, Agricultural), End User (Pharma & Biopharma Companies, Academics, CROs) - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the CRISPR Technology Market is expected to grow from USD 562 million in 2018 to USD 1,715 million by 2023, at a CAGR of 25% during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Don't miss out on business opportunities in CRISPR Technology Market. Speak to Our Analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=134401204 The major factors driving the CRISPR Technology Market include the rising funding from government and private organizations and the high adoption of CRISPR technology. The CRISPR products segment is expected to command the largest share of the CRISPR Technology Market during the forecast period. The CRISPR Technology Market, by product and service, is estimated to be dominated by the products segment in 2018. This is attributed to the fact that the CRISPR technology is being adopted quickly by academics and researchers, pharma and biotech companies. The enzymes segment is expected to account for the largest share of the products market, being one of the key ingredients in the CRISPR process. Companies like Merck KGaA and Thermo Fisher Scientific are providing hands-on training to researchers, which will increase the demand for CRISPR products in the future. Browse in-depth TOC on "CRISPR Technology Market" 132 - Tables 24 - Figures 163 - Pages View more detailed TOC @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/crispr-technology-market-134401204.html Biomedical applications to occupy the majority of the market, by application, and grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The biomedical applications segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment of the market, by application, during the forecast period. Developments in gene therapy, drug discovery, and diagnostics, due to the application of CRISPR, are driving the growth of this biomedical segment. Many companies have also invested in drug discovery and gene therapy companies that are using CRISPR technology. North America is projected to account for the largest share of the CRISPR Technology Market, by region, during the forecast period. North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the market in 2018. The large share of CRISPR technology in this region is majorly attributed to the rising government and private funding, presence of major pharma and gene therapy companies, and the adoption of CRISPR in a number of applications. Crops that are treated with CRISPR-based gene editing are not considered as GMOs in the US, which has attracted the attention of agricultural companies to the commercialization of CRISPR-edited crops. Request for Free Sample Report @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=134401204 Some of the key players of CRISPR in this region are Cellecta, Inc. (US), Thermo Fisher (US), GeneCopoeia, Inc. (US), Applied StemCell (US), Synthego Corporation (US), OriGene Technologies (US), Horizon Discovery (UK), Merck (Germany), and GenScript (US). Browse Adjacent Markets @ Biotechnology Market Research Reports & Consulting About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Shelly Singh MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/crispr-technology-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com SOURCE MarketsandMarkets LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Croatia's Hrvatski Telekom trialling 5G The telecoms market in Croatia has been shaped by the country having joined the European Union in 2013, a process which resulted in market liberalisation and the creation of a regulatory environment conducive to competition. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5257927 Alternative operators have entered the market and there is effective competition in the in the fixed-line, broadband and mobile markets. Operators are investing in network infrastructure to support bandwidth-intensive services. In common with developments elsewhere in Europe, investment is being earmarked for fibre and mobile infrastructure while the fixed-voice market continues to dwindle. The mobile market has one of the highest penetration rates in the Balkans region. Three network operators dominate the market, though there is also room for a small number of MVNOs. The network operators have focused on improving ARPU by encouraging prepaid subscribers to migrate to postpaid plans, and on developing revenue from customer use of mobile data services. To this end considerable work is ongoing to upgrade network infrastructure, with the incumbent telco Hrvatski Telekom spearheading trials of 5G technologies and services. This report provides a review of Croatia's fixed-line market, covering regulatory developments, fixed-line infrastructure and the financial and operating performance of the main operators. The report also analyses the developing broadband market including a variety of statistics and subscriber forecasts. In addition the report assesses the mobile voice and data segments, detailing financial and performance statistics of the service providers, assessing network developments and technologies and examining a range of mobile services including m-commerce. Key developments: Hrvatski Telekom launches Croatia's first NB-IoT network, trials 5G technologies; Regulator sets new fixed and mobile termination rates to 2019; VIPnet rebranded as A1 Croatia; HT trials G.fast technology, launches gigabit services; Amendments to the Electronic Communications Act come into force; Optima Telekom reports 27.7% increase in revenue for the first half of 2018; Government launches National Program for the Development of Shared Broadband Infrastructure program; Regulator funds rural broadband projects; Government abolishes 6% tax on mobile services revenue; Regulator allocates remaining 800MHz spectrum; Report update includes the regulator's market data to June 2018, telcos' operating and financial data to Q2 2018, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Hrvatski Telekom (HT), A1 Croatia (VIPnet), Tele2 Croatia, H1 Telekom, Optima Telekom, Metronet Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5257927 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 TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading vertically integrated cannabis operator in the United States, announced today that the Company has opened Tallahassee's largest medical marijuana dispensary in the community's Midtown area. As the state approaches 150,000 registered medical marijuana patients, Curaleaf is opening its 16th medical marijuana dispensary in Florida. Curaleaf's nationwide retail footprint is now 31 dispensaries. Over 6400 square feet, Curaleaf's first dispensary in Tallahassee offers patients its premium medical marijuana products in a spacious, comfortable environment that includes private consultation rooms. In addition, Curaleaf now offers free daily delivery service throughout the Panhandle region. "It has now been 2 years since Florida's voters approved medical marijuana in the state, during which time our team at Curaleaf has been dedicated to ensuring patients have access to this life-changing treatment," said Curaleaf Florida President, Lindsay Jones. "Our presence in Tallahassee allows us to offer free daily medical marijuana delivery service to Florida's 150,000 active patients." In addition to the Company's unwavering commitment to accessibility, Curaleaf remains dedicated to providing patients with one-on-one customer service and educational resources. The Midtown dispensary will launch a series of monthly educational events beginning this December for local patients, physicians and community members in the dispensary's large community meeting room. Located at 1345 Thomasville Road, dispensary operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10am 7pm; Saturday, 10am 5pm; and Sunday, Noon 5pm. The State of Florida's Office of Medical Marijuana Use Registry requires an order from a qualified Florida ordering physician and a State of Florida medical marijuana card to obtain medical marijuana products. All dispensary visitors must show a State of Florida medical marijuana card. Throughout the year, discounts are offered to senior citizens, military veterans, pediatric patients and recipients of government financial assistance. Customers also have the option to place orders online or telephonically. Patients may call 877-303-0741 for more information. About Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. The Company is the parent of Curaleaf, Inc., a leading vertically integrated cannabis operator in the United States. Headquartered in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Curaleaf, Inc. has a presence in 12 states. Curaleaf, Inc. operates 31 dispensaries, 12 cultivation sites and 10 processing sites with a focus on highly populated, limited license states, including Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Curaleaf, Inc. leverages its extensive research and development capabilities to distribute cannabis products in multiple formats with the highest standard for safety, effectiveness, consistent quality and customer care. Curaleaf is committed to being the industry's leading resource in education and advancement through research and advocacy. Curaleaf Inc.'s Florida operations were the first in the cannabis industry to receive the Safe Quality Food certification under the Global Food Safety Initiative, setting a new standard of excellence. For more information please visit www.curaleaf.com. Media Contact: Lauren Garcia-Velez [email protected] 305.443.3500 Investor Contact: KCSA Strategic Communications Valter Pinto, Managing Director PH: (212) 896-1260 [email protected] SOURCE Curaleaf, Inc. Related Links https://www.curaleaf.com Conceived by the Yurmans, the expanded 1,660 square foot boutique reflects the brand's aesthetic and the family's unique artistic expression. The black concrete storefront as well as vernacular design elements evoke characteristics of the region. In the main area, a palette of artisan plasters, travertine, antique brass and walnut offer a subdued elegance, while rich white gold-leaf panels with various textures and patinas highlight focal areas throughout the store. The space will also feature wide-plank white oak floors and custom carpets. Other distinct features include a men's jewelry area and a private salon. The men's space has a distinctly masculine feel created through the use of charcoal plaster, blackened steel accents, live edge walnut counters and leather flooring. The boutique's private salon is adorned with white gold-leafed panels highlighting the Colorado state flower, the Blue Columbine. The David Yurman boutique is located on the second floor at Cherry Creek Shopping Center - 3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206. About David Yurman David Yurman is the premier American luxury jewelry brand with a mission to share in life's exceptional moments. Founded by two artists, David and Sybil Yurman, in New York in 1980, artistic inspiration, craftsmanship and unconventional yet elegant designs are at the core of the brand. The marriage of David's background in sculpture with Sybil's natural understanding of color and art yields signature jewelry designs; diamond, pearl, and gemstone jewelry and Swiss-crafted timepieces that are renowned for capturing the essence of relaxed American luxury. David Yurman collections are available at 47 retail and concession locations throughout the United States, Canada, and France and at over 350 locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers, including in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, UK, Russia and the Middle East. Gabrielle de Papp David Yurman [email protected] 646.264.7766 Adrienne Houdmont HL Group [email protected] 646.460.8928 SOURCE David Yurman LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation announced today that it awarded Benevolence Health Centers a $59,500 grant to improve oral health in Southern California. Benevolence Health Centers provides health care and education to more than 13,000 patients each year throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The grant will support the addition of dental treatment into Benevolence's mobile clinic due to the increased demand for dental services in the community. "We're delighted to collaborate with Benevolence Health Centers in improving the oral health of underserved children and adults in Los Angeles and Orange Counties," said Karen Robinson, vice president of corporate affairs for Delta Dental and executive director of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. "Our impact is only as strong as our partnerships, and we could not make a difference without the hard work and dedication of the organizations we support." The grant is one of 66 given in California this year by the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to help improve the oral health of disadvantaged children and adults by removing barriers to quality dental care. Since its inception in 2011, the Foundation has awarded nearly $5.5 million in grants to organizations throughout California. About Delta Dental Community Care Foundation The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of New York, Inc., and Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded nearly $39 million in funding and support to increase access to quality dental care, oral health education, and advance scientific research across the company's 15-state service area and the District of Columbia. Media Contact: Megan Grabos [email protected] 415-808-6946 SOURCE Delta Dental Community Care Foundation ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- QDiligence (http://QDiligence.com), the leading provider of digital D&O Questionnaires (Director and Officer Questionnaires) and Board Assessments, announced today that it has successfully completed annual data security audits, reviews, and certifications for ISO 27001, System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II, and both the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield frameworks. Annual evaluations of QDiligence's data security controls and processes by independent auditors demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a secure environment for processing customers' data. "Implementing ISO 27001, SOC 2, and Privacy Shield controls and having those controls regularly validated by third parties means that QDiligence customers know their data is processed and protected appropriately," said Russell G. Maher III, President of QDiligence. "At QDiligence data security is, and always has been, our top priority and we're proud that we can provide a convenient, easy to use, and very secure service for digitally distributing D&O Questionnaires and Board Assessments year after year." ISO 27001 is the global security standard for establishing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). To maintain ISO 27001 certification, a company must annually demonstrate a systematic and ongoing approach to managing sensitive company and customer information. SOC 2 engagements are performed in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) AT-C 205, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization and based on the trust service principles outlined by the AICPA relevant to Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, or Privacy. The SOC 2 Type II report is performed by an independent auditing firm and is intended to provide an understanding of the service organization's suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls. Service organizations select the trust service principles applicable to their business for review. QDiligence SOC 2 report covers controls for Security, Availability, and Confidentiality. Participating in the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks requires a public, legally binding commitment to meet all of the program's data privacy requirements to protect personal data. The frameworks require certified companies to clearly communicate all privacy policies to the public and inform individuals of their rights to access their personal data. QDiligence Privacy Shield certification is the primary method used by QDiligence customers to legally transfer data from the EU as required by EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and outside of Switzerland under the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection. To learn more about QDiligence, visit QDiligence.com About QDiligence QDiligence is the leading provider of digital Directors and Officers (D&O) Questionnaires and Board Assessments. QDiligence's first-of-its kind technology has processed over 20,000 D&O Questionnaires and Board Assessments submissions since 2007. Corporate Secretaries, General Counsel and Corporate Governance professionals distribute D&O Questionnaires and Board Assessments up to 80% faster with QDiligence. Directors and Officers Boards complete questionnaires using any device from anywhere and there is no software to install or maintain. QDiligence subscriptions include unlimited questionnaires, unlimited users and administrators, incomparable customer support and world-class data security which is why many of the world's largest corporations have chosen QDiligence for their digital D&O Questionnaires and Board Assessments. Media Contact: Russell Maher, President (800) 820-0542 [email protected] SOURCE QDiligence Related Links http://QDiligence.com PHOENIX, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CEO Victoria McVay of Paradise Ridge Dentistry ( https://phoenixarizonadentistry.com ) was recently selected to be eAssist's latest Top Doctor Award Winner ( https://dentalbilling.com/category/eassist-top-doctor/ ). The award is given each month to an eAssist client who meets the combined standards of exemplary service, patient care, as well as exceptional value in their service to their local community. Paradise Ridge Dentistry in Arizona Victory McVay is a third generation native of Arizona and holds a Master's of Public Administration from the University of Maryland College Park, in addition to a bachelor's from The University of Arizona and an Associate's Degree in Fashion Design from the Emily Dickens School of Fashion in Denver, Colorado. She has over a decade working in the dental field and was the founder of Paradise Ridge Dentistry. With both weekend and nighttime dentistry available, Paradise Ridge is structured to be patient friendly and patient accessible. With multiple doctors under one roof, the practice provides the following services and amenities to its patients: Emergency Dentistry: Open nights and weekends. Payment Option Plans: Affordable dentistry. Pediatric Dentistry. Same-day Crowns: With specials offered per crown. Sedation Dentistry: IV sedation and nitrous oxide. Dental Implants: All work is completed within the office. Porcelain Veneers: Available in just one visit. Invisible Braces: For both teens and adults. Is open seven days a week. An enclosed play area for children. Spanish-speaking staff. Patient referral services and acceptance of 99 percent of all PPO dental plans. The doctors at Paradise Ridge Dentistry are highly experienced, with decades working with both young children and adults. The practice provides all services under one roof, ranging from pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, to cosmetic dentistry; and major dental work comes with the choice of conscious or IV sedation. Finally, without the need to refer patients to specialists, patients routinely save both time and money at Paradise Ridge Dentistry. In addition to excellent dental care, Paradise Ridge Dentistry also prides itself on intense community involvement. Some of the recent local charity and community events the practice has organized include: A Halloween Candy-For-Cash exchange: Kids, parents and schools exchanged wrapped Halloween candy for $1 per pound. The event was intended as a way for schools to earn money for various PTOs. In addition, Operation Gratitude (which sends candy and letters to service men and women) will be the November recipient of a similar Candy-For-Cash event. per pound. The event was intended as a way for schools to earn money for various PTOs. In addition, Operation Gratitude (which sends candy and letters to service men and women) will be the November recipient of a similar Candy-For-Cash event. Onesie Night at PRD: Team members went dressed in their favorite onesies to compete for best dressed. Winners chose their favorite charities to receive donations directly from Paradise Ridge. Operation Smile Wide: Patient toothbrushes were donated to Operation Gratitude. Oral Cancer Walk for Awareness: The team at Paradise Ridge Dentistry completed a zoo walk for oral cancer awareness at the Phoenix Zoo. Paradise Ridge Dentistry also offers scholarships and free financial assistance via a Paradise Ridge Scholarship. The winner of this year's inaugural scholarship submitted her winning essay and was gifted a $1000 check personally by Victoria McVay. "I am super excited to see where the practice is headed. The office is very active in their community and as Tori said in her podcast with eAssist, 'may every guest who enters leaves as a friend' is a true representation of how this office not only cares for dentistry but the people as well," said Natalie Rogers, an eAssist Team Member working with Victoria. About Paradise Ridge Dentistry Founded by owner and CEO, Victoria McVay, Paradise Ridge Dentistry takes a fun and friendly approach to dentistry. With a talented dental team, Paradise Ridge incorporates new strategies and technologies to keep on the cutting edge of dentistry practice. In addition to quality dental care, Paradise Ridge is also deeply involved with community initiatives that give back, as well as charitable contributions that support worthy causes. Learn more at: www.PhoenixArizonaDentistry.com . About eAssist Dental Solutions eAssist Dental Solutions is America's leading provider of virtual insurance billing services for dental offices. The company's end-to-end solution eases the burden on office staff, while optimizing the claims payment and appeals process. eAssist ultimately helps practices be more efficient, profitable and customer-focused. Learn more at: https://dentalbilling.com/ . Contact: Jaycee Brown, Director of Communications (385) 204-3546 [email protected] SOURCE eAssist Dental Solutions Related Links https://dentalbilling.com/ Created by the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism and EY, this project has brought together a collection of participants with both market strength and diversity across the entire investment chain, representing US$30 trillion of assets under management and almost 2 million employees around the world. The health of corporations and financial markets and public trust in both is critical to economic growth. Our collective future strongly depends on vibrant and sustainable capital markets. Market participants have a role to ensure long-term value creation that benefits all. Today, a company's value is increasingly reflected not just in its short-term financial performance, but also by intangible assets such as intellectual property, talent, brand and innovation, as well as impacts on society and the environment that are not fully captured by traditional financial statements. To understand this value, participants in EPIC believe it is essential to focus on and measure: Talent: the way companies manage their human capital when it comes to compensation and benefits; recruitment; training and development; diversity and inclusion; well-being and creating a purpose-driven culture of engagement. Innovation: fulfilling unmet needs and maintaining focus on the end user during the innovation process and fostering trust in the organization. Society and environment: the impact on external stakeholders and communities by contributing to business-relevant social and environmental goals. Governance: the effectiveness of the board in providing appropriate oversight, governance mechanisms to ensure board quality and independence, and the ability of leadership, in conjunction with the board, to develop and assess long-term strategy. The report released today, which is available at EPIC-value.com, outlines several of these intangible assets and possible metrics for helping companies communicate their ability to generate long-term value to both investors and society as a whole. The group believes that these findings serve as a contribution to ongoing discussions around long-term value creation and, at the same time, serve as an impetus for discussions that have yet to begin. Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, CEO and Founder of the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism, says: "The activities that society expects from business are changing and this will affect value creation for long-term investors. EPIC addresses this reality and represents a breakthrough in how businesses can measure and report the true value they create for all stakeholders. We look forward to a rigorous discussion on the results of this work and ways it can be applied around the world." Recognizing more work needs to be done to capture the full range of corporate activities and assets that create long-term value, the group will continue to test the results embodied in this report and expect that the results will not be considered in the same way by different companies, asset managers and owners. That acknowledged, it will continue this journey alongside other like-minded initiatives and invite others to join its efforts. Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says: "There has been a lot of focus recently on short-term pressure in our capital markets and a lively discussion around quarterly reporting, but what we report is as important as how often we report it. It is time to update how we value companies and measure their impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. EPIC brought together companies and investors to help define how firms create long-term value and offer potential ways to measure and report on that." Notes to Editors Embankment Project participants' quotes The following organizations made the below comments on today's announcement: Tom Wilson, The Allstate Corporation Chairman, President and CEO: "Business serves four roles for society. By making a profit we ensure we give back more value to society than we use to serve customers. We also need to create jobs, make sure free markets work and improve our communities. Business leaders should be judged by how we accomplish all four roles." Christian Hyldahl, ATP Chief Executive Officer: "With the increased global challenges of short-termism, mistrust and need for better governance and transparency, we believe it is important with a continuous focus on sustainable growth. The collaboration and dialogue evolving around The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) report has been an interesting and rewarding project to be part of alongside other like-minded investors with a long-term focus. International collaboration is essential if we want to be ambitious and achieve a sustainable and inclusive growth." Thomas Finke, Barings Chairman and CEO: "Historically, maximizing corporate profits and growing shareholder value sat at the center of most companies' strategic objectives. Today this goal sits alongside another strategic imperative: being a company of purpose. Consumers, shareholders and the general public expect companies to incorporate sustainable goals as part of their strategic planning and business objectives. Similarly, the investment community must also consider the impact that their activity has on society. These paradigms are at the heart of the sustainability movement and will require that global companies and investors focus on purpose and not just profits." Marcie Frost, CalPERS Chief Executive Officer: "As a long-term investor in a dynamic world, CalPERS is excited about building on The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC's) work to strengthen our understanding of risks and opportunities in our portfolio. The work of EPIC underscores how important it is to investors to have enhanced reporting on topics, such as human capital, that can truly enable investors to understand how effectively a company is positioning itself for the long-term." Ed Breen, DowDuPont Chief Executive Officer: "We are in the process of separating DowDuPont into leading global companies in agriculture, materials science and specialty products. Our guiding principles through this process clearly align with the key value drivers outlined by The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC), which we applaud and champion. This focus will enable us to build strong, independent companies that each have world-class talent, the ability to drive innovation, a commitment to sustainability and serving communities, and corporate governance that will drive value for all key stakeholders." Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: "Ecolab supports the Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) and its focus on fostering long-term value and sustainable economic growth. As the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, we firmly believe that real and lasting change is accelerated when economic, environmental and social benefits align." Hendrik du Toit, Investec Group Joint CEO: "We live in unprecedented times, and the world needs to change if it is to support a growing economy in a more sustainable and inclusive way. As stewards of long-term capital on behalf of this generation, today's investors and the financial industry as a whole need to come up with practical ways to encourage the required shift. Our industry has a significant role to play in financing a more sustainable future, and our commitment to investing for a better tomorrow is an integral part of our purpose." Mary Callahan Erdoes, J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management CEO: "Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild's drive to create a better and more inclusive system of capitalism is equally profound as it is pragmatic. As an advisor to companies and individuals alike, and an active member of so many communities around the world, JPMorgan Chase recognizes and embraces the importance of these efforts. This work is particularly meaningful in our Asset Management business where, as stewards of our clients' assets, we work tirelessly to allocate capital to management teams who employ proper corporate governance and ultimately drive the best long-term value for our investors." Alex Gorsky, Johnson and Johnson Chairman and CEO: "As a global leader in healthcare committed to ensuring good health is within reach of everyone, everywhere, Johnson & Johnson is focused on creating long-term value for all of our stakeholders. We believe that both the mission of The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) and its value drivers are closely aligned with the aspirations expressed in Our Credo. We have been proud to be part of the EPIC team over the past 18 months, and we remain committed to working with others to continue to drive positive change across the value chain." Mark Schneider, Nestle Chief Executive Officer: "At Nestle we believe in creating shared value for our shareholders and for society. The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) project has shown that this approach to doing business is getting increasing support in industry, finance and academia." George Walker, Neuberger Berman Chief Executive Officer: "Neuberger Berman is pleased to be a part of the group working to facilitate measurement and management of intangible assets, which increasingly represent a meaningful part of companies' value. As a firm, we believe that material environmental, social, and governance factors contribute positively to long-term financial and societal value. Active investing requires deep engagement with companies, which combined with broader industry initiatives, can create long-term value for our clients." Vijay Advani, Nuveen Chief Executive Officer: "As responsible investors, we are always seeking new ways to protect and grow our capital on behalf of our clients over the span of decades. The evolution and growing complexity of global financial markets increasingly mean managing risk and capturing growth in sustainable ways, while also staying aligned with the interests of a diverse range of communities and people around the globe. The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) project helps articulate the types of factors that aren't always captured in financial statements but are important to the long-term investment performance." Peter Harrison, Schroders Group Chief Executive: "As a fundamental, active investor Schroders recognizes that sustainability is the bedrock of strong, durable businesses and it therefore forms a key part of our understanding of the companies we invest in. Schroders is committed to strengthening its knowledge of the drivers of long-term value creation. Achieving real change for businesses and their investor stakeholders requires working across the industry's value chain through initiatives like The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC)." Ron O'Hanley, State Street Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer: "We are witnessing a historic shift in our economies as more businesses derive greater value from intangible rather than tangible assets. Measuring these intangibles is both important and notoriously difficult. That is why we applaud the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism for bringing together key stakeholders to begin the hard work of understanding how to incorporate intangibles such as innovation, talent, environmental, social and governance attributes into the valuation of companies. And to do so in a way that thoughtfully achieves the benefits of greater transparency without undue incremental costs, reporting and bureaucracy." Paul Polman, Unilever Chief Executive Officer: "The Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) has made good progress in closing the communication gaps between companies and their investors to better demonstrate the value of intangible assets which are too often discounted or not measured at all. We need to keep working together to build on this foundation, and the progress made by other initiatives, to drive impact and scale so that we can translate the commitments of all EPIC participants into true behavior change." Embankment Project participants Asset Owners Asset Managers Companies Allianz Amundi Asset Management Aetna The Allstate Corporation Barings BASF ATP BlackRock DowDuPont CaISTRS Investec Ecolab CalPERS J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management Johnson & Johnson Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Neuberger Berman Nestle The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Nuveen Novartis MetLife Schroders PepsiCo Washington State Investment Board State Street Global Advisors Unilever Vanguard About the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism The Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism is a global not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2014 by Lynn Forester de Rothschild, the Chairman of E.L. Rothschild LLC. The organization was established to engage leaders across business, government and civil society in their efforts to make capitalism more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. The Coalition develops practical thought leadership and convenes the Conference on Inclusive Capitalism to bring together renowned leaders from the world's largest and most influential asset owners, asset managers and corporations to positively influence the future of capitalism. The organization works with other like-minded groups through our Allied Efforts program and extensive public outreach. Please visit www.inc-cap.com for more information. About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. About the Embankment Project The 18-month, evidence-led project, sought to demonstrate that through collaboration across the investment chain, a new reporting mechanism is a valuable tool for corporations to drive long-term shareholder value through the credible measurement and comparisons of activities affecting all material stakeholders. Yvonne Diaz Frank Blasio EY Global Media Relations Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism +44 (0) 20 7980 0612 +1 631-848-6683 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE EY Related Links http://www.ey.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultrain is a technology company dedicated to the development of next-generation blockchain public chains, which positioned itself as a decentralized full-stack engine. Established in 2017, by former Technical Director of Alibaba Security Group Guo Rui, former Managing Director of Golden Brick Capital, Head of Qihoo 360's IOT Investment Emma Liao Zhiyu, former Technical Leader/Chief Architect of Ant Financial's Blockchain Team Li Ning, formal Core Architect from Alibaba's Cloud OS team Shen Yufeng, former Cryptologist expert from Ant Financials' blockchain team Wang Husen a dream team that syndicates cutting-edge innovation theory, robust engineering implementation experience, and top-notch global capital and business operations capabilities. Furthermore, Ultrain has signed the world-renowned economist, a tenured professor at LSE and a board member of the Richemont Group, Professor Jin Qiuyu, and the co-founder of the famous short-video APP Musical.ly, Louis Luyu as consultants to further discuss how to successfully build economy and launch "killer apps" on the blockchain. On October 8, 2018, Ultrain held a product launch event, namely Supernova, in San Francisco, and released their public testnet, permitted mainnet, as well as the three middleware components; customizable zero-knowledge proof, random number generator, quantum resistant wallet, and some other on-chain DApp demonstration. Ultrain proclaimed that its smart contract developer framework is now available open-sourced. As of now, there are over dozens of Dapp being built on top of the existing Ultrain ecosystem. Since the testnet is now online, nearly a hundred developers have already deployed their smart contract on the development framework. Also, Ultrain was successfully selected by the Microsoft accelerator as an incubator project, receiving leading resources supported by Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform & services. As a popular public chain project among investors, Ultrain has received investments from top tire investment institutions such as DHVC Capital, Arrington XRP Capital, FBG Capital, NGC Capital, Sky9 Capital, and Ceyuan Ventures. On November 21st at 20:00, Ultrain will be officially listed on the Bgogo exchange. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Ultrain On Nov. 13th, the Infinitus Tracing Source Trip 2018, organized by Infinitus (China) Company Ltd., toured Yunan County in western Guangdong Province. This sourcing expedition made up of 100 traditional Chinese medicine industry experts and journalists covering healthcare topics observed the planting and harvesting process of Morinda officinalis , as well as the steps that Infinitus takes in controlling the quality across the entire process. The planting and harvesting of Morinda officinalis in Yunan: modern management of the process assures a win-win for all the farmers and firms involved The medicinal value of Morinda officinalis is widely recognized, assessed by TCM practitioners as "sweet and pungent in taste and slightly warm in nature". In TCM the plant is applied in the case of kidney deficiency, weak tendons and bones, and presence of wind-damp. Yunan has around 100 years of experience in planting Morinda officinalis, while the county's unique natural conditions combined with a mature and advanced planting technology ensures the authenticity of the output. The nystose content is 4 percent, twice that recommended in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Tianfangjian, a sister company of and provider of raw materials for Infinitus, maintains the facilities for the growing and harvesting of Morinda officinalis here. Yunan County Morinda officinalis planting base, as Tianfangjian's own Morinda officinalis planting base and Infinitus' native raw material supply facilities, has adopted Tianfangjian's innovative management and planting model for Chinese herbal medicine that combines traditional planting with modern management, ensuring genuine quality medicinal materials. At present, the facilities occupy 65 acres (27 hectares) with plans to expand to 825 acres (330 hectares) in the next 3 years. The location of the facilities has also been carefully selected in line with Infinitus' consistently demanding standards. Firstly, the soil, water and air must be tested to meet the national standards for agricultural residues and heavy metals. Secondly, the soil, water and climate must be suitable for the cultivation of the plant. Finally, as Morinda officinalis is an important local cash crop in Yunan, local farmers are familiar with it and prefer its planting technology. Each Morinda officinalis planting only starts to turn out usable produce after at least four years of careful cultivation. The establishment of the planting facilities has provided local farmers with experiential knowledge of the advantages of modern planting management. Tianfangjian's management model for planting Chinese medicinal materials has innovatively adopted an internal pricing system which ensures a stable income for participating farmers. At the same time, the model provides technical guidance for farmers on how to increase yield and improves the demand, creating an additional RMB 5,000 (approx. USD 725) per year in income for participating farmers while delivering tangible benefits. The staff at the facilities have integrated the visits from interested parties into their daily schedule, promoting local tourism as well as the establishment of an industry that is exclusive to the region, further boosting local economic development. As part of its social responsibilities, the facilities strive to continually be at the cutting edge Mr. Cao Zhengkui, Vice President of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, said, "As competition in the traditional Chinese medicine market becomes increasingly fierce, the integration of upstream and downstream resources is certain to become a trend. Companies with a traceability system for Chinese herbal medicines will have obvious advantages in ensuring the quality of their products." The Protection and Development Plan for Chinese Medicinal Materials (2015-2020), a paper released by the State Council in April 2015, calls for the establishment of a full-process traceability system that covers all major Chinese medicinal materials, as such a system had been identified as an important component in terms of building a quality assurance system. Currently, the Chinese medicinal materials planting process and the quality of raw materials face some challenges. To avoid the counterfeiting of Chinese medicinal materials or the presence of pesticide residue, choosing genuine medicinal materials is paramount. Mr. Xue Shouchun, Vice President of Infinitus (China), said, "As a responsible company, Infinitus takes into account the interests of all stakeholders across the industry chain. Through the establishment of an ecosystem, we aim to promote the upgrade of the entire industry chain, which covers planting, processing, R&D, production, sales and services, in a move to achieve sustainable and high-quality development." Mr, Luo Jiangqing,General Manager of Marketing and Investment at Tianfangjian, said, "In terms of the planting model for Chinese medicinal materials, we have recently implemented three important changes: from R&D to practice, from co-established facilities to 100-percent owned and operated facilities, and from quality advantage to market advantage." Infinitus, in partnership with Tianfangjian, has established farms in several important Chinese medicinal materials regions, including South China (Marinda officinalis, Semen Euryales, Arillus Longan), Southwest China (Pseudo-ginseng, Poria cocos, Fructus Amomi), Northeast China (Ginseng, Schisandra chinensis), Northwest China (Codonopsis pilosula, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Astragalus propinquus) and Central China (Poria cocos, Lingzhi mushroom, among others), laying a solid foundation for quality improvements in the raw materials across the production chain. Infinitus (China) Company Ltd.: www.infinitus.com.cn Tianfangjian (China) Pharmacy Company Ltd.: www.tianfangjian.com.cn SOURCE Infinitus (China) Company Ltd. Related Links http://www.infinitus.com.cn INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction Begins on First 125,000 Square Feet of Development and Brings $35 Million Initial Investment to Indiana Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, announced today it has started construction on its U.S. Education Center in Indianapolis. This state-of-the-art training campus and residential center for its employees - and the employees of select clients - will prepare the American workforce for the technology jobs of the future, and also begin to revitalize a 70.5-acre site on the West Side of Indianapolis on the grounds of the old Indianapolis airport terminal. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg ) "We are excited to break ground on our U.S. Education Center, a physical embodiment of our long-term commitment to reskilling American workers," said UB Pravin, COO, Infosys. "Continuous learning and reskilling are core components of Infosys' DNA and we look forward to the important role this facility will play in our efforts to train our 10,000 new American hires as well as our existing employees and those of our clients." "As a state, we are thrilled to be home to Infosys' U.S. Education Center and to be the hub for technology skills training for workers across the country," said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. "Since establishing operations in Indiana last year, Infosys has already made significant contributions to central Indiana's tech community and to workforce development efforts happening across the state in partnership with our renowned universities. Today marks a significant milestone as we break ground on this development that will help catapult Indianapolis to the forefront of innovation and 21st century technology." "Infosys' U.S. Education Center project represents an expansion of our investment in the United States and will help us contribute to a more vibrant community for all Hoosiers," said Ravi Kumar, President, Infosys. "We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the State of Indiana as we build a cutting-edge training facility to prepare our American employees, and our clients' employees, to master the advanced skills that are required to succeed in our shared digital future." "Today's groundbreaking is not just a celebration of Infosys' growing presence in our community, but a celebration of the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art training campus for the west side of Indianapolis," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "Economic development is community development, and community development means a brighter future for all who call this city home. We are proud to add Infosys, a global industry leader, to the list of dynamic companies that contribute to Indianapolis' national reputation as a top city for tech employment and innovation." "Today is yet another chapter in the airport's history of intelligent land use that builds a stronger community -- and is precisely in line with feedback from residents and local businesses," said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. "This massive site will be restored to the local tax rolls, and be transformed into a valuable asset to the West Side that we hope will attract other like businesses to the area." This groundbreaking marks another important milestone in the company's growing commitment to the State of Indiana. In March 2018, Infosys opened its first U.S. Technology and Innovation Hub in Indianapolis and in April the company expanded its hiring plans for Indiana from 2,000 to 3,000 new jobs by the end of 2023. Infosys has already hired more than 300 American workers in Indiana this year toward this goal. The company is providing an initial investment of $35 million to create the first 125,000 square feet of development, transforming the 70.5-acre site into an innovative training center. Infosys' investment will fund major infrastructure efforts as well as beautification projects. Infosys anticipates the first phase of development will be complete by the end of 2020. Infosys has retained Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf and Browning Investments to assist in the development and construction of the project site and looks forward to working with these well-established Indianapolis construction companies. The initial phase of construction will develop a training center and allow for the accommodation of a 250-person residential facility. The finished campus will also include extensive walkways and green spaces as well as recreational facilities. The U.S. Education Center will also serve as a convening ground for the development of advanced digital technologies. Infosys' initial training programs at the U.S. Education Center will utilize the learnings and best practices the company has acquired and developed through decades of experience running the world's largest corporate university. In partnership with academia and education providers, Infosys' training efforts will combine classroom-based and immersive, real-world learning focused on the skills American workers need to keep businesses on the forefront of innovation, including areas such as user experience, cloud, big data and core technology and computer science skills. For more information please visit: https://www.infosys.com/american-innovation/Pages/in.aspx About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over three decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, 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 earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect 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, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honorable Judge Tassaduq Hussain Jillani of Pakistan has been named to receive the International Justice Excellence Award for his outstanding contribution to the global elevation of the principles of justice in Pakistan and the international community. The Honorable Judge Tassadug Hussain Jillami Judge Jillani, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, authored many crucial opinions that addressed the foundational principles of religious tolerance, gender neutrality and freedom of conscience. His scholarly opinions have contributed to the establishment of equal justice throughout the international community. Judge Jillani has highlighted the threat to democracies by hate speech on the Internet and has offered suggestions to curb such divisive language while maintaining freedom of expression. In reference to Suo moto actions regarding the suicide bomb attack of on 22/09/2013 the Church in Peshawar and regarding threats to the Kalash tribe and Ismailies in Chitral, the then Chief Justice in part stated in his opinion: "Most of the political institutions of consequence are in the process of evolution. However, the defining feature of a democratic governance is complete dedication and adherence in everyday life to the seminal principles of equity, justice and inclusion of all irrespective of their colour, creed, caste, sex or faith. The sustainability of democracy depends on how best these challenges are met. Democracy is not an unmixed blessing; on the one hand it confers respect for minorities' rights and on the other it provides a platform where intolerance and hatreds get leeway leading to societal friction and violence. Such intolerance and hatreds have found their way in the social media as well and no effort has been made to check it." The International Institute for Justice Excellence adheres to the belief that intolerance undermines public confidence in the principle of equal access to justice. That one's conscience is only free when there is no fear in exercising rights granted by law. Judge Jillani is currently sitting Ad Hoc on the International Court of Justice in The Hague, is the former Chief Justice of Pakistan and Justice of the High Court of Lahore, among many other notable achievements. Past awardees have included The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Right Honorable Lord Harry Woolf of the United Kingdom. International Institute for Justice Excellence The WTC The Hague Business Center Princess Margrietplantsoen 33 2925 AM The Hague The Netherlands Media Contact: Gary Wente CourtMedia, LLC Chicago, Illinois U.S.A. 312-278-3170 [email protected] SOURCE International Institute for Justice Excellence EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Interstate Capital, the leading invoice factoring company in North America, has recently added to its collection of free educational materials for small-business owners. The series focuses on things that matter most to small businesses and covers everything from business management tips through methods to improve cash flow. Small businesses exploring the idea of improving cash flow via factoring can determine if it's the right choice with ease. The latest addition, "How to Assess the Risk of Using Factoring for Your Small Business," breaks down the pros and cons of invoice factoring, while offering a balanced look at which types of companies benefit most from the practice and what to remember before getting started with it. The guide, along with dozens of other helpful works, is available exclusively at www.InterstateCapital.com. "Banks don't help about half of the people who try to get funding," says Sarah Williams, VP of Business Development at Interstate Capital. "That's a real problem for small businesses because an unexpected challenge, such as broken equipment or having customers pay slowly, can stop operations altogether when there isn't cash on hand." Invoice factoring is a common solution when bank funding doesn't work out. The process involves selling invoices for work already completed to a third party, known as a factoring company. The factoring company then gives the business payment for the invoices right away, instead of waiting 60-90 days for clients to pay, and then handles collecting payment for the business. However, some small-business owners worry that it's a risky solution. In reality, Invoice Factoring can be highly beneficial for small businesses dealing with cash flow issues and can ensure that unforeseen issues don't derail operations. Interstate Capital recommends that small-business owners spend some time getting to know their own numbers. As the guide explains, "You should evaluate what you're currently spending on invoicing and collections as well as what you're losing by not having customers pay in a timely manner and not having a cushion of capital to fall back on." Businesses interested in assessing the risk of factoring can view the full guide online or learn more about how the process works by downloading a comprehensive invoice factoring guide at www.InterstateCapital.com. About Interstate Capital: Interstate Capital purchases nearly $1 billion in invoices annually. Established in 1993, the company has successfully funded more than 10,000 growing companies throughout the United States and Canada, speeding up cash flow and improving profitability. Interstate Capital is a division of Triumph Business Capital. Interstate Capital is presently accepting applications from B2B providers. Those who would like to speed up their client payments are urged to visit www.InterstateCapital.com for a free quote today. Press Contact: Interstate Capital Phone: 800-422-0766 https://www.interstatecapital.com SOURCE Interstate Capital Related Links http://www.InterstateCapital.com LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- John F. Alksne, M.D. is recognized by Continental Who's Who as Pinnacle Professional of The Year in the field of Medicine in recognition of his role as Professor of Surgery at the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSD School of Medicine. Established since 1968, the UCSD School of Medicine is one of the top tier medical schools in the nation. Dedicated to providing their students with the finest education possible utilizing the latest innovations in medical technology, UCSD offers a wide range of services to their students to contribute to enhancing their educational experience. With over fifty five years of experience in the field of medicine under his belt, Dr. John F. Alksne is revered for his outstanding contributions to the medical profession. Dr. Alksne joined UC San Diego in 1971 as a Professor of Neurological Surgery and served as Chief of Neurological Surgery until 1995. Thereafter, Dr. Alksne was appointed Dean of the School of Medicine in 1992, Vice Chancellor for health sciences in 1994, and continued in both positions until 1999. Dr. Alksne was Chief of Neurosurgery at Harbor General Hospital at UCLA from 1964-67 and professor and chair of neurological surgery at the Medical College of Virginia from 1967-71. A Board Certified Neurosurgeon, early in his career, Dr. Alksne completed his residency training at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he also earned his medical degree. To further enhance his professional development, Dr. Alksne is a distinguished fellow of several elite organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Latin American Federation of Neurosurgeons, the World Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Association of Academic Health Centers. In recognition of his professional accolades, Dr. Alksne established the Epilepsy Surgery Program at UC San Diego Health and in 1992, was the designated honoree with a special commendation by the Epilepsy Society of San Diego County. Married with four children, Dr. Alksne dedicates this recognition to his children. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) ("LightInTheBox" or the "Company"), a global online retail company that delivers products directly to consumers around the world, today announced the resignation of Mr. Zhiping Qi, Chief Executive Officer of LightInTheBox, effective immediately. Mr. Qi's resignation was one of the closing conditions for the acquisition of Ezbuy Holding Co., Ltd. ("Ezbuy") announced on November 8, 2018 and was not due to any disagreement with the Company regarding its business, finances, accounting and/or any other affairs. Concurrently, and also as one of the closing conditions for the acquisition of Ezbuy, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has appointed Mr. Jian He Chief Executive Officer and Director and Mr. Meng Lian as Director, effective immediately. Mr. Qi will remain on the Board as a director and has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board. Prior to joining LightInTheBox, Mr. Jian He was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ezbuy, a Singapore-based leading cross-border e-commerce platform founded in 2010. Prior to founding Ezbuy, Mr. He worked in the semiconductor industry for 9 years including at GlobalFoundries and SMIC. As a core team member of the 0.18, 0.13-micron and 65nm technology nodes yield and product teams at GlobalFoundries and SMIC, Mr. He led managed the rapid increase in the pace of technological change, innovation, and business application. Mr. He holds a Master's Degree from Fudan University in electrical engineering and Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from Zhejiang University. Mr. Meng Lian is a partner at IDG Capital, a leading investment firm that focuses on private equity, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions, where he has focused on internet, mobile internet, and a combination of new technology and traditional consumer products and services. Prior to joining IDG, Mr. Lian worked at New Oriental Education (NYSE: EDU). Mr. Lian receive his MBA from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Bachelor's Degree in law from Ji'nan University. Mr. Zhi Yan, Chairman of the Board of LightInTheBox, commented, "I'm pleased to welcome Jian as CEO and Meng to the Board where I am sure their deep experience will benefit LightInTheBox during this transition phase. I'd also like to thank Zhiping for serving as CEO in the interim and look forward to working closely with all of them to harness LightInTheBox's full potential and generate value for shareholders." About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. LightInTheBox is a global online retail company that delivers products directly to consumers around the world. The Company offers customers a convenient way to shop for a wide selection of products at attractive prices through its www.lightinthebox.com, www.miniinthebox.com and other websites and mobile applications, which are available in 23 major languages and cover more than 90% of global Internet users. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox's beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox's strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox's goals and strategies; LightInTheBox's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox's ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox's ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contact Christensen Ms. Xiaoyan Su Tel: +86 (10) 5900 3429 Email: [email protected] SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. Related Links http://www.miniinthebox.com NETANYA, Israel, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Luminati announced it was named "Best e-Retailing & Cross Border e-Commerce Technology Enabler" by the 9th China Cross Border e-Commerce Conference and 4th Global E-Retailing China Summit. Luminati helps organizations to view and collect data from the Internet via the IPs of real users in any desirable location around the world, by using its patented residential proxy technologies. Tamir, VP Sales at Luminati, receives the award - Best e-Retailing & Cross Boarder e-Commerce Technology Enabler, Shanghai China Collecting the correct data is a real challenge to many organizations, as websites today present different data depending on the perceived properties of the visitor, such as their geographic location. Furthermore, many sites use technologies that block or cloak automated data collection. "We are excited to receive this award," said Tamir Roter, VP Sales at Luminati. "This is a true recognition of the importance of our solutions, enabling e-Commerce companies to have a comprehensive view of their competitive landscape, and product pricing across all channels, in every city in the world. Our vision of a truly transparent Internet has received great endorsement with the award. Receiving it in China, where almost half of the global e-Commerce takes place, is nothing less than amazing." This award, presented at the 9th China 2018 Cross-Border e-Commerce Conference and 4th Global E-Retailing China Summit 2018, honors organizations that launched breakthrough technologies that are key for e-Commerce excellence. This award emphasizes their success as innovators, thought leaders, and market movers in the industry. Luminati was established in 2014, pioneering the field of proxy services for businesses, with over 200 patent claims that cover every aspect of its operation, including its residential proxy network and its Proxy Manager. Luminati's popular use-cases Price & Product Comparison - Gather reliable information about competitors' products and their pricing Ad Verification - Ensure web ads' links are not broken, malicious, or fraudulent Brand Protection - Monitor use of your brand to protect your intellectual property, trademarks, and pricing strategy Websites Testing - View your website like real users from different locations to assure it's localized properly Talent Sourcing - Collect public data from professional networks Media Contact Oren Knaan | +1-888-538-9204 | [email protected] Related Images receiving-the-award.jpeg Receiving the award Tamir, VP Sales at Luminati, receives the award - Best e-Retailing & Cross Boarder e-Commerce Technology Enabler, Shanghai China the-trophy.jpg The trophy luminatis-booth.jpg Luminati's booth luminati-networks.png Luminati Networks Related Links Luminati's residential network Luminati Proxy Manager SOURCE Luminati SAO PAULO, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva Luxembourg S.A., with registered office at 6C, rue Gabriel Lippmann, L-5365 Munsbach and registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (R.C.S. Luxembourg) under number B 162707 ("Minerva Luxembourg"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minerva S.A. ("Minerva"), today announced the early tender date results in connection with its previously announced offer to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offer") any and all of its outstanding 8.750% Perpetual Notes (the "Notes") and a solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") of consents (the "Consents") from the holders of the Notes (the "Holders") for the adoption of certain amendments described below to the indenture governing the Notes (the "Proposed Amendments"). The Notes are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Minerva. The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation, as well as the Proposed Amendments, are described in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 1, 2018 (as it may be amended or supplemented, the "Offer to Purchase") and the related Letter of Transmittal and Consent (as it may be amended or supplemented, the "Letter of Transmittal" and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Offer Documents"). The early tender date for the Tender Offer occurred at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 15, 2018 (the "Early Tender Date"). Minerva Luxembourg has been advised that, as of the Early Tender Date, U.S.$215,970,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, or approximately 75.13% of the outstanding Notes (excluding any Notes that are held by Minerva or any of its affiliates), had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer. All Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below), which includes the Early Tender Payment (as defined below), plus accrued and unpaid interest. Notes that have been validly tendered cannot be withdrawn and Consents delivered pursuant to the Consent Solicitation may not be revoked, except in each case, as may be required by applicable law. The "Total Consideration" for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and with respect to which Consents have been validly delivered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation will be U.S.$1,020.00. The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment (the "Early Tender Payment") equal to U.S.$20.00 for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date. Holders of Notes who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) and whose Notes are accepted for purchase will not be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment and will therefore be entitled to receive, for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered, U.S.$1,000.00 (the "Tender Offer Consideration"), which amount is equal to the Total Consideration less the Early Tender Payment. Any payment of the Total Consideration and the Tender Offer Consideration will be paid together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the settlement date, which is expected to be within three business days following the Expiration Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter. Holders who have not yet tendered their Notes have until 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2018, unless extended by Minerva Luxembourg (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Date") to tender their Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. Any holders of Notes who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date will not be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment and will therefore be entitled to receive only the Tender Offer Consideration, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the settlement date. Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation, Minerva Luxembourg solicited from Holders of Notes Consents to the Proposed Amendments that would eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants as well as certain events of default and related provisions contained therein and to shorten the minimum notice period for the optional redemption of the Notes by Minerva Luxembourg to two business days. The Proposed Amendments required the Consents of Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes (excluding any Notes held by Minerva Luxembourg or its affiliates) (the "Requisite Consents"). The Requisite Consents were obtained. The obligation of Minerva Luxembourg to purchase Notes in the Tender Offer is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions described in the Offer Documents, including a financing condition as described in the Offer Documents. The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. Minerva Luxembourg has the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or terminate the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation at any time. Minerva Luxembourg also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any tenders of Notes or deliveries of Consents for any reason. Copies of the Offer Documents are available to Holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender agent and information agent for the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation (the "Tender Agent and Information Agent"). Requests for copies of the Offer Documents should be directed to the Tender Agent and Information Agent at +1 (800) 893-5865 (toll free), +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or [email protected]. BB Securities Limited ("BB Securities") and Banco BTG Pactual S.A.Cayman Branch ("BTG") have been engaged to act as dealer managers and solicitation agents in connection with the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Questions regarding the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation may be directed to BB Securities or BTG at their respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover of each of the Offer Documents. Neither the Offer Documents nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer Documents or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. This announcement is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase or a solicitation of Notes or Consents. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are being made solely by Minerva Luxembourg pursuant to the Offer Documents. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are not being made to, nor will Minerva Luxembourg accept tenders of Notes or deliveries of Consents from, Holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. Minerva S.A. Media Contact: Eduardo Puzziello Phone: +55 11 3074 2444 Email: [email protected] NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, the Consent Solicitation and the Proposed Amendments to the indenture governing the Notes. These statements are merely projections and as such are based exclusively on management's expectations for Minerva Luxembourg, Minerva and its business and the proposed transactions discussed herein. These forward-looking statements depend materially on changes in market conditions, government regulations, pressures from competitors and the performance of the industry and the Brazilian economy, among other factors, many of which are outside Minerva Luxembourg's and Minerva's control or ability to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each of Minerva Luxembourg and Minerva disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Minerva Luxembourg S.A. FOREST GROVE, Ore., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Montinore Estate, the country's largest producer of certified estate wines made from Biodynamic grapes, hosted a full-day, pre-conference winemaking intensive on Thursday, November 15. The sold-out event delved into practical and creative approaches to making Biodynamic wine with leading winemakers and researchers. Rudy Marchesi, partner of Montinore Estate, kicked off the day by welcoming attendees and highlighting the importance of Biodynamics. "Thursday's sold-out intensive demonstrates the growing interest in Biodynamic wines," said Marchesi. "We were honored to welcome people to our vineyard and winery to share our expertise and the benefits of Biodynamic practices for winemaking. After more than 15 years as a Biodynamic winery, I can't imagine farming our vineyard any other way." The day's events included a session on Best Practices in Vineyard Soil Health led by Adriano Zago, an international expert in Biodynamic agriculture, followed by a session on Using Horn Silica to Support Healthy Vines and Healthy Grapes led by Zago and Marchesi. The intensive ended with a panel on Crafting Wine with Integrity from international wine experts: Nicoletta Dicova, an Italian wine journalist and communicator, who researches the progression of natural wine from the ancient wine world to today's global phenomenon. Stephen Webber , Montinore Estate's Head Winemaker. , Montinore Estate's Head Winemaker. Dan Rinke , the vineyard manager and winemaker at Johan Vineyards, another Biodynamic vineyard in the Willamette Valley. The Biodynamic Association, a membership-based nonprofit organization, is hosting the 2018 Annual Biodynamic Conference. The conference commenced on Wednesday, November 14 and continues through Sunday, November 18. This year's theme is "Transforming the Heart of Agriculture" with a focus on soil health, social justice and the regeneration of our earth, communities and human spirits. About Montinore Estate Montinore Estate was established in 1982 and is now the largest producer of certified estate wines made from Biodynamic grapes in the country. With a 200-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic and organic vineyard located in north Willamette Valley in Oregon, the winery focuses on producing superior Pinot Noirs, cool climate whites and fascinating Italian varietals. Montinore Estate's close attention to each step of the grape-growing and winemaking processes is rooted in the belief that exceptional wine is born of a sustained marriage of soil, climate and artful stewardship. To learn more, visit www.montinore.com. SOURCE Montinore Estate Related Links https://www.montinore.com THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) today announced the departure of Phillip T. Vollands, effective November 15, 2018. Mr. Vollands served as Corporate Vice President and President of the Fluids Systems business since July 2017, and previously as President, Western Hemisphere for the business. Until a permanent successor is appointed, Bruce C. Smith, the Company's current Chief Technology Marketing Officer, will return to the role of Corporate Executive Vice President and President of Fluids Systems on an interim basis, a position he held from 2000 to 2017. The Company has initiated a search process to identify Mr. Vollands' permanent successor utilizing an executive search firm to assist with the process. "I'd like to thank Phil for his efforts and contributions to Newpark over the past five years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors," stated Paul Howes, Newpark's President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we search for a permanent successor for the position, Bruce Smith's return to his former role provides a smooth transition on an interim basis, allowing us to maintain our focus in our Fluids business on our operational execution and long-term strategic direction." Newpark Resources, Inc. is a worldwide provider of value-added fluids and chemistry solutions in the oilfield, and engineered worksite and access solutions used in various commercial markets. For more information, visit our website at www.newpark.com. Contact: Gregg Piontek, SVP & CFO Newpark Resources, Inc. [email protected] 281-362-6800 SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc. Related Links http://www.newpark.com Interdisciplinary teaching and research hub equips next generation of leaders to promote sustainable retail practices MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - At a time of significant transformation in the retail industry worldwide, the newly opened Bensadoun School of Retail Management (BSRM) at McGill University will act as a hub in the heart of Montreal for students, researchers and practitioners to work collaboratively towards addressing the host of real-world challenges facing retailers today. An interdisciplinary, forward-looking school dedicated to all facets of the retail industry, its researchers will focus on fostering sustainable consumption and healthy societies. "The retail industry has seen unprecedented change in the last decade with the rise of e-commerce and the fall of formerly invincible category leaders. The School's goal is to ensure the sustainable and prosperous future of the retail industry through research and education," says Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean, Desautels Faculty of Management. "We are living through a period of tremendous change in retail and to succeed, future industry leaders will need to fundamentally understand consumers' changing behaviours and expectations. It is my hope that by working with industry partners and leveraging McGill's breadth and depth of research in fields such as accounting and finance, as well as others like psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience and sustainability, we will succeed in reinventing the future of retail management," says Aldo Bensadoun. The Bensadoun School and McGill are committed to equipping the next generation of retail leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to address the industry's transformation. A first cohort of students entered the Retail Management Concentration of the BCom program this fall. The PhD in Management with a specialization in Retail Management is set to admit its first students in the fall of 2019, and a specialized Masters of Management in Retail is scheduled for 2020. Executive Education is set to be launched in 2019 with both custom and open-enrollment offerings. Industry and research bolsters retail management mission Following the $25 million initial gift from the Bensadoun Family Foundation in May 2017, retail- industry leaders have stepped up to support the School's mission through the BSRM Founder's Circle, which has raised over $7.5 million. Members of the Founder's Circle include the Apparel Group, Couche Tard, Peerless Clothing, The Rossy Foundation, Saputo, Walmart, Ancapa GmbH (Stent-Torriani Family), CGI, Birks Group Inc. and CloudRaker. Other companies have expressed interest in partnering with the school for research, recruitment and educational purposes. Ivanhoe Cambridge and Nespresso will be signing on as some of the first BSRM "post-launch" collaborators. Along with education, research is at the heart of the BSRM mission. The main research areas in exploration include: Food, Health and Wellness, Fashion and Beauty, Financial Services and Financial Technology. "Thanks to a visionary gift from Aldo Bensadoun to create the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, we have a wonderful opportunity for McGill to make an important and leading contribution to the retail industry on a global scale," says Professor Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University. "Our students will be equipped with the tools, knowledge and skills they will need to meet the demands of the retail industry today and to help shape its future. If we do this together we can ensure that the retail industry innovates in ways that create jobs and businesses, as well as promote sustainable consumption and healthier societies." "As a top-ranked international university, McGill is able to harness its significant research leadership and expertise in various disciplines such as neuroscience, computer science, engineering and design, health and sustainability, and link these to its resources in management and entrepreneurship", says Saibal Ray, Academic Director and James McGill Professor, BSRM. "We aim to establish partnerships with key industry players to help define what the future of retail might look like. Through building an ecosystem of stakeholders focused on new retailing, we are ensuring that cutting edge research conducted at McGill finds applications on a global level." Taking on global challenges here at home A key area of focus for the BSRM will be sustainability, which is central to the transformation of retailers' practices and products. The Bensadoun School's mission makes it well positioned to firmly establish Quebec and Canada as an international centre for retail sustainability research and training. "It is our hope that an increasing number of industry players step forward and support the development and implementation of initiatives ensuring that the future of retail is not only viable, but more importantly, sustainable," says Mr. Bensadoun. "I believe Montreal is at the forefront of this sustainability movement and can serve as a beacon to other retailers, showing them the crucial role they play in implementing effective, long-term change." Media Content link: https://www.mcgill.ca/bensadoun-school/bensadoun-school-launch About the Bensadoun School of Retail Management at McGill University: Learn more about the BSRM. About McGill University: Learn more about McGill University. SOURCE McGill University Related Links http://www.mcgill.ca LOWELL, Mass., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UMass Lowell thought it was saving the biggest news of the night for the end. Oprah Winfrey had even bigger news. After Chancellor Jacquie Moloney announced that UMass Lowell had raised more than $1.5 million for scholarships at the Chancellor's Speaker Series Nov. 15, Winfrey pledged on stage to match it. Visit https://www.uml.edu/News/press-releases/2018/oprah-speaker-series.aspx to see Oprah Winfrey Scholar bios and to download video and photos. More than 6,000 people listened to the nearly 90-minute conversation between Winfrey and Moloney, which touched on education, gratitude, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," her work with children in South Africa, a 10-day visit with Nelson Mandela and her commitment to living a life of purpose and service. Earlier in the day, Winfrey met with more than 200 UMass Lowell students for a master class that provided students with the opportunity to ask her questions. The evening concluded with the introduction of the first six Oprah Winfrey Scholars and the presentation to Winfrey of an honorary doctor of humane letters degree by UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Manning and Chairman of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs Trustee Imari Paris Jeffries. "Oprah Winfrey's visit will provide scholarship support for UMass Lowell for years to come," Moloney said. "We are so honored to share an evening with one of the most powerful and most positive people on Earth." Asked by Moloney why she had decided to spend her night at UMass Lowell, Winfrey pointed to the goal of the Chancellor's Speaker Series, saying she decided to come when she learned the university would use the event to raise money for scholarships. Lowell was also on Winfrey's radar thanks to one of her Oprah's Book Club recommendations: "House of Sand and Fog" by UMass Lowell English professor and best-selling author Andre Dubus III. Winfrey said Dubus was one of the few authors she featured who wrote her a personal thank you note, something that stuck with her. Moloney and Winfrey also discussed the value of education, including offering a standing ovation to the many teachers in the audience. "The only way you change a life is by changing the way someone thinks about their life and you do that with education," Winfrey said. Winfrey ended the night with a piece of advice for the audience. "I try to do the right thing even when no one is looking," she said. "When you don't know what to do, do nothing until you do know. There is that still, small voice inside of you that always always has the answer." UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu SOURCE University of Massachusetts Lowell Related Links http://www.uml.edu WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (Otsuka), a global leader in the development of digital and traditional treatments for mental illness, together with honorary co-host U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) hosted a roundtable discussion of the expanding role of technology in the future of healthcare and its potential to break down barriers to care and support patient outcomes. The November 15th event, held in Washington, D.C., was attended by members of the Congressional Black Caucus and healthcare and technology thought leaders from Proteus Digital Health, National Medical Association, National Minority Quality Forum, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and United States Senate (staff). William H. Carson, M.D., president and CEO of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., led the conversation by discussing the innovations that are driving the future of digital medicine and healthcare. "Healthcare is moving from analog to digital. Now more than ever, patients and their families have access to tools to better manage their health," said Dr. Carson. "By working closely with legislators and technology collaborators, we are paving the way for further innovation in drug discovery and technology solutions that can improve health outcomes for people living with serious mental illnesses. Our commitment to digital medicine represents a milestone in our desire to move to a new generation of promise and possibilities." Technologies play an increasingly important role in the healthcare system to coordinate care, empower patients and providers and advance the science of medicine. These innovations have the power to transform healthcare and create a more personalized, patient-centered approach to medicine. However, they do not come without challenges, particularly as new frontiers bring questions related to patient data and privacy and ensuring access for all. Representative Watson Coleman stressed the need for Congress and innovators to collaborate on policies that will enable all communities and patients to have access to digital medicine and healthcare. "Digital medicine brings tremendous potential to connect more people to high-quality, affordable health care that is personalized to individual patient needs. From analytics to mobile and sensor technology, the promise of these advancements is evidenced by the investment we've seen in digital medicine, but as we work on bringing these products to consumers, we must also ensure we consider both privacy and access concerns," said Watson Coleman. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, partners in healthcare like Otsuka, and innovators in the technology sector to connect patients with these products in ways that will improve lives." The outcomes from the roundtable will help shape actions in the next Congress and help drive the future of health innovation. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: "Otsukapeople creating new products for better health worldwide." Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative products, with a focus on pharmaceutical products to meet unmet medical needs and nutraceutical products for the maintenance of everyday health. In pharmaceuticals, Otsuka is a leader in the challenging area of mental health and also has research programs on several under-addressed diseases including tuberculosis, a significant global public health issue. These commitments illustrate how Otsuka is a "big venture" company at heart, applying a youthful spirit of creativity in everything it does. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC) is dedicated to clinical development of promising drug candidates in mental health, oncology, cardio-renal, and nephrology. Other activities include strategic planning for drug approval, marketing, and lifecycle management to maximize a product's full potential. OPDC is an indirect subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Otsuka group of companies employed 46,000 people worldwide and had consolidated sales of approximately USD 11.1 billion in 2017. All Otsuka stories start by taking the road less travelled. Learn more about Otsuka in the U.S. at www.otsuka-us.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @OtsukaUS. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.'s global website is accessible at www.otsuka.co.jp/en/. Representative Watson Coleman Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman represents a diverse area of New Jersey that includes Trenton, Princeton and Plainfield. First elected in 2014, she serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security, where she is the Vice Ranking Member, and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. She is also a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. To learn more about her work in Congress, visit watsoncoleman.house.gov. SOURCE Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. Related Links http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/ HOUSTON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A small batch craft brand, Pura Vida Spirits Company, LLC, is ecstatic over its recent beverage program partnership with international casual dining chain Outback Steakhouse to permanently offer the Pura Strawberry Margarita. The drink was originally a limited-time promotion that was available from August 1, 2018, to August 31, 2018, but popularity with the customer base earned it a full-time spot on the Outback drink menu. The drink is now available in 104 West Coastbased Outback Steakhouse restaurants, including establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Outback Steakhouse Menu (PRNewsfoto/Pura Vida Spirits Company) Outback Steakhouse Menu (PRNewsfoto/Pura Vida Spirits Company) The drink consists of muddled strawberries and basil leaves, fresh lemon, simple syrup, a splash of soda, and award winning Pura Vida Silver Tequila. "We're incredibly proud of the Pura Strawberry Margarita, which offers a fabulous flavor of fresh strawberry that is second to none," said Pura Vida Founder and Chairman, Stewart Skloss. "By adding a strawberry and basil twist on the classic margarita, along with the quality and purity of Pura Vida handcrafted, small batch tequila, we created something emblematic of summer but enjoyable year round." Outback Steakhouse, of the Cerca Trova Group, marks the latest in a line of national and international accounts that have teamed up with the spirits company. Other recent partnerships include McCormick & Schmick's, Twin Peaks in Florida, Saltgrass Steak House, Dos Caminos, select Ritz-Carlton hotels in the US, and more. "Like many companies, Pura Vida started out as little more than an idea and a passion to build something great," said Skloss. "Watching this business grow over the years and find a place on drink menus of such iconic brands across the nation has been truly remarkable." Pura Vida currently crafts four lines of their award-winning triple-distilled 100 percent blue agave tequila: Silver, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo. They also own a minority interest in Naranja (as labeled in the United States, sold as Controy in Mexico), the Original Mexican orange liqueur used to make the first margarita in 1941 at Hussong's in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. "At the intersection of craft and beverage, community, family and tradition is at the root of everything we do, and we're never willing to compromise on quality, but we also strongly prize innovation," said, Kaitlyn Skloss, Chief Marketing Officer - Pura Vida Spirits Company. "Drinks like the Pura Strawberry Margarita exemplify what we strive for; it's a simple recipe that incorporates ingredients of the highest quality, but it also brings something a little unexpected and exciting to the table." Pura Vida Spirits Company, LLC, is a Houston-based producer and owner of several premium Mexican spirits. This includes Pura Vida Tequila (available in Silver, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo), as well as a minority interest in Naranja Orange Liqueur. Triple distilled, Pura Vida Tequila, is made with 100 percent blue agave and crystal clear water from the Mountains of Mazamitla, Mexico. Pura Vida Tequilas deliver pure agave flavor and unparalleled drinking pleasure. For more information about the Pura Strawberry Margarita or the Pura Vida Spirits Company, LLC, please contact the company's Chief Marketing Officer, Kaitlyn Skloss, at [email protected], 713-899-5328, or visit the company website at www.puravidatequila.com. SOURCE Pura Vida Spirits Company QUEENS, N.Y., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Q-East, Queens NY apartments are new and hip. Picturesque studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences are conveniently located near public transportation, thriving restaurants, and gorgeous outdoor areas and parks. Q-East is the perfect environment for those who love to keep busy and entertain guests from the inside out! Q-East apartments feature resort-style living with facilities such as a sleek Euro-style kitchen, an in-house laundry room, a fitness center, an outdoor terrace and a 24-hour concierge service. Q-East provides a luxurious and well-serviced home that's perfect for entertaining friends and family. Here are some ways you can enjoy time with your friends and family in your Q-East home and in the surrounding area: Host Brunch in Your Chef-Inspired Kitchen. Become your own "Top Chef" with the help of a reliable co-host named Pinterest. Gather friends and family in your kitchen to catch up over mimosas and eggs benedict. The best part? You're in charge of the brunch music! Spend the Day in Manhattan. Explore the Big Apple with ease as it's only a quick train ride away! The F-train is located steps from your apartment door, which makes NYC yours for the taking. Travel to Manhattan at any time to experience everything from dinner to seasonal activities to concerts and shows. Autumn in New York is definitely a sight to see! Explore Jamaica, Queens. Visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for access to recreational activities like scenic walks, bird-watching, hiking, swimming and camping. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall migrations so be sure to take advantage. Keep an eye out for emerging activities like pop-up events. This October, you won't want to miss the Annual Harvest Festival! Game Night in the Clubroom. Invite friends and neighbors to the clubroom and share in each other's company. After a long week, sometimes it is nice to stay in with good friends and good laughs to recharge for the following week. Enjoy a relaxing Friday night inside while playing games and snacking on home-made appetizers or takeout from a nearby restaurant. About Q-East Q-East pet-friendly apartments in Queens, New York feature studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with amenities such as a clubroom, fitness center and pet area. The F-train is located in front of the building and residents are directly connected to Manhattan and Nassau County. Q-EastRental Life Well Connected. Media Contact: Desiree Freeman, fishbat Media, 855-347-4228, [email protected] SOURCE Q-East Related Links http://q-east.com SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RAPID + TCT, the largest and most influential 3D printing event in North America, is returning to Detroit to showcase the growth of additive manufacturing in the heart of industrial America. The event, produced by SME and owner of The TCT Group, Rapid News Publications Ltd, takes place May 20-23, 2019, at Detroit's Cobo Center, and will gather the world's leading companies to demonstrate the most advanced innovations in additive manufacturing. By far the most comprehensive event in the industry, RAPID + TCT is where the entire additive manufacturing community comes together to share knowledge and learn what is new. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience 300+ hands-on exhibits, industry-accelerating product announcements, world-class education from highly regarded experts and networking with over 6,000 industry peers. "RAPID + TCT is a great venue for people to really educate themselves on the possibilities of what can be done with 3D printing," said Andrew Snow, senior vice president, Electro Optical Systems. "It's one of North America's leading venues for additive manufacturing, and a must-go-to event for people who are looking for material and technology selections for 3D printing." The 2019 event already boasts involvement from major additive manufacturing equipment companies, such as HP Inc., Stratasys, Desktop Metal, GE Additive, TRUMPF North America, Titan Robotics and Cincinnati Inc. among many others, each demonstrating intelligent solutions to unlock the potential of additive manufacturing. No other event brings together companies from across the additive supply chain in one place, providing RAPID + TCT attendees a unique business opportunity. "The additive manufacturing industry is continuing to grow quickly. Continual developments and improvements in technology and materials mean that we are now seeing the technology used in an even wider range of industries and applications than before," said Duncan Wood, chief executive officer, Rapid News Publications Ltd. "Additive is therefore more important and relevant than ever, and in North America this critical mass of insights, intelligence and inspiration can only be found at RAPID + TCT." The automotive industry is one of the biggest users of additive manufacturing, making Detroit the perfect place to host next year's event. Automotive has embraced innovation for decades, and the competitive nature of the industry makes new technologies and changing trends an essential part of its business. As OEMs increase their use of additive manufacturing, they will look to the supply chains to follow or even lead innovation in this area. Mass market industry users of 3D printing, such as the automotive sector, are essential to ensuring widespread adoption of the technology and in bringing down the price of machines and materials. "SME and The TCT Group are committed to moving the additive manufacturing industry and marketplace forward," said Maria Conrado, senior event manager, SME. "With RAPID + TCT, we're convening collective industry knowledge and global networks to drive even greater development and adoption of key design-to-manufacturing technologies across all industries." To learn more about the event or to attend, please visit rapid3devent.com. About RAPID + TCT For over 25 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. The two industry leaders in 3D technology events, SME and The TCT Group, have teamed up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event. For users and suppliers alike, the event is the premier destination for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies. For more information, please visit rapid3devent.com. About SME SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg. About Rapid News Publications Ltd & The TCT Group Established in 1992, Rapid News Publications Ltd, the owner of the TCT Group, has been a leading authority in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering technology for over 25 years. The group's events and media products now deliver business-critical insights, intelligence and inspiration across Europe, North America and Asia on 3D printing, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM/CAE, metrology, inspection and materials as well as highlighting the latest developments in conventional manufacturing processes such as moulding, casting and CNC machining. The TCT Group mission is to accelerate the adoption of technologies that power innovation in the design-to-manufacturing process chain. Enabling companies across the complete spectrum of industry to achieve the goal of world-class design and manufacturing functions within their organisations. The TCT Group (www.thetctgroup.com) is owned by Rapid News Publications Ltd (www.rapidnews.com) a member of the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) and BPA Worldwide. SOURCE SME Related Links http://www.sme.org GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration has opened for companies that plan to exhibit in the International Pavilion of the 125th China Import and Export Fair ("Canton Fair"), being held from April 15 to May 5, 2019. As part of the Canton Fair since 2007, the International Pavilion is a platform for international companies, trade promotion agencies and professional associations to showcase products to global buyers, serving to push forward China's new round of high-level opening-up and promote global trade. More than 600 international exhibitors and 100,000 buyers attended the International Pavilion during the recently-concluded 124th Session of the Canton Fair. Including newly-added exhibitors from Lebanon and Bangladesh, the 381 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions within China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), occupied about 62% of the booths at the International Pavilion during the 124th Canton Fair, while Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, Pakistan and India each sponsored a country delegation. Canton Fair continues to promote opportunities along the BRI to deepen multilateral economic and trade cooperation, helping achieve shared prosperity and mutual development among the countries. Enabling companies to leverage the advantage of China being the upstream sourcing hub of many industries, Canton Fair International Pavilion offers a one-stop platform for "Global selling, Global sourcing" and continues to help exhibitors with their internationalization. Mabe, the strategic partner of GE, a Mexican-based global company which designs, produces, and distributes appliances to more than 70 countries, has been considering China as an important product parts supplier country and made its debut at the International Pavilion as a way to create connections with global buyers and develop potential markets. Established by Canton Fair in 2007, the International Pavilion has constantly attracted trade promotion agencies and professional associations to participate in the exhibition. After years of development, the International Pavilion has worked as a principal platform for growing international trade. The schedule and categories for the International Pavilion at the 125th Canton Fair are as follows: Phase Dates Categories Phase 1 April 15-19, 2019 Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances, Building materials & Hardware, Machinery Phase 3 May 1-5, 2019 Food & Drink, Household Items, Fabrics & Home Textiles For detailed information, please visit the official website of Canton Fair International Pavilion: http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/international/ SOURCE Canton Fair International Pavilion WARRENDALE, Pa., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- r21 Holdings, Inc. ("rue21") announced that Michael C. Appel, currently Chairman of the Board of the Company, will assume the additional title of Chief Executive Officer, effective November 12, 2018. Mr. Appel served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from October 2017-June 2018. Mr. Appel succeeds Laurie Van Brunt who served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Her departure was a mutual decision and she resigned. According to the rue21 Board, "The Board of Directors of rue21 has asked Michael Appel to re-assume the senior leadership of the Company as Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis. Our decision is based on the progress made under Michael's leadership as Interim CEO, his successful recruitment of senior leadership, and retaining key management." About rue21 rue21, the pioneer of fast fashion, offers stylish apparel and accessories for guys, girls and plus sizes at prices everyone can love. Built on the belief that everyone should look and feel great with what they wear, rue21 bridges fashion and value for their consumers. Headquartered just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rue21 currently operates 752 stores in 45 states and online at www.rue21.com. Contact: Melissa M. Krantz Krantz and Company (917) 653-6716 [email protected] SOURCE rue21 Related Links https://www.rue21.com Fuel cells that work with the enzyme hydrogenase are, in principle, just as efficient as those that contain the expensive precious metal platinum as a catalyst. However, the enzymes need an aqueous environment, which makes it difficult for the starting material for the reaction hydrogen to reach the enzyme-loaded electrode. Researchers solved this problem by combining previously developed concepts for packaging the enzymes with gas diffusion electrode technology. The system developed in this way achieved significantly higher current densities than previously achieved with hydrogenase fuel cells. In the journal Nature Communications, a team from the Center for Electrochemical Sciences at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, together with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion in Mulheim an der Ruhr and the University of Lisbon, describes how they developed and tested the electrodes. Advantages and disadvantages of gas diffusion electrodes Gas diffusion electrodes can efficiently transport gaseous raw materials for a chemical reaction to the electrode surface with the catalyst. They have already been tested in various systems, but the catalyst was electrically wired directly to the electrode surface. In this type of system, only a single layer of enzyme can be applied to the electrode, which limits the flow of current, says Bochum chemist Dr. Adrian Ruff, describing a disadvantage. In addition, the enzymes were not protected from harmful environmental influences. In the case of hydrogenase, however, this is necessary because it is unstable in the presence of oxygen. Redox polymer as an oxygen protection shield In recent years, the chemists from the Center for Electrochemical Sciences in Bochum have developed a redox polymer in which they can embed hydrogenases and protect them from oxygen. Previously, however, they had only tested this polymer matrix on flat electrodes, not on porous three-dimensional structures such as those employed in gas diffusion electrodes. The porous structures offer a large surface area and thus enable a high enzyme load, says Professor Wolfgang Schuhmann, Head of the Center for Electrochemical Sciences. But it was not clear whether the oxygen protection shield on these structures would work and whether the system would then still be gas-permeable. Applying enzymes to electrodes One of the problems with the manufacturing process is that the electrodes are hydrophobic, i.e. water-repellent, while the enzymes are hydrophilic, i.e. water-friendly. The two surfaces therefore tend to repel each other. For this reason, the researchers first applied an adhesive yet electron transferring layer to the electrode surface, onto which they then applied the polymer matrix with the enzyme in a second step. We specifically synthesised a polymer matrix with an optimal balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, explains Adrian Ruff. This was the only way to achieve stable films with good catalyst loading. The electrodes constructed in this way were still permeable to gas. The tests also showed that the polymer matrix also functions as an oxygen shield for porous three-dimensional electrodes. The scientists used the system to achieve a current density of eight milliamperes per square centimetre. Earlier bioanodes with polymer and hydrogenase only reached one milliampere per square centimetre. Functional biofuel cell The team combined the bioanode described above with a biocathode and showed that a functional fuel cell can be produced in this way. It achieved a power density of up to 3.6 milliwatts per square centimetre and an open circuit voltage of 1.13 volts, which is just below the theoretical maximum of 1.23 volts. Benefitting from infrastructure construction projects, equipment renewal and environment protection, the sales of the company's excavating machinery, concrete machinery and hoisting machinery have achieved robust growth by further expanding their market shares. From January to September, SANY Heavy Industry has sold 35,000 excavators in the domestic market, ranking No.1 in the industry. In the first half year, the company's net operating cash flow reached 6.21 billion, the highest record in the same period. According to an analyst of Zhongtai Securities, the company's healthy financial situation offers more space for its further development. As a leading enterprise in China's construction machinery industry, SANY will see sustainable growth in excavator sales and dynamic revival in concrete machinery sales. Continuous breakthroughs in overseas market In recent years, SANY Heavy Industry took many efforts to push forward its international market strategy. In the first half year, the company achieved overseas sales revenue of 6.092 billion yuan. Additionally, it recruits local staff in overseas countries to better understand and service for local market. On September 13, SANY America manufactured the 2,000th excavator. On September 25, SANY India rolled out the first 37-meter Truck-mounted Concrete Pump manufactured in India, which symbolizes a new milestone of the localized production of SANY's overseas branch companies. Presidents of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau visited SANY during the Investing in Africa Forum held in Changsha in September. Since its entry into the African market, SANY has exported more than 10 billion yuan worth of equipment to Africa. Intelligent manufacturing further enhances market competitiveness Since the beginning of this year, SANY Heavy Industry has been taking many efforts in business innovation and transformation, getting remarkable achievements in digitalization and intelligentialization for marketing, service, R&D, supply chain and financial affairs. Through the application of Internet of Things, SANY's No.18 factory grew significantly in per capita efficiency and output. The company continuously increases investment in scientific research. In the first half year of 2018, it invested 1.426 billion yuan and rolled out the SY155H mining excavator and SAC2200T all-terrain crane. What's more, SANY Heavy Industry is expanding its business to firefighting, environment protection and other new fields. SANY's brand has been widely received by the public and industry. SANY ranks 91st of the top 500 Chinese private enterprises in 2018, the highest ranked enterprise in professional equipment manufacturing industry. SANY ranks 9th on the list of "the most admired Chinese companies in 2018" released by the Fortune (Chinese Edition), taking the lead among construction machinery enterprises. For more details, please call: Global clients: 0086-731-85835199 Australian clients: 1800 GO SANY (1800 467 269) Official website: www.sanyglobal.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on: Facebook: SANY Group WeChat: SanyWorldwide SOURCE SANY Related Links http://www.sanyglobal.com SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Security expert Allen Banks, owner and CEO of California-based SAFEGROUND Training is launching his online Active Shooter Prevention training program in an all-out campaign to educate schools on how to detect and intervene in the missed warning signs that have existed in most school shootings. Banks asserts that "In every shooting that I've researched, there have been warning signs that have gone undetected. Knowing what these are and how to organize to prevent them will save lives." Proactive Protection Agency With urgent demand for this program, Banks has increased options to include online school training, which covers policies and procedures, detection of warning signs, escalated warning signs and the implementation of a full Threat Management Team. The emphasis is on preventative measures. When these tools are combined with emergency response training, schools will be more fully equipped to save lives. "The Active Shooter Prevention training offered by Mr. Banks is long overdue and is an essential part of preparing our educators to react and respond to a school shooting incident. I believe that this course should be mandatory for every school in the United States." Chief of Police, Steven M. McLean Banks states, "School staff are the first responders. Waiting for an emergency response is often too late." He goes on to say, "if someone has been disgruntled, voicing anger to friends, planning violent acts on social media, and then is allowed to walk on campus with a weapons bag, that is a serious problem." Don't be caught off guard. SAFEGROUND Training knows that it is appropriate for schools at this time is to know warning signs and intervene to save lives. With 40 years in private security, Allen Banks is an expert in active shooter incident prevention. He has served as a recurring news consultant on KFWB in Los Angeles, along with recent segments on CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates, KCOY, KEYT, KKFX, and KGET. Active Shooter Prevention Training Phone: (661) 645-3465 [email protected] www.safegroundtraining.com For more information, please contact: Joan Banks, Executive Director SAFEGROUND Training 18723 Via Princessa, 115, Santa Clarita, CA 91387 Phone: (661) 645 - 3465 Fax: (661) - 298-2484 [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg Related Links Safeground Training Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD6Tk4FKvMM SOURCE Proactive Protection Agency Related Links http://www.safegroundtraining.com The Corporate Citizenship Awards honor companies and chambers of commerce from around the world for positive initiatives that create "shared value" in supporting the community, providing a great place for employees to work, and delivering value to shareholders. The Best Corporate Steward Award specifically recognizes Semper Capital Management for leveraging its resources, expertise, and talent to make a positive social impact with firm-wide programs and partnerships. "As a firm and as individual members of the community, we are honored by this distinction," said Greg Parsons, CEO of Semper Capital. "We believe that the firm's success is measured not only by financial metrics, but also by the impact we make in the community on a daily basis. In the end, we believe the values associated with extending a helping hand to others are fundamental to our culture at Semper." "Semper Capital Management is making a significant impact in communities, from giving families the opportunity to become first-time homeowners to ensuring children from military families have a college education," said Marc DeCourcey, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. "Corporate stewardship is woven into the fabric of Semper, and it is an honor to share this company's story." As a veteran and minority-owned firm, Semper Capital's community stewardship includes a special focus on initiatives that are designed to benefit military veterans. Recently, for example, the firm partnered with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation with the establishment of the Semper Capital Management Scholarship. Parsons, a former U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, said this program will award scholarships to 10 at-need children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen over the year. Each student receiving a scholarship will also be paired with a Semper employee to build a connection and reinforce the relationship between the two organizations. Semper also contributes time and effort to Habitat for Humanity NYC, helping to rehabilitate homes to create affordable housing opportunities. Additionally, the firm recently developed a program, "Semper Gives Back," that encourages each employee to donate 40 paid working hours each year to a charitable cause of their choice. This was the most competitive pool of applicants in the history of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's prestigious awards making them one of the most coveted honors in corporate citizenship. Other distinguished 2018 Corporate Citizenship Award finalists include The Boeing Company, Hilton Worldwide, and IBM. Over the past 19 years, some of the most accomplished social and community initiatives within the business sector have been recognized with this distinction. Learn more about the awards program here. About Semper Capital Management: Semper Capital is an independent investment management firm specializing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities, asset-based lending, and other structured credit investments. Semper Capital offers institutional and high net worth investors access to multiple securitized debt-centric investment platforms, ranging from private absolute return and index-based strategies to registered mutual funds and custom managed accounts. Semper Capital has been an SEC registered investment advisor since 1992. For more information, visit Semper at www.sempercap.com. About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America's long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. SOURCE Semper Capital Management, L.P. Related Links http://www.sempercap.com SYDNEY, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott International today will kick off a week of celebrations at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park as it marks the completion of its $50 million-dollar transformation by owners Sunshine Insurance. With the refurbishment, the iconic Sydney hotel, previously known as Sheraton on the Park, will also receive the brand's esteemed 'Grand' designation. Found in some of the world's most treasured destinations, Sheraton Grand hotels are recognized for their iconic locations, cultivated sense of design, exceptional service, exemplary dining concepts and exquisite spa experiences. "We are honoured to receive the coveted designation of Sheraton Grand," said David Fraser, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. "From the renovation of the rooms to all the public spaces, we wanted to set ourselves up for the future by ensuring the new design of the hotel reflects modernity but pays homage to its heritage. It is a wonderful testament to the exceptional level of service provided by our team." Embracing its 24 years of history in the community, Sheraton on the Park, now Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, will be the fourth stop, on Sheraton's global "Heart for the City" tour. This tour will travel to seven cities around the globe, showcasing some of Sheraton's most iconic hotels, and the unique role these hotels play in their local communities and cities. The Sydney tour will highlight the city's transformative history and also allow guests and locals to experience an immersive sensory journey inspired by the hotel's renowned high tea service. Following a stone pathway through a tunnel of lush greenery, flowers and lights reminiscent of a stroll through the neighbouring Hyde Park visitors will emerge into a larger-than-life whimsical wonderland with a number of photo-worthy moments. Such moments include a floor-to-ceiling green wall, life-sized cups and saucers and a gigantic tiered cake stands of sweet treats. Sydney's "Heart for the City" stop will also feature the Sheraton Transformation Room, where guests and locals will be immersed in a future vision of the Sheraton Hotels experience. Visitors will get a peek at the upcoming redesign of Sheraton via a dynamic projection mapping experience that demonstrates how the brand will utilize space redesign and curated amenities and services to enable gathering and productivity. "Heart for the City" is a tour that celebrates communities and Sheraton's role within them, featuring one-of-a-kind immersive experiences designed specifically for each destination. Each experience features fun and unique visual perspectives on local icons, places, and ideas central to the city's identity. The tour includes complimentary community programming at the hotels, where brand partners, local businesses, and thought leaders will lead in-depth discussions and presentations in their areas of expertise. Each of the stops will allow guests and locals alike to gather, engage, and be entertained as they experience the city and the Sheraton hotel in a whole new way. "Community is deeply rooted into Sheraton's history. We are at the start of our transformation and through this tour, we are taking time to celebrate our global footprint and cement the brand's position as The World's Gathering Place," said Indy Adenaw, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. "We are committed to transform the brand, creating an atmosphere that not only is welcoming, but that is vibrant, relevant and brings people together." As a bustling cosmopolitan city, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park will host a General Assembly workshop on November 17th for guests and locals alike. This is part of a new global collaboration with the education pioneer and Sheraton Hotels. General Assembly is a leading source for training and career transitions that fosters a flourishing community of professionals pursuing careers they love. Other local community influencers, including Archie Rose, Katherine Sabbath and Eugene Tan, will also be facilitating complimentary demonstrations and programming each day. "Heart for the City" tour kicked off on August 30 with a 1,500 person grand opening event at the Sheraton Saint-Hyacinthe Hotel (Quebec, Canada). Following the celebration of the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park Hotel on October 15, events will take place on the dates listed below: December 4, 2018 : Sheraton Santos Hotel (Santos, Brazil ) Sheraton Santos Hotel (Santos, ) Q1 2019: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center (Bengaluru, India ) Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center (Bengaluru, ) Q2 2019: Sheraton Beijing Lize ( Beijing, China ) Heart for the City at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park Castlereagh Rooms, Level B1, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney Friday, 16 November to Wednesday, 21 November Hours of operation: 11am to 8pm Community Voices sessions daily at 12:30pm and 6:00pm Learn more at https://heartforthecity.com/sydney Follow the tour and view pictures and videos at #HeartForTheCity and on Instagram @sheratonhotels. For more information on Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park visit: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sydsi-sheraton-grand-sydney-hyde-park/ About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., makes it easy for guests to explore, relax and enjoy the possibilities of travel at nearly 450 hotels in over 70 countries and territories around the world. Sheraton continues to enhance the brand through innovative guest experience, differentiating design, multi-channel marketing and a sharp focus on service. Sheraton is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. Related Links http://www.marriott.com YORK, Maine, Nov.16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning specialty food producer Stonewall Kitchen announced today that it has completed its second acquisition of 2018, acquiring Spruce Naturals LLC ("Spruce") from its original founder, Kendall Cook. Spruce is the parent company for Napa Valley Naturals, a premium brand of certified organic extra virgin olive oils, culinary cooking oils, Italian balsamic vinegars and aged wine vinegars, as well as Montebello, an artisan brand of organic pastas imported from Italy. Great taste runs in our family! "We are incredibly excited to welcome the Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello brands to our family," said John Stiker, Stonewall Kitchen's Chief Executive Officer. "With unsurpassed quality and taste, Napa Valley Naturals is the #1-selling olive oil item within the natural foods channel, as well as the #1 brand of balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars according to SPINS data. Similarly, Montebello is the #2 brand of shelf-stable pasta in the natural channel, experiencing rapid growth. Delicious stand out products within their line such as the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Expeller Pressed Avocado Oil, and Grand Reserve Balsamic Vinegar perfectly complement the specialty food categories we currently offer." "Partnering with Stonewall Kitchen is a natural and authentic fit for us," added Kendall Cook, founder of Spruce and the Napa Valley Naturals brand. "I grew up in Napa Valley selling products at my farm stand and local farmers' markets, much like the founders of Stonewall Kitchen did in Maine. From our humble beginnings in the early 1990s, today both companies offer premium quality, clean-label products all across the country. After growing Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello on our own over the last few decades, I'm looking forward to working alongside Stonewall Kitchen to help accelerate the continued growth of both brands." Concluded Mr. Stiker, "This truly has been an exciting year for Stonewall Kitchen. With our January acquisition of the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries, the May license of the Legal Sea Foods brand for a line of restaurant-quality seafood sauces, and now this addition of Napa Valley Naturals and Montebello, we have made significant strides towards achieving our vision of becoming the premier specialty foods platform in North America. With our expertise in brand building, product development, and omni-channel distribution, we are excited to continue to grow our business both organically and through additional selective acquisitions, with the goal of bringing our guests the best tasting and highest quality specialty foods." About Stonewall Kitchen Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food producer headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers' markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service. Today, Stonewall Kitchen is the premier specialty foods platform in North America, home to a family of premium quality brands including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand; the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries; the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars; the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta imported from Italy; and the Legal Sea Foods brand of restaurant-quality seafood sauces and condiments. The company boasts more than 6,000 wholesale accounts nationwide and internationally; a thriving catalog and online division; a cooking school and cafe in York, Maine; and nine retail Company Stores throughout New England. As winners of 28 prestigious awards from the Specialty Food Association and the recipient of the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times, Stonewall Kitchen is proud to be one of the most awarded specialty food companies in the country. For more information about Stonewall Kitchen, please visit: www.stonewallkitchen.com About Spruce Foods / Napa Valley Naturals / Montebello Napa Valley Naturals' humble beginnings go back to the early 1970s, when founder Kendall Cook moved as a young boy with his parents to a five-acre organic vegetable farm in Napa Valley. As a teen, Kendall and his brother ran their own fruit stand on Napa Valley's famed Highway 29, just down the street from their family farm. In the mid-1990's Kendall started Napa Valley Trading Co., selling a variety of organic foods from the back of his pickup truck to natural food stores and co-ops throughout Northern California. He eventually created the Napa Valley Naturals brand of California olive oils, first bottled in his parent's garage in recycled wine bottles. Extra Virgin Olive Oil soon became his best-selling item, and today, French, Italian, and Spanish culinary oils and vinegars now round out the line. Most are organic, all meet the highest quality standards, and all are still bottled in beautiful Northern California. In 2004, Kendall acquired Spruce Foods and added the Montebello brand of imported Italian organic pasta and olive oil to his line. For more information about Napa Valley Naturals, please visit: www.napavalleynaturals.com Sales claims based on SPINS data for the Natural Channel, 52 weeks ending October 7, 2018 Press Contact: Margaux Maertens, Communications Specialist [email protected] Phone: (207) 351-2713 x1173 SOURCE Stonewall Kitchen, LLC Related Links http://www.stonewallkitchen.com COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- StorageMart, a self storage company based out of Columbia, MO, has acquired a new store in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The newly acquired store is located at the corner of Baker and Newtown Rd in Virginia Beach. This is the second StorageMart location that will be opening in the Virginia Beach area. The new facility has a selection of drive up and climate controlled storage units. There is over 64,000 square feet of rentable space and a total of 563 units. There are a variety of units with different sizes depending on what your storage needs are. The Virginia Beach storage facility offers controlled gate access and every tenant has their own unique pin code that they have to enter in order to access and when you leave the facility. Cris Burnam, the president of StorageMart, is excited to offer new self storage opportunities to the Virginia Beach community. "We look forward to expanding our foot print in this growing community. We can't wait to open the doors at our new location at the corner of Baker and Newtown Rd in Virginia Beach. We look forward to offering our brand promise of easy, clean, and friendly service to this market." StorageMart started with a single store in Columbia, MO and has grown to be the largest privately-owned, family operated storage company in the world. StorageMart is led by the Burnam family, which has been in the storage industry for three generations. Dedicated to providing easy, clean and friendly service to each and every customer, StorageMart is also committed to giving back to the many communities it calls home through their Store it Forward program. In 2017, the company donated more than $159,000, in addition to donating over $370,000 in free rent to charities throughout the US, UK, and Canada. Find out more at http://www.storage-mart.com Contact: Sarah Little, [email protected] SOURCE StorageMart Related Links http://www.storage-mart.com CHONGQING, China, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov 14, the 2018 Chongqing Global Travel Business Conference, co-sponsored by the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee and Nan'an District People's Government, was successfully held in Nan'an District. The conference invited nearly 400 travel agents from over 20 countries, including the United States, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Canada, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas travel agencies and internationally renowned tourist industry experts to come together in experiencing Chongqing as a "land of mountains and rivers, land of alluring places". Over 400 Global Travel Agents Came to Grab a Piece of Chongqing Tourism At the conference, the city focused on five aspects of "Three Gorges, Mountain City, Humanities, Hot Springs, and Rural Areas," and further introduced the new image of Chongqing tourism "land of mountains and rivers, land of alluring places" to participants. In addition, tourism incentives were also released during the conference such introducing more convenient group entry policies for global travel agencies, 72-hour overseas tourist transfer visas, overseas tax refund policy for overseas tourists and other tourism friendly policies to encourage the enthusiasm of travelers locally and abroad. The conference also brought about 30 signed inbound tourism market cooperation projects, including promotional cooperation projects at the municipal level with companies such as Ctrip, Singapore Masters, to jointly cooperate with Wansheng district, Nan'an district and various other districts and counties as well as local travel agents cooperating with overseas travel agents. Overseas Travel Agents Sang Their Praises of Chongqing Tourism Overseas travel agents arrived on Nov 11-13 to assess Chongqing as a possible destination for tourism. The scenery dazzled them all as they viewed the Wansheng Heishan Valley scenic spots. Chinese-American David Lang, vice president of SATW, came to Chongqing with 11 travel writers to assess Chongqing as a possible destination for tourism. "My knowledge about Chongqing was all from books and movies in the past. I knew about Chongqing's docks, stone stairs and so on. I'm so excited that I could have an opportunity to visit Chongqing for myself now." The landscape of Chongqing is too unique to duplicate and it also has rich tourism resources and great development potential, he noted. Chongqing International Communication Center of Cultural Tourism Established as Well as Other Promotion Centers At the meeting, a series of international platforms of cultural tourism exchange and cooperation were established, including the Chongqing International Communication Center of Cultural Tourism, 10 Chongqing Cultural Tourism Overseas Promotion Centers, the Chongqing Office of the US-China Friendship Association, and the Belarus Cultural Tourism Commodity Center, which provided a guarantee for promoting wider international cultural tourism exchange and cooperation. Among them, Chongqing International Cultural Tourism Communication Center, the official overseas media platform of Chongqing established by the Chongqing Daily Newspaper Group, will mainly operate media products of iChongqing through Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms. It'll promote Chongqing in all walks through Google and overseas media distribution channels through pictures and texts, video, H5, and other multimedia. As the largest inland three-dimensional city in the world, Chongqing is famous for its mountains, rivers, and nightlife. It's also known as the capital of hot spring and food. The Three Gorges International Golden Waterway is one of the two earliest tourist name cards launched by China to the world. In recent years, the inbound tourism market in Chongqing has been constantly expanding and achieved annual double-digit growth for many years. From January to September of this year, 2.7881 million inbound tourists were received, and tourism exchange earnings amounted to 1.585 billion USD, up 9.28% and 12.14% respectively over the same period of last year. The future of Chongqing inbound tourism will be well worth looking forward to. SOURCE Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Salsify has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 11th annual employee-based survey project from The Boston Globe. This latest award is the seventh top place to work list to recognize Salsify in 2018, and the second consecutive year the company has placed on The Boston Globe's list. Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them the besttheir employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company's direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay and benefits, and engagement. The employers are placed into one of four groups: small, with 50 to 99 employees; medium, with 100 to 249 workers; large, with 250 to 999; and largest, with 1,000 or more. Within the medium-sized employer category, Salsify was the top-ranked software company, and 10th best overall workplace in the state - up from 18th place in 2017. Salsify's product experience management (PXM) platform is used by an increasing number of globally-recognized brand manufacturers, including 3M, L'Oreal Group, Fruit of the Loom, and Coca-Cola. The company's software enables brands deliver compelling shopping experiences across every digital touchpoint directly addressing the realities of modern commerce. This exciting market environment, great product, accelerating growth trajectory, and a deeply supportive workplace culture is what makes Salsify a top place to work. "Ever since Salsify was founded back in 2012, the leadership team and I have focused on building a software product and company that was going to be successful over the long term. Central to that goal is fostering a workplace that every employee should feel proud to be a part of," said Jason Purcell, CEO of Salsify. "Beyond a beautiful new office and perks like two-month fully paid parental leave, it's been even better to throw our support behind employee-founded efforts, like the Guppy Tank program with Boston Public Schools, and hosting Toastmasters programs. It's great to see that we're providing an amazing place to work for our employees so they can continue doing incredible work for our customers." "Making employees happy doesn't have to take a lot of effort or money, but it does require companies to put workers first," said Katie Johnston, the Globes Top Places to Work editor. "Our winning companies know that their people are their most valuable assets." The rankings in the Top Places to Work are based on confidential survey information collected by Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention, from nearly 82,151 individuals at 318 Massachusetts organizations. The winners share a few key traits, including offering progressive benefits, giving their employees a voice, and encouraging them to have some fun while they're at it. To view the full Top Places to Work list including online extras include sortable rankings and photo galleries, visit: https://www.globe.com/topplaces . To learn more about the Salsify workplace, visit: https://www.salsify.com/careers . About Salsify Salsify is the world's leading Product Experience Management (PXM) platform. We empower brand manufacturers to accelerate digital growth by delivering the product experiences consumers demand anywhere they choose to shop online. Salsify's platform combines the power of PIM and DAM capabilities, the industry's broadest commerce ecosystem, and actionable insights to orchestrate compelling product experiences through every digital touchpoint. The world's biggest brands including Coca-Cola, Bosch, GSK, Rawlings, and Fruit of the Loom use Salsify every day to stand out on the digital shelf. To date, Salsify has raised a total of $98.1 million in funding, led by Greenspring Associates, Underscore VC, Venrock, Matrix Partners and North Bridge. For more information, please visit: http://www.salsify.com . Media Contact Andrew Waber Media Relations at Salsify [email protected] SOURCE Salsify Related Links http://www.salsify.com Although Day & Age was previously issued as a single 180-gram black vinyl LP, this special 10th anniversary edition marks the storied album's first appearance on 2LPs (cut at 45 rpm). Besides the standard 180g 2LP black-vinyl version, a double silver-gray vinyl limited edition will also be made available. Both deluxe packages are housed in a hardcover case that features a patterned foil surface that will reflect the "portrait" of the viewer, referencing the bandmember portraits that are seen on the inner sleeves. Released in November 2008 and produced by Stuart Price (Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys) and The Killers, the triple platinum Day & Age album includes the heartfelt hit singles "Human" and "Spaceman." The 10th anniversary edition's bonus tracks include "Forget About What I Said" (the B-side from the "A Dustland Fairytale" single), "A Crippling Blow" (the B-side from the "Human" single) and "Joy Ride (Night Version)" (the B-side from the "The World We Live In" single) the last two being currently unavailable digitally. In addition to the deluxe double-vinyl edition, three digital eSingles/bundles will be released a month ahead of the vinyl reissue on November 16 to highlight the key Day & Age tracks "Joy Ride," "Human," and "Spaceman." "Joy Ride (Night Version)" is making its digital debut, while "Human" boasts six remixes and a B-side not currently available digitally ("A Crippling Blow"). Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, and Thin White Duke are among those reimagining "Human." Finally, "Spaceman" soars with rare remixes of its own and a Bright Eyes cover of "Four Winds," a B-side also not currently available digitally. Tiesto, Sander Van Doorn, and Bimbo Jones are all part of the ace "Spaceman" remix crew. Last year, The Killers debuted right where they belong at the top of the album charts in both the U.S. and the UK with their stirring September 2017 Island release Wonderful Wonderful, which also carries the distinction of being the band's fifth consecutive UK chart-topper overall. Preorder The Killers' Day & Age 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition vinyl here thekillersmusic.com facebook.com/Thekillers twitter.com/thekillers instagram.com/thekillers youtube.com/user/TheKillersVEVO THE KILLERS: DAY & AGE 10TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION 180-gram double vinyl 1A Losing Touch Human Spaceman 1B Joy Ride A Dustland Fairytale This Is Your Life I Can't Say 2A Neon Tiger The World We Live In Goodnight, Travel Well 2B A Crippling Blow (Bonus track; B-side from the "Human" single) Forget About What I Said (Bonus track; B-side from the "A Dustland Fairytale" single) Joy Ride (Night Version) (Bonus track; B-side from the "The World We Live In" single) eSingles **Joyride (Night Version) **Human (Remixes) Human - Armin van Buuren Radio Remix Human - Ferry Corsten Radio Remix Human - Pink Noise Radio Edit Human - Armin van Buuren Club Remix Human - Ferry Corsten Club Remix Human - Thin White Duke Club Mix Human - Thin White Duke Dub Human - Thin White Duke Edit Human - Ocelot Remix Human - Armin van Buuren Dub Remix Human - Ferry Corsten Dub Remix A Crippling Blow **Spaceman (Remixes) Spaceman - Bimbo Jones Vocal Mix Spaceman - Sander Van Doorn Alternative Mix Spaceman - Lee Dagger Remix Spaceman - Tiesto Remix Edit Spaceman - Max Jackson Dub Spaceman - Bimbo Jones Radio Mix Spaceman - Sander Van Doorn Remix Four Winds SOURCE Island/UMe WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thycotic, provider of privileged account management (PAM) solutions for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide, today announced it ranked No. 436 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Thycotic grew 174 percent during this period. Thycotic's Chief Executive Officer, James Legg, credits its growing cloud customer base of nearly 1,000 customers and its success with Fortune 500 companies. "Privileged account passwords represent one of the most vulnerable aspects of an organization's IT infrastructure and exist in nearly every connected device, throughout on-premise and cloud-based datacenters," said Legg. "As a result, we believe that an increasing portion of the IT security budget, and specifically the datacenter security spend, will be allocated for privileged account security solutions." Thycotic's Secret Server protects organizations from cyberattacks that target privileged accounts to get at critical information assets within organizations. The solution was recently awarded the 2018 Fortress Cyber Security Award back in April and was named a Best of VMworld finalist during the 2018 VMworld Conference. For more information on Thycotic and its solution, visit www.thycotic.com. About Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Thycotic The easiest to manage and most widely-adopted privilege management solutions are powered by Thycotic. Thycotic's security tools empower over 10,000 organizations, from small businesses to the Fortune 100, to limit privileged account risk, implement least privilege policies, control applications, and demonstrate compliance. Thycotic makes enterprise-level privilege management accessible for everyone by eliminating dependency on overly complex security tools and prioritizing productivity, flexibility and control. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Thycotic operates worldwide with offices in the UK and Australia. For more information, please visit www.thycotic.com. For further information, please contact: Steve Kahan Jacqueline Velasco Thycotic Lumina Communications T: 202-802-9399 T: 408-680-0564 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] SOURCE Thycotic Related Links https://thycotic.com FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- E. Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, a decorated former Navy fighter pilot and renowned international motivational speaker, celebrates eight years of empowering others to achieve financial freedom through his company Top Gun Options (TGO). E. Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley E. Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley A graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Adversary), also known as TOP GUN, Buckley and TGO's motto is "Trading is Combat." In business, he successfully applies strategies acquired during 15 years of flying the F/A-18 Hornet, 44 combat sorties over Iraq, and landing aboard aircraft carriers around the world. In combat, stock trading, and business, there are winners and losers and Whiz is in the business of winning. He was inspired to launch TGO after applying methodologies he learned flying fighter jets to his stock and options trading. Having a strategy, implementing tactics, contingency planning and knowing when to exit a situation, worked and Buckley knew he could help others succeed. He even applies a military analogy to paying it forward. He says, "When a lot of people on Wall Street make it, 'they pull the ladder UP.' In the military when we make it, 'we put the ladder DOWN' to help others." He now manages four model portfolios at TGO and teaches retail traders of all experience levels how to trade equity options. He shares his unprecedented experiences in the military and corporate America in his book, From Sea Level to C Level: A Fighter Pilot's Journey from the Front Lines to the Front Office. About E. Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley & Top Gun Options Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley is a former decorated Navy fighter pilot turned successful CEO. He applied his fighter pilot knowledge into his businesses, Top Gun Options, and Strike Fighter Financial, and was able to grow it to a multi-million dollar options trading school. Prior to TGO, he was an F/A-18 Hornet pilot and Instructor, and flew 44 combat sorties over Iraq, being awarded 2 Strike/Flight Air Medals by the President of the United States. He combined his unprecedented experiences in the military and corporate America in the writing of From Sea Level to C Level: A Fighter Pilot's Journey from the Front Lines to the Front Office. Media Contact: Suzi Buckley 954-960-6083 [email protected] SOURCE Top Gun Options LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine's 2018 2. 6GHz spectrum auction sets up LTE launches Ukraine's telecom infrastructure is being modernised through considerable investment in both the mobile and fixed-broadband sectors. Competition is provided from a number of alternative operators, and although the incumbent Ukrtelecom remains the dominant player in the fixed-line market the regulatory environment has improved following the sale of the company to the local conglomerate SCM Group, though the legality of this sale has been disputed and legal action is ongoing. The telecom sector has attracted investors from Turkey and Russia, while Vodafone Group has partnered with MTS Ukraine to help develop mobile services under the Vodafone brand. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5355157 The political tension which erupted in late 2013, and which escalated in a more violent form in eastern areas of the country, has brought focus to the vulnerability of the telecom network. A number of telcos operating in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, left the peninsular after their licences were made over to Russian firms. More recently, telcos have retreated from the Donetsk region after it was impossible for them to continue services. The telecom regulator now assesses market statistics, including revenue, excluding data from Crimea and the separately administered city of Sevastopol, as well as from a number of contested regions in the east. The competitive mobile market is dominated by the three network operators Vodafone Ukraine, Kyivstar and Lifecell. Together, these players have held back the development of the MVNO sector by promoting their own low-cost subsidiaries. Nevertheless, a gap in the low-cost sector may provide the opportunity for MVNOs to thrive in coming years. Competition resulting from mobile number portability has also been stymied, either by the regulator having delayed its introduction or by an insufficient number of companies bidding for the tender. Mobile broadband services present a significant growth opportunity. Significant investment has been made in extending 3G infrastructure, while operators have more recently concentrated on LTE. Additional spectrum in the 2600MHz band was auctioned in January 2018, issued under 15-year licenses, and all three MNOs are expected to launch LTE services promptly. The sizeable broadband market enjoys effective cross-platform competition. DSL remains an important platform though it has been eclipsed by fibre following efforts by operators to build out networks. While LAN and wireless platforms such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX exist on a smaller scale there is ongoing investment aimed at delivering a national wireless network by the end of 2018. This report provides an overview of Ukraine's telecom market, including profiles of the major operators and a review of telecom network infrastructure, regulatory measures, and emerging network developments. The report also analyses the mobile market, offering a range of statistics as well as profiles of the key players and an assessment of mobile technology deployments. In addition, the report covers the fixed-line and fixed-wireless broadband sectors. Key developments: - ESU fails in petition against Court ruling invalidating the acquisition of a 92.79% stake in Ukrtelecom; - Ukrtelecom makes progress with network upgrade project with Huawei; - DREAM cable linking Ukraine to Germany and China opens for traffic; - Fixed lines in service dip to 7.1 million; - Regulator raises UAH2.288 billion in 2600MHz auction; - Kyivstar gains approval for its StarMoney m-payment service; - Fresh MNP tender declared invalid; - Regulator sets minimum price for 1800MHz spectrum licences expected to be auctioned in March 2018; - Vodafone Ukraine preps for commercial LTE launch; - Report update includes the regulator market data, State Statistics data to December 2017, telcos' operating and financial data to Q4 2017, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Ukrtelecom, Kyivstar, Datagroup, Eurotranstelecom, Vega, Velton Telecom, Intertelecom, ITC, Telesystems, Ukrainian Radio Systems, Lifecell, Vodafone Ukraine (MTS), Golden Telecom, PAN Wireless, Volia Cable. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5355157 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 "Vietnam Airlines appreciates Airbus A321neo for its exceptional operational performance with new engine and technology saving up to 20 percent fuel burn," said Duong Tri Thanh, president and CEO at Vietnam Airlines. "We are confident that the Airbus A321neo fleet, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will further deliver the highest level of passenger comfort on our growing domestic and regional routes in Vietnam and Asia." Pratt & Whitney and Vietnam Airlines share a long history dating back to the early 1990s when the airline received its first PW4000-powered 767. Today, the airline's fleet consists of 57 V2500-powered A320ceo aircraft and 2 PW4170-powered A330 aircraft. With the addition of the A321neo aircraft, Vietnam Airlines plans to continue their growth in the region. "New aircraft deliveries are a special milestone, and we are elated to see Vietnam Airlines take delivery of their first A321neo," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Vietnam Airlines' transition to industry-leading GTF technology is a significant testament of their commitment to growth in the region, with environmental consciousness at top of mind." Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, to reduce NOx emissions by 50 percent to the regulatory standard and to lower the noise footprint by 75 percent. About Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. To learn more about the GTF engine, visit www.pwgtf.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production support, performance and realization of the anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Pratt & Whitney +1 (860) 565-9600 [email protected] SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Related Links http://www.pratt-whitney.com CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Volpara Solutions, Inc. will showcase its latest artificial intelligence (AI) updates at the upcoming 104th Annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting, November 2530, 2018 (South Hall #2565). Its suite of cloud-based quantitative breast imaging analysis tools is designed to help maintain consistent quality in breast screening. This year, Volpara will launch the VolparaLive! system, mammography's first real-time decision support system at the point of care. The VolparaLive! system automatically analyzes patient positioning and compression to help technologists acquire consistent, high-quality mammograms. One of the key benefits of the system is the cost reduction of fewer technical recalls, made possible by providing technologists with actionable data before the patient leaves the room. Major improvements to the VolparaEnterprise software will be demonstrated for the first time: a new reporting function for periodic image quality reviews further streamlines EQUIP compliance and the image quality review process; users can generate a list of exams based on the VolparaEnterprise quality assessment for periodic image quality reviews, sorting by interpreting physicians and technologists; and the software now features vPGMI, a new image positioning quality standard. This year, Volpara is proud to host a distinguished speaker series at RSNA, including: Prof. Jack Cuzick : Volpara and Risk Assessment: Importance of Volumetric Density in TC8 Director, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine; Head, Centre for Cancer Prevention and John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Queen Mary University of London Director, of Preventive Medicine; Head, Centre for Cancer Prevention and John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Queen Mary University of Sunday, November 25 at 2:30 PM at Monday, November 26 at 11:00 AM at JoAnn Pushkin: Breast Density Legislation and Education US and Europe Executive Director, DenseBreast-Info.org Executive Director, DenseBreast-Info.org Monday, November 26 at Noon at Noon Tuesday, November 27 at 2:00 PM at Professor Sir Mike Brady : How AI and Machine Learning Can Impact Mammography Professor of Oncological Imaging, University of Oxford Professor of Oncological Imaging, Tuesday, November 27 at 11:00 AM at Wednesday, November 28 at Noon at Noon Amy Chatten , MPH, Measuring the Impact of Hands-On Technologist Training on Mammographic Image Quality Executive Director, Mammography Educators, LLC Executive Director, Mammography Educators, LLC Monday, November 26 at 2:30 PM at Wednesday, November 28 at 11:00 AM More information is available at www.volparasolutions.com/rsna. About Volpara Solutions Founded with the goal of helping radiologists give women the most accurate information possible regarding their breast health, Volpara Solutions is the wholly owned sales and marketing arm of Volpara Health Technologies Limited of New Zealand. Available in most markets where breast cancer screening is commonplace, VolparaDensity provides an objective volumetric measure of breast density from both digital mammography and tomosynthesis data. VolparaEnterprise software is a suite of quantitative breast imaging tools for personalized measurements of density, patient-specific xray dose, breast compression, breast positioning, and other factors designed to provide critical insight for breast imaging workflow. For more information, visit www.volparasolutions.com. SOURCE Volpara Solutions Related Links http://www.volparadensity.com HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Weidai Ltd. ("Weidai" or the "Company") (NYSE: WEI), a leading auto-backed financing solution provider in China, announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 4,500,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each representing one Class A Ordinary Share of the Company, at US$10.00 per ADS for a total offering size of US$45 million, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. The ADSs began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on November 15, 2018, under the ticker symbol "WEI". The underwriters have been granted an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of the final prospectus, to purchase up to 675,000 additional ADSs at US$10.00 per ADS. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are acting as joint bookrunners for the offering. Weidai's registration statement relating to the offering has been filed with, and declared effective by, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering of the securities is made only by means of a prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting: (1) Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, United States of America, telephone: +1-866-718-1649, email: [email protected]; or (2) Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, United States of America, telephone: +1-800-831-9146. About Weidai Weidai Ltd. ("Weidai" or the "Company") (NYSE: WEI) is a pioneer and leading auto-backed financing solution provider in China supported by sophisticated and effective risk management system and technology. The Company transforms used automobiles, a type of "non-standard" collateral, into investable assets, to provide accessible credit for China's small and micro enterprises, and connects the borrowers with both online investors and institutional funding partners through its platform. For more information on Weidai, please visit http://weidai.investorroom.com/. For more information, please contact: Christensen Mr. Christian Arnell In China +86-10-5900-1548 [email protected] Ms. Linda Bergkamp In US +1-480-614-3004 [email protected] SOURCE Weidai Ltd. Fibre from BT 91% UK coverage. Average speeds based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will depend on your location, phone line, home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day. Check your speed at bt.com/speed. Our Fibre broadband is subject to availability, geographic location, computer specifications and a line check. The exchange list and dates are subject to change. Terms apply. Full Fibre from BT 8% UK coverage. Average speeds based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will depend on home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day. Openreach Survey: In some cases Openreach have to carry out a survey before they can connect a home to Full Fibre. To do this they may need access to your property. If they do well contact you to arrange a suitable time. If additional work is required, this may take longer than the initial set-up time provided and there could be additional costs. Our team of specialists will contact you to confirm what additional work is needed and how long this will take, usually within four weeks from the date your order was placed. If you dont want to proceed with your upgrade based on this, you will be able to cancel your order and no charges will be applied to your account. Not all lines in an ultrafast Fibre area can support this service, call today to see if you are eligible. 93% of calls dealt with within UK and Ireland, some specialist teams are located offshore. Complete Wi-Fi guarantee: 96% UK availability. BT sends additional discs to guarantee a reliable Wi-Fi connection in every room of your home. Well send you up-to three discs to ensure a reliable Wi-Fi connection in every room of your home. If you still cant get a reliable Wi-Fi connection around your home well give you a one-off credit of 100 off your next BT bill. The guarantee only applies when your Smart Hub2 is connected to the fixed broadband network and it does not cover broadband faults. For full terms see bt.com/legalstuff. 4G Home Broadband 4G speeds vary by location, coverage and demand. Plans for use in fixed location only. 24 month min term. 4G coverage required. BT Halo BT Halo offers Our Price Promise, a Keep Connected Promise, double data (or more subject to offer) on your BT Mobile plan and access to Home Tech Experts. No Limits Plan available with selected mobile plans. Our Price Promise: annual price changes still apply. Keep Connected Promise: Youll need to contact us to report the fault. Mobile network coverage required. Applies for the duration of your fault only. See full BT Halo terms. BT Home Essentials See full Home Essentials terms and conditions. Stay Fast Guarantee We guarantee the speed to your hub. Check your speed using the MyBT app, online or by calling 0800 800 150. If after 30 days we cant get you back to the speed we promised well give you a 20 Reward card. Up to four claims a year. Excludes outages, connection faults and home wiring outside of BTs control. BT are signatories to the Ofcom Voluntary Code of Practice for Broadband Speed, find out more at www.bt.com/stayfastguarantee BT Broadband and TV Installation service terms What we provide 1. We will: a. install and connect your BT Hub and connect a device to the BT Broadband service; b. demonstrate a working product and test your Wi-Fi signal; c. connect any additional kit for other BT products and services such as Complete Wi-Fi; d. connect your BT TV to the BT Broadband, including any multi-room boxes where applicable; and e. install a single additional cable / socket if needed in order to connect your BT Broadband Service. 2. You will be responsible for reconnecting any existing devices or equipment you may have. Providing the Broadband installation service to you 3. In order to provide the service: a. your property must be located on the UK mainland and Northern Ireland; b. you must own the property or have permission from the landlord or agent managing the property and have permission from any other relevant authority to have the work done; and c. there must be a responsible adult present in your home. Where this person is not you, it must be someone authorised by you to make decisions regarding the location and installation of equipment. Who will be carrying out the installation service? 4. We work with Openreach to provide installation services if you require a new phone line, and for specific technology changes that require work outside of your property (e.g. Full Fibre). When the Broadband installation service starts 5. We will agree a date and timeslot with you for the service. If there is a delay in performing the service for reasons outside of our control then we will let you know and take steps to reduce the delay. We will not be liable to you for such delays. 6. If we need to change the installation date, we will try to contact you as soon as possible before the scheduled installation date. 7. If you need to change or cancel any appointment date, you must tell BT at least one working day prior to the scheduled appointment or we may charge the equivalent of the installation charge. We may also charge you if the engineer is unable to access or is refused access to your property at the time of the scheduled appointment. Cancellation 8. You may cancel your agreement for the service at any time before the engineer starts work on the installation. Once the installation work has started any applicable installation charges cannot be refunded, and you will be liable to pay this. For details of charges please see our Tariff Guide. 9. The Broadband installation service is a standalone service and separate from your contract for the BT Broadband Service. Other things you should know 10. If the Broadband and TV installation service cannot be provided for reasons outside our control you will not be charged. Ownership of broadband hubs and TV boxes As of 13 December 2019, we own all BT Broadband Hubs (Hub 4, Smart Hub, and Smart Hub 2) and TV Boxes (Z4, G4 and G5) sent out to customers. Not applicable for Hubs and Wi-Fi Discs purchased outright. When you replace hubs or boxes, or leave BT, please return those items to us. If the kit is not returned, you may be liable for a charge. Details of charging can be found on the Tariff Guide. You have a total of 60 days to return your items and which includes the time taken for us to send out a jiffy bag. If you prefer, you may also drop your items off in an EE store (see BT.com/returns for more details) New Customer Packages: BT Halo benefits Our Price Promise: Youll keep the same monthly price, when your contract ends. This doesnt include any changes as a result of annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation. See bt.com/prices for more information. Keep Connected Promise: See BT Halo terms. Youll need to contact us to report the fault or home move. Mobile network coverage required. Applies for the duration of your fault or home move only. Smart Hub 2: available to Halo 3+ customers who dont already have one. Home Tech Experts: available to all BT Halo 3 and BT Halo 3+ customers Our Home Tech Experts are trained to install, repair and optimise BT products and service. See BT Halo terms. Dedicated UK and Ireland-based Support: we may route your call outside the UK and Ireland under certain circumstances. Broadband Unlimited with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Broadband Unlimited customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 35.99 a month. Includes a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Terms apply. Fibre Essential with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre Essential customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 35.99 a month. Includes a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Terms apply. Fibre Essential without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre Essential customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 35.99 a month. Includes a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Terms apply. Fibre 1 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 1 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 36.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 1 without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 1 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 34.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 2 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 2 Unlimited customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 40.99 a month. Includes Unlimited Weekend Calls, BT Virus Protect, 1000GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). If you leave in the first year, we'll charge you up to 65 towards the cost of your new Hub.. Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 2 without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 2 Unlimited customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 40.99 a month. Includes Unlimited Weekend Calls, BT Virus Protect, 1000GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). If you leave in the first year, we'll charge you up to 65 towards the cost of your new Hub. Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre with Halo3 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 55.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 100 with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 with Halo 3 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 59.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 250 with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 250 with Halo3 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 64.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 100 with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 with Halo3 customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 59.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 300 with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 300 with Halo 3 customers that sign up for 24 months, 64.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 900 with Halo 3 Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 with Halo 3 customers that sign up for 24 months, 69..99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Fibre with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre with Halo3+ customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 65.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 100 with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 with Halo 3+ customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 69.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 250 with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 250 with Halo3+ customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 74.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 100 with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 with Halo3+ customers that sign up for 24 months. Price from month 25 currently 69.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 300 with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 300 with Halo 3+ customers that sign up for 24 months, 74.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 900 with Halo 3+ Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 with Halo 3+ customers that sign up for 24 months, 80.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Fibre 100 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 24 months. 47.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Fibre 100 without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 24 months. 47.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Fibre 250 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 250 customers that sign up for 24 months. 57.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Fibre 250 without Landline. Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term.. For new Fibre 250 customers that sign up for 24 months. 57.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply.. Full Fibre 100 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 24 months. 47.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 100 without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 24 months. 47.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply . Full Fibre 500 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 500 customers that sign up for 24 months. 57.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 500 without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 500 customers that sign up for 24 months. 57.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 900 with Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 customers that sign up for 24 months. 67.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. Full Fibre 900 Without Landline Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 customers that sign up for 24 months. 67.99 a month from month 25. Includes 1000 GB Cloud Storage, BT Virus Protect and a BT Smart Hub. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability. Terms apply. 9 and 12 Month Student Deals Fibre Essential 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre Essential customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 35.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 1 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 1 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 39.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 2 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 2 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 41.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 100 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 44.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 100 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 44.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 300 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 300 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 49.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 900 9 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 customers that sign up for 9 months. Price from month 10 currently 54.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre Essential 12 Months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre Essential customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 32.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 1 12 Months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 1 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 37.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 2 12 Months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 2 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 39.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Fibre 100 12 Months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 42.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 100 12 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 100 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 42.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 300 12 months Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 300 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 47.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. Full Fibre 900 12 month Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term. For new Full Fibre 900 customers that sign up for 12 months. Price from month 13 currently 52.99 a month. Includes BT Virus Protect, 200GB Cloud and a BT Home Hub (unless BT has already provided you with one). Compatible line required otherwise 49.99 connection charge may apply. Payment by Direct Debit. BT Virus Protect works on compatible PC/MACs. BT Cloud: You need to activate the service yourself. This service will be stopped and your back-up files deleted if you dont use it for 90 days. Subject to availability, minimum line speed and computer specification. 30 day rolling contracts Available via BT.com only. 30 day rolling plan requires 30 days cancellation notice. Any additional products with minimum commitment are not eligible to be taken in conjunction with this offer. Requires 50 activation fee upfront. Line Rental included in monthly cost. Customers will be charged for any unreturned equipment if they decide to cancel. Reward Card You must claim your BT Reward Card within 3 months of placing your order on bt.com by entering your details on www.bt.com/manage/bt-reward-card/, and must activate the card within 3 months of issuance. If installed prior to 31-Oct: Following a successful claim, your card will be sent to the broadband installation address. Offer, BT Reward Card & BT terms apply - www.bt.com/manage/bt-reward-card/ If installed from 1-Nov onwards: Following a successful claim, your card will be sent to the email account you signed up with. Offer, BT Reward Card & BT terms apply - www.bt.com/manage/bt-reward-card/ The card is issued by GVS Prepaid Ltd, an Electronic Money Institution authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference number 900230, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. GVS Prepaid Ltd.s company registration number is 09193070 and its registered office is at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD Please note that Reward cards can also be referred to as BT Reward cards they are the same thing. BritBox Offer: Available to customers on BT consumer broadband plan UK residents only. Offer is available for six consecutive months. The six months starts as soon as we receive your request for Britbox. If Britbox is removed from your account at any point during the six-month period, youll be unable to get this offer again. At the end of the offer period, youll be automatically charged the standard monthly price for BritBox (currently 5.99 pm) and data used will decrement from any plan allowances depending on how you access the content. You can cancel the offer at any time. Offer is non-transferable. Britbox is for your personal, non-commercial use. You must not attempt to share, edit or adapt the content made available to you. Service is on demand content only. Device limitations apply. Compatible device required to stream content see www.britbox.co.uk/help. Compatible equipment required to cast content to your TV. Terms apply. See BT.com/legalstuff. Its your responsibility to ensure that content accessed by under 18s is suitable for those viewing it. Content is variable and may be withdrawn at any time. Access to content outside of the UK and the ability to watch on other devices are subject to the terms and conditions of Britbox. Britbox terms apply. For more details see www.britbox.co.uk/terms BritBox Chargeable: 5.99 pm a month. Data used will decrement from any plan allowances depending on how you access the content. You can cancel the offer at any time. Offer is non-transferable. BritBox is for your personal, non-commercial use. You must not attempt to share, edit or adapt the content made available to you. Service is on demand content only. Device limitations apply. Compatible device required to stream content see www.britbox.co.uk/help. Compatible equipment required to cast content to your TV. Terms apply. See BT.com/legalstuff. Its your responsibility to ensure that content accessed by under 18s is suitable for those viewing it. Content is variable and may be withdrawn at any time. Access to content outside of the UK and the ability to watch on other devices are subject to the terms and conditions of Britbox. Britbox terms apply. For more details see www.britbox.co.uk/terms. Fibre speeds BT Fibre speeds referred to are download speeds; speeds affected by various factors including distance from the cabinet, time of day and internal home wiring. If your line won't support our top speed, we'll offer the best speed available. We'll always offer the best available speed on your line. Broadband Extras BT Virus Protect BT Virus Protect for 2 devices comes as standard with all our broadband packages, except Halo 2 with Fibre which comes with 15 devices. You can increase to 15 licences for only 4 a month, with the first month free. You'll need to activate and download this service, it may not work with some computer or mobile systems. See details. * based on 5x McAfee True Key licenses and BT Virus Protect BT Parental Controls BT is not responsible for any of the site categorisations this is done by our 3rd party specialist vendor. The Account Holder needs to set up and maintain this service. If you delete your account your settings will be lost. 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GVS Prepaid Limiteds company registration number is 09193070 and its registered office is at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD Chicago, Nov 16 : Just days after the US city of Chicago took eight online retailers to court for illegally selling e-cigarettes to underage residents, federal agencies confirmed astonishing increases in nationwide youth use of e-cigarettes. According to the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey, released on Thursday by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3.6 million of US middle and high school students are currently using e-cigarettes, about 1.5 million more than a year before. From 2017 to 2018, there was a 78 per cent increase in current e-cigarette use among high school students and a 48 percent increase among middle school students. In an open letter issued by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, he described youth use of e-cigarettes as an "epidemic." "These increases must stop. And the bottom line is this: I will not allow a generation of children to become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes," he wrote. The FDA chief vowed to take all necessary actions to stop these trends from continuing. US federal agencies now plan to prohibit the sale of sweet-flavoured electronic cigarette liquid at convenience stores and gas stations. Vaping products, including e-liquids, may now be sold only in stores that can verify the age of customers. They may be sold online only when there is more stringent age verification. E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavouring in it, and other additives. Earlier this week, Chicago filed lawsuits against eight online retailers, mostly based in Florida and California, for selling e-cigarette products directly to Chicago residents under the age of 21. Los Angeles, Nov 16 : "Coronation Street" actress Helen Flanagan has hit back at "negative" mum-shamers who criticised her for weaning her baby at five months. Taking to Instagram on Thursday morning, the 28-year-old wrote: "So this morning I posted about weaning my baby girl at nearly 5 months and I got quite a lot of negative comments. "I know a lot of Mums follow me, so I wasn't being irresponsible posting that I'm weaning my baby who's nearly five months. I'm not an expert but I do think each baby is different. Matilda was walking at 11 months and some little ones take longer with that but she wasn't great with her food. "I suppose they all go at their own pace and Delilah is loving little baby fruit purAes and is really interested," she added, reports people.com. Flanagan said now she is giving her little one only little licks of the spoon. "No mum shaming please that I didn't boil the fruit. I am still feeding her myself and will do as long as she needs," she said. She continued: "I breastfeed and my toddler is still in my bed but what works for me won't work for someone else. It doesn't make you a better mum what ever your choice of feeding. I do think as mothers we're all in it together, we should support each other, it's not a competition. "We're all just trying our best really no one is perfect and we should uplift each other as women as it's the best job but not always the easiest." Flanagan faced criticism after her first post in which she wrote: "We are weaning. With Matilda (first daughter), I waited until she was six months before I started weaning her." She explained that Matilda wasn't interested in food until she was a year old, so she wanted to start earlier with second daughter Delilah. Tehran, Nov 16 : Five of 12 Iranian border guards kidnapped last month by an Iranian militant group were freed on Thursday in Pakistan, the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday. The released guards will soon return home, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, Xinhua reported. Efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining captives, said Jafari. The Iranian border guards were kidnapped on Oct. 16 by the Pakistan-based Iranian Sunni extremist group, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), at the Mirjaveh border point in Iran's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province and were transferred to Pakistan. "The kidnappers are seeking to exchange the abducted guards for several of their accomplices that are behind bars in the Islamic Republic for committing crimes," Jafari said. However, this request is not acceptable, he added. Seoul, Nov 16 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a test of a newly developed high-tech weapon, amid faltering nuclear disarmament negotiations with the US, Pyongyang's state media reported on Friday. The Korean Central Broadcasting Station said that Kim visited a testing site at a national defence institute and inspected the test of the unspecified new tactical weapon, reports Yonhap News Agency. "The state-of-the-art weapon that has been long developed under the leadership of our party's dynamic leadership has a meaning of completely safeguarding our territory and significantly improving the combat power of our people's army. "The testing of the high-tech tactical weapon has been carried out successfully, meeting all superior and powerful designing indicators," it said. The Station reported that Kim praised scientists, saying they have made yet another achievement, calling the successful testing a great innovation in enhancing its national defence capacity. He added that the development of the weapon was spearheaded by his late father and former leader Kim Jong-il. Kim Jong-un was accompanied by Choe Ryong-hae, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party; Ri Pyong-chol, a senior official of the Munitions Industry Department; and Vice Department Director Jo Yong-won of the party's Central Committee. The state media, however, did not specify the date of the test. This marked the first field inspection by the North Korean leader of a weapons test since November 2017, when he viewed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile. The inspection came as denuclearization talks between the North and US have stalled since their June 12 summit. San Francisco, Nov 16 : Google is set to release a new system update called the "H Update" to its "Wear Operating System (OS)" with features like the battery saver, body efficiency and smart app resume. "In the next few months, you should soon see a system update on your device labeled 'System Version: H'," a Community Manager at Wear OS, Google wrote in a blog-post on Thursday. The new battery saver mode that would come with the "H Update" to Android-based smart-watches would extend the device battery further by turning on "Battery Saver" to only display the time once your battery falls below 10 per cent. "Additionally, after 30 minutes of inactivity your watch will go into deep sleep mode to conserve battery," the post added. Wih the "Smart App Resume" users would be able to pick up where they left off across all apps on their watches. The search-engine giant is also included a 2-step power off functionality that would enable users to turn off their watches by holding the power button until they see the power off screen and then choose to either "power off" or "restart." "This update will be progressively rolling out over the coming months. Your device may not immediately be eligible for this update and will be determined by your watch manufacturer. Some functionality may vary by device," the post said. Mumbai, Nov 16 : Filmmaker Andy Serkis along with Christian Bale and Freida Pinto will visit Mumbai for the world premiere of their film "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle". The Netflix film will premiere here on November 25. The director's son, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, and newcomer Rohan Chand, who plays Mowgli in the film, will also join the team for the event, a statement said. The cast will walk the red-carpet and attend the world premiere screening in Mumbai. "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" will bring the world of Rudyard Kipling's 1864 classic "The Jungle Book" alive on the big screen, splashed with shades of grey. "The Jungle Book" tells the story of an Indian boy named Mowgli, wandering in an enchanting Indian forest with an entourage of his animal friends and fighting for survival. Mowgli's adventures have made way for several adaptations like the popular eponymous 1967 animated film or Jon Favreau's similarly titled re-imagination. Netflix bought the film from Warner Bros. in July. The acquisition is believed to be one of Netflix's costliest ever purchases. Warner had planned to release the movie in October. The move is also in line with commitments to give theatrical releases to Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma," the Coen brothers' "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" and "Bird Box." The movie will be available to Netflix members worldwide from December 7. The cast includes Bale as Bagheera, Cate Blanchett as Kaa, Serkis as Baloo, Naomie Harris as Nisha, Peter Mullan as Akela, Louis as Bhoot Aand Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan with Matthew Rhys and Freida playing key characters from the local village. Los Angeles, Nov 16 : Pakistan-origin actor-comedian Kumail Nanjiani is crossing over into "The Twilight Zone". He will star in an episode of the Jordan Peele-led reboot. "The Silicon Valley" star and Oscar-nominated co-writer of "The Big Sick" is the third actor to join the series, following Sanaa Lathan and Adam Scott. Executive producer Peele will introduce and narrate each episode, just like series creator Rod Serling, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Details about Nanjiani's role are being kept under wraps. The original "Twilight Zone" ran from 1959-64 on CBS. Four classic segments from the original were also remade as a 1983 feature film. All episodes of the 1959-64 series stream on CBS All Access. The new version is set for a 2019 premiere. Chennai, Nov 16 : A severe cyclonic storm, Gaja, battered the Tamil Nadu coast on Friday, leaving at least 11 people dead and causing widespread destruction. Authorities said the cyclone crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam districts between 12.30 a.m. and 2.30 a.m. with wind speeds of about 110-120 kmph. So powerful were the gales that the roof sheets of the Nagapattinam railway station were damaged. Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said in Salem, some 350 km from here, that 11 persons had lost their lives due to the cyclone. He said a sum of Rs 10 lakh would be paid to each family of the dead. For those severely injured, a sum of Rs 100,000 would be paid and those who suffered minor injuries would get Rs 25,000. About 82,000 people living in low-lying areas were sent to 471 relief centres, the Chief Minister said, adding that the preventive measures helped keep the death toll low. Relief centres were set up in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Thiruvarur on Thursday itself. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rains till Friday evening. R.B. Udhyakumar, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, said all the trees felled by the cyclone were being removed. Road traffic was hit in Nagapattinam due to the fallen trees. The government snapped power supply on Thursday night as precaution. The cyclone damaged some 12,000 power poles. Several universities in Tamil Nadu have postponed their exams slated for Friday. Similarly, schools will remain closed on Friday in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Thiruvarur and several other districts in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry including Karaikal. Isolated rains are likely over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, north Kerala and interiors of south Karnataka. Gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph very likely in central parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next six hours. Powerful winds are also likely in the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and the Palk Strait, which divides Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. According to the Chief Minister, the Fisheries Department will estimate the damage to the fishing boats before paying compensation to the fishermen. Jaipur, Nov 16 : With the heroic stories of soldiers losing their sheen by getting lost with the passage of time, a former Army officer has forayed into Bollywood with a production house, aiming to serve such legendary stories to the masses. The former Army officer is Lakshan Singh Bisht, a former NSG Commando who served in the Indian Army for around eight years. He is now all set to bring out a biopic on the legendary tale of Gabbar Singh Negi, a World War I hero who sacrificed his life at the age of 19 in 1915. Bisht told IANS: "Negi, a resident of Garhwal (Tehri district) lost his life while fighting the World War I. He stunned the Britishers with his act of bravery, valour and fearlessness and hence was awarded the Victoria Cross honour posthumously. It was the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system." He was the youngest soldier (19) from Garhwal Rifles to receive this highest British honour, informed Bisht who was in Jaipur recently to attend a personal function. On the sidelines of the function here, he said he has got the rights to produce the film from Negi's family and an NOC agreement has been signed with them for Rs 51 lakh. The biopic will bring many hidden yet interesting stories from Negi's life. "Discussions are on with leading production house Eros. Also, we are trying to get leading names for the cast and are aiming to realise the film by August 2020," he said. Bisht served in the Army from 2004-11, completed his training in Israel from 2004 to mid-2006 and served in the NSG as the Personal Security Officer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2007-11 when Modi was the Gujarat Chief Minister. He has also served as a NSG Commando for veteran leaders including L.K. Advani, Rajnath Singh, Chandrababu Naidu, Prakash Singh Badal and Tarun Gogoi. Bisht received the award of India's Best NSG Commando in 2009. In 2018, after quitting the Army, he founded his own production house under the banner of 'Lucky Commando Films' with offices in Haldwani and Mumbai. He is presently working on four short films. Expressing his displeasure at the current scenario where stories of great Indian heroes remain hidden in books and never come out, he said: "It sounds strange that the stories of bravery and sacrifice lie hidden deep down in the folds of papers. Hence, I decided to produce a biopic on Negi who was the person who religiously followed the concept of 'duty first' and went for the war the same day he got married." The movie will bring out many other interesting anecdotes from his life, he added. Bisht's production house aims at delivering the best quality content with a message within it. A few months ago, Lucky Commando Films made its first musical video "Ehsaas", based on the theme - 'No acid attacks'. They will come up with short films, web series and feature films in the future. "We are already planning to launch a few of our projects at Netflix and Amazon Prime," he said. Their other ambitious project is a short film "Niyati Chakra", based in Varanasi. It is written and directed by Santosh Ojha, an alumnus of FTII, Pune. "This is a story of fate of life. We are planning to take these films to different International Film Festivals," Bisht said. (Archana Sharma can be contacted at archana.s@ians.in) Amsterdam, Nov 16 : A 19-year-old recovering drug addict died after inhaling deodorant in an attempt to get high, doctors who treated him in the Netherlands have revealed in a case report to highlight the fatal consequences of inhaling chemicals. Doctors told the story of the unnamed teenager in a stark warning to people of the dangers of sniffing solvents. The teen, believed to have been in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, died after his heart stopped and he could not be revived by paramedics, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday. The patient, who had a history of psychotic symptoms, was in rehab for his cannabis and ketamine use when he relapsed and looked for a different way to intoxicate himself. He placed a towel over his head and inhaled deodorant spray, which can quickly make users feel light-headed, dizzy and happy, according to the report published in the BMJ medical journal. He soon became hyperactive and started jumping up and down before blood flow stopped suddenly, causing him to go into cardiac arrest and collapse, the report said. The teenager was admitted to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma when staff failed to revive him. The "patient did not have enough brain function to sustain life", said Dr Kelvin Harvey of Maasstad Hospital's intensive care unit in Rotterdam Kramp. Nine days after he was admitted, doctors withdrew care and the man died. Such cases are "very rare", Kramp said, adding that because deaths from deodorant inhalation were not common among the general population the consequences weren't really known, causing people to continue this dangerous behaviour. There were three theories about what caused the cardiac arrest, Kramp said: The inhalant could have oversensitized the patient's heart, which can make any subsequent stress, like getting caught by a parent, cause cardiac arrest. Also, inhalants decrease the strength of contraction of the heart muscle. Another possibility was that inhalants can cause spasm of the coronary arteries. The group most affected by solvent abuse was 15 to 19 year olds, studies show. People in rehabilitation centres or prisons were more likely to abuse household products, the report added, meaning there could be a greater risk of cardiac deaths in these environments. The medics warned that young people with a history of drug abuse were at particularly high risk of harming themselves this way because many common household items can be used. 'The main toxic substance in deodorant spray inhalation is butane,' the medics explained. It is often used in sprayable household products and has a similar effect to alcohol. Other health effects of inhalants included liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, delayed behavioural development and brain damage. Varanasi, Nov 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday briefly stopped at his parliamentary constituency here in Uttar Pradesh on his way to poll-bound Chhattisgarh, an official said. He reached the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur here in a special Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and stayed for a little over 15 minutes, the official added. Then he boarded an IAF chopper and left for Chhattisgarh where he was scheduled to address a rally at Ambikapur, the official told IANS. Although the Prime Minister did not even venture out of the airport, elaborate security arrangements were made. The Special Protection Group (SPG) had taken over the security of the inner ring at the tarmac, while the provincial armed constabulary (PAC) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were on duty in and around the airport. San Francisco, Nov 16 : US' leading media streaming service provider Netflix Inc. is likely to embrace advertisements as it aims to compete head-to-head with streaming giant YouTube, an expert said. Netflix would take a cue from Hulu soon, offering a cheaper ad-supported version along with its existing ad-free services, The Recode quoted Jeff Green, CEO of online advertising marketplace The Trade Desk, as saying late on Thursday. "People are paying for cable and that cost has gone up. Then, people pay for HBO, because there's so much great content on HBO, the content is the best it's ever been. "Now, I sign up for Netflix. Now, I sign up for Showtime. They are tapped out on subscriptions, so when Hulu says, 'Hey, we wanna give you an ad-funded option', they do it," Green was quoted as saying on the latest episode of "Recode Media with Peter Kafka". "They've envied YouTube's international reach for a very long time, where even less than two years ago, 80 per cent of the subscribers for Netflix were in the US. Our median household income is around $50,000 a year... compare that to all the places where there's growth in the world, which is also where advertisers are willing to pay ahead," Green added. Earlier in August, the streaming major said it was testing out ads for shows in between episodes. We are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster, Netflix was quoted as saying by website Cord Cutters. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Stressing that data localization is an irrelevant debate in an era of Cloud, the deliberations must be in the direction of how people own and control their data, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has said. In an e-mail interview with IANS, Dorsey, who is in India on his maiden visit, said that in their business, "Internet is trending towards where data sits to be irrelevant". "The Cloud allows data to be everywhere. I think the more important question is whether people own their data and how they control it," replied Dorsey when asked about the Indian government's demand from the tech companies to store data locally so it remains within the law of the land. According to Dorsey, there must be a conversation on data ownership, not localisation. "That's the conversation that I think we need to have rather than where exactly the data sits. It's more about the ownership by the individual," Doresy told IANS. Dorsey arrived in India the last weekend and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi during his Delhi leg of the tour. Even as the Twitter CEO was busy meeting with top leaders, the government pulled up the social network for being "slow" in removing "objectionable content" from its platform. Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, in his meeting with two top Twitter executives -- Vijaya Gadde, Global Head of Legal, Policy, Trust and Safety, and Mahima Kaul, Public Policy head in India -- asked them "to ensure a 24x7 mechanism for prompt disposal of requisitions of law enforcement agencies for deletion of unlawful/objectionable content from their platform". Twitter replied that it was committed to working with governments around the world, including in India, to encourage healthy behaviour on the platform. Currently, there is no Grievance Officer from Twitter in India. To report a violation, the Indian users have to contact Jeremy Kessel in Dublin, Ireland. Twitter's European headquarters is in Dublin, as are those of Google and Facebook, where the Data Protection Commission is strongly enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into existence on May 25 this year. According to Dorsey, he came to India to find out where the gaps are. "One of the reasons why I'm here in the first place is to understand how to do that and understand where the gaps are," Dorsey told IANS. "We certainly have heard a lot about language support and that's something I'll be looking into. Access, in terms of data speed, is something we've been working on," he added. In his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Dorsey discussed various steps the social network was taking to curb the spread of fake news and boost a healthy conversation on its platform. Admitting that fighting fake news was no easy task, Dorsey told a meeting at IIT-Delhi said the social network was taking "multi-variable" steps, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to curb the spread of misleading information ahead of 2019 general elections in India. "We think there is a lot of opportunity in India. We love the conversational nature of the society and culture. We're really excited to make Twitter viable to more and more people in the country," the Twitter CEO, who also visited Mumbai and met superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman, told IANS. According to Dorsey, the company launched Twitter Lite (a lighter data-friendly version of the main app) not too long ago, specifically for India, to reach people who don't have access to hi-speed or costly data. "India remains a top priority market for us and we're making sure we understand how people use it here so that we can make it better." When it comes to monetising Twitter and further tapping the Indian market, Dorsey has his focus clear. "We do have a very healthy data business, so we've monetised beyond ads already. We'd like to bring all of our revenue lines to all of our markets," Dorsey told IANS. "We're always looking for opportunities to continue to build a business model that aligns with the interests of the people that we're serving." (Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in) Brussels, Nov 16 : Michy Batshuayi had a brace to lead Belgium to a 2-0 win over Iceland in a UEFA Nations League contest. The Red Devils, who lead League A Group 2 with nine points from three matches, need only a draw on Sunday against Switzerland to secure a berth in the final stage of the competition, reports Efe news. For Iceland, without a point, the result marks the end of their adventure in the inaugural Nations League. The visitors played a disciplined, defensive-minded match under dense fog at King Baudouin Stadium here on Thursday and managed to keep the potent Belgians off the scoreboard until the 63rd minute when Youri Tielemans relayed a magnificent Eden Hazard cross to Batshuayi in the box and the Valencia forward struck home. Thorgan Hazard, Eden's younger brother, was the architect of the second goal, setting up a shot by Hans Vanaken. While Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorsson made the initial stop, he failed to clear and Batshuayi converted in the 81st minute to make it 2-0. Foxconn has said its $10 billion factory in southeastern Wisconsin will create up to 13,000 jobs that pay an average annual wage of $53,000. The value of tax credits and breaks that Wisconsin has pledged for the project totals at least $3 billion, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a public-private agency that helped assemble the package. (Per the contract, the state will halt some payouts if the company does not deliver on those promises.) Pyongyang, Nov 16 : North Korea has said it will deport a US citizen who was detained in October after entering illegally from China, Pyongyang state media reported on Friday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the man, whom it named as Bruce Byron Lowrance, had told officials he was "under the command" of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the BBC reported. There has been no official confirmation of the man's identity. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency," KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country." Last year, the US media said the man expelled from South Korea - who has also been named as Lawrence Bruce Byron - had claimed he wanted to help resolve tensions between North Korea and the US. He is originally from Michigan, the Los Angeles Times reported, and was arrested in a restricted area near the border with the North in Yeoncheon county, 64 km north of the capital Seoul. Bhubaneswar, Nov 16 : The winter session of the Odisha Assembly began on a stormy note on Friday as members of the opposition Congress created a ruckus over farmers' issue. Unable to run the House, Speaker Pradip Amat adjourned it till Saturday following repeated stalemate. The Congress demanded a discussion on the farmers' issue during the Question Hour. As the Speaker did not relent, the Congress members went into the well of the House and shouted slogans against the state government demanding a discussion on several issues of the farmers. The Speaker initially adjourned the House till 12.14 p.m. and then till Saturday. Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra told the media later that the government had suppressed the farmers' agitation using the police force. "We condemn this and sought a discussion in the House. But the Speaker didn't allow us. Thus, we protested it." Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member Samir Dash said there was no need to create pandemonium since the Speaker had accepted the adjournment motion notice of the Congress. The House condoled the deaths of former MLAs Prasanna Kumar Pal, Bansidhar Sahoo, two soldiers Champeswar Mahakud and Brajmohan Behera and Doordarshan video journalist Achyutananda Sahu. New Delhi, Nov 16 : India has secured a bank guarantee for about Rs 1,500 crore from Dassault in the Rafale jet deal as a safeguard against any violations of the offset policy prepared in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), a leading financial daily said on Friday. A special clause in the deal, which mandates that five per cent of the total offset value be kept as a buffer in case of non-performance, was invoked after officials insisted that the safeguard was needed to protect interests, it added. According to The Economic Times, this was in line with similar provisions that are in place when it comes to direct government defence deals with the US. The 185 million euro bank guarantee has been deposited and will remain valid for seven years, the report said citing people familiar with the deal. This is in addition to the "letter of comfort" given by France that would underwrite the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets. The government had told the Supreme Court earlier this week that there was no sovereign guarantee from France in Rafale deal but there was a letter of comfort. The report said that the Defence Ministry would reserve the right to cash the bank guarantee if it feels that the offset guidelines have been violated or that the French manufacturers have not executed them in the quantum promised. It said that the special clause was put in place as per the 2013 DPP that mandates that the vendor shall be required to furnish a performance bond equal to five per cent of the offset obligation, which is required to be fulfilled during the period of the main procurement contract. The report said that offsets have been a part of most major defence deals since 2006 but the ministry has faced major problems in implementing the offsets policy, mostly due to the large quantum to be discharged and a rigidity of rules that do not give flexibility to foreign vendors. It said that the US companies Lockheed Martin and Textron have been slapped with penalties for failing to meet offsets. These penalties were recovered from the five per cent bank guarantees that had been secured at the time of the contracts. The deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to France in 2015. The Indian Negotiating Team (INT) held 74 meetings in 12 months from May 2015 to April 2016, including 48 internal meetings and 26 meetings with the French side and the proposal was presented to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) thrice for getting approvals on various aspects of negotiations. The proposal to purchase the fighter jets under an inter-government agreement (IGA) was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in August 2016. Manila, Nov 16 : The widow of former Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos was released on bail on Friday after paying a 150,000 pesos ($2,850) fine imposed by the country's anti-corruption court Sandiganbayan. Imelda Marcos, 89, arrived at the Fifth Division of Sandiganbayan in Quezon City accompanied by her son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, daughter Imee Marcos and several grandchildren, Efe news reported. Nicknamed the "Iron Butterfly" during the rule of her late husband, Marcos was released from custody after being held since her sentencing on November 9, according to the court order issued by Judge Rafael R. Lagos. Marcos, a member of congress for Ilocos Norte, was found guilty last week on seven counts of corruption. She was sentenced to between six and 11 years in prison for each offence. The trial focused on $200 million that was siphoned from the public treasury to private accounts in Switzerland while she was Governor of Manila from 1975 to 1986. The Sandiganbayan's ruling can be appealed in the Supreme Court, allowing Marcos to retain her parliamentary seat and continue her campaign for Ilocos Norte governor in the May 2019 elections, a seat currently occupied by her daughter Imee. Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 and imposed martial law between 1972 and 1981. A peaceful popular revolt overthrew the Marcos dictatorship. The strongman and his wife then went into exile on February 26, 1986. The former dictator died in the US state of Hawaii in 1989 and his family returned to the Philippines a few years later, where hundreds of lawsuits awaited them, although none has yet been prosecuted. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, created to recover money stolen by the Marcos family, estimated that the family illicitly accumulated between $5,000 billion and $10 billion during their reign. Jerusalem, Nov 16 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allocated $135 million for communities near the Gaza Strip, which have been affected by the firing of rockets from the enclave, after Israeli residents criticized the acceptance of a ceasefire there, authorities said on Friday. Netanyahu held a meeting on Thursday with political leaders of regional councils, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Chief of General Staff Gadi Eizenkot, in which he announced an annual programme to strengthen the emergency infrastructure, social and security benefits, among others, Efe news reported. The investment included subsidies for day-care centres and an increase in agricultural quotas such as egg and milk production, which will be presented for government approval in the coming weeks. At the time of Netanyahu's meeting, hundreds of Israeli residents from the areas adjacent to the strip protested in Tel Aviv against the ceasefire reached on Tuesday. The latest violence began after an Israeli special forces undercover operation in Gaza was exposed on Sunday, triggering clashes that left seven Palestinian militants and one Israeli soldier dead. Nour Baraka, a commander from Hamas' military wing, was also killed in the operation. Israeli residents believe that their country's action was weak after militants launched more than 460 rockets and mortars from the strip. Israel and its aviation tanks responded with bombings against 160 targets in Gaza. The truce brokered by Egypt, with support from the UN, to contain the violence prompted the resignation of Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who demanded a large-scale operation in Gaza against the Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the strip. Kathmandu, Nov 16 : A 22-year-old Indian national has been arrested by the police in Nepal's Palpa district on the charge of raping a seven-year-old girl. The accused, identified as Kausar Alam, hails from Bihar and has been working as a daily wager in Palpa district's Rampur area, the Himalayan Times reported on Friday. He was absconding after committing the crime on Thursday morning and was arrested at night, the police said. Hyderabad, Nov 16 : Eminent breast cancer surgeon P. Raghu Ram has been elected as the President of The Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), which represents the surgical fraternity across the country. The director for KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, Raghu Ram has become one of the youngest surgeons to be elected to the ASI. Raghu Ram polled 4,450 votes against 2,621 votes secured by Tamonas Chaudhuri from Kolkata. Arvind Kumar, Chief Election Officer, declared the results on Friday after the counting process was completed at the ASI headquarters in Chennai, according to a statement released here. Padma Shri awardee Raghu Ram is also a recipient of B.C. Roy National Award. With illustrious surgical career spanning 23 years, he is currently the immediate former President of the Association of Breast Surgeons of India. His mother's diagnosis of breast cancer was the turning point in his life. He conceived, designed and established KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, which is South Asia's first dedicated breast health centre in Hyderabad, in 2007. Established in 1938, ASI is the largest surgical Association in the Asia-Pacific region and the second largest in the world after The American College of Surgeons. ASI has a strong presence in the form of state chapters in all the 29 states and union territories. It has 12 speciality sections. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit would focus more on trade and commerce, along with investments, Manoj Kumar Das, Principal Secretary to the Gujarat Chief Minister, said on Friday. The biennial investment promotion event will be held at state capital Gandhinagar during January 18-20, 2019 with the theme "Shaping the New India". "We have changed our focus a little bit. As we are growing now we are not only focusing at investment in Gujarat, we are also talking about trade ... exports from Gujarat," Das said at the curtain raiser event here. The focus areas for the upcoming summit would be "Industry 4.0", trade, commerce and exports, youth empowerment among others, Das added. Inviting more investors and businesses to the state, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said: "Whoever has started a business in Gujarat has been successfulAit is a state with a guarantee of successful business." Addressing the event, Rupani further noted that the investment summit has turned global in the past few years as discussions during the summit now also include "global issues and opportunities". During the summit in January, the Chief Minister would present his vision for the state's development by 2022. Regarding the steps taken for ease of doing business, Chief Secretary of the state, J.N. Singh said: "Under the GST regime, we are among the first states to roll out a well defined, transperant structure for incentives." The last Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2017 had 12 partner countries, along with 100 participating countries and 2,700 international delegates. Colombo, Nov 16 : Sri Lanka's Parliament was disrupted for the second day on Friday with MPs allied to disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa throwing chilli powder at opposing MPs and hurling chairs at police officers even as the Assembly passed another no-confidence motion dismissing his government for the second time this week. The pro-Rajapaksa legislators also threw objects at Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Daily Mirror reported. Despite the violence, the pro-Rajapaksa MPs failed to prevent the Assembly from passing a no-trust motion in his leadership on Friday, dismissing his government for the second time. It was the latest violent incident in the crisis triggered three weeks ago when President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Rajapaksa in his place. The Parliament session was delayed for over 30 minutes on Friday as legislators protested around the Speaker's ceremonial chair. They called for the immediate arrest of two legislators from Wickremesinghe's United National Party, for bringing knives into Parliament a day earlier. Amid the commotion in Parliament where several objects were thrown at the Speaker, over two dozen police officers entered the chamber with their arms linked, trying to escort him. As Rajapaksa watched from his chair, his MPs attacked the officers with chairs and books, injuring at least two. Other legislators tipped the Speaker's ceremonial chair to the floor and dragged it across the ground. Taking refuge on a side bench and surrounded by officers, Jayasuriya hurriedly called for a vote of no-confidence. He initially called for a "vote by name", but due to severe chaos and violence, he concluded the vote with a "voice vote". The Speaker then announced that the motion had been passed and Parliament was adjourned till November 19. Unlike the previous vote, however, Friday's motion omitted any reference to misconduct on the part of Sirisena. The change indicated that the President could recognise the motion this time and agree to terminate Rajapaksa's leadership, according to a report in the Guardian. Rajapaksa's forces had already said they will reject Friday's vote. "We say Mahinda Rajapaksa heads the government," said Dinesh Gunawardena, a Rajapaksa ally. "We shall agitate for elections. The country is in anarchy. Parliament is in anarchy." Sirisena, meanwhile, issued a statement on Twitter after the parliamentary session, urging all parliamentarians to uphold the principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times. He also said he would not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances. Government spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella told journalists after the incident that the government would not accept the vote as it was conducted in an "illegal" manner. Wickremesinghe condemned the incident by legislators and said the government had been defeated. Earlier on Thursday, the Parliament session had to be abandoned when MPs scuffled inside the chamber, requiring one to be hospitalised. Outside the chamber, UNP and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party MPs Gamini Jayawickrama Perera and Vijitha Herath could be seen rubbing their eyes, with splotches of chilli splattered across their robes. "They have behaved as beasts, not as human beings," Herath told reporters outside the chamber. He wore a large bandage across his forehead, saying he got injured when an opposing lawmaker lobbed a copy of the Constitution at his head. If recognised by Sirisena, Friday's no-confidence motion would leave the country without a Prime Minister. It was unclear if Wickremesinghe will be restored to his position by Parliament when it resumes on Monday. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, James Dauris, slammed the "deplorable behaviour by some MPs in Parliament". New Delhi, Nov 16 : A Delhi court on Friday agreed to hear criminal defamation complaint against Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor for his comment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "a scorpion seated on a Shiv-ling". After taking cognisance of the defamation complaint, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal set December 22 for recording the statement of complainant and Bhartiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Babbar. Babbar has filed the complaint alleging that Tharoor made the statement with mala fide intention, which not only denigrates the Hindu deity but is also defamatory. Babbar requested the court to initiate proceeding against Tharoor under Section 499/500 (defamation) of Indian Penal Code. Tharoor, while speaking at Bangalore Literature Festival on October 28, said: "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shiv-ling. You cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a 'chappal' (slipper) either." Tharoor has quoted it recalling what an RSS member had told a journalist in 2012. Babbar said he was hurt by the comment as the statement is not only baseless but is also misleading and defamatory. He also told the court that he treats Modi as an inspiration, and has the highest regards for the Prime Minister. Beijing, Nov 16 : China on Friday said it supports the proposed second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next year. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Beijing had always supported engagements and contacts between the US and North Korea to secure peace on the Korean peninsula, Efe news reported. "We hope these high-level engagements will help advance the improvement of the situation on the Korean peninsula as well as promote the political settlement process of the Korean peninsula issue," she said. The first summit between Trump and Kim was held on June 12 in Singapore in which the latter agreed to work towards the denuclearization of the country and the US President guaranteed the regime's security. "We also support the two sides in taking measures to implement the consensus between their leaders," the Chinese spokesperson said. Hua said she did not know the details about reports published on Thursday that Kim had visited a weapons test site where a "cutting-edge" strategic weapon had been tested. "I just saw relevant reports today. I'm not aware of the specifics. Recently, with the efforts of all parties, positive changes have taken place in the situation on Korean peninsula. We hope this positive momentum could be maintained," she added. After meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Singapore on Thursday, Pence announced the second Trump-Kim meeting would be held next year. "We believe that the summit will likely occur after the first of the year, but the when and where of that is still being worked out," Pence had said. Pence lauded Chinese efforts on the North Korean issue and added that Trump would discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping when the two meet in Buenos Aires later in November during the G20 summit. London, Nov 16 : UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday appealed to her Cabinet to stick together as she battled to cling onto her job, a day after a wave of resignations thrust her terms for a departure from the EU into jeopardy. As No 10 geared up for a potential vote of no confidence, government whips were recalled to Westminster from their constituencies, the Independent reported. "I want all of my colleagues in the Cabinet to continue to do the excellent job they've been doing," May said when asked during a radio phone-in if she expected further resignations. She insisted she would carry on as Prime Minister and defended the Brexit deal that infuriated many of her MPs. The leader was speaking minutes after former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale became the latest to announce he had submitted a letter of no-trust in her. On the other hand, Environment Secretary Michael Gove hotly tipped to take on the freshly vacated role of Brexit Secretary or abandon the Cabinet said he would remain in his post as he offered his backing for May, who was facing backlash over the provisional deal she struck on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. May said she would name in a day or two a successor to Dominic Raab who quit as Brexit Secretary on Thursday, according to Efe news. The coming days will be critical for both May's Brexit deal and her premiership as she seeks to quell a rebellion that has been brewing for months within her own party over the UK's future ties to the EU. Members of her Conservative Party were openly plotting on Thursday to try to trigger the no-confidence vote in an effort to force her to negotiate a different deal with Brussels. The pact has drawn fierce disapproval from key Conservative figures as well as the main opposition Labour Party who said May has conceded too much. May relies on Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party for a majority in the UK's 650-seat Parliament. That alliance looked increasingly shaky on Thursday, as members of the party criticized the deal. May said she was "still working" with the party and had a number of exchanges with its leadership. While insisting that her deal was the best option for the UK, May also sought to reassure voters that medical supplies would be maintained in the event that the UK leaves the bloc in March without an agreement. May, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, said she was personally sensitive to worries about the continuity of supply since her insulin was manufactured by a company in Denmark. "The Department of Health is working carefully with companies that supply the medicines," she said. "I know this is an issue that is a matter of importance for people." Mumbai, Nov 16 : Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group firms, on Friday said discussions on acquiring a stake in the financially troubled Jet Airways have been at a preliminary stage and that no such proposal has been made so far. In a statement issued here after its Board meeting, the company said: "Over the last few days there has been growing speculation in the print and electronic media about Tata's interest in Jet Airways." "We would like to clarify that any such discussions have been preliminary and no proposal has been made." On Thursday, Jet Airways dismissed recent reports of its likely merger with Tata SIA Airlines stating that there was no such discussion in the company's Board. Today's clarification came with reference to raging speculation since a month in a section of the media about Tata's reported interest in investing in the beleagured Jet Airways, in which UAE's Etihad Airways has a 24 per cent stake. Reports of Tata's interest in Jet Airways had boosted market sentiments for the latter, though it had in mid-October termed such reports as mere speculation. According to industry experts, the proposed Tata-Jet deal could have helped Tata consolidate its own expanding aviation business comprising two airlines. Currently, Tata has a stake in the Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia and operates a joint venture airline, Air Vistara with Singapore Airlines (SIA) since 2015. Prior to this, there was similar speculation about Tata eyeing the troubled national flag carrier, Air India which was originally founded as Tata Airways by the late J.R.D. Tata in 1932, and later renamed. Later in the 1990s, Tata's plans to launch an airline with SIA by bidding for AI were allegedly scuttled by Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal, and more recently, opposing easing of norms for international services. Launched in 1993, the Mumbai-based Jet Airways currently operates on 66 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 124 aircraft. Ranchi, Nov 16 : Unidentified criminals killed a 27-year-old woman and her six-year-old son and burnt their faces with acid in Jharkhand's Lohardagga district on Friday, police said. Half burnt bodies of the two were found at a jungle located in Kairo village of the district, according to the police. They suspect that the woman might have been killed after rape. The police also recovered beer bottles from the spot of crime. They said the woman and her son were first strangulated to death. Later, the faces of both were burnt with acid so that their identity could not be revealed. A forensic team visited the spot and took samples. The dead bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The government on Friday told the Delhi High Court that Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) is situated on the government land since its inception in 1964. The JNMF had been asked by the government to vacate the premises at Teen Murti Estate in the capital on grounds of "unauthorised occupation" which had courted much controversy. The court was hearing JNMF plea challenging the October 15 eviction notice alleging that it was issued without application of mind. JNMF's counsel Kapil Sibal requested Justice Anu Malhotra to grant him more time to file response on the government's submission. The court allowed JNMF plea and fixed December 4 as next date for hearing. Earlier, the court had stayed estate officer's notice to vacate the premises. The JNMF, in its plea, alleged that the proceedings initiated by the estate officer was designed to destroy Nehru's legacy and contributions and attempted to create a new narrative. The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund formally came into being on August 17 1964 under the Chairmanship of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India, and is located at Teen Murti House. The Fund had been asked to vacate the Teen Murti Bhavan saying that Nehru Memorial Museum Library (NMML) is in "dire need of space". It has been alleged that the Memorial Fund is occupying the premises "without any authority of law". Jerusalem, Nov 16 : Israel will hold early elections, it was announced here on Friday after a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Reports said that the heads of the Israeli coalition will agree on a date to hold elections, Xinhua news agency reported. The meeting between Netanyahu and Bennett, who is the head of the far-right Habayit Hayehudi party (Jewish Home), was held amid the government's calls to avoid snap elections. The decision came after Netanyahu rejected Bennett's demand to be made Defence Minister at the meeting, the report said. Pressures were mounting on Netanyahu to call for early elections amid turmoil sparked by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's resignation following an agreed ceasefire with Gaza. On Thursday, leaders of some of the key coalition partners said Netanyahu should dissolve the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and call for early elections. Istanbul, Nov 16 : A funeral prayer was held here on Friday for the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Around 500 people, including political figures and friends of Khashoggi from different parts of the world, gathered in the city's Fatih Mosque to commemorate the slain journalist with a final prayer, Xinhua news agency reported. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a supporter-turned-critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, was killed on October 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. After weeks of denying any involvement in the crime, Saudi Arabia later admitted that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate but claimed the royal family had no prior knowledge of any plot to murder the journalist. His body has yet to be returned to his family, which has been requesting its return, amid reports that it was chemically dissolved. Speaking on the occasion, Yasin Aktay, a senior adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan within the ruling Justice and Development Party, called for "justice" for the Saudi journalist. According to Istanbul chief prosecutor, Khashoggi was strangled to death inside the Saudi mission and then his body was dismembered and destroyed. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor demanded the death penalty for five of the suspects in the murder of Khashoggi. Bengaluru, Nov 16 : Infosys had completed forming a joint venture (JV) with the Singapore-based global investment firm Temasek to service its clients across South East Asia in the digital space, said the software major on Friday. "The JV will provide Temasek and its clients solutions in advanced technologies, including cloud, data and analytics, cyber-security, digital experiences and AI, said the city-based IT behemoth in a statement here. The JV employees will be able to access the $11-billion company's education and training capabilities to advance their technological skills. The company, however, did not disclose the number of employees in the JV. As per an agreement between the partners on September 6, Infosys holds 60 per cent equity stake in the JV's unspecified paid-up capital and Temasek the remaining 40 per cent equity stake. The 44-year-old Temasek owns a whopping $235 billion funds, with two-thirds of it invested in Singapore and the rest of Asia. "The venture gives us synergy and strategic alignment in workforce to strengthen our presence in South East Asia, while Temasek will see our IT services enhanced through its augmented capabilities," said Infosys in an earlier statement. The venture will also support Temasek's digital transformation journey, managing cloud migration programme to enable it host applications on a cloud platform. As the JV's partner, Trusted Source will provide Temasek and its other clients in the region solutions and technologies across cloud, data and analytics, cyber security, digital experiences and Artificial Intelligence and automation. Infosys Vice-President Shveta Arora is the JV's Chief Executive, with 200 techies of Trusted Source Pte Ltd joining it along with Infosys staff over time. The JV will also accelerate Infosys' efforts in the region, enhancing its presence, as it helps clients navigate the next journey in their business transformation. Commenting on the JV, Temasek Chief Technology Officer Jon Allaway said the opportunity would provide support to its subsidiary (Trusted Source), ability to develop its employees' careers with Infosys. "The partnership will help unlock capabilities and technology platforms, as the organisation continues our growth with a global presence," said Allaway in the statement earlier. With offices in 11 locations across Asia, America and Europe, Temasek's investments are guided by transforming economies, growing middle income populations, deepening comparative advantages; and emerging champions. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Refusing to interfere with the construction of Kailash Hospital in Noida, the NGT in an order released on Friday said it did not find any "illegality in environmental laws", but ordered water harvesting and planting 1,500 trees for "loss of green cover". A National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench headed by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel allowed construction at NH-01, Sector 71, Noida, in a case involving Vikrant Tongad and state of Uttar Pradesh. The applicant had stated that groundwater was extracted and green cover was compromised by "illegal felling of trees" during the construction of the hospital and its parking. "We are unable to find any material to reject the stand of the Noida Authority and the hospital that the parking has not disturbed the green area and the surface in the course of underground parking," the NGT said. "No illegality has been shown in complying with environmental laws during construction," the tribunal order said. The order, however, recalls the importance of green areas, ordering to plant 1,500 trees against 100 of those which were transplanted and will not survive. It ordered the Noida Development Authority (NDA) to maintain the plantation for five years. The tribunal also ordered the Central Ground Water Authority and NDA to ensure groundwater balance through rainwater harvesting and make three pits for the same. "Out of 100 trees transplanted, we are informed, many did not survive... we direct NDA to plant 1,500 tall plants of endemic species in and around the adjoining area under the supervision of the Forest Department," the order said. "We also direct the hospital, under the supervision of the Noida Authority and Central Ground Water Authority, to make provision for rainwater harvesting pits with a view to maintaining the water balance. At least three such pits may be provided," the order said. Aizawl, Nov 16 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the condition of roads in the northeastern states has worsened under the Congress rule and promised development of Mizoram if BJP comes to power in the state in the November 28 polls. "The Congress governments had not done anything to bring about development in Mizoram and other northeastern states. The condition of roads in the states has gone from bad to worse under the Congress," Singh said in various election rallies in Mizoram. Singh, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, said if the BJP is voted to power, it would develop infrastructure including roads in the bordering state of Mizoram. "Even after a decade of Congress rule, no development has taken place in Mizoram," the Home Minister said, adding the Central government would ensure amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, providing more power to the three tribal autonomous district councils of Mizoram. Highlighting the development plans of the Modi-led central government for the North-East, Singh said: "THe government has decided to bring about a revolution to connectivity in Mizoram and other northeastern states for which an agreement has recently been signed with Japan." He also said that a separate ministry -- Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region -- has been created for the exclusive development of the eight northeastern states. "Prime Minister has made it compulsory for the central ministers to visit the region at least twice a month to review the progress of development projects," Singh said. The last Congress stronghold in the northeast India, Mizoram will go to polls on November 28. The votes would be counted on December 11. The Kauffman family turkey farm, founded in 1933 about 65 miles west of downtown Chicago, has been busy with visitors who want to buy their Thanksgiving birds directly from the farmers who raised them. Its a practice that has gained popularity as consumers care more about the origins of their food, with more customers calling or making the trip in person to ask questions about what the Ho-Ka brand birds are fed, whether they are free-range and whether they are given antibiotics, said Angie Wilson, a secretary at the farms on-site retail store. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday sought the response of Karnataka's Sakleshpur municipality to a contempt petition alleging the killing of about 350 stray dogs in violation of the top court's 2015 order. The bench of Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar sought the response of the municipality in Hassan district on a petition by Neveena Kamath, an animal rights activist. Advocate Siddhartha K. Garg, who appeared for the petitioner, contended that the actions of the Chief Officer Wilson V.T. of the Sakleshpur Town Municipal Council was a "direct assault on the sanctity of a judicial order of the top court". Kamath pleaded that the Chief Officer, in 2017, invited tenders to catch and relocate stray and sick dogs out of the municipality limits. The contract was awarded to one George Robert and on the completion of the work payment was made to him. The petitioner has contended that relocating the stray and sick dogs outside the municipal limits was in breach of the provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001 as the law says that after sterilizing and vaccinating the stray dogs they should be relocated from where they were caught. However, the local police lodged an FIR on January 3 which alleges that "George Robert had buried 350 dogs at Sakleshpur Cemetery Ground". The FIR names both Sakleshpur Town Municipal Council and George Robert as the two accused, the petitioner said. Mumbai, Nov 16 : Peeved over the massive fallout of the killing of tigress Avni (T1), Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on Friday said he has decided to withdraw from the reconciliation efforts for an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray and other senior leaders had targeted Mungantiwar for the circumstances leading to Avni's killing on November 2, and later BJP's Union minister Maneka Gandhi also joined in demanding the minister's sack from the state cabinet. "I have told Uddhav that I am deeply hurt by his comment in the Avni matter. This was unexpected since I consider him a good friend," a visibly upset Mungantiwar told mediapersons. In view of the "cheap criticism' in the entire episode, he has decided to withdraw himself from the ongoing efforts to forge an alliance between the two ruling partners for the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections. He said he was extremely pained by the kind of criticism, abusive language and derogatory messages posted on social media platforms which caused distress to his family members. The Sena has already made it clear several times that in future it will contest all elections solo, but Mungantiwar was among the handful of BJP leaders hopeful of cobbling up a pre-poll partnership, unlike the 2014 assembly polls which they had fought separately. The development comes barely days ahead of the upcoming winter session of Maharashtra Legislature next week, when the opposition plans to politically batter Mungantiwar over the raging Avni killing controversy. Meanwhile in a fresh development, a camera trap in Yavatmal has captured images of Avni's orphaned and dependent cubs who appear to be healthy even as efforts are underway to trap them, said a forest official. An alleged man-eater, the five-year old Avni was killed in a late night operation on Nov. 2, sparking off a nationwide furore among environmental activists, animal lovers and all major political parties, leading to two committees being set up to probe the killing. Rabat, Nov 16 : "Al Boraq", Africa's first high-speed railway linking the two major economic centres of Tangier and Casablanca, was jointly inaugurated by Morocco's King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Moroccan embassy has said. The project mobilised investments of around 22.9 billion dirhams and has reduced travel times to 50 minutes instead of over 3 hours for Tangier-Kenitra trip, a little over one hour instead of nearly 4 hours for Tangier-Rabat journey and halved the travel time to 2 hours between Tangier and Casablanca. The high-speed rail system was inaugurated on Thursday in the presence of representatives of the Arab Funds, of Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which contributed to the project, "A Moroccan-French partnership, Al Boraq" is the first stage of the master plan for the development of network of lines for high-speed trains in Morocco (TGVM), a master development project planned in the medium and long term with the objective of responding to the evolution of mobility within the Kingdom, said an embassy statement. During the implementation phase, the project saw creation of 30 million days of direct and indirect employment, while in the exploitation phase, the Moroccan TGV is expected to generate 1,500 direct and 800 indirect jobs, said the statement. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi met Pope Francis at Vatican seeking support for a new legally binding International law against 'online child sexual abuse', a statement said. For over a year, Satyarthi has been demanding a legally binding United Nation convention against online child sexual abuse, like pornography and trafficking, which is backed by a new global task force and could provide victims with holistic support. Offering him full cooperation, Pope appointed an officer from the Vatican to coordinate with Kailash Satyarthi's Children's Foundation to work in the direction, said a statement from Satyarthi's office. "Father has extended his full cooperation and support to Kailash Satyarthi towards this endeavour and all other associated recommendations," the statement said. Satyarthi is meeting stakeholders of different religion, political affinity and nationalities, seeking support towards an international law and a response mechanism against digital and online forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The Indian Government had banned 857 pornographic websites in October following a demand from Satyarthi in Nagpur to end online child sexual abuse and child pornography. Satyarthi has already written to all heads of states and UN General Secretary seeking the new convention. "Given that online crimes transcend across borders, extraterritorial jurisdiction for the proposed law is absolutely essential," said Satyarthi. Satyarthi also put forth the necessity for a dedicated international toll-free helpline for reporting cases related to online child sexual abuse under Interpol or other relevant agency. Bhubaneswar, Nov 16 : The Odisha government has asked the power distribution companies (discoms) to disconnect power supply in elephant corridors during the movement of pachyderms, said an official on Friday. The direction of the state government came after it drew flak following the death of several elephants including seven in Dhenkanal district due to electrocution recently. "The death of elephants due to electrocution in recent times has been a matter of great concern. In this regard it is requested to disconnect power supply in elephant corridors as well as movement areas on getting credible information from Forest Department or any reliable sources regarding movement of elephants/ wildlife in the said areas," said Energy Department Special Secretary Surajit Das in a letter to the discoms. Further, it is requested to ensure reconnection of power supply after ascertaining safe exit of wildlife from the said area, he informed. "This instruction must be followed meticulously and any deviation will be seriously viewed by the government," Das added. Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi recently requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take urgent measures to stop elephant deaths in the state. In a letter, she alleged that distribution companies are being given a free hand in elephant corridors without necessary oversight. Seven elephants had died of electrocution under Dhenkanal Sadar forest range last month. New Delhi, Nov 16 : BJP's Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narsimha Rao on Friday hit out at Andhra Pradesh government for barring the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from conducting raids in the state, calling it a "mala fide exercise to protect the corrupt". Rao said the Chandrababu Naidu-led government has cited recent happenings in the CBI as a "lame excuse" to save the corrupt and criminal by extending them political patronage. "The decision to withdraw general consent to the CBI for investigating various cases under the Central acts is a mala fide exercise of its executive power to protect acts of corruption, financial embezzlement and other acts of criminality," Rao said. Rao also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for supporting Naidu, saying "it's not surprising to see a new coalition of the corrupt parties" taking shape in the country. "Chandrababu Naidu, the new entrant to the 'club of the corrupt parties' seems to enjoy the company of Lalu Prasad in jail, Rahul-Sonia Gandhi on bail and others being probed for tax evasion, misappropriation and financial embezzlement," Rao said. He said the Modi government will continue to pursue its policy of "zero tolerance" against corruption. New Delhi, Nov 16 : A day after the Women and Child Development ministry said the government will fund 50 per cent salary of 14 weeks to women on maternity leave from the 'labour welfare cess', the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Friday said no such cess exists under them. "It is clarified that Ministry of Labour an Employment is in the process of obtaining necessary budgetary grant and approvals of competent authorities. The reports that it will be funded from labour welfare cess is also incorrect, as no such cess exists under this Ministry," it said in a statement. While the WCD ministry had mentioned that as per the 28th report of the Standing Committee on Labour on "Cess funds and their utilization for workers' welfare", Rs 32,632.95 crore has been collected as cess out of which Rs 7,516.52 crore has been utilized as on March 31, 2017, the Labour Ministry denied existence of any such amount. However, WCD ministry did not agree with the Labour Ministry. The Labour Ministry acknowledged that they have received several reports on how the extended maternity leave has become a deterrent for female employees who are asked to quit or are retrenched on flimsy grounds before they go on maternity leave. "Therefore, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is working on an incentive scheme wherein 7 weeks' wages would be reimbursed to employers who employ women workers with wage ceiling up to Rs 15,000 and provide the maternity benefit of 26 weeks of paid leave, subject to certain conditions," it added. According to the Labour Ministry, an amount of about Rs 400 crore would be the financial implication for the proposed scheme if approved and implemented. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The Congress on Friday questioned the Modi government's "silence" on the "fresh evidence" in the Rafale "scam" and said it is a precursor "of the storm which they are about to face." The party also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "squandering national interest" in the deal to purchase 36 fighter jets from France. "Today another undisputable evidence has come to the fore, which establishes the deliberately hiked commercial cost of the 36 Rafale aircraft deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015. The silence of Modi Government on the new skeletons that have tumbled out of the Rafale scam cupboard is a precursor to a massive storm," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told the media here. He said Modi cannot escape from "his moral, political, legal and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the biggest defence scam of India." "For truth to prevail, the only route is through a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe," he said. Khera said the "management meet note" of ICICI bank of February 28, 2017 again exposes the commercial cost of Rafale deal as well as again seals the cost of offset contract and life cycle cost contract. "This is the sixth proof in public domain which testifies, that the per aircraft cost in Modi's deal is Rs 1,670 crore and that, flouting all norms, the Modi government handed over a Rs 30,000-crore offset contract," Khera said. Referring to management meet note, he said it states that Reliance Defence has already formed a joint venture with French major Dassault for execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jet purchase valued at Rs 59,000 crore. "The offset obligation in this contract is pegged at 50 per cent of the total cost, i.e. Rs 29500 crore. The management has pegged this opportunity from the Rafale programme at Rs 105,000 crore. Dassault Reliance JV will provide performance-based logistics for 50 years (scope includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrades). If awarded, it is also expected to execute additional orders of Rafale fighter aircraft for Indian armed forces under the Make in India programme," he said reading from the note. Khera said the annual report 2016 of Dassault Aviation had revealed the cost of per aircraft and offset obligations by Reliance Defence. He referred to some other documents and alleged that a former Finance Minister official had "spilled the beans indicting the Modi government for corrupt practices in fixing a higher benchmark price." "Now a third party document has reiterated the same figures of the commercial cost of the 36 Rafale deal," Khera said. "What is stopping the Modi government from revealing the commercial cost of the Rafale Deal as well as the details of offset obligations?" he asked. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and assured all possible help from the Central government to the state that has been battered by Cyclone Gaja. "Spoke to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the situation arising due to cyclone conditions in the state. Assured all possible help from the Centre," Modi said in a tweet. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to cyclonic conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu. I pray for the quick recovery of those injured. I pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu," he added. Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh too spoke to Chief Minister Palaniswami and enquired about the cyclone damage. Gaja battered the Tamil Nadu coast on Friday, leaving at least 13 people and several livestock dead and a trail of destruction in several districts. Authorities said the cyclone crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam districts between 12.30 a.m and 2.30 a.m with wind speeds of about 110-120 kmph. So powerful were the gales that the roof-sheets of the Nagapattinam Railway Station were damaged. Thatched and tiled roofs of several houses were also damaged in the strong cyclonic winds. A ship was grounded in Karaikal Port in Puducherry. About 82,000 people living in low-lying areas have been sent to 471 relief centres, the Chief Minister said, adding the preventive measures helped keep the death toll low. Relief centres were set up in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Thiruvarur on Thursday itself. Colombo, Nov 16 : Brewing tensions in Sri Lanka's Parliament over a no-confidence motion against the country's newly appointed prime minister boiled over to an all-out brawl between lawmakers on Friday. President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post of PM after he suddenly and controversially sacked his predecessor Ramil Wickremesinghe, but the newcomer faced an immediate backlash in the chamber and lost a no-confidence motion against him which has served to further stoke divisions between lawmakers, reports EFE. In a chaotic parliamentary session on Friday, 122 of the 225 legislators in the Sri Lankan chamber signed the no-confidence motion which must now be presented for ratification by the President. "I urge all parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy," Sirisena said on twitter when ugly scenes broke out in the chamber. "I will not prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances," he added. It was the second day of scuffles in Parliament amid ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka. Even in his early 20s, Rachmaninoff was capable of writing thrilling, driving rhythms and vast, swelling phrases, as Sondergard underscored in the first movement. The Dies irae motif that long obsessed Rachmaninoff haunts this symphony, too, which Sondergard made clear. Thanks partly to Sondergards direction, the ardent musical dialogue between CSO concertmaster Robert Chen and assistant principal cello Kenneth Olsen emerged as a high point of the Larghetto third movement. And anyone who doubted Rachmaninoffs early compositional prowess need only have heard the rigorous development of the finales thematic material, which Sondergard brought forth crisply. Lucknow, Nov 16 : Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was heckled at an event in the state capital on Friday evening after he made some remarks on a senior functionary of the Northern Railways Men's Union. In Lucknow on the second day of the ongoing three-day convention of the union, the minister said that Shiv Gopal Mishra, a veteran trade unionist, was "misguiding youth working as apprentices with the Railways." His remark led to chaos as railmen squatted on the stage, raised anti-Goyal slogans and even threw a plant-pot at him. The minister was saved from physical harm as a Railway Protection Force (RPF) man blocked the way. When the Railway Minister continued with his speech, the railway employees rushed towards the stage and disrupted his speech. A free-for-all ensued as security men protecting the minister took him to the safety of his car. The irked railmen did not stop at this and targeted the vehicle of the minister and smashed a window glass. Many senior trade union leaders and Lucknow mayor Sanyukta Bhatia were present at the dais when the incident occured. Mumbai, Nov 16 : Actress-writer-producer Twnikle Khanna has said that every individual must give it back to the society or their country "otherwise they would be just an animal roaming around." Twinkle Khanna was interacting with media where she was appointed as an artist ambassador of Save the Children foundation on Friday in Mumbai. "I think if you have the platform, then it is your responsibility to use it to help others because if life has given you something then, you must give it back to the society or the country," she said. Khanna spoke about her challenges while producing 'Pad Man' because a lot of people told her that nobody will watch a film based on menstrual hygiene. "We had lot of movies about social problems, and we also had 'Toilet - Ek Prem Katha.' As the world observes November 19 as World Toilet Day, the good news is that India has toilet coverage of 95 per cent. So, I think movies make an impact," she said. Twinkle Khanna is known as a true-blue feminist who doesn't shy away from speaking her mind on various issues. "I would tell you that being a woman or a man is a physical state. We as women must not let our biology hinder us in any way." Spelling out her work with Save the Children foundation, she said: "One of the primary things that I would like to do is amplifying the voices of these young champions. It is my main job to spread awareness." New Delhi, Nov 16 : Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India and Britain on Friday shared their assessment of terror threats across the world, including cross-border terrorism in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region during the 12th Meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism here. "Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said. "They shared assessment on the prevailing terrorist threats globally and in their region including cross-border terrorism in the Af-Pak region," it stated. The meeting came ahead of the 10th anniversary of the four-day cross-border terror attack in Mumbai that started on November 26, 2008, and left over 160 people dead and over 300 injured. The attack was carried out by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. In Friday's meeting, both sides exchanged views on current counter-terrorism challenges, including countering radicalisation and violent extremism, combating financing of terrorism and preventing use of internet for terrorist purposes and agreed to strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges. "The two sides also deliberated upon measures to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation through regular exchange of information, mutual capacity building efforts, sharing of best practices and mutual legal assistance," the Ministry statement said. "Cooperation in multilateral fora such as United Nations and Financial Action Task Force was also discussed," it added. During the meeting, the Indian side was led by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) in the External Affairs Ministry, while the British delegation was led by Jane Marriot, Director of the Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit. Bengaluru, Nov 17 : Infosys began constructing its US Education Centre at Indianapolis in mid-west Indiana state for its employees at a cost of $35 million (Rs 252 crore), said the global software major on Friday night. "The upcoming training campus and residential centre will prepare the American workforce for the technology jobs of the future," said the city-based IT firm in a statement here. The 125,000-square feet innovation centre is located on a 70.5-acre land on the west side of the city on the old Indianapolis airport terminal. It will house its employees and that of its select clients. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2020. "The centre will be a symbol of our commitment to train American workers as learning and reskilling are core components of our DNA," said Infosys Chief Operating Officer U.B. Pravin Rao on the occasion. The $11-billion outsourcing firm committed on May 2, 2017 to hire about 10,000 American techies to bridge the IT skills gap in the United States and set up six technology-cum-innovation hubs across North America by 2022-23. The first hub was opened at Indianapolis in March where it plans to hire about 3,000 Americans by 2023. It has hired about 300 so far this year. Global clients across the US account for about 60 per cent of the company's software export revenue annually. "The education centre represents expansion of our investment in the US and helps us contribute to a vibrant community for all Hoosiers (residents of Indiana state)," said Infosys President Ravi Kumar in the statement. The hi-tech facility will also prepare the company's American employees to master advanced skills required to succeed in digital future. "As a state, we are proud to host the Infosys' U.S. Education Centre and be a hub for technology skills training for workers across the counry," said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb at the ground-breaking ceremony of the project. "Today's ground-breaking is not just a celebration of Infosys' growing presence in our community but a celebration of the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art training campus for the west side of Indianapolis," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. The company's other technology hubs in the US are at Raleigh in North Carolina, Hartford in Connecticut, Richardson in Texas and Phoenix in Arizona. It also has a design centre at Providence in partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design. Mumbai, Nov 17 : Actress Mouni Roy, who made her Hindi film debut with "Gold", has said that she can now die happily after working with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in her forthcoming film "Brahmastra". "I can die now happily after doing the scenes with him (Amitabh). It can't get better than that for me working with him in a film," Mouni said while interacting with media here as the newly appointed brand ambassador for RSH Global, a personal care company for their new marketing campaign 'Beauty By Nature' on Friday. Mouni is sharing screen space with Amitabh for the first time in their forthcoming film "Brahmastra". When asked Mouni if Amitabh gave her any acting advice while shooting for the film, she said, "No... he didn't give me any specific advice as such while working because Ayan (Mukherji) used to be there on film sets but I just lost my focus on the day when I was working with him." "I was just staring at his face thinking that what an opportunity God has given me because he is legendary as we all know so, I feel very blessed and lucky to have worked with him," she added. After making an impressive debut in "Gold", Mouni will be seen in "Brahmastra" along with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. She also has "Made in China" in her kitty along with Rajkummar Rao. She will also star opposite John Abraham in "Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW)". When asked Mouni about her work experience with all these actors, she said, "I feel very grateful and lucky to have worked with these people. All of them have been extremely supportive. They all are such giving actors so every day, I thank them and the god." Reacting on Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone wedding, Mouni said, I wish them very meaningful and loveliest journey ahead and they are my favorite couple." "Brahmastra" is a fantasy film written and directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. It is scheduled to release on Christmas 2019. The film features Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Dimple Kapadia, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in lead roles. Rome, Nov 17 : Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and a delegation of his ministers will arrive in the Italian capital on Monday for a two-day visit to clinch a series of bilateral deals in the areas of health, food and agriculture, sport and research. During his visit, 38-year-old al-Thani will meet Italy's president Sergio Mattarella and prime minister Giuseppe Conte, as well as the speakers of the lower and upper houses of parliament, Roberto Fico and Elisabetta Casellati. It is understood the visit will prepare the ground for a series of trips to Italy next year by Qatari investors organised by business associations in the two countries. "Relations between Italy and Qatar are excellent. In the past two years, trade between the countries has increased by some 11 per cent," Italy's ambassador to Qatar, Pasquale Salzano, told Adnkronos. "Italy is much in demand in Qatar, with big groups including Salini Impregilo, Saipem, Eni, Fincantieri, Rizzani de Eccher and Leonardo part of a massive presence here," Salzano said. "An undoubted novelty is the scale of demand for small-to-medium-sized firms, craftsmen, high-end luxury, food and agricultural goods," he added. Qatar's economy is currently the fastest growing in the region at an annual rate of around 2.8 per cent despite a blockade against the emirate by neighbouring Arab states due to its alleged support for Islamic extremism. GUEST OBSERVATION The financial services royal commission resumes for its final round of hearings on Monday, and reappearing before Justice Hayne will be the chief executives each of the big six institutions he has in his sights: the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, AMP, Macquarie, ANZ, and the National Australia Bank. At issue are shocking abuses of trust, and when the government responds after receiving the report in February it will be under pressure to introduce tighter rules that more closely regulate bankers behaviour. Theres another, better, path it could follow. It could loosen the rules and treat bankers more like doctors. Crude attempts to regulate behaviour fail We trust doctors, not because their behaviour is tightly regulated but because it is self-regulated. As professionals they strive to be trustworthy, in the same way as citizens who dont cheat on their social security claims, or restaurant customers who dont eat without paying. A regulation imposed on top of a relationship of trust can ruin it. In a famous study titled A Fine Is A Price, economists Uri Gneezy and Aldo Rustichini examined what happened when an Israeli daycare centre attempted to impose fines on parents who picked up their children late. Surprisingly, the trial of the fine resulted in more, rather than fewer, late pickups. In the eyes of the late parents, the fine changed late pickups from bad behaviour into an acceptable outcome of cost-benefit analysis. They simply interpreted the fine as a babysitting cost, and weighed it against the benefit of arriving when it suited them. Moral motivations were crowded out. Doctors take vows Professionals with ethics take vows to honour their duty to their clients, even where the costs of doing so are greater than the benefits of not doing so. Service providers who dont take ethics seriously weigh the costs and benefits of acting in the interests of their clients versus acting in their own interests. This moral optimization may take account of ethics, but only if it pays. Many financial services workers dont take ethics seriously partly because they have been trained in economics or finance disciplines which teach that cost-benefit analysis applies to everything. A start would be to train them better. Their teachers could listen to the words of the creator of much of the theory used to justify performance pay, Michael Jensen of Harvard: "We teach our students the importance of conducting a cost-benefit analysis in everything they do. In most cases, this is useful but not when it comes to behaving with integrity." When integrity is at stake it is better to replace moral optimization with moral prioritization, by giving priority to moral principles like telling the truth or looking after vulnerable clients. Money changes things Recent research on the psychological power of money suggests that financial market participants are at risk of negative ethical tendencies when money is used as an incentive, or even when they are just reminded of its importance, so-called money priming. Money is used as an incentive to in order overcome the so-called principal-agent problem in which agents, (workers or chief executives) are tempted to put they own interests ahead of those of the firm they work for. It can work, but if high-powered financial incentives communicate that the recipients only goal should be to maximise profit, then a culture of material self-interest takes hold, constrained at best by the letter of the law. And this crowds out other interests, such as those of their customers. This means high-powered financial incentives can solve one kind of untrustworthiness, but only by creating another. Professionals such as doctors and teachers solve the principal agent problem in another way: through ethics. Banking could be a profession Rather than further regulation, we propose a greater focus on ethics through a program of professionalisation, including: Establishing an interim professional body run by outsiders who come with a proven ethic of serving the public in fields such as education or health. After five years the finance industry can apply to the government to staff and run the body itself, subject to performance. A winding back of regulation in order to signal that you are professionals who have to take responsibility for ethical judgements. The professional body could stand down senior managers deemed not to be showing commitment to the new culture. A fundamental change of bonuses so that they become incentives for ethical behaviour. We suggest an automatic bonus payment of 10-20% of total pay. It could be withheld for two reasons: either poor financial performance of the firm, or an ethical breach. In effect, it would be a negative bonus. Multiple ethical breaches would result in the loss of professional status and employment. Regulation hasnt worked Automatic bonuses remove the extreme money priming of the finance industry, and they can be helpful in maintaining employment in the event of a downturn. They can simply be reduced instead of laying off staff, as happened during the global financial crisis. Boosting regulation and boosting the capability of regulators, as many say they want, could work against developing the ethics and the trust that makes other professions work. Warren Hogan, Industry Professor, University of Technology Sydney and Gordon Menzies, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Technology Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Food providore pioneer Simon Johnson and his partner, medical diagnostic firm manager David Nichols, have bought back into the Northern Beaches market. They've traded in Whale Beach for Avalon, settling on a luxury Riverview Road waterfront. The couple, who split their time between their London home and Sydney, paid $4.1 million for the updated 1950s modernist home on two titles. Acclaimed modernist architect Arthur Baldwinson designed the home some six decades ago. The home has been added to, but original features such as the glass atrium kitchen and striking sandstone fireplace have been retained. Glass was used extensively wrapping the lounge and dining zones, which open to the waterfront deck with views across Pittwater. At the bottom of the 1070 square metre sloping parcel is a fully self-contained boathouse, jetty, pontoon and private sandy beach. The sale through LJ Hooker Avalon agent David Watson came with a rare full certificate to title to low water mark. Johnson and Nichols sold their Iain Halliday-designed Whale Beach weekender after two decades, having paid $1.1 million in 1997. They sold the luxury Rayner Road home with sauna, steam room and outdoor marble jacuzzi for $7 million. The four bedroom property was billed as Hallidays favourite residential design in Vogue. Simon Johnson began providing food in 1992 from a small warehouse in Pyrmont. He sold the business in 2011 for a reported $20 million, but stayed on a management contract until last year. This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. Ad man turned environmental warrior Geoff Cousins and wife, author Darleen Bungey, have joined the Byron Bay hinterland eco-scene. They've emerged as the $2.55 million buyers of the Federal retreat of Anytime Fitness Australia co-founder Jacinta McDonell. McDonnell had paid $2.1 million in 2015 for the Queenslander which came with an award-winning extension. The classic character weatherboard wrapped in verandahs overlooks a 15 metre heated salt water swimming pool. Helen Huntly-Barratt at First National Byron Bay sold the home. It's Cousins and Bungey's first move in the property market since 2007 when they traded Whale Beach for Point Piper. It was also the same year Cousins crime fiction novel The Butcher Bird was published. They sold The Wedge, the luxury Whale Beach home, for $13 million to mining services billionaire John Grill. Cousins and Bungey then spent $10 million on a four bedroom Wolseley Road, Point Piper mansion overlooking the harbour. Cousins, one of the most successful ad men of the 1980s, was chairman of the George Patterson advertising agency. He was also the founding chair of the kids cancer charity Starlight Foundation. This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. Veteran magazine publisher Marcello Grand is testing the Sydney house price market by attempting to flip his Victorian terrace in Paddington. Grand, who established Studio Magazines in the early 1980s, paid $2,215,000 for the Thomas Hamel re-designed terrace just over 18 months ago. He's spent months renovating the property which became a $1,350 a week rental after his purchase. He's reconfigured each of the homes three levels, adding a bathroom. It still has three bedrooms, but the master suite now comprises two levels, including an ensuite and dressing room. The facade has been refreshed, now with a charcoal coloured exterior and a bright yellow door. The Agency's Ben Collier has a December 1 auction. Grand sold out of Sydney in late 2016 because he was spending more time back in his native Italy. He scored $3,525,000 for his Darling Point penthouse that cost him $1.4 million in 2012 when he bought from former Double Bay Art Gallery director Alan Winters. Grand's first magazine was Studio Collections was a womens' fashion magazine with the Black + White magazine its most known after launched in 1992 and published until 2007. Having studied at Turin University, Marcello had previously worked as an architect and advertising consultant. Cornelis, whose academic research has centered on genetics and caffeine for her entire career, is sometimes among them, she admits, though it takes some milk and sugar to get her to down the bitter brew. I still cant drink it black, she says. Yet, in research published by Cornelis on Thursday, she and colleagues at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia found that people who are genetically predisposed to be sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine drink more coffee than those who are less sensitive or those who are sensitive to other bitter tastes such as quinine. Fasten your safety belts for a nasty downturn. That's the warning from The Australian columnist Robert Gottliebsen. "My fear is that on top of the APRA squeeze, we will have royal commission recommendations and then a series of class action court cases against banks. "Combined, they will deepen and extend the credit squeeze. "If the vicious downward spiral was broken today there would be minimal damage. "But the squeeze looks like not only continuing but getting worse. "If that happens, fasten your safety belts for a nasty downturn," he wrote earlier this week in the national newspaper. Robert Gottliebsen says the credit squeeze juggernaut is being driven by the regulators, led by APRA. He says bank chief executives, bank boards with greatly reduced power and the local bank branch managers are scared by what they describe in low tones as the APRA Gestapo. "There is no doubt that APRA is the main force behind the credit squeeze. "Unless much clearer boundaries are drawn, APRA, aided by the royal commission, will drive house prices lower and lower and construction rates will fall." We are honored to be named a Top 10 Wealth Management Solutions Providers for 2018 and this award is a clear validation of our vision to democratize financial planning and investments 1787fp announced today that it was selected as one of the "Top 10 Wealth Management Technology Solution Providers" in 2018 by Banking CIO Outlook.1787fp announced today that it was selected as one of the "Top 10 Wealth Management Technology Solution Providers" in 2018 by Banking CIO Outlook. 1787fp was selected for this award based on the company's revolutionary mobile digital wealth management platform that helps young professionals take control of finances and save more money. 1787fp is an award-winning digital wealth management platform. Millennials and young professionals use the 1787fp platform to track their finances, build optimal portfolios, and work towards financial independence. "We are honored to be named a Top 10 Wealth Management Solutions Providers for 2018, said Jean Borno, CEO of 1787fp. " It is a clear validation of our vision to democratize financial planning and investments." 1787fp serves the over 80 million underserved millennials in the United States. 1787fp plans to build an enterprise version of its software for select strategic partners, innovative companies, and financial services firm. Some forward-thinking companies want access to our cutting-edge software and are exploring offering the 1787fp platform as an employee perk to supplement their human resources benefits package. Making sense of 401k plans, hr benefits, and retirement planning can be extremely challenging. 1787fp is developing planning tools to streamline and coordinate these task, says Borno. About 1787fp 1787fp is a fintech company that makes it easier for investors to work toward financial independence and take control of their finances. 1787fp combines three powerful financial management tools finance tracking, investment management, and credit monitoring in one unified platform. 1787fp is building financial tools to help consumers make smart money decisions. 1787fp showcased its next-generation financial planning mobile app at TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2017 Startup Alley Fintech and Payments on May 15-17, 2017. 1787fp was one of the 20 ventures selected for the coveted South by Southwest Startup Spotlight (SXSW) in March 2017 in Austin, Texas. 1787fp won the Press/Media Favorite at FinDEVr Silicon Valley 2016 on October 2016. About Banking CIO Outlook Banking CIO Outlook is a comprehensive portal for professionals to access information regarding the trends, opinions and relevant discussions pertaining to challenges faced by the banking industry. The magazine constantly endeavors to identify "The Best" in a variety of areas important to the banking industry. The monthly magazine, published from Fremont, California features CIOs, IT VPs, CTOs, CISOs and other decision-makers with their opinions and suggestions that is helping clients deal with the issues in the banking industry. More information is available at http://www.bankingciooutlook.com. For inquiries, contact marketing(at)1787fp(dot)com. E-9 Corporation Awarded Contract to Provide Emergency Reporting Fire RMS and ePCR SaaS Solution I, as well as many of our staff who have served our country are extremely proud to be a big part of this U.S. Army enterprise award - John Plott, CEO E-9 Corporation E-9 Corporation (E-9) is a leader providing the DoD with Risk Management Framework (RMF) approved, cloud-based Force Protection and Emergency Management solutions who announced today that, in collaboration with Emergency Reporting (ER), they have been awarded an enterprise contract to provide these services Army-wide. Under the contract, E-9 will expand its current support of the U.S. Army fire departments to include all Army fire departments, both CONUS and OCONUS, identified within the award. ER will provide its comprehensive fire and EMS records management solution and E-9 will provide DoD cyber-security RMF assessment as well as program and contract oversight. Historically, E-9 has provided many U.S. Army locations with ERs DoD Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) solution. This award will provide the DISA / DoD certified Microsoft Azure Government environment for ultra-secure NFIRS-compliant incident reporting and data management to all designated Army locations. E-9 and ER will deploy the enterprise SaaS (Software as a Service) F&ES solution within the existing DISA RMF and FedRAMP compliant Microsofts Azure Government cloud platform. Microsofts Azure Government maintains the highest levels of compliance for the cloud platform which are mandated for any DoD customer, including the Army. In addition to data management, E-9 will provide ERs tools that enable firefighters and EMS personnel to create emergency preplans relating to fires and emergency medical incidents. The comprehensive Federal Package provided by E-9 includes all functional requirements needed to effectively schedule personnel, manage assets and inventory, comply with national safety standards (NFPA, NFIRS, NEMSIS, and HIPAA), and export valuable reports that ultimately enhance the safety of communities and those who serve them. The U.S. Army award also includes the ER Vision Risk Assessment software, which allows departments to analyze and categorize risks present in their geographical area, compare data to other departments nationwide, and generate an Occupancy Vulnerability Assessment Profile (OVAP) score for all buildings on or around base. I, as well as many of our staff who have served our country are extremely proud to be a big part of this U.S. Army enterprise award. All of us at E-9 Corporation are honored to have been selected by the U.S. Army to provide these mission critical life safety F&ES applications in partnership with Emergency Reporting. John Plott, Founder and CEO says. We are deeply honored to expand upon our many years of successful support for the U.S. Army by having been selected as the enterprise RMS provider, says Dave Adams, Co-founder and Sr. Director of Business Development at Emergency Reporting. As a trusted Fire/EMS RMS provider for several U.S. Department of Defense installations and many other Federal agencies, we understand the importance of their Force Protection and Emergency Management missions. ER has invested heavily in a world-class team of system administrators and information security professionals who are charged with managing our systems to obtain and maintain Federal and DoD cybersecurity compliance. The ER Federal solution provided by E-9 also complies with nationally recognized data collection standards, such as NFIRS, NEMSIS, HIPAA, and the NFPA. These organizations each have different goals, but all contribute to collecting information that helps agency leaders make data-driven decisions to improve the safety and health of communities. About E-9 Corporation: E-9 Corporation is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and is a strategic partner of Emergency Reporting with the sole GSA IT 70 contract for these goods and services. E-9 Corporation provides civilian or government agencies with everything required to staff and operate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or 911 Dispatch Center. Since 2007, E-9 Corporation has been supporting the needs of the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian as well as State and Local Government Force Protection and Emergency Management / Public Safety Agencies. E-9 Corporation is an ISO 17020 certified independent assessing organization for DoD RMF and FedRAMP cybersecurity testing. Our staff maintains active DoD security clearances as well as DoD 8570 certifications. Staff members have decades of subject matter experience relating to Emergency Management and Public Safety. Our hands-on approach to program and project management integrates the right people, processes, and technologies to manage complex DoD projects successfully. This ensures a quality end result that is timely, on target, and affordable. E-9 Corporation staff are members of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and National Emergency Number Association (NENA). For more information, visit http://www.e-9corporation.com. About Emergency Reporting: Emergency Reporting (ER) has created the leading cloud-based records management software (RMS) solution to Fire/EMS agencies worldwide. Founded in 2003, ER empowers first responders with secure, easy-to-use station management tools that offer one-report filing of NFIRS and NEMSIS data. ERs SaaS solution allows Fire/EMS departments to run their entire operations efficiently, enhancing both firefighter and citizen safety. The companys training and support teams, with 220+ years of combined Fire & EMS experience, help ER maintain its reputation as the most friendly and easy-to-use RMS solution on the market. ER is proud to support more than 454,000 first responders and agency personnel at more than 6,140 agencies, continuously adding an average of 18 new agencies each week. Current customers include Fire/Rescue and EMS agencies and DoD/military installations, as well as large entities with self-contained Fire/EMS services such as NASA, nuclear power plants, hospitals, and oil refineries. For more information, visit http://www.emergencyreporting.com. Media Contact: Cliff Veale Led by President and CEO Darryl Carter, the highly motivated team at DDI Consulting, Inc. was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in 2018 by Sacramento Business Journal. We are a team in a family-oriented environment. We look out for one another because we believe that success is the best when we are ALL winning, said Carter. We challenge our team members everyday to learn new skills such as sales, leadership, and business development. DDI Consulting, Inc. was awarded one of the Best Places to Work based on the answers of 30 questions that measure employee engagement in six categories including teamwork, trust, competition, and benefits. Carter and Recruiting Director, Sydney Bratley, attended the luncheon on October 11th to celebrate on the teams behalf. Winning once is easy, but to be consistently recognized year after year takes discipline. We overcome challenges by focusing our time and energy to those who fully immerse themselves in the company and their own personal growth. Carter said. For more information on the survey process for the Best Places to Work, visit https://www.quantumworkplace.com/best-companies-to-work-for-in-sacramento About DDI Consulting, Inc. A leading outsourced sales and consulting company headquartered in the Sacramento area, DDI Consulting, Inc. partners with premier Fortune 500 clients across industries to expand their customer base. In addition to its commitment to providing the client with outstanding service and quality, the team at DDI Consulting, Inc. is dedicated to promoting a culture that supports leadership development by transforming team members into business leaders. Rajeev Kurapati MD Author and thought leader in health and patient-centered care Dr. Rajeev Kurapati's latest book Physician: How Science Transformed the Art of Medicine (GreenLeaf Press, 2018) was recently awarded a gold medal from Readers' Favorite 2018 Book Awards in nonfiction health and medical. Interweaving moving personal patient stories with a historical overview that reveals interesting and untold details of the profession's past, this book explores the transformation of the healing tradition from a spiritual practice to a scientific one. With an eye toward the future of medicine, Physician acts as a conversational field guide that navigates readers through the evolution of the patient-physician relationship, the future of medicine, and how we might return to more patient-centered care in our current medical landscape at a time when the need for this grows increasingly urgent. Praise for Physician "Dr. Kurapati has created a masterpiece, a true piece of art, by calling for a balance in the science and personal skill in medicine. This timely book should be required reading to place humanity back at the center of patient care." -Joel Kahn MD, FACC, Clinical Professor of Cardiology and author of Your Whole Heart Solution "Physician: How Science Transformed the Art of Medicine achieves three major milestones of nonfiction writing: It's hugely important; it's masterfully researched; it's fascinating to read. Dr. Kurapati has done a major service to his profession by recapping the most cogent aspects of medicine's rise to respectability, consistency, and applicability." -J.R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite About Dr. Kurapati Dr. Rajeev Kurapati is a physician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky (a member of the Mayo Clinic Center). His latest book, Physician: How Science Transformed the Art of Medicine, was a #1 New Release on Amazon and received the gold medal for Readers' Favorite's 2018 Book Awards. Dr. Kurapati has contributed to Slate and Smart Health Today, was a winner of a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award for his first book, Unbound Intelligence. Learn more at http://www.rajeevkurapati.com. Having served twenty years as a supervisory special agent in the United States Secret Service, my advice is this...you want to read this... Past News Releases RSS Available for sale now on Amazon, Public Figures, Private Lives: An Introduction to Protective Security for High Net Worth Individuals and Family Offices, by Christian West, Brian Jantzen, Ivor Terret, and Jared Van Driessche is a powerful read that provides real-life scenarios of what it takes to keep high profile individuals safe and secure. Family office CSOs and former Secret Service agents are calling this book the most informative book they've read on what actually takes place in the protection of the very prominent. REVIEWS "Comprehensive, instructive and always practical, this book provides an outstanding overview for those new to the business and plenty of thoughtful insights for those who have been working in family security for years. A successful collaboration by four authors who know their material and are able and willing to share it." --ERIC POWELL, Chief Security Officer, Private Family Office "Having served twenty years as a supervisory special agent in the United States Secret Service, my advice is this: If you're involved in protective security for high net worth families or individuals as a practitioner, principal, or anywhere else in the estate or family office you want to read this excellent introduction by the best guys in the industry. This is also a must-read for anyone who wants to transition into the field from government service." --SCOTT B. ALSWANG, Director of the Association of the Former Agents of the United States Secret Service, EVP SOS Security "This book, definitely the first of its kind, is destined to become a bible for executive protection specialists and high net worth individuals and families around the globe. The authors are highly qualified and specialized in international executive protection and know their subject. No fairytales, no fiction, just real-world non-fiction. It s a pleasure to read and worth every minute of my time. Thank you, guys, for caring and sharing your deep insights." --THOMAS GEPPERT, Head of Corporate Security, Deutsche Borse Group ABOUT THE BOOK: Security experts Christian West, Brian Jantzen, Ivor Terret, and Jared Van Driessche draw on decades of experience to enlighten readers on the complex security required to protect high net worth individuals and families in todays world. This book has no intention of being a how to manual. Rather, it presents a pragmatic overview to inform those concerned or curious about what it takes to provide high-end security for prominent high net worth individuals and families with special protection needs. Whether you are a protector or a stakeholder in the family office and estate ecosystems, this book will provide you with a better understanding of real protective security and help remove any Hollywood misconceptions so that you can be better equipped to ask the right critical questions. The book is structured in four parts: foundations of family protective security, management concerns, program transitions, and personnel issues. Each part begins with an anonymized, but illustrative story that brings home the personal and sensitive nature of executive protection when it is embedded inside a family. Finally, the book closes with 11 real-life cases drawn from AS Solutions experience as the industry leader in providing protection for high net worth individuals and families. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Christian West Christian has been active in the executive protection industry since the late 1980s, when he worked for Danish musicians who relocated to Hollywood. Upon returning to Denmark, he founded his own EP company, which he quickly grew into Scandinavia's largest, before it was acquired by Securitas. Christian founded AS Solution in 2003, and again in 2009 followed his international clients to the US, where he is now based. An active member of ASIS and a leader in the corporate executive protection industry, Christian has personally planned and led high-profile engagements in over 76 countries for a wide variety of corporate and high net worth individual clients, including the international roadshow for the biggest IPO in history. Brian Jantzen After leaving the US Marine Corps as a captain in the early 1990s, Brian pioneered corporate executive protection services internationally for Fortune 500 companies, high net worth families and NGOs. Brian has provided protection at the highest levels of corporate and philanthropic environments in over 35 countries. With his demonstrated ability to align security operations with both the client's organizational goals and personal preferences, Brian uses his strong relationship building, collaboration and project and vendor management expertise to create security solutions that deliver program efficiencies and customer satisfaction. Brian graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Sociology and is the subject matter expert chair for the ASIS Executive Protection Council. Ivor Terret Ivor Terret, is currently based in Israel, where upon leaving national service in the Israel Defense force and Israeli Police he was selected to help found and architect a government Surveillance Detection and Covert Security Unit tasked with protecting Heads of State and Strategic Sites. Ivor brings over two decades of international counter terror experience at both the official and private sector levels and holds an MSc in Security and Risk Management from the University of Leicester where he was awarded the esteemed Dissertation of the Year Award for his research. Ivor served as the elected Chairperson of the ASIS Israel Chapter for year 2016 and 2017. Jared Van Driessche Over the course of his diverse eighteen-year career, Jared has planned, executed and led close protection details for CEOs, dignitaries, board of directors, celebrities, media, and various public figures on more than 300 international trips to over 70 different countries. He has extensive international exposure, including the provision of close protection and threat assessment to clients in high-risk environments throughout Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. For over three years, Jared worked as the Director of Operations, for one of the nation's leading executive protection firms and was responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of all full-time embedded operations worldwide overseeing more than 400 protective and intelligence agents which entailed the cultivation, development and quality control of executive protection programs across the globe. For over seven years, he was the detail leader of one of the largest private protective details in the country for a CEO and his family. While later serving as a Los Angeles & San Francisco Regional Director with a world renowned executive protection firm, Jared oversaw sixteen full-time protective details and managed over 80 full-time security agents in his region. While working with various industry leaders, Jared has ensured the safety, security, and privacy of numerous at-risk public figures and their families -- providing them close-protection in all facets of their life to include: organizing scheduled (and non-scheduled) public appearances, motorcades, planning routes, establishing safe zones, maintaining site/venue security and liaising with foreign protective agents to ensure the safe arrival, stay and departure of traveling public figures. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Jared has consulted large corporations on workplace violence, emergency planning, business vulnerabilities, executive safety, and threat mitigation practices. Baobab Studios proudly announced today the official global release of Crow: The Legend. This award-winning story is now widely available online to consumers for the first time, offered as a traditional animated short film (http://bit.ly/2RX73ZP) as well as an interactive virtual reality experience free to download within the Oculus Store (https://ocul.us/2RX9QSR) Released in conjunction with Native American Heritage Month, Crow: The Legend is based on the poignant Native American legend about the birds cultural genesis and is the first of its kind to incorporate an indigenous worldview, according to Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy, cultural advisor, and voice of "Luna" in "Crow". Through a partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy (https://nativephilanthropy.org), Baobab Studios aims to brings heightened awareness to culturally-important stories like "Crow", that have for so long lacked a major platform. Randy Edmonds, respected 84-year-old Kiowa-Caddo tribal elder and founder of the National Indian Urban Council, who voices "Narrator" in "Crow" explains, "All Native American tales have a tradition of deep meaning and thats why we tell the stories, sharing down the generations. When I look at the impact these legends have, the insights they represent, taking that storytelling to a modern medium is extremely exciting. The beautiful work being created -inspired by our folklore- is like nothing Ive ever experienced in my many years. Crow, once the most revered animal in all the forest with his colorful plumage and melodic voice, must choose between himself and his fellow animals when tasked with saving them from a destructive endless winter. Realizing he is their only hope, Crow ventures in seek of help but the arduous trek irrevocably damages his voice and stunning colors. Embarrassed by his physical transformation, Crow ultimately learns that his self-sacrifice is far more beautiful and important than his appearance. We are excited about the opportunity to honor the Native American storytelling tradition and to share Indigenous worldview with the passionate support of Native Americans in Philanthropy. By making both versions available, we are now able to share this powerful tale with audiences everywhere and give viewers the opportunity decide how to participate in Crows journey in this holistic animation experience, said Baobab co-founder and "Crow" producer, writer and director Eric Darnell (Madagascar franchise, Antz). Native Americans in Philanthropy CEO Sarah Eagle Heart added, The film released in both VR and 2D allows a mainstream audience to celebrate stories from the wildly underrepresented Native American community in Hollywood. I could not be happier that these films are available during Native American Heritage Month, which pays homage to the rich culture that indigenous people share. Featuring an original song by Executive-Producer John Legend, the project contains a diverse all-star cast of voice talent including: Legend as Crow; Oprah Winfrey who makes her VR debut as The One Who Creates Everything By Thinking; Sarah Eagle Heart (Native Americans in Philanthropy CEO) as Luna, a character named after Legends daughter; Kiowa-Caddo Tribal Elder and lifelong Native rights crusader Randy Edmonds as Narrator; Liza Koshy (Liza on Demand) as Owl; Diego Luna ("Narcos") as Moth; Tye Sheridan ("Ready Player One") as Turtle; and Constance Wu ("Crazy Rich Asians", "Fresh Off the Boat") as Skunk. For more information about Crow: The Legend or to learn more about Baobab Studios please visit http://www.baobabstudios.com/crow For press inquiries, please contact Alex Martinetti: amartinetti@rogersandcowan.com About Baobab Studios Two-time Emmy award winning Baobab Studios is the worlds leading independent immersive animation studio. Founded by Eric Darnell (Co-Director of all 4 Madagascar films), the multi-award winning company won a second Emmy for the critically-acclaimed ASTEROIDS!, starring Elizabeth Banks and Ingrid Nilsen at the 2018 Emmy Awards. Baobab is also responsible for the Emmy-winning VR animation, INVASION!, starring Ethan Hawke which holds the record for most downloaded VR app in history. Roth Kirschenbaum Films (Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman) is slated to adapt INVASION! into an upcoming feature film. In addition to Crow: The Legend, Baobab debuted Jack at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, an interactive animation based on Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Lupita Nyongo. Baobab Studios was founded in 2015 by industry veterans Eric Darnell, Larry Cutler, and Maureen Fan, and has raised more than $31 million in venture capital backing. Lauded as the Pixar of Virtual Reality (CNet, The Wall Street Journal), Baobabs executives hail from the leading lights of Fox Animation, Blizzard, Zynga, DreamWorks, and Pixar. The companys advisors include Alvy Ray Smith (co-founder of Pixar), Glenn Entis (DreamWorks Animation co-founder), legendary Oscar-winning animator Glenn Keane, Mireille Soria (DreamWorks Animation Co-President), David Anderman (former Lucasfilm COO), Kevin Lin (Twitch co-founder), Jane Rosenthal (Co-founder Tribeca Enterprises), Bing Chen (former YouTube Global Head of Creator Development & Management), Jasmine Madatian (former EVP Comms, Amblin/Dreamworks), and Chris Milk (VR Innovator). Advanced Clustering Technologies today received the BeeGFS Rising Bee Award as fastest growing partner for 2018 during a ceremony at the BeeGFS booth at Supercomputing 2018 in Dallas. BeeGFS (formerly FhGFS) is the leading high-performance parallel cluster file system, delivered by ThinkParQ and developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer HPC. Advanced Clustering partnered with ThinkParQ in May to integrate the BeeGFS parallel file system into the turn-key HPC solutions being built by the Kansas City-based company, which has been building HPC systems since its founding in 2001. BeeGFS is available open source and powers the storage of hundreds of scientific and industry customer-sites worldwide. It is ideal for demanding, high-performance, high-throughput workloads for modeling and simulation, product engineering, life sciences, deep learning, predictive analytics, media and financial services. With the integration of BeeGFS, we are essentially offering our customers a solution that is 100% scalable and redundant, said Advanced Clustering President Kyle Sheumaker. If you need increased capacity, simply add more servers. If a crash occurs, the redundancies kick in, and theres no downtime. BeeGFS won recognition of its own during the SC18 event when it was presented with an HPCwire 2018 Editors Choice Award for Best HPC Storage Product or Technology. For more information about Advanced Clusterings storage solutions featuring BeeGFS, visit http://www.advancedclustering.com/technologies/beegfs-parallel-file-storage/. Applied Systems today announced the general global release of Applied TAM 2018. The latest release of Applied TAM depicts the continued investment in modernizing Applied TAMs architecture, delivering the ability to ensure continuous deployment of innovative capabilities year after year. Applied TAM enables independent insurance agencies and brokerages to succeed in todays competitive business environment. Key enhancements in the latest release of Applied TAM include: Enhanced reporting engine: Gain additional flexibility, stability and security in creating and maintaining reports through expanded and simplified criteria options, while adding a more modern look to the user interface and report printouts. Automated Night Utilities: Eliminate the need to manually run Night Utilities with fully automated Night Utilities, scheduled to run at the most optimum time for your agency, eliminating the need for someone to manually start the process. Expanded operating system support: Improve performance with support for Windows Server 2016 to be used as a Terminal Server. Expanded insured name fields: Use up to 100 characters to fill out an insureds name throughout the platform. Commercial policy Quickview: Review coverage information and discuss additional needs with a quick overview of coverage information for Commercial Application, General Liability and Property applications on a single screen. Applied IVANS Exchange integration: Canadian brokerages can connect directly with Applied IVANS Exchange in the application to gain a simple, comprehensive view of current and potential download connections with insurers. CSIO eSlips generation: Canadian brokerages can easily submit eSlips to CSIO in the application and electronically distribute to insureds in place of Liability Slips. Enhancements to digital technology is enabling agents and brokers to manage their businesses easier and faster, prompting operational efficiency and better customer service, said Michael Howe, senior vice president of Product Management, Applied Systems. Applied TAM 2018 demonstrates Applieds continued commitment to customer feedback and focus on innovation to automation and connectivity throughout the insurance lifecycle, ensuring Applied TAMs longevity for its loyal customer base. About Applied Systems Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the worlds largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applieds people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most. Applied TAM and the Applied logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S. Benenson Strategy Group We're proud to have supported several of these victories as the pollster of record Benenson Strategy Group (BSG), a strategic research consultancy, celebrates the Democratic wins across the nation in an election that drew a record number of voters to the polls. Democrats triumphed in key races where they ousted GOP incumbents in decisive districts, picked up governorships, held critical seats and made significant gains in the House. We applaud hard work put forth by Democratic candidates and their campaigns, and thank our clients and all candidates for their tireless effort. We are proud to have supported several of these victories as the pollster of record. In these historic midterm elections, BSG continued to empower progressive leaders by contributing to candidate and independent expenditure campaigns for the following candidates. Bob Menendez (NJ Sen) Menendez, a Democrat serving as the senior U.S. Senator from New Jersey, defeated opponent Bob Hugin to win re-election. Menendez earned 53.4 percent of the vote, compared to Hugins 43.5 percent. BSGs CEO and founder Joel Benenson personally served as the senior strategist and pollster for Menendezs triumphant campaign. Jared Polis (CO Gov) BSGs Amy Levin worked on the IE campaign with the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) and in-state groups to help Polis handily defeat his Republican challenger. Polis will be the nations first openly gay governor and won by a larger margin than any contested statewide race in Colorado in recent memory. Deb Haaland Haaland won the tough primary in the New Mexico 44th Congressional District in June, and prevailed again in the general election against Republican congressional nominee Janice Arnold-Jones, securing over 59 percent of the Districts votes. Haaland, who is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, will make history as one of the first Native American women elected to Congress. Josh Harder Democrat Josh Harder won against GOP Rep. Jeff Denham in a closely watched contest for a seat in Californias Central Valley. Denham conceded this week after the final vote count showed Harder on top. Harder grew up in the Central Valley and ran a strong campaign focused on health care, bipartisan solutions and local issues. This race was instrumental in the Democrats retaking of the House. Harley Rouda Rouda unseated California Rep. Dana Rohrabacher in Californias 48th Congressional District in a closely watched race against a 30-year incumbent who was perhaps best known as Russian President Vladimir Putins favorite congressman. Roudas win marked a shift in the Orange County region that has historically been favorable to Republicans. Nanette Barragan Barragan, a progressive Democrat who was first elected in 2016 and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee, won her race in Californias 44th Congressional District. She earned a sizeable 69.5 percent of the vote to hold onto her seat serving the South Los Angeles and Los Angeles Harbor Region. BSG is also proud to have served the teams for multiple victorious ballot initiatives, including: Medicaid expansion in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah An increase in the minimum wage in Arkansas and Missouri Voter rights, including automatic voter registration, same-day registration and no-excuse absentee voting in Michigan Payday lender reforms in Colorado Energy stability in Nevada About Benenson Strategy Group Benenson Strategy Group (BSG) is a strategic research consultancy that marries language expertise with innovative research to frame choices that help clients win in the most challenging competitive situations. Advising political leaders, global corporations, and institutions in dynamic, competitive scenarios, Benenson Strategy Group has earned a reputation for expertise in the rhythm and nuances of language and words, and the underlying dynamics of consumer and political choices. Founded in 2000, BSG's headquarters are in New York. The firm also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Denver. For more information, please visit http://www.bsgco.com Dear Betty: Well it certainly IS your call on what you do with your hair! But since you asked for my advice, I would suggest you take a really hard look in the mirror on both a good hair day and one not so good and ask yourself if you think youre using your longish hair to make yourself look younger. If the answer is yes, Id say your friend could be right. Kathie Lee is 65 and has the luxury of the best hair stylists New York has to offer. I think shed look better (and maybe more youthful, if thats her goal in this ageist world) if she had shorter hair. Let me give you another example: I was binge-watching the new season of House of Cards and found myself scrutinizing actress Patricia Clarkson, who brilliantly plays diabolical Jane Davis, President Claire Hale Underwoods White House roomie. Janes flowing blond hair is a distraction, I think, and gives the impression of someone trying for a more youthful look that isnt flattering. (BTW, Clarkson turns 59 in December.) I get more hate mail about my hair than anything Ive written, so consider that when deciding if Im the right person to give advice on your hair choices. Brian Vukadinovich, a retired teacher and author, has completed his new book MOTION FOR JUSTICE: I Rest My Case: a gripping true story about the authors personal fight for justice and fairness in work and labor and against police corruption. Author Brian Vukadinovich conveys a resounding sentiment of equality that reflects the desire of every individual: Rich in information, Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case shares Brian Vukadinovichs experiences and intimate knowledge of governmental and judicial corruption and what went on behind the scenes in Indiana for years in efforts to take away his freedom and livelihood as a teacher. Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case, in a straightforward, no-holds-barred style, will open your eyes to government and judicial corruption that you have never before heard or seen the likes of. Brian Vukadinovich minces no words when he writes about his journey for justice, calling out high-level state and federal officials, including state and federal judges, for undermining his efforts in exposing government corruption. Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case will show how law enforcement agencies in Indiana conspired to take his freedom away from him by falsely arresting and vindictively prosecuting him on numerous occasions and how Brian Vukadinovich successfully took on the corrupt police in many of the cases representing himself and successfully arguing for dismissal of the bogus charges. In Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case, you will read how John Bolton, as assistant attorney general of the U.S. Department of Justice at the time, and current national security adviser to President Trump, turned a blind eye to significant evidence of police-corruption activities against Brian Vukadinovich. Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case will show how numerous lawyers teamed up in efforts to have Brian Vukadinovich fired from teaching jobs and how he took on the corrupt lawyers and won two federal lawsuits, including a five-day jury trial in March 2016, when he represented myself and convinced a federal jury that the corporation violated his due process rights and awarded him damages of $203,840.39. The case received substantial national attention. In commenting on Brian Vukadinovichs successful self-representation abilities in beating a team of corporation lawyers when he won a federal jury trial by representing himself against his former public school corporation employer for violating his due process rights, distinguished attorney Robert Shapiro, member of the Dream Team in the O.J. Simpson trial, in congratulating Brian Vukadinovich on his federal court victory said Brian congratulations on your victory, you have gone against the age old saying an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client. Scott Turow, acclaimed author of Presumed Innocent has said Its easy to see how this story could become a film. In writing the powerful foreword to Motion for Justice: I Rest My Case, Richard A. Posner, retired longtime distinguished judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, called Brian Vukadinovich A wonderful American success story calling him determined, indomitable, fearless, and daring. Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Brian Vukadinovichs eye-opening tale proclaims the need to attain true justice that must encompass all citizens, regardless of their societal status. Readers who wish to experience this defining work can purchase MOTION FOR JUSTICE: I Rest My Case at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business fans have the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, while donating to cause, now through Dec. 6, at Charitybuzz.com/Entrepreneur. Leading auction site for cause, Charitybuzz, launched its fourth annual Entrepreneur Auction today, featuring exclusive access and experiences across industries, from tech to food to real estate and everything in between: Charitybuzz.com/Entrepreneur. Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Each auction item benefits a non-profit organization working to make a positive impact - from arts programming to cancer research. By auctioning business experiences, Charitybuzz is able to help its non-profit partners take advantage of existing supporters, including Board members, to unlock new revenue. Hundreds of interesting experiences are currently live for auction at Charitybuzz.com/Entrepreneur: Pitch meeting with Lori Greiner, supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles Pitch meeting with Mark Cuban in Dallas to benefit Champions of Discovery Lunch with Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, supporting Art for Life Power lunch with entrepreneurs Ashley Longshore and Fran Hauser at Palette in NYC, benefitting Girl Be Heard Institute Meet billionaire Michael Novogratz to discuss cryptocurrencies and the future of investing, benefiting Hudson River Park Friends Lunch with Gary Vaynerchuk at Hudson Yards in NYC, to support the Jefferson Awards Foundation Private flight with Marc Lasry to a Milwaukee Bucks home game, with courtside seats, to support American Friends of Soroka Guest editorship at Well+Good in New York, benefiting Wellness in the Schools Pitch meeting with Tinder founder Sean Rad, supporting GO Campaign Lunch with Airbnb COO Belinda Johnson, benefiting USA for UNHCR Lunch and tour of CFDA headquarters with CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb A virtual reality gaming experience with the founders of Two Bit Circus, benefiting their new foundation Items and experiences will be added throughout the Entrepreneur Auction, which closes Dec. 6, 2018. The Entrepreneur Auction is a unique moment for Charitybuzz and our non-profit partners, where we are able to engage entrepreneurs from two angles: as the donors, high-profile leaders are contributing their time, and as customers, savvy professionals are bidding on these exclusive experiences that can propel their careers forward, said Charitybuzz President Ben Erwin. Its a win-win for our charity partners. Even beyond the immediate benefit of unrestricted funds from the Entrepreneur Auction, nonprofits are getting the advantage of connecting with new donors who bring potential long-term value. A new report shows that entrepreneurs give 50% more annually to charity (compared to non-entrepreneurs), and are far more likely to volunteer. Seventy percent of entrepreneurs who plan to sell or shift ownership of their companies are interested in building charitable giving into the exit, making the non-profit relationships of today potentially significantly more valuable in the long run. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business fans have the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, while donating to cause, now through Dec. 6, at Charitybuzz.com/Entrepreneur. About Charitybuzz Charitybuzz is the leading auction site for cause, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences and incredible luxury packages to its community of hundreds of thousands of high-net-worth bidders, while raising funds for charitable causes around the globe. Charitybuzz auctions feature exclusive access to some of the worlds most influential personalities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Tim Cook, Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Warren Buffett, Taylor Swift and many more. To date, Charitybuzz has raised nearly $300 million for more than 4,000 non-profit organizations, including Save the Children, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, One Drop Foundation, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Charitybuzz is a member of Charity Network. Named one of Fast Companys 2017 Most Innovative Companies, Charity Network is also parent company to Prizeo, an online sweepstakes-for-good platform, and Global Philanthropy Group, a strategy consulting firm for cause. To learn more, please visit http://www.charitybuzz.com. The hardest to spot of the Big 5, Leopards are a coveted sighting on safari. Four passengers travelling together can depart on any day on a private basis at no extra cost. Goway is offering savings of up to $2199 per couple on selected 14-day East Africa departures. This is the perfect combination of Kenya and Tanzania and it covers all the must-see highlights, said Moira Smith, General Manager of Goway Africa. We cap the number of guests per vehicle at 6, so everyone has a window seat. We use 44 vehicles throughout and all accommodation is at first class lodges. Starting in Nairobi, the itinerary includes Mt Kenya National Park, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara in Kenya. In Tanzania, it visits the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, finishing in Arusha. For those wanting to combine the bush with the beach, Goway offers excellent add-ons to Zanzibar and Mombasa. Goway also offers significant savings and flexibility for two couples, or a family of four, travelling together on any of their scheduled East Africa safaris. Four passengers travelling together can depart on any day on a private basis at no extra cost. Goways 14-day East Africa Odyssey safari is priced from $5256 and includes accommodation in superior lodges and camps, most meals, all transport and game drives in a 4 x 4 vehicle, transfers, guided walks, and the services of a professional driver/guide throughout. Since 1970, Goway has been providing unforgettable travel experiences to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central & South America, Idyllic Island destinations and Europe. Today Goway is recognized as one of North America's leading travel companies for individuals, families and groups to select exotic destinations around the globe. Goway has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Manila, and Sydney, Australia. For reservations and information, visit http://www.goway.com, or call 1-800-387-8850. Veteran university administrator Clive Houston-Brown, EdD, will join Western University of Health Sciences in 2019 in the newly created position of Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Houston-Brown, currently Vice President for Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities and Safety at the University of La Verne (ULV), will undertake his new position at WesternU effective February 1, 2019, following a transition period from his duties at ULV. A strong consensus pick from a deep national pool of candidates, at WesternU Dr. Houston-Brown is tasked with envisioning and developing a comprehensive university strategy to implement and maintain optimal digital and information technology initiatives, services, and security while also leading other areas of University operations as directed by WesternU President Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD. He also will be a key member of the University senior management team and the Presidential Cabinet. Western University of Health Sciences warmly welcomes Dr. Clive Houston-Brown as he creates the role of Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, President Wilson said. We are most fortunate his talent and experience, broad and deep as they are, will help propel the mission of our special University forward. All at WesternU will come to know and appreciate Dr. Houston-Browns calm competence. As he joins the WesternU family early next year from our esteemed neighbor, the University of La Verne, he will hit the ground with feet moving! Houston-Brown joined ULV in 1997 as Director of Management Information Systems, and over the past 21 years served as Chief Information Officer, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Technology Services and CIO, and Vice President for Facilities and Technology Services before assuming his current title and duties in 2017. He arrived at ULV after a dozen years at California State University, Stanislaus, where he started as an administrative program analyst in 1985 before rapidly rising through the administrative ranks within Information Technology. He also taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in business computing at CSU-Stanislaus and at ULV in residential, hybrid, and fully online courses focused on technology management. Houston-Brown, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne, a masters degree in systems management from Golden Gate University, and a bachelors degree in business administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is a board member for Pomona Hope, and is current Foundation Chair and a past president of Pomona Rotary. He and his wife, Sherry, have five children and one granddaughter. I am honored to be selected for the position at WesternU and am excited by the opportunity to join such a fine institution, Houston-Brown said. I have always been impressed with the growth and success of the university and have enjoyed interacting and collaborating with its leaders and students over the years. WesternUs mission and core values resonate with me; I look forward to becoming part of the team and participating in its continued success. Those who find everything about the late1980s and early 1990s to be their favorite era can now take a trip down memory lane with a new Facebook page homage by New Yorker Joe Cianciotto. Cianciotto, who has been active on Facebook for years, has developed a large community of followers since creating a Facebook page dedicated to all things late 1980s and early 1990s -- which is when he says he peaked. To further engage his followers, as well as to attract new ones, he recently introduced a revival of the Shriek of the Week from the good old days of WDRE in New York at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Joseph.Cianciotto.Throwback/posts/?ref=page_internal. As part of the new online segment, Facebook users can expect Cianciotto to share snippets about music and artists who have made a major impact on pop culture from this era. A new band or artist will be announced every Thursday. So far, the Shriek of the Week has received nothing but positive reviews and feedback from users. A recent Shriek of the Week segment was dedicated to the B-52s Roam, which went extremely mainstream in 1990. Cianciotto recalled spending a week listening to this song in Canada during his senior year of high school. Cianciotto also spent another segment discussing Kiss Them for Me by Siouxsie and the Banshees, which debuted in 1991. According to Cianciotto, the band ended up headlining the very first Lollapalooza after this song became highly successful. Cianciotto explained that the moment he listened to and posted the song online as part of his segment was likely his first time hearing the song sober. Cianciottos ultimate goal with his Facebook page, and especially his new Shriek of the Week homage, is to take readers back to a time that was filled with iconic, one-of-a-kind music and artists. These artists were a major part of many peoples upbringing, so Cianciottos hope is that revisiting them will add a little joy to his readers days both now and in the months and years ahead. This type of report pushes innovation in an industry as each brand develops a strategy for personal improvement. This report is not a classic industry report. Rather than an expert review where researchers take a quick look at the capabilities of each brand, we measure, in a variety of ways, the experiences of users on each site. reports Ania Rodriguez, Founder, and CEO of Key Lime Interactive. Statistical analysis for variable ranking yields a clear picture of who significantly outperforms their competitors with respect to a particular established driver. Once we understand who is meeting customers needs and who, simply, is not, we can dig to find the root of why they are failing. This type of report pushes innovation in an industry as each brand develops a strategy for personal improvement. To evaluate digital experiences and demonstrated behavior in the cruise industry KLI observes hundreds of users as they participate in a study passively, in their natural context, from geographically widespread locations. A mix of experienced and inexperienced cruisers will visit a cruise website and perform a series of common tasks. Before, during and after task completion, several lines of questioning are asked so that Key Lime Interactives team of researchers can evaluate a series of drivers and determine how each site performs. The report is comprehensive. Traditional website and mobile sites are reported separately and each includes screenshots, brand ranking in various areas, best-in-class details, a comparison of best-in-class to the buyer's own brand, associated recommendations, metrics related to success, ease and satisfaction ratings. Stakeholders always responded favorably. When we deliver the reports to design and digital marketing professionals they immediately use it as a strategic planning tool for the subsequent year. When teams align their product roadmap to meet the users self-reported needs it always results in site improvement, says Eugene Santiago, SVP Research. Additional Report Information As part of their 2018 Competitive Benchmark Report, Key Lime Interactive will survey 2,800 people on mobile and desktop sites including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. Target participants are randomly assigned to review one site (web or mobile). During this review, participants complete a series of common tasks all while behavioral, quantitative and qualitative data is collected. Statistical analysis of this data is employed to rank sites and uncover the top drivers of loyalty and site satisfaction. The methodology first aimed to understand experiences by using consumers self-reported preferences; which features and tasks were must-haves when it came to interacting with the site. These identified features were then placed into priority order to highlight their importance. This ranking was used in an algorithm to tabulate the final scores. Custom requests, such as data analysis that highlights the differences between those who have cruised with a particular brand vs others is accommodated to provide the most appropriate and valuable insights to report buyers. Key Lime Interactive recognizes the importance of aligning business-centric goals with consumer-centric needs to produce winning solutions and makes this a core component to all deliverables. This incorporation of user feedback is a primary component for this and all studies across various industries ranging from finance, retail, hospitality, etc. Research for 2018 report kicks off on November 20th for a report that will be delivered to buyers on January 7th, just in time for 2019 planning. To purchase the published report, please reach out to Key Lime Interactive for more information at sales(at)keylimeinteractive(dot)com Researchers, Designers, Executives, Journalists and Bloggers in the Cruise, Travel and Leisure Industry are encouraged to contact Key Lime Interactive with any additional questions. In Lucy Wu Mainers new biography, My Three Childhoods: Through Life, Love, and Liberation (published by Archway Press), Mainer chronicles her life as a child escaping a war and an immigrant adjusting to life in new countries. Mainer grew up during the Sino-Japanese War, World War II and the Chinese civil war in the late 1940s; her family escaped to Taiwan before she eventually moved to the United States to further her education. The book recounts Mainers experiences that included her having to face adult responsibilities at a young age, complete a challenging education while being torn from home to home, making it to America, facing language challenges, and eventually making it to retirement and recapturing the childhood she never had. Mainer says studying hard, working hard and playing hard, while maintaining a positive attitude, is what helped her survive her harrowing childhood experiences. In My Three Childhoods, Lucy shares the secret ingredient needed to overcome hardship, find passion and overcome challenges. The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/My-Three-Childhoods-Through-Liberation-ebook/dp/B07J1RG2G5. My Three Childhoods By Lucy Wu Mainer Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 242 pages | ISBN 9781480867253 Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 242 pages | ISBN 9781480867260 E-Book | 242 pages | ISBN 9781480867277 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Lucy Wu Mainer is the second child of eight children, born in Beijing, China, and grew up in turbulent times. Mainer attended Barat College of Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois. After graduation, she worked for the United Nations Secretariat in New York City until she started teaching. While teaching, she earned two master's degrees and a Doctor of Education. She currently lives in Northern Nevada and continues to pursue the arts, teach painting, dance and travel to exotic corners of the earth. Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the leading self-publishing company worldwide, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit http://www.archwaypublishing.com or call 888-242-5904. Open For Business Ventures Network (OFBV) and DC Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs will offer a free business start up accelerator program for veterans, their caregivers and military spouses in the Washington, DC area. In the effort to increase veteran, caregiver and military spouse entrepreneurship, the DC Mayors Office of Veterans Affairs will start The Veteran Business Startup Network in partnership with Open For Business Ventures, LLC. The first program under this initiative is the Veteran Startup Accelerator Program. The Veteran Startup Accelerator Program is a six-day course to help new entrepreneurs acquire necessary startup skills to launch a business. The course will convene over a two week period from Monday Wednesday, December 3rd 5th & December 10th 12th from 9:00am 3:00pm at 441 4th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001. At the end of the course, the top four startup plans created during the course will share awards totaling $2,000.00 for their business venture. The workshop is free to veterans, caregivers and military spouses, but only 25 seats are available for this start up accelerator course. The program are accepting rolling admissions (first come, first served) for this event. For more information and to register, visit https://www.ofbv.network/pages/military-veteran-entrepreneurs About DC Mayors Office of Veterans Affairs The Office of Veterans Affairs was created in October 2001. The office was established to provide veteran benefits, assistance, information, outreach, effective advocacy, claims processing assistance and service provider coordination to veterans and their families so that they can access their entitled resources and benefits. The office also develops, coordinates and attends veteran commemorative events that recognize the military service and sacrifice of District of Columbia veterans. About Open For Business Ventures, LLC Open For Business Ventures provide interactive courses, vibrant community of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Members have access to all the educational, social, and professional resources that they need to create products and services to build and manage their own unique businesses. Brand-Intimate Famous Figures Study Top 10 "This is not a list of people that are admired, it is people we feel involved with and bonded to. These celebrities, by design or by default, have created brands with powerful emotional connections," stated Mario Natarelli, managing partner, MBLM. Barack Obama defeated Donald Trump in MBLMs inaugural Brand-Intimate Famous Figures (BFF) Study. Entertainers, athletes, politicians and spiritual leaders drive much of the trends, beliefs and culture we consume today. To better understand this impact, marketing firm, MBLM, has added to its annual Brand Intimacy Report, the largest study of brands based on emotions. The agency created its BFF Study to detail which current icons are the most intimate brands in the U.S. The results demonstrate the strong emotional connections both Barack and Michelle Obama who ranked first and second have with younger Americans and women. The strong showing by Michelle Obama is particularly noteworthy, as she was the highest-ranking woman and also popular among diverse ages and with both women and men. Tom Hanks and Donald Trump, dominant among older Americans and men, were the third and fourth top intimate brands in the U.S., according to MBLMs report. The Top 10 was rounded out by: Dwayne Johnson, Paul McCartney, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Pope Francis and Rihanna. What does it mean to make it on this Top 10? It means that Americans over the age of 18 felt the strongest emotional connection to these people, describing their relationships in terms of forming attachments and identifying with them. This is not a list of people that are admired, it is people we feel involved with and bonded to. These celebrities, by design or by default, have created brands with powerful emotional connections, stated Mario Natarelli, managing partner, MBLM. Personal brands are going to continue to play a tremendous role in impacting our politics, beliefs and behaviors. Other notable findings include: Barack Obama ranked #1 overall with a Brand Intimacy Quotient of 77.5 He was also #1 for bonding, which is a deeper connection where you actively follow, watch and listen to the icon Donald Trump dominated with men and older Americans. He had the strongest cant live without measure and ranked highest on fulfillment, exceeding expectations Tom Hanks ranked #3 among both men and women The BFF Top 10 only had three women Among female respondents, Michelle Obama ranked #1 and Donald Trump ranked #7 Colin Kapernick ranked #1 for identity, having values people strongly identify with Mark Zuckerberg, who ranked 17th, is closely aligned to his Facebook brand and ranked highest for enhancement, making people more capable and connected Sean Hannity, who ranked 14th, was #1 in fusing, the strongest stage of intimacy, reflecting who people aspire to, and was an extension of their own personality Millennial men 18-24 ranked LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Barack Obama as their top three brands, while women the same age selected Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Barack Obama In addition to the report, MBLM also released an article analyzing the findings entitled: Decoding the Connections We Build with Our Favorite Celebrities. To view the BFF Studys Top 20, click here. The full report can be downloaded here. Methodology This years BFF Study is based on an online survey among 1,003 adults, 18 and older, with quotas established by age, gender and region in order to insure national representation. The survey took place from 10/23/18 through 10/26/18, and the margin of error at the 95% level of confidence is +/- 3.09%. About MBLM: MBLM has invented a new marketing paradigm, Brand Intimacy, delivering expertise and offerings across three areas of focus: Agency, Lab and Platform. With offices in seven countries, our multidisciplinary teams help clients build stronger bonds and deliver optimized marketing outcomes and returns for the long term. To learn more about how we can help you create and sustain ultimate brand relationships, visit mblm.com. Peak Push To Talk "Peak PTT continues to provide security companies with a cost-effective means of 2-way radio communication" Peak PTT, the Push To Talk experts for business, is showcasing its exclusive Push To Talk Platforms featuring its complete line-up of advanced Push To Talk Over Cellular & WiFi devices in Booth #673 at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC East), being held at the Javits Center in New York City, November 25-27, 2018. Peak PTT offers cutting-edge VOIP Over Cellular & Wifi Push To Talk devices that are transforming the way businesses communicate. As easy to operate as a walkie-talkie, Peak Push To Talk devices have no distance limitations, & provide a very high return on investment for businesses looking to improve communications and driver safety. The Peak PTT K2 platform includes walkie-talkie form factor devices, PC Dispatching software, as well as Android, and iPhone apps that give small businesses the power to communicate like never before. All digital communication is crystal clear and instant. Deployment is fast, as the system is configured to work right out of the box. Designed for the security professional, the Peak Everest Platform is a carrier-grade Push To Talk Platform that offers high availability, low latency Push To Talk communications for both and large groups. The Everest Platform features rugged Push To Talk Devices, secure PC dispatching & monitoring software, as well as Android and iPhone apps. The Everest dispatch console features on instant voice communication, on-demand location tracking, embedded recordings, and emergency event management. We are excited to introduce our products and services to security professionals explained Connie Karonis, COO of Peak PTT. Our Push To Talk services provide tremendous value to many organizations, at a fraction of the cost of traditional Land Mobile Radio systems . Located in Southern California, Peak PTT is a communications company that provides cutting-edge non-mission critical communication technology to businesses for Fortune 100 & 500 companies; small businesses; federal, state and local government agencies. Its products and services are backed by knowledgeable sales and technical staff to ensure users purchase the right systems that will work flawlessly for their needs. For more information, for a free demo or to place an order, visit Peak PTT online at https://www.peakptt.com or toll-free at 855-600-6161. Many of us I include myself deride certain politicians as old white guys. Its shorthand for the ones who work to keep people who arent like them out of power, but it leaves no space for all the ones who work hard on behalf of people who arent old or white. Strong interest from self-directed IRA investors looking to use retirement funds to invest in real estate in New Yorks Long Island City & Northern Virginia We have experienced a surge in demand from Self-Directed IRA investors looking to take advantage of real estate opportunities generated from Amazons recent announcement to open two new headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia IRA Financial Group & IRA Financial Trust Company, a leading financial technology self-directed IRA provider & custodian, has seen a spike in interest from self-directed IRA real estate investors looking to take advantage of real estate opportunities in Long Island City and Northern Virginia. On November 13, 2018, Amazon announced that it will be dividing the headquarters evenly between New York's Long Island City neighborhood in the borough of Queens, and the Crystal City section of Arlington County, across the Potomac from Washington. We have experienced a surge in demand from Self-Directed IRA investors looking to take advantage of real estate opportunities generated from Amazons recent announcement to open two new headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia", stated Adam Bergman, President of the IRA Financial Group & IRA Financial Trust Company. With IRA Financial Groups self-directed IRA solution, traditional IRA or Roth IRA funds can be used to buy real estate throughout the United States in a tax-deferred or tax-free account, in the case of a Roth. By using a self-directed IRA, our real estate IRA clients have been able to use cash to find attractive real estate opportunities while gaining the opportunity to move quickly on a potential investment, stated Mr. Bergman. IRA Financial Group & IRA Financial Trust Companys self-directed IRA platform allows investors to invest into private businesses through private placements for as little as a few hundred dollars a year with no account valuation fees. The primary advantage of using a self-directed IRA to make private placement investments is that generally all income and gains associated with the IRA investment grow tax-deferred or tax-free in the case of a Roth IRA. IRA Financial Group is the market's leading provider of self-directed retirement plans. IRA Financial Group has helped thousands of clients take back control over their retirement funds while gaining the ability to invest in almost any type of investment, including real estate, cryptocurrency, and private business investments. The IRA Financial Trust Company, a self-directed IRA custodian, was founded by Adam Bergman, a partner with the IRA Financial Group. Mr. Bergman is a leading expert on the taxation of retirement funds and has authored multiples articles on how to use a self-directed IRA to buy cryptocurrencies. Adam Bergman, IRA Financial Group partner, has written seven books the topic of self-directed retirement plans, including, How to use Retirement Funds to Purchase Cryptocurrencies, The Checkbook IRA, Going Solo, Turning Retirement Funds into Start-Up Dreams, Solo 401(k) Plan in a Nutshell, Self-Directed IRA in a Nutshell, and in God We Trust in Roth We Prosper. To learn more about the IRA Financial Group please visit our website at http://www.irafinancialgroup.com or call 800-472-0646. Cyber threats are continuing to advance at a rapid pace and show no signs of slowing down. Our solutions help business owners of all sizes guard against these threats, while proactively protecting their websites from future attacks, said Neill Feather, CEO of SiteLock. SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, today announced it was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, an annual ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. The company also earned recognition as Arizonas fastest growing software company for the fourth consecutive year, boasting a growth rate of 306 percent during a three-year period. SiteLock CEO Neill Feather credits the companys continued growth to its unwavering commitment to product innovation, as well as substantial increases in demand for affordable, powerful, cloud-based website security solutions designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It is an honor to once again be included in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. Our continued growth demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of small and medium sized businesses, said Feather. Cyber threats are continuing to advance at a rapid pace and show no signs of slowing down. Our solutions help business owners of all sizes guard against these threats, while proactively protecting their websites from future attacks. Congratulations to the Deloitte 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement, said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth. Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics, said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloittes audit and assurance practice. This years ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth. SiteLock was previously included in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Technology Fast 500 and was recognized as the fastest growing software company in Arizona all three years. About Deloittes 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloittes Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About SiteLock SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, is the only provider to offer complete, cloud-based website protection. Its 360-degree monitoring detects and fixes threats, prevents future attacks, accelerates website performance, and meets PCI compliance standards for businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2008, the company protects over 12 million websites worldwide. For more information, please visit sitelock.com. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (DTTL), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as Deloitte Global) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the Deloitte name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. "Contemplation Chromatic" Mural by Jay Coleman, Gateway Arts District We want you to experience what we have created here in much the same way the neighborhood and our residents will experience Studio 3807. True to its vision and cutting edge approach to working with communities, Landex Developments October 27th opening of Studio 3807 was a celebration of the Gateway Arts District community and its accomplished artists. Peter Siegel, CEO of Landex Development, began his remarks by welcoming guests to an artist reception. This is an artist reception. A chance for you to explore the building, meet our construction and design team, view and interact with the artists whose original work is proudly and beautifully displayed throughout the building, visit Portico Gallery and Studios and see the artists who are working there. We invite you to taste the food and drink of our food hall, Savor at Studio 3807, which will be coming in the 2019. In other words, we want you to experience what we have created here in much the same way the neighborhood and our residents will experience Studio 3807. Guests were then treated to a unique tour of the building including the Studio 3807 Collection, a permanent display of work by local artists and they were able to see first hand the culmination of the efforts by Landex Development, Prince Georges County, Gateway Arts District community members and the town of Brentwood, MD. The vision of creating a physical space in which people are encouraged to meet, communicate and explore ideas was experienced firsthand by the more than 100 attendees. Special guests included County Councilwoman Deni Taveras; Monty Cooper, Executive Director of the County Redevelopment Authority; Victor Olano, Vice Mayor of Brentwood, Brentwood Council member Tonya Harrison, outgoing State Delegate Jimmy Tarlau and incoming State Delegate, Diane Fennell and members of the Gateway Arts District. The building, which is now more than 55% leased, was designed by Grimm and Parker, Soltesz and RD Jones. Studio 3807 was built by Hamel Builders and is managed by Winn Residential. Located at 3807 Rhode Island Avenue in Brentwood, MD, the building is a mixed-use development including 147 apartments, 6,300 square feet of retail space and 3,000 square feet of artist studio space and it has been designed and constructed to meet the US Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard, one of the highest LEED standards available. Floorplan options include studio, one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhomes. Landex Development is a family-owned real estate development company founded in 1983 and specializing in the formation of public/private partnerships for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of market rate, mixed-income, and affordable multi-family housing communities in urban settings, including in Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The firm has developed and operated over 7,500 high-quality, well-constructed, and well managed multi-family housing apartments for lease. Studio 3807 is located at 3807 Rhodes Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD. For more information contact the property at 301-265-2957 or visit https://www.studio3807.com The Leopard and His Spots: a heartbreaking story of love and beauty. The Leopard and His Spots is the creation of published author Suzanne Mauro, a writer, artist, and art teacher from Plymouth, Indiana. Mauro writes, Once upon a time, the Creator sculpted a beautiful cat to live in the world. He called him leopard and released the cat into the jungle. The lovely feline looked nothing like the leopard we know today. He had the same agile frame, but the leopard did not have any spots! His sleek, yellow coat gleamed brilliantly in the sun, and all who saw him admired his beauty. This beauty made the leopard prideful and kept him separate and alone. Nevertheless, the leopard happily strutted about knowing that the other jungle animals were watching him. One day, while wandering around an unfamiliar part of the jungle, the leopard happened upon an outcropping of rocks. Here, he spotted a group of lionesses lying in the sun. Captivated by a particularly beautiful lioness, the leopard sensed a stirring in his heart that he had never experienced before, the feeling we know as love. Driven by the power of this love, the leopard surrendered his pride and in an effort to win the affection of the lioness, he sacrificed his radiant coat. The leopards willingness to relinquish his beauty for the love of the lioness ultimately becomes a catalyst, prompting a chain of events that cause him to earn his spots, lose faith, and become bitter. In the end, however, hope prevails. The vigilant Creator blesses him, restoring all that the leopard thought he had lost. This tale truly illuminates how the redemptive power of love can conquer all and invoke the ultimate, eternal transformation of life itself. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Suzanne Mauros new book is a unique, gorgeously illustrated tale about life and love when the world was young, wild, and noble. Readers of any age will be captivated by the depths revealed in this startling and deceptively simple love story. View a synopsis of The Leopard and His Spots on YouTube. Consumers can purchaseThe Leopard and His Spots at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Becoming a Disciple of Jesus: Equipped to Do Works of Faith, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Detour: My Cancer Journey is an intimate memoir of cancer and faith. Detour: My Cancer Journey is the creation of published author Terri L. Wakefield, a widowed grandmother living in Sebastian, Florida. Our lives are not exempt from struggles. We do not live in all-protective bubbles just because we have a relationship with the Creator of the universe. Our good deeds, our thoughtfulness, our sacrifices will not keep disease, calamity or struggle from us. However, we have a loving heavenly father who walks through those challenging times with us. He does not waste any wound we have to endure. He uses all things to conform us to the image of his son and to create a beautiful tapestry that will point people to himself. This book shares how God used breast cancer to show Terri more truths about himself. Areas of spiritual growth were made clear. Do you desire to know him better, to understand just a tiny fraction of who he really is? Do you realize that if you are his child you are completely and unabashedly his? Do you understand that there is nothing we can do or not do that will separate us from his unconditional love? Come join Terri on her circuitous journey to a better understanding of herself and a closer walk with him. Allow God to show you precious treasures hidden in secret and dark places and let him reveal the reality of your own circumstances in the light of godly principles and life-changing truths. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Terri L. Wakefields new book is a moving reminder that true faith is not demonstrated in times of peace but in times of literal life-and-death chaos and internal storms. Just as the apostle Paul knew that God would not remove the thorn from his side for good reason, so too does the author recognize the truth that His power is made perfect in her weakness. View a synopsis of Detour: My Cancer Journey on YouTube. Consumers can purchase "Detour: My Cancer Journey at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Detour: My Cancer Journey, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Thanks Again is the Leader in Airport Loyalty As result of this groundbreaking partnership with Lyft, Thanks Again provides enhanced value to our client ATL Airport and ATLRewards members. Lyft, the nations fastest-growing rideshare service, and Thanks Again are pleased to announce an initial partnership that enhances the member value proposition of ATLRewards, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) Airports new loyalty program. Through the end of 2018 and the holiday season, ATLRewards members earn 5 points for each Lyft ride purchased with a registered debit or credit card. ATLRewards powered by Thanks Again is a turnkey customer loyalty and engagement program that enables ATL Airports 100+ million annual passengers to securely earn extra points for free when they shop, dine or park at the worlds busiest airport. ATLRewards points are easily redeemed for valuable consumer rewards such as airline miles, gift cards and popular e-rewards such as Lyft ride credits. With Thanks Again adding Lyft as a participating merchant, ATLRewards is now the countrys first airport-centric regional coalition loyalty program. Visitors and residents can earn ATLRewards points across ATL and when purchasing from participating businesses like Lyft throughout Atlanta and the surrounding Southeast region. To join ATLRewards and reap the benefits, all you do is simply Register, Purchase and Redeem! Securely enroll for free at https://atl.com/rewards or text FLYATL to 82257. Use promo code LYFT when registering, and you will receive 200 bonus points into your ATLRewards account. Enroll in ATLRewards by the end of Thursday November 22nd (Thanksgiving Day) to automatically be entered into a random drawing for an exciting trip for 2 to the Caribbean or Mexico. For more information and complete terms and conditions, visit https://atlrewards.net/travelprize. Lyft Southeast General Manager Sam Bond remarked, Were excited to strengthen our relationships with other important members of Atlantas transportation network. Partnering with Thanks Again and participating in ATLRewards will help us build upon our relationship with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and will help us better serve Atlanta riders. As result of this groundbreaking partnership with Lyft, Thanks Again provides enhanced value to our client ATL Airport and ATLRewards members, said Thanks Again Chief Executive Officer Marc Ellis. About Lyft Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve peoples lives with the worlds best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available to 95 percent of the US population as well as in Ontario, Canada. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities. About Thanks Again, LLC Thanks Again, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is the leading mobile card-linking loyalty solution provider for the travel industry. Airports, travel retailers, day of travel businesses and local merchants/attractions leverage our loyalty and consumer engagement platform to make travel more rewarding for frequent travelers and visiting tourists. The only rewards program of its kind, Thanks Again enables members to automatically earn desired rewards when they shop, park or dine at thousands of retailers in and around more than 100 airports throughout North America. The Thanks Again loyalty program is free, secure and easy for consumers to use. Visit https://thanksagain.com/ to learn more. There is a nice symbolism in our having become Los Angeles biggest healthcare and life sciences firm...the best attorneys are joining our team because we offer a different vision of what it means to work collaboratively to solve the most complex problems in healthcare." Nelson Hardiman, LLP, is proud to announce that three experienced healthcare attorneys, Regina Trainor, Christine Parkins Johnson, and Jonathan Stieglitz have joined the firm, vaulting Nelson Hardiman for the first time into the role of the largest healthcare law practice in Los Angeles. Regina Trainor joins the firm from NYU Langone Health, where she served as Vice President for Ambulatory Network Strategy and Associate General Counsel of one of the nation's premier academic medical centers devoted to patient care, education, and research. Regina also previously served in a leadership role at the Catholic Medical Centers of Brooklyn and Queens, one of the first multi-hospital systems in New York, where she led the team that created Fidelis Care New York (Fidelis), New Yorks first Medicaid managed care program, and served as its Chief Legal Officer/Corporate Compliance Officer for Fidelis. In her subsequent positions at Northwell Health and NYU, Regina innovated a model bundled payment program, developed system-wide clinical care initiatives, and facilitated receipt of a multi-million dollar federal grant to support physician quality improvement, cost reduction efforts in outpatient care settings. In her roles, Regina has worked extensively on healthcare operational issues, detection and response to provider fraud and abuse, physician practice acquisitions, and cutting-edge healthcare and life sciences initiatives and business ventures. Reginas leadership and superlative regulatory and transactional legal skill and experience, made her a compelling addition to our team. Our clients are already reaping the benefits of her deep understanding of healthcare infrastructure, claims payment, and finance. said Managing Partner Harry Nelson. Christine Parkins Johnson joins Nelson Hardiman from the global firm of McDermott Will & Emery, where she counseled healthcare organizations on complex regulatory compliance and transactional issues. We are thrilled with the wealth of experience that Christine brings advising different types of healthcare clients, said Nelson Hardiman partner Stacie Neroni. She brings great knowledge of the issues facing a wide range of providers, including health systems, hospitals, physician groups, ambulatory surgery centers, pharmacies, laboratories, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, and behavioral health providers. In addition to counseling clients, Christine also works with Nelson Hardiman clients on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, affiliations and dispositions of healthcare entities. She has particular experience with hospital and multi-state pharmacy changes in ownership. Christine also joins Nelson Hardiman attorney Larry Gill in working closely with private equity firms and real estate investment trusts (REITs) on health entity acquisitions and is particularly skilled at helping these companies understand and address regulatory challenges associated with contemplated acquisitions. Jonathan Stieglitz brings to Nelson Hardiman his practice focusing on recovering under-or unreimbursed medical claims, representing parties including hospital systems, surgery centers, physicians and related healthcare practitioners and facilities. Jonathan adds a new dimension to our reimbursement practice, said Nelson Hardiman Litigation Group co-chair John Mills. We are excited to add someone so well-versed in claims reimbursement, medical compliance, and ERISA. Jonathan also brings a strong knowledge of healthcare finance to strengthen the bargaining power of hospitals, surgery centers, and other medical providers, and works closely with insurers and other payers on reimbursement challenges. The additions of Regina, Christine, and Jonathan are exciting on multiple levels, commented Managing Partner Harry Nelson, There is a nice symbolism in our having become Los Angeles biggest healthcare and life sciences firm. But the real story is that the best attorneys are joining our team because we offer a different vision of what it means to work collaboratively to solve the most complex problems in healthcare. Our continued growth reflects that clients share the same vision." About Nelson Hardiman Nelson Hardiman LLP is the largest healthcare and life sciences firm in Los Angeles, serving healthcare providers, investors, and organizations that need a hard-to-find level of quality advice on the most sensitive industry issues. The firms litigation practice specializes in defending fraud and abuse and whistleblower actions, government investigations, reimbursement disputes, and other complex business disputes. Nelson Hardimans transactional group handles healthcare organization acquisitions, sales, investment, and financings, and Nelson Hardimans regulatory team advises on compliance with licensing, operational, and reimbursement issues across the full continuum of healthcare industry sectors, with expertise on Medicare and Medicaid requirements, privacy and data security, FDA, and many more matters. The firm has earned a singular position reputation nationally for its leadership in addressing issues in behavioral health. More information about the firm is available at http://www.nelsonhardiman.com or at 310.203.2800. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. [Editor's note: Due to the holiday, there will be no newsletter next Friday, November 23. Happy Thanksgiving!] Oxford Dictionaries announced its 2018 Word of the Year, and it's a fitting choice: Toxic. "In 2018, toxic added many strings to its poisoned bow becoming an intoxicating descriptor for the years most talked about topics," reads the announcement of the Oxford Dictionaries web site. "It is the sheer scope of its application, as found by our research, that made toxic the standout choice for the Word of the Year title." Certainly, toxic has many applications in the world today, from environmental issues like the water contamination in Flint, Michigan, to the plastics now choking our ocean, even the opioid crisis, and, of course the word is increasingly used to describe the political and cultural environment as well. In fact, Oxford officials say, the data shows a 45% rise in the number of times toxic has been looked up online over the last year, and notes how the word is increasingly being used in an array of contexts, "both literal and more metaphorical." In another sign of our toxic times, toxic beat out gaslighting and incel to win word of the year. And consider this tidbit from the release: Oxford's data shows that, after the word chemical, masculinity is the most-used word in conjunction with toxic in 2018. "With the #MeToo movement putting a cross-industry spotlight on toxic masculinity, and watershed political events like the Brett Kavanaugh Senate judiciary committee hearing sparking international debate, the term toxic masculinity has well and truly taken root in the public consciousness and got people talking in 2018." Reserve Reading If you havent already read it and posted it to your own Facebook page, here is The New York Times highly disturbing look at how, in its rush to expand, Facebook compromised users privacy and allowed it to be weaponized. Another report in The New York Times finds that Facebook failed to closely monitor device makers after granting them access to the personal data of hundreds of millions of people, according to a previously unreported disclosure to Congress last month. Engadget reports that three new independent studies show that fake news overall is going down on Facebook. But the article's curt subtitle says it all: "Things Still Not Great, Overall." One study found that "misinformation remains high, and that Facebook continues to play a particularly important role in its diffusion." And even considering the drop, "fake news interaction on Facebook still averages about 70 million per month." From Gary Price at InfoDocket, "some 34 civil rights, consumer, and privacy organizations have joined in releasing public interest principles for privacy legislation, because the public needs and deserves strong and comprehensive federal legislation to protect their privacy and afford meaningful redress. Sad news this week, as comic book hero Stan Lee died at the age of 95. Comicbook takes a look at how Libraries across the country are honoring Lee. Great piece in The Atlantic, about a reporter chasing the high of a Scholastic book fair. Todd Bol would be proud. This article in BookRiot offers tips and tricks for keeping people coming back to your Little Free Library. Atlas Obscura has a fun look at an "annual contest of brains, brawn, and library logistics." Yes, competitive book sorting is a thing... From Buzzfeed: "Drag queen storytimes and other LGBT programs are meant to create safe spaces for the queer community. The librarians running them are getting death threats." Here's another sad sign of the times: From KLXY, a look at how police in Pullman, WA, are training librarians to handle active shooters. "We compare it to training for a fire drill," said Pullman Police Sergeant Jake Opgenorth. It's nice when people say thank you...in their local paper. From Nashville Scene, this nice letter, headlined "Hey Thanks, Nashville Public Library," will put a smile on your face. "You have enabled a revival of reading for pleasure in our home, and you are a centerpiece of our neighborhood..." From MLive, the Bay County Library System in Michigan has been awarded the 2018 State Librarian's Excellence Award for its customer service to residents. "It's a pretty big deal," said Trish Burns, the library system director. Yes, it is! The Library of Michigan Foundation and Library of Michigan present the award each year to highlight "the important services state libraries offer to the community." Meanwhile, in the U.K., library supporters (including J.K. Rowling and Philip Pullman) started a petition on the governments website calling for better library funding. And The Guardian reports that the government's lackluster response to the petition isn't going over well. And look for the battle over open access to really start heating up. We reported last week on the AAP's strong words for Plan S, the European plan that commits research funders to open access by 2020. The journal Nature this week had an interview with Biochemist Lynn Kamerlin, on why she helped coordinated an open letter now signed by more than 1000 scientistsexpressing reservations over plan S. "I firmly believe in promoting open science, but not in the way Plan S is doing it," Kamerlin says. "I want the scientific-career reward system to changeso that scientists arent so heavily evaluated on where they publishbut these are the facts of scientific life right now." On the EFF Deep Links blog, Cory Doctorow offers an update on the progress of the EUs Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive. The latest news is a leaked set of proposed revisions to the directive, aimed at correcting the extraordinarily sloppy drafting of Articles 11 and 13, he writes, calling the revisions a mixed bag. In a few cases, they bring much-needed clarity to the proposals, but in other cases, they actually worsen the proposals." After several months of quiet at least publicly -- the conflicts that have roiled The Association of Writers and Writing Programs since March resumed with a vengeance this week after a nonprofit literary publication, The Los Angeles Review of Books, on Monday published an essay by the organizations former director of conferences. In this essay, "AWP on the Brink," Christian Teresi provided his version of events surrounding the firing of former executive director David Fenza and its aftermath including Teresis own separation from the literary organization. In his essay, Teresi charged AWP's board of trustees and interim director Chloe Schwenke with malfeasance relating to Teresis departure, as well as the organization's separation in August from its host institution, the University of Maryland, after only 14 months. (While AWP remains housed in offices adjacent to campus, it is no longer a sub-unit of University of Marylands English Department and AWP staffers are no longer UMD employees.) Teresis charges include allegations that AWP is neither institutionally nor financially viable enough to operate independently of a host institution. Since its founding in 1967 until August 6, AWP was affiliated with an institution of higher learning, including for 23 years, George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. The board is not providing the necessary leadership and the organization has been set back several years, Teresi wrote in an email addressed to friends and colleagues that was sent out Monday morning, in which he touted the publication of his essay. Without serious intervention AWP may be set back permanently. The future of the organization is very much as stake. Schwenke sent an email to AWPs membership on Wednesday afternoon, informing them that Teresi may have used email addresses he had harvested from AWPs database prior to his departure to spam members and others in the database. AWP values your privacy and we are taking this matter very seriously, Schwenke wrote, We do not share your email addresses outside of the specific situations detailed in our privacy policy. For his part, Teresi claims that he made many "professional and collegial contacts" during the 15 years he worked for AWP, stating, "My essay was sent to some of them out of a mutual concern for the current state of AWP's governance and its future." Late Wednesday afternoon, AWPs board weighed in. An update sent to members regarding the board's recent activities led off with a rebuttal to Teresis claims in his essay. The board as a body wrote, AWP is institutionally and financially strong, and by all organizational indicators is in far better shape than it was six months ago. AWP, the board explained, has more than $3 million in cash reserves, added half-a-dozen employees to its payroll since ending its affiliation with UMD, and approved raises for employees at the last board meeting. The board also disclosed that it is finalizing a new five-year strategic plan that it will provide to members upon completion, and that it has hired The Arts Consulting Group to lead the search for a new executive director. The job position announcement will be released shortly and distributed widely, the board assured members in the email. Schwenke will remain interim director through December. AWPs annual conference will be held in Portland, Ore, March 27-30, 2019. According to the board in its email, sponsorships have already exceeded those of the 2018 conference and registrations to date for individual attendees and book fair vendors have already exceeded set goals, potentially making Portland our largest conference to date. This summer, AWP reported that it had accepted 556 panels out of a record 1,715 proposals. When several legislators critical of the law and the amendments spoke against both, the bill was pulled. It may be called again in the legislatures second veto session later this month in Springfield. If the issue remains unsettled after that, it might have to make its way through a new governor and lawmakers. Australian Backlist Novel Finds New Life Post Film Adaptation Originally published in 1993, The Women in Black by Madeline St John, sold during the Frankfurt Book Fair to Albin Michel (France), and Garzanti (Italy) among other publishers. Text Publishing in Australia controls rights, and republished the book in 2009 after it went out of print in 2006. It's about a woman who takes a summer job in a Sydney department store, in 1959. A film based on the book was recently released in Australia. Finnish Travelogue Sells in the Netherlands The Women I Think About At Night by Mia Kankimaki sold to Orlando in the Netherlands. There are also offers in on the book from publishers in the U.S. and Germany. Originally published this year by Finnish house Otava, the book, a blend of memoir and travelogue, follows a woman who travels to the homes of female historical figures that lived many years ago. She does this to gain inspiration to live a better life. Elina Ahlback Literary controls all rights to the title. Boose's 'Wood' Moves to Germany A novel about a magical piece of wood that figures in peoples lives over the span of a century, called Cursed Wood, has sold to btb/Luchterland in Germany. De Bezige Bij in the Netherlands controls all rights to the title, by Johan de Boose, and published it in September. Book on Burgundians Nabbed in the U.K. Another hot book for De Bezige Bij is The Burgundians by Bart Van Loo, which will be published in January and recently sold to House of Zeus in the U.K. and C.H. Beck Verlag in Germany. The history title explores the Burgundians--a tribe that lived in what is now Poland during the Roman Empire--from their beginning as a Germanic group, to the 15th century, when their power waned. Presenting the 2019 budget statement to the countrys Parliament on Thursday November 15, 2018, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, revealed that the government has approved the establishment of a home-based airline which will involve the participation of the private sector. He said the project will complement the various transport systems currently running in the country to ferry both humans and goods through international and regional routes. Mr Speaker, Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a home-based airline with private sector participation to provide regional and inter-continental services for the efficient movement of people, goods and services as well as promote tourism. Strategic investors will be engaged, and the airline is expected to commence operations in 2019, he said. The summit, which will hold on November 17 and November 18, will have Rwandan president, President Paul Kagame as chairman for it. The AU Commissions Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat said the purpose of the summit is to discuss some reforms that will impact the union significantly. He said, The ongoing institutional reform is, undoubtedly, one of the most ambitious initiatives for change ever taken by our Union. It touches upon all aspects of its functioning and concerns all its organs. He added that other attempts were made in the past and these, lets face it, did not live up to expectations, leaving a bitter taste of unfinished business. Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat was speaking at the opening session of the Executive Council which brings together Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the AU partner states, whose recommendations are to be endorsed by Heads of State when they are met. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Egypt will assume the chairmanship of the AU early next year and there is fear that the implementation of the reforms will stall since Egypt has little or no interest in them. The sad woman recently revealed in an interview with Kenya-based Radio Jambo that her parents had objected to her marriage to the inconsiderate man, raising doubts about his ability to cater for her. However, being blindfolded by love then, she lied to the parents that the man was more than capable. As if having lied to her parents was not dangerous enough, the then young woman went ahead to give her fiance KSh 100,000 cash to enable him pay her dowry. "We met when I was in university and we loved each other when he was jobless. My parents did not want us to get married so I lied that he had money and gave him KSh 100,000 to pay my dowry," Maggie said. After marriage the couple were happily living when Maggie unfortunately had an accident and it became necessary that one of her legs be amputated. To worsen her predicament was the fact that the devastating accident has rendered her barren. ece-auto-gen READ ALSO: Man brutally assaults wife over oral sex "I was involved in an accident then he said he could not stay with me. I lost my leg. He left when I had already been discharged. I could not get a child," the jilted woman narrated. Having lost her leg and ability to give birth, Maggie is currently facing her third agony of being dumped by her husband who claimed he can no longer spend his life with her due to her plight. DCFS officials said they found the girl a residential program near her parents, but the paperwork isnt complete. During the hearing, a DCFS worker revealed that she called the hotline in July after the girl told her she awoke in the hospital with her pants pulled down. The girls undergarments still were in place, the DCFS worker said, and the teen did not report other signs of an assault. Eric Agbeve, a resident of Ave-Dakpa, Akatsi North District capital in the Volta region pleaded not guilty to the offence, but the court presided over by Ali Baba Abature eventually found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly. The Ghana News Agency reports that the convict lived in the same room with his 20-year-old sickly and therefore, smallish daughter. He took advantage of the victim and consistently had sexual intercourse with her. The news website further reports the prosecution as saying the victim became fed up and confided the fathers conduct in some neighbours who subsequently hinted the Dakpa police. The police invited and advised Agbeve to desist from the incestuous act if he was indeed engaging in it, but he vehemently denied it, threatening to deal with anyone who would dare accuse him of the abominable act. READ ALSO: Couple who cannot smile because of a rare disease fall in love The convict, however, continued the act and late 2016, the victim became pregnant. He then forced the victim to take some herbal concoctions to terminate the foetus, which resulted in complications. Out of fright, Agbeve rushed his daughter to St. Anthony Hospital at Dzodze, where the foetus was aborted. However, the truth came to light when the victim angrily blew her fathers cover by narrating her ordeal to the nurses as Agbeve could not settle the hospital bills on time. Reports say Erin Smith and Alex Barker met on a social media platform for persons with the disease and became friends. Having dated for some time, they then decided to move their friendship to a different level. The disease is such that sufferers cannot make any facial expressions, so Erin and Alex have to be tactful about communicating with each other, as their speech is also affected. Metro UK quoted Ms Smith, from North Carolina as saying: At first, I would never have thought that I would ever fall in love with someone that was born with the same thing I was. But I mean its not just the Moebius, we have a lot of other things in common too. It is so nice to have someone that understands me for me. I love his British accent. It makes me melt. It does. It just gives me chills. READ ALSO: Beautiful twins give birth on the same day after suffering miscarriages It might be unimaginable how the couple manage to communicate and understand each other, but Mr Barker, from Coventry said: I can tell when Erin is happy because she always puts her head on one side and goes ooh, and I think although we cant show facial expression, we know each others mannerisms, so when were upset or when were frustrated or whatever, there is a lot of nonverbal communication that goes on. I think the eyes tell a lot too. Not just Alex, but my family and friends have always said that they can look in my eyes and I smile with my eyes, they know I am happy. According to them, the budget will serve nothing good and will only plunge Ghanaians into more suffering. READ ALSO: Ghanas debt rises to GH170bn; Over 208k private jobs createdGhanas debt rises to GH170bn; Over 208k private jobs created On Thursday, the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented to Parliament the 2019 Budget, outlining governments plans for the upcoming year. ece-auto-gen The Minister said government will embark on major infrastructural development across the country in 2019. According to him, most deplorable roads across the country will fixed, with reference to projects which have been neglected for years. To ensure efficient management of infrastructure, we will soon submit a bill to set up the Ghana Asset Management Corporation. Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will like to inform Ghanaians about what we have done so far on infrastructure and the massive investments commencing in 2019.In 2019, we will invest massively in the development of road and infrastructure, from a variety of funding sources and the following projects have been identified to commence in 2019, Mr. Ofori-Atta said. However, the Minority were not enthused by the content of the 2019 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. ece-auto-gen Having subjected the Ministers presentation to jeers and ridicule, they further raised placards describing the budget as one made made in China. The 38-year-old was deported after being convicted for fraud in the United Kingdom (UK). READ ALSO: Adoboli has been battling with British authorities over the past year in a bid to resist his deportation. He was, however, was flown out of London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday evening after being detained in Scotland from Monday. Adoboli finally touched down at the Kotoka International Airport in the early hours of Thursday and was given a heros welcome by his family in Accra. ece-auto-gen His loved ones poured powder on him, in celebration of his safe arrival back home. He was then served some sumptuous local meals (akple and fetridetsi), as well as a bottle of chilled beer. It wasnt a sad homecoming as many expected, with the former UBS trader also spotted smiling throughout. Adoboli was convicted by the UK authorities in 2012 over his involvement in a 1.8 billion fraud at Swiss bank UBS. READ ALSO: He was released in 2015, but was later taken into custody again and is currently being held by Scotland Yard authorities. In October, the Ghanaian was handed a last-minute reprieve after an application for a judicial review of his case was upheld. He argued that he has lived in the UK for 26 years therefore deporting him to a country that he left at age 10 was unfair. The Minority, led by its leader Haruna Iddrisu, argued that they won't take part in the passage of the bill unless they have been furnished with copies of the Justice Brobbey Commission of Enquiry report which recommended the creation of the new regions. The creation of the new regions have sparked controversies in some of the intended areas and among the minority and government as well. There have also been tensions in the Volta Region on the intended creation of Oti Region and this has led to a 'spat' between government and the Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV. READ ALSO: Persona Non Grata Asogli Traditional Council declares Freddie Blay unwanted in the Volta Region Togbe Afede is reportedly to have said that the commission of enquiry into the creation of the regions did a shoddy job. A claim the Minister of Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Botwe, described as unfortunate. Botwe said, "The utterances of the President of the National House of Chiefs really baffle us as he has been consulted perhaps more than any other Ghanaian on the creation of regions. Togbe Afede XIV has been involved in all consultations of the Commission with the Council of State, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs". ece-auto-gen The Commission said a total of 19,101 persons tested positive for the virus a situation it described as worrying. Also, the national prevalence rate stands at 1.67 with 19,101 new infections in 2017 with about 700 deaths. Speaking at the launch of the 2018 World Aids Day in Ho in the Volta Region, regional HIV Manager, Mr Courage Botchway, urged the public to check their HIV statuses. Among the general population, the national prevalence is 1.67. It is estimated that in 2017 new infections were 19,101, Mr. Botchway told Accra-based Class FM. ece-auto-gen He said all is not lost for persons with the HIV virus because there are medications specially designed for such people. Once you test positive, you are put on ARVs, previously, there were certain criteria that you had to meet before you were put on the medication but from 2017 anybody who is HIV positive has the right to be put on medication once the person is willing, he added. This comes after the Commission disclosed that more of the youth are getting HIV/AIDS infections. Acting Director of the Commission, Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, said there is a high rate of infection among the youth due to what he described as high-risk sex. READ ALSO: Health Director orders killing of all stray dogs in Keta Explaining further, Dr Atuahene he said high-risk sex is the situation whereby one engages in sex with a multiple partners without using protection. The statistics are not different [from two years ago]. What is different is that we are seeing more and more infections among young people. And we need to tackle that, he said. 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! After police told the driver to stop, the car hit an officer, and a second officer fired his gun at the car, hitting the driver, police said. The car then stopped, according to police. As part of his campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, the former President also advised Ghanaians to brace themselves for more hardships. There is no hope in the budget, from what we heard yesterday, brace yourselves for more difficulties in 2019. Ghana is in a sorry state, were on a land full of wealth but its citizens are hungry. Today, Ghanaians are worse off than they were under the NDC government, he stated. ece-auto-gen The police officers will include senior and junior rank personnel drawn from the counter-terrorism unit, rapid deployment force, the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD). The Accra Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Adusei Sarpong, gave the assurance and said the police was prepared to provide full security. ece-auto-gen "We will provide the needed security to combat any unforeseen circumstance. We will have police personnel to police around and in the trade fair," he said. About 15,000 people from across the country, made up of 9,350 delegates and 5,650 observers, are expected to throng the Trade Fair Centre in Accra to elect the national executives. He also appealed to the delegates to comport themselves and to be law-abiding so as to not warrant any action from the police. He has described assertions by Franklin Cudjoe on the creation of new regions as hollow who uses his position to deceive people for selfish gains. Kennedy Agyapong speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM said "Franklin is a zombie economist who is only using his NGO to take money from people from abroad. How well do you even know these MPs that you speak badly about? If you have an NGO, do us a favour by using that means to educate Ghanaians instead of bashing parliamentarians." Franklin Cudjoe criticised the NPP government's plan of creating new regions and districts to what the country already has. ece-auto-gen Cudjoe believes the country is spending so much on public servants and has therefore called on both the Government and the electoral commission to shun any plan of adding more constituencies to the already "absurd number of 275." "Our Parliament is begging the Chinese to help build a new chamber as the 275 members cannot find space to work effectively. My advice: Stop creating new regions, districts and constituencies so you don't add to the bloated number we already have," he said. Alex Segbefia, Chairman of the NDC Congress Planning Committee, said no vigilante group will be employed by the party to provide security. The security sub-committee is taking account of all security for the congress and so we are not entertaining within the security sub-committee any groupings", he said. He said the party faithful will not witness some of the scenes that ensued during the regional elections were some vigilante groups were hired by some of the aspirants to provide security. ece-auto-gen US soybean farmers are bearing the brunt of Trump's trade war with China. China, the worlds largest soybean buyer, has turned its attention to Brazil for the oilseed this year, leaving US farmers with large inventories they are struggling to sell, according to research from Rabobank a major agricultural lender. China has slapped 25% tariffs on US soybeans. US soybean farmers will suffer from the trade war, said Michael Magdovitz, Rabobank commodities analyst. Soybean prices are at 10-year lows of $8.30 a bushel with US farmers unwilling to sell at prices below their cost of production. For the previous two years, prices have hovered between $9 and $10.50. Storage capacity in the US is vast but direct farm subsidies to farmers from the Trump administration designed to support the industry only covers about 10% of the price of soy. The issue has been exacerbated by the fact that US farmers planted a 2018/19 crop prior to the trade war's commencement, keeping production high and prices low. Chinese reduced its soyabean imports from the US for the first time in 15 years in 2018. But, Rabobank says this could change if a trade deal is reached or if adverse weather hits production in South America. Similarly, Rabobank's worst case outlines the possibility of China imposing a blanket ban on US soybeans or early crops out of South America which could further damage US farmers. "Consumers outside of China will benefit from low-priced US soybeans. Meanwhile, Chinese consumers will suffer from the trade war," according to Magdovitz. Presidents Trump and Xi are set to meet at the G20 summit later this month which could provide further clarity on trade war concerns. TMZ confirms that she died on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the age of 47. She is believed to have experienced a cardiac arrest according to an "emergency dispatch audio". Cindi Berge, identified as Diddy's rep verified the reports concerning Porter's death in a report by TMZ. "Sadly, I can confirm the passing of Kim Porter. I ask that you give the families privacy at this time." American celebrities including television host Wendy Williams have shared tweets mourning the deceased. ALSO READ: Diddy and Cassie have reportedly parted ways but remain friends Before her passing, Kim Porter had careers as a model and actor. She started dating Diddy in 1994. It was an on-and-off relationship that eventually ended in 2007. "We dont like to have to go through walls unless its absolutely necessary," he said. "The only other way to get to the elevator would have been ropes from the 97th floor, and that would not be safe. We dont come down like Batman so we must go through the wall." The actress who is now based in the United States of America made this known via her Instagram page on Thursday, November 15, 2018. In her very lengthy post it is not a bad idea for any woman to carry out a corrective surgery after a post-traumatic event but it has consequences when done at quack medical institutions. "Warning to all my sisters crazy about big butts. While you contemplate having that waist,breast, and buttocks snatching. Be careful! There is nothing wrong in a womans decision to enhance her beauty either post-pregnancy, post-traumatic event or to correct some deficiencies. While you make these decisions consult with the best, weigh the side effects and the long-term consequences. Any idiot can set up a surgical center, have you done your due diligence by checking if these folks are board certified? If they have liability insurance In case anything goes wrong? "Ignorance is no excuse... If majority of you know the consequences associated plastic surgery let alone anyone done wrongly, you will seek professional help and consults before reaching such conclusion to go under the knife. The greatest killer post surgery is INFECTION let alone in Nigeria where we have zero guidelines and rules governing health care let alone plastic/cosmetic surgery. Are the equipment used on you well sterilized? Fake Beauty comes at a cost.. 10 years from now, I hope you dont regret being botched. "Personal responsibility is important. An informed patient is an empowered patient. If you have to go enlarge you butts, go to board certified plastic surgeons. Dont follow trends you can not keep up with 10 years from now. Remember we lost a former First Lady due to complications from plastic surgery in Marbella Spain. While they do fat transplants, use silicone and raise your muscles to perform all these shenanigans! Remember side effects and Adverse Effects. I hope none of you face any sentinel event. Where are all my doctors in the house, please explain more to our people @prince_prince_11 @dr.emmaessien @adanna_david @peacesascha @doctor_e31," she wrote. ece-auto-gen So ladies just in case you had plans to go under the knife, it is advisable to have a rethink or check into an authorised and verified medical clinic for such a delicate procedure. While Georgina Onuoha was advising women on the effects of cosmetic surgery, Tonto Dikeh was setting up an appointment as she plans to get another plastic surgery done. ALSO READ:Tonto Dikeh is pretty excited about her new body look Tonto Dikeh is going under the knife again! ece-auto-gen Like Oliver Twist who asked for more, Tonto Dikeh is going under the Knife again to improve on her already stunning body which was enhanced by plastic surgery. The beautiful actress gave a hint of her move when she took to her Instagram page on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. She shared a photo of the plastic surgeon who carried out her previous surgery and herself and it looked liked she was all set for another body enhancement from the caption of the photo. "How horrible Am I for wanting more ??#KINGTONTO #MAMAKING #DRAYO #COSMETICSURGERY #TEAMOLIVERTWIST," she wrote. ece-auto-gen On Instagram, she shares a picture of herself with the Prince of Wales who recently visited Nigeria. Getting an opportunity to contribute to the music-phere in the United Kingdom seem a great deal of excitment. Pushing her artiste and the Grime culture Grace Ladoja has been working with the UK Grime icon, Skepta since 2014. In that time, she has overseen his transition from the popular face of grime to an iconic, heavily-personified figure with a strong following outside the UK. Grace, who is the daughter of a former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja, has built a reputation as one of the main catalysts in the emergence of the UK grime scene on the international stage. The movie stars, joined women from different spheres of life to participate in the day's industry session themed Women in Arts. The industry session created a conversation in association with The Lagos Fringe Festival, which kicked off on the third day of the AFRIFF 2018. Other speakers at the session are Stephanie Busari, Kemi Dasilva- Ibru, Ijeoma Ndukwe and Brenda Uphopho, the facilitator of the session. ece-auto-gen Dominic and Akindoju spoke about storytelling for advocacy against gender based violence as Brenda Uphopho shared her rape story in a short movie. Other practitioners spotted at day 2 are Jide Awobona, Kiki Omeili, Uzodinma Okpechi and Charles Novia. ece-auto-gen Filmmakers, movie stars and other practitioners of the movie industry gathered for series of panels and round table discussions for the day at AFRIFF. ece-auto-gen Other Nigerian movie stars that have graced the AFRIFF 2018 include Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Rita Dominic,Wole Ojo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Bimbo Akintola, Mildred Okwo, Charles Novia, Jafextra Every year, AFRIFF offers an opportunity for array of movies to be screened during the festival's seven-day run as it hosts competitions in several categories including short films, feature films, documentaries, animated films, and short films made by film students. The first edition of the film festival took place in Port Harcourt 2010, while the 2013 and 2014 editions were held in Calabar. 'The campaign aims to promote the belief that one person's affirmative action can deliver positive outcomes and challenge young Nigerians to embrace the responsibility of fixing Nigeria one challenge at a time,' the statement reads. The movie, 'Power of 1,' directed by Izu Ojukwu is one of the tools of the campaign. ece-auto-gen 'Power of 1' stars Ramsey Nouah, Alex Ekubo, Annie Idibia, Jibola Dabo, Jide Kosoko, Racheal Oniga, Michelle Dede, Padita Agu and many more. The movie is scheduled to start showing in cinemas across Nigeria from December 7, 2018. According to AFP, the victim identified as Serena was kept in the vehicle until she was two years old. More reports confirm that a mechanic made the discovery when she took the car for repair. ALSO READ: Mum attempts to drown her daughter to punish baby daddy The baby who is now 7 years old and in foster care was found naked and dehydrated in the vehicle. As a result of the experience, she has developed a mental illness which includes Autism reported to be irreversible. Two days ago, news also broke about another vice at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where two girls, Bolu and Blessing were fighting over one boy, Saheed. Yesterday, a story on the Economic and Finacial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) Facebook page reports that another 23 students of Olabisi Onabanjo University and 12 others have been arrested in a raid on a suspected Yahoo yahoo base at 21, Sawmill Road Awa-Ijebu, Ogun State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrested ladies have however claimed to either be girlfriends or neighbours of the arrested men, while one claims she schools at the National Open University. ALSO READ: This is how Yahoo boys dress A statement on the Facebook page run by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reads, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Office has arrested thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters at 21, Sawmill Road Awa-Ijebu, Ogun State. The suspected cybercriminals who are between 19 and 37 years of age include 23students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, out of which nine were ladies who allegedly claimed to be girlfriends and or neighbors of some of the suspects; one from the National Open University of Nigeria and twelve others are non-students. The Commission got wind of their activities through series of intelligence alleging that the suspected fraudsters engaged in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false pretenses through sending emails to unsuspecting victims mostly in the United States of America while others were engaged in romance scam on several dating sites. At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered over three hundred SIM cards from them. Other items recovered from the suspects include different models and brands of exotic cars, 18 laptops (nine being of Apple brand), 50 telephones (21 iPhones) and two bags of fetish objects (juju) from them. Several documents containing false pretenses were also recovered from the suspects. Suspects would be charged to court accordingly as soon as the investigation is concluded. Yesterday, at a conference in Abuja, an International non-governmental organisation called Clean-Up Nigeria, released its 768-page study entitled: Clean-Up Nigeria National Technical Working Committee Report on the state of the nations cleanliness performance ratings for states of the federation, state capitals/cities in Nigeria. The study was conducted from October 2017 October 2018 by 15 members of NTWC. ALSO READ: See how all the 36 Nigerian states got their names According to Prince Ene Baba Owoh Jr, the National Coordinator of CUN, raised alarm about the unhygienic situation of most states. He said at the conference: "As confirmed by our study, only three states and state capitals that scored above 50 per cent can be considered to be clean. The performance indicators and results have shown that over 175 million Nigerians are living in unclean environments." According to the study by the report, these are the dirtiest states in the country. 1. Kogi: The confluence state scored the lowest with a score of 11 out of 100. 2. Osun: Osun state was next in line with the same 11 percent. 3. Nasarawa: The home of solid materials, which is coincidentally right beside one of the cleanest states, FCT, scored 12.2 out of 100. 4. Zamfara: scored a total of 14.2 out of 100. 5. Kebbi was a close follower with the same 14.2 percent. For their 2018 anniversary, Joke Silva takes to Instagram to share an anniversary message and give a shout out to the king of her heart, Olu Jacobs. She posts a family photo and captions it thus: "33 years and counting... for all we are and all we have achieved.. so far... thank you Lord. It's all by Your Grace. Happy Wedding anniversary Oludotun Baiyewun. King of my Heart" Olu Jacobs [76] and Joke Silva [57] met at Nigeria's Independence celebration in 1981 and tied the knot in 1985 when he was 42 and she, 24. They have two sons, one of them tying the knot as recently as July, 2018. Soji Jacobs and Boma Douglas, the love of his life had a huge, emotional ceremony in Lagos when they tied the knot four months ago! The three-man panel handed down the judgement on Friday, November 16, 2018, ruling that the maximum sentence of 14 years was excessive especially because the former governor was a first-time offender. The former governor was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, on June 12, 2018, after he was found guilty of criminal breach of trust and diverting N1.162 billion state ecological funds while he was governor between 1999 and 2007. He was convicted on 15 out the 23 counts preferred against him. During its Friday ruling, the Appeal Court said the lower court erred in law when it sentenced Dariye excessively even though the conviction was deemed correct. As a condition of his sentence, Colon was ordered by Judge Vincent Gaughan to register with the state as a sex offender, complete a treatment program and avoid all internet use. He was ordered to stay away from places primarily used by children, such as schools, playgrounds, zoos or libraries and specifically forbidden from working any job that will bring him in direct contact with minor children unless first approved by the judge, the court records show. Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja had sentenced the former governor to 14 years behind bars without an option of fine on May 30, 2018. Nyame was jailed two years for receiving gratification, five years for obtaining public funds without due consideration, seven years for criminal breach of trust, and and 14 years for gratification. The jail terms were to run concurrently. However, in a judgement handed down by the appeal court on Friday, November 16, the court reduced the 14-year jail term to 12 years. Noting that the law compels the lower court to add a fine for each of the various convictions, Nyame was ordered to pay a fine of N495 million as fine. Nyame was Taraba State governor between 1999 and 2007. Dariye's prison sentence also reduced The Appeal Court also reduced the jail term of former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, from the initial 14 years to 10 years on Friday. ece-auto-gen The former governor had also been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the same FCT High Court, also led by Justice Banjoko, on June 12, 2018, after he was found guilty of criminal breach of trust and diverting N1.162 billion state ecological funds while he was governor between 1999 and 2007. In its ruling, the Appeal Court said the lower court erred in law when it sentenced Dariye excessively, especially as a first-time offender, even though the conviction was deemed correct. The spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also called Shiites, is on trial for unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. El-Zakzaky was arrested in Zaria, Kaduna in 2015 after soldiers killed over 300 members of the sect after allegedly throwing stones at the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, an act declared by the Army to be an assassination attempt. Mohammed had caused a stir when he claimed last week that the cleric is housed at a residence where it takes millions of naira to feed him monthly. "The issue of whether, where he (Mr El-Zakzaky) is, at least let's keep it off record, that he is in a residence and you know eating at the It costs the government about N3.5 million every month to feed him," he had said. While many protested that the figure is false, many others questioned why the government would not consider releasing him instead especially since Justice Gabriel Kolawole of an Abuja division of the Federal High Court had previously ordered El-Zakzaky's release from custody in a December 2016 ruling. The order was ignored by the government. While hosting the management team of The Sun Newspaper in Kaduna on Thursday, November 15, El-Rufai said the N3.5 million in question is not used solely to feed El-Zakzaky. "The N3.5 million monthly feeding on El-Zakzaky is not only about his food, but other expenses on security men attached to him. The security men are permanently stationed with him, they surround where he is kept," he said. The governor also noted that IMN was proscribed because it is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), thereby rendering its activities in the state illegal. El-Zakzaky denied bail by Kaduna court ece-auto-gen During the hearing of the sect leader's bail application on November 7, 2018, presiding Judge, Justice Gideon Kurada, rejected the application. In his ruling, he noted that El-Zakzaky failed to show any substantial medical evidence to back his claims for bail on health grounds. The case was then adjourned to January 22, 2019 for commencement of trial. His detention has led to allegations of persecution by members of the sect who have also taken to the streets several times to protest El-Zakzaky's detention, leading to clashes with authorities, most notably the Army. Dozens of Shiites killed in clashes with Army 400 IMN members were arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force for disturbance of public peace and law and order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 30, 2018. They were alleged to have set a Police vehicle on fire, and arrested with 31 bottles of petrol bombs and other dangerous weapons. A previous clash on Saturday, October 27, where the Army accused Shiite protesters of attacking a convoy carrying ammunitions, resulted in the death of three people, with a couple of soldiers also wounded. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was awarded the Best Improvement in Safety Award by ACI in Abidjan in October. Sirika said that safety and security as well as comfort of passengers were cardinal objectives of President Muhammadu Buharis government. When I was posted to this duty post, we were very clear as to our mandate everything will be to improve the safety and security and the facilitation of passengers with a lot of comfort and ease. Efficient air transportation has been our goal. I am more than humbled by these awards coming one after another from these international organisations, ICAO and ACI, and you also recall a tremendous amount of work has been done in the area of safety and security. The most notable is when the airport of Abuja was unsafe for operations and we had to close it for repairs which was very critical to the movement of air transportation and by the grace of God, we were able to deliver that procurement, he said. Sirika stated that the desire of the government was to improve the nations aviation industry and other sectors of the economy for the benefit of the citizenry. According to him, a lot of achievements have been recorded in the sector because we are no longer where we used to be. He commended FAAN management for hard work towards achieving the feat and assured that the government would continue to give the authority the needed support. Earlier, Dunoma had said that the award was a result of the ministers leadership guidance and encouragement, and therefore, dedicated to him and his team. Dunoma said that the airports were encouraged and were working towards achieving excellence in the next assessment that would be conducted by ICAO and ACI. He said that the authority was committed to enhancing passengers experience in the nations airports and noted that Nigerian airports were recording improvements in all areas. On behalf of the FAAN management and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), I present to you sir, the Best Improvement in Safety Award of the ACI-Africa Region. The teenagers were kidnapped in October while they were visiting their sister in Dauran village in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara in preparation for their weddings slated for December. According to a report by Daily Nigerian, a family member, Ibrahim Abubakar, who spoke to the kidnappers and the girls revealed that they have threatened to kill one of the girls if the N15 million ransom is not paid in time. "We are only able to get N6m selling our properties and receiving contributions from family members, politicians, traders and ordinary people," he said. In an audio clip of his conversation with one of the girls, Hussaina, she narrated the harrowing tale of their experience in captivity. She said, "I am battling with headache. We are in dire situation, they are about to kill us. They beat us every morning. Please help rescue us. Even yesterday, they slaughtered some people in our presence." She begged to be rescued from her abductors, urging for contributions to complete the ransom. One of the abductors in the clip vowed that the phone call would be the last time anyone would hear from the twin sisters if the ransom is not paid. Government places N5m bounty on kidnappers On Tuesday, November 13, the chairman of Zurmi LGA, Awwal-Bawa Moriki, offered to give N5 million to anyone with useful information on the kidnapped sisters. Describing the situation as worrisome, he said the N5 million bounty was a way of showing the government's concern over the situation and to ensure the rescue of the victims. Zamfara has been the hub of deadly bandits eapecially this year with dozens of people killed and many others kidnapped. He says this in his speech at the 7th Zik Lecture held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University on Friday, November 16, 2018. While commending the impact the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe had on his nation, Saraki notes that dealing with the problem of corruption in Nigeria can help set a standard for other African countries. "When I think about his (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe) legacy, I am indeed humbled; and it is a thing of pride to be chairing this event today. "As we listen to the 7th Zik Lecture delivered by the eminent keynote speaker, let us recommit ourselves to defeating the monster of corruption in our country; and by so doing, set a standard for the whole of Africa. "It is by ridding our system of governance of the cankerworm of corruption that this country can grow to achieve its true destiny as envisioned by the founding fathers, one of whom was the great Zik of Africa." The Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has recommended solutions to tackle the issues facing Africa and one of these involve collective efforts. Saraki proposes this while speaking at the opening of the 73rd Executive Committee Session and the 41st Conference of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) in Abuja. ALSO READ: Oshiomhole threatens to sue Saraki over bribery allegation In his comments at the gathering he identifies that the legislature plays a role in ensuring a comfortable life for the African populace. Especially the youths who look to the government for a secured future. "These challenges are common to us all, and we must respond accordingly, with a common purpose. Terrorism and organised crime recognise no borders. "Africas problems require African solutions. Collective effort is needed. We must therefore ask ourselves as legislators: what role are we playing? "How have we supported the Executive in dealing with these matters? You will agree with me that legislation is key in fighting crime and terrorism. In a report by Punch News, Oshiomole is accused of collecting money from party members to help boost their ambition. He denies this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem. It is sad that Saraki, who just woke up from slumber occasioned by his crushing defeat at the Port Harcourt presidential primary of his party, could degenerate to such a low level. It is equally sad, but not unexpected, that Saraki, who is politically drowning, would make such libelous comments against the national chairman of the APC. And I challenge Saraki to mention one name of an aspirant that gave money to the National Chairman or we file a legal action against him. Whereas the basis on which he made those comments was tenuous and unjustifiable, it is on record that Saraki has been in the eye of investigations by the EFCC and the ICPC for sundry cases of corruption. That is the same man that has taken it upon himself to question Comrade Oshiomholes credibility. We challenge him to mention one person who has claimed that he gave money to Oshiomhole to influence him and the decision of the partys national working committee in the just-concluded primary elections." Saraki eager for Buhari's response ece-auto-gen Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki is hopeful about a good response from President Muhammadu Buhari over the rumours surrounding the APC party chairman Oshiomole. ALSO READ: Saraki asks Oshiomhole to resign from politics In a statement issued through Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Saraki thinks the president's fight against corruption might carry no significance if he fails to look into the allegations levelled against his party chairman. "Nigerians are waiting to see how the President will handle the serious allegations against his party chairman. "We expect the President with his anti-corruption campaign to institute thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations against his party chairman. While speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, November 15, 2018, Wike said the commission's mandate has been compromised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused the commission of being partisan towards the ruling party. He said, "Let's not deceive ourselves; INEC is not prepared for credible elections. If there is an agency that is not prepared for 2019, it is INEC. I have no confidence in INEC. There is no amount of INEC's preparations that will convince me. "INEC chooses how it interprets laws to suit those they support. They choose the court orders to obey and the ones to disregard. "In one state where it favours a particular party, they obey. In another state, INEC will claim they are yet to see judgments not in favour of the party they support." The governor also warned that the people of Rivers will not condone any attempts to rig elections in the state in 2019. "In 2019, whoever wants to manipulate the process to destroy the outcome, the people will come after that person and the family. "We will not agree that for anybody to rig elections here in Rivers State. Nobody will do anything contrary to the will of the people," he said. He further alleged that the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, has pushed back on efforts to amend the Electoral Act because of its plans to manipulate the elections in 2019. "A criminal investigation into WikiLeaks sets a dangerous precedent for all the media... Everyone ought to be concerned about what this potential indictment means," lawyer Jennifer Robinson told the Democracy Now news program. Robinson spoke after US prosecutors inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case. It appeared to confirm that Assange, 47, could be charged in relation to his publishing of stolen Democratic Party materials during the 2016 US presidential election. The US has placed heavy pressure on Ecuador to expel Assange from the embassy so that he can be arrested. "This is confirmation of what we've been concerned about and been talking about since 2010," Robinson said. "There is a very real risk that the United States is going to seek to prosecute him for his publishing activities and potentially seek to extradite him." The US Justice Department would not confirm the revelation, first brought to light Thursday by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism researcher at George Washington University who regularly combs through court records. A sealed Assange indictment was referred to twice in the filing in US federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, a court that frequently handles sensitive national security cases. A spokesman for the court would only say that it was an "error." 'Hostile intelligence service' AFP The filing was discovered as The Wall Street Journal reported that US prosecutors have been preparing to prosecute Assange and are optimistic they can get him to a US courtroom, citing growing unhappiness in Ecuador over his presence in the London embassy. Washington has targeted WikiLeaks since it published 251,000 classified cables from US embassies around the world in 2010, which embarrassed Washington and caused ructions in its bilateral relations with other countries. That action was taken in coordination with major international news organizations, including The New York Times, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and The Guardian. But since WikiLeaks published Democratic files in 2016 that US intelligence says it received from Russians, Washington has rejected Assange's assertion that the group is involved in journalism. "It is time to call out WikiLeaks for what it really is - a non-state hostile intelligence service often abetted by state actors like Russia," Mike Pompeo, then the director of the CIA and now US Secretary of State, said in April 2017. Threat to media The apparent sealed indictment of Assange appears connected to the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference and collusion in the 2016 election. In July, Mueller charged 12 Russian spies with conspiring to hack Democratic National Committee computers, stealing data from the organization and publishing those files in an effort to sway the election. One of the indictments referred to WikiLeaks, described as "Organization 1," as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. Rights groups warned, however, that prosecuting Assange for publishing materials dubbed secret or stolen would threaten all media. "Any prosecution of Mr Assange for WikiLeaks's publishing operations would be unprecedented and unconstitutional, and would open the door to criminal investigations of other news organizations," said Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Moreover, prosecuting a foreign publisher for violating US secrecy laws would set an especially dangerous precedent for US journalists, who routinely violate foreign secrecy laws to deliver information vital to the public's interest," said Wizner. It is a scene from upcoming film "Camille", based on the life of French photojournalist Camille Lepage who was killed aged 26 working in CAR in 2014. "The casting director was looking for someone who looked like her," says Nina Meurisse, who plays Camille. With her long brown hair tied back, sunglasses perched on her head and a camera slung over her shoulder, Meurisse certainly resembles photographs of Lepage working in the country. "When I saw the picture I thought, look, it's funny, we do have something in common," Meurisse says. Lepage was killed during a firefight between rival militia in the restive country, where she had been covering sectarian bloodletting and its impact on civilians. According to a source close to the case at the time, she died on May 12, 2014 after being shot in the head near Bouar in the west of the country. "We had to live up to what Camille experienced, her courage," says producer Bruno Nahon, explaining the film team felt they had to shoot on location in CAR. "We know that reality is more powerful... than fiction." The French-CAR crew have set up in the capital Bangui and surrounding areas to make the film, which is supported by Alliance Francaise, Canal-Plus, Pyramide and the National Centre for French Cinema (CNC). "I always thought, and people thought it was crazy, that it would be easier (to shoot) in Central Africa" than anywhere else, smiles director Boris Lojkine. Attacks on media Lojkine has focused on recreating the details of Lepage's life on screen, cutting in archive shots from the time with the film's footage. AFP The emphasis on realism has seen former militia members cast in some roles and a photographer, Michael Zumstein, who was in Bangui at the same time as Lepage, will also play himself. As well as focusing on Lepage's life and career, the film reflects on the violence that has ravaged CAR in recent years. Militias have been battling in CAR since the 2013 overthrow of long-time leader Francois Bozize, a Christian, by a majority-Muslim coalition of militias called the Seleka. Thousands of people have died, 700,000 have been internally displaced and another 570,000 have fled abroad. The other main militia is the Christian-dominated Antibalaka. More than four years after Lepage's death, being a journalist in CAR remains risky. "Attacks against the media are continuing and the safety of journalists caught between the various warring factions is far from secure," according to the NGO Reporters Without Borders. Lojkine says CAR authorities helped ensure the crew's safety during filming. He also insisted the film would handle Lepage's last moments with dignity and sensitivity. Committee member Setondji Roland Adjovi told AFP in an email that Hungary was aware the experts intended to visit the Roszke and Tompa "transit zones", two sites implicated in potentially illegal detentions. Hungary was "fully on notice, through various means before and during the visit, that the Working Group considers (the two sites) as places of deprivation of liberty," he added. Adjovi said the committee habitually carries out both announced and unannounced visits during country missions. Hungarian authorities were not informed about the timing of the visits to Roszke and Tompa, he added. "The Working Group showed up at those two locations simultaneously (on Wednesday) and was not allowed to enter," he said. The experts then told the government they would not continue the mission. "Unimpeded access to all places of deprivation of liberty including these transit zones must be guaranteed to independent international, regional and national organisations," the experts said in a statement. The terms of reference for visits by the group require states to guarantee freedom of inquiry, especially concerning "confidential and unsupervised contacts with persons deprived of their liberty," the statement said. The group said it "hoped that the Government of Hungary would enter into a constructive dialogue to enable the delegates (to) resume their visit in the near future." Hungary under anti-migrant Prime Minister Viktor Orban has had an increasingly tense relationship with UN human rights bodies. In a September speech at the UN Human Rights Council, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused "pro-migration" UN officials of "spreading lies" about the country. The scheme apparently began to collapse after Lizak went on leave because his wife had a baby, records show. There were also indications that at the time he left, the guard was suspicious that authorities were on to him. "Every time they announce a truce, something worse happens," said resident and mother of five Fatima Ali. "The fighting stops for a period of time and then continues. I am worried about my children," the 45-year-old said. Ali lives in the Ghalil neighbourhood near the Al-Thawra hospital in the south of the city, which was rocked by a series of explosions on Sunday. Hundreds of medical workers and patients fled as battles approached the facility, prompting international outcry. Pro-government forces on Wednesday suspended their 12-day offensive on the rebel-held Red Sea city, home to a vital port, as international pressure for a ceasefire ramped up this week. But it was not the first time pro-government forces -- backed by a powerful Saudi-led military coalition -- have paused their offensive on Hodeida. The coalition launched the assault in June. It later halted its operations to allow for United Nations-backed peace talks -- but as the talks collapsed in September, it formally announced the offensive had resumed. Younes Ahmed, who lives in a coastal neighbourhood of western Hodeida, told AFP he remains hopeful despite the convoys of tanks and trucks roaming the streets a few kilometres from his home. "I hope that this is the end of it, because the hardest thing for me is to explain it to my children," said the 38-year-old. "We have to be hopeful, as we are every time the fighting stops, but the reality of the situation is that this war will go on for a very long time." His concerns are not without merit. Pro-government military commanders have said operations will resume if the Huthis attack. Shops and schools in Hodeida opened Thursday, a day after loyalists announced the pause in their offensive. Life is a desperate struggle for many in Yemen, where more than 22 million people -- three quarters of the population -- need humanitarian assistance. Yemeni pro-government forces patrol near the May 22 Hospital on the eastern outskirts of Hodeida on November 15, 2018 owards eastern Hodeida, pro-government fighters last week took control of the city's top medical facility, the May 22 hospital, from which the rebels had forced out staff and set up sniper positions. The wall of the hospital still bore a Huthi slogan: "God is great. Death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory to Islam." 'Humanitarian catastrophe' After nearly four years of fighting between Saudi and Emirati-backed pro-government forces and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels, Yemen sits on the brink of famine. Hodeida resident Marwan Abdelwaseh said he hopes for a political solution before his home witnesses a humanitarian catastrophe. "We hope that the parties at war will reach a political agreement to hand over the city and spare it from destruction and war, especially since the supply routes for food, goods and gas have been cut," he said. Hodeida's port -- the conduit for almost all of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid -- has been under near-total blockade by the Saudi-led coalition, which accuses Iran of smuggling arms to the rebels. Tehran denies the allegation. Another Hodeida resident, Amjad Zaeem, said the city is now almost entirely isolated from the rest of the country. "There are trenches and barricades inside and around the city," he said. "Hodeida is under internal and external seige." UN mediator Martin Griffiths -- whose efforts at kick-starting peace talks collapsed in September -- has said he hopes to bring the warring sides to the table by the end of the year. Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi voiced his backing on Thursday for UN-led talks to end fighting in Hodeida -- but vowed to "liberate" the city regardless, according to the official Saba news agency. Speaking on Friday at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi, Raila maintained that he and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka were still in the Opposition. Handshake in Opposition He clarified that although he had made peace with President Uhuru Kenyatta through the handshake of unity, that did not mean the demise of Opposition. "I have not joined Government. I do not hold any position in the Jubilee administration. Therefore, nothing stops me from criticising the Government. Those that have contrary views are wrong," Raila remarked. ece-auto-gen Mr Odinga reacted to views from Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, his co-principal in NASA, that the handshake with President Kenyatta had crippled the Opposition. On Wednesday, Mr Mudavadi slammed Raila and Mr Musyoka for working with the Jubilee government. Betrayal According to the ANC Party leader, Raila and Kalonzo's actions was a betrayal of millions of Kenyans who voted for NASA last year. Raila defended his decision to work with President Uhuru and Kalonzos new job as a peace envoy to South Sudan, maintaining that their new appointments did not affect the Opposition. Kalonzo proclaimed last week that he would be the President's ''errand boy'' and cautioned that no one should come between them. ece-auto-gen The former CJ had posted a photo of himself outside the Supreme Court of Kenya grounds in which he had posed in a full suit. In an entertaining fashion, the former president of the Supreme Court summarised his tenure at the helm of the Judiciary cautioning his followers that government jobs don't last. ece-auto-gen Translated, Dr Mutunga's post conveyed,"A suit is just another item of clothing to cover nakedness. In this photo, I was working in the Judiciary and I was forced to wear a suit and tie. "I wore the tie until I gave up and left. Government jobs have an expiry date and that's an order from the Almighty God," the loosely translated tweet stated. Fluent in Sheng The former CJ's followers were impressed with his fluency in sheng and went on to commend him. Fred Wanyama replied, "You @WMutunga are the man. Perhaps the best CJ our country will ever have. Sheng nayo!" Political analyst Benji Ndolo agreed with one of the commentators who noted, "Huyu mzee @WMutunga anachafua sheng mbaya (This old man is killing it with Sheng)." Some netizens who attempted to launch political attacks on Dr Mutunga were met with hard tackles from his fans. Here are some of the comments that were shared. ece-auto-gen Representatives of Kamkor Locomotive, GE Transportation and Skoda Transportationmet last month to discuss co-operation to maintain Kazakhstan Railways TEP33A passenger locomotive wheelsets at the Shar locomotive depot. INDIA: Several sections of the first two Dedicated Freight Corridors are on course to open over the next few months, the Ministry of Railways confirmed on November 5. MOROCCO: The first high speed railway in Africa was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron with a ceremony in Tanger on November 15. Revenue services are expected to begin before the end of the year. This week FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced a plan to close the on-ramp to kids using e-cigarettes while preserving adult use of potentially less harmful forms of nicotine delivery. The plan's centerpiece curbs the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, which regulators claim entice youth (logic that apparently doesn't extend to Absolut Peach vodka or Jack Daniel's cinnamon whiskey), but which also help smokers quit because they don't remind them of traditional cigarettes. The problem is that anti-smoking zealots want to go further and remove e-cigarettes from the market altogether while leaving most tobacco products untouched. That would snuff out the most impactful public health development in decades. The FDAs action is designed to reduce e-cigarette use among high school and middle school students because there is also evidence that a large percentage of these children will become addicted to nicotine and ultimately take up smoking." Yet plummeting and all-time low smoking rates especially among young adults would suggest otherwise. In contrast, the FDA recognizes that use of e-cigarettes can help adults stop smoking. Days before the FDA's announcement, e-cigarette manufacturer Juul, which commands about 75 percent of the e-cigarette market share, self-imposed regulations to curb teen use of its products. Juul's "Youth Prevention Plan" will eliminate pod flavors, such as cucumber and mango, from the 90,000 or so retail outlets across the country. Flavored pods will still be available online, but Juul is ratcheting up its age verification tools to ensure that purchasers are 21 years of age or older. These include demanding permanent addresses, the last four digits of social security numbers, pictures of government issued ID, and real-time photos. To prevent bulk purchases that feed black markets that target minors, Juul introduced new purchase limits and product serialization. It is also quadrupling its secret shopper program to ferret out rogue retailers. And finally, for good measure, Juul is spiking its social media pages, which teens are more likely to visit. To be sure, faced with an existential threat of lawsuits and an outright ban from regulators and anti-e-cigarette zealots on a warpath, the e-cigarette industry needed to respond. Yet in doing so it means e-cigarette manufacturers will save fewer lives. Juuls actions, lauded by the FDA, will improve the public risk vs. benefit tradeoff of e-cigarettes in the short term by possibly increasing tobacco use in the future. Gottlieb has acknowledged that the speed bumps Juul has put in place will make it harder for consumers over the age of 21 to buy e-cigarettes. For instance, those reliant on flavored e-cigarettes to quit will be out of luck next time they go to the store for their nicotine fix. Yet if these consumers understandably don't want to go through the rigamarole and privacy invasion of online purchases, they may simply pick up a pack of cigarettes instead. Similarly, while some limit on bulk purchases is probably smart, Juul's new limit of ten per year seems low for former smokers who want to gift e-cigarettes to friends and family trying to quit smoking. E-cigarettes have helped millions of Americans quit smoking. And they have helped millions more reduce their consumption. According to one independent study, 70% of U.S. users who had been smokers reported quitting following their e-cigarette use. And an incredible 96% of the former smoking e-cigarette users reported being less interested in smoking. According to randomized trials, quit rates are directly correlated with e-cigarette use. And the frequency of e-cigarette use increases quit success. With smoking still responsible for one in every five deaths, Boston University preventive-medicine physician Michael Siegel believes e-cigarettes are the singular technology that could put an end to smoking. Yet the anti e-cigarette zealots want to ban e-cigarette sales altogether. Ironically, it's young adults who have the most to lose. Centers for Disease Control data show that the 18 to 24 year old demographic has seen by far the largest decline in smoking in recent years. This is partially thanks to increased e-cigarette use among kids under 18. Barring people from buying e-cigarettes for their first three years of adulthood (18-20 years old) will likely increase both the number of cigarette consumers, while reducing the number who are able to quit. Public health advocates concerned about rising use of e-cigarettes among those under the age of 18 should recognize that e-cigarette use is often a symptom of a deeper emotional turmoil like anxiety or depression, which are skyrocketing among youth. While self-medication with e-cigarettes isn't ideal, it is better than doing so with marijuana, alcohol, or traditional cigarettes. Juuls actions and the FDA initiative are a historic attempt to harness the public health benefits of e-cigarettes by maximizing the number of people who use them to stop smoking and limiting the number of people who use them to take up tobacco. This laudable effort is not perfect and, as we note, must be monitored to ensure it doesnt make smoking more likely. Yet judging by their dismissive response to Juuls actions, anti-smoking zealots don't seem to really care about those dying from cigarettes. If they did, they would champion e-cigarettes for the public health phenomenon that they are. Perhaps they're worried that if Big Tobacco goes out of business because smokers turn to e-cigarettes instead, so will they. Peter Pitts is the President and co-founder and Robert Goldberg is the Vice-President and co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. Perhaps more damning, prosecutors are expected to call to the stand Officer Dora Fontaine, who was at the scene of the shooting. She is expected to testify that Marchs reports quote her saying things she never told him. She is also expected to say that the detective told her to identify Van Dyke in one report as injured and that he got her to agree with what he said the dashcam video showed, according to a prosecution filing. True advocates of limited government have long looked askance at supply-side excitement related to tax-rate cuts that result in higher tax revenues. While they generally dont reject the supply-side argument that tax cuts can increase the nominal amount of taxes paid, and certainly dont reject lower penalties levied on work and investment, the revenue growth bothers them. With good reason. Politicians always spend the money that flows to them. Sad about the latter is that government spending nearly always multiplies when we remember that programs created by politicians rarely if ever shrink, and nearly always develop constituencies consistent with their economy-sapping exponential growth over time. To be clear, government spending is the biggest tax that we the people suffer. When governments spend, the latter amounts to a misallocation of precious resources to the economys detriment. Worse is the unseen; as in the cancer and heart disease cures, the tech innovations that would make the internet of today seem primitive, along with the transportation advances that arent happening since politicians are wasting so much of the precious resources always and everywhere created in the private sector, and that fund the experimentation without which there is no progress. When governments collect revenues, our freedom declines alongside our ability to prosper. Which brings us to Amazons decision to locate substantial headquarter space in Crystal City, VA and Long Island City, New York. The response of the left wasnt terribly surprising. Lots of snide commentary about how Amazon isnt choosing a hard-up or overlooked region, but is instead choosing two places along the prosperous northeast corridor (Annie Lowrey). About this, one wonders if Lowrey has ever set foot in Long Island City. Though its near Manhattan, so is Hawthorne near Beverly Hills. But no one would mistake the two cities for one another, which calls into question Lowreys aim to turn this into a rich-get-richer story. Long Island City is in the figurative sense thousands and thousands of miles away from the bright lights of Manhattan. As for members of the right, Amazons choices reject their somewhat figurative fantasies about zero-tax Orlando eventually replacing nosebleed-tax San Francisco as a tech hub. About this, tax rates do matter. But for younger, tech-focused workers, residence in a major city full of people like them seemingly matters even more. So while tax rates are very important, theyre not everything. Goodness, half of all VC dollars in the world wind up in overtaxed California. What does that tell you? That location trumps taxation yet again calls into question Long Island City as a choice. Time will tell. Where this all gets interesting is in consideration of how many on the right found themselves in agreement with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the hard left about the allegedly crony nature of Amazons HQ deal. About this, its disappointing to see columnists lucky enough to live in the age of Jeff Bezos so breezily pull out the crony and corporate welfare cards on him given their naive view that Bezos snagged $2 Billion in Bribes and Tax Credits From New York and Virginia. The previous headline is a real one, and it broadly characterizes the reaction of the libertarian right to Amazons decision. Ocasio-Cortez agrees with the right libertarians, or the right libertarians agree with Ocasio-Cortez. It says here that the right libertarians have missed the boat big time as their agreement with Ocasio-Cortez should have already alerted them. To understand why, its crucial to take into account their reasoning. As one column put it, Amazon would have likely made the same decision with or without subsidies. This writer was arguably correct, and thats precisely why Amazons dealmaking with Crystal City and Long Island City should cheer right libertarians. It should because Amazons arrival in the two locales will not coincide with surging tax revenues, or too much in the way of surging revenues. Thanks to various tax credits, abatements and incentives, what should have been a revenue bonanza for both locales will not be. Thank goodness. Rather than celebrate the above, the self-styled free-thinkers in our midst claim that Amazon is benefiting from tax handouts. No, everyone benefits when politicians have less money to spend. In the case of Amazon, if its arrival coincides with boom times for both cities the good news is that the various tax handouts mean that boom times will not as readily fill up government coffers. And then if Amazon winds up morphing into Sears quicker than the markets think such that its new HQs prove a bust, the good news for both cities is that their recovery will not be weighed down by a larger government enabled by Amazon initially being taxed at the same rate as any other corporation in each city. To Amazons lower rates of taxation, the self-styled free thinkers further argue that blatant cronyism is unfair to local companies who face heavier tax burdens than the favored companies and, in addition, a future tax burden that is likely heavier as a result. Ok, but wait a second. "rate" has been italicized twice given the basic truth that two companies paying the same rate in no way face the same tax burden. A flat rate of any kind is not the same as equal tax treatment when we remember that everyone earns differently. If Amazon were to pay the same rate of taxation in either city, then it would easily face the biggest tax burden of all. Furthermore, just because Amazon is getting a tax deal doesnt mean the taxes of other corporations must automatically go up. And while in a rational world corporations wouldnt be taxed at all, the world sadly isnt rational. Since it isnt, whats truly irrational is that the biggest, most valuable companies must be on a level, tax rate playing field with others. Why? This is a particularly useful question to the free thinkers all over this story who would likely (and properly) nod along to the statement that tax cuts for the richest individuals are far more economically stimulative than are rate reductions for the average taxpayer. Precisely because the rich are more likely to invest their abundant untaxed wealth, we all gain. Thats why, in a normal world, the rich would pay the lowest rates of taxation of all because we don't want politicians to gain from private initiative, because it's improper to excessively penalize achievement, and because the economy booms the most when wealth is taxed the least. Whats true for individuals should, in a reasonable world be true for corporations. Why, short of zeroing out this double tax altogether, should the right side with the notion that the biggest companies must pay the same rate of taxation as the corner store? This just means that the big, for being big, will hand over exponentially more in taxes to government. Why? Shouldnt the policy goal be to reduce the tax burden on the biggest the most? Long Island City and Crystal City are doing just that to the tax-revenue detriment of each government, yet the right are puzzlingly yelping about cronyism. One right-of-center columnist decried Amazons tax breaks simply because theyll allegedly cost $48,000 per job. Yeah, except that such an argument can be found throughout the lefts rhetorical playbook. They also point to the costs of tax cuts given their belief that we the people work for the government, as opposed to the government working for us, so its passing strange that tax credits for Amazon are being billed as a cost. No, its a benefit when the arrival of private business doesnt coincide with a tax bonanza for the local government. Implicit in the rights reaction to Amazons national expansion is that its only a good thing if governments grow thanks to the arrival of the deep-pocketed. No. Which leads to the weakest argument of all thats come from the Amazon-deranged free thinkers, that its arrival without tax credits, abatements and incentives could have paid for three years of road maintenance or have reduced the corporate income tax rates by 5.42 percent, which would benefit ordinary companies without political favor. Virginia could have reduced the corporate income tax by 45.16 percent and maintained the roads for four years with that money. Congrats Amazon and sorry everyone else! Oh dear. Back to reality, and if we ignore how Amazons migration to both cities will probably very sadly result in surging revenues given all the people and businesses that will cluster around Amazon-driven prosperity, no sane person ever expected Long Island City and/or Crystal City to reduce their corporate taxes without Amazons handouts. Sorry free thinkers, but this wasnt an either/or scenario along the lines of Amazon or substantial tax cuts. Absent Amazon, tax rates were most likely going to remain what they were in each city, and thats the crucial point. Thank goodness for residents and businesses in each that the addition of Amazon wont amount to as a much of tax-revenue bonanza, one that would expand government in both cities on the way to an increased burden for everyone. While its once again reasonable to speculate that Amazons new HQs will coincide with tax-revenue booms for the winning cities, limited government advocates should be relieved that Amazon negotiated substantial tax breaks so that government doesnt grow too much. Which leads us to the basic point, one presumably lost on free thinkers who dont have shareholders to worry about: Amazon does. Because it has owners eager for returns on investment, it must do everything possible to lower its tax bill. To right libertarians this is normally a good thing, but caught up in their faux purity about cronyism and corporate welfare, theyve chosen to attack a company going to great lengths to shrink its tax bill. Strange days indeed, and unfortunate ones when the free-thinkers are naively siding with a proud socialist. When the SEC passed a regulation in 2003 to constrain the conflicts of interest of mutual funds, the commissioners opened a gigantic can of worms. At a Roundtable today, a new Securities & Exchange Commission can start to put the lid back on. The 2003 regulation produced a festival of unintended consequences, the main one being to outsource decisions on proxy voting to the detriment of small investors, retirees, and businesses. Over the past 15 years, two proxy advisory firms that hardly anyone had heard of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis (GL) have become the prime arbiters of corporate governance, attempting to put their own political stamp on the American economy. Meanwhile, ISS faces conflicts even worse than those the rule was intended to minimize, and both firms make proxy recommendations informed by deep ideological bias in areas such as the environment, labor union power, executive compensation. One outrageous example of the arrogance of the firms is that GL has decided to pose as a super-regulator. In its published guidelines, GL states that it will take note of instances where a company has successfully petitioned the SEC to exclude shareholder proposals. If the SEC denies a vote on a proposal that GL believes is detrimental to shareholders, the proxy advisory firm will officially recommend rejecting members of the company governance committee. In other words, GL can effectively override a government agency. Whats the remedy? In 2013, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University published our paper titled, How to Fix Our Broken Proxy Advisory System. Since then, under both Democratic and Republican Administrations, the SEC has taken steps to mitigate the damage. In 2014, the SECs Staff Legal Bulletin No. 20 tried to clear up confusions, such as whether mutual fund managers have to vote on all proxy questions. And just two months ago, the SEC rescinded the Egan-Jones no-action letter, issued in 2004 by staff. That letter had limited the liability of proxy advisors. The solution requires more than staff letters. The SEC should pass a permanent rule, and the Labor Department, which regulates pension funds, should do the same. First, the funds should be the sole arbiters of whether to vote on proxy questions. The single test is whether the vote enhances the value of their clients investment. The funds would present a transparent policy to their clients. For example, it might be: We will never vote shares because the costs outweigh the benefits, or, We will vote as recommended by management, or We will vote only in rare cases where we believe a proposal will substantially enhance shareholder value. Second, proxy advisors should enjoy no special protection from liability, and they must be free of conflicts. Currently, they are not. ISS sells consulting services, advising corporations on how to get positive proxy recommendations from. ISS. In addition, ISS and GL earn substantial income by advising socially responsible or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) funds like Calpers, the $351 billion California public-employee pension giant. As a result, the proxy advisors have an incentive to favor proposals that are backed by these clients. Third, the SEC and the Labor Department should affirm that funds are breaching their fiduciary duty when they vote to impose criteria other than clear value-enhancement on companies whose shares they own. In a 2016 paper, Alicia Munnell, a former Treasury Department official under President Clinton and now director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, and her colleague Anqi Chen, concluded: While social investing raises complex issues, public pension funds are not suited for this activity. The effectiveness of social investing is limited, and it distracts plan sponsors from the primary purpose of pension funds providing retirement security for their employment. Theres a backlash developing against funds that impose what they consider ESG standards on their investments. In an election last month, a Corona, Calif., police sergeant named Jason Perez defeated Priya Mathur, board president of Calpers. Mathur, according to Barrons, was a champion of Calpers focus on ESG investing. Perez said in an interview: Calpers social investment focus and lack of returns received a lot of attention of labor up and down the state. Everyone noticed the performance and [Calpers] desire to concentrate on social issues. It would be a mistake for todays Roundtable to take a narrow focus. Instead, it should be the kickoff for a thorough examination by the SEC of the role of the dangerous effects of ideological pressure on U.S. investment management in general. Its a serious problem, but it can be fixed. 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 The hairstylist who worked at a salon in the facility has agreed to send back the $15,000 she received from Watanabe, according to the public guardians office. The hairstylist received a check from Watanabe for that amount in March, the lawsuit said. The woman previously told the Tribune that she thought the money was just a gift from her longtime client. Porterville, CA (93257) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 39F. Winds light and variable. A University of Georgia student rides a Bird scooter across campus on Sept. 4. UGA and Athens-Clarke County police started ticketing riders who do not follow the road rules for the electric scooters. Scooters can only be ridden on the roads or in bike lanes, not on sidewalks. Hard science classes, such as chemistry and physics, tend to only teach their subject and rarely discuss how the science interact with the world. By taking a broad approach to teaching science, the class is not only more memorable but interesting to non-STEM majors. A lot goes on around Athens and UGA campus and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. From Sig All that Mr Modi needed to do was to call Urjit Patel over for a cup of tea and ask him nicely, and this fuss would never have happened, recommends T C A Srinivasa Raghavan. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Here's something that the Congress party's spokespersons should be mindful of: There has not been a single governor of the Reserve Bank of India -- with the exception perhaps of K R Puri during the Emergency -- with whom the government has not had differences of opinion. Given that the party was in power for 60 of the 71 years since 1947, it should not claim any special virtue in dealing with the RBI. Another thing they should keep in mind is that a government doesn't actually have to use an enabling provision in the law to have its way. Thus, when senior Congress politicians -- you can't call them leaders -- harp on how they never used Section 7 of the RBI Act, which allows the government to order the RBI to do or not do something, there is no great forbearance to be claimed there. There has never been a single occasion when the government did not get its way when it really wanted it. Whether it used Section 7 or not is immaterial. Some explanatory words about Section 7 are necessary here. First of all, it is based on Section 4 of the Bank of England Act of 1946, which was the first salvo fired by the socialist government that had replaced Winston Churchill's Conservative one in 1945. The Introduction to the nationalising 1946 Act says it was 'an Act to bring the capital stock of the Bank of England into public ownership and bring the Bank under public control, to make provision with respect to the relations between the Treasury, the Bank of England and other banks and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.' Section 4 (1) says, 'The Treasury may from time to time give such directions to the Bank as, after consultation with the Governor of the Bank, they think necessary in the public interest.' The key point here is that both the Bank of England and the RBI were privately owned then. Politicians in both the countries felt the need to introduce the idea of 'public interest' into the financial sector via their respective central banks. The idea of sovereign power was thus explicitly injected into the financial sector. But then the question arose: If something went wrong as a result of a direct order from the government, who would take the blame? Despite the insistence of the RBI that the government should accept responsibility, the issue has never been satisfactorily resolved. The only concession made by the government was that it would not issue an order without 'prior consultations'. Whether these consultations are conducted nicely or under the aegis of Section 7 depends on the RBI governor. If he or she gets obdurate about something, the government is well within its rights to use the section for consultations. That this has not happened so far is cold comfort. It is not at all clear why this clause has been retained after the RBI was nationalised in 1949. Even without it, as we have seen since 1935, the RBI's 'independence' is notional. Or, as one governor put it, the RBI is independent within the limits set by the government. Thus when the government wanted to raise the credit limit to Sanjay Gandhi's Maruti from Rs 10 million to Rs 20 million in 1974, and the RBI refused, the government simply appointed a pliant governor when the incumbent's term finished. The same thing had happened thrice before, once as early as 1937. Pliant governors have been the norm rather than the exception. Section 7 is thus redundant. Indeed, even without a pliant governor, if the prime minister says 'please', whatever the government wants can get done. This has happened several times since 1947. In the final analysis, government-RBI relations have always boiled down to the ego of the governors. Easy-going men have turned into fierce votaries of independence, especially towards the end of their tenures -- or if they were not seeking extensions. It is a peculiar older brother, younger brother relationship in which a soft word from the older brother is all that is needed to persuade the latter. I think this is where the Modi government went wrong. All that Mr Modi had needed to do was to call Urjit Patel over for a cup of tea and ask him nicely, and this fuss would never have happened. On the other hand, if he did do that and Mr Patel remained unmoved, well, then all bets must surely be off. The plan is to charge 30 per cent less. Travel sector executives say if IndiGo is able to do so, it could create a new class of flyers. IndiGo is looking at starting a flight to London and to other European cities through a single stop. The airline is in discussion with the airports in Tbilisi (Georgia) and Baku (Azerbaijan). The plan is to start the route by March. The airline will operate the route with an Airbus A321 aircraft and will use the airport it lands at on the way as a technical stop, the term for a landing to refuel, with passengers not allowed to disembark. The airline is also in discussion with Istanbul airport but it has high landing charges. So, Baku or Tbilisi is likely to be the airport through which the airline will operate to Europe, said a source. IndiGo is in talks with Gatwick airport to finalise the timing. Queries from Business Standard to Baku airport got no response. IndiGo showed its interest in the Georgian aviation market back in the summer of 2018. "The meetings with the Georgian side in August were organised by us, went a statement from TAV Holdings, which operate the Tbilisi airport. The airline will compete against full-service airlines British Airways, Air India and Jet Airways on the route. The plan is to charge 30 per cent less. Travel sector executives say if IndiGo is able to do so, it could create a new class of flyers. Such airlines always open up a new segment. Look at IndiGos domestic sector. "They created a new segment. The traditional Indian flyer to Europe might stick with the established carriers but in a country as large as India, this (IndiGos idea) will have takers, who might be taking a tougher flight so that they can do extra things on their holiday, said Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel. However, experts adds, it wont be easy. Having one stop to European cities will pit the airline against other full-service carriers. "Second, a lot of revenue comes from cargo, which will be minimal in a narrow body (aircraft). Without an advantage in capacity deployment, it would be difficult for IndiGo to emulate what they did in domestic travel, says Ameya Joshi, founder of airline blog Network Thoughts. IndiGo had changed its aircraft order book, to upgrade 125 of the A320Neos to the larger variant, the A321Neo. The latter would take four hours to reach Baku or Tbilisi; it would be another four hours to London. Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters In the OHare neighborhood, a building with 30 affordable units got voted down after a contentious debate in the Zoning Committee this summer because of opposition by Ald. Anthony Napolitano, 41st. Napolitano said the seven-story building would be too dense and raised very serious concerns with the local schools that are extremely overcrowded that many of you want to dismiss. A board position requires one to hold at least 3 per cent of the outstanding shares. Binny holds around 5 per cent stake in Flipkart Though Binny Bansal has stepped down from the post of group chief executive officer and chairman of Flipkart over allegations of serious personal misconduct, US retail giant Walmart will not be able to remove him as a director from the board. According to the new articles of association approved by the company on September 25, Binny would continue to remain as a founder-director of the Indian e-commerce major as long as he holds at least 3.53 million shares in the company. For all other minority shareholders, a board position will require them to hold at least 3 per cent of the outstanding shares. Binny holds around 5 per cent stake in Flipkart, the company he co-founded along with Sachin Bansal in 2007. Walmart owns a 77 per cent stake in the Indian e-tailer. Though Business Standard couldn't ascertain the exact number of shares Binny holds as of now, sources said his current holding is far higher than the stipulated minimum amount for him to retain the board seat. Business Standard had on Tuesday reported that Binny retained his board position due to a possible investor agreement. According to documents sourced from data intelligence platform Paper VC, the articles of association of Flipkart also specifies that the board can have a maximum of nine members, including one founder director. Currently, Flipkart's board comprises seven members that include Binny Bansal as the founder director. The founder shall be entitled to be a director for so long as the founder satisfies the minimum ownership threshold," the document said. It also said that in the case of founder director losing his right to continue on the board, Walmart will have the right to appoint an additional director. If the founder loses his right to be a director, then the number of directors that Walmart has the right to appoint shall increase by one, it added. However, the new director would be an independent one unless Walmart holds an 85 per cent stake in Flipkart, which is not the case now. The investor agreement also specifies that any alteration in the voting structure of Flipkart can be brought in by Walmart only after it owns an 85 per cent stake in the company. On Tuesday, Walmart in a statement to the US SEC said Binny had tendered his resignations after an investigation into allegations of "serious personal misconduct" which were levelled against him. While the investigation found no merit in the complainant's allegations, it did find instances of lapse in Bansal's judgement and lack of transparency on his part. With the exit of Binny Bansal from the day-to-day running of Flipkart, India's e-commerce sector is clearly dominated by two US giants. Amazon has pumped in close to $5 billion into India since it launched its service here in 2013, while Walmart invested $16 billion to acquire a majority ownership of Flipkart in May this year. Photograph: Abhishek N Chinnappa/Reuters 'If we do not enter the temple, then history won't be made and all wrong rituals will get continue to be followed.' 'If they resort to violence against women and abuse them, how can they be Ayyappa Swamy's bhakts?' On September 28, 2018, the Supreme Court delivered a historic verdict permitting women in the age group of 10 to 50 to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Earlier, only girls below the age of 10 and women above the age of 50 -- who were not menustrating -- were allowed to worship at the Ayyappa shrine in south Kerala. Soon after the judgment, large-scale protests erupted in the Sabarimala area as some women devotees belonging to the traditionally 'barred' age group tried to make their way to the temple. Despite police protection, these women could not enter the shrine. Trupti Desai, who successfully entered the Shani Shingnapur temple and the Haji Ali dargah in Maharashtra, has left for Sabarimala. "I am ready to sacrifice my life for this cause," Desai, below, who heads the Bhumata Brigade, told Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf on Friday. What kind of security measures are you expecting from the Kerala government? We have mailed a letter to the Kerala chief minister (Pinarayi Vijayan) and also to the DGP (director general of police) about our visit to the Sabarimala temple. So far I have not got any response from them, but I have heard that they are not ready to give us any kind of VIP security. I want to tell them that we do not want any VIP security, but when we have been threatened with our lives, we have asked for normal (police) protection. But, if in spite of the Supreme Court order we do not get security and we are attacked on the way to Sabarimala, who will be responsible for it? Will the Kerala chief minister or the DGP be the responsible for any attack? Why do you want to enter the temple in the face of so much opposition? After the Supreme Court decision came out, the Sabarimala temple was open only for six days. After that, the temple was open only for two days. Now the Sabarimala temple will be open till January, so there is more time to visit the temple this time. Already 500 women have done online booking to enter the temple. These all women are in the age group of 10 to 50. I have decided that I will not come back from Kerala to Maharashtra till I enter Sabarimala. I don't have a return ticket booked from Kerala to Maharashtra. Don't you feel that you should wait for some more time since the review petitions on the Sabarimala issue in the apex court is coming up for hearing in January? Don't you think your attempt to enter the temple will create a law and order problem in Kerala? We are not creating a law and order problem. It is the protesters who are creating a law and order problem. The Supreme Court order came on September 28 and those who do not believe this order, they have filed review petitions. I have a simple answer to those people who oppose the entry of women in Sabarimala, that since the review petition is coming up for hearing in January they must allow women to enter the Sabarimala temple till then. Whatever decision the Supreme Court takes in January we will abide by it. But legally, at this moment, women can enter the Sabarimala temple and nobody can stop us or indulge in violence. How many women from your team will attempt to enter Sabarimala? There are seven women including me right now from Maharashtra who want to enter the Sabarimala temple. We are not at all scared to enter the temple because this is our right. I am ready to sacrifice my life for this cause because the people who oppose our entry have a different kind of mindset. We are fighting against that mentality. Be it Shani Shingnapur, Haji Ali or the Mahalakshmi temple, we were attacked there too. Here, in Sabarimala, we feel that if we do not enter the temple then history won't be made and all wrong rituals will get continue to be followed. To the protesters of Sabarimala, I will say that if they want to protest they can protest in a Gandhian way, but not resort to violence. If they resort to violence against women and abuse them, how can they be Ayyappa Swamy's bhakts? Devotees say Ayyappa does not want women in the age group of 10 to 50 to enter the temple. Ayyappa Swamy never said such things. No God has discriminated against man and woman. Nowhere it is written in the Puranas that women in the age group of 10 to 50 must not enter the temple or for that matter menstruating women are not allowed inside (any temple). This is done by men who do not want women to come up. They want to give women secondary status in life. They are stopping women from entering the Sabarimala temple by dadagiri and goondagiri. Nowhere has Ayyapa Swamy discriminated against his devotees, and he will never do that. You proved your point at Shani Shingnapur, then at Haji Ali too. Some people say you are doing all this for publicity. Earlier too, I had stated that I will go to the Sabarimala temple. I waited for more than a month after the Supreme Court judgment and you have seen that different women tried to enter the temple. It wasn't me who tried to enter the temple first. I am putting my life in danger, then how can anyone say that I am doing a publicity stunt? We are fighting for our rights and such allegations are only a conspiracy to defame women. Devotees say they will guard the temple for 60 days till the review petition comes up for hearing. The Supreme Court has given rights to women to enter the Sabarimala temple. It is the police who should take action against the people who do not allow us to enter Sabarimala. Protesters have a right to protest, but they can only protest in Gandhian ways, but they are not doing that. They attack women and resort to violence which is not right. When you went to Shani Shingnapur and then later to Haji Ali, such large-scale violence did not exist. What is difference between those places and the Sabarimala temple? In Maharashtra, when the (Bombay) high court gave an order -- be it for Shani Shingnapur or the Haji Ali dargah -- the trustees of those places welcomed the order. Though some people did protest and locals (women) said they are not going inside Shani Shingnapur or Haji Ali, but women (outsiders) who want to go inside, they will let them go. So, we went inside Shani Shingnapur and Haji Ali. In Sabarimala, local women do not want us to enter and they want all of us also to wait (till the age of 50) because they believe that this is their tradition. I feel that those who do not want women to enter the Sabarimala temple are the contractors of Dharma. Nowhere has Lord Ayyappa has discriminated between men and women. Do you think you will succeed in Sabarimala just as you succeeded in Shani Shingnapur and Haji Ali? I am sure about our success. Already 500 women in the age group of 10 to 50 have done online booking at the Devasthanam board for a darshan. Have they got the permission? They have not got permission, but they have done the booking. Now when they reach the Sabarimala temple, it is the job of the government to give these women protection. 'We will soon come back to Kerala to visit Sabarimala, but we will not declare it in advance and come' IMAGE: Activist Trupti Desai and other women pilgrims leaves the Kochi airport after being held up inside the airport on Friday. Photograph: PTI Photo After a over 14-hour stand-off, activist Trupti Desai on Friday aborted her attempt to proceed to Sabarimala as she was prevented from leaving the airport in Kochi by devotees and others opposing entry of menstrual age women into the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Desai, who arrived in Kochi in the early hours with young six women colleagues, Friday night announced she would return as police informed her that there would be law and order problem if she visited the shrine, but vowed to come back to Kerala soon to have darshan of Lord Ayyappa. "We will soon come back to Kerala to visit Sabarimala but we will not declare it in advance and come," the Bhoomatha Brigade leader she told reporters at the airport after failing to proceed to the temple, which opened Friday evening for two-month long pilgrim season. Announcing her visit to Sabarimala, the activist had earlier sent an email to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking security, saying she fears threat to her life. Desai, who had earlier said she would not return without darshan of Lord Ayyappa, and her colleagues failed to even come out of the airport following the vociferous protest by the devotees and members of Bharatiya Janata Party and various Hindu outfits, who staged a sit-in near the domestic terminal and carried on 'nama japam' chanting "Swamiye Ayypappa". IMAGE: Desai reached Kochi around 4.40 am along with six young women en route to the hill temple. Photograph: PTI Photo The devotees alleged Desai and her team came here to violate the centuries-old custom of the temple that prevented entry of women and girls in the age group of 10 and 50. BJP state General Secretary K Surendran said it was a victory of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Desai, who spearheaded the campaign to allow entry of women into various religious places, including Shani Shingnapur temple, the Haji Ali Dargah and the Mahalakshmi Temple, said she was fighting for equality. "In this 21st century also women face discrimination in our country," she said. She alleged that the protesters threatened the management of hotels and taxi drivers whom she had contacted seeking help to move out of the airport. She also accused the devotees of using abusive language against her."They are not devotees of Lord Ayyappa", she said. IMAGE: Police stand guard after Desai arrived at the Kochi airport. Photograph: PTI Photo Desai thanked Kerala police for the cooperation they had extended to her during her stay at the airport. Earlier, high drama was witnessed at the airport at Nedumbassery, about 37 km from Kochi, as the devotees and others, including BJP workes, remained firm that Desai and her colleagues would not be allowed to proceed to Sabarimala. Amid the continuing stand-off, BJP demanded that Desai and her colleagues be sent back to Pune. Police, who were present in large numbers, later in the day registered a case against around 200 devotees who can be identified for preventing the free movement of the activists, but did not make any attempt to remove them. IMAGE: Protesters block the arrival gate of the domestic terminal at the Kochi airport. Photograph: PTI Photo Justifying the agitation being held at the domestic terminal of the airport, BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai said the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were expressing their anguish over the move of the activists to enter the temple. "Desai is challenging the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. This should not be done. The government should send her back considering the mounting protest in the state against her visit," he told reporters here. Police said a case has been registered against around 200 devotees for preventing free movement of Desai and her colleagues. They have been charged under various sections of the IPC including unlawful assembly, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant and criminal intimidation, police said. IMAGE: Devotees enter the Sabarimala temple as it opens amid tight security. Photograph: PTI Photo Condemning the agitation, Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran termed as "uncivilised" the BJP "orchestrated protest" preventing free movement of a citizen. Taking a dig at the Congress and the BJP, Surendran alleged that the activist was closely associated with these two parties and she would return if leaders of BJP and Congress make such a demand. The Sabarimala temple opened Friday, the third time after the Supreme Court on September 28 allowed women of menstrual age to offer prayers there. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to make someone from outside the Gandhi family its chief for at least five years if it respected democracy, as he returned the Congress' barb that a 'chaiwala' could rise to power only because of democratic systems established by Pandit Jawahal Lal Nehru. In an apparent attack on Gandhis, Modi also said that the family whose "four generations ruled the country" cannot fathom how can the son of a poor mother could sit on the "rajgaddi" (throne). Addressing a poll rally Ambikapur in Surguja district for the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections scheduled for November 20, Modi also hit back at the Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke. While the BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh for 15 continuous years, the Congress was in power in the state only for three years after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Traditionally, the two national parties have had a direct fight in this state, although a third force as emerged this time in form of an alliance between the parties of former Congress chief minister Ajit Jogi and of Dalit leader Mayawati. Modi asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation before asking for an account of his government's four-and-half years' rule. "Four generations of the Congress ruled the counry, but they have nothing to tell the people. We are everyday giving an account of what we have done in the last four years," he said. "They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) became the prime minister," Modi said. "If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said. "If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said that it was due to the institutional structures created by Nehru that even a "chaiwala" could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said earlier that a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. Sitaram Kesri had served as the Congress president in the 1990s, but his tenure from September 1996 to March 1998 was less than five years. Rahul Gandhi is currently president of the Congress party, while the post was held by his mother Sonia Gandhi before that. A Congress president mostly gets a three-year term, though there have been exceptions. Continuing his barbs at the Gandhi family, Modi said the "contract of democracy" in the country was not given to one family, but they felt the Britishers had named India after it. "They still keep crying that how could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the throne" he said. Stating that such people cannot understand difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can, he said the credit for making a 'chaiwala' the prime minister goes to 125 crore Indians and not to Modi or the BJP. The PM also took on Rahul Gandhi for attacking him over demonetisation, saying only one "family" is "crying" over the note-ban exercise. "No one from those sitting here (in the rally) is crying over demonetisation, but only one family is crying. Their (Gandhis) associates lost their illegally earned money filled in bags, hidden inside their bed and pillow after demonetisation," the prime minister said. Modi also said Chhattisgarh was created peacefully during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in contrast to violence during agitations for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under the Congress rule. He said the BJP is the only unbiased party and it is guided by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', while the Congress kept the country in dark with lies that are ingrained in their minds. He also hailed the high voter turnout in the first phase of polling held in the state on November 12 for 18 seats, which covered Maoist-affected constituencies, saying the people of Bastar gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase. Despite threats given by Naxals to chop off fingers of those who will vote, tribals came out in large numbers to vote, he said. Modi urged voters of the remaining 72 assembly seats to show the same enthusiasm in the second phase on November 20. Counting of votes for both phases would be held on December 11. He said election offers the best opportunity to "punish" those who think it is the right of only one family to rule the country. "When I had come to Ambikapur during last Lok Sabha elections, people had made a replica of Red Fort for my rally which annoyed a few people in Delhi as they thought it was the right of only one family to speak from Red Fort. They are still angry with you for that and the time has arrived to punish them," Modi said. 'PM became chowkidar of Ambani' Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Friday said the land acquired for industrialists will be returned to original owners if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, calling it the "biggest scam". Addressing rallies in support of his party candidates for the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, where campaigning has reached its crescendo, he said key laws targeted at disadvantaged sections of the society will be implemented in letter and spirit. Gandhi said the BJP, in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, is only working for a few rich people. He said the land acquired from tribals, farmers and the poor for industrialists during the 15-year BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh will be returned to them by his party when it forms a government after the polls. Addressing a public rally in Barghat, Seoni district, he said, "After coming to power the Narendra Modi government attacked three laws - tribal rights, land acquisition and PESA (Provisions of the Panchayats - Extension to Scheduled Areas - Act), but we did not allow it to happen." "We will protect your land after coming to power. Implement these acts in letter and spirit. We will give your land back to you...this is your right, we will make it happen and get the land returned to you," he said. Gandhi said Modi had asked his party's chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat to stop the implementation of land acquisition law (enacted under the UPA), which allows acquisition only after the consent of landowner and that too after paying four-times the land's cost. Instead, Modi told his party's chief ministers to "snatch" the land of the poor and hand it over to industrialists, he alleged. Modi had said he did not want to become the country's prime minister, but its 'chowkidar' (watchman), Gandhi said. "It was thought that he would become chowkidar of farmers, labourers, youths, mothers, sisters and weaker sections. But, he became a chowkidar of (industrialist) Anil Ambani," he alleged. Gandhi continued, "Chowkidar remained silent when Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi (all accused of committing financial frauds) escaped from the country after usurping thousands of crores." The Congress chief said money is being put in the pockets of 15-20 select industrialists. Addressing a public meeting in tribal-dominated Mandla district, Gandhi termed demonetisation as "the biggest scam" in the history of the country and reiterated that the note-ban exercise was undertaken to benefit a few industrialists. "Have you seen any big person like Ambani and others in the queue after demonetisation," he asked. Gandhi attacked Modi over notes ban at another rally in Sagar district and accused him of "robbing the poor of their hard-earned money and given it away to a few rich". Gandhi said Modi no longer talks about being a "chowkidar (watchman) of the country and of tackling corruption. Gandhi claimed that Modi "cancelled the Rafale deal of 126 fighter aircraft with Dassault Aviation and HAL at a price of Rs 526 crore per plane" without informing the Indian Air Force and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. "The then French president Francois Hollande has said the Indian government had asked for Anil Ambani to be taken on board for the deal," the Congress chief alleged. "Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani in this deal. This is the chowkidari he has done," Gandhi alleged. Both the government and Ambani-led Reliance Group have vehemently charges of favouritism and any irregularities in the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal. After the note ban, Modi made honest and hardworking citizens stand in queues outside banks, Gandhi said. "These days, the prime minister's speeches don't have any mention of (eradicating) corruption, a tall promise that he had made before coming to power," Gandhi claimed. Madhya Pradesh will have a single phase polling for its 230 assembly seats on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. The BJP is seeking a straight fourth term, while the Congress is hoping to return to power in the state after 15 years. 'No civilised nation can thrive if it is possessed with the spirit of Hindutva.' Vaihayasi Pande Daniel reports from Day One of the Tata Literature Festival. IMAGE: From left to right, Tata Literature Festival Director Anil Dharker, former Indian Foreign Service officer Ambassador Pavan K Varma, The Hindu Publisher Narasimhan Ram and television journalist and Barkha Dutt at a discussion on Hindu, Hinduism, Hindutva on Day One of the Tata Literature Festival in Mumbai, November 15, 2018. Photograph: Kind courtesy Ad Factors They were, all four of them, on the same page, but different parts of a large page. Former Indian Foreign Service officer and author Pavan K Varma was in one corner, keeping the non-saffron flag of Hinduism flying high. Tata Literature Festival Director Anil Dharker, as the moderator, occupied another corner, deliberately trying to get a rise out of the participants. Former The Hindu editor and now its publisher Narasimhan Ram and television journalist and author Barkha Dutt dominated various parts at the centre of this page (and stage). The discussion was a treat to witness. Humour, optimism, erudition were there in equal measure, along with huge amounts of sanity, something missing these days in many a television debate. And what a relief to not have an anchor shouting the panellists down. The topic up for debate was Hindu, Hinduism, Hindutva and Dharker asked Varma, Dutt and Ram if reaching Hindutva from being a Hindu was a natural progression. Dutt: "No, I don't think it is a natural progression... I was compelled to re-examine what language, what instruments we need to create an environment of pluralism." "There is a relationship here between Hindutva and Hinduism. They may be at odds with each other... But I think this sort of shrill, right-wing Hindutva we are seeing many Hindus would not recognise. It is also a sort of moment of reckoning which reminds many secularists of the old kind -- and I would put myself in that -- that perhaps we were too dislocated, too unrooted, too deracinated to have a language to talk to many, many (people)." Ram: "I think the so-called progression is a perversion. Hindutva is a political project. Hinduism as Barkha has said is very diverse and pluralistic, we know that, and there is an attempt, as Romila Thapar, the historian, calls to have a Syndicated Hinduism, where you get everything together and reconstruct in the image of the Semitic religions." "Hindutva as (Vinayak Damodar) Savarkar famously said has nothing to do with Hinduism... The relationship between Hinduism and Hindutva is a highly perverted vision of what India is... Toxic ideology and, as it is practised, it divides people and its basis is to create hate against the other, particularly Muslims but also Christianity." "No civilised nation can thrive if it is possessed with the spirit of Hindutva." Varma: "One of the inalterable inferences is that Hinduism is essentially and fundamentally dialogic, it is eclectic, it is inclusive and it is based on something called shastra, where you can talk with somebody you disagree with respect..." "I also realise Hinduism is in many ways remarkably revolutionary -- of the six systems of philosophy, five are technically atheist. So their search traditionally, at least in Hindu thought, was not for god, not for ritual, but for what could be the ultimate truth that underlines our lives and this (universe) around us. That is the Hinduism that exists." "Hindutva which is a derivative, artificially implanted on the great tradition of Hinduism, largely for political reasons, is by contrast quite the opposite in terms of being aggressive, in being inflexible, in being prescriptive, in being superficial and in being intolerant..." Dharker: "Pavan, whatever you said reinforces in me this belief that we are sitting around here as liberals... Religion has nothing to do with the intellect." Varma: "I can violently disagree." Huge laughter from the audience. Dharker: "Before you can violently or even peacefully disagree (let me say) the problem with Hinduism is that it is a very amorphous kind of religion. It has no Bible, it has no Quran, it has no Ten Commandments. It is an idea...this is not (easy) to grasp. People need stories, people need something, people need to worship something, people need a form." Dutt does not entirely agree believing, she said, that what binds India together here is a lot of diversity within Hinduism. "It is." she stated, "a cultural identification as opposed to a very organised religious affinity." She spoke about a culture of Diwali as opposed to Diwali being a "dogma of my faith." Dutt prefaced further remarks with "Pavan I agree with you, that should please you" adding that other more secular followers of Hinduism have not been able to counter Hindutva, because she discovered people didn't relate to talk about "my secularism and my pluralism". She felt many modern Hindus were severely dislocated from the larger reality within the country because "we haven't developed a language of liberalism that incorporates the romance of religion." Varma took another tack and said that since Hinduism by default has no one god, no one temple, no one text, no prophet, no congregation and was a way of life, which he called a strength, its followers often ended up clueless of the tenets of their own faith. Varma, who published a philosophical biography of Adi Shankaracharya this year, put it: "That is the reason why many people who are Hindus, practising or not, are adrift from an even basic knowledge of their own religion. You cannot argue with the lowest common denominator unless you yourself have some knowledge." Varma added that the secular lobby was confined to reiterating truths of liberalism, pluralism, and respect for all people etc. "But if you ask them what are the three foundations of Hinduism, which have nothing to do with religion per se -- the Upanishads, the Bhagvad Gita, Brahma Sutras..." they wouldn't know. They would know of the Adi Shankarcharya but nothing beyond that or who he actually was, when he lived and what he said. The average educated Hindu does not even know which were the systems of Hindu philosophy, said Varma. In conversation with Hindutva radicals or while taking them on, Varma felt, one had to be equipped with knowledge of one's faith. Hindu radicals often backed off when taken on legitimately, as he did and offered him "Pavanji aap ka bahut saman karte hai, chodh dijiye, because you have to have the wherewithal to counter it!" "The Charvaka School," Varma continued, "says religion is a means to exploit the masses... Tantra-ism is also Hinduism. There are many shades and aspects of Hinduism that can be used to counter Hindutva. In the absence of informed riposte, we are allowing Hinduism to be reduced to its lowest common denominator!" Dharker interjected looking puzzled: "Who is the 'We'. Who is the 'We' who is allowing it?" Varma: "The bulk of the Hindus." Dutt offered a tentative: "I agree partially with you." Varma: "When will you agree fully with me!" The room was shaken up with laughter. But she felt his usage of the "secularist lobby" term was a "regurgitation of the Times Now-Republic kind of school!" Applause from the audience. Ram joined in offering another take. "There are no Hindu fundamentalists." Harking back to Savarkar, he said the pre-Independence Hindu activist in his book attributed three conditions to being truly aligned with Hinduness or Hindutva -- "It has to be your motherland, fatherland and holyland and he didn't talk about territorial nationalism but he talked about cultural nationalism." In a firm tone, Ram added: "It is abundantly clear that Hindutva can't be blamed on Hinduism. Everyone knows it is an attempt to reconstruct it, refashion it, in the image of Semitic religions." He questioned how and when the Ram Janambhoomi became sacred to Hindus. "What is sacred about that? Not a fundamental tenet of Hinduism even if we worship Lord Rama. Purely a political project, cynically used." Dharker remained in his pessimistic frame of mind remarking how all political parties have used religion, but the BJP and the RSS have done so "in a very organised almost violent manner." He felt there was not much hope given that Hinduism had obnoxiously supported caste and other practices. And he declared secularism could not be attributed to Hinduism and was a concept from the West. Varma would not concur. "The Upanishads say there is one truth, wise people call it by different names... These are texts revered by many Hindus." The Upanishads also proclaimed, in a revolutionary manner, centuries before, according to Varma, the first kernel of secular belief: Let good thoughts come from everywhere. Dharker remarked ruefully, "Every time Pavan Varma speaks," he got a better understanding of the problems that Hinduism faced. "Hinduism as espoused by us is so intellectual it is beyond the grasp of most people." Dutt countered that. She felt there was a space between "Pavan's esoteric embrace" and another area from where India derived its templated idea of what was secular. She said she now embraced the concept of pluralism because the word secularism has been "corroded" by politics. She went back to underlining her belief that pluralists/secularists needed a new language. "For example this word tolerance I loathe. What does it mean to tolerate?! There is a reductionism in our conversation..."Dutt added. "We need a language to question orthodoxy and we don't have that language." Ram said he was not apologetic about the use of the word secularism since it was enshrined in the Constitution and totally upheld by the Supreme Court. The Constitution also demanded no mixing of politics and religion that was today seriously ignored. Quoting the interview with K N Govindacharya in Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's latest book on Hinduism, Ram expressed horror that the RSS pracharak has spoken about not even amending the Constitution, but rewriting it. "This is rubbish!" Dharker added more heat to the discussion with: "Perhaps one can argue that the framers of the Constitution were... they should have declared India a Hindu State." That was greeted with shocked exclamations that India would then be no different from Pakistan. Varma: "The right to practice your faith and propagate it is a fundamental right... Laid down in stone." Dharker wryly: "It is actually on paper and that is my point." But Varma could not be shaken from his train of thought: "One can't predict who can amend the Constitution in what manner. But the handful of people (who) have appropriated the right to themselves speak for all Hindus are the real minority!" That statement was greeted with thunderous applause and approval by the audience. Added Varma: "Most Indians want to get away from islands of religious exclusivity... Mullahs, mahants... and they want to get on with their lives." Dharker shot at him: "What makes you say that?" Varma: "Otherwise India would have succumbed in '49. Why have we survived as a nation? Because the Hindus themselves understand that given the geography and demography of this country and traditions of the past... In this country people are more concerned in having their feet on the ground and their eyes on the balance sheet and getting on with their lives... Because there is an inherent stratum of sanity in this country and that stratum of sanity needs to have more articulate spokesman." Dharker: "I wish I could believe you." Varma: "I can't convince everybody." Dharker: "I am going to hate myself for saying this, but I am going to say it any way. Human beings by nature are intolerant of the other. Education political correctness etc etc make us suppress this emotion. It is a myth that Hindus and Muslims can live together as a family and they have ignored the fact they dislike each other. It needs a little spark from some political party to ignite us." Ram quietly and resolutely shut Dharker's gloom down. "If you look at Indian history over the centuries, it refutes this. If majority Hindus really felt that way, that they hated or deeply disliked the other, there is no way you could have had any kind of political stability (in India) whether it is was (under) Akbar, Ashoka or even Aurangzeb..." "I think I fully agree with Pavan on this, the majority, the overwhelming majority of Hindus do not want it (the consequences of Hindutva) and that is the long-term trend. In the short term, many discussions could occur and we could have a demagogic leader, who comes in and misleads a whole country..." Vigorous applause from the audience. Dharker mischievously: "You are talking hypothetically..." More laughter. Ram added that the majority of Indians were concerned with doing well, and wanting stability and did not want Hindutva. "I would not draw this conclusion at all." To Dharker: "I think you are doing it deliberately." Varma: "Everybody likes each other. I like Barkha. Amit Shah and Modi like each other. So many examples..." "Nowadays," he added, "it does not matter if the PM is with you. It matters if the Supreme Court is with you." From her thoughts on a black woman becoming First Lady to marital struggles with her husband Barack, Michelle Obama hasnt held back in her memoir, which is being praised as honest and telling, Becoming. IMAGE: Becoming, by former United States first lady Michelle Obama, displayed at the 57th Street Books bookstore in Chicago, Illinois. In the book, which went on sale on November 13, Obama describes her journey from Chicago's South Side to the White House. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images Michelle Obama joined the ranks of former United States first ladies-turned-authors on Tuesday with the launch of her new memoir, Becoming. The 421-page book published by Crown Publishing has been described as offering a more personal invitation into her life than any shes previously extended. She takes us through her life from Michelle Robinson, the South Side Chicagoan who relished Stevie Wonders Talking Book just as much as she enjoyed talking back to steely adults, to the unflappable former first lady we know her as. Its both humbling and affirming to bear witness to the very human makings of Obama. The book has already become a bestseller and is also TV czar Oprah Winfreys Book of the Month. Here are some interesting excerpts from her book. How Barack proposed to her Photograph: Obama For America/Reuters As we were reaching the end of the meal, Barack smiled at me and raised the subject of marriage. He reached for my hand and said that as much as he loved me with his whole being, he still didn't really see the point. Instantly, I felt the blood rise in my cheeks. It was like pushing a button in me -- the kind of big blinking red button you might find in some sort of nuclear facility surrounded by warnings signs and evacuation maps. Really? We were going to do this now? ... Eventually, our waiter came around holding a dessert plate, covered by a silver lid. He slid it in front of me and lifted the cover. I was almost too miffed to even look down, but when I did, I saw a dark velvet box where the chocolate cake was supposed to be. Inside was a diamond ring. Barack looked at me playfully. Hed baited me. It had all been a ruse. It took me a second to dismantle my anger and slide into joyful shock. Hed riled me up because this was the very last time he would invoke his inane marriage argument, ever again, as long as we both should live. She did not think Barack could win the presidency Photograph: Cecilio Ricardo/US Air Force via Getty Images I said yes, though I was at the same time harbouring a painful thought, one I wasnt ready to share: I supported him in campaigning, but I also felt certain he wouldnt make it all the way ... He spoke so often and so passionately of healing our countrys divisions, appealing to a set of higher ideals he believed were innate in most people. But Id seen enough of the divisions to temper my own hopes. Barack was a black man in America, after all. I didnt really think he could win. The Sandy Hook shooting was one of the toughest days in office Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters This would be the only time in eight years that hed request my presence in the middle of a workday, the two of us rearranging our schedules to be alone together for a moment of dim comfort. Usually, work was work and home was home, but for us, as for many people, the tragedy in Newtown shattered every window and blew down every fence. When I walked into the Oval Office, Barack and I embraced silently. There was nothing to say. No words. Staying upright after Newtown was probably the hardest thing hed ever had to do. When Malia and Sasha came home from school later that day, Barack and I met them in the residence and hugged them tight, trying to mask the urgency of our need just to touch them. It was hard to know what to say or not say to our girls about the shooting. Parents all around the country, we knew, were grappling with the same thing. The Obamas went through couples counselling Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters I feel vulnerable all the time. ... And I had to learn how to express that to my husband, to tap into those parts of me that missed him -- and the sadness that came from that -- so that he could understand. He didnt understand distance in the same way. You know, he grew up without his mother in his life for most of his years, and he knew his mother loved him dearly, right? I always thought love was up close. Love is the dinner table, love is consistency, it is presence. So I had to share my vulnerability and also learn to love differently. It was an important part of my journey of becoming. Understanding how to become us. Michelles miscarriage and having Sasha and Malia through IVF Photograph: Feng Li/Getty Images We were trying to get pregnant and it wasnt going well. 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. A miscarriage is lonely, painful, and demoralising almost on a cellular level. When you have one, you will likely mistake it for a personal failure, which it is not. Or a tragedy, which, regardless of how utterly devastating it feels in the moment, it also is not. What nobody tells you is that miscarriage happens all the time, to more women than youd ever guess, given the relative silence around it. She later reveals that she was able to conceive their two daughters, Sasha and Malia, through in vitro fertilisation. Michelle explains her White House style strategy Photograph: Obama For America/Reuters Sometime during Baracks campaign, people began paying attention to my clothes. Or at least the media paid attention, which provoked all manner of commentary across the internet. My pearls, my belts, my cardigans, my off-the-rack dresses from J Crew, my apparently brave choice of white for an inaugural gown -- all seemed to trigger a slew of opinions and instant feedback. I wore a sleeveless aubergine dress to Baracks address to the joint session of Congress and a sleeveless black sheath dress for my official White House photo, and suddenly my arms were making headlines. It seemed that my clothes mattered more to people than anything I had to say. In London, Id stepped offstage after having been moved to tears while speaking to the girls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, only to learn that the first question directed to one of my staffers by a reporter had been Who made her dress?" This stuff got me down, but I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to learn, to use what power I could find inside a situation Id never have chosen for myself. If people flipped through a magazine primarily to see the clothes I was wearing, I hoped theyd also see the military spouse standing next to me or read what I had to say about childrens health. ... I paid for all my own clothes and accessories -- with the exception of some items like the couture-level gowns I wore to formal events, which were lent to me by the designers and would later be donated to the National Archives, thus adhering to White House ethics guidelines. When it came to my choices, I tried to be somewhat unpredictable, to prevent anyone from ascribing any sort of message to what I wore. It was a thin line to walk. I was supposed to stand out without overshadowing others, to blend in but not fade away. As a black woman, too, I knew Id be criticised if I was perceived as being showy and high-end, and Id also be criticised if I was too casual. So I mixed it up. I came to depend heavily on Meredith but also equally on Johnny Wright, my fast-talking, hard-laughing hurricane of a hairdresser, and Carl Ray, my soft-spoken and meticulous makeup artist. Together, the three of them (dubbed by my larger team the trifecta) gave me the confidence I needed to step out in public each day, all of us knowing that a slipup would lead to a flurry of ridicule and nasty comments. I never expected to be someone who hired others to maintain my image, and at first the idea was discomfiting. But I quickly found out a truth that no one talks about: Today, virtually every woman in public life-politicians, celebrities, you name it-has some version of Meredith, Johnny, and Carl. Its all but a requirement, a built-in fee for our societal double standard. Michelle on Trump Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters The whole 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. ... Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my familys safety at risk. And for this, Id never forgive him. -- on Trumps efforts trying to doubt Obama as a US citizen I just wish more people had turned out to vote. And I will always wonder about what led so many women, in particular, to reject an exceptionally qualified female candidate and instead choose a misogynist as their president. But the result was now ours to live with. -- on Trumps victory The vibrant diversity of the two previous inaugurations was gone, replaced by what felt like a dispiriting uniformity, the kind of overwhelmingly white and male tableau Id encountered so many times in my life especially in the more privileged spaces, the various corridors of power Id somehow found my way into since leaving my childhood home. What I knew from working in professional environments is that sameness breeds more sameness, until you make a thoughtful effort to counteract it. Someone from Baracks administration might have said that the optics there were bad that what the public saw didnt reflect the presidents reality or ideals. But in this case, maybe it did. Realising it, I made my own optic adjustment: I stopped even trying to smile. -- on not smiling at Trumps inauguration Michelle for US president in 2020? Lameness prevention: it's all in the head An understanding of how cows think, how they see the world and how they move is essential for lameness prevention. The alleged victim told police she went into work early on the Friday before the Memorial Day holiday in 2002 to get ahead of the scheduling she did for a judge even though the judge had been out of the office. Chatman, whom the woman said she recognized from being in her courtroom previously asking for help, threatened her with scissors as he sexually assaulted her, she alleged. NEW MILFORD The local American Legion is asking the town to pay the first year of membership dues for veterans who work with the town as a way to introduce more veterans to the organizations benefits. American Legion Commander Jeff McBreairty made the request during this weeks Town Council. He said he believes he has a good chance of having every town employee who is a veteran, especially if the town helps with the dues. The American Legion strives to promote membership and maintain our strong stature as the oldest military organization in this country, McBreairty said. We are presently 2.2 million strong, and when we go to Washington to vie for benefits for the veterans, our volumes in numbers speak. Dues are $35 per veteran. It will become the veterans responsibility to pay the dues after that first year and maintain their good standing with the organization. Veterans deserve to be recognized and helped as much as possible, McBreairty said. The Town Council did not respond to the request because it came during public comment, which is usually just a chance for the residents to speak. McBreairty said he left 39 applications with the mayor though in case they approved covering the dues. The town has a history of honoring veterans. It hosts numerous ceremonies and Mayor Pete Bass gave up his parking spot at Town Hall for veterans. Our town honors our veterans in so many ways and it humbles me to know we are recognized and cared for and recognized for the services rendered, McBreairty said. kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345 The Czech Republic's billionaire prime minister rejected intensifying calls for him step down as he tries to save his hard-won coalition from collapsing amid public outcry over an investigation into whether he committed fraud. The fraud probe has imperiled the political career of Andrej Babis since his upstart ANO party defeated its traditional mainstream rivals in elections a year ago. The media, chemicals and agriculture tycoon's promises to root out corruption and block immigrants have helped make him the country's most popular politician. But his anti-refugee stance has also nudged him closer to a group of nationalist leaders in the region that are challenging the European Union's liberal and multicultural values. Babis's minority government will face its biggest test of unity next week in a no-confidence motion organized by the opposition after his son claimed that his father tried to hide him from the probe into the alleged misuse of European Union aid funds. Babis has rejected the allegations, saying his son is mentally ill and reporters who taped him on a hidden camera behaved unethically. "I will never resign, never," Babis said in remarks broadcast by the public television from government headquarters in Prague Friday. "Let everyone remember that." The opposition lacks the required majority to oust the government in the no-confidence motion, but the outcome may remain unclear until the last moment. The junior coalition Social Democratic Party said it will make up its mind only shortly before the Nov. 23 vote. Pressure on Babis intensified this week when the Seznam.cz website showed a video of his son saying people working for his father had lured him to Crimea and held him there against his will. Andrej Babis Jr. is a central figure in the investigation into the alleged misuse of EU funds worth $2 million at a recreation center that once belonged to his father. Babis, with a net worth estimated at about $3.4 billion, rejects the case as a fabrication by his rivals and said the video of his son is part of a campaign to drive him out of politics. Several thousand protesters took to the main square in Prague on Thursday, demanding Babis resign. More demonstrations are planned for Saturday when the country marks the 29th anniversary of the so-called Velvet Revolution that toppled the Communist regime. The prime minister has a strong ally in President Milos Zeman, who shares his anti-refugee views and picked him to lead the government. Zeman said Thursday he didn't expect the government to fall, but that even if it did, he would again ask Babis to create a new cabinet. The Social Democrats, Zeman's former party, have seen their popularity decline since they joined the minority coalition. The minority government survives with the help of the Communist party, which isn't part of the administration but supports it in key votes. Still, Zeman's public endorsement of Babis puts pressure on the Social Democrats, who are fighting for relevance after suffering a devastating loss of parliamentary seats in the 2017 elections. With their popularity having suffered since joining Babis in government, they risk becoming even less relevant if they join the opposition, according to Jakub Charvat, a political scientist at the Metropolitan University in Prague. On Friday, Emanuel announced the city was in talks with a joint venture led by multinational engineering and design firm AECOM to design and build the $95 million building. By heralding such an incremental step in the process, he was able to make it clear he plans to move this signature project toward completion before he leaves office in May. And he could help assuage the concerns of his City Council ally, Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th, that the development she believes will be an anchor for her struggling ward wont get left by the wayside when Emanuel departs. MADISON The state police SWAT team needed to intervene in an hours-long standoff with a Madison man, after he called in threats against a local officer. Police said the suspect, an unidentified Madison man, called in threats to an officer and his family around 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Madison police spokesman Capt. Joseph Race said the threats were considered credible because the man has a history of making threats to the police force. Police arrived at the suspects residence to find he had barricaded himself inside. Police said the state SWAT team and local officers negotiated with the suspect, who was alone in the home, until around 3 a.m. Friday, when the standoff ended in a show of force. They (state police) employed every technology they could to get him to surrender, but he wouldnt come out, so the SWAT team needed to enter the home by force, Race said. Race said no shots were fired during entry. He said the suspect was later transported to Yale New Haven for observation for potential injuries he suffered while resisting arrest. No officers were injured in the raid. The suspect, whose identity will be revealed at a later time, was charged with second-degree threatening and resisting arrest. Contributed Photo / Department of Justice / Contributed Photo NORWALK A citizen of Honduras, last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced Thursday to serve 29 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation, the Department of Justice said Thursday. Court records showed Franklin Omar Rodriguez, 37, a citizen of Honduras who was last living in Norwalk, was convicted of statutory rape in Carroll County, Ga., in Dec. 2005. He was sentenced to time served and three years of probation. LITCHFIELD The Climate Reality, A free presentation by Dawn Henry, of the Climate Reality Project, on how climate change happened, how it will affect everyone, and what each individual can do about it. The event, sponsored by the Northwest Conservation District, will be held Dec. 6, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Bantam Borough Hall, Route 202, Bantam. The program includes discussions on the science of climate change; the impacts today around the world including: extreme weather (droughts, floods), fires, impacts on ecosystems, our food supply and human health; the latest on the shift to renewable energy; and a variety of suggestions on how to take action. Henry is a resident of Westport and one of thousands of volunteers around the globe who have been personally trained by former US Vice President Al Gore to educate the public about climate change. She attended Climate Reality Leadership Training in Seattle last summer and has been giving slideshow presentations on the climate crisis to various groups in Connecticut. The program is free; RSVPs are requested. Email info@nwcd.org or call 860-626-7222. The Northwest Conservation District is a non-profit organization (501-c3) serving 34 towns in the northwest corner of Connecticut. NWCD provides assistance to municipalities and individuals in a wide range of conservation topics and educational programming. LARC preparing for Festival of Trees TORRINGTON LARCs 17th Annual Festival of Trees will be held at Valerie Manor, 1360 Torringford St. The ten-day festival opens Tuesday, Nov. 20 and closes with a Festival Bash on Thursday, Nov. 29. The festival is open daily from 1-7 p.m. when guests can enjoy the decorated themed trees and record their bids for a number of silent auction items including trees, gift baskets, wreaths, tabletop holiday displays, and childrens items. There will be opportunities throughout the week to enter raffles for tickets to this years main event, the Festival Bash. Thomaston Savings Bank is presenting sponsor of the Festival Bash, which will be held on Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy sumptuous appetizers, an assortment of wines and non-alcoholic beverages, and holiday music. Additionally, guests will be able to bid, buy and, if theyre the highest bidder, take home their treasures. Tickets are $25 each, can be purchased online at www.litchfieldarc.org. For those who are unable to attend the Festival Bash, bids can be entered on bid sheets through the afternoon of Nov. 29 until 4 p.m. Any winners not in attendance will be called Thursday evening and arrangements made to pay for and pick up winnings. With the exception of the Festival Bash, the following themed evenings are free thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, including media sponsor, WZBG: Festival Opens: Tuesday, Nov. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. North Pole Night: Friday, Nov. 23, 6-7 p.m.; Visit with Santa: Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; LARC Appreciation Night, Monday, Nov. 26, 3:30-5 p.m.; The Polar Express" Story Night, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6-7 p.m.; The Grinch Story Night, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6-7 p.m.; and Festival Bash, Thursday, Nov. 29, 5:30-7 p.m. (ticketed event). The Festival of Trees is one of two major fundraising events LARC holds each year. Funds raised by the Festival enhance the quality of life of LARC program participants. Support has enabled children with special needs attend Camp MOE and allowed hundreds of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy the Holiday Party, Spring and Fall Dinner Dances, and Summer Pizza Picnic. Proceeds from the Festival have also provided field trips for students in the School to Community Transitions Program, and many recreational trips and activities throughout the year. For more information about the Festival of Trees, please see: www.litchfieldarc.org Joyful Noise holding annual fundraiser TORRINGTON Joyful Noise, Inc. announces its annual fall fundraiser, a Wine and Beer Tasting with live music from the Bleeding Hearts, on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Five Points Gallery in downtown Torrington. The event, presented by The Cork Fine Wine and Spirits and Joyful Noise, Inc., will feature a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits, all ready to enjoy throughout your holiday season. Tasty hors doeuvres and desserts will be generously donated by local restaurants. Additionally, there will be raffles and a silent auction. Tickets for the Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser are $40 per adult, or $75 a pair, and can be purchased online at www.chorusangelicus.org or by calling the Joyful Noise Office at 860-496-8841. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event. Must be 21 or older to attend this event. Friendly Hands needs food donations TORRINGTON Friendly Hands Food Bank is asking groups, organizations and individuals for food donations to serve people in need on a daily basis including soups, grape jelly, peanut butter, canned fruits, canned carrots, canned ravioli and Spaghetti Os, and canned tuna. Food donations are accepted daily at Friendly Hands Food Bank, 50 King St., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 860-482-3338. Grief support group offered in Salisbury SALISBURY SVNA is hosting a Grief Support Group to help the bereaved cope with sadness and loss in a safe space. The group is facilitated by SVNAs Medical Social Worker, Liz Tanner-Horn and Sharon Health Cares Social Worker, Cindy Meritt. The group is open to all community members, and it is not necessary to attend every session. Meetings are held every Wednesday, 1-2 p.m. at St. Johns Church, 12 Main Street, 2nd floor, Salisbury. The group is free. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Liz Tanner-Horn at 860-435-0816 or ETanner-Horn@salisburyvna.org But Stacy Lazzarino, who voted for Trump, said it would be good for the president to see the devastation up close: "I think by maybe seeing it he's going to be like 'Oh, my goodness,' and it might start opening people's eyes." Buffeted by political ill winds, New Englands Republicans in Congress moved toward the brink of extinction in last weeks midterm election, while Democrats made huge gains at all levels of state government offices. Connecticut has not had a Republican representative in Congress since 2009. Now it appears that all but one of the six New England states Maine will have all-blue congressional delegations. In Maine on Thursday, Jared Golden, a Marine Corps veteran and Democratic state lawmaker, was declared the winner against New Englands lone U.S. House Republican, Bruce Poliquin. That leaves Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who was not up for re-election this year, as the only GOP lawmaker in Congress from New England, once a bastion of a special brand of pragmatic, Yankee Republicanism. After her support of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Collins is likely to face a strong Democratic challenger if she runs for re-election in two years. Republican losses were not by any means limited to the federal level. In Massachusetts, Democrats added to their supermajority in the state legislature and can now override the veto of Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who coasted to re-election on a strong economy and an anti-Trump message. Vermonts Republican Gov. Phil Scott also won re-election, but like Baker he now faces a legislature with more Democratic and Progressive party members who can override his vetoes. In Maine, Democrat Janet Mills captured the governors office from the GOP and will be the first woman in the state to hold that office. Democrats also made big gains in Maines state legislature. In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo won re-election and, like everywhere else in New England, Democrats gained seats in the general assembly. The one place where Republicans prevailed is New Hampshire, where GOP Gov. Chris Sununu succeeded in his re-election bid. But he is now a red dot in a sea of blue, said Wayne Lesperance, a political science professor at New England College in Henniker, N.H. New Hampshire was once considered a rock-ribbed Republican state. No more. In the midterm election, Democrats seized control of the state legislature from the GOP and also won control of the Executive Council, a governing body thats a holdover from colonial times. As far as keeping the governors office in Republican hands, Lesperance said, Sununu ran basically against the president and survived. President Donald Trump has posed a unique challenge to New England Republicanism, known for its pragmatism and moderation, especially when it came to social issues, Lesperance said. Even before Trump, the so-called Rockefeller Republicans who once represented the region were becoming a dying breed because the national Republican Party moved to the right and moderates in both parties disappeared. The Pew Research Center says the combined House delegation of six New England states went from 15 Democrats and 10 Republicans in 1973-74 to 20 Democrats and two Republicans in 2011-2012. What the GOP lost in New England it gained in the South, where the combined House delegation switched positions: from 91 Democrats and 42 Republicans in 1973-74, to 107 Republicans and 47 Democrats in 2011-12. Gary Rose, the head of the political science department at Sacred Heart University, said the political realignment of the South transformed the national Republican Party into the champion of social conservatism and the religious right, putting it at odds with New England Republicans. A lot of them just bolted the party, he said. Trump, with his controversies and bombastic demeanor, complicated what was already a difficult task of getting re-elected for the regions party members. The losses were a continuation of a trend that began way before Donald Trump, but his presidency has increased the disconnect between New England Republicans and the broader national Republican Party, Lesperance said. Unlike other New England GOP gubernatorial candidates, Connecticuts Bob Stefanowski did not run against Trump. The Republican Governors Association spent more than $5 million to support Stefanowski in his race against Democrat Ned Lamont hoping the GOP could wrest that seat from Democrats because of the unpopularity of outgoing Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy. But the same blue wave that washed over other parts of New England also swept across Connecticut last week, keeping the governors office and all state-wide offices in Democratic hands and giving Democrats healthy majorities in the state House and Senate. Former Rep. Chris Shays, the last Republican to serve in Connecticuts congressional delegation, said Stefanowskis loss could be attributed to several things. He said Connecticut Republicans have nominated wealthy individuals to run for office in the last three gubernatorial elections Stefanowski and Tom Foley and left it up to them to finance and run their campaigns. There was no grassroots effort, there was no organization, said Shays, who was defeated by Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, in 2008. Meanwhile, Democratic voters began to organize the day after the presidents election, joining several groups in an anti-Trump movement the state Democratic party and its candidates could turn into an effective grassroots force Shays, who rejected his partys presidential nominee and backed Hillary Clinton in 2016, also said Trumps behavior posed a problem for Connecticut Republicans I view people in New England as people with a lot of common sense, he said. New Englanders value honesty. Republican candidates who were silent or embraced Trump made a mistake. Rose also said the Trump effect impacted New England races this year. If there was ever a race where there should have been change, it was this one, Rose said of the Connecticuts governors race. But, he said, Democratic wins tell a lot about the demographics of the region and the animus people in New England, and maybe especially in Connecticut, have against Trump. Although Trump received nearly 41 percent of the vote in Connecticut in 2016, polls over the summer showed his favorability rating in the state was only about 30 percent. Still, many GOP voters in Connecticut strongly support Trump. Thats likely one reason all Republican gubernatorial candidates in Augusts primary election graded the presidents performance in office an A. But, according to a count by the Connecticut Secretary of States office last week, only 21 percent of Connecticuts voters were registered Republicans. About 38 percent were registered Democrats and about 40 percent were unaffiliated. To win, a GOP candidate running for statewide office must appeal to unaffiliated voters, and even some Democrats. Only a small number of Republican voters picked the winner in the GOP primary and Stefanowski failed to win enough support outside his party. What would have happened to Stefanowski if he had sounded more like Charlie Baker? mused Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. Despite its electoral losses this year, Murphy said the Republican Party in Connecticut could regain its strength. If it decouples themselves from Trump, it can come back, he said. Murphy also said the GOP gubernatorial primary was a nightmare for Republicans because only the party faithful could vote in that contest - and primary voters tend to be the most conservative. He suggested opening up Connecticuts primaries at least to unaffiliated voters to allow more moderate GOP candidates to emerge. The Connecticut Republican Party did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Opening the primaries to unaffiliated voters could also broaden the field of Democratic candidates. Murphys challenger, Matthew Corey, was a Trump supporter, as were the candidates who ran against the five Democrats who represent Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican Party here sold out to Donald Trump, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. He said Republicans in his home town of Greenwich agree with the GOP principle of fiscal conservatism, but the Republican tradition in that town is not the emboldening of hate speech. Donald Trumps nationalistic rhetoric is repugnant to the New England tradition, he said. Still, Stefanowski won Greenwich and other Connecticut towns where GOP voters had an edge over Democrats, indicating the ideological divisions in the state may broaden instead of shrink If costs are not an issue, a vast majority (83%) of young Canadians would choose to raise their families in detached homes over any other housing type, according to a fresh poll by Sothebys International Realty Canada. The study, which surveyed Canadian households where the oldest members were aged 20-45 years, reinforced what data from the past few years has been stating all along: Inflamed costs in the single-family housing sector are mainly responsible for pushing millennials out of the market. Condos, which have emerged as the budget option for hopeful home-owners, were the preferred choice of only 5% of those polled. The popular perception is that people in modern families have typically preferred multi-unit and city centre locations, when in fact what the report shows is if price were no object, they would prefer single family homes, Sothebys International Realty Canada president and CEO Brad Henderson told HuffPost Canada. Read more: Despite market prominence, ownership remains elusive for millennials The primary factor attracting young households to single-detached homes is the floor space, which far outstrips every other housing type. Families placed the highest priority on achieving value per square foot in their actual home purchased over design, layout and other feature considerations, Henderson said. What the data is telling us that it's becoming harder and harder to achieve that objective, he concluded. The price of housing has gone up faster than wages so the dream of detached home ownership is becoming more difficult. Table of Contents 2018-2023 United States Polio Vaccine Market Report (Status and Outlook) 1 Polio Vaccine Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Polio Vaccine 1.2 Polio Vaccine Market Segment by Types 1.2.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Present Situation and Outlook by Types (2013-2023) 1.2.2 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Types in 2017 1.2.3 Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) 1.2.3.1 Major Players of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) 1.2.4 Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) 1.2.4.1 Major Players of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) 1.3 United States Polio Vaccine Market Segment by Applications/End Use Industries 1.3.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Present Situation and Outlook by Applications/End Industrials (2013-2023) 1.3.2 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Applications in 2017 1.3.2 Public 1.3.3 Private 1.4 United States Polio Vaccine Overview and Market Size (Value) (2013-2023) 1.4.1 United States Market Polio Vaccine Overview 1.4.2 United States Polio Vaccine Market Size (Value and Volume) Status and Forecast (2013-2023) 2 United States Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Players 2.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales and Market Share by Players (2013-2018) 2.2 United States Polio Vaccine Revenue and Market Share by Players (2013-2018) 2.3 United States Polio Vaccine Average Price by Players in 2017 2.4 United States Polio Vaccine Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players 2.5 Polio Vaccine Market Competitive Situation and Trends 2.5.1 Polio Vaccine Market Concentration Rate 2.5.2 Polio Vaccine Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players in 2017 2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion 3 United States Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue (Value) by Type and Application (2013-2018) 3.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Price by Type (2013-2018) 3.1.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018) 3.1.2 United States Polio Vaccine Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018) 3.1.3 United States Polio Vaccine Price by Type (2013-2018) 3.2 United States Polio Vaccine Sales and Market Share by Application (2013-2018) 3.3 United States Market Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue (Million USD), Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018) 4 United States Polio Vaccine Players Profiles and Sales Data 4.1 Sanofi 4.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.1.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.1.2.1 Type 1 4.1.2.2 Type 2 4.1.3 Sanofi Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.1.5 Sanofi News 4.2 GSK 4.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.2.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.2.2.1 Type 1 4.2.2.2 Type 2 4.2.3 GSK Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.2.5 GSK News 4.3 Bibcol 4.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.3.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.3.2.1 Type 1 4.3.2.2 Type 2 4.3.3 Bibcol Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.3.5 Bibcol News 4.4 Serum Institute 4.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.4.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.4.2.1 Type 1 4.4.2.2 Type 2 4.4.3 Serum Institute Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.4.5 Serum Institute News 4.5 Tiantan Biological 4.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.5.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.5.2.1 Type 1 4.5.2.2 Type 2 4.5.3 Tiantan Biological Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.5.5 Tiantan Biological News 4.6 IMBCA 4.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.6.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.6.2.1 Type 1 4.6.2.2 Type 2 4.6.3 IMBCA Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.6.5 IMBCA News 4.7 Panacea Biotec Ltd 4.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.7.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.7.2.1 Type 1 4.7.2.2 Type 2 4.7.3 Panacea Biotec Ltd Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.7.5 Panacea Biotec Ltd News 4.8 Bio-Med 4.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.8.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 4.8.2.1 Type 1 4.8.2.2 Type 2 4.8.3 Bio-Med Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.8.5 Bio-Med News 4.9 Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals 4.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 4.9.2 Polio Vaccine Product Types, Application and Specification 9.9.2.1 Type 1 9.9.2.2 Type 2 4.9.3 Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) 4.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview 4.9.5 Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals News 5 United States Polio Vaccine Market Forecast (2018-2023) 5.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue and Price Forecast (2018-2023) 5.1.1 United States Polio Vaccine Sales and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2023) 5.1.2 United States Polio Vaccine Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2023) 5.1.3 United States Polio Vaccine Price Trend Forecast (2018-2023) 5.2 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Forecast by Type (2018-2023) 5.3 United States Polio Vaccine Sales Forecast by Application (2018-2023) 6 Production Cost Analysis of Polio Vaccine 6.1 Main Raw Materials of Polio Vaccine 6.1.1 List of Polio Vaccine Main Raw Materials 6.1.2 Polio Vaccine Main Raw Materials Price Analysis 6.1.3 Polio Vaccine Raw Materials Major Suppliers 6.1.4 Polio Vaccine Main Raw Materials Market Concentration Rate 6.2 Production Cost Structure of Polio Vaccine 6.2.1 Raw Materials 6.2.2 Labor Cost 6.2.3 Production Expenses 6.3 Polio Vaccine Manufacturing Process/Method 7 Value Chain, Purchasing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 7.1 Polio Vaccine Value Chain Analysis 7.2 Upstream Raw Materials Purchasing 7.3 Raw Materials Sources of Polio Vaccine Major Players in 2017 7.4 Downstream Buyers 8 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 8.1 Sales Channel 8.1.1 Direct Sales 8.1.2 Indirect Sales 8.1.3 Sales Channel Development Trend 8.2 Product Market Positioning 8.2.1 Pricing Strategy 8.2.2 Brand Strategy 8.2.3 Target Client 8.3 Polio Vaccine Distributors/Traders List in United States 9 Market Influences Factors Analysis 9.1 Changes from the Related Industries 9.2 Substitutes Threat 9.3 Customer Preference Change 9.4 Economic/Political Environmental Change 9.5 Upstream and Downstream Fluctuation 10 Research Findings and Conclusion 11 Appendix 11.1 Methodology 11.2 Data Source List of Tables and Figures Figure Picture of Polio Vaccine Table Product Specifications of Polio Vaccine Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales (volume) for Each Type (2013-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Types in 2017 Table Types of Polio Vaccine Figure Product Picture of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Table Major Players of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Figure Product Picture of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Table Major Players of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Present Situation and Outlook by Applications (2013-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Applications in 2017 Table Applications of Polio Vaccine Figure Public Examples Figure Private Examples Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue (Million USD) Status and Forecast (2013-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales (Volume) Status and Forecast (2013-2023) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales by Players (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Players in 2016 Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Players in 2017 Table United States Polio Vaccine Revenue (Million USD) by Players (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share by Players in 2016 Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share by Players in 2017 Figure United States Polio Vaccine Average Price by Players in 2017 Table United States Polio Vaccine Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Players Table Players Polio Vaccine Product Types Figure Polio Vaccine Market Share of Top 3 Players in 2017 Figure Polio Vaccine Market Share of Top 5 Players in 2017 Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales by Type (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Type (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Type in 2013 Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Type in 2017 Table United States Polio Vaccine Revenue (Million USD) by Type (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share by Type (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share by Type in 2013 Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue Market Share by Type in 2017 Table United States Polio Vaccine Price by Type (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales by Application (2013-2018) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Application (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Application (2013-2018) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share by Application in 2017 Table United States Market Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue (Million USD), Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018) Table Sanofi Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Sanofi Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Sanofi Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table GSK Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table GSK Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure GSK Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Bibcol Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Bibcol Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Bibcol Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Serum Institute Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Serum Institute Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Serum Institute Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Tiantan Biological Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Tiantan Biological Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Tiantan Biological Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table IMBCA Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table IMBCA Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure IMBCA Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Panacea Biotec Ltd Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Panacea Biotec Ltd Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Panacea Biotec Ltd Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Bio-Med Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Bio-Med Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Bio-Med Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Table Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors Table Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals Polio Vaccine Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017) Figure Halfkin Bio-Pharmaceuticals Polio Vaccine Market Share (2012-2017) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Price Trend Forecast (2018-2023) Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales Forecast by Type (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share Forecast by Type (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share Forecast by Type in 2023 Table United States Polio Vaccine Sales Forecast by Application (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share Forecast by Application (2018-2023) Figure United States Polio Vaccine Sales Market Share Forecast by Application in 2023 Table Production Base and Market Concentration Rate of Raw Material Figure Polio Vaccine Main Raw Materials Price Trend Table Polio Vaccine Raw Materials Major Suppliers List Figure Production Cost Structure of Polio Vaccine Figure Polio Vaccine Manufacturing Process/Method Figure Polio Vaccine Value Chain Analysis Table Raw Materials Sources of Polio Vaccine Major Players in 2017 Table Major Buyers of Polio Vaccine Table Polio Vaccine Distributors/Traders List in United States There, authorities have said, Bush walked by dozens of white shoppers before shooting Maurice Stallard, a 69-year-old retiree, in the back of the head. He then walked outside and did the same to Vickie Lee Jones, a 67-year-old black woman, authorities have said. He fled after a shootout with another customer and was arrested nearby. A U.N.-backed war crimes tribunal on Friday found the last two surviving top leaders of Cambodia's notorious 1970s Khmer Rouge regime guilty of genocide, and sentenced them to life in prison in a verdict hailed by the international community and rights groups. The sentences against 92-year-old Nuon Chea, right-hand man to the Khmer Rouges late leader, Pol Pot, and 87-year-old former head of state Khieu Samphan were the first to include genocide against the top brass of the regime accused of killing nearly two million people during a reign of terror some four decades ago. The two men are already serving life sentences after being convicted in 2014 by the tribunalofficially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)of crimes against humanity for orchestrating mass disappearances and forced transfers of Cambodians. On Friday, Judge Nil Nonn ruled that Nuon Chea had committed genocide against Cambodias Muslim Cham and ethnic Vietnamese minorities, while Khieu Samphan was only found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese by reason of joint command. Experts believe that more than one-third of Cambodias 300,000 Cham Muslims died during the Killing Fields era from 1975-1979, and while most of the countrys ethnic Vietnamese were deported, some 20,000 who remained were put to death. Under international law, the two men could not be tried for genocide in connection with their roles in the mass killings of Cambodians during the rule of the Khmer Rouge, which instead constitute crimes against humanity. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were also found guilty of several crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, enslavement and torture. They had denied wrongdoing in their defense. The U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh issued a statement Friday welcoming the verdict, calling it a historic, if long delayed, step for Cambodia. The United States applauds the victims and their advocates for their relentless pursuit of accountability and the witnesses for their courage in sharing painful truths about the horrific abuse they suffered. We also applaud the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for providing the venue for justice for victims of serious atrocity crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. The European delegation to Cambodia also applauded the ruling in a statement, saying it had ensured accountability for the crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs press secretary Takeshi Osuga hailed the verdict as an additional achievement of [the ECCCs] judicial process, adding that the Khmer Rouge Trials (KRT) are a crucial step toward the conclusion of the entire peace process in Cambodia and the strengthening of rule of law in the country. Japan strongly hopes that the trials on the remaining cases are held even more expeditiously and that its mission be completed successfully, bearing in mind the advanced age of both the accused and the victims, Osuga said. Tribunal criticism Fridays verdicts could be the last for the ECCC, which has faced allegations of political interference by Cambodian government officials and criticism over its lengthy judicial process. Pol Pot died in 1998 and only one other Khmer Rouge senior officialformer prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, who is also known as Duchhas been convicted and jailed by the tribunal, which launched its probe on the Khmer Rouge atrocities in 2006 and spent more than U.S. $200 million for its work that included both Cambodian and foreign experts as jurists, prosecutors and defense lawyers. Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge soldier, has voiced his disdain for the court and discouraged further cases, warning that further prosecutions could upset reconciliation with ex-guerrillas and trigger conflict. Rights groups also congratulated the tribunal on Fridays verdict, with Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch, calling it a momentous milestone for international accountability and justice for perpetrators of the worlds worst crimes. But he expressed concern that other Khmer Rouge leaders investigated for the same crimes will likely never be brought to justice because of the intransigence of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has insisted on truncating the judicial process. Hun Sen and the Cambodian government owe the international community a real explanation for why they demanded Cambodia judges on the tribunal stop prosecution of these two additional cases, he added. Death knell of democracy While Fridays verdict was seen as a victory for the people of Cambodia, it came on the same day as the one-year anniversary of a ruling by the Supreme Court to dissolve the countrys opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) over allegations that its president Kem Sokha, who is currently under house arrest, had plotted to topple the government. Following the Nov. 16, 2017 decision, CNRP candidates were banned from taking part in the countrys July 29, 2018 general election, in which Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won all 125 seats being contested in the absence of a viable political opposition. In a statement issued Friday, the CNRP called the court ruling the death knell of democracy in Cambodia, adding that it marked the countrys descent into dictatorship. Cambodia reverted to one-party rule, reminiscent of the Khmer Rouge era of which Hun Sen and many senior CPP officials had their political development, the CNRP said. In order to restore democracy to the country, the CNRP urged the government to to release Kem Sokha and drop charges of treason against him, end the use of the judiciary as a political tool by Hun Sen to hamper multi-party democracy, and hold a free, fair and just re-election. CNRP Vice President Mu Sochua, who is living in self-imposed exile, told RFAs Khmer Service that despite her partys dissolution, its leaders have tirelessly lobbied the international community to push Hun Sen to release Kem Sokha, reestablish the CNRP, and allow its members to return to politics. We have never lost hope about the CNRPs survival, she said, adding that international pressure on Hun Sens regime has also bolstered the partys morale. Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan dismissed the CNRPs statement in an interview with RFA, calling it demands from an outlaw group. On Thursday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Singapore and urged his government to take tangible actions to promote national reconciliation, including freeing political prisoners, ending the ban on the political opposition, and allowing civil society and media to operate freely, according to a statement by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Beijing's powerful Cyberspace Administration on Friday announced a nationwide "clean-up" operation targeting social media accounts, official media reported. The move follows a crackdown on social media information providers last month, which saw sanctions handed out to 9,800 subscription-based information accounts on WeChat, Weibo or news portals such as Toutiao. The CAC has summoned 10 social media platforms, including those run by Baidu, Tencent and Sina, requiring them to shut down accounts that spread pornography, "lewd content" or rumors, or those posting illegal advertisements, state news agency Xinhua reported. The social media platforms were warned never to allow previously sanctioned account operators to open new accounts, or to continue spreading "illegal information," it said. "The administration will coordinate with other departments for closer supervision over social media platforms and harshly punish those severely violating the regulations," the report quoted an administration official as saying. Beijing-based artist Ji Feng said the authorities are mostly on the lookout for comments critical of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. "They got them all together and blamed them for turning a blind eye to online content that was inaccurate, anti-Communist Party or critical of the government," Ji said. He said the move was part of a wider pattern aiming at total control of people, using a nationwide network of monitoring and surveillance. The agency has also issued a directive requiring all internet service providers "possessing public commenting or mobilization capabilities" to submit a security assessment, including user data, to the authorities starting Nov. 30. 'The Chaoyang Masses' Meanwhile, police in Beijing have set up a social media account to take clues and tipoffs from the general public using a phrase referencing ordinary citizen informers that has acquired meme-like status on the country's closely monitored internet. "The Chaoyang Masses are filled with a a sense of justice and responsibility, and their main concern is gathering clues about those who break the law," according to the app's launch statement posted to the social media platform WeChat this week. "They dare to fight against anyone or anything that violates public or private personal rights or property, and they have to be good at it," the account description reads. "You can notify the police of clues via the Chaoyang Masses app or by tagging the Chaoyang Masses WeChat account," it said. "We look forward to your participation in the building of a safe and secure society." Ji Feng said the Chaoyang Masses are seen as local neighborhood informers in a nationwide network reporting to the authorities. "The Chaoyang Masses has been around for a while, but now they have raised its profile by giving it a WeChat account," Ji said. "They want to use it to stamp out social tensions of any kind, and turn it into a a special force that can be brought into the nationwide monitoring network." The "Chaoyang Masses" meme appeared in the state-run online newspaper The Paper in March 2015, which ran a humorous column about citizen volunteers, some of whom were elderly women practicing tai chi in public spaces, contributing to a celebrity drugs bust. The meme also drew on the mass-recruitment of citizen security patrols in the Chinese government's "war on terror" in the wake of a string of violent attacks in Kunming, Guangzhou, Urumqi, and on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. By the end of 2017, the ranks of such volunteers had swelled to some 140,000 mostly retired senior citizens with a brief to report anything "suspicious" in their neighborhoods. They have been credited by state media with providing thousands of valuable tip-offs in crimes ranging from bicycle theft to drug use. 'Everyone will be recruited' Wang Longmeng, a political commentator currently living in France, said the government is now approaching an era of total surveillance of the population. "[The Chaoyang Masses] are the most fundamental and direct form of the grassroots control of the population, through grassroots structures," Wang said. "This kind of management is KGB-style." "The Chaoyang Masses phenomenon is an advanced melange of cutting-edge technology and evil intent," he said. "Once these networks are in place, then we'll have a situation that is far worse than that depicted in The Lives of Others," Wang said, referencing a 2006 movie about Stasi secret police eavesdropping on citizens' lives in Soviet-controlled East Germany. "In the future, everyone will be recruited to control and monitor everyone else," he said. Chinese citizens are already monitored by more than 20 million surveillance cameras as they go about their daily business in public places, according to a recent documentary by state broadcaster CCTV. Now, artificial intelligence can identify and "tag" individual cars, cyclists, and pedestrians with distinguishing information that can be stored and searched for descriptions of wanted individuals. The smart video tool correctly identifies the gender, age, and clothing descriptions of passersby, as well as distinguishing between motorized and non-motorized vehicles, recent media reports say. The technology comes amid a growing trend towards using facial recognition as a secure form of ID, including to identify rail and airline passengers, physical and e-commerce customers, and missing persons cases. Facial recognition technology is also being used in city subway systems, and in ride-sharing and robotic package delivery apps, airport and college dorm security, and social credit schemes, as well as to guard against jaywalkers. Reported by Ng Yik-tung and Lee Wang-yam for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have issued an "administrative punishment" to a rights lawyer who pursued a complaint about her treatment at the hands of local police. For the past two months, rights lawyer Sun Shihua has pursued a complaint after being beaten and illegally detained by police at Hualin police station in Liwan district of Guangdong's provincial capital Guangzhou. But she was told on Thursday by the Liwan district police department when she went there with her lawyers that she was being punished for "disrupting public order," she said. "They said my actions constituted disruption of their department," Sun said. "I told them at the time that they are utterly shameless." "I had thought they were going to put right the wrong they had done, but they're not. In fact, they're going to compound it," she said. The public order allegations stem from Shi's visit to the Hualin police station, alongside rights activists Zhou Wuzhou and Liang Songqi, on Nov. 20, the day that she was beaten by police and forced to undergo a strip search. Sun was left traumatized by the incident, which included a strip search, ostensibly for "hidden weapons," her husband Sui Muqing told RFA at the time. She has since pursued a complaint against police, in spite of warnings of further "punishments." "They didn't say exactly what form the punishment will take, whether it would be a fine, a detention or a warning," Sun said. "But whatever it is, I will face up to it, and make it publicly known through video recordings." "That is my only requirement. If there is to be some kind of hearing for this punishment, we will attend, and go through any administrative appeals process, I guess," she added. An official who answered the phone at the Guangzhou municipal justice bureau, which manages lawyers, declined to comment when contacted by RFA on Friday. "This is just the duty office, so we don't know about it," the staff member said. Police could take things further Rights attorney Tan Yongpei, who set up the China Lawyers' Club in the southwestern region of Guangxi to find employment and income for dozens of lawyers who have had their licenses revoked for taking on human rights cases, said he wasn't surprised at the move by police. "The police will do everything in their power to protect the image of the Guangzhou police department," Tan said. "They could charge Sun Shihua with libel or slander of a police department." "I believe that the Guangzhou police department could take things even further," he said. Tan said Sui's status as a human rights lawyer deprived of his license would also affect Sun's ability to work. "If Sui Muqing carries on the way he is going, his wife would definitely be fired from her law firm," Tan said. "Sui Muqing has referred to the Guangzhou [police] all along as 'bandits,' and as a criminal organization." "I think this is a form of revenge on the part of the Guangzhou police department, to get back at Sui Muqing." China's legal profession has been subjected to a nationwide program of detentions, travel bans, and other humiliations since July 2015. Sui lost his license in January after he ignored official warnings not to take on politically sensitive cases. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu have detained a rights activist, who was then fired from his job while in police custody, after he used Twitter to support human rights causes, RFA has learned. Shi Jing was prevented from boarding a flight to Japan by police in Jiangsu's provincial capital Nanjing at the beginning of this month, and held in detention by them until , he told RFA following his release. Shi had been unaware that he was unemployed until his father, fellow rights campaigner Shi Tingfu, went to speak to his employer while he was in police custody. "I asked my father to go to my workplace to help me arrange leave, and they told him that I had been fired from the company because I was a person in custody," Shi said. "This is a state-owned enterprise, so I guess that's why." "They probably came under pressure [to fire me] after finding out what had happened to me," he said. Shi, who had worked as a driver for the company for several years, said he didn't know of any issues with his performance. While in detention, police had confronted him with posts he made to Twitter, which is blocked by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's censors. The offending tweets included the case of human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, held for more than three years in incommunicado, pretrial detention. "[There was also] one about a woman who splashed ink [on a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping]," he said. "They also went and deleted my Twitter account." "Now my passport has been revoked, along with my entry permit to Hong Kong and Macau, and I can't leave the country," Shi said. "They said they'd be watching my behavior, and warned me not to post anything that was a sensitive topic relating to the government." Shi's father Shi Tingfu said he supports his son's activism. "I think what he does is meaningful, I don't object, and support him," he told RFA. Travel ban thwarts Taiwan trip In September, police had warned Shi Jing that he was under a travel ban, after learning that he planned to visit the democratic island of Taiwan, to observe elections there this month. Shi Jing was also warned by police not to "become a tool of hostile foreign forces," the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch website reported at the time. Shi Tingfu was handed a suspended jail term last year after he staged a public memorial ceremony for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, and also remains under close police surveillance. "I have been unemployed for a while now," he said. "I wanted to sell things on a street stall but they wouldn't let me do that, and I have no work, so [Shi Jing's firing] will make life much harder." "My son used to complain about it, but now he's grown, he understands better ... he has been supporting Wang Quanzhang's case for so many years now," he said. Shi Tingfu was taken away by police in after he defied a nationwide ban on public events marking the anniversary of the 1989 student movement and the subsequent bloody crackdown by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He was charged with picking quarrels and stirring up trouble for wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Never Forget ," Shi made a public speech to passers-by outside the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. In his speech, Shi called on bystanders to remember that the anniversary was "a sad day for many mothers," and asked them to post footage and photos of his speech online to make more people aware of the 28th anniversary of the crackdown. Public memorials and discussions of the events of are banned in China, with activists who seek to commemorate the bloodshed often detained and veteran dissidents placed under police surveillance or detention during each anniversary. An unknown number of people were killed by advancing PLA troops and tanks in Beijing on the night of -4, 1989, following orders to clear the square by force from then-supreme leader Deng Xiaoping. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFAs Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar rescued from a boat adrift in the Andaman Sea are transported to Kyauktan township in Yangon region, Nov. 16, 2018. Myanmar authorities on Friday rescued and detained more than 100 Rohingya Muslims from displacement camps in Rakhine state who were stranded at sea as they attempted to reach Malaysia, a police official said. The 106 people from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the state capital Sittwe spent roughly two weeks adrift in the Andaman Sea offshore of Kyauktan township in Yangon region after the wooden vessels engine failed, Captain Ye Min Oo from the townships police station told RFAs Myanmar Service. What we have learned is they are from relief camps near Sittwe, he said. They had been at sea for more than 20 days. They didnt come as illegal immigrants [into our territory]. Ye Min Oo said. Their destination was Malaysia but the vessel drifted to this area because they ran out of fuel. The 64 men and 42 women are being kept for the night at Shwe Maw Wun Center, he said, adding that authorities are providing the Rohingya meals and medical checkups. A Rohingya woman named Eilia said an agent came to the camps and told them they could be taken to Malaysia if they could pay, but she didnt mention the amount of money, Ye Min Oo said. Eilia told Agence France-Presse that the group left the camps because of a lack of food and because the Rohingya were told they could find work in Malaysia. Some residents were not pleased that police brought the group to stay temporarily in Kyauktan township The authorities havent shown us they are providing complete security, one resident, who declined to give his name, told RFA. Think of the fact that these people landed near our village. Didnt they have any patrols? Where is the navy? For them to get to our place unnoticed is so dangerous. It could be fatal. About 140,000 Rohingya were transferred to IDP camps in Rakhine state following communal violence with Buddhists in 2012 that left more than 200 people dead. In the last several years, tens of thousands of Rohingya from the camps have fled or attempted to flee persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar on boats organized by smugglers. Authorities had to rescue many Rohingya stranded on rickety boats in 2015 after smugglers left the boats adrift in the Andaman Sea, as Thai authorities cracked down on their illegal activities. The Myanmar government views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and denies them citizenship and basic rights, freedom of movement, and access to social services and education. Myanmar is in the process of closing down IDP camps Rakhines Sittwe district and in Kyauktaw and Myebon townships to fulfill a recommendation by an advisory commission that proposed ways to solve sectarian tensions between Muslims and Buddhists in the state. 'A long legal process' The boat rescue came a day after Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh during a military crackdown in Rakhine state in 2017 refused to return to Myanmar under a repatriation program that officials from both sides had scheduled to begin on Thursday. Myanmar planned to begin processing an initial group of about 2,200 refugees as part of an agreement with Bangladesh signed a year ago to return some of the more than 720,000 Rohingya who left the country during the brutal campaign, which included indiscriminate killings, rape, and arson. The Myanmar government has largely denied that its forces committed the atrocities and has defended their actions as a necessary counter-insurgency against a group of militant Rohingya who carried out deadly attacks in northern Rakhine state. The refugees say they want Myanmar to accept them as an official ethnic group, guarantee their safety, and grant them full citizenship rights before they voluntarily return. On Thursday, some refugees in the Bangladeshi camps staged protests to show their opposition to the plan to begin returning some of them to Myanmar. The Myanmar government is insisting that those who return obtain National Verification Cards first before they can apply for citizenship, if they meet certain criteria. This kind of issue lies not only on the government but also on parliament and on others, said Chan Aye, director general at the International Organizations and Economic Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will be a long legal process even if it is taken into consideration. But theres no reason to consider it. Rohingya activist Thar Aye told RFA that the matter wont be resolved until all the basic demands of the refugees have been addressed, including resettling them in their places of origin, returning their lost lands, and giving them freedom of movement and access to education. Rohingya leaders from refugee camps in Bangladesh on Friday asked Dhaka to officially recognize them as a Myanmar ethnic group and said they will send a letter to the government and army stating the demands that they have outlined for their return. We stopped yesterdays protest against the attempt to send us back to Myanmar after a Bangladeshi official of the same rank as a regional [military] commander in Myanmar told us we can live in the refugee camps if we dont want to return, said Mohammad Juhral, a Rohingya leader from the Balukali refugee camp. He said that Bangladeshi authorities will send us to Myanmar only if we voluntarily want to return, but that they wont force us to return, he said. 'They are frightened' Ye Htoo, deputy administrator of Maungdaw district, where returning Rohingya will be processed and temporarily housed in a transit camp, said Friday that officials there have not yet been contacted by Bangladeshi authorities regarding the halted return of the refugees. Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement who is in charge of the repatriation program, said that the Rohingya who want to return have been stopped or threatened in the refugee camps by those who are opposed to going back to Rakhine state. Some didnt get the forms they are required to fill out, and some were not allowed to fill out the forms, he said. Among those in the camps over there who said they wanted to return, some were threatened or beaten up and killed in some cases. Because of that situation, even though there are many who want to come back, they dare not do so because they are frightened, he said. Its not because they do not believe our word. There are many who believe us. Myanmar has not provided any evidence to support Win Myat Ayes claims. Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thursday that there are three types of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh ones who dont want to return to Myanmar but rather resettle in a third country such as Canada; some who dont want to return because they are linked to the Rohingya Arakan Salvation Army which conducted attacks in Rakhine in 2016 and 2017; and others who don't want to return because they have relatives and businesses in the state. Min Lwin Oo, an attorney with the Asia Human Right Commission, said that the Bangladeshi government knows the repatriation process wont be easy and that the country will have to continue to house and feed the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya living in camps while Myanmar officials run checks on the refugees to determine their eligibility for return. This process will take time for the Myanmar government to deal with with many issues, including checking the refugees to determine if there are any terrorists among them, he said. Reported by Aung Theinkha, Wai Mar Tun, Khet Mar, Nandar Chann, and Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane, Khet Mar, and Nandar Chann. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. YEREVAN -- Tax authorities in Armenia have accused the South Caucasus countrys national gas distribution company, which is owned by Russias Gazprom giant, of evading millions of dollars worth of taxes. The State Revenue Committee (SRC) announced the launch of criminal proceedings against the Gazprom Armenia operator on November 14. The SRC claimed that the company inflated its expenditures and under-reported its earnings in 2016 and 2017. It said that translated into several billion drams in unpaid taxes. No Gazprom Armenia executives have been formally charged yet. The head of the SRCs investigative division, Eduard Hovannisian, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on November 15 that tax inspectors are still ascertaining the scale of the alleged tax evasion. The criminal investigation has only just started, he said. Gazprom Armenia strongly denied the accusations. I insist that they are baseless, its chief executive, Hrant Tadevosian, told a news conference. Our company has repeatedly received SRC certificates of a law-abiding taxpayer, most recently in September, he said. Tadevosian also accused the Armenian tax and customs services of damaging the gas operators business reputation. He claimed that the criminal case has called into serious question Gazprom Armenias plans to obtain a multi-million-dollar loan from a Russian commercial bank. The SRC brought the tax fraud case amid ongoing negotiations between the Armenian government and Gazprom on the price of Russian natural gas delivered to Armenia. The most recent Russian-Armenian gas agreement set the price at $150 per thousand cubic meters. It expires in December. The government hopes that Gazprom will cut the tariff or at least keep it unchanged. The Russian gas monopoly has given no indication of its intentions thus far. Former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, who is serving a life sentence for war crimes and genocide in the Netherlands, has sparked outrage with an interview broadcast on Serbian television. "Grandpa Ratko sends you kisses," Mladic, 75, said during the interview on November 16. It was the first time Serbs had heard Mladic's voice since he was convicted in November 2017. Mladic's son, Darko, phoned Mladic in prison during a live broadcast on Serbia's Happy TV and put the call on speaker phone. Bosnian Muslim leader Bakir Izetbegovic told N1 television that Mladic's comments "rubbed salt in our wounds." Serbian nationalist leader Vojislav Seselj, who was convicted of crimes against humanity by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in April, was present in the studio when Mladic spoke. "Tell [Seselj] to come and see me to play chess," Mladic said. Among other charges, Mladic was convicted of involvement in the 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim boys and men at the Bosnian town of Srebrenica. Mladic maintains his innocence and is lionized by many ethnic Serbs in Serbia and Bosnia. In March, he appealed to UN judges to reverse his conviction. The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), which took over the remaining work of the ICTY, issued a statement saying that Mladic "may have committed an offense" by speaking to the media without approval. As a consequence, the MICT said it would monitor Mladic's phone calls for the next 30 days. With reporting by AFP DUSHANBE -- A 22-year-old English-language teacher, his four students, and five other young men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms on terrorism charges in Tajikistan. The Dushanbe city court sentenced Jahongir Qosimov to 19 years in prison on November 16 in a closed trial after finding him guilty of recruiting young Tajiks to join the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Nine other young men, including Qosimov's four students, were found guilty of propagating religious extremism and intending to join IS. They were handed prison terms of between six months and 19 years. Qosimov had confessed to propagating IS ideas among his students. The four men were caught earlier this year while trying to illegally cross the Tajik-Afghan border. They later confessed to planning to join IS in Afghanistan, relatives said. Five other men were detained and charged after the arrests of Qosimov's four students. It was unclear whether they had pleaded guilty as well at the hearing. According to lawyers and relatives, some of the nine men plan to appeal the court ruling. Tajik authorities have said that more than 1,000 nationals of the Central Asian state have joined IS in recent years. DZHANKOY, Ukraine -- Media reports in Russia say more than 30 houses belonging to Jehovah's Witnesses were searched by Federal Security Service (FSB) officers in the Moscow-annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea. The reports cite FSB officials as saying that the searches were conducted on November 16 in the city of Dzhankoy. An RFE/RL correspondent in Crimea confirmed searches in five homes of local Jehovah's Witnesses. The leader of the Jehovahs Witnesses community in Crimea, Sergei Filatov, and several other Jehovah's Witnesses, including two members of Filatov's family, were summoned to the FSB headquarters in Crimea's capital, Simferopol, on November 16, for questioning. Filatov was charged with "organizing an extremist community." Media reports say that Filatov's community was run by the Jehovah's Witnesses group in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and "may be linked to Ukraines Security Service." Earlier this week, Russian media reports said that Jehovahs Witnesses had been detained and their homes searched in Siberia and the Far East and Urals regions . Last year, Russias Supreme Court labeled Jehovahs Witnesses an extremist organization, banning the denomination from the country. The Moscow-based Memorial human rights center has recognized 62 members of the religious community as political prisoners. According to Memorial, 23 of them are in detention while others are under house arrest. In June, advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the legality of criminal cases opened against the Jehovah's Witnesses, asking the Prosecutor-General's Office to protect the group's freedom of belief. Also in June, some 60 Russian writers, historians, and activists signed an appeal calling on authorities to stop persecuting the group. Germany is calling on Ukraine to remove a controversial website that lists what it calls "enemies of the state" after Berlin's former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder appeared on the list. The German Foreign Ministry said it "strongly condemned the list" appearing on Ukrainian website Myrotvorets (Peacemaker), which is run by an acquaintance of Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. "We have informed Ukraine of our position in the past and have insisted the Ukrainian government delete this website. We will now do this again," a spokeswoman said on November 14. Schroeder is listed as an "Anti-Ukrainian" for defending Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in an interview published in the German daily Aachener Nachrichten. Though the annexation was illegal, Schroeder asked: "Do you really believe that any Russian president will ever change this? This is a reality we will one day have to come to terms with." Schroeder, who is a personal friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also said that Crimea was a gift to Ukraine from Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in 1954. Both Russia and Ukraine were part of the Soviet Union at that time. Khrushchev "thought that Soviet communism would live as long as the Catholic Church. Luckily, it didn't," Schroeder told the newspaper. Schroeder's pro-Russian views have made him in unpopular in Kyiv. Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin called for EU sanctions against Schroeder in March. Schroeder's wife, Soyeon Schroeder-Kim, said she was concerned about him being targeted on the list. Two people previously listed were murdered in 2015. "In my country and in my culture we cannot comprehend such an attack on a democratic politician," she told RND. The website's list of "enemies of the state" has thousands of names, including former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Based on reporting by dpa and TASS Democrats have also called for the special counsel bill to be added to a year-end spending bill that must pass in December to avoid a partial government shutdown. The bipartisan legislation, introduced more than a year ago, would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing and put into law existing Justice Department regulations that a special counsel can only be fired for good cause. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov has accused his predecessor Almazbek Atambaev of attempting to unduly influence him. In an interview to the 24.kg new agency published on November 16, Jeenbekov said Atambaev had tried to use others in order to pressure him. "His attempts to turn me into a puppet leader through some third individuals, to direct my actions -- discredit him as a person, as an ex-president, as a fellow party member and associate," Jeenbekov said. Jeenbekov is an ex-prime minister who was tapped by Atambaev as his favored successor in the October 2017 presidential election. Atambaev, who was limited to a single six-year presidential term by the Central Asian country's constitution, initially kept a low profile after leaving office in November last year. But following his election in March as head of the ruling Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), of which Jeenbekov is also a member, he has publicly criticized Jeenbekov on several occasions. Atambaevs two close allies who also served as prime minister when he was president, Sapar Isakov and Jantoro Satybaldiev, were arrested in June on corruption charges. Last month, Atambaev's former adviser, Ikramjan Ilmiyanov, was detained in Russia, brought to Kyrgyzstan, and also arrested on corruption charges. In April, Jeenbekov fired several other Atambaev allies, including Prosecutor-General Indira Joldubaeva and former security chief Abdil Segizbaev, who had been criticized for a crackdown on opposition politicians and independent journalists. Some politicians and lawmakers have called in recent months for an investigation of some of Atambaev's decisions while in office. In early October, the Supreme Court ruled that the immunity enjoyed by the country's former presidents is unconstitutional. Pakistan on November 15 said its security forces safely recovered five of the 12 Iranian guards abducted near the countries' shared border a month ago. The extremist group Jaish al-Adl had claimed responsibility for the abduction of Iranian security personnel, which included member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). "With concerted efforts of Pakistani law enforcement agencies and armed forces, five abducted Iranian guards have been safely recovered," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said. The Iranians, including intelligence officers, were abducted near Lulakdan, a village 150 kilometers southeast of Zahedan, the capital of Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province. Faisal said the rescued guards "are in good health, being handed over to Iranian authorities." He added efforts were being made "to recover the other guards." Iranian media quoted IRGC Chief General Mohammad Ali Jafari as confirming the return of five of the guards. Pakistan briefed Tehran about "active efforts" to locate the abducted guards during two visits by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Islamabad in the past month. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi blamed the kidnapping on "our common enemies unhappy with the existing close, friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran." Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province has long been a flashpoint, with Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and militants carrying out regular cross-border raids against Iran. The province has a large, mainly Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchi community which straddles the border. Jaish al-Adl, formed in 2012, is a successor to the Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God), which has carried out a spate of attacks on Iranian security forces in recent years in Sistan-Baluchistan. Based on reporting by AP and AFP A Pakistani government official who was reported missing in Islamabad earlier on November 16 has released a brief video statement in which he claimed he was visiting relatives in the country's northwestern Dera Ismail Khan district. Muhammad Ayaz Khan, the director of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), failed to show up at home on November 15 after leaving his office. Muhammad Hassan, Khan's brother-in-law, told RFE/RL on November 16 that Khan's wife had been in mobile-phone contact with her husband until late on November 15 when the device was apparently shut off. Police also told RFE/RL that Hassan's car was found outside the Islamabad offices of the CDA, which provides municipal services in Pakistani capital. Later on November 16, Khan released a video message in which he said he was safe and sound and visiting relatives in Dera Ismail Khan district. He said that he had lost his mobile phone and asked that people not spread rumors that he had been abducted or was missing. However, nothing in the video proves that it was shot in Dera Ismail Khan district, and Khan did not explain how he traveled so far without his car. Neither Khan's family in Islamabad nor his relatives in Dera Ismail Khan has issued a statement regarding the video. Islamabad police told RFE/RL they believed Khan was in Dera Ismail Khan, but did not explain the basis for that conclusion. Khan's reported disappearance comes days after the body of a senior Pakistani police officer, who was reported missing in Islamabad on October 26, was located in Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan on November 13. On November 15, Afghan officials handed over the body of Tahir Khan Dawar to Pakistani authorities at the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan, according to local media reports. Dawar sent a text message to his wife on October 27 claiming that he was fine and was in the Jehlum district of eastern Pakistan. With reporting by Dailypakistan.com.pk Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he doesn't expect any progress toward establishing peace in eastern Ukraine until after Ukrainian elections, which he said he hopes will produce a new president next year. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's office blasted Putin's statement on November 15, saying the Russian president is "meddling" in the Ukrainian presidential contest even before it has started. Speaking at a news conference in Singapore, Putin said efforts by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine -- the so-called Normandy Four -- to press for progress carrying out a peace plan forged in the Belarusian capital in 2015 would be "pointless" for the time being. Putin said he hopes a new presidential administration in Kyiv next year will dedicate itself to peacefully resolving the conflict between the government and Moscow-backed separatists that has killed more than 10,300 people since 2014. "The current Ukrainian authorities have not shown any desire to implement the Minsk agreements -- they are not doing anything to implement them, nothing is happening," Putin said, claiming that as long as Poroshenko's administration remains in power "a peaceful resolution of issues in these territories can hardly be counted on." Ukrainian presidential press secretary Sviatoslav Tseholko wrote on Facebook that Poroshenko wants a peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine, but "will never agree on peace on the terms of an aggressor country." Kyiv and Western governments accuse Russia of providing arms and troops to help the Ukrainian separatists, and say that Russia is not carrying out its part of the Minsk peace plan by withdrawing that support. The Kremlin denies the accusations. With reporting by dpa and Interfax Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in cutting oil production to stem a big plunge in oil prices, but he said it is also content with the lower prices. The price of premium crude has plummeted from a peak of $86 a barrel in October to $66 on November 15 mostly as a result of a U.S. announcement earlier this month that it was temporarily waiving its sanctions on Iran for most of Tehran's biggest oil customers. Putin, speaking at a news conference in Singapore, said a $70 oil price "suits" Moscow, which has based its own budget and economic projections on the assumption that oil prices would average around $40 this year. Putin made his remarks even as Russia announced a small reduction in oil production in November from a post-Soviet high of 11.41 million barrels per day pumped in October. Russia and Saudi Arabia are the world's largest oil exporters, and Russian producers have announced plans to increase their already booming production further next year. But Saudi Arabia announced earlier this week that it would have to cut production in December by 500,000 barrels a day in light of the Iranian sanctions waivers granted by Washington to giant oil-consuming countries such as China and India. Riyadh had raised production over the summer in response to calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to offset large expected cuts in Iranian production under the sanctions. But now it is calling for a global output cut of up to 1 million barrels a day to re-balance the oil market and bolster prices. To achieve that goal, analysts say Russia would have to join in the production cut. "So far I cannot say if production should be limited -- we have to be very careful, every word is significant here," Putin said. "But the fact that we need to cooperate [with the Saudis] is obvious and we will cooperate," he said. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and TASS An unmanned Russian cargo ship has blasted off toward the International Space Station (ISS) in the first launch of a Soyuz rocket at the Baikonur cosmodrome since an aborted launch in October. The rocket took off from Baikonur, in Kazakhstan, on November 16 carrying essential supplies to the ISS that will prepare it for the station's next mission. Russian officials said the craft had reached orbit and was scheduled to dock with the ISS on November 18. A Soyuz rocket carrying U.S. astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksei Ovchinin failed two minutes into its flight on October 11. Neither man was injured in the incident, which was blamed on a faulty sensor damaged during the rocket's assembly. Since that event, two Soyuz rockets were launched successfully from Plesetsk in northwestern Russia, while another lifted off from French Guiana. The crew's next launch is set for early December. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and TASS Western sanctions have played an important factor leading to the underperformance of the Russian economy over the past four years, a new study indicates. Bloomberg Economics on November 16 said that while lower oil prices had also hit the economy, sanctions placed on Moscow for its international aggression, alleged meddling in international elections, and suspected involved in assassination attempts are the "bigger culprit." It said Russia's economy "is more than 10 percent smaller compared with what might have been expected at the end of 2013." The United States and European Union imposed sanctions on Russia for its seizure and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and its support for separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine. "The underperformance has been much bigger than crude [oil] alone can explain," said Scott Johnson, an analyst at Bloomberg Economics. "Part of the gap is likely to reflect the enduring impact of sanctions both imposed and threatened over the last five years," he added. The study added that the punitive measures on Moscow appeared to be having their intended effect -- pressuring Russia without spilling over and damaging other global economies. Bloomberg analysts said that "the fact that the gap in potential versus actual growth continues to widen implies that sanctions are having a prolonged impact." The situation puts in doubt Russian government forecasts that gross domestic product (GDP) growth will surpass 3 percent by 2021, double the 2017 rate. "It's possible, but that pace won't be sustainable without a dramatic pickup in productivity gains," Bloomberg's Johnson wrote. "If sanctions remain in place, as seems likely, that's one more reason to expect the economy to come up short." With reporting by Bloomberg DUSHANBE -- The warden of a prison in Tajikistan that witnessed a deadly riot earlier this month has reportedly been arrested. Tajik law enforcement sources told RFE/RL on November 16 that Faizullo Safarzod was detained the day before and charged with negligence and abuse of power. According to the sources, Safarzod is accused of failing to inform Tajikistan's Penitentiary Service in a timely fashion about the riot after it erupted late on November 7. News of the warden's reported arrest has not been officially confirmed by the Tajik authorities. The local prosecutor's office in the Sughd region, where the prison is located, refused to comment on the report, saying that the case is being handled by the Prosecutor-General's Office in Dushanbe. Earlier, law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL that at least 52 people, including two prison guards, were killed in the violence. The extremist group Islamic State (IS) claimed the riot broke out after one of its "soldiers" attacked a prison guard. Government sources, also speaking on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL on November 9 that suspected IS supporters convicted of religious extremism and terrorism were behind the unrest. More than a week after the violence, the Tajik government has still not issued any public statements on the incident. The penitentiary largely houses inmates convicted on charges related to terrorism, extremism, and other serious crimes. It took more than 40 years, billions of dollars, and countless tons of concrete, but Tajikistan's Roghun hydropower plant is starting to deliver on a small part of its promise. It's only the first step, but the initial phase of the ambitious national project has been ceremoniously brought online. Currently standing at 75 meters high, enough to begin generating electricity, the dam will ultimately reach a height of 335 meters and be the world's tallest dam. That is precisely what Soviet engineers envisioned when they began toying with the idea of building a dam on the Vakhsh River under Stalin's rule. But the dream of realizing the project, despite construction beginning in the mid-70s, was long deferred. Contributing to the delay were funding and technical difficulties, the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Tajik civil war, mother nature, and objections from downstream countries amid UN fears that the dam could contribute to future regional water wars. When the launch ceremony took place on November 16, however, representatives of the project's most vocal critic, Uzbekistan, were among the foreign guests in attendance alongside the dam's most ardent proponent, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Towering Obstacles Over the years, Uzbekistan often expressed concerns that the dam would hamper the flow of water that feeds its crucially important cotton crops. As hostilities rose, Uzbekistan often used its transit routes as leverage against landlocked Tajikistan by closing its borders and blocking highways and railroads. Tashkent also repeatedly blocked Tajikistan from importing electricity from Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan via Uzbekistan, leaving Tajikistan facing severe power shortages in winter seasons and affecting international efforts to supply Afghanistan with Central Asian energy. The dispute led the UN secretary-general to visit all five Central Asian states in 2010, during which he called on the countries to respect the UN's efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote dialogue on the issue. Uzbekistan dropped its objections to Roghun in 2016, when President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in Tashkent promising rapprochement following decades of discord with fellow Central Asian states under strongman leader Islam Karimov. 'National' Pet Project The Tajik government says the construction of Roghun on the Vakhsh River was first considered in the 1930s, although the assessment and planning stage didn't begin for another 30 years. Construction work started in 1976, but the project was halted with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Any chances of restarting the project were dimmed in 1993, when a massive flood of the Vakhsh River damaged or destroyed much of what had been built. In 2004, an agreement was reached with Russias RusAl company to complete construction, but Dushanbe canceled the deal in 2007, accusing RusAl of breaching the terms of the agreement. But cash-strapped Tajikistan was determined to finish the project, and eventually announced new plans to do so at an estimated total cost of some $6 billion of its own funds. Under enormous pressure to raise the funds, the government urged citizens, including students and pensioners, to buy Roghun shares in 2010. Some $80 million were raised in the campaign amid reports that some people were forced to purchase the stocks against their will. In 2016, Dushanbe awarded Italys Salini Impregilo a construction contract, and the company began work in October that year. The project grew to include dozens of sub-contracted companies from China, Germany, Iran, Russia, among others. Tajik authorities say that some 20,000 employees currently work at the site, and that it so far has spent some $2.2 billion of its own funds. Engineers there told reporters this week that the height of the dam was sufficient to raise the reservoir to levels that would allow turbines to begin producing electricity. The next phase is expected to go online in the spring of 2019. Once completed, Roghun HPP is expected to double Tajikistans electricity-production capacity -- to 3,600 MW, the equivalent of three nuclear power plants -- and put it a position to not only end crippling power shortages during winter months, but to generate cash by exporting excess electricity. Editor's Note: To receive Steve Gutterman's Week In Russia each week via e-mail, subscribe by clicking here. Vladimir Putin made brief contact with U.S. President Donald Trump in Paris, where world leaders marked the centenary of the end of the "war to end all wars" -- while wars involving Russia continue in Syria and eastern Ukraine. As Putin moved on to Asia, the European Court of Human Rights handed him a defeat in his ongoing showdown with Aleksei Navalny. And following his travels abroad, Putin returned to a country struggling to protect itself against Western sanctions without strangling economic growth. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. A Presidential 'Broment' Putin can probably be pleased with his trip to Paris for the Armistice Day ceremonies on the centenary of the end of World War I: He hobnobbed with dozens of world leaders and made brief but visible contact with Trump -- not a summit or even a meeting, but enough for a positive portrayal on state TV at home and for the Western media -- amid tension between Trump and European leaders including the host, French President Emmanuel Macron -- to take notice. Deep behind what might be described as enemy lines, given the adversarial flavor of relations between Moscow and the West in recent years and months, Putin also avoided direct vocal censure over his country's ample involvement in at least two wars causing death, destruction, and despair 100 years after the "war to end all wars." One of them -- in the coalfields of eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have been fighting Kyiv's forces since 2014 and a cease-fire is routinely violated -- is the only war now being waged on the European continent. But there is no sign of a big breakthrough for Putin on the international stage -- the easing of sanctions, for instance. And at this early stage in a six-year term that could be his last, there seems to be little happening at home that is cause for joy for the Russian president. The economy is troubled and his approval rating has fallen, thrusting up more clouds on the horizon and adding to questions about what awaits the country as 2024, when his time in the Kremlin is due to end, draws closer. After White House national-security adviser John Bolton visited Moscow and met with Putin in the Kremlin, it looked like the World War I armistice ceremonies might be overshadowed by a big meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents. It soon became clear that that would not happen, with the Kremlin talking about a "stand-up" meeting on the sidelines and Trump saying he might not talk to Putin at all. In the end, Putin may have gotten as much as he could realistically ask from the trip, or at least from his interaction with Trump. It boiled down mainly to a few seconds of contact when Putin, striding in late as usual, joined other leaders for a November 11 ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe: A brief moment -- or "broment" -- but one that attracted plenty of attention. "The only leader [Trump] seemed to connect with at the Armistice ceremony wasPutin," Robin Wright wrote in The New Yorker. Others -- albeit presumably jokingly -- read much more into the encounter, in which the two smiled and Putin gave Trump a thumbs-up and a soft clap on the arm in response to the U.S. president's pat on the back. 'Agent Donald' Dmitry Smirnov, a Kremlin pool reporter whose tweets often operate as Russian propaganda, posted a photo of the encounter with the caption: "Never before has agent Donald been so close to failure." A tweet from Michael Hayden, a former CIA and National Security Agency director and a vocal critic of Trump, seemed to be rooted in the same notion: "Brush pass with his handler?" the retired U.S. Air Force general asked. Now Trump and Putin are expected to meet for substantive talks -- though just how substantive remains unclear -- on the sidelines of a G20 summit on November 30-December 1 in Buenos Aires. In the meantime, Russian media outlets blamed Macron for the brevity of their encounters in Paris, suggesting he was hell-bent on keeping them apart. "Macron separated Putin and Trump," Smirnov tweeted with a photograph of the leaders seated at a long table for lunch on November 11. "At the last minute the French moved Trump's seat to the opposite [side of the table] from Putin." Still, that didn't stop state-run news agency RIA Novosti from portraying the talk at a table of 20 or more as a more intimate conversation with Trump that, in Putin's words, went "well." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders later said the Trump and world leaders including Putin discussed issues including nuclear weapons, Syria, trade, the situation in Saudi Arabia, sanctions, Afghanistan, China, and North Korea." There was little if any public criticism of Putin over Russia's role in Syria, where Moscow has given President Bashar al-Assad crucial support in a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of his people. 'Sham 'Elections'' And there was apparently no discussion at lunch of the war in Ukraine or even the elections -- or "sham 'elections'," as the U.S. State Department put it -- being held that very day in the portions of eastern Ukraine held by Russia-backed separatists. Putin also got some good news from the United States, where key senators said Congress was not expected to pass legislation on new sanctions in 2018. But while Putin may have had a good trip to France, some of the most prominent tycoons in the Russian elite may find themselves frozen out of one of their favorite events abroad come January: the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. And Putin -- who traveled to Southeast Asia after Paris for a regional summit that Trump skipped, and tried a shoulder-clap on Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore -- returned home with no sign of a respite from the Western sanctions that are already in place. Minsk Matters That's in part due to the balloting in the Donbas, which Bloomberg Opinion columnist Leonid Bershidsky cited as "further evidence the Kremlin plans to hang onto the territories" held by the Russia-backed separatists there. The person elected to head the separatists in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, seemed to add weight to that interpretation when he declared that the "course toward the Russian Federation will be continued" and contended, "We have already learned to live without Ukraine." And in another sign that there is little chance the Donbas conflict will end soon, Putin made clear he's hoping for change in Kyiv's stance after a presidential election in late March -- drawing an angry response from President Petro Poroshenko, who accused him of meddling in the contest before it has even begun. In Paris, Poroshenko met with Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who brokered the largely unimplemented February 2015 cease-fire and conflict-settlement deal known as Minsk II. But Putin said there was no point in another of the four-way meetings he has held with them to discuss the conflict, blaming Kyiv for the lack of progress toward peace. Kyiv blames Russia, as does the United States and much of the West. "Russia incorrectly claims Ukraine has failed to implement the Minsk agreements. The reality is the opposite," the U.S. special envoy for the conflict, Paul Volker, tweeted on November 11. "The so-called 'People's Republics' have no place in the Minsk agreements and are illegitimate tools supported by Russia's military might and created by Russia to administer Ukrainian territory it controls by force," Volker wrote in another tweet. Sanctions Bite In Singapore, Putin defiantly said that sanctions cannot stop Russia's cannot stop Russia's economic or "technological development" -- harking back to his calls, in both a March 1 state-of-the-nation speech and his inauguration address in May, for a technological "breakthrough" that would bolster the economy and improve living standards. Two reports from Bloomberg this past week suggest he could be wrong. One of them said that while spending cuts, tight monetary policies, and prudent use of oil revenues are helping to "limit the fallout" from possible future U.S. sanctions, government statistics show "it's all coming at the expense of economic growth." The other said that "sanctions may have knocked as much as 6 percent off Russia's economy over the past four years," and that the negative effect is likely to persist. Surprisingly for some, at least, it said sanctions had been a heavier drag on the economy than oil-price fluctuations in the past half-decade -- "the bigger culprit" behind a finding that Russia's economy is 10 percent smaller than might have been predicted in 2013. Apres Vous By the way, Putin wasn't the only Russian politician in France this past week. In a kind of postscript to Putin's visit, a man who would like to replace him opposition firebrand Aleksei Navalny -- traveled to Strasbourg to hear the European Court of Human Rights ruling on his claim that the Russian state violated many of his fundamental rights by arresting and jailing him repeatedly in recent years. It took Navalny two tries to get out of Russia , but he presumably believes it was worth the effort. The court ruled that several of his arrests in 2012-14 were unlawful, arbitrary, and -- as Navalny noted in a celebratory tweet -- politically motivated. Navalny's arrests, the court said, were not "necessary in a democratic society." Editor's Note: The Week In Russia will not appear on November 23 but will return to its regular schedule on November 30. The grandson of a coal miner, Wheeler told staffers in his first days as the agency's acting head this summer that he was proud of his roots in coal country. In the acting role, Wheeler has a reputation as a more open and cordial boss for employees than Pruitt was, and for producing regulatory rewrites more likely to stand up to court challenges. Turkish police have arrested 13 activists, journalists, and academics for alleged links to rights activist Osman Kavala, who has been jailed for an alleged attempt to topple the government with mass protests in 2013. A popular civil activist, Kavala was jailed one year ago pending trial for his role in organizing the nationwide protests five years ago that the Turkish government say culminated in a July 2016 failed coup attempt. Police said those arrested on November 16 were accused of working with Kavala to foment the May 2013 unrest. Those protests began with demonstrations against plans to redevelop Istanbul's Gezi Park. The movement against park redevelopment turned into nationwide antigovernment protests. At least 10 people died and thousands were injured when security forces cracked down on the demonstrations against the government of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is now Turkey's president. Kavala was accused of spreading "the Gezi Park incidents across Turkey [to] create an atmosphere of chaos and disorder." Human rights groups and European Parliament members have repeatedly called on Turkey to release Kavala. The European Union called for the immediate release of "all those detained without due process." Carles Torner, executive director of PEN International, said the group "is deeply concerned following reports that yet more academics, journalists, and activists have been detained.... We call on the Turkish authorities to end their relentless crackdown on dissenting voices." One of the academics detained on November 16 is Turgut Tarhanli, dean of Istanbul Bilgi University's law faculty, and Bogazici University's Betul Tanbay. Since the 2016 coup attempt, Turkey has jailed 77,000 people who are awaiting trial and has suspended or dismissed 150,000 civil servants and military personnel while also shutting down dozens of media outlets. Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa U.S. court documents suggest WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been criminally charged by prosecutors in a case that could be related to the investigation into Russias meddling in the U.S. elections. The Washington Post and other news outlets reported on November 16 that the disclosure was included as part of a court filing in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, in a case unrelated to Assange. The paper reported that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen Dwyer wrote in the filing that "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." Dwyer also wrote that the charges would "need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested," the Post said. Prosecutors acknowledged the filing had been "made in error" but did not comment further on Assange, potential charges, or whether they had been filed. The Post cited people familiar with the matter as confirming that Assange had been charged, although other news agencies were not able to immediately confirm the action. The nature of the potential charges was not immediately clear. 500,000 Military Files WikiLeaks itself wrote on Twitter that U.S. prosecutors had charged Assange. "SCOOP: US Department of Justice 'accidentally' reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia," the tweet said. Assange, a 47-year-old Australian, could face trial over the leaking of some 500,000 secret U.S. military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mueller is also investigating WikiLeaks for publishing tens of thousands of e-mails stolen from the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Trump at the time routinely praised WikiLeaks after it released the hacked e-mails. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded the e-mails were taken by Russian government-linked hackers as part of efforts to help the campaign of Donald Trump. The Kremlin has denied any involvement. In 2017, Mike Pompeo -- then CIA director and now secretary of state -- described WikiLeaks as a "hostile" intelligence service abetted by Russia, and Assange as a "fraud." Assange has been holed up in London's Ecuadoran Embassy since 2012, when he skipped bail to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sexual assault and rape allegations made by two women in 2010. He was initially welcomed as a guest of the embassy, but after a change in government, Ecuadoran authorities in the South American nation began to reduce his access to outsiders and cut his Internet access. Swedish prosecutors dropped the case last year, but Assange was still subject to a British arrest warrant for violating the terms of bail in 2012. With reporting by The Washington Post, AP, Reuters, and The Guardian Unknown assailants firebombed a historic 18th century Orthodox church in Kyiv and attacked a priest early on November 15, a church spokesman said. The attack comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia over Ukraine's move to create a national independent church and sever centuries-old ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Molotov cocktails did not explode and no damage was done to St. Andrew's church, which sits on a steep slope on one of Kyiv's best-known tourist spots. The church spokesman, Archbishop Yevstraty, said the attackers, whom police said numbered four, used pepper spray against a priest. Kyiv authorities handed over the use of St. Andrew's to the Ecumenical Patriarch, the global spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity who sits in Istanbul, while courting the patriarch's support for Ukrainian church independence. "We see that Moscow's henchmen are dropping clear hints to intimidate representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarch," Yevstraty said. The Orthodox church in Ukraine is divided between a branch whose clerics pledge loyalty to Moscow and one overseen by the Kyiv-based Patriarch Filaret that Moscow does not recognize. Ukraine in October secured approval from the Ecumenical Patriarch to set up an independent church, a move fiercely opposed by Russia. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine said it was "very concerned" by reports of an attack on St. Andrew's Church. "We support the right of all religious groups to practice their beliefs free from persecution, interference, or attack," the embassy said on Twitter. Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, Ala., and other GOP leaders met with Trump on Thursday about ways to fund the government. Shelby said Trump did not commit to signing a bill that does not give him all the money he wants to fund construction of a wall along the Mexico border. Shelby said Trump was noncommittal about how he planned to proceed. The president has met with lawyers nearly every day this week in sessions to review his answers, including a four-hour session Wednesday that was frequently interrupted by other business. Trump spent more than four hours meeting with his attorneys Monday, broken up by phone calls the president had to take, and 90 minutes Wednesday night, according to people familiar with the sessions. For the 40 years that I have lived here in Pompton Plains, N.J., Robbie was always there. In the summer the door to the store was always open. In the winter there was a Norman Rockwell feel about stepping inside onto the wood floors, feeling the heat, stomping the snow off our shoes and seeing Robbie at the end of the aisle behind the counter among hanging tools, photographs of the store throughout history and his booming, welcoming voice. We've been counting objects since we were toddlers playing with blocks, and we ought to be pretty good at it. We're not at least when we're counting ballots. The tally from election night (what cognoscenti have come to call the preliminary count) is almost certainly wrong. Let's be very clear about that. Counting errors are a given, no matter what system is used. We humans miscount paper ballots, but machines aren't much better. Ballots get mangled, they stick to each other, they get counted twice or not at all. So we count again. Of course we do. The trouble is that the recount known as the official or the certified count is also almost certainly wrong. (left to right) Cllr Sarah Allen, Dominic Summer, We Great Place Wentworth and Elsecar; Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rachel Blake, We Great Places Wentwoth and Elsecar and Wayne Hemingway THE FOUNDER of a global design house shared his thoughts on regenerating Rotherham at a Wentworth Woodhouse seminar. The invitation-only event took place in the stately homes Long Gallery on Tuesday night, led by Wayne Hemingway MBE. The co-founder of Red or Dead and HemingwayDesign - which specialises in affordable and social design projects - presented his past successes to guests including councillors, businesspeople and arts organisations. He then turned his sights on Rotherham, pointing out potential in old buildings and street furniture, market management and green spaces. Mr Hemingway urged planners to make better use of the boroughs creative minds, allowing grassroots regeneration in shabby places, as has happened in Berlin. And he encouraged more inventive use of the town centres historic buildings, such as the Imperial Building and Old Town Hall. But Mr Hemingway - who opened dozens of outlets with wife and business partner Gerardine weeks after moving to London in the 1980s - warned that retail was not the answer and that planners must find the towns DNA. There followed a brainstorming session, when groups of attendees presented their ideas for transforming the town centre. Suggestions included a green corridor from award-winning Clifton Park to Forge Island and a multi-generational creators space in the former Primark premises on High Street. Another group suggested the mother of all community kitchens, hosting cooks of many communities supplying affordable meals to workers and students. Other plans put looked-after children at the forefront, making Rotherham a national pioneer by encouraging them to be involved in arts and enterprise. The session came about after a chance conversation between Polly Hamilton, assistant director of culture, sport and tourism, and businessman Chris Hamby, who also attended. Trust chairman Martin Havenhand (L), Heart DJ Dixie (R) and Advertiser health reporter Dave Doyle present Kelly Guest with her award. CARING health worker Kelly Guest was showered with praise for helping a mum with post-natal depression - and said she was stunned to be recognised with a prestigious award. Kelly, who works for Rotherhams early attachment service, provides support for parents and young children identified as having attachment or relationship difficulties. She won the Public Recognition Award - sponsored and promoted by the Advertiser - after her anonymous nominator told how her listening and support helped her fight my demons. Kelly offered me listening visits at times of crisis, when I couldnt access any other services, she said. She makes you feel like you are the most important person there, like there are no other problems as important as yours. Look up the word outstanding in a dictionary and there should be a picture of Kelly. The grateful mum added: Kelly put my mind at rest and helped me fight my demons. She validated my concerns, worries and fears and understood them in a way I didnt think possible. I suddenly didnt feel like a failure and that there was help out there for me and my son. Kelly understood my emotions as though she had watched my life as a fly on the wall, she felt my emotion as though it was her own. When I think of Kelly, I think of a person who gave me the most wonderful gift - she gave me my son back. Kelly said: I was totally shocked when I won the Public Recognition Award - it was such a surprise to hear I had been nominated. Like many others, I just go about my daily job and dont expect this level of recognition, which I am really grateful for. In my 14 years at the trust, it has been the biggest highlight of my career. Visit tinyurl.com/postnatald for more information about post-natal depression. A PENSIONER is warning people not to be taken in by scammers after being harassed by a man claiming to be from a PPI firm - up to SEVEN times an hour. Christine Roderickson (69) and her husband Peter (62), of Clifton Grove, Rotherham, were regularly called by a man who claimed he could refund them 2,500 in mis-sold payment protection insurance. The man called Mr Rodericksons mobile every day for around a fortnight. Mrs Roderickson said she had previously had PPI refunded by a reputable firm but the scammer had been plaguing them with unsolicited phone calls. This man has phoned up saying you can get 2,500 back and you can have it before Christmas, she said. But he says, to save us paying 250 in tax, we have got to take out a life insurance policy for 20 a month. Once, he rang us seven times in an hour. Im not young but if somebody elderly got this kind of phone call they might not think to report it. Mrs Roderickson said she and her husband had tried to ignore him. We just ignored it and put the phone down and said we were not interested, she said. Mrs Roderickson said the man used persuasive phrases such as Just imagine what it would be like to have that money before Christmas. Peter just said to him; We have had some PPI back and we dont know anything about any more. I dont know how hes got Peters number - I havent given it out. Mrs Roderickson said she had recorded the mans phone number and would report him to the charity Action Fraud. PPI is a product which was sold to millions of people in the UK along with loans, credit cards and store cards to insure them against a change in circumstances which would have meant they could not repay a debt. It was largely mis-sold, and banks, building societies and insurance firms have paid out billions of pounds in compensation. A claim can be made for free by following advice on websites such as the Financial Conduct Authority https://bit.ly/2CJA5rB or the Money Saving Expert https://bit.ly/2xytAEg Scams can be reported to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Hannah Pogson (11), Lennon Gallagher (11) and Jasmyn Hartmann (11) PUPILS at a school which is celebrating its 150th year have been invited to design a label for a soup brand which is marking the same milestone. Nursery and primary school children at St Bedes Primary School, Kimberworth, took part in an educational day with soup manufacturer Baxters which is also celebrating 150 years. The Scottish soup brand challenged senior pupils at the school to design their own label for a chicken and vegetable soup. They were given three weeks to come up with a souper design before a winning label is picked to appear on 30 cans which will be supplied to the whole class. Darren Sivewright, Baxters group innovation manager, spoke to pupils about how Baxters soups were created and the history of the company, as well as the nutritional benefits of soup and how it reaches supermarket shelves before giving them taste and encouraging them to create their own flavours. Amanda Wassell, headteacher of St Bedes Catholic Primary School, said: We are absolutely delighted Baxters has been able to work in partnership with us on this exciting project as part of our anniversary activity. The staff and children had a truly memorable day which started with a whole school assembly, led by Darren, to talk about Baxters history, where food comes from and how soup is made. The children then spent the morning sampling existing Baxters soup flavours before designing their own, and creating labels to be entered into the competition. (L-R) Jason McGuire, Liam McGuire, Samuel Wright THREE gang members have been jailed for a total of 14 years for violent offences after a brawl broke out on residential street leaving a man needing surgery. Jason McGuire (24) of Schofield Street, Mexborough was sentenced to 10 years for assault, Liam McGuire (27), also of Schofield Street, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for violent disorder and Samuel Wright (20), of Elm Lane, Conisborough, was jailed for 18 months for affray. All three appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced after pleading guilty. Det Chief Insp Paul Wilson said: At around 3pm on Friday 12, May 2017, officers were called to reports of fighting on Schofield Street, Mexborough an area where gang members are known to live and visit. The fight was between members of a local gang and a rival group. CCTV evidence recovered from the area showed both groups were carrying weapons, throwing bricks and damaging vehicles. A number of gang members were identified as being involved in the disturbance by police officers and PCSO staff. Gang member Wright was seen throwing bricks at vehicles and behaving in a threatening manner. McGuire was carrying what looked like a metal bar. He was also seen smashing the window of a van occupied by members of the victim's family. McGuire could be seen on CCTV with a machete. He hits the same vehicle with the knife before attacking the window of the van, thrusting it inside the vehicle at its occupant. A man inside the van at the time suffered life-altering damage to his right hand that needed surgery as a result of McGuires attack. The sentencing sends a message to gang members across South Yorkshire that this behaviour will not be tolerated, and the consequences of being involved are high. Local communities can be assured that we will always use the full force of the law to stop these individuals from being able to commit such crimes. The bodies were burnt beyond recognition. At least 20 others were injured, some with severe burns. The bus which was heading to neighboring South Africa burst into flames at around midnight and was completely incinerated late Thursday. The Red Cross said its teams responded to a horrific accident. Police officers were also at the scene. Its believed that a suspected gas tank belonging to one of the passengers exploded on the bus. Combustible material was allowed onto the bus, thus causing a conflagration which entrapped, scalded and consumed innocent passengers, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a condolence message. The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation published images of the destroyed vehicle on a highway from the South African border crossing to Bulawayo, Zimbabwes second-largest city. Traffic accidents are common in Zimbabwe. Last week, a collision between two buses in Zimbabwe killed 50 people and injured about 80. President Mnangagwa said the government should take appropriate measures which comprehensively deal with this growing menace on our roads. Were not surprised that the bishops caved to Francis command to wait. They serve at his pleasure, after all. If they want to keep their jobs, they obey. And all those children who were abused by priests over the years? All those families devastated because some bishops transferred accused priests to other parishes, where they would abuse more children? All those leaders who told no one not the new parishioners and, significantly, not the police. How will the church ensure that culpable leaders suffer consequences for their actions? India and Pakistan cannot improve till the military there is tamed Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, November 16: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has said that relations between India and Pakistan cannot improve till the military there is tamed. Imran Khan or any other Khan cannot do much till they control their military, which has vested interests in continuing border tensions with India, said the chief minister. Captain Amarinder, who was speaking at a literary festival organized by a leading Media House here on Friday, said that, by and large people in Pakistan too want peace with India but their military feels otherwise. He said that during his last stint as the Chief Minister, relations between the two countries had warmed up to quite an extent and he had then even organized the hugely successful Punjab (India) to Punjab (Pak) games. Advertisement Imran Khan or any other Khan cannot do much till they control their military He regretted that relations between the two countries soured again and he blamed Pakistans army for it. Responding to a question, the chief minister said that though Pakistans ISI continues to foment trouble in Punjab, he does not foresee revival of terrorism in the state. People here want peace and have seen what terrorism did to the state, he said, adding that though, due to unemployment, frustrations do exist among the states youth, his governments ambitious programme of Ghar Ghar Naukri was showing results. He said about 4.5 lakhs youth had been given employment in the state in the past 18 months under this programme. The chief minister said that his government had by and large controlled the drug menace, but admitted that the problem cannot just disappear. Nowhere in the world drugs have disappeared but we are taking all steps to cut their supply chain and for the rehabilitations of the addicts, he said. Advertisement Captain Amarinder Singh at a literary festival Asserting that heroin was being smuggled into Punjab from all across the country, the chief minister said that recently the police had seized a consignment that had come from Mandavi in Gujarat, which clearly suggested that there was in place a systematic gameplan of destabilising the state. He, however, said that he would not allow this to happen and his government will continue its crackdown on drug dealers and traders. Responding to a question, the chief minister said that it was absolutely incorrect to equate the blasphemy laws in Pakistan with his governments decision to make sacrilege of religious books punishable with life imprisonment. If anyone thinks that they can get away by indulging in sacrilege, by burning a Guru Granth Sahib, a Bible, a Quran or any other religious scripture, they should know that we would not allow it and they will have to pay the price for such misadventures, he warned. Advertisement Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab was not responsible for Delhis pollution On the prospects of the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Minister said that the party was on the path of recovery and will form the government at the centre. He said AICC president Rahul Gandhi will be the partys choice for Prime Ministership and he was personally confident that the party chief would prove to be a successful prime minister. The Chief Minister also said that the Congress was poised to win four of the five states that are going to polls now. Referring to his recent trip to Turkey, where he paid his respects to the martyred Commonwealth soldiers, including Indians, at the Gallipolis Helles and Turkish memorials, Captain Amarinder regretted that the exemplary valour and indomitable courage of the Indian soldiers in the great war remains largely unrecognised here. Nearly 74,000 Indian soldiers attained martyrdom and 67,000 were wounded in the Great War but their supreme contribution has been largely forgotten, said the Chief Minister. Advertisement In response to another question, the Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab was not responsible for Delhis pollution. We have westerly winds most of the year and if stubble burning was responsible for Delhis pollution then Chandigarhs air should have been as polluted, he said. We urge the Illinois Senate to deviate from the House and vote to let the veto stand. Senators, dont cut off a vital path for thousands of students to escape failing schools. Remember, school board members may squelch new charters simply because they threaten existing, often flailing, neighborhood schools or because teachers union officials object. The Illinois commission, created in 2011, has used its power judiciously. It now oversees eight schools statewide five in Chicago, and one each in Grayslake, Richton Park and Waukegan. But the commission has rejected dozens of other appeals. The risk with CNNs court case is that if the network ultimately loses, the Trump administration would have legal precedent to bar any reporters it dislikes from the White House. Perhaps other officials across the country would adopt similar tactics to freeze out pesky reporters who ask tough questions about budgets or policing or the treatment of vulnerable residents. Our point isnt that journalists wouldnt get their way, its that journalists act on behalf of citizens to hold public officials accountable for their work. The problem with reform is that the pension plan participants hold a strong hand at the ballot box. The Illinois Department of Insurance issues a report every two years that accumulates data on the plans. The last one was issued in 2017. It reported 591,687 plan participants in 671 pension plans throughout Illinois. It's seems fair to estimate that each plan participant has at least a spouse or one other dependent who shares his or her concern to keep things just as they are. So, let's say there are at least 1.2 million voters who have a keen interest in protecting those retirements. Faculty Senate statement on Tree of Life Synagogue attack At the Faculty Senate meeting on Nov. 14, the Senate approved unanimously the following statement: "The faculty of the University of South Carolina condemns the horrific anti-Semitic attack on Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, and, in these tragic times, stands in strong support behind the Jewish community, worldwide, in the U.S., in the state of South Carolina and in our university. In line with its commitment to the Carolinian Creed, as stated in the University of South Carolina Faculty Manual, and to 'being active agents for promoting the values inherent in the Carolinian Creed,' the faculty is adamant in not tolerating any targeting of Jewish persons, or persons of other religions and ethnicities, on or off campus, implicitly or explicitly, through acts of violence, intimidation or discrimination." The University of South Carolina Faculty Senate is a governing body established by the Board of Trustees with representative faculty members selected by each college or school. Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about The mesosphere, at heights between 85 and 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface, contains a layer of atomic sodium. Astronomers use laser beams to create artificial stars, or laser guide stars (LGS), in this layer for improving the quality of astronomical observations. In 2011, researchers proposed that artificial guide stars could also be used to measure the Earth's magnetic field in the mesosphere. An international group of scientists has recently managed to do this with a high degree of precision. The technique may also help to identify magnetic structures in the solid Earth's lithosphere, to monitor space weather, and to measure electrical currents in the part of the atmosphere called ionosphere. Astronomers have been using lasers to generate artificial stars for the past 20 years. A laser beam is directed from the ground into the atmosphere. In the sodium layer, it strikes sodium atoms, which absorb the energy of the laser and then start to glow. "The atoms emit light in all directions. Such artificial stars are barely visible to the naked eye but can be observed with telescopes," explained Felipe Pedreros Bustos of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). In connection with the work on his doctoral thesis, the Chilean-born physicist has spent four years working on the project, which besides JGU involves the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the University of California, Berkeley and Rochester Scientific in the USA, the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF-OAR), and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The artificial guide stars help astronomers to correct the distortions of light that travels through the atmosphere. The light from the artificial guide star is collected on the ground by telescopes, and the information is used to adjust in real time state-of-the-art deformable mirrors, compensating the distortions and allowing astronomical objects to be imaged sharply, down to the optical resolution, the so-called diffraction limit, of the telescope. The precession of sodium atoms reveals the strength of the magnetic field The participants in the collaborative project are using laser guide stars to measure the Earth's magnetic field. An ESO LGS unit dedicated to Research and Development is housed in the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, the westernmost Canary Island. The availability and use of the LGS unit has allowed to perform the reported joint experiments, which also aim at increasing the brightness of laser guide stars. From the observatory, a laser beam is directed at the sodium layer which excites and spin-polarizes the atoms making most of their atomic spin point in the same direction. Due to the effect of the surrounding magnetic field, the polarized atomic spins rotate around the direction of the magnetic field similar to the motion of a gyroscope that is tilted from the vertical, a phenomenon known as Larmor precession. "A guide star becomes brighter when the modulation frequency of our laser coincides with the precession frequency of sodium," explained Pedreros Bustos. "As the Larmor frequency is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, we can use this method to measure the Earth's magnetic field in the sodium layer." The detection scheme is similar to a stroboscope. Hence, the group has succeeded in using a well-studied, fundamental laboratory technique to observe the natural world. It fills a gap in our knowledge of the Earth's magnetic field by allowing us to make ground-based observations of the mesosphere, which was previously difficult to access. Up to now, the magnetic field could only be directly measured on the ground, from airplanes, from balloons in the stratosphere, or from satellites. In May 2018, a US-American research group had published similar findings. However, these latest measurements are much more precise, and scientists hope to improve them still further by using higher-energy lasers. "We can also use the technique to estimate atomic processes in the atmosphere, for example, how often sodium collides with other atoms such as oxygen or nitrogen. This is something that hasn't been done before," said Pedreros Bustos. This artificial guide star measuring technique will be particularly useful in geophysics. It will make it possible to determine changes to the magnetic field of the Earth's ionosphere caused by solar winds. In addition, observation of oceanic currents and large-scale magnetic structures in the upper mantle would be feasible by means of continuous surveillance of the Earth's magnetic field at altitudes of 85 to 100 kilometers. Alarming examples of the dangers from chemical weapons have been seen recently in the use of industrial chemicals and the nerve agent sarin against civilians in Syria, and in the targeted assassination operations using VX nerve agent in Malaysia and novichok nerve agent in the UK. The threat of future chemical attacks is exacerbated by the current unstable international system and also by the potential misuse of developments in science and technology. The States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention gathering in the Hague on 21st November for their 4th Review Conference must ensure the prohibition regime is fit to meet these challenges. This argument is set out by three academics from the University of Bradford in a Policy Forum article titled 'Preventing chemical weapons as sciences converge' in the present issue of the internationally recognised journal Science Volume 362, Issue 6416. In the article Dr Michael Crowley, Dr Lijun Shang and Professor Malcolm Dando address key scientific aspects of the issues that the Conference will have to address to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons during this period of very rapid scientific change. Dr Michael Crowley said: "The unstable international security environment and the changing nature of armed conflict could fuel a desire by certain States to retain and use existing chemical weapons, as well as increase interest in creating new weapons. Tomorrow's weaponeers may well seek to harness the revolutionary advances in the chemical and life sciences and associated disciplines such as nanoscience and neuroscience for their malign ends. The international governmental and scientific communities must collectively review, update and strengthen the global measures in place to protect us all from chemical attack." Professor Malcolm Dando said: "One area of growing concern has been State interest in the aerosolised application of a range of toxic chemical agents potentially including pharmaceutical chemicals, bioregulators, and toxins that attack the central nervous system of those targeted. Ostensibly promoted for use in extreme law enforcement scenarios, such as large scale hostage situations, to incapacitate an individual or a group rapidly and completely without causing permanent disability or fatality, their use in practice poses grave dangers to health and well-being of all those affected. Furthermore, research and development in this area potentially opens up the door to new forms of chemical weapon and warfare." Dr Lijun Shang said "It is important to emphasise that scientists' work on the detection, protection and treatment of chemical weapons is important in the overall effort to prevent the misuse of toxic chemicals, but scientists also need to be more aware of the possible misuse of their benignly-intended work." In their article the authors conclude that chemical and life scientists, health professionals and wider informed activist civil society need to play their part in protecting the prohibition of poison and chemical weapons. They must work with States to build effective and responsive measures to ensure that the rapid scientific and technological advances are safeguarded from hostile use and are instead employed for the benefit of all. The number of critically endangered animals has been increasing in recent years. According to data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 1375 avian species are categorized as being endangered animals, and around 12% of the endangered species are avian. The conservation of endangered species is an important task for our next generation in order to maintain genetic diversity. The Okinawa rail, which is a species endemic to northern Okinawa Island, is an example of an endangered (EN) avian species. The Okinawa rail is categorized EN on the IUCN red list, because its individual numbers are estimated to be approximately 1500. As part of the cellular conservation of endangered avian species, our group initiated a primary cell culture project aimed at preserving endangered avian species in Japan, such as the Okinawa rail. However, primary cells cannot be cultured indefinitely because of cellular senescence and stresses caused by cell culture. To overcome these cell culture limitations, primary cells have to be immortalized. Although immortalized cultured cells are useful for various functional assays or transcriptome analysis, highly efficient and reproducible immortalization methods have not been developed in avian-derived cells. We firstly introduced the simian Virus 40T antigen (SV40T) and human papillomavirus (HPV)-E6E7 to chick and Okinawa rail (endangered species) derived fibroblast. However, neither the SV40T nor E6E7 genes could induce avian cell immortality. Accordingly, we attempted to use a recently developed immortalization method, which involves the co-expression of mutant CDK4, Cyclin D and TERT (K4DT method) in these avian cells. Cellular division until the senescence was significantly extended by K4DT although the K4DT method could not induce the efficient immortalization in mass cell population. As a result, we succeeded to obtain the immortalized avian cells with K4DT expression. We conclude that the K4DT method is useful to extend the cell division and immortalization of avian-derived cells. Add a little mystery to your long weekend at Chicagos spy-themed bar this Black Wednesday. Bond girl on your arm or not, youll still feel like a secret agent as you sip on drink specials like the Long Island iced tea aptly named I Will Be Hungover for Family Time ($8). Twenty percent of bar sales from the party will go to the Anti Cruelty Society, so youll have something to feel good about as you nurse that wicked hangover. Police have said the man, who has not been identified, was traveling west on Sigwalt Street around 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11, when his car veered off the road and flipped over at least twice before crashing into the east side of the entrance to the new, $28 million police headquarters. The Securities and Exchange Commission today brought additional charges against a Long Island, New York-based boiler room previously sued for defrauding elderly and unsophisticated investors. The latest charges allege that First Choice Healthcare Solutions Inc. CEO Christian Romandetti, the boiler room, and four others, manipulated the company's shares generating more than $3.3 million of illegal profits and more than $560,000 in kickbacks for Romandetti. The SEC's complaint alleges that Romandetti and the other defendants duped more than 100 victims in a scheme that inflated First Choice's stock price from less than $1 per share to $3.40 per share. According to the complaint, from at least September 2013 until about June 2016, the defendants used multiple accounts in an attempt to disguise their trading, engaged in manipulative trading practices, and hired Elite Stock Research, a boiler room run by defendant Anthony Vassallo, to promote First Choice to vulnerable investors, some of who invested retirement savings. In a related action in July 2017, the SEC originally charged boiler room Elite Stock Research, as well as another Long Island boiler room and 13 individuals, with bilking victims out of more than $10 million through high-pressure sales tactics and lies about penny stocks. Seven of those individuals have pleaded guilty to parallel criminal charges brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. The SEC's litigation against the 13 individuals is continuing. Today's SEC action, filed in federal district court in Central Islip, New York, charges Romandetti, Vassallo, Mark Burnett, Jeffrey Miller, Frank Sarro and Elite Stock Research with fraud and Burnett, Miller, Sarro, and Vassallo with market manipulation. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, return of allegedly ill-gotten gains with interest, civil penalties, penny stock bars, and officer-and-director bars against Romandetti and Burnett. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced parallel criminal charges against Romandetti, Burnett, Miller, and Sarro. The SEC encourages investors to check the backgrounds of people selling them investments by using the SEC's Investor.gov website to quickly identify whether they are registered professionals. The SEC's continuing investigation is being conducted by Cecilia B. Connor and Andrew Elliott and supervised by Ms. Welshhans and Amy L. Friedman, with assistance from Leigh Barrett. The SEC's litigation will be handled by James Smith and Matthew Scarlato and supervised by Jan Folena. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. 347 S. Columbia St., Naperville: $2,490,000 | Listed: Sept. 9, 2021 This four-bedroom brick and stone home has six bathrooms, a gated entry and an office with a fireplace. The kitchen has double Wolf ranges and an oversized refrigerator. The second level of the home features two bedrooms and the homes primary bedroom, which has a renovated en suite bath, a walk-in closet and laundry room, and opens to a terrace. The fourth bedroom and en suite bath are on the upper floor, along with a sitting area and loft. The homes basement features a wine cellar and tasting room, as well as a full bath and recreation room with a wet bar. Additional features include a first-floor laundry, three-season room, detached garage, and backyard deck and patio. Agent: Katie Minott and Kim Marino, @properties, 773-750-9535 and 630-634-0700 *Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options. To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. Since I posted about the the story the other day that Google does not use the BBB, Better Business Bureaus score or reviews as well as other third-party trust sites in their ranking algorithm it caused a lot of interesting and unexpected debate in the SEO industry. John Mueller from Google was asked again and he said they are not used as direct ranking factors in Google search this morning. This is from a Google webmaster hangout where he was asked about other trust related sites and certificates and he answered it in a more generic way about all types of "associations and memberships" that offer these trust level signals. He said it is "not something that what you would use as a direct ranking factor." He did add that it might be an "indirect" factor because if someone looks at these trusts sites and sees you are trusted, maybe they will be more likely to visit your site, maybe link to it, maybe they are more likely to trust your content because of it. But Google does not use any of those scores from these trust sites in their algorithms. It is the same argument of saying nofollow links in social media help with Google rankings. The links are no counted at all by Google because they are nofollowed. But maybe someone will see your content via the link, read it, share it and link to it without a nofollow on their blog or web site. But the social media post is not counted by Google, it is the link you got indirectly on the blog or web site that may be helping you. Here is what John said: I don't know, In general, I suspect these kind of associations and memberships are not something that what you would use as a direct ranking factor. So that's something where I suspect you have more kind of an indirect effect here in that if other people trust your content more because they realize that you're actually taking part in these organizations. And these organizations are maybe organizations that don't just accept anybody who who randomly want wants to join the organization, then that's something where you probably see an indirect effect there. I don't don't know if we would use something like this as a direct ranking factor. I think that could be kind of tricky. And with regards to whether or not it could be a ranking factor in the future? I think that kind of goes in the same direction, in the sense that these kind of organizations and memberships with these organizations, I think are generally a good thing to help move the ecosystem forward. But it's not necessarily something that we would say means that the content is somehow more relevant or it's better content when we would show it in search results. So from that point of view I don't think that this is something that we would use as a direct ranking factor. Here is the video embed: You can scroll back a bit to listen to the full question if you like. I did specifically ask John Mueller this question on Twitter and all he did was "like" it and didn't respond: Hey @JohnMu is it accurate to say Google does not use BBB reviews or ratings at all in search rankings? Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) November 15, 2018 John also liked this tweet: b/c search quality raters guidelines is NOT the ranking factors Google uses in search. Google has said this hundreds of times already. Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) November 15, 2018 Forum discussion at Google+. BART aims to start construction on a second transbay tube within the next decade, as transit planners anticipate population and job growth that could overwhelm the Bay Areas already stressed rail system. A new study by the Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission predicts that 4 million people will move into the mega region that encompasses the Bay Area, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Joaquin counties by 2040, and that San Francisco will add 300,000 jobs. If demand for BART escalates from about 45,000 people crossing the bay during peak hours in 2020 to about 55,000 in 2025, BART will reach capacity by 2027. Presented with those figures, the transit agencys Board of Directors mostly supports the idea of a second rail crossing, which would cost billions of dollars and require BART to make many complex engineering decisions. But a couple of directors had reservations, fearing that the new piece of infrastructure would only further cement a regional housing and jobs imbalance that has made commutes longer and longer. What were doing is reinforcing this paradigm, said board Director Joel Keller, who represents suburban east Contra Costa County. Were saying, Its OK for San Francisco to provide more jobs without housing, and its OK for the East Bay to build more housing without jobs. He and another Contra Costa director, Debora Allen, wondered whether the agency shouldnt invest in new carrots to draw companies into Concord or other outlying cities, so that fewer people would have to commute to the urban core. But others saw the growth pattern as inevitable, and said BART has to react. What were dealing with is an extension of urbanism over the past 200 or 300 years separation of the workplace from the home, said board Director Robert Raburn, who represents Oakland. In the future, he added, work and housing will move farther away from the ancient model of a shopkeeper living upstairs from his shop. Commutes are already extraordinary, he said, and the best way for BART to alleviate the problem is to connect the region with transit, which may spread economic growth to the suburbs and discourage sprawl. A new state law will also empower BART to fill its parking lots with housing. Raburn invoked the devastating Camp Fire in Butte County to underscore that point. I dont want more people living in these places that are prone to fires, he said. The goal of the second tube or rail crossing isnt just to increase the number of people rolling across the bay during peak hours. It also has the potential to extend BART service around the clock, said board Director Thomas Blalock, whose district includes Hayward and Fremont. And if the tunnel includes tracks that use a standard-gauge rail a term denoting the international norm of 1,435 millimeters between rails then other systems, such as Caltrain, Amtrak and bullet trains, could also use it to cross between San Francisco and Oakland. BART will evaluate that option as plans inch forward, said Ellen Smith, the agencys manager for strategic and policy planning. 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. This is the biggest thing were doing since we built the BART system in the 1960s, Smith said. Even so, the project comes with monumental challenges. Besides the complexities of engineering, transit officials will have to decide where to put the end points of the new crossing, which could spawn new neighborhoods on either side of the bay. Its a game-changer for the next hundred years, said General Manager Grace Crunican, who nonetheless hesitated to champion the second tube as the most significant expansion in BARTs history. Equally important is the work the agency is doing now to lay 90 miles of track and 135 miles of cable, while replacing an obsolete train control system effectively giving the system a new liver and a new set of lungs before it plans another big leap. The board will revisit plans for a second transbay tube in June, when it votes on a contractor to study the proposal. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Dorothy L. Cheney, whose careful research into how primates live and communicate revealed the surprising complexity of their thought processes and social structures, died Friday at her home in Devon, Pa. She was 68. Her husband and research partner, Robert M. Seyfarth, said the cause was breast cancer. Cheney was a spectacular scientist, Robert M. Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the author of books like A Primates Memoir, said by email. Along with Robert Seyfarth, she did wonderfully clever, elegant field experiments that revealed how other primates think about the world showing that they think in far more sophisticated and interesting ways than people anticipated. Rather than doing their research in laboratories, Cheney and Seyfarth spent long stretches in the wilds of Africa and elsewhere, studying gorillas, baboons, vervet monkeys and other animals. One of their best-known experiments, conducted in Kenya in 1977, showed that vervets made distress sounds not just involuntarily, out of fear, but to convey a specific message about a given threat. They hid loudspeakers in bushes, played recorded sounds of vervets and watched the reaction. A particular bark sent the animals scurrying up trees because it was a warning about leopards; a low-pitched staccato noise had them looking skyward for predatory eagles. They summarized their research in their first book, How Monkeys See the World: Inside the Mind of Another Species (1990). Later research in Botswana included insights into the hierarchical nature of baboon societies and its possible evolutionary effects. Because Western scientists learned about primates by examining corpses or observing single animals brought home as pets, they wrote in their 2007 book, Baboon Metaphysics: The Evolution of a Social Mind, few if any ever learned what can be discovered only through long, patient observation: that the most human features of monkeys and apes lie not in their physical appearance, but in their social relationships. Dorothy Leavitt Cheney was born Aug. 24, 1950, in Boston. Her father, Edward, was a Foreign Service officer, and her mother, Sally (Leavitt) Cheney, was a translator. Because of her fathers job, Cheney spent parts of her childhood in Malaysia, Holland, India and Nicaragua. (Edward Cheney died in a plane crash in the Philippines in 1976.) She graduated from Abbot Academy in Massachusetts in 1968 and earned a bachelors degree in political science at Wellesley College in 1972. She had planned to go to law school. But her husband, whom she had married in 1971, had applied to work with the noted zoologist Robert Hinde at Cambridge University, and when he had an opportunity to go to South Africa to study baboons, he suggested she come along. I thought, What the hell, this could be fun for a year or two, so I decided to put off law school and join him, she said in an interview for Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It was a transformative experience. After 18 months, she applied to study with Hinde as well. She received a Ph.D. in zoology at Cambridge in 1977. She and her husband were assistant professors at Rockefeller University in New York, then in 1981 joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1985, they moved to the University of Pennsylvania, where, at her death, Cheney was a professor of biology. In a 2007 interview with the New York Times, Cheney and Seyfarth talked about the rules they had for staying safe in the places where they worked for instance, never working alone or wading in water more than knee deep. Even so, they said, they would sometimes find themselves in trees with baboons waiting for lions below to go away. Seyfarth, in an email interview, said theirs was not one of those partnerships in which each person had a defined role. Our scientific contributions are hard to separate because the genesis of our ideas and experiments quickly became lost in the mists of conversation, he said. One of us had an idea, the other critiqued it, and back and forth it went until it finally took shape and neither of us remembered or cared who took credit for what. 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. Ours was a kind of scientific work that was less controlled than a laboratory experiment, he added, but it suited us both perfectly. In addition to her husband, Cheney is survived by her daughters, Caroline Cheney Roberts and Lucia Hall Seyfarth; a sister, Margaret Cheney; two brothers, Drew and Thomas; two stepsisters, Robin Bell and Roseanne Currier; a stepbrother, David Bell; and a granddaughter. Her mother died last year. The discoveries Cheney and Seyfarth made about baboons were certainly thought-provoking, indicating a society formed around mother-daughter lines of descent and a brain specialized for social interaction and hierarchical dynamics. Monkey society is governed by the same two general rules that governed the behavior of women in so many 19th-century novels, they wrote in Baboon Metaphysics. Stay loyal to your relatives (though perhaps at a distance, if they are an impediment), but also try to ingratiate yourself with the members of high-ranking families. Cheney talked about the animals in a 2007 interview with NPR. They seem to know a huge amount about each others social relationships and each others dominance ranks, she said, so the social complexity, on the surface anyway, appears to be very similar to that of a very complex human society, and yet theyre not humans. So the question is, what differentiates us from them and what sort of selective pressures might have gotten us from an organism that looks like a baboon to an organism that looks like us? Neil Genzlinger is a New York Times writer. Federal law allows undocumented immigrants in the United States to apply for political asylum no matter where they entered the country. But government lawyers told a federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday that President Trump has the power to deny asylum to the thousands who crossed the southern border at the wrong places anywhere besides the designated, overcrowded ports of entry. The law carefully distinguishes between an aliens ability to apply for asylum and the executives authority to deny asylum, Justice Department lawyers argued in defense of the proclamation Trump issued last Friday, in which he barred asylum for anyone crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without stopping at a port of entry. The president is seeking to regain control of the border, they said, and his new rules aim to save lives by discouraging asylum-seekers from making dangerous, unlawful border crossings. Asylum allows immigrants to remain in the U.S. if they can show a well-founded fear of persecution in their homeland for reasons such as race, religion, political views, or, under recent rulings, sexual orientation. Hours after Trump delivered his proclamation, the American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of asylum support groups, saying the president was violating federal law. One law, passed in 1980, specifies that any foreigner who is physically present in the United States or who arrives in the United States (whether or not at a designated port of arrival) ... may apply for asylum. The suit said the official ports of entry are jammed asylum-seekers at San Ysidro in San Diego County have to wait four to six weeks in Tijuana, where they are prey to gangs. The suit also said Trump had illegally put his order into effect Saturday rather than allowing at least 30 days for public comment. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar has scheduled a hearing Monday on the ACLUs request for a restraining order to halt enforcement of Trumps decree nationwide. In Thursdays filing, the governments first response to the lawsuit, Justice Department lawyers said the waiting period for public comment, usually required for new federal regulations, would be dangerous in this case, encouraging a surge to enter the United States between ports of entry before the rule took effect. In an apparent reference to the caravan of migrants heading northward from Central America, the filing said there were thousands of aliens traveling in groups ... expected to attempt entry at the southern border in the coming weeks. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The executive branch has identified a crisis at the southern border of thousands of aliens entering our country in a dangerous manner in violation of our criminal law and overburdening or misusing the asylum process, government lawyers said. They said Trump is entitled to limit asylum eligibility to promote safety, by steering asylum-seekers to official entry stations, and to carry out U.S. foreign policy by negotiating with Mexico to provide a safe haven for the migrants. The Mexican government has allowed members of the caravan to apply for asylum, but most have chosen to continue toward the U.S. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko A new bike-share station originally planned for the 24th Mission Street BART Plaza will instead be installed at a nearby library, a move that transit officials hoped would quell outcry that the bikes symbolize gentrification. BART board director Bevan Dufty, who made the motion at Thursdays board meeting, said the Mission Branch Library on Bartlett Street is 100 steps from BART a fitting compromise, he said, between commuters who want to use the bikes and activists who see them as a corporate intrusion. Duftys motion carried 5-3, over objections from colleagues who said the new location makes the bikes less accessible an argument that Dufty called dishonest. He said the boards decision validates the Missions concerns that Motivate the company that operates the docked Ford GoBikes in San Francisco and other cities has not effectively or respectfully worked with the Latino community. Supporters of the bikes were disappointed that a transit decision had been subsumed by a neighborhood culture war. Youre in the transit business, said Gillian Gillett, a Caltrain board director who lives at Cesar Chavez and Guerrero streets, not far from the 24th Street Station. She and others stressed the importance of seamless connections between modes of public transit, to discourage people from using private car services like Uber and Lyft. We would never make a bus stop a block away from BART, Gillett said. Yet others criticized the Ford GoBikes, seeing them as a product designed for well-heeled newcomers who have flocked to the Mission during San Franciscos tech boom. Once a working-class Latino stronghold, the neighborhood is now freckled with wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. This battle is about community space, said Vicky Castro, one of several speakers who described the 24th Street Mission Plaza as a community hub for buskers, protests and vendors who set up booths during Carnaval or the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. Ford GoBike has caused battles to flare up on both sides of the bay. Opponents have thrown the jaunty blue two-wheelers into Oaklands Lake Merritt, slashed tires at docks near Dolores Park in San Francisco and on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, and even set bikes on fire. 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. Yet the bicycles are also a popular last mile solution for people making the final leg of a journey from a BART stop, said Jean Walsh, director of external affairs for Motivate. She said that 16,000 people have signed up for a GoBike membership throughout the Bay Area, and that the company needs 30 docked bikes near 24th and Mission streets to reliably serve BART riders. A bike share works best when there is a dense network of bicycles and docks near a transit node, she said. The library location has room for only 15 bike docks half of what Motivate's statistical models recommend to meet demand. Walsh told The Chronicle she spoke with vendors and merchants around the plaza several times before Thursdays board vote, and that no one seemed bothered by the proposed bike dock. BART will need to revisit its decision when the library undergoes a major retrofit sometime in the next two years. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Shared electric scooters are disappearing from city streets in high numbers as thieves target the portable vehicles. In the first two weeks, we lost 200 vehicles to theft, which was just shocking, said Michael Keating, CEO and founder of San Franciscos Scoot Networks. People were grabbing them all the time. We realized that if we kept losing them at that rate, we wouldnt have any left. In response, Scoot scaled back its vehicle numbers and expedited its plans to include locks on its two-wheelers. San Franciscos Skip has also experienced thefts but declined to specify how many. However, its vehicles have a wheel-lock mechanism so they cannot be ridden unless theyre unlocked with an app. Scoots two-wheelers can be ridden in manual kick mode without using the app albeit in an unsatisfying experience, as they are not designed for that. Their electric motors require an app unlock to work. Both Skip and Scoot have alarms that go off if scooters are moved without being reserved in their apps. City-sanctioned e-scooter rentals started Oct. 15 under a pilot program in which Scoot and Skip each have permission to rent out up to 625 scooters. Scoot started out offering about 300 scooters but halved that to about 150 a day in recent weeks, something residents have complained about on social media. Were not trying to hide that, Keating said. The reason is the theft. Ramping up more scooters depends on the success of the lock. Scoot this week will add combination locks and cables to scooters as an interim measure. Users will get the combination from the app after a scooter is reserved. In early December, Scoot will switch to its long-term solution: built-in electronic locks with 32-inch cables. The smartphone app will unlock the devices. At the end of a ride, the user must lock the scooter to street furniture, such as bike rack or pole, and snap a photo of it. Skip has been renting its full complement of 625 scooters and said it has gotten positive rider feedback. Skip also plans to add built-in locks to its fleet and is now testing them out on about a dozen scooters. In addition to thwarting thieves, the locks should help keep more of the scooters out of the flow of pedestrian traffic and prevent people from knocking them over. Skip said its working on new technology to detect when scooters are ridden on sidewalks, which is prohibited. We want people to learn that when they get to the sidewalk, they should pull up the scooter and walk it to the furniture zone, said Julie Supan, Skip chief marketing officer, referring to the sidewalk edge where scooters are supposed to be parked. In March, three other scooter companies Lime, Bird and Spin burst onto the streets in San Francisco. The scooter deluge led to a temporary ban and then creation of the pilot program. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which oversees scooters, said the number of complaints is much lower now than in the spring. The agencys 311 line logged 336 scooter-related complaints from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, or 11.2 a day. In the spring, it received complaints at the rate of 44.6 a day. Santiago Delgadillo / Scoot Networks Scoots scooters average two or three rides a day, Keating said. By contrast, Santiago, Chile, where Scoot rolled out scooters around the same time, sees six to 10 rides a day per scooter. Thats because the vehicles there are concentrated in a central business district, while in San Francisco theyre dispersed throughout neighborhoods, he said. Skip declined to say how many rentals it facilitates, but its pleased with usage, Supan said. Riders use them for first-mile, last-mile connections to transit, as well as for scenic rides such as along the Embarcadero or in Golden Gate Park, she said. Constant theft is clearly not sustainable, Keating said. He declined to say what Scoot pays for its two-wheelers, but industry sources say e-scooters are bought wholesale from China for around $300. Scooter thefts and vandalism are issues in many of the hundreds of cities worldwide that have the two-wheelers. Bird Graveyard, an Instagram account with 60,000 followers, chronicles the sometimes-brutal ways scooters meet their end, such as burning, being thrown off buildings or being tossed in the ocean. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid Steeple Walk tickets cost $15 and are available on the citys website at www.geneva.il.us; the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; Circa, 123 S. Third St.; and City Hall, 22 S. First St., through Dec. 7. Tickets also are on sale at any of the participating churches until Nov. 21. San Franciscos Marriott hotel strike will last through Thanksgiving week amid a contract dispute, the hotel workers union said Thursday. The strike began six weeks ago, with 2,500 workers marching in picket lines outside eight hotels as they push for higher wages and lighter workloads. Hotel workers and Marriott negotiated late into the night Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but left without a deal, a spokesman for Unite Here Local 2, which represents hotel workers, said in a statement. Marriotts proposal doesnt come close to preserving affordable health care, giving us the livable incomes we need to survive, or ending the pain and injury caused by unsafe workloads. The union plans to meet with Marriott for more talks early next week. Marriott declined to discuss contract negotiation details. We remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair contract for all parties, a company spokesman said in a statement. He said Marriott pays significantly above the minimum wage in most markets and provides generous benefits. The union said cleaners in San Francisco make $45,000 a year, on average. The 24-hour-a-day protests have led to event cancellations in hotels and reduced services. Marriott and its contractors hired temporary workers who are bused in from hours away. The strike, which spanned eight cities at its peak, is the largest hotel walkout in decades, according to Unite Here Local 2. On Nov. 2, Oakland hotel workers reached an agreement to end their strike. San Jose workers came to an accord a week later. Unite Here Local 2850, which represents Oakland workers, didnt provide details. Spokesman Ty Hudson told The Chronicle this month that the deal will allow people to make a living in the extremely expensive Bay Area. The 24-hour marching has led to complaints regarding noise and inadequate room cleaning from hotel guests on websites such as TripAdvisor. But its unclear whether the strike is pushing room rates down, said Holden Lim, president of Hospitality Link International, a San Mateo hotel consultant firm. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Im sure theres some effects on occupancy and rate, Lim said, adding that data for October arent yet available. He said the busy fall convention season, which includes events such as Oracle OpenWorld, heightens demand for hotel rooms to one of the highest levels of the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be slower for San Francisco travel. While tourists may arrive, there arent large conventions that pack hotel rooms and conference centers, Lim said. Striking workers arent the only labor dispute for Marriott. A temporary hotel worker named Carmelo has filed federal labor charges against Marriott and its Hayward cleaning staffing contractor Environmental Service Partners. He told The Chronicle that he was fired after speaking briefly to a Unite Here Local 2 organizer, which experts have said could be a violation of federal law that protects union activity. Marriott previously told The Chronicle its contractors must comply with labor law. The charges are not well founded, said Stephan Barber, an attorney for Environmental Service Partners. He declined to comment further. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf Capping a wild day on Wall Street in which Pacific Gas and Electric Co. stock crashed and soared as investors weighed the prospect of government aid, Californias top utility regulator said Thursday his agency can help the utility avoid financial catastrophe because of the states raging wildfires. Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, said his agency does not want PG&E and the states other investor-owned utilities to file for bankruptcy. In a move he conceded was unusual, he briefed investors and analysts on his views before issuing a public statement Thursday, a decision that may have contributed to the stocks after-hours surge. The commission, Picker said, will soon begin to implement a provision in a new state law through which utilities can pass wildfire costs along to their customers. The provision in the law, SB901, lets utilities such as PG&E handle wildfire-related costs by using bonds customers would pay off over time. But the utility first needs to go through a bankruptcy stress test that determines how much of the cost it can absorb on its own anything beyond that can be passed to customers. In an interview with The Chronicle, Picker said he believes the process can apply to wildfires from this year and last year. But because the law currently authorizes the utility to issue bonds only for fires that ignited in 2017, Picker admitted some cleanup legislation may be necessary. State fire investigators have not determined the cause of the deadly Camp Fire burning in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Chico. PG&E told regulators last week, however, that some of its equipment near an origin point of the fire in Butte County experienced a problem just before the blaze began, helping fuel speculation and at least one lawsuit pinning blame on the utility. Pickers comments to The Chronicle and in a public statement came after Bloomberg reported he spoke on a call hosted by Wall Street analysts, in which he said he looked unfavorably on the prospect of PG&E going bankrupt. The report appeared to boost the shares of the utilitys parent company, PG&E Corp. While PG&E shares were down more than 30 percent when the markets closed Thursday, bringing the companys value down to $9 billion, they made a dramatic rebound in after-hours trading, climbing more than 44 percent and erasing the days losses. The stock was trading after hours at $25.60, which is still nearly half its opening price Nov. 8, the day the Camp Fire began. Picker said that allowing utilities to go bankrupt is just not good policy. They have to be financially healthy to be able to provide those goods and services that ratepayers need, he said in an interview. If they cant borrow money, if they have liquidity problems and they cant do vegetation management, thats a problem. Thats not good policy, to really let them get financially unstable. PG&E spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said in an email the utility agrees with Picker that an essential component of providing safe electrical service is long-term financial stability. Access to affordable capital is critical to carrying out safety measures and meeting Californias bold clean energy goals, Paulo said in the email. Recently passed legislation recognized the importance of financially healthy utilities to California electric customers, and implementing it quickly is important to achieve that goal. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California Picker also said the utilities commission will broaden the scope of a 3-year-old investigation into PG&Es safety culture, originally borne out of the fallout from the 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion, to include recent wildfires as well. This is really about the safety culture, not about San Bruno, Picker said. Its what have they done subsequently? Have they done things that they know work, and did they monitor them and did they find that they are not meeting expectations on any particular actions? What did they learn from that to improve? So far, I would say not all the evidence supports the fact that they have a strong safety culture. Its not clear what, if any, additional steps the Legislature will consider to help PG&E should investigators determine its equipment sparked the Camp Fire. In response to Thursdays public statement from Picker, state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, released a statement of his own saying lawmakers this year put significant new requirements on electric utilities and the commission. Its my expectation that the public utilities commission will move quickly to institute these heightened standards, Dodd, who wrote SB901, said in the statement. It is important that the Safety Culture Investigation addresses the structure and internal controls of the utility. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris As the number of dead and missing continues to rise one week after the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise, many residents as well as five firefighters are recovering from severe burns or other injuries. More than a dozen patients were treated at Northern California burn centers in the days after the Nov. 8 fire leveled Paradise and surrounding Butte County communities. As of Thursday, the burn center at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento was treating 10 patients with injuries sustained in the fire. Eight of them were in fair condition, one was in serious condition and one person was critical, said Charlie Casey, a hospital spokesman. One patient was listed as stable at Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Memorial in San Francisco, another major Northern California burn center. Five firefighters battling the inferno were injured as flames spread uncontrolled though Paradise. In the scramble to escape, many residents abandoned everything they had, including prescription medication and other vital items. Three of the injured firefighters were taken to UC Davis Medical Center, said Chief Scott McLean, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Two of the firefighters were released and one is still being treated, he said. That firefighters condition was not immediately available. Two more firefighters were taken to Enloe Medical Center in Chico, where they were treated and later released. Cal Fire did not say where the firefighters were injured, and officials did not describe the circumstances of how they were injured. Rick Rios, 69, survived the fire with severe burns on his hands. His wife, Lolene, 58, was trapped in their home with five dogs when the blaze hit. Rick Rios is being treated at UC Davis Medical Center and faces a long road to recovery. He will likely need skin grafts, his daughter, Maria Rios, told The Chronicle. Firefighters pulled him off of his roof and rushed him to the hospital in Chico, where he was taken by a Life Flight helicopter to the Sacramento burn center. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California Enloe Medical Center the only Level II trauma center between Sacramento and Redding saw a spike in patients starting on the morning of the fire. Not only did medical staff need to treat fire victims, but the hospital also took in 49 patients from Feather River Hospital in Paradise, which was forced to evacuate that morning. The day of the fire was one of the busiest days in the 105-year history of our emergency department, said Nicole Johansson, a spokeswoman for the hospital. Enloe employees have been working extra shifts and the hospital credentialed the staff of Feather River Hospital to help meet the surge of patients, Johansson said. A clinic also opened at Enloe to allow patients to refill prescriptions they may have lost when fleeing the fire. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky The air quality in the Bay Area has remained at unhealthy levels for several days after the huge Camp Fire in Butte County. Sensitive groups seniors, young children and people with chronic heart or lung conditions are especially at risk. Heres what the indoor air quality experts at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recommend doing: Stay indoors as much as possible, with the windows closed. Refrain from vigorous activities that would increase your rate of breathing and intake of air pollutants. Wear a N95 or P100 respirator mask when youre outside. They can substantially reduce your intake of fine particles when worn properly (fitted to your face with two straps). If you have a continuous ventilation system in your home, such as an exhaust fan in the laundry room, turn it off. If you have a central forced air system, use it in fan on mode. Check or change air filters in your home, usually located at the return grille or air unit. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the industry rating system used by many filter manufacturers. The higher the number, the stronger the filtration. See a list of Berkeley Labs recommended filters here. Consider getting a portable air purifier for your home. They work best in a room that is closed off from other parts of the house, like a bedroom, where you can create a clean air zone. For large spaces and open floor plans, use multiple units. When picking a purifier, look for Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), a measure of how many cubic feet of clean air the device produces each minute. Its recommended that an air purifier has a CADR of at least two-thirds of the rooms square footage: a 120-square-foot room should have an air purifier with a CADR of 80 or above. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has a searchable directory of purifiers that includes CADR data. If youre driving in a car, set the ventilation to recirculation mode at medium or high. If the air quality seems to be getting worse, turn it off. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California If youre looking to get indoors, San Francisco has designated several air shelters. They are: San Francisco Main Public Library (100 Larkin St.), Mission Bay Library (960 Fourth St.), Westfield San Francisco Centre mall (865 Market St.), Chinatown Branch Library (1135 Powell St.) and Glen Park Branch Library (2825 Diamond St.). Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho Yalonda M James / The Chronicle Gov. Jerry Brown and Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who were critical of President Trump when he zeroed in on poor forest management as deadly fires raged across Northern and Southern California, will join him when he visits the state Saturday, the governors office said. The White House has released no details on where Trump is going or when he will be there. However, in an interview with Fox News, Trump said he wanted to meet with firefighters who have been battling the Camp Fire in Butte County, the most destructive wildfire in California history. He also defended his criticism of forest management, which he first voiced in a tweet Saturday. Im not saying that in a negative way, he said. Im just saying the facts. Hell have an opportunity to discuss his views face to face Saturday with Brown and Lt. Gov. Newsom. We welcome the presidents visit to California and are grateful for the quick response to our aid requests, Brown and Newsom said in a statement. Now is a time to pull together for the people of California. Brown joined Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Wednesday on a tour of areas in and around the Butte County town of Paradise that were devastated by the Camp Fire. At least 71 people were killed in the blaze and more than 11,000 structures burned. The number of people reported missing since the blaze jumped to 1,011 on Friday as crews continue searching for bodies in the wreckage. Three people have died in the Woolsey Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The blaze has destroyed 616 structures. Newsom has toured both the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire in recent days, saying he was in awe of the strength and resilience of the survivors and thankful to first responders. Trump approved a disaster declaration for Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties on Monday, clearing the way for federal aid for victims and local governments. The action came two days after he tweeted that poor forest management was to blame for Californias wildfire disasters, an assertion that Newsom criticized as partisanship and a Brown spokesman called inane. Trump talked about the issue again in an interview with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace that is scheduled to be aired Sunday. Many forestry experts have criticized Trumps initial remark as an oversimplification, saying poorly managed forests are just one of several factors in worsening wildfires. They have pointed to climate change as one of the leading factors in stressing forests through hotter weather and droughts. Trump said climate change may contribute a little bit to the fires, but that forest management remains the bigger issue. He said other states have done a better job of managing forests to prevent fires than California, although he failed to note that the federal government itself owns more than half the forestland in the state. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California When I was in a certain state, I wont say which, the governor said, You know, weve tested it, Trump said, according to a Fox transcript. We clean out areas and we actually set the fire just to see, we lose almost nothing, we can put it out right away. And then we leave areas unmaintained, he said, Well lose 100,000 acres before you even know it. Trump said he wanted to see the firefighters who have been battling the blaze. Nobodys ever seen whats going on over there and now theyre saying it could be as many as 600, this just came out before we met, could be as many as 600 people killed, up by 400, its incredible whats going on, Trump said, citing the number of people who had been listed Thursday as missing. And burned beyond recognition, they cant even see the bodies, its incredible. No law enforcement or fire officials have estimated how many people reported missing may be among the dead. Trapper Byrne and Melody Gutierrez are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: tbyrne@sfchronicle.com; mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com WASHINGTON President Trump will visit California on Saturday to meet with people who have suffered losses in the states wildfires, the White House said Thursday. The president will travel to California this Saturday to meet with individuals impacted by the wildfires, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said in a statement. We will keep you updated on details as they are available. The administration offered no additional information on where Trump would travel. The announcement comes amid criticism of Trumps initial response to the devastating fires in Butte County and Southern California. Although he has signed off on a disaster declaration that allows federal support to flow into the state, he has also made threats about withholding such aid. Trump has frequently maligned California and has used wildfires as a way to criticize the states environmental policies, though most experts say the two are not linked. The trip will also be the presidents first to the state since he traveled here in March to highlight his efforts to build a wall at the southern border. Trump was silent for two days as the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise in Butte County, killing at least 63 people and destroying 11,862 structures, and the Woolsey Fire erupted in Southern California. Three people have died and 500 structures have been lost in that blaze. Then on Saturday, he outraged California officials and the states largest firefighters association with a tweet that expressed no condolences for the state or fire victims, but instead blamed poor forest management for such disasters. Trump has since issued several tweets praising first responders and sympathizing with people who have lost their homes. On Monday, he approved a disaster declaration clearing the way for federal aid to victims and governments in Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Trump has visited the state only once as president, traveling to the San Diego area in March to view prototypes of his border wall. But he has visited disaster scenes in several other states, including hurricane damage in Texas, Florida and the Carolinas, leaving some lawmakers questioning why he hadnt come to California to view either the damage from recent fires or the devastation from earlier blazes near Redding and in the North Bay. Some Bay Area lawmakers were unimpressed with Trumps announcement of a visit. Hes doing his job for a change, said Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough. Speier had asked in a tweet Tuesday, @POTUS, youve been to Florida and youve been to Texas. Will you come to California to console the fire victims who are devastated by the worst fires in our states history? Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, also said the presidents response left much to be desired. He called the visit many days late, and millions of dollars short. But other area lawmakers were pleased to see the White House take an interest in California. Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of St. Helena, whose district is still recovering from last years Wine Country blazes, said he was thankful for any effort to help. California has been devastated by wildfires and were seeing it again with one thats going to be the worst wildfire ever, and the loss of life is terrible, Thompson said. Im just glad that the federal government is going to do everything they can to help out in the situation. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California In a statement, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said, I welcome the presidents visit to see the extent of the damage from these ongoing wildfires, and look forward to working with his administration to ensure California receives all the federal support possible in the response and recovery. Residents were similarly split over the visit. Noreen Jones, in her 60s, lost her home in the Butte County hamlet of Concow and is staying with her 31-year-old son in Chico. Is he going to throw some paper towels at us? Thats what he did over in Puerto Rico. He was throwing paper towels, Jones said, recounting Trumps visit to the island after it was hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017. I have nothing to say to him at this time. Her son Aaron Colwell said he wanted to see the president hold Pacific Gas and Electric Co. accountable and address the private ownership of big power companies. Investigators are looking into whether a PG&E line sparked the Camp Fire. But Paradise resident Jeff Honeycutt, 64, who also lost his home, said Trumps visit to California was hopeful. Theres a lot of people these days trying to put him down and get him out, Honeycutt said. I appreciate what hes doing for our country. Hes going to look at all the damage and hes going to see how serious it is. ... Things happen better in the long run if the government is fully involved. Tal Kopan reported from Washington and Sarah Ravani from Butte County. Tal Kopan is the San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani, @TalKopan Posted on Nextdoor in the Sunset District, a Tuesday, Nov. 13, entry noticed by Charles Moody: Question: The air seems very smoky today. Anyone else notice that? Any idea whats going on? Also, does anyone have a Phillips screwdriver I can borrow on Thursday? The rest of us, whod followed the news, whod read for days about the Camp Fire and others, knew, if we got up early enough to see the sun rise, why it was red instead of gold; at night, we knew why the moon was orange. We listened to reports and warnings for people whose health might be imperiled by the air, and we wondered whether we ought to be concerned about ourselves. Emerging from downtown San Francisco buildings, we observed that the outlines of surrounding structures, usually crisp against the skys backdrop, looked blurry; that the sky was gray, that the air itself was yellow. Nothing, however, was as unsettling as walking through the streets, among a flock of people in masks. They were doing the rational thing, protecting themselves against danger, but while doing that, they were making their faces unreadable. The sense of community in a shared expression was gone. And it felt as though we, in this particular urban civilization, had turned a hideous environmental corner, living in some sci-fi dystopia. At the same time, if you saw a masked stranger, your attention was drawn only to the mask, not the clothing nor the shoes nor any other signifier of social status. Masked people were side by side with the open-faced, trying to guarantee survival in a sea of airlessness threatening to drown us all. Maybe some of them were down-and-outers, addicts, sidewalk alcoholics. They were as worried about breathing as anyone else anywhere else in the city. I was on my way back to the office after the San Francisco Symphonys afternoon performance of From the Diary of Anne Frank on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Its a stunning piece, all the more so if like me you read the book a long time ago, and what mostly remained was the horror of her confinement and then death. But this musical evocation, with passages read aloud by Isabel Leonard, reminded me that there was so much more to Anne Frank than the unspeakable tragedy of her death. On the way out, when I stopped for a moment to congratulate maestro Michael Tilson Thomas, whod composed the work, he mentioned the part where Frank was writing in her diary about looking through the one window she could see. I've found that there is always some beauty left, in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you, she wrote, commenting on the flowering of a nearby chestnut tree. Last weeks worst tragedies were felt by those who were literally immolated, scorched, burned out of their homes. But even for those miles away, a week in which we were all deprived of nature, sunshine, freedom felt like a dire environmental warning. Meanwhile, Barbara Ridley was driving around, doing some errands and listening to a KQED California Report about the poor quality of the air. My eyes were smarting from the smoke, in spite of having all my car windows up tight, she emailed, and when the announcer said, Coming up at 1 oclock, Fresh Air, she found herself longing for the real thing. And when, who lives in Oakland, noticed her mail carrier was using a flimsy hospital-style mask, she gave her a N95 mask, which filters out 95 percent of the particulates. The letter carriers, she said, are out all day, breathing unsafe air; when she gave out the mask, the alert was red, unhealthy. As of Wednesday, the Postal Services communications man, Augustine Ruiz, said that postal workers in Chico and Butte County were receiving masks as required by health services, but in the Bay Area at that time those masks were given only to workers who requested them. The San Francisco Youth Orchestras 11th European tour next year includes a June 26 concert at the Elbphilarmonie in Hamburg. German-born Christian Reif is not only musical director of the Youth Orchestra, but also resident conductor of the Symphony. When Reif contacted his family to let them know hed be conducting in Germany, they found only a few tickets left; within three days of having been announced, the concert was sold out. PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING I work at the County Jail, and this is the worst part of my day. Man to man, aboard a 6-Haight-Parnassus bus during morning rush hour, overheard by Michael Markwell Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Noe Valleys Contigo is closing its doors just shy of a decade on Castro Street. Brett Emerson, who runs the business with Elan Emerson, announced the closure on Instagram, saying Contigos final service will be Nov. 17. The Emersons have another restaurant taking shape in Santa Cruz called Barceloneta. The project is what spurred Brett and Elan to move from San Francisco to Santa Cruz a few years ago. It is also what recently convinced them to shut down Contigo. My wife and I run Contigo. Opening a restaurant in Santa Cruz and trying to be here for Contigo, it just wasnt something we could do, Brett told Inside Scoop. With a 7-year-old daughter at home, Brett and Elan also realized Santa Cruz was just the best place for their young family. Furthermore, as business owners, Santa Cruz also presents a notable perk for the new restaurant. John Storey / Special to the Chronicle Since were a farm-to-table restaurant, all of our farms are in Santa Cruz, Brett said. Itll definitely be nice being closer to the farms. It will make things easier for us. When Contigo opened in 2009, it kickstarted the citys burgeoning Spanish restaurant landscape. In the time since, the business has remained a popular neighborhood hangout for the Noe Valley crowd. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Brett said he and Elan are still sifting through the details of the pending closure. But as a family, theyre looking forward to what the future holds for them in Santa Cruz. It was just the right time to do this, Brett said. Were hoping people come find us in Santa Cruz too. Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Lorance declined yet to say which specific building instead saying it is River Street-ish but did say the building has been chosen, and he hopes to have the roastery open in four months. The California Supreme Court is allowing the State Bar to keep confidential its records of the race and ethnicity of the many thousands of aspiring lawyers who take the bar exam, records that a law professor wants to use in his opposition to affirmative action. UCLA Law Professor Richard Sander gained support from news organizations, including the California News Publishers Association, whose members include The Chronicle. The media groups argued that release of some of the State Bars now-confidential records on its test-takers could shed light on the bars practices without endangering the applicants privacy. The state Supreme Court ruled in Sanders favor in 2013, saying the bar must make the records public if the applicants names were kept confidential. But a San Francisco judge and a state appeals court then ruled that disclosure of the records could breach applicants privacy and would illegally require the bar to create new types of records. On Wednesday, the states high court unanimously denied review of the case. In response, Sander said the bars secrecy is hurting the entire legal profession, including minority applicants. He said he hopes the bar will be pressed by the court, its official overseer, and by civil rights groups and lawmakers to commission a fair and independent study with access to its data. David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, a media group, said it wants records that go well beyond race and ethnicity and would include exam-takers educational background and law school performance to shed light on the bars admission practices. We think the public is entitled to see the records of this powerful institution, which is one of the most secretive in the state, Snyder said. The public would be able to understand whether the State Bar is meeting its objective of protecting the public by admitting only qualified lawyers. The bars executive director, Leah Wilson, said she is pleased that the courts had recognized her organizations duty to protect the privacy and anonymity of bar applicants and their personal information. Sander filed his suit in 2008, seeking information on everyone who had taken the bar exam since 1972. He contends race preferences in admission hurt minorities by placing them in law schools where they cant compete effectively. California voters outlawed race-based affirmative action at state universities in 1996, but it remains legal at private universities. In a November 2016 ruling against Sander, Superior Court Judge Mary Wiss said that even though he did not seek records of bar applicants names, researchers could use the data to identify individuals, particularly minorities, and damage their reputations. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco agreed with Wiss this August and said the law did not require disclosure for a second reason: State law requires public agencies to provide access to their existing records but does not require them to create new records to satisfy a request for disclosure, the court said. It said the data sought by Sander and the news organizations would require new types of records. In a legal filing supporting Sanders appeal, the news organizations said the appeals court had wrongly characterized the mere manipulation of data as the creation of a new record, a standard that would potentially gut public access to government data. The case is Sander vs. Superior Court, S251671. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Heres what this months midterm elections can predict about the 2020 presidential election: nothing. So, lets look at what really happened in the most expensive midterm elections in U.S. history to set the stage for that White House contest in just 103 weeks. As fascinating and even as vicious as some campaigns were this fall, much of the staggering $5.2 billion spent to sway voters was wasted. Campaigns produced more incitement than inspiration. And this time, Americans collectively ended up tweaking in revealing ways the collection of politicians they dispatched to Talk City. Democrats did retake the House after eight years of powerlessness. But there was no blue wave. In fact, the Democrats gains of 30-plus seats were less than the 40 expected when a presidents job approval is below 50 percent. President Trump mobilized nearly 2 out of 3 voters on both sides in what was hailed pathetically as a record midterm turnout of 113 million, barely 49 percent. Elsewhere in the world, people are murdered for exercising that sacred right. Yet even given weeks of early voting, more than half of eligible Americans couldnt be bothered. The antipathy to Trump and his behavior, plus the departures of three dozen Republican incumbents, was sufficient to flip the House. It wasnt accidental that in their usually judicious way, voters enjoying a booming economy threw out barely half as many House members in the presidents party this time as they did in the first midterms of the past two Democratic presidents. These fresh minds and energies have the potential to rejuvenate sclerotic House Democrats, whose coastal leadership is unburdened by new ideas, was unanimously born before Pearl Harbor and acts like it. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, may be the first speaker to regain the gavel in six decades. But steam for change is building within her younger caucus. In the past 21 midterm elections, the presidents party has lost on average four Senate seats. Barack Obama lost six in 2010, Bill Clinton eight in 1994. This time, voters opted to increase the GOPs Senate majority, possibly by two or three. They expelled Democratic senators who supported that shameful burlesque opposing Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court confirmation. Only West Virginias Joe Manchin, who voted to confirm, survived re-election. This pattern returns Washington to the divided government historically preferred, with one party reining in and/or mercilessly harassing the other. Gridlock can be good if the country or at least the half that voted is about evenly split on where it should go. It was probably preordained that Trump would declare an almost total victory focused on Senate results, not the House. Nine of the 11 candidates he rallied for were victorious, thanks to the 72-year-olds amazing pace and reliable base. Two acts reveal Trumps real thoughts: One, he faced reality and called for bipartisanship. Now is the time for members of both parties to join together, he said in an otherwise combative news conference, put partisanship aside, and keep the American economic miracle going strong. And two, within 24 hours of the polls closing, Trump totally blew up the news cycle by firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions. His departure was long expected. But if youre sincerely celebrating an almost total election win, you dont change the subject immediately by canning your very first Senate supporter. These days, no one makes predictions two months out, let alone two years. But what can we expect in the meantime? A lot of bipartisan talk, maybe a little action. The GOP was a party of convenience for Trump, a longtime donor to Democrats, including Pelosi. If she can leash her caucus impeachment dogs already foaming at the mouth, the pair may consummate a deal on, say, infrastructure spending, useful evidence for 2020 that both can accomplish something. Trump is, after all, a pragmatist and no fiscal hawk. The presidents noisiest party critics are gone, including most centrists. The new senators owe him. The GOP is now his party, for better or worse, and hes developed a professional working relationship with Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. 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. With a larger majority, their ambitious drive to remake the federal judiciary can continue, possibly the longest-lasting political change they can engineer. Trump already has two justices on the Supreme Court, and two of the surviving liberals there are in their 80s. The Democratic Party is headed by, well, anyones guess. Clintons centrist mantra looks as weathered as he does. And Obamas coalition was trampled in the stampede to the left. He was 0-4 helping candidates this fall. Democrats could have more than 20 presidential hopefuls wrestling in the primaries. Theyre senators, ex-senators, defeated Senate wannabes, outside lawyers and, oh, look, even another New York billionaire whos conveniently switched parties. Both parties have repair work to do Democrats in the countryside, Republicans in the suburbs. Whats clear, if obscured by conflicting victory laps, is that dozens of congressional races were decided by unusually slim margins, less than 5 percent. This newly emerging abundance of swing districts suggests the historical pattern of one partys enduring control of one or two chambers is as dead as civil debate seems to be. De facto term limits, finally. Viewed one way, that would make federal politics routinely more volatile. Viewed another, that could make Congress more quickly reflective of the swift social, demographic, economic and political changes sweeping America this century. And both could happen at the same time. Special to McClatchy Andrew Malcolm is an author and veteran national and foreign correspondent covering politics since the 1960s. Follow him @AHMalcolm Its good to be king, or in this case governor. Gavin Newsom will take office with a super majority of fellow Democrats in the Legislature, a clean-sweep party lineup in state offices, and a $15 billion surplus. This last nugget may be the most noteworthy. Newsom won office with a shopping list of costly promises that includes expanded health care, 3 million new housing units and early childhood education. All popular and all expensive. Following through is now a lot easier except it runs into another Newsom promise: to be as thrifty as outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown. The surplus is a stunner, so big the state Legislative Analysts Office couldnt come up with an historical parallel and fell back on a one-word description: extraordinary. The wave of money is flowing off a booming economy and rides on top of a rainy day fund totaling another $14.5 billion. There are plenty of problems that could use the money, to be sure. Wildfire costs will eat up $1 billion or more. California has the highest poverty rate in the nation with one in five residents living below the low-income line. Water sharing and high-speed rail plans remain costly, divisive and inconclusive. State pension obligations continue to run far ahead of projected revenues though the picture has improved because of reforms, higher deductions and investment performance. Nudging Newsom ahead of his January due date is the new game. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, said a new budget will need strong new investments, code for new spending to ease the states ills. Other lawmakers are saying much the same, hoping that the growing surplus and new governor will break with Browns skinflint views. Newsoms job will be to craft a budget that blends Californias good fortune with its serious needs. Fresh in mind should be Browns frequent reminders that the flush times wont last. The states volatile tax-gathering system could dry to a trickle if the economy sours. Newsom may want to add another promise to his wish list: an updated revenue code that can weather an up-and-down economy and reflects a business world thats grown from manufacturing to include untaxed services. Times are good, governor-elect, and you have a rare chance to make a change without serious financial pressure. California can set an example by fixing its finances for the future. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press Lawmakers have reached an impasse over legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation. On one side are those who see no need to defend the probe from President Trump. On the other is the obvious truth. It doesnt take a team of FBI agents to divine the presidents intentions toward Muellers inquiry into his campaigns relationship with Russia. The Houses decimated Republican majority was still smoldering when Trump fired Jeff Sessions the day after last weeks midterm elections. The attorney generals original sin, in his boss view, was following ethics rules and recusing himself from the Russia investigation, precipitating Muellers appointment by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Trump then bypassed Rosenstein and the rest of the Justice Departments Senate-confirmed line of succession to install an acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, best known for publicly attacking the special counsels investigation. Katie Porter, a UC Irvine law professor, has ousted Orange County GOP Rep. Mimi Walters from office, giving Democrats five new congressional seats in California even as they edge closer to a pickup in a sixth district. California Democrats now lead or have won in six of the seven GOP-held districts the party targeted in the midterm elections, a near-sweep of historic proportions. Porter, who has worked closely with Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, was the underdog in the historically conservative 45th District. But Walters solid support for President Trump worked against her in a district that backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016. Walters, R-Irvine, held the lead on election night, but Porter took command earlier this week. According to Thursday evening results from Orange County, Porter now leads the incumbent by about 6,200 votes, 51 to 49 percent. Southern Californias 39th District also moved closer to a Democratic takeover. The California secretary of states office showed Gil Cisneros of Yorba Linda (Orange County) just 48 votes behind former GOP Assemblywoman Young Kim in a district left vacant by the retirement of GOP Rep. Ed Royce. But results from Orange County, which were released too late to appear in the secretary of states report, gave Cisneros a 900-vote lead. Kim appears to be suffering the same fate as Republicans across the state the longer the vote count continues, the worse they do. Kim, for example, had a 53 percent-to-47 percent margin on election night. In the Bay Area, the lone Republican in either the Legislature or Congress, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker of San Ramon, had a 51.2 to 48.8 percent lead on election night over Democrat Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Thats now down to 50.1 to 49.9 percent, a difference of fewer than 200 votes. The millions of mail ballots dropped off at polling places on election day or arriving in the following days, as well as provisional ballots, have been a gold mine of support for Democrats. Across the state, those late ballots have flipped a number of races, or moved Democrats into insurmountable leads. Voters who turn their mail ballots in on election day or cast provisional ballots are not the same demographic group as those who vote early or at the polls, said Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc., which collects and analyzes voter information. They are renters, young people, minorities and other low-propensity voters who tend to lean both Democratic and progressive, he said. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth Standing on West Portal Avenue far from those areas where needles, tents and human waste are common Phil Shinn said he just couldnt justify voting for Proposition C, the November ballot measure that would tax San Franciscos big businesses to raise money for the citys homelessness crisis. If youre dealing with it every day outside your doorstep, people will do anything for immediate relief. And Im sympathetic with that, said Shinn, a Mount Davidson resident. But, he said, the city already spends $300 million a year on homeless services. And he wasnt sure another $300 million from the citys biggest businesses would do the trick. Im not convinced the current measures are effective, he said. Prop. C would raise gross receipts taxes by an average of 0.5 percent on the citys biggest businesses, such as Salesforce, Visa and Twitter, to generate $300 million a year for homeless services and housing. It was the most contentious measure during the November campaign, dividing the city along political and emotional lines and attracting millions of dollars from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a staunch supporter of the measure. Although Prop. C has so far received about 61 percent approval, with a majority of the citys 604 precincts favoring it, the number of votes against the measure is significant because it did not get the two-thirds approval it needed to avoid possible litigation. That means the money could be held up for months, maybe even years, before it can be used. The legal dispute stems from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association suing over a proposition from Junes election that would raise taxes on commercial rents to fund child care and education, because it, too, did not win two-thirds of the vote. Until the matter is settled, the money from Novembers Prop C. will be collected but held in reserve. While there are still thousands of votes to count, so far the biggest clusters of votes against Prop. C have come from districts that have historically higher levels of conservative voters. They also come from precincts with lower numbers of homeless people compared with other parts of San Francisco. About 46 percent of voters in District Two, which encompasses the Marina and Pacific Heights, were against the measure, according to the Department of Elections. In District Seven, which includes Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson and West Portal, about 45 percent voted no. In District Four, the Sunset, that number was around 44 percent. On a recent morning in Districts Two, Four and Seven, several residents had similar reasons for voting no: They werent sure the money would be spent effectively. The city already has a huge homeless budget. Its not fair to put the burden on big businesses just because they have the money. Mahsa Tehrani, 32, a senior social media manager at Oracle who lives in Pacific Heights, said she worried that increasing services in San Francisco could actually attract more homeless people to San Francisco. In the beginning, I thought it might be a good idea, she said. But it wont solve the problem as there will be more demand. Albert Chow, a Sunset resident and owner of Great Wall Hardware on Taraval Street, said all of San Francisco should pay its fair share toward solving the problem, but he didnt think the tax measure is the way to do it. I am proud of San Franciscos big heart, he said. But we have a tendency to throw money at things, and we dont follow up. Monterey Heights resident Maria Link, 80, who voted against the measure, put it more bluntly: Out of sight, out of mind, she said of the citys homeless population. The No on C campaign generally expected the district-by-district voting patterns that played out on election day, said Jess Montejano, a spokesman for No on C, whose backers included the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor London Breed, Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco. Voters primarily in the west side districts in San Francisco tend to be more skeptical of new taxes for additional city services overall, Montejano said. Overall, these communities tend to believe the city could do a better job in using our resources more efficiently, given our $11 billion budget. Given the fact that the measure still passed in each district, there were plenty of people for Prop. C even in the more conservative districts and they all their own reasons why. The numbers in Districts Two, Four and Seven compare to other parts of the city, like District Six home to the Tenderloin and SoMa, the center of the citys homeless crisis where 34 percent voted against the measure. Even lower levels of no-voters were in District Nine the Mission with 29 percent, and District Five the Haight, Western Addition and Hayes Valley had about 28 percent vote no. Mira Waldman, 46, said she voted for the measure because hypodermic needles are a common sight around her neighborhood, the Mission. We are seeing it in the Mission all the time, she said. It felt like something needed to happen. Susan Klat, 56, a Sunset resident who works on the corporate side of clothing company Gap, said she voted yes on Prop. C because she can see the effects of the citys homeless crisis trickling into her quiet neighborhood. You get so many homeless people from Golden Gate Park ... and when you go to get your coffee, theyre everywhere, she said. Anything they can do is better than nothing. Even though the levels of voters against the measure in Districts Two, Four and Seven were higher than other parts of the city, Jim Stearns, a political consultant who worked on the Yes on C Campaign, said the fact that it passed in those areas of the city is still a success. The campaign pitched this as, Lets help all of us with a problem that were all experiencing, he said. And I think that tone and outreach to the swing voter spoke to their experience. Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness and a principal architect of Prop. C, said while she is disappointed the measure didnt get the two-thirds vote that would have prevented possible legal action, she is proud the campaign seemed to move people from a place of cynicism and apathy to a feeling of hope. As she walked down Union Street, a 62-year-old woman named Patricia who declined to give her last name said she was floored to see how bad the homeless problem was when she moved to the city three years ago. Voting for the measure, she said, was a no-brainer. But after learning the money may not be spent for a while, she let out a gasp. Thats not good, she said, shaking her head. But, At least its on the table. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani WASHINGTON House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi unveiled the support of more than 100 LGBT leaders and advocates Friday as she intensified her campaign to reclaim the speakers gavel. The letter makes the case for the San Francisco Democrat as a decades-long advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It joins a series of testimonials from national groups voicing support for Pelosi. The letter highlights Pelosis tireless work for LGBT rights during her 31-year career in Congress, including her first House speech on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and her efforts in passing hate crimes legislation. There is no better ally to the LGBTQ community on Capitol Hill than Leader Pelosi, period, the group wrote. Signatories included outgoing Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin; Jim Obergefell, plaintiff in the landmark court case that led to legalization of same-sex marriages; and San Franciscos James Hormel, who became the first openly gay U.S. ambassador when former President Bill Clinton appointed him as envoy to Luxembourg. The LGBT advocates endorsement came as a potential Democratic challenger to Pelosi for speaker has emerged. Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, whose district stretches between Cleveland and Akron, told reporters Friday that she is considering making a run for the job but has no timeline for making a decision. She met later with Pelosi for 45 minutes behind closed doors. LGBT issues may be one of Fudges weaknesses she is one of two House Democrats who have not signed on to sponsor the proposed Equality Act, which would extend the Civil Rights Act to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Fudge issued a statement Thursday explaining that she opposed the measure because she wants to replace the Civil Rights Act with a new and modern bill on civil rights that includes LGBT issues. I would put my record of support for the LGBTQ community against anyone elses and challenge anyone to refute it, Fudge said. I fully support equal rights for the LGBTQ community. There is not one vote that I have ever taken that is anti-LGBTQ. Fudges name was first floated by dissident Democrats who say they have enough support to block Pelosi from returning to the speakership that she lost when Republicans took the House in 2010. Pelosi has countered that she is confident she has the votes. Democrats will pick party leaders in a caucus vote Nov. 28. The speaker must be confirmed by a majority on the House floor in January when the new Congress is sworn in. Tal Kopan is the San Francisco Chronicle Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter @talkopan The San Francisco Bay Area can't expect significant relief from the wildfire smoke-choked air until next week. A forecast earlier in the week indicated a system moving through the area Sunday night and kicking up a wind that would have blown the smoke out. Now, it looks like the system isn't going to make it close enough to spare our air. The current weather pattern is going to hold through Tuesday, and on Wednesday a storm in the forecast is expected to finally bring relief from the eye-stinging polluted air. N95, N100, P99? What do all those mask types mean, and how do I know I have the right one? There will be a change in wind direction, and that clean marine air coming in from the Pacific," says Spencer Tangen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Monterey office. " That onshore wind will be stronger, and it'll help to mix out the smoke, and push the smoke out." There's also a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain on Wednesday, and Tangen says, "The rain will actually remove some of the smoke itself." Rain also returns to the forecast on Thursday, with a 40 to 50 percent chance. MORE: You're not imagining it: The air quality in the Bay Area has suddenly gotten a lot worse Residents have been choking on toxic, eye-stinging smoke for days, as the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to rage. The conditions have shut down schools San Francisco schools will be closed on Friday cancelled sporting events and led many to purchase special masks to filter out the particulate matter. San Francisco Airport has seen delays due to low visibility. National Weather Service meteorologist Drew Peterson says smoke from the fire is filling the Sacramento Valley, creating a deep reservoir of polluted air. A light offshore wind is gently pushing the smoke from the valley to the southwest toward the Delta. When the smoke hits this narrower opening in the valley, it fans out, spreading across the Bay Area. Here the air is stagnant, and little smoke is escaping through the Golden Gate's skinny opening. "More smoke is able to enter through the Central Valley than is able to exit through the Golden Gate," explains Peterson. "We're just getting this steady feed of smoke from the Central Valley and then once it's here, it doesn't have a way to get out." With a high-pressure system parked over Northern California, this pattern is expected to hold through Tuesday and air-quality will remain within the "unhealthy" range. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended its Winter Spare the Air Alert through Tuesday. Residents should limit outdoor activity as much as possible, and continue to listen to health information from their local authorities. As the Bay Area continues to choke on smoke from Butte County's deadly Camp Fire, a number of residents are sharing photos of how the Bay Area looks while draped in smoke compared to how it usually looks on a normal day. On Friday, air quality in the Bay Area reached "very unhealthy" levels, and Northern California had the dirtiest air in the world. WANT TO ESCAPE? This is how far you'd have to drive to get out of the bad air The National Weather Service does not believe the smoke will clear anytime soon. "The winds are light and offshore, so there's nothing to move the smoke," Suzanne Sims, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said. "It's there, and it's not going anywhere." ALSO: N95, P100: What do all these mask numbers mean and how do I know it's keeping me safe? The soonest the Bay Area may see relief is Wednesday, when a storm is set to hit the Bay Area. "There will be a change in wind direction, and that clean marine air coming in from the Pacific," Spencer Tangen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Monterey office said. "That onshore wind will be stronger, and it'll help to mix out the smoke, and push the smoke out." But for now, the smoke is here to stay. Click through the slideshow above to see before and after images of smoke in the Bay Area. Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter 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. Digital First Media/Orange Count/Digital First Media via Getty Im Relics of Hollywood history have been destroyed after the Woolsey Fire blazed through Southern California, including a a wide swath of popular recreation trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than 83 percent of National Park Service land within the Santa Monica mountain range has been charred by the fire, officials said. All trails remain closed. "We understand that folks are curious about how their favorite park spots fared. We promise to share that ASAP," the park service tweeted. Among the damage is the historic Paramount Ranch's "Western Town," a landmark film location that was acquired by Paramount Studios in 1927. Much of the set, which included a jail, hotel and saloon, burned to the ground, National Park Service officials confirmed. Popular television shows including "Westworld" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" filmed there, as did the recent film "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper. Officials continue to assess the damage. "It's so special to share the story of moviemaking that came out of Southern California," recreation area spokeswoman Kate Kuykendall told the Associated Press. "We're the only National Park Service site that interprets American film history." She said there has been an outpouring of public support of public support for rebuilding the site, adding that at least three homes of park employees were gutted. The fire also destroyed much of nearby Peter Strauss Ranch, which hosted performances by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson in the 1950s, and the historic Morrison Ranch House in Agoura Hills. The Morrison Ranch House was built at the turn of the century and was featured in a number of classic films, such as "Of Mice and Men" and "The Durango Kid." See before and after images of the damage in the above gallery. The Associated Press 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. It's not only humans who are losing their homes as fires tear through California the fires are destructive enough to wipe out whole swaths of wildlife habitat, as well, taking a toll on Southern California's well-loved and closely tracked mountain lions and bobcats. MORE: One half green, the other gone aerial photos show Woolsey Fire's damage The Woolsey Fire ripped through 20,000 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, more than 80 percent of the land, decimating the native chaparral and coastal sage scrub, replacing them with "scorched earth," a surreal and barren "moonscape," National Park Service spokeswoman Kate Kuykendall told KPCC. The mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains are closely tracked, their goings-on followed by doting admirers, despite their penchant for mauling the occasional mini-horse. Eight of the 13 mountain lions with radio collars in and around the Santa Monica Mountains appeared to be alive and moving as of Monday, the Recreation Area wrote on Twitter. "There are 5 other lions (P-22, P-42, P-47, P-54, P-74) that we're unsure about, either because their GPS collar has not transmitted points yet (not unusual) or because they need to be tracked in person with telemetry," officials wrote. Three of those mountain lions have since been located. Among them is fan favorite and suspected koala-murderer P-22, the only mountain lion known to have crossed from the western to the eastern flank of the Santa Monica Mountains, crossing two L.A. freeways in the process. It seems the bobcats have fared worse. ALSO: A tale about a rescued horse went viral, but there's more to the story "Of the 4 bobcats we're tracking, it appears the entire home ranges for all 4 have burned," the Recreation Area said Monday. "It's possible they managed to survive but only time will tell." A home range is a defined area of habitat where mammals find food, shelter and mates, according to the National Park Service. As of Wednesday, none of the four had been found, "despite fairly extensive efforts." Since starting last Thursday, the Woolsey Fire has spread to 98,362 acres and was 57 percent contained as of this morning, according to Cal Fire. Three bodies have been found; abating winds are helping firefighters as they work to contain the fire, the growth of which was spurred forward by 50 mph gusts earlier in the week. The landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains has been altered by major fires before, so biologists have some idea of which species recover best on new, charred terrain. After the 2013 Springs Fire, cameras were set up to monitor animal activity at 90 different points throughout the region Coyotes and gray foxes were first to return to the burned areas, biologists found, with coyotes spotted even more frequently in burned areas than unburned ones. Rabbits were much slower to return many died in the fire or starved to death in the aftermath, ecologists said which also hurt the bobcats that eat them. Bobcats nearly vanished from the burn zone in the year after the fire. Officials hope the wildlife will recover this time, but nothing is certain, and the danger of mudslides that will likely accompany future rain looms. "We know that wildlife is extremely adaptable and they still have unburned habitat to the east and the west," said Kuykendall, "but we're not sure what the future holds." Filipa Ioannou is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at fioannou@sfchronicle.com and follow her on Twitter You want to do the right thing, and protect your lungs, your kids, and your kids' lungs. You also can't head to Tahoe's clear air for the weekend, and you have errands to run. To mask or not to mask? That is the question. This week, public health agencies released such conflicting guidance that only after two interviews, and reading five different advisories on mask usage do we feel even remotely confident we can make sense of this in a way that can inform the public. So, here goes. 1. Scarves, bandannas, tissues, and anything not marked N95 or better (N100, P99, P100, etc.) are not helpful. "Surgical masks that trap small particles are designed to filter air coming out of the wearer's mouth and do not provide a good seal to prevent inhalation of small particles or gases in smoke. " (CA Dept. of Public Health). READ MORE: N95, P100, P99: What do all those mask types really mean and which one protects me? 2. People with breathing problems (ironically) are discouraged from wearing a mask without getting a doctor's recommendation. In one statement, CA Dept. of Public Health writes, "Wearing a mask may actually be harmful to some people with heart or lung disease because it can make the lungs work harder to breathe." A doctor will look at the patient's condition, ability to draw in air, and guide them on how to make it fit right if recommended. 3. Small children should not wear masks. California's Dept. of Public Health points out, "Children should not wear these masks they do not fit properly and can impede breathing. If the air quality is poor enough that a child requires a mask, the child should remain indoors, in a safe place, and evacuation should be considered." LATEST ON THE FIRES: Full Coverage 4. People indoors should not wear masks. (The air isn't as bad indoors, and the masks can restrict breathing and increase breathing carbon dioxide making you feel worse, not better). 5. People with beards shouldn't wear masks (the air is going to come from around the edges, and not be filtered anyway, and the mask will then just make breathing hard with no real filtering). Of course, you could wear a half- or full-face mask like what's used for asbestos removal, but this seems pretty drastic. Here's the background. "The Sacramento County Public Health Officer does not recommend use of N95 respirator masks for the general public," read a confusing statement issued this week. We talked to a doctor to parse the oddly conflicting public health statements. "I'm recommending it for my patients, said Dr. Fred Herkowitz who specializes in treating pulmonary disease in Oakland. "For people with lung disease (the N95 mask) is still better than anything out there." He points out what other health workers point out, "The situation is we tell all people that we give an N95 mask to that if they have trouble breathing because the mask is tight then they shouldn't wear it. But that's different than saying they shouldn't be worn." Sacramento County said, "N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe due to carbon dioxide buildup, which reduces the intake of oxygen, increased breathing rates and heart rates." The bottom line is, if you have lung disease, ask your doctor. Sacramento County also argued that "Risks of N95 respirator use outside of fire zones outweigh benefits: Most people will not contact their healthcare provider before using the N95 respirator; N95 use may lead to increased heart rate, respiratory rate, work of breathing, CO2 buildup inicro-ambient air, potentially posing risk to sensitive populations; May encourage outdoor activity which could worsen exposure." "Every local health district can put out their own messaging, but the state as a whole has this message [quoted above]," said CA Dept. of Public Health spokesperson Corey Egel. Basically, stay indoors when air is this bad, if you have respiratory illness, check with a doctor before putting all your trust in the ole N95, and if you do wear a proper mask because you're outdoors, make sure it fits right. And reduce activity either way. The state also recommends using a new mask each day, "if you can." Dr. Herkowitz says healthy people should wear N95 masks outdoors in this air, but if it becomes difficult to breathe because the mask is constricting, take if off. After all, a little pollution is better than lack of oxygen. The flight deal gurus at Thrifty Traveler have teamed up with SFGate to provide a weekly roundup of the best domestic and international flight deals from the San Francisco Bay Area. This week our deals include flights from Bay Area airports to Orlando, Tahiti, Phoenix, Sydney, and Chicago. All fares listed are round trip. We will only suggest highly restricted "basic economy" fares for flights of less than two hours. (This is our weekly feature called Friday Fare Deals. If you are a Bay Area bargain hunter, be sure to tune in each Friday morning or sign up for our bi-weekly email alerts. ) ORLANDO: Get to Disney World on the cheap this winter. Alaska Airlines flights to Orlando are at a new low price: this nonstop transcontinental fare is just $216 right now. Best availability at this price from January into March. Alaska fares include advance seat assignment and carry-on bag. Typical fares from San Francisco to Orlando are over $300. $216 - San Francisco (SFO) to Orlando (MCO) - Alaska Airlines CHICAGO: American Airlines has its nonstop flights to Chicago on sale from the Bay Area, so book your tickets to the Windy City now. Best availability in January-- if you can stand the cold! Americans Basic Economy fare is just $196 right now and includes free carry-on but not advanceseat assignment, something you may want for the four hour flight. Regular economy fare, which includes advanced seat assignment, is $256: this fare is linked below. Typical regular economy fares from the Bay Area to Chicago cost $320. $256 - San Jose (SJC) to Chicago (ORD) - American Airlines Eric Mischke / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm PHOENIX: American Airlines is competing with Delta for the cheapest flights out of the Bay Area to Phoenix. This has caused American to drop their prices to as low as $104 for their nonstop and roundtrip flights to Phoenix this winter. Best availability January through March. This American Airlines flight deal is a basic economy fare, which includes a free carry-on bag but not advance seat assignment. If youd like advances seat assignment, select the regular economy fare for $164. Typical airfare pricing for this route is $170 - $240 for basic economy seats. $104 - Oakland (OAK) to Phoenix (PHX) - American Airlines Check out Thrifty Traveler Premium for daily international flight deal notifications. SYDNEY: United is battling against recent Air Canada and Delta price drops for flights to Australia, and this competition benefits Bay Area fliers. United nonstop and roundtrip flights to Sydney are at a shockingly low price of $708. Find this cheap flight with wide-open availability, from February through September 2019. Any time is a great time to visit Sydney, but experience peak summer in Sydney in February and March. Or go for Mardi Gras-- a wild city-wide party you'll never forget. Faresto Auckland are cheap, too... we found some as low as $680 roundtrip. This United fare includes advance seat assignment, checked bag, and meals. This is an unbelievable deal for a 15-hour nonstop and roundtrip flight to Australia. $708 - San Francisco (SFO) - Sydney (SYD) - *NONSTOP* - United Airlines Brook Mitchell/Getty Images TAHITI: United has another insanely cheap flash sale on their new nonstop flight to Tahiti for $616. Typical pricing for flights to Tahiti are well over $1,000. Take this cheap nonstop and roundtrip flight to beautiful French Polynesia this winter: availability November through March. Checked bag, in-flight meals, and advance seat assignment is included in this price. Book ASAP: this kind of deal doesnt last long! $616 - San Francisco (SFO) to Tahiti (PPT) - *NONSTOP* - United Airlines All flights are best found via the Google Flights links list here. New to Google Flights? Check out Thrifty Travelers guide. All fares are round-trip and valid at the time of posting, but as always, are subject to change. What do you think of our new Friday Fare Deals feature? Have you found a great deal yet? Please leave your feedback in the comments or send us a note! 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. Sick of the Bay Area's high prices, heavy traffic and smoky air? Maybe it's time to reimagine your life in a new city. Say, Tulsa? You could earn a $10,000 cash bonus just by relocating to the city and agreeing to work remotely there. And the benefits don't stop there you'll also get a spot in a Tulsa co-working facility, a discount on rent at high-end fully furnished apartments, and free utilities for three months. Of course, there's a catch: You'll have to live in Oklahoma. If that doesn't deter you, here's how to qualify: Be 18 years or older and willing to move to Tulsa within six months Have full-time remote employment or be self-employed outside of Oklahoma Be eligible to work in the United States It's not Oklahoma taxpayers who will be footing the bill for your new life. It's organized by a program called "Tulsa Remote," funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. "We created Tulsa Remote to enhance Tulsa's talented and successful workforce community by bringing like-minded, bright and driven individuals to the city for community building, collaboration and networking," reads the organization's website. Tulsa Remote's site also brags about the city's vibrant food scene and burgeoning arts community. But it's obviously the cost of living that's the biggest draw. The average home price in Tulsa is $120,000. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $609 on average. You can fill up your car for $2.10 per gallon. Tulsa is far from the only place trying to entice newcomers with cash offers. Earlier this year, Vermont began offering $10,000 in tax credits for people who move there, reports Market Watch. Chile is offering even more: $45,000 to move to the South America country and start a business. Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@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. Jolly Santas and rosy-cheeked Mrs. Claus impersonators may need to steer clear of Union Square on Dec. 8, the scheduled date for the annual SantaCon city-wide bar crawl. In years past, hundreds of suited-up Santas would gather near the giant Christmas tree, sing along to carols, and compete in a costume contest before dispersing to the city's pubs. But this year, one event organizer identifying himself as "Santa Tom" says that the event can't happen as planned. "The City and County of San Francisco has decreed that in their view, SantaCon has no place in San Francisco and the gathering should be shut down because 'there is a safety issue and Union Square cannot hold the people,'" Santa Tom wrote on his event website. "I was informed that the event is not, and will not be, sanctioned by the City and that if you do show up you will be asked to leave. I have no power over you and I have no power over them. You do what you want to do." As he explains, there are significant issues around not having a permit for an event that attracts so many people. "(The City's) position is that I should be indemnified (insured) and should be able to pay for a sound permit in order to hold the event," he added. The public group attached to Santa Tom's SantaCon website states that "SantaCon San Francisco 2018 is Cancelled," but a recent post on the site contradicts that, saying that "the only thing canceled is my participation in organization efforts. I am not doing Costume Contests, nor am I having a singalong." The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department confirms that Santa Tom's request for amplified sound for an estimated crowd of 17,000 people was denied due to there already being two ongoing permitted events that day in Union Square: the holiday tree and the ice skating rink. Rec and Parks added that he made the request over the phone, and didn't file officially for a permit. "Based on danger of adding that kind of significant crowd where two things are already permitted, we denied the permit," said Recreation and Parks spokesperson Tamara Aparton. "If there's an area where there's room for something like that then we'd consider it on a case-by-case basis." Another, similarly named SantaCon event hasn't been canceled, and is even selling tickets. A website attached to the Facebook event which has 8,000 people "interested" in attending describes SantaCon in San Francisco as an event where "thousands of Santas dressed to the nines converge on Union Square for a chaotic but lively pub crawl around the area." Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. ATLANTA Democrat Stacey Abrams ended her challenge to Republican Brian Kemp in the Georgia governors race on Friday, but pledged to fight the former secretary of states gross mismanagement of the elections with a federal lawsuit. Speaking defiantly at a news conference, Abrams said her actions did not constitute a concession, but she acknowledged that she had no further recourse under the law and that Kemp would be certified the winner. Lets be clear: This is not a speech of concession, she said. Because concession means to acknowledge an action is right, true or proper. As a woman of conscience and faith I cannot concede that. Officials from Abrams campaign had told the Associated Press on Thursday that the candidate was considering the unprecedented move of invoking a state law that would let her challenge the results based on misconduct, fraud or irregularities ... sufficient to change or place in doubt the results. But ultimately she declined to do so. In accepting Abrams decision to end her campaign, Kemp said he appreciated her passion, hard work, and commitment to public service. Kemp has been secretary of state since 2010. He was backed by and had embraced President Trump as he tried to maintain GOP dominance in a state that hasnt elected a Democrat to the governors mansion since 1998. Aides close to Abrams said that since the election she had been wrestling with competing priorities: She wanted to advance her assertions that Georgias elections process which Kemp managed as secretary of state makes it too hard for some citizens to vote. But she also recognized that a protracted legal fight would harm that cause and potentially her political future. Bill Barrow and Kate Brumback are Associated Press writers. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate is headed to a legally required hand recount after an initial review showed Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson separated by just a few thousand votes. But the highly watched contest between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appears to be over, with a machine recount showing that DeSantis advantage over Gillum was big enough to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the race on Election Night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems as one large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours they would have made the deadline, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Counties were ordered this past weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see if there a way to figure out voter intent. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battle drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who slammed the state Thursday for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said in court. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush v. Gore decision, by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. Gary Fineout and Brendan Farrington are Associated Press writers. The whole project is great because were very fortunate to be able to help out, Kirchheimer said. Donating items was important, but I thought it was also very important for my kids to see the impact of everything here. One of the classic car chases in motion picture history featured the 1968 Ford GT fastback Mustang, driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt. The iconic Mustang will be the centerpiece of the Academy of Art University auto display at The San Francisco Chronicle 61st annual International Auto show, which opens Nov. 21 at the Moscone Convention Center. I became friends with Sean at the launch of the 2019 50th anniversary Bullitt car, said Rob Fisher, chief executive officer of the academys automotive collection. Fisher prevailed upon his friend to bring the car back to San Francisco where Bullitt was filmed. We are partnering with Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to include a stature of Steve McQueen, Fisher said. Our exhibit will also include the 50th anniversary Bullitt and the 1968 Dodge Charger that the Mustang was chasing in the film, Fisher said. Vehicles in the universitys exhibit were chosen by a team, Fisher said. The display this year will feature only American vehicles, including a Dusenberg Fisher described as gorgeous. Classic cars on display 1935 Auburn 851 SC Speedster 1934 Buick 56S Sport Coupe 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood 60S 1954 Chevrolet Corvette 1959 Chevrolet Corvette 1933 Chrysler Imperial CL Dual Windshield Phaeton 1942 Chrysler Town and Country 1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton 1930 Duesenberg J Convertible Sedan 1934 Ford Cabriolet 1940 Ford Cabriolet 1956 Ford Thunderbird 1939 Graham SC Coupe 1929 Hudson Sedan 1952 Hudson Super Wasp Coupe 1934 Lincoln K V12 Convertible 1938 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Cabriolet 1932 Marmon 16 Convertible Sedan 1930 Packard Model 740 Sport Phaeton 1939 Packard Darrin Convertible 1931 Pierce Arrow Model 43 Club Sedan 1932 Stutz DV-32 Super Bearcat 1930 Willys-Knight Plaid Side Roadster Special display: 1968 Ford Mustang - Car from the movie "Bullitt" 2019 Ford Mustang -50th anniversary Bullitt Edition 1968 Dodge Charger - Tribute car from the movie "Bullitt" See More Collapse A 1935 Dusenberg sold at an auction in August for $22 million, a record for a car manufactured in the United States, according to published reports. "We are proud to be able to exhibit vehicles from the university collection that represent the elegance, style, craftsmanship, technology and innovative spirit of automotive designers of the past and the future," Show Director Kevin Diamond said. The university as founded in 1929 in a rented loft on Kearny Street by Stephens grandparents, Richard S. Stephens, a painter and creative director of Sunset Magazine, and his wife, Clara. Their son, Dr. Richard A. Stephens, who began the car collection, served as university president until 1992, when he was named chair emeritus, and succeeded by his daughter, Dr. Elisa Stephens. The collection at the Industrial Design Department on Van Ness Avenue is open to the public by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fisher said. Proceeds from the admission fee are donated to the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco and Rotary. Industrial Design students have the luxury of using the collection for inspiration. It is wonderful for them to put hands on the vehicles instead of looking at pictures in a book, Fisher said. Graduates of the industrial design program have been hired by an impressive list of companies, including BMW Design Works, GM, Mazda, Toyota, Fox Racing, Black & Decker, Camelback, Hasbro, Mattel, Tigo, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Nike, VIDIA, Palm Inc., Samsung, Tony, Sketchers, North Face and Timbuk 2 Designs. For more information about the university, visit www.academyart.edu. Samuel Duckworth, a junior at Lincoln-Way West High School, will be a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in June in Lowell, Mass. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. He will represent Illinois based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. Duckworth's nomination letter was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine. During the three-day Congress, Duckworth will join students from across the country to talk about leading medical research, receive advice from medical school deans on what to expect and learn about cutting edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology. The day is long gone when Henry Ford offered Model T buyers a choice in exterior color as long as it was black. Vehicles of all colors will be exhibited the The San Francisco Chronicle 61st annual International Auto Show, which opens Nov. 21 at the Moscone Convention Center. 2018 opened the door to more vibrant exteriors on vehicles, according to the experts, but its not like they could just run down to the hardware store and pick up cans of paint. Introducing a new color may take years. Its a complex process a combination of forecasting and intuition, said Kim Heringshausen, General Motors design manager for global exterior colors. It takes us about three years from idea to show room. Honda takes even longer. It can take us four or five years, especially if it is a brand new color, said Gary Robinson, senior product manager for Honda. Inspiration is everywhere. We get ideas from architecture, art galleries, home decor, furniture stores and fashion, Heringshausen said. The team also examines what they feel consumers are ready for. Ford Motors came up with Kona Blue as a special order on the limited edition of the 50th anniversary Mustang. Customers begged us to bring it back, said Barb Whalen, color and design manager for Ford. Ford obliged with good reason. The New Wheel reported that blue is one of the two most popular colors for vehicles in 2018 and 2019. Manufacturers from Isuzu to Bentley have produced vehicles in various shade of an eye-catching blue, some that sparkle like sapphires. Robinson said 2018 was the first time in years that the sales of red Hondas have been overtaken by blue. Blue has been trending for a while, Whalen said. We are seeing more blues than in years past. She believes the trend is due to the economy. When things are going well financially, people buy brighter colored cars, Whalen said. The size and shape of the vehicle for which the color is intended also must be considered. A metallic Color Me Blue may be right for Corvettes and Camaros but not for Escalades or crossovers such as the Chevy Tahoe. They are too big and the color is too bright, Heringshausen said. It is more for a sportier car. But a large SUV might get more metallic flakes so the color pops. All of the color experts said they keep a sharp eye on trends and what others in the automotive industry are doing. Testing and research are essential We develop 15 or 20 colors, then we go through the whole palette and the trend board for each vehicle, Heringshausen said. Black, white, gray and silver are what we call our core colors. When we look at the last three or four colors, we are looking at the future. Once the team chooses a color, testing begins. A 12-by-12-inch Z-shaped steel panel is sprayed and then put outside to see if it fades or cracks in the sun. If the color passes that test, it is tried on a larger panel. If the team buys off on that test, a vehicle is sprayed and put out in Floridas sun for two summer cycles to determine how it withstands the weather. We have very few failures at that point, Heringshausen said. Once the Honda team settles on a concept, they work with the paint company to come up with a color that meets all the companys requirements, including cost. The color must not fade or change due to exposure to weather. A big part is how the color looks in bright light and in shadow and how the color responds on the different materials like aluminum or steel that are used on the car, Robinson said. Most importantly for Honda, the color must match on vehicles which are built in Japan, the United States and Canada. The color must also pass muster with Honda dealers. Dealers are our customers, Robinson said. If a color sits in the showroom, they let us know. Honda monitors how quickly a color sells. If it doesnt, its gone, Robinson said. Whalen, who has a lifelong love affair with color, said her team does a lot of testing. They start by looking at about 30 different colors every year, including new pigments and how aluminum flakes make a color more dynamic. The list gets winnowed down to 10 or 12. We work directly with the paint supplier who does the testing on sheet metal for fade, Whalen said. Once we determine on the color, they paint a vehicle, look at it outside in all weather and then we decide if we want to move forward. Ultimately, the success of a color depends on the buyers, who have the opportunity to see whats new in 2019 vehicles and some special exhibits at car show. The autopsy report will show us just what he was wearing. The report will show us how many times was he shot. The report will show us where he was shot, he said. Were also calling for the states attorney Madam Kim Foxx to make sure that we get the proper just due for this mans life and for his family so that they can grieve properly and can bring unfortunate closure to a life that has been taken away. Homeowners should always check their tax bills to make sure they are receiving exemptions to which they are entitled, Pointer said. She said she recently helped a homeowner in his 80s with an appeal. For many years, he had not taken the homeowner and senior citizen exemptions, she said. He missed out on significant savings. While she said she did not have an exact dollar figure, St. Walters recent annual endowment fund dinner brought in more than we expected or anticipated. The school has other fundraisers planned, including a Queen of Hearts raffle that begins Monday, with tickets being sold at Beggars Pizza, 12700 S. Kedzie Ave., Blue Island, with the first drawing Nov. 28. She said the school had been planning that fundraiser prior to being told by the archdiocese about the Jan. 7 deadline. It all started with the Gold Rush of 1849 that brought people from all over the world to San Francisco. When the gold was gone, San Francisco continued to be a magnet for people to seek their fortunes and follow their dreams. During the growth of San Francisco, some men succeeded in making their mark and we are intrigued by those rags to riches stories. Some of these stories are well known, such as Levi Strauss who saw the need for rugged jeans for gold miners, while others, such as Paul Kleiber of Kleiber Motor Company, faded into San Franciscos foggy mist, but not before leaving his fingerprints on the pages of history. In Germany, Paul Kleiber was a blacksmith and wagon maker earning about 50 cents a day. In 1889 at the age of 25, he left his German homeland for America. When Paul Kleiber arrived in San Francisco, he worked his trade as a blacksmith in a small shop on Natoma Street. Being a master craftsman, hard worker and a careful financier, Paul Kleiber built up a very profitable business. By 1900, Kleiber & Company was formed to manufacture wagons and buggies of Paul Kleibers own design. Kleiber had such high standards that it wasnt long before the company gained a reputation for building high quality products, a standard that remained throughout his leadership. Business expanded rapidly and Kleiber & Company became one of the leading horse-drawn vehicle makers in San Francisco. A contributing factor to his success was that wagons and buggies were made, sold, repaired and financed by Kleiber & Company. On April 18, 1906, an earthquake rocked San Francisco. The people were still in shock by the quake when the ensuing fires started and began to engulf the city. During this terrible time, Kleiber & Company remained open to lend his wagons and buggies to the people of San Francisco so they could move their belongings and themselves out of the fires path to safety. The San Francisco Chronicle 61st annual International Auto Show Pick up a copy of the International Auto Show guide in The Chronicle on Sunday. The show will be from Nov. 21 to Nov. 25 at Moscone Convention Center. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.sfautoshow.com. See More Collapse Although it was several months before all of the vehicles were returned, Paul Kleiber refused any form of compensation for this gesture. It was this gesture of generosity that earned Kleiber the nickname The Honest Blacksmith. In 1912, Kleiber & Company was sold for $175,000 and with this capital the Kleiber Motor Company was founded to make trucks at 1424 Folsom St. again on a chassis of Paul Kleibers own design. In those days, the streets of San Francisco were made of cobblestone and the first Kleiber trucks had hard rubber tires and no shock absorbers, which made for some shaky rides. We have no records of anyone falling asleep while behind the wheel of a Kleiber truck. Paul Kleiber did very little advertising. He believed that if you built a good solid and dependable product, the word of mouth would be the best form of advertising. That philosophy must have worked because in the early 1920s fleets of Kleiber trucks were hard at work for Shell Oil, Standard Oil (Chevron), American Can Company, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Del Monte and many others. By 1923, the Kleiber Motor Company had employed 350 workers and was having a difficult time keeping up with production demands. The current facility had become too small and obsolete for his growing business and the aggressive plans for the future. A new facility was completed in early 1924 at the corner of 10th and Folsom street (which still stands today). By this time, Paul Kleiber diverted his attention from manufacturing trucks to automobiles. He believed that an automobile manufactured in San Francisco would be more suitable for the West Coast terrain and would also eliminate shipping costs from the East. The transition from building trucks to cars was an easy decision. He already had the chassis, so all he needed was the body. In 1924, he helped form the Fischer-Gaffeny Body Company in San Francisco. And with no advertising and little fanfare the first Kleiber car appeared in late 1924. The new Kleiber cars (like the trucks) were assembled by hand. Kleiber believed that an assembly line vehicle could not match the quality of one being assembled by hand. Here is something to consider, the Kleiber car had an auto body mounted on a truck frame which may have made it the first SUV? When Kleiber Motors was only selling trucks, they were sold direct to the end user, so when it came time to sell automobiles, it was an easy decision to again sell to the end user. The new factory at 10th and Folsom had a showroom that was open to the public. He encouraged people to visit the new showroom to either purchase a car or truck off the showroom floor or have one special ordered. One could walk through the factory and watch his or her Kleiber being made. By 1927, the Kleiber Motor Company had reached its peak in popularity and production and now was as much a part of San Francisco as the Cable Car, Fishermans Wharf and sourdough French bread. Even though Kleiber believed that his hand assembled cars were superior to ones made on an assembly line, he couldnt escape the fact that the Kleiber car was not distinguishable from any other car of the day. A Kleiber car sold for around $2,100 when others were selling for less then half that amount and at the time, people did not want to pay four times more for a car that drove and handled like a truck and looked like any other car of the day. By early 1929, Kleiber was faced with two realities; sales of cars had fallen and that cars assembled by hand had become too costly. So instead of embracing the coming age of mass production by installing an assembly line and reducing the quality, he decided to cease production of the automobile. The Roaring 20s was a decade of prosperity and fun times for many people in this country despite prohibition that began in 1920. But the good times came to an abrupt halt on Oct. 25, 1929 when the stock market crashed crippling the nations economy. It would take years before the stock market would regain its losses. Prohibition ended on Dec. 5, 1933 and while many people were chanting the phrase Happy days are here again, the Kleiber Motor Company lost 60 percent of its business between 1929 and 1934 and would never regain its losses or position in the industry. In 1937, while the first tires were rolling across the new Golden Gate Bridge, the last tires would roll out of the Kleiber Motor Company. This 1925 Kleiber Coupe was found and purchased by Harrahs auto museum in 1965. It was restored by Harrahs in 1978 and was their car of month in September of that year. In 1984, most of Harrahs automobile collection was sold at auction, including the 1925 Kleiber. When the gavel came down, the successful bidder was the builders Grandson Paul Kleiber III. This piece of San Francisco history is one of only two cars known to survive. The other one is in the Jay Leno collection. The 1925 Kleiber Coupe will be on display at The San Francisco Chronicle 61st annual International Auto Show running from Nov. 21 to Nov. 25 at Moscone Convention Center. Heres some statistics I got out of a newspaper: The average teacher salary in Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 in New Lenox is $86,214 yearly and the average administrator salary is $133,869 yearly. I was in a union. When our company got into trouble, we had to take a pay cut. Why dont these workers in these schools take pay cuts to get their finances in order? They get automatic raises yearly and just automatically raise everybodys property taxes yearly. I dont begrudge teachers or administrators a good salary but I dont like when they complain that theyre underpaid when theyre making over $86,000 or $133,000 yearly. Thats good money but they always complain about being poorly paid. Its ridiculous. 3 1 of 3 Toyota Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Alfa Romeo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Once again, The San Francisco Chronicle 61st annual International Auto Show will provide attendees with the opportunity to test drive the newest models from a variety of manufacturers. The show features test drives with Alfa Romeo, Ford trucks, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Toyota. The six-day trial included testimony from three of the couples four children, including the couples son, who was four at the time of the incident and witnessed his mothers death. The boy, now 10, told jurors he recalls watching television when his parents started arguing. He told jurors he saw his father run after his mother when she left and hit her with the weight lifting bar. A sample of her writing ability was her Sept. 8 entry, logged near the Fontana Dam and Visitor Center in North Carolina. Mariposa was an early riser who often hit the trail before dawn. She would be the first hiker to encounter the handiwork of spiders that had been busy throughout the night. Peter DaSilva The San Francisco Chronicle is proud to be the title sponsor of the 61st annual International Auto Show. For more than six decades, Northern California auto enthusiasts have gathered at this storied event to see the newest models from the top manufacturers both in the U.S. and abroad. Bay City News Service A number of Bay Area events have been cancelled and some public offices are closed today because of smoky air from the massive Camp Fire still raging in Butte County. Air quality was at a "very unhealthy" level in San Francisco, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, as thick smoke moved south and blanketed the Bay Area. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors today and this weekend, prompting a slew of cancellations and closures starting Thursday and continuing Friday and through the weekend. Schools in San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County and Contra Costa County were closed Friday. Most San Mateo County schools were closed, while most Santa Clara County schools remained open. Classes were cancelled at most area universities, including at Stanford, University of California Berkeley, San Francisco State University, University of San Francisco, San Jose State University, Cal State East Bay, Santa Clara University, City College of San Francisco, Chabot College in Hayward, Las Positas College in Livermore and Santa Rosa Junior College. The city of Half Moon Bay closed its facilities, including City Hall. Event cancellations announced this morning include a tenant rights protest originally scheduled for this afternoon in Concord, a Habitat for Humanity event originally scheduled for Saturday morning in East Palo Alto and the Brentwood Holiday Parade originally scheduled for Saturday evening. The tenant rights protest and the Habitat for Humanity event will be rescheduled, according to news releases. Muni is free for riders on Friday, San Francisco officials announced. Cable car service remained cancelled Friday and bus shuttles are being used on some lines. As of 7 a.m. this morning, the Camp Fire had burned 142,000 acres and more than 12,000 buildings had been destroyed. The death toll was at 63 and hundreds more are reported missing. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN JOSE (BCN) South Bay travelers can now fly from San Jose to Detroit with new service routes from Delta Air Lines, Mineta San Jose International Airport announced. The first flights took off Thursday to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Airport officials said Delta is currently the only airline offering nonstop service from San Jose to Detroit. "It's apparent from the strong passenger bookings on the inaugural departing flight that Silicon Valley travelers are enthusiastic about this new service," John Aitken, San Jose airport's director of aviation, said in a news release. The flights will depart from San Jose at 11:55 a.m. and arrive in Detroit at 7:23 p.m., returning from Detroit at 8:42 a.m. and arriving in San Jose at 10:55 a.m. The average flight is about 5 hours and there is a three-hour time difference between the two cities. Officials from Delta said they have increased offerings at San Jose airport by 130 percent since 2013. The airline is San Jose airport's third-largest carrier after Southwest and Alaska airlines. 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) Former President Barack Obama will come to Oakland in February for a program that will address opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color, Oakland officials and the My Brother's Keeper Alliance announced today. Obama will participate in MBK Rising!, an event that will bring together My Brother's Keeper communities, young men of color, organizations that are focused on boys and young men of color, elected officials and cross-sector leaders. Obama launched My Brother's Keeper in February 2014 to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color and to ensure all youth can reach their full potential, MBK officials said. In 2015, the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, inspired by My Brother's Keeper, was launched to scale and sustain the organization's mission. In late 2017, the MBK Alliance became an initiative of the Obama Foundation. Within the Obama Foundation, the MBK Alliance leads a cross-sector national call to action that's focused on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. "On behalf of the city of Oakland and our tremendous coalition of dedicated partners taking action to ensure that all young people have every opportunity to achieve their dreams, we are honored to have been selected," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement. More for you Why Barack Obama visited San Francisco Thursday Schaaf said, "I look forward to welcoming President Obama and young people from around the country to Oakland and making the first-ever MBK Rising! event a great success." San Francisco Mayor London Breed said, "I'm proud to join Mayor Schaaf in welcoming MBK Rising! to the Bay Area for their first-ever national event." Breed said, "At a time when we are seeing rising division and discrimination across our country, I could not be more excited for our cities to have the opportunity to highlight our efforts to confront structural inequalities and lift up the next generation of African-American leaders." Registration for the event opens on Dec. 5. OAKLAND (BCN) A reputed gang associate pleaded no contest today to involuntary manslaughter for his role in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man in broad daylight in East Oakland two years ago. Kermit Tanner's plea agreement calls for him to get a state prison term of 5 years and 4 months when Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kevin Murphy sentences him on March 22 for his role in the shooting of Anthony Stevens in the 1400 block of 92nd Avenue at about 10:30 a.m. on July 9, 2016. Tanner, 22, of Richmond, was one of five men charged with murder for the fatal shooting of Stevens. Oakland police Lt. Roland Holmgren said at a news conference at police headquarters on July 28, 2016, that was attended by Mayor Libby Schaaf, that the five men are allegedly members or associates of the Five Kingdom Mafia, which he said is a hybrid gang that conducts operations in Berkeley and Oakland and commits a lot of street robberies. Tanner's plea came in the midst of hearings that Murphy is holding on pretrial motions in the case. Opening statements in the trial of the other four defendants, Anthony Roy Wilson, 27, of Vallejo, Aoderi Qwai Samad, 25, of Berkeley, Derrick Lee McFadden, 22, of Berkeley, and Tyrone Anthony Terrell Jr., 25, who's originally from Berkeley and has ties to Sacramento, are scheduled for Jan. 7. All four men are accused of shooting Stevens. Tanner's lawyer Darryl Billups said after today's hearing that Tanner didn't fire any shots at Stevens. Billups said Tanner will be released from custody early next year because he's already been in custody for more than two years and has accumulated extensive jail time credits. Defense lawyers for all five defendants claimed at a preliminary hearing late last year that the five acted in self-defense only after Stevens pointed a gun at one of the men. Judge Jeffrey Horner, who presided over the hearing, said it's true that Stevens, who had addresses in both San Leandro and Oakland, was armed with a gun but said there's no evidence that he fired it. Horner said all of the defendants except Tanner "unleashed a hail of gunfire at the victim (Stevens)," who he said they had surrounded as he sat in a car. The judge said, "That isn't suggestive of self defense. It suggests a deliberate killing." The evidence at the preliminary hearing indicated that the fatal shooting of Stevens the morning of July 9, 2016, occurred next to a street memorial for Wilson's half-brother, Roderick Tucker, 21, who died after he was shot multiple times in that area at about 7 p.m. the previous night. But the motive for the fatal shooting of Stevens wasn't disclosed at the hearing and Terrell's attorney, Ernie Castillo, said there's no evidence that it was a "revenge murder." Prosecutor Chris Cavagnaro said he believes the shooting of Stevens was planned because the five defendants and a sixth man who wasn't charged came to the scene armed with guns and "essentially surrounded" Stevens as he sat in a parked car. Horner said there's no evidence that Tanner fired his gun but said Tanner should still stand trial on a murder charge for being an aider and abettor. 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 State Bar of California issued a fraud alert today for people affected by the state's fires, warning them to watch out for unscrupulous lawyers and individuals posing as lawyers. Lawyers' licenses and whether attorneys have any record of misconduct can be checked at the bar's website in the "Look Up a Lawyer" search box at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/. The bar, headquartered in San Francisco, is an arm of the California Supreme Court and is in charge of licensing and regulating the state's more than 250,000 attorneys. The agency noted that California law prohibits lawyers from soliciting clients at accident scenes or hospitals or seeking clients who, because of their physical, emotional or mental state, may not have reasonable judgment about hiring an attorney. The bar has also set up a hotline for Camp Fire survivors who need disaster-related legal advice but can't afford a lawyer. The hotline number is (800) 345-9497. The hotline can provide fire survivors with assistance with obtaining government benefits; insurance claims; home repair contracts; replacement of lost wills and other legal documents; consumer protection matters; and mortgage and landlord-tenant problems. The State Bar is not able to refer members of the public to particular attorneys, but it can connect people with a certified lawyer referral service. To be connected with a certified service, call the bar at (415) 538-2250, send an email to lrs@calbar.ca.gov or consult the bar's website at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Free-Legal-Information/Legal-Guides/Lawyer-Referral-Service. People using such services are urged to make sure the service has a State Bar certification number. 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 Golden State Warriors announced today that they will auction off signed jerseys from six of the team's stars to raise money for relief efforts at the Camp Fire in Butte County. The jerseys of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston will be sold to the highest bidders in the online auction, which can be accessed at https://on.nba.com/2RXZLoK. The team also is matching all crowdfunding donations up to $25,000 at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/warriorsfirerelief. The proceeds from the jerseys and the crowdfunding campaign will go to the North Valley Community Foundation. The Camp Fire, which started Nov. 8, is the most destructive and deadly in California's history. 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. Other U.S. citizens considering traveling to foreign countries to engage in sexual activity with minors need to understand that if they engage in such conduct, it will not go unnoticed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Erika L. Csicsila said in the governments sentencing memorandum. It will not be tolerated. Rather, it will be met with swift and significant punishment by our criminal justice system. Six elementary schools in U46 three in Elgin, one in Bartlett, one in Hanover Park and one in South Elgin lost more than 40 students from the previous year, data shows. The largest year-to-year decline was 73 students at Lords Park Elementary School in Elgin, although its enrollment of more than 700 still makes it one of the largest in the district. Those who prepare together for emergencies and disaster situations have the ability to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. The first few hours following a disaster are critical, but first-responders may be delayed and not be available to help due to overwhelming needs from the community as a whole. This is a really bad idea, she said. My fear is that students would hurt the teacher with the weapon. There has been an incident in U46 involving a loss of a teachers eye. I cannot think of any good that would come out of arming teachers. We know that even within the same family that there are variabilities, Hulick said. Why does one woman get breast cancer at age 40 and then a second cancer in the opposite breast, and her sister get ovarian cancer in her 60s, but never gets breast cancer?, Hulick said. Think of risk as a giant jigsaw puzzle. There are other factors that go into it, some of which are environmental factors that we can control. A thick layer of wildfire smoke smothering the northern half of California's Central Valley sent air quality levels into the "hazardous" range. At 6 a.m., the air quality index was 349 in Sacramento, and 40 miles to the north in Yuba City, the index reading was 398. With readings this high, outdoor activity should be avoided. On Thursday, readings crept into the 400 range in Sacramento and motorists had their headlights turned on in the middle of the afternoon because visibility was so poor. N95, N100, P100: What do all those mask numbers mean, and how do I know it's protecting me? Smoke from the Camp Fire near Chico is filling the Sacramento area and northern San Joaquin Valley with a deep reservoir of smoke, and residents have been choking on toxic, eye-stinging smoke for days as the fire that started on Nov. 8 continues to rage. ALSO: Chico choking on smoke as air quality index hits a 'hazardous' 365 With a strong temperature inversion the smoke is settling down toward the surface. In a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air in the atmosphere traps colder air close to the ground, acting like a cap and trapping the pollution in stagnant air. Normally temperature gradually decreases with altitude, facilitating the movement of air. The winds are very light and blowing offshore, and slowly pushing the smoke through the Delta where it fans out and spreads across the Bay Area where air quality levels have been in the "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" range in recent days. The National Weather Service in Sacramento expects the poor air quality conditions to continue through the weekend and into next week. LONDON Two British Cabinet ministers, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, resigned Thursday in opposition to the divorce deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EU a major blow to her authority and her ability to get the deal through Parliament. A defiant May insisted Brexit meant making the right choices, not the easy ones and urged lawmakers to support the deal in the national interest. The choice is clear, May told lawmakers. We can choose to leave with no deal. We can risk no Brexit at all. Or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated this deal. But the resignations, less than a day after the Cabinet collectively backed the draft divorce agreement, weakens May and is likely to embolden her rivals within her Conservative Party. A leadership challenge is being openly discussed. I cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU, Raab said in a resignation letter to the prime minister. I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we made. Raab is the second Brexit Secretary that May has lost David Davis, who like Raab backed Brexit in Britains June 2016 referendum on its membership of the EU, quit in July of this year. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey followed Raab out the door. She said in a letter that it is no good trying to pretend to (voters) that this deal honors the result of the referendum when it is obvious to everyone that it doesnt. The departures several junior ministers have also quit are a further sign that many supporters of Brexit wont back May in a vote in Parliament on the deal. Thats prompted a big fall in the value of the pound, which was trading 1.5 percent lower at $1.28. Pro-Brexit politicians say the agreement, which calls for close trade ties between Britain and the bloc, would leave Britain a vassal state, bound to EU rules that it has no say in making. Before Parliament votes on the deal the culmination of a year and a half of negotiations between the two sides EU leaders have to give their backing. On Thursday, EU chief Donald Tusk called for a summit of leaders to take place on Nov. 25 so they can rubber-stamp the draft deal reached by officials earlier this week. May has supporters in her party, and they argued Thursday that the alternatives leaving the trading bloc without a deal or a second vote on Brexit were not realistic options. No deal is not pretty, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Radio 4. A second referendum would be divisive but not be decisive. But Mays chances of getting her deal through Parliament appeared to be shrinking. Her Conservative government doesnt have enough lawmakers of its own to get a majority, and relies on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party from Northern Ireland, which says it will not back the deal. Jill Lawless, Raphael Satter and Raf Casert are Associated Press writers. STRASBOURG, France The European Court of Human Rights ruled Thursday that Russian authorities arrests of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were politically motivated, a decision that deals a blow on the Kremlins dismissal of Navalny as a mere troublemaker. Navalny hailed the ruling as an example of genuine justice and said it is an important signal for many people in Russia who face arbitrary detentions for their political activities. The courts highest chamber found that Russian authorities violated multiple human rights in detaining Navalny seven times from 2012 to 2014, and that two of the arrests were expressly aimed at suppressing political pluralism. It ordered Russia to pay Navalny $71,000 in damages, and called on Russia to fix legislation to take due regard of the fundamental importance of the right to peaceful assembly. The ruling is final and binding on Russia as a member of the Council of Europe, the continents human rights watchdog. Im very pleased with this ruling this is genuine justice, Navalny told reporters after the hearing. This ruling is very important not only for me but also for many people in Russia who face similar arrests on a daily basis. Navalny, arguably Russian President Vladimir Putins most serious foe, has been convicted of fraud in two separate trials that have been widely viewed as political retribution for his investigations of official corruption and his leading role in staging antigovernment protests. Over the years, Navalny has been detained by the police multiple times. In what has become almost a routine, police nab him outside his home or as he makes his way to an antigovernment protest that he has organized. He has spent a total of more than 140 days behind bars in the past year and a half. The Kremlin routinely dismisses Navalny, who garnered a quarter of the vote at the 2013 Moscow mayoral election, as a trouble-maker with no political backing. Russias representative to the ECHR, deputy justice minister Mikhail Galperin, argued during a hearing earlier this year that Navalnys arrests were all justified and that his unauthorized rallies put public security at risk. In an initial ruling last year, the European court said that his past arrests were unlawful, but didnt rule on Navalnys arguments that the arrests were politically motivated. The Russian government and Navalny appealed, and the case went to the courts Grand Chamber. Navalny mounted a grass-roots presidential campaign last year before he was officially barred from running in this years election, which Putin overwhelmingly won. Mstyslav Chernov is an Associated Press writer. A South African wildlife sanctuary fears a rare white lion will be auctioned off by the government to trophy hunters willing to pay top dollar to slaughter the animal in a canned hunt. The plight of Mufasa prompted worldwide outrage directed at South Africa's Northwest Department of Rural, Environmental and Agricultural Development, which has initiated legal action to take custody of the lion, according to the Sunday Times. Mufasa is currently in the custody of the WildForLife rehabilitation center. The Times reported that sanctuary owner and veterinarian Tjitske Schouwstra has refused to hand over the big cat, claiming that officials told her that he would be auctioned off. The Northwest Department has denied any such plan and says it intends to place him in a game preserve. However it did not identify which sanctuary, nor did it explain why it rejected the WildForLife's request that Mufasa be donated to the SanWild preserve in Limpopo. Mufasa was rescued as a cub in 2015 by department officials and left in WildForLife's care while a criminal case against the man who had kept the cub as a pet was prosecuted. When the case concluded, Mufasa was supposed to be relocated to a sanctuary. WildForLife prepared an application for Mufasa and his bonded pen mate, a tawny lioness named Soraya, to be placed at SanWild. While Soraya's application was accepted, the white lion's was denied. Schouwstra suspected the department had other, unsavory plans for Mufasa, so she presented the department with a R300,000 bill (about $21,500) for the cat's care and accommodations, offering to waive the fees if Mufasa was donated to SanWild. The department refused and went to court. "Both Soraya and Mufasa were on the single donation application," WildForLife attorney Carol Zeitsman told the Times. "Why approve the tawny female and not the white male? Because he's more valuable. We would write off the fees but they refused ... inexplicable if they were going to donate him anyway." There are only about 300 white lions left in the world, with 13 existing in the wild. Mufasa is infertile and cannot be bred. But a canned hunt for a white lion could raise an estimated $50,000. He could also be killed and his bones sold to exotic animal dealers in China or Southeast Asia. An online petition to save Mufasa has collected 240,157 signatures, including comedian Ricky Gervais. MORE: Suspected rhino poachers eaten alive by lions He wrote: "Shame on the pathetic sadist who pays the money to shoot this animal, and shame on the snivelling coward who accepts the money too. Both worthless." Actor Russell Crowe also took to Twitter to protest the possibility of a canned hunt for Mufasa. F--k Off this is so stupid and blood thirsty. We are given dominion over animals because of our intelligence (questionable), to me, that dominion has an implicit duty of care," Crowe wrote. "A person who derives pleasure from killing animals is as sick as any murderer #stoptrophyhunting" A fundraising page for Mufasa can be found here. --- Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. BEIRUT Saudi Arabias public prosecutor said on Thursday that he was requesting the death penalty for five people suspected of involvement in the killing of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in the countrys consulate in Istanbul. Speaking to reporters in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, a spokesman for the public prosecutor said that the 15-man team sent to confront Khashoggi had orders to return him to the kingdom, but after he resisted they decided on the spot to kill and dismember him. The Saudi prosecutors account on Thursday appeared to contradict previous statements from both the Saudi government and senior White House officials about Saudi conclusions regarding the killing on Oct. 2 of Khashoggi. The assassination of Khashoggi, a Virginia resident who wrote columns for The Washington Post that were critical of some Saudi policies, has caused widespread international outrage and the largest foreign relations crisis for the kingdom since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The statement from the Saudis on Thursday also sought to reinforce previous claims that the team in Istanbul had acted without the consent of the kingdoms top leadership, meaning King Salman and his son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Before Thursday, the Saudis, whose versions of events has shifted, had most recently acknowledged evidence from Turkey that Khashoggi was killed in a deliberate, premeditated assassination. The admission on Thursday that the killers had dismembered Khashoggis body to dispose of the remains appeared consistent with that version of events. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in interviews, had credited Saudi Arabia with acknowledging the premeditated character of the killing as part of the Saudi investigation. But the Saudi account on Thursday appeared to double back to previous explanations that the operation had originally intended only to question or capture Khashoggi. While acknowledging that the killers had quickly cut up the body, the Saudi prosecutor sought to portray the dismemberment as a spur-of-the-moment decision after an unintended killing. President Trump had previously dismissed that explanation as the worst cover-up ever. Khashoggis body has not been found. Turkish officials have speculated that the Saudi agents dissolved it in acid. Ben Hubbard and David D. Kirkpatrick are New York Times writers. KABUL A blistering overnight attack by the Taliban on an Afghan police outpost in western Farah province killed 30 policemen, Afghan officials said Thursday. It was the latest in a series of brutal and near-daily Taliban assaults on the military and police forces, government and other installations throughout the country. The resurgent Taliban, who in recent years have taken over nearly half of Afghanistan, did not comment on the attack in Farah. The attacks have been so relentless that authorities no longer regularly provide casualty figures, but unofficial estimates say that about 45 Afghan policemen or soldiers are killed or wounded on a daily basis. According to provincial council member Dadullah Qani, the overnight onslaught on the outpost in Farahs district of Khaki Safed began late on Wednesday and continued for more than four hours. In Kabul, lawmaker Samiullah Samim said the Taliban killed all 30 policemen members of both the national and local police force who were deployed at the outpost, including the district police commander, Abdul Jabhar. Retaliatory air strikes killed 17 Taliban fighters but the insurgents still managed to get away with a large amount of weapons and ammunition, he said. Meanwhile, fighting with the Taliban in two districts of central Ghazni province has displaced thousands of people in the past two weeks, most of them minority ethnic Hazaras, who are Shiites, said Mohammad Arif Rahmani, a lawmaker from Ghazni. Also, about 100 Afghan policemen, local pro-government militiamen and soldiers have been killed in the bitter clashes there, Rahmani said. Currently, Afghan security forces are battling insurgents in 22 of the countrys 34 provinces, he added. Afghanistans protracted war also has become increasingly deadly for civilians. A U.N. report issued earlier this year said more civilians died in the first six months of 2018 than in any year since 2009, when the U.N. mission first began monitoring civilian casualties. Every day in the first six months of 2018, an average of nine civilians, including two children, were killed in the conflict in Afghanistan, said the independent Afghanistan Analysts Network in its own report. Amir Shah is an Associated Press writer. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites and ad networks. Such third party cookies may track your use on Sharedots sites for better rendering. Our partners use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Sharedots website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn more STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Congressman-elect Max Rose blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio, a fellow Democrat, for the citys response to Thursdays storm. Three-inches of snow caused massive bus service and traffic delays on Staten Island and across New York City. The citys Sanitation Department said that it deployed about 700 salt spreaders across the city by noon and had to wait for snow to accumulate before sending out plows. I am profoundly disappointed with the dereliction of duty to protect my constituency in this emergency weather situation, Rose wrote in his letter to the mayor, later adding, We deserve answers as to what caused this lack of preparation, an explanation on how it will be prevented in the coming winter months, and who will be held accountable. DE BLASIOS RESPONSE A spokesperson for the mayor didnt respond to Roses letter, but directed the Advance to de Blasios appearance on Spectrum News NY1s Mornings On 1. De Blasio said that inaccurate weather forecasts and the closure of the George Washington Bridge were to blame for the rush hour paralysis across Staten Island and the rest of the city. That really threw everything off. That had a horrible chain reaction on the entire city, said de Blasio, adding, We got just about every form of bad luck we could have gotten yesterday. The Weather Service reports changed radically late in the morning yesterday. De Blasio also added that the city waited to send out snow plows and that traffic conditions had already started to degenerate, making it difficult for sanitation vehicles to maneuver across the city. We were not in a position to do what we really needed to do which was tell people, do not drive, said de Blasio. He also said that the city will do a full review of what happened here. RESPONSE DRAWS IRE OF OTHER ISLAND POLS Rose joins a slew of Island politicians who criticized the citys response, including Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn), who called the citys efforts an utter failure." During a morning appearance on 1010 WINS, de Blasio said that Malliotakis' comments showed a lack of respect for sanitation workers. Malliotakis, who ran against de Blasio in 2017, responded on her Facebook page, saying, Their direction comes from the top. If they dont have correct staffing levels or enough plows and salt spreaders assigned, its because the mayor and commissioner didnt assign them. Borelli said, "The decisions at the top at DSNY, PANYNJ and elsewhere were flubbed regarding this storm preparation. Rose campaigned on criticizing de Blasios treatment of Staten Island, saying in a televised ad buy that he acts like Staten Island doesnt even exist. Rose also criticized de Blasio during his weeklong visit to Staten Island in July, when he penned a letter to the two-term mayor, demanding that he address several borough-wide issues, including creating a new Cromwell Center and reducing congestion on the Staten Island Expressway. Rose joined a wave of Democrats who took back the House of Representatives when he won New Yorks 11th congressional district on Nov. 6. The district voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2016. Rose beat Rep. Daniel Donovan, a three-year incumbent, by 6 percentage points and became only the second Democrat to win the Islands congressional seat in over three decades. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Authorities allege that nine children were present when police raided the home of four people accused of drug peddling near Port Richmond High School. The children were both genders and ranged in age from age 12 to nine months, according to the criminal complaint. Scheduled to appear in Criminal Court this week are suspects Michael Hall, 52, Jeanette Perez, 48, Jeanette Joyner, 23, and Terrance Brown, 29. All four live at the home on the 200 block of Charles Avenue where narcotics allegedly were confiscated by police armed with a search warrant on Nov. 9 at about 6:10 a.m., according to the complaint. The home from where drugs also allegedly were sold is within 1,000 feet of Port Richmond High School. Cocaine, marijuana and heroin allegedly were found in the bedroom of Hall and Perez and heroin allegedly was discovered in the bedroom of Joyner and Brown in the Narcotics Borough Staten Island investigation that led to the search, according to the criminal complaint. The criminal complaint alleges five sales of heroin to undercover officers during daytime hours in September and October at the home on Charles Avenue. Perez allegedly peddled the opioid on Sept. 5 at about 3:45 p.m. Hall is accused of the other four alleged heroin-for-cash transactions. Bond has been set at $50,000/$35,000 cash for Hall, $7,500/ $3,500 cash for Joyner and $7,500/$5,000 for Brown, according to public records. Perez was released without bond, but under supervision. All of the suspects are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child. Hall and Perez are accused of additional charges including selling a controlled substance in or near a school and unlawful possession of marijuana. Joyners attorney, Michael Marino, and Browns attorney, Kevin McKernan, both declined to comment. An attorney for Hall and Perez did not immediately reply to a request for comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After-school programs and field trips are canceled on Friday throughout New York City, according to social media posts by Chancellor Richard Carranza and Notify NYC. The DOE had warned of possible school bus delays on Friday morning in the five boroughs. The New York City Department of Education announces afterschool programs will be cancelled today, 11/16, according to Notify NYC. Field trips using yellow bus service will be cancelled. PSAL games will be cancelled and are being rescheduled. Public Hearings will be cancelled and are being rescheduled. The cancelations also were posted on the chancellors Twitter feed. Carranza, on his Twitter feed, praised the efforts of schools staff and bus drivers for their efforts in the aftermath of the storm. Thank you to all custodial engineers, custodial staff, and bus drivers and attendants who are out in full force today to ensure our students and staff have a safe school day, Carranza posted. Parents and others with questions should call 311, he said. On Friday morning, the Department of Education posted on its official Twitter feed that it was expecting delays on some routes as a result of Thursdays storm. The post didnt specify what routes or boroughs are affected. Were working to get all students to school safely and in a timely manner, the post said. Families or staff with questions were directed to call 718-392-8855. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Authorities tracked down Hector Calo in the Bronx last year after he escaped from parole officers during a supervised visit to his Stapleton home. Calo, 43, will soon have new accommodations upstate after pleading guilty to drug and gun charges. Calo escaped from his residence on the 200 block of St. Pauls Ave. while in the custody of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) at about 6:45 a.m. July 20, 2017, said police. He was handcuffed behind his back at the time of the incident, police said. "During a home visit to his approved residence, parolee Hector Calo fled from parole officers and other DOCCS staff, Thomas Mailey, a DOCCS spokesman, said in a statement then. Calo had been paroled in August 2015 after serving a 42-month burglary sentence for a conviction in Manhattan, online DOCCS records show. An 18-hour manhunt ensued, which resulted in Calos capture without incident by the NYPD Fugitive Enforcement Division on July 21, 2017, at the Davidson Houses on Home Street in the Bronx, said police. Calo had a loaded firearm and a large quantity of drugs, when nabbed, a prosecutor said at his Criminal Court arraignment after his arrest. Calo also had about 200 glassine bags of heroin in his possession, according to a source. The defendant pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to felony counts of second-degree criminal weapon possession and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. In exchange, hell be sentenced on Dec. 14 to concurrent eight-year prison sentences on each case. Hes also subject to concurrent terms of post release supervision - five years for the gun conviction and three years for the drug conviction. Defense lawyer Gillian Kress could not immediately be reached for comment. Assistant District Attorney Antonia Assenso is prosecuting the case. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Deputy Chief Michael Osgood is the new executive officer at Patrol Borough Staten Island, making him the boroughs No. 2 cop. Osgood is taking over from Deputy Chief Kevin Williams, who has been reassigned to head Patrol Borough Queens South, according to an NYPD spokesman. Osgood most recently served as the top cop of the Special Victims Division, which investigates sex crimes and assists victims. He had appeared at several events on Staten Island in his previous role as inspector and commander of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, according to Advance records. On Friday, the NYPD announced a major leadership realignment of the Special Victims Division. Our team continues to come into sharp focus as we shape the NYPD for the future, said Police Commissioner James P. ONeill, in an NYPD statement announcing the changes. The significant policy enhancements, facility improvements, and restructuring within our Special Victims Division amplify our ability to respond effectively to survivors of all crimes, while continuing to conduct full and thorough investigations." Deputy Chief Judith Harrison is the new commanding officer of the Special Victims Division. "In April of this year, the NYPD launched a top-to-bottom review under the new Chief of Detectives Dermot Sheas leadership to identify areas within the SVD that could be improved through a survivor-focused philosophy, starting from the very first interaction and throughout the entire investigative process, according to a police statement. The division has been in the spotlight for its handling of controversial cases, including accusations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. We are deeply committed to doing everything and anything necessary to ensure survivors feel the safety and support needed to come forward, bravely share their experiences, and help the NYPD bring to justice those who have committed these horrific crimes," Shea said. Osgood will work under Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, the NYPD borough commander. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Thanksgiving is just a week away, and with the holiday season in full swing, people across the country are turning to Google to find holiday recipes. Google Trends data found that the most searched holiday cookie recipe in New York during the 2017 Thanksgiving season was the one for making gingerbread cookies. People in 40 out of 50 states searched for the molasses-dark, ginger-and-spice cookies once Turkey Day rolled around last year. The top searched Thanksgiving recipe in New York State for the last two years is stuffing, according to Google Trends. Google Trends found the top five Thanksgiving recipe questions in the United States. How do you cook a turkey? How do you make stuffing for Thanksgiving? How do you make turkey gravy? How much turkey do you cook per person? What can I make ahead for Thanksgiving? According to SatelliteInternet.com, which analyzed Google Trends data, the most searched recipe in New York in 2017 was how to make a turkey. To get the scoop on Thanksgiving favorites, we started with the top-searched recipes in every food-related category on Google Trends last November, said SatelliteInternet.com on its website. We backed up these favorites with any similar recipes and then ran them all through Google Trends again -- and voila! Our creation was complete." Once Thanksgiving is over, people search for winter holiday recipes on Google. New Yorkers swap out Thankgivings gingerbread cookies for chocolate chip cookies for the holiday season. Here are the top five trending recipes in the United States during the holiday season, according to Google Trends. Green bean casserole Holiday mule drink Turkey brine Mashed potatoes Candied yams and marshmallows FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 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! 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Zachery is charged under felony murder laws for the shooting death of 34-year-old Joseph McHaney of Chicago, who authorities said was shot by the homeowner whose identity has not been released by authorities after the man was allegedly attacked with a hammer by McHaney. Silver tells Fairfax Media though that his company engages only with companies which we believe will fundamentally perform and will be earning accretive in the long term. Of course nothing in investing is certain but some of Hunter's deals have raised eyebrows including a company called Magnum Gas & Power, which was once Golden Tiger Mining and is now Raven Energy. 'Strong news flow' The company has prospecting licences in Botswana and an investment in a California gas basin, and brought in Hunter Capital to handle a share placement last July followed by the issue of new shares in August, both at 0.125 cents per share. Despite working on myriad projects in Africa for several years, including a 2015 proposal to build a solar power station in Botswana, the company has achieved few results. In August, Raven said it would sell its final assets in Botswana, two exploration licenses. But in September last year, just a month after advising on the issue of new shares, Hunter Capitals equity analyst J-Francois Bertincourt placed a 14 cents target price on the company, more than seven times what the stock was trading at on the day. Strong news flow is expected in the next six months, he wrote. Due to the high probability of success of the Tulainyo structure we have constructed a development scenario, which assumes a gas field development. To date, there has been no development but instead the project has hit legal hurdles from co-investors, and the company remains suspended from the Australian Securities Exchange after failing to pay listing fees in August, having gone into trading halt in March. And while the directors collected hundreds of thousands of dollars, the company has remained off the stock market, last trading in March at just 0.2 cents per share, a long way from Hunter Capitals estimate. Loading If that was a one-off, perhaps it would not have raised curious looks. Things go wrong. But Hunter Capital has advised on half a dozen similar companies, including this year on Prospect Resources, which has lithium exploration licenses on the outskirts of the Zimbabwean cities of Harare and Bulawayo and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, Hunter Capital raised money in January at 5 cents per share. Three months later, with shares trading at 5.2 cents, Bertincourt published research, suggesting it would surge to 14 cents. As the company delivers on its plan and strategy, (Prospect) should experience a significant value uplift resulting in a market capitalisation of $304 million, he wrote. A number of the companies Hunter has advised have run into trouble. Credit:David Gray Even if a discount for country risk (Zimbabwe vs. Australia) is considered, milestones such as securing development funding, off-take and construction of the Arcadia project should bring significant value uplift to (Prospect). Despite the area being explored for its mining potential since the 1970s, no commercial mining has yet taken place, and Prospect shares last traded at 2.6 cents. The same pattern repeats with Stellar Resources, exploring tin in Tasmania, for whom Hunter Capital did a share placement in March at 3.5 cents per share and one month later set a price target of exactly double that. And that is the case for Ardea Resources, developing cobalt projects in Western Australia and other mines in New South Wales, whose share price of 64c is roughly 60 per cent lower than when Hunter Capital set a price target of $2.25 per share by the middle of 2019. 'Value Uplift' That also goes for Lake Resources, which whose February raising Hunter Capital was entitled to a 6 per cent fee on all money raised and share options issued as payment. Project Assessment Likely to Lead to Tremendous Value Uplift, Bertincourts March note, the only issued to date on the company, read. He suggested shares would hit 55 cents withn a year yet nine months later, they are trading at 12 cents per share. Silver says Bertincourt handled all mining research and coverage and resides outside of our office and publishes according to his own views. Bertincourt is a veteran resources analyst previously also at Canaccord Genuity. He was contacted for comment. Silver nominates a number of successful private engagements with companies including Battery Mineral Resources, a Sydney-based Canadian cobalt explorer which was due to be floated by the Bank of Montreals BMO Capital Markets division. Hunter Capital raised funds at 10 cents per share, 20 cents per share and 66 cents per share, and Silver said recent block trades had occurred at $1.40 per share and the company would likely hit the Toronto Stock Exchange at $1.50 per share. Another success nominated was Nextleaf Solutions, a Canadian cannabis oil producer which has plans to list on the alternative Canadian Securities Exchange this month (it has not yet). Hunter Capital raised funds at 11 cents per share, 17 cents and 22 cents, but Silver said it has a fully committed IPO occurring at 35 cents. On a more recent deal we raised $13 million for Strike Energy in the last two weeks. The raising formed the backbone of a merger with UIL Energy to form an oil and gas company worth over $150 million with key assets in both the Cooper and Perth basins, Silver said. Our success is in the relationships weve developed. We have a solid investor base that we continue to grow alongside. Were able to source exciting investment opportunities on behalf of our clients and engage with companies who are industry leaders. Perhaps the most notable of Hunter Capitals recent work has been the listed investment company L1 Long Short Fund, a wildly successful float which raised $1.3 billion off the back of high returns from during the early days of the outfit. Hunter Capital is a co-manager along with Bell Potter, Macquarie Equities, First NZ Capital and Shaw and Partners. But since it floated in April, investments have soured, down almost four per cent last month and more than 20 per cent since the fund started. Its share price has slid. Silver, on occasion, does back the companies he is involved with, owning large shareholdings in a number of them including Stellar Resources through LTL Capital. It was some of Silvers personal trades that in 2016 brought him to the attention of the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority which alleged that he had made $200,000 while working at Casimir Capital without disclosing his private activities in breach of the rules. National Australia Bank boss Andrew Thorburn has taken a $2 million pay cut due to damage to the bank's reputation at the royal commission, and Mr Thorburn's unintended breaches of company policy relating to the declaration of gifts. The cut took Mr Thorburn's 2018 pay packet to $4.38 million, from $6.45 million in 2017. However, his statutory pay - which includes the monetary value of equity-based payments realised during the year - was cut by just $253,638. His remuneration included a bonus of $2.1 million. NAB confirmed on Thursday that CEO Andrew Thorburn had made unintentional breaches of group policy in relation to the Fiji trip and the Thermomix. Credit:Jessica Hromas Fairfax Media revealed on Friday that Mr Thorburn accepted a luxury Fiji holiday and a Thermomix kitchen appliance arranged through a company under police investigation over accusations it bribed his former chief of staff to win contracts from the bank. Detectives from NSW Police are seeking information from NAB about if and when Mr Thorburn reimbursed the company behind the gifts, the Human Group, the circumstances of NAB's decision to pay for the holiday and kitchen appliance, and whether there was any discount to the market value of the gifts. Nestled amid the construction frenzy of a curvaceous 35-level office tower on Charter Hall's Wesley Place site in Melbourne's Lonsdale Street is a 143-year-old olive tree, one of the first planted in Australia. The tree's age gives it special status. "There is one person whose job it is to make sure it stays alive," says Charter Hall's regional development director Simon Stockfeld. The olive plant, which has its own listing on the city's exceptional tree register, is part of a larger restoration project that will see the heritage-listed bluestone Wesley Church, Caretakers Cottage and Manse get a significant facelift. Simon Stockfeld at the Wesley Church construction site. Credit:Joe Armao The church, built in 1858, boasts the city's first spire. Its slate roof is set to be replaced with stone from the original source in Wales, and its pointwork, stain glass windows and sandstone balustrades restored. Australias corporate regulator will not take any action against directors linked to alleged undisclosed share placements, stock price manipulation and misleading statements at an ASX-listed company that caused investors to lose $40 million. In addition, senior executives from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have admitted that the regulator may not act even when there is strong evidence to suggest breaches of law, saying aggrieved investors had the option of private litigation. ASIC commissioner Cathie Armour says the government's proposals around benchmarks bring Australia into line with the rest of the world. Credit:Ryan Stuart To be fair, we actually have a very effective class action system in this country which does provide a mechanism for people to commence litigation, ASIC Commissioner Cathie Armour told a recent federal parliamentary committee hearing, adding that the regulator would always pursue the most serious cases. Ms Armours comments and ASICs decision to take no further action in relation to LWP Technologies Ltd is likely to put further pressure on the regulator following the banking royal commissions exposure of its historical impotence. Honey being sold in Australia could be bulked up with sugar syrup but there is no reliable way to find out, the consumer watchdog has concluded, prompting it to call on the government to develop a new testing regime to protect consumers. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission launched an investigation into a number of brands of honey, including one made by Australia's biggest honey producer Capilano, in September following a joint Fairfax Media - ABC investigation. The ACCC has found there is no reliable way to test the purity of honey. Credit:Sanghee Liu The investigation revealed that German lab tests found Capilano's Allowrie's import-blended Mix Blossom Honey, IGA's Black and Gold honey and Aldi's Bramwell honey were adulterated, using the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance" or "NMR" testing method. The federal agriculture department uses an older "C4 sugar" test to detect adulteration in imported honey, but unscrupulous producers, particularly in China, are finding ways to get around that test. Veteran fund manager Geoff Wilson has launched a fresh broadside against Labor's proposed policy to end cash tax refunds attached to stock dividends. If it wins the next election Labor has promised to end an arrangement introduced under the Howard government that sees cash returned to individuals when the tax breaks they get tied to their share dividends exceeds their annual tax bill. Wilson Asset Management chairman Geoff Wilson. Credit:Peter Braig Mr Wilson said a petition started by his firm had attracted almost 30,000 signatures and seen more than 2000 people submit a written description of how the policy will affect them. "What it will do to ordinary Australians, its going to devastate their lives," Mr Wilson told the Sohn Hearts & Minds conference in Melbourne on Friday. Migratory shorebirds aren't colourful show-offs. Australia's least-known birds, they are usually small and brownish, and neither sing nor build fancy nests. They do, however, fly extraordinary distances up to eight days straight without food or water, navigating oceans between here and Alaska or Siberia. They do not soar or glide, but flap all the way. What they lack in bling they make up in courage. Artist Kate Gorringe-Smith isn't alone in adoring them or in fretting for them. Wetlands, crucial to their survival, are rapidly disappearing. In a world where species extinctions are rife, migratory shorebirds are not only key indicators of the ailing health of waterways, but are also symbolic of broader crises. Trudy Rice's, The Meeting, 2017, monoprint and solarplate etching (detail), is among the artworks featured in the Overwintering Project. "In an age where human migration is often viewed as a threat to borders and resources, these tiny birds also remind us that we are globally interdependent in a multitude of complex, subtle and ancient ways," Gorringe-Smith says. They are also a great subject for artists. Concerned at how migratory shorebirds are now our most endangered group of avians, Gorringe-Smith last year launched an ambitious project in which more than 150 artists have so far celebrated the birds' subtleties. Occupation Actor. Age 45. Relationship status Married. Best known for Playing Billie Proudman in Offspring. Currently Starring in Orange Is the New Brown. When I was at university I didnt want to meet the man of my dreams, settle down and start a family. I was more relaxed about it. Credit:Eddie Jim My dad, Tony, worked as a solicitor in Bairnsdale, Victoria. He used to work long hours and I barely got to spend quality time with him. Then in 1981, when I was eight and he was in his mid-30s, he quit his day job and took the family to Europe for 12 months. It was a very progressive thing to do at the time. Together with my mum, Kitty, and my two older brothers, David and Jeremy, we spent six weeks on the road in a campervan and moved to London. It was due to Dad's adventurous spirit that we packed up and took off. When we came back to Australia, he had a career change and ran travel agencies. I went to a co-ed school, Nagle College, in Bairnsdale and always felt comfortable around boys. But at 14, when we moved to Melbourne, I went to Melbourne Girls Grammar and found the cultural and gender shift hard. That's when I started to become giggly around boys. ACT Policing and members of the ACT State Emergency Service will conduct a search on a large area of Mount Ainslie on Saturday and Sunday in relation to a historic missing person case. SES searching Mount Ainslie. Credit:Jamila Toderas The search will predominantly take place in an area on the western and northern sides of Mount Ainslie, roughly bounded by the Australian War Memorial, the suburbs of Ainslie and Hackett and Mount Majura. Police have made the decision to conduct this search following a reexamination of information. The search will be a concerted effort to locate evidence. There was a time some would say a gentler, more neighbourly time when your suburban shopping strip consisted of a newsagency, chemist, cake shop, butcher, fruit shop and cash-and-carry, nearly all of which were family-run businesses. It was the epic rise of giant shopping malls in the 1970s and '80s, emblazoned with the logos of multinational clothing stores and fast-food restaurants, which first sapped these mum-and-dad concerns, leading to a dramatic shrinkage of the local shopping strip. While some of these businesses made a successful jump to the glistening new malls, most couldn't sustain the high rents. Walk through any Westfield shopping mall today and you'll be lucky to spot two or three family operations perhaps the newsagency and one or two takeaways or cafes in the food court amid a sea of chain stores and brand franchises. A typical thriving Melbourne newsagency in the 1950s well before todays retailing challenges took hold. Credit:FAIRFAXSYNDICATION.COM Newsagencies weathered the changing retail storm better than most, but by the early 2000s they received two heavy blows to their profit margins: supermarket chains began stocking newspapers, magazines and stationery in large quantities, while a critical mass of people started reading news online for the first time. Once-thriving newsagents there are about 4000 nationwide, down from 5000 a decade ago, according to the Newsagents Association of NSW & ACT began to struggle. Now newsagencies are fighting back, diversifying their product range. Neil Kelly, 54, has always loved newspapers, and his wife, Sharon, devoured magazines, which encouraged them in 1998 to buy their local newsagency in southern Sydney's Caringbah with two good friends, Steve and Kathryn Sutton. "We still do well, but it's a much more challenging environment now, and we have to diversify," says Neil Kelly, who recently outlaid $100,000 installing a gift department. So Morrisons familiar accusation of complacency in parts of the Muslim community hovers, vague yet potent because theres votes to be harvested from fuelling suspicion and fear. Presumably thats why Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy pledged in Bourke Streets aftermath that under a Coalition government terror suspects would be banned from Melbournes CBD. I say presumably because Guys proposal strains logic. If an individual is dangerous enough to warrant banning from the CBD, why should we tolerate that would-be terrorist roaming Victorias other crowded places? But Morrison has some willing tango partners in what we lazily call the Muslim community, whose obfuscating response to his provocation almost proves the charge against them. Let me stress only some: local Somali leaders called Shire Alis actions terrorism, as did a number of Islamic groups Id never heard of. Still, the some includes prominent Islamic spokespeople. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Pellegrini's cafe in the wake of the Bourke Street attacks. Credit:The Age I can almost excuse Shire Alis grieving family for coming out with the obscenity that his knifing passersby and igniting gas cylinders in his car on Bourke Street during Friday rush hour was a cry for help. I cannot excuse otherwise intelligent commentators promoting the tired and disingenuous argument that lone-wolf terrorists must be of sound mind to be worthy of the label. Since declaring the caliphate in 2014, Islamic State chiefs have called on Muslims in the West to kill the infidels by whatever means possible a small number of foot soldiers responded to the call, the common denominator between them not good mental health but what Morrison accurately described as the radical and dangerous ideology of extremist Islam". Loading Yet some insist Shire Ali was just a troubled soul and not an Islamic extremist. There is no evidence that this individuals religious beliefs were a causal factor (in the violence), said the Islamic Council of Victoria, described on its website as the peak Muslim body representing an estimated 200,000 Victorian Muslims and over 60 member societies. Thats no evidence, apart from Shire Ali chatting to convicted terrorists, having relatives known to counter-terrorism authorities, being placed on a terror watchlist and seeing his passport cancelled on concerns hed join Islamic State in Syria. Other facts about his associations are reportedly subject to court suppression orders. Its hard to tell how many people the presumptuously named Muslims Australia actually represents, but they too lamented that when a Muslim commits such acts then all other possible factors are either downplayed or ignored. This is a privilege that is extended in most other incidents to such perpetrators. This is nonsense. A Muslim with a knife and even with a car packed with gas bottles does not a terrorist make. A Muslim with a knife and gas bottles with Shire Alis security profile probably does a terrorist make, just as the white supremacists who have acted out their hateful ideology in various countries shooting up mosques, synagogues, multicultural gatherings and black churches are unambiguously terrorists. In an interview with SBS Arabic24, Grand Mufti Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed rightly pointed out that religious leaders like himself are targets for extremists. He also said: Linking crime to religion is what frustrates us the most and the duty of politicians is to defuse conflicts rather than inflame them. We should not use the word terror to intimidate people the way other dictatorships do to oppress their own people. Loading While some defensiveness on the Grand Muftis part is understandable, his insistence that Shire Alis actions are entirely severable from religion, however warped the Somalis interpretation of religion, can be read as negating the Islamist threat. Terror is not just a word but a reality. Not just a tool dictators use to intimidate their own people, but a weapon of intimidation religious zealots use against free societies. Im not implying these imams or Muslim advocates detect troubled individuals in their orbit and choose not to inform the authorities about those ticking bombs, or that they condone terrorism. I share their indignation at the veiled suggestion that the community is collectively responsible for the actions of depraved individuals. But as the years rolled by and adjournments in the Medich matter came and went, Gattellari, who suffers from claustrophobia, became increasingly frustrated. He was desperate to go to the Dawn De Loas minimum security jail at Silverwater but because he was a Crown witness he had to stay at Long Bay. I think Ive walked to China five times and back since Ive been in jail, he said. As he paced up and down his cell, where he was locked in for up to 22 hours a day, Gattellari got to thinking. I thought Ive got to try and do something to get this moving along if I could entice him into doing something stupid, offering him to not give evidence for a large sum of money, Gattellari said. He insisted the police were to be involved when Medich walked into his trap. That way there would be no more delays in court and we would all get along with our lives once and for all, Gattellari told the court. Although Gattellari initially told police in a recorded interview in September 2016 that it was the Medich camp who had approached him, he later admitted it was he who wanted a message delivered to his former close friend that he would change his evidence in return for the payment of $10 million before Medichs August 2013 committal hearing and $15 million after. Jasper Waters was born a "big, beautiful" boy. But inside his lungs were "wet", struggling to work and doctors feared he was on the brink of death. As a last resort, Jasper was transferred from the Royal Hospital for Women to the Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), which is on the same block at Randwick, where doctors connected him to an extraordinarily complex machine that oxygenated his blood outside his body, allowing his heart and lungs to recover. Ainslie McGlynn and Jeremy Waters with their son Jasper. Credit:Wolter Peeters "Doctors at both hospitals worked so closely together to figure out the best course of action," his mother Ainslie McGlynn said of her son's extreme case of meconium aspiration. "We had to prepare for the worst. When they turned down the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, he was able to breathe." What would have been Australia's most expensive public art work a floating cloud installation by contemporary artist Tomas Saraceno above a new waterfront park at Barangaroo South was abandoned last month after estimated forecasts of construction costs blew out to nearly $17 million. Barangaroo Development Authority withdrew support for proceeding with Saraceno's massive artwork at Waterman's Quay after "a complete failure" by developer Lendlease to control costs, according to correspondence between the two parties sighted by the Herald. Tomas Saraceno's work Cloud City was battered, bruised and blown away by fierce winds in Perth during an international arts festival in 2011. While the payment to the artist hadn't changed, estimates of the artwork's construction rose nearly 70 per cent from $10 million nearly three years ago. Barangaroo lacked confidence that Lendlease could complete the artwork "within budget or at all". The public-private Northern Beaches Hospital opened with great fanfare less than three weeks ago, but hospital staff say the disarray would affect patient care. The place might look fantastic, the new cafeteria is beautiful, but all that means nothing if patient care is compromised like this, one nurse said. Nurses have filled their own car boots and back seats with basic medical equipment from the now-closed Manly Hospital as well as Mona Vale to replenish the new hospitals stockrooms. Paramedics have given up their own spare medical supplies to hospital staff from their own bags and ambulances and nurses and doctors leave their own wards to go in search of supplies from other units. Staff say Healthscope was not prepared for the sheer numbers of patients presenting to the emergency department with complex conditions. Loading "This was terrible planning and they haven't gotten their act together yet," one staff member said. A spokesperson for Healthscope said there would be some teething problems in the early stages of opening the new hospital as systems and processes were implemented. We are currently working through the supply issues being experienced, the spokesperson said in a statement. New stock is coming in every day with additional Healthscope resources dedicated to improving these processes. A spokesperson for Northern Sydney Local Health District said the hospital's readiness was confirmed by the Independent Verifier and at the time Healthscope had assured NSW Health it had sufficient stock available. The hospital opened to much fanfare last month. Credit:Brook Mitchell Several staff members told the Herald the hospitals operations were improving everyday. They said the problems were expected under the circumstances, acknowledging that opening the facility was a gargantuan task. Others suspected the upheaval of moving from the old Mona Vale and Manly hospitals had exacerbated frustrations of some staff who did not wish to move to the new hospital. Some of the problems would be comical in any other workplace, one staff member said. They described an incident in which doctors were trying to respond to a call for assistance during a medical emergency but they could not get through the closed security doors. They were swiping their security cards on the wrong card reader. The appropriate card reader had been incorrectly labelled for the cleaners. The doctors had to go down a level and come back up to the ward via another entry. It was a complete shambles, said one staff member. They stressed the delay did not affect the patients condition and a doctor was present. In the new 50-bed emergency department, wait times have blown out. Staff reported at least one patient waited up to 17 hours for treatment. Healthscope chief executive Gordon Ballantyne at the new Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer A Healthscope spokesperson said significant numbers of patients with complex conditions had presented to the emergency department. There have been delays which has been regrettable but we are confident we are getting across the issues and are addressing them as a matter of priority. Nurse, orderlies and midwives are working to the point of exhaustion on understaffed in a desperate effort to give patients the care they need, staff members say. They estimated the nurse-to-patient ratio could be as low as one nurse to seven or eight patients on night shifts when there was an over-reliance on agency nurses who were unfamiliar with the new hospital and its processes. Its just courting disaster, one nurse said. "There are nurses who go home in tears they're so stressed and exhausted." Several staff said they had not had a meal break since their first shift at the new hospital, and regularly worked hours of overtime. We would never let patient safety become an issue so we work through," one nurse said. There have been delays which has been regrettable but we are confident we are getting across the issues and are addressing them as a matter of priority. The spokesperson said it was usual practice to stagger the opening of large facilities, and the capacity of the hospital is increasing each week as new staff commence. The hospital had recruited hundreds of staff in addition to the hundreds transferring from Manly and Mona Vale hospitals, the statement read. We continue to recruit staff and this will continue as demand for services increases. Patient safety and quality services were at the forefront of Healthscopes efforts, the spokesperson said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said opening a facility of this scale was bound to come with challenges. The organisers of a music festival in northern NSW commenced legal action in the Land and Environment court on Friday, after police pulled their consent for the event partly in response to deaths at music festival Defqon.1 earlier this year. Bohemian Beatfreaks is scheduled to be held on Friday, November 23 to Sunday, November 26, and tickets were still on sale last night via the events website. Rabbits Eat Lettuce, the organisers behind Bohemian Beatfreaks, was granted a five-year development consent to host two camping festivals each year from Richmond Valley Council in 2015, but a clause in the approval has allowed NSW Police to stop the event by advising it is unsafe. A reveller poses with NSW Police officers at a previous iteration of Bohemian Beatfreaks. Director of Rabbits Eat Lettuce, Erik Lamir-Pike, said the event, to be held 50 kilometres south-west of Casino on private property, is being unfairly targeted as a response to drug overdose deaths at the Defqon.1 music festival in September. Queensland police are continuing to crack down on drug dealers and traffickers as schoolies week begins with about 40 drug raids across the Gold Coast, finding marijuana, ice and possibly fantasy. In a most recent raid on Friday, police found cash, drug utensils and drugs, which appeared to be Fantasy at an Ashmore home. Detective Inspector Brendan Smith said Gold Coast police had taken action on dangerous drugs in the lead-up to schoolies throughout the week. Gold Coast police have made pre-schoolies drug arrests following police raids on the Gold Coast. Credit:Queensland Police Service "At this point, we've got 40 people on 109 charges on offences including production and supply and possession of dangerous drugs, possession of weapons and we've also been fortunate enough to recover some stolen property like motorbike and trailers," he said. A serious two-vehicle crash has closed the Forest Hill-Fernvale Road at the intersection of Vernor Road, north of Ipswich. Emergency services were called to the head-on crash just after 2.15pm on Friday afternoon. Queensland Ambulance Service attended the two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said a man in his 20s was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition with serious leg and head injuries. The man was trapped in his car for some time before being extricated. It was quickly determined, in conjunction with law enforcement, that the student did not possess a weapon and that there was no immediate threat, Vossel said. After further investigation, the student was taken into custody, and the building resumed regular operations. Law enforcement will continue to investigate the situation. Seddon resident Zhoe Jess is one of the new victims, diagnosed last week after living for months with a growing lump near her elbow that doctors, specialists and a barrage of expensive tests were unable to identify. I went to three different GPs and they were just calling me an enigma, the communications manager said. The developing lump on Zhoe's upper arm . They were saying youre a mystery we dont know what this is. The mother-of-two is certain she has not travelled to impacted areas in the past year, and has been unable to pinpoint the moment when she might have caught the infection, via an insect bite or cut. Ms Jess said she first noticed a small lump above her left elbow about six months ago. In July it grew significantly and began showing signs of an infection, appearing red and growing hot. Oral antibiotics had no effect and by the time she was eventually booked in with a surgeon to have the lump drained, it was the size of a small lemon. It was like another elbow above my elbow, she said. The saga continued after surgery, with Ms Jess bedridden for 10 days after the operation suffering nausea and dizziness. Then the two holes that had been used to drain the puss-filled lump started inexplicably growing. The holes were stitched up, but the stitches burst, revealing a new infection. Ms Jess said it wasnt until she asked if doctors if they were sure that she didnt have the flesh-eating bacteria, that a swab for the Buruli ulcer was taken. It came back positive. Infectious diseases physician Associate Professor Daniel OBrien said as far as he was aware the bacteria that caused the gruesome ulcers, Mycobacterium ulcerans, had not yet spread past Black Rock or Brighton. The ulcers on Zhoe's arm But he said it was possible the cases in the west were the first of their type. Its moving around so we have to be vigilant and aware it could appear in new places, Professor OBrien said. There is no doubt that when you live outside these [endemic] areas there is often a slight delay in the diagnosis because people are not aware or do not think of the disease. As health authorities grapple with how to contain cases, Professor OBrien forecast that within two years Victoria would be experiencing 500 cases a year, an increase from just 32 cases in 2010. There have been 317 cases so far this year. The ulcer. It is very likely it will appear in new areas," Professor OBrien said. "It is not going to remain static. Everyone needs vigilance no matter where they live." It comes as scientists begin work on a new project they hope will deliver answers on how to stop the spread of the infection, which is thought to have links to mosquitoes, infected possums and certain soil types. CSIRO infectious diseases scientist Dr Kim Blasdell said while a lot was known about risk factors for the Buruli ulcer, experts were still trying to establish the exact chain that of events that leads to infection, and how to avoid it. Certainly from a scientific perspective, its a puzzle, Dr Blasdell said. We can make possible suggestions to people [such as] wear gardening gloves, wear long-sleeve tops and things like that, but we cant say for sure that it will protect people. It has been a trying recovery for Zhoe Jess. Credit:Joe Armao Hundreds of questionnaires are being sent to residents in problem areas in a bid to establish why some people have been infected and not others. Meanwhile, field studies will be used to pinpoint which areas with live bacteria should be sprayed for mosquitoes. Ms Jess has just begun a gruelling regime of antibiotics she said left her unable to get out of bed at the weekend. She wants to ensure doctors and the public are better informed about the possibility of infection. I think people may be a little complacent because they dont understand it is spreading and there are a lot of unknowns with it, she said. It was Victorias first trial by television, in which witness testimony was rendered irrelevant and lawyers nearly obsolete. While police had painstakingly built a 6500-page brief of evidence and gathered more than 1100 witness statements to the events in Bourke Street last year, it all came down to what the jury saw on a small screen in court three of the Supreme Court. Seven minutes of footage compiled from dozens of CCTV cameras in office buildings and shops provided a second-by-second record of what happened on January 20, 2017. While human recollections change over time and can be distorted by grief, fear or anger, the camera doesnt lie. It just records. And while each witness in Bourke Street saw only a split second of the trauma, the overlay of electronic surveillance captured the whole bloody event from multiple angles. It left no doubt as to exactly what happened and rendered the adversarial judicial process redundant. You cant cross-examine a video. confound and confuse Australians. That's the reason we hear so much of it." So how do we cut through the energybabble and get to the fair dinkum facts? Here's a look at the implicit and explicit meanings of some of the most commonly used energy terms. Fair dinkum power: Scott Morrison coined this term in a conversation with Alan Jones in September, and it has become a catchphrase for the government ever since. While the term has never been explicitly defined, it is widely considered to be code for coal power, with claims that this polluting energy source is the reliable and patriotic power source Australians want. Baseload: This originally referred to the minimum amount of power that should be consumed by the grid at all times in order to prevent coal fired generators from being turned off, as they take many hours to start up again. Today, the term usually refers to generators that are dependent on this baseload because they cannot run at a low output or adjust their output quickly - unlike variable, renewable energy generation. While in the past baseload power was considered essential to avoid time-consuming and costly coal generation shutdowns, it's far less essential today because variable demand can easily be met with flexible generation. Intermittent: This term describes things that switch on and off suddenly and without warning. The term is used to undermine wind and solar as unreliable, because they depend on weather effects that can change quickly and unpredictably. It ignores the fact that we have many solar panels and wind turbines connected across the country, whose combined output becomes smoother with every new installation. This strategy of pooling diverse resources is central to how we manage the grid, by combining individuals' intermittent use of lights, kettles, air-conditioners etc. Loading Variable: A more apt way to describe the characteristics of solar and wind power, capturing the changing output of these generators while avoiding the inaccurate implication that generation is unreliable. The term was defined by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory to "consist of those forms of power generation that depend on a primary energy source that varies over time and cannot be stored". Not all renewable generation is variable; geothermal and biomass for example use renewable fuels, but their fuel can be stored, with power produced when needed. The electricity output of variable generators can also be stored, for example in batteries or the pumped hydro power facilities which are being added to wind farms. These storage systems are said to "firm" the output of these generators. Dispatchable energy: Energy that is available exactly when it is needed. This matches people's personal expectations of turning on appliances at will, giving the term political traction. The term implies a high level of control, where grid operators can call upon an asset to generate a required amount of energy at precisely the required time. While this is an important characteristic, the reality is that only a small fraction of our generation resources need to be dispatchable, because our demand can almost always be met through a diverse collection of variable generators. Batteries are emblematic of dispatchability because they can respond extremely quickly (with the added benefit of being able to absorb power). Fossil fuel generators are also dispatchable, but are not fast or flexible, which are the crucial characteristics in our future grid. Alternative: A word to describe non-fossil fuel energy sources such as renewables and nuclear energy. It implies renewables are a non-mainstream minority, but the soaring popularity of renewable energy puts paid to this myth. The energy system is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation that is full of opportunities and challenges. The significance of what is at stake is hard to overstate, and changes will benefit some more than others. In its most recent report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a challenge to the world, outlining the radical change that will be needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. If the world chooses to go down that path, it is clear we will need new ways of generating energy. We are working on those, but the reality is the world is still struggling to find consensus around a 2-degree pathway and achieving even that will require innovative energy solutions and a growing role for natural gas in the decades ahead. Woodside's Karratha gas plant in Western Australia. This week I made the point, in a speech to the Melbourne Mining Club, that a global carbon price is the best way to drive the transition to a lower carbon society. It is true that a carbon price would drive increased demand for gas, which Woodside produces. Thats because gas has a lower carbon intensity than other fossil fuels. The emissions released in producing liquefied natural gas are more than offset by those avoided when it displaces higher-emissions fuels. As a fuel for reliable and readily dispatchable power generation, gas is also the ideal partner for renewables and can enable increased renewable penetration by resolving intermittency issues. For these reasons, gas plays a bigger role globally in the years ahead in both the sustainable development scenario outlined by the International Energy Agency and in the middle-of-the-road scenario outlined in the IPCCs latest report. Gas can support a balanced approach to achieving a lower-carbon society, in line with the aspirations outlined in the United Nations sustainable development goals, securing emissions reductions while improving urban air quality and increasing access to modern energy. The Barr government has revived a push to drop a corridor reserved for a future bypass from the blueprint of Canberra, saying light rail and the Majura Parkway have rendered the road unnecessary. Monash Drive would cut through Canberra Nature Park on the eastern side of Hackett, Ainslie and Campbell, connecting Antill Street with Fairbairn Avenue. It was pencilled in by the National Capital Development Commission - now the National Capital Authority - in the early 1960s but no ACT government has shown any inclination to build it. Despite the disinterest, inner north Canberra residents have opposed the construction of the road because of traffic noise and a loss of access to the Nature Park. Now Transport Canberra and City Services director-general Emma Thomas has written to National Capital Authority chief Sally Barnes asking her to amend the National Capital Plan to remove the corridor as a future roadway. The Coalition government under Scott Morrison insists Australia will meet its miserly Paris commitment. Environment Minister Melissa Price is stuck repeating We have a strong track record of meeting emissions reduction targets, but she finds it impossible to articulate how we will meet it or when emissions will stop rising, other than a vague plan to "build one billion trees". It wont be any time soon. Loading Now that reducing emissions is no longer a goal of energy policy, Energy Minister Angus Taylor appears determined that the government will not only underwrite new coal-fired power stations, but that the government will take on the liability for future carbon risk transferring all the economic risk of investing in dud coal plants from private companies to Australian taxpayers. To make matters worse, Australia has plans to double its thermal coal exports, making Australia the Saudi Arabia of coal. Professor Stiglitz outlined the problem: Coal is going to become obsolete. The world will not tolerate coal. But from the point of view of Australias exports, given that there is this diminishing market for coal, opening up another mine is going to actually depress the global price of coal exports. You are going to be hurting yourself. "Whats particularly of concern to many people is the fact that your employment will go down because the new mines are going to be very automated." The Australians foreign editor Greg Sheridan, author of several books and distinguished fellow of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne, described this analysis as inane nonsense... you have to be an intellectual to believe that kind of stuff. Certainly, one could not accuse Sheridan of using his intellect with such comments. But Sheridan need not listen to intellectual. He could just take Adani Mining CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj at his word when he said Adanis Carmichael mine will be utilizing at least 45 driverless trucks. All the vehicles will be capable of automation. When we ramp up the mine, everything will be autonomous from mine to port. So, not many coal jobs there. Loading Or Sheridan could take the word of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which last year declared the coal boom is over and this month found that thermal coal exports will fall by nearly 60 per cent by 2040 as the world moves to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. In a depressed market, any new coal mines will displace workers in existing mines in the Hunter Valley and elsewhere across Australia. Global warming is a scientific reality the Morrison government can ignore, but not without negative consequences for Australias economy and future prosperity. But Im sure when the other two thirds of the corals of the Great Barrier Reef are bleached, Australians will be comforted by the profits we generated for coal companies. Truth-telling institutions While the Liberal governments under Morrison, Turnbull and Abbott have lied with the blatant enthusiasm of the Trump administration - remember hapless press secretary Sean Spicer insisting the inauguration day crowds were the biggest ever! - a succession of Liberal governments have shown contempt for institutions that underpin civil society like the Australian Human Rights Commission, the judiciary and the ABC. These are the kinds of institutions that Stiglitz describes as those dedicated to "truth-telling". The Abbott government became hysterical when Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs released the commissions inquiry into children in detention. Government ministers personally attacked Professor Triggs and basically declared war against the commission. Three years later, kids are still rotting away on Nauru. Last year, three senior Coalition government ministers narrowly avoided contempt of court charges after making comments attacking Victoria's judiciary. The court admonished the ministers for failing to respect the doctrine of the separation of powers, one of the key pillars of any democracy. Loading And finally, the Coalition governments under Tony Abbott, then Malcolm Turnbull and now Scott Morrison have done their level best to undermine our beloved public broadcaster. Tony Abbott gutted the ABCs funding in the 2014 horror budget. Malcolm Turnbull presided over further budget cuts, as well as several wasteful inquiries at the behest of rival commercial media organisations seeking to quash competition. And now the Morrison government intends to compound the folly of the Abbott decision to cut funding for the ABCs Australia Network. It is sensible to restore the functions of the Australia Network, our voice in the region and a tool of soft diplomacy, but it is idiotic to give taxpayers money to the commercial broadcasters to do it instead. Commercial medias main goal is to make a buck, while the ABC charter sets out its clear obligations to citizens and makes it accountable to the public in a way no commercial broadcaster can be. This is privatisation of public broadcasting by stealth, and it must be stopped. Were now well beyond 2000, but unless we take Professor Stiglitz advice to protect the role of science and the truth-telling institutions like the ABC which underpin civil society, we risk retarding the growth of the wealth of our nation and our ability to give all Australians the "fair go" Scott Morrison is so fond of talking about. Inconvenient policy, even, to a degree containing sacred tenets about the maintenance of a cruel refugee policy, are up for argument and modification if they can appease a critical constituency. Decisions arrived at calmly, after consideration of all the competing arguments, can be junked in a minute if it might help slow the flood at a byelection. The Prime Minister is even prepared to trash the prestige, authority and dignity of his office, and to play a local, national and internationally embarrassing Aussie caricature in the hope that voters might like him, or at least pity him. Not all of this will be at Frydenbergs door, now or in opposition. But his role now in finding money, often in billion dollar lots, for unvetted impromptu projects can be and should be, because it involves the office of Treasurer. And it will not only be what he has permitted to be done, but the public words he has used to justify and rationalise the expenditures, as good and appropriate for the economic (as opposed to political) circumstances of the moment that will come to embarrass him. The public has a longer memory than one might think. More importantly, so do ones political enemies, whether from the other side, or perhaps even ones own. There is a greater than usual risk of the development of policy proposals that are, frankly, bad. Ken Henry to Treasury staff 2007 Peter Costello understands the problem. He seethed because Howard always put his personal political interests ahead of Costellos. But he also, according to Costello, put his own interests ahead of the economys needs. Formally, of course, Howard was economically frugal and reform-oriented, as was Costello. Again and again during the Howard government Costello found himself taking most of the political hard knocks in improving the economic arithmetic, only to see Howard suddenly splurge savings which had been made. Or to see him retreat from hard-won victories if they came to be perceived by voters or commentators as mean and tricky. In his memoirs Costello told of how, asked by Howard, he prepared a list of potential affordable new spending initiatives which could be announced as election policy. He came up with an array of expensive, but he thought, potentially attractive, alternative proposals, any one of which might do and be manageable within a responsible budget.. To his horror, Howard announced the lot. The fruits of economic rigour of the early Howard years, and of the political courage which saw the development of the GST and some other reforms found itself dissipated. The later Howard governments lived off the bounty of a mining boom, and, partly so as to reduce Labors options when it won government, gave an unsustainable proportion of the spoils back as personal income tax cuts. Costello could do little more than make his frustration clear. But by then, at least, he had made his reputation as a model conservative treasurer, and he did not have to wear the obloquy of some of the seriously bad economic decisions, or promises, made as Howard sought to cling to power. Frydenberg, by contrast, has not acquired any reputation as any sort of guardian of the economy, protector of the economic bottom line, or person who has subjected every spending or revenue proposal to close and principled scrutiny. (Nor did Scott Morrison, under Turnbull) Over most of the last year of Morrisons treasurership, the economic triumvirate have been squireling away resources for a 2019 election campaign, and beginning the pork-barrelling announcements which, they hoped, would buy off bits of electorates, or party interests, so that the government could pull rabbits out of hats. Morrison still knows the strategy, and seems to have extended to himself an even bigger budget or election bonanza. But it is now Frydenberg who must make it happen. Josh has to make the books look good. Canberra journalist, lobbyist and raconteur Richard Farmer has told tales of having worked as an adviser to NSW Labor premier, Barry Unsworth, before the 1988 elections (which were to see Nick Greiner elected in a landslide). Farmer was writing the policy speech, and preparing the list of promises to voters. It was clear, and many said it, that the commitments and promises were at the height of fiscal and economic irresponsibility, and that the state could simply not afford to deliver on them if Labor were, contrary to the opinion polls, re-elected. Loading But Labor knew that it had no chance of winning the election, and so there was no chance at all that it would ever be called upon to deliver on the promises, or to find the resources to do so. It was simply seeking to save the furniture to attempt to limit the size of the swing so that the party would have the members, the staff and the resources with which to regroup. Todays voters are probably harder to fool. The coalitions position is deteriorating. Morrison is now leader only because the Liberals see him as least worst. None of his colleagues judge him to be wise or agile enough to bring the coalition back into contention, or even more clever, pragmatic and flexible than Peter Dutton. If any did, once, they are already disappointed but have to live with the consequences. All his colleagues, or a majority of them, hoped and expected that the rout would be more containable under Morrison, and that, as a result, the coalition could limp to Canberra with perhaps 50 members of the House of Representatives in ordinary circumstances, with a bit of luck, with a chance of being back in power by 2025. Frydenberg may be personable , likeable and (perhaps) socially liberal enough to be marketable to both the survivors living under the Liberal umbrella and the broader electorate. But his potential will be sapped if Labor is hammering him, now, and after the election, for his role in allowing the Coalition to trash its reputation, such as it is, for economic management and fiscal prudence in a desperate attempt to save a doomed government. Even many Liberals will think it will have earned defeat (and time in the corner) for its disunity, disloyalty, lack of discipline and pure bastardry and sabotage it involved. All Liberals, naturally, want the coalition to win, perhaps with an increased majority. Only a few would seriously claim that it deserved to, even after contemplating the horrors that they say will come as a consequence of election of a Shorten government. The now hip and twittering Frydenberg is now, ex officio, one of the demonisers-in-chief of the risks of a Shorten government. He twittered this week for example, that If you own your own property - under Labors plan, it will be worth less. If you rent your own home - under Labors policy, you will pay more. Only the Coalition can be trusted to keep your taxes low and keep the economy strong. That might be the basis of a good set of campaign slogans but only if he and the Liberals are seen to have any cred. The way the Morrison government is going, spending like drunken sailors as they try to stave off defeat, that cred and the next oppositions moral credit at the bank could become a shrinking commodity. It will not be only the performance of the Treasurer which will be closely scrutinised. So too will his department. In August, Treasury got a new secretary, Philip Gaetjens, a career public servant but one who was, before this appointment, chief of staff to Scott Morrison. Though I should be surprised if there were to be a night of the long knives with departmental secretaries if Labor is to be elected, it would be fair to say that Gaetjens is probably the secretary regarded with most suspicion by Labor. It reminds of the speech made to Treasury officers in 2007 at about the same time of the election cycle before Howard was swept from power. Ken Henry, another Treasury Secretary once held in suspicion by the Liberals because he had worked in Paul Keatings office, reminded his troops that the election season always put to the test any departments capacity to ensure that our work is responsible, and not just responsive." How successful we are will impact on our integrity as public servants and our long-term effectiveness. Divisions will be under pressure to respond to the growing number of policy proposals leading up to the calling of an election and once the election is called. At this time, there is a greater than usual risk of the development of policy proposals that are, frankly, bad. More so than at other times, we need to be mindful of the high opportunity cost of proposed policy actions, to advocate sound and wellbeing-enhancing policy action capacity building measures, better functioning markets, less system complexity and greater fiscal discipline and to educate others on the full implications of policy interventions in the current economic circumstances. We will confront uncommon policy challenges this year. But keep in mind that in every challenge there is an opportunity. Let me draw together some of the strands: both the probability and the cost of policy error in the current environment is especially high; this election year will increase our workload, responsibilities and risks; but we can make a difference to the wellbeing of Australians by our rigorous analysis and taking advantage of the opportunity to pursue further reform. Wise words. But they cost Henry his performance bonus that year, after someone leaked the speech, and the government was embarrassed. A man from Sydney's south has been arrested after about 190 kilograms of cocaine were found in a shipment of bananas that was seized in New Zealand. The bust comes after an investigation into an Australian-based organised crime group identified a potential shipment of illicit drugs that left Balboa, Panama, on August 4. The alleged cocaine found in duffel bags on a ship in Auckland that arrived from Panama. Credit:Australian Federal Police The vessel arrived in Auckland on August 20, the Australian Federal Police said. New Zealand Customs and New Zealand Police found in it a container carrying banana boxes. Among the boxes the authorities allegedly uncovered five duffel bags containing a total of 190 blocks of cocaine. Each block weighed about a kilogram and was wrapped in packaging tape, making it New Zealand's largest cocaine bust. Phnom Penh: Two senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge have been found guilty of genocide, rape and forcing people to marry during the brutal regime which claimed the lives of 1.7 million people, an international tribunal has found in a historic decision handed down in Phnom Penh on Friday. Two top leaders of the murderous regime, Brother Number Two Nuon Chea, 92, and former head of state Khieu Samphan, 87, were found guilty of a long list of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment. Nuon Chea, who was the Khmer Rouge's chief ideologist and No. 2 leader, at the hearing where he was found guilty. Credit:AP Although the widespread slaughter that rent Cambodia between 1975 and 1979 is often called a genocide known as the crime of all crimes the loaded charge carries a narrow legal definition. In the case of the Khmer Rouge, the charge of genocide means acts committed with the intent to destroy an ethnic or religious group. It was levelled against Chea and Samphan for the mass murder of Cham Muslim and Vietnamese people, rather than the broader Cambodian population. Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a "newly developed high-tech tactical" weapon, state media said on Friday, without specifying what kind of weapon was tested. North Korea has suspended nuclear and missile tests as it tries to improve relations with the outside world, and there was no indication that this weapon was nuclear-related or a missile. Kim Jong-un, centre, listens to a military official as he inspects a weapon testing at the Academy of National Defence Science, North Korea. Credit:AP The US State Department said it remained confident that promises made by Kim at his summit meeting with President Trump in Singapore in June would be fulfilled. Nevertheless, the announcement marked the first time Kim had made a high-profile visit to a military site since that summit, and the first announcement of any weapons test this year. Were supposed to be doing this as a community service. Were supposed (to be) out there not for personal gain, Abernathy said. That $600 or whatever it is we get per month, that is for us to spend in the community. Chico, California: With 63 people confirmed dead in the Northern California wildfire, authorities on Friday were trying to winnow down a slapped-together list of the missing more than 600 names long, hoping many of them got out safely in the chaos more than a week ago. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, will travel to the disaster zone on Saturday to get a look at the grief and damage from the deadliest US wildfire in a century. A firefighter searches a burned-out building in Paradise, California. Credit:Bloomberg He might encounter locals resentful over his suggestions, repeated again on Friday local time, that California is to blame for its misfortune. Butte County spokeswoman Miranda Bowersox said the "unaccounted for" list released by the sheriff's office late on Thursday was an effort to put names out there so people can call in to say they are OK. San Francisco: A small firm called Definers Public Affairs brought the dark arts of Washington's backroom politics to Silicon Valley when, while working for Facebook, it began disparaging other tech companies to reporters. But a few days before Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, testified to Congress in September, Definers set its sights on a different target: the senators about to question Sandberg. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Credit:New York Times In one document circulated to reporters, Definers tallied what software the 15 members of the Senate Intelligence Committee used to track visitors to their Senate websites. Another document detailed how much each senator spent on Facebook ads and how much they had received in campaign donations from Facebook or other big tech companies. Known in the political business as opposition research, the documents pushed out by Definers neatly provided reporters with the ammunition they would need to suggest the senators grilling Sandberg were hypocrites for criticising Facebook. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged under seal, prosecutors inadvertently revealed in a recently unsealed court filing a development that could significantly advance the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and have major implications for those who publish government secrets. Julian Assange on a balcony at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Credit:AP The disclosure came in a filing in a case unrelated to Assange. Assistant US Attorney Kellen Dwyer, urging a judge to keep the matter sealed, wrote "due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged." Later, Dwyer wrote the charges would "need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested." Dwyer is also assigned to the WikiLeaks case. People familiar with the matter said what Dwyer was disclosing was true, but unintentional. ~Antiguan Police confirm identities of bodies.~ MARIGOT:--- Media personnel of Antigua and Barbuda are trying to confirm whether or not the two bodies that were fished out of Lucas Bay Oyster Pond on Tuesday and Wednesday may have originated from their island as two men are missing there. The two missing men have been identified as Pedro Jerome Potter a Government employee and Ozandee Benjamin. So far it is not clear if the missing person's report were filed in Antigua and Barbuda. On Tuesday morning around 10:30 am Gendarmes were called to Lucas Bay Oyster Pond when a passerby noticed a body floating in the water. At the time Colonel Sebastien Manzoni said that the person a male of probably Caribbean or Antillean decent may have died from drowning. However, on Wednesday afternoon the Gendarmes were called again to Lucas Bay to fish out another dead body. The second man is also probably of Caribbean or Antillean descent. Manzoni said that the Gendarmes also received photos but he did not say if the photos sent to the Gendarmerie are those of the men recovered at Lucas Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday. Manzoni said at the moment they are busy with the investigation to determine the identity of the two corps as well as the cause of deaths. SMN News also got confirmation from Antigua where the Police on that island has confirmed that the two bodies found on Lucas Bay Oyster Pond are that of the missing men in Antigua identified as Ozandee Benjamin and Pedro Jerome Potter. So far the Gendarmes on St. Martin have not released the identity of the bodies discovered at Lucas Bay. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an Urgent Plenary Public meeting on Friday, November 16, 2018. The Urgent Plenary Public meeting which was postponed on, Tuesday, November 13, 2018, due to the weather will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 12.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be present. The agenda point is: Progress committee report on the police department and prison and the proposed measures to be taken to improve the deplorable condition (IS/271/2018-2019 dated October 31, 2018) (This meeting was requested by MP F.G. Richardson, MP S.E. Jacobs, MP E.J. Doran, MP C.T. Emmanuel, MP R. Brison, MP W.V. Marlin, and MP A.M.R. Irion) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.com and Parliaments Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten. ~ MP Theodore Heyliger and PM Romeo Marlin met with Dutch State Secretary to sell out PJAIE.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday reporters that attended the weekly Council of Minister's press briefing asked Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin if St. Maarten was turning over Government-owned companies to the Dutch Government in order to obtain assistance. Romeo Marlin in her response said that the Dutch were not taking over the Government owned companies she also said that workers were not going to be laid off. SMN News published an article on Tuesday outlining some of the conditions set forth by the Dutch Government in order for the World Bank to grant Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) a loan for the repairs of the badly damaged Terminal Building. On November 8th 2018, a press release was published in the Washington Post where the Steering Committee of St. Maarten Recovery and Resilience Trust met in Washington D. C to take stock of the implementation of the three emergency projects amounting to USD 102M, and reviewed the preparation for three new projects focused on the reconstruction of the airport terminal (US$50 million), support to small and medium enterprises (US$35 million), and debris removal and suppression of the fire in the Great Lake Pond disposal site (US$25 million). In the press release, it states that the Steering Committee agreed that USD$50M will go towards PJIAE Terminal Building while additional funding will come from the European Investment Bank and other potential donors. The Dutch representative Frans Weekers made clear that final endorsement by the Netherlands of the financing discussed, will require Dutch participation in the airports management and supervisory board. SMN News managed to obtain the proposal issued by the Royal Schipol Group (RSG) on November 6th, 2018. That proposal outlined all the assistance RSG will provide to PJIAE however they also mentioned that in order for RSG to provide assistance they would need temporary management contract of PJIAE that would cover their personnel costs and other relevant expenses. The proposal sent by RSG can be viewed below this article and press release published in the Washington Post. Upon reading the articles where Marcel Gumbs and Weekers were quoted a number of questions arises, one being how much conditions will the Dutch Government levy against St. Maarten in order for the government and people of St. Maarten to obtain funding from the Trust Funds. Already the Government of St. Maarten agreed to several conditions post Irma those being the implementation of an Integrity Chamber and Border Control. Indications are that the Dutch will soon take control of all the Government owned companies then they will certainly add another S to the BES islands all of which are being done with the approval of the current Council of Ministers namely the Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin and Leader of Government MP Theodore Heyliger. Another question raised is if Heyliger used the current management team and Supervisory Board of Directors of PJIAE to rent a floor from his luxurious building in Simpson Bay then sold out the company to the Dutch hoping they will spear him in all the ongoing investigations undertaken by the Prosecutors Office. The Minister of TEATT had suspended the Supervisory Board for two months but did not do anything further to terminate them, thus the Supervisory Board members were reinstated, during their suspension period they approved the rental agreement for Heyligers building one must wonder if in fact Heyliger stroke a deal with the Management team and Supervisory Board members to rent his building for USD$13,000,00 monthly before agreeing to turn over PJIAE to the Dutch Government. Click here to read the proposal from Royal Schipol Group Click here to read the press release published in the Washington Post on November 8th, 2018. From satellite imagery to street views to indoor mapping, technology has disrupted our past world. This has left us dependent upon new ways to visualise large spaces. This new world has brought many benefits and risks. But what does that mean for the security professional or facility manager today and what technologies can be used to secure buildings and improve facility operations? A brief history of 3D technology Starting May 5, 2007 (inception 2001), Google rolled out Google Street View to augment Google Maps and Google Earth; documenting some of the most remote places on earth using a mix of sensors (Lidar/GSP/Radar/Imagery). The mission to map the world moved indoors May 2011 with Google Business Photos mapping indoor spaces with low cost 360 cameras under the Trusted Photographer program. In the earlier days, 3D scanning required a high level of specialisation, expensive hardware and unavailable computing power With the growth of 3D laser scanning from 2007 onwards, the professional world embraced scanning as effective method to create digitised building information modelling (BIM), growing fast since 2007. BIM from scanning brought tremendous control, time and cost savings through the design and construction process, where As-Built documentation offered an incredible way to manage large existing facilities while reducing costly site visits. In the earlier days, 3D scanning required a high level of specialisation, expensive hardware, unavailable computing power and knowledge of architectural software. Innovation during the past 8 year, have driven ease of use and lower pricing to encourage market adoption. Major investments in UAVs in 2014 and the commercial emergence of 360 photography began a new wave of adoption. While 3D scanners still range from $20K $100K USD, UAVs can be purchased for under $1K USD and 360 cameras for as low as $100. UAVs and 360 cameras also offer a way to document large spaces in a fraction of the time of terrestrial laser scanners with very little technical knowledge. Access to building plans, satellite imagery, Google Street View, indoor virtual tours and aerial drone reconnaissance prove effective tools to bad actors The result over the past 10+ years of technology advancement has been a faster, lower cost, more accessible way to create virtual spaces. However, the technology advances carry a major risk of misuse by bad actors at the same time. What was once reserved to military personal is now available publicly. Access to building plans, satellite imagery, Google Street View, indoor virtual tours and aerial drone reconnaissance prove effective tools to bad actors. Al Qaeda terror threats using Google Maps, 2007 UK troops hit by terrorists in Basra, 2008 Mumbai India attacks, 2016 Pakistan Pathankot airbase attacks, ISIS attacks in Syria using UAVs, well-planned US school shootings and high casualty attacks show evidence that bad actors frequently leverage these mapping technologies to plan their attacks. The weaponization of UAVs is of particular concern to the Department of Homeland Security: "We continue to face one of the most challenging threat environments since 9/11, as foreign terrorist organisations exploit the internet to inspire, enable or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit terrorist acts." Example comparison of reality capture on the left of BIM on the right. A $250 USD 360 camera was used for the capture in VisualPlan.net software What does this mean for the security or facility manager today? An often overlooked, but critical vulnerability to security and facility managers is relying on inaccurate drawing. Most facilities managers today work with outdated 2D plan diagrams or old blueprints which are difficult to update and share.Critical vulnerability to security and facility managers is relying on inaccurate drawing Renovations, design changes and office layout changes leave facility managers with the wrong information, and even worse is that the wrong information is shared with outside consultants who plan major projects around outdated or wrong plans. This leads to costly mistakes and increased timelines on facility projects. Example benefits of BIM There could be evidence of a suspect water value leak which using BIM could be located and then identified in the model without physical inspection; listing a part number, model, size and manufacture. Identification of vulnerabilities can dramatically help during a building emergency. First Responders rely on facilities managers to keep them updated on building plans and they must have immediate access to important building information in the event of a critical incident. Exits and entrances, suppression equipment, access control, ventilation systems, gas and explosives, hazmat, water systems, survival equipment and many other details must be at their fingertips. In an emergency situation this can be a matter of life or death. Example benefit of reality capture First Responders rely on facilities managers to keep them updated on building plans A simple 360 walk-through can help first responders with incident preparedness if shared by the facility manager. Police, fire and EMS can visually walk the building, locating all critical features they will need knowledge of in an emergency without ever visiting the building. You dont require construction accuracy for this type of visual sharing. This is a solution and service we offer as a company today. Reality capture is rapidly becoming the benchmark for facility documentation and the basis from which a security plan can be built. Given the appropriate software, plans can be easily updated and shared. They can be used for design and implementation of equipment, training of personnel and virtual audits of systems or security assessments by outside professionals. Our brains process visual information thousands of times faster than text. Not only that, we are much more likely to remember it once we do see it. Reality capture can help reduce the need for physical inspections, walk-throughs and vendor site-visits but more importantly, it provides a way to visually communicate far more effectively and accurately than before. But be careful with this information. You must prevent critical information falling into the hands of bad actors. You must watch out for bad actors attempting to use reality capture as a threat, especially photo/video/drones or digital information and plans that are posted publicly. Have a security protocol to prevent and confront individuals taking photos or video on property or flying suspect drones near your facility and report to the authorities. Require authorisation before capturing building information and understand what the information will be used for and by who.There are a number of technologies to combat nefarious use of UAVs today Nefarious use of UAVs There are a number of technologies to combat nefarious use of UAVs today, such as radio frequency blockers and jammers, drone guns to down UAVs, detection or monitoring systems. Other biometrics technologies like facial recognition are being employed to counter the risk from UAVs by targeting the potential operators. UAVs are being used to spy and monitor for corporate espionage and stealing intellectual property. They are also used for monitoring security patrols for the purpose of burglary. UAVs have been used for transport and delivery of dangerous goods, delivering weapons and contraband and have the ability to be weaponised to carry a payload.Investigating reality capture to help with accurate planning and visualisation of facilities is well worth the time The Federal Aviation Administration has prevented UAV flights over large event stadiums, prisons and coast guard bases based on the risks they could potentially pose, but waivers do exist. Be aware that it is illegal today to use most of these technologies and downing a UAV, if you are not Department of Justice or Homeland Security, could carry hefty penalties. Facility managers must have a way to survey and monitor their buildings for threats and report suspicious UAV behaviours immediately to authorities. At the same time, its critical to identify various potential risks to your wider team to ensure awareness and reporting is handled effectively. Having a procedure on how identify and report is important. Investigating reality capture to help with accurate planning and visualisation of facilities is well worth the time. It can help better secure your facilities while increasing efficiencies of building operations. Reality capture can also help collaboration with first responders and outside professionals without ever having to step a foot in the door. But secure your data and have a plan for bad actors who will try to use the same technologies for nefarious goals. Those who attend the Service of Remembrance may share a poem or reading and can bring an ornament to hang on the SHARE tree, which will be displayed in the South Lobby of Edward Hospital throughout the holiday season. Addante has served in the Lombard Junior Womens Club and the General Federation of Womens Clubs and is currently the Illinois conservation chairwoman of the General Federation of Womens Clubs. Come early Sunday morning (Nov. 18), the famous Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak, with lesser numbers expected on the preceding and following mornings. According to Margaret Campbell-Brown and Peter Brown in the 2018 Observer's Handbook of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Earth will pass through the thickest part of the Leonid swarm at 7 p.m. EST (2300 GMT) on Nov. 17. But the best time to look will be during the after-midnight hours of Sunday morning, once the source the meteors appear to stream from, called the radiant, comes above the horizon for observers in North America. The meteors appear to fly away from a point located within the Sickle of Leo (hence the name "Leonids"). Actually, the very best time to observe the Leonids is as close to dawn as possible. This is when viewers will be able to avoid glare from a waxing gibbous moon (which sets before 2 a.m. local time) and the radiant will climb well up in the southeastern sky. [Leonid Meteor Shower: When, Where & How to See It] This NASA chart shows where to look to see the 2018 Leonid meteor shower overnight on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. (Image credit: NASA) Under ideal dark-sky conditions, a single observer can expect to see about 10 to 15 of these ultraswift meteors each hour. They ram into our upper atmosphere at 45 miles (72 kilometers) per second faster than any other meteor shower. As such, as many as half leave visible trails, and every once in a great while you might be treated to an outstandingly bright meteor (called a "fireball") or a meteor that silently explodes in a strobe-like flash along its path (called a "bolide"). Such meteors become so bright they can cast distinct shadows. Observing tips Since November mornings tend to be quite chilly, verging on downright cold, the best suggestion is to be sure and bundle up. The best piece of equipment for meteor watching is a long lounge chair in which you can lie back and look up without putting any stress on your neck. Look up into the sky, keep your eyes moving around and don't stare at any one place. Pretty soon you'll see a streak in the sky; mentally trace the streak backward. When another streak comes by, trace that backward also and see if it came from the same region of the sky as the first. By the time a third streak appears, you should be able to verify that the emanation point is indeed within the Sickle, a backward question-mark pattern of stars that marks the head and mane of Leo, the Lion. The past What most people remember about the Leonids are the spectacular meteor displays that they staged during the 1998 through 2002 time frame. In some cases, meteors fell at rates of up to 3,000 per hour! The cause of these stupendous displays was Earth's interaction with dense streamers of dust trailing immediately behind Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which sheds dusty comet debris into space each time it passes the sun at roughly 33-year intervals. The comet reached the far end of its orbit, called aphelion, in 2014, so the Leonids have been weak in recent years. The future Unfortunately, on its way back in toward the sun, the comet will pass close to Jupiter, whose potent gravitational field will noticeably perturb the orbit of the comet and its accompanying dense trails of dust. So, stupendous "storms" of meteors are not likely to occur on the next Leonid cycle. Still, there is a chance of some significant activity. Russian meteor expert Mikhail Maslov has predicted that on Nov. 19, 2034, dust trails shed by the comet in 1699 and 1866 will partially overlap upon their interaction with Earth, possibly producing meteor rates in the many hundreds per hour. Not a meteor "storm," but still potentially a very impressive display. Mark your calendars! Editor's note: If you snap an amazing Leonid meteor shower photo you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a possible story or image gallery, please send your photos to our staff at spacephotos@futurenet.com. Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers' Almanac and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for Verizon FiOS1 News in New York's Lower Hudson Valley. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com. A Russian Soyuz rocket carrying the Progress 71 cargo ship stands atop its launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan for a Nov. 16, 2018 launch to the International Space Station. Russia has prepared its next care package for astronauts onboard the International Space Station in a shipment scheduled to blast off today (Nov. 16). The cargo shipment, dubbed Progress 71, will launch on a Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Liftoff will be at 12:14 a.m. local time on Nov. 17, or 1:14 p.m. EST on Nov. 16 (1814 GMT). A broadcast of the launch will begin at 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT), and you can watch on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV, or directly through the agency's livestream. Packed into that Progress capsule is 2.8 tons (2.5 metric tons) of supplies for the three astronauts currently living and working on the orbiting laboratory. Half the shipment is cargo and spare parts for the giant facility, but the cargo ship is also carrying fuel, oxygen, air and water as part of standard resupply procedures, according to NASA. The capsule will dock to the space station's Zvezda Service Module on Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT). NASA will be livestreaming that maneuver as well, beginning at 1:45 p.m. EST (1645 GMT). Today's launch will be the first of a Soyuz-FG rocket since Oct. 11, when a rocket carrying two astronauts to the space station aborted shortly after liftoff. Those astronauts conducted an emergency ballistic re-entry and landed safely, but the failure means there are currently only three astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has successfully launched a slightly different version of the Soyuz since the failure. It's a busy week for cargo shipments: Tomorrow (Nov. 17), a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket is due to blast a second resupply mission to the space station, with liftoff from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia scheduled for 4:01 a.m. EST (0901 GMT). That capsule will dock on Nov. 19 at 5:20 a.m. EST (1020 GMT). Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. China, the world's biggest car market, has had it all this year - a trade war, a collapsing stock market, and a weakening currency that kept consumers away from showrooms. From Volkswagen AG to Toyota Motor Corp., global carmakers are trying an old pill for the problem: lure back shoppers with a flood of new cars. More than 60 new models are being unveiled at the auto show in the southern city of Guangzhou starting Friday, with manufacturers betting on swanky SUVs and electric cars to revive a market headed for its first annual slump in at least two decades. 1. Polestar's Plans Volvo Cars' performance electric-vehicle brand sees China as its greatest opportunity even as it's set to face stiff competition from Tesla Inc. The unit, Polestar Performance AB, expects to get as much as half of its sales from the country after it rolls out three models by 2021, said Thomas Ingenlath, the brand's global chief. The $155,000 Polestar 1 hybrid will be followed by a mass-production model, the fully electric Polestar 2. World's Top-Selling Car 2. Toyota took the wraps off the all-new Corolla - and its China-only twin Levin - at a global premiere in Guangzhou, hours before it was put on display in California. The move marks Toyota's deeper push into the world's biggest auto market where it is trailing rivals. The vehicles include two new features that are exclusive for China: a 12.1-inch screen and an air purifying system. They also come with connectivity functions that Toyota will include in all Chinese models in the future. 3. Sedan Strength Nissan Motor Co. launched its refreshed Altima model, betting on demand for sedans in China will make up for the type's slowing popularity in the U.S. The new Altima's assistance system helps drivers stay centered in their lane, maintain a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and navigate stop-and-go traffic. China is emerging as Nissan's largest market as demand in the U.S. sputters. 4. Roof Camera Xpeng Motors Technology Ltd., one of a slew of Chinese electric-car startups nearing initial product introductions, said it will launch its first model on Dec. 12. The G3 electric SUV comes with a voice-activated parking assistant and a 360-degree panoramic roof camera. Xpeng also plans to operate a network of charging stations in major Chinese cities. 5. Volkswagen Volkswagen was first off the blocks, unveiling its Chinese expansion plans a day before the main media event. The carmaker will invest about 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion) in the country next year together with partners, China chief Jochem Heizmann told reporters in the southern city of Guangzhou on Thursday. In the next two years, the company will introduce 30 electric and hybrid plug-in vehicle models in China, half of them locally produced, he said. "We are quite optimistic," Heizmann said Thursday, predicting the country's car market will return to growth in 2020. "There will still be further big growth potential in China - still higher than any other relevant passenger car market in the world." If all goes according to plan, The Juice Shop Kitchen & Juicery will be the next New York City-based eatery to start franchising in Fairfield County. "It's something we have been thinking about for a few years now," said co-founder Eli Halali. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to bring our nutritious food and beverage offerings to guests in new markets, and Fairfield has a number of towns where we believe The Juice Shop will be received well. "We will also benefit from the synergy created by Fairfield's close proximity to New York City," Halali added. "Many Fairfield County residents who work in New York City have reached out to us about how lucrative a Juice Shop would be in their town." Established in 2014, The Juice Shop offers not only juices and smoothies the latter of which can feature kale, spinach, chia and hemp seeds, and nutrient-rich spirulina but also salads, toasts and bowls of the acai, kale and poke varieties. "What separates us is the food," Halali said. "Where other juice-centric concepts look at food as an auxiliary category, we offer chef-driven items that are both healthy and delicious." The firm has signed with Fransmart as its exclusive franchising partner to expand across the country. Fransmart is credited with helping to grow the likes of Five Guys Burgers & Fries, The Halal Guys and Qdoba Mexican Grill from their respective beginnings in Arlington, Virginia, Manhattan and Denver. "At a time when healthy fast casuals are exploding, The Juice Shop hits on all of the moment's most sought-after items: salads, smoothies, acai bowls and fresh juices," said Fransmart President and CEO Dan Rowe. "In addition to being attractive to consumers," Rowe continued, "The Juice Shop is ideal for franchisees looking for a concept that has over $1 million in average unit sales, average store size approximately 550-600 square feet, an inexpensive build out, lower cost conversions and higher franchisee returns on investment." The franchise fee for The Juice Shop is $30,000. The minimum liquid capital to invest is $250,000 while the required minimum net worth is $500,000. The concept operates six corporate-owned locations in New York City, including Brooklyn, and Short Hills, New Jersey. Within Fairfield County, Halali identified Bridgeport, Danbury, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Westport as focal points. "We would consider any town in Fairfield for The Juice Shop as long as the real estate and operator conform with our standards." Halali declined to specify how many stores could ultimately open in the county, though he said he expects to begin announcing franchisees next year. If and when it does set up here, The Juice Shop will be the latest Manhattan-based eatery to expand to the county. Mexicue, which started life as a food truck before evolving into a restaurant chain, opened its first Connecticut store in February at Stamford's Harbor Point, while the Mediterranean-themed Hummus & Pita Co. opened its first Connecticut location in Brookfield in August. Boulder, Colorado-based Rush Bowls, another chain promising nutritious fruit bowls and acai bowls, has reportedly been considering a move into the Nutmeg State, although no official announcements have been made. Kevin Zimmerman is a reporter for the Fairfield County Business Journal. For more of his work and that of the journal, please visit westfaironline.com. STAMFORD The father of a slain Westhill High School grad is going after everyone whom he claims assisted in covering up the murder and disposal of his sons body, but lawyers for the accused claim the latest suits are frivolous. Pat Comunale and his lawyer Robert Abrams have filed civil suits against James Rackover and Lawrence Dilione the two men accused of killing 26-year-old Joey Comunale as well as Max Gemma, the third man who police say was in the New York apartment when the murder occurred. Lawsuits have also been filed against the parents of Dilione and Gemma. The Comunale family had previously filed suit against Jeffrey Rackover, a famous jeweler with celebrity clients including Oprah and Melania Trump. A jury found his surrogate son, James, guilty of murder earlier this month. Dilione is expected to go to trial in January. The Comunale murder, which gained wide media attention, will be the subject of the CBS investigative journalism show, 48 Hours. The episode, "What Happened in Apartment 4C?" will be televised at 10 p.m. Saturday. Our clients son was brutally murdered, Abrams said. The people who brutally murdered him tried desperately to cover up the murder and lied to the police and the family about their involvement in this horrendous crime. The lawyer for the Comunale family said there are more suits to come. We are not going to stop until every person who was involved in the murder and cover up of this horrendous crime is held accountable, Abrams said. The civil suit against Rackover, Dilione and Gemma seeks punitive and compensatory damages for wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress, conscious pain and suffering of Joey Comunale, and right of sepulcher. The last claim argues that the three men prevented Pat Comunale from retrieving his sons body. Comunale has also filed suit against Gemmas father and Diliones mother, claiming they helped cover up the crime. The suit claims Gordon Gemma, a lawyer and former mayor of Oceanport, N.J., and Suzanne Dilione, conspired and agreed among themselves and others to conceal and cover up the brutal murder of Joey by intentionally and knowingly lying to law enforcement. In response to the suits, Mark Bederow, attorney for Max Gemma, called the complaints irresponsible and outrageous. The New York lawyer expressed deep condolences to the Comunale family, but harshly criticized the merits of the suits. He said there is no evidence that Gordon Gemma covered up the crime, but perhaps his biggest gripe with the lawsuits is the depiction of Max Gemma as one of the murderers, even though he is the only defendant not charged with the homicide. There is absolutely no evidence of that, said Bederow, referring to the claim that Gemma participated in the murder. He referenced the closing arguments by Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Carter in the Rackover trial, in which she stated Gemma was not involved in the murder. He left because he was not a killer and they let him go because they did not want him to be a witness, said Carter, referring to Gemma leaving Rackovers Upper East Side apartment after Comunale was attacked. She later added, Clearly, Larry wants to keep tabs on Max, but Max was not one of the killers. Gemma has been charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. He is expected to go to trial after Dilione. What makes it so disturbing is that the plaintiffs attorney sat in the front row and watched the entire trial and clearly knows that there is no evidence that Max was involved in a homicide, Bederow said. Michael Pappa, attorney for Larry Dilione, questioned the suit filed against his clients mother. While I have great sympathy for the Comunale family, the civil lawsuit filed against Suzanne Dilione lacks legal merit and is otherwise frivolous, Pappa said. First of all, the cause of action is far-fetched. Moreover, the factual allegations are untrue and will not be provable in court. He said Suzanne Dilione is innocent of any wrongdoing. The complaint is wildly speculative with reckless disregard for the truth, Pappa said. Abrams said he stands by the lawsuits. We will not waste any more time indulging the murderers and the people who speak for them other than to ensure that they are each held accountable in the appropriate civil and criminal courts, he said. Joey Comunale met Dilione outside a New York nightclub and accompanied him and five others to Rackovers apartment on Nov. 13, 2016. Rackover, who has a criminal record in Florida under his birth name of James Beaudoin, has been accused of being lovers with his surrogate father. Jeffrey Rackover lived in the same apartment complex as his son and bankrolled the younger Rackovers lifestyle, including clothes, watches, rings, bracelets and a 2015 Mercedes Benz, according to the lawsuit. After a night of partying, Comunale told Dilione he was going to get cigarettes, while Rackover looked for cocaine, according to the suit. Comunale then asked Dilione what he was going to contribute, according to the lawsuit. After Comunale repeated the question three times, Dilione punched him several times and body-slammed him to the floor, rendering him unconscious, the lawsuit alleges. Dilione testified that Rackover then approached Comunale and said, this is what you get for f----ing with my boy, and punched and kicked him in the face, and slammed his face into the floor repeatedly. Dilione testified Rackover became concerned about the amount of blood on the floor and said they would go to jail for a long time if anyone found out. Rackover then choked Comunale with his hands, according to Diliones testimony, and later used a pair of jeans to strangle Comunale. Dilione said he went into Rackovers bedroom with Gemma, and when he turned around, he saw a knife being pulled out of Joeys head. Dilione and Rackover were charged with beating, stabbing and attempting to dismember Comunale, then throwing his body out of a 30-foot-high window. Police said they then drove 60 miles to Oceanport, N.J., where they buried the body in a shallow grave. STAMFORD The attorney for a Norwalk man accused of holding his former girlfriend captive in an effort to reconcile their relationship says the penalty for his client is too harsh. Bhaumik Patel, 33, a former software developer, faces up to 75 years in prison if convicted of all charges stemming from the 2015 incident at Woodside Green in Stamford. Defense attorney Lindy Urso said this case highlights the downside of statutory mandatory minimum sentences. The state Legislature enacted a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for home invasions after the 2007 deadly burglary of the Petit family in Cheshire. Jennifer Hawke Petit and her daughters, 17-year-old Hayley and 11-year-old Michaela, were killed during the incident. The law was passed in the wake of the Petit case in Cheshire, yet these facts pale in comparison, Urso said. It is ludicrous to tie the hands of the professional prosecutors and judges, whose job it is to determine what is just in any given case. As a result, Urso said Patel will have a bench trial beginning Monday before Judge Gary White. He doesnt have much of a choice, Urso said. The alleged victim is adamant that the prosecutor seek a conviction on the home invasion charge. We think 10 years in jail under the facts of this case would be extremely excessive and we are hoping for a much better result at trial. Senior Assistant States Attorney Joseph Valdes said he was unable to comment on a pending case. Patel, who worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland, was arrested Dec. 15, 2015 after police said he admitted letting himself in to the womans apartment with a set of keys he had from when they dated. Patel said he waited for her in a vacant bedroom and taped her wrists and mouth when she started to scream, police said. Patel appeared to be completely convinced that his behavior during this incident was necessary and that (the ex-girlfriend) would learn a valuable lesson on how to keep herself safe by not treating others poorly, the police report said. More News Stamford home invasion suspect called cops on himself The 26-year-old woman escaped when she convinced Patel to let her answer a call from her mother, police said. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Maryland's attorney general plans to quickly appeal to the Supreme Court a ruling that threw out the state's congressional voting map and ordered officials to redraw lines before the 2020 election. Brian Frosh, D, will ask the high court to review the unanimous decision last week that found that Democratic mapmakers violated the First Amendment rights of Republican voters. The long-running lawsuit has been before the Supreme Court twice, most recently in June when the justices avoided answering when extreme partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional in cases from Maryland and Wisconsin. Frosh's decision to appeal, rather than abide by the call to create a new map, puts him at odds with Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. Hogan won reelection last week and has pushed three times for a constitutional amendment that would have an independent commission redraw boundaries. Under state law, the attorney general can proceed in a lawsuit independent of the governor and as part of the office's role to defend measures passed by the General Assembly. "The courts have spoken, and this needs to be upheld," Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said. "Maryland has an opportunity to bring a higher degree of fairness to our electoral map." Redistricting decisions can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court, which must uphold or reverse the rulings. If Frosh's office acts quickly, the case could be heard this term. Maryland announced its intention to appeal to the high court in a new filing Thursday. The state is asking the three-judge panel to put its order for a new map on hold until the Supreme Court acts. Nationally, voters are embracing efforts to take redistricting out of politicians's hands. Last week, ballot measures passed overwhelmingly in three states to make the drawing of electoral districts less partisan. Maryland's Democratic leaders are publicly silent about the court ruling, but behind the scenes, criticized it as contradictory and difficult to implement. They rooted for Frosh to appeal. The lawsuit centers on the 6th Congressional District in Western Maryland, which was redrawn in 2011 to include parts of heavily Democratic Montgomery County. Republican Roscoe G. Bartlett had represented the district since 1993. But after the map was redrawn in 2012, he lost to Democrat John Delaney. Last week, Democrat David Trone won there, succeeding Delaney. The day after the election, a special three-judge panel declared the congressional map unconstitutional and gave elected officials until March 7 to send the court a new design. The judges - Paul V. Niemeyer of the 4th Circuit, Chief District Judge James K. Bredar and U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III - advised the state to "establish a neutral commission" to develop its plan. If state officials cannot agree, the court set up a commission to redraw the boundaries. "It is impossible to flip a seat to the Democrats without flipping it away from the Republicans," Niemeyer wrote. "There can be no doubt that at every stage of the process, the State's Democratic officials who put the 2011 redistricting plan in place specifically intended to flip control of the Sixth District from Republicans to Democrats and then acted on that intent." Frosh's office argued that the party shift could be attributed to other factors in the 6th District and that individual voters did not show that they had been singled out or harmed by the new configuration. The judges, however, were unanimous that Democratic mapmakers violated the GOP voters' First Amendment rights of political association by making it harder for the party to organize and to raise money. The Supreme Court could resolve the case without holding oral arguments or the justices could consider combining it with another gerrymandering case from North Carolina, where Republican legislative leaders have appealedan August ruling that found "invidious partisan discrimination" to favor Republicans over Democrats in 2016 congressional races. The court could also put one of the cases on hold until the other is resolved. In Annapolis, Democratic lawmakers and aides have struggled to figure out how to implement the three-judge panel's ruling and follow the directive to protect Republicans' political-association rights but also remap without considering party affiliation or past voting data. They have also raised concerns about redrawing maps for the 2020 election based on population data that is eight years old when the lines will need to be drawn again after the 2020 Census. Multiple do-overs could mean that voters in Western Maryland would vote in different districts in 2018, 2020 and 2022. Aides to Hogan anticipate fewer problems in fixing the map yet acknowledge the logistical hurdles to finishing by March. Under Maryland state law, the governor or the General Assembly can recommend a new map, with the governor traditionally taking the lead. The legislature, which currently has a Democratic supermajority, must approve it and then the governor can sign it into law or veto it. Maryland residents widely favor having an independent commission draw political boundaries, according to a 2017 Goucher Poll that showed 73 percent favor the approach, with only 20 percent saying politicians should do the design. Mileah Kromer, a political scientist who has surveyed voters on redistricting, said she expects that the court's ruling will further increase public support for an independent commission and add urgency to Hogan's efforts. "People like the sound of the independent commission," said Kromer, who directs the Goucher Poll. "But this will make it real to them." The market, which runs until Dec. 24 and will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays with special hours during the week of Christmas. To the editor: In University rabbi speaks on anti-Semitism, (news article, Nov. 3) Hannah Dellinger reports Rabbi Yonah Hain observed its debatable whether anti-Zionism is inherently anti-Semitic. Theoretically, thats true, but Ive yet to meet an anti-Zionist who didnt support the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state. These individuals want to deny to the Jewish people the national rights they support for others and that is definitely anti-Semitic. We should also recognize the goals of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. Its founders have made clear their goal has nothing to do with the welfare of the Palestinians or any alleged misbehavior of Israel but rather is about succeeding where the six Arab armies which invaded Israel the day after it was reestablished failed. BDS activist Anna Baltzer said it most succinctly when she exclaimed We need to wipe out Israel. Anyone who truly wants to help Palestinian Arabs would be working toward accommodation with Israel and for peace with Israel. BDS actually hurts Palestinians far more than it hurts Israel. That makes it not only anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, but anti-Palestinian. Alan Stein of Netanya, Israel, is a former resident of Stamford and President Emeritus of PRIMER-Connecticut Promoting Responsibility in Middle East Reporting. In April, aided by massive gerrymandering, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition crushed opposition in Hungary's national elections, claiming a supermajority in the parliament. The prime minister - who had used two prior terms in office to dominate media outlets, alter electoral rules so that urban areas were massively underrepresented and seize control of the top courts - moved to further consolidate his power. He is pushing Central European University, a leading academic institution backed by George Soros, whom Orban has demonized, out of Hungary. He also might further alter the country's constitution. Autocratic populists like Orban - leaders who win democratic elections and then undermine democratic institutions and norms without becoming outright dictators - have gained control of Brazil, the Philippines, Turkey, Hungary, Venezuela and Poland, among other nations, in recent years. While these leaders continually pit "the people" against supposedly corrupt elites, they often still hold free (if not always fair) elections. But in office, they act autocratically to unwind the conventions and institutions of democracy. This distinguishes them from populists (such as incoming Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, those who have recently run Greece and a host of other politicians in the West) who embrace populist economic messages and even the elite-popular divide, but still mostly work within democratic constraints and rules. Charismatic autocrats are making headway in other parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, too, and they have an analogue in President Trump. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has waged an extrajudicial drug war with thousands killed, filed criminal charges against a leading investigative journalist and overseen the jailing of prominent opponents, including two sitting senators. In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put more journalists in prison than in any other nation, fired government workers he perceived as hostile, and locked up thousands of academics, political activists and other opponents. Brazil's president-elect, former army officer and congressional backbencher Jair Bolsonaro, is another potential populist autocrat who pledges to ban opposition party members and imprison a rival candidate. Because many of these countries, until recently, were vibrant democracies, analysts and locals often insist that their political systems will ultimately survive autocratic populism and that their democracies are resilient. Even in places where populists have already severely damaged freedoms, such as Turkey, opinion leaders say democracy can be restored after those leaders leave. Prominent Turks whisper to Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations that, after Erdogan exits the scene, Turkey can rejoin the "club of democracies" and rebuild its political system. In the United States and globally, political scientist William Galston of the Brookings Institution argues, "this is no time for panic" about the survival of liberal democracy. "Established democracies have weathered far worse," says James Jay Carafano of the Heritage Foundation. A major report by the Center for American Progress dismisses the fear that democracy is "a lost cause or that the global tilt toward illiberalism is irreversible." These assertions are probably wrong. Autocracy can end, and democracy can be born afterward. But autocratic populists around the world have been honing their ability to poison democratic institutions and norms - and, once they're gone, it is incredibly difficult, perhaps in many cases impossible, to bring them back. It's easy to understand the reflex for optimism: Few want to predict the suffocation of democracy, especially since in many ways autocratic populists are less repressive than the extreme tyrants who ruled countries like Germany, Chile and Spain in the past. A comprehensive new report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Democracy Fund surveys democratic regression and supposed renewal, using a range of examples from the 1930s onward. It zooms in on countries like Italy and Argentina, which passed through eras of populism led by Silvio Berlusconi and Nestor Kirchner and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. Extrapolating lessons for the United States and other nations, the report notes that rebuilding democracy is arduous and hardly guaranteed, but that countries can potentially heal the wounds left by powerful executives who attacked it. Yet a look at a broader set of case studies suggests that, in many states, real recovery is very tough. Take Thailand, one of the first countries to be hit by this wave of autocratic populism, with the election of Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001. Before his ascent, Freedom House rated the nation as "free"; the country boasted a vibrant media, a robust civil society and an increasingly independent judiciary. Then came Thaksin, who intimidated the press, oversaw a wave of extrajudicial killings and weakened the independence of the judiciary, among other steps. Seventeen years later, and despite Thaksin's exit as a political candidate in 2006 after a military putsch against him, Thailand has undergone two military coups and is now rated by Freedom House as "not free." Even in Argentina and Italy, it's hardly clear that democracy is on the mend. Three years after the Kirchner era in Argentina, which saw the Kirchners politicizing the Supreme Court and giving themselves powers to rule many areas of government by fiat, the post-populist government of President Mauricio Macri has made little headway in restoring the status quo ante. Macri wants to separate prosecutors' duties from those of judges, among other changes to strengthen the courts, but the legislature has often checked his attempts. In Italy, Berlusconi is no longer prime minister, but other populists - the Five Star Movement and the League - now run the government. They say they want to deport Roma, and they have spread propaganda about migrants and other issues. It's true that some countries have shaken autocratic governments. From Indonesia to Spain to Germany, countries have overcome outright authoritarianism - military rule, primarily - and built solid democracies. Germany, for instance, constructed a postwar democracy on the ruins of totalitarianism. But in these places, there was a relatively clean break with the ancien regime. In Indonesia, a large share of the population united to topple the dictator. Occupying forces and local populations eventually eradicated remnants of German Nazism and Japanese fascism. But more recent populist regimes haven't ended with a rupture or a reversion to democracy. Former autocratic populist leaders can still have strong bases of public support, as Yascha Mounk of New America has observed in these pages - unlike former dictators such as Indonesia's Suharto or Spain's Francisco Franco at the time of their ouster or death. In some cases, the populists can use this persistent adoration to return to power. Thailand's Thaksin, for instance, remains a key player in Thai politics, and his party still wins at the polls even though he has not held office in more than a decade; it is apparently favored in next year's elections, too, if these elections, overseen by a junta, are free and fair. And as Mounk notes, although Berlusconi and his coalition were defeated in 2006, they roared back and took power in 2008. They lost it again in 2013, but the party remains a major player in Italian politics. Another problem is that, while in power, democratically elected tyrants can permanently alter institutions. In Turkey, as Cook points out, Erdogan and his party have so deformed the judiciary, parliamentary oversight and the election process that it will be extremely difficult for future leaders to reform the system and fashion any type of real democracy. This differs from the situation of purer post-authoritarian states: Where there were genuine revolts, where fully autocratic governments fell, their replacements could build judiciaries and political systems with integrity, from scratch. Germany fashioned a more decentralized political system after the Nazi era, and Indonesia did the same in the years after the Suharto regime. Weakened institutions and shattered civic norms leave a window for other populists to rise - or for opponents of the populists to fight back with even more undemocratic methods, like the coups that ousted Thaksin and, in 2014, his sister and successor. In Venezuela, some Hugo Chavez opponents welcomed a failed 2002 coup, and in Turkey opponents of Erdogan tried to oust him with a coup in 2016. Citizens who lose faith in democracy and turn to antidemocratic tactics to oust populist leaders grease the slide toward permanent authoritarianism. The populists also poison the media and other sources of information, making it harder for democracy to recover. They undermine fact and reason, promote magical thinking, depress faith in independent media, and sap trust in voting in ways that make it hard for future elections to be seen as legitimate, as Tom Pepinsky of Cornell University argued after some U.S. politicians called the midterm voting fraudulent. According to The Washington Post's Glenn Kessler, Trump has made about eight false claims per day since the beginning of his presidency. Orban has consistently spread conspiracy theories about Soros and other supposed predators. Poland's autocratic populist government also routinely encourages conspiracy theories. The evisceration of the media and fact-based discourse alters politics permanently - and is different from what happens in truly authoritarian states that move toward democracy. In outright authoritarian nations, citizens often know that state media and populists are lying to them. So when a true autocracy falls and independent media emerges, citizens often have faith in the newly free media and are enthused about voting. In bastions of autocratic populism, on the other hand, there's less hope for recovered trust. This is especially true where voting is demonized. "When electoral procedures lose popular legitimacy, it is nearly impossible to get that legitimacy back," Pepinsky writes. During long periods of true autocracy, especially in countries that have never experienced democracy, faith in democratic systems fares well. In part, this is because people can idealize a political system they haven't yet tried. Across the Soviet Union, for instance, citizens often saw Western democracies as models to emulate. In Indonesia after the fall of Suharto, there was broad and deep optimism about the future of democracy, reflected partially by high voter participation and other popular engagement in the political process. (A Pew Research Center study last year further found that people in Indonesia harbored a strong commitment to democracy.) In Thailand in the 1990s, after years of autocratic and military governments but before the rise of autocratic populism, citizens were similarly optimistic about democracy. They showed an outpouring of interest in the progressive, pro-democracy 1997 constitution. But autocratic populists erode faith in democracy itself - a faith already damaged in many countries by the failures of democratic politicians to deal with issues like inequality, migration and weak worker protections. In a recent poll from Axios and Survey Monkey, for instance, only half of American respondents said they had confidence in democracy as a political system. Similar declines in faith in democracy can be seen in several hotbeds of autocratic populism. In the Philippines, although public support for democracy is still moderately strong, half the population now has a favorable impression of "rule by a strong leader" - i.e., someone who does not really care about democratic niceties. As autocratic populists win power in more and more countries, this erosion of support for democracy, an ideology already wounded by democratic politicians' mistakes, is the future. - Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author, most recently, of "A Great Place to Have a War: America in Laos and the Birth of a Military CIA." W hen asked why he refuses to move with the times, Rumpole of the Bailey responds: If I dont like the way the times are moving, I shall refuse to accompany them. Rumpole may be a fictional barrister, but many lawyers feel similarly about the current fashion for floating their firms on the stock market. City brokers and investment bankers may be profiting, but its doubtful the firms themselves will fare so well in the long term. As DWF gears up for a 600 million float, the worry is that this get-rich-quick scheme for the current crop of staff will end in disruption and instability in future years. Law firms are nothing but a collection of people and a common culture. The traditional partner model, where staff work for a decade in the hope of one day achieving partnership, is what keeps people together and engenders loyalty. The partnership becomes most lawyers prime source of wealth, creating long-term thinking and stability in a firm. Rather than being focused on driving relentless quarterly earnings growth for external shareholders through ill-advised takeovers and other tricks, partners interests are based on the strength of the firm decades hence. So, for example, they will be less likely to fire staff as the economy dips, leaving themselves struggling to re-hire when the work picks up. Replacing all that with shares staff can easily buy and sell on the market seems a pretty poor substitute. Rumpole would rightly give a loud harumph to the whole idea. Silence is golden Business leaders failed to speak out adequately against Brexit before the referendum two years ago. But they can be forgiven for ignoring the desperate pleas from Whitehall to back the withdrawal agreement. In a briefing yesterday afternoon led by Philip Rycroft, Permanent Secretary at the Brexit Department, bosses were urged to voice their support for the deal to MPs. But until we know how the power play in Westminster pans out, they would be mad to comply. Whoever rises to Number 10 in the febrile times ahead is likely to be an enemy of Theresa May and an opponent of the deal. Why, therefore, risk alienating your business by supporting her now? Better for the time being to lie low and keep schtum. Drax boss shows Will to power Drax chief Will Gardiner is a practical man finding pragmatic solutions to global warming. He impressed me with his quiet intelligence when we met last week. One statement of his kept coming back to me in the past 48 hours of Brexit chaos: Were in a world where governments are not doing what you would like them to. Theres a lot of problems that need solving, and its only businesses who can do it. Its up to us to solve those problems. L ondon theatres are on a roll at the moment, and is there anywhere else in the world that can keep pace? As an American critic long based in London, Im used to hopping the pond and have rarely seen the London stage show such vitality as it has of late. From the current, and electric, productions of Company, Antony and Cleopatra and The Inheritance, through to such departed but fondly remembered titles as The Jungle and Annie Bakers delicious play, John, the London stage is right to be in a celebratory mood as this years Evening Standard Theatre Awards take place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday night. Theatreland is looking like a mighty fine place to be. No wonder this years awards have expanded the roster from three finalists in nearly all categories to five (only the Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright keeps the numerical run-off at three). The Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress, in partnership with Christian Louboutin, and the Milton Shulman Award for Best Director are two categories that could have fielded a second set of names without any doubt. Try arguing that there is a dearth of female roles to Lia Williams, who gave us a career-best Jean Brodie at the Donmar that put paid to memories of Maggie Smith onscreen, or Sophie Okonedo, the Nationals ravishing Cleopatra in an epic, contemporary take on Shakespeares most cinematic play. Solo turns from Laura Linney (at The Bridge) and Carey Mulligan (at the Royal Court) packed a seismic punch, while Cecilia Noble, in the National Theatre hit Nine Night, had merely to raise an inimitably querulous voice to bring down the house. Why such buoyancy, one might ask? Much of this has to do with a range of artists whose own creativity isnt tethered (thank heavens) to the Brexit-era antics at large elsewhere. Directors such as Marianne Elliott and Stephen Daldry are more than ever working at the top of their game and helping invigorate the West End with a bracing vision of what the theatre can be. On the surface, Daldrys terrific Young Vic productions of The Jungle and The Inheritance might seem to share little beyond their commercial transfers one chronicles a migrant encampment, while the other anatomises gay American life in the shadow of Aids and in opposition to Trump. In fact, both works elide the personal and the political to allow for the sheer fact of kindness as a possible antidote to lifes abrasions. That the West End has found room for both plays neither an obvious commercial prospect speaks to a breadth of ambition that has led to concurrent West End airings for Harold Pinter, Stephen Sondheim and Shakespeare. Daldrys successor some years back as artistic director of the Royal Court, Ian Rickson shone this past season with two top-class revivals: Pinters The Birthday Party in the West End followed by an unusually capacious mounting of Brian Friels Translations that shifted an intimate play on to the thrust stage of the National Theatres largest auditorium, the Olivier. The result only enlarged the tensions that course within the great Irishmans most wounding play: the ending constituted its own stinging rebuke to Brexit without saying a word. The National, in turn, has proved itself a producing powerhouse, putting paid to those doomsayers who were dismayed a season or two back by plays such as Salome and Common: two high-profile duds. The bounce-back on the South Bank has embraced the likes of Bryan Cranston making his British stage debut in Network (a production currently in previews on Broadway) alongside the Rickson Translations and on to the ceaselessly inventive The Lehman Trilogy and two Dorfman entries Nine Night and Home, Im Darling, both of them (as is the Lehman epic) West End-bound. Much of the success has to do with a range of artists whose own creativity isnt tethered to the Brexit-era antics at large Writer-actress Natasha Gordons Nine Night will itself soon make history as the first-ever play by a black British woman to gain a commercial foothold in London. Its West End perch contributes to a refreshingly diverse output that has also found room for writer-actor Arinze Kenes pulsating, self-analytical Misty and the mighty Sharon D Clarke in a revival of the Tony Kushner/Jeanine Tesori musical Caroline, or Change. Kene and Clarke are among those competing for Best Musical Performance, a category that was only introduced to these awards in 2013. The musicals front, coupling new shows with revivals, teems with excitement, not least thanks to Hamilton, a title that absolutely places diversity centre-stage and that has crossed the Atlantic without any diminution of its impact Stateside. Adrienne Warren and Phyllida Lloyd, as the star and director of Tina, jointly elevated what might have been a bog-standard jukebox musical, while the Young Vic punched above its weight once again with the summer premiere of the Tony-winning musical Fun Home. As for Company, now extended through March at the Gielgud Theatre, the director Marianne Elliotts miraculous reclamation of the 1970 Tony-winner from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth shifted a male-centric piece from the onetime bachelor, Bobby, to an unmarried female Bobbie (the resplendent Rosalie Craig). It is a show as moving as it is funny that manages finally to make this vaunted title more than the sum of its component parts (and now classic score). Im ready, an exultant Bobbie exclaims at a climactic moment of Company, and she could be speaking for a theatre culture that has every reason for its own exultation just now. Good luck on Sunday, and good work all round. I ts almost as if Alastair Campbell has been advising Theresa May. When Tony Blair was ever in political trouble, he adopted a masochism strategy. He let voters beat him up. And it worked. This morning May decided the best way to sell her Brexit deal was to do a radio phone-in on LBC . Just over a year ago she did the same thing with me, following her disastrous conference speech. She put in a solid performance but the only thing anyone remembers from that is that she couldnt say how shed vote in a second referendum. You always know when the PM is in a tricky corner because she gurns. Anything outside her comfort zone and she looks panicked. She is not a natural phone-in interlocutor because she finds spontaneity so challenging. But this morning she came through relatively unscathed, despite facing a call from a Conservative councillor to stand down and let a Brexiteer take over. The final caller likened her to Neville Chamberlain, accusing her of selling out this country to a foreign power. #Awks. Her only moment of hesitation was a curious one. She was repeatedly unable to rule out the possibility of a free vote on the Brexit deal, which Penny Mordaunt called for in Wednesdays Cabinet meeting. I can conceive of few circumstances in which a coherent government could allow such a thing on such a key policy. However, in these febrile political times, we should rule out nothing. Deep discussion of free votes is irrelevant. Anyone with a rudimentary grasp of mathematics can see that there is no majority in Parliament for the deal that has been struck with the EU. Unless the Prime Minister pulls a rabbit out of the hat at the Brussels summit a week on Sunday, and changes several aspects of the draft deal document, there will be at least 50 (and I suspect far more) Conservative MPs who will vote against it. Theresa May LBC phone-in: we've done better than Boris' bus 350m This rotten deal deserves to fail. As an ardent Brexiteer I have no hesitation in saying I would rather stay in the EU than vote for this appalling capitulation. As if this wasnt depressing enough for Mrs May, it was reported this morning that all government whips were to report to Parliament today and cancel any of the days constituency engagements. The most likely explanation is that Sir Graham Brady has 48 letters and a confidence vote will take place next week. Bizarrely, this may be good news for May. She will undoubtedly win a confidence vote but the question is by how many. If fewer than 100 Tory MPs vote against her, she will be home and hosed for another year. More than 100, and its hard to see her lasting too much longer. The key point is that under Tory Party rules there can be no further challenge to her for another 12 months. May will regard such a vote as an irritation and insist nothing has changed and that shes getting on with delivering Brexit. The trouble is shes trying to deliver a form of Brexit that no one is happy with. Apart from her. W E ARE just months away from Brexit. Negotiating it requires a strong, stable and effective leader to get the best deal for our fractious country. Instead, we have Prime Minister Theresa May. Her leadership is as credible as some of this years candidates on The Apprentice. On two separate occasions she has hastily presented her poorly negotiated proposals as done deals. On both occasions the deals have unravelled and several Cabinet ministers have resigned, leaving her in disarray. Whichever way you voted, it is clear that Brexit is being mismanaged by our political leaders. We need a second referendum to give them clear instructions on what we mean by leaving the EU. Otherwise, the best we can hope for is a half-baked mess that will hinder this countrys development for generations. Nicholas Pascal FOR Theresa May to agree this highly damaging deal, with our being eternally trapped in the customs union and paying the hideous 40 billion divorce bill, is indeed the greatest humiliation this country has sustained since the Suez crisis. This contempt for democracy will not be forgiven, as the Tory party will find out at the next election. Howard Ricklow EDITOR'S REPLY Dear Nicholas and Howard I wonder what future historians will make of Brexit? Will they see its origins in long-term forces dividing Britain from the EU a different legal tradition, history, geography, an imbalanced nation dominated by London, perhaps which were always going to result in some sort of break? Or will they put it down to bad luck, incompetence and the individual selfishness of a few? I think history is shaped by chance and individual choices and if thats right, then you are both right to blame our leaders for messing this up. Sure, take it out on Theresa May but Jeremy Corbyn is hugely culpable too. And does anyone remember Vince Cable? His inadequacies havent helped. But in the end its the Government which makes the choices and if things turn out badly, as they seem to be, we will know who to blame. By then, of course, it will be too late and the verdict will be in the hands of the historians. Julian Glover, Associate Editor (Comment) Unjust that my EV quote is so high Your feature on clean air was very interesting [Future London Clean Air, November 13]. Ive been the owner of a Nissan Leaf for just over a year now. I wasnt expecting my insurer to quadruple my insurance, on the basis that there was insufficient data for insurers to take a gamble on insuring electric vehicles. However, I would never go back to a petrol car, notwithstanding the fact on longer journeys you have to plan to the last detail and allow roughly an hour for a full charge. Elaine Tapley We must not go overboard in plugging electric cars. They produce no tail pipe emissions, but do produce significant amounts of particulates, potentially the most harmful type of emissions, from tyre and road wear. Nor do they reduce congestion or deaths on roads. David Harrison UK is significant in anti-doping war I WAS disappointed to read Dick Pounds comments on the current debate over the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency and its engagement with Russia [Pounds verbal volley for UKAD, November 13]. For the past three years, the UKs anti-doping body (UKAD), at the invitation of WADA, has delivered for the suspended Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) a testing programme, as well as advice and training, for the organisation so it could fulfil WADAs road map to a return to compliance. We were doing this up to the day that RUSADA was deemed compliant. I admit I was embarrassed to work at Kohls, but I was able to use my organizational skills working on inventory. he said. Realizing I needed a second job I interviewed at Menards, where I was hired instantly. The HR person said I have just the personality they were looking for. At Menards, Im always seeing people I know who are surprised to see me. But I am working to stay in this community so I am making it work. W ould Christmas be Christmas without downing sherry on your mums sofa and watching ITVs 3pm showing of Elf? Love em or loathe em, festive films are a firm fixture of the Yuletide season. The TV schedule is packed to the rafters with them, and now Netflix is getting in on the act. Its the classics that remain our favourites, though - theres always going to be something comforting about watching Emma Thompson cry about being given a Joni Mitchell album (even if Love Actuallys gender politics are a bit questionable). From black and white classics to bombastic 80s blockbusters, these are our 15 favourite Christmas films of all time. 15. The Santa Clause This all-American festive favourite follows a divorced dad played by Tim Allen, who takes Santas place to deliver presents on Christmas eve, hoping to reconnect with his family. The plot is actually pretty strange Allens character is fighting for custody of his son after a bitter split from his wife, and the Christmas dream sequence sees him accidentally kill a man. We suppose the key is not to think about it too much - its also the peak of 90s Christmas movie sappiness and Allens physical transformation into a rotund Saint Nick is worth a watch on its own. 14. Gremlins Gremlins (1984) Official Trailer 1984's Gremlins is our go-to Christmas horror film, and its surprisingly dark. While the 1990 sequel was a more family-friendly affair, the original is a scary seasonal treat and a fairly violent watch to boot. The story follows a struggling inventor who gives his son a strange gift from Chinatown, a mogwai. There are some strict rules to keeping the furry creature and when these invariably get broken, all hell breaks loose including murder. 13. Batman Returns Batman Returns (1992) Official Trailer Not only is Batman Returns among the best of the films in the Batman franchise, its also a fantastic Christmas movie. Set in the run-up to December 25, it sees Michael Keatons Batman battling it out against Danny DeVitos Penguin in wintertime Gotham. A superb cast, which also includes Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken, Burtons phantasmagorical direction and a genuinely creepy villain all add up to an excellent watch. 12. The Nightmare Before Christmas The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Official Trailer Everyones favourite entry level goth Christmas film, this anti-festive classic saw Tim Burton and director Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach, Coraline) create an spine-tingling world that has been charming audiences ever since. An oddball romance, as well as some of the best original film compositions of the decade, saw it become popular upon its 1993 release, while the animation and Burtons trademark weirdness helps it stand the test of time even 15 years on. 11. Elf Before Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, it was the inspired Christmas movie Elf which made Will Ferrell a household name in 2003. The actor stars as the loveable Buddy, a human raised by elves, who seeks the love of his father (James Caan) after arriving in New York. It also marked the first major directorial project for Jon Favreau, who would go on to direct some of the biggest blockbusters of the next 15 years, including Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the Lion King reboot. 10. The Holiday Everybody needs a bit of cheese from time to time, and The Holiday has it in bucket loads. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz star in the 2006 romcom, playing two women who swap their (quite fancy) homes for the holidays, leaving everything behind and meeting someone new. Jude Law and Jack Black star as their respective fancy men. Grab the gin and stick it on, its called getting into the Christmas spirit (or something). 9. The Polar Express This wonderful film by Robert Zemeckis achieved its distinctive look using live action motion capture, which was somewhat ahead of its time back in 2004. It was far more than a technical exercise though, with the film capturing a child's anticipation of Christmas morning perfectly, as the young protagonist sets off on a journey to the North Pole in the dead of night. Even better, everyones favourite Hollywood nice man Tom Hanks voices six (!) characters. 8. A Muppets Christmas Carol God bless Michael Caine in Muppets Christmas Carol he brings gravitas to this film despite his co-stars all being made of felt and stuffing. Its a loveable take on Dickens well-trodden story, and youd have to be a real Scrooge to resist it. The 15 best Christmas films of all time 1 /15 The 15 best Christmas films of all time 15. The Santa Clause This all-American festive favourite focuses on a divorced dad (Tim Allen), who takes Santas place to deliver presents on Christmas eve and reconnect with his family. The plot is actually pretty strange on reflection Allens character is fighting for custody of his son after a bitter split from his wife, and the Christmas dream sequence sees him accidentally kill a man in a Santa suit. However, its one the peak of 90s Christmas movie sappiness and Allens physical transformation into a rotund Saint Nick is worth a watch on its own. 14. Gremlins Gremlins is arguably the best Christmas horror film made, and its far darker than most people remember. While the 1990 sequel was a more family-friendly affair, the original is a scary seasonal treat and a pretty violent watch to boot. By all means revisit this 1984 classic this Christmas. Whatever you do, though, dont feed your mogwai after midnight 13. Batman Returns Not only is Batman Returns one of the best Batman films ever made, its also a fantastic Christmas movie. Its set in the run-up to December 25, with Michael Keatons battling it out against Danny DeVitos Penguin in wintertime Gotham (a penguin in the snow what could more Christmassy?). A superb cast, which also includes Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken, Burtons phantasmagorical direction and a genuinely creepy villain makes this a great watch this December. 12. The Nightmare Before Christmas 12. The Nightmare Before Christmas If you like your Christmas movies with a dark, twisted core, then Nightmare Before Christmas is the one for you. This anti-festive classic saw Tim Burton and director Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach, Coraline) create an entire universe that looked like nothing we had seen before. An oddball romance, as well as some of the best original film compositions of the decade made it a compelling watch back in 1993, while the animation and Burtons trademark weirdness helps it stand the test of time even 15 years on. Disney 11. Elf Before Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, it was the inspired Christmas movie Elf which made Will Ferrell a household name in 2003. The actor stars as the loveable Buddy, a human raised by elves, who seeks the love of his father (James Caan) after arriving in New York. It also marked the first major directorial project for Jon Favreau, who would go on to direct some of the biggest blockbusters of the next fifteen years including Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the upcoming Lion King reboot. 10. The Holiday Everybody needs a bit of schmaltz in their life from time to time, and The Holiday has it in bucketloads. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz star a little in the 2006 romcom, playing two women who swap homes for the holidays, leaving everything behind and meeting someone new. Its not the smartest movie ever made, but then again its not trying to be take a little time out to rewatch this heartwarming romcom over Christmas. 9. The Polar Express This stunning and arguably underappreciated animation from Robert Zemeckis is an absolute joy. The film achieved its distinctive look using live action motion capture, which was pretty ahead of its time back in 2004. It was far more than a technical exercise though, with the film capturing the anticipation of Christmas morning as a child perfectly, as the young protagonist sets off on a journey to the North Pole in the dead of night. It was very much Tom Hanks project, with the actor providing the voices for six characters including the main protagonist and conductor, and it still stands up as a top Christmas movie. 8. A Muppets Christmas Carol God bless Michael Caine in Muppets Christmas Carol where others would phone it in, happy to take the paycheck and move on quickly, he gives his all in this memorable 1992 film. He delivers a surprisingly complete performance, bringing a gravitas to the film despite his co-stars all being made of felt and stuffing. Its a loveable take on Dickens well-trodden story, and youd have to be a real Scrooge to resist it. 7. The Grinch Jim Carrey was the perfect choice to play the Grinch in this memorable festive flick from 2000, delivering a typically physical comedic performance. As well as showing off his impeccable timing and flair for visual gags, Carreys depiction proved to be far more than a caricature, with the viewer developing real empathy for him after hes ridiculed by the residents of Whoville whose prosthetic noses are, incidentally, way creepier than the Grinch could ever be. The 2018 reboot was also well received by critics, with Benedict Cumberbatchs family movie judged a real crowd-pleaser. 6. Love Actually Emma Thompsons performance alone is enough to make Love Actually worth revisiting this Christmas. The sequence in which she unwraps a Christmas present from her husband (the late Alan Rickman) and discovers he is pursuing another woman is absolutely heartbreaking. Its not all upsetting though inspired turns by some of the biggest names in UK film, including peak Hugh Grant cutting shapes around 10 Downing Street, make it a real joy. The film also boasts the perfect Christmas soundtrack and more shots of Colin Firth in a turtleneck than you ever realised you needed in your life. 5. The Snowman This poignant TV film from 1982 not to be confused with Michael Fassbenders forgettable detective drama of the same name is a beautiful adaptation of Raymond Briggss childrens book. It captures the wonder of Christmas and youthful imagination, telling the story of a young boy and his friendship with a snowman. The films heartbreaking final scene is just as affecting and poignant as it was on first viewing, helping make it such a memorable watch. The fabulous score was actually performed by chorister Peter Auty in the original, but Aled Jones released a version of the song three years later which made him a star at the age of 11. Interestingly, the re-issued version of the film also contained a cameo from David Bowie, playing an older version of the young child who befriends the snowman. 4. Home Alone In many ways, Home Alone is the ultimate Christmas kids film. The movie has been parodied and copied hundreds of times not least in 2012s Skyfall, which saw Bond defend his old Scottish ranch in a style Kevin McCallister would have been proud of however, the original has never been bettered. Also, the fact that Joe Pesci starred in both Home Alone and Goodfellas in 1990 is pretty amazing in itself, and seeing him trying to get through a kids film without swearing as the villainous home invader Harry Lime makes for pretty incredible viewing. 3. Miracle on 34th Street Richard Attenboroughs Miracle on 34th Street from 1994 is a pretty rare example of a Christmas remake that actually does the original justice. While the 1947 film is rightly regarded as a festive classic, the remake added a new sense of wonder and warmth to the classic story and brought it to a new generation of fans. It also marked the first movie role for prolific child star Mara Wilson, who played the title role in Matilda a year later. Attenboroughs performance as Kris Kringle, a man who is derided by society after claiming to be Santa, proved his status as one of the most watchable and charismatic actors of his generation. 2. Die Hard Bruce Willis plays New York cop John McClane in this undisputed Christmas classic, whos forced to fight off German terrorists when they take over a Los Angeles skyscraper on December 24. As well as Williss depiction of all-American everyman McClane, the film features one of the finest movie bad guys of all time in Alan Rickmans Hans Gruber. The film has, quite rightly - come to be regarded as an all-time festive classic, and for many of us, Christmas just wouldnt be Christmas without it. 1. It's A Wonderful Life Life-affirming is a term that gets bandied around an awful lot in film criticism, but Its a Wonderful Life is arguably more deserving of the description than any other. The best Christmas movie ever made, the 1946 classic focuses on George Bailey a man struggling to balance failing finances with an unhappy home life. After travelling to a bridge with the intention of ending his own life, he encounters Clarence, his guardian angel who gradually reminds George of all the joy, love and happiness in his life. So, settle down with the family this year, grab a mulled wine and let this beautiful piece of filmmaking wash over you, filling you up with Christmas cheer. 7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jim Carrey was the perfect choice to play the Grinch in this 2000 flick, delivering a typically physical comedic performance. As well as showing off his impeccable timing and flair for visual gags, Carreys depiction proved to be far more than a caricature, with the viewer developing real empathy for him after hes ridiculed by the residents of Whoville whose prosthetic noses are, incidentally, way creepier than the Grinch could ever be. The 2018 reboot was also well received by critics, with Benedict Cumberbatchs family movie judged a real crowd-pleaser, but it's Carrey's portrayal that remains the gold standard. 6. Love Actually Love Actually - Trailer Emma Thompsons performance alone is enough to make Love Actually worth revisiting this Christmas. The sequence in which she unwraps a Christmas present from her husband (Alan Rickman) and discovers he is pursuing another woman is absolutely heartbreaking. Its not all upsetting though inspired turns by some of the biggest names in UK film, including peak Hugh Grant cutting shapes around 10 Downing Street, make it a real joy. The film also boasts the perfect Christmas soundtrack and more shots of Colin Firth in a turtleneck than you ever realised you needed in your life. 5. The Snowman This beautiful adaptation of Raymond Briggss book ruined a million childhoods. It manages to capture the wonder of Christmas, telling the story of a young boy and his friendship with a snowman, before shattering out hearts into a million pieces with its sobworthy ending. The instantly recognisable score was actually performed by chorister Peter Auty in the original, though Aled Jones released a version of the song three years later which made him a star at the age of 11. 4. Home Alone Home Alone - Trailer In many ways, Home Alone is the ultimate Christmas kids film. The movie has been parodied and copied hundreds of times, but the original has never been bettered. Also, the fact that Joe Pesci starred in both Home Alone and Goodfellas in 1990 is pretty amazing in itself, and seeing him trying to get through a kids film without swearing as the villainous home invader Harry Lime is enough of a reason to give it a watch. 3. Miracle on 34th Street Richard Attenboroughs Miracle on 34th Street from 1994 is a rare example of a Christmas remake that does the original justice. While the 1947 film is rightly regarded as a festive classic, the remake added a new sense of wonder and warmth to the classic story and brought it to a new generation of fans. It also marked the first film role for prolific child star Mara Wilson, who played the lead in Matilda a year later. 2. Die Hard Die Hard 1988 Official Trailer Is it a Christmas film? We say yes. Bruce Willis plays New York cop John McClane, a man forced to fight off German terrorists when they take over a Los Angeles skyscraper on December 24. As well as Williss depiction of all-American everyman McClane, the film features one of the finest movie bad guys of all time in Alan Rickmans Hans Gruber (who's only marginally more evil than Rickman's other Christmas turn, in Love, Actually). 1. Its a Wonderful Life Christmas classic: It's A Wonderful Life is among those films being screened as part of the Herne Hill Free Film Festival F ilm fans are returning to the world of Harry Potter once again this month, with the arrival of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in UK cinemas. The highly-anticipated follow-up to 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them promises to be one of the biggest family films arriving over the festive period. Eddie Redmaynes magizoologist Newt Scamander is returning to the fold, along with his creature companions and a few familiar faces from the Potter universe. If you cant wait until the film is out to get your next Potter fix, heres everything you need to know. Cast Mission: Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander / 2018 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC Redmayne is back as protagonist Scamander, with his suitcase of adorable creatures in tow. After inflicting chaos on New York in the first film, this time hes linking up with his old friend Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law. While Dumbledore is not yet headmaster at Hogwarts at the time of the movie, hes a powerful wizard and professor at the school. Dumbledore calls on Scamander to hunt down the escaped dark wizard Grindelwald a former childhood friend of Dumbledores. Dumbledore isn't the only familiar character set to appear in the movie. A young Professor McGonagall also features in the film, played by Irish actress Fiona Glascott. While fans will be pleased to see the head of Gryffindor house in the film, references on Rowling's Pottermore website suggested she wasnt actually born until eight years after the events of the upcoming film, suggesting the filmmakers have tweaked the timelines to include her. Elsewhere, Dan Fogler who gave arguably the most memorable turn in the first movie is back as Jacob Kowalski. Ezra MIller also returns as the Obscurial Credence Barebone, while Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol are back as Tina and Queenie Goldstein. Zoe Kravitz plays Leta Lestrange, who had a close relationship with Scamander during their time at Hogwarts. Warner Bro For all the anticipation, the film hasnt been without controversy. Fans criticised producers for casting Johnny Depp in the film sequel, following domestic abuse allegations against him last year. Depp appeared briefly in the role of Grindelwald at the end of the last Fantastic Beasts film, and the Crimes of Grindelwald will mainly focus on Depps titular character. The villain sets out on his plan for domination of pure-blood wizards over all non-magical beings, and it's up to Scamander to stop him. The filmmakers and Rowling also sparked a racism row over the casting of Claudia Kim as Nagini earlier this year. The South Korean actress plays a Maledictus a woman who carries a blood curse from birth and eventually turns into a beast. The character eventually becomes Lord Voldermorts pet snake and fans hit out at the casting of an Asian actress playing a submissive character back in September. Another controversy also saw Rowling shut down trolls who lambasted her decision to not address Albus Dumbledore's sexuality. Trailer Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald - Trailer The film trailer was first revealed back in May and quickly sent fans into a frenzy online. Later clips released for the film show Grindelwalds escape from incarceration, as well as Dumbledores meeting with Scamander. Dumbledore gives Redmayne's character a key to a Parisian safe house in the clip, saying: Should things go terribly wrong, its good to have a place to go. The footage revealed so far suggests Grindelwald is set for a showdown against his captors, while we also see the return of Scamanders adorable companion Bowtruckle. Release date S an Miguel cares about the craft that goes into its beer and these talented people love honing their skills, too, making things of real value. They form part of The San Miguel Rich List 2018, created to acknowledge those people who place value on the wealth generated through life experiences rather than monetary gain. From crafting the finest classical guitars, to painting wonderful signs for old inns, discover how these inspirational 21st-century artisans are keeping ancient crafts alive. The Spoon Carver Spoon carver Mark Reddy / Jody Daunton Former media industry high-flier Mark Reddy simplified his life and returned to hands-on creativity. He now spends his time whittling beautiful bespoke wooden spoons and is obsessed with a quest for beauty through design. I spend my days carving in bliss, he smiles. Hes part of the current movement towards handmade craft. Walk through east London, and youll see handmade bags, printers and potters, he says. Theres an increased need for the physical; for making things. It compensates for too much screen-time. The Sign Painter Sign painter Andrew Grundon / Francesca Jones Artist Andrew Grundon knows that a good sign outside a business is, literally, a good sign about whats inside. If theyve taken care of that, people figure theyll get the same integrity inside. Although a business owner working with various people on an international level, British pub signs remain his bread and butter. Theyre a great way of getting your work to a wider audience, he says. Hes often lost in the moment, but thats down to his passion for his work. Ive barely got hapennies to scratch together, he laughs. But I do what I love most, in beautiful surroundings. The Coppersmith Coppersmith Sian Evans / Suzy Bennett I like the process of starting with metal, and ending with a piece of jewellery, says Sian Evans. Theres a therapeutic beginning, middle and end. She studied silversmithing and jewellery in the Eighties, but work experience with a coppersmith ignited a lifelong passion. My placement turned into an apprenticeship, she says. After that, I set up my own studio. I love bringing delicacy into metal using a hammer! Sians still on a learning curve, but its hugely important to her life. She adds: Putting in the hours is a key to contentment. Even if you just do a bit each day, keeping the faith is important. The Guitar Craftsman Guitar-maker Simon Ambridge / Jody Daunton Ingenious music-obsessive Simon Ambridge made his first bespoke guitar from a sideboard as a youth and turned tinkering into an art form as an undergraduate. I had the woodwork skills because I was making furniture and I went to an evening class in instrument making, he says. This was the next step to success story Ambridge Guitars, which produces a handful of highly crafted and highly sought-after instruments each year. He smiles: To me, making a guitar is like playing as a kid: you get immersed and lost in what youre doing. I absolutely love it. Discover the full San Miguel Rich List and find inspiration on how to live a richer life at standard.co.uk/richlist A ten-year-old leukaemia patient who captivated the world five years ago with his wish to be Batkid for a day is now cancer free. Miles Scott, emulated his favourite superhero in 2013 with help from San Franciscos press and police who put out a call for Batkid to help fight crimes around town. Thousands of people lined the streets in support of the childs adventure and local news TV channels followed the action live. Make a Wish foundation confirmed that Miles is now in cancer free and has been in remission for five years. The foundation said on its website: Miles has returned to being a typical kid playing little league, going to school, helping his family farm, and even selling his first market goat in the local fair! Now 10 years old and in fifth grade, Miles loves science and robotics. "After fighting his own heroic battle with Leukaemia since he was a year old, Miles visits his oncologist once a year, and has been in remission from leukaemia for the past five years. During his day as Batkid, he rescued a damsel in distress from cable car tracks in Nob Hill, before arresting villain the Puzzler for robbing a downtown vault. He received messages from then president Barack Obama and astronauts on the International Space Station. At the time, his mother Natalie said: This wish has meant closure for our family and an end to over three years of putting toxic drugs in our sons body. Gang violence is a matter of national concern but the tools to tackle it must be fair, fit for purpose and above all, trusted by those communities at most risk Violent gang crime in London is a matter of national concern. At a time when children are tragically being murdered on the streets and with nearly 200 gangs operating in London, this is a very real and immediate concern and the challenges faced by the Metropolitan Police Service cannot be underestimated. I have the utmost respect for the officers of the Met who work tirelessly to keep people safe. Gang crime demands a robust response from the police, and as the gangs and their methods evolve, so too do the tools used by the Met to tackle it. But these tools must be fit for purpose and proportionate. The law requires personal data rights to be respected. And that law does not put barriers in place for legitimate law enforcement responses. That is why my office investigated the Mets Gangs Matrix; a database that records intelligence related to gang members. And what we found ran deep to the fundamental principles of data protection law. Robert Peel, the founder of UK policing, said that for the public to have confidence in the police, the police should also be bound by the law. This includes the law on data protection. We found that, whilst there was a valid purpose for the database, the inconsistent way it was being used across Boroughs failed to comply with data protection laws and the Mets own rules. The Matrix can be shared with local councils, housing associations, and education authorities. And when shared, simply being on this database could lead to denial of services and other adverse consequences. Data sharing between the police and other public bodies is necessary, but in this case and all cases, that must be done within the law. My investigation revealed serious breaches of data protection laws with the potential to cause damage and distress to the disproportionate number of young, black men on the Matrix. For me it comes back to fairness; how people both alleged gang members and alleged victims - end up on the matrix, how their personal data is shared, and whether that is done appropriately. What my investigation revealed was serious breaches of data protection laws with the potential to cause damage and distress to those on the matrix. Ignoring peoples fundamental data rights erodes trust and confidence, which risks alienating the communities the Met serves. Building trust with communities to tackle gang crime comes from people knowing that engaging with the police will not have adverse consequences. Knowing that their personal information will not be shared unnecessarily, knowing that their chances of getting housing or a job will not be damaged, and knowing that they have wont be discriminated against, simply because theyve included in the Matrix. People must also know that in the ICO they have an effective regulator. And that includes holding police forces to account to make sure that they meet their obligations to use and look after personal data fairly and responsibly. My office has ordered the Met to make significant changes to the ways in which it uses the Matrix to bring it into compliance with data protection law. This includes making sure that the Matrix clearly distinguishes between victims of crime and offenders, which is not always the case at present. The Met must also delete any informal lists being kept of people who no longer meet the criteria for being on the Matrix. And the Met must review how information in the Matrix is shared with other public bodies, to evaluate whether the sharing is necessary and justified, and that any public bodies receiving the Matrix information understand how to properly interpret it. The effects on individuals are serious and far-reaching. My offices work will not end here. We are launching a separate investigation into how police information about gangs is used by other public bodies, such as local councils. We are already investigating a data breach at Newham Borough Council involving the Matrix. This problem of gang crime cannot be solved overnight or in isolation of the principles of policing and respect for data protection. If people do not have trust and confidence in the police to look after and use their personal data properly in the first place, then their effectiveness at tackling violent crime is at serious risk. I welcome the commitment of the Met to work with us to ensure the Matrix is brought into compliance with data protection law; this is positive and an important step in gaining the support of Londoners to help tackle violent crime on their streets. A childrens author has pledged to donate the profits from her latest book to help a London school build a new library. Anne-Marie Conway will give money from the first 5,000 copies of Unicorn Girl to the Archer Academy in East Finchley, which is trying to raise 250,000 for its library. Ms Conways son was one of the first children to go to the free school when it opened in 2013. She has written seven books, including the Star Makers Club series, as well as Tangled Secrets and Forbidden Friends. She said: My son has had an incredible education at the Archer and I wanted to do all I could to help. I know its relatively unusual for an author to donate the profits of a new book to charity, but its a cause thats close to my heart and we should do all we can to support school libraries. Children's author Anne-Marie Conway has pledged to donate profits from her latest book The fundraising campaign, which launched officially today, is also supported by EastEnders actor Steve McFadden, whose 14-year-old daughter Mollie goes to the school. The 59-year-old, who plays Phil Mitchell in the soap, said he would not have the career he has without libraries. McFadden, right, said he left school with no qualifications and the route out of a life working on building sites and markets was drama school. I applied for all these drama schools but I had to have all these speeches together a Shakespeare and a modern piece, he said. I didnt own books, I wasnt terribly well-read. But I went to libraries and cut and pasted speeches together and flicked through pages and found stuff that grabbed me and learnt off by heart. I auditioned for drama school and got in to Rada and the rest is history I wouldnt be where I was today if it wasnt for the fact I could wander into Swiss Cottage library and flick through books and find something that worked for me and got me into drama school. I was 25 and had no qualifications I wouldnt have known where to begin if I didnt have a library to source that material. He added that the Archer Academy had been fantastic for Mollie and he has donated to the campaign. Without them my daughter wouldnt have had a school to go to I wanted to subscribe to that effort and willpower that they have shown by creating the school, he said. T he City of London police has authorised front-line officers to use controversial spit guards during the detention of violent suspects. The decision puts the force at odds with the Met, which has refused to allow officers to put the mesh hoods on suspects, except in custody suites. City officers will also be able to use leg restraints to control violent suspects, the force announced. The move comes after Met Commissioner Cressida Dick ruled out the use of spit guards by front-line officers amid fears they could escalate tensions on the street. Now senior Met chiefs are understood to be examining alternative measures such as a snood, which only covers the lower half of the face, equipment now being used by Leicestershire Police. City Chief Superintendent Glenn Maleary said: The safety and security of our police officers is a priority for the City of London Police, and we firmly believe that officers should have the necessary and appropriate equipment to do their jobs. We have closely monitored the feedback of our officers in conjunction with the City of London Police Federation and have, as a result, authorised the use of spit guards and leg restraints for all operational officers. The purpose of issuing limb restraints and guards against spitting is so that our officers are able to apply the minimum force when having to protect themselves during the detention of violent suspects. He said the use of the guards would be closely monitored. The guards, used by 37 forces in England and Wales, have been criticised by human rights groups including Amnesty International, which called them a cruel and dangerous form of restraint. A Liberty spokesman said: Police officers deserve the same protection from harm as the rest of us. But there is no credible case for the routine use of spit hoods, which degrade the person, are linked to deaths in custody, and have no place in any minimum force approach to policing. A UKIP politicians last minute Brexit demonstration outside Downing Street garnered a lacklustre turnout with just four people attending after an hour. Patrick OFlynn, an MEP for the east of England, said he had had enough of this when he called for a morning picket against the "Government Brexit sell-out" from 10am on Friday. According to LBC, at one point there were four people with him and the protest was at its smallest when there were just one. One of the people to join him was UKIPs former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans, who was seen holding a Vote Leave umbrella while he held a sign with the same slogan. Once she had left, just Mr OFlynn and another woman who was sheltering from the rain under the red and white umbrella were left taking part in the protest. In his call to action, Mr OFlynn wrote on Twitter: I've had enough of this - who is up for a morning picket against the Govt Brexit sell-out outside Downing Street this morning? I will be there from 10am. Please come along. He followed this shortly with: I appreciate my impromptu picket today is very short notice - please come if you can - clearly we Leavers now need some big, set-piece demos. I will be doing my bit to help arrange them. Some asked for more details from the MEP, while others said they could not make it, though might have with more notice. Rachael Venables, of LBC, shared pictures of the protest she posted one photo and wrote: "At one point there were four in Patrick OFlynns protest. Suzanne Evans has now left, leaving this woman to hold the Vote Leave umbrella." A mber Rudd has made a dramatic return to the Cabinet as work and pensions secretary as Theresa May seeks to bolster her position following a backlash to her Brexit deal. She is set to replace Esther McVey who resigned her position on Thursday in protest at Theresa May's Brexit plans. Meanwhile, Leave-supporting Stephen Barclay has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health. The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Amber Rudd arrives to Downing Street earlier this year / AFP/Getty Images Ms Rudd has been a source of stability to the Prime Minister in the past, stepping in for Mrs May during the live TV debates in the run-up to the General Election last year. The MP for Hastings and Rye had to resign from her post as Home Secretary earlier this year over the Windrush scandal. Ms Rudd tweeted after the announcement, saying she was looking forward to "getting stuck in". She said: "A great honour. Look forward to getting stuck in." In an interview with broadcasters Ms Rudd urged Tory colleagues sending in letters of no confidence in Theresa May to "think again". She said: "This is not a time for changing our leader. "This is a time for pulling together, for making sure we remember who we are here to serve, who we are here to help: that's the whole of the country. "I worry sometimes colleagues are too concerned about the Westminster bubble rather than keeping their eye on what our job is - to serve people." Ms Rudd added that she was confident Mrs May would survive as Prime Minister, saying: "I think she has demonstrated this week her complete commitment to making sure she serves the people she was elected to so do. Stephen Barclay Conservative MP / Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament (Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)) "She has come forward with a really practical response to leaving the European Union. I think it's the right combination." It comes after senior ministers including Ms McVey and former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab quit in protest at the EU withdrawal agreement that was passed by Mrs May's Cabinet on Wednesday night. In a further reduction to the Brexit Secretary's duties, it was revealed that Theresa May will in future take sole control of negotiations on EU withdrawal. She will personally oversee the last 10 days of negotiations with the EU on the future relationship, while Mr Barclay will focus on the "domestic readiness for Brexit and getting Mrs May's draft withdrawal agreement through parliament." "He will be doing the domestic role," Mrs May's spokesman said. Michael Gove has said he is confident in the PM / Getty Images At least 21 Tory MPs are said to have sent no confidence letters to the Tory party's 1922 committee demanding a vote on Mrs May's leadership. Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted he still has confidence in Mrs May who has suffered a series of setbacks following the publication of her draft Brexit deal with Brussels. She has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. Ms Rudd resigned earlier this year in May, after she admitted she "inadvertently" misled MPs on immigration targets. In her letter of resignation to the Prime Minister, she admitted she should have been aware of information provided to her office making clear such targets did exist, adding: "I take full responsibility for the fact that I was not". Mr Barclay qualified as a solicitor before working in financial regulation and then financial crime prevention. He was director of regulatory affairs and then head of anti-money laundering and sanctions at Barclays bank before he became an MP. His appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: "I absolutely do." He added: "I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in Government and in Parliament to get the best future for Britain." A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May was "very pleased" that Mr Gove will stay on and "continue doing the important work he is doing". Pro-Remain Brexit rebel Stephen Hammond will replace Mr Barclay at the Department of Health and Social Care, Downing Street said. The Wimbledon MP was sacked as Conservative vice-chairman in December after backing a rebel amendment calling for Parliament to be guaranteed a meaningful vote on the Brexit deal. Brexiteer Kwasi Kwarteng will move from the Treasury to replace Suella Braverman, who followed Dominic Raab out of the door on Thursday. And former tourism minister John Penrose has been made a minister in the Northern Ireland office to replace Shailesh Vara, who also resigned on Thursday. Steve Barclay, the newly-appointed Brexit Secretary, commented on his appointment on Twitter. "Delighted to accept role at DExEU," he said. "We now need to keep up the momentum to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement & outline political declaration & deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK. "Looking forward to working with a talented team of ministers & officials to do just that." A mber Rudd has insisted the Government's much-criticised Universal Credit system has "transformed lives" as she returned to the Cabinet, months after being forced to step down as Home Secretary over the Windrush scandal. Ms Rudd made a dramatic return to the Cabinet on Friday, following a chaotic week in Theresa Mays government. Ms Rudd has been appointed as work and pensions secretary, as Mrs May seeks to bolster her position following backlash to her Brexit deal. The new role will see Ms Rudd replace Esther McVey. Diane Abbott criticised the appointment of Ms Rudd back to a Cabinet post so soon after the Windrush scandal. Writing on Twitter, the Shadow Home Secretary said: "Amber Rudd resigned because of her mismanagement of Windrush scandal. Now Theresa May puts her in the DWP. "Let's hope she shows more concern for the victims of this department's unfairness and cruelty than she did at the Home Office." Speaking after being appointed, Ms Rudd said she pledges to iron out problems with Universal Credit which has been accused of leaving vulnerable people destitute. In an interview with broadcasters on Friday evening, Ms Rudd said as a one-nation Tory she wanted to "make sure that we really do help everybody across the country". Asked whether responsibility for Universal Credit was a "poisoned chalice", she replied: "I have seen Universal Credit do some fantastic things. PA "In my constituency in Hastings and Rye, it really has transformed lives. "But I also recognise that there have been some issues with it, some problems with it. "I see it very much as my job, my role, to make sure that I try to iron out those difficulties so it becomes a force wholly for good." Her appointment came on the day a United Nations envoy warned Universal Credit waiting times have "plunged people into misery and despair". Professor Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights said the introduction of Universal Credit has caused extreme hardship but could easily be reversed by the Government. Theresa May is facing mounting pressure from Tory MPs over her Brexit deal / AP A National Audit Office report released in June found food bank use in Hastings had risen by 80% since UC was rolled out there. However, it also added: "There were also increases prior to full service being rolled out, which aligns with the Trussell Trust's analysis of a general increase nationwide." Universal Credit had been attacked by MPs from across politics over the slowness of payments made to claimants, which was said to have left many reliant on food banks and payday lenders to make ends meet. It replaces six existing benefits - Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit - with a single payment. The rollout started with new recipients in pilot areas in 2013. T heresa May was accused of trying to find a "middle ground" on Brexit that has not worked in a fiery clash with voters on LBC this morning. A local councillor named Daniel in Louth was the first caller to confront the Prime Minister on Nick Ferrari's LBC show. He asked her: "Why do you think you should stay on as PM?" Mrs May talked around the issue and did not respond to this question directly but said the Brexit deal was "the best possible for the UK". "We are leaving the EU on March 29," she said. Daniel said he "commended" the PM for trying to strike a Brexit deal with the EU but "sadly that has not worked". And he asked her: "Please Prime Minister, tell me why do you think you should stay on as PM when you have failed - despite your no doubt honourable intentions - to (deliver on) the referendum result? Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at LBC studio today / Getty Images "If you cannot do that, I respectfully ask you to do the right thing in the national interest and stand down to allow someone from the Brexit camp to take the lead. There is still time to sort this out." Mrs May responded by going through details of the draft withdrawal agreement. She fielded several calls from concerned members of the public on the LBC show / Jeremy Selwyn "You're absolutely right that for a lot of people who voted Leave, what they wanted to do was make sure that decisions on things like who can come into this country would be taken by us here in the UK, and not by Brussels, and that's exactly what the deal I've negotiated delivers," she said. A caller named Michael in Derry then asked her about the future of Northern Ireland. Mrs May could not guarantee she had the support of the DUP, who prop up her minority Government, in the meaningful vote, but insisted she was still working with the DUP. Asked whether DUP leader Arlene Foster had withdrawn support, she said: "I haven't had a testy exchange with Arlene on that." Theresa May denies DUP rift rumours LBC presenter Nick Ferrari pushed: "And they'll vote for this deal?" Mrs May said: "When this vote comes back every individual MP will decide how they will vote, whether they are DUP, Conservative, Labour, all parties within the House of Commons. "My job is to persuade first and foremost my Conservative benches, those who are working with us - the DUP are working with us, obviously, confidence and supply - but I want to be able to say to every MP I believe this is the best deal for the UK." TODO: define component type apester Asked on LBC Radio whether she had spoken to Environment Secretary Michael Gove about his future in the Government, Mrs May said: "I had a very good conversation with Michael yesterday actually." Mrs May said she had discussed the fishing industry with Mr Gove but, asked whether she had offered him the job of Brexit Secretary, she replied: "I don't talk about things to do with the Cabinet reshuffle. "I haven't appointed a new Brexit Secretary yet, but obviously I will be doing that over the course of the next day or so." Julia, from Llanelli in Wales, called LBC to ask Mrs May about whether she would still be able to access her medicine. She said: "I'm disabled, I'm bedridden, I take lots of medicines and need appliances to keep me alive so I can be with my family. Theresa May: I use insulin from EU "How long will sick people have to be worrying whether they're getting their medicines?" Mrs May said contingency plans were under way to maintain supply even in the event of a no-deal. She said: "The Department of Health is making sure medicines will continue to be available. "It is making proper contingencies to make sure if there are problems at the border that medicines can still get through and are available for people." She was later asked whether people would be wise to put bets on Mr Gove getting the job. Her response to presenter Nick Ferrari was: "I've always made it a sort of rule in my life that I don't bet on anything to do with politics. I would advise you not to either." She was asked whether she would give her ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal comes before Parliament. She said: "There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country. Government policy is Government policy. "There is Cabinet responsibility. The Government will put its policy to the House of Commons." Earlier, Environment Secretary Michael Gove made no comments about his future to reporters as he left his home, saying only "good morning" repeatedly. Mrs May is braced for more Cabinet resignations after struggling through a chaotic day of fallout over divorce deal yesterday. Labour will tomorrow seek to force the government to release its own legal advice on the Irish border backstop. Jeremy Corbyn's party will use an arcane procedure known as a "humble address" during an opposition day debate. It's an attempt to make guidance by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox available to MPs once a Brexit deal is ready to be put before the Commons. The procedure was used last year to force the publication of Brexit impact assessments. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's simply untenable for the government to put forward any Brexit deal to Parliament without providing the legal advice on what's been agreed. "At this critical stage, MPs can't be kept in the dark nor can we risk Parliament being bounced into a decision without having all of the facts available." F rances finance minister has said Brits were duped into voting for Brexit as he launched an attack on "lying" UK politicians. In an impassioned interview, Bruno Le Maire called the referendum a historic mistake, arguing voters were tricked into voting to leave the European Union as they were led to believe it would be easy and in their interests. He told a Paris forum on reforming the World Trade Organisation that the British people were "the main victims" of Brexit. Speaking to CNBC, Mr Le Maire said: I think many British politicians have been liars and lied to British people by explaining that it was simple to go out of the European Union, that you could go out without having strong negative consequences on the current daily life of the British people, on the current daily interest of the British companies. And now, you are before the truth. The truth that going out of the European Union, that going out of the single markets and going out of one of the most important economic markets of the world is a mistake, with very strong, negative consequences. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire / REUTERS He added: The truth is Brexit could end with a nightmare. Mr Le Maires comments come after a chaotic week in the UK, where several ministers resigned. Amber Rudd has returned to the Cabinet / PA Mr Le Maire said it would be the UKs sovereign choice to choose to leave the EU. He added: If you want to go out, you go out, thats your sovereign decision, even if you regret it. Dear Sir Graham, She Just Doesnt Listen I am writing to ask for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May as Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party. This is something I thought I would never do. Since Chequers, I and other senior members of the ERG, have been attempting to persuade the Prime Minster and senior officials in No.10 Downing Street that there was no way that a deal based on that agreed at Chequers would ever pass through the House of Commons and to pivot instead to a free trade arrangement known as Super Canada. I can tell you that we tried repeatedly to get this message across over a period of some four months confidentially, respectfully and in private. However, in short, no one really listened to a word we said. The Prime Minister has been surrounded throughout this process by a Pretorian Guard of highly pro-European senior civil servants who, I believe, have never accepted the result of the referendum. Instead they have helped to steer the negotiations in such a way that means, quite simply, we will not in fact leave the European Union but effectively remain within it. This is a betrayal of the decision of 17.4 million British people and the clear instruction that was given to all Members of Parliament by them in the referendum. Now that the details of the deal are available we can see how truly awful it is. Despite the Prime Minister solemnly assuring the House on over twenty occasions since 2016 that we would leave the Customs Union (as clearly stated in our 2017 General Election manifesto), Mrs May now envisages a situation in which we would remain in the Customs Union in perpetuity, only allowed to leave with the consent of the EU. This is utterly contrary to the spirit of Brexit and means our County would surrender control of our national destiny to Brussels. I can never vote for this and neither can many of my colleagues. In addition, we have agreed to maintain equivalent standards with the European Union in critical areas of employment policy, environmental policy and social policy, in effect this means we would continue to accept EU law in these areas, except that we could now have absolutely no control over how that law was drafted. This is not taking back control of our laws, it is making us subservient to the laws of others. Moreover, at a time when MPs have seen very difficult decisions taken in their constituencies, including the closing of police stations and being briefed by Headteachers on the extremely tight situations in their school budgets, as part of this deal we are proposing to send 39billion of British taxpayers money to Brussels for absolutely nothing whatsoever in return. This is hardly taking back control of our money. As I tried to say respectfully to the Prime Minister in the House of Commons yesterday, there is absolutely no way that this deal will pass through the House. The Labour Party are now pledged to vote against it (with perhaps a handful of exceptions); the SNP will vote against it; the Liberal Democrats will vote against it; crucially the Democratic Unionist Party will vote against it and over 80 Conservative MPs are pledged to vote against it as well. As I said yesterday, this makes it mathematically impossible for the deal to pass. I pleaded with the Prime Minister to accept the political reality of this situation but still she continues to believe, against all evidence to the contrary, that she will get it through. She is, in short, in complete denial. Like many colleagues, I am also deeply worried that Chequers would treat Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the United Kingdom. Not only is this a betrayal of the Province but it would give succour to our opponents in the SNP and assist them in renewing their calls for the breakup of the United Kingdom. As members of the Conservative and Unionist Party we cannot and must not allow this to happen. In raw political terms there is also the fact that the Prime Minister has appallingly treated and now alienated our strategic allies in the Democratic Unionist Party. We rely on these MPs for a working majority in the House of Commons, given the disastrous General Election of 2017 which she called and in which we lost over 30 valued colleagues. As ever, this was a decision she took with a very small coterie of advisors and without seeking opinion or advice from her experienced colleagues. The DUP can speak for themselves but from what I have seen over the last few days, and given Nigel Dodds words in the House yesterday when he said she just doesnt listen it seems to me that not only will the DUP resist Chequers but they have effectively now lost all faith in the Prime Minster. This means that it will be practically impossible for us to continue to rely on them to prop up the Government while the Prime Minister remains in Office. I therefore believe that in order for our Party to survive in Government it is imperative we find a new leader who can command the respect of the DUP and therefore maintain the working majority in Parliament. This is, to coin a phrase, an inconvenient truth but it is there nonetheless. Like almost all MPs, from whichever Party, I came into Parliament to serve my Country. Many years ago I served in the Territorial Army in the Cold War. As far as I am concerned, what I am doing now and about which I have thought very carefully over a number of months is defending my country again. Given the number of Cabinet and other Ministerial resignations, I do not believe that it is in any way possible for the Prime Minister to repair the damage which she has done and therefore the Conservative Party needs new leadership if it has any chance of moving forward and rebuilding trust with the electorate. In summary, I believe that Chequers, to which the Prime Minister, is clearly unbreakably wedded, would not constitute Brexit in any shape or form whatsoever and would therefore betray the spirit of the referendum and the decision of 17.4 million British people. I urge my colleagues to consider the likely reaction in their constituencies if their constituents believe that, having voted for us to leave, the politicians have conspired to deny them their decision. At any subsequent election their backlash would be brutal. For the sake of the Conservative Party and indeed for our Countrys destiny, I honestly believe that is now time to seek fresh leadership that can carry this Country forward outside of the European Union and confidently into the world. Yours regretfully, Rt Hon Mark Francois MP S tephen Barclay has been promoted to Brexit Secretary from a ministerial role in the Department for Health, Downing Street said. Brexit-supporting Mr Barclay, the MP for North East Cambridgeshire, had been a junior minister in the health department. He has also served as City Minister. The 46-year-old is a former director at Barclays Bank who also worked as a financial regulator. Stephen Barclay Conservative MP for North East Cambridgeshire who has been appointed as Brexit Secretary / Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament (Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)) Mr Barclay replaces Dominic Raab who resigned as Brexit secretary in protest at the Prime Minister's Brexit plans on Thursday. Mrs May herself will personally oversee the last 10 days of negotiations with the EU on the future relationship, while Mr Barclay will focus on the "domestic readiness for Brexit and getting Mrs May's draft withdrawal agreement through parliament." "He will be doing the domestic role," Mrs May's spokesman said. Mr Barclay qualified as a solicitor before working in financial regulation and then financial crime prevention. He was director of regulatory affairs and then head of anti-money laundering and sanctions at Barclays bank before he became an MP. Amber Rudd has returned to the Cabinet / AFP/Getty Images Pro-Remain Brexit rebel Stephen Hammond will replace Mr Barclay at the Department of Health and Social Care, Downing Street said. The Wimbledon MP was sacked as Conservative vice-chairman in December after backing a rebel amendment calling for Parliament to be guaranteed a meaningful vote on the Brexit deal. Brexiteer Kwasi Kwarteng will move from the Treasury to replace Suella Braverman, who followed Dominic Raab out of the door on Thursday. And former tourism minister John Penrose has been made a minister in the Northern Ireland office to replace Shailesh Vara, who also resigned on Thursday. Theresa May is facing mounting pressure from Tory MPs over her Brexit deal / AP The reshuffle came just hours after Michael Gove offered the Prime Minister a lifeline by staying on in his Cabinet role. Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted he still has confidence in Mrs May who has suffered a series of setbacks following the publication of her draft Brexit deal with Brussels. She has suffered the loss of four ministers and faces continued speculation that a vote of no confidence in her leadership could be triggered by Tory MPs within days. Ms Rudd was a prominent Remain campaigner during the referendum and her return to the Cabinet, in place of Brexiteer Esther McVey who resigned on Thursday, may do little to bridge divides within the Tory ranks. Staying in the Cabinet: Michael Gove () / Getty Images The return of Ms Rudd, who quit in a row over immigration targets, comes after a report concluded she had been let down by her officials. Mr Barclay's appointment came after Mr Gove reportedly turned down the post after saying he would only take it if he could renegotiate the EU withdrawal agreement. Speaking outside his departmental office, Environment Secretary Mr Gove was asked if he had confidence in the Prime Minister and replied: "I absolutely do." F orrmer Brexit secretary David Davis was slapped down today after arguing that Brussels would be willing to renegotiate the proposed withdrawal deal. Mr Davis, who quit in July over Theresa Mays Chequers trade plan, claimed it was still possible to reopen negotiations. He argued that the Government was too willing to make concessions rather than stand up to demands from the EU. But Cabinet minister James Brokenshire rejected the suggestion and Sir Simon Fraser, formerly the Foreign Offices top mandarin, branded Mr Davis a terrible Brexit secretary, claiming he had not properly engaged with Brussels during the talks. Dismissing Mrs Mays proposed withdrawal deal, Mr Davis told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: It is a dreadful proposal, it really doesnt fly by any measure. It is not a deal we should accept. Brexiteers claim Mrs Mays Civil Service advisers have not taken a sufficiently tough approach during talks. Prime Minister savaged over Brexit deal on radio phone-in Mr Davis accused Brussels of deliberately spinning out negotiations to try to use time against us. He added: It will get to a point, I am quite sure, when it will be very tense and people will be very nervous about the way the negotiations go, but European negotiations are never over until they are concluded. Sir Simon tweeted: David Davis was a terrible Brexit secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels and rapidly lost respect there. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage. Communities Secretary Mr Brokenshire downplayed the possibility that the Government could still reopen negotiations. The very clear and firm assessment is that this is the deal that needs to be concluded, he said. It strikes a fair balance. Yes, there are compromises that are there. But there is no sense that there will be anything more that can be gained through further negotiation. Indeed, it may well take us backwards if you were to try and even do that. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other EU leaders have signalled they are not currently prepared to renew talks on alternative arrangements. We have a document on the table that Britain and the EU27 have agreed to, so for me there is no question at the moment whether we negotiate further, she said yesterday. The European Parliaments Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt stressed the deal had been hammered out after two years of intense negotiations. T heresa May is poised to take a barrage of questions on her Brexit deal from voters this morning in a rare public phone-in with LBC. The Prime Minister will face the live grilling over her draft Brexit agreement which sparked resignations from her Cabinet and the prospect of a leadership challenge. Radio host Nick Ferrari will quiz Mrs May over the state of Britains road to its departure from the bloc as a huge backlash over her deal with the EU continues to grow. She will be live on the show from 8am. Meanwhile Environment Secretary Michael Gove made no comments about his future to reporters as he left his home on Friday morning, saying only "good morning" repeatedly. It comes as Mrs May is braced for more Cabinet resignations after struggling through a chaotic day of fallout over divorce deal yesterday. Under pressure: Theresa May / AFP/Getty Images Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, is said to be considering quitting after he called for the Prime Ministers draft Brexit agreement to be renegotiated. He also is understood to have rejected Mrs Mays offer to make him Brexit Secretary, a Cabinet post left vacant after Dominic Raab dramatically threw in the towel. TODO: define component type apester Mr Raab, the man the prime minister appointed to reassure Brexiteers, quit his post saying he could not in good conscience endorse a deal that broke promises to voters. Facing a leadership crisis over the agreement, Mrs May last night urged that she would see Brexit through and strive for a deal the British people voted for. Environment Secretary Michael Gove is understood to be considering quitting / AP Mrs May said that she believed that "with every fibre of her being", the course she had set out for Brexit was "the right one". She added that the Brexit negotiations are a "matter of the highest consequence", touching "almost every area of our national life." Asked if she would contest a confidence vote and carry on as Prime Minister if she won by a single vote, Mrs May said: "Leadership is about taking the right decisions, not the easy ones. It comes following high-profile resignations from her Cabinet and rumours that the number of no confidence letters sent to the partys 1922 committee was nearing the 48 needed to trigger a leadership contest. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey also resigned, along with Brexit Minister Suella Braverman, Northern Ireland minister Shailesh Vara and ministerial aides Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Ranil Jayawardena. Jacob Rees-Mogg denies treachery after declaring no confidence in PM Mrs May had earlier made a dignified statement in the Commons promoting her withdrawal agreement. She told MPs: The choice is clear. We can choose to leave with no deal. We can risk no Brexit at all. Or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated: This deal. Mr Rees-Mogg, the leader of the European Research Group (ERG), then gathered his troops in Committee Room 10 in the Palace of Westminster. News emerged that he would indeed send a letter demanding a vote of no confidence in Mrs May, something he had hinted at in an exchange with the prime minister in the Commons chamber an hour earlier. Sky News reporter Adam Boulton attracts the unwanted attention of anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray / AFP/Getty Images But not all members of the ERG agreed - Sir Edward Leigh departed from the meeting saying there was a "genuine difference of opinion" about whether to support the prime minister's position. He said he would not be submitting a letter to the powerful backbench 1922 Committee calling for a no confidence vote. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson remained tight-lipped, refusing to answer questions about whether he would be writing his own letter. During her press conference following the fallout, Mrs May said: "This deal delivers what the people voted for and is in the national interest. We can only secure it if we unite behind the agreement reached in Cabinet yesterday.She said if this did not happen, nobody can be sure of the consequences will follow. S ecret criminal charges against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange may have been accidentally revealed in a cut and paste error by US prosecutors. Mr Assange is wanted in America over the leak of classified military documents in 2010, but has spent more than six years living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. He was facing allegations of sex crimes in Sweden, but insisted that he could not face the claims as he then be would be extradited to the US over his Wikileaks activities. It emerged overnight that a US prosecutor in Virginia had mentioned Mr Assanges name twice in a document for an unrelated case, urging a judge to keep the charges confidential until Mr Assange can be extradited. The document, uncovered by a US academic, states that the charges would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition. The prosecutor highlights that due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. The apparently slip-up was in papers dated August 22 this year - for the case of Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, who is accused of sex crimes and has no ties to Mr Assange. There is no mention of what charges the Wikileaks founder may be facing. He has long been sought by the US authorities over the disclosures by whistleblowing intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in 2010 of classified Pentagon and State Department documents. Wikileaks published the papers en masse, which included hundreds of thousands of internal messages on the Iraq War. Mr Assange has also recently been linked to the inquiry into alleged ties between President Trumps 2016 election campaign and Russia. Wikileaks was responsible for publishing hacked emails between members of the Democrats National Committee during the Presidential election race that propelled Mr Trump into the White House. In a post on Twitter, Wikileaks said todays reveal of secret charges against Mr Assange came through an apparent cut and paste error in an unrelated case. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the United States attorneys office for the Eastern District of Virginia, said: The court filing was made in error, adding: That was not the intended name for this filing. Mr Assanges American lawyer, Barry Pollack, claimed the existence of criminal charges against Mr Assange was a challenge to press freedom. The news that criminal charges have apparently been filed against Mr Assange is even more troubling than the haphazard manner in which that information has been revealed, he said The government bringing criminal charges against someone for publishing truthful information is a dangerous path for a democracy to take. George Washington University terrorism expert Seamus Hughes, who discovered the court documents, said he thought the accidental disclosure of Assanges name seems Freudian. B ritain's austerity measures have inflicted huge misery on the poorest in society, as the number of people living in poverty reaches 14 million according to a new UN report. The UN's envoy on extreme poverty has published a damning report, blasting the government's policies as punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous, which have inflicted "great misery" on millions. The Conservative government has pushed for "radical social re-engineering", the report said, with a "driving force that has not been economic", as successive governments have chased to revolutionise the minimum levels of fairness. And as Theresa May's government faces huge pressure amid multiple cabinet resignations and Tory infighting, the report slams another nail in Brexit's coffin. The government has denied the accuracy of the report, which is backed up by evidence from the National Audit Office, the Institute of Fiscal Studies and numerous charities' research. We completely disagree with this analysis," a spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said. "With this Governments changes, household incomes have never been higher, income inequality has fallen, the number of children living in workless households is at a record low and there are now one million fewer people living in absolute poverty compared with 2010." File photo: A homeless man sleeps in an under pass at London's Charing Cross station. / Getty Images But Philip Alston, the UNs envoy on extreme poverty and human rights said "The Government has remained determinedly in a state of denial" over its failure to protect those most in need. "For almost one in every two children to be poor in twenty-first century Britain is not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster, all rolled into one," he wrote. The government's benefits freeze for families, which only covers the first two children, where "in the same ball park" as China's one child policy, he added. Despite Britain being the fifth largest economy in the world, it is "patently unjust and contrary to British values that so many people are living in poverty," he wrote in the new report published today. And as Brexit reaches a critical moment, the report warned the affects of "deep uncertainty", and drops in growth anticipated by the IMF have been an "after-thought" "In my meetings with the government, it was clear to me that the impact of Brexit on people in poverty is an after-thought, to be dealt with through manipulations of fiscal policy after the event, if at all," wrote Mr Alston, an eminent human rights lawyer. Main points from the report The level of poverty and "despair" in Britain is obvious to anyone who sees the queues outside foodbanks and people sleeping rough, said the report. Austerity Britain is in breach of four UN human rights, relating to women, children, disabled people and economic and social rights. 14 million people (one in five) are living in poverty 1.5 million are "destitute" Almost half of all children live below the poverty line. Homelessness has more than doubled since 2010 A limit on benefits payments to only the first two children in a family is driving up the cost of off-setting benefits with other funds. If you got a group of misogynists in a room and said how can we make this system work for men and not for women they would not have come up with too many ideas that are not already in place, he told a press conference in London, as policies have hit women disproportionately with massive cuts to support for single parents. The report said the government's policy using "employment as the cure all for poverty" has failed, as 60 per cent of households affected by poverty have someone in work, fuelled by an economy built on "low wages, insecure jobs and zero hours contracts", as 10 per cent of all workers over 16 are on precarious contracts. The report comes at a time when the roll-out of the government's new Universal Credit system has come under intense fire for leaving millions of people worse off. File Photo: Flowers left at the scene where a homeless man was sprayed with paint in Normanby, Middlesbrough. Michael Cash was later found dead in a cemetery. / PA Wire/PA Images Homeless dying in our streets The Standard reported recently on the how failure to properly fund homeless prevent and accommodation services was leaving local councils with a 300 million bill on hotel rooms alone. The wider immediate cost of insufficient homeless funding is expected to be in the billions. In London alone, 165 homeless people died last year - their names read out at a ceremony in St Martin in the Fields last week. A report by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism discovered some died of starvation, while others were alone in the streets or packed into overwhelmed homeless shelters. Jacob Quagliozzi, director at Housing Justice said: There are many contributory factors to an individual rough sleeping, the difficulties in accessing genuinely affordable housing is key and issues around welfare, particularly Universal Credit give real cause for concern Loading.... "Through our work with 40 night shelters across London we also see the personal cost of rough sleeping in terms of mental and physical health. And as the roll-out of Universal Credit starts to affect London, more in-work families will be attending the foodbanks. Jon Glackin of Streets Kitchen said: "When Universal credit kicks in we're going to be feeding more people and giving them help. "We serve people who aren't homeless but are worried they will be if they lose a benefits payment, and others who are in work, but can't afford a place to live because their salary isn't enough to support them." Theresa May is facing mounting pressure from Tory MPs over her Brexit deal / AP Then work and pensions secretary Esther McVey faced flack in parliament when she admitted some people on Universal Credit will be worse off with reports some claimants would receive up to 200 less per month. The fate of Universal Credit is now up in the air after she was one of several Cabinet Ministers to resign from her post this week. "This brutally honest report couldn't be clearer: the Government's decade of destructive austerity policies have punished the poorest not out of economic necessity - but out of pure ideological obsession with shrinking the state," Green Party MP for Brighton Caroline Lucas said. "People were right to vote for drastic change in 2016. This must be a wake-up call for all MPs, telling them to stop obsessing over plots and resignations and put the public first. File photo: A volunteer at Wandsworth foodbank prepares food parcels for guests. / Getty Images "We urgently need a People's Vote designed to rebuild our communities and transform our economy so it works for everyone." Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: The Tories austerity has always been a political choice. It was no accident that those who have paid the heaviest price for the cuts to our services and longest slump in wages in two centuries were the poor and the vulnerable. Even more cuts are on the way, making a nonsense of the PMs claim that `austerity is over. They should get out of the way and let the business of healing our country be done by a government that puts the people first. A DWP spokesperson re-affirmed the government's view that Universal Credit was continuing to bring people out of poverty. UN special rapporteur Philip Alston. / AFP/Getty Images Universal Credit is supporting people into work faster, but we are listening to feedback and have made numerous improvements to the system including ensuring 2.4 million households will be up to 630 better off a year as a result of raising the work allowance. This month, Chancellor Philip Hammond presented a tax cut for richer households and said the austerity era is "finally coming to an end" - but he was blasted again by the UN envoy's report. T he number of people missing in Californias most deadly wildfire on record has leapt to 631, with the death toll standing at 63. The revised official list of whose whereabouts and fate remain unknown is now more than double the 297 recorded earlier on the same day. Explaining the staggering new figure, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said: the chaos we were dealing with was extraordinary. He said it comes after investigators went back to check emergency calls made when the now-record breaking Camp Fire blaze first broke out. 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 Officials in part attributed the high number of deaths to huge wind speeds that drove flames through the town of Paradise, home to 27,000 residents. Rescue workers were still combing through the ruins of the town, in the north of the state, a week after it burned to the ground. The Camp Fire had spread across 140,000 acres but was now 40 per cent contained, firefighters said on Thursday. Footage from inside car shows devastation of California wildfires The White House said Donald Trump will visit the state on Saturday to meet those affected by the disaster. Hundreds of thousands of evacuation orders were issued, with President Trump approving a major disaster declaration across the state. A. I wrote it because I wanted to find out who these two brothers really were. I was amazed to discover that in fact Wilbur Wright was the man who invented the airplane, and Orville was along for the ride. I had read David McCulloughs book, and I found it more of the same. I wanted to break apart the Wright Myth of these two men who never married, lived at home their whole life, and seemed to have magically gone down to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and invented the first airplane. There is a real story here, and it is in my book. T he White House has been ordered to return the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta with immediate effect. A judge made the ruling on Friday afternoon that his credentials must be returned. US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who is hearing CNN's lawsuit challenging the revocation, said there should be a due process in place for limiting a journalist's access to the White House. The White House had set out reasons for the ban in a tweet from press secretary Sarah Sanders and in a statement after CNN filed its lawsuit but the judge said those "belated efforts were hardly sufficient to satisfy due process". Spat: Donald Trump at the press conference where Jim Acosta, right, was accused of placing his hands on the intern, pictured / AP With that in mind, he ordered the White House restore Mr Acosta's pass while the case is pending. Mr Acosta thanked the judge and fellow journalists who supported him outside the court. He said: "Let's go back to work!" The judge also found that Mr Acosta suffered "irreparable harm", as he dismissed the government's argument that CNN could send other reporters to cover the White House in his stead. Jim Acosta is CNN's chief White House correspondent / AP The suit by CNN alleges that Mr Acosta's First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated by the suspension of his hard pass. Though the judge did not rule on the underlying case he signalled CNN was likely to prevail in its claims and told attorneys to file additional court papers in the case by Monday. The journalist, who is CNN's chief White House correspondent, was barred after an acrimonious press conference spat with President Donald Trump after the US midterm elections. Mr Trump called him a "rude, terrible person" before an intern tried to take the microphone from Mr Acosta, adding further to the controversy. Trump and Jim Acosta's furious press conference showdown Mr Trumps press secretary Sarah Sanders said Mr Acosta had been barred for placing his hands on a young woman after that altercation. The judge determined this to be "likely untrue and at least partly based on evidence that was of questionable accuracy." The incident was further complicated when there was discussions over the footage of the incident the Press Secretary shared, which people stated not to be the original and some accused of being doctored. CNN had previously hit back at the fraudulent allegations against Mr Acosta which subsequently led to the lawsuit against the Trump Administration being filed in DC District Court. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders wrote about the incident in the aftermath / AFP/Getty Images On Tuesday, Ms Sanders also accused Mr Acosta of being unprofessional for what she deemed as an attempt to dominate the press conference. As well as the rulings he made, the judge stated he could not state who made the decision to take the pass and said : "Whatever process occurred within the government is still so shrouded in mystery that the government at oral argument could not tell me who made the initial decision to revoke Mr. Acosta's press pass." TODO: define component type apester Responding to the judge's ruling, CNN and Mr Acosta released a statement which said: "We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days. "Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press. The argument between the pair began when Mr Acosta questioned Mr Trump's reference to the caravan as an invasion and Mr Trump defended the term. "You should let me run the country," Mr Trump said. "You run CNN and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better." After this, Mr Acosta asked about the investigation of Russia's involvement in the 2016 election. At this point Mr Trump tried to turn to another reporter but Mr Acosta continued to ask questions. "CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them," the president said to Mr Acosta. "You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN. The way you treat Sarah Sanders is horrible. The way you treat other people is horrible. You shouldn't treat people that way." In the immediate aftermath, NBC's Peter Alexander defended Mr Acosta and said: "I've travelled with him and watched him. Jim Acosta and Peter Alexander following the incident / Reuters "He's a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us." Replying to Mr Alexander, Mr Trump said: "I'm not a big fan of yours, either. Mr Trump has often made his dislike of CNN known. T he last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s have been convicted of genocide. Nuon Chea, 92, and Khiey Samphan, 87, have been sentenced to life in prison after they were convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by an international tribunal. Up to two million people, most of them ethnic Khmer are thought to have died under the regime that ruled between 1975 and 1979. The two men claimed they were targets of political persecution. The court ruled that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Former Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea sits in court at the ECCC in Phnom Penh / AFP/Getty Images Mr Samphan was found not guilty of genocide against the Cham due to a lack of evidence. However he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. The Khmer Rouge sought to create a self-reliant agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Many people were executed or overworked while others died of starvation. The two men's offences comprised of murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included wilful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. A large crowd of spectators attended Friday's session, including members of the Cham minority. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Hun Sen, himself a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla who defected to the regime's eventual conquerors, Vietnam, said he would "not allow" any new indictments beyond the handful of top leaders. N orth Korea has successfully tested an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," state media has reported It did not appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the US. A string of such tests last year had many fearing war before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. North Korea has not publicly tested any weapons since November 2017, but Pyongyang recently expressed anger at US-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. Kim Jong Un at the weapon testing at the Academy of National Defense Science, North Korea / AP Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it does not receive sanctions relief. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens'," said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Diplomacy has stalled since a summit between Mr Kim and US president Donald Trump in June, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the US first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. Mr Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. South Korean soldiers patrol along the barbed-wire fence in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea / AP Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including US military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Even if the test was a message for Washington and Seoul, Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and did not focus on North Korean claims of US and South Korean hostility. Mr Yang said the latest North Korean test will not completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearisation. Asked about the test, the US State Department said that American and North Korean officials are talking about implementing the commitments that Mr Trump and Mr Kim made during their June meeting in Singapore. Eugene Lee, spokeswoman of South Korea's Unification Ministry, declined to comment on Mr Kim's inspection of the weapons test. US vice president Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Mr Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done," he said. Mr Pence stressed that UN sanctions had to remain enforced. It is the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim Jong Un since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defence Science and that Mr Kim could not suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. He was described as "so excited to say that another great work was done by the defence scientists and munitions industrial workers to increase the defence capability of the country." Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States. Mr Trump and Mr Kim are both interested in another summit, but it is unclear when it might happen. Mr Pence has said the next meeting would allow the two leaders to put what they discussed in their last summit on paper. T ens of thousands of Muslims have gathered in Mecca to pay their respects and pray for murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Scores of well-wishers surrounded the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to pay tribute to the Washington Post journalist, who was killed when he attended the Saudi Embassy in Istanbul on October 2. Incredible pictures show the scale of people who assembled to pray at the Grand Mosque for Mr Khashoggi, who was a vocal critic of the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia said 11 suspects have been indicted in the killing of Mr Khashoggi, while another ten people are in custody, making the total number of people detained 21. Thousands assembled to pay their respects to Mr Khashoggi / AFP/Getty Images Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister says that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had "absolutely" nothing to do with the killing of Mr Khashoggi. "Absolutely, his royal highness the crown prince has nothing to do with this issue," Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in a press conference in Riyadh. He spoke just hours after Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor said he was seeking the death penalty for five men who exceeded their authority and carried out the killing. Mr Khashoggi died on October 2 / AFP/Getty Images Al-Jubeir said the kingdom is investigating and holding those responsible to account "to make sure this doesn't happen again." "Sometimes mistakes happen... sometimes people exceed their authority," he said, adding the kingdom is now focused on ensuring such an operation does not happen again. On Friday, funeral prayers were also held for Mr Khashoggi in Istanbul. T om Hardy beamed as he received his prestigious CBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. The 41-year-old Venom actor looked dapper as he collected the award on Friday for his services to drama in a sleek classic navy suit and matching tie. He teamed the look with classic brogues and slicked back hair. Hardy rose to fame on the big screen, best known for films including Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road, Bronson and The Dark Knight Rises. Dapper: Hardy dressed for the occasion / PA He became an ambassador for The Princes Trust in 2010 and is believed to have become good friends with Prince Harry over the years, famously calling him a f****** legend in an interview with Esquire. The Hollywood superstar earned wide-spread approval from fans earlier this year after he revealed that hes tracked down the moped thief he helped catch in 2017. Celebrated: The actor was awarded for his contribution to cinema / PA Hardy chased down and helped snare a moped thief after pursuing him through gardens and across a building site in south west London. A witness said the Hollywood actor switched into superhero mode as he collared the man before checking him for weapons after the chase. Tom Hardy among celebs to trade and close deals for brokers 911 charity event One witness claimed he declared: "I caught the c***." He later told Esquire how he targeted the youngster in a bid to put him on the right track. Speaking to the publication, Hardy said: He must stand accountable for what hes done. New Shiloh Baptist Church: 1727 W. 15th Ave. Dr. Vernon Smith will host the annual Harvest Feast at 7 p.m. Friday in honor of his mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, former pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and his aunt, Magnolia Allen. The Harvest Feast starts with a church service followed by a traditional Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, dressing, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, mashed potatoes, and dessert. A man accused of killing his elderly mother by setting her Ogden Dunes home on fire could be freed on bond later this month after his defense attorney argued that one of the states witnesses against him has been discredited and the case against his client should be dismissed. 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 This happened exactly the way it should have this evening. If you see something, say something. Great job to our students who reported what they saw. Safety is everyones job. Romania's Minister-delegate for European Affairs George Ciamba attended the sixth edition of the German-Romanian roundtable conference in Berlin on Thursday called "Strengthening the European Union in turbulent times. Germany's and Romania's visions," as a speaker in the panel "Challenges and opportunities under Romania's presidency of the EU Council." The event was organised by the European Institute of Romania, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation and the German Institute for International Affairs and Security. The debate focused on current affairs on the European agenda that are relevant to the incoming Romanian presidency of the EU Council. The Romanian official highlighted Romania's interest in ensuring a successful tenure, in close co-operation with the other member states and the European institutions, to advance the European agenda in a consensual and effective manner, to the benefit of European citizens. Romania's Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) says in a press statement that the main themes and the main dimensions of the programme of the Romanian presidency of the EU Council were presented, with emphasis on objectives that secure cohesion Europewide. Ciamba also reiterated Romania's commitment to active participation in efforts to strengthen the European design. He welcomed the technical consensus reached between the EU and the UK on the final version of the text of the UK's withdrawal agreement. The agreement will guarantee the protection of the rights of all Romanian citizens settled in the UK as by December 31, 2020. They will be able to continue working, living and studying in the UK on the basis of a new settled status. He expressed hope that the agreement would be approved by the British Parliament in the form agreed by both parties. About the future Multi-annual Financial Framework, discussions highlighted the importance of this topic in the development of the European design in the coming years, with the Romanian side advocating for a budget of the European Union equally modern and balanced, capable of supporting the management of the current challenges, the EU's development and convergence objectives. The continuation of the EU enlargement process to include the Western Balkans was also discussed, with Ciamba emphasising the attention that will be given to this issue during Romania's presidency of the EU Council, and reiterating the need to maintain EU engagement in the region for peacebuilding, security, prosperity and stability. On the side-lines of the event, Ciamba met Uwe Corsepius, European affairs adviser to Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he exchanged views on Romania's EU Council presidency as well as the organization of the EU summit in Sibiu, to be held on May 9, 2019 as a milestone in the debate on the future of Europe. The discussion also covered the specific dynamics of the EU Council formats during the presidency of the EU Council. Minister of Justice Tudorel Toader on Thursday met with the new Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic, the two approaching topics related to the rights of people with disabilities and the fight against domestic violence. According to a press release of the Ministry of Justice, Tudorel Toader underscored the fact that, although the laws that protect people with disabilities and the one that regards the fight against domestic violence can still be improved, they still ensure that the human rights and fundamental liberties of persons are observed, as the law treats everyone equally and grants free, efficient and unconstrained access to justice, ensures people's liberty and safety, forbids torture, bad treatments, as well as all forms of discrimination. Moreover, there were presented the main legislative novelties, such as the bill meant to regulate a new mechanism for the efficient and independent representation of persons with disabilities facing bans and the temporary protection order. The meeting also represented a special occasion to strengthen the relations of collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the European Council. The delegation of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights also included Ozgur Derman, deputy head, and Patricia Otvos, adviser; and,on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Ilie Cute, specialized staff similar to judges and prosecutors - the Directorate for European Affairs and Human Rights. Military cooperation between the Romanian and Polish Armies was among the items on the agenda of discussions on Thursday between the Chief of the General Staff (SMA), General Nicolae Ionel Ciuca, and his Polish counterpart, General-Lieutenant Rajmund Andrzejczak. According to the MApN release sent to AGERPRES, the meeting between the two officials took place on the sidelines of the activities organised at the Joint Training Centre Getica on the Day of Distinguished Guests, part of the multinational exercise Scorpions Fury 18. "The agenda of discussions included military cooperation between the Romanian and Polish armies, joint training, sharing of the lessons learnt at the Joint Training Centre Getica in Cincu and the other results after the setting up of the Multinational Corps Northeast in Poland," says the same source. Poland will also participate with a detachment to the 26th Infantry Battalion "Neagoe Basarab," part of the Multinational Brigade Southeast, while the Romanian Army will be present in Poland with a anti-aircraft defence detachment, as part of the two countries' commitments with NATO. Approximately 145 Polish militaries participated in the Scorpions Fury 18 exercise. This exercise is the most important activity conducted by the Multinational Brigade Southeast (MNBDE-SE) as part of the operational assessment for declaring the final capability of the brigade command, according to the abovementioned source. At the Regional, six schools competed at the Munster High School Auditorium for the chance to compete at state. During these competitions students are given 45 minutes to set, perform, and strike a piece of theatre before a panel of three judges.This year, the Munster Thespians performed a play entitled Refugee Women. This play within a play details the story of several refugee women who at the suggestion of an aide worker put on a performance of The Trojan Women by Euripides. The parallels between the women of Troy and the women of the refugee camp only served to heighten the catharsis of the judges. Romania's Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu had a telephone conversation Thursday with his Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland to review the bilateral relationship, with emphasis on consistent co-operation within NATO with a view to celebrating in 2019 the centennial of Romanian-Canadian diplomatic ties. According to a press statement released by Romania's Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) possibilities for strengthening co-operation between Romania and Canada in a multilateral framework were also discussed, in support of the UN peace and security promotion, including the potential of Romania's involvement in the UN Multidimensional Mission Integrated Stabilization in Mali (MINUSMA). Melescanu thanked Canada for its contribution to strengthened air operations in Romania's airspace, as the Canadian forces will continue to participate on a rotational basis in air policing operations in Romania over the next four years, in line with the commitments of the Brussels NATO Summit, July 2018. "The Romanian minister of foreign affairs underlined the positive impetus provided to the bilateral relationship by cancelling visa requirements for Romanian nationals travelling to Canada for tourism purposes, voicing satisfaction with the fall in asylum applications recorded in recent months, and reiterating the willingness of the Romanian authorities to continue their co-operation in this area with their Canadian counterparts," according to MAE. Veterans who left high school prior to graduating to serve in WWII, Korea or Vietnam are eligible to receive a diploma through Valparaiso Community Schools. Indiana code 20-20-7 allows the issuance of a high school diploma to veterans who attended public or nonpublic high school in Indiana prior to military service, had been a student in good standing, had not graduated or received a diploma because of leaving high school for military service, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States. Valparaiso Community Schools invites these veterans to join the class of 2019 at their commencement ceremony to receive their diplomas. Qualifying veterans will need to complete necessary paperwork as soon as possible. More information is at 219-531-3000. The caller said that about three or four years after the murder, he was talking with a female acquaintance who asked if the caller remembered Dominique and the guy who was killed at the Canden apartment complex, according to the affidavit. For me, my mind feels 36, but my knees feel 66. My curiosity feels 16, but my patience feels 76. Age is only a number, right? Not for all of us. And not for Emile Ratelband, a 69-year-old Dutch businessman who is asking the courts to formally roll back his age 20 years. He said he didn't feel comfortable with his official date of birth, March 11, 1949, and wanted it changed to March 11, 1969. In order to understand todays demonization of Vladimir Putin, one must go back to US President George W. Bushs propaganda for regime-change in Iraq and demonization of Saddam Hussein at that time. The US regime now has come to recognize that with Putins high approval-ratings from the Russian public, the US aristocracys dream of fomenting Putins ouster by Russias voters will not work; and, so, all foreign leaders who cooperated with Russia, such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Viktor Yanukovych, and Bashar al-Assad, were first targeted by the US regime for regime-change, so as to isolate Russia and soften it up for the demanded US-takeover (democracy, free market, etc., which Russia actually now already has, at least as much as America does); and, then, since that hasnt yet worked, came the US aristocracys campaign to protect The West by NATO troops and weapons surrounding Russia and forcing regime-change in Russia. It has escalated now to the point where World War III is more likely than ever it was during the Cold War. Regime-change in Russia will thus either occur by the democratic vote of the Russian public at some distant time and produce a Russian Government thats likely to be against the US regime in every possible way (which the current Russian Government is not), or else it will require a US-and-allied invasion of Russia, and that would destroy the world (but the US aristocracy want it anyway). However, Americas aristocracy (or as they call it when referring to the same thing in low-income countries, oligarchs) basically just its billionaires are very impatient; they want to control the entire planet during their own lifetimes, and care little (if at all) about what will happen to the planet after theyre gone. (Look, for example, at their enormous resistance to doing anything against global burnout; protecting their fossil-fuels investments is more important.) Their non-profits are just tax-avoidance schemes that double as PR operations for themselves and as ways to get their names in print and on big non-profit buildings, like the Pyramids were in ancient Egypt. (Those Egyptian aristocrats wanted permanent honors, but todays American ones want only to be recognized as being top-of-the-heap while theyre still alive; its a cultural difference.) Anyway, here is how George W. Bush and his Republicans managed to take all of Americas major news-media, which were highly prostituted even before he came into office, and to turn them into super-prostitutes like the very worst of them prior to his Presidency were. That very worst was most prominently recognized as having been the neoconservative (or pro-US-imperialism) Rupert Murdochs Fox News Channel. Of course, its rotten, today, no less than it was back in 2000, and heres a representative sample of that, displaying a classic propaganda-operation: This particular show aired on 5 September 2015 on Fox News, and interviewed their contracted expert: TRANSCRIPT, starting at 4:45: 4:45, Interviewer: The other place that nobody seems to want to go these days is Russia and China, and Russia and China are both the two countries that have really gotten behind Assad, and certainly try to prop him up and those kinds of things; and as we look at pictures from Chinas military day parade [posted onscreen], how much of this is Russia and China trying to slough off these refugees on Europe and everybody else to try to gain political and global capital? McFARLAND: Well, in China I think less so, but Russia, certainly, because weve seen even in the last week that Russia has increased its military presence in Syria. Russia is trying to prop up the Assad government, like the Iranians are; and so Russia is sending military equipment; its sending it by sea, its sending it overland, its sending it by air, to try to prop up the Assad government to continue the fighting. Q: To continue the refugee crisis? MCFARLAND: Oh, sure, exactly. They want their suckers to believe that the Government of Syria wants to continue the refugee crisis (which actually was resulting from the Democratic Partys President Barack Obamas policy, but Republican-Party billionaires want regime-change in Syria as much as Democratic-Party ones do and so this con is a bipartisan one) instead of to restore the peace and modest prosperity that had preceded the US-Saudi-Turkish-UAE-Quwaiti campaign to recruit and arm tens of thousands of jihadists into Syria to overthrow Syrias committedly non-sectarian and highly secular Government, headed by Assad. They want their fools to believe that Assad instead of Obama sought the overthrow of Assad. But no matter how stupid their pitch is, its acceptable by their very conservative audience. Even when Fox News needs to cover-up evils of a Democratic Party regime in order to sic their suckers on hating Assad or any other ally of the arch-demon Putin, they do it, in order to service their Republican Party billionaires, who are just as eager to take over Russia and its allies such as Syria as Democratic Party billionaires are. And thats how bad Fox News is, and was. But now theyre all like that. THE BACKSTORY: Whereas back in 2002 and 2003, the US aristocracys biggest push for regime change was to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq; and whereas in 2011 the biggest push for regime change was to remove Muammar Gaddaffi from power in Libya; and whereas next in 2011 the biggest push for regime change became to remove Bashar al-Assad from power in Syria; and whereas in 2013 the biggest push for regime change became to remove Viktor Yanukovych from power in Ukraine; the biggest push for regime change now is to remove Vladimir Putin himself from power in Russia. Media-lies have been crucial to them all; and here is how its done by spreading Foxs garbage over the rest of the major news media: On 2 October 2003, the media-watch organization, worldpublicopinion.org, headlined Misperceptions, the Media and the Iraq War:Study Finds Widespread Misperceptions on Iraq Highly Related to Support for War: Misperceptions Vary Widely Depending on News Source: Fox Viewers More Likely to Misperceive, PBS-NPR Less Likely. In fact, the people who received their news primarily through NPR or PBS exhibited the lowest rate of misperceptions at that time, and Fox News Channel viewers exhibited the highest misperceptions-rate: Whereas 77% of NPR/PBS listeners/viewers gave correct answers on all three factual news questions asked, only 20% of Fox News Channel viewers did; and whereas only 23% of the NPR/PBS audiences got one or more of these three factual questions wrong, 80% of Foxs did. So, the George W. Bush Administration forced NPR and PBS to adhere more fully to Bushs (the US aristocracys) line. Bush lowered the best of the nations news-edia down to the standards that already existed for the lowest. At NPRs Morning Edition on 20 May 2005, host David Folkenflik reported about the pre-Bush culture at the Corporation for Public Broadvasting and compared it to the new culture there. He said that, the culture gap became evident as long as two years ago. At oneclosed board meeting, according to two former CPB officials, [the Bush-appointed CPB chief Kenneth] Tomlinson suggested bringing in Fox News Channel anchor Brit Hume to talk to public broadcasting officials about how to create balanced news programs. Word was now out, among journalists throughout the world, that President Bush aimed to turn his countrys public broadcasting system into a domestic propaganda organ; and so, on May 30th, The New York Times headlined Ombudsmen Rebuff Move by Public Broadcasting, and reported datelined May 27th from London that: An [international] association of news ombudsmen has rejected an attempt by two ombudsmen from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to join their organization as full-fledged members, questioning their independence. The Organization of News Ombudsmen, which represents nearly a hundred print and broadcast ombudsmen from around the world, more than half of them from the United States, voted at its annual conference here last week to change its bylaws to allow full membership only to those who work for news organizations, which excluded representatives from CPB, because it does not itself gather or produce news. Observed one member, who happened to be the ombudsman from NPR, We want members who are responsive to readers, not to governments or lobby groups. The Los Angeles Times media critic David Shaw took a broad historical view of this matter, headlining May 29th Theres a Nuclear Option for PBS Woes opining that no PBS at all would be better than a PBS thats a propaganda organ for the White House, and reminding readers: The Bush administration is not the first to challenge the independence of PBS. Back in the 1970s, the Nixon administration was so estranged by PBS coverage of Watergate and the Vietnam War that it stacked the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with Nixon sympathizers. There were tremendous fights, with the Nixon administration trying to prevent public television from doing any public affairs programming at all, Lawrence Grossman, the former president of PBS, subsequently told the New York Times. The Bush administration, which has already accomplished the heretofore seemingly impossible by becoming even more media-averse than the Nixon administration, seems determined to surpass the wizard of Whittier and Watergate in bringing the CPB to heel as well. Mr. Shaw, like other major-media commentators about the national media, had previously stood by in silence, during 2002 and 2003, while Americas major media cavalierly spread amongst the US public, as virtually unchallenged, the false rumors coming from the Bush Administration, and from its allies such as the Bush-Administration-financed group of exiles, the Iraqi National Congress, saying that Iraqs leader Saddam Hussein had been proven to be storing huge quantities of weapons of mass destruction and to be working in cahoots with Al Qaeda to threaten the United States. However, now, just a few years later, these very same news media were so frightened at the rising extent of this Administrations control over their news, that these commentators were publicizing what those fascists were doing to force them, journalists, into a military lock-step. This change in atmosphere was stunning; Americas press were now trying to extricate themselves from the prison they had only recently helped to construct for themselves. They didnt think that they might get caught up in the prison that they had helped construct to contain the general public. The United States had entered historic new territory after nearly 50 years of aristocratic/theocratic mass-indoctrination of the American people, which had occurred with the full support and cooperation of the nations presslords. There was now doubt; the old arrangements finally started to become questioned. Things were no longer settled. This was a real change of mentality. Only recently, there had been a total passivity of the US press: it propagandized for the Presidents Medicaid prescription drug plan; it propagandized for his fabricated accusations against Saddams weapons of mass destruction; it served as an extension of the White House press office on many other of the Presidents fraud-based programs. But this passivity was now finally replaced by a rising fear within the press, that the US might be transforming into a fascist state, which could threaten the press itself. The presslords themselves were at last becoming disturbed. However, this President was already near to his goal of a totalitarian lock-down. Consequently, what could the press do, at such a late date? They had already given him the rope to hang not just the public, but themselves. He took it. The American press that stenographically transmitted to the American public the US governments lies about Saddams WMD is continuing as if it hadnt been sufficiently compliant. Americas great victories in overthrowing Gaddafi and Yanukovych are now supposed to be followed by Assad, and then Putin. And European nations take this leadership as their own, instead of abandoning the US, abandoning NATO, and abandoning the US-controlled EU; abandoning all the mega-corporate, US-aristocracy-controlled, international-corporate fascist system and now they willingly take in the millions of refugees from the bombs that the US had dropped in Libya and Syria, and that the US-installed rabidly anti-Russian government in Ukraine is dropping onto the areas of the former Ukraine that have rejected the US-imposed (in February 2014) government in Kiev. And the next target is Putin. So: thats the backstory behind the lie that Putin instead of Obama caused those millions of refugees pouring into Europe. And, in German news media, Bashar al-Assad and ISIS are being blamed for it, because practically no German is so media-deluded (like Americas conservatives are) as to think that Putin is to blame for it; and here is a German who states in very clear terms how rotten he thinks Germanys news media are (though Americas obviously are even worse) with those German media blaming that the reasons for refugee-flows are Syrian President Bashar Assad and ISIS instead of that America is the cause of all these problems, American foreign policy. Finnish Prime Minister (PM) Juha Sipila has accused Russia of interfering with the Global Positioning System (GPS) in Finlands Lapland region during the Trident Juncture-2018 NATO exercise. NATO fighter jets and surveillance aircraft landed and took off from the airport in Rovaniemi during that training event. In his weekly interview with the national public broadcasting company YLE Radio Suomi, the PM said the electronic interference was "almost certainly deliberate." He thinks it is quite likely that Russia was behind the episode, which jeopardized civil aviation in addition to other concerns. An experienced pilot himself, Sipila said that the incident would be treated as a breach of Finnish airspace. Finland has launched an investigation into the matter. Foreign Minister Timo Soini has promised to provide a report to parliament about the alleged Russian jamming. Norwegian authorities joined in to point a finger at Russia. The jamming in the period between October 16th and November 7th came from Russian forces on Kola, said Birgitte Frisch, Special Advisor in the Ministry of Defense. Danish aircraft were not affected but Danish Defense Minister Claus Hjord Frederiksen declared that Russias denials of involvement were not convincing. According to him, the GPS jamming incidents were another sign of Russias aggressive behavior toward neighboring countries. Nothing has been proven, but a Finnish investigation was launched after the accusations had already been made public. No formal protests have been submitted. All the charges have been denied by Russia. Its worth noting that neither the US Defense Department nor NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg were willing to comment. Is it conceivable that Russias alleged activities affected only the aircraft belonging to these two nations, especially since the American military was playing the biggest role in that exercise? Suppose Russia wanted to test its EW systems. How could the jamming exclude US aircraft and ships? All in all, over 30 countries took part in the training event, but only two of them complained. Were the others not subjected to jamming? If the jamming was so powerful, why were there no accidents? Can Finnish and Norwegian officials explain that? The fact that these very simple questions remain unanswered demonstrates how easy it is to hurl accusations without substantiating ones claims. Norway insists the interference came from the Kola Peninsula. The Russians best tactical electronic warfare (EW) systems, such as the Krasukha-4 or the aircraft-based Khibiny, cannot jam satellites. The state-of-the-art Porubschik EW system is carried by the Ilyushin Il-22PP aircraft. If it had been used, it would have been easy for NATO intelligence to have detected it. It had to be a strategic system. Russia has at least two of them. One is the Samarkand, which has not been deployed as yet. The only system that could have jammed the NATO forces during the exercise would have been the Murmansk-BN. But it is positioned in Kaliningrad, not the Kola Peninsula. Besides, its really hard to explain why Russia would have done such a thing. Moscow does not stand to gain anything by jamming NATO GPS communications. The interference could have been caused by solar activity, which can be much more powerful than any conceivable EW system. That happens from time to time. But neither the Finnish nor the Norwegian authorities were willing to consider that possibility. And GPS positioning is normally less accurate in the polar regions anyway. In 2016, Russia put forward a set of proposals to enhance security in Europe in general and in the Baltic Sea in particular, especially during military exercises. NATO refused to discuss them. Thank God the Royal Norwegian Navy does not blame Russia for sinking its frigate Helge Ingstad, which hit a tanker during the drills. Many of the foreign servicemen who came to Norway to take part in Trident Juncture behaved badly and drank too much. Underdressed Slovenian soldiers nearly froze to death in Norway. Should Russia be blamed for that too? It has become a trend Russia is blamed for whatever goes wrong, without any evidence to support such accusations. Those who put the blame on Russia for the glitches affecting the NATO military during these drills that were staged for the purpose of scaring Moscow to death need to do the right thing and provide some answers to these questions. Photo: Twittew At first glance, it may seem like a positive move. The Trump administration and London are both putting pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to implement a ceasefire in Yemens atrocious war. Washington and London are also calling for warring sides to enter into peace negotiations within a month. Whats wrong with that, you may ask? Well, as Houthi rebels who took over Yemen at the end of 2014 are saying, the country has been under aggression for the past three years from a Saudi-led coalition supported militarily by the US, Britain and France. The unrelenting war on the poorest country in the Middle East has led to the worlds worst humanitarian crisis in decades, with over half of the population some 14 million people at risk of starvation, according to the UN. Therefore, the appropriate legal and moral course of action now is not merely a ceasefire or talks. It is for the Western-backed Saudi, Emirati coalition to immediately halt its criminal aggression against Yemen. In short, stop the foreign interference in Yemens sovereign affairs. US Secretary of State James Mattis and Britains Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt appear to be impelled by humanitarian concern for the massive human suffering in Yemen with their recent calls for cessation of hostilities. But a more nuanced reading of their exhortations suggest that the real concern is to burnish the blood-soaked image of the Saudi coalition that their governments support, and, secondly, to inveigle the Houthis into a negotiations framework that will result in undue foreign influence over Yemens politics. Last week, Washington announced that it was suspending mid-air refueling flights for Saudi and Emirati warplanes that have been pounding Yemen since March 2015, which has resulted in a horrendous death toll among civilians. The indiscriminate killing of the Saudis and Emirati air strikes has been amply documented, albeit downplayed by Western media. The latter keep repeating a figure of 10,000 dead in Yemen a figure which has bizarrely remained unchanged for at least the past two years. The real death toll from air strikes is unknown but likely to be near 50,000. American, British and French military support for the murderous operations in Yemen should have stopped months, even years ago, if official humanitarian concerns were genuine. The question is: why the sudden effort by Washington and London, as well as Paris, to call for a ceasefire and follow-on political talks? One factor, no doubt, is the barbaric murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by assassins linked to the House of Saud. Turkish authorities believe that Khashoggi was brutally murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, his body hacked to pieces and dissolved in industrial-strength acid. Audiotapes obtained by the Turkish authorities have implicated the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the murder plot against the dissident journalist. The gruesome details of Khashoggis killing and the blatant lies that the Saudi rulers have issued to cover up their barbarity have heaped immense pressure on Washington, London and Paris over their close ties with the House of Saud. Public outrage has demanded that sanctions be imposed on Riyadh, such as cancelling multi-billion-dollar arms deals. It seems significant that the acute disgrace over the appalling Khashoggi affair and the association of the US, British and French governments with such a despotic Saudi regime has in turn prompted these Western powers to mount a damage-limitation exercise in public relations. This is where the Yemen war provides an opportunity for the Western powers and their Saudi clients to salvage their tarnished public image. By pushing for a ceasefire in Yemen, Washington, London and Paris can claim to be getting tough with the Saudis for the sake of alleviating humanitarian suffering. By appearing to respond to the Western calls for a ceasefire, the Saudis can then also claim they are relenting out of humane concern. However, such pleas have not stopped Saudi and Emirati-backed militia on the ground besieging the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea, for which 80-90 per cent of the entire population in the country rely on for food and other vital supplies. In other words, the Western-backed Saudi coalition is using starvation tactics to bring the Houthi rebels and the wider Yemeni population to their knees. That is a monstrous war crime. What Mattis is calling for in terms of ceasefire is for all heavy weapons in Yemen to be put under the control of United Nations peacekeepers. Washington is also demanding that the Houthis rebels withdraw from the countrys border with Saudi Arabia, from where the rebels have mounted missile attacks which have gravely harassed the Saudis, including in the capital Riyadh. The Houthis have struck Saudi territory in response to the air strikes. So, what the Americans, British and French are striving for is, firstly, a respite from the sordid publicity over the Khashoggi killing. If the humanitarian appeal over Yemen succeeds to placate Western public outrage, then these governments will be able to continue business-as-usual selling the Saudi regime lucrative weapons contracts. Secondly, by drawing the Houthi rebels into peace negotiations that will also burnish the Western and Saudi public image, as well as equally importantly forcing the rebels into accepting a compromise on their revolutionary government. By entering negotiations with the Saudi-backed remnants of the exiled Yemeni leader Mansour Hadi, the Houthis will inevitably have to accept making concessions and allowing an accommodation with the ousted, discredited regime. Mansour Hadi, who has been living in exile in Saudi Arabia since the Houthis seized power, was reviled by most Yemenis for his corruption and being a puppet of the Saudis and Americans. His exiled clique is routinely and mendaciously referred to by Western media as the internationally recognized government of Yemen. When he fled the country in ignominy in early 2015, the Houthi rebels had succeeded in spearheading a popular revolt. The rebels profess a branch of Shia Islam, but there was every indication that they had a relatively democratic program for pluralist governance. The Saudi and American sponsors of the ousted Mansour Hadi reacted to the overthrow of their puppet by launching an air war on Yemen in late March 2015 a war which has continued unremittingly ever since, with Britain and France also joining the profitable slaughter by suppling warplanes and missiles. Another lie told by Western media is that the rebels are proxies of Iran, a lie which is used to justify the Western-backed criminal war against the country. Iran supports the Houthis diplomatically, but there is no evidence of arms supplies. Even if there was, so what? That wouldnt justify aerial bombardment of the country and its people. The devastation inflicted on Yemen and its people has largely been ignored by Western news media. Despite the lack of coverage, the Western public have nevertheless become aware of the horror and their governments complicity. Harrowing images of skeletal children dying from starvation and lack of basic medicines have shamed Washington, London and Paris into taking some action, however despicably inadequate and long overdue. The recent impetus for a ceasefire and talks in Yemen coming from the US and its Western allies is not due to humanitarianism. Its a cynical PR exercise to whitewash bloodied images both theirs and that of their Saudi client regime. The Yemen war has been shown to be a sickening charnel house in a futile bid for Western regime change against the Houthi revolution. By forcing the Houthis into negotiations, the Western powers hope to achieve their regime change objective by another tactic and gain PR capital at the same time. If Washington, London and Paris were really serious about ending the suffering in Yemen, they would simply demand that the aggression stops immediately, so that the Yemenis are allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. But the Western powers will not do that because their interference in Yemen, along with the Saudis, is the very reason why this criminal war of aggression started and grinds on. Insulting thats how US President Donald Trump sharply reacted to the idea of a real European army proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. And it was how Macron rationalized the need for an independent military force for Europe that perhaps most irked the American leader. Speaking on a tour of World War I battlefields in northern France last week, Macron said that Europe needed to defend itself from China, Russia and even the United States of America. It was a pretty extraordinary choice of words by the French leader. To frame the US among an array of perceived foreign enemy powers was a devastating blow to the concept of a much-vaunted transatlantic alliance. Since the Second World War, ending 1945, the concept of an American-European alliance has been the bedrock of a supposed inviolable, mutual defense pact. That nearly seven-decade alliance is now being questioned more than ever. Macrons call for a European army was further backed up by German Chancellor Angela Merkel who also pointedly said this week that Europe can no longer rely on the US for its defense. Russias President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the proposal for Europe to form its own military organization, independent from Washington. No doubt, Moscow views such a development as augmenting a move towards a multipolar international order, which Russia and China, among others, have been advocating in opposition to American ambitions of unipolar dominance. When Trump arrived in Paris last weekend along with dozens of other world leaders, including Putin, to commemorate the centennial anniversary marking the end of World War I, there was a notable frostiness between Macron and the American president. Only a few months ago, Macron and Trump had appeared the best of friends in what some observers referred to as a bromance. During the Paris events, Macron sought to placate Trump by saying that the European army proposal would have a complementary role to the US-led NATO military alliance. However, their relationship further soured when Macron later delivered a speech in which he made a veiled rebuke of Trumps nationalist politics. Days later, on returning to Washington, Trump then fired off a fusillade of angry tweets attacking Macron in very personal terms over a range of issues, including unfair economic trade and Frances alleged ungrateful attitude towards the US liberation of Paris from Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The rift between the US and Europe has been brewing even before Trumps presidency. For years, Washington has been carping that the Europeans need to spend more on military defense, claiming that the US has been shouldering the burden for too long. Trump has taken the griping to a new, higher level. Recall that he has threatened to pull out of NATO because the Europeans were free loading on American protection. The irony is that now the French and German leaders are talking about setting up their own military defenses, Trump has blown a fuse. Evidently, the American contention is not about burden sharing of defense. If Washington was genuinely aggrieved about supposedly defending Europe at too much of its own expense, then Trump, one would think, would be only too glad to hear that the Europeans were at last making their own military arrangements, and taking the burden off Washington. This gets to the heart of the matter about the real purpose of NATO and presence of tens of thousands of US troops stationed in bases across Europe since 1945. American military presence in Europe is not about protecting its supposed allies. It is, and always has been, about projecting American power over Europe. In reality, American troops and bases in Europe are more functioning as an occupying force, keeping the Europeans in line with Washingtons strategic objectives of hegemony over the continent. Macron and Merkels vision of a European army is probably fanciful anyway, without any real prospect of materializing. How such a new defense arrangement would work independently from the 29-member NATO alliance led by the US seems unwieldy and impractical. But the latest tensions between Washington and European leaders over military organization demonstrate the real nature of Americas relationship to Europe. It is about domination by Washington over Europe and has little to do with partnership and protection. When Trump and previous US presidents have urged greater military spending by Europe the ulterior agenda is for Europeans to pay more to underpin American military presence, not for Europeans to find their own independent defense arrangement. Tensions in the transatlantic axis seem to be coming to a head, heightened by Trumps nationalistic America First policy. Rivalries are sharpening over trade, US sanctions on Iran, Trumps threats against European energy plans with Russia, the Paris Climate Accord, and squabbling over NATO expenditures. There is nothing progressive about Macron or Merkels call for a European army. It is more to do with France and Germany wanting to assert themselves as great powers and to shake off American tutelage out of frustration with Trumps domineering petulance. Only last week, Macron caused controversy when he praised French military general Philippe Petain who collaborated with Nazi Germany as leader of Vichy France (1940-44). Macron wants a European army to satisfy his own nationalistic ambitions of revamping French global power. This week, he spent the night onboard a refurbished French aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, from which he gave a media interview saying that being an ally of America meant not being a vassal. Touche! A progressive challenge from Europe to American power would not involve setting up a new army. Instead it would involve Europeans pushing for the disbandment of NATO as an obsolete organization and for the withdrawal of US-led forces which are dangerously amassing on Russias border. Nonetheless, the one positive thing to emerge from the transatlantic spat over military defenses is that it illustrates more than ever how European protection is not the real purpose of Washingtons relationship to the continent. The purpose is one of using Europe as a platform for projecting Americas power, in particular against Russia. The recent announcement by the Trump administration that it is willing to rip up yet another nuclear arms control treaty the INF following the ABM in 2002 clearly shows that Washington, ultimately, has recklessly scant concern for Europes security with regard to a possible future war with Russia. For Washington, despite all the chivalrous rhetoric, Europe is not a partner nor even an ally. It is a vassal. Admittedly, thousands of American troops died while bravely fighting wars in Europe. But they are distinct from the US ruling class. At bottom, Europe is merely a battlefield for American military power, just as it was in two previous world wars. One hundred years after the end of World War I, the same callous calculus for the imperial planners in Washington is at play. European ideas for independent defense is why Washington has reacted so furiously. Its not willing to give up its European front. Russia is scrambling to suppress more bad news about the performance of its Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft systems in Syria, and elsewhere. Recent Islamic terrorist use of multiple small, explosives equipped UAVs to attack the Russian controlled Hmeimim (or Khmeimim) airbase in Syria was described as a failure because Russian air defense systems shot down over fifty of the small UAVs that approached the base in several attacks. Unofficial reports, via the Internet, indicated that the two short-range anti-aircraft systems guarding the base performed very differently. The older Tor-M2U system used its missiles successfully to shoot down the UAVs while the more recent Pantsir-S1 missiles all missed. Russian Internet censors were quick to take down some of the negative comments but the news was now out and spreading. This was not the first time Pantsir-S1 has been described as a failure under combat conditions. The Hmeimim airbase was built by Russia in 2015 near the port city of Latakia, which is 85 kilometers north of Tartus and 50 kilometers from the Turkish border. Russia brought in Pantsir-S1, Tor-M2U and S-400 air-defense systems to protect it from attack. The irony of this is that the Tor-M system is much older, with development begun in the 1970s while Pantsir-S1 development began twenty years later. The major difference between the two was that Tor-M was more successful (and more expensive). The cost factor was one reason for developing the Pantsir-S1 but at first only export customers could afford it. In 2010, three years after the first foreign customer (Syria) received the Pantsir-S1, the Russian Air Force began getting some. Initially, the Russian Air Force received the S1E version, with an improved radar (36 kilometer range) and missile (more reliable). Curiously, the air force used their first ten Pantsir-S1s to guard S-300 anti-aircraft missile bases located around Moscow. There was no explanation from the Russians as to why they felt a mobile, low level anti-aircraft system was needed to guard a larger, high altitude one. Perhaps additional protection against cruise missiles. These ten Pantsir vehicles for Moscow were supposed to arrive in 2008, but there were more technical problems. There's been a pattern of that with Pantsir-S1. Development began in the 1990s but was sporadic for nearly a decade because there was no money. Meanwhile, several Arab nations were persuaded to order a total of 150-200 Pantsir-S1 vehicles and most of those have not yet been in combat. Russia does not want these customers to question Pantsir reliability. After all the system has worked during test firings. Pantsir-S1 is a mobile system, each vehicle carries radar, two 30mm cannon and twelve Tunguska missiles. The 90 kg (198 pound) missiles have a twenty kilometer range, the radar a 30 kilometer range. The missile can hit targets at up to 8,400 meters (26,000 feet). The 30mm cannon is effective up to 3,200 meters (10,000 feet). The vehicle can vary, but the most common one carrying all this weighs 20 tons, and has a crew of three. Each Pantsir-S1 vehicle mounted system costs about $15 million. The main problem with Pantsir-S1 is that in combat it doesnt work. Failures have been reported three times since 2007, all occurred in Syria. Two months after Syria received Pantsir-S1s in 2007, Israel bombed a Syrian nuclear weapons development facility. The Syrians were very dismayed at how ineffective the new Pantsir-S1 systems were during the Israeli strike. The 2007 failure was attributed to Israelis figuring out how to blind these systems electronically. In 2017 Pantsir S1 again failed during an Israel attack and the excuse this time was that the Pantsir-S1s were not turned on. The 2018 failure was with operational Pansir systems firing missiles at UAVs and missing while Tor-M2U systems detected UAVs and regularly shot them down with missiles. The Tor-M has been around since the 1980s and has no autocannon, just missiles. In late 2015 Russia announced another upgrade for their 30 year old Tor-M (SA-15). This upgrade enables the launcher vehicle to fire its guided missiles while on the move. The latest version of Tor is the Tor-M2U. The Tor-M missiles can hit aircraft up to 12 kilometers away and cruise missiles at a distance of five kilometers. The missile launcher vehicle has a crew of three (commander, driver and missile systems operator). The 176 kg (378 pound) missiles are three meters (ten feet) long, 235mm (9.25 inches) in diameter and carry a 15 kg (33 pound). Each battery has search radar and command center vehicles, and controls four launcher vehicles (each carrying eight missiles, and another radar.) The original tracking radar on the missile vehicle could track one target at a time but the latest (Tor-M2) can track four at a time. Missiles can be launched from the vehicle at three second intervals. The original missile carrier/launcher vehicle was armored (against small arms and shell fragments), tracked and weighed 34 tons. Since then a cheaper towed (on a wheeled trailer) version has appeared followed by a version on a 6x6 truck that proved more maneuverable, comfortable and cheaper than the armored version. In 2018 another upgrade was introduced; Tor-E2. With this model, the tracked vehicle is redesigned and upgraded to operate independently. The Tor-E2 carries sixteen missiles and its own search radar. The range of the missile has been increased to 15 kilometers. Russia is the original user but Tor-M has also been exported to fourteen other countries including Greece, Venezuela, China, Iran and Egypt. Because of a massive escalation in violence by Hamas in Gaza (over 500 rockets fired in the last week, leaving one Israeli civilian dead) Israeli public opinion is split between calls to invade Gaza and the government determination to make matters worse by invading. The extent of the damage to Israeli border towns caused a political uproar with some politicians (and many Israelis) calling for an invasion of Gaza. The current government sees that as what Hamas, and Iran, want. This time around the Israelis are working with the growing list of Arab allies to deal with Iran and Iranian backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. By not invading Israel makes it possible to maintain its blockade of Gaza. There are only border crossings for Gaza; one Israeli and one Egyptian. Saudi Arabia and Egypt can both identify with what Israel is going through with Hamas and Hezbollah rocket attacks because Iranian sponsored Shia rebels in Yemen have been firing rockets, ballistic missiles and, mortar shells and machine-gun bullets into Saudi Arabia for three years now, killing over a hundred civilians and soldiers on the border. The Saudis (and other Gulf Arab nations) have sent ground troops into Yemen, at the request of the elected government there. There is no elected government in Gaza, which is run by a group (Hamas) that won one election in 2007 and then made itself so unpopular that it refuses to hold another. Gulf Arabs had long supported Hamas but no longer because they found Hamas to be unreliable and incompetent. In desperation Hamas allied itself with Iran, even though Iran is at war with Sunni Arabs, which includes most Palestinians. Most Arab states do not want to see another Israeli invasion of Gaza. It would get thousands of Gazans killed as well some (probably less than a hundred) Israelis. There is general agreement by Israel and their Arab allies that the forces Iran has assembled in Syria and Lebanon are a far greater threat than Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas competitor, Fatah, which runs the West Bank, remains quiet. Fatah still gets financial aid from Gulf Arabs and sees Hamas reckless behavior as eventually destroying Hamas and leaving Fatah in charge of Gaza once more. Arabs see other positive developments. The Americans have revived sanctions in Iran and hurt Iran economically. The continued inability of Iran backed groups in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon to do any serious damage to Israel makes Iran look weak. The Iranians dont like that, the Arabs do and most Israelis are willing to give this strategy a try. This includes a change in the ROE (Rules of Engagement) for Israeli forces guarding the Gaza border. The Israelis will now increase their use of force against Hamas organized popular demonstrations that try to get Hamas members into Israel. This border violence will now be met with more lethal force against those to try to damage or get across the border fence and against anyone trying to throw explosives or firebombs across the fence. The Israelis have lots of vidcams on all this border violence and Hamas has had a hard time portraying its paid protesters as victims. Israel just raised the price of that violence, at least for the Gazans Hamas has recruited for this activity. In the face of this Hamas continues to sponsor the mass demonstrations along the Gaza border fence. This usually consists of a Hamas led mob surging towards the fence to provide human shields for armed Hamas men who will try to cut through the fence, plant bombs or thrown explosives at Israeli troops. So far there have been about 200 Gazans killed and over a thousand seriously injured. Israel says the casualty numbers will now increase and this will cost Hamas in many ways, including financially. Hamas pays $3,000 to families of anyone killed during these border attacks as well as assured medical care and cash payments of $200 to $500 for those injured. There is also free food, water and tents to take shelter in while these spontaneous demonstrations are being organized. Civilians who show up regularly for these events earn $100 a month. At most demonstrations over a third of those present are paid regulars and many others are showing up to qualify as a paid regular (you have to make it every week and follow instructions from the Hamas organizers). These protests are also a way for Hamas to spot young men who would be worth recruiting for careers in Hamas. Iran openly admits it provides the cash for the death payments but Hamas has to scrounge up the money for the rest of the expenses. One Gulf Arab state, Qatar, is siding with Iran because its emir and the ruling family feels that is a wise move because long-term the Iranians have always been the local superpower. Qatar tends to play by the rules more than Iran and helped negotiate, with Egypt, a November 8th ceasefire that was promptly broken by Hamas as soon as Qatar delivered the agreed upon $15 million in cash. This was for unpaid (for months) government employees in Gaza. Qatar agreed to make these payments for six months in return for the ceasefire which, like all the others Hamas agreed to, Hamas or some other Islamic terror group in Gaza soon violated. Qatar wanted to end the state of war between Hamas and Israel and hoped cash and public support would do it. Qatar is very wealthy (it has the highest per-capita income in the Persian Gulf) and its ruler has been increasingly active in backing change in the Arab world. Qatar was an early supporter of the Syrian rebels, including the Islamic terrorist groups and urges political reforms throughout the Arab world, something that has polarized Arabs everywhere. Syria In the north there are the Iranians, seeking to build bases and establish pro-Iran forces on the Syrian border. Iran and Israel are actually at war and Iran has been losing. Iran does not like to lose but is trapped by its own decades old Israel must be destroyed rhetoric. Iran is also at war with America and Sunni Arabs in general. Irans allies in Syria (Russia, Turkey and the Assads) prefer to avoid these other conflicts Iran has created. Israel accuses Hezbollah of hiring about 2,000 unemployed (or at least unpaid) FSA (Free Syrian Army) rebels to secretly switch sides. There still plenty of FSA rebels in nearby Daraa Province were a mix of secular FSA groups and Islamic terrorist factions still exist, quietly so as not to attract attention. The U.S. trained and equipped many of the FSA fighters but eventually withdrew support because of factionalism and general unreliability. The FSA was a major player early on because it was largely secular and popular with Western nations. By late 2917 it was split with about 10,000 FSA working for the Turks and about 5,000 in the south still fighting the Assads. From 2012 through 2016 FSA was in decline because most Syrian rebels preferred more radical groups like al Qaeda and eventually ISIL. FSA persisted and eventually found a major patron in Turkey, which apparently plans to turn over control of the Syrian side of the border to FSA if the Assads and Syrian Kurds can be taken care of. The Turks can promise FSA fighters support in the northern Syria border zone that is controlled by Turkey and may remain under Turkish control (or protection) for some time to come. The Turks want a stable government in Syria that is not hostile towards Turkey. That could include the Assads, or not. Israel is warning Lebanon and Iraq that Iranian use of their territory to upgrade unguided rockets with GPS guidance kits will result in Israeli airstrikes to destroy those operations unless local governments act. Lebanon is more of a problem because of its relationship with Iran and Syria. Hezbollah, a 1980s creation of Iran, is an autonomous military force in Lebanon and dominates local politics via terror and threats of violence against those who resist. Hezbollah, like its patron Iran, is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Iran is currently trying to turn Syria and Iraq into subject states similar to Lebanon. Most Syrians and Iraqis want to avoid this but it isnt easy because Iran is clever, determined and fanatic about the destroy Israel thing. What complicates the situation in Syria is that there a lot of major players. November 15, 2018: The United States announced that as part of its revived Iran sanctions it would go after Iranian monetary and other aid for Hamas and Hezbollah. Both are internationally recognized as Islamic terrorist organizations and legitimate targets for American efforts to seek out and disrupt Iranian efforts to provide monetary support. The U.S. has also expanded its list of Hamas and Hezbollah officials subject to individual sanctions or even multi-million dollar rewards for the death or capture. The Israeli prime minister admitted that there are classified (secret) activities underway to deal with the Hamas and Iran. Israelis are willing to accept that because Israel has pulled off some spectacular victories against Iran in 2018, and in the past. These have been kept a secret to work and the most the prime minister can do is admit new operations exist. November 14, 2018: The Israeli defense minister resigned to protest the recent ceasefire with Hamas, which Hamas declared a victory. Many Israelis opposed the ceasefire and that could cause the current government to lose its control of parliament and force new elections and a new government that might be more aggressive in how Israel deals with Hamas attacks on Israel. Israeli commercial satellite photos show that the Russian S-300 air defense systems delivered to Syria six weeks ago are still not operational. November 13, 2018: In the south (Gaza), Hamas and other Islamic terror groups fired at least 460 rockets at Israel over the last two days. Iron Dome intercepted over a hundred of them but over twenty landed in populated areas, killing one person and injuring more than a hundred. There was considerable property damage. Israel responded with 160 air strikes on Islamic terrorist targets. This included four major structures, including the seven-story headquarters of the Hamas TV station. Before hitting these larger buildings Israel spent 45 minutes calling civilians living nearby and telling them to leave the area until the Hamas target was destroyed. Meanwhile, the navy destroyed several boats used by Hamas for potential amphibious operations. Later in the day, Israel agreed to another ceasefire that Hamas had asked for, using Egypt officials from several other nations to help arrange. Nevertheless, a growing number of Israelis demanding an invasion and total destruction of Hamas. But that means Israel is once more running Gaza and that brings with it even more headaches. November 11, 2018: In the south (Gaza), an Israeli commando team was unable to complete its mission because it encountered a group of armed Hamas fighters. The commandos killed the Hamas gunmen (including a senior commander) but lost one of their own and another was wounded. A helicopter arrived within minutes and got the team out while an airstrike assisted in keeping more Hamas gunmen from intervening. Israel did not reveal what the special operations troops were there for but the most likely reason was for intelligence gathering, possibly related to Hamas tunnel construction. These commando missions in Gaza are quite common and most are never detected by Hamas, or if they do find out about it they say nothing unless they have managed to kill or wound some of the Israeli troops. November 10, 2018: In the south, a man from Gaza got over the border fence, was spotted and caught when he was 500 meters into Israel. The intruder was near a greenhouse on the edge of farmlands when he was called on to surrender. Before he did so he set fire to the greenhouse, perhaps thinking it would help him escape. The army believes this guy has done this before and always returned to Gaza after moving a hundred meters or so into Israel. This is not unusual because the security forces do not show up on the ground instantly but there are lots of vidcams and UAVs to track any intruders, even at night. Local civilians believe this intruder or others have gotten close to residential areas. The army insists the man they arrested was a thousand meters from any homes when he was taken into custody and found to be unarmed. November 9, 2018: Qatari diplomats in Gaza visited the site of the weekly protests at the security fence. Gazans opposed to the peace talks Qatar was taking part in stoned the car carrying the Qataris. No one was hurt. November 8, 2018: Qatar delivered $15 million in cash to Gaza to pay 27,000 local government employees. Qatar will continue making these payments for six months. This is part of the peace deal Israel and Hamas agreed to. Fatah, the Palestinian group that runs the West Bank, criticized this because the cash was basically from Iran. Qatar and Iran are allies and that is one reason Qatar supports Hamas in Gaza. Since mid-2017 Qatar has been sanctioned by its Arab neighbors for its pro-Iran policies. Qatar is oil-rich and with the support of Iran and Turkey has survived the Arab sanctions. Most Iranian are not keen on supporting the Palestinians, especially those in Gaza because that place has become a sanctuary for Islamic terrorists who attack Egypt. November 7, 2018: Egyptian tourism is on its way back to pre-2011 revolution levels. Tourism normally accounts for 12-15 percent of GDP and a lot of the essential foreign currency needed to pay for imports. Since the 2011 uprising tourism revenue has declined. In 2010 tourist spending amounted to $12.5 billion. The 2011 revolution cut that to $8.8 billion. It bounced back to $10.5 billion in 2012 but was down by more than 50 percent by 2015 as Islamic terrorists concentrated their efforts on tourists. That terror campaign was not eliminated until 2016. By 2017 tourist income was back up to $7.6 billion and so far this year is up 40 percent which means income will be back to 2012 levels if the Islamic terrorist activity can be kept under control by 2020 the tourist income will return to pre-revolution levels. Egypt is confident it can achieve this goal because of a little discussed, but vigorously enforced 2015 counter-terrorism law that was meant to limit the ability of Islamic terrorists to exploit news of their violence. The 2015 counter-terrorism law did not outlaw the reporting of terrorist attacks but controlled it. The law imposed fines of up to $30,000 for violations that resulted from quick and often inaccurate reporting of terror attacks. Such inaccuracy and sensationalism were what the terrorists wanted. The 2015 law did frustrate Islamic terrorists operating in Egypt and enabled the security forces to operate more effectively as well as making it easier for government shortcomings in counter-terrorism operations to be downplayed. The government media spin was eventually exposed but by then the Islamic terror incident in question was no longer in question. Internally the media manipulation was popular because it improved the image of Egypt to foreign investors and tourists. Most Egyptians put the economy first and this is especially true with tourism which employs a lot of Egyptians unlike the Suez Canal and the growing natural gas industry, which employ far fewer people and make it easier for corrupt officials to steal more of the money. November 5, 2018: The UN extended the sanctions on Libya until February 2020. This means it is illegal to send weapons and military equipment to Libya. That happens anyway, mainly for the LNA (Libyan National Army) via Egypt or to an airbase run by the UAE in eastern Libya. November 2, 2018: In Egypt (220 kilometers south of Cairo), ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) gunmen fired on two buses carrying Christian (Coptic) pilgrims, killing seven and wounding 16. Police tracked the fleeing gun into the Western Desert and two days later attacked the ISIL base camp the shooters returned to. None of the 19 Islamic terrorists in the camp would surrender and all 19 were killed in the subsequent battle. Large quantities of weapons, equipment and documents were seized. October 31, 2018: Israel has developed and used a more powerful version of its decade old Stuxnet malware to infect and damage Iranian networks and strategic systems. Reports from Iran indicate the new malware is doing considerable damage and Israel will not comment. The new Stuxnet has not received a name (as have earlier Stuxnet successors like Duqu, Gauss and Flame) but the impact was so serious and the rumors and gossip inside Iran so widespread and detailed that the Iranian government admitted at the end of October that there had been an attack but that it was being controlled. In Iran, thats government-speak for we got a major problem and wed rather not talk about it. Trump gave the Medal of Freedom award for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia to his widow. All nine of his children were there. Trump said You were very busy. Wow. Wow. I always knew I liked him. Crude, callous and creepy and never knows the proper thing to say. You can count on him to ruin even the best occasions. Don't kid yourself. Trump's vicious and ignorant and heartless attacks on California for the current wildfires is completely political. Do you think for a minute that he would launch such attacks if we were talking about, say, Alabama or South Carolina, reliable red states? Moreover, most of these fires are on federally-owned land and are the result of budget reductions that have caused the forest mismanagement that Trump is blaming on the state. Just more of the stupidity we can count on getting every day from Trump. Bay of Plenty We are looking for STMS' for permanent full-time roles. To be chosen as one of the successful candidates, you will have... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz A 41-year-old has been arrested in Australia in what has been described as New Zealands largest cocaine seizure. About 190kg of cocaine has been located in a container of bananas. A joint Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission investigation into an Australian-based organised crime group identified a potential shipment of illicit drugs that left Balboa, Panama, on 4 August 2018. A container listed as a shipment of bananas arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on a vessel from Balboa, Panama on Monday, 20 August 2018. New Zealand Customs and police inspected the container and found five duffel bags on top of the banana boxes, which contained 190 blocks of cocaine each weighing around a kilogram that had been wrapped in packaging tape. New Zealand Police and Customs continued to work through our international liaison network to assist the AFP-ACIC investigation. The joint investigation concluded in the last 24 hours with an arrest made in Sydney. Detective Inspector Paul Newman, National Organised Crime Group, says this seizure is extremely significant for both countries. This operation has once again shown our dedication to disrupting organised crime and reducing the devastating harm that drugs cause in our community. Detective Inspector Newman says both countries are recognised as lucrative markets for the illicit drug trade, which is why we work closely together and share intelligence. The cooperation of both law enforcement and intelligence groups during this investigation has been central to its success in targeting transnational crime. Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry says the seizure and arrests highlight the strong partnership between Australian and New Zealand law enforcement agencies, and their shared focus on disrupting drug smuggling and protecting each others borders. This joint trans-Tasman approach is an important part of Customs strategy to keep harm offshore, and shows how New Zealand is playing its part internationally through the use of our intelligence and targeting to successfully identify risk. Anyone who wants to report illegal drug activity can contact their nearest Police station or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. With the potential for it to be unofficially the longest game of darts ever, some of the Tauranga Classic Builders team are going to at least give it a crack. Errol Hotham and Bryce Hickey came up with the idea when pondering how they could do something that would give back to the community, specifically Tauranga Womens Refuge. We wanted to challenge ourselves and do something different as a fundraiser, something that would stand out from the crowd and put a spotlight on Womens Refuge. We both enjoy a game of darts and so we started with that and the idea evolved into this, said Errol Hotham. A typical game of darts ends when someone reaches 301 points. But this game will finish when the scoreboard hits 300,001, and the players wont stop playing until one team hits that score. Its hard to predict exactly how long the game is going to take, but if we start at midday on Friday we think well finish around midday Sunday. We will be playing against each other with a partner (Classic team mates David Taylor and Simon Robinson) so we will have little breaks for toilet stops and power naps. We know this is going to be both physically and mentally challenging, but thats nothing on what some women and their families have to deal with and we will have that point of mind when our eyes blur and our legs are aching, said Errol. Classic Builders approached Shot Darts, based in Katikati, with the fundraising idea and they wasted no time in jumping on board and supporting the cause with all the dart equipment needed to make this event happen. Our intention was to reach out to our colleagues, friends and family, local building suppliers and tradies and raise a couple of thousand dollars. But we have already raised over $6,000 so we are absolutely wrapped! The pressure is now on to follow through and make this fundraiser a great success for everyone who is supporting us, for Shot Darts, and for Womens Refuge. If this goes well, we would hope to do it again next year, said Bryce. We hope to inspire others - if we can get something like this off the ground and make a difference, imagine what the rest of our community could do! For more event information, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/300001-darts-fundraiser-in-supportof-womans Weidai, which provides an auto-secured loan platform for small businesses in China, rang the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opening bell on Thursday in celebration of its initial public offering (IPO). The company, trading under the ticker symbol of "WEI," announced its initial public offering (IPO) of 4,500,000 American depositary shares (ADSs), each representing one Class A ordinary share, at a price to the public of 10 U.S. dollars per ADS for a total offering size of approximately 45 million dollars. Morgan Stanley and Citi acted as lead managers on the deal. Weidai started trading at 10.50 U.S. dollars per share on Thursday, climbing 3.50 percent from its pricing, and was traded at 10.35 dollars apiece around midday. Established in 2011 by a group of entrepreneurs with backgrounds in small and micro enterprises, the company provides small and micro enterprise owners with accessible credit. It has built a nationwide network of 492 service centers across approximately 300 cities over the past seven years, said its filing. Weidai is the largest auto-backed financing solution provider in China in terms of loan volume in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017, with a market share of approximately 35 percent in 2017, according to the Oliver Wyman Report. The company generates revenues primarily from service fees charged to borrowers through facilitating and managing loans. Its revenues increased 101.3 percent to 3.545 billion yuan (or 535.8 million U.S. dollars) in 2017 from a year earlier, showed its prospectus. In the first six months of this year, the company's net revenues increased by 20.1 percent to 1.883 billion yuan (284.6 million U.S. dollars) from the same period in 2017. The company plans to use the net proceeds of its offering primarily for general corporate purposes, which may include investment in product development, sales and marketing activities, technology infrastructure, capital expenditure, improvement of corporate facilities, and other general administrative matters, said its prospectus. The Prime Minister has had a taste of sweet and sour in her final meetings at a regional leaders' summit in Singapore. Jacinda Ardern held her two last meetings at a regional summit with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Malaysia's 93-year-old leader, Mahathir Mohamad. The 15-20 minute meetings, known as bilaterals, are usually chances for the two countries to talk generally about big issues which affect them directly, such as trade or agreements to co-operate in various activities, or to discuss broader regional and global issues such as security. Journalists are often allowed to witness and film the opening handshakes and comments before the serious talk begins. The meeting with Shinzo Abe had all the hallmarks of being genial, with him congratulating Ardern on the birth of daughter Neve, whom he called a "sweet baby girl", as well as making some flattering remarks about New Zealand's diversity. "You are a symbol of a society where women shine," he says, adding to the banter with comment on the All Blacks recent rugby match in Japan. However, the meeting with Mohamad was an altogether different affair. After the handshakes, and a few welcoming remarks by the host, Ms Ardern, the veteran launched into pointed criticism of China's claims and actions in the South China Sea. "Generally we are concerned at what's happening in the South China Sea," he says in low tones. "Although New Zealand is quite far the South China Sea, what happens in the South China Sea will eventually have some effect on all the countries in the region." As he talked of freedom of navigation and the need for international action to deter China, reporters strained to catch his words and some of the New Zealand delegation looked anxious about the comments. Journalists watching the formalities were ushered out of the meeting. Ardern later played down the comments saying they were not aimed directly at New Zealand. "No, no, no, not at all what the Prime Minister of Malaysia said in our meeting was exactly the same as what he said in plenaries. It was not specific to us at all, it was merely just a discussion on his position on the South China Sea." Ardern says New Zealand was not taking sides in the dispute over ownership of islands in the South China Sea, which were claimed by several countries. -RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford Ford Mustangs have lit up the silver screen since Steve McQueens Bullitt in 1968, and this weekend enthusiasts can get up close to some of the most admired models in New Zealand. The Bay of Plenty Mustang Owners Club, which was established in 2002 and boasts more than 100 members, will be out in force for Sundays All USA Day. And among the array of classic cars, John Hepburns 1967 Notchback and David and Vanessa Thomsons eye-catching grabber lime 1971 Mach 1 are bound to attract some admirers. Club president David, who has been involved for around seven years, says: As a mechanic, I got to a point where I wanted a hobby car. I found a Mustang that was quite affordable and it grew from there. I now own four of them. You dont realise how much of a Mustang culture there is until you buy one. There will be a lot of Mustangs on Sunday, but youll also see everything from classic Chevrolet Impalas to some unusual Pontiacs. The Corvette Club from Auckland normally comes down as well. John is lauded as the clubs oldest member at 80 years old, and he also enjoys a unique history with the much-loved brand. I got my first Mustang a white convertible in 1966, he says, and drove 18,000 miles in three months all across North America. Its an iconic vehicle. The lines and the proportions are so classic and I dont think they can be beaten. I have a great emotional attachment that goes back over 50 years. Sundays event takes place between 10am-2pm at Classic Flyers, Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui. Show cars are $5 including all occupants, while gate entry is $5 per person or $10 per family. Prizegiving is from 2pm and theres a gate-entry prize of a scenic flight worth $355. The Bay of Plenty Mustang Owners Club is proud to support Tauranga Habitat for Humanity as this years charity. The 8-12 year olds are participants in an annual Hands-on Water Expo, hosted this week at Redwood Valley Farm in Paengaroa by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Looking after waterways is everyones business. The kids that joined us today have had fun, while learning what aquatic insects, eels and pest fish look like, discovering what the main causes of flooding, water pollution and how to control them are, and gaining the skills to measure things like stream flow, clarity, and rainfall, says event co-ordinator and Bay of Plenty Regional Community Engagement Advisor Natalie Ridler. The participants come as representatives from their schools and will go home and share what theyve learnt with their classmates, families and wider communities. Weve been running the event for several years now. We usually see a few schools inspired to set up monitoring and stream care projects in their local waterways afterwards, which is a fantastic outcome. Examples include the Ngakau Mahaki class at Te Puke Primary who set up a care group to help look after the Ohineangaanga Stream last year, and St Thomas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui who have been monitoring a Tauranga Harbour estuary site at Matapihi since 2015. Bay of Plenty Regional Council has co-ordinated the Hands on Water Expo which is being delivered in partnership with NZ Landcare Trust, Department of Conservation, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council, Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society, and Hemi OCallaghan who each run one of eleven activity stations that the children rotate through in the course of the day. Were really grateful to our event partners as well as the teachers and parent helpers that make the Expo possible. Yesterdays students had a great time and we know theyll be fabulous water ambassadors as a result. Were looking forward to doing it again in years to come, says Natalie. Meanwhile, two-hundred children from schools across the Bay of Plenty will have no excuses when it comes to knowing safety around boats this summer. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster Peter Buell and the Harbourmaster Team made their first appearance at the Expo this year. Peter says the event was a great opportunity right at the start of summer - to teach children about boating safety when out on the lakes. We focused on the importance of wearing a lifejacket and demonstrated how badly things can go wrong if a properly fitted life jacket is not worn. The children had some fantastic questions and we were impressed by how engaged they were and how much they already knew. We had questions like: how many kilometres is five knots and how do I add a crotch-strap to my lifejacket. A.D. Rutherford International Inc. (ADR) recently announced it has officially opened its newest location in Sidney. For more than 36 years, ADR customs brokers have specialized in customs filing and clearance across the Canada and U.S. border. The company provides importing, exporting and logistics solutions to ensure that goods cross the border in a timely manner. The company is expanding and has six offices in Canada and now four offices in the U.S. ADR is leasing 1,900 sq. ft of space in downtown Sidney, from Bass Pro Shops for $1, part of a Bass Pro Shops initiative and incentive to c... China's top antitrust authority said on Friday it has already made "important" progress in its probe into three dominant chipmakers, including Samsung, over possible price fixing. Wu Zhenguo, director of the anti-monopoly bureau under the State Administration for Market Regulation, said the agency has obtained and screened evidence from relevant companies and their downstream partners. The comments came after the authority started an investigation in May on possible price-fixing behavior by South Korea's Samsung, SK Hynix, and US-based Micron over the last few years. The next step is how to define the case itself, how to address their market dominance as well as the companies' relevant practices, Wu said at a press briefing. Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man accused of shooting to death two Chili's employees during a September robbery will be evaluated by a psychiatrist, a defense lawyer said today. William Wood Jr., 32, of East Glen Avenue, is facing life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of employees Kristopher Hicks and Stephen Gudknecht at the DeWitt restaurant. Today, defense lawyer Ben Coffin said Wood would undergo a "full-blown" mental health exam as part of the court case. Wood is accused of robbing the restaurant where he had previously worked, then killing two former co-workers while looking for money. He had promised thousands of dollars to co-defendants in exchange for helping him with the robbery, authorities have said. If Wood is shown to have mental issues, that could either reduce Wood's criminal liability -- perhaps sparing him the guarantee of life in prison if convicted -- or send him to a mental health hospital instead of prison for an indefinite amount of time. It's unclear what other defenses, if any, Wood has to the Sept. 15 murder allegations. Wood was arraigned this morning, in addition to three others also implicated in the Chili's murder. Ronald Green is accused of being the getaway driver after the shooting deaths. He was also arraigned on a murder charge today. Ryan Brown is accused of misleading investigators about what happened. He was arraigned for hindering prosecution. Jerome Pinkard is accused of illegally selling the gun that ended up being used in the murder. The arraignments dragged on this morning because all four defendants are being kept separated in the jail. A fifth defendant, Tracey Brown, who's also facing a murder charge for providing the illegal gun to Wood, is due to be arraigned this afternoon. She has medical issues that complicate her arraignment. All of the defendants will be due back to court in mid December. Their cases will stretch into 2019. They all remain in jail. OGDENSBURG, N.Y. -- The Diocese of Ogdensburg this week released the names of priests accused of child sex abuse, joining a trend nationwide. The diocese named 28 priests, 16 of whom have died. Officials said all of the living priests had been removed or left ministry. Those named were the subject of a finding "of reasonable grounds" that they had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult, according to the diocese. The Ogdensburg diocese joins 75 other dioceses across the country that have released the names of abusive priests, according to a count by the law firm Anderson & Associates, which represents victims nationwide. A quick Google search shows that new dioceses every day are releasing names. That leaves 120 dioceses or archdioceses in the U.S. that have refused to list the identities of sexually abusive priests. With Ogdensburg's latest release, three dioceses in New York state continue to refuse to release the names. In Syracuse, Bishop Robert Cunningham has said he will not release a list. Cunningham's policy is to confirm the names once a victim makes it public. According to a statement from the diocese, Cunningham has received requests from victims that their abusers not be named. "To respect the wishes of all victims, Bishop Cunningham has provided the names to local authorities and has confirmed the names of those with a credible complaint of abuse of a minor if brought forth publicly by the victim," the statement said. The New York State Attorney General is launched a probe in September into all eight dioceses in the state, seeking information about whether church officials knew about and covered up sexual abuse by clergy. The investigation came after a nearly two-year grand jury investigation in Pennsylvania that led to a report detailing sex abuse by more than 300 priests over seven decades. The following priests were named by the Ogdensburg diocese: Fay Ager Joseph Conti (deceased) Joseph Degen (deceased) Robert Duford (deceased) John Fallon (deceased) Ronald Farchette Bruce Favreau Edward Franklin (deceased) Theodore Gillette (deceased) John Hunt (deceased) Edwin Kennedy (deceased) John Kennedy (deceased) Emile Lalonde (deceased) James Larche Roger Martin (deceased) Gerald McGrath (deceased) Roland Menard Liam O'Doherty Albert Plante (deceased) Gerald Sharland (deceased) Robert Shurtleff Thomas Squires George Tobin (deceased) Michael Toth Clark White John Wiley (deceased) David Wisniewski Paul Worczak Syracuse.com | nyup.com is looking into handling of priest sex abuse cases in Central New York. If you have a story, contact reporter Julie McMahon: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 One person can make a difference Loretto President and CEO Dr. Kimberly Townsend published her first book today, "Lifecircle Leadership: How Exceptional People Make Every Day Extraordinary." Townsend says that the book "holds that every person is a leader and can make a positive impact on the world by doing well by themselves and by doing well by others," while sharing "proven strategies to help leaders break stereotypes, shift perceptions, and empower employees to promote an environment of innovative and responsive solutions." Townsend believes that simple practices such as self-awareness, presence, generosity, and compassion in action lead not only to personal and professional growth, but also to business growth. Townsend explains in the introduction that the initial concept for the book is framed around her doctoral thesis which she wrote in 2015 while at the Ralph C. Wilson School of Education at St. John Fisher College, saying, "The thesis was entitled 'Leading for Good in the Impulse Society' and examined the complex role of an executive at a time in our collective history when technological advancements, shifts in social strata, and changes in corporate agendas have all combined to heighten the expectations placed upon a position that was already mentally, physically, and spiritually taxing enough." Townsend walks readers through some of the details of the evolution of the thesis and then talks about the specific connection to her work, saying, "From this spark, I not only began to reexamine my professional position and personal responsibilities at Loretto, but also to consider my company's place within our hometown of Syracuse and the surrounding communities of Upstate New York, where our corporation serves both as one of the largest employers in the region and as a care provider to a significant number of our area's most challenged citizens. This active reconsideration on my part led me to new conclusions about what I wanted to accomplish as the president and CEO of a major corporation and, perhaps even more importantly, simply as a human being seeking to maximize the effectiveness of my life in making a real and sustainable impact on the world around me." You can learn more about Dr. Kimberly Townsend and "Lifecircle Leadership: How Exceptional People Make Every Day Extraordinary" by visiting her website. A tree's perspective Children's book author Sue Rubin returns with a new book just in time for the holidays. Inspired by a tree farm that Rubin drove past each year, "The Christmas Tree's Soiree" is told from the perspective of the evergreens that grow up dreaming about becoming Christmas trees. But as Christmas Eve arrives and there's still a lone tree in the lot expectations change. Rubin says that the book is about finding your own joy in the world, especially when things don't go as planned. "I always wondered if it bothered the evergreen trees that they were grown and nurtured to be Christmas trees for a couple of weeks, highlighting their lives, and then they never got the chance to be part of the commercialized holiday. So I made up a happy ending trying to get the point across that things don't always go as we, or other people think they should be. You have to find your own joy to feel happy and fulfilled, and I don't think anyone is too young to learn this. Everyone is unique. And that's a good thing," Rubin shares. "The Christmas Tree's Soiree" is illustrated by local artist Pamela Downs Gillow and includes an activity page for further reflection on the themes of the story. The book is available on Amazon, and will be sold at the Everson Museum gift shop during their Festival of Trees from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. Rubin will be at the CNY Literary Festival at Dewitt Library, and signing books at the All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango on Dec. 15. Book events The Colgate Bookstore in Hamilton, NY will be ushering in the holiday season with a variety of events over the upcoming weeks, starting with their participation in the village of Hamilton's Holiday Open House this evening where the bookstore will be offering discounts on their gift wing all day. On Nov. 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. join the Booklovers Club Annual Reception to receive free books, and enter to win additional books. Readers can enjoy locally made refreshments and receive expert personal assistance while shopping. The bookstore hosts their annual Holiday Open House on December 7 from 8am - 6pm. The entire store will be 13 percent off (with some exclusions). Brenda Michaels, author of "The Fly Creek Cider Mill Cookbook" will be at the bookstore from noon to 4 p.m. with samples from her cookbook. And on Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. readers can meet the Grinch and learn how he stole Christmas, with crafts and cookies to follow the story. For more details, and for a full list of events, visit the Colgate Bookstore website. The Ulysses Philomathic Library is hosting a Local Authors Night on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Local authors Cly Boehs, and Gordon Bonnet will be discussing their newest releases. Boehs will be talking about "Back Then," a novel about a family coming to terms with who they are amongst each other and out in the world, and what makes a life worth living. Bonnet will discuss "The Fifth Day" which follows the lives of a handful of people who awake to discover most of the earth's population has disappeared and more dangerous things have cropped up in their wake. Visit the Ulysses Philomathic Library website for more details. Have a book to share? Are you a local author or have you come across a book set in Central New York? Tell us about it. Send a brief description of the book and the author and we'll add it as a candidate for coverage. Write us at features@syracuse.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man who was found cold and pale inside his Onondaga County jail cell by a fellow inmate in 2016 died of an overdose, according to a report from the state Commission on Correction. Christopher Duxbury, 28, had been in the Justice Center jail four months at the time of his death on March 17, 2016. He had consumed Fentanyl, causing his death, the investigation found. A heavily redacted report -- obtained by public records request by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard -- does not say where Duxbury might have gotten the drugs while incarcerated. The New York State Commission on Corrections automatically investigates in-custody deaths at county jails, like Duxbury's, for possible wrongdoing. Christopher Duxbury, 28 The report does not appear to cite jail deputies or jail officials for their treatment of Duxbury, concluding that he died of "an accidental overdose" and saying the case is closed. The report, recently approved by the commission's board, is heavily redacted due to laws prohibiting release of "unwarranted invasions of personal privacy," inmates' medical records and deputies' personnel records. But the records do show for the first time that Duxbury died of an overdose of Fentanyl, a powerful opiate that claimed the lives of 88 people in Onondaga County between 2015 and 2017, according to county health records. And the report shows Duxbury overdosed 11 days after being moved from the jail's mental health ward to general population. Duxbury's family filed a lawsuit in February 2017 that alleges deputies' negligence allowed another inmate to provide the fatal drugs to Duxbury. It also alleges officials should have kept Duxbury on suicide watch due to his depression and because he had contemplated killing himself. County lawyers have denied those allegations, saying Duxbury was not suicidal at the time of his death, according to court filings. And they disputed that the jail was negligent by failing to intercept drugs smuggled into the jail. The county's response to the lawsuit also says the county is not liable for Duxbury's death because the inmate committed a crime by consuming the powerful opiate. The lawsuit has not moved at all since March 2017, according to court filings. Duxbury's mother this week declined to comment on the report's release, as did Duxbury's attorney for the criminal case. His attorney for the lawsuit did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, and neither did the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office which runs the jail. Duxbury was a long-time employee of Jaquith Industries in Syracuse. He had a sister and steady girlfriend. He graduated from West Genesee High School in 2006. "Christopher had a huge heart and his smile would light up any room. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan," Duxbury's family wrote in an obituary published shortly after his death. In addition to the cause of death, the state's recently released report gives the following account of Duxbury's final moments: Duxbury had been jailed since December 2015, accused by Solvay police of property crimes, including 14 counts of possession of stolen property, burglary and grand larceny. He was arrested Dec. 10, 2015 and booked into the county jail. Deputies apparently took him from the jail due to an undisclosed reason and then returned early the next morning at 3 a.m. Duxbury was unable to pay the bail or bond and was therefore kept at the jail. Between Dec. 10 and March 6, Duxbury was housed at the jail's mental health ward, on the fifth floor of the Justice Center, according to the report. He was moved to the second floor, the jail's general population floor, on March 6. Two days later, he was moved to another cell on the same floor, and he was made a porter on his pod. On March 17 at 8:40 p.m., a corrections officer took over custody of Duxbury's pod from a fellow officer, who was taking a 10-minute break. The officers' names are redacted. At 8:49 p.m., an inmate told an officer that Duxbury was in his cell and "turning blue," according to the report. The officer peered through the cell window to see Duxbury on his bed with his head slouched backward and against the wall. At 8:50 p.m., an officer called for a medical emergency, and staff entered Duxbury's cell. An officer checked for Duxbury's pulse, but there wasn't one. The inmate's skin was bluish and slightly warm. The inmate was brought to the floor, and an officer began chest compressions. A lieutenant applied a mask with a pump on it to try to induce breathing. Three nurses arrived at the cell, and paramedics were called. At 8:57 p.m., firefighters responded. At 9 p.m., paramedics from Rural Metro Ambulance arrived. What happened next was redacted in the commission's report. However, the sheriff's office said in a news release at the time Duxbury's death that he was taken to Upstate University Hospital and pronounced dead. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Crammed into a small table with his parents and a cop, Aaron Baxter quietly apologized. Videos were going viral across the internet showing him swearing an "oath" to have hate in his heart for blacks, Latinos and Jews. Baxter asked that his parents, who had rushed to Syracuse from out of state, not be shown the videos that had rocked the Syracuse University campus this spring and made headlines nationwide. The freshman fraternity pledge tried to explain himself. With his head hanging, he paused and wiped his eyes. "I've hurt so many people," he told the detective. "It's not me. That's not me. I was raised up better than that. I'm so sorry for the harm I've caused. You see how the campus is reacting. I've hurt a lot of people. I've hurt my friends. I've hurt my family, friends back home. And people I don't even know. I'm sorry." The Theta Tau pledge told a detective how he and 15 fellow new members of the professional engineering fraternity sketched out a last-minute "roast" of their older brothers in March. A month later they were in the national news after the offensive videos leaked. Caught up in a mob mentality, the brothers had performed, laughed or stood by without protesting as race, Judaism and sexual orientation became fodder for jokes in crude ways. Some brothers savagely lampooned their own religions and races. They then watched in horror as a poorly planned, juvenile fraternity stunt blew up into a symbol of hate that reverberated beyond their campus. The taped interview is one of 17 recorded interrogations from the campus police investigation obtained by syracuse.com. It is the first time any of the Theta Tau brothers can be heard in their own words acknowledging and apologizing for the turmoil they caused. The recordings, which are mostly between five and 10 minutes long, reveal: The pledges were given little instruction or time to plan for the skit: This was to be their "one chance" to make fun of their older brothers. They got less than an hour to write, rehearse and assign parts. Many noted this year's roast was especially amateurish and haphazardly thrown together. Some said they were surprised at the offensive turn the roast took. Some brothers felt the chancellor misled the public by not explaining the videos were a parody. By not providing that context, they said, he inflamed tensions on campus and incriminated all the Theta Tau members. Two university police officers told brothers in different interviews their biggest mistake was posting the videos online. The students were remorseful and said the language they used is never OK. The poorly thought-out attempt at comedy resulted in a huge backlash. The 16 pledges, plus the vice president and the brother who posted the videos online, were all eventually suspended from SU, just weeks before the spring semester ended. Twelve of the students have filed lawsuits seeking to overturn their punishments, or to recover $1 million in damages per student for defamation and breach of contract. The suits are still pending, but at least two students have been allowed to return to classes through a judge's order. The students named in this story declined to be interviewed or did not respond to requests for interviews. Karen Felter, an attorney representing Theta Tau and several brothers, said the students wanted to avoid any additional publicity. She said the Department of Public Safety interviews showed the students meant no harm by the roast, and that the university mishandled the investigation. SU would not make anyone available for an interview. A spokeswoman said the university would not comment on the case. "We stand by the actions we took to protect the well-being of the campus community and to maintain a respectful, inclusive and safe learning environment," said Dara Royer, chief marketing and communications officer. The roast videos have been viewed nearly 1 million times on YouTube since they were posted in April. SU permanently banned Theta Tau from campus and began an overhaul of the fraternity system. The ordeal sparked a conversation about racism and marginalized groups at SU. Protesters formed a group to put pressure on the administration. Through all of this, none of the pledges spoke publicly. Now, recorded interviews reveal how the fraternity brothers reacted in the days after they found themselves embroiled in controversy. Syracuse University Department of Public Safety vehicles parked outside 1105 Harrison St., the house for the Theta Tau fraternity, on April 19, 2018. The fraternity was suspended after offensive videos of a parody event leaked. 'I hoped that would be the end of it' Baxter, the freshman with the starring role and disappointed parents, tried to explain why in the name of parody he used slurs and acted out vile, sexual scenes at the expense of the disabled. He told an officer the racist, anti-Semitic oath skit was intended to poke fun at an older brother who was a Donald Trump supporter. The skit was meant to depict an over-the-top stereotype of a bigoted conservative. It didn't reflect the views of the freshman, who himself is Jewish, nor the views of the brothers who were parodied, he said. Baxter and another pledge played central roles in the skits. In one skit, Baxter portrayed the first "recruit" of the Trump supporter's Tri Kappa - KKK - fraternity. Later, Baxter can be heard yelling at two other brothers, telling the "f*ckin' k*kes to get in the f*ckin' showers." In another skit, he "roasts" a brother, who is portrayed as apparently so controlled by his girlfriend that he is confined to a wheelchair. In the skit, it's supposed to be a joke that he doesn't notice when another brother, in the words of the parody narrator, "light rapes" him. "This is awful," an older brother, who was not present for the performance, said in an interview with campus police. "It was pretty bad seeing it the first time. We don't support that language." Several members of the fraternity interviewed by campus police said the roast got out of hand. One pledge, who is pictured in the video but does not have a speaking role, said he was ashamed to be a part of it. "If I was not affiliated, I would be upset," he said. "Looking back on it, I am upset that we thought it was OK because it was supposed to just be for the brothers." Among those who took issue with the performance was the brother parodied as the Tri Kappa recruit. The older brother told campus police the portrayal was unfair. He said he didn't participate in a lot of Theta Tau events because he is active with ROTC, the military training program. His absence at the frat earned him the nickname "Ghost." "I was kind of shocked at how they portrayed me, and I asked them about that afterwards," he said. "Obviously they took it a little too far. Some of us expressed that to them. They appeared to be sorry about it. I hoped that would be the end of it." 'We wrote it like 30 minutes before' The videos of the pledges' police interviews show they knew what they did was at best a bad joke that spiraled out of control. So how did this happen? According to the brothers, each year, new members of the fraternity perform sketches in the style of a Comedy Central roast. This year, the brothers put their skits together less than an hour before the performance. The result was a script that was more like an outline, with little practice and wide latitude to improvise. Older brothers didn't screen the skits. Brothers were in and out of the house, and one of the older students who was prominently parodied left to go to the grocery store during the roast. "We wrote it like 30 minutes before," one pledge told an officer. "That's why we made it a little more harsh, like for shock factor, because we didn't have time to write any jokes." The pledge, a student of color, seemed to accept that the evening was meant for him and his brothers to abandon their beliefs and convictions in favor of a few laughs. As a teen in New York City, the pledge had participated in a protest against a police killing of an unarmed black man. He said on this night, he mostly was afraid the older brothers wouldn't think he and his pledge class were funny. He's one of many students in the room who stood by, laughed or chimed in as their own cultural identities were ridiculed. "We were pledges and they were brothers and weren't allowed to disrespect them, but they allowed us to disrespect them this one time," said the pledge, who played the part of a dog having sex with its owner. "We were just told, write a skit roasting the brothers. This is your one opportunity you get to do this to us, so use it well. We actually thought the skit was garbage and nobody was going to laugh." It's clear from the videos of the skits that many brothers laughed, but some older brothers in their police interviews said they tuned out or left early when they realized how "gross" the jokes were. One older brother said that as he watched the parody, he didn't realize anyone was recording. He said he viewed parts of the roast for the first time only after it went viral. He added that he had no idea his name was mentioned in a skit until The Daily Orange student newspaper emailed him. The vice president, Tyler Vartabedian, said he wished he'd intervened and stopped the roast when it began to get out of hand. Nowhere in the brothers' statements to police, public videos of the skits or paperwork filed in lawsuits is one mention made of a brother trying to intervene and put an end to the roast. Instead videos of the skits were posted to a Theta Tau Facebook group under the name David Yankowy. Yankowy was a brother of the fraternity. The videos remained on the private page for a month without controversy until someone leaked them. "What you see is students being a part of the norm," said SU professor Biko Gray. Gray teaches classes on religion and race, and attended protests after the roast videos leaked. He doesn't know the students personally and wasn't involved in the investigation. "That video has at least 200 years of history behind it, a set of practices that normalize violence against people who are not white, straight, Christian, male." That's part of the explanation for why students can be seen making fun of their own religions or races, Gray said. It's why no one intervened. And it's why many SU students have called on the administration to do more in the aftermath of the scandal, Gray said. "This isn't joking," he said, noting the country's history of black face, minstrelsy and other forms of comedy done at the expense of others. "There are people who are living and dying behind the kind of rhetoric that they are using and abusing in that video." One brother, who said he is Jewish, told campus police he thought the skits were "ridiculous" and not funny. Yet he didn't report it, complain to fraternity leadership or take any kind of action. "I left that night like, that wasn't cool at all," he said, "but it's over and I'm never going to have to hear about this again." SU administrators hold a press conference in the aftermath of the Theta Tau fraternity roast videos. Senior Vice President Dolan Evanovich speaks at the podium as Chancellor Kent Syverud and Department of Public Safety Chief Robert Maldonado look on. 'Syverud has put all our members at risk' The president of the fraternity appeared blindsided by the controversy when the videos of the skits leaked. Alexander Fox, a Le Moyne College student who was part of a program that allowed him to take classes at SU, was one of the first people police interviewed. He was not charged with any disciplinary infractions by Le Moyne, according to Felter, the lawyer representing the fraternity. Fox told officers the university contacted him as the leader of Theta Tau at the same time the chancellor publicly announced the suspension of the fraternity. As police asked him what he knew about videos that show pledges engaged in questionable behavior, he appeared dumbfounded. "I'm sorry, but I have no idea what's going on," he said. "I don't know which video or anything about it. I just saw the email, probably like everyone else on campus." In their lawsuits, students accuse SU of rushing the investigation and not providing needed context in announcements to the public. One brother, in the audience for the roast, said Chancellor Kent Syverud endangered all members of the fraternity by not asking for their side of the story before announcing Theta Tau's suspension. He and other brothers made an argument for why it's important the campus community understand the frat didn't have bad intentions: They say Syverud gave the campus community the false impression that the brothers were serious about the racist oath, that all Theta Tau pledges were forced to participate in a hateful ritual. Syverud at various times described the roast videos as "disgusting," "hateful" and reflective of bigotry. That had consequences for the brothers, they said, who reported resident assistants refusing to help and professors treating them differently in classes after the videos surfaced. "This just goes to show that Chancellor Syverud has put all of our members at risk for psychological and physical harm," the student said. "I believe he should be held accountable." Lawyers for the students have questioned why the brothers were charged with certain offenses, like using alcohol, when the investigation didn't support those charges. Officers early on in interviews told the students they hadn't found evidence of underage drinking, hazing or other criminal activity. According to the lawsuits, some of the students did not know they were being recorded by the DPS. In about half the interviews, police tell students they are being videotaped. Some of the students, like the president, apparently didn't know why they were brought in and interrogated by police. One brother showed up to the Department of Public Safety with the recorder on his cell phone switched on. Officers refused to conduct an interview until he agreed to turn the recorder off. He and several brothers reported to police that they had been threatened online or had seen brothers' private information shared on social media. Officers in the interviews agreed there had been concerns about the brothers' safety and confirmed they had investigated threats. Officers offered escorts to and from class, a service the university makes available to any student who doesn't feel safe. 'Don't change' While the chancellor blasted the students publicly, DPS officers in the recorded interviews treated the Theta Tau brothers with courtesy and empathy. At times, the officers appear sympathetic and forgiving. They primarily asked whether anyone was injured or forced to participate and if there were drugs and alcohol at the event. The officers told the students, who often asked what would happen to them, that they had no idea what penalties the administration might hand down. The officers told the students to go about their business, attend class, get through the end of the semester, and come back in the fall for a fresh start. They emphasized that campus safety is there for everyone, including the brothers if they felt threatened. "We want to protect all sides of this whole thing and we're just trying to get as much together as we can to kind of soften the blow with this," Detective Tracey Johnson said. "We obviously want to be vigilant because we have people protesting and making issues out of it." One officer said he believes Theta Tau is the most diverse fraternity at SU. Two officers mentioned how working on a police force is somewhat like a fraternity. "I know what it's like being in a brotherhood, too, being a police officer," Detective Michael Toia said. Toward the end of Toia's interview with Baxter, the students' parents seated at the table, the detective described the whole ordeal as a "teaching moment." "I can't emphasize to you enough that the mistakes that were made were A) it was recorded, OK? And B) it was posted on a 'private' website," Toia said. "The most fatal mistake you guys made was videorecording it." Toia expressed sympathy to Baxter. "It's not who you are and yet this has been exposed and portrayed as something differently," the officer said. "You continue to be who you are, OK? And don't change." The student's father interjected, shaking his head side to side: "That said ... what you did was stupid. And thoughtless." Read our continuing coverage of Theta Tau's expulsion Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 China Southern Airlines announced the company will not renew its agreement with the SkyTeam and leave the airline alliance on Jan 1, marking an end of 11 years of cooperation, 21st Century Business Herald reported. The carrier said in a statement on Thursday that all transition work will be completed within 2019, and both sides have agreed to ensure a good transition for customers and partners. China Southern joined the SkyTeam in 2007, becoming the first domestic airlines to join global airline alliances. Airline alliances provide global airline network, strengthen international connection and offer more convenient services for transfer passengers. At present, the three biggest airline alliances in the world are Star Alliance, SkyTeam and oneworld. Star Alliance has 28 member airlines, followed by SkyTeam (20), and oneworld (13). In Chinese mainland, Star Alliance's members include Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, while China Southern, China Eastern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines all are part of the SkyTeam. Although oneworld has fewer members, it has high quality airlines such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways. More importantly, at present, oneworld has no member airlines on Chinese mainland, a fact cited as the main reason behind market speculation that China Southern will possibly join hands with the oneworld. Leaving the SkyTeam may have an effect on China Southern's European routes, Lin Zhijie, an insider of China's aviation industry, told the newspaper. However, in the future, China Southern's international cooperation will not be limited to the SkyTeam, and it will have more options to choose new partner, Lin added. Data from carnoc.com showed that China Southern has the most aircraft in Asia, and is also the largest carrier by passenger traffic in the Asian region. At present, China Southern operates more than 700 aircraft in passenger and cargo transportation, ranking fourth in the world, and is still expanding its fleet. Last year, American Airlines purchased 2.68 percent shares of China Southern for $200 million, becoming a strategic investor of China Southern. There's not much about that night that's not contested. A 17-year-old woman from Ireland says she was raped by a 27-year-old man she met out at a club. She said he dragged her through the mud and then had sex with her even after she asked him to stop. A witness said he saw the pair on the ground, and that the man had his hand on the victim's throat. After the incident, the woman said, she told the man, "you just raped me." "No," the defendant said he replied. "We just had sex." He painted a much different picture of the evening, saying that the pair had kissed and then gone outside to lay down in a muddy area nearby, at which point they had consensual sex. (No witnesses confirmed that the pair had kissed.) The woman pressed charges, and the case went to trial. Both sides framed it as a question of consent. "You have heard her say she did not consent. You have heard him say she did consent," Tom Creed, a lawyer for the plaintiff, told the jury. " If you are satisfied she did not consent and that he knew she did not consent, then you convict. She is quite clear she did not consent. She said she never had sexual intercourse before." But the defendant's lawyer took a different tact, suggesting that the teenager was lying. As evidence, she pointed to how the plaintiff dressed. During the trial, defense attorney Elizabeth O'Connell held up a pair of thong underwear similar to what the 17-year-old was wearing the night she alleges she was assaulted. "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," O'Connell said. "She was wearing a thong with a lace front." A jury of eight men and four women later found the defendant not guilty. The lawyer's comment drew immediate condemnation from women's rights advocates. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre suggested that lawyers should be banned from remarking on victims' dress in the future. "These kind of mythologies and stereotypes around rape come up again and again in court cases, because the defense to rape is that the sex was consensual," Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Noeline Blackwell told the Irish Independent. "So anything the defendant can do to suggest there was consent will be used." Now, women are tweeting pictures of their underwear, along with supportive messages and the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent. Hundreds have shared supportive images. The founder of the campaign, Susan Dillon, said she was surprised by the feedback. "We wanted something impactful that would draw attention to the issue, hence the use of underwear," she told BuzzFeed. "We knew people would be supportive and would want to support survivors of sexual violence but we have been overwhelmed by the response." A 78-year-old convicted killer could be connected to over 90 murders in dozens of states, authorities said this week. Samuel Little is currently serving three life sentences for strangling three women in the Los Angeles area between 1987 and 1989, according to NBC News. He was convicted in 2014. But in July, he was also charged with a 1994 murder in Texas. An investigator was able to use that case to gain trust and get information from Little on dozens of other cases, NBC said. Little has been providing information to investigators on a "multitude" of murders he may have committed between 1970 and 2005 in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Ohio, California, Indiana, Arizona, New Mexico and South Carolina, according to NBC. If Little is found guilty of all the murders he's provided information about, he'll be confirmed as one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history, authorities said, according to NBC. He's due in court in the Texas case later in November. So far, investigators have been able to corroborate his connection to 30 cases, according to The Associated Press. Authorities said Little has not provided any false information yet. Investigators in California believe Little traveled the country preying on drug addicts, AP said. He would often knock out his victims with a punch and then strangle them. His criminal history includes offenses in 24 states spread over 56 years, including assault, burglary, armed robbery, shoplifting and drug violations, according to AP. Authorities said Little may have finally confessed after years of denials because appeals to his life sentence in California were rejected, according to AP. He no longer had any reason to hide. Little was first arrested when DNA samples from old crime scenes matched samples from him in a criminal database, AP said. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-282-8598 Australia Consults On Tax Implications Of Insurance Law Reform by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong 16 November 2018 The Australian Government is consulting on the tax implications of a new accounting standard for insurance contracts. The new accounting standard, known as AASB17, will apply mandatorily for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The consultation will inform the Government's decision as to whether any changes need to be made to the tax law as a result of the move to the new standard. The Government is also seeking comments on two other insurance taxation issues that relate to the operation of the current provisions. It would like to know whether the tax law for health insurers should be codified rather than relying on the ordinary principles, and whether the tax law should specify how to calculate outstanding claims liabilities for general insurance companies. The consultation will close on January 31, 2019. The third China-Africa Investment Forum (CAIF) will be held from Dec. 2 to 8 in Morocco aimed at boosting production capacity cooperation between China and Africa in infrastructure, manufacturing, health care and other sectors. Around 100 entrepreneurs are expected to take part. After the forum section, they will visit special economic zones, infrastructure programs and local companies in Casablanca, Tangier and Rabat to identify market and industrial differences between China and Africa, thus paving the way for win-win cooperation by enhancing resource complementarity. Yang Baohua, chairman of the board of the China-Africa Development Fund, Moulay Elalamy, Moroccan minister of Industry and Othman Benjelloun, CEO of Moroccan BMCE Bank will head the guest list for the forum. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Morocco. Chinese Ambassador Li Li said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency last month that building on previous progress, bilateral ties will enter a new phase. The two countries will develop new models for the partnership among China, Morocco and other African countries, as well as advance practical cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the envoy added. According to the Moroccan Investment Development Agency, China is Morocco's third largest trading partner, with two-way trade totaling US$3.83 billion in 2017. The forum is organized by the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation, a Beijing-based global non-profit organization committed to building extraordinary partnerships between Chinese business leaders and their counterparts from around the world. Switzerland Gearing Up For Corporate Tax Changes by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 16 November 2018 The Swiss Government has announced that, in preparation for a major overhaul of the tax system, existing practices on the taxation of principal companies and finance branches will not be applied to new companies as of 2019. The Government's Tax Reform and AHV Financing (TRAF) legislation is due to enter into force on January 1, 2020. It will abolish the special arrangements for cantonal status companies, along with the federal practices on tax allocation for principal companies and Swiss finance branches. The legislation will also introduce a mandatory patent box regime for all cantons, provide a relief restriction, and reform the taxation of dividends from qualified participations. The Swiss Federal Council has announced that, from 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) will no longer apply the federal practices concerning principal companies and Swiss finance branches to new companies. Companies operating internationally often group their structures into larger units and centralize functions, responsibilities, and risks within the group in so-called principal companies. Under the current Swiss rules, if a principal company is located in Switzerland, some of the net profit is exempt from taxation in the country. Swiss finance branches are Swiss financial permanent establishments of foreign companies and are responsible for lending within foreign groups. Currently, the calculation of a usage fee for the capital made available to the Swiss permanent establishment reduces the taxable net profit of the Swiss finance branch in Switzerland. Unlike the rules on cantonal status companies, the abolition of the federal practices does not require any legislative amendment. As a first step, the FTA will ensure that the federal practices are from 2019 no longer applied to new companies. Then, with the entry into force of TRAF in 2020, the federal practices for existing principal companies and finance branches will be abolished. A warning: Ken Clarke, Conservative MP for Rushcliffe since 1970 and former cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher, likes to answer questions, just not necessarily the questions asked of him. He also seems to like ragging on the mainstream media. When I asked him to identify the most volatile politician in the Conservative party, he chose to take a pop shot at the media. Clarke lamented that, if you look at the British media, they do not report any of the issues being debated by parliamentarians, nor in any serious way any of the issues being negotiated by the [Brexit] negotiators. And when I get interviewed by mainstream media, they ask me: how long is Theresa going to last as Prime Minister?. Theyre convinced that their viewers are not following the terms of the debate about the actual withdrawal and that the bulk of their viewers wouldnt know what the Single Market was, nor the Customs Union, because nobody has ever explained it to them. Mr Clarke regrets that if you make a personal remark about Boris thats the only thing that will be reported. Throughout the referendum, my arguments on the benefits of being in the European Union went totally unreported. Personal remarks about Boris and David Cameron were the only things that made the national news. He has quite a long trail of such personal remarks. He notoriously called Theresa May a bloody difficult woman. Clarke has also said that with Michael Gove as prime minister wed go to war with at least three countries at once, but that at least [Gove] did us all a favour by getting rid of Boris. The idea of Boris as prime minister is ridiculous. When I reminded him that he had form for supplying the very soundbites he resents, he laughed. When I asked how the Conservative Party could consider themselves an honest broker on Northern Ireland given that the Conservatives have gotten into bed with the DUP, and appointed Karen Bradley who wasnt aware when she became Northern Ireland Secretary that the Northern Irish voted along constitutional lines, Clarke returned to snark about the mainstream media: I think the point about Karen is just ridiculous. Clarke complained that its a parody of what [Bradley] said. And again, its the same bloody nonsense that fills up the newspapers. After a moments pause he observed that: This is sounding a bit like Donald Trump. After comparing himself to the least savoury character in western politics, he returned to my question: The DUP are entitled to take advantage of the mathematical position that an inconclusive election has put them into. And Ive dealt with the old Ian Paisley and the DUP for many years and theyre difficult customers to deal with, and a little unpredictable sometimes; weve got to be careful not to give the DUP excessive power despite their control of votes in the party. Clarke then, unprompted, urged that parliament should take more control of whats going on. The views on Europe, in particular, in parliament, cut across parties, because both parties are divided. But the majority of members of parliament from all parties, a large majority, are pro- European. And if that majority would only assert itself, and influence the ultra-Eurosceptic left-wing leadership of the Labour party and the leadership of the Conservative party, which is overinfluenced by its ultra-right-wing nationalist wing, then parliament could help everybody make some progress towards a sensible conclusion that would minimise the consequences of this disastrous decision to leave the European Union. I asked Clarke what kind of future he saw for Europhiles within a Conservative party that has been hijacked by these ultra-right-wing nationalists. He warned that anybody who [] claims that they know confidently whats going to happen in British politics generally in the next six months is deceiving themselves. Ive never known a bigger shambles, and a bigger period of uncertainty and confusion. Both of the parties are completely shattered and divided by the European issue, and in both cases they have been divided for thirty years, but never so much as this, and everything will depend on the outcome of leaving. If we do leave. And then, how the political climate settles down and gets back to some kind of normality afterwards. So, not only is the future of Britains political and economic relationship with the rest of the world at the moment in total doubt, so is the future of the two major parties. Clarke was keen to compare and contrast Britain with the rest of Europe: In most other European countries, the big, broad-ranging centre-right and centre-left parties have collapsed and have lost their mass following and have been replaced by more populist, more specific little parties of right and left. Our electoral system stops that happening. Whether, or how our present system will resume its normal course, is simply too soon to say. Clarke justified his continued presence in a party that increasingly seems hostile to his politics by asserting that: Broadly my views have been the mainstream views of the Conservative Party for the first fifty years of my membership [] I dont always agree with the party. [But] Im an economic liberal, a social liberal, internationalist, one nation Tory; thats been mainstream Conservative politics. I now find myself a rather fringe rebel since this opinion poll two and a half years ago [the Brexit referendum], which too many of the others agreed to sign up to although they didnt agree with the result. And its causing such confusion. I cant clearly predict what state the Conservative Party, nor the Labour Party, nor any other party, is going to be in, in say two or three years time, if this parliament lasts that long. Given the recent Brexit turmoil, this seems unlikely. What just happened? University of Tokyo robotics startup Schaft, which was picked up by Google in 2013, will close its doors. It was supposed to be purchased by Softbank as part of the Boston Dynamics buyout, but internal conflicts resulted in the deal falling through. Alphabet could not find another buyer, so it has no choice by to close shop. Googles parent company, Alphabet is shuttering its Schaft robotics unit. Tokyo-based Softbank had been expected to acquire the division after finalizing a deal to purchase Boston Dynamics from the mega-conglomerate. However, Nikkei reports it appears the Schaft part of the takeover fell through due to one or more [Schaft] employees refusing to work under Softbank. Alphabet was unable to find another buyer, so was forced to shut down the robotics subsidiary. Google told TechCrunch that it is trying to help Schaft staff members find new jobs. Most likely these will be positions outside the Alphabet umbrella though. Schaft was founded by researchers at the University of Tokyo. The startup specialized in creating bipedal robots. Google acquired the company in 2013 with the intention of marketing humanoid robots to be used as first responders in emergency and rescue scenarios. The division was lead by Android creator Andy Rubin, who was heading up the companys robotics research. Rubin recently resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct, which may have accellerated Schaft's demise. Google moved both Boston Dynamics and Schaft to Alphabet X, the companys experimental division, in 2016. Less than a year later, Boston Dynamics was sold to Softbank for an undisclosed sum Schaft was supposed to be part of that deal. When that part of the acquisition fell through, Google continued looking for a buyer, but to no avail. Now it will be liquidated. Schaft had been working on the S-One biped and was planning to go commercial with it. It is unclear what will happen with that research now, but it will likely be sold with the rest of the companys assets. Why it matters: Like an overly dramatic actor milking his death scene for a few extra seconds of screen time, Telltale Games closure has not been pretty nor quiet. The studio has been in its long and extended death throes since laying off 25 percent of its staff about a year ago. However, it looks like Telltale may have breathed its final gasp as a holding company named Sherwood Partners has reportedly taken over and is in the process of liquidating the business. The holder is currently contacting creditors and looking to settle affairs. Telltale is avoiding bankruptcy court in favor of "assignment for the benefit of creditors" (ABCs), which is a much faster process. A company can go out of business without going bankrupt, attorney Brandon Huffman with Odin Law & Media told GameDaily. All that means is that they were able to find someone to give them enough money for assets to pay any creditors or they had the money on hand. What makes ABCs faster is it does not entail a court process. However, it does require that Telltales creditors agree to the arbitration-like procedure in advance. That agreement has seemingly already happened as Sherwood has been given the go-ahead to liquidate. Telltale's games have even been disappearing from Steam. Getting to this point seems like it took forever though. When the layoffs first began in November 2017, nobody seemed to know that the studio was on the way out. In fact, CEO Pete Hawley downplayed the move at the time saying the layoffs were part of a streamlining effort. Things seemed fine until last September when Telltale cut another 90 percent of its workforce without notice and with no severance packages. This cut left a small crew of 25 designers that were to finish the final season of The Walking Dead. All other projects were canceled. Co-founder Dan Connors explained that the company had been waylaid by a financing round that went sour and left the company with no capital to continue functioning. Despite the explanation, the unexpected layoffs triggered an outcry from employees and a workers rights group. A class-action lawsuit soon folowed alleging labor violations. To make matters worse, former employees are reportedly going to see their COBRA coverage cut off at the end of November instead of after the typical 18 months. COBRA was designed as a safety net for terminated employees to give them time to get on another health care plan, so they don't have a lapse in coverage. Since months end will see the company completely liquidated, there will be no health plan for COBRA to utilize. Telltale can probably expect lawsuits over this as well. Even though the company is finally giving up the ghost, I somewhat doubt this is the last we will hear of it. In context: It is no secret that Apple CEO Tim Cook and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg are not friends. They have traded backhanded insults and indirect jabs for years. Part of the conflict comes from the differing philosophies. Namely: how to make money off a free product versus a sold product. While Tim Cook's barbs are never pointed directly at Mark Zuckerberg, they always seem to trigger the Facebook founder into a sometimes irrational response. In an interview back in April, Cook told MSNBC, Were not going to traffic in your personal life. Privacy to us is a human right. Its a civil liberty. The remark was in reference to the possible regulation of companies that use and sell the personal data and browsing habits of their users. The wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal was still fresh, and the comment reportedly angered Zuckerberg. On Wednesday, The New York Times published a scathing expose covering Facebook's involvement in everything from the Russia investigation to sex trafficking legislation. The article noted that according to a source, Mr. Cooks criticisms [on MSNBC] infuriated Mr. Zuckerberg, who later ordered his management team to use only Android phones arguing that the operating system had far more users than Apples. When an online service is free, you're not the customer. You're the product. Thursday morning Facebook confirmed Zucks feelings on the matter and tried to clarify his response. The lengthy blog post seemed to be an attempt at a PR reversal calling the NYT piece "inaccurate," but one point addressed Cooks criticism directly. Tim Cook has consistently criticized our business model, and Mark has been equally clear he disagrees. So there's been no need to employ anyone else to do this for us. And we've long encouraged our employees and executives to use Android because it is the most popular operating system in the world. This latest instance is not the only time Cook has made comments that got under Zuckerbergs skin. In 2014, Tim Cook told Charlie Rose in an interview, When an online service is free, you're not the customer. You're the product. He repeated that refrain in September in a statement on Apples privacy policy. Taken in context, Cook probably had Google in mind, but Zuck did not allow that to stop him from getting annoyed about it. A frustration I have is that a lot of people increasingly seem to equate an advertising business model with somehow being out of alignment with your customers, Zuck told Time. I think it's the most ridiculous concept. What, you think because you're paying Apple that you're somehow in alignment with them? If you were in alignment with them, then they'd make their products a lot cheaper! Forward-looking: Being the richest person in modern history and the head of a company worth almost $1 trillion, you might imagine that Jeff Bezos feels pretty confident about Amazons long-term future. But surprisingly, he believes that the retail giant will one day fail and go bankrupt. During an all-hands meeting last week in Seattle, an Amazon employee asked Bezos what he had learned from the recent bankruptcies of Sears and other large retailers. Amazon is not too big to fail, Bezos said, in a recording of the meeting acquired by CNBC . In fact, I predict one day Amazon will fail. Amazon will go bankrupt. If you look at large companies, their lifespans tend to be 30-plus years, not a hundred-plus years. Bezos added that Amazon needed to delay the beginning of the end by continuing to focus on its customers, not the business itself. The CEOs words arrived just before Amazon announced the two locationsLong Island City, New York, and Crystal City, Virginiafor its second headquarters, dubbed HQ2. The new offices will see around 50,000 new workers added to the firms staff. But some Amazon employees worry about the rate at which the business is growing. It now has over 600,000 employees and a stock price thats quadrupled over the last five years. It also leads the way in the cloud industry with AWS. Such growth and influence have led to concerns over a future filled with government regulations and potential antitrust violations. But it doesnt seem to have Bezos overly concerned. Its a fact that were a large company, said the CEO. Its reasonable for large institutions of any kind, whether it be companies or governments, to be scrutinized. Theres also President Trumps dislike of Bezos to consider. Back in March, the companys value dropped $53 billion following a report that Trump was obsessed with the retailer. His administration is said to be looking into antitrust violations by Amazon, while regulators in Japan and Europe are doing the same. I have stated my concerns with Amazon long before the Election. Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, use our Postal System as their Delivery Boy (causing tremendous loss to the U.S.), and are putting many thousands of retailers out of business! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2018 While we are on the subject, it is reported that the U.S. Post Office will lose $1.50 on average for each package it delivers for Amazon. That amounts to Billions of Dollars. The Failing N.Y. Times reports that the size of the companys lobbying staff has ballooned, and that... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018 ...does not include the Fake Washington Post, which is used as a lobbyist and should so REGISTER. If the P.O. increased its parcel rates, Amazons shipping costs would rise by $2.6 Billion. This Post Office scam must stop. Amazon must pay real costs (and taxes) now! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018 Its certainly interesting to hear Bezos thoughts, especially as Amazon, which is expected to be behind 48 percent of all online sales this year, looks like an unstoppable behemoth right now, even with the antitrust investigations. But few companies can go on for over a hundred years, though, as Bezos notes, the main exception to that rule are breweries. Rumor mill: According to several reports, Julian Assange is facing charges from prosecutors, but nobody seems to know what they are. The rumor stems from an unsealed court filing uncovered by the Washington Post. Court documents relating to a sex crimes case were unsealed in September. The three-page filing lists Julian Assange in two places even though he is not the defendant in the case. At one point the brief reads, Due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. Further on it says, [The charges would] need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested. The reason that he is mentioned in someone elses court documents is inexplicable. The filing was reportedly drafted by US Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer. The Washington Post claims that anonymous sources close to the case confirm that what the documents say about Assange are correct, but were unintentionally disclosed. The government bringing criminal charges against someone for publishing truthful information is a dangerous path for a democracy to take. The court filing was made in error, said US Attorneys Office spokesperson Joshua Stueve. That was not the intended name for this filing. The document was filed back in August in the Eastern District of Virginia. In September it was unsealed, and nobody seemed to notice the error until George Washington University faculty member Seamus Hughes happened to see the anomalous wording. He thinks it amounts to nothing more than a Freudian" slip. To be clear, seems Freudian, its for a different completely unrelated case, every other page is not related to him, EDVA just appears to have assange on the mind when filing motions to seal and used his name, said Hughes. SCOOP: US Department of Justice "accidentally" reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks' publisher Julian Assange in apparent cut-and-paste error in an unrelated case also at the Eastern District of Virginia. https://t.co/wrjlAbXk5Z pic.twitter.com/4UlB0c1SAX WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) November 16, 2018 WikiLeaks tweeted that it looks like a copy-and-paste error. Mike Levine speculates that the US Attorneys office may have been using a document meant for Assange as a template for another case and failed to replace his name in a couple of parts. Guys, this is truly an amazing find by @SeamusHughes. My hypothesis is: prosecutors used a filing in an Assange-related case as a template for a filing in this case, but forgot to change the one paragraph. If true, it means sealed charges have been filed against Julian Assange. https://t.co/BWkC8Mfz83 Mike Levine (@MLevineReports) November 16, 2018 Regardless of how his name wound up on the filing, Assanges attorney Barry Pollack doesnt like the look of it one way or the other. The news that criminal charges have apparently been filed against Mr. Assange is even more troubling than the haphazard manner in which that information has been revealed, Pollack told The New York Times. The government bringing criminal charges against someone for publishing truthful information is a dangerous path for a democracy to take. While the US Attorney's Office did acknowledge the error, it did not confirm that charges against Assange were forthcoming. The FBI also declined comment. So at this point, all we have is conjecture and anonymous sources. It would be wise to take the news with a dose of skepticism until something official is announced. The Chinese market regulator is investigating the merger of two ride-hailing businesses, Didi and Uber's China branch, in accordance with the anti-monopoly law and regulations, an official said Friday. Wu Zhenguo, head of the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the State Administration for Market Regulation, told a press conference that the administration is working to comprehensively assess the deal's impact on competition and development of the industry. China will crack down hard on monopolistic activity that damages consumer rights, Wu said. Didi took over its U.S. rival's China business in August 2016, sparking concern over potential monopoly. The Ministry of Commerce said a month later it was investigating the merger. The government pays high attention to competition in the new economy and adopts an inclusive and prudent regulatory principle, Wu said. "[China] gives full play to market competition for stronger innovative impetus in internet sectors, and works to strengthen regulatory rules and systems as well." Wu pledged efforts to prevent market monopoly and barriers and to protect public interests. During the press conference, the official also stressed that China's antitrust investigations are open and transparent, and that all market players, no matter state-owned, private or foreign-funded, receive equal treatment. Forty-one percent of the antitrust cases handled by the former State Administration for Industry and Commerce target state-owned firms, while only less than 11 percent involve foreign companies, Wu said. Baidu Baidu has achieved exponential growth in China as its number 1 search engine. A collection of interesting facts about the company reveals details that were previously unknown to the public. (Greg Baker | AFP/Getty Images) Baidu, Sina Weibo, and other Chinese websites have grown to become quite popular in the mainland, due to the heightened restrictions enforced by the government on the netizens. Unlike other regions in the world, where internet access to particular websites are often loosely regulated by the authorities, China is reportedly very serious when it comes to possible threats to its internet infrastructure and bans websites that goes against its established rules. People who have visited the country and connected to the internet will immediately notice that Google and its other services are blocked, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Instead of Google, locals use Baidu, which apparently works just as well as Google and is a search engine approved by the government. The Chinese also have other options, such as 360 Search and Sogou, but Baidu still dominates the rankings and over 60 percent of the search engine market. However, critics noted that it aggressively tries to copy Google albeit with slight differences. A quick look at the rankings provided by Alexa Internet (an online analytics company that specializes in commercial web traffic, which is owned by Amazon) shows that Baidu is one of the top 10 of the world's most popular websites. It might not immediately seem important for regular web users, but industry analysts believe otherwise. Professionals that work closely with SEO observed that searches made on Baidu that were in English, are redirected back to Bing. The findings are potentially beneficial for Bing and SEO specialists that rely on the platform. Here's a quick look at some of the interesting facts about Baidu, which we bet you didn't know till know. The Hubble Space Telescope is celebrating its 28th anniversary by taking stargazers on a visual exploratory treat to the Lagoon Nebula. An Interstellar Experience On Thursday, April 19, NASA set the Hubble Space Telescope onto the Lagoon Nebula. The celestial body is located 4,000 light-years away from Earth, while the Lagoon Nebula is 55 light-years wide and 20 light-years tall. Also, the Lagoon Nebula is three times the size of the moon, according to scientists. While the Hubble Space Telescope only caught a section of the Lagoon Nebula, due to its massive size it was able to capture a significant event that was going on inside. A giant star, which NASA called Herschel 36, was exploding. The Hubble Space Telescope perfectly captured the star erupting and releasing radiation and winds inside the nebula. Herschel 36 Statistics Throughout the Hubble Space Telescope's time capturing a part of the gigantic Lagoon Nebula, NASA scientists were hard at work identifying Herschel 36. The star is 32 times bigger than the sun. Herschel 36 also beats the sun with its temperature. However, scientists believe that the sun will outlive Herschel 36. Scientists have stated that the sun is 5 billion years old and has the power to continue to light the solar system for an additional 5 billion years. Due to Herschel 36's size, the 1-million-year-old star would live for only 5 million years. An Exclusive From NASA Tech Times recently spoke with Jim Jeletic, the Hubble deputy project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, about the Hubble Space Telescope's milestone celebration. Jeletic noted that thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA was able to learn more about scientific discoveries such as dark energy and was able to capture Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 making an impact on Jupiter. Also, the Hubble Space Telescope led to the discovery of thousands of planets. "From a science perspective, Hubble has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. It has allowed us to refine our knowledge in some areas and discovered things that we never knew existed," said Jeletic in an exclusive statement to Tech Times. The Hubble Milestone CNET reported that since the Hubble Space Telescope launched on April 24, 1990, the telescope has made over 1.5 million observations and captured images of more than 43,500 celestial objects. It has also made over 163,500 trips around Earth, which is the equivalent of 4 billion miles. Countless astronomers have cited Hubble data in over 15,000 research papers. Hubble In The News In addition to the Hubble Space Telescope celebrating its milestone anniversary, the space instrument also recently captured an 'Einstein Ring,' which showcased gravitational lensing. It was also able to obtain an image of a star called Icarus that is 9 billion light-years away from Earth. NASA also challenged stargazers to find ten new galaxies and two clusters that were added to the Messler Catalog. Click on the video to watch the telescope zoom and to fly through the Lagoon Nebula. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An international team of researchers revealed a giant meteorite impact crater is hidden beneath a half-mile of an ice sheet. First discovered in 2015, the team discovered the impact crater in northwest Greenland using data from NASA. It took the team three years to verify its existence and size. A paper was submitted to the journal Science Advances. Giant Impact Crater Found Under Ice The researchers first detected the impact crater while studying satellite data from NASA's Operation IceBrige, a multi-year project that used ice-penetrating radar to track changes in the polar ice in Greenland. To confirm its existence, a German research plane equipped with a new type of high-powered ice radar to map the suspected impact crater in stunning detail. The impact crater is right under the Hiawatha Glacier. At 19 miles wide and 1,000 feet deep, the impact crater is one of the biggest in the history of the world and the first to be found under thick ice sheets. The researchers claim that the impact crater is big enough to "swallow" Washington D.C. Meteorite Impact In Greenland According to the paper, the crater was formed less than 3 million years ago when an iron meteorite that is about half-a-mile wide struck Earth. In fact, Kurt Kjr, the lead author of the study and a professor at the Center for geoGenetics at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, said that the impact might have happened toward the end of the last ice age. He explained that the impact crater was perfectly preserved under all the ice a surprise considering that glacier ice is an erosive agent. He added that the newly-discovered impact crater is one of the youngest on the planet. How The Meteorite Impact Affected The Planet The researchers spent three years confirming and studying the impact crater, but their work is not done yet. Their next mission is to figure out how the meteorite impact affected its surroundings and the world. Earlier studies claim that large impacts can alter the planet's climate and the meteorite that hit the Earth might have had the force of 700 megaton warhead. Its arrival did not only left a mark in Greenland but shook the entire planet while sending rocky debris as far as North America and Europe. It might have also caused the ice age to extend for another 1,000 years. "The next step in the investigation will be to confidently date the impact," revealed Professor Kjr. "his will be a challenge, because it will probably require recovering material that melted during the impact from the bottom of the structure, but this is crucial if we are to understand how the Hiawatha impact affected life on Earth." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. GONZALES Facing allegations that she secretly copied or took confidential records on her way out, Ascension Parish's fired human resources director leveled allegations of fraud and prejudice within parish government as she fought unsuccessfully Thursday to save her job. Parish officials characterized the claims former Human Resources Director Taleta Wesley made as "spurious," 11th-hour allegations, and said Parish President Kenny Matassa had the full authority to dismiss her. Wesley had asked the Parish Council to hear her appeal of her termination in public, which they did during a lengthy meeting that stretched into late Thursday evening. She claimed that during her more than a year on the job she uncovered insurance and benefits fraud. She said Matassa ignored her mails, claiming that he favored white employees and appeared to not want a black woman heading his personnel department. She claimed she was fired for what she found. "This termination is only retaliation and discrimination-based," Wesley told the 11-member Parish Council in Gonzales. Jeff Diez, an attorney for the parish, told the council Wesley never raised the claims before Thursday night's council meeting, even as her Sept. 12 termination was being reviewed and proceeded through lower levels of appeal. He said Wesley was an "at-will" employee who served at the parish president's discretion and that Matassa had authority to fire her. Matassa did that, Diez said, because Wesley wasn't fulfilling her job requirements and left a Human Resources office in "chaos," with tasks incomplete. "This is a classic at-will employment case. We are a classic at-will employment parish," Diez told the council. "She just didn't make the grade." Councilman Travis Turner questioned whether the state's whistleblower law might undercut the at-will nature of her termination, given that she has filed an ethics complaint against Matassa and reported to supervisors that required federal employment forms were missing from personnel files. But, in a pair of 4-7 votes, a council majority backed Matassa and refused to overturn Wesley's termination and a disciplinary action integral to it. Under the parish process, the council can only vote whether to overturn the presidential actions being appealed. A two-thirds majority was required for it to be successful. The only council members voting in favor of motions to overturn the termination were Turner, Benny Johnson, Oliver Joseph and Daniel "Doc" Satterlee. Wesley was restricted in the evidence she was able to present to support her claims because she was barred from discussing many specifics about confidential personnel matters at the public hearing shown on public access television and streamed on the internet. For most of the lengthy hearing, Matassa allowed the parish's attorney and Chief Administrative Officer Ken Dawson to respond to Wesley. In a termination letter to Wesley earlier this year, Dawson wrote that her tenure in Ascension wasnt "working out amid disciplinary and other recent infractions. 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 In a statement Friday, Matassa charged that Wesley put on "a side show to distract everyone from her attack on parish employees by taking their legally protected personnel records." "Taleta Wesleys false statements are too numerous to count," Matassa said in a statement. "I completely deny all her accusations against me and Im disgusted by them." The parish, in a lawsuit, has accused Wesley of secretly copying or taking confidential employee records and personnel documents the morning after she was fired and is seeking a court order to have her return them. Yet, some of the issues raised by Wesley received implicit, partial confirmation by parish officials. Dawson, the CAO, told the council he and other human resources staff have been trying to address the issue Wesley raised of missing federal forms relating to the immigration status of employees hired by the parish. Wesley claimed 80 percent of the "I-9" forms for 1,100 employees were missing or incomplete. The forms are required by federal law to ensure workers have legal status in the United States and are able to be employed. The 1,100 total includes about 500 direct parish employees but also those for whom parish government provides some funding and for whom the Human Resources Department handles their records, including area firefighters and prosecutors. Wesley came to the parish last year seen as a key figure who would usher in major personnel and merit-based pay changes to parish government after an extensive review of Ascension's operations by the parish's hired consultant. The relationship appeared to quickly sour. In support of her termination, parish officials charged in disciplinary documents that she showed disrespect to parish leaders during another employees closed-door appeal hearing and raised an accusation of insubordination for changing an employees work status without the parish presidents approval. Wesley had refused until Thursday night to comment on her termination, but a few in the parish had defended her. Wesley noted in her comments Thursday night that nearly a quarter of the parish's population made is up of black and other minority residents, yet the parish has only three minority administrators. One of the three, Dawson, is the top administrator under Matassa and the person assigned to fire Wesley. Amid the termination fight, Wesley requested two years of emails, text messages, phone logs and other data from several parish officials, including Matassa, Dawson and others. The request is the subject of another lawsuit brought by that parish, with Wesley as a defendant. The parish is seeking to have a court set reasonable fees upward of $5,000 to produce the records. After the hearing, Wesley said she was not surprised by the outcome at this point but suggested the dispute isn't over. "There is more to come," she said. You are here: Business The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) gave the green light to trading of ethanediol futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange on Friday. The futures trading will be launched on December 10, 2018, according to Chang Depeng, spokesperson with the CSRC. Ethanediol is an important raw material to the chemical fiber industry, with China ranking as the world's largest producer and consumer of the product, Chang said. Drastic price fluctuations of ethanediol have exerted a big impact on related industries. Futures trading, as a tool of hedging and price bargaining, could promote the structural upgrading and healthy development of the industry, Chang said. The CSRC has asked the Dalian exchange to make full preparations to ensure steady operation of the trading. After delaying the item for a month, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board has agreed to create a position for someone to work with current and future charter schools as well as analyze the performance of struggling Baton Rouge schools. When the proposed position came up on Oct. 18, charter school skeptics on the board were wary. Other school districts with this position, known as a portfolio manager, have undergone expansions of charter schools. Some East Baton Rouge school board members question need for new charter school liaison position Charter school skeptics on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board managed to delay creating a new job to work with charter schools as well a But by Thursday, most of those worries among School Board members appear largely relieved, at least for now. Superintendent Warren Drake noted the school system has several charter schools to oversee, with some performing well but others less so. We have some charters that need to be looked at, like all of our schools do, Drake explained. But the portfolio manager will do more than that. This is a position that will help every school, Drake added. The board voted 8-0 to approve the position. Board member Dawn Collins, who abstained, said she feels better about the job after talking with district officials, but she still wants more clarity about a part of the job description that calls for the new administrator to align portfolio management initiatives to the districts strategic plan. Board member Vereta Lee said she hopes this new manager will make sure charter schools follow the same rules as traditional public schools. In my experience, they just do what they want to do and they think its OK, Lee said. 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 Board member Jill Dyason said she likes the portfolio manager position so much that she says it should be expanded. I hope we will use this model to review our traditional schools as well, Dyason said. Caroline Roemer, executive director of the Louisiana Public Charter Schools Association, said the fears expressed about this job have been misplaced. It is really an opportunity for you as a district to put in some standards to ensure that the charters you have are operating at the quality you want, she said. Roemer said this administrator also should establish a process that would remove some of the politics that come with (charter) renewals and non-renewals. The portfolio manager was one piece of an application filed by the school system for a federally funded school improvement grant. The state approved the grant in June, awarding the school system $2.2 million, including money for the portfolio manager position. The grant is meant to fund improvements to the school system, particularly the districts 32 schools that have D and F letter grades on a state assessment of academic performance. Charter school advocates push East Baton Rouge school system to move quickly on policies, position Even as the East Baton Rouge Parish school system has moved to quickly spend a $2.2 million school improvement grant, including rolling out ne The portfolio manager, once hired, will deal most directly with the 10 district-authorized charter schools, serving as a liaison and point of contact. Other duties involve work on the application and renewal process for charter schools, conducting annual reviews, publishing an annual school report, sharing best practices with charter schools, and analyzing the district to ensure high quality seats across district schools. The job description calls for someone with a masters degree or higher in educational leadership, plus at least five years in teaching and instructional supervision. Pay for the position has yet to be determined but the grant comes with $95,000 for the job. After subtracting the cost of benefits, that means a salary somewhere north of $60,000 a year. The federal grant is expected to fund the position for at least three years. Since taking the helm of the Louisiana Department of Health nearly three years ago, Dr. Rebekah Gee has served as a lightning rod for critics of Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration. House Republican leaders have complained when she missed a hearing at the State Capitol and frequently castigated her when she has attended to answer questions about her agency's $11 billion-plus budget. Gee, who lives with her husband and children in New Orleans, has faced insinuations about whether she's in Baton Rouge enough and was widely seen as the target of ultimately unsuccessful legislation regulating agency heads' work requirements. Even before Gee took on the full-time Health secretary job, some openly objected to her appointment over claims that Gee, an OB-GYN, once gave a speech at a "Pro-Choice Massachusetts" meeting. This week, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy became the latest to take aim at Gee, calling for her resignation after an audit turned up improper Medicaid payments. "Actions ought to have consequences," Kennedy, of Madisonville, told reporters on a call from Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. "If this was in the private sector, Dr. Gee would have been fired an hour after that report." Gee, previously the state Medicaid medical director, declined The Advocate's request for an interview this week, with an LDH spokeswoman citing scheduling conflicts. Edwards has repeatedly gone to the mat to defend Gee against the bouts of criticism she's faced since joining him at the start of his administration often in a way that he hasn't had to for other officials in his administration. This week, shortly after Kennedy's comments made the rounds through news reports and on social media, the governor again affirmed his continued "full confidence" in Gee. "Under Dr. Gees watch the uninsured rate in Louisiana has been cut in half, and weve saved hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to Medicaid expansion," Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo said. "(Kennedy)d be doing our country and state a great service by focusing on the job he ran for three times, rather than meddling into issues he knows nothing about." Kennedy, a Republican and frequent critic of the Edwards administration, is expected to announce this month whether he will challenge the incumbent Democratic governor in next year's election. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor's report this week highlighted as much as $85 million that may have been misspent on Medicaid coverage for people whose income exceeded the current threshold. The estimation was based on a random, limited sample of the Medicaid expansion population. Shortly after its release, LDH announced it had launched a new eligibility system this week. This transition is like upgrading from an old flip-style cellphone to a modern smartphone, Gee said in a news release. The new system will better ensure eligibility by connecting with state and federal databases to automatically provide more information about income, disability, citizenship status and other eligibility requirements." Audit: Louisiana may have misspent $85M in Medicaid program Louisiana's health department may have spent as much as $85 million over 20 months for people enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program who d 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 The tech upgrade had been in the works a year before its launch this week, and LDH has spent months training employees to use it. "This administration is increasing income verification checks by 400 percent, which will address the long-term problem described in the audit," Carbo said. Shortly after taking office in January 2016, Edwards signed an executive order expanding Medicaid, which is optional for states under the federal Affordable Care Act. More than 481,000 Louisiana adults, mostly the working poor, have been added to the program since it went into effect in July 2016. Gee, a vocal proponent and de facto face of expansion, has offered advice to other states related to Louisiana's quick implementation. She often credits the expansion for improved state health outcomes and a drastic drop in the state's uninsured rate. Under the expansion, adults whose household income falls below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, about $16,600 for a single person or $33,940 for a family of four, are eligible for government-funded health care coverage. Louisiana considering new method for increasing access to Hep C drugs Louisiana could soon become the first state well on its way to ridding its residents of the nation's most deadly infectious disease, under an But the price tag, and explosive enrollment growth since the start of expansion, has made it a target, particularly among Edwards' Republican critics who argue that, even though most of the funding for it comes from the federal government, the ballooning program will become unsustainable and eventually put pressure on state finances. The expansion has also prompted increased calls for rooting out any potential fraud in the program, which were reignited after the release of this week's audit. This is about saving people's lives, but some challenge Louisianas Medicaid health care costs In the two years since Louisiana expanded its Medicaid health care program, more than 400 women enrolled have been diagnosed with breast cance During often tense budget hearings at the State Capitol over the past two years, Gee has defended her budget and rejected suggestions that LDH may have some fat to trim. House Republican lawmakers last fall temporarily blocked contracts for managed care companies that coordinate services for the state's Medicaid program, urging LDH to see if additional savings could be gleaned. Earlier this year, a House Republican-backed bill meant to regulate when and how Cabinet members do their jobs was met with wide-spread speculation that it was targeted at Gee, though its supporters denied that it was directed at any agency head specifically. Gee, who often tells her story of moving to New Orleans in 2009 after attending Jazz Fest and falling in love with the city, has an office there in Benson Tower, in addition to her downtown Baton Rouge office. The proposal, which ultimately failed to pass the GOP-controlled House, would require department heads to work "full time" seven hours a day and 40 hours a week and "report to work on each day that his (or her) agency is open to the public." The bill also was seen as directed at Gee's continued occasional clinic work, without pay, at the LSU Uptown Clinic on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, as it sought to prohibit agency heads from performing any outside work related to their state government jobs in some cases. As health secretary, LSU Health Sciences falls under Gee's purview, which prompted questions about whether the proposal would have prevented her from any further practice there. Despite high-profile projects in Baton Rouge and elsewhere, Louisiana's $14 billion backlog of road and bridge needs will rise next year because the state lacks the needed resources, state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson said Thursday. "We don't have the money to invest in building projects because we are spending all the money to preserve what we have," Wilson said. "We aren't investing in our future." Wilson also said the Sunshine Bridge will re-open in January and "possibly sooner." +3 Coast Guard opens formal probe into Sunshine Bridge crash; examining all aspects for 'any unsafe conditions' The crane barge crash that shut the Sunshine Bridge for months has triggered one of the U.S. Coast Guard's more-serious levels of maritime inv Asked later if a December re-opening is possible he said, "I can't say that because there is a lot that has to happen." Wilson made his comments during the annual meeting of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana. His views mirrored those he made a year ago, nearly to the day, after a bid by Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration to increase the state gas tax by 17 cents per gallon, and raise another $500 million per year, died in the Legislature. No such push is expected again until at least 2021 because of legislative rules and political concerns, including the fact 2019 is an election year. The state is launching a $350 million plan to widen Interstate 10 from the "new" Mississippi River bridge to or near the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge. +13 I-10 expansion in BR is good news for many -- except folks whose homes, businesses will be torn down The widening of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge is set to take the home of James "Rickey" Harris after half a century in his family. However, that work will be financed with federal bonds, as will a second project to upgrade I-10 near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Wilson said the state Department of Transportation and Development plans to spend $937 million next year, including $788 million on road and bridge preservation. Even with that, he said, today's $14 billion backlog is expected to grow by several hundred million dollars. "We are not spending enough to stop the deterioration," he said. The backlog rose last year even though the state spent $1.2 billion for transportation. 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 +2 Unlike past battles, a wider I-10 in Baton Rouge could happen if these key questions are answered In a huge change from previous efforts, the latest push to widen Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge enjoys bipartisan political support, a source of Motorists spend 38.4 cents per gallon, including 20 cents in state taxes. Wilson said 33 states have boosted transportation spending since 2012. The last change here was in 1990. "Our roads are in poor condition," he told the group. Wilson said 8.6 percent of state roads are labeled deficient 12th highest in the nation and 14 percent of bridges carry that label 7th highest. "Those are upside down statistics if you ask me," he said. Wilson also said the state will have problems coming up with enough dollars in 2019 to qualify for federal matching money. The 54-year-old Sunshine Bridge has been out of service since Oct. 12, when it was damaged by a crane barge. The closure has sparked huge problems for families and businesses who rely on the structure, which typically handles about 25,000 cars and trucks daily. Wilson's comment that the bridge will re-open in January or sooner sparked attention. But he said after his address that it is too soon to raise hopes of an earlier opening. "January is what we have put as our completion date. That is based on the work that we have and is based on weather and all those other things that might factor into what we have, how effective are they going to be putting in the spliced beam and does it meet the safety standards." "As soon as we can re-open it we will," Wilson said. "We aren't going to wait and say there is a strategic opening on Jan. 3." He added, "There is no firm date other than January that we are communicating to the public because I don't want folks to build anticipation and have high winds that slow everything down or have steel that doesn't pass muster or something happens on the water that causes an issue." Customs officers from Guangdong province and Hong Kong seized 10 pieces of African ivory, weighing 323.7 kilograms, after cracking down on a major smuggling operation. Seventeen suspects, including six Hong Kong residents, were detained for further investigation, according to Ma Dongsheng, a senior customs officer with the anti-smuggling bureau of Shenzhen Customs. "A major smuggling channel that used to be active in smuggling African ivory to the mainland has been destroyed after a major smuggling gang was busted during the operation," Ma told a news conference on Thursday. Led by the General Administration of Customs, a special task force was set up after customs officers in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, seized smuggled ivory late last year. A gang of smugglers, including members from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, are suspected of taking African ivory into Guangdong via Hong Kong, Ma said. The task force consisted of customs officers from Shenzhen, Zhanjiang and Fuzhou, Fujian province. After months of investigation, Shenzhen officers detained three suspects and seized two complete ivory pieces weighing 46.7 kg in Dongguan, Guangdong. Meanwhile, another eight suspects were detained elsewhere in cooperation with police in Jiangmen, Guangdong, and in Putian, Fujian province. Most of the gang members are natives of Fujian. The detainees include the two suspected gang leaders, surnamed Cai and Su. With information provided by customs officers in Shenzhen, Hong Kong customs officers detained another six suspects and seized 10 complete pieces of ivory weighing 277 kg, in an operation launched in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, in July. "The gang is believed to have smuggled about a metric ton of African ivory, rhinoceros horn and related rare animal parts into the mainland via Hong Kong since November 2017," Ma said. The potential for big profits has encouraged criminals to risk smuggling ivory into the mainland after China officially banned commercial processing and sales at the beginning of this year, Ma said, adding that Shenzhen Customs has made the fight against ivory smuggling a top priority this year. Despite the achievement, Ma promised that customs officers in the southern metropolis will never relax their vigilance and will further expand cooperation with their counterparts at home and abroad in the months to come. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Over the past few months, I have seen various groups running fiber optic lines for AT&T across Baton Rouge. Why does the laying of fiber s Louisiana casinos brought in 5.1 percent less in winnings from gamblers in October compared to a year earlier, with the New Orleans gambling market posting another year-over-year decline. Louisianas 15 riverboat casinos, four racinos and the land-based Harrahs casino in New Orleans collectively brought in about $188 million in October, down more than $10 million from October 2017. The figures were released Thursday by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. New Orleans gambling market saw a 3.7 percent decline in winnings over the year to $46.6 million from $48.4 million a year ago. Harrahs casino in New Orleans, the states only land-based casino, pulled in nearly $22.4 million, down 9.3 percent from October 2017, when it reported $24.6 million. The New Orleans regions riverboat casinos saw higher revenue in October, up 1.6 percent compared from last year. Treasure Chest was the only one of New Orleans three riverboat casinos to report declining revenue over the year, down $362,407 or 4.2 percent. Amelia Belle and Boomtown saw gains of 4.5 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively. The Fair Grounds racetrack saw higher revenue, up 4.4 percent from $3.2 million to nearly $3.4 million. The three riverboat casinos in Baton Rouge saw revenue fall by 17.6 percent over the year. The market, which is made up of the LAuberge, Belle and Hollywood casinos, has not seen a yearly gain in revenue since August 2017. Each of Baton Rouges casinos saw winnings fall by more than $1 million compared to last October, and LAuberge reported the largest dollar decline of $1.5 million, or 11.7 percent. The Belle of Baton Rouge reported a $1.3 million, or 32.8 percent drop, while Hollywood casino reported a $1.1 million, or 21.1 percent decline. Collectively, the Baton Rouge market brought in $18.5 million in October, down from $22.5 million the previous year. Revenue from video poker terminals at Louisianas 1,687 locations was up 5.8 percent in October, to $48.3 million. The Lake Charles market was down nearly 6 percent to $67.2 million. The Shreveport markets revenue was flat at $49.6 million. The Acadiana market, composed of Evangeline Downs, was down 1.7 percent over the year to $6.1 million. Some two million Australian households with rooftop solar panels have done much to transform their involvement in the electricity sector and what they park in their garages may one day be just as disruptive. The first electric vehicles equipped to both charge from and discharge into the grid will soon be an option when the new Nissan Leaf goes on sale in Australia by mid next year. Other models will likely follow with the same bi-directional charging capability, and with Bloomberg New Energy Finance tipping electric cars to be cheaper upfront than diesel or petrol ones by 2024, numbers of these mobile power plants could accelerate. Going with the flow: Nissan's new Leaf comes with bi-directional charging capacity, making it potentially a mini, mobile power station. Iain Macgill, director of the Centre for Energy & Environmental Markets at the University of NSW, said rapid improvements in battery technology meant "there's potentially a very substantial load in terms of energy and power" in the coming wave of electric cars. Some of Australia's best-known technology companies and startups have warned the federal government they will move parts of their operations offshore if changes to the research and development tax incentive are passed. Submissions to a review of the coalition's proposed changes to tax offset scheme for research activity have widely planned the policy, with growth success stories like Cochlear warning it will lead them to consider other options for future research. Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert introduced the tax bill including the R&D changes into parliament in September. The changes, were considered before a senate committee hearing on Friday, include capping the cash refund available for research activities at $4 million. It will also make changes to the offsets businesses can claim based on the "intensity" of research activities, or the percentage spent on research relative to other expenditure. Small business accounting software provider MYOB and bricklaying robot inventor Fastbrick Robotics are among a range of other voices saying they will consider going overseas where better research incentives are available. Betsy Ziegler, chief executive of not-for profit 1871 says the group has six venture capital firms headquartered in the same building as the entrepreneurs, and more than 100 large corporate partners. High-tech start-ups such as Smart Traffik are part of a growing number of businesses supported by what are known as incubators or business accelerators. These are centres that provide startups with training, advice and connections to startup capital or possible corporate clients, so that smart business ideas can be turned into real commercial success. Simonins business is running its US expansion plan from Chicagos 1871 the city's largest incubator, named after the year of a fire that devastated the city's downtown area. In the last five years or so, the number of these incubators in Chicago has exploded from 25 to more than 100, as more capital has flowed into the startup scene. Betsy Ziegler, the chief executive of not-for-profit 1871, says such is the growth that demand for space from entrepreneurs is off the charts". Loading Outfits such as 1871 are by no means unique. Fintech incubator Stone & Chalk or co-working space Fishburners in Australia perform a similar function. But Ziegler says that unlike many incubators, 1871 has six venture capital firms headquartered in the same building as the entrepreneurs, and more than 100 large corporate partners. The hope, with all this activity and all these people, is that an entrepreneur will have a very high likelihood of having what I call a creative or productive collision with somebody that can help them, she says. So theyll bounce into another entrepreneur, theyll bounce into a mentor, a venture capitalist, somebody who can help increase the likelihood that their business is successful. Pere Marc Rigo is another Chicago-based startup founder, whose business Package Zen sells a system to help businesses and large organisations manageparcel deliveries. He says the support 1871 offered helped tremendously in the companys very early days. Theres all of the types of things that you just simply dont have to worry about in a place like this, he says. Ziegler says 1871 has 470 companies currently incubating in its space, while it has 400 alumni firms that have flown the coop. She estimates it has created 8000 jobs in the city. It was ranked the best university-affiliated incubator in the world this year by UBI Global, which benchmarks incubators. To be sure, a huge volume of tech investment can cause its own problems for a city. Loading The sheer volume of tech investment in Silicon Valley is blamed with causing social problems including an affordable housing crisis. Yet in cities once reliant on industries feeling the effects of structural change, startup investment can have clear social and economic benefits. Ziegler points about one third of the founders 1871 supports are female a dramatically higher proportion than the amount of venture capital that flows to women in total, which has been estimated at just 2 or 3 per cent. The startup scene in Chicago is also credited with supporting its restaurant industry, which in turn is being used to sell it as a tourism destination. Given these spillovers, it is hardly surprising that governments everywhere - including in Australia - are keen to support more entrepreneurs and are trying to turn themselves into startup hubs. Angel investor and Atlassian head of communications products, Oji Udezue has urged Australian startups to 'dig deeper'. The City of Melbourne has its own startup action plan launched last year, complete with pictures of young people discussing their ideas while sitting on milk crates drinking coffee. Startups lie at the heart of job creation, investment attraction and economic growth across the worlds major economies, and Australia is no exception, it states. A report from US business consultants AT Kearney also identified Melbourne's potential ranking it 10th in its list of cities with the future potential to be truly global cities". Innovation figures importantly in this report's calculations it ranked San Francisco first, while Sydney ranked a respectable 19th. Battle for capital But what might governments actually do to attract this much sought-after capital? Alongside acting as advocates, governments might have a role in setting tax incentives correctly and planning to make affordable physical space available for hubs. 1871, for example, occupies part of Chicagos Merchandise Mart, a massive iconic building used for wholesaling, etched into the citys history as a centre of trade. We need government co-ordination and it needs to have a plan. Ian Harper, dean of Melbourne Business School Professor Ian Harper, dean of Melbourne Business School, says governments can play a role in making sure there are the appropriate zoning and planning rules to support the development of tech hubs. Harper, who also sits on the Reserve Bank board, says attracting forms of technology investment whether it is through startups or advanced manufacturing will be vital to future jobs growth. He argues Melbourne in particular has already had success in transforming itself towards these knowledge-intensive jobs, and it should be trying to be a "magnet" for tech companies. Market forces will ultimately decide where startup capital flows, but sensible planning from governments can give the process a helping hand. At least eight top international hotels, including five from Shanghai, apologized yesterday after their unhygienic room cleaning practices in China were exposed online. A blogger with the pseudonym "Huazong" posted the 11-minute video late on Wednesday on his Weibo social media account. It had been shared 78,000 times by yesterday afternoon, prompting authorities to act. The video shows cleaners wiping cups and sinks with dirty towels and sponges. Some use the same towel to wipe the toilet seat, while others could be seen soaking cups in shampoo! The video had footages from 15 luxury hotels, seven of them from Shanghai. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai said it has taken action and launched an investigation to ensure that all hygiene and cleaning operations meet the national sanitary management standards. It apologized in a statement as well. Mandarin Oriental Pudong also apologized and said it had carried out a thorough investigation and acted on the results as well. The hotel said it does not tolerate any improper cleaning practices by its room attendants. Ritz-Carlton Shanghai said in a statement that it has launched self-checks and an investigation found that the room attendant in the video had received training on room cleaning standards and procedures, but still failed to carry out his job properly. The hotel apologized and said it would conduct the training again to ensure that standards are strictly maintained and would also boost room checks. Four Seasons also issued an apology saying it would enhance training and supervision to make sure that workers stick to regulations and service standards at work. An investigation is under way, it said in the statement. The Shangri-La Hotel in Fuzhou said the actions in the video violate its hygiene standards, while the Park Hyatt in Beijing claimed it was an isolated occurrence. The Sheraton in Guiyang City and Le Royal Meridien Shanghai also apologized. Sheraton said it was reviewing its procedures. Le Royal Meridien said it would take measures, such as training, procedure improvement and management, to ensure cleaning standards are implemented. Hilton and Marriott group properties were among the 15 luxury hotels included in the video. The Shanghai Health Inspection Agency under the Shanghai Tourism Administration said it had ordered inspection authorities in Jing'an and Huangpu districts and the Pudong New Area to investigate the hotels that are featured in the video. Beijing tourism authorities also issued a statement requiring hotels to check and rectify their practices. It added that it had asked the Beijing health commission to conduct sanitary inspections of four of the hotels named in the video. The video, reportedly shot over two months, also shows luxury hotels in Nanjing and Nanchang indulging in similar practices. The Shanghai Tourism Administration said if the video was confirmed to be true, it would impose severe punishment on the hotels involved. It said it would advise authorities assessing the hotels' star ratings to get tougher on their evaluation criterion. A cleaner at Bulgari Hotel Shanghai was found using a disposable plastic cup cover from a garbage bin and using it repeatedly after wiping it with a T-shirt. The cleaner also wiped glass and washbasin with a used towel. A staff at the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai used the same sponge used in the bathroom to clean washbasins and glass. The cleaner also used a dirty towel to clean basins and cups as well. Cups were soaked in shampoo and bath towel was used to clean the floor and wipe bathroom glass at the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai. Shanghai's PuLi Hotel and Spa also features in the video. "It is really disgusting," said Lydia Qian, who works in an advertisement company and travels on business trips often. "I carry my own towels, but now it seems I have to carry my own cups, too. "I just can't imagine such things happening at five-star hotels," she added. Cindy Yu, a former public relations staff at a five-star hotel, said she carried her own "disinfectant when staying in hotels." "I think luxury hotels should learn a lesson and educate their staff after this incident." Industry insiders say often basic cleaning procedures such as changing bedsheets are skipped during peak season. "Some room attendants just sprinkle water and flatten quilts if there are no obvious dirt or stains," said Yi Xin, who has experience working in a five-star hotel for over five years. Wang Li, who has five-star hotel work experience, said when hotels receive big number of tour groups, cleaning procedures were sometimes skipped. Hotels don't clean beds or toilets if not necessary. Huang Tiemin, a Shanghai Tourism Trade Association official, blamed the intensity of work, the hotels' pursuit of speed cleaning rather than quality and cleaners' low pay for the scandal. Taglietti People As part of DESIGN Canberras celebration of the work of Enrico Taglietti, PhotoAccess in partnership with DESIGN Canberra has commissioned Canberra photographer Mark Mohell to create a series of intimate portraits of people with strong connections to Taglietti and his design work. Mark Mohell, Enrico, 2018, archival pigment print, detail Credit:Mark Mohell Taglietti People features seven black-and-white portraits, including the architect himself Enrico Taglietti, together with well known Canberra glass artist Judi Elliot and her husband Bob Elliott, who live in and own a home design by Taglietti; builder Bob Beaver, who built Giralang Primary school along with many of Enrico's other designs; as well as Canberran's Suzie Northcote, Mervyn Paterson, Gillian (Dinny) Killen and architect and Supermanoeuvre director Dave Pigrams. Dr Sarah Engledow writes in the exhibition essay, The Taglietti people photographed by Mark Mohell express some of the traits of Canberrans that make life in the city interesting. Across generations, the geophysicist, the public servant, the artist, the builder, the developer and the architects share characteristics of unobtrusiveness, intelligence, curiosity and creativity. The poorer you are, the more likely you are to live near to heavy industrial polluters. And the richer you are, the more likely you are to breathe clean air, according to an analysis just published by a green campaigning group. Australian airports are often in the least prosperous parts of the city, including in Canberra. Credit:Photo: Melissa Adams The report by the Australian Conservation Foundation finds that the ACT is cleaner than other major cities in Australia but within it there are sources of industrial pollution, with Fyshwick and its surrounds the biggest source of industrial pollution. It says government figures show that the biggest industrial emitter in the ACT is the Boral Mugga Lane Quarry within the Fyshwick postcode. The researchers say it's responsible for nearly two thirds of the industrial pollution in that part of the ACT. Ibrahim Abbas has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for planning a Christmas Day terror attack at major Melbourne landmarks in a jihad-inspired plan to inflict mass carnage in 2016. Abbas, the ringleader of the would-be terror group, will spend at least 20 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole. Details of his sentence can now be revealed after a suppression order relating to the case was revoked late on Friday afternoon. Abbas, a young father from Campbellfield, pleaded guilty earlier this year over his part in planning a 2016 Christmas Day terror attack at major Melbourne landmarks in a jihad-inspired plan to inflict mass carnage. Mr James said Allied do not engage independent contractors. The labour we on-hire to our clients is strictly on a contract of service basis under an employee/employer arrangement, not a contract for service typically used in independent contracting arrangements, he said. Mr Hanssen said the company paid Allied Recruitment the rates as agreed in their labour hire agreement and is defending the action. According to Allied Recruitment, under their agreement with Hanssen, Allied employees worked under the direction, control and supervision of Hanssen and Hanssen regulated the hours of work, the work to be performed, and the manner in which it was to be performed (and) stipulated to Allied that employees were to be paid an agreed rate that would be based upon their skills and experience and was to be in line with a schedule of rates provided to all Hanssen labour suppliers and in return Hanssen were charged a fixed, agreed mark up on the hourly rate paid to the Allied employee. Allied Recruitment says that on 26 July, they became aware of a media release from the Fair Work Ombudsman stating that that FWO had commenced legal action against another Perth labour supply company - trading as Construct Contractor Solutions - with respect to labour they supplied to Hanssen, stating: The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the workers were entitled to receive the minimum wage rates and entitlements under the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010. Mr Hanssen noted that the FWO media release, issued July 4, stated the Ombudsman makes no allegation against Hanssen in relation to workers supplied by Personnel Contracting Pty Ltd (t/a Construct Contractor Solutions). Managing director of Allied Recruitment, Campbell James, said: As we were employing people at rates stipulated by Hanssen, being presumably similar to the rates leading to the FWO prosecution, we were concerned that we may also have employees who had potentially not received their lawful entitlements. We immediately took action to quantify and rectify this. On August 2, representatives of Allied Recruitment, including Mr James, met with Mr Hanssen to discuss the FWO media release and address the allegations that employees may have been receiving less than what they were entitled to under the relevant award. It is understood the schedule of rates prescribed by Hanssen dictated an initial rate of $23 per hour for labourers, and $26 for trades such carpenters, concreters and painters, all as flat rates. Our position communicated to Mr Hanssen was very clear - our employees must be paid at rates sufficient to meet their lawful entitlements, Mr James said. Unfortunately, Mr Hanssen was not prepared to entertain this. Later that day Allied terminated its agreement to supply labour to Hanssen. It was after this that Allied commissioned an independent consultant to audit the wages paid to employees on-hired to Hanssen Pty Ltd. The audit found 93 workers had been paid at rates below the award rates and entitlements with respect to base hourly rates of pay based on award classification, ordinary hours of work and overtime penalty rates, crib break entitlements and allowances such as meal, tool, multi storey and daily fares. The underpayments for individual workers ranged from $28.88 to $14,100.97 - with a total amount of $271,374.44 in unpaid wages. Allieds writ in the District Court makes a claim for $357,488.76 in unpaid wages and associated costs. Mr James said the majority of Allied employees were paid at rates that met their award entitlement for ordinary hours, but given the manner in which Hanssen engaged them, with regular overtime and weekend work, there was a substantial shortfall once penalty rate entitlements and allowances like meal and travel allowances were factored in. The audit found 95.2 per cent of the underpayment related to Award entitlements identified as non-ordinary time earnings. Allied contacted all underpaid employees and advised them of the amounts they had been underpaid. Mr James said it had been a phenomenal week, really. Once the emails were sent, the phones rang off the hook from employees letting us know that our mail server had been hacked and was being used to send out a phishing scam. We had to tell them that it was genuine, and notify some of them that they were due in excess of ten thousand dollars, he said. We had a few people burst into tears with joy. They couldnt believe it. Weve done all of this voluntarily, and without Hanssens support. If they dont come to the party and honour our cost plus agreement then the next few years are going to be very tough, but leaving our employees with less than their lawful entitlements simply isnt an option." A WA man who crashed his car into the side of a taxi while trying to escape police unknowingly killed his uncle during the pursuit, a court has heard. Clayton Nimboy Walker, 29, appeared in the WA Supreme Court last week, charged with aggravated dangerous driving, manslaughter and failing to report the crash to police. The intersection of Burt and Thomson Street where the crash occurred. Credit:Google Maps The court heard the incident happened on December 4 in 2016, when Walker drove a Holden Commodore with no registration plates on Clancy Street in Boulder. He had four people in the car with him when a marked police car spotted the vehicle stopped at an intersection. A driver has been flown to Perth after being seriously injured when his 25-tonne crane rolled over and crashed on the North West Coastal Highway on Thursday afternoon. The 25-tonne crane tipped on the North West Coastal Highway between Karratha and Roebourne in WA's Pilbara. Credit:WA Police The incident occurred around 3pm, about 12 kilometres south of Roebourne. A police spokesman said the 41-year-old driver had to be cut from the wreckage by emergency crews. Police on Friday said it is believed a tyre blew out, causing the crane to roll. Mr Druery has run his preference harvesting business for nearly 20 years. An investigation by The Age can reveal that two large blue-collar unions have been among his clients. Ahead of the 2016 federal election, Mr Druery was paid by the CFMEU and the national electrical division of the Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union. At the time he was also a consultant to then-aspiring politician Derryn Hinch. ABC political analyst Antony Green. Credit:Jacky Ghossein Senator Hinch has insisted Mr Druery, who lives on a 17-metre yacht at Clontarf marina in Sydney, has conducted his cash-for-votes business in his own time and with his own resources. He said Mr Druery was currently on leave but wasnt sure how long that had been the case. I think hes been on leave for a couple of weeks, Senator Hinch said. I dont think hes doing anything illegal. Mr Druery's method is to bring micro-parties together in a bloc to preference each other he describes it as his "family" to allow them to lift their votes above larger, better recognised and supported parties. Glenn Druery's yacht Aphelion His preference dealing maximises the likelihood of his parties being elected in different upper house regions. The Druery deals rely on group tickets and the fact that most electors vote above the line for the upper house, resulting in preferences being allocated according to deals struck by Druery and party bosses. Loading Victoria and Western Australia are the only jurisdictions left in Australia where the use of group voting tickets allows Mr Druerys strategy to affect the outcome of elections. The ABCs Mr Green said the voting system was being gamed and, rather than reflecting the will of voters, represents the will of the party organisers. "Its really disturbing, its mystifying people shrug their shoulders as this is an outrage. Pressure for reform of upper house voting is now mounting after Labor and the Coalition failed to tackle electoral reform since 2014. A record 380 candidates are contesting the 40 upper house seats in eight upper house regions, and it now looks likely that there will be even more politicians from micro parties in parliament after next Saturday. Labor and the Greens have had just 19 of 40 upper house seats since 2014. Parties that are campaigning hard, and seriously, with substantial grassroots support including the Greens, Fiona Pattens Reason Party, and Steve Jollys Socialists face the real prospect of losing out to Druerys micro parties. Candidate Stephen Jolly described Druery as a ''Rasputin'' of the election. Credit:Pat Scala Victorian Socialists under prominent Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly, have run an impressive grassroots campaign for the upper house seat of Northern Metropolitan. While the Socialists could double or even triple the vote of Derryn Hinchs Justice Party for instance, Jolly may still lose out because of Mr Druerys preference deals. "The Rasputin of all this is a man, Druery, who sees democracy as a money spinner. Its disgusting, said Jolly. "Those parties who get mixed up in it should be ashamed of it. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten, who will struggle to regain her northern metropolitan seat, said Mr Druery had asked her team for a $5000 upfront fee to join his "family" and a success fee of $50,000 for each candidate elected. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten Credit:Wayne Taylor Ms Patten said her party (formerly the Sex Party) was told it would not be able to discuss preferences with the Justice Party without paying. In 2014 Mr Druery was paid $20,000 to help in the final stages of Ms Patten's campaign. It is unclear how many parties have paid Mr Druery, The Age understands that micro-parties which have dealt with him include the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Sustainable Australia, Aussie Battler Party, Transport Matters and Senator Hinchs Justice Party. Sustainable Australias William Bourke defended micro parties banding together against the oligopoly of the Labor, the Coalition or Greens. He refused to comment when asked about how much his party was paying Mr Druery. Senator Hinch confirmed Mr Druery worked as a consultant to him from late 2015 and then as an adviser after his election to the Senate in July 2016. But he denied Mr Druery was working for unions while also consulting to him. Thats a rumour, thats bullshit,'' Senator Hinch said. The electrical division of the CEPU has confirmed hiring Mr Druery for $50,000 for a period of about 10 weeks through late 2015 and early 2016. Mr Druery has refused to respond to repeated requests for comment. Glenn Druery has not responded to repeated requests for comment from 'The Age'. Credit:Andrew Meares Mr Green encouraged voters to vote below the line for individual candidates in the upper house rather than voting above the line and allowing parties to direct preferences. In Victoria, voters only need to vote 1 to 5 below the line rather than placing a preference beside all candidates as was previously required in Senate voting. Next Saturday, it is likely that the balance of power in Victorias upper house will fall into the hands of half a dozen parties and candidates that most Victorians have never heard of. This is because Victoria still conducts its upper house elections using the discredited group voting ticket system. The balance of power in Victoria's upper house is likely to fall into the hands of previously unknown candidates. Credit:Joe Armao Group voting tickets have been abolished in NSW and South Australia, and the Turnbull government abolished them for the Senate ahead of the 2016 federal election. At Senate elections it is no longer possible for parties with a fraction of the vote to win election courtesy of exotic preference deals. The Soil Great Wall in Beijing's Yanqing district is an important part of the Great Wall defense system, with a history of 400-500 years. After given approval by the cultural relics department, the Yanqing section of the Soil Great Wall conducted its first ever rescue repairs this year. According to the Yanqing Cultural Relics Management Office, the restoration project that began at the end of last April has been completed. The work mainly involved reinforcing the beacon towers No.1 to No.6 and the side walls of the Chadaocheng Pass section of the Soil Great Wall. The Chadaocheng Pass section of the Soil Great Wall is also known as the Outer Wall. The No. 1 to No. 6 beacon towers stand on the northern and eastern sides of the Chadaocheng Pass. The section has a total length of 205 meters, and forms a semi enclosure around the pass. The existing beacon towers are made of rammed earth or stones, with a residual height of 4 to 6 meters and a side length of about 10 meters. Only the bases of some platforms are left, with the side walls measuring from 0.5 meters to 4 meters in height. The difficulty with this renovation project lied in the preliminary archaeological exploration, said Shi Lixia, a staff member of the Yanqing Cultural Relics Management Office. "Before the repairing work started, you need to locate the border," she said. "Since the to-be-repaired section of the Great Wall is near the mountain pass and close to the surrounding villages, it has been seriously damaged by natural factors such as wind, sand and flood, and by trampling. The walls have collapsed, and are on the verge of disappearing." The collapsed stones and clods of the Great Wall as well as the overgrowing weeds and shrubs made the reconnaissance and exploration very difficult. Before the site clearing started, the Yanqing Cultural Committee invited the archaeologists of the Beijing Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics to carry out an archaeological exploration. The experts worked on it for more than three months. By means of partial excavation and trench digging, they cleaned up the six beacon towers and some walls, ascertained the side boundaries and scope of the site, and collected data for subsequent renovation. Shi said that because this section of the Great Wall in Yanqing is made of soil, which is rarely found elsewhere, the cultural relics department acted with caution with regard to the protection. Based on the principle of "minimum intervention," the rescue mission is aimed to eliminate the hazards and prevent it from deteriorating. "We didn't use supplement materials, nor reshaped it. We did the best to keep its original state," Shi said. The restoration team used modified yellow mud slurry to plug and reinforce cracks in the walls less than 30 millimeters in width, and mortar grouting for larger cracks larger. The team applied bolting support for unstable chunks and filled in collapsed or eroded voids with adobe. For the walls that had collapsed and turned into soil ridges, the team first cleaned up the weeds and lose soils and then piled up fresh soil. "The construction of the soil walls was relatively easier compared with that of walls of bricks and stones," She said. "Local materials were used for the renovation. The side walls were mainly made of earth, sand and stone, while the platforms were made of soil cladded in bricks and stones. Gravels and other materials were added to strengthen the walls so they can better withstand weathering." In addition, after the repair work was done, the workers also sprayed a layer of modified yellow muddy rice syrup on the surface of the Great Wall as a sealing material for waterproofing. "We did experiment with water spray simulation to ensure that 'rainwater' would not infiltrate," Shi said. In the future, low shrubs will be planted on the Great Wall to maintain the water and soil. To prevent trampling, the cultural relics department set pine logs and used spilling and ropes on both sides of the Great Wall to keep people away. Some warning signs have also been raised, reminding people about protecting the Great Wall. "We will also build a hiking trail next to the Great Wall," Shi said. The soil beacon towers and side walls in the repair area will be used for display purposes. The debate over short-stay accommodation laws has intensified with analysis from Airbnb claiming a plan to reform the industry by the Australian Hotels Association would devastate its business in WA, costing jobs and tourists. Airbnb says the hotel industry's plan to regulate short-stay accommodation in WA would destroy its business and cost jobs and tourists in the west. Credit:Ryan Stuart AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods proposed a "five-point plan" in October, which he said would balance the "benefit for tourism from genuine home sharing" with protecting WAs hotel industry. It included a restriction on home-sharing to a hosts primary residence and prohibiting the listing of entire properties for stays under 14 days. But Airbnbs head of public policy Brent Thomas said their listings would be cut by more than a third and local hosts would lose more than $25 million in income. London: Theresa May rolled the dice with a dramatic reshuffle of her ministerial team as she battles to cling onto her job and stop her own party tearing up her Brexit deal. The prime minister reduced the power of her critics and promoted allies to key positions as she took personal charge of the final days of Britain'sdivorce talks with the European Union. The appointments round off an extraordinary week in which seven members of her government quit their posts, and a plot to oust her from power gathered momentum. May's perilous position puts at risk the fruits of two years of negotiations and raises the chance that Britain will crash out of the EU without a deal in March. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street on Friday. Credit:AP Jacob Rees-Mogg, the influential leader of a group of 60 rank-and-file pro-Brexit Tories announced on Thursday he had sent a formal letter demanding a vote of no confidence in May's leadership, with other lawmakers following suit. Washington: A couple's feel-good story, about a homeless veteran who had helped the woman after she ran out of petrol on a highway exit ramp, reverberated widely, drawing high-profile media appearances and more than $US400,000 ($550,000) in donations that the couple said would go to help the veteran. But on Thursday, the last vestiges of the story appeared to come tumbling down after law enforcement officials in New Jersey announced theft charges against all three individuals: the couple, Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico, as well as Johnny Bobbitt, the homeless man they said they were going to support with the money that had flowed in. Johnny Bobbitt, left, Mark D'Amico and Kate McClure in Philadelphia last November. Credit:The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP Officials said the trio's story, which was published in November 2017 on GoFundMe with the title "Paying it Forward", was all a ruse, a conspiracy on the part of all three to commit theft. "The entire campaign was predicated on a lie," Scott Coffina, the prosecutor of Burlington County in New Jersey, said at a news conference on Thursday. Letter from Europe- Jag I-Pace, Dodge Charger And Just In Time For The Holiday's A Great Car Book Authored By A Great Car Guy Letter from Europe by Andrew Frankl European Bureau Chief I had the honor of being part of the CAR magazine team which presented the Car of the Year trophy to Sir William Lyons, boss of Jaguar back in 1969. Things have changed somewhat but my association to the great marque is as great as ever. They have been through some rough patches but now that the giant Indian conglomerate TATA is running the show things are really happening. As is the case of the I-Pace, the first all-electric luxury SUV on sale in the United States. The car I was to test arrived with about 200 miles on the clock so there was no danger of grinding to a halt with no charging stations for miles around. As a matter of fact EV charging stations are bit like wild mushrooms in Marin County-they are everywhere and once you have figured out all the various bits and knobs on the dashboard there is a map showing just where the stations are. Mine was right next to the polling station in Belvedere which was perfect and furthermore one of the two was available. So far so good but how about the Jag itself? Opinions vary on the styling, I would describe it as macho. Even though it is pretty complicated in many respects if all you want to do is drive-can do. Press start, press D and off you go. Rapidly I hasten to add. The company claims an amazing 0-60 figure of 4.5 seconds which is genuine-Ive tried -but more to the point when it comes to passing other cars it is simply staggering. Now comes the down side. The minute you take your foot off the accelerator there is a lurch. . .a big lurch...a see-your-lunch-again lurch. I started to panic but I should have known Jaguar better. A frantic call to the companys EV guru explained that there is another mode. One I would call normal. May not regenerate electricity but that is just fine with me. Jaguar are famous for their ride and handling and sure enough the SUV was up to the test on massive Pirelli tires. To see how potential buyers would cope with all the idiosyncrasies I went to see Marin Countrys top Jaguar dealer in Corte Madera run by Tom Price and his family. Very well, I hasten to add. Had a chat with the salesman who was very much on the ball. Explained how the screen slides, just like on an iPhone adding that the first cars were due any day and that yes, they have received several orders for the I Pace. Also mentioned that in addition to the salesman there is also an encore man. This is the guy who will turn up at your home and calm you down after making a mess of trying to find a radio station. Or some other quirky stuff. Trust me, unless you work in Silicon Valley youll need him. The price of the Jag is between 70-90 thousand dollars which is in line with Tesla prices. Dislikes - rear vision. Personal choice-if you like the sloping back you end up with one, just like you would in a Mercedes. Now to the 70 thousand dollar question-would I buy one? The answer has to be no. I dont need an SUV. On the other hand I hope the company will make a smaller, less expensive version of the same. At that point I could be very interested indeed. Now for something totally different. The Dodge Charger R/T. Americas last four-door muscle car. Astonishingly enough prices start at 30 thousand dollars! For this you get a rear-wheel drive (none of this pansy front-wheel drive nonsense) with four doors and grunt. Lots of it. Just think. Hemi power- not to mention Hemi torque- a gorgeous sounding 5.7 liter engine. You would have thought that with all the brouhaha the days of Dodge would be numbered. Go to Texas and see for yourself. In fact the line-up is bigger than ever. You have V6 engines and V8 engines. You start at around 300 horsepower and finish in the stratosphere. The 8 speed auto is perfect although for real macho guys a good old fashioned stick shift would be just amazing. Inside there is a 7 inch infotainment system which works just fine. In my case being a total Apple nut the CarPlay worked just fine. It so happened that I got the Dodge for test just as I was launching my new book-Frankly Frankl-life, love, luck and automobiles. The Dodge-in bright yellow- was exactly what I was hoping for, the nearest thing to a Cannonball racer. Why Cannonball? Well, I raced in the 79 illegal dash across the States and even though we came dead last I flew back to England with the trophy-last but not lost. Consequently when-on a race track I was able to accelerate the Dodge the way some of the Cannonball participants did all those years ago it brought back some wonderful memories. Anything wrong with the R/T? My geographic location. In Belvedere the speed limit is 25 miles per hour-something I could double in first gear. Now if I were to relocate to Texas it would be an entirely different ball game. I notice that the cheapest around here goes for about 30 thousand, the one I had and loved is advertised locally for 42 grand. A steal if you ask me. Incidentally if you would like to buy one of the 499 copies printed-and walking off the shelf about as fast as the Dodge-send me an e mail to andrewfrankl@me.com or buy one on Amazon. Melania Trump. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images Last year, First Lady and Most Bullied Person in the World Melania Trump traveled north to Toronto for a total of 12 hours. During that time, she met Prince Harry, joined him in greeting athletes for the Invictus Games, met Justin Trudeau and his family, and then went home. The cost of this day trip? $174,000 in hotel bills alone, according to Quartz. Based on the press pools reports from the September 2017 trip, Trump visited two hotels during her stay, the Sheraton and the Ritz-Carlton (the top rate for a room at the Sheraton is $435 per night plus taxes, and the top rate for a suite at the Ritz-Carlton is about $8,000 per night plus taxes). The six charges for hotel bills, however, are not to either hotel, but to miscellaneous foreign awardees for amounts between $12,000 and $49,000. When the President or First Lady travels, there are people who travel ahead on the advance team to ensure safety measures, medical care, communications, motorcade needs and logistics are all in place, the First Ladys spokesperson Stephanie Grisham told Quartz. The hotel expenses of Trumps expense team ($18,000) were broken out separately, however, and were not part of the $174,000 total. This is not the first time the First Ladys travel expenses have come under scrutiny. Earlier this month, the State Department paid $95,000 to a hotel in Cairo, where Trump spent a total of six hours during her grand tour of Africa. Maybe thats how much it costs to be able to watch CNN in peace. Married at First Sight NZ's Samuel and Tayler are very much still together since the show ended. As the pair neared the end of the experiment, they decided to part ways but met up afterwards and rekindled their love. Taking to Instagram, Samuel said "coming back together this day, a few weeks later was one of the best decision we ever made". Now, it sounds like the couple are taking things a step further and moving in together! Speaking to Steph on the red carpet at the VNZMA's, Samuel confirmed that Tayler is moving in with him in Auckland! 5 Earthquakes Hit Off the Coast of Oregon: USGS Several moderate earthquakes struck about 100 miles off the coast of southern Oregon in the past 24 hours, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The largest of the quakes was a 4.5 on the Richter scale. The five quakes occurred on Thursday night and Friday morning. Four of the quakes hit from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time. The 4.5 magnitude tremor struck at 9:22 p.m. and was located 112 miles from Port Orford, said the USGS. There were no reports of damage or injuries. Quakes of magnitude-4.0 or higher are felt by humans and can cause damage, said the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. The change in the amount energy released from one magnitude to the next is greater as the earthquake magnitude increases. For example, the difference in amount of energy released from a magnitude 5 to a magnitude 10 is not double, it is 30 million times as much! writes the group. Several weeks ago and hundreds of miles to the north, three strong earthquakes hit off the coast of British Columbia. The tremors were centered in the Pacific Ocean. Geophysicist Amy Vaughan told The Associated Press that there may have been some other aftershocks. Vaughan says the quakes were felt onshore. No injuries were reported, she said at the time. Big One Earlier this year, a report said that a 9.0 earthquake could hit off the West Coast of Canada, which could kill thousands of people and trigger massive tsunami waves around the West Coast of North America. Whats more, the waves could even make it to Japan. Its only a matter of time, they suggested Its difficult to predict when it will happen again. We do know its occurred about 20 times in the past 10,000 years, Dr. John Clague, an earth sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, told GlobalNews. The report made reference to a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit close to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in the year 1700. The quake caused a tsunami that affected the east coast of Japan, and several Native American tribes in the region have oral traditions that speak about a giant earthquake as well as a tsunami-like flooding event along the West Coast. This geologically active region, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, not only hosts erupting volcanoes but also produces megathrust earthquakes capable of generating devastating, ocean-crossing tsunamis. By comparing the tree rings of dead trees with those still living they could tell when the last of these great earthquakes struck the region. The trees all died in the winter of 1699-1700 when the coasts of northern California, Oregon, and Washington suddenly dropped 1-2 m (3-6 feet), flooding them with seawater, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center wrote. Ronald Vitiello, the nominee to become assistant secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), appears for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Nov. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Acting ICE Chief Apologizes for Calling Dems Liberalcrats and NeoKlanist Party The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apologized for once tweeting that the Democratic Party should be renamed the NeoKlanist party. Ronald Vitiello, who has been nominated to be assistant Homeland Security secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, made the apology in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday, Nov. 15, as members deliberated whether to confirm him as head of ICE. Vtiello told senators he understood the gravity of his remarks and assured the Committee members he did not intend to cause offense. It was meant as a joke I wasnt trying to do anything other than make a joke. I regret it, he said. Liberalcratic or NeoKlanist Vitiello was pressed by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) about the 2015 tweet he had sent in reply to a message to conservative talk show host Mark Levin, in which the ICE head nominee suggested the Democratic Party should be called the liberalcratic party or the NeoKlanist party. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), a likely 2020 presidential candidate, questioned Vitiello on the perception of ICE that it uses arrests to cause fear and intimidation among immigrants, particularly those from Mexico and Central America. Harris sparked outrage and charges of disgusting partisanship when she suggested that the way some people perceive ICEs use of power is comparable to how the KKK used fear and force to effect political change through terror. Parallels Between ICE and KKK? Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and the discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws? Harris asked. And do you see any parallels [with the KKK]? I do not see any parallels between sworn officers and agents, Vitiello responded. I do not see a parallel between what is constitutionally mandated as it relates to enforcing the law, he said after a back and forth with the Senator. I see no perception that puts ICE in the same category as the KKK. Is that what youre asking me? Vitiello eventually said after the Senator repeatedly asked him to acknowledge similarities between perceptions of the KKK and ICE. Absolutely Disgusting Harriss comparison sparked outrage, with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel blasting the California Senator for disgusting partisanship. Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and its absolutely disgusting, she tweeted. Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and it's absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/l6DrpbbQ2k Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) November 15, 2018 What utter, complete & horrifying disrespect for our law enforcement officers. I get shes auditioning for 2020, but come on, wrote GOP spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. This is appalling. 2020 hopeful Kamala Harris just compared ICE to the KKK! What utter, complete & horrifying disrespect for our law enforcement officers. I get shes auditioning for 2020, but come on https://t.co/JbHmG55cX1 Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) November 15, 2018 Vitiello, who has been a law enforcement agent for more than 30 years, is vying to become the head of an agency that has received intense backlash from a number of progressives. Some progressive Democrats have called for ICE to be abolished altogether and have criticized the 15-year-old agency for its role in carrying out the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy with respect to illegal immigration. Words Have Consequences Sen. Doug Jones, (D-Ala.), asked about Vitiellos commitment to avoid future incendiary rhetoric. Words have consequences, especially considering comments you acknowledged you were inappropriate, Jones said. I want to make sure you will stand up and do the right thing. Im committed, Vitiello said. If confirmed, one of my highest priorities will be to better demonstrate to the public, Congress, and the media the importance and criticality of the mission to protect the homeland and improve public safetyand why our agencys existence should not be up for debate, Vitiello said. Vitiello also said that all of the people that we encounter deserve fairness, dignity, and respect in the encounters with our agents and officers. The committee is expected to vote on his nomination after Thanksgiving. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Air Pollution Stunts Childrens Lung Growth, Raises Risk of Early Death British researchers are sounding the alarm on diesel-linked air pollution, claiming it is stunting the growth of childrens lungs and placing them at risk of severe asthma attacks, lung disease, and early death. The new study based in London also found that even when steps were taken to successfully improve air quality, the changes were not enough to reduce the damage in childrens lungs. The scientists, which hail from Queen Mary University of London, Kings College, and the University of Edinburgh, monitored over 2,000 children from 28 primary schools in areas of London affected by pollution. They found that as the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO) in the air grew, lung capacity in children fell. Youngsters living in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Greenwich, and the City of Londonall areas that fail to meet current EU limits for NO concentrationsuffered a lung capacity reduction of five percent. The research was published in the public health section of the medical journal The Lancet. Stunted Lung Capacity Professor Chris Griffiths from Queen Mary told The Telegraph that despite air quality improvements in London, this study shows that diesel-dominated air pollution in cities is damaging lung development in children, putting them at risk of lung disease in adult life and early death. He added that we are raising a generation of children reaching adulthood with stunted lung capacity. Griffiths blamed the government for not doing enough to limit traffic in urban areas. This reflects a car industry that has deceived the consumer and central government, which continues to fail to act decisively to ensure towns and cities cut traffic, he said, according to The Telegraph. The new study also found that the number of children living in areas where pollution exceeded the EU limit had fallen from 99 percent to 34 percent since London implemented Low Emission Zones in 2008. Childrens lung capacity did not improve, however. This is believed to be largely because children are exposed to most pollution in schools, which are often located next to busy roads, according to The Guardian. Samantha Walker, at Asthma UK, said: It is disappointing that the LEZ in London has not helped to improve childrens lung capacity and shows that a piecemeal approach to reducing air pollution does not work. London is to introduce an ultra Low Emission Zone next year, which will require vehicles to meet even more strict emissions rules. Hazards of Diesel Emissions Both petrol and diesel engines produce harmful gases in the form of nitrogen oxides (NO), which include the toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO), greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (NO) and nitric oxide (NO). Diesel engines, however, produce about 30 percent more nitrogen oxides than catalytic converter fitted petrol-powered cars, according to The Conversation. Long-term exposure to nitric oxide can significantly increase the risk of respiratory problems, the report indicates, and the fine particulate matter that diesel engines produce has also been linked to cancer. Meanwhile, a study conducted by British consumer group Which? found that nearly 80 percent of new diesel cars still pollute beyond legal limits, according to The Independent. The World Health Organization says air pollution causes 7 million early deaths every year, and 90 percent of children around the world breathe unsafe air. The health effects of air pollution are seriousone third of deaths from stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease are due to air pollution, the WHO says. This is an equivalent effect to that of smoking tobacco, and much higher than, say, the effects of eating too much salt. Growing children are particularly vulnerable to toxic air. According to The Guardian, previous research has linked air pollution to low birth weights, cot deaths, obesity, and mental health problems. Chinese tourists in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, or Shishi Catholic Church, in Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province, on Sept. 22, 2018. China and the Vatican will push to improve bilateral ties after the two sides signed a 'provisional' agreement on the appointment of bishops, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Sept. 22, 2018. (JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images) Bishop Reported Missing Amid Beijing-Vatican Reconciliation BEIJING A bishop who has resisted demands to join Chinas Communist Party-controlled church body has been taken into custody, a Catholic news service reported, despite recent moves by Beijing and the Holy See toward reconciliation. Asia News reported that Peter Shao Zhumin dropped out of sight several days ago, but gave no details other than saying he had been subjected to dozens of days of indoctrination as in the times of the Cultural Revolution, a reference to Mao Zedongs radical 1966-76 attack on traditional Chinese culture, religion and the intelligentsia. Shao was appointed by the pope in 2016 and was posted to the southeastern city of Wenzhou, which has a large Christian community. On Nov. 16, officials reached by phone at the local religious affairs bureau, its department regulating the Catholic church and police headquarters, said they had no knowledge of Shaos situation and refused to give their names. Asked about the matter, Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying offered no information on Shaos disappearance. Shaos disappearance follows a breakthrough agreement to give China some say over the appointment of bishops that critics called a cave-in to the ruling Communist Party just as it is waging a sweeping crackdown on religion. The Vatican has long hoped to bring together Chinas 12 million Catholics who are divided between those worshipping in state-sanctioned churches and the underground priests and parishioners loyal to the pope, who are frequently detained and harassed. Details of the September agreement havent been released, although analysts say the Vatican will retain the power to put forward candidates while Beijing will likely have the right to refuse, said Anthony Lam, an expert on the Chinese church at the Holy Spirit Study Center in Hong Kong. I myself believe that in the process, the Holy See will agree to give the right of veto to the Beijing government, Lam said, adding that the Vatican had little choice but to accept Chinas terms. The agreement calls for the Vatican to recognize seven bishops who had been appointed by Beijing without papal consent while also arranging for two legitimate bishops who remain loyal to Rome to step aside. Such moves are seen as a concession on the Vaticans part in the face of Beijings assertion that it would not allow foreign forces to govern the countrys faith groups. Chinese authorities have in recent months cracked down heavily on Protestants, Catholics, Muslims and Buddhists in the name of national security and the Sinosization of religion. Authorities have removed or demolished crosses from even officially sanctioned churches, shuttered churches, and at least in one township, replaced posters of Jesus Christ with portraits of Xi. China broke off relations with the Holy See in 1951, after the officially atheist Communist Party took power and established its own church. All religions were harshly persecuted during the rule of ex-leader Mao Zedong, but underwent a revival following his death in 1976 and have continued to grow in recent years despite the partys efforts to rein them in. By Christopher Bodeen Border Patrol: Anything Is Possible as Migrants Gather in Tijuana IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif.Border Patrol agents, with the help of the U.S. military, are ready for all scenarios as hundreds of migrants start to gather on the south side of the U.S.Mexico border near San Ysidro, California. Tekae Michael, Border Patrol public affairs officer for the San Diego Sector said activity has been pretty stagnant on the United States side of the border so far. But, on the Mexico side, more individuals are gathering, which isnt normal, she said on Nov. 15. Several hundred members of the lead migrant caravan have already reached Tijuana, Mexico, while the main group of 5,000 continued to advance north through Mexico. Tekae said Border Patrol tactical units are already deployed, and along with the U.S. military, Border Patrol agents are getting the support they need. Were basically making sure were prepared for anything that does happen. The Marine Corps of Engineers was installing concertina wire along the fence at Imperial Beach on Nov. 15, while small crowds gathered on the Mexican side to watch. Two days earlier, several individuals scaled the fence into the United States. Ralph DeSio, spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the individuals ran back to Mexico without needing any intervention from Border Patrol agents. Tekae said its possible a large group of migrants could rush the border and overwhelm agents in the coming days, but the agency is prepared. We do have who we need in place and just like always, were maintaining our border security. Anybody that is trying to unlawfully enter into the United States in between a port of entryits illegalso this is what were here for, this is what were doing. Were protecting our border, she said. Anybody coming to claim asylum into the United Statesthe legal way to do it is through a port of entry and presenting yourself and asking permission to come in. If you do choose to cross illegally in between a port of entry, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted. Tekae said her agency is also working closely with their Mexican counterparts. We are doing everything that we can on our side and theyre doing everything they can on their side to ensure the safety of our border and also the safety of people that are at our borders. Kimberly Hayak contributed to this report. Broward County Misses Machine Recount Deadline by 2 Minutes as Hand Recount Starts Broward County missed the Thursday 3 p.m. deadline for machine recount results by two minutes, initially appearing to cost Republican Gov. Rick Scott nearly 800 votes in his bid for a Senate seat. The missed deadline came just hours after Brenda Snipes, the countys supervisor of elections, who has violated the states Constitution and illegally mixed in rejected ballots with good ballots, bragged that she never missed a deadline. The machine recount resulted in a net gain for Scott of 779 votes, the latest blow to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who is behind some 12,000 votes as the hand recount started on Friday morning. Basically, I just worked my ass off for nothing, said Joseph DAlessandro, Broward Countys election planning and development director. He claimed that he was unfamiliar with the website used to upload the results, reported NBC, blaming that for the delay. Earlier, election workers had said they would be submitting the results at 2:50 p.m., 10 minutes before the deadline. We uploaded to the state two minutes late so the state has chosen not to use our machine recount results, DAlessandro said, reported Fox News. They are going to use our first unofficial results as our second unofficial results. He also admitted that there was a co-mingling of ballots and that the county did not correctly handle the ballot[s]. Two other counties had trouble meeting the deadline. Palm Beach claimed it was several hours from compiling a total count, despite machines resting for over 10 hours there. In Hillsborough County, officials said they refused to report its recount tally because the recount showed 846 fewer votes than the initial tally. The recount would have awarded Scott around 150 net votes. Even though we achieved 99.84 percent success in our recount effort, we are not willing to accept that votes go unreported, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer told reporters. For that reason, the Canvassing Board has decided that the first unofficial results will stand as our second unofficial. Scott said late on Nov. 15 that he considers the race over. Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice. I am incredibly proud and humbled by the opportunity to serve Florida in Washington. Our state needs to move forward, he said in a statement. Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice. I am incredibly proud and humbled by the opportunity to serve Florida in Washington. Our state needs to move forward. Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) November 16, 2018 Hand Recount According to the Miami Herald, the manual recount started in Broward at 8 a.m. and was planned to finish within 12 hours, focusing on the Senate race before using Saturday to deal with the Commissioner of Agriculture race. The deadline for the hand recount for the Senate race, triggered by the fact that the margin after the machine recount remained within 0.25 percentage points, is on Nov. 18. The manual recount only deals with under or overvotes, or contested ballots in which its difficult to ascertain who the voter wanted to vote for. These include ballots where the bubbles for both Scott and Nelson are marked and ballots where bubbles arent fully filled, among other issues. At each table is a Republican representative, a Democrat representative, and a two-person volunteer counting team. In Broward, they would be processing about 31,000 votes. In Miami-Dade, one of the largest counties in the state which has consistently beat deadlines by many hours, the manual vote of some 10,000 votes began late Thursday as workers tallied overnight. In Palm Beach, workers planned to start at 11 a.m. on Friday. From NTD News Democrat Ilhan Omar Switches Stance After Election, Says She Supports BDS Movement Newly elected Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, switching from the opposition to the movement she voiced during her campaign. Known as one of the more radical voices among a crop of freshman legislators, Omar tried to temper her image by telling a group of Jewish voters in Minnesota while campaigning that she didnt support the economic boycott of Israel, a movement many view as anti-Semitic. Shortly after the Nov. 6 elections, however, Omar came out unequivocally in support of the BDS movement. Ilhan believes in and supports the BDS movement, and has fought to make sure peoples right to support it isnt criminalized, her campaign told the blog MuslimGirl. Omars campaign noted to the blog that Omar had voted against an anti-BDS bill in Minnesotas state legislature. Rabbi Avi Olitzky, who hosted the event where Omar came out against the movement, said that he wasnt sure why Omar changed her views. Shes either misrepresenting or misunderstanding, and I hope to be able to have a dialogue with her that clarifies which of those is the nature of her stance, he told Forward. This starts her tenure off on the wrong foot, he added. I think we all look for honesty in our candidates, Beth Gendler, executive director of the National Council of Jewish Women-Minnesota, told Forward. Were troubled by her support of BDS, and we want to maintain our working relationship with her as a member of Congress. According to Jewish news agency, Omar is the first member of Congress to publicly support BDS. Her district includes a large Jewish population. Omar previously sent a missive on Twitter that attracted a huge backlash. Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel, the Muslim Somali-American said. She has attacked those who asked her to explain her views, at one point telling a person who said she seemed to hate Jews: You are a hateful, sad man. In her defense, she said she was calling attention to the Israeli Apartheid regime. The Jewish Democratic Council of America, a group that supports Democrat candidates that are pro-Israel, declined to endorse Omar. Now that Ms. Omar has emerged as the Democratic candidate, JDCA will not support her candidacyand certainly will not endorse herbecause her views are not aligned with our positions and values, the organization said in a statement. From NTD News Democratic Socialist candidate Julia Salazar delivers her victory speech after defeating incumbent Democrat State Senator Martin Dilan on Sept. 13, 2018, in New York City. She went on to win the senate seat in the November elections. (Scott Heins/Getty Images) DSA Marxists Rack up Victories on Election Day Commentary Americas largest Marxist organization, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), won big on election night 2018. Working in conjunction with four pro-China/pro-Cuba organizations (Communist Party USA, Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and LeftRoots), the Marxist left ran approximately 300 candidatesalmost all posing as Democratsfor local, state, and federal office. Most of these candidates did not get past the primaries, but some made it all the way to Congress. Still many others now serve in state legislatures, county commissions, and school boards, and as local Democratic Party executives. Even those subversive candidates who didnt win were able to advance socialist policy in the form of hard-left ballot initiatives, which enjoyed victories across the country. According to a report by the DSA National Political Committee: Nearly fifty thousand people have joined the Democratic Socialists of America since Trumps 2016 election. Thanks to this upsurge, DSA has been able to fight for Medicare for All, College for All, equal rights for all, and a revitalized labor movement. DSA has also succeeded in winning key elections all over the country, in red states and blue states. In addition to new DSA congresswomen Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib, we also won other incredible victories at the state level. The report named the DSAs Endorsed Elected Officials. While some of the DSAs endorsed candidates were listed as Independent, the vast majority ran as Democrats. Winners California, as expected, embraced Marxist candidates. DSA-endorsed candidates were elected to several California City Councils: Dianna Reddy, City Council, Redwood Eduardo Martinez, City Council, Richmond Justin Cummings, City Council, Santa Cruz At-Large Lorrie Brown, City Council, Ventura District 6 Sofia Rubalcava, City Council, Ventura District 1 Monica Montgomery, San Diego City Council District 4 The hard-left made a clean sweep of the Berkeley Rent Board. One successful candidate Maria Poblet was once active with CNN commentator Van Jones in the Maoist-leaning Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement (STORM), and now helps lead the semi-Maoist group LeftRoots. James Chang, Rent Board, Berkeley John Selawsky, Rent Board, Berkeley Maria Poblet, Rent Board, Berkeley Paola Laverde, Rent Board, Berkeley Soli Alpert, Rent Board, Berkeley One Northern California DSA member, Rachelanne Vander Werf, is attempting to turn the Flood Control Board into a vehicle for revolutionary agitation. Coloradans elected one DSA-supported state senator, Julie Gonzalez, but rejected DSA-endorsed state treasurer candidate Bernard Douthit. The District of Columbia elected five DSA-supported Marxists to various low-level posts, and one to the Democratic State Committee. Beau Finley, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C-04 Dan Orlaskey, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B-02 Emily Gasoi, Board of Education, DC Ward 1 Matthew Sampson, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B-01 Ryan Linehan, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D-01 Todd Brogan, Democratic State Committee Ward 4 Hawaiians elected one DSA supporter to the State House, Amy Perruso, but rejected DSA congressional candidate Kaniela Ing. Marylanders elected two DSA Marxists to their House of Delegates: Gabriel Acevero and Vaughn Stewart. Maryland also elected another to the Montgomery County executive, Marc Elrich. Mainers re-elected one DSA member to their State House, Mike Sylvester, but rejected DSA candidate Jeremy Mele for that body. Michiganders elected a socialist commissioner, Katie Scott, and a revolutionary library trustee, Kristy Cooper. Michigan also elected one of the two open DSA members now serving in Congress, Rashida Tlaib. Ironically, she replaced long-serving Michigan Rep. John Conyers, who had been a not-so-open DSAer. Montanans elected one DSA member to their State House, Jade Bahr, but rejected another socialist House candidate, DSA member Amelia Marquez. New Yorkers elected a DSA congressmember, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and a DSA state senator, Julia Salazar. This is nothing new for New York. Currently serving Congressman Jerry Nadler was a DSA member for many years, as was the late Rep. Major Owens, former mayor David Dinkins, and former State Assemblymembers Denny Farrell and Eileen Dugan. New York also elected a socialist to the Democratic Party office, Emily Adams. Minnesotans re-elected one DSA member to the Moorhead School Board, Kara Gloe. North Dakotans elected a socialist board member to the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and a prominent Native American activist to the State House, Ruth Anna Buffalo. Pennsylvanians elected three out of four DSA members who stood for State House, Elizabeth Fiedler, Sara Innamorato, and Summer Lee. In the 1990s, long-serving Pennsylvania State Rep. Babette Josephs was also a DSA member. Rhode Islanders elected a DSA Providence City Councilor, Rachel Miller. And a new socialist State Senator, Sam Bell. In Texas, Houstonians elected a particularly radical DSA member to the Harris County Criminal Court, Franklin Bynum. They did, however, wisely reject several DSA members who stood for Congress: Rick Trevino (TX23), Derrick Crowe (TX21), Ali Khorasani (TX2), and Justin Snider (TX6). Texas also elected another leftist judge, DaSean Jones, and a Harris County Department of Education Trustee, Danny Norris, as well as re-electing a DSA member as an Austin Community College Trustee, Julie Ann Nitsch. Honor the Oath If hundreds of Klansmen were running for office on the Republican Party ticket, the mainstream media would rightly go ballistic. Yet hundreds of Marxists can run for public office posing as Democratsblatantly deceiving the voting public without a hint of scrutiny from the establishment media. The DSAalong with their Communist Party USA and Freedom Road Socialist Organization comradesare rapidly becoming the dominant force inside the Democratic Party. The DSA-founded Congressional Progressive Caucus will soon be over 90 members strong; thats nearly half of the Democratic Congressional delegation. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, armies of Marxists are marching through Americas institutions. Millions of Americans have sworn a sacred oath to defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. Now is the time to honor that oath. Time is running very short. Trevor Loudon is an author, filmmaker, and public speaker from New Zealand. For more than 30 years, he has researched radical left, Marxist, and terrorist movements and their covert influence on mainstream politics. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. FDA to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes at Convenience Stores The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced sweeping new restrictions on flavored tobacco products, including the electronic cigarettes that are popular among teenagers, in an effort to prevent a new generation of nicotine addicts. The much-anticipated announcement on Nov. 15 will mean that only tobacco, mint and menthol e-cigarette flavors can be sold at most traditional retail outlets such as convenience stores. Other fruity- or sweet-flavored varieties will now only be sold at age-restricted stores or through online merchants that use age-verification checks. The FDA also plans to seek a ban on menthol cigarettes, a longtime goal of public health advocates, as well as flavored cigars. The moves are meant to prevent young people from continuing to use e-cigarettes, potentially leading to traditional cigarette smoking, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. I will not allow a generation of children to become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes, Gottlieb said. The agency has faced mounting pressure to act on e-cigarettes, amid their surging popularity among U.S. teenagers in recent years. One of the most popular devices, made by San Francisco-based Juul Labs Inc, has become a phenomenon at U.S. high schools, where Juuling has become synonymous with vaping. E-cigarettes vaporize a liquid containing nicotine, the addictive stimulant that gives smokers a rush. They are widely believed to be less harmful than combustible cigarettes, but the long-term health consequences of using the devices are unknown. Data released Nov. 15 by the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a 78 percent increase in high school students who reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, compared with the prior year. More than 3 million U.S. high school students, or more than 20 percent, used the products, along with some 570,000 middle school students, according to the survey. Support to Restrict Youth Access Juul and tobacco giant Altria Group Inc. had announced measures to pull flavored e-cigarette products from retail outlets, after the FDA threatened in September to ban Juul and other leading e-cigarette products, unless their makers took steps to prevent use by minors. Juul, Logic, a unit of Japan Tobacco Inc.; Altria, which makes e-cigarettes under the MarkTen brand; British American Tobacco Plc (BAT); and Imperial Brands Plc, the maker of blu e-cigarettes, all say they supported efforts to reduce youth access. Altria said it believes the devices have the potential to be less harmful products that can deliver nicotine to adults who want them. Imperial said its developing a technology that can lock the devices if an underage person tries to use it. BAT said that while flavors play an important role in an adult smokers transition out of smoking, we understand the FDAs concern that some flavors can play a role in increasing youth appeal. E-cigarettes have been a divisive topic in the public-health community. Some focus on the potential benefit of shifting lifelong smokers to less harmful nicotine products, while others fear it will create a new generation addicted to nicotine. Last year, the FDA under Gottlieb extended until 2022 a deadline for many e-cigarette products to comply with new federal rules on marketing and public health. The new restrictions on flavors are interim measures that companies must follow before submitting detailed plans before the deadline. The new rules on e-cigarette flavors mean that many of the sweet and fruity varieties believed to be most popular among minors will only be available in stores such as vape shops or tobacco shops that dont allow underage people inside. Stores could also have a separate, age-restricted section that allows the sale of other flavors, the FDA said. By Chris Kirkham Ontario Premier Doug Ford stands at the podium during a press announcement at the Queens Park Legislature in Toronto on Aug. 9, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young) Ford Governments First Fiscal Update Shows Ontario Cut Deficit to $14.5 Billion Ontarios Progressive Conservative government says it has cut the provinces deficit by $500 million, bringing the figure down to $14.5 billion in its first few months in office. The change is announced in the governments Fall Economic Statement for 2018-2019, its first major fiscal update since winning the spring election. The fiscal hole is deep, Finance Minister Vic Fedeli said in presenting the document to the legislature on the afternoon of Nov. 15. The road ahead is not an easy one and will require difficult decisions. Everyone across the province will be required to make sacrifices, without exception. The government said it has made progress on cutting the deficit by finding $3.2 billion in efficiencies in operations, including a hiring freeze across the public service. The belt-tightening measures laid out also include rolling the positions of three independent officersthe environmental commissioner, the child, and youth advocate and the French language services commissionerinto the offices of the auditor general or the provincial ombudsman. Government staff could not say what will happen to those working in the eliminated offices, but Premier Doug Ford has consistently promised that no jobs would be lost as a result of his cost-cutting. Plans for a French-language university have also been cancelled, though the government could not immediately say how much money the move would save. Though it is spending less, the government said it is also taking in $2.7 billion less in revenue in the fiscal yearincluding $1.5 billion attributed to the cancellation of cap and trade. More than $300,000 in lost revenue is attributed to cancelling planned tax increases, including one that would have raised taxes for small businesses, the document says. The Tories had said the previous Liberal government left a $15 billion deficit, a figure disputed by critics, who said it includes spending promised by the Liberals but cancelled by the current regime. While the document mentions returning the provinces budget to balance, it does not spell out how long it will take to achieve that goal. Our path forward is clear, and that is why it is important to maintain our resolve to pursue fiscal discipline and ultimately restore our books to balance, Fedeli said. The fiscal update also promises to eliminate income tax for those earning less than $30,000 a year. The government says the tax cut offsets its decision to scrap a planned increase of the provinces minimum wage that was set to take effect next year. Critics, however, have said raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour as the Liberals had planned would give low-income workers more money than the income tax cut would save. An independent financial analysis came to a similar conclusion. The tax cut is expected to cost the province $495 million in lost revenue, the document says. The update also pledges to expand hours of operation at Beer Store and LCBO outlets across the province, allowing them to open seven days a week until 11 p.m. Former Alabama Trooper Killed After Shooting District Attorney Ambush-Style A former Alabama state trooper was shot dead by police after allegedly ambushing a district attorney outside his office and shooting him in the face. Greg Griggers, the district attorney for Alabamas 17th Judicial Circuit, was wounded by gunfire on the afternoon of Thursday, Nov. 15, in Demopolis, according to Michael Jackson, district attorney for Alabamas 4th Judicial Circuit, AL.com reported. Authorities have identified the suspect as Steve Smith, a drug task force investigator and former Alabama state trooper, according to NBC affiliate WVTM in Birmingham, Alabama. A law enforcement officer shot the former trooper dead. Griggers got shot in the face and they killed the ex-state trooper who shot him, Jackson told AL.com. Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese confirmed during a press conference Thursday afternoon that Griggers had been shot, though he did not say what part of the DAs body had been struck by gunfire. He also would not say what type of weapon was used by the gunman. Griggers was released from the hospital late Thursday afternoon. The police chief called the victims injuries minor and the Miami Herald reported that Jackson said, They say hes going to recover. The Suspect Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Capt. Jason Roberts told the press conference that the suspect opened fire on Griggers ambush-style. The DA was heading back from having lunch with several other law enforcement officers and was inside his vehicle when he was shot. Roberts told reporters that the shooting occurred at around 1 p.m. local time. Jackson said Smith had previously faced questioning in connection with a 1996 incident in which an unidentified suspect shot up the home of Sumter County Circuit Judge Eddie Hardaway Jr. with a shotgun. CBS reported that Smith once lived in a room at the home of Hardaways mother and knew the judge through work. He had been brought in for questioning after the shooting at Hardaways house because a witness reported seeing a car in the vicinity matching the description of Smiths private vehicle. A witness had also placed Smith near the scene of the crime, according to CBS. No one was ever charged in the shooting at the judges home. Its unclear when Smith left the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, as the agency refused to release any information about his employment history, CBS reported. Griggers was initially appointed district attorney in 2003 and has been re-elected to the post since, CBS reported. He is the chief prosecutor for Marengo, Greene, and Sumter counties along the Mississippi state line. U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Jay E. Town released a statement Thursday, praising Griggers for his public service, and offering thoughts and prayers for the victim and his family. District Attorney Griggers is a dedicated public servant and an honorable man, Towns statement said. This serves as yet another reminder of the perils and dangers that law enforcement at every level face daily. Gregory Bush is led into a courtroom for an arraignment on murder charges in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 2, 2018. (Dylan Lovan/AP) Hate-Crime Indictments Returned in Kentucky Grocery Killings LOUISVILLEFederal prosecutors have charged a white man with federal hate crimes in the killings of two African-Americans at a grocery store last month in Kentucky. A federal grand jury in Louisville returned three hate crime charges against 51-year-old Gregory Bush on Thursday afternoon. U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman said Bush is charged with killing two people based on their race and attempting to kill a third person based on his race. Bush also was indicted on three firearms charges. Police said Bush walked into a Kroger grocery store with a .40-caliber handgun on Oct. 24 and shot one person, and then killed another in the parking lot before exchanging fire with an armed man before fleeing. Coleman said there has been a specter that reared its head and laid across this community since the Oct. 24 shootings. This is not acceptable, Coleman said at a news conference on Nov. 15, No Kentuckian should be frightened to go shopping, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go worship, no Kentuckian should be frightened to go to school. Coleman said the FBI has been involved in investigating the shooting since the day it happened. Bush has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in state court, and is being held on a $5 million cash bond. Prosecutors have not made a decision on seeking the death penalty. Bushs attorney could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. Bush had stopped at a historically black church in suburban Louisville before heading to the supermarket, where 69-year-old Maurice Stallard and 67-year-old Vicki Lee Jones were shot at close range. Bush was seen on surveillance video trying to enter the church, but the door was locked and he left. The pastor of that church, Kevin Nelson, said his flock is simply hoping to see justice be done. We have to learn how to get along with each other and generally accept each others differences, he said. Sadiqa Reynolds, president of Louisvilles Urban League, said after the U.S. Attorneys announcement Thursday that we cannot live in a community with hate, and there must be severe consequences for that. Racism is real and we see that our country is very, very divided, Reynolds said. That is not going to go away. By Dylan Lovan High Oil Prices Hit Budget Airlines Ahead of Winter Global oil prices and passenger fare movements are forcing some airlines to cut costs and the trend could continue, a European carrier has warned. In the first half of 2018, Ryanair saw the companys profit after tax (PAT) plunge even though passenger numbers and revenue jumped. The budget airlines PAT for the first-half of the year slid 7 percent to 1.2 billion euros. This is despite a 6 percent jump in passengers to 76.6 million, and an 8 percent rise in revenue to 4.79 billion euros. CEO Michael OLeary recently oversaw the closure of several Ryanair bases, including Bremen a two-aircraft base in Germany; Eindhoven, a four-aircraft base in Holland; and downsizing at the Niederrhein base in Germany from five to two aircraft. OLeary warns there could be more closures to come, with crude oil rising 4.7 cents to $66.54 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange in the past 12 months. If oil prices rise above $85 per barrel or, if airfares fall more steeply than the -2 percent we forecast this year, we would not rule-out further base closures, and further capacity trimming this winter, OLeary said in a podcast presentation. Larger Airlines Also Affected Larger airlines have also downsized their operations. Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA closed its British bases in Edinburgh and Belfast, and Lufthansa closed its German base in Dusseldorf. OLeary confirmed many of these closures are related to oil price changes, and predicts rising spot market prices could trigger more closures. Norwegian, if they survive that long, will have 85 percent exposure to the oil spot market. This is going to place an enormous pressure on the cost base of those airlines, he said. Fuel Savings Prove Worthwhile OLeary suggests more airlines should lock-in fuel prices now to give them more certainty. We have 12-month hedges in place at about $68 per barrel. We have only 10 percent exposure to the spot market, he said. Another option is to invest more in fuel-economical aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX. These aircraft will arrive with 4 percent more seats, 16 percent lower fuel-cost per seat, and will drive unit cost efficiencies over the next five or six years, OLeary said. However, Zacks Investment Research is still concerned the rising fuel costs will limit the companys growth despite the cost-cutting measures. Ryanair expects its fuel bill to rise by more than 460 million euros in fiscal 2019. Earlier, the same was anticipated to be 430 million euros higher. This significant increase is expected to be a major drag on the companys earnings, Zacks director media relations Terry Ruffolo said in a written statement. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), on the other hand, forecasts stronger growth for budget airlines in the New Year. We think a tough fare environment is likely to ease in 2019 (later than the late 2018 we had seen due to initial winter market oversupply) in the long run, we think fuel and staff costs (but not productivity) are all factors that can lead airlines to struggle to sustain a competitive edge, RBC senior manager, financial communications Ka Yan Ng said in a written statement. US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign rally in Sanford, Fla, on Nov. 1, 2016. Hillary Clinton Must Answer Two New Questions About Her Emails Under Oath: Judge Former secretary of state and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton must answer new questions about her emails under oath, according to a new ruling. U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan held a hearing on the case on Nov. 14. It stems from a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit from conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch over the status of Clinton aide Huma Abedin. Clinton had answered that she does not recall to 20 out of the 25 written questions from Judicial Watch in October 2016. All of the questions related to her use of a private email and a server she set up at her upstate New York home. She used the private email for years while serving as secretary of state under President Barack Obama, and her server was reportedly hacked by China. Foreign actors accessed Clintons emails, according to an FBI agent. Judicial Watch took issue with the does not recall answers. Federal court ruled yesterday Hillary Clinton must answer additional email questions, under oath. @JudicialWatch's heavy lifting gets results (Pic with Michael Bekesha, JW attorney who argued for us in court!) https://t.co/vpoPn59VSS pic.twitter.com/hHHS3gpfK7 Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) November 15, 2018 Sullivan ruled that Clinton must address two of the questions she refused to answer under oath. Describe the creation of the clintonemail.com system, including who decided to create the system, the date it was decided to create the system, why it was created, who set it up, and when it became operational, is one of the questions. The other regards a statement Clinton made in an appearance before a congressional committee. During your October 22, 2015, appearance before the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi, you testified that 90 to 95 percent of your emails were in the States system and if they wanted to see them, they would certainly have been able to do so, reads the statement put to Clinton. Identify the basis for this statement, including all facts on which you relied in support of the statement, how and when you became aware of these facts, and if you were made aware of these facts by or through another person, identify the person who made you aware of these facts. Sullivan ruled against Judicial Watch on another matter. The group wanted to make public audiovisual recordings of the depositions from top Clinton aides and State Department officials, including Abedin and Cheryl Mills, but Sullivan denied the request. He also ruled that Clinton didnt have to answer the other questions in which she said she didnt recall the details. A federal court ordered Hillary Clinton to answer more questions about her illicit email systemwhich is good news, said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton in a statement. It is shameful that Judicial Watch attorneys must continue to battle the State and Justice departments, which still defend Hillary Clinton, for basic answers to our questions about Clintons email misconduct. From NTD News Judge Allows Accepting Some Rejected Votes in Florida as Senate Race Heads to Hand Recount A federal judge has allowed some Floridians who had their mail-in votes rejected to attest to their votes validity by 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 and have the votes counted. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled on Nov. 15 that some voters were denied the opportunity to validate, or cure, their rejected votes by the lawful deadline and thus deserve an exception. These votes were rejected because the signatures on the ballots were determined by election officials to not match the voters signatures on record with the elections authorities. Walkers ruling came amid a machine recount of more than 8 million votes cast in Floridas tight senator, governor, and agriculture commissioner races. The recount finished on Nov. 15, with candidates in the Senate and commissioner races separated by a margin of less than 0.25 percent, which triggers a hand recount. Only the commissioner race has a Democrat in the lead. Who Is the Ruling For? Walker, an Obama appointee, estimated about 5,000 ballots ended up rejected across the state for signature mismatches. But his ruling only pertains to voters who have been belatedly notified they have submitted a mismatched-signature ballot. Its not clear how many of the belatedly notified there are among the rejected. State law requires election officials to immediately notify voters with signature mismatches. The voters then can submit an affidavit affirming the ballot was indeed signed by them. The affidavits need to be submitted by 5 p.m. one day before the election. The law, however, allows election officials to accept mail-in ballots that arrive by 7 p.m. on election day. If signatures on those late ballots dont match the record they cant be cured anymore since the deadline for the affidavits already passed. It was for voters who werent notified in time to cure their ballots that Walker allowed the deadline extension. The ruling was celebrated as a big victory by Marc Elias, who brought the lawsuit on behalf of Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). The senator lost his reelection bid to Floridas Republican Governor Rick Scott by about 12,600 votes, based on the recount figures, which slightly increased Scotts margin. Todays decision is a victory for the people of Florida and for the Nelson campaign as we pursue our goal of making sure every legal ballot is counted, Nelsons campaign said in a statement. Scotts campaign highlighted that Walker rejected Nelsons broader request to have all signature mismatch ballots automatically counted as valid. The judge was clearly not pleased with the series of lawsuits Nelson and liberal D.C. groups have filed that ask him to rewrite the entire FL election code AFTER the election, the campaign said in a statement. Even with this mornings limited decision (were confident will be overturned), it doesnt bode well for the rest of the suits. Lawyers for Scott appealed the ruling to the 11th Circuit appeals court, which is split six-to-six between judges appointed by Democrats and Republicans. The appeal was denied, Elias said in a Nov. 15 tweet. Also on Nov. 15, but in a separate suit of Nelsons, Walker ruled against suspending deadlines for the recount, which was required by law to be completed by 3 p.m. on Nov. 15. At least one of Floridas 67 counties, Palm Beach, had its election supervisor saying it wouldnt meet the deadline. Florida Circuit Judge Karen Giever on Nov. 13 postponed the deadline for Palm Beach until Nov. 20, Local10.com reported. Meanwhile, Nelsons campaign said on Nov. 15 it had sued Florida election officials seeking a hand recount in Palm Beach due to systematic machine failure during the machine recount. Palm Beach County officials said the machines they were using to recount ballots overheated, which forced them to redo a days worth of recounting. Altered Forms While Nelson protested Floridas deadline for curing mail-in ballots, his party seems to have misled some voters about when the deadline was. The Florida Department of State requested federal prosecutors on Nov. 9 to probe cases in at least four countiesBroward, Citrus, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosawhere voters received cure affidavits that listed a due date of Nov. 8 instead of the lawful deadline of Nov. 5. The department released emails indicating the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) was behind the altered forms. Please pass the word to the FDP that they cant arbitrarily add their own deadline to your form or [vote-by-mail] cures!! This is crazy!! wrote Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux. The Nov. 8 email was addressed to Florida Elections Division Director Maria Matthews. Naples Daily News discovered the altered forms were part of a broader campaign by the FDP to have voters try to cure their rejected mail-in ballots even after election day. The party was hoping a judge would rule in its favor and move the deadline for the cures, an unnamed Palm Beach Democratic activist told the paper. One Democratic campaign consultant, Jake Sanders, said he raised the legality of spreading the incorrect forms with the partys staff, but to no avail. I warned FDP staff members of the questionable legal status of altering a state form and misleading people their vote would be counted before the court case played out, Sanders told the paper. And coordinated campaign leadership told them to keep pushing it that We are exhausting every possibility.' The paper also obtained a Nov. 7 email, where Jennifer Kim, the FDPs central deputy field director, instructed party workers to call voters with mismatched signature ballots and send them the affidavit forms. Making or using an altered State Department form is illegal under Florida law, the departments General Counsel Bradley McVay wrote in a letter to federal prosecutors. McVay also noted that federal law prohibits disseminating false information as to the date, timing, or location of federal voting activity. That law, however, only pertains to activities that are preventing or impeding qualified voters from participating in an election. The campaigns of Nelson and Scott, as well as the Florida Democratic Party, didnt respond to requests for comment. Reuters contributed to this report. Jurors in El Chapo Trial Told of Mexicos Drug Wars, Corruption NEW YORKA key prosecution witness in the U.S. trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman on Nov. 15 told jurors that there were a lot of deaths as the accused Mexican drug lord and his associates built the Sinaloa Cartel in the 1990s through bloody conflict with rival drug traffickers. Jesus Zambada told the jury that his brother, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, and Guzman used armies of sicarios, or assassins, to kill their enemies. Zambada, who has pleaded guilty to U.S. criminal charges, was testifying for a second day in Brooklyn federal court under an agreement to cooperate with prosecutors. Guzman is accused of directing massive shipments of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana to the United States. He faces life in prison if he is convicted of the 17 criminal counts against him. One of Guzmans lawyers, Jeffrey Lichtman, told jurors in his opening statement that Ismael Zambada, who remains at large, actually controlled the cartel, and Guzman was a scapegoat framed with the help of corrupt Mexican officials. Zambada on Nov. 15 told the story of the Sinaloa Cartels emergence in the early 1990s. He said Guzman formed an alliance with several other drug lords to take on the powerful Arellano Felix drug trafficking family. There are always a lot of deaths, he said of the cartels wars. Victims included patrons shot at a nightclub in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, where Zambada said Guzman tried, and failed, to kill one of the Arellano Felixes in 1992. Zambada admitted he took part in several murder plots himself, though he said he never personally killed anyone. He was wounded in a gunfight with enemy sicarios, and another one of his brothers, who had no involvement in the drug trade, was shot at his doorstep in Cancun, he said. Dressed in dark blue prison clothing and speaking through an interpreter, Zambada also testified that the Sinaloa Cartel bought off officials at every level of government, including Mexican state governors, national attorneys general, and members of the international police organization Interpol, to ensure safe passage for its products. While in charge of cartel operations in Mexico City, Zambada said, he personally paid about $300,000 in bribes every month. On one occasion, he said, he paid a $100,000 bribe to a general at the explicit direction of Guzman. Guzman was an equal partner with Ismael Zambada within the cartel, said Jesus Zambada, who is expected to continue testifying later on Nov. 15. By Brendan Pierson Kamala Harris Compares ICE to KKK, Gets Slammed for Horrifying Disrespect Sen. Kamala Harris has sparked outrage and charges of disgusting partisanship when she likened the way some people perceive immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) wielding its power to how the KKK used fear and force to effect political change through terror. Harris, a California Democrat and likely presidential 2020 candidate, made the remarks when questioning Ronald Vitiello, the acting director of ICE, at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday, Nov. 15. Are you aware that theres a perception that ICE is administering its power in a way that is causing fear and intimidation, particularly among immigrants and specifically among immigrants coming from Mexico and Central America? the former District Attorney asked Vitiello. The acting ICE chief had earlier made statements describing the Democratic Party as liberalcratic or NeoKlanist, in an apparent reference to the Klan. Vitiello apologized for the comparison, admitting his words were offensive and clarifying I honestly didnt mean it that way. Harris pressed Vitiello to expand on the offensive nature of his Ku Klux Klan remarks. Well, the Klan was what we would call today a domestic terrorist group, Vitiello explained, because they tried to use fear and force to change the political environment. Right, said Harris. Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and the discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws? And do you see any parallels? I do not see any parallels between sworn officers and agents, Vitiello responded. I do not see a parallel between what is constitutionally mandated as it relates to enforcing the law, he said after a back and forth with the Senator. I see no perception that puts ICE in the same category as the KKK. Is that what youre asking me? Vitiello eventually said after the Senator repeatedly asked him to acknowledge similarities between perceptions of the KKK and the way some see ICE administering its power. Harris comparison sparked outrage, with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel blasting the California Senator for disgusting partisanship. Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and its absolutely disgusting, she tweeted. Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and it's absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/l6DrpbbQ2k Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) November 15, 2018 What utter, complete & horrifying disrespect for our law enforcement officers, wrote GOP spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. I get shes auditioning for 2020, but come on This is appalling. 2020 hopeful Kamala Harris just compared ICE to the KKK! What utter, complete & horrifying disrespect for our law enforcement officers. I get shes auditioning for 2020, but come on https://t.co/JbHmG55cX1 Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) November 15, 2018 Sir, how can you be the head of an agency and be unaware of how your agency is perceived by certain communities? Harris demanded of the acting ICE chief. I do not see a parallel between the power and the authority that ICE has to do its job and the agents and officers who do it professionally and excellently with lots of compassion, Vitiello said. Theres a lot of perceptions in the media and in the public that are incorrect about the agency and what it does. Harris ended her questioning asking whether Vitiello can lead the agency if hes not aware of the negative views toward it. Vitiello responded by insisting that all of the people that we encounter deserve fairness, dignity, and respect in encounters with our agents and officers. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with his lawyers after the judgment regarding his case against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Vincent Kessler/Reuters) Kremlin Critic Navalny Was Political Prisoner, European Court Rules Europes top human-rights court has ruled that Russias repeated arrests and detentions of a politician who ran against Vladimir Putin breached his human rights and were politically motivated. The European Court of Human Rights said that of the repeated detentions of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested seven times between 2012 and 2014, at least two instances were designed to suppress political pluralism. Earlier this year, Navalny was blocked from running against Putin in a presidential election. He also has been repeatedly jailed for organizing what Russian authorities said are illegal protests. Navalnys series of investigations into corruption in Russia has been watched online by millions of people. The court ordered Russia to pay about $72,000 in damages to Navalny, and ruled that his rights to liberty, a fair trial, and freedom of assembly had been violated. It also recommended that Russia take steps to protect the right to peaceful assembly. The court found that there was converging contextual evidence that the authorities were becoming increasingly severe toward Mr. Navalny and that his allegation of being a particular target appeared coherent in the context of a general move to bring the opposition under control, the court said in a statement. Russias Justice Ministry questioned what it portrayed as the flawed and inconsistent logic of the ruling, but said it would pay the court-ordered damages and costs, the Interfax news agency reported. Putin has suggested that Navalny is backed by the United States, which Navalny denies. The Government Has Been Thrashed The 42-year-old lawyer was in Strasbourg, France, where the court is based, to hear the ruling. He said he was delighted about the ruling that his treatment had been politically motivated, something the court hasnt done in a case concerning Russia for many years. Despite pressure from Russia, it has become clear that European justice does not intend to ignore obvious facts, he told reporters. Weve won, he later wrote in a tweet. Completely. The government has been thrashed. They recognized Article 18 [of the European Convention on Human Rights]. Hurray! While the European Convention on Human Rights upholds various human rights, such as liberty and security, a fair trial, and privacy, these rights are recognized as having limits in some situations. Article 18 is designed to ensure these limitations arent used as a pretext for restricting human rights. Navalnys achievement is significant, in that cases involving breaches of Article 18 have only been upheld four times before. It is a very clear judgment, AFP reported Navalny as saying following the ruling. The European court recognizes that it was a politically motivated arrest and persecution. It was very important not just for me but for other people all over Russia who are arrested every day, he said. Navalny has spent a total of 172 days in jail, according to a spokeswoman quoted by AFP. Often, he is held for a few weeks or forced to pay a fine. This year, hes been detained at least four times: In January, he was arrested at a rally in Moscow, then again in May at another rally. In August, he was jailed for a month for planning an unauthorized anti-government demonstration, and in September, he was jailed again for breaking a law on protesting. Navalny was initially prevented from leaving Russia to attend the ruling, with authorities claiming he had to pay a court fine of $32,000. Navalny said the fine was suddenly enforced to stop him from traveling. He flew out of Moscow on Nov. 14, after the federal bailiffs service rescinded the travel ban, saying Navalny had paid the fine. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian Parliaments international affairs committee, said the ruling raised questions about the courts objectivity. The ECHR is increasingly becoming a tool to pressure our country, Slutsky wrote on social media. Reuters contributed to this report. Khmer Rouge Leaders Found Guilty of Genocide in Historic Ruling PHNOM PENH, CambodiaThe last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s were convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes Friday, Nov. 16, by an international tribunal. The historic ruling signifies the first time ever that Khmer Rouge officials are found guilty of genocide. Nuon Chea, 92, was Pol Pots deputy, referred to as Brother Number Two, and Khieu Samphan, 87, was the communist groups head of state. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offenses comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. Nuon Chea was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. The two men are already serving life sentences after being convicted in a previous 2011-2014 trial of crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and disappearances of masses of people. Cambodia has no death penalty. Who Were the Khmer Rouge? The Khmer Rouge, also the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) and later called itself the Democratic Kampuchea (DK), killed at least 1.7 million Cambodians from 1975 to 1979 in its attempts to destroy the nation and import agrarian communist ideals in Cambodia. The actual death toll is believed to be much higher due to the suffering of malnutrition, starvation, illness and disease, exhaustion from overwork in forced labor in fields or mines, or trauma from the suffering. The Khmer Rouge wanted to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society. It abolished money, free markets, normal schooling, private property, foreign clothing styles, religious practices, and traditional Khmer culture, according to the Cambodia Tribunal. The regime followed a Marxist-Leninist doctrine, which insists that rulers of the old society such as the landowners, capitalists, government leaders, and military commanders are class enemies, and they can therefore be targeted for elimination by the government. It was eventually overthrown in 1979 by Vietnamese troops after several violent border confrontations. Pol Pot and some of his forces were forced to retreat into the jungle, where the former dictator died in 1998. Horrible Memories The large crowd of spectators attending the session on Nov. 16 included members of the Cham, a Muslim ethnic minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to the session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life under their rule, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labor, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture center in Phnom Penh. No More Trials Cambodias long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court, in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to have more extensive proceeding has discomfited some observers, but others point to the tribunals accomplishments. International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, said Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. By Sopheng Cheang Jack Phillips and Kelly Ni of The Epoch Times, and Prak Chan Thul of Reuters contributed to this article. Watch Next: Communism Is Satanic by Nature Beneath its facade of liberation and equality is a system that aims to destroy the foundations of social harmony, pushing instead an ideology of hatred and struggle Leaders of Communist Khmer Rouge Convicted of Genocide in Landmark Ruling In a landmark ruling, the last surviving leaders of the communist Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia have been convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is the first time that officials of the Marxist-Leninist organization that ruled Cambodia in the 1970s have been found guilty of genocide. In a four year period, up to 1.7 million people, a quarter of Cambodias population, are believed to have died from murder, starvation, forced labor, and execution under the regimes brutal attempts to create a classless society. An international tribunal in Cambodia on Nov. 16 convicted two men for their part: the head of state, Khieu Samphan, 87, and leader Pol Pots deputy, Nuon Chea, 92, known as Number Two. They were found guilty of murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, forced marriages, rape, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, and other inhumane acts. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) found them both guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese, and Chea was also found guilty of genocide against the Cham, a Muslim ethnic community. Abolishing Class Divisions With the pair already serving life sentences from a previous trial, and no death penalty in Cambodia, the tribunals sentences (further life sentences) were more symbolic. With the vast majority of those slaughtered in the Killing Fields by the Khmer Rouge being fellow Cambodians, legal experts had been unsure whether genocide would apply. But, in his summary, the judge said that the regime also specifically targeted Cham, Vietnamese, Buddhist groups to establish an atheistic and homogenous society without class divisions by abolishing all ethnic, national, religious, racial, class and cultural differences. According to the ruling summary the Cham were deliberately dispersed and scattered among Khmer villages specifically to fully break up their communities and to assimilate them into the Cambodian population. In addition to being slaughtered on a massive scale, they were also forced to eat pork and prevented from speaking their native tongue under threat of death. The ECCC was set up in 2006, but has only produced three prior verdicts (including the two prior convictions against Chea and Samphan in 2014). In 2010, Kaing Guek Eav, commonly known as Duch, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2010, for war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and torture. Eav was the commandant of the notorious Tuol Sleng S-21 prison, where more than 14,000 people died. Who Were the Khmer Rouge? The Khmer Rouge, also the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) and later called itself the Democratic Kampuchea (DK), killed at least 1.7 million Cambodians from 1975 to 1979 in its attempts to destroy the nation and import agrarian communist ideals in Cambodia. The actual death toll is believed to be much higher due to the suffering of malnutrition, starvation, illness and disease, exhaustion from overwork in forced labor in fields or mines, or trauma from the suffering. The Khmer Rouge wanted to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society. It abolished money, free markets, normal schooling, private property, foreign clothing styles, religious practices, and traditional Khmer culture, according to the Cambodia Tribunal. The regime followed a Marxist-Leninist doctrine, which insists that rulers of the old society such as the landowners, capitalists, government leaders, and military commanders are class enemies, and they can therefore be targeted for elimination by the government. It was eventually overthrown in 1979 by Vietnamese troops after several violent border confrontations. Pol Pot and some of his forces were forced to retreat into the jungle, where the former dictator died in 1998. No More Trials Cambodias long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court, in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. Jack Phillips and Kelly Ni of The Epoch Times, and the Associated Press contributed to this article. Watch Next: Communism Is Satanic by Nature Beneath its facade of liberation and equality is a system that aims to destroy the foundations of social harmony, pushing instead an ideology of hatred and struggle Chinese authorities had announced that all unrecognised VPN services would be blocked by March 31, meaning that Chinese and foreign companies must choose from a limited number of state-approved VPNs. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOUR (Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images) Majority of Popular Free VPN Apps Owned by Chinese Firms Susceptible to User Data Harvesting In China, using a VPN is vital for any netizen who wishes to bypass the Great Firewall to access websites and content censored by Beijing. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that allows users to obtain free information through a secure connection. The services typically hide ones IP address and encrypt the data sent or received over the internet, diverting traffic through a remote server. Free VPN apps, available on Apples App Store and Googles Android Play Store, have been downloaded by millions of users around the world. But a new report by VPN review site Top10VPN.com investigating the companies behind these apps has revealed something disturbing: The majority of the most popular free VPN apps trace their ownership to Chinese companies. Many such apps either have privacy policies that explicitly say data can be collected and transferred to China or other third parties, vaguely worded policies that lack important security details, or in some cases, no policy at all. Top10VPN.com found that 17 of the top 30 apps, or 59 percent, on the U.S. and U.K. Apple and Google app stores have links to China. In total, Chinese-backed apps have more than 80 million total downloads on the Google Play store and over four million monthly downloads on Apples equivalent. As these apps are available to download around the world, citizens everywhere who use these apps and rely on them as a secure way to surf the web on their smartphones are now vulnerable. In China, where the Chinese Communist Party has broad power over all sectors of society, these are risky apps to use regardless of their ownership. They are very poor products that lack proper privacy protections and are likely to leave them [Chinese netizens] exposed to government surveillance even as they consider themselves safe, said Simon Migliano, head of research at Top10VPN.com, in an email. Curiously, the Chinese regime enacted a ban that went into effect in March, prohibiting the use of non-government-approved VPNs. The only authorized VPNs are those provided by state-owned firmsand even those are restricted for use only by companies that require unrestricted internet access in order to do business. While Beijing has recently cracked down on unauthorized VPN use within its borders, the Chinese-linked VPN apps investigated in the reportnone of which are officially approved by Beijinghave been allowed to operate uninhibited. To comply with the VPN ban, in July 2017, Apple removed all VPN apps from its China app store. So the only way a Chinese netizen could download these apps would be either via a VPN, or while overseas, said Migliano. Similarly, while the Google Play store is blocked in China, a user could access it via VPN to download the apps. As such, Top10VPN was unable to provide data on how many free VPN app users were from China. Apple and Google are ultimately responsible for vetting the apps on their platform, Migliano said. This is a dereliction of duty from Apple and Google, whose lax controls are potentially leaving their customers open to wholesale data harvesting, Migliano said in a press release. Shady Companies According to the report, VPN apps are the most searched-for category of apps after major social-media platforms such as Facebook and gaming apps. But the majority of free VPN apps appearing in top search results go to great lengths to obscure their company information. For example, three popular apps, VPN Master, Turbo VPN, and Snap VPN, are closely associated and trace back to three companies registered in Singapore but with links to China. They have a combined 14 million Android installs and 1.1 million Apple iOS installs. One of the registered companies, Innovative Connecting, is owned by an influential Chinese entrepreneur, Chen Danian. Despite no public associations with the VPN company, Chen is listed as a director of the company in Singapore corporate filings, according to the report. The three VPN apps all have a privacy policy explicitly stating, Our business may require us to transfer your Personal Data to countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), including to countries such as the Peoples Republic of China or Singapore. Chen is also founder and CEO of LinkSure Network, a publicly listed company in China. The companys website names several connections to the Chinese regime: It is a member of the Internet Society of China, an association of private internet companies administered by Beijings censorship authority, the Cyberspace Administration. Its also a participant of Beijings poverty alleviation efforts through internet connectivity, also initiated by the Cyberspace Administration. SkyVPNs privacy policy worryingly says the app may automatically collect a slew of information about the device, such as an Android, Apple iOS, or other ID, device maker and model, mobile web browser type and version, IP address, MAC address, the operating systems maker and version, location information, MCC (Mobile Country Code) information, the mobile application name, a list of mobile applications installed on your device and other technical data about your device. The app is tied to a company registered in Hong Kong with a mainland Chinese address and shareholder. Surprisingly, one of the apps, VPN Super Unlimited Proxy, traces to a company whose corporate address is located within a well-known tech incubator in Beijing: the Dongsheng Science and Technology Park. Other VPN apps, such as Super VPN Free VPN Client, which has 50 million downloads on Android, have no website. Its registered address in Singapore is part of a university campus, and likely is fake. The presence of such VPN developers is unsettling given that Chinese authorities have also jailed VPN operators for selling or developing unauthorized VPN software. As recently as October, a VPN developer was sentenced to a three-year suspended prison term. In recent weeks, Chinese netizens who have used a VPN to access Twitter and post comments critical of the Chinese regime have been interrogated, arrest, and detained by local police. They were also forced to close down their accounts. Attendees at a Make America Great Again rally in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Nov. 4, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Man Wearing MAGA Hat Assaulted in Arizona, Latest in String of Assaults A man wearing a Make America Great Again hat was assaulted while walking in Arizona, the latest in a string of attacks against supporters of President Donald Trump. Jonathan Sparks said that he was wearing the so-called MAGA hat while walking in Tuscon recently when he was attacked. I felt a very strong grasp on my hat. It pulled me back and grabbed a lot of hair, Sparks told KVOA. The assailant jumped onto my ankle from behind and so not knowing my ankle was broken into four pieces, I turned around to grab and take the hat back. My hands latched onto the hat. The man kept hitting Sparks after they both fell to the ground. A man wearing a MAGA hat was assaulted while walking around downtown Tucson. https://t.co/vlONO10e57 pic.twitter.com/CGvKk0xMOv KVOA News 4 Tucson (@KVOA) November 14, 2018 This man was attacked downtown while wearing a Make America Great Again hat and holding a sign that says Jobs not Mobs in support for Republicans and @realDonaldTrump I spoke to him after his surgery. https://t.co/BvRAk29c5P Allie Potter KVOA (@AllieKVOA) November 14, 2018 Then I heard the words Hitler, Nazi, and Trump. He was shouting things like that, Sparks said. He came over the top of me and over and over again, he hit me. Witnesses ran over and pulled the violent man off of Sparks and held him until police officers arrived. The Tuscon Police Department confirmed the assailant was arrested. I was making a statement that I personally believe that Donald Trump is a fantastic president of the United States, Sparks said. I think that intolerance to his ideology was the flame. Sparks needed to undergo surgery due to the severity of his injuries. He called his attacker an evil man, but thanked the bystanders who took action, the paramedics, and the police. Other Trump Supporters Attacked Since the time Trump announced his presidency to the present day, dozens of Trump supporters have been attacked in public, some in groups by far-left radicals like Antifa and others by individuals. In one notable attack in Texas earlier this year, a 30-year-old man assaulted a teenage Trump supporter at a restaurant. The man was later indicted by a grand jury. The victim later received a signed MAGA hat from President Donald Trump. In California in August, a California high school student was facing assault charges after knocking a MAGA hat off the head of a classmate and slapping a teacher who intervened in the altercation. In July, a 17-year-old on vacation in Seattle said he was harassed for wearing the red hat. In May, Cheesecake Factory employees attacked a man who was wearing a MAGA hat. From NTD News Superior Court Judge Linda Krese said Brian Varela cannot be sentenced to more than two years and 10 months behind bars. (Brian Varela / Facebook) Man Who Assaulted Dying Woman Gets Less Than 3 Years in Prison, Family Outraged A Washington state man who sexually assaulted a dying high school student was sentenced to three years in prison, according to reports on Nov. 15. Superior Court Judge Linda Krese said Brian Varela, 20, cannot be sentenced to more than two years and 10 months behind bars, The Associated Press reported, for the assault of 18-year-old Alyssa Noceda. Its because he has no prior criminal record, she said. Brian Varela sentenced for rape, manslaughter of Alyssa Noceda. He sent photos and joking texts to friends as she overdosed. She was 18. He'll serve less than 3 years. https://t.co/C1pa1bMo9Q pic.twitter.com/1IT0humX9X Caleb Hutton (@snocaleb) November 16, 2018 Varela pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, third-degree rape, and unlawful disposal of remains, AP reported. Noceda died of a drug overdose in February. Saying she was surprised, even outraged, by the seemingly short sentence, Krese suggested to state lawmakers that they may not have realized the impact of their decision when they set sentences. Im not sure the Legislature really contemplated something like this, Krese said, AP reported. In the February incident, Varela told officials that he had invited people over for a party in Lynnwood. In Varelas room, he said Noceda snorted Percocet, a type of prescription opioid and ingested marijuana, according to court records. Subsequent tests revealed she took fentanyl, which has been blamed for a rash of overdoses across the United States in recent years, and Xanax. Varela said she collapsed, but officials said he didnt seek help. Instead, he sent semi-nude photos of her to his friends via text messages and wrote: LOL, I think she odd, still breathing, AP reported. The young man who watched Alyssa Noceda overdose will serve less than three years in prison for giving her drugs, raping her and joking about her lifeless body over texts with friends. https://t.co/7v0tdlaU0h The Herald (@EverettHerald) November 16, 2018 According to KOMO News, he then tried to cover up her death and dispose of her body, but he was caught by police. Im sorry for my foolish actions. Whatever I get is what I deserve, Varela stated. Nocedas mother, Gina Pierson, said the sentence is a joke. She added to KOMO: Usually people who do stuff like this dont get away with a slap on the wrist. Pierson and her family plan to challenge the sentencing in the Washington state Legislature. Fentanyl Abuse In August 2018, President Donald Trump called on the U.S. Senate to pass a measure to stop synthetic opioid drugs such as fentanyl from being transported into the United States through the U.S. Postal Service system. It is outrageous that Poisonous Synthetic Heroin Fentanyl comes pouring into the U.S. Postal System from China, he wrote on Aug. 20. The shipment of fentanyl from China into the country is almost a form of warfare, Trump also said, adding, In China, you have some pretty big companies sending that garbage and killing our people, Trump added. More than 71,500 Americans died of a drug overdose in 2017, according to data released the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majorityor least 68 percentof those deaths could be attributed to opioids such as fentanyl. [Chinese drug makers] have been using the internet to sell fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to drug traffickers and individual customers in the United States, said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in a statement on Oct. 17, 2017. Mountain Gorillas Come Back From Brink of Extinction, More Than 1,000 Left Now Mountain gorillas have come back from the edge of extinction, and now more than 1,000 specimens are thriving in central Africathe first time in a decade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) updated mountain gorillas status from critically endangered to endangered, according to The Associated Press in a Nov. 15 report. A decade ago, there were an estimated 680 mountain gorillas. In the context of crashing populations of wildlife around the world, this is a remarkable conservation success, said Tara Stoinski, the chief scientist of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, in the AP report. This is a beacon of hopeand its happened in recently war-torn and still very poor countries, she added. The subspecies of gorilla is found in areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There was speculation that the primates would be extinct by the year 2000. Some experts say, however, that the numbers could still go down quickly. We have made progress in terms of their protection, in terms of allowing an environment where mountain gorillas can continue to thrive and grow, Anna Behm Masozera, director of the International Gorilla Conservation Program, told AP. But its important to note that mountain gorillas numbers could still slip back very quickly. We still have just two fragile and small populations. This is progress, not victory, Chris Tyler-Smith, a geneticist with the Wellcome Sanger Institute, told Mongabay. The current level of conservation effort definitely needs to be continued. NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Legality of Washington Gun Control Measure The National Rifle Association (NRA) has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of a voter-approved initiative in Washington that would severely limit gun rights if enacted. The lawsuit was filed in a U.S. District Court in the western district in Washington State and says the measure violates the commerce clause by banning sales of rifles to non-residents. The measure is also unconstitutional because it impairs the rights guaranteed by the First, Second, and Fourteenth Amendments by preventing the sale of certain rifles to otherwise qualified adults under the age of 21, according to the groups. The NRA is committed to restoring the Second Amendment rights of every law-abiding Washingtonian, Chris Cox, executive director of NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. I-1639 violates the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and puts people at risk. This lawsuit is the first step in the fight to ensure that Washingtonians are free to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense. A number of gun dealers and young adults joined in the lawsuit, as did the Second Amendment Foundation. Were determined to fight this egregious measure because constitutionally-protected rights should never be subject to a popularity vote, added Alan Gottlieb, the foundations executive vice president. The wealthy elitists behind I-1639 want to turn a right into a regulated privilege. This measure was only designed to have a chilling effect on the exercise of a constitutional right by honest citizens while having no impact at all on criminals, and we cannot let it go unchallenged. Ballot Initiative The ballot initiative, I-1639 (pdf), or Changes to Gun Ownership and Purchase Requirements Measure, would implement restrictions on the purchase and ownership of firearms. The restrictions include increasing the minimum age to buy semi-automatic assault rifles from 18 to 21 and opening people whose guns are taken by someone else and used in a crime to criminal charges. The measure was backed by a number of wealthy donors, with nearly $5.5 million raised from the likes of Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, reported the Seattle Times. On the other side, opponents led by the NRA raised roughly $610,000 to try to fight the measure. The initiative passed by a significant margin, with about 60 percent of voters approving it. But the average wasnt that high in some places, with only 51 percent of voters in Spokane County approving it and 72 percent of voters in Stevens County rejecting it, reported KREM. At least one police chief in the state has said he will not enforce the measure, calling it unconstitutional. From NTD News Pence Slams Chinas Empire and Aggression in Asia Ahead of the Group of 20 talks, Vice President Mike Pence sent a message to Beijing, denouncing its empire and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the sixth summit of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Singapore on Nov. 14, Pences remarks were a continuation of the Trump administrations criticism of, for instance, Chinas attempted annexation of the South China Sea, predatory trade policies, and One Belt, One Road initiative. The vice president offered the United States behavior as a contrast. In all that we do, the United States seeks collaboration, not control, he said. And we are proud to call ASEAN our strategic partner. Pences comments highlighted the mounting tension between Washington and Beijing ahead of the G-20 meeting later this month. President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the G-20 in Buenos Aires; a formal, bilateral meeting is under consideration by both sides to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade. Standing in for Trump at the Asia summit, Pence also said that the United States has taken decisive action to promote Americas values and vision across the region. To meet that end, the United States is planning to spur greater private investment in the regions infrastructure, a competitive alternative to Beijings Belt and Road initiative (BRI). The communist regime has made the initiative a centerpiece of its plans to grow its geopolitical influence. The Trump administration has been a vocal critic of Chinas ambitious international-development plan. It has been particularly concerned at how the BRI is a debt trap for many emerging countries in the region. These debts are issued through a wide range of Chinese local government and state-controlled institutions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned of the looming debt crises in the region and pointed the finger at China, calling it a non-transparent emerging sovereign creditor. The United States is backing renewed investment in the Indo-Pacific, Pence said. U.S. businesses have already invested more than $1.4 trillion in the region. To back new infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere, the United States would offer $60 billion in financing, more than doubling its support. China Knows Where We Stand The Trump administration believes progress could be made with China on trade issues at the G-20 summit. But either way, U.S. officials are confident that the United States remains in a strong position. In an interview with The Washington Post, Pence said that the administration wouldnt back down. Were convinced China knows where we stand, he said. The Trump administration gave Chinese officials a long list of issues that the United States and other nations face with China. According to Pence, Beijing has to offer concessions on these issues, which include intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, restricted access to Chinese markets, and the communist regimes interference in the politics of other countries. If China wants to prevent a cold war with the United States and its partners, it must fundamentally change its attitude, Pence told the newspaper. We really believe we are in a strong position either way. We are at $250 billion [in tariffs] now; we can more than double that, he said. I dont think its a matter of promises. Were looking for results. Were looking for a change of posture. To end Chinas economic aggression, the United States has levied duties on roughly $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and imposed restrictions on Chinese investments this year. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of its own against U.S. goods. The last round of talks ended in August as Beijing gave no indication that they were ready to meet Washingtons demands. Chinese officials are preparing to make a series of potential concessions to the Trump administration, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 14, citing people familiar with the talks. The commitments, however, fall short of the type of key structural reforms that Trump has been demanding, according to the sources. For instance, the reported reforms dont include the commitment that Washington has been seeking that the Beijing regime will change industrial policies, such as the Made in China 2025 blueprint, Bloomberg said. Four white lion cubs, born two weeks ago, are seen in a basket at the Taigan Safari Park, in Belogorsk, about 50 km (31 miles) east of Simferopol, Crimea, Wednesday, July 29, 2015. The newly born white lion cubs were shown to the media for the first time Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alexander Polegenko) Rare White Lion at Risk of Being Sold and Shot by Hunters: Reports A South African wildlife sanctuary says it is prepared to take legal action against the government over custody of a rare white lionone of about dozen in the wildover fears that it would be auctioned off and hunted. The 3-year-old lion, named Mufasa, is being held at the Rustenburg Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa, known as Wild for Life. Mufasa the white lions legal battle heats up as sanctuary fears rare animal will be auctioned off to hunters https://t.co/FEkst4fZ7h pic.twitter.com/9fi5sFhp3R News Time Update (@newstimeupdate) November 16, 2018 Police in South Africa handed over the lion to the sanctuary in 2015 after they took it from a person who owned it as a pet. The owner didnt have the right permits, prompting the police action, Fox News reported. South Africas North West Department of Rural, Environmental and Agricultural Development told the Sunday Times newspaper this month that its trying to get Mufasa back from the Rustenburg Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The department said it planned to move the animal to another sanctuary. According to the Sunday Times, the department denied Mufasa will be sold. An official with the Rustenburg Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre said she was told by South African officials on Monday that the animal will be auctioned off to recover legal costs, Fox reported. In the last few weeks we have seen and read extensively about what happens to lions in the industry, the sanctuary wrote. This means there is only one of two options left. White lion Mufasa denied sanctuary: Officials want to auction Him for #TrophyHunting! -Pls SIGN Cole &Marmalade MT https://t.co/9n7PozBIoN pic.twitter.com/hQO88ePXXf Gina C (@ginachron) October 14, 2018 Please help us prevent the atrocity of having this beautiful lion condemned to a trophy or a bag of bones, it added. A petition to save the animal had nearly 240,000 supporters as of Nov. 16. The Daily Mail reported the lion is infertile, meaning that it would likely be bought by a hunting company and not a breeder. Mufasa was confiscated by law enforcement and handed to a wildlife rehabilitation center to be cared for. The rehab center acquired a second cub Suraya, as a companion for Mufasa. Mufasa and Suraya are now three years old and are inseparable, said the petition. Nature conservation officials refused permission for Mufasa to be relocated to a sanctuary, who offered to care for both Mufasa and Suraya for their natural lives, free of charge. Instead, the rehab center was told telephonically that Mufasa will be auctioned to raise funds for the department, it added. The Rustenburg center said it has raised more than $7,600 for a court battle to block a potential auction, the Daily Mail noted. Several celebrities, including comedian Ricky Gervais, have taken up the animals cause. Shame on the pathetic sadist who pays the money to shoot this animal, and shame on the snivelling coward who accepts the money too. Both worthless. https://t.co/MIj2uxhzPK Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) October 18, 2018 Shame on the pathetic sadist who pays the money to shoot this animal, and shame on the snivelling coward who accepts the money too. Both worthless, he tweeted Oct. 18. Video: Man Climbs Over Tiger Barrier at Oakland Zoo File photo showing musician Billy Idol attending the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 23, 2016. (Mike Windle/Getty Images for iHeartMedia) Rock Icon Billy Idol Becomes US Citizen, Vows to Defend Constitution Against All Enemies Rock icon Billy Idol became a U.S. citizen in a ceremony in Los Angeles on Nov. 14, holding the American flag as he took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) tweeted out a set of images of the 62-year-old rock star in the ceremony. The USCIS composed a playful caption to the collage, borrowing a line from White Wedding, a well-known Billy Idol song. Its a nice day for a naturalization ceremony, the USCIS wrote in the tweet. Congratulations on Billy Idol on becoming a #newUScitizen today in Los Angeles, CA. Fans of the legendary musician responded to the tweet with a flurry of comments. Knew it would happen hes lived over there for a long time so was bound to happen, said one commenter. CONGRATS BILLY IDOL!!!!! tweeted another fan. The requirements to become a naturalized US citizen include being able to read, write and speak basic English, and be of good moral character. The Oath of Allegiance includes vowing to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Its a nice day for a naturalization ceremony. Congratulations Billy Idol on becoming a #newUScitizen today in Los Angeles, CA. pic.twitter.com/4s7KXHqoKC USCIS (@USCIS) November 15, 2018 Idol, who was born William Michael Albert Broad in the British town of Stanmore, Middlesex in 1955, has been a resident of the United States for years. Sad that he now is seen as American even though he will always be British to us old-timers! Yes I know hes been there since 1980, wrote another fan. In fact, Idol moved to New York in 1981 to launch a solo career, after co-founding the punk rock group Generation X in the U.K., according to the Daily Mail. His music makes me feel like a teenager again back in 1980s, another commenter wrote. I love him for that! His first self-titled album was released in 1982 and contained the iconic song White Wedding, for which the British rocker is perhaps best known. The song has since been covered by a host of bands. While White Wedding reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983, it was not Idols most popular hit. That honor belongs to Mony Mony, which peaked at #1 on Billboard. Idol moved to Los Angeles in the late 80s, where he has been based ever since. The 62-year-old rocker continues to perform, recently announcing plans for 10 concerts as part of a Las Vegas residency at the Palms Casino Resort in 2019, according to a press release. The 10-show run, which begins Jan. 18, 2019 and continues with dates throughout January and October, is the second residency show for the reimagined property, the resort announced days before Idol premiered his latest release, Vital Idol: Revitalized. The album features 11 brand-new remixes of Idols most classic and enduring hits, according to the release. Steve Stevens, my band and I have played Vegas many times and its always been a blast. We cant stay away! said Billy Idol. Las Vegas keeps us coming back for more. Idol will be joined by his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens for the 10-show run in Vegas. Billy Idol is an absolute icon in the music world one of those artists that people of all ages around the world know the lyrics to every song. Its an honor to have him back at The Pearl at the Palms, said Palms Casino Resort General Manager Jon Gray in the release. Ron DeSantis Wins Florida Governor Race After Recount, Gillum Refuses to Concede Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) won the race for Florida governor after the machine recount results showed him up by more than 33,000 votes. The second set of unofficial results showed DeSantis with 4,075,445 votes, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Democrat Andrew Gillum, 39, the mayor of Tallahassee, ended with 4,041,762 votes. The recount was triggered because the lead for DeSantis was below 0.5 percentage points after the first round of unofficial results. The results are now final; but the states Senate race heads to a hand recount because results after the machine recount were within 0.25 percentage points. Because of his large lead, DeSantis had said days ago he was preparing for his transition to governor, an office he will assume at the beginning of the new year. DeSantis named his transition team earlier in the week, saying on Twitter: Im proud of the team we have begun assembling to start the transition process. These talented individuals will ensure my administration is ready to serve the people of Florida on day one! Wont Concede Despite gaining just one vote in the machine recount, Gillum has refused to concede. A vote denied is justice deniedthe State of Florida must count every legally cast vote, Gillum told the Orlando Sentinel. As todays unofficial reports and recent court proceedings make clear, there are tens of thousands of votes that have yet to be counted. We plan to do all we can to ensure that every voice is heard in this process. While Gillum hasnt filed any lawsuit, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) has filed several that contend every ballot should count even if they were rejected by election officials for mismatched signatures, empty slots, and other issues. Both Gillum and Nelsons lawyers objected at one point when the ballot of a non-citizen was discarded. Gillum conceded on election night but withdrew his concession several days later. The voting results will be certified on Nov. 20. Problems Florida has faced numerous problems in the midterm elections, particularly in Broward County and Palm Beach County. In Broward, election supervisor Brenda Snipes admitted to mixing illegal ballots in with legal ones and refused repeatedly to comply with state law. In the latest bizarre twist, Broward filed the machine recount results two minutes late, meaning the results of the first unofficial count stand. Susan Bucher, the counterpart of Snipes in Palm Beach, was unable to complete the machine recount by the mandated Thursday afternoon deadline. She claimed her team needed just a few more hours, despite the fact that her team had paused multiple times for hours on end. The county shut off its ballot-counting machines Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. and turned one machine back on around 10 a.m. the next morning, reported the Miami Herald. Its not clear if Bucher will be removed from her post; Snipes is considered likely to be removed from her post. From NTDNews Supporters of ousted Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe gather at the prime minister's official residence in Colombo early Nov. 10, 2018. (Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images) Sri Lanka, Without Prime Minister and Cabinet, Grinds to Political Halt COLOMBOSri Lanka appeared to be politically rudderless on Nov. 15 as the speaker of parliament declared there was no functioning prime minister or cabinet after a no-confidence vote the previous day. His comments came after weeks of political turmoil in the island, off the southeast coast of India, leading to raucous scenes on the floor of parliament on Nov. 15. Parliament on Nov. 14 passed the no-confidence motion against recently appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government with the backing of 122 of the 225 lawmakers in a voice vote, followed by a signed document. But President Maithripala Sirisena, in a letter to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, said he could not accept the no-confidence vote as it appeared to have ignored the constitution, parliamentary procedure, and tradition. Since the no-confidence vote was passed yesterdayand no new prime minister or ministers appointed, today nobody will be accepted as prime minister or any other ministers, Jayasuriya told parliament. Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and naming Rajapaksa to the job late last month, dissolved parliament last week and ordered elections to break the deadlock. But the Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that decree on Nov. 13 until it had heard petitions challenging the move as unconstitutional. Rajapaksa, speaking in parliament, demanded a general election to end the current political crisis. Soon after his speech, Rajapaksas supporters poured on to the floor of parliament and disrupted proceedings. MPs from both sides gathered around the Speakers chair, with a lot of shouting and hooting. The turmoil lasted almost 20 minutes after which Jayasuriya, who failed to bring the house to order, left parliament without making any statement. TV footage later showed Rajapaksa supporters pulling away the speakers microphone, denying him the chance to make a further statement. After a meeting with party leaders, Jayasuriyas office said the parliament would be reconvened on Nov. 16. Allies of Rajapaksa-Sirisena sayWickremesinghe is backed by Western nations, which are interfering in Sri Lankan matters. Rajapaksa is mostly backed by Buddhists, who make up more than 70 percent of Sri Lankas 21 million population, while Wickremesinghe is backed by a cross-section of the community. Security was beefed up around the parliament and 32 ministries in Colombo on Nov. 15, police said. Later in the day thousands of Wickremesinghes party supporters held a protest in the capital against what they described as the fake government. This president has ignored the constitution. He has to accept the no-confidence vote held yesterday, Wickremesinghe told the gathering. We are ready to face both presidential and parliamentary polls, but they should be done in line with the constitution. Sirisena has faced international criticism for plunging the country into crisis at a time when the economy is growing at its weakest pace in 16 years. Sirisena has said he fired Wickremesinghe because the prime minister was trying to implement a new, extreme liberal political concept and neglecting local peoples sentiment. But, sources close to the both leaders have said Sirisenas decision came after Wickremesinghes party rejected the presidents request to back him for second five-year term in the 2020 presidency. They had also split over whether to back Chinese or Indian investors in various projects, the sources said. India and Western countries have requested Sirisena act in line with the constitution while raising concerns over Rajapaksas close ties with China. Beijing loaned Sri Lanka billions of dollars for infrastructure projects when Rajapaksa was president between 2005-2015, creating a major debt problem for the country. By Shihar Aneez Stranded Motorist in GoFundMe Case Allegedly Texted Friend: Shush About the Made Up Stuff Prosecutors said a New Jersey couple and a homeless Philadelphia man devised an elaborate ruse to cheat GoFundMe donors out of more than $400,000. Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said on Thursday, Nov. 15, that that within hours of the GoFundMe campaign launch, Kate McClure texted a friend saying that the majority of the story was fabricated, according to NBC 10 Philadelphia. Ok, so wait. The gas part is completely made up. The guy isnt, McClure allegedly texted the friend after the campaign went live, according to the report. So shush about the made up stuff, she said, according to Coffina. The three allegedly met more than a month before the launch of the campaign, authorities believe. The entire campaign was predicated on a lie, Coffina said, according to The Associated Press. It was fictitious and illegal and there are consequences. McClure, her boyfriend Mark DAmico, and homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt are facing criminal charges of conspiracy and theft by deception, in an alleged get-rich-quick ploy that Coffina said hoodwinked an awful lot of people. I had to make something up to make people feel bad, McClure allegedly said in another text to a friend. The couple turned themselves in to police Wednesday night and were later released. Bobbitt was arrested Wednesday night in Philadelphia and remained in custody Thursday on a $50,000 bond. McClure claims she had no knowledge of the scheme. Speaking through attorney James Gerrow, she stated that she was unaware of the false story and claimed that boyfriend DAmico and homeless vet Bobbit exploited her. Im confident that in the end the evidence will reveal that Kate had only the best intentions, Gerrow said. She was used by Mr. DAmico and Mr. Bobbitt and she thought throughout that this money was going to a homeless veteran. She was unaware that they had concocted this scheme. It wasnt until September when meeting with prosecutors that she came to realize that she had been used by both of them. Lets Do Something Special The story claimed that Bobbitt, a former Marine and first responder, spent his last $20 to help McClure buy gas after her car broke down on the I-95 exit ramp near Philadelphia. McClure posted the heartwarming rescue story on social media, directing people to a GoFundMe page set up to collect funds ostensibly to help Bobbitt get a leg up in life. Lets do something special, McClure wrote, as news of the homeless mans alleged selfless act quickly went viral. The story is in the link guys. Thanks so much for even taking a quick look! Let's do something special https://t.co/MFugVz1mj2 #philly #love Kate McClure (@getjohnnyahome) November 11, 2017 The funding response was overwhelming. The goal was $10,000, but within nine months the amount collected reached $402,706an extraordinary result that received broad media coverage. It has changed my entire outlook about people, my outlook about people has skyrocketed, McClure said of the donations at the time. Over 14,000 people were moved by the touching story and donated money. Sweet Story Turned Sour The feel-good tale suffered its first upset when Bobbitt claimed that the couple used the GoFundMe money as a personal piggy bank, and sued the couple in August for mismanaging his funds. Bobbitts attorney, Jacqueline Promislo, told The New York Post in September that the couple started to spend the money right after depositing it into their bank account. They went on shopping sprees, Promislo told the paper. [Bobbitt] tells me they had a Louis Vuitton bag and Chanel sunglasses, a new iPhone 10. Then the prosecutors office confirmed on Sept. 6 that a criminal investigation had been launched into the missing funds. Now, all of the money raised through the crowdfunding website will be refunded to the donors, Coffina said. Stumped by Word Trivial in High School Exam, Students Launch Petition Only after taking their final year history exam did some high school students realise a serious mishap can be caused by a trivial error. Because until then, they didnt know what trivial meant. Thousands of students in New Zealand, aged 17 and 18, started an online petition to the exam board explaining that they got confused over the meaning of the word trivial in their national Causes and Consequences history essay question. Some thought it meant serious. Some students started a petition for the essays to be marked based upon what the students thought the word meant. The exam board said the petition would not change their marking process, but said that candidates would not be penalised for misinterpreting the word trivial. Some 6,300 students sat for the exam on Nov. 14, according to local reports, and over 2,500 students had signed the online petition by Nov. 16. The complaint centered on a quote from Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Events of importance are the result of trivial causes. Students were asked to state whether they agreed with the quote and explain why. Within The Range of Vocabulary The year 13 History Causes and Consequences essay has made the decision of including an unfamiliar word (trivial), which caused much confusion among the students, said the online petition. The word, which many students were not particularly familiar with meant that students had to write the essay based on their own understanding of the word, it continued. The chairman of the New Zealand History Teachers Association, Graeme Ball, agreed, telling Stuff NZ that the exam was not testing comprehension, and it was thus unfair to make that part of the assessment. Kristine Kilkelly, NZQA deputy chief executive assessment officer, told the Guardian that the word trivial, was within the range of vocabulary for a NCEA Level 3 history student. If candidates have addressed the quote and integrated their ideas with it, then they will be given credit for the strength of their argument and analysis and will not be penalised for misinterpreting the word trivial, she said. There have been no changes as a consequence of the petition, Kilkelly said. Some Students Thought It Meant Significant College student Logan Stadnyk, who sat the paper and signed the petition said he was lucky to understand the word, but at least half of his class didnt. Some of his peers thought trivial meant significant, he told Stuff. Trivial isnt a word that you hear too frequently, especially not if youre in Year 13. The New Zealand Head Teachers Association tweeted, Very concerning that our senior students may have been disadvantaged in their exam essays because NZQA didnt define an unfamiliar word. Public reaction on social media seemed to set the bar higher, however, with many suggesting the word trivial shouldnt be beyond the grasp of the 18-year-old mind. One person commented on Twitter, I too would like to launch a petition on this. If you are 18 and dont know what the word trivial means, you should be sent back to primary school to try your education again. Switzerland's national flag flies under the logo of Swiss bank UBS in Zurich, Switzerland, on April 24, 2017. (Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo/Reuters) Swiss Watchdog Investigates Banks Over Alleged Payments System Boycott ZURICHSwitzerlands competition watchdog has raided the offices of financial companies, including Credit Suisse and UBS, to investigate a suspected boycott of mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. The competition authority said it was investigating whether the banks, including state-owned PostFinance, colluded with local payments providers not to use the mobile payment systems of the big tech companies. There is the suspicion that the companies agreed not to make their credit cards available for use with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, in order to favor the Swiss solution TWINT, Competition Commission WEKO said in a statement on Nov. 15. Some of the companies targeted in the probe said the regulators accusations were without merit. We are surprised about this investigation and are convinced that the allegations will prove to be unfounded, Credit Suisse said in a statement. Credit Suisse said it offers Swiss consumers access to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay through its 50 percent subsidiary Swisscard and has also been in talks with Apple, Samsung, and Google over how their solutions can be used. UBS acknowledged the investigation and said it had tried to reach an agreement with Apple Pay overuse of the Swiss banks credit cards as early as 2016, but had not managed to come to an understanding with the company. Although we offered a number of alternative solutions, unfortunately, we werent able to reach an agreement with Apple Pay to cooperate, a UBS spokeswoman said. Postfinance, part of Switzerlands postal service and one of the countrys largest banks, also said it did not breach Swiss cartel law and said it was cooperating with the WEKO probe. TWINT AG, a joint venture between Switzerlands biggest banks to create a digital payments system, said it was astonished by the competition commissions approach. TWINT said its offices were raided by the watchdog even though it is not under investigation. TWINT also said it had previously submitted a complaint against Apple over unfair competitive practices. TWINT itself asked the (Competition Commission) some time ago to investigate discriminatory behavior by Apple toward TWINT, because Apple prevents the trouble-free use of the TWINT app on IOS devices, it said. A decision of the WEKO in this matter is expected shortly. An Apple spokesman in Switzerland could not immediately be reached for comment on the TWINT allegations. Disputes between mobile payment systems and banks have cropped up elsewhere too. Last year, a decision by Australias competition watchdog stopped the countrys banks from collectively trying to introduce their own mobile applications for contactless payments on Apples phones and watches. Apple Pay entered Switzerland in 2016 as the first major rival to TWINT, which was launched in the same year but has not yet made big inroads into Switzerlands payments market. TWINT in April said mobile payments in Switzerland had yet to gain traction the way they had in other countries, with just an estimated 0.2 percent of all payments occurring over smartphone in the country. It said it had reached 750,000 users as of April 2018, a step down from the one million it had been targeting by end-2017. The competition watchdog said its investigation included Aduno Holding, PostFinance, Swisscard AECS GmbH and Swiss units of Credit Suisse and UBS. Aduno confirmed that its offices in Zurich were searched by Swiss authorities and said it was cooperating with the investigation. It declined further comment. By John Miller & Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi People take part in a demonstration to support the high-speed train line TAV in Turin, Italy, Nov. 10, 2018. (Reuters/Massimo Pinca) Thousands Rally in Turin in Favor of Italy-France Rail Link ROMETens of thousands of people rallied in northern Italy on Nov. 10 in support of an ambitious Franco-Italian rail link, known as TAV, and against the decision of the ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement to reconsider the project. The 167-mile high-speed line is due to link the French city of Lyon with Turin in northern Italy at an estimated cost of 26 billion euros ($30.2 billion). The plan has been beset by disapproval and protests, both regional and national, and in July, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement and industry minister, called for a review, putting his group at odds with coalition partner, the League. Around 30,000 people gathered in one of Turins main squares for what was the biggest pro-TAV demonstration so far, signaling the plans economic importance in one of Italys most industrialized regions. Its yes, to economic development, to jobs, tourism, and culture, and all that is important to the city, said Adele Olivero, one of the organizers of the rally, which gathered citizens, labor unions, parties, as well as TAV workers. Regional Governor Sergio Chiamparino called for a quick response from the government: Turin and (the region) of Piedmont want the TAV, and they want a link with Europe, without barriers, he said. Chiara Appendino, 5-Star mayor of the city, said she accepted the arguments put forward by the protesters and that she was ready to open a constructive dialogue. Work has already started on the project but Italys Infrastructure Minister said he wanted to re-negotiate the terms with France. If Italy backs out at this point, it could face large penalties from both Paris and Brussels. The 5-Star Movement has long supported the cause of residents of the alpine valleys who have protested against TAV. Meanwhile, the League, whose support is mainly rooted in the regions of the north, has defended the project, saying it will help develop the Italian economy. 5-Star, afraid to lose a large slice of its electoral support, is keen to stop works on TAV, one of its biggest election promises, particularly after having to grant approval last month to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project, which it had highly contested and had pledged to stop. By Giulia Segreti Tijuana Residents Clash With Central American Migrants: Get Out! Tijuana residents said they want the Central American migrants who have arrived in the city to leave, as thousands more migrants head to the area to try to cross into the United States. The main migrant caravan, with an estimated 6,500 people, is headed to Tijuana. Some of the caravan members are already beginning to reach the city, causing unrest among the locals. They formed a protest, saying there were already too many migrants there, urging them to leave. During the confrontation late on Nov. 14, which lasted more than three hours, area residents sang Mexicos national anthem and waved Mexican flags, reported the Palm Springs Desert Sun. They also shouted Youre not welcome, and, Get out! Pushing, shoving, kicking, and a couple of heavy blows broke out between the residents and the migrants, with more than 36 police officers at the scene trying to handle the situation. This is not an appropriate place for them, one local resident said. There are appropriate places for them. This isnt about discrimination, it is about safety! another added. Hundreds Arrive in Tijuana, Thousands on Their Way The protests came after an estimated 750 migrants got off buses in Tijuana on Nov. 14. Some went to shelters but others spent the night in a makeshift camp by the Pacific Ocean, just steps from the border fence that separates Mexico and the United States. The bulk of the main caravan appeared to be about 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) from the border but has recently been moving hundreds of miles a day by hitching rides on trucks and buses. Many of the new arrivals were waiting in Tijuana for the caravan leaders to arrive and provide guidance on their immigration options to the United States, including seeking asylum. Some said they might cross illegally. Less than one percent of Mexicos population is foreign-born, Javier Urbano, a professor at the Iberoamerican University who studies immigration, told USA Today. He said the debate on immigration in the country is just beginning Meanwhile, 34 percent of respondents to a recent survey said that the Mexican government should not help and pressure to return them to their countries. Plans to Rush Border Migrants said that by and large, Mexicans had been kind to them, even though most have rejected the countrys offer of asylum, which included jobs, education, and healthcare. Mexico has been excellent; we have no complaint about Mexico. The United States remains to be seen, said Josue Vargas, a migrant from Honduras. Henry Salinas, 30, of Honduras, said that he planned to wait for the main caravan so that the group could rush the border fence at the same time, overwhelming Border Patrol agents. Up to 10,000 migrants are traveling toward the border in three caravans. Under President Donald Trumps recent directive, migrants who dont enter through a port of entry arent eligible for asylum. Its going to be all against one, one against all. All of Central America against one, and one against Central America. All against Trump, and Trump against all, Salinas said. The Associated Press contributed to this report From NTD News President Donald Trump speaks during a signing of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 16, 2018. (Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images) Trump Says US May Not Impose More Tariffs on China WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 16 that he may not impose more tariffs on Chinese goods after Beijing sent the United States a list of measures it was willing to take to resolve trade tensions, although he added it was unacceptable that some major items were omitted from the list. Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports to force concessions from Beijing on the list of demands that would change the terms of trade between the two countries. China has responded with import tariffs on U.S. goods. Washington is demanding Beijing improve market access and intellectual property protections for U.S. companies, cut industrial subsidies and slash a $375 billion trade gap. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday said China needed to change its behavior to avoid a new cold war with the United States. The U.S. tariff rate on $200 billion in Chinese goods is set to increase to 25 percent from 10 percent on Jan. 1. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on all remaining Chinese importsabout $267 billion more in goodsif Beijing fails to address U.S. demands. We may not have to do that, Trump told reporters at the White House. China would like to make a deal. But Trump added that there were four or five big things left off the list of 142 items sent by China. They sent a list of things that theyre willing to do, which is a large list, and its just not acceptable to me yet, he said. He did not detail the omitted items. Trump said, however, he was confident the missing items would be addressed in any deal struck with China. I think well probably get them too, he said. Trumps softening line on tariffs gave a modest lift to stocks. Trump is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina later this month. Officials have played down the probability that the two will make a deal to end their trade war at the meeting. One source briefed on the offer said it was just a rehash of previous offers China had made. The United States had said it would not restart negotiations on a trade deal until it saw a concrete response to China on its demands, although informal talks between the two on trade restarted earlier this month after Trump and Xi talked via telephone. Reuters reported this week that China sent the written response to U.S. demands on Monday, ending a months-long wait. The Chinese document included 142 items divided into three categories: issues China was willing to negotiate for further action, issues it was already working on and issues considered off limits, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday. Trumps team of economic advisers have voiced conflicting views on doing a deal with China. Some, such trade adviser as Peter Navarro, advocate taking a hard line on trade until China makes deep economic forms. Others, such as economic adviser Larry Kudlow, want to see reforms but have pressed for a deal to avoid further disruption to trade between the worlds two largest economies. By Jeff Mason An anthropologist (R) examines the remains of a dog found in a bathtub in a home destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Nov. 14, 2018. (Terray Sylvester/Reuters) Trump to Visit California as Wildfire Death Toll Rises PARADISE, Calif.The search for victims of the deadliest wildfire in California history expanded on Nov. 15, as the White House said that President Donald Trump would visit the area on Nov. 17. Crews were working through the town of Paradise a week after it was incinerated, as 56 people were confirmed dead in Northern Californias Camp Fire. More than 9,000 personnel from many U.S. states are fighting that blaze, as well as the Woolsey Fire hundreds of miles to the south. Authorities attributed the high number of casualties to the staggering speed with which the wind-driven flames incinerated Paradise. Nearly 8,700 homes were destroyed and 15,500 buildings threatened, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Cal Fire said that 40 percent of the Camp Fire had been contained even as the blaze grew 2,000 acres to 140,000 acres. The White House said Trump would meet with people displaced by the fires. National Guard troops are in Paradise, a town of about 27,000 in the Sierra foothills about 175 miles north of San Francisco, looking for remains of victims. One hundred thirty people, most over the age of 65, were still listed as missing. Authorities fear that in the crush to flee the fast-approaching flames, some elderly residents may have been left behind. At least 22 cadaver dogs are part of the search. Those who survived the flames but lost their homes were adapting to a refugee lifestyle and many found a haven at a still-open Walmart in Paradise. A section of the stores parking lot was roped off for use as a distribution center for clothes, food, and coffee, while people who fled their homes set up dozens of tents in an adjacent field or slept in their cars in the parking lot. Portable toilets were brought in. Evacuees milling in the parking lot faced morning temperatures that dropped into the mid-30s and many wore breathing masks for protection from lingering smoke. Nicole and Eric Montague, along with their 16-year-old daughter, went to the Walmart parking lot for free food but have been living with extended family in Chico, about 12 miles away, in a one-bedroom apartment filled with 15 people and nine dogs. We Didnt Have Any Time They said they were aware a fire was coming toward Paradise last week but were stunned by how quickly it arrived. We didnt have any time to react, Eric said. The news didnt even know the fire was coming. It just happened so quick. Nicole said she decided to flee once her homes mailbox caught fire and neighbors propane tanks began exploding. With approaching flames and immovable traffic, her evacuation with her daughter was so harrowing that she called Eric to say they were going to die. I called him and said, Honey, Im not going to make it, I love you,' Nicole said. Paradises ghostly expanse of empty lots covered in ash and strewn with twisted wreckage and debris made a strong impression on Gov. Jerry Brown, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, and other officials who toured the devastation on Nov. 14 and were due to visit the scene of the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 15. The blaze, fueled by thick, drought-desiccated scrub, has capped two back-to-back catastrophic wildfire seasons in California. The high winds have eased, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott told reporters late on Nov. 14, but vegetation around the Camp Fire remained critically dry and conditions were dangerous. The Butte County disaster coincided with blazes in Southern California, including the Woolsey Fire, which has killed at least two people, destroyed more than 500 structures and at its height displaced 200,000 people west of Los Angeles. The Camp Fire also stands as one of the deadliest U.S. wildfires since the 19th century. More than 80 people perished in the Big Burn firestorm that swept the northern Rockies in August 1910, consuming 3 million acres. By Terray Sylvester A deer stands among the bracken as a jogger runs past on Richmond Park, London, on Dec. 28, 2017. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Two-Headed Deer Shot, Killed in Kentucky Graphic photo warning A hunter in Kentucky shot and killed a deer with an additional head attached to it, according to a Facebook post from a local government agency this week. Bob Long said he saw large antlers before he took aim at the animal in Ballard County. However, what he found upon recovery was astounding, said the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Deer Rut Double Take: Check out this unique Ballard County harvest!Bob Long saw big antlers when he took aim at his Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Its unclear exactly what circumstances led up to this bucks carrying around another set of antlers and part of a decomposing carcass. Regardless, it was truly a rare harvest, the agency wrote on Facebook. Photos uploaded to Facebook showed the hunter holding up both heads at the same time. Other details about the deer and hunter are not clear. The bucks antlers may have got stuck together after a fight. During the mating season, which typically lasts about three weeks, bucks are busy sparring with each other, rubbing trees, and creating scrapes, says the Pennsylvania Game Commission. During mating season, or the rut, sparring matches may help establish the dominance hierarchy among males. As the peak of the breeding season approaches, sparring matches may give way to full-blown antler fights. These generally take place between bucks of similar hierarchal status, says the Noble Research Institute. In some cases, the fights can be to the death. A mule deer killed another buck during a rut in Arizona, which was captured in this graphic viral video: Shows how brutal life can be in the wild. Some fights can result in both bucks dying. In a number of states, firearm hunting season for deer started this week. In a 2014 study, bucks, which are also known as male fallow deer, can call for a mate more than 3,000 times per hour during the rut. Fallow bucks are among the most impressive vocal athletes of all deer and invest a large amount of time and energy in calling, explained Dr. Benjamin Pitcher from Queen Marys School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, according to the study. Bucks produce a groan to attract mates and ward off competing males. Until recently we have known relatively little about who is listening to their calling, and what information they are hearing, noted Dr. Alan McElligott, also from Queen Marys School of Biological and Chemical Science. In the study, The deer were more responsive to fast rate groans than to slow rate groans indicating that bucks signal their motivation or aggressiveness in how quickly they call. The bucks also recognised groans from early in the rut, recorded before callers became tired, as more threatening than groans recorded later in the rut. This shows that bucks can detect when rivals are becoming fatigued and that exhausted males pose less of a threat, according to Phys.org. Male deer during the rut can stop feeding and lose about a quarter of their overall body weight. Its because theyre focused on finding mates Pitcher noted: We know from this recent study that by detecting changes in calls, bucks are able to judge which rival is most vulnerable to be challenged and when to fight. US marines put barbed wire atop feU.S. marines place barbed wire atop fencing along the United StatesMexico border in San Ysidro, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2018. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images)ncing along the United States-Mexico border in San Ysidro, California, on November 9, 2018. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / AFP) (Photo credit should read SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images) U.S. Troop Levels at Mexico Border Likely at Peak: Commander BASE CAMP DONNA, TexasThe number of U.S. troops at the border with Mexico may have peaked at about 5,800, the U.S. commander of the mission told Reuters, noting he would start looking next week at whether to begin sending forces home or perhaps shifting some to new border positions. The outlook by Lieutenant General Jeffrey Buchanan, while not definitive, suggests that the high-profile military mission could soon achieve its goal of helping harden the border ahead of the expected arrival of caravans of Central American migrants in the coming weeks. The deployment, which critics have called a pre-election political stunt by President Donald Trump, was initially expected to reach more than 7,000 troops, acting in support of U.S. Customs and Border, or CBP. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis authorized the mission through Dec. 15, and while Buchanan did not rule out an extension, he did not think one appeared likely at this point, based on the current tasks assigned to the military. It is a hard date. And we have no indications that CBP is going to need us to do our work for longer than that, Buchanan said on Nov. 14 at Base Camp Donna in Texas, as Mattis toured the site near the Mexico border. He acknowledged that there could be new requests, saying: If we get an extension, we get an extension. But Ive got no indications of that so far. Asked whether he thought the troop levels had peaked, Buchanan said: I do. We might increase by a hundred here or there, but probably not. Mattis defended the deployment on Nov. 14, saying the mission was absolutely legal, justified and was improving military readiness. Speaking in Washington, Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the troop numbers had largely peaked. Were pretty much peaked in terms of the number of people that are down there, Shanahan said. Rightsizing Buchanan also said his mission guidelines were clearto support CBP personnel. He said his work was apolitical. Im not being directed to do anything unnatural from above me, said Buchanan, who is commander of U.S. Army North. The Pentagon says there are no plans for U.S. forces to interact with migrants and that they have been carrying out support tasks for CBP, like stringing up concertina wire and building temporary housing for themselves and CBP personnel. In recent days, up to 1,000 migrants linked to the caravans have arrived in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, with a similar number expected to arrive in the next few days. Thousands more could arrive in border towns over the coming days as the bulk of the caravans arrive. Buchanan estimated that about 5,800 troops were deployed in total, with about 1,500 in California, 1,500 in Arizona and 2,800 in Texas. He acknowledged he might shift forces east or west along the border if needed. Mattis told reporters that U.S. soldiers were making rapid progress erecting barriers along the border and estimated the first, construction phase of the U.S. military effort could be completed within 10 days. Buchanan suggested troops would go home once they had fulfilled requests by CBP. At some point in time, Im not going to keep troops here just to keep them here. When the work is done, were going to start downsizing some capability, he said. Buchanan would need to make any recommendations on redeployment of troops to General Terrence OShaughnessy, the head of U.S. Northern Command. OShaughnessy would then report to Mattis. He suggested a recommendation could be made in the near future. Im looking as early as next week to start thinking through rightsizing, if we need to change. Or do I need to shift (troops elsewhere on the border), Buchanan said, without predicting when changes might occur. By Phil Stewart Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller testifies during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee June 13, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Mueller testified on the oversight of the FBI. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) We May Be in for a Bumpy Ride Commentary Very soon, under mounting political pressure from all sides, special counsel Robert Mueller is going to complete his investigation of alleged collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump. Mueller and his team are reportedly working on the final report now. There is a large surprise lurking just under the surface that will come out on the heels of the final investigation reportnothing to do with Russia or the president, but everything to do with the investigation itself. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant request that was used to initiate spying on the Trump campaign, and subsequently to justify the special counsel investigation, is going to be fully declassified. At that point, the real importance of the investigation will begin. Having read the redacted version of the FISA warrant request, its clear that the only significant evidence used was from the so-called Steele dossier, which was an opposition research political document that was paid for by the Clinton campaign via Fusion GPS and not based on facts. FISA Approval The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, or FISA, is a U.S. federal law that establishes procedures for the physical and electronic surveillance and collection of foreign intelligence information between foreign powers and agents of foreign powers suspected of espionage or terrorism. The act also established the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to approve any requests for surveillance warrants by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. FISA was introduced on May 18, 1977, by Sen. Ted Kennedy and was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on Oct. 25, 1978. A FISA warrant request by the U.S. attorney general and director of national intelligence must be certified in writing, under oath, and supported by appropriate affidavits. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was the reviewer and one of the individuals who certified, with his signature and under oath, the FISA warrant that allowed the controversial wiretaps of the Trump campaign. The FISA request for wiretaps Rosenstein signed used the anti-Trump political opposition research from the Steele dossier to link Trump and his campaign to the Russians. As has been often reported, one of the claims presented in the dossier was that then-candidate Trump had traveled to Russia and hired prostitutes to urinate on a bed that the Obamas had once used. According to the Steele dossier, Russian intelligence filmed the incident and used the recording to blackmail Trump into doing Vladimir Putins bidding. From the perspective of one of the rare individuals who is actually experienced in intelligence recruitment operations, the whole idea is both stupid and funny in equal portions. If the whole story is ever uncovered and the identity of the person who came up with the bed-wetting idea is discovered, they will surely go to their grave the object of derision. Regardless, even to this day, nothing of significance in the Steele dossier has been verified, and Rosenstein was reportedly fully aware the FBI didnt vet the information, as required by law. If true, it means Rosenstein lied under oath when he certified the information in the FISA warrant was true and may have broken other related laws and regulations. Up until now, Rosenstein has been the person who decides whether to pursue criminal charges against the author of the dossier, former British spy Christopher Steele. Rosenstein was sent a criminal referral against Steele on Jan. 4 by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). To this date, Rosenstein has not taken action. The problem is, of course, that the Steele dossier was used to get the wiretaps that Rosenstein subsequently got approved. Steele, who also was an FBI source over a period of years, very possibly could provide testimony that would be very problematic for Rosenstein himself and other senior officials. With the new acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker taking the reins at the Department of Justice, he will be the person who decides whether to act on the criminal referral against Steele. We may be in for a bumpy ride. 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. White House to Develop Rules for Press After Acosta Incident The Trump administration will develop a set of rules and processes for media coverage at the White House to ensure orderly conferences and decorum. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders made the announcement after a federal judge temporarily ordered the White House to restore the hard pass for CNN journalist Jim Acosta on Nov. 16. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House violated Acostas fifth amendment right to due process and granted CNNs request to restore the reporters hard pass while the court case is pending. Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporters hard pass, Sanders said in a statement. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House. President Donald Trump told reporters that the new rules will limit the number of questions each reporter gets. Decorum. You cant take three questions and four questions. You cant stand up and not sit down, Trump said. We want total freedom of the press. Its more important to me than anybody would believe, the president added. But you have to act with respect when youre at the White house, and when I see the way some of my people get treated at news conferences, its terrible. So were setting up a certain standard, which is what the court is requesting. The White House revoked Acostas hard pass on Nov. 7, after he refused to give up a microphone during a presidential press conference and mistreated a White House intern who attempted to retrieve the device. CNN argued in a lawsuit (pdf) that the White House violated Acostas First Amendment right to free speech, Fifth Amendment right to due process, and a protection against arbitrary and capricious acts by the government codified in the Administrative Procedure Act. Judge Kelly only ruled on CNNs arguments relating to the Fifth Amendment. Lets go back to work, Acosta said to reporters after the hearing. In court, government lawyers said there is no First Amendment right of access to the White House and that Acosta was penalized for acting rudely at the conference and not for his criticisms of the president. When called upon to ask questions, Acosta has frequently used the opportunity to advocate for contentious issues and disrupt press conferences. This approach has led to several clashes between him and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. The judge said Sanderss initial statement that Acosta was penalized for touching a White House staffer attempting to remove his microphone was likely untrue and at least partly based on evidence that was of questionable accuracy. The Justice Department argued that the president has broad discretion to regulate which journalists or members of the public have access to the White House, similar to the discretion Trump exercises in choosing which journalists to grant interviews to and which journalists are acknowledged at press briefings. No journalist has a First Amendment right to enter the White House and the President need not survive First Amendment scrutiny whenever he exercises his discretion to deny an individual journalist one of the many hundreds of passes granting on-demand access to the White House complex, the Justice Department stated in a court filing (pdf). While some media outlets describe Acostas hard pass as his press credentials, the hard pass is one of several ways the press can access White House press conferences. A reporter may apply for daily and weekly passes. Compared to the temporary credentials, a hard pass grants reporters access to certain areas of the White House not otherwise accessible. In explaining why Acostas pass was revoked, Sanders said he had his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question, Sanders said at the time. The White House Correspondents Association, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), The New York Times, Fox News, and other organizations supported CNN in the lawsuit. The court brief by RCFP (pdf) specifically alleged that the actions of the White House were retaliatory and meant to intimidate the press. One America News Network, a national cable news network, filed in brief opposing CNN and siding with the White House. Plaintiff Acostas history of interruptions, unnecessary and excessive consumption of time with his grandstanding, and obstructive conduct toward his colleagues should have been addressed by CNN and the WHCA some time ago, W. Bruce DelValle, a lawyer representing OANN wrote in a brief (pdf) for the court. The actions taken by the White House are reasonable and justified to maintain an environment for press to function unhindered and reflect steps which should have been taken long ago by CNN. Reuters contributed to this report. Red deer are rutting in the fog in Richmond Park in London on Jan. 23. Thick fog and temperatures below freezing have caused travel disruption today with hundreds of flights cancelled across London airports. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Wisconsin Man Bags 19-Point Buck After Hunting It for Five Years I cannot believe this is what a Wisconsin man said after he successfully hunted a 19-point buck over the weekend. Joshua Gawrysiak, of Eau Claire, told Fox News that he hunted the buck for five years before striking it with an arrow it in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, Nov. 10. 32-year-old Joshua Gawrysiak from Eau Claire landed a 19 point buck in Chippewa County on Saturday, Nov. 10. https://t.co/h9taixI4LR WEAU 13 News (@WEAU13News) November 13, 2018 Ill never shoot a deer like that again, Gawrysiak told the Leader-Telegram. He said he hunted the animal on private property but had permission to hunt on the grounds. Ive been hunting since I was 12 years old, he added. Its been my passion. Wisconsin man bags 19-point buck after hunting animal for years: I cannot believe this https://t.co/WcJcHl8JWa pic.twitter.com/ij9LMVjbW0 thegirlsun (@thegirlsun21) November 15, 2018 He was between 50 and 60 feet away from the buck when he shot it with an arrow at 8:53 a.m. Before striking it, he dropped his arrow while trying to load his bow due to the frigid temperatures, according to the report. After hitting the shot, the buck ran for about 220 feet before it collapsed, he said. The buck is probably between 5 to 6 years old, said Gawrysiak, adding that the deer has dodged cars, bullets, arrows, and poachers for years. And hes had a history with this buck for about [five] years, according to a GoFundMe page. He also believes the animal was recently hit by a car because he had really bad damage on his back end, the Leader-Telegram reported. This is the buck Ive been hunting for so long. Here he is, I can hold him, Gawrysiak told Fox. Its bittersweet, Gawrysiak told the network. The journey is over. Watching this deer grow each year for the past five seasons was special and its sad I wont be able to watch him grow anymore, he added. Watch: Fishermen rescue deer swimming in Lake Erie NEW HAVEN A 32-year-old North Branford man waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a release. Daniel Fleischauer has been detained since his arrest on Dec. 13, 2017, according to a release from the U.S. attorneys office. Marijuana edibles have long been an area where rapid growth is anticipated. Now, a marijuana market research company has put a number to it: $4.1 billion. Thats the amount consumers in the United States and Canada are expected to spend on marijuana edibles by 2022, according to projections in a report from ArcView Market Research and BDS Analytics. It seems far from a pie-in-the-sky estimate considering consumers in both countries spent $1 billion on edibles in 2017. Marijuana edibles have moved so fast into the mainstream that they were named a food trend of the year for 2018 and have quickly created opportunities for entrepreneurs. Legal cannabis-derived edible products, from candy and chocolate to infused beverages, is a sector worth watching over the next few years, the report stated. It has become clear that the legal cannabis market is about much more than inhaling the smoke of smoldering cannabis flower. Related: Marijuana Wins Big in the Midterms Key Takeaways Other than the stunning $4.1 billion number by 2022, highlights from the reports other findings included the following. In Colorado, 64 percent of adult-use marijuana customers tried an edible; the number is 55 percent in California Edibles are projected to grow from 12 percent to 14 percent of the total cannabis market by 2022, while flower drops from 50 percent to 36 percent Edibles share of the total cannabis market has already more than doubled, from 5.4 percent in 2011 to the current 12 percent Worldwide sales of cannabis-based products are expected to reach $32 billion by 2022 (it was $9.5 billion in 2017) All this signals opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs who want to get in early on what ArcView and BDS Analytics expect to become one of the biggest areas of growth in the adult-use cannabis industry. As the report notes, branding and standing out from competitors is easier with edibles, where individualized packaging and marketing can distinguish a brand on a dispensary shelf. Related: Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What's the Difference? Attracting Big Industry The potential for edible marijuana sales already has attracted the attention of giants in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, according to a letter in the report from Tom Adams, the editor-in-chief of ArcView and managing director of BDS Analytics. He noted the several recent develops in the marijuana-infused beverage market. They include the $4 billion investment by Constellation Brands into Canadas Canopy Growth Corp., the plan at Molson Coors Brewing Co. to develop a cannabis beverage and the fact Heineken NVs Lagunitas brand already sells a non-alcoholic, THC-infused beverage. Its even more impressive when considering that beverage sales make up only about 6 percent of edible cannabis sales in the U.S. Clearly, these companies see the potential for big growth. That is clearly just the start of what will be a product innovation explosion as major CPG companies come rushing into the legal cannabis market in the years ahead, Adams wrote. Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news. Related: Cannabis Edibles Market Set to Quadruple in U.S., Canada to $4B Flower, Vape or Edible? Survey Offers a Glimpse of What California Cannabis Users Prefer 5 Valuable Things To Know Before Digging Into the Edibles and Beverage Biz Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved NORWALK Maureen Hanley, the newly hired president and chief executive officer of the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, says she likes a challenge. The state intends to tear down the theaters IMAX Theater to rebuild the Walk Bridge, which bisects the aquarium campus at 10 North Main St. On Nov. 12, the aquarium received bids from contractors interested in building a new 4D theater and exhibit space to replace that lost to the bridge project. What the aquarium is facing over the next five years, its substantial, Hanley said. And my skill set is a perfect for what the needs of the aquarium are, which are financial, fundraising and construction. On Tuesday afternoon, Hanley gave Hearst Connecticut Media a walking tour of the aquarium and spoke about her short- and long-term goals for Norwalks foremost tourist attraction. The aquarium drew 477,820 visitors in 2017, according to its annual report. During her first two days on the job, Hanley said she toured the Aquarium, spoke with its senior staff, began reviewing bids for the estimated $34.5 million theater-and-exhibit replacement project, and met with Connecticut Department of Transportation officials. Functional replacement planned The DOT plans to begin the estimated $736 million bridge replacement in fall 2019 and take four to five years to complete the project. The aquariums approved functional replacement of spaces lost to the bridge project, calls for a two-story, 11,939-square-foot addition to the east of the existing main entrance. The addition will house the new theater, entrance lobby, ticket area and other space. The aquarium will build a two-story, 8,748-square-foot addition on the east side of the existing building to house the seals. It will replace the tent structure and exhibits along the Norwalk River. A one-story west entry hall with fish tank and 8,241-square-foot mezzanine area will be built along North Water Street. Aquarium officials have targeted October 2019 as the opening the 4D Theater. Asked Tuesday when ground will be broken, Hanley said timelines had not been finalized theres a lot of moving parts but added the goal is to open the new theater before the old one is razed. Were hoping to be open to the public before the demolition of the IMAX. Thats the plan, said Hanley, looking out her office window at the area where the 4D theater will be built. The state is working very closely with us and theyre mindful of the impacts to the aquarium. Some exhibits to relocate Hanley said great care has been taken with the HVAC system, sound monitoring and dust mitigation to protect animals during the construction. In-house and outside staff have monitored and tested the animals, according to officials. Externally, we had some folks from Penn State come and get some baseline research on animal behaviors and fish behaviors, so well be able to see if theres changes in their behavior, said spokesman Dave Sigworth. Open since 1988, the aquarium now boasts 75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species, including sharks, sea turtles, harbor seals, river otters and various rays. Definitely my daughters favorite, said Hanley, standing beside the shark and ray touch pool while recalling her first visit to the aquarium. Twenty-eight years ago with my oldest, my daughter, and shes a pre-school teacher now. Some exhibits will move temporarily or permanently because of the bridge replacement. The "Go Fish" exhibit closed to reshape the space into a temporary home for the seals. The seals will move there in early January 2019, allowing construction to begin on a 150,000-gallon, two-story enclosed seal habitat on the site of the seals current display in Newmans Own Hall. In addition, the second-floor PlaySpace for toddlers will close in December so construction can begin on a replacement Meerkats exhibit. Post-construction vision Looking past the construction period, Hanley said she hopes help raise money to refresh the exhibits, bring them into the digital age, and introduce events geared toward millennials. Paint and sip, wine tasting, after-hour events that will reintroduce the aquarium to those generations. We have to come up with new and different ways of getting them indoors, Hanley said. And then theyll come back with their kids. Hanley comes to the aquarium after a 24-year career in banking that focused on commercial lending. She worked as a senior vice president-team leader of United Bank. She previously was vice president, head of commercial real estate, at Fairfield County Bank and senior vice president and co-chairwoman of the SNE Diversity Council for Commerce Bank/TD Bank. The 2008 recession, while not ending that career, set the stage for her to try something new when the opportunity presented itself. That occurred earlier this year when Aquarium President & CEO Brian Davis announced he would step down to return to the Georgia Aquarium. Hanley applied for the job. We have been making visits to the Maritime Aquarium a family tradition for years, so while my new task is to understand and lead the aquarium as its president I also know it as a mother, Hanley said in a statement released by the aquarium upon her hiring. RICHMOND, Va. - Democrat Del. David Toscano, the Virginia House minority leader, said he will resign his leadership post by the end of the General Assembly session that begins in January. Toscano, 68, said Friday that the demands of the leadership post were growing too heavy on top of his duties as a delegate, his law practice and family life. "This takes a lot of time," he said. "I'm just not in a position where I can do it anymore. I wanted to set in place an orderly transition so that we don't have a chaotic situation in the caucus." Toscano told House Democrats on Thursday night that he would run for reelection next year but step down as minority leader. The announcement follows dramatic gains that Democrats made in state elections last year. Democrats are trying to build on that momentum - as well as their strong performance in last week's midterms in which they flipped three congressional seats held by Republicans - and take control of the chamber in next year's legislative elections. It would mean their first majority in the House in nearly two decades. Toscano said many people have asked him why he might want to give up the role - and the potential to become speaker after next year's elections. "A year is an eternity in politics," said Toscano, a former Charlottesville, Virginia, mayor and city council member. "We have to get to the majority before anyone can talk about speakers." His decision comes about six months after a group of delegates explored ousting Toscano in favor of Del. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax County, a second-term delegate, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported at the time. The vote was never called. Boysko is currently running for the state Senate seat being vacated by Jennifer Wexton, D, who won a seat in Congress last week. Toscano made a passing and lighthearted reference to the aborted coup, referring to the "kerfuffle" as he spoke to Democrats in a closed-door meeting called after a party fundraiser in Richmond, Virginia, according to two attendees who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private caucus matters. He told those gathered that he had wanted to hand off leadership responsibilities for some time, but the moment never seemed quite right. With the passage of Medicaid expansion earlier this year, a new crop of Democratic lawmakers with a year under their belts, and the party in a strong position heading into elections, he decided to make his move. His decision set off speculation about an eventual successor, with the early focus on a handful of northern Virginians. Among the names being mentioned: Dels. Charniele Herring, who is caucus chairwoman; Richard "Rip" Sullivan; Eileen Filler-Corn; Marcus Simon; Luke Torian; and Alfonso Lopez. Toscano was first elected to the leadership position by his colleagues in 2011. During much of that time, Democrats had been badly outnumbered in the 100-seat chamber. But the GOP's 2-to-1 advantage nearly disappeared in 2017 in elections widely viewed as a rebuke to President Donald Trump. That left Republicans in control the chamber by a mere two seats. In the immediate aftermath of the 2017 elections, when the outcome of several close races was undetermined, it appeared that Toscano might ascend to House speaker, one of the most powerful posts in state government. But Republicans held onto control by a margin of 51 to 49 and the speakership went to Kirk Cox. All 100 seats in the chamber are up for election next year. Democrats will try to pick up the two seats necessary to take control of the House while Republicans are hoping to take back some seats. Toscano attempted to leave the post once before, in 2015, when he said he wanted to spend more time with his family, but quickly changed his mind and was reelected leader. "The progress we've made in the House is due in no small part to his efforts, and we'll forever be grateful for his leadership. We look forward to his continued service in the House and our Caucus," Democratic Party officials wrote on Twitter on Friday. The water began rising around three o'clock in the morning after a water heater pipe burst inside the rental home Laura and Gus Andersen had moved into just days before; cardboard boxes still sat on the floor, unpacked and exposed. Gus, a member of the military, rushed to sweep the water off the hardwood floors as his wife recorded video of the sloshing liquid inside their house south of Atlanta. Despite frequent and persistent requests to their landlord, Progress Residential, the company did not immediately fix the damage and test for mold, the Andersens say. "Do something do anything," Andersen pleaded in a recent interview while standing on her front lawn. In a "clearance letter" dated 2 1/2 weeks after the pipe burst that contained spelling and grammatical mistakes, a contractor told the Andersens it did an inspection and found "dry and normal conditions" in the spots where it tested. When asked if she still worries about her health living in the home, Laura Andersen told a reporter, "I do ... I worry about what is going on behind the Sheetrock, what is going on behind the flooring." The Hearst Television National Investigative Unit's three-month investigation into Progress Residential which has 26,000 homes found a pattern of complaints from renters and former employees about the company's customer service, standards, billing practices, response times and internal culture. The concerns span markets, states and years. Andersen was one of more than a dozen people interviewed for this story, which also relies on public and nonpublic documents, court records and filings. Online, renters have sounded off in hundreds of posts: "you prey on your customers," "deplorable," "ridiculous," "the worst company" and "a total nightmare." The company often posts a reply that includes, "We apologize for your frustrations." In addition, the unit's investigation found attorneys general in eight of the nine states where Progress operates Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have received complaints, including one from David Mehan in Arizona. "I was just so fed up," Mehan said in an interview. Progress Residential, in its response to the Arizona Attorney General's Office obtained by the National Investigative Unit, admitted to two internal errors in Mehan's case and reversed a little more than $1,700 in charges. "I'll never do business with them again ... because they're awful," Mehan said. Melanie Lefebvre and her husband, Michel, won an initial default judgment against Progress this year in Mississippi for approximately $3,500, accusing the company of keeping their deposit and making up home repair charges. The company got the decision thrown out over a technicality; both sides go back to court Nov. 30, court records show. "We tried to negotiate with them, we tried to get a mediator involved, everything was falling on deaf ears. So we thought: we have no choice; we have to file suit," Lefebvre said during an interview from Mississippi. "Absolutely, we felt ignored." Progress Residential is accredited with the Better Business Bureau with an "A+" rating. But customer reviews, which combine to give Progress about two out of five stars, do not factor into the rating, a BBB spokeswoman explained. The BBB said it had received 278 complaints against the company since Jan. 1, 2016, many regarding service issues, guarantees or warranties. Former renter Angela DePolo-Hughes says the company blocked her on social media after she complained about a host of issues that culminated in an eviction notice on Christmas Eve. She then started a Facebook group that now has more than 300 members. "People are sharing their horror stories ... We're not going to be quiet," DePolo-Hughes explained during an interview. And it's not just renters feeling wronged. A federal class action-lawsuit (3:16-CV-356) filed in the Southern District of Texas led by a former employee claims the company forced leasing agents to illegally work longer hours "without any overtime." The company denies the claims; a trial is scheduled for January. Through spokesman Peter Jakel at public relations agency Linnel Taylor, Progress Residential's CEO, Chaz Mueller, did not grant Hearst Television an interview for this story. In a two-sentence statement that did not specifically answer any of 24 questions submitted to it by Hearst, Progress Residential said: "We strongly believe these claims are without merit. We strive to provide our employees with the best possible work environment and our more than 100,000 residents with homes in desirable communities." Progress Residential's parent company, Pretium Partners, announced in June it had raised more than $1 billion from "investors from across the globe, including insurance companies, pension funds, and high-net worth individuals" to "acquire, renovate and manage" single family homes. The public release said Progress Residential had already purchased 5,000 homes for its Real Estate Fund II, known as SFR Fund II. "We are confident that our leading real estate platform, deep sector expertise, and operational advantage will enable Pretium to continue to acquire, renovate, and manage single-family rentals, while seeking to provide our investors with the risk-adjusted returns to which they are accustomed," Pretium CEO Donald Mullen said in the statement. But Laura Andersen says she's still waiting for some repairs to her Georgia home after a flood of inaction. In the interview, Andersen said she would "never again" rent from Progress Residential, which, she said, had "failed us." "They literally and figuratively left us out to dry," Andersen said. Know of waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement? Send investigative tips to the National Investigative Unit at investigate@hearst.com. Nepal and China have witnessed growing defense cooperation, with the latter increasing financial support to enhance the professionalism and capacity of Nepali soldiers. The two nations have completed two military drills as part of the broader Nepal-China relationship which is moving from strength to strength particularly after the nations inked the historic trade and transit treaty in 2016. China's assistance to the Nepal Army (NA) is strategically significant for Nepal's strive to gain stability and prosperity following decades of political transition. Such cooperation boosts Nepal's confidence in reshaping its relations with its southern neighbor India as well as other friendly nations. It is also instrumental in building political trust between the two nations as they work through implementing the major development projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Nepal and China have formally commenced military relations and cooperation since 1988 with frequent exchanges of visiting military personnel from both nations since then. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers and officers came to Nepal for jungle warfare mountain training while NA personnel visited China to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. The Chinese government has increased the amount of economic assistance to upgrade and make the NA self-reliant. During Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel's visit to China last month, China announced humanitarian and disaster relief equipment worth NPR2.5 billion (RMB150 million) to Nepal. In April last year, Nepal and China held their first-ever joint military exercise entitled "Sagarmatha Friendship-1" in Kathmandu. The 10-day military exercise consisted of counter-terrorism and disaster management. The second exercise with the same title was successfully conducted this September in Chengdu of Sichuan Province. These drills have helped the participating soldiers share their experiences and skills with each other. However there have also been voices of concern. The Indian media have unnecessary hyped the Sino-Nepal military collaboration, projecting it as a threat to India. This is a zero-sum mentality that only hampers healthy relations among Nepal, India and China. In fact, Nepal has been involved in bilateral and multilateral military training with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the U.S., among others. "Nepal as a sovereign and independent nation has increased military cooperation with many nations to their mutual benefit. We have extended a military bond to China accordingly as both nations are guided by Panchsheel (five principles of peaceful coexistence)," said DPM Pokharel. The NA-PLA cooperation covers an array of areas, including military training, humanitarian aid, disaster management, medical equipment and peace keeping operations. China has responded positively to Nepal's request to open a Defense University in Nepal. Meanwhile, Nepal had shared its experiences at the 8th Beijing Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing from October 24 to 26, 2018. Attended by defense ministers, military officers and experts from different nations and organizations, the Forum was themed "Building a New Type of Security Partnership of Equality, Mutual Trust and Win-Win Cooperation." The participants discussed the topics such as "New Ideas for and New Approaches to International Security Governance," "Terrorism Threats and Countermeasures," and "Challenges to and Cooperation of U.N. Peacekeeping." Nepal highlighted its contributions, challenges and experiences of UN Peace Keeping Missions in different parts of the world at the international event. Pokharel said the Forum provided a good opportunity for Nepal to share views as well as learn from others. "In order to fight terrorism, nations should develop governance systems in a way that promotes peace, democracy and development." Both Nepal and China have been regularly contributing to the UN Peace Keeping Mission to restore political and social order and boost reconstruction in conflict-torn nations. As the fifth largest troop and police contributing country, Nepal has been sending peacekeepers to various war zones for the last 60 years. It is now involved in 11 out of 14 peacekeeping missions and three Special Political Missions. Ritu Raj Subedi is an associate editor of The Rising Nepal. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. ALTON It may not seem like much to many people, but a free turkey for Thanksgiving makes a big difference for others. On Friday, Edwardsville-based TorHoerman Law gave out 500 turkeys at the Salvation Army in Alton. The event had been planned for Thursday, but was postponed because of the weather. Right now Im on a set budget, so it will be nice to have a turkey, said Scott Weigler, one of those who came out for the giveaway. The giveaway was scheduled to start at 10 a.m., but they started early because a large number of people had been standing in line in the cold for several hours. Lt. Lily Reinier of the Salvation Army, said that people were in line when she arrived at 7:30 a.m. For a lot of people this is very important, she said, this is the turkey for their dinner. In addition to a 15- to 18-pound frozen turkey, early arrivals also received a bag of sweet potatoes, courtesy of The Source Juicery, also from Edwardsville. We handed out 130 (bags), 500 pounds of sweet potatoes, Juicery co-owner Michelle Motley said, adding they decided to tag along because they knew people who worked at the law firm. They ran out of sweet potatoes in the first hour. Next year, more sweet potatoes, she said. This is the fifth year the law firm has handed out turkeys. My wife came up with the idea, said Tor Hoerman. We saw a need where people were struggling themselves to get turkeys for Thanksgiving and we thought we would try to fill the need. He said they started with 100 turkeys, which lasted about 30 minutes, then increased that to 250 the second year. Now were up to 500 turkeys, he said, adding if they are a few short those people would be taken care of, and if they ended up with extras they have contingency plans to donate them elsewhere. Hoerman said he was unsure about the impact on the community, but the impact on individuals was profound. The importance for individuals who can have turkeys on their tables on Thanksgiving, thats what matters the most to me, he said. What we think about is each one of those birds is going to go to an individual family and make their day a little bit better. I just needed a turkey for the holidays, said Kenneth Hickman. Its very good, said Charles Drake Jr., after receiving a turkey. It does let us know that there is fundraising for the poor, and care for those who cannot care for themselves. The turkeys were handed out by employees and their relatives, including 9-year-old Kayleigh Greer, of Staunton. It makes me happy, because I feel bad for all the people who cant afford it, she said during a lull in the giveaway. Its not really hard the turkeys are just too heavy. SPRINGFIELD, Illinois State Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton) was honored this week with a retirement resolution in the Illinois State Senate. The resolution detailed the highlights of Haines public service career, including his 16 years in the Illinois Senate, 14 years as Madison County States Attorney and service as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. Its been an honor to serve the people of the 56th Senate District and Madison County for all of these years, Haine said. I appreciate their faith in re-electing me to represent them in the Illinois Senate and as a prosecutor in Madison County. Some of the top highlights of Haines tenure in the senate include: Spearheading a sweeping plan to modernize the levee system in the Metro East, which helped protect homes and businesses from damage in recent years flooding Maintaining state investment to allow the Edwardsville campus of Southern Illinois University to continue to expand Leading a successful effort to approve a Constitutional Amendment to protect the states Road Fund from being raided for non-transportation related spending, and Rallying the Illinois Senate to protest Chinas dumping of low quality, cheap steel to protect jobs at the US Steel plant in Granite City However, Haine cites his greatest accomplishment as his marriage to Anna, and the family they have built together. Haines retirement plans include spending time with Anna, their seven children and all 33 of their grandchildren. EDWARDSVILLE St. Johns United Methodist Church hosts a Holiday Market Place and breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 1. The event is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, located at 7372 Marine Road, Rt. 143 in Edwardsville. Event features include Cookies by the Pound and a Craft and Flea Market, set with vendors, holiday goods, fresh cookies and fudge. Cookies cost $7 per pound. Child care is available for patrons while shopping. Breakfast with Santa is from 8 a.m. to noon, with an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits with gravy. Adults cost $7; children cost $3; kids under 3 years old are free to dine. Santa will be available for photos from 9 a.m. noon. The church is also accepting new toys for Glen-Ed Pantry. All profits go to missions. For more information, contact the church office at 618-656-1853 or at thenewstjohns.com. COTTAGE HILLS - Jacob D. Gleason, 24, of the 1100 block of Walnut Drive, Cottage Hills, was charged Tuesday with domestic battery. He allegedly poured hot coffee on a male household member on Nov. 11, causing burns, after having been convicted of domestic battery in 2016. Bail was set at $15,000. GODFREY - Aiden M. Webb, 20, of the 3500 block of Coronado Drive, was charged Tuesday with three counts of burglary and two counts of unlawful use of credit cards. He allegedly entered a home in the first block of Frontenac Place, Godfrey, on Oct. 12 with the intent to commit a theft. The unlawful use charges alleged he used another persons credit card to obtain gas. He was also accused of using another card to obtain tobacco and a lighter. Two of the burglary charges allege he entered two homes in the 4400 block of Thatcher Drive, Godfrey on Nov. 13 with the intent to commit a theft. Bail was set at $50,000. In addition to Webb, Hannah L. Kroesch, 20, of the 1200 block of Preis Lane, Godfrey, was charged with two counts of burglary for the Thatcher drive break-ins. Her bail was set at $25,000. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby Thursday to pay a state visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Xi was warmly welcomed by senior PNG officials and locals at the airport. He extended sincere greetings and good wishes to the PNG government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people. Noting that PNG is a Pacific island country with significant influence, Xi said that China and PNG have been conducting their relations based on principles of mutual trust, equality and win-win cooperation. The two countries have achieved historic growth in the bilateral ties, which not only brought tangible benefits to both countries and peoples, but also served as an example of friendly relations between developing countries, Xi said. China's development has brought about historic opportunities for Pacific island nations including PNG, said the Chinese president. Xi said he expects to work with PNG to chart the course for further development of bilateral ties to reach a greater height through this visit. During the visit, Xi will discuss cooperation plans in the new era with leaders of the Pacific island nations which have diplomatic ties with China. China supports PNG in hosting the 26th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the president said, adding that China is willing to work with all participating sides for the success of the meeting and inject fresh momentum into and make new contributions to the development of Asia-Pacific and world economy. Xi's visit is the first by a Chinese head of state to the Pacific island nation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976. During his stay in the PNG capital of Port Moresby, Xi is also scheduled to meet with leaders of eight Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China. PNG is the first stop of Xi's ongoing Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Brunei and the Philippines. ST. LOUIS MERS Goodwill is sponsoring the Boy Scouts 34th annual Scouting For Food drive. The Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America dropped off over one million bags to area residents on Saturday, Nov. 10 to be filled with food to help locally fight hunger. The bags of donated canned goods will be collected on Saturday, Nov. 17 and taken to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, who then distributes them to over 500 hunger-relief programs and local agencies in the bi-state area. Residents will need to have their food donations out by 9 a.m. on Saturday. If residents did not receive a blue bag for donations, they can still participate in Scouting For Food by dropping off canned food at any Goodwill location from November 18-24. By contributing to Scouting For Food, residents will be directly helping fellow community members that are in need this holiday season. In 2017, Scouting For Food collected 1.99 million items of food, and it is now the largest single-day food drive in the Boy Scouts of America. The Greater St. Louis Area Council consists of 51 counties throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. Raising Canes and Great Clips are also both sponsoring this years Scouting For Food drive. Donations are on pantry shelves ready to feed the hungry within 48 hours of the Scouts collection. Donations such as canned fruits, vegetables, soup, tuna, chicken and pasta sauce are the most needed. Meals in a box, such as Hamburger Helper, are also in high demand this year. For more information about Scouting For Food, visit sff.stlbsa.org. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called on countries in the region to enhance equality-based consultation and mutual openness so as to maintain peace and prosperity in East Asia. Li made the remarks at the 13th East Asia Summit held Thursday afternoon in Singapore, which gathered leaders of the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States. Li said the East Asia Summit, launched 13 years ago, has become a major platform for dialogue and cooperation in East Asia and played an important role in boosting mutual understanding, maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting development and prosperity. He stressed that against the backdrop of rising instability and uncertainty on the global horizon, there is a need to uphold the concept of living together in harmony and win-win cooperation, enhance consultation on an equal footing and promote mutual openness so as to maintain peace and prosperity in East Asia. The Chinese premier made a five-point proposal for further increasing regional cooperation. Firstly, countries should adhere to multilateralism. China advocates the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, Li said, adding that China stands ready to work with all sides to safeguard the rules-based international order. Secondly, countries should safeguard free trade. Li called for concerted efforts to build an open world economy, support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at the core, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Thirdly, countries should make efforts to expedite regional economic integration. With regional free trade arrangements picking up steam, all sides should show political decisiveness to work toward an early conclusion of the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and advance openness, cooperation and inclusive development at a higher level, Li said. Fourthly, countries should boost regional cooperation on sustainable development. All sides should further promote cooperation in the key areas of energy and environment, education, finance, public health, disaster management as well as ASEAN connectivity, Li said. He said China will continue to hold seminars on new energy and maritime management, advocate joint research on earth science and promote inclusive development. Fifthly, countries need to conduct political and security dialogue and cooperation. Stressing that China advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, Li said China is willing to conduct cooperation with other countries in such areas as anti-terrorism, climate change and cyber security and hold a joint exercise on anti-terrorism in 2019. On the South China Sea issue, Li said a peaceful South China Sea is the common aspiration of all parties and in line with the interests of all countries in the region. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, he said. China is committed to pushing forward Code of Conduct (COC) consultations with ASEAN countries, and the two sides have worked out a single negotiating text this year, Li said. At the China-ASEAN summit on Wednesday, China and ASEAN members agreed to complete the first reading of the draft within 2019, Li said, adding that China also proposed to conclude COC consultations in three years, so as to allow countries in the region to safeguard with rules the peace, stability, free trade as well as freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea. China, said the premier, hopes for countries outside the region to respect and support the efforts in this regard made by their counterparts in the region. Leaders attending the summit agreed that the East Asia Summit has produced remarkable progress since its launch in 2005 and become a major part of the ASEAN-led regional open framework. All parties hailed the fruitful results produced in areas such as environment, energy, disaster control, connectivity, trade and maritime cooperation within the past year, and called for joint efforts to better synergize development strategies and enhance cooperation on sustainable development, connectivity and blue economy. The leaders agreed that countries also need to jointly address global challenges such as cyber security, terrorism and climate change and resolve regional hotspot issues via diplomatic means. They also pledged to speed up RCEP negotiations and enhance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in the region. The summit adopted several outcome documents including a statement on ASEAN smart cities. Flash Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution revealed Thursday that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered with "overdose" of a drug injected by a group of Saudi agents. Khashoggi was "forcibly restrained and injected with a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose that led to his death," the Public Prosecution said in a detailed press briefing on the results of the investigation into Khashoggi's death. The investigation involved 21 suspects, including five key offenders, who were recommended by the Public Prosecution for death penalty as a punishment for their direct roles in the murder. The statement said that the plot began on Sept. 29 on an order to bring back Khashoggi by means of persuasion, and if persuasion fails, to do so by force. The former Deputy President of the General Intelligence Presidency (GIP) issued this order. The leader of the mission formed a 15-member team which contains three groups for negotiation, intelligence and logistics to persuade and return the victim. The leader also asked a forensics expert to join the team for the purpose of removing evidence from the scene in case force had to be used. The expert joined the team without the knowledge of his superiors, said the statement. A collaborator in Turkey was also contacted to secure a safe location for transferring the killed journalist. After surveying the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the negotiation team concluded it would not be possible to transfer Khashoggi to the safe location. Then, the head of the negotiation team decided to murder the journalist if the negotiations fail, said the statement. Five individuals murdered Khashoggi with an injection of a large amount of a drug resulting in an overdose. Then the victim's body was dismembered by the individuals that committed the murder and transferred outside the consulate building, it added. The investigation also identified the individual who wore Khashoggi's clothes after the murder and disposed of the victim's belongings in a trash receptacle, including his watch and glasses, after leaving the consulate building. The investigation revealed that the leader of the mission agreed with the negotiation group to write a false report that stated the victim had left the consulate after the failure of negotiation or forcing his return. In a statement issued earlier on Thursday, Saudi Public Prosecutor requested death penalty for the five key suspects in the case over charges related to ordering and committing the murder. Khashoggi, a journalist for The Washington Post and a strong critic of Saudi government, disappeared on Oct. 2 after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey to get documents for his marriage, sparking an investigation by the Turkish government and international pressure on Riyadh to reveal about his whereabouts. After initial denials, Saudi authorities admitted late last month that Khashoggi was murdered inside the consulate and 18 individuals in relation to the case were arrested. Flash State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe met with Indian Defense Secretary Sanjay Mitra and State Secretary of the Mongolian Ministry of Defense Khalzankhuu Batbileg in Beijing Thursday. While meeting with Mitra, Wei said China and India see far more common interests than divergencies between each other, stressing that the two countries should boost military exchanges, improve mutual trust in the security field and properly manage and control any disparities. India's relationship with China is one of its most important bilateral ties, said Mitra, who hopes the two sides will further develop relations between the two countries and two militaries. China highly values its relations with Mongolia and hopes to upgrade development of China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, Wei said while meeting with Batbileg. Batbileg said Mongolia hopes the two countries cooperate on issues including peacekeeping and disaster prevention while further promoting their military relations. Appeal Court fines zero-dollar tour operators B500k BANGKOK: The Appeal Court has partially overturned a lower courts decision and fined three defendants B500,000 each while acquitting 10 other suspects in the zero-dollar tour case. tourismChineseeconomicscrimepolice By Bangkok Post Friday 16 November 2018, 09:21AM Wasurat Rojrungrangsi (left) and his sister Saithip hold a press conference after they were acquitted in a zero-dollar tour court case in September last year. The Appeal Court upheld the acquittal for them, their parents and their companies on Thursday while fining three other defendants. Photo: Bangkok Post / file The Court of the First Instance acquitted all 13 defendants in August last year for insufficient evidence. The three defendants who were fined are Somkiat Khongcharoen, 59, Thawal Jaemchokechai, 61, and Winit Chantharamanee, 71, who are directors of Fuan Travel Co Ltd. The Appeal Court found them guilty of luring foreign tourists with cheap fees and later making a profit by bringing them to buy products at inflated prices. By offering zero-dollar tour service, they took advantage of tourists and tarnished the Thai tourism industry, the court said. The Appeal Court based the ruling on the testimonies of executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Department of Tourism. Meanwhile, the Appeal Court acquitted: - Nisa Rojrungrangsi, 63, Managing Director of Royal Gems International Co, Thai Herb Co, Bangkok Handicraft Centre Co and Royal Paradise Co; - her husband Thongchai, 62; - their son Wasurat, 28, Managing Director of OA Transport; - and their daughter Saithip, 37, Director of Baan Kanom Thongthip. Their six companies, which run transport and retail businesses were also defendants in the case. The Appeal Court ruled that the 10 other defendants did not run tourism businesses but only leased buses to tour firms or sold foods and products. In addition, the tourists never complained the defendants took advantage of them, the court ruled. Public prosecutors filed the case in October 2016, charging them with illegal association, money laundering, operating tourism services for free which may cause damage to the tourism industry, taking advantage of tourists and operating tourism services without permission. They said all the defendants colluded with one another in bringing inbound tourists through cheap tour packages so they could buy products at exorbitant prices from shops in their network from March 24 to Aug 31, 2016. The prosecutors estimated damage from the alleged crime at B98 million. All of the defendants denied the charges. It is unclear whether the prosecutors will appeal the ruling. Read original story here. Phuket Marine Office urges water safety for Loy Krathong PHUKET: The Phuket Marine Office has issued a notice for all marine transport operators to observe safety protocols for the upcoming Loy Krathong festivities next Thursday (Nov 22), including reminding boat captains not to be drunk at the helm. marinetransporttourismSafetyalcohol By Tanyaluk Sakoot Friday 16 November 2018, 07:01PM All boat operators have been ordered to observe marine safety protocols for the upcoming Loy Krathong festivities next Thursday (Nov 22), including that boat captains must not be drunk. Photo: Phuket Marine Office Boat passengers are banned from drinking alcohol, too, the notice, issued today (Nov 16), warned. The notice was addressed to all pier operators, boat captains and even to passengers in Phuket looking to board a water vessel during the festival. Regarding Loy Krathong on November 22, when krathong will be floated in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and water sources near peoples homes, I want every pier, captain and passenger to be aware of safety procedures and follow the rules, Phuket Marine Office Acting Director Wiwat Chitchertwong announced in the warning. I repeat to all officials and staff who look after piers to set up enough lights at the terminals, make sure there are enough life jackets for everyone, and that officials and staff keep a close watch on tourists. The number of people boarding any floating vessel must not be over the limit, and officials and staff must pay attention to prevent tourists from falling in the water, he said. Meanwhile, boat owners must check the boat before allowing tourists on board to make sure there are the correct number of life jackets, swim rings or tubes, and fire extinguishers on the boat. The boats capacity must be clearly marked on the boat, and that number must not be exceeded, he added. Pressing the safety point home, Mr Wiwat also noted, Captains must wait for the boat access points to be clear before pulling the boat away from the pier. If the boat is to be driven close to access points, captains must reduce. Captains who are drunk are banned from any water transportation vehicles. Addressing passengers, Mr Wiwat noted, All passengers must put on a life jacket for safety, in case an accident happens on the water. Passengers must wear suitable clothing and sensible shoes that are easy to take off and swim. Sneakers or shoes with shoelaces are not recommended. Mr Wiwat also reminded passengers, Do not stand too close when the boat is docking, and avoid standing in dangerous places on the boat while the boat is moving, such as at the very back of the boat on on the rooftop. Mr Wiwat also noted, Passengers must not drink alcohol. Everyone must follow the rules and instructions of Phuket Marine officials, please, he said. Vessel no go zone issued for Phoenix salvage site PHUKET: The Phuket Marine Office has issued an order for all vessels to keep clear of the salvage site of the sunken tour boat Phoenix while the operation to recover the boat continues. By The Phuket News Friday 16 November 2018, 11:21AM The barge with the 1,200-ton crane to recover the sunken tour boat Phoenix moves into position on Wednesday (Nov 14). Photo Immigration Chief Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn The order, issued by Phuket Marine Office Acting Chief Wiwat Chitchertwong last night (Nov 15), mandated that all vessels keep clear of the site from today through next Tuesday (Nov 20). All vessels must careful when passing through the area around the Phoenix, 2.32 nautical miles south of Coral Island (Koh Hei), from Nov 16 to Nov 20, Mr Wiwat explained in the order. For safety, boats must not enter within one mile of the site at any time of the day or night, Mr Wiwat added. The salvage site was given as 742'14.6" North, 9823'06.9" East. (See map here.) Everyone must follow this rule strictly, Mr Wiwat ordered. The Phuket Marine Office this morning declined to provide any more details on the salvage operation, instead instructing The Phuket News to contact only Mr Wiwat for more information. Calls to Mr Wiwat this morning went unanswered. Meanwhile, the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department last night reported that work by the new salvage operator Seacrest Marine is continuing. The boat and crane (crew) have dropped eight anchors around the Phoenix boat. Next, a dive team went to check the equipment in place underwater and now have the crane boom supports in place on either side of the boat, the report said. The team will have all tools and equipment in place and conduct a trial run before attempting to recover the boat, the report added. South Dakota qualifies for FCS playoffs for first time since 2017 The Coyotes qualified for the playoffs for just the second time since they transitioned to Division-I football in 2008. There is fraud in Floridas U.S. Senate race. Mitch McConnell just perpetrated it. Florida has still not certified a winner in the contest between Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Rick Scott. Elections officials are recounting the vote after the initial tally showed the two separated by a mere 13,000 votes of some 8 million cast. But the Senate majority leader, re-elected to that position by his colleagues Wednesday, decided not to trouble himself with such technicalities. On Wednesday morning, he stood by Scotts side in the Capitol and declared Scott a senator. Were here this morning to welcome our six new Republican senators that allowed us to continue our majority, the Kentucky Republican said, introducing Scott and the five new duly elected Republican senators to the press. Governor Scott, CNNs Ted Barrett called out. Do you still contend that theres fraud going on in Florida with this recount? Scott, the current Florida governor, forced a thin smile and looked away. McConnells lips curled into a smirk. Aides shooed the cameras and journalists from McConnells office; the coming-out photo op for the new senator was done. Scott has leveled the stunning accusation, without evidence, that Nelson is trying to commit fraud to win this election. He has said his Democratic opponent, a three-term senator, is just here to steal this election. President Trump, seeing opportunity to trash another American institution, joined in, saying, also without evidence, that ballots are missing or forged and massively infected. He said officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties are trying to find votes for Nelson. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is under Scott, has no active investigation of fraud. The Florida Department of State, also under Scott, has seen no evidence of criminal activity. A Broward County judge, rejecting Scotts request to impound voting machines, said those alleging fraud must provide evidence. But there is abundant evidence of something: an antiquated voting system that cant keep up. In Palm Beach, the elections supervisor said its outdated equipment overheated, causing figures to not add up as it attempts to meet the recount deadline of Thursday. Equipment problems in Broward also delayed the recount. There is deep cynicism in Republicans complaining about the lengthy recounts and, worse, suggesting fraud is the cause: They voted down funds for updated voting equipment for states. Senate Republicans on Aug. 1 blocked Sen. Patrick J. Leahys (D-Vt.) plan to send $250 million to states for cybersecurity and replacing outdated election equipment. A few weeks later, the bipartisan Secure Elections Act stalled in the Senate, in part because we didnt have the level of Republican support we needed, Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said. The $380 million Congress has authorized amid the Russian hacking (the first substantial funding since the aftermath of the 2000 election) is but a sliver of the $1 billion to $2 billion it would cost to get states voting systems up to date, according to Lawrence Norden of New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice. Last weeks voting problems in Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan and New York, as well as Florida are a direct result of Washingtons neglect. You cant have it both ways, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos tells me. You cant scream about all the delays were having while also not stepping up and providing the resources we need. But Republicans prefer to scream fraud when the voting systems they starved inevitably break down. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., joined Scott and Trump, saying Democrats are trying to steal a seat in the U.S. Senate. McConnell pronounced himself concerned. McConnell continues to rival Trump in the harm hes doing to the institutions of democracy. He destroyed the campaign-finance system, using legislation and lawsuits to build the current era of unlimited dark money. He destroyed the last vestiges of bipartisan cooperation in the Senate with his year-long stall of Merrick Garland and his use of the nuclear option to seat two Supreme Court justices. Now, he is thwarting efforts to sustain the integrity of the nations voting systems and then, when it inevitably fails, exploiting the failure to his advantage. Maybe Scott will win when all the votes are counted. But, as Jeremy W. Peters of the New York Times observed Tuesday, even if Nelson wins, it is not unthinkable that Republicans would consider using their majority power in the Senate to refuse to seat Mr. Nelson and to give the seat to Mr. Scott instead. As if on cue, McConnell on Wednesday morning declared Scott a new Republican senator before bothering to learn the outcome of the election. Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, @Milbank. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group The casting of Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in The Spy Who Dumped Me suggests the emphasis will be on comedy, but its more of a straight-up action flick. After being dumped by a agent (Justin Theroux), a young woman (Kunis) discovers shes in possession of a flash drive wanted by good guys and bad guys the world over. Soon she and her boisterous bestie (McKinnon) are dodging bullets in Vienna, outsmarting assassins in Berlin and car-chasing through Paris. A few sequences sizzle, but overall the characters are too one-dimensional and the comedys too strained to make much of an impact. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Also new to VOD and streaming Teen Titans Go to the Movies!: The first feature film adaption of the popular Cartoon Network series is a real hoot, with loads of hilarious, inside-Hollywood shtick, including trailers for superhero spin-offs like Alfred and Utility Belt. The action revolves around Robin and his gang of pals, who travel to Los Angeles to try and convince a famous director (Kristen Bell) to let them star in their own feature film. Its pretty heavy on potty humor, but you have to root for superheroes who break into hip-hop songs to banish the bad guys. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Feral: Its rare to find a horror movie that doubles as a lesbian love story, but thats exactly what this zombie shockfest delivers. Alice (Scout Taylor-Compton) and Jules (Olivia Luccardi) are still testing out their new relationship when they begin a camping trip with two other couples. Before they even reach the proverbial cabin in the woods, they encounter a flesh-eater who kills one camper and infects another. The jolts come fast and furious, but its the unusual characters which distinguish this low-budget thriller. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Patient Zero: Heres a pandemic thriller which struggles to find a fresh take on the genre. Set in an underground research facility, the plot revolves around a human survivor of the virus (Matt Smith) who is teaming up with scientist (Natalie Dormer) to find a cure. Could a new prisoner (Stanley Tucci) be the key to saving the human race? The performances are top-notch but the action is nothing but a series of skirmishes in dimly lit rooms. Yawn. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Elena Ferrante on Film: Before catching HBOs adaptation of My Brilliant Friend, check out two superb Italian-language films based on books by the Italian novelist: Troubling Love and The Days of Abandonment. The former movie follows a cartoonist (Anna Bonaiuto) as she returns to her hometown to investigate her mothers death, while the latter chronicles the efforts of a translator (Margherita Buy) to recover after her husband dumps her for a younger woman. Days is particularly spectacular, with Buy beautifully embodying the effects of a broken heart. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. The Unborn: Something of a Rosemarys Baby knock-off, this horror outing boasts a terrific turn by Brooke Adams as a childrens book author who comes to believe that her doctor (James Karen) has inseminated her with mutated sperm in an attempt to create a super-human fetus. Its strangely paced, with Adams enjoying a relatively normal pregnancy until the third act, when lots of bizarre stuff starts happening. Its not a lost horror classic, but youll enjoy the score by Gary Numan and a skin-crawlingly twisted finale. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. The Americans: The Complete Final Season: Get ready for the most stunning revelations and betrayals in the series history as KGB agent Paige (Keri Russell) begins to pull away from her husband (Matthew Rhys), who has decided to leave espionage behind. If you enjoyed the series during its previous five seasons, you will not be disappointed with the final batch of explosive episodes. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Chillers: The Complete Series: Embracing his status as a horror icon, Anthony Perkins hosted this underrated series, adapted from a dozen short stories by Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train). Most of the episodes are bone-chillingly good, but one of the highlights is the final episode, which stars Perkins Pretty Poison co-star Tuesday Weld as the victim of a home invasion who winds up turning the tables on her attacker, with surprising and lingering results. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. CALGARYThe question of whether Alberta should force industry-wide production cuts to relieve an oversupply of oil and support prices has opened a rift between companies who are suffering from current price discounts and those who arent. On Thursday, oilsands and refining firms Suncor Energy Inc. and Husky Energy Inc. rejected a call by rival Cenovus Energy Inc. for government-imposed temporary cuts, while Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. stepped up to endorse the idea. The province, meanwhile, will only say it is considering the request along with other options to help support prices. The recent differential between Western Canadian Select bitumen-blend crude and New York-traded West Texas Intermediate oil, if held for a year, would deliver an Alberta royalty shortfall of about $4 billion, Phil Skolnick, an analyst at Eight Capital Research, said in a report on Thursday. He added the discounts would cause an oil industry-related Canadian federal income tax loss of about $13 billion (Canadian) and an annual U.S. federal income tax gain of about $12 billion from higher U.S. refining earnings. If the industry cuts output by 200,000 to 300,000 barrels per day a small percentage of total western Canadian production of about 4.3 million bpd for a short period of time, it will greatly relieve the pressure on pipelines and help return prices to normal levels, Cenovus CEO Alex Pourbaix said in an interview on Thursday This is an incredibly serious problem, he said. We looked at every thing we could possibly think of and this is the only option Ive seen that has a very high probability of success and also can be implemented very rapidly. Canadian Natural spokeswoman Julie Woo agreed, pointing out in an email Thursday that the times call for urgent action on production cuts. Other players in the industry disagreed. Suncor has minimal exposure to the differential and therefore shouldnt have to reduce its production, company spokeswoman Sneh Seetal said. We upgrade or refine over 70 per cent of the barrels we produce in Alberta, she said, adding the company should be allowed to benefit from the refineries and upgraders it has built at the cost of billions of dollars, as well as the pipeline space it has contracted that insulate it from local price discounts. Husky spokeswoman Kim Guttormson agreed in an email and noted theres an unacceptably high level of economic and trade risk from market intervention. The province has called on Ottawa to help increase crude-by-rail shipments and unveiled Wednesday a lost-revenue counter to be displayed in Ottawa to track how much money Canadians are missing out on since the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion approval was overturned by the Federal Court of Appeal in August. In his report, Skolnick said the temporary cuts would work to clear clogged storage and reduce price discounts to the benefit of the provincial treasury. Shut-in volumes would quickly alleviate the pain by freeing up export pipeline space and clearing out Alberta storage levels, he said, adding the province appears to have the legislative right to make the move. He expects price discounts to moderate over the next few months as companies voluntarily reduce output, crude-by-rail exports rise, U.S. refineries come back on line after fall maintenance shutdowns and the 80,000-barrel-per-day Sturgeon Refinery begins processing bitumen (likely by early next year) near Edmonton. According to Net Energy, the WCS-WTI differential was at $42.95 (U.S.) per barrel on Thursday morning, a difference that means producers were getting about $14 for each barrel of bitumen blend sold on spot markets. The discount versus WTI was also elevated for upgraded synthetic crude at $31.55 per barrel and for Edmonton light oil at $34.60. Implied bitumen prices in Canada after subtracting the cost of the light oil diluent needed to allow it to flow in a pipeline are about 83 cents per barrel or about half the cost of a bottle of Diet Coke, RBC energy analyst Greg Pardy said in a report. By comparison, Mexican Maya (a comparable crude stream to WCS in terms of gravity and sulphur content) is capturing $63 on the U.S. Gulf Coast.... This dynamic reflects the fact that Canadas depressed oil prices are heavily related to egress constraints, he wrote. Read more about: Bombardier Inc. plunged to its worst week in at least 30 years after regulators said they were reviewing the companys executive stock-sale program in the wake of an earlier share rout. Quebecs Autorite des Marches Financiers ordered the suspension of all such transactions until further notice. Bombardier said it would fully cooperate with the probe of the stock-disposition plan, which was adopted in August. The regulatory scrutiny, announced late Thursday, intensifies stress on Bombardier a week after a drastic cut to its cash-flow forecast undermined confidence in Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemares turnaround plan. The disappointing outlook had already erased a third of Bombardiers market value even before the shares extended their decline Friday. With the pressure on Bombardiers stock, preceding and following the release of our financial results on November 8, some had raised doubts about trading that may have occurred in the last months, said Olivier Marcil, a spokesman for the Montreal-based maker of trains and aircraft. Bombardier declined to comment on whether any executives have sold shares since the sale plan was announced. Worst Week The companys widely traded Class B shares plummeted 20 percent to C$1.67 at the close in Toronto, the lowest closing level since September 2016. The stock lost 37 percent this week, its worst performance since at least September 1988, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Bombardiers $1.5 billion in bonds due 2025 led declines among global high-yield notes denominated in U.S. dollars Friday, falling 2.3 cents to 90 cents on the dollar. The bonds are down 11 percent since Nov. 7. Read more: Bombardier executive stock plan under the microscope by securities regulator Bombardier stumbles leave CEO just one chance to regain trust Quebec is ready to work with Bombardier if the governments help is required, Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon told reporters Friday. Fitzgibbon met with Bellemare earlier in the day to discuss ways for Bombardier employees whose jobs will be cut to find work elsewhere. The manufacturer said last week it would cut 5,000 jobs, half of them in Quebec. David Chartrand, head of the machinists union in Quebec, urged the provincial government to step up investments in aerospace while demanding minimum job commitments from companies such as Bombardier to promote and protect the interests of the province and its thousands of workers. Stock-Sale Plan Bombardier said in August that transactions under the stock-sale plan would take place over two years. The shares closed at C$4.64 on the day the program was announced. Bellemare and other top executives were looking to sell as many as 36.1 million shares, depending on certain conditions. Bellemare wanted to sell as many as 7.04 million Class B shares, and Chief Financial Officer John Di Bert planned to unload 4.36 million shares, according to the filing. Chairman Pierre Beaudoin, whose family controls Bombardier through multiple-voting shares, intended to sell as many as 3.1 million shares. Marcil said the trading plan was reviewed by the AMF before it was put in place. The program is a mechanism to ensure the orderly disposal on a predetermined basis of securities held by management. Trades under the plan are completed without any oversight or direct input from the participants, he said. Read more about: A Glencore Plc unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo had a ban on imports and exports from its giant copper and cobalt mine lifted by authorities in the country. They submitted a request, Jean Baptiste Nkongolo Kabila, director general of Congos customs agency, said Thursday by phone. I have taken the decision to temporarily lift the suspension measures. Katanga Mining Ltd., which is controlled by Glencore, said in a statement earlier Thursday it had been blocked on Nov.9 from exporting copper and cobalt from Congo over a dispute around payments on copper that was never actually mined years ago. The Congo government is asking for $129.8 million (U.S.) to settle the dispute, a number rejected by Katanga. Katanga Mining and its Kamoto copper and cobalt mine is one of Glencores most important growth projects. It restarted production in December after a two-year hiatus during which it invested in new processing facilities. It had expected to produce as much as 300,000 metric tons of copper and 34,000 tons of cobalt in 2019, which would make it Congos largest copper project and the worlds biggest source of cobalt. Uranium Detected Last week, Katanga halted sales of cobalt after detecting levels of uranium in supplies above those allowed for export. While it doesnt plan to resume exports until the second half of next year, it will continue to mine and stockpile cobalt. Katangas junior partner at Kamoto, state-owned Gecamines, said Wednesday it wasnt informed of the decision to stop cobalt sales. The order from the customs agency to stop all imports and exports was Glencores latest challenge in Congo in 2018. Earlier this year, it agreed to a $5.6 billion debt-to-equity swap at Katanga, effectively reducing the debt load of the subsidiary which Glencore co-owns with Gecamines. That deal also included a one-time payment of $150 million to Gecamines that raised concerns with some investors and non-governmental organizations. A spokesman for Glencore declined to comment. Katanga rose after the news that the ban would be lifted, climbing as much as 18 per cent, after earlier falling the same amount. The shares were up 2.3 per cent as of 2:09 p.m. in Toronto. CALGARYAlbertas police watchdog cleared a Calgary officer of wrongdoing Thursday in the November 2016 fatal shooting of a man driving a stolen vehicle. The incident happened in the Bowmont Shopping Mall parking lot as police tried to arrest a 49-year-old man driving a stolen truck. Susan Hughson, the executive director of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), said the man who had rammed the truck into police vehicles was a serious safety risk, and the officer was justified when they fired their gun. The way this unfolded was never the plan of the involved officers, Hughson said. Fate stepped in. The shooting happened on Nov. 22, 2016 after police spotted a blue Dodge Ram at about 3 p.m. that had been reported stolen. Officers followed, planning to arrest the man behind the wheel as soon as he got out of the vehicle, Hughson said. The driver parked the truck next to an SUV in the northwest mall parking lot at about 3:15 p.m. Police followed in unmarked vehicles, with marked cars nearby to help if needed. After police temporarily lost sight of the man, they spotted him going into a fast food restaurant just after 4 p.m. The officers tried to move in and arrest him one officer moved an unmarked Jeep behind the truck, while another marked police vehicle with its emergency lights on parked in front of the restaurant, to the left of the truck. When the driver got to the front door of the restaurant, he broke into a sprint and dashed for the truck, making it inside before two uniformed officers one on the drivers side, the other running toward the front could reach him. The officer on the drivers side pulled open the drivers side door, putting him in a precarious position, said Hughson. Several witnesses told ASIRT investigators they heard police shouting commands at the driver, telling him to stop, freeze and get out of the car. The driver put the truck in reverse and gunned it, witnesses told ASIRT, an account that was backed up by in-car video of the incident. As it backed up, the edge of the open drivers side door caught on the SUV next to it. The officer caught between the two vehicles fired his gun twice into the cab of the truck through the open door. At the same time, the second officer fired three rounds through the front windshield. Four of those shots hit the driver, while the fifth hit the windshield of the unmarked police Jeep parked behind it. The truck, meanwhile, collided with the Jeep with enough force to push it sideways, then hit one of the bumpers of one of the marked police cars. Paramedics rushed the man to hospital, where he died from his injuries. The man was later identified as Terrence Wienmeyer. Hughson said an autopsy showed he had a significant concentration of methamphetamine and THC, a key compound found in cannabis, in his system. Hughson said methamphetamine plays a role in ASIRT investigations very frequently as it tends to impair decision-making and impulse control. She also said the evidence clearly showed the officers were at risk and had few other choices. This whole event couldve been avoided if that vehicle never moved, she said. Events escalated so quickly that the involved officers didnt have the luxury of time, opportunity or alternatives. Hughson also said the two-year timeline for the investigation isnt ideal, but ASIRT is still working to clear a backlog of cases that began in 2016, when the agency started a record high number of investigations. Emma McIntosh is an environment, justice and investigative reporter with StarMetro Calgary. Follow her on Twitter at @EmmaMci Read more about: HALIFAXMorale among Maritime paramedics is at an all-time low, says a union representative who attended a conference in Halifax this week. Union members representing paramedics from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. gathered Wednesday for their first-ever Maritime conference. The event was being billed as a chance for open discussion about the issues paramedics and dispatchers are facing in their provinces. To be honest, the takeaway was exactly what we actually thought it would be. All three provinces have very similar issues, said Michael Nickerson, president of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 727, the union representing Nova Scotia paramedics and LifeFlight registered nurses. In all three provinces morale of the paramedics, and the dispatchers as well, is at an all-time low. Theres just so much work. All three systems are busier, there (are) increased volumes, theres more responsibilities, there (are) things being downloaded onto the paramedics and dispatchers from government, new programs and such. Nickerson said while people dont like to talk about money, it is a key factor. The government is expecting paramedics and dispatchers to do more but not increasing the compensation, he said. Paramedics in all three Maritime provinces also outlined concerns about off-load delays that force paramedics to idle in emergency rooms, sometimes for entire shifts, waiting for patients to be treated. In April, StarMetro reported extensively on overcrowding in emergency departments in the series Code Crisis. At that time, paramedic Scott Sturgeon said call volumes had increased drastically during the course of his 18-year career, piling stress onto workers and the system. In March 2017, the Nova Scotia government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) released its Code Critical report, highlighting concerns of overcrowding and long waits for patients and paramedics in Halifax emergency departments. Nickerson said inherent overtime, paramedic burnout, long-haul transfers and system status were also highlighted as concerns by Maritime paramedics who attended Wednesdays conference. System status means not enough resources whether that be actual paramedics or actual ambulances available due to either staffing issues or long-haul transfers, off-load delays in the emergency departments, and so on, he explained. It pretty well was status quo with what we were anticipating in the fact that all three provinces, and actually paramedics and dispatchers right across Canada, are facing the same issues. Nickerson said paramedics would like to see more long-term beds in the health-care system. He called that the No. 1 issue, one he believes could help ease the regular backlogs in emergency departments. Were an aging population but health-care has advanced so much in the years that even though were an aging population, were living longer but were also living with more health issues, he said. That puts a strain on health-care We need to get into a room with government and Ive said that before and lets start talking and see what can be done and what cant be done. He said learning firsthand about the challenges in neighbouring provinces will help with collaboration on issues that are independent of union bargaining. This weeks meeting of Maritime paramedic union representatives may have been the first, but it wont be the last. Nickerson said he was ecstatic with the level of dialogue and some of the ideas that were discussed. Specifically with the Maritimes, all three services are operated by the same company, Medavie Health Services, and I would certainly assume that they talk and see what works business-wise for them in one area, and I think that for labour its important that we do that as well, Nickerson said. Paramedics and dispatchers are a very important and integral part of the health-care system. Plans are already underway for the second conference, which will take place in P.E.I. next year. The three unions hope to roll out combined social media campaigns and public relations events in the coming months. Yvette dEntremont is a Halifax-based reporter focusing on health. Follow her on Twitter: @ydentremont Read more about: Most Americans come from somewhere else. That is as true of presidents as it is of newcomers reciting naturalization oaths across the United States today. Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. president, is a second generation German-Scot two nationalities that happen to be the first and 10th most common in the United States. Trumps mother and grandparents arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century from Scotland and Germany. Two of his three wives are relatively recent arrivals from Eastern Europe and four of his children are half Slavic. Last fall, researching a book on the women of the Trump clan, I set off on a three-week dash to the remote corners of Europe from where the Trump family hails. Besides interviewing people who knew them, I wanted to capture the history and rhythm of life in areas where the Trumps have roots, and so I wandered, sampling food, culture and ambience. The following is a collection of observations from the west coast of Scotland and a little-traveled swath of Mitteleuropa, a German term for Central Europe. Its an area that includes modern Germany but also Austria and whats sometimes called Germania Slavica, the eastern edge of the German medieval settlement in parts of the modern Czech Republic and Slovenia. Besides the Trump clan, this slice of Europe is the birthplace of Freud, Grimms fairy tales, the Nazi movement, schnitzel, Pilsner beer and some of Europes great writers and musicians including Kafka, Dvorak and Mozart. The Outer Hebrides Before hitting the European continent, I made a pit stop at the Isle of Lewis, one of the northernmost islands in Scotlands Outer Hebrides. It lies so far out in the North Atlantic that its closer to Iceland than to London. A bonny place, in the local argot, its also the birthplace of Donald Trumps mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. She left for the United States in 1929 on a steamer carrying hundreds of her fellow Scottish islanders who, during one of the great waves of emigration, were in search of work and prosperity. These days, small planes from Glasgow make the two-hour trip north several times daily, landing at the islands largest village, Stornoway, where pale-coloured houses, churches and a castle are nestled around a sheltered harbour. I drove off into an afternoon, and, in the space of just five hours, the sky turned purple and spit rain and snowflakes, whipping wind rose and pelted us with hail, numerous sets of double rainbows rose and fell, and finally a surreal golden light bathed the entire world. That spectacle, I was told, is just a typical day on an island where one of the Gaelic proverbs is what comes with the wind goes with the rain. Read more: Trump seeks to confirm new US ambassador to Iraq 815 false claims: The staggering scale of Donald Trumps pre-midterm dishonesty Trumps to skip Kennedy Center Honors for 2nd straight year Beyond Stornoways edge, black peat fields gave way to chartreuse hills, between which one could see great sweeps of sandy bays and the Atlantic. The western edge of the island is almost lunar: white and brown, stark and rocky, pocked with narrow, water-filled crevices that reflect the clouds. Its no wonder mystics call the island a thin place where the wall between the corporeal world and the spirit world is barely there. After driving by Mary Anne MacLeods childhood home, a two-bedroom rectangle with a pitched slate roof and two chimneys set against a tidal marsh (and still inhabited by her relatives, who have stopped talking to the media), I grabbed a burger in the bar of one of the few open establishments, the Caladh Inn. The island prides itself on its strict adherence to the Sabbath, even the ferry was forbidden from landing on Sundays until 2009, when only limited service began. So the next morning, I went to church. The grey stone Stornoway High Church is where Trumps mother and all nine of her siblings were baptized early in the last century. Today, cruise ships disgorge hundreds of tourists on summer day trips to pick up Harris tweed made at the source, eat fish and chips at the Stornoway chip shop, explore Lews Castle and visit the Callanish standing stones, dozens of mysterious giant rocks dragged to a field overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, placed there by Neolithic people 1,300 years before the rocks at Stonehenge. Kallstadt, Germany To get to the winemaking town of Kallstadt, Germany, the birthplace of Frederick and Elizabeth Christ Trump, the presidents paternal grandparents, I made a rendezvous in Paris with my husband, Erik, and we hopped a high-speed train to Mannheim, a mid-size urban hub that is home to a U.S. army base and a rapidly growing population of immigrants from the Middle East. There we caught up with the filmmaker and native Kallstadter Simone Wendel, whose documentary Kings of Kallstadt is a wry look at her towns simultaneously bemused and bewildered response to the fact that two famous American families, Heinz and Trump, hail from her tiny town. Kallstadt lies in a corner of the Rhine Valley, at a point where the wind blows up from the south, and the soil is unusually dense with clay, which holds the heat of the sun in the earth, forming a kind of micro climate perfect for growing the riesling grape that is distilled into the Pfalzer wine. Almost every home has a large white plastic tank with a spigot parked in the courtyard or driveway, filled with the local red. The area has been a magnet for German tourism since the early 1900s, when industrialization gave working people a bit more leisure time. The wandervogels, literally hiking birds, made it a hiking destination and, generations later, Germans still come to mountain bike, hike and mushroom-hunt in the boar-infested woods of the nearby Palatinate forest. It was cold and rainy, so rather than hiking I spent another Sunday morning in church at Kallstadt, hoping to find parishioners who recalled any stories about the long-gone Trump ancestors and to see records related to the family. The church once solicited money from Kallstadts rich American descendant: Trump sent $5,000. (The check came attached to a letter embossed with a giant gold T, which the church has added to its reliquary.) Trumps money went to restoring the warped and cracked 16th-century door, a restoration that your correspondent can attest was successful halfway through the German service, I nipped out to make a phone call, but the massive wooden door was so secure it was impossible to open and I found myself trapped inside the vestibule for another 20 minutes of German hymns. After spending a rainy afternoon looking for people who knew the Trumps, and checking out the grandparents homes a pair of simple two-story structures we were finally ready for the local specialty: saumagen. Kallstadt is so famous for this delicacy, pig stomach, in which pork meat and vegetables and herbs like marjoram are made into a kind of extra large sausage, that a recent German chancellor, Helmut Kohl, was known to have regularly sent for it to be delivered to Berlin. We headed over to the Winzerstuben Weick and ordered plates of it. It was good and filling, but as we tucked into our pig stomach we noticed that we were the only ones eating it. Our fellow diners were all waiting on a man in a white coat and chefs hat to wheel over whole roast goose, lit sparklers attached to each leg, and swiftly carve it onto plates with a slice of the apple that had been in its stomach. As dozens of families around us gorged on spangled roast goose we wondered what obscure European holiday we were witnessing. The answer would have to wait until the next leg of our journey. Prague and Zlin, Czech Republic Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic, is the birthplace of Trumps first wife, Ivana (mother to Ivanka, Donald, Jr. and Eric Trump). To get there from Kallstadt, we took a couple of trains and then hopped a Czech Air prop plane from Frankfurt to Prague, landing in a light snow. Around midnight, we drove a rental car into the city as snow flakes drifted on myriad spires in the yellow street lights. A fairy-tale town, I thought. An early morning jog over the Charles Bridge revealed that it is a kind of outdoor museum of Baroque bronze sculpture from the 18th century. That morning, a pink light from the rising sun illuminated the river and distant spires as statues of some three dozen obscure saints and notables gazed down at the bridge. Ivo, Ludmilla, Adalbert, Cyril and Methodius, John of Nepomuk, Sigismund and Wenceslas and others are each arranged in tableaux commemorating events and stories that require a history doctoral thesis to fully comprehend. Wenceslas was the only name I remotely recognized, bringing to mind the first simple piano tune I ever learned to play: Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen / When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. After a pit stop for an interview with a historian at the Institute of Contemporary History at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic near the U.S. Embassy (a building where a plaque proclaims Kafka lived at the same address how Kafka-esque!) we did a rapid hit of the citys tourist high points, up and down narrow, hilly, cobbled streets, looking at marionettes, the Museum of Alchemy and crystals on sale in the stores and finally off to lunch at a restaurant called Lokal Dlouhaaa in the old town. Here again, the roast goose topped the days menu. We ordered and tucked into a deliciously crisp slab with a side of red cabbage. The waiter helpfully explained that goose is eaten for Martinmas, a holiday officially celebrating the fourth-century St. Martin of Tours, but also known as Old Halloween, a reference to the pagan autumnal tradition of bonfires across Europe. In Prague, they say, Martin rides in on a white horse because around Martins feast day, the first snow always falls. And indeed, as we had seen, it had. We left Prague and its crystals, Dvorak and alchemy, much too soon, and motored out onto the D1, a major auto artery aiming south. Departing Prague for Zlin, the birthplace and hometown of Ivana Trump, the presidents first wife and mother of his oldest three children, is like travelling from an enchanted land of elves and fairies, and back to dull mortal Middle-earth. The earth goes flat and monochromatic, and, especially in November, dry corn shocks and leafless birch trees dominate the view, reminiscent of the American Midwest where I grew up. At Zlin, we checked into the Hotel Moskva, a mid-20th-century brick pile of a Soviet relic, all function and no form, with elevators that open onto identical, mint-green hallways dotted with brown numbered doors that could be a set for Stranger Things or The X Files. Zlin is a city of no-nonsense, working people, a factory city, famous not as the hometown of Ivana Trump, but of an early-20th-century cobbler, Tomas Bata, who turned his familys cobbler shop into a global megacorporation, with factory assembly lines copied from Henry Ford. The Bata brand is still sold worldwide. Ljubljana and Sevnica, Slovenia Our final destination on the Trump immigrants tour was Melania Trumps birthplace in Slovenia. To get there, we drove hundreds of miles through Old Bohemia, Moravia and Austria, passing shrivelled vineyards in icy rain, green fields in fog, and church spires on foggy hilltops. We reached Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, after a morning drive southward, passing a Heidi-scape of Alpine horizon, blue skies, puffy clouds. Ljubljana is one of the most charming cities Ive ever seen. It looks and feels like a miniature, bikeable replica of an Italian city. The central piazza is built around the Sava River, crossed by a charming footbridge, with white railings. A pink church with white columns and the words Ave Gratia Plena (Hail, full of grace) anchors one end; on the other are numberless Vespas and bicycles parked beside outdoor bars and bistros. At sunset and dawn, the Alps glow in a distant semicircle around the city. Its difficult to imagine why anyone would want to leave such a lovely place, but Slovenias famous former resident did leave when she was 19 and, since moving to the United States, has returned only once. But Slovenians have not forgotten her. Since Donald Trump started his presidential campaign, tourism has reportedly risen by 30 per cent. The next morning, we drove a curving narrow road along the Sava River and through pine forests and past corn and pumpkin fields to the first ladys birthplace, Sevnica. Sevnica, it turns out, was, like Zlin, also once a shoe factory town. Today, all thats left of the shoe industry is a rowboat-sized wooden shoe sculpture hovering like a spectre above the roundabout entrance to town. As for commemorations to Melania, the Julija pastry shop in Sevnica invented and sells the Melania torte, a confection of almond and white chocolate. Melanias Slovenian lawyer has snuffed out efforts to put Melania on other products though. Sevnicans have got around this by naming a few products First Lady, and so one can pick up local First Lady red wine and soaps at the tiny tourist centre. Not much to see on Sevnicas single main street, Trg Svobode, besides the smokestacks of a few factories by the Sava River. Melanias father, Viktor Knavs, now a U.S. citizen living primarily in New York, still owns and sometimes stays at his house on a street a few blocks off the main street. The unassuming ranch-style house has attracted journalists with cameras, but when Viktor is in town, the locals warned us that he has been known to chase off the curious with some vehemence, so we noted the American flag on the mailbox from a safe distance and left. We hightailed it to Vienna and a plane home, stopping for a last meal in Middle Europe at the Austrian capitals most famous schnitzel house, the raucous Figlmuller, where the line was out the door, waiting for a plate of the house specialty, a slab of breaded and fried pork that extended beyond the edges of the plate. That night, overdosed on meat and beer, steeped in the fairy-tale scenery, I dreamed strange dreams of lonely church spires in the fog, cobbled streets and cobblers and Good King Wenceslas, looking out on the newly fallen deep snow a millennium ago. Read more about: A lot of people could have said The past is never dead its not even past, but it was Faulkner who actually said it, which makes sense when you consider that Faulkner was from Mississippi, and in no place is the past less dead than Mississippi. Ive never seen as many roadside historical markers anywhere as I have here, and I live in New England. Mississippi still celebrates Confederate Heritage Month and Confederate Memorial Day, and retains the Stars and Bars in its state flag, but in recent years it has taken care to celebrate other parts of its history, as well. In the past, all those roadside markers were put up by the state, and terse; but lately other groups and organizations have undertaken their own projects, like the Mississippi Country Music Trail and the nascent Mississippi Writers Trail, that feature information-rich markers with text covering both sides, and even photographs. The most expansive is the Mississippi Blues Trail, which erected its first marker in 2006 and now has 200 of them, some of which can be found in other states and even countries. Those markers tell of musicians and sites that are significant to the development and dissemination of Mississippis greatest contribution to the arts (sorry, Faulkner), but they testify, less directly, to the suffering and resilience of its sizable Black population. If less directly doesnt seem quite enough, another Mississippi trail tells the same story much more explicitly. At present, it has fewer than 30 markers; its easier, I suppose, to celebrate the music that originated with sharecroppers and field hands chopping cotton in the hot Mississippi Delta sun than it is to contemplate the oppression and precarious daily existence that characterized their lives. The Blues Trail tells of how some of them coped with the burdens of perpetual injustice; the Freedom Trail tells of those who got tired of coping and somehow summoned the courage to try to free themselves from those burdens. Leslie-Burl McLemore, who got involved in Mississippis civil rights movement as a student at Rust College and later spent four decades teaching history at Jackson State, served on the task force assembled by the Mississippi Department of Tourism in 2010 to get the Freedom Trail started. Their first mandate, he said, was to identify places and individuals that had been heavily involved in the civil rights movement, and then prioritize. It was clear, he said, that the Emmett Till marker would be No. 1. It stands in the small Delta town of Money, Miss. There doesnt seem to be much money, or anything else, in Money; today its just a handful of modest homes and two commercial structures, both of which are empty: a filling station, and a two-story brick building thats missing its roof and parts of its walls and looks like its been in ruins since Sherman marched through. (He didnt.) Just 30 years ago, though, when I lived and worked in The Delta, it was still a going concern, a small grocery; I bought my first (and only) can of Vienna sausage there. With its dusty shelves and dim lighting and sagging floor, it was easy for me then to picture what it would have looked like 33 years earlier, in August 1955, when a black 14-year-old from Chicago, down visiting his mothers kin, walked into it and supposedly whistled at, or said something fresh to, or pawed the white woman working behind the counter. Three nights later, the womans husband and his brother snatched young Till out of bed, carried him off into the darkness and lynched him. Back in Chicago, the boys mother insisted her son be given an open-casket funeral, so the world can see what they did to my boy. Photos of his gruesomely disfigured corpse were published in Jet magazine and from there raced around the world, sparking sensational outrage. The killers were arrested; reporters came from all over the country, and even from overseas, to cover the trial. The jury hastily acquitted the brothers, but it was too late: The story of Emmett Till had already shown the world that the ugliness of Jim Crow went much deeper than segregated schools and separate water fountains. Some of us mark the beginning of the modern civil rights movement with the lynching of Emmett Till, McLemore told me. Rosa Parks tied the Montgomery Bus Boycott which started two months after the acquittal with Emmett Till. It has been said that she noted that the day she refused to give up her seat on that bus in Montgomery, she was reflecting on Emmett Till. McLemore said everyone agreed that the Freedom Trail marker should go outside the grocery. There are other sites, though, that are just as significant to the story, like the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, where Tills killers, brothers Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were tried and acquitted in September 1955. Sumner is about 30 miles (50 kilometres) from Money; the trip takes you along a stretch of Highway 49E that has been renamed the Emmett Till Memorial Highway, past the Emmett Till Multipurpose Complex a low brick building that looks like a school or maybe a modern armoury behind which you will find the Emmett Till Memorial Walking Trail. The courthouse was built in 1904; 110 years later, its courtroom underwent a restoration, undoing a 1970s renovation that some say was intended to plaster over history. Today it looks a lot more like it did in countless photographs that were circulated worldwide in 1955. Like many Southern county courthouses, the one in Sumner sits in the middle of a picturesque square. Off to one side is a small one-story brick office building with Breland & Whitten Lawyers still painted on a couple of windows: J.J. Breland and John Whitten were two of the brothers five attorneys. Nearby, in a storefront, is the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, which has some exhibits on the walls and a typewriter belonging to J.W. Kellum, another member of the killers legal team. (Forty years after the trial, I interviewed Kellum, Whitten and the two surviving jurors.) The most striking artifact, though, is fairly new: a marker, leaning up against a wall, that the centre originally put up in 2007 near the site where Tills lifeless body was pulled from the water three days after he was carried off to his doom. Its purple, and powerful, and pocked with bullet holes. An identical replacement was recently shot up after just five weeks. The one in Money has been vandalized, too. There is no marker indicating the site outside the town of Drew, about 20 miles (32 kilometres) from Sumner. Set back about a hundred yards from a dirt road is a lovely white farmhouse and, nearby, a weathered brown barn; they look like something you might see in a Wyeth painting. The owner had granted me permission to come by whenever, but he wasnt home when I did, so I walked around the property by myself specifically, around the barn, which, I was told, the owner used these days mostly for storage. At one end, behind a chain-link gate, sat a dog who just stared at me glumly as I circled by again and again. The Delta is extremely flat, but the house and barn sit on a modest rise that affords a visitor a view of the surrounding farmland that just about anyone would find serene. I know I did, so much so that for a few moments I forgot that, before dawn on Aug. 28, 1955, Milam and Bryant drove the 14-year-old Till to this barn the farm was then managed by another Milam brother took him inside, and there beat him so savagely that by the time they loaded him back in the truck, the eighth grader was nearly dead. Some say he already was. They drove about 15 miles toward the rising sun, to the small town of Glendora, where Milam lived. Another purple marker, this one unmolested, stands at the spot where his house used to be. A few hundred yards away, in a building that was once a cotton gin, Glendoras current mayor, Johnny B. Thomas, has installed a museum that contains replicas of the pickup truck and Tills coffin, as well as other things relating to (and not relating to) the story. It was closed when I visited, but I found Thomas working in a field, and he told me how to locate the other thing I was hoping to see there: a narrow metal bridge that spans a bayou just outside town. Its no longer in use; grass and dirt cover much of its surface, and the road at its far end is overgrown to the point of impassibility. As I approached it on foot, I noticed the ground was littered with bright blue shotgun shells. The bridges beams are rusted; water flows lazily below, caressing cypress trees in its midst, an idyllic spot to cast a line and daydream. On that morning in August 1955, Milam and Bryant dragged young Till here, shot him in the head, tied a heavy cotton gin fan to his lifeless body with barbed wire and dumped it into the bayou. Three days later, another boy, fishing nearby, noticed its legs poking up out of the water. I thought this site was unmarked, too; its not. Mounted atop a railing at the centre of the bridge, I spotted a small metal plaque: 1916 W T Young Bridge Co. Nashville, Tenn. Board of Supervisors J.A. Shores Pres. S.C. Barnes R.W. Stevens S.M. Jones About 50 miles south, near the corner of Church and First streets in Belzoni, youll find another Freedom Trail marker, this one commemorating the Rev. George Lee. Like most Delta towns, Belzoni still looks very much like it did in the 1950s, when Lee preached the gospel here. His marker stands outside the Green Grove Baptist Church, though his pulpit was actually at another Baptist church in town, White Star. For most of his 51 years, George Lee kept a low profile outside church; he is believed to have sat for only one photograph in his lifetime. But sometime in the early 1950s, he decided to register to vote no small undertaking for a black man in the South back then, especially in The Delta. Somehow, he succeeded; then he managed to get his wife, Rosebud, registered. And then he went out and got other African-Americans in Belzoni and Humphreys County registered, too nearly 100 of them. He was actually out there before Brown v. Board of Education, noted Helen Sims, the director of Belzonis Rev. George Lee Museum, which was closed because of storm damage when I visited town. Lee, she said, also co-founded the local chapter of the NAACP and served as vice president of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership. In April 1955, he spoke before a crowd of thousands at the councils annual meeting, urging everyone present to register and vote. The crowd, Jet magazine reported, was electrified. Local whites were, too, though not in a good way. According to Sims, the white leadership in the town and county converged upon Lees house twice. They basically said, stop trying to register people to vote, and well leave you and your wife alone, Sims explained. He didnt go for the deal. On May 7, 1955, as Lee was driving home on Church Street, just a block from Green Grove, a car pulled up alongside his; someone fired several shots, one at the ministers tires and the rest at his head, blasting away his jawbone and part of his face. Mortally wounded, he crashed his car into a house. There were eyewitnesses, but the white sheriff refused to investigate, much less arrest anyone, calling it a car accident and going so far as to declare that the lead pellets extracted from the victims head were actually dental fillings that had gotten knocked loose in the crash. According to Jet, in an attempt to keep news of the slaying contained, Belzoni telephone operators refused to take long-distance calls from Negroes. It didnt work. Word spread; more than 2,000 people showed up for Lees funeral, which was held at Green Grove because White Star was too small to accommodate them. Rosebud Lee insisted her husband have an open casket. She wanted people to see, Sims explained, what they had done to her husband. Jet published a photo of it three months before Emmett Till was murdered. Today, theres one street in Belzoni named for Lee, but pieces of his story are everywhere, starting with the Freedom Trail marker and the church that stands next to it; if youre diligent enough, you can find his tombstone in its graveyard. Right behind the cemetery, on Hayden Street, is the house where Lee was living when he was killed. Its a three-minute walk from there to the block where he was shot. Sims couldnt tell me exactly which house there he had driven into, but as I inspected a row of six, knowing it must be one of them, I spotted a man standing outside a shoe repair shop across the street and asked him if he knew. That one there, he said, pointing at the one on the far left. You can see the porch doesnt look right. Who lived there back then? It was an old lady, name of Katherine Blair. Do you remember when it happened? I asked him. I was six years old, he replied. But I remember people talking about it. His name, he said, was Percy Gordon. A half-mile away, at the Humphreys County Courthouse (erected 1921), I knocked on an old white wooden door. The words Circuit Clerk were flaking off its transom; they were, Im guessing, painted on there well before 1955. The three women inside smiled at me. Is this where people register to vote? I asked. Yes, said the one with the biggest smile. She was wearing a bright red Delta Sigma Theta sweater. Is this where they would have registered in the early 50s? It is. Did it look like this then? Just like this, she said, sweeping an arm around the room. When I told her I was interested in George Lee, her face lit up even more. Youre welcome to look around. Feel free to check out the vault, too, she said, gesturing to a chamber behind a thick black metal door. Stay as long as you like. The vault is stacked, floor to ceiling, with enormous leather-bound volumes that stretch back to the establishment of the county a century ago: Criminal Docket; Civil Docket; Marriage Record; Marriage Record Coloured; Registration. The clerk, Timaka James-Jones, told me I could examine whatever I liked; if I hadnt had a return flight booked already, I would still be there perusing right now. The most fascinating were the ones stamped Poll Tax Receipts. It is said that James-Jones predecessor, six decades back, tried to turn Lee away when he first went to pay his. Have you found his name in any of these? I asked her. You know, when I started here, in 2003, the first thing I looked up was my marriage license. The second thing I looked for was his name, she told me. Im still looking for it. Following the Freedom Trailand reading its markers can evoke, in a contemplative mind, two notions: That things have changed a great deal in this country over the past six or seven decades, and that they havent changed much at all. I say and instead of or because its possible to think both at once and not be wrong; but, as regards the latter, I will tell of just one more thing I saw in Belzoni, as I made my way to the Humphreys County Library, which shares a parking lot with the Humphreys County Sheriffs Department next door. There was only one space available, and it was marked Authorized Vehicles Only. Anxious you dont want to have to bail your rental out of a tow pound in Belzoni I looked around and spotted the sheriff escorting a handcuffed prisoner in an orange jumpsuit through the parking lot. They chatted amiably; the sheriff was black, the prisoner white. Can I park here? I asked the lawman. Yes, he said. You can. There is a movement afoot (pun intended) to get more people exercising by involving their family doctors. In the United Kingdom, the government recently released Moving Medicine an online resource to help doctors talk to their patients about the importance of exercise in relation to conditions as diverse as cancer and dementia. This is a welcome initiative given that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization. The benefits of exercise have been proven over and over again: Exercise reduces risk of depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and many cancers, and prevents early death. If it was a pill, exercise would be a trillion-dollar money-maker prescribed to everyone. Exercise as a therapy is mentioned in almost all prevention and treatment guidelines, which are written by doctors themselves. Still, most patients never hear their doctor talk about it. And fewer than one in four Canadians meet current guidelines for physical activity, which recommend that people participate in moderate (such as brisk walking) and vigorous (such as jogging, swimming or running) activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Part of the reason is that most doctors in practice today received little, if any, training on the role of exercise in managing disease. Years ago I taught a 30-minute lecture on the topic at a Canadian medical school and this was all the students got over their four-year program. This is about to change. Free gym prescriptions In recent years, Canadian medical schools such as the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary have revised their curricula to incorporate aspects of exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease. This is one part of growing initiatives like Exercise is Medicine that advocate for the role of exercise and encourage doctors to prescribe it. Similarly, the Prescription to Get Active program in Alberta allows doctors to prescribe free 30-day gym memberships to patients. A grassroots program called Walk with a Doc has local doctors walking with their patients. The program was begun by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, who was frustrated with his inability to affect behaviour change in the clinical setting and invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park one Saturday morning. More than 100 people showed up, and there are now 400 chapters worldwide. There have also been calls for exercise to be considered a vital sign, much like blood pressure and heart rate. Health insurance provider Kaiser Permanente requires doctors in the United States to record how much physical activity a patient does. Patients who receive exercise prescriptions and counselling from their doctors are more likely to be active, so these initiatives are a good start. More needs to be done, however, when only one-third of doctors talk to their patients about exercise. Reactionary health-care system Not surprisingly, doctors who exercise themselves are more likely to counsel their patients about physical activity. Therefore, targeting doctors to be more active may provide a substantial population effect. At the same time, doctors say they need more and better training with respect to the benefits of exercise and how to counsel patients. The need for this change in approaching health and disease comes from two key realizations. One is that there are a growing number of people with preventable chronic illness, and our health-care system is not adequately prepared to deal with all these patients. Our system is reactionary; it is designed to wait until someone has a disease instead of preventing it. But chronic illnesses are not like diseases of old. They cannot be cured, although many can be prevented. Exercise is increasingly recognized as important to this change. Exercise for cancer care Second, we have greater knowledge about the benefits of exercise in treating disease in addition to preventing it. Exercise is used for cardiac rehabilitation, after a heart attack. Exercise works as well as drugs that lower cholesterol and blood pressure in preventing early death. And diabetics who exercise require less medication to manage their blood sugar. Even in treating cancer, exercise can reduce the side-effects of treatment, such as anxiety, depression and fatigue. This has prompted the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia to release a position statement recommending exercise as part of regular cancer care. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, but hopefully not the last. Doctors would benefit from additional incentives such as specific billing codes that allow for prescribing of exercise as well as more continuing medical education sessions on how to do so. Educating current and future doctors that exercise is as good, if not better, than many medications will be essential to prevent the increasing burden of chronic illnesses. OTTAWAFederal Conservatives rushed to defend Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Thursday night after a Conservative group in British Columbia posted a harsh comment about him on its Facebook page. Earlier this week the Okanagan Conservatives posted a photo and a link to a critical news article about Sajjan on their page, along with the comment: This is what happens when you have a cabinet based on affirmative action. Conservative MP James Bezan tweeted that he is disgusted by such an intolerant comment. Bezan says Sajjan is a respected veteran who proudly served Canada and deserves nothing less than gratitude for his service as a soldier as well as defence minister, even if the two dont always agree on policy. Conservative MP Dan Albas, who represents Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, wrote on Twitter that the post came from another riding associations account and he asked that it be removed. He says although he did not authorize it, he would like to apologize to Sajjan. Last night the Okanagan Conservatives took to Facebook again, but this time to apologize to Sajjan and those who were offended. The group says they deleted the post, that it was inappropriate and that it does not reflect the views of the party or any of the riding associations in the Okanagan. Read more: Defence minister trusts the military can deal with any right-wing extremism Read more about: PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEAPrime Minister Justin Trudeau walks into this weekends APEC leaders summit with a chance to smooth over lingering sore feelings with some of Canadas key trading partners on the Pacific Rim. Trudeau will meet his counterparts from Australia and Japan, and have the opportunity to bump into leaders from the 21 countries in the hallways of the busy summit. Observers say Japan, Australia and the remainder of an 11-nation Pacific Rim trade pact are still upset over how Trudeau skipped a key meeting last year where the group was expected to agree on a final text. A deal did arise out of the fracas, namely the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP for short an outcome the Liberals believe is a sign that all is well among the countries. Observers say Trudeaus counterparts continue to have hard feelings about last years incident. I still think the APEC summit will be damage repair from the last summit almost pulling out the (CPTPP) and the Japanese upset with us and the Australians cursing us so I think there still needs to be some repairing of the relationship, said Carlo Dade, an expert on trade in the Pacific region from the Canada West Foundation. Read more: Trudeau lays down challenge to companies in bid to boost trade with Asia Canada stands pat on Saudi arms sales, even after hearing Khashoggi tape Canada hoping to solve U.S. tariff dispute by G20 meetings at months end, Trudeau says Canada became one of the first six countries to ratify the CPTPP, giving domestic businesses first crack to gain a foothold in overseas markets. Quickly ratifying the agreement could help mend relationships, Dade said. Trudeau arrived after dark in this island nation, walking a red carpet at the airport between two lines of traditional dancers before being whisked off to prepare for the opening of the summit on Saturday. At a news conference Thursday, Trudeau said he planned to talk about expanding trade in the region during the APEC summit. There are certainly discussions to be had around the APEC table about how we will continue to strengthen these trade ties, Trudeau said. The APEC summit is specifically an economic summit for partnership with Pacific nations and thats exactly what were going to be focusing on. Looming over the summit will be an economic tit-for-tat between the worlds two biggest economies the United States and China. U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, who is attending the summit in place of U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to force countries to pick sides as China looks to use the summit to extend its influence to smaller Pacific island nations in attendance. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to have some choice words in response. Asked about it Thursday, Trudeau would only say that he looked forward to what Pence had to say. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, an expert on the Asia-Pacific from before his time in the Senate, said the divide between the two biggest players at APEC poses an existential threat to the trade region APEC was formed to foster. Without the U.S., there is a need for a North American voice to champion trade around the Pacific, Woo said. The only country thats able to take up this leadership role ... is Canada and it would be important that the prime minister, I think, assumes some of this responsibility, Woo said. There is no other player in the Americas that, I think, at this stage has either the will or the means to be a champion for the Asia-Pacific region. Patrick Leblond, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, said countries like Japan want to know Canada will be involved in the Asia-Pacific region more than it has been to help counteract Chinas growing influence. They want to have Canada as a partner in terms of dealing with the pressures that the Chinese and now the Americans are doing in terms of trade, Leblond said. The economic battle has an unlikely backdrop in Papua New Guinea, one of the poorest members of APEC. Canadas annual trade with Papua New Guinea is less than one per cent of the trade that goes across the Canada-U.S. border every day. Global Affairs Canadas travel warnings about Papua New Guinea note assaults, sexual assaults and violent crime often with the use of firearms or machetes, and suggest visitors consider hiring private security because police cannot be relied upon. The meeting itself has caused a series of negative headlines for the national government over spending millions on a fleet of 40 Maserati cars to ferry around dignitaries. China and Australia have invested heavily in the region, hoping to gain some influence. Trudeau will have a chance to address island nations on Saturday, where he is expected to talk about climate change. Read more about: Toronto city Councillors Mark Grimes and Justin Di Ciano have been charged by police with filing false campaign expenses following the 2014 election. The Etobicoke councillors are alleged to have not disclosed approximately $26,000 each in campaign expenses related to the 2014 election, an Ontario Provincial Police spokesperson said. The charges, under the Municipal Elections Act, are not criminal. The charges were announced in an OPP news release Friday morning. The pair has been under investigation by the OPPs anti-rackets branch, which is in charge of probing complex fraud cases, after it received a request from the Toronto police in September 2017 to look into a referral from the citys independent integrity commissioner. The OPP said the charges are directly related to an allegation first reported by the CBC that the two councillors had benefited from polling and research in their wards totalling more than $40,000 that was paid for by a developer, Dunpar Homes, and was not accounted for in their expenses. Grimes won re-election on Oct. 22 with help from Mayor John Tory, who endorsed him after news broke that the councillor was under OPP investigation. Tory voiced a robocall urging residents to vote for Grimes a reliable vote for Tory at council and the mayors campaign provided logistical support to the Grimes campaign. Di Ciano did not seek re-election, which would have pitted him against his friend Grimes after the number of wards was reduced to 25. The charges come as Torys office considers who to align with on a slimmed-down council, with appointments to prime positions, including his executive committee, to be made next month. Penalties for convictions on the charges include fines of up to $25,000 and a prohibition on running in the next two municipal elections, the OPP said. When the CBC reported the allegations earlier this year, Di Ciano denied having polling paid for by Dunpar. Grimes called the allegations unfounded. A statement released Friday by Grimes on his official city letterhead, quoting his lawyer, who is not identified, reads: Councillor Grimes has done nothing wrong. An allegation has been made that he should have made additional financial disclosure for his campaign from four years ago. No such disclosure was required. There is no credible evidence to support the allegation, which was made for political purposes. A statement from lawyer Scott Fenton says Di Ciano looks forward to setting the record straight on any alleged clerical errors in his 2014 campaign expense return. It goes on to say: The real offence here is the extraordinary waste of scarce government resources spent chasing down minor alleged oversights regarding a long-forgotten municipal election campaign. The OPP declined to comment on those statements. The CBC story cited by the OPP includes what appear to be documents related to polling conducted by the firm Campaign Research. They outline voters preferences for Di Ciano compared to former councillor Peter Milcyzn, and for Grimes compared to several other named candidates in their respective wards. Campaign Research is run in part by one of Torys chief strategists, Nick Kouvalis. There is no allegation of wrongdoing on the part of Dunpar or Campaign Research. A representative from Dunpar could not be reached for comment. Kouvalis could also not be reached. In a statement, Tory told the Star he would not comment on the charges while they are before the courts. Both Grimes and Di Ciano did claim some expenses from Campaign Research for polling and robocalls, according to invoices filed with the citys elections office. For Grimes, the services totalled $1,808 and for Di Ciano, $2,773. If, in fact, the councillors should have claimed an additional $26,000 in campaign expenses each, their financial statements filed for that period show they both would have been over their campaign spending limits for the 2014 election which could result in additional penalties. There is no mechanism for council to remove someone from office if they are found guilty of an Elections Act offence. Both councillors were at a Friday morning meeting with other members of the Exhibition Place board, where there was no mention of the OPP, said Councillor Mike Layton. Both seemed in good spirits and left when the meeting ended around 9:30 a.m., said Layton, who declined to comment on the charges because he didnt know the details. Asked if Grimes should recuse himself from appointments in the new council term until the case is finished, fellow Exhibition Place board member Councillor Jim Karygiannis said, Everybody steps back when they face something. That will be up to Councillor Grimes and up to the mayor to decide what appointments to give him given the circumstances. In 2016, the citys integrity commissioner Valerie Jepson found Grimes had what she called improper dealings with developers after a 17-month investigation. Her resulting report did not mention Dunpar. Earlier, both Grimes and Di Ciano were at the middle of a controversial debate over the use of a strip of land in the Mimico-Judson area. At the urging of the two councillors, council and Tory approved the conversion of that land that would allow Dunpar to develop townhomes near what will be a noisy rail yard, against the advice of senior city staff and the provincial transit agency Metrolinx. In 2015, the compliance audit committee rejected a detailed citizen request for an audit of Grimess finances that alleged he had overspent the limit by tens of thousands of dollars. The committee met secretly to discuss the matter. The Campaign Research polling was not part of the complaint. The committee gave no reasons for their decision not to direct an audit. Russ Ford, who came second to Grimes in the 2014 election, said he couldnt speak to the charges since they havent been litigated yet, but said the allegations are disheartening. Guilty or innocent, its a stain on the process, he said. People who run for office Im not saying Grimes didnt but you got to play by the rules. Its the integrity of the process thats at question as well as the individual. Grimes and Di Ciano are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 19. David Rider is the Star's City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering Toronto politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider Read more about: Ontarios child advocate says it is dangerous for the Ford government to suggest the childrens ministry should monitor itself and advocate for the provinces most vulnerable kids. The government must pause, consult and reconsider its plan, said Irwin Elman, the provinces first independent child and youth advocate whose office is enshrined in 2007 legislation. Finance Minister Vic Fedeli announced the governments plan to axe the legislation as part of Thursdays fall economic update. He said the measure would save costs and cut red tape. Fedeli said the child advocates duties will be merged with the provincial ombudsmans office. But the advocates office takes a proactive approach whereas the ombudsmans office is primarily complaints-driven, and it is unclear who will play the advocacy role under the changes. Before the 2007 legislation, the child advocate was employed by the childrens ministry. Under the 2007 law, the advocates office is mandated to advocate and investigate on behalf of children and youth involved with childrens aid, the mental health system, youth justice, disability services and provincial schools for people who are deaf, blind or live with severe disabilities. The office is also responsible for Indigenous and Metis kids. During Question Period Thursday, NDP childrens critic Monique Taylor slammed the government for cutting a role that provides vital oversight. The child advocate calls out governments when their policies harm innocent children, Taylor said. The fact that the Ford government wants to do away with their voice says something terrifying about the plans for this province for our most vulnerable children. The move means Ontario is one of the only provinces in the country without an independent child advocate. Our independence from government has been critical, and the detailed systemic reviews and investigations that we have conducted have repeatedly shone a light on systemic gaps and failures in the system that have put vulnerable children and youth at significant risk, Elman said in a statement. Over the years, Elman, whose second four-year term is up Nov. 25 with no legislative right to renewal, has drawn attention to the scores of nameless, children and youth who die in the care of childrens aid societies every year. He sparked the first legislative hearings into the problems facing children and youth in foster care and group homes. He has questioned the overrepresentation of Black youth in the care of childrens aid, urged an inquest to consider the impact of systemic racism in the deaths of Indigenous youth in the Thunder Bay area and called for an overhaul of Ontarios group home system. Elmans office was also instrumental in ensuring the voice of children and youth was central to Ontarios new Child, Youth and Family Services Act, introduced in 2016. Our office has made sure that (children and youth) are seen, that their voices are heard, that their fundamental rights are respected, and that their opinions are taken into account in decisions big and small, Elman said. Academics, advocates and those who have been in the care of childrens aid said the loss of an independent advocate will push the plight of vulnerable kids back into the shadows. The repeal of this act further cements the anti-child and anti-youth orientation of the current government, said Kiaras Gharabaghi, director of Ryersons school of child and youth care. Coupled with the repeal of the sex-ed curriculum and reduced funding for childrens mental health, Gharabaghi said Thursdays decision seems like quite a contradiction for a government that is claiming to cut deficits to secure the future for the next generations. Cheyanne Ratnam, who spent her teen years in a group home, called the move deplorable. This is a huge step backwards, said Ratnam, 30, one of scores of marginalized youth who were employed by Elmans office to reach out to other young people from the child welfare, mental health and disability services system. (Elman) gave us a voice we never had before, said Ratnam, who teaches at Seneca College and works as an advocate for homeless youth. The Ford governments decision to put the office on the chopping block is violence against us, she added. The Ontario governments removal of rent controls on new, previously unoccupied rental units will mean higher housing costs in the future but wont do much to relieve Torontos historically low vacancy rate, at least in the near term, say tenant and housing experts. Starting immediately, rent control rules will no longer apply to buildings and flats being rented for the first time, the Progressive Conservative government announced in an economic statement on Thursday. Everybody whos an existing tenant today is protected ... but the challenge for the future is there is no supply ... the one thing the government can do to bring in new supply is to open the market, Finance Minister Vic Fedeli said. Geordie Dent, executive director of the Federation of Metro Tenants Associations, called it a return to the economic evictions of former PC premier Mike Harris. When you were in a unit that had no rent control, the moment you would ask for maintenance or try to enforce any of your rights, youd get hit with a $1,000 rent increase or a $500 rent increase, he said. It had the effect of pushing people out of their homes. There is no empirical evidence that rent control affects rental housing development one way or another. When rent control was gutted by Harris in 1997, we were promised thousands and thousands of new units. They did not materialize, he said, citing zoning and tax incentives as the only effective ways of motivating housing development. Landlords, who applauded the curtailed rent controls, also cautioned that it is a longer-term solution to boosting rental stock. Our belief is that exempting new construction from rent control will encourage companies to bring on new supply, said Tony Irwin, CEO of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers. Its 2,200 members manage or own about 350,000 rental households in the province. But, he added, This is not going to bring new supply online tomorrow. It will take some time, probably a few years. Under Ontarios rent controls, landlords are only allowed a provincially capped annual increase. This year, it is 1.8 per cent. There are exceptions for building owners who make significant improvements to their property and a landlord can ask whatever rent they choose when a new tenant moves in. Until last year, rent control applied only to buildings built before 1991 but, as part of its housing policy to boost affordability, the former Liberal government extended rent controls to all buildings in April 2017. I can see theyre trying to encourage new building but down the road there will be less and less units available that are under rent control, said Rob Field, president of the Graydon Hall Tenants Association, representing 1,000 units in three high rises near Don Mills Rd. and Hwy. 401. Field said his two-bedroom apartment is a good example of how rent control works. Hes been there nine years and pays $1,379 a month. But the same apartment that changed hands now costs $1,700. Some developers backed away from proposed rental projects immediately after the Liberals extended rent control last year. But that interest in rental development has since revived, said Shaun Hildebrand of Urbanation, a market research company that tracks development in the Toronto region. There are about 12,000 rental units under construction in Toronto and proposals for another 40,000, he said. But it wont be enough. We need to be building at a pace of probably at least 10,000 a year. To get there we would need to see the level of units under construction triple at least above 30,000, Hildebrand said. The current vacancy rate of about 1 per cent has historically been closer to 2.5 or 3 per cent, he said. Condos now make up a third of Toronto rentals and there are luxury rentals being built but theyre not much use to vulnerable tenants, who average about half the income of homeowners, said University of Toronto professor David Hulchanski. Developers stopped building apartments when the federal government stopped subsidizing them, not because the province implemented rent controls, he said. The real issue is vacancy decontrol regulations that allow landlords to charge whatever they want when a tenant moves out. Its an incentive to get rid of tenants, Hulchanski said. Landlords are charging whatever they can get when a unit is empty. If you own a building in a poor neighbourhood you cant soak them too much more. If you own the building in gentrifying neighbourhoods you do pretty good, he said. Its not the building of the units, its the affordability of the units thats the problem, said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. By getting rid of rent controls were just going to guarantee that those developers can charge whatever price they want. I dont know how raising peoples rents is helping the people, said interim Liberal leader John Fraser. Files by Rob Ferguson Correction February 14, 2019: This photo caption was edited from a previous version that misstated the location of the Well. Read more about: Toronto police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in August at a Toronto Community Housing building. In the early hours of Aug. 19, Jesse Graham-Richter, 22, was found dead on the fourth floor of the residence at Adelaide St. E. and Parliament St. Homicide Det. Rob Choe said in early September that Richter did not live in the building, but was visiting someone. Richters death marked the citys 63rd homicide this year. The total of 89 homicides in Toronto so far this year matches a record set in 1991. Kyler Johnson, 23, of Toronto was arrested in London, Ont., on Thursday, and has been charged with first-degree murder. He appeared in court at College Park on Friday morning. WASHINGTONActing U.S. Attorney General Matt Whitaker told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in a meeting on Thursday that special counsel Robert Muellers investigation will proceed, according to a person familiar with the meeting. The meeting with Graham and Whitaker comes as a bipartisan group of senators is pushing legislation to protect Muellers job. The senators are concerned about Whitakers past criticism of the Mueller probe, which is looking at Russian interference in the 2016 election and ties to U.S. President Donald Trumps campaign. Trump appointed Whitaker as acting attorney general last week. Whitaker told Graham the investigation would be allowed to proceed, the person said. The person wasnt authorized to speak publicly about the meeting and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have called for Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. A Justice Department spokesperson said earlier this week that Whitaker will follow Justice Department protocols and consult with senior ethics officials on his oversight responsibilities and matters that may warrant recusal. Democrats have also called for the special counsel bill to be added to a year-end spending bill that must pass in December to avoid a partial government shutdown. The bipartisan legislation, introduced more than a year ago, would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing and put into law existing Justice Department regulations that a special counsel can only be fired for good cause. Read more: Trump says I dont know Matt Whitaker, despite evidence of Whitaker making several Oval Office visits Acting U.S. Attorney General Matt Whitaker will consult with ethics officials over recusal Mueller team has gone absolutely nuts, Trump says about Russia inquiry On Wednesday, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said he would not vote to confirm judicial nominees unless GOP leaders hold a vote on the Mueller protection legislation. Whitaker is now overseeing the Mueller probe, which had previously been overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein told Congress that he saw no reason to fire Mueller. Recently ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself from overseeing Mueller because he had worked on Trumps Republican campaign a decision that infuriated Trump and led to Sessions resigning at the presidents request. Trump has repeatedly criticized Mueller and called the investigation a hoax. He tweeted Thursday that the probe is A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY! Read more about: RIVIERA BEACH, FLA.Florida concluded the first phase of a tumultuous recount of its midterm election on Thursday, with the latest results appearing to show that the hotly contested race for the Senate was still so close it would have to go to a manual recount. State officials did not immediately report the updated ballot counts, but Floridas governor, Rick Scott, who is leaving office, said he had expanded his lead over the incumbent Democratic senator, Bill Nelson, by an additional 865 votes, to a total of 13,427 votes. Though that gap would still be narrow enough to trigger a hand recount which must be completed by Sunday Scott called on Nelson to concede. Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. senator and now the ballots have been counted twice, Scott said in a statement. Our state needs to move forward. We need to put this election behind us, and it is time for Bill Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end, rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result, and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served. Nelson was said to be committed to fighting until all his legal options are exhausted, several people close to the three-term senator said. No statewide results had been reported yet in the race for governor, where Ron DeSantis, the former Republican congressman, held a narrow lead over the mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum, a Democrat. Read more: Floridas partisan recount battle goes back to court Trump calls on Florida Democrat to concede, implies fraud Nine lessons from the U.S. midterms Gillum had initially delivered an emotional concession speech to his supporters late on election day, then withdrew his concession as the vote margin narrowed and Democratic lawyers filed a flurry of lawsuits to allow additional ballots to be counted. As of the 3 p.m. deadline for a machine recount of three close statewide contests, nearly all of Floridas 67 counties with the exception of Palm Beach and Hillsborough counties were on track to report updated results. The machine recount that began over the weekend ran into significant problems in Palm Beach County. Authorities there said the tabulation equipment came up short a significant number of ballots in the final Senate tally, making it impossible for the county to meet the Thursday deadline. The initial phase of the recount was the subject of about a dozen lawsuits over which ballots would be counted and what deadlines would apply. A federal judge ruled early Thursday that voters whose mailed ballots were rejected because of mismatched signatures should be given a few days to rectify their ballots. With Palm Beach County unable to produce a final tally in time, lawyers held a hearing in federal court Thursday morning on a Democratic Party effort to get the recount deadlines extended. Judge Mark E. Walker of the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee asked a question none of the lawyers seemed able to answer: Would it be legal to proceed with recount results that are missing one county? There is no constitutional right to have your vote counted a second time or a third time, Mohammad Omar Jazil, a lawyer for the Florida secretary of state, told the court. The problem in Palm Beach County is with antiquated vote-counting machines that do not allow multiple races to be counted simultaneously. The county had put a priority on recounting the Senate race, which was listed first on the ballot. One reason for Palm Beachs delay was that its tabulation machines overheated earlier this week, creating the need to count nearly 200,000 votes again. An additional problem surfaced later, according to the Palm Beach County elections supervisor, Susan Bucher: After the mechanical failure was corrected and the machines were restarted, they apparently failed to tabulate entire boxes of votes the totals now do not add up, Bucher said. Bucher would not say exactly how many boxes of ballots were missing from the count. A little bit more than a dozen precincts lost substantial numbers, she said. Workers were having to look through count logs to see how many ballots are missing from each precinct, and try to figure out, based on the numbers of ballots in the box, which of them might have to be put through the machine again, she said. Despite all the problems, most election workers in Palm Beach County did not show up for work until about 10 a.m. on Thursday. Bucher defended her decision to let her exhausted staff go home at 9 p.m. to sleep and eat. A skilled team of three workers needed to be alert Thursday morning to try to solve the machine malfunctions, she said. You cant just have anybody run this, she said. You cant do this kind of work with no rest, you just cant. Separately, Walker ruled early Thursday that Floridas law that allows county election officials to reject vote-by-mail and provisional ballots because voters signatures do not match the ones on file threatens to unconstitutionally disenfranchise thousands of voters. His order gives voters whose ballots were invalidated by signature mismatches until 5 p.m. Saturday to resolve the problems with their ballots. The new deadline would apply to a certain number of the just over 4,000 voters who were notified late that their mail-in ballots had been rejected because of a signature mismatch. Those voters will now have until Saturday to confirm their identities. There are dozens of reasons a signature mismatch may occur, even when the individual signing is in fact the voter, the judge wrote. What this case comes down to is that without procedural safeguards, the use of signature matching is not reasonable and may lead to unconstitutional disenfranchisement. Scotts campaign said it was filing an immediate appeal. They emphasized that the ruling applies only to a small subset of people it is not clear precisely how many who had received late notifications about their rejected signatures. We are immediately appealing this baseless decision and we are confident we will prevail in the 11th Circuit, a spokesperson for the Scott campaign, Lauren Schenone, said in a statement. Although the rejected ballots were split among party lines, with slightly more Democratic votes, they disproportionately affected young voters. Daniel A. Smith, an elections expert at the University of Florida, said 26 per cent of the ballots rejected for user error belonged to people under 30, even though young voters constituted only about 7 per cent of those who voted by mail. Smiths tabulations show the number of ballots rejected for signature or other user error problems at 10,000, more than double the preliminary figures the state provided to the federal court. Its not like nobody could see this coming, said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which this year commissioned Smith to conduct a study on various problems with mail-in voting. The Scott campaign lost a separate legal bid in Broward County, where lawyers asked a court to order the county to stop counting ballots that had not been counted in time for Saturdays initial deadline for vote results. We are very hopeful that any future attempts to stop the counting of timely ballots by lawful voters will take heed, said Myrna Perez, a lawyer at the Brennan Center for Justice, which represented the League of Women Voters and Common Cause in successfully contesting that case. Nelson filed another suit on Thursday, this one challenging the decision by an elections supervisor in hurricane-damaged Bay County to accept a handful of ballots that had been submitted by fax and email. NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGOEdward Gallagher was something special, even by the punishing standards of the Navy SEALs. Both a life-saving medic and a crack sniper, he was repeatedly decorated for valour and for cool-headed leadership during 19 years of combat deployments. After his latest tour, fighting Daesh militants in Iraq, he was named the top platoon leader in SEAL Team 7 and nominated for the Silver Star, the militarys third-highest honour. But now, less than a year later, Special Operations Chief Gallagher, 39, is locked in the brig, facing charges that during that same deployment his eighth he shot indiscriminately at civilians, killed a teenage Daesh fighter with a handmade custom blade, and then performed his re-enlistment ceremony posing with the teenagers bloody corpse in front of a U.S. flag. The Navy has charged Gallagher with premeditated murder, attempted murder and nearly a dozen other offences, including obstruction of justice and bringing discredit upon the armed forces. If he is convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Gallagher denies all the charges. The case has sent waves through the secretive world of the SEALs, who prefer to operate behind the headlines in an atmosphere of silent professionalism. And the case could widen as the investigation implicates other SEALs who did not report what they knew. A lieutenant has already been charged. The chiefs arrest has also shaken his family, who cannot square the list of war crimes with the sailor they have long known. This is not who Eddie is, said his wife, Andrea Gallagher. He is a lifesaver. He is that guy who runs into the burning building when other people are running out. Read more: Navy SEALs and Marine Raiders face murder charges in death of Special Forces soldier In a two-day preliminary hearing at Naval Base San Diego that concluded Thursday, prosecutors presented accounts from several other SEALs in Gallaghers platoon describing his behaviour as reckless and bloodthirsty. They said he fired into civilian crowds, gunned down a girl walking along a riverbank and an old man carrying a water jug, and threatened to kill fellow SEALs if they reported his actions. Some platoon members were so distraught by the chiefs actions, investigators said, that they tampered with his sniper rifle to make it less accurate, and fired warning shots to scare away civilians before the chief had a chance to shoot them. They said they spent more time protecting civilians than they did fighting Daesh, Special Agent Joe Warpinski of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service told the military court. Gallagher sat in the courtroom in dress uniform during the hearing, his face deeply creased and tanned from years of combat duty. He did not testify. His lawyer, Phillip Stackhouse, said the charges were baseless. He said the only evidence that the chief had killed anyone came from accounts offered by a few SEALs who were disgruntled because they could not meet their leaders demanding standards. I promise you, we will call many more SEALs who will say none of his ever happened, Stackhouse said. The purpose of the hearing, known as an Article 32 hearing, was to determine whether the case should proceed to a trial. Both sides said they believe it will, probably in 2019. The son of a West Point graduate and career Army officer, Gallagher enlisted in the Navy as a medic in 1999 and deployed to Iraq, attached to a Marine infantry unit. Then he decided to become a SEAL, and was one of the few Navy medics ever to complete the Marines demanding scout sniper school. He finished his SEAL training in 2004. His combination of skills put him in high demand. He deployed frequently with different teams, steadily advanced in rank, and built a record studded with awards for exemplary conduct and valour, braving fire to kill enemies and save friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. His eighth deployment, from February to September 2017, was to Mosul, Iraq. Some of the SEALs who served under him told investigators that at first they were excited to be led by someone with Gallaghers reputation, but they soon started to see him as unhinged. He fired his rifle about 10 times as often as other snipers, they said, even at times when there seemed to be no targets. Every single sniper in the platoon said he was not a good sniper, Warpinski told the court. The chief was hard on his platoon, investigators said, berating and punishing SEALs who he thought were not aggressive enough. Gallaghers lawyers said that hard feelings in the platoon over his actions had led some SEALs to concoct stories in the hope of forcing him from command. In May 2017, Iraqi forces captured an enemy fighter who had been wounded in an airstrike. Video images show the bleeding fighter, who was thought to be between 12 and 17, being brought to the SEAL platoon on the hood of a truck, and Gallagher and others cutting away his clothing to give medical aid. Photos of the fighter viewed by the New York Times appeared to show that medics had put tubes used to treat a collapsed lung in his side and cut an emergency airway in his throat. Navy investigators said that one SEAL medic was kneeling over the fighters head, treating him, when Gallagher walked up and, without saying a word, took out a handmade knife and stabbed the teenager several times in the neck and side. Investigators said two other SEALs gave similar accounts. Members of the platoon then posed for photos with Gallagher as he held the teenagers head up by the hair with one hand, and held his knife in the other. Photos show Gallagher then raising his right hand to perform a re-enlistment ceremony over the body, while another SEAL member holds a U.S. flag. Soon after the episode, investigators said, Gallagher texted a photo of the body to a fellow SEAL member with the message, I got him with my hunting knife. Stackhouse, the defence lawyer, said the teenager had probably died of the serious injuries he suffered in the airstrike, and that no evidence had been offered showing any stab wounds. As for the photos taken afterward, posing with the body, Stackhouse said, these types of pictures are not unique; theyve been in every Iraq case Ive ever done. Investigators say several SEALs in the platoon spoke to commanders about the episode, but that no action was taken. Some of them reported it to higher leadership in December 2017, and again in April, when a criminal investigation was opened. In September, when the Navy became aware of what prosecutors said were efforts by the chief to intimidate witnesses, he was arrested and put in pretrial confinement. At the hearing Thursday, Navy prosecutor Chris Czaplak said the chief had done damage beyond murder. Does the public still believe we are the good guys, because Chief Gallagher decided to act like the monster the terrorists accuse us of being? he said. He handed Daesh propaganda manna from heaven. His actions are everything Daesh says we are. Eight UN peacekeepers and at least 12 Congolese soldiers were killed in a joint military operation against rebels in Congo's northeast, which is facing a deadly Ebola outbreak, the UN Security Council said late Thursday. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said 10 peacekeepers also were injured and one was missing after Wednesday's operation that targeted Allied Democratic Forces rebels. The Security Council's statement said seven of the peacekeepers who were killed were from Malawi and one was from Tanzania. A UN official said UN and Congolese forces were attacked while conducting operations to dislodge the rebel fighters from a stronghold in Kididiwe, near the regional capital of Beni. The mission succeeded and a number of rebels were captured, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Congo's volatile east is home to many armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich region, and the Allied Democratic Forces and Mai-Mai rebel groups are especially active in the Beni area. The Security Council called on all armed groups to stop the violence immediately and lay down their arms, echoing an earlier statement from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson. The UN chief and the council urged Congolese authorities to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks on civilians, national security forces and UN peacekeepers. The Security Council underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Council members also stressed that involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against peacekeepers or UN personnel are a basis for sanctions. Guterres and the council praised the bravery of peacekeepers from Malawi and Tanzania. They said the peacekeepers operate in an exceptionally difficult environment to protect local populations against attacks from armed groups. The Allied Democratic Forces group originated in Uganda as a rebel movement against that country's government and carried out deadly bombings in the 1990s. A military campaign forced them to relocate to eastern Congo. Since October 2014, the group's fighters have killed more than 1,500 people in the Beni region, where Wednesday's attack took place. UN investigators blamed the Allied Democratic Forces for the deadliest single assault on the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo in almost 25 years, an attack last Dec. 7 at a base in Semuliki near Beni that killed 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers, wounded 43 others, and left one peacekeeper missing. In recent attacks, the group has also killed civilians and abducted children in the Beni region. Rebel attacks have forced suspension of crucial efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in some areas. Dr. Peter Salama, the emergencies chief for the World Health Organization, predicted Tuesday that Congo's Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than 200 people, will last at least six more months. He said makeshift health facilities offering both traditional and modern treatment have become "major drivers" of the current, deadly transmission and are believed to be linked to more than half of the cases in Beni, the largest city affected by the current outbreak. Salama said the outbreak is "arguably the most difficult context that we've ever encountered," pointing to activities of two armed rebel groups in the region. Read more about: PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIAThe last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s were convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes Friday by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison, the same sentence they are already serving after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and mass disappearances of people. Cambodia has no death penalty. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Schoars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic group whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsiblity. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and co-operatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offences comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappeances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included wilful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Both defendants were present as Judge Nil Nonn opened the proceedings, but Nuon Chea suffers heart problems, so was granted permission to later move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. A large crowd of spectators attended Fridays session, including members of the Cham minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Fridays session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life in those years, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labour, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture centre in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodias long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid courtsin which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to have more extensive proceeding has discomfited some observers, but others point to the tribunals accomplishments International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Fidays verdicts. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. Read more about: The family of a North Carolina teacher missing in a remote part of Mexico received the news on Thursday that Patrick Braxton-Andrew was killed by drug cartel members in late October. Since he was last seen on Oct. 28 in Urique, a tiny village in the countrys Chihuahua state, Braxton-Andrews family has been in Mexico working with local and U.S. authorities to locate the 34-year-old Spanish teacher, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday. Two days later, on a Facebook page devoted to the search, Braxton-Andrews family stated they had been informed by Mexican authorities that Patrick was killed on October 28 at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area where he was travelling, the Thursday afternoon post stated. The search continues to recover his body so we can bring him back home. Braxton-Andrews sister-in-law confirmed his death in an email to The Washington Post. On his official Facebook page, Javier Corral, the governor of Chihuahua, wrote that investigators believe Braxton-Andrew was killed by a narcotrafficker operating in the region named Jose Noriel Portilo Gil, also known as El Chueco. Through the advances in the investigation, I can say that it was a cowardly and brutal assassination of a person who was totally innocent, a clean man whose misfortune was to cross paths with this criminal, Corral wrote. According to Mexico media reports, Portilo Gil is associated with the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel. Proceso reported that El Chueco a name that translates to twisty, crooked, or bowlegged is a young man allegedly running the cartels business in the region surrounding Urique. In April 2017, Portilo Gil was believed to have been killed in an attack. But that September, Portilo Gil resurfaced when he and his associates allegedly led an attack on the State Security Commission in Urique. A fluent Spanish speaker who loved the language and had travelled widely in Central America and Mexico, Braxton-Andrew was originally scheduled to meet his brother in Mexico City on Oct. 30 after spending a few days hiking the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua. When he failed to show, his family began retracing his steps, eventually determining he was last seen leaving his hotel in Urique on Oct. 28. Mexican officials have not provided further details about how the American crossed paths with drug traffickers, or why Braxton-Andrew was killed. Patrick died doing what he loved travelling and meeting people. Join us in celebrating his life as he would want us to do, his family wrote on Facebook. We will always remember Patrick and his joy for life. We love you PBA. In his own statement on the shooting, Corral promised to bring the family solace. I have already experienced several hard and sad moments in my role as governor, and the one that I lived yesterday with Gary Braxton, the father of Patrick, informing him of the tragic event, has broken my heart, the official wrote. I also informed him and his beautiful family that not only are we going to find Patricks body, but we are going to do him justice and deliver exemplary punishment to this delinquent and his gang, who have paradoxically, by acting with such cowardice, put an end to their influence and the control of that area under the Sinaloa cartel. Read more about: SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURASThere was cake at little Brithani Lizeths third birthday party, and also tears. Though her grandmother and aunt tried to make their simple cinder block home festive, the little girl could not be consoled. She missed her parents. Orbelina Orellana and Elmer Alberto Cardona were hundreds of miles and two countries away in a small town in southern Mexico, making their way toward the United States with thousands of others in a desperate caravan, leaving their loved ones behind. Read More: Migrant caravan groups arrive by hundreds at U.S. border Migrants fill Tijuana shelters, more on way to U.S. border Despite the distance, Orellana was able to get a picture and audio recording from her daughters birthday party in Honduras via WhatsApp and hear the little girl sob: I love you, Mommy, words that left the mother crushed. I didnt even want to get up, she said of the bittersweet moment. Like thousands of others, Orellana and her husband have relied on social media, text messages and brief cellphone calls to connect with worried loved ones back home as they traverse a country that can often be deadly for migrants. The birthday recording gave her comfort and courage to continue the difficult journey of nearly 3,000 miles (nearly 5,000 kilometres) by foot, bus and hitchhiking as they head toward the Mexican border city of Tijuana. At the frontier with San Diego, many in the caravan hope to ask for asylum in the United States, though it could take weeks or months as they take their places at the end of a line of thousands of others in the slow-moving application process. Years ago the migration trail north could be something of a black box. People might set out and not be heard from again until months later after reaching the U.S. and phoning from a relatives house, or suddenly showing up back home after being caught at the border and deported. Technology has changed that. Not everyone in the caravan has a smartphone, and for those who do, coverage can be spotty in the Mexican countryside. At times its hard to find a hot spot or a charge. But for those who do, theyre precious cargo. Many share them with fellow migrants who eagerly log in to Facebook and other apps to send or receive a quick message. Some NGOs also facilitated free calls home for migrants, with the Red Cross organizing more than 4,000 of them. Orellana, 26, and Cardona, 27, have tried to call Brithani and her two siblings each evening when the caravan stops for the night, usually to sleep outdoors in public squares. I tell her I will always love her ... and she tells me not to miss her, that she is going to send for me, said Janeisy Nicolle, the couples 5-year-old middle daughter. Often, in these brief conversations, neither side tells the whole truth for fear of causing worry. Orellana and Cardona, for example, didnt get into the fact that they had been stranded for a while on a desert highway in a dangerous part of Mexico, where migrants often fall prey to robbery, extortion, kidnapping and murder. Their loved ones didnt mention that some days they were low on rice and beans because the familys small pineapple farm wasnt producing anything to sell. Life is hard here, said Orellanas 29-year-old sister Deysi, now responsible for raising Brithani, Janeisy and their 9-year-old brother, Kenner Alberto. But its hard up there too. Many in the caravan are travelling in family units; among them are at least 300 children below age 5, according to a count conducted when they paused for several days to rest in Mexico City. Many more children have been left with relatives so as not to expose them to the dangers of the trip. Orellana and Cardona are convinced they made the right choice in leaving their children behind and hope to reunite with their little ones if they make it to the United States and find work. Violent political protests in Honduras last year closed many of the stores where they used to buy small electronics goods to sell on the street. Ultimately they were spending almost everything they made on transportation, with little left for food. So they borrowed money from the only people who lend to the poor in Honduras gang members, who charge exorbitant interest. When they were unable to repay the $250, their debt suddenly became $700. Then the death threats started to come. If there is no way to pay it, they look for other ways, Orellana said. Thats why I was afraid. On top of it all, their small wooden home collapsed. They suffered a lot, said Orellanas mother, 69-year-old Evangelina Murillo. Murillo, who has cancer, lives with her daughter and son-in-law, two sons and now her three grandchildren in the two-room home donated by a local church in the rural outskirts of San Pedro Sula. Its a dangerous place: Another son was killed by a thief who was trying to steal his pig. That kind of violence and poverty are the reasons cited again and again by migrants who joined the caravan. Orellana and Cardona had tried four years ago to emigrate from Honduras, only to be deported from Mexico. When they heard about the caravan on the TV news in October, they figured they didnt have anything to lose. The hardest part was when Brithani held onto her mother and begged to come with them, crying, Dont leave me, mommy, dont leave me! I couldnt take her, the risk was too great, Orellana said, clutching at two Virgin of Guadalupe medals hanging around her neck, one of them engraved with the initials of her three kids. The daily phone calls from Mexico stopped for a while when the couples cellphone was stolen, until they started travelling with someone else who had one. During that time the only news their anxious family back home received was from the TV scenes of tear gas and border clashes between migrants and Mexican police, and unfounded rumours that a child had died in those disturbances at a bridge between Guatemala and Mexico. When we see those images, we worry and I just ask God to take care of them for me, Murillo said. Thinking about their children is the only thing that helped the couple when life got tough with the caravan. Like when they lost their IDs on the border bridge amid the clashes. Or clambering aboard foul-smelling garbage trucks to travel more quickly and keep up with the rest of the group. And the days of slogging dozens of miles (kilometres) underneath a baking sun, and falling sick when colder temperatures set in. Whenever I felt like returning, I told myself, Damn, Id be going home to the same misery as always, Orellana said. If Ive come this far, I have to face whatever comes to provide a better life for my children. Nearing Tijuana, the couple said they were still undecided whether they would try to cross into the United States or ask for refuge in Mexico. And on Sunday their thoughts will again be back home, this time with Janeisy: Its her sixth birthday. Read more about: CHICO, CALIF.With the confirmed death toll at 71 and the list of unaccounted for people more than 1,000, authorities in Northern California on Friday searched for those who perished and those who survived the fiercest of wildfires ahead of a planned visit by President Donald Trump. The president on Saturday is expected to get a look at the grief and damage caused by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century, and he could face resentment from locals for blaming the inferno on poor forest management in California. In an interview taped Friday and scheduled for broadcast on Fox News Sunday, Trump said he was surprised to see images of firefighters removing dried brush near a fire, adding, This should have been all raked out. Deputies found eight more bodies Friday, bringing the death toll to 71. The number of people unaccounted for grew from 631 on Thursday night to more than 1,000 on Friday, but Sheriff Kory Honea said the list was dynamic and could easily contain duplicate names and unreliable spellings of names. He said the roster probably includes some who fled the blaze and do not realize theyve been reported missing. Read more: California towns wildfire evacuation plan raises questions We are still receiving calls, were still reviewing emails, Honea said Friday. Some on the list have been confirmed as dead by family and friends on social media. Others have been located and are safe, but authorities havent gotten around to marking them as found. Tamara Conry said she should never have been on the list. My husband and I are not missing and never were! Conry wrote Thursday night on Facebook. We have no family looking for us. ... I called and left a message to take our names off. Authorities compiled the list by going back to listen to all the dispatch calls they received since the fire started, to make sure they didnt miss anyone. In last years catastrophic wildfires in California wine country, Sonoma County authorities at one point listed more than 2,000 people as missing. But they slowly whittled down the number. In the end, 44 people died in several counties. The wildfire this time all but razed the town of Paradise, population 27,000, and heavily damaged the outlying communities of Magalia and Concow on Nov. 8, destroying 9,700 houses and 144 apartment buildings, authorities said. Firefighters were gaining ground against the blaze, which blackened 222 square miles (575 square kilometres). It was 45 per cent contained and posed no immediate threat to populated areas. Crews managed to stop it from spreading toward Oroville, population 19,000. This patch of California, a former Gold Rush region in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is to some extent Trump country, with Trump beating Hillary Clinton in Butte County by 4 percentage points in 2016. But some survivors resent that Trump took to Twitter two days after the disaster to blame the wildfires on poor forest mismanagement. He threatened to withhold federal payments from California. If you insult people, then you go visit them, how do you think youre going to be accepted? Youre not going to have a parade, Maggie Crowder of Magalia said Thursday outside an informal shelter at a Walmart parking lot in Chico. But Stacy Lazzarino, who voted for Trump, said it would be good for the president to see the devastation up close: I think by maybe seeing it hes going to be like Oh, my goodness, and it might start opening peoples eyes. In his Fox News interview on the eve of his visit, the president repeated his criticism. Asked if he thought climate change contributed to the fires, he said, Maybe it contributes a little bit. The big problem we have is management. Nick Shawkey, a captain with the state fire agency, said the presidents tweet blaming poor forest management was based on a misunderstanding. The federal government manages 46 per cent of land in California. The thing hes tweeting about is his property, Shawkey said. Californias outgoing and incoming governors said they would join Trump on Saturday. Democrats Gov. Jerry Brown and governor-elect Gavin Newsom said they welcomed the presidents visit and now is a time to pull together for the people of California. Brown and Newsom have been vocal critics of Trump. There were also worries the presidential visit would be disruptive. Its already a zoo here and I dont care who the president is. He needs to wait because the traffics already horrendous, said Charlotte Harkness, whose home in Paradise burned down. He could just tweet something nice three words: I am sorry, and thats fine. More than 450 searchers continued looking for human remains in the ashes. Around 52,000 people have been driven out and have gone to shelters, motels and the homes of friends and relatives. With winter coming on, many are seeking answers on what assistance will be provided. At the Chico Mall where the Federal Emergency Management Agency and others set up an assistance centre, 68-year-old Richard Wilson sought information about lodging. His wife is nearly bedridden from lupus and fibromyalgia. Were having to stay at a Marriott, which is like $100 a night, and were running out of money, Wilson said as he stood outside in rubber sandals and no socks the only footwear he had when he fled the flames that destroyed his home. In Southern California , meanwhile, more residents were being allowed back in their homes near Los Angeles after a blaze torched an area the size of Denver and destroyed more than 600 homes and other structures. The blaze was 69 per cent contained, authorities said. At least three deaths were reported. Schools across a large swath of the state were closed because of smoke, and San Franciscos world-famous open-air cable cars were pulled off the streets. Read more about: Seven women are suing Dartmouth College for sexual assault, harassment and discrimination they say they experienced from three prominent professors who, according to the suit, turned a human behaviour research department into a 21st-century Animal House. For over a decade, the professors Todd Heatherton, William Kelley and Paul Whalen leered at, groped, sexted, intoxicated and even raped female students, according to the court papers, which were filed Thursday in federal court in New Hampshire. The lawsuit, which seeks $70 million in damages, says this behaviour went back as far as 2002, and accuses the college administration of looking the other way for more than 16 years. Dartmouth, an Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, announced in October 2017 that it was conducting a sexual misconduct investigation of the men, who were tenured professors in the schools psychological and brain sciences department. After that enquiry, as the college began the seldom-used process required to fire tenured professors, Heatherton retired and the other two resigned. They have been barred from campus events and property and from ever working for Dartmouth again. The college did not at the time provide details of the allegations or the findings of its investigation, so the lawsuit provides the first glimpse. The women say that the professors used their power over their students academic careers and future jobs to coerce them into participating in an alcohol- and sex-saturated party culture and to discourage them from complaining. Kristina Rapuano, one of the six named complainants (the seventh is identified only as Jane Doe), said in an interview on Wednesday that Kelley began harassing her by enlisting her as his drinking buddy, and making his academic support conditional on her cooperation. In March 2015, Rapuano said, Kelley raped her during the annual conference of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society in San Francisco. She said that after Kelley encouraged her to go out drinking, she woke up in a daze the next morning and did not remember what had happened. He told her that they had had sex, she said. He then began pushing her to have sex and then threatening professional retribution when she resisted, the court papers say. The way that he operated was he pushed the limits on drinking, doing things that were starting to tear down these professional boundaries, Rapuano, 30, said. Once that boundary is taken down, its really hard to re-establish, or I would say impossible. Kelley had power over her, she said, because she was working toward her Ph.D. and he could influence her professional future. This is the person that will provide the academic advising that you need to have enough research under your belt so you can get a job, the person that will help you network to get that job, Rapuano said. In April 2017, Rapuano joined a group of students who reported sexual misconduct by the three professors to the college. Even after they complained, their lawsuit says, the college encouraged them to continue working with their harassers for four more months. During that period, Whalen sexually assaulted one of the seven women, Vassiki Chauhan, according to the complaint, filed by the law firms of Douglas, Leonard & Garvey in New Hampshire and Sanford Heisler Sharp in New York. At least two sexual harassment complaints were made against Heatherton in 2002, the suit says, and instead of responding appropriately, Dartmouth promoted him. Kelley, Whalen, and Heatherton all prided themselves on having young and attractive females in their labs, according to the complaint. During a lab meeting, Heatherton announced that he found it socially rewarding when women smiled at him. Whalen and Kelley could not be reached for comment. Heatherton released a statement Thursday through his lawyer, Julie Moore, saying that he categorically denies playing any role in creating a toxic environment at Dartmouth College. The New Hampshire attorney general was also investigating misconduct allegations against the professors. In response to the lawsuit, Justin Anderson, a spokesman for Dartmouth, said the college applauded the womens courage in coming forward and remained open to resolving their complaints outside the courts. However, we respectfully but strongly disagree with the characterizations of Dartmouths actions in the complaint and will respond through our own court filings, Anderson said in an emailed statement. Rapuano said she had left the country for a while in 2016 to get away from Kelley. Months later, in March 2017, at a karaoke event after a conference, Heatherton pulled another graduate student, Sasha Brietzke, into his lap and asked what she was going to be doing later that night, according to the complaint. Shocked and terrified, Brietzke jumped from his lap and left the venue, the complaint says. Hearing about that episode shook Rapuano. Someone in the lab that I almost viewed as my academic sister was now also getting hurt, she said. I felt almost protective about wanting to end this pattern that was extending across generations. I realized it was going to continue. ANKARA, TURKEYTurkish police have detained 13 academics, activists and journalists over links to a jailed businessman and human rights defender, and allegations that they sought to topple the government by supporting mass protests during 2013, Turkeys state-run news agency reported Friday. Anadolu Agency said professors Betul Tanbay and Turgut Tarhanli of Istanbuls Bosphorus and Bilgi universities, and journalist Cigdem Mater were among those detained in simultaneous police operations in Istanbul and three provinces. They were being questioned over their links to the Anatolia Culture Association founded by Osman Kavala, a philanthropist businessman who was arrested a year ago and accused of attempts to abolish the constitutional order and the government. No indictment has been issued against him. Anadolu said police are searching for seven other people linked to the association, which says it aims to promote peace and minority rights through culture. The group is suspected of trying to bring down the government by fomenting chaos and disorder through their alleged involvement in efforts to expand anti-government protests that grew from opposition to the cutting down of trees at Istanbuls Gezi Park. Authorities suspect that Kavala used the association, as well as a foundation that he also headed, to finance and organize efforts to broaden the protests, the agency reported. The detentions drew criticism from the European Union, which called the development alarming, and from human rights groups. The repeated detentions of critical voices and the continued widespread pressure on civil society representatives run counter to the Turkish governments declared commitment to human rights and to fundamental freedoms, the EU said a statement. The statement said the detentions would be raised during a high-level EU visit to Ankara next week. Amnesty Internationals Turkey Strategy and Research Manager Andrew Gardner said: This latest wave of detentions of academics and activists, on the basis of absurd allegations, shows that the authorities are intent on continuing their brutal crackdown of independent civil society. Since an attempted coup in 2016, Turkeys government has been accused of stifling freedom of expression by arresting thousands of people for alleged connections to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey blames for the failed attempt, or links to terror groups. It has purged many more people from state institutions and jailed dozens of journalists. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called Kavala Turkeys Soros, a reference to American billionaire George Soros, whose Open Society Foundations have funded education, health, justice and media projects around the world. Pro-government media in Turkey accuse Kavala of engaging in anti-government conspiracies. Eleven prominent activists, including Amnesty Internationals former Turkey chairman, were arrested last year at their hotel on an island off of Istanbul while training. They were eventually released from jail pending the outcome of their trial for supporting terror groups. Separately on Friday, police detained 86 people, most of them former Air Force personnel, in operations across Turkey and were looking for 100 others for alleged links to Gulens movement, Anadolu reported. More than 15,000 people have been purged from the military since the coup, Turkeys defence minister has said. The cleric denies involvement in the coup. Make no mistake. By putting Ontarios francophone minority on his fiscal hit list this week, Premier Doug Ford has placed his federal ally Andrew Scheer in harms way. In Thursdays fiscal update, Ontarios Tory government put plans for a long-promised French-language university on the chopping block, in the process reversing Fords campaign commitment to the Franco-Ontarian community. The post of French-language services commissioner an independent office that oversees the delivery of government services to the Franco-Ontarian minority is also to be abolished. That comes on the heels of the premiers decision to dispense with a minister responsible for francophone affairs at the time of his cabinets swearing-in. Instead, Ford delegated that responsibility to Attorney General Caroline Mulroney. In the wake of the announcement on Thursday, her office said she was too busy to make herself available for media interviews. But, as Harry Potter fans know, one can hide under a cloak of invisibility for only so long. On Friday she belatedly defended the decision in a brief Radio-Canada interview. As Mulroneys agenda clears up, she will find many more media requests awaiting an answer, with every major outlet in Quebec lining up to interview her. Those interviews will not make for a pleasant day at the office. One loses count of the times she repeated her governments commitment to the francophone university. As she probably knows, the odds that this story will be a one-day wonder are just about non-existent. To save what amounts to a small drop in Ontarios fiscal bucket, the Ford government has managed to trigger waves of indignation within every minority-language community in the country including Anglo-Quebecers. On its front page Friday, Ottawas Le Droit called the day of the fiscal update A Black Day for Francos. That headline was not an outlier. The issue of the language rights for Canadas French-language minorities has always been a third rail of Quebec-Canada politics. For most Quebecers, the treatment afforded by provincial governments to their francophone minorities amount to a litmus test of Canadas commitment to the concept of linguistic duality. They have traditionally been particularly sensitive to the treatment of Franco-Ontarians and Acadians Canadas two largest French-language minority communities, and those that live closest to Quebec. On that score, it has not gone unnoticed that the new minority Tory government in New Brunswick is dependent for its survival on the support of a party that advocates a reduction in French-language services. For many, the latest Ontario developments have an air of deja vu. Two decades ago, another Ontario Tory government tried and eventually failed to close Montfort, the provinces only French-language university hospital. Now as then, the Franco-Ontarian community as it rounds up the wagons for yet another battle can count on the vocal support of Quebecs political class, and that starts at the top. On Thursday, Premier Francois Legault said he would raise the cancellation of Ontarios planned francophone university and the elimination of the French-language services commissioner with Ford when the two meet for the first time on Monday. The issue is bound to cast a shadow on their relationship. Which brings us to Scheer. The federal Conservative leader now faces two equally unpalatable choices and each stands to have defining consequences for his election prospects. He can stick with his Ontario ally and try to take cover under the rationale that it is not his place to question provincial choices. Under that scenario, one can only wish his Quebec MPs good luck, for that excuse will not wash easily. Nor will it pass muster in the ridings outside Quebec where francophone voters are numerous enough to determine the outcome. Alternatively, Scheer can put a first dent in his friendship with Ford by suggesting he reconsiders the cuts to French-language services. In similar circumstances, Brian Mulroney did just that. Indeed, Mulroney might never have secured enough Quebec support to become prime minister in 1984 had he not stood up to Manitobas Tory establishment over its treatment of its francophone community. But there is a larger issue than language rights in play in the dilemma Ford has unwittingly or not forced on Scheer. The latter has basked in the political friendship of both Ford and Jason Kenney. As he looks to next falls election, Scheer has ensured that no light shines between his federal party and those headed by his popular provincial cousins. There is no doubt that the Alberta Tory leader and the Ontario premier have a massive amount of influence on the rookie federal leader. But at what point does that influence cross into puppet-master territory? Clarification: This was edited Nov. 19, 2018 to reflect that Brian Mulroney stood up to Manitobas Tory establishment, not the NDP government, over its treatment of its francophone community. Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: VANCOUVERTwo Canadian advocacy groups are demanding that the Canada Pension Plan divest $8 million in two U.S. companies managing migrant detention centres. Social-justice organization Leadnow in Vancouver and Toronto-based SumOfUs, a group with the goal of corporate accountability, met with members of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Boards (CPPIB) stakeholder team Wednesday. Emma Pullman, campaign manager at SumOfUs, said the meeting was spurred by an investigation published by The Guardian on Oct. 12. Both groups have started their own online petitions calling for CPPIB to stop investing in two private prison operators: Geo Group in Florida and CoreCivic in Tennessee. Leadnows petition, which garnered 40,000 signatures by Thursday, states that these operators are executing Trumps cruel and inhumane anti-immigration agenda. According to a story by The Guardian and Documented, CPPIB manages $368 billion in pension funds on behalf of roughly 20 million Canadian retirees and holds $8 million of stock in both corporations combined. Between August 2017 and 2018, the CPPIB grew its investment in Geo Group by nearly 13 times to 153,500 shares worth $5.5 million. We went into that meeting with a very clear objective, Pullman told StarMetro. We wanted to get a commitment from the CPPIB that it was committed to divesting out of these two companies We definitely heard that there are internal conversations happening within the CPP right now about how to deal with this situation. In an updated statement provided on Nov. 16, Michel Leduc, senior managing director at CPPIB said, We acknowledge two participants at recent public meetings raised concerns, however we have heard from thousands of Canadians and take their views with deepest respect. It said that the investment in the two companies was automatic, selected by a computer-generated algorithm to help produce a balanced portfolio, and maintains that CPPIBs asset mix includes a healthy appetite for real estate within a diversified asset mix in the overall portfolio. CPPIB is taking a close look at these particular stocks within the parameters of its existing investment processes, including ... factors such as human rights, said Leduc. Christie Stephenson, executive director at the Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics at UBC, said CPPIB has an obligation to consider the values of their beneficiaries and the public thats crucial to safeguarding the portfolios. Anyone managing money as a fiduciary needs to be thinking about where beneficiaries and even the publics values are and where theyre headed. Were seeing time and time again when social injustice is translating into company and portfolio risk, she told StarMetro. In a joint statement released Thursday by Leadnow and SumOfUs, they claim that the prison operators enforce the detention and separation of immigrant children and families. Both CoreCivic and Geo Group have stated publicly this year that they do not run facilities that manage children separated from their parents a controversial outcome of the Trump administrations zero tolerance immigration policy announced in April, which led to the separation of nearly 3,000 children from their parents. Under the new policy, adults are criminally prosecuted for crossing the border illegally and sent to federal prisons, thus forcibly leaving their children under the care of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In a statement published on its website June 20, CoreCivic said it does not know the circumstances of individuals when they are placed in a facility. We also do not enforce immigration laws or policies or have any say whatsoever in an individuals deportation or release. In August, Johnny Choate, facility administrator at Geo Group, also publicly stated in an op-ed that it doesnt manage facilities that house unaccompanied minors or provide transportation or any other services for the purpose of separating minors from their parents. Additionally, our facilities are subject to unannounced audits by both federal agencies and independent, third-party organizations; there is dedicated ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) staff on-site at all times, and public records requests can be made directly to the government agency for whom we contract. Update - November 20, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version to include an updated statement from Michel Leduc, senior managing director at CPPIB. It has also been updated to include that the Guardian story on the CCPIB was in collaboration with news website Documented. Read more about: VANCOUVERDuring a visit to Vancouver on Thursday, federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna made no objections to the B.C. governments decision to exempt a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from planned increases to the provinces carbon tax. B.C.s LNG Canada project, which was approved in October, could emit the equivalent of about 8.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Thats roughly 14 per cent of the provinces 2015 emissions and more than double the emissions reductions it achieved between 2007 and 2015. However, from a global perspective, its an opportunity to help countries like China that are working really hard to also get away from coal, said McKenna. Keen to see LNG Canada commit to its $40-billion investment, the B.C. government offered an incentive package that saw LNG Canada exempted from a $15-a-tonne increase to the carbon tax until 2021 if the joint venture can keep its commitment to be the cleanest facility in the world. The government, though, says it remains committed to meeting its goal of reducing emissions to 40 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030, and a plan to that effect is expected soon. McKenna, who reiterated criticisms of Ontario Premier Doug Ford for fighting a price on pollution, touted the LNG Canada project as a really good project. Were very excited that LNG Canadas going ahead. This is the single largest investment in Canadas history; that is great news, she said. Some experts though, say any global climate benefits from LNG will depend on whether natural gas is used to offset coal and not investments in less polluting emissions sources. In response, McKenna, who spoke to media following a lunchtime address to members of Vancouvers business community, said: I can tell you in China, they absolutely are looking for solutions, and they are moving forward to get off coal. It is extremely challenging, and that is why they need solutions that Canadians can provide. LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz, who introduced McKenna at the event, noted that three companies from China, Japan and Korea have invested in the joint venture to solve their own energy problems. When production begins, liquefied natural gas will flow into their economies daily, he said. That is the beauty of being so close to Asia, that is the beauty of establishing trade ties with these three countries with the LNG Canada investment, he said. As for the increase in local B.C. emissions from LNG, McKenna noted she met with B.C.s Environment Minister George Heyman this week and said the government is positioning themselves well to tackle the increase. B.C. is an economy thats doing very well, has clean solutions, and is a model for how you can grow the economy and tackle climate change, she said. Those comments were in stark contrast to the criticisms she levelled at premiers who remain opposed to pricing carbon. I think its really unfortunate that there are some provinces that have decided to make it free to pollute, she said. When you put a price on what you dont want, you get what you do want, which is less emissions, less pollution but also clean innovation, and thats really the huge opportunity. Read more about: BURNABY, B.C.For federal New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh, the deadly opioid epidemic ravaging the country its epicentre in British Columbias Lower Mainland, where hell soon run for Parliament brings up haunting childhood memories. Growing up, he revealed in an interview Thursday, a family members substance addiction left him angry and frustrated. It made him commit to never trying drugs in his life. Kind of ironically, he added, the experience also put him on the path to embracing harm-reduction policies. Folks might assume its because of other reasons I dont drink or smoke, but I made a commitment to never doing drugs when I was probably 7 or 8, he told StarMetro in his soon-to-open Burnaby South campaign office. I saw up close and personal in my family somebody who was addicted, and the impact that had on their life but also on the rest of us I had to come to grips with the harm they were doing to themselves and the rest of the family. My approach is based on a desire to care for people. My anger and frustration wasnt doing anything. Its only love, care and support that can cure this illness To me, thats personal. Read more: Mothers across North America unite to combat opioid crisis through compassion and policy reform B.C. government sues opioid manufacturers over overdose crisis Prescription opioids a factor in many overdose deaths, study shows Singh will soon run for his first federal elected office, entering the fray in a province thats been under a declared public-health emergency for 2.5 years and where at least 1,450 people died last year alone from illicit overdoses. The majority died from opioids, a type of synthetic painkiller, such as fentanyl. The latest data is grim: 128 died from illegal drug overdoses in September, an eight per cent jump from the previous month and far above the year before. Thats equivalent to more than four killed a day. So many have died, according to an Oct. 23 report by Canadas chief public health officer, that B.C.s average life expectancy actually dropped by more than a month. When I see people suffering, I see a loved one suffering, he said. I see a family member hurting. And the solution is not to put that person in jail. Thats not going to cure the illness, the mental health, the addiction. This month marks a year since, during a visit to Vancouvers Downtown Eastside, Singh became likely the only party leader to have been trained to use the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. He has long been a proponent of the types of harm-reduction measures pioneered in B.C., such as overdose prevention sites, supervised injection facilities and opioid substitution treatments. On Thursday, Singh went further, calling on the federal justice ministry to consider launching a lawsuit against some of the manufacturers of prescription opioids. A similar case in the U.S. found that pharmaceutical companies had failed to disclose the addictive risks of their products. The B.C. NDP government launched its own class-action lawsuit in August, targeting more than 40 opioid producers. It was the first province to do so, but Singh hopes Ottawa will now follow suit and even consider criminal charges. We have to take care of people, and we have to hold those responsible to account, he said. In the States, they held pharmaceutical companies responsible for not providing the necessary information on the addictive nature of the opioids they were producing. If theres merit to the case, we have a responsibility at the federal level to recover the damages and reinvest those damages into saving peoples lives. Such a move would mirror Ottawas approach to tobacco companies, he said. During his visit to B.C., Singh met the co-founder of Mothers Stop the Harm, Leslie McBain, whose only son was prescribed opioids for a back injury, became addicted and died of an overdose in 2014 at age 25. McBain, who is family engagement lead at the B.C. Centre on Substance Use, applauded Singhs push for a much more aggressive, litigious approach from Ottawa. I hold the pharmaceutical company in large part responsible for my sons death, she said in a statement Thursday. Our family doctor bought the marketing line from the company and prescribed ever-increasing doses of Oxycodone for Jordans minor back injury. Eventually Jordan had to find the drugs elsewhere and fatally overdosed. Meeting McBain and hearing her story on Thursday left Singh more resolute in his push to have Ottawa crack down on pharmaceutical firms that some experts say played a role in prescribing the painkillers to thousands. Her story was just mind-blowing, Singh said. It could be anybody. Leslie could have been anyones mom, and her son could have been anyones son. All of us know someone whos touched by this. Although only a few federal political leaders have held B.C. seats, as an Ontarian soon to move to Burnaby, Singh says its time Ottawa took a page from the West Coasts playbook on public health. Weve seen the B.C. NDP take really bold decisions around harm reduction and caring for folks, and we should be doing them across the country, he said. It is a great idea that the federal government should join in on. As soon as Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau calls a byelection in Burnaby South to replace now-mayor of Vancouver Kennedy Stewart, Singh will run for the long-New Democrat seat in Parliament. However, a byelection isnt required by law for six months leaving little time for Singh, if elected, to find his footing in the House of Commons before next falls federal election. That drew ire not only from the NDP but also Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, the Greens and the Bloc Quebecois. With files from Perrin Grauer Correction Nov. 16, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly implied NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has not held an elected office before. He was an Ontario MPP, but has not held an elected federal office. VANCOUVERA nearly $9 million effort by British Columbias publicly owned power company to install fast chargers for electric vehicles around the province has been plagued with problems, including chargers breaking well before their expected lifespan. BC Hydro began installing fast chargers for electric cars in 2013, intending to cover major routes throughout the entire province, but shortly after its efforts began, numerous units from three different charging-station manufacturers had to be replaced, due to a host of technical problems, despite their expected 10-year lifespan. The companys documents reveal it has already spent $8.9 million in capital costs, primarily funded by senior government grants. That amount is about $2.5 million more than BC Hydro expected to spend, according to the utilitys internal documents. BC Hydro electric transportation strategist Alec Tsang wouldnt confirm precisely how many chargers have been replaced, but he confirmed that the fast charger project has experienced teething pains. The devices, called direct current fast chargers, are currently the fastest electric-charging technology available for passenger cars; in minutes, they can fully charge batteries that would otherwise need to be plugged into a household outlet for hours. As such, they allow electric-vehicle drivers to refuel as quickly as those driving petrol vehicles. And, despite the setbacks, the provincial government is convinced a network of 200 fast chargers to provide what it calls adequate coverage, according to documents from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the branch responsible for electric vehicle infrastructure. Like going to a gas station and its closed, and its the only one for 100 miles The provinces electricity providers expect that the fast charging stations will ultimately yield tens of millions in new revenue, but in the meantime, reliability issues have frustrated drivers. Jim Hindson, an electric car owner on Vancouver Island, said charging machines installed by BC Hydro are often out of commission for months at a time. Often, in inquiring about the issue, he would be told the company is waiting for parts necessary to repair the machines. If you drive up you expect it to work. Its like going to a gas station and its closed, and its the only one for 100 miles, Hindson said. I experienced it firsthand several times the new Qualicum Beach one, brand new this year, was down for two weeks. The City of Vancouver, one of BC Hydros initial partners on fast chargers, had to take over one of BC Hydros locations after encountering reliability issues. Ian Neville, the citys climate policy analyst, said the first fast charger the city received from Hydro three years ago wouldnt even turn on. That model was replaced, but eventually the city purchased its own charging units from a different manufacturer. BC Hydro continues to have an agreement to operate chargers at other locations in the city. Similar issues have plagued other cities. North Vancouvers charging station is among the most frequently used in BC Hydros existing network, with an average of 11 charging sessions per day. But Caroline Jackson, manager of environmental sustainability for the municipality, said there have already been three different equipment installations on the same site due to technical problems. Tsang, BC Hydros electric transportation strategist, said 15 of the chargers initially ordered by the company needed to be replaced because they had charging plugs that were only compatible with Japanese-manufactured vehicles. Another model was discontinued and was no longer supported by the manufacturer, so Hydro had to remove that one from its inventory, too, Tsang said, while another suffered compatibility issues with BC Hydros electrical network. To date, BC Hydro has tested chargers from at least five different manufacturers. Lin Khoo, senior vice-president of strategy for electric-charger software provider Greenlots, said the entire industry has struggled with charger reliability for years. Greenlots provides customer interface software in addition to analytics and power-control capabilities for fast chargers. Khoo said BC Hydro was one of Greenlots first customers when the B.C. utility deployed its first fast chargers in 2013. Hydro, you know, did a very good thing by evaluating several different manufacturers, Khoo said. Youre dealing with a user base thats not familiar with the technology. Theres bound to be issues. What matters is how quickly and how responsive you can address those issues. BC Hydro is projecting millions in future revenues Currently, many of BC Hydros stations are charging 35 cents per kilowatt hour, roughly equivalent to between 60 and 70 cents per litre of gasoline. FortisBC, a utility primarily serving the provinces southeast, operates five fast chargers and sells its electricity at $18 per hour of charging time. FortisBC said it intends to fund a 30 fast chargers in its service areas and that it has already issued requests for the next 12. FortisBC director of business innovation and measurement Mark Warren said expansion areas being examined include Kelowna, Beaverdell, Rossland and Nelson. Meanwhile, the B.C. government itself intends to install eight of its own fast chargers at highway rest areas this fall five of those stations are now operational and are being offered for free. Story Behind the Story delivers insights into how the Star investigates, reports, and produces stories. Both Hydro and Fortis, however, believe the rates they are charging are too low to recover the substantial cost of building the stations. Of the $8.9 million spent by BC Hydro on DC fast chargers, $6.6 million were paid for by government grants and private contributions, while FortisBC had more than half of its $492,000 cost for its five existing stations paid by community groups. Both BC Hydro and FortisBC believe capital costs for the chargers will have to continue to be subsidized, even at the expense of general electricity ratepayers, to keep costs down for electric vehicle owners. Without subsidies from grants or general ratepayers, FortisBC calculations show it would cost the average car owner $42 for every hour of fast charging. This means that, without subsidies, the average electric car owner who needs 30 minutes to one hour to fully charge their vehicle may have little financial incentive to go electric instead of gasoline. A potential windfall could take decades, but revenue is expected to grow significantly. Figures from Hydro show its fast chargers were used 53 per cent more year-over-year in 2017. By fiscal 2028, BC Hydro estimates, its combined electric vehicle charging revenues would rise to $62 million per year, and to continue to grow by more than $10 million per year thereafter. FortisBC, meanwhile, is betting usage of its five stations would grow by at least 22 per cent each year for the next decade this would be the minimum amount of growth required to break even on its investment costs, assuming the stations are used at least once per day in 2018. The high expectations appear reasonable. BC Hydros current model holds that a fast-charging station has hit full capacity when its in use for 18 per cent of the day, and some of Hydros existing fast charging stations are already regularly hitting capacity. In April this year, BC Hydros most used station was occupied 31 per cent of the time, with someone waiting for the spot to free up as many as four times daily. In major cities such as Vancouver, during peak times, the fast charger at Empire Fields stadium was seeing as many as 30 vehicles throughout the day, with typical charge times of just under half an hour. On Aug. 9, we had 29 sessions. July 22, there were 35 charging sessions, said Neville, Vancouvers climate policy analyst. Which is basically like a continuous lineup of people. Other players joining the fray Vancouvers city government is planning to more install fast charging stations, unrelated to Hydros or Fortiss plans. By 2021, there will be about two dozen DC fast chargers in the city. We want to make sure theres a fast charging hub within a 10 minute drive of anywhere in the city, Neville said. At least two are slated for the South Hill area on Fraser Street, another for Science World, another for Richards and Smithe in downtown, and more for the stadium. The City of Vancouver intends to charge $16 per charging hour to use its stations. Even a few independent gas station owners have jumped on board: an Esso in Surrey and a Shell in Jaffray, a village near the Alberta border in southeast B.C. Barj Dhahan, franchise owner of the Esso at 96 Avenue and 168 Street in Surrey, said his business funded about $100,000 for electrical infrastructure to accommodate his fast charger in addition to BC Hydro footing the costs of the charger itself. His electric charger has been operating 24-7 since June. Despite the upfront costs, Dhahan said the station has been popular. One morning, I was only there for 40 to 50 minutes, there were at least three people I saw with my own eyes charging their cars. It takes 20 minutes to do an 80 per cent charge, and I believe you can do two cars at a time, Dhahan said. Where BC Hydro has identified its largest private-business partner to date has been with grocers. Eight Real Canadian Superstore locations in the province and a No Frills grocer, part of the Loblaw chain, are now equipped with Hydros fast chargers: seven located in the Greater Vancouver region and another two on Vancouver Island. Loblaw spokeswoman Satinder Heir said the company was approached by BC Hydro and is currently assessing the benefits of providing charging stations for customers. The fast chargers are all located at the grocery store parking lots, and are only present in the companys B.C. locations. B.C.s current regulations prevent anyone except for utilities such as Fortis and Hydro from selling electricity. So while Dhahans Esso station can advertise its electric charger, it cant collect revenues from it. Generally, the only exceptions to apply to governments and strata corporations. An inquiry currently before the B.C. Utilities Commission could lead to private electricity sales, but there is no timeline for such a regulatory change. So far, car manufacturer Tesla is the only private business that has created its own substantial network of fast chargers in B.C., though theyre only compatible with Tesla vehicles. The B.C. government is expected to release a report within the next two months explaining how it determined the province needs 200 stations. The provincial government has also indicated that it would ensure all passenger vehicles are emissions-free by 2050. In September, B.C.s Ministry of Environment said government intends to require automakers to meet minimum targets for zero-emission vehicle sales starting in 2020. A ban on the sale on new gasoline and diesel light-duty vehicles could come as soon as 2040. Correction Nov. 19, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the City of Vancouver, one of BC Hydros initial partners on fast chargers, has pulled out of the partnership. In fact, the city continues to have a memorandum of understanding with BC Hydro to operate several chargers, alongside the City of Vancouvers own, independent network. Publicly owned fast charger locations in B.C. 1356 Sumas Way, Abbotsford $0.35 per kWh Highway 1 at Fairley Rd., Boston Bar $0.35 per kWh 401 11th Ave., Campbell River Free 4925 Burns Ave., Canal Flats Free 1995 6th Ave., Castlegar $18 per hour 400 Shuswap Ave., Chase $0.35 per kWh 45950 Cheam Ave., Chilliwack $0.35 per kWh 1675 Hwy. 3, Christina Lake $18 per hour 1102 Cook St., Creston $18 per hour 1830 Old Island Hwy., Colwood $0.35 per kWh 3000 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam Free 1301 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam Free 747 Ryan Rd., Courtenay Free 38 Cranbrook St. N, Cranbrook Free 2680 James St., Duncan $0.35 per kWh 810 9th Ave. S, Golden Free Exit 228 Coquihalla Lakes Rd., Highway 5 Free 214 S Copper Ave., Greenwood $18 per hour 839 4th Ave., Hope Free 1950 Crowsnest Hwy., Jaffray Free 910 McGill Rd., Kamloops Free 702 4th St., Keremeos $0.35 per kWh 7888 200 St., Langley $0.35 per kWh 4270 Oxbow Frontage Rd., Malakwa $0.35 per kWh 7500 BC-3, Manning Park Free 2202 Voght St., Merritt $0.35 per kWh 32136 Lougheed Hwy., Mission Free 125 Front St., Nanaimo $0.35 per kWh 6435 Metral Dr., Nanaimo Free 140 East 1st St., North Vancouver Free 234 Main St., Penticton Free 3455 Johnston Rd., Port Alberni Free 114 Tapton Ave., Princeton $0.35 per kWh 705 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach Free Highway 97C at Loon Lake Rd., Quilchena Free 4863 Stanley St., Radium Hot Springs Free 301 Victoria Rd., Revelstoke $0.35 per kWh 4641 No. 3 Rd., Richmond Free 423 Davies Ave., Salmo $18 per hour 381 Ross St. NE, Salmon Arm $0.35 per kWh 5755 Cowrie St., Sechelt Free 2337 Beacon Ave., Sidney Free 3633 Station St., Spences Bridge Free 100 Centennial Square, Sparwood Free 37950 2nd Ave., Squamish Free 13450 104 Ave., Surrey Free 12388 88 Ave., Surrey Free 2332 160th St., Surrey Free 16811 96th Ave., Surrey Free 2791 Pacific Rim Hwy., Ucluelet Free 3335 Webber Ln., Vancouver Free 555 Homer St., Vancouver Free 5575 West Blvd., Vancouver Free 3185 Grandview Hwy., Vancouver Free 350 SE Marine Dr., Vancouver Free 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver $16 per hour 3004 32nd Ave., Vernon Free 3440 Saanich Rd., Victoria $0.35 per kWh 3678 Brown Rd., West Kelowna $0.35 per kWh 6400 Bruce St., West Vancouver Free 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler Free Stations being constructed/to come: 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver Unspecified Richards St. at Smithe St., Vancouver Unspecified 646 E 44th Ave., Vancouver Free 858 Pacific Rim Hwy., Ucluelet Free Buckley Bay Rest Area, Highway 19 Unspecified 114 Crowsnest Hwy., Hope Free Anarchist Rest Area, Highway 3 Unspecified Highway 5 at Fishtrap Dump Rd., Unspecified Highway 5 at Livingstone Rd., Unspecified Wire Cache Rest Area, Highway 5 Unspecified Highway 3A at Pilot Bay Rd., Unspecified Highway 95 at Westside Rd., Unspecified Wasa Rest Area, Highway 95 Unspecified *Some locations may have additional parking fees Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art By Mary Gabriel Little, Brown. 927 pp. $35 --- One day in 1951, the painter Grace Hartigan took a gig as a model at the Art Students League in New York. She was serious about her work and already had a solo show under her belt, but she needed the money. Hartigan was naked on a platform, earning 95 cents an hour, when artist-instructor Will Barnet started to expound upon work being done by Willem de Kooning and others in the avant-garde scene. As author Mary Gabriel recounts in her marvelous book "Ninth Street Women," Hartigan bristled at Barnet's assessment. From the platform, she unleashed her opinions about how he was getting it wrong, and then she dressed and left the studio. "It was just too embarrassing to be standing there, nude with an instructor arguing with you about your art," Hartigan said later. As art world dramas go, this one barely registers. Abstract expressionism cleared new cultural territory with a lot of Sturm und Drang, and Hartigan herself was no stranger to controversy. She famously relinquished care of her young son so she could live fully as a painter. Still, her protest from the model's stand feels emblematic of the paradoxical times. Smart, driven and opinionated, Hartigan and her female peers were respected by their male counterparts, yet also framed by gender. The legendary instructor Hans Hofmann once complimented Lee Krasner's drawing by telling her it was "so good, you would not know it was done by a woman." Modern art was hard for everyone, but it was differently so for the women who lived to make it. Gabriel, a former journalist, earned acclaim for her 2011 biography of Karl and Jenny Marx, "Love and Capital." She is a gifted storyteller and a dogged researcher. She puts these gifts to excellent use in this panoramic take on the 20th century's American art revolution. Born of the alchemy of young artists and thinkers in the '40s and '50s, abstract expressionism was a shock to the system. With its full departure from representationalism, it was received by the masses as an act of hostility, a dangerous expression of Marxism or a prank. Hartigan, Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler were beacons of the movement's second generation. Krasner and Elaine de Kooning were key to the first. Along with Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky, Robert Motherwell and others, they formed a community of visionaries dedicated to the cutting edge. From childhood, Krasner seemed destined for the artist's life. As a young student laboring in classical techniques, she felt liberated by European post-impressionists, whose rule-breaking works encouraged her to seek her own artistic voice. During the Depression, she worked in the Works Progress Administration's mural division, where once she was asked to complete a mural that Willem de Kooning couldn't finish. "It was a sign of Lee's standing that she and de Kooning would be considered interchangeable on an important project," Gabriel writes. In 1941, Krasner was invited to be part of an exhibition by French and American painters. Pollock was the only American artist she didn't know. "It irritated her that she had never heard of him, and even more so when she learned he lived around the corner from her on Eighth Street, next to Hofmann's school," Gabriel writes. Krasner would find and fall in love with the action-painting legend. Bewitched as she was by Pollock's work and by the man, it was Krasner's fate to suffer his alcoholism and emotional rages, to become his widow and to be defined in relation to him. But as Gabriel shows, Krasner's work - on canvas and as a touchstone within the community - stood on its own. Elaine de Kooning was at times similarly reduced to "wife of" status, although she forged a long career as a painter and a critic for ARTnews magazine. In 1962, she was commissioned to paint President John F. Kennedy. Gabriel writes that de Kooning was expecting to have one last session with him when he was assassinated. She didn't paint for a year. These stories are brought further to life through 48 pages of evocative images: reproductions of paintings as well as photographs of the artists posing amid canvases, relaxing on the beach, and partying in clubs and at show openings. The visuals support Gabriel's descriptions of her many characters and help the reader better understand each artist's contributions to the scene. "Ninth Street Women" masterfully unspools the biographies of its central cast and scores of supporting players, including the critic and starmaker Clement Greenberg, patron Peggy Guggenheim and writer Frank O'Hara. It takes us into their Greenwich Village haunts and hangouts, and it rummages through their relationships, too often fueled by alcohol and dizzying infidelities. These artists' lives, of course, cannot be separated from their times. They survived the Depression, World War II, McCarthyism and a mass culture of conformity. And oh, the poverty. Even star couples like Pollock and Krasner and the de Koonings struggled to make rent well after they'd begun to earn critical acclaim. Yet a traditional existence would have been unthinkable to any of them. More than a compilation of biographical tales, Gabriel's book is a reminder of the importance of women to an artistic genre long associated with masculinity. But it is also is a vivid portrait of the very nature of the artist. The stars of the era suffered and sinned as mortals, but their works - and their creative appetites - were otherworldly. "Ninth Street Women" gets us a just a little bit closer to their galaxy. --- Sandstrom is a writer and illustrator and a former book editor of the Plain Dealer in Cleveland. "The Spy and the Traitor: The Great Espionage Story of the Cold War" "The Spy and the Traitor" lives up to its subtitle, not least because Ben Macintyre has no equal in portraying the real-life, chimerical world of double agents. He has found gold in Oleg Gordievsky, a high-ranking KBG officer who passed Soviet secrets to Britain's MI6 for more than a decade. Sickened by the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, Gordievsky resolved to undermine the oppressive regime and began to relay high-grade information to the British, some of which may, in Macintyre's telling, have prevented a Third World war. Exposure came when the CIA, miffed that MI6 would not share the spy's identity, began their own investigations with the result that Gordievsky, just appointed KGB Bureau Chief in London, was outed as a possible spy by CIA functionary and Soviet mole, Aldrich Ames. Called back to Moscow and interrogated, Gordievsky knew he would be arrested, tortured and executed. Thus began his escape, a white-knuckle affair that is almost unbearably suspenseful. John Lee, whose voice and dramatic pacing are particularly suited to tales of derring-do, narrates the book with his usual panache. (Random House Audio, Unabridged, 13 1/4 hours) Picketers rallied outside a Chicago Target store this week, protesting the retail giants decision to close two stores on the citys South Side. Thats their right, but perhaps these picketers also should have rallied outside of City Hall and the state Capitol in Springfield to protest the types of poor policy decisions that make it difficult for businesses in Illinois to succeed. The South Side stores will close in February despite efforts by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other city officials to persuade Target to do otherwise. Corporate officials said the decision was difficult but came after years of declining financial performance at the two stores. At the same time, Target continues to expand in Chicagos more affluent downtown and North Side neighborhoods. Many South Siders are understandably upset at losing convenient shopping options, particularly when the company is growing nearby. It doesnt seem fair. Politicians used the opportunity to blast greedy corporate America specifically Target for caring only about profits and not about poorer neighborhoods. Yes, businesses should be good corporate citizens. They should make every effort to pick up poorer performing stores in less affluent neighborhoods with profits from successful stores elsewhere. But elected officials who are spewing political rhetoric by exclusively blaming bad corporate America for decisions such as this purposefully ignore the realities of the business climate theyve created. Target and other businesses dont operate in a vacuum. There are financial pressures placed on these job creators other than where their stores are located. Chicago is a notoriously high-tax, high-regulation city, just as Illinois is a notoriously high-tax, high-regulation state. While the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, Chicagos is $12 an hour now and will increase to $13 an hour on July 1, 2019. Consumers pay the highest combined local and state sales taxes in Chicago at 10.25 percent. Property taxes are among the highest in the nation and continue to climb. Illinois has the highest workers compensation costs in the Midwest, and the city and state governments have among the strictest business regulations anywhere. Yes, the minimum wage is the same on the North Side of Chicago as it is on the South Side, just as the sales tax is. But when a company weighs all of these factors, including a stores overall performance, it has to make difficult decisions. Now imagine the struggles downstate businesses face with the same high property taxes, workers compensation costs and regulatory burden. Imagine if Chicagos minimum wage hikes were forced on job creators in the more rural parts of Illinois, as some state lawmakers support. The fact is, policy decisions have consequences. The City of Chicagos and the State of Illinois policy decisions have been markedly anti-business. And they dont help companies like Target when they have to make tough decisions about store closures and jobs. Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch, in response to this weeks announcement that Amazon was passing over Chicago in favor of two East Coast cities bids to host its new headquarters, told Illinois News Network that the states business climate has to be fixed. Simply jacking up taxes and continuing to spend how we spend is not the answer, Maisch said. It goes to the old notion that if youre in a hole, stop digging. We are continuing to dig. Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker takes office in January. Will he be bringing a shovel with him? Dan McCaleb is editor of Illinois News Network and the digital hub ILNews.org. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at dmccaleb@ilnews.org. The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... After two days of chaos and brawl, the Sri Lankan parliament is set to repeat a no-confidence motion on Friday. After several rounds of discussions between party leaders and meetings between Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and President Maithiripala Sirisena, it was decided to take up the vote once again. The president agreed to hold the vote of confidence after demanding amendments in compliance with the law. The president requested the United National Front leaders to remove clause 1 of the motion which was submitted to the parliament on Wednesday. The president made the request at a meeting held on Thursday which was attended by the UNP, SLFP, TNA and TPA. The parties will once again come together to elect their prime minister. The president had refused to accept the voice vote on November 14, stating that it was not done in proper manner. The parliament will be meeting at 1.30pm today to vote on the confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. After witnessing an unprecedented brawl, commotion and a height of chaos, the party leaders came together on Thursday to hold back-to-back meetings. The discussions lasted for more than two hours and centered on the current political situation in the island country. The president requested all parties to respect the parliamentary chamber and to maintain peace. He requested them to act according to democratic procedures and respect standing orders. New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Extending its loss for the second consecutive day, shares of Yes Bank dropped 7 per cent Friday on bourses after the private sector lender's non-executive chairman Ashok Chawla stepped down with immediate effect. After a negative opening on BSE, the scrip further declined 7.7 per cent to touch an intra day low of Rs 190.1. At 1300 hrs, the shares were being traded at Rs 190.65, down 7.45 per cent from the previous close. On the NSE also the scrip of the private bank continued to fall as it tumbled 7.6 per cent to Rs 190, its lowest during the afternoon trade. On Thursday, the private lender had plunged over seven per cent on the stock exchanges. In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, Yes Bank announced that Ashok Chawla, non-executive independent part-time chairman, had tendered his resignation from the bank's board, with immediate effect. Further, former SBI chairman O P Bhatt has resigned from the panel set up by Yes Bank to find a successor to its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor. The Reserve Bank has already asked the private sector bank to find replacement of founder MD and CEO by January 31. Last month, Yes Bank had said the panel looking for a successor to MD and CEO Rana Kapoor has finalised the potential candidate profile. PTI SRS SP ADI ADI (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) The collection showcased at the 6th India Beach Fashion Week in Goa Delhi, India (NewsVoir) Marks & Spencer (M&S), the iconic British retailer, launched its all new holiday shop collection at the 6th India Beach Fashion Week in Goa. The latest AW collection features fashionable and comfortable holiday essentials, leaving one spoilt for choice. The versatile collection offers a style for everyone, be it a statement swimsuit or a bohemian embroidered two-piece bikini through to a textured stylish kimono gown. Soozie Jenkinson, Head of Design for Lingerie, Activewear and Swimwear at Marks & Spencer said, India Beach Fashion Week is perfect for M&S to showcase our latest Autumn Winter collections from stylish swimwear through to feminine lingerie. Weve brought a collection that has been developed with high attention to detail with something everyone will love in new seasonal shapes, styles and fabrics. The collection means dressing for the beach and never compromising on style with comfort. The collection is designed with innovation with M&Ss StayNEW Chlorine Resist finish to ensure a stunning and smooth silhouette and the Secret Slimming for a sleek silhouette and a new-found poolside dressing and confidence. Beyond swimwear, there were plenty of options for chic holiday dressing such as shirt cover-ups and lounge midis to take you from the beach to a casual evening by the pool. The collection guarantees perfect fit, support, confidence and comfort, with the feminine designs which are perfect for creating a smoother silhouette for a more refined beach look and additional confidence boost. Marks & Spencer in India Marks & Spencer opened its first store in India in 2001 and in April 2008 signed a Joint Venture with Reliance Retail to form Marks & Spencer Reliance India Pvt Ltd. M&S now has 67 stores across 32 cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Amritsar, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Baroda, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Aurangabad, Surat, Kanpur, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Established in 1884, Marks & Spencer is one of the UKs leading retailers. Marks & Spencer is committed to making every moment special for its customers, through its high-quality clothing that it offers in over 1,463 Marks & Spencer stores worldwide and online.Internationally, Marks & Spencer trades in 57 markets, with over 400 stores and has an online presence in 33 markets. For more information please visit: corporate.marksandspencer.com/. Image 1: Marks & Spencer Holiday Edit Collection at IBFW 2018 Image 2 :Marks & Spencer Holiday Edit Collection at IBFW 2018 PWR PWR Kathmandu, Nov 16 (PTI) Police in Nepal have arrested an Indian youth for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl in Palpa district. The accused has been identified as Kausar Alam, 22, of Bettiah in Bihar, who was working as a daily wager in Rampur town, according to the Himalayan Times. Alam was absconding after committing the crime on Thursday evening. He was arrested the same night, police official Bhoj Raj Pandey said. PTI KUN KUN Seoul, Nov 16 (AFP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the testing of a "high-tech" new weapon, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday according to Yonhap news agency. "Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed high-tech tactical weapon at the Academy of National Defence Science," Yonhap cited the North's state broadcaster as saying. It said the test was successful but did not specify the type of device involved. The "high-tech tactical weapon" had been developed over a long period and "builds impregnable defences of our country and strengthens the fighting power of our people's army", it added. Pyongyang's suspension of nuclear weapon and ballistic missile tests has been key to this year's rapid diplomatic developments and North Korean-US negotiations, and has been repeatedly praised by President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim met in a historic summit in Singapore in June, where they signed a vaguely-worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Progress has since stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document, and a return to testing would cast grave doubts over the future of the process. "That pit of dread you felt in your stomach when you read this is your reminder that the DPRK missile test pause is voluntary, partial, and can fail without notice if it isn't explicitly codified," Adam Mount of the Federation of American Scientists tweeted in response to the report, using the country's official acronym. (AFP) RCJ Seoul, Nov 16 (AFP) North Korea has decided to expel a US citizen who illegally entered the country last month, Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said Friday. The man, identified as Lawrence Bruce Byron, had been in custody after crossing into North Korea from China on October 16, it said. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency", KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country", it added. A man with the same name was arrested in South Korea while trying to sneak over the inter-Korean border in November last year. Byron, who is in his late 50s and from Louisiana, was later deported back to the US. Media reports said he told South Korean officials he sought to facilitate talks between North Korea and the United States, although he is a private citizen.(AFP) RUP RUP Seoul, Nov 16 (AFP) North Korea has decided to expel a US citizen who illegally entered the country last month, Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said Friday. The man, identified as Lawrence Bruce Byron, had been in custody after crossing into North Korea from China on October 16, it said. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency," KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country," it added. A man with the same name was arrested in South Korea while trying to sneak over the inter-Korean border in November last year. Byron, who is in his late 50s and from Louisiana, was later deported back to the US. Media reports said he told South Korean officials he sought to facilitate talks between North Korea and the United States, although he is a private citizen. It is rare for North Korea to release an American detainee so swiftly and it comes amid stalled negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear programme. "This gesture means the North wants to keep up momentum for dialogue with the US," professor Yang Moo-Jin at the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. From journalists to missionaries, most Americans held by North Korea have been released after high-profile interventions. The reclusive regime freed three US detainees in May in an apparent goodwill gesture before a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three men travelled home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and were greeted by Trump on their arrival at an air base near Washington. Currently, there are no known US detainees held by the rigid communist state. The latest release also came after fresh allegations emerged last month that Otto Warmbier, a US student who died after being held in the North, was tortured in custody. The 22-year-old was jailed in the North for more than a year and was released in a comatose state in 2017 but died shortly after returning home. The exact cause of his death remains unknown but a recent US media report claimed there was new evidence that he was beaten by the regime. The director of the Pyongyang Friendship Hospital -- which treated Warmbier -- slammed the allegations as a "total distortion of the truth" in October. North Korea has denied torturing Warmbier and claims he contracted botulism in detention. At their historic Singapore summit, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Progress has since stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document. Also on Friday, KCNA reported that Kim had overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon". It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began the delicate diplomatic process with Washington. (AFP) SCY SCY New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI): Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours: FGN20 CHINA-INDIA-MILITARY India, China should boost military exchanges: Chinese defence minister Beijing: India and China should boost military exchanges and improve mutual trust and properly manage and control any "disparities", Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe has said. By K J M Varma FGN16 CHINA-INDIA-WUHAN Modi-Xi summit in Wuhan removed several misconceptions between India and China: Indian envoy Beijing: The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said. By K J M Varma FGN19 AUS-INDIA-LD SUGAR Australia takes India to WTO over sugar subsidies Melbourne: Australia said on Friday that it was taking legal action against India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, at the WTO over subsidies which it said caused a "significant downturn" in world sugar prices and hurt Australian producers. By Natasha Chaku FGN18 LANKA-PARLIAMENT Sri Lankan Parliament disrupted again, adjourned until Monday amid political crisis Colombo: Sri Lanka's Parliament witnessed chaos for a second day Friday as MPs loyal to disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa occupied the seat of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and shouted slogans, forcing him to summon police inside the House and adjourning the session until Monday. FGN14 US-2NDLD FIRE Fire death toll hits 63; sheriff says hundreds still missing Chico (US): At least 63 are now dead from a Northern California wildfire, and officials say they have a missing persons list with 631 names on it in an ever-evolving accounting of the missing after the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century. (AP) FGN5 UN-INDIA UN member states guardians of status quo, need for rejuvenating, revitalising UNGA: India United Nations: The UN member states have become "guardians of the status quo" due to their inaction and inertia in the face of stark global challenges like terrorism and climate change, India has said, calling on the international community to catalyse its efforts to rejuvenate the world body as it is set to complete 75 years of existence. By Yoshita Singh FGN4 UN-INDIA-REPRESENTATION India calls for addressing issue of equitable geographical representation in UN Secretariat staff United Nations: India has expressed concern over regional disparity in the UN Secretariat staff and peacekeeping positions, calling for proactively addressing the issue of equitable geographical representation.By Yoshita Singh FGN21 UK-MAY-LD BREXIT UK PM May soldiers on amid ongoing Brexit rebellion London: British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday soldiered on with a rare move of directly addressing the public's questions over their Brexit concerns amid an ongoing rebellion within her own Conservative Party over a controversial European Union (EU) withdrawal agreement. By Aditi Khanna FGN22 US-ASSANGE-2NDLD CHARGE Julian Assange charged in US: WikiLeaks Washington: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged in the United States, the organisation said, in a development that could have implications for Robert Mueller's probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US presidential election. (AFP) RUP RUP Seoul, Nov 16 (AP) North Korea on Friday said it will deport an American citizen it detained for illegal entrance, an apparent concession to the United States that came even as it announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified "ultramodern" weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington. The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy. North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile US figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity. On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the "manipulation" of the US Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the North's spelling of the man's name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings. A short KCNA dispatch said North Korea decided to deport him but did not say why and when. The North's decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious US response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula. In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Weeks after the summit, North Korea returned the remains of dozens of presumed US soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying. Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," though it didn't describe what the weapon was. It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy. Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons. Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at US-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. "It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief. Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including US military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system. Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting that the US first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions. But Friday's report from the North was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of US and South Korean hostility. Yang said the latest North Korean test won't completely break down nuclear diplomacy, though more questions would be raised about how sincere the North is about its commitment to denuclearisation. US Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea but said more had to be done. A year and a half ago, "nuclear tests were taking place, missiles were flying over Japan and there were threats and propagations against our nation and nations in the region," Pence said. "Today, no more missiles are flying, no more nuclear tests, our hostages have come home, and North Korea has begun anew to return fallen American heroes from the Korean War to our soil. We made great progress but there's more work to be done." Pence stressed that UN sanctions had to remain enforced.(AP) RUP RUP Jerusalem, Nov 16 (AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party denied Friday that he had decided to call a snap election, as he battled to keep the government afloat after his defence minister quit over a Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu's ruling coalition was left with a single seat majority in parliament after the walkout on Wednesday by Avigdor Lieberman and his hawkish Yisrael Beitenu party. Netanyahu held crunch talks on Friday with his other main right-wing rival, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, whose religious nationalist Jewish Home party has threatened also to quit unless he is given Lieberman's job. But there were conflicting reports of their discussion, with a source close to Bennett telling AFP the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition. "They will set a date for elections when they meet with the (other) coalition partners on Sunday," the source said. Within minutes, a statement from Likud said that was incorrect. "The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct," the statement said. It added that early next week the premier would consult leaders of the coalition parties. "He trusts the ministers' sense of responsibility to keep them from making the historic error of bringing down a right-wing government," it said. The Gaza ceasefire, which ended the worst flare-up between Israel and the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas since a 2014 war, faced its first major test on Friday, the day of the week when Palestinian border protests have typically peaked. Thousands of demonstrators turned out at Gaza's frontier with Israel, an AFP reporter said, but most kept some distance from the border fence rather than seeking to damage or breach it as has been the case in the past. Gaza's health ministry said that 14 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli army fire, two of them seriously. The ceasefire announced Tuesday has drawn heavy criticism in Israeli communities near the border that faced barrages of rockets earlier this week. Hundreds of people joined a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Thursday despite a promise from Netanyahu of more public money for emergency services. They called for tougher action against Hamas which has portrayed the ceasefire and Lieberman's resignation as a victory. Pro-Netanyahu freesheet Yisrael Hayom daily predicted that the prime minister would do all he could to avoid a general election while his hard-won security credentials were at issue. "Holding elections with the fiasco in Gaza in the background cracks the image of the ultimate leader that he has built over the course of years," it said. "The chances of stopping this speeding train appear impossible, but Netanyahu is still trying." The eight lawmakers of Bennett's far-right Jewish Home party are not the only threat to Netanyahu's razor-thin parliamentary majority. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party hold 10 seats, has reportedly told Netanyahu that a snap election is necessary to provide a stable government to keep the economy on track. But Yisrael Hayom said Bennett was key to efforts to avoid an early election and could yet prove Netanyahu's political salvation. "Naftali Bennett as defence minister and Netanyahu as prime minister could together project stability and embark on a coordinated offensive against anyone who gets in the way," it said. In a speech on Thursday, Bennett did not reiterate the resignation threat but made his case for why he should get the defence post. "The most dangerous thing for the state of Israel is that we begin to think that there is no solution to terrorism, to terrorists, to missiles," he said. "There is a solution. When Israel wants to win, we will win." - Netanyahu -- flanked by Kahlon, Interior Minister Arie Deri and army top brass -- met with the leaders of Israeli border communities Thursday and discussed a 500 million shekel (USD 139 million) two-year package to improve emergency medical and social services, a government statement said. With a major domestic political battle on his hands, Netanyahu cancelled a planned two-day visit to Austria next week for a conference on anti-semitism and anti-Zionism. There has long been speculation that Netanyahu would call a general election before its scheduled date of November 2019. Police have recommended he be charged in two separate corruption cases and the attorney general is expected to announce in the coming months whether to put him on trial. Analysts say the prime minister would be better positioned to fight any charges with a fresh mandate from the voters. But he would not have chosen to go the polls with voters' attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire and his rivals' efforts to outbid his security credentials. (AFP) KUN KUN Colombo, Nov 16 (PTI) Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for restoration of his government after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated in a motion of no trust for the second time in Parliament on Friday amid chaos. The brawl occurred a day after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against disputed prime minister Rajapaksa. Friday's proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. At least seven policemen and three legislators were injured as unprecedented violence broke out as part of the political and constitutional stand off. Wickremesinghe, speaking after violence marred the parliamentary vote, said: "I will pass the parliamentary test, we are not running away, we will not prevent voting either". For the third day, the United People's Freedom Allaiance (UPFA) members of President Maithripala Sirisena and Rajapaksa disrupted the house proceedings. Jayasuriya summoned 30 policemen to the chamber to provide him security to conduct proceedings. For over 40 minutes, Jayasuriya was prevented from entering the chamber. The UPFA MPs had formed a ring around Jayasuriya's seat with one of them occupying it. Parliamentary officials said this was the first time ever that police were summoned to the chamber to protect the Speaker. As Jayasuriya was entering the chamber in police protection, officers came under attack by rioting legislators. Copies of Sri Lankan Constitution and Erskin May's parliamentry practice were thrown at the police. At least one parliamentarian was accused of throwing chili powder mixed with water to senior parliamentarians Gamini Jayawickrema Prerea and Vijitha Herath. They were seen with sprayed chili powder water on their shirts. Policemen were seen looking for cover against the chili water attack. Speaker Jayasuriya, amid disturbances, took the vote on the no trust motion against Rajapaksa. He decalared "ayes" carried the vote and Rajapaksa had lost confidence in the house. Thus Rajapaksa was defeated twice in the house after Sirisena appointed him controversially on October 26. With political crisis triggered by Rajapaksa's appointment was deepening every passing day, Jayasuriya has asserted supremacy of the house against Sirisena's executive order of dismissing Wickremasinghe as the lawful premier. The Speaker took a strong stance after the Supreme Court on Tuesday annulled Sirisena's sacking of Parliament to call for fresh elections. As international criticism of Sirisena's action came to the fore, UPFA ministers accused the Speaker of working hand in glove with Colombo-based Western ambassadors. PTI CORR CPS Modi changed work culture in the country: Fadnavis Pune, Nov 16 (PTI) A policy paralysis existed during the UPA regime and Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the "work culture" after coming to power, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here Friday. He was speaking at the release of report card' of
Anil Shirole, the Lok Sabha member from Pune.
"We are experiencing a change in overall political
work culture. Before Modi took over the reins of the country
in 2014, there was a policy paralysis," he said.
"Elections were won with the slogan Garibi hatao' (remove poverty) and the poor were forgotten after winning elections," Fadnavis said. Prime minister Modi changed the "work culture" and gave primacy to the interests of the poor and the marginalised, he said. The chief minister also lauded Shirole's performance as MP. Shirole followed up projects like Lohegaon airport, Purandar airport and Pune Metro with the state government as well as the Centre which helped in expediting of these projects, Fadnavis said. He also appreciated Shirole's regular attendance in the Lok Sabha. Incidentally, right-wing leader Milind Ekbote, an accused in the Koregaon Bhima violence case, was seen in the audience at the Balgandharv auditorium here where the event was held. Ekbote is currently out on bail. He is accused of instigating the violence at Koregaon Bhima War Memorial near here on January 1. PTI SPK KRK KRK New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) With multiple media platforms now available, nobody can seriously complain of their free speech being in danger, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday, asserting that if the Emergency was ever to be reimposed it would collapse as technology does not permit press censorship. Addressing the gathering at the National Press Day celebrations here, Jaitley said the "greatest challenge" to the media in a free society is how does it retain its own credibility so that it continues to become a maker of public opinion. Media's credibility will be its own maker and if misused, it can also be its own breaker, he said. At the event, Jaitley gave away the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, presented by the Press Council of India (PCI). Veteran journalist and Hindu publishing group chairman N Ram was presented with the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution to journalism. Awards in other categories were also presented. In his address, Jaitley said every political viewpoint is able to find space in some section of the media or the other. "With multiple (media) forums now available, nobody can seriously complain my speech is in danger. Neither the viewer or the reader, nor the one who wants to convey. You have alternatives available," he said. He, however, cautioned that the alternatives are sometimes grossly abused, for personalised grounds, collateral purposes, political purposes, or for lobbying. "I think the worst that can happen to free speech is that if a doubt in the mind of a reader or a viewer is created with regard to the integrity of the news or the opinion that he is seeing," the finance minister. In his remarks, Jaitley also recalled that in the 1950s an amendment was brought in by the Jawaharlal Nehru Government restricting free speech if it adversely affected the country's relations with a foreign country. He claimed that it was brought in because Nehru-Liaquat Ali pact became a subject matter of political debate and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee decided to lead a campaign against it. "We have grown out of that 1950-1952 phase... I don't think that is capable of happening today," he said. "If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, because it is fashionable to say it is another Emergency. If the Emergency was ever to be reimposed, it would collapse for the simple reason that one of the strengths of the Emergency was press censorship. And technology does not permit press censorship. "You suddenly get access to information through various instruments that technology has provided," Jaitley said. The finance minister said he has not been able to understand the criticism of those "who criticise the maximum". "Well your speech can't be in danger if you are criticising seven days a week," he said. Noting that some describe the PCI as a "paper tiger" or a "toothless tiger", chairperson Justice C K Prasad said there was a need to revisit the laws and strengthen the institution. PTI ASK RT (Eds: Repeating with corrections in para 4, adding para 7) New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Congress Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on what it claimed is fresh proof of irregularities in the Rafale deal is a precursor to a "massive storm" the government is about to face. Congress leader Pawan Khera said Modi cannot escape his political and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the "biggest defence scam" of India and for truth to prevail, the only route is to order a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe in this "scandal". The government has denied any wrongdoing in the deal while the BJP has dismissed as "lies" allegations of corruption levelled by the Congress. Khera said that a 'management meet note' of Reliance Infrastructure, prepared by ICICI, the country's largest private sector bank, is another proof of Modi government's "involvement" in the Rafale scam. He said the note claimed that Reliance Defence has formed a joint venture with French major Dassault for execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jet purchase valued at Rs 59,000 crore. He said that note has pegged this opportunity from Rafale at Rs 1,05,000 crore and Dassault Reliance JV will provide performance based logistics for 50 years. Later, Khera shared with journalists a 'management meet note' on Reliance Infrastructure, a brokerage house report prepared by ICICI group firm, ICICIDirect.com, on the basis of a meeting with the Anil Ambani group firm's management. Khera alleged that another undisputable evidence has come to the fore that establishes the "deliberately hiked" commercial cost of 36 Rafale aircraft deal signed by Modi on April 10, 2015. "The silence of the Narendra Modi government on the new skeletons that have tumbled out of their Rafale scam cupboard is a precursor to a massive storm," he told reporters. The Congress leader said the prime minister "cannot escape from his moral, political, legal and constitutional responsibility and accountability in the 'biggest defence scam' of India". "Everyday, new sets of irrefutable evidences are lining up at the doorstep of prime minister Modi which cements the charges of 'squandering national interests', 'brazen crony capitalism', 'kickbacks and corruption' and 'serious illegalities' that have taken place in the 'murky saga of Rafale scam'." Claiming that price does not cover under the so-called secrecy pact that the government is talking about, he asked why the prime minister and his government were hesitant to disclose the price of the fighter jets. "What is the price per aircraft of the 36 aircraft deal signed by prime minister Modi on April 10, 2015 in France... "What is stopping the Modi government to reveal the commercial cost of the Rafale deal as well as the details of the offset obligations," he asked. Khera said if Dassault Aviation in its annual report can reveal the price per aircraft, if Reliance Defence can reveal the aircraft price and if a retired bureaucrat and former 'Head of Finances' in Defence Ministry, can reveal the benchmark price, why the government cannot. The Congress had Thursday accused Modi of compromising national interest on the Rafale issue, with party chief Rahul Gandhi alleging that the latest skeleton to tumble out of the "Rafale cupboard" is that there is no guarantee by the French government backing the deal. The Congress also accused the prime minister of accepting in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by him, the higher 'benchmark price' of Euro 8.2 billion instead of Euro 5.2 billion for the 36 aircraft, despite objections by the Defence Acquisition Council and the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar not approving it. The opposition party also charged Modi with waiving the condition of arbitration between India and France by converting it into an arbitration between the supplier company Dassault and Indian Government, as also changing the venue of arbitration from India to Switzerland. PTI SKC ZMN AAR New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Friday announced Delhi government's invitation to Carnatic music vocalist TM Krishna, whose concert in the city was scrapped by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), to perform in Delhi on November 17 and said no artist should be denied an opportunity to perform. After Krishna's November 17 concert to be held at Nehru Park was cancelled by AAI, the AAP government had on Thursday stepped in to organise another performance by Krishna, who often finds himself in the cross-hairs of controversy over his outspoken views. Sisodia said he has invited Krishna to perform in Delhi on November 17. "No artist should ever be denied an opportunity to perform. I have invited @tmkrishna to perform on November 17 for the people of Delhi It's important to maintain the dignity of the Art and Artists," he said. Krishna's concert organised by the AAI was allegedly cancelled following a troll campaign against it for hosting the vocalist, a Magsaysay award winner who has been called an "urban Naxal" and "a converted bigot" among other epithets. Krishna had said he was in touch with the Delhi government for a performance in the city. "The Delhi government has been in touch with me and are interested in hosting a concert on the 17th. We will know the details tomorrow but I have in principle said yes," he had told PTI on Thursday. The AAI and cultural organisation Spic Macay, which were organising Krishna's concert jointly, said the event was not cancelled but "postponed". The AAI was the major sponsor, said Rashmi Mallik from Spic Macay. They were informed by AAI that the event had to be postponed due to "some internal challenges within AAI", she said. "It has not been cancelled. It has been postponed. We will be working out the new dates and share them," she had said. Krishna, considered one of the finest proponents of Carnatic music, has often been the subject of hate trolls for his critical views on Hindutva and the establishment. The artist, who is credited for being one of those taking the 600-year-old Carnatic musical tradition forward, is also an activist who has worked on creating egalitarian spaces for music and breaking down caste barriers.PTI BUN VIT VIT DV DV New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Centre Friday assured the Tamil Nadu government of all assistance to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which has so far claimed 11 lives. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to monitor the situation in Tamil Nadu and provide all help to the state administration. "Spoke to CM Shri K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the HS to monitor the situation & provide all help to the state admin (sic)," Singh tweeted. Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam, bringing with it heavy rains in the coastal region. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. The storm has so far claimed 11 lives. PTI ACB SMN New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Newly elected Congress MP from Karnataka's Ballari, V S Ugrappa Friday said he would focus on drinking water, health and infrastructure in the remaining five months of his tenure. Ugrappa won the Ballari seat in the recent Lok Sabha by-polls by a margin of more than 2.43 lakh votes, defeating BJP's J Shantha, sister of B Sriramulu, a key aide of the controversial mining barons-- the Reddy brothers and former MP from there. He will take oath as the Member of Parliament (MP)during the winter session of the House. "There has not been any development in Ballari and there are many problems like farmers distress, poverty, unemployment among others. I will not say that I will bring big reforms in the next five months. I will at least focus on priority issues," the Congress leader told reporters here. The priority areas could be providing safe drinking water, health, better roads besides ensuring procurement of paddy, he said. Ugrappa, close aide of former chief minister Siddaramaiah, also indicated that he might get the ticket to contest in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the same constituency, considering his victory in the by-poll with a huge margin. The by-poll results will have an impact on the upcoming general elections, he said, adding the mood of the people in the southern state was in favour of the ruling Congress-JD(S) alliance. The Ballari constituency, which had remained a BJP stronghold since 2004, is reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribes. It is one of the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. PTI LUX SRY Jaipur, Nov 16 (PTI) Former mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) Jyoti Khandelwal on Friday resigned as the member and the general secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), a day after she was denied ticket for the upcoming assembly polls in the state. Khandelwal was expecting a ticket from Kishanpol constituency in Jaipur district, but was replaced by Ameen Kagzi in the first list of candidates released by the Congress on late Thursday night. She said she fulfilled all the criteria decided by party president Rahul Gandhi yet she was denied ticket. "The Congress president had said in public meetings that women will be given priority. I fulfilled all the criteria. I have worked hard for the party and in the constituency yet I was denied ticket," she said. "As a mark of protest, I resigned as PCC member and general secretary. I will remain only a party worker," Khandelwal told reporters here. She said she was ready to contest polls from any constituency and the party had to take a call on that. "Parameters set by the party president were ignored in ticket distribution which also lacked transparency," Khandelwal alleged. On the other hand, supporters of Congress leader Vikram Singh, who was expecting a ticket from Vidhyadhar Nagar constituency, also expressed their resentment at the party office here. Similar scenes were witnessed in Kota and Barmer also. PTI SDA SNE SNE New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Fliers to and from Delhi will have to shell out more as the closure of one of the three runways and high travel demand over the weekend have spiked fares by around 86 per cent, claimed an e-commerce travel website. On Friday evening, several travel portals showed a sharp rise in spot airfares. While a Delhi-Bengaluru ticket on normal days costs Rs 11,044, for Saturday it cost Rs 13,702 on average, according to flight data of ixigo. One travelling to Mumbai from the national capital on Saturday would have to spend Rs 11,060 as against Rs 9,228 on normal days. There was an increase in fares from Delhi to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and other destinations for the next one week, especially (November 16-19) due to the closure of one of three operational runways for repair. Runway 27/09 has been closed for repairs for 13 days at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by DIAL. IGIA is the busiest aerodrome in the country and has three runways. Its closure will lower the capacity of IGI Airport by 50 arrivals and 50 departures per day in this duration. An official said that before the closure of the runway, airlines were informed in advance about it. Ixigo's CEO and co-founder Aloke Bajpai said cancellation of flights from New Delhi airport, due to closure of the runway, had led to an increase in fares for the next one week. "Another contributing factor is a high travel demand over the upcoming weekend. We have seen an average increase of 86 per cent in air fares for flights from Delhi to key routes, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai," Bajpai said. An average fare growth of 122 per cent has been recorded for Bengaluru-bound flight from Delhi. Similarly, a 57 per cent increase has been recorded for tickets to Hyderabad, ixigo said. An airline official said the closure of one of three runways has impacted the operations of flights. The IGIA handled 63.5 million passengers in 2017-18 and has movement of around 1,300 flights every day. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is a consortium led by the GMR group. Other stakeholders are the government-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Germany's Fraport. PTI BUN AAR New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) In a good news for students in Delhi, the government has started implementing its decision to allow concessional passes for them in air-conditioned public transport buses. The passes that cost Rs 100 per month were so far allowed only in non-AC buses in the city run by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses of Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot Friday said a notification validating the concessional student passes in air-conditioned buses has been issued and implemented. "Congratulations to Delhi students. As promised by your government now your student pass is valid in AC buses. Notification has been issued & the decision has now been implemented," Gahlot tweeted. Last month, the Delhi Cabinet had approved a proposal of the Transport Department to allow students having concessional passes to commute in AC buses as well. The facility will benefit students of the Delhi government's educational institutions besides those in institutions run by the municipal corporations and the central government. It will also be available to mentally challenged students of the institutions run by the government, local bodies or government-aided societies. A circular issued by the Transport Department on Friday communicated to all officials concerned to extend the facility to the students. PTI VIT DPB New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Bahadur, the domestic help of fashion designer Mala Lakhani, who was killed along with her, would always tell her that "we will die together", Mala's elder sister Aarti said while waiting outside the mortuary at Safdarjung Hospital. Family members said Mala, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, had been planning to retire from designing to learn pottery and buy a villa in Goa. The words of Bahadur now almost seem prophetic, she said. The bodies of 50-year-old Bahadur and 53-year old Mala, whom he treated like his sister, were found in her home in south Delhi's upmarket Vasant Kunj Enclave locality. They were brutally stabbed to death by her tailor and his two accomplices at her following a dispute over unpaid dues. "Bahadur would always joke that he will die along with Mala since he has been with us since our childhood. It's unfortunate that they both were killed so brutally," Aarti said. Remembering him, Aarti said he was like a brother to them. Bahadur, a Nepalese national, had been with them for the last 45 years. "He was an integral part of our family. He would be angry and instruct us like a brother," she said. Aarti's husband Rahul Sharma recalled Bahadur as a very emotional person and remembered how he would call them by their first name. "He would take care of the house and of everyone of us. We trusted him. He would hardly keep a tab on his salary it was usually deposited in his bank account," Sharma said. Recalling Mala, Sharma said she wanted to get out of her monotonous life. "She wanted to enjoy her life. She had made enough money and now wanted to travel the world. She had become healthier and took lot of care about her skin and looks," Sharma said. The accused after killing Mala and Bahadur, ransacked the house but later surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime. Aarti said Mala was the one who always ensured that the family stayed united. "We were the best sisters. We would do anything for each other. In fact, Mala kept the entire family united. She would always take that effort to call us and make plans. Our family is finished," she said. She was religious person and had recently started going to a gurudwara. She was also interested in singing, Aarti said. Mala was planning to leave designing and wanted to retire and pursue other interest, she said. "Mala was planning to learn pottery and for that she was planning to buy a villa in Goa. She and my elder daughter were planning to shift to Goa. My sister and daughter were like buddies. They were very close to each other", Aarti said. PTI AMP TDS AAR New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to use Nirbhaya Fund to set up 1,023 fast track courts to dispose off pending cases of rape of children and women. In July, the Ministry of Law and Justice had proposed setting up over 1,000 'fast track special courts' across the country, as part of a new scheme to try cases related to rape of children and women. "The Empowered Committee of Officers under Nirbhaya Fund, under the chairmanship of secretary, Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has approved the following three major proposals which include setting up 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to dispose off pending cases of rape, and POCSO Act across the country," the WCD Ministry said in a statement. The project has a total financial implication of Rs 767.25 crore. In the first phase, 777 FTSCs may be set up in nine states, and in the second phase, 246 FTSCs will be set up, it said. The second proposal is of procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases so that these kits are used in states and Union Territories through Training of Trainers (TOTs). "The proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases to kick start usage of such kits in states/UTs through TOTs (Training of Trainers), capacity building/training for forensics in sexual assault cases and strengthening of State Forensic Science Laboratories under Nirbhaya Fund with a total financial implication of Rs 107.19 crore was also approved on Friday," the statement said. "The proposal from the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for setting up video surveillance system at 50 railway stations with a total project cost of Rs 17.64 crore that will be utilised for surveillance, hardware and accessories, local connectivity equipment and power supply devices, also stands approved," it said. The Nirbhaya Fund was announced by the Centre in 2013 after the sensational December 16, 2012 gang rape and murder of a physiotherapy student in Delhi, to support the initiatives of governments and NGOs working towards safety of women. PTI UZM SRY New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The head of the Department of Buddhist Studies of the Delhi University has written to the varsity registrar informing him about cancellation of Ankiv Baisoya's admission after it was found he furnished a fake degree, police said Friday. Sources from the registrar office said Professor K T S Sarao, the head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, has written to the registrar office after they received confirmation from the Thiruvalluvar University that Baisoya was never a student of the varsity. "He has written a letter to registrar informing about the cancellation of admission. A copy of this has been given to SHO (Maurice Nagar). We have written to the registar. If any communication is made by any authority, we may take legal action," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harendra Kumar Singh said. Baisoya, who was elected the DUSU president in September, resigned from his post on Thursday after the ABVP asked him to do so. He has also been suspended from the students' outfit till an inquiry is complete into the allegations. While the ABVP said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the DUSU, the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of the Delhi University students, who voted for him. Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) leader Sunny Chillar has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking to set aside Baisoya's election, alleging that according to news reports the registrar of Thiruvalluvar University "unambiguously and unequivocally" declared Baisoya's certificate to be "fake and forged". PTI SLB DPB New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court Friday said it will hear in April a plea challenging the validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, following a request by the state and the Centre. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah said it will hear the matter in the first week of April 2019 after Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, sought adjournment on the ground that the current situation is very sensitive. "The political situation in the state is such that the matter should not be heard at this time," he said. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi and advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for Jammu and Kashmir said that a letter has been circulated seeking adjournment due to the ongoing nine-phase Panchayat polls in the state. To this, the bench said that it can tag the matter along with a batch of pending petitions challenging Article 35A of the Constitution, under which special rights and privileges are granted to the "permanent residents" of the state. The suggestion of the bench was opposed by the counsels for the state saying that the two issues are different entirely and the plea should not be tagged along with Article 35A pending petitions. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing in first week of April, 2019. On April 3, the apex court had said that Article 370 of the Constitution is not a temporary provision. The top court had said that in its earlier verdict of 2017 in the SARFESI case, it has been already held that Article 370 was "not a temporary provision". "The issue concerned is covered by the judgement of this court in the 2017 SARFAESI matter, where we have held that despite the headnote of Article 370, it is not a temporary provision," the court had said. The court was hearing an appeal filed by petitioner Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha, against the Delhi High Court's April 11, 2017 order dismissing the plea seeking a declaration that Article 370 is temporary in nature. The petitioner had claimed before the high court that Article 370 was a temporary provision that had lapsed with the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1957. The petition had said that the continuance of the temporary provision of Article 370 even after dissolution of Constituent Assembly of J&K, and that of J&K Constitution which has never got the assent of the President of India or Parliament or the government of India, "amounts to fraud on the basic structure of our Constitution". PTI MNL ABA SJK SA New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) A key prosecution witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case Friday identified Congress leader Sajjan Kumar before a Delhi court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs. Deposing as a prosecution witness, Cham Kaur told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing the crowd in national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984 that Sikhs had killed "our mother" and instigated the mob to kill them. "On October 31, 1984 we were watching TV on the demise of Indira Gandhi. On November 1, 1984 when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowed and was saying 'hamari ma maar di. Sardaro ko maar do' (killed our mother. Kill the Sikhs)," Kaur told District Judge Poonam A Bamba. She further said that the next morning, they were attacked in which here son and her father were killed. "My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on second floor, beaten badly and were thrown down from the roof," she said, adding that she herself received injuries in the attack. During the proceedings, Kaur also identified Kumar, who was present in the court. "I could recognise the accused Sajjan Kumar, as we used to visit him for getting help in making ration card, passport. We used to visit the accused for getting the papers stamps as he was the MP/MLA," she said. She further named other persons who were shot dead on the same date by the mob. The injured and the family members of victims were taken to the police station and relief camps by police and army respectively. She told the court that she had named Kumar earlier also. Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur had identified Kumar as the one who had instigated the mob in Sultanpuri. The case was transferred from Karkardooma court to Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused. Kumar and two other accused, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash, had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings. The three accused are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri. The proceedings in the case were earlier stayed after the victim and complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded. PTI UK SJK SA (Eds: Adds company's comment, background ) New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal Friday directed Volkswagen to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the CPCB in a case related to allegations against the German auto major for using 'cheat device' in emission tests of its diesel vehicles. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel also formed a committee comprising officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Automotive Research Association of India to calculate the actual quantum of the environmental loss in the case. The green panel directed the committee to submit the report within a month and asked the company and the petitioner in the case to appear before the panel within seven days with their contentions. The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by a school teacher Saloni Ailawadi and a few others seeking ban on sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms. Reacting on the tribunal's order a Volkswagen Group spokesperson said: "The Volkswagen Group is compliant with emission norms defined in India. The Group is yet to receive a copy of the order from the NGT. The Volkswagen Group in India will review the order and subsequently challenge the same." The automobile giant had earlier submitted a road map before the tribunal to recall over 3.23 lakh vehicles in the country fitted with a 'defeat device' meant to fudge emission tests. A 'cheat' or 'defeat device' is a software in diesel engines to manipulate emission tests by changing the performance of the cars globally. The tribunal had earlier directed Volkswagen to file an affidavit on the status of proceedings against it in other countries. The green panel had also directed that all parties be given a copy of Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India's (ARAI) 2015 report on emission tests conducted on diesel cars. The tribunal had earlier asked ARAI to explain the details of tests carried out on diesel cars produced by Volkswagen. The order had come come after the tribunal was informed that ARAI carried out tests at the instance of Ministry of Heavy Industries and examined 11 BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles of the German company under different conditions. Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in India to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms. The automobile giant had admitted to the use of 'defeat device' in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets to manipulate emission test results. After the tests by ARAI, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms. The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India unlike in the US. The counsel for the car manufacturer had told the NGT that ARAI, which is being consulted on the redesign of the software, had approved it for only 70 per cent of the 3.23 lakh vehicles. ARAI, however, had said the Volkswagen had submitted redesigned software for only 70 per cent and was yet to do so for the remaining 30 per cent. PTI PKS SA New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for being negligent and not properly contesting a murder case in which the accused was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court. The court, which was hearing an appeal against the high court's order granting bail to the murder accused, observed that though it was the responsibility of the State to protect the victims and contest the case against accused, the State did not bother to take effective steps in this case. A bench of justices N V Ramana and Mohan M Shantanagoudar cancelled the bail granted to the accused and directed the trial court to speed up the trial and dispose of the case expeditiously, preferably within six months. "The high court, unfortunately, passed the impugned order in a casual way granting bail to the accused, respondent no 2, without assigning any valid and proper reason," it said. In the appeal against the bail order, the complainant submitted that the high court had simply granted bail to the accused without following the basic principles of criminal law. It was alleged that since the time the accused had been released on bail, the complainant's family was being threatened with dire consequences if they depose against him. The apex court said in its order, "We are constrained to observe that though it is the responsibility of the State to protect the victims and contest the case against accused, in the instant matter, the State did not bother to take effective steps. "Not only it failed to file a petition seeking cancellation of bail against the accused, the State remained negligent and did not even feel it necessary to enter appearance and contest the matter," it said. The bench noted that it was only after the apex court took a serious view and directed the UP government on October 29 this year calling the principal secretary (law) to muster his presence and explain the reasons, the State entered appearance. The state government filed a counter affidavit on November 3, that is more than a year after issuing notice on October 30 last year, it noted. Senior Advocate V Shekhar, who appeared for the state, assured the court that he will ensure the appearance of state counsel in all matters and also the timely filing of counter-affidavits. The bench, said "However, we are not satisfied with the mere oral assurance and therefore, while expressing our displeasure, we direct the chief secretary as well as the principal secretary (law), State of Uttar Pradesh, to file affidavits within four weeks... indicating therein the steps which they are going to take to avoid recurrence of such negligence by the State." PTI SKV ABA MNL SJK AAR Chennai, Nov 16 (PTI) The Madras High Court has directed the Economic Offences Wing of Tamil Nadu Police to take into custody three erstwhile officials of Disc Assets Lead (India) Limited, lodged in the Madurai central prison, and probe their assets in the alleged Rs 1,137 crore cheating case. A bench comprising justices M Sathyanarayanan and N Seshasayee, before which the matter came up for hearing on November 14, directed the investigating agency to take the three to the registered office of the company in Madurai and other places to secure the documents related to immovable properties and other valuables. The bench, while denying bail to the three -- erstwhile Managing Director V Janardhanan and directors N M Umashankar and N Arun-- granted the investigators the right to break open lockers, if any, and take an inventory of all articles found in them. It allowed them to also videograph and photographs the items, if required. The counsel for the three submitted that they had furnished the property documents worth about Rs 450 crore before the Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar-headed committee which was appointed by the first bench of the High Court to go into the matter. However, the counsel for the committee objected to the bail plea of the three. The division bench, which refused temporary interim bail, said, "In the light of the facts and circumstances, this court is of the view that interim prayer sought for by the petitioners for the temporary release or interim bail cannot be considered for the present." The court directed the Superintendent of Central Prison, Madurai, to hand over custody of the three to the investigating agency between 10.30 am and 530 pm every day from from November 19 to November 27. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing to November 28. The matter relates to alleged cheating of 12 lakh depositors of their investment to the tune of over Rs 1,137 crore by the Madurai-based Disc Assets, which was formerly into agri business, after offering farm land for purchase on instalment basis and assuring to maintain them. The court had appointed Vasanthakumar, retired Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, as the administrator of Disc Assets for taking over the properties of the company to settle dues of the depositors. PTI COR NVG SS RT Srinagar, Nov 16 (PTI) Five policemen, who were on panchayat poll duty, have been injured in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, police said Friday. A deputy superintendent of police (DySP) is among the injured. "Five policemen were injured in a road accident last night when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road in Keran area of Kupwara in north Kashmir. The officers were on panchayat election duties," a police spokesperson said. The injured include DySP of the Indian Reserve Police's 4th Battalion, Bodh Raj and constables Rattan Lal, Jahangir Ahmad, Rakesh Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar, he said. They were rushed to the nearest Army hospital, from where three of them were airlifted to 92 Base Hospital here, he added. Raj was airlifted to AIIMS hospital in Delhi on Friday afternoon after being stabilised at the Army's 92 Base Hospital, the spokesperson said. Special instructions have been given by the director general of police to Jammu and Kashmir Police officers in New Delhi to provide all assistance to him. PTI SSB DIV DIV \R Shimla, Nov 16 (PTI) A former chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) allegedly shot himself to death with his licensed revolver here on Friday morning, police said. Major General (retired) C R Sharma was reportedly suffering from depression. Prima facie it seems that Sharma has committed suicide at his residence in Jakhu. The matter is being investigated from all aspects, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omapati Jamwal told PTI. The body has been sent for postmortem, the police said. PTI DJI MAZ HMB New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Editors Guild of India Friday put out an updated list of its members, which continued to include former Union minister M J Akbar and former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, who are both accused of sexual misconduct. Their names featured in the updated list of the guild members, even as there have been calls from within the media body for their removal. Akbar has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women over his tenure as a senior editor as part of the #MeToo movement, while Tejpal has been charged with rape and is currently out on bail. The list also includes senior journalist Gautam Adhikari, who has also been accused of sexual misconduct. Akbar had resigned last month as the minister of state for external affairs in the wake of sexual harassment allegations levelled against him. The Editors Guild of India last month had asked him to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani. It had also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he did not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too. Earlier this month, the Guild had said it is tracking with "great concern" fresh allegations of sexual misconduct against Akbar and a decision on his membership of the top editors' body will be taken after "due process" is completed. The Guild's statement on his membership had come after a US-based editor of a leading media house accused the former Union minister of raping her in India 23 years ago. "In accordance with the decision of the Guild's last EGM (extraordinary general meeting), as ratified at the subsequent meeting of the executive, membership of those editors, whose profession has changed from journalism goes dormant. Mr Akbar's membership is also therefore dormant," the statement had said. PTI ASK AAR Noida (UP), Nov 16 (PTI) Six persons have been arrested from here for allegedly using malware to lock up computers of American and Canadian citizens and then demanding money to fix it, police said on Friday. The six accused ran a fake call centre in Noida's Sector 2 and were held Thursday by a joint team of police and cyber cell, they said. They have been identified as Prabhat Sinha, Atul Verma, Vijay Sharma, Deepak Tiwari, Suresh Goswami, Jahazeb Pasha, and all of them are IT experts, they added. The accused were running the racket under a firm named Code Mevan, Superintendent of Police (SP), Noida city, Sudha Singh told reporters Sinha and Sharma were the company's directors. The other four were tasked with sending the virus on computers through internet pop-ups, she said. "Once they would get confirmation that the target's computer has hung, the accused would call them up using an international number and tell them that they were calling from a software company's customer care service and offer to fix the problem," Singh said. The accused would ask the people to make payment through PayPal Gateway. "The gang would ask for a payment from USD 99 to USD 600 for fixing the virus. They would tell the victims to save their customer care number and use it in future for troubleshooting. A few days later they would again send the virus using pop-ups and dupe the people," the SP said. The gang had also created a website with an American address in the name of a company called Ingeven to convince the people of their authenticity. A cyber cell official said it appears from the initial probe that the gang had duped "around 500 people". Two of the gang's partners are absconding and searches are being carried out to nab them, Singh said. Seven laptops, a VOIP calling device, other electronic gadgets were seized from the gang's office, the police said. All the accused have been booked under section 420 (fraud) of the IPC and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, they said. PTI KIS DIV DIV New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) One person was arrested and two others apprehended for allegedly killing a 57-year-old doctor at his residence in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri area during a robbery, police said Friday. The arrested accused was a resident of Bhalaswa Dairy, the police said, adding that they were verifying his age to ascertain if he was a minor. The other two accused, aged about 19 years, were nabbed Friday night and they were residents of Jahangirpuri, a senior police officer said. The body of Mukim Ahmad Iqbal was found Monday morning, a month before his daughter's wedding, and valuables worth lakhs of rupees were missing from his residence. During interrogation, the arrested accused told the police that the three had killed him during the robbery. They had planned to loot the house as they were aware about the wedding to be held on December 9, the officer added. The body was handed over to family members after an autopsy Tuesday, the police said. Though were no external injury marks on the body, it was suspected that he was smothered to death, they said. The CCTV footage that had been collected was not very clear, they said. "His daughter, who is a guest teacher at a school, used to leave the door of the house open when she would leave for work. It is suspected that the accused knew there were valuables in the house and they entered after she left," said the officer. The police had said around Rs 4-5 lakh in cash and jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh was missing from the house. Further investigation into the case was underway, the officer added. PTI AMP AAR Hold on to your hats if you live in Nottinghamshire. By the end of 2020 you could see a car flying overhead, then touching down outside a private home. The flying car landing pad, six metres in diameter, is the stand-out feature of a 10million house being built in the village of Edwalton by property developer Guy Phoenix. The phoenix, of course, was a mythical bird that miraculously rose from its own ashes, but no phoenix in mythology has half the wow factor of Mr Phoenixs grand vision for 21st-century living. Sixties vision: The egg-shaped Futuro home was designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen Mr Phoenix has been working in partnership with the Derby-based company VRCO on a flying car design, the NeoXcraft, which has had EU development backing and could theoretically be on the market for 1.5 million by the end of 2020. Will the new vehicle fly? Is there going to have to be a backstop garage if Brexit goes pear-shaped? Has health and safety been consulted? Scepticism aside, it is hard not to thrill to Mr Phoenixs bold vision. He is part of a long and honourable tradition. This year marked the 50th anniversary of another visionary piece of architectural design the egg-shaped Futuro home designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968. The homes looked like spaceships from another planet that had temporarily alighted on the Earth. They were made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester plastic and rested on stilt-like legs. Theyd originally been conceived as portable ski chalets rather than permanent residences, but were so eye-catching that they briefly acquired a fashionable cachet. A number of companies worldwide were granted a licence to manufacture them, and one even rolled off a short-lived production line in the mill town of Todmorden in West Yorkshire. Gods Own County had never seen anything like it. The eccentric-looking homes may be museum pieces now, but the dream which inspired them still resonates. When a rare Futuro home came on the market in New Zealand in 2017, its price tag was $400,000 or just over 200,000. Before Suuronen there was John Lautner, the U.S. architect whose space-age houses included the octagonal Chemosphere, built in 1960, perched high above the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. And before the Chemosphere there was the Monsanto House of the Future in Disneyland, California. It was installed in 1957 as a showcase for designers who had been asked to imagine how houses might look in 30 years time. Exhibits included the microwave oven, which was as unimaginably sophisticated then as it is commonplace today. Seeing into the future, and having the imagination to conceive ways of meeting everyday challenges, has been the province of visionaries. So hats off to the Design Museum in London for its latest exhibition, entitled Future Homes. It celebrates innovators in many areas of domestic design, whose ideas were so far ahead of their time that they seemed to belong to science fiction. Exhibits include original furniture from the Smithsons fully-mechanised House of the Future at the 1956 Ideal Home Show at Olympia, accompanied by a scale model and original archival material. The work of Joe Colombo, the Italian industrial designer, is also celebrated. Colombo was so fascinated by the perennial challenge facing house-builders how to maximise space that he created a Total Furnishing Unit in which people could live in just 28 sq m. It is that sort of left-field thinking which inspires people to come up with solutions to the problems of living on a crowded planet. As a nation, the British are famously conservative, more inclined to look to the past than the future. You see more mock Tudor or neo-Georgian houses than state-of-the-art eco-homes. But hopefully we are not too set in our ways to admire radical thinkers like Guy Phoenix. If no one dares to dream, how dull life would be. The Future Homes exhibition at the Design Museum (designmuseum.org) runs until March 24, 2019. Deutsche Wohnen SE is a holding company, which engages in the development and management of residential properties property portfolio. It operates through the following segments: Residential Property Management; Disposals; and Nursing & Assisted Living. The Residential Property Management segment engages in the management of residential properties in the context of active asset management. The Disposals segment includes all aspects of the preparation; and execution of the sale of residential units from property portfolio as part of the ongoing portfolio optimization and streamlining process. The Nursing and Assisted Living segment markets and manages nursing and residential care homes as well as services for the care of the senior citizens who live in these homes. Deutsche Wohnen was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Read More Rogers Communications Inc. operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device and accessory financing, wireless home phone, device protection, text messaging, e-mail, global voice and data roaming, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device delivery services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands to approximately 10.9 million subscribers. It also provides Internet and WiFi services; smart home monitoring services, such as monitoring, security, automation, energy efficiency, and smart control through a smartphone app. In addition, the company offers local and network TV; on-demand television; cloud-based digital video recorders; voice-activated remote controls, and integrated apps; personal video recorders; linear and time-shifted programming; digital specialty channels; 4K television programming; and televised content on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, as well as operates Ignite TV and Ignite TV app. Further, it provides residential and small business local telephony services; calling features, such as voicemail, call waiting, and long distance; voice, data networking, Internet protocol, and Ethernet services; private networking, Internet, IP voice, and cloud solutions; optical wave and multi-protocol label switching services; IT and network technologies; and cable access network services. The company also owns Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre event venue; and operates Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, Citytv, OMNI, FX (Canada), FXX (Canada), and OLN television networks, as well as 55 AM and FM radio stations. Rogers Communications Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More At Landsec, we strive to connect communities, realise potential and deliver sustainable places. As one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, our A11.8 billion portfolio spans 24 million sq ft (as at 30 September 2020) of well-connected retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. From the iconic Piccadilly Lights in the West End and the regeneration of London's Victoria, to the creation of retail destinations at Westgate Oxford and Trinity Leeds, we own and manage some of the most successful and memorable real estate in the UK. We aim to lead our industry in critical long-term issues A- from diversity and community employment, to carbon reduction and climate resilience. We deliver value for our shareholders, great experiences for our customers and positive change for our communities. Read More Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany. Read More Continental Building Products Inc (NYSE:CBPX) posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November, 12th. The construction company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.01. The construction company had revenue of $127.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $127.16 million. Continental Building Products had a net margin of 12.12% and a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 18.84%. The firm's revenue was down 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.51 EPS. View Continental Building Products' earnings history. The following companies are subsidiares of Yum China: AIR BP-PBF DEL PERU SAC, BELFAST STORAGE LTD, CANADIAN ULTRAMAR COMPANY, COLONNADE TEXAS INSURANCE COMPANY LLC, COLONNADE VERMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY LLC, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OF CANADA INC., DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL HOLDINGS LLC, DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL LLC, DIAMOND K RANCH LLC, DIAMOND OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY L.P., DIAMOND UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., DSRM NATIONAL BANK, ENTERPRISE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC., GCP LOGISTICS COMPANY LLC, GOLDEN EAGLE ASSURANCE LIMITED, HAMMOND MAINLINE PIPELINE LLC, HUNTWAY REFINING COMPANY, MAINLINE PIPELINES LIMITED, MAPLE ETHANOL LTD., MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT GP LLC, MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT L.P., MRP PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, NECHES RIVER HOLDING CORP., NORCO METHANOL LLC, OCEANIC TANKERS AGENCY LIMITED, PARKWAY PIPELINE LLC, PENTA TANKS TERMINALS S.A., PI DOCK FACILITIES LLC, PICKARD PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, PORT ARTHUR COKER COMPANY L.P., PREMCOR USA INC., PROPERTY RESTORATION L.P., PURE BIOFUELS DEL PERU S.A.C., PURE BIOFUELS HOLDINGS L.P., Parkway Pipeline, Premcor, Pure Biofuels Del Peru, SABINE RIVER HOLDING CORP., SABINE RIVER LLC, SAINT BERNARD PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, SUNBELT REFINING COMPANY L.P., THE PREMCOR PIPELINE CO., THE PREMCOR REFINING GROUP INC., THE SHAMROCK PIPE LINE CORPORATION, TRANSPORT MARITIME ST. LAURENT INC., ULTRAMAR ACCEPTANCE INC., ULTRAMAR ENERGY INC., ULTRAMAR INC., Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, V-TEX LOGISTICS LLC, VALERO (BARBADOS) SRL, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS GP LLC, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS LIMITED, VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ARUBA ACQUISITION COMPANY I LTD., VALERO ARUBA FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA HOLDING COMPANY N.V., VALERO ARUBA HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS COMPANY N.V., VALERO BROWNSVILLE TERMINAL LLC, VALERO CANADA FINANCE INC., VALERO CANADA L.P., VALERO CAPITAL CORPORATION, VALERO CARIBBEAN SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO COKER CORPORATION ARUBA N.V., VALERO CUSTOMS & TRADE SERVICES INC., VALERO EAST BAY LLC, VALERO ENERGY (IRELAND) LIMITED, VALERO ENERGY ARUBA II COMPANY, VALERO ENERGY INC., VALERO ENERGY LTD, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS LP, VALERO ENERGY UK LTD, VALERO ENTERPRISES INC., VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD, VALERO FINANCE L.P. I, VALERO FINANCE L.P. II, VALERO FINANCE L.P. III, VALERO FOREST CONTRIBUTION LLC, VALERO GRAIN MARKETING LLC, VALERO H2 PIPELINE COMPANY LLC, VALERO HOLDCO UK LTD, VALERO HOLDINGS INC., VALERO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., VALERO LIVE OAK LLC, VALERO LOGISTICS UK LTD, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY (PANAMA) LLC, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY COMPANY, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPY INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO MARKETING IRELAND LIMITED, VALERO MKS LOGISTICS L.L.C., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEW AMSTERDAM B.V., VALERO OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONS SUPPORT LTD, VALERO PARTNERS CCTS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS EAST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS WEST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS EP LLC, VALERO PARTNERS HOUSTON LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LOUISIANA LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LUCAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MCKEE LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MERAUX LLC, VALERO PARTNERS NORTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS OPERATING CO. LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PAPS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PORT ARTHUR LLC, VALERO PARTNERS SOUTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS TEXAS CITY LLC, VALERO PARTNERS THREE RIVERS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WYNNEWOOD LLC, VALERO PAYMENT SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE LLC, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE OIL TERMINAL LTD, VALERO PLAINS COMPANY LLC, VALERO POWER MARKETING LLC, VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL PARTNERS LLC, VALERO REFINING AND MARKETING COMPANY, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-ARUBA N.V., VALERO REFINING COMPANY-CALIFORNIA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-OKLAHOMA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-TENNESSEE L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-MERAUX LLC, VALERO REFINING-NEW ORLEANS L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-TEXAS L.P., VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS COMPANY LLC, VALERO SECURITY SYSTEMS INC., VALERO SERVICES INC., VALERO SKELLYTOWN PIPELINE LLC, VALERO TEJAS COMPANY LLC, VALERO TERMINAL HOLDCO LTD, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO TEXAS POWER MARKETING INC., VALERO ULTRAMAR HOLDINGS INC., VALERO UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., VALERO WEST WALES LLC, VRG PROPERTIES COMPANY, VTD PROPERTIES COMPANY, WARSHALL COMPANY LLC, and ZELIG COMMERCIAL INC.. The following companies are subsidiares of 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. Albany As the Capital Region prepares for another annual, statewide minimum wage increase at the end of the year, debate persists about whether the government raising pay is the best way to improve the lives of low-wage workers. Advocates for higher wages say minimum wage workers aren't earning enough to survive. As costs for health care, education and housing continue to rise, real wages have not kept pace. Opponents of increasing the minimum wage, however, say higher wages will force employers to raise consumer prices, potentially cut workers' hours or fire employees to offset the higher payroll. Starting in 2016, the New York minimum wage was set to increase gradually each year until it reaches $15 an hour. The wage is based on region and in the case of New York City, the size of the employer. At the start of 2019, the minimum wage for the Capital Region and the rest of upstate will increase to $11.10 from the current $10.40. It will reach $12.50 at the start of 2021 and continue to rise by a determined amount each year until it peaks at $15. In New York City, businesses with more than 10 employees will be required to pay $15 an hour. Smaller businesses in the city will begin paying $13.50 an hour. The minimum wage on Long Island and Westchester County will increase to $12 an hour in 2019, and increase to $15 by 2021. "The gradual increases or the step-ups over time that New York has are a way in which we're minimizing that sort of sticker shock," said Andrew Kennedy, president and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth in Albany. The University of Washington and the National Bureau of Economic Research conducted a study on the effects of Seattle's 2015 city-wide minimum wage increase to $13 an hour. The initial analysis, published June 2017, suggested that the wage increase would likely lead to workers losing hours and ultimately a greater employment loss than gain. But, in an update published in October, the team of researchers concluded that, after the pay increase, Seattle's minimum wage workers experienced "no significant decline" in their likelihood of being employed, and only saw a "modest" reduction in hours worked. The wage hike, the study found, increased workers' pretax earnings on average around $10 a week. The study did note that the higher minimum wage raised barriers for entry to the workforce for less experienced workers. Additionally, less experienced workers were more likely to have hours cut and see minimal changes to wages. The "analysis indicates that earnings gains were concentrated among more experienced workers, with the less-experienced half of Seattle's baseline low-wage workforce showing no significant change," according to the report. But businesses that produce goods and services are "undoubtedly going to be be impacted because their operating costs are going up," said Kennedy of the CEG. "It sort of takes away their profit margin, so there are those anecdotal pieces out there." Kennedy also added that higher wages will lead to more consumer spending and ultimately higher tax revenue. "One of the things we see is that idea of a higher wage will have a positive impact on the economy," he said. Mark Eagan, president and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, said that the continuously rising minimum wage could be harmful to business owners, and isn't necessarily beneficial to low-wage workers, either. "If you looked and said that we know there's pockets of poverty, and in many cases it's generational, how do you break that cycle? I don't think the best way is to say 'OK, let's pay them an extra 75 cents an hour,'" Eagan said. Some businesses may streamline operations and reduce staffing at times, he added. "How can we cover a store with less people? Can we have two people instead of three people or four people?" Eagan said of store owners now paying higher wages. Eagan suggested pushing younger workers toward apprenticeships and skills-training initiatives to gain experience and be employable in higher-paying industries. "The real answer is, if we really want to have people make more money, ... programs the government can provide to help raise these people's skill levels." The internet's role in business is also a complicating factor, Eagan said. The owner of a service or retail business in New York could be looking to increase online sales to out-of-state customers. But, that employer is likely having to pay employees more than a business in a place like New Mexico, with a $7.50 minimum wage, would. That means that business in New Mexico could charge lower prices for selling the same product as the New York company. "It can a put a business at a competitive disadvantage," Eagan said. The owner of a service or retail business in New York could be looking to increase online sales to out-of-state customers. But, that employer is likely having to pay employees more than a business in a place like New Mexico, with a $7.50 minimum wage, would. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. That means that business in New Mexico could charge lower prices for selling the same product as the New York company. "It can put a business at a competitive disadvantage," Eagan said. Stewart's Shops, the convenience store chain, typically starts employees at $12, well above the minimum wage. A spokeswoman said it's a "balance" to pay employees a livable wage while maintaining a healthy profit margin. But the higher pay, they say, leads to a reduction in turnover and higher quality work from employees. "That's what we would hope, that we would attract that higher quality employee with the higher pay," Erica Komoroske, a Stewart's spokeswoman, said. The Service Employees International Union represents 2 million workers in the U.S. and Canada, and backs a $15 minimum wage for industries like home health care, child care and the fast-food industry. The group also backs unionization for all, and advocates for "a country that works for all of us, not just the greedy few," according to SEIU's slogan. "You cannot balance your budget on the backs of these workers," Cara Noel, an SEIU communications director, said. "The people who do the work deserve to be paid a wage that allows them to live in dignity." National support Support for an increase in minimum wage does not exist just in left-leaning states or municipalities. Earlier this month, voters in Arkansas and Missouri also voted to increase minimum wage up to $11 and $12 hourly, respectively. And Walmart and Amazon, two of the largest employers in the U.S., also agreed to raise their minimum wage to $11 and $15, showing that the move toward higher pay has gained widespread support. While some point to anecdotal evidence that some smaller business owners would be hurt by the $15 hourly minimum wage, Paul Sonn, New York policy program director for the National Employment Law Project, suggests that the existing evidence from minimum wage increases has shown that the higher pay does not kill small businesses. A push to implement a federal $15 wage faces criticism that it ignores the high variance in income and cost of living across the country. Opponents argue the income a worker would need to survive in San Francisco is likely different than what a worker in Midland, Texas would require, for example. Sonn, however, says that the rising cost of living will make a $15 federal minimum wage a necessity for workers across the country by around 2024. "Single workers will need about $15 an hour to afford the basics, and workers on the coasts or with children will need even more," Sonn said. "We're not talking about right today, were talking about phased in over a few years." While many often associate minimum wage jobs with young workers just joining the labor market, nearly 1 million workers aged 25 and older in 2017 had wages at or below the minimum wage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, as Sonn notes, businesses in recent years have adjusted for rising operating costs, but have largely been spared from having to increase employee pay. "There are tens of millions of adults that spend their careers working in retail, as home health aids, as security guards, and the minimum wage is what sets their pay scale," Sonn said. "You need to raise the minimum wage to get paychecks growing finally." Houston When Walmart's Greg Foran took over as CEO of the discounter's U.S. division four years ago, he found messy stores with lots of items that were frequently out of stock. The 57-year-old New Zealand native dove in, making sure shelves were loaded with the most popular products and establishing controls to increase freshness in produce like strawberries. Foran's obsession with the nitty-gritty details has helped lead to several years of straight quarterly sales gains for the U.S. division. But with Walmart facing competition from Amazon and other pressures, he's also re-imagining the shopping experience at Walmart's 4,700 stores, transforming them into distribution hubs that can fill the fast-growing online orders to reduce shipping costs and speed up deliveries. To do that, Walmart has been training its 1.5 million workers at its new academies while using automation to relieve them of menial tasks. Scanning robots at a store in Houston as well as a cluster of others keep tabs of what's on and not on the shelves and communicate that information to the automatic conveyor system that's backed up to the truck bay. Workers with new apps on their hand-held devices manage routine tasks like price changes on the spot, freeing them to serve shoppers and even check them out. Foran, who used to head Walmart's China business, says he's always looking to new technology that improves efficiency. Still he takes delight in old-school retail basics like watching shoppers open a carton of produce. AP recently spoke with Foran during a tour of the Houston store about the holiday season, his views on workers and other issues. The questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length. Q.: What makes this holiday season different? A.: I wake up on Monday morning at 4 a.m. and the first email I look at is Amazon has gone and introduced free shipping. You're getting competitors out there starting to up the ante. I think we'll see more business done online, not just at Amazon but at Walmart and in other retailers. I think the fact that people like Toys R Us are out of the market has changed the environment around toys, both physical and digital offering. Q.: So do you think you'll drop the $35 minimum order for free shipping for the holidays? A.: These things are always discussed and reviewed. Sometimes that means following and other times it doesn't. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Q.: Does Amazon keep you up at night? A.: To be frank, lots of things keep me up at night. Amazon is one of them. Target is another. I am in Aldi stores, Lidl stores. There's no doubt that Amazon is a significant competitor. You keep tabs. But your job is not to copy. Q.: How are you approaching wages given increasing competitive pressures? A.: We look at it regularly. As you can imagine, it's a particularly large country. We've made a lot of progress getting ourselves from where we were to $9, then $10, and then $11 earlier on this year. We've got a number of stores that pay well over that now, $12, $13, $14. So we continuously review that. We then take into account what we're doing in things like benefits so parental leave, PTO (paid time off) etc. Q.: Will there be fewer workers at Walmart stores given robotic technology? A.: That's going to play itself out. I am a big proponent of the good jobs strategy. For a lot of tasks that you used to do that were mundane, tedious, we're now working out how we can digitize those. And then we're creating new roles through turning stores into fulfillment centers because now we've got thousands of personal shoppers who are picking your order, so the jobs are changing. Ten years ago, when Barack Obama was elected to his first term as president, some optimistic political observers prematurely announced the dawning of new, shining, post-racial era for the United States. Well, that didn't happen. It still hasn't happened. Judging from the current state of American politics, American discourse and the ugly persistence of racism and race-mongering in American life, it's not likely to happen for a while. And so, given a chance to ask Michelle Obama a single question in a small group interview following her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey at Hearst Tower in September, I opted for this one: Do you foresee a post-racial era ever happening, and how can we get there? "I think we'll get there one day," she replied, "because I think that each generation is learning something different and better. Each generation of this country is becoming, just as we all are individually, and that doesn't happen overnight, that happens over time." Obama sat with a handful of Hearst journalists and observers, all gathered on an upper floor of the diagonally ribbed glass tower in midtown Manhattan. It was a Thursday afternoon in early September, and the former first lady was there to promote "Becoming," her new memoir from Crown Publishing Group. A few hours earlier she had delved into the book's many topics (her childhood, her husband, his presidency, their marriage) with Oprah. Throughout she touched on the theme of "becoming," the never-ending business of growing and learning, self-invention and reinvention, that characterizes her life and everyone's. Now she was submitting herself to a quick fusillade of questions from a ring of people around a small conference table. Mine was last. I had culled it from my dream list of 13, and no, whittling them down wasn't easy. Among the questions I didn't ask: What would it take for Obama to change her mind and run for office? How was she affected by her 2009 visit to Ghana's "slave castles" (which I visited myself last year)? And does she still believe, as she declared at the 2016 Democratic Convention, 'When they go low, we go high?'" I finally settled on the "post-racial" question because it seemed, to me, the most pressing in our current climate, the one that touched on all the exposed nerves now rankling society. If anything, the conversation around race has only turned more supercharged as the nation itself turns more brown. Which was exactly what Obama addressed in her response. "If you look at our country right now, part of the fear is that it's already happened. The melting, the merging of cultures and races has already begun," she said. "It's almost too late, you know. The cow is out of the barn." So much has changed already. "I mean, we went from the time that Barack was born, interracial marriage between his parents was illegal. It was illegal in this country for Barack Obama's parents to marry." And kids nowadays "they don't think about race in the same way, and that's where education and opportunity and expansion comes in, which ties into education. We've got to get our kids exposed, because the more they know and the more they see, the more they make their own choices about the world. And the world is opening up. Not just in the United States it's global, you know. Kids are using social media, they're meeting each other, they're bypassing their parents' and grandparents' old biases, and they're figuring these things out for themselves in a way that we can't stop." Yes, there's still racism, she said. The age-old struggles with bigotry and bias were never going to be solved, presto-change-o, in a single election. No president can do that only the natural, gradual transformation of people and perspectives as new generations enter and shape society. "It's all culture shift," Obama said. "It's what people see and know. We see it in our ads, in our magazines. ... It's hard to find a single-race couple nowadays in advertising, in commercials, and there's not an uproar, you know. It's not like taking a knee. These are subtle changes." And they extend beyond race. "Having same-sex parents in ads on TV. I mean, the leadership in these industries, they're also becoming more diverse, so they're demanding a different reality and that's slowly seeping into the culture." Such cultural shifts are now taken for granted by the young. But just 50 years ago, she said, that diverse reality "was not even law," she said. "So yeah, I think we are becoming better, you know. But it is a process. And when we start getting frustrated by the fact that it's not instant that frustration is laughable, you know. The notion that we after all these years that we elected a black man, and now racism is over?" In retrospect, it sounds absurd. "That's such a juvenile expectation. We wouldn't even encourage our kids to think that way about how life works. Nothing happens instantly, nothing is automatic." Everything takes effort. Everything takes time. "So, yeah, it's going to get better, but we still have more growing to do." We're becoming. "We are becoming," Obama said. "Thank God. Thank God it never ends." abiancolli@timesunion.com 518-454-5439 @AmyBiancolli Fans of Netflix's "Narcos": welcome to Mexico. The fourth installment of the hit series, called "Narcos: Mexico," will delve into the warring cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. It will focus on two rival characters who face off in the war on drugs. On one side, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, on the other, the controller of transporting drugs into the U.S. >>>A strong cast depicts the fascinating real-life stories. Meet them and their roles in the gallery above. Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, played by Diego Luna, is known as "El Padrino," the godfather. He's responsible for founding the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s and for later becoming the majority leader of almost all the drug-trafficking corridors along the U.S.-Mexico border. ABOUT SEASON 3: The real-life faces of 'Narcos' On the opposite side is DEA agent Kiki Camarena, portrayed by Michael Pena, who is intent on capturing Gallardo and helping to end the drug trade. He moves his family, including his wife, Mika, from California to Guadalajara with the goal of maintaining a family life while remaining dedicated to his dangerous task. It ultimately becomes much more difficult and time consuming than he may have originally thought. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. While this season mostly leaves behind the Colombian cartels, there are some parallels between Gallardo and Pablo Escobar, the drug lord at the center of the first season. Both are seemingly beloved leaders of their communities and both create some of the longest searches and captures in the DEA's history. There are also some similarities between the villain and protagonist here, Gallardo and Camarena. For however different their end-goals are, they both care deeply for their families and believe in their work. It should create an interesting contrast of perspectives. "Narcos: Mexico" debuts Friday, Nov. 16 on Netflix. Charmaine David It's a wrap in L.A.'s Silver Lake neighborhood for Kristen Wiig, who is offering her revamped mid-century modern-style home for $5.125 million. The Silver Lake hillside perch, named the Martin Residence for its architect, Albert P. Martin, maintains its modernist aesthetic and original floor plan. An open-concept great room anchors the 3,515-square-foot interior and boasts restored sconces, oyster-colored cement tile floors and a concrete-block fireplace. Rich Western red cedar paneling lines the ceiling. Dubai Saudi Arabia will seek the death penalty against five men suspected of killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, its top prosecutor said Thursday, while the U.S. slapped sanctions on 17 Saudi officials in the toughest action it has taken against the kingdom since the slaying. The Saudi moves failed to appease Turkey, but they could be enough for some of Saudi Arabia's Western allies to move on and press for key demands, such as an end to the war in Yemen. The prosecutor's announcement sought to quiet the global outcry over Khashoggi's death and distance the killers and their operation from the kingdom's leadership, primarily Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials and analysts say an operation of this kind could not have happened without the prince's knowledge. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's top diplomat said the crown prince had "absolutely" nothing to do with the slaying of The Washington Post columnist, who was sharply critical of the heir to the throne. The Saudi investigation pointed the finger at some members of the crown prince's inner circle but stopped short of accusing them of ordering the writer's death. Those closest to the prince are instead accused of ordering Khashoggi's forced return in an operation at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul that the Saudis allege went awry. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In a news conference, Sheikh Shalan al-Shalan, the deputy attorney general, said the killing was ordered by an individual whom he did not identify but said was responsible for negotiating Khashoggi's return back to Saudi Arabia from Turkey. The individual was part of a 15-man team that was made up of negotiators, intelligence officers and logistics officials. That team was formed by Saud al-Qahtani, who was one of the crown prince's closest aides, and former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri, the prosecutor said. They deemed Khashoggi's presence abroad as "a threat to national security," the prosecutor said. Khashoggi had gone for a scheduled visit to the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage while his Turkish fiancee waited outside. COLONIE Colonie police identified the officer whose vehicle struck and injured a pedestrian Wednesday night. Police say officer Gerald Shaw, a K-9 handler with more than 21 years of service as a Colonie officer, was driving with his dog, Vader, in Colonie when his police car struck 61-year-old William Wade of Latham just after 6 p.m. Wade had just gotten off of a CDTA bus and was trying to cross Loudon Road (Route 9) near Fiddlers Lane at the time of the collision. He was knocked to the ground and suffered a cut to the head, among other injuries. The officer immediately stopped, called in the crash and provided medical assistance until EMS arrived, police said. Wade was treated at Albany Medical Center Hospital and is expected to be released Friday, police said Thursday. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Shaw and his dog were not injured. The Colonie Police Traffic Safety Division is investigating the incident. Police did not say what speed their car was going or a direction of travel, nor did they say whether the car was heading to an emergency call. If anyone witnessed the crash or has more information they can call police at 518 782-2620. ALBANY -- When Dante Camacho rejected a two-year prison sentence for trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex and took his chances at trial, he risked a conviction that could have sent him behind bars for twice that time. The risk was worth it -- even after a jury convicted Camacho of attempted rape and attempted criminal sex act, the legal term for sodomy. Although Camacho, now 24, faced the possibility of four years in state prison, Albany County Judge Peter Lynch sentenced Camacho to probation and the time he has already served in the Albany County jail since Sept. 20. "Thank you so much, your honor," Camacho told Lynch after receiving the no-prison sentence. Lynch -- who was elected on Nov. 6 to a 14-year term in state Supreme Court -- made it clear he found Camacho's defense lacked credibility. But Lynch apparently did not hold it against him. He highlighted the defense strategy used by Camacho's lawyer, Cheryl Coleman. "The defense course charted throughout the trial was a course charted by counsel, not you," the Lynch told Camacho on Thursday. "I am very much aware of this case. Frankly I found your testimony to be ludicrous. "However, I also recognize you are a 24-year-old young man, your family has stood behind you the whole time and not just with their letters but coming every day," the judge continued. "I have to balance out, if you will, what is a just and appropriate sentence." When given a chance to speak, Camacho said: "I am not a bad person, everyone who knows me, knows I won't never hurt anybody. Also, these past two years have been the most difficult years of my life, not just the past two months that I spent in jail, I'm sorry, but that has been nothing short of a nightmare." Camacho said if afforded the chance, "You will never see me in a court of law. I was never in one before and I won't be in one after. I think that is all I have to say, your honor." On Nov. 11, 2016, Camacho was caught in a police sting after he drove to the Radisson hotel on Wolf Road planning to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex. Camacho, who was carrying condoms, made the arrangement through the would-be girl's "stepfather," an undercover police officer, testimony showed. The girl did not exist. "Luckily, it was a sting operation. Luckily, there was not a real child being offered up, to be victimized by this defendant," Assistant District Attorney Jennifer McCanney told the judge. "Because if there were, he would have taken advantage of that." Camacho had told the undercover officer, "I would love to get some one-on-one with (the girl). Yeah man, that sounds awesome." Camacho testified he was "role-playing" and that the conversations between him and the undercover officer were nothing more than "locker room talk." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. McCanney said Camacho was "calculating" and "deceiving" when he testified. She reminded the judge that prior to trial, Camacho rejected a plea bargain to serve two years in prison and receive 10 years probation. "You know this defendant engaged in conversation with a man a grown man, that he believed to be the stepfather of a 13-year-old girl," the McCanney said. "He believed that this man was having sexual intercourse with the 13-year-old step-daughter. He did not report that to the police. Not only did he have elicit conversations with this man about the sexual acts that take place with him and his stepdaughter, but he also discussed sexual acts that he wanted to have with the child as well." Coleman told Lynch her client was having a difficult time in the jail. "I am asking this court to sentence him to time served and probation because I think its enough," she said. Camacho met the supposed stepfather named "Chad" " in the casual encounters section of craigslist.com. Camacho testified hoped to have a three-way sexual encounter with a woman and man. Text-messages exchanged between Camacho and the undercover officer showed the officer at least twice told Camacho the girl was 13. The advertisement said: "Older and younger looking for fun in Albany area. Stepfather here and we're into some strange things so please do not judge. Contact me only if you are real." Camacho replied: "Hey there. The stranger the better. I don't judge. I love everything taboo. What things you have in mind? I'm Dante by the way." The undercover officer responded: "Me and my 13-year-old stepdaughter are looking for a third to join our party. Must be (drug and disease) free. No judgement here. Hit me back if interested." New York The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is facing a looming budget crisis that could lead to major fare increases or drastic cuts to subway and bus service, officials warned Thursday. The transit agency, which is still struggling to fix New York's sputtering subway, needs an influx of new funding to avoid serious consequences for subway and bus riders, officials said. Subway and bus fares are expected to rise in March, when the base fare could jump to $3. Without new revenue or significant service cuts, fares might have to rise by an additional 15 percent in the coming years to address the agency's growing deficits. "Until we can get sustainable additional revenue streams, we really have no choice but to look everywhere including to our riders to help us fill those holes," Andy Byford, the subway's leader, said after a budget presentation to the MTA board. The authority's worsening financial picture comes after the abrupt departure of its chairman, Joseph J. Lhota, who resigned this month after Gov. Andrew Cuomo was elected to a third term. Cuomo said during the campaign he wanted to cancel the March fare increase because of poor service. On Thursday, Peter Ajemian, a Cuomo spokesman, reiterated his position: "As the governor has said, there should be no fare increase until riders get the service they deserve." The agency's call for new funding does not include the cost of a plan to modernize the aging subway that could cost $40 billion over 10 years. Cuomo has urged state lawmakers to pay for that plan by approving congestion pricing, a proposal to toll drivers entering the busiest parts of Manhattan. But with the agency's mounting challenges, it is likely other revenue sources will also be needed. The authority appears to be in its worst financial shape in a decade. Facing budget shortfalls after the 2008 recession, major fare increases and service cuts were approved. In 2010, the price of a monthly MetroCard jumped by 17 percent to $104 a month. It is now $121. The agency has raised fares every two years at a relatively modest rate as part of an agreement with the state Legislature. The latest deficits were caused in part by declining ridership, which has led to lower revenue projections, officials said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Officials blamed the drop on competition from Uber and other ride-hailing apps, and on night and weekend closings for construction work needed to fix the system. The authority's board is considering two options for fare increases of about 4 percent in March: The first would keep the base fare at $2.75, but end the bonus for buying a pay-per-ride MetroCard; the second would increase the base fare to $3 and double the bonus to 10 percent. A weekly pass would rise to $33, up from $32. A monthly pass could increase to $127, up from $121. At the same time, tolls on MTA bridges and tunnels could increase by 8 percent for E-ZPass users. At the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge where tolls are collected only when entering Staten Island, the E-ZPass toll could rise to $12.44, up from $11.52, and the toll via mail could increase to $19, up from $17. The board will vote in January about whether to raise fares and tolls in March and by how much. Some transit advocates say the fare increase should be canceled because service is so unreliable. They are urging Cuomo to instead pass a comprehensive transit funding plan in Albany with congestion pricing at its core. "Riders have been paying more every two years for almost a decade," said John Raskin, executive director of the Riders Alliance, an advocacy group. "But in that time, public transit service has deteriorated." COBLESKILL - A Schoharie man was arrested Friday for allegedly sexually abusing a 7-year-old for a year, State Police said. Shane Borst, 51, was charged with a felony for criminal sexual act, a sex abuse felony and a misdemeanor for endangering the welfare of a child, police said. Last week, the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation received a law enforcement referral about a seven-year-old girl, Cobleskill being sexually abused. Police identified Borst as a suspect and arrested him Friday. He was arraigned and jailed. SARATOGA SPRINGS The fight over guns at the city schools continued on Tuesday night with parents once again pressing the board to rearm its grounds monitors and reverse its Oct. 9 split vote to take the monitors' weapons away. "We now need one of you to step up in good conscious and be our hero," said Kara Rosettie, the founder of the group Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools, to the Board of Education at Maple Avenue Middle School. "Help us protect our children and put an end to the senseless vulnerability that is being played out in the name of politics." But will adding more guns to the school environment ensure that children will be protected by what parents fear the most a shooter who aims to carryout mass murder? It is an emotional issue, for people who want guns in the schools and for people who don't. And the answer is unclear. Meanwhile, some researchers found schools that have more emotional and social supports for students have a better chance of avoiding violent incidents than those that rely solely on increased security measures. A July 2018 study from the Congressional Research Service report on armed school resource officers (SROs) said their effectiveness is mixed. Despite the effort to staff schools with armed, active-duty officers, the Congressional report noted that it is unclear if SROs prevent school shootings and could only identify two occasions where an SRO stopped an active school shooter. "The extent to which the presence of an SRO has prevented a school shooting ... is unknown," the report concluded. Regardless, schools nationwide are hardening their campuses. From the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado up through the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, more and more schools employ single-door entries, cameras, bullet proof windows, metal detectors, dogs and the disputed armed guards. Research from the National Center for Education Sciences shows that the percentage of schools with security staff carrying weapons rose from the 2005-06 school year to the 2015-16 school year from 30 to 42 percent. The Congressional Research Service study estimates of those schools, at least one full-time or part-time armed school resource officers is present. Saratoga Springs schools are aligned with schools nationwide with one SRO at the high school. However, arming another category of the district's safety personnel, grounds monitors, became an issue when the district stripped its 14 monitors of their weapons because it was out of compliance with state and federal law. A vote by the board on whether the monitors should be armed was required to meet the laws' requirements. In a 5-4 vote in October, the board ended the 30-year practice of allowing the grounds monitors to carry guns. The city school's security is also aligned with other local districts in Saratoga County that just this year hired SROs with the financial assistance and training from the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. Among the larger districts that hired an armed officer were Shenendehowa and Ballston Spa. Despite the rush to SROs, two university scholars who research school safety and have testified before Congress on school shootings, says that guns do not make schools safer. "We have seen shootings in schools with good security and with armed guards," said Dr. Dewey Cornell of University of Virginia, a professor of education and a clinical psychologist who studies school safety and violence prevention. "The idea that we can make schools safe by having good guys shoot the bad guys is unrealistic. This works in movies, but it is not a reliable strategy. Some security is appropriate, depending on the crime level in the surrounding community. But we are not going to solve this problem by turning our schools into fortresses." Dr. Ron Avi Astor, a University of Southern California professor of social work and education and an expert in school violence and bullying, said parents want armed personnel because it makes them feel better. Yet, he said, it often has the opposite effect on students and school staff. "We have a lot of research on increasing the number of armed people in schools. It shows that long-term it does not make the students or the teachers feel more secure," Astor said. "Over time, it makes students and teachers feel more like they are in a prison-like setting. The research also shows that more guns in schools contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. There are more expulsions, more suspensions." The Congressional study showed the same. "Research findings regarding the effect SROs have on student arrests suggest that the presence of SROs might increase the chances that students are arrested for some low-level offenses such as disorderly conduct," the report read. Astor also said that armed monitors have a greater negative impact on students of color and those from low-income families. While counter-intuitive, he said the safest schools are the softest schools. "The schools need to put more emphasis on integration and knowing how to respond to someone with a mental health issues, suicidal ideation," he said. "There has to be an emphasis on relationship between the teachers, administrators, students and parents. If nothing is done around that, these guards don't mean very much. I know it doesn't make sense, but softer schools reduces vulnerability." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. This is important, he said, because nearly all of the mass shooters are already inside of the school and a school that is in tune with their students knows something about the potential shooter and can stop it before the violence starts. A 2018 State of School Safety report from Safe and Sound Schools, an organization formed by a mother whose child died in the Newtown, Conn. mass shooting, also found that communications between adults and students at the school is essential. "Fostering communications will help bring to light additional vulnerabilities, identify solutions, expedite implementation of safety initiatives and reduce anxiety associated with lack of knowledge," the report read. "We see more positive outcome the more parents are involved with the school." The report also concluded that students need to be part of the solution, which means including them in the formation of all safety plans. The report also found that schools need to broaden threat assessment and the team of experts. "By bringing together experts in mental health and wellness, school resource officers, public safety officials, students, parents and school-based teachers and staff, we can garner greater awareness for what is working and what is not in school safety," the report read. "In addition, we can mitigate and possible prevent safety threats from occurring and likewise decrease the risk of escalation to the point of broader-scale violence and danger." Back in Saratoga Springs schools, Superintendent Michael Patton announced at Tuesday's meeting that he is engaging New York School Insurance Reciprocal to assess the district's security protocols. The review, which Patton said comes at no cost to the school, will be complete by Monday, Dec. 17. They will not be made public for safety reasons. "We want to look at all of the alternatives," Patton said. "We take a more comprehensive approach to the school safety plan... We think we do a great job, but having someone independent of the district, a third party, unbiased, who can come in to look at all the protocols and procedures we have in place and evaluate areas we can improve upon, it's just really good information for us." He also reminded parents that the school has bolstered prevention by devoting resources to more emotional and social supports including social workers and mental health staff. Regardless of what the school decides, perhaps parents might to take some comfort in knowing that school shootings are rare. One study, Prevalence and Offense Characteristics of Multiple Casualty Homicides: Are Schools at Higher Risk than Other Locations?, found that most children are killed at home or on the highway. Schools and religious sanctuaries rank the lowest on the list of places where a child is likely to be killed. However, shootings at schools and religious institutions get the most attention. "We have a false impression that schools are in great danger of shootings, but there are 1,600 shootings outside of schools for every shooting in a school," Cornell said. "Statistically, schools are safer from shootings than homes, restaurants and almost every other location in the community. Approximately one of every 6,000 schools experiences a student homicide at school." Astor said the Saratoga Springs School Board probably made the right decision because having armed grounds monitors who are not active duty police officers "is really not acceptable by any standard. Even if they were prior law enforcement." In Saratoga Springs, only one of the 14 grounds monitors was an active-duty officer. "I applaud the board's bravery," Astor said. "They will be under pressure to change the decision, but the parents clearly don't understand the research. They are increasing the risk and long-term side effects on their kids by hardening when there isn't a need for it." TROY For the second time in five months a special prosecutor has been named to handle a case involving the same female employee in District Attorney Joel E. Abeloves office, according to Rensselaer County Court records and personnel. The latest incident involves a misdemeanor marijuana possession case in Brunswick Town Court in which the employee has a personal relationship with the defendant, Kevin White, according to Abeloves Oct. 30 application for a special prosecutor. The earlier unrelated case occurred in Troy. The defendant is currently in a personal relationship with an employee of the Rensselaer County District Attorneys Office. I respectfully submit that this constitutes a demonstrated conflict of interest that arguably gives rise to actual prejudice towards the defendant, the district attorney wrote. Abelove asked County Judge Jennifer G. Sober to name a special prosecutor to preserve the defendants rights and remove the conflict. Sober on Tuesday appointed Kathryn Conklin-Mabey of the OConnor, OConnor, Bresee & First law firm in Colonie. Conklin-Mabey marks the second time that Sober has selected a special prosecutor to handle a case related to the employee in the district attorneys office. Sources familiar with both cases confirmed Abeloves application was due to the same employee being involved. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Abelove's office declined to comment on the case. In the earlier appointment, the employee filed a criminal complaint against a Lyft driver, who is accused of dropping her off at her Troy home, then entering the residence and forcibly touching her on June 24. John Batchelor, a 39-year-old Albany County resident, was arraigned in Troy City Court on a felony count of second-degree burglary and a misdemeanor count of forcible touching. The case was transferred to county court. The Times Union is withholding the identity of the woman due to the nature of the alleged crime. In that case, Sober appointed Rebecca Bauscher, a former Albany County prosecutor, on July 16 to investigate the alleged incident involving the district attorneys office employee and Batchelor. Shane Hug, the attorney representing Batchelor, previously said an assistant district attorney obtained a grand jury subpoena to get phone records involving his client from Lyft. Hug said he had to demand the appointment of a special prosecutor due to one of Abelove's employees having filed the complaint. Albany Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses surged to an all-time high in New York in 2017, mirroring a recent federal report that also warned the problem will only get worse as ticks spread into new areas. In New York last year, there were 11,866 confirmed cases of four major tick-borne diseases, up 32 percent from the year before, according to annual figures recently released by the state Health Department. Lyme disease accounted for about 80 percent of that total, as the three other main diseases anaplasmosis, basesiosis and ehrlichiosis also continued their steady climbs, state figures showed. This month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a record number of tickborne diseases nationwide in 2017 at 59,349, up 23 percent from the year before. That report warned that such diseases would likely continue to increase, as ticks continue to spread into new areas. Earlier this summer, CDC had warned in a report that the U.S. "is not fully prepared to control these threats. Local and state health departments ... face increasing demands to response to ticks and tickborne diseases. Proven and publicly accepted methods are needed to better prevent tick bites and to control ticks and tickborne diseases." Currently, ticks that carry Lyme can be found in nearly 46 percent of the 3,007 counties in the U.S., according to a report this summer by major national medical organizations including the American College of Physicians, the National Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. Two decades ago, such ticks were found in just 30 percent of these counties. In New York, Lyme cases were reported last year in all 57 upstate counties, which accounted for about 90 percent of all cases, with the rest reported in New York City. And the three lesser known diseases also appear to be continuing their spread into new areas. Last year, anaplamosis was found in 34 upstate counties, up from 22 in 2013. Rensselaer County had the most cases, at 168, followed by Columbia (137), Saratoga (126) and Washington counties (101). During that same period, babesiosis spread from 15 counties to 26, and ehrlichiosis was found in 21 counties, up from 17. In the Capital Region, Rensselaer County has the most cases of babesiosis (43), followed by Albany (16), Saratoga (10) and Schenectady counties (4). Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are two closely related tickborne bacterial diseases spread by the bite of infected ticks. Anaplasmosis is spread to humans by infected blacklegged deer ticks, which can also carry and transmit Lyme disease at the same time. Symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks of infection and can include fever, muscle aches, weakness and headache, as well as confusion, nausea, vomiting and joint pain Ehrlichiosis is spread to humans by infected lone star ticks. Both diseases can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Babesiosis is also transmitted by deer ticks and is caused by parasites. It can cause problems with red blood counts and become severe if left untreated. Since 2010, more than 62,000 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with a tick-related illness, according to state Health Department annual reports. That is nearly equivalent to the population of the city of Schenectady. In response to the continued increase, the state Health Department called the state "a national leader in tick surveillance and in conducting activities to educate people on how to best protect themselves and their families from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. A department spokesman said Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed two new laws, one which requires tick warning signs to be placed at all state parks, and another to create a Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Working Group to "review current best practices for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases." State health officials recommend these steps to reduce the risk: Wear long sleeves and pants, and light colors. Long clothes will protect open skin (particularly if pants are tucked into socks) and light colors allow ticks to be more easily spotted. Wear repellent. The CDC and state Health Department recommend DEET. Once back inside, remove all clothing and place in a dryer for 10 minutes, which kills ticks through high heat. Take a hot shower or bath, and perform a full-body check for ticks. Nymph-stage ticks can be as small as a poppy seed. Have a relative, partner or friend look at your back or other easy-to-miss spots. Pull off ticks. If one has become embedded, use fine-point tweezers to gently pry the tick straight up and out. Do not apply water, soap or anything else that might irritate the tick. If irritated, ticks can salivate, which is the primary way disease is transmitted. Save the detached tick, which can be tested at a lab. Watch for potential symptoms of Lyme and other illnesses, which can include fever, aches and pains, fatigue, as well as bulls-eye rashes and other rashes. CORINTH Troopers are investigating a deadly shooting at a home in the village where a neighbor says a couple was building an addition to the home for their growing family. State Police remained at Eric and Ashley Rosenbrock's home Friday after they were summoned there at 10:30 p.m. Thursday night to investigate the fatal shooting. The State Police would not release any information on the victim. However, Lake George Central School confirmed in a statement Friday that it was the wife of one of its science teachers, Eric Rosenbrock. "Late Thursday night on November 15, 2018, our 7th grade science teacher Mr. Rosenbrock's wife, Ashley, tragically passed away," the statement from Superintendent of Schools Lynne Rutnik and Principal Francis Cocozza read. "A sudden loss like this can have a profound effect on family, friends, colleagues, parents, and students. It is important that we recognize this loss and support each other through this time. We encourage you talk with your children and share your feelings together." Ashley's death shocked neighbor Michael Knapp, who lives across the street from the Rosenbrocks. "You could not ask for a nicer family," Knapp said of the Rosenbrocks, whose family included three young children and a live-in grandmother. "They were just a nice family." On Friday, State Police investigators and evidence technicians were seen going in and out of the home on Raymond Street. The State Police said no more information will be released on Friday and that there is no threat to the public. NewsChannel 13 reported a person was in the police custody, but State Police would not confirm this. Lake George Central School District, where Eric Rosenbrock is also a coach, said it was deploying its crisis team for students and staff to assist in grieving. This is not the first time that the Rosenbrocks experienced a tragic loss. In January 2013, the couple's second child, one-year-old daughter Vivienne Rosenbrock, died of sepsis pneumonia. At the time of her death, Ashley told News Channel 6 that her pediatrician said that the baby would be fine. "Ten hours later, she was gone," Ashley Rosenbrock said in 2014. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. A year later, Ashley asked her Facebook community to do random acts of kindness in her daughter's name. At the time, Ashley told the Post-Star, "It was just a way for me to say, 'Don't focus on what's missing. Live your life to the fullest.'" Vivienne is also memorialized in a scholarship fund at Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School and in a Glitter Run each year in Corinth. Knapp said he learned of the death when his distraught wife ran into their home on Friday morning with the news that Ashley had died. He said he was unaware there were firearms in the home. He also said he didn't hear anything unusual Thursday night and was unaware of any domestic issues. He believed that Ashley sold handbags from the home. Knapp said the Rosenbocks were building an addition onto their house so they could have another bedroom, one for each of their children, two girls and one boy. Knapp said he frequently saw the family playing in the yard with their dog and enjoying themselves. The Rosenbrocks' oldest daughter is a student at Corinth Central School. Superintendent of Schools Mark Stratton said he did not want to comment on her mother's death until more information was released. Washington Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in a meeting on Thursday that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation will proceed, according to a person familiar with the meeting. The meeting with Graham and Whitaker comes as a bipartisan group of senators is pushing legislation to protect Mueller's job. The senators are concerned about Whitaker's past criticism of the Mueller probe, which is looking at Russian interference in the 2016 election and ties to President Donald Trump's campaign. Those concerns were only amplified after Trump appointed Whitaker as acting attorney general last week. Whitaker told Graham the investigation would be allowed to proceed, the person said. The person wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the meeting and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have called for Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. A Justice Department spokeswoman said earlier this week that Whitaker will follow Justice Department protocols and consult with senior ethics officials "on his oversight responsibilities and matters that may warrant recusal." Democrats have also called for the special counsel bill to be added to a year-end spending bill that must pass in December to avoid a partial government shutdown. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The bipartisan legislation, which was introduced more than a year ago, would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing and would put into law existing Justice Department regulations that a special counsel can be fired only for good cause. On Wednesday, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said he will not vote to confirm judicial nominees unless GOP leaders hold a vote on the Mueller protection legislation. Whitaker is now overseeing the Mueller probe, which had previously been overseen by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein told Congress that he saw no reason to fire Mueller. Recently ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself from overseeing Mueller because he had worked on Trump's campaign a decision that infuriated Trump and led to Sessions resigning at the president's request. Trump has repeatedly criticized Mueller and called the investigation a hoax. He tweeted Thursday that the probe is "A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!" [November 15, 2018] Segment Named Among The Fastest Growing Companies in North America on Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Attributes 910 Percent Revenue Growth to Global Demand for Customer Data Infrastructure SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Segment, the customer data infrastructure company, today announced it ranked No.125 on Deloittes Technology Fast 500 , a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Segment grew 910 percent during the measured period from 20142017. Segment CEO and co-founder Peter Reinhardt credits the companys rapid growth to the increasing market shift towards first-party data and the need for businesses to provide connected, seamless experiences for their customers at scale and across every touchpoint. Every company who wants to compete in the digital age needs to focus intensely on improving the customer experience. This is an extremely difficult technology problem, said Reinhardt. Segments customer data infrastructure serves as the backbone for thousands of customer-facing businesses, allowing businesses to provide their customers with the experiences that they expect, anywhere they interact with them. In 2018, Segment scaled its employee headcount to over 300 and earlier this year opened its EMEA headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Segment was also named to Forbes Cloud 100 List for the third consecutive year, and was also honored as one of the 50 Highest Rated Private Cloud Computing Companies To Work For by Glassdoor and Battery Ventures and Business Insiders Top Enterprise Startups to Bet Your Career on in 2018 . Congratulations to the Deloitte 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement, said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth. Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics, said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloittes audit and assurance practice. This years ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth. About Deloittes 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloittes Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Segment Segment provides the customer data infrastructure that businesses use to put their customers first. With Segment, companies can collect, unify, and connect their first-party data to over 200 marketing, analytics, and data warehousing tools. Today, thousands of companies across 71 countries use Segment, from fast-growing businesses such as Atlassian, Bonobos, and Instacart to some of the worlds largest organizations like Levis, Intuit, and Time. Segment enables these companies to achieve a common understanding of their users and make customer-centric decisions. PR Contact: Danielle Stickler, Segment, 415-749-9124 and [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] Logistics Property Co. Enters the Thriving Pacific Northwest Logistics Property Company, LLC (LPC), a logistics real estate platform focused on the acquisition, development and management of state-of-the-art modern logistics properties in key North American markets, today announces it has acquired a 210-gross-acre site for the development of a new 2.5 million square foot industrial park in Pierce County's Frederickson Industrial Area. Located 60 minutes from the Port of Seattle and 25 minutes from the Port of Tacoma, the site offers primary access via the new six lane Canyon Road, as well as easy access to Hwy 512, I-5 and Hwy 167. The SEPA approved site is zoned EC (Employment Center) and offers a wide variety of industrial development opportunities. The state-of-the-art development provides abundant truck trailer storage, ESFR fire protection systems, 36-foot to 40-foot-plus clear height, 56-foot wide private roads for easy truck and automobile maneuvering, direct access from 38th Avenue East and 200th Street East, access to heavy power and rail. "We're excited to enter the Pacific Northwest market with this project," said Dennis Rice, LPC's Executive Vice President - West Region. "There continues to be tremendous growth in the Seattle-Tacoma region. Project tenants will benefit from our flexible building sizes and site layouts in one of the largest industrial development sites in the Puget Sound area." The project, which has been named Frederickson One, is planned as a three-phase development with Phase I expected to start speculative construction in spring 2019 and deliver by spring 2020. Phase I will be 478,142 square feet and Phase II will be 512,000 square feet. Phase III consists of 70 acresfor the development of 1.4 million square feet that provides complete flexibility for potential build-to-suit users. LPC is entertaining RFPs for the project. NELSON, formerly known as Craft Architects, has been selected as the architect. Neil Walter Company's Scott Price and Pacific Rim Real Estate Group, Inc.'s Mike Avila have teamed to lease the project. "It is fulfilling to contribute to the progression of the Frederickson Industrial market," said Scott Price, Industrial Specialist, Neil Walter Company. "Infusing Logistics Property Company's development expertise will result in a first-class distribution park that will solidify Frederickson's presence in the South Sound Industrial Market." "After twenty years of planning and working with several owners, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma and the local community, we've achieved the expansion of fully developed property within Frederickson Industrial Area," said Mike Avila, Principal, Pacific Rim Real Estate Group, Inc. "We're thrilled to be working with Logistics Property Company to continue the economic development of the area." With the addition of the Frederickson project, LPC's acquisition and development properties have an estimated end-value of over $900 million. LPC anticipates closing on properties in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas and the Midwest in the near term, as part of a development pipeline exceeding 20 million square feet. The company is targeting leading industrial markets across the US with strong population demographics and significant in-place infrastructure. Headquartered in Chicago, LPC has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles with office openings slated for Philadelphia, Miami and Seattle. About Logistics Property Co. Logistics Property Company, LLC (LPC) is a logistics real estate platform focused on the acquisition, development and management of state-of-the-art modern logistics properties in key North American markets. The management team of LPC partnered with Macquarie Capital Real Estate Investments (MREI) on the formation of the platform. LPC currently manages properties in key logistics markets including Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Seattle-Tacoma with an estimated end-value of over $900 million. Headquartered in Chicago, LPC has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles with office openings slated for Philadelphia, Miami and Seattle. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115006089/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] Spain - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses LONDON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain's telcos sign more fibre sharing agreements Spain's telecom market is one of the largest in Europe, supported by a population of more than 46 million. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5608437 The poor economic climate which followed the GFC in 2008/9 was exacerbated by high unemployment and reduced disposable income among consumers. A five-year recession, with falling GDP, effectively ended in 2014 when the economy showed a steady return to growth and this has been sustained since then: growing confidence among investors has been palpable since 2015. Revenue from the telecom sector has grown since 2016 in line with the overall economic recovery. The improved business climate should augur well for the sector into 2019. Mobile penetration is on a par with the European average and there remains room for further growth, particularly in the mobile broadband segment which has been supported by continuing investment in infrastructure among operators, with a particular emphasis on 5G. There is effective competition from four MNOs and a growing number of resellers and MVNOs. This competition, together with regulated roaming and mobile termination rates, has driven down the cost of mobile calls. The market has seen considerable changes in recent years, including the acquisition of Yoigo by Masmovil, by which the latter has become a full-service provider. Orange Spain and Vodafone Spain have acquired fixed-line operators in a bid to compete more effectively with Telefonica in bundled service offrings. Masmovil, operating under the Yoigo banner, has also become one of the main FttP providers in the country through its own network infrastructure as well as through network share agreements with Telefonica, Vodafone Spain and Orange Spain. In recent quarters Spain's broadband market has shifted from copper to fibre infrastructure. By mid-2018 fibre accounted for half of all fixed broadband connections. Telefonica continues to invest heavily in fibre infrastructure while its recent access deal with Vodafone Spain has significantly increased the latter's footprint. Vodafone offers a 1Gb/s service across much of its network, while in the cable sector the company has also invested in DOSCIS3.1 technology. This report on the Spanish telecom market provides sector statistics and profiles of the main players, as also an analysis on the main regulatory issues. The report also examines the fixed and wireless broadband markets, noting developments in technologies including fibre and broadband powerline. In addition the report covers statistics and analyses on the mobile voice and data sectors, including an appraisal of regulatory issues and technologies, and the strategies of the major providers in a fiercely competitive market. Key developments: Regulator concludes 3.7GHz spectrum auction; Telefonica joins the 5G Technological Cities project; Orange Spain teams up with Ericsson to trial 5G; Vodafone Spain launches Spain's first NB-IoT network; Vodafone Spain contracts Huawei to upgrade its HFC network with DOCSIS3.1, launches a 1Gb/s broadband service to four million premises; Regulator sets pricing for competitors to access Telefonica's fibre network; Fibre broadband accounting for 50% of all fixed-line broadband connections; Report update includes the regulator's market data updates to June 2018 , telcos' operating and financial data to Q2 2018, recent market developments Companies mentioned in this report: Telefonica (Movistar), Orange Spain, Vodafone Spain, Lebara, Lycamobile, Masmovil, YouMobile, Ono, Jazztel Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5608437 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 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spain---telecoms-mobile-and-broadband---statistics-and-analyses-300751705.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] Azima posts reliability scores for industrial pump manufacturers. BOSTON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Azima, Inc. has released the 2018 edition of its definitive reliability scores for the industrial pumps most commonly deployed around the world today. Azima has ranked not just the world's leading industrial pump brands, but specific models as well. Azima's 2018 Reliability Ratings Report (Industrial Pumps) is the latest installment in an ongoing series of performance ratings published by Azima for various classes of industrial rotating machinery. Azima is a fast-growing high-tech company that maximizes industrial productivity. Azima provides technology-powered, data-driven Predictive Maintenance services to hundreds of leading companies in twelve different industries, all over the world. Azima's pump-reliability rankings are based on data derived from millions of monthly machine-tests conducted by Azima experts using Azima tools and technologies over a 20-year period, on 100,000 unique industrial pumps. In the industrial pump category alone, Azima maintains reliability data on more than 150 different manufacturer brands and 7,000 unique models. Azima's data lake holds decades' worth of machine-test data on the full-range of industrial rotating equipment, including motors, pumps, fans, and rollers. Today's announcement holds special interest for plant managers, reliability engineers and IIoT professionals serving leading global companies in industries like: Aerospace; Automotive; Chemicals; Food & Beverage; Metals & Mining; Oil & Gas; Pharma & Biotech; Pulp & Paper; Power Generation; and Water Treatment. Free copies of Azima's 2018 Ratings Reliability Report (Industrial Pumps) can be obtained by emailing: [email protected] (Subject Line: Industrial Pumps). When releasing the report to the general public, Azima CEO Burt Hurlock announced that CIRCOR International, Inc. earned top scores for industrial pump reliability in 2018. CIRCOR headquartered in Burlington, MA, manufactures flow and motion control products for the world's most severe-service and mission-critical applications from valves to instruments, actuation to pumps, motors to regulators. Hurlock stated: "Machine reliability is a readily-solved information problem, not an inscrutable black box. Azima uses data and algorithms to predict machine failure months and even years in advance. Our data scientists have proven beyond question that CIRCOR has earned its global reputation for quality, reliability, and operational excellence." Ashish Dutta, CIRCOR's Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Product Management, said: "We are delighted with the results published in Azima's 2018 Reliability Ratings Report for industrial pumps." He added: "The CIRCOR family is a collection of reputable brands, delivering highly engineered flow control solutions for critical and severe service applications. Our Imo and Warren pump brands bring over 100 years of quality and innovation in flow excellence. We continue to build on their legacies by innovating every day and serving our customers around the world with reliable fluid handling solutions." IHS Markit is the world's leading source of information, insight and analytics in critical areas that shape the technology ecosystem (www.ihsmarkit.com). According to Joanne Goh, the lead Research Analyst for Electric Motor Systems & Capital Equipment in IHS's Manufacturing Technology Group: "The world market for centrifugal pumps is estimated to have been worth $25.9 billion in 2017 and $26.8B in 2018, representing a growth rate of 3.6% year-on-year. With a strong focus on energy efficient pumping systems, IHS Markit forecasts a further growth surge of 4.8% from 2018 to 2019, thanks to increased prices and strong demand from water infrastructure projects in emerging economies and in the United States. Perhaps more important in the pump industry is the pressing need for condition monitoring. Pumps account for about 30% of motor applications, more than 12 million units shipped annually, and yet only about 5% of motors have the ability to connect with sensors and relay performance data. Many end users are gaining interest in the ability to store pump performance metrics on the Cloud, but only about 1% of industrial centrifugal pumps are utilized in this manner, which we call Industrial Internet of Things. IHS Markit would like to congratulate Azima for the release of its recent report on pump performance ratings. This type of work should raise awareness of a very important range of data and further the ever growing trend of IIoT in an important industry such as the pump market." Azima's 2018 industrial pump report covers pumps produced and sold by the following companies under the following brands: Ampco Pittsburgh (Buffalo Pumps) Bosch Co. (Hagglunds; Rexroth) Carver Pump Co. (Carver) CIRCOR (Imo; Warren Pumps) Eaton (Vickers) Flowserve (Durco; Ingersoll Dresser ; Worthington ) Grundfos (Grundfos) Howden (Buffalo Forge) IRON Pump (IRON Pump) ITT Inc. (Goulds) Leistritz (Leistritz) Parker Hannifin (Denison) Pentair (Aurora) Roper Technologies (Roper) SunSource (EMI) Tetra Laval (DeLaval) Wartsila (Hamworthy) Azima provides the most comprehensive, trustworthy, and up-to-date machine reliability data available in the world today. Leading global companies use Azima reliability data and algorithms to: Evaluate and select specific vendors Document vendor due diligence Quantify Reliability & Maintenance risk at the machine-, plant- and enterprise-levels Triage large numbers of machines Identify high-risk machines for closer inspection Measure, manage & mitigate Reliability & Maintenance risk over the long-term Additional information about Azima data solutions is available upon request. About Azima, Inc. Azima maximizes industrial productivity on a global scale. When our clients have capacity, they can sell it. They're serious about uptime, and rely on Azima to maximize it. Azima delivers programs & results, not parts & pieces. We combine the efficiency of algorithms, the accuracy of data, and the judgment of experts. Azima gets results, and we do it at scale. No one maximizes industrial productivity in more industries and places than Azima. We cover 100,000 assets in dozens of countries, on every inhabited continent. We even handle stuff on the oceans. Azima is headquartered in Boston, with locations and experts across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.AzimaGlobal.com. Richard Cellini Chief Data Officer Office: 781-938-0707 x1035 [email protected] www.AzimaGlobal.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/azima-posts-reliability-scores-for-industrial-pump-manufacturers-300751827.html SOURCE Azima, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] Cedrus Investments Hosted Life Sciences Forum and Dinner SHANGHAI, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedrus Investments ("Cedrus"), a global boutique investment firm, hosted its Life Sciences Forum and Dinner event on Thursday, 15th November 2018 in Shanghai at the St. Regis Shanghai Jing'an Hotel. Mr. Randy Hice, Cedrus' Chief Technical Officer and Member of the Life Sciences Advisory Board, shared with institutional investors, venture capitalists, and company executives his insights on "Revolutionary Trends in Biotechnology". Mr. Hice is recognized globally as a leading authority in laboratory informatics and the most published author worldwide on topics related to complex laboratory automation and workflow analysis. His prior positions included the CEO of Laboratory Expertise Center, Inc. and Manager of Global Strategy at Abbott Informatics, a division of Abbott Laboratories. This is the third year that Cedrus held a life sciences event in China after having success in the past two years in hosting a series of forums in Shanghai and Beijing, which brought together industry leaders and investors in the life sciences ecosystem and resulted in business initiatives, investment and collaboration opportunities. <>The event was well received with lively discussions in the Q&A session following Mr. Hice's speech. Attendees welcomed this opportunity to network, understand the very latest developments in the biotechnology industry and exchange thoughts with industry elites on matters like investment trends and how rapidly science, technology and innovation are growing in China. Mr. Randy Hice said, "Thanks to this great opportunity, I am able to keep on sharing with Chinese industry leaders the latest trends and cutting-edge technologies in biotechnology such as Checkpoint Inhibitors, Gene Editing, CAR-T therapy and Artificial Intelligence, all of which have become the increasingly heated topics among members in the international research community. It is very inspiring to witness the vigorous growth from Chinese life sciences investors and companies in recent years." Cedrus' Chairman Mr. Rani Jarkas said, "Cedrus is among the leading advisors and experts globally and a longtime investor in life sciences and innovative technologies, having unparalleled in-house experts and advisory board consisting of world-renowned physicians, medical doctors and scientists with unique expertise. As life sciences has long been our most important strategic focus particularly in the Greater China region, this event demonstrates Cedrus' continued commitment to establishing a unique and multi-dimensional framework worldwide for our valuable global clientele and business partners such that it facilitates both inbound and outbound cross-border investments and transactions for China and other geographical regions." About Cedrus Investments Cedrus Investments is a global boutique investment firm that offers expertise in private wealth management, asset management and financial advisory services to a clientele of leading institutional investors, corporations, family offices and high net worth individuals around the world. For further information about Cedrus Investments, please visit www.cedrusinvestments.com. Media Enquiry: Cedrus Investments Ltd. Amy Sin +852-3519-2828 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150930/8521506461LOGO SOURCE Cedrus Investments [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] Alipay Teams with NUS Enterprise to Launch Social Innovation Challenge Alipay, the world's largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group ("Ant Financial"), and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore ("NUS"), today announced the launch of a new initiative to support digital technology innovation throughout Southeast Asia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115005418/en/ The Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge aims to identify and support the growth of start-ups in Southeast Asia that are using digital technology to build a more inclusive society. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, enabling low-income groups to gain access to better educational opportunities, supporting elderly individuals leverage digital technologies to enhance their lifestyle, and helping people with disabilities through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. "Since Alipay's inception in 2004, we have been dedicated to using digital technology to bring equal opportunities to the world. In particular, we want to make financial services simple, low-cost and accessible to the many, rather than the few. While the impact of one company may be limited, an ecosystem of partners who stand behind the same vision will be able to achieve much more. We look forward to working with our new partner NUS Enterprise, to identify and support the growth of the most innovative start-ups in Southeast Asia. It is exciting for us to be involved with teams creating lasting impact for their communities and addressing real world problems, such as aging, poverty and lack of access to development opportunities," said Geoff JIANG, Vice President, General Manager of Technology and Business Innovation Group at Ant Financial. "We are delighted to partner with Ant Financial and Alipay in this worthy initiative, to seek out the most innovative start-ups involved in developing digital technologies that will build a more inclusive society and a better world for everyone. NUS Enterprise will help these innovators scale their efforts and maximise social impact, through our strong support ecosystem and extensive entrepreneurial networks, which include mentors, impact investors, corporate CSR (News - Alert) teams, capacity builders and community partners," said Professor Wong Poh Kam, Senior Director, NUS Entrepreneurship Centre, a division of NUS Enterprise. The inaugural Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge will take place in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Applicants can participate by registering online at www.alipaynusseachallenge.com. Applications will close in January 2019. The first round of judging will determine the top three winners within each country, who will each receive a cash prize of SGD $10,000. The nine finalists will compete for the top cash prize of SGD $50,000 in the grand finale, to be held in Singapore in March 2019. The winning teams will not only receive financial rewards to invest toward increasing their social impact, but also receive support to accelerate their growth through networks, mentorship and partnership opportunities with Ant Financial, NUS and othr partners in the ecosystem. Top teams will also receive three-month incubation support by NUS Enterprise, as well as access to its BLOCK71 community and co-working space in Singapore, Bandung, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Suzhou and San Francisco. A series of workshops and roadshows will be held in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to build awareness of the challenge, encourage applications and support further growth for the participating teams. Alipay and NUS Enterprise will offer direct access to experts from different parts of the business, alongside other social entrepreneurs and established innovators, who will share their expertise and experiences. In addition, the winners will become eligible for the 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion programme jointly provided by International Financial Corporation ("IFC"), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay. The comprehensive training programme will support the cultivation of 1,000 technology experts in emerging markets from both public and private sectors over the next 10 years. There will also be potential opportunities to work with Ant Financial and Alipay on CSR initiatives. This latest initiative builds on the work and strategic partnerships that Ant Financial has been carrying out in Southeast Asia. Ant Financial has been sharing its technology capabilities with strategic e-wallet partners such as TrueMoney in Thailand, DANA in Indonesia, GCash in the Philippines and Touch 'n Go in Malaysia, to enable them to innovate and better service their customers. "The Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge brings together the entrepreneurs, technologists, innovators, educators, investors, mentors and change-makers who are all passionate about building a more inclusive society. It is through such collaborative efforts that we can maximise the benefits of digital technologies, and create a better world for everyone," said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye. About Ant Financial Ant Financial Services Group is dedicated to using technology to bring the world equal opportunities. Our technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, security, Internet of Things and computing, empower us and our ecosystem partners to serve the unbanked and underbanked, bringing more secure, transparent, cost-effective and inclusive financial services to individuals and SMEs worldwide. Ant Financial has formed international partnerships with global strategic partners to serve local users in those markets, and we serve Chinese travelers overseas by connecting Alipay with online and offline merchants in popular destinations. Brands under Ant Financial Services Group include Alipay, Ant Fortune, Zhima Credit, MYbank and Ant Financial Cloud. For more information on Ant Financial, please visit our website at www.antfin.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @AntFinancial. About Alipay Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world's largest mobile and online payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently works with over 200 domestic financial institution partners. Over the years, Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills, make appointments with doctors, or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Alipay's in-store payment service covers over 40 countries and regions across the world, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 29 countries and regions. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites. Alipay currently supports 27 currencies. About National University of Singapore (NUS) The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 17 faculties across three campuses in Singapore, as well as 11 NUS Overseas Colleges across the world. Close to 40,000 students from 100 countries enrich our vibrant and diverse campus community. Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, 29 university-level research institutes, research centres of excellence and corporate labs focus on themes that include energy, environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases common among Asians; active ageing; advanced materials; as well as risk management and resilience of financial systems. Our latest research focus is on the use of data science, operations research and cybersecurity to support Singapore's Smart Nation initiative. For more information on NUS, please visit www.nus.edu.sg. About NUS Enterprise NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at NUS and beyond. It actively promotes entrepreneurship and cultivates global mind-sets and talents through the synergies of experiential entrepreneurial education, active industry partnerships, holistic entrepreneurship support and catalytic entrepreneurship outreach. Its initiatives and global connections support a range of entrepreneurial journeys and foster ecosystem building in new markets. These initiatives augment and complement the University's academic programmes and act as a unique bridge to industry well beyond Singapore's shores. For more information, please visit www.enterprise.nus.edu.sg View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115005418/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2018] OneSignal Hits New Milestone With Election News SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OneSignal, a leading customer engagement platform, set a new throughput record with their push notification service, delivering 850,000+ notifications per second - more than twice the competition. OneSignal sends 4 billion push notifications per day, up 25% since September. OneSignal is used by 550,000+ developers and marketing teams including many Fortune 500 companies. On election day, push notifications played a critical role in determining where Americans got their news. A Neiman study showed that users who receive notifications are twice as engaged as compared to a control group. Top news sites began adopting push notifications when Apple introduced them in 2009. Today, over half of U.S. smartphone users get news via push notifications. OneSignal powers notifications for top news outlets in te U.S. and internationally. Over 150 million people get their news via OneSignal's push notifications. "News outlets require speed and reliability to deliver 'Breaking News,'" explained OneSignal's CRO, Josh Wetzel. "The leaders in news are finding the best option is OneSignal." OneSignal's Superior Infrastructure OneSignal set a new throughput record using bleeding-edge hardware, a custom delivery engine and a highly optimized network infrastructure. "OneSignal is a technology company at its core," says George Deglin, OneSignal's CEO. "Our deep understanding and passion for building software and hardware enable us to provide unmatched speed, customization and reliability." NVMe SSDs Hardware. OneSignal's dedicated database servers leverage NVMe SSDs, which provide read speeds of 5GB/second and 1,000,000 4k IOPS. The hardware makes OneSignal 500% faster than systems using traditional SSDs. Rust Programming Language. OneSignal's notification delivery stack is written in Rust, a blazingly fast systems programming language. Rust is designed to guarantee thread safety and prevent segfaults - this means OneSignal can ensure reliability for even the most demanding workloads. Lightspeed Notification Delivery. For clients where delivery speed is mission-critical, OneSignal built Lightspeed technology. Notification delivery is parallelized across 32 threads and sent using an optimized network stack and hardware that is provisioned to handle high bursts of notification traffic. OneSignal aims to power the world's messages. The company was founded in 2014 by Y Combinator alums George Deglin and Long Vo. OneSignal is venture-backed by SignalFire and Rakuten Capital. The company is based in San Mateo - onesignal.com/careers. Media Contact: [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onesignal-hits-new-milestone-with-election-news-300751894.html SOURCE OneSignal Inc. Mitsubishi Electric-Built Es'hail-2 Comms Satellite Launches Successfully Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that the Es'hail-2 communications satellite built by the company launched successfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA at 5:46 a.m. on November 16 (Japan time). The satellite separated from the launch vehicle without incident at 6:18 a.m. Following completion of in-orbit tests, the satellite is scheduled to be delivered to Doha-based Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat) in January 2019. Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) is the first Japanese satellite manufacturer to enter the Arab commercial communications satellite market. With a more than 16-year design life, Es'hail-2 satellite will offer direct broadcasting services throughout the Middle Eas and North Africa of television stations. From the orbital position at 26 degrees east longitude, its Ku-band and Ka-band capabilities will also provide government communication services. Moreover, Es'hail-2 will provide the world's first geostationary amateur radio service. Mitsubishi Electric is a leading manufacturer contributing to space research and development, having participated in the production of more than 500 Japanese and international satellites as the prime contractor or a major subcontractor. Mitsubishi Electric also delivered the ground systems and training services in order to provide Es'hailSat a full turnkey solution. About Standard Satellite Platform DS2000 The satellite is built on Mitsubishi Electric's DS2000 satellite bus platform, a fully proven modular platform with the flexibility to handle a broad range of payload applications. As the sixteenth member of the DS2000 family of satellites, the Es'hail-2 will further demonstrate the platform's well-established reputation for highly reliable in-orbit performance. Going forward, the company will aim to further expand its space systems business based on its proven track record of reliable and quality systems. For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115006129/en/ [November 16, 2018] Oxane Partners Expands Client Footprint in the US; Signs Four Clients NEW YORK and LONDON, November 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxane Partners, a technology-driven solutions provider to the alternative investments industry, today announced signing long term engagements with four New York based firms in the last six months, strengthening its foothold in the US market. The new clientele, all credit focussed investment firms with interests in real estate, specialty finance and alternative lending would be leveraging Oxane's portfolio management, reporting and analytics solutions. The common theme, across the newly added clients, was the challenge in managing the growing volume of unstructured data and to consolidate, standardize, process and analyse it for efficient portfolio management. The firms were saddled with increasing complexity as their portfolios outgrew traditional tools like Excel and wanted a robust solution to support their growth. The London headquartered firm has witnessed a strong traction from US based firms in the last twelve months. In November last year, an opportunistic hedge fund signed up Oxane as an operating partner to support its European ivestment operations. This was followed up by four contracts this year in quick succession. In each of the engagements, investment managers opted for Oxane's solutions as it presented a perfect combination of domain expertise complemented by a technology backbone enabling them to streamline processes, automate reporting and leverage their data to stay ahead of the competition. "It has been a good year for us and we are pleased with further consolidating our position across both sides of the Atlantic. As the alternatives industry is getting more complex, use of technology-driven solutions to analyze and manage investments is becoming imperative. With our depth of domain expertise and complementary technology, we are uniquely positioned to fulfil this need. Having helped clients in Europe and Asia better manage and grow their assets under management while uncovering powerful insights, we look forward to accomplishing the same for our clients in the US.", commented Vishal Soni, managing director and co-founder of Oxane Partners. About Oxane Partners Oxane Partners is a technology-driven solutions provider to the Alternative Investments Industry. We support investment teams through all the phases of a deal including pre-screening, investment analysis, portfolio monitoring and reporting. By unifying our domain expertise with our proprietary technology platforms, we assist our clients become more agile and outperform the competition. Oxane Partners has supported more than 65 investment firms including private equity firms, hedge funds and investment banks of varying sizes across the globe. Founded in 2013 by former credit traders from Deutsche Bank, Oxane Partners has grown to a team of more than 80 highly skilled financial analysts and technology experts. Oxane Partners is headquartered in London, United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has an additional office in India. For more information, please visit: http://www.oxanepartners.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] ParkMobile Named to Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 for the Second Year in a Row ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions, today announced it was once again named to Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a list of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. ParkMoblie grew 203% during a three-year period to qualify for the Fast 500. ParkMobile's CEO, Jon Ziglar credits the rapid expansion of ParkMobile into cities across North America for the company's 203% revenue growth. "This is a transformative time at ParkMobile," said Ziglar. "We are seeing record growth in users and parking transactions as people everywhere are discovering a smarter way to park. Today, nearly 1 in 20 drivers in the U.S. have the ParkMobile app on their phone, so we expect this strong momentum to continue in 2019 and beyond." ParkMobile's inclusion on the Fast 500 list comes toward the end of a successful year that saw the company hit the 10 million user milestone and expand service in several major cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Alexandria, Santa Fe, Tampa and Berkeley. The company also recently became the exclusive parking provider for State Farm Arena in Atlanta and FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. "Congratulations to ParkMobile and the other Deloitte 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement," said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. "These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth." "Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics," said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloitte's audit and assurance practice. "This year's ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth." About ParkMobile ParkMobile, LLC is the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in North America, helping millions of people easily find and pay for parking on their mobile device. The company's technology is used in over 3,000 locations across the country, including 7 of the top 10 cities as well as college campuses, airports and stadiums. People can use ParkMobile solutions to quickly pay for on- and off-street parking without having to use a meter or kiosk. Additionally, ParkMobile offers parking reservations at stadium venues for concerts and sporting events. Reservations are also available in metro area garages, allowing people to drive into the city without having to worry about finding parking. ParkMobile has been named to the Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500, ACG Georgia Fast 40 and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Pacesetter list. Additionally, the company won 2018 Stevie Awards for Most Innovative Tech Company and Best Integrated Mobile Experience. For more information, visit ParkMobile.io or @ParkMobile on Twitter. About Deloitte's 2018 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parkmobile-named-to-deloittes-technology-fast-500-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-300751828.html SOURCE ParkMobile, LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] Sigfox's Inaugural Hacking House Unveils New IoT Solution Designs Sigfox, the global Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity provider, hosted a final pitch event in the San Francisco Bay Area on Nov. 15 in which participants of Sigfox's inaugural Hacking House program, hosted at 42 Silicon Valley, presented three IoT solutions to real-world problems to mentors and technologists. Sigfox's first-ever Hacking House program drew 12 participants - including students, developers and freelancers from around the globe - who underwent intensive IoT and Sigfox technology training over the course of three months. Applying their IoT knowledge and working in collaboration with Sigfox project managers, device makers and startup executives, participants operated in project teams to create three IoT solutions to some of today's most pressing technological, environmental and business problems using Low Power Wide Area connectivity. The IoT solutions developed and presented for the first time at the Hacking House final pitch event include: Connected Seals - designed to create accountability within container shipping, this solution alerts companies engaged in import and export activity when container seals are removed. In contrast to competitive solutions, this application delivers the information needed in a simple, cost-effective and recyclable way. - designed to create accountability within container shipping, this solution alerts companies engaged in import and export activity when container seals are removed. In contrast to competitive solutions, this application delivers the information needed in a simple, cost-effective and recyclable way. Lali Wildfire Detection - created in response to California's recent wildfires, this application identifies and alerts firefighters when and where a fire starts, providing them with the information needed to quickly reach and contain the fire before causing widespread damage. - created in response to California's recent wildfires, this application identifies and alerts firefighters when and where a fire starts, providing them with the information needed to quickly reach and contain the fire before causing widespread damage. 42 Robolab - to help retailers deliver top-notch customer experiences in an ecommerce-dominated world, this application powers a connected shelf that tracks inventory in real-time, providing data on top-performing products enabling retailers to intelligently manage orders. Based on disruptive and feasibility criterias, the panel of judges - which included Ethan Haigh from HAX, Tim Robinson from IBM (News - Alert), Geraldine Le Meur from The Refiners and Raouti Chehih from Sigfox, as well as experts from vertical industrie spanning retail, logistics and forest protection - evaluated teams on their abilities to deliver a product or a service to targeted industries. Every team will benefit from a post-program follow-up as an alumni of the Hacking House program. The three teams will also receive full support from Sigfox to continue their projects as startups or individual projects. This includes support from Sigfox's network of incubators, accelerators, VCs and investors, to help teams transform their ideas into real products and services. A special mention was given to the Connected Seal team for their commitment and diligence throughout the development process of their project, and for the quality of the results obtained in such a short period of time. "I could very easily define this experience as a key personal and professional point in my life. Before I came, I had the concern that my skills weren't relevant enough for the job to be done. Turns out, without having any coding or programming skills, I can still be a vital member of the team. It was a challenging experience. We needed to hack problems with the least resources. If we were lacking a certain skill, one of us had to learn the skill, if we were lacking a contact, one of us had to make and build the relationships. In our team, our differences complemented each other, that helped us to get a lot more work done," said Alberto Mannil from the Connected Seal team. The teams will be offered opportunities within Sigfox and its ecosystem (Sigfox Corporation, Sigfox Operators in countries or startups, SMEs or larger companies of the largest global IOT ecosystem). "When time, budget and resources are limited, you need to step away from the traditional design and fabrication methods. It is now that you must force yourself to dare to think differently and 'out of the box.' I have found that the best way to get appropriate dynamic solutions is through crafting a unique and diverse team. A variety of cultures and view points seem, at least to me, to yield the best results, and the Hacking House program provides just such opportunities," added Ashley Dara Dotz, co-Founder at Field Ready and mentor at the Hacking House. "The potential for IoT knows no borders," said Raouti Chehih, chief adoption officer, Sigfox. "Adoption, on the other hand, has historically been limited by device cost, battery consumption and solution scalability. Sigfox technology overcomes these barriers, enabling solutions to real world problems. We educate tomorrow's IoT innovators on our technology and we demonstrate what can be achieved with low power wide area IoT connectivity. We also had the chance to be supported by 42 Silicon Valley and its CEO, Kwame Yamgnane, who brought its expertise in education and entrepreneurship, it was a real chance to build this new concept with their full support." While the inaugural Hacking House has commenced, Sigfox is accepting applications for the next Hacking House season in the San Francisco Bay area and an additional Hacking House in Taipei, both opening in Q1 2019. Candidates interested in participating in the next season can apply here on or before January 11, 2019. "We are looking for real dreamers and problem solvers," added Moojan Asghari, Hacking House manager Sigfox. "Our mission is to provide an environment for these young talents to help them explore their potentials. It is crucial to have a team that learns from each other's experiences and whom together move the goal post." The Hacking House program is made possible through partnerships with 42 Silicon Valley, host of the inaugural Hacking House, and VANTIQ, Sigfox's premiere application platform provider. About Sigfox Sigfox is the world's leading IoT service provider thanks to its global network that connects billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible. Sigfox's unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability. Today, the network is present in 53 countries and on track to cover 60 by 2018. With millions of objects connected and a rapidly growing partner ecosystem, Sigfox empowers companies to move their business model towards more digital services. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in Labege near Toulouse, France's "IoT Valley." Sigfox also has offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Dubai, Singapore, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005022/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] Partnership Grant to Help Businesses Upgrade Building Facades For Main Street Greenwood, the timing of an $8,000 Partnership Grant Program (PGP (News - Alert)) award couldn't have been better. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005308/en/ An $8,000 Partnership Grant Program award from Bank of Commerce and FHLB Dallas will help fund facade grants to local businesses in downtown Greenwood, Mississippi. (Photo: Business Wire) "We were out of money in our general operating account until we received the grant," said Brantley Snipes, executive director of the nonprofit. "I was looking at taking a pay cut, cutting office hours and reducing our outreach before the PGP grant came through. FHLB Dallas and the Bank of Commerce kept us afloat." Main Street Greenwood, whose main purpose is to support downtown Greenwood, will use the funding for administration expenses and to fund facade grants to local businesses, said Ms. Snipes. Local dignitaries joined representatives from Bank of Commerce and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) at a ceremonial check presentation yesterday to announce the PGP funds. PGP funding came at critical time for the organization, Ms. Snipes said, since the county cut funding this year, and the organization faced untenable decisions. Main Street Greenwood also receives funds from the City of Greenwood and from membership fees, but essentially operates on a shoestring budget, she said. Bank of Commerce CFO Zach Luke said the bank has seen the progress Main Street Greenwood has made since its 1995 founding in preserving and restoring the city's historic business district. Since that time, the organization has funded an average of two facade renovations every year while providing other services to help businesses prosper, including sponsoring events that promote downtown. "We strongly support the mission of Main Street Greenwood, and we were happy to facilitate the PGP funding that allowed the organization to continue its work without interruptions or reduced services," Mr. Luke said. FHLB Dallas has awarded $300,000 in PGP funds this year through 31 member institutions to assist 32 community-based organizations. Combined with the $114,010 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $414,010 has been awarded to the organizations. "Bank of Commerce has roots that run deep in Greenwood and has seen the progress that Main Street Greenwood has made over its 23-year history in preserving and improving the city's small business climate," said Melanie Dill, community and economic development product manager at FHLB Dallas. "It's been a pleasure for FHLB Dallas to partner with Bank of Commerce to continue Main Street Greenwood's important mission." About Bank of Commerce Bank of Commerce was established in July 1904 and is now a $450 million commercial bank serving Greenwood, Charleston, Oxford, Starkville, and Columbus, Mississippi. After more than 100 years of steady service, the Bank of Commerce is still opening new financial doors offering options that make banking as convenient as possible for our customers. Learn more here: bankcom.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005308/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] IT and Cybersecurity Expert Sean Kelley Joins Unissant as EVP, IT/Dev Operations HERNDON, Va., Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sean Kelley, a senior executive, public speaker and radio personality with over 20 years of IT experience in the federal and private sector, has joined Unissant as the Executive Vice President, IT/Dev Operations. Were very excited to have Sean join us, says Unissant President Ken Bonner. His experience in information technology, cybersecurity and developing strategic relationships to achieve business goals is going to further fuel the growth at Unissant. He is going to be a valuable addition to our executive management and will fit in tremendously well with the rest of the executive team. Prior to joining the Federal Government in 2012 where he served as a member of the Senior Executives Services as Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Veteran Affairs and Chief Information Security Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, Sean held positions as an Independent Consultant with numerous Healthcare IT companies. Sean served in a variety of key IT positions within Navy Medicine, including the CIO for the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Comfort during Disaster Relief for the Haitian Earthquake, the CIO for Navy Medicine Corporate Headquarters, the Director for the Navy Medicine Enterprise IT Program Management Office and as an IT Maager for the Attending Physician to Congress (OAP), before retiring in 2011. Mr. Kelley has taught cybersecurity at the Masters and Bachelors Degree levels and was an SANS Institute On-Demand Instructor and course author. He was also President of the Government Information Technology Executive Council (GITEC). CapEx Investments in GITEC Platforms and infrastructure and aggressive sale goals resulted in 130% increase in revenue during his tenure. Mr. Kelley has a B.S. in Healthcare Management, an M.A. in Computer Resource and Information Management, and an M.S. in Information Technology Management with a focus in networking and information assurance. He studied at the Naval Postgraduate Schools Center for Information Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR) and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). In addition to being a contributing author for the Computer Security Handbook in Security Policy and the VAs Cybersecurity Strategy White Paper for the White House and Congress, he is also the host of Cyber Chat on federalnewsradio.com and is a 2018 FedHealthIT 100 awardee. About Unissant Inc. Unissant is an advanced data analytics and business transformation services provider with expertise in healthcare and health IT, finance, national security, and energy. The company delivers innovative solutions to assist government agencies and private sector businesses in tackling their biggest challenges. Founded in 2006, Unissant is a prime contractor on various government vehicles such as CIO-SP3, GSA PSS, GSA HealthIT SIN, and GSA 8(a) STARS II and is a CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001 & 27001 certified company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia with a satellite office in San Antonio, Texas. In March 2017, Unissant received the Government Project of the Year award by Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum (SECAF). Contact: John Meagher [email protected] 1 703-889-8500 135 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] Green funding supports clean and cost-effective municipal infrastructure in Alberta WAINWRIGHT, AB, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in green infrastructure helps communities reduce their carbon footprint and increase their resilience to climate change. It also helps safeguard public health, protect the environment and create a clean-growth economy. Today, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President announced more than $5.7 million for green infrastructure in the Town of Wainwright. Funding for this project is provided by the Government of Canada through the Green Municipal Fund and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This investment will go towards a series of wetland system measures to help the Town of Wainwright better manage and treat the storm water being released into the environment. The new infrastructure will improve drainage and divert the majority of the storm water to a new lagoon called the Gold Quarter Pond. This will reduce the flow of storm water into Bushy Head Lake, which already collects effluent from a neighbouring wastewater lagoon, improving the quality of run-off going into Battle River. This project will combine more efficient operations with a better treatment process to bring residents cleaner waterways and promote sustainable community and economic development. Quotes "The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to support green infrastructure projects that help build healthier cleaner communities. This important project will help the Town of Wainwright reduce its impact on the environment and maintain a high quality of life for residets now and well into the future." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities "We are proud to support green infrastructure projects like the one in the Town of Wainwright that are advancing innovative solutions to environmental challenges while creating good paying jobs. Together, governments of all levels and communities of all sizes are creating a more sustainable energy future for generations to come." The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources "Today's announcement highlights how municipal leaders understand both the needs on the ground and local solutions that work. They are innovating to build more sustainable, resilient and livable communities. Thanks to our partnership with the Government of Canada, our programs support local solutions with national impact, contributing to infrastructure renewal and our transition to a low-carbon economy." Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President Related product Backgrounder Quick facts The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a $625-million program to support innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Projects funded under the program improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities. Through GMF, municipalities share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes across Canada . GMF is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada . program to support innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Projects funded under the program improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities. Through GMF, municipalities share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes across . GMF is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of . Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. plan, the Government of will invest more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. $26.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Associated links Green Municipal Fund FCM Funding Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2018] Appellate Court Orders SoCalGas & LA County District Attorney to Explain Why They Settled Criminal Matter Without Restitution for Porter Ranch Gas Blowout Victims The California Court of Appeal Second District has ordered Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to show cause as to why the Aliso Canyon Gas Well Blowout Victims should be deprived of their constitutional rights -- putting a spotlight and calling into question a hasty plea deal between the parties that denied criminal restitution to the victims of the single, worst natural gas well blowout in U.S. history. Under Marsy's Law, victims of crime in California have a right to be paid for damages before any government agency, but that hasn't been the case for the thousands of victims affected by the criminal misconduct of SoCalGas. A September 2016 plea agreement between the LADA's Office and the utility company hobbled the victims ability to seek restitution by allowing SoCalGas to pay a $75,000 fine and enter a no contest plea to one misdemeanor charge of failing to timely report the release of hazardous materials from the Aliso Canyon Gas Storage Facility. The agreement was reached without the victims' attorneys being present and did not require the utility to make restitution to any person for economic loss, including businesses -- a violation of the Victim's Bill of Rights. "The order issued by the Court of Appeal will allow the voices of the victims to be heard, something they weren't afforded by SoCalGas or the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office when they struck their plea deal and denied our clients their constitutional right. Thousands of residents suffered the consequence of SoCalGas' criminal negligence. Restitution for their damages should be the first priority of the People under California law." ~ Brian Panish, Plaintiffs Co-Lead Trial Counsel Attorneys for the victims took the matter up to the California Court of Appeal after the Appellate Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court upheld the plea agreement and accepted SoCalGas' and the LADA's Office argument that there was no causal link between SoCalGas' criminal conduct and the economic losses and damages suffered by the victims. Plaintiff's Attorneys sought to answer important questions of criminal law, including whether a crime victim has a constitutional right to priority in payment of economic losses - a request that was also denied by the appellant panel. "Now, SoCalGas, the LA District Attorney's Office and the Attorney General's Office will have to justify why victims must wait to recover their out-of-pocket losses when the State's constitution says otherwise. If victims are stripped of their constitutional rights, regulatory agencies, city and county attorneys and State Attorney General's attorneys will get paid before the victims. Does that sound right?" ~ R. Rex Parris, Plaintiffs Steering Committee The Appellate Court has set a deadline of December 17 by which both SoCalGas and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office must respond to the court order, with attorneys for the victims replying by January 18, after which the Court will set a date to hear oral arguments from all parties and issue a written opinion based on the merits. "While I know the fight isn't over, this decision gives me hope that the justice system will finally work for the people instead of against them." ~ Demetrius Crump, victim of SoCalGas criminal misconduct Demetrius Crump, et al v. Superior Court of the State of California Los Angeles Court of Appeal of the State of California, Second Appellate District, Division Eight Case No. B292786 About Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Panish Shea & Boyle LLP represents plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury, product liability, mass torts, and business litigation cases. Firm attorneys serve in leadership roles in some of the largest personal injury cases against utility companies in the state including Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E (News - Alert)), and Southern California Gas Company, and dedicate themselves to obtaining justice for clients who are dealing with a life-altering injury, death of a family member or other challenges caused by the wrongful act of another. The firm is consistently ranked among the best plaintiff's law firms in the country, including by U.S. News & World Report, where it's recognized as a Tier One law firm in the areas of Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation, and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions as well as by the National Law Journal which named the firm in its Elite Trial Lawyers list. psblaw.com About PARRIS Law Firm PARRIS Law Firm, a Los Angeles County-based business, has devoted the past 33 years to helping families who have been victims of catastrophic injuries as a result of someone else's careless actions. PARRIS Law Firm has secured numerous multi-million dollar victories, including a record-breaking defamation jury verdict in Los Angeles for $370 million, a $135 million wage-and-hour class action settlement, a $57 million verdict for brothers involved in a head-on collision with a big-rig truck, and a $42 million verdict for a man who was severely injured in a horrific T-bone collision. Widely recognized as one of America's top Personal Injury, Employment, and Environmental law firms, PARRIS Law Firm has the proven track record necessary to help families in need. www.parrislawyers.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181116005524/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] You are looking at the Galaxy S10, according to the most reliable Samsung expert and futurologist, the mysterious leaker that has a cat avatar and goes by the pseudonym Ice Universe. (Image credit: Ice Universe) The cosmic feline posted these images in a tweet earlier tonight, which has since been removed. Its still not clear if the Samsung Galaxy S10 will have its hole punched on the top right or left corner. In an earlier tweet, the Ice Universe pointed out that Infinity-O is going to be the display used in the next flagship from the Korean company. On November 9, Ice Universe pointed out that the camera under the display was not a possibility yet. The hidden camera technology under the screen is immature, and there is not enough light to reach the camera through the screen, he said on Twitter. The photos taken by the current camera are very blurred. This technology will not be realized until 2020. MORE: Best Black Friday Deals So Far Later, the galactic cat pointed out that none of the renders that we have seen so far are accurate. And now, he posted this, claiming this is the Galaxy S10 only to delete the images shortly thereafter: (Image credit: Ice Universe) A notchless Samsung phone was first spotted in the One UI update coming soon to the Samsung Galaxy S9. This illustration, however, doesnt have the hole in the display. We know that the international version of the Galaxy S10 will have the Exynos 9820 (Samsung has an agreement with Qualcomm for not selling the Exynos 9820 in the United States). The U.S. version will likely be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150 chip, which beat the iPhone XS's A12 Bionic chip in an early benchmark. Samsung rumormonger Evan Blass also claimed that the S10 will have the Infinity-O display. Dutch tech blog Letsgodigital which is also a quite reliable source of Samsung rumors has its own renders, showing two variants of the punched S10: One with slightly rounded corners and another with really rounded corners. (Image credit: Letsgodigital) They are quite different and more futuristic looking that the ones provided by Ice Universe. Ice Universe also pointed out that there will be three variants of the phone, one of them with a flat screen, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite. The Samsung Galaxy S10 will likely be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. This week has had a little bit of everything: from a cable company penalized for attempting to pull one over on its customers, to yet more confused shrugging from Facebook's top brass after yet another expose, and buggy, buggy phones. (Image credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock.com) Here's a run down of the top five tech fails that had the world shaking its head in collective exasperation over the past few days. Everything we learned this week about Facebook Stop us if you've heard this before, but Facebook's got a bit of a mess on its hands. The latest comes by way of The New York Times' scathing report about how the social network's leadership chiefly CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg failed to or entirely avoided making difficult decisions pertaining to a series of controversies, ranging from Russia's meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to Cambridge Analytica's appropriation of users' data without their knowledge. MORE: How to Delete Your Facebook Account Oh, and apparently Zuckerberg was so incised by Apple CEO Tim Cook's comments about his company's attitude toward privacy that he immediately directed his employees to stop using iPhones. The real crux of the story, though, alleges that Facebook's top executives were aware of Russia-linked propaganda on its platform as early as the spring of 2016, and an internal team even investigated the matter beforehand without Zuckerberg or Sandberg's knowledge. In December of that year, Zuckerberg blatantly rebuked the idea that nefarious Facebook activity played any role in the outcome of the election. He and the company changed their tune later on, of course, but this is the latest bad look for a company that could use anything but bad looks right now. Facebook responded to the Times' report, saying that it "has been a tough time" at the company, and that the "entire management team has been focused on tackling the issues" it faces. The Pixel 3 is still quite buggy Google's latest smartphones are nothing short of wonderful when they work as intended. Unfortunately, Google also has a habit of launching handsets without ironing out some kinks first, and the latest glitches to befall the Pixel 3 and 3 XL pertain to the devices' speakers and handling of text messages. (Image credit: Shaun Lucas / Tom's Guide) Some Pixel 3 XL owners have been complaining of a faint buzzing noise emitted from the bottom of the phone's dual front-facing speakers, even when it shouldn't be making any sound at all. Additionally, users of both the 5.5-inch and 6.4-inch models have noticed that some of their text messages have disappeared, particularly following the most recent Android security patch that was issued on Nov. 5. In fact, some users have restarted their phones only to find all of their old threads missing with new ones mysteriously created, according to 9to5Google. To its credit, Google says it's working on fixes for these problems, although we don't know when they'll arrive. At least Pixel fans did get a bit of good news this week to balance things out Night Sight mode finally started rolling out to make your low-light photos look amazing, and Call Screen just began hitting last year's Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Sharp thinks two notches are better than one Notches are a remarkably divisive trend. Some users absolutely detest them, while others can at least tolerate them. Nobody wants a notch on their phone's display, but the added real estate they bring provides a practical benefit. (Image credit: Sharp) However, Sharp may have gone too far with its Aquos R2 Compact a phone it revealed earlier this week that pairs an Essential Phone-style cutout for the selfie camera with an elongated notch at the bottom that accommodates the front-facing fingerprint sensor. Worse yet, the phone still has a prominent forehead and chin to make room for the earpiece and display driver. In other words, even with a pair of notches, the Aquos R2 Compact is anything but bezel-free. MORE: Best Smartphones - Here Are the 10 Best Phones Available The end result looks weird and even a little unsettling, in the sense that it's the least symmetrical phone we've ever seen. Then again, this is a Sharp phone, and Sharp has a penchant for taking some, shall we say, brave liberties when it comes to design. If its any consolation, the Aquos R2 Compact is plenty powerful, packed with a Snapdragon 845 CPU and 120Hz IGZO LCD display. Plus, small phone lovers will surely appreciate its diminutive 5.2-inch form factor. Sharp doesn't sell phones in the West though, so for now, your eyes are spared from seeing this abomination in the flesh at least until some other company copies it. Comcast caught red-handed, again Try your hardest to feign surprise at this week's news that Comcast was ordered to pay out upwards of $700,000 to a group of 20,000 customers in Massachusetts, after the cable and internet giant was found guilty of inflating customers' monthly rates with secret fees. The announcement was issued by the Massachusetts attorney general's office which as it happens isn't the only state body that wants a piece of Comcast for its shady billing practices. Comcast was passively indignant in its response to the ruling, with a company spokesperson stating rather paradoxically that it disagreed with the attorney general's decision because it "[related] to years-old advertisements" and did not "reflect Comcast's current policies and practices." If that tacit admission of guilt isn't infuriating enough, the lawsuit involving similar complaints in California alleges the company raked in upwards of $1 billion from its hidden fees there. Apple IDs play hard(er) to get The login credentials you most frequently have to recall for your parents found a way to be even more frustrating this week, when some iPhone users found that their Apple IDs had been locked without their knowledge. To get around it, users had to verify their identities by answering security questions, inputting their phone numbers for two-factor authentication and in some cases, resetting their passwords. This wouldn't be such a big deal if Apple IDs weren't tied to so many common functions on iOS and Mac products, from sending iMessages, to downloading free apps and even listening to Apple Music. It's unclear how or why users were locked out whether it was a snafu on Apple's part or a sign of a deliberate attack nor are we aware how many accounts were affected. However, there are theories that it could be related to new device activations. If that's the case, let's pray it doesn't stick around for the gift-giving holiday season. According to a DigiTimes report today, Intel will reportedly cut CPU shipments to the PC building sector by 2 million units in Q4 2018. The supply shortage could also lead to a significant decline in motherboard shipments by Taiwanese manufacturers that quarter, the publication's unnamed sources said. According to DigiTimes "industry sources," Intel had to reduce shipments of desktop CPUs in order to prioritize the server and notebook market. The company will reportedly cut the shipments of desktop processors to only 6 million, down from an initially expected 8 million units. Intel has previously blamed the 14nm CPU shortage on increased demand, even though all signs point to Intel not being able to meet even regular demand due to the all the issues it's been having with its much-delayed 10nm process node. The new report seems to confirm that Intels problem wasnt one of having significantly more demand for its chips, but one of not being able to make as many chips as it originally planned. Motherboard Makers Will Also Suffer DigiTimes also reported that Taiwanese motherboard makers will suffer a significant decline in shipments of 10 to 20 percent, thanks to Intels CPU shortage. Tul, a Taiwanese motherboard vendor, is expected to suffer operating losses in Q4. Gigabyte shipments for the quarter are also "expected to drop to the levels seen before the emergence of the cryptomining craze that peaked in the first quarter of 2018," the publication said. It believes Asus' revenues will remain flat in Q4, but the company has already seen operational visibility for the quarter drop. MSI is expected to be the only Taiwanese motherboard maker to see strong revenue performance, DigiTimes said, mainly because of strong demand for gaming motherboards and graphics cards. The publication also pointed to Nvidias RTX GPU platform's failure to bring a large enough boost in price-versus-performance over previous cards as playing a role in low expectations for motherboard shipments in Q4. Source: Microsoft Remember when concerned parents said that staring too long at a screen would make you go blind? Well, they weren't exactly right about that, but it turns out that exposing your eyeballs to bright light at night can be unhealthy. That's why so many companies have pushed "dark modes" into their products, but Microsoft took the opposite tack with Windows 10 Preview Build 18282 by revamping the operating system's Light Mode. Light Mode is currently just the default setting for Windows 10; Dark Mode is the only one that makes actual changes. Preview Build 18282 changes that by making the entire Windows 10 user interface, including the "taskbar, Start menu, Action Center, touch keyboard, and more," lighter than usual. That way there's a difference when choosing Light Mode instead of basically making it the "off" option for the Dark Mode. Microsoft said you can enable the new Light Mode by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting Light from the "Choose your color" dropdown. Windows 10 won't look any different right when you update, and will instead use a new Custom setting that keeps the dark user interface elements present in the current Light Mode without going totally dark. The company also introduced a new wallpaper for use with Light Mode that can be selected with the new build. Aside from that change, Preview Build 18282 also includes new snipping options (delayed snips and window snips) as well as Narrator improvements to improve accessibility. The company updated the Windows 10 update process, too, so it'll be easier to pause updates or intelligently set Active Hours to avoid restarts. There's also a grab bag of bug fixes in Preview Build 18282 as well as the usual known issues. A problem affecting developers who switch between rings in the Windows Insider Program is still present, but the other issues seem minor, including one that prevents PDFs from loading correctly in Microsoft Edge and another that sees Remote Desktop show a black screen to some users. (Among other things.) Preview Build 18282 is available now to Fast ring members of the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft once again warned potential users that Fast ring builds at this stage of development are even less reliable than normal--anyone feeling squeamish about that might want to switch to the Slow ring. Of course, if the myriad problems affecting the so-called Windows 10 October 2018 Update are any indicator, even those can be risky. Police investigating after person shot by clerk during reported robbery in Independence The Independence Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened during an alleged robbery Thursday evening. Police said during a reported robbery of a business near 24 Highway and Jennings, the store clerk shot the would-be robber around 7:30 p.m. One person was rushed to an area hospital for treatment. Maybe not a "good guy with a gun exactly" but reminder that many clerks are packing and evening crime near highway booze stands is a risky proposition for everybody. Checkit: There's another hang-up on the KCI renovation project. Two of the airport's smallest carriers are not signing the agreement to pay for the renovated airport. The two airlines are Allegiant and Spirit. Both companies are unhappy about their share of the $20 million for a new baggage claim system in the renovated airport. DIRECT SLAP IN THE FACE TO OUR TKC BLOG COMMUNITY We can only take this a jk ). . . We wanted Patrick Mahomes and The Plaza gave us a lame duck politico.In his last Christmas as Mayor, Sly James will celebrate very little progress for Midtown since he had to dive in the bushes to avoid shopping district thuggery at the start of his term. Check the bad news . . . Runners World: 6 Desk Exercises You Should Do If You Sit All Day Life Hack: 5 Simple Stretches To Boost Your Energy At Your Office Desk Kansas City Road To The Weekend Construction on I-435, Route 210 begins Friday morning CLAY COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- Crews will be closing all lanes of Eastbound Route 210 at Interstate 435 Friday morning, right after the early morning commute, at 9 a.m. This type of work usually happens over the weekend so it doesn't impact people as much. Local Expression For The Troops "Art transforms lives" Charity using art therapy to help Veterans A local charity is using art to help Veterans. The After Action Network has a downtown campus covered with murals. We had a chance to talk to the charity's leadership and supporters on why the growing scene is a win for the whole community. Golden Ghetto Real Estate Redux Metcalf Crossing plans change, gets mixed reviews It's Plan B for the Metcalf Crossing Area in Overland Park. Right now there are two abandoned hotels at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Marty Lane as developers couldn't secure another hotel deal and now wants to put in an office building with a storage facility instead. Celebrate Another Kansas City Hipster Hangout Brandwell Partners opens coworking studio for creatives - Kansas City Business Journal The co-founders of Brandwell Partners didn't want to create just any coworking space in Kansas City. They wanted a place for creatives, such as writers, designers, web developers and public relations experts. Now CoCreate KC, their cozy coworking studio in the North Hyde Park neighborhood, is open for business at 3238 Gillham Road. Life Lesson Friday Buses in Piper School District running late after someone stole batteries overnight KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Students in the Piper District may be picked up later than normal for school Friday morning. The school district posted on Facebook that several of the buses in the Durham fleet were not running because someone stole the batteries. Artsy Debut At Last A Longtime Kansas City Curator Gets 'Nudged' Into Her First Solo Show Sherry Cromwell-Lacy is well-known in Kansas City for her curatorial eye. She helped open the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, directed exhibitions at the Kansas City Art Institute for more than 20 years and has worked as an independent curator. Cromwell-Lacy is also an artist who has shown her work around the country. Hype Spring Eternal The Royals bullpen should be significantly better in 2019 The Kansas City Royals were all kinds of bad in 2018. There is no denying that. They ranked 25th in the MLB in runs scored, 27th in runs allowed, and wound up with the second worst record in baseball. With all of that being said, it didn't FEEL like that was the second worst team in baseball. We begin Friday with a bit ofhotness and helpful exercise for our office worker pals:Closer to home, here are more than a few links worth a look right now . . .is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . . Kansas City's Quest For a Real Housing Policy This summer, the Kansas City, Mo., City Council worked out an agreement with a developer proposing to build a luxury residential tower downtown. To secure tax credits to build it, the developer would add 100 affordable units in another downtown building it owns. Still, there was a problem: the city had no definition for affordable housing. Shared by social media frenemies thanks to TKC . . . Check Thoughtful reporting and better journalism than any content produced locally, here's a vital insight into the economic divide that City Hall is working andto bridge . . . The state of Faraday Future has officially turned depressing. Its bad enough that the company has fallen on hard times and is desperate to raise more money to keep operations afloat, its another level of misery when its employees resort to setting a fund-raising campaign on Go Fund Me just to keep their own families afloat. The $50,000 campaign was started by Hector Padilla and Asim Sher, both of whom work for Faraday Future . At the moment, the page has raised over $17,000 since it launched on November 1, 2018. The goal, according to the campaign, is to help all of those Manufacturing Team members that are in need of financial support because of lay off or mandatory furlough. Another day, another depressing news item surrounding Faraday Future. It feels like an eternity ago when the automaker turned a lot of heads at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show when it presented the FF91 all-electric concept. The company was the talk of the town then. Now, its moved well beyond laughingstock status because that implies that the company can still recover and get back on its feet. Faraday Future has become a depressing reminder of what happens when you promise the moon and stars but fail to even get off the ground. The Go Fund Me page started by the companys employees is probably the most depressing thing weve seen in recent memory. Its not even funny anymore because the lives and livelihood of these people and their families are getting affected by the company thats supposed to provide for them. But the opposite has happened. Faraday furloughed all the manufacturing employees at its factory in Hanford, California, specifically those who have been working with the company for less than six moments. Other employees and managers, on the other hand, now have to work on a reduced salary, all while waiting for new funding that may never come. The company thought they had a lifeline when they struck a $2 billion deal with Hong Kong-based Evergrande Health that included an $800 million investment to help get the company through the first six months of the deal. But for reasons that are still unclear to a lot of people, Faraday burned through that $800 million in four months, with nothing but a few prototypes to show for it. That led to a legal dispute with Evergrande where an arbitrator in Hong Kong ruled that the automaker can seek new funding sources from other companies. Unfortunately for the company, that same arbitrator did not require Evergrande to release any more money to Faraday. That looks like another burning bridge right there. If all of that drama isnt bad enough, one of the companys co-founders, Nick Sampson, jumped ship last week, claiming that the company is effectively insolvent and that it will limp along for the foreseeable future. Sampsons exit wasnt a one-off incident, either. A number of high-ranking executives have also bailed on the company, including a trio of former BMW execs: chief designer Richard Kim, Chief Financial Officer Stefan Krause, and Chief Technical Officer Ulrich Kranz. All three joined the company to steer Faraday to a promising future. When they saw the writing on the wall, they were gone. Sampsons departure also came a day after another company exec, senior vice president of technology and product development Peter Savagian, packed his bags. The good news for these people is that theyre established enough that they can get jobs in other places. Finding employment shouldnt be a problem for them. But we cant say the same thing for the blue-collar workers of the company, all of whom are either on furlough or are now working on reduced salaries. Thats what the Go Fund Me campaign is for. Hector Padilla, the manager of tooling and equipment for Faradays Body-in-White production, launched the campaign to help employees on furlough, specifically those who have children, house and car payments. Its raised over $17,000 since we last hopped onto the page, and while that is a healthy figure that can help those in need, its still a long ways off from the campaigns $50,000 goal. Hopefully, more people step up and help those employees in need. Its one thing to struggle working for a company on a budget; its another thing entirely to work without getting paid for a company that has no budget at all. Further reading Read our full review on the 2018 Faraday Future FF 91. Source: GoFundMe The wildfires engulfing the state of California have shown no signs of slowing down as high winds continue to spread the fire. As of today, more than 30 people have died from the wildfires sweeping the state, while more than 200 people remain unaccounted for. Two separate wildfires on opposite ends of the state are still ongoing, one in Northern California and one in Southern California. The fire in the north, called the Camp Fire, has effectively burned down the entire town of Paradise, consuming 109,000 acres and destroying more than 6,700 homes and businesses in the area. Meanwhile, the fire in the south, called the Woolsey Fire, has consumed 83,000 acres of land and destroyed at least 177 buildings. A third fire near the Woolsey Fire, called the Hill Fire, has done its own damage, scorching 4,530 acres of land. The wildfires are the latest example of the need to address climate change Theres no going around the devastation that these wildfires have caused. An estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, and theres still no end in sight as to when these fires are going to be fully contained. As per The San Francisco Chronicles up-to-date fire tracker, only 25 percent of the massive Camp Fire up in northern California are contained. Meanwhile, the Woolsey Fire in southern California is only 15 percent contained. Its a good thing that the small Hill Fire in the same area is already 75 percent contained, or wed be looking at an even worse situation than we imagined. It tells you how dire the situation is when you have videos like the one posted above of a driver passing through all the carnage. You dont need to be a genius to realize that hes driving with his family on a road thats literally surrounded by fire. It doesnt get any more real and scarier than seeing it on video or, worse, living it out in real-time. Unfortunately, even as firefighters have made headway in containing the fires over the weekend, powerful winds have returned and undermined a lot of the progress that has been made. Thats especially true in the Woolsey Fire where officials have warned that gusts of wind clocking in at 40 mph are real possibilities. At this point, all you can do is hope and pray for the safety of everyone, be it the victims who lost their homes and the firefighters who have worked round the clock to contain these wildfires. Firefighters on Sunday contained significant flare-ups in wind-prone canyons along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and Bell Canyon in Ventura County, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said. Conditions are expected to persist overnight and Monday, threatening new flare-ups that could reach beyond containment lines. We must remain vigilant and not let our guard down. It certainly doesnt help that these wildfires are continuously getting provoked by climate change. The fact of the matter is if you look at the state of California, climate challenge is happening statewide, Osby said, adding that it is going to be here for the foreseeable future. Drought conditions remain the biggest culprit behind the alarming increase of wildfires in the state. The years fire season, which started sometime in the early summer, is poised to break state records for the second year in a row, prompting the states outgoing governor, Jerry Brown, to refer to megafires as the new normal. If that isnt bad enough, scientists expect these wildfires to continue and, possibly, get worse over time. If you look at the 20 biggest fires in the state, 15 of those have happened since 2000, UCLA geography professor Glen MacDonald told Reuters. There are now bigger fires, and more and more record breakers coming in. Fire season is getting longer. We are also seeing record-breaking temperatures. It is getting hotter and hotter. Spring starts earlier. Our fire season now goes into the winter. At the end of the day, all we can do is hope and pray for the safety of everyone thats been affected by these wildfires. This is a watershed moment for Africa At the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit held in Nouakchott, Mauritania in July 2018, a budget of US$681,485,337 was approved for the financial year 2019. The budget covers three components operational, programme and peace support operations. The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Amb. Kwesi Quartey, shares the five key takeaways of the adoption of the 2019 budget in what he describes as a watershed moment for Africa. 1. Give us a brief on the 2019 budget of the Union The Assembly of the Union adopted the 2019 budget for the Union at a total of US$681,485,337 at the African Union Summit held in Nouakchott, Mauritania in July 2018. This amount reflects a significant decrease of the annual budget by 12%, compared to the 2018 budget. It is also a reflection that the share of AU member states financing the budget has substantially increased compared to the partner funding in previous years. If you look at the 2019 budget, excluding the peace support operations, member states will contribute 66% of the budget while 34% is expected to be secured from our development Partners. This increase of member states contribution has come about by implementing the decision on financing of the Union to fund the activities and agenda of the Union. Through this mechanism, we can see that the continent is gradually realizing its vision of reliable, predictable and sustainable funding of its agenda. The 2019 budget also demonstrates an enhanced process of domestic resources mobilization but most importantly, stringent measures are now in place to ensure the prudent use of these resources to meet the development needs of our Continent. The breakdown of the 2019 budget is as follows; US$158.5 million will go into financing the operational budget of the Union, US$249.8 million will go into the program budget while US$273.3 million will finance Peace Support operations. 2. The preparation of the 2019 budget is said to be significantly different from the previous budget preparations, why is that? The 2019 budget is different because the Union has adopted new ways of programme planning and budget process, to ensure greater accountability in line with the implementation of the decision of Financing on the Union. This is the first time we had joint sittings of the AU Commission and organs, the Committee of Finance Ministers (F15) technical experts and the Permanent Representatives Committee sub-Committees of General Supervision and Coordination on Budget, Finance and Administrative matters and of Programs and Conferences, to prepare the budget. The preparation took about five weeks consecutively, looking carefully at the budget of each spending unit of the Union to ensure it complied with the nine golden rules. During the 2019 budget, we also introduced the budget ceilings for departments and organs based on their track record on prudent execution rate, the ability to reach their targets and aligning their programmes strictly, to the priorities of the Union. This will greatly enhance the budget execution and ensure the expenditure is linked to results. These joint sittings were also held at the ministerial level by the Committee of Ministers of Finance (F15) before the budget was presented to the Executive Council and the Assembly for adoption. The Committee of Ministers of Finance has since assumed responsibility for oversight of the African Union budget and Reserve Fund. 3. You have made reference to the nine golden rules, tell us more about that. The nine golden rules are financial management and accountability principles adopted by the Assembly of the Union in January 2018. These rules are meant to ensure financial discipline within the Union to enable us decisively address issues of low execution rates, identify undetected wastages and instances of over-budgeting by departments or organs, as well as ensure full compliance with the African Union financial rules and regulations. So far, we have fully implemented four of the nine golden rules. There is an interlinking factor on the application of all the nine rules with the progress in the implementation of the decision on financing of the Union and therefore we will soon have the other five rules applied. The nine golden rules speak to the fact that; Member states contributions should cover a minimum threshold of the budget to ensure the Unions self-sufficiency and sustainability, thereby decreasing dependence on external funding. The rules recognize the need for major changes to be effected to ensure revenues are predictable. This touches on elements such as the full payment of assessed contributions by Member States and partners contribution, for the revenue streams to be centrally coordinated. The rules also speak to the credibility of the AU budgeting system which must be based on a fully integrated and automated financial management system. As I mentioned earlier, one of the rules is the annual budget ceiling which is communicated to department and organs before they submit their budget proposals. Also, it is important that expenditure must at all times, be authorized for virements, surplus budgets and spending that exceeds approved budgets. Another key rule, is seeing to it that resource flows and transactions are reliable and efficient. Funds must be provided to departments and organs in the agreed amounts at the agreed times. Institutional accountability is of utmost importance, to ensure the flow of funds is tracked to service delivery units. This requires the harmonization of all the different management systems we use. Reporting is also an integral part of the financial management process. The Financial Rules and Regulations requires that departments and organs report all activities for which funds have been received, as part of the compliance and quarterly performance reports. Finally, there is also the aspect on centralizing the process for engaging partners to avoid unilateral engagements for partner funded programmes. These rules are currently being translated into AU policy and procedures and will also be reflected in the AUs updated Financial Rules and Procedures. 4. [With] regards to the decision on Financing of the Union, what is the progress on that since its adoption in 2016? There is commendable progress in the collection of the 0.2% levy by member states. 11 of our member states paid their 2018 assessed contributions to the AU, either partially or in full, through the new financing arrangement. We have 24 States that are at various stages of domesticating the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union and of these, 14 are actually collecting the levy. Let me also add that there is flexibility built into the implementation of the 0.2%. Member States have the ability to determine the appropriate form and the means they will use to implement the decision in line with their national and international obligations. It is for this reason that Member States that are, for example, members of the World Trade Organization have implemented the 0.2% levy without contravening their international trade obligations. Also, as I mentioned earlier, the introduction of the golden rules and the joint sittings have provided stronger technical oversight of the AU budget. Lastly, I think I would highlight the operationalization of the Peace Fund as a remarkable milestone. This year our Member States have contributed over US$55.9 million to the Peace Fund, which is the largest amount of money Member States have ever contributed to the Peace Fund since it was established in 1993. 5. What are your projections in advancing the ongoing financial reforms? Looking at the progressive developments in Africas self-financing agenda, I believe this is a watershed moment for Africa. Our focus is to gradually move towards funding 100% of the Unions operational budget, 75% of the programme budget and 25% of peace support operations by 2021, for the full ownership of the Unions agenda. We are working on revising the Scale of Assessment as currently, 48% of the Unions budget is dependent on the contributions of only 5 member states under Tier 1 of the scale of assessment. This presents clear risks to the stability of the budget. It is for this reason that in a meeting held in August 2017, Ministers of Finance recommended the introduction of caps and minima to our existing scale of assessment, in order to improve overall burden-sharing and risk reduction. We also want to strengthen the sanctions regime for non-payment of contributions to ensure AU Member States payments are made on time. Under the current sanctions regimes, Member States non-payment are classified to be in default only if they are in arrears for two full years. This has led to a trend where about 33% of the assessed contributions are regularly held in arrears. Finally, we are working towards developing a credible medium-term budget framework (2019-2021) based on revenue forecasts and capacity to spend. This will enable the Union to improve the credibility of its budget, strengthen financial management capacity and accountability and demonstrate value for money and results to its Member States. We are committed to ensure the highest standards of finance and budget management as well as seeing to it that we have a credible budget based on capacity to spend and proper revenue forecasts. EU-South Africa Summit: Strengthening the Strategic Partnership At the 7th European Union-South Africa Summit held in Brussels on 15 November 2018, Leaders agreed on a number of steps to reinforce bilateral and regional relations, focusing on the implementation of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership. This includes economic and trade cooperation and pursuing the improvement of business climate and opportunities for investment and job creation which are of mutual interest. Leaders also discussed common global challenges, such as climate change, migration, human rights, committing to pursue close cooperation both at bilateral level and on the global stage. A number of foreign and security policy issues, including building and consolidating peace, security and democracy in the African continent and at multilateral level were also raised. Leaders finally committed to work towards a prompt resolution of trade impediments affecting smooth trade flows. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission and Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, represented the European Union at the Summit. South Africa was represented by its President, Cyril Ramaphosa. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness Jyrki Katainen and Commissioner for trade Cecilia Malmstrom also participated, alongside several Ministers from South Africa. President Juncker said: The European Union, for the South African nation, is a very important trade partner. We are convinced that as a result of today's meeting we will find a common understanding on the open trade issues. South Africa and Africa are very important partners for the European Union when it comes to climate change, when it comes to multilateralism. It is in the interest of the two parties South Africa and the European Union to invest more. It will be done. In his remarks, European Council President Donald Tusk stated: Our talks today demonstrate that, from climate change and migration to trade and security, we can develop an even stronger partnership between us, which would be a powerful example to the rest of the world. Today, we had a productive discussion on how to address common challenges and how to strengthen our ties. South Africa is a key player, both regionally and globally, and we will step-up our cooperation accordingly, to defend our shared values and interests. These include support for multilateral solutions, including trading system, and the rules-based global order, which will be discussed in two weeks time at the G20 in Argentina. Next year, South Africa will be on the United Nations Security Council, providing another opportunity to enhance our cooperation on peace and security further. Also when it comes to migration. South Africa is a destination country for migrants and refugees. So, it is important for both of us that sending-countries take back irregular economic migrants, when requested. Last but not least, we discussed Brexit. South Africa, like all our international partners, is concerned by Brexit. We updated President Ramaphosa on the state of play of negotiations, and assured him that the EU will do its utmost to keep partner countries informed and to reduce the negative impact of the Brexit process. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his remarks, said: The outcomes of this Summit support and reinforce the initiatives we have launched in South Africa to accelerate investment, create jobs and promote growth in our economy. The Summit builds on the successes of the Presidential Jobs Summit and inaugural South Africa Investment Conference held in October. We used the opportunity of this Summit to reinforce our ties with Europe and to obtain the EUs support for our economic and development agenda. The EU is South Africas largest trading partner and largest foreign investor. The value of trade between South Africa and the EU has increased nearly four-fold since 2000. Over 2,000 EU companies operate in South Africa creating more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. Together with the EU, we have committed ourselves to exploring opportunities for investment, technical assistance, and the improvement of business and investment climates to promote sustainable development. We have also agreed to strengthen cooperation on investment in support of economic development, infrastructure, industrialisation, skills development, small business development and entrepreneurship. We will work together to support the digital transformation of the economy in an inclusive manner by supporting digital innovation, digital infrastructure, the information society, and by fostering digital skills for all. Together, these will boost overall productivity, social inclusion, living standards and an efficient use of natural resources. In the area of trade, President Ramaphosa continued: We are pleased with the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Southern African Development Community, which has created the foundation for a new and mutually beneficial economic relationship between the EU and partners in Southern Africa. South Africa and the EU are equally determined to promote free, fair and inclusive trade and the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its centre. Joint statement of the 7th EU-South Africa summit Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, and Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, met in Brussels on 15 November 2018 for the 7th Summit between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, and noting that the last Summit took place in 2013, issued the following statement: We, the leaders of the European Union and South Africa, reaffirm the importance of our Strategic Partnership based on shared principles, equality and interests. We note that our meeting takes place 100 years after the birth of Nelson Mandela and is an opportunity to build on his unique legacy. Multilateral cooperation We recommit to working together to support multilateralism, democracy and the rules-based global order, in particular at the United Nations and global trade fora, to jointly promote development, security and human rights for all. South Africas upcoming term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council in 2019-2020 presents an opportunity to enhance cooperation on peace and security. As part of our commitment to stronger global governance, we support the process of UN reform, including efforts on the comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council and the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly. We agree that enhanced cooperation will be vital in multilateral fora addressing global challenges and crisis situations. We agree to coordinate positions, where feasible, in view of the upcoming G20 Summit in Argentina. We are determined to promote free, fair and inclusive trade and the rule-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) being at its core, and serving the interest of all its members. We are deeply concerned about the systemic impact of protectionist measures that are incompatible with WTO rules and that put the multilateral trading system at risk. We commit to work together to address the root causes of the challenges faced by the multilateral trading system through strengthening the WTO with the aim of improving its effectiveness and functioning as well as overcoming the present difficulties regarding the effective functioning of the Appellate Body of the dispute settlement mechanism. We also commit to engage in discussions at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) on investor-state dispute settlement reform, while further engaging in discussions in other relevant fora on provisions in investment treaties especially on how to facilitate and promote more investment towards sustainable development. We welcome Irans continued commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as confirmed by the IAEA in thirteen reports, and in line with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We call on the remaining parties to the JCPOA to continue to honour their commitments under the Agreement. We recall that the JCPOA, which is working and delivering on its goal, is a key element of the global non-proliferation architecture and a significant diplomatic achievement endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council in its Resolution 2231. We stress the importance of the preservation and continued, full and effective implementation of all aspects of the JCPOA, which includes sanctions lifting and the consequences arising from it, in the interest of regional and international peace and security. We call upon Iran to play a constructive role in the region and to refrain from any activities which are inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231. We share concerns about the erosion of the global norm against the production, use and stockpiling of chemical weapons. We fully support the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We express our joint commitment to ensuring a successful outcome for COP 24, including the Paris Agreement Work Programme and the mandated high level events, in pursuit of the objective of the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We have taken note of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report, which unequivocally confirmed the negative impacts of climate change and indicated that global emission reductions in all sectors are crucial and that further action is needed in mitigation and adaptation, notably to reach the temperature goal as set out in the Paris Agreement. We commit to strengthening cooperation on migration, which requires a comprehensive international response, including to address the root causes of irregular migration. We note that safe, orderly and regular migration can contribute positively to growth and sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination. We take note of the discussions at the United Nations level on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees, which can contribute to strengthening the international response to migration flows and refugee situations. We agree to strengthen cooperation at the United Nations Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora and to continue to engage on human rights issues in the framework of the South Africa-European Union Structured Dialogue Forum on Human Rights, especially as regards the respect for, the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms in multilateral fora, supporting the moratorium on death penalty as a first step towards its universal abolition, ensuring the full implementation of all human rights of all women and girls as an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, empowering women and girls and achieving gender equality, eliminating all forms of gender-based violence, protecting the rights of the child, advancing the rights of people with disabilities, as well as preventing and punishing the crime of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity in compliance with the international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We confirm our commitment in particular to the full and effective implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and the outcomes of their review conferences. We underline the importance of reinforcing global and regional natural resources governance, including tackling illegal exploitation, in order to promote sustainable development, especially in relation to minerals and wildlife. We will take forward our joint work in the Kimberley Process, as well as in the context of CITES, and in particular its 18th Conference of the Parties in May-June 2019. We agree to step up cooperation on ocean governance building on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and follow-up to the 2018 Our Ocean Conference. Bilateral Cooperation Over the past years the EU and South Africa have deepened cooperation through twenty policy dialogues in areas such as climate change, natural resources, science and technology, research and innovation, employment, education and training including digital skills, health, energy, macro-economic policies, human rights and peace and security. We welcome the revival of the South Africa-EU Forum on Environment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Water. In this regard we agree to further cooperate in the areas identified in the Terms of Reference of the dialogue, which include bio-diversity, circular economy and water resources management issues among others, also involving our private sector operators. We acknowledge the strengthening of science and technology cooperation through new strategic focus areas of cooperation, including in the marine, bioeconomy and nanotechnology sectors, while opening-up to more innovation oriented activities. This has been facilitated through several scientific exchanges as well as the signing of the Belem Statement on Atlantic Research and Innovation Cooperation; the joining of the International Bioeconomy Forum as well as through the upcoming signing of the Collaboration Arrangement with the Joint Research Centre. The area of research infrastructures remains a key area for continued cooperation. We look forward to stepping up collaboration in key areas such as open science, big data platforms, digital and Information and Communications Technology, as well as sectors linked to Industry 4.0. These are important for our joint efforts towards innovation as well as growing the necessary jobs and skills base. We welcome and support initiatives in the science and research domains that are of benefit to Africa, including the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. We reaffirm our commitment to enhance cooperation towards addressing challenges of inequality and poverty, to achieving gender equality and our shared interest in fostering investments notably towards sustainable development, decent jobs, especially for young people and using a gender-sensitive approach. Our partnership should contribute to South Africas socio-economic transformation agenda in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Unions Agenda 2063. Since South Africas first democratic elections in 1994 and the signing of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) in 1999, the EU has supported comprehensive development assistance programmes with a total contribution to South Africa amounting to 3 billion. We agree to work towards the consolidation of gains achieved and continue to support good governance and democracy, innovation, exchange of expertise and best practices. New strategies and tools for cooperation and the use of innovative instruments such as blending and guarantees will also be considered to diversify our cooperation and enhance its effectiveness. The EU and South Africa will, amongst others, explore the opportunities provided by the EU External Investment Plan under its three pillars. Recognizing the EU as a significant and long term investor in South Africa, we commit to exploring all of the opportunities for investment, technical assistance including project preparation, and the improvement of business and investment climates to promote sustainable development. Acknowledging South Africas successful hosting of the Job Summit and Investment Conference in October 2018 that showcased new opportunities for investment in South Africa, as reflected in the Case for Investing in South Africa, and policy initiatives that are helping to create an investment-friendly environment, we agree to strengthen cooperation on investment in support of economic development, infrastructure, industrialisation, skills development, small business development and entrepreneurship in accordance with the priorities identified in South Africas socio-economic agenda. We support the digital transformation of the economy in an inclusive manner by supporting digital innovation, digital infrastructure, the information society, and by fostering digital skills for all, in order to boost overall productivity, social inclusion, living standards and an efficient use of natural resources. We agree that attracting direct investment will contribute to support growth and fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa. Therefore we are committed to enhancing bilateral investments by improving skills for employability, and by ensuring a conducive and value-based business environment, within transparent and predictable policy and regulatory frameworks, and with the aim to ensure accountability and competitive practices. To this end, we agree to establish, where appropriate, an ad hoc multi-stakeholder dialogue on investment, with the aim of deepening strategic cooperation in key sectors. We exchanged views on land reform and the Constitutional process in South Africa and how to maintain investor confidence, promote agricultural production, improve food security and reduce poverty, as key components of our partnership. We reiterate our commitment to respecting the WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). In order to find mutually acceptable solutions to impediments to trade in agriculture, agri-food and manufactured goods, we agree to strengthen our dialogue and cooperation on TBT and SPS issues, including regionalization concerns of both the EU and South Africa. We welcome the conclusion and provisional implementation in 2016 of the EU-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has created the foundation for a new and mutually beneficial economic relationship between the EU, South Africa and the other partners of the EU-SADC EPA. We underline the benefits of the full and effective implementation of the EU-SADC EPA, including with regard to expanded and enhanced protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) as provided for in the EU-SADC EPA. The implementation of the EU-SADC-EPA in line with the development-orientated focus of the Agreement can make a significant contribution to reinforcing mutually beneficial and inclusive trade and to enhancing regional integration. We also commit to work towards a prompt resolution of trade impediments including the agriculture and agri-food sector affecting smooth trade flows, where relevant, bilaterally and/or with other SADC EPA Member States in the framework of the EU-SADC EPA. Regional cooperation An Insider's View of Haiti Le Plaza General Manager Marc Pierre-Louis on the hotels key selling points and what to see and do in Port-au-Prince. Destination & Tourism Brian Major Wild About Lapland is a premier Rovaniemi based tour operator that offers customized Wilderness Tours to witness the mysterious wildlife of Lapland. (TRAVPR.COM) FINLAND - November 16th, 2018 - You dont have to travel all over the world to witness some great wilderness firsthand. Finland is the most meagerly populated nation in Europe, which has given the wildlife the chance to thrive. Finnish Lapland & the isolated Wild Taiga offer immaculate woodlands, endangered wildlife including wolves and bears, and plenty of adventure. Lynx, Moose, Arctic foxes, brown bears, and even wolverines still wander the Finish forests. You dont need to leave Europe to find yourself in a place that is filled with sheer wilderness. Simply plan a Wilderness Tour in Lapland with Wild About Lapland and you will have it all. Our Wilderness Tours give tourists a special opportunity to meander in the forest and witness the remarkable & mysterious Finnish wildlife and natural splendor of Lapland. Dont worry! Before your trip begins, we will teach you how to move through the wilderness of Lapland quietly. Our experienced guide will lead you to amazing locations & offer you expert instructions so that you can make the most of your camera. Well help you capture that ultimate shot of Aurora Borealis, outstanding landscapes, Finnish animals and much more. With a zeal for adventure, we will help you explore incredible nature & wilderness beyond the ordinary. Our approach helps tourists discover & photograph the most incredible wildlife & sceneries Lapland has to offer said a spokesperson of Wild About Lapland. Exploring the wild forests, sleeping in cozy log cabins, enjoying snowmobiling & dog sledding, swimming under the Midnight Sun, indulging in the freshest local cuisine, hunting out the Northern Lights and making Finnish friends are just some of the adventures you will come across during your trip with Wild About Lapland. About the company: Wild About Lapland is a premier tour operator based in Rovaniemi the capital of Finnish Lapland. Whether you want to experience the Northern Lights or know how to ice fish or even to take a Reindeer ride and meet Santa, you can count on Wild About Lapland. https://wildaboutlapland.com/winter-tours/ ### 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) More on overpopulation While your contention is that its not right to say certain people shouldnt have babies, in your response to the overpopulation person. It certainly is a problem and overpopulation is killing this Earth. So while certain people shouldnt be picked out as a group, the entire population should be told by somebody, some governing body that we need to slow down this population growth. Fifty years ago there was something like three Billion people, now were a about 8.5 billion. The earth cant sustain that growth. So who the f*** are you to determine which people should be the ones not having babies? Maybe not Me. Maybe not the person you said that too, but somebody should and thats a fact. A reader I get the point that weve got too many people, and I agree with that, but as soon as anyone says they know which humans should be able to have babies, we venture into eugenics territory and it gets scary. And your stats are off slightly, but your point is still valid. Current population is around 7.6 Billion, while 50 years ago we were at about 3.7 Billion. No matter what anyone says or does, that rate of increase wont change, so we should concentrate on how we deal with it. Ed Note NJ Sales Tax I used to order from catalogs that charged no sales tax to New Jersey customers. Now they do now, how do I figure out this new New Jersey sales tax? A reader Current sales tax in NJ is 6.625%. So whatever the price is, multiply it times 0.06625. If youre spending $100, X 0.06625 = 6.625 (rounding up that half-penny) youd pay a total of $106.63. Ed Note gspannu7@gmail.com Mumbai, November 16 Online fashion retailer Myntra on Friday said it will completely integrate its sister company Jabong, which will continue to operate as a separate brand. Myntra chief executive officer Ananth Narayanan will lead the Myntra-Jabong team, the company said in a release, dismissing speculations about his exit. Flipkart had acquired online fashion portal Myntra in 2014 and Myntra had acquired Jabong in 2016. The company said since Myntras purchase of Jabong, the two brands have been steadily integrating key business functions and streamlining processes. As the next step in this process, Myntra and Jabong will now fully integrate all the remaining functions including technology, marketing, category, revenue, finance and creative teams, it added. The company said Myntras independence as a business will be preserved and the team will continue to operate independently. The closer integration of Myntra and Jabong is a necessary step in our continuing development. By better aligning our resources with our long-term plans, we can put the best structure in place to serve our sellers and brand partners and ultimately benefit our customers, it added. The development comes just days after the resignation by Flipkart group chief executive officer and co-founder Binny Bansal following a probe into an alleged serious personal misconduct. Bansal, however, has denied the allegations. There were also some reports that Narayanan is likely to step down after being asked to report to Flipkart chief executive officer Kalyan Krishnamurthy. US retail giant Walmart had in August bought 77 per cent stake in Flipkart for USD 16 billion. PTI editorial@tribune.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, November 16 In just over a month, Maharashtras sugar mills have swung from hope to despair as a strengthening rupee and slower-than-expected rise in international sugar prices have stymied their plans to hit the global markets. The rupee has strengthened from Rs 74.40 to around Rs 71 and looks to recover some more, so that could badly affect sugar exports, says Anand Hade, a commodity analyst in Mumbai. Just one month ago, Maharashtras sugar co-operatives under the leadership of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar had discussed ideas to make inroads into the international sugar markets. Sugar prices havent gone up as expected, says an official from the Maharashtra co-operatives department. The states sugar mills were expecting output from Brazil, the worlds biggest producer, to crash as that country increased production of ethanol. The Maharashtra government had set an export target of 50 lakh tonnes of sugar in the current financial year out of which 15 lakh tonnes were to come from Maharashtra alone. Some of the mills have already begun making investments to produce extra-white sugar of international standards for the global markets. The Central government too came up with a number of subsidies which would have benefitted exporters to the tune of Rs 11 per kg of sugar. Even this could be jeopardised as global producers of sugar like Australia are reported to be planning to move the World Trade Organisation against, what they say, are Indian attempts to dump sugar in the global markets. According to officials from the Maharashtra sugar federation, India is sitting on at least 44 million tonnes of sugar. Another 35 million tonnes of sugar is expected to be produced by the summer of 2019. On the other hand, domestic demand for sugar is 26 million tonnes annually. editorial@tribune.com Naina Mishra Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 15 What is your annual income, educational qualification and occupation? What brand of cell phone do you use? No, these are not the questions one encounters in a job interview or a game show. Private schools in the city want this information from parents of prospective nursery students. With fresh admissions round the corner, the practice of schools profiling parents to shortlist students for elementary classes remains a persistent roadblock to fair and transparent admissions. A review of websites of city-based schools by The Tribune reveals that the schools have been indulging in practices related to profiling parents and children in violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and orders of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). Though many schools have adopted a draw of lots system to fill nursery seats, admission forms depict blatant violation of norms. The admission form of a Sector-26 school asks parents: How would you contribute to your childs education at school? What expectations do you have of your child? Have you noticed any behavioural or learning difficulty in your child? Extra-curricular activities participated in (sports, music, dance, theatre, competitions). It further mentions that the questions formed an important part of the admission process. The form of another school based in Sector 7 seeks details under talent search column. My child is especially talented in studies, sports, dance, music, debate, art and craft, dance, acting and others, it asks. HS Mamik, president, Independent School Association, said: It is surprising as to why certain schools want to know parents income. If parents are taking admission forms, they must be in a capacity to pay the fee. To know the profession of parents is agreeable but knowing their income is not. Chandigarh Parent Association president Nitin Goyal said: Though it is not allowed under the RTE Act, many private schools undertake profiling of parents and ask about their qualification, designation, yearly income and some even seek to know the mobile handset they use to gauge their financial status. The education department has become a mute spectator. Admissions begin in Nov last week Information on schools website: Before Dec 2; collection of admission form: From Dec 3-14 List of eligible candidates to be out: Before Jan 16 Final list of selected candidates and waiting list: By Jan 31 Fee deposition: By Feb 12 (Admission forms will be available free of cost and Rs 100 will be charged as registration fee.) editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 15 The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) today told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the timeline for the completion of the UT employees housing scheme on 11.795 acres in Sector 53 had been finalised. The project would be completed on February 20, 2022. An affidavit submitted before the High Court added that the board was in consultation with the UT Chief Architect and it had initiated steps for the implementation of the housing scheme. The development is significant as 252 A category 3BHK flats, 168 B category 2BHK and 144 flats C category flats will be constructed. In all, 564 flats will be constructed. The developments took place on a petition filed by Phool Kumar Saini and other petitioners against the CHB and another respondent. The petitioners were seeking directions to the CHB and another respondent to implement the Self-Financing Housing Scheme-2008 on a leasehold basis for 99 years for Chandigarh Administration employees. The court was told that the housing scheme for the employees was launched in February 2008 by the UT. The draw of lots was held on November 4, 2010, and approximately 3,950 employees were successful. However, nothing was apparently done by the CHB. Even acceptance-cum-demand letters were not issued to the successful applicants and the bureaucrats at high level were sleeping over the matter. The petitioners added that the CHB was apparently more interested in providing houses to encroachers. They were getting houses and tenements free of cost as in all this, the CHB gets an opportunity for bungling. On the other hand, the successful applicants like the petitioners, having a legitimate right to get a house by making a payment as prescribed in the brochure, were left in the doldrums. The petitioners claimed that they were also being prejudiced against severely. According to the conditions imposed by the CHB, the petitioners could not apply or buy any other property in the tricity till the possession of the flats was offered to the successful allottees. Besides, the delay in completing the project would significantly escalate the cost of construction. editorial@tribune.com Akash Ghai Tribune News Service Mohali, November 15 The manufacturing of several country-made brands of liquor at an illegal factory in Lalru clearly indicates that the sale of illicit liquor is rampant in the area. This was stated by a senior officer of the Excise and Taxation Department here. Talking to Chandigarh Tribune on condition of anonymity, the officer said illicit liquor was being packed properly in bottles having labels of various country-made brands. The liquor was being sold mainly at liquor vends in Punjab and Chandigarh. According to an estimate of the raiding team, those running the factory were preparing between 700 and 1,000 cases of illicit liquor daily and the product was being supplied to liquor vends in Chandigarh and the peripheral areas of Punjab. The illicit liquor bottles exactly look like the original ones. The labels of these bottles also have holograms. We were surprised to see fake holograms at the factory. This also points towards another big scam of making fake holograms, which needs to be checked immediately by the police and other related agencies, said the officer, adding that apart from 1,25,479 labels of different brands of liquor, they had also recovered 1,20,000 fake holograms from the factory. The team was also surprised to see a fully automatic plant, which was apparently set up around eight months ago. According to the local police, two Sirsa-based persons, Vikram Khanna and Pawan Kumar, had taken the factory site, spread over around 1,000 sq yards, on a monthly rent of Rs 65,000 from Varinder Malik, a Chandigarh-based businessman, in January this year. A rent deed was also executed between the parties in this regard, said Inspector Amarpreet Singh, Station House Officer of the Lalru police station. Officials of the Excise and Taxation Department and the police said the involvement of an inter-state liquor mafia could not be ruled out. Members of the raiding team also recovered labels of Miss India brand, which is sold in Uttar Pradesh. It seems the illicit liquor was also being supplied to Uttar Pradesh from here, said the police. Possibility of more such plants in area Officials said there was a possibility of more such plants being run from the area to manufacture illicit liquor of premium and regular brands. You have to arrange fake labels, holograms and bottles of brands. Since all such paraphernalia was available at the plant, it was capable of manufacturing any kind of illicit liquor here, said the official. Plant machinery locally made According to an excise official, the machinery and other equipment installed at the raided liquor factory in Lalru were locally made. The machinery and equipment were manufactured in the Dera Bassi area. We are collecting more information before initiating any action in this regard, said the official. Case registered against two A case under Sections 272, 420, 465, 468 and 470 of the IPC and under the Excise Act has been registered against Vikram Khanna and Pawan Kumar, both residents of Sirsa, at the Lalru police station. Further investigations are on in the case. If required, more names will be included in the FIR, said inspector Amarpreet Singh. Jayshree Sengupta Jayshree Sengupta Senior Fellow,ORF The recently concluded Second RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) summit which was held along with the 33rd ASEAN summit in Singapore was attended by Prime Minister Modi. It was an important landmark in the progress towards signing the mega trade treaty. Modi hoped for an early conclusion of the RCEP negotiations which have been going on for six years. The date of completion of negotiations has now been postponed to 2019 in view of the general elections in three of its member states India, Indonesia and Thailand. It is very tempting to join the biggest trade deal in the world involving 16 countries that cover 30 percent of the world's GDP and nearly 50 per cent of the population. It encompasses the whole of ASEAN (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar) plus Australia, New Zealand, India, China and South Korea and Japan countries with whom the ASEAN has Free Trade Agreements. It is also the first trade deal in which China and India are together. India has been hesitating about it in the past because of the complex issues involved in the mega free trade deal. Indeed, India has to tread carefully before signing the RCEP treaty because of the huge tariff cuts it will have to undertake. Besides there are many sticking points in India's case as it wants certain conditions to be in place involving trade in goods and services and around issues involving the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Over-the-top secrecy The problem with RCEP is that since 2012, the meetings are conducted within closed doors and no one is allowed in to hear or participate in the proceedings except government officials. This is not the best way to negotiate mega trade deals in which the private sector, NGOs and civil society are not allowed to participate. Certain leaked documents regarding the pharmaceutical sector have been the only source of information regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The leaked draft shows that the Intellectual Property Rights and investment policy proposal will affect the access to affordable medicines and biomedical innovations across the Asia Pacific region. Japan and South Korea are pushing for provisions that go far beyond international rules (known as TRIPS plus rules) to extend drug corporations' patent terms which will introduce the most damaging form of clinical trial data monopolies. In other words, the two Japan and South Korea want IP provisions that expand and introduce new monopolies for pharmaceutical corporations including data exclusivity, patent term extension and strict IP enforcement Further, the stricter levels of IPR enforcement would delay generic drug competition and translate into higher prices for affordable drugs from producer to patient. For developing countries within RCEP, it would mean that most of the population which is without health insurance must pay higher prices for medicines 'out of pocket' and high prices will help keep lifesaving medicines out of reach for the poor. In general, RCEP aims to establish an integrated market among its member countries and has a wide ranging scope covering trade in goods and services, competition policy and investment and anti-trust law for foreign companies, economic and technical cooperation, Intellectual property rights and dispute settlement. But the problem is the different levels of development among the members. Indias qualms about Oz, China India remains sceptical about granting market access to highly developed Australia and New Zealand because they do not have a FTA with India and opening up Indian agriculture would be difficult because both are big agricultural products exporters. Similarly stronger objections against signing RCEP have surfaced about granting low tariff access to Chinese products from the Indian textile and steel industries. India has been ready to offer tariff liberalisation on 74 per cent of goods to China, Australia and New Zealand countries with whom India has not signed bilateral FTAs. The recently concluded meeting in Singapore has declared that all members should have bilateral FTAs with each other soon. India-China FTA is difficult because China has excess capacity in the manufacturing sector which is financed by state-owned enterprises that gives it financial and infrastructural subsidies. These factors would offer deep competition to the aimed increase in manufacturing under Modi's India's 'Make in India' policy. As around 75 per cent of all Chinese goods will enter the country duty-free if India signs RCEP, it will raise the trade deficit with China to more than the current level of $63 billion. Surprisingly, today, China has become the new standard bearer for free trade. Easier with ASEAN, Japan India will offer tariff relaxation on up to 86 per cent of traded goods to ASEAN, Japan and South Korea as these countries have already signed FTAs with India. All these tariff reduction will lead to much lower revenue collection plus an influx of cheap goods from the ASEAN and China. On the services side, India wants freer movement of IT and other skilled professionals and workers among RCEP members. In this context, India has referred to the ASEAN-New Zealand-Australia FTA which allows easier and transparent procedures for the temporary entry for natural persons engaged in the conduct of trade and investment. Gains on labour side On the brighter side, RCEP will offer India with opportunity to do more labour intensive manufacturing as multinationals would be attracted to set up manufacturing base in India and RCEP membership will enable them to access this large market. Movement of inputs without tariffs and frictions across borders of 16 countries would make any multinational company established in India doubly competitive. Signing the RCEP treaty will enable India to enter the global supply chain as it will be helped by frictionless movement between 16 members which will enable multinational companies to assemble the final products without hassles. It may also encourage regional supply chains involving BIMSTEC countries and ASEAN members in products that the region specialises in like bamboo and wood products, leather goods, garments, silk, handicrafts and jewellery. The RCEP meeting concluded with three areas in focus: rules regarding e-commerce, competition and investment chapters that are still under negotiation and noted that negotiations of seven chapters have been completed. The moot question is whether it will be beneficial for India to join RCEP? It will depend on India's negotiating ability to get over the sticking points and get a better deal. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Inconsistent with the dominant political mood in the country, Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna had, at Kumaon Literary Festival, 2016, dared to refer to the climate of fear. We are living in times where everybody is scared Ideology is a market. When one says you have a majoritarian ideology, it is creating a majoritarian market space. Freedom of expression was an act of sharing, he asserted, and a natural way of life for an individual. In another time, he would have been applauded. Now, he is a potential troublemaker an urban Naxal, a converted bigot. And so, in the new normal, he must be stopped. Cancelling his concert was one way. His performance to be held in the National Capital was scrapped by SPIC MACAY and the Airports Authority of India (sponsors) following a troll campaign. Later, in a coverup, the event was deemed postponed, not cancelled. The AAP government hurriedly stepped in, and rightly, by inviting him for a concert on November 17, saying an artistes dignity must be upheld. Krishna is among the finest proponents of the 600-year-old Carnatic music tradition and credited with taking it forward. An economics graduate, he won the Magsaysay award for bringing social inclusiveness in culture and also Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2015. But he is more, and therein lies the rub an outspoken activist on diverse issues: womens rights, egalitarian spaces for music, caste barriers, the dangers of narrow nationalism. Understandably, he is the target of hate trolls for his anti-establishment views and his unflattering take on Hindutva. The cancellation doesnt surprise. He had, in the past, spoken of the need to change the semantics of the freedom of expression to preserve the process of intellection. Not to be cowed in the face of threats on social media for his compositions on Jesus, a defiant Krishna had recently tweeted: I will be releasing one Karnatik song every month on Jesus or Allah. It speaks of reckless times, when a 42-year-old artiste is perceived as a threat for talking sense. His concert is on; what is not is extreme intolerance. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM FORMER Haryana CM Bhupinder Hooda has been in the sights of the Modi government before the 2014 poll season for his alleged links with then UPA chief Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra. The BJP dealt generously in colourful innuendoes at that time to create a perception of sleaze and cronyism in the Hooda administration. Yet it took the Centre most of its term to even book the duo. The delay allowed Vadra to claim that the government was diverting peoples attention from the real issues. Election season, increase in oil prices... So lets divert real peoples issues with my decade-old issue, he had then quipped. A similar scenario is being repeated. Cast in the starring role of this second case is also Hooda. The Governors sanction to prosecute the former CM came almost a year after the ED submitted before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that Hooda had illegally re-allotted a plot in Panchkula to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publishers of National Herald. The delay has permitted Hooda, much like Vadra, to call it politically motivated. In the latest hearing on Friday, procedural lapses have delayed the case as the CBI failed to submit some of the documents related to the charge-sheet. In both cases, if the intention was to conclusively demonstrate that Congress rule, at the Centre and in Haryana, was blemished by corrupt practices, the attempt to establish that perception has been diluted due to the delay in booking the suspects and getting sanction for their persecution. In case of AJL, the matter gets complicated because of parallel action in Delhi, where the Urban Development Ministry ended its 56-year-old lease and asked it to vacate the premises. This case is now sliding towards a grey area where charges of the government trying to scuttle the voices of dissent and that of the countrys largest Opposition party will find traction. The BJPs endeavour to crack down on corrupt practices seems to have taken far too long. Its entanglement with the poll season will put a question mark on the governments sincerity of purpose. editorial@tribune.com epender Deswal Tribune News Service Hisar, November 16 Leaders of the Haryana Roadways (HR) employees union have alleged that 1,472 roadways buses are not being fully utilised to provide transport services on various routes. The Transport Department however stated that they are making wild allegations, adding that they are putting up incorrect facts. The Roadways Karamchari Talmel Committee member Dalbir Kiramra and Hari Naryana Sharma stated that of the total 4,012 buses, 3,140 buses are operational. As many as 872 buses are spare at various depots of the state. They said that another 350 low-floor buses purchased during the Delhi Commonwealth Games are lying idle at Gurugram and Faridabad while another 250 buses, which are assigned to educational institutes, are clocking less than 100 km daily against the norm of covering at least 300 km. It has been our argument with the government that first, the HR-owned buses should be operationalised fully on the routes before thinking about roping in private operators, Hari Naryana Sharma said. He added that as HR is facing shortage of staff, there would be more crunch of conductors as 720 of the existing strength of conductors would be deployed on private buses as per the new policy of the government, leaving another fleet of 720 HR buses idle in the absence of conductors. Kirmara added that 350 low-floor buses purchased at a cost of Rs 65-70 lakh per bus are likely to be condemned soon which is a wastage of resources. He said that instead of issuing private permits, the government should have utilised its resources fully in public interest. However, Additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department, Dhanpat Singh said these were wild allegations. There are about 250 buses (low-floor and CNG) which are parked in workshops as it is uneconomical to operate them. About 10-15 per cent buses remain in the workshop for routine maintenance, the ACS said. The ACS said, The union leaders do not work. Many of them who are drivers have not driven buses for 20 years. Similarly, the union leaders who are conductors have not issued tickets in buses for many years. He alleged that they were doing political work and drawing fat salaries from the state exchequer. These leaders are neither bothered about the public nor about the employees whom they claim to represent. State president of HR union, Sharma, denied the charge adding that he is posted as inspector at Yamunanagar and all other leaders are also performing their duties. editorial@tribune.com Pradeep Sharma Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 People travelling on the Kundli-Manesar section of the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, will pay for the distance they travel and not for the entire corridor. Seven toll plazas have been set up on the 82-km stretch of the six-laned KMP Expressway, which is access-controlled to charge the commuters according to the distance travelled by them. While passenger cars will be charged @Rs1.35 per km, the light commercial vehicles will have to pay Rs2.18 per km. The truck/buses will have to pay @Rs4.57 per km and multi-axle vehicles will shell out Rs4.98 per km. The maximum toll of Rs8.72 per km will be charged from the oversized vehicles, according to Alok Nigam, Haryanas Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department (Bridges & Roads). Of the seven toll plazas, two of the toll plazas will be in Sonepat district at Abbaspur and Pipli villages, while another two will be in Jhajjar district at Mandholi and Badli. The remaining three toll plazas will be in Gurugram at Sultanpur, Patli-Hazipur and Mokalwas. With the inauguration of the Kundli-Manesar section of the KMP Expressway, the entire stretch of 135-km highway, which is intended to ease congestion by bypassing Delhi on its western border, will now be open for traffic. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had last year formally inaugurated the 53-km Manesar-Palwal section of the expressway, which was opened to traffic in 2016. The expressway, which was conceived in 2002, was to be originally completed in July 2009. However, on account of litigation and various controversies, the project continued to hang fire during the 10-year rule of the previous Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The incumbent BJP government, especially Capt Abhimanyu, then Industries Ministers (October 26, 2014, to July 2016), put the project on the fast-track by resolving the legal issues. The two expressways Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (Eastern Peripheral Expressway) and the KMP (Western Peripheral Expressway) were supposed to be the first smart and green highways in India. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Rewari, November 16 Sub-Inspector (SI) Ranbir Singh, who was shot dead by a murder accused in Dharuhera on Thursday night, was cremated at his native Jatoli village in Gurugram district on Friday. DGP BS Sandhu and ADGP Shrikant Jadhav expressed grief over his death. The DGP said a special ex-gratia grant of Rs30 lakh under a government policy and another financial assistance of Rs30 lakh would be given to the kin of Singh under a special agreement of accidental death insurance cover. Also, free education up to Class XII would be offered to his children in Police Public School. The DGP directed the SP to submit challan in the court as early as possible so that severe punishment could be given to the accused. The accused, Naresh, was on Friday remanded to fiveday police custody. The SI was felicitated during the Independence Day function here for his commendable service. Industries Minister Vipul Goel, who was the chief guest at the function, had honoured him for nabbing six members of a gang after an encounter in Pataudi on July 30. At that time, Singh was in charge of the CIA-1. He was shifted to the CIA-II in Dharuhera 20 days ago and was on the trail of wanted criminal Naresh, who was at large after killing a dhaba owner in the Dharuhera area on October 30. Singh got a tip-off that Naresh would come to Dharuhera from Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) on Thursday night. He, along with his team, laid a trap on the Rajasthan border. As soon as Naresh came there, Singh tried to arrest him, but the accused opened fire at the team. One of the bullets hit Singh in the stomach, leaving him injured critically. He was rushed to hospital in Bhiwadi where he died, while Naresh was nabbed, said Rahul Sharma, Rewari SP. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Shimla, November 16 Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) from 2009 to 2013, Maj Gen CM Sharma (retd), was found dead in his house in Jakhu on Friday, with a bullet injury in the head. The police found the body, a licensed revolver and a suicide note from the basement of the house, Superintendent of Police Omawati Jamwal said. Maj Gen Sharma, 67, is survived by his wife and two sons. A post-mortem examination was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital here. A hole in the head with entry and exit points was clearly visible. No other injury mark was found, sources said. He was suffering from insomnia for some time, said police sources. His acquaintances said they had seen him walking at The Mall a few days ago. Commissioned in 1972, Gen Sharma, an expert on information warfare and disaster management, commanded an artillery regiment in Ladakh and a brigade in Jammu and Kashmir. TNS editorial@tribune.com Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, November 15 The British-era heritage building Town Hall, housing the office of the Mayor, is unlikely to be given back to the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) after the completion of the Rs 8-crore conservation project as the High Court has directed the Tourism Department to prepare a conceptual plan so that it could be put to public use. It was following a court hearing on November 3, earlier this month, that it had been conveyed to the department that keeping in mind the historic significance of the heritage building, it should not be used for housing the offices of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Commissioner. It was suggested that the renovated building be put to some public use. The court directive seems to be in line with public demand for putting the majestic building for some public use. Suggestions had poured in for setting up a museum, memento kiosk and handicraft display gallery so that tourists could get a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the state in the renovated building. However, a final decision is yet to be taken as the next date of hearing in the High Court is scheduled for December 13. It was yesterday that the court directed the department to get a conceptual note prepared specifying the total area in the building, located on The Mall. The department has also been asked to suggest the use to which the building can be put. We have received yesterdays court directive and will get the conceptual plan prepared as the next date of hearing is fixed for December 13, said Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Forest. The councillors, cutting across party lines, have been aggressively demanding that the building belonged to the MC and it should be handed back to them. In a rare show of unity, the councillors have been vociferously demanding the heritage structure. The Town Hall is the second British-era structure after the Gaiety Theatre to undergo an exhaustive restoration work with the help of conservation architects. The main objective of the conservation and restoration project was to restore the historic building to its original look as several additions had been made after it was completed in 1908. The court, in its earlier order on December 13, 2017, asked the Chief Secretary to file a personal affidavit regarding the use of the building. The court was of the considered view that it could be used for housing a library and other public conveniences rather than leaving it to the mercy of babus for nailing the restored wooden panels and work of art only for the purpose of hanging calendars or pasting the same over walls. harinder@tribunemail.com Arun Joshi Tribune News Service Jammu, November 15 Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday ruled out dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly anytime soon, saying the House will continue to remain in suspended animation till the time it completes its six-year term or the time is ripe for fresh elections. In an interview with The Tribune, he said, Governors rule will end on December 19; thereafter, Presidents rule will come into force. The state had come under Governors rule on June 20 after Mehbooba Mufti resigned as Chief Minister following withdrawal of support by the BJP. In J&K, Governors rule lasts for six months and on its expiry, it automatically comes under Presidents rule when the Governors legislative powers (vested in him as per the J&K Constitution) get transferred to Parliament. On why the House would remain in suspended animation, he said it is also a sort of political process where MLAs get funds and spend in constituencies. Why should we kill this political process? He said the successful and peaceful municipal polls have lifted the mood of the people and that is turning the situation towards normalcy. Additionally, our focus is on addressing militancy that exists in the mind. On the National Conference and PDP finding fault, the Governor said, I have not said anything about them. I am not defaming Kashmir, it is the deep-rooted corruption in the system that has opened the can of worms. I have not revealed who facilitated loans of crores of rupees for whom, and for what consideration. I know that when I fight corruption, the vested interests would get hurt. The Governor also asked: Why are they talking about Pakistan? The Indo-Pak dialogue is the relationship between two countries, not about them. On former Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs charge that there was alienation between the Governor and the youth in Kashmir, Malik said, Omar was a young Chief Minister, why didnt he go to the youth and bridge the gap? I go to the youth, interact with them and understand their grievances and take steps to redress the same. Why is he not visiting them? The Governor said he did not believe that militancy would be over with the killing of militants. There is a need for giving them an alternative positive narrative to build their careers and for hope and development. Thats what I am attempting. editorial@tribune.com Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, November 16 The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, which is led by the National Conference, has sought a separate divisional status for Ladakh. The LAHDC said the anger among Ladakhi people against regional discrimination would subside if all three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh get an equal share in terms of infrastructure development. In a formal interaction with The Tribune, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Kargil Council, said: We dont want disintegration of the state. We want the entire state to remain united but all three regions should get an equal share. Kargil has never raised the demand for the UT status. It has come only from Leh because the people of the region have not got their due share. If the government provides equal share to Ladakh by giving a separate divisional status to it, it will subside the demand. He rubbished reports that the demand for the divisional status was an attempt to sabotage the UT status demand. We had been demanding the divisional status since the time when there was no UT demand. The government should decentralise powers to keep all three regions intact and united, Khan said. LS seats for Leh, Kargil The CEC said the main contentious issue between the two districts was the lone parliamentary seat that made it Kargil versus Leh during the elections. The best way to resolve the issue is to announce two parliamentary constituencies and if that is not possible, the announcement of a Rajya Sabha seat for Ladakh will resolve the issue, he said. Dont rebid tunnel project The CEC expressed concern over the reports of financial crisis hitting the IL&FS which is executing the countrys longest Zojila tunnel project and suggested finding a middle path instead of rebidding to avoid further delay in its execution. The rebidding would delay the project further by a minimum of two years. The government should find a via media to resolve the crisis, Khan said. Varsity demand genuine Khan held the successive governments and the political leadership of the region responsible for not having a single university in Ladakh. Our demand is genuine and legitimate. If the previous governments were responsible, so was our own political leaders who could not project the demand in a way it should have been. No district status for Zanskar The CEC said there was no scope for a separate district for Zanskar as it had been given its due share in development. A post of the Executive Councillor has been reserved for Zanskar in the Council while it has three elected councillors and a nominated councillor from the minority. They are being given their due share, he said. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Gurnaaz Kaur DeepVeer wedding has become the centre of the universe, or should we say news world, for more than one reason! This star Jodi, which has concluded its nuptials in Konkani and Sindhi ceremonies, has kept their friends, fans and media on tenterhooks, thanks their no-photos policy. Two days, no news has spawned frenzy on social media with tags DeepikaWedsRanveer, DeepVeerKiShaadi and many memes! While the common populace and the media are kept at an arms length, social media is working hard to get a glimpse of the newlywed couple. We dig out the reason and importance of this double ceremony wedding. Dual marriage The couple has tied the knot in Konkani and Sindhi ceremonies under astrological guidance. There are doshas in kundalis, such as pitra dosha, bhakut dosha, nadi dosha and mangal dosha, that are rectified or the impact is nullified with two wedding ceremonies or double marriage. It was the same in Deepika and Ranveers kundali, they were advised to hold their pheras twice. They chose to do two ceremonies, which is equally good and in fact auspicious. It is written in the scriptures that in case of a love marriage, when the kundalis are not matched or if there is any dosha, dual marriage is the solution, shares astrologer P Khurana. He adds, It is rather double commitment. The vows that are exchanged once are done twice in some cases and it adds to the strength of the promise. Many couples perform laanvan-phere when they complete 25 years of marriage to refresh their commitments. Nothing wrong Another astrologer, Kajal Sharma, says, Sometimes when the bride and the groom belong to different communities, they perform two ceremonies to please their families but there is an added advantage to it. If something, anything goes wrong the first time or goes amiss, the second ceremony takes care of it. There is nothing whatsoever wrong about double ceremony. It only has benefits. We wish them a happy ever after! gurnaaz@tribunemail.com editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Khanna, November 16 The district police claimed to have arrested two drug peddlers, including a Tanzanian and recovered 45 gm of heroin from his possession. Those arrested have been identified as Gaurav Kumar, a car driver from Mulana village in Ambala district (Haryana) and his accomplice Daniel Lukks Mitwewe, a resident of Tanzania, who is presently studying at Mulana University in Ambala. Daniel had come to India two years ago and was pursing the course of DMLT at Mulana University. In a press conference here, the Superintendent of Police (SP) - Headquarters, Khanna, Balwinder Sigh Bhikhi, said a police party led by CIA in charge Baljinder Singh and narcotic cell Sub-Inspector Labh Singh were checking vehicles and persons during nakabandi near a mosque at Libra village on the GT road, Khanna. A Swift Dzire car coming from the Khanna side was signalled to stop at the naka, but its driver tried to flee with the vehicle. The police managed to stop the car and during search of the two vehicle occupants 45 gm of heroin was recovered from Daniel. A case under the NDPS Act was registered at the Khanna Sadar police station and the occupants of the car were arrested. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Kochi/Sabarimala, November 16 Activist Trupti Desai and six other women, who flew into Kochi on Friday to pray at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala but were forced to remain at the airport for 13 hours, said late evening that she is returning, but vowed to be back before January 20, when the temple doors close. Their way had been blocked by hundreds of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu activists, forcing them to remain holed up at the Kochi airport. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials at the airport informed the media that she has decided to return from here on Friday night, as she does not want to create any issues in Kerala. The news was greeted with cheers from the protesters, but they said they will vacate the airport premises only after her flight departs, later in the night. The airport turned into a noisy protest site as Desai and her group arrived from Pune at around 4.45 a.m, with some 100 protesters shouting slogans and preventing her from leaving the complex despite police presence. As the hours passed, the number of demonstrators, including top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and activists, swelled and they virtually took charge of every entry and exit gates both inside and outside the airport. Several rounds of talks with Desai with various officials failed to yield any result as she was adamant, and at one point of time, she even told the police that if they are unable to provide her security, she will manage on her own. She then tried to reach out to the Kerala High Court by contacting legal experts. With time running out for the day and the court closed for the next two days, she informed the police that she will return, but vowed that she will be back. She is likely to approach the Supreme Court about what happened to her here. At one stage, the Cochin International Airport Ltd officials took a strong position that she has to either leave the airport or take a flight out from the airport. BJP spokesperson Shoba Surendran said: "We will not allow her to leave the airport. Desai has got all the support from atheists like our Chief Minister who is determined to see that women get to visit the temple. "She is nothing but an activist who has scant respect for the tradition of Sabarimala. So it's best that (Pinarayi) Vijayan sees that she is packed off from here at the earliest." Meanwhile, speaking to the media from the Nilackal base camp near the Ayyappa shrine, state Minister for Devasoms (which looks after temples) K. Surendran said Desai arrived in Kochi after intimating the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Maharashtra in writing. Prior to her arrival, the activist had written to Vijayan seeking police protection from the time she steps out of the plane at Kochi on Friday till she takes her return flight out of the state. The temple doors opened at 5 pm for two months. The temple town has witnessed protests by Hindu groups since the September 28 Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged between 10 and 50. The apex court this week refused to stay its earlier verdict. Temple Board seeks more time to implement SC verdict Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday decided to move the Supreme Court seeking time to implement its order allowing women in menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple, which opened for a two-month long pilgrim season. The decision by the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the hill shrine, to move the court was announced by its president A Padmakumar in Pamba, minutes after the temple doors were opened this evening. Agencies rchopra@tribunemail.com Naveen S Garewal Tribune News Service Hyderabad, Kolkata November 16 In a somewhat controversial order, the Andhra Pradesh Government has passed an order withdrawing permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) entering the state. This was followed by the West Bengal Government also withdrawing the 'general consent'. The general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority stands withdrawn with immediate effect, a senior official said. This follows the recent raids on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders in Hyderabadand and other places in Telangana that have been termed as witchhunt by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Sources said the orders were passed after the government received information that the Union Government was proposing to launch raids on various political leaders of the state after Naidu stepped up efforts to form an anti-BJP front with the help of the Congress. An order marked confidential passed by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was leaked in the media late last nigh. The order reads, In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, Government hereby withdraw the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the latest GO said. After the TDP parted ways with the NDA government, it has been taking precautionary measures to reduce the onslaught of central agencies in the state. It had, however, on August 3 this year accorded a general consent to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction in AP against officials of the Central Government, Central Government undertakings and private persons for investigating offences under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act. It was done vide order numbered GO Ms No. 109. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Ever since he snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, Naidu had been alleging that the Centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister has already announced that the state would not provide accompanying logistic support in the form of local policemen to raiding parties in the state. Several senior TDP leaders have been raided recently by the Income Tax and ED sleuths. After Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal withdraws general consent to CBI The West Bengal Government also withdrew the general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct raids or carry out investigations in the state, a top official at the state secretariat said on Wednesday. The West Bengal Governments decision came close on the heels of a similar step initiated by Andhra Pradesh. After the Andhra Pradesh governments announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support to her counterpart Chandrababu Naidu over the issue. What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta, she said. The general consent was accorded to the CBI by the then Left Front government in West Bengal in 1989. With Fridays notification, the central agency would henceforth require permission from the state government to carry out any sort of investigation except those ordered by the court, the official said, requesting anonymity. With PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Thiruvananthapuram, November 15 Consensus eluded a crucial all-party meeting called on Thursday to resolve the stand-off over permitting women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala shrine with the Kerala Government firm on implementing the Supreme Court order and the Opposition walking out in protest. After the nearly three-hour long meeting, dubbed as a farce by the Opposition, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said his government was duty-bound to enforce the courts September 28 verdict allowing women of all ages to pray at the hill temple of Lord Ayyappa as it had not been stayed. The meeting was convened by him in the backdrop of state-wide protests by devotees after the Supreme Court ended an age-old ban on entry of women in the 10-50 age group. The government has no other option as Supreme Court has made it clear that the September 28 verdict has not been stayed, which means women in the 10-50 age group have the right to visit the Sabarimala temple, Vijayan said. Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the BJP staged a walkout at the meeting, convened two days ahead of the temples opening on November 17 for the two-month long pilgrim season when lakhs of devotees are expected to throng the shrine. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of being adamant, while BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai said the meeting was a waste of time. Meanwhile, the erstwhile Pandalam Royal family, associated with the temple, told Vijayan that there was no change in its stand with regard to rituals and traditions of the shrine and it was against entry of young women. The views were conveyed during talks held separately by the CM with family member Sasikumar Varma and tantri (head priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru. Kandararu Rajeevaru said: We can only appeal to young women not to come to Sabarimala. At the all-party meet, Vijayan rejected the demand that the government seek time from the court to implement its order since a bunch of review petitions are expected to come up for hearing before the apex court on January 22. It put forward certain suggestions, including setting apart certain days for young women to offer prayers, instead of all days, Vijayan said, adding these had to be discussed with all stakeholders. Chennithala said: We decided to walk out of the meeting after the Chief Ministers reply. The meeting was a farce, government was not ready for any compromise. This is a declaration of war on the believers by the government. The CM and the government would be responsible for any violence or untoward incident in Sabarimala, he added. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM New Delhi, November 16 All telecom operators, except Reliance Jio, failed to meet the call drop benchmark in a drive test conducted by sector regulator TRAI on different highway and rail routes, says a report. According to the report, while network performance of telcos differed on highways, none of them, except RJio, could meet the call drop benchmark on the three rail routes covered under the test. Only RJio is meeting quality of service benchmark of call drop rate, the report said. According to the quality of service rules, not more than 2 per cent of total calls in a telecom circle on a network should automatically get disconnected. The highways between Asansol and Gaya, Digha and Asansol, Gaya and Danapur, Bengaluru and Murdeshwar, Raipur and Jagdalpur, Dehradun and Nainital, Mount Abu and Jaipur and Srinagar and Leh were covered in the test. Railway routes between Allahabad and Gorakhpur, Delhi and Mumbai and Jabalpur and Singrauli were covered. Either 3G or 2G network of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and state-run BSNL failed to meet the call drop benchmark on four highway routes and all three rail routes. TRAI also named Tata Teleservices Limited (TTL) network for not complying with service quality norms on select highways. The report found that TTL, which is in the process of merging the mobile business with Airtel, failed to even complete call connection as per the benchmark between Bengaluru and Murdeshwar, Dehradun and Nainital and Gaya and Danapur and on the three rail routes. Airtel could not meet call connection rate or call setup success rate (CSSR) on Gaya-Danapur highway and the three rail routes. Vodafone Idea network could not meet CSSR rate on Raipur-Jagdalpur highway and all three rail routes. Both companies completed their merger on August 31 and now operate as Vodafone Idea Limited. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Melbourne, November 16 Australia said on Friday that it was taking legal action against India at the WTO over sugar subsidies, alleging that it caused a significant downturn in world prices and hurt Australian producers. Australia alleges that the subsidies, which have seen Indian sugar production leap from an average 20 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes this year far exceed the level of farmer assistance permitted under WTO rules. The action, known formally as a counter-notification, comes after Australia has repeatedly raised the issue with India directly, ABC News reported. It means the issue will initially be discussed at the WTOs Committee on Agriculture meeting scheduled for later this month. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said it was time India, the worlds second-largest sugar producer, was held accountable for its market distorting policies on sugar. We have raised our industrys deeply held concerns on numerous occasions with senior levels of the Indian Government, Birmingham said. We are disappointed our concerns havent been addressed and now see little choice other than to ramp up our efforts to stand up for the rights of our cane farmers and sugar millers. We will now engage in formal discussions with India and other WTO members regarding this issue at the upcoming WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting later this month. He expressed hope that India would reconsider its position in relation to what are more than USD 1 billion in additional subsidies for sugar producers, which has pushed global sugar prices to a decade low. Australia is the third largest exporter of sugar. So we are a significant player. We would expect and hope to have support in terms of our action from Brazil and other nations. And ultimately, this is about trying to ensure we get a fair go for our sugar farmers who play by the rules. And they just want to be able to compete, he said. Birmingham dismissed concerns the step could hamper Australias efforts to ramp up trade with India. Our relationship with India is much, much deeper than one issue. The announcement came two days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Singapore on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit during which the two leaders discussed the issue. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 Days ahead of a likely meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping along the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui on Friday batted for the One Belt One Road project. Responding to a question by a delegate at the 1st India-China Youth Dialogue at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, the envoy stressed that the Modi governments Act East policy is complementary with the ambitious OBOR pet project of Xi. India objects to OBOR on grounds of violation of sovereignty since its flagship project the China Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) runs through PoK (Pak Occupied Kashmir). One Belt One Road is not just Chinas national policy but it is accepted by almost one hundred countries. It is going quite well, said Luo citing consensus arrived upon BCIM (Bangladesh China India and Myanmar) economic corridor in 2013 as a case of multilateral cooperation moving forward. China and India have the same policy on connectivity and free trade. Also in AIIB (Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank) India is one of the largest donor countries and largest beneficiaries, he said. Concrete cooperation is very important, laying the terms is very important. But we focus more on concrete cooperation. That is why I think Act East and OBOR is natural. How do you synergise these two strategies together between the two countries, between the two leaders and benefit from cooperation and development, the ambassador further added. The ambassador also hoped that the youth on both sides could improve bilateral ties as the two countries lay ground for formal launch of a high-level people-to-people and cultural exchange mechanism an outcome of the Wuhan informal summit. The dialogue will provide a platform for the youth of both nations to build a Great Wall of Trust and Cooperation between the two countries, wrote PM Modi in his congratulatory message sent earlier. Three things are most fashionable among Chinese youth in urban areas, namely, watching Bollywood movies, practicing Yoga and tasting Darjeeling tea, added Luo. shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com New Delhi, November 16 Google on Friday celebrated humankind's first attempt 44 years ago to communicate with intelligent life beyond our own planet with an animated doodle. In 1974, a group of scientists gathered at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to send the most powerful broadcast ever deliberately beamed into space, called Arecibo Message. Their three-minute radio message was aimed at a cluster of stars in the constellation Hercules 25,000 light years away from Earth, Google said in a statement. This historic transmission was intended to demonstrate the capabilities of Arecibo's recently upgraded radio telescope, whose 1000-foot-diameter dish made it the largest and most powerful in the world at the time, it said. "It was strictly a symbolic event, to show that we could do it," said Donald Campbell, a Cornell University professor of astronomy, who was a research associate at the Arecibo Observatory at the time. "The subject of today's doodle lends itself to so many possibilities. Earlier concepts experimented with depicting the recipients of the Arecibo Message and their reactions," said Gerben Steenks, doodler at Google. The message itself was devised by a team of researchers from Cornell University led by Frank Drake. "What could we do that would be spectacular? We could send a message!" Drake said. Written with the assistance of Carl Sagan, the message itself could be arranged to form a pictograph representing some fundamental facts of mathematics, human DNA, planet Earth's place in the solar system, and a picture of a human-like figure and an image of the telescope itself. Since the Arecibo Message will take roughly 25,000 years to reach its intended destination a group of 300,000 stars known as M13 humankind will have to wait a long time for an answer, Google said. In the 44 years since it was first transmitted, the message has travelled only 259 trillion miles, only a tiny fraction of the distance to its final destination, it said. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com Shahdol (MP), November 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of four years of a chaiwala, and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG that the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP governments performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it. What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest, he added. Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of garibi hatao (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing. Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit. Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years, he said. What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things, he said, listing the achievements of his government. Calling Congress leaders jhooth ke shehanshah (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was part of the Congress character. Without naming anyone, Modi said, In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of anger and hatred and thanked them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only love for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister. Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the countrys oldest political party could get elected for so many years. Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now. Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the shehanshah of lies speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep, he quipped. Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying over the note ban and not the common man. Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016. They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now, he said. He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money lying under the pillows and elsewhere into the banking system. Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man, he said. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. The Prime Minister said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Shillong, November 16 A personal security officer (PSO) of Meghalaya cabinet minister Krymen Shylla has been arrested along with his aides in West Jaintia Hills district for allegedly assaulting two truck drivers, a senior police officer said here Friday. Constable Thmubait I Dhar and his aides, Chanky Lhuid and Deibormi, attacked the two truckers, who were part of a fleet transporting coal to Bangladesh from Bhutan via Dawki in Meghalaya, he said. "The arrests were made around 3.30 am on Thursday after the Jowai police control room received a call about a ruckus at a roadside dhaba in Riat Turiem area of the district. The PSO has been suspended following his arrest," the officer told PTI. Shylla, when contacted, said he was yet to gather details about the incident. The social welfare minister also asserted that the "the truth will come out only after police inquiry". The injured drivers - Passang Dorji from Bhutan and Jity Kami from West Bengal - had to seek medical aid from a nearby clinic, the senior police officer said. "In his complaint, Kami said three persons in civil dresses, claiming to be all policemen, entered the dhaba and enaged in a heated altercation with them. One of them took out a pistol and hit them with its lever after lining them up in front of the trucks," he stated quoting the FIR. Kami also alleged that Dhar and his aides damaged the headlights and the indicators of their trucks, the officer said, adding that police were on the lookout for the constable's pistol that went missing after the incident. According to Shacha Wangchuk, one of the truck drivers who witnessed Thursday's incident, Bhutan has been regularly exporting coal to Bangladesh via Dawki-Tamabil, ever since the National Green Tribunal banned mining and transportation in Meghalaya. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Beijing, November 16 The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several misconceptions between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, Indias envoy here has said. In Wuhan, Modi and Xi spoke to each other for almost 10 hours, which is characterised as a strategic communication by both sides, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale said. Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time, he said on the April 27-28 summit. We removed several misconceptions we may have about each other. I think a lot of things India and China can do together. There are only a few things where we differ, Bambawale told the state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday. He said both the countries are beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary for globalisation like China. The two countries agree that they are developing countries who are focused on improving the living standards of about 2.4 billion people. India and China have similar viewpoints on global issues. We both want to have an open system where multilateral system works, he said, adding that both the countries could work on many issues like globalisation. He said the issue that divided the two countries is the unresolved boundary question. But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that, he said. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during the 1962 war. Bambawale is retiring later this month and will be succeeded by Indias current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri. To a question about Japan and China deciding to undertake a joint project in third countries, Bambawale said New Delhi and Beijing are also trying out such cooperation and pointed to the recent decision to jointly train Afghan diplomats. At the Wuhan summit, Xi and Modi have agreed that India and China will do a joint project in Afghanistan. Here is yet another example of two Asian countries working together to help another Asian country. So I think the future is bright as far as this aspect is concerned, he said. To a question about the India-China trade and investment moving to a fast lane, he said, Yes, I agree; not just trade but also investments increasing between India and China. We are seeing more Chinese companies interested in investing in India and beginning to invest in India, he said and pointed to the big strides made by Chinese companies like Xiaomi. Huawei, too, has a research base in India employing about 6,000 Indian engineers. He also spoke about Indian films like Dangal making big inroads in China. He said film star Aamir Khan had become a superstar in China. He said efforts were being made by both the countries to increase people-to-people contacts. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Ambikapur, November 16 Returning the Congresss a chaiwala could become prime minister due to Nehru barb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dared it to make someone from outside the family as its chief for him to believe the late leader created a true democratic system. Modi also charged the Gandhis with still not being able to come to terms that the son of a poor mother could become the countrys prime minister. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, Modi slammed the opposition party for crediting his occupying the PMs post to Nehru instead of people in the country. He also hit back at the Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move still rankles them as the money stashed under beds and in sacks was taken away in a single stroke. He asked the Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said it was due to the institutional structure created by Nehru that even a chai wala (tea seller) could become Indias prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said a chaiwala could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a chaiwala became the prime minister, Modi said. If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years, he said. If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief, he said. Modis five-year tenure remark was apparently in reference to Sitaram Kesri who was the Congress president in the 90s, but did not have a five-year term. He held the post from September 1996 to March 1998. The contract of democracy of the country was not given to a family, he said, adding that the (Gandhi) family felt the Britishers had named India after it. Without naming the Gandhis, Modi said they were unable to come to terms that Modi had been prime minister for four and a half years now after their four generations ruled the country. They still keep crying. How could a chaiwala sit (on the PMs chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the raj gaddi (throne of power), he said. Modi said people had disproved that it was the right of only one family to speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. You cant understand the difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can, Modi said in a veiled attack on the Congress and the Gandhis. They (Congress) have kept the country in the dark with their lies which are ingrained in their minds, Modi said, not mincing words to target the principal opposition party and its top leaders. He also hailed the impressive turnout in the first phase of polling held in the state on November 10. People of Bastar in Chhattisgarh gave a strong response to Naxals by registering record voting percentage in the first phase, he added. The second phase of polling in the state will be held on November 20 and the election results will be out on December 11. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has not given a clean chit to CBI Director Alok Verma yet as it is still investigating certain allegations of corruption against him, the Supreme Court was informed on Friday. "The CVC has filed a very exhaustive report. Report can be categorised into four partsvery complimentary on some charges, not so complimentary on some charges, very uncomplimentary on some charges and some require further investigation," a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogogi said after perusing the CVC report. Justice AK Patnaik, who supervised the CVC probe into corruption allegations against Verma, has submitted a separate note to the top court. The CVC had submitted its report to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover on Monday. But even before the top court could peruse the CVCs report, a section of the media reported had reported that the probe against Verma yielded nothing substantial. The Benchalso comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Josephordered that a copy of the CVC report be given to the CBI Director, Attorney General and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who is representing CVC. It turned down repeated requests from senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, to be made a party to the case and given a copy of the CVC report. The Bench asked Verma to file his response to the CVC report in a sealed cover and posted the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, November 20. On behalf of Verma, senior counsel Fali Nariman said he will be ready with response to the CVC report by Monday. It asked the parties to maintain confidentiality for the sake of sanctity and public confidence in CBI. The court is hearing Verma's petition challenging the Centres order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave along with Asthana. He has also challenged the governments order of appointing M Nageswara Rao as Interim CBI Director. Asthana, who has been divested of his powers as special director and sent on leave, too, has challenged the governments decision. The Bench was amused to hear from Mehta that despite being counsel for CVC, he had not seen the report. What followed was even more interesting. CJI Gogoi asked: "Who are you?" "I am CVC", responds Mehta. "You are the author of report and you have not seen it," wonders CJI? "I as a lawyer have not seen it, Mehta responds again. Senior advocate Rajiv Dhavan, representing CBI DSP AK Bassi, tried to raise the issue of his transfer but the Bench was not inclined to take up the issue at this stage. "Where have you been transferred?" asks CJI. "Port Blair," responded Dhavan. "It is a good placeBe there for a few days," CJI told him but agreed to hear him on Tuesday. On behalf of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who has challenged Verma's removal, senior counsel Kapil Sibal wanted to be heard. "Who are you?" asked CJI Gogogi. "For Mr Kharge," says Sibal. "The Leader of Opposition or the single largest party? We forgot about you," the CJI commented. As ordered by the Supreme Court, Rao has already filed a report regarding decisions taken by him between October 23 and 26, including transferred ordered by him. The top courtwhich had on October 26 asked the CVC to complete its inquiry supervised by former Supreme Court judge AK Patnaik in two weekswould consider now consider Vermas response to the CVCs report into allegations made in the August 24 note/letter of the Cabinet Secretary against him on November 20. It had restrained CBI interim director from taking any policy or major decisions and asked him to perform only routine functions essential to keep the probe agency functional. It is expected to examine all decisions taken by him. At the root of the controversy is an intense infighting between Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who have been at loggerheads for months. After Asthana wrote to the CVC against Verma, the CBI registered a corruption case against its special director who had to rush to the Delhi High Court for protection. Verma has contended that he was appointed for a two-year term with the approval of a selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition and the CJI. The government could not have curtailed it, he said citing SC's 1997 Vineet Narain judgment and amendments in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act under which CBI was set up. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM New Delhi/Gurdaspur, Nov 16 The seat of power in the national capital the South Block and the North Block today saw an unusual alert pasted at the entrances of the historic buildings located atop the Raisina hill. The alert had pictures of gun-totting terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) a Pakistan-based banned terror organisation along with a letter written by the IG (Counter-Intelligence) of Punjab Police warning that these terrorists are planning to target Delhi. The Prime Ministers Office, Defence Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs are located in the South block. The Home Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Cabinet Secretarys Office are in the North Block. There are separate entry gates to each of these and armed guards remain stationed there holding automatic weapons. The pasting of alert at the entrances indicates the seriousness of the threat. It also aims at alerting employees and visitors to the seat of power. The Punjab Police alert says six-seven JeM terrorists are planning to move towards Delhi from Punjab. Meanwhile, Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh has pulled up Dinanagar police officials for leaking intelligence inputs as regards JeM operative Zakir Moosa. The department had circulated some inputs among its senior officers in that regard. However, due to a gaffe by the Dinanagar police these got placed in public domain. We have not released posters of Moosa. It was a secret input and we intended to keep it as such. However, some lower-rung officials committed a mistake, following which Moosas picture went viral on social media, the SSP said. The SSP said he had pulled up officials for the negligence on their part. TNS harinder@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 15 The Patiala House Court on Thursday again reserved the order for quantum of punishment for November 20 to be awarded to Naresh Sherawat and Yashpal Singh for killing Hardev Singh and Avtar Singh in Mahipalpur area of South Delhi during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court had on Wednesday convicted the two accused the first conviction in the cases reopened by the SIT constituted by the Union Government in 2015. Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey reserved the order following arguments. The counsel for the victims Gurbaksh Singh and HS Phoolka argued for the death sentence, saying it was a rarest of rare case. While hearing the case, the judge asked the two surviving victims Kuldeep Singh and Sangat Singh about the injuries they had sustained, their businesses in 1984 and the compensation they had received so far. The judge also asked the profession of the convicts. When told that one of the convicts had an ailment, he was asked to bring documents so his treatment could continue in jail. Kuldeep Singh said that when the judge asked whether he wanted further compensation, he said he only wanted death sentence for the convicts. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Jodhpur, November 16 A beehive dangling from a house in Rajasthans Jalore district has caught the attention of polling officers busy making preparations for smooth conduct of the December 7 Assembly poll. Leaving nothing to chance, polling officers want the owner of the house next to the Bhalni polling station to remove the beehive lest it attacks voters on polling day. In a notice to the house owner, the assistant polling officer said, There will be a large crowd of voters and if bees attack them, the polling can be interrupted. House owner Malaram Mali has been asked to remove the beehive in three days of receipt of the order at his own expense and report to the office. The owner has been warned that if he did not comply with the order, all responsibility in case of a mishap would rest on him and he will be dealt accordingly. Shocked to receive the order, Mali has expressed his inability to remove the beehive, saying it was too big for him to handle. I am not able to remove this beehive. The administration can do so at its own level, if it wants so, Mali said. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, November 16 On the occasion of National Press Day, Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore on Friday said a responsible and objective media was one of the most important institutions for nation-building. Today on National Press Day, I convey my best wishes to all journalists. A responsible, objective media is one of the most important institutions for nation-building, he tweeted. My greetings to the Press Council of India as well, committed to maintaining ethics and high standards in print media. National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India. IANS rchopra@tribunemail.com Washington, November 16 A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president, this year to India cost the American taxpayers about USD 100,000 in fees related to the Secret Service agents guarding him and other costs, according to a media report. In February this year, Donald J Trump Jr, 40, had travelled to four Indian cities, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata, to promote the high-rise luxurious condos being built by the Trump Organisation, of which US President Donald Trump is the sole owner. Trump Jr is the vice president of his family-owned company. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that it calculated this figure from the documents it obtained from the Department of Homeland through the Freedom of Information Act, which is similar to Indias Right to Information Act. The documents showed that Trump Jrs February trip cost more than USD 97,805 for hotel rooms, airfare, car rental and overtime for Secret Service agents, the daily reported. The White House and Donald J Trump Jr did not immediately respond to the news report, which their political opponents on the social media alleged that the Secret Service expenses for his trip to promote condos in India was misuse of taxpayers money. As per US laws, the President and his immediate family members are entitled to protection by the Secret Service. Same is the case with the former presidents and their family members too. Donald Trump Jr went to India to promote condo sales. His trip cost taxpayers almost USD 100,000. Thats essentially the government spending money on the Presidents private business, Citizens for Ethics, a watchdog, alleged in a tweet. Because the President has not placed his assets in a blind trust, as other presidents have done, he still effectively controls his real estate empire and benefits from his childrens travels, Jordan Libowitz, communications director for the Washington-based watchdog group told the Washington Post. The issue is that essentially the President still owns his businesses, and these trips are being done to make the President money. Essentially the government is spending money for the Presidents private businesses, Libowitz told the daily. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Gurdaspur, November 16 The Punjab Police have released wanted posters of terrorist Zakir Moosa, the chief of Jammu and Kashmir-based Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind terror outfit with reported links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), after they received inputs about his movements near Amritsar, reports ANI. #Punjab police have released posters of terrorist Zakir Moosa; Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh says, "We had inputs about his movements near Amritsar. So we have released wanted posters of him to make public aware & have requested public to tell us if they have any information" pic.twitter.com/iFocDlGmHj ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh said: We had inputs about his movements near Amritsar. So we have released wanted posters of him to make public aware and have requested public to tell us if they have any information." We had inputs that some Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists have infiltrated in Punjab through Ferozpur. So have taken precautionary measures. Extra forces have been deployed. Checking is underway: Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh. (15.11.18) pic.twitter.com/csBCKvoCjd ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 In October, the police had arrested two BTech students of the local St Soldier College of Engineering and Technology Shahid Qayoom (22) and Fazil Bashir (23) in the low-intensity explosions on September 14 and said that it was the handiwork of Kashmir-based Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) to which the arrested students were aligned. Zakir Mussa, who heads the terror outfit, masterminded and guided the attacks, the police had said. rchopra@tribunemail.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was on Friday quizzed by a special investigation team (SIT) of the Punjab Police at his residence here. He termed his questioning, which lasted 50 minutes, and the summons to his son Sukhbir Singh Badal political vendetta. The former CM was examined as a witness in the October 14, 2015, Kotkapura police firing case. A case of attempt to murder was registered in August this year. The proceedings were videotaped. We asked him if he had spoken to the then DGP Sumedh Singh Saini on the night intervening October 13-14 and given any orders, efforts made to trace the missing bir' from Jawahar Singh Wala village and those behind the sacrilege incidents at Bargari and if any action was taken against cops involved in the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing, an SIT member said. IGP Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh was the first to reachBadals residence. The SAD had on Thursday accused him of bias and of playing to the tune of his political masters. Badal asked the IG about the other SIT members. He sought to speak to the SIT chief, Additional DGP Prabodh Kumar, over the phone. The latter arrived in 10 minutes. All this while, Akali leaders, including party chief Sukhbir, were in the courtyard. Later, Badal appeared before the SIT and answered all questions. Everyone knows that SITs report will be scripted by Capt Amarinder Singh. Yet, as a law-abiding citizen, I have cooperated with them, he told the media. The SAD core committee held a meeting as soon as the SIT left. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Amritsar, November 16 The Nirmal Singh-led faction of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) has said that patits (apostate members) would not be allowed to cast their votes in the elections of the organisation scheduled for December 2. The faction released its manifesto today. Promising to restore the glory of the Sikh body, he said their aim would be to revert to the original constitutional terms. Since 2011, the CKD has been transformed into a charitable society by amending its constitution. There are about 60,000 students and thousands of employees in the schools under the CKD. We will keep a vigil to ensure only genuine voters participate in the election process. Affordable education will be our primary goal. We aim to provide education to every strata of the society, ensuring respectful status to women employees, transparency in administration and decentralisation of powers. We will try to make provisions for free education for students who secure 80 per cent marks and above and 5,000 students of poor families will be helped in their studies, he said. CKD member and former MP Rajmohinder Singh Majitha said, We will ensure the protection of the women working members. In the last 10-12 years, the institution was marked by controversies due to self-interests of some people. We need to re-build this institution. Those present during the release of the manifesto include Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar and Amarjit Singh Vikrant, candidates for the vice-presidents post, former MLA Sawinder Singh Kathunangal and Surinder Singh Rumalianwale, a candidate for the honorary secretarys post. editorial@tribune.com Tribune Reporters Bathinda, November 16 Activists of the BKU Ekta Sidhupur today blocked the Bathinda-Mansa road from noon to 3 pm to protest tardy purchase and lifting of paddy from the regions grain markets. However, the traffic was diverted through other routes. Unions senior vice-president Kaka Singh Kotra said, Though the state government claims to have been procuring paddy, the ground situation suggests otherwise, as one can see the glut-like situation in the grain markets. He said the farmers had been facing a lot of trouble selling their paddy produce and were also getting late in sowing the wheat crop. He said it would lead to huge losses for the farming community, as more the delay in sowing the wheat crop less would be its yield. He said the BKU leaders were sitting on fast-unto-death in front of the Bathinda DC office, seeking relaxation in moisture content norms and swift purchase of paddy, for the past one week, but the government is not paying heed to their genuine demands. Farmer leader Resham Singh warned that they might again resort to road and rail blockade on November 18, if the government did not concede to their demands. He alleged that the government was ignoring the farmer leaders sitting on fast-unto-death. He added that the state government would be responsible, if health of any of these leaders deteriorates. In Muktsar, the farmers blocked the Muktsar-Bathinda highway at Doda village, alleging that they were being fleeced in mandis. They said the paddy crop was not being purchased citing high moisture content. The protesters also demanded the cases registered against farmers for burning stubble should be cancelled. In Sangrur, BKU Sidhupur activist protested in Bhawanigarh and Lehragaga. In Fazilka, activists of the BKU Ekta Sidhupur blocked the national highway on the Fazilka-Abohar road against the alleged exploitation at the hands of private traders in the district. District president of the union Uday Singh Ghuriana alleged that the private traders had made a cartel to loot the farmers. editorial@tribune.com Rajmeet Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 The state government, which is scheduled to launch the year-long celebrations to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak from Sultanpur Lodhi on November 23, will release over 40 prisoners as a goodwill gesture. The state is in the process of securing remittance in their sentence from Governor VP Singh Badnore ahead of the inaugural function, which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. To finalise the year-long calendar of events, a series of meetings are being held before the Chief Minister takes stock of the preparations on Monday. The government is set to launch a special logo, said a senior government functionary. The government plans to start by taking out a nagar kirtan from Dera Baba Nanak, adjoining Kartarpur village (Pakistan), to Sultanpur Lodhi. The Congress government will initiate a massive drive to plant 550 saplings each in 12,381 villages. It has decided to set up at a heritage village Pind Babe Nanak Da at Sultanpur Lodhi, showcasing the life of Guru Nanak. Set in the 15th/16th century, the model walled village in an area of around 75 acres will have dwelling units. A small museum showcasing relics of the Guru will be part of the village, said a source. To highlight the significance of Kali Bein, the government plans to develop a promenade along the river that will be weeded and an eco-friendly zone and parks will be built around it, he said. The Kanjli wetland, downstream of the rivulet, will also be developed. So far, the Centre has released Rs 35 crore against Rs 2,145 crore sought for various projects for the year-long celebrations, said an official source. editorial@tribune.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Pathankot, November 15 The Punjab Police have warned that six to seven Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants may have crossed into Punjab near Ferozepur and could be on their way to Delhi, even as the Pathankot police are still groping in the dark over the whereabouts of the four persons who stole an Innova cab near Madhopur on Wednesday. The DGP (Intelligence) has written to all police commissioners and SSPs on the matter. All supervisory field officers, including IGPs/DIGs of ranges and police commissioners are advised to personally involve themselves in the planning and implementation of preventive and precautionary measures in their respective jurisdictions to avoid any untoward incident, the communique reads. It stresses the need to strengthen the second line of defence along the India-Pakistan border and close coordination with the BSF. There is a need to mount immediate special nakas at all important routes and points, conduct strict vehicular checking and take suitable counter-measures, the letter adds. The border police districts of Batala, Pathankot and Gurdaspur on Thursday fortified the second line of defence in areas close to the international border (IB), including Dera Baba Nanak, Dorangla, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur and Bamial. Gurdaspur SSP Swarandeep Singh and his Batala counterpart Opinderjit Singh Ghuman camped throughout the day near the border. Pathankot SSP Vivek Sheel Soni rushed to Jammu, where he met senior police officers. He also visited the site near the railway station where the accused had hired the cab. Bullet-proof vehicles have been moved closer to the IB. Meetings are being held among Punjab Police, BSF, the Army and IAF officials. Video recordings from CCTV cameras installed at various points on the Jammu-Pathankot highway are being examined. Soni said, The police have obtained the photographs of the four carjackers. The photographs, culled from CCTV footage, are not sharp enough. We have engaged professionals for help. In all probability, we will be sharing these with the public on Friday. We are following certain leads to trace the accused. Hopefully, we will crack the case in a day or so, he added. Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, IG (Border), said the owner of the hotel where the accused had dined before snatching the Innova had been questioned for the second time. Innova driver Raj Kumar continues to be in the custody of the Pathankot police. In Ferozepur, a coordination meeting was held between various security agencies. Senior police officers said special security measures were being taken. The Railway Protection Force increased surveillance and security in and around railway stations. (With inputs from Ferozepur) harinder@tribunemail.com Aman Sood Tribune News Service Patiala, November 15 A day after their arrest in connection with the Nabha bank robbery in which a security guard was shot dead and Rs 50 lakh looted, the two Sangrur-based accused have confessed to their involvement in three more robberies. They admitted that they had killed three persons and looted over Rs 1 crore in the past four years. They killed three persons, injured two and looted weapons and around Rs 1 crore in the past few years. Their questioning will reveal what they did between 2014 and 2018, as they seemed inactive criminally during that period, said SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu. They reportedly invested the looted money in oil tankers and buying property. A sum of Rs 24 lakh found in their bank accounts has been seized while the estimated value of the oil tankers owned by them is said to be around Rs 65 lakh. They ran out of luck yesterday and were caught after having shot dead a guard and looted Rs 50 lakh in cash. The SSP said, The accused would use a bike in the crime and park it in a rented room at Sangrur. The room would only be used to hide items used in robberies. Even the bag in which they had taken away the cash yesterday was found in that room. They would also make sure that the route they used to reach their hiding place did not have CCTVs, he said. Accused Jagdev Singh (35) and Amanjit Singh (37) of Sangrur have confessed that they, along with their third accomplice, had shot dead a bank guard and looted Rs 36 lakh from a State Bank of Patiala van at Nabha in February 2014. Three armed men had shot dead guard Randhir Singh and injured cashier Anurag Tiwari, while they were loading an ATM with cash (in 2014). Attired in police uniform, the turbaned men took the cash and fled on a motorcycle," Sidhu said. Their third accomplice, Jagdev Singh of Gaggarpur village in Sangrur, died in 2015 due to some kidney ailment. The duo also confessed that on July 14, 2018, they fired on a cash van of Axis Bank near Ghabdan Kothi hospital in Sangrur and fled with Rs 5 lakh after injuring a security guard. On May 14, they shot at an ATM guard of IDBI Bank in Sangrur city, snatched Rs 9 lakh and his gun and fled. Yesterday, they were arrested within five hours of looting Rs 50 lakh from bank officials at Nabha. Bank guard Prem Chand (52), who had received bullet injuries in the incident, later died at a local hospital. editorial@tribune.com Sanjeev Singh Bariana Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 The Education Department has given the agitating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) teachers another chance to apply for regularisation of service on a salary of Rs 15,300 till November 18. In the new message, the department has asked the teachers to apply online till Sunday and collect their appointment letters on Monday. The teachers have been told that their services will be regularised after three years (with effect from April). The state government has not released any official figure on the number of teachers who have accepted the state government offer of regularisation of service. A total of 8,886 teachers are eligible for regularisation of service. The department had claimed last Sunday that at least 31 per cent of the total teachers had accepted the government offer. Special camps were organised this week for the purpose, where a rush of teachers could be seen. At the same time, the teacher unions, protesting the government regularisation drive, said the government figures are bogus. The latest message by the Education Department said, Teachers who have accepted the new conditions of the department are not being allowed to join their services at certain places by unscrupulous elements. It has questioned the role of certain misguided school management committees and asked the District Education Officers (DEOs) to initiate corrective action. The convener of the Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha, Davinder Punia, said The government is applying all its force in goading teachers to join the Education Department under new conditions. President of the SSA-RMSA Union Didar Singh Mudki said We are fighting for teachers dignity. How can a teacher drawing more than Rs 42,000 salary after having worked for seven-eight years be forced to accept salary of Rs 15,300? The department officials, including DEOs, are pressuring teachers into accepting the offer. We will fight for justice till the end. A senior officer said, We are not pressuring anyone. Those who are satisfied with getting the current salary of Rs 42,000 from the society can continue working with it. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday directed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to once again take up with Pakistan the release of war prisoner Surjit Singh. The direction by Justice Rajan Gupta came after the surfacing of new evidence. The direction came on a writ petition filed by Angrez Kaur for release of her husband Surjit Singh. A constable with the Border Security Force, he was captured by the Pakistani army during the 1971 war in the Chhamb sector. He was, however, presumed to have been killed in the war. Appearing before the Bench, her counsel HC Arora relied upon a statement given in April 2011 to a newspaper, Jang, by former Pakistani Human Rights Minister Ansar Burni. It was later reported in a vernacular newspaper. Among other things, it said Surjit Singh was in the Pakistan jail after completing 20 years of imprisonment. The petitioner stated that subsequent news reports suggested that he was being released. The wife even went to the border to receive him, only to find one Makhan Singh, who was undergoing imprisonment in Pakistan on the charge of spying, but was repatriated under the assumed name of Surjit Singh. Makhan Singh admitted before news channels that Surjit Singh was still in a jail in Pakistan. shalender@tribune.com Supriya Sehgal and Vaibhav Mehta The majestic 15th century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur has witnessed bloody battles, march of glinting palanquins, artistic flair of sculptors and painters, besides the rise and fall of supremacy. More than 500 years after it was constructed, its walls are still privy to legendary episodes. Only, these are in the form of magical stories, exhilarating music and an amalgam of creativity from the rugged land that it stands on, with talent from across the world. Each year, five days of October are reserved for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF). Started in 2007, as a not-for-profit partnership between the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation, the festival has found a chief patron in Maharaja Gaj Singh. The festival was started as a platform to promote traditional folk music of Rajasthan. It also offered international artistes an opportunity to play with the Rajasthani musicians, creating unique sounds for the limited and highly engaged audience. 2018 was no different. True to the spirit of the RIFF, musicians from Spain, Portugal, USA, Reunion Islands, Tehran and more came together with stalwarts of Rajasthani folk music to create magic. RIFF is the most convincing case in point that multi-genre music in India has a riveted set of ears. The change in the musical landscape over the past 10 years hasnt come without the trials but it is certainly in bloom. New entities have followed RIFF in the same spirit, carving out a niche for music lovers. Latest on the scene is Bengaluru-based Beantown Backyard Festival that stands for everything Bangalore. The first edition of the festival was held at the foot of Nandi Hills in October this year, where more than 30 music bands spanning genres like traditional folk, rock, reggae, roots, Afrobeat, Balkan, swing, Jazz, electronica and more came together over two days. While the festival added more hooks for the young crowd camping, yoga, ballooning, beers and food trucks it was the music that amped up the evenings. Between the latest Beantown and the longstanding RIFF, there are many those have cropped up and are moving rapidly to larger scales. Indias largest EDM festival, Sunburn was first stationed in Goa when it started on the Vagator beach in 2007, and then subsequently moved to Pune. Its persistent place on the end of the year calendar paved the way for electronic music in the country, eventually making it the third largest dance festival in the world. EDM may have been the flavour of the last decade, but folk and fusion genres have also found an abiding space on the scene. Regulars to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh have stumped naysayers that the festival was too far and inaccessible. The festival started in 2012, showcasing the best of Indias Indie crew. Over the years, the line-up has only become more robust with international and Indian artistes livening up the idyllic home of the Apatani tribe. The idea is to promote both international artistes and local performers. This year two of the popular local performances included Arunachal Pradeshs rap sensation K4 KEKHO and the underground rap act Cryptographik Street Poets from Shillong, among many others. Theres no doubt that copious amount of the Apong (rice beer) helps in keeping the spirits high (quite literally). Apart from bringing great international acts to India, Ziro is also focused on sustainability, community outreach and waste management at the festival since people can camp on the festival grounds. India on the mind Then there are others that have sparked the idea of culture travel by using alternative music festivals as a hook. For these festivals, the backdrop is equally important as the music itself. From coffee-clad hills of Coorg to Rajasthans ancient havelis, these festivals are ideal to see India with another eye. Enchanted Valley Carnival, Storm Festival in Coorg, Magnetic Fields in Rajasthan, and even the relatively more mainstream NH7, come to mind. Many new sounds Festivals are no longer hinged on rock, pop or Bollywood. These are perfect stages to find listeners to explore different genres. A regular on the alternative music scene, Rajasthani group called the Manganiyar Seduction has been an audio-visual treat. Taking the vision of director, Roysten Abel, theyve transported audiences to the haunting dunes of the desert, while sitting in a grid of pods versus a stage. In the same way, the voices of Bhanwari Devi, Parvathy Baul, Mame Khan and others have deeply affected the hearts of listeners in India. Not only is the music festival scenario brimming with new sounds, music has found a strong footing as part of other themed festivals too. The Covelong Point Festival, focused on surfing, has a big music component, along with yoga. No longer do people have to travel to the hills of Arunachal Pradesh or the coffee-clad hills of Coorg. In-city gigs give a sound space to musicians to create fresh sounds. Each has its own vibe but the energy is ubiquitous, and the love for new, unheard sounds trumps everything else. US-based Gene Peterson was enthralled during a practice session with Rajasthani khartaal players during the RIFF. I was watching Khete Khans fingers closely when he was playing the khartaal. His fingers flew with such dexterity, denying any sense of human ability. Thats the thrilling part of making music with new people. If its exciting for co-musicians, its only scintillating for the Indian audience. Fortunately, there will be many more occasions apart from RIFF for the festival-goers of India. For the first-timers shalender@tribune.com Dr Abhishek Puri Brain tumours are among the most diverse types known to modern medicine. These can occur anywhere in the brain arising from the different types of cells present. Sometimes, these may remain undetected for years together and discovered incidentally or may have a sudden onset of symptoms that are related to the area of the brain affected. The tumours affect children and adults alike but despite the similarities, presentation is usually different in the way the pathways that lead to its development. Due to the critical nature of the brain, these tumours remain difficult to diagnose and require specialised interdisciplinary care. Primary brain tumours usually manifest when cells have errors while dividing that allows them to grow abnormally and hence forms a tumour. Sometimes, cancer begins elsewhere but spreads to the brain (called as a secondary brain tumour). It usually happens in a variety of cancers like those arising in the lung, breast, kidney, colon, skin etc. The risk factors are not apparent but may involve exposure to radiation or those who have a positive family history of cancer. There is no direct association with the use of cell phones, but it should be minimised. Diagnosis The diagnosis of brain tumours requires a comprehensive neurological examination that checks for vision, hearing, balance, coordination and muscle strength. It is usually followed by a computed tomography (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that gives clues about the size or nature of the lesion. Many specific MRI components include spectroscopy, perfusion and functional studies that help to refine treatment options. Sometimes, additional tests are required to eliminate the possibility of cancer elsewhere. Treatment Once the lesion is identified with clues to its probability, a neurosurgeon may plan open surgery or a targeted (stereotactic) biopsy. These techniques have become incredibly refined and safe in the past few decades due to tremendous innovations in the medical field. This biopsy sample is then studied under a microscope which may require additional molecular testing. These sophisticated laboratory tests can help for more profound insights into your treatment options. Molecular testing involves detection of 1p/19q, IDH1&2, MGMT, MIB-1 index and/or p53. These tests, in combination, give a clue about the origin and likely clinical progression. Not all types of brain tumours are uniformly lethal. The treatment involves radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is delivered by state-of-the-art delivery techniques like intensity modulation or volumetric arc therapies that reduce the dose to normal tissues and helps to minimise long-term damage. Proton therapy also holds a lot of promise, but so far it hasnt proven itself to be better than conventional treatments. Radio-surgery utilises multiple beams of radiation to kill tumours in a small area given to a high dose. It was initially delivered by Gamma Knife but is now supplanted by linear accelerators which rival its concerning accuracy and superior dose deliv-ery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill tumour cells and enhance the effect of radiation. It is given orally (through the mouth) or veins. Targeted drugs focus on specific abnormal pathways within the cancer cells. A medical oncologist decides on their feasibility. Rehabilitation It is the most critical component of treatment of brain tumours as most families usually skip physiotherapy. Neurological disorders require a constant motivation to persist with physiotherapy and occupational therapy to give a sense of well being to affected patients and families. Depression is a major unaddressed issue with patients as most families feel social stigma to speak to professional psychologists and psychiatrists. However, these professionals help to bridge the patients emotional and psychological needs with a faster recovery. In conclusion, brain tumours can be effectively managed. Remember to stay positive throughout your journey. Online support There are a few resources for patients for online support. On Twitter, search for specific hashtags like #btsm. International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), Brain Tumour Foundation of India and many other non-governmental organisations also offer support groups and therapies. Affected patients and their caregivers hold monthly group discussions on specific issues on Twitter. There are support groups on Facebook as well. However, it is also important to exercise due diligence before joining these groups because some of these may not have physician vetted information. Symptoms n Patients may experience variable symptoms depending on the site of the disease. These usually rely on the size and location within the brain. It is important to consult a neurologist if you experience the following: New onset or worsening of the intensity of recurrent headaches. Unexplained nausea or vomiting. Blurring or doubling of vision. Loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg. Difficulty in walking, balance, speech. Subtle personality or behavioural changes in your family members. Sudden onset of seizures, especially if there is no prior history. Progressive hearing problems. The writer is radiation oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Mohali harinder@tribunemail.com Dehradun, November 16 A local court granted bail to the CEO and editor-in-chief of Samachar Plus on Friday, 19 days after he was arrested for mounting pressure on a subordinate to conduct a sting operation on Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and a senior bureaucrat considered close to him. Samachar Plus CEO Umesh Kumar Sharma has been granted bail by the District and Sessions Court. The news channel head was arrested from his Indirapuram residence in Ghaziabad on October 28 on the charges of threatening a subordinate with dire consequences if he failed to conduct stings on the CM and the Additional Chief Secretary. According to a complaint filed with the Rajpur police station here, Sharma wanted his channel to conduct the stings so that he could dictate terms with the higher-ups in the government and the bureaucracy. The High Court on Thursday turned down a plea by the state police, seeking permission to conduct a narco test and brain mapping of Sharma. Rejecting the plea, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Rangnathan and Justice Alok Singh had also directed the lower court in Dehradun to take a call on the bail application of Sharma by Friday. Sharmas name had first cropped up in connection with conducting a sting video of former Chief Minister Harish Rawat in which he was shown negotiating a deal to get the support of disgruntled party MLAs to save his government in 2016. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com London, November 17 Six British men of Pakistani-origin were on Friday sentenced to a combined total of 101 years in prison for sexually grooming and abusing young girls in the northern England town of Rotherham. Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, 37, Asif Ali, 33, Tanweer Ali, 37, Salah Ahmed El-Hakam, 39, Nabeel Kurshid, 35, Iqlak Yousaf, 34, and a seventh man who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been convicted after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court last month. The offences relate to the abuse of five girls, one as young as 13, who were passed around to be sexually abused by multiple offenders. One of the victims told the trial how she had sex with at least 100 Asian men by the time she was 16, while another described being gang-raped in a forest. Each of the complainants in this case were groomed, coerced and intimidated. Each of them was groomed. Each of you, groomed. You can have been in no doubt that the complainants were vulnerable in the extreme, Judge Sarah Wright said during sentencing on Friday. The convictions were the latest to come out of Operation Stovewood, the UK National Crime Agencys (NCA) investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, which has identified more than 1,500 victims. The NCA found that Akhtar was the ringleader and he took the lead in befriending the girls before introducing them to his friends. They were plied with drugs and alcohol until they couldnt remember what was going on, and in some instances, were threatened with violence or being transported and abandoned in an unfamiliar location if they didnt comply with the sexual demands. Sentencing Akhtar to serve 23 years behind bars, Judge Wright accused him of cynical manipulation and exploitation of the girls. They (victims) continue to suffer considerable trauma and will continue to suffer throughout their lives as a result of your actions, she added. The other five men, Kurshid, Yousaf, Tanweer Ali, El-Hakam and Asif Ali, were sentenced to 19 years, 20 years, 14 years, 15 years and 10 years, respectively. The seventh man, known only as X, will be sentenced at a later date. Operation Stovewood Senior Investigating Officer Paul Williamson said, The men who have been sentenced today preyed on vulnerable young girls for their own satisfaction. They used violence and intimidation and believed they were untouchable by law enforcement. Today, as they begin serving their sentences, I want to reassure the victims and survivors across Rotherham that the NCA and our partners are committed to bringing child sexual offenders to justice. Mike Duffy, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said, These men deliberately preyed on young, vulnerable teenagers, grooming and exploiting them. They denied the abuse but evidence put forward by the CPS, including the victims accounts of the incidents, resulted in the jury finding them guilty. I would like to thank the victims who came forward and bravely supported this prosecution. There are currently 22 separate investigations under the Operation Stovewood umbrella, with 153 suspects identified and 300 complainants engaging with police officers. PTI vermaajay1968@gmail.com New York: A masterful swimming pool painting by British legend David Hockney sold for $90.3 million in New York, smashing a new auction record for a living artist. Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) was snapped up after more than nine minutes of bidding, dominated by two rival telephone bidders. The $90 million price tag was all the more astonishing given the roughly $20,000 that Hockney told CNN his dealer originally sold the painting for in 1972, subsequently believing it had been undervalued. AFP Lennons killer feels more and more shame LONDON: Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon, has confessed to feeling more and more shame over his actions. Chapman, who shot the Beatles legend outside his Manhattan apartment in December 1980, made his 10th unsuccessful bid for parole in August. Chapman, 63, is serving 20 years in the Wende Correctional Facility in New York. Chapman claimed he felt no animosity for Lennon, even though he loaded his gun with more lethal hollow-point bullets. Chapman will be up for parole again in August 2020. PTI Teen dies after inhaling deodorant to get high Amsterdam: A 19-year-old recovering drug addict died after inhaling deodorant in a bid to get high, doctors who treated him in the Netherlands have revealed to highlight the fatal consequences of inhaling chemicals. Doctors shared the story of the unnamed teenager in a warning to people of the dangers of sniffing solvents. The teen, believed to have been in Rotterdam, died after his heart stopped and he could not be revived by paramedics.IANS Abe at darwin: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison lay wreaths at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Darwin, Australia, on Thursday. Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where 250 persons were killed in bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II. REUTERS Bunga-bungas back: New trial looms for Berlusconi Rome: Italian former PM Silvio Berlusconi is to go on trial for allegedly paying a witness to give false testimony about his notoriously hedonistic parties (bunga-bunga parties). A judge in Bari on Friday set the first hearing in the witness tampering trial for February 4. The case dates back to 2008-2009 when businessman Giampolo Tarantini brought escort girls to parties at Berlusconis residences in Rome and Sardinia. Tarantini is appealing an eight-year sentence for procuring prostitutes for Berlusconi. The former PM is accused of having paid Tarantini to keep quiet about the details of his parties. AFP uttara@tribuneindia.com Colombo, November 16 Sri Lankas Parliament witnessed complete chaos on Friday as rival lawmakers threw chilli powder and furniture at each other, disrupting the proceedings for the second day, forcing the Speaker to summon police inside the House and adjourn the session until Monday. The brawl occurred a day after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya announced there is no prime minister or government following a no-confidence motion against disputed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Fridays proceedings were to repeat the floor test which was disrupted on Thursday. Ousted prime minister and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe warned of anarchy if the situation in the country was not resolved. The status quo must return to what it was before October 26, he was quoted as saying by Colombo Gazette. President Maithripala Sirisena, who installed Rajapaksa as prime minister last month in a controversial move, had agreed to a floor test with the leaders of ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghes coalition during crisis talks last night. The MPs supporting Rajapaksa took over the seat of the Speaker, delaying the proceedings, officials said. They shouted slogans against Jayasuriya and broke furniture. Some Rajapakse loyalists were also seen throwing chilli powder at rival legislators and police, the report said. The Speaker called police inside Parliament chamber after 45 minutes of disruption. One of the rioting MPs Arundika Fernando occupied the seat of the Speaker with more MPs surrounding it. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, a senior parliamentarian, was injured in the melee as he was attacked with chili powder. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna MP Vijitha Herath had also come under a chili powder attack, Daily Mirror reported. The rioting United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) members demanded the arrest of two legislators of the Wickremesinghes UNP. They charged that two UNP legislators, Palitha Thewarapperuma and Ranjan Ramanayake were carrying knives during the brawl on Tursday in which UPFA MP Dilum Amunugama was injured. Police protected Jayasuriya from the rioting MPs as he called the Tamil National Alliance lawmaker MA Sumanthiran to propose the suspension of the standing orders. Jayasuriya on the basis of a voice vote announced that the motion against Rajapaksa was defeated as physical voting could not take place due to the brawl. The rioting MPs threw books at the police. Jayasuriya immediately suspended the sittings until November 19 and left the House in police protection. President Sirisena said that he would not prorogue the Parliament under any circumstances. I urge all Parliamentarians to uphold principles of democracy parliamentary traditions at all times. I will not prorogue Parliament under any circumstances, the president tweeted. The trouble began in Parliament on Thursday when the Speaker agreed to a request from Wickremesinghes UNP that a vote be taken on a statement made by Rajapaksa demanding fresh polls. Jayasuriya allowed Rajapaksa to make a statement as a lawmaker after stating that he does not recognise the claim of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader who lost a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Rajapaksas side has disputed the no-trust motion, saying proper procedure was not followed and accused Jayasuriya of bias towards his party. Parliament on Wednesday passed the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa after the Supreme Court overturned the presidential decree to dissolve the House and hold snap polls on January 5. Amid raucous scenes, Parliament on Wednesday met for the first time since October 26, when Sirisena sacked premier Wickremesinghe, installed Rajapaksa in his place and suspended the House, plunging the island nation into an unprecedented Constitutional crisis. The vote of no confidence against Rajapaksa has further complicated the political crisis. It is not yet clear whether Rajapaksa will resign or Wickremesinghe, who has the support of 122 lawmakers in the 225-member House, return to power. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Coxs Bazar (Bangladesh), November 16 Normal life returned to a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in Bangladesh on Friday a day after government officials postponed plans to begin repatriating residents to Myanmar when no one volunteered to go. The checkpoints at the entrance to Unchiprang, one of the refugee camps near the city of Coxs Bazar, were temporarily left unguarded on Friday morning a sign of easing tensions as about 500 people crowded into a mosque for Friday prayers. One of the imams, Abdul Hakim, told the devotees that the government could not force Rohingya to go back without Myanmar guaranteeing them protection and civil rights, to which they raised their hands and replied, Amen. More than 7,00,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh from western Myanmars Rakhine state since August 2017 to escape killings and destruction of their villages by the military and Buddhist vigilantes that have drawn widespread condemnation of Myanmar. Bangladeshs refugee commission had planned to begin a voluntary repatriation process under a United Nations-brokered deal with Myanmar by escorting about 150 refugees across the border on Thursday. But some people on the repatriation list left their shanties and disappeared into other camps to avoid being sent home. After a demonstration involving about 1,000 Rohingya broke out at Unchiprang, Refugee Commissioner Abul Kalam said plans had been shelved because no refugees were willing to return. Kalam did not immediately return calls and messages on Friday, and it was unclear when the process would begin again. Nabi Hossain, 45, left his shanty at Unchiprang camp late Wednesday with his wife, Jamila Begum, and six other family members after noticing extra security at the camp. We heard they will come and take us. We were in a panic, Hossain said, adding that the family slept outside and didnt eat much because they didnt want a cooking fire to attract attention. They returned on Thursday after hearing about the protest. If they allow us to have our rights, our citizenship, we want to go. But if we are forced, if our rights are not given, it is better to crush us under the wheels of cars or be thrown in a river, Hossain said. Not everyone who fled Unchiprang has returned. Johara, 30, a mother of four, said her husband left five days ago with their 6-year-old daughter, who was traumatised after witnessing Myanmar soldiers ransack her home village. My daughter is terrified. She told her father to take her with him, she said. Johara, who goes by one name, said her husband left to find his parents at another camp after she gave an interview to aid workers, and the family found out they were on the governments repatriation list. While Johara waited for her husband and daughter to return, activity at Unchiprang returned to normal, with little sign of the aid workers, journalists or government officials who had swarmed the camp earlier in the week. AP rchopra@tribunemail.com Washington, November 16 A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was released from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges. Senator Rand Paul said he was worried that Bibi wouldnt survive and he personally took up the matter with President Trump last week. Ive been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. Ive talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here, Paul told CNN in an interview. A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum. President Trump should invite Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise, Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week. PTI Hi, I have booked return ticket to Australia for Apr'19. I land in Melbourne on 13th Apr evening, and fly out of Aus from Sydney on 28th Apr (Easter is on 21st Apr). Grossly confused about itinerary. Some say you must do Gold Coast, other suggest for Tasmania / Kangaroo Islands, and then Whitsundays is a must. SO multiple questions: 1. How many days should I spend in Melbourne (incl. Great Ocean Road area/ Philip Island visit)? 2. How many days in Tasmania? What region? Or should I skip Tassy completely? 3. How many days in Gold Coast and Cairns respectively? Should we skip Whitsundays? 4. Are 2 full days enough in Sydney? 5. If there is one place that I should skip to make this trip more relaxed - what would it be in the month of April? Gold Coast, Cairns or Tasmania/KI? Broad itinerary in mind: 13-16 Apr: Melbourne/ GOR (3 full days) 17-19 Apr: Tasmania (2.5 days) 20-22 Apr: Gold Coast (3 full days) 23-25 Apr: Cairns (2.5 days) 26-27 Apr: Sydney (2 full days) Fly back on 28th Morning Any suggestion/ iterations / piece of advise from experienced travelers/ locals would be of great help!! Thank you all in advance. PS: Can skip museums totally. Have traveled across Europe a lot Yes, good amount of time. Depending where you are flying into Perth from you will need day/s to recover before your road trip. And you will enjoy the warm weather and beaches around Perth anyway. I reckon you could wing it to some extent- especially early on in the trip. Albany has plenty of choice of accommodation but Hopetoun is really small but has a caravan park and motel and Esperance as you get closer to Christmas you might need some bookings. Have a look at availability to get an idea. The Visitor Centres at each town have accommodation listings. Heres some ideas for the south coast- And given so many national parks in this part of the state consider buying a holiday Park Pass. I'm hoping the travel expertise of this forum might help me in how to deal with a problem that has come up with our flight bookings. A few months ago when booking our safari for Feb 2019, we booked our return flight from Zanzibar to Paris on March 1 through KLM. Our flight was set to leave Zanzibar on Kenya Airways at 21:20 and connect to Amsterdam at 23:39 in Nairobi. Without any email or notification, I happened to notice a couple of weeks ago that the Kenya Airways flight (KQ 499) now leaves at 3:40am. Therefore, we miss our connect to Amsterdam. The only other Kenya Airways flight that day is at 9:30am, and I really do not want to have a 12 hour layover in Nairobi. I called the airline about 2 weeks ago, and they were stumped as to what to do. They suggested I wait a week to see if the schedule changed back to how it was previously, but it hasn't and I can see the flight has been taking off in the middle of the night recently, so it seems like it's here to stay. What are my options? And if we cancel our flight with them and rebook, would travel insurance cover the cost of the increased fare? Because we are so much closer to our travel time, the flights are much more expensive. I'm very frustrated that KLM/Kenya Airways have left us with a flight that literally leaves us stranded in Nairobi as of now, and it doesn't seem like the care to figure out other options. Obviously we wouldn't have chosen to extend our trip to Zanzibar had I known this would be the case, and I'm wondering if I should just somehow cancel that whole section altogether? Anyway, just curious if anyone had any suggestions or knew anything about what our options might be. Appreciate any guidance! The bright side is our flight to Tanzania is on track, so this isn't interfering with our safari :) Hi - We will be traveling to CR next week and was interested in doing a day trip to Nicaragua. I've read some older reviews warning of the LONG day, border crossings, etc. so I think I know what to expect but have some questions given recent news .... 1. Is it safe to go? I haven't heard much in the news lately but there was a lot over the summer 2. If it's safe to go, what tour companies are recommended? My wife and I are headed to Rio Perdido, inland a bit from Liberia, in January. We have a rental car and we're trying to play a beach day. We're thinking of being at Playa del Coco around lunch because of the shops and restaurants. Anyone have any recommendations on: - other beaches, maybe a little further west/south, less traveled and/or beautiful, to stop at in the morning? - Can you take a water taxi from Coco over to Andaz or Four Seasons to play around if you're not guests? - there's a couple restaurants at Andaz that look good. Can you eat there if you're not guests? looks like the water taxis stop at 5, so maybe it should be more of a lunch option? - are there any day passes or beach clubs at or near Coco that might offer lockers/towels/chairs (maybe safe enough to stash a fancy camera while we get in the water)? Thanks! Any thoughts would be appreciated! I think you have too much on some days. On your first full day, Soho isn't near the rest of your sights, so maybe you could tuck that in elsewhere. Top of the Rock, Grand Central, the Rockefeller Tree, etc. are all by the NYPL and MOMA. The MOMA usually takes at least two to three hours to go through. They have a fantastic museum store that's worth a stop, too. Day 3 - Just want to mention that if it's raining or snowing or very cold, you might want to have a "Plan B" in place -- maybe go to the Metropolitan Museum, or even the Brooklyn Museum? Williamsburgh and Dyker Heights are not near Brooklyn Bridge. Have you plotted out how you'll get to each, via subway? On Day 5, you're going up and down, up and down. Have you plotted these out on a map? Check out the Flatiron building - Fifth and 23rd St. - OK Top of the Rock - Entrance on W. 50th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves. (you went uptown here) Dinner- 230fifth - The cross street for this is 27th St. - This is down by the Flatiron (back downtown) Rockettes- 10pm show (already have tickets) - Radio City is on Sixth Avenue between 50th and 51st Sts. (back uptown) If you have dinner closer to Rockefeller Center, you'll avoid going downtown again. You could also try to stop into St. Patrick's Cathedral on Christmas. It's a very beautiful cathedral, but will be even prettier with its Christmas decorations. KINDERHOOK, N.Y. The New York State Police arrested Joseph D. Shaw, 22, of Schodack, on Nov. 14, for second-degree unlawful surveillance and first-degree disseminating unlawful surveillance, both class E felonies. State Police investigators from Schodack in Troop G contacted State Police in Livingston with a lead for unlawful surveillance reported by a victim currently living in North Carolina. Troopers say the investigation found Shaw recorded a now estranged domestic partner unlawfully in the Town of Kinderhook, at Shaws former residence. State Police say Shaw then sent that material unlawfully to acquaintances of the victim. Troopers located Shaw in the Town of Schodack and transported him to State Police in Livingston. Shaw was arraigned before the Town of Stuyvesant Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail due to a fugitive from justice status. Shaw also has an active warrant for his arrest issued by a magistrate in the State of North Carolina for a similar incident. - Michelle first visited the country in 1992 in the company of her bae Barrack Obama - In a memoir, she revealed the first experience was marred with misfortune, making the whole experience torrid - The mother of two has been conspicuously absent during Obama's last two visits to the country Former American First lady Michelle Obama has shed some light on a possible reason why she did not accompany her husband Barrack Obama during his two previous visits to Kenya. Michelle, who is one of the most inspirational black women of the 21st century, was also once a struggling girlfriend to a man who would go on to lead one of the most powerful nations in the world. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Michelle Obama's first visit to the country was one to forget Source: UGC READ ALSO: Here is what Barack Obama will do during his visit to Kenya In her memoir titled Becoming, Michelle reminisces on her first trip to Kenya in 1992 which was rigged with misfortune, back when she and Obamas love was still young and blooming. According to the ex-First Lady, her first tour to the country left her frustrated right from the airport as Obamas sister Auma had quite the dilapidated car to accommodate them. Aumas sky-blue VW was so old that it often needed to be pushed in order to get the engine into gear. Id ill-advisedly bought new white sneakers to wear on the trip, and within a day, after all the pushing we did, theyd turned reddish brown, stained with the cinnamon-hued dust of Nairobi, she explained. Michelle Obama reveals she was angry at Obama for bringing her to Kenya before they got married Source: UGC READ ALSO: Famous Machakos businessman found murdered inside his posh car under mysterious circumstances Like many African-Americans who were born in the states, Michelle expected her first trip to Africa to be magical but her torrid experience only made her irritable. For every bit of awe we felt in Kenya, we were also tired, which led to quibbling, which led finally, for whatever reason, to rage. Im so angry at Barack, I wrote in my journal. I dont think we have anything in common. My thoughts trailed off there. As a measure of my frustration, I drew a long emphatic gash across the rest of the page, the memoir went on. It was not all gloom for the mother of two, however, as she went on to reveal she enjoyed the company of Obamas relatives who turned out to be her in-laws. Michelle has been absent during Obama's two previous visits to the country Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Details of Raila-Obama meeting at the former prime minister's office The 54-year-old was born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson in 1964 and she met Obama in 1989 at a law firm where the two were the only African-American workers. It is worth noting Michelle was a very bright lady back in the day and prior to falling for the man who has roots in K'ogello, Siaya County, and was initially solely focused on her law career. The revelations could thus partly explain why Michelle has never accompanied her hubby to Kenya again on the two occasions he came visiting- as president and after leaving office. 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: MC Jesse Calls Fan Ugly and Kenyans Are Not Impressed | Tuko TV: Source: Tuko - Muktar Rehemtula Omar was arrested and detained at Parklands Police Sation - Police said they would arraign him with three charges of flouting Kenya Bureau of Standards regulations - He was suspected of being behind importation of expired diapers worth over KSh 30 million from China - Muktar was accused of removing expiry date marks from the diapers and sticking KEBS mark of quality without approval from agency Police in Nairobi have arrested a businessman suspected of being behind importation of expired baby diapers valued at over KSh 30 million. The diapers branded Ezee imported from China and approximated to be weighing 40 tonnes were impounded at a godown in Athi River on Friday, October 12. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Anne Waiguru meets Muthama to reconcile after withdrawing Railas defamation case The diapers were impounded at a go down along Mombasa Road on Friday October 19. Photo: Citizen Source: UGC READ ALSO: Senate directs Governor Mutua to pay Machakos MCAs' salaries TUKO.co.ke established detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations(DCI) arrested Muktar Rehemtula Omar on Thursday, November 15, and detained him at Parklands Police Station. The suspect was expected to be charged in court on Friday, November 16, with three counts of flouting Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) regulations. According to a charge sheet seen by TUKO.co.ke, Omar would be charged with offering for sale substandard baby diapers contrary to section 9(2) and 9(4) as read with section 15(1) of the Standards Act. He would also face a charge of offering for sale baby diapers without valid Import Standardisation Mark (IS-Mark) permit contrary to Section 10(3) as read with section 15(1) of the Standard Act. Muktar Rehemtula Omar the man suspected to be behind importation of the expired diapers was arrested on Thursday, November 15 and detained him at Parklands Police Station. Photo: The Standard. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Okoth Obado's family believe he's suffering for associating with William Ruto The businessman was also accused of applying Importation Standardasation Mark (IS-Mark) to branded diabers without a valid permit issued by KEB contrary to section 10(6) as read with section 15 (1) of the Standards Act. During the Friday, October 19, raid at a godown on Mombasa Road, police found employees tasked with erasing expiry dates on the diapers and branding them with fake KEBS standardisation marks. Last week, six people were arrested and tones of substandard and expired baby diapers seized at a godown in Mlolongo, Machakos. The six were found by police and KEBs officials while repackaging the diapers at EENS godown opposite Mabati Rolling Mills on Friday, November 9, and several outdated stickers were recovered. Story By: Lucky Omenda, TUKO Correspondent, Nairobi County 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. Kenyans React To Reinforcement of Michuki Rules | Tuko TV Source: Breaking News - Father Victor Luka Odhiambo was killed on Wednesday, November 14 - He was assaulted and killed by armed men yet to be identified at the Mazzolari Church compound - Gok state Information Minister John Madol said the motive for the killing remained unclear - In 2017, Bishop Joel Mwendwa of the Christ Ministry was killed in South Sudan - Mwendwa was hacked to death by a South Sudanese boy for allegedly conducting loud prayers A Kenyan Catholic cleric working in South Sudans Gok State was on Wednesday, November 14, murdered in unclear circumstances. It is reported, Father Victor Luka Odhiambo, was assaulted and killed by armed men at the Mazzolari Church compound in the state headquarters. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Morocco to unveil Africa's first high-speed train worth KSh 206.4 billion Father Victor Luka Odhiambo, was assaulted and killed by armed men at the Mazzolari Church compound in the state headquarters. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Okoth Obado's family believe he's suffering for associating with William Ruto The incident was confirmed by the Gok state Information minister John Madol who said the motive for the killing remaieds unclear, Daily Nation reported. The minister further said authorities had arrested one suspect in connection with the incident. Yeah, one suspect was arrested on Thursday, November 15, and he is now under police custody, Madol said. READ ALSO: Michelle Obama reveals she was angry at Obama for bringing her to Kenya before they got married According to the minister, the suspect had promised to disclose to the authorities the names of those behind killing of the Kenyan nationals. This is the second death incident involving a Kenyan cleric serving in South Sudan after Bishop Joel Mwendwa of the Christ Ministry was killed in June 2017. Bishop Mwendwa was serving in Juba's Munuki suburb when a South Sudanese boy hacked him to death for allegedly conducting loud prayers. READ ALSO: Zimbabwean First Lady says she wants to be mentored by Margaret Kenyatta TUKO.co.ke reported Mwendwa had been preaching in South Sudan for over 10 years before he met his untimely death. Sudan Tribune reported that the boy was a drug abuser and was not in good terms with the bishop after stealing the churchs bamboo fence. As the congregation was going on with morning prayers, a man in the neighbourhood of the church walked to the front of the church with a machete and attacked the bishop. He slashed him several times before he fell down," a South Sudan brigadier was quoted READ ALSO: ODM now wants embattled Migori Governor Okoth Obado expelled from party ""He confessed to committing the offence, claiming the bishop has been a nuisance to them with his morning prayers, he added. The body of Father Odhiambo has since been transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek to await repatriation. 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: MC Jesse Calls Fan Ugly and Kenyans Are Not Impressed | Tuko TV Source: Kenya Breaking News Today Security agencies are hunting down three suspected criminals over links with terror group al-Shabaab. The three operatives, Abdalla Omar Masudi, Alloys Otieno alias Ismael John Otieno and John Muasya alias Yahya Muasya are said to be operating in Kwale and Mombasa counties. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab facilitator presents himself to police 4 days following KSh 1 million bounty on him READ ALSO: Police deny impending terror attack targeting two buildings in Nairobi Other police intelligence reports say Abdalla, Alloys and John are heavily armed and pose dangerous threat to the security apparatus. Earlier in November 2018, Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet denied reports of an impending attack on two buildings in Nairobi's CBD. The report which quoted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had warned of an impending attack by the militia group on Times Tower and the Treasury building. According to the alert, the attack was to be masterminded and headed by Ahmed Harith Mahmoud and five other operatives. 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 - Obado was picked up at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi where he had gone to attend a business forum - He was arrested after police officers discovered illegal firearms in his homes in Nairobi and Migori - The governor was produced at Kibera Law Courts again after spending two nights in custody - The prosecution team pressed the court to have Obado detained for 15 days pending investigations - Magistrate Gandani noted the prosecution had failed to establish why Obado should be held any further Migori Governor Okoth Obado was on Friday, November 16, produced at Kibera Law Courts after spending two nights in Gigiri Police Station for the hearing of his bail application. The governor who is facing charges of being in possession of illegal firearms was granted a bond of KSh 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of KSh 200,000 by Kibera Chief Magistrate Joyce Gandani despite protestations from the State Prosecutor. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado arrested again Migori Governor Okoth Obado has been released on bail despite bitter protestations from the State Prosecutor. Photo: Nation. Source: UGC READ ALSO: EACC detectives storm Migori governor Okoth Obado's homes over alleged graft The prosecution team led by Catherine Mwaniki on Thursday, November 16, pressed the court to have Obado detained for 15 days until the ongoing investigations are concluded. In her ruling, Gandani noted the prosecution had failed to establish why the probe team should continue holding the suspect neither did they table any compelling reason for bond denial. "After considering all the factors, I'm satisfied the respondent is not a flight risk and will appear for trial if need be and is not likely to tamper with the evidence or witnesses," noted the magistrate. The county boss was also ordered not to interfere either directly or indirectly with the ongoing investigations, failure to which the bond would be forfeited. Obado was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by DCI detectives who found him at the basement of Hilton Hotel where he had gone to attend an investment forum together with other leaders. The arrest came after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives discovered eight guns at his homes and offices in Migori and Nairobi following a raid on Tuesday, November 13. He was driven to the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road where he recorded a statement before being moved to Gigiri Police Station. 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: Kenyan Breaking News - Irungu argued Wakiaga had displayed open bias against him by referring to him as a 'woman eater' - He requested the JSC to take disciplinary action against the judge and he be dismissed from the commission - Irungu also said the words used by the judge to referee to him were uncouth and derogatory Joseph Irungu popularly known as Jowie on Thursday, November 15, lodged a complaint seeking the removal of Justice James Wakiaga from his murder case. He lodged the complaint with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) arguing Wakiaga had displayed open bias against him by referring to him as a 'woman eater'. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: The controversial lifestyle of TV girl Jackie Maribes lover and how women finance him Joseph Irungu lodged a complaint seeking the removal of Justice James Wakiaga from his murder case. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Jacque Maribe narrates how she met her lover at height of Jubilee campaigns He said he wondered if the label by the judge generally categorised women as only items to be consumed by men, K24 reported By describing me as a 'woman eater', the judge abused his position and compounded the female gender to be nothing less than items to be eaten which is quite foul, degrading coming from a sitting judge, he said in a letter to JSC. According to Irungu, the "male version of a slay queen" comment used by the judge to describe the accused was uncouth, derogatory and injudicious language against him. READ ALSO: City lawyer claims Jacque Maribe's lover Joseph Irungu could be Kenya's dumbest murderer Jowie questioned the judges integrity demanding that disciplinary action be taken against him. Source: UGC Irungu questioned the judges integrity, demanding that disciplinary action be taken against him and he be dismissed from the JSC. I submit that disciplinary action is taken against him including finding that he is not fit to serve as a judge of the High Court so that a process for his removal be undertaken to rid the Judiciary of personnel such as him who bring the institution into disrepute, the accused said. In the letter, he also denied ever eating a woman or any human being at all. READ ALSO: Jowie, Maribes mutual friend to testify against them in Monica's murder case During his bail application hearing on October 30, 2018, Wakiaga branded Irungu as a "male version of a slay queen" and a "woman eater", which was one of the reasons he denied him bail. "The picture that emerges from the prosecution's evidence as set out herein above, and that the bail report of the accused, is that he is a male version of a slay queen. Which for lack of better terminology, I will call a woman eater," the judge had said. Irungu was charged with the murder of 29-year-old South Sudan based business woman Monica Nyawira Kimani at her Kileleshwa apartment, Nairobi shortly she returned from Juba. READ ALSO: Joseph Irungu's distraught parents open up about son's life and big dreams Irungu lodged the complaint with the Judicial Service Commission arguing Wakiaga had displayed open bias against him. Source: Twitter TUKO.co.ke reported Monica was found dead in a bathtub in her apartment with her hands and legs tied and her throat cut from one end to another. His fiance and Citizen TV journalist Jacque Maribe was also charged alongside him but was released on a KSh 1 million cash bail while their mutual friend was released after agreeing to be a state witness. A Recce squad officer believed to be one of the main suspects in the killing of Kimani was also arrested and quietly charged. 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. Obado to Spend More Days Behind Bars - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Kalonzo's meeting with Mzee Moi came barely a week after he was appointed head of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission in South Sudan - He got the appointment shortly after declaring he had resolved to be President Uhuru Kenyatta's errand boy - His decision to refer to himself the president's errand boy angered his Wiper party members including chairman Kivutha Kibwana - The agenda of the meeting was not communicated, with Moi's handlers referring to the session as a courtesy call - Uhuru, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho have successfully met Mzee Moi but Deputy President William Ruto's impromptu visit aborted Wiper party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has met retired President Daniel Moi at his Kabarak home just a few days after he was appointed head of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) in South Sudan. Kalonzo, whose move to declare his unlimited support for President Uhuru Kenyatta put him under fire from his party members and Opposition supporters, joined a limited list of prominent leaders who have visited the former powerful Head of State. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kalonzo Musyoka video vowing never to work with Uhuru Kenyatta revived after new appointment Kalonzo Musyoka converses with retired President Daniel Moi when he paid him a courtesy call at his Kabarak home. Photo: KBC/Twitter. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Okoth Obado's family believe he's suffering for associating with William Ruto Moi's Press Secretary Alex Kiprotich indicated in a Facebook post seen by TUKO.co.ke on Friday, November 16, that Kalonzo had paid the former president a courtesy call. "Former VP Kalonzo Musyoka currently paying a courtesy call on former President Daniel Moi at his Kabarak home. Kalonzo is accompanied by his son Kennedy Musyoka," read part of the post by Kiprotich. Apart from Kennedy who is East Africa Legislative Assembly MP, the former VP was accompanied by his Wiper party legislators including Senator Enock Wambua of Kitui and vocal Mutula Kilonzo Junior of Makueni. Kalonzo Musyoka was accompanied by Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Kitui Senator Enock Wambua. Photo: KBC/Twitter. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Migori Governor Okoth Obado walks to freedom Tiaty MP William Kamket and his Moiben counterpart Silas Tiren who have been common figures during Mzee Moi's meetings with prominent visitors alongside Gideon Moi were part of the meeting. The agenda of the meeting was not immediately established. Besides Uhuru's and Opposition leader Raila Odinga's successful visits to Kabarak, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Central Organisation of Trade Unions boss Francis Atwoli are other prominent leaders who have met Moi in Kabarak. However, Deputy President William Ruto's improptu visit to Kenya's longest serving former Head of State aborted after he failed to secure an appointment with his political mentor whom he worked for in the Youth for Kanu 1992 battalion. Ruto's failure to meet Mzee Moi ignited a heated verbal exchange between the DP's allies and KANU party loyalists. The DP's allies blamed KANU party leader Gideon Moi for blocking him from accessing the ex-president. 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. Kenyans React To Reinforcement of Michuki Rules | Tuko TV Source: Tuko News - On Wednesday, November 14, Musalia Mudavadi slammed Raila saying he had joined government - Musalia said since the March 9 handshake with Uhuru, the Opposition had become weak - Raila dismissed the claims saying his close relationship with Jubilee should not be misinterpreted - He said his job appointment to AU and that of Kalonzo Musyoka would not affect their Opposition roles Opposition leader Raila Odinga has come out to clear the air over his close association with Jubilee government which he says has often been misinterpreted. Raila dismissed claims that he had joined Jubilee government and maintained the Opposition was still in place and vibrant. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Migori Governor Okoth Obado walks to freedom Raila Odinga met a delegation of grassroots leaders from Embu County led by former minister Joe Nyagah at his Capitol Hill office. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Okoth Obado's family believe he's suffering for associating with William Ruto Speaking on Thursday, November 15, at his Capitol Hill office, Nairobi, the ODM leader said he and Kalonzo Musyoka were still in Opposition. "I have not joined government. I do not hold any position in the Jubilee administration. Therefore, nothing stops me from criticising the government. Those that have contrary views are wrong," said Raila. He divulged that making peace with President Uhuru Kenyatta did not mean he was in government and was not a sign that the Opposition was dead. READ ALSO: Kalonzo Musyoka meets retired president Daniel Moi days after getting government job On Wednesday, November 14, Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi said the Opposition had become weak since the Friday, March 9, handshake. According to Musalia, Raila and Kalonzo working with Jubilee government was a betrayal to the over six million Kenyans who voted for them in the 2017 elections. On his side, Raila said his appointment to the African Union and that of Kalonzo as peace envoy to the troubled South Sudan did not affect the Opposition in any way. 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: MC Jesse Calls Fan Ugly and Kenyans Are Not Impressed | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Kenya - Obado was picked up at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi where he had gone to attend a business forum - He was arrested after police officers discovered illegal firearms in his homes in Nairobi and Migori - The governor was produced at Kibera Law Courts again after spending two nights in custody - The prosecution team pressed the court to have Obado detained for 15 days pending investigations - Magistrate Gandani noted the prosecution had failed to establish why Obado should be held any further Luo heroic songs and dances best summed up the wild atmosphere which greeted the troubled Migori Governor Okoth Obado around Kibera Magistrate's Court on Friday, November 16. The governor's supporters milled outside the precincts of the law court, some were lucky to get seats inside the courtroom pensively following the Friday afternoon proceedings oblivious of what lay ahead Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Detectives confiscate 8 firearms, electronics from Okoth Obado during home raids Migori Governor Okoth Obado acknowlege his supporters as he made his way out of Kibera Magistrate's Court on Friday, November 16. Photo: TUKO.co. Source: Original READ ALSO: Migori Governor Okoth Obado walks to freedom Inside the courtroom, all eyes glued to the woman on the bench, Chief Magistrate Joyce Gandani. Obado's wife, Hellen, sat on the front row seat flanked by close family and friends of the accused. Only her eyes did the talking. It was a defining moment for the county chief who was arraigned in connection with illegal possession of eight firearms. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original Few minutes past midday, their silent prayers were answered, it was a defining moment for the county chief who was arraigned in connection with illegal possession of eight firearms. Obado was set free a bond of KSh 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of KSh 200,000. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Facebook The court set him free on a bond of KSh 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of KSh 200,000, sending his followers who had endured the morning cold into wild celebrations. "I hereby dismiss all the application to have the respondent detained. After considering all the factors, I'm satisfied the respondent is not a flight risk and will appear for trial if need be and is not likely to tamper with the evidence or witnesses," said Gandani. After few minutes, the politician accompanied by his lawyer Cliff Ombeta walked out before stepping into his official car as he acknowledged supporters. Obado accompanied by his lawyer Cliff Ombeta walked out before stepping into his official car. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original The county boss was also ordered not to interfere either directly or indirectly with the ongoing investigations, failure to which the bond would be forfeited. Obado was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by DCI detectives after eight guns were discovered in his Migori and Nairobi homes. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original Obado was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by DCI detectives after eight guns were discovered in his Migori and Nairobi homes during a raid by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officer over an alleged misappropriation of county funds. 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 banks had been slapped with the huge fine for illegally transacting with money swindled from National Youth Service - Central Bank of Kenya said the penalty was vital for curbing money laundering and countering financing of terrorism - The banks wrote to the CBK to review the exorbitant fines and reduce the penalty - The regulator, however, stated submissions by the five top banks was shallow and did not warrant a reduction of the fines The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has refused to review downwards KSh 392.5 million fine imposed on five banks for transacting illegally with money stolen from National Youth Service (NYS). The regulator had fined Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Cooperative, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Equity and Standard Chartered Bank for the illegal dealings in September 2018, prompting the financial institutions to plead for a review. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kalonzo Musyoka meets retired president Daniel Moi days after getting government job Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge. The Banks' regulator has refused to tone down fine imposed on banks that transacted with NYS money. Photo: Citizen Source: UGC READ ALSO: I have not joined Jubilee administration, I am still in Opposition - Raila Odinga In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke on Friday, November 16, CBK said responses by the banks dated Friday, September 21, seeking a review of the penalty did not hold water hence the punitive measure would not be reviewed. The regulator reiterated it was determined to implement action plans aimed at strengthening financial institutions' anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing activities. "The CBK has reviewed each banks response to the penalty assessment and has concluded the submissions were not sufficient to alter the findings of the investigations and the penalties assessed consequently. Consequently, CBK has levied the penalties assessed," read part of the statement. The CBK was categorical that investigations prioritised banks which handled largest flows. Central Bank of Kenya said the actions were aimed at safeguarding stakeholders interests and maintaining a healthy financial sector. Photo:UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Michelle Obama reveals she was angry at Obama for bringing her to Kenya before they got married "At the time of initial investigations, CBK assessed monetary penalties for each of the five banks in accordance with the extent of the violation in accordance with CBKs powers under Banking and CBK Acts. The actions are aimed at safeguarding stakeholders interests and maintaining a healthy financial sector," the statement continued. According to the penalty imposed, KCB is required to pay KSh 149.5 million for handling KSh 639 million NYS money which was equivalent to 17.8% of the total KSh 3.57 billion handled by all the five banks. Standard Chartered Bank was fined KSh 77.5 million for handling KSh 1.63 billion, Equity was ordered to pay KSh 89.5 million for handling KSh 886 million while DTB and Cooperative were fined KSh 56 million and KSh 20 million respectively. 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. Kenyans React To Reinforcement of Michuki Rules | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Kenya - The young ladies aged between 19 and 23 years rent houses and convert them to brothels - The girls boldly advertise themselves and services on online dating and prostitution sites - They target their clients, mostly married and moneyed men using half-naked provocative photos - Most of the brothels operated by the college girls are in Ruaka, Ngara, Roysambu, Kiambu Road and Kahawa Sukari - Massage and 'happy ending' services by the girls are charged between KSh 5,000 and KSh 9,000 per hour - Most of the girls resort to engaging in the business because of peer pressure and a penchant for lavish lifestyles Women in Nairobi are increasingly falling for the allure of quick money to finance lavish lifestyles and it seems digital prostitution has become the easiest option. A TUKO.co.ke analysis established the ladies, mostly university and college students aged between 19-23 years have resorted to leveraging on technology to carry out the oldest trade in the world: prostitution. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Angry Kenyans shut down Uhuru Kenyatta on his Facebook page after declaring war against NYS theft The college girls post half-naked provocative photos to lure clients on the online prostitution sites. Photo: The Standard Source: UGC READ ALSO: Two women notorious for drugging men in night clubs arrested in Thika Our investigations established Ruaka, Ngara, Roysambu, Kiambu Road and Kahawa Sukari are the major areas where such women have secretly established pleasure business empires to cool off hot loins of insatiable city men. Their operational model revolves around renting bedsitters or single-rooms in the listed areas and take to the internet to lure their targets with sexually provocative photos. The girls who undoubtedly throw caution to the wind unashamedly list their services on prostitution websites with ever ready contacts. Our reporter found out several such websites littered with semi-naked photos of young and attractive ladies in all manner of sexually arousing poses. On one such notable site (name withheld so as not to encourage the trade), hundreds of women peddle their flesh like accessories in exchange of cash ranging from KSh 5,000-9,000. Some of the girls have rented houses and hostels which they convert into brothels to transact their business with clients. Photo: The Standard Source: UGC READ ALSO: Uhuru talks tough against looters of NYS cash, say the guilty must pay Posing as a client, a TUKO.co.ke investigative reporter got in touch with one of the traders going by the profile name Candy who had displayed what she traded in and listed the price in dollars. The girl who we later found was a University of Nairobi, Kabete campus student said she was offering massage with 'happy endings' (sex) for 77 US dollars (about KSh 8,000). In her profile, she indicated she offered all types of therapeutic massages not excluding Swedish and Deep Tissue, reiterating she was a professional willing to travel a radius of 25kms to serve her clients at only KSh 8,000 per hour. This meant two hours of the service provision was enough to pay for her bedsitters rent and other household bills. Hello, I saw your contact on this website and got interested. How much do you charge per hour and where can I find you?" asked our TUKO.co.ke reporter. Prostitution, one of the oldest trades in the world is frowned at in Kenya though numbers of people engaging in it keep increasing. Photo:The Standard Source: UGC READ ALSO: First aid kit, towing rope, fire extinguisher not mandatory for private motorists - Police I am in Kabete but I do out calls alone. The price is what youve seen appended on my profile at the site, she said. Upon negotiation, Candy agreed to do massage and sex for one hour at KSh 5,000 on condition that her taxi fare is paid and a deposit of KSh 2,000 sent before she comes Shanty, a relatively young lady also advertising her services at the site prices her services which included massage and sex popularly referred to as happy endings at KSh 9,000 per hour. I enjoy discreet and enjoy company of mature businessmen. Looking forward to see you, reads Shantys message accompanying her photo which has laid bare two thirds of her bust. A call to one of the ladies on yet another such site directed us to some apartment along Thika Road Mall drive. The lady boldly promised to offer a variety of young university girls to suit all the tastes the reporter desired from the neighbouring United States International University (USIU). The university girls have rented a classy one bedroom house which has been converted to a brothel where several girls can walk in with their newest catch and exchange bodies for cash. We charge massage and sex at KSh 5,000 per hour. Weekends are good because most of us dont have classes and most working class men who can afford our services have time to visit, she said. A documentary recently carried out by an international media house revealed most Kenyan university girls were engaging in prostitution and sex with older married men (sponsors) to fund lavish lifestyles, live large on social media and impress friends though they lacked stable sources of income. Story by Peter Karanja, Nairobi 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. Kenyans React To Reinforcement of Michuki Rules | Tuko TV Source: Tuko - Kalonzo entered the list of politicians who have met Moi at his Kabarak home in the recent past - The Wiper party leader said they discussed issues of national unity and governance in the country - He was accompanied by his son Kennedy, Makueni and Kitui senators - Kalonzo was recently appointed head of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) in South Sudan Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka led a delegation of leaders from Ukambani to visit retired president Daniel Moi at his Kabarak home on Friday, November 16. Unlike other visitors before him, the former vice president carried a token of two he-goats and a bouquet of flowers, a gesture of friendliness. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Two women notorious for drugging men in night clubs arrested in Thika Kalonzo Musyoka gifted retired president Moi with two goats during his visit to Kabarak. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Uhuru talks tough against looters of NYS cash, say the guilty must pay The delegation was received warmly by Moi's son and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi after which they shared a meal with the family. "He (Moi) was in excellent spirit and gave us good advice on national unity and even advised our young politicians to go slow in politics until they get to the apex," said the ex-vice president. Kalonzo whose move to declare his unlimited support for President Uhuru Kenyatta put him under fire from his party members and Opposition supporters, joined a limited list of prominent leaders who have visited the former powerful Head of State in the recent past. Kalonzo Musyoka converse with Moi and his son Gideon during his visit at Kabarak. Photo: UGC Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Migori Govenor Okoth Obado gets wild reception upon leaving Kibera Law Courts Apart from his son Kennedy who is East Africa Legislative Assembly MP, the former VP was accompanied by his Wiper party legislators including Senator Enock Wambua of Kitui and vocal Mutula Kilonzo Junior of Makueni. Tiaty MP William Kamket and his Moiben counterpart Silas Tiren who have been common figures during Mzee Moi's meetings with prominent visitors alongside Gideon Moi were part of the meeting. Besides Uhuru's and Raila Odinga's successful visits to Kabarak, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Central Organisation of Trade Unions boss Francis Atwoli are other prominent leaders who have met Moi in Kabarak. 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: MC Jesse Calls Fan Ugly and Kenyans Are Not Impressed | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Newspaper The Ministry of Health has purchased 12 new ventilators specifically for the treatment of CO Foreign Affairs Minister (center) Carl Greenidge, cutting the ribbon to welcome American Airlines to Guyana. He is flanked by several dignitaries including United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway and American Airlines representative, Omar Nottaro (Right Ukrainians MPs have called on German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project will all interested parties, the press service of the NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine reports. In an open letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week, 20 members of the Ukrainian parliament have criticized the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and backed an earlier protest letter signed by nearly 70 MEPs and over 20 EU member state MPs sent to the Chancellor earlier this month. This latest letter called for changes to German government policy relating to the pipeline project and deplored the "deep rift between EU member states" that the government had allowed by backing the Kremlin project, reads the report posted on the companys website. The Ukrainian MPs in their letter stressed the negative consequences, both for Ukraine and for the European Union as a whole, of the Nord Stream 2 project. They also noted that the decision for Nord Stream 2 was apparently made without regard to the wider European context and added that only a few will benefit from the project, while at the same time it will have wide-ranging detrimental economic effects and fuel political corruption. The full text of the letter is posted on the website of the Verkhovna Rada. iy The IMF Executive Board plans to meet this year to decide on the launch of a new Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Ukraine and, in fact, on the disbursement of the first tranche. Director of the IMF Communications Department Gerry Rice said this at a briefing on Thursday, while answering a question from an Ukrinform correspondent. "The authorities are now working on the implementation of the prior actions needed for that program to go forward, approval by our Executive Board. In this regard, a small IMF team visited Kyiv last week to assist with the necessary preparations in line with that staff-level agreement," he said. "At the moment, we would expect Executive Board consideration later this year following the implementation of those prior actions relating to parliamentary approval of the 2019 budget and an increase in heating tariffs in line with the agreements that were reached," Rice added. On October 19, the IMF and the Ukrainian authorities reached an agreement on economic policies for a new 14-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The new SBA will replace the arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), approved in March 2015 and set to expire in March 2019. The new SBA, with a requested access of SDR 2.8 billion (equivalent to $3.9 billion), will provide an anchor for the authorities' economic policies during 2019. op Ukraine is interested in projects for the supply of liquefied gas and coal from international partners, primarily the United States, until it covers the shortage of resources. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this in an interview with Reuters, the Government portal reported. Liquefied gas is very interesting for Ukraine. We talked about the whole spectrum of our cooperation in the energy sector. As for coal, we will buy it from our international partners until we cover the domestic deficit, Groysman said. He stressed that the Government set a task to gain complete energy independence for all types of fuel. However, it takes time. And while all the mechanisms for performing the task are worked out, Ukraine use the proposals from its international partners, first of all the EU and the USA, regarding the supply of gas and coal. ish Ukraine and Qatar agreed on cooperation in energy, infrastructure and aviation industries, the press service of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine wrote on Twitter. "[Minister for Economic Development Stepan] Kubiv met with representatives of the Qatari State Investment Fund of Qatar Investment Authority. They agreed on cooperation in the sphere of energy, infrastructure and aviation industry," reads the report. On November 15, the first meeting of the Joint Ukrainian-Qatari Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation took place under the co-chairmanship of First Vice Prime Minister-Minister for Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv and Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qata Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari in Dohar. The parties focused on discussing key areas of the Ukrainian-Qatari bilateral cooperation, in particular trade and economic, investment, transport and communication, maritime transport, business development between Ukrainian and Qatari businesses, innovations and information technologies in smart- cities, tourism, technical regulation, standardization, metrology and conformity assessment, higher education and science. The parties also touched upon cooperation in the field of agriculture, energy and industry, the latest technology and healthcare. iy Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has started his working visit to the United States with a meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker. Klimkin wrote this on his Twitter account on Thursday. "American friends say that we brought snow and pre-Christmas mood. Of course, snow is cool, but we need to do some more work for the holiday. We start with Special Representative of the State Department Kurt Volker, then the Senate, then the Congress, and then according to schedule," he wrote. @SpecRepUkraine. , - :) pic.twitter.com/9MqTFwDNO8 Pavlo Klimkin (@PavloKlimkin) November 15, 2018 Klimkin will be on a working visit to Washington until November 16 to participate in a meeting of the updated format of the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission. Klimkin's visit to Washington also foresees talks with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, meetings with leading U.S. lawmakers and communication with American experts. On November 12, Klimkin told journalists that the Strategic Partnership Commission between Ukraine and the U.S. would consider issues of political, security, legal and economic cooperation at a meeting in Washington on November 16. op Ukraine, tackling Russian aggression, is at the center of a geopolitical struggle for the future of the whole of Europe, and the United States will continue to support the Ukrainian nation in its aspiration to build its own free future. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell said this in Washington on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "Ukraine is at the center of a geopolitical struggle for the future of Europe," he said in his speech at the Forum in Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Holodomor Genocide in Ukraine 1932-1933. Mitchell said that the United States stands "with Ukrainians in their struggle for a brighter future, free from vassalage, free from corruption, the government that is accountable to its people." According to him, "the North Star of our Ukrainian policy will remain our support for the Ukrainian nation-state, its sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders." The Forum in Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Holodomor Genocide in Ukraine 1932-1933 was held at the premises of the Heritage Foundation in Washington. op The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) condemns the Russian Federation-backed sham elections on the territory of the temporarily occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions held on November 11, 2018. The Ukrainian World Congress condemns the ongoing occupation of a part of eastern Ukraine by Russian forces and calls on the international community to increase sanctions against the Russian Federation for staging such sham elections in Donbas, UWC President Eugene Czolij stated. The staging of these elections on the occupied territory of Ukraine is an obvious attempt by the Kremlin to legitimize its aggression against Ukraine and create another frozen conflict in Europe, the UWC stressed. ish Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has received a personal message from Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The message confirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and readiness for further interaction in solving important issues put on the regional and international agenda, the press service of the head of state reported. "Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko received a personal message from Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which commends Ukraine's efforts to combat internal and external challenges and threats," the report said. It notes that maintaining close relations with Ukraine, Japan is also actively supporting its reform efforts. The Japanese prime minister also reaffirmed Japan's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. op Ukraine condemns the extension by the Russian court of the arrest of Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Hryb for another six months and calls on Russia to release him and all other Ukrainian political prisoners and hostages. Ambassador Ihor Prokopchuk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, said this in a statement during the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday. We condemn the repression of Ukrainian citizens illegally detained by the Russian authorities, in particular the most recent extension by the Krasnodar court of the Russian Federation of the arrest of Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Hryb until April 24, 2019, Prokopchuk said. The representative of Ukraine stressed that Russia must stop the repression and persecution of Ukrainian citizens in the illegally occupied Crimea and fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under international law. He also recalled that during the recent meeting of the President of Ukraine, the President of France and the Chancellor of Germany in Paris, a strong common support was expressed for the need to release all illegally detained persons and political prisoners by the end of this year. We strongly urge the Russian Federation to unblock this process without delay, in relation to Ukrainian citizens both in the occupied territories and in the Russian prisons, the diplomat said. As reported, Pavlo Hryb disappeared on August 24, 2017 in Belarus, where he went to the city of Gostomel to date a girl with whom he communicated on social networking sites. In September, it became known that Pavlo Hryb was in a detention center in Krasnodar (Russia), charged with terrorism. At the same time, his lawyer said that Pavlo had been kidnapped by FSB officers. On November 7, the North Caucasus Military District Court in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don extended the arrest of Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Hryb until April 24, 2019. ish China sees Ukraine as a strategic partner in more than 70 projects, in particular in space, energy, and infrastructure areas. The Ukrainian president's representative in the Verkhovna Rada, MP Iryna Lutsenko, said this at the Third Ukrainian Silk Road Forum in Kyiv on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "China's experience is very useful for Ukraine, because the PRC is our reliable partner and links with Ukraine a lot of promising paths and plans for both countries. China views our state as a strategic partner in more than 70 projects today. I hope that the number of such projects will be even greater in 2019," Lutsenko said. She added that the issue concerned cooperation in the space, energy, infrastructure, and agricultural spheres. "China is interested in infrastructure projects that will unite ports of northern and southern Europe. China views Ukraine as a gateway to Europe and it is important to us. We are ready to cooperate in this area," Lutsenko said. She added that China is a powerful partner of Ukraine. op The Ukrainian side is ready to hand over to Russia over 60 separatists who committed crimes against Ukraine for the sake of the release of Ukrainian hostages and political prisoners of the Kremlin. The Ukrainian president's envoy on the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Gerashchenko, said this at a briefing on Thursday, November 15, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "The Ukrainian side is ready for all compromises to make another release of political prisoners and hostages happen. We are ready to give the Russian Federation more than 20 Russians convicted in Ukraine for the sake of the release of the political prisoners of the Kremlin. We are ready to release through the pardon procedure more than 60 separatists involved in crimes against Ukraine, in order to free our military and civilians, including journalist Stanislav Aseyev, from the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk," Gerashchenko said. She also recalled that the Ukrainian side had repeatedly included the names of captive servicemen in the lists that were announced at the talks in Minsk. "I want to emphasize responsibly that all of our servicemen - Serhiy Hlondar, Oleksandr Korinkov, Bohdan Pantiushenko, Deyev, Ivanchuk, Oryshchuk, and others - were in all our lists that we submitted during these years at the meetings of groups in Minsk with the demand to immediately release them. I have the impression that the other side, aware of the heroism of these people and seeing how we fight for them, on the contrary, creates barriers for the liberation of those who are very important to Ukraine," the parliamentarian said. In total, about 70 Ukrainian political prisoners, including Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko, are currently held in Russia and in Russian-occupied Crimea. Sushchenko was sentenced to 12 years in a high-security penal colony for alleged espionage. op The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to expand the grounds for the issuance of e-Visas to foreigners to entry Ukraine from January 1, 2019 and to increase the list of countries whose citizens have the right for applying for such visas, the Government portal reports. "The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to the Rules for issuing visas for entry into Ukraine and transit through its territory, which provides for the application of a number of new procedures from January 1, 2019, in particular, expanding the list of grounds for issuing the e-Visa. Apart from the business and tourist purposes, e-Visas are introduced for traveling to Ukraine for private purposes, treatment, for the activities in the sphere of culture, science, education, sports, as well as for media representatives," reads the report. Also, under the governments decision, the consular fee for e-Visas is raised from $65 to $85. iy The Ukrainian Culture Ministry has challenged at the Justice Ministry the actions of a state registrar with the demand to cancel the decision on the state registration of the right of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to use the property of the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra monastery and to bring the registrar to account, the press service of the Ternopil regional prosecutor's office reported on Friday. "According to the materials of the pre-trial investigation, it was established that a representative of the Ukrainian Culture Ministry, whose rights and interests were violated, had challenged at the Ukrainian Justice Ministry the mentioned actions of the state registrar with the demand to cancel the decision on the state registration of the right to use immovable property of the Pochayiv Lavra and to bring the registrar to account," reads the report. The prosecutor's office also recalled that the investigation department of the National Police's main directorate in Ternopil region was conducting a pre-trial investigation in a criminal proceeding regarding the unlawful actions of the state registrar who, abusing his powers, conducted the state registration of the right of the UOC-MP to use immovable property of the Pochayiv Lavra. "The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Procedural controlled is being carried out by the regional prosecutor's office, which controls the investigation process in this criminal proceeding," the prosecutor's office said. The regional prosecutor's office told Ukrinform on Thursday, November 15, that the police in Ternopil region had opened a criminal case due to the transfer of the facilities of the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra monastery to use or rent by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The case was opened under Part 3 of Article 365-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of office by a person providing public services, which entailed grave consequences). It was reported in early November that the Pochayiv Lavra monastery in Ternopil region had been illegally transferred for use by the UOC-MP. In particular, Pochayiv City Council deputy Taras Palianytsia published the documents of the state registrar who in 2018 executed the decisions made by former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych in 2003 and transferred six facilities of the Pochayiv Lavra monastery (cathedrals, a bell tower, monastic cells, a bishop's house - a total of 7,000 square meters) for use by the UOC-MP until 2052. The deputy demonstrated an excerpt from the state register, according to which the Lavra's buildings were registered for the UOC-MP until January 1, 2052, with the right of extension. op 11/15/2018 Contacts for media: Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu and Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu LOWELL, Mass. UMass Lowell thought it was saving the biggest news of the night for the end. Oprah Winfrey had even bigger news. After Chancellor Jacquie Moloney announced that UMass Lowell had raised more than $1.5 million for scholarships at the Chancellors Speaker Series Thursday, Nov. 15, Winfrey pledged on stage to match it. Photos and video footage of the UMass Lowell Chancellors Speaker Series: A Conversation with Oprah Winfrey are available for download. Contact Media Relations for photos. Click here to download video. More than 6,000 people listened to the nearly 90-minute conversation between Winfrey and Moloney, which touched on education, gratitude, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," her work with children in South Africa, a 10-day visit with Nelson Mandela, and her commitment to living a life of purpose and service. Earlier in the day, Winfrey met with more than 200 UMass Lowell students for a master class that provided students with the opportunity to ask her questions. The evening concluded with the introduction of the first six Oprah Winfrey Scholars and the presentation to Winfrey of an honorary doctor of humane letters degree by UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Manning and Chairman of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs Trustee Imari Paris Jeffries. Oprah Winfreys visit will provide scholarship support for UMass Lowell for years to come, Moloney said. We are so honored to share an evening with one of the most powerful and most positive people on Earth. Asked by Moloney why she had decided to spend her night at UMass Lowell, Winfrey pointed to the goal of the Chancellors Speaker Series, saying she decided to come when she learned the university would use the event to raise money for scholarships. Lowell was also on Winfreys radar thanks to one of her Oprahs Book Club recommendations: House of Sand and Fog by UMass Lowell English professor and best-selling author Andre Dubus III. Winfrey said Dubus was one of the few authors she featured who wrote her a personal thank you note, something that stuck with her. Moloney and Winfrey also discussed the value of education, including offering a standing ovation to the many teachers in the audience. The only way you change a life is by changing the way someone thinks about their life, and you do that with education, Winfrey said. Winfrey ended the night with a piece of advice for the audience. I try to do the right thing even when no one is looking, she said. When you dont know what to do, do nothing until you do know. There is that still, small voice inside of you that always always has the answer. Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Recipients The Oprah Winfrey Scholarship will go to students with financial need and a commitment to academic achievement. The first six recipients, (click here for full bios) who were announced at the Nov. 15 event and introduced to Winfrey on stage are: Nicholas Abourizk, a senior English and theatre arts major with a biology minor, from Methuen Coral Gonzalez Diana, a sophomore, nursing major with a psychology minor, from Chelsea Ashlie Grasa, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, from Cincinnati, Ohio Daphne Shakira Naut, a double major in political science and philosophy with a double minor in German and Portuguese studies, from New York City Flore Stecie Norceide, a sophomore electrical and computer engineering major from Haiti Jaime Waldron, a sophomore with a double major in criminal justice and business administration, with an accounting concentration, from Haverhill The event was presented by Liberty Mutual, Suffolk Construction and the Marty Meehan Educational Foundation and supported by dozens of other sponsors. Prior UMass Lowell Chancellors Speaker Series programs featured author Stephen King in 2012 and actress Meryl Streep in 2014 and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for student scholarships. UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. The document was backed by 67 UN member states, 26 voted against it, 82 abstained. The Third Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) has endorsed the newly updated draft of the resolution titled: "Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine." The relevant document was backed by 67 UN member states, 26 voted against it, 82 abstained. The following countries voted against: Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nicaragua, the Russian Federation, Serbia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations reported that the key elements of the draft resolution include a number of requirements for the Russian Federation as an occupying state. The text of the document states that the UN General Assembly affirms "that the seizure of Crimea by force is illegal and a violation of international law, and affirming also that those territories must be returned." It also condemns politically motivated persecutions of citizens of Ukraine and calls on Russia to free all Ukrainians who are illegally detained in the occupied Crimea and Russian territory. Illegally imprisoned Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov, Crimean activist Volodymyr Balkuh and Crimean Tatars' human rights activist Emir-Huseyn Kuku are designated as political prisoners. Read alsoECHR obliges Russia to inform about state of four Ukrainian political prisoners' health The UN General Assembly's draft resolution also condemns the "imposition of automatic Russian citizenship on protected persons in Crimea, which is contrary to international humanitarian law," and calls on Russia "to end the practice of compelling Crimean residents to serve in the armed or auxiliary forces of the Russian Federation, including through pressure or propaganda, and in particular ensure that Crimean residents are not compelled to participate in military operations of the Russian Federation," as well as in "illegal election campaigns." It also calls the Russian Federation "to monitor and accommodate the medical needs of all Ukrainian citizens unlawfully detained for the exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including political prisoners, in Crimea and the Russian Federation and allow the monitoring of those detainees' state of health and conditions of detention by independent international monitors and physicians from reputable international health organizations, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Committee of the Red Cross." What is more, it urges Russia to refrain from criminalizing the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the rights to peaceful assembly in Crimea, as well as to stop discrimination against those who do not recognize the Russian occupation of Crimea. The document calls upon all international organizations and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, when referring to Crimea in their official documents, communications and publications, including with regard to statistical data of the Russian Federation, to refer to "the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation," and encourages all States and other international organizations to do the same. It also requests the Secretary-General to take all steps necessary to ensure the full and effective coordination of all United Nations bodies with regard to the implementation of the present resolution. After this consideration at the committee's meeting, the draft resolution of the UN General Assembly will be finally considered in December this year. The first wording of the resolution on human rights in Russian-occupied Crimea was considered in December 2016. It was supported by 70 countries, 77 abstained and 26 voted against it. On December 19, 2017, the UN General Assembly approved its amended version with 70 countries for it and 26 against, while 76 abstained. The Russian Federation Council has warned Ukraine it is able to close the Sea of Azov to the Ukrainian ships within minutes. The threat came as a member of the defense and security committee of the Federation Council, Frants Klintsevich, commented on the detention by Ukrainian border guards of 15 vessels for cheking into ports of the occupied Crimean peninsula. "This is obvious chaos. And it does not matter whether it is a matter of this being Russian ships or foreign vessels all of them checked into Crimea ports absolutely legitimately," the official wrote on Facebook. He believes that Kyiv "is pushing" Moscow to retaliate. Read alsoU.S., Europe discuss sanctions against Russian ports in Sea of Azov Ukraine's minister Klintsevich said that Russia is capable of blocking, literally within minutes, the Sea of Azov for any Ukraine-flagged vessel. Earlier, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported the seizure of 15 ships for their illegal checks in the ports of the occupied Crimea. Commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces Serhiy Nayev, said that the Russian invaders were trying to intensify the escalation of the Sea of Azov, and in this context the Mariupol direction is one of the most important ones in the context of creating prerequisites for repelling aggression. The UN draft resolution concerns the protection of human rights in the occupied Crimea, violated by the Russian Federation as an occupier. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Pavlo Klimkin, commented on the draft resolution on human rights in occupied Crimea, supported by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, noting that Russia is unable to bring the Ukrainians to their knees. UNGA's 3rd Committee passed a resolution on human rights in Crimea. For the first time, the names of Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin were listed. This resolution is about the Ukrainians, whom Russia is unable to bring to its knees and who are supported by the democratic civilized world, Klimkin wrote on Twitter. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) has endorsed the newly updated draft of the resolution titled: "Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine." The relevant document was backed by 67 UN member states, 26 voted against it, 82 abstained. After this consideration at the committee, the UNGA draft resolution will be finally considered in December this year. It's the Ukrainian people, not the Kremlin, who will decide on the issue of Ukraine leadership, according to the press secretary. Ukrainian Presidential Press Secretary Svyatoslav Tsegolko says Thursday's statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin are a clear example of interference in the electoral process in Ukraine, despite the fact that the campaign has not even started yet. "Putin's dislike for Poroshenko as a statesman who has disrupted the Kremlin's plans to return Ukraine under the control of the Russian Empire is obvious," he wrote on Facebook. It's the Ukrainian people, not the Kremlin, who will decide on the issue of Ukraine leadership, according to the press secretary. Read alsoEU calls on Russia and Ukraine to pursue detainees swap by year-end "As for Poroshenko, he has been advocating a politico-diplomatic settlement, but he will never agree to peace under the terms of the aggressor state. By combining defense and diplomatic efforts, the head of state will continue protecting our country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. And he will fight for such a peaceful settlement, which is in the national interests of Ukraine, and not of the aggressor Russia," Tsegolko said. As reported earlier, on November 15, following a visit to Singapore, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that for the conflict in Donbas to be resolved, Ukraine must change its leadership. Orban's statement comes almost simultaneously with that of Putin who said Donbas peace could not be reached until Ukraine changed its leadership. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he doubts there is a chance of coming to any kind of agreement with Ukraine's "current political leadership." Speaking at the 8th plenary meeting of the Hungarian Diaspora Council, held on Thursday in Budapest, he noted that Ukraine has no credible time horizon for accession to either NATO or the EU, according to the official website of the Hungarian government. He noted that there will be a presidential election in Ukraine in the near future, and it will be a great achievement if before then the situation does not deteriorate. After that, he said, it will become clear whether the "present anti-Hungarian political trend" will continue, or if there will be a presidential administration which seeks cooperation with Hungary. Read alsoNot all quiet on EU's "eastern front" as Russia seeks to split unity - media Orban indicated that Hungary is in contact with all the potential winners, and attempts are already being made to conduct the negotiations needed to alter the current situation which is bad for both Hungary and Ukraine after a "favorable political change." These, he noted, could enable Ukraine to find its way back to the path, which may be described as Hungarian friendship or strategic alliance. In his view, this is the only path for Ukraine if it wishes to join NATO or the EU. Viktor Orban, one of the most prominent Russia advocates across the EU, delivered his statement almost simultaneously with Russian President Vladimir Putin who on Thursday said that Donbas peace could not be reached until Ukraine changed its leadership. Russia will not escape international responsibility for aggression, occupation, and human rights violations, Poroshenko said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has thanked UN Member States for a new resolution on human rights in occupied Crimea. "Despite Russia's fierce resistance UNGA Third Committee has just adopted new draft resolution condemning blatant human rights violations perpetrated by Russia, the occupying power, in the Ukrainian Crimea," the president wrote on Facebook. "The resolution explicitly mentions the cases of Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin. Our struggle for their freedom goes on. Russia will not escape international responsibility for aggression, occupation and human rights violations," Poroshenko said. Read alsoRussia unable to bring Ukrainians to their knees - Klimkin "Grateful to UN Member States for their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine!" said the Ukrainian leader. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) endorsed the newly updated draft of the resolution titled: "Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine." Operatives are searching for the "Ukrainian trace" in the recent mass shooting in Kerch. Serhiy Filatov, the head of the Syvash local regional group of Jehovah's Witnesses, has been detained. Journalist Anton Naumlyuk has said officers of the FSB Federal Security Service of Russia are conducting searches in the homes of members of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization in the illegally annexed Crimea. Read alsoExperts point to flaws in official version of Kerch massacre probe "FSB operatives are currently conducting a large-scale raid in Crimea: searches and detentions are being carried out in several dozen homes of those suspected of participating in the Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization in Dzhankoy," he wrote on Facebook. In particular, Serhiy Filatov, the head of the Syvash local regional group of the Jehovah's Witnesses, has been detained. "Syvash was registered in 2015 and liquidated in 2017 after the ban of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia," Naumlyuk said. Read alsoOSINT group suggests Russian security forces behind mass murder in Kerch The journalist said the "agitation support" of the special operation was carried out by "journalists" of the Vesti-Crimea TV channel, who were looking for "involvement of the Ukrainian special services" in the recent mass shooting incident in Kerch. As reported earlier, the attacker's mother, who is now reported to be undergoing treatment in one of the local hospitals, is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Despite the expected push of a traditional Russian propaganda narrative about a "Ukrainian trace" in incidents on territories controlled by Russia or its proxy forces (as was the case with the assassination of "DPR leader" Alexander Zakharchenko), no such links have been established in the probe. Instead, it was revealed that the young attacker had undergone training for teenagers in the occupied Crimea, involving livefire practical shooting classes. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian OSINT community Information Resistance suggests it is Russian special services who stand behind the mass shooting while the youngster was practically set up as someone that the investigation could claim was a "lone shooter." Prodan is suspected of illegally receiving from July 2016 to June 2018, while serving as acting deputy and head of the State Fiscal Service, more than UAH 89 million. The Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has issued a suspicion notice to a former acting head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Myroslav Prodan on charges of embezzling UAH 89 million. "Considering... the availability of sufficient data collected in cooperation with the Prosecutor General's Office under the operational support of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine, on November 15, the prosecutor of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office compiled and signed a written notice of suspicion of committing a crime under Part 3 Article 368-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the agency wrote on Facebook. It is noted Prodan is suspected of illegally receiving from July 2016 to June 2018, while serving as acting deputy and head of the State Fiscal Service, funds in the amount of more than UAH 89 million, used to purchase for personal use "a number of real estate objects and vehicles." "In order to conceal the actual owner, property was registered on his relative. The objects acquired during the specified period include two apartments in the elite new building in Kyiv worth UAH 6.7 million, two houses in Turkey worth UAH 78 million; three elite class cars with a total cost of UAH 3.4 million," the report says. Read alsoUkraine's fiscal service acting head Prodan resigns The investigation also checks the involvement of Prodan in the acquisition of other real estate objects in Kyiv and luxury cars. However, the SAPO noted that yesterday, November 15, Prodan failed to report to the prosecutor's office for investigative and procedural actions in criminal proceedings under Part 3 Article 368-2 and Part 3 Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Today, November 16, the SAPO prosecutors for the third time summoned Prodan to conduct investigative and procedural actions at 10:00 on November 20. The State Border Guard Service does not remain idle, keeping up its work to strengthen own presence in the Sea of Azov. Speaker for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Oleh Slobodyan has said Russia redirected part of their naval forces deployed near temporarily occupied Crimea to a new bridgehead, namely the waters of the Sea of Azov. "The process of [Russia] increasing their military component in the Sea of Azov was gradual. Russia has increased its presence, but here we can rather talk about the regrouping of certain naval forces for possible action in the Sea of Azov, i.e. re-locating ships from the waters off coast the temporarily annexed peninsula to a new bridgehead, which is the Sea of Azov," Slobodyan told UNIAN. According to the official, the State Border Guard Service does not remain idle, keeping up its work to strengthen own presence in the Sea of Azov. "We have received new boats, as well as repaired and put into operation the Donbas warship, which is now in the Azov Sea performing her tasks," Slobodyan said. Read alsoRussia threatens to "shut down" Azov Sea for Ukrainian ships "within minutes" He said the agency is working alongside the Armed Forces and the Navy, since the protection and defense of the coastline and the territory of Ukraine is their joint task. "All activities are being worked out jointly within the framework of a unified plan of the Joint Forces Operation HQ and the NSDC, and only with the complex involvement of all available resources can we expect that any Russian aggression in this direction will see an adequate response," he said. As was reported, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on October 12 enacted a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decree on urgent measures to protect national interests in the south and the east of Ukraine, in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait. The NSDC decree emphasizes that, having considered threats to national security in the south and the east of Ukraine, in the waters of the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait, caused by aggressive actions of the Russian Federation, the Council revealed conditions that could critically destabilize the economic, social and political situation, and result in a naval blockade of the Ukraine coast. The Cabinet was instructed to create an interdepartmental coordinating body that should generalize the legal position of the state on drafting an official, consolidated claim against Russia, demanding its international legal responsibility for armed aggression against Ukraine. There is the only way of implementing the Minsk agreements, he says, which is "the cessation of military aggression and the liberation of the Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation forces and Russian weapons." Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has said Ukraine will never accept the "obsessive and obscure idea" of Russian President Vladimir Putin about negotiating with his "puppets" in the occupied Donbas. "Moscow is trying to stupidly hide the occupation of a part of Ukrainian Donbas behind fake elections they've organized. It's like trying to hide an elephant behind a rake that has just hit him in the trunk," Turchynov said in a commentary to UNIAN. He recalled the so-called "elections" in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions had been organized by Russian authorities. Read alsoUkraine preparing "powerful package" of sanctions over sham elections in Donbas Turchynov "Based on the fact that the fake elections in the occupied territory were held by the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation with a previously known outcome, the same way they could have just elect two stray dogs from Moscow suburbs as leaders of the fake republics. Moreover, this would not be the worst format for the occupied territories, because they would have barked loudly, but at least they would not have robbed Ukrainians under the Russian occupation," he said. According to Turchynov, Putin's statement about the need for Ukraine to negotiate with the "Kremlin" puppets, who were appointed to "manage" quasi-republics, is his obsessive and obscure idea, which he has been trying to ineffectively push through since 2014 and which will never be accepted by our state and the whole civilized world." Turchynov said there is the only way of implementing the Minsk agreements, which is the cessation of military aggression and the liberation of the Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation forces and Russian weapons. Read alsoHungary's Orban echoes Putin, claiming no solution can be reached with today's Ukrainian leaders As UNIAN reported earlier, the Russian-puppet "DPR" and "LPR" on November 11 held sham "elections" of the so-called "heads of people's republics" and "deputies of people's councils." The international community has condemned the pseudo-vote. The European Union, the United States, and Japan declared that the holding of "elections" in the occupied parts of eastern Ukraine was a violation of the Minsk agreements. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed that the fake "elections" in Donbas would not be recognized either by Ukraine or by the international community. On November 15, following a visit to Singapore, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that for the conflict in Donbas to be resolved, Ukraine must change its leadership. The "LPR" and "DPR" are bargaining chips. Andrei Illarionov, a Russian economist and former economic advisor to President Vladimir Putin, has explained why Russia needs a war in Donbas and the so-called "LPR/DPR" terrorist organizations. The expert believes the "LPR/DPR" will become the Kremlin's bargaining chip, Glavred reports. "It is necessary to use the correct terms: Russia doesn't need the 'DPR' and 'LPR,' it's Putin who needs them. But Putin is not Russia. Putin really needs the 'DPR' and 'LPR.' He needs them for two reasons. First, they are used like "screwdrivers" that could be constantly stuck in Ukraine's body to destabilize the situation within the country. Secondly, Putin hopes that, sooner or later, Ukraine will have leaders ready to exchange Crimea for 'DPR' and 'LPR.' In other words, he hopes there will be some future Ukrainian authorities that recognize Crimea as part of Russia, and in exchange for this, they will receive the recognition of 'DPR' and 'LPR'," he said. Read alsoTurchynov rules out any talks with "DPR/LPR" "Therefore, the 'DPR' and the 'LPR' is like a bargaining chip for possible "settlements" in the future between Russia and Ukraine," he added. The ministry has emphasized that the Hungarian side should stop actions negatively affecting development of the bilateral relations. Newly appointed Ambassador of Hungary to Ukraine, Istvan Ijgyarto, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine on November 16, 2018, after Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban had said he saw no chance of coming to any kind of agreement with Ukraine's "current political leadership." "The Ukrainian side made a strong protest against the latest comments by Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban and Vice Prime Minister for National Policy Zsolt Semjen on Ukraine," Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on November 16. "The Ukrainian side has emphasized that the Hungarian side should stop actions negatively affecting development of the bilateral relations, especially in the context of the implementation of agreements reached by the Heads of two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in October this year regarding the solution of problematic issues between Ukraine and Hungary," the statement said. Read alsoHungary's Orban echoes Putin, claiming no solution can be reached with today's Ukrainian leaders As UNIAN reported earlier, Orban said at the eighth plenary meeting of the Hungarian Diaspora Council in Budapest on November 15 that no agreements could be reached with the incumbent authorities in Ukraine. He said he hoped it would be easier to agree with Ukraine after presidential elections in March 2019. Viktor Orban, one of the most prominent advocates of Russia across the EU, delivered his statement almost simultaneously with Russian President Vladimir Putin who said on November 15 that peace in Donbas was impossible until Ukraine elected new leaders. The new Hungarian ambassador arrived in Ukraine on November 14. The incident took place in Zakarpattia region. Spokesman for Ukraine's State Border Guard Service Oleh Slobodyan says a "smuggler" driver in Zakarpattia region during an inspection routine hit a Ukrainian border guard who is now in a coma. Last night, during a joint operation with Romanian border guards, the latter on the other side of the border detained two persons carrying 10 packages of tobacco products. On the Ukrainian territory, the search continued for the other persons involved in the shady dealing, he wrote on Facebook. "Soon, near the Tisza River, at the Dilove section, border guards detained a man sporting a diving suit. He had no ID on him, while carrying large amount of cash, which he allegedly received for smuggling. During interrogation of the detainee and seizure of funds, another unidentified individual driving an Audi with a foreign registration plate hit the chief of the Dilove border guard unit. As a result, the border guard was severely injured. An ambulance rushed to the scene and evacuated the officer to the local intensive care unit where he underwent surgery," Slobodyan said. Read alsoLaw on criminal liability for illegal crossing of state border by Russians comes into force in Ukraine As reported, the car that hit the border guard had been found. However, the driver, who has been identified, managed to flee from scene. The report says that such actions by perpetrators lead the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine to switch to a tighter controls at the border line. Border guards stress they will use weapons in response to a threat to health or life of their operatives. As UNIAN reported earlier, about 20 smugglers assaulted a group of border guards in Chernivtsi region. Three enemy fighters were killed and another five were wounded, intelligence reports say. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 16 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action. "Two Ukrainian troops were wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, three occupiers were killed and another five were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 16, 2018. Read alsoRussia uses Donbas as testing ground for new arms, disposal of old ammunition Ukraine's intel Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms to attack the defenders of the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka. The villages of Stanytsia Luhanska, Malynove, Vilniy, Shumy, Pivdenne, Pisky, Slavne, Pavlopil, Vodiane, and Lebedynske were also under attack. Also, the enemy shelled the Ukrainian positions near Vilniy, Shumy, Pivdenne, and Vodiane, using 82mm mortars. Ukraine's fortified positions near Pivdenne and Vodiane came under fire from 120mm mortars, while Vilniy was attacked from weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles. "There have been no attacks by Russian-led forces since Friday midnight," the report said. The Ukrainian military say the situation in the zone of the operation remains under control. Russian-led forces mounted five attacks on Ukraine's Joint Forces in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, from 00:00 to 18:00 Kyiv time on Friday, November 16. "The invaders opened targeted fire from grenade launchers of various systems and small arms to attack the Joint Forces' positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Luhanske and Shyrokyne. The enemy also resorted to 120mm and 82mm mortars near the village of Vilny," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) headquarters said in an evening update on Facebook on November 16. Read alsoRussia uses Donbas as testing ground for new arms, disposal of old ammunition Ukraine's intel The Ukrainian army's units adequately responded to the enemy's fire, having thus prevented JFO casualties. The situation in the zone of the operation remains under control, it said. Earlier today, Ms May insisted she would carry on as prime minister and defended the Brexit deal that has infuriated many of her MPs. Theresa May faces another tough day as she battles to cling onto her job after a flurry of ministerial resignations and a growing campaign to unseat her by Conservative MPs unhappy about her Brexit deal. As No 10 gears up for a potential vote of no confidence, government whips were recalled to Westminster from their constituencies, according to The Independent. Theresa May earlier today insisted she would carry on as prime minister and defended the Brexit deal that has infuriated many of her MPs. She was speaking minutes after former culture secretary John Whittingdale became the latest to announce he had submitted a letter of no-confidence in her. Read alsoRFE/RL: No 2019 Eastern Partnership Summit foreseen in busy post-Brexit EU Europes press has watched on in horror as once-stable Britain was plunged into yet another political crisis over its relationship with the EU on Thursday. The Irish Independent warned in a headline that Brexit bedlam had engulfed Theresa May, with bruising attacks against her from her own party over her deal. The newspaper reports that the British Prime Minister is battling to save her career as a string of her ministers jumped ship in a rapidly unfolding crisis. Plans for a no-deal are continuing unabated in Dublin, it says. (@rukhshanmir) The poultry production in Pakistan has started flourishing with an annual production of 1.02 billion broilers besides providing direct job opportunities to over 1.5 million people. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :The poultry production in Pakistan has started flourishing with an annual production of 1.02 billion broilers besides providing direct job opportunities to over 1.5 million people. "Pakistan has become the 11th largest poultry producer in the world with a production of 1.02 billion broilers annually whereas current investment in poultry sector is more than Rs 200 billion," according to official documents. Today, Poultry has been a balancing force to keep check on the prices of mutton and beef, but also serving as backbone of agriculture sector as it consumes over seven million tons of agro- residues. Pakistan is an ideal country for investment in poultry sector as its meat contributed 30pc of the total meat production in the country. Poultry sector has shown around 8 to 10pc growth rate annually, which reflected its inherent potential to grow further besides goal oriented policies of Government to promote livestock and poultry sector in the country. Poultry has contributed 1.4pc of GDP during 2015-16 while its contribution in agriculture and livestock value-added stood at 6.9 pc and 11.7 pc respectively. Its value added at current factor cost has increased from Rs 140.5 billion in 2014-15 to Rs 151.2 billion in 2015-16, showing a record increase of 7.6pc compare to last year. Dr Aasal Khan, Director Planning and Economics Development told APP on Friday that poultry sector in KP has grown tremendously during last five years in Khyber Pakthunkhwa. He said large number of people especially in rural areas was associated with poultry sector and special financial incentives for them would help promote this hard earned business to new heights. Livestock Department KP has chalked out a comprehensive plan to encourage commercial and domestic poultry farming in the province to cater the needs of meat requirement of ever growing population. He said strengthening of commercial and domestic poultry services was a major component of the new livestock policy 2018 and solid efforts are being made to increase poultry production in the province. The KP government has accorded high priority to livestock and poultry sectors by focusing on establishment of model poultry farms to promote this business keeping in view of dependence of a large number of people of rural areas on it. He said thousands of poultry farms were existed in all districts of KP and technical assistance and necessary training would be provided to farmers to bolster poultry production in the province. Dr Aasal said KP Govt has allocated Rs 2573 million for uplift agriculture, livestock, poultry, fisheries and cooperatives department for 40 projects including 30 ongoing with allocation of Rs 2217.999 million and 10 new costing Rs 355.001 million in budget 2018-19 to further strengthen this key sector. The new projects including control of livestock diseases, eco-friendly management of fruit flies, database development through information and communication technology in crop reporting service, solarization of agriculture tubewells, establishment of trout villages in Malakand and Hazara divisions would strengthening of poultry services. He said most of farmers are unaware from where to get veterinary services and suffer great economic losses in case of viral disease outbreak. Poor marketing and coordination between institutions and poultry owners besides lack of technical know how challenges if addresses, livestock and poultry sector can achieve many laurels in days to come. He said owing to goal oriented policies of present government, eggs, meat, milk and poultry production had registered substantial increase during last five years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and people are now easily getting these commodities at their doorsteps. As many as 500 professionals from the securities and commodities market, insurance sector, non-banking financial institutions (NBFI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) have attended 20 awareness sessions on anti-money laundering, counter financing for terrorism (AML/CFT). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :As many as 500 professionals from the securities and commodities market , insurance sector, non-banking financial institutions (NBFI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) have attended 20 awareness sessions on anti-money laundering, counter financing for terrorism (AML/CFT). The SECP held these sessions in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad in collaboration with USAID's Financial Market Development (FMD) project, said a press release issued on Friday. The sessions were designed to help representatives of financial institutions understand the risk-based approach under the AML/CFT framework and focused on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations applicable to the financial institutions and the FATF monitoring process. Tariq Bakhtawar, Director, SECP Anti-Money Laundering Department said that with USAID FMD's technical support, the SECP regulated sectors were briefed on AML/CFT self-assessment. This will result in the laying the necessary foundations for the implementation of a risk-based approach. The SECP's Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Regulations (June 2018) and the supplementary guidelines (issued in September 2018) shift the perspective from one-size-fits-all to the risk-based approach, enabling financial institutions to focus their resources on the high-risk customers. These sessions focused on capacity building of the regulated sector, explained the AML/CFT risk assessment in relation to customer, countries, products and services and delivery channels through illustrations and case studies and tables leading through the process. The sessions have resulted in strengthening the AML/CFT risk assessment and compliance framework and in particular, the detecting and reporting of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) to the Financial Monitoring Unit. Areas discussed in the SECP AML/CFT Guidelines include the AML/CFT compliance assessment checklist alongside internal policies, ongoing monitoring, customer due diligence measures and red flags and high-riskindicators- all part of the AML/CFT program. USAID's Financial Market Development Activity is a multi-year project, which promotes the development of competitive and diversified debt capital market in Pakistan working with Ministry of Finance, the State Bank and the SECP and a number of other capital and financial market sector institutions. The Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan Ghazaband Scouts organized a day-long free medical camp and treated many patients suffering from various deceases in Killi Stangi and Hunna-Urak area of Quetta district on Friday. QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :The Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan Ghazaband Scouts organized a day-long free medical camp and treated many patients suffering from various deceases in Killi Stangi and Hunna-Urak area of Quetta district on Friday. According to an FC spokesperson, the free medical camp was arranged on the special directives of Balochistan Frontier Corps Inspector General Major General Ahmed Nadeem Anjum, where the FC doctors along with the civil doctors examined the patients. About 856 patients including 280 male, 290 women and 286 children were examined and given medicines free of charge besides performing diagnostic tests. Ultra sound, lab tests and other facilities were provided in the camp keeping in mind the needs of remote people. FC Balochistan also distributed grocery goods among poor and needy people in the medical camp. People appreciated Frontier Corps Balochistan for serving humanity and providing free medical assistance to poor citizens. Hurriyat leaders and organizations, in Indian occupied Kashmir, have condemned the charge-sheet filed by India's notorious National Investigation Agency (NIA) against ailing Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chairperson, Aasiya Andrabi, and her associates, Naheeda Nasreen and Fehmeeda Sofi. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Hurriyat leaders and organizations, in Indian occupied Kashmir, have condemned the charge-sheet filed by India's notorious National Investigation Agency (NIA) against ailing Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chairperson, Aasiya Andrabi, and her associates, Naheeda Nasreen and Fehmeeda Sofi. According to Kashmir Media Service, the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik in statement issued in Srinagar said that putting political leaders and activists including women in jails on concocted charges and slapping repeated PSA on political leaders and activists was nothing but mockery of justice and democracy. It said that the NIA had arrested dozens of Kashmiris on fictitious charges. On Wednesday, the NIA charge-sheeted ailing women leaders, Aasiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen and Fahmida Sofi, who are in its custody from last many months, it added. The JRL said the charge-sheet against these women leaders is not only concocted but also a bundle of lies and its sole purpose is to prolong their illegal detention. Similarly, it said, other arrested people, languishing in New Delhi's Tihar Jail under same kinds of fake charges, are made to suffer for their political beliefs and endeavors. The JRL termed the invoking of PSA 37th time on Masarrat Aalam Butt as another example of state terrorism and said that a political leader was being subjected to chauvinism by illegal means and this was being done in the name of so-called peace and democracy. It said that thousands of Kashmiris had been put in jails, interrogation centers and police stations and many of these were being slapped with repeated PSAs to prolong their incarceration and inflict more and more sufferings to them. The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League and Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party in their statements in Srinagar condemned the charge-sheet against Aasiya Andrabi and her associates and termed it just a ploy to prolong their illegal detention. They also denounced the slapping of PSA on Masarrat Aalam Butt and said that the PSA had become a tool of suppression and oppression. Slapping of 37th PSA on Masarrat Aalam Butt has proved that there is nothing against him and he is being kept behind the bars for nothing, they added. (@FahadShabbir) In this era of rising extremism and widening conflicts characterised by a fundamental disregard for human life, the need to promote tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples assumes huge significance, an editorial in a local English language daily has said. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Nov, 2018) In this era of rising extremism and widening conflicts characterised by a fundamental disregard for human life, the need to promote tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples assumes huge significance, an editorial in a local English language daily has said. The editorial, in today's edition of The Gulf Today, added, "The UAEs promotion of peaceful coexistence and a tolerant society is totally in line with the governments vision when it announced the creation of ministerial posts for Happiness, Tolerance and The Future. "The UAE is also a perfect model for tolerance especially because people from over 200 nationalities live here enjoying total security, peace and prosperity in an entirely harmonious environment," the editorial comment added. The paper quoted Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, as saying that establishing the Ministry of Tolerance in the UAE was a clear announcement to the country and the entire world that tolerance and coexistence are part of the countrys foundations and must be preserved. The two-day World Tolerance Summit being held in Dubai by the International Institute for Tolerance is another admirable initiative as it is the worlds first-of-its-kind event that tackles tolerance, peace and cultural understanding among mankind. The creation of the International Institute for Tolerance through the patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives helps provide solutions to the challenges of extremism and sectarianism through promotion of the culture of tolerance. In June 2016, the UAE Cabinet adopted the "National Tolerance Programme," which is based on islam, the Emirati constitution, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, Emirati ethics, international conventions and common human values. The UAE has strongly highlighted the importance of promoting the values of moderation and pluralism among communities to prevent extremist groups from using religion to recruit members. Law No.2 for 2015, issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, criminalised actions related to contempt of religions and their sanctities and combating all forms of discrimination. The country also established the "Sawab Centre" in March 2015 to combat the promotional campaigns of Daesh, and promote moderation on social media. "The UAEs model of broadmindedness demonstrates the true image of Islam, which is one of love, tolerance and brotherhood. The UAE will always be remembered as a bold and peaceful nation that is not swayed by the intolerance bug prevalent in many other countries," concluded the Sharjah-based daily. The Sharjah Airport celebrated Omans 48th National Day with Omani passengers. SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Nov, 2018) The Sharjah Airport celebrated Omans 48th National Day with Omani passengers. Sharjah Airport staff greeted Omani passengers visiting UAE with souvenirs and flowers, offering them hospitality and extending their felicitations on the important occasion, observed on November 18th. The passengers said they appreciated the warm reception and were delighted by the staffs good gesture, which underscores the depth of the brotherly ties and friendship between the UAE and Oman. The UAE Embassy in Azerbaijan has held a reception marking the UAE-Azerbaijan Business Council 2018. BAKU, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Nov, 2018) The UAE Embassy in Azerbaijan has held a reception marking the UAE-Azerbaijan Business Council 2018. The function was attended by Mohammed Al Qubaisi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Rufat Mammadov, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Economy, who was the guest of honour, and representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the Export and Investment Promotion Foundation, as well as business representatives from both countries. Al Qubaisi welcomed the participants while noting that since the councils establishment in May 2017, the number of members increased from nine to 34. In March 2017, there were only two Emirati companies, Flydubai and Air Arabia, that ran direct flights between both countries, but now there are three Emirati airlines, after the entry of Etihad Airways, he added. He also pointed out that in 2016, the value of non-oil exports from the UAE to Azerbaijan reached US$49.6 million while in 2017, this figure increased to $60 million. In 2016, the value of non-oil imports to the UAE from Azerbaijan reached $2.9 million, and in 2017 this figure went up to $5.4 million, he further added. Al Qubaisi said the council aims to develop bilateral trade relations, through implementing joint ventures, removing obstacles, and opening direct communication channels, to develop and facilitate commerce and business. In his speech, Mammadov expressed his appreciation for Al Qubaisis initiative to host the council while adding that the council is currently witnessing an increase in its number of partners, which highlights the success. (@FahadShabbir) VPS Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare service providers in the Middle East, has announced its foray into Sudan by offering coverage of tertiary and quaternary care to patients of Sudan in partnership with the countrys two major insurance providers. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Nov, 2018) VPS Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare service providers in the middle East, has announced its foray into Sudan by offering coverage of tertiary and quaternary care to patients of Sudan in partnership with the countrys two major insurance providers. Global patient care division of VPS Healthcare Group undertook the initiative. Senior officials of the Group led by Savnivise Gopinath, Director VPS Healthcare, Dubai & India, signed agreements with the insurance companies in Sudan. VPS Healthcare owns and operates over 125 medical centers, 22 hospitals, 15 brands with more than 13,000 employees spanning across the Middle East, Europe and India to provide comprehensive care and medical support services to patients from all strata of the society at international quality standards. VPS Healthcare also signed a strategic tie-up with Hayyat Company Ltd, a leading medical tourism service provider in Sudan, to open a dedicated information center offering patients necessary guidance and support. Hayyat is Sudans trusted source of direction and information pertaining to medical services for citizens of the nation, meeting all needs of patients in different specialties. The initiative will ensure provision of tertiary care that are currently not available in Sudan, launch of state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic center, and extension of quaternary care in VPS Groups various facilities when required. As part of it, Sudanese nationals will be given training programmes for capacity building and continuing medical education programs to support the benefit of Sudanese medical fraternity. Commenting on the expansion, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, said, "We are very proud to extend our global standard health services and expertise to the people of Sudan. Our aim is to ensure that the citizens of Sudan receive the best healthcare in the world. "This initiative will significantly improve their quality of life as a society. We understand that the healthcare sector is one of the most significant factors in determining a nation's progress and development." Preparations are in full swing to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be upon Him) on Nov 21, Wednesday with religious enthusiasm and solemnity in the city. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Preparations are in full swing to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be upon Him) on Nov 21, Wednesday with religious enthusiasm and solemnity in the city. Like all previous years, the government and religious organization have planned a number of activities to celebrate Eid Milad-ul-Nabi (PBUH) event this year. Various religious, social and cultural organizations and Milad committees are also busy in finalizing various programmes, including Mahafil-e-Naat and Seerat gathering where speakers will highlight various aspects of the life and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Various educational institutions and religious organizations are also finalizing their programmes for Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). Important government and private buildings, mosques and streets in the city are being decorated with lights, green flags, colourful buntings and banners welcoming the festive day commonly known as Eid Milad-un-Nabi. Meanwhile, the district administration is making elaborate security arrangements to avoid any untoward incident. Police and other security personnel will also be deployed on key points to maintain law and order. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul on Friday assured the Senate that the government would make all possible measures to address the issue of smog and its repercussions in the country. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul on Friday assured the Senate that the government would make all possible measures to address the issue of smog and its repercussions in the country. Replying to a calling attention notice in the Senate, the minister said that realizing the fact that Pakistan was one of highly vulnerable countries for smog effects, several steps have already been taken by the government to create awareness on the matter. She said that unfortunately some parts of Punjab were being affected by smog that was created by India. She said India must follow international and regional treaties to control the effects of its pollution by itself. She said that smog with pollution was causing cancer besides affecting lungs and skin while it has also negative effects on country's economy. She said the pollution was also becoming major cause of fatal accidents in the country. She said that cities of South Punjab like Dera Ghazi Khan and Khanewal while Lahore is major affected city from smog. She said that on the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, several mega projects were initiated including billion-tree Tsunami project and Green Pakistan Initiative for revival of vulnerable forest and protection of environment to safeguard country's future generation from pollution. She said that in order to protect the citizens from traffic pollution, the Lahore Traffic Police have started imposing fine on those vehicles causing pollution. She said that there was complete ban on burning of solid waste in Punjab and the government was working on a plan to use it for other purpose like renewable energy. She sought technical support from experts to address the issue of pollution. Earlier, Senator Sherry Rehman on a calling attention notice said that the smog has been contributing negatively on the health of country people. She added experts have already shown their concerns over the impact of smog. She said that strict measures should be taken to protect the citizens from the repercussions of smog. She added children, old age people and pregnant women were more vulnerable to negative effects of smog. She said that global standard on fuel cycle needed to be addressed. She said that Pakistan stands among major countries that were badly affecting from climate change. (@rukhshanmir) Participants of Naval Staff College including student officers from friendly countries visited Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Participants of Naval Staff College including student officers from friendly countries visited Inter Services Public Relations ( ISPR ) on Friday. Major General Asif Ghafoor, DG ISPR interacted with the delegation on role of media in fifth generation warfare, said a press release issued here by ISPR. Major General Asif Ghafoor highlighted the hybrid threat, its implications and response through lens of information operations. He appreciated the role of Pakistani media as part of comprehensive national response to the challengesbeing confronted by Pakistan. The 32nd session of Administrative Council of Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) and Cooperation Fund concluded in Djibouti. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :The 32nd session of Administrative Council of Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) and Cooperation Fund concluded in Djibouti . Mayor of Islamabad Shiekh Anser Aziz represented Islamabad in the session and informed that Islamabad will host the 33rd session of the council next year. Mayors and representatives of member capitals and cities of different Islamic countries would participate in the session, said a press release received here on Friday. The Mayor further informed that Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation was made member of Financial and Administrative Committee during the 32nd session. The committee will comprise upon representatives of municipalities of Oman, Holy City Makah, Musqat, Ankara, Djibouti and OICC Secretariat. He said during the session, it was decided that city of Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran, city of Khan Younis, State of Palestine and Nganha Municipality, Republic of Cameron to give the OICC's membership as active members into effect by 2019. Shiekh Anser Aziz said that participation in the session of Administrative Council, OICC and Cooperation Fund would help make Islamabad a model city by utilizing expertise of the cities participated in the session. He said by ensuring mutual coordination between the municipalities of Islamic cities not only the new eras ofthe development can be explored but also the council can be more effective. A delegation of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad Friday visited Embassy of Republic of Azerbaijan and discussed matters of mutual interest for strengthening bilateral ties. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :A delegation of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad Friday visited Embassy of Republic of Azerbaijan and discussed matters of mutual interest for strengthening bilateral ties. The delegation headed by CGSS President Major General (Retd) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery met with ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan here at the embassy, a press release said. They agreed for further expansion of their area of cooperation among various institutions of Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The ambassador briefed the delegation about various initiatives which the embassy had taken for promotion of bilateral relations and highlighted the relations of Azerbaijan and Pakistan in past based on mutual confidence, trust and respect. (@ChaudhryMAli88) In order to improve the efficiency of Pakistan Railways, the railway ministry has decided to hire furthermore 8,600 workers in different cadres across the country. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :In order to improve the efficiency of Pakistan Railways, the railway ministry has decided to hire furthermore 8,600 workers in different cadres across the country. "At least around 11,000 skilled workers are needed on an emergency basis to improve the performance of Railways. Railways had already hired around 2,000 workers," a Ministry of Railways official told APP. The official said Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the summary for hiring 8,600 workers and the process to recruit the workers will be initiated shortly. He said people seeking jobs in their native districts would be given preference over residents of other areas and all the appointments would be made purely on merit. The candidates who had already applied for several post prior to this will also be eligible to apply in the newly advertised vacancies of Railways, the official added. In order to provide job opportunities to give chance to youth, the official said Railways will end the contracts of all the retired employees working in the department within a year. The official said a summary to regularize the services of workers, employed on a contract basis under the Prime Minister's Package, will shortly be sent for approval. He said Federal government has already granted permission to the Ministry of Railways to fill the 2,031 vacant posts as a first installment. The ministry is in process to fill 2,031 vacant technical posts of different categories ranging from BPS 1 to 11 on entire system of Pakistan Railways on regular basis. (@rukhshanmir) Preparations to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW)', the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with immense respect and religious enthusiasm on Friday reached to its peak in Khyber Pakthunkhwa. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Preparations to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW)', the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with immense respect and religious enthusiasm on Friday reached to its peak in Khyber Pakthunkhwa. The day would be celebrated across the province including the recently merged tribal districts of erstwhile Fata with immense respect and religious enthusiasm on Wednesday (Nov 21). The residents of Peshawar have started illuminating their houses, bungalows, bazaars, markets, mosques and offices with colorful buntings, lights and green flags to show their immeasurable love with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on occasion of 12th Rabi ul Awwal. Large banners and gigantic billboards were displayed across the Peshawar by people, faithful and religious scholars in connection with Eid Milad un Nabi (SAW) celebrations . The government, semi govt organizations, educational institutes, social and religious organizations have planned special programmes and other activities on occasion of 12th Rabi ul Awwal. They have finalised programmes of holding Naat and Darood-o-Salam competitions. The owners of buses, trucks, taxis , and motorcycles are being seen decorating vehicles artistically to pay great homage to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Ulema and religious scholars have been invited to various programmes in villages, towns and cities on 12th of Rabi ul Awwal to inform and educate children about teaching of the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are highlighting His matchless services for humanity. Naat Khawani, declamation contests in Govt and private schools are being held across the province. In this connection, a Naat competition in urdu and Pashto languages among students of Islamia College University was held here under the aegis of Khyber Islamic Culture Society. The Urdu Naat competition was contested by 46 Naat Khwans while the Pashto Naat competition was held among 15 students. Renowned Naat Khawan Arbab Zafrullah was the chief guest on this occasion while the event was presided over by Dr Hussain Farooq. Dr Abaseen Yousufzai was also present as the guest of honor. The Urdu Naat competition was won by Abid Iqbal, followed by Ataullah Shah second and Ammad Ali stood at third position. Abu Talha obtained first position in Pashto Naat completion while Fatima Shah and Zakirullah stood at second and third position respectively. Special functions were also planned and processions would be taken out in all major cities and towns of the province whereas all routes of processions are being illuminated and decorated with colorful lights and flags in connection with the 12th Rabi ul Awwal. The vendors have established a number of stalls at every nook and corner of Peshawar besides processions routes and offering banners, badges, stickers and flags to people. The people are also distributing sweets besides gifts among relatives, poor and needy masses. Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change meeting deferred due to short of quorum, however State Minister for Climate Change Zartaj Gul was present along with her ministry's team. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) : Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change meeting deferred due to short of quorum, however State Minister for Climate Change Zartaj Gul was present along with her ministry's team. The committee's meeting was scheduled to be held with Senator Sitara Ayaz in the chair whereas the members were absent while Senator Sherry Rehman requested the chairperson to ensure completion of the quorum or postpone the meeting for the next week. Senator Sitara Ayaz postponed the committee meeting. The committee meeting have to focus on the cleaning of natural drains, disposing and dumping of hospital wastes and analysis of issues of water and air pollution. State Minister for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said, "I reached in time for the meeting with ministry officials' team to address the queries of the committee members over the agenda. The committee lacked quorum and now it's up to the committee to continue the its business in the way they like suitable." Talking to media persons, the state minister said that after the 18th amendment environment's subject has been devolved to the provinces, however, the Ministry of Climate Change was playing a lead role in focusing on smog. She said the provinces would have to improve functioning of their environment protection departments along with new equipment and technology for air quality monitoring. She further said that Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (PAK-EPA) was fully operational and dynamically working in the Federal capital hence, regularly monitoring air quality, issuing directives as per requirement and taking action against violators. "We need to take up the issue of trans-border pollution with India as we talk on Kashmir, water and peace there should be talks on climate change mitigation," she maintained. Replying to another query, she said Karachi was already among the 10 filthiest cities in the world however the Sindh government needs to address the issue as the Ministry of Climate Change merely serves as a focal point for assistance. "Pakistan placed at seven number among the most vulnerable countries to climate change at World Map of the Global Climate Risk Index 1997,2016 by German watch which is based on past 20 years data. The nation should embrace a congratulation that in 2017-18 Pakistan was not among the top most polluted countries. The risk has been mitigated due to the billion tree plantation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which had its impact across the country. However, the observations were made in the light of frequent heat wave, super floods and other calamities that occurred frequently in the past. The situation in the past two years was different so the initiatives taken had proved to be propitious," she remarked. (@ChaudhryMAli88) President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain Friday said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had been launched with the establishment of special economic zones. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain Friday said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC ) had been launched with the establishment of special economic zones. A strategy should be evolved to encourage joint ventures to ensure technology transfer from China, he added. He was talking to a three-member delegation of China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) that had been developing and marketing Rashakai and Hathar Special Economic Zones here Friday. Alumdar Hussain said that M3 Industrial Estate in Faisalabad had already been declared Special Economic Zone under the CPEC. "This project is sprawling over 4,500 acers of land which has already been sold out", he said and added that FIEDMC (Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company) was now planning to acquire another 3,000 acers of land for the second phase of M3 industrial Estate. He said that M3 Industrial Estate was strategically located along M3 motorway while Lahore-Karachi motorway of CPEC was also just within a half an hour drive. The industrial surplus produced in this estate could easily be exported to Karachi, Gwadar, China and to the landlocked Central Asians State through reliable connectivity. Mr. Lie ZieHuwe Chairman All Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association and Deputy General Manager of the CRBC briefed him about investment opportunities in special economic zones of Rashakai and Hatthar. Later, he presented a shield to Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain President FCCI while Executive Member Hajji Muhammad Adrees Sidhey Sheikh also presented FCCI shield to Mr. Lie ZieHuwe. (@rukhshanmir) A two-day International Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference titled 'Finality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and responsibilities of Muslims in light of teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)' would commence in the federal capital from Tuesday (Nov 20), Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said here on Friday. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :A two-day International Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference titled 'Finality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and responsibilities of Muslims in light of teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)' would commence in the Federal capital from Tuesday (Nov 20), Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said here on Friday. Talking to media persons he said Prime Minister Imran Khan would preside over the inaugural session of the conference while concluding day proceedings would be presided over by President Dr Arif Alvi. He said various religious scholars, ulema and Mashaikh from Egypt, Morroco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) would highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said prizes would be distributed among religious scholars, authors of Seerat books in various categories. Parliamentarians, ulema, religious scholars, ambassadors, deans of universities and people from all walks of life has already invited to attend the conference. He said the Religious Ministry has chalked out a series of events to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during the entire year. Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television Corporation (ptv) have organized Na'at reciting programme on November 19. International Qirat competition has been organized by the ministry in Memon Masjid, Karachi on November 17. International Qura would participate in the competition. Likewise, another Sufi conference has been organized at Governor House, Lahore on November 18. International Interfaith Conference has already been organized in Lahore in December. Prominent scholars including Imam Ka'aba, religious scholars from Egypt and Iran would attend the conference. Religious scholars of Christian, Hindu, Bahai and other communities including Pope had been invited to attend the conference. Responding to a question, he said the government was planning to launch a campaign in collaboration with saner element in Europe and other countries to avoid desecrating the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and other Anbia-e-Karam (AS). The campaign will focus on teaching the people of other religions to respect their Rasool and Anbia-e-Karam (AS). (@FahadShabbir) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Friday on World Prematurity Day said that each year over 600 newborns die in Pakistan due to complications related to birth asphyxia, prematurity and sepsis. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) : United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Friday on World Prematurity Day said that each year over 600 newborns die in Pakistan due to complications related to birth asphyxia, prematurity and sepsis. Every year, 15 million babies in the world are born prematurely and nearly one million die due to related complications. This makes preterm birth one of the leading causes of child deaths under age 5, said a press release issued here. While supporting the new initiatives taken by the Government of Pakistan to reduce preterm births and newborn mortality due to related complications, UNICEF calls for Working Together: Partnering with families in the care of small and sick newborns, which is also the theme, this year for the World Prematurity Day, being observed globally on November 17, 2018. "Evidence based cost effective interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) must be scaled up to reach the most marginalised communities", said Aida Girma, UNICEF representative in Pakistan. "Progress towards global goals for health and well being is possible only if the number of preterm births and under 5 deaths are reduced," she added. According to details, UNICEF has supported the government of Pakistan in establishing 38 Sick Newborn Care Units at public health facilities across the country. The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) initiative has been introduced in these centres and awareness raising activities were ongoing towards improving care for the newborn at home including timely and appropriate referrals for small and sick newborns. "Collaborated efforts have helped in reduction of newborn mortality from 55 deaths per 1,000 live births to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births during the last five years. However, the number of newborn deaths is still high and continued efforts are imperative to save preciously lives," said the message. With support from UNCIEF, KMC will be initiated in the Pakistan Institute for Medical Services (PIMS) Hospital, this month. Training of healthcare providers from various provinces and areas at PIMS will help scale up the initiative over the next few years to reach the most in need in the neighbouring districts and areas, it said. Convincingly, good hygiene care can help prevent multiple infections while early initiation of breast feeding within the first hour can particularly help prevent deaths. UNICEF emphasises that the reduction in premature births and newborn deaths can be achieved by strengthening health policies and services with focus on maternal nutrition and improving access and care for mothers and new-borns. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2018 ) :The World Philosophy Day was observed here Thursday to honour rational and truth-seeking ideas and to register the love for knowledge. The Day is annually observed on the third Thursday of November across the world to share thoughts, openly explore and discuss new ideas and inspire public debate or discussion on society's challenges. Philosophers such as Socrates have contributed to modern thinking in society. It is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiative that draws people around the world to engage in shared reflection on contemporary issues. However, at the occasion various events and activities that include philosophical dialogues, debates, lectures and meetings involving renowned philosophers are held. The Day is a global observance and is not a public holiday. Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality and existence, of what is possible to know, and of right and wrong behavior, Professor Baqir Waseem of urdu at Government Post Graduate College remarked. He said that most of the philosophical thoughts of the region are induced by Greek philosophy however it is imperative to explore Indian philosophy without the bias of calling Hindu philosophy merely a concocted bag of thoughts. He said that the ancient Hindu civilization's spiritual unity remained unwavering despite the fact that the sub-continent was conquered by Greeks, Pakhtuns, Mughals and others. He said every person who has love to read Hindu philosophy should first discover the archaic Hindu philosophical knowledge that was raised with the profound and well-knitted ideas. Bahrain plans to launch its first satellite by the end of 2020, Chief Executive of the National Space Science Agency of Bahrain (NSSA) Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Asiri told Sputnik on Friday. MANAMA (Bahrain) (UrduPoint news / Sputnik - 16th November Bahrain plans to launch its first satellite by the end of 2020 , Chief Executive of the National Space Science Agency of Bahrain (NSSA) Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Asiri told Sputnik on Friday. "We expect to launch our first nanosatellite by the end of 2020. This will be a small CubeSat satellite designed for the study of the environment. The nanosatellite will transmit data for weather forecast, as well as information on emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere at the enterprises of Bahrain," Al Asiri said on the sidelines of the BIAS-2018 airshow. He noted that Bahrain was currently focused on developing small satellites, but expected to start making bigger ones for national needs in the future. Al Asiri also stressed that Bahrain wanted to launch three satellites within less than 10 years. An United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut will take part in a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2019 as it has been planned, as the Russian space agency Roscosmos has not informed the UAE Space Agency on a reschedule, Mohammed Ahbabi, the director general of the agency, said in an interview with Sputnik MANAMA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) An United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut will take part in a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2019 as it has been planned, as the Russian space agency Roscosmos has not informed the UAE Space Agency on a reschedule, Mohammed Ahbabi, the director general of the agency, said in an interview with Sputnik. A source in the aerospace industry told Sputnik on October 12 that the UAE could cancel its plans to send its astronaut to the ISS in April in the wake of the recent failed launch of the Soyuz spacecraft, and reschedule his flight. "I'm still discussing the possible changes in the date of the first UAE astronaut flight, in the wake of the Soyuz accident, but I can say frankly that we have not received any official notification or any order on the UAE astronaut flight reschedule. The date of the first UAE astronaut flight to the ISS remain the same, April 2019," Ahbabi said. He specified that the astronauts' training was being conducted in a normal mode, with no changes introduced considering the time or the workload. Ahbabi voiced his hope that the Soyuz launch scheduled for December would be carried out successfully. "The flight safety is important for us, the danger to the astronaut's life should be minimized, and we're constantly discussing it with the Russian side that is still investigating the reason of what happened to Soyuz. But we have not changed our program yet," Ahbabi added. On October 11, a Soyuz-FG rocket carrying Russian cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin and NASA astronaut Nick Hague malfunctioned minutes after the liftoff, sending their capsule into a steep fall back to Earth. They were not harmed. Roscosmos subsequently said that the accident was caused by a sensor failure. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2018) All sides to the ongoing conflict in Yemen are committed to attending the next round of negotiations planned to take place in Sweden, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths told the UN Security Council on Friday. "I received firm assurances from the leadership of the Yemeni parties, the government of Yemen of course first, and then, Ansar Allah [Houthi movement] that they are committed to attending these consultations," Griffiths said. (@ChaudhryMAli88) QUITO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Carlos Poveda, the lawyer of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, told Sputnik that Ecuador might extradite his client, suggesting Quito might have reached an agreement for this with London and Washington. "There has been a rapprochement between the United Kingdom, the United States and Ecuador. I believe that [Washington, London and Quito] have reached some agreement and that is exactly why the special protocol [on home rules] was introduced, which is to justify Julian's withdrawal [from the embassy], to accelerate the process of ending his asylum and hand him over to the UK authorities," Poveda said on Thursday. The lawyer suggested that Washington planned to impose a "grave" charge on Assange. "It will not be a death penalty but he may get a life sentence," Poveda pointed out. The lawyer's statement follows US media reports that Washington was preparing to prosecute the WikiLeaks founder and was confident it would be able to have him extradited to the United States. Assange has been residing in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 when he fled there to avoid prosecution by the Swedish authorities in a sex assault case. The sex offense charges against Assange have eventually been dropped but the whistleblower has not left the diplomatic mission, where he was granted asylum, over fears that he might be seized by the UK authorities and extradited to the United States where he is wanted for leaking classified documents. In October, media revealed that the embassy introduced home rules that Assange should follow, that included restrictions on the whistleblower's communications and visits. Assange's defense team subsequently sued Ecuador over the conditions of his stay in the embassy, which, according to them, violate the WikiLeaks founder's rights. TALLINN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2018) Belgian troops will be forward deployed to Estonia to replace the rotating Dutch contingent, the Defense Ministry of the small Baltic nation said Friday. "We welcome the Belgian Government's decision to join NATO EFP [enhanced forward presence] troops in Estonia next year!" the ministry tweeted. Estonia's defense chief Juri Luik said that "as small countries, we see eye to eye on security because our common security depends on the combined NATO force." The Belgian contingent will comprise 200 troops armed with infantry fighting vehicles and Israeli-made Spike anti-tank missiles. The US-led military alliance agreed at the 2016 Warsaw summit to establish forward presence in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The British-led contingent in Estonia has been based in Tapa since April 2017. MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2018) Ten people have been injured in the Mexican state of Sonora as a bus carrying migrants from Honduras collided on Friday with a police car, which was accompanying the caravan of migrants bound for the United States, local media reported. According to the Excelsior newspaper, the bus rolled over as a result of the collision. Eight Hondurans and two policemen sustained injuries. Those injured were taken to hospital. The rest of the migrants were later transported to the town of Sonoyta, where there were given food and necessary assistance. Recently, some 40 buses with migrants have entered the state of Sonora, and are on their way to the border city of Tijuana, where some 2,000 migrants have already gathered in the hope of crossing into the United States. The caravan set out from Honduras in the direction of Mexico and the United States on October 13 hoping obtaining asylum. According to UN estimates, the caravan includes more than 7,000 migrants. However, Mexican authorities have said that the caravan marching through its territory included around 3,600 migrants. (@rukhshanmir) Iran and Austria on Friday discussed to hold an exhibition of Persian works kept in Austrian National Library, including manuscripts and historical documents of relations between the two countries. LONDON, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) : Iran and Austria on Friday discussed to hold an exhibition of Persian works kept in Austrian National Library, including manuscripts and historical documents of relations between the two countries. Iran's Ambassador to Vienna Ebadollah Moulaei and Director of the Austrian National library Johanna Rachinger also discussed holding of a seminar on sidelines of the cultural exhibition in Tehran. A representative from National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) will visit Austria to follow up preliminary works for holding such an event. The two sides also discussed the latest developments and outlooks for cultural interactions between the two countries. The Austrian National Library has one of the richest, valuable and unique works of the Persian manuscriptin Europe. (@FahadShabbir) The Kuwaiti authorities have deported an Israeli blogger less than 24 hours after his arrival in the country, according to local media reports. KUWAIT CITY, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :The Kuwaiti authorities have deported an Israeli blogger less than 24 hours after his arrival in the country, according to local media reports. The deportation of Ben Tzion followed widespread criticism of the controversial Israeli blogger by Kuwaiti activists and members of parliament. Kuwaitis decried the arrival of Ben Tzion, who reportedly claimed to be visiting the country to take part in an international book fair. Local media outlets, including the Al-Qabas and Al-Rai newspapers, quoted one official source as saying that Ben Tzion - who had reportedly entered the country on a US. passport - "had not come to take part in the book fair". Kuwait's International Book Fair kicked off Thursday under the theme, "Jerusalem: Palestine's eternal capital". It is set to conclude on November 24. Ben Tzion sparked controversy late last year after posting photos on Instagram showing himself inside the Prophet's (Peace Be Upon Him) Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Nabawi) in the Saudi city of Madina tul Munawwara, along with other "selfies" taken in Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. Kuwait on Friday reiterated its support for the joint force of the five-member group of the Sahel region in Africa, stressing its role in the development of region. NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) : Kuwait on Friday reiterated its support for the joint force of the five-member group of the Sahel region in Africa , stressing its role in the development of region. This came in a speech delivered here by Permanent Representative of the United Nations to the United Nations Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi at a Security Council session on the Sahel region, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Al-Otaibi expressed Kuwait's readiness to work with all members of the Security Council to discuss the future steps of the joint force of the five-member group of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad, which "will not be able to achieve its objectives without the support of the United Nations and the international community to combat the spread of threats throughout Region. Only 23 percent of Moldovan citizens would support the idea of their country joining NATO if Moldova held a referendum on the issue, a poll carried out by the US International Republican Institute (IRI) revealed on Friday. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Only 23 percent of Moldovan citizens would support the idea of their country joining NATO if Moldova held a referendum on the issue, a poll carried out by the US International Republican Institute (IRI) revealed on Friday. According to the results of the poll, a total of 35 percent of the respondents said that they would not approve of the country's potential NATO membership, while another 19 percent of the Moldovan citizens have not decided yet on their position and 23 percent of the respondents do not intend to vote at all if such a referendum is held. The poll also revealed that 40 percent of the respondents believed that Russia was Moldova's key economic partner and a total of 32 percent of the Moldovan citizens considered Moscow to be the country's main political ally, ahead of the European Union. More than half of the respondents 55 percent said that relations between Russia and Moldova were good, with another 29 percent considering bilateral relations to be in a poor state and yet another 12 percent saying that the two countries are neutral toward each other. The poll was carried out among 1,503 people between September 11 and October 16, with the margin of error being no more than 2.5 percent. The country's constitution states that Moldova is a neutral state, meaning that it does not align itself with political groups. However, Moldova has been engaged in bilateral cooperation with NATO under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program since 1994. A civilian NATO Liaison Office was opened in the country's capital in 2017. Moldova, in turn, has contributed more than 40 troops to the alliance's Kosovo Force (KFOR). In the first nine months of 2018, trade between Russia and Moldova amounted to $645 million, making Russia the country's second largest trading partner behind Romania, according to the Moldovan National Bureau of Statistics. (@FahadShabbir) Former Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski is thought to have entered Albania illegally when escaping en route to Hungary to avoid prison in his home country, police said Friday. Tirana, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Former Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski is thought to have entered Albania illegally when escaping en route to Hungary to avoid prison in his home country, police said Friday. "Gruevski has most likely entered Albania illegally," a police spokesman told AFP. The former prime minister's passage through the Balkan country was not registered at any border crossing between Macedonia and Albania, spokesman Gentian Mullai said. Gruevski is suspectd to have crossed the border between the two countries on foot "to avoid drawing attention," he added. Facing a jail term for abuse of power, the former strongman who dominated Macedonia for nearly a decade until 2016, announced via Facebook Tuesday that he was seeking political asylum in Hungary. He claimed to be a victim of political persecution in Macedonia. Albanian police said Thursday that Gruevski left the country on Sunday to enter Montenegro in a Hungarian diplomatic vehicle. The Hungarian government denied having actively assisting Gruevski's escape. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently supported Gruevski, an authoritarian right-winger like himself. Montenegrin newspaper Vijesti reported on Friday quoted a police source as saying that Gruevski was accompanied by two people with Hungarian diplomatic passports when entering and leaving Montenegro. Gruevski was sentenced to jail in Macedonia for using a government car for personal travel. A Skopje court upheld the sentence in October. He also faces a number of other charges of corruption, abuse of power, electoral fraud as well as illegal wiretapping. Tangiers, Morocco, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2018 ) :French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday attended the inauguration in Morocco of a high-speed railway line that boasts the fastest journey times in Africa or the Arab world. The French leader and Moroccan King Mohammed VI took part in a grand ceremony at Tangiers' newly renovated train station, with heavy security measures put in place. Macron then travelled with the monarch on the high-speed train from Tangiers, a major port linking Africa and Europe, to the capital Rabat. The service between Tangiers and Casablanca, via the capital, will slash journey times between the North African country's economic hubs to just over two hours from nearly five. Trains will zoom along the newly laid tracks at up to 320 kilometres per hour (200 miles per hour) -- faster than the speeds of up to 300 kph boasted by the new line opened by Saudi authorities last month linking islam's holiest cities Mecca and Medina via the Red Sea port of Jeddah. Morocco has heralded the 2.1 billion euro ($2.4 billion) project as a key step in modernising the country after weathering the Arab Spring uprisings born largely out of discontent over inequality and poor public services. It wants to position itself as an African hub for foreign investors. Hundreds of workers laboured until the last minute to complete the project, which was launched in September 2011 by then French president Nicolas Sarkozy. France helped finance about 50 percent of the new railway with a number of loans. The French presidency hailed the railway line as a "flagship project of the bilateral relationship between France and Morocco." Macron's one-day working visit "reflects the depth of bilateral relations based on a solid and strong partnership" between the two countries, said the official MAP news agency. France hopes the high-speed rail project will demonstrate its industrial capabilities so that its companies can secure other contracts in Africa. "It's a real subject of pride to have transferred all our know-how," Guillaume Pepy, the CEO of French railway company SNCF, told AFP. Macron was accompanied by the heads of French companies involved in the project, including Alstom, which supplied France's famous TGV trains, the Ansaldo-Ineo group, and the Colas Rail-Egis Rail consortium. The president is visiting Morocco four days after King Mohammed took part in World War I centenary commemorations in France. The 12th meeting of the India-UK joint working group on countering terrorism was held in New Delhi on Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. NEW DELHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The 12th meeting of the India-UK joint working group on countering terrorism was held in New Delhi on Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. The delegations were led by Indian Joint Secretary on Counterterrorism Shri Mahaveer Singhvi and UK Director of the Joint International Counterterrorism Unit Jane Marriott. "Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They shared assessment on the prevailing terrorist threats globally and in their region including cross-border terrorism in the Af-Pak region. They exchanged views on current counter-terrorism challenges including countering radicalization and violent extremism, combating financing of terrorism and preventing use of internet for terrorist purposes. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges," the ministry said in a press release. The two delegations also discussed measures to enhance bilateral anti-terror cooperation via regular exchange of information, mutual capacity building efforts, sharing of best practices and mutual legal assistance. The next meeting is set to take place in London in 2019. Moscow has not offered to set up a military base on the territory of Belarus since 2015, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Mikhail Babich said Friday. MINSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Moscow has not offered to set up a military base on the territory of Belarus since 2015 Russian Ambassador to Belarus Mikhail Babich said Friday. Earlier in November, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he saw no need for a Russian military base in the country since Minsk could ensure its own security within a military and political alliance with Russia. "I can say that since 2015, no one has made any proposals on the establishment of a Russian military base in the Republic of Belarus, either publicly or privately," Babich told reporters. He said that between 2012 and 2015, NATO pursued an active policy, including eastward expansion toward Russia's border, provoking corresponding responses in return. "But they were adopted in a different configuration, taking into account the disposition of already operational Russian groups, which is enough to not just stop the threat today, but together with the armed forces of Belarus to cause intolerable damage to any enemy in any situation," Babich stressed. Warsaw is currently seeking to build up a permanent US military presence in Poland. At a meeting with his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda, in September, US President Donald Trump said that the United States was considering to establish a base in Poland. Trump also stated that Warsaw agreed to pay more than $2 billion toward the cost of the base. The Polish president, in turn, suggested that the base be called Fort Trump. Lukashenko has said that if Poland goes ahead with its plans to increase the US military presence on its territory, Belarus and Russia would be forced to respond. The Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church announced on Friday that it bans its clergy from contacts with priests of the non-canonical Orthodox churches of Ukraine. WARSAW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church announced on Friday that it bans its clergy from contacts with priests of the non-canonical Orthodox churches of Ukraine The decision was made on Thursday, following the meeting of the Holy Council of Bishops of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church, chaired by the church's head, Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland. "The bishops studied documents sent by the Ecumenical Patriarchate concerning administrative issues. The Holy Council of Bishops prohibits clerics of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church from contacting 'priests' of the so-called Kiev Patriarchate and the so-called Autocephalous Church, who have done a lot of evil by their activities," the statement, published by the council, said. The council stressed that "bishops and priests deprived of ordination cannot be leaders that will promote peace within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," stressing that their actions only "provoke even more chaos and disorder." "Only the observance of dogmatic and canonical norms of the Church and the preservation of age-old traditions will protect the Orthodoxy from complex ecclesiastical consequences on an international scale," the statement said, calling for a peaceful solution to the split of the Orthodoxy on Ukrainian soil. Although there are several churches in Ukraine, only one has an official recognition the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is seeking to achieve recognition of non-canonical institutions, such as the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev Patriarchate and the so-called Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, and to create a single local autocephalous church based on them in Ukraine. In October, the Constantinople Patriarchate launched preparations for granting autocephaly to the non-canonical Orthodox church in Ukraine. According to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate's decision is akin to the "legalization of schism" and can affect millions of people in Ukraine and other countries. The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church therefore decided to completely "break the Eucharistic communion" with it as it qualified the Istanbul-based patriarchate's move to revoke the 1686 act transferring the Kiev archdiocese to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate as canonically void. On November 13, the Holy Synod of the UOC-MP similarly decided to suspend full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. On November 12, the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church described the decision of Constantinople to lift anathema from Ukrainian schismatics Filaret Denisenko and Makariy Maletich as "canonically unfounded," and called for convening a pan-Orthodox Council to discuss Constantinople's polices. US Secretary Michael Pompeo and his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah have agreed in a phone call that hostilities in Yemen have to be brought to an end as soon as possible, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a release on Friday. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) US Secretary Michael Pompeo and his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah have agreed in a phone call that hostilities in Yemen have to be brought to an end as soon as possible, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a release on Friday. "On Yemen, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed on the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities," Nauert said. "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the importance of all parties working toward a political agreement to end the conflict and bring peace, prosperity, and security to Yemen." Yemen has been gripped by a civil war between President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi's government and the Shiite Houthi movement since 2015. The government is backed by the Saudi-led coalition that has been carrying out airstrikes that target areas controlled by the Houthis since March 2015. The conflict escalated this year in the region of Al Hudaydah, Yemen's largest Red Sea port, disrupting humanitarian aid deliveries to the country and putting half of its population at risk of starvation. In September, the United Nations attempted to hold peace talks between the warring parties in Geneva, however, the negotiations never took place, with the Houthi side claiming that the coalition had prevented them from leaving the country. The coalition said the Houthi delegation were free to leave Yemen, but failed to use the opportunity. Another attempt to hold the talks might take place soon, as the United Nations said in late October that the organization was awaiting answers from the three sides on whether they would attend peace talks in Sweden within 30 days. (@rukhshanmir) CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip characterized the recent report endorsed by the European Parliament, which criticizes the high levels of corruption, lack of independent judiciary and deterioration of democratic standards in the Eastern European country, as a politically motivated document. The report, dedicated to the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Moldova, was adopted on Wednesday. "I believe that this document is absolutely politically motivated because such resolutions have not been adopted in relation to other countries, especially ahead of the election campaign. I believe that this document supports the opposition in Chisinau," Filip told the Pro tv broadcaster on Thursday. The report, particularly, outlined the European parliamentarians' concern over Moldova being "captured by oligarchic interests" and the power in the country being concentrated in the hands of a small group of people exerting their influence on the authorities. "I do not believe that Moldova is a captured state. Our government institutions have not been captured but there is some concentration of power," Filip argued. The European Parliament has repeatedly criticized Moldova over the deterioration of democratic standards in the country. In July, Brussels froze the first tranche of financial aid to Chisinau after the disputed mayoral election in the Moldovan capital. In their most recent report, the European lawmakers called for the aid not to be disbursed until after the Moldovan 2019 parliamentary elections, noting that they should be carried out in line with international standards. The EU-Moldova association deal with its free trade area came into force on July 1, 2016. The Russian military has delivered more than 3,000 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to Syria since 2015, the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria said on Friday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The Russian military has delivered more than 3,000 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to Syria since 2015 , the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria said on Friday. "In total, the Russian side has organized and carried out over 1,900 humanitarian operations, delivering more than 3,000 tonnes of food supplies, bare essentials and bottled water to Syrian citizens," Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko, the head of the center, said at the joint meeting of the Russian and Syrian interdepartmental coordination centers for return of refugees. Over the past 24 hours, the Russian military held one humanitarian operation in Homs province and two operations in the provinces of Rif Damascus and Aleppo, according to Savchenko. "In Deir ez-Zor province, medical aid was provided to 50 residents. In total, the Russian Defense Ministry's medics have helped over 97,000 Syrian citizens," he added. Syria has been engulfed in an armed conflict since 2011, with the government forces fighting against numerous armed opposition groups and terrorist organizations. Russia along with Turkey and Iran are guarantors of the ceasefire regime in Syria. Moscow is also supporting the government forces' struggle against terrorist groups and providing humanitarian aid to civilians. The Saudi armed forces have concluded its participation in the Arab Shield 1 military maneuvers which were hosted by Egypt with participation of six Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :The Saudi armed forces have concluded its participation in the Arab Shield 1 military maneuvers which were hosted by Egypt with participation of six Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. In the presence of the Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Mutair, the Saudi Armed Forces participated in conducting a number of main activities including joint field operations to eliminate armed terrorist outposts on border villages, securing the international borderline and strategic communications. It is worth mentioning that the three-week Arab Shield 1 drills came as part of a series of exercises being carried out by the Saudi Armed Forces in order to consolidate the bonds and relations among the Arab countries and raise the combat readiness and professionalism of the participating forces. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Tajikistan on Friday inaugurates a $3.9 billion hydro-electric power plant, a mega project that will enable the impoverished country to eliminate domestic energy shortages. Rogun, Tajikistan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :Tajikistan on Friday inaugurates a $3.9 billion hydro-electric power plant, a mega project that will enable the impoverished country to eliminate domestic energy shortages. Built on the Vakhsh River in southern Tajikistan, the plant championed by President Emomali Rakhmon is expected to reach a height of 335 metres (1,099 feet) in a decade, becoming the world's tallest hydro-electric dam. The first of six turbines in the Rogun hydroelectric dam goes online on Friday, with the power plant expected to reach capacity of 3,600 megawatts -- the equivalent of three nuclear power plants -- when completed. At present, Rogun still resembles a vast construction site, with rocky earth covering the territory from which the powerful Vakhsh flowing through the Pamir mountains was diverted. In 2016, Rakhmon, who is a former collective farm boss, climbed into a bulldozer at a groundbreaking for the dam, in a sign of the president's personal attachment to the project. It will double energy production in the country of nearly nine million people, alleviating a long-lasting, debilitating national energy deficit. Surplus energy will be sold to neighbours such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Plans to build a dam in southern Tajikistan date back to the Soviet era, but the project was scaled up following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 2017, Tajikistan raised $500 million from an inaugural international bond to help finance the construction. Authorities hope that once the dam goes online it will generate money to financefurther construction. (@ChaudhryMAli88) A Tunisian delegation is currently in Libya to finalize an agreement to exchange Libyan oil for Tunisian consumer goods, Tunisia's Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui said during an audition at the parliamentary commission on rights, freedom and external relations. TUNIS, Libya, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :A Tunisian delegation is currently in Libya to finalize an agreement to exchange Libyan oil for Tunisian consumer goods, Tunisia 's Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui said during an audition at the parliamentary commission on rights, freedom and external relations. He added that ''talks are still ongoing but we have agreed with the Libyan brothers on a return to exchange operations with oil for consumer goods''. Over the past few months, Tunisian Trade Minister Omar Behi had announced an accord on ''Oil for food''with Libya, sparking a controversy with the Libyan side and forcing the Tunisian government to clarify the statement. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Chief Rabbi of the All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress and the United Jewish Community of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman said Friday he had evidence that two employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) were involved in directed surveillance on Kiev's central synagogue. KIEV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Chief Rabbi of the All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress and the United Jewish Community of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman said Friday he had evidence that two employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) were involved in directed surveillance on Kiev 's central synagogue. "We carefully checked the information, photos and videos published on the internet. As part of the inspection, including with the technical assistance of our Israeli colleagues, using the face and image recognition technology AnyVision, it was found that the persons on the submitted photos correspond to two citizens with a probability of 99.97 percent," the rabbi wrote on his Facebook page. He also announced the Names of two alleged NABU employees. The rabbi also said that experts had established the IP addresses from which the attacks on the synagogue's security systems, which involved temporarily disabling surveillance cameras, had been carried out. "As part of our country's security interest and the rights of citizens, we are ready to accept offers of a meeting with all competent persons. The meeting house is open for prayer and repentance for all comers, including the leadership of law enforcement agencies, regardless of their religious or other communities," he said. This situation was already being managed at the highest national and international level, the rabbi added. (@FahadShabbir) United Kingdom (UK) has expressed its deep concerns on the reports of premature Rohingya repatriation to Burma (Mayanmar) from Bangladesh LONDOND, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2018 ) :United Kingdom (UK) has expressed its deep concerns on the reports of premature Rohingya repatriation to Burma (Mayanmar) from Bangladesh. In a statement of Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO) issued here,the Rt Hon Mark Field MP placeholder, Minister for Asia and Pacific said: "I am deeply concerned by the plans to begin repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Burma (Mayanmar) in the coming days. The United Nations and other international organisations have been clear that conditions for the Rohingya to return to Burma (Mayanmar)have not yet been met. Violence and impunity persist in Rakhine and refugees continue to flee Mayan mar (Burma)". He Mark Field further said that the UK has consistently emphasized that the repatriation of any Rohingya refugees to Burma (Mayanmar) must be voluntary, safe, dignified, sustainable and uphold their human rights. Along with many other nations, he said the UK recognises the way that the people of Bangladesh and the government of Bangladesh have handled one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time, despite the great hardships this has placed on their own people. "We call on the Governments of Bangladesh and Burma Mayanmar) to uphold the internationally recognised principles of voluntary, safe and dignified return, and urge the Government of Burma to guarantee the necessary safeguards for and protection of any returning Rohingya refugees. Ensuring safe freedom of movement, equal rights, access to health and education services, as well as citizenship for all Rohingya is essential", he said. Mark Field said "We continue to call on the Government of Burma (Mayanmar) to grant full and unimpeded access for UN and international organizations, as well as international observers, to monitor and assess any future repatriation efforts". (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2018) US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan during a meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon called on Phnom Penh to release political prisoners and remove restrictions on the opposition, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press release on Friday. "The Deputy Secretary urged the government of Cambodia to take tangible actions to promote national reconciliation, including freeing political prisoners, ending the ban on the political opposition, and allowing civil society and media to operate freely," Nauert said referring to the meeting held on Thursday. Earlier this year, the Cambodian government detained 30 political prisoners, including supporters of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), human rights advocates, activists, and journalists, for criticizing the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) or Hun Sen, according to Human Rights Watch. During the meeting that is a part of the East Asia Summit, the officials also discussed the countries' bilateral relations and US ideas regarding a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The East Asia Summit that took place in Singapore November 14-15 is a regional forum held by leaders of the East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian states based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) officials' meetings. (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The US government is preparing to prosecute WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and is confident it will be able to have him extradited to the United States, media reported. The US Department of Justice is getting ready to prosecute Assange and is optimistic it will be able to bring him into a US courtroom, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter. Assange has been living in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London since receiving political asylum from the country in 2012. Assange was questioned by the UK police over his alleged involvement in a sexual assault case in Sweden and released on bail, but breached its conditions by taking refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy. Sweden dropped the investigation in 2017, but the UK arrest warrant for Assange, over bail breach, remained in place. In October, Assange's lawyer Carlos Poveda told Sputnik that the WikiLeaks founder was ready to turn himself in to the UK authorities if he received a written guarantee that he would not be extradited to the United States or to any other country. Later, Assange accused Ecuador of planning to hand him over to the United States and looking for an excuse to end his asylum, after conditions of his stay at the diplomatic mission were leaked to the media. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The United States is not eager to set up a military base, referred to as Fort Trump, in Poland, but its military presence in the European country is still very likely to grow, Polish media reported Friday, citing sources. WARSAW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The United States is not eager to set up a military base, referred to as Fort Trump, in Poland, but its military presence in the European country is still very likely to grow, Polish media reported Friday, citing sources. Warsaw is ready to give up the preliminary concept of establishing the so-called Fort Trump base, but the two sides are still discussing the deployment of US arms and ammunition depots, as well as elements of its command and intelligence structure to Poland, according to Onet news outlet. In addition, Washington reportedly has some conditions for increasing its military presence in Poland. At a meeting with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda in September, US President Donald Trump said that the United States was considering establishing a base in Poland. Trump also stated that Warsaw agreed to pay more than $2 billion toward the cost of the base. The Polish president, in turn, suggested that the base be called Fort Trump. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) An attempt to focus opposition to US involvement in Yemen's war faltered on Thursday when the US Senate rejected an attempt by Senator Rand Paul to halt a proposed $300Mln arms sale to Bahrain in a 77-21 vote. "I'm only saying stop one sale of arms to send a message that we are done with the war in Yemen... That we are no longer going to sell weapons to countries that are fighting this war in Yemen," Paul said in a speech on the Senate floor prior to the vote. Bahrain is a participant in the Saudi-led military coalition that operates in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government and against the Houthi rebels in the country. Opposition to continued arms sales for Yemen's war stems from concerns about the civilian death toll, as well as anger over Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. (@ChaudhryMAli88) KIEV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2018) The next session of the US-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission is scheduled to be held in Kiev the next year, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said. On Friday, Klimkin and US State Secretary Mike Pompeo co-chaired the first commission session in years. The two diplomats agreed to resume the work of the commission at their talks in Paris earlier in November. "This commission will meet in Kiev the next year," Klimkin told the Ukrainian 5 Kanal broadcaster late on Friday. On Friday, the commission discussed a wide range of issues, including policies, security, countering the "Russian aggression" and economic cooperation, the foreign minister added. As a result of the meeting, the parties endorsed a joint statement which will be made public later, according to Klimkin. This document concerned Ukrainian-US cooperation on military equipment deliveries, the situation around Crimea and the embattled Ukrainian Donbas region as well as the Azov Sea crisis, Klimkin continued. The commission might be held on the level of presidents only in case this was found appropriate by both sides, the diplomat pointed out. Kiev and Washington have recently been maintaining the bilateral dialogue. On the contrary, Ukraine's relations with Russia sharply deteriorated in 2014 following the eruption of the Donbas military conflict and Crimea's secession from Ukraine and its subsequent reunification with Russia as a result of a referendum. Kiev has repeatedly accused Moscow of meddling in its domestic affairs and pointed to the alleged Russian aggression. Russia has denied these allegations, noting it was not a side to the Ukrainian conflict and emphasizing that Crimea had become a part of Russia after over 96 percent of its voters supported the move at the plebiscite held in line with international standards. The Azov sea crisis erupted this year after Ukraine detained a Russian vessel there prompting Moscow to boost controls in the area. The tensions further escalated in October when the Ukrainian parliament passed a draft law authorizing Kiev to expand maritime controls by 12 nautical miles off its southern coast, allegedly in an effort to counter smuggling in the Black Sea. Radical prostatectomy (RP) remains the preferred treatment option for men with localised prostate cancer (PCa). Following the introduction in 1995, approximately 1,100 procedures are performed annually in Denmark. Several studies have demonstrated the Danish standard of RP to be at an international level in terms of both functional and oncological outcomes. In order to reduce the risk of overtreatment, management of localised PCa should be organised in experienced multidisciplinary teams, where a constantly growing armamentarium of diagnostic and therapeutic options can be offered. Ugeskrift for laeger. 2018 Nov 12 [Epub] Martin Andreas Rder, Peter Iversen . PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30417813 Pope Francis with an icon of "Our Lady, Help of Persecuted Christians" (Vatican Media) As the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre concludes its Consulta, Pope Francis encourages the knights and dames to root their charitable works in prayer and to assist persecuted Christians. By Devin Watkins Pope Francis addressed members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on Friday, at the end of its 4-day Consulta on 13-16 November. The Consulta is the Equestrian Orders general assembly, which takes place every 5 years. Ranking members gather in Rome to discuss the great questions of the Orders mission and life. Pope Francis took the opportunity to highlight the dramatic situation of Christians who are persecuted and killed in ever-greater numbers. He also called attention to a type of white martyrdom, like, for example, that type which occurs in democratic countries when religious freedom is limited. He exhorted the knights and dames of the Holy Sepulchre to offer both material aid and prayer, constantly invoking the Blessed Virgin, whom you venerate under the title of Our Lady of Palestine. She is the caring Mother and Help of Christians, for whom she obtains strength and comfort in pain from the Lord. Path to peace Pope Francis also thanked the Equestrian Order for supporting the Churchs pastoral and cultural initiatives. I encourage you to continue your commitment, alongside the Latin Patriarchate, to addressing the refugee crisis that has led the Church over the past five years to provide a significant humanitarian response throughout the [Middle East]. He congratulated the Order for opening its educational initiatives and health programs to all people, independently of the community they belong to and the religion they profess. The Pope said this openness helps pave the way for the recognition of Christian values, the promotion of interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and reciprocal understanding. Pope Francis said the Orders work contributes to achieving peace in the Middle East. Spiritual growth of members The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre is present in more than 30 nations and areas around the world, providing education and formation programs. Pope Francis said the Orders primary aim is related to the spiritual growth of its members. Each knight and dame, he said, should take part in religious formation programs, so that each member may consolidate their indispensable relationship with the Lord Jesus, especially in prayer, meditation on Holy Scripture, and studying the doctrine of the Church. He invited the Orders leaders to offer an example of intense spiritual life and concrete adhesion to the Lord. Do not forget that you are not a philanthropic organization, whose aim is to improve the material and social standing of those you assist. The Holy Father said members of the Holy Sepulchre Order are called focus their efforts on the evangelical love of neighbor, so as to bear witness everywhere to the goodness and care with which God loves every person. At the conclusion of the audience, Pope Francis blessed an icon of Our Lady, Help of Persecuted Christians. Let us together invoke Marys care for the Church in the Holy Land and more generally in the Middle East, together with her special intercession for those whose lives and freedoms are in danger. Rodeo fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contestants at a series of autograph sessions beginning on Friday, Dec. 7. All sessions, which feature the contestants representing the seven rodeo events, begin at noon and last until 2 p.m. and are free and open to rodeo fans. Now entering its 34th year in Las Vegas, the Wrangler NFR kicks off on Dec. 6 and runs for ten consecutive days. The event features the Top 15 PRCA contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding, plus barrel racing. The autograph session schedule is as follows: Friday, Dec. 7 Barrel Racers at the Golden Nugget (The Grand Foyer) at the Golden Nugget (The Grand Foyer) Saturday, Dec. 8 Tie-Down Ropers at the MGM Grand (Main Lobby) at the MGM Grand (Main Lobby) Monday, Dec. 10 Team Ropers at Cowboy Christmas (Rodeo Way) at Cowboy Christmas (Rodeo Way) Tuesday, Dec. 11 Steer Wrestlers at Cowboy Christmas (Rodeo Way) at Cowboy Christmas (Rodeo Way) Wednesday, Dec. 12 Bull Riders at Treasure Island (Gilleys Saloon) at Treasure Island (Gilleys Saloon) Thursday, Dec. 13 Bareback Riders at New York-New York (The Bar at Times Square) at New York-New York (The Bar at Times Square) Friday, Dec. 14 Saddle Bronc Riders at Harrahs (Toby Keiths I Love this Bar & Grill) Sold out for more than 300 consecutive performances, the Wrangler NFR is held every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Under the contract with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association that runs through 2024, the purse in 2018 is $10 million. Qualification is based on the 2018 PRCA World Standings. Nevadas largest producing and most successful Winery, Pahrump Valley Winery, has completed a $1.7 million expansion. Owners since 2004, Bill and Gretchen Loken started the expansion in the summer of 2017 with only 1,800 square feet of production area. The new expansion added 7,000 square feet for wine production, an automated bottling line and event space in the barrel room. Our monumental investment to Nevadas wine industry can more than triple our production from 9,500 cases annually to a potential of nearly 40,000 cases, states co-owner Bill Loken. Were excited to have a new, innovative and state of the art wine production facility that expands our capabilities including a new fully automated bottling line. Highlights of the expansion include 12 new gleaming stainless-steel fermentation tanks custom-made in Germany, some standing more than 12 feet tall and having a duplex configuration so two wines can be produced in the floor space of one. The tanks now occupy a new room attached to the original winery. The new bottling line, imported from Italy, is capable of handling 2,000 bottles per hour with only three people operating it. Previously the old bottling line required eight people to fill only 500 bottles per hour. And the new line can handle screw caps, as well as corks and labeling. 250 oak barrels, American, French and Hungarian, each with their own unique quality, serve as wine aging vessels in what Gretchen Loken refers to as her winemakers spice rack. The old winery has been completely gutted with new lighting, flooring and new storage space to hold up to 19,000 cases of wine. A new event space in the barrel-aging room is capable to host up to 75 persons for weddings, vow renewals, special events, winemaker dinners and meetings. The property has gone through multiple upgrades over the past 14 years since the Lokens took ownership. The Lokens are proud to be bringing gold to the silver state. Since 2004, theyve been producing nationally recognized wines as Nevadas largest and most successful winery, having received to date over 460 national wine awards with 113 of those for the Nevada-grown only wines. Although mostly desert, Nevada is a great place to grow grapes, Loken added. The southern, hot climate is suited for grapes destined for red wine, while cooler areas produce white wine grapes. Grapes grow in the desert around the world, although were not used to thinking about it in Nevada, he said. But we have proven that you can produce award-winning wines with Nevada-grown grapes. 2018 harvest season was completed by the Lokens and their staff of 10 who hand-picked grapes over several weeks from July through September. We harvested a whopping 45 tons of Nevada-grown grapes from nearly 15 acres of vines spread over five vineyards, with two acres of estate vineyard Zinfandel and Syrah varietals at our Pahrump Valley Winery, five acres in Armargosa, two acres in Crystal Heights and five acres in Dyer, says co-owner Gretchen Loken, and thats an increase of five tons since last years harvest. One healthy grape vine can produce up to five bottles of wine, and one ton of wine will produce 65 cases of Nevada-produced wines. The grown in Nevada wine offerings have grown to 10 varietals. The winery currently produces 120,000 bottles of total wine per year. Guests may buy and sample, based on availability, the history-making Nevada Ridge wines, Barbera, Mourvedre, Primitivo, Silver State Red, Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel all made with Nevada grown grapes and produced at the Winery. These wines have garnered 21 gold, 61 silver and 31 bronze medals from national wine competitions. Other popular wines sold at the Winery include Symphony, Chardonnay, Desert Blush, Burgundy, Sweet Melody, Merlot, Creme Sherry and others. Cabo Wabo Cantina, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, will celebrate the winter season with holiday-inspired cocktails, available from Thursday, Nov. 22 through Monday, Dec. 31 (Pictured: Cabo Wabo Cantinas Santas Sangria). Holiday cocktails include Santas Sangria, made with sauvignon blanc, Dusse Cognac, white cranberry juice, blackberry puree, topped with club soda and garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary, priced at $12; the pomegranate margarita, made with Cazadores Blanco tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice, lime juice and sweet and sour, priced at $12; and Cabo Wabos warm apple cider, made with Bacardi Cuatro, Fireball, salted caramel syrup, lemon juice and apple cider, priced at $12. At the 30th APEC Ministerial Meeting (Photo: VNA) Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko said after a meeting of APEC foreign and trade ministers in Papua New Guinea that the guidelines call for openness, transparency, cost-effectiveness and fiscal soundness of recipients as international standards for quality infrastructure financing. The agreement comes at a time when countries such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan are saddled with massive debts after signing a series of big loan agreements, mostly from China. The APEC ministers also affirmed the importance of upholding the free trade system despite concerns about US President Donald Trumps America First trade policy. They agreed to strengthen the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as part of efforts to further promote the rules-based multilateral trading system. Speaking to reporters separately, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said the ministers agreed to further liberalise trade and investment within the APEC economies. During the meeting, Kono called for an early conclusion of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a day after 16 members of the Asian free trade agreement failed to reach the deal by a year-end deadline. He underscored the significance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is expected to come into force on December 30, saying the deal will help maintain and strengthen the free trade system. The meeting took place before the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting slated for November 17-18 in Papua New Guinea. Vietnams garment and textiles export turnover hit US$25.2 billion in the first 10 months of 2018. - VNA/VNS Photo One of the key contents of the CPTPP is the removal of 95-98 per cent of tariff lines as soon as the agreement enters into force. The remaining tariff lines will be cut over the next seven years, moves predicted to aid the growth and export turnover of the two industries. Vietnams garment and textiles export turnover hit US$25.2 billion in the first 10 months of 2018, up 17.1 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, footwear exports were valued at $13 billion, 9.7 per cent higher than in the same period last year. The export turnover of garment and textiles recorded growth in key markets such as the US, the EU, the Republic of Korea, China and member nations of the CPTPP. According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the CPTPP will help Vietnam accelerate its growth and make the export market more balanced. The zero-per cent tariffs will help the countrys textile and garment industries expand market share in countries with high tax rates. Vietnams export turnover of the industry is forecast to reach $35 billion in 2018. The figure is expected to climb to $50 billion in 2025. Experts, however, also pointed out difficulties facing the sector. The CPTPP sets strict requirements on product origin, a big challenge for Vietnamese enterprises and the textile and garment and footwear sectors, as they are heavily dependent on material sources imported from China, India and other ASEAN countries. Truong Van Cam, Vice President of VITAS, said the current source of materials for Vietnams textile and garment industry is limited. The US, the EU and Japan are now the three largest export markets of Vietnam. Vietnamese exporters have been advised to continue promoting the support industry, and ensure they can prove the origin of raw materials for production. For the footwear industry, the CPTPP is also an opportunity for exporters to expand to Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada and Japan. Experts said Vietnamese footwear exporters have opportunities to sell products in Japan, a key market for the sector. If enterprises know how to make full use of the CPTPP, growth in this market is likely to increase, they stressed. Vietnamese businesses will also have more opportunities in Canada, which will impose a zero import tariff on both leather shoes and handbags immediately. However, to benefit from this agreement, footwear enterprises will have to overcome considerable challenges. According to Nguyen Duc Thuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso), businesses should explore regulations related to customs procedures and logistics of CPTPP member countries, while improving the quality of their products. The Government should support enterprises by creating a fair playground and minimising administrative procedures to protect Vietnamese firms in the domestic market, Thuan said. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bao Minh Textile JSC, said all production lines of the firm use the most advanced equipment from famous global brands. Each year, Bao Minh provides more than 35 million metres of high quality fabric for the fashion brands. The firm has contributed to increasing the supply of raw materials in the country, helping businesses reduce imports of raw materials. US President Donald Trump speaks during a post-election press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo: AFP/MANDEL NGAN) Melania Trump made the extremely rare demand for deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired on Tuesday, saying "she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House". The protocol-busting move followed a falling out that press leaks say was partly linked to a dispute over seating arrangements on the plane that took the first lady for a tour of African countries in October. Ricardel was also reportedly blamed for negative news coverage of Melania Trump. The first lady at least partially got her way Wednesday when presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced that Ricardel "departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration". The start to the second half of Donald Trump's first term is enveloped in gloom as the president surveys the damage from the midterms, tension with some of America's closest allies, and now turmoil inside the administration. On Wednesday, he was quoted by right-wing website The Daily Caller saying that a wider reshuffle is coming. "A lot of people want to come in, a lot of politicians who have had very successful careers want to come in," he said. "ADULT IN THE ROOM" The biggest name on the chopping block, according to multiple US media reports, is chief of staff John Kelly. A retired Marine Corps general, he has often been referred to as "the adult in the room" during Trump's drama-prone administration, even if critics say he has done little to temper the president's most damaging outbursts. Now Kelly's days are numbered, according to the unconfirmed but mounting leaks to US media. His position, tenuous for months, has been undermined further by reports that he also clashed with Melania Trump - a relatively backstage first lady who has rarely made her influence so obviously felt as this week. Melania Trump was angry that Kelly had refused to promote some of her aides, reports say. Nick Ayers, a 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and renowned political consultant, is reportedly high on the list to replace Kelly. Another expected reshuffle casualty is Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a Kelly ally who oversees the politically sensitive task of carrying out Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump told The Daily Caller he'll make "a decision on homeland shortly". Among Nielsen's critics has been National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last month was widely reported to have erupted in a shouting match with Kelly right outside the Oval Office over her performance. CLOUDS GATHER OVER TRUMP Donald Trump has been in a funk since last week's midterms which saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, ending the Republicans' dominance of both chambers of Congress. While the Republicans held their Senate majority, the Democratic win means the president will for the first time face an opposition that has teeth. Democrats vow to use their control of powerful House oversight committees to go after Trump's nebulous personal finances and to protect an explosive probe into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russian agents. Pressure is mounting from the probe, as the special counsel Robert Mueller digs ever more deeply into the president's inner circle. When Trump suddenly replaced his attorney general Jeff Sessions last week with a fierce critic of the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker, critics accused him of violating the constitution. The Department of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Whitaker's appointment is in fact constitutional, but this will do little to calm claims that Trump's real goal is to defang the Russia probe, which he describes as "a witch hunt." Abroad, there's no respite for the real estate billionaire either. A weekend trip to Paris for World War I commemorations was marred by a row with President Emmanuel Macron. Trump mockingly referred to Germany's invasions of France during the two world wars, while also berating America's European allies in NATO over their defense spending. The other main takeaway from Trump's trip was a PR blunder when the White House canceled his plan to visit an American military cemetery due to rain grounding the presidential helicopter. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby two days before the summit for a state visit, and to open a road and school -- both funded by Beijing AFP/DAVID GRAY Donald Trump is skipping the two-day APEC meeting, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, who is leaving after one day and staying in Australia rather than the dusty and notoriously crime-ridden Papua New Guinea capital. The contrast with China could hardly be more stark. President Xi Jinping arrived two days before the summit for a state visit, and will open a road and school - both funded by Beijing. Papua New Guinea has rolled out the red carpet for its visitor with Chinese flags fluttering down the length of the new road and images of the Chinese leader beaming down from massive billboards around Port Moresby. In an opinion piece published ahead of the visit, Xi vowed to "lend fresh impetus to our common development" and "expand practical co-operation with Pacific Island countries in trade and investment." Ben Rhodes, former president Barack Obama's top foreign policy advisor, said Trump's absence had "opened up an enormous opportunity for China to expand its influence." Beijing has a "historic opportunity to make inroads across the region during Trump's presidency," Rhodes told AFP. Setting the scene for a potential clash in Port Moresby, a senior US official speaking ahead of the summit accused Beijing in engaging in "dangerous debt diplomacy throughout the region." Several countries in the Asian Pacific region have accepted loans from Beijing for infrastructure financing that are "not transparent," added this official, who declined to be named. The high-profile trade war between the world's two largest economies - as well as tit-for-tat tariff measures - will also serve as a backdrop to what could be a tense gathering. Last-minute wrangling over WTO reform was understood to have delayed efforts to put together a joint foreign ministers' statement, laying bare the divisions between the main players. "We are living in difficult times with rising trade tensions, rising protectionism and that needless to say is reflected in the discussion we're having here in Port Moresby," Donald Campbell, co-chairman of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council think tank told AFP. "It's going to be very difficult to get a ministerial statement for leaders that has consensus in it as a result of that." "RASKOLS" The official agenda for the talks resolves around greater economic integration for the region and improving digital infrastructure. But the hosting of the summit in Port Moresby, ranked as one of the world's least liveable cities - has gathered as much attention as the topics under discussion. Violence and petty crime is rife - including frequent carjackings by street gangs known as "raskols" - and delegates have been advised against travelling around the city, especially after dark. For safety and to avoid building new hotels that will later lie empty, officials and journalists are staying on three gleaming white cruise ships moored in Port Moresby harbour, with round-the-clock security. Indeed, security throughout the city is tight, with Australia deploying 1,500 military personnel including special forces, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters patrolling the skies and warships stationed a stone's throw away from the cruise ships. And the run-up to the summit became embroiled in scandal when it emerged the Papua New Guinea government had bought 40 Maseratis to ferry leaders around. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill came under fire after splurging US$6.4 million on the fleet of luxury cars when half the population of Port Moresby live in squatter settlements. O'Neill bristled when asked about this ahead of the summit, snapping at journalists: "Did you ask the same question in Vietnam when they had the 400 plus Audis?" "I think it is just an overrated discussion. I'm not going to give it the credibility or credit it deserves," he said. "This is an opportunity for business leaders to see what Papua New Guinea's potential is." But while ordinary residents may benefit from the shiny new Chinese-funding roads, there was some doubt on the streets over how the average citizen would gain from the APEC circus. "Will APEC make us rich like other nations?" asked Harriette Jack, 68. "Comparing to other nations, we are not close." The fisheries sector in Viet Nam should use more seafood by-products such as bones, heads and skin to add value to the industry.-VNA/VNS Photo For the last 30 years, Vietnam and Norway, which are among the top 10 biggest fishery nations in the world, have been working together in the marine industry. Norwegian firms have been developing technologies and processes to use as much from the fish as possible, or what the industry calls "Marine Rest Raw Materials", to make human and animal food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Grete Lochen, Norwegian Ambassador in Vietnam, said that fisheries and aquaculture were contributing greatly to the global food supply, but there was a great need to enhance food security, both through sustainable fishing and aquaculture, and by a higher use of rest raw matierals. Tran Dinh Luan, deputy general director of the Directorate of Fisheries, said that the countrys high-quality seafood was exported to many countries, but that Marine Rest Raw Materials could yield more profits and reduce the need for discharge of waste. Phan Thanh Loc, director of VietnamFood, said that such matierals account for a large portion of the input in fishery, especially shrimp, and contain a great deal of nutrition. They can bring great value to firms and sustainable development to Viet Nams fishery industry, he said. Vietnamese firms have been using a small fraction of the "rest raw material" as Vietnamese technologies for processing the materials are still limited. More research and investment into technologies, as well as trade promotion, are needed to make use of these highly profitable materials, according to Loc. Vietnamese factories should not view these materials as waste, but as products and materials for processing, and preserve them more carefully to maintain their high quality. At the summit, Norwegian firms in the fishery industries expressed interest in working with Vietnamese firms and looking for local suppliers of high-quality fish and fish products, and buyers of their technologies, such as fish feed, processing technologies, fish oil and fish meal. The business summit was held by the Directorate of Fisheries, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ha Noi and Innovation Norway. Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) Ten Vietnamese supporting enterprises, together with more than 700 foreign firms, brought along various products ranging from electronics and industrial production to consumer goods along to the exhibition, which is organised by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. According to head of the Foreign Trade Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Do Nhat Hoang, Japanese firms have given great compliments to Vietnamese businesses, whose products qualified to break into leading markets like Japan, the Republic of Koea, the US, and the EU. The businesses from Japan added that Vietnamese companies have made significant advancements, paving the way for them to join the global value chain. Dinh Xuan Cuong General Director of An Phat Holdings, the largest Vietnamese firm at the exhibition relished the prospect of Vietnamese supporting businesses have a place on the global value chain, saying that they have huge potential to cooperate with leading firms from Japan and other foreign nations. Meanwhile, General Director of the Organisation for Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation Japan (SMRJ) Shinichi Murai said that Japanese corporations are interested in investing in Vietnam. Collaboration will help create new business opportunities for both sides, he added, laying stress on Vietnams impressive economic growth and sci-tech development. The annual New Value Creation Exhibition was initially organised for Japanese firms, however, it has expanded to welcome outstanding small- and medium-sized enterprises from other countries and territories since 2016. This years event revolves around three topics: technique and industry, healthcare and social welfare, and the environment and society. On display are state-of-the-art technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including smart healthcare, automation, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things. It offers opportunities for Vietnamese companies to exchange and expand cooperation with their foreign partners. A trading sesion at Bao Viet Securities JSC in Hanoi. - VNS Photo Truong Vi The benchmark VN Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange dropped 0.42 per cent to close Thursday at 897.15 points. Vietnams benchmark index has lost total 2.28 per cent after the last three sessions. The HNX Index on the Hanoi Stock Exchange edged down 0.18 per cent to end at 101.02 points. The northern market index has fallen nearly 2.3 per cent in total after three trading days. More than 203.7 million shares were traded on the two local exchanges, worth VND4.56 trillion (US$202.7 million). Thursday trading figures were up 11.4 per cent in volume and 16.7 per cent in value day-after-day. Across the two exchanges, declining stocks slightly overwhelmed gainers by 235 to 191. According to Bao Viet Securities JSC (BVSC), the market suffered because of fears about market volatility. Trading liquidity rose slightly but remained below the moderate level (of the last 20 sessions). Meanwhile, while the market breadth was negative, the difference between the two sides wasnt significant, BVSC said. There was wide differentiation among stock groups, BVSC said, proving that attention was divided into different sectors. Eleven of the 20 sector indices ended on a negative note and nine advanced, data on vietstock.vn showed. Declining sectors included insurance, real estate, securities, construction materials, and logistics. The large-cap VN30 Index slipped 0.75 per cent to finish at 864.98 points with half of the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation in the basket falling. Investors are waiting for a sharper decline of the market to seek short-term investment opportunities, BVSC said in a report. Selling pressure is increasing, BVSC said, adding that the market is likely to undergo strong volatility in the short term. In that case, the supportive level for the VN index would be the threshold of 889-892 points in the coming sessions, BVSC said. What also weighed on the Vietnamese market was the outflow of foreign investment. Investors on Thursday were net sellers, recording more than VND500 billion, compared to Wednesdays number of VND13 billion. On the opposite side, bank, petroleum agriculture and plastic production were among the sectors that gained on Thursday. Business leaders throughout APEC trust in good revenue flows and look to digital technology in the year ahead (Source: Ecns.cn) In its latest survey of 1,189 business leaders across the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) economies, PwC found that 35 per cent were very confident of revenue growth, down slightly from 37 per cent a year ago, while a net 51 per cent plan to increase investments over the next year. PwC carried out the survey in the lead up to the APEC CEO Summit which takes place this week in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. Business confidence about trade and investment outlook Business leaders in the United States and Thailand were among the most confident, with 57 and 56 per cent very confident of revenue growth, while respondents in China and Mexico two of the largest trading partners of the US showed below average confidence at 25 and 21 per cent. In comparison, 33 per cent of respondents in Vietnam indicated that they are very confident of their companies short-term growth prospects, with another 48 per cent being somewhat confident. International trade is likely to continue being a source of growth for Vietnam-based firms, including 40 per cent expecting an increase in revenue opportunities thanks to new bilateral trade agreements and 34 per cent anticipating such opportunities to arise from new multilateral agreements. In addition to being positive on revenue growth, a net 51 per cent of business leaders in the APEC are planning to raise levels of investment, up from 43 per cent two years ago. The biggest winners across the APEC from foreign investment will be Vietnam, China, the US, Australia, and Thailand, with Vietnam holding the top position for the second consecutive year. Workforce development high on the agenda The employment market is also looking positive with 56 per cent of business leaders in the APEC (also 56 per cent in Vietnam) creating more jobs and only 9 per cent (Vietnam: 14 per cent) actively reducing headcount as a direct impact of technology on their workforce. However, the right talent is not always readily available and business leaders are struggling to find the people that they need with the right skills and experience, PwCs survey shows. The gap is felt acutely across science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills with 65 per cent of APEC business leaders (Vietnam: 76 per cent) stating that their governments need to do more to train STEM professionals and only 14 per cent (Vietnam: 4 per cent) feeling their government is doing enough in this area. This sentiment was also reflected when business leaders were asked what could be done to make growth more inclusive for more people across the APEC. The number one factor that business leaders identified was expanded access to high-quality education at all levels followed by improved transport. The issues of training and education are very clearly on the top of the agenda for business leaders in the APEC, giving a clear message to heads of state as they meet this week in Port Moresby about what more help could be given to businesses to secure long-term success, said Raymund Chao, who heads the PwC delegation at the APEC Leaders Week in Papua New Guinea. Moving forward by going digital APEC business leaders are also well aware of the need to invest more in becoming digital. With the internet economy projected to reach over $200 billion in Southeast Asia alone by 2025, the top two investment priorities for business leaders are digital customer interactions and digital skills for their workforce. When asked what policies are needed in order for Vietnam to advance in the digital economy, Vietnam-based CEOs ranked improvements to the digital infrastructure at the top. While businesses need to determine their infrastructure requirements and communicate them, the government's role is to understand these requirements and introduce policies and regulations for the sustainable development of digital infrastructure, said Dinh Thi Quynh Van, general director of PwC Vietnam. Business leaders also know they need to do more when it comes to being digital. Only 15 per cent of business leaders describe their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as highly competitive, while 33 per cent do not use AI at all. The companies that describe themselves as highly competitive at AI are clear on what they need to do to build on their perceived lead: increase investments, build more capability in AI, and invest in local startups. However, while technology can provide part of the answer to sustainable growth, it also presents challenges in the new trade environment with moving data across borders identified as the area where businesses have experienced the biggest increase in new barriers in the last year 20 per cent up from 15 per cent in 2017. As the APECs businesses become more digital and embrace new technologies such as AI, data flows will increasingly become the fuel that will drive global trade. Dealing with concerns about increased barriers to data flow will remain a priority for business for some time, added Raymund Chao. The Cambodian military and government officials have denied a report claiming that a Beijing-backed development project would pave the way for a Chinese naval base in the country. The online newspaper Asia Times reported that the deep-water port, which is being developed by Chinas Union Development Group (UDG), could host Chinese frigates and destroyers. But Cambodias Gen. Chhum Socheat, defense spokesman, denied that the port would be used as a de facto Chinese naval base in the future, which would be illegal under Cambodias constitution. I didnt read that report, but Cambodias constitution says that we cant allow foreign military bases on Cambodian soil. Thats the law. So what it [Asia Times] reported was a fabrication to damage Cambodias image, he said. Analysts told Asia Times that the port being built by UDG will be large enough to host naval vessels. The Chinese see commercial ports as a foot in the door for their navy anyway. Any deep-water commercial port can be used for naval ships, so the dual purpose is always there, Sophal Ear, associate professor of diplomacy and world affairs at Occidental College at Los Angeles, was quote as saying in the report. The article also quoted Sam Rainsy, the former Cambodian opposition leader, who said if Chinese naval vessels were allowed to use the port it would be a violation of the 1991 peace agreement that ended Cambodias civil war. By abandoning Cambodias neutrality and being part of a possible threat against neighboring countries, Hun Sen is playing with fire. Hun Sen has not only suppressed democracy in Cambodia; he is also jeopardizing peace in our region, he said. However, Phay Siphan, government spokesman, said the small-scale port would only be used for commercial purposes. What is received from the Chinese investments is economic benefits to bolster economic growth, job growth, and the social equity growth of Cambodia, he added. Paul Chambers, a political analyst at the College of Asean Community Studies at Naresuan University in Thailand, told Asia Times that work on the port, and potentially the naval base, has recently commenced. Though China subsidizes Hun Sens regime, Hun Sen has allowed China economic, political and military control over Cambodia to such an extent that the country has become a neo-colonial dependency of Beijing, Chambers was quoted as saying. The next step is a Chinese naval base in Cambodia as we see today, he added. Perhaps Cambodia will find itself at the center of a new Cold War in Southeast Asia, Chambers suggested. Gen. Socheat, however, refuted the claim that Cambodia was taking sides in a new Cold War. We are an independent country, so we stand on our own interest to make friends in the world... So, we cant be accused of taking sides with any party because we are an independent country. We have the right to make relations with other countries based on our sovereignty and national interest, he added. Representatives of UDG could not be reached. A US Embassy spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Oscar nominee Matthew Heineman has often put his life on the line while filming award-winning documentaries such as Cartel Land, chronicling wars of Mexican drug cartels, and throwing a light on the atrocities of the Islamic State group in City of Ghosts. Now, Heineman is releasing his first feature film, A Private War, about another subject close to his heart: Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin, who staked her life on the war fronts of Sri Lanka, Iraq and Syria in order to bring attention to the plight of war victims. In A Private War, Oscar-nominated actress Rosamund Pike transforms herself into Colvin, a gritty, fierce, inquisitive American journalist who dedicated her life to reporting on atrocities around the world. Pike evokes the journalist's inexorable drive to cover wars to show the world the plight of war victims and bring truth to light. She also portrays Colvin as a person suffering from PTSD and addiction to alcohol and to her job. And there was the physical toll. Colvin lost her left eye in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Sri Lanka in 2001. Her actions, presence "Getting into her physicality, which meant changing everything, I had to learn to smoke convincingly, because for Marie, everything was better with a cigarette every conversation, every car drive, Pike told VOA. I had to see the way with which she gestured with her hands she had these wide-apart fingers. I had to work out how the eye patch made her angle her head differently how she could penetrate you and sear you with one eye as good as someone else could dress you down with two. In an onscreen soliloquy about her inner demons as Colvin, Pike outlined the personal conflicts that defined the American journalist. "I fear growing old, but then I also fear dying young," she said. "I am most happy with a vodka martini in my hand, but I can't stand the fact that the chatter in my head won't go quiet until there is a quart of vodka inside me. I hate being in a war zone, but I also feel compelled, compelled, to see it for myself." WATCH: 'A Private War' Examines War Correspondent's Physical, Psychological Scars Regarding Colvin's heavy drinking, Pike said, "Should we even call it alcoholism? I really had to judge and walk a very fine line and find out where the truth lay, because it is not that we are defining her by a drinking problem. But she clearly had one." Filmmaker Heineman described his deep connection to Colvin. A storyteller who took grave risks to document drug cartels and IS to the world, he wanted to do justice to the complexity of Colvin's character and her courage as she unflinchingly reported from Homs, Syria, in 2012 during Bashar al-Assad's heavy bombardment of the city. This is where Colvin lost her life. Through Colvin's commitment, Heineman said he wanted to show the risks that journalists take to uncover the truth to the world. Power of storytelling "Journalists are the bedrock of a free and independent society. You might not always agree with what they say, but the fact that journalism has been politicized, as our whole world has been politicized and our countries have been politicized and divided, is really sad to me," the filmmaker said. "The fact that journalists have been demonized in this country, in other countries, the fact that a journalist was recently obviously killed, in Turkey [Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi], I think that's one of the reasons why I make films. "I think film, journalism, storytelling has the ability to bring people together to create dialogue, to create two sides of a conversation," he told VOA. As a documentarian, Heineman wanted to give this real-life texture to his film. In a scene where Colvin discovers a mass grave in Iraq, the local women and men gathered around mourning are real victims of war. "The women in that scene were Iraqi women crying about real trauma that they experienced, and at the end of that scene, like in any documentary that I made, something unforeseen happened: They started chanting and doing this prayer for the dead," Heineman said. Pike related a similar experience she had while filming an unscripted scene with a refugee woman huddled with her kids in a safe house. The scene was depicting the siege of Homs. Through an interpreter, the woman told Pike how she fed her baby only sugar and water because she could not produce milk to breastfeed after the trauma of losing one of her kids to a bomb attack. "Then the woman said to me as Marie and it was caught on camera she said, 'I don't want this, please, I don't want this just to be words on paper. I want the world to know that a generation is dying here. I want the world to know my story.' " Pike said that at that moment, she felt what drove Colvin the journalist's grave responsibility to bear witness to people's suffering, no matter the cost. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman submitted an official letter of resignation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. His resignation follows a cease-fire agreement reached between the Israeli government and Gaza's Hamas leaders late Tuesday, and it reduces Netanyahu's support in the parliament to 61 out of 120 lawmakers. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports Netanyahu is under pressure to call early elections. The founding leaders of Hong Kongs 2014 democracy protests will stand trial this Monday, nearly four years after the protests came to an end. Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man and Reverend Chu Yiu-ming face up to seven years in prison when they stand trial on Monday for their role in launching 2014s democracy protests. The protests, known as the "Umbrella Movement," saw tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents take to the streets for more than two months in late 2014 to demand the direct election of the citys chief executive, its top leader. Now the trio face several charges, including incitement, being the first in Hong Kong to call for the occupation of the Central business district in 2013 if changes were not made to elections. Chan, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said they did not anticipate such strong charges and were now preparing for possible jail time. We already prepared for it and understood that there may be serious consequences for our jobs as professors, but we never expected they would have this kind of very peculiar charge, which now can have a maximum penalty of seven years of imprisonment," Chan said. On Monday, the trio will be joined by six other protest leaders, including two legislators, who will stand trial alongside them on similar charges. The group has been dubbed the Umbrella Nine in the media. In a written statement, the Justice Department told VOA it could not comment on the charges faced by the group as the case is ongoing. It also said it does not keep a record of how many people it has prosecuted since the end of the 2014 protests. However, rights activist Kong Tsung-gan, who tracks the prosecutions on his blog, said 220 protesters associated with the demonstration have been prosecuted, while 78 were convicted. Among those prosecuted since 2014 is Joshua Wong, who became one of the most recognizable faces of the protest as a teenage leader. He told VOA he was deeply troubled by the prosecution of leaders like Tai, Chan and Chu, who are longstanding members of Hong Kongs democracy movement. They are the prominent and senior leaders in the democracy movement of Hong Kong," Wong said. "They have fought for democracy even earlier than I was born. So especially Reverend Chu. I am really worried about if the judges lock him up in prison at the age of more than [seventy] years old it will really be trouble. Faced with an uncertain future, Chan said he hopes the courts will follow previous rulings that non-violent protest should be respected in Hong Kong. Bangladeshs plans to begin repatriating Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar Thursday were scrapped because officials were unable to find anyone who wanted to return to the country that has been accused of driving out hundreds of thousands in a campaign of ethnic cleansing. The refugees are not willing to go back now, Refugee Commissioner Abul Kalam told The Associated Press. He said officials cant force them to go but will continue to try to motivate them so it happens. Some people on the governments repatriation list disappeared into the sprawling refugee camps to avoid being sent home, while others joined a large demonstration against the plan. UN urged a halt to repatriation More than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh from western Myanmars Rakhine state since August 2017 to escape killings and destruction of their villages by the military and Buddhist vigilantes that have drawn widespread condemnation of Myanmar. The United Nations, whose human rights officials had urged Bangladesh to halt the repatriation process even as its refugee agency workers helped to facilitate it, welcomed Thursdays development. Firas Al-Khateeb, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Coxs Bazar, said it was unclear when the process might begin again. We want their repatriation, but it has to be voluntary, safe and smooth, he said. Bangladesh officials declined to say whether another attempt at repatriation would be made Friday. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali told reporters in Dhaka late Thursday that there is no question of forcible repatriation. We gave them shelter, so why should we send them back forcibly? Pleading with Rohingya At the Unchiprang refugee camp, a Bangladeshi refugee official implored the Rohingya on Thursday to return to their country over a loudspeaker. We have arranged everything for you, we have six buses here, we have trucks, we have food. We want to offer everything to you. If you agree to go, well take you to the border, to the transit camp, he said. We wont go! hundreds of voices, including childrens, chanted in reply. Some refugees on the repatriation lists, which authorities say were drawn up with assistance from the UNHCR, said they dont want to go back. I dont want to go back At the Jamtoli refugee camp, one of the sprawling refugee settlements near the city of Coxs Bazar, 25-year-old Setara said she and her two children, age 4 and 7, were on a repatriation list, but her parents were not. She said she had never asked to return to Myanmar, and that she had sent her children to a school run by aid workers Thursday morning as usual. They killed my husband; now I live here with my parents, said Setara, who only gave one name. I dont want to go back. She said that other refugees on the repatriation list had fled to other camps, hoping to disappear amid the crowded lanes of refugees, aid workers and Bangladeshi soldiers, which on Thursday were bustling with commerce and other activity. Plan to return 150 a day Bangladesh had planned to send an initial group of 2,251 back from mid-November at a rate of 150 per day. Myanmar officials, speaking late Thursday in the capital, Naypyitaw, said they were ready to receive the refugees. Despite those assurances, human rights activists said conditions were not yet safe for the Rohingya to go back. The exodus began after Myanmar security forces launched a brutal crackdown following attacks by an insurgent group on guard posts. The scale, organization and ferocity of the crackdown led the U.N. and several governments to accuse Myanmar of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar do not accept that the Rohingya Muslims are a native ethnic group, viewing them as Bengalis who entered illegally from Bangladesh, even though generations of Rohingya have lived in Myanmar. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, as well as access to education and hospitals. Refugee camps bleak The refugees survived the ransacking of villages, rapes and killings in Myanmar, but for many, life in Bangladeshs squalid refugee camps has been bleak. The refugees whove arrived in the last year joined a wave of 250,000 Rohingya Muslims who escaped forced labor, religious persecution and violent attacks from Buddhist mobs in Myanmar during the early 1990s. Access to education and employment has been far from assured. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who hopes to retain power in December elections, has repeatedly complained that hosting more than a million Rohingya is taxing local resources. Negotiations for repatriation have been in the works for months, but plans last January to begin sending refugees back were called off amid concerns among aid workers and Rohingya that their return would be met with violence. Foreign leaders, including U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, criticized Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyi this week on the sidelines of a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Singapore for her handling of the Rohingya crisis. But on Thursday, Pence said that U.S. officials were encouraged to hear that the repatriation process would begin. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would continue working with international partners including the U.N. to ensure that the Rohingya themselves are part of any decisions on their future. ACLJ Releases Petition to Free Wrongfully Imprisoned U.S. Pastor Photo: John Cao, credit ChinaAid WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Yesterday, the American Law and Justice Center (ACLJ) published a petition to release John Cao, a U.S. pastor imprisoned in China on fabricated organizing illegal border crossing charges.Photo: John Cao, credit ChinaAid Cao, whose family resides in North Carolina, was arrested by Chinese officials in March 2017 as he crossed the border between Myanmar and China. He was charged with "organizing illegal border crossings" and sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year. As a missionary renowned for providing education for more than 2,000 impoverished children in Myanmar, Cao often made this journey with no previous incident, indicating that officials framed him with the charge as part of their wider crackdown on Chinese Christians. Additionally, since his arrest, a Chinese-backed militant group has been waging war against Christian missionaries in Myanmar, persecuting them for their attempts to share their faith. According to the ACLJ petition, Cao has lost more than 50 pounds in jail, and his health is rapidly decreasing. To sign the ACLJ petition, please click here ChinaAid stands with the ACLJ in calling on China to immediately and unconditionally release Pastor John Cao and allow him and his co-workers to continue their peaceful religious and humanitarian work. We will also continue to follow Cao's case as it unfolds, promoting human rights, religious freedom, and rule of law. Contact ChinaAid: Office phone: (432) 689-6985 Media phone: (432) 553-1080 Even though votes are still being counted in Florida and other states from last weeks midterm elections, both major U.S. political parties are turning their attention to the next contest: the 2020 presidential election. Democrats are somewhat hopeful after winning back control of the House of Representatives and shoring up the vote in key Upper Midwest states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Republicans are celebrating victories over Democratic Senate incumbents in Indiana, Missouri and possibly Florida, though the recount continues in the Sunshine State. Both parties can take away positives from this years midterm results. But there are warning signs as well. Trumps take At his post-election news conference, President Donald Trump tried to put a positive spin on the results that left Democrats in control of the House for the first time in eight years. This was a great victory for us, Trump told reporters at the White House. And again, from a deal-making standpoint, we are all much better off the way it turned out, because I really believe that if the Democrats want to, we can do a tremendous amount of great legislation. Republicans believe Trumps intensive campaigning in key Senate races in states he won two years ago made a difference in defeating Democrats Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Claire McCaskill in Missouri and, if Rick Scotts lead holds up, Bill Nelson in Florida. A repeat of strong Republican turnout in the so-called Red or Republican states would help Trumps re-election bid two years from now. Democratic positives Democrats are pointing to this years election returns, though, as a warning sign for the president as he prepares for the 2020 election. Republicans lost women, minorities and suburban voters across the country by such margins that it should worry every Republican candidate in 2020 and President Trump, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said. Analysts parsing the results also concluded that Trump was, as predicted, a key factor in this years midterms for voters in both parties. Donald Trump did very well in Red (Republican) states, in rural places, in smaller cities, John Fortier of the Bipartisan Policy Center said. But Democrats really built their victories on the waves of the suburbs, where more educated white voters came out strongly against him. Public opinion expert Karlyn Bowman of the American Enterprise Institute also noted that independent voters this year told exit pollsters they supported Democrat House candidates over Republicans this year by a margin of 52 to 42 percent. Independents supported Republican contenders in the previous two midterms in 2010 and 2014. One challenge for Democrats now is to find a balance between trying to work with the president and investigating his administration. University of Virginia analyst Larry Sabato said it will be tricky. They have got a comfortable buffer (margin), but it is nothing like the Republican sweep of 2010, Sabato told the Associated Press via Skype. And if Democrats dont remember that, they are going to be in power for two years in the House and then Trump will get re-elected and bring the Republicans back in (to power). Midwest key Democrats also won some key governors races in the Upper Midwest, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. And those victories could pay dividends in the 2020 presidential race. Democrats broke through in the states where Trump had broken through in 2016, said Jim Kessler, of the center-left public policy group Third Way. In Michigan, in Wisconsin and in Pennsylvania, Democrats nominated moderates for governor. They all won in their states. The Blue (Democratic) wall that crumbled in 2016 is being rebuilt again if Democrats nominate the right person in 2020. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Brookings Institution analyst Bill Galston noted that Democrats winning back Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in 2020 is the partys best chance of regaining the White House. But Nate Cohn in The New York Times wrote that while Democrats did better in suburban areas of the Midwest and the country in general, they struggled to a surprising extent in the old mining and industrial towns that used to be Democratic strongholds. In January, Democrats will alter the balance of power in Washington by taking over the House. At the same time, the party also will be looking ahead to 2020 and the complicated and lengthy process of choosing a presidential nominee who will try to deny President Trump a second four-year term. The race for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination appears to be wide open. A Morning Consult/Politico poll, taken right after the midterms, has former Vice President Joe Biden leading the field with 26 percent support, followed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders with 19 percent, and losing Texas Senate candidate Beto ORourke at 8 percent. Fifteen other potential Democratic contenders also are listed in the poll. Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May came out fighting Friday in defense of her contentious draft Brexit deal, calling on the British public to back her. But critics within her party, who complain the proposed agreement would turn Britain into a vassal state, mounted a formal bid to oust her. The proposed deal with the European Union, more than two years after Britons voted in a referendum to exit the bloc, has triggered half-a-dozen ministerial resignations. It also prompted high drama in the House of Commons, where May received the most hostile reception a sitting prime minister has endured since 1940, when Neville Chamberlain was pushed out of office at the start of the Second World War. The withdrawal deal has been pronounced dead on arrival by lawmakers across the political spectrum. They say the agreement wont gain parliamentary backing in a planned vote next month. The deal would see Britain remaining in the EUs customs union, which address imports and exports, for an indefinite period and subject to the blocs rules and regulations without having any say about them May maintained during a radio interview Friday that she has negotiated the best deal possible, despite it crossing many "red lines" she had set previously. May and her loyalists say there is no alternative to the proposed withdrawal agreement that runs to 538 pages and took many months of tortuous negotiations to seal, because the alternatives are even more unpalatable for Britain or impossible to get the EU and its 27 member countries to accept. May says the draft agreement is just a staging post, a temporary deal thats in place while Britain negotiates over the next few years a fuller free trade deal with the bloc. Her supporters say it is no time for a change in leadership with just over four months to go before Britain is scheduled to leave the EU, deal or no deal. I am not sure any other prime minister could have done any better, said Simon Hart, a Conservative lawmaker. I will say one thing for the prime minister you can never doubt her resilience and stoicism, he added. Partial relief The prime minister got some relief Friday when a senior minister, Michael Gove, who had been rumored to be resigning to protest the draft deal, said he would be staying in the Cabinet. It remains unclear, however, whether other prominent hardline Brexiters in Mays thinning Cabinet will follow Goves cue over the next few weeks and decide against tendering their resignations. So far, several other Brexiters in the Cabinet have indicated they will stay to work together to improve the deal. Resigning and joining a rebellion is not going to help anything, said one of their aides. Whether their resolve will hold is another thing, if the internecine [destructive] rebellion against May gains momentum. Then they will have to consider how their choice plays out in any future leadership election they may want to compete in, said a party official. And talk of renegotiation is being rebuffed by EU officials, who on Friday cautioned that the agreement is the best they can do and there can be no changes. This is a good deal for both sides, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Friday. No one was tricked into anything, said Kurz, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency until the end of the year. He warned that the only alternative would be for Britain to leave the EU without any deal, which would hurt Britain badly. Mounting leadership challenges Goves decision not to resign didnt stop more Conservative lawmakers from lodging formal letters with party authorities calling for a vote of no confidence in May as party leader, the first stage in a leadership challenge. As May started her effort to sell the deal to the public, John Whittingdale, a Brexiter and former culture secretary, filed his letter, joining more than two dozen other Conservative rebels who have publicly called for her to step aside. I believe that the agreement that is being proposed does not deliver Brexit in the way that I and many others want to see. It leaves us locked in indefinitely into the customs union. I also dont think it can get through the House of Commons, he wrote. Mays party critics accuse her of going from her oft-stated position that no deal is better than a bad deal to one where she appears to accept any deal is better than no deal. It is no good trying to pretend that the deal honors the result of the referendum when it is obvious to everyone it doesnt, said Esther McVey, who resigned this week as works and pension minister. Time on May's side Whether the deal honors what the majority of Britons voted for in June 2016 may be a moot point, say analysts. In trying to sell a deal that satisfies neither Brexiters, who want a sharp break with the EU, nor Remainers, who say staying as a member of the bloc is the only thing that wont damage Britain, May, if she can see off the rebellion, has time on her side, they say. She is banking on securing a majority next month for her deal when parliament is scheduled to vote formally on it, by daring lawmakers across the political spectrum all the opposition parties have formally come out against the deal to let a "no-deal Brexit" go ahead, likely triggering a recession and leaving behind it bankrupt businesses and ruined livelihoods. The fear of quitting the EU without a deal seems to be persuading some lawmakers who dislike the agreement to accept they have no option but to back it. The most likely alternative is we leave the EU with no deal at all, wrote Nicky Morgan, a former Conservative minister, in an article for The Guardian newspaper. And I believe that would be deeply damaging to our economy and our constituents. I cannot sign up to that. Party officials, known as Whips, were mounting a feverish effort Friday to dissuade Conservative lawmakers from insisting on holding a no-confidence vote on Mays leadership. Their biggest fear is that if they are unable to do so before lawmakers head back to their constituencies, where the draft agreement is highly unpopular among grassroots Conservatives, then the prime minister will not be able to avoid a leadership challenge and the rebellion will gather steam, analysts say. Donald Trump is so unpopular in Canada that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is using the spectre of the U.S. president to attack his conservative rival ahead of a national election set for next year. Trudeau, whose ruling Liberals have a 12-seat majority in the 338-seat parliament, calls Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer a climate change "ideologue" who stokes "fear and division" on immigration. Only 25 percent of Canadians have confidence in Trump, a fraction of the 83 percent garnered by former President Barack Obama two years ago, according to a Pew Research Center survey published last month. Trudeau and Trump have traded barbs. The U.S. president tweeted in June that the Canadian leader was "very dishonest and weak" and later threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian-made cars that he said would be the "ruination" of Canada's economy. Liberals gain ground The Conservatives led in the polls in March, but the Liberals drew ahead in July after Trudeau's spat with Trump and now hold a one-point lead in the latest survey by Ipsos Public Affairs. "It's political manna from heaven (for Trudeau) to have a fight with Donald Trump," said a source familiar with the thinking of the Conservative leadership. Party officials are concerned that comparisons with Trump could turn off supporters, the source said. Scheer, still relatively unknown to voters after taking over as party leader last year, is choosing his words carefully on issues like climate change and immigration, while Trudeau is attacking his rival's position on the environment as being tantamount to Trump's. The U.S. government announced last year that it intended to formally withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord. Canada, a major oil and gas producer, remains committed to the agreement. Trudeau, 46, portrays Scheer as someone like Trump who denies climate change is man-made. Polls show Canadians overwhelmingly agree climate change is real and must be tackled. Trudeau plans to tax carbon emissions, a measure which Scheer opposes on the grounds it will force "suburban moms and dads" to spend a lot more money on gas. Speaking in Ottawa's National Gallery in front of a wall-sized picture of an old-growth forest on Oct. 29, Trudeau said Scheer's criticism shows the Conservatives want to "make pollution free again. Scheer doesn't deny climate change The phrase mimicking Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan has since been repeatedly used by Liberal ministers and legislators. Scheer, 39, does not deny climate change and has said he will present his own strategy to combat carbon emissions without raising taxes by the time Canadians are due to vote on Oct. 21, 2019. While the Conservative source said the attempts to link Scheer to Trump were calculated, an official close to Trudeau declined to comment. The official said Trudeau's characterization of Scheer's position on climate change is "very factual." Pressure on immigration Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said the Liberal strategy to paint Scheer as a northern Trump could work in the ruling party's favor given Canadians' "very poor view" of the U.S. leader. Scheer is also under Liberal pressure on immigration. In July, the Conservative Party withdrew an ad that had been posted on its Twitter feed showing a black asylum seeker entering Canada through a broken fence while walking over the text of a 2017 Trudeau tweet that read: "Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength." The ad alleged that Trudeau's tweet lured thousands of people into Canada from the United States to file refugee claims. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the Conservatives were "peddling false information to stoke fear." Bannon appearance draw protests Canadians' view of Trump, who has adopted hard-line policies on immigration, was highlighted earlier this month when the mere presence of former Trump strategist Steve Bannon at a Toronto debate drew hundreds of protesters, resulting in 12 arrests. The protesters "were calling the audience fascists and taking their pictures and threatening to put them online," Bannon said in an interview. "It was a tough audience. They hated Trump." As world leaders land in Papua New Guinea for a Pacific Rim summit, the welcome mat is especially big for China's president. A huge sign in the capital, Port Moresby, welcomes Xi Jinping, picturing him gazing beneficently at Papua New Guinea's leader, and his hotel is decked out with red Chinese lanterns. China's footprint is everywhere, from a showpiece boulevard and international convention center built with Chinese help to bus stop shelters that announce their origins with China Aid plaques. On the eve of Xi's arrival for a state visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, newspapers in the country ran a full-page statement from the Chinese leader. It exhorted Pacific island nations to set sail on a new voyage of relations with China, which in the space of a generation has transformed from the world's most populous backwater into a major economic power. With both actions and words, Xi has a compelling message for the South Pacific's fragile island states, long both propped up and pushed around by U.S. ally Australia: they now have a choice of benefactors. With the exception of Papua New Guinea, those island nations are not part of APEC, but the leaders of many of them have traveled to Port Moresby and will meet with Xi. The APEC meeting, meanwhile, is Xi's to dominate. Headline-hogging leaders such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are not attending. Trump's stand-in, Vice President Mike Pence, is staying in Cairns in Australia's north and flying into Papua New Guinea each day. Australia's new prime minister, Scott Morrison, the country's fifth leader in five years, is barely known abroad. President Xi Jinping is a good friend of Papua New Guinea, its prime minister, Peter O'Neill, told reporters. He has had a lot of engagement with Papua New Guinea and I've visited China 12 times in the last seven years. Pacific island nations, mostly tiny, remote and poor, rarely figure prominently on the world stage but have for several years been diligently courted by Beijing as part of its global effort to finance infrastructure that advances its economic and diplomatic interests. Papua New Guinea with about 8 million people is by far the most populous, and with its extensive tropical forests and oil and gas reserves is an obvious target for economic exploitation. Six of the 16 Pacific island states still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a sizeable bloc within the rapidly dwindling number of nations that recognize the island regarded as a renegade province by Beijing. Chinese aid and loans could flip those six into its camp. A military foothold in the region would be an important geostrategic boost for China, though its purported desire for a base has so far been thwarted. Beijing's assistance comes without the oversight and conditions that Western nations and organizations such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund impose. It is promising $4 billion of finance to build the first national road network in Papua New Guinea, which could be transformative for the mountainous nation. But experts warn there could also be big costs later on: unsustainable debt, white elephant showpieces and social tensions from a growing Chinese diaspora. China's engagement in infrastructure in PNG shouldn't be discounted. It should be encouraged but it needs to be closely monitored by the PNG government to make sure it's effective over the long term, said Jonathan Pryke, a Papua New Guinea expert at the Lowy Institute, a think tank in Sydney. The benefits of these projects, because a lot of them are financed by loans, only come from enhanced economic output over a long time to be able to justify paying back these loans, he said. The history of infrastructure investment in PNG shows that too often there is not enough maintenance going on, Pryke said. There's a build, neglect, rebuild paradigm in PNG as opposed to build and maintain which is far more efficient. Some high-profile Chinese projects in Papua New Guinea have already run into problems. A promised fish cannery hasn't materialized after several years and expansion of a port in Lae, the major commercial center, was botched and required significant rectification work. Two of the Chinese state companies working in the country, including the company responsible for the port expansion, were until recently blacklisted from World Bank-financed projects because of fraud or corruption. Xi's newspaper column asserted China is the biggest foreign investor in Papua New Guinea, a statement more aspirational than actual. Its involvement is currently dwarfed by the investment of a single companyExxonMobil's $19 billion natural gas extraction and processing facility. Australia, the former colonial power in Papua New Guinea, remains its largest donor of conventional foreign aid. Its assistance, spread across the country and aimed at improving bare bones public services and the capacity of government, is less visible. But its approach is shifting in response to China's moves. In September, the Australian government announced it would pay for what is typically a commercial venture a high-speed undersea cable linking Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands that promises to make the internet and telecommunications in the two island countries faster, more reliable and less expensive. Earlier this month, Australia announced more than $2 billion of funding for infrastructure and trade finance aimed at Pacific island nations and also agreed to joint development of a naval base in Papua New Guinea, heading off feared Chinese involvement. It is also boosting its diplomatic presence, opening more embassies to be represented in every Pacific island state. The APEC meeting is shaping up to be a faceoff between China and Australia for influence in the Pacific, said Elaine Pearson, the Australia director of Human Rights Watch. That might seem a positive development for the region, but Pearson cautioned that competition for Papua New Guinea's vast natural resources has in the past had little positive impact on the lives of its people. Sadly exploitation of resources in PNG has fueled violent conflict, abuse and environmental devastation, she said. Climate change, steel and migration have emerged as sticking points in the final communique that world leaders will issue at the end of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina later this month, an Argentine government official said on Thursday. Those issues were the most complicated areas of discussion, said Argentina's Pedro Villagra Delgado, the lead organizer, or sherpa, for the summit of leaders from key industrialized and developing economies. But he told a press briefing he was optimistic these issues would be resolved in time. The G20 communique is a non-binding agreement on key international policy issues and will be presented at the conclusion of the two-day summit, which begins on Nov. 30. Climate goals concern United States Villagra Delgado said the United States was resistant to including language that outlined guidelines for climate goals in the document. After withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement last year, the United States broke with other G20 member countries who have pledged to end coal usage and take steps to reach the goals outlined in the accord. Villagra Delgado also said China disagreed with the rest of the G20 countries on steel, but did not provide further details over the specifics of their disagreement. The United States has skirmished with a number of its trading partners including China over steel, imposing a 25 percent duty on imports of steel and a tariff of 10 percent on aluminum. Other countries objected to including language about immigration in the communique, Villagra Delgado said, but would not elaborate on which countries expressed concern. WTO reform may be on table Reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) may also be a topic of discussion at this month's meeting, Villagra Delgado said, but added that specific issues to be discussed in the G20 sessions were still being worked out. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the WTO, while China has claimed the 20-year-old organizations dispute resolution mechanisms are outdated in the current global economy. Two devastating wildfires have ravaged parts of California, and the death toll Friday reached 71 with more than 1,000 missing, officials said. Experts suggest many causes for the fires, from population growth to equipment failures to climate change. They say this years deadly blazes may point to worse to come. Jennifer Balch, director of Earth Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, said fires in the American West are intensifying. Weve seen a five-fold increase in the number of large fires since the 1970s, she said. So, for every 20 that we saw in the 1970s, today we see 100. The area that is burned has also doubled, Balch said. Extremes in snow, rain Climate change has brought warmer temperatures and extreme variations in snow and rainfall, causing both dry and wet years, said Leroy Westerling, who studies wildfires and climate at the University of California, Merced. He said the variations bring more fires because in the really wet years, youre growing more fine fuels, and in the really dry years, youre making them very flammable. Fires that move quickly through tinder-dry brush can also be more deadly, Westerling said, like the fast-moving fire that destroyed most of the town of Paradise in northern California. Westerling said Californias extended fire season now stretches into late fall, when dry conditions delay the winter rains, and gusty winds fan the fires that are still burning. Potential causes behind wildfires Shifting population means more chances for ignitions, with people moving into flammable places and literally building homes in the line of fire, Balch said. She said humans cause 84 percent of wildfires, and lightning causes the rest. Malfunctioning equipment and downed power lines are behind many blazes, and authorities are trying to learn if equipment failures by utility companies sparked the two large California blazes. Careless campers are responsible for some fires, Balch said, and the most dangerous day for fires in the United States is Independence Day, the Fourth of July, when fireworks spark both structural and wildfires. Deadly fires not forest fires Westerling said forest management, cited by President Donald Trump as a factor in these fires, is important in reducing the intensity of some fires and maintaining the carbon balance in the atmosphere a vital role of forests but that the deadly fires started on private lands in the Los Angeles suburbs and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and not in forests. It is true that in some places, in some fires, that legacy of how we managed past fires can make a big difference in fire severity, Westerling said. But were seeing fires increase in size and intensity all over the map in very different types of vegetation. The common factor is climate change, he added. A California report projects that, if greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures continue to rise, by the end of the century extreme wildfires that burn more than 10,000 hectares could increase by nearly 50 percent, and the average area burned could increase by 77 percent. Westerling contributed to the report, which was released in August. Balch added that the wildfire threat is complicated by shifts in population. She said 1.8 million homes in the Western United States are at high fire risk. She said homeowners and communities need to be proactive in clearing flammable brush, but that the growing fire risk requires action on many fronts, from slowing climate change to reducing the risk of wildfires getting started. Land laws mean nothing unless communities can prove their ownership, researchers said Thursday, calling for better tools to map the land and stave off conflict over property. From South Africa to the Amazon rainforest, battles over land and who owns it are unleashing unprecedented conflict and labyrinthine legal cases as governments and companies seek to exploit ever more of the worlds natural resources, from trees to minerals to rubber. With an estimated 70 percent of the world unmapped, more than 5 billion people lack proof of ownership, according to the Lima-based Institute for Liberty and Democracy. Laws no safeguard Speaking at the Thomson Reuters Foundations annual two-day Trust Conference, which focuses on a host of human rights issues, experts said the existence of laws in itself was no safeguard against abuse. South Africa enshrines security of tenure in its constitution but the government rides roughshod over locals by promoting controversial mining deals, said Aninka Claassens, director of the University of Cape Towns Land and Accountability Research Center. More than two decades after the end of apartheid, whites still own most of the land in resource-rich South Africa and ownership remains a highly emotive subject ahead of next years national election. Our constitution means nothing unless people affected can prove their land rights, thats why recorded rights are so important, she said. Mining is destroying livelihoods and land. Who owns what, where Mapping property rights is crucial to understand who owns what, where and how, said Anne Girardin, land surveyor at the Cadasta Foundation, which develops digital tools to document and analyze land and resource rights information. That allows you to monitor changes in land resources, but also to better protect them, she added. More than 200 activists protecting their land and environment were killed in 2017, according to a survey of 22 countries by Global Witness, marking the deadliest year since the human rights group began collecting data. Better and more coordinated information is needed to ward off more deadly conflicts, the experts said, citing satellite images and smartphones as tools that could document land. Technology is plentiful but resources are scattered, Girardin said. It would take all the land surveyors we have 200-300 years to map the worlds undocumented land, so we need to be more pragmatic and work together, she said. Communities document land Rampant deforestation means communities should rush to document their own land rather than wait for governments to act, said Nonette Royo, executive director of the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility, which helps indigenous people. In the world, forest area the size of Belgium disappears every year, she said. For Claassens, land rights should be mapped and recorded in accordance with who uses land as well as who actually owns it. Who uses the land? Most often, its women, she said, adding that women were often excluded from property records. Women are key in the fight for land rights from Brazil to Cambodia, often deployed at the frontline to ward off development and protect family plots, fields and villages. 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. Bridge to nowhere? Migrants are camping out on a bridge between Mexico and Texas, where if you have papers to cross into the US it costs just 25 cents to go through. Workers and school children do it every day, in both directions. But for asylum-seekers like Vilma Mendez Morales of Guatemala and Eddy Gonzalez of Cuba, that pocket change isn't enough, as the Trump administration tightens border controls and dispatches military to the frontier with Mexico. Rohingyas say no to repatriation Bangladesh wants to send Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar. But when the time came to carry out that plan, the Rohingya refused to go back. International law bans countries from sending people back to a place where they will be endangered. The U.N. says the repatriation has to be voluntary. But when a refugee official said "We have arranged everything for you," the community said "We won't go!" During a meeting with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi this week, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence questioned where her government was in the process of prosecuting military forces accused of persecuting the Rohingya. International students ditching US as option Sure, the United States is still a top spot for foreign college kids who can afford it. But with out-of-control tuition rates and an increasingly tense political atmosphere, there just aren't as many interested in applying. Taliban vs. Militias vs. Winter An escalation in the ongoing clashes between the Taliban and pro-government militias this month has displaced at least 1,000 families in Afghanistan. And the humanitarian crisis has the potential to get much worse as winter creeps into central-eastern Afghanistan. Video: Solar panels are a game-changer for Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp. The number of Sudanese-Americans holding elected public office in the United States has doubled there are now two. Mohamed Seifeldein won a city council seat on November 6 in Alexandria, Virginia, a suburb of the capital, Washington. He follows in the footsteps of Mazahir Salih, who was elected to a city council seat in Iowa City, Iowa in 2017. Seifeldein, who prefers to be called Mo, came to the U.S. about 20 years ago. He was born in Sudan and grew up there during the civil war which culminated in South Sudans independence. I came here due to that situation, seeking a better opportunity and security and was fortunate enough to land here in the D.C. metropolitan area and Ive been here since, Seifeldein told VOA's South Sudan in Focus in an interview Tuesday. Seifeldein says that when he came to the U.S., he didnt speak a word of English, and it took him years of study and practice to learn the language and culture. Fast forward two decades, and Seifeldein is not only a newly-elected Alexandria council member but a successful attorney who founded a law firm, Seifeldein and Associates. He says its no secret that it takes a lot of money to run for public office, something he didnt have. Seifeldein says he raised the least amount of money of all the city council candidates in the primary, $9,800 to be exact, but still won. We had that struggle, we had no name recognition, and we also had the challenges of being a newcomer, and immigrant as well, but thanks to the Alexandria community, and a very organized, grassroots campaign, which mostly included foreigners, Sudanese, and other Africans as well, Seifeldein told VOA. Seifeldein says he wants to make sure immigrants have a voice in Alexandria. Were talking about education for all, health care and just making sure the city is safe for them and that they have a voice, Seifeldein said. More than a year after Mosul was liberated from the grip of the Islamic State terror group, landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a threat to residents. Two weeks ago, a group of children playing on the site of the historic Great Mosque of al-Nuri in western Mosul found and inadvertently detonated an explosive device. One child was killed in the explosion and two others were injured. "When I heard that my son was injured, I was in shock," Omar Abdulqader told VOA. "I hurried to the hospital only to find out that my daughter, too, was injured in the explosion. "I saw her bleeding from her wounds. A [piece of] shrapnel injured her chest and her throat. I lost my son," Abdulqader added. WATCH: Unexploded Ordnance Terrorize Residents of Mosul The Great Mosque of al-Nuri in old Mosul was built in the 12th century. It held a symbolic importance for IS, as it was used by the terror group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 to declare the plan for a so-called caliphate. Before Mosul was retaken from IS in June 2017, the terror group blew up the mosque and planted explosives to hinder Iraq's military operations. The local government has not been able to fully clear the area of landmines and explosive devices. Radwan Taha was playing with his now-deceased friend, Amjad, when the explosion occurred. "The boy held up a device, the device exploded among us. A shrapnel injured my eye from the explosion. A group of people gathered and took us all in their cars to the hospital," Taha told VOA. Taha's mother, Sawsan Mwafaq, urged the Iraqi government to intensify its efforts to clear the streets of rubble and explosives. "My son's eye is gone. We demand compensation from the government for what happened to us," she told VOA. Local efforts Iraqi Health and Social Care Organization (IHSCO), a nongovernmental organization, has launched awareness campaigns about explosives in schools and neighborhoods across the city. "People who are living here are suffering from these explosive hazards, and we are trying to spread awareness among people, especially children, on how to deal with this problem," Gaith Qaseed, an aid worker with IHSCO, told VOA. But residents are urging the government and international organizations to step up their efforts to clear the city of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Mosul under IS One of Iraq's major cities, Mosul was declared part of the so-called Islamic State caliphate in June 2014 and was controlled by the terror group until 2017. In October 2016, Iraqi security forces launched a major military offensive on the city to liberate it and expel IS militants. The offensive lasted about 9 months. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) said this month that Iraqi teams have removed more than 33,000 explosive hazards in Mosul in the last year. Clearing the city of remnants of war might take years or even decades, the aid group Handicap International said in its 2018 report. Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Thursday while he remains undecided about another presidential run, the midterm election results could suggest a greater opening for an independent or third-party candidate. Kasich made his second trip this year to New Hampshire, where he finished second in the state's leadoff Republican presidential primary in 2016. "I'm encouraged every time I come back here," he told reporters in Concord before meeting with supporters. "I know everybody's wondering how I'm going to make a decision, when I'm going to make a decision. I don't know, but what's most important to me is that I can have a voice that can be a healing voice for the country." Asked about his previous speculation about running as a third-party or independent, Kasich said all options remain on the table. "I think there's a vast ocean in the middle. The middle has been numb, they didn't know what to do. But they did something they haven't done in 100 years, they voted. They turned out in unbelievable numbers to say we've had enough," he said. "Where that takes us, I can't quite tell. But if you have this big ocean in the middle, there's perhaps a chance for something that's unique in American history." Kasich elaborated a bit later in Manchester, noting the rapid pace of innovation in technology and medicine. "In an era of all this change, why wouldn't we think there could be fundamental political change?" he said. "The day will come, I think. When it will happen, I don't know." The former congressman has been one of President Donald Trump's most outspoken Republican detractors, and said the president will have a hard time getting re-elected as a divider. He said the midterm elections showed the Republican Party needs to change its message on separating families at the border, health care and other issues. "To me, there is a very positive message. And that is: Americans don't want the negativity. They don't want the chaos. They don't want the divide," he said. In contrast to Trump, who characterizes the media as an enemy of the people, Kasich spoke later at the annual First Amendment Awards given by Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications. The school is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded by the late president and publisher of the New Hampshire Union Leader. "The press is the one thing that holds the rich and the powerful accountable so we normal citizens can make up our minds about the current state of affairs, about our culture, about the world, about what we can do, and think and take action about," Kasich said. Fergus Cullen, a former chairman of New Hampshire Republican Party, backed Kasich's 2016 primary bid and wrote him in on the general election ballot rather than vote for Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton. He refused to vote for any midterm candidate who supports Trump, leaving him with a nearly blank ballot. "The election results to me suggest that enough Republicans are disgusted with the Trump administration that it's now costing other Republicans their chance to win," he said. Kasich noted while many Republican governors lost, Ohio elected another Republican to replace him. "Why is that? A big factor is because no one was left behind in the state over the last eight years," he said. "People in Ohio feel pretty good. They're not angry. They don't feel left out. They feel like why would I change, we're going in the right direction." But back at home, the Republican-controlled Ohio General Assembly spent Thursday thumbing its nose at the absent governor . Lawmakers overrode Kasich's veto of a measure expanding their power to revisit rules written and finalized by the government's executive branch. The Ohio House also passed a "stand your ground' gun bill and a restrictive heartbeat abortion bill like one Kasich vetoed in December 2016. Both measures still need to be voted on by the Ohio Senate before a bill reaches Kasich's desk. The last surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge that brutally ruled Cambodia in the 1970s were convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes Friday by an international tribunal. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison, the same sentence they are already serving after earlier convictions at a previous trial for crimes against humanity connected with forced transfers and mass disappearances of people. Cambodia has no death penalty. Both men have suggested they were targets of political persecution. Genocide debate The verdict read aloud in the courtroom by Judge Nil Nonn established that the Khmer Rouge committed genocide against the Vietnamese and Cham minorities. Scholars had debated whether suppression of the Chams, a Muslim ethnic group whose members had put up a small but futile resistance against the Khmer Rouge, amounted to genocide. The court found Khieu Samphan not guilty of genocide against the Cham, for lack of evidence, though he was found guilty of genocide against the Vietnamese under the principle of joint command responsibility. The Khmer Rouge sought to achieve an agrarian utopia by emptying the cities to establish vast rural communes. Instead their radical policies led to what has been termed auto-genocide through starvation, overwork and execution. The crimes against humanity convictions covered activities at work camps and cooperatives established by the Khmer Rouge. These offenses comprised murder, extermination, deportation, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, persecution on political, religious and racial grounds, attacks on human dignity, enforced disappearances, forced transfers, forced marriages and rape. The breaches of the Geneva Convention governing war crimes included willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment. Nuon Chea, 92, was brought by ambulance and Khieu Samphan by van from the nearby prison where they are held. The prison and the courthouse were custom built for the use of the tribunal, which is officially called the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. Both defendants were present as Judge Nil Nonn opened the proceedings, but Nuon Chea suffers heart problems, so was granted permission to later move from the hearing room to a separate holding room. Khieu Samphan, 87, was present for the entire hearing and with the help of two security guards stood as his sentence was read, showing no obvious emotion. Survivors among the spectators A large crowd of spectators attended Fridays session, including members of the Cham minority. Lah Sath, a 72-year-old Cham man from eastern Kampong Cham province, brought his wife and four young granddaughters to Fridays session. He said he often heard people talking about the trial and sometimes watched it on TV, but decided it was time to see it with his own eyes. Just talking about the Khmer Rouge brought back horrible memories of life in those years, he said. The Cham were treated as enemies and exploited without mercy as they were forced to do intensive farm labor, he recalled. Lah Sath said his younger brother was killed by Khmer Rouge for failing to take good care of a cow. One other prosecution In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, the tribunal has carried out one other prosecution, resulting in the 2010 conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, who as head of the Khmer Rouge prison system ran the infamous Tuol Sleng torture center in Phnom Penh. There are fears that politics will thwart the tribunal from undertaking any further prosecutions. Cambodias long-serving, autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared he will allow no further case to go forward, claiming they would cause instability. Hun Sen was a Khmer Rouge commander who defected when the group was in power and was installed in government after the Khmer Rouge were ousted from power by a Vietnamese invasion. Initial work had been done on two more cases involving four middle-ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, but they have been scuttled or bottled up by the tribunal, which is a hybrid court in which Cambodian prosecutors and judges are paired with international counterparts. The failure to have more extensive proceeding has discomfited some observers, but others point to the tribunals accomplishments. International tribunals are better than the alternative, impunity. They will always be political and fall short of expectations, Alexander Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and author of two books about the tribunal, said ahead of Fridays verdicts. But justice is usually delivered, even if at times, as has been the case with the ECCC, it staggers across the finish line. Mexicos highest court on Thursday overturned a contentious new security law aimed at regulating the long-time use of the military against drug cartels, a day after the president-elects team said it was impossible to pull troops from the streets. Nine of 11 Supreme Court justices vetoed the measure, which President Enrique Pena Nieto sent to the court for constitutional review after signing it in December. The law intended to set out the rules under which armed forces can target organized crime, formalizing former president Felipe Calderons deployment of the military to the streets some 12 years ago. An estimated 170,000 people have died in the ensuing conflict and thousands more have gone missing. Human rights groups warned the law could open the door to abuses by the military, already accused of human rights violations. The nine judges said Congress does not have the authority to legislate on domestic security. They called the law unconstitutional and said only the executive branch can dispatch troops. President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office Dec. 1, has vowed to radically alter Mexicos strategy to fight violence, including pardoning low-level drug offenders and addressing root causes such as poverty. Alfonso Durazo, Lopez Obradors future security minister, said at a press conference on Wednesday there is no way to withdraw armed forces from the fight against organized crime, because they are more trustworthy and capable than the police. He added that the government would propose forming a National Guard that would take over the armys role half-way into Lopez Obradors six-year term. The body would comprise 50,000 people from the army, navy and federal police. Senator Mario Delgado, a leader of Lopez Obradors National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), said the party next week will present an initiative to reform the constitution and allow a future National Guard to patrol the streets. The opposing National Action Party (PAN) rejected the plan. Lopez Obradors proposal completely abandons the civil path and opts for a military proposal, said party president Marko Cortes. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed tactical weapon, calling it "another display of our rapidly growing defense capabilities," North Korean state media said Friday. It was the first mention by state media of a new development in North Korea's weapons program in months. "This result today is a justification of the party's policy focused on defense science and technology, another display of our rapidly growing defense capabilities to the whole region, and a groundbreaking change in strengthening our military's combat capabilities," Kim said. KCNA said the test was successful. Kim said that the weapons system tested was one that his father, Kim Jong Il, was especially interested in during his lifetime and led the development of personally. This is Kim's first field visit to a testing site since his unprecedented summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in June, when the two leaders agreed to work toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula, and to establish new relations between the United States and North Korea. The agreement was short on specifics, and negotiations have made little headway since, however. A North Korean delegation is in South Korea visiting economic-related sites as part of inter-Korean reconciliation efforts. Any testing of new weapons is likely to raise tensions with Washington, which has said there will be no easing in international sanctions until North Korea takes more concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons or long-range missiles. The White House referred questions about the latest development to the State Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump on Tuesday criticized what he called "inaccurate" media reports that North Korea had not declared an estimated 20 missile bases and added in a tweet: "I will be the first to let you know if things go bad!" U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been due to meet North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, a senior aide to Kim Jong Un, in New York earlier this month, but the meeting was postponed. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that Trump planned to meet Kim Jong Un again in 2019 and would push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyang's moves to end its arms programs. This is part of "Ocean Shock," a Reuters series exploring climate change's impact on sea creatures and the people who depend on them. PURU NI TIMBUL, MALAYSIA Swinging his machete with an economy of movement that only the jungle can teach, Matakin Bondien lopped a stray branch from the path of his boat. He hopped barefoot from the prow, climbed a muddy slope and stared once more at what he'd lost. Not long ago, the clearing had been home to mangroves, saltwater-loving trees that anchor a web of life stretching from fish larvae hatching in the cradle of their underwater roots to the hornbills squawking at their crown. Now the trees' benevolent presence was gone, in their place a swath of stripped soil littered with felled trunks as gray as fossils. "Do you think we can find any food in this place now?" asked Bondien, a village leader of the Tombonuo people. "The company thinks it can do anything it wants that we don't count." The company is Sunlight Inno Seafood. Owned by Cedric Wong King Ti, a Malaysian businessman known as "King Wong," it has bulldozed swaths of mangroves in the Tombonuo's homeland in northern Borneo to make space for plastic-lined ponds filled with millions of king prawns. The shrimp are destined to be fattened for three months, scooped up in nets, quick-frozen, packed into 40-foot refrigerated containers and loaded onto cargo ships bound for distant ports. Gargantuan as it may seem to Bondien and his relatives, the project represents only a speck in the global aquaculture industry, one of the world's fastest-growing sources of protein. Unfolding across Asia and around the world, this revolution in farming could help mitigate the impacts of climate change or make them even worse. As the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases causes the world's oceans to warm, ecosystems that formed hundreds of thousands of years ago are being upended in less than a human lifespan. Across the planet, fish and other marine creatures are being forced into a desperate search for cooler waters. Even coral is on the move: Some Japanese reefs are expanding northward at up to nearly nine miles per year, researchers have found. Tropical seas may be the hardest hit. Species in the once-stable conditions near the equator could find it much harder to tolerate even mild temperature increases than hardier cousins at higher latitudes, which are used to coping with the contrast between summer and winter. "If you ask me what is the No. 1 concern that I have on climate change effects on fisheries, it is on these tropical, developing countries," said William Cheung, director of science at the Nippon Foundation-University of British Columbia Nereus Program. "The sheer speed of the change will make it that much harder for marine life to adapt." Coral reefs, as vital to tropical fish as trees are to birds, are becoming more vulnerable to a process called bleaching, which occurs when a spike in water temperatures causes coral to expel the algae that provide their kaleidoscopic colors, leaving them prone to starvation or disease. Today, swaths of the once-psychedelic Great Barrier Reef in Australia have turned boneyard white and largely devoid of life. Scientists fear a similar fate could await the Coral Triangle, a huge underwater wonderland east of Borneo endowed with a trove of biodiversity comparable to the rainforests of the Amazon Basin. Millions of people depend on its bounty to survive, a large share of them Malaysians, who eat an average of 125 pounds of fish each a year more than double the world average. With climate change bearing down on the tropics, the search is on for a more sustainable way of getting food from the sea, one that doesn't take more than nature can give. Farther to the north on Borneo, an island divided among Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, villagers are raising sea cucumbers: curious-looking creatures resembling giant slugs that are typically braised and served with oysters, mushrooms and spring onions, or if you're in Japan thinly sliced, flavored with wasabi and eaten raw. These echinoderms, close relatives of sea urchins and starfish, may not appeal to every palate. But farming them has one of the lightest footprints of any form of food production, a reminder of the vast untapped global potential for harvesting oysters, mussels, clams and many other types of filter-feeders. A couple of hours' drive from the Sunlight Seafood shrimp farm, inhabitants of the stilted village of Mapan Mapan have created a maze of sunken enclosures fenced with a barnacle-covered mesh. Immersed waist-deep in one of these briny paddocks, sea-cucumber farmer Astinah Binti Jamari plucked one of the sandpaper-skinned creatures from the seabed. It responded by squirting her with a jet of saltwater a defense normally used to scare away crabs. A revolution in fish Forty years ago, only 5 percent of the world's fish production was farmed. After decades of rapid growth, aquaculture reached a tipping point in 2013, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, when the amount the industry raised in cages, tanks and ponds outweighed the tonnage of freely swimming fish hauled from lakes, rivers and seas for people's plates. In many respects, the industry has a good-news story to tell. Farmed salmon, for example, can convert feed into edible protein far more efficiently than cows or pigs, while producing fewer greenhouse gases. Now, almost all the salmon sold in restaurants and supermarkets is raised in captivity, with Norway, Chile and Scotland the biggest producers. But this phenomenal expansion has come at a cost. The appetite for farmed species is so voracious, almost 20 percent of the annual catch from the world's seas is ground into fishmeal, a nutrient-rich powder that forms the basis of the feeds used from salmon cages in Scottish lochs to shrimp ponds on Borneo. Vast amounts of fish have been taken from poorer countries to feed species destined for the plates of wealthier consumers. In addition, shrimp farms, in particular, have made coastal communities in the tropics even more vulnerable by cutting down mangroves, their first line of defense against extreme weather and rising sea levels. Since the mid-1970s, the aquaculture industry has led to the destruction of more than 1.3 million acres of mangroves spread across Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, China, Brazil and Ecuador, according to a 2013 paper in the Bulletin of Marine Science. Untreated waste and epidemics of shrimp-killing diseases mean the gains can be short-lived: A study published this year identified more than half a million acres of abandoned shrimp ponds in Indonesia alone. Nevertheless, some governments in Southeast Asia and Latin America have concluded that it's worth sacrificing more mangroves in return for the export earnings and employment the projects can generate. Among them is the Malaysian state of Sabah, which is a partner in King Wong's shrimp farm. Hope of a better life In 2013, representatives of Sunlight Seafood offered leaders of the Tombonuo and other indigenous communities a deal. In return for some of the land flanking the tidal creeks where their mangroves stood, locals recalled, the company would provide running water, electricity and much-needed employment for youths in the surrounding area, known as Pitas. Five years since the bulldozers went to work, Tombonuo community leaders say they've lost more than 2,000 acres of mangroves and that the jobs and infrastructure they were promised haven't materialized. "I have no words. It's like we've lost our whole world," said Samad Samayong, a Tombonuo elder, surveying a sacred outcrop consecrated by his ancestors that is now encircled by shrimp ponds. "We only realized what was happening when it was too late." On the other side of a fence, a lone worker trudged past carrying a large bag of Royal Dragon brand shrimp feed on his shoulder. He didn't seem to notice Samayong and other Tombonuo watching from the trees. Sunlight Seafood didn't respond to Reuters requests for comment made by telephone, email and a letter hand-delivered to its office in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. Reuters also contacted a law firm in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, that had acted for the company in the past but received no reply. Sunlight Seafood has issued statements to Borneo media saying the project was built on land long earmarked for aquaculture by government officials, and that it is boosting the economy in Pitas, one of the poorest districts in Sabah. The sheer scale of the farm is only fully apparent from up close. In July, a Reuters reporter and photographer accompanied Samayong, Bondien and others on a three-boat party to various points where water from the ponds gushed from pipes, leaving foamy trails of scum in the creeks. It took hours to trace even a portion of the fence enclosing the site. The barrier's stark edges cut a jarring contrast to the tangle of mangrove roots straddling saltwater and land, their branches home to proboscis monkeys, pig-tailed macaques, blue-eared kingfishers and storks. The Sabah Environmental Protection Association, a nongovernmental organization, says Sunlight Seafood has already cut down 2,300 acres of mangroves, citing satellite imagery. "They cleared the mangroves with no proper consultation with the community," said the group's president, Lanash Thanda. "They have to redress the wrong they have done." Apart from losing more trees, Samayong and Bondien fear diggers will further encroach on their ancestral shrines, such as an eerie riverbank guarded by a spirit husband and wife. Visiting on his boat, Bondien dedicated a cigarette he had rolled from mangrove bark to the couple, placing it on an altar made of branches. "It's not only the forest that's being destroyed," said Mastupang Somoi, another member of the Tombonuo. "It's our identity." Trees provide buffer With evidence mounting that mangroves represent an effective buffer against climate impacts, some tropical countries are starting to question the gusto with which they once felled the trees, which can take 15 years to mature. Were it not for the way mangroves served as shields, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami could have taken many more than 220,000 lives. The trees can also help mitigate the impact of rising sea levels: Their multi-tiered root systems trap sediment to raise the land around them relative to the encroaching waves. Equally ingeniously, mangroves sequester more greenhouse gases than almost any other type of forest, as well as serving as natural larders of fish, birds, fruit and the kind of snails you can eat raw by snapping their conical shells and sucking out the innards. "If you catch a fish in the open sea or off a coral reef, it may well have spent part of its life in the mangroves," said Dan Friess, an associate professor of geography at the National University of Singapore. Sabah's government says it is committed to striking a balance between economic development and preserving Borneo's extraordinary natural heritage, including by designating extensive areas of forest as nature reserves for threatened orangutans and creating Malaysia's largest marine protected area. Earlier this month, Junz Wong, Sabah's agriculture minister, toured the Sunlight Seafood farm and said the company had operated "quite professionally" and created nearly 400 jobs. On his Facebook page, Wong said he had rejected a company request to cut down an additional 1,000 acres of mangroves. "I told them NO," he wrote. "No more destroying of mangroves." In July, a Reuters reporter visited Sunlight Seafood's offices in a suburb of Kota Kinabalu and hand-delivered a letter summarizing the Tombonuo community's grievances and requesting an interview with owner Wong or another company representative. While the reporter was explaining the purpose of the letter to a worker who had been sent to meet him at the door, a security guard cut their conversation short and escorted the reporter off the premises. The guard then closed the gate to the driveway. It bore a large sign in red letters warning that trespassers would be prosecuted. Food without a face Nestled in sea-cucumber farmer Jamari's palm, the specimen she had fished from the seabed convulsed with a slow-motion shudder. Jamari, once a struggling single parent, says the creatures came to her rescue, earning her enough money to put her five children through school and build a new house. "The sea cucumbers are my treasure chest," she said. "I can't even imagine what life would be like without them." Mapan Mapan has earned so much money from its sunken farms that it has declared an annual sea cucumber "birthday" festival, at which villagers give thanks by stewing a share of their harvest in a communal meal. Chinese traders have been importing sea cucumbers for more than a thousand years. Served at royal banquets, they were considered both a status symbol and an aphrodisiac. A Ming Dynasty book published in 1602 called "Miscellanies of Five Items" lists them as "sea ginseng." This mystique drives much of the appetite today. In the decade that ended in 2016, global production of sea cucumbers more than doubled to nearly 275,000 tons, according to the FAO. At top Chinese restaurants, the echinoderms are used to make one of the world's most expensive soups, a broth called Buddha Jumps Over the Wall that can sell for $400 and needs to be ordered five days in advance. Irwin Wong is a manager at Oceandrive, a Malaysian seafood company that buys the sea cucumbers for export. He served as an adviser when Mapan Mapan started cultivating the creatures eight years ago in a 20-farmer pilot project backed by the local government. He says the scheme is harvesting wild sea cucumbers at a sustainable rate, but that even better management could help Borneo produce many more. "Perhaps this is the lowest impact of all aquaculture activities," Wong said, standing on a platform overlooking a planned new phase, to be built with barnacle-proof mesh and more durable epoxy-coated stakes. "It can seriously go very big." Researchers believe there is enormous potential to scale up global production of plankton-eaters such as scallops, clams, oysters, cockles and other bivalves and, of course, sea cucumbers. "The current way of feeding ourselves is simply not sustainable," said Sebastian Ferse, an ecologist at the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research in Bremen, Germany. "I think on a global level we have to start thinking about the lower levels of the marine food chain, such as bivalves, when it comes to supplying our proteins." Scientific advisers to the European Union agree. They concluded last year that it should be possible to harvest a combined 165 million tons annually of bivalves and seaweed almost double the world's annual landings of wild-caught fish. The beauty of these creatures is that, unlike farmed fish or prawns, they don't require any feed apart from the nutrients they absorb from the sea. No mangroves have to be felled to culture them. Neither do they spew tons of fish waste or chemical pollutants. In fact, bivalves actually remove toxins from the water; a single oyster filters 50 gallons of seawater a day. Yet even as the risks posed by climate change bring the potential of shellfish, seaweed and sea cucumbers into sharper focus, it is also putting them in danger. As oceans absorb carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels, seawater is rapidly becoming more acidic. There is already evidence that acidification can make mussels' shells more brittle, or weaken their grip on rocks, leaving them at greater risk of being swept away by advancing waves. Preserve every species Life has been kind to the prize specimens at the Borneo Marine Research Institute: mammoth tropical fish known as giant grouper, which can weigh as much as a person, and in some cases have been swimming in spirals in silo-like tanks for almost 20 years. The only drama happens at feeding time. When fresh sardines hit the surface, the fish dart through the water with torpedo force. Their wild relatives will have to work a lot harder to survive. In experiments to simulate the effects of more acidic waters, the institute has found that grouper a staple in the Coral Triangle find it harder to reproduce, and their young don't develop properly. The findings have sharpened concerns about what climate change will mean for the region's marine life, already struggling with plastic pollution, runoff from oil palm plantations, damage to reefs by dynamite fishing and the loss of mangroves. Shek Qin, a research assistant, visits the busy fish-landing quay at Kota Kinabalu two nights a week to monitor catches of sharks and rays. In the early hours of a July morning, she picked up a newly landed shark by its tail, plonked it onto the dock and cheerfully inserted her forefinger into its mouth, peering inside to inspect the teeth a trick for classifying a specimen more accurately, especially if fishermen have lopped off the fins. "It's a whole food web: If one species is declining, others will get affected, too," Qin said, cradling a recently deceased hammerhead. "That's why we need to preserve every species of fish." Near the fence surrounding the Sunlight Seafood shrimp farm, villagers Bondien and Samayong moored their flotilla under some mangrove trees and cast lead-weighted hooks. Samayong's daughter Ida remembered her grandfather regaling her with tales of the monster fish of his youth notably, a ray he once caught that was bigger than his boat. But that day, nothing came to nibble. "You used to be able to catch a fish here in 10 minutes," said Bondien, his line slack in the water. "Now, even if you have good bait, you can wait an hour and get only one maybe nothing." Around a bend in the river, an empty bag of Royal Dragon feed had become snagged in some mangrove branches. It was emblazoned with an image of a shrimp. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is urging the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) to move forward with a code of conduct for the South China Sea. But as ASEAN states already know, a deal, which once appeared on the verge of completion, now faces three gritty years of talks. In a comment Friday to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Pence said countries in the region must be able to explore and develop their own resources and navigate their own waters. That, however, is hard to do because China has hemmed in four rival Southeast Asian claimants through its quick expansion of infrastructure, some for military use, on tiny man-made islets created by land reclamation. Finalizing a code is taking longer than once imagined too because of the sovereignty disputes complexity. China and Southeast Asian countries that dispute sovereignty over the resource-rich sea ended 2017 confident that by this year they could pass the code, which would spell out ways of avoiding accidents. The code would reduce the odds of clashes, for example, Sino-Vietnamese deadly naval skirmishes in the South China Sea in 1974 and 1988. But early talks on the code between China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have revealed sticky issues of sovereignty, fuel exploration and dispute resolution, matters that cant be resolved much sooner, analysts believe. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Nov. 13 to expect results by 2021. The sides are nowhere close to agreement on many points, and they havent even begun to discuss the most difficult issues like geographic scope, details on resource sharing or a dispute settlement mechanism, said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative under the U.S.-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies. Crowded sea China competes with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam for sovereignty over the 3.5 million-square-kilometer waterway south of Hong Kong. China and Taiwan claim almost all of it. Millions of fishermen use the sea along with container ships and the coast guards of claimant countries. The United States encourages ASEAN to move forward with a meaningful and binding code of conduct for the South China Sea, Pence said Friday. Tough deal-making Beijing and ASEAN agreed last year to start talks and in August this year approved a draft negotiating text. Over the three years of work envisioned by the Chinese premier, China and ASEAN are expected to negotiate intensely over how to settle any mishaps, either legally or politically. Oil and gas exploration in contested sea zones is supposed to be on the agenda, too. In 2014, Vietnamese and Chinese vessels rammed each other after China allowed an oil rig to be positioned in a tract east of Vietnam. These sort of verging on issues of sovereignty would pop up, and whenever they pop up, negotiators would need to go back to their countries for consultations and so on and all this would take a lot of time, said Oh Ei Sun, international studies instructor at Singapore Nanyang University. The stickiest point may be how widely to apply a code. A countrys acknowledgement of a dispute implies that it may not be the rightful owner, which goes against official foreign policy. I think in the past its always been (about) the scope of the code of conduct, where is it going to be applied, said Termsak Chalermpalanupap, a fellow with the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The South China Sea doesnt belong to any one nation, Pence said Friday. Washington lacks a claim, but Pence said it would continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows and our national interests demand. Chinas deadline? ASEAN and China have talked off and on about a code of conduct for the sea since the Southeast Asian bloc endorsed the idea in 1996. Some analysts said China had stalled the process but came around in 2016 after losing a World Court arbitration over the legal basis for its claim to about 90 percent of the sea. China has inserted numerous poison pills into the draft negotiating text, knowing they are unacceptable to Southeast Asian claimants, Poling said. Vietnam and Indonesia have also included nonstarters, he said. Chinas claim extends almost to Indonesias outlying Natuna Islands. To approve a code of conduct, all parties will need to show a great deal of creativity and political will, the Asian Maritime Transparency Institute said in an Oct. 11 commentary. Lis idea of a final code by 2021 may be Chinas way of telling ASEAN its committed to that schedule, said Alexander Huang, strategic studies professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan. For me, I look more on the side of setting of an end date or deadline for signing a code of conduct, for themselves, Huang said. Ethically driven businesses are becoming increasingly popular and profitable but they can face threats for shaking up the existing order, entrepreneurs said on Social Enterprise Day. When Meghan Markle wore a pair of slave-free jeans on a royal tour of Australia last month, she sparked a sales stampede and shone a spotlight on the growing number of companies aiming to meet public demand for ethical products. Right now is the perfect time to have this kind of business, said James Bartle, founder of Australia-based Outland Denim, which made the $200 (150 pound) jeans. There is awareness and people are prepared to spend on these kinds of products. Social Enterprise Day Social Enterprise Day, which celebrates firms seeking to make profit while doing good, is being marked in 23 countries, including Australia, Nigeria, Romania and the Philippines, led by Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which represents the sector. Outland Denim is one such company, employing dozens of survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable women in Cambodia to make its jeans, which all contain a written thank-you message from the seamstress on an internal pocket. Bartle said he wanted to create a sustainable model that gives people power to change their future through employment. More companies are striving to clean up their supply chains and stamp their goods as environmentally friendly and ethical, with women and millennials, people born between 1982 and 2000, driving the shift to products that seek to improve the world. For-profits create the mess, and then the not-for-profits clean it up, said Andrew OBrien, director of external affairs at SEUK, which estimates that 2 million British workers are employed by a social enterprise. We are an existential threat to that system, by coming through the middle and forcing businesses to change the way they do business. Risky business Britain has the worlds largest social enterprise sector, according to the U.K. government. About 100,000 firms contribute 60 billion pounds ($76 billion) to the worlds fifth largest economy, SEUK says. Elsewhere in the world, it can be a risky business. I get threats, said Farhad Wajdi who runs Ebtakar Inspiring Entrepreneurs of Afghanistan, which helps women enter the workforce by training and providing seed money for them to operate food carts in the war-torn country. I cant go to the provinces. His work has met resistance in parts of Afghanistan, a conservative society where women rarely work outside the home. A social enterprise can lead to sustainable change in those communities, Wajdi said on the sidelines of the Trust Conference in London. It can propagate gender equality and create friction for social change at a grassroots level. Niche? Window dressing? There is, however, a danger that social enterprise will remain a niche form of business or become window-dressing for firms that just want to improve their public image. I dont want social enterprise to become the next (corporate social responsibility), another (public relations) move, said Melissa Kim, the founder of Costa Rican-based Uplift Worldwide, which supports social enterprises. To me this is just good business, and good sustainable business is not just about the environment and human rights ... if you care about your relationships internally and externally you will stay in business. Since his contentious appointment last week, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has gone about business as usual, signing Justice Department documents, issuing statements in support of White House policies, and crisscrossing the country to deliver speeches before law enforcement groups. Yet controversy lingers over his abrupt rise to the top Justice Department post, with questions swirling about the constitutionality of his appointment and its implications for the independence of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling. As acting attorney general, Whitaker now supervises the probe. Whitaker's elevation has been dogged by allegations that he has engaged in political partisanship and shoddy business dealings. In a published essay last year, he wrote that the Mueller investigation had "gone too far." He later suggested shutting down the probe by cutting off funding for the office of the special counsel. Whitaker has also been tied to at least one target of the Mueller investigation. In 2014, he headed the failed campaign of Republican Sam Clovis for Iowa treasurer. Clovis went on to serve as a national co-chairman of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and has testified before the grand jury investigating the Russian interference. Critics have cited the link in urging Whitaker to recuse himself from the probe. "There are two things at stake," said Paul Rosenzweig, a senior fellow at the R Street Institute, a conservative and libertarian think tank. "At the biggest and highest level, it's about whether or not the Senate will retain the power to act as a check against a president in his appointing authority. More narrowly but also importantly, it's about whether or not a presidential loyalist is going to take charge of the Mueller investigation." Rooted in politics Whitaker served as a U.S. attorney in southern Iowa from 2004 to 2009. Later, he worked as a conservative political and legal commentator, and served on the boards of several companies. After a failed run for the U.S. Senate in Iowa in 2014, Whitaker ran a conservative ethics watchdog before joining the Justice Department in October 2017. Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Nov. 7 and asked Whitaker to take over as acting attorney general, bypassing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions for his recusal from oversight of the Mueller investigation. Sessions had recused himself on the advice of Justice Department ethics officials because he'd served as an adviser to the Trump campaign in 2016. Whitaker's appointment drew criticism from members of both parties. Former Republican attorneys general Alberto Gonzales and Michael Mukasey questioned whether Trump could legally put someone in charge of the Justice Department without the approval of the Senate. Gonzales, who served as attorney general from 2005 to 2007 under former President George W. Bush, told NPR last week that he had "some issues" with Whitaker's selection. Mukasey, who succeeded Gonzales in the Bush administration, questioned whether Whitaker "qualifies under the Constitution" to serve as acting attorney general. "The question is whether somebody who is acting would have to be someone who has been confirmed, and there are people available who have been confirmed," Mukasey said in an interview with Fox News. The state of Maryland has challenged Whitaker's appointment as part of ongoing litigation with the Justice Department. Presidential power Whitaker was appointed under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, a 1998 law that allows the president to appoint certain senior officials as heads of agencies. Legal scholars said the appointment faced constitutional and legal hurdles. Under the U.S. Constitution, the attorney general must be approved by the Senate. And under the Attorney General Succession Act, the deputy attorney general becomes acting attorney general in the event of a vacancy at the top. Whitaker has not addressed the questions surrounding his appointment. However, the Office of Legal Counsel, which provides advice to the executive branch, issued an opinion Wednesday defending the legality and constitutionality of his new role. "As all three branches of government have long recognized, the President may designate an acting official to perform the duties of a vacant principal office, including a Cabinet office, even when the acting official has not been confirmed by the Senate," the 20-page ruling said. Critics are unpersuaded. Rosenzweig called the opinion an "extreme view" handed down by an office that is "in the business of advancing executive power." "I'd say that can't be right," he said. "It cannot be right that the president has that much power." The controversy over Whitaker's appointment is likely to become moot once Trump announces a permanent nomination. But just how long Whitaker can survive the onslaught of attacks remains to be seen. WikiLeaks says its founder Julian Assange has been charged in the United States. WikiLeaks posted on its Twitter account that the news of the charges was "accidentally" revealed in a "cut-and-paste error" in an unrelated case in Virginia. The unsealed charges against Assange were disclosed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen Dwyer as she made a filing in an unrelated case and urged a judge to keep the filing sealed. Dwyer later wrote that these charges "need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter." Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the Eastern District of Virginia, has told news outlets the court filing was made in error. U.S. federal officials have not commented. Assange's U.S.-based lawyer, Barry Pollack, responded to the news with a statement: "The notion that federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set." An Australian lawyer advising Assange, Greg Barns, told the Reuters news agency in an email it was "no surprise" that the United States was seeking to charge Assange. He said Australian officials should allow the Australian national to return home. Assange has lived since 2012 in Ecuador's embassy in London. He successfully sought asylum there to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced allegations of sex crimes. He has denied any wrongdoing. The Swedish investigation was closed about a year ago, but Assange, who was on bail when he entered the embassy, faces arrest by British authorities for violating his bail terms if he steps outside. Assange is responsible for releasing hundreds of thousands of classified documents and posting them on Wikileaks to the anger of governments worldwide. Ben Wizner, ACLU's director of Speech, Privacy, and Technology Projects said, in a statement, "Any prosecution of Mr. Assange for Wikileaks' publishing operations would be unprecedented and unconstitutional and would open the door to criminal investigations of other news organizations." Wizner added, "Moreover, prosecuting a foreign publisher for violating U.S. secrecy laws would set an especially dangerous precedent for U.S. journalists, who routinely violate foreign secrecy laws to deliver information vital to the public's interest." Last year, then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that Assange's arrest was a "priority." Wikileaks plays a role in the independent investigation, headed by Robert Mueller, of Russian involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. During the campaign, Wikileaks published emails taken from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, the campaign manager of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. U.S. officials allege the email accounts were broken into by Russian intelligence officers and the contents given to Wikileaks. The documents in which Assange's name mistakenly appeared twice deal with a 29-year-old man accused of coercing a minor into sex. The suspect, Seitu Sulayman Kokayi, has since been indicted. Saudi campaigners have urged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to loosen the conservative kingdom's strict dress code after women took to social media wearing their abayas inside out in protest. Women in Saudi Arabia have for decades been required to wear the abaya a loose, all-covering robe in public, a dress code strictly enforced by police. Prince Mohammed said in March that women needed only to dress modestly and were not required to wear abayas. But Saudi women say that in practice nothing has changed, and they are demanding more freedom. "I've started wearing my compulsory hijab called abaya (this black robe) turned inside out to express my objection on Sharia law violating Saudi women's freedom to clothe," tweeted one, referring to the Islamic law that effectively governs the kingdom. Amani Al-Ahmadi, a Saudi activist with the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, called the protest a "brilliant move" that could create real change. "To see another woman in flipped abayas it builds solidarity between women and shows that they are not alone. It is keeping the conversation going and could lead to change," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "It is another form of dehumanization for women. It forces women to cover up their bodies in order to fit into society and the role of being inferior to men," she said by phone from Seattle, where she lives. Last year, police briefly arrested a Saudi woman who appeared on a Snapchat clip strolling through an empty alleyway wearing a short skirt and a top that exposed her midriff. Activists detained Prince Mohammad was praised for promoting women's rights in the kingdom after he ruled earlier this year they should be allowed to attend mixed public sporting events and drive cars. But since then, more than a dozen activists, most of them women who had campaigned for greater freedoms, have been detained. Naureen Shameem, a human rights lawyer who works with the Association for Women's Rights in Development, said she supported the social media campaign. "It's time for real change rather than insincere rhetoric about reform," she said. Saudi women have started wearing more colorful abayas in recent years, the light blues and pinks in stark contrast with the traditional black. Open abayas over long skirts or jeans are also becoming more common in some parts of the country. "Many women and girls in the Arab world are still forced to wear the hijab and the abaya either by their family or by their country and they should have the right to choose," said Suad Abu-Dayyeh, Middle East expert with global advocacy group Equality Now. Lawmakers in Sri Lanka's Parliament supporting disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa threw books, chairs and chili powder mixed with water to try to block the proceedings Friday, a day after a fierce brawl between rival lawmakers worsened political turmoil in the island nation. Police who escorted Speaker Karu Jayasuriya into the chamber held boards around him to protect him from being hit by the angry Rajapaksa loyalists, who did not allow him to sit in the speaker's chair. Several opposition lawmakers and policemen were wounded. Sri Lanka has been in a political crisis since Oct. 26, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe says he still has the support of a majority in Parliament. Jayasuriya, using a microphone, conducted the proceedings while standing on the floor of Parliament, which for the second time passed a no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa and his government by a voice vote. Jayasuriya first offered to take the vote by name, but was unable to do so because of the commotion and opted for a voice vote. He then adjourned the house until Monday. Lawmakers loyal to Rajapaksa hooted and continued to hurl abuse at Jayasuriya until he left the chamber. Arundika Fernando, a lawmaker allied with Rajapaksa, sat in the speaker's chair while others shouted slogans. Sirisena vowed not to dissolve Parliament and called upon "all parties to uphold principles of democracy and parliamentary traditions at all times." Sirisena dissolved Parliament a week ago and ordered new elections, but the Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended Sirisena's directive. Opposition lawmaker R. Sampathan accused Rajapaksa loyalists of preventing a roll-call vote on the no-confidence motion, as requested earlier by Sirisena. On Thursday, Sirisena held an emergency meeting with the leaders of the opposition parties that voted for the first motion against Rajapaksa and asked them to take up the motion again and allow it to be debated and then put to a roll-call vote. Sirisena held the meeting following the chaos in Parliament on Thursday, when rival lawmakers exchanged blows, leaving one injured, after the speaker announced the country had no prime minister or government because of Wednesday's motion against Rajapaksa. Refusing to step down Rajapaksa has refused to accept the no-confidence motion, also saying it should not have been done by voice vote. He also insisted the speaker had no authority to remove him and said he is continuing in his role as prime minister. Rajapaksa, a former president, is considered a hero by some in the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending a long civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil Tiger rebels. However, his time in power was marred by allegations of wartime atrocities, corruption and nepotism. Tensions had been building between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for some time, as the president did not approve of economic reforms introduced by the prime minister. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe and another Cabinet member of plotting to assassinate him, a charge Wickremesinghe has repeatedly denied. The deadliest wildfire in California history has claimed at least 63 lives and left more than 600 people missing as firefighters gained ground in containing and suppressing the flames. Some 500 rescue workers continued to sift through debris Friday for missing people in and around the northern California town of Paradise, one week after the deadly blaze, known as the Camp Fire, erupted and quickly raced through the town of 27,000. The blaze reduced it to ashes, having destroyed nearly 12,000 structures, including at least 9,700 homes, and still threatens thousands of additional structures. The large number of missing people likely includes those who fled the fire and don't realize they have been reported missing, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Honea said a list of the missing was publicized so people can see if they are on it and inform authorities they survived. When the fire broke out last week, Honea said, "The chaos that we were dealing with was extraordinary. Now we're trying to go back out and make sure that we're accounting for everyone." The blaze forced the evacuation of some 52,000 people who are staying in shelters, motels, homes of relatives and friends, motels and at a makeshift camp on a nearby Walmart parking lot and an adjacent field. One evacuee, Paradise resident Harold Taylor, told The Associated Press, "We didn't have 10 minutes to get out of there. It was already in flames downtown, all of the local restaurants and stuff." Taylor said he unsuccessfully sought to convince a neighbor to escape with him and does not know what happened to him. Sheriff Honea said the remains of seven more victims were recovered Thursday, raising the death toll to 63. Officials say they hope a Rapid DNA analysis technique will help speed the identification of victims and notification of their families. The 570 square kilometer Camp Fire was 40-percent contained Thursday, but authorities could not predict when evacuees would be able to return to the area. Authorities said conditions are still too dangerous, citing ongoing firefighting efforts, downed power lines and road closures. The cause of the Camp Fire remains under investigation, but officials have said they are investigating the possibility it was sparked by electrical equipment. Wildfires are common in California, particularly at this time of year when warm, dry winds help fan the flames. At the southern end of California, firefighters and rescue workers have been grappling with other wildfires, including the Woosley Fire that killed three people and burned at least 500 structures near the Malibu coast near Los Angeles. The Woosley Fire, which torched nearly 390 square kilometers, roughly the size of the western city of Denver, Colorado, was about 60 percent contained, allowing more residents to return to the area. The White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump would visit California on Saturday to meet with "individuals impacted by the wildfires." He plans to travel to both regions of California that have been devastated by the blazes. Trump's visit comes a week after he initially blamed California officials for the wildfires and threatened to withhold federal money. His tweets did not mention California's drought conditions, which many scientists say are symptomatic of climate change. California Governor Jerry Brown, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, and Brock Long, head of the emergency management agency, FEMA, visited the Paradise area on Wednesday. Brown blamed climate change and drought for the massive blaze, while Zinke cautioned against assigning blame to any one factor. "Now is not the time to point fingers," Zinke said, saying dead trees, higher temperatures, and poor forest management were among the causes. Long said it will take years for residents of Paradise to rebuild, if they choose to do so at all. A top U.N. humanitarian official calls himself cautiously optimistic that the quiet in Syria's Idlib province will continue to hold. "The worst-case scenario is still horrific war across enormous areas," Jan Egeland said in Geneva on Thursday. "But the way that Russia and Turkey tell us of their plans ... makes me a cautious optimist. I don't see the big war coming any time soon to Idlib." Both Russia which backs the Syrian regime and Turkey which supports the rebels who still control Idlib have said they will do all they can to avoid military action as long as their positions are left alone. Despite Egeland's optimism, he said a lot still depends on the rebel forces and those the U.N. calls terrorists who are hunkered down inside Idlib. "There are many signs bad things will happen unless there are further breakthroughs in the negotiations with the numerous armed groups inside," he told reporters. Idlib province, which borders Turkey, is the last major rebel-held area in Syria. A Syrian military strike seemed imminent in September before a Russian-Turkish plan set up demilitarized zones, bringing a relative calm. As many as 3 million civilians are in Idlib. The U.N. says a Syrian attack would lead to a bloodbath and a humanitarian catastrophe. Turkey has dismissed Saudi Arabia's latest version of events in the October 2 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul. Saudi authorities announced this week 11 people are being charged with the writers killing and that the death penalty is sought for five. The country's deputy public prosecutor alleged Khashoggi was killed in a rogue operation that went wrong when a fight broke out as he was being injected with a drug and tied up. I have to say that I did not find some of the [Saudi] statements satisfactory, said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Thursday. Cavusoglu went on to repeat Ankaras claim Khashoggi was the victim of premeditated murder. Turkeys political leadership has been at the forefront of challenging Saudi Arabia about the killing, forcing its leadership to repeatedly change its story. Senior members of Turkeys ruling AK Party joined hundreds of supporters and friends at an Istanbul mosque on Friday to pray for Khashoggi and vow that justice will be done. We are going to be defenders of his cause. What we want is not revenge but justice, said Yasin Aktay, deputy AK head and friend of Khashoggi, addressing mourners. There are 15 people defined as perpetrators [in Khashoggis death], but they didnt make this decision on their own. This is the story being sold to us, and we dont believe in it, he added, criticizing Saudi Arabia's latest version of Khashoggi's killing. Saudi Arabia's changing story In the first few days following Khashoggi's disappearance, Saudi officials maintained that the journalist left the consulate after a visit for marriage documents. Following sustained pressure by Ankara, through a campaign of leaks to international media of information about the killing, Saudi Arabia finally acknowledged the writer died in the consulate. On Thursday, columnist Abdulkadir Selvi of Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper wrote that a 15-minute recording of Khashoggis killers undermines Riyadh's claim the death wasnt premeditated. The Saudi team discusses how to execute Khashoggi. They are reviewing their plan, which was previously prepared, and reminding themselves of the duties of each member, wrote Selvi, who has close links to Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey has already shared a seven-minute audio recording capturing Khashoggis killing with its Western allies and Saudi authorities. Until now, it has been widely assumed the tape was the key piece of evidence held by Turkish investigators. The claim of further recordings is likely to increase pressure on the Saudis and, in particular, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Erdogan has repeatedly alluded to the crown princes alleged involvement, a charge Riyadh strongly denies. Washington, a key ally of the crown prince, continues to back him publicly. And analysts suggest the US is increasingly looking to Erdogan for a resolution of the diplomatic crisis, given his country's pivotal role in the death investigation. In the Khashoggi case, they have very good communication with Washington, said former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, who served in Washington. This past week, a U.S. media report suggested Washington was looking into the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen in exchange for Ankara's easing pressure on Riyadh. Gulen lives in self-imposed exile in the state of Pennsylvania and denies Turkey's accusation of involvement in a failed Turkish coup in 2016. Washington denies any deal, but U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said Thursday , We continue to evaluate the material that the Turkish government presents requesting his extradition." Gulens extradition is a top diplomatic priority for Turkey even as it dismisses any talk of a deal. Turkeys pending request for Fethullah Gulens extradition from the United States and the investigation into Khashoggi's murder are two separate issues. They are not connected in any way, shape or form, said a senior Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "At no point did Turkey offer to hold back on the Khashoggi investigation in return for Fethullah Gulen's extradition, he added. Analysts point out it's doubtful Washington could make such an offer, given Gulens extradition is a matter for the courts, which experts say is a potentially lengthy and challenging process. Also, analysts say since Erdogan sees the Saudi crown prince as his chief rival in the region, his goals may extend well beyond an extradition. We are in a new phase, and there will be more cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey. And this is part of replacing Mohammed bin Salman, said former Turkish diplomat Selcen. What Erdogan wants to harvest from this case of Khashoggis murder, he added, is to replace Mohammed bin Salman as the pivotal actor, the linchpin of U.S. strategy in the Middle East. Some observers suggest while Turkey has so far handled the Khashoggi case with skill, it could be in danger of overreach, given the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship. But they say the U.S. and Saudi Arabia likely will continue to be on the defensive, especially that Turkey, which may well have more incriminating evidence in the case, is now calling for an international investigation. Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is leading the vote count in national elections held in the South Pacific nation Wednesday. In second place is a former prime minister who himself was behind two coups in Fiji. Bainimarama has held power in Fiji since 2006, when he led a military uprising against an elected government. He said he seized power in an attempt to combat institutional racism and corruption, but he was labeled a dictator in some quarters. International sanctions followed the 2006 bloodless coup, and Fijians would wait eight years for democracy to be restored. In 2014, Bainimarama resigned from the military and became prime minister in a landslide election victory. This time around, results posted on the governments social media account show Bainimaramas Fiji First party with a comfortable lead as counting in the South Pacific archipelago continues. Voting in some areas has been delayed by bad weather. The incumbent prime ministers main rival in the 2018 election is a former army officer and former prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, who lead two military coups in 1987. The instability was caused by fears that Fijis government would be dominated by the ethnic Indian minority. Indo-Fijians make up about one-third of the population. They were brought to the islands in the 19th and 20th centuries to work on Britains colonial sugar cane plantations. Of course, we have a very strange contest because now unlike 2014 we are pitting two coup leaders against each other, said professor Jon Fraenkel, an analyst from the University of Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand. The 1987 coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka has made a startling comeback to head the main opposition party, and he is fighting against Frank Bainimarama, also a former military commander who staged the 2006 coup. It is definitely a competitive election campaign. Of course, given Fijis history there are always fears that if the result goes the wrong way the military might step in. Australia has been a keen supporter of democracy in Fiji. In 2014, it lifted sanctions imposed after the 2006 coup. Canberra has been eager to re-engage with Fiji to counter Chinas rising influence in the South Pacific. Post-coup Fiji has been welcomed back into the international community, with Britains Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, visiting in October. Fiji has a population of about 900,000 people. The tropical islands lie two-thirds of the way between Hawaii to New Zealand. More than 500,000 Fijians were eligible to vote in this years election. More than a year after Mosul was liberated from the grip of the Islamic State terror group, parts of the city remain dangerous for the residents as landmines and unexploded ordnance are still not cleared. The explosives kill and injure civilians, particularly children, on a regular basis. Residents of Mosul are urging the government to do more to clear the city of the explosives. VOAs Kawa Omar reports from Mosul. Florida's U.S. Senate race is going to an automatic hand recount as a federal judge angrily told election officials they are making the state a global "laughingstock." Florida state law requires a hand recount if a machine count finds the margin of victory is less than 0.25 percent. As of late Thursday, Democratic incumbent Senator Bill Nelson trailed his Republican challenger, Governor Rick Scott, by 0.15 percent. Election officials missed a Thursday deadline for recounting the ballots for the Senate, saying counting machines in Palm Beach kept breaking down. Officials in Tampa Bay declined to turn in their recount result because it came up more than 800 votes short of the original Election Day tally. Federal Judge Mark Walker refused to extend the deadline and berated election officials for not anticipating problems. Both Democrats and Republicans have filed a number of lawsuits related to vote counting. "We have been the laughingstock of the world election after election, but we've still chosen not to fix this," an angry Walker said Thursday. He was no doubt also thinking about the 2000 presidential election which had to be decided by the Supreme Court when a statewide vote recount in Florida was turning into a mess of confusion, charges, and counter charges. Walker has also given voters until Saturday afternoon to correct their ballots if they weren't counted because of mismatched signatures. Florida officials testified in court that nearly 4,000 ballots had already been rejected by local election officials because the signatures mailed in didn't match the signature on file. The new deadline would apply to many ballots likely cast by young Democratic voters. A study conducted before the elections by the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida discovered mail-in ballots from young voters were more likely to be dismissed, partially because the young voters who primarily use computer keyboards have not used handwriting enough to develop a consistent signature. Gains by Democrats Democrats, meanwhile, continue to gain seats in the House of Representatives, after taking back the lower chamber last week for the first time in eight years. Democrats now have a 230 to 198 edge, with seven races still undecided. Jared Golden was declared the winner Thursday of a race in Maine against incumbent Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin. That contest represented the first test of a new state ranked-choice voting system, designed to prevent candidates in races featuring at least three contenders from winning office without majority support. Golden is a Marine veteran who campaigned on progressive policies such as Medicare for everyone. The day after the election, U.S. President Donald Trump boasted that "It was a big day yesterday. The Republican Party defied history to expand our Senate majority while significantly beating expectations in the House." "It was very close to a complete victory," he trumpeted. As results rolled in on election night, it appeared Republicans might add three or four seats to their current 51-49 Senate majority. But a Republican lead for a contest in the southwestern state of Arizona collapsed, giving Democrat Kyrsten Sinema a seat that been held by Republicans for 30 years. With Senate races in Florida and Mississippi yet to be decided, Republicans at most will add two seats to their majority. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says Washington will not ease economic sanctions against North Korea, urging Southeast Asian nations to continue a maximum pressure campaign against Pyongyang until it reaches the goal of a complete denuclearization. We must continue to maintain the pressure campaign and enforce all U.N. sanctions until we achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, said Pence Friday after his bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Pences remarks came amid reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed tactical weapon earlier Friday, the first mention of a new development in North Koreas weapons program in months. "This result today is a justification of the party's policy focused on defense science and technology, another display of our rapidly growing defense capabilities to the whole region, and a groundbreaking change in strengthening our military's combat capabilities," Kim said. The U.S. has been pressing North Korea to provide a detailed list of its nuclear weapons since the initial denuclearization deal was reached in June when U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un met in Singapore for the first summit. Last week, Kims regime postponed a senior level meeting between the U.S. and North Korea in New York where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to meet with Kim Yong Chol, a senior adviser to Kim Jong Un. The meeting was to discuss moving forward on the denuclearization in the Korea Peninsula and paving the way for a second Trump-Kim summit. The postponement of the meeting between principles of the two countries should not be over-read and that we will all continue to work towards rescheduling that summit, and I know the President is determined to do it, Pence told the U.S. traveling press. "We dont want to repeat the mistakes that prior administrations, frankly in both political parties, have made over the last several decades where promises are made, sanctions are lifted, economic support comes and then promises are broken, he added. At the State Department, a spokesperson said Washington remains confident that promises made by Kim at the June summit in Singapore will be fulfilled. "We remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and Chairman Kim will be fulfilled," said the spokesman. In an interview with NBC, Pence said it is imperative that in the next US-North Korea Summit for Washington to come away with a plan for identifying all of the weapons in question, identifying all the development sites, allowing for inspections of the sites and the plan for dismantling nuclear weapons. A U.S. think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea. Victor Cha, senior advisor and Korea chair of Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the U.S. and North Korea have been at odds over the pace of Pyongyang's efforts to end its nuclear weapons program. Cha said Washington wants Pyongyang to actually putting some facilities on the table for a declaration, and allow independent inspection on the ground. But North Korea wants the U.S. to lift sanctions first before taking those actions. Pence is continuing his Asia trip to Papua New Guinea where dozens of regional leaders will gather for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meetings. The White House has been ordered to return CNN correspondents Jim Acosta press credentials, which it had suspended after a testy exchange the journalist had with President Donald Trump during an East Room news conference. I will grant the application for the temporary restraining order, requested by the network, said U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly on Friday morning. I order the government to reinstate the pass. Citing a highly unusual set of facts, Kelly said he was ruling only on the Fifth Amendment due process aspect of the case, not the overall First Amendment issue. Kelly criticized the U.S. governments action, commenting that CNN is likely to prevail in demonstrating the reporter was denied due process in the credential revocation process. I want to thank the judge for the decision he made, said Acosta outside the U.S. district court. Lets go back to work. CNN attorney Ted Boutrous declared that Kellys decision marks a great day for the First Amendment and for journalism. President Trump commented on the ruling, saying, "We want total freedom of the press. It's more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect when you're at the White House." Trump also said, "We're writing up rules and regulations. ... With the rules and regulations, we will end up back in court and we will win." Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump, had listened to opposing arguments from lawyers for the government and CNN during Wednesdays initial hearing in a lawsuit the network filed against Trump and other members of his administration. The case is expected to become an important legal decision for the scope of journalists First Amendment rights. We look forward to a full resolution in the coming days, said the network in a statement immediately after Kellys ruling on the temporary restraining order. Numerous media organizations, newspapers and networks, including Fox News which is generally viewed as supportive of the Trump administration back CNNs legal effort, with more than a dozen filing statements of support with the court. The White House Correspondents' Association released a statement welcoming the ruling, saying "We thank all of the news outlets and individual reporters who stood up in recent days for the vital role a free and independent news media plays in our republic." Government attorneys contend that Acostas conduct prevented the White House from conducting an orderly news conference and suspending his White House press pass does not violate the Constitution. "If the president wants to exclude all reporters from the White House grounds, he has the authority to do that," Deputy Assistant Attorney General James Burnham said during Thursdays hearing. "There's no First Amendment right." The Trump administration last week suspended Acosta's hard pass, which granted him access to the White House. The suspension came after the reporter challenged Trump's portrayal of a caravan of Central American migrants as an invasion. Trump replied, I consider it an invasion. The two then engaged in an extended back-and-forth before the president declared thats enough and told Acosta to put down the microphone, saying CNN should be ashamed to have him working for it, and he was a rude, terrible person. Boutrous told the judge that Acosta was not given due process as he was not informed in advance that his credentials would be revoked, nor was he given a way to appeal the decision prior to being suddenly prevented from re-entering the grounds of the White House. The networks attorney also said the president had set the terms of decorum by being more rude and aggressive than any of the reporters at the November 7 news conference. Government attorneys claimed there was no real damage done to CNN and Acosta because the network has about 50 other personnel who have been granted White House hard passes. The judge, however, said the number of other credentialed press pass holder does not make the harm to Acosta any less irreparable. Ben Wizner, director of the ACLUs speech, privacy and technology project welcomed Judge Kellys decision. The White House surely hoped that expelling a reporter would deter forceful questioning, but the courts ruling will have the opposite effect, he said in a statement. The freedom of the press is a bedrock principle, and our democracy is strengthened when journalists challenge our leaders rather than defer to them. White House officials had also accused Acosta of placing his hands on a White House press aide who had tried to take the microphone from him during the news conference. Video showed that Acosta was not aggressive with the aide. Judge Kelly, on Friday, called that accusation something of questionable accuracy. The president, who regularly denigrates reporting he does not like as fake news, repeatedly has singled out CNN for particular criticism. The presidents re-election campaign on Wednesday sent a fundraising email to supporters condemning the networks lawsuit, stating that Trump will not tolerate the medias liberal bias and utter disrespect for this Administration and the hardworking Americans who stand with us. Saleh al-Faqeh held the wasted arm of his baby daughter as she took her last breath Thursday at the malnutrition ward of the main hospital in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. Four-month-old Hajar al-Faqeh reached the al-Sabeen hospital last week from Saada province, one of thousands of Yemeni children suffering from malnutrition in a country that has been pushed to the brink of famine by more than three years of war. Her body lies in the same ward where another baby boy, Mohammed Hashem, died from severe hunger on the same day. His passing was witnessed by a Reuters photographer. Doctors confirmed both babies had died of malnutrition. "She has spent two months in a hospital in Saada, but we had to bring her to Sanaa," Hajar's father said. Saada province is a stronghold of Iran-aligned Houthi rebels who have been fighting a Saudi-backed government for nearly four years in a war that has killed at least 10,000 people. Meritxell Relano, the UNICEF representative in Yemen, said in September that more than 11 million children, or about 80 percent of the country's population under age 18, were facing the threat of food shortages, disease, displacement and acute lack of access to basic social services. The Faqeh family braved a dangerous journey along mountain roads where airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition are frequent. "I worked in construction and I am also a driver. I do whatever I can, but I am unemployed now," her father said. The United Nations says 22 million Yemenis, out of a population of 29 million, rely on humanitarian aid. Almost 18 million are considered hungry and 8.4 million severely hungry. Fouad al-Reme, a nurse in al-Sabeen hospital, said Hajar was conscious when she came to the hospital but suffered from low oxygen levels. "She was like skin on bones, he said. VOA Documentary: A Day in the Life of Refugees A desperately ill child sets out for medical treatment. A Coast Guard team keeps watch overnight. An Iraqi becomes an American. Meet them all in a single Dayin VOA's new feature-length documentary film, 'A Day in the Life of Refugees.' The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights has written a report accusing the countrys army of allegedly gunning down six people in August this year during opposition protests in Harare following delays in announcing the July 30 presidential election results. In the report released Thursday titled Zimbabwe: A New Era/Error the doctors, who attended to and documented cases of post-election violence between August 1 to September 5, 2018, cited soldiers as the perpetrators of violence against innocent civilians. The report comprises of an analysis of medical records of 72 cases involving 102 victims of Organized Violence and Torture (OVT) that were attended to by the human rights doctors. The report does not include all cases but cases which were only attended to by Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights. It says some cases might have been missed as not all the victims reported to the organization and other cases were attended to by other entities that were conducting similar work. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights did not get the chance to interview the alleged perpetrators to corroborate the cases, but it says every effort was made to compare the clinical history to the physical and mental examination findings to see if the allegations were consistent with physical findings. The organization has recommended that the perpetrators of the killings and other forms of violence before and after the general elections should be arrested and prosecuted as per the provisions of domestic and international laws. But Zanu PF has hit back, claiming that the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights was sponsored by the opposition to compile the report. The organization has dismissed these claims as baseless. Zanu PFs Believe Gaule says the report was not compiled in a transparent way and as a result it does not reflect what has already been said by state security agents, who claim that they have nothing to do with the August 1 killings. Opposition MDCs chairperson Thabitha Khumalo says the party led by Nelson Chamisa did not sponsor the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights to compile the document. Photo: Wilson Webb/SHOWTIME Not every story needs to be a TV series, and Showtimes Escape at Dannemora offers further proof. Based on a real-life 2015 incident in the uppermost county of upstate New York, its about a prison employee (Patricia Arquette) who gets embroiled in sexual relationships with two convicted murderers (Paul Dano and Benicio del Toro) and helps them both dig their way out. Much of the eight-part series, which premieres on Sunday, is about the conditions, atmosphere, and rituals of the prison, and the psychological damage they inflict on people who are stuck there as inmates or employees; its a repetitious subject, though astutely observed, making the same points with different details. Given the tight focus on the main trio with a few detours into the lives of secondary characters, such as the heroines sad sack husband played by Eric Lange, and a too-chummy prison guard played by David Morse its hard to see why this story absolutely needed to run eight hours. The first hour is scene-setting, moseying toward introduction of the main love triangle. The idea of escape doesnt enter the story until the end of the second episode. Nevertheless, the component parts of Dannemora are solid, and often more than that. And all told, the series represents some of the best work that Arquette, Dano, Del Toro, Morse, and director Ben Stiller (playing it absolutely straight behind the camera, for the first time) have ever done. As prison shop manager Joyce Tilly Tillman, whos entangled with David Sweat (Dano) and Richard Matt (Del Toro), shes playing the sort of unglamorous yet multidimensional middle-aged woman that Frances McDormand specializes in. The costume and makeup department has frumped her to the gills, and Stiller often photographs her in silent, tight closeups that let you feel the characters anxiety and resentment even as she remains a mystery to herself. From Arquettes Marlon Brando-level here comes the movie star entrance a flashback interview with a lawyer (Bonnie Hunt) that takes its sweet time revealing the heroines face through Tillys many defiant expressions of lust for Sweat and depressed resentment of her husband (including an argument during an otherwise empty film screening at a historical museum that serves up Mike Leighlevel cringey misery), this is a tour-de-force performance. It makes a strong impression even when the script, credited to Brett Johnson, Michael Tolkin, and Jerry Stahl, cant seem to figure out what motivates Tilly aside from a generalized dissatisfaction. Sweat and Matt are easier to get a handle on. Theyre charismatic but limited men who have never taken responsibility for the crimes that put them in prison (their own protestations aside). They think theyre entitled to a fresh start, and they want out, the sooner the better. Dano has never played a character as rough-edged and unabashedly working class as Sweat before, and he captures the characters macho self-image and occasionally ostentatious meanness, as well as the observant qualities that apparently drew Tilly to him. Del Toro walks off with the show by seeming not to do anything in particular, even though every move, glance, and silent pause was doubtless precisely calibrated to achieve a specific effect. Hes part of a noble lineage of character actors who seem to have been plucked from real life and planted in front of the camera for the first time, where they immediately prove themselves as natural born movie stars, even though youve been watching them for decades and know damn well that theyre as formally trained as anyone. Watch him in the scene where he and Morse join forces to intimidate a younger inmate who has interrupted a conversation between them because hes full of himself and thinks hes entitled to their time. The sidelong glance that Del Toro gives the younger man is the sort of look that Robert Mitchums characters used to give to cocky upstarts in the 1970s: Its as if he resents not just the overconfidence and thoughtless display of disrespect, but the fact that beating the piss out of this kid would prevent him from taking the nap hes been looking forward to all day. (Del Toro is also believable as a fine artist, which the real-life Matt also was.) Stiller directs the entire series in CinemaScope format the wide, narrow aspect ratio employed on Master of None, approximately 2.4 to 1 which can seem like a lazy signifier of cinema or more than TV when filmmakers dont use it properly. But Stiller and cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagne use it exceptionally well here. The wide frame amplifies the sense that all these characters are figuratively as well as literally trapped, and there are many striking compositions that use bars, windows, and the edge of door frames to create a mosaic effect. The compositions make you even more keenly aware of how prison forces a lot of disparate, often dangerous people into close proximity, while simultaneously separating them, amplifying their real and perceived differences, and degrading them at every turn. Having already criticized the series for being longer than it needed to be, I should acknowledge that the airiness of the storytelling gets across a point that more compact and propulsive prison stories often avoid: Beyond all the bigger, more obvious reasons to loathe it, incarceration also sucks because its repetitious and boring. Its the sheer ordinariness of misery that grinds the spirit down, and makes the likelihood of getting dog-bitten, brutalized, or shot seem insignificant compared to the dream of being able to walk around in daylight any time you please. Tilly is also dealing with that, too, in her own way: The more we learn about her past, the more we realize that shes also an escape artist of sorts, getting dissatisfied by her lot in life and then smashing it to try something else. In the end, what unites the key players in this drama is the sense that, at some point, they looked around and thought, I need something better than this. Greys Anatomy Blowin in the Wind Season 15 Episode 8 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/ABC A big ol windstorm rolls through Seattle and for that Im grateful the howling winds will muffle my screams of REALLY, TEDDY, REALLY? The wind might as well carry me off into the night what with Teddys ridiculousness in this mid-season finale. Its a very confusing time, because news of Teddys return to Grey Sloan was cause for celebration. Shes a great character who could inject the right amount of drama into things, especially for Owen, a how shall I put this sad sack. But her entire return so far has been wasted and honestly, shes getting on my nerves. Its taken eight episodes for her to finally tell Owen! Shes been hemming and shes been hawing and shes been hiding out in swanky hotel rooms because she doesnt want to rain on Owens I finally made myself a family parade. Then, just before theyre going into the OR to remove a giant candy cane decoration thats impaled an elderly man, she says that she needs to tell him something but later. They need to concentrate on this surgery first. Are you even serious, Teddy? Like any human being is going to be able to concentrate when his oldest friend and possible soul mate, who has mysteriously returned to Seattle for no apparent reason, says that they really need to talk. Obviously, Owen starts spiraling during surgery thinking about what Teddy will tell him, so Teddy just blurts it out! Right there in the OR with Jackson and a bunch of nurses watching! I mean, praise Shonda for Jacksons reaction face, but, Im pregnant. With your baby, in the middle of the OR? Im not even mad, Teddy, Im just disappointed. Just kidding Im definitely mad! Not everyone is as infuriating in this windy Greys installment. Can we talk about Meredith? At one point she admits shes been having such a week, and the lady isnt lying. The moment shes back from the most depressing trip to Los Angeles, she has to pick Richard up from the police station. Shes worried about him. Shes extra worried since she knows what she knows. She tells him he needs to get his head on straight so he can take care of his people. Remember how great James Pickens Jr. was last week? I have a feeling were going to have a few more of those moments this season. Like, can you even imagine him first seeing Catherine after finding out about her tumor? Gah! After that, Meredith is back in an OR where she has to listen to her sister Maggie go on and on about her giant fight and possible breakup with Jackson, the whole time knowing that Jackson is really going to need Maggie. Meredith gets very testy and it is awesome, as usual: Maggie explains that Jackson thinks she needs to talk more, to share her feelings more, and Merediths response is: He should do more surgeries with you. Meredith cant hold back for too long: Post-surgery, she breaks and tells Maggie about Catherines diagnosis. Its really bad and Maggie needs to figure out a way to be there for Jackson. I guess the sisters who break HIPAA together, stay together. Eventually, when Maggie comes across Jackson again thanks to a patient, hes realized that he and Maggie had a fight, but that doesnt mean its the end for them she can barely speak. She kisses him and tells him about his mother. Maybe Catherine should be the one to tell her son, but no, sure, this works, too. The days only just started for Meredith! A storm victim named Phoebe has been impaled in the brain with a selfie stick (because theyre the devils toys), and after a very tearful phone call with her mother in which she tries not to let on that anythings amiss, she goes into surgery and ends up brain-dead. Its all very sad, but theres a silver lining: Phoebe is a donor, and shes a match for Cece. Finally! They tell Cece the news, but DeLuca has some grave words of warning: Cece isnt doing well. Normally she wouldnt be getting these organs, but because of the storm, no transplant teams can come get them. This might not work, and she could die. But Cece doesnt care. She tells Meredith shes not going out without a fight, and neither should Meredith. You see, Miss Cece has recently become acquainted with Link, a man she calls perfection. Cece is tired of Meredith making excuses and reminds her that you need to squeeze all the love and joy out of this life. Thats what Ceces doing by getting these transplants, and thats what Meredith decides to do when she tells Link that shell take him up on his offer to have drinks. But Andrew DeLuca also listens to Ceces speech and he sees Meredith set up a date with Link. The guy is inspired. He finds Mer alone and she tells him that hes brave for telling Cece the truth, that shes impressed with him. He responds by telling her that shes amazing and he hasnt stopped thinking about her since he drunkenly kissed her at Alex and Jos wedding. He thinks they could be something. He knows she has options, but he needs her to know that hes one of them. Meredith pulls out all the excuses shes his attending (oh, thats rich, Meredith the Girl at the Bar Grey), he dated Maggie (Mags already said she doesnt care) but finally she says shell think about it. So there is hope! You guys, I am all aboard this train. These are two people who really deserve to have nice things. Not too long after, something so Greys Anatomy happens. Meredith and DeLuca end up on an elevator alone headed to the OR for Ceces transplant surgery. Bailey hops in a different elevator with Phoebe, as they go to harvest her organs Cece doesnt have much time. In some other elevator bay, Owen catches Teddy on an elevator with a patient and wants to talk, AS IS HIS RIGHT. Before they can, Amelia hops onto the elevator she wants to become Bettys foster mom! Isnt that great? she asks, before sensing the general mood. At this point in my notes I wrote, Too many people on elevators somethings up. And then the power went out and all those people on elevators full of sexual tension and surprise pregnancy tension and lives-hanging-in-the-balance tension are stuck. Come on, guys. You know Greys loves some good elevator drama. Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Apart From Real Medicine No one is more pumped for the insane impalements a wind storm brings than Miranda Bailey. Through the brain, through the torso, she doesnt care! She is downright giddy (in a professional way). She acts as chief again since Alex is stuck at home, and man, does she seem back in her element. Within minutes shes up on the ER desk yelling about how Grey Sloan is a brick house. Is her sabbatical coming to an end? When Bailey tells Webber that she asked Ben to leave because she is too stressed worrying about him dying, Webber says what weve all been thinking: Thats the stupidest thing hes ever heard. You dont take marriage sabbaticals and ALSO kicking him out wont stop her from worrying. Bailey needs some professional help. Webber is temporarily suspended because of his arrest, and while hes taking time with charts and paperwork, he finally calls Catherine back but Koracick answers. It motivates Webber to get back on the AA train, serenity and all, because hell need it if he finds out that Catherine is sleeping with Koracick. The misunderstanding is funny until you remember why Tom is answering Catherines phone. Then you want to cry. Super fun! Alex and Jos storyline, in which theyre stuck at home, opening wedding gifts in a blackout, is supposed to be, I guess, showing us how in love they are? Once Alex admits he knows what ramekins are because of Izzie and her baking, I couldnt stop thinking about Alex and Izzie. So, thats probably the opposite effect of what the show was going for. Oh, okay, Glasses. Schmitt is angry at Nico and not afraid to say so. The two end up hunkering down in an empty ambulance after being stuck in the clinic during the storm, and Schmitt lets Nico have it. For the record, hes not hiding in the closet or ashamed of being gay hes just a nerd who never felt so alive as he did when Nico kissed him. You kissed me and I felt the opposite of shame. I felt like I existed. That ambo starts shaking and its not from the wind. Sob Scale: 4/10 Anyone else burst into tears when they saw Mom show up on the caller ID of poor brain-dead Phoebes phone? Just me? Cool, cool, cool. Spend 47 days in the art world with Seen. A still from Abra (2018), a video installation that will be a part of the forthcoming exhibition Alienated Labor, at Ori Gallery in Portland. Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Ali The work of artist Hiba Ali, who also performs as H1BA, bears witness to the Amazonification of human life. The controversial state mega-subsidies for the companys so-called HQ2 which will be split between Crystal City, Virginia, outside D.C., and Long Island City, Queens are just the latest testament to its reach and power. It seems to get whatever it wants, despite, or perhaps because of, its treatment of its workers, suppliers, and competitors. There have been journalistic exposes, but not as much art about the company has so far entered public discourse, despite Amazons presence in almost every aspect of our lives. Alis work is an urgent corrective, because Ali knows Amazon: she worked at one of the companys fulfillment centers, herself. In a 2018 video performance she presented with Lilia Taboada at the Visual Art Center at the University of Texas at Austin, titled To Be a Box, Ali dressed up as and took on the voice of a cardboard Amazon delivery box, an object made of the very stuff rapidly disappearing from the companys namesake rainforest. Ali-as-box relishes in the consumers obsession with her contents and speaks with sadistic glee of the state of the workers that physically manipulate her/it: At the warehouses, people push me around and have to beat the clock if they dont bwa, bwaaaa, fired. From the boxs perspective, human bodies are tools. They are tracked and regulated reportedly prevented from even going to the bathroom or taking a seat not unlike the packages they send out. Alis To Be a Box reminds us that exploitation with a smiley logo, no matter how convenient and consumer-friendly, is still the same old exploitation. As has been repeated ad infinitum as of late: The system isnt broken; its working just as its intended to. And besides, Amazon, like all the efficiency-obsessed companies aiming to disrupt the world as we know it, is counting on the idea that, eventually, most human tools can, and will, be replaced by artificial intelligence, robots, whatevers next. The precarity is built in to their business model. A still from Abra (2018), by Hiba Ali. Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Ali Ali, who was born in Karachi and relocated to Chicago when she was 8, is a new media artist, writer, curator, and musician. She took a summer job in a Texas Amazon fulfillment center to earn money between grad programs, after the performance of To Be a Box. (She is now a Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Studies at Queens University, Kingston, Canada). There, she got firsthand experience from the inside, acting as the unseen and unconsidered labor behind the blithely pressed Buy Now With 1 Click buttons that have leveled entire industries. Its extractive of peoples labor, Ali tells me, over email, like sucking the life force out of someone and spitting them out. This December, shell unveil a video installation entitled Abra at the Ori Gallery in Portland, Oregon. In the installation, which is in response to her fulfillment center experience, she will conduct an interview with Peccy, Amazons customer service-obsessed mascot, as a part of a show called Alienated Labor. I use humor in my work, through extreme satire to make the facets of life we normalize absurd, because they are, Ali says. The Amazon boxs unrelenting smile and the goofy orange blob Peccy are appropriated by Ali to highlight the uncanniness and absurdity of the companys ingratiating attempts to be relatable. By emblematizing a publicly traded corporation whose practices are rife with labor and environmental abuses with smiling characters, Amazon attempts to becloud all the bad stuff with a friendly face. Ali is not alone in trying to turn Amazons ubiquitous visual language back on itself, of course: During a protest on Prime Day this past summer, workers at the Amazon fulfillment center in Leipzig, Germany, walked off the job, along with workers in Spain and Poland, and created a giant box-person bearing that distinctive arrow-mouth and the words Make Amazon Pay! Heike Geissler, who worked in the Leipzig facility, described her experience in Seasonal Associate, the translation of which Ali recently wrote about on the website Topical Cream. Ali explained that Geisslers book joins earlier efforts to expose the e-commerce giant, like Vanessa Veselkas In the Wake of Protest: One Womans Attempt to Unionize Amazon (2011) and James Bloodworths Hired: Six Months Undercover in Low-wage Britain (2018). There have been other explorations that take a more poetic approach like Of the Subcontract (2013) by Nick Thurston, which compiles poems written by underpaid subcontracted workers commissioned through Amazons Mechanical Turk service. At this point, Amazon has become so ubiquitous it can almost no longer be seen. It has reached the scale of as Alis box tells us, laughing unfettered-behemoth-U.S.-healthcare-arms-industry-mortgage-crisis-rolled into ONE!! A flat expanse of increasingly complex logistics, technical apparatus, and floating plastic waste, Amazons digital and physical existences expand beyond our range of vision; hypervisibility and invisibility operate as two sides of the same coin. Each order and each click sets off a chain reaction you never need to know about. Your package simply arrives two days later. Erasure overrides production as consumption overrides environmentalism, writes Ali in her review of Geisslers book. You cant see the air you breathe. While so much of the exploitation we sanction as consumers is hidden away, Amazon is one of the most admired companies in the country, trusted by liberals and conservatives alike, making shopping easier while further cozying up to us by producing purportedly subversive streaming TV shows like Homecoming, all while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is hailed as a savior of quality journalism for his (relatively newfound) ownership of the Washington Post. And so Amazon gets what it wants. Sucking up to Bezos seems to be the one thing Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo can agree on. The citys developers, who turned LIC into a citadel of banal, glassy high-rises, will be happy. The rest of us are being asked to make do with free shipping. And Ali-the-box just laughs. Murphy Brown The Coma and the Oxford Comma Season 11 Episode 8 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * * Previous Next Photo: David Giesbrecht/WBTV This weeks episode revisits a familiar theme from the shows earlier days: Murphy and Corkys profoundly different outlooks on life. When Corkys old friend Holly Mackin Lynne (guest star Brooke Shields) miraculously awakes from a decade-long coma, the anchors argue anew about whether the womans husband deliberately injured her. Its not Corkys journalism skills or seriousness that Murphy challenges, but her idealism. This show has always relied on the contrasts between Murphy and Corky, of course, but this episode rounds out Corkys character in more subtle ways. Shes not an avatar of hyperfemininity or a walking backwoods stereotype or an intellectual lightweight whose occasional seriousness is worthy of a Very Special Episode. In this case, her instincts as a journalist fail her because she wants to believe her friend, and this is a conundrum that any of the characters might face. Corkys known Holly since their beauty pageant days, when they bonded over stuffing each others back fat into their evening gowns, but Hollys been in a coma for a decade after a fall (or a shove) down a flight of stairs. Her husband, Charles, was accused of attempting to murder her so that he could get remarried without having to split the fortune he earned in the tech industry. (Murphy covered the dramatic trial, known as the Sleeping Beauty case, at which he was acquitted.) Ever since the acci-attempted-murder, Corky has visited Holly once a month. On this day, shes sprucing Holly up with a little blush when, miraculously, her friend comes out of her coma. She sees Corky and says Pam! before passing out again. Whos Pam? We dont know. Thats two mysteries so far in this episode. At the studio, Secretary #97 wants to review some outgoing correspondence with Murphy. While shes impressed that there are no dangling participles in Murphys letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (why do the secretaries never seem to know anything about current events or politics?), the frequent use of the transitive verb sucks could be a problem. She further suggests that the Oxford comma might be put to good use in Paragraph Three, at which point Murphy hands her a note that says, Youre fired! Corky is eager to share the news about Holly with the gang. Everyone sees an opportunity for an exclusive story, except for Pat, who was busy doing other things (i.e., telling God Id stop touching myself if he got rid of my acne). They explain to him that many people, including Murphy, believe that Charles is guilty; Corky steadfastly believes in his innocence. Frankly, Im a little surprised that even Corky wants to pursue the story her friend just woke up from a coma but I suppose she wants to clear Charless name as much as everyone else wants to prove his guilt. Miles assigns the team to take shifts in Hollys hospital room, pull research on the trial, and set up a live feed for an interview. Theyre on the case! Just as Murphys about to go dig around in her files in the basement, Avery asks her to watch his new Wolf Network promo with him. A lot of journalists like to hear themselves talk, the narrator intones. Avery Brown listens. Cut to Avery asking several citizens about economic precarity. Then, superimposed over the Wolf Network logo, Avery saunters away from the camera before turning to look seductively at the camera and wipe his brow. His denim work shirt (what a blue-collar man of the people!!) is cavalierly unbuttoned. Oh, my, how tawdry. Are they trying to make him a sex symbol? He didnt agree to this! This was scratch footage taken at the end of a shoot in Scottsdale he didnt even know the camera was on. Oh, Avery, the news biz veteran says, thats just how things are these days Youre lucky they didnt CGI your pants off! No, this is outrageous. Hes going to the network right now to sort this out. Frankly, I think it was very nice of Murphy not to point out how adorably naive this is, as they work in an industry that has sensationalized womens appearances for years. Cute tushie, though, Murphy says, after hes slammed the door. I made that! As we know, Frank loves going undercover, and hes garbed in surgical scrubs and a big mustache like youre opposite Stormy Daniels in Horny Hospital, Miles says. So far their exclusives protected, though Frank goes on the offense when an actual, factual medical professional walks up. His accent sounds fake! Its not, unlike the mustache. The doctor tells Holly that she has to be patient; only time will tell whether her memory clears up. Thankfully, heres Murphy to orient Holly to the present, over Corkys protests. Holly has no idea whats happened. Her husband was on trial? For her attempted murder? Its hard to catch someone up on the events of a decade, but Murphy tries: If you owned Lehman stock or loved MySpace, you wont be happy. If you loved Will & Grace and Magnum P.I., you will be. (Honestly, I think that sums it up pretty well.) Oh, and Donald Trump, whom Holly remembers as a backstage pageant tush-grabber, is, of course, president. Id like to go back into the coma, she says. Murphy and Corky argue about this confrontational approach. Corky wants to protect her friend, but Murphy insists that they need to get to the truth, and she still believes that Charles is guilty: I have only been interested in the truth and my instincts always take me there. Holly moans Pam! again, but before we can really drill down into that mystery, visiting hours are over. At home, Avery is playing video games with some old friends, and Im glad to see Avery actually has friends. Theyre in the middle of razzing him about his promo when Ms. B. comes downstairs to save him from their slo-mo pantomimes. Unsurprisingly, the network didnt really care that he doesnt like the promo, which was through the roof with the women and gay men demographic. (Pffft, lesbian erasure.) Well, his mom says, all he can do is become an excellent journalist with enough power to control his own image. Back at the hospital, Miless hypochondria is approaching DEFCON levels. Hollys husband has finally shown up after what appears to be years, plus a couple of days. Murphy asks, Did you come up in the elevator or take the stairs? She isnt going to pretend not to be suspicious. He declares he would never hurt Holly, the love of his life, whom he would like some time alone with. Why? So you can put a pillow over her face? Just as theyre leaving, Holly suddenly remembers everything what she was wearing, how much ice cream was left in the freezer when she went downstairs to have some. She tripped over the cat. It really was an accident. Corkys thrilled; Murphys disappointed. Perhaps Corkys instincts arent so bad after all. As they prepare to air the anticlimactic story, Murphy and Frank cant believe they got it wrong all those years ago. Ten seconds to a huge disappointment, people! Never change, Julius. Corky leads with a little setup about how shes always believed in fairy tales, like a princess who comes out of a coma after ten years. Holly now knows that her husband was acquitted of attempted murder, but rumors still swirl that it was his hand that sent you down those stairs, Corky says. The camera pulls back to reveal Charles standing by the bed. He cozies up to Holly, who looks blissful. So, Holly, Corky asks, did Charles send you down that flight of stairs? Holly looks tenderly into her husbands face, and then stares directly into the camera and snarls, You bet he did. She remembers everything and has since the moment she woke up. She just wanted to save the truth for national television. Hed greased the stairs with cooking spray (Pam! shout Murphy and Corky). Also, they never had a cat. Corkys shook. Sometimes there are no fairy tales. At Phils, Murphys relieved shes still got it, but she feels bad for Corky, who wants to drown her sorrows in vodka. Maybe I should just give up and be more like you, she tells Murphy. Cynics with low expectations are rarely disappointed. No, Murphy says. The world is a mess right now and we need more people like you in it. If everyone was like me thered be a lot more people going headfirst down the stairs. Im glad the storyline isnt staked on Murphys lack of sentimentality as a gendered contrast to Corkys hyperfemininity I can see Murphy saying something similar to any of the other characters. Corky, touched, needs a hug before tottering off to the bathroom, drunk on two shots of Utah-made, two-proof vodka. Avery comes by with the news that even the folks at the Wolf Network were tuned into Murphy in the Morning today, although all the guys there did ask the same question: Why didnt she call the police on her way down the stairs? Avery also reports that hes decided to wear his glasses on the air. Hell look distinguished, and they wont be able to turn him into a sex symbol or so he thinks. A two-person sample of the women-and-gay-men demographic stops by the table to compliment him. Miles throws his arm around the bespectacled youth and says solemnly: This is our burden, bud. Misc. & Assorted Okay, which version of Walter Cronkite would look best in a tube top and skinny jeans? Probably this one. A few bits sprinkled through the episode demonstrate that this cast does well with physical comedy. Averys promo gives plenty of material to Jake McDorman and Candice Bergen; Joe Regalbuto is pitch-perfect when he pretends to be a surgeon whos just lost a patient; and, even while bedridden, Brooke Shields makes terrific use of facial expressions and posture to underscore punchlines and heighten humor. Faith Fords outfits are great this week. I especially liked the green tracksuit with coordinating heels. Also liked Pats casting of Mission: Impossible. Hes Simon Pegg, which makes Miles a short Alec Baldwin, Frank a hairless Tom Cruise (still a compliment, Frank notes), and Murphy an aging, white, white Angela Bassett. Yes, friends, theres a Thanksgiving episode next week! Lets meet back here on Thursday. Bring your fork; therell be pie. Elisa Del Genio and Ludovica Nasti in My Brilliant Friend. Photo: HBO Based on Elena Ferrantes first Neapolitan Novel, My Brilliant Friend is a work of quiet confidence. It feels less like a new production than a best-kept secret from another era that was recently unearthed. This is all the more remarkable considering the budget that co-producers HBO and Italys RAI and TMIVision have lavished on it. The central location from Ferrantes novel a 1950s-era Neapolitan slum is a set that looks to be as huge as the title locales of Deadwood and Rome. Existing locations have been decorated to match their appearances six-plus decades ago, and the backgrounds teem with period-accurate extras and vehicles: an overhead shot of the parking lot of Piazza del Plebiscito boasts nearly a hundred vintage cars. Somehow, though, the result feels intimate and modest, immersing us in the particulars of a time, place, and social class, resisting the urge to comment on the unfairness and cruelty that stand between the characters and their desire for happiness even as it makes us sharply aware of them. Adapted by Jennifer Schuur (Big Love) and Paolo Sorrentino (The Young Pope), and directed by Saverio Costanzo (In Treatment), the heart of the series is the fraught bond between Raffaella Lila Cerullo and Elena Lenu Greco, a couple of smart, strong-willed girls. Theyre friends with each other, and at each other. Differences in opportunity stop them from competing on a level playing field and complicate their affection as they mature. Lenu (played as a child by Elisa Del Genio, and as an teenager by Margherita Mazzucco) is our narrator, starting in the present with her friends sudden disappearance, then flashing back to their childhood and adolescence. Lila (Ludovica Nasti and Gaia Girace) is positioned as an unsung genius who instinctively masters Italian and Latin, history and mathematics, despite growing up as the poor daughter of a shoemaker in a home that doesnt value education. Lenus circumstances are dire, too, but shes encouraged by an interventionist schoolteacher and by her dear papa; the latter agrees to pay for tutoring so she can take the admission test for middle school, an opportunity Lila will never have. The friends paths diverge, with Lenu literally as well as figuratively escaping the neighborhood (the seventh episode takes place mainly during a working vacation by the sea) while her friend stays behind, quietly honing her craft as a writer (in stories and letters that only Lenu sees). The disparity in opportunity between Lila and Lenu stays at the forefront of the series mind as it guides us from the girls childhood through an adolescence marred by the machismo, sexism, and violence of Neapolitan slum life. Education in all its forms, but language in particular, serves as an emotional life preserver, but the girls still always seem to be half a breath from drowning. My Brilliant Friend works discussions of poetry, fiction, and mythology into its plotlines, showing how the arts give the heroines a framework for understanding their deprivation while leaving them keenly conscious that theres only so much a book can do to ease suffering especially in a mans world that treats women as servants, prizes, and ideals. From childhood onward, Lila and Lenu are regularly complimented on their beauty and poise by women as well as men; as they age, this praise starts to seem constricting, then menacing verbal boxes theyre fated to be packed into. Theyre both pursued by suitors ranging from awkward to charming to menacing, and its always clear that, no matter what the young men might claim, they appreciate women more for what they represent than who they are. Only women see other women as full human beings and not all of them do, internalized misogyny being what it is. The girls are often instructed to tamp down their spirits, sometimes even ordered to accept certain offers from men for the greater good of the tribe, because thats what women do. Lilas older brother Rino (played as a teenager by Gennaro De Stefano) is one of the most visible casualties of machismo. Hes a skilled cobbler whos determined to create a new type of mens shoe, with his sister providing tough-love encouragement and quality control, and he often sticks up for Lila. But hes also prideful and insecure and has a volcanic temper, and we spend much of the story worrying that his mouth will write a check that his fists cant cash. The threat of violence is ever present. Early in the story, two groups of rival gangsters run the neighborhood, and when one gets taken out of the picture, things only get worse. As in the small-scaled, mid-century Italian Neorealist movies that seem to have served as partial inspiration as well as sweeping Italian family melodramas by directors like Luchino Visconti (The Leopard) and Francis Coppola (The Godfather) every public interaction and many private ones risk morphing into beatings, and murders. Unequally matched combatants mete out pain as public spectacle, a physical shaming thats meant to show onlookers who the boss is and caution them never to cross him. This is true in the scenes of domestic violence as well: Men strike women in this story only after realizing that they cant dominate them with language. Tenderness and lyricism give way to fear, sadness, and loss so frequently that this tale would become unbearable if the series didnt make the violence seem petty, cruel, and awkward rather than glamorous. An early scene of the girls reading Little Women right before a man gets stomped sums up My Brilliant Friends juxtaposition of culture and savagery. The shows aesthetic seems guided by the scene in the first Godfather where Sonny thrashes Carlo. We see violence from a distance, submerged by the frame line, or partly obscured by the people committing it, because its the reactions of onlookers the mix of horror and indifference that define Ferrantes world. An understated intimacy binds the series. My Brilliant Friend leans into the idea of memory as a series of discrete, recollected periods or moments, splitting the difference between serialized and self-contained storytelling, so that every episode functions as part of a whole and stands on its own as a complete statement. Although the filmmaking indulges the occasional (earned) flourish notably in the series of dissolves that climaxes the fourth episode, and a nearly 360-degree pan in the seaside episode, drinking in natural splendors that Lenu is experiencing for the first time this series is more interested in the expressions on peoples faces as they scrutinize each other, contemplate their circumstances, and figure out their next move. The casting is exceptional. Every face and body is credible as one that might actually have lived in that period. The performances are alert and sensitive without seeming studied. As teenaged Lila, Girace in particular is a standout: The shape of her face and the intensity of her gaze evoke a young Barbara Stanwyck, who often played women stuck in impossible circumstances, tried to make the best of it, and drew comfort from recognizing their own resilience even when others couldnt see it. This is a late-breaking candidate for show of the year, a drama about the place where aspiration and reality intersect. Behind the scenes of HBOs My Brilliant Friend. Photo: HBO When it was first published in 2011, My Brilliant Friend resonated with readers worldwide in a way that few contemporary novels without magic or dragons do. The first of Elena Ferrantes four-book series introduced a premise that was deceptively simple: Two gifted girls, Lila Cerullo and Elena Greco, growing up in post-WWII Naples, bring out the best and worst in each other. It happens, sometimes, that your best friend is also your best enemy, says director Saverio Costanzo, who was selected by the pseudonymous author to write and direct an eight-episode adaptation of the book, premiering November 18 on HBO. Its a little secret that we keep for ourselves: Friendship is not just the story of love, but also the story of hate. Adapting beloved books to television is always a tricky business, particularly when the plot largely revolves around Latin scholarship and a pair of shoes, in a setting where families can barely survive without putting their children to work. Its fitting, then, that My Brilliant Friend, which deeply privileges its characters love of literature, should have made it to television precisely because it incited a similar passion within its readers. When executive producer Lorenzo Mieli (The Young Pope) finished the books three years ago, he immediately began chasing the rights. Think back to what neorealism has done Bicycle Thieves became one of the most important movies in the history of cinema, he says, citing Vittorio De Sicas classic 1948 drama as a defense against My Brilliant Friends arguably uncinematic narrative. It took Mieli six months to convince a producer friend of his, who had been planning the adaptation for Italys RAI, to think internationally. In 2016, Mieli approached HBO to come onboard with Italian production house Fandango, making My Brilliant Friend the networks first foreign-language series. (All told, the show will be broadcast in more than 50 countries.) Given the books nuanced exploration of female friendship, its perhaps a little surprising that a woman isnt at the helm, a point Costanzo hesitantly concedes. I feel privileged to take part in Ferrantes wonderful and profound universe, but if my being a man has indeed been a limit [to the story], I hope that my feminine side came to the rescue, he says. Costanzo, whose work includes the indie drama Hungry Hearts, starring Adam Driver, and an Italian version of In Treatment, had reached out to Ferrante via her publisher several years ago to see if he could secure the rights to her 2008 novel The Lost Daughter, but a film never materialized. As My Brilliant Friend started to come together, Ferrante who is rumored to be a translator living in Rome invited her compatriot to get involved. Costanzo was already a huge fan of the saga, which he sums up rather poetically: The girls do a romantic dance that at times may seem like a violent fight. They run after each other and overlap, but tenaciously share the goal of becoming, one through the other, two whole individuals. The challenges of adapting My Brilliant Friend were multitude. To begin, the scripts had to be significantly embellished, given that the narrative is told from Elenas perspective and largely lacks dialogue. Though she doesnt speak Italian, writer Jennifer Schuur (Hannibal) was brought on as an executive producer to consult on the story, particularly for input on an American audiences sensibility. Schuur had written a letter to Ferrante to tell her how completely obsessed she was with the books; she brought a copy of it, as well as her dog-eared copies of the Neapolitan Novels, to the Italian team. That seemed to win the day, she recalls. Costanzo is vague about the specifics of Ferrantes input, which was shared via email, but Mieli admits: Giving those characters lines has been the most challenging. Thats where Elena Ferrante from the beginning really stayed with us, watching and noting whether everything was good or not. In a rare recent interview with the Italian publication La Repubblica, Ferrante said only, I intervened with my suggestions where it seemed necessary. Furthermore, Costanzo, Mieli, and HBO development executive Francesca Orsi wanted to honor the novels Neapolitan dialect, which many Italians dont even speak. This meant finding unknowns from the Campania region to star. The process took eight months, beginning in January 2017. Casting directors Laura Muccino and Sara Casani looked at 9,000 children alone just for the protagonists irrepressible Lila, who gave off an odor of wildness, and supplicating, observant Elena as well as their classmates, many of whom needed to be cast both at primary-school age and as adolescents. (Vulture wrote about the four main stars here.) My Brilliant Friends universe is densely populated some 150 actors and 5,000 extras. Meanwhile, the series wont have the advantage of the books identifying character legend. In terms of the adults, the perception Lila and Elena had of them, how they looked to them, was crucial to Saverio, says Muccino, who, like several people, spoke via translated email. It was important to find faces and bodies that would be convincing from a historical perspective. Looking at pictures of Neapolitan families of the 1950s was very helpful. Schuur notes that the script also had to do a lot of the heavy lifting to differentiate characters. There are no movie stars, so its not like, Oh, right, Robert De Niro is playing Cappuccio, she says, referring to an early character. So how do you build a story that introduces [everybody] memorably? From left: Alessandro Nardi as young Nino Sarratore.Francesco Serpico as teenage Nino Sarratore. From left: Alessandro Nardi as young Nino Sarratore.Francesco Serpico as teenage Nino Sarratore. Nino Sarratore, Elenas childhood crush who becomes a much bigger part of later novels, caused the casting department the most anxiety. We were nervous about dealing with such a powerful character that for so many women embodied the epitome of first love, says Casani. According to her, only the role of the girls teacher Maestra Oliviero, who pushes them to realize their academic potential, was a no-brainer, played to perfection by the stern, wizened Dora Romano (a favorite among everyone I spoke with). In general, fans of the books will probably agree that the cast is uncannily accurate, and faithful to Ferrantes descriptions. The elusive author tacitly approved, too, telling La Repubblica, The few times I have been asked to speak up I have only complicated things. In fact, if I had to choose the two actresses, I would never have come out of it. The images I have in my mind as I write are iridescent, sometimes hyperdefined, sometimes blurred. Next, the production had to figure out how to re-create the stradone, the main strip featuring the bar, the delicatessen, and Lilas fathers shoe store, where so much of the early action takes place. The neighborhood is thought to be based on the working-class Rione Luzzatti, built in the 1920s in accordance with rationalist architecture: spare and functional. Today, the area offers My Brilliant Friend tours, but it has fallen into too much disrepair to have been transformed back into its postwar infancy. Instead, production designer Giancarlo Basili found an abandoned factory about an hour away in the city of Caserta, which provided enough space for a 12-acre reconstruction of the neighborhood. I was attached to the idea of creating a visually metaphysical atmosphere, he says. Inspired by the gray palette of Picassos Guernica, and working with a confidential but relatively generous budget, Basili and his team took about four months to build 14 buildings, the facade of a church, and the interiors of Lila and Elenas home, among others. Mieli adds that Ferrante was involved here, too, correcting early plans for the placement of the tunnel, that foreboding telescope of darkness that young Lila and Elena must brave in order to get to the sea. L-R: Director Saviero Costanzo, Ludovica Nasti (young Lila), and Elisa Del Genio (young Elena) Photo: HBO Finally, there are those shoes. The second half of My Brilliant Friend journeys beyond classrooms and courtyards to New Years Eve parties, city excursions, and beach vacations more inviting scenes for an HBO series but the books tissue coils around a pair of mens footwear designed by Lila after she is thwarted in her pursuit of a higher education. Despite Elenas academic opportunities, the shoes stir her envy because [Lila] knew how to be autonomous, whereas I needed her because she had her things that I couldnt be a part of. They also signify Lilas ferocious intelligence, her ability to recognize the changing fortunes of the neighborhood and harness emerging capitalist forces, despite her impoverished circumstances. This was exactly my question the first time I read the book: What would a pair of shoes look like if they were designed by a little girl from a dusty 1950s neighborhood who was used to wearing wrecked shoes? recalls costume designer Antonella Cannarozzi. Since Lila was involved, it had to be something unusual, iconoclastic, very different from what she was used to seeing on a daily basis. In this regard, my collaboration with Pierpaolo Piccioli, creative director for Valentino, proved instrumental. Also a Ferrante enthusiast, Piccioli designed a pair of moccasins, white on blood-red leather, which were already in vogue at that time, she explains, but suitable for leisure, a lifestyle distinct from Lilas. This is the idea, she says. Lila designs a fun pair of shoes although she is not familiar with, nor was she ever exposed to, fashion canons. Using Valentinos iconic archive, it took us several adjustments on classic moccasins before we attained the model. A wedding dress was also created and supplied by Maison Valentino. The series is indebted, Cannarozzi adds, to this high level of Italian craftsmanship. With Ferrante hovering at the edges of the production, it seems impossible that there are no further insights into who she really is. Is this her story? Who is her brilliant friend? Will she watch the show? But the mark of a genuine fan is that they respect, and even prefer, her anonymity. If you told me that Elena Ferrante is right next door, and that by opening that door I could find out who she is, I would not open it, says Costanzo. The producers agree. Theres no part of me that believes this could have been written by anyone other than a woman, says Schuur, but I feel very lucky in these situations that I have nothing I could offer as far as clues to her identity. HBO has yet to green-light a second season, which would tackle the next installment of the Neapolitan Novels, The Story of a New Name. Should that happen, Costanzo doesnt think he will return to direct, though that was the original plan. Already, the level of attention and expectation has overwhelmed him. I dont want to be in Hollywood, he says. Its too noisy and crowded for my sensibility. I am very happy to help with the second season, if there is one, but my duty here was just to help this to be born. Narcos Rafa, Rafa, Rafa! Season 4 Episode 4 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Photo: Carlos Somonte/Netflix Its no bed of roses and its no pleasure cruise, by which I mean that this episode sees both Kiki and Gallardo taken down a peg or two. But, naturally, theyre not going to stay down for long and at least Gallardo is going to be climbing over some corpses to get there. Nava has been such a pain in the ass from the start that I am honestly stunned every time he makes it out of a scene alive. DFS association be damned, his number is way, way overdue and I cannot wait for him to be out of the picture! To be fair, it seems like the people around Gallardo are starting to feel the same way, and for good reason. Rafa and his girlfriend carry out a kidnapping hoax so they can gallivant around together, but what they fail to take into account is the fact that her father is the Minister of Education and therefore very well-connected. The political machine so slow to seek any kind of justice when it really counts revs into action in order to get her back, and to get Rafas head on a plate. Against his better judgment, Gallardo negotiates for Rafas safety, which is where Nava comes in. For the DFS to intervene and smooth things over, Gallardo has to do the favor he turned down in the last episode and he has to oversee it himself. With Amado flying the plane, Gallardo ends up taking a shipment of guns out to Nicaragua. Taking care of the transfer is surprise, surprise Stechner (Eric Lange), who you may remember from previous seasons of Narcos, but he disappears as soon as the plane lands, leaving Amado and Gallardo to get black-bagged and tortured by the group of soldiers who come out to meet the cargo. None of them make any indication that they know who Nava is, meaning that the two of them are stuck without a paddle. Or, rather, it means that Nava is teaching them a lesson for being too big for their britches. Right as the torture is about to get dire, Stechner steps in, and sends them on their way back to Guadalajara. Before they go, however, Gallardo gets a peek at mountains of cocaine sitting untouched, and immediately puts two and two together as to the fact that theres a lucrative income stream thats going untapped. So much for his pledge to stay out of cocaine territory. (He gets knocked down, but he gets back up again!) Nava is, of course, waiting for him when he gets back to Guadalajara, and gloats that it was a reminder for Gallardo to remember his place. He is so brazen particularly after showing up at Gallardos house when he wasnt home earlier, which I feel is the kind of move that tends to seal mens death warrants that I could practically see the timer running out for him. Hes gotta kick the bucket within the next two episodes, right? Or is that just wishful thinking? Meanwhile, Kiki is dealing with the same bureaucratic walls that have been impeding him from the start. For a stretch, it looks like he might finally be able to move on the gangsters whove been doing their business with relative impunity this whole time. Rafas mistake, which has the government on his tail, means that Kiki is finally free to be as aggressive as hes wanted to be. He also gets teamed up with Guillermo Gonzalez Calderoni (Julio Cesar Cedillo), known as the Eliot Ness of Mexico, to get the job done. Unfortunately, their respective methods for working a case immediately begin to clash, as Kiki is thorough whereas Calderoni is a bull in a china shop. He beats Kikis informant black and blue meaning Kiki will never be able to press him again and immediately applies the pressure on Kikis neighbor, who works at a phone company, after Kiki notes that they might be able to use him to get to phone records that would give up Rafas location. Though it all works they find the compound and end up literally feet away from Rafa the bust is called off at the last minute by their bosses. The agreement that Gallardo and Nava came to has saved Rafa in the nick of time. Kiki is understandably furious, and is still so preoccupied by the time he gets home that his wife leaves him stewing in the dark, alone except for the twinkling lights on his Christmas tree. As weird as it is to say, Don Neto is the only one who has a relatively chill time in this episode. Though he blows his assignment of babysitting Rafa by getting them both extremely high on cocaine and essentially reenacting the shirts scene from The Great Gatsby except with record sleeves (as they extol the virtues of CDs), he ends the episode in a position of net gain. While on a beer run, hes apprehended by a cop after he falls asleep at the wheel and crashes his car (gently) into a wall. When the cop, Sammy (Guillermo Villegas), realizes exactly who hes apprehended, he drives Don Neto home and is rewarded with a job as Netos new driver. Godspeed, Sammy! Seeds and Stems Rafa isnt dumb, but hes a little dumb. As with his Scarface obsession, his relationship with Sofia (Tessa Ia) has a movie peg Bonnie & Clyde. Theres a cute subversion in that shes Clyde and hes Bonnie, but, again, we all know how that movie ends. Rafa and Don Neto gleefully chanting, Doesnt skip! Doesnt skip! Doesnt skip! about CDs is still one of the funniest things Ive ever seen. Another Don Neto bon mot: You hit me. I should kill you, but its Christmas. Even On the Basis of Sex This Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic was one of the last Oscar contenders to remain unseen, finally debuting as the opening-night film at AFI Fest last week. Reactions were mixed: Ginsburg superfans seem to love it, but critics like Varietys Pete Debruge are casting some side-eye at the movies intensely hagiographic tone. (The screenplay was written by the justices nephew.) No ones yet gone broke selling Ginsburg in 2018 RBG is the years second-highest-grossing documentary and as with Green Book, its possible that, if the rest of the dish is tasty enough, voters might not mind some cheese. One question: Can a biopic get a Best Picture nom without an accompanying acting nod, or is everything riding on Felicity Jones? Patricia Arquette. Photo: Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images Hollywoods romance with true-crime stories continues in Ben Stillers new Showtime mini-series Escape at Dannemora, which chronicles the real-life prison break of convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat. Sure, it includes the expected fare tense stares, government interrogations, gory violence but theres also something we dont see often on television. Patricia Arquette plays Joyce Tilly Mitchell, a married prison employee who aids Matt and Sweat in their prison break while carrying on affairs with them both. Tilly, a middle-aged, plus-size mother (Arquette gained weight for the role), is shown in sex scenes with both Matt and Sweat, played by Benicio Del Toro and Paul Dano, respectively. You never see a middle-aged woman who doesnt have a certain kind of body or look a certain way be sexual, or have the right to her sexuality, or enjoy her sexuality, Arquette told Vulture at the NYC premiere. Youre more likely to see dinosaurs in movies, or unicorns in movies, or anything in a movie, than you are to see a middle-aged woman who is sexual. And thats kind of crazy, you know? Arquette said she found the sex scenes terrifying personally some of them are jarringly violent but was appreciative of the conversation she was able to be a part of through the role. The show did not employ an intimacy coordinator to oversee the sex scenes, although the use of them has been growing in popularity to avoid sexual harassment on set. Im a powerful woman, a successful woman. So I dont feel a huge power dynamic. I feel like I can say whats going on for me, said Arquette. But we took it very slow, and Ben told me all the camera angles, and how we were gonna shoot it. We talked about the emotional underpinnings of every scene. But I do think, in general, [using an intimacy coordinator] should be the norm, and the actors can decide they do or dont want the use of that as much as they want. Horrible, horrible things have happened, and I dont want that to ever happen to a young actor. Can't get geared up to plan Thanksgiving dinner? Here are 10 places to just sit back and be served (if you can get a reservation). And here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.) 1. California wildfires The numbers just keep shooting up. The death toll from Northern California's Camp Fire is now at 63, after the remains of seven people were found. But the real eye-popping stat is the number of people listed as missing. That soared to 631 after investigators added information from callers who reported people missing to the dispatch center the day the fire erupted. There do appear to be duplicates on the list, and some people who evacuated may have unreliable cell phone service due to the fire. Meanwhile, some survivors say they never got emergency alerts on their phones that could have warned them of the fire. 2. Cambodia Two senior members of one of the most murderous regimes in history had their day of reckoning. Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, were found guilty of genocide by an international tribunal, a landmark verdict that may bring closure to millions of Cambodians. The pair are the senior surviving members of the Khmer Rouge, the tyrannical communist faction that killed more than 1.7 million people -- about a fifth of Cambodia's population -- during the 1970s. Both men were sentenced to life in prison. 3. North Korea North Korea has tested some kind of weapon, and the world is trying to figure out just what it is. The North's state media said it was a "newly developed ultramodern" weapon. Whatever it is, it's a sign North Korea is ready to go back to a more antagonistic relationship with the US if nuclear disarmament talks continue to go poorly. The weapon could have been a piece of long-range artillery like "a multiple rocket launcher," a South Korean government source told CNN. Meantime, Vice President Mike Pence said the US has dropped a key demand of the North, which will not have to provide a full list of its nuclear and missile sites before President Trump meets early next year with its leader. 4. Florida recount Florida's putting the machines away and will start recounting ballots by hand in its hotly contested US Senate race. The manual recount is needed because after the machine recount, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson was within the 0.25% margin required for a hand recount in his race against Republican Gov. Rick Scott. Still, it looks like Nelson's odds of winning look pretty slim. That's because Scott picked up a few dozen more votes during the first recount. Meanwhile, the governor's race looks like it may be done. After a machine recount, that race is still outside the margin required for a hand recount, so it's likely former GOP Rep. Ron DeSantis will be the state's next chief exec. 5. Weather Eight people are dead and nearly 300,000 are without power as a wicked winter storm plows through the eastern US. The icy weather contributed to traffic crashes that left eight people dead in several states and stranded drivers for hours on Manhattan's George Washington Bridge. Today, more snow, sleet and freezing rain hit from the Central Appalachians through the Northeast. Parts of Pennsylvania and New England could see up to a foot of snow. BREAKFAST BROWSE RIP, Roy Before hosting "Hee Haw," Roy Clark was a music star in his own right, one of the first to land singles on both country and pop charts. He was 85. Underpriced no more Guess you don't have to die to rake in the big bucks as a painter. A David Hockney painting sold for $90 million, a record for a living artist. Power plays She won $350 million last month playing Powerball. Now, she's paying it forward with a half-million-dollar donation to a veterans group. Banding together What did Kanye West and Mark Zuckerberg sing when they jammed together at a karaoke bar? Well, here's a hint: Think of '90s boy bands. HAPPENING LATER From the bench After a delay, the judge in the CNN v. President Trump lawsuit now says he'll announce his ruling this morning in the First Amendment case. TOTAL RECALL Quiz time The 2018 Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year is ... A. Youthquake B. Bougie C. Toxic D. Democracy Play "Total Recall: The CNN news quiz" to see if you're right. And don't forget, you can also find a version of the quiz on your Amazon devices! Just say, "Alexa, ask CNN for a quiz." TODAY'S NUMBER 80% That's how much vaping has increased since last year among high school kids. And it's up 50% among middle schoolers. Now, the FDA wants new regulations on flavored nicotine products that have fueled vaping's rise. IT'S THE WEEKEND, BABY Two new Netflix shows come out today. Michael Douglas ages grudgingly in "The Kominsky Method," while "Narcos: Mexico" moves the drug-war drama to an new locale. In theaters, Potter-mania continues with "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," and Viola Davis heads up a group of fierce "Widows." AND FINALLY Slow down You'd think the Slow Mo Guys would run out of stuff to film, but they always prove us wrong. This time, they capture rainbow-colored Jell-O getting sliced by a tennis racket, in super ... slow ... motion. (Click to view.) The City of Huntsville is considering a partnership that can protect businesses when fire strikes. It would give firefighters easy access to the buildings. If approved, a business would register with the company Knox Box and the fire department, and then they would have a lock box outside for firefighters to use. This is something the Huntsville fire chief, Howard Macfarlen, says other cities are already doing. "It's used universally throughout the fire service throughout the United States," Macfarlen said. Macfarlen said the idea of a system like this, which could keep damage at bay when a fire breaks out, is nothing new. In the past, he's been worried about safety. He said this system is different. "The technology has caught up to the point where I would say I'm very comfortable with the security of that key if we have it," Macfarlen said. He said when firefighters respond to an alarm and there's no obvious sign of a fire, they have to wait for the business owner to get there. This sometimes could take up to an hour, taking time that could be spent stopping the fire or moving on to another when there isn't any problems. "It makes a lot of difference if we can get in very rapidly," Macfarlen said. The business owners would have to purchase the lock box, but Macfarlen says it could save so much more in the long run if the fire department doesn't have to bust through doors or windows to get inside. Huntsville City Council will consider the partnership at its meeting Thursday night. Businesses would have to opt into the program, and it could take some time to get set up. The fire department said several businesses have already requested to be a part of this program. "When we're in doubt, this would give us the ability to make entry and make sure everything is okay," he said. A New York couple was arrested in Madison County for allegedly stealing the identities of their own children, the Associated Press reported. The couple, Thomas and Alisha Cash, were ultimately extradited to New York on fraud charges. Police say all three children are 18 or younger, and none of them lived with the couple. Authorities said the Cashes racked up $10,000 in unpaid utility bills over a five year time span while they lived in Hammondsport, New York, a small town approximately 70 miles south of Rochester in the Finger Lakes Region. They were discovered after their oldest child was turned down for a loan because of outstanding debt. One lane of traffic was shut down while Alabama State Troopers processed a wreck involving a Lawrence County School bus and another vehicle. According to Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell, the wreck happened around 6:30 a.m. on Friday near the intersection of County Road 214 and County Road 217. Mitchell said the bus was turning onto County Road 214 from County Road 217 when another vehicle hit it. Lawrence County Superintendent Dr. John Bret Smith said there were no students on the bus and that the driver of the bus was not injured. Mitchell said the driver of the other vehicle received minor injuries. The extent of the damage to the bus is not known at this time. Smith said the transportation supervisor also responded to the crash. The cause of the wreck is under investigation. Republican Senator Richard Shelby met with President Trump in the oval office on Thursday to discuss government appropriations and border security, the lame duck agenda and a farm bill, disaster relief funding, nominations and prison reform, according to a statement from Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley. Shelby and Trump were joined by republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky and republican Senator John Thune from South Dakota. Victims' families told WAAY 31 they are less than impressed with the Alabama parole board's corrective action plan to fix its problems. The parole board's plan hits on points of hiring more parole officers, getting pay raises, creating an automatic notification system for victims and basically puts a stop to early paroles for violent offenders. It implements training across the board for all staff and says if parole officers don't do their jobs, they will be punished. This plan of change came after the WAAY 31 I-team uncovered serious flaws in the system that led to Jimmy Spencer being paroled. He's now accused of murdering three people in Guntersville. Last month, Governor Kay Ivey hit the board with an executive order that halts early paroles for 75 days, and she told the board they had to come up with this corrective action plan. Victim advocacy groups and victims' families said the plan is confusing and basically lacks any real plan for change. "It is very carefully written. It's like a simple song and dance to appease the governor," said Tonia Bass. Tonia Bass's brother, Bryan Hutto, was murdered in Limestone County in 2010. The woman convicted of killing him, Debroah Arriga, was sentenced to life in prison in 2012. Six years later, the Hutto family got a letter saying Arriga was up for parole. "You relive it all over again," said Bass. Arriga was an early parolee. Her hearing was set for October 2018, but at the last minute, her parole hearing was cancelled. In the parole board's new corrective action plan, they basically do away with early parole hearings for violent offenders, but Bass said the plan isn't good enough. "I don't see what's written in there is going to make much a difference if it's going to take months to implement this. It's written kinda like a pipe dream," said Bass. In the board's plan it talks about creating a way for victims to check parole status and notifications online; a website that was supposed to be accurate, and up and running years ago. WAAY 31 reached out to Darrell Morgan, the Assistant Executive Director of the parole board, by phone for clarification on this notification system. Morgan said the website was created by multiple state agencies. "That's what we want to transfer to, is that all victim notification goes through that system, but we haven't been able to do that because that system isn't as reliable as it needs to be right now," said Morgan. Other parts of the plan call for what is basically a "checks and balances" system within the parole board to make sure everyone is doing their jobs, but we asked the board how they plan to hold themselves accountable to that. "Anything new we bring up on the table and put into play will have a follow up procedure for reviewing it and making sure that it's done correctly and implemented fully," said Morgan. Bass said she still doesn't have much hope in the parole board nor this plan of change. "I am not hopeful that they will. I expect to fight, because I expect them to mess up again. This is their pattern," said Bass. Morgan said their plan can't satisfy everyone, but it's a starting point and there could be more to come. The Governor and Attorney General have received the plan and must approve it before anything can go forward. WAAY 31 contacted the Athens City Schools superintendent, Trey Holladay, and he said the new high school will not be opening on Monday like it was planned to. Instead, Holladay says it wont open until after the holidays, and it may not be soon after them. He didnt set a date or a specific timeline, because he said theyre going to be assessing everything day-by-day. Holladay said the school isnt opening on time mostly due to weather, because the roadwork thats needed to be done isnt finished. There are also a few parts of the school that still arent completed yet either. Holladay said, despite the news, hes been getting overwhelming support from students and their parents saying they dont mind staying at the middle school for now, as long as everyone is safe. He said that the classrooms are ready, and some teachers are even already moving their things in Thursday and Friday. 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 Reports of mismanagement and intense lobbying in Washington, D.C., have put Facebook in hot water again, with executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg bearing the brunt of the criticism. But the investigation published by The New York Times Wednesday night has also drawn attention to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumers efforts to ease the Senate Intelligence Committees questioning of Facebook in its investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. In July, the senior senator from New York asked U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, to back off his intense questioning of Facebook, advising Warner to look for ways to work with the company instead of antagonizing it, according to the report. A Senate aide told the Times that Schumer wanted Facebook to focus on solving the issues of right-wing disinformation and consumer privacy. Schumer spokesman Justin Goodman reiterated that defense in a statement to City & State on Thursday. Sen. Schumer has worked aggressively to push Facebook to do more to purge fake accounts and bots used by the right wing and Russians to perpetuate a disinformation campaign and interfere with our elections, he wrote. Schumer has worried that Facebook would bow to pressure from Republicans, who oppose the purging of the fake accounts and bots, and has urged Sen. Warner and the Senate Intelligence Committee to make this the priority in their ongoing investigation of the company. Schumer has helped Silicon Valley in the past by advancing issues like patent reform. The Times reported that Schumer raised more funds from Facebook employees than any other senator in the 2016 election cycle, and noted that Schumers daughter Alison is also a marketing manager at Facebook. This isnt the first time Schumers connections to a major industry have been scrutinized. Since 2008, Wall Streets financial embrace of Schumer has been carefully analyzed in the press. Politico reported that the industry raised $1.65 million for the senator in 2009 more than any other senator, and just a year after 2008s economic collapse. In the wake of the collapse, critics took aim at Schumers record of pushing for lighter regulation of Wall Street. Schumers campaign fundraising in the tech sector has been significant, though those contributions dont come close to what he raises from the financial industry. OpenSecrets.org, a campaign finance research site run by the Center for Responsive Politics, tracks donations from companies employees and owners, their immediate family members, and their PACs. Those linked to Googles parent company Alphabet Inc., Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook were some of Schumers biggest donors in tech between 2013 and 2018, according to the research group. Those four companies ranked 8th, 20th, 23rd and 26th, respectively, among the senators overall donors. In March of this year, Schumer talked about some of these companies extensively on a podcast with Recodes Kara Swisher. Months before it was announced that Amazon would descend on New York City, Schumer shared some thoughts on the internet giant. On the balance, he said, Amazon has more positive than negative effects on his constituents. Big can do good things as well as bad things, and youve got to separate the wheat from the chaff, he told Swisher. Would the world be a better place or a worse place if there were no Amazon right now? My guess is a worse place. And yet, theres a lot of problems, for sure. Schumer also expressed his faith in Facebooks commitment to correcting the flaws that allowed Russian agents to interfere in the 2016 election. Facebook is a very powerful force, he said on the podcast in March. I think, overall, its been a very positive force and now people are taking advantage of the openness of the net. And Facebook has an obligation to try and deal with it. As New York bolsters its growing reputation as a technology hub, Schumer will have to reconcile his expressed desire to push these companies to do better with the financial support the industry has lent him. Every year, I suspect that small butcher shops across the country weigh their turducken options; some limit how many of the tri-part roasts they will produce, while others decline to engage. For all the angst the failed concept costs us, it pales in comparison with the labor. To create a turducken requires an advanced skill set and thorough understanding of every intricacy of the anatomy of all three birds. Each must be meticulously deboned in one piece with little to no damage to the meat, and absolutely no damage to the skin of the turkey (the thin lace responsible for holding the whole thing together, all 25 pounds or so). That brings us back to Crenshaw (R-Tex.) and Davidson the most recent and succinct example of the apology dynamic playing out along scripted lines. Davidson is a big-time famous person (maybe you remember his ex-fiancee Ariana Grande) who picked on a lesser-known person in a bad joke about his disability. But while Crenshaw himself may not have been especially powerful, he is part of a powerful group: Just about everybody was offended for him because he is straight out of central casting for an American hero (though the congressman made it a point to say he wasnt offended). So there was no questioning that Crenshaw was worthy of an apology. It was a matter of when, not if. And it came in a big way, live on Saturday night. The big question, Abrams said, is whether Assange not only received the emails but also actually participated in the Russian hack. (Assanges story is nothing if not weird: He has been holed up in the Ecuadoran Embassy in London for years, initially avoiding Swedish authorities over an investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations.) A government attorney, James Burnham, argued in a hearing before Kelly on Wednesday that the president was within his rights to ban any reporter from the White House at any time, just as he excludes reporters from interviews in the Oval Office. He said Acosta could report on the president just as effectively by watching the president on TV or by calling people within the White House. Burnham also said CNN would not be injured by Acostas exclusion, since CNN has dozens of other journalists credentialed for the White House. View this post on Instagram Up early this morning. @realdonaldtrump and I spoke to Republicans across this country to help turn out the vote for tomorrow. #maga CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. A local human services provider with a 40- year history of offering assistance and solutions to social issues to a wide-range of individuals and families has been awarded a three-year renewable grant from the federal government. CAPTAIN Community Human Services was recently named the recipient of a $166,169 Basic Center Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant was provided through the federal agencys Family and Youth Services Bureau. CAPTAIN officials said the money will be applied to the organizations Emergency Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter. Competition is fierce throughout the state, said Sue Catroppa, CAPTAIN CHS executive director. Being awarded this grant speaks to the high level of quality service we provide. We are very proud to be the recipient of this prestigious grant in New York State, and look forward to utilizing the grant to help homeless youth and those at-risk of homelessness in our community. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, passed in 1974, authorized the Basic Center Program which enabled community-based organizations to operate short-term shelters to provide emergency care to runaway and homeless youth who were not already receiving services from the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. The Health and Human Services Basic Center Program helps to create and strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth who are under 18 years of age. The program also tries to reunite young people with their families or locate appropriate alternative placements. In 1975, the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) funded the first 66 centers with $5 million. Today, FYSB funds the Basic Center Program under provisions of the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act of 2008. The Basic Center Program works to establish or strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. CAPTAINs Youth Shelter is a temporary shelter serving young people aged 13 to 17 years who are homeless, runaway, or in an otherwise unsafe situation. It certified by the state Office of Children and Family Services. Opened in 1998 the eight-bed shelter operates around the clock, every day of the year, accepting youth from various locations and referral sources. Located in the Town of Malta, the shelter serves young people from Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Montgomery and Fulton counties. They can utilize the program and services for up to 30 days or as long as necessary and know they will be safe and find refuge in a home-like environment. The shelter provides case management services and involves the youth in daily activities while they receive support and encouragement from trained adults they can trust. It includes counseling, life-skills training, family mediation, educational support, and transportation. During their stay, all efforts are made to connect the young people with a safe and stable home, by reuniting them with their families or finding another permanent living arrangement. Young people who stay at the Shelter are provided with a comfortable living situation that resembles an average residential home in a beautiful, natural wooded setting free of crisis. Having this refuge and level of consistency in their lives allows them to stabilize and, with the help of case managers, they work to reunite with their estranged family or guardians or to find an alternative living situation that meets their needs. CAPTAIN CHS officials said since opening in 1998, the Shelter has safely housed approximately 2,000 young people. In recent years the staff at the Shelter has seen an increase in both the numbers of young people being served and the complexity of the issues they present. In addition to the runaway and homeless youth shelter, CAPTAIN CHS offers street outreach services, an emergency food and hygiene pantry, family assistance programs, various youth leadership programs, services for seniors, respite programs, and more. According to an arrest affidavit, the two men were seen arguing on the street and the victim pushed Murphy. Police said in the affidavit that Murphy shot Jones once, and then shot him six more times as he lay on the ground. Newtowne Dr., 700 block, 11:35 p.m., Nov. 8. Police investigated a call about a group of people loitering at an apartment complex, and at least two males had handguns. As police approached, some of the group ran into an apartment and refused to exit. A female resident of the apartment said they did not have permission to be there. Three Annapolis males, 19, 17 and 16, were charged with third- and fourth-degree burglary. The regulation also specifies that even if no formal complaint is filed, the school must offer the accuser supportive measures. It says colleges and universities doing this have a safe harbor from a later finding that they had failed to act. Elementary and secondary schools, however, may be required to file a formal complaint even if the victim does not want one, given the need to protect younger students. Those numbers tell us the promise of Latino youth is at stake, said Diego Uriburu, executive director of Identity Inc., a nonprofit agency that works with Latino youths in the county and that requested the study. A generation could slip away and a few already have. If we continue to do the same things weve done for 20 years, the potential of these young people will be lost. Elligers thinks the elementary and middle schools his children attended in Northern Virginia may have let him in because he had pull. It probably helped that I was active in the PTAs and that may have led the principals to believe I could be trusted not to upset the classes, he said. Its also possible that the principals thought giving me permission would be less risky than denying me permission. The principals knew that I was an attorney and that my PTA role was exclusively dealing with the County Council of PTAs on money issues, particularly pressing for higher county taxes to increase school funding. Several members of the Economic Development Corp. board said they were not informed in advance of the trip, as they have been with other economic-development related travel. They maintained they should have been notified, even though the delegation Baker traveled with was smaller than his other international trips. The fraud was discovered after the Internal Revenue Service reviewed reports of suspicious activity made by several casinos. Bang, who had filed for bankruptcy in 2007, brought cashiers checks to the gambling sites that ranged in size from $35,000 to $200,000, officials said, but declined to tell the casinos the source of the funds. Investigators obtained copies of the checks and traced the money to fraudulent bank accounts Bang had created, and then to Montgomery County. As he ascended the ranks, he helped lead Xerox as it struggled to contend with increasing competition from Japan. In 1992, he was named executive vice president of worldwide operations, a position that put him in control of 70,000 employees and $18 billion in revenue and in a prime spot to succeed Paul A. Allaire as chief executive. The post ultimately went to G. Richard Thoman, formerly of IBM. Mr. Rose was born in Newport, R.I. Early on, he was a reporter with the United Press International wire service in Augusta, Maine, and then spent eight years as press secretary to Sen. Edmund S. Muskie (D-Maine). For the last 30 years of his career, he promoted fuel cell technology. He was a founder of the independent, nonprofit Breakthrough Technologies. In 1998, he founded the U.S. Fuel Cell Council, which in 2010 became the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. The halls of Skano Elementary School on the Shenendehowa campus were filled with red, white and blue last week as the school welcomed more than two dozen veterans to its Veterans Day assembly. The annual event, which is held on the Friday before Veterans Day, gives students a chance to invite veterans from their families to the school. This was the fifth year for the Veterans assembly. From the welcoming coffee and pastries in the school lobby to the handshakes they received from each student as they left the assembly, the veterans were recognized for the service theyve given to the country. The idea for the assembly originated with Elizabeth Gleason, a special education teacher at the school and the director of its ECHO (Everyone Can Help Others) Club. Club members act as hosts for the event. Officials said the assembly is a way for the students to see and understand that veterans are not just senior members of society; that they are all around them every day; they can even be a classmates parents. The program filled the cafeteria with students, staff, veterans and other family members. Once the veterans took their seats of honor at the front of the room, the students filed in, some waving hand-made miniature American flags, and took seats on the floor. After the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, the veterans were asked to stand, identify themselves, state their branch of service, and announce which student invited them. The students stood when named, most waving to their loved ones at the front of the room. Vietnam War Navy veteran Del Pierce, Petty Officer Third Class was with the Seabees for a few years, beginning in 1969 . Pierce helped the ECHO students with the question-and-answer portion. When asked what he liked best about his military service, Pierce said it was acquiring a sense of community as well as a sense of fraternity. I made a lot of friends in the service and we remain as good friends today, he said. I feel like Im part of a fraternity. That particular sense of community made me feel that Im part of a greater community. Serving in the Navy made me see that its important to become involved in my community at all levels. The school board, town, county, state, and federal governments all do good things. They do not serve their own self-interest. The programs keynote speakers were Russell Coonradt and Kristen Handler. Coonradt is a local volunteer firefighter and an EMT with the Clifton Park and Halfmoon Emergency Corps. As a Navy corpsman, he served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is an instructor for the Veterans EMT Course offered by the Emergency Corps. Handler is the assistant director of administration at Saratoga WarHorse, an organization that assists veterans with invisible wounds by providing them a therapeutic experience with horses. Coonradt discussed how the Emergency Corps Veterans EMT Course came about as a way for military veterans to offer the community a service. Each branch of the military has corps values such as honor, courage, commitment, and service before self, he said, and we spend our time in the military trying to reflect these corps values. Those values taught by the military dont go away when we get out. That desire to serve stays with us so we try to find ways to reflect those values [in civilian life]. We try and live our lives based on those corps values. The free EMT class we offer for veterans, run by veterans, was our way of giving back. Handlers organization is a nonprofit that exists to serve veterans as well as retired racehorses. Saratoga WarHorse brings the two parties together to help both. We help veterans who might need a little help once theyre done with the military, she said. If youre a veteran and are feeling stressed, we are there to help you. Military personnel and racehorses both go through big changes once they leave their fields of work, she said. What was once an ordered life has come to an end and they must deal with a different lifestyle change. Putting the two together helps them both. The veterans work with the horses. They teach them to come to them, they are saying to them, come to me, Im your leader trust me, Handler said. Bonding with an animal makes you feel better about yourself and sometimes thats what veterans need. Hartman said the father and son were found dead with gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Hartman declined to say where the bodies were found or if anything was taken from the residence. He also said that he could not comment on whether there were signs of forced entry into the house. They said the law could sweep in unregistered foreign journalists who cover an event in the United States at the direction of their foreign state-controlled news agency; college students dating the children of foreign diplomats who attend a protest of U.S. government actions, such as the separation of migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border, at the diplomats suggestion; or any unregistered foreign visitors who asked a government leader in their own country for suggestions to improve their participation in U.S. civic life. We knew they were trapped, Krauss said of the men waving their arms and screaming for help. The boom was inoperable at that point, and even if it did work, it would be a bad idea to go back to where the source of the fire was coming from. The allegation against the Prince Georges County officer is the third accusation of misconduct involving that department in three weeks. Earlier this month, an officer was accused of forcing a woman he pulled over in a traffic stop to perform a sex act on him. A few weeks later, officials announced the department was looking into allegations that an officer solicited money from people he pulled over during traffic stops. These were among reports received by the Calvert County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 410-535-2800 or 301-855-1194, the Crime Solvers line at 410-535-2880 or the state police Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400. It was the second consecutive day the D.C. region dealt with traffic crashes and delays after the area was caught off-guard by a Thursday storm that dumped 1.4 inches of snow at Reagan National Airport. It was the citys biggest November snowfall in nearly three decades. Sounds like an evasion, said Thomas Melia, Washington director for PEN America. This issue resonated with so many people across the country because even though it is, in some sense, an issue that is local to D.C., its also an issue that affects everyone because these places are iconic gathering places for people who come to Washington from all over to be heard. On Friday morning, the Virginia State Conference NAACP said it was deeply troubled by Northams action. We fear disrupting the citizen review board midstream is a disservice to the Union Hill communitys right to a fair and impartial hearing, the organization said in an email. The termination of two valued board members at this crucial juncture diminishes the ability of the board to effectively perform its assigned job. Furthermore, the governors action may signal to other Board members that asking too many questions about an influential utilitys potential impact on a vulnerable historic community may lead to their removal. A feel-good tale of a homeless man using his last $20 to help a stranded New Jersey woman buy gas was actually a lie, manufactured to get strangers to donate more than $400,000 to help the down-and-out good Samaritan, a prosecutor said Thursday. So even if Nelson were to swing 10 times as many votes in this recount as Gore did in 2000, he would still come up short. Democrats know that recounting the existing votes is unlikely to change the result. So Democrats have filed a series of lawsuits asking courts to change Florida elections laws after the fact. The result would be that they can count ineligible votes in the hope that these will provide the margin necessary to overcome Scotts lead. For example, Florida statute mandates that, with the exception of overseas and military voters, vote-by-mail ballots are counted only if they are received by the supervisor of elections not later than 7 p.m. on the day of the election. But Nelson has sued demanding that mail ballots that arrived after the 7 p.m. deadline to be counted as part of the recount. For scooter riders here in Santa Monica, it means: Dont you dare ride on the sidewalk, which is against the law, even though it sometimes feels super unsafe to ride next to cars. Or: Wink-wink, always wear a helmet. Also, the beach bike path is verboten, even though it is the smoothest, most fun, most scenic ride possible. And definitely dont just dump your scooter in the middle of a busy path or sidewalk. On one level, with offensive rhetoric rampant in the wider polity, it makes sense to try to curtail potentially harmful speech in more-controlled forums. For African Americans, immigrants, women, Jews, LGBTQ individuals, Muslim Americans and others in groups with searing histories of persecution, hateful speech can be intimidating and traumatic, not to mention portending actual violence. The First Amendment bars the government from restricting speech based on viewpoint, but private entities are free to do so; editors, university administrators and even politicians understandably seek to shelter readers, audiences and constituents from an increasingly vitriolic society. As the United States careens toward greater incivility, there is good reason to bolster respectfulness and stand up against bigotry in settings under ones influence. Institutions that are attuned to diverse perspectives as they joke, publish or teach are a necessary catalyst of a more inclusive and equal society. The San Diego indictment lists the hacker names used by the alleged conspirators, handles such as Cobain, sxpdlcl and mer4en7y. A separate indictment charged an MSS officer named Yanjun Xu, a deputy division director in the Jiangsu bureau, with trying to steal jet engine secrets from GE Aviation; Xu was arrested in April in Belgium after he began trying to penetrate the companys operations, and he was extradited to the United States last month. The United States in September arrested a U.S. Army reservist named Ji Chaoqun and charged that he had helped the Chinese gain information about aerospace industry targets. Shortly before the mudslide, Montecitans had dodged the worst of the Thomas Fire, which burned for a month on the mountain ridges of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, as the Woolsey Fire now blazes in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. In Ventura, the Thomas Fire destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and claimed the lives of a firefighter and a woman fleeing the blaze. There were no fire deaths in Montecito, where firefighters and first responders performed admirably and saved many more homes than they lost. Second, we claim to revere democracy, but too often we entrust the conduct of elections to amateurs and incompetents, with dated technology and far too little quality control. In Florida, the machine recount struggled in Palm Beach County, not because of underhanded maneuvers but because old machines overheated from processing so many ballots. The greatest question in the Senate election dispute between Scott and the Democratic incumbent, Bill Nelson, is almost 30,000 ballots in Broward County that recorded a vote for the state agriculture commissioner but no vote for the Senate. This improbable scenario is explained either by misprogrammed tabulation machines or a poorly designed ballot. The Senate races outcome may depend on which option turns out to be true. The fact that either is possible is an indictment of how the election was administered. One case that resulted in legal punishment involved a Tennessee defendant who telephoned women and duped them into believing that he was a current sexual partner or friend. He then asked to have sex with the women after theyd blindfolded themselves, supposedly to fulfill a fantasy and either entirely or partly succeeded in the ruse with three victims. He was convicted of two counts of rape by fraud and one count of attempted rape by fraud, which resulted in a 15-year sentence. In 2002, a California man broke into a sleeping womans bedroom and let her believe that he was her husband (who was asleep next to her), then penetrated her. The perpetrator was convicted of rape and sexual penetration by artifice, pretense or concealment, and assault with intent to commit rape, which resulted in a sentence of six years in state prison. All this history and specificity is now washed away. The seven basic units of measurement from which all other units of measurement are derived the kilogram, the second, the meter, the ampere (electric current), the candela, the Kelvin (temperature) and the mole (the unit of quantity) will be defined in terms of constants that should be the same everywhere in the universe. Some of these constants play profound roles in physics: As well as Plancks constant, there is Boltzmanns constant, which crops up in the laws of thermodynamics, and the speed of light in a vacuum, a quantity so central to relativity that it might as well be called as Einsteins constant. Others are arbitrary, like that particular property of cesium atoms that, through its frequency, defines the second. But all of them are universal, the same on a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri as they are on Earth. No standards in vaults need be consulted; no sperm whales need give up their wax. Abrams, 44, and Kemp, 55, have long clashed over voting rights. Four years ago, Abrams founded the New Georgia Project, with a goal of adding hundreds of thousands of people of color to the voting rolls. Abrams is no longer affiliated with the group that she says signed up more than 200,000 potential new voters, but most of them never made it onto the rolls. The question on appeal is not frivolous. George deserves the benefit of waiting for the court of appeals decision before reporting to serve his sentence, Caroline Polisi, a lawyer for Papadopoulos, said in a statement. Theres absolutely no harm in staying his sentence in order to see the outcome of this case. If the Mueller appointment is found to be unconstitutional, there is obviously a very strong argument for invalidating Georges conviction. He is now taking his disdain for President Trump to another level, speaking out about him in a new podcast. George Conway said the Republican Party under Trump has become a personality cult. He said he would rather move to Australia than vote for Trump again. He declined to comment when asked whether the president is fully stable. Clovis and Whitaker have been close since both made unsuccessful U.S. Senate bids in 2014. Later that year, Whitaker chaired Cloviss bid for Iowa state treasurer. In a recent interview with Reuters, Clovis said Whitaker was a sounding board for him when Clovis worked for Trumps campaign. After Whitaker was tapped by Trump to serve as acting attorney general last week, Clovis said he texted him congratulations. The legislation also faced more setbacks on Thursday when the National Sheriffs Association and several other law enforcement groups released a letter announcing that they would oppose the criminal justice overhaul bill in its current form. The measures supporters had hoped the sheriffs group would at least stay neutral on the bill to improve its prospects among Republicans and with Trump, who has privately indicated that he would like to see more law enforcement groups endorse the measure. It looks like some shameless coordination with a government that has trampled on the rule of law, said a Senate aide familiar with the bill. It would defy credulity that the announcement came out today when they know what were doing here in the Senate . . . theyre willing to designate individuals in the inner circles of Mohammed bin Salman and they wont say a damn thing about the crown prince himself. Movers and headhunters confirm that people are leaving because of the bad air, even if they say they cant quantify the trend. Suresh Raina, a partner at the search firm Hunt Partners, said that the winter has become an opportune time to persuade executives who do not have deep roots in Delhi to accept jobs in other cities. Such executives wake up every November when the pollution deepens and the sky outside becomes darker, and they start making calls, saying, Im not staying here, Raina said. Analysts have long speculated that Netanyahu would call early elections to win a new mandate as allegations of corruption and the potential for indictments drew close. However, his popularity has taken a blow in recent days because of what some see as a soft stance toward Gaza. Israelis from border communities near the territory demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, expressing anger over the cease-fire with Hamas, which came after militant factions in the Palestinian enclave fired more than 450 rockets toward Israel in the worst bout of cross-border violence since the 2014 war. If what you want is to deliver on leaving the European Union, and have frictionless trade in goods at the border for the next few years until a future free-trade agreement comes into force, and have control of our own immigration policy, and keep the United Kingdom together, all at the same time well then, a deal is going to look pretty much like this one seems to look like, former Tory foreign secretary William Hague said this week. It isnt going to be dramatically different from that. The community center run by Tatyana she refused to give her last name because she feared retribution from authorities used to be called the House of Culture of the Friendship Collective Farm. The letters spelling out collective farm were pried off the facade last year, but the word is still legible because of the different-colored paint underneath. In reaching its conclusions, the CIA examined multiple sources of intelligence, including a phone call that the princes brother Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, had with Khashoggi, according to the people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence. Khalid told Khashoggi, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post, that he should go to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to retrieve the documents and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so. Barry J. Pollack, one of Assanges attorneys, said, The only thing more irresponsible than charging a person for publishing truthful information would be to put in a public filing information that clearly was not intended for the public and without any notice to Mr. Assange. Obviously, I have no idea if he has actually been charged or for what, but the notion that the federal criminal charges could be brought based on the publication of truthful information is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set. The Trump administration has taken several steps long sought by the Israeli government. Chief among them were the decisions recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israels capital and to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Though the Israeli government is based in Jerusalem, most nations keep their missions in Tel Aviv on the principle that its status should be decided through negotiations with the Palestinians who also seek part of the city as their capital. And in a positive sign, North Korea announced later Friday that it would deport a U.S. citizen who had been detained since October after being accused of entering the country illegally from China at the behest of the CIA. The Trump administration and Saudi Arabia have each taken steps to punish those they say were responsible for the killing. But both distance Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a key ally of the United States from its planning. The United States said Thursday that it would sanction 17 Saudis for their alleged involvement. Saudi Arabias chief prosecutor had released a statement hours earlier, saying that 11 Saudi citizens had been indicted, among them Saud al-Qahtani, an adviser and key enforcer for the crown prince. Saudi authorities are seeking the death penalty for five of those charged, none of whom have been named. Perks for executives are not uncommon in the banking sector, but as National Australia Bank's Andrew Thorburn now knows a trip to Fiji and a Thermomix can cause all sorts of headaches. As revealed by Fairfax Media this week, Thorburn took a luxury holiday to a private island in Fiji and a flashy household appliance arranged through a company under police investigation over accusations it bribed his chief of staff to win contracts from the bank. NAB confirmed on Thursday that CEO Andrew Thorburn had made unintentional breaches of group policy in relation to the Fiji trip and the Thermomix. Credit:Jessica Hromas Thorburns gifts are allegedly part of a wider fraud committed against the bank that involved his chief-of-staff Rosemary Rogers and an external events company, the Human Group, that provided the bank with some of these perks. NAB confirmed to Fairfax Media on Thursday and to the market on Friday that Thorburn had made inadvertent breaches of the companys policy in relation to the gift. Where to now for the big four banks, AMP and some other big businesses? Theyve abused the trust of their customers and the public, and it will be a long time before any side of politics wants to be seen as going easy on them. Of course, the banking royal commission isnt over. Weve yet to see what punishments it recommends be imposed and what tightening of regulation, and then what the next government decides to do in response. Illustration: Glen Le Lievre Credit: But if the nations chief executives have any gumption, they wont wait for all that before turning their minds to why their customers trust was lost, and how they can go about getting it back. This week the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia held a symposium in Canberra on regenerating integrity and trust in Australian institutions. Professor Leon Mann, a psychologist from the University of Melbourne, and Associate Professor Nicole Gillespie, a management expert from the business school at the University of Queensland, spoke about trust from a business perspective. "Delivery partners work when they want, and choose how they want to deliver, from driving a car to riding a bike or scooter," she said. We are committed to building a long-term, sustainable business in Australia and continuing to invest in our relationships with delivery partners. A spokeswoman for Deliveroo said it will not comment on this story at this time. Foodora's contention that Mr Klooger was not an employee because he was sub-contracting work and swapping shifts with other riders had operated with its knowledge. Commissioner Cambridge said this arrangement had resulted in a "bizarre position whereby Foodora effectively sanctioned the work that it had previously forbidden". "Consequently the substitution scheme operated in clear breach of the service contract and in one case at least, it apparently facilitated the performance of work contrary to Australian law. Foodora should not have permitted the operation of the substitution scheme". Joellen Riley, the Dean of Law at Sydney University. Credit:Edwina Pickles University of Sydney professor of Law Joellen Riley said the decision was based on a careful application of the multifactorial test, most recently articulated by the High Court in Hollis v Vabu. "The way in which this decision explains the clauses in this so-called independent contract relating to delegation show a willingness for the Commission to see what is really happening here these are just shift swapping provisions," she said. Foodora creditors on Friday also accepted an offer of $3 million, which is less than half of what is owed to food delivery riders in wages, superannuation and tax. German parent company Delivery Hero proposed a deed of company arrangement under which it will pay $3 million. The Australian Taxation Office and Revenue NSW were unsuccessful in voting down the offer put to creditors on Friday morning by voluntary administrator Worrells. Foodora rider have been underpaid an estimated $5.5 million. The Australian Taxation Office has lodged a proof of debt for $2.1 million in unpaid tax. Revenue NSW reported it was owed more than $550,000, according to the creditors' report, while Victoria and Queensland Revenue may potentially claim an estimated $400,000. Mr Klooger, who was among of group of former Foodora riders at the creditors meeting, voted in favour of the offer and urged other Foodora riders to make a claim for unpaid wages. Transport Workers Union representative Tony Sheldon, who is standing for election as a Labor Senator at next year's federal election, said riders had no choice but to accept the $3 million towards Foodora's debts to avoid waiting indefinitely to retrieve their entitlements. Loading He urged the ATO and Revenue NSW to pursue the company in the courts and said it was "critical for the government to stand up for the community's interest by pursuing unpaid taxes" from gig companies "who think they can flaunt the laws". "There is capacity for the Australian Tax Office and for ASIC to pursue these directors and the German company," he said. The administrator estimated workers had been underpaid $5.5 million based on its conclusion "that it is more likely than not that the delivery riders and drivers should have been classified as casual employees instead of contractors". Worrells noted in its creditors report that any successful claims against Delivery Hero would need to be enforced in Germany and "the costs and time to resolve any claim will have a large impact on any distribution received by creditors". The Fair Work Ombudsman in September dropped its case alleging Foodora engaged in sham contracting by classifying workers as contractors instead of employees in response to the company's collapse. Labor's Employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor said the Foodora case exposes a failure to deal with the employment issues associated with the changing nature of the labour market. Labor expects the government to do everything in its power to pursue the parent company in Germany to make sure workers receive their full entitlements, he said. Jobs and Industrial Relations Minister Kelly ODwyer said the Fair Work Act has clear provisions that prohibit sham contracting. Foodoras German-based parent company, Delivery Hero, must do the right thing and meet all the entitlements owed to riders, she said. There are no excuses for companies treating genuine employees as contractors. The High Court has knocked back special leave for Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson to continue to fight her defamation case against Bauer Media. Wilson's barristers, Matthew Collins, QC, and Renee Enbom, appeared before the High Court in Canberra on Friday seeking special leave to appeal after she was forced to repay almost 90 per cent of her record $4.7 million payout to the Woman's Day publisher that defamed her. But the court refused the application, with costs. Bauer Media welcomed the court decision. As the debate over the immigration rate rages, the managing directors of two of Australia's biggest companies have voiced their support for migrants. Speaking after the Wesfarmers AGM in Perth on Thursday, Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott and Coles managing director Steve Cain both said immigration played an important role in economic growth. Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott speaks during the Wesfarmers 2018 annual general meeting in Perth. Credit:Richard Wainwright In 2017-18 162,417 migrants were welcomed under the Australian immigration program, well below the government ceiling of 190,000 and more than 20,000 fewer than the 183,608 welcomed the year before. Despite the rate being under the cap, politicians including Tony Abbott have been agitating for a further reduction to give infrastructure a chance to catch up. He also pleaded guilty to possessing an indecent or obscene article in Kelmscott on March 2. Moore pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawfully using a restricted access computer system between March 1-2 this year. Adrian Trevor Moore, 48, pleaded guilty to four charges in the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday. A former police officer has pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing a police computer and possessing a bestiality image. The court heard the image depicted bestiality. The court was told Moore is also facing another 177 charges relating to allegedly unlawful computer access. But those charges were not put to him on Friday, nor was a further charge of stealing as a servant. Moore will face court again next Friday on the outstanding charges for a plea hearing. Moore - who was a senior constable - was stood down from duty in March. There were no signs, there were no symptoms. There had been no big argument or anything untoward that had happened. Those are the words from heartbroken mother Danielle Edwards, whose son Terry Scott took his own life almost three years ago. He didnt have this tumultuous upbringing, he had a good home life, he never wanted for anything, Ms Edwards said. He could not have been any more loved. Danielle and Terry at her wedding. Even that morning I remember standing in the hallway and saying to him youre so bloody handsome and giving him a big kiss and thats the last time I told him I loved him and the last time he spoke to me, because after that, he was gone. Nile has tried and failed to get this bill up before. Hes faced strong criticism from womens advocates. Concerns include the law being used to prosecute women or doctors for ending pregnancies (because abortions necessarily involve the destruction of a fetus). The Nationals have proposed amendments to Niles bill to exclude abortions from it. Premier Gladys Berejiklian says her government would propose its own version, also excluding abortion, if re-elected. Currently, NSW law allows for a person to be charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a pregnant woman - and that includes harm to her fetus. But there is no separate crime regarding the fetus, because the law does not recognise a fetus as a legal person. Zoes Law is Fred Niles bill to introduce this specific crime. It follows several tragic road deaths, in which heavily pregnant women were killed and/or their fetuses destroyed. If Niles bill becomes law, a person who seriously injures a pregnant woman could be charged with harming both the woman and her fetus. Living in the United States, I witnessed first-hand the ways that fetal personhood laws are used to punish women and police their pregnancies. Although touted as laws to protect women, fetal personhood laws dilute reproductive rights. The impact on women can be severe. So, when I returned to Australia this year, I was disappointed that Zoes Law, Fred Niles fetal personhood bill, was back on NSWs agenda. But, even if abortion is excluded, recognising a fetus as having legal rights that otherwise only apply after birth remains problematic. We only need to look at the recent experiences of women in the US to understand why. In the southern state of Alabama, fetal personhood arguments have been used to lock up pregnant women and take away their babies. Alabamas Chemical Endangerment Law was designed to prosecute parents with meth labs in their back sheds for exposing their kids to harmful fumes and risks of explosion. However, Alabamas highest court held that this law could be used to prosecute women for using controlled substances while pregnant, something that legislators never intended. The law refers to endangering a child. The court, pointing to other US laws that give a fetus legal rights, said the meaning of the word child included a fetus, from the moment of conception. Despite the law never having been intended for this purpose, it has been used to prosecute pregnant women for things as innocuous as taking anxiety controlling medications, or sleep aids. Following almost a decade of prosecutions, Alabama has just passed a new fetal personhood law. The new law requires the state to recognise and support the rights of unborn children. Advocates are concerned it may be used to ban the morning-after-pill. fetal personhood laws have also been used to criminalise poor pregnancy outcomes. A woman from Iowa, in the Midwest, was prosecuted after she fell down a flight of stairs and miscarried. Iowa has a feticide law, which criminalises abortions after the second trimester. The woman was charged after doctors formed the view she threw herself down the stairs on purpose. Another woman from Indiana was charged with attempted feticide when she tried to commit suicide and miscarried. These feticide laws effectively equate late-term miscarriages with homicide that is, murder. These draconian laws disproportionately affect poorer communities, women struggling with addiction, and women of colour. Promoting the idea of the fetus as a fully developed child has long been a centrepiece of anti-choice rhetoric in the US designed to chip away at womens constitutionally protected right to reproductive choice. They are even more dangerous in NSW, where there is no such right and abortion remains a crime. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says the government is fully prepared to focus its energy on trade negotiations with the European Union as the Brexit deal proposed by British Prime Minister Theresa May brings into question when or if Australia will be able to secure a high quality trade deal with Britain. Mrs May's government has been plunged into turmoil after she secured cabinet support for a deal to exit the EU but immediately faced a string of ministerial resignations and a revolt from hardline Brexiteers inside her Conservative party. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:AAP In an interview with Fairfax Media, Senator Birmingham warned the ongoing uncertainty over the British exit from the EU was fuelling global economic uncertainty alongside the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States and urged a swift resolution. Alexander Downer, former Australian foreign minister and high commissioner to Britain, said the proposed Brexit deal was a reason for Canberra to focus its efforts on securing an agreement with the EU. He predicted the blow-up over the deal could end Mrs May's leadership. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will use a speech at the high-powered APEC summit on Saturday to deliver a coded appeal for greater leadership by the Trump administration on free trade, warning that its barrage of tariff reprisals risk shredding global trade rules. Mr Morrison, who faces the delicate task of delivering his summit message to world leaders at a time of rising tensions between the United States and China, will call on countries to remind their own people of the benefits of free trade in a clear repudiation of US President Donald Trumps populist America First message. Tit-for-tat protectionism and threats of trade wars are in no-ones interests economically and undermine the authority of the global and regional trading rules that benefit us all, Mr Morrison will say in his speech, according to excerpts provided by his office. So our efforts must be about persuading and convincing our peoples again about the domestic benefits. In less than 48 hours, more than half a million hunters will head to the woods and fields for the opening day of Wisconsin's annual 9-day gun deer season. A number of factors point to a very favorable opening weekend. When hunters climb into their deer stands Saturday morning, it will mark the earliest possible date for a gun season opener. "When we look at the history of harvest activity as it relates to the calendar, when we do have the early opener like we're going to have this year, it can have an influence on an increased buck harvest, that relates to the fact there's more overlap with the breeding season," DNR regional wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl said. "I'm sure we're still going to hear people having stories of they see bucks chasing does, bucks responding to grunt calls, a little rattling activity. It was working last weekend, I don't see why it won't be working again this weekend," Pritzl added. Also on the good news front is the weather. Many areas have snow on the ground which makes it easier to see and track deer, and temperatures below freezing are forecast which cause deer to move more often. "I think everyone is pretty excited. There's been years in recent history where it's been warm, wet, windy. Things are lining up to be relatively good," Pritzl said. As of Thursday, license sales were up two percent from last year, and the countdown is on. "Right now we're in the sweet spot of anticipation. That's what's great about this time of the year. It's that glorious thought of, could this be the year," Pritzl said. "Some of us, our primary pursuit is venison for the freezer, but really I think the main pursuit we all have is creating a memory that will last a lifetime, and could this be the year. There's going to be lifetime memories created in the next weekend and I think that's just exciting." Hunters are reminded that in Marinette County -- a popular destination -- the boundary between the forest and farmland zone has changed this year. That affects where hunters can and can't use antler-less tags. Southwestern Connecticut earners saw their income increase last year at nearly double the gain of 2016, according to new federal estimates, though the region was well behind the broader New York City region that includes portions of northern New Jersey. In 2017, personal earnings increased 3.2 percent to just over $110,000 on average in the Bridgeport-Stamford corridor and nearby towns, as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the highest figure in the nation by a comfortable margin over Silicon Valley communities in northern California. Still, the southwestern Connecticut increase was behind the 3.6 percent income growth in the nation as a whole, and ranked the region only just inside the top 200 nationally, with the New York City area ninth in the United States with a healthy 5.6 percent bump. Midland, Mich. residents led the nation with a 16.6 percent spike in average take-home pay. BEA estimated a 4.0 percent hike in average pay for the New Haven-Milford population area, the 82nd best gain in the nation at $54,500. The bureau did not break out separate data for the Danbury area in its analysis, whereas in New Haven employment has hit new plateaus in the past few months, a key driver for wages as businesses bid against each other for needed help. Salaries and wages are only one of multiple elements that go into BEAs income model, which includes income from stocks, real estate holdings and other investments, with the Russell 2000 stock index up 13 percent last year and prolonging that surge through August before tailing off this fall. BEA also includes payouts under government programs like Social Security or unemployment insurance, with more than 27,000 people on jobless benefits in Connecticut as of the first week of November, an increase of just over 1,400 claimants from the week before. And 2018's estimates come in the context of the wild card of federal tax reform, with many in southwestern Connecticut seeing smaller tax returns this year after the Trump administration capped IRS deductions at $10,000 for local property taxes and other amounts paid to state and local governments. We believe that many consumers are going to have a nice tax surprise next year, said Home Depot CEO Carol Tome, speaking to investment analysts about the federal tax cuts enacted in 2017. If you are a high earner in a ... state like California or New York or Connecticut well, that wont be the case. Katnip Marketing LLC has been selected for the 2018 Best of Westport Award in the Marketing Consultants category by the Westport Award Program. Each year, the Westport Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Westport Award Program and data provided by third parties. Firm celebrates golden anniversary The iconic Westport-based real estate firm of Vidal/Wettenstein, at 719 Post Road East, is celebrating its golden anniversary or 50 years. In honor of the milestone, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe issued an official proclamation to mark the firms achievement. The proclamation was presented at a formal ceremony at Westport Town Hall by Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker. In part, the proclamation reads: The Town of Westport appreciates this companys many contributions to the community, including but not limited to offering academic scholarships to students and supporting several local non-profit organizations. Vidal/Wettenstein is steeped in tradition, affects positive change in the community, and is a widely respected business in the state, the proclamation reads. The firm traces its roots to 1968, when Randy Vidal opened an office on East State Street and launched what would become a long history of commercial real estate transactions. In 1996, he was joined by Bruce Wettenstein, and since then the team has grown. Weve cultivated a reputation for being committed to our clients and delivering high quality services, said Randy Vidal. We are proud that many of our clients have been affiliated with our office for decades. To mark its milestone anniversary, Vidal/Wettenstein donated to Homes with Home, a nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness in Fairfield County. Honda of Westport receives electric vehicle champion award Honda of Westport was awarded the CHEAPR Electric Vehicle Champion Award from Commissioner Robert Klee of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at the opening of the Connecticut International Auto Show on Nov. 9 at the Mohegan Sun Expo Center. Klee announced the CHEAPR Program, Connecticuts electric vehicle rebate program for Connecticut residents, municipalities or businesses who purchase or lease a new eligible battery electric, fuel cell electric, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will receive an additional $2 million from DEEP and United Illuminating. The money is not from tax payers, but from funds through merger settlements of the utilities. More than 35 vehicles are eligible for the rebate. Evan Perkins accepted the Electric Champion Award on behalf of Honda of Westport. Perkins, the general manager of Dan Perkins Subaru in Milford and Honda of Westport said he was thrilled to receive the award on behalf of the entire dealership. Honda of Westport, a local family owned dealership, is fully committed to being environmentally conscious. This is reflected not only in our strong electric vehicle sales this year, but also the fact that we are installing solar panels on the roof of our newly renovated sales facility, in addition to installing multiple EV charging stations at both our sales and service facilities, Perkis said. BBy going green, Honda of Westport believes it is helping to protect our environment. Firing Circuits Studios exhibition opening in Wilton Wilton Librarys white walls will be ablaze with color when Firing Circuits Studios of Norwalk exhibits at the library this November and December. The opening reception for the exhibition, Artists of Firing Circuits Studios, is Nov. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eighteen artists from the studios will be featuring more than 80 of their works. Westport artists participating in the exhibition are Jeanine Esposito and Claudia Mengel. The reception is free and open to the public. According to Mark Schiff, who organized the Firing Circuits artists, When Ed MacEwen (Wilton Librarys art chairman) contacted me about this show, I was excited. When I then brought the opportunity to the artists, they all said they would love to participate. The group of artists known as Firing Circuits Studios was borne out of an abandoned factory building in Norwalk about 12 years ago. The building was originally built in the early 1900s and housed the Connecticut Lace Works. The industry thrived until the 1960s after which it was home to Firing Circuits, an electrical components firm. The studio artists work in an array of mediums, including oils, watercolors, mixed media and sculpture, which are on exhibit at Wilton Library through Dec. 26. The majority of the works are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The daughter of a former Westport Representative Town Meeting member avoided a federal court trial set to begin next week by pleading guilty Tuesday to mail fraud stemming from the theft of nearly $313,000 in unemployment benefits on both her and her father's behalf. Julie Hymans, 41, the daughter of the late Ralph Hymans, admitted her involvement in the 14-year scam in which federal prosecutors numerous aliases and fictitious companies were used by her father. Hymans faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced in November by U.S. District Judge Mark R. Kravitz. At age 87, Monroe R. Hymans -- Ralph Hymans' formal name -- pleaded guilty last March to mail fraud. However, the former eight-year member of the RTM suffered a stroke shortly before his scheduled June sentencing and later died. He had represented RTM District 5, encompassing the Green's Farms area, during four terms on the legislative body during the 1990s and 2000. His late wife, Lynn, was employed in Westport's Building Department until her retirement in 2007. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul McConnell and Christopher Mattei said the investigation showed that from January 1995 to April 2009, Ralph Hymans used aliases and fictitious companies to file unemployment benefits for himself and his daughter. The prosecution charged that he falsely claimed Julie Hymans earned wages at Monroe Management, one of the fictitious companies. The prosecution further charged they had evidence that Julie Hymans contacted the U.S. Department of Labor in January 2009 to inquire about why they stopped sending her checks. She told them she had worked at Monroe Management and entitled to benefits that should be sent to her home. She repeated the request in March 2009, prompting the Labor Department to mail nine unemployment checks to her. The Department of Labor oversees the unemployment insurance system. Benefits paid to unemployed workers are financed by taxes paid by state employers. The Bank of Canada recently put the countrys six biggest lenders to the test and found that they would absorb losses from a housing crash in Vancouver and Toronto without compromising their minimum required capital reserves, according to a report by Bloomberg. The financial system remains highly resilient. Its important to analyze this kind of hypothetical risk scenario, Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Wilkins said. The central bank researchers revealed that cumulative earnings at the biggest lenders would be down by 14% over three years compared with the economys base case performance, should home prices decrease 20% nationwide. Average credit losses by banks would be $24 billion higher in the risk scenario than in the base case, with average loss rate still lower than during the 2008 recession. Despite losses, the biggest banks would still have substantial earnings, thanks to international diversification. Some of the potential damages include higher household and business default rates and moderate additional losses in bank trading books. Fortunately, the test confirmed that there will be no further liquidity stress beyond a moderate increase in bank funding costs. While mortgage default rates would rise in such a scenario, they would remain low in absolute terms, the study found. The study also found that nearly half of mortgages held by banks are protected by mortgage default insurance. The Bank of Canadas (BoC) Housing Affordability Index (HAI) for the second quarter this year revealed that the cost of purchasing a home decreased from 2017, according to a report by Better Dwelling. The HAI estimates the income required for housing and makes use of a households disposable income for the figures. Costs covered are mortgage payments and utilities. At times, taxes, maintenance, and insurance (TMI) add to the total number. According to the latest report, the amount of disposable income required is still high but is tracking lower. Homeowners need 34.8% of their income to afford homes, marking a 1.97% and 0.57% drop from the previous quarter and the past year, respectively. However, Better Dwelling warned that the downward trend is not likely to continue into the third quarter due to rising prices and mortgage rates that took effect before BoCs study was made. This was supported by the data from The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, stating that prices rose in the most recent quarter. Epson has committed the company to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program and announced a number of key initiatives aimed at addressing social issues. Epson said its initiatives support 13 SDGs Epson is using its original efficient, compact, and precision technologies and initiatives as vehicles to drive innovations that will enrich the world and make it a better place, said Minoru Usui, president of Seiko Epson Corporation. Our goals are the same as those of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. Epson is creating new value by looking hard at solutions to social issues, understanding the expectations that society has of us, and then providing products and services that far exceed those expectations. We at Epson are committed to the development of sustainable societies through the four areas of innovation identified in the Epson 25 Corporate Vision. As part of the effort, Epson created "Key CSR Themes," a materiality matrix that identifies important initiatives for addressing social issues. Epson examined the relationship between its initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs to identify the SDGs that intersect with Epson's initiatives. Epson believes that the growth strategies it has outlined in the Epson 25 Corporate Vision will help to achieve the SDGs. Specifically, the company will solve social issues and help to realise a sustainable society by driving innovations in four areas and executing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives that support the realisation of the Management Philosophy. What are Sustainable Development Goals? "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" was adopted in 2015 at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, which was attended by more than 150 world leaders. This agenda is a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity that includes a declaration and a set of 17 goals and 169 targets for sustainable development. Click here for more SDG details: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ Last month, the UNs IPCC warned that humanity has only a dozen years to limit climate change catastrophe. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 81,000 employees in 85 companies around the world. With a line-up that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, watches and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Established in 1983, Epson Australia is headquartered in North Ryde NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan. Alice Fay Pullin Audio Article Alice Fay Pullin, 83, of Floresville and Taft, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov.... Ernesto Silvas Guerrero Audio Article Ernesto Silvas Guerrero passed away on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 40 years,... Backlash is brewing against taxpayer-funded incentives offered to Amazon.com by Virginia and New York, with some lawmakers pledging action to block the subsidies. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Backlash is brewing against taxpayer-funded incentives offered to Amazon.com by Virginia and New York, with some lawmakers pledging action to block the subsidies. Amazon, in announcing its second and third headquarters locations Tuesday, outlined about US$2.2 billion in expected direct incentives for the initial phases of its expansion, predicated on the creation of 25,000 high-wage jobs in each location. That total includes US$102 million related to a 5,000-job operations center in Nashville, Tenn. But Good Jobs First, which tracks economic-development subsidies, suggested that the company could receive much more, particularly as it avails itself of New York City programs meant to spur job growth in places such as the Long Island City neighbourhood of Queens. Greg LeRoy, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based group, suggested that Amazon was trying "to obscure just how lavishly it is being subsidized." Part of the discrepancy between LeRoys estimate of subsidies in excess of US$4.6 billion and Amazons stems from what is considered a subsidy. LeRoy counts the US$1 billion that Virginia Tech pledged to develop a new graduate campus near the companys Arlington County headquarters location, but presumably the education provided there would benefit students and other employers, not just Amazon. Other subsidies will directly benefit Amazon, but there are questions about their value. New York City projects that could benefit Amazon include existing economic-development programs including one focused on spurring job growth outside Manhattan to the tune of US$897 million through 2038, though it was not immediately clear what level of employment or investment that projection was tied to. The city, in a release, said the company could be in line for property-tax abatements related to real-estate development worth US$386 million. Amazon said in a release it intends to apply for those incentives, but did not quantify them. New York state offered US$1.2 billion in tax credits through a program called Excelsior, tied to the creation of at least 25,000 new jobs and US$2.3 billion in Amazon investment. A further US$505-million capital grant was offered should Amazon grow to 40,000 new employees there over 15 years. New York City cites economic-impact studies suggesting that Amazons expansion there will generate more than US$27.5 billion in new city and state tax revenue over 25 years. Amazon has sought to downplay the importance of incentives to its headquarters-expansion process, saying that access to a talented workforce was paramount. The company said the incentives are performance-based, meaning they materialize only if the company creates the jobs and makes the investments. One close observer of Amazons HQ2 process and the broader landscape of corporate-location strategy said the mounting scrutiny of incentives has the potential to weigh on the companys brand. "Amazon is a consumer company. It depends on the allegiance of its customers. Its brand is everything," Richard Florida, a professor of urban studies currently at the University of Toronto said on Twitter. "Amazons top leadership needs to wake up and see the damage this is doing, and simply say no to incentives." Seattle Times There was more than the usual sense of community accomplishment expressed at the opening of Red River College's Skilled Trades and Technology Centre on Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. There was more than the usual sense of community accomplishment expressed at the opening of Red River College's Skilled Trades and Technology Centre on Thursday. The province's investment of $61.6 million in the construction of the 104,000 square foot building -- which RRC president Paul Vogt said will be the college's new flagship building -- was clearly appreciated by Vogt and the RRC community. But in the case of this state-of-the-art training centre -- that will house the college's teaching labs for electrical, carpentry, mechanical engineering technology, computer aided drafting, refrigeration and air conditioning and a few other apprenticeship programs -- the undertaking was an opportunity for the whole of the construction trades to play a much larger role than normal. Vogt said, "People say it takes a village to raise a child, well, in this case it took a whole city to build a building." Akman Construction, the general contractors on the project, along with about 60 sub-trades were responsible for the employment of about 1,000 people who took part in the construction of the building, about 75 per cent of whom were Red River College grads. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Student Michael Funk, left and instructor Sylvain Marin work on the legs of a butcher block table in the carpentry class in the Red River College's Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. Doug Hanna, partner at Number TEN Architectural Group, who designed the building, said, "It is somewhat like the circle of life. They were educated here and they came back" to build the training centre that will probably be around for the next 100 years. In addition to a traditional building trades training complex, the centre will also include a $15-million 8,000 square foot Smart Factory addition that is still under construction and is to be completed next year. Vogt took a playful shot at people who still refer to Red River College as a "trades school." "OK," he said. "We are a trades school. We'll own that. But when people say that, I think they don't know the half of it. There are more than 21,000 students here and more than 200 programs. We are meeting the needs of every single element of the Manitoba labour force." To underline that point, Red River College's robot-in-residence, Baxter, performed the traditional ribbon cutting. "Red River College started 80 years ago as a trade school and for all that time we have been the major educator of trades people in the province," Vogt said. "Quite literally Red River College grads built Manitoba." RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Paul Vogt, left, takes Kelvin Goertzen on a tour of Red River College's Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. And because of that legacy Vogt said the construction of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre had the feel of being a labour of love and had an extra level of commitment to the process. Students and staff had a hand in several elements of the design and built many of the work stations in the labs like the workbenches in the carpentry lab, tool cabinets and the interior and exterior brickwork was designed in the colleges masonry program. Full-sized curtainwall mock-ups were built and tested in the colleges Building Envelope Technology Access Centre program. And students were given unique work experience opportunities. For instance, Allison Enns, a construction management student had all sorts of work placements with various stages of the design and construction process, winding up with a job at Akman Construction. The new space will become the training site for about 1,000 students per day and will allow the college to boost its training capacity by 30 per cent in high-demand trades. Hanna said part of the vision of the building was as an "innovation accelerator." To help with inspiration, throughout the building there are hundreds of tools and pieces of tools embedded in the concrete floor -- a hammer head here, a pair of pliers over there, screws, vice-grips and all sorts of old tools. All along the length of the building's "galleria" the specific trades shops all have glazed windows connecting to the main hallway giving each space a very open feel. The ceiling in the carpentry workshop is high enough to construct a two-storey house. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Canada Post has warned it cant guarantee holiday parcels will be delivered in time for Christmas, as a strike by postal workers entered its fourth week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Canada Post has warned it cant guarantee holiday parcels will be delivered in time for Christmas, as a strike by postal workers entered its fourth week. The warning was issued in a statement late Wednesday, and it surprised workers on picket lines and union officials as rotating walkouts continued Thursday at processing plants in Montreal and Winnipeg, as well as at smaller locations in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. For customers, the statement didnt pack as severe a punch, because many of them will rely on private courier services to pick up the slack. At least one major Winnipeg-based parcel-shipping service to Ukraine said its distribution schedule to Eastern Europe doesnt use Canada Post. "Same friendly phone number as before, as well as the same friendly staff. Delivery by sea Nov. 19 and delivery by air Dec. 6," company president William Strauss said Thursday. The service, which was operated for decades by the former Ukrainian Voice newspaper, was picked up by Trident Parcel Services this fall. The Free Press obtained a notice that Canada Post issued to postal outlets Wednesday: "The post office will no longer accept any foreign mail for the duration of rotating strikes by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), now in their 24th day." The notice said management "took the unusual step of detailing a take-it-or-leave-it contract to postal workers." That offer was widely reported by media Wednesday. Letters and parcels were reported to be backlogged at mail distribution centres in Los Angeles and Seattle, Canada Post said in the notice. "We have been forced to advise international posts, including the U.S. Postal Service, that we are unable to accept incoming items until further notice... If we are unable to clear the backlog and resume normal operations quickly, the large incoming holiday parcel volumes will severely compromise our ability to deliver the quickly approaching Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush." Nearly 500 tractor-trailer loads of parcels and packages were backlogged at the countrys major postal distribution centres Thursday. Canada Post officials could not be reached to comment on the notice, nor did the document appear to have been posted to its website by late Thursday. The local union president dismissed it as a pressure tactic to turn public support against striking workers. "What are they going to do? Leave the ships at the docks and the trailers on the tarmacs? I cant imagine they wont accept any international mail," said Lisa Peterson, president of CUPW Local 856. The timing coincided with reports that online sales giant eBay had called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to legislate an end to the labour dispute before the holiday shopping season peaks later this month. "Could it be that eBay report contacting the government and this statement were just a coincidence? Will any of us ever know?" Peterson said. Picketing workers said the only statement distributed by Canada Post in recent days was the standard warning issued every time theres a labour dispute. It reads priority post deliveries, normally made within two days, could be delayed. "This is misinformation being given out by Canada Post, and its meant to scare and anger the public. I work in retail and we accept mail and send out mail every day," said Joanne Fontaine, who works at one of the three corporate postal outlets in Winnipeg. At one franchise outlet that doesnt employ CUPW workers, a clerk handed out a flyer. Issued in October, it sets out holiday mailing dates, most of them clustered in the first two weeks of December. She said she wasnt aware of any changes. The rotating strikes have hit every part of the country and generally last 24 hours, with information on the next location for the strikes posted between 10 p.m. and midnight on CUPWs national website. The busiest day of the year for Canada Post is traditionally Dec. 4, when post offices deliver 1.8 million parcels. Annual parcel revenues were $2.1 billion last year. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca The National Energy Board has given the green light to Manitoba Hydro to build a transmission line to Minnesota -- subject to 28 conditions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The National Energy Board has given the green light to Manitoba Hydro to build a transmission line to Minnesota -- subject to 28 conditions. In a decision announced after the markets closed Thursday, the NEB released a 190-page report on the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project. Before the 213-kilometre, 500-kilovolt line -- that would run to near the village of Piney at the American border, where it would link up with the Great Northern Transmission line in the U.S., from the Dorsey converter station northwest of Winnipeg -- can go ahead, it needs federal government approval and the provincial government to issue a licence. In a teleconference Thursday, two NEB officials gave the reasons for the quasi-judicial board's approval of the project. They said after hearing arguments for and against the line, the board decided environmental and Indigenous concerns could be mitigated and there was an economic benefit to the province if it granted approval. "The board was satisfied that the economic impact can be positive compared to the project not being built," NEB chief economist Jean-Denis Charlebois said. The board's chief environment officer, Robert Steedman, said it is satisfied issues raised by Indigenous communities can be fairly addressed. At least 20 per cent of the project's "content" -- including jobs and materials -- has to be Indigenous. Work on the line will be conducted when the ground is frozen to reduce the potential effects on the environment, outside of bird breeding and ungulate (hoofed animal) calving season, Steedman said. Manitoba Hydro first pitched its project description for a transmission line to Minnesota to the NEB in October 2015. The transmission project seeks to give Hydro more leeway to market electricity to the U.S. The Crown corporation hopes to have the line in service by 2020. "We're pretty pleased with the NEB's decision," Hydro spokesman Scott Powell said Thursday. He couldn't say how long it might take before the line starts getting built, nor what meeting the 28 conditions will require. "We're currently studying the document," Powell said. Download NEB: Reasons for decision The MMTP has been subject to multiple hearings from the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission and the NEB. Manitobans, including First Nations that would be affected by construction of the line, voiced their concerns in both processes. The Manitoba Metis Federation has said it made a deal with Hydro to be paid $67.5-million over 50 years, so as not to oppose the MMTP and as compensation for other past and future Hydro projects. Hydro referred to the proposed deal as little more than a "term sheet." Premier Brian Pallister described the arrangement as "hush money," and spiked the idea. The MMF is now fighting the matter in court. On Thursday, the NEB said it couldn't comment on the matter, as it is between the province and Metis federation. -- with files from Jessica Botelho-Urbanski Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The federal government has announced a massive investment in four northern Manitoba First Nations that will make it possible for thousands of children to receive an education in their home communities. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2018 (1102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The federal government has announced a massive investment in four northern Manitoba First Nations that will make it possible for thousands of children to receive an education in their home communities. An investment of $248 million will be divided between Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Gods Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Wasagamack First Nation, making it one of the largest infrastructure contracts signed between First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada. Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott made the announcement in Winnipeg on Friday, alongside chiefs of three of the four First Nations. "It is significant that these schools are being built in some of the most remote and hard to reach First Nations in the country. When they are completed, they will mean a whole new way of education for many students," Philpott said. Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott and chiefs and representatives from northern Manitoba First Nations met on Friday to announce $248 million in federal education funding for four remote communities. "There will be 2,600 students from these four communities that will have access to modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities that will allow them to get their education in their home communities right up until Grade 12." Currently, students from those First Nations have to move throughout Manitoba, hours away from their families and homes, if they want to get a high school education. As a result of the investment, four new schools will be built and one existing facility will receive significant renovations and upgrades, giving all four communities the ability to educate their children from kindergarten to Grade 12. "This is critical for remote communities. Children will not have to leave home. They will not have to leave their parents, their grandparents, their aunts and uncles. They will be able to complete their high school education surrounded by the land, surrounded by their loved ones," Philpott said. Construction is slated to begin in the spring. The projects are expected to be completed by the summer of 2020. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chief Gary Knott of Wasagamack First Nation speaks after the minister announced investments in new and renovated schools in their communities in Winnipeg on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Winnipeg Free Press 2018. Significant employment opportunities in the First Nations should be created by the project, in both construction jobs and in the education sector. Wasagamack Chief Gary Knott stressed his community strives to accomplish what it can with the resources at its disposal. He characterized the announcement as a day of hope for his people, adding the investment will transform the community. "We have been waiting for this moment for years, with our children and students cramped into one building for so many years. Our students early years, middle years and high school students have been cramped into one building with four portable classrooms since 1976," he said. "Our communitys history is we have always tried to do things for ourselves. We initiated a new nursing station by paying for our renovations and extension by arranging our own financing... We need funding and government assistance to make our community more easily accessible." ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @rk_thorpe GRAND FORKS, N.D. Two men have been arrested after allegedly trying to smuggle Mexicans into the United States at the Canadian border. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. GRAND FORKS, N.D. Two men have been arrested after allegedly trying to smuggle Mexicans into the United States at the Canadian border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the arrests Nov. 3 at the Pembina and Dunseith, N.D., ports of entry, news releases said. Angel Gabriel Gallardo Salazar, 39 Alfredo Santana Mercedes, 41, was arrested at Pembina. Pedro Hernandez Guarnizo, 50, of Colombia was taken into custody at Dunseith. Both have been charged in federal court with harbouring and transporting an alien. According to officials, Santana, who is a U.S. citizen, was driving a rental vehicle at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 3 into North Dakota when he was stopped at the Canadian border by CBP agents. He said he had flown to Fargo, N.D., from his North Carolina home, rented a car, visited friends in Winnipeg for one hour and was returning to the U.S., according to court documents. "Due to inconsistencies in his story, the man was sent inside for further inspection," the release said. Upon searching the vehicle, agents found an excess of luggage, including some containing womens clothing. Meanwhile, CBP located two Mexican citizens who had allegedly entered the U.S. illegally near Noyes, Minn., a small town just south of Emerson, court documents show. Prosecutors allege Santana picked up Ernesto Gutierrez Torres, 39, and Gladis Villa Nunez, 34, in Winnipeg and dropped them off near the Canada-U.S. border. Mercedes told officers he intended to pick the two up in the U.S., court documents show. Torres and Nunez had applied for visitor visas three times in the past, but were denied because they reportedly admitted to residing illegally in North Carolina from 2002 to 2006, prosecutors said. The married couple have two children (ages 13 and 15) who were born in the U.S. and live in Oxford, N.C. Ernesto Gutierrez Torres, 39 The couple reportedly told authorities they flew to Canada from Mexico City with plans to cross into the U.S. Earlier that day at the Dunseith port of entry, Guarnizo was driving a 2011 Hyundai Sonata when officers stopped him at 1:39 p.m. and searched his trunk, officials said. Border agents found Angel Gabriel Gallardo Salazar, 39, of Mexico, hiding in the vehicle, according to court documents. Guarnizo and Salazar had planned to book a flight to Atlanta from Minot, N.D. Salazar reportedly admitted to not having the proper paperwork to be in the U.S. legally, prosecutors said. "These arrests demonstrate CBPs vigilance and dedication to securing the homeland," said Jason McFadden, Dunseith port director. "CBP officers continue to demonstrate daily vigilance and excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle." The CBPs Grand Forks detachment covers more than 1,300 kilometres of international border, the most of any sector in the country, employing 189 agents, according to 2017 statistics. Grand Forks Herald In the fall of 2002, a worker at Stella's decided it was time to do something to improve working conditions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In the fall of 2002, a worker at Stella's decided it was time to do something to improve working conditions. At the time, the restaurant was three years old, not yet the Winnipeg institution it would later become. But it was already a hit, wrapped in the trappings of cool. The food was good. The owners and staff seemed young and hip. Yet behind the scenes, the worker thought, things weren't so slick. Bullying and harassment seemed to flow from management, which played favourites. Staff were often fired abruptly, or made to work long hours without breaks. So that day, he reached out to his co-workers. He wanted to plan a meeting to consider organizing through Industrial Workers of the World, an international general union that, at that time, was nearing its 100th anniversary. The same night, at about 10 p.m., he received a phone call from his boss: he was fired. The timing of the call was suspicious; it is illegal to fire a worker for wanting to unionize. The worker filed a labour board complaint and, over the ensuing weeks, IWW members moved to picket Stella's on freezing-cold mornings. Eventually, the restaurant's ownership agreed to a settlement with the worker, paying out some wages. He never worked at Stella's again, and the IWW agreed not to discuss the dispute. At the time, it was the best the union could do. Years passed. The business swelled to a local behemoth, with more than 500 employees across its seven restaurants, bakery and catering locations. The story of its labour clash faded into distant memory. And nothing else changed. That is, not until last week, when the dam broke and a flood of stories of worker mistreatment gushed through. By now, Winnipeggers have seen how the #NotMyStellas movement swelled into a deluge. In just over a week, the Instagram account @NotMyStellas has gathered more than 275 stories documenting a wide range of toxic incidents. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Christina Hajjar (left), Amanda Murdock, and Kelsey Wade spoke out about a workplace culture of harassment at Stella's. In the wake of those allegations, IWW organizers decided to speak out this week about their original 2002 action. "It indicates to us, from our original struggle 16 years ago, that this is a pattern of behaviour with this employer," says IWW branch secretary Patrick McGuire, who helped organize the pickets and labour board complaint against Stella's. "Thats collective action," McGuire says. "We tried to do that 16 years ago. If Stella's had responded a different way, could the workplace culture have changed enough to avoid having the type of harassment were seeing right now?" That is the heart of the matter, the next part of this story. What the #NotMyStellas movement did was shine light not just on Stella's, but on the reality that abuse and violations of employment standards apparently persisted for years. (In Manitoba, the Employment Standards Branch does have a small unit that launches random investigations, but its resources are limited.) Those conditions, by many accounts, are rampant within the service industry. That is not a defence of mistreatment at Stella's, and does not excuse it: rather, it rings even louder alarm bells about the normalization of toxic conditions. So what will it take to change them? Employment law is supposed to protect workers from some of this mistreatment. Yet enforcement is, in some ways, tilted towards employers; it is primarily complaint-driven, putting the onus and risk on workers to step forward. To do that, they have to know their rights in the first place. They have to navigate what can be an intimidating process, one with time limits and time-consuming procedures and they have to do it fearing repercussions. "If no one makes a complaint, then nothing happens," says Alan Levy, a labour mediator and associate professor at Brandon University, who teaches conflict resolution. "And people are understandably scared to make a complaint." Over the years, many workers at Stella's did try to step forward, by filing complaints with management and approaching the Human Rights Commission. But in the end, nothing changed until they sought the public's support. There could be better ways to protect workers. For instance, Levy suggests, some large companies hold random human resources audits; workplace standards authorities could do the same, dropping in to ensure fair treatment. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Stellas on Pembina Highway The public would be rightly alarmed if food-safety standards were investigated and enforced only when someone complained. So the question is: should the safety and well-being of workers not be given the same consideration? "There should be laws to ensure that employers are living up to the spirit of the law," Levy says. "That it not just be reliant on complaints... there should be some assurance that the government acts in the interests of all its citizens." Inside workplaces, McGuire says, there are options for workers to organize for better treatment. Those options can range from informal committees that present concerns to management and negotiate solutions, to full unionization. Sometimes, McGuire encounters folks who say they don't need a union because their bosses treat them well. "Thats equivalent of saying, 'I love the government, so I dont need to vote,'" he says. But the sentiment underscores a larger issue: the labour movement is declining in Canada, particularly in the private sector, though not as perilously as in the United States, where legislators have long eviscerated labour protections. That decline has meant, in part, that labour has faded from public discussion. Discussions about work have often been glaringly absent from the surging social movements that have animated North America in the 21st century. Perhaps it's time for that to change. Because what the Stella's story underscores, more than anything, is how easily worker abuse can persist, and how difficult it is for people to find ways to challenge toxic and unhealthy conditions. Meanwhile, most people want to believe that the businesses they patronize treat workers well. In some ways, Stella's built its popularity on that desire, gilding itself in a veneer of being a friendly local employer with happy workers. So maybe the best thing that could happen, in the wake of the #NotMyStellas movement, would be for the stories of worker abuse there to serve as tinder, to light a revitalized discussion about work, rights and fair treatment of labour. Change shouldn't have to rely on workers stepping into the glare of the media or risking their jobs by speaking out. "We do have options for workers, rather than just having brave whistleblowers coming forward after its become intolerable," McGuire says. "They can do something about it. They can take control of their lives and fight back." melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca In the not-so-distant past, the education system in Canada was used as a means to indoctrinate and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into Canadas body politic. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2018 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In the not-so-distant past, the education system in Canada was used as a means to indoctrinate and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into Canadas body politic. Expectedly, Indigenous Peoples resisted this education and on top of chronically underfunded and under-supported schooling (both on reserve and off) this has led to an educational and employment gap between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada has claimed that education can reconcile this gap. As Sen. Murray Sinclair states: "Education is what got us here, education is what will get us out." As a result, nearly half of the TRC calls to action involve education in one way or another. Winnipeg School Division No. 1 chief executive officer and chief Supt. Pauline Clarke introduced the Build from Within-Ozhitoon onji Peenjiiee program Tuesday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Since the 1970s, teachers have led movements to indigenize and decolonize educational institutions to both support Indigenous students and give Canadians a more complete understanding of this country. These efforts involve more then just changing textbooks and lesson plans. A student learns as much in the hallways, at extra curricular activities and on their smartphone, as in class. If reconciliation is to happen, it must involve every aspect of the educational experience. A large part of this depends on who works in the system. Simply put, it is impossible to change perceptions of Indigenous Peoples and encourage Indigenous student achievement if there is no evidence of Indigenous success. The best and most direct way to do this is to hire Indigenous teachers. But Indigenous teachers are hard to recruit. Owing to history, there is much demand and not enough supply to fill the needs of Manitoba school divisions. Only 50-75 are produced every year by Manitoba universities. The Build From Within program is announced at St. John's High School in Winnipeg on Tuesday. A provincewide need for more Indigenous educators was identified in the Manitoba auditor generals 2016 report. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Retaining Indigenous teachers is even harder, as they face workplace demands few other educators face. Indigenous educators often have to educate more then just students, but colleagues, administrators and the public, too. A provincewide need for more Indigenous educators was identified in the Manitoba auditor generals 2016 report, Improving Educational Outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Aboriginal Students. The report also called for more competency in all Manitoba teachers when educating students on Indigenous histories, cultures and contributions to Manitoba. That same year, the grassroots-led Indigenous Teacher Education Coalition called for the Manitoba government to create employment targets for Indigenous teachers, help create culturally competent university teacher-training programs, establish internship programs for Indigenous students to become teachers and work with school divisions to develop healthy workforces that reflect the makeup of Manitoba. On Tuesday, Winnipeg saw what this looks like when Winnipeg School Division No. 1 chief executive officer and chief Supt. Pauline Clarke introduced the Build from Within-Ozhitoon onji Peenjiiee program. A co-operative venture with the Winnipeg School Division, the Indspire educational foundation and the University of Winnipeg, the $5-million, seven-year program enrols Indigenous high school students and mentors them to become teachers. The hope is that, by 2025, approximately 200 local Indigenous teachers will be produced in the Winnipeg School Division, the largest school division in Manitoba with among the highest percentages of Indigenous students. This small step is a big move towards creating a path of reconciliation for Manitoba. It represents an investment in the province as a whole and payoffs will likely be exponential, not only producing leaders in our province but a model for others in Canada to follow. Building from within Manitoba communities not only builds a better Manitoba, but fills the gaps history has produced. 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. 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 WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides government-sponsored managed care services. The company operates in three segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). The Medicaid Health Plans segment offers plans for beneficiaries of temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, and aged blind and disabled residents; and other state-based programs, such as children's health insurance programs and long-term services and supports programs for qualifying families who are not eligible for Medicaid. The Medicare Health Plans segment provides Medicare, a federal program that provides eligible persons aged 65 and over, as well as some disabled persons with a range of hospital, medical, and prescription drug benefits; Medicare Advantage, a Medicare's managed care alternative to the original Medicare program, which offers individuals standard Medicare benefits directly through Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and coordinated care plans that are administered through health maintenance organizations and require members to seek health care services and select a primary care physician from a network of health care providers. The Medicare PDPs segment provides Medicare part D PDP plans to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Its PDP plans offer national in-network prescription drug coverage, including a preferred pharmacy network. As of December 31, 2018, the company served approximately 5.5 million members in the United States. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Read More 1 hour ago 3 Under-The-Radar Stocks to Buy Now Add These Under-The-Radar Stocks to Your Shopping List Now Given the recent weakness in many of the former market-leading stocks, it might make sense to start focusing on lesser-known names. After all, with so many different companies and sectors to choose from, theres always a bull market to be found somewhere. Read Article Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., a multinational bank, primarily engages in the financing of foreign trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company operates through two segments, Commercial and Treasury. It offers short and medium-term bilateral, structured and syndicated credits, and loan commitments; financial guarantee contracts, such as issued and confirmed letters of credit, and stand-by letters of credit; and guarantees covering commercial risk and other assets, as well as co-financing arrangements, underwriting of syndicated credit facilities, structured trade financing in the form of factoring and vendor financing, and financial leasing. The company also provides treasury solutions, which include term deposits and private placements. It primarily serves financial institutions, corporations, and sovereigns and state-owned entities. The company was formerly known as Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones, S.A. and changed its name to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. in June 2009. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Panama City, the Republic of Panama. Read More Bausch Health Companies Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets a range of pharmaceutical, medical device, and over-the-counter (OTC) products primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology, and dermatology. The company operates through four segments: Bausch + Lomb/International, Salix, Ortho Dermatologics, and Diversified Products. The Bausch + Lomb/International segment offers products with a focus on the vision care, surgical, and consumer and ophthalmology Rx products in the United States; and Solta products, branded and generic pharmaceutical products, OTC products, and medical device products, and Bausch + Lomb products in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The Salix segment provides gastroenterology products in the United States. The Ortho Dermatologics segment offers dermatological products in the United States; and Solta medical aesthetic devices internationally. The Diversified Products segment provides pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology and other therapeutic classes, as well as generic and dentistry products in the United States. The company was formerly known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. and changed its name to Bausch Health Companies Inc. in July 2018. Bausch Health Companies Inc. is headquartered in Laval, Canada. Read More Boyd Group Income Fund operates as an unincorporated open-ended mutual fund trust. The company, through its operating company, The Boyd Group Inc., operates non-franchised collision repair centers. Its collision repair centers offer automotive collision and glass repair, and related services. The company operates its autobody/autoglass repair and related services facilities, as well as auto glass retail facilities under the Boyd Autobody & Glass, Assured Automotive, Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Auto Glass Service, Auto Glass Authority, and Autoglassonly.com trade names in the United States and Canada. Further, it provides Gerber National Claim Services, a claim administrator service, which offer glass, emergency roadside, and first notice of loss services with approximately 5,500 glass provider locations and 4,600 emergency roadside services providers. The company is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada. Read More 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 Shares of iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF reverse split before market open on Monday, November 7th 2016. The 1-4 reverse split was announced on Friday, October 14th 2016. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the closing bell on Friday, November 4th 2016. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 25 shares after the split. There is not enough analysis data for Connemara Mining. 1.5 Community Rank Outperform Votes Connemara Mining has received 13 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Connemara Mining has received 46 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Connemara Mining has received 77.97% underperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Connemara Mining and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe CON will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe CON will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund is a closed-end management investment company with objective of providing current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. It invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and writes call options on one or more United States and foreign indices on a substantial portion of the value of its common stock portfolio to generate current earnings from the option premium. The company was founded on March 30, 2005 and is headquartered in Boston, MA. Read More Freehold Royalties has been the subject of 10 research reports in the past 90 days, demonstrating strong analyst interest in this stock. According to analysts' consensus price target of $14.64, Freehold Royalties has a forecasted upside of 61.2% from its current price of $9.08. Freehold Royalties has received a consensus rating of Buy. The company's average rating score is 2.82, and is based on 9 buy ratings, 2 hold ratings, and no sell ratings. 4.4 Community Rank Outperform Votes Freehold Royalties has received 99 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Freehold Royalties has received 53 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Freehold Royalties has received 65.13% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Freehold Royalties and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe FRHLF will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe FRHLF will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. engages in the mining of copper, gold and molybdenum. It operates through the following segments: North America Copper Mines, South America Mining; Indonesia Mining, Molybdenum Mines, Rod and Refining, Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining and Corporate, Other and Eliminations. The North America Copper Mines segment operates open-pit copper mines in Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico. The South America Mining segment includes Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. The Indonesia Mining segment handles the operations of Grasberg minerals district that produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver. The Molybdenum Mines segment includes the Henderson underground mine and Climax open-pit mine, both in Colorado. The Rod and Refining segment consists of copper conversion facilities located in North America and includes a refinery, rod mills, and a specialty copper products facility. The Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining segment smelts and refines copper concentrate and markets refined copper and precious metals in slimes. The Corporate, Other and Eliminations segment Read More Genworth Financial, Inc. is a financial services company, which engages in the provision of insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Mortgage Insurance, Australia Mortgage Insurance, U.S. Life Insurance, and Runoff. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment offers mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans. The Australia Mortgage Insurance segment offers flow mortgage insurance and selectively provides bulk mortgage insurance that aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. The U.S. Life Insurance segment offers long-term care insurance products as well as service traditional life insurance and fixed annuity products in the United States. The Runoff segment includes the results of non-strategic products which are no longer actively sold but continue to service its existing blocks of business. Its non-strategic products primarily include variable annuity, variable life insurance, institutional, corporate-owned life insurance and other accident and health insurance products. The company was fo Read More GTT Communications, Inc. provides cloud networking services to multinational enterprises, carriers, and government customers in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers wide area networking, such as software-defined wide area networking, multiprotocol label switching, and virtual private LAN service; high bandwidth-Internet connectivity and IP transit, as well as broadband and wireless Internet access services; managed equipment and security services; and unified communication services consisting of session initiation protocol trunking, cloud unified communication service, and traditional analog voice. It also provides transport services, such as Ethernet services that enable to design network equipment; and video transport services to support broadcast quality transmission of live events, sports entertainment, and news to media and entertainment industry. In addition, the company offers infrastructure services enabling transport of high volume data between data centers, enterprise office locations, and media hubs; wavelength services to deliver scalable high-performance optical connectivity; colocation, turnkey, duct, and dark fiber services; advanced solutions, including security, hybrid cloud, database, and application management Its IP network consists of approximately 600 points of presence. GTT Communications, Inc. markets its products and services through a network of direct sales force and indirect sales channels. The company was formerly known as Global Telecom & Technology, Inc. and changed its name to GTT Communications, Inc. in January 2014. GTT Communications, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Barnes Group: AS Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Adval Tech - Foboha Mold Making Business, Associated Spring (Tianjin) Company Ltd., Associated Spring (UK) Ltd., Associated Spring Asia Pte. Ltd., Associated Spring Corporation, Associated Spring Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Associated Spring Raymond (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Associated Spring Raymond GmbH, Associated Spring do Brasil Ltda., Barnes Airmotive Malaysia SND. BHD., Barnes Financing Delaware LLC, Barnes Group (Bermuda) Limited, Barnes Group (Delaware) LLC, Barnes Group (Germany) GmbH, Barnes Group (Scotland) Limited, Barnes Group (Thailand) Ltd., Barnes Group (U.K.) 2 Limited, Barnes Group (U.K.) Limited, Barnes Group Acquisition GmbH, Barnes Group Canada Corp., Barnes Group Finance Company (Bermuda) Limited, Barnes Group Finance Company (Delaware), Barnes Group Holding LLC, Barnes Group Luxembourg (No. 1) S.a r.l., Barnes Group Luxembourg (No. 2) S.a r.l., Barnes Group Spain S.R.L., Barnes Group Suisse Industries GmbH, Barnes Group Switzerland GmbH, Barnes Industrial Group India Private Limited, Barnes Korea Ltd., Barnes Molding Solutions (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Blitz F16-34 GmbH, Curtis Industries, Curtiss Industries (U.K.) Limited, Di-Dro Manifold System Product Line, Euro Stock Springs & Components, Foboha (Germany) GmbH, Foboha Holding GmbH, Forward Industries LLC, GF Controls GmbH, Gammaflux, Gammaflux Controls Inc., Gimatic, Gimatic Automation Engineering (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Gimatic Automation India Pvt Ltd. , Gimatic Automation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gimatic Balkan d.o.o. Beograd Savski Venac, Gimatic Czech Republic s.r.o., Gimatic France S.a.r.l., Gimatic Japan Limited, Gimatic Korea Limited, Gimatic Nordic A.B., Gimatic Otomasyon Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Gimatic Polska sp. z o.o, Gimatic S.r.l., Gimatic Sisteme RO SRL, Gimatic Sistemi industrijska avtomatizacija d.o.o., Gimatic Spain S.L., Gimatic Vertrieb GmbH, Gimatrade S.r.l., Heinz Haenggi Gmbh Stanztechnik, Industrial Gas Springs, Industrial Gas Springs Group Holdings Limited, Industrial Gas Springs Inc., Industrial Gas Springs Limited, Kar Products, Kratz-Wilde Machine Co, MTM S.r.l., Manner Hong Kong Limited, Manner USA Inc., Orflam - Nitropush Product Line, Otto Manner, Otto Manner GmbH, Otto Manner Immobilien GmbH, Otto Manner Innovation GmbH, Premier Farnell - KENT Division, Priamus System Technologies, Priamus System Technologies GmbH, Priamus System Technologies LLC, Raymond Distribution-Mexico S.A. de C.V., Resortes Argentina S.A., Ressorts SPEC SAS, Seeger-Orbis GmbH & Co. OHG, Service Plus Distributors, Sign Holdings Limited, Spectrum Plastics Molding Resources, Stromsholmen AB, Synventive Acquisition B.V., Synventive Acquisition GmbH, Synventive Acquisition Inc., Synventive Acquisition UK Ltd., Synventive Acquisition Unlimited, Synventive B.V., Synventive Fertigungstechnik GmbH, Synventive Holding B.V., Synventive Holding Limited, Synventive Holding SAS, Synventive Molding Solutions, Synventive Molding Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions B.V., Synventive Molding Solutions Canada Inc., Synventive Molding Solutions Co. Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions GmbH, Synventive Molding Solutions Inc., Synventive Molding Solutions JBJ Private Limited, Synventive Molding Solutions K.K., Synventive Molding Solutions LDA, Synventive Molding Solutions LLC, Synventive Molding Solutions LTDA., Synventive Molding Solutions Limited, Synventive Molding Solutions Pte Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions SAS, Synventive Molding Solutions SL, Synventive Molding Solutions s.r.o., Synventive Parent Inc., Teledyne Fluid Systems, The Wallace Barnes Company, Thermoplay, Thermoplay Brasil Sistemas de Injecao Ltda, Thermoplay Deutschland GmbH, Thermoplay France S.a.r.l., Thermoplay Hot Runner Systems (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Thermoplay India Private Limited, Thermoplay Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Thermoplay S.p.A., Thermoplay U.K. Ltd., Toolcom Supplie, Windsor Airmotive Asia Pte. Ltd., and manner Japan Co. Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Sherwin-Williams: Acquire Sourcing LLC, CTS National Corporation, Comex North America Inc., Compania Sherwin-Williams S.A. de C.V., Contract Transportation Systems Co., Dongguan Lilly Paint Industries Ltd, Duron, EPS (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., EPS B.V., Geocel Holdings, Geocel Limited, Guangdong Valspar Paints Manufacturing Co Ltd., Inver East Med S.A., Inver France SAS, Inver GmbH, Inver Industrial Coating SRL, Inver Polska Spoka Z O.O, Inver Spa, Invercolor Bologna Srl, Invercolor Ltd, Invercolor Roma Srl, Invercolor Torino Srl, Invercolor Toscana Srl, Isocoat Tintas e Vernizes Ltda, Isva Vernici Srl, Leighs Paints, M.A. Bruder & Sons, Omega Specialty Products & Services LLC, Oy Sherwin-Williams Finland Ab, PT Sherwin-Williams Indonesia, PT Valspar Indonesia, Paint Sundry Brands, Pinturas Condor S.A., Pinturas Industriales S.A., Piton Paints Limited, Plasti-Kote Co. Inc., Plasti-kote Limited, Productos Quimicos y Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Quest Automotive Products UK Limited, Quetzal Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Ronseal (Ireland) Limited, SWIMC LLC, SWIPCO Sherwin Williams do Brasil Propriedade Intelectual Ltda, Sherwin Williams Colombia S.A.S., Sherwin-Williams (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Belize) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Caribbean) N.V., Sherwin-Williams (Ireland) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Coatings Technology Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Company Limited, Sherwin-Williams (S) Pte. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Shanghai) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Vietnam) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (West Indies) Limited, Sherwin-Williams Argentina I.y C.S.A., Sherwin-Williams Aruba VBA, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Mexico S.de R.L.de C.V., Sherwin-Williams Balkan S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Bel Unitary Enterprise, Sherwin-Williams Benelux NV, Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc., Sherwin-Williams Cayman Islands Limited, Sherwin-Williams Chile S.A., Sherwin-Williams Coatings India Private Limited, Sherwin-Williams Coatings S.a r.l., Sherwin-Williams Czech Republic spol. s r.o, Sherwin-Williams Denmark A/S, Sherwin-Williams Deutschland GmbH, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands Limited, Sherwin-Williams France Finishes SAS, Sherwin-Williams Italy S.r.l., Sherwin-Williams Norway AS, Sherwin-Williams Paints Limited Liability Company, Sherwin-Williams Peru S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Pinturas de Venezuela S.A., Sherwin-Williams Poland Sp. z o.o, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Sherwin-Williams Realty Holdings Inc., Sherwin-Williams Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams Spain Coatings S.L., Sherwin-Williams Sweden AB, Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Limited, Sherwin-Williams do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Spanyc Paints Joint Stock Company, Syntema I Vaggeryd AB, Taiwan Valspar Co. Ltd., The Sherwin-Williams Acceptance Corporation, The Sherwin-Williams Headquarters Company, The Sherwin-Williams Manufacturing Company, The Sherwin-Williams US Licensing Company, The Valspar (Asia) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Australia) Corporation Pty. Ltd., The Valspar (Finland) Corporation Oy, The Valspar (France) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (France) Research Corporation SAS, The Valspar (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd, The Valspar (Nantes) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (Singapore) Corporation Pte. Ltd, The Valspar (South Africa) Corporation (Pty) Ltd, The Valspar (Spain) Corporation S.R.L., The Valspar (Switzerland) Corporation AG, The Valspar (Thailand) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar (UK) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Vietnam) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar Corporation, The Valspar Corporation Limitada, UAB Sherwin-Williams Baltic, Valspar (India) Coatings Corporation Private Limited, Valspar (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Valspar (Uruguay) Corporation S.A., Valspar (WPC) Pty Ltd, Valspar Aries Coatings S. de R.L. de C.V., Valspar Automotive (UK) Corporation Limited, Valspar Automotive Australia Pty Limited, Valspar B.V., Valspar Coatings (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Valspar D.o.o Beograd, Valspar Industries (Ireland) Ltd., Valspar Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Valspar Industries GmbH, Valspar LLC, Valspar Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Valspar Paint (Australia) Pty Ltd, Valspar Paint (NZ) Limited, Valspar Powder Coatings Limited, Valspar Rock Company Limited (Japan), Valspar Specialty Paints LLC, and ZAO Sherwin-Williams. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. It is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of small and mid-cap companies. It also invests through a portfolio of contracts for difference (CFD) and/or comparable equity derivatives. The fund employs fundamental analysis with a combination of top-down and bottom-up stock picking approaches, focusing on such factors as strong management and balance sheets, good technology, dependable niche business areas, and growth opportunity for shareholders to create its portfolio. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Numis Smaller Companies (excluding Investment Companies) Index. The fund was formerly known as The Throgmorton Trust Plc. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc was formed in December 1962 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. Read More 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. Shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF reverse split on the morning of Monday, November 7th 2016. The 1-4 reverse split was announced on Friday, October 14th 2016. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the market closes on Friday, November 4th 2016. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 25 shares after the split. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWL shares have increased by 40.6% and is now trading at $50.13. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF's stock was trading at $73.54 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWS stock has increased by 64.6% and is now trading at $121.05. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 1001 PROPERTIES LLC, 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 60 11TH STREET LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AFP PROVIDA S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LIMITED, ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, ALICO PROPERTIES INC., AMMETLIFE INSURANCE BERHAD, AMMETLIFE TAKAFUL BERHAD, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BIDV METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, DES MOINES CREEK BUSINESS PARK PHASE II LLC, ECONOMY FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, ECONOMY PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY, ECONOMY PREMIER ASSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FEDERAL FLOOD CERTIFICATION LLC, FORTISSIMO CO. LTD, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HIGH STREET SEVENTH AND OSBORN APARTMENTS LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, JOINT-STOCK COMPANY METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, LHC HOLDINGS, LHCW HOLDINGS, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY, LONG ISLAND SOLAR FARM LLC, LUMENLAB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., Logan Circle Partners, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MAXIS GBN S.A.S., MC PORTFOLIO JV MEMBER LLC, MCJV LLC, MCMIF HOLDCO I LLC, MCMIF HOLDCO II LLC, MCP - WELLINGTON LLC, MCP 100 CONGRESS MEMBER LLC, MCP 1500 MICHAEL LLC, MCP 1900 MCKINNEY LLC, MCP 2 AMES LLC, MCP 2 AMES ONE LLC, MCP 2 AMES OWNER LLC, MCP 2 AMES TWO LLC, MCP 220 YORK LLC, MCP 22745 & 22755 RELOCATION DRIVE LLC, MCP 249 INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS PARK MEMBER LLC, MCP 3040 POST OAK LLC, MCP 350 ROHLWING LLC, MCP 4600 SOUTH SYRACUSE LLC, MCP 550 WEST WASHINGTON LLC, MCP 60 11TH STREET MEMBER LLC, MCP 7 RIVERWAY LLC, MCP 9020 MURPHY ROAD LLC, MCP 93 RED RIVER MEMBER LLC, MCP ALLEY 24 EAST LLC, MCP ASHTON SOUTH END LLC, MCP BLOCK 23 MEMBER LLC, MCP BRADFORD LLC, MCP BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER 2 MEMBER LLC, MCP BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER BLDG B LLC, MCP BURNSIDE MEMBER LLC, MCP CENTER AVENUE INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, MCP CLAWITER INNOVATION MEMBER LLC, MCP COMMON DESK TRS LLC, MCP DENVER PAVILIONS MEMBER LLC, MCP DILLON LLC, MCP DILLON RESIDENTIAL LLC, MCP ENV CHICAGO LLC, MCP FIFE ENTERPRISE CENTER LLC, MCP FRISCO OFFICE LLC, MCP GRAPEVINE LLC, MCP HIGHLAND PARK LENDER LLC, MCP HUB I LLC, MCP HUB I PROPERTY LLC, MCP LODGE AT LAKECREST LLC, MCP MA PROPERTY REIT LLC, MCP MAGNOLIA PARK MEMBER LLC, MCP MAIN STREET VILLAGE LLC, MCP MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY CENTER MEMBER TRS LLC, MCP NORTHYARDS HOLDCO LLC, MCP NORTHYARDS MASTER LESSEE LLC, MCP NORTHYARDS OWNER LLC, MCP ONE WESTSIDE LLC, MCP ONYX LLC, MCP PARAGON POINT LLC, MCP PLAZA AT LEGACY LLC, MCP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MCP SEATTLE GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL I LLC, MCP SEATTLE GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL II LLC, MCP SEVENTH AND OSBORNE MF MEMBER LLC, MCP SEVENTH AND OSBORNE RETAIL MEMBER LLC, MCP SHAKOPEE LLC, MCP SLEEPY HOLLOW MEMBER LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL ANAHEIM LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL BERNARDO LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL CANYON LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL CONCOURSE LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL FULLERTON LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL KELLWO00OD LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL LAX LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL LOKER LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL REDONDO LLC, MCP SOCAL INDUSTRIAL SPRINGDALE LLC, MCP STATELINE LLC, MCP THE PALMS AT DORAL LLC, MCP TRIMBLE CAMPUS LLC, MCP UNION ROW LLC, MCP VALLEY FORGE LLC, MCP VALLEY FORGE ONE LLC, MCP VALLEY FORGE OWNER LLC, MCP VALLEY FORGE TWO LLC, MCP VANCE JACKSON LLC, MCP VINEYARD AVENUE MEMBER LLC, MCP VOA HOLDINGS LLC, MCP VOA I & III LLC, MCP VOA II LLC, MCP WATERFORD ATRIUM LLC, MCP WEST BROAD MARKETPLACE LLC, MCP ENGLISH VILLAGE LLC, MCPF ACQUISITION LLC, MCPF FOXBOROUGH LLC, MCPF NEEDHAM LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MCRE BLOCK 40 LP, MEC HEALTH CARE INC., MET 1065 HOTEL LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MANAGER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 8280 MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ACOMA OWNER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASHTON AUSTIN OWNER LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASIA SERVICES SDN. BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE AUTO & HOME INSURANCE AGENCY INC., METLIFE BL FEEDER, METLIFE BL FEEDER LP, METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CABO HILTON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND LP, METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR LLC, METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE REIT LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND LP, METLIFE CORE PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE CORE PROPERTY REIT LLC, METLIFE CORE PROPERTY TRS. LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE EMEKLILIK VE HAYAT A.S., METLIFE EMERGING MARKET DEBT BLEND FUND, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND V LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VI LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VII LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND LP, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS LLC, METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LEGAL PLANS INC., METLIFE LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEMBER SOLAIRE LLC, METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL GP LLC, METLIFE MULTI-FAMILY PARTNERS III LLC, METLIFE MUTUAL FUND COMPANY, METLIFE OBS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PET INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REAL ESTATE LENDING LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SAENGMYOUNG INSURANCE COMPANY LTD., METLIFE SECURITIZATION DEPOSITOR LLC, METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FINCO LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FUND LP, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING GP LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING HOLDINGS LP, METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SLOVAKIA S.R.O. V LIKVIDACII, METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN FUND SCSP, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN LUX GP S.A.R.L., METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN DIRECT PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC., METROPOLITAN GROUP PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN LLOYDS INC., METROPOLITAN LLOYDS INSURANCE COMPANY OF TEXAS, METROPOLITAN PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MFA FINANCING VEHICLE CTR1 LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM CLAL GENERAL PARTNER LLC, MIM EMD GP LLC, MIM I LLC, MIM METWEST INTERNATIONAL MANAGER LLC, MIM ML-AI VENTURE 5 MANAGER LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF GEORGIA 1 LLC, MIM THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML - URS PORT CHESTER SC MANAGER LLC, ML 300 THIRD MEMBER LLC, ML ARMATURE MEMBER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MANAGER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MEMBER LLC, ML BRIDGESIDE APARTMENTS LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML CERRITOS TC MEMBER LLC, ML CLAL MEMBER LLC, ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML MATSON MILLS MEMBER LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML ONE BEDMINSTER LLC, ML PORT CHESTER SC MEMBER LLC, ML SENTINEL SQUARE MEMBER LLC, ML SLOANS LAKE MEMEBR LLC, ML SOUTHLANDS MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML VENTURE 1 MANAGER S. DE R. L. DE C.V., ML VENTURE 1 SERVICER LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 4 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 5 LLC, MLIA MANAGER I LLC, MLIA PARK TOWER MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF COLONY MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF MANAGER LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MLJ US FEEDER LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MMP CEDAR STREET OWNER LLC, MMP CEDAR STREET REIT LLC, MMP HOLDINGS III LLC, MMP OLIVIAN OWNER LLC, MMP OLIVIAN REIT LLC, MMP OWNERS III LLC, MMP OWNERS LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK OWNER LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK REIT LLC, MREF 425 MKT LLC, MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTC FUND I LLC, MTC FUND II LLC, MTC FUND III LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, MTU HOTEL OWNER LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL SOUTH LLC, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PNB METLIFE INDIA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PREFCO FOURTEEN LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SEVENTH AND OSBORN MF VENTURE LLC, SINO-US UNITED METLIFE INSURANCE CO. LTD., SOUTHCREEK INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, SUPERIOR PROCUREMENT INC, SUPERIOR VISION BENEFIT MANAGEMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION HOLDINGS INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE PLAN OF WISCONSIN INC., SUPERIOR VISION OF NEW JERSEY INC., SUPERIOR VISION SERVICES INC., Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, UVC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC., VERSANT HEALTH CONSOLIDATIONS CORP., VERSANT HEALTH HOLDCO INC., VERSANT HEALTH LAB LLC, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, VISION 21 MANAGED EYE CARE OF TAMPA BAY, VISION 21 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, VISION TWENTY-ONE MANAGED EYE CARE IPA INC., Versant Health, WDV ACQUISITION CORP., WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, and WHITE TRACT II LLC. Serengeti Resources Inc. acquires and explores for mineral properties in Canada. It company explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Kwanika project that covers an area of 25,928 hectares located in the northern Quesnel Trough, British Columbia. It also has an option to acquire 100% interest in Top Cat project covering an area of approximately 21,600 hectares situated in central British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Serengeti Minerals Ltd. and changed its name to Serengeti Resources Inc. in 2001. Serengeti Resources Inc. was incorporated in 1973 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More 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. Nabors Industries Ltd. engages in the provision of platform work over and drilling rigs. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. The U.S. Drilling segment includes land drilling activities in the lower 48 states and Alaska, as well as offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Canada segment consists of land-based drilling rigs in Canada. The International segment focuses in maintaining a footprint in the oil and gas market, most notably in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela. The Drilling Solutions segment offers drilling technologies, such as patented steering systems and rig instrumentation software systems that enhance drilling performance and wellbore placement. The Rig Technologies segment comprises Canrig, which manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools. The company was founded by Clair Nabors in 1952 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF's stock was trading at $49.50 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, FLOT stock has increased by 2.5% and is now trading at $50.75. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides meat products and snacks, deli products, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, salads and kettle products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, muffins, breads, pastas, and baking and sushi products, as well as processed meat products. It is also involved in the distribution of food products, including meat, seafood, and halal food products, as well as operation of retail/convenience store and concessionary, and provision of food and seafood processing services. The company operates under the brand names of Harvest Meats, Hempler's, Grimm's Fine Foods, Piller's, Freybe, Isernio's, Expresco, SJ Fine Foods, McSweeney's, Made Rite, Fletcher's, Deli Chef, Belmont Meats, Conte Foods, SK Food Group, Oven Pride, Hygaard, Quality Fast Foods, HQ Fine Foods, Creekside Custom Foods, Stuyver's Bread, Bread Garden Express, Audrey's Patisserie, Duso's, Gourmet Chef, Island City Baking, Skilcor, Leadbetter's, Mclean Meats, Buddy's Kitchen, Raybern's, Partner's Crackers, Shaw Bakers, Oberto, Concord Meats, Country Prime Meats, The Meat Factory, and Golden Valley Farms. It serves chains and large format retailers, independent and specialty retailers, foodservice operators, foodservice distributors, and other food manufacturers and food brokers. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. Read More Nuveen Connecticut Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc. The fund is managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Connecticut. The fund invests into undervalued municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Connecticut income taxes. It seeks to invest in investment grade securities with an average maturity of around 17 years. 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 Standard & Poor's (S&P) Connecticut Municipal Bond Index and Standard & Poor's (S&P) National Municipal Bond Index. The fund was formerly known as Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund. Nuveen Connecticut Quality Municipal Income Fund was formed on January 12, 1993 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More 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 Manx Telecom plc provides a range of telecommunications services to consumers, businesses, and the public sector in the Isle of Man and internationally. It operates through five segments: Fixed Line, Broadband and Data; Mobile; Global Solutions; Data Centre; and Other. The Fixed Line, Broadband and Data segment offers fixed line, broadband, and connectivity services to approximately 37,000 homes and 4,000 businesses. It provides ADSL and VDSL, fixed line, and private circuit rental and connection services. The Mobile segment offers pre-paid and post-paid tariffs to various market segments; supports inbound roaming traffic; and sells mobile handsets, laptops, and accessories. It provides mobile calls, SMS, data, and mobile rental services. The Global Solutions segment offers wholesale SMS and voice, international traveler market, machine to machine, and signal mobile services, as well as mobile termination products, such as Chameleon. The Data Centre segment offers co-location, managed hosting, cloud, storage, disaster recovery, and business continuity services to corporate clients through three data centers. The Other segment provides phone book and business directory services; and operates MTTV, an online news channel, as well as manx.net portal. It also sells hardware equipment; and offers managed and interconnection services. The company was formerly known as Trafford Equityco Limited and changed its name to Manx Telecom plc in February 2014. Manx Telecom plc is headquartered in Braddan, the Isle of Man. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Invesco Senior Income Trust. 4.4 Community Rank Outperform Votes Invesco Senior Income Trust has received 144 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Invesco Senior Income Trust has received 75 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Invesco Senior Income Trust has received 65.75% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Invesco Senior Income Trust and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe VVR will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe VVR 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 Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III (Scots) L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Campus Drive LLC, Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DHFL PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI (Ireland) L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI (US) L.P., Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sweden Resi I GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA Mission LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd., LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PEREF II PV S.r.l, PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM (Australia) Pty Ltd, PGIM (Hong Kong) Ltd., PGIM (Scots) Limited, PGIM (Shanghai) Company Ltd., PGIM (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Agricultural Investors LP, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management (Feeder) VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital (Ireland) Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate (Japan) Ltd., PGIM Real Estate (UK) Limited, PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings (UK) Limited, PIM KF Blocker Holdings LLC, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Mexico Residential Manager I LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Limited Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund IV Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund IV Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Red LP, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP (SCOTS FEEDER) LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRECO ACCOUNT III LLC, PRECO ACCOUNT PARTNERSHIP III LP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, Pramerica (Luxembourg) CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica (Scots) CP GP LLP, Pramerica Business Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica General Partner LLP, Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Insurance Agency (China) Company Ltd., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate (Scots) LP, Pramerica Property Partners Fund (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP (Scots Feeder) LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP (Scots Feeder) LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V (Netherlands) GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica SGR S.p.A, Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited, Preco III (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Customer Solutions LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd., Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Industrial Properties LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Life Insurance Company of Taiwan Inc., Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Securities Structured Assets Inc., Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, QMA LLC, QMA Wadhwani LLP, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. (Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service), Senior Housing Partners IV L.L.C., Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund IV L.L.C., Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy (US) Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, Times Square Center Associates, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I (Ireland) L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I (US) L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC. 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 There is not enough analysis data for Unrivaled Brands. 4.7 Community Rank Outperform Votes Unrivaled Brands has received 259 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Unrivaled Brands has received 113 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Unrivaled Brands has received 69.62% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Unrivaled Brands and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe TRTC will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe TRTC will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Unifi, Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of synthetic and recycled products made from polyester and nylon. It operates through the following segments: Polyester, Nylon, Brazil, and Asia. The Polyester segment sells polyester-based products to other yarn manufacturers, knitters, and weavers that produce yarn and fabric for the apparel, hosiery, home furnishings, automotive, industrial, and other end-use markets in U.S. and El Salvador. The Nylon segment offers nylon-based products to knitters and weavers that produce fabric for the apparel and hosiery markets in U.S. and Colombia. The Brazil and Asia segments comprises polyester-based products to knitters and weavers that produce fabric for the apparel, home furnishings, automotive, industrial, and other end-use markets principally in South America and Asia. The company was founded by George Allen Mebane IV in 1969 and is headquartered in Greensboro, NC. Read More Roots Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories under the Roots brand in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Direct-To-Consumer, and Partners and Other. The Direct-to-Consumer segment sells products through the company's corporate retail stores and e-commerce. The Partners and Other segment primarily engages in the wholesale of Roots branded products to the company's international operating partners. This segment is also involved in licensing Roots brand to manufacturing partners; and wholesaling Roots branded products to retail partners. As of January 30, 2021, it operated 111 corporate retail stores in Canada, two corporate retail stores in the United States, 117 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 26 partner-operated stores in China, and two partner-operated stores in Hong Kong, as well as an eCommerce platform and partner-operated eCommerce channels in Taiwan and mainland China. W. Roots Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More There is not enough analysis data for RWE Aktiengesellschaft. 4.1 Community Rank Outperform Votes RWE Aktiengesellschaft has received 32 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes RWE Aktiengesellschaft has received 20 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment RWE Aktiengesellschaft has received 61.54% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about RWE Aktiengesellschaft and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe RWE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe RWE 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 Daimler: AEG Olympia Office GmbH, Achtzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Anota Fahrzeug Service- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Athlon Beheer International B.V., Athlon Beheer Nederland B.V, Athlon Car Lease Belgium N.V, Athlon Car Lease International B.V., Athlon Car Lease Italy S.R.L., Athlon Car Lease Nederland B.V., Athlon Car Lease Polska Sp. z o.o., Athlon Car Lease Portugal lda, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services B.V, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services Belgium N.V., Athlon Car Lease S.A.S., Athlon Car Lease Spain S.A., Athlon Dealerlease B.V., Athlon France S.A.S., Athlon Germany GmbH, Athlon Mobility Consultancy B.V., Athlon Mobility Consultancy N.V., Athlon Rental Germany GmbH, Athlon Sweden AB, Athlon Switzerland AG, AutoGravity Corporation, Banco Mercedes-Benz do Brasil S.A, Beat Chile SpA, Beat Ride App Colombia Ltda., Beat Ride App S.A., Belerofonte Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda., Brooklands Estates Management Limited, CARS Technik & Logistik GmbH, CINTEO, CLIDET NO 1048 (Proprietary) Limited, Campo Largo Comercio de Veiculos e Pecas Ltda., Circulo Cerrado S.A. de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Clever Taxi, Clever Tech S.R.L., Clever Tech Sud S.R.L., Conemaugh Hydroelectric Projects Inc., Cuspide GmbH, DA Investments Co. LLC, DAF Investments Ltd., DAIMLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, DAIMLER SERVICIOS CORPORATIVOS MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V., DAIMLER TRUCK AND BUS HOLDING AUSTRALIA PACIFIC PTY LTD, DTB Tech & Data Hub Unipessoal Lda, Daimler AG & Co. Anlagenverwaltung OHG, Daimler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd., Daimler Automotive de Venezuela C.A., Daimler Brand & IP Management GmbH & Co. KG, Daimler Brand & IP Management Verwaltung GmbH, Daimler Buses North America Inc., Daimler Canada Finance Inc., Daimler Canada Investments Company, Daimler Capital Services LLC, Daimler Ceska republika Holding s.r.o., Daimler Colombia S. A., Daimler Commercial Vehicles (Thailand) Ltd., Daimler Commercial Vehicles Africa Ltd., Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE, Daimler Commercial Vehicles South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Daimler Compra y Manufactura Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Export and Trade Finance GmbH, Daimler Finance North America LLC, Daimler Financial Services AG, Daimler Financial Services Africa & Asia Pacific Ltd., Daimler Financial Services India Private Limited, Daimler Financial Services Investment Company LLC, Daimler Financial Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Financial Services S.A. de C.V. S.O.F.O.M. E.N.R., Daimler Financial Services UK Trustees Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management GmbH, Daimler Fleet Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management UK Limited, Daimler Fleet Services A.S., Daimler FleetBoard GmbH, Daimler Gastronomie GmbH, Daimler Greater China Ltd., Daimler Group Services Berlin GmbH, Daimler Group Services Madrid S.A.U., Daimler Grund Services GmbH, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Limited, Daimler Innovation Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Daimler Insurance Agency LLC, Daimler Insurance Services GmbH, Daimler Insurance Services Japan Co. Ltd., Daimler Insurance Services UK Limited, Daimler International Assignment Services USA LLC, Daimler International Finance B.V., Daimler International Nederland B.V., Daimler Investments US Corporation, Daimler Ladungstrager GmbH, Daimler Manufactura S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Mexico S.A. de C.V., Daimler Mitarbeiter Wohnfinanz GmbH, Daimler Mobility Services GmbH, Daimler Motors Investments LLC, Daimler Nederland B.V., Daimler Nederland Holding B.V., Daimler North America Corporation, Daimler North America Finance Corporation, Daimler Northeast Asia Parts Trading and Services Co. Ltd., Daimler Parts Brand GmbH, Daimler Parts Logistics Australia Pty. Ltd., Daimler Pensionsfonds AG, Daimler Protics GmbH, Daimler Purchasing Coordination Corp., Daimler Re Brokers GmbH, Daimler Re Insurance S.A. Luxembourg, Daimler Real Estate GmbH, Daimler Retail Receivables LLC, Daimler South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Daimler TSS GmbH, Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Daimler Trucks & Buses US Holding Inc., Daimler Trucks Asia Taiwan Ltd., Daimler Trucks Canada Ltd., Daimler Trucks Korea Ltd., Daimler Trucks North America LLC, Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corporation, Daimler Trucks Retail Trust 2018-1, Daimler Trucks and Buses (China) Ltd., Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Daimler Trust Holdings LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing Conduit LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing LLC, Daimler UK Limited, Daimler UK Share Trustee Ltd., Daimler UK Trustees Limited, Daimler Unterstutzungskasse GmbH, Daimler Vans Hong Kong Limited, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Daimler Vehiculos Comerciales Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Verwaltungsgesellschaft fur Grundbesitz mbH, Daimler Vorsorge und Versicherungsdienst GmbH, Daiprodco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel Corporation, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel-Allison de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Deutsche ACCUmotive, Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Accumotive Verwaltungs-GmbH, Dreizehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, EHG Elektroholding GmbH, EvoBus (Schweiz) AG, EvoBus (U.K.) Ltd., EvoBus Austria GmbH, EvoBus Belgium N.V., EvoBus Ceska republika s.r.o., EvoBus Danmark A/S, EvoBus France S.A.S.U., EvoBus GmbH, EvoBus Iberica S.A.U., EvoBus Italia S.p.A., EvoBus Nederland B.V., EvoBus Polska Sp. z o.o., EvoBus Portugal S.A., EvoBus Reunion S. A., EvoBus Russland OOO, EvoBus Sverige AB, FLINC GmbH, Familonet GmbH, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Friesland Lease B.V., Funfte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 5 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 6 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 7 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Beta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Delta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Epsilon OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft EvoBus GmbH & Co. OHG, Hailo Network IP Limited, Hailo Network Iberia S.L., Intelligent Apps GmbH, Interleasing Luxembourg S.A., Invema Assessoria Empresarial Eireli, Koppieview Property (Pty) Ltd, LAB1886 GmbH, LBBW AM Daimler Re Insurance, LBBW AM MBVEXW, LEONIE CORP DVB GmbH, LEONIE DMS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FSM DVB GmbH, LEONIE PV DVB GmbH, LEONIE TB DVB GmbH, Lab1886 USA LLC, Lapland Car Test Aktiebolag, Legend Investments Ltd., Li-Tec Battery, Li-Tec Battery GmbH, MB GTC GmbH Mercedes-Benz Gebrauchtteile Center, MBarc Credit Canada Inc., MBition GmbH, MDC Power GmbH, MDC Technology GmbH, MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS POLSKA SPOKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, MFTA Canada Inc., MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK EUROPE Sociedade Europeia de Automoveis S.A., MYTAXI ITALIA S.R.L., MYTAXI POLSKA SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, Mascot Truck Parts Canada Ltd (2017), Mascot Truck Parts USA LLC, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd, Mercedes pay AG, Mercedes pay S.A., Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz (Yangzhou) Parts Distribution Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz AG, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Adm. Consorcios Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Antwerpen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Asia GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Assuradeuren B.V., Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-2, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2017-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2015-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2016-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Retail Trust 2018-1, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, Mercedes-Benz Bank GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Bank Polska S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bank Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Bank Service Center GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Banking Service GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Belgium Luxembourg S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bordeaux S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Broker Biztositasi Alkusz Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Brooklands Limited, Mercedes-Benz CPH A/S, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Capital Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz CarMesh GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil Industria e Comercio De Veiculos Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Cars Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East FZE, Mercedes-Benz Cars Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Compania Financiera Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Consulting GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercedes-Benz Credit Penzugyi Szolgaltato Hungary Zrt., Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center Maastricht N.V., Mercedes-Benz Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bedrijven B.V., Mercedes-Benz Drogenbos N.V., Mercedes-Benz Egypt S.A.E., Mercedes-Benz Energy Americas LLC, Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Espana S.A.U., Mercedes-Benz Europa NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz ExTra LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finance Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Austria GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services BeLux NV, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Espana E.F.C. S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services France S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Hong Kong Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia SpA, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Korea Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal Sociedade Financeira de Credito S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finans Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Finans Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Finansal Kiralama Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Finansman Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Formula E Limited, Mercedes-Benz France S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Forsaljnings AB, Mercedes-Benz G GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Group Services Phils. Inc., Mercedes-Benz Hellas S.A., Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited, Mercedes-Benz Hungaria Kft., Mercedes-Benz IDC Europe S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Insurance Broker S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Investment Company LLC, Mercedes-Benz Italia S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Japan Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Korea Limited, Mercedes-Benz Leasing (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing Hrvatska d.o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing IFN S.A., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Kft., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Treuhand GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing do Brasil Arrendamento Mercantil S.A., Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Mercedes-Benz Manhattan Inc., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Rus Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust, Mercedes-Benz Mechelen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Mitarbeiter-Fahrzeuge Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH, Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz PRAHA s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Paris SAS, Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Eastern Europe s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Iberica S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Parts Manufacturing & Services Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Portugal S.A., Mercedes-Benz Project Consult GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Renting S.A., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America Inc., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Tel Aviv Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail Belgium NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail S.A., Mercedes-Benz Retail Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz Risk Solutions South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Roma S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Romania S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Russia AO, Mercedes-Benz Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Service Leasing S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Services Correduria de Seguros S.A., Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mercedes-Benz Sigorta Aracilik Hizmetleri A.S., Mercedes-Benz Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Solihull Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Srbija i Crna Gora d.o.o.u likvidaciji, Mercedes-Benz Subscription Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Belgium Luxembourg NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Center Sint-Pieters-Leeuw NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Trucks France S.A.S.U, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Italia S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Trucks MENA Holding GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Molsheim, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Ubezpieczenia Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz V.I. Lyon SAS, Mercedes-Benz V.I. Paris Ile de France SAS, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Vans Ceska republika s.r.o, Mercedes-Benz Vans Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Vans LLC, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility S.L., Mercedes-Benz Vans Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Vehiculos Comerciales Argentina SAU, Mercedes-Benz Venezuela S.A., Mercedes-Benz Versicherung AG, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb NFZ GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb PKW GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Warszawa Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Waterloo S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wavre S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wemmel N.V., Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Receivables LLC, Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Assessoria Comercial Ltda., Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Osterreich GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Aluguer de Veiculos Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz.io GmbH, Mercedes-Benz.io Portugal Unipessoal Lda., MercedesService Card Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc., Monarch Cars (Tamworth) Ltd., Montajes y Estampaciones Metalicas S.L., Multifleet G.I.E, NAG Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft, P.T. Mercedes-Benz Indonesia, PABCO Co. Ltd., PT Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia, Porcher & Meffert Grundstucksgesellschaft mbH & Co. Stuttgart OHG, R.T.C. Management Company Limited, Renting del Pacifico S.A.C., RepairSmith Inc., Reva SAS, Ring Garage AG Chur, SILVER ARROW CHINA 2017-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o CITIC TRUST CO. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-1 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., STARKOM d.o.o., Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Sechste Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, SelecTrucks Comercio de Veiculos Ltda, SelecTrucks of America LLC, SelecTrucks of Toronto Inc., Setra of North America Inc., Silver Arrow Australia Trust 2017-1, Silver Arrow Canada GP Inc., Silver Arrow Canada LP, Silver Arrow Lease Facility Trust, Silver Arrow S.A., Special Lease Systems (SLS) B.V, SportChassis LLC, Star Assembly SRL, Star Egypt For Import LLC, Star Transmission srl, Starexport Trading S.A., Sterling Truck Corporation, Sumperska sprava majetku k.s., T.O.C (Schweiz) AG, Taxibeat, Taxibeat Ltd. UK, Taxibeat Peru S.A., Taxibeat Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S., Thomas Built Buses Inc., Thomas Built Buses of Canada Limited, Transcovo SAS, Transopco France SAS, Transopco GmbH, Transopco Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Transopco UK Ltd., Trona Cogeneration Corporation, Ucafleet S.A.S, Vierzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Western Star Trucks Sales Inc, Zuidlease B.V., Zweite Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, car2go, car2go Belgium SPRL, car2go Canada Ltd., car2go China Co. Ltd., car2go Danmark A/S, car2go Deutschland GmbH, car2go Europe GmbH, car2go Group GmbH, car2go Iberia S.L.U., car2go Italia S.R.L., car2go N.A. Holding Inc, car2go N.A. LLC, car2go Nederland B.V, car2go Sverige AB, car2go Osterreich GmbH, moovel Group GmbH, moovel North America Inc., moovel North America LLC, myTaxi Iberia SL, myTaxi UG, myTaxi UK Ltd., myTaxi USA Inc., mytaxi Austria GmbH, mytaxi Network Ireland Ltd., mytaxi Network Ltd., mytaxi Portugal Unipessoal LDA, mytaxi Sweden AB, ogotrac S.A.S., smart France S.A.S., smart Vertriebs gmbh, and trapoFit GmbH. Tableau Software, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides business analytics software products. It offers Tableau Desktop, a self-service, powerful analytics product with data; Tableau Server, a business intelligence platform for organizations; Tableau Online, a hosted software-as-a-service version of Tableau Server; Tableau Prep, a data preparation product for combining, shaping, and cleaning data; and Tableau Public, a cloud-based platform for analyzing and sharing public data. In addition, it offers Visual Query Language (VizQL) for databases, which is a computer language for describing pictures of data, including graphs, charts, maps, time series, and tables of visualizations; Live Query Engine that interprets abstract queries generated by VizQL into syntax understandable by database systems; and Hyper, an in-memory data engine technology that helps customers to analyze a range of data sets by evaluating analytical queries directly in the transactional database. Further, the company provides support, maintenance, training, and professional services. It serves organizations in various industries, including business services, energy and telecommunications, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing and technology, media and entertainment, public sector, and education, as well as retail, consumer, and distribution industries. The company sells its products directly, as well as through indirect sales channels, such as technology vendors, resellers, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendor, and distributors in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Tableau Software, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Read More The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various personal and commercial banking products and services in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More 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.. ROME, NY Police in the City of Rome are asking for the publics help after a report of a shots fired incident earlier this week. Rome Police say at 5:24 p.m. Tuesday officers were called to the Fastrac gas station on Erie Boulevard West for a report of gunshots. When officers arrives they reported that all individuals involved in the alleged shooting had left the area. Police say after talking to witnesses and looking at surveillance video they learned a fight had broken out and several shots were fired. Photo: Rome Police Department Photo: Rome Police Department Police say they are looking for a gold four-door Saturn, which was last seen driving east on Erie Blvd. Police are also looking for a gray or blue four-door sedan. Photos of the vehicles are included in this story. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call the Rome Police Department at 315-339-7717. Calls will be kept confidential. John Mahama is a Ghanaian politician, writer, historian, and communication expert. He served as the Ghanaian vice-president from 2009 until 2012 when he became the president after his predecessor, John Mills, died. He is the first Ghanaian vice-president to ascend to the presidency after the death of the president. He served as president from July 24th, 2012 until January 7th, 2017. He is the only president in the countrys history to not win a second term. 5. Early Life Mahama comes from Bole in the northern parts of Ghana. He was born on November 29th, 1958, in Damango-Daboya constituency. Mahama began his education in ANT1 (Accra Newtown Experimental School) and finished his Olevel at Achimota school before joining Ghana secondary school. After finishing his Alevels education, Mahama joined the University of Ghana where he received a bachelors degree in history. He received his postgraduate diploma in communication from the University of Ghana in 1986. Mahama also attended the Social Science Institute in Moscow where he specialized in Social psychology. 4. Rise to Power After finishing his studies in Moscow, he returned to Ghana and worked at the Japanese embassy in Accra until 1995. He was elected as an MP for Bamboi/Bole constituency in 1996 for a 4-year term. During his first term as an MP, he was appointed as the deputy communications minister from 1997 to November 1998 when he became the minister of communications. He was re-elected during the 2000 and 2004 general elections. During his second and third terms in the Ghanaian parliament, he served in numerous committees including the VAT (Value Added Tax) and the UNDP advisory committees. Mahama became the Ghanaian Vice-President on January 7, 2009. Mahama became the Ghanaian President in line with their constitution on July 24, 2012, after the death of President John Mills. 3. Contributions Mahama played a crucial role in stabilizing the telecommunication sector of the country in 1997 after its deregulation. He was also one of the founding members of the Ghanaian AIDS commission. As a president, he was the staunch campaigner for sustainability, and he was keen on the issue of single-use plastic waste pollution in the continent. 2. Challenges One of his biggest challenges during his tenure was fighting corruption among his ministers and other government officials. Mahama had numerous corruption allegations including the fact that he received a Ford Expedition in 2012 from a construction company which was bidding for a government contract. The Burkinabe contractor secured the contract later. Under his presidency, massive corruption was discovered at the SADA (Savannah-Accelerated Development authority) in 2014. Another corruption scandal was discovered in 2015 when a contract for rebranding the 116 Metro Mass Transit buses. The contract was awarded to Selassie Ibrahim, a member of NDC, and it was revealed that the cost of the entire project was more than the value of all the buses. 1. Present Day and Legacy Mahama lost his seat to President Nana Akufo-Addo during the 2016 general elections, but he announced his 2020 presidential ambitions on August 23, 2018. He is one of the most followed African leaders on Facebook and Twitter. Mahama has won numerous awards like the Great Cross of Benins National Order. Mads stberg held onto his Kennards Hire Rally Australia lead on Saturday morning but a cluster of challengers queued up behind the Norwegian, eager to deprive him of top spot. Stage info: SS9/10 SS9: Argents Hill Reverse 1, 13.13km As the name suggests, Argents Hill is driven in the opposite direction to 2017 and features classic shire roads from the Nambucca stage of the past. It crosses farmland and pastures, mixing a selection of breathtakingly fast roads and twistier tracks. It has recently been resurfaced and there is plenty of loose gravel to hinder the early starters SS10: Welshs Creek Reverse 1, 28.83km Guess what? Welshs Creek is driven in the reverse direction to last year and, like the previous test, also features roads from Nambucca. It begins in the trees on fast but loose gravel and retains those characteristics for most of the way. Two asphalt sections, one at 5km and another at 17.5km, break up the loose surfaces. There is a short narrow section before the midpoint but in general this is one for the speed lovers. The Citroen C3 drivers 6.8sec advantage was cut to 3.7sec in the opening two speed tests on shire roads in the Nambucca Heads region as Jari-Matti Latvala, Hayden Paddon and Ott Tanak closed. Paddon won the Argents Hill Reverse test in his Hyundai i20 before Tanak went quickest through the longer Welshs Creek Reverse in his Toyota Yaris. stberg opted for a mix of Michelins hard and medium compound rubber and had mixed feelings after setting fourth and fifth fastest times. With what we know it wasnt an easy choice for sure. The car is working well but when you have a mix of tyres and two of them are not working it makes it difficult, he said. Latvala was second in both stages and climbed to second in his Yaris. The Finn held a 4.1sec advantage over Paddon, with Tanak 2.2sec further back. It was a difficult morning for Craig Breen. The Irishman was second overnight but a sticking throttle delayed him in Welshs Creek Reverse and he dropped to the foot of the leading quintet, which was blanketed by only 12.5sec. Once again the forecast overnight rain did not arrive. Dry roads meant the early starters were effectively high-speed road-sweepers, cleaning the surface of thick gravel to expose a faster line with more grip for those starting later. They were conditions which title challenger Thierry Neuville dreaded. Second in the start order, the Hyundai i20 driver lost more ground on principal rival Sebastien Ogier. Nothing we can do. Its very frustrating but it is like this. I try as hard as I can but theres no line at all. We cant do much without the rain. Well continue trying and hope the God of the rally exists, said the Belgian, who remained 10th. Ogier, three places ahead in his Ford Fiesta, was content to monitor Neuvilles progress and admitted: Were not at the same level of attack as yesterday. Its going to be hard to catch positions but the main goal is to stay head of Thierry, he said. Head to WRC+ to watch All Live from Kennards Hire Rally Australia, including every stage broadcast live, breaking service park news and expert studio analysis. VIDEO More News Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Range Six: Vegas is Ubisoft's FPS masterpiece, which offers brought a lot regarding the latest and many avant-garde shooting pleasure in order to players. Compared with the previous ones, screen in addition to sound effects almost symbolize the most advanced game making technology at current. Anti Terror, the most exciting task scenario. The story may start a war towards terrorism in this stunning city. If you have any issues pertaining to wherever and how to use Rainbow Six Siege Credits, you can get hold of us at our own web page.Team Rainbow hurried here at orders from their superiors and located that the tranquil life was ruined by international terrorist businesses, leaving a huge quantity of residents displaced and homeless. About the wide streets, typically the damaged luxury cars is seen everywhere. In combat, the anti terrorist team leader, Logan Keller, will business lead his team to fight with terrorists. It has a couple of new assistants, namely Har mulighed for Akahashi and Gabriel Nowak from Mexico. At typically the start of the online game, Keller takes the lead in breaking into Deprive alone. (The Strip Membership is one of the great buildings in typically the United States and, actually among the best cemeteries in the particular world. It truly is set upwards in metropolis of Vegas, and it is like a paradise that folks admire and fascinate. Typically the two new aides initially focused on difficult teaching to await more harmful counter-terrorism missions. If you have any sort of inquiries pertaining to where and how you can make use of cheap R6 Credits, you could call us at our own webpage.In Offers a Six: Vegas, the 2nd battleground is Calyspo, inside addition to Strip. In order to enter the mission in this article, you should solve the task in Mexico. Captain Keller quickly arrives on the particular street, where he fulfills Michael Walter and Jung Park to rescue CONSUSTANCIAL adviser Philip Smythe. Regardless of the region, typically the CTU must fight quickly and successfully complete its protection mission only by simply smashing the terrorist leader Irena Morales'terrible plan. Over the past two weeks, with next to no media coverage, the United States has moved substantially closer toward open military confrontation with both Russia and China, the second- and third-ranked nuclear powers in the world. On October 3, the United States threatened, for the first time since the Cold War, to directly attack the Russian homeland. UN Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison accused the country of violating the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty by developing a nuclear cruise missile and said that Washington was preparing to take out the weapon with a US strike. This statement came just three days after a Chinese warship set a collision course with a US destroyer carrying out a so-called freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea, forcing the American ship to maneuver to avoid a collision and the potentially deadliest military clash in the Pacific in decades. Behind such hair-raising incidents, the United States is undertaking serious, long-term preparations to restructure the American economy to fight a major war with a peer adversary, entailing radical changes to American economic, social and political life. This is the essential content of a 146-page document released by the Pentagon last Friday, titled Assessing and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base and Supply Chain Resiliency of the United States. It makes it clear that Washington is preparing not just for isolated regional clashes, but rather for a massive, long-term war effort against Russia and China under conditions of potential national autarchy. The document made clear that a major restructuring of the American economy will be necessary to reach the United States militarys stated goal of being prepared to fight tonight against a peer adversary. The United States must retool for great-power competition, the document declared. Americas manufacturing and defense industrial base, observes the report, creates the platform and systems upon which our Warfighter depends. This complex encompasses not just the government, but the private sector, as well as R&D organizations and academic institutions. In other words, the entire economy and society. It warns that The erosion of American manufacturing over the last two decades threatens to undermine the ability of U.S. manufacturers to meet national security requirements. Today, we rely on single domestic sources for some products and foreign supply chains for others, and we face the possibility of not being able to produce specialized components for the military at home. Correcting this strategic deficiency, the report concludes, means that support for a vibrant domestic manufacturing sector, a solid defense industrial base, and resilient supply chains is a national priority. The report squarely targets China, declaring, Chinas economic strategies, combined with the adverse impacts of other nations industrial policies, pose significant threats to the U.S. industrial base and thereby pose a growing risk to U.S. national security. The promotion of US manufacturing dominance, in other words, is vital for promoting military dominance. The protection of heavy industry goes together with the administrations efforts to defend Americas high-tech sector, the source of a vast portion of US profitability. As the report notes, One of the Chinese Communist Partys primary industrial initiatives, Made in China 2025, targets artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, autonomous and new energy vehicles, high performance medical devices, high-tech ship components, and other emerging industries critical to national defense. It warns that Chinese R&D spending is rapidly converging to that of the U.S. and will likely achieve parity sometime in the near future, and worriedly points to the fact that the Chinese manufacturer DJI dominates the commercial aerial drone market. The Pentagons plans for protecting and expanding the US high-tech sector include its backing for the administrations efforts to limit the admission of Chinese students to US universities through visa restrictions. The report complains that, with as many as 25 percent of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] graduates in the U.S. being Chinese nationals American universities are major enablers of Chinas economic and military rise. The vision in the document, in other words, is the concrete expression of the conception outlined in the latest US national security strategy, calling for the seamless integration of multiple elements of national powerdiplomacy, information, economics, finance, intelligence, law enforcement and military. A leading element of this equation is the American corporate technology sector, which has scrambled for fat Pentagon contracts to develop the latest generation of weapons systems. In exchange for these payouts, and aggressive protection from their international rivals, they have worked closely to implement what one leaked internal Google document called a shift towards censorship in cooperation with the demands of the US military and intelligence agencies. The logic of this growing fusion between the repressive apparatus of the state and increasingly powerful monopolies is the necessary correlation between total war and a totalitarian society, in which key constitutional provisions are rendered effectively meaningless. The central target of such measures will be the forcible suppression of the class struggle in the name of promoting national security. The escalation of global US militarism has coincided with a major upsurge in the class struggle, including the rejection of a concessions contract by workers at UPS, the logistics giant whose powerful workforce is capable of crippling not just Americas industrial base, but substantial sections of the wartime economy. The draft agreement struck between the European Union (EU) and Prime Minister Theresa Mays negotiating team has been denounced on all sides. Mays fate depends most immediately on the size of a rebellion by the hard-Brexit wing of her party. But based on anything other than the most optimistic assessment, there is little likelihood of her proposal passing in parliamentthreatening her future and that of the Conservative government. May was only able to get Cabinet approval for her proposed agreement on the terms of British withdrawal from the EU after a five-hour meeting Wednesday and she did not allow a formal vote. High-profile resignations followedof Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey. May has responded by insisting that there is no alternative path to Brexit, that there must be a backstop agreeable to Brussels to ensure tariff-free access to the Single European Market and to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. She has urged hard-Brexiteers not to vote her deal down and risk either a second referendum or a snap general election that could bring Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party to office. Even if she is successful in dividing opponents within her own government and party, she would still require the support of a section of the Labour Party in parliament to get the deal through. The influential leader of the Torys anti-EU European Research Group, Jacob Rees Mogg, has put in a letter of no confidence in May to the chair of the partys 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. Two other Brexiteers, Sheryll Murray and Henry Smith, followed suit. Triggering a leadership contest would necessitate 48 MPs handing in letters and Mogg intimated that they were not there yet, but could be within weeks. This expressed much less confidence than the numbers that were predicted last month, indicating that some Brexiteers have listened to the demands of business that European trade must be preserved and suggesting May might survive a challenge. In any eventuality, with May opposed by all the opposition parties, her coalition partners in the Democratic Unionist Party and dozens of Tory MPs, the crisis over Brexit can only deepen. Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf warned that the impasse was historic, as Britain cannot at present resolve its relationship with the continent Comparisons with the 1956 Suez crisis do not get close to the mark. This is a far more significant mess than that. The unofficial leader of the Remain camp, Tony Blair, declared, This deal isnt a compromise, its a capitulation. The Remain faction complain that the deal on offer is much worse than the terms of current EU membership in that, while guaranteeing continued access to the Single Market, the UK loses membership rights. Opposing the deal therefore united him with former Tory foreign secretary Boris Johnson in an unholy alliance We agree this is a pointless Brexit in name only which is not the best of a bad job but the worst of both worlds. On Thursday morning, Labour issued a statement via Jon Trickett, its shadow Cabinet Office minister, that the government is falling apart before our eyes and that the prime minister has no authority left and is clearly incapable of delivering a Brexit deal that commands even the support of her cabinetlet alone parliament and the people of our country. Yet despite Corbyns previous call that a general election would be the only way to resolve the Brexit crisis, he made no explicit call for one. This is clearly bound up with efforts by the Corbynites to placate the Blairite faction of the party, who are opposed to a general election, fearing it will encourage a movement of the working class against the decades of neo-liberalism and austerity. They are instead demanding a Peoples Vote second referendum to reverse Brexit entirely. Labour, together with other opposition parties, has focused on calling for the promised meaningful vote on the deal to include the right to make amendments that would supposedly provide the exact same benefits as EU membership. EU officials responded by insisting that the draft deal is the best we can do. Mays predecessor, David Cameron, called the 2016 Brexit referendum as a means of satiating his partys Eurosceptic wing, while strengthening the UKs bargaining position with other EU powers, Germany above all. Faced with the disastrous implication of having lostlargely as a result of a protest vote expressing widespread social and political alienationthe ruling elite was thrust into bitter factional conflict over how best to defend Britains global interests. The pro-Brexit factions pinned their hopes on using the election of Donald Trump to piggy-back on US demands for unrestricted access to European markets combined with the right to negotiate independent trade deals internationally. May sought the same end goal but was brought face to face with the reality of Britains weak position and the full implications of the growing antagonisms between the US and Europe. Rather than folding under US pressure, Germany and France have taken a hard line against the UK to preserve the unity of the EU while seeking to strengthen their hand against Washington. The week leading up to the Brexit text announcement was dominated by official commemorations of the centenary of the end of World War I, leading up to the meeting in Paris of 70 world leaders. Such is Mays isolation that she could not contemplate attending and stayed to mark the occasion in London. More significant still, hostile relations erupted between the US, France and Germany over President Emmanuel Macrons declaration that Europe needed its own armynot only to combat the threat from Russia and Chinabut in recognition that the US was no longer a reliable ally. As he landed in Paris, Trump fired off a tweet stating that 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! On Tuesday, he tweeted, Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & TwoHow did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said nothing against Macrons proposal to honour Marshal Petain, the wartime leader of the Nazi collaborationist Vichy regime, solidarized herself with his call for an independent European military capability. She told the European Parliament in Strasbourg Tuesday of her vision to establish a real European army one day, insisting, The times when we could rely on others are over. Under these circumstances, May was forced to accept a bad deal, rather than the calamitous consequences of a no deal exit. But this has only changed the battlefield in which the raging conflict within the ruling elite is fought. In calling for an active boycott of the 2016 Brexit referendum, the Socialist Equality Party insisted that the working class has no interest in supporting either of the two right-wing bourgeois factions. Brexit has proved to be an economic disaster, and a focus of xenophobic nationalism and plans for trade war waged at the expense of workers jobs, wages and essential services. This cannot be opposed by support for EU membership, where member governments are pursuing the same agenda of escalating militarism, anti-migrant measures and savage austerity and fuelling the emergence of fascistic movements across the continent, above all in France and Germany. The working class must advance its own internationalist programme to unify the struggles of workers throughout Europe in defence of living standards and democratic rights. The alternative for workers to the Europe of the transnational corporations is the struggle for the United Socialist States of Europe. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. SA digital marketing school apprenticeship program looks to go national Digital Creative Institute, a San Antonio-based digital marketing school, has become the first registered apprenticeship with the U.S. Labor Department in the marketing industry, opening the door for a possible national expansion. The federal registration enables students to secure federal loans, or access the GI Bill, to cover school fees. The yearlong apprenticeship model matches recent college graduates with local canvas tote bags wholesale businesses in a customized curriculum. The students earn a paycheck and tuition. Digital Creative Institute, which has six employees, expanded to Austin in 2017 and plans to lease space in Dallas soon. CEO Brad Voeller plans to connect with investors in the coming year to expand the program nationwide. "Up to this point, we've needed to prove the value of digital apprenticeships because it's a space that's not understood," he said. Voeller said the four-year college degree system doesnt always prepare students in the workforce, particularly for a career using digital communication tools. The average marketer uses dozens of online tools to track campaigns, create content and build an audience of potential consumers. Graduates come out and are bright, with a great foundation, but they dont have the digital skills, Voeller said. The Digital Creative Institute, founded in 2015, has had more than 60 apprentices in its program and has placed students at local companies such as Argo Group Inc., USAA and Rackspace Hosting Inc. In 2017, there were 533,607 registered apprenticeships across the country, up from 505,000 in 2016, according to the Labor Department. There are more than 22,000 registered apprenticeship program in the U.S., with more than 2,300 created in 2017. In Texas, there are more than 17,400 active apprenticeships. The most common apprenticeships are for jobs like electricians, carpenters, construction craft workers and plumbers. Fewer than 600 apprentices across the country in 2017 were in information and technology. Also See: Top 5 dropship malaysia Companies Facebooks decision to appoint former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as its vice-president of Global Affairs and Communications epitomises the integration of the social media giants and the capitalist state apparatus in every country. After reportedly extensive discussions with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Clegg claimed to be impressed by the companys recognition that it is on a journey which brings new responsibilities not only to the users of Facebooks apps but to society at large. I hope I will be able to play a role in helping to navigate that journey. These responsibilities involve a stepping up of internet censorship as part of the efforts of the ruling elite in every country to suppress working-class resistance to austerity, militarism and war. Clegg led the Liberal Democrats party into coalition government with Prime Minister David Camerons Conservatives between 2010 and 2015. He is mainly remembered for betraying his partys pledges of opposition to tuition fees that were instead trebled under the coalition. This was part of a savage increase in austerity measures that created the conditions for last years Grenfell fire disaster, which cost the lives of 72 people. It was the Tory/Lib Dem coalition, with Clegg as deputy prime minister, that backed the 2011 war on Libya, which devastated that country, and it was under Clegg that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was forced to seek asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. The Liberal Democrats vote base collapsed as a result. In place of being a stooge of private capital in government office, Clegg is now hawking out his tattered liberal credentials to one of the wealthiest corporations in the world. In return for a reported 4 million per year, he joins a long line of ex-government figures to use their influence to get rich in the private sector. Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair has made tens of millions through consulting with the likes of the murderous Saudi dictatorship, with whom he has a 9 million deal to advise on its modernisation. Clegg joins Facebook at a time when it is censoring socialist, left-wing and oppositional web sites, including the closure of hundreds of such sites over the last several weeks. In addition to legitimising this clampdown, Cleggs role will be to help ensure the tech giant avoids or minimises any encroachment on its commercial interests as the American corporation comes under pressure from Brussels, where Clegg enjoys considerable connections from his period as a Member of the European Parliament from 1999-2004. Last year, the European Commission imposed a 110 million fine on Facebook for business malpractice regarding the firms takeover of WhatsApp. Rising trade tensions between the US and the European Union (EU) mean the political and financial stakes are now much larger. The EU recently announced plans to step up internet censorship to tackle disinformation that may affect the outcome of next years European election campaign. Clegg will now have the opportunity to perform another U-turn, this time on the issue of tax avoidance, following his critical remarks against such practices by major firms. Facebook paid a miserly 7.4 million in corporation tax in the UK last year, despite quadrupling profits. Clegg has positively endorsed the collaboration of tech companies with the state, arguing, If the tech industry can work sensibly with governments, regulators, parliaments and civic society around the world, I believe we can enhance the benefits of technology while diminishing the often-unintended downsides. Though he is the most senior British politician to join the management of a major tech company, Clegg is not the first. Fellow Liberal Democrat Lord Allan of Hallam joined Facebook as Director of Policy in Europe in 2009. In the US, the notorious war criminals Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell were hired by Dropbox and Salesforce in 2014 and in 2003 former US vice president Al Gore joined the board of directors of Apple Inc. Facebook faced major privacy concerns following the mass data leak involving Cambridge Analytica, a company linked to President Donald Trump, which harvested the data of millions of Facebook users. Cambridge Analytica originated in British deep-state psychological operations, earning millions of pounds via government contracts and developing greater involvement in propaganda exercises targeting populations around the world. The issue was elevated to prominence by liberal media outlets such as the Guardian and New York Times and, in March, Zuckerberg was pressured to testify before the US Congress. The British government fined Facebook 500,000 (US$560,415), the maximum penalty, following the scandal. Notwithstanding official criticisms, such abuses have been used to ensure compliance with demands for increased state surveillance. Bogus claims that fake news spread via social media is facilitating Russian meddling in elections in the West has become an axiom of official debate, adopted by conservative and liberal factions of the bourgeoisie alike to demand the censorship of free speech. Cleggs appointment was endorsed by Labours deputy leader Tom Watson, who claimed fatuously, I look forward to meeting Nick Clegg in his new role, as we have serious concerns about Facebooks lack of democratic accountability. He will know our concerns about data privacy, taxation and transparency. He will also be acutely aware that there are very serious questions about the role the company played during the EU referendum that the [Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport] select committee still requires answers to. Facebook has enthusiastically collaborated in government-coordinated political blacklisting. Zuckerberg announced his intention to submit to government pressure last year with stepped-up use of artificial intelligence and human staff to intervene in the activity on its platform. Citing interference from nation states and the spread of news that is false, sensational and polarizing, Facebook had the responsibility to amplify the good and prevent harm, he wrote. The World Socialist Web Site drew attention to the scale and target of internet censorship in 2017 after it identified the systematic rigging of search results by Google in order to make left-wing and anti-war websites harder to find. Social media is becoming a major battlefield of the class struggle. Facebooks control of the worlds largest platform, along with other services such as WhatsApp and Instagramthat are more popular among youthgives it a unique role in facilitating public debate. But it is just one of the monopolistic corporations that dominate internet news, search and social networking and which have a working division of labour with governments. While these companies initially adopted a politically neutral and techno-utopian stance, typified by Googles motto Dont be evil, they have become willing tools and partners of the most reactionary and militaristic forces, particularly in the US. The tech giants are collaborating in efforts to criminalise political opposition and suppress free speech, functioning as the trusted gatekeepers for governments and ensuring the correct interpretation of world eventsi.e., spreading real fake news. Under capitalism, the progressive international possibilities of communication technology are being used instead as a tool for state surveillance, dictatorship, private profit and war. In January, the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site issued an open letter to socialist, anti-war, left-wing and progressive websites, organisations and activists calling for an international coalition to fight internet censorship. Emphasising that the defence of democratic rights required the mobilisation of the international working class, it stressed, It is critical to establish an understanding in the working class of the inseparable connection between the defense of their class interests, their living standards, working conditions, wages, etc., and the fight for democratic rights. Without access to alternative news and social media, workers in different countries will not be able to effectively coordinate their common struggles. Unfettered access to the Internet will facilitate the international unity of the working class in the global fight for socialism, democracy and equality. The World Socialist Web Site is convinced that the struggle against internet censorship, as a critical component of the defense of democratic rights, will be enthusiastically supported by the working class. This is their fight. It is not simply that the involvement of the working class is important in order to defend free speech. Rather, the fight to defend free speech is important for the working class. Newly elected Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), joined a protest led by Justice Democrats and a student environmental group outside Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosis office Tuesday over the issue of climate change. The protesters called for Democrats to create a select committee that would be tasked with putting forward a Green New Deal. Photos of Ocasio-Cortez speaking to the group of students leading the demonstrations circulated on social media and all the major news outlets. The most glowing praise for this stunt came from Jacobin magazine, the unofficial mouthpiece of the DSA. In an article by Ben Beckett titled Coming from inside the House, Jacobin cites Ocasio-Cortezs appearance as a prime example of her bona fides as a qualitatively different type of leftist. He writes, Regardless of the specific demands Ocasio-Cortezs willingness to stand with protestors from a little known group inside the head of her own caucuss office before she is even sworn in indicates that she is prepared not only to buck protocol and take on high-ranking national Democrats, but to use her office as a center of organizing for progressive causes. In fact, the event was clearly a calculated political operation by Ocasio-Cortez aimed at solidarizing herself with the Democratic Party establishment and boosting the credentials of Pelosi. Speaking to a group of reporters covering the protest, Ocasio-Cortez began by burnishing Pelosis credentials: One of the things that I admire so much about Leader Pelosi, is that she comes from a place of activism and organizing and she really appreciates civic engagement. She went on to say that should Leader Pelosi become the next Speaker of the House, We need to tell her that weve got her back in showing and pursuing the most progressive energy agenda that this country has ever seen. Ocasio-Cortezs adoration of Pelosi did not stop there. Later that day, after the photo-op with the students, Cortez tweeted at Pelosi to thank her. She commended Pelosis quick response to the event: I have spoken with @NancyPelosi about how our commitments to climate change should take shape in the 116th Congress. Her office has responded quickly, and she has recommended the reinstatement of the Select Committee on Climate Change. Pelosi, who was not present at the time of the protest, told her staffers to welcome the protesters. She said in statement later that day, We are inspired by the energy and activism of the many young activists and advocates leading the way on the climate crisis, which threatens the health, economic security and futures of all our communities." In other words, a more concise accounting of the event would be as follows: Pelosi praises the protesters, Ocasio-Cortez praises Pelosi, Jacobin praises Ocasio-Cortez and concludes that the day of exchanging pleasantries in Washington represents a qualitatively different type of leftist politics. Ocasio-Cortez has moved to support Pelosi under conditions in which Pelosi faces a potential leadership challenge from sections of the Democratic Party. On Thursday, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted her criticism of some Democrats for hold[ing] the Speaker vote hostage unless conservative concessions are made, contrasting this to her own respectful efforts at encouraging leadership decisions. What the whole operation confirms is that the DSA and Ocasio-Cortez have no fundamental differences with Pelosi and the rest of the Democratic Party leadership. Pelosi has been the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives for 16 years. She has overseen all the crimes of the Democratic Party for a decade and a half, including the draconian immigration policies of the Obama administration, which resulted in the deportation of more immigrants than any president in history. She was driven out of her own press conference last year by pro-immigrant activists chanting Democrats are deporters! Ocasio-Cortezs embrace of Pelosi is only her latest effort to burnish her own establishment credentials. In the aftermath of her primary victory, she repudiated previous criticisms of Israel, pledged her support for border security, praised Republican Senator John McCain and stood beside Bernie Sanders, nodding in agreement, as the Vermont senator endorsed the Democrats anti-Russia campaign. Her role, and that of the DSA as a whole, is to provide a political cover for the Democrats as they pursue their own right-wing campaign. In the aftermath of the 2018 midterm elections, which saw the Democrats take back control of the House, Pelosi has declared her readiness to work closely with the Trump administration, while the Democrats continue to focus their criticism of the administration on issues of foreign policy. There is nothing remotely left about the DSA. It is merely a faction of the right-wing, militarist Democratic Party. This author also recommends: Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders praise McCain: An object lesson in the politics of the pseudo-left [28 August 2018] In the second election since the 2006 coup, the Fiji First Party (FFP) of former coup leader Frank Bainimarama retained office with a 51.8 percent majority after last Wednesdays poll. The FFP has been in power since the 2014 election following eight years of military rule. Results at the end of provisional vote counting showed the FFPs votes had dropped from 59 percent at the previous election. The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) was on 37.9 percent, up from 28 percent, followed by the National Federation Party with 7.5 percent. The turnout, based on over 600,000 registered voters, ranged from 53 to 61 percent across Fijis four divisions. Heavy rain and flooding forced the closure of 26 polling stations, affecting 7,800 people. Nevertheless, the turnout was well below the 84.6 percent who voted in 2014, indicating widespread disenchantment. A Fiji Times poll published in late October showed one in five voters were still undecided. Following the 2014 election, the US and its local allies, Australia and New Zealand, rushed to legitimise the result as democratic. These powers, however, have supported coups in Fiji as long as the resulting regime lines up with their imperialist interests. Since 2014, they have sought to re-forge ties with Bainimarama in order to undercut Chinas influence in the geo-strategically significant South Pacific state. The 2018 election was a contest between two parties run by former coup leaders and military strong men. SODELPA, which benefited from the swing against the FFP, represents the interests of a nationalist layer of the privileged chiefly Fijian elite. It has been led since 2016 by Sitiveni Rabuka, the instigator of two military coups in 1987, the prime minister following the 1992 election and also the former chairman of the unelected Great Council of Chiefs. The Labour Party, which has historically had a base of support in the Indo-Fijian community, received the second lowest number of votes at 0.66 percent. For the second time it failed to meet the 5 percent threshold to get into parliament. Labour had previously been elected to office in 1987 and 1999. On both occasions, the resulting government was rapidly overthrown by a coup. The Fiji government rests directly on the military. Successive regimes have all been thoroughly authoritarian and anti-working class. The imposition of inequality and social misery28 percent of the population lives below the poverty linehas been accompanied by harsh austerity measures, along with intimidation of opposition parties, repressive laws and rampant violence by the police and military. Fears of another coup have not subsided. Wellington university lecturer Jon Fraenkel told Radio New Zealand on November 5 that any possibility of an opposition party succeeding would quickly destabilise things. Labour Party leader Aman Ravindra-Singh said the majority of the population remains very scared. Most people were not prepared to engage in discussion, he said, but were constantly looking behind their backs and speaking in whispers. Two thousand police were deployed and the military placed on stand-by for polling day. Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho claimed, without substantiation, that rumours were circulating about rogue groups seeking to disrupt the polls. He warned that any attempts to do so would not be taken lightly. Several people were reportedly detained for questioning. Six parties with a total of 233 candidates were vying for 51 seats. In an attempt to eliminate the largely ethnically-based voting that prevailed prior to the coup, in which ethnic Fijians often vied with Indo-Fijians, there are no longer constituency seats. Parties compete in a single national constituency. The elections were conducted under stringent legal and political constraints. It is virtually impossible for independent candidates to stand. Registered parties produce lists, in which candidates are identified by numbers. Names and party identification are not allowed on ballot papers. A 48-hour media blackout applies prior to the polls closing, with all signage and campaign activities banned. A multinational observer group reported there were only minor glitches in the electoral process. However, discrepancies were claimed in the electoral roll, with some 50,000 more voters than the latest census data. Opposition parties alleged widespread vote-buying in the guise of government grants. Campaigning was characterised by the total suppression by all the parties of the social crisis. The FFP and SODELPA campaigned on their purported competing economic records. Bainimarama trumpeted nine years of straight growth, absurdly declaring that Fijians now have more opportunities, more jobs, more income and more luxuries of life under the FFP. Rabuka claimed even more impressive growth figures during SODELPAs term in office. Fijis economic outlook has in fact weakened, partly as a result of the damage and lost production from Cyclone Winston, which hit in February 2016, leaving tens of thousands homeless and causing losses equivalent to over 30 percent of GDP. According to the Asia Development Bank, Fiji, which has a population of just over 914,000, is the third most impoverished country in the Pacific, behind Timor-Leste and Micronesia, with the fourth highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent. Health indicators are appalling. Of every 1,000 babies born, 22 die before they turn five. Fiji has the highest rate of deaths from diabetes in the world. One in three adults has diabetes and three diabetes-related limb amputations are performed in hospitals every day. Bainimarama contends that inequality has been reduced. While reliable figures are hard to find, the IMF reported in 2016 that in 201314 the poorest 10th of households received 3.2 percent of total income, whereas the proportion going to the richest 10th was 31 percent. Bainimarama has imposed a raft of repressive measures to suppress any nascent opposition. These include anti-democratic restrictions on the media and bans on foreign journalists. Almost no criticism of the government is published or broadcast under the draconian 2010 Media Industry Development Decree. Violations are punishable by up to two years in prison. The editor, publisher and manager of the Fiji Times faced trumped-up sedition charges earlier this year after publishing an anti-Muslim letter in the Fijian language paper Nai Lalakai. According to an Amnesty Internation al report last December, Fijis police, corrections and military officers regularly torture people in custody. The report detailed repeated violations of international law by the security forces, including beatings, rape, sexual violence and even murder. In September 2017, six leading opposition figures were arrested for criticising the countrys 2013 constitution at a political forum. The Public Order Amendment Decree, under which they were detained, was issued in 2012 by the military dictatorship. Government permits are required for any political meeting, and opposition meetings can be deemed threats to public order. Resistance within the working class, however, is growing. In January, thousands of Fijians turned out to demonstrate their support for 200 airport workers locked-out for a month in an industrial dispute. Over 8,000 people rallied in Nadi in the biggest recent protest witnessed in Fiji. There has been little international media commentary on this weeks election, and thus far no official response from Canberra or Wellington. The local powers, however, will be paying close attention to the result. Considerable diplomatic, financial and commercial efforts will be made to maintain a close engagement with Bainimarama in order to push back against Beijing. The author also recommends: Pacific island economies hit by global slump [17 August 2016] The Yellow Vest movement against high fuel prices, which is developing outside the trade union bureaucracy, is provoking growing fears in media and government circles of an uncontrollable explosion of social anger. The movement emerged from social media on October 10, when two truck drivers from the Paris area proposed an event called National blockade against fuel price increase. It rapidly spread across social media, and now some 200,000 people say they will attend protests scheduled for tomorrow. The Yellow Vest movement is heterogeneous, made up of small businessmen and truck owner-operators as well as workers hostile to French President Emmanuel Macrons fuel tax increases. The Macron government has claimed that the tax increase would fund ecological progress, but it is leading to price hikes for consumers and businesses at the pump. According to the French Union of Petroleum Industries, a liter of petrol was around 1.54 (US$1.73) at the end of October and a liter of diesel at 1.51 (US$1.69), up 14 and 22 percent respectively in one year. At the new year, a new tax increase of 6.5 cents per liter for diesel and 2.9 cents for petrol is planned. This is a consequence also of imperialist war policy in the Middle East and notably the embargo on Iran, which has not been offset by stepped-up oil production by US allies like Saudi Arabia. In addition to the two truck drivers proposed events, others are also calling for blockades of roads or highways tomorrow. In total, 500 gatherings are being prepared across France. There have already been trial runs, notably in the Jura region a week ago, called by a group set up on social media. Around 500 vehicles of private individuals, professional drivers or farmers came together in Dole. This is part of an international wave of protests against fuel price hikes. Recently, thousands of Bulgarians blocked the countrys main roads and highways to protest fuel price hikes, increases on punitive taxes for older or more polluting cars, and rising car insurance premiums. The Macron government is terrified of any movement that is not organized by the union bureaucracies, which in France are financed and controlled by the state and business federations. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner demanded that there be no total blockages and threatened protesters with police crackdowns. Anywhere there is a blockade and thus a risk to the operations of the security forces and free movement, we will intervene. Castaner added, What is difficult is that there is no trade union that is used to setting up protests that is organizing this. For example, for a protest, you have to tell the police prefecture about it. But now, very few people are declaring them. I call on those who are listening to declare where they will be demonstrating. On Wednesday, the government tried to calm rising popular anger with a series of pronouncements. To help drivers to change cars and obtain more ecologically friendly vehicles, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced programs to facilitate the buying of used vehicles, as well as an increase in fuel subsidies. From the Navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, Macron made a few hypocritical statements bemoaning his own unpopularity. There is impatience and there is anger. I share this anger, because if there is one thing that I have not succeeded in doing, it is reconciling the French people with its rulers. One sees this divorce in each and every Western democracy. This worries me. Rising anger among drivers against fuel tax increases is one expression of the far broader opposition against Macrons regressive policies. He aims to put the costs of the tax cuts he is handing to the super-rich, as well as plans to spend hundreds of billions of euros on a military buildup, squarely on the backs of working people. Macrons declaration that he would have liked to commemorate French fascist dictator Philippe Petain on November 11 only underscores his violent hostility to the working class. The money needed for the functioning of society must be foundnot in the wallets of people filling up their petrol tank, but in the grotesque fortunes of the financial aristocracy. Since the beginning of 2018, Frances 13 richest billionaires added 23.67 billion to their fortunes, making France the country where the billionaires are increasing their wealth the fastest in the world. Bernard Arnault, Europes richest man, has a fortune estimated at 65.5 billion, and Francois Pinault has 30.43 billion. According to economist Thomas Pikettys 2010 report, the top 10 percent in France hold 62 percent of the countrys wealth. Developing a struggle against Macron and the financial aristocracy requires opposing the political forces, primarily on the right, that are trying to intervene in the Yellow Vests protest, as well as the cowardly and reactionary policy of the union bureaucracies, which oppose the movement. Laurent Wauquiez, the head of the right-wing The Republicans party, and Nicolas Dupont-Aignan of the far-right Arise France (DLF) party have said they will try to join the protest. Neo-fascist leader Marine Le Pen told Le Parisien, We were the first party to express our total support for this movement, which is apolitical, of course, but which appeals to many of our voters. She added, however, that she would not participate in the blockades. The role of a political leader, unless it is in exceptional circumstances, is not to be in the street, but precisely to offer choices on how to solve the French peoples problems through the ballot box. The trade unions and allied political parties have barely hidden their hostility to the Yellow Vests. Officials from Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) said their organization would support the movement, but that LFIs ecosocialist wing opposes reducing fuel taxessupposedly to protect the environment. As for the unions, which strangled strikes against Macrons privatization of the National Railways, they are denouncing the Yellow Vests and demanding the workers submit to their diktat. One leaflet on the Yellow Vests distributed by the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) denounces them as a manipulation of the anger of citizens and workers by the far right and road transport interests. The CGT proposed instead to organize inter-industry struggles that cannot be organized by anyone but our union, that is to say, that the Stalinists would doom to defeat. For now, it appears that the Yellow Vests protest will have significant support. For those looking for a way to fight the Macron government, the critical question is the turn to the working class, and the organization of struggles of the working class independent of the trade unions. As in the October 1917 Russian Revolution and the French general strikes of 1936 and 1968, the working class is the only force that can settle accounts with the power of the financial aristocracy. The way forward is a political and international struggle against imperialist embargos and wars, and Macrons austerity policy. The development of such a struggle will inevitably raise the question of the independent organization of the working class and the transfer of state power to the working class in France and across Europe. To the applause of the vast majority of European parliamentary deputies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a call on Tuesday for the creation of a real European army. Merkels speech in Strasbourg underscores the reactionary traditions currently evoked by the ruling elites in Germany and Europe. The task of such an army would be to advance the economic and geostrategic interests of Germany and Europe across the world using military force. We are aware that as Europeans, we can better defend our interests when we act together, Merkel explained. She continued, Only a united Europe is strong enough to be heard on the global stage and defend its values and interests. The times when we could rely unconditionally on others are over. This means that we Europeans have to increasingly take our fate into our own hands if we want to survive as a community. This means in the long term that Europe must become more capable of acting abroad. Merkel tried to sell the creation of an army capable of acting, i.e., a Europe armed to the teeth, as an opportunity to achieve lasting peace after the horrors of two world wars. What a mockery! Her own words left no doubt that the European powers are militarily rearming to prepare for war and play an independent role in the struggle to reorganise the globe. There is less and less chance of enforcing interests on the global stage alone, Merkel declared. She therefore proposed that we set up a European Security Council with alternating, rotating memberships of the Member States, in which important decisions can be prepared quickly. One needs a European reaction force, which can also act locally. There has been great progress in permanent structural cooperation in the military field but due to developments in recent years one must now work very consciously on the vision of creating a real European army one day. A German-dominated European army is one of the stated goals of Germanys grand coalition (Christian Democratic Union, CDU, Christian Social Union, CSU and Social Democratic Party, SPD) government. The coalition pact already agreed on taking further steps towards creating an army of Europeans. Last weekend, SPD leader Andrea Nahles also pleaded for a European army at the debating camp of the SPD in Berlin. We have to put an end to all this small-state politics. We now have to find a European answer. There are 28 armies, 27 air forces and 23 navies in the European Union. What is necessary is a European army, she declared. This demand is also supported by the Greens and sections of the Left Party. The EU must be able to conduct world politics in a dramatically changed situation, Green Party leader Annalena Baerbock told Der Spiegel in a recent interview. A common European security and defence policy is a holistic project and requires first and foremost combining military capabilities in Europe and reducing duplicated structures. Already two years ago, immediately following the election of Donald Trump, leaders of the Left Party called for a European army to put an end to the pussyfooting with Washington. In Strasbourg, Merkel claimed that a European army was not an army against NATO but a good complement to NATO. In fact, it is obvious that the call for an independent European force is a response to the growing conflicts between the major powers, which are reverting to open hostility and creating the danger of a third world war, exactly 100 years after the end of WWI. When French President Emmanuel Macron raised his own demand for a true European army last week, he made absolutely clear that it would also be directed against the US. US President Donald Trump immediately responded via Twitter, describing Macrons proposal as very insulting. On Tuesday he said: Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & TwoHow did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along. Pay for NATO or not! Merkel and Macron are currently striving to transform the EU into a military alliance that, unlike NATO, can operate independently of, and against the US. But historical grounded tensions and conflicts are also breaking out between Berlin and Paris. As tensions escalate with the US, differences are increasing between the European powers themselves. Representing an ever more vocal anti-French wing in the German ruling class, the leader of the right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alexander Gauland, condemned Merkels participation in the ceremonies to mark the end of WWI. Gauland said on German television that it was wrong to retrospectively rewrite history and participate in the victory celebrations of the former allied forces at a later date. Germany had lost the war, he said, and yes, the policies that led to WWI have many guilty parties. Therefore, one could not march beside Mr. Macron through the Arc de Triumph. The fact that Gauland can uncritically propagate his aggressive historical revisionism on a major German public news channel is indicative of the course being taken by the German ruling class. Earlier this year, Gauland provocatively referred to Hitler and the Nazis as a mere speck of bird shit in over a thousand years of successful German history and said that Germans had the right to be proud of the achievements of German soldiers in two world wars. When the ruling class in Germany now dreams of a European army or an army of Europeans, it draws directly from the criminal traditions of German imperialism. The Nazi regime was quite prepared to use pro-European rhetoric to justify its plans for world domination. For example, it described its forces in the former Soviet Union, which suffered a crushing defeat in Stalingrad, as a European army. A memorandum from the German Foreign Office of September 9, 1943 on the establishment of a European Confederation resembles many of the passages in current speeches and strategy papers on European foreign and defence policy. The unification of Europe, which has been on the cards for a long time in history, is an inevitable development, it reads. Europe has become too small for feuding and mutually exclusive sovereignties. A divided Europe is also too weak to sustain itself in the world with its own character and strength and maintain peace. The section headed Joint Defence Against External Attacks states: The basic principle must be that an attack on Europe will be opposed by a solidarity-based defence of the European peoples. The military forces of the European peoples are to be regarded as a single unit and aligned with one another. Today, as then, the implementation of such a strategy requires an aggressive nationalist, anti-working-class and ultimately fascist programme. That is why Macron declared it legitimate to honour World War II general, fascist dictator and Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain when Macron made his own appeal for a European army. For the same reason, the ruling class in Germany is courting the far-right AfD and permits far-right terrorist networks to be active in the German army (Bundeswehr)networks which in turn can rely on support from sections of the military, police and intelligence apparatus. In his book Power in the Middle, published in 2015, the now emeritus Humboldt professor and foreign policy adviser to the German government, Herfried Munkler, demanded that Germany, as a central power, once again become the hegemon and disciplinarian of Europe. From the standpoint of German elites, the call for a European army serves exactly this purpose. It must be sharply opposed by the working class along with all other attempts to strengthen European nation states and their respective armies. A bipartisan commission appointed by Congress issued a lengthy report Tuesday backing the Pentagons plans to prepare for a great-power war against Russia, China, or both, making clear that the Trump administrations belligerent policies are shared by the Democratic Party. Safe in the knowledge that its findings will never be seriously reported by the mass media, the authors of this report do not mince words about what such a war will mean. A war between the United States and China, which according to the report might break out within four years, will be horrendous and devastating. The military will face greater losses than at any time in decades. Such a war could lead to rapid nuclear escalation, and American civilians will be attacked and likely killed. It is impossible to understand anything in American politics without recognizing one fundamental reality: the events and scandals that dominate political discourse, which make it onto the evening news and into headlines on news sites and social media feeds, have precious little to do with the considerations of those who actually make decisions. The media talking heads play their assigned roles, knowing that the most important topics can be discussed only within very circumscribed limits. Those who actually make policya select group of high-ranking members of Congress, Pentagon officials, and think-tank staffers, as well as White House aidesspeak an entirely different language among themselves, and in publications they know the general public will not read, and the media will not seriously report. These people all accept as plain, self-evident fact, statements that, if they ever made the evening news, would be dismissed as conspiracy theories. The latest example of such plain speaking comes in the form of a new report published by the National Defense Strategy Commission, a body set up by Congress to assess the Pentagons new National Security Strategy, issued early this year, which declared that great-power competitionnot terrorismis now the primary focus of the US military. The findings of the panel, published as a report titled Providing for the Common Defense, can be summarized as follows: The US military is entirely correct to prepare for war with Russia and China. But the Pentagon, which spends more each year than the next eight largest national military forces combined, requires a massive expansion in military spending, to be paid for with cuts to bedrock social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The report is, in other words, a congressional rubber-stamp on the Trump administrations military build-up, putting into words what the Congress did in deeds this year when it passed, with overwhelming bipartisan support, the largest military budget increase since the Cold War. But beyond the recognition that the United States should prepare for an imminent, whole-of-society war with devastating impacts on the American population, the document is a stark warning of another basic reality: The United States could very well lose such a war, which requires, in effect, the military conquest of the entire planet by a country with less than five percent of the worlds population. The United States might struggle to win, or perhaps lose, a war against China or Russia, it declares. These wars would not just be fought overseas, but would likely target the American population: it would be unwise and irresponsible not to expect adversaries to attempt debilitating kinetic, cyber, or other types of attacks against Americans at home while they seek to defeat our military abroad. It adds, Should war occur, American forces will face harder fights and greater losses than at any time in decades. It is worth recalling that during the Falklands War, a decidedly inferior opponentArgentinacrippled and sank a major British warship by striking it with a single guided missile. The amount of destruction a major state adversary could inflict on U.S. forces today might be orders of magnitude higher. To drive the point home, the report outlines a number of scenarios. The first involves Taiwan declaring independence from China in 2022, prompting Chinese retaliation. The Pentagon informs the President that America could probably defeat China in a long war, if the full might of the nation was mobilized. Yet it would lose huge numbers of ships and aircraft, as well as thousands of lives, in the effort, in addition to suffering severe economic disruptionsall with no guarantee of having decisive impact before Taiwan was overrun ... But avoiding that outcome would now require absorbing horrendous losses. The solution, the report concludes, is a much bigger army, funded by consistent, multi-year increases in spending. There is a need for extraordinary urgency in addressing the crisis of national defense, it writes. The army needs More armor, long-range fires, engineering, and air-defense units. The Air Force needs more stealthy long-range fighters and bombers, tankers, lift capacity, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. The nuclear forces need more missiles. And so on and so forth. To pay for all this, social services are to be gutted. Mandatory entitlement programs drive spending growth, the report complains, demanding that Congress address these programs, which include Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. It warns that such adjustments will undoubtedly be quite painful. And finally, all of society must be mobilized behind the war effort. A whole-of-nation approach must be adopted, including trade policy; science, technology, engineering, and math education. Everything from private corporations to academic institutions must be brought to bear. In listing the various challenges to the United States fighting and winning a war against Russia or China, none of the distinguished members of the committee arrived at the seemingly obvious conclusion: that maybe the United States should not fight such a war. But in this they represent the overwhelming consensus within American policy circles. In his last days, Adolf Hitler was reported to have declared over and over again that if the German nation could not win the Second World War, it did not deserve to exist. The American ruling class is entirely committed to a course of action that threatens the obliteration of not only much of the worlds people, but of the American population itself. This is not the madness of individuals, but the insanity of a social class that represents an outlived and bankrupt social order, capitalism, and an equally outlived political framework, the nation-state system. And it can only be opposed by another social force: the world working class, whose social interests are international and progressive, and whose very existence depends on opposing the megalomaniacal war aims of American capitalism. As outrage intensifies among parents, teachers and students over the regressive effects of the National Assessment ProgramLiteracy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing regime on Australian schools, Australian teacher unions are posturing as opponents of the high-stakes test. NAPLAN was introduced by the Rudd Labor government in 2008, as the centrepiece of its pro-business education revolution. Earlier last month the Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch emailed its members in that state calling on sub-branches to endorse its resolution against implementing the NAPLAN online trial, to be held in May 2019. The Australian government is following the US in moving to administer its mandated high-stakes testing regimes on-line, abolishing paper and pencil tests. In the 20152016 year, the majority of testing in elementary and middle schools in the US were administered on line, a bonanza for edu-businesses. On-line testing further exacerbates the divide between high and low socio-economic students, favouring schools and students able to afford state-of-the-art computer equipment and students with keyboard skills. The resolution states in part, AEU Joint Primary and Secondary Council have called on the Victorian Education Minister to withdraw Victorian public students and schools from involvement in the NAPLAN online trial. In May this year, an AEU branch in Australias most populous state, the New South Wales Teachers Federation (NSWTF), released its commissioned report into NAPLAN, which the union claimed was about dismantling the existing NAPLAN regime. In the September edition of its journal, Education, the NSWTF declared that a decision not to publish the results of a botched 2018 NAPLAN online trial represented further gains in the unions campaign to reform NAPLAN. Aware of the destructive effects of performance ranking tests implemented in previous decades in the United States and Britain, Australian teachers have overwhelmingly been hostile to NAPLAN from the starteven prior to its introduction by the Rudd government. They oppose its narrowing of curricula, resultant stress and anxiety among teachers and students, and the sanctions flowing from poor test results: in other words, the well-known history of high-stakes testing transforming schools into testing factories. The teacher unions, on the other hand, have no principled opposition to the testing agenda. The AEU told the Tasmanian Industrial Commission in 2010 that it was broadly supportive of NAPLAN as a useful component of the broad range of assessment mechanisms continually undertaken in schools. After just one year of its implementation, angry teachers began pushing for a nation-wide boycott. This however, was sabotaged by the AEU and NSWTF because they had reached a deal with the Gillard Labor government to include them in the governments working party, ostensibly to oversee the use of student performance data. Cynically hailing their victory on behalf of teachers, they then called off any actionwithout a single mass meeting or discussion among their membershipsinsisting, once again, that teachers administer the test. By 2016, the NSW Liberal government was ramping up the toxic effects of NAPLAN in that state. It imposed a benchmark, despite a prediction that at least 50 per cent of students would be unable to reach it, thus disqualifying them from sitting for university entry exams. Predictably, the union raised no objections, called no meetings, and mounted no campaign against the plan, Stronger HSC Standards plan, (the Higher School Certificate, which is the examination most students sit in order to qualify for university.) For its complicity in smothering teacher opposition, the NSWTF executive was awarded a core seat on the state governments six-member NSW Education Standards Authority, NESA. In 2018, opposition to standardised testing has only escalated among teachers, students and parents, not only in Australia, but internationally. Earlier this year, former Western Australia Primary Principals Association president, Steven Breen, spoke on behalf of teachers who were effectively gagged from talking about their attitude to NAPLAN. He told the Australian. People are just so fed up, theyre angry. The problem is that NAPLAN is now so high stakes. Its out of hand. Basically, teaching and learning is secondary to NAPLAN A lot of people retire early, simply because theyre fed up. They think, this is not what we got into education for. We now teach less time, because of the bureaucracy, than we did 20 years ago. Breens comments underscore the fact that the AEU and NSWTF campaign against NAPLAN is a fraud. Aware that any call for action could get out of their control, the unions have consciously limited it. Instead of a nation-wide boycott, the AEU Victorian Branch, for example, has asked individual sub-branches in that state to appeal to the state Education Minister, James Merlino, to withdraw students from the NAPLAN on-line trial in 2019. In a link accompanying its email to teachers, the AEU conflates its supposed opposition to testing on-line, with opposition to NAPLAN itself. They write, The Joint Primary and Secondary Council notes that the decision to withdraw support for NAPLAN online is one element of a broader concern about the negative impacts of NAPLAN. The union then deceitfully claims that Merlinos public support for a comprehensive review of NAPLAN has something to do with reversing the damage being done by NAPLAN. In reality, state and federal governments have made clear they intend to replace paper tests with on-line testing. In August, Merlino blurted out that the unions aim was, in fact, the extension of NAPLAN! We need an urgent review by an independent expert into the delays and issues comparing online and paper test data before we continue to progress NAPLAN online to a greater number of schools. For its part the NSWTF has limited its campaign to commissioning an academic paper Towards a new NAPLAN by Massachusetts Institute of Technology director, Dr Les Perelman. As the title suggests, the paper does not call for the abolition of NAPLAN. Rather, according to Perelman, NAPLAN needs to be reformulated and re-imagined to promote and reinforce the curriculum and classroom teaching (see: Why is the NSWTF promoting a new NAPLAN?). Commenting on Perelmans paper a senior educator said, I hate NAPLAN but am concerned that we will be replacing it with another tyranny, testing children every two weeks and creating even more spurious league tables. To describe this process as another tyranny is accurate. Over more than a decade, teachers at every level have had absolutely no say in the direction of education, whether the introduction of NAPLAN, working conditions, or the array of measures designated as so-called educational reform. As far as the government and the various state Departments of Education are concerned, teachers are little more than servants, without a voice or the most basic democratic rights. They are expected to unquestioningly implement a data-driven education that is destructive and punitive, aimed at accelerating the privatisation of the public-school system and increasing the profits of edu-business. When the AEU, the enforcers of the governments program, complain of a lack of teacher consultation, they are not talking about defending teachers rights, expertise or opinions. The unions primary concern is to ensure that its own privileged position within the education system is maintained by government. Teachers and educators must draw some basic conclusions from this untenable situation. To oppose NAPLAN and the overall assault on public education, teachers must take the struggle into their own hands by forming committees that they democratically control, completely independent of the unions. These organisations must give expression to the sentiments of teachers, parents and students, and provide a forum for them to decide on how to organise a fightback. The political crisis that has raged in Sri Lanka for the past three weeks merits the careful attention of workers around the world. Events on this island of 22 million people, lying off Indias southern tip, are being propelled by the same processes, rooted in world capitalist breakdown, that are shaping political and socio-economic life around the globe. Principal among these are: A US-led revival of militarism and great-power strategic rivalry that threatens, absent the revolutionary intervention of the working class, to plunge humanity into a third world war; A resurgence of class struggle as working people strive to put an end to decades of austerity and rampant social inequality; The breakdown of democratic, legal-constitutional forms of rule as all sections of the capitalist elite turn to reaction and authoritarianism. Three weeks ago today, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena illegally sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, the head of the United National Party (UNP), as the countrys prime minister and installed in his stead the former president, Mahinda Rajapakse. This was an abrupt reversal. One, moreover, that immediately set alarms bells ringing in Washington, since it cut across the longstanding US drive to harness Sri Lankawhich bestrides the worlds most important shipping lanesto its military-strategic offensive against China. At the end of 2014, US imperialism, aided by its close regional ally India, had concocted an alliance between Sirisena, hitherto a loyal Rajapakse ally, and Wickremesinghe and his UNP. Just weeks before the January 2015 presidential election and only days after quitting Rajapakses government, Sirisena was proclaimed the common opposition candidate to Rajapakse. Sri Lankas president from 2005 until his ouster in the 2015 US-orchestrated regime-change operation, Rajapakse had enjoyed Washingtons steadfast support as he mounted a war of extermination against the separatist LTTE in which tens of thousands of Tamil civilians perished. But he ran afoul of Washington by accepting large-scale Chinese investment, including in infrastructure. The trigger for Sirisenas October 26 constitutional coup was the crisis provoked in ruling circles by the growing, working class-spearheaded, popular opposition to the brutal IMF-dictated austerity measures imposed by the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe regime. In the months prior, the ostensible government allies, Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, had desperately sought to shift public opprobrium for the deteriorating conditions of the masses onto one another. Meanwhile, Rajapakse agitated for a return to power, casting himself as a strongman who would whip up anti-Tamil chauvinism to split the working class and push through further pro-big business restructuring. Under conditions where the US has transformed all South Asia and the entire Indian Ocean region into a pivotal arena in its drive to encircle, isolate and subjugate Chinaas symbolized by the Pentagons recent renaming of its Pacific Command as the Indo-Pacific Commandthe political crisis and infighting within the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie could not but become enmeshed in the geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Egged on by the US, the European Union, Canada, and somewhat less conspicuously India, Wickremesinghe and his UNP have defied Sirisena, refusing to recognize Rajapakse as prime minister or the fiat of his newly-appointed cabinet. Sirisena has responded with increasingly blatant anti-democratic actions. When Rajapakse proved unable to secure support from a majority of legislators through horse-trading, Sirisena illegally ordered parliament disbanded and a fresh election. After the Supreme Court disallowed this, pending a final ruling on December 7, and parliamentarians voted non-confidence in Rajapakse in a vote Wednesday, Sirisena, in open breach of the constitution, affirmed the autocratic principle that the prime minister is whomever he appoints, irrespective of whether his choice is backed by parliament. Already the commander-in-chief under the constitution, Sirisena has arrogated still more power by naming himself head of the ministries in charge of the police and the media. And, in a further ominous development, soldiers and tanks have been deployed in parts of Colombos suburbs and police commandos stationed outside parliament and all government ministries. Wickremesinghe and his UNP are exploiting the illegal actions of the Sirisena-Rajapakse cabal to pose as the defenders of democracy. What a monstrous fraud! Wickremesinghe is eager to get his hands back on the machinery of state, with the help of Washington, London and New Delhi, so he can continue integrating Sri Lanka into the US war drive against China while imposing IMF austerity on Sri Lankas workers and toilers. The UNP, it need be added, is no less steeped in anti-Tamil chauvinism than the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of Sirisena and Rajapakse. It was the UNP under Jayawardene that launched the anti-Tamil civil war that convulsed the island from 1983 to 2009, and it was the UNP that injected Sinhala chauvinism into the DNA of the Sri Lankan state, when at independence it stripped Tamil plantation workers of their citizenship rights. None of this has stopped the pro-US Tamil bourgeois party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA); the Sinhala populist, ostensibly left JVP; and the various pseudo-left groups from flocking to the UNPs phony democratic banner. Only the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, insists, and has insisted during all the twists and turns of the last three weeks of brawling within the ruling class, that the working class must mobilize to assert its own class interests, independently of and in opposition to both rival bourgeois camps. In an October 31 statement, Fight for a socialist solution to the political crisis in Sri Lanka, the SEP called on the working class to oppose both the Sirisena-Rajapkase and the Wickremesinghe-led UNPs grab for state power. No one, it declared, should have any illusion that these venal representatives of the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie will defend democratic and social rights. The political coup, it continued, is an acute expression in Sri Lanka of the worsening global economic crisis, sharpening geo-political tensions, particularly between the US and China, and the resurgence of class struggles internationally. The statement went on to explain that parliament has always been a smokescreen behind which the bourgeoisie has ruthlessly pursued its own interests at the expense of the democratic and social rights and aspirations of the working class and oppressed masses. But today, under conditions of geopolitical crisis and mounting social opposition, including, to the consternation and fear of the bourgeoisie, the growing class unity of Tamil and Sinhalese workers, that facade is breaking down. Whichever faction ultimately comes out on top of the increasingly bitter faction fightyesterday there were fisticuffs on the floor of the Sri Lankan parliamentwill be a government of an increasingly authoritarian character committed to ruthlessly imposing austerity and otherwise enforcing the predatory interests of the capitalist elite. Rajapakse, it should be underscored, has publicly declared his readiness to work with Washington. However, to this point, the US has spurned his appeals. The Trump administration is determined to see no letup in its offensive against Beijing. To underline this, US Ambassador Aliana Teplitz attended Wednesdays parliamentary session so she could personally watch over the no-confidence vote. And in a related development, Facebook, which like the other US-based tech giants works hand-in-glove with the US intelligence agencies, removed a post from the World Socialist Web Sites official Tamil-language Facebook page that exposed the TNAs close ties to Washington. The only force that can secure democratic rights, social equality, and genuine independence from imperialism is the working class, rallying the rural and urban poor behind it in the fight for a workers and peasants government, based on a socialist-internationalist program. Similarly, the only progressive antipode to the US war drive is the mobilization of the international working class against the capitalist social order. The Chinese Communist Party regime, the representative of the oligarchy that emerged in the 1990s from the restoration of capitalism, seeks to counter Washington though its own military build-up and drive for global economic and diplomatic influence. In a move that can only give grist to US imperialist propaganda, Chinese President Xi welcomed Sirisenas October 26 political coup. The putrefaction of Sri Lankas parliamentary order, amid mounting social crisis and surging global tensions, underscores above all the urgency of building a revolutionary leadershipthat is the SEP (Sri Lanka) and sections of the ICFI in every countrythat can arm the incipient movement of the working class with a socialist program that corresponds to the objective logic and global character of its struggle. In yet another attempt to protect the Saudi Arabian monarchical dictatorship, the Trump administration levied sanctions on Thursday against 17 Saudi officials allegedly involved in the gruesome killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The sanctions were unveiled just hours after the kingdoms public prosecutor said he would seek the death penalty for five people who have been charged in the case. Both the timing of the US Treasurys sanctions announcement and the narrowly targeted character of the measures point to the White House seeking to shore up the latest Saudi version of the events, which explicitly denies that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder inside the countrys consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 2. In effect, the US government is backing a bid by the Saudi regime to single out a handful of officials as sacrificial lambs. Some may be executed in another brutal exercise to save the monarchy, which has been a crucial linchpin of US foreign and military policy for decades. The US Treasury said the targets of the sanctionsincluding Prince Mohammeds former adviser, Saud al-Qahtani, senior aide Maher Mutreb, and Riyadhs counsel-general in Istanbul, Mohammed al-Otaibiwere blacklisted for gross human rights abuses. The cynical nature of this claim to oppose human rights abuses was underscored by the fact that the list did not include the crown prince or another close aide, Major General Ahmed al-Assiri, the ex-deputy head of Saudi intelligence. The Trump administration has been desperately trying to shield Prince Mohammed from blame, and sponsor the theory that rogue actors carried out the plot without his knowledge. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the individuals targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States, and must face consequences for their actions. He also said the Saudi government must take appropriate steps to end any targeting of political dissidents or journalists. In reality, the Saudi regime had made plain its intent to continue its ruthless suppression of any internal dissent by declaring the crown prince totally innocent. Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdoms foreign minister, said a Saudi investigation had shown that his Royal Highness the crown prince has nothing to do with this issue. Instead, this was a rogue operation, by individuals who acted beyond their authority and for their mistakes they will pay the price. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was a tactical critic of the Saudi government, reflecting divisions within the royal family itself. He was killed inside the consulate on October 2 by a specialised death squad dispatched by the Riyadh regime, which Prince Mohammed has ruled with an iron fist since he was anointed crown prince by his ailing father, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in June 2017. Under Washingtons sanctions, any assets the 17 Saudi officials have within US jurisdictions are frozen, the individuals are blocked from entering the US, and US-based firms are prohibited from any transactions with them. These restrictions will have no impact on the massive US aid and arms sales to the regime, which is conducting a murderous war in Yemen as part of its long record as a key US ally throughout the region, including against Iran and Syria. Conscious of the domestic and international outrage over the slaying of a well-known journalist by a key US ally, Trumps administration claimed it was leaving the door open to further measures. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a US investigation would continue and his department would work with other nations to hold accountable those involved in the killing. Earlier this week, however, US National Security Advisor John Bolton effectively ruled out any finding that implicated the de facto Saudi ruler. Bolton declared there was nothing on Turkeys audio tapes of the killing that incriminated the crown prince. That was despite the Turkish government hinting that it holds separate, as yet undisclosed, material that brings the assassination to the royal courts doorstep. Saudi Arabias death penalty announcement was full of contradictions. The prosecutors office did not release the names of 11 people it said it has charged in the case, and claimed that the five people who face the death penalty confessed to their crime. This announcement came with a third version of events. Initially, Saudi authorities denied government employees played any role in Khashoggis disappearance, saying the journalist left the consulate shortly after he entered it. Then, on October 20, the Saudi government acknowledged Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. On Thursday, Riyadh said the operation was ordered by Assiri, the then-deputy intelligence chief, who tasked a team of 15 operatives with returning Khashoggi to the kingdom, either voluntarily or by force. At the media briefing, the public prosecutors spokesman acknowledged a degree of premeditation, saying there was evidence the team leader prepared for a possible execution in the event negotiations with Khashoggi failed. The spokesman said team members included a forensics expert tasked with covering up evidence if force had to be used. After Khashoggi entered the consulate, the team leader concluded the journalist could not be persuaded to return and had to be killed, the prosecutors office said. Khashoggi was injected with a fatal dose of a tranquiliser, his body was dismembered in the consulate and his remains were handed over to a local associate. By this implausible account, the team then submitted a false report to Assiri, saying Khashoggi left the consulate after negotiations failed. Washingtons backing for this fraud faced immediate difficulties. On Thursday, Turkeys foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, disputed the Saudi narrative. It was not a momentary decision to dismember this body, it was pre-planned, Cavusoglu said. Necessary equipment was brought beforehand. It was planned how he will be killed and dismembered. The Turkish government, whose strategic interests in Syria and across the Middle East have come into conflict with those of the Saudi regime and the US, has conducted a drip-feed of evidence that has placed the conspiracy at the feet of Prince Mohammed. Turkey is yet to release full transcripts of its audio tapes. However, they have been shared with allied intelligence agencies and even played to a Saudi agent, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Some members of the US Congress also expressed disbelief in the Saudi story, concerned that the whitewash was too obvious. Representative Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said: I dont find the shifting Saudi explanations particularly believable. It has a lets round up the usual suspects kind of quality to it. This is window dressing. Successive governments in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike, have turned a blind eye to the Saudi regimes crimes and repressive methods, which have included routinely beheading political opponents and non-violent offenders, putting 150 to the sword in 2017 alone. Before Khashoggis disappearance, an estimated 30 Saudi journalists already had been imprisoned or disappeared, without any protest from the US or its allies, who sell billions of dollars in arms to the kingdom each year, profit off its oil wealth and rely upon it to enforce their geo-strategic interests in the Middle East. The author also recommends: Murder in Istanbul [11 October 2018] Amid near total silence by the Western media, the US military has steadily escalated its bombing campaign in eastern Syria, killing scores of civilian men, women and children over the past week. While the offensive is supposedly aimed at clearing out remaining pockets of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Deir Ezzor province near the border with Iraq, it is becoming increasingly clear that the US military campaign has wider strategic aims, directed at regime change in Syria and escalating Washingtons confrontation with Tehran. In the latest incident, US airstrikes on Thursday targeted residential neighborhoods in the villages of al-Boubadran and al-Sousa, destroying homes and killing at least 23 people, the Syrian state news agency Sana reported. The raid reportedly wiped out an entire family of 17 civilians, who had been forced to flee from the nearby town of al-Baghuz because of intense combat between ISIS fighters and the US proxy ground troops of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is comprised largely of the Syrian Kurdish YPG [Peoples Protection Units] militia. The advances of the YPG in the region have been made possible by intense US bombing and close-air support. The attack comes on the heels of earlier and even more devastating US strikes. On Tuesday, the Syrian government condemned an airstrike against the town of al-Sharifah that left over 60 civilians dead and injured. The Syrian government as well as residents of Deir Ezzor province have also charged that US warplanes are dropping cluster bombs as well as white phosphorous munitionsboth banned by international treatieson civilian neighborhoods, with devastating results. Syrias foreign ministry addressed two letters last Saturday to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the current president of the UN Security Council Ma Zhaoxu, condemning yet another earlier US airstrike against the village of Hajin near the Iraqi border that killed 26 civilians, including 14 children. The letters denounced the US intervention that has been waged since 2014, with continuous bombings that have been carried out without any UN mandate or permission from the Syrian government. They charged that under the false pretense of fighting terrorism, the US was killing Syrian civilians, decimating the countrys infrastructure and violating the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity with the aim of perpetuating the CIA-orchestrated war and effecting regime change. All these attempts constitute a blatant violation of all United Nations Security Council resolutions on Syria, the Syrian foreign ministry said. Whilst the United States and its allies continue to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity, the Security Council has maintained an awkward silence and failed to take any measure to stop these misdeeds, the statement continued. Speaking to reporters Thursday after a regular meeting of the UN humanitarian agency, Jan Egeland, a special advisor to the UN on Syria, said that the problem of Syrian refugees had been compounded by the destruction of entire cities, which he compared to the decimation of Stalingrad and Dresden in World War II. Among the worst hit of these cities was Raqqa, the so-called Syrian capital of ISIS, which US airstrikes and artillery bombardments largely reduced to rubble, while killing thousands of innocent civilians. Russias foreign ministryciting the letters sent by Damascus to the United Nationsreported on Thursday that over 8,000 bodies have been recovered from the ruins of Raqqa, which was besieged by the US military one year ago, between June and October of 2017. The bodies of over 4,000 people were found while clearing away the rubble in two of the citys residential neighborhoods left over from the airstrikes and also around the stadium and the zoo, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the media. Those were mainly women, the elderly and children. In addition, a mass grave where more than 2,500 people were buried was uncovered at a farm near a pediatric clinic and the National Hospital, while another burial site was opened near Al-Panorama where 1,500 of the bombing raids victims were buried. The letters to the UN indicated that just two percent of the rubble has been cleared away in Raqqa, where returning residents are living among the ruins and amid the continuing stench of human remains. In a Wednesday press conference, the State Departments special representative for Syria engagement, James Jeffrey, indicated the aims that American imperialism is pursuing by means of this unrelenting carnage. Claiming that the military objective of the more than 2,000 US troops on Syrian soil is the defeat of ISIS, Jeffrey made clear that this campaign is seen as a virtually unending venture by the Pentagon and the White House, bound up with the goal of regime change in Damascus, as well as in Tehran. Jeffrey insisted that you cannot have an enduring defeat of ISIS until you have fundamental change in the Syrian regime and fundamental change in Irans role in Syria, which contributed greatly to the rise of ISIS in the first place in 2013, 2014. This is utter nonsense. The rise of ISIS was rooted in the US destruction of Iraqi society after its 2003 invasion and occupation of the country, followed by the CIAs orchestration of a war for regime change in Syria by means of funneling vast quantities of arms, money and foreign fighters to Islamist militias, with ISIS proving to be the principal beneficiary. With this attempt to effect regime change through the promotion of Al Qaeda-connected militias having failed, Washington is now pursuing the same aims by somewhat different methods. Pressed by a reporter as to when US troops would be withdrawn from Syria, given Jeffreys prediction that ISIS would be defeated within the next few months, the US ambassador responded that the mission in Syria was to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS, which he said required building up local security forces and participating in a political process that gives the people of the northeast a future so that they arent going to be subject to temptations to go with ISIS as they did back in 2013-2014. In other words, Washington is preparing a permanent occupation of northeastern Syria, with the dual aims of controlling a region that contains the countrys oil and gas fields, vital for Syrias reconstruction, and securing the border with Iraq. The escalation of US military operations in Syria are bound up with the strategy being pursued by Washington throughout the Middle East to roll back Iranian influence and destroy the Iranian economy by means of sweeping unilateral economic sanctions that are tantamount to an act of war. Within this broader context, the brutal US offensive being waged in northeastern Syriaat the cost of an increasing number of civilian liveshas the potential for igniting a far more devastating region-wide war. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTVA) - Alabama wildlife officials are keeping an eye on the latest cases of chronic wasting disease found in several deer in Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, a second deer has tested positive for the disease in Issaquena County from initial testing. Issaquena County is located near Vicksburg. Another case was recently confirmed in Pontotoc County. This raises the concern of Alabama officials due to the fact it is located close to the states border. With the Pontotoc deer being within the 50-mile radius of Alabama, were doing exactly what we said we would do in our response plan, said WFF Director Chuck Sykes. He says its been illegal to bring a live deer into Alabama since the early 1970s. Its been illegal to bring a carcass in from a CWD-positive state for three years. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous systems of deer and elk. MORE: Learn more about chronic wasting disease here MORE: What should you know? Alabama wildlife officials say CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans or domestic livestock. Can people eat infected deer? No case of human disease has been directly linked to CWD. Examination of the available data has led to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to conclude that there is no scientific evidence of CWD infecting humans. However, as a precaution, the World Health Organization recommends people or other animals not eat parts of a deer diagnosed with CWD. Hunters are recommended to consider testing deer taken from areas where CWD is known to exist before eating the meat. MORE: Mississippi collection sites COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - A cyber tip led to the arrest of a Columbus man for child exploitation. Lowndes County Detective Tony Cooper says the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department received the tip on October 16 from the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. The tip stated a person using a Dropbox.com account was illegally downloading images believed to be child pornography. Cooper says Nathaniel Kyles was developed as a suspect. Kyles was arrested on November 14 at his residence. Cooper says more evidence was collected during the process. Kyles was charged with three counts of child exploitation and is currently free on bond. COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - Columbus Mayor Robert Smith hosted his 12th annual Thanksgiving lunch for senior adults on Thursday. This holiday event was held at the Trotter Center for more than 1,200 older adults and veterans. Those who attended the event indulged in a Thanksgiving feast, dancing, raffle prizes and plenty of festive holiday music. CORINTH, Miss. (WTVA) - Two people are accused of robbing an elderly woman in Alcorn County. Alcorn County Sheriff Ben Caldwell says his office received a report on November 12 that an elderly woman had been assaulted at a residence on County Road 400. The investigation revealed the elderly woman had recently evicted her granddaughter, Heather Lollis, 36, of Corinth, and her granddaughters boyfriend, Brandon Smith, 23, of Corinth. The sheriff says the two returned to the residence on November 9, but the elderly woman asked the two to leave. Caldwell says the elderly woman attempted to call 911. Smith is accused of taking the phone away from the woman and pushing her, injuring her. The sheriff says Smith then took all the phones in the residence and the elderly womans purse and left the location. Both Lollis and Smith were arrested by Alcorn County deputies on November 13. Both are charged with strong armed robbery. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - A Memphis man has been ordered to repay more than $200,000 in restitution for his role in a stolen truck trailer ring. Bryan Lucas, 31, was sentenced this week in federal court. Lucas and five other men were accused in a conspiracy to steal trailers at truck stops in Mississippi, Tennessee and other states. Among locations where trailers were stolen in Mississippi included Fulton, Oakland, Hickory Flat, Baldwyn and Okolona. The merchandise was driven to a warehouse in Nashville and unloaded before being transported to Michigan. The items taken included personal hygiene products, food, motor oil and antifreeze. Lucas was ordered to serve three years of probation and repay more than $217,000 for the stolen items. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright will soon visit several local school districts who received high marks for their hard work. On Thursday, the Mississippi Department of Education announced a schedule of visits to recognize the achievements of all A-graded districts. Dr. Carey Wright | Photo: MS Dept. of Education Dr. Carey Wright | Photo: MS Dept. of Education RELATED: See local A-F grades here Wright, along with district leaders and school board members, will thank teachers and students for their hard work. Visits will be made to the following school districts in the WTVA 9 News viewing area. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - The Mississippi Supreme Court has issued a warning against a man serving a life sentence for murder in Calhoun County. Gregory Todd Dunn, 51, was convicted for the 1993 shooting death of Regina Blanch. Court records show Blanch had been trying to end a relationship with Dunn when he shot her five times in the back following an altercation. Dunn was later arrested after firing shots at officers who responded to the call and were searching for him. He has filed numerous appeals in the case according to the states highest court, many of which have already been ruled on or are barred for various reasons. In his latest attempt, Dunn claims the judge should not have sentenced him to life without a jury recommendation. In a Thursday ruling, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled against him, saying he failed to present an arguable basis for them to allow his appeal to proceed. They also warned further attempts by Dunn in filing frivolous court could lead to monetary fines and a restriction on his ability to file appeals as a pauper. GILLETTE (WNE) Campbell County School District trustees have approved a proposal to adopt a four-day week next school year in Wright and at two rural county schools. The measure was first brought to the school board in October at a meeting in Wright. The next step will be to seek approval from the Wyoming State Board of Education. Cottonwood Elementary in Wright and Wright Junior-Senior Hig... WORLAND One hundred fifty-four musicians and color guard members from the 2018 Wyoming All State Marching Band (WASMB) that will be heading to Philadelphia next week to participate in the countrys oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade. Among those 154 are six students from Worland High School Kaci Bentley on clarinet, Cameron Cabarett on TC baritone, Wyatt Douglas on trumpet, Caleb Fraser o... The Council Makes First Episode The Mad Ones Free-to-Play From Today More than 1,000 people are missing and 71 have died in Californias still-raging Camp Fire, Butte County sheriff Kory Honea said in a press briefing Friday night. Related Video: Trump Visits California as Wildfires Death Toll Rises The wildfire, which started Nov. 8 in Northern Californias Butte County, is the deadliest in the states history. 146,000 acres have been burned, and 11,862 structures have been destroyed including 9,700 houses and 144 apartment buildings with another 15,500 structures still threatened. Officials said Friday that the total number of people forced into shelters by the fire is not known, but that earlier this week reached 52,000. As of Friday night, the Camp Fire was 50 percent contained. Compounding the disaster, Butte County health officials confirmed earlier Thursday that at least 140 Camp Fire evacuees at four different shelters have exhibited symptoms of norovirus. The disease is common in winter months and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains, and in rare cases can be fatal. Norovirus is generally spread by person-to-person contact but can also be transmitted through contaminated food or surfaces, or through the air. The Camp Fire comes at the same time southern California is being pummeled by several fires including the Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, which has consumed 98,362 acres of land and destroyed at least 616 homes. As of Friday night, it was 69 percent contained. Read original story Camp Fire Update: More Than 1,000 People Missing, 71 Dead in Californias Deadliest Wildfire At TheWrap Netflix has become a big disruptor in Italy since launching half a dozen movies at the Venice Film Festival in September. Among the Netflix six were awards hopeful Roma, which won the Golden Lion, and local police-brutality drama On My Skin, which after the fest was released simultaneously online by Netflix and in 80 Italian theaters via distributor Lucky Red. That day-and-date release outraged other Italian distributors, causing Lucky Red boss Andrea Occhipinti to resign as head of the national distributors association in September. His successor, Luigi Lonigro, chief of RAI Cinemas 01 Distribution unit, worked with other industry representatives to draft new rules on release windows, which were unveiled this week. Italy will now enshrine into law the informal 105-day window between a films first theatrical screening and its availability on other platforms. Limited-release and under-performing titles can have even shorter lag periods as little as 10 days. The law will apply to Italian films only, and not to foreign product. However, in an exclusive interview with Variety, Lonigro warned that if Netflix tries to release Roma in Italy, it might face pushback from local industry players. He also underlined that the new rules were developed to boost Italian cinema, not to penalize the streaming giant. (Comments have edited for concision and clarity.) What changes with the new rules? What changes for the Italian market is that a certain type of Italian product will be able to have greater visibility, after its theatrical release, by having at its disposal a very, very advantageous window in one case 10 days, so practically simultaneous, and in other cases two months, rather than the classic 105-day window. Its an important, modern, forward-looking move. Will the decree affect the release of Roma, which Netflix, in the films Italian trailer, has announced will soon be playing in Italian theaters? Story continues Roma is not an Italian movie. So if they want to play in Italian cinemas, they will have to respect that classic 105-day window if they want to be in Italian cinemas in a regular way. If instead they want to have a non-widespread, anomalous distribution, like they did with On My Skin, then that is their personal choice and exhibitors will react accordingly. You recently said that if Netflix wants to release Roma in Italy, they would have to buy some Italian movie theaters. Yes, or rent them. But I want to underline that this is a law decree in favor of Italian cinema. Its not against anyone. Roma has nothing to do with this law decree. There is a 105-day window in place for international product that is not enshrined in law, as the one for national product now is. If the films distributor wants to violate that window, they will have to deal with the market, and they may not find anyone willing to let them do it. How important was On My Skin in promoting the law decree? The industry had actually been mulling a differentiation of windows depending on the type of product for a long time. But certainly what happened with On My Skin gave this a strong acceleration. I have to say that what happened had a very strong positive impact because for the first time distributors, producers and exhibitors have spoken out with one voice, which is the voice of the [Italian] industry. Doesnt the fact that a gentlemans agreement remains in place for non-Italian movies give international product greater margin to break it? The only one to break the rules in the past 20 years has been an Italian movie, On My Skin. American movies, especially the ones from the major studios, have respected the gentlemans agreement to a T. Therefore I will go even further and say that, at the end of the day, the real custodians of this agreement are the major studios, which are respecting with great rigor and attention an agreement based on a handshake with exhibitors. When it comes to international product, if things will change, they will change outside Italy. They will change in some guiding territories, and then we will also have to rethink things. But I am very calm on this front. As long as the major studios hold firm to the window, the whole market will hold firm. But there is some uncertainty on this score on Netflixs part. I am not worried about a company that is not incorporated in Italy, doesnt have one single Italian employee and doesnt have a [theatrical] distribution unit. I cannot think that two or three movies a year which, by the way, dont make huge amounts are something to worry about. They are not a [theatrical] distributor. The dont have agreements with Italian distributors at the moment. Why should we see this as a problem? We have an industry that works 365 days a year with a ton of product. Why should we be affected by a company that we fully respect, but which does a different job? Related stories Take a Peek at the 'Narcos' Video Game Coming in 2019 How Hollywood Studios Are Rising to Meet Interest in Inclusion Riders Netflix Finds 'The One,' a Sci-Fi Adaptation From Urban Myth Films Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! Kim Kardashian West discussed the backlash to her White House visit and Kanye Wests brief relationship with President Donald Trump during an interview with Van Jones at Rolling Stone and Varietys Criminal Justice Reform Summit on Wednesday. Over the past few years, Kardashian has become an advocate for criminal justice reform, and in June, she met with Trump and convinced him to commute the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, who received life in prison for a first-time, non-violent cocaine trafficking charge. While many commended Kardashians efforts on behalf of Johnson, others criticized her for associating with Trump (in a previous CNN interview, Jones even asked Kardashian if Trump might have been using her). But Kardashian said she expected a backlash, and forged ahead nonetheless. When I outweighed the options of bad stories about me that would probably last a week in this news cycle, versus saving someones life, that wasnt an option, Kardashian said. I will gladly go there and take the heat. Okay, if hes gonna listen to me and hes taking the meeting, maybe I can really get through to him and really explain to him. From meeting all of the people that I have met behind bars, I guarantee you, they dont care who signs that clemency paper. While Kardashians White House visit undoubtedly caused a stir, even more controversial was her husband, Kanye Wests visit to the White House in October, which capped off a wild few weeks during which the rapper seemed to associate himself with an array of far-right provocateurs like Candace Owens. West has since distanced himself from Owens and, ostensibly, Trump, writing on Twitter that he realized hed been used to spread messages I dont believe in. Kardashian spoke candidly about Wests relationship with Trump, saying West was drawn to the presidents personality more than his politics. She added that West doesnt know about the politics, so, Ive educated him recently. Story continues She opened up about Wests intentions as well, saying, What he fights for is the right to like what he wants to like. Even if its different from what you like. He never said, Okay, I know whats going on with immigration, and I know this and I know that. If he really knew, he would feel very compassionate about it. He never said that he supports that. I know its very confusing because when you see someone wearing a red hat you would think that they are supporting that. But hes just fighting for free thought and freedom to like a person even if its not the popular decision. Elsewhere in the interview, Kardashian spoke about how the work of her late father, attorney Robert Kardashian, inspired her to embrace the cause of criminal justice reform, and why she remains a devoted advocate even after surviving an armed robbery herself. I dont ever really have a victim mentality Im not saying that if thats how you cope thats not appropriate, Im just saying, for me personally, Ive never taken on that, Kardashian said. Ive always tried to really, genuinely learn. And I feel like the way I was living my lifestyle not that anyone should go through that I learned so much from it that Im ok with my experience When you become a mom you change anyway, but I think when your life is at stake over material items, all of that stuff goes out the door. None of it matters. Mark Zuckerberg said he didnt know Facebook was using a conservative opposition research firm to target its competitors and critics, while speaking on a call with reporters on Thursday. The Facebook chief said he learned about the companys work with Definers, a right-leaning political firm, the same way most other people did: reading about it in a report by The New York Times on Wednesday. Definers, on behalf of Facebook, orchestrated disparaging coverage of Apple CEO Tim Cook and financier George Soros among others according to the Times. Me personally, I didnt know we were working with them, Zuckerberg said. I learned about this reading it in the New York Times yesterday. Zuckerberg added he got on the phone with his team afterwards and decided to terminate its relationship with Definers. Also Read: President Trump Blasts 'Biased Facebook, Google and Twitter' - on Twitter Zuckerbergs unfamiliarity with Definers struck several journalists on the call as odd, since TheWrap and other outlets have received multiple emails from the firm regarding Facebook in the last year. This is not the type of work that I want us to be doing so we wont be doing it, Zuckerberg said. Zuckerberg didnt answer whether or not anyone at Facebook would lose their jobs as a result of the Times report. Also Read: Facebook Video Viewership 'Still Well Behind YouTube' but 'Growing Rapidly' In terms of performance and personnel management I just generally dont talk about that and specific cases of that in public, Zuckerberg said. Thats an ongoing process, thats part of running the company. This was a departure from his more forceful approach following the Cambridge Analytica data leak earlier this year. Zuckerberg told Congress in April the leak which impacted up to 87 million users was his mistake to own. I started Facebook, I run it, and Im responsible for what happens here. Zuckerberg did come to the defense of chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg on Thursday, saying, Sheryl was also not involved. She learned about this at the same time I did. Story continues The Times report also touched on Facebooks response to Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, saying the companys braintrust moved slowly to thwart the issue. Sandberg was angry chief security officer Alex Stamos looked into the issue without approval, according to the Times, because it left the company exposed legally. Also Read: Facebook Removes Louis Farrakhan Video Comparing Jews to Termites: 'Tier 1 Hate Speech' Zuckerberg pushed back against that aspect of the Times report on Thursday: To suggest that we werent interested in knowing the truth, or that we were trying to hide what we knew, or that we tried to prevent investigations is simply untrue. Zuckerberg, later on the call, outlined several steps the company has taken to remove misinformation and networks of accounts spreading fake news. Facebook deleted 1.5 billion fake accounts during the second and third quarter of 2018, according to Zuckerberg. The Times report once again put Facebook under scrutiny for its crisis management in recent years. Tech ethicist David Ryan Polgar told TheWrap that Zuckerberg and Sandberg are likely to stay put after the fallout from the Times report, just like they stayed put after previous scandals. And Facebooks board has come out in support of the two executives. As a board we did indeed push them to move faster, the board said in a statement to Bloomberg. But to suggest that they knew about Russian interference and either tried to ignore it or prevent investigations into what had happened is grossly unfair. The real concern the Times report raises, according to Polgar, is whether Zuckerbergs grip on the company can ever be loosened. Instead of focusing on, Should they get fired?, the bigger question is, Can they get fired? Our relationship to Mark Zuckerberg, in particular, is less like a consumer-CEO and more akin to a citizen-politician relationship, Polgar said. He continued: That makes the inability to fire Zuckerberg because of the how Facebook shares are issued incredibly worrisome. Americans expect their politicians to be held accountable and able to be kicked out of office; likewise, Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg need to assure the public that bad behavior has ramifications. Zuckerberg, through the companys two-tiered classes of stock, carries more than 50 percent of the companys voting rights. Read original story Mark Zuckerberg Didnt Know Facebook Worked With Opposition Research Firm At TheWrap Michelle Obama has a bold vision for her daughters futures, but shes not ready to dish it out all at once. In the final episode of WNYC Studios popular podcast 2 Dope Queens, hosted by Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, the former first lady gets candid in an interview about how she deals with the angry black woman stereotype and how shes teaching her daughters to speak up and advocate for themselves in a society that has long stifled the voices of women and minorities. With them, my philosophy is well talk about things when you need it, Mrs. Obama, 54, says of preparing daughters Malia, 20, and Sasha, 17, for some of the challenges they may face as they get older. But, she admits, her strategy doesnt always work. In my mind, I think that I wait for them to approach me with the issue, she says, but shes not so sure her daughters would agree. They will say, no, there are many times theres a mom lecture about Let me make a point. Michelle Obama (center) with Mrs. Obama says she encourages her daughters to talk to her about anything and everything, because shed rather have them seek advice from her than from their peers. I have the answers, so if you wanna know about it, come to somebody where you get the right information, she explains. I told them this when they were younger: Do not get your information from another 12-year-old. All of you are stupid. Love you, love your friends, but when youre 12 you dont know anything. While she commends younger generations for their ability to speak openly about subjects that were considered taboo in the past everything from marriage to miscarriages to menopause she encourages them to find the people in their lives, the elders, the women who have been through it, and get some facts in addition to sharing with their peers. And its not a one-way street between the younger and older generations, she reminds listeners. If Im not sharing with them, they wont share with me we gotta give up the information. We cant be so embarrassed or so pained that we cant educate. Story continues Mrs. Obama delves deep into many of her private and painful experiences in her new memoir, Becoming, in hopes of normalizing conversations around issues that sometimes werent discussed in her generation and left her feeling isolated. In a clip from Becoming Michelle: A First Ladys Journey with Robin Roberts, which expands on her memoir, she recalls the miscarriage she suffered nearly 20 years ago, admitting, I felt lost and alone and I felt like I failed. Reflecting on it now, the Chicago native says she wished she knew other women had experienced miscarriages as well a lesson that would have helped lift the shame she associated with it. I felt like I failed because I didnt know how common miscarriages were because we dont talk about them, Mrs. Obama explains in the ABC interview. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow were broken. In addition to discussing her private struggles in the memoir, Mrs. Obama also gives insight into the effort it takes to maintain her public image while making her voice heard. I have to be aware of what I say and how I say it because if you want to get a point across if youre a woman and youre too angry people stop hearing the point. They dont hear you, she says in the podcast. Theres a lot of anger being expressed these days and I just think man if I ever said that, those would be those bubble moments where I could end the presidency. In order to be heard, she shares, shes learned to separate her anger from the goal, and mentors young people to do the same. Its like have the feeling, dont deny the feeling exists, Im not gonna pretend like Im not angry. But if Im trying to move an issue, if my anger doesnt work to move the issue, then its not helpful. And thats what going high means. Going high means you dont ignore it. And Mrs. Obama is grateful to have a partner who works the same way in order to make change happen. Barack has been good at that, thats his even keeled temper is not just cause hes calm and cool and not emotional. Its just like, you know, brother cant get too angry if he wants to move things forward. He doesnt have the leeway to solve problems with anger, she says of her husband. And that remains true for women and minorities, she adds. So yeah, I still watch what I say and think about what I say because I dont get a second chance. I dont get the benefit of the doubt that maybe she had a bad day, or maybe she didnt mean what she said. When it comes to her daughters voices, shes determined to help them reach their full potential. What my parents did was that they saw that flame in me, and they kept it lit, she explains. So, right now, I think I want to fan their flames I want to get them used to maybe overstepping a little bit cause sometimes with women you dont step up enough. You dont use your voice enough because youre told youre mouthy or youre bossy or be quiet or thats not cute. Mrs. Obama is ready to see her bold vision for her daughters and young women everywhere put into words and action. So weve already practiced girls and stifle I want to practice boldness, and then we can bring it back, you know? NASA Says Humans Might Be on Mars Within 25 Years NASA Says Human Might Be on Mars in 25 Years NASA officials said on Tuesday that despite numerous challenges, including deadly radiation from the cosmos, potential vision loss and atrophying bones, they believe theyll be able to put humans on Mars within the next 25 years. The cost of solving those means that under current budgets, or slightly expanded budgets, its going to take about 25 years to solve those, said former NASA astronaut Tom Jones, according to Al Jazeera. Jones added that one way to reduce the risk of the extreme toll a 225 million kilometer-trip would take on the human body, is to make the travel there even shorter. The trip currently takes nine months. Former NASA Astronaut, Tom Jones, speaks during a news conference on NASA's 25-year plan for humans to inhabit Mars Nuclear propulsion systems could help with this by producing electricity on the flight. If we start now, in 25 years we might have these technologies available to help us and protect us from these long transit times, he said. According to the Great Lakes Ledger, a trip to Mars today would give an astronaut as much radiation as theyre expected to receive over their entire career. NASA also announced on Tuesday that the Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) lander is scheduled to touch down on Mars on November 26. It will dig deep into the soil and will become the first spacecraft to study Mars deep interior. Its data also will help scientists understand the formation of all rocky worlds, including our own, they wrote in a press release. At just around midnight in the capital of Romania, film producer Ada Solomon got a call that threatened the life of her entire movie. Her docu-drama depicting a reenactment of one of the worst atrocities in Romanias history was going to be shut down by the towns vice mayor. And there was nothing she could do to stop it. I had, for one hour and a half, in the middle of [Revolution Square], the most horrible discussion I ever had in my life, Solomon told TheWraps Steve Pond at a Q&A on Thursday following a screening of I Do Not Care If We Go Down In History as Barbarians, a film about the 1941 mass murder of tens of thousands of Jews on the Eastern Front by Romanian forces. Barbarians, Romanias entry into the Oscar foreign film race, follows theater director Mariana (Ioana Iacob) as she prepares a reenactment that will hopefully bring awareness to a truth not many Romanians have come to terms with, according to Solomon. Before Romania fought against Germany in World War II, the country worked alongside Germany to advance their ethnic cleansing agenda. Romanians who acknowledge that fact are chastised for being unpatriotic. Also Read: 'I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians' Takes Top Honor at Karlovy Vary During that fateful night of shooting, Solomon and director Radu Jude immediately presented all their papers and permits stating they were allowed to film in the heart of Bucharest. But it wasnt the proof that got the vice mayor to bite. In fact, it was a misunderstanding that saved the movie. You dont have to thank me, the vice mayor told her after letting them resume filming. If this wasnt a film about [former Romanian Prime Minister Ion Antonescu], you wouldnt have the permit Except it wasnt about Antonescu at all. At least not in a good way. In 1946, Antonescu would go on to be charged for war crimes due to his involvement with Nazi Germany and the mass murder of Jews. Its a kind of injustice with the lack of education about this, Solomon told the audience at the Landmark Theatre. This is a white page in the history book. The debate has to be there. Story continues The dissonance between what happened and what Romanians are led to believe has resulted in people in the other countries that have screened the film (Barbarians has premiered in France, Belgium and Canada, among others) to relate with the corrective history going on. I dont remember what Ive learned, Romanian-born actress Iacob told the audience about learning of the massacre in high school. Maybe it was one page in the history book. If you werent there for the lesson, you wouldnt have known it. Also Read: 'Family First' Director Details Making of Crime Drama Where 'Love Is the Winner' Aside from directing, Jude also penned the script. Solomon said Jude always had someone like Iacob in mind to play the lead role, wanting a feminine figure to oppose the world of men. Mariana is depicted in the film as someone constantly negotiating with men trying to flirt their way into getting what they want. But Mariana always pushes back. During a lengthy scene between Mariana and a city official, played by actor Alexandru Dabija, for example, Mariana has to fight to keep her theatrical production uncensored while also dodging the officials attempts to compliment her into submission. The same can be seen with Marianas intimate relationship with an older pilot, a married man with whom shes having an affair. Mariana informs him at one point that she is pregnant with his baby. During one spat, the pilot implores her that it is her duty to abort the baby so he doesnt get in trouble. She doesnt budge. Also Read: 'Roma,' 'Cold War' Lead Academy's List of 87 Films in the Oscars Foreign Language Race Iacob came in for a one-on-one audition with Jude for the role of Mariana. From that moment, Iacob fell in love with the character and the story Jude was trying to tell. I read the pages for the casting sessions, and I couldnt stop, Iacob said. After getting everyone on board, the production took 22 days. It was a quick shoot, sure, but not one without its dissenters. Solomon described getting scathing messages from Romanians asking How dare they and that they were bad Romanians. But Jude and Solomon always kept going, believing the film would become a cultural product that could help people understand why its important to acknowledge the event happened. We are not politicians. But we are using our tools the art to express how we feel about the world around us, Solomon said. So does Solomon think the Bucharest vice mayor has seen the film he so abruptly detested on that late night? I doubt it, she joked. Read original story Oscar Foreign Entry Barbarians, About Genocide in Romania, Was Nearly Shut Down Mid-Shoot At TheWrap As a producer-actor, giving carte blanche to an auteur can be a dangerous thing, as John C. Reilly found when he and his wife Alison Dickey began shopping their passion project, and Reillys first producorial feature outingan adaptation of Patrick DeWitts 2012 novel The Sisters Brothersto some of the worlds most respected directors. Luckily, after bracing himself to give up on his dream of playing Eli Sisters, one of the films two leads, Reilly found himself back on board when Frances Jacques Audiard took the reins, casting Joaquin Phoenix opposite him as Charlie Sisters, the other of two bounty hunters on a mission to kill a thieving prospector in 1850s Oregon. What was it that appealed to you about this story by Patrick DeWitt? You hadnt really done a Western before, had you? I was really looking for something more original to do, and, yes, for better or worse, the through line in my whole career is that theres a lot of variety, and this is one of the few types of films that I hadnt done yet. But thats not really what drew me to the project; what drew me was the emotional quality of the story. It has all the trappings of a Westernhorses, a manhunt, killing people with six guns and all thatbut in most Westerns, the characters are very opaque. What I loved about Patricks book is that you finally get inside the heart of these guys. You find out what theyre feeling about these situations. I also have brothers, and I think anyone who has a brotheror any kind of sibling for that matterhas a lot of feelings about that relationship and how complicated and how intense it can be. That really appealed to me too about this story. The story of two siblings, the trauma that binds them together and how they survive being in this symbiotic relationship. How faithful did you intend to stay to the book? That was entirely Jacquess decision. Our main criteria for finding a director and a partner to do this film was to find someone who was going to make a very personal film out of Patricks book. We were not interested in hiring someone to be jobbing in and executing the book as written. Alison and I, our favorite films are the ones that really have a personal point of view, that feel like only this one director could have told this story. We looked for people, laid this project at their feet, and we said, Heres the book, and heres a version of the script. What do you think you can do with it? Do you feel connected to it? We went to a few different people, and Alison always wanted to go to Jacques, but it felt somewhat counterintuitive for an American story that takes place in the Old West. Eventually we wised up and went to Jacques. Story continues How did people react to being offered such free rein? I think, at first, people were kind of stunned; they were like, What? Youre just giving us this project? I mean, people in Hollywood, and the film business in general, are much more used to finding something and then desperately protecting it from everyone else. But here we were just kind of offering this thing up, saying, We want you to have total freedom, and we want you to make a story that you think has meaning to the world right now, but especially to you. Jacques really took to that, soto answer your question about whether its faithful to the book or notI think its very faithful to the spirit of the book and the emotional quality of the book. A lot of the book is told through interior monologues of my character, which is very difficult to translate into a visual medium, so Jacques had to do a bit of extra work. He amplified a couple of characters that were not as featured in the book, which really upped the stakes of the movie and got you involved with every single person that you see. I think people who have read the book will really enjoy the treatment that weve given it, and people who havent are going to be stunned at the originality of Patricks story. As a Frenchman, how did Jacques approach the Old West? A big feature of having a non-American tell this story was that it instantly freed him from all the stupid baggage that comes with the Western. Jacques just looked at the story like, What is the reality of these people? What do they eat every day? Where are they going? What are their physical movements every day, and what does it mean when you say this or that to a person at this time? The movie is really exciting and I feel really original and subversive in that way. Its like these are just people who live at this time. Its not some mystic cowboy thing. Its a human story set against the backdrop of this crazy, crazy time of looking for gold. It was absolute madness on a huge scale out there. What was Jacques like to work with? Well, Jacques has the most amazing bullsh*t detector I think Ive ever worked with. In France, directors have final cut. Their word is the final word, as opposed to most filmmaking in the States, even independent films. In France, the attitude is much more like, Get out of the way; let Picasso paint! I think there was some learning from the American actors, and myself, to understand that the top of the pyramid was Jacques, and then Jacques had to learn that actors can have more agency than perhaps he was used to. I think French actors in general are more beholden to the director, just doing exactly what the director asks them to do, and American actors, especially dramatic actorsfrom the tradition of Marlon Brando onare taught to engage with the character, make decisions, explore it. Youre taught to understand it yourself and then, when you get to the set, engage with the director and compare notes. Was this a very collaborative set? I have to say, that was one of the most beautiful things about this whole project: the way Alison built bridges between America, France, Spain and Romania. Alison was really the one figuring that out; how do we all meet in the middle? There was a lot of that. Theres a reason there arent more American-European co-productions. Its very difficult because of language, cultural and filmmaking differences. Americans are extremely legal; theres all this contractual talk all the time. Europeans tend to be like, Whatever. Were making a movie. Just show up and well figure it out. That, especially in this time of division between people and countries, I thought was a really beautiful thing. Theres a couple characters in Patricks story that have the utopian ideal, and, in some way, I think we achieved some of the utopian ideal with the way we made the film. So it was entirely shot in Europe? Yes, it was shot in Spain, Romania and France. You asked me, what do I think that Jacques brought as a Frenchman? Well, along with that bullsh*t detector that he has, he is very unsentimental. A lot of directors will look at a big vista with a mountain in the back and be like, Oh, we have to linger on this, its just too beautiful. We have to just see this beautiful thing. And Jacques doesnt give a sh*t about any of that. If its beautiful, thats great. Of course, he tries to make his films as compelling to watch as possible, but hes also economical with time and rhythm. There was so much stunning visual imagery in this movie that he was breaking hearts constantly. The set designer and the camera guy, they would point to a location and say, Jacques, see how amazing that looks. And he would say, It doesnt matter, the characters are not going there. Theyre on their way to the hotel, not there. Joaquin Phoenix plays your brother. How did you settle upon him, and what does he bring to the role? Well, I think that Joaquin is the best actor, in my opinion right now, in terms of being alive on screen. Theres so much hes done, but, specifically, if you watch The Master, you literally cant tell what he is going to do from moment to moment. Hes also someone with incredible integrity and someone I really respect. I knew Id have to spend a lot of time with this person, and I knew that our relationship as brothers in the film was one of total respect, and so it had to be someone who could meet me toe-to-toe in many different ways, and, luckily, Jacques agreed. Joaquins reputation precedes him and any time youre lucky enough to work with someone thats going to make you work hard like that and rise to the occasion, thats exactly the kind of situation you want to be in. Actually, part of handing the whole project to Jacques and saying, You have total freedom to do whatever you want, included giving him the final say about all the casting, which included my part. So I had to be open to my not playing this part, which I had been developing for years. In fact, there was a brief moment where it looked like I wasnt going to play my part. I couldnt believe it, but I thought, All right, well, either this is a test or its what he needs to do. If this is what he needs to do to feel like hes really free to make the film he wants to do, then great. Does Jacques like to encourage any kind of improvisation? Jacques used to be an editor, so he is very, very economical. He doesnt like to waste a lot of time just kind of lulling about, improvising and saying, Oh, maybe well find something here. That said, like any great artist, if he sees something interesting happening, he will just abandon whatever it was he was doing and go for that. We did have a fair amount of improvisation, but not in the way that Ive done on other films. It was more behavioral improvisation, because we had a lot of plot to get through in the film. The movie was a road movie for a long period of time. We were just always on the move. It wasnt like we were sitting in one apartment, trying to come up with new ideas. We always had a lot to do every day. The beautiful thing about directors like Jacques is that they really dont care about what youve thought about ahead of time, or even what theyve thought about, theyre just there in the moment, going, Whats really happening here? Is this interesting to me? Is it compelling? Does it tell our story or not? Thats a really great quality. So many directors get nervous. So many directors, they show up on the set and they start the day nervous, and so they hold on to their plan. All the greats, whether its Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson or Jacquesand I hold all those people in the highest esteemthey all have this quality in common: just go for the best idea. It doesnt matter what it is, well figure it out, and we will make up the time if we get off schedule. How do you balance producing and acting? Were you watching the dailies? The older I get, the less I watch dailies. Ill leave you to interpret that how you wish. [Laughs] I was very involved, like a traditional producer, in the lead-up. Alison was really the main driver of the production when she and I were partners in the pre-production, and then when it came time for me to act on film, I had to step away from some of those more practical concerns because we were shooting. So I would do things like make sure the other actors were doing OK. I would just kind of troubleshoot. I was doing the bridge-building that Alison was doing between the production partners, but between the director and actors, just making sure that everyone was in sync. And then, hopefully, just losing myself again in the character. When youre on a film set, there are lots of people there, but most of them are not paying attention to you. Theres only one person that you really need paying attention to you, and thats the director, so that you can get some feedback. What do you think people take from the film? Well, some of the things I described, but I have my own feelings about it. A lot of it is very personal. Its about the idea of finding a new masculinity, and I think Jacques was interested in asking, Where do we go from here? And from here I mean from this moment in the West, in the early 1850s, when we were going from hand-loaded pistols and rifles to cartridge bullets, which upped the rate of fire by many times. This was an emerging momentwe were coming from blood law, and everybody suddenly said, Wait, this is not sustainable. Every time we have a disagreement, we kill the person we have a disagreement with. If we go on like this, we arent going to have much of a town left. So, Jacques really wanted to make a film that was relevant to our time, for that reason. Were asking, What are the essential qualities of masculinity? And how do you move forward as a modern man? And also, as a society, how do we make ourselves sustainable? We cant be as violent as weve been and expect to survive. Related stories 'If Beale Street Could Talk' Editors Grapple With Structure, Narrative Expectations & The Weight Of History Annapurna's 'Vice' & 'Beale Street': The American Dream Warped And Deferred - The Contenders LA Ridley Scott Moving Forward With 'Gladiator 2'; Peter Craig To Write Script For Paramount A Saudi Arabia public prosecutor indicted 11 suspects following the killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, according to the Associated Press. The prosecutor also requested the death penalty for five of the suspects, according to the AP. On Thursday, a spokesman for the public prosecutor delivered information about the case to members of the press in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, according to The New York Times. The spokesman said a 15-man team that confronted Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate was expected to return the former Washington Post columnist to the kingdom. However, the team refused to follow the orders and decided to kill him and dismember him, according to the spokesperson, reported by the Times. According to the Times, the Thursday announcement contradicted statements made by both the Saudi government and White House officials regarding Khashoggis killing. Also Read: Saudi Officials Admit Jamal Khashoggi Was Killed at Istanbul Consulate As the Times reported, the Saudi prosecutors explanation appeared to peddle back to the governments previous stance saying Thursday the killing was spur of the moment and that the operation set out to only question Khashoggi. That differs from what the Saudi government eventually conceded in October: that the killing did appear to be premeditated something U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo credited the Saudis for saying publicly. Earlier in the week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canadian intelligence officers heard a Turkish audio recording of the former journalists murder. With his Monday announcement, Trudeau became the first western leader to acknowledge the existence of tapes, though he said he did not personally listen to them. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared the tapes with several countries. Khashoggi went missing on Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He was not seen since. After weeks of denying any knowledge of his whereabouts, the Saudi government said in October that it believed Khashoggi was murdered. Read original story Saudi Arabia to Seek Death Penalty for 5 Suspects in Journalists Killing At TheWrap Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg has that the company has ever paid firms to create fake news targeting its critics and competitors. We absolutely did not pay anyone to create fake news that they have assured me was not happening, Sandberg told CBS This Morning co-host Norah ODonnell. And again, were doing a thorough look into what happened but they have assured me that we were not paying anyone to either write or promote anything that was false. And thats very important. Sandbergs comments in the interview Thursday night were her first since a The New York Times investigation was published on Wednesday reporting that Definers, a right-leaning opposition research firm, orchestrated disparaging coverage of Facebook critics like Apple CEO Tim Cook and financier George Soros, among others. Soros is a frequent target of right-wing and anti-Semitic attacks for his contributions to liberal causes. Definers, on behalf of Facebook, tied protestors of the company to Soros, according to The Times. The firm used NTK Network, a site connected to Definers and often picked up by conservative outlets like Breitbart, to publish several stories against Facebooks prominent detractors. Facebook terminated its relationship with Definers on Thursday. Also Read: Jim Carrey Sends Crude, Cryptic Message to Mark Zuckerberg in Latest Artwork Sandberg, echoing Zuckerbergs response on Thursday, said she didnt know Facebook had hired Definers, but I should have in a post on her Facebook page. Zuckerberg had said someone on our comms team mustve hired Definers. She added: I have great respect for George Soros and the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories against him are abhorrent. The Times report also painted Zuckerberg and Sandberg as executives that dragged their feet responding to Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. Kremlin-linked trolls leveraged the site to publish fake political news and misinformation leading up to the election misinformation that ultimately hit more than 100 million people, Facebook told Congress last year. The Times said Sandberg was seething at one point, after Alex Stamos, Facebooks chief security officer, had told the companys board in 2017 it didnt have the Russian issue under control yet. Story continues Sandberg, in her Facebook post, said the company was too slow to respond to Russian manipulation, but pushed back against the suggestion Facebook execs intentionally overlooked the problem. To suggest that we werent interested in knowing the truth, or we wanted to hide what we knew, or that we tried to prevent investigations, is simply untrue, Sandberg said. The allegations saying I personally stood in the way are also just plain wrong. This was an investigation of a foreign actor trying to interfere in our election. Nothing could be more important to me or to Facebook. Also Read: Facebook Suspends 115 Accounts for 'Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior' Before Elections Facebook has added to its election defense team in the last year, and has announced thousands of accounts have been deleted this year for spreading misinformation. Facebook shares dropped 2.5 percent to about $140 on Friday morning. The company was trading at $181 per share when the year started. Read original story Sheryl Sandberg Says Facebook Absolutely Did Not Pay Anyone to Create Fake News At TheWrap MSG DG, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli and Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of OCO Secretariat sign MOU at the OCO Conference Room in Suva, Fiji. Humans arent the only ones trying to get out of the paths of Californias three wildfires: wild animals are searching for safety, too. The Sacramento Fire Department came across two of these travelers during their efforts to control the Camp Fire in Northern California. According to KSBY, the firefighters found a pair of donkeys walking side-by-side down an empty road. The rescuers stopped to check on the animals and quickly realized they were hungry and thirsty. Committed to helping all creatures affected by fire, the firefighters provided the donkey duo with water and apples from their own lunches while they put in a call to Animal Control. The grateful twosome happily munched on treats from the fire chiefs hand until animal control officials arrived and moved the animals to a local rescue, reports Shared. RELATED: Dad Comforts Daughter as They Escape California Wildfire Once the chaos caused by the multiple wildfires begins to wane, the rescue will work on finding the donkeys owners if they havent already come forward. The Humane Society of the United States encourages all California residents to help wild animals affected by the fire. The easiest way to do this is to allow animals to pass through your yard and, if you are not in the direct path of a wildfire, to leave out fresh water for wild animals to drink. If you see a wild animal that is injured, it is best to contact wildlife professionals for help instead of trying to help the animal yourself. Ahh, Thanksgiving morning. The parade is on, the ovens preheating and yourelacing up your Nikes? Turkey Trots have quickly become a Thanksgiving day tradition thanks to the 1 million (and counting) Americans that participate every year. For many, the holiday just wouldnt be the same without one. And as this editor can attest to, the ensuing feast tastes way better after a brisk morning run (hey, youve earned it). This year, Michelob ULTRA is giving us even more of a reason to get up, get out and get trottin'. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, the low-cal brewery will be rewarding all Turkey Trot runners age 21 and up with free beer. To participate, consumers will be asked to share a photo from their race with the hashtag #WillRunForBeer and a tag to @MichelobULTRA on Twitter or Instagram. To claim said brewskis, participants will receive a promo code for $10 or $5 (depending on where you live) redeemable at Drizly. For full details on participating states, head over to the official contest website. Break a sweat, crack a beer, stuff your face, repeat. RELATED: 18 Stress-Free Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas (Because Youll Be Cooking All Damn Day) Kyauktan (Myanmar) (AFP) - A boatload of more than 100 Rohingya Muslims who fled a camp in Myanmar were found off the country's south coast Friday after spending 15 days at sea in a failed attempt to reach Malaysia. The group of 106 people were discovered floating in a wooden boat on the Andaman Sea just off the shore of Kyauktan township an hour south of Myanmar's commercial capital of Yangon, police told AFP. The Rohingya said their group included 23 children and that a girl had died "about nine days ago". "One girl died at sea... she had not eaten and had drank seawater," said Eilia, 35, who added the boat had run out of petrol. Others in the mostly male group said they were from various Rohingya camps in Sittwe, Rakhine state's capital. "We left 15 days ago and are going to Malaysia," said a young Rohingya man, who was immediately barred from speaking to reporters by police. The group was escorted by local Red Cross members and immigration officers to Kyauktan township in eight vans, with four armed police officers in each vehicle. Once in Kyauktan they were given shelter in a community hall. - Brutal crackdown - The stateless minority face widespread persecution in Myanmar, and more than 120,000 are forced to live in camps in Rakhine state after intercommunal violence erupted between them and ethnic Rakhine in 2012. Housed under grim conditions, the Rohingya -- who have been denied citizenship in Myanmar -- have no freedom of movement and a lack of access to education and healthcare. Eilia said they had left their camps because of the lack of food. "The food rations they give us are not enough," he said. "We were told we would get jobs and be able to eat if we went (to Malaysia)." A camp leader from Sittwe confirmed that the group had departed two weeks earlier. "They left 15 days ago trying to get to Malaysia," Kyaw Tin told AFP. "They left secretly... We only found out when they had a problem, about three days ago." Story continues More than 720,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine state for Bangladesh after a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military in August 2017. Those who fled to overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh brought with them accounts of rape, extrajudicial murders and arson perpetrated by the military. The two governments signed a repatriation pact last year, which was due to begin on Thursday. Myanmar said they were ready to receive more than 2,200 Rohingya back to resettlement camps. But none have taken up the offer, with many citing fears without guarantees of safety and citizenship. UNHCR spokesperson Aoife McDonnell said "concrete progress" was needed for the stateless community to enjoy basic rights in Rakhine state. "With the prospect of boat movements increasing following the end of the monsoon season, it is increasingly urgent for the authorities to take measures to address the root causes of displacement," McDonnell said. UN investigators have urged the International Criminal Court to open a case against Myanmar's military for "genocide" against the Rohingya -- a damning charge the army and government denies, insisting that the security clearances were justified to tamp down Rohingya terrorists. burs-dhc/je Ky Kanaman sparked a chain of kidney donations with his selfless act. (Photo courtesy of Ky Kanaman) One selfless kidney donation sparked a chain reaction, giving three people the gift of life just in time for the holidays. Ky Kanaman is the man who started it all, after reading a book that detailed the outrageously small percentage of patients in need who receive kidney transplants. The 25-year-old tells Yahoo Lifestyle that he couldnt get the startling statistics out of his head, so he began doing research on the process of donating his own kidney. It was really never a hard decision. I may not have known the person that would receive my kidney, but I knew that I was helping someone in need, and that was more than I could have ever asked for, he explains. The ball got rolling, and the next thing I knew, I was a match! But the Texas native never could have imagined just how far the ball would continue to roll after he went through with the surgery. It turns out that the 21-year-old girl, Victoria Dayshanae Hosman, at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., who Kanaman donated his kidney to already had a friend willing to give her own. The decision to give Kanamans kidney to Hosman instead didnt deter the friend from helping someone else. Continuing Kanamans kindness, she went into surgery as well and provided her organ to a man in Wichita who had yet to find a match. The mans mother became the third donor within the chain shortly thereafter, when she was inspired by the graciousness of the other participants and joined the same University of Kansas Hospital program as Kanaman. She got matched with a third person in need. When I found out about the chain its difficult to explain the feelings that overwhelm you, Kanaman says. You set out to help one person, and all the sudden, youre a part of helping three. Its really bigger than you and life at that point. However, the experience came full circle when Kanaman finally met Hosman in person on Wednesday, along with the other donors. Kanaman meets the woman who received his kidney, Dayshanae. (Photo courtesy of Ky Kanaman) Meeting Dayshanae put the actual meaning behind it. You realize that what you did was much bigger than you could ever imagine. You cant help but shake the feeling that it was all meant to be and that it was a part of my purpose in life, Kanaman says. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. It will be something that defines who I am for the rest of my life, and I cant thank everyone involved enough for the opportunity to help out. Story continues Aside from his selfless donation, Kanaman also shares that he and his wife, Nicole, live with two adults with intellectual disabilities to help them live their lives to the fullest. Still, he maintains that hes just a normal 25-year-old guy although most would probably say that hes extraordinary. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: 23-year-old woman saves a man from jumping off a bridge: God has a purpose for everyone Teacher will donate kidney to student she has never met: Its just something I know Im supposed to do Borderline Bar regular who survived Route 91 shooting speaks out on tragedy: Its the suckiest community to be a part of, but its also the greatest Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to Darwin on Friday, some 75 years after Japan bombed the northern Australian city, as the two countries cement ties in the face of an emergent China. Trade and closer defence relations are the centrepieces of Abe's two-day visit and meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, before the pair travel to Papua New Guinea for a weekend APEC summit. Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where more than 250 people were killed during multiple bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst-ever foreign attacks on the country. Abe and Morrison paid their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving. "To see the Japanese prime minister here actually laying a wreath on our war memorial, it is a quite emotional thing. It is amazing that in 70 or so years we've come this far," one veteran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On Saturday, Abe will also remember Japanese casualties when he visits a cenotaph for navy personnel who died when the I-124 was sunk by HMAS Deloraine in January 1942 -- the first Japanese submarine to be sunk by an Australian ship. - Close economic ties - Abe later Friday will attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator. The Ichthys LNG project -- Japan's largest overseas investment -- began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australia's position as the country's main energy supplier. Story continues The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. The leaders also met for talks that Australian officials said would include ongoing efforts to reach agreement on enhanced defence cooperation, including regular joint military exercises. That effort reflects the desire of both countries to expand their involvement across the Pacific to counter increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. Japan and Australia played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition will be on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. Washington (AFP) - The death toll among Afghanistan's security forces is nearing 30,000 since the start of 2015, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said, a figure far higher than anything previously acknowledged. Ghani appeared via video link this week at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, part of a university he once taught at as a professor of anthropology. Since the start of 2015, when local police and army units succeeded NATO as bearing responsibility for Afghanistan's security, "28,529 of our security forces have lost their lives and become martyrs for our freedom," Ghani said. In the same timeframe, 58 Americans have been killed, he said. "I would like to salute the patriotism of the Afghan security forces, every single one of whom is a volunteer," Ghani said. "We have no conscription, nobody is forced, and if there was not a patriotic impulse I don't think that people would sacrifice their lives for a pay of $200." The rate at which Afghan forces are dying has long underscored the fragility of the country's security situation, the Taliban's continued strength and raised questions about US claims that the Afghan troops are becoming an increasingly effective fighting force. In 2015, an estimated 5,000 Afghan security forces were killed and another 15,000 wounded. The toll increased in 2016 and appears to have accelerated again in 2017 and 2018, contradicting a claim by general John Nicholson, who recently retired as head of NATO and US forces in Afghanistan. In November 2017, he said casualty rates among Afghan security forces had started to drop as the US increased the tempo of air strikes against the Taliban and as reforms kicked in. In a recent report, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) cited the NATO mission in Kabul as saying this summer's toll has been worse than ever for Afghan forces. "From the period of May 1 to the most current data as of October 1, 2018, the average number of casualties the (Afghan forces) suffered is the greatest it has ever been during like periods," SIGAR said. Story continues Mattis this month said more than 1,000 "Afghan lads" were killed or wounded just in August and September. More than 17 years since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the conflict grinds on and America is trying to find a way out of the war. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad hopes to start a peace process with the Taliban, and on Saturday he met with Ghani. A Taliban delegation met with Khalilzad in Doha in October to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Ghani's full comments can be viewed at: http://u.afp.com/oHyk Bijan C. Ghaisar will spend eternity in a graveyard that predates the Civil War, in a remote plot dominated by a maple tree. There are families at rest here who were present for the founding of the nation. The Ghaisars did not know that Virginia. They came to the United States from Iran 40 years ago. That life ended on Nov. 17, 2017. Its outer forms remain, the handsomely decorated house at the end of a cul-de-sac, the professional achievements and affiliations. But the family has been emptied, like a building cleared before demolition. Only the shell still stands, rocked by regular gusts of anger, not only over the killing of Bijan by federal law enforcement agents, but by the official silence that has marked the last 12 months. Marko Arnautovic during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and West Ham United at the John Smiths Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Manchester United fans want Jose Mourinho to sign West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic in the winter transfer window. Arnautovic was first linked with a move last summer as Mourinho was reported to be after a striker to provide competition to Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku has since struggled to match last years form and Arnautovic is now being rumoured to be a target for the former Premier League champions once again. A poll in the Manchester Evening News suggests that United fans would be happy to see the Austrian international striker reunite with his former Inter Milan manager, Mourinho. READ MORE: Sancho and Wilson point to bright England future READ MORE: 5 occasions VAR could have been used this season READ MORE: Paulo Dybala rejects Manchester United transfer talk The poll revealed the 65% of respondents would be happy to see Arnautovic join the Red Devils. 28& said yes, hed be a starter for the club, and another 37% answered yes, but only as a back-up option. That left 35% of the responses for no, Arnautovic is not good enough. Arnautovics brother and agent, Danijel, backed the chances of a move claiming West Ham are not good enough to be anything other than a stepping stone for the 29 year old. Hes already playing in the Premier League and thats where the best players are. But for a player like Marko this cannot be the end, Danijel said. Hes a big part of West Hams team but I think its possible to tease out more of him. For that to happen, he has to play for a top team. Marko is ready for the next step. A player like him should not play against relegation. He should play for the international spots. Marko is really enjoying playing for West Ham. He loves that club and the fans. But there is still that feeling, that this cannot be the end. And everybody should understand that. Darwin (Australia) (AFP) - Australia hailed a "deeply symbolic" visit to Darwin by the Japanese Prime Minister on Friday, more than 75 years after the northern city was bombed in World War II, as the two countries vowed to deepen defence ties in the face of an emergent China. Trade and strategic relations took centre-stage at a meeting between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Shinzo Abe during his two-day visit, before both travel to Papua New Guinea for the weekend's APEC summit. In a communique, they expressed hope an agreement on enhanced defence cooperation that includes joint military exercises and which the two countries have been discussing for several years would be concluded by early next year. "Prime Minister Morrison and I confirmed our commitment to further deepen this special strategic partnership between Japan and Australia," Abe told reporters in Darwin via a translator. "Our common vision is of a free and open Indo Pacific, in the area of security we agreed to deepen our security and defence cooperation." Abe said they discussed regional strategic issues including maritime security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific island nations, and the denuclearisation of North Korea. The two nations and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States earlier this week to increase investment in the south-west Pacific, amid increased Chinese military and economic activity in the region. - 'Vow towards peace' - Abe is the first Japanese leader to visit the port city where more than 250 people were killed during multiple bombing raids in 1942-43 during World War II -- the worst-ever foreign attacks on the country. The pair paid their respects at memorials to the war dead in an act reminiscent of the Japanese leader's visit to Pearl Harbor in 2016. "Prime Minister Abe's visit is deeply symbolic and significant and it will build on our two countries' strong and enduring friendship as well as our economic, security, community and historical ties," Morrison said in a statement. Story continues The Japanese leader said he "renewed my vow towards peace" and extended his condolences to all fallen soldiers. Veterans described the wreath-laying in a ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph as moving. "To see the Japanese prime minister here actually laying a wreath on our war memorial, it is a quite emotional thing. It is amazing that in 70 or so years we've come this far," one veteran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. On Saturday, Abe will also remember Japanese casualties when he visits a cenotaph for navy personnel who died when the I-124 was sunk by HMAS Deloraine in January 1942 -- the first Japanese submarine to be sunk by an Australian ship. - Close economic ties - Abe was to attend a ceremony marking the opening of a US$34 billion pipeline project, in which Japan's Inpex is the majority shareholder and operator, later Friday. The Ichthys LNG project -- Japan's largest overseas investment -- began shipping natural gas to Japan last month and is set to reinforce Australia's position as the country's main energy supplier. The operation taps fields off Australia's northern coast and pipes the gas nearly 900 kilometres (550 miles) to a port near Darwin. Meanwhile, Japan and Australia have played leading roles in reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal after President Donald Trump withdrew US support for the agreement. Canberra and Tokyo also both recently launched Pacific infrastructure projects to offer alternatives to Beijing's so-called Belt and Road initiative, which has seen China pour billions of dollars of investment into the area. The regional competition was on full view Friday as Abe's Darwin visit coincides with a mini-summit organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping with seven Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea ahead of the APEC conference. By Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's treasurer on Friday said Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had a history of anti-Jewish statements, in an escalating war of words over the possibility Australia might move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison proposed the embassy move during a local election campaign last month, sparking concern from Indonesia and Malaysia. "The Malaysian Prime Minister has form," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a radio interview. "He has called Jews hook-nosed people. He has questioned the number of people that have been killed in the Holocaust." The comments came after Mahathir brought up the issue of moving the embassy with Morrison during a meeting at the ASEAN summit on Thursday in Singapore. "I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes," Mahathir told reporters afterwards, Australian media reported. "Adding to the cause for terrorism is not going to be helpful." Some 60 percent of Malaysia's population is Muslim. Indonesia has also expressed concern over the embassy review and suggested it might upset plans for a free trade agreement with Australia, though Morrison has said the issues were not conflated during recent talks he had with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Indonesia is the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, where tens of thousands protested against President Donald Trump's decision in May to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Morrison floated the idea of moving the Australian embassy and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital back in October. The sudden announcement came just before a key by-election in a seat which happened to have a large Jewish community and Morrison's Liberal National government was desperate to win to keep its majority in parliament. The seat was lost anyway, leaving the government ruling with the cooperation of independent lawmakers. Speaking on Friday, Morrison confirmed Mahathir had raised the subject of the embassy but declared that only "Australia determines Australian foreign policy". "I think what Josh said today was filling in the history of his (Mahathir's) record on various issues over time," Morrison told reporters on a visit to Darwin, where he is due to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "Make no mistake. I will not have our policy dictated by those outside the country," Morrison added. Australia and Malaysia have had a sometimes rocky diplomatic relationship. The two countries clashed 25 years ago when former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating called Mahathir "recalcitrant" for boycotting the 1993 Asia-Pacific economic forum (APEC). Leaders of APEC countries are due to meet in Papua New Guinea this weekend. (Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Michael Perry) US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos proposes new rules about campus sexual assault and harassment: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has proposed a major change in the way American universities deal with campus sexual assault and harassment allegations in a move rights groups say could harm survivors. Ms DeVos has wants to add protections for those accused and limit situations in which schools would be required by law to investigate complaints brought forward by alleged victims, changes she said will treat both sides fairly. The requirements for investigation include only incidents which occurred on the universities campuses or property under the schools authority and in those cases, only if the incident is reported to certain officials. It also argued the proposal gives victims who do not want to file formal complaints more flexibility in reporting incidents that would not trigger official investigations. The proposal is essentially trying to tell schools how to apply the 1972 law known as Title IX, which bars discrimination based on sex in schools that receive federal money. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said they strongly oppose the changes. The proposed rule would make schools less safe for survivors of sexual assault and harassment, when there is already alarmingly high rates of campus sexual assaults and harassment that go unreported, the rights group said in a statement. It promotes an unfair process, inappropriately favoring the accused and letting schools ignore their responsibility under Title IX to respond promptly and fairly to complaints of sexual violence. Fatima Goss Graves, CEO of the National Womens Law Center, said in a statement: If these draft rules go into effect, schools will become more dangerous for all students and more schools will shield harassers and rapists. Ms DeVos, who came under fire last July for meeting with mens rights groups as part of her review of sexual assault reporting procedures, said in a statement her goal is ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment. Story continues That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on. Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined, she said. Ms DeVos has previously said she thought universities were often unfair to the accused, not giving them ample opportunity to defend themselves. Under the proposal, accused students would be considered innocent until proven guilty, as in a court of law. These students would also be allowed to review and respond to any evidence collected by the university investigators. They would also be allowed to cross-examine, albeit indirectly through a third party. Democrat Congresswoman-elect Ayannna Pressley, who won a seat in the House of Representatives dueing last weeks midterm elections also hit out at the plans. Betsy DeVoss proposal to deny critical rights and protections to survivors of campus sexual assault is yet another example of an administration devoid of empathy. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, only 230 of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police. Among university-aged female students, the majority of victims, only 20 per cent currently report incidents and under the proposed rules, that number could drop even further. Barack Obamas administration also provided guidance to universities receiving federal funds, in the form of guidance letters. Under current policy, schools are required to investigate all student complaints, whether the alleged incident occurred on campus or off. Any failure to do so could bring that university under federal investigation. Some universities administrators complained the Obama-era rules were burdensome and proponents of Ms DeVos proposal have said the rules unfairly favoured alleged victims because the Obama administration required schools to follow the preponderance of the evidence rule meaning allegations were to be considered more likely than not true. Ms DeVos proposal says a new clear and convincing standard can be used, which legally means allegations could be considered highly probable but could be false. Even if victims do not file a formal complaint, the proposal encourages schools to offer a range of measures to help them continue their studies, including counseling, class schedule changes, dorm room reassignments and no-contact orders for those accused of harming them. The draft rules also serve to narrow the definition of sexual harassment, which some critics have said is ironic given the several accusations of harassment levied at Mr Trump himself. While the 2011 guidance defined it as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, the new proposal defines it as unwelcome sexual conduct but only if it effectively denies a person equal access to the schools education program or activity. Before Ms DeVos proposal can be approved, there will be a public comment period and it remains to be seen what the response from universities and their students will be. Agencies contributed to this report. By Alex Dobuzinskis and Dan Whitcomb (Reuters) - Rose Farrell was an independent-minded 99-year-old determined to live by herself in Paradise, California. A caregiver checked on her daily and she relied on a walker, but still had her car in her driveway. Since the "Camp Fire" swept rapidly into Paradise, which sits atop a ridge 1,700 feet above a canyon cut by the Feather River, Farrell's family has been unable to reach her. "The hardest part is just waiting to know what happened," said Tom Perez, 58, the husband of Farrell's granddaughter. California's deadliest wildfire roared into the town of 27,000 last week, speeding seven miles in 90 minutes and leaving residents little time to flee. Some died in their cars in a chaotic evacuation as gridlock snarled up the two exits out of town. Farrell is one of 630 people listed as missing, while the death toll has climbed to 63. The number of those unaccounted for has fluctuated wildly and officials warn it will almost certainly change. Over the weekend, the Butte County Sheriff's office initially put the total of missing people at 228, many of whom were later accounted for. But as fresh reports from relatives came in, the list grew from 103 to 130 late Wednesday, jumped to 297 by Thursday morning and soared to 630 as of Thursday night. In some cases, people may have survived but not yet notified the authorities, or relatives may not yet have reported people missing. Poor cell phone coverage after the fire has exacerbated the problem, in a mountainous region where some areas got little or no phone reception even before the fire. "We still have reports coming in of people being missing and of people being found," said Miranda Bowersox, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. "The overall number will go down, but in the short term we expect to see new reports of people missing." Paradise was home to many retirees, like Donna Duncan-Austin, 90, who used a walker to get around. Her husband Angello Austin, 87, was more physically active and worked as a baker and a handyman, Donna's niece Andrea Evans told Reuters by phone. "They were deeply, deeply in love," Evans said. Donna was heavily involved with her church, but no one there has heard from her, Evans said. "That's why I brace myself," she said. SEARCHING IN VAIN At least 90 percent of those on a list of the missing provided by the Butte County Sheriff's office on Wednesday were aged over 60. Relatives say some of them are disabled or have limited mobility. Bill Mount, 62, is one of them. His niece Jaime Daugherty said her brother urgently knocked on Mount's door just after 6 a.m. on the day of the fire and got no response. Mount's house burned to the ground. One of the dozen or so coroner's teams dispatched to the calamity from around California along with cadaver dogs, was supposed to search the site on Thursday, she said. "I called every hospital, every shelter," Daugherty said, and was told they had no one by that name listed there. Forensic teams have been trying to get DNA from relatives to identify victims. Brian Potter has sought his grandmother, Vernice Regan, 96, at shelters, local hotels and a town hall meeting in the city of Chico to the south of Paradise, for days to no avail. She lived in Paradise for more than six decades, once ran an apple orchard with her late husband, and recently broke her hip on an overseas trip, he said. "I'm starting to think that maybe the worst may have happened," Potter said. For the those who survived the fire, helping locate friends and relatives has given them a sense of purpose. Julie Walker and her husband Lane were among many who fled to the Neighborhood Community Church in Chico, which is serving as a Red Cross shelter for about 200 people. When people call the shelter seeking the missing, church staff take down the person's information and post it on a board outside. Lane and Julie were scanning the list, pen in hand, hoping to cross off names of people they knew were safe. "We could only cross off two names," said Julie, who retired from the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. "I know quite a few of the names on that list. It's our whole community." (Additional reporting by Gabriella Borter, Terray Sylvester and Suzannah Gonzales; Writing by Bill Tarrant; Editing by James Dalgleish) Hilarious photos of dogs trying to catch treats Lala the mixed breed. (Photo: Christian Vieler/Caters News) This unique collection of photographs shows the concentrated faces of dogs just before catching their beloved treats. Professional photographer Christian Vieler, from Germany, shot the latest series of his Dogs Catching Treats in Trouble collection with hilarious results. Some of the 48-year-olds images show the happy faces of successful catches, whereas others illustrate pooches shocked reactions on seeing such large amounts of treats thrown at them at once. One of the most adorable photos is of Rhodesian ridgeback Hudson looking down in the dumps presumably after an unsuccessful attempt at grabbing one of the flying snacks. Christian said: After working as a journalist for many years, I decided to start taking my photography seriously, becoming a professional in 2016. My favorite capture is of Australian shepherd Kaylee because it defines my idea in all its glory. The collection is a personal look at some of the emotions, including shocked, confused, joyful or sad, Vieler said, that our four-legged companions feel when the magical moment strikes. He added: I am grateful to have the chance to work as a pro dog photographer. After shooting snapshots for five years now, I still enjoy every shoot and dog. (Caters News) PHOTOS: Dog eat dog! Photographer captures dogs hilarious reactions to treat time See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. (Reuters) - A California Public Utilities Commission official told investors on a conference call that the agency does not want PG&E Corp to go into bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. The call was hosted by Bank of America Corp analysts and included the commission's president Michael Picker and other officials, the report said. (https://bloom.bg/2DlFOUu) Shares of PG&E surged 37 percent in extended trade on Thursday after dropping 31 percent in regular trading. A wildfire in northern California destroyed the town of Paradise and killed at least 56 people, igniting fears the utility could be blamed. (Reporting by Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru) TAIZ, Yemen (Reuters) - Lying on a dust-covered bed in a hospital ward in the Yemeni city of Taiz, 10-year-old Ghazi Mohammed barely has enough energy to watch doctors and nurses examine his emaciated body. The boy weighs 8.5 kg (18 lb), less than a third of the average weight of a child his age. He fled hunger and poverty in his mountain village last year to find only more suffering in Yemen's third largest city Taiz. "This shows that the humanitarian aid that comes to Yemen does not reach people who really need it. Distribution remains random," said his doctor, Amen al-Asli. Western powers who have for three years provided arms and intelligence to the Saudi-led coalition waging war against Houthi insurgents in Yemen are now pressing for an end to a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people and pushed the country to the brink of famine. The West toughened its stance after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi policy, at Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. His death sparked a global outcry and exposed Saudi Arabia's crackdown on dissent and aggressive foreign policy, including its role in the war in Yemen, which has been criticized by human rights groups and U.S. lawmakers. But calls for an end to the fighting have come far too late for millions of Yemeni civilians, including children, who face acute malnutrition and hunger in a complex, multi-sided war. "They need a complete care, here in the hospital and later at home. Of course it depends on the parents' financial condition as malnutrition can hit the whole family," said Youssef al-Salawi, another doctor. In Taiz, children fighting for their lives in hospitals are traumatized by daily artillery fire, rockets and anti-aircraft guns as Saudi-backed government forces battle the Iran-aligned Houthis along pulverized streets. The United Nations says out of 29 million Yemenis, 22 million need some form of humanitarian assistance, almost 18 millions are considered hungry and 8.4 millions are severely hungry. "We do hope that talk about getting the peace process back on track, that gives us hope, but it is very imperative for the people of Yemen that this conflict stops as soon as possible," said Stephen Anderson, the World Food Program's (WFP) country director in Yemen. OFFENSIVE ON PORT U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths hopes to bring the warring parties together before the end of the year. After seizing the southern port of Aden in 2015, the coalition has made little progress. While it has air supremacy, the Houthis have proved better at guerrilla warfare. The Houthis still control Yemen's most populated areas, including the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has renewed its offensive on Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, as Washington and London called for a ceasefire. Aid groups fear an attack on Hodeidah port would disrupt its operations and endanger more civilians as it remains the main source of food imports as well as much-needed humanitarian aid. Street fighting and air strikes resumed late on Tuesday in Hodeidah despite a lull in battles as U.N. officials visited the Red Sea city to assess food security. A resident told Reuters calm descended on Hodeidah on Wednesday after heavy clashes and air strikes rocked the city. "It is very surprising," he said. (Additional reporting by Mohammed Ghobari in Aden; Writing By Aziz El Yaakoubi, Editing by Michael Georgy, Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Angus MacSwan) Nearly 40 years after suffering the totalitarian nightmare of the Khmer Rouge, victims of Cambodias horrific history were granted a small measure of justice on Friday. An international criminal tribunal convicted two aging former Khmer Rouge leaders in a historic ruling that for the first time legally defines the regimes crimes as genocide. The defendants, Nuon Chea, 92, and Khieu Samphan, 87, are among the last surviving chieftains of the Khmer Rouge, a brutal regime that decimated Cambodia from 1975-1979 in an effort to recreate a utopian agrarian society. An estimated 1.7 million peopleor more than 20% of the populationdied. Many succumbed to starvation, while others were tortured to death in camps and killing fields across the small Southeast Asian country. The U.N.-back court, informally known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, handed both Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan life in prison on Friday, terms which duplicate their 2014 convictions for the forced evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodias capital. Despite their blood-drenched pasts, neither Nuon Chea, who was described as the loyal right-hand man of Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, nor Khieu Samphan, who served as head of state, were previously charged with genocide. Fridays verdict was the first time in 12 years of meting out justice that the tribunal delivered a genocide verdictinternationally, a rare pronouncement. The legal standard of genocide is notoriously difficult to prove beyond reasonable doubt in a trial setting, International Commission of Jurists Asia-Pacific Director Frederick Rawski wrote in an email to TIME. Read more: A Brief History Of the Khmer Rouge And yet Fridays verdict, which may prove to be the Khmer Rouge Tribunals last, did find both the elderly cadres guilty of perpetrating genocide against ethnic Vietnamese civilians. Presiding judge Nil Nonn said Nuon Chea played a leading role in laying the foundations of the Khmer Rouges ideology and operations, and so was also convicted of genocide against the countrys ethnic Muslim Cham minority. Khieu Samphan meanwhile was cleared of genocide charges against the Cham. Story continues The genocide verdict does not pertain to the countrys predominately Khmer population, the ethnic group to which the majority of the regimes victims belong. Fridays ruling nevertheless marks a historically important moment for Cambodia, says Youk Chhang, a Khmer Rouge survivor and director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), the countrys genocide research institute. It will reaffirm surviving victims collective humanity and validate their suffering and loss. Read more: Youk Chhang: Why We Must Fight for Justice After Genocide Neither of the aged defendants, both of whom are medically impaired, said anything at their sentencing. In the past they have denied any responsibility for the Khmer Rouges many atrocities, and claimed themselves to be the victims of a politically motivated witch hunt. In addition to Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, only one other former cadre, Kaing Guek Eav, better known by his nom de guerre Comrade Duch, has been convicted by the tribunal. Duch, 76, was given life in prison in 2012 for his role overseeing the infamous S-21 security prison, where an estimated 15,000 suspected traitors were tortured and killed. He was reportedly hospitalized last month with severe respiratory problems. After almost a decade of hearings and $300 million spent, the court has drawn ire for its meagre tally of convictions and slow pace. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), as the court is formally called, launched in 2006 as a unique hybrid bench, with both Cambodian and international prosecutors and judges. But its lofty goals to deliver Cambodia truth and justice became mired in allegations of corruption and censorship. Questions about the courts independence have long dogged the process. The ECCC has always been a creature of compromise that was hemmed in by politics every step of the way, says Sebastian Strangio, journalist and author of Hun Sens Cambodia. The court was always burdened with a huge amount of expectation in terms of what it could achieve, while at the same time riven by fundamentally divergent perceptions of justice. Case 002/02, which concluded Friday, was a protracted affair: it opened in 2014 and heard testimony from 185 witnesses and experts over 283 days. Two other defendants in the case died before facing a verdict. Ieng Sary, the regimes foreign minister who was known as Brother Number Three, was charged with genocide but died in 2013. Ieng Thirith, his wife and the regimes social affairs minister, was deemed unfit to stand trial before she died in 2015. It is unlikely further Khmer Rouge principals will be held accountable. Cambodias long-ruling Prime Minister Hun Sen, himself a former Khmer Rouge defector, has imposed stringent limits on the courts domain. Only senior officials who were most responsible for the Khmer Rouges crimes were investigated, a decision that has protected the many ex-cadres who now fill the current governments ranks. Two additional cases concerning mid-level Khmer Rouge officials have stalled, while charges against former cadre Im Chaem were dropped earlier this year. Many of the perpetrators got away with murder, and theyve not been held to account, says Hong Lim, an Australian Labor party MP who left the country in 1970. I think the international community should be hanging their heads in shame. Read more: Why Some Khmer Rouge Suspects May Never Face Trial DC-Cams Chhang acknowledged the tribunals many shortcomings, but emphasized that they should not overshadow the verdicts significance. Tribunals are also not the only solution to transitional justice, he said. Its the end of the horrible chapter in Cambodia, but it doesnt mean that with it, we should celebrate. Theres a lot of work that needs to be done. More than a week after first igniting in Butte County, California, the news surrounding the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California history remains grim. The death toll from the Camp Fire increased to 77 on Sunday, as investigators continued to scour the charred wreckage of the community of Paradise and the surrounding area. Many people had only minutes to flee the explosive blaze when it ignited in early morning hours of Nov. 8. The community was said to be "wiped out" by the fire. Officials said the number of people missing is around 1,000. This number is down from previous reports which listed 1,300 missing persons in the wake of the blaze. Camp Fire in California forces evacuations AP Photo/Garret Fischer First, at vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui voluptatum. 1/12 (AP Photo/John Locher) Officials stand over human remains at a burned out home destroyed by the Camp Fire, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher) A bag containing human remains lies on the ground as officials continue to search at a burned out home at the Camp Fire, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) A vintage car rests among debris as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (Photo/Jason Weinrich) The sun being obscured by wildfire smoke. (AP Photo/Nicole Kowalczyke) This photo provided by Nicole Kowalczyke shows a piece of a burned page that fell out of the sky in Chico, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, as the Camp Fire burns nearby. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Flames consume a home as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. A California fire official says a fast-moving wildfire in Northern California has destroyed structures and injured civilians. (Photo/@shianalee) Cars driving through flames as people evacuate from the Camp Fire. (Photo/@Bugga_since_03) Story continues Smoke from the Camp Fire as seen from North Chico, California. (Twitter Photo/@CAL_FIRE) (AP Photo/Noah Berger) A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (Photo/Berkeley Firefighters) (Photo/Berkeley Firefighters) (Twitter Photo/@JasonHalley_CSU) (Twitter Photo/@CAL_FIRE) (Twitter Photo/@JasonHalley_CSU) (Twitter Photo/@Harrisonfresh) (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Flames consume a car dealership as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) As the Camp Fire burns nearby, a scorched car rests by gas pumps near Pulga, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) A vehicle drives through smoke from a wildfire near Pulga, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/John Locher) People sit by their tents at a makeshift encampment outside a Walmart store for people displaced by the Camp Fire, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Chico, California. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a press conference that he believes the large number of missing or unaccounted for persons is because people who evacuated quickly during the early stages of the fire, and are currently safe, may not be aware that they are considered missing. He said officials are making the list of missing people public so people can see if their name is on it and can call authorities to tell them them are safe. "It's really important for you to take a look at the list and call us if you're on the list," Honea was quoted by the Associated Press. Firefighters continue structure preparation and defense in areas threatened by the Camp Fire, according to the Cal Fire situation summary. The blaze has currently charred 150,000 acres and is 65 percent contained. President Trump toured the area around the Camp Fire, as well as the Woolsey Fire in Southern California on Saturday. The President pledged full support of the federal government. CA Fire update Nov 18 Welcome relief in the form of rain is expected to arrive in California later this week, but new dangers may arise. Due to the prospect of heavy rain, officials are urging those living in tents at the Walmart parking lot in Chico to relocate to a shelter at the county's fairgrounds. "People staying in the parking lot are not being forced to leave, however, rain is currently in the weather forecast for the area in the next several days, and Butte County and the City of Chico want to ensure that all evacuees displaced by the Camp Fire have a safe, dry, and clean place to stay," according to a press release by Butte County officials. The County is providing transportation to the shelter this weekend. Air quality concerns persisted throughout Northern California as firefighters continued to combat the blaze. The San Francisco Department of Public Health changed its air quality status to purple, or "very unhealthy", on Friday. The air quality status was listed as red, or "unhealthy", over the weekend. At such levels, sensitive residents should avoid all physical activity outdoors while other residents should limit prolonged activities or heavy exertion outside. Because the vehicles are not full enclosed, San Francisco's famed cable cars were pulled off the streets through this weekend. camp fire air quality san francisco The skyline is obscured by smoke and haze from wildfires as a tour boat makes its way along the waterfront Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) Mills College in the Bay Area has already announced that classes will remain suspended on Monday due to poor air quality, KGO-TV reported. The college football game between Cal and Stanford has been rescheduled to Dec. 1 because of the air quality. The rivalry game between the two schools, known as the "Big Game" was slated to be played on Saturday afternoon at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. By Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton BEIJING (Reuters) - China's efforts to stem the spread of African swine fever were dealt a fresh blow on Friday when the agricultural ministry confirmed it had found the first case in a wild boar, deepening a three-month-old crisis for the world's top pork producer. The country also confirmed the first outbreak in the southwest province of Sichuan, the country's leading pig-herding region, raising the likelihood of a major impact on pork supplies in coming months. The disease was found in a dead wild boar in Baishan city, Jilin province, in northeastern China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a statement published on its website. "The new case means that it will be even more difficult to control African swine fever. How do you control wild boars?" said Yah Guiding, an analyst with consultancy China-America Commodity Data Analytics. China has banned transportation of live pigs and products from regions infected by African swine fever and neighboring provinces to control the spread of the highly contagious disease, as well as prohibiting the feeding of kitchen waste to hogs. But the virus has continued to spread despite the government's efforts, with more than 60 outbreaks in 18 provinces across the nation since early August. (Swine fever in China IMG, https://tmsnrt.rs/2QMhmzL) China's large population of wild boar, which can harbor the disease without showing symptoms, is estimated to total around 33.5 million, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FARO). Local authorities in Jilin have inspected neighboring areas frequented by wild boars and carried out a comprehensive sterilization of all pig farms in the area, the agriculture ministry said in its statement. Analysts said the discovery of the wild boar suggested that the virus could have been brought into China by the animals coming from other countries. China has blamed the feeding of kitchen waste to pigs for the spread of disease. FAST SPREAD The highly contagious disease was also discovered on a farm of 40 pigs in Yibin city, in Sichuan's southeast. "With the new case in Sichuan, all major pig production provinces have now fallen. The situation is very severe," Yah said. China slaughters around 700 million pigs a year. Sichuan produced almost 66 million last year, according to official data, more than any other province. Sichuan is also the province with the highest per capita consumption of pork in China at 36 kg (79 pounds), according to data from the National Statistics Bureau. Provincial authorities in Sichuan issued a ban last week on the import of all live hogs and hog products from other regions in a bid to keep the disease out. But Yibin is close to Sichuan's borders with Chongqing municipality and Guizhou province, both of which have already reported outbreaks. Pig prices in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, are currently the highest in the country, thanks to strong local demand and a bump-up after the disease infected nearby provinces. Prices fell by 0.2 yuan on Friday from a day earlier to 17.7 yuan ($2.55) per kg, according to data collected by China-America Commodity Analytics. The discovery of African swine fever in Sichuan comes less than three months ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in early February that mark China's peak demand period for pork. There is no cure and no vaccine for the disease, and the virus can survive for weeks in pork and animal feed. (The story has been refiled to fix spellings of Baishan, Jilin and Chengdu in paragraphs 3, 8, 17) (Reporting by Dominique Patton, Hallie Gu and Muyu Xu; Editing by Tom Hogue and Kirsten Donovan) On Fridays CBS This Morning, co-host John Dickerson sat down with Cindy McCain for her first interview since the death of her husband, Sen. John McCain, nearly three months ago from an aggressive form of brain cancer. Maybe no one was surprised, given that Donald Trump once mocked the senator for being captured during the Vietnam War, among other insults, she spoke candidly about her feelings toward the president. Our families have had their differences, and Ill leave it at that, McCain said. Its been, at times, hard for me to listen to him about my husband, Ill be honest. And McCain said that after the recent midterm elections, she thinks Trump is questioning himself and, hopefully, getting back to basics. It is very humbling to lose, McCain said. And I hope he learns from it. And realizes that our country needs a strong leader. Not a negative Nancy, if I can put it in such a basic term. She revealed the president and first lady have not reached out since her husbands funeral. McCain said that not including the president in her husbands services was not a rebuke against Trump, but rather a message of civility. And that is something she thinks Trump should be focused on. We need our president. We need a White House thats strong, a White House thats not sparring with each other, McCain said. Right now, I think things are in disarray. I would hope, through this, he does learn. CBS This Morning airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS. Check out what CNN contributor Van Jones had to say about Donald Trumps backing of prison reform: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Washington (AFP) - A US federal judge delayed until Friday a ruling on a lawsuit to force the White House to reinstate a CNN reporter banned after a heated exchange with President Donald Trump during a news conference last week. Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, said he would rule by 10 am (1500 GMT) Friday, postponing his initial plan to rule on Thursday. CNN's suit, which the White House dismissed as "grandstanding," drew support from major US news organizations, including Fox News, the Rupert Murdoch-owned television network known for its friendly coverage of Trump and other conservatives. CNN lawyers argued in court Wednesday that the White House violated correspondent Jim Acosta's First Amendment right to free speech in revoking his credentials, and asked the court to order that they be reinstated. The US Justice Department's lawyer, James Burnham, countered that Acosta had "disrupted" last week's news conference. Burnham insisted "there is no First Amendment right to access the White House." Acosta, CNN's chief White House correspondent, angered Trump when he persisted in questioning the president at a November 7 news conference, ignoring demands he yield the microphone. From the podium, Trump called Acosta -- a frequent target of his ire -- a "rude, terrible person." Hours later the White House revoked Acosta's security pass, initially accusing him of "placing his hands" on a female press aide who tried to take the microphone away. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders released a video to support the claim, but analysts said the footage was sped up, creating the appearance that Acosta had manhandled the aide. In a "friend of court" brief, the White House Correspondents Association urged the court to find in favor of CNN, warning that to do otherwise would set a dangerous legal precedent. "The White House is the People's House, and the First Amendment does not permit the President to pick and choose which journalists do -- and do not -- cover him there." Others backing the CNN arguments in court included the Associated Press, Bloomberg, First Look Media Works, Gannett, the National Press Club Journalism Institute, NBC News, The New York Times, Politico, Press Freedom Defense Fund, EW Scripps Company, USA Today and The Washington Post. Samuel Little, 78, claims he was involved in around 90 killings spanning nearly four decades (Picture: AP) A convicted murderer in the US has claimed he was involved in as many as 90 killings spanning nearly 40 years. If Samuel Little, 78, is found to be telling the truth, he will become Americas deadliest serial killer. Little has been convicted of three murders in California and has long been suspected of being involved in numerous other deaths. According to a Texas prosecutor, Little has provided details in more than 90 deaths dating back to 1970, with investigators corroborating a third of them already. Ector County District Attorney Bobby Bland said the 78-year-old was booked into jail this week following his indictment in the 1994 death of a Texas woman and investigators with law enforcement agencies in several states have travelled to speak with him about other unsolved murders. Theyre able to match up over 30 cases so far, said Bland. So far we dont have any false information coming from him. MORE: Scientists prepare to say au revoir to current definition of a kilogram MORE: Police unveil UKs biggest speed camera which can spot drivers from 1,000 metres away Little was convicted in 2014 of the murders of three women Carol Alford, 41, Audrey Nelson, 35, and Apodaca, 46 in Los Angeles. During his 2014 trial in Los Angeles, prosecutors said it was likely that Little was responsible for at least 40 killings since 1980, with authorities looking for links to deaths in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. If what he says is true, Samuel Little could be Americas deadliest serial killer (Picture: AP) Little is next due in court later in November. If what Little claims is true, he will join the likes of Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Harold Shipman as some of the most prolific serial killers ikn the world. An election worker prepares ballots for tabulation in the count for Maine's 2nd Congressional District: AP Democrat Jared Golden has been the declared winner of Maines 2nd Congressional District as the Democrats flipped another House of Representatives seat from the Republicans The Marine Corps veteran and state Representative unseated Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin after starting the day trailing the incumbent by roughly 2,000 votes. The startling comeback made possible through the historic redistribution of ballots through ranked-choice voting. After ranked-choice votes for two independents vying for the seat were redistributed, Mr Golden surged ahead with slightly more than 3,000 votes, according to the Portland Press Herald. The final tally: 139,231 votes for Mr Golden, compared to 136,326 votes for Mr Poliquin. That gives Mr Golden 50.5 per cent of the vote, and Mr Poliquin 49.5 per cent. Ranked-choice voting which allows voters to choose their first pick on their ballot but rank other choices below that is uncommon in the United States, but has been used in a number of local elections across the country in recent election cycles. The Maine race is the first time the system has been used in a US congressional race. The system is designed to encourage voter participation and ensure that voters feel as though their ballots count even if they vote for long shot, independent candidates by redistributing votes for candidates for whom it would be mathematically impossible to win after the initial vote. Votes are only redistributed in ranked-choice elections if a candidate fails to gain more than 50 per cent of the vote during the first round. From there, ballots from losing candidates are redistributed based upon who is ranked next on the ballot. It is not clear that Thursdays tally will be the end of the battle for Maines 2nd Congressional District, however, as Mr Poliquin is challenging the constitutionality of the ranked-choice voting system in federal court. It is now officially clear I won the constitutional one-person, one-vote first choice election on Election Day that has been used in Maine for more than one hundred years, Mr Poliquin said in a statement. We will proceed with our constitutional concerns about the rank vote algorithm. Story continues Mr Poliquin was joined by three other plaintiffs asking US District Court Judge Lance Walker to declare ranked-choice unconstitutional, and to halt the tabulation process while he considers the question of constitutionality. But Mr Walker denied the request, and cited general support from citizens in Maine for the system. As it stands, the citizens of Maine have rejected the policy arguments plaintiffs advance against RCV, Mr Walker wrote in a Thursday ruling. Maine voters cast their ballots in reliance on the RCV system. For the reasons indicated above, I am not persuaded that the United States Constitution compels the Court to interfere with this most sacred expression of democratic will by enjoining the ballot-counting process and declaring Representative Poliquin the victor. While these elections in Maine were the first time a congressional race was determined through ranked-choice voting, many local municipalities across the US have used the system to choose between city council seats, school board members, and mayors. That includes ranked-choice for the mayorship in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the mayorship of San Francisco, and other local races in a handful of states. Brenda Howell is glad her father isnt alive to see Paradise, Calf., today. He was the longtime fire chief of the mountain town of 26,000 and always warned it was a tinderbox with wooden houses built along winding roads in a densely forested mountainside. Northern Californias Camp Fire proved all of his fears were well founded when it ripped through the town last Thursday. The wildfire wiped out 95% of Paradise, killing at least 49 people in town and seven others in the surrounding area. More than 8,000 homes and businesses were destroyed, leaving most of the city a charred ruin. Howell lost her home and, like many of her neighbors, she didnt have fire insurance leaving her with almost nothing. But shes determined to rebuild. This is my home. I dont want to go anywhere else but home, Howell says. Photo courtesy of Brenda Howell As residents of Paradise vow to rebuild the town, community leaders are hoping to build it safer less prone to catastrophic damage in future fires like the Camp Fire, and with better evacuation routes. Greg Bolin, Paradises vice mayor, says that it will be important to make sure all new homes are built up to California state fire code. Many of the buildings in the town were made of wood and built in the 1960s. New buildings could be made of flame resistant materials and include tweaks such as putting venting on the roof to prevent embers from getting inside the attic to make them safer. Bolin also hopes to make sure there are no longer trees near buildings. This is a town that loves trees. We have to be careful with how many trees we have around our structures, Bolin says. William Stewart, a specialist at the University of California-Berkeleys Center for Forestry, says that building homes up to state fire code could reduce the risk of them being destroyed in a fire by 70%. But properly protecting the town will require the local, the state and the federal government to work together. Stewart says Paradise will need improvements such as widening the roads to enable evacuations; managing the vegetation on nearby federal land and in the town; and investing in infrastructure. Story continues If you just focus on one thing, the others will get dropped, Stewart says of the recovery process. Its a multi-pronged problem. The cleanup alone promises to be a challenge of historic proportions. Sean Smith, the debris coordinator for the California Office of Emergency Services, says his agency expects this to be the biggest debris cleanup since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Initial estimates for the cost of debris removal alone are about $1.2 billion, Smith said. In this aerial photo, a burned neighborhood is seen in Paradise, California, on November 15, 2018. Rebuilding without fire insurance will be a challenge for Howell and many of her neighbors. Community members in this situation must depend on charity and government programs such as FEMAs Individuals and Households Program and loans from the Small Business Administration, according to a FEMA spokesperson. Despite the destruction, Smith says that given his past experience with fires, he believes most residents of the town will start over and rebuild. Folks always come back and rebuild. I have no doubt that these folks will come back, Smith says. Eric Lamoureux, who is directing the California Office of Emergency Services response to the crisis, says his immediate goal after the fire is extinguished is to get rid of dangerous debris and to get utilities such as electricity and water up and running. Lamoureux says his office is focused on helping the community to navigate federal bureaucracy in order to receive financial support for the recovery effort. Federal funds will provide for about 75% of the towns recovery costs, and 75% of the remaining cost will be provided by the state. Those funds will pay to rebuild streets, public utilities and other public property. Private insurance and individuals will be responsible for rebuilding their homes unless they can acquire separate grants from charities or the government. Lamourex says that it is absolutely possible for the community to come back. We can make it safe to rebuild there, Lamoureux says. Donald Trump and Theresa May in a meeting in September - REUTERS Donald Trump challenged Theresa May over her Brexit plan and its impact on a possible UK-US free trade deal during a fractious recent call as he travelled on Air Force One. Well-placed UK sources told The Daily Telegraph that the US president was in a bad mood and acting like Trump the Grump during their conversation last Friday. Mrs May called to congratulate Mr Trump on the Republicans' better-than-expected results at the US midterm elections but received an irritated response from the president, who reportedly berated her on a string of topics. There is concern among some British figures who work closely on the US-UK relationship that Mr Trump is echoing the "Farage-Bannon line on Mrs Mays Brexit proposals. That refers to fierce criticism from Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, and Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist, about the Prime Ministers Chequers plan. One UK government source said: Everyone knows he was throwing a complete wobbly for two solid days in France. Quite what caused it we dont know. Had there been a call on that day with anybody it would have been tetchy. From what I understand, it was Trump the Grump that day, but we all have bad days. The source added on Mr Trump's Brexi views: There is a Farage-Bannon line which is in his head and we know thats his mentality. But thats fine, we live with that. Mr Trump made clear during his visit to Britain in July that he thought Mrs May should have taken a tougher line on Brexit talks. It later emerged he proposed she hire lawyers to sue Brussels. He also said that Mrs Mays Chequers deal would kill the chance of a trade deal criticism delivered in an interview with The Sun which he then walked back in a press conference. Four well-placed sources in Washington DC and London gave this newspaper an insight into the testy phone call between Mrs May and Mr Trump, first reported by The Washington Post. Story continues It was initiated by the Prime Minister, apparently to curry favour with the US president by congratulating him on the US midterm election results. The Republicans managed to increase their majority in the US Senate, thought they lost control of the House of Representatives. However during the call the pair made clear their differences on the Iran nuclear deal, which Mr Trump withdraw America from but Britain and the other signatories are fighting to keep alive. Mrs May briefed the president on the Brexit negotiations as well as discussing the chances of a US-UK free trade deal, with formal talks due to begin once the UK is formally outside of the EU. The Washington Post reported that Mr Trump 'lost his cool' with Mrs May, adding: "He berated the British prime minister on Iran, trade and Brexit, among other topics." One UK official played down how heated the call had been, making clear there were differences of opinion but that the clashes had not been as extreme as the Washington Posts report suggested. Santiago (AFP) - El Salvador has earned a grim distinction: it is the country with the highest rate of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2017, with more than 10 killings for every 100,000 women. Across the region, at least 2,795 women aged 15 and older were murdered last year due to their gender, the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Thursday. In absolute terms, Brazil had the most murders of women with 1,133, but given El Salvador's much smaller population, its rate easily outpaced that seen in other countries. Femicide "has a scope in El Salvador that is seen nowhere else in the region," the organization said as it released the report from its Gender Equality Observatory. Even though 18 Latin American countries -- including Brazil and El Salvador -- have changed their laws to make killing women a crime, the situation continues unabated. "Femicide is the most extreme expression of violence against women," said ECLAC's executive secretary, Alicia Barcena. "Neither the criminal classification of this offense nor the efforts to make it statistically visible have been enough to eradicate this scourge that alarms and horrifies us on a daily basis." Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia have also seen high rates of murders of women of at least two per 100,000. In the region, only Panama, Peru and Venezuela had rates under one murder for every 100,000 women. ECLAC called on leaders to "consider women's diversity and the varied ways in which violence against them is manifested," as crimes against women also usually have economic, age, racial and cultural components. Emma Stone (Credit: EFE) Emma Stone has said that she insisted on a nude scene in her new movie The Favourite. The La La Land actress plays Abigail Mashan in the historical piece, who was involved in a love triangle between Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, and Sarah Jennings Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough. Its been directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the Greek filmmaker who shot to fame after his 2015 movie The Lobster. I had the sheet up around me, she told The Hollywood Reporter. And as we were shooting it and we did a few takes, I said, Can I please just be [naked]? I think its going to give Sarah something to look at when she sees that Im not just under the sheet covered up. Olivia was like, No, dont do it! Yorgos was like, Are you sure thats what you want to do? And I was like, Absolutely. I chose to do it. I was like, this makes sense to me. Its an absolute [Stone flips the bird] to Sarah. Its the first time that Stone has ever appeared nude on screen. It comes after Brit actress Claire Foy did quite the opposite, asking for what she deemed to be an unnecessary sex scene in The Girl In The Spiders Web to be removed from the movie. There were originally sex scenes in the movie, and I said Can we just ask the question why thats in there? she told Yahoo Movies. I am all for anything as long as it informs the character and the story. So we had those conversations and it was really interesting to have people go Oh yeah, youre right. It was really interesting. Director Fede Alvarez ended up removing it. Read more Taron Egerton not in next Kingsman film Idris Elba doll looks nothing like Idris Elba Armie Hammer criticised over Stan Lee tweet Theresa May with her Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz (Getty) EU powerbroker Sebastian Kurz has provided a much-needed boost to beleaguered Theresa May by urging British MPs to back the Brexit deal. The Austrian chancellor and current chair of the European Council insisted that the agreement brokered this week is a good deal for both sides. Nobody has been cheated, he told reporters as he arrived for meetings in Brussels. This deal prevents a hard Brexit. Therefore it helps us in Europe, but even more so it helps Britain because a hard Brexit would hit Britain significantly more severely. In a message to British MPs, he added: I sincerely hope there will be some necessary support in the British parliament, that would lay the foundation for an orderly withdrawal. MORE: EU tells Mays critics: this deal is the best we can do Kurzs comments are part of a campaign by the EU to crush suggestions in London that a better deal could be negotiated. German chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that there is no question of further bargaining. Her message was reiterated on Friday by Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, who said major changes seem unlikely. And a senior EU diplomat warned: There is no plan B for us. If the British cabinet falls and we cant call an EU summit to back the draft agreement or the Commons doesnt ratify it, we enter into a serious crisis. But former Brexit secretary David Davis fought back against the idea that its this deal or no deal in an interview with the Today programme. Of course they want us to accept this dreadful deal, he said. A deal is very, very favourable to them so of course theyre going to say: were not going to accept any changes. Former Brexit secretary David Davis says the government should go back to Brussels and renegotiate (Getty) The extent of the opposition to the deal in the Commons was laid bare during a three-hour debate with Theresa May on Thursday, during which the prime minister sustained attacks from her own benches as well as from the opposition. Davis predicted that May will be forced to re-enter negotiations when the deal is voted down by MPs and said a no-deal Brexit would be much better than the current deal. Story continues The EU is pressing ahead with preparations for a summit to sign-off the current deal next Sunday despite the perilous position it is now in. Representatives of the EU27 held a two-and-a-half-hour discussion over the deal with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday. MORE: EUs Tusk says bloc is prepared for Brexit to be cancelled Ministers from each member state will then meet in Brussels on Monday for a political level discussion, but no objections are expected to be made. France has parked its concerns over fishing rights in order to get the Withdrawal Agreement over the line. One diplomat said: Fish is an issue but I guess it will be addressed in the political declaration. On the European side, I dont see any roadblocks ahead. UK and EU negotiators are meeting again over the weekend in a bid to finalise the political declaration, which is due to be published next Tuesday. Speaking as he left Fridays meeting with ambassadors, Barnier said of the deal: Its an ongoing process. READ MORE: EU tells Mays critics: this deal is the best we can do In an effort to muffle criticism of how it handled Russian interference and disinformation, Facebook reportedly carried out a campaign to discredit dissenters that included targeted attacks on Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros. A New York Times investigation, published Wednesday, delves into the social media giants handling of the controversy and chaos following the discovery of targeted disinformation campaigns. Facebook, facing increasing backlash in Washington, hired Definers Public Affairs, a Republican opposition research firm, to discredit anti-Facebook protesters by linking them to figures like Soros, a longtime critic of the social network, the newspaper reported. Facebook initially worked with Definers to monitor press coverage of the company, but then expanded the relationship in October 2017, according to the report. The public relations firm then reportedly began promoting negative coverage of Facebooks rivals, including Apple and Google. Definers also reportedly targeted Soros after anti-Facebook activists promoted what appeared to be anti-Semitic imagery during a congressional hearing. The firm sent a research document to reporters over the summer alleging that Soros was behind an anti-Facebook movement; his Open Society Foundations, for example, supported a group that his son founded as well as Color of Change, a group whose often partners with an anti-Facebook advocacy group called Freedom From Facebook. Facebook confirmed that Definers did urge some members of the media to examine the groups funding, though fiercely rebutted any connection to anti-Semitism. The intention was to demonstrate that it was not simply a spontaneous grassroots campaign, as it claimed, but supported by a well-known critic of our company, according to a statement. To suggest that this was an anti-Semitic attack is reprehensible and untrue. Tim Miller, a Definers official, expressed his disgust over his companys actions being viewed as anti-Semitic, stating that the information sent to journalists was all based on public records. Story continues Im disgusted by the rise of anti-semitism including people who have falsely targeted Soros, he tweeted Wednesday night. Its deeply deeply personal. Ive continuously fought the alt-right & others who spread racist lies & hate & will keep doing so. A Facebook spokesperson also denied the accusations that the company played a direct role in Definers work, saying in a statement that it is wrong to suggest that we have ever asked Definers to pay for or write articles on Facebooks behalf, or communicate anything untrue. The company said it cut ties with Definers following the publication of the Times expose and told HuffPost that top executives like Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg werent aware of Definers work for Facebook. Excoriated for not taking the fake news crisis seriously enough, Facebook continues to grapple with coordinated inauthentic behavior. Dozens of pages and accounts were taken down ahead of the midterm elections, though whether these efforts were sufficient remains unclear. Related... Facebook Identifies Iran-Linked Disinformation Effort With More Than 1 Million Followers Facebook Shut Down More Than 100 Accounts Possibly Linked To Midterm Interference Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The Golden Gate Bridge is obscured by smoke and haze from wildfires Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in this view from Fort Baker near Sausalito, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) SAN FRANCISCO While the shocking death toll and images of destruction from the Camp Fire in Northern California have dominated headlines, its thick blanket of unhealthy smoke has paralyzed communities across a large swath of the state, creating a public health crisis for millions of residents spread out over hundreds of miles. Throughout the Bay Area were seeing either unhealthy air readings or very unhealthy air in San Francisco right now, Tina Landis, public information officer at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, told Yahoo News. Were getting readings of 235 [on the Air Quality Index scale], which is in that very unhealthy range, and this is because were getting very light winds that are blowing directly from the fire into the Bay Area. Schools and universities in cities and towns from Chico down to San Jose, over 150 miles south, were closed on Friday due to worsening air conditions. Some communities saw readings in the hazardous range, which is the highest on the air-quality scale. It has been virtually impossible for residents to escape the smoke that has spread south from the blaze that wiped out the city of Paradise and has left at least 63 people dead and, as of noon Friday, 10 times that number missing. The impacts are immediate. It causes all kinds of respiratory problems, especially if you already have asthma or youre a child or an older person, Landis said. It can trigger all kinds of underlying issues, including heart attacks. The fine particulate matter are very tiny. One thousand sit on the head of a pin, and they get deep inside your lungs and enter your blood stream. California heath officials have warned residents to stay indoors and recommended avoiding physical activity, especially for those with breathing or heart conditions. On Thursday, as the reading in Sacramento hovered near hazardous, public schools in the district remained open. My eyes were burning my nose was burning and my lungs hurt, Margaret Myers, a second-grade teacher at Sacramentos Camelia Elementary told Yahoo News, adding that keeping students indoors the entire day was simply not feasible. You pick the kids up from the cafeteria, walk them outside to get to the classroom, teach for a couple hours, walk them outside to use the restroom, walk them back to the classroom. You walk them outside to go to the PE room. Story continues A couple standing on Alcatraz Island wear masks while looking out to the bay obscured by smoke and haze from wildfires on Thursday. (Photo: Eric Risberg/AP) Many parents, Myers said, sent their kids to school this week wearing ill-fitting surgical masks that health professionals deem insufficient to filter out dangerous particles. A better choice is an N95 respirator mask, and fire stations in Sacramento had distributed an estimated 67,000 of them to residents through Wednesday. Staying indoors is better than going out with a mask, which arent foolproof. Unless you have a very symmetrical face, they dont seal perfectly, Landis said. If you have a beard they dont seal. If youre a child they often dont fit correctly. The masks are for when you absolutely have to go outside. Its better than nothing. An hour and a half south, in the town of Albany, located in the East Bay next to Berkeley, face masks are a common sight on sidewalks and in supermarkets. The Thursday night decision to cancel classes Friday shows how local officials are making decisions as they go. In the days since the Camp Fire began near Chico, air quality in Alameda County remains at levels considered unhealthy by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Albany schools superintendent Val Williams told parents in an email. He added: the air quality over the past week has not improved, and tomorrows forecast does not indicate that conditions will change. A drive across the Golden Gate Bridge is decidedly less scenic as a result of the Camp Fire. Visibility is so low that the tops of the iconic spires are a hazy blur, and the view of Alcatraz is all but obliterated. In the city itself, where schools have also been shuttered, sidewalks feel empty and cable car service has been suspended. Being indoors with your windows and doors closed is the best protection, Landis said. Obviously, if you can afford a filter or youre in a newer house with windows that seal, thats the best option. If you have a very drafty house or already have respiratory issues, you should look for a shelter with filtered air. The San Francisco skyline is obscured by smoke and haze from wildfires behind Alcatraz Island on Wednesday. (Photo: Eric Risberg/AP) San Francisco has set up dozens of such shelters, some in public library branches, others in theaters with air filtration systems, but getting to one requires residents to step outside. With no rain expected in Northern California through early next week, air quality across the region is not expected measurably improve anytime soon, and residents are being forced to adapt. Sadly, I think if this is going to be the new normal, we need to adopt some sort of policy about air quality, because its not OK for these kids to be out, Myers said. While Bay Area residents forced to stay indoors are lucky in comparison to those who lost homes or loved ones in the fire, a grim realization seems also to have taken hold for a part of the world engulfed by smoke for the second full week since a different wildfire ravaged Sonoma just over a year ago. The effects of climate change, this is what were seeing right now. Wildfires are becoming more frequent in California, Landis said. We are going to have these challenges to public health as a result. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: The FBI and authorities in Aruba are investigating whether the tragic death of an American woman on a Caribbean cruise was an accident or a crime. The Princess Cruises Royal Princess cruise ship was in the Caribbean early Tuesday when the victim, a 52-year-old woman who has not been publicly identified, plunged from an upper deck onto a lifeboat below, according to authorities. When the ship arrived at port in Aruba, local authorities launched an investigation. Aruba news outlet Diario reported that witnesses saw the victim engaged in an altercation with another passenger prior to her death. Authorities have yet to confirm that report. In an interview with USA Today, Aruba Public Prosecutors Office spokeswoman Ann Angela said investigators are trying to determine whether the womans death is an accident or a crime. Its obvious that she fell, but why did she fall? Was she pushed? Did she jump? Angela asked. That is what we are investigating, to find out exactly what happened. Angela said the victims husband, who has not been named a suspect or person of interest in his wifes death, is still on the island. The FBI has since joined the investigation. If the evidence points towards it being a crime, then, of course, we will look into [a] suspect, Angela told USA Today. The Aruba Public Prosecutors Office did not respond to a request for comment from HuffPost. The 3,600-passenger ship left Floridas Port Everglades on Nov. 9 for a seven-day round-trip southern Caribbean cruise. The ship, which was traveling between the islands of Curacao and Aruba at the time of the womans death, is due back in Florida on Saturday, officials said. We are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities, including the FBI, Princess Cruises said in a statement. An official cause of death has not been announced. While authorities await autopsy results, the investigative work on board the ship appears to be complete. The cruise ship departed Aruba Wednesday for Bonaire. Story continues Send David Lohr an email or follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Related Coverage Who Is To Blame For 8 Year-Olds-Death On Carnival Ship? Seven Americans And Two Swedish Cruise Ship Passengers Killed On Excursion Near Costa Maya, Mexico Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. View of the Costa Concordia taken on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and about 70 were missing Saturday after an Italian cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over, sparking scenes of panic. AFP PHOTO/FILIPPO MONTEFORTE View of the Costa Concordia on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and about 70 were missing after an Italian cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over, sparking scenes of panic. FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images View of the Costa Concordia taken on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and about 70 were missing Saturday after an Italian cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over, sparking scenes of panic. AFP PHOTO/FILIPPO MONTEFORTE View of the Costa Concordia on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and several were missing after the ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground sparking chaos as passengers scrambled to get off. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE View of the Costa Concordia on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and several were missing after the ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground sparking chaos as passengers scrambled to get off. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE View of the Costa Concordia on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and several were missing after the ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground sparking chaos as passengers scrambled to get off. The ship was on a cruise in the Mediterranean, leaving from Savona with planned stops in Civitavecchia, Palermo, Cagliari, Palma, Barcelona and Marseille,' the company said. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE Passengers of the Costa Concordia arrive at Porto Santo Stefano on January 14, 2012, after being evacuated from the cruise ship that ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE Passengers of the Costa Concordia arrive at Porto Santo Stefano on January 14, 2012, after being evacuated from the cruise ship that ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE The luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia leans on its side as after running aground off the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. This aerial video image taken from a helicopter and released by the Italian Guardia di Finanza (Border Police) shows the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia as it lays on its side. AP Photo/Italian Guardia di Finanza Border Police The luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia lays on its side after running aground near the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Passengers of the Costa Concordia arrive at Porto Santo Stefano on January 14, 2012, after being evacuated from the cruise ship that ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE Passengers of the Costa Concordia arrive at Porto Santo Stefano on January 14, 2012, after being evacuated from the cruise ship that ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE A photograph taken on January 14, 2012 of the Costa Concordia after the cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, and Italian island, last night. AFP PHOTO / STRINGER Rescue boats approach the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia resting on its starboard side after running aground the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia leans on its side after running aground the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia leans on its starboard side as seen from the Giglio harbor, after running aground off the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Crowds gather on the island of Giglio, where passengers aboard the cruise ship Costa Concordia have been staying after the vessel ran aground, on January 14, 2012 in Giglio Porto, Italy. (Laura Lezza/Getty Images) Crowds gather on the island of Giglio, where passengers aboard the cruise ship Costa Concordia have been staying after the vessel ran aground, on January 14, 2012 in Giglio Porto, Italy. More than four thousand people were on board when the ship hit a sandbank. At least 3 people have been confirmed dead and another 50 are unaccounted for. (Laura Lezza/Getty Images) Crowds gather on the island of Giglio, where passengers aboard the cruise ship Costa Concordia have been staying after the vessel ran aground, on January 14, 2012 in Giglio Porto, Italy. More than four thousand people were on board when the ship hit a sandbank. At least 3 people have been confirmed dead and another 50 are unaccounted for. (Laura Lezza/Getty Images) A general view of the scene on the island of Giglio, near to where the cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground, on January 14, 2012 in Giglio Porto, Italy. More than four thousand people were on board when the ship hit a sandbank. At least 3 people have been confirmed dead and another 50 are unaccounted for. (Laura Lezza/Getty Images) View of the Costa Concordia on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and several were missing after the ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground sparking chaos as passengers scrambled to get off. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The Food and Drug Administration will restrict sales of most flavored e-cigarettes to stores that prohibit minors altogether or include sections that bar minors. The FDA will also pursue bans on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Juul, Altria, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco submitted their own plans to the FDA for curbing youth use of their e-cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration will restrict sales of most flavored e-cigarettes to age-restricted stores and pursue bans on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigarettes as it tries to control what Commissioner Scott Gottlieb describes as an "astonishing" surge in teen e-cigarette use that is reversing years of progress in fighting youth tobacco addiction. Gottlieb in a statement Thursday outlined a slew of policies and essentially threatened to pull products from the market if manufacturers do not follow them. He cited data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention's National Youth Tobacco Survey, expected to be released in its entirety later Thursday, showing that 3.6 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes. "These increases must stop," Gottlieb said in a statement. "And the bottom line is this: I will not allow a generation of children to become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes. We won't let this pool of kids, a pool of future potential smokers, of future disease and death, to continue to build. We'll take whatever action is necessary to stop these trends from continuing." The announcement comes just over two months since Gottlieb ordered manufacturers to fix what he called "epidemic" levels of teens using e-cigarettes and specifically instructed five brands Juul, British American Tobacco BATS-GB 's Vuse, Altria MO 's MarkTen, Imperial Brands IMB-GB ' Blu E-cigs and Japan Tobacco 2914.T-JP 's Logic to submit plans detailing how they will prevent teens from using their products. He gave them 60 days, with the deadline passing on Sunday. Story continues FDA targets fruity flavors The FDA will require all types of flavored e-cigarettes, excluding menthol, to be sold by retailers that altogether prohibit people under the age of 18, the federal minimum age to buy tobacco products, or have a section of the store that bars minors. This policy effectively bans most flavored products from convenience stores and gas stations while permitting them in the roughly 10,000 tobacco and vape shops. The agency will allow mint- and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes to continue to be sold at all retailers until it 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. However, Gottlieb said the agency will reconsider the exemption if data show kids are using these products. "America's youth are facing a public health crisis that threatens an entire generation: skyrocketing use of nicotine products, brought on by access to flavored products in particular," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement. E-cigarette manufacturers that wish to sell flavored products more broadly in the future must first submit the products to the FDA to review and authorize. The FDA will require products that are found illegally being sold in stores to undergo review and would be pulled from the market until the agency completes the application process and clears it, which it may not. In the process, known as a premarket tobacco application, products must prove they deliver a net public health benefit. All e-cigarettes currently on the market will eventually go through this process. Products that were on the market before Aug. 8, 2016, were supposed to start undergoing review this year until Gottlieb extended the deadline until Aug. 8, 2022, so manufacturers would have more time to file complete applications. Companies who do not comply with new FDA-mandated age verification guidelines for online sales or are marketed to children, including by using popular children's cartoons or names of kid-favorite products like brands of candy or soda, would lose this extension and be required to undergo review. Gottlieb said the FDA will explore how to accelerate the process for new technologies that prove they can keep kids from using them. Fontem Ventures, a unit of Imperial Brands and maker of blu e-cigarettes , and Juul have both said t hey plan to test new connected devices outside of the U.S. Some manufacturers have already started taking action on flavors. Altria said it will voluntarily remove its MarkTen pod-based products from the market and will stop selling all flavors except for menthol or tobacco in its "cig-a-like" products until the FDA reviews and clears them. Juul, the clear e-cigarette market leader, on Tuesday stopped accepting retail orders for its mango, fruit, creme and cucumber pods from the more than 90,000 convenience stores, vape shops and other retailers that sell them, CEO Kevin Burns said Tuesday in a blog post on the company's website. Juul plans to resume sales to retailers that are legally allowed to sell flavored e-cigarettes and adopt the company's new age restrictions and verification system, though it's unclear when sales could resume. FDA to pursue ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars The FDA will also advance rules to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, Gottlieb said Thursday. In 2009, the FDA banned certain flavors in cigarettes, but menthol was excluded, as were other tobacco products. Critics have begged the agency to reverse these exemptions in the years since. This spring, the FDA took the first step toward implementing a new rule on flavors in tobacco products. The comment period closed in July. On menthol specifically, the FDA started the process of issuing a rule in 2013, which may allow the agency to speed up a process that can take years to finalize and implement. More than half of youth smokers between the ages of 12 and 17 use menthol cigarettes, compared with less than one-third of adult smokers 35 and older, Gottlieb said. Among African-American youth, data show 7 out of 10 smoke menthol cigarettes, he said. "Now, armed with the additional years of data, comments from the public and with the perspective of our Comprehensive Plan and its implementation the FDA will accelerate the proposed rulemaking process to ensure that our policies on flavored tobacco products protect public health across the continuum of risk," Gottlieb said. Menthol cigarettes represent 35 percent of total industry volume, Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog wrote Monday in a note to clients. A ban on menthol cigarettes could slice into British American Tobacco BATS-GB , Imperial Brands IMB-GB and Altria MO sales. Shares of BAT and Imperial Brands fell about 2 percent Thursday following news of the FDA's plan, while Altria's stock dipped more than 1 percent. Data show surge in teens using e-cigarettes More than 3.6 million middle and high school students reported being current e-cigarette users in 2018, according the CDC's National Youth Tobacco Survey. The number of high school students who reported being current e-cigarette users, meaning they used the product within the past 30 days, increased 78 percent between 2017 and 2018. That equates to 3.05 million high school students, or 20.8 percent of this group. Among middle school students, current e-cigarette use increased 48 percent between 2017 and 2018, equaling 570,000, or 4.9 percent of middle school students. "These data shock my conscience," Gottlieb said. Of current high school e-cigarette users, 27.7 percent regularly used the product on 20 or more days in the past month, and 67.8 percent used flavored e-cigarettes, Gottlieb said, citing the survey data. Researchers suggest the popularity of "certain types of e-cigarettes, such as JUUL" likely caused the surge in e-cigarette use. "The markedly accelerating rate of e-cigarette use among U.S. youth within the past year is a cause for grave concern," CDC Director Robert Redfield said in a statement. The spikes in e-cigarette use also cause overall tobacco product use to increase. Among high school students, 27.1 percent said they used any tobacco product, a 38 percent rise from the previous year. Among middle school students, 7.2 percent said they used one, a 29 percent year-over-year increase. WATCH: How Juul made vaping cool and became a $15 billion e-cigarette giant More From CNBC In a preliminary ruling, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., sided with CNN on Friday in its lawsuit against President Trump, ordering the White House to immediately reinstate correspondent Jim Acostas press credentials. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly, who was appointed by Trump, said the White House failed to provide Acosta due process in revoking his access, and he granted a temporary restraining order restoring it. Kelly noted that it was a very limited ruling, based on due-process considerations. The judge said that Trump does not have to call on Acosta ever again but that the CNN chief White House correspondent is owed due process before the administration can revoke his hard, or permanent, press pass. Whatever process occurred within the government is still so shrouded in mystery that the government could not tell me at oral argument who made the initial decision to revoke Mr. Acostas press pass, Kelly said. CNN had been seeking to restore Acostas credentials as the networks First Amendment case against the White House goes forward. We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days, CNN said in a statement. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press. Acosta made a brief statement outside the court thanking colleagues in the media for support, adding: Lets get back to work. The network said that Acosta would be reporting from the White House on Friday afternoon. Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporters hard pass. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House. The judge, however, did not issue a ruling on the First Amendment. He ruled Acostas Fifth Amendment rights were violated. Story continues CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta leaves U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) Speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump said the administration was drafting rules and regulations for journalists to follow. People have to behave, Trump said. We want total freedom of the press. Its more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect when youre at the White House, and when I see the way some of my people get treated at news conferences, its terrible. Well end up back in court and we will win, the president predicted. The Trump administration revoked Acostas hard pass last week after a contentious exchange between the reporter and the president at a press conference the day after the midterm elections. When Acosta tried to press Trump on the language he has used to describe Central American migrants seeking asylum at the southern border, Trump called him a rude, terrible person and ordered him to sit down. The White House later released a statement saying it was suspending Acostas hard pass, which provides expedited access to the White House grounds, alleging that he inappropriately touched a White House intern who was trying to grab his microphone. President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his administration, Sanders said in a statement. 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. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. A White House staff member reaches for the microphone held by CNNs Jim Acosta as he questions President Trump during a news conference at the White House, Nov. 7, 2018. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Sanders then shared a doctored video that she claimed clearly documented the incident. But the deceptively edited video, first posted by a YouTube user known for his conspiratorial videos, was sped up to make Acostas movements seem more aggressive. In his ruling, Kelly said the allegation that Acosta placed his hands on the intern was of questionable accuracy. In its complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, CNN argued that the revocation of Acostas access was the culmination of years of hostility by President Trump against CNN and Acosta based on the media outlets reporting and was an unabashed attempt to censor the press and exclude reporters from the White House who challenge and dispute the Presidents point of view. More than a dozen other media outlets, including Fox News, released statements of support for CNN. Fox News supports CNN in its legal effort to regain its White House reporters press credential, Fox News President Jay Wallace said in a statement. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized. While we dont condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - A gang of men rampage through a burning village in Central African Republic, rifles and machetes swinging, the bodies of their victims slain on the ground. But then a voice shouts "cut, cut!" and the fighters lower their weapons and the corpses get up. It is a scene from upcoming film "Camille", based on the life of French photojournalist Camille Lepage who was killed aged 26 working in CAR in 2014. "The casting director was looking for someone who looked like her," says Nina Meurisse, who plays Camille. With her long brown hair tied back, sunglasses perched on her head and a camera slung over her shoulder, Meurisse certainly resembles photographs of Lepage working in the country. "When I saw the picture I thought, look, it's funny, we do have something in common," Meurisse says. Lepage was killed during a firefight between rival militia in the restive country, where she had been covering sectarian bloodletting and its impact on civilians. According to a source close to the case at the time, she died on May 12, 2014 after being shot in the head near Bouar in the west of the country. "We had to live up to what Camille experienced, her courage," says producer Bruno Nahon, explaining the film team felt they had to shoot on location in CAR. "We know that reality is more powerful... than fiction." The French-CAR crew have set up in the capital Bangui and surrounding areas to make the film, which is supported by Alliance Francaise, Canal-Plus, Pyramide and the National Centre for French Cinema (CNC). "I always thought, and people thought it was crazy, that it would be easier (to shoot) in Central Africa" than anywhere else, smiles director Boris Lojkine. - Attacks on media - Lojkine has focused on recreating the details of Lepage's life on screen, cutting in archive shots from the time with the film's footage. The emphasis on realism has seen former militia members cast in some roles and a photographer, Michael Zumstein, who was in Bangui at the same time as Lepage, will also play himself. Story continues As well as focusing on Lepage's life and career, the film reflects on the violence that has ravaged CAR in recent years. Militias have been battling in CAR since the 2013 overthrow of long-time leader Francois Bozize, a Christian, by a majority-Muslim coalition of militias called the Seleka. Thousands of people have died, 700,000 have been internally displaced and another 570,000 have fled abroad. The other main militia is the Christian-dominated Antibalaka. More than four years after Lepage's death, being a journalist in CAR remains risky. "Attacks against the media are continuing and the safety of journalists caught between the various warring factions is far from secure," according to the NGO Reporters Without Borders. Lojkine says CAR authorities helped ensure the crew's safety during filming. He also insisted the film would handle Lepage's last moments with dignity and sensitivity. "The scene where Camille is killed will not be shown," says Lojkine. Volunteers in Broward County, a Democratic stronghold in Florida, recounted hundreds of thousands of votes this week by order of the state but it was all for nothing. Joe DAlessandro, the countys director of elections, revealed Thursday that his team had missed the 3 p.m. deadline by just two minutes. The recount of some 700,000 ballots, done by machine, had gotten off to a slow start because of technical glitches, and the director attributed the missed deadline to another computer-related delay. The secretary of states office did not accept Browards new numbers. Instead, the numbers it originally reported on Saturday will stand. Basically, I just worked my ass off for nothing, DAllesandro told reporters, blaming his unfamiliarity with a government website. Brenda Snipes, the countys supervisor of elections, told South Floridas Sun-Sentinel that she holds herself accountable for the mistake. Volunteers, however, can find some solace in the fact that Browards new numbers even if they had been accepted would likely not have changed the final results in the states contentious U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races. For the Senate seat, Republican Gov. Rick Scott was leading incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson based on Saturdays totals. In the governors race, Republican Ron DeSantis was ahead against Democrat Andrew Gillum. Browards machine recounts would not have narrowed their leads. Broward County vote shifts between Saturday and now: Scott down 606 votes Nelson down 1,385 votes DeSantis down 621 votes Gillum down 1,373 votes Caldwell down 616 votes Fried down 1,381 votes Broward reported 2,000-3,000 fewer votes in each race overall. https://t.co/oPpWl94nzg Caitlin Ostroff (@ceostroff) November 15, 2018 Palm Beach County also experienced mechanical difficulties, causing it to miss the states Thursday deadline too. Story continues The Senate race is now headed to a manual recount, as the margin between Nelson and Scott stands at just 0.15 percent below the state-mandated recount threshold. Meanwhile, DeSantis appears in line to claim victory over Gillum. Related Content In Historic Move, Florida Approves Automatically Restoring Voting Rights To Felons Florida Church Ditched As Polling Site Over Sign Telling Christians Not Vote For Democrats Florida Officials Order Hand Recount Of Ballots In Tight Senate Race Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Republican Ron DeSantis appears to have won governors race over Andrew Gillum Workers monitor the Republican party table at the Palm Beach county supervisor of elections warehouse. Photograph: Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP/Getty Images Floridas election torment is set to continue after officials ordered a hand recount of ballots in the knife-edge US Senate race between the Republican Rick Scott and the Democrat Bill Nelson. After a troubled machine recount finished on Thursday, Scott had a lead of 12,603 votes, or 0.15 percentage points within the threshold of 0.25 points that by state law triggers a manual recount. But the eagerly watched and acrimonious race for governor appeared to be over, with the Republican Ron DeSantis virtually assured of victory over Democrat Andrew Gillum, according to unofficial results posted on the Florida secretary of states website. Gillum, bidding to become the states first African American governor, did not have enough votes to force a manual recount. Scott, currently the states governor, tweeted: With the statewide machine recount finished, our margin of victory has increased by nearly 1000 votes. @SenBillNelson, its time to admit this race is over. But there was no sign of Nelson throwing in the towel. His lead campaign lawyer, Marc Elias, announced a lawsuit against Palm Beach county, which failed to meet the recount deadline due to malfunctioning equipment. We have sued Palm Beach County and the Florida Sec of State to require a hand count of all ballots in the county due to systematic machine failure during the machine recount, he tweeted. Elias also noted that Hillsborough and Broward counties were reporting incomplete results. We are monitoring the situation but we will take steps to ensure that every lawful vote is counted. As chaos reigned, it emerged about three hours after the 3pm machine recount deadline that the heavily populated and Democratic-leaning Broward county had also missed the deadline by two minutes - meaning the frantic process there was for naught. The county had previously claimed a successful recount, with Brenda Snipes, the countys widely criticised elections supervisor, initially telling reporters: We are excited to be at this point. Story continues The Florida secretary of state will now use the first count totals from Palm Beach and Broward. Neither countys recounts produced a substantial change from the first count. But if the final statewide result narrows down to a few thousand votes, the blunders could prove costly and prompt yet more legal challenges. In a mark of the confusion prevailing in Florida for the past eight days, Snipes also admitted that the total included 23 invalid provisional ballots that were mistakenly mixed in with valid ones and were now impossible to separate. The drawn-out recounts will drag into the weekend and have revived uncomfortable memories of the disputed 2000 presidential election between George W Bush and Al Gore, which ended only after the US supreme court stopped the counting and in effect put Bush in the White House. About 8 million people voted in Floridas midterm elections. Initial counts before the recount showed Scott with a narrow lead over incumbent senator Nelson. On Thursday, the US district judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee cleared the way to include ballots from as many as 5,000 people across the state who submitted ballots by mail that were rejected by election officials. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified on Tuesday, a full week after the election. In a conference call with reporters, Elias acknowledged Nelsons deficit is now roughly the same as it was going into the machine recount. He remains confident the gap will disappear, however, after winning a lawsuit over the inclusion of some postal and other ballots, and he believes the hand recount will also boost Nelson. On Aug. 23, 1944, a young Eastern European king in his early 20s was arresting the head of his government and switching sides from fighting with the Germans in World War II to joining the Allies. History credits King Michael of Romania with having changed the course of his country's history and shortening the war by months. With the Germans now depleted of oil resources in the Carpathian region, the Soviets were slowly taking over the Eastern European country, changing key people in the government and replacing them with Communist figures. America and the U.K. were far away, and both were keen on keeping their alliance with the Soviet Union, regardless of signs that Moscow was about to take over much of Central and Eastern Europe. [ MORE: These countries are seen as the most powerful in the world.] It is in this context that Frank Wisner, a lawyer enrolled in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Bucharest, began reporting to Washington about the first signs of what would become the Cold War, reveals a new book by George Cristian Maior, Romania's ambassador to the United States. Throughout his time in Romania, Wisner ran the Office of Strategic Services, an early espionage mission in southeastern Europe that paved the way to what would later become the Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA, in the U.S. Wisner was a spy, mixing seamlessly with both the Turkish and the Romanian elite from his assignments in both countries. Wisner took part in several missions around the world, was stationed in Germany after his time in Bucharest ended, and struggled with deepening psychological issues stirred by Washington ignoring his warnings about the fast-approaching Cold War. Wisner reportedly suffered a mental breakdown after the Soviet Union quashed the Hungarian revolution in 1956 , and in 1965 he committed suicide. Almost 30 years after the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe, espionage in the region is active and now more sophisticated. From election interference -- notably, allegedly from Russia -- to online privacy invasion, agents are still collecting and distributing information in the name of countries' national security and international cooperation. "Technologically we have evolved but the method is still there," says Maior, who previously ran the Romanian Intelligence Service. Story continues U.S. News sat down with Romania's ambassador to talk about espionage missions, the Cold War, and how history often repeats itself. The Interview has been edited for length and clarity. How was the beginning of the Cold War seen in Eastern Europe? The U.S. was in alliance with the Soviets during World War II. It was a strong alliance to overcome the Nazi threat but at the end of the war Wisner detected -- and he was one of the first individuals to understand -- that Central and Eastern Europe would be swallowed in a way into the orbit of the Soviet influence. And he reported back and it was not easy because officially there was an alliance with the Soviets. Some of his masters put pressure on him to be more neutral in terms of that type of reporting, but he saw that something very bad will happen in Central and Eastern Europe, and for him (the approaching Cold War) was a drama in a way. He noticed that those people wanted free elections, democracy, they were struggling to overcome the hardships of WWII and all they wanted was a natural evolution in terms of their destiny. Which they didn't have because of the geopolitics of the time. This is a personal psychological drama of Frank Wisner that really affected him during his mission and work later in the CIA. You write in your book that the early days of modern espionage in the U.S. were similar to a tech startup. What did you mean by that? There was a reluctance because of your (U.S.) Constitution, because of the way America defined itself as a democracy -- there was reluctance to establish intelligence services. Other countries didn't have this reluctance and the U.S. was obliged to learn that in a very complex world you need those types of organizations. It was at the beginning a certain naivete in terms of the structure and the craft of intelligence. (Americans) were trained by their good friends, the British, and until they gained a certain experience , it was a bit amateuristic. What role did the Office of Strategic Studies, or OSS, play in your region? The Eastern front was very important. For the U.S., developments in Romania really influenced the evolution of the war dramatically. Also because of the dynamics of the war the U.S. had many pilots that were prisoners of war (in Romania) and one of Wisner's first missions was to repatriate those pilots to the U.S. Then the mission changed; it was important to evaluate many Nazi German activities in Romania. Lots of information after Germany retreated from the southern part of Romania was taken by U.S., very important information related to the German army, as the war was continuing in Central and Western Europe. And then the mission started to change because of this Soviet infiltration in the (Romanian) society and the political parties in order to gain control over these territories. The OSS was observing this and reported back. It was a very unclear period and (the OSS) tried to inform the U.S. government that something negative will happen in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of spheres of influences, in terms of the forced introduction of communism in those societies, not only in Romania, but also in Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Did the Romanians have an intelligence office back then? The Romanian intelligence service was very professional , but unfortunately the Soviets managed to remove some of the good professionals. They accused them of collaborating with the Nazis, in some cases it was real, and they were put in prison. It was dismantled practically in a few years. but parts of that service cooperated with the Americans and with Wisner on a very secretive basis. [ MORE: When countries spy on diplomats.] What was Wisner actually seeing from Bucharest? He noticed any changes in government with pro-Soviet figures coming into strong political positions. He was noticing the growth of the Communist Party, which was nonexistent in the interwar period, but was (now) aided by the Soviets with propaganda money and resources. He noticed how traditional democratic parties were slowly but steadily removed from power, the fact that Soviet agents deployed from Moscow directly into Romania were taking executive powers in the state, (and) the isolation of the Romanian king as head of state. All those aspects that were so negative for my people. What was Washington's response? Because of the alliance with the Soviets, because the war was ongoing in Central and Western Europe and Franklin Roosevelt's idea of creating a postwar structure of power involving also the Soviets, the response was, to say the least, very prudent. They understood and Harry Truman (Roosevelt's successor) really started to put pressure on the Soviets. The Cold War began in countries in Eastern Europe, in countries like Romania and Poland. Could the Cold War have been avoided? That's a hypothesis that many historians debate. Probably not, because the Soviets were very powerful in terms of their military, in terms of gaining ground in Central and Eastern Europe, in terms of developing nuclear weapons. There were two ideological philosophies also in competition, very different in terms of values, in terms of the way they saw history -- communism and the "free world" -- so unfortunately I believe it was not possible to avoid it. But to diminish it in terms of consequences , yes -- for example, by assisting countries like Poland and Romania. What's Romania's relationship with the U.S., given the communist history? It is very strong in the area of defense and security. We have very good political dialogue and good cooperation countering threats like terrorism together and sharing information that is very important. Romania is the frontier of NATO and the European Union, in a very strategic location. Crimea is less than 150 miles from the shore of Romania , so we have a very big responsibility in terms of protecting these frontiers and projecting stability in other parts of the regions. We tend to have a romanticized view of what spies do and how their lives are. What does a good spy look like? A spy is first and foremost a powerful intellect in terms of analyzing information, trying to distill truth from perception and corroborate facts on a neutral basis. A spy is spectacular in terms of his/her intellect and the craft, but they are very low-profile and dull as individuals, not the type of James Bond individuals. Should we learn from history? History is full of surprises. Sometimes it repeats itself, sometimes not. We notice today again the debate in Europe and in the U.S. about foreign intelligence activities interfering in other societies and states , which are unhealthy for democracies. If we look back into history , those lessons are there. From time to time we should try to meditate about them. Sintia Radu covers international affairs and technology for U.S. News & World Report. You can follow her on Twitter @sintiaradu and send her suggestions and ideas at sradu@usnews.com. Gun security aside, Hassan Whiteside has been having a strong season for the Miami Heat. (AP Photo) When it comes to the winding journey of life, its important to remember some basic rules along the way. One of them might be, say, Lock your doors if youre going to leave a $50,000 assault rifle in a Rolls Royce. While youd think that nugget of wisdom would come naturally for most, it was apparently a lesson learned for Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside over the summer. How Hassan Whiteside lost his very expensive gun The 29-year-old Whiteside reportedly purchased an M16 assault rifle with ammunition, a silencer and a rifle bag for the low, low price of $50,000 on July 6 this offseason, according to 640 AM radio host Andy Slater. Per the report, Whitesides next move was to drive to the University of Miami for a workout. When he returned home the next day, he discovered the weapon was missing. After an investigation by police, it was determined that the gun was stolen when Whiteside left it in his unlocked Rolls Royce at the gun store. The rifle was reportedly discovered weeks later in a stolen car in North Miami. Whiteside and Heat confirm stolen gun Whiteside later confirmed the gun had been stolen and recovered over the summer in a statement released through the Heat on Thursday, according to the Miami Herald: I have a license for the gun that was stolen from me over the summer, Whiteside said in a statement issued through the team. I should have secured it better and Im glad it was recovered. It wont happen again. It is now locked in a safe and I only use it at the gun range. Hopefully, Whiteside will be locking his car doors as well. A team spokesman reportedly stated that Whitesides purchase did not violate any team rules. More from Yahoo Sports: Tampa in models crosshairs after husbands MLB snub Ex-Cowboys star comes out as gay decades after retiring Steelers cruel goodbye to Bell is revealing Mexico shamed, fans angered by NFL debacle During a press conference on Thursday, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina revealed a shocking discovery about the homeless man who was charged with allegedly working with a New Jersey couple to defraud people in an elaborate GoFundMe scam. In 2012, Johnny Bobbitt posted a remarkably similar story on his Facebook page out of North Carolina, Coffina said. I dont think thats a coincidence. The Facebook post in question was dated on October 1, 2012, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. So this girl runs out of gas and has a flat tire at the same time in front of Wal-Mart and is blocking traffic, the post read. Everybody blows the horn and cusses her but of course no-one helps her, So I run to the gas station and then change her tire. I spent the only cash I had for supper but at least she can get her little children home safe. In October 2017, Kate McClure, 28, and her boyfriend Mark DAmico, 39, created a GoFundMe page with a similar story about helping Bobbitt, a homeless veteran who gave McClure his last $20 when she was stranded on a Pennsylvania highway. Some 14,000 donors gave over $400,000 to rescue the man from homelessness. But in the past few months, the trios heartfelt story began to unravel. It has sine been revealed that the group actually met on an off-ramp near a casino in Philadelphia in the fall of 2017. They have all now been charged and are facing second-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception. McClure and DAmico surrendered to police Wednesday but have since been released. Bobbit remains in custody in Philadelphia. Coffina spoke about Bobbits past during the conference, praising his military service in the United States Marine Corps but said he was fully complicit in the scam. He deserves our appreciation for his willingness to serve our country as a United States Marine and he has our sympathy and concern for the homelessness he has experienced as well as his publicized struggle with his addiction, but it is imperative to keep in mind he was fully complicit in this scheme to defraud contributors, he said. Story continues An attorney for Bobbitt did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE. Coffina said that the trio would have likely gotten away with the scam had Bobbit not filed a lawsuit against McClure and DAmico in August claiming he was owed more money from the couple. The couple has long denied Bobbitts allegations. And, during a September court appearance for an unrelated traffic warrant, DAmico said everything would soon become crystal clear in his and McClures battle with Bobbitt. The couples attorney, Ernie Badway, declined to comment. Now, just two months later, it has been revealed that the entire story was predicated on a lie, Coffina said. He added that GoFundMe officials are working with authorities to remedy the fictitious, illegal situation. GoFundMe has informed me that in light of the charges announced today, it will be providing a full refund to all donors of the Pay It Forward campaign, Coffina said. DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) Hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers have been told they were overpaid after a year-long deployment to the Middle East and that they must make plans to repay the money. The 248th Aviation Support Battalion held a homecoming ceremony on Nov. 2 to celebrate returning from Kuwait and Iraq. The next day, about 366 of the battalion's 400 soldiers were informed of the money issue, The Quad-City Times reported . The overpayments range from $2 to $4,500, according to Lt. Col. Michael Wunn, a spokesman for the Iowa National Guard. The amounts vary based on a soldier's rank, years of service, entitlements and the duration of the payment error. The problem seems to have originated from an issue at the demobilization station at Fort Hood in Texas, Wunn said. Some battalion members continued receiving active-duty pay or entitlements after their active duty ended, he said. Officials are giving soldiers multiple options to repay the funds, and many have already taken steps to do so, Wunn said. Soldiers can write a check to repay their debts, have the Army keep all of their monthly checks until they're paid off, or have monthly or weekly payments deducted from their pay. "We understand this creates a hardship for those affected," Wunn said, noting that soldiers don't have to repay the full amount by the end of the year. Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack said it's unacceptable that a payroll error could cause soldiers financial hardship. "The Army must work with each individual soldier to ensure that they do not face any financial harm or difficulty," he said. "I encourage any service member in Iowa who was affected by this failure at the Department of Defense to reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance." ___ Information from: Quad-City Times, http://www.qctimes.com JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will take over the defense portfolio in his government after his defense minister resigned this week, a spokesman for his Likud Party said on Friday, fuelling speculation of an early election. Earlier Netanyahu met with key coalition partner Naftali Bennett of the Jewish Home Party, who had sought the post for himself, but the two men emerged without an agreement. Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government was rocked by Avigdor Lieberman's resignation on Wednesday in protest at a ceasefire reached between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Lieberman's far-right Yisrael Beitenu party has quit the coalition and its five MPs have withdrawn support for the government. After Bennett and Netanyahu's meeting, a spokesman for the PM's Likud Party said that for now Netanyahu would handle the defense portfolio himself. The premier then spoke by phone with the rest of his coalition partners, urging them to "make every effort not to bring down the right-wing government" and to prevent the left from getting into power, the spokesman said. A source close to Bennett said that after his meeting with Netanyahu "it became clear ... there was a need to go to elections as soon as possible with no possibility of continuing the current government." Israeli media reported that other coalition partners would oppose Bennett, who leads an ultra-nationalist, religious party, becoming defense minister. An election date would be decided on Sunday, the source close to Bennett said. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who heads the centrist Kulanu party, has also called for a vote to be held before the scheduled date next November. Before the crisis Netanyahu's coalition had 66 seats in the 120-seat parliament. The loss of Lieberman's five has brought him down to a perilous 61. Losing Bennett's eight means Netanyahu would lose his majority. Opinion polls show that Netanyahu's Likud would be likely to remain the dominant party after a parliamentary election. Netanyahu, a conservative serving his fourth term as premier, is under investigation for corruption. Commentators say he may agree to bring the ballot forward in order to win a renewed mandate before the attorney-general decides whether to indict him. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Stephen Farrell and Andrew Roche) Tripoli (AFP) - Italy's Libya talks this week laid bare deep divisions between the key power brokers, threatening attempts to resolve the country's ongoing crisis, analysts say. Two days of meetings in the Sicilian capital Palermo saw some delegates refuse to sit side by side, while a meeting held on the sidelines sparked a diplomatic spat. "The dynamics between the four Libyan delegations attending the Palermo conference regrettably show that the rifts are still very deep," said Claudia Gazzini, a Libya analyst at International Crisis Group. Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar showed up, only to snub the main conference and organise separate talks with international leaders. Such a move was "a slap in the face to the Libyan politicians at the conference", said Gazzini. Haftar, whose self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) holds much of eastern Libya, held a meeting with representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, France and Russia. One of his main rivals, UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, also attended the "informal talks", but Qatar and Turkey were not invited. Their exclusion prompted Ankara to pull out of the main conference in protest. LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari later accused Turkey and Qatar of travelling to Palermo "to protect the interests of the terrorist groups which they are supporting in Libya". Khaled Saleh el-Kuafi, a professor at the University of Benghazi, said the outcome "illustrated the extent of the crisis, the divisions in Libya and the fragility of the situation". Haftar "succeeded in being the star of the conference" by refusing to meet some of his rivals and sidelining Turkey and Qatar," he added. - Rivalry within Europe - The Palermo talks followed a Paris meeting at which Libyan leaders agreed to prepare for elections this December. Such a timeline was widely viewed as unrealistic, however, and preparations for polls have now been pushed back to 2019. Story continues For Khaled al-Montasser, a professor at the University of Tripoli, international meetings cannot succeed "while the international parties are putting the Libyans under pressure and while they put forward solutions to the crisis which suit themselves and them alone". It should be up to the Libyans, he said, to "agree on the subjects that they must discuss". But, as Montasser noted, the Libyan leaders themselves are "not ready to accept each other and to tolerate differences of opinion". Just as in May, the top Libyan invitees to Palermo were Haftar, Sarraj, who heads the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, the eastern parliament's speaker Aguila Salah and Khaled al-Mechri, speaker of a Tripoli-based upper chamber. But the Italy talks were not really focused on improving relations between the rivals, according to Libyan analyst Emad Badi. It was instead "an attempt by Italy to both react to the French initiative and to reposition itself as a power broker", he said. Despite the conference being viewed as a failure by numerous analysts, some have underlined the importance of meetings organised by the United Nations a few hours before the formal talks opened. Those discussions focused on economic and security issues in Libya, where residents have seen their currency's value plummet and endured years of violence. Weeks of clashes in September between rival militias in the capital Tripoli killed at least 117 people and wounded more than 400, prompting Sarraj's government to introduce reforms. The UN's Libya envoy, Ghassan Salame, this week welcomed the participants' backing for the new measures and their "unanimous support" for a national conference early next year. The 2019 talks are intended to give Libyans a chance to spell out their vision for the future, with elections slated for a few months later. However, "numerous Libyans are still not certain of the format and aims of that conference," said Crisis Group's Gazzini. A New Jersey couple and a homeless man behind a viral GoFundMe campaign fabricated a heartwarming story in order to raise money for themselves, prosecutors said Thursday. Mark DAmico, Kate McClure and Johnny Bobbitt face charges including conspiracy and theft by deception after raising more than $400,000 in a GoFundMe campaign established in November 2017. McClure and DAmico ostensibly set up the GoFundMe last year for Bobbitt, a homeless veteran, after he gave McClure his last $20 when she ran out of gas while driving into Philadelphia. The campaign purported to raise money for Bobbitt to help him get rent money for an apartment, a vehicle and four-to-six months worth of expenses. McClures story went viral, bringing in donations from more than 14,000 people who were touched by his kind gesture. But that story was fake, Burlington County Prosector Scott Coffina told reporters Thursday. McClure did not run out of gas and Bobbitt did not spend his last $20 on her behalf. Instead, all three worked together to come up with a feel-good story that would inspire donors to give money. The entire campaign was predicated on a lie, Coffina said. McClure and DAmico were arrested Wednesday in Burlington County and released on bail, Coffina said. Bobbitt was arrested Wednesday in Philadelphia and is awaiting extradition back to New Jersey. Coffina said that by March 2018, the couple spent the vast majority of the donated money on a car, vacations, a number of handbags and casino visits. He said authorities found more than 60,000 texts between McClure and DAmico about their financial woes, discussing their inability to pay their bills and their increasing debts. Thursdays charges offer some clarity following months of legal skirmishes between the couple and Bobbitt. McClure and DAmico have been under investigation since September, after Bobbitt accused them of using the money they raised for him on themselves. Bobbitt sued McClure and DAmico in August, claiming he received only $75,000 of the $400,000 raised and saying they used the money for vacations and a new BMW. The couple, who initially said they were holding on to the money out of fear that Bobbitt would spend it on drugs, were ordered to put the remaining funds into an escrow account. Story continues Coffina added the trio may have gotten away with the scheme had the dispute between Bobbitt and the couple not become public. McClure and DAmico had met Bobbitt near a casino they frequented and had known him for about a month before the GoFundMe campaign went live, he said. Police raided McClure and DAmicos New Jersey home in September, taking bags and boxes of items and the BMW the couple had purchased. They said they used their own money to buy the car. A judge temporarily halted the lawsuit filed by Bobbitt against the couple as the investigation unfolded. A lawyer for the couple said in September that Bobbitt received about $200,000 from the fundraiser. GoFundMe, which gave Bobbitt $20,000 in September as financial assistance during the investigation of the case, said Thursday that it will fully refund all the money raised to donors. While this type of behavior by an individual is extremely rare, its unacceptable and clearly it has consequences, GoFundMe said in a statement to TIME. Committing fraud, whether it takes place on or offline is against the law. We are fully cooperating and assisting law enforcement officials to recover every dollar withdrawn by Ms. McClure and Mr. DAmico. A lawyer for McClure and DAmico declined to comment. Attorneys for Bobbitt did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. Beirut (AFP) - Jihadists on Friday killed 22 regime fighters near a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib, a monitor said. A September deal between government ally Russia and opposition backer Turkey aimed to set up a demilitarised zone around the northwestern region to protect it from a regime assault. But its implementation has been stalled since jihadists who hold around 70 percent of the planned buffer zone failed to withdraw by mid-October, and intermittent clashes have since rocked the area. Early Friday, jihadist groups attacked government forces in the northwest of Hama province near the planned zone, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Twenty-two regime fighters were killed in the attack, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said, explaining a previous death toll of nine increased after the bodies of missing fighters were found. The attackers included the Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras al-Deen group, which has publicly rejected the Russian-Turkish deal, he said. The monitor said it was the highest regime death toll from the sporadic clashes around the proposed zone since the deal was agreed. State news agency SANA reported a military source as saying that "a terrorist group tried to infiltrate one of our advanced position near Sarmaniya" in Hama, killing and wounding regime fighters, without giving a death toll. The lion's share of Idlib is held by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance led by Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate. Under the September 17 deal, all fighters in the zone were supposed to withdraw their heavy weapons and jihadists including HTS and Hurras al-Deen were supposed to leave. On Thursday, Russian spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticised "sporadic clashes", as well as "provocations" by HTS in northwestern Syria. Late last month, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Idlib deal, and criticised Turkey for the shortcomings. He said heavy weapons had not been withdrawn and accused Ankara of not wanting to "respect its obligations". Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. A tweet over Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's choice of clothing has sparked a backlash after a journalist suggested she was a woman who struggles with money. The tweet from Eddie Scarry of the Washington Times came after it was revealed Ms Ocasio-Cortez could not afford to rent a flat in Washington before her Congressional salary kicks in in January. The picture, taken of Ms Ocasio-Cortez from behind said:: Hill staffer sent me this pic of Ocasio-Cortez they took just now. Ill tell you something: that jacket and coat dont look like a girl who struggles. The backlash was swift and Mr Scarry has since deleted the tweet which had thousands of replies with criticism for the creep shot, as Voxs Liz Plank called it. Even Dictionary.coms Twitter account took a swipe at Mr Scarry for calling the 29-year-old New Yorker a girl, quote-tweeting him with the definition: Girl. Noun. A female child, from birth to full growth. E.g. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not a girl. Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who has been taking Instagram followers along with her in a series of behind-the-scenes videos of the freshman Congress class orientation sessions, also responded. She has made no secret of her upbringing in a working-class neighbourhood of the Bronx borough of New York City and just until a year and a half ago was serving tables at a restaurant when she began her bid for the US House seat. She tweeted no matter what she wore, critics of the socialist Democrat would find something to say. If I walked into Congress wearing a sack, they would laugh & take a picture of my backside. If I walk in with my best sale-rack clothes, they laugh & take a picture of my backside, she wrote. She added: Dark hates light - thats why you tune it out. If I walked into Congress wearing a sack, they would laugh & take a picture of my backside. If I walk in with my best sale-rack clothes, they laugh & take a picture of my backside. Dark hates light - thats why you tune it out. Shine bright & keep it pushing. https://t.co/mRq5wn0v9A Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 15, 2018 Oh, does @eScarry think he can delete his misogyny without an apology? I dont think so. Youre a journalist - readers should know your bias. pic.twitter.com/2KJuiPsUR2 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 16, 2018 Mr Scarry attempted to defend himself from the onslaught and said in a follow-up tweet his original message was misinterpreted. Story continues He said he simply meant she looked elegant...despite suggestions shes struggled. At one point Mr Scarry had posted an Amazon link to his book Fraud and Fiction: The Real Truth Behind Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The page was subsequently flooded with one-star reviews. Former Judge Robert Rosenberg. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Former Judge Robert Rosenberg. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Retired Judge Robert Rosenberg was front and center 18 years ago in Floridas infamous recount in the presidential contest between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore. Rosenberg, perhaps best remembered for eyeing ballots through a large looking glass, said in an Associated Press interview that he was brought in to lead the 2000 recount in Broward County and was determined to get it right. I had a job to do, and I wanted to do that job, Rosenberg said. In 2000, Bush ultimately was declared the winner by 537 votes in Florida, securing the presidency for him. This year, the statewide recounts involve the Senate race between Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson; the governors race between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum; and the agriculture commissioners race between Republican Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried. As in 2000, much of the recount attention has focused on Broward County, which has had a litany of past missteps in its supervisor of elections office. Rosenberg said anything that undermines public confidence in voting is a bad thing. What happens is that, when people see these things, it sort of undercuts trust in the system and trust in the office. Thats not good, Rosenberg said. Florida implemented a series of changes after the 2000 recount, including deadlines for steps in the recount process, which are now facing their first tests. The Nelson and Scott campaigns in particular have turned to the courts in an effort to win the race. State law requires a machine recount in races where the margin is less than 0.5 percentage points. In the Senate race, Scotts lead over Nelson was 0.14 percentage points. In the governors contest, unofficial results showed DeSantis ahead of Gillum by 0.41 percentage points. A potential hand recount in the Senate race could delay final results even longer. The Scott and Nelson campaigns have both gone to court with a variety of claims, including lawsuits aimed at delaying the submission of the final tally by counties, challenging the use of email ballots in Bay County, and one that would allow votes to be counted if the signatures on the ballot and initial registration form dont match. The thing to understand is that there is a playbook for recounts and one of the key elements is you bring the courts in, to either fight to stop the voting, or if youre behind you fight to open up the voting as much as possible, said Charles Zelden, history and political science professor at Nova Southeastern University. If youre ahead, you want to stop it; if youre behind, you got to get those votes counted, Zelden added. Curt Anderson reports for the Associated Press. A federal judge on Friday ruled to immediately reinstate CNN reporter Jim Acostas White House press credentials in a victory for the cable news network and the media outlets that are supporting its lawsuit. CNNs victory was in response to a temporary restraining order asking for the immediate restoration of Acostas press pass. Its broader lawsuit concerns whether the White Houses decision to revoke his press pass was unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last year, said CNNs attorneys were likely to prevail in their argument that the White House had violated Acostas and the networks First and Fifth Amendment rights. Kelly said he did not decide whether the White House violated the First Amendment, relying primarily on the Fifth Amendment in saying that Acostas and CNNs right to due process was likely violated because the White House process for revoking his press pass was shrouded in mystery. The judge also cited the irreparable harm to Acosta. The White House had argued that CNN could simply send other reporters in Acostas place, yet Kelly argued that it does not make the harm to Mr. Acosta any less real. Under the ruling, Acosta will temporarily receive his press pass back, while the full lawsuit proceeds. We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days, CNN said in a statement. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday that the White House will temporarily reinstate the reporters hard pass. But in a statement, she also appeared to view the temporary ruling as a victory: Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. Sanders added that we will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House. Story continues Trump also told reporters at the White House: We want total freedom of the press. Its more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect when youre at the White House. CNN on Tuesday sued the Trump administration for confiscating Acostas hard pass, which grants White House press pool reporters access to the White House, following a spat between the president and Acosta during a post-midterm elections press conference last week. In a hearing in federal court on Wednesday, Justice Department attorney James Burnham said the president has the authority to ban reporters from the White House, The Washington Post reported. Burnham also argued that Acosta can continue reporting on the Trump administration from outside the White House and noted that CNN has other reporters with White House credentials. A judge ruled in favor of CNN and reporter Jim Acosta. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images) In response, CNN attorney Ted Boutrous said the government had a warped view of the First and Fifth amendments. The governments now taking the position that [the president] can do anything he wants, Boutrous said, according to the Post. After Acosta challenged Trump with questions on his anti-immigration rhetoric and the federal Russia investigation last week, Trump demanded Acosta sit down and called him a terrible person and enemy of the people. During the exchange, Acosta also moved away when a female intern tried to take away the microphone he was using. The White House suspended Acostas credentials hours after the press conference, citing his behavior toward Trump and the intern. Kelly on Friday seemed unpersuaded, calling the White Houses initial justification of questionable accuracy and likely untrue. The White House later shifted its story to claim that Acosta was rude to reporters. A group of prominent news organizations have expressed support for CNNs lawsuit, including CNN competitor Fox News, which frequently provides favorable news coverage of Trump. In a statement on Wednesday, Fox News President Jay Wallace said the network would file an amicus brief in favor of CNNs legal effort with the U.S. District Court in Washington. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized, Wallace said in the statement. While we dont condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people, he added. The Washington Post, The New York Times, NBC News and The Associated Press also backed CNNs lawsuit. This story has been updated with more details on the ruling and reaction from the White House and Trump. Related Coverage CNN Sues Trump For Revoking Jim Acosta's White House Press Credentials Facing Lawsuit, Trump White House Shifts Story On CNN's Jim Acosta Fox News To File Amicus Brief In Support Of CNN's Jim Acosta Lawsuit Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday overturned the conviction of a Montana man on charges that he helped run a scheme to defraud a Native American tribe and multiple pension funds through the issue of $60 million worth of tribal bonds. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams in Manhattan ruled that the evidence at the trial earlier this year had not shown that the man, Devon Archer, knew that the bond issue was fraudulent, or that he received any personal benefit from it. Abrams said she was "left with an unwavering concern that Archer is innocent of the crimes charged." She upheld the convictions of John Galanis and Bevan Cooney, who were tried and convicted alongside Archer. "Mr. Archer has maintained his innocence throughout this painful process, and today's decision is a critical step in clearing his good name once and for all," Matthew Schwartz, one of Archer's lawyers, said in a statement. A spokesman for the office of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, which prosecuted the case, declined to comment. Lawyers for Galanis and Cooney could not immediately be reached for comment. The three men were found guilty by a jury in June. Galanis is already serving a six-year sentence for a separate financial fraud involving manipulation of the stock of now-defunct reinsurer Gerova Financial Group Ltd. His son, Jason Galanis, has pleaded guilty to taking part in both the Gerova and tribal bond schemes, for which he has been sentenced to more than 11 years and five years, respectively. Prosecutors said John Galanis persuaded an entity affiliated with South Dakota's Oglala Sioux Nation to issue bonds, using false representations. Jason Galanis, Archer and Cooney fraudulently induced pension funds to invest in the bonds through an investment adviser firm they controlled, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said the defendants misappropriated the proceeds of the bond issues for themselves. The tribe was not accused of wrongdoing. (Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Court filing submitted by US authorities in an unrelated case mentioned existence of criminal charges against someone named Assange Assange, who has been holed up in Ecuadors embassy in London since 2012, is considered a wanted man by US law enforcement agencies. Photograph: Daniel Tapia/Reuters Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder whose disclosure of secret documents has angered American authorities for the past eight years, has been criminally charged in secret by the US justice department, a court filing has indicated. The court filing, submitted apparently in error by US prosecutors in an unrelated case, mentioned criminal charges against someone named Assange even though that was not the name of the defendant. Assange, who has been holed up in Ecuadors embassy in London since seeking asylum in 2012, has long been under investigation by US law enforcement agencies for publishing classified diplomatic cables and other secret government records. The 47-year-old Australian is also ensnared in the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 US election, due to his websites publication of tens of thousands of emails stolen by Russian hackers from Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and other Democrats. One of Assanges attorneys, Barry Pollack, said late on Thursday that it would be a dangerous path for a democracy to take for a government to bring criminal charges against someone for publishing truthful information. The news that criminal charges have apparently been filed against Mr. Assange is even more troubling than the haphazard manner in which that information has been revealed, Pollack said in an email. Earlier on Thursday evening, the Wall Street Journal reported that the US was making preparations to prosecute Assange and was confident of being able to detain him and make him stand trial. The court filing, written by assistant US attorney Kellen Dwyer, did not specify the nature of any charges against Assange. It was submitted to the federal court in the eastern district of Virginia, which handles many cases involving national security. Robert Mueller, the special counsel, has been investigating WikiLeaks for publishing the emails taken from Democrats in 2016, disrupting Clintons campaign. US intelligence agencies concluded the emails were taken by Russian government hackers as part of an operation aimed at helping the campaign of Donald Trump. Story continues But the group has also been under scrutiny for years for its publication of troves of US government data, including hundreds of thousands of files taken by Chelsea Manning, the former soldier jailed for almost seven years. The mistaken court filing was a motion asking the court to seal charges, meaning they are shielded from public view. It argued that due to the sophistication of the defendant and the publicity surrounding the case, no other procedure is likely to keep confidential the fact that Assange has been charged. It later said: The complaint, supporting affidavit and arrest warrant, as well as this motion and the proposed order, would need to remain sealed until Assange is arrested in connection with the charges in the criminal complaint and can therefore no longer evade or avoid arrest and extradition in this matter. Legal analysts said the error was likely to have been caused by prosecutors copying and pasting from sealed documents outlining charges against Assange. Prosecutors are known to copy text from past court filings to make similar arguments in new cases, typically changing names and other relevant details accordingly. Assange and his supporters have frequently claimed US authorities were already prosecuting him in secret. WikiLeaks said on Twitter that the filing reveals existence of sealed charges (or a draft for them) against WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. A spokesman for the Justice Department in Virginias eastern district would not directly address the question of whether the document meant Assange had already been charged by the US. The court filing was made in error. That was not the intended name for this filing, the spokesman, Joshua Stueve, said in an email. WikiLeaks published more than 50,000 Democratic emails during the 2016 campaign, beginning with a batch taken from the partys servers that was dumped online shortly before its national convention in July 2016. The leak prompted the resignation of the partys chairwoman and disrupted Clintons campaign. WikiLeaks later published more emails taken from the account of Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta. Assanges group featured in Muellers indictment in July of a group of Russian hackers accused of carrying out the email thefts but was not charged itself. Identified only as organization 1, it was accused of receiving the stolen emails from the Russian operatives after exchanging messages. The July indictment said WikiLeaks urged the Russians to give them the first batch of stolen emails in the days before the Democratic convention so it could publish them in a way that would have a much higher impact than what you are doing. The filings did not, however, say whether Assanges group knew it was dealing with Kremlin-backed operatives. The mistaken court filing was first noticed on Thursday by Seamus Hughes, an academic at Georgetown University and former US government official. It was filed in the case of a man named Seitu Sulayman Kokayi. It was submitted to court in Kokayis case in August this year and was initially sealed. The reason for its unsealing was unclear. Kokayi, 29, is charged with coercing a 15-year-old girl to have sex with him and to give him pornographic images, and with sending her a video of him masturbating. But prosecutors told the court that investigators also collected sensitive information relating to national security as part of the case. They told the court last week that they intend to use evidence gathered via electronic surveillance. A handwritten note on a filing in the case said Kokayis father-in-law had been convicted of terrorism charges and accused Kokayi of having a substantial interest in terrorist acts. Washington (AFP) - A lawyer for anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange warned Friday that an apparent US indictment against him poses a grave threat to press freedom both inside the United States and internationally. The possible indictment suggested that Washington will seek Assange's extradition if he leaves Ecuador's embassy in London, where he took refuge in 2012 over fears he could be prosecuted for WikiLeaks's previous revelations of US national security secrets. "A criminal investigation into WikiLeaks sets a dangerous precedent for all the media... Everyone ought to be concerned about what this potential indictment means," lawyer Jennifer Robinson told the Democracy Now news program. Robinson spoke after US prosecutors inadvertently disclosed the existence of a sealed indictment in a court filing in an unrelated case. It appeared to confirm that Assange, 47, could be charged in relation to his publishing of stolen Democratic Party materials during the 2016 US presidential election. The US has placed heavy pressure on Ecuador to expel Assange from the embassy so that he can be arrested. "This is confirmation of what we've been concerned about and been talking about since 2010," Robinson said. "There is a very real risk that the United States is going to seek to prosecute him for his publishing activities and potentially seek to extradite him." The US Justice Department would not confirm the revelation, first brought to light Thursday by Seamus Hughes, a terrorism researcher at George Washington University who regularly combs through court records. A sealed Assange indictment was referred to twice in the filing in US federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, a court that frequently handles sensitive national security cases. A spokesman for the court would only say that it was an "error." - 'Hostile intelligence service' - The filing was discovered as The Wall Street Journal reported that US prosecutors have been preparing to prosecute Assange and are optimistic they can get him to a US courtroom, citing growing unhappiness in Ecuador over his presence in the London embassy. Story continues Washington has targeted WikiLeaks since it published 251,000 classified cables from US embassies around the world in 2010, which embarrassed Washington and caused ructions in its bilateral relations with other countries. That action was taken in coordination with major international news organizations, including The New York Times, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and The Guardian. But since WikiLeaks published Democratic files in 2016 that US intelligence says it received from Russians, Washington has rejected Assange's assertion that the group is involved in journalism. "It is time to call out WikiLeaks for what it really is - a non-state hostile intelligence service often abetted by state actors like Russia," Mike Pompeo, then the director of the CIA and now US Secretary of State, said in April 2017. - Threat to media - The apparent sealed indictment of Assange appears connected to the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference and collusion in the 2016 election. In July, Mueller charged 12 Russian spies with conspiring to hack Democratic National Committee computers, stealing data from the organization and publishing those files in an effort to sway the election. One of the indictments referred to WikiLeaks, described as "Organization 1," as the platform the Russians used to release the stolen emails. Rights groups warned, however, that prosecuting Assange for publishing materials dubbed secret or stolen would threaten all media. "Any prosecution of Mr Assange for WikiLeaks's publishing operations would be unprecedented and unconstitutional, and would open the door to criminal investigations of other news organizations," said Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Moreover, prosecuting a foreign publisher for violating US secrecy laws would set an especially dangerous precedent for US journalists, who routinely violate foreign secrecy laws to deliver information vital to the public's interest," said Wizner. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth tweeted: "Deeply troubling if the Trump administration, which has shown little regard for media freedom, would charge Assange for receiving from a government official and publishing classified information -- exactly what journalists do all the time." By Brendan Pierson NEW YORK (Reuters) - A key prosecution witness in the U.S. trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman on Thursday told jurors that there were "a lot of deaths" as the accused Mexican drug lord and his associates built the Sinaloa Cartel in the 1990s through bloody conflict with rival drug traffickers. Jesus Zambada told the jury that his brother, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, and Guzman used armies of sicarios, or assassins, to kill their enemies. Zambada, who has pleaded guilty to U.S. criminal charges, was testifying for a second day in Brooklyn federal court under an agreement to cooperate with prosecutors. Guzman is accused of directing massive shipments of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana to the United States. He faces life in prison if he is convicted of the 17 criminal counts against him. One of Guzman's lawyers, Jeffrey Lichtman, told jurors in his opening statement that Ismael Zambada, who remains at large, actually controlled the cartel, and Guzman was a scapegoat framed with the help of corrupt Mexican officials. Zambada on Thursday told the story of the Sinaloa Cartel's emergence in the early 1990s. He said Guzman formed an alliance with several other drug lords to take on the powerful Arellano Felix drug trafficking family. "There are always a lot of deaths," he said of the cartel's wars. Victims included patrons shot at a nightclub in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, where Zambada said Guzman tried, and failed, to kill one of the Arellano Felixes in 1992. Zambada admitted he took part in several murder plots himself, though he said he never personally killed anyone. He was wounded in a gunfight with enemy sicarios, and another one of his brothers, who had no involvement in the drug trade, was shot at his doorstep in Cancun, he said. Dressed in dark blue prison clothing and speaking through an interpreter, Zambada also testified that the Sinaloa Cartel bought off officials at every level of government, including Mexican state governors, national attorneys general and members of the international police organization Interpol, to ensure safe passage for its products. Story continues While in charge of cartel operations in Mexico City, Zambada said, he personally paid about $300,000 in bribes every month. On one occasion, he said, he paid a $100,000 bribe to a general at the explicit direction of Guzman. Guzman was an equal partner with Ismael Zambada within the cartel, said Jesus Zambada, who is expected to continue testifying later on Thursday. (Reporting by Brendan Pierson, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key Republican senator said on Thursday that acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who now oversees a probe of whether President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election, told him he had no concerns about the special counsel leading the investigation. Senator Lindsey Graham, after a meeting with Whitaker, said he was confident there would be no interference in the probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. "He's seen nothing out of bounds or no concerns at all about Mr. Mueller," Graham, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a close ally of Trump, said in comments confirmed by his spokesman. He said he saw no need for Whitaker to recuse himself as critics have demanded, the spokesman confirmed. Democrats and others fear Whitaker's appointment could jeopardize Mueller's probe of Russia's role in the 2016 U.S. election. Whitaker, a Trump loyalist and a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, had criticized the Mueller probe as too far-reaching before he was appointed by Trump last week to run the Justice Department. Trump has denied that his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and calls the Mueller probe a witch hunt. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump by undermining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Russia has denied any meddling in the election. Congressional Democrats on Thursday dismissed as "fatally flawed" a Justice Department legal opinion defending Trump's decision to appoint Whitaker as acting attorney general to replace ousted Jeff Sessions. The top Democrats on the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and the House Intelligence Committee said in a joint statement that the opinion released on Wednesday twists the language of the U.S. Constitution and ignores an existing law governing succession at the Justice Department. In a preview of the opposition Trump can expect in January, when a new Democratic majority takes control of the House of Representatives, the Democrats said Whitaker should not have been appointed because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. "This will embolden the future use of temporary appointments for illegitimate purposes... This can't be allowed to stand," said the statement from House Judiciary Committee Democrat Jerrold Nadler, House Intelligence Committee Democrat Adam Schiff and Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Nadler and Schiff are expected to become chairmen of their committees in the next Congress. Trump has repeatedly attacked the investigation. "The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts," the president said in a tweet on Thursday. "They are a disgrace to our Nation and dont ... care how many lives the ruin." The Mueller investigation has led to criminal charges against several former Trump aides. The Justice Department's opinion concluded that Whitaker's appointment was allowed under a 1998 law called the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. It rejected views that the move ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution's requirement for "principal officers" to be confirmed by the Senate. The Justice Department also cited an 1866 example of an acting attorney general being appointed without Senate confirmation, which Democrats pounced on. "That was for six days in 1866 - the year after the Civil War ended, four years before the Justice Departments founding and a century before the (Justice Department) succession law was enacted," the Democrats said. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball; writing by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Eric Beech and Dan Grebler) The Trump administration has sanctioned 17 Saudi nationals over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul. The sanctions will be implemented by the Treasury Department under the Global Magnitsky Act, which relates to actions by foreigners outside of the US that threaten international stability. The Saudi officials we are sanctioning were involved in the abhorrent killing of Jamal Khashoggi, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The United States continues to diligently work to ascertain all of the facts and will hold accountable each of those we find responsible in order to achieve justice for Mr Khashoggis fiancee, children, and the family he leaves behind, Mr Mnuchin added. The sanctions do not target the Riyadh government, an important U.S. security and economic ally and also allows President Donald Trump's administration to stop short of any action that could affect US arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth billions of The individuals sanctioned include those who were part of the team of Saudis who arrived in Istanbul in the hours around Mr Khashoggis arrival at the consulate on 2 October and his subsequent disappearance. Those to be sanctioned include Saud al-Qahtani, a former top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi Consul General Mohammed Alotaibi, Among others facing sanctions are Maher Mutreb, an aide to Qahtani who has appeared in photographs with the crown prince on official visits this year to the United States and Europe. The announcement comes hours after the Saudi public prosecutor said it was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in the murder of Mr Khashoggi. Mr Khashoggi, an insider turned critic of the Saudi royal family was killed after a struggle, by lethal injection, deputy public prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan said. Mr Shalaan said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing of the operation, in which Mr Khashoggi's body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed over to an unidentified local cooperator. Story continues The whereabouts of Khashoggi's remains are unknown, he said. His family is planning a weekend prayer service without his body. Turkey, who have alleged the murder was carried out by a 15-man Saudi "hit squad," reacted with scepticism to the latest announcement from Riyadh having led a global wave of outcry over the killing. Mr Shalaan said Mr Khashoggi was murdered after negotiations for his return to the kingdom failed, and that the killing was ordered by the lead negotiator after he decided it was unfeasible to remove him from the consulate. Mr Shalaan said the order to repatriate Mr Khashoggi came from former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Asiri, who was sacked last month. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the measures announced by Saudi Arabia were positive but insufficient, and repeated Ankara's demand that the 15-man team be tried in Turkey. Reuters contributed to this report Dubai (AFP) - A complex man of contradictions, journalist Jamal Khashoggi went from being a Saudi royal family insider to an outspoken critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom's government, and was ultimately killed inside its consulate in Istanbul. In his final column for The Washington Post, Khashoggi perhaps presciently pleaded for greater freedom of expression in the Middle East. "The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power," he wrote. "The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices," Khashoggi wrote. The Saudi journalist -- who disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 -- went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery, and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing. Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there. Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey. On Thursday, the public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five Saudi officials accused of the murder as he admitted Khashoggi was drugged and dismembered inside the Istanbul mission. - Bin Laden to Brotherhood - Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins. His grandfather, Mohammed Khashoggi, was the personal doctor of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdul Aziz al-Saud. His uncle was the notorious arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Story continues A friend of the young Osama bin Laden, a Muslim Brotherhood sympathiser, an aide to the Saudi royal family, a critic of the kingdom's regime and a liberal -- such conflicting descriptions were all ascribed to Khashoggi. After graduating from Indiana State University in 1982, he began working for Saudi newspapers, including the Saudi Gazette and Al-Sharq al-Awsat. Sent to cover the conflict in Afghanistan, Khashoggi sympathised with the mujahedeen in the 1980s war against the Soviet occupation, which was funded by the Saudis and the CIA. He was known to have been drawn to the Brotherhood's policies seeking to erase the remnants of Western colonialism from the Arab world. It was this shared vision that brought him closer to Bin Laden, who went on to found Al-Qaeda, which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. - 'Too progressive' - Born in the Saudi holy city of Medina on October 13, 1958, Khashoggi spent his youth studying Islamic ideology and embraced liberal ideas. But Saudi authorities came to see Khashoggi as too progressive and he was forced to resign as editor-in-chief of the Saudi daily Al-Watan in 2003 after serving just 54 days. Over the years, he maintained ambiguous ties with Saudi authorities, having held advisory positions in Riyadh and Washington, including to Prince Turki al-Faisal, who ran Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency for more than 20 years. When Faisal was appointed ambassador to Washington in 2005, Khashoggi went with him. In 2007, Khashoggi returned to Al-Watan newspaper, lasting almost three years before being fired for "his editorial style," according to his website. He became close to Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, and together they launched in Manama a 24-hour news station, Al-Arab. But staunch Saudi ally Bahrain shut the station down in 2015, less than 24 hours after it broadcast an interview with an opposition official. Khashoggi fled Saudi Arabia in September 2017, just months after Prince Mohammed was named heir to the throne. He spoke out against a Saudi-led boycott of Qatar and also criticised Prince Mohammed for stifling debate about his reforms. Khashoggi made his fateful visit to the Istanbul consulate in order to obtain the papers he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. By Karen Pierog CHICAGO (Reuters) - Puerto Rico violated a law meant to safeguard the pensions of its public-sector workers who have been unable to invest the more than $300 million they contributed to a new retirement plan, according to a lawsuit filed against the U.S. commonwealth's government and others by two labor unions on Thursday. The litigation, filed in U.S. District Court in San Juan, joins a long list of adversary cases in a form of bankruptcy Puerto Rico's federally created oversight board initiated in May 2017 to restructure the island's $120 billion of debt and pension obligations. It is also the latest chapter in a fraught relationship between Puerto Rico and its government employees, particularly teachers. In the latest lawsuit, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees point to Law 106, enacted in August 2017 to require wage deductions from workers participating in a new retirement plan to be placed into segregated employee-controlled, 401(k)-style accounts that they said have not been created. The unions claim that while workers' contributions totaled $316 million as of July 31, employees have been unable to invest the money, missing out on "historically high stock market returns." "For all intents and purposes, the commonwealth is seizing employees' own funds and hiding them under a mattress - in this case, upon information and belief, government bank accounts at Banco Popular earning virtually zero interest," the lawsuit claimed. The unions, which represent thousands of teachers and government workers in Puerto Rico, asked the court to find the defendants in violation of Law 106 and of their fiduciary duties and require the creation of accessible retirement accounts by yearend. The lawsuit also seeks an undetermined amount of compensation for lost investment income. Defendants in the lawsuit include Banco Popular, Puerto Rico's governor, chief financial officer, treasurer, fiscal and financial advisory authority, retirement board, as well as the oversight board. The latter, an entity established by a federal law known as PROMESA, failed to force the commonwealth government's compliance with the law, according to the lawsuit. Story continues We agree the government of Puerto Rico should set up the defined contribution accounts as soon as possible; however, we wont comment on the lawsuit at this time, Natalie Jaresko, the oversight board's executive director, said in a statement. There was no immediate comment on the litigation from the other defendants. (Reporting by Karen Pierog in Chicago; Additional reporting by Luis Valentin Ortiz in San Juan; Editing by Matthew Lewis) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The Latest on a U.S. Senate special election runoff in Mississippi (all times local): 5:10 p.m. As Mississippi's U.S. Senate race intensifies, Republicans are slamming Democrat Mike Espy's lobbying work for an African leader who was later charged with crimes against humanity. Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and a GOP campaign group launched ads after a Fox News report Thursday questioned whether Espy lied about work he did for former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo (BAHG'-boh). Now deposed, Gbagbo is on trial before the International Criminal Court. Records show Espy was hired by an Ivory Coast government agency in 2011, collecting $750,000. Hyde-Smith's campaign says Espy misled a Washington reporter about his involvement in 2011. It also questions his willingness to work for Gbagbo. The Espy campaign has hammered Hyde-Smith over her comment about a "public hanging." Hyde-Smith and Espy compete in a Nov. 27 runoff. ____ 4:45 p.m. A campaign spokeswoman says a Republican U.S. senator from Mississippi was praising the idea of adding voting precincts on some college campuses when the senator joked about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. The remark by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith was captured on video Nov. 3 in Starkville, where she spoke to students at Mississippi State University. The video was released Thursday by a liberal-leaning news site in Louisiana. On Friday, about 50 people in Mississippi protested Hyde-Smith's voting remark and a separate one she made about "public hanging." Campaign spokeswoman Melissa Scallan says the video Thursday shows Hyde-Smith saying "that's a great idea." Scallan says a campaign staffer who was with the senator saw that as a response to adding more voting precincts. ____ 3:30 p.m. Protesters in Mississippi are condemning remarks a Republican U.S. senator made about "public hanging" and voting rights. Story continues A racially diverse group of more than 50 people gathered Friday in downtown Jackson and chanted "No hate in our state" and "Cindy gotta go." A video released Sunday showed Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith praising a supporter by saying: "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row." She said it was "an exaggerated expression of regard." A separate video released Thursday shows Hyde-Smith talking about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. Her campaign says the senator was joking. George H. Williams, a 65-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Ridgeland, Mississippi, says Hyde-Smith "must think people are stuck on stupid." ____ 11:38 p.m. The spokesman for a Democratic challenger says Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith "embarrasses" Mississippi when she talks about making voting more difficult. A video released Thursday shows Hyde-Smith talking about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. Her campaign spokeswoman Melissa Scallan says the senator was joking. Hyde-Smith, who is white, faces Democrat Mike Espy, who is black, in a Nov. 27 runoff. The winner gets the final two years of a six-year term. Espy campaign spokesman Danny Blanton says "voting rights were obtained through sweat and blood." A video released Sunday showed Hyde-Smith praising a supporter by saying: "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row." Hyde-Smith said that was "an exaggerated expression of regard." WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is seen on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London in 2017. (Photo: Peter Nicholls/Reuters) In December 2011, two former members of Lulz Security, or LulzSec a hacktivist group notorious for penetrating or disrupting a number of corporate and governmental targets like Fox.com, Sony Pictures, gaming websites and the CIA were discussing a new friend and partner. That contact, according to Hector Xavier Monsegur, writing under the fictitious name Leon Davidson, was WikiLeaks founder and CEO Julian Assange. Between you and me, Ive been working a lot with the internals of WikiLeaks, wrote Monsegur, who commonly went by the nickname Sabu and who became infamous for becoming an FBI informant. Before lulzsec broke apart, they came to us to hack the entire government of iceland, he continued, sending a message over encrypted chat service Jabber to fellow hacker Jeremy Hammond, who was later convicted in 2013 for hacking private intelligence firm Stratfor. The chats appear to reveal a specific instance when Assange may have specifically solicited a crime the theft of official documents from within the Icelandic government. While the chat log references an apparent request made by Assange, it does not include any direct communication from the WikiLeaks founder. Assange, who had gained notoriety for publishing hundreds of thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables and Army reports revealing classified details about the Iraq War from Army intelligence officer Chelsea Manning, has consistently shielded his work behind the First Amendment while simultaneously selling his brand, on cellphone cases and mugs, as the first intelligence agency of the people. The chat logs, part of a 100,000-page trove of documents currently in the Department of Justices possession, were obtained and published by independent national security journalist Emma Best on Thursday. Best tells Yahoo News the chats are part of the Justice Departments sealed files, and which the department has verified across multiple sources, including Monsegurs hard drives and WikiLeaks own devices. Story continues They have a fairly good idea of what Julian knew and when, she told Yahoo News. Neither the Justice Department, nor Assanges attorney, Barry Pollack, immediately responded to a request for comment. Also on Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. government had a sealed indictment awaiting Assange a revelation that was mistakenly revealed in an unrelated court transcript out of the Eastern District of Virginia, first discovered and shared on Twitter by Seamus Hughes, a counterterrorism researcher at George Washington University. Its unclear what those charges under seal might include, however, the chat transcripts could provide some clues. While transparency advocates and First Amendment activists have consistently worried that Assanges arrest and conviction would set a bad precedent for the media if Assange is charged with espionage for publishing classified documents, its possible the charges will have to do with his solicitation of those materials. I believe with a degree of confidence that any charges against Julian Assange originating from the EDVA likely include violations of the [Computer Fraud and Abuse Act] and possibly allegations related to the soliciting of criminal acts, wrote Andy Stepanian, a former consultant for WikiLeaks and co-founder of the Sparrow Project, a small public relations firm focused on transparency and freedom of information. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, enacted in 1986, makes it illegal to access or remove information from a digital device without permission. Stepanian has consistently advocated that Assange be held accountable, particularly for allegations of sexual violence against women and his role in publishing hacked material from the Democratic National Committee, passed along by criminals who the U.S. intelligence community has concluded were agents of the Kremlin. However, the case against Assange for publishing classified documents or for acting as a co-conspirator to hackers may be difficult to prove. Journalists everywhere should be concerned if Assange is accused of espionage for publishing classified documents, behavior many journalists routinely engage in, Stepanian argued on Twitter. And even if Assange is not charged as a publisher, but rather for aiding or soliciting hacks, the sentencing guidelines associated with the law are so broad and draconian the accused can face decades for merely sharing hacked materials, Stepanian wrote. Because the reported charges against Assange were disclosed through an inadvertent court filing in the Eastern District of Virginia, there is no information about what conduct the charges relate to or what crimes are alleged. Whatever the content of the charges, however, evidence of collusion between WikiLeaks founder and hackers would make it hard for Assange to defend himself on First Amendment grounds. You always needed one more thing, said Matt Miller, a spokesman for the Justice Department during the Obama administration, of the First Amendment issues involved with prosecuting figures like Assange, not just publishing, but somehow working with the leaker in a way that was criminal. In 2011, authorities in Iceland launched their own investigation into WikiLeaks and the hackers. Sabu, or Monsegur, resurfaces his work with WikiLeaks and Assange in a second chat log session in January 2012. Is it out that we gave emails to WikiLeaks yet? he asks Hammond, appearing to confirm that WikiLeaks request to steal information had been fulfilled. No, replies Hammond, suggesting that they wait to see what WL/JA think of all this first, referring to WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. Monsegur continues to say he is waiting to hear from WikiLeaks on the Icelandic hacks they had requested, as he was able to own islandics governments secretary [SIC]. However, Assange had not received the material yet because his assistant who they refer to as Q, Sigurdur Thordarson, had been traveling. (Thordarson also later became an FBI informant.) According to Best, who is in possession of the remainder of the chats, there were other targets of hacks. There are multiple high-profile thefts of information the government is also interested in, including WikiLeaks publication in March 2017 of detailed descriptions of CIA hacking tools, which it titled Vault 7. One source familiar with the matter told Yahoo News that both the intelligence agencies and Justice Department, separated by a firewall, were both immediately interested in investigating WikiLeaks and Assange for that particularly painful disclosure, exposing CIA tools and potentially allowing criminals to imitate their techniques. The theft and publication of secret hacking tools such as Vault 7 would be evaluated on the same legal basis as the publication of any other stolen information. Classified is classified, explains Miller, the former Justice Department spokesman. The inadvertent court filing indicated that the reported charges against Assange were filed in the Eastern District of Virginia by prosecutors associated with the U.S. Attorneys Office in that district. The jurisdiction and the prosecutors involved indicate that its unlikely that the charges relate to the special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and WikiLeaks role in publishing emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign. A prosecution for those activities would more likely be filed in Washington, D.C., where the affected Democratic National Committee servers were located, and brought by the special counsels office itself. That said, its notable that this summer, federal prosecutors with the special counsels office included hints in the indictment of a group of Russian intelligence officials that they may also charge WikiLeaks and Assange as part of the underlying conspiracy to steal documents from the hacking victims. The indictment, which refers to WikiLeaks as Organization 1, includes quotations from messages sent by WikiLeaks to the Russian intelligence teams Guccifer 2.0 persona. On or about June 22, 2016, the prosecutors wrote, Organization 1 sent a private message to Guccifer 2.0 to [s]end any new material [stolen from the DNC] here for us to review and it will have a much higher impact than what you are doing. The bracketed text indicating Assange was asking for stolen material was added by the prosecutors. The indictment also quotes a message from WikiLeaks that specifically seeks anything [H]illary related on an urgent basis because the [Democratic National Convention] is approaching and she will solidify [B]ernie supporters behind her after. None of the messages included in the special counsels indictment are smoking gun evidence that Assange was in league with the Russians; however, they suggest federal prosecutors, who have appear to have access to communications between the Russian intelligence officials and WikiLeaks, are operating on that theory. I think the Special Counsel may have far more evidence than weve seen publicly about Assanges cooperation with Russia on a number of matters over the years, former federal prosecutor Elizabeth de la Vega said, pointing to a news article from 2017 as evidence for her suspicion. When you combine that history and the evidence of active Hillary-related info, and view it through the lens of a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. in the election, its no longer solely an Espionage Act violation that would raise issues of press freedom. For any indictment and prosecution of Assange to proceed, he would need to leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where hes sought refuge since June 2012, and be brought to the United States. Ecuadors new President Lenin Moreno has indicated he has become weary of his longtime guest, and may be more open to releasing him to British authorities. CNN reported in late May that Assanges status in the embassy was in jeopardy, a reality his lawyers have become increasingly worried about, particularly now that a sealed indictment has been revealed. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - At least seven people, including a priest, died in clashes between armed groups in Alindao, Central African Republic (CAR), UN and church sources told AFP on Friday. "Four Muslims were killed Thursday morning" by Christian militia fighters, and "three people died" in a separate attack by the Union for Peace in CAR (UPC), a UN source said. A priest was among those who died in the clashes, and another has been missing since, according to a church source in Bangui. Vladimir Monteiro, spokesman for the UN peacekeeping mission Minusca, also confirmed the incidents, telling AFP that Christian militiamen known as anti-balaka had killed Muslims and an hour later, "the UPC responded by attacking a camp for displaced people" in Alindao. The church of Alindao and a part of the camp were burnt, he added. "Part of the population fled. Hundreds of displaced people have found shelter at Minusca's forward operating base" in the region. Long a UPC stronghold, Alindao has witnessed chronic fighting in recent months that has also killed two UN soldiers and a humanitarian aid worker. One of the world's poorest nations despite a rich supply of diamonds and uranium,the CAR has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels. Since then, the country of 4.5 million people has been blighted by simmering sectarian violence which has killed thousands. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal appeals court said Louisiana can enforce a law banning nude dancing in strip clubs by people under age 21, overturning an injunction against the ban and reversing its own ruling that the law might be unconstitutional. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans had on Sept. 20 found the 2016 law vague about how much of dancers' breasts or buttocks could be exposed legally, and said it was unlikely to survive a First Amendment challenge. But after Louisiana sought a new hearing, the same-three judge panel concluded on Friday that "ordinary people" would understand that the law required full coverage of breasts and buttocks, which were "commonly understood" anatomical terms. The decision is a defeat for three erotic dancers, each identified as Jane Doe, who were ages 18, 19 and 20 when they sued in Sept. 2016 to overturn the law. "They want to wear the bare minimum, but the Constitution does not guarantee them that level of specificity," Circuit Judge Leslie Southwick wrote. "The State's failure to define exactly where at the anatomical margins the bare minimum lies does not render the Act unconstitutionally vague on its face." Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The office of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry did not immediately respond to similar requests. Friday's decision vacated an injunction issued in March 2017 by U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier in New Orleans. Southwick said the plaintiffs could still challenge how Louisiana enforces the law, which applies to venues serving alcohol. The case is Doe et al v Landry et al, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 17-30292. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by David Gregorio) By Sarah White PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron, hit by a slump in popularity, faces a nationwide protest this weekend over rising fuel taxes that threatens to gridlock France's roads and show the depth of discontent with his reforms to reshape the economy. Dubbed the "yellow vest" movement, demonstrators are threatening to block motorways and access roads to some oil depots, including in Calais near the Channel Tunnel, a major passenger and freight link into Britain. The protest is the latest confrontation between Macron and voters in the countryside and provincial cities which view the former investment banker as the representative of an urban elite out of touch with ordinary people. In 18 months in power, Macron has stared down muscular trade unions and street demonstrations as he liberalized labor laws and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator SNCF, unflinching in his resolve to bring economic and social renewal. He has tried to shrug off accusations he is a "president of the rich", a tag milked by rivals after he scrapped a wealth tax. This time his administration - which appeared caught off guard by how fast the protest movement grew as word spread on social media - has sought to soothe poorer motorists. "I hear the anger, and it's a fundamental right in our society to be allowed to express it," Macron said in a television interview late on Wednesday. But he added the protest movement, embraced by Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party and receiving tentative support from other parties on the left and right, had been hijacked by opponents and their supporters bent on obstructing reforms without a clear vision of their own. The price of diesel, the most commonly used car fuel in France, at the pump increased by 20 percent in the past year to an average of 1.49 euros ($1.68)/liter, according to website http://www.carbu.com. The higher taxes, approved in late 2017, started biting as oil prices surged in October though they have eased off somewhat since. "WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE DOUGH?" Increases in taxes on gasoline and tobacco as well as an increase to a social welfare levy before other tax cuts came into force left many voters feeling Macron's reforms had eroded their purchasing power. Their anger is reflected in opinion polls showing support for Macron falling to new lows of 21 percent. The government is standing firm on the fuel tax hikes but on Wednesday announced a 500 million euro plan to help motorists with the lowest incomes, seeking to take the sting out of the protest movement. The diesel tax increases are designed to encourage drivers to switch to more environmentally-friendly automobile models, part of Macron's "energy transition" plan. But critics say that while the government hits people's wallets, it lacks a clear vision on switching to greener energy sources, citing foot-dragging by Macron's administration on reducing France's reliance on nuclear power. Rural voters are also angered by a speed limit reduction on countryside roads. "What do you do with the dough, aside from changing the crockery at the Elysee palace or building yourselves swimming pools?" exclaimed Brittany resident Jacline Mouraud in a Facebook post viewed more than six million times. "If that's what the money is used for, we might as well change, there's no point in you staying on." (Reporting by Sarah White; editing by Richard Lough and Marie-Louise Gumuchian) Paris (AFP) - Beleaguered at home, belittled abroad, Emmanuel Macron of France and Germany's Angela Merkel will use a Berlin meeting on Sunday to bolster their alliance as champions of a united Europe fraught with resurgent nationalism. After weeks of stalemate on issues such as eurozone reforms and how to get internet giants to pay more tax, the French president and German chancellor have recently gone out of their way to demonstrate unity and common purpose. Macron gave Merkel pride of place last weekend during commemorations marking the end of World War I where he spoke out against nationalism -- a message he is likely to hammer home again Sunday when addressing Germany's parliament as part of ceremonies to commemorate victims of war. French presidential aides said Macron will also renew his call for a European army to reduce the EU's military dependence on the United States, despite being taken to task by US President Donald Trump who termed the proposal "very insulting". In a series of tweets after returning home from the armistice commemorations in Paris the US president mocked Macron, saying that without US military intervention in World War II the French would today be speaking German. His tweets, in which he also sneered at Macron's low poll ratings at home, coincided with a speech by Merkel at the European Parliament, in which she too called for a European army. Macron and Merkel are displaying "the will to speak with one voice", said Helene Miard-Delacroix, a Germany expert at the Paris-Sorbonne University. "They share a common interest in bolstering one another. Alone President Macron cannot rally the Europeans, and neither can the politically-weakened chancellor act alone", she said. Strongly backing Macron on an issue such as closer European defence integration "is a way for her to say 'I'm still here, I'm in control'", Miard-Delacroix said. Story continues Once dubbed the world's most powerful woman, Merkel has seen her party hemorrhage votes to the far-right AfD party in recent elections. Last month, she announced she would step down as chancellor when her current term expires in 2021. But by also renouncing, as of December, the leadership of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) she has opened herself up to a possible party coup which could see her deposed as government leader before the hour of her choosing. Macron, whose ratings have plummeted in recent months, is also facing increasing criticism at home, notably over taxation, just as he seeks to bolster his European credentials in the run-up to May's European parliamentary elections. Merkel's support is "of great service to Emmanuel Macron" in a European Union showing growing hostility to its previously-held common values, former prime minister Dominique de Villepin told France Inter radio this week. - 'New inspiration' - Germany's parliamentary speaker and veteran CDU heavyweight, Wolfgang Schaeuble, said on a visit Wednesday to Paris that boosting Franco-German cooperation would help "give new inspiration to Europe". The two countries have agreed to set up a new joint parliamentary assembly, consisting of about 50 MPs from each side, which would meet at least twice a year. But deeper issues remain unresolved, with Germany notably suspicious of Macron's rushed bid to reform the eurozone, including giving it a common budget. "There's questioning of Emmanuel Macron in Germany because he wants to go very fast in dealing with European issues when in fact time is needed," said Hans Stark, an expert at the French Institute of International Relations. And Merkel is treading a thin line. "She can't back French projects 100 percent, but doesn't want to speak out against them either," he added. Merkel "has very clearly shown how closely she shares Macron's views" on Europe, but "it's not just statements that count but how they are implemented," a French presidential aide said for his part. Both leaders remain determined however to stand fast in the face of rising nationalism in eastern Europe and the march of populism in countries such as Italy, one of Europe's founding members. Addressing a peace forum in Paris last weekend Merkel warned against isolationism. Remarking that it "wasn't the right solution more than 100 years ago," she asked: "How can it be the right solution today?" Kalidou Koulibaly during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain at Stadio San Paolo on November 6, 2018 in Naples, Italy. Jose Mourinho is determined to sign a central defender, with Kalidou Koulibaly the latest name in his sights. The Manchester United manager has been on the lookout for a central defender since the previous transfer window. However Ed Woodward decided that Toby Alderweireld was not any better than Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly. United were also linked with Diego Godin, Yerry Mina and Harry Maguire but no player arrived. However there have been suggestions that he will receive 100 million funds for the upcoming transfer window. The Daily Record suggests that Mourinho now wants to sign Koulibaly from Napoli, the Senegalese international, which in turn could spell the exit for Bailly. READ MORE: Federer marches on at ATP Finals as battle over Davis Cups future goes on READ MORE: Gossip: Arsenal and Spurs in for Bailly, Ramsey set for Bayern Munich READ MORE: Neymar: Emery will bring success to Arsenal Bailly is wanted by both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who expressed interest in the player to United in the summer. He has since fallen further from the first team under Mourinho this season, though he remains optimistic about the players long term potential. Nevertheless, now that he has failed to be included in the last three Premier League squads for United, the clubs are willing to make a play for him again. The Daily Express reports that as well as Bailly, Arsenal are also looking into the possibility of signing Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, though Chelsea remain the favourites should he move on due to his past relationship with Maurizio Sarri when the two were at Empoli. Meghan Markle closed her social media accounts in January, just months before she married Prince Harry and became a member of the Royal Family. The former actress had been an active user on Instagram, and boasted over 1.9 million followers, in addition to 350,000 followers on Twitter. From foodie snaps to mirror selfies and yoga poses on the beach, the former Suits star used her accounts to keep her fans updated on her life. Meghan used to be active on social media (Getty) Meghan also ran her own lifestyle website, The Tig, where she shared her favourite foods, travel destinations and fashion and beauty must-haves. The site became defunct in April 2017 and LA born Meghan, 37, left a parting message for her fans, which included Above all, dont ever forget your worth as Ive told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough. With the exception of Princess Eugenie (and Beatrice, whose Insta account appears to be private), none of the senior royals have their own social media accounts. Instead, photos and information about the work they are doing are documented on the different palace household accounts. Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) is the division which represents Meghan and Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But many think that she could have kept her own personal social media accounts. I didnt want Meghan to come off social media. I was like, youve got an amazing audience there, why dont you just keep it? PR expert Dean Piper tells Yahoo UKs The Royal Box. He says the royals have a little bit more freedom now, while also being able to have more of a private life. Story continues He adds: It would have been quite forward-thinking for her to have kept that. During the royal tour of Australia, the Duchess of Sussex told locals on Sydneys Bondi Beach that she found it freeing to be off social media. Documenting your every move is a foregone conclusion within celebrity circles, but as etiquette expert Jo Bryant points out, the royals are striking a good balance with the mystique around them. The farewell message on Meghan Markles old website The Tig (thetig.com) Harry was asked by Newsweek during an interview last year whether he worried that too much ordinary might make the royal family too accessible and take away its mystery, he responded: Its a tricky balancing act. We dont want to dilute the magic. The British public and the whole world need institutions like it. Royal editor Camilla Tominey adds that the royals cannot be seen to be invading their own privacy. And given that the young royals have been looking at the impact of social media on mental health, and with William urging tech companies to do more to help combat cyberbullying, its unlikely that well see them have their own personal accounts in the near future. 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: Meghan Markle warns of the effect social media has on young peoples mental health Prince William takes on cyberbullying, accuses tech companies of not protecting children Prince William launches new website to improve mental well-being at work Melania Trump acknowledged the irony that she is advocating against bullying while married to President Donald Trump, and shes OK with it. While speaking at an anti-cyberbullying conference on Thursday, the first lady said she was committed to promoting kinder behavior online despite the criticism. As I have said before, it is not news or surprising to me that critics and the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue, and thats OK, Melania Trump said at the Family Online Safety Institutes annual conference. And I hope that, like I do, you will consider using their negative words as motivation to do all you can to bring awareness and understanding about responsible behavior, she added. The first ladys comments follow an especially contentious week for her husband, who recently berated several black female journalists, describing one womans questions as stupid while calling another nasty and a loser. "It is not news or surprising to me that critics in the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue, and that's okay," first lady Melania Trump says while speaking about "responsible online behavior" and her "Be Best" campaign. https://t.co/20NWyrahhT pic.twitter.com/yBxk9xl0v3 ABC News (@ABC) November 15, 2018 In her role as the first lady, Trump has taken up an anti-bullying agenda and launched a Be Best campaign aimed at encouraging better behavior online. On Thursday, she discussed the dangers of online bullying and ways to prevent it with a panel of students. Todays technology provides people with a digital shield to hide behind, she said at the conference. And being anonymous often takes the place of being caring and responsible, which can lead to children and adults feeling empowered to be unkind and, at times, cruel. Story continues Trump said her decision to embrace anti-bullying efforts was partially motivated by the bullying she faced. During an interview with ABC last month, she said she was the most bullied person in the world. But people are quick to point out the irony in her advocacy, considering President Trumps aggressive rhetoric and constant Twitter feuds with his political opponents. On top of his recent attacks on journalists, the president called his alleged former lover Stormy Daniels a horseface in a tweet, celebrated Republican Rep. Greg Gianfortes (R-Mont.) assault on a reporter and repeatedly called Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Pocahontas, all just in the month of October. @FLOTUS Im sad you feel bullied. But, take a step back & realize you are telling sexual assault victims they need proof & shouldnt always be believed. You also wore a I dont really care jacket while visiting CAGED children. You can see how people find that frustrating right? Chrissy Got (@mygotfam) October 11, 2018 Earlier this week, Melania Trump called for the firing of deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel after the two reportedly clashed during a trip to Africa last month. The first lady said through an aides Twitter message that Ricardel no longer deserved the honor of serving in this White House. One day later, Ricardel was dismissed from her role. Related Coverage Donald Trump Renews His Racist 'Pocahontas' Attack On Elizabeth Warren Trump Defends Stormy Daniels 'Horseface' Insult: 'Make Your Own Determination' Twitter Is Rallying Behind Black Female Journalists After Trump's 'Loser' Comment National Security Aide Fired 1 Day After Melania Trump Called For Her Dismissal Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico's Supreme Court overturned a controversial "internal security law" Thursday that formalized the use of the military to fight crime, a practice critics say has caused an explosion of violence and rights violations. The Mexican government deployed the army in 2006 to crack down on the country's powerful drug cartels, and Congress passed the security bill last year in a bid to regularize the situation. President Enrique Pena Nieto signed the bill into law, but after widespread outcry, decided not to apply it until the Supreme Court had ruled on its constitutionality. In a 9-1 decision, the court ruled the law was unconstitutional because Congress did not have the authority to give the military a role in domestic security. "This is clearly a constitutional fraud," said justice Arturo Zaldivar. Congress "is saying it's regulating one thing when in reality it's regulating another, taking as a starting point the fact that there is no authority for the armed forces to intervene in public security." However, the ruling has little impact on the ground. The law never entered into effect, and the military has continued anti-crime operations as before. The army, seen as less corrupt than the federal, state and local police, has helped catch a string of high-profile drug lords since former president Felipe Calderon sent it into the streets to fight crime 12 years ago. But Mexico has seen a sharp rise in violence since the drug war began -- more than 200,000 murders, including a record 28,711 last year. Critics also accuse the army of committing human rights violations, and warned the security law only perpetuated the situation and delayed needed reforms of the under-trained and corruption-tainted police. Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, long a critic of the military deployment, said Wednesday he would nevertheless continue using troops for internal security after he takes office on December 1, saying it was the only option. He proposed eventually creating a national guard that would integrate the military, naval and federal police -- though that would require a constitutional reform. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels says she will be seeking new representation if domestic violence allegations against her attorney Michael Avenatti are true. The entertainer, who is suing Donald Trump over a nondisclosure agreement she signed about an alleged affair before he went on to win the 2016 election, made the comments after it was reported Mr Avenatti had been arrested over suspicion of domestic violence Wednesday afternoon. The lawyer, who is considering a 2020 presidential bid, has denied all allegations. These are serious and obviously very troubling allegations, but right now that is all they are: allegations, Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said. We should all reserve judgement until the investigation an investigation Michael has said he welcomes is complete, and thats what Im going to do. As of Thursday, it remained unclear who the alleged victim was in the controversy involving Mr Avenatti. His estranged wife Lisa Storie-Avenatti denied having any involvement in the incident through her lawyers, refuting a TMZ report that was later corrected. I want to be clear: I DID NOT commit domestic violence nor have I ever committed domestic violence. I did not strike any woman nor have I ever. I did not strike my ex-wife in the face nor did I hit anyone else in the face. I am a decent man & I look forward to being exonerated. Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) November 15, 2018 This article is not true as it pertains to my client, the statement read. Ms Storie-Avenatti was not subject to any such incident. Mr Avenattis wife filed for divorce in 2017. Of course I do not condone violence against women and if these allegations prove true I will be seeking new representation, Ms Daniels said in her statement. Mr Avenatti also refuted the allegations, telling reporters after his arrest, I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman. Story continues He added, I have been an advocate for womens rights my entire career and Im gonna continue to be an advocate. I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing. The lawyer followed his statements with a tweet thanking his supporters and echoing his commitment to womens rights, writing, I will not be intimidated into stopping my pursuit of justice and what is right. Mr Avenatti has become a staunch opponent to Mr Trump in office, drawing national media attention to Ms Daniels lawsuit by appearing on talk shows on a near-weekly basis, as well as launching numerous additional lawsuits against the president. The lawyer also represented Julie Swetnick, who publicly accused Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his controversial nomination process. He has released a slate of positions on domestic and international issues while visiting states like Iowa ahead of the 2020 elections. Former first lady Michelle Obama threw some shade at successor Melania Trump on Thursdays Jimmy Kimmel Live! but she was led into it by the late-night host. If you wanted to get someone in your husbands administration fired, how would you do that? Kimmel asked in the clip above. He presumably was referring to Melania Trumps public call on Twitter for ousting deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, who was fired on Wednesday. Why do you ask? Obama said coyly. Just curious, just wondering if somebody rubbed you the wrong way, Kimmel replied. We had wonderful people in our administration, said Obama, whos on a tour promoting her new memoir Becoming. Kimmel didnt let up, asking if she ever encountered such a situation. Not once, she replied. Melania Trump reportedly had a beef with Ricardel over plane seating and the use of National Security Council resources. Ricardel also was suspected of unflattering leaks to the media. The first ladys unusual power play probably wont be the last word on the massive turnover in President Donald Trumps administration. Three Trump Cabinet members chief of staff John Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke are reportedly on the list of short-timers. Also on HuffPost Michelle Obama First lady Michelle Obama eats a piece of broccoli as she sits down to eat with students during their visit to New Hampshire Elementary School, Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala, not shown, Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Silver Spring, Md. The school, which was awarded the USDA's Healthier US School Challenge Silver Award in 2009, serves more than 400 Pre-K, Head Start, first and second grade students, many who come from Central America, South America, and other countries. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (C) stand U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (C) stands with Karen Dudley (R), at her restaurant 'The Kitchen' as she makes an unscheduled stop for lunch in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 23, 2011. Founded in 1867 as a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, and immigrants, the apartheid government in 1965 declared it 'white' and forcibly removed 60,000 residents and bulldozed their homes. US First Lady Michelle Obama kicks off the last leg of her South African tour in Cape Town today, when she will meet with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu. AFP PHOTO / AP / Charles Dharapak / POOL (Photo credit should read CHARLES DHARAPAK/AFP/Getty Images) Britain Obama U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, left, and Samantha Cameron, the wife of Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, hold up serving tongs towards the media as they serve food during a barbecue in the garden of 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The barbecue Wednesday, where Cameron, U.S. President Barack Obama and their wives served food, was attended by members of the military from the UK and the U.S. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool) APTOPIX Germany Michelle Obama The first lady of the United States Michelle Obama, left, serves food for US soldiers and their relatives at Ramstein Airbase in Ramstein, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. Michelle Obama makes a series of stops within the Kaiserslautern Military Community on Veterans Day to thank US servicemen and women for their work. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) First Lady Michelle Obama Host School Children For Fall Harvest In White House Garden WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 5: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama eats vegetable pizza after harvesting vegetables with local children from Bancroft and Tubman Elementary schools as they participate in the White House Kitchen Garden Fall Harvest, October 5, 2011 at the White House in Washington, DC. Michelle Obama planted the White House kitchen garden to help connect kids with the food they eat as part of her Let's Move! initiative. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) US First Lady Michelle Obama holds up a US First Lady Michelle Obama holds up a carrot as she gardens during a community service project at Vhuthilo Community Center in Soweto township, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 22, 2011. AFP PHOTO /Charles Dharapak / POOL (Photo credit should read CHARLES DHARAPAK/AFP/Getty Images) First Lady Michelle Obama samples a crep First Lady Michelle Obama samples a crepe as TV personalities Al Roker and Kelly Rippa looks on during an health eating event at the annual Easter egg roll April 25, 2011 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) White House Displays Holiday Decorations WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: First lady Michelle Obama takes a bite of a cookie she made while participating in an event at the White House on December 1, 2010 in Washington, DC. The first lady hosted the event to honor the military families who organize the Quantico and Anacostia branches of the Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys for Tots drive. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) US First Lady Michelle Obama joins child US First Lady Michelle Obama joins children during their lunch at New Hampshire Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 19, 2010. AFP PHOTO/YURI GRIPAS (Photo credit should read YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty Images) US First lady Michelle Obama holds a swe US First lady Michelle Obama holds a sweet patato during a fall harvest of the White House vegetable garden on October 29, 2009 in Washington, DC. The First Lady welcomedstudents from Bancroft Elementary and Kimball Elementary to the South Lawn of the White House for the Fall Harvest of the White House Kitchen Garden. AFP PHOTO / Tim Sloan (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images) Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Michelle Obama visited Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss her new book, Becoming. But now that the former first lady is just Michelle from Chicago, Kimmel thought they could have a little fun. Kimmel asked Obama to read some statements which would not be becoming for the first lady of the United States. At first Obama appeared skeptical, asking, So you want me to look at these cards and read what you said? Kimmel quickly responded, Dont even look at them. Just read what I wrote. The statements ranged from Obama discussing her time in the White House The whole eight years we were in the White House, we used Laura Bushs Netflix password to her relationship with her kids, such as Im not sure which one is Sasha and which ones Malia. Obama even revealed, Clooney is my freebie. And all of the statements drew lots of laughs from the studio audience. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live for free on Yahoo View. Watch the full clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live! right here: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Hundreds of refugees and migrants that were part of a caravan travelling from Central America has reached the city of Tijuana at the US-Mexico border. In joining the more than 750 people that had already reached the city, there are now more than 1,500 migrants - many of them are fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Around 6,000 troops deployed by President Donald Trump are waiting on the other side of the border, having spent time building concrete barriers and erecting razor-wire fences to keep people out. With US border inspectors at the main crossing into San Diego processing only about 100 asylum claims a day, it could take weeks if not months to process those who are part of the caravan that departed from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, more than a month ago. Another 2,000 more refugees and migrants are expected to to arrive in Tijuana by the weekend. Tijuana's factories are always looking for workers but the prospect of thousands more destitute Central Americans has posed new challenges. Delia Avila, director of Tijuana's family services department, who is helping spearhead the city's response, said migrants who can arrange legal status in Mexico are welcome to stay. Tijuana is a land of migrants. Tijuana is a land that has known what it is to embrace thousands of co-nationals and also people from other countries, Mr Avila told the Associated Press. Oscar Zapata, 31, reached the Tijuana bus station at 2am from Guadalajara with his wife and their three children, ages 4, 5 and 12. Back home in La Ceiba, Honduras, he was selling pirated CDs and DVDs in the street when two gangs demanded protection money. He had already seen a colleague gunned down on a street corner because he couldn't pay. When he heard about the caravan on the television last month he was quick to move. It was the opportunity to get out, Mr Zapata said. Mr Zapata said he hopes to join a brother in Los Angeles but has not yet decided on his next move. Like many others, he planned to wait in Tijuana for others in the caravan to arrive and gather more information before seeking asylum in the United States. Story continues Follow the latest updates below Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load Associated Press contributed to this report Many emphasised that the only alternative to the deal is not a better one, but a disorderly Brexit, which could be seen as a devastating self-inflicted economic wound for both sides BRUSSELS (AFP) - Some EU member states have concerns about the draft Brexit deal, particularly about access to fishing in British waters, but there is little appetite in Brussels to reopen negotiations. British Prime Minister Theresa May may be struggling to sell the accord in London, but in Brussels a European official said Thursday both sides had exhausted their margin to manoeuvre. Senior officials and EU lawmakers largely welcomed the draft, which Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said should lead to a summit on November 25 to seal an orderly Brexit. Many emphasised that the only alternative to the deal is not a better one, but a disorderly Brexit, which could be seen as a devastating self-inflicted economic wound for both sides. We have a document on the table that has been adopted by the EU and the UK, and so for me the question of further negotiations does not arise, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. In Brussels, European officials stressed that both sides had made compromises in order to reach the draft and to head off a hard Brexit, but some member states have grumbles nevertheless. In particular, France, the Netherlands, Spain and some others are said to be concerned that the withdrawal agreement governing the terms of the divorce does not cover fishing. May says the deal would restore Britains status as a coastal power and that London will withdraw from the EU common fisheries policy. National waters are an emotive issue in British ports, but EU officials want to agree rules for European boats in a later deal on the future relationship rather than in the tricky divorce. Maritime members fear their boats will be excluded from British waters after Brexit and have raised the issue in Brussels -- and may argue that since the deal keeps Britain in the EU customs union, it should share its fish. You could argue that because of the customs union, British fish has access tariff free to the single market, a European diplomat told AFP. Fish is a real issue. You know fishing communities, you know how vocal they are. Same thing on the UK side. US first lady Melania Trump: Vincent Kessler/Reuters The office of the US first lady, Melania Trump, has taken the unprecedented step of calling for the firing of a member of her husband Donald Trump's senior staff. Ms Trumps communications director, Stephanie Grisham, issued an extraordinary statement urging the removal of Mira Ricardel, the presidents deputy national security adviser, from her role. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House, Ms Grisham said. While sudden firings are a common occurrence within the Trump administration with the president often accused of running the West Wing like an extended episode of his NBC reality show The Apprentice the development poses an interesting question about the exact remit of the first ladys authority. Rabat (AFP) - A Moroccan court has sentenced 16 people to prison terms ranging from two months to five years in connection with protests in the impoverished former mining town of Jerada, their lawyer said Friday. The defendants were accused of "destroying public property, incitement to commit crimes or participating in an unauthorised demonstration," defence attorney Abdelhak Benkada told AFP. The verdicts were pronounced overnight Thursday, he said, adding that another defendant was given a one-month jail sentence for taking part in an unlicensed protest. All of the defendants had been behind bars since mid-March following a protest and clashes during which 312 security forces and 32 protesters were injured, according to an official toll. Jerada in northeastern Morocco has been hit by social unrest and protests after the deaths last December of two brothers trapped in a mine shaft followed by two other accidental deaths. On Tuesday three other people were killed and three others injured when a zinc and lead mine collapsed at a mine near the town. Protesters have been calling for "economic alternatives" to "death mines" and authorities have pledged a series of measures to revive the economy in Jerada, one of the poorest regions of the North African country. The air route between Los Angeles and San Francisco is set to be the busiest corridor over US Thanksgiving this year, says OAG. Air data company OAG has released a ranking of the top five most popular domestic routes for the holiday period, looking at routes with the highest demand, based on total seat capacity. With about 46,390 seats, LAX to SFO tops the list, followed by Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Orlando International Airport (ATL - ORD) and McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Rounding out the top five routes are John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles (JFK - LAX) and LaGuardia International Airport in New York to Orlando International Airport. With 3.2 million departing seats, November 21 is set to be the busiest travel day in the US while Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and LAX are expected to be the busiest airports over the holiday. The busiest domestic airlines? American and Southwest Airlines share that title, with each carrier offering more than 2 million seats over the holiday weekend. WASHINGTON (AP) Robert Mueller isn't done with former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates. That's according to a new court filing from the special counsel's team. Prosecutors say they're not ready for Gates to be sentenced because he is continuing to cooperate with "several ongoing investigations." And they're asking a federal judge to give them until mid-January before they have to give another update about his case. The filing confirms that the investigation will extend into next year as Mueller continues to probe Russian election interference and any possible coordination with President Donald Trump's associates. Gates offers investigators a unique vantage point because he served on the campaign and the presidential inaugural committee. Gates pleaded guilty earlier this year to two felonies. Gates' mentor, ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, is also cooperating. The FBI is investigating the death of 52-year-old woman who was a passenger on a cruise ship heading from Florida to Aruba A woman was reportedly choked and thrown from the top deck of a luxury Caribbean cruise ship. Police in Aruba are investigating the death of the 52-year-old woman, who reportedly fell onto a life boat and severed her leg in the horrific incident on the Royal Princess cruise liner. It is believed the woman plummeted from the 16th deck at around 4am, landing on a lifeboat on deck 7. The victims partner, an American man described as muscular was escorted from the cruise by police on Tuesday. Local media report the death is being investigated as a potential murder case, though no arrests have been made. The couple, who are yet to be named, were aboard the ship for the trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Aruba from November 9. Regardung the cruise ship death, I am on the Royal Princess and the lady that died hit the lifeboat outside our Posted by Al Tilley on Thursday, November 15, 2018 A man was seen choking the victim before she was thrown from the liner, according to media reports in Aruba. Onlookers who saw the woman hit the lifeboat below said the scene was horribly gruesome, with glass everywhere. Authorities are yet to confirm if the woman died from asphyxiation or injuries sustained in the fall. A source aboard the ship told DailyMail.com: We are sailing the southern Caribbean. It was two passengers, they had a row in the casino that night. Another passenger claimed: Ten police officers came aboard. The announcement was a criminal investigation was to be conducted before we are given clearance. Princess Cruises said: Princess Cruises can confirm that a 52-year-old American female guest passed away early yesterday morning aboard Royal Princess as the ship was en route to Aruba. It was reported to the local authorities who met and boarded the ship upon arrival. The cause of death is not yet known at this time. We are deeply saddened by this incident and offer our sincere condolences to the family and those affected. North Korea said Friday it had expelled a US citizen who tried to enter illegally, an unusually swift resolution of a case that could have further complicated reconciliation moves between the two countries. The man, identified as Lawrence Bruce Byron, had been in custody after crossing into North Korea from China on October 16, the official Korean Central News Agency said. "While being questioned, he said he had illegally entered the country under the command of the US Central Intelligence Agency," KCNA said. "Relevant authorities have decided to expel him from the country." A man with the same name was arrested in South Korea while trying to sneak over the inter-Korean border in November last year. Byron, who is in his late 50s and from Louisiana, was later deported back to the United States. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has traveled four times this year to Pyongyang on his diplomatic drive, sounded relieved at the quick resolution of the case. "The United States appreciates the cooperation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the embassy of Sweden in facilitating the release of an American citizen," Pompeo said, using the North's official name. Sweden represents US interests in North Korea in the absence of diplomatic relations. "The United States is grateful for the sustained support of Sweden, our protecting power in North Korea, for its advocacy on behalf of American citizens," Pompeo said. - Quick action - Media reports said that Byron told South Korean officials he sought to facilitate talks between North Korea and the United States, although he is a private citizen. It is rare for North Korea to release an American detainee so swiftly. "This gesture means the North wants to keep up momentum for dialogue with the US," professor Yang Moo-Jin at the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. From journalists to missionaries, most Americans held by North Korea have been released after high-profile interventions. Story continues The reclusive regime freed three US detainees in May in an apparent goodwill gesture before a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three men travelled home with Pompeo and were greeted by Trump on their arrival at an air base near Washington. There are no known US detainees still held by the rigid communist state. Washington last year banned its citizens from traveling to North Korea without special permission, the only country for which such a restriction exists. The latest release also came after fresh allegations emerged last month that Otto Warmbier, a US student who died after being held in the North, was tortured in custody. The 22-year-old was jailed in the North for more than a year and was released in a comatose state in 2017 but died shortly after returning home. A recent US media report said there was new evidence that he was beaten by the regime, allegations denied by the regime, which says he contracted botulism in detention. At their historic Singapore summit, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded document on denuclearisation of the peninsula. Progress has since stalled as Washington and Pyongyang spar over the meaning of the document. KCNA, meanwhile, reported that Kim had overseen the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon." It marked the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began the delicate diplomatic process with Washington. The US State Department played down the announcement, saying it was "confident" that the negotiation process remained on track with North Korea. A no-deal Brexit would have repercussions that would ripple around the world. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images It can be difficult for the casual onlooker in North America to wrap their head around the high-stakes, convoluted political situation surrounding Brexit. But its time to take notice: threats of food shortages, grounded flights and stalled factories are looming large in one of the worlds biggest economies as the country faces the prospect of a no-deal Brexit in March 2019. Business investment has dried up in many sectors and the property market, particularly in London, has turned south. Past fears of Grexit were enough to slam global stock markets. The UK economy is more than 10-times the size of Greece and is a hub for $1.4tn (1.1tn) in annual trade, indicating the severity of market reaction if things get messy. Political turmoil can easily spillover into the markets, warned Charles Lichfield, an analyst covering Europe at the political risk consultancy firm, Eurasia Group. This would be on a much bigger scale [than Grexit], he said. Any investor that is interested in the UK should look very closely at the Brexit deal. The drama ramped up this week as UK prime minister Theresa May struck a deal with the European Union on her countrys divorce terms and outlined plans for the future relationship between the two sides. But shes struggling to convince lawmakers to vote for her agreement. Some members of parliament are looking to oust her, amping up the risk of a chaotic no-deal Brexit. Heres an overview of some of the key reasons you need to care about Brexit: Political influence American and British politicians like to highlight the special relationship that both sides have. The nations are close allies and the UK has long acted as a mouthpiece for American interests in the EU. The UKs exit from the bloc gives the country far less influence over the remaining 27 EU nations and makes it a less valuable ally for the US, noted Lichfield. Brexit could also create a less stable Europe: a messy Brexit could lead to a range of geopolitical risks, and a smooth Brexit could embolden other nations to seriously consider whether they might want to leave and seek the same preferential terms. Story continues Business, investment and trade ties The UK and US are firmly intertwined when it comes to trade and business investment. The UK is the fourth largest importer of US goods and services in the world, behind only Canada, Mexico and China. Trade with the country is worth about $230bn (179bn) annually, nearly 5% of total US trade per year, according to US government statistics. But more importantly, the UK is by far the largest investor in the US with $615bn (479bn) in foreign direct investment at the end of 2017, according to the US-based Organization for International Investment. That money is used by British firms to build facilities, purchase equipment and hire American workers. British companies currently employ roughly 1.1 million Americans, according to research backed by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union. On the flip side, countless American companies, including Coca-Cola (KO), Facebook (FB) and McDonalds (MCD), have massive operations in the UK. They depend on the UK market, and also depend on the UKs seamless trade ties with the EU for their European sales and profits. Economists widely expect that Brexit whether theres a deal or not will damage many of those trade ties with the EU after the planned transition period runs out at the end of 2020. Brexit is expected to leave the UK worse off, threatening consumer sentiment and spending power. Brexit will impact the pool of talent you can hire from [because it will restrict EU immigration] it will affect consumer sentiment in the market it will affect the swiftness [of] trade, warned Lichfield. Big banks Americas biggest banks have large bases in the UK, using the country as a gateway for access to the EU. But they have been moving jobs and assets over to the continent as Mays Brexit plan has generally overlooked the needs of this industry. Current EU passporting rules allow banks in any EU country to serve customers across the bloc, while banks outside the region have severely limited access. The UK will lose so-called passporting rights for financial services when it leaves the EU, warned Iana Dreyer, founder and director of Borderlex, a website specialising in European trade analysis. The Bank of England has forecast that about 5,000 financial jobs will move from Britain to the EU by the time Britain leaves the EU, with more leaving later on, depending on the new trade agreement. [American] banks are based [in the UK] for a reason. Its not just language and a shared work culture, said Lichfield. Its also their unfettered access to Europe, and that will go, even in [Mays] supposedly benign Brexit scenario. Travel troubles? On the one hand, travel to the UK has become cheaper for tourists as the UK pound (GBPUSD=X) has dropped by about 15% against the US dollar since the 2016 Brexit referendum. This led to a record year in 2017 for international tourist visits and spending, according to VisitBritain, the countrys national tourism agency. On the other hand, theres the risk that tourists may not be able to take advantage of the cheap currency in the event of a no-deal Brexit as their flights may be grounded. The UKs exit threatens to ground flights between the UK and the EU, along with flights between the UK and 17 other nations, including the US, Canada, Morocco and Israel. The UK government laid bare in September how a no-deal Brexit would eject it from the EUs international flight agreements and regulations. The government is in the midst of trying to fix this situation and is renegotiating air service agreements with the 17 countries outside the EU. These countries have air service agreements with the EU, but after Brexit, the UK wont be part of these deals. The UK is working closely with these countries to agree replacement, bilateral arrangements designed to come into force as soon as the EU-negotiated agreements cease to apply to the UK, the government said, noting it had finalised some agreements and was working on the rest. A spokesperson declined to specify to Yahoo Finance UK which countries had agreed to new deals and which ones were in progress.